“And creativity, it soaks my soul, I ask not to be alone”; The Artistic Struggle Is Real

creativity

Today’s Mood Ingredients: Unfulfilled, Yearning, Striving, Undone, Explosive.

It’s taken me a long time to feel affected by something enough to unload it onto the internet, but this is one of those long-simmering slow boils that is about to finally pop the top off of the pressure cooker. What is “a creative?” Is it someone who only works in the arts? Is it a social media director? Is it someone who works in public relations? An editor of a magazine? I have no idea as to what concretely defines “a creative” anymore, but I know that I am one. It’s an innate knowledge, probably the only thing I was born sure of, but what I’ve also learned is that at times, it is a G-d damn pain in the ass. Life in the arts, of any kind, is the furthest thing from a smooth ride into a sufficient paycheck & contentedness. It’s definitely easier today than back when I was growing up (and no lie, I’m so envious of these kids attending performing arts high schools and summer dance and drama camps and such, that sometimes I wish I could just be reborn – I’m Hindu-ish, I’m sure it’ll work – and do it all over again).

On any given day, when I go to my routine job in order to fund my passions in design and dance, I’ll be half present. It’s a job that requires organization, work ethic, and some brain power, but not enough that my mind isn’t wandering into my next “masterpiece” of some kind. What’s the strangest ensemble I can put together that I’m sure will push the boundaries of normal construction? What’s the most out-of-the-box movement I can push my body to make in some new choreography? This thought process usually very rapidly progresses to “Why am I not in the arts full-time?” “Why is this not where my life’s funding is coming from?” “Why am I still in healthcare when I quit medical school 7 years ago?” And then come the influx of emotions; disappointment, despondence, whys & what-ifs, sadness, inspiration, rallying, excitement, enthusiasm..lather, rinse, repeat. And those last three words are why as each day goes by, I feel my flame extinguished little by little, slowly but surely.

Why do “creatives” have to struggle to make their contributions matter? We are progressive, we push boundaries, we help people think on alternative planes, we force people to delve deeper into themselves, we sometimes gift people to have the confidence to look deeper into others. So why isn’t creative input as socially important as, for example, a doctor’s? Now, before everyone dumps on me, realize this; I obviously know a doctor has indispensable life-saving skills and they go through a lot to get to that point where their patients trust them enough to literally put their lives in their hands. And yes, of course, a musician or a dancer will need a doctor at some point. But use your right brain for a minute. Have you ever thought about how a musician could possibly be saving a doctor’s life? What about that surgeon in that OR who has been awake for 48 hours not having seen his/her family with someone’s mortality in their hands? What about his/her favorite musician whose labor of love is what they’re playing in the OR to calm their nerves or keep them awake or reach into some emotion or memory or whatever the case may be in order to focus and keep their patient alive & well? We need each other.

The stigma that an artist is a wishy-washy hippie with no real focus or destination is what keeps us all down, the non-artists included. This creative life is an unforgiving, difficult, lonely, misunderstood, emotionally-turmoiled typhoon..that is also the most fulfilling, evolving, magnetic, identifying, truthful, cathartic, satisfying, authentic one. To not be able to wholly live it is soul-crushing..like a permanent Dementor all up in your face. But those with the tenacity and voracity to live that roller coaster, no matter the cost, are the ones that fly. They are the ones who make change happen, not because they are creative, but because they are full of grit & blind determination & the optimism that tells them everything will happen for them in time.

I want to be that person. I have to be that person. And I’ve given myself a deadline on when I will be that person.

Stay tuned..changes, they are a’comin’.

Today’s Wisdom:

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. No satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.” -Martha Graham

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Today’s Interlude: “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory

OSCAR SUNDAY! I’D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY..

Oscar Sunday! I’d Like To Thank The Academy..

Today’s Mood Ingredients: Excited, Envious, Enthusiastic

Well, if you know me personally, you know I’m an avid awards season junkie & always have been since the wise all-knowing celeb-fashion-film enthusiast age of 8 years old. If you follow me on Twitter, you know I’m an avid awards season junkie & will live tweet the crap out of every show with a combination of snark, awe, praise, & candor. If you follow me here on C&CD, chances are you think I’m a normal person who only posts about the Oscars, & that too, only once a year. That last lot..lucky you to not know me as the crazy that I am. 😉

Anyway, follow along here for all of my favorite/Best Dressed fashionistas from the show & the revered Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty (I don’t do Worst Dressed, I feel bad about it & I feel bad for the stylists who thought they were hitting a home run), the best & worst moments from the show, and of course, the winners. For an idea of what to expect and if you’re reading this pre-5:30PM EST, check out last year’s post here. Onto the races!

**All photo credit goes to Getty Images, unless otherwise stated, as you will so clearly see because I’m too lazy to get untagged photos.

MY BEST DRESSED

Anna Kendrick in custom Thakoon

This deep rose gown looks so complementary with Anna’s peaches & cream complexion & the simplicity just makes this Oscar performer exude elegance.

America Ferrera in Jenny Packham

Nominee How To Train A Dragon 2’s America Ferrera’s stormy sea green Jenny Packham is stunning with its unique color, contrasting accessories (check out the crimson clutch & turquoise earrings), and cinched waist.

Faith Hill in J.Mendel

(Photo: www.tomandlorenzo.com)

Faith Hill looks like a gorgeous and statuesque silvery glittery fish in her fabulous J.Mendel gown. I mean this as a compliment, btw.

Common in Prada

Oscar nominee Common is looking dapper in his navy velvet coat. It’s hard to stand out in men’s fashion, but he managed to do an awesome job.

Jamie Chung in Yanina

Nominee Big Hero 6’s Jamie Chung is a known fashionista & style-lover, so there’s no surprise that she picked something spectacular for the red carpet tonight. The light an dark shades complement her smokey eye and loose waves nicely.

Neil Patrick Harris in Brunello Cucinelli

Oscars 2015 host Neil Patrick Harris (with husband David Burtka) looks ready to have us in hysterics (hopefully) in his smooth cloud gray tux.

Laura Dern in Alberta Ferretti

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

OMG, I want to wear this dress everyday. This heavy metal shield of studded armor was a “Wild” choice for nominee Laura Dern (for Wild..get it?? Yeah, sorry). It fits like a glove and the strapless cut shows of her toned arms. Gotta get that bang in control though!

Behati Prinsloo in Armani Couture

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

This gown looks much better on screen in all its crimson sparkle, but Behati Prinsloo (Levine) looked stunning with her sleek bun, bold red lip, and just her regular supermodel self!

Felicity Jones in Alexander McQueen

(Photo: Kevin Mazue/WireImage)

I want Felicity Jones’ gorgeous ice gray McQueen to stop at the waist. That’s it. The intricacy of the top and the halter neck are beautiful, but the matronly skirt shape takes a lot away from both the gown and nominee Felicity.

Chrissy Teigen in Zuhair Murad

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Chrissy Teigen (supporting nominee/husband John Legend) can rarely do wrong in my eyes & today wasn’t any different. The powder blue Zuhair Murad with an “Angelina slit” looked gorgeous and the long sleeves added a depth to the style. Old Hollywood waves and dark blood lips & Chrissy is flawless!

Naomi Watts in Armani Privé

Naomi Watts’ gray & white glittered brick gown actually got me for some reason. Love the visual effect it has, plus the sequined 3/4 back is always a fave for me.

David Oyelowo in Dolce & Gabbana

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Say what you will, I’m lovinggg this maroon tux on Selma actor David Oyelowo. Again, it’s hard to stand out as a man on a red carpet, & he somehow managed to do it with great results.

Lupita Nyong’o in custom Calvin Klein Collection by Francisco Costa

Holy crap, this Lupita Nyong’o & Micaela Erlanger (stylist) combination is UNBEATABLE. The custom gown with a top half covered in pearls and the bottom covered in glimmering beads..speechless. FYI, this dress consists of 6,000 pearls. SIX THOUSAND. Yet another 10/10.

Rosamund Pike in Givenchy

(Photo: Jeff Vespa/WireImage)

Gone Girl nominee Rosamund Pike stuns in a candy apple red gown. The rounded top and center slit add a unique factor to the piece, while the texture of the fabric catches the eye.

Cate Blanchett in Margiela by Galliano

(Photo: http://www.tomandlorenzo.com)

Cate Blanchett’s dress may be simple, but there’s no denying that perfect cut & fit. But more than that, THAT TIFFANY & CO. STATEMENT NECKLACE IS INCREDIBLE. Turquoise jewelry seems all the rage tonight.

Reese Witherspoon in Tom Ford

Nominee for Wild, Reese Witherspoon chose a tried & true classic combo of black and white for her Oscars ensemble. Simple statement, gorgeous hourglass figure, incredible talent; that’s all.

Anna Faris in Zuhair Murad

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Not only is Anna Faris one of our favorite funny people from back in her Friends days, but she’s the other half of hilarious-had-a-great-year-in-a-nominated-film Chris Pratt. This silver stunner is perfect for the Mom star; it surprisingly is a beautiful complement to her blonde hair and alabaster skin.

Emma Stone in Elie Saab

(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Nominee for Birdman, Emma Stone, is one of the firsts to do the “look-l-like-Oscar” thing this year, but she looks beautiful doing it. Personally, her gown looks better from afar then it does in the detail, but she pulls it off. I do wish she would have kept her bold streak going a la Golden Globes.

Jennifer Aniston in Versace

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Yeah, sure, it’s not a color. It’s beige which poses as “champagne” & “nude” & “bone” and whatever other names beige uses. BUT IT’S JEN ANISTON & THE DRESS IS NOT HIDEOUS. 😉 In all seriousness, the fit is glove-like, it shimmers & shines, and if I could have looked like Jennifer Aniston does in her 40’s even when I was in my 20’s, then hot damn. This woman looks good in everything.

Meryl Streep in Lanvin

Meryl still somehow manages to shake it up after all of these years of Oscar red carpets! She looks as classy as ever as she celebrates yet another nomination tonight (Into The Woods).

Lady Gaga in custom Alaia

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Though I could definitely do without the dishwashing gloves, only Lady Gaga could have pulled off this custom Alaia. The structure of this gown combined with Gaga’s hair & makeup is perfection.

Oprah Winfrey in Vera Wang

(Photo: http://www.tomandlorenzo.com)

Nominated producer for Selma, & well, OPRAH, looks beautiful in her ruched Vera Wang gown. A quote I read today is seriously so motivational, I’m sharing it with you here..”Oprah wasn’t built in a day!” Hardworking & world dominating.

THE SHOW (UPDATED)

8:30PM: Neil Patrick Harris kicks off the show with an irreverent #OscarsSoWhite joke, but how are people going to get mad at NPH!? In an awesome production number as an ode to movies, old & new, projection kills, Anna Faris & Jack Black guest warble, & the comedy hits all the right notes.

8:40PM: Lupita Nyong’o is stunning on stage with her flawless accent to present the first award of the evening, Best Actor in a Supporting Role. Where dem glasses, thooooo!?

8:41PM: Lupita mistaking the Oscars for the SAG Awards (“and the actor goes to..”) makes you love her more. J.K. Simmons wins for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

8:46PM: NPH calls Liam Neeson on stage to show the clips for Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel and American Sniper; nominees for Best Picture. TGPH SUCH a good movie!!! FAVE W.A. film!

8:49PM: Currently omipresent Dakota Johnson introduces Adam Levine, actor & musician in/for Begin Again to perform their nominated song “Lost Stars” from the film. It was slightly painful because I think Adam Levine & Maroon 5 are better suited to flipping back & forth on a radio, rather than a live performance.

8:55PM: Mindy Kaling’s American Express commercial airs & I love her forever. This is just information everyone already knows about me. 😛

8:56PM: J.Lo & Chris Pine on stage to present Best Costume Design. I honestly didn’t even see them. Followed by Reese Witherspoon to present Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling. Her, I looked at!

9:03PM: Channing Tatum arrives to introduce the 2015 Team Oscar kids. This is also the same time I decide that I’m not trying to post what’s happening every minute.

9:10PM: Nicole Kidman’s psychedelic gown gave me a seizure.

9:12PM: The Best Foreign Language Film winner from Poland, gave the speech to end all speeches. He should do everyone’s acceptance speeches. Music started, stopped, started again..he was still speaking. 😛

9:14PM: Legendary Shirley Maclaine on stage to show clips from Best Picture nominees Boyhood, Birdman, and The Theory of Everything. Rockin’ out in a sequined black suit & her signature shock of red hair.

9:16PM: NPH is talking to Heidi & Laura, rando seat fillers who basically just had the moments of their lives. Gets to Steve Carrell and I’m so happy. Nominee Marion Cotillard introduces Tegan & Sara and The Lonely Island to sing nominated song “Everything Is Awesome” from The Lego Movie. It’s a live action Lego something with a dancing possum and cowboys and I feel like I just had really good LSD.

9:29PM: 2 hours to go. We’re on Best Documentary Short. AND THE RED DRESS I WAS COVETING IN THE RED CARPET BACKGROUND CAME TO THE SPOTLIGHT!! Thank you, fashion Gods!

9:44PM: Neil Patrick Harris came on stage in his tighty whities & I remained confused. This wasn’t quite like Ellen Degeneres’ celeb selfie that “broke the internet.”

9:52PM: Jordan Catalano aka Jared Leto (yes, that is the correct order) sidles on stage looking as scrumptious as ever in a powder blue tux with a baby pink flower on the lapel. Eyes match the tux..my heart stops just as it did when I was 14. 😛 ❤ Oh..he was also presenting Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

9:57PM: Patricia Arquette & Meryl Streep actually do break the internet after Patricia’s awesome acceptance speech with an addendum about wage equality. Magic Meryl Effing Streep (according to NPH) praised the heavens from her seat & everyone loved her more.

10:00PM: Rita Ora is performing “Grateful” from Beyond The Lights; a Best Song nominee. It’s meh. But her diamond snake necklace is enviable.

10:10PM: Zoe Saldana is Jada Pinkett Smith is Zoe Saldana. My mom is currently hooting & hollering for Big Hero 6 winning Best Animated Feature Film because we watched it 2 days ago.

10:23PM: The Grand Budapest Hotel deservedly wins for Achievement in Production Design & I’m already restless waiting for John Legend & Common’s performance and The Sound of Music tribute!

10:32PM: Meryl Streep announces the In Memoriam segment. Someone didn’t get the “no applause” memo. Now they probably feel like an ass..until the second person who did the same exact thing 2 minutes later. Joan Rivers excluded from the segment..damn.

10:34PM: Never mind, other people kept clapping too. Oh, Hollywood.

10:36PM: Jennifer Hudson performs a song in tribute to the lost ones.

10:44PM: Bro wondering why Boyhood didn’t get Achievement in Film Editing, considering it was filmed over a span of 12 years & that had to be hard as crap. I don’t disagree.

10:48PM: Terrence Howard is either high or channeling Lucious Lyon because something just was not right about that presentation of Selma, The Imitation Game, & Whiplash.

10:59PM: 30 minutes to go (sippposedly). John Legend & Common (YES!) performing their nomination for Best Song; “Glory.” They recreated the Selma march on stage and between the power of the scenery, the power of the issue, the power of the message, the power of the lyrics, and the power of John & Common’s talent, we all have goosebumps at my house. No wonder they are the frontrunners for this award. They get a well-deserved standing ovation & tears from everyone; Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo, Oprah, Chris Pine, ME. Incredible performance, worth the wait.

11:05PM: John Stephens & Lonnie Lynn aka John Legend and Common (I know, who knew!?) win the Oscar for Best Song. Everyone crying, more standing ovations, big powerful messages on the public platform.

11:14PM: A moment I’ve been waiting for all night! The 50th anniversary tribute for The Sound of Music. Edelweiss me anytime, Christopher Plummer. 😛

11:19PM: Lady Gaga was the greatest choice for this tribute. Say what you will..that woman can SING. Julie Andrews would be proud.

11:20PM: OMG Julie Andrews popped out of the wings & my sister and I are more emotional than Lady Gaga right now. Memories & laughter abound.

11:25PM: The Big Four are left + screenplays. Clearly going past 11:30PM. I don’t think ABC realizes that us common-folk don’t have the Vanity Fair Oscars Afterparty to look forward to on a Sunday night.

11:37PM: Graham Moore wins the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Imitation Game & received it from Oprah. Incredible speech. “Stay weird, stay different. And then when it’s your turn and you are standing on this stage, please pass the message along.” Absolutely.

11:51PM: Eddie Redmayne being cute & flustered after having just won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Sweet dedication to ALS & the family of Stephen Hawking on whom the film was based.

11:55PM: Two to go! Best Actress in a Lead Role & Best Picture. Let’s go let’s go. Vanity Fair red carpet to see!

12:08AM: And that’s a wrap ’til 2016!

WINNERS (UPDATED):

Best Actor in a Supporting Role:

J.K. Simmons for Whiplash

Best Costume Design:

Milena Canonero for The Grand Budapest Hotel

Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling:

Frances Hannon & Mark Coulier for The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Foreign Language Film:

Ida from Poland (Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski)

Best Live Action Short Film:

Mat Kirkby & James Lucas for The Phone Call

Best Documentary Short Subject:

Ellen Goosenberg Kent & Dana Perry for Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1

Achievement in Sound Mixing:

Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins, Thomas Curley for Whiplash

Achievement in Sound Editing:

Alan Robert Murray & Bub Asman for American Sniper

Best Actress in a Supporting Role:

Patricia Arquette for Boyhood

Achievement in Visual Effects:

Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter, & Scott Fisher for Interstellar

Best Animated Short:

Patrick Osborne & Kristina Reed for Feast

Best Animated Feature Film:

Don Hall, Chris Williams, & Roy Conli for Big Hero 6

Achievement in Production Design:

Adam Stockhausen (Production Design) & Anna Pinnock (Set Decoration) for The Grand Budapest Hotel

Achievement in Cinematography:

Emmanuel Lubezki for Birdman

Best Documentary Feature:

Laura Poitroas, Mathilde Bonnefoy, & Dirk Wilutzky for CitizenFour

Achievement in Film Editing:

Tom Cross for Whiplash

Best Original Song:

John Stephens (John Legend) & Lonnie Lynn (Common) for “Glory” from Selma

Best Original Score:

Alexandre Desplat for The Grand Budapest Hotel

Best Original Screenplay:

Alejandro G. Iñarritu, Nicolas Giacobone, Alexandre Dinelaris, Jr., & Armando Bo for Birdman

Best Adapted Screenplay:

Graham Moore for The Imitation Game

Achievement in Direction;

Alejandro G. Iñarritu

Best Actor in a Leading Role:

Eddie Redmayne for The Theory of Everything

Best Actress in a Leading Role:

Julianne Moore for Still Alice

Best Picture:

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance)

VANITY FAIR OSCARS AFTERPARTY (UPDATING)

MY BEST DRESSED

Mindy Kaling in custom Salvador Perez

(Photo: L, Pascal de Segretain/Getty Images R, Mindy Kaling Instagram)

I mean. I’m an MK fan through & through and it’s never going to change no matter what, but the combination of her & Salvador Perez (President of the Costume Designers Guild and the CD for The Mindy Project) is real GOLD. This gorgeous custom black gown with crystal accents is the perfect amount of classy for Graydon Carter’s annual affair. Get it, Mindy.

Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

The bubbly actress looks beautiful in a cornflower blue beaded & strapless Zuhair Murad. She’s usually on her fashion game with only a couple of hiccups here & there, so this hit isn’t surprising!

Diane Kruger in Donna Karan Atelier

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Completely & utterly obsessed with Diane Kruger’s scarlet one-shouldered gown/jumpsuit hybrid. IT’S INCREDIBLE & UNIQUE & FUNCTIONAL & I WANT IT NOW.

Thandie Newton in ***

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

ER alum Thandie Newton looked classy and elegant in her jet black column gown with embellished warrior shoulders and belt. The sleek ponytail makes sure her hair doesn’t distract from the dress’ details.

Amy Adams in Atelier Versace

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

I think it was the first time in quite some time that Amy Adams wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award, but it didn’t prevent her from dressing like she was on that stage! Beautiful color & texture on her deeply hued blue gown that accents her redhead nicely.

Minnie Driver in Pamella Roland

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

This gorgeous printed purple gown is such a flattering cut for already stunning Minnie Driver. It’s soft shade and flowered fabric is helping to remind us that spring is almost here (please hurry)!

Amanda Peet in ***

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

I don’t know why I like this gown, but I do. I think the form fitting top contrasting with the flowing lines of the bottom half of the dress, plus the pleated texture and peekaboo white adds a certain dramatic flair to what could have easily been a very blah gown. Amanda Peet’s posture could have been better to flatter the dress more as well.

Georgina Chapman in Marchesa

(Photo: Larry Busacca/VF15/Getty Images)

Well, first of all, I don’t know why I didn’t know that the co-founder of my all-time favorite design label Marchesa is married to Harvey Weinstein. Anyway, this spectacular gold-embroidered 3/4 sleeved black gown from her own label is so fitting for this talented designer. I love all of the sleek hair that I’ve seen so far on the more detailed dresses, allowing them to stand out on their own without distraction. God, one day I will wear a Marchesa somewhere..even if it’s just to take out the garbage!

Hailee Steinfeld in Andrew Gn

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

This look is super young & unconventional, and that makes it perfect for 18-year old Hailee. The full skirt and mixed prints make it a fun quirky choice for the VF afterparty & the dark lip gives it just a little/right amount of edge.

Italia Ricci in Yosep Sinudarsono

(Photo:

Chasing Life star Italia Ricci brought dramatic flair to Graydon Carter’s annual Vanity Fair bash in her light gray & black Sinudarsono gown. The fitted bodice through to the hip ends in a mermaid-esque style; something I don’t normally like, but Italia made it work.

Chanel Iman in Zuhair Murad

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Model Chanel Iman wore the designer of the evening Zuhair Murad in her champagne lace ensemble. Though I’m never fond of the transparent-dress-just-so-you-can-see-the-strange-granny-panty-part styles, Chanel Iman just about pulled it off.

Hannah Simone in Naeem Khan

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

New Girl star Hannah Simone flew from shooting a film in Atlanta just to attend the VF bash. Well worth it because she looked gorgeous in a rust Naeem Khan beauty with a flattering A-line that would make anyone look & feel like a princess.

Jaime King in Altuzarra

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Former supermodel/current actress Jaime King still has fashion in her blood. The blond beauty stepped out for the first time since announcing she is pregnant with her second child in a gold & mustard hued Altuzarra gown with a deep V-neck; though definitely not as deep as J.Lo’s immortal green Versace.

Kelly Ripa in Rouland Moret

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Live With Kelly & Michael host Kelly Ripa arrived in a gray & white Rouland Moret column with an asymmetrical top. I really like this dress & normally I don’t love people who stay safe & choose white. Kelly is a tiny person and this dress gives her a lot of illusion of height.

Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein Collection

(Photo: David Livingston/Getty Images)

Style queen Lupita Nyong’o went the Calvin Klein way for the second time tonight in a gilded strapless gown that complemented her stunning features and skin tone. So far, I think I’ve only seen one Lupita misstep, & that was at the Met Ball last year!

Lydia Hearst in ***

(Photo: Film Magic)

Publishing heir Lydia in this royal purple & rose crop top/full skirt combo is something I really loved. It’s playful but chic & perfect for one of Hollywood’s biggest afterparties.

Michelle Monaghan in Monique Lhuillier

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Though I’d have preferred a little more of a snug fit on top, the cut & color of Michelle Monaghan’s Monique Lhuillier gown are completely on trend & fabulous. Whether you like it or not, cutouts are still everywhere & Michelle is Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year (Marsala) personified.

Suki Waterhouse in Burberry

(Photo: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Sweet & simple. Accomplished model (& nominee Bradley Cooper’s main squeeze) Suku Waterhouse dazzled in a rust/sepia Burberry gown that set off her dirty blond hair & strong brows. Though this picture doesn’t do her or the gown justice due to the timing of the shot & the posture, this dress was one of my VF faves.

And now, I bid you so long, farewell, auf weidersen, adieu (a la Maria Von Trapp) ’til next year & a whole new batch of old & new nominees and Tinseltown elite. In the meantime, why don’t you check out some of the other posts here? 😉

Today’s Feelings..

“Sometimes I wish I had learned everything earlier and that my real life could have started sooner. Other times, I’m glad that the first part of my life lasted as long as it did. It doesn’t really matter, though. None of it could have been any different.

As for fate – or not-fate – I’m still not sure about it, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night. I’ve lived it, and the people who still wonder about that kind of thing can call it whatever they want.”

–BJ Novak, One More Thing: Stories And Other Stories (excerpt from short story “Kellogg’s”)-

Mindy, Mindy, Mindy, Can’t You See? Sometimes Your Words Just Hypnotize Me: The Difference Between An Admirer & A Creeper

Today’s Mood Ingredients: Excited, Admiring, Awed, BFF-y.

If you know me, you know I love her. Like, LOVEEE her. I’m not a person who gets starstruck or flustered when meeting celebrities, ever, but when I recently had the chance to meet writer/director/actor/producer/fashionista/hottie Mindy Kaling, albeit for a brief 12 second span where I gave her Easter candy in a hot pink bag, my body apparently knew something my brain wasn’t caught up on because I was shaking like a Californian in an Alaskan winter & it wasn’t because of the 50 mph gusts of wind outside.

People who follow me on social media are well aware of my adoration for her & they’ve asked me time & time again why she’s so awesome to me. There is a plenitude of reasons that we love or admire celebrities. Most of the time it’s their body of work & talent or because of whatever persona they (or their PR team) decide to show us, & since we’ll most likely never meet them, that’s how it stays. With Mindy (& I have a huge list of people who share my sentiment), it’s much more. It’s easy to pick her as the South Asian role model for women & entertainers and very easy to pick her as the spokesperson for every “Brown” person out there, but that’s actually last on my list of why I am awed by her in a non-creeper way. If you’ve read her book, “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns,” you’ll know what I mean (& if you haven’t read it, get on it ASAP. It’s a New York Times Bestseller & unless you’re a Jetsons-esque robot [but even Rosie had emotions], you’ll laugh until you ugly cry. I’ve read it 3 times, taking something new away from it every time, & highlighted about 80% of it). Mindy weaves humor & emotion seamlessly while telling her stories of being bullied about her weight, her childhood fears, unapologetically loving comedy early on in life, her botched Broadway audition, living in a shoebox apartment with her 2 best friends, her dating game, and so on. As she tells her stories, I don’t know if she realizes it or not, she connects with so many of us on a personal level. It’s easy to want to put those days behind you (& easily be able to) when you’re at nearly 3 million Twitter followers, over half a million Instagram followers, & being the star & show runner of your own network TV show, but the greatest thing about her is that she owns it & embraces it all. She’s never hidden from her roots or her history and that’s what makes her accessible to & adored by so many of us (her talent and hilarity help too, obv).

I have many celebrities I love, but I’ve never felt connected to them on a personal level like I do with Mindy Kaling. Perhaps it’s that we’re close in age, perhaps it’s that she is fiercely loyal in her close relationships & friendships, perhaps it’s that her greatest strength & love is the relationship she has (yes, present tense) with her mother, perhaps it’s that we’re both fashion freaks (her Instagram feed is to die for!), perhaps it’s that we had a similar childhood, & perhaps it’s just that she’s someone I aspire to be like; inspired, driven, sarcastic with a childlike exuberance but an iron work ethic. She’s a brilliant writer, an Ivy-League graduate, & has humorous self-deprecation down to a science. Someone somewhere (or at least definitely on Twitter) says that they wish they were Mindy Kaling’s BFF every day. And though I admit to having said that, I’m happy I’m not. Wait, what? Yes, I’m happy I’m not her BFF because I have my own group of BFFs (“it’s not a person, it’s a tier, Danny!”) who have been there for me through all of the winding roads of life & I love that she still has her core group of homies from college (& of course, BJ Novak from The Office) who have been there for her for the same. Don’t get me wrong though, had it been 2002 & I met Mindy & her friends (which was SO FEASIBLE since I was watching all of the Bombay Dreams auditions in real life & wish I’d gotten to know her when she auditioned!), I’d totally try & hang out with them.

For someone who has high aspirations for making it as not only a woman, but a person in this world, I can think of no one better to look to as a guide. She didn’t glide up on a who-knows-who method & she doesn’t rest on her laurels. She worked her ass off & had conviction in her work, her intellect, her talent, & herself and that’s something I sometimes forget to do for myself. She’s constantly striving (look at me, weirdly talking about her as though I know her personally..here is that line between admirer & creeper, you guys..I’m toeing it :P) to better herself & hone her skills, but doesn’t seem to beat the shit out of herself if something falls short. And for all of the times that people come down on her for not being the token South Asian who apparently should be shouldering all of our historical burdens, a quote from Elle Magazine says it best, “She doesn’t rely on being Indian, but doesn’t deny it either.” That’s an amazing thing, especially in Hollywood! This is 2014. Be proud that a “f***ing Indian woman [has] her own f***ing show!” A network television show. That, for once, doesn’t stereotype an Indian woman (or man, for that matter) as an accent-harboring, oily haired nerd searching long & hard for an arranged marriage that will make the family happy all the while toiling away at a profession they hate. And for those who say, “Yeah, but she still plays a doctor! How Brown.” Yes, she plays an OB-GYN as an homage to her late mother’s profession, not because of the Indian generalization associated with it. Mindy’s created a show for us single 30-something women that shows the real, if sometimes exaggerated, colors of dating & working (especially for us New Yorkers). I have known people my whole life who, despite being Indian, have only dated non-Indian people. It’s not Mindy’s job to make sure that every South Asian actor has a job, or to make sure that Dr. Mindy Lahiri dates South Asian men just because she is South Asian. That’s a reality that people really need to get on board with. Her job was to create a show that is funny, that people will enjoy, & that she’s proud of, and in that, she has succeeded tenfold.

I think I may have been happier than Mindy Kaling & the cast and crew themselves when The Mindy Project was renewed (early) for a season 3. The show is my happy place. It’s found its groove (even though I personally have loved every episode since the pilot) & there are times you have to watch it twice to catch one-liners you may have missed because you were too busy laughing at something else that just happened. It makes me literally LOL (which only Friends & Gilmore Girls have done) with its quick witted dialogue, pop culture references, equally intelligent and silly humor, & incredibly individual characters; and to know that Mindy’s in charge of it all (with a great team, of course) just makes me wax poetic about her even more. I have been having quite a few shitty days lately & I’ll be damned if Morgan Tookers’ innocent creepiness or Danny Castellano’s curmudgeon-y behavior (red grandma glasses intact) or Mindy Lahiri’s insecure self-confidence don’t give me at least that full 21 minutes of reprieve from real life. If you haven’t given it a chance yet, I suggest you spend the next 9.5 hours watching season 1 & season 2 on YouTube in order to prep for the one hour return tonight at 9PM on FOX. I know I’m going to be sipping on strawberry ale in my TMP cup saying “HOW DARE YOU!?” to anyone that attempts to disturb my cloud 9 of comedy.

P.S. Mindy, if you ever end up reading this, I’m just kidding about the BFF thing. I love my tier, but I’m totally available, so call me! “Winky face.” 😉

Today’s Interlude: The Mindy Project Theme Song

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Just sharing the FACTs: Fashion, Arts, Culture, Travel..with a li'l side of life.

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OSCAR SUNDAY! I’D LIKE TO THANK THE ACADEMY..

Today’s Feelings..

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