“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

864600070

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..

It’s been one of those weeks of self-doubt, frustration, stress, unprofessional idiots, regrets, and dealing with a lot of back & forth about what to do & where to go from here. This piece by Rudyard Kipling (it’s for us daughters too!) is exactly what I needed to feel like Aaliyah..and dust myself off & try again.

“If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise

If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!”

-Rudyard Kipling, If: A Father’s Advice to His Son

JUST DANCE, GONNA BE OK, DA DA DOO DOO; THE SIMPLEST SOLUTION TO STRESS

ARTS: JUST DANCE, GONNA BE OK, DA DA DOO DOO; THE SIMPLEST SOLUTION TO STRESS

Today’s Mood Ingredients: Euphoric, Free, Alive.

Stress. Overwhelming stress. It’s very rare that people today don’t have it. It varies in levels depending on a number of factors; career, family, emotions, personality, lifestyle, income, desires, etcetera, but it’s there. Silently waiting to attack when you least expect it, rendering you manic or crazed or depressed or angry. Let’s say you can’t quit your job to own a farm in California or live a spa life in Arizona. You can’t quit your family, you can’t shirk your responsibilities, you can’t overcome your sporadic but prevalent emotional tsunamis. So, what do you do? Release it. For me, the greatest and truest inanimate, intangible passion of my life is dance. Any form. Drunken, choreographed, impromptu, rehearsed, performed, jumping & booty-bumping with my 2.5 year old nephew, ballroom dancing with the puppy. ANY. If it was possible to bottle the feeling that radiates within and out of me when I’m dancing, I would be in direct competition with the Onassis family as wealthiest around. However, I cherish the fact that the feeling is so inexpressible for me because I get to have a sense of public privacy.

The audience sees a performer on stage expressing lyrics and movements to given music, but much of the time, the performer is in a whole different secret world. I have literally been brought to tears or euphoria on stage depending on the day of performance, & the people, who I don’t even register in my consciousness, applaud. They applaud for a technical performance that hopefully connected with them in some way. What they don’t realize is that the emotion that’s coming off in waves from the stage to the audience at such a high frequency is the tumultuous collage of my innermost fears, happinesses, struggles, tears, accomplishments, sadness, & stress being released. They are privy to something they don’t even know of, & for a hyper-private person like me, it’s my way of “talking about my feelings.” Dancing has saved me from a lot in life. It has protected me from a lot in life. It has given me a lot in life. It is the only outlet that still serves to shatter my anxiety, my founded & unfounded worries, & my fears. The best way to describe it, I suppose, is by using my favorite quote, also tattooed on my ankle: “In life, as in dance; grace glides on blistered feet.” When I’m dancing, I’m at my most euphoric. When I’m dancing, I’m at my most tranquil. When I’m dancing, I’m at my most giving. It’s a blind & frozen moment in time where everything is nothing and nothing is everything & I’m spinning along with the world in harmony.

Everyone deserves this. You deserve to feel this way about something in your life, if not necessarily dance. When things are piling up & suffocating you under their deadweight, find your own outlet. You don’t have to be good at it. Contrary to popular & incorrect belief, NO ONE CARES.

“Times of general calamity and confusion have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storms.”-Charles Caleb Colton

Is splattering paint across a canvas therapeutic? Do it. Listening to music? Blast it. Playing sports (not my forte!)? Kick it, pitch it, run it. Writing? Scribble it. No one is expected to be the next DaVinci, Stevie Wonder, Jackie Robinson, Ernest Hemingway, but you are expected to somehow be able to enjoy this life without needing an industrial-strength antacid twice a day. I’m lucky that I found my meditation at the age of 3, but “too late” is a phrase I’m just starting to eke out of my vernacular, & I suggest you do the same for “life is short, but sweet for certain.”

Today’s Interlude: “Dance Dance Dance” by Lykke Li

What is Art? Is art art? Are we art?: Lisa Turtle’s Dilemma & Its Relation To 5 Pointz & Self-Expression

Arts & Culture: What is Art? Is art art? Are we art?: Lisa Turtle’s Dilemma & Its Relation To 5 Pointz & Self-Expression

Today’s Mood Ingredients: Inspired, Sad, Artistic, Logical.

If you’re not a New Yorker or you’re not an artist, there is a chance you may not have heard of iconic 5 Pointz, an outdoor art exhibit space on a 20,000 square foot factory building in Long Island City. Aerosol artists from New York’s five boroughs & all over the world came to 5 Pointz to graffiti (in the non-negative sense of the word) all over the space, attracting the likes of boldfaced stars like Doug E. Fresh, Mos Def, & Joan Jett as well. 5 Pointz became a haven for those artists whose medium was aerosol spray cans, and let’s be honest, not quite the most respected of the lot. They would flock to the factory building to express, impress, inspire, collaborate, and experiment, all the while creating incredible colorful displays of, what I presume to be, their thoughts. Unfortunately, as of November 2013, 5 Pointz is no longer in existence. As the curator of the space petitioned to have 5 Pointz become a museum & save it from demolition, the owners of the building had the space whitewashed overnight with the security of police protection. Here comes the question. What was the point in the whitewashing? If the building was to be demolished anyway, why add insult to injury & just go and basically delete the years of expression and artistry and hard work that went into the pieces on those walls? Understandably, the owners of the building had/have the right to do whatever they want with the space, it’s theirs. What I don’t understand is this; for years, this space was a place for community and expression. For years, it thrived as a place for this specific type of artist to come & not be arrested for using aerosol to create. Why the sudden urge for condominiums (and in an already saturated Long Island City)? It is obviously illegal to “tag” up a public place & you can and will be arrested for graffiti’ing pretty much everywhere, which I agree with. Sorry, but I don’t want to see your big orange bubble letters on a public library wall. However, I can appreciate artistry with the best of them & do believe that those individuals who excel in this form of art should have a place where they are free from the fear of glowing blue & red lights and silver (definitely not a cute accessory) cuffs. The need for people to put their feelings into something solid and tangible is valid. The need for a businessperson to want to make more money is valid. I refuse to believe that some sort of agreement or middle ground couldn’t have been reached in this case.

All of that rhetoric aside, I’d like to ask a question of you. What is self-expression exactly? An outlet that allows an individual to feel free, to be themselves, to be unique, maybe to release stress or anger or sadness? That’s what it is to me, anyway, and I couldn’t survive without it. I don’t know what I’d do if someone suddenly erased all records of my dance performances or told me that I can no longer use a particular space to dance in that I had been connected to and performing in for years. In my opinion, self-expression is a necessity for society. To be able to not only make yourselves feel, but to inspire and to make others feel something, anything, with something you have created with the fruits of your labor is an irreplaceable, inherently good thing. To many, it may be intangible. To many, it may be too philosophical. But to many, it is innate and it is important.

Art to one person, whether it be performance or creative or visual, may be trash to another, but who is the decision maker as to what should be revered and what should be disregarded? My heart goes out to you, artists of 5 Pointz & all other such artists out there. The wonderful part about expressing yourself through your art is that you always have your tools within you. That’s something no one can steal from you & I suppose there is at least a little solace in that. I hope you find somewhere else accepting of your immense talents and understanding of your visions, because, Ansel Adams said it best:

“No man has the right to dictate what other men should perceive, create or produce, but all should be encouraged to reveal themselves, their perceptions and emotions, and to build confidence in the creative spirit.”

More information about 5 Pointz here, and more articles about the demolition here.

(Header photo credit: http://www.inhabitant.com; Footer photo credit: @WNYC on Twitter)

Today’s Interlude: The Living End, “Prisoner of Society”

Stack on Stacks on Stacks: Bibliophilia Is Cool

Arts: Stacks on Stacks on Stacks: Bibliophilia Is Cool

Today’s Mood Ingredients: Hungry, Curious, Adventurous, Cozy, Well-Read, Literary.

Once upon a time, I was lucky enough to travel to Cambodia, drive through a phantom tollbooth, do some detective work with a girl named Nancy, be in awe of a girl named Cam’s photographic memory, be a part of a club of babysitters and a sleepover club, hang out in abandoned boxcars, meet five people in heaven, travel 20,000 leagues under the sea, live in a castle for 7 years, learn about the southern USA during the slavery era, learn about magic with a gypsy woman named Brida, hang out with a sweet award-winning pig, interpret various maladies of numerous people, fall in love with a hundred men (whoa), and embrace many of life’s lessons from a brilliant alchemist. It’s been a wonderful 28 years of a life full of imagination and intelligence, new perspectives and introspection; and I never needed to physically leave the place I was in.

Since you’ve probably already figured out what I’m talking about, let me dive right in. When someone tells me, “I hate reading for fun!”, I genuinely have trouble understanding them. I pride myself on being quite adept at putting myself in other people’s shoes for a myriad of things, but this one thing? I DON’T GET IT! But then again, I hate football, eggplants, and reality show celebrities, & no one gets that either. For me, reading is an innate love carried over generations on both sides of my family (somehow skipping my mom & brother). My dad started me off early & the love affair took off right from the get-go. The ability to escape into other people’s characters, their minds, other realms, cultivate and nurture my own imagination and creativity is the greatest asset to an introvert like me. Externally, I’m an affable, sociable, strange person, but when I need hermit time, books are my favorite partners. They offer an intangible, inexplicable, but incomparable comfort that is akin to cuddling with your pet or having your mom take care of you when you’re sick; and thank God for that because my dog is moody and sometimes, so is my mom.

I’m a crazy quote-monger (if that’s not a thing, it is now); I like to see how similarly or how differently someone else can put my feelings to words, & when words fail me (it doesn’t happen often, but my words are not quite quotable, perhaps more bleep-able at times), someone else’s lines do just fine. I also truly wish I could meet some of my favorite authors, but only a handful are still alive (Paulo Coelho, Mitch Albom, Mindy Kaling, Jhumpa Lahiri, JK Rowling, BJ Novak, Cecelia Ahern, & Nick Hornby to name a few), & so I have to settle for imagining Dickinson/Hemingway/Milne’s lives, Rumi & Kahlil Gibran’s real theories on love, Shakespeare’s creative process, Thoreau’s experiences, Frost’s decision-making processes (wink wink), & especially so, Plath’s thoughts (I believe Sylvia & I are kindred souls, minus the level of heart-wrenching depression and the whole suicide situation, of course). Though all have done a remarkable job of recording the aforementioned in beauteous poetry, prose, and stories, you can bet that my ideal dead dinner party guests would most definitely include those people. Recently, I asked to join a friend’s book club because it was something I had been wanting to do for years and because apparently, I’m okay with inviting myself to things I see on Facebook statuses. To find like-minded bibliophiles, but with their own interpretations of a work and its characters is like free cone day at Baskin Robbins to me (comparing the happiness here, not necessarily the satisfaction of reading a book versus the satiation of inhaling a large chocolate chocolate-chip with whipped cream & rainbow sprinkles).

As long as I can remember (& I’m like Dumbo with the memory..& maybe also some of the self-doubt), one of my favorite dreams has been to own a house that has a large mahogany library full of slouchy armchairs, a crackling fireplace, a ginormous [hypoallergenic] rug, a bay window/nook with a view of the pool guy (jk jk), Marshmallow Man sized & consistency-d throw pillows, and thousands and thousands and millions of books. Old, new, classic, nouveau, fiction, non, biographies, autos, children’s, adults’, hardcover, paperback, leather-bound. I want a place to travel when I can’t, to breathe when I can’t, to flop on the floor and leave everything behind when I can’t, basically to just fly away when I can’t. My other favorite dream is that those newfangled battery-powered contraptions won’t render my smooth covered, musty fragranced, underlined, worn to the spine, dogeared, page filled, ink misprinted companions obsolete. Fine, admittedly I do own a Nook, but in my defense, it was after everyone else, it was a gift, and I fought a long & valiant battle against it. Plus, I can’t do the heavy-lifting required of me if I took all the books I wanted to with me everywhere I go.

Anyyyhoo, I’ll end this with some of my favorite titles, maybe some coincide with some of yours, maybe you have other suggestions, please let me know either way! And thanks to whoever coined my favorite term to elementary [school] & beyond; “Reading is FUN-damental.”

It’s a beautiful love affair and it shall last ’til happily ever after.

P.S.–>Bibliophobes, check out Audible!

The Alchemist, Brida, The Witch of Portobello, Veronika Decides To Die, Eleven Minutes, The Manual of the Warrior of Light, Aleph (all by Paulo Coelho), Tuesdays With Morrie, The 5 People You Meet In Heaven, The First Phone Call From Heaven, The Time Keeper, For One More Day, Have A Little Faith (every book Mitch Albom has written), The Interepreter of Maladies, The Lowlands (both Jhumpa Lahiri), A Long Way Down (Nick Hornby), Wicked (Gregory Maguire), The Time of My Life, There’s No Place Like Here, The Book of Tomorrow, The Gift, Thanks For The Memories, One Hundred Names (all by Cecelia Ahern), Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? And Other Concerns (Mindy Kaling), One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories (BJ Novak), The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar (both by Sylvia Plath), And The Mountains Echoed (Khaled Hosseini), The Prophet (Kahlil Gibran), The Witch’s Daughter (Paula Brackston), the Harry Potter series (shut up, it’s not Twilight), The Casual Vacancy (both by JK Rowling), The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky), Little Women (Louisa May Alcott), The Gift (Andi Buchanan), 13 Reasons Why (Jay Asher), Sweet Valley Jr. High/High/University (Francine Pascal), Dream a Little Dream (Antoinette Stockenberg), Where The Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak), Oh! The Places You’ll Go!, The Lorax (both by Dr. Seuss), Where The Sidewalk Ends (Shel Silverstein), Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl), The Gifts of Imperfection (Brené Brown), 2Bro2B (Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.), The Mistress of Spices (Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni), The Death of Vishnu (Manil Suri), The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne Frank), The Book Thief (Markus Zusak), Bridge to Terabithia (Katherine Paterson), Catcher In The Rye (J.D. Salinger), Number The Stars (Lois Lowry), Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret, Tiger Eyes, Blubber, Otherwise Known As Sheila The Great, Deenie (all by Judy Blume), Ethan Frome (Edith Wharton), To Kill A Mockingbird (Harper Lee), and on and on and on and on..

Today’s Interlude: Beauty and the Beast, “Little Town (Belle)”

FACTs: Fashion, Arts, Culture, Travel..with a li’l side of life.

The rainbow unicorn was just to throw you off. Anyway, just a heads up! I’ve decided to actually use my “FACTs” tagline and post accordingly! Here is my planned blog scheduling as of now. I’m going to try my level best to stick to it, but, you know..life and such.

And I’m open to topic suggestions, so please share if you’d like to hear me babble about something specific.

Monday – Side of life: More like the posts you’ve been seeing so far.

Tuesday – Fashion: My take on designers, trends, Outfits of the Day/Night/Week/Life/Forever, etc.

Wednesday – Arts: It could be a review, it could be a suggestion, it could be sharing an event in any/all arts fields; performing, creative, etc. (STAY TUNED FOR OSCAR SUNDAY!)

Thursday – Culture: May have a focus on South Asian culture, but inclusive of any and all others.

Friday – Travel: The wanderlusting gypsy in me will tell a tale of where I’ve been or where I want to go.

Hope to have you along for this weird mental process. 🙂

You can also follow me @Sidlum & my company @ClicBySiddhi on Twitter and Sidlum & ClicBySiddhi on Instagram.

(Rainbow Unicorn credit: foxdj.deviantart.com)

champagne & cookiedough

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

art

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

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

Today’s Feelings..

JUST DANCE, GONNA BE OK, DA DA DOO DOO; THE SIMPLEST SOLUTION TO STRESS

What is Art? Is art art? Are we art?: Lisa Turtle’s Dilemma & Its Relation To 5 Pointz & Self-Expression

Stack on Stacks on Stacks: Bibliophilia Is Cool

FACTs: Fashion, Arts, Culture, Travel..with a li’l side of life.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: