SAG Awards Fashion Predictions

I must say, I was greatly disappointed with the Golden Globes Red Carpet. From Amal Clooney's lack luster showing to the mid-life crisis ensemble by J. Lo, it all left me feeling completely underwhelmed.

With that in mind, here are some fashion/celebrity pairings that would brighten my day at the SAG Awards tonight. Agree? Disagree?

Reese Witherspoon + Reem Acra

Reese Witherspoon at the Golden Globes (photo by Getty). Reem Acra gown (photo courtesy of Reem Acra).

Felicity Jones + Naeem Khan

Felicity Jones at the Golden Globes (photo by Getty). Naeem Kahn gown (photo courtesy of Naeem Kahn).

Jennifer Aniston + Badgley Mischka

Jennifer Anistion at the Golden Globes (photo by Getty). Badgley Mischka (photo courtesy of Badgley Mischka).

Rosamund Pike + Marchesa

Rosamund Pike at the Golden Globes (photo by Getty). Marchesa gown (photo courtesy of Marchesa).

Julianne Moore + Carolina Herrera

Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes (phot by Getty). Carolina Herrera gown (photo courtesy of Carolian Herrera).

Gigi at The Kennedy Center

The Show, A Review

As soon as I heard an ensemble of Broadway All Stars was bringing Gigi back to the stage, I immediately put it on my calendar and bought tickets.

I grew up loving Gigi, and how could one not? The film is filled with beautiful costumes, romance, and is set in magical turn of the century Paris. The film won nine Oscars back in 1958, including Best Picture. With such a successful and memorable adaptation on film, I had hoped the Broadway production of Gigi would not completely abandon it's Hollywood roots.

I was honestly concerned with the casting of Vanessa Hudgens as Gigi, it just didn't seem like quite the right fit. Leslie Caron was completely perfect in the film adaptation; as I'm sure Audrey Hepburn was in the original stage version in 1951. As the performance neared, I was finding it hard to compare the classic Gigi with the one currently listed in the Playbill.

To my surprise, I couldn't have been more wrong. Vannesa Hudgens was resplendent. She completely captured the essence of Gigi in her tone, mannerisms, and care-free laughter. Bravo, Vanessa, for a truly incredible performance!

Vanessa Hudgens shows of her dance moves at Gigi preview Credit: Neilson Barnard at Getty Images Entertainment

I was equally impressed by the performances of Gaston (Corey Cott), Mamita (Victoria Clark), and Aunt Alicia (Dee Hoty). The sets were beautiful and the dialogue had some great moments of humor.

I would highly recommend anyone who grew up loving the film as I did immediately buy tickets to the show. If it is sold out in DC, you can travel to New York and see it on Broadway. Previews start March 19th with the official opening on April 8th.

GiGi at The Kennedy Center

January 16th - February 12th

Tickets from $45

http://www.kennedy-center.org/events/?event=TPTSD

Go for Brooch! Clutch Handbags on a Budget

I have many times in my life bought a clutch purse for a specific event or a particular gown. I have always loved the beautifully jeweled clutches on the red carpet that add that bit of extra punch to a cocktail or evening look. But what if you could vary one clutch a dozen times, for only a few dollars?

My husband's grandmother had a fabulous brooch collection, which I luckily inherited and wear often. Prior to an evening event years ago, I decided to pin one of her brooches to a basic black satin clutch and voila! The bag was instantly transformed.

I love pinning a singular, large statement brooch in the center. You can also create a small cluster of two to three brooches, asymmetrically placed, for a more complex look.

If you can't gather some vintage pieces from within the family, hit up a weekend flea market for some great finds. Our very own Eastern Market's Flea Market has an excellent vintage jeweler booth that sells pieces for as little as $1.

Make your handbag more versatile in a unique way. Instead of going for broke, go for brooch!

Happy Styling,
S.

Bottlin' Booze for a Social Saturday

Photo from Green Hat Gin

Looking for something new, random, and fun to do this weekend? Why not join local distiller Green Hat Gin for their bottling session?

They are looking for a few booze loving folks to help them bottle this Saturday from 2-4:30pm. Email them at cheers@greenhatgin.com by 12 noon tomorrow to sign up.

Grab some friends and rally at the distillery. I'd hope for a subtle afternoon buzz from free gin tastings for the exchange of day labor...but that's just my two cents.

Cheers!
S.

Happy Birthday Haute on the Hill!

My baby has turned 1 today! My blog baby, that is.

Haute on the Hill's first post was one year ago today, it's amazing how quickly the year has gone by.

I am so grateful for those of you who have shared, liked, and privately messaged me about how much you enjoy reading Haute on the Hill.  It is a labor of love that allows me to be my most authentic self, away from work and worry.

I did some data digging today. Of my 46 blog entries posted this year, with nearly 3,000 page views, the entries listed below were the Top 5 Most Viewed. Not surprisingly, the "Decade Later" entry about my self reflections from age 19 to 29 was by far the most viewed. It was a fun, personal entry to write - I'm glad so many of you enjoyed it!

If you missed one of the posts below, check it out now on what's sure to be a horrible commute home in DC (thank you, snow day, for making everyone miserable except school children).

Top 5 Posts from Haute on the Hill's First Year

5. Fashion Lecture with Costume Designers from House of Cards and The Americans

4. DC Photo Shoot with Mantas Photography

3. An Open Letter to DC Fashion Week

2. A Guide to the Best of DC's Performing Arts Winter Season

1. A Decade Later, Here is What I Have Learned

Photo by The Cake Merchant

I'm developing some great new content for the upcoming year. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see from Haute on the Hill, please let me know!

DC is an incredible city full of warm and engaging people. As for my neighborhood, I can't imagine living anywhere but Capitol Hill. Our community truly is like a small village thrown into the middle of a global city.

I look forward to connecting and growing with you all in 2015.

Cheers!
S.

NYE ReCap - Who, What, and Where

After being totally sick with the flu last year, I am so glad to report that my NYE 2015 was a blast! Here is a very brief recap of the evening - what we did and who were the services that made it all happen.

Club Blowdry 

This was the first time I used Club Blowdry, and I was thrilled. My stylist showed up right on time, we set up a mini salon in my kitchen and 45 minutes later I had great NYE ready curls. The service was $60, tip is included and paid through the website (no money exchanges hands between you and the stylist). I loved Club Blowdry because I was able to get my hair done in my own home, run up stairs to dress, and was out the door in a snap. Would definitely recommend and will book again (and fyi, those curls last 48 hours - it was incredible!)

Rent the Runway

I wrote rave reviews about my experience at the RTR Georgetown store back in November (click here for earlier post) but the dress I chose was damaged, so they sent me an alternate. The alternate was too small and too long. I ran to the Georgetown store in a frantic at 6pm the day before New Years. The store was madness but I was able to find a replacement gown and was given it at an even exchange. A bit more drama than I was hoping for, but it all worked out! I received so many compliments on my BCBG Max Azria dress at the Kennedy Center, I will most certainly continue to rent from RTR.

My husband and I in the Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center

Kennedy Center

My husband and two of our awesome friends had an AMAZING time at the Kennedy Center for NYE. We saw Ozomalti (a latin, hip hop fusion band out of LA) perform with the NSO. They literally turned the concert hall into a dance party - I don't think the Kennedy Center has ever seen anything like it! After the show, we drank and danced in the Grand Foyer until the balloon drop at midnight. The Kennedy Center provided the perfect mix of an elegant, but rocking time, on New Years Eve. Bravo!

Ozomalti rocking it in the aisle

Ceiling of the concert hall, Kennedy Center

Toasting to the New Year with friends in the Grand Foyer, Kennedy Center

Cheers to a Happy New Year!
S.

Top 5 Places to Get Engaged in DC over Christmas

Ah, Christmas. 'Tis the season for family gatherings, holiday parties, and the constant news feed updates of recent engagements.

Christmas to New Years truly is a romantic time of year, it's no wonder why so many people choose to get engaged during the holiday season. Here are my Top 5 picks for the perfect engagement spot in DC.

No. 5 Bartholdi Fountain

I pass Bartholdi Fountain daily, it's one of my favorite spots in DC. The fountain is quintessentially French, giving you a bit of a Parisian feel right in the heart of Washington. From the Southeast corner you have a gorgeous view of the Capitol Dome and the fountain itself is lit beautifully at night.

Photo courtesy of the Architect of the Capitol

No. 4 Lincoln Memorial

While Lincoln isn't particularly holiday-esque, the view from the steps is classic DC. I would recommend doing this proposal late at night to avoid the crowds and make the moment a bit more private. Afterwards head to the Mandarin Oriental for a celebratory toast.

Photo courtesy of Trend Kid

No. 3 DC War Memorial

This memorial on the national mall is quite picturesque, and quite private as well. I rarely see anyone near this beautiful little structure, but that makes it all the more special. If you are looking for a grand backdrop, but without a ton of people around, this might be it.

Photo courtesy of Gabe Oram

No. 2 Ice Rink at the Georgetown Waterfront

This summer fountain turns into an adorable ice skating rink come December, and with the beautiful surrounding decorations, this could make for a great engagement spot. After your time skating around the rink grab dinner and pop some bubbly at Fiola Mare, recently named one of the best restaurants in DC.

Photo courtesy of Capitol Couple

No. 1 The Proposal Booth at Martin's

What could be more romantic than to pop the question in the very same booth Jack did to Jackie? Martin's is beautifully decorated at Christmas time, which adds to the already charming space. All it takes is a phone call to Martin's for this once in a lifetime reservation.

Photo courtesy of Kate Patterson (originally from the Washington Post)

Cheers!
S.