Cannes 2011

Vanessa Hudgens in Fendi

Frumpy fabric and a frumpy cut = a frumpy Hudgens.  Cute for an innocent, younger look....maybe thats why she chose it.  To stray away from her XXX antics in recent history.

Bar Rafeli in Roberto Cavalli

This is the definition of sex appeal.  The dress hugs her curves unbelievably, and I love the deep sea blue color as a fresh look opposed to black, which is what I'd expect to see this dress as.  The cutouts are at interesting locations, giving just the right amount of tasteful curiosity combined with sexuality.   Additionally, her swept back hair adds the perfect polished touch to this look. 

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace 

I wish Angelina Jolie would take more risks in fashion.  There's something to be said for classic beauty, but most of the pieces she wears are so safe and generically "good" - and this gown is no exception.  There's nothing about this look that makes it memorable or showstopping.  And taffeta is never a favorite of mine.  Is it just me or is her hair bed-headish and in no way Cannesworthy?  

Brooke Shields in Roberto Cavalli

This is matronly, unflattering and reminds me of a moo-moo.  Also, what does the huge printed flower resemble?  Yea.

Gwen Stefani in Lanvin

This was my favorite look at Cannes.  It's bold, classic, yet non-traditional.  I love the gold belt, and the swept back hair is perfect for the heaviness that this dress brings.  YES.

Gwen Stefani in Armani Prive

Compared to the previous dress we just visited, this one falls short in a big way.  The bodice does not fit her ribcage well and is hovering away from her body, giving her that dreaded "flat chested gap" that is never attractive.  Additionally, the eye makeup is piled on too thick, which ages her in my opinion.

Penelope Cruz in Marchesa

I love this gown on her.  Its light, refreshing and ethereal...perfect for spring.  It is a good accompaniment to Depp's ice-white sportscoat.  And, I love the nude look it provides with certain parts of her skin peeking through without being too revealing.

Kirstin Dunst in Chanel

This is the BEST I've seen Kirstin Dunst in a long time.  I wish she would choose to dress like this more often and stray away from her ironic hipster look.  She looks beautiful here!  Well done.

In Chanel

This is another surprisingly great look from Dunst.  A bit similar to the other dress, but hey I'll take it.  The only thing I'd change are the non-matching shoes.  Good job!

Mischa Barton in ?

Very happy to see Mischa Barton looking cleaned up.  She's really becoming our generation's Courtney Love, I think.  She looks cute and girly here.  She's a pretty girl underneath the grunge.  I'm glad she opted to wear nylons, as we wouldn't want another dreaded reveal.  It is imperative to always wear proper undergarments, wardrobe tape, ect. to make sure your look is polished, not seedy.  Nude fishnets are one of my favorite go-to's instead of nude pantyhose.  They give you the coverage that you want and look chic, unlike traditional skin colored nylons that resemble tap dancer show tights or early 90's corporate wear.

 Rachel McAdams in Marchesa

This dress reminds me of the spring '10 Givenchy line.  Good on the runway, confusing in person on most people.  Too artistic for most women to pull off, and as no exception, I'm not loving the dress on her.  The dress itself is intricate and wonderfully detailed, but I think she's just the wrong person to carry a dress like this.  Someone like Gwen Stefani or Dita Von Teese would have rocked it.  Sorry to say, but Rachel McAdams just doesn't have enough presence or drama to work this.

Salma Hayek in Gucci

This dress is not a favorite of mine.  It looks waxy and stiff, and the heavy feather bolero is drag queen reminiscent.  And, the matte brick red color (with the matching shoes) is too muted and takes away from her natural beauty.

 Sarah Jessica Parker in Elie Saab

This would have worked better on a younger woman.  The colors and the pattern come off as a bit aged.

Tilda Swinton in ? and Roger Vivier Heels

I really love this look.  It's perfect for a formal affair during the daytime.  It's professional, feminine yet still powerful at the same time.  I'd love to rock this outfit at work any day of the year!

Uma Thurman in Versace

I absolutely LOVE this.  Refreshing, whimsical and mercurial in the way it moves.  It accents her body very well.  It definitely makes the grand entrance that you want when arriving at Cannes!

Something Every Girl Can Love: A Good Lip Gloss!

Ladies, I know it's been a while since I've posted and I will again soon, however in the meantime I just wanted to turn you onto my long-time favorite lip gloss that I've gone back to again and again over the years:



MAC Lipglass in C-Thru

It's the perfect combination of rich shine, a hint of nude and a minuscule amount of glimmer.  It makes your lips look luscious and works particularly well if you dress up your eyes as the main focal point on your face, as with heavy eye makeup you never want to pair with a bold lip, but it's nice to have something on your lips or it might end up looking a bit unfinished.


Muy delicioso!


xo,
Viva

MET Gala, 2011

Rihanna in Stella McCartney

I know this sounds vulgar, but her hair here reminds me of a log of doo-doo.  And, her ends are looking dry and split.  And, Her body doesn't look that hott in the dress.  I see stuff I shouldn't be seeing.  Additionally, the side cutout is too high, or at a weird angle...it looks strange. Cute shoes though. 

Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney

Just how far along is she?!  It seems like she just announced her pregnancy 2 weeks ago!  In any case, she is radiating the classic pregnancy glow.  She looks very pretty.  Her hair is perfect for this dress, too. 

Joy Bryant in Missoni

OK....we've got another Heidi Klum situation on our hands here.  (Third picture down: http://vievesverdict.blogspot.com/2011/01/notable-golden-globe-mentions_19.html)  

She looks comfy, cozy and totally awkward and inappropriate for the MET GALA.  Why did she choose an oversized sweater to wear??? Terrible!  And, it's too loose! This would be nice for....a baby shower.  This looks like she put no effort whatsoever into her look.  Shudder.

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen

I'm going to take one for the team here and voice what we're all feeling; since she might throw something at anyone who speaks up..... she looks like THE CAT GOT TO HER.  There's nothing attractive about this, and she's slumping on top of it which makes the whole look even worse.

Kirsten Dunst in Chanel Haute Couture 

I'm curious about what goes through her head when she chooses dresses like this.  "I'm going to go against the Hollywood grain and dress like a hipster!"  She looks terrible.  Like a grandmother.  I don't think she'll ever get it right.  She's a natural beauty, but she doesn't do dress up well.  AT ALL.  

 Hailee Steinfeld in Stella McCartney

I'm digging this dress.  It has a Native American / Victorian feel to it which is an interesting combination.  Her atypical beauty compliments the quirky vibe of this whole look and gives it the finishing touch to tie it all together.  It was a risk, but it worked.  She always looks pristine.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Stella McCartney

Alright alright, she looks very good but let me say that she is totally stealing Anne Hathaway's look at the Golden Globes earlier this year.  Something about Gweneth Paltrow annoys me, all around.  Like she'd be a Debbie Downer in real life or something. I do like how she's the focus of the picture as opposed to camera hog Lea Michele in the background.  Something about that makes me smile.

Emma Roberts in Michael Kors

This was one of my favorites.  Very 80's power woman / bold.  I love it.  The side cutout completes it.

 Diane Kruger in Jason Wu

This was the only dress that wowed me.  I am loving long sleeves this season.  And, the barely there open toed shoes add a sleek lining to the look as well.  I'd like to see a close up of the intricate detailing on the top part.  From far away it looks like metal sequins?  Very whimsical.

Demi Moore in Prabal Gurung

I'm guessing she was inspired by the hat craze at the Royal Wedding, but this is HORRIBLE.  She looks like an old cruella de ville.  Why on Earth would you pair 1.  That atrocious hat with ANYTHING 2. An especially loud and flamboyant dress?  This seems like a no-brainer to me.  She had to have known she looks terrible walking out the door and did it anyways for attention?  Sigh.  Not to mention she's got the crazy eyes going in this picture as well.

 Christina Ricci in Emilio Pucci

One word: Arachnophobia.  Leaves me feeling creepy.  And, that smug pouty look is getting old.

Beyonce in Emilio Pucci

This is a great example of a dress that is well-suited for its wearer.  This looks very fierce on Beyonce against her dark complexion.  Throw this on...lets say...Michelle Williams (or any other white girl for that matter) and it goes from intricate detailing and bold lines to H.O.T. M.E.S.S.  She did it well.  However, she does look a bit stuffed.  Too stiff.

 Blake Lively in Chanel Haute Couture 

This is interesting...kind of...but it's a bit costumey.  It doesn't offend me, but it's not something you wear to feel beautiful and womanly.  Its like appreciating artwork.  Additionally, it does kind of look like she added a sheet to a pretty dress underneath.  I'm not a the biggest fan.  Also, its Chanel...and she just recently became the new face of Chanel...so we all know she only wore this to get paid. I'm underwhelmed.  And I feel like spanakopita now too.

 Eva Mendes-Stella McCartney

Why must certain startlets constantly make that squinty, dazed, pouty face when posing for pictures?  *Eye roll*  Anyhow, this is a great example of choosing the wrong accessories and ruining a look.  This belt has no reason to be up in there.  It's random, eye catching in a negative way, and does not provide any kind of complimentary contrast to her or the dress whatsoever.  It looks like an old belt found in a harried rush, thrown on at the last minute.  It's all my eyes are drawn to when I look at the picture.

Ashley Olsen in Vintage Dior

It could be avante garde...but it ends up looking clownish.  This is very often a trend with the Olsens.  And everything is always too big for them, even down to their shoes (I often notice that they wear shoes visibly too big for their feet?)  But hey - they do their own thing, against the grain all the time, and I can respect that.  I love their line Elizabeth and James.




xo,
Viva

A Royal Delicacy

Any and everything left in this world that is formal, regal, opulent whilst being traditional seems to be headed out these days, being replaced with informality, commonality, bad manners, jeans and sneakers.  While modern ways and current societal norms have many benefits and luxuries that never existed in previous history that we all (myself included) enjoy today - I, for one, appreciate Royal Weddings and all the tradition, luxury, and sense of true monarchical formality that comes with it all.   In a world of faux, a Royal Wedding is one of the last real ceremonies of tradition that continues to be carried out.  

There is something about a Royal Wedding (not just British, but all monarchies) that symbolizes and anchors onto the history of the human race that I value.  I appreciate it when men stand up at a dinner table when a Lady excuses herself to go to the bathroom.  Door opening, men's formal wear, polite language -- it's all headed out nowadays.  Yes, I do appreciate the benefits of modern ways and society such as equal rights, open-mindedness, and such -- but at the same time, some of the more valuable and elegant ways of tradition are withering away and being forgotten, and a Royal ceremony brings to life some of these dismissed treasures of the past.  If anything, I can really appreciate the history behind it all, not just the demonstration.

While there have been numerous Royal unions that have failed, and people love to cite failed marriages in their tirades against a "fake" Royal Wedding, keep in mind that failure is a quite regular occurrence in many - even most - weddings in general.  Many, many weddings fail.  Are all marriages fake? I think most of the time, people go into marriages with good intentions and often times some wishful thinking, but it's not my belief that the Royals are putting on a charade, and I admittedly enjoy relishing in this marvelous celebration that occurs about once every thirty years.  It's a pleasant break in our everyday ways and happenings, and it is a peak into a time when things were a little more purposeful, a bit more formal, and a bit more romantic as well.  A time that my generation has not been fortunate enough to experience, sadly.  In a way, for me, the Royal Wedding is a symbol of our attempted grasp on the continuing tradition of marriage, which many people seem to have lost faith in. 

Obviously, it's a complete girly girl's fantasy party to the fullest, something I admit to becoming excited about.  I've been speaking in a British accent all morning and I chose to wear my white lace top and all my fanciest jewelry to work today in celebration.  In a world of disposable everything, it's nice to see a grandiose tradition being carried out exactly the way it has been for centuries.

Lastly, I'd like to mention how Kate Middleton's dress is simply exquisite, and a wonderful example of a grandiose fashionable display while also being sophisticated, feminine, delicate and a tasteful selection for the modern woman.  A refreshing change from Princess Diana's extravagant (and that's an understatement) gown in 1981.  Additionally, I just *love* the way her veil (created by the Royal School of Needlework) was beaded at the edges which gave it some weight that caused it to hang magnificently over and across her face.  Just beautiful, A+ from me.

Don't be afraid to relish in this ceremony.

Cheerio!

http://www.life.com/gallery/23025/royal-weddings

http://www.life.com/gallery/53351/image/75780064#index/0

 Chivalry isn't dead, yet.

 Kate's after-wedding Alexander McQueen gown

Simply Stunning

Kate Middlelton in Alexander McQueen, compared to Grace Kelly's gown in 1956.  Both exquisite

xo,

Viva

PS:

WTH?

Forgotten Treasures

Most of the fine jewelry I own has been given to me.  I have a few prized pieces gifted to me by my grandmother, I have a variety of semiprecious jewelry pieces given to me by my sister from her aunt's jewelry company, Denise James, in addition to numerous pieces given to me over the years for my birthday, graduation, ect by my mom...including the pearls I'm wearing right this very minute.  I love every single piece given to me by these three wonderful family members.


However, other than that - I haven't really taken it upon myself to go out and buy nice jewelry on my own.  It's expensive.  And that cute silk blouse at Nordstrom is only $65 on sale!  Do I really need another blouse that's going to last for 5-10 years, tops?  I have a myriad of costume jewelry and $2 earrings from Forever 21, but other than what's been gifted, nothing else of any real value....until recently.


I think a lot of girls/women these days (myself included) don't really purchase as much fine jewelry as our mothers and grandmothers used to.  There's nothing like fine jewels - they posses a value and aura that is incomparable to anything else.  There is something about the stay power and "realness" of jewelry that you don't come across very often these days...everything nowadays is designed to break down two years after you buy it so you just buy more more more, and throw away more more more!  It's a shame - because fine jewels are the type of pieces that become family heirlooms and retain their value for centuries, not months.  Walking into Tiffany the other day to purchase a birthday gift for my mother inspired me to appreciate jewelry more than I have in the past. All the Bebe earrings and Forever 21 statement necklaces I've purchased are going to be tarnished, recycled and forgotten after a few months, while the pieces gifted to me by my family, and the jewels of real value that I might purchase in the future will go to my son or daughter, to be kept within my future family.  There's something about that which gives me a warm fuzzy feeling like a brand new foxfur coat collar.  ;-) 


Some tips to buying and maintaining valuable jewelry:


Consider Going Vintage


Vintage jewelry is different than "used".  Used is for Goodwill.  Vintage is a whole other, more romantic ballgame.  I find there is more appeal in vintage jewelry sometimes than their is in a lot of the new and modern pieces!  If you buy from a trusted source (like Lang Jewelers in San Francisco), you can feel pretty safe knowing that if there is ever a problem with the piece (like a stone falling out) you can bring it back to them and they will find a way to make it right.  Additionally, vintage jewels have a look to them that you just don't find anymore in modern pieces - a look that I happen to love.  And lastly, one of the biggest bonuses to buying vintage is that you will be saving money by doing so, and avoiding the inflated price of a brand-new piece.


Consider Appraising and Insuring Your Pieces


You never know what might happen - you could damage a piece on your own, take it to a jeweler that may clean it improperly - and you want to be ready for anything that might happen.  I've heard a lot of people say that any fine jewelry you have should be kept in a safe deposit box down at the bank.  While they do have a point, I tend to lean more towards the school of thought that: what is the fun in that?  Jewelry is meant to be worn an appreciated.  I'd never want to store my jewelry out of sight in a black hole downtown and never wear it - if anything, keep it locked in a bolted-down fireproof safe inside your house.  If someone breaks in, they won't be able to steal it and this way, you can actually enjoy the pieces.


Do Your Research

Know and be familiar with the structure and durability of your fine metals and jewels.  Some stones are more durable than others, and you should know how to treat your pieces with care.  NEVER clean your jewelry or have it cleaned without looking into the proper procedure first - you will do irreparable damage.  I remember a few years back I read that Jessica Simpson uses Windex to clean her diamonds.  While this is reported to be safe, I still wouldn't risk damaging the stone or the precious metal anchoring it.  Stones that are typically more fragile include: amethyst, opal, pearl and emerald.  Gold is especially soft and malleable as well.


Care for Your Pieces Properly!


Even diamonds can be vulnerable to damage if not taken care of properly, or if impacted at just the right angle.  To help avoid this, properly caring for your pieces will reduce the risk of something tragic like this happening. Store your pieces in individual boxes. Many people actually wrap the pieces of jewelry in silk or velvet before storing them in their individual boxes. Fragile stones must not be allowed to knock against other stones or pieces of jewelry, and with earrings, keep each earring separate from the other to ensure that they don't bang against each other - I have chipped a stone by not doing this.  Always apply your makeup, perfume and hairspray before putting on jewelry. If you put on your jewelry before applying your makeup, you will dramatically increase the amount of grime that will eat away at your stones.  When taking a piece in for repair, shop around for the place that you trust the most, that isn't going to rip you off, and that will give you a warranty for the work that they do. 

Keep Your Pieces Within Your Family

It's my personal opinion that one should really only gift fine jewelry to blood family members, or your absolute closest friend that is very dear to your heart.  If you don't have family, I'm sure you have made your own family, and these close individuals are the ones who should receive your pieces when you pass.  If you don't have a daughter, you might want to tell your son to limit giving away your pieces to his wife (sounds harsh, I know), instead keeping them for your granddaughter or grandson.  It's my opinion that heirlooms should be kept within blood related family members, with the exception of an engagement ring piece. 

Diamonds

Diamonds aren't something I know much about, so unfortunately I can't really shed too much light on that subject...but here is my brief two cents on the topic.  There's definitely a LOT of information on diamonds out there and I know quite a few diamond enthusiasts, so the information is easily available and one should make sure to do research before investing in any diamond.  The markup on diamonds is often extremely exaggerated, and there's a great deal of debate over why diamonds are even valuable.  Diamonds are actually not uncommon stones at all - the market is arguably completely monopolized and controlled by De Beers and a few of the other large corporations that have historically used their dominant positions to manipulate the international diamond market.  This is more reason to go vintage in my opinion, and this way you can avoid the possibility of buying a conflict diamond.  Any diamond (even those labeled non-conflict) you buy that is originated in Africa is putting you at risk of buying a conflict diamond.  To be safe, I'd avoid buying an African diamond altogether, or consider going for a different type of stone which is both a nice variation from the traditional diamond engagement ring and less expensive as well.


Men's Jewelry


Other than pieces that have a function, such as: cuff-links, a watch, tie clip, money clip, wedding ring or pocket watch...it's my personal opinion that men shouldn't really wear jewelry.  Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, non-wedding rings....for men it's a no-go in my opinion.  Sorry, but I feel it's tacky and pseudo-feminine.  However, there are some absolutely classic and great functional men's jewelry pieces out there, and I am all for men wearing these.  I love seeing a great pair of cuff-links or tuxedo shirt buttons on a man.  A friend of mine just bought a set of lapis and gold cuff-links and shirt buttons:

More men don't invest in this type of old-school jewelry any more, but the ones that do are usually of a dapper quality.  Love that about them.

Here's to finding your next statement fine jewelry piece.  Have fun!

xo,

Viva

It's the Little Things

Hello to all of my lovely people that I have been neglecting...I am so so sorry!  Life has been busy packed lately, but it's looking like this week will be comfortably slow for me and I have all kinds of ideas in mind for new and thought-provoking posts.


Random tidbit I'd like to share with all my readers:


I've never been able to spend more than $8 on drugstore face wash.  It's one of those products that I don't seen any reason to splurge in - it sits on your skin for 30 seconds and then down the drain.  I am not spending $45 on some Shiseido fancy soap that's going to work about the same as my go to drugstore product.  You have to know when to splurge and when to realize you're being ripped off...the old splurge vs. save dilemma. It's not like facewash is leaching expensive professional haircolor like a cheap shampoo will, and as long as I'm using  something basic that I won't break out from and something that'll remove my makeup, I'm happy.  I've been using Johnson & Johnson "Purpose" face wash for years now and I love it.

It's the most gentle on the market and it's pretty inexpensive as well, however the other day I was randomly in the baby aisle and I noticed this product:

Low and behold, the ingredients are near-identical to that of my cherished Purpose wash, it smells and feels the same on my skin, and it's half the price for over twice the amount.  Score!!!!  I recommend this for anyone looking for a basic face wash that effectively removes makeup and does not cause breakouts or irritation.  Clean skin is imperative for healthy skin, and don't ever go to bed without washing your face first - this is one of the most undeniably important steps to glowing skin.  


It's the little things, guys.


xo,
Viva

My Own Ridiculist

I used to have respect for Anderson Cooper, regarding him as an ambitious and up-and-coming journalist.  This has changed since he debuted his "Ridiculist".  Cooper's Ridiculist is basically a segment on his show where he criticizes and sheds light on various people and issues, but often the focus is on people in the media themselves.  And while most of the time the people he is focusing on are people that tend to annoy me as well, or people that I also find to be ridiculous, there is just something about the idea behind and delivery of this segment that rubs me the wrong way.  The way in which he goes about his criticism is more along the lines of Perez Hilton or the National Enquirer, and is becoming further and further distanced from respectable journalism.  It's unnecessary cattiness.  I doubt Anderson Cooper would say these things directly to their faces - it's all for the ratings.  He should be on his own Ridiculist.


And then I realized that this is something I have some personal experience with.  Our mothers always told us growing up, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."  Let's be honest- this piece of advice is just not realistic.  We ALL have our opinions, and they're not always nice.  Myself included.  I think a more grown-up and realistic version of this bit of wisdom is:

"If you wouldn't say something about someone directly to their face, don't say it at all." 


That's my personal philosophy.

As I was pondering my dislike for Cooper's "Ridiculist" this evening during my shower, my train of thought led me to start considering "haters" (I dislike even using that word) in general, and how people so often bash other people because they disagree with or do not understand the way they are choosing to behave, appear, speak, write, ect.  I began thinking about how people gossip, how in general (in my experience) people seem to be more naturally inclined to judge or dislike another person without reason than the opposite - having a curious and open mind towards the other less-understood person in a positive way.  Why is this so?  Why are we so quick to hate towards other people instead of embracing new people and everything that comes with them?  Instead of being open, very often people administer scowls, sharp words and cold shoulders their way.  Hate is very often nurtured by a lack of understanding for something or someone, and it is also often confused with jealousy.  I believe we'd all be richer in every aspect of our lives if we were more open minded.  In fact - I believe that those who are genuinely open minded about new ideas, people or experiences have a significant advantage over those who don't in every way, and those who don't take up the majority of the population, in my experience.  We should all be consistently reminding ourselves to be less closed minded in life.  You will get ahead by living parallel to this idea.  This is one of my go-to personal rules for myself - something that I am constantly working towards achieving.  I wrote a post a while back about "grey areas" in life - and I think that train of thought is woven into this one as well.  


The part that I take issue with the most is how sometimes people tend to silently judge others, and then act or speak on it in a surreptitious way.  I know I am outspoken, and I know I can be harsh.  But, I'm real.  And I do take pride in that.  I know I make some people cringe.  I know my willingness to expose myself is part of the reason why people are drawn to me. With me, what you see is what you get.  And that's something I think we could all take pride in.


xo,
Viva

Texting Lifestyle

I'm a texting machine.  All day long, typing away on my Iphone.  It pisses my mother off, my friends, of course it can get me into trouble at work - yet somehow I put up with all the consequences and continue to uphold my texting lifestyle.  Text messaging used to be easier when I had a Blackberry Bold which had a full physical keyboard, and after switching to the Iphone (a gadget I find to be more superior and advanced, by the way) I had to adjust a bit, but after some practice I'm back to my 75 WPM average typing away, texting all my friends furiously, all day long.


I've slowly started to realize that texting has replaced talking on the phone in my world, and talking on the phone has replaced real-life interaction.  What is happening!  This is a trend I've got to put a stop to!  So often I send a text rather than picking up the phone and calling someone.  Talking on the phone more often than not is awkward, obnoxious and too invasive.  Do you agree?  Have I/we become so detached from real, human to human interaction that now even talking through a machine to another person has become just too much?  Most of the time when my phone rings, and I see the name or number pop up on my iPhone (with the exception of very few people), my stomach drops a little bit and I go through the oh so common debate in my head, "Should I answer?  Uggh..." - and this is for people that I like and get along with!  Yet, I'm tempted to send a text right after they call saying "What's up?".  It's sounding pretty pathetic to me as I type this out.  I would rather type on a keyboard to get my message out than using my voice.  Sad?  Or efficient?  A little bit of both, I think.  This is part of the reason I assigned myself one of my new year's resolutions which is to speak to and interact with my friends more, either in person or over the phone, rather than email or text message.  Oh yea....that was a resolution...better get on that!


Well on that note, I wanted to share this article about cell phone radiation and the potential harm it's causing you.  More reason to text in my book!  (Haha - just kidding.  I realize my texting has gotten out of control.)


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/technology/personaltech/31basics.html?_r=1&ref=technology


And, here is another interesting article about the ever so present growing opposition to speaking on the phone that Americans have acquired in recent times.  While this article seems to be putting a positive spin and even commends the fact that nobody wants to talk on the phone anymore, I am leaning more towards the notion that instead of further isolating ourselves and embracing the dislike for telephone conversations, we should all try to be a little bit more social, and call each other more often.  It can become a slippery slope.  Do you agree?


http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/fashion/20Cultural.html


xo,
Viva

Can't seem to put the thing down

[Cache dress, vintage Chanel Earrings, BCBG two-way sequin clutch]