Style It. Golden Globes 2013 Red Carpet Best Dressed

I love awards nights, particularly for their red carpets, and this year’s Golden Globes was no exception.

As of late, many celebrities have been a little dull safe with their choices so I was so excited to see so many taking a little style-risk, which made for an exciting red carpet!

There was plenty of tomato red; worn by Hunger Games’ Jennifer Laurence, new mum Claire Danes, and frenchie chic Marion Cotilliard. There was also a lot of black, which can sometimes be a little boring, but thanks to striking silhouettes and cheeky cut-outs the gowns electrifying.

Here are my top four picks…

I’m not much of a Glee fan, but I will say Lea Michele looked stunning in her white lace gown by Elie Saab. The dress had silver sequin embellishments and a thigh-high split. Teamed with her flowing locks and deep tan, she looked stunning.

Footloose’s Julianne Hough was stunning in a bejewelled Monique Lhuillier gown. The gold studs and layers of tulle reminded me a Ferrero Rocher, dainty and decadent.

Big Bang Theory’s Kaley Cuoco went with goth glamour in her Zuhair Murad gown teamed with a dark lip. The nude dress featured soft layers of tulle with sequin embellishment and a satin waist tie. Very edgy-princess. Kaley’s inspiration was “ethereal vamp”, love it.

Sally Field looked incredible (especially for her age) in metallic slate Badgley Mischka gown. I’ve loved this design house for as long as I can remember, their style is always feminine, floaty and chic, exactly as it is here.

What do you think of these four? And who were your favourites?

(Here at pearls I'm all about the love, so I’ll leave the worst dressed up to you...)

Photos by TMZ.

One Day. Time waits for no one

I’m beginning to think there just really aren’t enough hours in the day. Even when I’m relaxing I seem to run out of time (I know, how is that even possible?).

Work days are filled with work: mornings are spent getting ready, then work work work, then home to get un-ready (if you know what I mean), cook dinner, maybe watch some tv or a movie then off to bed. Not really much time left over in there to exercise, sun-bake, clean, sort or just chill-out.

Then on the other hand, a day of holiday is never long enough either! Firstly, half the morning is gone after you wake up from an [obligatory] leisurely sleep in, by the time you’ve dressed and had breakfast it’s virtually lunchtime (or maybe’s that just me). Throw in a sunbake, some relaxing reading, a beach walk and somehow it seems to be dinner time already.

I’m not sure what can be done about my dilemma, either I need to speak to the creator of the earth about his time-tabling issues, or I need to figure out how to successfully function on less than 8 hours sleep. Don’t think the latter is going to happen so I’ll get to work on my first option and get back to you.

Photo by Reema Moudgil.

Must Have. Givenchy Rouge Interdit – Liv’s Lips

Don’t be fooled by the inky colour of this lipstick. This magic lippie works with the body’s pH level to conjure a custom berry hue suited to the natural colour of your lips. The result – a transparent ‘bitten’ effect in your perfect shade.

Givenchy icon Liv Tyler was originally going to be the only recipient of this custom made lipstick, but after using it she insisted it must go into production. I’m so glad she did. It’s my next purchase at $49. Shop here or here.

Photos by Givenchy.

Plate Up. Chocolate Crunch Slice

No more study means more cooking time for me! Here’s a delicious alternative to everyone’s favourite: the chocolate brownie. Same yummy taste but at least you can call this one mildly healthy because of the Vita-Brits – hello fibre content! Who am I kidding? It’s totally devilish with a small side of healthy. Enjoy!

What you’ll need

Slice

3 crushed Vita-Brits

1 cup self-raising flour

¾ cup sugar

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 cup dessicated coconut

125g melted butter

Icing

1 cup icing sugar

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 tablespoons milk (approx)

What to do

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Combine all slice ingredients in a bowl. It should be a very dry mixture. Grease a slice tin and press mixture down firmly. Best to do this in two layers so there are no air pockets, otherwise you’re slice will crumble when cut. Bake in oven for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make icing by combining all icing ingredients to make a spreading consistency.

Remove slice from oven and ice while hot. Leave in tin to cool before slicing.

Serves 8.

Photos by Krissie.

One Day. Chat me up

He doesn't mind chatting in the pool... Long distance call to Antarctica?

After 3 years of studying in Brisbane and living on the Gold Coast I guess you could say I’m a bit of a public transport aficionado. Over my degree I have spent an estimated 690 hours on public transport - that’s 28 days of my life I won’t get back! During this time I’ve had plenty of opportunity to ponder the transport system, the people on it and their (and my own) behaviour. Needless to say, several hours each week sitting on a rock hard seat, being squished by the person next to you does not work wonders for the psyche. Which got me to thinking, why is it so awkward to have a conversation on your cell phone whilst you are on public transport? (Or am I the only one who thinks like this?)

Whenever my phone rings whilst I’m on the train I inwardly cringe and I can’t figure out why! I like talking on the phone, I enjoy chatting to family and friends but when it happens on the train I feel like I would rather stick a fork in my eyeball then to have a 5minute chat with my nearest and dearest. I’m sure that if I were actually sitting next to the person on the other end of the line I would be more than happy to discuss my weekend aloud, but on the phone, oh no, I sit there speaking in hushed, whispered tones as though I’m divulging a particularly personal secret instead of simply saying that I went to the movies Saturday night. Perhaps I’m worried my conversation will get lost in translation with any eaves-droppers. I guess I think if they heard two people talking they would follow the story but because they can only hear me, what I’m actually saying could transform into all manner of things.

For example, I say – Saturday was great, we were at it all night, my body is so sore today. Eaves-dropper translation = something sexual. Actual meaning = It was a great night spent dancing.

It seems not everyone suffers from my phone-train paranoia because there is always someone (usually with a particularly nasally voice) who loves to chat on their mobile at the top of their lungs for the entire hour trip. I have a love-hate relationship with these people: if their conversation is interesting I love the distraction, but most of the time the droning of their voice just gets damn annoying somewhere around Loganlea.

Whatever it is, I guess I don’t need to worry anymore because my degree is officially finished and I’m sworn off public transport for life. You are now free to call me [maybe].

Photo by Ucumari.

Must Have. MAC Marilyn Monroe Collection

MAC brings out new beauty collections at dizzying rates. Mid 2012 there was Disney venomous villains, the latest is a collection honoring the 1950’s bombshell, Ms Monroe. The range channels the screen siren’s sexual appeal, think red lipsticks, crimson nails and false lashes. The collection also features eye shadows, blushes, eye liners and brow sets.

A great gift idea - Happy Birthday Mr President me! Prices range from $15 to $40 (USD)

Suitcase. Travel

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. – Saint Augustine

Well Saint Augustine, if that’s the case, I want to read the entire library.

I recently devised a list of all the places in the world I want to travel to. It’s currently 4 pages long and I’m not finished yet! Thus far, on my list, I’ve got virtually all of Europe, several stops across America, the Caribbean and Canada, a couple of stops in Asia and some places I’m yet to visit here on Aussie turf.

I’ve always loved to travel and whilst my experience is a little limited, it has only spurred my desire. There are so many wonderful places in the world that all have something different to offer. I love to explore new cultures, learn about others’ history and take snapshots of the world. I’ll post my completed list as soon as it’s finished. I have a feeling it will be a work in progress for the rest of my life!

Photo by making life pretty.

Plate Up. Empoli Rigatoni

I’m a real carb fiend and I absolutely love pasta dishes. I think it’s the quarter Italian in me, and even though I never met my grandpa I think he rubbed off on me quite a bit. Here’s a delicious little Italian dish that is easy to whip-up and packed full of flavour. (Serves 4)

What you’ll need

500g rigatoni

40g parmesan cheese

100g whole blanched almonds

2 cloves garlic

1 fresh chilli

2 bunches fresh basil

2 tablespoons oil

500g mushrooms, sliced

400g shaved ham, thinly sliced

What to do

Cook the pasta in boiling water according to packet instructions.

Put the parmesan, almonds, garlic and chillies in a food processor and blend until fine. Add in basil, oil and two thirds of the cherry tomatoes. Blend until it forms a paste. Season with salt and pepper.

Lightly pan fry mushrooms.

Drain pasta, reserving a little of the starchy water. Return pasta to pot and add cooked mushrooms, reserved cherry tomatoes, ham, paste and a splash of the starchy water. Toss together and serve. Bellismo!

Photos by Krissie.