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2010 Spring New York Fashion Week Fab Roundup! Part 2

FabSugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:00:08 -0700

I wasn't going to leave you hanging after my first New York Fashion Week roundup. A lot happens in two days here. Adam Lippes, Thakoon, Zac Posen, Tracy Reese, Rebecca Taylor, DKNY, Christian Siriano, Carlos Miele - a lot. Trends are starting to surface: neutrals are ruling the runways, but luckily orange and blues are brightening things up; cutouts and draping are fabric treatments of choice; and sunglasses are soon to be the next hot accessory. Take a gander, start your wish list . . .

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Trend Alert: Fresh Faced and Fabulous For Spring

BellaSugarUK — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Across the pond in New York, Fashion Week has been keeping the city that never sleeps buzzing. The shows officially started on 10th September, which has given me quite some time to start analyzing the newest beauty trends for Spring 2010. For those of you who are happy to put aside your perky neon and pastel makeup, this is your season to let your inner beauty do the talking! The hottest makeup trend on the catwalk (if you can believe it) is the barefaced look. Check out looks from 16 of the hottest NY shows here.

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Adam: An Unusual, Careful Romance

BuzzSugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:30:36 -0700

There's a sense throughout Adam that writer/director Max Mayer has crafted his film very carefully. There are few, if any, moments that seem like they could offend or turn heads or overstep bounds. And that's probably not surprising, considering that it's not every day a film features a character with Asperger's syndrome as a romantic lead. The downside of Mayer's restrained approach is that Adam doesn't build a ton of momentum. The upside is that the central romance is so well-written and well-performed that it's worth seeing through to the end.

The lead character, of course, is Adam (Hugh Dancy), an engineer with a love for outer space. He also has Aspberger's, a kind of high-functioning autism that causes him to have trouble navigating social situations. That's especially problematic when he meets Beth (Rose Byrne), who's new to his apartment building and attempts to befriend him. Beth isn't the most social of creatures herself - in one early scene, she laments to her father that being an only child has made her permanently socially inept - and she seems to understand Adam even before he tells her about his Aspberger's. The two of them become friends, and then more, leading to a fairly unusual big-screen romance. Want to know what makes this film work? Just read more.

By far, the performances by Byrne and Dancy are the best part of Adam. Dancy, in particular, completely owns the movie with his performance, which is evocative, sensitive, and occasionally surprising. At times, he and Mayer's script play Adam's misreading of social situations for laughs (or, at least, chuckles), including the moment when Adam attempts to clean Beth's windows while dangling outside the building wearing a space suit. Other times, it's hard to tell what Adam is going to do: when Adam becomes angry with Beth at one point, it feels like we're seeing a side of him that he tries hard to keep hidden. Byrne, meanwhile, effectively shows both the love Beth feels for Adam and her confusion about feeling it. Beth knows that a relationship with Adam will never be easy, but Byrne manages to make us understand why Beth wants it anyway.

But Adam isn't just about Adam and Beth's relationship. There's another theme at work, one about truth and honesty, which we see mostly through a side story about Beth's family. Beth essentially has two men in her life: Adam, who for better or worse says exactly what she's thinking, and her father, who's slowly revealed to be less virtuous than Beth might have thought. (A third man - an ex-boyfriend who cheated on Beth - lurks in the background, unseen but clearly influencing some of Beth's actions.) When Mayer's script ties the two stories together, it's almost too neatly done; there's nothing unexpected about that resolution.

What did surprise me, though, was the ending - which, without saying too much, is where I hoped Mayer would take these characters without ever believing until the movie's final moments that he actually would. It's not necessarily new, or different, or shocking, but it is sweet and satisfying. And overall, that's the story of Adam itself.

Photos courtesy of Fox Searchlight

Hugh Dancy on Being an Unconventional Leading Man in Adam

BuzzSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 07:30:31 -0700

The movie Adam is a sweetly unconventional romance, and a huge part of what makes it work is Hugh Dancy in the leading role. Playing a character with Asperger's syndrome who embarks on a relationship with a "neurotypical" woman named Beth (Rose Byrne), Dancy gives his character a memorable physical presence and a personality that can't be defined by his condition. During press interviews in San Francisco, director Max Mayer told me he once worried Dancy could be too "personable and social and self-confident and . . . charming" to take the role, but in the end, his intelligence and "active listening" won Mayer over. Here's how Dancy talked about the film:

What kind of research did you do to figure out how to play Adam?
The bare bones of what you do are the same as what anybody would do. I go on the Internet a lot, trying to follow the right leads, work out what isn't going to be useful and what is going to be useful, reading books and trying to find people's first-hand accounts of having Asperger's, and then talking to people that really knew a lot about it and ultimately meeting people with Asperger's. Then there's the other part of what you're doing, which is trying to process that and bring it back to the script and work towards whatever you're going to do on day one of the shoot. How that works, I almost don't care to examine.

How did you create Adam's physical presence? Even when he's not doing anything in particular, he's always so engaged in the scenes around him.
Although on the surface he can appear almost disengaged or detached, Adam is always present, and he's listening very hard because everything depends on it. Although he's clearly very honest and straightforward and literal, there's another part of him that's engaged in a constant act of translation and even acting. Because he's having to make that adjustment and almost try and pass for a neurotypical. That's the deal. He's got to try to work on the terms that have been set by the rest of us. So there's this ongoing and constant flicker of "What the hell is going on here, and what do they mean, and what do they want from me?" To amplify that too much would be ridiculous, but to miss it would have missed that part of who he is.

To hear what it was like to work with Rose Byrne and whether Dancy thought this movie would succeed, just read more.

Since Rose Byrne couldn't come to San Francisco, I have to ask - what was it like working with her?
It was great. Obviously, we've been together for a while talking about the film, and for both of us it was true that we didn't really get a strong sense of each other during the movie - I felt like I got to know Rose subsequent to making the film. And part of that was reflecting the fact that we only had 25 days to do it, and so it was just a pure terrible rush and you're having to stay very focused, but also obviously it's a lot to do with the character. I was more withdrawn than I would normally be. . . . Even in the work of it before the scenes, we weren't having the same sorts of conversations that you would normally have with a "scene partner." We weren't huddling together and figuring out what the subtext was and how we could all get on the same page and explore the underlying emotions because that's precisely what Adam, anyway, couldn't deal with. . . . That's important, and that served the back-and-forth and miscommunications of the scenes, but it was strange. It was an unusual working experience but a very good one, I think.

We've been following the movie since Sundance, and it's clear it's gotten a lot of buzz. Did you expect it would be a movie that could break out?
No, no - God, I didn't expect anybody would ever see the movie. That's the truth, and that's the fact of making a movie with a budget this small, because the odds are stacked against you. So getting into Sundance was incredible - it didn't surprise me because by that point I'd seen a bit of the film and it seemed like we were a strong candidate, but you also have to be realistic about the competition. Every step beyond that has felt just like an additional gift.

We've seen you in several different kinds of roles recently, from this to Shopaholic. Are there particular sorts of things you look for in a job?
Primarily what I'm looking for, if I have any general criteria, is something different. And that would be true of the scale of the movie - it's always good to remind people you exist just by doing a film that's going to have a large audience, like Shopaholic, but I wouldn't do it just for that reason - the character and the tone . . . but at the same time you just have to be open to good material. And I think I have quite a broad sense of what that is - I just have quite broad tastes.

I saw somewhere that you'd said you took the Adam job because it scared you.
There's nothing wrong with feeling comfortable with what you're doing, but you want to be learning something. If something's going to work, there's got to be a risk of failure. There's nothing interesting about watching somebody coast through - well, maybe there is, but it's not exciting for me, anyway. You wouldn't want necessarily every work experience to be at the same level, or at least I don't think so, because if that became your absolute defining criteria you would probably start making bad decisions. But I think it's good, regularly at least, to push yourself to a point that you're not comfortable.

Photos courtesy of Getty and Fox Searchlight

Trend Alert: Rad Black Ruching

FabSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 05:50:22 -0700

What's rad? Ruching, that's what. It's an ancient sewing technique, and it's flattering powers are undeniable. Especially when it comes to a sexy, hot LBD with rad black ruching. If you don't already have one of these quick fix, every-occasion frocks, I suggest you consider. Look at how stunning Emmy Rossum looks in her architectural Emanuel Ungaro; she doesn't show a lot of skin, but it's somehow seriously sexy. OK, her black gladiator Stuart Weitzman sandals may have something to do with it too . . .

Celebrity Style: Miranda Kerr

FabSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:22 -0700

Hot duo Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr stepped out looking mighty fine last night at an Audi celebration in Beverly Hills. While you enjoy the eye candy, let's dissect Miranda's pretty in pale ensemble. Playing with proportions, the Victoria's Secret model wore a bandage skirt paired with a draped top - all by Stella McCartney. A white blazer adds a crisp touch while patent Christian Louboutin pumps and a Prada lace bowler inject sass. Too cute.

Luxe Cashmere Wrap Top - $245.00	BDG Convertible Strapless Dress - $28.00
Elizabeth And James Summer Blazer - $395.00	Christian Louboutin Simple Pump 70 - $565.00
Ralph Lauren Silver Bangle Set - $30.00	Amazing Lace N/S Tote - $195.00
1/4 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Stud Earrings - $150.00

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

WireImage

Online Sale Alert! 25 Percent Off For ADAM's Fam and Friends

FabSugar — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:00:22 -0700

I like to think ADAM designer Adam Lippes and I are friends - he sent me a handwritten note praising my write-up on his Fall show. Isn't that sweet? I will continue the support by letting you all know about his 25 percent sale event that ends Sunday, April 5. This includes new items from his adorable Spring collection and his cotton basics. Enter SPRINGFRIEND at checkout. If you have an upcoming wedding or special event, this Embroidered One Shoulder Dress ($522, originally $695) is a proper investment. That's one of the higher priced items; there are tons of colorful and silky separates to fawn over. P.S. There's also free shipping. Adam, what a guy.

Celebrity Style: Kerry Washington

FabSugar — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:00:22 -0800

Kerry Washington looked spectacular yesterday at Essence magazine's luncheon in Beverly Hills. Always one to try new things, Kerry wore a smashing feathered skirt and blazer by Louis Vuitton. Feathery skirts can add a little volume so it was smart to cinch in her waistline with an eye-popping metallic obi belt. Patent leopard pumps, a black clutch, gold macho watch, and sophisticated gold hoops complete her tigress appeal; now that's style!

Tuxedo Blazer - $170.00	Obi Leather Belt - $79.00
ADAM Feather Fringe Pencil Skirt - $295.00	Christian Louboutin Open Clic 120 pumps - $860.00
V-Neck Cami - $12.50	Chaps Metallic Medium Hoop Earrings - $14.00
Michael Kors Round Gold Bracelet Watch - $250.00	Marc By Marc Jacobs Women's Totally Turnlock Key Pouch - $68.00

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Source and Source

Buzz News Roundup, 1/21

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:30:01 -0800

American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will release his second album in March. - Billboard
Tobey Maguire's production company has acquired the rights to Marcus Sakey's crime novel Good People. - Variety
In Sundance deals news, Fox Searchlight has acquired the Hugh Dancy romance Adam, and the bromance Humpday will be distributed by Magnolia. - Reuters
Law and Order: Criminal Intent won't air till the Summer. - TV Guide
Brandon Routh, Chris Evans, and Brie Larson have joined the cast of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. - The Hollywood Reporter
Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl, Norah Jones, and Jack Johnson are among the acts confirmed for a Nick Drake tribute album. - Billboard
Bradley Whitford and Richard Jenkins have joined the cast of Joss Whedon's horror film The Cabin in the Woods. - Zap2it
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah is taking a break - but supposedly not breaking up. - Pitchfork

Source

2009 Sundance Spotlight: Adam, Humpday, I Love You Phillip Morris

BuzzSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:30:28 -0800

While I won't be heading to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival this year, I will be sorting through the humongous pile of festival entries to share with you some of the films I think look most promising. From quirky documentaries (like Chris Rock's) to talented young filmmaker debuts to a potential runaway hit, Sundance is filled with entertainment possibilities. Here are today's selections:

Adam
Boy, do I love me some Hugh Dancy and I've been waiting for this actor to land a juicy, leading role. Well, my prayers have been answered with Adam, in which he stars as a fellow who's a little bit different. The movie explores the idea that "truly reaching another person means bravely stretching into discomfiting territory - and the shake-up can be liberating." Dancy's co-stars include Damages's Rose Byrne, as well as Frankie Faison, Peter Gallagher, Amy Irving, and Mark Linn-Baker. I can't wait to see this one!

For two others, including that jail movie with Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, just read more.

Humpday
The director of this movie, Lynn Shelton, describes her feature-length film premiering at Sundance this year as "two dudes attempting to out-dude each other by attempting to do each other." This movie, which aims to "unearth the biggest ironies in the male ego," is rather timely as Brody Jenner and his crew currently show up once a week to unwittingly demonstrate those ironies in Bromance. Anyway. At its essence, this is the kind of project that independent film festivals are made for: It doesn't star anyone you've heard of and the director is someone who's dabbled in film and art for a while. It looks really quirky and funny - click here to check out a clip.

I Love You Phillip Morris
This movie stars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor as lovers and comes from two directors: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. It's a "tale of a spectacularly charismatic and resourceful con-man's journey from small-town cop to flamboyant white-collar criminal." I have high hopes for this offbeat flick from the same minds behind Bad Santa, and I think it's cool that Jim Carrey is stretching a bit as an actor. The movie's not in competition but will premiere at Sundance this year. Here's a clip:

Photos courtesy of Sundance

French connection "demi" racerback dress - $148.00	Yyigal Strapless Ruched Jersey Leather Inset Dress - $385.00
Black Ruched Banded-Hem Sleeveless Bubble Dress - $68.00	D&G Ruched Silk Tulle Dress - $995.00
Love Tease Banded Bottom Ruched Dress - $69.00	Carmen Marc Valvo Ruched One Shoulder Dress - $595.00
6 Degrees Ruched Lace Dress - $39.00	Soprano Dress, V-Neck Ruched - $39.00
Luxe Stretch Ruched Tank Dress - $49.50	ADAM Deep V Ruched Waist Dress - $385.00
Elizabeth And James - $345.00	Marley Strapless Ruched Mini Dress - $345.00