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Spoiled Splendid
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2023 Met Gala Critique
It’s often said that the Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night and I couldn’t agree more. This year was a tribute to the controversial designer Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. Lagerfeld passed away in 2019 and held the helm of the Houses of Chanel, Chloé, Balmain, and Fendi as well as his eponymous brand. Love him or hate him, no single man of our generation has had more influence on fashion. The night was to honour his legacy - and while some attendees nailed it, others missed the mark. And when the stakes are as high as the Met Gala, simply wearing a vintage dress does not cut it.
THE BEST
Emily Ratajkowski stunned in this geometric Tory Burch gown. The pattern of this dress is meant to mimic the stitching on a classic Chanel bag. The plunging blush tulle dress was a refreshing change from the sea of black and white dresses. The hair and makeup gave me Audrey Hepburn vibes. One of the top picks of the night.
Janelle Monae was born for this event - Lagerfeld, like Monae, wore signature black and white. This year Janelle gave us a Lady Gaga-esque performance as her stylists unwrapped her on the carpet. From her Thom Brown oversized hommage to a Chanel coat to her futuristic embellished crinoline petticoat, Janelle was ready for the cameras. Overrall, this look stood out from the rest but I have 2 minor criticisms: the boots are a miss and the jacket should have been pinned to the petticoat so it had lined up (the first picture shows it was uneven). But beyond that, I love the Thom Brown ties in the hair, her hair and makeup are stunning, and she has yet again proven to be a fashion dream.
Doja Cat was the cat’s pajamas in Oscar de la Renta. Lagerfeld had one love in his later life - his cat Choupette. And who better to pay tribute to a cat than…Doja Cat! The gown fits her perfectly and took over 5000 hours to create. The dress is embellished with 350,000 glass beads and weighs over 30 pounds. To complete the look, her makeup artist used prosthetics to give her a feline look. Meow!
Bad Bunny was perfectly on theme in Jacquemus. His all white tweed tuxedo featured a very daring backless jacket/shirt. To complete the look, he added a 26 foot long white floral scarf to pay homage to the signature Chanel camellia flower. Bad Bunny embraces fashion and I was thrilled to see a newcomer to the carpet take such a risk, and it paid off. This is what I would have worn if I was in attendance. (Sorry I couldn’t find a shot of the back)
Jared Leto as Choupette made me smile. I didn’t love his embellished black caped Gucci outfit that was underneath. But watching him walk the steps in this incredible furry costume made my night. The guy has guts to walk up the 24 steps in that outfit. Well done - I’m sure you would have given Karl a giggle. Next time stay in the costume for the rest of the night please.
Naomi Campbell looked radiant in a 2010 Chanel couture gown. The details on this dress are so tasteful and elegant - just like Naomi’s hair and makeup. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look better. And with the carpet underneath her, the dress pops even more. Perfection.
Nicole Kidman didn’t wow me in this dress BUT….when I heard the story, I got it. Nicole has been the face of Chanel for years - but this is the dress she wore in the Chanel No. 5 commercial n 2004. The light pink silk gown is completed with over 250 ostrich feathers and over 3000 sequins. However, I just need her to run her hand through her hair please…I get the casual hair, but this is bordering on messy.
Cardi B looked like a Chanel Barbie in this look that would have made even Karl smile. This creation was created by Chenpeng Studios and there are just so many things to love. The nod to Karl’s love of tailoring, the quilting on the skirt reminiscent of the quilted Chanel bag, and the black leather Camellia flowers. This is a very put-together and intelligent look for the evening. Someone did their homework and ended up Best in Class!
Cara Delevingne was one of Lagerfeld’s muses and closest friends. So it’s not surprising that she nailed the look tonight. While Lagerfeld is mostly known for his women’s wear, he was also known for his own sense of style. His crisp white shirt with oversized collar was made specifically for him (and his tailor still today refuses to recreate it for anyone!). Cara takes the iconic dress shirt and turns it into a sexy mini-shirt dress with black leggings and fingerless gloves. She even colored her hair to Karl’s silver color. The oversized sleeves also gave a cape-like effect to add to the drama. So fierce!
Lizzo won the night in custom Chanel. She took a classic Chanel look and pushed the envelope…then pushed it a lil further. I love all the lil the details including the pearl Chanel boots and stacked bracelets. While this might be a bit literal for the event, the girl looks stunning. Love. Love. Love.
Jessica Chastain made my jaw drop in the velvet and tulle Gucci gown. She floated up the stairs with her new platinum hair and black sunglasses (both a nod to Lagerfeld). The attitude. The silhouette. The sexiness. Karl would have been proud.
THE WORST
Kylie Jenner clearly went to the wrong event. She is a beautiful girl but this dress didn’t belong at this event. This red Jean-Paul Gauthier gown is lovely but I do not see the Karl Lagerfeld connection. Fail.
I adore Dua Lipa but this Chanel dress was boring - especially for a co-chair. Claudia Schiffer originally wore this dress…but it’s too matronly for Dua Lipa. And even the 200+ carats of Tiffany diamonds can’t save this look. Sorry.
Kim Kardashian’s Schiaparelli dress is lovely - but not on Kim and not for this event. First - the positives: the dress is incredible. It took over 1000 hours to make and utilized over 50,000 freshwater pearls. Kim’s hair and makeup look beautiful. Now the rest of it. It’s a nude illusion dress - so why is the nude fabric so far from Kim’s skin tone. A dress of this calibre would have taken this into account - which makes me think that this dress wasn’t actually meant for her. Secondly, the pearls are covering all the essential parts….though a few more strands would have been more tasteful. However, with so much going on with the dress, why add a crazy heavy diamond choker. And when I saw the scarf/wrap/etc around her, I could only assume she had it for the same reason she had the fur coat last year - because the dress didn’t do up in the back. Lastly - while Lagerfeld did use a lot of pearls in his designs, this was too much of a stretch. It was close, but no cigar.
Jeremy Pope - you need to surround yourself with people who are more educated in fashion. This was too…basic. Time to hire a new stylist. Btw - did Anna Wintour really approve this bad Rihanna knock-off?
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2023 Academy Awards Fashion Critique
This year did not disappoint on the fashion front. Let’s dive right in and discuss some of the biggest looks of the evening!
THE BEST
Lady Gaga vamps it up on the champagne carpet in this Atelier Versace gown. While most actresses went for a light and breezy look, Gaga stood out with this dark and dramatic look. The gown fits perfectly and channels Demi Moore in Mugler in “Indecent Proposal.” The red lip and dark eyes perfectly complete the look. Jewels by Tiffany & Co.
Nicole Kidman almost always gets it right - and tonight is no different. This custom Armani Prive gown turned all the heads. The floral details are stunning and not overbearing. I love the loose locks and the light make-up. Perfection.
Janelle Monae departs from her typical black and white look and it pays off! This black and orange Vera Wang outfit was a knock-out on the carpet. Orange is the least worn color on the carpet - and it just pulled that much more attention. The styling with the choker is perfection. And her make-up, as always, is flawless!
Cara Delevingne brings all the glam to the carpet. This custom Elie Saab gives Cara her very own Angelina Jolie leg moment showcasing her Weitzman heels. The gown is dramatic and the Bulgari jewels are dripping. The sleek hair and makeup perfectly complete the ensemble. Bravo.
Harry Shum Jr. looked like a leading man in this tux variation that paid homage to his roots. This single lapel jacket by Adeam is modern and clean. Adeam exclusively designs womenswear so this was a first for the fashion house. I also appreciate how they chose to use navy instead of black. The outfit is completed with a satin obi belt and patent Louboutins.
Fan BingBing won the champagne carpet in this Tony Ward extravaganza! The halter-top and her hair and makeup are a nod to Old Hollywood glamour. The dramatic emerald sleeves and overskirt make Fan look like a giant bow. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.
Jamie Lee Curtis often skips the red-carpet, but not tonight. She rocks this rhinestone-encrusted corseted Dolce & Gabbana dress. The fit is perfection. Her hair and make-up are radiant. It’s almost like the changed the carpet from red to champagne just to compliment her dress. Fab.
Ana de Armas sparkles in this silvery Louis Vuitton gown. The petals on the bottom of the dress were all constructed using a 3D printer and the dress took over 1000 hours to construct. Her relaxed hair and fresh makeup work perfectly with this look. While my only complaint is that it might look too bridal, it’s a stunning look for entertainment’s biggest night.
THE WORST
Allison Williams isn’t wearing the dress, the dress is wearing her. This Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown is just too much. The thing I hate the most is the feather trim at the bottom, but paired with the jacket, and then the paisley print nude gown, it’s not working. Especially since she knows how to rock a carpet lock. However, I love this look from the neck up!
Halle Berry fizzles instead of sizzles in this Tamara Ralph gown. The white halter gown is encrusted with rose gold roses. But unlike Nicole Kidman’s Armani Prive floral details, these flowers look cheap. The slit is bordering on tasteless. The hair could have been swept back to reveal her beautiful face. In this case, bad clothes happen to good people!
I adore Cate Blanchett but this Louis Vuitton dress is not worthy of her greatness. Blanchett is usually always on the best dressed list, however this quirky 80s inspired dress does nothing for her. And considering she is a nominee tonight, extra care should have been given to her look. This was her time to shine, not fumble. In the words of Countess Luann: “Even Louis Vuitton makes mistakes!”
Michelle Williams looked like she was ready to walk down the aisle of her second wedding. This Chanel cape dress did little for her - and while it might have popped on a red carpet, she just blended into a sea of other white dresses on the champagne carpet. The cape is studded with crystals and pearls but it looks too matronly for the lovely Michelle. Hair and make-up look stunning though.
Florence Pugh gets low marks for this Valentino Couture look. I actually think that this is what Rihanna should have worn to the event - as it would have been a perfect maternity look. The color washes Florence out, the ruffles consume her. The shorts might have been a cute idea, but it throws off her proportions, as does her big clunky black heels. This could have been a hit on a taller actress or if it was styled differently. Again - from the neck up, she is stunning. Jewelry by Tiffany and Co.
Hong Chau almost got it right in this pink Prada dress with a Mandarin collar - but I can’t get past the tail. Had the train of the dress been the same color, or really any other color, it might not look like a horse tail. The funny thing is that a horse’s tail is actually comprised of long hairs called the skirt. Ironic yes, fashionable no.
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Four Seasons Chicago
FOUR SEASONS CHICAGO
120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
1 312-280-8800
https://www.fourseasons.com/chicago/
My Rating: 78%
Price Rating: $$$$$
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Summary of Stay: I hadn’t been to Chicago before and so I booked a week to explore this incredible city. While I fell in love with Chicago, the Four Seasons didn’t leave the biggest impression. Considering it was a 5-star Four Seasons, I expected more. The junior suite had outdated furniture and a very outdated bathroom. When I stay at a property of this calibre, I expect it to differentiate itself. I want an experience. I want something beyond a regular “business” hotel. This hotel ended up being a comfortable yawn.
Highlight of the Room: The views and windows. I am thankful I upgraded to a junior suite - the views of the city from both the bedroom and living room were quite spectacular from the 40th floor. I loved waking up to views of the lake in the morning and coming back in the evening to see the skyline all lit up. In the living room, there was a built-in bench along the window. One rainy afternoon, I had my coffee on the bench and read my book while the city and rain painted the most lovely backdrop. While I suspect other hotels have nicer views along the river, I was very pleased with mine.
Highlight of the Hotel: Staff. Everyone that works at the hotel has clearly completed a high standard of training. They certainly put the guests first and I was surprised that a large number of the staff addressed me by name within the first couple days. The staff (with the exception of the host) were very lovely and gave me great suggestions of things to see in the city. The room service attendants took their time to set everything up with thought and consideration. Housekeeping did a thorough job refreshing the room twice a day.
Highlight of the Stay: When I think back at my stay, the highlights were mainly suggestions that came from the concierge team. They were very kind and took the time to get to know me and what I would enjoy the most. From there, they began to build an itinerary for my stay. They secured me last-minute reservations at restaurants that were near impossible to get. They got me tickets to a sold-out theatre performance. They also facilitated concert tickets with meet & greet with the artist. Beyond this, they helped guide me to the best shopping, photo locations, and cocktail bars. For all the work they did for me, I tipped them generously. But without their help, my holiday wouldn’t have been the same.
Drawbacks: There were several places for improvement for the hotel:
The bath towels were so abrasive that it made my skin bleed. I had to request new (softer) towels - and there was no difference. I resorted to actually buying my own towel for the rest of the stay. Imagine getting out of the shower and drying off with sandpaper.
Bathrobes - I’m a beefy guy but I’ve never had an issue with bathrobes not fitting - not even in Asia. So when the robe didn’t fit, and I requested a larger size (and they replaced it with same size), I was annoyed. We’re in the mid-west and I wear a size 36 pant. There is no reason for robes this small.
The pool is beautiful BUT I almost didn’t want to go down to it. The water was FREEZING. The hot tub was “boarded” up - not sure if it was broken or a pandemic precaution, but it looked ratchet. Also, the pool is also equipped to be hand-accessible, but the equipment was regularly in the way and a bit distracting from the beauty of the pool. It would be nice if it could have been tucked away when not in use as I’ve seen in other pools.
We had to get matinenance in to try and regulate the shower water temperature. But even after they adjusted it, it was either scalding or freezing. So I had very quick showers which was frustrating.
The hotel lacks personality. Everything is “fine” but very forgettable.
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Hydration is crucial! @hawthorndiningroom @fairmontpalliser #spoiledsplendid #afternoontea #newyear #celebrate (at Hawthorn Dining Room) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm2jd_sP6Nf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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I’ve officially been given a rapper name. I’d like to introduce myself to you as “Lil Sips” - best gift ever. #spoiledsplendid #insidejoke #christmas #coffeemug #lilsips (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmfb5ihPNSs/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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It’s beginning to look a lot like… #spoiledsplendid #christmas #christmastree #christmasdecor #winterdecor #homedecor (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmKRmXJPMnZ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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These are tough decisions friends… @baciperugina @dolcegabbana #spoiledsplendid #christmas #chocolate #luxury #luckyguy (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmH0FN1PLik/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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About last night @windermeregcc #spoiledsplendid #merriment #party #champagne #weekend (at Windermere Golf and Country Club) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmCTbjnpGcA/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Me and my bestie @genesimmons #spoiledsplendid #yeg #kiss (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl9qGNiv6V9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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My wrist game is strong today @moetchandon @cartier @tateossianlondon #spoiledsplendid #champagne #jewelry #cartier #tateossian #luxury (at Hotel Mousai) https://www.instagram.com/p/Clt-af2v8n5/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Chilling on my balcony #spoiledsplendid #pool #vacation #travel #mexico (at Hotel Mousai) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClmdsZHPLMu/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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You need to watch this! @shesaidfilm @carey.mulligan @zoe.kazan @gwynethpaltrow @rosemcgowan #spoiledsplendid #movie #hollywood #metoo #shesaid #oscars (at Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre WEM) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClPkrU7v3ND/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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The wrapping endeavours have begun! #spoiledsplendid #gift #giftwrapping #wrapping #holiday #christmas (at Edmonton, Alberta) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClNCCQRvV4j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Take me back! @fairmontbanff @shopbrooksmarks #spoiledsplendid #selfie #nofilter #mountains #winter #snow (at Fairmont Banff Springs) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClMnYP-y9qL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Out and about! @bactouring #jesuschristsuperstar #theatre #alw #broadway #musical #yeg (at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck7KgKeL236/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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@mattdusk was on fire last night @festivalplacesp - welcome back to Edmonton! #spoiledsplendid #mattdusk #music #concert #sinatra #jazz (at Festival Place) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck6lAlgS6if/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Who wants to the come to the spa with me? @fairmontbanff @willowstreamspa #spoiledsplendid #spa #weekend #relax #pool #swim #travel (at Fairmont Banff Springs) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck4ZMCuPPBC/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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