Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Did You Think I Left You?

No, I didn't leave you! I've been travelling like a maniac the last two weeks and I've decided to let RedKat take a little breather. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled posts next week, but until then, enjoy this little tidbit...love your outfit! ~Monika



Monday, March 15, 2010

Tip: Quick Repairs At Work

Who hasn't had a fashion emergency at work? I certainly have. Over the years I've discovered that the office supply closet can be a lifesaver when you're in a pinch and need to make quick repairs. Here are some tips that you may or may not have tried yourself.

Ripped Hem - Staple it! On more than one occasion I've managed to rip a hem loose with the heel of my shoe. Staple it right back into place. If you're lucky enough to be wearing black pants, use a Sharpie to color the silver of the staple and it'll blend in fairly well.

Scuffed Shoes - Leather pointy-toed shoes are the bane of my existence! While cute and fashionable, they always seem to get scuffed on concrete steps, curbs and even the underside of cabinets in the office. Grab your trusty Sharpie and blacken the scuff into relative invisibility. Granted, this works primarily on black shoes, but can also work on red with a red Sharpie.

Ink Stain - Drop a pen in your lap? Use hairspray and blot the ink away. If you don't have any hairspray, check the office First Aid kit and use the rubbing alcohol.

To stave off further emergencies, it's helpful to keep the following at your desk...just in case of emergency:

- Clear Nail Polish (for runs)
- Safety Pins
- A Sewing Kit (from a hotel, or buy a travel kit from your local drug store)
- Double-sided Tape (a lifesaver if your shirt is just a little too revealing)
- Stain Stick
- Lint Roller

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Tip: Stinky Synthetic Leather

I got a very interesting question from a reader who writes, 

Q: "How can I get rid of the stinky smell of my new synthetic leather boots? I didn't want to pay for the real thing, so I went with cheap ones. Problem is, they smell like gasoline and I am embarrassed to wear them!"

A: Having encountered this once before myself, I'm happy to share what I did to help eliminate the gasoline smell. First, I put the shoes outside. I bet you can't stand the smell of them in a closed room, so outside is a good start. Second, I tried wrapping them in newspaper. Synthetic leather, like real leather, can be slightly porous, so wrapping the boots in newspaper will absorb the smell. This wasn't the most effective thing I tried though. Find a big box or bag and empty an entire box of baking soda into the bottom, then place the boots inside. Seal it tight and let the boots sit in the bag overnight. Baking soda is wonderful for absorbing odors, and this should help.

Let me know if this works for you!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Trend: What I saw at the Oscars

Whether you loved or hated the actual show, there was no shortage of fashion on display at this year's Academy Awards. Winners of the night include Penelope Cruz and Queen Latifah. Losers include Jennifer Lopez (yes, I hated the appendage dress) and Molly Ringwald. But the takeaway for you are the trends. Here's what I saw on the Red Carpet this year:



1. Pale Colors - dresses in pinks and nude tones (Sandra Bullock, Cameron Diaz)
2. Ruffles - bottom heavy or top to bottom (Zoe Saldana, Vera Farmiga)
3. Single Shoulder - right or left (Sigourney Weaver)
4. Watercolor Patterns - swirls of color and flowers (Rachael McAdams, Maggie Gyllenhall)
5. Statuesque Dresses - tall column dress, gorgeous silouhette (Kate Winslet)

And finally - my favorite: Penelope Cruz in Donna Karen.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Find: Oscar Fashion 2000

At the turn of the century, it seemed like metallics ruled the Red Carpet at the 2000 Academy Awards. No one pulled this look off more beautifully than Hillary Swank in a strapless bronze gown by Randolph Duke. She accented her look with a stunning 17th century Asprey & Garrard diamond necklace. Don't you love the delicate points on the necklace....so stunning. With a cute understated pixie cut and her million dollar smile, Hillary Swank put together a look completely worth of being an Oscar Winner. 


Looking to surround yourself with people in Oscar-worthy fashions? Head to People Working Cooperatively Oscar Night in America VIP After-Party, on Sunday March 7th. The theme this year is "It Came From Hollywood" where everything will be glittery and gold. All proceed from the event benefit PWC's outreach programs including Modifications for Mobility, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications. Your $20 at the door gets you fun events, Oscar viewing, foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Find: First Academy Awards 1927-28

Imagine what it was like in 1929, attending the very first Academy Awards for 1927-28. The private black tie event was a far cry from the big glitzy affair of current times. Guests enjoyed a sumptious dinner, which proved to be the highlight of the night since the actual ceremony only lasted 15 minutes! Winners were announced three months prior to the award ceremony, so no one had to worry about impromptu speeches and over the top thank you's. In fact, because of the lack of surprise, the first Academy Awards had no accompanying tv or radio broadcast. The second Academy Awards included a radio broadcast, but a television broadcast didn't happen until 1953.

The very first Best Actress Oscar went to Janet Gaynor, who won for starring roles in Seventh Heaven, Street Angel and Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans. Imagine what she wore to the Academy Awards...

 
Janet Gaynor with Frank Borzage and her Best Actress Oscar 
image courtesy of mptvimages.com

If old Hollywood is your thing, check out the People Working Cooperatively Oscar Night in America VIP After-Party, on Sunday March 7th. The theme this year is "It Came From Hollywood" which is an hommage to all things...well, old, glamorous and Hollywood. All proceed from the event benefit PWC's outreach programs including Modifications for Mobility, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications. Your $20 at the door gets you fun events, food and specialty drinks.


Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Find: Oscar Fashion 2004

The Red Carpet in 2004 featured a decidedly vintage old Hollywood style. Smokey eyes, soft wavy hair and bronzed skin (hopefully faux) led the way to a gorgeous classic feminine appeal. Of all the looks from '04, the one that struck me as the most elegant, the most refined and so timeless was Charlize Theron in Gucci.

If old Hollywood style is your style, strut your look at the People Working Cooperatively Oscar Night in America VIP After-Party, on Sunday March 7th. The theme this year is "It Came From Hollywood" which is an hommage to all things...well, Hollywood. All proceed from the event benefit PWC's outreach programs including Modifications for Mobility, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications. Your $20 at the door gets you fun events, Oscar viewing, foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Find: Oscar Fashion 2009

I love Amy Adams in this crimson Caroline Herrera. As a redhead, I know how hard it is to find a red dress in just the right shade to compliment your hair, so I love the way Amy works this entire look. With black piping on the bustier, the dress is both simple and stunning at the same time. I love that she plays on the simplicity with the huge beaded Fred Leighton necklace.
Feel like flaunting your Oscar finest (or not so fine?) Join People Working Cooperatively on Sunday March 7th, for the official (and only) Oscar Night® In America VIP After-Party. Head to the Carew Tower Arcade at 8pm, pay $20 at the door and get casino games, pinball, a beauty shop, popcorn bar and dancing with DJ DQ plus delicious foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

Monday, March 1, 2010

FIND: Oscar Week @ Redkatblonde.com

Mark your social datebooks it's Oscar Week, and on Sunday March 7th, Cincinnati plays host to the official (and only) Oscar Night® In America VIP After-Party party to benefit People Working Cooperatively. Hosted this year in the Carew Tower Arcade, the theme is "It Came From Hollywood" and will feature casino games, pinball, beauty shop, popcorn bar and dancing with DJ DQ. Plus you can keep an eye on the Academy's proceedings in a VIP Oscar viewing room. Your $20 at the door gets you all of this, plus delicious foods catered by the Hilton, along with specialty drinks.

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In honor of Oscar Week, I'm highlighting my favorite fashions from the red carpet. Each day I'll post a new photo of an Oscar ensemble, and open it up to you for your comments. Did I pick your fave? Do you hate my choice? Share it in the comments.

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MORE INFO ON EVENT:
Busy on Sunday night? If you can't attend the party you can still be a part of the event’s live and online auctions. The auction includes tech gadgets, gift certificates to popular Cincinnati restaurants, weekend getaways, massage and salon packages and more! Runs through March 5th.

MORE ON PEOPLE WORKING COOPERATIVELY: 
Oscar Night in America is PWC’s major fundraising event.  Proceeds from the event benefit the organization’s Modifications for Mobility program, which assists with critical home modification projects that are typically too expensive for its low-income, disabled clients, including handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom and kitchen modifications.
 
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