Ashes to Ashes, Bust about to Bust: Oscar Fashion.

It’s official.

I love watching the Oscars Red Carpet more than the actual broadcast.

This year I chose to watch the E! Network coverage from the comfort of my beachside East Coast couch complete with pink champagne and for some reason, hummus. Hey, that’s just what I felt like eating. Don’t judge.

Before I was treated to the spectacular parade of gowns I was forced to endure what seemed to be an unusually long and detailed camera shot of P. Diddy being meticulously lint rolled by his valet. Did I really need to see that? No. No, I did not.

I don’t waste time talking about who was badly dressed, so let’s just skip right ahead to the good stuff. As usual, there were too many beautiful creations to list, and I don’t necessarily agree with what the experts say were the best gowns. I like different, unique, unpredictable. Most importantly, I like to pick the gowns that really seem to suit the person wearing them, fit well and are gorgeous.

Missi Pyle in Valentina Delfino

“The Artist” star Missi Pyle made her delicious green literally and figuratively eco-friendly fashion mark in the official Red Carpet Green contest-winning dress. It was designed by Valentina Delfino, and was made of recycled polyester and silk from cruelty-free silkworms. She’s 5’11” barefoot, but this dress suits her so well you would never really know it from viewing pictures.(Jason Merritt, Getty Images)

Judy Greer

Judy Greer’s insanely gorgeous liquid metal Monique Lhuillier gown also suited her perfectly. What redhead wouldn’t look super sexy in this slinky curvy silhouette, complete with art deco diamonds and a metallic clutch. I’m just a sucker for Art Deco and that less is more look. (Harper’s Bazaar, Brasil)

Oh. About the “bust about to bust”. Can someone please explain to me why a mega-star like Jennifer Lopez was unable to find a dress that wasn’t a nip-slip waiting to happen. Some are saying it did. For heaven’s sake, USE THE TAPE. Dress tape. Use more of it, use it correctly, or hey… here’s an idea, just get a dress that fits. I throw up my hands on this one.

Stacy Kiebler in Marchesa

Last but not least, George Clooney’s main squeeze, Stacy Keibler looked absolutely spectacular in a shimmery, flatteringly form-fitting, draped, off-the-shoulder Marchesa gown. Standing ovation, Miss Kiebler! That was my favorite gown of the night. (Steve Granitz, WireImage / Getty Images)

Shall I digress and talk about Sacha Baron Cohen’s ash throwing shenanigans? I think my tweet sums it up just fine. Ryan Seacrest certainly held his composure. I would have thrown that urn and Mr. Cohen into the closest third world country I could find.

It’s okay, Ryan Seacrest. Diddy’s lint wrangler specializes in ashes. #eredcarpet #oscars

— Sueanne Shirzay(@SueanneShirzay) February 27, 2012

Who was your favorite? What did you think of the drama that unfolded before the show?

How to Take Great Photos in a Swimsuit

By Madeline Barbour

Since I have covered what to look for in a swimsuit  previously, I thought it might be fun to have fabulous Photographer Madeline Barbour , an experienced photographer and founder of How To Become a Photographer, give you some inside tips of getting a great photo of you in your suit. -SS

Photo by Creative Commons

We’ve all been there – sitting on a beach in a cover-up or a t-shirt so that no one could see what we look like in a bathing suit. But whoever though that a baggy t-shirt or beach towel made great attire for a photo on the beach? No matter what your shape or size, you CAN take great photos of yourself in a bathing suit. All it takes is a few subtle techniques to show of your best features.

1. Choose a Flattering Bathing Suit – This may seem like a no-brainer, but many women fall into the trap of picking bathing suits that aren’t right for their bodies. Just because you’re not wearing a bikini doesn’t mean that you don’t look sexy! One-piece and tankini suits in solid colors or subtle prints are much more flattering. Look for cute details that accent the features you like and cover up the ones you don’t. If you want to nip in your waist, look for a suit that has ruching around the middle. If you want to cover your thighs, you can get a cute retro-style suit with a low cut that hugs your hips.

2. 45 Degree Angle – This is an easy posing trick that will instantly make you look slimmer. Simply turn your body to a 45 degree angle while keeping your head forward. You might also try turning just your shoulders or your hips for a different look. This trick never fails!

3. Show Off Your Favorite Feature – If you want to get creative with posing, choose poses that shows off your favorite features. If you love your arms, you could put one or both on your hips or behind your head. If your legs are your favorite feature, you could extend them out in front of you and take a photo from the side. You can even play with your hair and let it blow in the beach breeze.

4. Act Natural – While posing can make a picture more fun and interesting, it can look a bit gimmicky if you do too much posing. Try to act natural and pose in ways that feel comfortable to you. Goofy or sensuous expressions can be great as well, as long as they go along with your personality. Don’t be afraid to have a friend or family member snap candid shots of you as well – as long as they have good intentions of making you look great. It’s likely that your beauty will shine through best when you’re being yourself.

5. Be Confident – This is by far the most important tip when it comes to taking great photos, no matter what you’re wearing. If you feel good about yourself and enjoy the moment, you’ll have great pictures.  Remember, you don’t have to be a supermodel to look sexy. Even Marilyn Monroe had curves, so feel proud and show them off!

I knew it was love when… Jewelry Contest

*It's love* necklace

Hello Luvahs!

I thought it would be fun fun fun for all to have a jewelry giveaway using my new and sparkly Pinterest boards as a backdrop. Pinterest is sort of a very cool virtual pinboard that you can share with the masses.

Here’s what I’m gonna do.

1. First click on this to follow my boards on Pinterest. To do that you click the big red follow button under my profile picture.

2. Then go to my Jewelry pinboard.

3. Leave your answer to ” I knew it was love when…” in the comment section of any piece of jewelry on the board. It can be romantic, funny, creative… and you can answer it as many times as you like on as many pieces you want. You can talk about love for a person, thing, idea.. be creative.

4. IMPORTANT Then re-pin the piece (s) to one of your OWN pin boards. That’s right, I am outing all of the romantic people. : )I will be able to see all of this LOVE LOVE LOVELY activity on my activity report thingy and I’m hoping everybody will have a great time doing it. Maybe even be inspired. Maybe even fall in love. LOL. Feel free to comment on other people’s comments. This could potentially be hilarious, just think about it…

THE WINNER WOOOO HOOOO! will get a Gift Certificate to use on anything in my store for $75. I’ll announce the winner Tuesday morning, on Valentine’s day, of course!!!

Please ask me any questions in the comment section here. Or you can tweet me at @sueanneshirzay on twitter. 

I look forward to reading your amazing thoughts on LOVE!