LOOKS OF "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

After reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo about a month ago, I've been SO excited to see the David Fincher version of the movie. Yesterday I went to see it and was not disappointed. I might even have to see it again in the theaters because there's so much to take in. What was most amazing was the transformation of actress Rooney Mara in her role as Lisbeth Salander. She truly became the character and I forgot I was watching an actress.

To achieve the look of Salander, renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath used numerous makeup techniques, coming up with as many as 200 different versions of a smoky eye. CoverGirl Liquiline Blast in Black Fire and Brown Blaze were highlighted with CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast in Brown Bling. McGrath then smudged in Dolce & Gabbana The Eyeshadow Quad in Volcano and CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Eyeshadow in Forever Fig. 

While promoting the film, Mara's red carpet looks haven't been too shabby either. 

From left to right; Givenchy Haute Couture dress, Roksanda pantsuit, Prabal Gurung dress and Christian Louboutin heels, Carven coat and Brian Atwood pumps, Rodarte for Opening Ceremony dress and Christian Louboutin Mary Jane wedges

I love the chic and classic look of Mara's face on the red carpet. She reminds me of Jennifer Connelly here.

Makeup used for Mara's flawless red-carpet face by her makeup artist, Kate Lee. 

Chanel Hydramax Serum, $82

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Flawless Fluid Makeup, $55

Kevyn Aucion The Creamy Glow in Tresbelle, $24

Chanel Brown Pencil in Noir Cendre, $29

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara, $30

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in La Somptueuse, $32

MONDAY MAKEUP TRICK

Mascara can really make your eyes stand out, but no-one wants clumping. I recently learned this trick and instantly noticed a difference. Take the mascara wand and as you brush your lashes from root to tip, wiggle the wand back and forth horizontally. You will have perfectly separated lashes.

I swear by Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara for everyday wear and Revitalash to grow your lashes at nighttime.

BUSY BAKER

For me, baking is somehow therapeutic. That's a good thing because I have a lot of cupcake and cookie making to do in preparation for the New Years Eve party I'm hosting. The guest list seems to keep growing and growing. On the topic of baking, here are the baking gadgets and decorating items I've got my eye on.

1. Sanding Sugar $5.50- $7.95 (can't wait to decorate chocolate dipped pretzels with this stuff)
2. Pink Petal Baking Cups $3.99 for 24 (just bought these for pretty cupcakes)
3. Chicago Metallic Cupcake Surprise Pan $19.95 (perfect for making stuffed cupcakes)
4. Red Silicone Nonstick Rolling Pin 12" $40 (this would make rolling dough much easier)
5. Air Bake Ultra Insulated 9x13 Covered Cake Pan $12.99 (practical pan at a great price point)
6. Cuisinart 4-cup Mini Food Processor $49.99 (I already own this, but I couldn't bake w/o it)
7. Baker's Edge Nonstick Edge Brownie Pan $34.95 (perfect edges on every brownie)

WRAP IT UP

Such a smart video. Watch this woman show 25 different ways to wear a scarf in under 5 minutes. I'm going to try out "the bunny ear."

A few of my favorite scarves below.

1. Alexander McQueen Red Flower Skull Silk Scarf (Swoon. Love this one.) $575
2. Madewell Swirl Paisley Scarf (This scarf is so versatile.) $52
3. Paula Bianco Wrap Scarf (I have this scarf in black and love it. Plus, it's very warm.) $83

WHITE PARTY

This post is inspired by tonight's ridiculous yet amazing train-wreck episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Can we discuss Kyle's white party? So damn good! After seeing all that white, I wanted to choose my favorite white items I've spotted on the web. Winter white looks so refreshing against all the gray and black we tend to wear during the cold months.

1. Rag & Bone Nightingale shirt
2. Lulu Frost Navette Swarovski crystal earrings
3. Thakoon embroidered silk-gauze blouse
4. Devastee Ulysee blouse shirt
5. Stine Goya Show jacket
6. Reed Krakoff leather shoulder bag
7. Adia Kibur cuff
8. Gryphon Essaouria tee
9. Elizabeth & James Paloma dress
10. Tibi leather-trimmed satin-twill tuxedo jacket
11. Alexander McQueen Britannia leather box clutch

EASING INTO ETSY

Are you slightly intimidated by Etsy? Fear not, Etsy is a fabulous alternative to shopping in stores.
Plus, you'll find that many items are one-of-a-kind or handmade, making for some really special gifts.
I just wrote an article on how to navigate Etsy. Check it out here.

Below you'll find a few of my favorite Etsy items and sellers.

I've featured these pillows before, but I just adore them. They'd instantly add some personality to a room. 

Etsy seller: Alexandra Ferguson

I love these fun Palm Beachy vintage necklaces. They would add some color and interest to any outfit. Etsy seller: Noble House Designs

My favorite place to score amazing vintage finds from jewelry to clothing. 

Etsy seller: NOV Vintage

These distressed frames add just the right bit of rustic style. 

Etsy seller: Delta Girl Distressed Frames

GRAB THEIR ATTENTION

These mittens seriously make me want to hail a taxi! Are these not the cutest things? They would make a great holiday gift for your bff or sis.

MAKE... BLACK AND WHITE COOKIES

My husband's favorite sugary treat is a black and white cookie. If I spot these cookies at a deli or gourmet food store, I have to grab one for him to try. Last night we finally tried making them ourselves. The results were really good, so good that they may just rival the ones at Sage's Deli in Fort Lauderdale. The recipe is definitely a process, but if you follow the directions exactly, you'll end up with delicious black and whites.

2011 HOIDAY GIFT GUIDE (ALL UNDER $100)

It's hard to believe that the holidays are almost here. It seems like 2011 has flown! Below you'll find some of my favorite gift picks, from the clever IPad "book" case to the kitschy alarm clock. 

Fa la la la la...

1. Dodo Case (a genius iPad case disguised as a hardcover book) $59.95 

2. Round Horn Bowls (delicate and beautiful) $14 

3. Pyrite Heart (an eye-catching paperweight) $52

4. Bobbi Brown Party Shimmer Brick (the perfect amount of shimmer for evening) $40

5. Wildfox Couture Free Spirit Oversize Raglan (soft, vintage-inspired tees) $77 

6. Theodora & Callum Scarf (chic, practical, and lots of colors to choose from) $88

7. Voluspa Candle (My favorite candles ever! The scents are divine) $19.99

8. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment (a moisturizing lip balm with a crisp scent) $22.50

9. Book, The Sweet Life in Paris (I adore David Lebovitz's books and website) $10.99

10. MP3 Alarm Clock Docking Station and Speakers (a two in one) $59.95

11. Luxury Plush Foot Duvets (The dreamiest, coziest slippers. Thanks Lindsay for turning me on to these!) $24

WEB FIND

Are you as hooked on reality TV as I am? I can't help tuning in to watch The Bachelor, any Real Housewives episode, or So You Think You Can Dance. As a twist on sports fantasy leagues, this website lets you get in on a bit of friendly competition from the comfort of your couch. Simply choose your reality show. Then create your own league with friends or let the website pair you with strangers in a public league. It really makes watching TV a lot more interesting! Check out Fantasy 4 Reality here.