Welcome to Speaking of Style!

This year’s Oscars had plenty of glamour, glitz and high fashion with wow factor. We definitely got the Wow…!

But we want your opinion. So we selected what we thought were the most sensational dresses of the evening, and we’re asking you to take our Oscar Fashion Poll to vote for your favorite.

Will it be the daring floral-inspired dress of “Avatar’s” Zoë Saldana? She took a chance on her gown in an otherworldly garden of purple lilac and freesia-inspired blooms cascading from that fabulous, sparkling bodice…Forget 3-D glasses—we needed to put on our shades!

Best supporting actress nominee, Vera Farmiga, also went floral, with a wildly ruffled Marchesa gown of vibrant red “roses.”

Perhaps you prefer the classic, sparkling elegance of Best Actress winner, Sandra Bullock? She looked golden when she accepted her golden award.

Or the radiant blue waterfall of a dress worn by Best Supporting Actress winner Mo’Nique (the white lily in her hair was gorgeous touch). The Sapphire theme continues with Best Actress nominee, Gabourey Sidibe, so beautiful in bejeweled ocean blue.

It was truly inspiring, after 82 years of Academy Awards, to see Kathryn Bigelow succeed as the first woman director ever to win an Oscar.

We get our inspiration from all sorts of places—especially from you. And we want to hear your opinion….

Vote for your favorite!

Serena

Remember the joy of sitting down to “play” at drawing, painting and other arts & crafts? It’s something we get to do a lot when we’re children, but lessens as we get older and bogged down with our day-to-day stuff.

Creating art and enjoying the beauty it brings to our day is something we don’t ever want to forget, whether you take time to sit down with the kids (remember the fun of selecting that perfect color out of the crayon box?) or your dabbling goes a little deeper —like buying a set of watercolors and painting a nature scene or people out in the city park on a Saturday afternoon.

Taking time to explore your artistic side opens your eyes to the vivid colors and shapes that exist in your world. (Compose a Virtual Painting Right Now!)

Style and Art can collide in the most exciting way…like the brilliant floral scenery on our Hand-Painted Butterfly Bag.

Hand-Painted Butterfly Bag

Painterly prints and vibrant colors are so hot for spring…we were inspired by sultry tropical flowers and the sophisticated air of an art gallery opening…

Twist Top and "Art Gallery" Tiered Skirt

Art takes the imagination in so many directions!

Whether you paint it , wear it or just enjoy it, art is a beautiful way to express yourself and connect with other people.

Now I’m going to drop my computer keyboard for a pencil and paper—and see what I can create!

Serena

Diamond Peace Scarf

A fashion accessory that’s notorious for its ability to transform almost any wardrobe mishap with a wrap, tie and tug—the ever-elegant scarf is the power “Mom” of your wardrobe…

A scarf can:
• Smooth a panicked do.
• Cinch in a too-big top.
• Transform a blah outfit with a splash of color.
• Cover-up cold shoulders
• Disguise a less-than-smooth neckline
• Tie back curtains for a glam home décor option.
• Dry tears after a break-up
• Become a makeshift turniquet (ok, maybe only in the movies…)
• Secure arm sprains in a stylish sling

Zipper break? Scarf to the rescue! Tie one through your 2 front belt loops and knot together: then drape down and secure it across your pant front with safety pins—it will look like a fashionable tunic sash over your slacks.

Beach wear gets a beautiful boost from a sheer scarf tied sarong-style around the waist.

"Seabreeze" Scarf

And what looks better draped over shoulders at weddings than a whisper-sheer, ultra-stunning scarf?

Scarves have the effect of making anything you pair them with look just a little bit French—Tie one on your purse or swirl it around a chignon (the French word for bun, ma petite!) and you’ll have friends and admirers greeting you with “Bonjour!” before you stroll off for some baguettes.

Scarf Hobo

And let’s not forget that drag-racing scene in the movie Grease. Danny never would have gotten his car into gear if there hadn’t been a scarf on hand to start the race!

Have a creative scarf idea? Write and let us know your favorite way to “wind-it-up!”

Serena

The 2010 Winter Olympics have arrived! (Can’t you just hear the shwoosh! of skis through the snow?)

No matter what you’re watching—each event has a style all its own. From the fabulously sparkling figure skating outfits, to the bright ski jackets and snow-boarder gear, it’s an invigorating display of inner fire and attitude!

Vancouver holds a special place in my heart—my husband and I spent part of our honeymoon there. Check out the Olympic Media Headquarters at the stunning new convention center.

The white “sails” echo the beauty of the lively harbor area.

A stroll through Stanley Park in summer showcases a myriad of flowers and the famous rose garden. Lush hydrangeas line the walking paths in vibrant bursts of color.

Local artists sell their wares, and you can

get great views of Lion’s Gate Bridge and

the Vancouver skyline from the park.

The sun sets above English Bay at the beginning of Vancouver’s annual

International Fireworks Festival competition.

The inukshuk, the official emblem of the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games, stands atop the misty peaks of Whistler Blackcomb mountains. An ancient symbol of Inuit culture, it traditionally acted as a directional guide or landmark and represents a human with outstretched arms.

Its abstract form is reminiscent of the Olympians who take to the podium to receive their winning medals. A moment of glory to forever remember the hard work and spirit that got them there.

Be sure to catch a glimpse of the elegant athleticism and gorgeous Empire red skating costumes of China’s gold medal-winning pairs’ figure skating team, Shen/Zhao—and write to let us know what your favorite Olympic moments are.

Go World!

Serena

Between work, family, and all the little “episodes” that make up our days, finding time to feel and be romantic can slide pretty far down on the list…So when Valentine’s Day arrives in a whirl of hearts and flowers, it’s a wonderful way to pamper and honor the people who are loved in our lives and pay attention to what’s happening in the heart…

February is American Heart Month—a great time to get educated about heart disease and stroke. Find more info on the Go Red For Women campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association to keep you and your loved ones healthy and heart-happy!

I like to celebrate Valentine’s Day by “creating” a little something special for my husband. Last year I went to a candy-making class, secretly in the evening, while he was out playing music with the guys. We learned how to shape and fill chocolate truffles with all sorts of yummy flavors—even a lavender-infused ganache that was v. exotic.

This year I’m aiming for something that speaks right to his heart; a personalized iTunes playlist. Here’s what I’ve got so far:

♥ Heartbreaker, by The Rolling Stones (edgy)
♥ Underneath Your Clothes, by Shakira (sexy)
♥ The Way You Look Tonight, by Jerome Kern (lovey)
♥ The One I Love, by David Gray (dovey)
♥ Valentine, by Martina McBride (twangy)
♥ Casanova, by Levert (80’s)
♥ Lovers in Japan, by Coldplay (romantic adrenaline)
♥ My Funny Valentine, by Chet Baker (strangely seductive)
♥ I’ll Be Seeing You, by Billie Holiday (heartbreaking)
♥ Kiss, by Prince (earth-shaking!)

Have a fun Valentine’s tradition? Share the love!

Write and let us know how you’re going to celebrate the season of romance…As for romantic style, I think I’ll soften my look with some dewy makeup and wear a dress with a “floating-on-air” feel…

Berry Swirl, from our Spring Collection, is perfect!

XOXO!
Serena

I was thirteen when I got my first pair of specs. I remember them distinctly.
Round wire frames that were neon white (white!) and made me look like a mini John Lennon with puffed-out, pudgy cheeks.

Well, I still have the cheeks. But the glasses came off right after I got on the bus to go to school, and didn’t go back on until I was headed into the house at night. (Note to parents: ask the teacher if your child actually wears their glasses in class…)

Oh how times (and styles) have changed. Now, at the first sign of blurry vision, I sprint to the eye-doc’s office to swoon over the gorgeous eyeglass frames stacked up against the wall like shoes. Vintage cat-eye glasses, with rhinestone studs at the corners…bright fuchsia frames, with swirly metal flowers at the sides…sleek tortoise shell and croc-embossed styles that make a splash with sexy suits— and don’t even get me started on sunglasses!

MV's "Mozart" Readers

Just as it takes a while for someone to “come into” their style, it took me years to truly love glasses. They’ve become such a fun fashion accessory, people with perfect vision now wear them to change-up their look. MV is always expanding our selection of readers and we have sunglasses that would make a starlet faint with fashion delight. Check out ultra-affordable zennioptical.com if you need a “higher” power.

Craving a peek at some true vintage styles? Go to one of my favorite glam-girl websites for a gander at their incredible antique specs. I’m entranced by the regal “Thia Sapphire” and the dazzling “Fantasia.”

Gotta go—I’m late for my eye appointment!

Serena

I love luscious sweaters and tall boots as much as the next gal, but when the winter blues strike (and my threshold for spandex—not to mention exercise—has reached its perilous peak) it’s time to search for some new style adventure. One of the best places to find fashion inspiration is the theatre. You get to see a fabulous show, get out of the house, let loose and embrace your inner diva…

A recent trip to New York caught me and my husband, mom and dad in the great East Coast Blizzard of the Century. We saw our window—and went to three shows in three days. Check out this fun pic of the “birds” (below) from the fantastical Cirque de Soleil production Wintuk as they flit about Times Square-so fun!

Wintuck "birds" in Times Square

When we weren’t being hypnotized by the shopping windows on Fifth Avenue, we were swept away to the South Seas with the enchanting romance of South Pacific at Lincoln Center. Loved the fabulous 40’s party gown, fun halter bathing suits and sailor with a great sense of humor.

When Broadway’s not in my budget, I love to see the extraordinary local productions in my hometown, or day-trip to a nearby city for some opera or a symphony. Theatre is like a waking dream. For just a couple of hours, you are transported into the warmth and excitement of gorgeous sets, beautiful music and characters of a different world.

Speaking of NY shopping—I always try to stop for some funky style from the street vendors; this year’s find? A brilliant red scarf with crocheted roses (who says you can’t enjoy flowers in winter?)

While we’re all waiting for spring, take a “fun break” to watch the Wintuk Dog do laundry and try to hail a taxi in these cute clips from Cirque de Soleil.

And write to let us know how you cure your cabin fever—we’d love to hear from you!

As for winter blues…they’re for the birds.

Serena

I love watching the stars come out to shine their light on the red carpet—and this year’s Golden Globes was a vibrant, sparkling mix of fashion jewels, from Sandra Bullock’s deep amethyst gown, to Zoe Saldana’s garnet red ruffles,  Mo’Nique’s citrine dream and Ginnifer Goodwin’s short, sassy sapphire blue dress—color was everywhere, signaling spring and summer, just-around-the-corner!

Here’s our version of the sparkling, beaded Versace gown on best-dressed celeb Jennifer Garner.

Beaded Dress and Jacket in Cameo Peach

What’s the best time to star-gaze? Midnight, of course! Check out our romantic spring pastels, styles in luscious chocolate and so much more…

We can all enjoy a little star style at weddings and our own special “red carpet” occasions—for a price that’s much more down-to-earth!

Shine on!

Serena

The New Year is here—the perfect time to introduce you to Midnight Velvet’s new look and exciting new online community—Speaking of Style.

Right now, I’m thinking about my New Year’s Resolution List (scroll down to the next blog to view it!) and my always resolution; feel fabulous, find inspiration—and pass it on.

This reminds me of yoga class, and one of the reflections my instructor floats our way, while we are twirled up like licorice on our mats and trying not to fall out of our poses in a big huff (yes, it’s a bit like Twister for adults, let’s admit it!)

Her words come back to me when I think about change; “Forget who you were before you came into this room. Don’t think about work, what you’re going to be doing later this evening, or tomorrow. Take this moment for yourself and just be who you are in this moment.”

I hope you take time to appreciate yourself. And I hope you enjoy taking a moment to check out our new styles and exciting new web site design. It’s what we are bringing to the season in this moment—sign-in and let us know what you think! Talk to us anytime, about your style, the weather, what the kids are doing, the date you’re going to have on Saturday night—and if you’re going to wear something from MV’s new Spring Collection! We are so excited to hear from you.

And don’t forget to enter for a chance to treat yourself to a beauty and style makeover with beauty expert Maureen Burke  and our Feeling Fabulous Makeover Contest –the perfect way to start planning for a new year and a new you.

Happiest New Year

Serena
Midnight Style Writer

P.S. All of us can learn from some great tips…so be sure to check out our special beauty and style advice section—you may find a solution you’ve been looking for!

Instead of the usual New Year’s list-ees of get off my duff and quit pretending that chocolate is a vital element of the food pyramid, I decided to construct an actual, living and breathing list of all the things I’m going to accomplish this year. Here goes!

1.)  Put myself first (my health, my happiness-my sanity!) because everyone will benefit.

2. Give my home a White Glove cleaning before all visits from my mother-in-law or mother (to help reduce the occurrence of eye-brow raising and heart palpitations).

3. Go on weekly dates with my husband (to help increase the occurrence of eye-brow raising and heart-palpitations)

4. Bake a Chocolate Soufflé that does not look (or taste) like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Check out this amazing soufflé recipe!

5. Organize my shoes so they all learn to play nice together, in a stylish cabinet where my leather motorcycle boots will not beat-up my frilly satin sandals.

6. Take a vacation to a place I have been dreaming about.

7.  Enjoy myself at a wedding and not leave early. (Because we all average at least one a year, so you know it’s coming—Why not enjoy myself? Put on a pretty dress, dancing shoes and try not to eat too much, so that said dress does not split before I get a chance to). See new wedding-worthy fashions from MV!

8. Learn a secret recipe for food, success or life from the people who know best (Mom/Grandma/Aunt L./Oprah).

9. Volunteer to help students at the local school reading program. It’s local, it’s fun and it’s for kids!

10. Do something that scares me. Whether it’s swinging upside-down on a zip line, or letting go of an old vision of myself. A New Year is the time to take a chance.

Now that I’ve shared my ideas for a great New Year, it’s your turn! Write and let me know what’s on your list.

Wishing You the Very Best!

Serena