December, 2011

All kinds of craziness is going on in the last few days of 2011 for television watchers.  Here’s what you’ll have to look forward to next year!

Sadly, HBO just axed three (three!) of it’s series; “Bored to Death,” “Hung,” and “How To Make It In America” were all cancelled to make room for many more new shows.  I’m most excited about “Luck,” a look at the seedy side of horse racing starring Dustin Hoffman and Nick Nolte, debuting January 29.

NBC is offering up three new shows I’m interested in:

A new musical drama, “Smash,” starring former “American Idol” contestant Katharine McPhee and Debra Messing.  It may not be the next Glee, but I’m all for more show tunes on TV.  ”Smash” premieres February 6.

“Fashion Star,” a mix of “Project Runway” with “X-Factor”  pits fashion designing wannabes against each other with the aid of mentors including Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie (I’m sooo watching this one!)  ”Fashion Star” premieres March 13.

“Are You There, Chelsea?” starring Chelsea Handler and Laura Prepon from “That 70’s Show,”  is based on Handler’s book, “Are You There Vodka?  It’s Me, Chelsea,” and premieres January 11.

There’s just one more show I’m aching to see…”GCB.”  It’s going to air on ABC and it stands for “Good Christian Bitches,” based on the book.  It’s The Real Housewives of Dallas mixed with a little bit of Desperate Housewives; love.  It premieres March 4.

What shows are you looking forward to midseason?  Leave us a comment and let us know!

The first thing I can tell you about “Young Adult” is that you will laugh the whole time.  The second thing I can tell you is that you will feel bad for laughing.  Every. Single. Time.  Read on for why!

Charlize Theron nails her role as Mavis Gary, a delusional former prom queen type who writes a series of young adult novels.  It’s not so much that she has writing talent as she does a knack for eavesdropping on teenage conversations and writing them into the story.  Her days are usually spent recovering from last night’s drinking and ignoring her dog while watching reality TV shows in her pajamas in her Minneapolis apartment. When Mavis receives an email notice from her high school ex-boyfriend’s wife with a photo of their new baby, she decides to head back to her small Minnesota town of Mercury to get back her old boyfriend, Buddy Slade (wife and new baby be damned).

On Mavis’ first night back in Mercury, she runs into an old classmate she doesn’t remember, who clearly remembers her. Matt Freehauf, played by Patton Oswalt, becomes at once her only friend and the only person trying to stop her from ruining Buddy’s marriage.  The two form a dysfunctional friendship, where much of the film’s laughs come from.  Mavis doesn’t spare Matt from her biting tongue, frequently making fun of his handicap.  In fact, there’s no one Mavis doesn’t speak ill of, except, of course, Buddy Slade.

Her antics and actions are well masked behind her hair and makeup, but when she gets drunk at Buddy’s daughter’s “naming ceremony,” all hell breaks loose.  There’s no one to stop Mavis from trying to tell Buddy to leave his wife, played by Elizabeth Reaser.  Rejected and drunk, Mavis has a major meltdown, that almost leads to a moment of clarity and change.  Almost.

Charlize Theron is spot on as a delusional drunk with no filter on her mouth; and though you will laugh at her nasty comments, you then feel awful.  They’re horrible things to say to and about people, and it makes you sad to see someone who hasn’t grown up and is still her high school self.

This is a dark comedy, and it stays heavy.  Charlize’s acting makes the trip worthwhile, but don’t expect to leave the theater feeling light and fluffy.  Diablo Cody penned this one, and if you remember a little film called “Juno,”  you might remember she’s a serious subject kind of gal.

Be sure to check back often for more of the latest movie news and reviews from Megan Stecher right here on Positively Celebrity!

With New Year’s Eve quickly approaching, people throughout the country are spending a good part of their holiday season thinking about where to spend the last night of 2011…but really, where else is there in the world to spend it but in fabulous Las Vegas?! Positively Celebrity has all the information you need on New Year’s Eve!

With a ton of incredible choices available for New Year’s Eve, Sin City is THE destination to party away the last night of 2011, and kick off 2012 with a bang. From the flawless Holly Madison to the newly single Kim Kardashian to party rockers LMFAO, there are some positively awesome options for everyone in Las Vegas this year!

1oak, located inside the Mirage, is offering a VIP all access party with Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas this year, while her fellow group member will.i.am will be at Surrender nightclub (one of my favorite new Vegas clubs) located at Encore, Steve Wynn’s newest immaculate hotel and casino. Also at Mirage will be Caribbean crooner IYAZ, who will be partying at Revolution Lounge.

Gallery, located inside Planet Hollywood, will have their New Year’s Eve party hosted by Holly Madison, former Playboy Playmate/Girl Next Door and star of the sexiest show in Las Vegas, Peepshow at the Planet Hollywood.

The Bank, located at the Bellagio, is hosting R&B sensation Bruno Mars while fellow R&B singer Chris Brown will be at Pure at Caesar’s Palace. Tyga and Bobby Valentino will be performing together at Crown Nightclub at the Rio, Vegas’ most underrated hotel and casino.

The Kardashians will be in Vegas to kick off the New Year too, with Kourtney and husband Scott Disick celebrating at Chateau in the Paris hotel, and Kim at Tao in the Venetian (sans Kris Humphries of course), one of the most beautiful of all the clubs in Sin City.

If it’s house music that gets you going, Las Vegas is the place to be to party away 2011. From Kaskade performing at Marquee inside Cosmopolitan to legend Paul Oakenfold performing at Rain in the Palms, Samantha Ronson performing at Lavo inside the Palazzo and Playboy Mansion DJ Laura Cavender at the Deuce Lounge

Georgia born hip-hop sensation B.O.B. will be at L.A.X. at the Luxor, and my personal vote for the party of the year will be at Haze, located inside the Aria hotel at City Center, where LMFAO will be performing their special brand of Party Rock all night long!

Whether you want to kick off 2012 by hoisting a glass of champagne with the beautiful Holly Madison or whether you just want to wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle (yeah!) with LMFAO at Haze in the Aria Hotel, Las Vegas has plenty of positively amazing options for New Year’s Eve! All of us here at Positively Celebrity hope you all have an awesome end to 2011 and an even better start to 2012!

As always, be sure to check back for all things celebrity from Richard Munassi right here at Positively Celebrity!

Wow.  Wow. Wow.  WOW.  Sorry, still recovering from seeing “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.”  If you can handle graphic violence, you HAVE to see this.  Sorry everyone, I haven’t read the book series, so I’m coming atcha as someone who is unfamiliar with the story and just discovered how amazing it is.  (Hopefully, I’ll get that e-reader I want for Christmas and it will be my first purchase).  Anyways – you need to see this!  Read on for why!

If you’re unfamiliar with the story, you should know it takes place in Sweden, which I loved!  Everything was so clean and minimalist. Daniel Craig opens the film as investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who loses a libel case against him.  His expose on a corrupt billionaire may be correct, but he couldn’t prove it and loses most of his financial gains.  When a wealthy old business owner hires Mikael to find out who killed his niece 40 year ago, he takes the job.

In a parallel story, Lisbeth Salander, played by Rooney Mara, is living a very secretive and complicated life.  It is unclear what she has suffered through, but just looking at her punk style and withdrawn body language suggests a dark past, and an inner pain that few could understand.  As an investigator for a private firm, she excels in hacking and is amazing at her job.  Unfortunately, she is still a ward of the state and the man who once controlled her finances has been replaced with a twisted abuser, high on power.  Lisbeth suffers through some gruesome things at his hands; as a viewer, it was very tough.  I still can’t get the graphic scenes out of my head.

Lisbeth is then hired by Mikael to assist him in his investigation, which has just taken a dark turn. If they solve Harriet’s murder case, Mikael has been promised the proof he needs to reverse his libel case. Mikael and Lisbeth start piecing together the clues, but someone may be warning them that they are getting too close.

The story moves fast, and sometimes it was a little bit difficult to understand what some of the characters are saying with their accents, but it was most likely intentional.  I was on the edge of my seat THE WHOLE TIME.  Amazing story, actors, cinematography, directing, you name it.  There is a lot of graphic violence and sex in the film, so don’t take someone you would be bashful around!  If you loved the story, or you love crime dramas and thrillers, you positively must go see “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo!”

By the way…I really appreciated the fashion in the film; how it told so much of the story.  Each character’s wardrobe was impecably chosen from Daniel Craig’s jeans and an array of perfectly tailored coats and scarves, to Rooney’s punk militant look that told me everything I needed to know.  Her clothes gave off a warning vibe; Danger, you’re too close.  If you loved Lizbeth Sanders look, go get it for yourself at H&M.  The film’s costume designer Trish Summerville designed a line for them that celebrates Lizbeth’s style, even if it is a little glammed up for the masses.

Check back for more of the latest movie news and reviews from Megan Stecher right here at Positively Celebrity!

Buying a gift for the fashionista who has everything is a daunting task!  Gift givers often rack their brains trying to figure out sizes and styles to find the perfect present, which often end up in heavy returns after the holidays.  As a savvy fashionista, friends and family are always asking me what I’d consider to be the ideal gift.  And my answer is simple…something that I can use!  Give the gift of functional fashion, items that are practical, classic and maybe even a little inspirational!

100 Shoes ($16.30, Amazon)

100 Shoes is the perfect book for the footwear obsessed, a beautiful collection of shoes from the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The book paints a vivid picture of how shoes have changed over the years, and how many trends have remained.  For the fashionista who appreciates the history of footwear, as well as the renowned designers who have become household names, 100 Shoes offers an in depth look in to this essential fashion accessory.  Style icon Sarah Jessica Parker, contributes to the Introduction, making this is a must have for every woman who has a love affair with her shoes!

Citizen Gold Tone Watch ($90, Macy’s)

Jewelry is a difficult, not to mention pricey item to buy for trend setting fashionistas.  However, a classic gold watch is a wardrobe staple, and a much needed item in every woman’s jewelry box.  This Citizen Gold Tone Watch is a traditional menswear inspired style that would look great on anyone!  Even if the fashionista in your life already has a collection of watches, this reasonably priced find is timeless and will never go out of style. And those are qualities that truly savvy ladies will appreciate!

Footzyrolls ($19.99 & Up, Online)

There’s nothing like the gift of comfort, especially for busy fashionistas who are constantly strutting down the runway that they call life!  Rollable flats are one of the best new inventions in the fashion industry, and a definite must have for active women who long for relief from their high heels and stilettos.

Footzyrolls are the latest brand to make a statement, with celeb fans like Oprah Winfrey and Blake Lively.  These foldable, compact shoes are soft and comfortable, and roll up into a convenient purse sized pouch.  They’re perfect for toting to the office or for a night on the town!  Available in ballet flats, flip flops and oxfords, as well as in a huge assortment of colors, Footzyrolls are the ultimate in affordable, functional fashion!

Joyrich Weekend Bag ($154, Revolve Clothing)

For the jet setting fashionista, a chic and versatile travel bag makes a wonderful gift!  Busy gals on the go are always moving, whether to an appointment, the gym, or for a quick weekend getaway.  And since we all know that nothing is less stylish than a clunky, boring piece of luggage, the Joyrich Leopard Fur Boston Weekend Bag is just right!  This super sophisticated tote is sleek in black leather, with faux leopard accents and gold hardware.  The bag comes with handles and a detachable shoulder strap, and is the perfect size to fit all your essential items.  The Joyrich Weekend Bag is a luxurious find that will add some refined flair to any fashionista’s handbag collection!

Happy Holidays from Positively Celebrity, and be sure to check back often for more of the latest fashion tips and trends from style expert Kara Birkenstock!

There’s a reason why “New Year’s Eve” was number one at the box office this past weekend; it was so cute!  Besides the amazing array of stars, the story had me laughing and crying all at the same time.  Read on for why!

“New Year’s Eve” was much like “Valentine’s Day” with its many stars, but it did have one thing that V-day didn’t; a like-able story!  Each character had their own New Years dilemma that kept the movie gliding along.  The only thing that slowed it down was Jon Bon Jovi’s poor acting (sorry, it was baaaad).

I was very moved by a speech Hilary Swank’s character gave about the meaning of New Year’s Eve, so much so that I shed a tear.  (On the ride home in the car, my boyfriend remarked that it was the best part of the movie!)  There were also plenty of wonderful moments with first midnight kisses, old flames, death, birth, and love.  Lots of love.

And so it always is with New Year’s Eve.  We reflect on the past, the good and the bad, and look forward to the future and how we can make ourselves, and it, better.  And this movie does a really good job of reminding us of that.  Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe the holidays are upon us once again. And as much as we love all the cookies, decorating and parties…shopping for gifts can be quite challenging and extremely stressful. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to transform into the ultimate Santa with our Holiday Gift Guide!

This Christmas, give a gift that’s sure to please with Guess and Gc watches! Choose from a variety of designs to satisfy everyone’s needs…and style.

THE FASHIONISTA

Every fashionista should have this brilliantly studded silver GUESS Rocker Metal Watch in their jewelry case! After all, diva glam girls know how much we love our bling! This bracelet will turn some major heads, and keep you punctual for your busy social calendar at the same time. Featuring a daring combination of rocker style and sophisticated sensibility, this watch has an analog function, silver-tone dial, polished crystal case and adjustable bracelet. At only $125, it won’t break the bank either.

THE EDGY GIRL

For all the edgy gals out there, there’s no question you have the street smarts to match. So why not step out in a street-smart fashion watch to go with that personality? This cool watch from GUESS features a water-resistant metallic leather cuff, shiny round dial, sparkling link bracelets and smart analog function. Grab your black leather jacket, ripped jeans, rocker t-shirt and over-the-knee boots and you’ll be ready to go! This one also retails for a cool $125. Check it out online, here!

THE SPORTY GAL

This glamorous, sporty style is perfect for girls on the go! The dynamic case with rose gold accents and white ceramic bracelet are surrounded by a GORGEOUS mother of pearl dial with Swiss precision day/date movement. One thing’s for sure: the smooth lines of this SWISS-made watch create both comfort and elegance! With it’s timeless design and impeccable craftmanship, this watch will be the gift that keeps giving — year after year. Click here for more info on the ah-may-zing Sport Class XL-S Glam Timepiece.

THE SENSIBLE – STYLISH MALE

This attractive brown leather timepiece makes a statement without saying a word! That makes this the perfect gift for your dad, boyfriend, husband, son, son-in-law, friend (hey, we’re pretty sure ANY male will fall head over heels in love with this one)! The gorgeous watch features a polished rose gold case with brushed steel top ring and croco-embossed chocolate brown leather strap.  The dial features a unique dual-counter precision Swiss chronograph movement and date…which all the men in our life will appreciate and love.

Happy shopping, friends! Be sure to check back often throughout the month for more of our holiday gift guides, right here on Positively Celebrity.

Let’s face it. With all the countless beauty products out there, it can be tough to figure out what really works. That’s why we’re so excited to share with you something we think is pretty much positively perfect when it comes to all things hair. Ladies…introducing the Hana Professional Flat Iron!

There is truly nothing better on the market! This professional, best flat iron has ceramic and tourmaline plates…which means you will have the most conditioned, shiny and sleek hair imagaginable. And not only will it give you salon-worthy star hair that lasts all day, but the ceramic actually seals to prevent your color from fading (so we can spend less on those expensive color sessions!). With professional features like damp-to-dry styling, floating plates for curls and flips with no snagging, and adjustable temps from 140-450 degrees, the Hana Professional hair straightener delivers true luxury fit for a celebrity, but at a down-to-earth price.

Did we mention how ah-may-zing your hair will look? With this flat iron, you’ll get that sleek, shiny, sexy hair that Hollywood starlets have sported both on and off the red carpet! And the best part? This product makes it so easy and is great for all hair types! You don’t have to be a professional stylist to look like you just stepped straight out of the salon.

Aside from the light weight material, tangle-free cord, no-slip grip handle and convenient hanging loop, the Hana professional flat iron also comes with a luxe heat-proof storage pouch, heat-proof silicone mat and special edition tin case. With the holidays right around the corner, it will make a perfect gift — check out the ADORABLE packaging when it arrived at our West coast offices!

Can we say adorbs?! Some of the goodies packaged in the oh-so-cute delivery box was Hana’s “Shine Shield”, an advanced lightweight leave-in treatment that stengthens and protects your hair from heat, styling and everyday stress, a top professional round styling brush, hand sanitizer in a pretty pink pouch complete with Hana nail files, a perfectly pink eye mask and much much more!

For more information on this awesome product, and to order your own positively amazing flat iron, check out http://www.misikko.com/hana-professional-flat-iron.html. Be sure to connect with them on Twitter and Facebook, too!

Gwen Stefani’s Harajuku Mini Collection Now Available at Target

Pop superstar and fashion designer, Gwen Stefani, has launched an exclusive collection of kids clothing and accessories at everybody’s fave budget friendly retailer, Target!  Gwen brings her cool and eclectic style to the new Harajuku Mini collection, offering affordable options for infants, toddlers and girls.  The 80-piece line has a little something for everyone, with prices ranging from $3.99 to $29.99.

Inspired by the funky fashions of Japan, the Harajuku Mini collection combines bright colors, feminine charm and a whole lot of rock and roll!  Stefani infused her California-punk style with a Japanese Pop-Art aesthetic, while also making each piece of the Harajuku Mini line versatile and age appropriate.

One of the must have items in the girls’ collection is the Plaid Punker Pant ($24.99).  These super cool bottoms combine the rocker edge of a skinny pant with an unexpected girly twist.  The detachable half skirt, which is almost kilt-like, gives kiddos the option to go all out and make a real style statement!  It’s a look that’s young, hip and very playful!

You can’t have a great pair of bottoms without a cool top to go along with it!  The Harajuku Mini line has a festive assortment of long sleeve tees, hoodies, and tuxedo inspired tops ($14.99 to $19.99) that any kid would adore!

Every girl loves a party dress, no matter what age you are!  For ultra feminine infants, the 2-Piece Panda Tutu Set ($19.00) is the perfect combination of frills and fun.  Pair this with hot pink leggings and a cool pair of kicks, and your tot will truly be rolling in style!

For toddlers, the Polka Dot Dress ($25.00) with red satin belt has the right amount of sparkle and shine to make her feel like the belle of the ball!

And for older girls, the Leopard Ruffle Dress ($24.99) will bring out her inner Gwen Stefani in true rocker glam fashion!

The Harajuku Mini collection also features an adorable assortment of onesies, coveralls, and separates for baby hipsters.  With prices ranging from $10.00 to $30.00, you can stock up on all the cutest infant clothes without breaking the bank!

Thanks to Gwen Stefani and Target, trend setting kids (and their parents too) have a uniquely fashion forward clothing collection that is super affordable!

Check back often for more of the latest fashion trends and tips from style expert Kara Birkenstock, right here on Positively Celebrity!