I FINALLY WATCHED "ZERO DARK THIRTY"

(image via)

During our stacaytion, my boyfriend and I watched "Zero Dark Thirty," because it's our right to wait for film to come out through Netflix. Jessica Chastain is a beautiful angel among us, so I really appreciate the opportunity to stare at her beautiful angel face for over 2 hours. Plus, the entire rest of the movie was really good--!

The film follows elements of the bin Laden manhunt since the 9/11 attacks. Maya (Chastain) is a CIA agent who has been working on the case for her entire career, and we get to watch her be super beautiful and strong and amazing as well as make the connection to bin Laden's final hideout (which leads to the takedown by SEAL Team 6). 

I'm not into war movies at all (because I prefer not to stress the hell out in my downtime!), but I remained intrigued for several reasons: 1. As Ebert said, the main plot is "Maya thinks she's right and she is," and lawd knows I love me some genius cock-sure female characters! 2. Kathryn Bigelow directed it, and she's a real-life beautiful BAMF who directs war films. 3. The fact that the Maya character is known to exist and has to be kept secret/protected (INTRIGUE). 4. Andy from "Parks and Rec" has a small part. (Squee!)

So, basically watch this movie for Jessica Chastain's beautiful angel face and stay because you actually enjoy it and are proud of yourself for liking a war/action movie that boys like, too. And to keep everything from feeling too lusty (Chastain!) or serious (I mean, it's a manhunt movie), enjoy this drinking game we played the whole time!

Drink when...

- Anyone says "bin Laden" in any language. 

... and you're done! Enjoy!

OR, if you're more into combinations, drink when...

- There is a title card.

- Maya wears a wig or head scarf (doubles for both!)

- Anyone says "fuck" (or any variation thereof)

But don't do both games at the same time. Don't turn this review into me being a bad influence. 

RIHANNA

(Images saved on my laptop and I don't remember where I got them--

I'll get better at this! Sorry!)

Rihanna is kind of killing it! I love her in more classic, luxe looks that she adds an edge to with statement jewelry, pieces with a more surprising or casual cut, and killer shades. I'll be doing sit-ups forever until I can wear a crop top under a fur-trimmed jacket!

STAYCATION INSPIRATION

This week, my boyfriend and I are taking time off work for a much needed 'stay-cation.' Just a pure week of lazin', grazin', and being awesome (probably some gratuitous Instagram pictures, too). I'm so excited! Here's to the little things and relishing in what it's all about. :)

(all images via the marvy My Morning Coffee)

WANT: RETRO BIKINI

(Pictured: Derek Lam for DesigNation at Kohl's)

Sometimes retro swimsuits, especially one-pieces, feel really daunting to me, but I am in love with these pieces and plan on picking them up as soon as I can! Potentially weird tan lines or no!

OPULENCE: 2013 MET GALA EDITION

The Costume Institute Benefit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art never fails to provide a feast for the eyes. While I, like any Disciple of Fashion, adore the outlandish freedom the event has cultivated over the years, I also appreciate the looks that are just plain lovely. "Punk: From Chaos to Couture" was admittedly a challenging theme to adhere to (without being begrudgingly obvious--safety pins! plaid! spike belts!) which made me appreciate even the most subtle of interpretations more fully. Below are my favorite looks from this year's event...

Christina Ricci in Vivienne Westwood, Katy Perry in Dolce & Gabbana, and Carey Mulligan in Balenciaga by Alexander Wang.

Gwen Stefani in Maison Martin Margiela, Nina Dobrev in Monique Lhuiller, and Diane Kruger in Chanel Haute Couture.

(All images via FabSugar)

SPOILS: LASHES EDITION

You know how Sephora sends you a ton of free samples? I got a baby tube of Lancome’s Hypnose mascara as a sample and I have never been the same. It’s like they know that the time it takes me to upgrade all my eyelash standards is five minutes and then it’s goodbye, drugstore mascara! Goodbye, name brand but still affordable mascara! Hello, hottie French girl lashes that I can’t believe are mine!

The great thing about these kinds of products is they’re good enough to make up for my lack of know-how. I don’t know how to separate my lashes or whether to start from the inside or the outside and I’m not a steady hand with eyeliner. (In fact, I’ve completely given up on ever having perfect eyeliner.) This mascara will give you thick, full lashes quickly and easily. You don’t have to wait and reapply multiple times. It is super buildable and doesn’t clump.

I have long lashes, but they’re not very thick and they are blonde and invisible without mascara. Over the last month, I have been asked twice if I was wearing false lashes, and if there’s a better feeling than blithely telling someone they’re all mine, why would I wear falsies to the office anyway!, I sure don’t know about it.

KYLIE'S SUMMER WARDROBE INSPO

Maxi dresses are such an easy, endless default during the killer summer months (singular piece! acceptable to wear bra-less! go great with sandals!). I've done it myself for the past 3 or 4 years, but now I'm starting to lean more towards mix-and-match pieces that are stylish, easy, and (let's face it) tolerable to sweat profusely in. #Texas.

Skin-tight pencil skirts, easy tops, minimal accessories, simple heels, natural disaster hair.

(via Karla's Closet: left & right)

Floppy hats, breezy blouses, cut-off denim, strappy heels.

(via 5 inch and up)

Bra-tops, Grease-inpired leggings, killer pumps, loose curls.

(Yvonne Strahovski in Maxim, image via)

Fun, light-weight button-ups, structured shorts, statement jewelry, easy up-dos.

(via The Tory Blog)

WANT: KATE SPADE POPSICLE COIN PURSE

I've really never felt the compartmental need for a coin purse, but I would totally make way for one of Kate Spade's latest arrivals. Ugh, so cute.

(via katespadeny Instagram)

SOUNDTRACK LUST

So, I'm basically dying for "The Great Gatsby" soundtrack. Dying. DYING. Give it to me now!

The full soundtrack isn't set to drop until May 7th (5 TORTUROUS DAYS), but thankfully the lead Lana Del Rey single and this "Crazy In Love" jazz remix has been released to appease me. I'm so smitten!

CRITICAL UPDATE: Commenter Jessica just informed me the entire soundtrack is available to stream on NPR. Bless-ed internet!

(via Business Insider)