Dress Details: 2013 IAWTV Awards

It's always fun to have an excuse to wear a dress, so last night at the IAWTV Awards at CES in Las Vegas was the perfect excuse.  My co-host, AJ Gibson, and I were nominated for AfterBuzz TV's So You Think You Can Dance in two categories.  It was a thrill to be on a list with incredible talent like Leo Laporte, Beth Hoyt, Shira Lazar, Mark Keizer, and Wade Major.  While we didn't win this year, AJ and I knew our big "win" was the nomination.  It's the little show that could and we were proud to represent the network and our boss, Maria Menounos.

Now, on to the important details on my dress.

                  With fellow host, Misty Kingma, from Clevver Music.

Dress:  Aqua (Yep, worn this brand before and I really like their designs.) $188

Shoes:  Stuart Weitzman, Winter 2007 collection.....these were a great investment. $325 (Worn here)

Necklace:  Shop The Look  (I bought this necklace in 2010.  Finally found a dress to wear it with.) $16

Ring:  Rachel Zoe for QVC (Bought in 2010, this was another great find from a home shopping network.) $35

A HUGE thanks to my Las Vegas hair and makeup team.  They did a great job two years in a row.
Makeup: Aurora Nerone
Hair:  Candace Campbell

Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge 2013

Can you believe it's that time of year again?  This is one of my favorite events that I run over here on Red Carpet Closet because it is so much fun! I need help finding a dress for Oscar Nominations morning on January 10, 2013.  Yep, it's earlier this year and we are going to have to do this over the Christmas break. Remember though, the winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice. For those of you that are new to this challenge, YOU get to chose the dress that I wear for a one of Hollywood's biggest events. 

Here are some guidelines:

1.  It is not a red carpet event.  So, I am looking for a dress that is simple, classic and understated.  Think of a DVF wrap dress or a Jackie O. sheath.  I am short (5'3"), so I want to show off my legs versus lots of cleavage (which I don't have anyway) to give the illusion of height.  I love shoes, so I want to pick something hot and sassy from my shoe wardrobe.  One note from last year, even though I want a dress to show off my legs, please no so-short-I-can-see-your-hoo-ha dresses.  The Oscar Nominations are a very conservative event, so I'd like to keep it that way. 

2.  I will be working at 5AM PT that day.  I want a dress that is easy, comfortable, and not fussy.  I hate pulling and tugging at my dress because I feel self-conscious.

3.  I like color.  It looks great on camera and adds brightness to my face since my hair is currently light blonde.  Please avoid red or crazy patterns because they have a tendency to moray on camera.

4.  The budget is important.  Let's keep the dress under $200 and it has to be available online in sizes  2 or 4. 

Here are the two winners from 2011 and 2012:

For more information on the winning dresses from 2011 and 2012, click here and here.

2011:  Dress by Banana Republic

2012:  Dress by Aqua

Are you up for the challenge?  

The Rules:

1. Find me a dress by Wednesday, January 2 at 11:59pm PST. It must be available online. So post the link in the comments below with your contact info.

2.  The dress must be available in the U.S., but international contestants are welcome to join us for this contest.  

3.  Two finalists will be announced on Thursday, January 3 and the winner will be announced on Thursday, January 10.

4.  Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice. 


If you have any questions, post in the comments below.  Otherwise, ready, get set, shop!


If you haven't entered my Holiday Giveaway, enter here.  There are lots of fun items and it's so easy to enter.  

EFFEN Vodka Art Of Design Event

Last week, I was invited to sample the latest drinks from EFFEN Vodka created by local mixologists.  Honestly, this was the perfect end to a hot summer day in Los Angeles.  We have been dealing with a heatwave throughout the Southland, so a crisp summer drink at the downtown Marvimon in their outdoor garden lounge was just what the doctor ordered.  My favorite cocktail had a delicious mix of Cucumber EFFEN Vodka with an infused mix of honeydew melon, dill, and red and green bell peppers.  It may sound wacky, but it was delicious and refreshing. My +1 for the night was my friend, Julie, who ran with me from table to table as we tried spicy and sweet concoctions with EFFEN vodka and voted with marbles on our favorite drinks. One recommendation for next year's event?  Food.  You had skinny LA girls gulping down EFFEN Vodka all night and then hopping in their cars to drive around LA.  This Gluten Free gal was begging for a cracker or bread to sop up a little alcohol, that's how badly I wanted a morsel of food.

If you are looking for a way to spice up your summer cocktail recipes, check out EFFEN Vodka. (Only if you are over 21, kids!)

Enjoy the photos from the evening........

 The delicious ingredients infused into the cocktails.

 Julie posing in the outdoor lounge at Marvimon.

 I loved the lighting arrangement at Marvimon.

 Mixologists creating summer cocktails.

 I love this Aqua dress, but it is time to give it a rest.  I wore it here and here.  Clutch by ASOS.

Disclaimer:  I was invited to the event by EFFEN Vodka and Brand Influencers.  All opinions are my own.

Monday Media:

6:30PM PT/9:30PM ET:  Behind The Red Carpet Live with guest, Kelly Lynch, from Socialite Life talking the latest in entertainment news....Aniston engaged! Live on Spreecast.

7:00PM PT/10:00PM ET:  Olympics Wrap-Up with Stuart Brazell. Live on Spreecast.

7:35PM PT/10:35PM ET:  Driving With Gass talking entertainment news with Kevin Gassman and Cindy Love.  Listen in at KWSS.org. #RadioBurtt on Twitter.