The 80th Academy Awards--overview

The 80th Oscars, of course, were given out on Sunday the 24th of February, 2008. I have been a lifelong fan of the Oscars and their ability to teach us about some of the best the picture biz has to offer in any given year. This is not to say that I agree with their picks as a whole; 60% of the time, I disagree to whatever they picked as a winner, for any given year or category. Yet I still value

Film #6: Blood Simple

I thought I'd include one of my first reviews, written for my college newspaper in 1985, in honor of the Coens finally set, 22 years later, to get the recognition they deserve from Hollywood. By the way, this is largely the way the original story appeared, but I've been unable to resist editing it. I can't tell if this is a breach of ethics or what, but certainly full disclosure is at least

Film #5: The Conqueror Worm a.k.a. Witchfinder General

One of the horror genre’s most criminally overlooked classics is 1968’s The Conqueror Worm. Known in the U.K. as Witchfinder General, this extraordinarily downbeat tale stars Vincent Price as Matthew Hopkins, the real-life henchman for Cromwell in wartorn 17th century England who was assigned to find and prosecute witches hidden within the country’s tiny townships. He’s an intriguing character

Film #4: Thesis

Alajandro Amenabar’s 1996 film Thesis was made a few years before he stunned American audiences with his hallucinatory Open Your Eyes, but his debut, which won six Spanish Goyas (their Oscar equivalents), is more impressive. Ana Torrent is terrific as a film student working on a thesis about extreme violence in the media. While researching, she gets wind of a snuff video shot in Czechlosovakia,

Film #3: Eyes Wide Shut

Upon its release in 1999, Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut promptly took its place alongside Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Antonioni’s L’Avventura, at least half of David Lynch’s entire oeuvre, and Kurosawa’s Dreams as one of the cinema’s great phantasms. If, upon seeing it, you’ve any sense of it sporting a traditional story--even a derailed or dull one--then, if you will pardon

Film #2: Bye Bye Birdie, Film #2 1/2: No Country for Old Men, 2007 Oscar Predictions, and "The Latest Show on Earth"

Well, I made my debut on Internet TV--more specifically, on "The Latest Show on Earth," hosted by Joe Hendel (www.downtowntv.com, www.thelatestshowonearth.com). Like you may have read on my earlier post, I have live TV experience, so it was a real trip back to those times for me. I'm a little rusty, but I think I aquitted myself nobly, making my picks for the Oscars on the show. Joe, a customer I

Who Am I? / Film #1: Chilly Scenes of Winter

(Here I am on the set of Film Forum, the Atlanta-based, live movie review show once hosted by Aron Siegel and myself; I was on it from 1999 to 2003.)

I think it's only fair I introduce myself before you read my stuff. It's a complicated history, so bear with me.

My name is Dean Treadway and I have been studying movies all of my life. I live in Brooklyn, near New York City now. But back down

MAC First Look: Herve Leger by Max Azria

"Sexy bond bitches - wet liquid eyes and gorgeous skin - a just-came-out-of-the-water look."
Val Garland - Key Artist


Face
Face and Body Foundation was buffed into the skin using Brush 187 followed by a touch of Blot Powder Loose on the t-zone. Cheeks were lightly contoured with MAC Crème Colour Base in Bamboo and highlighted with Crème Colour Base in Hush.


Eyes
MAC Gloss Texture was blended with Reflects Gold to create a sheer and shiny base on the lids. Photogravure Technakohl Eye Liner was smudged on the lash line using MAC Brush 224. PRO Lash Mascara in Black was brushed onto lashes using MAC Fan Brush 205 for a defined lash.


Lips
MAC Paintstick in Cool Pink was faintly blotted onto lips.

MAC First Look: Herve Leger by Max Azria

"Sexy bond bitches - wet liquid eyes and gorgeous skin - a just-came-out-of-the-water look."
Val Garland - Key Artist


Face
Face and Body Foundation was buffed into the skin using Brush 187 followed by a touch of Blot Powder Loose on the t-zone. Cheeks were lightly contoured with MAC Crème Colour Base in Bamboo and highlighted with Crème Colour Base in Hush.


Eyes
MAC Gloss Texture was blended with Reflects Gold to create a sheer and shiny base on the lids. Photogravure Technakohl Eye Liner was smudged on the lash line using MAC Brush 224. PRO Lash Mascara in Black was brushed onto lashes using MAC Fan Brush 205 for a defined lash.


Lips
MAC Paintstick in Cool Pink was faintly blotted onto lips.

MAC First Look: DKNY

"Really fresh, innocent young girls with naturally rosy lips - a just-been-for-a-walk-in-the-country look."
Charlotte Tilbury - Key Artist


Face
MAC Select Moisturecover and Face and Body Foundation were applied to skin in appropriate colours as needed. Ladyblush Blushcreme was tapped high onto the cheekbone and blended out with fingers to create a natural flush.


Eyes
Lashes were curled at the roots and coated multiple times with MAC PRO Lash Mascara in Black.


Lips
MAC Lip Pencil in Beet was applied to the lips and sheered out to create a stain.

MAC First Look: DKNY

"Really fresh, innocent young girls with naturally rosy lips - a just-been-for-a-walk-in-the-country look."
Charlotte Tilbury - Key Artist


Face
MAC Select Moisturecover and Face and Body Foundation were applied to skin in appropriate colours as needed. Ladyblush Blushcreme was tapped high onto the cheekbone and blended out with fingers to create a natural flush.


Eyes
Lashes were curled at the roots and coated multiple times with MAC PRO Lash Mascara in Black.


Lips
MAC Lip Pencil in Beet was applied to the lips and sheered out to create a stain.

MAC First Look: Preen

"The look is inspired both by Kurt Cobain and Kim Basinger in the movie, 9 1/2 Weeks; bitten, made-out lips and sultry, sexy eyes."
James Kaliardos - Key Artist


Face
The skin was prepped with MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, followed by an application of Mineralize Skinfinish Duo to contour the face; the matte powder created a scoop in the cheek and the shimmer powder created a highlighting effect.


Eyes
The eye lid was covered with Satin Taupe Eye Shadow, followed by Taupe Eye Shadow in the crease of the eye lid to give a "dirty look."


Lips
Carnal Lipstick, layered with Desire Lipglass was centered on the lips and diffused out into the lip line using MAC Brush 316.

MAC First Look: Preen

"The look is inspired both by Kurt Cobain and Kim Basinger in the movie, 9 1/2 Weeks; bitten, made-out lips and sultry, sexy eyes."
James Kaliardos - Key Artist


Face
The skin was prepped with MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, followed by an application of Mineralize Skinfinish Duo to contour the face; the matte powder created a scoop in the cheek and the shimmer powder created a highlighting effect.


Eyes
The eye lid was covered with Satin Taupe Eye Shadow, followed by Taupe Eye Shadow in the crease of the eye lid to give a "dirty look."


Lips
Carnal Lipstick, layered with Desire Lipglass was centered on the lips and diffused out into the lip line using MAC Brush 316.

Attention Curly Girls: This Giveaway Is Just For You!

Do you have curly hair? Do you suffer from frizz, tangles, breakage, and split ends? Maybe it’s time you quit abusing your tender tendrils with terry cloth towels.

Curls Like Us knows that curls don’t respond favorably to being mishandled. So they invented a kinder, gentler towel – created especially for girls with curls.

The Curl Cloth is a patent-pending, drying cloth specifically designed to wick away just the right amount of moisture from your locks without introducing frizz. The smooth surface of this 100% cotton cloth ensures that your favorite curl-enhancer sets the curl for optimal spring, shine, and definition.

Lucky for you, Curls Like Us was kind enough to donate three Curl Cloths for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com and include your full name. The subject line should read "Curl Cloth Giveaway."

The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 17th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 18th, I’ll announce the winners' names. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

Attention Curly Girls: This Giveaway Is Just For You!

Do you have curly hair? Do you suffer from frizz, tangles, breakage, and split ends? Maybe it’s time you quit abusing your tender tendrils with terry cloth towels.

Curls Like Us knows that curls don’t respond favorably to being mishandled. So they invented a kinder, gentler towel – created especially for girls with curls.

The Curl Cloth is a patent-pending, drying cloth specifically designed to wick away just the right amount of moisture from your locks without introducing frizz. The smooth surface of this 100% cotton cloth ensures that your favorite curl-enhancer sets the curl for optimal spring, shine, and definition.

Lucky for you, Curls Like Us was kind enough to donate three Curl Cloths for a Spoiled Pretty giveaway!

To enter the giveaway, send an email to spoiledprettycontests@gmail.com and include your full name. The subject line should read "Curl Cloth Giveaway."

The contest ends at 9 pm EST on Sunday, February 17th. Winners will be chosen at random from among the entrants. On Monday, February 18th, I’ll announce the winners' names. Please, only one comment per person; duplicate comments will not increase your chances of winning. Contest is open to U.S. & Canadian residents. Good luck!

Almost Famous

I'm famous! Well, not really. Not even a little bit, to be honest. So here's what had happened...

I was perusing the New York Magazine website, and came across this video of behind-the-scenes beauty at Carmen Marc Valvo's Fall 2008 show.

Well, at the very end of the video, you can see me in the background, having a convo with Victor C from MAC - I'm the super-short one with a steno pad in my hand (I appear 1:25 into the video).

OMG! Just had to share.

Almost Famous

I'm famous! Well, not really. Not even a little bit, to be honest. So here's what had happened...

I was perusing the New York Magazine website, and came across this video of behind-the-scenes beauty at Carmen Marc Valvo's Fall 2008 show.

Well, at the very end of the video, you can see me in the background, having a convo with Victor C from MAC - I'm the super-short one with a steno pad in my hand (I appear 1:25 into the video).

OMG! Just had to share.

Diddy Didn’t Happen

Last Friday, I was scheduled to be backstage at Sean John*. I was super excited to be attending the closing show of New York Fashion Week.

I fantasized that Diddy and I would meet, he’d be captivated by my charm, and then whisk me away to the star-studded soiree.

It would play out like that R. Kelly/Jay Z collabo:


After the show it's the after party and
After the party is the hotel lobby and
After the Belve then it's probably Cris…

But that didn’t happen. In fact, the closest I got to the Sean John show was a pizzeria on the corner of 22nd Street & 6th Ave. I was grabbing a bite there when I got a call from MAC telling me that there were no female models in the show, and therefore no need for MAC makeup. I was bummed, but also exhausted from my travels; so I caught an early train back to Philly.

So sorry, beauties. I know you were anxious for me to dish the Diddy dirt. C'est la vie.

If you absolutely need a Puffy fix, Glamour.com has an article entitled "Diddy knows pretty," in which the hip-hop mogul/designer shares his observations on what makes a woman irresistible. Here’s an excerpt:

Why he named his perfume Unforgivable Woman:
“It’s about being unapologetic. It’s about having swagger. Confidence is such a sexy, sexy quality.”

Makeup trend he’s so over:
“Red lipstick just isn’t working for me. It might be good for an awards show, but it’s not hot to kiss. I love natural lip color—that’s always a good look!”

Biggest beauty obsession:
“Sugar Bath Cubes by Fresh. I take a bath every night. I love the way they make my skin feel. I have very soft skin—go ahead, touch it!”

For the rest of the interview, click here.

*Is it just me, or does the Sean John Fall 2008 collection look a little effeminate? I'm not judging...just sayin'.

Diddy Didn’t Happen

Last Friday, I was scheduled to be backstage at Sean John*. I was super excited to be attending the closing show of New York Fashion Week.

I fantasized that Diddy and I would meet, he’d be captivated by my charm, and then whisk me away to the star-studded soiree.

It would play out like that R. Kelly/Jay Z collabo:


After the show it's the after party and
After the party is the hotel lobby and
After the Belve then it's probably Cris…

But that didn’t happen. In fact, the closest I got to the Sean John show was a pizzeria on the corner of 22nd Street & 6th Ave. I was grabbing a bite there when I got a call from MAC telling me that there were no female models in the show, and therefore no need for MAC makeup. I was bummed, but also exhausted from my travels; so I caught an early train back to Philly.

So sorry, beauties. I know you were anxious for me to dish the Diddy dirt. C'est la vie.

If you absolutely need a Puffy fix, Glamour.com has an article entitled "Diddy knows pretty," in which the hip-hop mogul/designer shares his observations on what makes a woman irresistible. Here’s an excerpt:

Why he named his perfume Unforgivable Woman:
“It’s about being unapologetic. It’s about having swagger. Confidence is such a sexy, sexy quality.”

Makeup trend he’s so over:
“Red lipstick just isn’t working for me. It might be good for an awards show, but it’s not hot to kiss. I love natural lip color—that’s always a good look!”

Biggest beauty obsession:
“Sugar Bath Cubes by Fresh. I take a bath every night. I love the way they make my skin feel. I have very soft skin—go ahead, touch it!”

For the rest of the interview, click here.

*Is it just me, or does the Sean John Fall 2008 collection look a little effeminate? I'm not judging...just sayin'.

Mrs. McDreamy’s Blush

Ombre is one of the hottest style trends right now. From totes to tights, party dresses to pumps - ombre is on everyone’s shopping list for Spring 2008. But why stop at garments? Be fashion-forward (and a lil’ cheeky) by wearing this trend on your face!

Try Avon’s Horizon Blush, a pressed powder gradation blush in a signature compact designed by Jillian Dempsey (Patrick’s lucky wife). Customize your look: sweep up or sweep down...it's up to you how natural or colorful you want to be. Mirror and brush included.

Available in Pink Horizon or Apricot Horizon.

Mrs. McDreamy’s Blush

Ombre is one of the hottest style trends right now. From totes to tights, party dresses to pumps - ombre is on everyone’s shopping list for Spring 2008. But why stop at garments? Be fashion-forward (and a lil’ cheeky) by wearing this trend on your face!

Try Avon’s Horizon Blush, a pressed powder gradation blush in a signature compact designed by Jillian Dempsey (Patrick’s lucky wife). Customize your look: sweep up or sweep down...it's up to you how natural or colorful you want to be. Mirror and brush included.

Available in Pink Horizon or Apricot Horizon.

Paris In Springtime: Fafi for MAC

New from MAC is the Fafi Color Collection – now available at MAC stores and counters everywhere.

Inspired by the graphic expression of French graffiti artist Fafi, this hip Spring collection includes is filled with bold, empowering hues, unapologetically girly lip shades of pearly pinks and tangerine reds, iridescent powder, brown, blue and green Paint Pots and Quads, and whimsical cosmetic accessories.

"We had the idea on a shoot to capture the spirit of a young woman having fun playing — with clothes, technology, fashion," said James Gager, senior vice president and creative director of MAC Cosmetics worldwide. "We were inspired by Japanese anime, and as we researched the movement, we discovered Fafi. We asked if she would collaborate with us on a photo concept, and the creation began from there."

LIPSTICK
Fun ‘n’ Sexy: Blue pink with blue pearl (glaze)
Not So Innocent: Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (glaze)
Utterly Frivolous: Rosy coral with pink pearl (lustre)
High Top: Grey purple with blue pearl (glaze)
Flash-n-Dash: Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (glaze)
Strawbaby: Coral rose with rainbow pearl (lustre)

LIPGLASS
Cult Fave: Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (frost)
Sugar Trance: Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (frost)
Squeeze It: Brassy plum (frost)
Totally It: Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (frost)

EYE SHADOW X4 - Fafi Eyes 1
Howzat: Deep grey with silver sparkle (satin)
Hey: Neutral tan with white pearl (veluxe pearl)
Pink Venus: Washed pink (lustre)
Vanilla: Soft pale-peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer (velvet)

EYE SHADOW X 4 - Fafi Eyes 2
Bold as Gold: Yellow gold with gold pearl (lustre)
You’re Fresh: Pale green with silver sparkle (lustre)
Shockwave: Intense orange with silver sparkle (velvet)
Prankster: Muted dark blue (satin)

PAINT POT
Nice: Vice Dirty purple with purple pearl (frost)
Girl Friendly: Creamy grey pink (cream)
Layin’ Low: Creamy beige (cream)
Cash Flow: Green gold with gold pearl (frost)
Perky: Cream coral with white pearl (satin)
Rollickin’: Aqua blue green with white pearl (frost)

FLUIDLINE
Blacktrack: Solid flat black

EYE KOHL
Smolder: Intense black
Fascinating: Snake-eyes matte white

ZOOM LASH
Zoomblack: Rich black

POWDER BLUSH
Hipness: Intense coral with soft white pearl
Fashion Frenzy: Mid-tone blue pink

IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER
Sassed-up: Soft coral pink with gold sparkle
Verve-acaious: Intense yellow gold with gold pearl
Belightful: Gilded peach bronze

NAIL LACQUER
Girls Will Be Girls: Pink with coral pearl
Boom!: Rich eggplant with purple pearl

BRUSHES
210 Precise Eye Liner: Firm, extra-fine tip brush for precision lining with emollient or water-based products.
129SH Powder/Blush (with decorated pouch): Soft natural fluffed dome Brush for application of powder products on cheeks and face. In a special decorated Fafi-themed pouch.
208 Angled Brow Brush: Firm, angled tip Brush for precision application of brow and eye-lining product.
182 Buffer Brush: Ultra-soft, large, rounded dome tip Brush for use with powder face and cheek product.

BAGS
Rectangle MAC/Small/Clearly Fafi
Rectangle MAC/Mini/Clearly Fafi
MAC Tote/Clearly Fafi

Paris In Springtime: Fafi for MAC

New from MAC is the Fafi Color Collection – now available at MAC stores and counters everywhere.

Inspired by the graphic expression of French graffiti artist Fafi, this hip Spring collection includes is filled with bold, empowering hues, unapologetically girly lip shades of pearly pinks and tangerine reds, iridescent powder, brown, blue and green Paint Pots and Quads, and whimsical cosmetic accessories.

"We had the idea on a shoot to capture the spirit of a young woman having fun playing — with clothes, technology, fashion," said James Gager, senior vice president and creative director of MAC Cosmetics worldwide. "We were inspired by Japanese anime, and as we researched the movement, we discovered Fafi. We asked if she would collaborate with us on a photo concept, and the creation began from there."

LIPSTICK
Fun ‘n’ Sexy: Blue pink with blue pearl (glaze)
Not So Innocent: Sheer tan with pink and peach pearl (glaze)
Utterly Frivolous: Rosy coral with pink pearl (lustre)
High Top: Grey purple with blue pearl (glaze)
Flash-n-Dash: Intense tangerine red with pink pearl (glaze)
Strawbaby: Coral rose with rainbow pearl (lustre)

LIPGLASS
Cult Fave: Blue mid-tone pink with white pearl (frost)
Sugar Trance: Creamy soft pink with white and rainbow pearl (frost)
Squeeze It: Brassy plum (frost)
Totally It: Sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl (frost)

EYE SHADOW X4 - Fafi Eyes 1
Howzat: Deep grey with silver sparkle (satin)
Hey: Neutral tan with white pearl (veluxe pearl)
Pink Venus: Washed pink (lustre)
Vanilla: Soft pale-peachy-ivory flecked with shimmer (velvet)

EYE SHADOW X 4 - Fafi Eyes 2
Bold as Gold: Yellow gold with gold pearl (lustre)
You’re Fresh: Pale green with silver sparkle (lustre)
Shockwave: Intense orange with silver sparkle (velvet)
Prankster: Muted dark blue (satin)

PAINT POT
Nice: Vice Dirty purple with purple pearl (frost)
Girl Friendly: Creamy grey pink (cream)
Layin’ Low: Creamy beige (cream)
Cash Flow: Green gold with gold pearl (frost)
Perky: Cream coral with white pearl (satin)
Rollickin’: Aqua blue green with white pearl (frost)

FLUIDLINE
Blacktrack: Solid flat black

EYE KOHL
Smolder: Intense black
Fascinating: Snake-eyes matte white

ZOOM LASH
Zoomblack: Rich black

POWDER BLUSH
Hipness: Intense coral with soft white pearl
Fashion Frenzy: Mid-tone blue pink

IRIDESCENT PRESSED POWDER
Sassed-up: Soft coral pink with gold sparkle
Verve-acaious: Intense yellow gold with gold pearl
Belightful: Gilded peach bronze

NAIL LACQUER
Girls Will Be Girls: Pink with coral pearl
Boom!: Rich eggplant with purple pearl

BRUSHES
210 Precise Eye Liner: Firm, extra-fine tip brush for precision lining with emollient or water-based products.
129SH Powder/Blush (with decorated pouch): Soft natural fluffed dome Brush for application of powder products on cheeks and face. In a special decorated Fafi-themed pouch.
208 Angled Brow Brush: Firm, angled tip Brush for precision application of brow and eye-lining product.
182 Buffer Brush: Ultra-soft, large, rounded dome tip Brush for use with powder face and cheek product.

BAGS
Rectangle MAC/Small/Clearly Fafi
Rectangle MAC/Mini/Clearly Fafi
MAC Tote/Clearly Fafi