PHOTOS: The Hangover III Premiere

Yep, I was on the red carpet for the premiere of The Hangover III for Press Pass LA on Monday night. My article will be up shortly, but I thought you might enjoy a few fun personal photos from the evening.  (Also, check out my Facebook page for my mug right before the action began!)

Will you be seeing The Hangover III or are you already tired of the franchise?

 Just wanted to show you the back of Jamie Chung's dress...gorgeous!

 Mmmbop, mmmbop...what the heck comes next?

 Bradley Cooper drank his coffee all the way down the red carpet in his pumpkin suit. Maybe it was a pumpkin latte?

Bradley Cooper chatting with director Todd Phillips...discussing pumpkin lattes?

 The cast!

 Heather Graham looked gorgeous in emerald green.

Ed Helms looking a little like Hugh Grant in profile.

Zach Galiafinakis...finally learned to spell his last name correctly for this caption.

My Smarter Commerce Begins: Oscars Week

Covering the Oscar Road Trip for Starpulse in Chicago.  

Photo credit:  Jeff Schear/Getty Images North America

I'm back in L.A. and I am excited to share all of the incredible events that Oscars Week brings forward.  I will be covering a few new events this year, so it will change up my coverage a bit and hopefully, make it even more exciting than previous years.

This year, I have teamed up with IBM in a program called "My Smarter Commerce," so over the next month you will see me using the #MySmarterCommerce on Twitter to talk about how technology affects my work as an entertainment reporter.  Frankly, without the internet, I wouldn't have a career.

So, all of my entertainment-related posts will be tracking what I am up to over the next 30 days, but I want to hear from you!  In comments, on Twitter, and on Facebook, I want to hear how technology has changed your life and what you use in your daily life that has changed the way you do business and see the world.

So, let's get started, I will throw the first question out to you:

What would you like to see from me over the next month in terms of photos, stories, and how technology shapes my job?

What #MySmarterCommerce is all about:

#spon: I have been invited by IBM to share my honest thoughts and experiences around Smarter Commerce, and as part of this collaboration, IBM may provide me with product, access, content or other forms of remuneration. All opinions are expressly my own.

The Finalists: Oscar Nominations Dress

It's year 3 of my Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge! Is your dress among the finalists?  Here are this year's two finalists chosen for very different reasons:

1.  Dress 1:  Shabby Apple
     This is a shape that I don't normally choose, but I like the elegance of it.  It's simple yet perfect for the tradition of the Oscar nominations.  My only concern is if this color will wash me out on camera, but like Jennifer said when she submitted this dress, "I know you want bright colors, but I love the lightness and texture on this- maybe have some deep red lipstick in hand? A la old Hollywood."

2.  Dress 2:  ModCloth

ModCloth was a runner-up in 2011, but the fit was a bit off.  Let's hope this year I got it right.  The color is great for camera and it has a bit of Mad Men glamour that is perfect for the sophistication of the event that morning.  As Robin also mentioned when she submitted this dress on Facebook, "They have wonderful good looks - really affordable too!"

Both dresses should arrive next week just in time for the Oscar Nominations.  Which one is your favorite?  

Vote below and be sure to see the dress I choose on Thursday, January 10! Winner receives a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice. Good luck!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

My Week With the Acura ILX

If you saw my tweet yesterday, you might have heard that Acura is giving me the opportunity to drive the ILX this week.  I'm planning on taking it all over Los Angeles with me to test drive the technology and ride quality of the vehicle.  I hope you join me on some of my adventures as I take the car to set, to workout, to a screening for Oscar season and for a little R&R in Palm Springs.  I will be posting photos on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram: @KristynBurtt, Pinterest, Google + , and logging my locale on Four Square....yep, all over every possible social media outlet.

So here's where I need YOUR help....and you will want to read #2 because it involves some cool giveaways.

1.  Help me decide where I should take the ILX during my week:  should I go for cupcakes (Gluten-Free, of course.)?  Shopping for a new dress?  To watch the sunset at the beach?  Give me some suggestions in the comments below.

2.  Tell me what you would do if Acura gave you a free ILX for the week.  Respond in the comments below or on Twitter using the hashtag #WeekWithILX (You must use this hashtag to qualify.). The best responses will receive $50 or $100 gift certificates or a FREE week with the ILX!  Not a bad giveaway, right?

So, join me for all of the fun as I kick off my ILX week beginning tomorrow.  Ready, set, go.......tell me what you would do with this sweet ride:

Disclosure: Acura has invited me to test the new ILX and share my honest thoughts through social media. I may receive product, access or content, but all commentary is my own.

New Adventures With SheKnows.com

I've been hinting at new adventures a lot lately.  Normally, I would be with my Toyota team gearing up for another season of Toyota Live.  This year, I am staying put in Los Angeles to cover all things entertainment.  A new season brings new changes and I alluded to some of the changes last week.

Well, I can officially announce that I am joining the SheKnows.com team as a trending entertainment writer.  I will be posting daily news stories about the hottest scoop in entertainment.  I will let you know when my first story posts, but you can find SheKnows entertainment here or on Twitter or Facebook.  I will, of course, cross post all of the articles on my social media sites to make it as easy as possible for everyone to find me.  So, you will see a lot more entertainment news coming your way.

I have a few more tricks up my sleeve, so make sure to watch this space for more announcements. Thank you all for your support over the last year, it's been a fun ride so far!

Don't forget, I will be on Driving with Gass tonight at 7:35PM PT/9:35PM ET on KWSS. org or 106.7FM in Phoenix talking about the weekend's hottest entertainment news.  

Still In Munich!

Wow, I just checked and saw that the last time I posted was on Friday.  The last five days have been a complete blur of work and food and fun here in Munich.  My quiz show hosting gig is officially over, but here are two photos of my station.  I played over 200 rounds of this quiz during my days here at ESC.  Holy cow!  The best part is meeting people from all over the world and trying a few of my Spanish and French phrases on everyone.  Hey, a girl has to practice her languages somehow!  It's also fun to compare the trade shows of the U.S. versus the congresses in Europe.  In Europe, they are more formal and the hostesses (known as "booth babes" in the U.S.) are all dressed up in suits.  I actually like the formality of it versus the khakis and golf shirts approach.  It is somehow more dignified.

Now that my Munich journey is wrapping up, I am hopping a train to the Czech Republic.  Yep, I am off to Prague.  Let the vacation and the shopping begin!  I will be able to post more now that I am on vacation, so join me for more photos this week.  My poor mom was worried when I stopped posting over the last five days, so I gave her this photo bomb on Facebook.

I am also posting more photos on Instagram:  @KristynBurtt and Twitter if you want to follow along!

A Thought To Start Your Week....

Grand Canyon, May 2007

"Be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars."

Henry Van Dyke

What are you looking forward to most this week?

Me:  Bill Irwin, Vampire Mob, and Hellos.....Not Goodbyes.

Share your thoughts with me in the comments below or on Twitter or Facebook.

What I Learned At My First Comic Con

Sooooo out of my element.

Okay, I made it to my first Comic Con. Honestly, this isn't my genre and I was totally out of place.  I might like Makeup Con or Dress Con or Shoe Con, but Sci-fi and comic book characters are usually off my radar.  I was fortunate enough to have a shoot down in San Diego on the first day of the Con, so I decided to head on over after we wrapped.  It was timed perfectly since I had a few friends speaking on a panel that I wanted to attend and I would still have time to walk the floor to check out all of the chaos.

Here is what I learned from the 7.5 hours I spent at Comic Con 2012:

1.  Crowds and Chaos:  I shot a quick video (Like 39 seconds short. Watch it!) of the floor for a friend and you can see how there is barely any room to move on the convention floor.  This was on a Thursday.  Can you imagine what Saturday looks like?

2.  Shoes:  I figure I walked about five miles in my few hours at the Con.  Ladies, this is not the day to break in a new pair of heels.  You walk a lot, so bring your most comfortable pair of shoes you own whether that is a pair of flats, sneakers, or your Crocs. (This is the only time I will ever recommend a pair of Crocs. Ever.) I wore my favorite Repetto flats and I was a happy girl.

3.  Cosplay:  Yep, you will see lots of costumes, wardrobe, and props at this show. It's hilarious, wondrous, and overwhelming.  In fact, people made fun of me for bringing my giant purse instead of a backpack (I don't own a backpack!) yet it is totally normal for a grown man to be dressed like Facebook. (Look at the photo!)  I couldn't even see my friends on the panel because My Little Pony was sitting in front of me.  (See photo below to witness the yellow pony with a pink mane.)

Overall, I was glad I attended to finally see what the Con was all about. I had fun socializing and supporting my friends, but I am not sure if this will be an annual trip for me.......but just watch, I'll be back next year.  That's what everyone is telling me.  

Chelsea Handler Is Pretty Darn Cool

Last Friday, I posted my interview with Reese Witherspoon from the recent press junket for This Means War for iVillage.  I received some interesting reactions to the piece about Reese's behavior on Facebook.  I have to be honest...what you see is what you get and it was a little disappointing to me since I have been a fan for a long time.  I'm going to chalk it up to a bad day at the office and I will go in with an open mind and good attitude the next time I interview her.  We all have off days, right?

That same day, I had the opportunity to interview all around kick ass, cool chick, Chelsea Handler.  This interview was exactly what I needed:  funny, spontaneous, a bit of dry wit, and an unexpected party crasher.  Watch the video and let me know what you think.

Holy Crap! Hunter Parrish Is Cute!!

This wasn't supposed to be my post for today.  I had a plan to start my "Best of 2011" today, but I changed my mind when I saw the video of Hunter Parrish singing "Beautiful City" from the current Broadway revival of Godspell.  It's no secret that I am involved with the show, but I thought it is the perfect message for this time of year.  We get so caught up in the holidays and it can be a very stressful time for so many families.  Our country has seen a tough economy continue, we've watched political parties battle each other for their own good, not the greater good, and the United States is anything but united.  So, do me a favor, take a moment in your busy day and listen to this incredibly moving song.  The reactions I received from posting this on my personal Facebook page included:

"The song is beautiful. I'm listening to it again right now."


"I am not a big fan of musicals, but that song you posted is unreal."

"Beautiful!  Thanks for sharing-I can't wait to see the show."

And the best one....
"Holy Crap!  Hunter Parrish is cute!!" (Indeed he is and he's in his underwear for the opening part of the show.)

So no matter what your personal beliefs are,  I bet you can believe in building a "Beautiful City"

Enjoy this song.....and let me know what you think in the comments below:



To purchase tickets to the show, click here.

To download the soundtrack on iTunes, click here.

The Great Cupcake Caper

I received a knock on my door today to find half a dozen cupcakes greeting me from Crumbs Bake Shop.  Anyone that hangs out with me or follows me around the internet knows that I love cupcakes.  The note read "Get Well Soon, Matthew".  Hmmmm, no last name and no indication of which Matt in my life it was from.  I sent a text to my co-host of Toyota Live, called my Paris pal, Crabby, and I started to formulate an email to my cousin in Chicago.  I put a photo and tweet out on Twitter and on Facebook and the culprit was found!  A big thanks to Mathieas AKA Matthew for my Crumbs Cupcakes.  I already feel better after downing a ginormous Red Velvet cupcake.  As you can see, the cupcake never stood a chance:

The Tale of the iPhone Case

This weekend, a few of you may be stopping by Red Carpet Closet because of this post by my friend, Ken Davenport.  Yep, I love my iPhone and I thought it was wasted advertising space lately.  I am currently using my own case, but in the past I have utilized cases given to my by PR agencies to advertise certain products.  I thought, why don't I advertise for Godspell?  (By the way, it's no secret that I am an investor in the show.)

Photo Courtesy of Ken Davenport.

Just to prove that my iPhone is with me at all times, here are a few photos from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in February. I will be sure to take a picture on the red carpet with my new Godspell iPhone case once it reaches the Left Coast. Be sure to leave a comment below, so I can learn more about you.  Have a great weekend, everyone!

Get your Godspell iPhone case here.

Follow me on:
Twitter
Facebook
Google +
              

Taking video with my iPhone of the cute kids from PS 22 walking the red carpet.

 Showing Mr. Brainwash the photo I took alongside his artwork.  

Tony Awards Links

Here are all of the links to my Tony Awards coverage on Sunday.  Pick your favorite!

For the most up-to-date coverage:  Twitter.

You do not need an account to follow my feed.  I will be Tweeting photos and comments during the red carpet which starts at 5:30PM ET and ends at 7:15PM ET.  

For similar coverage if Twitter scares you and if the Facebook app isn't acting up that day:  Facebook.

Post-coverage and articles:  Starpulse (Everything will be linked here at Red Carpet Closet too.)

I am so happy this red carpet is actually happening as there was a threat of a protest by the Local One union and The Tony Awards producers.  And everyone knows......you don't cross a picket line......especially one in New York.  

Feel free to leave questions you would like me to ask on the red carpet.  Remember, Neil Patrick Harris is hosting. (Doogie).  Just had to say it.

During the show, I will be hanging here.  BroadwaySpace.com is throwing a Tony viewing party, so come join the fun. Tickets can be purchased here.  

Logo courtesy of The Tony Awards.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

It's been awhile since I have done a giveaway, so let's dust off the gifting closet and find something fun.  This month's giveaway is a pair of sparkly silver Summer Jasmines, "the comfortable, compactable evening and pedicure shoes that fit in your purse!"  Consider these shoes the multi-purpose sandal to throw in your big, slouchy bag when you are walking all over the city, grab a pedicure, and then need a reprieve at the end of the night when your Louboutins (or a fabulous pair of knock-offs) are dragging you down.

So, I am going to do a spectacular giveaway with these shoes and by the way, they retail for $98. Shazam! That's a good giveaway. They are Silver, they are Size 7 (They run big, so I would say it is closer to a Size 8), they come complete with sparkles, and it includes a black satin carrying case PLUS a cute red Summer Jasmine key chain.  Does this sound like a good deal or what?

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Bloglovin'.

2.  Leave me a comment letting me know where you follow me and be sure to leave your contact information.

Rules:   18+ to enter, US residents only, Enter by 11:59 PM on Friday, March 18th.

Winner will be selected by Random.org and announced on Monday, March 21st.

Good luck, everyone!

This giveaway is featured on Blog Giveaway Directory.  Be sure to visit them for the most comprehensive list of blog contests and giveaways happening each week.

March 21, 2011:  The winner is announced!

I Would Like To Thank The Academy.....

......Okay, I never, ever thought I would utter those words in my lifetime.  I am not an actress, nor do I ever aspire to be one.  However, today, I can say, "I'd like to thank the Academy".  Why?  Well, they kindly pushed my article out on their Twitter and Facebook pages.  So, my Oscar Nominees Luncheon article on Starpulse was seen by hundreds of thousands of people.  I am so honored and flattered it was such an amazing day for me and truly a privilege to be in that room with the entertainment journalists and film artists I admire.  So, I would like to thank the Academy for all of the support and encouragement, particularly the PR and Marketing team at AMPAS.  You have been amazing to me and my crew this awards season and I look forward to covering the 83rd Annual Academy Awards in 18 days.  Like Hall and Oates said, "You make my dreams come true...."

And a big "Thank You" to all of you for your comments and feedback on Twitter, Facebook, Starpulse, and here at Red Carpet Closet.  I am a big Oscar dork and I am happy to see that I am not the only one out there who thinks Red Carpet is an Olympic sport.

Holiday Giveaway

"It is always better to give than to receive" is how the old saying goes.  So it is time for me to give back to you, my amazing readers here at Red Carpet Closet.  I figured a little makeup, a few new brushes, and a makeup case should do the trick.  You will be rocking a smoky eye and a gorgeous red lip throughout 2011.  (Just remember, not at the same time.  Chose a heavy eye or a heavy lip, but together...yikes!)

Here is what this fantastic giveaway includes:
* A Purely Pro Smoky Eye Palette
* A Purely Pro Lipstick in Vixen
* 8 Pro Tools
* Makeup Case with Portable Mirror

To enter:
1.  You must be a US resident.
2.  Make sure you are following Red Carpet Closet on one of the following:  Facebook, Twitter, or Blog Lovin'.
3.  Tell me your favorite post on Red Carpet Closet from 2010 in the comments section below.  Make      sure I have a way to contact you.
4.  Enter before 11:59 PM PST on Monday, December 20th.

Winner will be selected randomly by Random.org.

Good luck!

Scenes from a Weekend at The State Fair of Texas

I have officially completed 18 days so far at the State Fair of Texas and I have to say, it is much easier the second time around.  I have to thank the weather for cooperating this year; gone are the fleeces, gloves, hats, and scarves from last year.  I can't believe I will be home in one week after a month in Texas! Catch a glimpse of my weekend in photos:

Here I am, eating the famous Fletcher's Corny Dog.  Now, the Fletcher Family claims they invented the corn dog.  I don't who invented it, but it's delicious.  Read the history of the corn dog here.

My co-host decided to hijack my iPhone and change my wallpaper to his lovely mug.  I decided that he must really want his photos published, so I tagged him on my private Facebook page.  Let me tell you, he really enjoyed that one.  Little does he know, he's on my blog too!

Here's where I get a little grumpy at the city of Dallas, DART, their transportation system, had a huge debacle last year during the UT/OU game with getting people to the fair and the game on time.  They did a great job at the game this year, however, this weekend was even busier than game weekend.  Did they learn their lesson?  Nope, here are the crowds waiting to get on an available train.  Sigh.  

Larry at the ice cream stand is my best friend at the fair.  He kindly hooks me up with a vanilla soft serve every once in awhile.  Perfect for a hot summer day!  (By the way, notice my millions of freckles on my face!  I wear a hat and SPF 85 every day.  Geez!)

Happy 10th Birthday to the Toyota Prius--10.10.10!  My favorite car and probably one of the most innovative technological breakthroughs of the last decade.  This car was a game-changer back in 2000 when it was launched. Toyota hoped to sell about 12, 000 units that year.  Now, over a million Prius have been sold worldwide and over 650 MILLION gallons of gas have been saved.  

Yes, I am so strong, I can hold up a Dodge Ram with only two hands.  We're that strong at Toyota.

Um, attractive picture of my nap.  Yes, this wound up on Facebook too, all thanks to my co-host, Matt Troyer.  Hey, it was a long weekend and I needed to recharge.  I hope your weekend was just as much fun!

Coach Poppy Project

An trendy everyday bag in the Pop C Denim Appliqué Glam Tote.  $278

I have always been a fan of Coach bags.  When I was a struggling student back in my NYU days, I used to window shop for the bag I might own once I was earning more than my measly Sony Movie Theatre cashier paycheck.  Yes, I was your movie cashier on the 3rd Avenue and 11th Street theatre back in the day.  I didn't get my first Coach bag until Valentine's Day, 2001 when my boyfriend at the time noticed the longing I had every time I passed a Coach window.  I still use that classic bag today and I appreciate his efforts towards starting my purse collection (addiction).  


Today, I am thrilled to be participating in Coach's Poppy Project.  To get the word out about their new collection, Coach is having a fun contest that will benefit all of you as well.  If you head to the upper right hand corner of this page and you will find a poppy pattern growing.  Here are two ways to join in the action:

A pop of color with the Leather Glam Tote in Persimmon.  $278

1.  Tweet using #CoachPoppy to make all of the patterns grow, or use my site's personal #hashtag (#RedCarpetCloset) to make that pattern grow.  Or you can “Like” the Poppy Project on Facebook. Try secret keywords. Be creative!  


2. Or how about a gift?  Look for Poppy surprises in the pattern on the upper right hand corner of this page. If you spot a Coach Poppy bag, it’s your lucky day! Just click on the bag for a special gift.  Who doesn't like free gifts?  

Every girl needs a Sequins Disco Bag.  Glam, shiny, and fabulous in Blue Jean.  $148

If you can continue using the #RedCarpetCloset in your Tweets, here's how we all benefit:  the site with the most tweets about the Poppy Project wins a $2500 gift certificate.  I will then go out and buy a Coach bag to give away on this site.  It will be a win-win for all!  


So, get out there, check out the Coach Poppy Collection, and tweet away!  Let me know if you find the poppy and receive a gift off of my site too. I want to know how many winners there are from Red Carpet Closet.  I also selected a few of my favorite bags from the collection.  Check them out in the photos above and let me know which ones are your favorite.  


**GIVEAWAY DEADLINE for CITY SLIPS**
The deadline is upon us and I will be giving away that fabulous pair of silver City Slips on Thursday, August 19th at 9AM PST.  Enter now at my Online Shopping post.  Good luck!