Lisabeth Salander, Dragon Style

Starting tomorrow, you too can adopt the looks of the film the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo-- body painting optional.

Swedish retailer H&M (known for their high fashion at low prices) teamed with costume designer Trish Summerville to celebrate the looks of protagonist Lisabeth Salander. While Salander's look is not for everyone (actress Rooney Mara had to bleach her eyebrows and pierce numerous body parts), Summerville hopes there is a little something for everyone to add to their wardrobe. Think leggings and boots, short jackets and tees,  black and grey and all with an edge.

I would add this black coat to my almost all black wardrobe (I am always ready for a funeral clothes-wise) and for 69.95, the price is certainly right. The washed denim vest is a steal at 29.95 and who cares if the white tank makes it through one season - it's practically free at 9.95.

Based on Stieg Larsson's wildly popular novel and directed by Social Network's David Fincher, the film opens December 20th and you can channel your inner kick-ass Lisabeth December 14th. For a sneak peek of the film, go here. And check out H&M's collection here.

Rooney before and after

With co-star Daniel Craig a the London premiere

Photo Credits: Sony Pictures, H&M

Give the Dog a Bone

Since he has already won the (unofficial) Cannes Palm Dog award maybe the Oscar for Best Actor is not that far fetched. The canine in question is Uggie, the adorable Jack Russell terrier who steals the scenes in the melodrama/musical/comedy/silent pic The Artist (Weinstein Company).

Uggie with co-star Jean Dujardin

According to The Wrap, there is a movement afoot to nominate this season's sidekick who plays the faithful four-legged companion to silent film star George Valentin (played by actor Jean Dujardin). An Oscar campaign has been mounted on the website Consider Uggie and the little guy even has his on twitter and Facebook campaign to support the cause. Can't blame a dog for trying. And as the campaign points out, Uggie is eight years old and you know what they say about age in Hollywood...it's either now or never.

"I'm ready for my close-up Mr. Demille"

 Apparently his Oscar winning performance was fueled not by method acting but sausages from Dujardin's pocket. (Note: he shared the role with two other Jack Russells but did the majority of the scenes). Perhaps he took his acting cues from another famous screen terrier, Asta from The Thin Man series. One can only imagine the acceptance speech.

Bow tied and ready on the red carpet at Cannes

Asta with Myrna Loy and William Powell in The Thin Man 

Good luck Uggie and remember the old adage -- anything can happen in Hollywood. Just remember all the little dogs you left behind at the kennel and don't relieve yourself in the limo.

Thanks to all of you who came to my lecture at the Corcoran in DC and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond. Spielberg was filming his new biopic Lincoln in the Richmond area where I was staying and look forward to seeing how they turned the Capital into the Lincoln White House. Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's book Team of Rivals, the film stars Daniel Day Lewis (who is in complete method mode and living by candlelight while there), Sally Fields as Mary Todd Lincoln and James Spader, David Straithairn and Tommy Lee Jones in supporting roles.

Daniel Day Lewis in character

Photo Credits: The Weinstein Company