Monday, January 30, 2012

Screen Actors Guild Faves, Ladies in White

I was on a plane last night, heading back from San Fransisco, so I missed the SAG Awards (both the red carpet and the awards ceremony itself) but that didn't mean that I wasn't totally ready to scope out the fashion when I woke up from my post red eye nap! Here is a short list of some of my favorite looks of the night... and they are all ladies who wore white for the evening!

Lena Headey, Gretchen Mol, Judy Greer
Maybe it's because I have been eyeballin' wedding gown lately but I think the ladies that stole the show for me last night were those ladies wearing white. Just like wedding gowns, each of these ladies' dresses were different from one another and all equally stunning to me. Lena Headey, Gretchen Mol and Judy Greer all had great white gowns. Lena's had silver beaded sleeves that were reminiscent of flapper era styles. Gretchen's gown was simple with pops of gold at the waist and collar but for some reason it just really stood out to me. Judy's dress was lacy, delicate and romantic... and of course she looked beautiful (side bar: I think Judy Greer has gotten better with age. She is lovlier every day.)

Rose Byrne
My favorite look of the night (and I know people will disagree with me on this) was Rose Byrne in an Elie Saab jumpsuit. Her hair gets more adorable every day. The beading on this jumpsuit is divine. her jewelry and clutch are fabulous. I am love love loving this look. Oh and I forgot to mention, that it was white; just plain lovely.

Did you watch the awards show last night? Did you have your favorite looks or themes in the gowns?

Friday, January 27, 2012

What is Haute Couture and What's the Big Deal?

I have been thinking about this since a few weeks back on Project Runway, the designers were making "haute couture" ball gowns for the opera. Anthony Williams said something along the lines of  "these aren't haute couture, these are pumped up Prom dresses"... which got me thinking, do I even know what the meaning of "HauteCouture" really is? Did a little research and nope, apparently not.

Haute couture (French for "high sewing" or "high dressmaking"; refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted clothing. Haute couture is made to order for a specific customer, and it is usually made from high-quality, expensive fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable seamstresses, often using time-consuming, hand-executed techniques. Couture is a common abbreviation of haute couture and refers to the same thing in spirit (thank you Wikipedia)

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012
Photos by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Europe
There are certain requirements that must be met in order to be considered "Haute Couture" and from what I can tell, it looks pretty, pretty, pretty expensive to keep your couture lines going.
  • Design made-to-order for private clients, with one or more fittings.
  • Have a workshop (atelier) in Paris that employs at least fifteen people full-time.
  • Each season (i.e., twice a year), present a collection to the Paris press, comprising at least thirty-five runs/exits with outfits for both daytime wear and evening wear.
I googled around. So it turns out that I am correct, that pulling together 2 fashion shows a year can run upwards of 3 million dollars a piece. Wowzas. It's not wonder that so many of the Haute Couture fashion houses have closed in order to pursue Ready to Wear (or prêt-à-porter) so that they can actually make money. Currently there are only 12 official members (some of which are Jean Paul Gaultier, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Givenchy) and many, many more who once were but are no longer (Emilio Pucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin and Balenciaga to name a few). Other designers use the term "couture" loosely to describe their lines but at the end of the day, the don't meet the requirements, they don't get the GLORY *throws glitter*.


Chanel Couture Spring 2011 Photo: Courtesy of Chanel
The idea of couture is fantastic. The clothes are dramatic and wonderful. Haute Couture is how designer fashion really started... and can you imagine having something made just for you and only you by 15 or so Parisians? Yeah, pretty awesome. But as you would have guessed, only about 1% of the world's population can afford couture (pssst. I am not one of them) so the lines are basically created, at this point, to be for pure showmanship. Hey, if they can afford it, more power to them.


So now when someone says, "That's so Haute Couture!" you can snootily turn your nose up at them and say "Of course that isn't Haute Couture, do you even know what couture means?!"

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

First Night of Intro to Creative Fashion Design

Last night was my very first fashion design class. I'll come right out and say that it was fantastic... but I didn't think it was going to be. 




On Monday night, I made a "dry run" to campus so that I could find my parking lot, get my student ID and also see exactly where my classroom was going to be, juuuuuust in case I got stuck in traffic and had to sprint to make it to class in time. So surprisingly I made good time, the parking lot was easy to find and it legitimately took me 10 minutes to get my ID, start to finish. It was all rainbows and sausages until I went to find my classroom. The Monday evening class was slated to start and I was horrified with what I saw. The classroom was full to the brim with at least 30-35 people, all of them chattering, giggling and ... YOUNG. I left campus defeated and called the man, complaining that I wasn't going to fit into to my class (even though mine was the Tuesday session). I was going to be the oldest one there, there were going to be so many people that I wouldn't get individual attention, what would 18 year olds think of me being there? Needless to say, I was pretty bummin'. But the man reminded me that this was something that I wanted to do, that we already paid for it haha and that Monday's class may not be Tuesday's class.


Of course, my man is full of wisdom. I attended Tuesday's class with trepidation but left with excitement. My class has 18 people in it. That is quite a few but when I had 40 in my head, 18 is a relief. I am not the oldest person in my class by 30 years. Yep, there are multiple Moms following their dreams and even a Grandma. There were a handful of young women just like me... working in the corporate world where their creativity is stifled, yet "it pays the bills". Overall, I am super excited about the diverse group of women (and one strange little man) who are in my Intro to Creative Fashion Design class.


Highlights from my syllabus that make me squeal with delight?


  • 20% of my grade is a Project Runway-esque, unconventional item garment aka Non-Textile. HELLO, now I don't need an excuse to do it! (ideas on Non-Textile items welcomed because my instructor has "seen it all")
  • Another 20% of my grade is beading and hand sewing samples. Ummm, really? Amazeballs.
  • I am going to learn to drape and make patterns. You are talking to a flat pattern kind of girl, so this is awesome!
  •  My final project is a garment inspired by a certain fabric, any fabric and you all know I LOVE TO BUY FABRIC. 
 
Needless to say, I am excited about the opportunity. I can't wait to get my hands dirty so to speak, dig in and get working. This is only my first class but I can already feel the creativity surging to my brain, which I assure you, is an awesome feeling.



So do you guys mind if I update you as I go along?

Monday, January 23, 2012

Red Lips, a Rose Byrne Haircut and my New Coat

So nothing makes me more excited for Winter parties then to get dolled up aka Red lipstick. It's a total statement and while the man usually thinks it's too "loud" for normal wear, he is most certainly a fan when we are hitting the town. Even some of my fave celebs rock the look, which in turn, makes me want to pull it off even more. Can you dig? Mama loves Amanda Seyfried and Rachel McAdams.


I took this look straight into practice this past weekend for the party that I attended. I used my rockin' Revlon Colorburst in Deep Coral. What else did I rock? I rocked my brand new Rose Byrne inspired haircut... well it isn't inspired, it's pretty much a copy cat... but I love it all the same! I am really excited to try it up and down, every which way... well at least for a couple more months until I start growing these bad boys out for the wedding.




Oh, and you know what else I wore with a fashion passion? I rocked my brand new BB Dakota coat, courtesy of the soon to be Sister in Law. It is Southwestern inspired, faux furtastic and exactly what I wanted. Remember this post? Well the boyfriend (now fiance) did somehow figure out to get me one of these coats haha. I got the BB Dakota Saddle Stripe Coat from Modcloth... and let's just say that I am in love.


All these things together, pulled a rocking evening look together (I wore a Rachel Rachel Roy dress if anyone is interested) and I looked fab even in the cold.






Sunday, January 22, 2012

6 Ways to Spruce Up Your Wardrobe on the Cheap

Check out my latest list from Skinny Scoop. I really am starting to love making lists and this site totally makes it possible Plus, the girls over there are fabulous! This list is all about adding some spice to your life (as in fashion life) without spending tons of money.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Project Runway All-Stars, Episode 3

So as I start every post, I warn you that I will spoil the episode... so that being said, if you still haven't seen it, do not read this post... unless, of course, you don't care about having the winner and loser shown to you in advance. I would also like to apologize if I seem negative about something that I, as a fashion lover, should adore. If something I love disappoints me, then I am going to let it know.


Oh Project Runway All Stars, how I have a love-hate relationship with you. I love to hate you while watching an entire episode geared towards Miss Piggy, who I generally adore. I love to hate all the designers. I love to hate what divas they have become... I don't love to hate Host Angela Lindvall though... She seems to have no personality at all.

Our designers have been tasked with making an outfit for Miss Piggy to promote The Muppets Movie (which has been out for months so I found the timing to be weird). I do love that every single designer seems to embrace this challenge as something fun and out of their comfort zone. I do, however, get irritated by the end of the episode as each and every designer talks about how excited they are to meet Miss Piggy. They are all talking about her as if she was a real person. This is where I feel like I don't know how to have fun anymore.



Designer highlights (or lowlights) from this episode?

Rami Kashou: He was in the top this week for bringing it this challenge. What does Miss Piggy want? I have a feeling she would want over the top. We can thank Rami for going there.


Kenley Collins: Despite my mild distaste for Kenley, I was digging this pink giraffe print jobbie that she created. It landed her in the top and I would have to agree. It fit the challenge and she did a good job. I also want to ask her what she did with that teal sheer fabric she did not use... because Mama wants the scraps!

Rami's Look (Left) and Kenley's Look (right)
Michael Costello: And for the win! Surprise it's Michael Costello. I will admit, I did not think Michael would win this challenge because I felt Rami did an outstanding job making a Piggy-licious frock but Michael;s gorgeous dress won over the judges and I am not disappointed... and way to go Michael. Underdog it is. On a side note: Does Michael's model look familiar to anyone else? Maybe she was on America's Top Model? Anyone?

Michael's Winning Look
Anthony Williams: Personally, I thought Anthony had the best design. I actually find myself still thinking about this dress as I am writing this post. It was fun, flirty and totally wearable. I loved everything about it. Unfortunately for me (and Anthony) it was only good enough to keep him safe this week.


Anthony's Look
Austin Scarlett: My dearest Austin... I have not even started my first fashion design class and I could have told you that a bow on either side of Miss Piggy's hips would be a bad idea. I was saddened yet not surprised when you landed in the bottom three. 


Mila Hermanovski: All I have to say to Mila is... No single designer is too good for a challenge. Your aesthetic is not Miss Piggy's aesthetic. I hope being in the bottom three taught you a lesson tonight, Mila.


Mila's Look (Left), Austin's Look (Right)
Gordana Gehihausen: I was really starting to like Gordana. I think I mentioned before that she might have been forgettable (to me) in her season. In the mere three episodes that she graced Project Runway All Stars, I felt as if she was a solid craftswoman with a good head on her shoulders, something I can totally appreciate. Unfortunately, her design also landed her in the bottom three and unfortunately OUT. When I saw our bottom three (Mila, Austin and Gordana), I knew that Gordana's fate was sealed.... doesn't mean I won't miss her.

Gordana's Losing Look


What did you think of last night's episode?

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Birchbox, What Do I Think?


So I have been seeing a little clatter on the internets in regard to Birchbox, and while I am more than likely late for the party, I had to subscribe to this online sample/beauty products type site. I am sure plenty of you already subscribe or have friends who do but if I didn't know then I am sure there are others that didn't know either!

What is Birchbox?

Birchbox delivers the best products and the best insider secrets, without any fuss. Every month Birchbox members will receive a curated box of luxe beauty samples. Each box will span beauty categories and deliver exciting products that fit into both your day-to-day routine, and into those days when you want to turn up the drama a notch.

 It's $10 a month and while I did have my reservations, I still wanted to give it a shot because #1 I love to get mail and #2 I do love trying new beauty products. I placed my subscription order (a non-commital $10 a month because I wanted to be able to cancel if I absolutely hated it) on January 6th and I received my first package on January 13th so, the subscription did not take that long to activate and I received my first box pretty quickly.




Not knowing what to expect, I hurriedly brought my package upstairs from the mail and carefully opened it. Yes, I really like mail.


 Excited already, because man if they don't package this shiz so cutely!


I was immediately excited when I open the box, mainly because I am OBSESSED with Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal and literally had just run out of it. Also, I do love me some Zoya nail polish so, again, an immediate plus. Additional items that I found interesting, well, because they were included were VMV Hypoallergenic Re-Everything Eye Serum, Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy and 'wichcraft granola from Tom Colicchio... oh and a recap of what their "goal" is with this particular "Birchbox".


 
Was this particular sample box worth the $10 I spent on it? I would say yes. I liked enough in the box, this time around, to be really excited about what they are going to throw my way next month. Also, apparently if you like any of your samples enough, you can go to Birchbox and purchase the full size product. Your purchases will earn you points towards sweet moola on future purchases so it seems like an interesting site to explore.

Have you used Birchbox? Are you a fan or do you tell peeps to steer clear?

Sunday, January 15, 2012

2012 Golden Globes, My Best and Worst

Well the awards season as officially taken off... and I am excited for the fashion! Let's talk 2012 Golden Globe awards! Best and Worst, GO!
Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America
Best: *Claire Danes in J. Mendel looks edgy and sophisticated at the same time. This dress is structured and sexy in the places that certainly fit Claire (hello back and bum).

*Selma Hayak in Gucci makes me actually love sequins and shine. Her dress may not be the most inventive but I think she looks gorgeous.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America, Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America
Best: *Evan Rachel Wood in Gucci is a vision. I know the feathers might not be for everyone but she truly embraces being fashion forward and Lordy, I love her!  

*Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann. Dude, you have got to give her mad fashion props. She looks F.I.E.R.C.E and makes a feminine color look almost masculine. Am I right? 

*Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen looks happy and she wears it well. Almost like Jessica Rabbit (in a good way), she looks sexy and classy. Tousled hair? I approve.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America,
Best: *Emma Stone in Lanvin, there is nothing wrong with this look. That belt? Genious. The colorblocking? Genious. She is most definitely a stunner. Now, I didn't notice  

*Laura Dern's dress until she won her Golden Globe but I am really digging the green beaded jersey number. Who designed it? I couldn't tell you. Like I said, I missed her on the red carpet. 

*Michelle Williams in Jason Wu. The reason I love this gown so much is that it is so different from everything that everyone else is wearing. Navy, velvet cutouts? Yeah, I didn't think I would love it that much either. I definitely feel her channeling Mia Farrow this go around.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America, Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America
Best Hair: *Charlize Theron and her glittery headband/ side bun type look.  *Kate Winslet's side waves and effortless elegance.  *Tilda Swinton's shaved up the side, volume on the top jobbie... something we all wish we had the balls for.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America, Jason Merritt/Getty Images North America

Worst: *Kelly Osbourne in Zac Posen. I don't know if it's her purply gray hair or that the dress seems like it needed to be steamed a little more but I just think she looks off and not nearly as fabulous as she could. Not a win, Kelly. 

*Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier... gasp! This is not the way to make your red carpet comeback SMG. While I don't hate the blue and white dye effect that much, I just think this dress to puffy and had it been more fit and flare, I wouldn't detest it so much. It's just a lot. Zoom in and her makeup is all blue and sparkly too. Just not as classy as I would like...

.... and as much as I hate to do this, *Zooey Deschanel. From her side bangs, to the collar to the front of that dress... I get she was going for "cute, zany girl" but I don't understand the white/silvery collar to the lime green then I think olive green... and I know it's Prada, but I still don't like it.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America
Worst: *Lea Michele looks like a hot silver feathery mess in Marchesa. I don't get it and I don't get people's obsession with her. Dare I say it's kind of a little whore-ish (sorry Marchesa!)... 

I know I will get some heat for this but I am not feeling *Angelina Jolie's look this year. In her Atelier Versace, it's like the red was an afterthought and just thrown on. While I don't mind that she matched her purse and lips to the dress, why not wear the red shoes to boot? It almost seems disjointed without it. Yeah, I just think she has looked better and I don't understand why more fashionistas didn't question the taste of this... are we scared of Angelina? (a post for another day)

*Diana Agron, you are so cute, why the crazy red, lacy, ruffled, cutout concoction? It's just far too much. I am not familiar with Giles but I am not impressed.


Do you have your favorites that I am missing? Do you disagree with my best and worst?

Friday, January 13, 2012

Project Runway All Stars, Episode 2

Yet another week has come and gone on the Project Runway All Stars Season. Again, I remind my readers to stop reading if you don't want this week's episode ruined for you, either with a spoiler or my negativity.


So this week's challenge was a dress for the opera challenge which seems pretty straight forward. The catch, I guess, is that our designers only have $350 and 5 hours, so time and funds are limited. I am still not 100% enjoying this season as we enter into episode two and I will give you some examples why:


Austin Scarlett: I love him, I really do but according to him and every other designer "This is Austin Scarlett's challenge". Guess what? He won the challenge. Sorry guys, there was no contest apparently. The entire episode, Austin makes mention of this being his challenge and he would be really disappointed in himself if he didn't do well, all the while knowing he would do well. My favorite moment of the episode was when Gordana was like, Austin if this is what you do all the time (make couture dresses) then just make one. She of course, said this to a camera and not to Austin, but still, she said what I was thinking.


Jerrel Scott : This man is getting on my last nerve and we are only on episode two. He was SO full of himself the.entire.episode and while he was not on the bottom, he most certainly was not in the top. There were at least 3 instances where the producers cut to Jerrel talking about himself in 3rd person about how he knocked this one out of the park. Newsflash Jerrel, your dress was not that fabulous.

Kara Janx: I LOVED Kara Janx on her season. Loved her wrap dresses, loved her accent, just plain loved her. Fast forward years later, and she isn't the same Kara. She seems melancholy and downtrodden. Even Mondo makes mention of her being one of the weakest competitors. Sweet, innocent Mondo... I agree with you. I am hoping she gets a little more pep in her step but this ep she was in the bottom three, so it could go either way.


April Johnston: Brooding, indifferent, moody... She seems like she couldn't give two sh!ts about this competition and it landed her in the bottom two this episode. You don't want to be here sweety? Do us all a favor and leave. If you really do want to be here and this is just an act? You're dumb.


Sweet P: See my post from last week's episode. Just as I had anticipated, Sweet P was brought in to be one of the first to go. So long sweet Sweet P. You are lovely but shouldn't have really been in the All Star competition in the first place.


All the low notes aside, I really did like some of the fashion. Mondo had this ADORABLE mod sort of futuristic look that I thought was really interesting. Gordana surprised me with this purple number that I thought moved like a wish upon a star and reminded me a little of a modern Daisy Buchanon... and just like everyone else, I loved Austin's black and gold dreamy dress.






Did you watch it last night? Did you receive any enjoyment from it?

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Wedding Shoes, Should I Splurge?

So while I am not skewing Prim and Propah all wedding crazy like, I think this is probably a post every gal can relate to... and it revolves around shoes! I have been thinking a lot about what I want to wear on my wedding day and while the dress is obvi uber important, I am starting to lean towards really splurging on a pair of designer shoes for my big day (and of course get some wear out of them afterwards).

So since I rarely spend big money on clothes and shoes... maybe the occasional handbag, but i think if I splurge for anything, why not some absolutely fabulous shoes! Ugh... oh the options!

 Valentino Peep Toe Lace Pumps, Miu Miu Glitter-Heel Patent Pump, Jimmy Choo Crown Glitter Platform Pump

 Lanvin Laser- Heel Ankle Wrap Pump, Christian Louboutin Patent Rolando Pump, Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Plate T-Strap Wedge Sandal
All these are in my top as options. I know that some of them seem out of the norm but my wedding shoes are going to be something that I will cherish forever plus I am not going to be an average bride. These are all gorgeous and worthy adversaries.

There is one pair of shoes that I cannot help but be smitten with and of course, cannot stop thinking about. Remember this post about Jessica Biel's shoes? If anyone EVER sees these shoes anywhere, you please let me know... I have tried to locate which Valentino collection they are from to determine when they will hit the market but so far, I am left empty handed. I am just obsessed and would probably work my colors around them haha.


What do you think of my picks? Are any of them splurge worthy?


Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Meryl Streep's Timeless Beauty and Vogue Cover

Along the same vein of having good role models for young girls in this country (please see yesterday's post re: Kelly Clarkson), can we talk about Meryl Streep? At the Age of 62, she snags her first Vogue cover and is their oldest cover girl (woman) in the magazine's history. Why a role model you ask? Well, people... isn't Meryl one of the best actresses of our time? YES. Doesn't she have the most amazing roles under her belt? YES. Hasn't she done it all with grace and style? YES. And at 62, man is she still beautiful or what.

Meryl Streep attends the UK premiere of "The Iron Lady" Photo by PacificCoastNews.com
She has always impressed me and I am sure will continue to do so. She is already getting raves in regard to "The Iron Lady" and there is Oscar buzz around her performance. But one of the things that I LOVE most about her is that she doesn't and hasn't chosen her roles based on if she will get critical acclaim or not... Some of my favorite Meryl Streep movies are appreciated by so many yet may not have won an Academy Award (or they may have too). My faves you ask? Mamma Mia, The Devil Wears Prada, Julie and Julia and Death Becomes Her.


What do you think about Meryl? Do you think she has timeless beauty and class or do you totally disagree with me?

Monday, January 9, 2012

Why so Mean to Kelly Clarkson, People?

In watching Saturday Night Live this past weekend, I was a little taken aback by host Charles Barkley and Musical Guest, Kelly Clarkson... if only because I sort of feel that neither are 100% relevant right now. Once the show started though, I thoroughly enjoyed Charles Barkley as the host and I was reminded of how friggin' talented that Kelly Clarkson really is. I have seen many a SNL where the musical guest sounded, flat out horrible live... but Kelly, now there is a true talent.
So here I am enjoying myself and imagine how absolutely peeved that I was when I saw my Twitter feed blowing up with people dogging on Kelly Clarkson for being fat.... and actually tweeting to her about it. Ummm, hello people, Kelly Clarkson can actually see those tweets. Would you tell your friend or even a casual acquaintance that they looked fat? I don't think so.

Bad manners aside, I think that this type of public reaction to someone's personal appearance is something of societal tragedy. Are we that obsessed with weight, youth and beauty, that physical looks automatically trump absolutely amazing talent? Here, I'll show you some examples of the complete superficiality:

@fsmikeyL 100%. Kelly clarkson loves to eat ham
@IlickBrains Clearly if Kelly Clarkson "Just Walked Away" she wouldn't be at her size.
@willnoonan Since You've Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson has been eating.
@brandnirwin Kelly Clarkson weighs more than Charles Barkley

Those weren't the worst but you get the idea...


Now there were no great pictures that I could snag of her performance but check out this video of her Mr. Know It All performance that night.... OK, welcome back. Please also see pictures of Kelly below from VH1 Divas, the American Music Awards and recent NFL event. I THINK KELLY LOOKS GREAT. Yes, she has gotten some curves that perhaps weren't there the last time we all took a look at her but seriously people, she is an average American woman that you are putting down here. I bet you that Kelly Clarkson and I might be pretty close in size (well I have more chest while she has more butt) and it kind of hurt my feelings that the Twitterverse was giving her a hard time.

Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America, Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images North America, Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images AsiaPac

I think that girls today need to have great role models. I love to look and feel beautiful. I love to daydream about wearing designer clothes and dressing up to look glam but if society is telling me that I have to be model thin to actually be beautiful? Geesh, what kind of message is that. Should I not even bother? I am SURE that Kelly Clarkson's feelings were hurt by the mean tweets, how could they not be? She is an absolute power house of natural talent that I could only dream of having. And to boot? She is a curvalicious and beautiful woman. Seriously people, why so mean to Kelly Clarkson?


Where do you weigh in on this? (no pun intended)

Friday, January 6, 2012

Project Runway All Stars: Am I Impressed?

OK, so Project Runway All Stars started last night so before you read this, please know that I will spoil what happened so if you have it DVR'd, you will be mad at me if you read further.


Model Angela Lindvall is taking over hosting duties usually regulated to Heidi Klum. Then there’s Joanna Coles (Marie Claire editor-in-chief) taking over Tim Gunn’s spot as mentor. And designers Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman will be sitting in Michael Kors and Nina Garcia’s seats. My initial thought? Not terribly excited about the change up... but I suppose it was necessary because the "all stars" do have past relationships with the judges and  it could be problematic. 


So our episode started by reintroducing us to our supposed or the most talented designers from past seasons. They do have some ranging from popular and super talented (Mondo Guerra, Austin Scarlett) to the mildly popular and mildly talented (Anthony Williams and Kara Janx) to the annoying and/or forgettable contestants (Kenley Collins and Rami Kashou). Would all of these contestants have been on my "all star" list? Probably not, but I digress. I will also make notations later in regards to who I think was brought on specifically to be cut first. Our designers put on a fashion show each with a look brought from home to represent themselves as a designer. Everything looks pretty decent and that is on the level.

Challenge time: Our first episode is, you guessed it, the unconventional item challenge! Our designers shop at a 99 cent store and their looks need to be inspired by the looks they brought from home. It's at this point where I am kind of, legitimately, over the unconventional item challenge. Dollar store, super market, junk yard... it's all the same to me. 

Our designer's commentaries are, as usual, peppered in between our shots of the action. As they are all shopping, I get the impression that the majority of them think that they are the best in this competition. I start to realize that part of what makes project runway so special is that the designers are still trying to dig in, make their own success and win it! I don't get this vibe at all... dare I say it, we have some divas in this all star cast.

I LOVE Project Runway and have been an avid watcher of all seasons and so far, I am not enjoying this episode. We go through the same motions and issues with putting together unconventional items. Gasp, Austin melts through plastic with his glue gun. Mondo isn't feeling the competition yet, Kenley is still super annoying. I found myself wishing I had recorded it so I could fast forward to the end. 

A bright spot in this ep, is Joanna Coles mentoring our designers. While she is most definitely no Tim Gunn, she brings a sophistication and seriousness to the series that I really like. That is the only change in judging/mentoring that I care for. My friend Erin calls Isaac Mizrahi b!tchy and I can't say that I disagree, Georgina Chapman is lovely but let's face it, Nina is my girl... and then there is Angela Lindvall. Who is Angela Lindvall? Apparently, she is/was a model but compare her to Hiedi Klum and this is an epic failure. Her hosting is disjointed and rehearsed , her emotions seem forced and to me, she doesn't have anything endearing that makes me like her. In short, there is nothing different about her. I am hoping that as the season goes on, that she gets into a groove because the elimination "ceremony" was almost painful.

Top 3: Mondo, Rami and Jerell. Rami wins, whoopee
Bottom 3, and here is where I think they brought people in, knowing they would be good bets as going out early*: Sweet Pea: was she that great a designer before? I like her and everything but I don't recall her being in the top often despite her making it fairly far. Gordana: I barely remember her and Elisa: also not a great designer and best known for spit marking on her fabric.

*Please add Micheal Costello to this list as he is ever the underdog and Mila Hermanovski as I feel she also falls into the forgettable category.

I will be giving this season a chance but right now, I feel like everyone is kind of full of themselves, by the looks of the previews, Isaac doesn't maintain his composure like a judge should and well, I am just plain uninspired. I plan to watch at least the next couple of episodes but unless I seem some improvements, some unexpected twists or something, I may just have to bail.

What do you think? Did you watch and were you in love? Or do you agree with me somewhat?

Who I am Watchin' 2012 Stylie

Wondering who I am planning to keep an eye on this 2012? Well, I am trying out this new list thingy from Skinnyscoop and it seems kind of fun. I also found a picture of Kim Kardashian with a sunburn and it makes me chuckle. Check out my list and let me know whatchya think! 
 

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Rooney Mara Update: She Still Rocks

Wellp guys, Rooney Mara is still rocking some hard core premiere fashion. Whoever her stylist is... is pure genius, making Rooney feminine but also keeping in the "theme" of her movie, adding a little edge and masculine energy to her Red Carpet looks.

Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images Europe
What do you think of her  look at the Paris premiere? Louis Vuitton? Yes, please. She looks fab in my book.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

The Year of Doing it All

So as most of you already know, the engagement to be married has become a focal point in my life in the past few weeks but something else has come to a head, and that is my life long dream of going to school for Fashion Design.... something that I have just become acutely aware of still being my dream.

Upon graduating from High School, I did apply to colleges based on this dream, being accepted into multiple fashion design programs but when it all came down to it, my family and I decided that going into a Business program would be a more marketable degree something I could work with in many, many different fields. When you are 17/18 years old, you make decisions based on silly things and in looking back, I wish I could have given myself a couple of pointers. In the end, I chose to go to the school that I did based on how many girls from my High School were going there. In retrospect? Not the greatest reason to choose a college but had I to do it over again, I would make the same decision. I met some of the greatest people I know and some of the best friends I will ever have by going to that school.

As for my degree? I do not regret the decision to go to school for business. When I graduated, I got a job almost immediately. Actually, if I recall correctly, I started working before I even got my actual diploma. Then when the economy tanked, I still remained employed, which was a blessing. I sincerely believe that my business degree has made me more marketable and perhaps a more sound investment to employers... fast forward to present day. I am pretty successful for my late 20's but when I actual drive to work, plunk down at my computer and do my actual job, am I that excited to do it? No, not at all. I have this blog, which I love, but I want to be doing something amazeballs with my time, all the time. Whether that is designing fashion? Or working with my business degree in a fashion environment, I don't know but I do know it's something I want to pursue.


I am older and wiser. This year, I want to go to school for Fashion Design. I have a business degree behind me. Let's get 'er done. This year, I want to put a lot of effort into planning a fantastic wedding and not forget about the man who is the one who gave me the ring. This year, I want to be an amazing bridesmaid to my good friend Nathalie, who asked me to be in her September wedding before I even knew about mine. This year, I want to build this blog into something more; I want it to take on a life of it's own (hopefully somewhat organically). This Spring, I want to go on a vacation to Iceland with my man and his bestie/bestie's wife... That may seem like a lot to plan around in one year but I say, why not try to have it all? 

I just enrolled in my first class of the Fashion Design Graduate Certificate Program at Mass College of Art and Design in Boston. The program requires that you take one of the preliminary courses and then apply to the bigger program once you pass that first class. I am taking Intro to Creative Fashion Design this Spring semester with the hopes of taking Fashion Illustration this Summer before I even get into to the program. I would take the Fall off, as I have Nathalie's wedding, possibly my own and the Holidays to plan for. I would also be applying with my portfolio in November so, I think I will probably need some time for that as well. Any way you slice it, I am pretty darn excited about exploring this opportunity that my life and business degree have afforded me.

I am not about New Year's resolutions this year... I am about living my life to the fullest and pursuing things I want to do all the time (if possible)... Why resolve to do things, when you can just do them? We shall see how long I can keep this motivation up and I am sure there will be some days where I will need help keeping positive but I am excited to pursue my dreams, marry the man of my dreams, create memories and keep you all updated on the pursuit of my new degree.


What are your hopes for this year? What do you hope to accomplish?