Cool Artist: John Clark

John Clark turns pages of mystery novels into works of art by drawing portraits onto the pages, strategically leaving words on the page unobscured to title each piece. l to r, top to bottom: "like a pro," $36; "i've lived without fear many hundreds of miles away" $40; "she put the drink down...i'll keep in touch" $35; "straight to the end" $35; all available at johnclark.etsy.com

New Favorite: Revlon "Just Bitten" Lip Stain in "Cherry Tart"

revlon's "just bitten" lip stain is a water-weight formula made with real fruit extracts. i tried out the "cherry tart" shade and was delighted with with results! the rollerball tip allows for easy & precise application, so it has found a new place on my bag for those touch up moments a girl needs throughout the day! the delicious smelling formula glides on, sets quickly, and gives your lips a perfect tint, that under usual circumstances, cannot be achieved without the help of several red popsicles! the lip stain is available in four shades: blood orange, plum wicked, cherry tart and berry juicy. purchase your tube at a drugstore near you! for more information on this product visit revlon's website!

kate spade delights

the kate spade website never ceases to amaze me. i should really hide my wallet next time i visit the site! i especially love the "behind the curtain" section that is dedicated to new creative projects & collaborations. here is a peek at some of my favorite projects featured "behind the curtain" at kate spade: the kate spade "editions" are gorgeous books. i want every single one of them! the matchbook by andy spade & gail bichler is something i need to get my hands on!! kate spade recently collaborated with hugo guinness to create floral print magazine totes for the spring line. another project i am fond of would be Andy Spade's gorgeously directed short film "Blondie". (see screen shot above) the film is a companion to the 2005 kate spade print ad, and is about a young boy who attempts to return a gorgeous red handbag to its rightful owner. here are my kate spade favorites for spring 2007: top: hudson street julia $595; casablanca pile $1495; tisbury minu $195; @ kate spade bottom: pink blowfish coin purse $75; price espadrille $225; patchin place medium heddy yellow cosmetic bag $60; @ kate spade

Sweet Valentines From Egg Press

love is in the air! check out these adorable egg press valentines! l to r; top to bottom: Love Tree $16 for a box of 16 or $5 for a single card; Pucker Up $5.50; Heart Repeat $6; Clams In Love $4.50; all available online @ egg press from now until valentine's day, eggpress will be adding a little special valentine treat in with every eggpress.com order!

Fashion Week Kick Off with Gen Art's New Garde 2007

THE NEW GARDE Friday, February 2nd 5:30-10:00pm Check Out Gen Art's New Garde fashion presentation in New York! This event will feature three top rising fashion designers showcased in a theatrical non-traditional runway presentation. Each designer will show 20 looks from their Fall 07 collections on live models in uniquely designed installations. The venue will house three different installations throughout its 34,000 sq foot space. Participating Designers - CHRISHABANA: Chris Habana designs women’s jewelry and clothing. He considers his pieces to be three-dimensional collages with a “hidden iconography” and “a subversive truth.” As a child in Manila, Philippines, Chris developed a strong interest in art and would often design armor for characters in Dungeons and Dragons and other video games he played. At the age of 12, Chris and his family moved to the United States where his interest in color and aesthetic continued. He began re-purposing t-shirts and designing wedding and prom gowns for friends. FORM: FORM is a New York based design collective dedicated to designing original women’s wear infused with a modern sense of luxury. Jerry Tam, founder and creative force behind the label, is originally from Butte, Montana. Longing to put his artistic talents to use, Jerry left his computer management company and moved to New York to pursue a career in fashion. He became certified in couture at Fashion Institute of Technology while simultaneously earning an Associates Degree in Fashion from Parsons School of Design. Jerry then joined Imitation of Christ, later moving on to work with Perry Ellis and Zac Posen. Eventually, Jerry decided to pursue the dream of starting his own line and held his first solo show during the Spring / Summer 2006 season in New York, which received rave reviews from the fashion press and created a buzz amidst fashion followers. GEREN FORD: Geren Ford is a Los Angeles based line of womenswear that was launched in 2002. The child of artist parents, she studied at Parsons in New York and Otis in Los Angeles. She is also a stylist and costume designer for brands like American Eagle, Nordstrom, HP and many more. She takes inspiration from a fast paced and mobile lifestyle from the time she was young to current day adventures in places like Buenos Aires, Milan, Paris, Berlin, Istanbul and many other destinations visited for both work and play. The design philosophy behind the line is one of a lifestyle; it is designed with inspiration from those cinematic moments in life that we don’t experience often enough. Each item is meant to be those perfect things that you pack every time you go somewhere; clothes that make you feel a certain way. 5:30pm: Doors Open 6:00-8:00pm Fashion Presentation 8:00-10:00pm Post-Show Party The Waterfront 222 12th Ave (bet. 27th / 28th Streets) New York, NY After-Party: Pink Elephant 527 West 27th Street (between 10-11th Ave) complimentary cocktails 10:00-11:00pm TICKETS: VIP Tickets: (includes gift bag and access to VIP Lounge) Co-Producer & Higher Level Members: 2 complimentary tickets Other Members: $75 / ticket Non-Members: $90 / ticket Regular Tickets: Associate Producer Members: 2 complimentary tickets Other Members: $40 / ticket Non- Members: $50 / ticket * Portion of proceeds benefit The Gen Art Foundation **YOU MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO ATTEND** For more information or to purchase tickets please visit the gen art homepage, or call 212.255.7300

Cool Online Shop: Subversive Jewelry

the subversive jewelry site gives you the illusion of combing through your favorite antique jewelry shop...opening up drawers to see what treasures are hidden within. each of jewelry designer justin giuta's work stands alone and makes a statement! the pieces are gorgeous and unexpected. the jewelry makes for a wonderful, unique, and memorable gift. some of my favorite pieces are pictured below: top: degas necklace $540; jade eye ribbon necklace $575; sea lei necklace $600; available @ subversivejewelry.com bottom: bee & pollen necklace $630; wood pollen necklace $460; emerald & pearl bracelet $420; available @ subversivejewelry.com l to r: orchid cluster earrings $350; emerald gypsy cluster necklace $460; available @ subversivejewelry.com

Lily Allen's "Alright, Still" Is In Stores Today!

with fun emotionally infused lyrics, lily's beautiful voice, and musical influences from electronica, rock, pop, emo, & reggae, this is one debut album you can't resist as you can easily listen to it in its entirety. no ipod playlist will be complete without lily allen's tracks "LDN" & "Smile"! download lily allen's album "alright, still" available on itunes today or Buy Lily Allen's "Alright, Still" on amazon visit lily allen on myspace Check Out Lily's video for "Smile"

Reminder: Olive and Bettes Winter Sample Sale Is Today!

Olive & Bettes is hosting a winter sample sale at their soho location on tuesday, january 30th get 75% off splendid, free people, nanette lepore, paige premium denium, seychelles, & more!! don't miss it! where: 158 Spring Street btw West Broadway & Wooster hours: 8am-7pm phone: 646.613.8772 web: olive & bettes

in need of a good home

more shoes to love, for every occassion, in nearly every color & style known to (wo)man: row 1: All Black 'Pisces' Ballet in yellow $135.00 @ barefoot tess; Corso Como 'Floral' Skimmer $135 @ barefoot tess; Arturo Chiang"ZULEIMA" in black patent leather $110 @ plaza too; Steve Madden Goodie Pump $99.95; row 2: steve madden tess buckle flat $99.95 ; French Sole 'Charleston' Ballet $159 @ barefoot tess; nine west iorio flat $79; All Black 'Pisces' Ballet in red $135.00 @ barefoot tess; row 3: Steve Madden Dagny flat pre-order (ships 2/25) $79 (available in leopard, burgundy, black, white); Steve madden Reggall bow pump $89.95; Steve Madden Romantic Pump $189.95; steve madden kelly flat pre-order (ships 2/25) $69.95 (available in black, white, green, purple, & brown); row 4: Marc by Marc Jacobs 673877 $320.00 Wedge @ zappos; Dolce Vita 'London' Ballet $99.00 in raspberry to match my yellow ones! @ barefoot tess; steve madden elpha peep-toe flat $69.95; nine west moonglow flat $69; next on the agenda? finding a bigger closet!

Put It In Neutral

white shoes are on trend right now and i love it. admittedly, i hate that they are impossible to keep clean. my solution? buy more than one pair! heels & wedges: row 1: DOLCE VITAMULTI BRAIDED HIGH HEEL $120 @ shop dolce vita; Marc by Marc Jacobs 673582 Low Heel Peep toe $325.00 @ zappos; Kate Spade Karolina $255.00 @ zappos; Marc by Marc Jacobs 673960 Round Toe Pump $325.00 @ zappos; row 2: nine west lecia in paraspa $79; Isabella Fiore Nouveau $378.95 @ zappos; Gabriella Rocha Gracie $59.95 @ zappos; JEFFREY CAMPBELL $74.95 @ zappos; row3: nine west freda pump on sale for $29.99; Christian Lacroix 973906 $473.95 @ zappos; Steven Lusta Sling-back $125.00 @ zappos; baby phat Fortuna Mary Jane $90.00 @ zappos; row 4: Marc by Marc Jacobs 673913 $360.00 @ zappos; nine west lehana mary jane $79; Steven Antigua platform wedge $110.00 @ zappos; BCBGirls Women's Liam Slingback Sandal $97.95 @ endless flats: top: All Black 'Erin' Ballet $130.00 @ barefoot tess; Celine 373132 $203.95 @ zappos; Belle by Sigerson Morrison 4322 $288.95 @ zappos; Pedro GarciaAlbany $338.95 @ zappos; middle: Moschino C10120 Lsxo $198.95 @ zappos; MICHAEL Michael Kors Gillian Flat $98.00 @ zappos; Steve Madden Tipie $73.95 @ zappos; Steve Madden Rudin $49.95 @ zappos; bottom: Penny Loves Kenny Copa $46.95 @ zappos; French Sole Passport $228.95; French Sole Hip-Hop $163.95 @ zappos; Marc by Marc Jacobs 673275 ballet flat $295.00 @ zappos;

Cool Shop: Austin Jeans

the shop is located on austin street in forest hills, queens is a service oriented men's & women's denim & apparel shop. austin jeans features designer denim and a well selected & stylish stock of clothing, shoes, handbags, belts, sunglasses, and other accessories. stop in to purchase fabulous finds from jbrand, james jeans, D&G, Just Cavalli, True Religion, La Rok, Seven For All Mankind, Free People, AG, Joes, Rock & Republic, Ella Moss, L.A.M.B., Diesel Paper Denim & Cloth & so many more. the staff of denim specialists are there to attend to your every need. simply scan through the denim gallery (pictured above), tell the denim specialist your size, and she will pull the jeans you like in your size--there is no need to search through piles of jeans like at the majority of stores. the service & selection is fantastic and the shop also offers alterations, and will help ensure that you walk out with a proper fitting garmet. if you don't live in queens, this shop will be worth your trip in...(simply take the E, F, G, R, V subways to 71st & Continental). LOCATION: 70-38 Austin Street Forest Hills, NY 11375 TEL: (718)544-9856 EMAIL: info@austinjeans.com STORE HOURS: MON - FRI 11-8pm SAT 11-8pm SUN 12 - 6pm ORDER ONLINE: order@austinjeans.com WEB: http://www.austinjeans.com/

Celebrate National Wear Red Day at Girlshop

PrettyCity.com and Girlshop.com in partnership with The Heart Truth, invite you to celebrate in style. February 2nd is National Wear Red Day. Indulge in complimentary jane iredale, the skin care makeup makeovers, cocktails, and heart-healthy hors d' oeuvres, while shopping the latest trends. rsvp by clicking here or email red@prettycity.com

SUPER SUNDAY 2/4/07

Plan Your Party: Check out the cool decorations available @ Plum Party...from invitations, grass mats, beer koozies, & football shaped everything, you will be all set If you are cheering for DA BEARS, check out these cool vintage-esque tees currently selling on ebay!: l to r, top to bottom: women's bears tee on ebay; 80s bears tee on ebay; vintage bears tee on ebay; da bears tee on ebay; ditka tee on ebay & kookietees.com; f u colts tee on ebay; i'm thinking about getting the ditka tee available @ kookietees.com ...da coach: ... if you are cheering for the colts, like seemingly everyone in new york is, including my boyfriend, check out these tees on ebay...some of them are pretty funny: l to r, top to bottom: indianapolis colts tee on ebay; kiss me i'm a colt shirt on ebay;baltimore colts throwback tee on ebay; got peyton? shirt on ebay; if your pooch will be attending the party, like my sophie, be sure to stock up on yummy treats, appropriate toys & clothing so they don't feel left out. sophie LOVES football, and she is from chicago, so she will OBVIOUSLY be barking for da bears! row 1: Chicago Bears NFL Dog Jersey ; Fun Freeze Dried Ice Cream for Dogs! $4.99 @ pawshop; Homer the Referee Doggy Activation Toy $13.95 @ barker & meowsky;Vanilla Ice Pudding for Dogs $6.99 @ paw shop; row 2: Chicago Bears NFL Dog Collar (also available in Colts);Orbee Football$10.50 @ barker & meowsky; Brutie's Barkery Carob Canine Cake Mix @ paw shop; Indianapolis Colts NFL Dog Jersey; row 3: Mini Canine Cupcakes: 1/2 dozen $6.99 @ pawshop; 6-Bone Shaped Muffin Pan $19.99 @ paw shop; Woofy Pop Microwave Dog Popcorn Treat: 3-pack $4.99 @ paw shop; Security Tank $24.00 @ barker & meowsky; lastly, no super sunday post would be complete without a superfans video! DA BEARS!

To-Do: Valentine Making Party

make workshop, located at 195 chrystie street #502, is hosting a valentine making party on february 9, 2007 at 6:30pm! the party is free-- materials & snacks will be supplied! the party is open to anyone who is interested in taking a workshop, former students, or current students! here is your chance to have fun & be creative! don't forget to bring a friend! no rsvp is necessary! visit make workshop's website for more information. (single girl valentine # 3 by wendy mc) don't you love it!!?? have a wonderful valentine's day!!

The Revival of Yuppies & Snobs

there has been an uprising of young urban professionals...the yuppies are back. this resurrected lifestyle was the subject of a recent details magazine article. apparently, we are all embracing the snobs within as this boston globe article discusses. we have our ipods, burberry trenches, flat screen tvs, organic fruits & vegetables, imported bottled water, starbucks, prada handbags, fancy cars, designer jeans, luxury apartments, and the list goes on. if you think about the trends in retail...the demise of the gap, and the success of mid-luxury brands like coach you have to wonder, is it true? did the yuppies invade our brains along with our neighborhoods as jeff gordinier in the details concluded? it seems to me that this new trend is indeed happening and has become problematic for lower end retailers who have been unable to set themselves apart from the vast competition that exists. target has been successful marketing to those with a taste for luxury through their partnerships with high-end designers. jcrew has been successful with their limited edition clothing & accessories, as well as their efforts to expand their appeal to the bridal market. but on the other end of the equation luxury retailer's increased popularity has been cause for alarm. not only has counterfeiting been a major dilemma in the fashion industry, but becoming "too popular" can bring about negative connotations as well. for instance, in a possible effort to avoid the devaluation of its brand, tiffany & co. raised the prices of their very popular silver jewelry line. along the same lines, business week recently posed the question, "will coach become too popular?", and even went so far as to compare coach's recent soar in sales & popularity to the gap's success in the late 1990s. there are so many designers that have an elitist view about fashion...they want very much to target a niche audience with their goods, and seem afraid to embrace the masses. other designers have not hesitated to strike licensing deals with h&m, target, and others. doing so appeals right to this new yuppie breed, and i'm sure the reason why so many designers are reluctant to venture in this direction. among other things, they are afraid that their brand will in some way be devalued. many brands have suffered once they have hit the discount market- business week cites calvin klein & tommy hilfiger as examples of this. clearly, it isn't as simple as supply & demand in the fashion world. in fashion retail, image is everything, ubiquity can kill you, and reinvention is always necessary. as consumers there does seem to be something inside all of us that desires the unattainable, and certainly some of the things that give us the appearance of being wealthy. i'm not sure we will ever escape the grasps of consumerism & the pursuit of luxury. we equate those material goods as fruits of the american dream. we live in a world where the celebrity lifestyles are flaunted, idolized, and emulated. there is probably no better example of this than the list of oprah's favorite things, where upon its publication, $500+ burberry sweaters, coats, & handbags will sell out. these items become the ultimate status symbol when we are going in to buy our organic foods, and knowing that we own something oprah or our favorite celebrity also owns gives us euphoric pleasure. it is all a chasm we cannot escape--call it a return to snobbery, yuppieism, or obsessive consumerism...whatever it is it is here. the yuppie handbook, available used @ amazon.com

Surprising New Favorite

Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Midnight Pomegranate scent! The scent is described as "Juicy red pomegranates sparkle like rubies in moonlight.Enticing. Fiery. Seductive." It is refreshing & suprisingly sexy. The notes are as follows: Top: Pomegranate, Sparkling Citrus, Dewberry, Anise, Cinnamon, Nutmeg Mid: Cassis, Black Berry, Iris, Jasmine, Raspberry Base: Musk, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Tobacco, Patchouli The scent is available in the form of a shower gel, body butter, body lotion, body creme, bubble bath, body spray, eau de toilette, candle & more. The individual prices vary but they are offering a Buy 3, get one for free special as can be expected with Bath & Body Works. Buy it online @bathandbodyworks.com

Factory Girl Hits Theaters February 2nd! Really!

The highly anticipated film, Factory girl, is finally coming to theatres, for real this time. On Friday, February 2nd, there will be a limited release of Factory Girl. Despite the craziness of fashion week I will be finding time to see this movie! I have desparetely wanted to see this film ever since I read Jean Stein's book, "Edie: American Girl". Factory Girl opened at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and Sienna looked fabulous in a vintage silk dress: I am thankful that she shied away from the Edie style she has become accustumed to over the past year. It seems she is moving away from that, and going back to the Sienna style I love & admire. Sienna is currently on the cover of the February issues of Esquire & Nylon magazine. I found the Esquire article, titled, "Girl On Fire", to be especially refreshing. It seems to me that she is too often pinned as someone she is not in the tabloids. View the Factory Girl Trailer Below: Mary-Kate also has a role in the movie, as seen below, but don't blink or you'll miss her: Reviews of Factory Girl: variety.com la times hollywood reporter ShowTimes: fandango.com

Marc Jacobs is Coming to Chicago!!

Marc by Marc Jacobs will be opening its first store in Chicago in Bucktown! The store, set to open late this summer, will be located at 1714 N. Damen Ave. Marc Jacobs currently has 12 U.S. stores, including three Marc by Marc Jacobs locations in New York, Los Angeles and Boston. pictured:MARC by Marc Jacobs Floral-Print Dress $328.00 @ neiman marcus

Cool Find: Vintage 3-D Floral Bud Vase

anthropologie currently has some gorgeous vases i've had my eye on for months. i was waiting for them to go on sale, like most things eventually do at anthropologie, but the waiting game paid off for me eariler than i anticipated! imagine my surprise when i found a vase priced under ten dollars that could so easily fit into anthropologie's collection!! a 10 minute walk from my apartment to a lovely antique store, and there sitting high on shelf was the vase i had been waiting for, priced at $8. that is right, eight dollars!!! thrift shopping is the bomb! here is my 3-D floral bud vase sitting in my apartment: pretty isn't it?! there isn't a chip, scratch, or anything...it is flawless! here were the gorgeous anthropologie vases that inspired my purchase: l to right, top to bottom: botanical vase, tall $148; porcelain pouring jar, roses $198; porcelain pouring jar, chrysanthemums $198; peony frieze vase $78; all @ anthropologie i will be posting about more of my vintage & thrift finds in the next few weeks so check back! have a fabulous weekend!!!

style icon: zooey deschanel

i have loved zooey deschanel since her role in one of my favorite movies almost famous (2000) I also loved her in The Good Girl (2002), Elf (2003), and Failure to Launch (2006). she is absolutely gorgeous, with a seemingly flawless complexion...i like her best with her signature blunt bangs & natural makeup. she has a love for fashion, and has an eclectic & often adventurous style. she never shies away from color, prints, and adores vintage. the results aren't always on par, as demonstrated most recently at the sundance film festival with a beaded shift dress, but taking fashion risks is something i admire, & applaud. very often she does get it right, and the result is a unique sense of style that is very difficult to emulate. on her way in to the "go getter" premiere at the sundance film festival she had the shift dress i referenced earlier covered up with a gorgeous blue coat. this coat is a definite win ! (photo wire image) here she is in another winning look at the sundance film festival: the pink & purple detailing are fun & girly yet settle & not over the top. (photo wire image) looking flawless as sarah jessica's quirky roommate in "A Failure to Launch": in elle magazine: in nylon: british vogue: zooey was recently featured in dazed & confused magazine here are some photos from the mag-it features a very cute article so check it out! here is another photo of her sporting blue nail polish at the sundance film festival! having fun with color & prints: photos: wire image & rex features beauty products to use to steal her look: l to right; top to bottom: Lash Injection $19.50 for those lllllong lashes; essie nail polish in st. barths blue $7 at amazon.com ; Stila Smudge Pots in Black $16; Stila Eye Shadow Trio in Copper Glow $24, Jonathan Product Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum® , $26 for shiny, silky hair; Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer , $40 for a barely there base; Tarte Cheek Stain $28 in flushed or doll face, Becca Compact Concealer $35 for that flawless complexion...seriously this is the best damn concealer in town; Stila Lip Glaze , $20 try to stick to pinks & neutrals...i like tangerine or papaya @ sephora & amazon beauty

Pre-Order Alexander Wang's Spring Collection @ Satine

pre-order the collection at Satine, the collection will be arriving February 15, 2007! see my previous posts on this collection: spring forward january 8, 2007 alexander wang spring 2007 presentation september 8, 2006

Cool Chi-town Shop Online: Lille

I have had so many requests to post about Chicago shops, given that it was once a place I called home, so I decided why not post about it today. It certainly feels like Chicago in NYC today with the bone chilling winds & polar bears prancing around. Nevermind the hypothermia delirium i am currently experiencing, and let me tell you about one of my favorite Chicago shops, Lille! Lille has a great selection of home decor, & gift items that are also available online. You will find it hard to pass on the decorative plates, vases, & bowls. The lacquered boxes are a must have in any home...they are practical & quite beautiful. I really like them to store keep sakes, and my art & craft supplies. I can keep these out in the open so my supplies are easily accessible but not annoy my obsessive compulsive boyfriend who HATES clutter, and unsightly collections of STUFF. Below you will see some of my favorite items currently available online (order before 3pm CST, and your items will ship out TODAY): row 1: Juliska teacup & saucer (available in other colors) $15 for saucer, $19 for coffee cup; Handblown Gerbera Vase by Michael Ruh $330; Optic pitchers $160-$165 by lidean mill; #8 Seaweed decorative plate by NYC based John Derian $180; all available at lilleashop.com row 2: Beaded Bowl $165 by Frances Palmer; White/Black Lacquer Storage Boxes $55-$99; Red Berry pasta bowl by Bodo Sperlein $88; ceramic Bird Tile $46; all available at lilleashop.com row 3: Black Forest bud vase with a simple & elegant design on bone china $110; Oak Leaf by Kiln Enamel $235; Miss Elliot decorative plate by NYC based John Derian $106; Platypus handknit $62; all available at lilleashop.com Next time you're in chicago, be sure to stop by Lille's bucktown shop, located at 1923 w north avenue (ph: 773.342.0563)!

Items to Idolize

One of my favorite online boutiques, Unsung Designers, which features items from a wide array of emerging designers, has captured my wallet today, hook, line, & sinker. As you can see there are just too many fabulous items to pass up, i adore the necklaces by anniebelle & that red coat is to die for! l to r, top to bottom: Black Onyx Pendant Necklace with Gold Beads by Anniebelle $124.00; Wraparound Coat by gr. dano $435.00; Josephine Necklace by Steel Couture $160.00; Jet Tote in Mocca by Dutchy $329.00; Wood & Red Bone Pendant Necklace by Anniebelle $78.00; Pasque Clutch by Tulina $180.00; all available @ unsung designers

Roses Are Red, Violets are Blue...

Sugar is sweet and so are you! That is why you should send a valentine from your heart. Having a tough time articulating how you really feel? Check out the Valentines over at Uncookedland...I think you're bound to find something you really like (click image to enlarge). Valentine's Day Stab card $3.25; Valentine's Day Pieces card $3.25; both available at uncookedland.com Check out my other Valentine's Day Card Selections: will you be my valentine? part 2 & will you be my valentine? part 1

Koibox Scandal

Koibox, an alternative beauty & cosmetics company, has been the topic of debate amongst beauty bloggers & makeup alley patrons. Koibox produces popular nail polish with shades such as "Dali"(pictured above), "Bamboon"(which is described as "pink like its ass. a bright pink"), "Hootchie", "Tryst", "Uncle Vince", & "Shusui". The company was most recently featured in Lucky magazine, and has become increasingly popular especially in the blogosphere & several beauty websites. In fact, most who have tried the product fall instantly in love with the shades & polish quality! So what is the problem you might ask? Someone, who shall remain anonymous, over at the incredibly popular website, MakeUp Alley, received some nail polish from koibox as a gift and decided to check out the rest of their line on their website. She just so happened to be browsing with her eight year old daughter and was shocked to see a nude model covered in white powder and posing suggestively on the homepage with a strategically placed display of nail polish. The online patron found the image to be offensive and decided to write a letter to the marketing department of koibox. Among other things she also offered constructive criticism about the packaging of the polish. Given that Koibox is a relatively small company it is not surprising that she received a response directly from the owner & CEO. Please read further to see his response: "Well (name omitted) seeing as how you took the time to voice your opinion and elucidate your rather obviously limited knowledge of branding, packaging and design, I thought I might also take some time too respond. First of all thank you for showing an interest in our product glad you liked the color of Uncle Vince unfortunately everybody does so that makes you.. not so astute. As for the packaging, we let the professionals determine what is good and what is bad. When we designed the packaging for KOIBOX it was a deliberate move to "wrap" the bottle in a manner that was different and unique, that is what good branding and package design is about..stirring interest and conversation. I say this in confidence given the award KOIBOX received from Communication Arts Magazine 2002 Design Annual..Best of Packaging. The award was given along side a few other notable companies like Evian and Skyy Vodka...but what do any of us know about package design especially Communication Arts Mag! I am certain that you don't even frequent a newsstand that carries such high brow periodicals.As for your second issue. To begin with we did not intend to sell this product to women that are pent up with personal biases towards the beauty of the female body, in fact the reason we chose such a demure and unclothed women was to fortify the notion that all women are beautiful and the same in general terms...it is color and accent that makes them different to the eye of the beholder. You will notice that the model was dusted in white and posed in a manner to suggest that she was not the focus or the impetus for our campaign..the polish is. I feel sorry for your daughters that they should grow up in an atmosphere that obviously has disdain for the female body and anatomy..remember they too carry the same equipment and should be proud of it. As far as you and your friend are concerned...sounds like one guy was dumb and the other was glad of it. The TITS stay. Go find another product to bitch about... Quaker. Best, **name omitted but it is the CEO of Koibox*** PS. check our feature out in the March Issue of Lucky Magazine..just another publisher that doesn't know anything about women." I personally don't have a problem with the image (click here to view it), or the packaging for that matter. i think the packaging is very chic & unique. however, annie, over at blogdorf goodman, brought up some good points concerning the practicality of the design that had not even occurred to me. I find the names of their products to be clever, humorous, and fun. In addition, I have tried their polish, and & happened to like it quite a lot actually, and that is why i am so disappointed by this company reaction to criticism. I am just appalled by the letter! This response is so incredibly unprofessional! Even if the CEO did not pen it himself, the fact it was sent out on company letterhead is unconscionable. A number of people have already written to Koibox, and publications who have recently ran features, or plan to run features on the company's products such as Lucky & the Denver Business Journal. If you would like to contact the company directly, please see the below contact information. KOIBOX 2696 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite 500 Denver, Colorado 80222 By Phone(303) 282.5618 [Local]; (866) 228.9564 [Toll Free] marketing@koibox.com Info@koibox.com Read what the bloggers are saying about the koibox scandal: Blogdorf Goodman

Current Obsession: Freddy & Ma

if you are like me, you are extremely picky when it comes to handbags. if there is one tiny detail i am not in love with i will take a pass. while this is a good thing for my wallet, it leaves me wanting more. freddy & ma seems to be created for girls just like me...you can design your own handbags, and as a result should have no cause for complaints. i am especially loving the spring prints joy designed. anyway, you can literally spend hours playing on their site creating your own custom handbag! clearly, that is what i've been doing all morning and now have a ton of work to do! oh well!!! here are some of my top creations... the gypsy lane hobo is $320: i love the pink nautical print joy designed don't you??!!! the hazel purse makes the perfect clutch and is $165: this is where choosing gets difficult!!! which one shall i buy? voice your vote in the comments field below!!! the cape fear bowler is $358: this carry-all is bright & cheery for spring with the white leather accents! the red & white floral print is again by one of my favorite bloggers, joy...it makes me want to head for the hamptons, or the apple store to purchase my new macbook...either way i'll be one happy camper!!! design your own at freddy & ma

Current & Ongoing Sample Sales

Daryl K Sample Sale Jan 27-28th Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 21 Bond St., at Lafayette St. (212-529-8970) Save 60-80 percent; everything in the sample bins is $25! Olive & Bette's Winter Sample Sale Tuesday January 30th 8-7pm 158 Spring St btw W. Broadway & Wooster 646.613.8772 save 75% off Fred Flare.com get free shipping on all Valentine's merchandise through sunday...like these ADORABLE retro valentines... ENTER code VALENTINES.0207 at check out. Offer ends sunday so HURRY!!! Manhattan Vintage Clothing & Antique Textile Show & Sale Friday, February 2nd - 1:00 PM TO 8:00 PM; Saturday, February 3rd - 11:00 AM TO 6:00 PM Metropolitan Pavilion 125 West 18th Street (Between 6th & 7th Aves) Admission $ 20.00 Big Drop Through 2/4 174 Spring St., at Thompson St. (212-966-4299), 425 W. Broadway, nr. Prince St. (212-226-9292), 1321 Third Ave., nr. 75th St. (212-988-3344); call for store hours. get 40 to 80 percent off 3.1 Phillip Lim, La Rok, and Morphine Generation; All fall denim is $99. Norma Kamali Through 2/2 Mon.-Sat. (10–6). 11 W. 56th St., at Madison Ave. (212-957-9797) get up to 75 percent off; a Norma Kamali for Everlast terry trench jacket was $350, but is now $87.50. Jill Stuart Through 1/29 Mon.-Sat. (11–7); Sun. (noon–6). 100 Greene St., nr Spring St. (212-343-2300); collection of vintage from Ossie Clark, Biba, and Yves Saint Laurent is marked down by 50 to 60 percent. Agent Provocateur Through 1/31 133 Mercer St., at Prince St. (212-965-0229) Bloomingdale's, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St., fourth fl. (212-705-2000); call for store hours. lingerie is on sale from $45. Jumelle 1/22–2/25 Tues.–Sun. (noon–8). 148 Bedford Ave., nr. N. 9th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-388-9525); get 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., and Loeffler Randall for up to 70 percent off; a Karen Walker silk buckle dress was $640 but is now $256. Lyell Through 2/15; (noon–7). 173 Elizabeth St., nr. Spring St. (212-966-8484); is taking 50 to 70 percent off knits (now $150), long sleeve tie blouses (now $150), and more. La Petite Coquette Through 1/31; Mon.–Sat. (11–7); Thurs. (11–8); Sun. (noon–6). 51 University Pl., nr. 9th St. (212-473-2478) lingerie by Cosabella, Paul and Joe, and Ingwa; Melero are on sale for $5 to $200. Johnson Through 2/25; Tues.-Fri. (1–7); Sat. (12:30–8); Sun. (noon–6). 179 Orchard St., nr. Madison Ave., at Stanton St. (646-602-8668); get up to 20 percent off. Dear Fieldbinder Through 2/11 Mon.–Sat. (11:30–7:30); Sun. (noon–6). 198 Smith St., nr. Baltic St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-852-3620); get 25-75 percent off Cynthia Rowley, Samantha Treacy, and Delman Bridal Garden 1/11–2/5 Mon. and Thurs. (noon–8); Wed. (9–5); Fri. (11–7); Sat. (10–6; Sun. (1–7); by appointment only. 54 W. 21st St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 907 (212-252-0661); gently used dresses by Vera Wang, Ulla Maija, and Anne Barge are marked down by 50 to 75 percent. Auto 1/13–1/31 805 Washington St., nr. Gansevoort St., (212-229-2292); call for store hours. get 40 to 55 percent off home and fashion accessories from Philip Crangi, Missoni, and Paul Smith;

Proenza Schouler for Target, Buy it Today...no joke

proenza schouler is coming to target february 4th! yay! i can't wait! good thing i don't have to thanks to the always resourceful blogosphere...shop diary, almost girl, fashion spot & others have all been talking about cutting through the cheap chic red tape! we will all be busy with fashion week, so we need to get this stuff NOW! you can get it now too!!! how you ask? log on to shoplocal.com and search for "proenza schouler". you can't access the goods through target directly, but by some fashion miracle these shopping sites direct you to the lovely merchandise on the target site. make your purchases today and they will arrive at your doorstep in 2-6 weeks. you can also get a discount by entering the following codes: use promo code TCLKMJFK & get 10% off until 1/27, or enter TGTSAVE3 until 1/31 for another discount. you won't believe it until you see it, so go there now! here are some of the proenza schouler fabulousness that is available now: these pieces are gorgeous & fun... now this is the kind of thing that makes me all giddy & tempts me to endulge in fun dip & grape soda. check out the proenza schouler for target commercial: and check out ny magazine's 21 questions with Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler here! oh & don't forget to buy a pair of those yellow shoes & accessories to go with your proenza schouler for target purchases: l to right, top to bottom: oh deer garbo in yellow--i am trying soooo hard to get my hands on this shoe!!!; Putu"Amy"clutch in yellow @ plaza too; steve madden trebble flat $69.95; steve madden valli sling back wedge $79.95; steve madden sling backwedge isabel $79.95; steve madden strut peep-toe wedge $99.95;

E Street Denim is now online!

One of my favorite denim shops, E Street Denim, located in Highland Park, Il has recently launched a web store. While the selection doesn't compare to the stock at their brick & mortar location, the webstore still offers a selection of jbrand, rock & republic, seven for all mankind & more on the site. J Brand 14'' Cigarette Jean $159 @ e street denim check them out at estreetdenim.com or if you happen to be near the north shore of chicago visit them at: E Street Denim 1876 First St. Highland Park, IL 60035 tel. (847) 433-0050

Olive & Bettes Winter Sample Sale ONE DAY ONLY!

Olive & Bettes is hosting a winter sample sale at their soho location on tuesday, january 30th get 75% off splendid, free people, nanette lepore, paige premium denium, seychelles, & more!! don't miss it! where: 158 Spring Street btw West Broadway & Wooster hours: 8am-7pm phone: 646.613.8772 web: olive & bettes

Must Smell: "Bryant Park" from Bond. No. 9

The newest Bond No 9 fragrance, "Bryant Park", was created as a homage to the fashion spectacle that happens twice a year in midtown, nyc. The scent was created by perfumer, Michel Almairac, and is described as "the most fashion-oriented eau de parfum: a rose-patchouli concoction with pink pepper added for dissonance. " the notes are as follows: top: lily of the valley, rhubarb, pink pepper; mid: rose, patchouli; base: rasberry, & amber the packaging is adorable...a bright pink & purple artist designed bottle with a pucci-esque print! (cute packaging is something i can rarely resist!!) the fragrance will be available at all four bond no. 9 stores in new york, countrywide at select saks fifth avenue, and internationally at harvey nichols, uk, paris gallery, u.a.e., and lane crawford, hong kong. given that i am a big fan of Bond no. 9's westside, and i expect bryant park to be a little more tailored to my liking. the fragrance will be introduced at mercedes benz fashion week february 2-9th, and will hits stores march 1st! please visit bond no. 9's website to purchase other bond no. 9 products, or for additional information on new fragrances. read these reviews: Bond No. 9 Bryant Park review @ Now Smell This Bond No. 9 Bryant Park review @ Victoria's Own

j'adore vintage

i am currently working on a vintage shopping guide that will hopefully be complete before fashion week, but if not will be completed by that crazy week it will be soon thereafter. this past weekend i was doing **research** for the guide at different shops in manhattan and some fabulous antique & vintage shops near my apartment that were filled with treasures. at my last stop just before closing time on sunday i found a vintage black quilted chanel tote circa 1980s, that had been purchased at an estate sale (this was one of several bags the owner purchased) the bag wasn't in the best condition, so i didn't purchase it. it haunted me. i couldn't get over not purchasing it. the leather is worn on the bottom...towards the back corners. it looks like it would be a straight forward repair, and even if it couldn't be restored 100%, you can't see the damage at first glance, or even when carrying the bag. i was obsessing over this piece, and i spent all day yesterday doing research to find someone in manhattan who can restore this bag. according to approximations & estimates will cost me about $25 for the repair, so I got the lady to go down on the price & i purchased it. i have to go pick up the bag, but once i obtain it i will take before & after pictures of it & you can tell me if i made the right choice. seriously, take a look a chanel bags on ebay and what they are selling them for...some of them don't even look authentic, & they are selling them for hundreds of dollars! that is how i'm justifying my purchase anyways! in the meantime here are some vintage & thrifty finds on the internet that caught my eye today. enjoy loves! l to r, top to bottom: 1980s brass key clutch $34 @ adore vintage; 1970s pink "harlequin" sundress S/M $58 @ adore vintage; Black & Ivory Organza 1960s Custom-Made Empire Cocktail size x-small @ vintage vixen; rare vintage semi cut oval glass cigarette box w LID from nyc based Once Upon A Time's E-bay store (1 day left); 1970s floral print "impressionist"dress S/M $54 @ adore vintage; madagascar bangle $24 @ adore vintage; Vintage Goldtone Floral Charm Bracelet $ 80 @ charming darling; row 1: Vintage Chanel CC Sunglasses $250 @ shrimpton couture; 1970's Darling Red Flutter Sleeve Tulip Dress (7) $125 @ shrimpton couture; 1950's Reptile Clutch Purse $55 @ kitty girl vintage; Rare 1970's Ferragamo Handbag. Possibly late 60's $210 @ kitty girl vintage; row 2: Heart Clasp Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet $30 @ charming darling; Beaded 1930s Clutch $40 @ shrimpton couture; Stunning Black Eyelet 1950's Dress XL (7) $225 @ shrimpton couture; Vintage Amethyst Rhinestone Charm Bracelet $90 @ charming darling; row 3: Black & White Floral Crepe 1970's Day Dress (7) $75 @ shrimpton couture; SALE Perfect 1970's Skinny Black Knit Day Dress (6) $75 @ shrimpton couture; joy charm bracelet $80 @ charming darling;

2007 Academy Award Nominations

Best picture “Babel,” “The Departed,” “Letters From Iwo Jima,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Queen.” Best actress Penelope Cruz, “Volver”; Judi Dench, “Notes on a Scandal”; Helen Mirren, “The Queen”; Meryl Streep, “The Devil Wears Prada”; Kate Winslet, “Little Children.” Best actor Leonardo DiCaprio, “Blood Diamond”; Ryan Gosling, “Half Nelson”; Peter O’Toole, “Venus”; Will Smith, “The Pursuit of Happyness”; Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland.” Supporting actor Alan Arkin, “Little Miss Sunshine”; Jackie Earle Haley, “Little Children”; Djimon Hounsou, “Blood Diamond”; Eddie Murphy, “Dreamgirls”; Mark Wahlberg, “The Departed.” Supporting actress Adriana Barraza, “Babel”; Cate Blanchett, “Notes on a Scandal”; Abigail Breslin, “Little Miss Sunshine”; Jennifer Hudson, “Dreamgirls”; Rinko Kikuchi, “Babel.” Best director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, “Babel”; Martin Scorsese, “The Departed”; Clint Eastwood, “Letters From Iwo Jima”; Stephen Frears, “The Queen”; Paul Greengrass, “United 93.” Best foreign language film “After the Wedding,” Denmark; “Days of Glory (Indigenes),” Algeria; “The Lives of Others,” Germany; “Pan’s Labyrinth,” Mexico; “Water,” Canada. Best adapted screenplay Sacha Baron Cohen and Anthony Hines and Peter Baynham and Dan Mazer and Todd Phillips, “Borat Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan”; Alfonso Cuaron and Timothy J. Sexton and David Arata and Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, “Children of Men”; William Monahan, “The Departed”; Todd Field and Tom Perrotta, “Little Children”; Patrick Marber, “Notes on a Scandal.” Best original screenplay Guillermo Arriaga, “Babel”; Iris Yamashita and Paul Haggis, “Letters From Iwo Jima”; Michael Arndt, “Little Miss Sunshine”; Guillermo del Toro, “Pan’s Labyrinth”; Peter Morgan, “The Queen.” Animated feature “Cars,” “Happy Feet,” “Monster House.” Art direction “Dreamgirls,” “The Good Shepherd,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “The Prestige.” Cinematography “The Black Dahlia,” “Children of Men,” “The Illusionist,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” “The Prestige.” Sound mixing “Apocalypto,” “Blood Diamond,” “Dreamgirls,” “Flags of Our Fathers,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Sound editing “Apocalypto,” “Blood Diamond,” “Flags of Our Fathers,” “Letters From Iwo Jima,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” Best original song “I Need to Wake Up” from “An Inconvenient Truth,” Melissa Etheridge; “Listen” from “Dreamgirls,” Henry Krieger, Scott Cutler and Anne Preven; “Love You I Do” from “Dreamgirls,” Henry Krieger and Siedah Garrett; “Our Town” from “Cars,” Randy Newman; “Patience” from “Dreamgirls,” Henry Krieger and Willie Reale. Best original score “Babel,” Gustavo Santaolalla; “The Good German,” Thomas Newman; “Notes on a Scandal,” Philip Glass; “Pan’s Labyrinth,” Javier Navarrete; “The Queen,” Alexandre Desplat. Costume “Curse of the Golden Flower,” “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Dreamgirls,” “Marie Antoinette,” “The Queen.” Documentary feature “Deliver Us From Evil,” “An Inconvenient Truth,” “Iraq in Fragments,” “Jesus Camp,” “My Country, My Country.” Documentary short “The Blood of Yingzhou District,” “Recycled Life,” “Rehearsing a Dream,” “Two Hands.” Film editing “Babel,” “Blood Diamond,” “Children of Men,” “The Departed,” “United 93.” Makeup “Apocalypto,” “Click,” “Pan’s Labyrinth.” Animated short film “The Danish Poet,” “Lifted,” “The Little Matchgirl,” “Maestro,” “No Time for Nuts.” Live action short film “Binta and the Great Idea (Binta Y La Gran Idea),” “Eramos Pocos (One Too Many),” “Helmer & Son,” “The Saviour,” “West Bank Story.” Visual effects “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” “Poseidon,” “Superman Returns.” The oscars will be handed out February 25th! Can't wait for the red carpet! :)

I'm Wearing Rebecca Taylor This Spring

rebecca taylor's clothing is feminine, sophisticated, and always aesthetically pleasing. the beauty is always in the details. i simply can't get enough. departing a bit from her previous collections (see a sampling of spring 2006 below:) the spring 2007 collection (see a sampling below) is a bit bolder as far as prints & colors are concerned, but it remains flirty, feminine, & has a retro flair as the hemlines have been hiked up. Rebecca Taylor's latest duds will hit her site on January 30th, and will be arriving at Active Endeavors in early to mid february (see below for a preview of the stock @ Active Endeavors). need a rebecca taylor fix now? try on these finds: l to r, top to bottom: Linen Dress $285; Floral print dress $395; Floral print cami dress $273; Halter Dress $335; all available at Boc Rebecca Taylor Fan Applique Organza Dress in Banana Pie $429.00 @ revolve clothing top: Rebecca Taylor Chiffon Tie Top Original Price: $233.00 Sale Price: $116.50 @ pink mascara & @ revolve clothing; Rebecca Taylor Linen Crop Jacket $284 @ pink mascara & saks; Rebecca Taylor Weeping Willow Voile Smocked Cami in White $211 @ revolve clothing; bottom: Rebecca Taylor Tank with Belt Original Price: $212.00 Sale Price: $63.60 @ pink mascara; Rebecca Taylor Tie Front Halter Top in Deep Sea $237; Rebecca Taylor Print Cashmere Tunic Original Price: $284.00 Sale Price: $142.00 @ pink mascara

cosby sweaters, a definite don't.

"Rob, I'm telling you this for your own good, that's the worst fuckin' sweater I've ever seen, that's a Cosby sweater. A Cosssssssby sweater!!! Did Laura let you leave the house like that?" - Barry, in 'High Fidelity' on christmas eve, my aunt brought along a book titled, "the museum of kitschy stitches: a gallery of notorious knits." my sister & i started flipping through the book and started hysterically laughing... each page has one knitting atrocity after the other paired with Stitchy McYarnpants' (a/k/a Debbie Brisson) commentary as if the visuals weren't funny enough! Along the same lines, Threadbared.com published a book compiling photographs of sewing, knitting, & crocheting atrocities from the past sharpen (between the 1940s and the 1980s). The authors openly admit that they have no knowledge of sewing or knitting, but they don't hesitate in criticizing diy projects gone bad. with the increased popularity of knitting, i think it is important to keep everyone in check...please say no to fugly knits & cosby sweaters! if you are thinking about taking up the craft or if you are simply in need of a laugh on a dreary monday check out the below books & rspective web sites. Museum of Kitschy Stitches: A Gallery of Notorious Knits $10.85 @ amazon; Threadbared: Decades of Don'ts from the Sewing and Crafting World Kimberly Wrenn, Mary Watkins of threadbared.com $12.74 @ amazon; also, be sure visit their blogs!! stitchymcyarnpants.com threadbared.com wonder where they get their material? ebay has a whole slew of fugly knits that debbie seeks out for inspiration. here is one i found on ebay this morning... you know in case anyone has a need for a balloon baby bunting...may god bless any baby that gets stuck in this thing.

look chic in a cinch

Over the weekend I completely fell for these embellished belts by WAISTED. I love the soft buttery leather & the ornate brass buckles. They will look great worn at the waist over these simple henley shirt dresses... the result is that effortless chic look we all strive for. Soft green Waisted leather belt with floral brass buckle $156; Soft brown Waisted leather belth with bird brass buckle $156, both available @ BOC, visit them online or at 491 Columbus Ave 212.362.5405 (it is totally worth the trip...visit the store & save 20% off one of your purchases anytime through february by mentioning Lucky magazine, as the store itself is mentioned in the local breaks section of february's issue) Style the belts with one of these adorable Henley dresses: 3.1 Phillip Lim Henley Dress Pockets $363 @ pink mascara; Sheer JerseyLong Sleeve Henley Dress $36 (avialable in 11 different hues) @ american apparel;

illustration friday: superhero

"after a days work" color pencils in a moleskin sketch book illustration friday i love this mail & fold wonder woman stationery it is available for purchase at amazon.com & other fine retailers

5 Things You Don't Know About Me

I just noticed today that Crosby over at PR Couture had tagged me on my BIRTHDAY to participate in an internet meme called 'five things you didn't know about me'. Like crosby I always get sucked into these types of things (usually on myspace). In any event here is how this particular meme works: 1. someone tags you, 2. you post five things about yourself that you haven’t already mentioned on your blog, 3. you tag people you’d like to know more about 1. I first visited New York City when I was 21 years old. Despite my love for fashion & art I never even dared to dream that I would one day live here. I moved here from Chicago (a city I love dearly) approximately 2 years ago & I am now convinced I was SERIOUSLY missing out all those years! 2. In highschool I sometimes matched my eyeshadow to the color of my outfit. My favorite eyeshadow was yellow, & an aqua shade that I would pair with matching eyeliner. Everyone told me I looked good, thus leaving me to believe all of my friends and family are LIARS. 3. I spent 14 years of my life living on a farm, where I had chores like doing the dishes, making dinner, cleaning pig pens, "walking fence", & feeding cows --which meant carrying two 5 gallon buckets full of feed corn back and forth 8 times. I was one fit little girl that is for sure although I was miserable most of the time...a lot of good all that cultivating (no pun intended) did me!!! I HATE doing dishes and must have a dishwasher, I rarely cook (i LOVE to bake though), i have never looked a charlotte's web the same way, and i would probably die carrying two 5 gallon buckets back and forth 8 times. As for walking fence...I think the electric shocks from the electric fence damaged me in some way...I should totally sue! 4. After reading number 3, you're probably wondering how I got interested in fashion. Well, Barbie had a lot to do with it. My mom also had a lot to do with it. She is a very talented seamstress, so she would always make me elaborate outfits & costumes. I had grand ideas about wanting to be in the fashion industry, as I knew it would get me out of town, but I didn't have access to a lot of fashion publications. I spent a lot of time cutting out pictures from YM & Seventeen magazines while sitting in the library and would create these elaborate collages that I would hang in my room. Yep I was one of those assholes who tore up the library copy because my parents would refuse to feed the magazine addiction that started at a young age. 5. I am not skinny or rich. I dream of having oprah money and stealing Jessica Beal's body, and may refer to my grandeur plans of obtaining one or both, but presently i don't have either. i don't even come close... not even a little bit. Hopefully, those five things will suffice...hmm who should I tag??? How about Beth, Casey, & Sharp Lilly hmm sounds good!

Sale Away

Big Drop Through 2/4; call for store hours. 174 Spring St. (212-966-4299), 425 W. Broadway (212-226-9292), 1321 Third Ave., nr. 75th St. (212-988-3344); All fall denim is $99! Additionally, 3.1 Phillip Lim, La Rok, and Morphine Generation is 40 to 80 percent off. Norma Kamali Through 2/2 Mon.-Sat. (10–6). 11 W. 56th St., at Madison Ave. (212-957-9797); is unloading her collections for up to 75 percent off; a Norma Kamali for Everlast terry trench jacket was $350, but is now $87.50. Jill Stuart 100 Greene St., nr Spring St. (212-343-2300); Through 1/29; Mon.-Sat. (11–7); Sun. (noon–6). Vintage Ossie Clark, Biba, and Yves Saint Laurent is marked down by 50 to 60 percent. Agent Provocateur Through 1/31; call for store hours. Mercer St., at Prince St. (212-965-0229) Bloomingdale's, 1000 Third Ave., at 59th St., fourth fl. (212-705-2000); lingerie is on sale from $45. 133 Zero Maria Cornejo 1/19–1/22 call for store hours. 225 Mott St., nr. Prince St. (212-925-3849) 807 Greenwich St., nr. Jane St. (212-620-0460); samples start at $50. Gant 645 Fifth Ave., nr. 51st St. (212-813-9170); Mon.–Sat. (10–7); 1/19–2/2 Thurs. (10–8); Sun. (11–7). prep gear is half off. Christopher Deane and Sophia Eugene 1/24–1/31 ; Mon.–Sat. (noon–8); Sun. (noon–6). 37 Cornelia St., nr. Bleecker St. (212-488-2124); cocktail dresses and skirts for $60 to $300. Temperley London 1/18–1/21; Mon.–Wed. (11–7); Thurs. (10–8); Fri.–Sat. (10–7); Sun. (12–7). 453 Broome St., at Mercer St., second fl. (212-219-2929); clothing is 60 to 80 percent off ($25 to $800). Jumelle 1/22–2/25; Tues.–Sun. (noon–8). 148 Bedford Ave., nr. N. 9th St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-388-9525); get up to 70% off 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.P.C., and Loeffler Randall Catriona MacKechnie 1/17–1/20 10-8 W. 14th St., at Ninth Ave. (212-242-3200); lingerie from Christian Dior, Paul & Joe, and ID Sarrieri is 30 to 80 percent off Lyell Through 2/15 (noon–7). 173 Elizabeth St., nr. Spring St. (212-966-8484); 50 to 70 percent off knits (now $150), long sleeve tie blouses (now $150), and more. La Petite Coquette Through 1/31 Mon.–Sat. (11–7); Thurs. (11–8); Sun. (noon–6). 51 University Pl., nr. 9th St. (212-473-2478); lingerie from Cosabella, Paul and Joe, and Ingwa; Melero are on sale for $5 to $200. Johnson Through 2/25; Tues.-Fri. (1–7); Sat. (12:30–8); Sun. (noon–6). 179 Orchard St., nr. Madison Ave., at Stanton St. (646-602-8668); clothing and accesories are 20% off Dear Fieldbinder Through 2/11 Mon.–Sat. (11:30–7:30); Sun. (noon–6). 198 Smith St., nr. Baltic St., Cobble Hill, Brooklyn (718-852-3620); 25-75% off Cynthia Rowley, Samantha Treacy, and Delman Grueneye 1/17–1/21; 1/17–1/19 (10–7); 1/20 (10–5:30) and 1/21 (noon–5). 1076 Third Ave., at 64th St. (212-751-6177), 2009 Broadway, at 69th St. (212-874-8749); 40-90% off Gucci, Prada, and more. Classic Kicks 1/17–1/20 11-7 298 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St. (212-979-9514); Nike Dunks (now $40), Vans Vault slip-ons, and Adidas Adicolors for half off. CALYPSO Christiane Celle Blow Out Weekend Sale Through 1/28/2007 Fri-Sun 10am-6pm 405 Broome St. (btwn Centre & Lafayette) Save up to 80% off retail on women’s and children’s clothing and accessories; while inventory lasts. (Go to www.calypso-celle.com for sale updates.) No try-ons. CALYPSO women’s sweaters $30, skirts $20 and tees $10 Cockpit USA 1/23/2007 -1/31/2007; Mon-Sat 11am-7:30pm;Sunday 12pm-6:30pm 652 Broadway Btwn Bleecker & Bond (212) 254-4000 Up To 60% Off off winter merchandise Lingerie On Lex Through- 1/31/2007;Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 11am-6pm;Sun 12pm-5pm 831 Lexington Ave (Near 63rd St) (212) 755-3312 All sales on reduced merchandise are final get half off of fine European lingerie, including bras and panties from Dolce & Gabbana, La Perla, Aubade, Cotton Club, Lise Charmel and Andres Sarda; luxurious silk gowns and robes from La Perla, Fernando Sanchez, and Malizia; and loungewear from Pluto, Joelle, Bonsoir and many others. New York Dog - Designer Sample Sale 3 Days Only 1/25/2007 -1/27/2007; Thu & Fri 8am-8pm;Sat 10am-6pm 133 W. 25th St. (btwn 6th & 7th Ave.) Suite 9 East (646) 486-1331 pet accessories for 80% below retail illustration by sarah beetson)

Eye Candy: Trica Guild's "Pattern"

i have received some fabulous birthday gifts, but this one might just be my favorite. Tricia Guild, founder of the Designers Guild has compiled a book exploring the history of pattern. She demonstrates how pattern can be incorporated into just about any setting shows through the use of gorgeous original photography. of all the design books i own, this may be my favorite. it is truly a visual treat: Tricia Guild Pattern: Using Pattern to Create Sophisticated, Show-stopping Interiors $27.60 @ amazon i have been very inspired by print, pattern, & COLOR recently and have been trying to incorporate both into my wardrobe as well as my home decor. a couple weeks ago, i was shopping with my boyfriend and happened to be debating over a beautiful patterned tunic. i made the mistake of asking his opinion, because he immediately shot it down stating it had "one bright color too many". i honestly wish i had a picture of the tunic...the primary color was GRAY...and had the tiniest hint of a bright green in the floral pattern. at the time i was wearing a bright blue rebecca beeson top, so i immediately went on the defensive, but he reassured me what i was wearing because it was a SOLID bright color. i knew right then and there that i had asked the wrong person. his favorite color is NAVY. with the exception of a striped button down thrown in, his wardrobe is completely void of bright colors or patterns. this is the same individual who specifically requested that we only hang black & white paintings & photographs in our living room. it is almost like he is allergic to both color & pattern. needless to say, i have an uphill battle, but i have a ton of inspiration lying in front of me so I should have no excuse!

Cool Photographer: Xavier Nuez

Xavier Nuez is a Candian Photographer who never ceases to amaze me with his beautiful photographs. The vibrate colors in his photographs are beyond gorgeous, and he has a unique ability to turn the most mudane & unattractive things & places into colorful masterpieces as he has demonstrated in his "Glam Bugs" & "Alleys & Firescape" Series. His work can brighten a room, is relatively affordable, and totally worth saving up for. Here are a few of my favorite photographs from his Crystals series, which are actually close up photographs of chinaware that he re-glazed and repainted. (click name of photograph for full effect): from right to left, top to bottom: "the most stillest night" 2001 Crystalys series; "lovestorm" 2000 Crystalys series ; "from soul to soul" 2003 Crystalys series; "Dream til morning" 2003 Crystalys series; all photography by xavier nuez Xavier Nuez's works from his Alleys & Fire escape series can be purchased online at the Guenther Gallery. He also makes several stops at a variety of art shows around the country, and will be making a stop here in New York City at the New York Art Expo scheduled from March 1-5, 2007. Please see below for the Art Expo schedule & ticket information & don't forget to mark your calendars! For more information about Xavier Nuez and his photographs please visit his website. March 1 - March 5, 2007 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 655 W. 34th Street New York City, New York 10001 Thursday March 1, 2007 10am - 6pm (Trade Only) Friday March 2, 2007 10am - 6pm (Trade Only) Saturday March 3, 2007 10am - 6pm Sunday March 4, 2007 11am - 6pm Monday March 5, 2007 10am - 2pm Tickets for the Artexpo New York will be available for purchase online starting Monday, January 22, 2007. Tickets can also be purchased at the Artexpo New York Box Office in the lobby of the Javits Center during the days of the show. 2007 TICKET PRICES General Admission $12 Students and Seniors $5 Under 12 FREE Visit the Artexpo New York homepage for more information or to purchase tickets.

Boutique Shopping 24/7 @ Refinery29 Shops

I realize that not everyone has access to the calibur of shopping I have access to here living in new york city, so for any of you who are not surrounded by hip boutiques you may have found it difficult to locate designs by your favorite independent designers! Fear not my friend, Refinery 29 has recently launched a new website dedicated to indpendent designers. So whatever the time, whereever you are, you can access some fabulous designs sold at some of the very best boutiques located in new york city & around the world right here on the web at refinery29shops.com!! the site is very easy to navigate, and has a wonderful selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, home decor items, men's clothing & accessories, and will soon have children's clothing as well! here is a taste of what you will find at refinery 29 shops: top: In God We Trust Arrow Stud Earrings $90; Lucky Half Necklace $400; In God We Trust Bubble Heart Necklace $60; Lyell Love Birds Lapel Pin $55; available at Refinery29 Shops middle: Shelly Steffee Black Wrap Kimono-Style Top with Stitching on sale for $201; Lisa LevineAthena Earrings $184; Melting Love Necklace $275.00 From Matter ; Lyell Silk Crepe Ruched Cocktail Dress on sale for $200; available at Refinery29 Shops bottom: Lerario Beatriz Panel-Front Party Dress $375; Goldenbleu Ivory Leather Clutch $485; In God We Trust "Jealousy" Multi-Strand Swag Necklace $80; Kaia Peterka Gold Floral Leather Clutch $220; available at Refinery29 Shops See what other people in the blogosphere are saying about Refinery29 Shops below: Cool Online Shop: Refinery29 ~Oh Joy Shopping in a Refined Way ~Style Bubble Refinery 29 Spawns Sister Site ~Fashion Tribes

i heart cass guy

Cassie Williams-Guy, a native of Alexandria, VA, and an alum of Parson's School of Design launched her own fashion line, "Cass Guy", in 2004, and has been turning heads ever since. The spring 2007 Cass Guy collection, that I have been obsessing over is feminine, well-tailored, & gorgeous! Here are a few of my favorite designs: To view the entire spring 2007 collection visit cassguy.com

Sass & Bide's Denim & Play Collection

Sass & Bide, the austrailian design duo founded by Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton have most recently launched Denim & Play, a young, fun, & more casual collection. The promo photos are intriguing, and the jeans are of the high waisted variety. The new Sass & Bide "Hulsey Strutters" are setting themselves up to banish all muffin tops peeking out of those low rise jeans. The Denim & Play collection is in stores now. For more information on where to purchase, call +61 2 9360 3900, or visit their website !

Fashion Week Is Right Around The Corner...

I've just received press accreditation for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park! I will be on the scene from February 2-9th, and am working to get to as many shows as humanly possible! I will give you a full report so check every day from February 2-9 for photos, my reviews, the dish on my experience, the fashion outside the tents, & my celeb sightings! It is going to be fun, a little crazy, and fashionable of course. I hope to meet up with fellow bloggers on the inside as well!!! I am beyond excited! Can't wait for the tents to come up!

Balancing Act

boutiques around the city have been slashing prices left and right in an attempt to make room for their spring 2007 inventory that has been filtering into stores, and will continue to do so over the course of the next few weeks. meanwhile, those of us fashion minded individuals are already thinking about fall 2007, and are already double booking for the week of february 2-9th for what i hope will be a glorious new york fashion week! i always get giddy around this time of year. i have long been planning my spring wardrobe, and i have been counting the days down until the first warm spring day. indeed, that day does appear to be a microscopic blip on the radar, but all the wishing, planning, and frequent daydreaming has taken my mind somewhere other than the bitterly cold streets of new york, and for that i am grateful. the reality is this time of year is a huge balancing act not only in fashion, but in virtually everything. for instance, many of us are currently balancing our new years resolution with our old ways(that is if they lasted this long) .when it comes to making fall & winter wardrobe purchases this time of year, i need to see some way of incorporating it into my early spring wardrobe before making the purchase. the same is true for making spring purchases. . if i purchase a spring jersey dress, or tank i try to think of things already in my closet at home that i could style it with so i can wear it now and later when mother nature is more cooperative. i am usually very good at living by these rules in part because when i buy something, i usually want to wear it the next day. i am not sure why exactly-- i am just like that. rarely do i keep things hanging in my closet with the tags still on it if i am having trouble striking this balance between winter & spring styles i try to focus on the basics, or i turn to my accessory closet! shoes, handbags, jewelry, belts, and other accessories are usually the easiest to incorporate into your next season’s wardrobe. here are some fabulous fashion finds that should help you strike the balance between the present & the future: top: Eugenia Kim Silk Daniella Headband $80 @ frosting fashions; Loeffler Randall Kit Boots $645 @ shopbop; young fabulous & broket-back vest $ 77 @ oak; Noir Bow Belt $159 over a Sweetees strapless 'venice' dress $88, both @ girlshop; united bamboodrape sweat hoodie $187 @ oak; bottom: Gara Danielle Natural Rock Formation Necklace $207 @ shopbop; Lilia Jewelry Dove Necklace $32 @ frosting fashions; Rebecca Taylor Bow Wedge in Grenadine normally $198, on sale for $99 @ active endeavors; nicole farhioversized deep v sweater on sale for $131 @ oak; shelly steffee dip-dye top $173 @ oak; top: sheila elaine block belt on sale for $165 @ oak; knox retrograde satchel $482 @ girlshop; Silk Jersey Dress - True Blue Rebecca Taylor, normally $310, now $155 @ active endeavors; Sparkplug - Kelly tee by Evil Genius $42 @ active endeavors; Mike & Chris Grayson Fleece Hoodie $172 @ girlshop; bottom: Eugenia Kim Silk Sonia Headband $90 @ frosting fashions; lisa levine blond athena earrings on sale for $107 @ oak; Ananas Tessa Handbag- Royal $440 @ frosting fashions; united bambootwo layer drape tank dress on sale for $297 @ oak; Gorjana Treasure Coin Wrap Necklace $205 @ shopbop; (note: illustration by alyson fox, please contact her directly for purchasing information)

Lindsay Lohan is In Rehab

in december lohan, age 20, admitted she was in AA. she has also had a series of hospitalizations for various injuries & ailments. according to reports she is now in rehab. nothing she does shocks me anymore. unfortunately for dina, this means there won't be any more mother-daughter cocaine binges. lohan enters rehab tmz.com

Be My Valentine? Part 2

i love sending cards, & i looove candy, so i especially love valentine's day! here are some more fun valentine's cards ( to see more of my valentine's day card picks please visit Will You Be My Valentine Part 1): row 1: carrot & stick press heart cards 8 pack for $16; Monster Love Note Card thehyperbunny $4.00 @ etsy; Wonder Woman Valentines: 6 Assorted Valentines and Envelopes @ chronicle books; Girl with Lipstick $4.95 @ papryus; one love card by tennis anyone?; Vintage Valentines (Press Out Book) Paperback by Golden Books @ amazon; row 2: Martini Glasses with Olive $5.95 @ papyrus; falling in love - s... heifer $2.50 @ etsy; Valentine Kit $14.95 @ kates paperie; Single Valentine's Day Greetings Cards $2.95 @ shop intuition; Oopsy Daisy Valentines: 6 Assorted Valentines and Envelopes from chronicle books & available at ecampus.com; Emily the Strange: 6 Assorted Valentines and Envelopes from chronicle books & avialable at ecampus.com; row 3: lets makeout blank ...makeoutgoods $2.00 @ etsy; Penguin Heart Scree... youngandwithit $9.00 @ etsy; roll with me card by tennis anyone?; Valentine's Day Card Making Kit $36.00 @ pottery barn kids; carrot & stick press kiss cards 8 pack for $16; Bustier $6.95 @ papyrus; row 1: bee mine, valentine paperedtogether $3.40 @ etsy; you complete me card $3 from bald guy greetings (click to read inside of the card)); lurve monkeys valen... jekbot $10.50 @ etsy; Red Lips card $3.75 @ red stamp cards; Head Over Heels Card $2.95 @ red stamp cards; The Valentine Kit: All You Need To Create Your Own Valentines $12.95 @ chronicle books; row 2: i heart pac man rakkadeer $3.50 @ etsy; J'adore card $3.50 @ red stamp cards; You're So Lovely card by Tennis Anyone?; Red Heart Love $5.25 @ red stamp cards; Camo I'm Smitten $3.50 @ red stamp cards; She Laughed at Love Valentines: 6 Assorted Valentines and Envelopes by chronicle books avialable now at alibris books row 3: elephant valentine paperedtogether $3.40 @ etsy; Bad Girl's Valentine: 6 Assorted Valentines and Envelopes - $6.53 by chronicle books avialable @ ecampus.com; sweet valentine- sc... heatherjeany $4.00 @ etsy; Val Hearts & Glitter $5.95 @ papyrus; Tiny Bird Love Note... SugarcubeDesign $3.00 @ etsy; Love Bird Valentine... verajune $1.25 @ etsy; you could send any of the above cards to demonstrate your undying love, or you could just get to the point, and go with this card here from bald guy greetings: available for $3 at bald guy greetings...these cards never fail to make me smile, that is for sure! ps if you are looking to send a vintage valentine check the following sites: ebay.com, @ dewitt & co , & @ greatfinds.com

The World Is Flat

I've been a bit shoe crazy lately especially when it comes to flats, but there are so many impossibly cute styles it has become more difficult than ever to resist. I've been on the search for a pair of perfect square-toe flats, but there have been other round-toe & open toe flats that caught my eye as well. here are my nominees for my "most likely to purchase category". choosing will be difficult! From Urban Outfitters: Shelly's London Shimmer Ballet $50.00; Shelly's London Leopard Ballet $50.00; Jeffrey Campbell Flats Online Only! $88.00; Shelly's London Quilted Ballet $50.00; Jeffrey Campbell BalletOnline Only! Now $60 $88.00; all at urban outfitters; Square Pegs: row 1: tyler Women's Wonka(Gold)$108.99 @ shoes.com; Poetic Licence Prep School $65.66 @ zappos; Bronx Shoes 63951 Cara $74.66 @ zappos; Delman Suede Ballerina Slipper, Black @ bergdorf goodman; Shellys London Coco $55.95 @ zappos; row 2: Gabriella Rocha Nerissa $59.95 @ zappos; d'or moccasins $268 @ anthropologie; Bronx Shoes 63950 Cara $74.66 @ zappos; Pedro Garcia Albany Ruffle Ballerina $235 @ shopbop; Tyler Wildcat $99.95 @ zappos; row 3: Elie Tahari Paloma Linen Ballerina Slipper @ bergdorf goodman; Miu Miu Flat Slingback $340.00 @ saks; ReactionWomen's Ballet Parking (Black) $79.99 @ shoes.com Dolce & Gabbana Leopard-Print Ballerina Flat @ bergdorf goodman; Hype Lorie $128.95 @ zappos; row 4: Jimmy Choo Metallic Flat @ bergdorf goodman; J Lo Women's Chao II (Zebra) $99.99 @ shoes.com; Calvin KleinWomen's Sally (Leopard Hair Print) $99.99 @ shoes.com; Jessica Simpson Leve $62.95 @ zappos; Fendi Flat Skimmers $335.00 (pre-order)@ saks From Endless: Naughty Monkey My Pony Flat $69.95; Naughty Monkey Adam Ballet Flat $59.95; Penny Loves Kenny Copa Ballet Flat $46.95; all @ endless.com Currently Idolizing: row 1: Tod's Ballerina Dee $325.00 pre-order @ saks; Belle"LYLA" in black patent leather flat $285.00 @ plaza too; Gucci Bamboo Ballerina $410.00 @ saks; Prada Nappa Leather Flat $430.00 @ saks; row 2: Tod's Ballerina Dee $325.00 @ saks; Dior Western Leather Ballerina $395.00 @ eluxury; Marc by Marc Jacobs Fab Dee Dots Ballerina Flat $235.00 @ eluxury; Juicy Couture"Rose" in Black $150.00 @ plaza too; row 3: Prada Two-Tone Suede Ballet Flat$ 390.00 @ saks; French Sole Rhythm in Gold $158.00 @ Plaza Too; Fendi Buckle Ballet Flats $380.00 @ saks; Jeffrey Campbell Yellow Love flats $70.00 @ plaza too; row 4: Delman“WARWICK” in black patent leather $295.00 @ plaza too; Dior My Dior Stamped Python Ballerina $420.00 @ eluxury; Jeffrey Campbell Love Plaid in Camel $70.00 @ plaza too; delman papeete flats $248 @ anthropologie; her royal highness flats $228 @ anthropologie;

Keep those feet dry...for a cause

these boots will help brighten those gloomy rainy days us new yorkers have become so accustomed to as of late. 10% of sales of these adorable rain boots go to the American Cancer Society to benefit breast cancer research. get them before it rains again at intution for $60

PlatinumBlondeLife.com

Update your blogrolls, the platinum blonde life blog will be moving to a new domain: PlatinumBlondeLife.com! The new site is registered & ready to go... it is currently directing to this url, but by March 1st I hope to have http://melanieelaine.blogspot.com completely phased out! So please update your blogrolls & link pages as soon as possible as it will help for a smooth transition! Many thanks! Melanie ( dress in the photo is from Cass Guy's S/S 2007 Collection), lovely isn't it?

Barbie Loves M.A.C. Sneak Peek

The new spring M.A.C. cosmetic line will be in stores February 15th! I can't wait!! I love Barbie & I love makeup so it is the perfect combination. The collection is filled with shades of pink (naturally), I love the adorable packaging & the ad campaign is gorgeous! Here is a sneak peak at the photos from the collection: I want it ALL!!! saving my money for this!!! For more information on this collection peek into the makeup bag

2007 Golden Globe Winners Circle

Films Drama Motion Picture: "Babel." Musical or Comedy Picture: "Dreamgirls." Drama Actress: Helen Mirren, "The Queen." Drama Actor: Forest Whitaker, "The Last King of Scotland." Comedy Actress: Meryl Streep, "The Devil Wears Prada." Comedy Actor: Sacha Baron Cohen, "Borat." Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, ''Dreamgirls.'' Supporting Actor: Eddie Murphy, "Dreamgirls." Director: Martin Scorsese, "The Departed." Screenplay: Peter Morgan, "The Queen." Animated Film: "Cars." Foreign Language Film: "Letters From Iwo Jima." Original Song: ''The Song of the Heart'' from ''Happy Feet.'' Original Score: "The Painted Veil." (i was 4/14 in my picks) Television Drama Series: "Grey's Anatomy," ABC. Comedy Series: "Ugly Betty," ABC. Miniseries or Movie: "Elizabeth I," HBO. Drama Actor: Hugh Laurie, "House." Drama Actress: Kyra Sedgwick, ''The Closer.'' Comedy Actor: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock." Comedy Actress: America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty." Miniseries or Movie Actor: Bill Nighy, "Gideon's Daughter." Miniseries or Movie Actress: Helen Mirren, ''Elizabeth I.'' Supporting Actor: Jeremy Irons, ''Elizabeth I.'' Supporting Actress: Emily Blunt, ''Gideon's Daughter.'' (again, i only got four of these correct but this time i was 4/11 with my picks; hopefully i can improve on that come oscar time!!!, with that said, i was still very happy with the overall outcome!)

Golden Globes Fashion Highs & Lows

The night was filled with simply stated long flowing gowns in pale hues. white was the color to wear. the mermaid silhouette was also heavily favored. very few actresses opted for cocktail length dresses. purple, blue, & metallics were also seen throughout the night. As with all awards shows, when it came to fashion, there were the good, the bad, and the ugly. Let's start with the ugly, shall we? Rinko Kikuchi, has been hailed for her work in 'Babel', but her fashion choices leave me baffled. This looks like someone wadded up tissue and hung them off her dress!! She tops my worst dressed list. Poor Cameron, she was so worried about avoiding Justin at this years globes she lost her mind completely!! Her body is amazing, and I have even been liking the darker hair, but there was about twenty thousand ruffles on this dress for me. Who knew Jay Z would be taking home a statue last night!!! Okay, Beyonce we get it. You have a hot body, but are you that desperate for attention that you had to come dressed as THE GOLDEN GLOBE? cate blanchett in Alexander McQueen, I love Alexander McQueen, but I HATE the "party in the front, business in the back" look of this dress. Sienna Miller wore white, and may have escaped my worst dressed list had it not been for her ugly hair, and the fact that I wanted to chase her around and powder her forehead all night. These two things forced me to examine her dress more closely, and made me realize that someone had wrapped her in tinsel! renee zellweger was one of the few who opted for a shorter length dress. I love the emerald hue, but