I've been debating about what I should do with my hair for a while now. I can't decide, so in my first video (ever...be warned I'm no professional!) I am asking YOU for your help. What do you think will look good on me & suit my tastes.




Thanks in advance for your help! (P.S. no Bald Britney jokes allowed! :) )

Project Runway is well into its third episode and the entertainment levels are running on high. The design talent however has left much to be desired. The challenge this week was to create a menswear look for Today show correspondent, and former NFL star, Tiki Barber. Menswear is always a challenge for a handful of designers on the show as many of them are simply dress (or lingerie) obsessed. I've never seen Tiki Barber in anything but a superbly tailored suit, so I knew right off the bat people would struggle with at the very least tailoring & time.


Tiki Barber at judging with Nina Garcia

I knew tailoring & time would be major factors, but I didn't anticipate that there would be so many abyssal failures!!! There were so many horrific designs that it was actually more of a competition as to who was going home. I guess the hot male models distracted them. If I were a judge I would have suggested that Bravo save everyone some time & trouble and send half the field home! Seriously, cut to the chase!


Auf'ed Designer:



Carmen was a complete & utter disappointment for me. I had high expectations for her, and she just failed to deliver. Her pants, jacket, & non-shirt was an embarrassment to everyone. What a JOKE! Apparently she freaked out when Tiki's (adorable) wife told her her jacket looked like a Member's Only jacket. Carmen then proceeded to try to "fix" her jacket (by cropping it?) and as a result she didn't have enough time to even contemplate a shirt, so she decided to drape & tuck in fabric in a manner that was reminiscent of Borat's bathing suit.
Obviously, she wasn't out to impress anyone with this design, instead she went out on the runway with the white flag waving. She went home and rightfully so:

Carmen's design

Challenge Winner:

Jack won the challenge with a pinstriped pants & shirt combo. He was supposed to create a 3 piece look but Tiki has an affinity for stripes so he overlooked that and chose Jack as the winner. There was some drama with Rami complaining that Jack disrobed (he is good at that) in order to use his shorts as a pattern for his pants, and then proceeded to share the pattern with other designers. I didn't really understand what his problem was, I know designers in the past have done similar things. I mean, I would think people would be more pissed off if he refused to share his pattern! I thought Jack's look was well tailored, but I generally don't like when men wear striped shirts with striped pants. I also couldn't get over the nude images of Jack either, but that is another story.

Jack's design

Two other horrific designs came from Sweet P & Ricky, neither of which have a background in menswear. I was shocked that Sweet P has so much trouble making the shirt. It was awful. I was confused as to how she could be so off on her neck measurements! Also, her tie was ridiculously long. She totally lucked out, because any other time having a garment that poorly constructed would send you packing! Ricky designed a sloppy suit. He was overly ambitious for someone who normally designs lingerie. I almost DIED when he asked his models to sew buttons on the shirt! Having your model sew for you has to be a first!

left: Sweet P's design right: Ricky's design


Kit & Kevin both did a good job with the challenge. I actually really liked Kevin's look but Seal (Heidi's husband) & Tiki aren't fans of purple, so he didn't win, but I give him extra points for mixing things up on the runway. I actually though Kit should have won the challenge, despite the fact her design was relatively safe.

left: Kevin's design right: Kit's design


I really liked the jacket Christian designed (I guess jackets are his thing!). Chris totally lucked out that there were worse designs on the runway, because his was ridiculously awful. It looks like it could be the official uniform of a religious cult.

left: Christian's design right: Chris's design



Jillian did a great job with her design. It was probably the most formal/conservative of all of the designs, but I hated the shirt she designed. Victorya's design scared me a bit. I don't know what she was thinking with this. A white jacket is fine if you are in Miami or Cuba, but not so much on the Today show. The collar was also all wrong. She is also one of the lucky ones if you ask me.

left: Jillian's design right: Victorya's design


For all of Rami's bragging (we get it, you can drape. do you want a medal?) his design kind of sucked. The tailoring was fine, but his look is a bit too casual and a bit too blah. It is the third episode and I'm already bored with him. Steven succeeded in designing something that matches his personality...stiff.


left: Rami's design; right: Steven's design


Elisa sent a simple vest & sweater down the runway. I couldn't picture Tiki Barber wearing this ever, but it got her through to the next challenge. She was a little weird working with the male model, but other than that she was noticeably absent from the episode.

Elisa's design



Check out the Video Recap, it illustrates what a horror show the runway was this episode!



Project Runway airs on Bravo Wendesdays 10pm EST

I have been busy making my holiday ornaments for the freshly blended & cake & pie's ornament swap, so I suppose you could say I have ornaments on the brain. I am going to be putting up my tree this weekend, so I have been on the hunt for last minute beauties to hang! I am quite smitten with Rae Dunn's porcelain snowflake ornaments that were cut out using antique Swedish cookie cutters she bought at a flea market in Stockholm. So smitten that I am thinking about giving these as gifts this holiday season! Each snowflake is adorned with one of the following hand-stamped words/phrases: joy:: peace :: sing:: merry:: jolly:: ho ho ho:: let it snow.

snowflake ornaments for $14 each or 4 for the price of 3 @ rae dunn's shop

While you are there, check out Rae Dunn's gorgeous letter press gift tags and holiday mugs that are just calling for some yummy peppermint hot cocoa!


Holiday mug $38 each @ rae dunn's shop


Assorted Letterpress gift tags $7 at rae dunn's shop

To see more of Rae Dunn's work please visit her gorgeous website

Betsey Johnson Cashmere Cable Dress (available in black & grey) $290 @ Betsey Johnson;

Wear with boots & a killer bag:

I love L.A.M.B.'s Frosted Love Treviso Clutch $525 @ Shopbop;

&

Erotokritos Morfou Cap Toe Boot $796 @ Shopbop;

but the great thing about this dress is you can style it a million different ways!

Here are outtakes of Britney shooting the video for her next single "Piece of Me":




Listen to the full song right here:




I love it! I hope the rumours about her being preggers with JR Totem's baby are just that...Rumors! (Besides, Christina Aguilera has the market for cute pregnant starlets cornered right now) I also hope that she can continue to dress kind of cute like in the photo above. Keep it Coming Britney.

I adore the sleek tailored looks found in Sally Teseng's Fall collection, so when searching for a chic & sophisticated holiday wardrobe I turned there. I was pleased to be greeted with the sexy racerback Taylor dress, a darling Biloxi top with it's keyhole opening in the back, and a gorgeous Dora Coat among other gems. Why should I look any further!?


View the entire fall collection right here.

Many of Sally Tseng's looks are presently on sale at the Basic Boutique...think of it as an early Christmas present!

Erica Tanov is hosting a holiday shopping event on Wednesday, December 5th from 4pm-9pm. The event will feature the gorgeous handstitched works of Tamar Mogendorf. Her work is beautiful & would be the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Don't take my word for it though, see for yourself:

You can see more of Tamar's beautiful work right here.

The Erica Tanov shopping event will also feature gorgeous jewelry from Carole Tanenbaum's vintage collection!



View the Carole Tanenbaum vintage collection here.

Dolly Parton's new video for "Better Get To Livin'" is a must see:



I LOVE IT! I also love that Amy Sedaris is in it! Can't get enough of her either!

I am really loving this print from Christina Muraczewski today! The print is available on Jen Bekman's 20X200 site right now! In fact I have been loving the last few 20x200 editions. I most recently purchased the small print of "Radar" by Aili Schmeltz. I can't wait to frame that print & put it on my wall. I think Christina's print is lovely as well!!


Polly, by Christina Muraczewski archival pigment print

8.5"x11" Edition of 200 each $20. 118 remaining

17"x22" Edition of 20 each $200. 18 remain

20"x30" Edition of 2 each $2000. 2 remain Purchase @ 20x200


If you're looking for a new print for your walls or an affordable piece of art to give as a gift 20x200 is a fantastic resource, with new additions added on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 2 PM EST.

I got a little caught up with the Thanksgiving holiday, so much so I have held off posting about the Sarah Jessica Parker Bitten episode of Project Runway. I was very surprised to see SJP on the episode, but it was a pleasant surprise. She is the biggest celebrity to be on the show as far as I can recall besides BARBIE of course (my favorite episode EVER!). (Nancy O'Dell & Nicky Hilton are C-list at best & don't count). Sarah Jessica looked adorable on the episode and was uber-sweet to the designers, but maintained a professional composure. I mean just look at her:

(photo of Tim Gunn with Sarah Jessica Parker at Parsons)

DVDs & watch them from start to finish (did I go overkill on the Okay, so maybe her hands look HUGE there but the long hair is fabulous on her & makes her look young. To be perfectly honest the SJP PR episode made me want to pop in my SATCacronyms? :)). This small dosage of her was just short of completely erasing the image I have of her from the Family Stone as the unrelatable character, "Meredith". I bring up the Family Stone only because it has been playing non-stop on HBO for the past YEAR and like a horrific train wreck I can't bring myself to turn away, EVER. Thank you Project Runway for reminding me why I love Sarah Jessica Parker!! I know I went off on a tangent there because the Project Runway episode was not supposed to make me think about Sex & The City, it was supposed to make me excited about SJP's line Bitten sold EXCLUSIVELY at STEVE & BARRY stores NATIONWIDE (are you EXCITED!??) SJP might be disappointed, but I am STILL not excited about her clothing line although it isn't for lack of effort on their part. The designers were to create a two-piece look for Bitten's fall/winter collection that could retail for less than $40, which translates to a $15 budget. The designers were given dossiers of the Bitten line to review, had 30 minutes to sketch & the looks had to be completed by midnight The designers then pitched their designs to Ms. Parker herself. SJP was receptive to all of the designers, and there were only a few awkward moments. Most of the designers were kind of starstruck & nervous, but the ones who maintained their composure got bonus points. SJP picked the seven designs she liked best and those designers in turn chose their design partner. The design duos broke down as follows (leader's name first): Elisa and Sweet P, Kit and Chris, Victorya and Kevin, Marion and Steven, Ricky and Jack, Christian and Carmen, Rami and Jillian.


Victorya's simple baby doll dress & vest was PERFECT for a mass-produced line so it was no surprise that her & Kevin came out on top:

The Bitten interpretation of Victorya's dress will be offered in black or burgundy for $19.98, and the vest that goes with it will come in gray or black for $14.98. Victorya's original dress will be on display at Steve & Barry's flagship Manhattan store for several weeks.

Elisa and Sweet P surprised the pants off of me. Elisa is from another planet with her hand stitching & spit marking ways, but somehow her cape & dress came together. I WANT that cape (maybe in a different color) and the dress was quite pretty. I don't see how Elisa will stay around for long if she refuses to use a sewing machine, but she surprised me once I wouldn't put it past her to do it again.

Marion and Steven, and Christian and Carmen ended up in the bottom two. I was so surprised that Christian & Carmen were in the bottom because A) I think they are both incredibly talented & B) when Carmen was modeling the jacket in the workroom at Parsons it looked HOT! They ran into trouble because of the electric blue skin tight dress. On the runway it SCREAMED eighties. It was a dangerous misstep, and Christian was flirting with fire by acting so defiant on the runway, but I would be surprised again if they both didn't redeem themselves next episode. I hated Marion & Steven's design. It was everything the judges said it was. It was a see through dirty rag end of story.

Kit and Chris designed a very safe "French" look, while Rami & Jillian went with an equally safe look that included a black belted kimono-sleeved shirt dress with black leggings. Both might have to kick their love for leggings before fashion bloggers everywhere cut out their eyeballs.

Ricky & Jack created an adorable pink dress with ruched peasant top and dark leather braided belt. Once again the design wasn't particularly innovative but I give them a plus for using a different color.

In the end we bid farewell to Marion, who looked the part of a sad sad Oliver Twist. It is always unfortunate when someone leaves without giving you a distinct idea as to what their talents or design aesthetic is so in that sense I was sad to see him go.
Watch his exit interview here:




Victorya's design is currently in Steve & Barry stores now, so check it out, and report back!

Project Runway airs on Bravo Wednesdays at 10pm EST

As many of you know, my friend, Sara, is currently a 2nd year Peace Corps volunteer in Benin. That is her teaching a course above along with a few of her other gorgeous photos. She has been doing some wonderful work. She documents much of it on her blog, Over In Benin, when she has time. Lately, though she hasn't had much time at all because she has been busy teaching English at a local high school, helping with various community projects, and raising funds to build an orphanage! Her description of the proposed orphanage project is on the Peace Corps website along with information on a link as to how you can help donate & raise funds for the proposed project! The project will be funded 100% by donations, so even the smallest amount helps them reach their goal! All donations are tax deductible, so if you are looking to donate before the end of the year please consider helping Sara in her efforts in Benin. 'Tis the season of giving after all!

The Lisa Kline boutique has redesigned their website! The website is easy to navigate, has a beautiful look book, and the best part is you can customize your LK email blasts by selecting the designers you wish to hear about! Lisa Kline will also be introducing Men's & Kids online shops as well so stay tuned!


Save 20% off full price merchandise at Lisa Kline through December 6th when you enter the code: "holiday" at the check out. Check out my Lisa Kline wish list below:

Madison Marcus Taffeta Shift Dress $298; Lily Mcneal Lily-Toni Sheer Sweater$235; Kooba
Kooba-Kasie $338; Linea Pelle-Soft Lamb Sash Belt $175; Botkier Small Tote $650; all @ lisa kline

The Home Depot is giving away a $25,000 Gift Card (and many more prizes) to the best YouTube video entry showcasing the projects you’d like to tackle around the house.

Submissions are open from November 10, 2007 to December 15, 2007, and winners will be announced on December 17. For more information on the contest click here Check out my favorite video below, this couple needs some major help around their first home! But the five lbs. caption midway through is priceless, watch it you'll see what I mean:

Fashionistas & beauty mavens everywhere are raving about the one look that never goes out of style: the smokey eye. That's right ladies I would bet my last dollar that in 2050 women will walk out of their house wearing a black dress & smokey eyes and they will be a la mode! I have an endless supply of fantastic LBDs, so I sought to achieve the perfect Smokey Eye using Sephora's Smokey Eye Brush set courtesy of Coutorture. The kit includes five brushes (wide smudge, all over shadow, small domed smudge, detail, and dual-sided brow brush and comb), volume mascara in black, and an instructional how-to card. The kit is packaged in a compact pewter faux leather case. The packaging is chic & adorable, judging from looks alone this is a great set! The instructions are simple, easy to follow, and gives you a general idea as to what shadows/products you should use as they must be purchased separately.


I used the brushes & mascara that were included in the set, Smashbox eyeliner, NARS & MAC Eyeshadow & my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curler to create my look. In the end I thought my look was on the subtle side, but you can see for yourself:


Sephora Brand The Smokey Eye Kit ($71 Value) , $42


In the end, the brush set will give anyone the necessary tools to create the look and would be a fabulous gift for a teenager, your younger sister, or someone who just loves playing around at their vanity. However, I really didn't like the mascara included. My main complaint was the mascara brush was too BIG which made it difficult to apply without messing up my smokey eye. I also had a minor problem with clumping, but the included brush corrected the problem. Additionally, the average girl may need to look elsewhere for additional instruction if they find the how-to card included with the brush set lacking. I recommend the below video of M.A.C. makeup artist Chantel Miller creating the smokey eye found on YouTube:




Sephora Brand The Smokey Eye Kit ($71 Value) , $42 will allow you to cross someone off your Christmas list though!

Tiphanie Brooke has slashed prices on her site "Anti Girl" to help move some of her artwork & hand-bound books (so she can make more!). Her work is beautiful & evocative so please check it out and buy some for yourself or the lucky people on your holiday shopping list!!!


all works pictured above are available for sale at http://www.antigirl.com/

Fall is vanishing right before our eyes. The cold bitter months of winter are just ahead. I have always considered the first snow (that sticks) or the 1st of December to be the end of fall & the beginning of winter. Back in my hometown there has already been snow, so I was especially thankful this Thanksgiving for this one last weekend of fall because my morning walk with Sophie has never looked so beautiful and full of color.

Lauren Conrad (a/k/a L.C.)of the MTV reality shows, Laguna Beach, and The Hills has been everywhere lately. You are bound to run into Lauren hawking a product at every turn. She is presently the spokeswoman for Meet Mark, has her own line of jersey dresses & tops, and most recently has collaborated with Linea Pelle to create some lovely chain accented leather bags. While there are numerous other Linea Pelle designs I like better than the L.C. bags,  I have to say I'm always a sucker for chain details & a nice slouchy tote.  If you have a Hills fan on your Christmas list this December the following items would be great gifts for them, that is if you have some extra cash on hand, because it isn't cheap!

Linea Pelle Bags from the Lauren Conrad Collection:

Lauren Conrad Clutch Colors: Dark Olive Green, Black, Espresso Brown $ 145; Lauren Conrad Coin Purse Colors: Dark Olive Green, Black, Espresso Brown $ 45; @ Linea Pelle



Lauren Conrad Tote Colors: Dark Olive Green, Black, Espresso Brown $ 350; @ Linea Pelle; 

Lauren Conrad Clothing Collection:

Sophia Dress $145; Katherine Wrap $140;

 I Heart
11/30 and 12/1 (noon–8); 12/2 (noon–7)

Be & D
11/27 (9–7); 11/28 and 11/29 (10–6).
35 W. 36th St., nr. Fifth Ave., 10th fl.
(212-629-3242);
Bags & Accessories start at $50


Hollywould
Through 12/15; Mon.–Sat. (11:30–7); Sun. (noon–5).
198 Elizabeth St., nr. Prince St.
(212-219-1905)
Metallic ballet flats (now $195), ostrich stamped heels (now $350), and leopard patent flats (now $275) are marked down by up to 40 percent off.

Jill Stuart Fall Sale
11/24-12/15
100 Greene St
Save 30 to 50 percent off clothing and accessories from Stuart's Fall 07 collection.


Oak Sale
11/23-11/25
668 President St Brooklyn, NY 11215
All of Oak's hip, edgy clothing for men and women is 20 percent off.

Opening Ceremony
11/24-12/2
35 Howard St
Sale items and the rest of the Spring/Summer collections will be discounted up to 75 percent off.

Olive & Bettes One Day Sale

Monday December 3rd 8am-7pm

Janes Closet Thanksgiving Sale