Is that James Blunt? If so, he just scored 50,783 cool points with me. Which means he's got a net cool value of about -98,390.
12.19.2006
12.07.2006
Holiday cheer
It's only rock 'n' roll but I like it
What a generation gap.
Having been raised by late boomer parents or faux boomer parents or whatever, I'm in the weird position of being raised by the same generation as Gen X-ers, but actually in Gen-Y or the millenials or whatever.
So when I read this article, I thought, "Hey! I never went through that phase." Maybe it's because my parents are cool or maybe it's they listened to good music and still do, but there was very little disconnect between what I listened to and what they liked. I enjoyed The Beatles and the Rolling Stones with them and likewise, they appreciate Coldplay and OutKast. And together, we can discover artists fell between our generations, like Elvis Costello. Maybe I'm an anomoly. Only time will tell.
Having been raised by late boomer parents or faux boomer parents or whatever, I'm in the weird position of being raised by the same generation as Gen X-ers, but actually in Gen-Y or the millenials or whatever.
So when I read this article, I thought, "Hey! I never went through that phase." Maybe it's because my parents are cool or maybe it's they listened to good music and still do, but there was very little disconnect between what I listened to and what they liked. I enjoyed The Beatles and the Rolling Stones with them and likewise, they appreciate Coldplay and OutKast. And together, we can discover artists fell between our generations, like Elvis Costello. Maybe I'm an anomoly. Only time will tell.
11.15.2006
Both vices in one article
As a fashion addict and political junkie, this article on one of my favorite blogs combines both my vices in one. Enjoy!
11.13.2006
Just saying hi this winter.
There are certain things that adults must do. More than just paying the bills or going to work. Writing a sympathy note when your friend's aunt dies. Sending flowers when a friend's grandmother dies. Sending Christmas cards.
But Christmas cards that actually say "Christmas" are hard to come by.
I'm not one of those crazy Fox News people who gets angry at stores that say "Happy Holidays." I actually thing Happy Holidays is a nice thing to say to people. It acknowledges all holidays -- Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Year's, the winter solstice, Boxing Day, whatever people might celebrate.
But cards are more intimate, more personal. When you're working in a store, you don't know if the person is shopping for themselves or for a gift or what holiday that person celebrates. But most of the time, you know what your friends celebrate. Meanwhile, they probably know what you celebrate. I don't know about others, but I am not personally offended by Hannukah cards. It's just my Jewish friends' way of sharing good wishes from their holiday to me during this holiday time. But Seasons Greetings irks me. And they always go on good cards, too.
That said, cards with vague messages like, "Wishing you peace and joy during the holiday season" don't bother me because they echo sentiments of all the seasons and allow me to write "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hannukah" or "Happy Holidays" as appropriate.
Which is what you got from me last year and might get from me this year...if you're lucky!
But Christmas cards that actually say "Christmas" are hard to come by.
I'm not one of those crazy Fox News people who gets angry at stores that say "Happy Holidays." I actually thing Happy Holidays is a nice thing to say to people. It acknowledges all holidays -- Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Year's, the winter solstice, Boxing Day, whatever people might celebrate.
But cards are more intimate, more personal. When you're working in a store, you don't know if the person is shopping for themselves or for a gift or what holiday that person celebrates. But most of the time, you know what your friends celebrate. Meanwhile, they probably know what you celebrate. I don't know about others, but I am not personally offended by Hannukah cards. It's just my Jewish friends' way of sharing good wishes from their holiday to me during this holiday time. But Seasons Greetings irks me. And they always go on good cards, too.
That said, cards with vague messages like, "Wishing you peace and joy during the holiday season" don't bother me because they echo sentiments of all the seasons and allow me to write "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hannukah" or "Happy Holidays" as appropriate.
Which is what you got from me last year and might get from me this year...if you're lucky!
11.12.2006
10.19.2006
Serious ugly
Jeffrey won. Undeservedly, I think. But I guess they couldn't have two winners in a row who came to America from Communism with nothing but a dream and a sewing kit. I'll get over it. It's not like it actually affects my life, unless this means Jeffrey's on my TV more often, which means I might have to throw my TV out a window.
10.18.2006
The sexy is back!
So.....question.
Does that outfit look like the episode Keith Michael, Jeffrey and Alison designed for the Macy's challenge on Project Runway?
When I waste my money, I want it hanging in my closet where I can look at it
I'm not a betting woman, but if I were, I'd put my money on Uli to win it all tonight.
A week ago, I would have said it was a two-man battle between Jeffrey and Michael. Jeffrey offers an aesthetic we don't see too often but sometimes the taste level isn't there. Same thing with Michael. It's interesting that both are straight men and I think they see women differently than gay men (who may see women only as coathangers for their creations) and women (who just dress themselves). They want to see women be beautiful, sexy, romantic, and I think it's an exciting perspective.
But after last week's episode, it looks like Uli might be in the running.
Michael brought some serious ugly with his odd safari theme. Safari could be good for Michael, who excels at sportswear, but it seemed misguided. Is he good only with feedback from Tim Gunn?
As for Jeffrey, I was on his side with the cheating allegations...until I watched the episode again. He has a company, so he has workers at his disposal. His receipts were all mixed up when Tim asked for them. And the plastic bags? On one hand, protection for one-of-a-kind designs that had to be Bryant Park perfect. On the other hand, what they came in after being sent out for sewing. We'll see what happens tonight, but I don't think it looks so good for him.
Which leaves Uli and Laura. As much as I like Laura and her designs, I don't think they're unique and exciting enough to win Project Runway. Which leaves Uli.
Who knows how things will turn out. Michael could style his way to a win or the judges may be on Jeffrey's side. The judges could be wowed by Laura's sophistication, or Uli could be the woman left standing next to the Saturn Sky. Maybe I'll be glad I'm not a betting woman. Or maybe I'll be regretting I didn't turn good odds into money to buy one of her creations.
A week ago, I would have said it was a two-man battle between Jeffrey and Michael. Jeffrey offers an aesthetic we don't see too often but sometimes the taste level isn't there. Same thing with Michael. It's interesting that both are straight men and I think they see women differently than gay men (who may see women only as coathangers for their creations) and women (who just dress themselves). They want to see women be beautiful, sexy, romantic, and I think it's an exciting perspective.
But after last week's episode, it looks like Uli might be in the running.
Michael brought some serious ugly with his odd safari theme. Safari could be good for Michael, who excels at sportswear, but it seemed misguided. Is he good only with feedback from Tim Gunn?
As for Jeffrey, I was on his side with the cheating allegations...until I watched the episode again. He has a company, so he has workers at his disposal. His receipts were all mixed up when Tim asked for them. And the plastic bags? On one hand, protection for one-of-a-kind designs that had to be Bryant Park perfect. On the other hand, what they came in after being sent out for sewing. We'll see what happens tonight, but I don't think it looks so good for him.
Which leaves Uli and Laura. As much as I like Laura and her designs, I don't think they're unique and exciting enough to win Project Runway. Which leaves Uli.
Who knows how things will turn out. Michael could style his way to a win or the judges may be on Jeffrey's side. The judges could be wowed by Laura's sophistication, or Uli could be the woman left standing next to the Saturn Sky. Maybe I'll be glad I'm not a betting woman. Or maybe I'll be regretting I didn't turn good odds into money to buy one of her creations.
10.11.2006
So tight you can see my metaphorical balls
So...
...I finally bought a pair of skinny jeans. I've been trying to find the perfect pair and actually have the balls (and cash!) to buy them. The $150 AGs? Looked great, but I couldn't justify that kind of money on a trend I was still unsure about. So yesterday, I hit Old Navy with a buddy whose opinion is unfailingly honest ("That's kind of a random outfit...") and approved them.
As for the flattery issue, they aren't all that different from a regular pair of tight bootcut jeans, but it'll take some getting used to showing off my calves to the world. They looked pretty rockin' tucked into my favorite riding boots, which also adds some volume and weight to the bottom of the leg, balancing the way the jeans can accentuate the booty.
I don't know when I'm going to be able to wear them, since boots under jeans could get a wee bit warm in south Florida's 88-degree heat. I do think they'll work really well with my rubber rain boots if we get another hurricane down here, although I hope that doesn't happen.
I'll post an update when I get the balls to actually wear them.
...I finally bought a pair of skinny jeans. I've been trying to find the perfect pair and actually have the balls (and cash!) to buy them. The $150 AGs? Looked great, but I couldn't justify that kind of money on a trend I was still unsure about. So yesterday, I hit Old Navy with a buddy whose opinion is unfailingly honest ("That's kind of a random outfit...") and approved them.
As for the flattery issue, they aren't all that different from a regular pair of tight bootcut jeans, but it'll take some getting used to showing off my calves to the world. They looked pretty rockin' tucked into my favorite riding boots, which also adds some volume and weight to the bottom of the leg, balancing the way the jeans can accentuate the booty.
I don't know when I'm going to be able to wear them, since boots under jeans could get a wee bit warm in south Florida's 88-degree heat. I do think they'll work really well with my rubber rain boots if we get another hurricane down here, although I hope that doesn't happen.
I'll post an update when I get the balls to actually wear them.
Beauty wishlist
Dear Neutrogena:
I love, love, LOVE your new citrus exfoliating body wash and sugar scrub. The frozen lemonade-y goodness is usually the best part of my morning and helped me kick the coffee addiction. Thank you, I owe you one.
But, could you please, pretty please, with cherries, sugar and whipped cream on top, make a corresponding lotion? With sunscreen?
Love,
The Minister
I love, love, LOVE your new citrus exfoliating body wash and sugar scrub. The frozen lemonade-y goodness is usually the best part of my morning and helped me kick the coffee addiction. Thank you, I owe you one.
But, could you please, pretty please, with cherries, sugar and whipped cream on top, make a corresponding lotion? With sunscreen?
Love,
The Minister
10.05.2006
La vie en rose
Two years ago, I spent two weeks studying art history in Paris. We spent mornings in museums like the Centre Pompidou, Musee d'Orsay and Picasso Museum. We spent afternoons exploring the Louvre or the rest of the city, it's parks, shops and alleys. Every once in a while, I get a bit "homesick" for my adopted hometown and can get a little Parisian fix by surfing www.paristay.com.
After spending a little time on the site tonight, I have come to one conclusion: Les francais, ils n'ont pas peur de decorer avec rose. Translation? The French aren't afraid to decorate with pink. Hot pink. Vibrant shades of fuschia and watermelon. Ils habiton dans le monde en rose.
After spending a little time on the site tonight, I have come to one conclusion: Les francais, ils n'ont pas peur de decorer avec rose. Translation? The French aren't afraid to decorate with pink. Hot pink. Vibrant shades of fuschia and watermelon. Ils habiton dans le monde en rose.
9.27.2006
The final four
Uli, Michael, Laura and Jeffrey are ALL going to Bryant Park's Olympus Fashion Week. Which already occurred.
Hurrah!
Also...
I want to go to Miami and hang out with Uli. She looks fun.
Hurrah!
Also...
I want to go to Miami and hang out with Uli. She looks fun.
FW 06
One of the lip glosses I smuggled through security? A recently blended custom color lip gloss from the Atlanta Prescritives counter in Atlanta.
After a fruitless quest to find the perfect berry lip color -- have you heard? it's big for fall -- I decided to make my own.
There are several base colors to choose from -- berry, red, pink, brown -- with extenders and finishes to change the color around. Add shimmer, glitter, metallic or pearl finishes, make colors darker or lighter or sheer.
My shade is a perfectly sheer berry with a red tinge and just the teeniest bit of gold shimmer. And the best part? There are tons of flavors, so you're not stuck with a great color and nasty flavor or a flavor that doesn't match the color. Mine tastes like coffee, which makes me very happy.
(Oh, and in case you're wondering, I'm not sharing the formula. Go make your own!)
After a fruitless quest to find the perfect berry lip color -- have you heard? it's big for fall -- I decided to make my own.
There are several base colors to choose from -- berry, red, pink, brown -- with extenders and finishes to change the color around. Add shimmer, glitter, metallic or pearl finishes, make colors darker or lighter or sheer.
My shade is a perfectly sheer berry with a red tinge and just the teeniest bit of gold shimmer. And the best part? There are tons of flavors, so you're not stuck with a great color and nasty flavor or a flavor that doesn't match the color. Mine tastes like coffee, which makes me very happy.
(Oh, and in case you're wondering, I'm not sharing the formula. Go make your own!)
Mini-breaks just got easier
The TSA is allowing liquids and gels in carry-on bags again!
You can bring whatever you want -- as long as it's in a 3-ounce container or smaller. All of you liquids and gels, lip glosses, mascaras and lotions, must fit in a quart-size ziplock. If you buy something after you go through security, like coffee, water, lotion, etc., you can bring it on the plane. Saline solution, eye drops, medication and personal lubricant (e.g. KY Jelly) can be carried on in 4-ounce containers, but still in your quart-sized bag.
I was the first person to say the old restrictions were ridiculous. I understand that liquids can be used to make explosives and I agree that we need more security to prevent terrorist attacks. However, a universal ban on all liquids and gels seemed illogical, and, as I discovered over the last two weekends and seven trips through security lines, the liquid ban was on the honor system. I made it through every time with at least three tubes of lip gloss, a travel-size bottle of contact solution and a full-size bottle of hair gel. These new restrictions seem to be something I can live with and might actually abide by...as long as I can fit all my lip gloss in a ziplock.
You can bring whatever you want -- as long as it's in a 3-ounce container or smaller. All of you liquids and gels, lip glosses, mascaras and lotions, must fit in a quart-size ziplock. If you buy something after you go through security, like coffee, water, lotion, etc., you can bring it on the plane. Saline solution, eye drops, medication and personal lubricant (e.g. KY Jelly) can be carried on in 4-ounce containers, but still in your quart-sized bag.
I was the first person to say the old restrictions were ridiculous. I understand that liquids can be used to make explosives and I agree that we need more security to prevent terrorist attacks. However, a universal ban on all liquids and gels seemed illogical, and, as I discovered over the last two weekends and seven trips through security lines, the liquid ban was on the honor system. I made it through every time with at least three tubes of lip gloss, a travel-size bottle of contact solution and a full-size bottle of hair gel. These new restrictions seem to be something I can live with and might actually abide by...as long as I can fit all my lip gloss in a ziplock.
9.20.2006
Is a female maneater a cannibal?
I'm watching the new Nelly Furtado video for "Maneater" and totally digging the clothes she's rocking. A graphic T-shirt with a menswear vest over it is pretty cool, but the T-shirt has fluttery sleeves on it, which gives it a garcon-gamine feeling. She eventually strips down to just a plain little boys ribbed white tank top. Something every girl has -- or should have -- in her wardrobe. But this one gets a super-sparkly belt, chandelier earrings, red lips and beautiful wavy hair. Somehow, after a few seasons of The Necklace, a simple piece with fabulous earrings somehow feels fresh again, which is great, because superfab earrings are easier to come by and easier to wear than superfab necklaces.
9.19.2006
almost perfect
I got a new lip gloss tonight. L'Oreal Colour Juice in Cherries on Top. It's a color I've been searching for for a while. The perfect sheer cherry red color. Perfect for day, but good enough for evening. Wonderful. Great. My search is over.
Except my bangs keep getting stuck in it.
I turn my head -- BAM! Bangs stuck in the lipgloss.
The air conditioner goes on -- BAM! Bangs stuck in the lipgloss.
I'm sitting perfectly stull and the rotation of the earth happens as it has for millenia -- BAM! Bangs stuck in the lipgloss.
Yes, this shit is sticky.
I should send this to Estee Lauder, maker of the most wonderful lipgloss on the planet, High Gloss, and request this color. Berries are big for fall and their colors are so summery, anyway.
A girl can dream. And until then, save this gloss for days when the hair goes up.
Except my bangs keep getting stuck in it.
I turn my head -- BAM! Bangs stuck in the lipgloss.
The air conditioner goes on -- BAM! Bangs stuck in the lipgloss.
I'm sitting perfectly stull and the rotation of the earth happens as it has for millenia -- BAM! Bangs stuck in the lipgloss.
Yes, this shit is sticky.
I should send this to Estee Lauder, maker of the most wonderful lipgloss on the planet, High Gloss, and request this color. Berries are big for fall and their colors are so summery, anyway.
A girl can dream. And until then, save this gloss for days when the hair goes up.
9.18.2006
Refrigerator of a jet-setter
Edible items:
Beer
Salsa
Bean dip
Taco sauce
Hot sauce
Salad dressing
Ketchup
Rasperry jam
Tonic
American, Mexican mix, Monterey Jack and string cheese
Questionable items:
Unopened organic yogurt.
Fat free sour cream-like substance
Items in need of a trip to the dumpster:
Skim milk
Eight eggs
Red bell pepper
Salad mix involving spinach
Beer
Salsa
Bean dip
Taco sauce
Hot sauce
Salad dressing
Ketchup
Rasperry jam
Tonic
American, Mexican mix, Monterey Jack and string cheese
Questionable items:
Unopened organic yogurt.
Fat free sour cream-like substance
Items in need of a trip to the dumpster:
Skim milk
Eight eggs
Red bell pepper
Salad mix involving spinach
9.15.2006
The Diane von Furstenberg of Project Runway
I love Diane von Furstenberg. I think she's beautiful. I think she's cool. I think she's real. I think she's a genius with prints. I think she's a shrewd businesswoman.
And she built her empire on one dress.
Tim Gunn (or Michael Kors?) compared Uli's talent with prints to DvF's, but I think the comparison could go further. Uli, like DvF, can build her own empire on a single dress. But I don't think she can win Project Runway by doing that.
One of the flaws on Project Runway is that the judges require designers to show a range. They want something as cool and practical as Michael Kors' sportswear and sometihng edgy and unique enough for Nina Garcia to put on the pages of Elle. They want something chic and wearable enough for Heidi Klum to parade down the red carpet in and they want something exciting and new enough to wow the guest judges.
Which means that designers like Austin Scarlett, who designs beautiful evening gowns and party dresses, can't win. And I think it might also mean that Uli, who designs beautiful party dresses for herself and her clients in Miami, can't win either. Unless she designs something else for the next challenge and the final runway show at Bryant Park. But by doing so, would she be abandoning the point of view that makes her designs so noteworthy?
Just a thought. Whether she wins or not, I wish I could afford and buy one of her dresses. Or ten of them.
And she built her empire on one dress.
Tim Gunn (or Michael Kors?) compared Uli's talent with prints to DvF's, but I think the comparison could go further. Uli, like DvF, can build her own empire on a single dress. But I don't think she can win Project Runway by doing that.
One of the flaws on Project Runway is that the judges require designers to show a range. They want something as cool and practical as Michael Kors' sportswear and sometihng edgy and unique enough for Nina Garcia to put on the pages of Elle. They want something chic and wearable enough for Heidi Klum to parade down the red carpet in and they want something exciting and new enough to wow the guest judges.
Which means that designers like Austin Scarlett, who designs beautiful evening gowns and party dresses, can't win. And I think it might also mean that Uli, who designs beautiful party dresses for herself and her clients in Miami, can't win either. Unless she designs something else for the next challenge and the final runway show at Bryant Park. But by doing so, would she be abandoning the point of view that makes her designs so noteworthy?
Just a thought. Whether she wins or not, I wish I could afford and buy one of her dresses. Or ten of them.
Joesphine Baker's eigth grade dance
For a recap, go to www.televisionwithoutpity.com.
For reviews, read on.
Ranked, from worst-to-best, for your reading and judging convenience.
My predictions for the final three? Michael's the only shoe-in. I think Uli could pull an Austin Scarlett and put another Uli dress on the runway, which would almost guarantee her elimination. Jeffrey is in a similar situation, only he lacks Uli's taste level. Laura could design something boring or she could just not do as well as the other three and go home. But I think this competition is Michael Knight's to lose.
Although, because Fashion Week is going on right now, Laura, Jeffrey, Uli and Michael will all show at Bryant Park, so Project Runway addicts like myself won't be able to tell the final three by those who show. It's happened the last two seasons, too.
For reviews, read on.
Ranked, from worst-to-best, for your reading and judging convenience.
- Jeffrey: Was this the challenge where they're supposed to design something for Wet Seal? As Michael Kors would say (did say?), the taste level just wasn't there.
- Vincent: A joke. But he's crazy and needs to get back on his meds.
- Angela: Quite possibly my favorite outfit of hers, except maybe the Audrey Hepburn dress. But, since it's Angela, that's not saying much.
- Uli: OK, I liked the dress, but it was an Uli dress. Zac Posen loved it, as guest judges always do, because it's the first time they've seen the genius of Uli. But the other judges were naturally nonplussed, as was I.
- Kayne: Beautiful front, weird back. Perhaps not exactly following the parameters of the challenge, but it was definitely better than Jeffrey's. I thought it showed his range and it also showed that he's listened to the judges and Tim Gunn. Without the weird lacing on the back, it's something I would definitely wear.
- Laura: I liked Michael's much better, but I'm glad Laura got to win. Her design showed range without abandoning her distinctive point of view. However, I got a distinct mid-90s vibe from her dress. it reminded me of something Rachel Green or Cher Horowitz would have worn.
- Michael: I love this man. He has wonderful designs and seems to think about his designs without overintellectualizing them. He's classy and polite but not a stick in the mud. I loved this dress. It was simple, but beautiful. He understood the challenge, designed something that looked amazing on Nazri and styled it beautifully.
My predictions for the final three? Michael's the only shoe-in. I think Uli could pull an Austin Scarlett and put another Uli dress on the runway, which would almost guarantee her elimination. Jeffrey is in a similar situation, only he lacks Uli's taste level. Laura could design something boring or she could just not do as well as the other three and go home. But I think this competition is Michael Knight's to lose.
Although, because Fashion Week is going on right now, Laura, Jeffrey, Uli and Michael will all show at Bryant Park, so Project Runway addicts like myself won't be able to tell the final three by those who show. It's happened the last two seasons, too.
9.14.2006
I'm no angel
I am really not a fan of that new song "Lips of an Angel" by Hinder. Not only is it crappy Nickelback-rip-off rock, but dude's a dick. If this other chick is soooooo wonderful, why do you have a girlfriend? Break up with your girlfriend or stop strining along this angel whose lips you're so obsessed with.
It's almost as bad as that "You're Beautiful" James Blunt song that should be the offical theme song of every stalker. Oddly, that one references angels, as well.
Stay tuned for a Project Runway review tonight.
It's almost as bad as that "You're Beautiful" James Blunt song that should be the offical theme song of every stalker. Oddly, that one references angels, as well.
Stay tuned for a Project Runway review tonight.
9.12.2006
fall to-do
1. discover the perfect red lipstick
2. get the guts to buy a pair of skinny jeans
3. get the guts to actually wear them
2. get the guts to buy a pair of skinny jeans
3. get the guts to actually wear them
Welcome to the Ministry
In the British Parliamentary system, divisions of government are known as ministries. I don't know why. But the fashion police force doesn't seem to be working and it looks like we're in desperate need of a federal task force to change the course of this nation.
Let the revolution begin.
Let the revolution begin.
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