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.

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.

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

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.