Saturday, September 29, 2007

Jenny Craig? It's America calling...

No, this blog isn't about how 'overweight America is.' Naturally, I'll leave that to the socially conscious bloggers. Of course, mine is about fashion. So why would fashionistas everywhere be calling on Jenny this season? Because we've been hiding under a-lines, empire waists and tent dresses for so long, we forgot there was a figure underneath there. Hey, they were cute, comfortable AND in-style...can you blame us? Only problem is fall is here and of course with the change of seasons come the new styles and this time, the designers are thinking SLIM. Slimmer silhouettes, high-waisted pencil skirts and slacks and oh yes, waist-cinching belts. So if you're like me, you're sweating right now because the thought of skimming clothes again is enough to make you want to hide out under last season's a-lines and simply take the risk of being - yikes - LAST season. In the words of my friend Nicholle, thanks to the designers for making us all fat last year and now sending us all in a frenzy to... the gym. We ENJOYED our summers...ate whatever we wanted and did it with a smile because no worries, we had our empire waists to fall back on (or rather "in.")

Temporary fix? Shapewear. That should suck us all in under those slimmer silhouettes without forcing us to feel like we need to go on - dare I say the dreaded words - A DIET. Jenny can sit by the phone waiting for our call.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

The blisters on my feet mean...it's fashion week!

Diiiid I mention the toll that three full-days and nights of walking/running/standing in heels, lack of food, lack of sleep, has done to my poor body? But who cares, it's worth it, and it only comes twice a year. Of course, I could only be talking about one event: Fashion Week in Bryant Park (although more and more designers are now showing off-site which means even more stiletto-sprints from venue to venue- PHEW!) This season, my fashion week coverage was a whirlwind since I am leaving for the Bahamas smack in the middle - so I jam-packed as many shows as I could into just a few days. Since fashion is ALWAYS one step (and season) ahead, the September collections showcase the trends for NEXT spring/summer. While rumors circulated that there would be a celebrity 'drought' this year due to the close proximity of the MTV VMA's and the Emmy's, I managed to star-spot a few of Hollywood's brightest AND snag some interviews too (since, ahem, I AM there to work afterall.)

Here are some highlights!

Day 1:
Shows attended: Nautica (bright and early,) Perry Ellis, Erin Fetherston, Venexiana, BCBG, Nicole Miller!
Ok, so I set out on an ambitious mission - 6 fashion shows in one day. And although I was weary by night's end, the day did not disappoint. At Nautica, I spotted Lance Bass and NIgel Barker in the front row. With half-naked hunky male models, I'm not sure I noticed the clothes much (hee hee) but from what I do remember, it was 'Naval Chic' as only Nautica could do. Since I interviewed Nigel the last time around, I headed straight for Lance Bass and snagged a photo too. Lance, my new BFF...
At Perry Ellis, I once again spotted Nigel Barker (he was EVERYWHERE!) along with Yonkuh's own Lauren Ezersky. The menswear giant sent an array of stripes, plaids and bright yellows, oranges (or is it Paprika?) and blues down the runway and even a turtleneck sweater - with shorts. ?? For the house that groomed Marc Jacobs, I wonder why THIS show doesn't get more hype. Either way, both Nautica and Perry Ellis are Hampton's yacht-wear at its finest.... dahhling...
Next it was Erin Fetherston, with "Hairspray" cutie Brittany Snow in the front row. This whimsical collection was called "Flights of Fancy," and a bird-print seemed to be the central focus of the collection (I get it!)
Wardrobe change for Brittany Snow who ALSO attended BCBG MAXAZRIA, along with Ashlee Simpson, Martina McBride, Kat Deluna, Sophia Bush and Ciara. This celeb-fave is where I snagged front row (if you watch Full Frontal Fashion or any of the runway coverage, look for me everytime the models round the corner.) My head was spinning as I tried to figure out who to go after first. With US Weekly Reporter Kim in tow, we headed over to the swarm enveloping Ashlee and Martina McBride. Ash's publicist was blocking her from being photographed (isn't front row THE PLACE to be SEEN??) and she didn't appear to be doing any interviews, although the photogs and reporters weren't giving up without a fight. I managed to sneak my tape recorder over her publicist's shoulder and snag a quick one with her (she was very sweet!) before he brushed me away. I asked her what she thought of the show. She said "it was very good." Ciara took advantage of the paparazzi mayhem surrounding Ash and quickly escaped. I smiled and said hi and she breezed by me. I headed over to Brittany Snow and since all eyes were on Ash, I had Britt to myself. She was wonderfully warm, nice and un-Hollywood like. Her boyfriend is quite the cutie too! And yes, with all the celebs, there were actually cute clothes cascading down the runway too.
Nicole Miller is another celeb-fave. There, I spotted Beth Ostrosky (Howard Stern's Fiance!) Ivanka Trump, Mya and Jane Krakowski. I sat down next to Beth and had a nice chat before the show. The paparazzi snapped a few photos of us (when I tried to move out of the way so they could get Beth alone, she pulled me back into the shot and said "they love cute girls!" - AWW, LOVE YA BETH!) I did a quick interview with her... love the charity work she does for her "pet project" (literally!) the North Shore Animal League. She spoke so proudly of it... and, yes, we talked about Howard too! The show was starting so I headed back to my seat. Alongside Nicole's signature prints and flowing frocks were cute embellishments like pom poms! All the more reason to love Nicole! After the show, I headed over to Mya who kindly posed for a photograph. Believe it or not, she's very SHY! and super sweet. Her publicist joked that she'd only pose for a pic as long as it would go on my myspace page... well guess what, it's already there... lol.
Day 1 closed with the Venexiana show where we also snagged some front row seats. No celebs spotted here but a VERY unique collection containing everything from nautical touches to long, flowing evening gowns. One even garnered a gasp and applause from the crowd.

Day 2 began with the Terexov show at the tents. This virtually unknown designer won't be that way for long - the collection was BEAUTIFUL, GORGEOUS, AMAZING, BREATHTAKING. I loved every single piece...and I don't sing those kinda praises very often sistah.. Then, I hit swimwear designer Gottex, where I met Dr. Ruth! She was certainly the last person I'd expect to see at a fashion show but I guess sexy swimwear and well, sex, really do go hand in hand! My friend Jo Jo actually knows her so we went over to chat. I resisted all urges to ask her for "advice." C'mon now, wouldn't you want to???!! Anyway, Gottex's line is definitely NOT for the beach... more like that $30,000 dollar a day yacht Beyonce and Jay Z rent out for vaca. But hey, it was fun to watch anyway...

Day 3...I'm already exhausted and the blisters from the last 2 days are starting too ooze (ICK!) But...the show must go on and in the fashion world, no pain, no gain!!! I limped my way over to the Cynthia Rowley Show and ran into my friend Nicholle and we headed to the front row. Adorable Kat Deluna was sitting directly across from us (once again, Whine Up is stuck in my head) giving interviews and posing for the pap (arazzi, that is.) Several bicycles were situated on the runway (yes, the kind with the baskets in front) and we wondered what they would do with those. The lights dimmed the show started... Cynthia's whimsical pieces were faaaaabulous and each and every one, wearable. I loved the chain print, which was featured on everything from a chiffon halter gown to a pantsuit. and the bikes? The models hopped on them at the end of the show - along with Cynthia! - and rode off into the sunset - I mean - spotlight. LOVE IT! Next, we headed to Bryant Park Hotel for a press event involving a famous designer (who shall remain nameless due to a media embargo!) and BARBIE, yes, the doll...and a pampering suite put on by Fashion Wire Daily. As we stepped into the elevator, Nicholai designer Nicky Hilton stepped out.
Then...it was BACK to the tents for the highlight of MY week: The "Snoopy in Fashion Show" put on by Met Life to benefit Dress for Success, a wonderful organization. Now anyone who knows me knows I'm a Peanuts fanatic AND collector, so this show was a must-see for me - and thanks to the Vidicom girls, I was able to!!! Designers like Isaac Mizrahi, Heatherette and Pamella Roland crafted garments inspired by and for the Peanuts characters (a sequin shift with the famous Charlie Brown zig-zag was a fave!) and even a few celebs designed as well (Elizabeth Hasselback and Whoopi Goldberg!) At one point, Linus' "scarf" became a chic Robins-egg blue Pashmina! Singer Jo JO, model Frederique and Caridee and Jaslene from America's Next Top Model all walked the runway and at the end, so did Snoopy himself (I swear!) It's a night to remember when 2 of my favorite things (fashion and snoopy!) in the world came together in such a unique way and for such a good cause.

All in all, it was a wild week and I'm ready for some R & R!!!
Now for those of you who are interested, here's what I see trends-wise for next spring/summer: colors like yellows, oranges in the form of 'paprika's,' and bright teal-like blues... instead of mini and maxi dresses, we are seeing a new dress length that's still long but somewhere in the middle.. and light, airy fabrics that are feminine and floaty... and it looks like it's time for all of us to hit the gym ladies - no more hiding behind those empire waists - slimmer silhouettes are on the horizon!

Are you feeling blue?

Every season, there seems to be an "it" color that every designer is doing in some shade or variation. Guess what's replacing fall's dim greys for spring? Bright blues! Whether Cobalt, Electric or Robin's Egg, Blue is where it's at. From boots, to bags, to topper jackets - even evening gowns - everyone's boarding the blue bandwagon.