Party like it's 2009! If you're staying home tonight, don't miss this

It's snowing here in NYC and I don't know about you, but between the cold and the crowds, I'm more inclined to stay at home! Here are some fabulous tips I snagged from a party planner to the stars who's worked with everyone from J-Lo to Matthew McConaghay. They'll help make your at-home celebration the most rockin' NYE ever.

Inexpensive At-Home New Year's Eve Party Tips from Celebrity Event Planner, David Tutera

Tip #1 – Create a Sexy Centerpiece

“David’s 'Cocktail' Centerpiece”

Since the 12am toast is the center of the evening, make that the theme of your centerpiece this year by using tableware you already own to decorate! Create a chic and stylish centerpiece for your table by creating a "Drink Glass Runner" placed on a shimmery linen. Use every glass you own - martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems - and place them down the center of your table filled with water. Next, add drops of pink food coloring in varying amounts so that there are different shades in each glass. Place a few floating votives in each “drink” to create a sparkling look.

Tip #2 – It’s Not What You Serve, It’s How You Serve It

You don't have to spend a fortune on food for your guests. To make your party festive and impressive, try dressing up the containers you serve it in. For a sophisticated appetizer, serve cold or hot soup in shot glasses. To update the classic salad or side dish, serve it in martini glasses with either shrimp forks or fancy chopsticks.

Tip #3 – Signature Cocktails Make a Party Unique

Save money by offering sexy signature cocktails instead of a full bar. Plus, let your drinks coordinate with the glow of your happy guests by serving delicious recipes including NUVO Sparkling Liqueur. The gorgeous bottle also adds to the decor of your event.

The Midnight Kiss
1 oz. Proseco
3 oz. NUVO Sparkling Liqueur
Add a spoonful of muddled raspberries and blackberries
Serve in a champagne flute

The Ball Drop
3 oz. NUVO Sparkling Liqueur
1 oz. Ciroc
Add a frozen sorbet ball garnish
Served in a martini glass

Tip #4 – Ring in the New Year Right

Don't worry about spending a fortune on expensive noisemakers and party favors. Try making your own traditional New Years confetti! Use scraps of colorful paper from around your home and cut it into small, irregular pieces. Add in inexpensive sequins or even small pieces of coordinating fabric and package them in small bags or cones for guests to throw when the ball drops.

Also, to get your guests ready for the big moment, tie a small bag of hand-made confetti to each champagne glass that you pass out!

Tip #5 – Start the Year By Giving Back

Start the year off right by hosting a BYO-D party. Instead of asking guests to bring their own beverages, instead ask them to Bring Their Own Donation instead. You can choose your own theme and have guests bring anything from old blankets for animal shelters to items for soldiers to money for saving the rainforest.

BONUS TIP: David’s Fun and Inexpensive Party Game Idea

For a low-cost and fun party game that will help your guests mingle, create a Resolution Board and place it near the entrance. This board could be in any form you like, from a framed mirror to a fabric covered piece of foam core. Dangle markers from fancy ribbon and as guests walk in, invite them to share their resolutions!

Bra-rty!

As most of you know (ok probably all of you, since it's about all I talk about these days!) I'm writing a book about bras called THE BRA BOOK which will be released nationwide in bookstores and gift shops in the fall by BenBella books and in lingerie and dept. stores by a wonderful bra company called Fashion Forms.

Through my research, I discovered that bra fittings are in such demand, that people are hosting parties in their homes where you could do just that! Much like Tupperware or Mary Kay, you can also purchase bras at these parties as well - but no pressure to buy. I decided to try this out for myself so I'm hosting one very soon. The company is called The Uplifting Makeover,LLC and they come to your home and privately fit at least 8 of your closest friends and family! Their website is http://www.bramakeover.com/ if you want to check it out for yourself!

Who knows, aferward, you may end up looking like the Victoria Secret model pictured here! :-)

Beauty Advice to live by!

Research shows that beautiful people earn more money, get further ahead in their careers and are generally happier. That's the message of a new book called THE BEAUTY PRESCRIPTION. Beverly Hills dermatologist, Dr. Debra Luftman, and South Beach Psychiatrist, Dr. Eva Ritvo, aka "The Beauty and Brain Doctors," combine their expertise to take a unique look at the beauty of the body and mind to create an inspirational guide to feeling beautiful, inside and out.

They say inner and outer beauty perfectly complement each other in a “beauty-brain loop.”

For some quick and easy fixes – some of which don’t cost a dime - they have the following advice:

1. Give yourself a ‘Faith Lift’ – It means having faith in yourself and your ability to make changes in your life. Believing in yourself and your abilities is always beautiful.

2. Skip the expensive French hand milled soap. In the winter, skin tends to dry out with more expensive perfumed soaps. Stick with an unscented moisturizing supermarket brand like Dove. These soaps are gentle, inexpensive and allow the skin to retain water.

3. Use a Titanium-based sun block and get a ‘Two for One’ beauty product. The sun is still the major culprit in skin damage, and Titanium is a broad spectrum sunscreen but also has been found to help relieve redness in the skin.

4. Take your Omega 3s and 6s daily. This supplement is one way to get beautiful from the inside out. Omega 3s reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke while helping to reduce symptoms of hypertension, depression, joint pain as well as boost the immune system and help protect us from an array of illnesses including Alzheimer's disease. Omega-6s support skin health, lower cholesterol and can help the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance. Omega 3s and 6s are found in avocados, salmon, herring, mackerel, eggs, walnuts, canola oil and soybeans.

5. Lip gloss doesn't need to break the beauty bank. Apply a vitamin enriched healing ointment like ‘Aquaphor’ on top of your regular lipstick. This will give you a glossy shiny look while also giving you an anti-aging lip treatment.

6. Schedule an appointment with yourself! Give yourself a beauty break for 10 minutes once or twice a day to either de-stress or for self-care. The release of "stress hormones" can lead to breakouts and acne, not to mention what stress does to your heart and blood pressure. These few minutes can make a world of difference in how you feel about yourself.

7. LOL- "Laugh out Loud" or "Lots of Love". Studies show that women who laugh or smile a lot are perceived as being more beautiful, the same is true for women in love.

8. Get your beauty sleep. It's not a myth- getting six to eight hours of sleep at night rids the body of lactic acid and recharges the immune system. Certain hormones are also released during sleep. ‘Growth Hormone’ is an example of an anti-aging hormone that is increased during sleep.

9. Eyebrows enhance and frame your eyes. One way to keep them in place is to use a soft toothbrush with a bit of Vaseline and brush through the brows.

10. Give yourself a polish change, instead of going for a full manicure or pedicure. This will save you big bucks and will keep your nails from the potential of a fungal infection or ingrown nail.


The Beauty Prescription can be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles, and Borders or visit www.thebeautyprescription.com.

First Lady Fashion

This seems to be the hot topic that everyone's writing about! WWD, NY Times Style...they are all buzzing about our future first lady's fashion choices. During the campaign, fashion was the hot topic too...for not only Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain but for VP candidate Sarah Palin! Always ahead of the curve :-), I wrote this piece for The Wag back in July. It's in the current December issue of the magazine.

Inaugural Fashion... The presidential election is over but not the buzz over first lady fashion. Throughout the campaign, both Cindy McCain and Michelle Obama made style headlines. Michelle was touted for her down-to-earth wardrobe choices. For an appearance on The View, she wore an outfit purchased from the mall, and for an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, she wore J. Crew. Cindy more typically was attired in covet-worthy couture. Vanity Fair editors estimated her GOP convention outfit totaled more than $300k. (That certainly tops Sarah Palin’s reported $150k campaign wardrobe allowance.) And on the eve of the election, Michelle’s Narciso Rodriguez dress inspired a lively debate among the fashion-obsessed. Was it a bold, iconoclastic choice or an ugly, unflattering mess? Our opinion: We loved the moment, hated the dress.



When President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated in January, all eyes will be on the lady by his side—and what she’s wearing. We consulted some of our area’s top tastemakers to see what Michelle should wear for her grand entrance. In the spirit of “reaching across the aisle,” we asked them to dress Cindy, too. After a grueling campaign, we think both women deserve a little fashion therapy.

Mary Jane Denzer, of Mary Jane Denzer, White Plains: For Michelle: “A first lady’s supreme confidence and elegance on the arm of the new president must be reflected in her attire at the inaugural ball,” says Denzer. Denzer says a “golden gown” would suit his “golden” girl. “Michelle should be in an off-the-shoulder gold lamé gown with a tiny cap sleeve and a waist-hugging, dropped torso, which flares into a long, peplumed skirt that cascades in spiraling motion to the floor. The bodice and hemlines should be trimmed in beading of topaz and tourmaline.”

(Pictured: Michelle Obama gown, sketched by Neil Bieff, exclusively for Mary Jane Denzer.)
(Pictured: Cindy McCain gown, sketched by Neil Bieff, exclusively for Mary Jane Denzer.)

For Cindy: Denzer sees the Republican runner-up in “a pale-green, iridescent, chiffon column gown that is fitted to the waist, narrow over the hips, and floats gracefully to the floor. It will be accented with yellow/green sapphires and with amethyst-accented embroidery trim at the bateau neckline, an inset waist and sleeve, with a delicate rain shower of beads trimming the bodice to hipline of the gown.” (Pictured: Cindy McCain gown, sketched by Neil Bieff, exclusively for Mary Jane Denzer.)

For both ladies, “elbow-length, off-white doeskin gloves will add the ‘first lady’ touch,” Denzer says.

David Presby and Lori Land, On the One, Mt. Kisco: For Michelle: “Despite the fact that red is the traditional Republican color, I would dress Michelle in a beautiful, red, floor-length, off-the-shoulder Oscar de la Renta gown with just a simple diamond pendant down the neckline,” says Land.

For Cindy: “Cindy should also be in a floor-length gown like Michelle, but for her, I would suggest a metallic gold Zac Posen to complement her blonde hair. Not too glitzy—but simply glamorous, conservative, and chic.”

Grace Diodati, Tru Grace, Armonk: For Michelle: Diodati recommends a classic-yet-stylish look: “I’d like to see her in a navy, boat-neck, one-shoulder Halston gown to just below the knee, worn with patent Stuart Weitzman pumps and a simple clutch.”

For Cindy McCain: “Burgundy is very ‘in’ right now, and that color would look amazing on Cindy. She should wear a Carolina Herrera chiffon, v-neck gown, to the floor with a Manolo Blahnik gold pump.” She adds, “I’d love to see her hair down and ‘flowy,’ as opposed to a stiff updo.”

Jene's best in beauty awards!!

Since 2008 is coming to a close, I figured it's a good time to do a round-up of all of my favorite beauty products: some new, some old, but nothing borrowed (germs people!!) and all of them keep me from feeling "blue!" Besides, my "secret-sharing" isn't just because I'm feeling generous. I'm constantly asked "what's the best mascara?" or "what's a good non-sticky lip gloss?" I even get texts from friends at 2 AM with such questions which leads me to believe perhaps I should start charging for such advice :-) So here I sit, contemplating on how fast the year flew, with micro-dermabrasian crystals crunching between my teeth (just had a treatment with Noela at Dr. Kleinman's office - it's fabulous) - ah, the things I do for beauty!





But fortunately, as a beauty editor and writer, I get to try the best of the best that's out there...and report it all back to you. And I'm constantly on the hunt for the "perfect" one - the perfect mascara, the perfect blush. And just because a product's not on this list, doesn't mean I don't like it or you shouldn't use it...these are just my everyday favorites. So enjoy (and chill with the 2 AM beauty emergency texts people, a girl's gotta get her beauty sleep!) :-)



Best Mascara: Believe it or not, Mary Kay! It's AMAZING. I can't explain it, it's just peeper perfection. It's worth dialing that friend who's always hounding you with the catalogues and parties. DIOR Show Mascara is a celeb fave that I found to be a bit clumpy and therefore tough to apply but once it was on properly, it was eye-opening. And if you're on a budget, nearly every makeup artist I've worked with has raved about Maybelline Great Lash (the kind in the pink and green tube).

Best Lipgloss: Believe me, I have tried them all. Especially since I skip the lipstick, gloss is even that more important. Mac Lip Glass is an old fave (and now they make one that plumps too) but I also really like the gloss tubes from Victoria's Secret beauty. They taste like a dream (I like the pudding and angel food cake flavors) and you can get a whole handful of 'em for $20.

Best Cleanser: I love the new foaming one by La Mer. The way it makes my complicated skin look and feel is worth the $70 price tag.

Best Moisturizer: NONE! Most of us don't need 'em. Just something light that has an SPF. Believe it or not, it's the moisturizer that causes clogged pores more than anything. So think before the next time you go to slather it on. Or, opt for a tinted moisturizer in place of your foundation. I like the one that Chanel makes best. It's light and the color is natural. And those creams that say they are better than Botox? They aren't. There's nothing better than the real thing. I'm sure some of my beauty publicist friends will beg to differ on this - if you have a product that can prove me wrong, I'll be happy to give it a go, but I'm not optimistic.

Best Eye Cream: For years, I have been a fan of grape seed based Caudalie eye cream (you can get it at Sephora for around $50). I'm convinced it's the reason why I still get ID'd, at the age of 31 :)

Best Undereye Concealer: Bobbi Brown! It comes in a little pot with some powder to set it too! I haven't been able to find one better. It even works for covering up severe discolorations, like bruises etc. When it comes to concealing, the queen of natural beauty Bobbi Brown is DA BOMB.

Best Powder: You only really need it on the shiny spots, not all over (corpse-chic is soo not in this year). That being said, I really like Jane Iredale's pressed powder. It comes in a cute gold compact and sets makeup in place, plus controls shine too.

Best Blush: I still haven't found this yet! I must admit, I like ALOT of blush....and I like it all over... I swipe it from my cheeks up to my temples and it just brightens my whole face. But I haven't yet found one that lasts the duration. Blush seems to do a disapearring act after a couple of hourse on my somewhat combination but can be very oily skin. I'm still on the hunt for this one and I'll be sure to let you know when I find it.

Best Shadows: MAC...hands down. Have one of their artists at the store pick out your colors and then purchase the little pots (you should have a base color, a highlighter color and then a darker accent color for the crease). They can even show you how to apply it on a little diagram, that you can take home with you and refer to when needed. A friend did this for me so when I have to do my own makeup for TV spots or what have you, I'm doing it up like a pro.

Best Hair Extensions: Yes, it's true, one can't be a "hairmeleon" (translation: hair chameleon) with a bob one day, and luscious long locks the next, without the use of hair extensions. I regularly use EZ Go Hair which is beautiful and natural and perfectly matches my own. At THE SALON and North American Training Institute for EZ Go Hair in Scarsdale, NY (914-472-1800) they safely glue the extensions to your own hair and in 3-4 months when you're ready to shed those locks, they slide right out without breaking any of your own hair through THE SALON'S own special removal process and formula (I can attest it's true since I've now had them 3 times and my hair is healthier than ever!) and if you don't want the permanent thing, they can make you a hairpiece and show you how to put it in and take it out. Isn't it fun being a girl????

Best Budget Brow Grooming Tool: You need those tiny slanted tweezers from tweezerman and some clear mascara - yes mascara - any brand will do but Maybelline is good- to keep those babies in place.

Best Makeup Philosophy: Bobbi Brown. She's all about natural beauty, which isn't that what we're all after anyway? You want makeup to enhance what you have, not cover it up...and you invest in all these skincare potions and lotions because you want them to make your skin better so you can wear less makeup...so her philosophy, really makes sense. And I'm not just saying that because she told me I looked like her spring campaign model :-) I love that a perfect Bobbi Brown face consists of concealer where needed and the eyes are emphasized by liner on the top ONLY, so no raccoons in sight. When it comes to makeup, less really is more...when it's done right.

Best Beauty Advice: It could be when Cindy Crawford told me you have to be happy and fulfilled on the inside, otherwise nothing you do on the outside matters... which is a nice thought...but Paulina Porizkova said it best when she skimps rather than splurges when it comes to the sweets (I guess you can choose to be fat and happy or skinny and happy - LOL)


And if you have anything you think I - JUST - HAVE - TO - TRY, send me an email and I'll get right on it!

xxxo

Kitty Pedicure!

Yes, I write about fashion and beauty. But beauty isn't just for those of us on 2 legs, now is it? :)

Those of you that know me know that my cats are like my kids. Yep, they get treated better than most people do. They have their own stroller for leisurely walks outside and they even go to the groomers (Gizmo gets the lion cut, Troubles just gets a blow-out). So when I heard about the PediPaws, I just had to try it out. Those claws can be pesky - my cats are missing their front ones but they have the back ones which can get long, really fast...and it's hard to keep up in between grooming appointments! So, the PediPaws is the perfect solution. It's also safer and less painful for the kitties (that vein that runs through their nails can easily get clipped when regular clippers are used which is a big ouch for fluffy!) Your pet gets a perfect pedicure in just a couple of minutes! It's under $20 at http://www.pedipaws.com/

Bloomies shopping benefit

Me, styling model Victoria.


Me, styling model Catherine Locardi.



Me, with the gorgeous models.

Me, with Wag's editor-in-chief Catherine Censor and sales director Janice Browne!

Me, at the mic.

Bloomingdale's of White Plains held their annual shopping benefit day and I was honored to be a part of it. I styled and hosted a fashion presentation, where I counted down the top 10 looks for the season and customers enjoyed free copies of The Wag. Models Catherine and Victoria did a fabulous job getting the crowd excited about the couture (literally, shoppers were trying to pull coats and bags off of our models!) and the event raised $$ for some good causes. Special thanks to Bloomie's PR diva extraordinaire Meryl Lefkowitz, for making it all happen!

Celebrity Cancer Crusaders...Going Green with Tory Burch...and more!

Photo credit: Ruth Schlosberg

It's been a while since I blogged...I've been busy bouncing around to various events for The Wag and a new website I'm writing for, Pink Memo! (tough job, I know.)

Tory Burch, one of my favorite fashion designers (and yours too I'm sure!) co-hosted a party at her Greenwich, CT store for her friend Sloan Barnett, NBC News reporter and author of "Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet.” The author (dressed in a Kelly Green wrap dress, natch) says it was her son’s medical scare, which prompted her to take action. “Five years ago we ended up in the Intensive Care Unit at New York University Hospital with my son, attached to a steroid drip, and that changed the rest of my life. My son had asthma and it wasn’t genetic so it had to be environmental. That’s when my husband and I decided to live a greener, cleaner life, and I delved into research,” says Barnett. “Everybody can do one thing today and another thing next month. It’s all about small things you can do that don’t compromise your pocketbook or your convenience.” And although the fashion industry is taking baby steps towards being more eco-friendly, Burch says it’s the way of the future. “I think living green is about a way of life that everyone needs to participate in. If we can put it in layman’s terms and make it accessible, then that’s the way to go.”

Another event for the greater good... the annual “Friends for Life Gala” held by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency, honored Cindy Crawford and Tiki Barber for their contributions to the fight against cancer. Crawford, who lost her brother to cancer, tells me the secret to looking and feeling great, comes from within. "I don’t care how much Botox you get, you aren’t going to look good if you don’t find your inner passion for things that make you feel good. It’s not just about having the right clothes and hair color. You have to find ways you can be productive." The gala had some 900+ attendees, including Deborah Norville, Bob Costas, Brian Williams and Ann Curry.

Day of the Dead (skin)

Did you know that the day after Halloween is also Mexico's celebratory Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, to honor loved ones who have passed? Well just in time, one of my favorite NYC spa chains (about to open one here in the 'burbs as well) has teamed up with Inocente tequila and deemed November 1st the “Day of the Dead Skin,” or a time to celebrate sloughing off itchy, dry skin with a fun new scrub that combines Inocente’s tequila, with other ingredients like Dead Sea Salt.

The spa says the new treatment, called “Inocente Citrus Margarita Body Scrub,” is an exotic recipe of ingredients, that combined, will invigorate the mind, body, skin and senses – without the hangover:

4oz of Dead Sea Salt
2oz of Grape Seed Oil
1oz of Inocente Tequila
3 drops of Lemon Essential Oil

· First, the ingredients are combined and heated to be warm and soothing.
· Then, an Oasis Day Spa therapist thoroughly exfoliates the body from head to toe, using the Margarita Mix.
· Once the body is scrubbed smooth, an aloe body wash is used to remove all traces of the Margarita Mix. It is rinsed away with the exhilarating Vichy Shower.
· A “chaser” of Citrus body lotion completes this treatment.

Go to http://www.oasisdayspanyc.com/ for info on booking an appt. for this treatment which will be available only for the month of November.

Turning into a pumpkin...

I love the fall. The fresh crisp air, the changing of the leaves, the beautiful colors, and of course...the pumpkins! This beauty in the burbs, is from upstate NY, afterall. Anyway, it's always been a flavor I've enjoyed, whether in a yummy home-baked pie or a latte from Starbucks. But did you know Pumpkin is also good for your skin too? Rich in beta carotenes, zinc and vitamins C and A, pumpkin is used as the central ingredient in many skincare treatments (plus it smells darn good, too.) So when I discovered this Lamas Beauty Pumpkin Spice Polish 3-in-1 facial, I was hooked for seasons to come. It smells good enough to eat (but please don't!) and is packed with pumpkin enzymes and fruit acids to gently dissolve dead skin cells and clear away dirt and debris, leaving skin fresh and glowing all season long! Just $21, at http://www.lamasbeauty.com/

Ironing out the details...

I have many, many friends who take a straightening iron to their precious locks on a daily basis. But did you know, the type of iron you are using could have a huge effect on the overall health of your hair? I found this Izunami Ceramic iron which flattens in a flash - without putting your hair through hell. It's a stylist's favorite but you don't need a personal stylist to get one - it's just $210. Check it out on http://www.izunami.com/

A sneak peek at my interview with design legend Nicole Miller!

This will be published in my fashion column in December's issue of The Wag!

On Pins and Needles…

What do voodoo and couture have in common? Hint: it has nothing to do with traveling to Haiti in your finest clothes. But ancient cultures and faraway places are what inspired Nicole Miller’s spring collection, which she unveiled at Bryant Park in September. I sat down with the famed designer (whose gowns have graced the likes of Ivana Trump, Jennifer Aniston and Darryl Hannah) at Neiman Marcus in White Plains, where she dressed some “regular” women too, and dished about what every woman should have in her closet (and why you should toss your tweed.)

Wag: Tell us about some of the key pieces in your spring collection?
NM: well of course I’m famous for my prints, so we did these drapey dresses in silk-jersey but instead of my traditional gowns and eveningwear, I added a “daytime line,” [which is available this season at Neiman Marcus] that included separates like slouchy pants that balloon out and taper back in at the ankle.

Wag: Definitely sounds like something we haven’t seen before…
NM: Yes, I never follow the trends. Everything in the Nicole Miller collection is not reflective of what’s going on in fashion at the time. It’s truly original.

Wag: Sometimes, a woman can be in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, and still haven’t figured out how to find her own personal style. What advice would you give to all women?
NM: I would say focus on your best assets. If you have great cleavage, a small waist or thin ankles, emphasize that. And don’t worry about the trends. There is no one “trend” anymore. Simply dress to what suits you! Certainly don’t get stuck in the “age” mindset. When women hit a certain age, then they automatically start dressing in tweed. That sort of thing makes you look ‘old.’ There are no age limits. You can wear anything you want, as long as it suits you.

Wag: How can our readers recycle some items in their current wardrobe for the season?
NM: Don’t throw out what you think is out of style, throw out whatever doesn’t make you happy anymore. A great sweater piece is always a keeper and then something classic like a navy dress is easy to update with some colorful tights and a great scarf.

Come see me at Bloomies! 10/23

Bloomingdale's - Events
Source: www.bloomingdales.com

If you are in the Westchester area, come see me at Bloomingdale's White Plains for a personal apperance on 10/23 from 1-4!

Top 10 Hottest Hits of the Season
October 23, 2008 1pm - 4pm

Join us as we count down the top 10 Bloomingdale's most sought-after trends of the season with Style Expert and Fashion and Beauty Editor for "The Wag," Jene Luciani. Check out our play list of looks as our models rock styles from second-skin pants to siren dresses and everything in between! Jene will share with you her inside tips for making each look your own. The beat goes as our DJ plays the season?s hottest tunes. The New View, Level 3

Fashionable Geographic..

So get this - Scientists finally unveil what the first Neanderthal woman was believed to have look like. "Wilma,” (as in Flintstone?) is the first life-size, scientifically accurate reconstruction of a Neanderthal woman, based on fossil anatomy and ancient DNA. (um, it's about time)

In October's issue of the magazine, editors decided to have former Project Runway contestants "dress" Wilma (instead of BC think BS aka "before stylists." Now, we couldn't let that happen to Wilma now could we??)

From vintage fur and dinosaur teeth to leather and animal bones, designers had to work with fabrics that would have been typically available to Wilma thousands of years ago. Call it Dinosaur Couture!

Click here to see the sketches Joe Faris (season 5), Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie (season 3), Blayne Walsh (season 5), and Terri Stevens (season 5) came up with. Also see how they stack up next to the designs of two National Geographic editors.

http://ngm.typepad.com/pop_omnivore/2008/10/project-runway.html

Cinderella's slippers

Ok, so I'm just saying... those blue satin Manolo Blahniks from Sex and the City? THEY take my breathe away. And you can get them at Neiman Marcus, for a mere $900 bucks. I'll be busting open the piggy bank for this one.

Coming soon...my interview with renowned fashion designer Nicole Miller!!!!! Find out how she was inspired by voodoo dolls!!!!!! I bet you are on pins and needles.

I'm SO obsessed with...

Patricia Field, the original Sex and the City fashionista herself, has launched a line for HSN...and the clothes are so Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda, yet SO wearable.

Destination Style NY by Pat Field offers clothes, accessories and shoes Carrie would covet like this Taffetta Corsage dress, which is only $149 bucks.

But alas it is limited edition (all good things must come to an end) so shop while you can before it gets whisked away faster than you can say Big left Carrie at the altar.

Go Bo-ho (or don't go at all)

I think this is one trend that will stand the test of time - especially since Ang Lee is now shooting a movie called Taking Woodstock which will make Hippy Chic, yet again.

Here are my top three tips for adding some Boho Chic to your wardrobe:

• Fringe boots (ala Minnetonka Mocs) were all over the runways this season. You can go with the mocs - or you can add a sky-high heel instead, like this pair by Christian Louboutin (pre-order now at Bergdorfs!)




• Long "maxi" dresses are the ultimate boho-chic staple. You can see my blog post from earlier this summer on my obsession with them. Now that the weather is turning cooler, don't stash those maxi dresses just yet - instead update it for this season (and cooler temps) by tossing on a grungey flannel ala 1990's Kurt Cobain, like this one, by Urban Outfitters.




• Braids are back! Celebs like the Simpson sisters, Rachel Bilson and Lauren Conrad have everyone buzzing about braids. Add a feathered headband (feathers were flying all over the runways this season) for an updated detail and make sure the braid isn't too neat - you want to look Boho, not Beauty Queen.

Send me your pics of your favorite Boho Chic look and I'll post them right here on my blog!

The first IsABelt winner!

Congrats to Sara of CT! She is our first winner! Read her story below:

I distinctly remember Anna* from high school who had a chronic "plumber's crack." Every time she'd shimmy, wiggle or adjust positions in her seat, down went her pants and out came her entire backside. Was she oblivious to this flustering faux pas?! Could she not feel a draft of air tickle her behind everytime a breeze went by?! And it certainly didn't help that she would ALWAYS sit in the front row of classroom so her exposed bottom, muffin-top and all could be seen by everyone. Little did she know it became her trademark, the signature seal that no one wants to have. Nicknames circulated wildly. "Crack-whore", "plumber-girl," she became the "butt of jokes"... literally. The chatter even infiltrated to the parents gossip circle. "You have to set your alarm for early tomorrow morning," my Mom once said. "You have to wake up at the "Anna" of dawn. No one wants their name replaced with (butt) "crack" in a sentence. While it was almost a decade ago, the image is burned into my memory. Because of "Anna," I have been ever-more attentive to keeping my backside covered, whether it means tugging up my belt loops when I feel a breeze down there or buying higher-rise jeans. But it's not fool-proof. It's about time someone invented a solution to the bare-butt blunder that challenges all woman-kind. Hurry! I need an Isabelt- I can't bear to have anyone "crack up" at the sight of my exposed rear-side one more time! *name has been changed -Sara

Winter, spring, summer or fall scarves

Ok...there's not much doubt this is the year of the scarf. I mean, c'mon, it's 90 degrees out and everyone's wearing them! Plus scarves are just fun and they add pizazz to any outfit. An old favorite is the Pashmina. The Pashmina is the one wardrobe item you'll utilize in EVERY situation..from covering your shoulders at weddings..to keeping warm on a plane...to wrapping it around your neck in the winter, Pashmina's in every color are a must-have for all. I found this website: http://www.thepashminastore.com/ that has plenty to choose from, for under $100 each! In fact, many are under $50 each! At that price, you can get one in every color!!

Is it a belt? It's an IsABelt!

When a friend came up to me at a BBQ recently and lifted up the bottom of her shirt to reveal her waistband, she was bursting at the seams to show me what she proclaimed was "the coolest thing ever!" Problem was, I couldn't really see it - as it was nearly invisible! That's the brilliance of the IsABelt! Basically, it's a clear, plastic strap that you wear with jeans or pants like a belt, except unlike a belt, it lies completely flat and is completely inconspicuous under clothing! For gals like me who have some junk in the trunk (and therefore have a tough time finding jeans that fit perfectly in the waist,) it's a perfect solution. Why not just wear a belt, you say? Because for short-torsoed gals (or anyone for that matter,) if your shirt or sweater comes below your waist, the belt can look bulky - not a good thing.

The gals at IsABelt have kindly given me some samples to give-a-way to all of you! Send me your worst "plumbers crack," "muffin top," or other I-need-a-belt horror stories and I'll pick the best 3 to publish right here on this very blog and send you an IsABelt too!!!

Saratoga in Style...

No day at the races would be complete without some fabulous floppy derby-style hats! Ours are from First Impressions Boutique in Albany, NY.

Pictured, L-R: the famous (or infamous?) "Sammy the Bugler," me, Fox 23 News Anchor Diane Lee and Kristen Mulcahy.

Come see a really cool author and a famous supermodel in Rye, NY!

My friend, Melissa Walker, the brilliant teen author of "Violet on the Runway" among others, will be appearing next month at the library in Rye! See below for details!

On Saturday, September 13, at 2 pm at the Rye Free Reading Room, spokesmodel Selena Breed and Violet on the Runway author Melissa Walker will discuss the realities of the fashion and publishing business – its glamorous as well as its dark aspects. Ms. Breed will talk about the path she has followed to become the well-recognized face of Lancôme cosmetics and in-demand fashion model.Ms. Walker will speak about her writing career. She has been the feature editor of ELLEgirl, Prom Editor of Seventeen and is now best known as the author of Violet by Design, Violet on the Runway, and the just-published Violet in Private, books for teens about an ordinary high-school girl who struggles to balance her "real life" with her new role as an international model. The speakers will discuss diversity in the fashion world, the physical and emotional pressures of modeling and the Devil-Wears-Prada aspects of magazine work. Ms. Walker's books will be available for purchase and signing.Visit melissacwalker.com for more information.Phone: (914) 967-0480 E-mail Reference@ryelibrary.org Fax: (914) 967-5522 Website: http://www.ryelibrary.org/

One versatile little ditty

I finally feel as if I've stocked up on enough of these to share it with all of you :)

The menswear inspired shirtdress by Lands End is incredibly versatile AND adorable as all heck. It looks just like one of my husband's button-down work shirts except way cooler. I wear them from everything to a BBQ to dinner out to a TV appearance (added a leather belt and killer pumps) to work! They are simply seasonless (in the summer, roll up the sleeves, in the winter, add tights and a cardi) and JUST went on sale for $39.99.

Get your own (or one in every color and print like me) at www.LandsEnd.com

Lately I'm obsessed with...

The "Maxi Dress." But lately, who isn't??





Every celeb is wearing them... the preggers ones love 'em cuz they hide the bump but are ever so cute and the non-preggers love the comfy summer style... and even if you don't live in So Cal, the surfer lines are doing 'em best (Billabong, Roxy (left), Oneill and Reef.)



It's also a figure-forgiving style that almost ANYONE can wear. Beware if you are VERY petite (it could overwhelm you.) If so, choose a solid color or ombre print. Taller gals like myself can wear pretty much ANY print, but should opt for a smaller print to avoid looking HUGE (never a fun thing.)

Best of all...your maxi can take you from the office (add a cardigan and sandals and it's the perfect outfit for casual fridays) to the beach (they make a super fab coverup.)

Upcoming TV appearances

Hi fellow fashionistas,


Coming up on June 18th, I'll be doing a national media tour on swimsuit fashions from Lands End alongside Regina Haymes, the Fashion Director from MORE Magazine.We'll be showing women great swimsuit styles for all ages, shapes and sizes! Below is a list of markets and times we'll be appearing in so if there is one near you, you can tune in! Please note all times are EASTERN.

Time Slot (Eastern) Station City & Market

7:10-7:20am ET KIMT-TV CBS Mason City
7:20-7:30am ET Daily Buzz National
7:45-7:50am ET WCCB-TV Fox Charlotte, NC
7:50-7:55am ET WHAM-TV ABC Rochester
8:20-8:25am ET KGWN-TV Cheyenne, WY
8:25-8:30am ET WJBK-TV FOX Detroit
8:30-8:40am ET WYAM-TV IND Huntsville
8:40-8:45am ET WHNS-TV Fox Greenville
9:10-9:15am ET KMIR-TV Palm Springs

and in case you are wondering, The Daily Buzz is shown in the following markets/stations:

Alabama
Dothan - WTVY-DT 6am – 9am Montgomery-Selma - WBMM/ WBMM-DT 6am – 9am Mobile - WFGX 6am – 9am

Arkansas
Jonesboro - KJOS 6am – 9am Fort Smith-Fay-Springdale-Rogers - KWFT 6am – 9am Little Rock - KASN - 6am - 9am

Arizona
Montgomery - WBMY 6am – 9am Phoenix - KAZT 4am - 5am, 8am - 9am Tucson - KWBA 7am – 8am - Tuscon's WB Yuma-El Centro - KSWT-DT 6am – 9am

California
Bakersfield - KGET-DT 6am – 9am Chico-Redding - KHSL-DT 6am – 9am Eureka - KUVU-LP 6am – 9am Monterey-Salinas - KION-DT 6am – 9am Palm Springs - KCWQ-LP/ KESQ-DT 6am – 9am Santa Barbara - KSBY-DT 6am – 9am

Colorado
Colorado Springs - KXRM 4- 6 am, 9-10 am Grand Junction-Montrose - KKCO-DT 6am – 9am

Florida
Fort Myers-Naples - WTVK 6am - 9am Gainesville - WCJB-DT 6am – 9am Orlando - WRDQ 6am - 7am, 10am - 11am Panama City - WBPC Pensacola - WGFX 6am - 9am Tampa - WTOG 6am -8am West Palm - WTVX 6am - 9am Tallahassee -Thomasville - WTLH-DT/ WTLF-DT 6am - 9am

Georgia
Albany - WBSK 6am – 9am Atlanta - WUPA - 7am - 10am Macon - WBMN 6am – 9am Columbus - WLGA 6am – 9am Augusta - WAGT-DT 6am – 9am Savannah - WGSA 6am – 9am

Hawaii
Honolulu - KHON-CW 5am – 8am

Idaho
Twin Falls - KTWT-LP 6am - 9am Boise - KNIN 6am - 9am Idaho Falls-Pocatello - KPIF/ KBEO 6am - 9am

Illinois
Decatur - WBUI 6am - 9am Peoria-Bloomington - WHOI-DT 6am - 8am Rockford - WREX-DT 6am - 9am Quincy-Hannibal-Keokuk - WGEM-DT 6am -9am

Indiana
Terre Haute - WBI 6am - 9am Fort Wayne - WPTA-DT 6am - 9am Iowa Cedar Rapids - KWKB - 7am - 9am, 12pm - 1pm Ottumwa-Kirksville - KWOT 6am - 9am Sioux City - KTIV-DT 6am - 9am

Kansas
Topeka - KSNT-DT 6am - 9am

Kentucky
Bowling Green - WBKO-DT 6am - 9am

Louisiana
Alexandria - KBCA 6am - 9am Lafayette - KLWB 6am - 9am Lake Charles - WBLC 6am - 9am New Orleans - WUPL 5am - 7am Monroe-El Dorado - KNOE-DT 6am -9am

Maine
Bangor - WABI-DT 6am - 9am Presque Isle - WBPQ 6am - 9am

Maryland
Salisbury - WMDT-DT 6am - 9am

Massachusetts
Springfield-Holyoke - WBQT 6am - 9am

Michigan
Alpena - WBAE 6am - 9am Detroit - WADL 7am - 8am Flint - WNEM My5 6am - 9am Grand Rapids - WWMT CW7 6am - 9am Lansing - WLAJ-DT 6am - 9am Marquette - WBMK 6am - 9am Traverse City-Cadillac - WBVC 6am - 9am

Minnesota
Duluth-Superior KDLH-DT 6am - 9am Mankato - KWYE 6am - 9am Rochester-Mason City-Austin - KTTC-DT 6am - 9am

Mississippi
Biloxi-Gulfport - WBGP 6am - 9am Greenwood-Greenville - WBWD 6am - 9am St.Joseph - WBJO 6am - 9am Columbus-Tupelo-West Point - WCBI-DT 6am - 9am Meridian - WTOK-DT 6am - 9am

Missouri
Columbia-Jefferson City - KOMU-DT 7am - 10am St.Joseph - WBJO 6am - 9am Joplin-Pittsburg - KSXF 6am - 9am Montana Butte-Bozeman - KBZK-DT 6am - 9am Glendive - KWZB 6am - 9am Great Falls - KKCO-DT 6am - 9am Helena - KMTF/ KMTF-DT 6am - 9am Missoula - KPAX-DT 6am - 9am Billings - KTVQ-DT 6am - 9am

North Carolina
Greenville-New Bern-Washington - WNCT-DT 6am - 9am Wilmington - WBW 6am - 9am

North Dakota
Fargo-Valley City - WDAY-DT 6am - 9am Minot-Bismarck-Dickinson - KWMK 6am - 9am Omaha - WOWT 6am - 9am

Nebraska
North Platte - KWPL 6am - 9am Lincoln-Hastings-Kearney - KCWL-TV 6am - 9am

Nevada
Reno - KREN/ KREN-DT 6am - 9am New Mexico Albuquerque-Santa Fe - KWBQ 6am - 9am

New York
Binghamton - WBXI 6am - 9am Utica - WBU 6am - 9am Watertown - WWTI-DT 6am - 9am Elmira - WBE 6am - 9am Ohio Cleveland - WBNX 6am - 8am Dayton - WBDT 6am - 9am Lima - WLIO-DT 6am - 9am Toledo - WMNT 6am - 9am Youngstown - WBCB 6am - 9am Zanesville - WBZV 6am - 9am

Oklahoma
Oklahoma City - KAUT 5am - 8am

Oregon
Bend - KTVZ-DT 6am - 9am Eugene - KMTR-DT 6am - 9am Medford-Klamath Falls - KTVL-DT 6am - 9am

Pennsylvania
Erie - WBEP 6am - 9am Johnstown-Altoona-State College - WHVL - 6am - 9am Wilkes Barre-Scranton - WYOU - 6am - 7am

Rhode Island
Providence - WLWC 6am - 9am

South Carolina
Charleston - WCBD-DT 6am - 9am Greenville - WHNS 6am - 9am Fox Carolina Florence-Myrtle Beach - WWMB-DT 6am -9am

South Dakota
Sioux Falls (Mitchell) - KWSD/ KWSD-DT 6am - 9am Rapid City - KWBH-LP 6am - 9am

Tennessee
Jackson - WBJK 6am - 9am Knoxville - WBXX 6am - 9am

Texas
Abilene-Sweetwater - KTXS-DT 6am - 9am Beaumont-Port Arthur - KFDM-DT 6am - 9am Corpus Christi - KRIS-DT 6am - 9am Dallas-Fort Worth - KTXA 5am - 8am Harlingen-Wslco-Brnsvl-MCA - KMHB 6am - 9am Laredo - KTXW 6am - 9am Lubbock - KLCW 6am 9am San Angelo - KWSA 6am - 9am Tyler - Longview - LFKN & NCGD - KCEB 6am 9am Victoria - KWVB 6am - 9am Odessa-Midland - KWWT 6am - 9am Sherman-Ada - KTEN-DT 6am - 9am Wichita Falls-Lawton - KAUZ-DT 6am - 9am Amarillo - KVII-DT 6am - 9am

Virginia
Charlottesville - WVIR-DT 6am -9am Norfolk - Hampton Roads - WGNT 6am - 9am Harrisonburg - WVIR-DT 6am - 9am Washington Spokane - KXMN 6am 9am Yakima-Pasco-Rchlnd-Knnwck - KCWK/KCWK-LP 6am 9am

Wisconsin
Green Bay-Appleton - WIWB 6am - 9am Madison - WBUW 6am - 9am Wausau-Rhinelander - WAOW-DT/ WYOW-DT 6am - 9am La Crosse-Eau Claire - WQOW-DT, WXOW-DT 6am - 9am

West Virginia
Clarksburg-Weston - WVFX-DT 6am - 9am Parkersburg - WBPB 6am - 9am Wheeling-Steubenville - WBWO 6am - 9am Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill - WVVA-DT 6am - 9am Wyoming Casper-Riverton - KWYF 6am - 9am- Casper Channel 16- Riverton Channel 8 Cheyenne-Scottsbluff - KCHW 6am - 9am

MY NEXT FOX 23 NEWS ALBANY, NY SEGMENT WILL BE ON JULY 18TH AT 7:45 AM (ET.)

Think you have the skills of Christian Soriano?

If you love fashion and feel like you have creativity and a flair for design, you CAN actually create your very own YOU designed handbag. 1154 LILL Studio let's you pick the style, fabric, trims (from dozens of choices) and ultimately design your own bag, right on their website.





I got "nautical" with mine, just in time for summer. Check it out - this "Paula" style is big and roomy enough to stash all of my stuff for a weekend away.

FIERCE.

$200

visit the site at http://www.1154lill.com/ to design your own bag.

You Can Celebrate Sports in Style...

Ok, so normally sporting events aren't associated with fashion (unless you're talking about the Hampton's polo match or the Kentucky Derby.) HOWEVER, THIS fashionista is also an avid Yankees fan who enjoys many a ball game in the spring and summer months (and not just for the view of Jeter's butt.) And I have always had a problem finding a nice balance between game attire (big, baggy tee shirts that say JETER across the back) and actually looking presentable. So, one of my favorite preppy-chic companies has teamed up with MLB to come up with a solution - Vineyard Vine's new sports team sashes! Ladies, you can tie this lovely pink piece of fabric on anywhere - sling it across your waist, in your hair, on your handbag, wherever you see fit. SO cute with a white tee and jeans (and in my opinion, PERFECT game-day attire.) GO YANKEES! Available at www.MLB.com

Nancy & Co Boutique Opens in Style!

The chic Upper-East Side crowd at the Nancy & Co. Boutique on Lexington (b/t 80th and 81st) last night was nothing to sniff at. The store...which celebrated its "grand opening" on Lex (it moved there from Madison,) is a favorite among Manhattan's social scene. And it was easy to see why... besides a fabulous selection of clothes, hats, clutches and jewelry, that lady (yes, her name is Nancy) sure knows how to throw a party. She also LOVES to lend her fabulous taste and carefully honed eye to dressing and styling her customers on a daily basis (so for those who need a little "help" in that area, Nancy to the rescue!) A frilly little purple shift caught my eye and reminded me of something Carrie would wear in Sex and the City. I decided I HAD to have it...the very one and only that she had in stock. (oh yah, and did I mention, she only stocks one or 2 of each item so what you have, won't be what everyone ELSE is wearing either.) At one point it was standing room only at the fabulous Asian-themed bash.

Check out my favorite pics from last night's event (all photos are credit Steven Rosen Photography) and be sure to check out Nancy & Co. on Lex (oh and if you're hitting The Hamptons this summer, she has 2 stores there as well.)

LEFT: Me, in a fabulous dress I plucked from the racks at Nancy & Co. Party Planner Janine Just, also in a fabulous dress from Nancy & Co.

LEFT: Deborah, the Executive Producer of The Cheetah Girls, got a little "catty" at the party. Meow!

LEFT: Owner Nancy, being interviewed by Sylvan of CityBuzz NY.

It's SEX mania!

Well....I BET THAT got your attention :) Of course these days though, I could only be talking about ONE thing... SEX AND THE CITY! Gearing up for the movie's May 30th release, PR companies are in full sex mode. Today alone, I received a half-dozen press releases related to the topic. Even a lingerie line that's NAMED for the shows stars (are you a "Carrie" or a "Samantha.") Do our undies really decide? Um, ok, if I were a "Samantha," I wouldn't be wearing any at all. :) Even the drink they made famous - the Cosmo - is creating buzz. Today I found out you can buy a Cosmo "flavored" (flavored?) bath fizzeee! And surely Manolo must be counting the dayas (or dollars) to the day the movie opens.

Not that I'm complaining... I love the gals (and their wardrobes) just as much as you do and who can blame anyone for capitalizing on what's sure to be such a hot topic.

It's Project Runway... for kids!

Westchester Fashion Academy for Children Debut Collection !


Probably the youngest collection ever, created by 10-16 year old children, I'ts amazing ! Come, Celebrate and support the youngest designers . They designed,they cut, they sew, they show !


Where: Marriott Residence Inn, 5 Barker Ave. White Plains NY 10601
When: May 24th, 2008
Time: Doors open at 2pm, Fashion show at 3pm
Cost: $30 advance, $40 at door
Tickets: Email Silverboxgowns@aol.com # 914-428-1047 or NoelD@HelpProm.org #672-3070

Open the attachment to see the childrens work and more information about these incredible children and the program. Please view our website to see more of their work and our great classes ! Our "Fashion Extravaganza " day camp is incredible with the fashion industry assistance !

I got bit

In the midst of moving hell (we've all been there,) I was going through my closet to see what winter items I could pack up in advance of everything else. As I plucked out my cashmere sweaters and other cold-weather wear, I pulled out my fabulous wool dress by Diane Von Furstenberg and tossed it onto my bed. Upon further inspection, I discovered something horrifying - tiny holes - EVERYWHERE. Apparently, a moth had a really good time at the expense of my very expensive dress. As upset as I was, I knew it was partly my fault because I really need to start taking better care of my couture.

So I snagged these great tips from Jerry Pozniak, dry-cleaner-to-the stars (and to design houses like Gucci and Burberry) and owner of Cameo Cleaners in New York City. Now if I can only remember to follow them :)


Clothing Preservation 101
· Clean all items thoroughly before packing – if the item is delicate, have it dry cleaned.
· Plastic or cardboard storage containers can be used, but both must be clean and dry to discourage bug larvae from taking up residence. On top of that, all containers should be lined with acid-free tissue to prevent fading.
· Mothballs and cedar blocks offer defense against insects, but are never a complete guarantee – choosing a clean, air-tight container will be a better choice to avoid bugs.
· Knitwear or sweaters should be folded to prevent becoming misshapen from long-term hanging. Putting a piece of acid-free tissue inside knitwear will prevent fading and help keep its shape. All knitwear should be dry cleaned before storing to prevent permanent staining.
· To store dresses and shirts on hangers, utilize extra hanging loops to help clothing keep its shape. Don’t store items in plastic bags – they don’t circulate air or let the clothing “breathe”
· Store all items in a cool, clean, dark and dry place. Above all, avoid wetness since it can attract mildew and insects.

Spring Clean – How to Make Old New Again
If you want to be wowed by your old spring clothes, it’s vital to freshen them up once they’re out of storage. Even if you’ve taken the necessary steps to preserve your clothing during the winter, stains can appear unexpectedly. Jerry explains the different types of stains and how to remove them to make clothing look new again:

Acid Stains: Acid stains are the result of saliva, sweat, or glue. They might not be visible when clothing is first stored, but can show up months later.
Solution: Avoid using bleach, which can actually darken the color of an acid stain. Instead choose products with hydrogen peroxide.
Mildew: Water stains on cotton quickly form mildew when mixed with air.
When mildew develops, the only way to eliminate it is with bleach. Try dropping a few drops of very mild bleach in a bucket of water and place the clothing to soak. Gradually increase the strength of the bleach one or two drops at a time and always come back to check the clothing after a few minutes to make sure the color doesn’t fade. Let it sit for up to eight hours depending on the severity of the stain.
Yellowing: When synthetic materials meet trapped gases, yellowing results. When clothing is in an air-free environment, or one that releases the gases, it is far less likely to discolor.

CHIC BOUTIQUE GRAND OPENING IN MANHATTAN!

Idle thoughts...

So maybe because it's Thursday, I'm going through Idol withdrawal. I mean, is 2 nights a week really enough??? Ok, Ok, it probably is, but for the 3rd night in a week, the superstar-making-machine is on my mind. Or at least, their wardrobe is. The notion that American Idol contestants need some help in the styling dept. is nothing new. And I'm certainly not the first person in the world 2 point this out (2 fashionistas I happen to know actually wrote a letter to the producers, pleading to let them help style the contestants.) I mean, it IS supposed to be about the singing, but how many people would you buy albums from that had a fashion sense that made your stomach turn? (Paris Hilton's album sales should more than make my point for me.) Recent Britney appearances aside, Spears' famous schoolgirl-gone-bad outfit helped mark her place in pop superstardom. And Gwen Stefani is as famous for fashion as she is for her singing.

So let's explore why American Idol seemingly doesn't put any emphasis at all on what its contestants are wearing. I get it, they want them to have their own personal style. But Ramiele's high waisted shorts/off-the shoulder top outfit last night made her teeny tiny frame look even SHORTER by cutting her off in the middle. NOT flattering, honey. And Irish-born Carly Smithson actually BLAMED her poor performance on a pair of Spanx. Who in the world would encourage a singer to don a pair of tighter than tight bike shorts that actually RESTRICT breathing?? I can't imagine singing from the diaphram when you're wrapped up like sausage in a casing. That brings me to my next point - it was important for her to look THIN, but not necessarily STYLISH. That's more evident in our culture than ever these days. Most of the celebs I encounter are so thin, they almost look like bobbleheads because their bodies are so tiny their heads look abnormally large. Soon we'll be watching Eating Disorder Idol instead. But that's a whole other blog entry. Back to my original point. Let's face it - American Idol is NOT entirely about the singing. It's about the total "pop package." Good voice, good looks and overall popularity. We don't need to discover the next singer-turned-fashion-icon like Gwen Stefani but at least these kids can wear some duds they won't look back on in 20 years and regret. Or in the very least, someone can tell them that what they are wearing isn't flattering to them on-camera. Season after season, I wonder why NO ONE cares to even tell them. Considering that these kids are the reasons why millions of viewers tune in each week (and in turn, the show makes more money than an entire Miley Cyrus concert tour.) Once they get out into the real world and figure it out, suddenly they're so coiffed and groomed and styled, they're barely reminiscent of their idol selves. And THAT'S a good thing :-)

NY FALL/WINTER FASHION WEEK

Ellen Pompeo of Grey's Anatomy revealed to me her "dirty little" secret to looking refreshed on the red carpet (hint: it involves some privacy in the back of the limo, ah, to be a newlywed again.) Ana Ortiz of Ugly Betty assured me that celebrities really DO like being harassed (aka interviewed) and not to "let anyone tell me any different." Tim Gunn revealed he does his OWN hair and makeup for his 2 Bravo shows and Angie Harmon (sans hubby Jason Sehorn) was fashion-show hopping and having a ball. Just another successful NY fashion week under the tents @ Bryant Park. I was managing 2 camera crews while at the same time, managing my outfits (hey, gotta look good) and making sure not to miss anything.

But besides interviewing and hob-nobbing with celebs like Brooke Shields, Eva Longoria-Parker, Sigourney Weaver, Tyson Beckford, Debra Messing, Ellen Pompeo, Angie Harmon, Raquel Welch, Kat Deluna, Salt N' Peppa, Sophia Bush, Russell Simmons, Nicky Hilton, Nikki Taylor, Nigel Barker, Nina Skye, Julia Stiles, Molly Sims, Rose McGowan, Ellen Barken, Miss USA, Damien Fahey, Joan Jett, Cheap Trick, Chase Crawford, Gary Dourdin, Aisha Tyler, Eric Dane and Lance Armstrong (plus sightings of Tom and Katie, Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale and Billy Joel and wife Alexa at an event for Unicef,) there were clothes too - amazing ones at that!

The week started out with a bang - or should I say a "roar," with the ribbon cutting featuring Brooke Shields and the stars of the new soon to be hit show Lipstick Jungle. I was one of just a few reporters who actually got to interview the trio of beautiful stars.

As for what I saw on the catwalks.. the famous Herve Leger bandage dresses, which have seen a resurgance on the red carpets lately, were the highlight at the Herve Leger for Max Azria show. Tory Burch time-traveled to the 60's...with prints that would make mod proud...and she - gasp - mixed them - and mixed them well at that! Plenty of purples and greys were common for all the designers...and an array of fabrics and even feathers and fur. Carlos Miele showed stunning silver fox coats that would make the socialites proud. Everyone else used a little fur here and there just to remind us all it's fall - even though mid-way through the week, temps soared to 60 degrees (in February in New York City!)

That reminds me... global warming became a topic of conversation (and my interviews) and how it's playing a part in fashion and the new theme of "seasonless dressing" Ken Downing (Neiman Marcus Senior VP) as well as designer Isaac Mizrahi told me we were transitioning into last fall and winter.

And what can you keep in your wardrobe rotation from THIS fall and winter? tights, trenches, and dresses, dresses, dresses!

I can’t forget to mention that I was photographed by the paparazzi! Saturday night, I hit the tents in my By Malene Birger black catsuit from mywardrobe.com and Chanel pumps (Yes, my lucky ones) and while sitting front row at Akiko Ogawa with my friend Mary, were photographed by 4 photographers. On Friday, the final day, we were photographed for Vogue China (at least I think that's what he said) while a crowd gathered wondering if we were anyone famous.

More to come...as I still have one more day to go in the trenches. I'm starving, over-worked, exhausted and my feet are killing me... but I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you want to hear more about the FASHIONS at fashion week, I'll be doing a round-up of some of the week's highlights using the footage we've shot at Michael Kors, Tory Burch John Varvatos and more... and the top fall/winter trends forecast (yes, for NEXT fall and winter,) on Fox 23 News Daybreak at 7:40 AM on Friday 2/29.

are you a supermodel in the making??

Are you the next face of Lord & Taylor?

If you have what it takes to be a model at the top levels of the industry, you may have found the big break you’ve been waiting for. Two lucky contestants will win our Grand Prize, joining top professional models as a part of our Spring ’09 advertising campaign, as well as a $1000 Lord & Taylor shopping spree!

Registration for Next Year’s Model will take place at each of the Lord & Taylor store locations listed below on the date of the casting call only. Twenty contestants, 18 and older, will be selected per store and their images posted online within 24-48 hours. Then the public will view the contestants and vote for their favorites.

The top ten contestants per store will advance to a second round of voting which will narrow the field to 12 finalists, two per store. These finalists will each be awarded a First Prize of a $500 Lord & Taylor shopping spree and a trip to New York City, all expenses paid, where they will participate in a fashion show at Lord & Taylor’s Fifth Avenue store, where industry experts will select the two Grand Prize winners.

For all the details, click here.
Casting Call Calendar
Fifth Avenue map it
Monday, Feb. 11th, 10AM - 2PM
Garden State Plaza map it
Tuesday, Feb. 12th, 10AM - 2PM
Prudential Center map it
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Campaign Couture: WAG had it first....

With the candidates for president stumping like crazy in last-ditch efforts to win voters over for their party's nomination, Hillary Clinton's wardrobe has once again become the hot topic of conversation. Cynthia Nellis of About.com posted an item on her blog today about an editor's letter from Anna Wintour of Vogue reportedly to Hillary... apparently miffed that Hillary declined to pose for the magazine. In the letter, Anna gives fashion advice to the first lady-turned-presidential hopeful. I worked on such a story for The Wag that was over a year in the making and finally published this past September. Since convo on this topic is renewed, I'm pasting that article below. I also had a sketch from top fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo, in what HE thought Hillary should be wearing.

Title: Hillary Gets All Dolled Up
Deck: WAG asks local taste makers to dress the first Madame President

By: Jené Luciani

There are many titles you’ll see next to Chappaqua resident Hillary Rodham Clinton’s name: Senator, Former First Lady, Wife, Mother, and now, Democratic Presidential Contender but ‘fashion icon’ isn’t one of them - yet. For more than 20 years, we have looked on as Hillary’s fashion sense has evolved (and it certainly has – case in point, those headbands that she wore in the early days of the Clinton Administration) to parallel her growing political prominence. She has been leading her rivals in fundraising (interestingly, some of her largest campaign contributors are fashion industry power players including designers Diane Von Furstenberg and Vera Wang, as well as Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, according to Women’s Wear Daily) but can she lead in fashion as well? And as people who take the senator and her candidacy very seriously, should we be ashamed of ourselves for even asking?

Yes and no. Like it or not, Hillary’s fashion choices matter—even in omission. Celebrity stylist and fashion guru, Lloyd Boston, author of Before You Put That On (Atria, 2005), says the candidate must walk a fine line between looking good and seeming to care too much about looking good. Paradoxically, she must be camera-ready at all times, yet appear largely disinterested in the frivolities of fashion. With all eyes on her, Boston says, the Senator’s on the right track. “Her style choices are nothing to write home about, which is exactly the point. She knows the power of restraint so that the focus is on her mind – not on her chest.” The stylist says that in general, there aren’t many female politicians who wow in the wardrobe department, but that’s a good thing. “This strategy is smart,” says Boston. “Too much style may detract from substance.” Tellingly, Sr. Vice President and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus, Ken Downing points out that “Jackie O is really the only one who brought fashion sense into the political arena.”

So yes, we know Hillary’s fashion choices are made with an eye towards how they’ll be perceived by her many critics. We know Hillary likely has a team of her own professional stylists and image consultants working to make sure she’s Presidential- perfect (but not too perfect) at all times. But we’re under no such constraints so we asked our local trend setters to have a little fun by dressing Hillary for various state occasions—if only in effigy. Could she become the next style icon as well as the next president? On our pages, she’s already a winner!


Occasion: Signing that Universal Healthcare Bill
Trendsetter: Neiman Marcus Sr. Vice President and Fashion Director, Ken Downing. “Charcoals and pearl gray suits will work great for her, punctuated with great looking underpinnings in jewel tones like peacock blue, teal, magenta and pinks. Effortless American style – that’s very appropriate for Hillary.”
Outfit: Charcoal Wool Skirt by Akris, $895, Suede & Leather jacket by Akris, $3,990, Magenta Shell by Theory, $90, Tights by Spanx, Shoes by Christian Lacroix, all at Neiman Marcus, The Westchester.


Occasion: Charity Luncheon
Trendsetter: Marcie Kesten, Co-owner of Briarcliff boutique Contact. “We chose this look for her to go to a charity luncheon because it looks corporate and suited, but yet a little bit sexy. Instead of being stuffy and conservative, it just gives her a drop of femininity. Also the linen fabric lightens her up and is a little more day-ish.”
Outfit: Level 99 linen pants $100, and linen blazer $125, Acrobat tank $60, Hobo Belt $50 and bag $98, Jewelry by Mineral Madness, earrings $20 and necklace $150, all at Contact, Briarcliff.


Occasion: The Inaugural Ball
Trendsetter: Scott and Laurie Bandremer, owners of A Woman’s Place in New City. “Hillary emits confidence, with a true sense of feminine empowerment that serves her well in the male-dominated political realm. Likewise, this gorgeous dress from the creative minds of Fran and Loretta of Skinz is all about a quiet confidence; it is well suited for someone who knows who she is and where she is going. Perfect for Hillary!"
Outfit: Gown from Skinz, $2,900, at A Woman’s Place, New City.


Occasion: White House-worthy Hair
Trendsetter: Omar Roth, Stylist and Owner of Salon O in Greenwich, who has worked with former First Lady Nancy Reagan, as well as Westchester Congresswoman Nita Lowey: “I would keep Hillary’s hairstyle short because it suits her, however, changing to a cut with sharper and stronger angles will be much more flattering. I would like to take her color from the more conservative “first lady blonde” to a richer color that will enhance her features. A true copper, with strategically placed honey amber highlights, would definitely be my choice of color. It takes a strong, confident woman to carry red hair, and softening it with highlights will keep her image strong yet approachable.”


Sketch:

Cherry pleated silk satin faced organza gown by Carmen Marc Valvo Couture, sketch/design created especially for Hillary and The Wag by Carmen Marc Valvo, Port Chester native and renowned Fashion Designer.

Site-seeing across the pond!

Just wanted to share a secret: I found this GREAT website based in London called www.mywardrobe.com. They have hot up and coming designers like Malene Birger. They are outfitting me in a fabulous Antik jumpsuit for Fashion Week next week which is sure to get me photographed (my ultimate goal lol.) This site is worth a daily check because they put new items up every day and many are samples so they only have ONE!

"Celebrity Judge"

I was privileged enough to be chosen as a celebrity judge for Lord & Taylor in Stamford’s first-ever Project Runway-esque design contest called “Fashion in the Bag.” Students from New Rochelle and Connecticut were asked to create garments using the department store’s iconic shopping bags. Other judges included television personality and CT native James Aguiar; New Canaan resident and former Tommy Hilfiger executive Larry Stemerman and Mt. Kisco fashion designer Nova Lorraine. We were all amazed at what the students came up with, including dresses, bathing suits and more! We especially loved the winning design out of Bullard Havens Technical High School in Bridgeport called “Classy Taxi.”

Fashion Ramblings

I haven't blogged in a while so right now I'm like a geiser that's about to begin spouting... LOL. Especially since I just finished writing my spring fashion pieces and I'm looking forward to all the fun colors we'll be seeing next season, AND I'm gearing up for Fashion Week in NYC which is just a few weeks away (I'll be backstage, out on the floor and all over the place!!)

Today, I wanted to share news of a reasonably priced line that I am LOVING and borderline obsessed with. It's called By Marlene Birger. I don't know who Marlene is but... she rocks. :)

And soon to be famous fashion designer Ali Hilfiger is following in her famous dad's footsteps and launching her own line with Sean Lennon! I'm working on getting an interview with the fashion heiress herself so stay tuned for that!

Also as we know, everything in fashion is cyclical and I began to ponder this more than ever today as I found myself shopping for a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse on Zappos.com. I had it in my head that I just HAD to have a pair in red...and maybe yellow...and green too. They are under $50 bucks each, totally uni-sex and look so casual-cool and go with everything. They are a perfect way to incorporate the upcoming season's crazy colors into our everyday wardrobe! But back to the cyclical thing - I remember BEGGING my Mom for a pair of these sneaks in 5th grade. Sigh, if only I had saved them. I'm pretty sure I'm still the same shoe size. :)

What else am I thinking about... oh yah, EVERYONE needs an Ikat scarf. I just bought 2 myself yesterday.