"Do you want to brush the dress?"

I forgot to mention on Sunday how fabulous Heidi Klum looked at the Academy Awards in her red dress.  Fierce.  She was definitely one of the best dressed (although I'm still trying to figure out why she was there).

And on to this week's Project Runway.  Heidi enters Parsons and announces the next and final challenge - to create a challenge of 12 looks for Fashion Week (no surprise there).  Total budget is $8,000, and the designers have 5 months to do the work.  Christian and Jillian are in the finals for sure, and Rami and Chris are left to duke it out.  Timmy Tim comes out to inform them that he'll be checking in on them over the next few months, and to remind them that when they show at Fashion Week, they'll be showing to the "largest and most influential crowd in the industry."  No pressure!

The designers head to the New Gotham apartments rooftop for a final hoorah.  They drink champagne and strut around like models.  Christian is, of course, the king of strut.  They then proceed to pack up the apartments, bid their farewells, and head off to their respective homes to design like sewing elves for 5 months.

Next frame - "3 1/2 months later."  Time flies when you're having fun.  First up, Tim visits Christian, who is working on his collection in New York City.  I wonder where Christian lives?!  Tim shows up at his apartment, and Christian (with a dapper new symmetrical doo) greets him.  We get a tour of his apartment and, thank God, it looks like it might be as small as mine.  It would be a sad, sad world if a 21-year old up and coming fashion designer was living in swankier digs than me.  Christian shows Tim his room - "It's like a little box!"  Hey, that's how I describe my apartment!  Christian has converted the little box (that literally used to be a closet) into a sewing room and sleeps on a mattress on the floor.  Man, the things we do to live in this city!  We also get a little background on Christian (grew up in Annapolis, started working in trendy hair salon when he was 13, went to design school in London).  

Christian now takes Tim to see his collection.  Aww man, now that they're outside of the closet/bedroom, the apartment looks bigger and has French doors.  Bust.  Maybe that's just an illusion of television.  Anyhow, the collection is "romantic gothic" - dark, strong looks.  Lots of blacks, maroons, golds...big sleeves, fluffy stuff, some crazy ruffled neckpiece.  Tim thinks it all looks like "a lot of look" and encourages Christian to use an editing eye.  Christian says he's listening...but that he's not sure how much he'll actually change.  Hmm...

Next up, Jillian, who's also working in New York City.  I can't figure out where her apartment is...somewhere in Brooklyn or Queens?  She has an awesome view, but it's still inconclusive for me.  Her apartment is much larger than Christian's (what happens when you move to another borough), and she has a cute Santa advent calendar on her door, so it must be December.  Jillian's collection is hanging up all around the apartment  on mannequin-y things and looks pretty cool.  It's a lot of blacks and muted colors and looks tailored, yet feminine.  She was inspired by 15th century armor, per the last challenge.  Tim thinks the color palette looks like a cloudy day, but overall, I think it's good.

Jillian then asks if Tim would like to meet her family.  When he says sure and asks where they are, she says, "Long Island!"  I feel awkward...like Tim thought they were in the living room or something, but I guess Bravo got the tip.  They drive out to Long Island for a Bachelor-style hometown visit.  This is new for PR, and I am confused.  Tim meets Jillian's family and her boyfriend Lua (sp?), and they seem like good people...in fact, they all seem to have about 10 times the charisma that Jillian does.  Jillian ends with a very inspired speech about how she knows she will be the next big thing, and I find myself hoping she's right.

Next up, Rami in LA.  We meet Rami's two best friends, and I'm starting to feel bad for Christian that he didn't get to introduce America to any family or friends.  Maybe he doesn't have any?  Sad face.  But back to Rami.  Rami, his friends, and Tim sit around by the fireplace and chat...Pause to note that Tim is awkwardly eating a plate of fruit and has trouble spearing a grape on his fork.  Haha.  Rami tells us about his family in Jerusalem and how he became a designer, etc etc.  We do get a pretty hot model pic of Rami in passing...he's never quite been my man, but he's not too shabby looking.

Tim and Rami head over to Rami's studio, leaving every New Yorker to wonder why we don't all move to LA so we can design our clothes in enormous studios instead of converted closets.  His collection is inspired by Joan of Arc...reds, golds and blacks.  Tim loves a particular red blouse but feels that the rest of the collection is too "hammered and nailed" (ie not soft enough).  Tim picks up a mustard yellow coat in particular and comments on how heavy it is..."This is a heavy.  Duty... F'in.  Coat!"  LOL. 

Finally, back to New York City to visit Chris March.  Chris has a fantastic spacious Manhattan apartment, but he is 44, so I guess it's to be expected.  Chris's inspiration?  "Beauty with a quirk...95% fashion, and 5% costume thrown in."  The collection is blacks and reds and looks relatively toned down for Chris.  The shocker?  Chris has a couple pieces that are trimmed in HUMAN HAIR.  I seriously feel like vomming, and I'm pretty sure Tim Gunn does, too.  Chris thinks this is hilarious, though.  Tim gives Chris an analogy about living in a monkey house so long that you stop recognizing the stench, which to me signifies that this collection is not going so well. 

In the family visit portion of the episode, Chris takes Tim over to a friend's house to meet some of his friends - his "New York family" (we all have one!).  I now feel even worse for Christian.  :(  We go into Larry's apartment, and it is, as Tim describes, a combination of Versailles and the Sistine Chapel.  Words cannot even do this apartment justice...it is like a mad house of Baroque decor.  I'm kind of creeped out.  Maybe still because of the human hair incident, but whatev.  Tim shares what appears to be a lovely evening with Chris's friends.  I feel bad, because, as I've said before, I think Chris is a really lovely human being...but I think Rami deserves to make it to the finals.

Fast forward to show time.  The designers reconvene in New York to prepare for Fashion Week.  All of the final four have a joyous little reunion in their apartment...quick product placement for Bud Light.  Chris and Rami, though, are incredibly nervous about their "3-piece walk-off," and all of the sudden they go from happy catching up to somber competition mode.  Everything is in threes...three beds, three sewing tables...it's almost eerie.  Tim arrives to announce that they will show their three pieces that day, and that they can choose a partner to help (Rami chooses Jillian, Chris, Christian).

The models arrive and it is a full out fashion frenzy.  "There should be one pair of size 10 shoes!"  "I feel like I'm all over the place!"  "It's hot!"  "Jewelry..sh*t!"  "Don't talk to her!"  "Do you want to brush the dress?"  Christian is a hoot talking about Chris's innovative, hairy clothing.  The models flit through hair and makeup, and it's off to the runway.  My money's still on Rami making it to Bryant Park.

Runway time.  I don't quite know why, but I'm nervous!  I think because I know how hard both designers have worked for this and I really do wish they could somehow both make it.

Rami

Outfit 1:  Poofy blue trench coat over a black shimmery dress.  I really like the coat.

Outfit 2:  Black and white patterned dress that's cool and fits well, with a black wrap sweater over it.

Outfit 3:  Dramatic black tiered evening dress.  Very fashion-y, but I'm not sure about the fit...it makes the skinny model look like she has a pooch!

Chris

Outfit 1:  Black human hair jacket with black skirt made of safety pins?

Outfit 2:  Pretty beige halter top with black lace overlay...worn with black human hair skirt.

Outfit 3:  Black velvet slinky halter evening dress.

All of Chris's models also have serious dark make-up.

Overall, I like Rami's collection a million times more.  Chris's is just too goth and too out there for me.  And I am still totally creeped out by the human hair thing.

The judges Q&A the designers.  First up, Chris.  The judges are obviously weirded out by the human hair, but Michael Kors applauds him for being innovative.  Michael also thinks that his evening dress looks like a 'velvet condom.'  Haha.  The judges think that the designs are creative, innovative, and well-made, but, as has been the case the entire season, they question the taste and wonder if it's over-done and too "costumey."

Rami.  Nina loves his second look, the dizzy dress...they all agree that it could go very commercial.  The blue coat is a bit volumous and out of proportion.  The judges love the evening look...Michael thinks it might unflattering, but Nina doesn't mind.  They're very proud of him for not parading three Grecian goddesses down the runway.

Decision time.  Based on the feedback, this could go either way, although I'm still pulling for Rami.  Heidi tells them both that all of the designs felt too dark and overworked, but that either way they were very pleased with the looks.  Results?  Rami wins!  But I'm crying!  Poor Chris March is crying, Rami's crying, I'm crying...so sad for him.  Sweet guy.  When Tim comes in to say goodbye, Chris reminds him optimistically, "You know what Tim?  This has happened before!"  The show ends with a classic Chris laugh.  :)

Good luck Chris March!  Auf wiedersehen!

Quote of the day

“Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don't feel I should be doing something else.”

Gloria Steinem

Pictures with people!

Bowery Mission Gala

(We were proud of our black and purple color scheme.)

Poconos

(Rach and I look like a Gap ad.)

Poconos

(I got the shaft on the juice glass.)

For your consideration

I LOVE awards shows. The Golden Globes are my favorites (movie stars + TV stars + free-flowing champagne = guaranteed entertainment), but the Oscars - well, they're the Oscars!, and I love watching them. I watched E!'s red carpet coverage all evening (omg did you see that terribly awkward Gary Busey/Ryan Seacrest/Jennifer Garner exchange?!) and then headed to Variety magazine's annual Oscar viewing bash at the W Hotel. It was a great evening, and I have now officially decided that someday I would like to win an Academy Award. Mostly because I would like the opportunity to be asked, "Who are you wearing?" (Oscar de la Renta, obvi) and then, a few hours later, deliver a memorable, tear-filled, witty-yet-poignant acceptance speech in said Oscar de la Renta dress. (We determined tonight - after I brought up this acceptance speech - that "Best Original Screenplay" is my best bet. You know...since I'm not an actress.)

In case you missed the telecast, or maybe just in case you are curious on my expert layman thoughts on the event, below is my quick-and-easy, unofficial Oscars recap, for your consideration.


Favorite quote from an acceptance speech:

"I want to thank my friend Sydney Pollack who taught me that with the... opportunity to make movies comes the responsibility of making them good."

- Scott Rudin, Producer of "No Country for Old Men"

Honorable mention, just because she was so sweet:

"It is true, there is some angels in this city." [said in thick French accent]

- Marion Cotillard, Best Actress in "La Vie en Rose"

Favorite dresses:

Jennifer Garner!

Katherine Heigl!

Least favorite dress (well actually, just least favorite accessorization?):

Nicole Kidman :(

Favorite LOL moments from Jon Stewart's opening monologue:

"Julie Christie was absolutely amazing in 'Away From Her.' Brilliant movie. It was the moving story of a woman who forgets her own husband. Hillary Clinton calls it the feel good movie of the year."

"There’s a great variety in the nominated films this year which I think is terrific. Even 'Norbit' got a nomination, which I think is great. Too often the Academy ignores movies that aren’t good."

"Oscar is 80 this year, which makes him now automatically the frontrunner for the Republican nomination."

Favorite all-around Oscar win:

Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova for Best Original Song for "Falling Slowly" in the film "Once." LOVE them, LOVE this movie, and, most I suppose most importantly, LOVE this song. The performance brought tears to my eyes (I love the way he kept looking back at her at the piano), and both speeches - his first, and hers when Jon Stewart brought her back out after the break because she hadn't had a chance to speak - were so humble, grateful and heart-felt. Hooray!

What other town?

One of my favorite things about living in New York is that there are millions of opportunities and activities always at your fingertips.  You can spend the morning in Central Park, the afternoon in Chinatown and the evening in the West Village and feel like you've been in three different cities - three different worlds even - all in a single day.

Such was the nature of last week.  As I briefly mentioned, I spent last Thursday evening at a Valentine's Day gala for the Bowery Mission.  Everything about the night from start to finish was as New York of an evening as it gets.  We arrived at the beautiful Rainbow Room early in the evening to set up.  It was still light outside, and the daytime view was gorgeous...to the north of Rockefeller Center, Central Park spanned across most of the island, while to the south, the Empire State Building stood tall.  As the evening progressed, the same view to the north turned into a sea of sparkling lights while the view to the south turned into a large red and white shrine to Valentine's Day.

The event was fantastic.  Even though I was there as a mere worker bee, the whole evening had a certain je ne sais quoi, that New York City magic that you just can't put into words.  There I was with my friends, all of us dressed up in formal dresses at the iconic Rainbow Room, checking in all the generous (and I mean, generous) donors who were there to celebrate for the night.  There were all sorts of people there, with the most exciting guest for the evening being Mayor Bloomberg, who came by for a little 66th birthday celebration.

After registering all the guests, we snuck around to peer into the main room at the Rainbow Room...and what a site to see!  It was breathtaking...the decorations, the lights, the view, the jazz band...even as an outsider looking in, it was quite something to take in.  Plus, we did get to enjoy the lamb and chocolate mousse at a sort of kiddie table right outside.  And take some gift bags (or as Rachel called them, 'gift sacks').

[the view from the Rainbow Room]

After having such a New York City Thursday (or, just another Valentine's Day), it was only fitting that my friends that I volunteered with and I do a complete 180 for the long weekend.  So, on Saturday morning, six friends and I packed up two rental cars and headed to the Poconos.  We really had a perfect mountain weekend...we stayed in a "quaint" :) cabin on Lake Naomi, where everything was covered in a white blanket of  snow.  Aside from our trips to a local day spa, Wal-Mart (we bought a whole weekend of groceries for 7 people for less than $25 a person!), and, of course, Target and the outlets, we lounged around and did nothing.  Although, I must say - the nothing was really something...delicious meals, seven, count 'em, seven movies, sleeping, reading, and, my favorite of all, great conversation.  Oh, and we ate at Chili's.  (It's really the simple things in life that you learn to appreciate living in New York.)

[the view from our cabin porch]

(Note:  Somewhere, someone has pictures from both of these events with people in them.  I should get those so you know I have friends.  Cute friends, too!)

And then, after a city mouse evening on Thursday and a country mouse weekend for the holiday, I was back in the middle...living my normal, lovely life in the middle of this grand city.  I did get a taste of a combination of the two worlds yesterday, though, when we had our biggest snow of the year.  It quickly turned slushy and gray, and it was icy and cold, but it's all just another side of the dice of life here in old New York.

 

[the view from my cubicle]

"What other town has the Empire State and a mayor five foot two

No other town in the whole forty-eight can half compare to you

NYC - you make 'em all postcards

You crowd, you cramp, you're still the champ

Amen for NYC!"

- Annie

"If being on Project Runway didn't turn you gay then nothing will!"

Project Runway reunion - designers tell all!  This ought to be good...

The designers (minus the final four) gather around at Parsons with Heidi and Tim.

Elisa and Kit Pistol (tear!) talk sweetly about how the "best" part is when little girls send them illustrations because they're inspired.  Sweet P gives a more honest answer - "My favorite part is when celebrities accost me."  Tim asks what we're all thinking - what celebrities?!  "Jack Black...Catherine Keener...Brad Pitt was somewhere in the vicinity."  Oh okay.  So by "accost" you mean "are within 15 feet of."  Got it.

Heidi congratulates Victorya on her line that she showed at Fashion Week.  Victorya, reminding all of us why we never liked her, is SO ho hum about it.  La dee dah, I showed at Bryant Park, whatev.  Arms crossed, eyes rolling.  Grr.

Pause to note that I forgot that half of these people ever existed.  Simone?!  Carmen-like-the-opera?!  Another guy or two that I don't even remember enough to guess their name?  I even kind of forgot about Smokin' Hot Jack!

But back to reality.  Heidi "cuts to the chase" and brings out the finalists - "young prodigy" Christian, Jillian "who represents the women in fashion," "draping master" Rami, and Chris March, "known for his dramatic flair."  All four of the designers pause behind the screen and do a model shadow puppet dance - the first three with a few little Vogue poses, and Chris with a sweet little wave.  They definitely practiced those.

Heidi welcomes them and asks if they missed everybody.  It's kind of silent 'til somebody mumbles a "yeah."  Yeah right.  Nobody missed anybody.  Competition is fierce!

Next:  Jack the Hottie.  We watch a sob-fest package on his illness, and all the designers are weeping.  Christian flirts with him and talks about how much it hit all of them.  Tim then asks Victorya, "You were a little upset...and a little angry?"  Angry?!  What?  She is such an ice queen.  She continues to cross her arms and shrug her shoulders and says, "I'd say...upset...is probably...the key...operative...word in that...situation."  Am I missing something?  Tim and Heidi laugh and call her uptight - understatement of the year.  Heidi asks Jack if he'll come back next season, and he says he gets asked that all the time.  In fact, the top questions he's asked are, "Is Tim that nice?  Is Heidi that pretty?  And are you coming back next season?"  Yep, Project Runway in a nutshell.  Love it!

Now it's time for a question from a fan - "Kevin, are you sure you're not gay?"  LOL.  He tells us he's been hanging out with Jack a lot and has been to every gay bar in the city.  Oh to run into Jack and Kevin on a weekend night in Chelsea!  But Kevin tells us he's not gay, and he in fact lives with his girlfriend.  Heidi jokes that she's not quite convinced and roles a hilarious package about Kevin being gay/not gay.  Tim concludes by saying, "If being on Project Runway didn't turn you gay then nothing will!"  

Heidi asks the designers if PR is as grueling as it looks.  Christian responds with an emphatic yes (of course calling it a "tranny mess"), and jokes about how much Chinese food they ate ("Girlfriend, that is not pretty on everyone!").  All of the designers are laughing, except Victorya, who is still sitting with crossed arms and a sour puss.  They talk about how much weight they all lost, and Elisa tells a really awkward story about Kit Pistol looking like a 13-year old boy.  Ehhhh...

Elisa.  Her whole segment focuses on her being from another planet.  Kevin describes her like Mork from Mork & Mindy.  And she writes in her journal backwards.  Crazy town! 

The next segment of the show is about Ricky, what else, crying.  They show funny/tragic clips where Ricky can't even say his name and hometown without bawling.  Once he even talks back to the guy interviewing him in front of the white confessional screen saying, "You're really pushing my buttons!"  Poor little crying Ricky.

Tim asks the designers if any of them were upset by anything they saw or heard someone say about them on the show.  Aww snap, this won't be pretty.  Carmen-like-the-opera flags Tim down for some camera time on this one.  She complains tearily about how when she got kicked off, Sweet P said she was glad it wasn't her, and Kit said her outfit just wasn't good enough.  It's not rocket science - if you get kicked off, your outfit wasn't good enough!  She cries, Kit and Jillian try to console her, and Jack makes the obvious point - they were all under a lot of stress, so he gave everyone some license.  Well said!

Chris March's package is about his crazy laugh, which I must say I've never thought about until now.  He is such a lovely person, though!  

After a commercial break, Nina Garrrcia and Michael Kors join us.  They show the other side of the WWE challenge - Michael could not stop laughing at the designs.  He just laughed and laughed, and watching this is making me laugh hysterically.  Michael is like a kid who got tickled in church, and it's contagious - the other judges and designers are laughing hysterically.  These are the reasons I love reunion shows.  Speaking of the WWE challenge, we hear from each of the designers on their super hero personas.  We already know Christian is Ferocia Coutura, Chris is Wonder Woman and Sweet P is Spread Eagle, but we also learn that Jillian is Tuffie, Rami is Ramalicious (who's signature move involves a draped piece of fabric.  Dead serious.), and Ricky is Mexican Jumping Bean.  Haha.

Question from a bravo.tv user - who had the worst design this season?  What a yummy/mean question!  The judges kind of dodge the question and say that the menswear challenge was the hardest.  In a kind of "we saw it all" list, Heidi mentions that they saw jackets without shirts.  Carmen, still having a pity party for herself, rolls her eyes and says, "Thank you Heidi."  I'm glad she got kicked off early, or she would have totally been my least favorite contestant.  Heidi then ping pongs the question to the designers, and Sweet P plays it safe and says one of her own designs.  

Pause #2 to note that Heidi poses a question to Marion, and I do not even recognize his face.  I had to go back and read my own blog to learn that he got eliminated on week #2 after designing a Pocahontas dress.

There's a really sweet little exchange about the prom dress challenge and whether Kevin or Christian should have gone home.  Kevin, making straight women around the world love him even more, says that it should have been him because Christian had so much more to offer.  What a classy guy!  Cutie pie.

(Victorya's still crossing her arms and frowning.)

Last but not least, time for the fan favorite!  Winner is...Christian!  YEAH!  He's totally this fan's favorite, although I would have been happy for Chris March to win too because he's so gosh darn sweet.  Michael Knight from last season brings out a huge check for him since he was also the fan favorite.  I really hope that that's not a sign of what's to come...at this point last season, I thought Michael had it in the bag.  Let's cross our fingers that Christian doesn't crumble!

The show ends with a package about, who else, Christian.  Needless to say, lots of "fierce", "I'm kind of a celebrity", "fierce", "fabulous", and "fierce."  

To close out the episode, the final four leave and Heidi asks the rest of the designers who they think will win.  There are answers of Christian, Jillian and Rami...no one seems on board with poor Chris March.  My money's still on my fierce boy Christian.

And that's it!  Auf wiedersehen!

"What's east of Madison Ave" addendum

My mom sent me an email this morning asking how I knew that Sweet P got to show at Fashion Week. I thought this might be a common inquiry after my earlier post, so for your reading/viewing pleasure:

Sweet P's Runway Show

The NY mag article also links to the other four designers shows, so don't click around if you don't want to see. (This junkie's already assessed all of them, though, and all of them are FIERCE!)

Bravo is smarter than all of us! You do kind of have to feel bad for the two designers who showed collections at the tent knowing they didn't actually make it to the finals. On second thought, they probably didn't care at all...they were still showing collections at Fashion Week!

"What's east of Madison Avenue that's worth going to visit?"

Project Runway time.

Heidi tells the designers that they are going on another field trip, and that Tim is waiting for them at 5th Ave and 82nd St. Hey, that's near me!  They must be going to the Met.  Maybe they're going to go on a tour, or perhaps to design new little colored buttons for people who pay for admission. As the designers walk, they speculate on the destination. Jillian says, "What's east of Madison Avenue that's worth going to visit?" Um, a few problems here, Jilly. a) 5th Ave is west of Madison Avenue, and b) Seriously?!  "What's east of Madison Ave..."?!  How about half of Manhattan!  But I digress.  The designers do, in fact, meet Tim on the steps of the Met, and then proceed inside.  Tim gives this week's challenge:  the designers will create a look of their choice that is inspired by a work of art in the Met.  They can chose from Greco-Roman sculptures, European paintings, or the Temple of Dendur.

In what might go down as the most predictable Project Runway moment ever, Rami goes straight for the Greco-Roman sculptures.  He has a soul mate moment with Aphrodite and her drapey Greek toga.  Woohoo.  Christian is drawn to the European paintings.  The rest of the designers flit around snapping photos, and in a small piece, Jillian is seen strolling along with Tim saying (in her ever-monotone voice), "We're very lucky...all of us."  Rolling my eyes.  

Back to Parsons.  The designers have to pick one piece of art, and they will have two days and $300.  So far this challenge is seeming way too easy to me, so I'm waiting for the bomb to drop.  Something like, "You'll actually have to make your outfit out of silly putty."  We'll see... Christian is making a men's/women's outfit inspired by a Spanish military painting.  He's going for high fashion and avant garde, not costumey, so we'll see how it goes.  Sweet P is using a peacock painting.  Rami is passionate about his draped Aphrodite outfit.  And off to Mood we go.

As the designers come back to Parsons and get to work, we see more of what's in store.  Jillian's design, according to her, is going to be edgy and is based on another European painting.  Chris is doing a modern, couture version of some painting that looks like Marie Antoinette.  Rami seems irritated by everyone's over-the-top designs, and takes on kind of a "so I like to drape beautiful clothes...sue me" attitude.  Christian is prancing around with like 12 already finished pieces, while the rest of the designers are still drawing patterns.  Slow as molasses Jillian in particular is just ironing for hours, and yells that she is "self-conscious."  

Day two.  Tim sends in the models for a fitting.  Sweet P's model couldn't come, though, so she starts freaking out.  Chris is designing a couture dress that looks bizarrely similar to he and Christian's avant garde outfit from a few weeks ago.  Tim comes back and has a special guest - Collier Strong, a makeup artist at L'Oreal.  He rattles off something about how the designers are going to be using makeup as an integral part of their design, or something like that.  I don't know what's going on, but I like makeup, so whatev.

With just a couple hours left, Chris is done early, so he takes a nap.  Christian the Boy Wonder thinks this is SO weird, and then brags about his time in London working with Alexander McQueen.  Cocky, cocky, but he's freakin' awesome, so who cares.  Tim comes back and scolds Chris for napping. Tim thinks his outfit isn't refined enough, but Chris pushes back.  (When will they learn?!  NEVER disagree with Tim!)  Tim is a little concerned about the cohesiveness of Christian's outfit.  Sweet P's is, well, just looking rough and ugly, and she hasn't fit her model yet.  Rami's is been there, done that.  Don't know what's up with Jillian.

Runway show day.  Christian is very concerned with - not his outfit - but how he looks.  He proceeds to flat iron his hair as if it might run right off his head if he doesn't attack!  Jillian and Sweet P have serious work to do today, but what else is new.  Christian's outfit is kind of Paul Revere-y, and Jillian thinks it looks like a marshmallow.  Chris's, again, looks exactly like the avant garde dress that he already made.  Let's go to the runway!

Guest judge this week:  Roberto Cavalli.  Heidi's got some 80's prom big wavy hair thing going on, but she still looks fierce.

Chris March:  Muted green couture dress with insane ruffled asymmetrical collar.  Looks cool, well-made, but feels like it's already been done.

Christian:  Like 12 pieces...poofy black capris, huge puffy white shirt, black vest-ish thing, and another black jacket on top.  I have trouble assessing high fashion...I think it's probably amazing, but I wouldn't wear it in a million years.

Rami:  Purple toga.

Sweet P:  Gold, red, blue and purple peacock-inspired dress.  Sleveless, short.  I think it looks poorly made and boring.

Jillian:  Short gold dress with a black and gold-trimmed jacket over it.  I really like this outfit...probably my favorite this week.  Her model's super-hot, too.

Results.  Note:  There will be one winner, and two designers are out.  This is going to be intense.  I hope that Christian, Rami and Jillian make it to the finals, but we'll see if that's how the cookie crumbles.  First up, Christian.  Roberto, Nina and Michael all love the outfit, so yay for Christian - he's in.  Next, Chris.  Roberto loves, but Michael and Heidi think it looks like the outfit he already did.  Jillian - Roberto practically offers her a job, and the other judges rave as well.  Sweet P - Michael thinks the dress is fine...sweet and wearable, but not quite showy enough.  Finally, Rami.  Roberto thinks it's "too normal," and the other judges want to hit him over the head for doing something so predictable.  

Hmm.  Christian and Jillian are definitely in, and Sweet P is definitely out.  But will Rami or Chris March make it to the finals?????  The five designers come back out, and Heidi prepares to give them the results.  Let's pause for a sec, though, to note how many times in this episode they talked about "only three" designers making it to Fashion Week at Bryant Park.  Now, I know only three make it in the competition, but we saw all five do shows last week, as not to spoil the results.  Seems silly to me?  Anyways, Christian wins.  Jillian is saved, too.  Sweet P is out.  She cries, and I kind of cry, too.  She really is sweet.  Now...Rami or Chris?!  Man, I like them both a lot.  I still think Rami deserves to make it to the tents.  Results, though...Chris is...IN.  Wow!  And Rami is...IN.  Double wow!  The judges were, apparently, deadlocked, so both designers will create collections and be judged again before Fashion Week to determine who makes it to the finals.  How dramatic!  (But then again, we know even Sweet P actually gets a show at the tents.)  

We're nearing the end!  Auf wiedersehen!

Valentine's Day (or, "Just another Thursday")

Happy Valentine's Day!

As a reminder, I love this holiday. Yep, that's right. I love Valentine's Day. And I am single. And alone. Well actually, I'm not alone. I have a wonderful family and lots of wonderful friends. Which is perhaps why I am able to not hate Valentine's Day.

I like hearing single people's plans. Most of my single girl friends are going to dinner with friends. Some are going to see a movie, too. Single girls usually make it a fun, colorful night with pink dresses, red drinks, cute restaurants, gifts, cards and romantic comedies. Single guys, on the other hand, don't so much care.

Exhibit A, an IM conversation from this morning:

cal: so what are u doing tonight?
jamie: i'm volunteering at a bowery mission fundraiser gala at the rainbow room
cal: oh sweet.. i think regis is going to that
jamie: what are you doing?
cal: chillin... crying my eyes out that im home along on valentines day.. u know the usual guy repsonse
jamie: just another thursday
cal: working out... cleaning my apt

And that's that.

Exhibit B, from the archives of the Red & Black:


(One can never be reminded enough that nobody puts Baby in a corner.)

As mentioned above, this year I will be breaking with tradition and volunteering at the Bowery Mission's Valentine's Gala at the Rainbow Room. In addition to being a big fan of what the Bowery Mission does, I also never miss a chance to dress up for a black tie event at the Rainbow Room (even if it's just to sign people in and pass out gift bags).

So, whether you are celebrating Valentine's Day with your significant other, celebrating Valentine's Day with your BFFs, or celebrating just another Thursday, have a happy day!

Reasons to be happy today

1. It finally snowed!  (It's about time.)  It was beautiful and white and really, really cold, and I loved every minute of it.  And it never got above freezing today, so it will be beautiful and white and really, really cold again tomorrow morning.
2. I got an email today from my OK! magazine rep offering me tickets to tomorrow night's Keith Urban/Carrie Underwood concert at the Garden.  LOVE Keith.  LOVE Carrie.
3. The writer's strike is officially over.  Now we start counting down the days 'til The Office returns (57...).

Happy day!

Spotted

Hey Upper East Siders - 

Spotted, at the corner of 83rd and 2nd, a glimpse into our not-so-distant transportation future.  Don't believe me?  See for yourselves...

That's right.  As J left L in search of her own Lonely Boy, this Absolut vodka phone kiosk ad with a fictional picture of a fictional subway line was seen.  Looks like camera phones come in handy after all.

When will the new line be up and running?  Will it really be the turquoise T?  Where will the closest stop to my apartment be?  Send me all the deets.

In the meantime, keep living scandalous lives on the 4/5/6 Lexington Avenue line.  Because everyone knows you're no one 'til your stop drops you off in 10021.

You know you love me.

xoxo, 

Gossip Girl

How to Pretend You're a Real New Yorker

"I feel like the Pope in a sex club."

In case you didn't know, Fall Fashion Week is, um, right now.  There are six contestants left on the show as of this week, and yet only three make it to the tents at Bryant Park.  So...how's this gonna work?  Am I going to read this week which three designers make it to the finals?  I am confused, but I'll trust that Bravo's got it sorted out.

New challenge.  Heidi is looking fierce in a sequined gold dress.  She does the model competition thing and tells the designers that Tim will tell them about their next challenge in the morning.  The next morning, Tim announces that they're going on yet another field trip.  Christian asks if it's going to be "fabulous" and "fierce" (the only two words in his vocabulary besides "hot mess"), and Chris March dreams of it being a drag queen competition.  Tim takes the designers down the elevator, and they stand outside the PR runway.  Jillian tells us that they heard "war noises" that sounded "violent and scary" coming from inside.  Oh no!  I think the models are eating one another.  Someone should really feed them.  Christian, however, thinks they sound like "sex moans."  No comment there.  

Tim opens the door to the runway auditorium to reveal a wrestling ring and six women kicking and throwing one another all around...dressed in spandex and sequins, of course.  Tim introduces the divas from WWE - Maria, who's style is rock/glam; Torrie, who is the "epitome of the all-American good girl;" Kristal, who loves pleather and lace; Michelle, who's the girl next door who loves sports; Leila, a funky dancer; and Candice Michelle, the current WWE women's champion and "sex kitten."  WHERE DO THEY FIND THESE PEOPLE?  My bosses used to work at WWE...I'm going to have to ask them about this one.

The designers are given their challenge:  To create a design that the divas will wear in the ring.  The designers choose their divas - Ricky chooses Leila because she's Latina and he "got a little vibe from her."  I don't know about that vibe.  I'm pretty sure Ricky's gay, so...um...yeah.  The rest of the designers follow suit, and it's off to the work room.

These girls are something else.  They are shamelessly flirting with the gay fashion designers because I don't think they know how else to communicate. The three straight men watching Project Runway with their girlfriends this week are probably quite peeved at all of this wasted flirtation.  Chris March and his diva discuss "stripper tranny wear."  That seems fairly accurate for the WWE she-women, so Chris might actually do well.  Rami, as always, seems too good for the challenge because it's not very "fashionable."  Please note that during this segment, when each of the girls' names flashed on the screen, I had to change all of my spelling above because none of them spell their name the normal way.  That is such a good way to seem edgy!  Just call me Jaimi.  Fierce.

After a trip to the fabric warehouse, the designers head back to the warehouse.  Jillian the Robot says, "We have these DVDs from Blockbuster Total Access on our desks...", and I immediately start looking for the cue cards that Blockbuster sent over to Bravo with a tray of muffins.  Rami tells us about his look and, no joke, he is draping a hot pink bra.  How on earth Rami is going to incorporate draping to a spandex glittery bra outfit is beyond me, so we'll see how it goes.  Christian is making leather chaps, and he thinks that Sweet P's fabric looks like "tranny ice cream."  Hahahaha.  

Day two.  During a transition piece, Jillian spins and kung fu chops a mannequin.  She is so weird.  Chris March is making a jungle bra.  As he sews, he says that they could have made these outfits for men, and then there would have been a little more interest around the room.  Considering all six of the contestants left are into men, he's probably right, and I laugh out loud at the thought of six dudes wearing these crazy outfits.  Sweet P and Christian decide to arm wrestle, and surprisingly, Christian almost wins.  Tim drops in and sends the divas in for surprise fittings.  Sweet P's "client" is a little bit of a difficulty...she asks for cascading sequins, feathers, and a star on the butt of her already shorter-than-life shorts.  Ricky's designing a neon orange outfit...ehhh, not sure.  Christian, as always, looks like he's already done, and his leather and lace outfit is fierce, fierce, fierce.  He is so my favorite character/designer this season, in case I haven't already made it official.

As the designers sew, they discuss their diva names.  Sweet P is going to be Spread Eagle.  Chris is "of course, Wonder Woman."  Christian's diva name is "Ferocia Coutura" and her move is that she sprays people in the eyes with hairspray.  LOL.  Tim continues to check in on the designers...Ricky's having some trouble (there's a lot of orange and black and gold mess goin' on), as is Rami (because it's Barbie doll pink and so not his style).  Jillian's is blue and athletic and is looking good, and Tim and Christian both agree that Christian's little leather and lace S&M number is - what else - fierce.  Sweet P, though, is strugglin' with her silver sparkly disaster.  She gets upset which, unlike Jillian or Ricky in weeks past, actually makes me sad, too.

Runway day.  Chris March accurately laments, "What are the judges going to say about this challenge? What could they possibly say? What is Nina Garcia going to say about a pink spandex outfit with rhinestones on it?"  So true...I cannot picture WWE costumes in Bryant Park or in Elle.  Sweet P continues to run around trying to fix her outfit.  The models arrive.  Sweet P's diva wants more bling.  Ricky's outfit looks like an orange bathing suit.  Rami's model looks like Barbie.  Christian's looks like a high-class hooker who went shopping on Bleecker St.  Oh my...off to the runway!

(ps Heidi is again looking fierce in a red sequined dress.)

(pps Who else wishes they could say "Nina Garrrcia" like Heidi?)

Christian:  As stated above, black leather and lace S&M get-up.  Totally different from all of the other designers, and looks really well made.

Jillian:  Royal blue criss-crossy bra with the shortest shorts I have ever seen.  Considering the objective, I think it's cute...kind of like a slutty soccer uniform costume.

Ricky:  Orange monokini with gold buckles.  Not a costume - a bathing suit.

Chris:  Leopard and black sequin bra and short shorts outfit.  Looks good for this challenge...but if Chris can't do well on this challenge, I don't know who can.  (Pause to note that Chris loves his outfit and "wishes [he] could wear it.")

Sweet P:  Silver glittery bra and shorts with a flowy white robe.  Turned out all right, but not my fav.

Rami:  Slutty Victoria's Secret cheerleader Barbie - hot pink (what else) bra and short shorts with sequins and a little skirt.  I actually really hate this outfit and think it's super tacky.

My prediction:  Best are Jillian, Christian and Chris; worst are Rami, Sweet P and Ricky.  Not sure if they're still doing top and bottom three, but oh well - that's as far as my guessing goes this week.  I'm not sure what to look for in WWE slutty dominatrix chic.

Judging...Michael Kors starts off by telling everyone that he is "so the fish out of water here" and that he feels "like the Pope in a sex club."  Haha.  He really does look confused.  The judges love Jillian's outfit, including the booty shorts.  Nina hates Rami's pink outfit.  Christian's outfit gets good marks.  Sweet P's outfit looks unfinished and not dramatic enough.  Chris March's outfit looks great and, oddly enough, Michael thinks it looks expensive.  Way to go, Chris!  Ricky's, as expected, looks like a bathing suit with a boxy tunic over it.  BTW, who are these YMCA guest judges?  I guess I wasn't paying attention.

Decision time.  OK, folks, I think this could finally be the week that Ricky gets the boot.  The winner is between Chris and Christian, and Chris wins.  Good for him!  He laughs and says "Of course I end up winning the tackiest challenge we've had," which is so true...I still question his taste, but we'll let that work itself out in the next couple weeks.  Bottom two - Sweet P and Ricky.  Come on, people - kick out the guy in the police officer hat once and for all!  

Results?  YES - Sweet P is in and Ricky is out.  Finally!  Look out for the water works...and...yes, here they come, although not as gushing as I might have expected.  Ricky talks about a stronger sense of self and fear, and then it's lights out and goodbye Ricky.  All I have to say is it's about time.

Auf wiedersehen!

The primary objective

What a super week!  Yesterday was the Super Bowl - Go Giants - and tomorrow - Feb 5 - is Super (Duper) Tuesday.  It's also Mardi Gras, as I was reminded today...someone told me that they are planning to go to a bar that has drink specials for people who wear beads, and I politely inquired if they might give a special or two for people who wear "I voted" stickers.  I'm guessing not, but I also guess it wouldn't hurt to ask.

If you are a registered voter in one of the 24 states holding a primary tomorrow, VOTE.  Thanks to my sneaky sources, I happen to know that the vast majority of you you live in Georgia, New York, Alabama, Tennessee, California or New Jersey - all states with an election tomorrow - so I hope you will VOTE.  Unless you are 17 or younger, not an American citizen, or a registered independent, I sincerely encourage you to VOTE.

I don't mean to sound like a high school social studies teacher (although my best friend is a high school social studies teacher, and if I sound like her, it's A-OK with me), but voting is an incredibly important part of our country's history and government.  America has passed five constitutional amendments expanding suffrage in order to ensure that every race, every sex, and every adult can VOTE.  Voting is a right, it is a responsibility, and it is a privilege.  It is a right, because no one can take it away from you.  It is a responsibility, because your vote shapes our nation.  And it is a privilege, because millions of people all over the world would trade places with you in a heartbeat for the opportunity to vote at all.

So VOTE in your local primary tomorrow.

...and have a super day!

If you are not a registered voter, click here.

If you can't decide who to vote for, click here or here.

If you have any other questions about the election, click here.

Go Giants!

Super Bowl Sunday!  As you most likely know by now, the Giants fought hard against the Patriots to win this year's title and achieve one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history.  Cutie pie Eli Manning showed the world he deserves a ring and a Super Bowl MVP title just like his big brother, while my least favorite stunningly attractive person ever, Tom Brady, crumbled under the pressure after a perfect season.  Moral of the story?  Quarterbacks who leave their pregnant girlfriends to date Victoria's Secret models do not win Super Bowls, while former SEC quarterbacks do.  End.  Of.  Story.

Being the Southern college football girl that I am, pro football has never really been my thing.  However, I became a Giants fan this season because the Falcons, well, stink, and Michael Vick, well, is a total embarrassment to the entire city of Atlanta.  (Note: I am not actually a fair weather fan...to be perfectly honest, I never cared for the Falcons that much in the first place.  You better believe this Braves fan never does any rooting for the Yankees or the Mets.)   Let the record state that I started following the Giants in October, long before I knew they would be the Super Bowl victors. I clearly made a wise decision, too...what if I had chosen the Jets?! (Ouch! Sorry Lauren and Megan.) 

Although I'm pleased with the G-Men's 17-14 win, I must say that I was really pulling for that 10-7 4th quarter lead to hold 'til the end of the game.  Why, you ask?  Let me just say that, although I am not a "gambler," I just might have won $250 in my office pool with that score.  I'm not bitter or anything, but I'm thinking a win would have been a win for the Giants, and a little extra cash in my pocket would have just been icing on the cake.  

Regardless of the final score, though, it's a victorious, rowdy, joyful night in New York.  The city is berserk...truck drivers honking their horns, people clad in blue jerseys congregating on the sidewalks in a sort of block party style, random outbursts of "Go Giants!" floating through the streets.  Our cab driver even greeted us with a hearty "Congratulations!"  Plus, there's going to be a parade, and I LOVE parades.  All in all, it's another great night to be a New Yorker.

Go Giants!