Saturday, February 27, 2010

I Die!

Mary Kate in Burberry at Burberry fall show



Source: davideikon.com

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The Bachelor recap week 8

The title of this episode is "The Women Tell All", and boy did they ever. First the show focused on past bachelors and bachelorettes and their hook-up moments with each other and their charitable contributions to society, but I'm gonna skip all that. The women tell all panel consisted of the fourteen most memorable girls of the season in front of a studio audience. Ali got a lot of screams from the audience after her introduction, which again leads me to say please oh please don't make her the new bachelorette. They first discussed how hot they all think Jake is. Then Ashleigh tried to convince us that she intentionally tripped out of the limo and into Jake's arms at their initial meeting. They talked about psycho Michelle, uber happy Tenley, Elizabeth the tease, drama queen Vienna. A lot of the first segment though focused on Rozlyn; the girl who was kicked off the show for having inappropriate relations with a staff member of the show. Gia said that as Rozlyn's roommate she had a lot of knowledge of her whereabouts. Jessie told us that she actually saw them on the stairs making out. Ella said that Rozlyn told the girls to let the staff member know that she's looking for him to you know...

On this episode we have the girls who were so memorable that they get a special spotlight shown on them by going to the couch to talk to host Chris one-on-one. Gia was first up for this segment of the show. They start out by putting together a heartfelt package of Gia and Jake's time together while we get a picture-in-picture view of Gia's expressions as she's watching it with us. All I could think was don't cry girl don't cry. She held it together. The interview was basic; we knew she had regrets and is sad.

Psycho Michelle is next up in the hot seat, and course she tries to convince us that the editing made her look worse than she is and that she does not need therapy. She said that the show is not designed for one to find love, but Ali knocked that thought process down. Chris asked the other women on the panel if they thought the depiction of Michelle was fair, and the girls agreed it was a fair portrayal.

Ali's turn to get on the couch for the spotlight. She's crying and tells us the decision was very emotional for her, and that she still misses Jake. She tells us she chose her job over Jake because she was afraid to be heartbroken, and her job is a safe haven for her. I hope it keeps her warm at night. Chris asked her about her nemesis Vienna. Ali responds by saying she's disappointed in how she treated Vienna and that we all need to be supportive of Vienna because she is getting trashed in the tabloids. She even looked to the camera and apologized to Vienna while sitting on the couch. Don't make me laugh Ali! Ali said she's going to work now at putting love first, and Chris tells her she has a lot of fans all around the country. I was super team Ali, but her decision making skills leave a lot to be desired.

We come back from commercial break and the cameras are following Rozlyn and a big goon staff member from backstage headed towards the set. So many jokes come to mind right now. Rozlyn comes out to the stage and sits in the hot seat. Chris asks Rozlyn if anything physical with the staff member ever happened in the house and Rozlyn emphatically denied it. Chris compared Rozlyn's story to that of his kid when he has an elaborate story about unicorns and magicians.... Interpretation - Rozlyn you're a liar! Then he brings the women into it and they go to town on Rozlyn one-by-one. Christina admits to seeing Rozlyn and this guy constantly cuddling and thigh rubbing. Jessie tells Rozlyn she saw them kissing on the stairs, and Rozlyn denies it on her child's life! Ella said her two cents and Rozlyn - deny deny deny. Then she asked Chris where were the cameras to catch her so-called love affair. Chris responded by saying the cameras aren't filming 24-hours straight and this staff member more than likely knew where the recorded cameras were in order to sneak around. Rozlyn then took a below-the-belt jab by saying Chris was hitting on the staff member's wife in New Zealand. Chris responded by saying he hopes Rozlyn will become a better person from this. Wow.

Jake is here and he gets a seat next to Chris. Chris gets right into it and asked him about his breakup with Gia. Jake apologized to Gia and reiterated that he made the right decision. Chris then asked Jake about Ali leaving. He told Ali that he hated that she left and thought she would change her mind before the limo took off. He told her he'd always be her friend and Ali had to wipe her tears.

The show ends with a summary of Tenley and Vienna, the two remaining women for Jake to choose to propose. I think it will be Tenley, but he seems to pick Vienna just as everyone thinks it's her last week. Should be good!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Girl Crush


Lauren Conrad looks stunning as a brunette. I can't stop staring at her!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Another must have

My eyes just popped out of their sockets! Look at these shoes and see if the same doesn't happen to you. These shoes are from the runway of Michael Kors' fall 2010 collection. Oh my goodness please don't make me wait until next fall; I must have them now!



Photo source: shoeblog.com

Friday, February 19, 2010

Visit Hong Kong

My nail just broke. My hand now looks ridiculous. Perhaps I can salvage that with a witty new nail color. OPI has launched the Hong Kong collection; all really fun vibrant colors that are suppose you make you think of the Chinese culture. A really really tough decision when forced to choose just one. I went with Panda-monium Pink. Pink is everywhere this spring so this variation of it makes me feel different but still on trend. I love this shade on my hands, and I've gotten compliments!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

The Bachelor recap week 7

We start with Jake in his St. Lucia room recapping his time with the three remaining women: Gia, Tenley, and Vienna. He tells us that he's baffled that Ali is really gone. Then they actually cut to Ali in her San Francisco home. She tells us that her job means nothing without love in her life and that she's going to fight for Jake by telling him how she feels. Oh boy, don't do it!

Jake's first date in St. Lucia is with Gia, the 26 year old swimsuit model. They greet each other with hugs and kisses, then head to the market via boat. They interact with the locals, drink from a coconut, and dance in the streets. They put on their bathing suits, jump in the water and make-out while the sun sets. At night they change into their evening clothes, but her hair is distracting me. She has on a bedazzled headband with a handful of bang in her face that has been affected by the humidity. They tell each other about themselves while having dinner and how they would be with their partner. Gia is amazed that Jake knows what he wants in a partner, but I don't understand why since he's been expressing himself throughout the entire process. She might be a little slow. They get in a hammock and drink champagne, then he does it; Jake gives Gia the fantasy suite card. As she reads it aloud her voice irks me more and more. Jake asks if she wants to spend the night with him in the fantasy suite and Gia says yes. They strip down to their bathing suits and get in the rose pedaled bubble bath and make-out. He tells us he could propose to her.

Jake's second date in St. Lucia is with Tenley, the 25 year old college admissions clerk. They greet each other with hugs and kisses in a grass field, where stands a helicopter. He takes her up and they fly around the island then land to have a picnic. She asks him how he'll pursue her when this process is over. He replies by picking up and taking her somewhere via plane. Then he says in 20 years he'll still have a boy crush on his wife. Um how do you know what you'll feel in 20 years? They walk on the black sand holding hands; they get in their bathing suits and head to the water. They make-out while in the water and she calls him a naughty boy. At night they get dressed up and head to a private dinner. They hold hands and talk about falling in love with each other. Then he asks her to dance (to no music) and dips her numerous times, which leads her to say to him "dip me forever". Back at the table he tells her he has something to give her that he's really excited about. She reads the fantasy suite card and tells him yes she'll stay with him overnight.  They tour the room and she reminds him that she doesn't do this with just anyone.   They jump in their private pool and make-out. 

The final date in St. Lucia is with Vienna, the 23 year old marketing representative. They are at a dock staring at the ship that was used in the movie Pirates Of The Caribbean.  She's super (annoyingly) giggly and he calls her playful and kiddish.  They lie down and make-out on the ship (get a room).  Jake puts on a bandanna, holds a plastic machete and acts like a pirate.  They jump in the water from the ship and laugh and play.  I cannot stand her smile;  It looks so forced and fake.  They lay on the beach and make-out and play in the sand and water.  At night they get dressed in evening wear and head to dinner.  I just don't understand why her makeup never changes.  He asks her when she wants to start having kids and if she's really ready to be married.  He asks her what she's expecting from a marriage.  He asks her what kind of engagement ring she would like.  If he chooses her I'm going to die (I sound like Ali)!  She asks him if he could see her as his wife.  He answers yes, but he has fallen for the other two women too.  She tells him she cannot see her life without him in it and that she is in love with him.  He thanks her and gives her the fantasy suite card.  She says yes and they head off.  Without hesitation she goes off and changes into a white nightie and they go the rose pedal covered bed and make-out.  She interrupts the make-out session by getting up to close the door on the cameras.  Good-night.

The next day as Jake is getting dressed his room phone rings and it's Ali on the other end.  She tells him that she's a mess and that she now knows she made the wrong choice.  She tells him that she wants to come back and he shouldn't let her fear and her mistake prevent them from finding out if the two of them are really a match.  He's silent.  She continues to apologize and tells him she doesn't want to be a workaholic.  She asks him to let her come back to see her even for just a second.  She tells him her feelings for him are even stronger.  She's clearly doing most of the talking.  He thanks her and tells her how hurt he was when she left.  He tells her the week they missed together was a critical week and that he's in love with the other women.  She said she'll forever regret that decision.  They hang up.  What a dummy.  Should have thought of the repercussions.  I really hope she's not the next bachelorette. 

Jake finishes getting dressed after that rude interruption.  He meets host Chris Harrison to discuss the week with the girls.  Then he leaves Jake to reflect, stare at pictures, and listen to the girls' video plea.  As he's watching the videos the girls arrive one-by-one for the rose ceremony.  Chris Harrison greets the women, reminds them that one girl will be going home then introduces Jake. Jake gives the first rose to Tenley, no surprise. The second rose goes to....... Vienna! He's going to marry Tenley or Vienna. Gia is going home. He takes Gia's hand and walks her to a bench to speak privately. She is sweating profusely, but I love that she's trying not to cry. He tells her his feelings for the other two women are stronger. She tells him that she understands because the two remaining girls are great girls. Wow what a good sport. She tells us that she's shocked and disappointed. Jake goes back and hugs the last two girls who are grinning ear-to-ear. He tells them they will finally get to meet his family. Next week is the reunion with the dumped 23 girls. Should be good.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Topsy Curvy

I love the idea of a boxy oversized top paired with the trendy very fitted bandage skirt. Obviously you have to be figure conscious to pull this look off, but done right this look can be stylishly worn during the day or out at night.



All tops from Urban Outfitters. All bottoms from BCBG.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Vote for me!



United Colors of Benetton is having a competition in which the winner of a global casting for "regular" people will be flown to NYC to appear in their Fall/Winter 2010 ad campaign. So log on and vote for me please (suduke is my searchable name)!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

McQueen gone

What a sad day today. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found not breathing in his apartment. The world is going to miss this talented man. Read more at UK's DailyMail.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

The Bachelor recap week 6

It's hometown visit week with the four remaining girls' families. Jake packs up from San Francisco to head to New York City to see Gia. When Jake gets out of the SUV Gia runs to him and straddles him. Why does she always do that? They get on a ferry where they look at the City, ride by the Statue of Liberty and take numerous pictures of the two of them hugging and kissing. At night they go to a restaurant where Gia's mom, step-dad, step-brother, and half brother are waiting. Gia's mom begins the interrogation at the dinner table then eventually takes him away for a private grilling. There Jake admits to her that he's in love with four women although Gia is different and amazing. Meanwhile Gia and her step-brother talk about how much Gia doesn't want to be hurt again and how she desperately hope it works with Jake. Gia's mom, who looks like a cast member from Jersey Shore, tells Gia that she really likes him and that she feels Jake loves her. But Gia's insecurities are kicking in and she's not buying it. Back at the table Gia's step-brother tells Jake that he'll hunt him down and break a few legs if he breaks Gia's heart. A few legs? By the way, did you notice Gia's mom's Fendi Spy bag? Nice. They say their goodbyes to the family then eventually to each other with smooches on a park bench.

Up next Jake is in Williamstown, MA to meet Ali. When he arrives he jumps out of the SUV to run and grab her. He tells her seeing her current town with her last week and now her hometown this week puts her ahead of the other girls. They play outside with the leaves, kiss and hug. Ali later shares with Jake that her grandmother just passed away then she takes him to her house and the burial site, which Jake seemed to be touch by. At night they go to Ali's parents' house where Jake meets her mom, her older sister, and her younger brother. They sit down to dinner where her mom admits to doing a search of Jake online. After talking Ali up, her mom asks Jake to join her outside for a private conversation. There Jake asks Ali's mom for her blessing if he were to offer Ali an engagement ring. Wow I don't recall him asking Gia's parents that question. Ali's mom tells Ali that she looks forward to planning a wedding. Ali and Jake sneak off to talk alone and Ali tells Jake she wants him and if he proposed to her today that she'd say yes. Slow your roll girl. They kiss and say goodbye.

Jake is now in Newberg, OR to see Tenley. The SUV drops Jake off in a park where Tenley goes running into his arms. I just love her hair, and she has on a really cute full-skirt raincoat. They hangout alone in the park where Tenley asks him what role in his decision making do his parents play. Apparently her ex-husband was brainwashed by his parents. Jake admits that he runs almost everything by his parents since they give good advice, but the decision is ultimately his. She said she was happy with his answer, but how could she be? She later takes him to a dance studio where she danced a self choreographed piece for him. She is a beautiful contemporary dancer. They're off to her parents' house where he meets her dad, mom, and younger sister. They sit down at the dinner table where Tenley tells them that on the first night Jake gave her the first impression rose. Tenley's dad tells Jake to follow him to the den for a private chat. He tells Jake they watched the Bachelorette last season and wished Jake for Tenley. Later Tenley and her dad talk about Jake and her dad breaks down and starts crying. Who wants to see their dad cry, but it was touching. At the same time Jake is talking to Tenley's mom about if Tenley is really ready to remarry. Her mom reassures him that Tenley is ready. Outside Jake asks Tenley's dad for his permission to ask Tenley to marry him. Oh my God I guess this means Gia is out, Ali and Tenley are in. Tenley and Jake say goodbye after kissing.

In Sanford, FL Jake is meeting up with Vienna. She shows up with her daisy dukes on running into Jake's arms. They get on a boat where Jake drives them along a river to spot some turtles and alligators. Vienna wishes Jake good luck in talking to her dad just before heading to her parents' house. There Jake meets Vienna's dad, mom, and sister. Vienna and her dad embrace and cry for about two minutes; kind of awkward. Her dad takes her outside and asks how she feels about Jake, and she tells him she has fallen for him. Vienna's dad takes Jake alone to the garage where he tells him that he expects Vienna to be treated like a princess the way he treats her. Jake tells him that he doesn't have to worry and that he has fallen for her. Seemed a bit forced from Jake to me. They had a family sit down where her mom tells Jake that Vienna has always had a hard time with other women and that she fights for what she wants. Jake and Vienna sneak off to a room to make-out and her dad busts in to put an end to it. Nice.

Jake is back at his hotel in Los Angels when he hears a knock at the door. It's Ali and she looks distraught. They sit down and she starts crying admitting that she has the most impossible decision to make. She has to choose between staying at The Bachelor or going back to work to avoid being fired. This is so Ed and Jillian from last season's Bachelorette, only Ali asked Jake to help her make the decision; Ed just left. Jake tells Ali to weigh which decision she'll regret the most, but he cannot guarantee her that he will or will not put an engagement ring on her finger. She said she'll think about it and let him know at the rose ceremony. He walks her out and after he shuts his hotel room door she sits on the middle of the floor and cries out loud.

At the rose ceremony Chris Harrison asks Jake what's going on with Ali. Jake explains the situation and says he'll be devastated if she leaves, but he still doesn't know if she's the one. Chris asked Jake to think about the scenario of him choosing someone else and Ali is left without him and without a job. Jake said he understands the situation, but still wants Ali to stay. Meanwhile the four women are standing there waiting for Jake to come and distribute roses when Ali says, "Chris can I talk to you for a second?" Chris then leads her to the room Jake is in and leaves them to talk for a few minutes. They sit down and Ali says she still doesn't know what to do. Jake tells her he doesn't want her to go, that they have something special, and that she was not on the line for tonight's rose ceremony. She talks it out to herself while crying and laying on Jake. He tells her that if she chooses to leave that he'll be heartbroken. She tells him she loves him, kisses him, then Chris Harrison interrupts asking Ali if she's made a decision. At this point now Jake is crying. Ali turns to Jake while crying and says "I have to go". They hug, she apologizes profusely, then he walks her outside to the limo where she continues to apologize. Away she goes. I was just waiting for her to tell the limo driver to stop because she's changed her mind. Jake leans over on the stair rail crying, but quickly gathers himself. I know the economy is bad and working people are happy to have a job, but I'm sure you can find another job if they're not bluffing once the Bachelor process is over. Chris walks Jake to the remaining three women and tells them Ali has left and there will be no rose ceremony tonight. He leaves Jake to talk to the remaining women. Jake cheerfully tells the girls to come and get their roses and tells them they are all going to St. Lucia... cheers! Meanwhile Ali is in the limo having regrets. Looks like next week she gives him a phone call. Oh boy.

Monday, February 08, 2010

Fading trend?

I saw a very cute black sequin blazer in Urban Outfitters on sale for a really good price. However, is it on sale because this trend is quickly going out to style? I'm on a serious budget and should not be splurging on items that will not get any usage from me. I left the blazer in the store, but I'm still thinking of it. A rule I give my friends quite often - if it remains on your mind, get it! After looking at some of the designer lines for Spring, it appears this trend will be around at least a little while longer.



All looks from ShopBop

Friday, February 05, 2010

The Bachelor recap week 5

This episode was a little less dramatic this week. We begin with the five girls riding in a RV to San Francisco with Ali super excited because she currently lives there. The RV arrives to the hotel where Jake greets them with hugs and smiles. Jake shows them to their room then reveals to us that this week there will be three one-on-one dates and one two-on-one date and no rose to distribute during the dates. He gives a date card for the girls to open after he leaves, which says the first one-on-one date belongs to Tenley followed by lots of squeals.

Jake picks Tenley up and they get on an empty trolley and tour the city; their stop - China Town. They walk around holding hands, playing around, write fortune cookies, etc. Jake tells us that he's realizing the he's starting to fall for Tenley, but he still has ample questions to ask her. Meanwhile back at the girls' hotel room another date card arrives and Corrie reads that it's a two-on-one belonging to Ali and Vienna. It's no secret that Ali despises Vienna so the tension in the room is beyond thick. Ali says out loud, "I feel sick right now". After crazy long silence Corrie yells, "just kidding"! Corrie is cracking up and Ali is relieved beyond words. Vienna says she wants to talk to Gia and Corrie without Ali there, but Ali says if she has something to say to say it to her face. Then they go on and on about Jake is not the one for you... you either! By the way, what's with Vienna's makeup? She makes herself look like she has two black eyes. Back to Jake and Tenley's date; they have dinner on the roof with a view of the city. Here he bombards her with questions about her past marriage and past mistakes she's made. Then she asked him since he's a pilot how he feels about fidelity. Then they open the fortune cookies they made earlier and the make-out session begins with a symphony cover of Jeffrey Osborne's On The Wings Of Love playing in the background.

Right before the two-on-one date, which is really with Gia and Vienna by the way, a chest filled with clothes arrives for the two of them to pick out an outfit for the date. They jump in a limo, which takes them to a castle in the middle of a wine vineyard. Jake takes both of their hands and leads them to the top where they have wine. Of course Vienna takes over and Gia is standing there quiet and pretty much invisible. She's talking Jake's ears off even mentioning how much Ali hates her, and sheds some fake tears to gain sympathy. Jake recognizes this and asks Gia to come with him for some alone time. He reassures Gia by telling her he's falling for her and they make-out. While Vienna is sitting there alone she gets it in her head to interrupt them and take over. She takes a lantern and ventures off through the dark castle yelling his name. While Gia and Jake are kissing they hear Vienna calling his name. They stop making out and position themselves to scare her lifeless. She screams and tells Jake she was scared of being there alone in the dark. Gia leaves them alone and there is awkward tension while Jake and Vienna are talking. Vienna tells Jake she's falling for him and he laughs it off. He barely says a word to her during their alone time. He later leads them to their room and hugs them goodnight and goes off to his room. Vienna with another bright idea decides to grab a bottle of wine and trace off to Jake's room and interrupt his resting. The look on his face was not one of happiness to see someone he's into. He even said to her that he wonders what Gia is thinking about Vienna being in his room. He tells her to leave. This girl is so stupid and annoying.

Corrie gets the next one-on-one date. She meets him in a park where they go canoeing. I love canoeing! In the middle of the lake they talk and have a good time, like you would with your brother. But then he leans in close and they stare each other down for like 100 seconds. Jake breaks the tension with "I'm ready for dinner". Awkward! They go to the Science Center for their dinner. They have wine and more conversation where Corrie reveals that she is saving herself for marriage. All of Jake's questions are answered after that revelation, then he finally kisses her.

The next day is Ali's one-on-one date with Jake. She's excited because she gets to show him her everyday life. He comes to the hotel to pick her up and off they go to her neighborhood. They walk by a flower stand and he buys her a bouquet to which she approves of his selection. They stop for brunch, conversation, and kisses. After full stomachs they walk along a pier then stop at an open field and mess around with what appears to be a random soccer ball. They put down a blanket and Jake lays his back down while Ali sits on top of him and attempts to massage his chest. Then he pulls her towards him and they make-out as he's feeling her up... Get a room! But they stop for him to bring up her thoughts on his continuing to choose Vienna at the rose ceremonies. She said she's over it and for him to do whatever he feels. Then they run into the sand and water with her suede boots on! You know Gia would have been like, hold on let me take off my shoes.

Rose ceremony cocktail party time. He makes a speech saying that he's fallen for each girl, and the girls give each other the crazy eyes. He first takes Tenley aside for a private chat. After he reassures her that he's falling for her they dance (to no music playing). Next he takes Corrie away for some privacy. There she tells Jake not to get nervous that she's a virgin, he said he's not. He then pulls Gia for a private chat and she revealed that he passed the character test with him throwing Vienna out of his room after the two-on-one date. He seemed happy to hear that. Next he asks Vienna to follow him somewhere. They actually leave the party and go to his room! He takes her to his balcony and they make-out after a little conversation.

Time to distribute roses. The four women who get roses tonight will get to take Jake home to meet her family. First is Tenley, second Ali, third Gia. No surprise so far. Every week seems like it's going to come down to Vienna and someone else. He chooses Vienna and Corrie is sent home in tears. He tells us it just didn't feel right with he and Corrie and that she took so long to open up to him. Next week should be interesting with the hometown dates.