Oh Alec

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm obsessed with handbags, shoes, and television. Mondays and Tuesdays are dedicated to Dancing With the Stars (well LC too but this isn't about her!). From the very beginning I assumed Toni Braxton would be the dancing celebrity to beat because of her performing background. I just learned from watching this show that she suffers from a heart condition where doctors do not encourage excruciating physical activity such as competitive dancing. However after more than two weeks of energetic dancing her heart is showing vast strength and improvement so doctor approval is now granted. I also mention Toni because I have to say that I am madly I mean madly in love with her professional dance partner Alec Mazo. His body and his dance moves are to die for, but I just can't get past that flawless face. His eye-to-nose-to-mouth ratio are distributed perfectly. Not to mention all that beautiful brown thick hair; he should be doing pert-plus commercials. Okay, I just completely dated myself, but you get my point! The man is paradisaical and I can't stop rewinding their clip to watch Alec and drool... And when he smiles, forget about it - breath in my body equals gone! By the way, their swing dance routine last night was killer despite the judges comments. And I just adored Toni's sparkly legwarmers.

Behind the backup

We're almost into November and I'm still reading my fashion magazines from June! I've been a little busy which has significantly backed me up, but there is an upside. In reading June magazine issues in October you actually get to read and view the fall fashion trends and what you should be wearing right now. I mean how annoying is it to be in sunny steaming hot June reading about the fall collections? Maybe it's just me but I want to think about fall in the fall! Not only am I very behind in my magazine issues, but I've found a designer who is proliferating my problem - Catherine Holstein. Holstein, who is only 24, is mentioned in Elle's June issue as showing her first full collection at NY fashion week. One particular look has managed to have the pages of my Elle issue come to a complete halt! I cannot turn the page because I can't stop staring at what she's calling the bubble coat. I love love love it, don't you? I have to have it!



See her entire fall collection at Elle.com

The Beautiful People

Don't you just love beautiful people? I had the most strikingly gorgeous family come into my store today. First I noticed the woman, well primarily because I was assisting her. She had to be in her late 30s, but had a figure like a 20 year old. She put her dark long hair loosely into a ponytail, while wearing pink blush and sporting a pale pink glossy lip with mascara on her lashes to polish off the whole natural look. I was so smitten by her beauty that I didn't even notice her little girl until she dropped the handbag my mannequin was holding. Whoa, this little girl had to be 6 years old and the cutest darn little thing I've ever seen. Her face is destined to be the muse of a major fashion designer one day I just know it. Just when I was going to mention that I know where this adorable little girl gets her looks, her smoking hot daddy walks in! DANG! Tall, tan, lean, and damn fine!!! He had a head full of salt-n-pepper wavy hair that I couldn't help but to imagine running my fingers through. He was accompanied by two more older but cute kids. What a match made in heave to procreate.

Hate change

I have been shopping with Origins for my skincare needs for years. I'm mostly a fan of their moisturizer for oily skin named Matte Scientist, but I feel that my adulation toward them is about to change. I went to the store and picked up a new bottle in my favorite moisturizer only I was unable to find the bottle in its usual location. The sales woman told me the bottle is in the same spot it just has a new look. The box and bottle were short and stumpy. I immediately assumed the company cut out on the 1.7 fluid ounces the old bottle provided. She assured me that everything is the same (the ingredients, the size) only the packaging has changed. I say okay and go ahead and purchase it. I HATE IT! The new bottle has a much smaller opening for distribution so when trying to pour the moisturizer either nothing comes out or way too much comes out. There is absolutely no portion control with this new bottle. To make it worse when too much manages to come out (which is ALL the time) the opening is so small that I cannot add the un-needed portion back into the bottle, which leads to waste, which leads to needing a refill sooner than later. I love the formula so much, but this new bottle is making me want to switch moisturizers in a hurry. I think I'm going to send them my comments on the new packaging so they are aware that they are losing a customer due to this undue change. Don't you just hate consumers like me, but they need to know why my allegiance has come to an end!

Stand tall

I am so in love with BCBGirls fall 2008 shoe collection I just don't know what to do with myself! Luckily I'm in a job where I'm on my feet most of the time so I can justify why I should not have any of these shoes since none of them seem to come in a heel shorter than 4 inches tall. Okay so maybe I should just find somewhere outside of work to wear them right? Don't be a bad influence, I need to find comfortable shoes now, and with my paycut I cannot deviate from the plan. But I had to post these two pair on here; these are to die for!

Friday night lights

Tonight my girlfriends and I are going to a "little black dress party"; how fun does that sound?! People who arrive there early enough can register for a chance to win 1 of 5 designer purses - Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, and Juicy Couture, I'm mean how sweet is that?!! And they aren't little out-of-season wallets (although I wouldn't care!), they are full fledged handbags! I'm dying to win the Michael Kors bag, which is a leather zebra print mid-size cluth. Of course I'd be ecstatic just to win anything nevermind the bag I would end up winning, although the Louis is definitely worth the most. Besides the stress I'm feeling from having get there in time, I'm trying to decide what to wear. I've narrowed it down to 3 little black dresses. Everyone is wearing a black dress obviously so I need my dress to stand out. Shoes and accesories will contribute to that, but I need the perfect dress (that's already in my closet). I have no idea what my friends are wearing but they always come correct so I'm not worried about them. Okay off to decide.

Frozen fingers

Do you like this trend? I love it! The fingerless glove is definitely a fashion statement and not meant to keep your little fingers from falling off in frigid temperatures. The look is everywhere and I couldn't resist participating in the phenomenon. Alright phenomenon is a little strong, but this look is worldwide. We have them in the store I work at as a fingerless mitten. This pair I'm wearing are from France and I just heart them! Wait, je les adore!

The Euro Move

I've just returned from western Europe and I have to say it was one of the best times I've experienced. The feeling of being there is delightfully unexplainable. Aside from the chilly temperatures, the towns and atmosphere were exquisite. The streets paved in beautiful cobblestone, and buildings and churches built in the 1800s were amazing. We hung out in the square mostly, an area fill with lots of people shopping, eating, working et cetera. While shopping in the square we realized that the major shops are open and closed during the same hours when most people work, i.e. 8am - 7pm (somewhere around that). In other words you had better get your shopping in before work or during your lunch break because we're getting off when you get off! This philosophy has immediately lead me to set my sights on relocating to Europe. Oh, I've recently left the unstable world of finance for the unpredictable world of retail. It's been a long time coming since fashion is my passion. I'm really impressed on how the Europeans realize there is more to life than working. I could close my store and meet my accounting and lawyer friends for dinner and drinks by 8pm! Unlike in the states where I'm forced to decline invitations due to late night closing hours. I'd better brush up on my French speaking!

Tied at the waist

I am so in love with this look. BCBG Max Azria for fall 2008 ready-to-wear collection featured these belts that were worn unconventionally; they were tied and knotted at the waist with the buckle left to fall and flap from movement. I find the look to be fun, different, and fresh. So much so that I went out and purchased one of my own in stone. The sales associate informed me that the belt comes in beige, cognac, stone, and gray, which all looked great. I imagine that I can pair more things together with the belt in stone. I cannot wait to wear it!




photos from style.com

Bravo has done it again

Oh my God Oh my God I found a new television show to obsess over. I think this is probably going to be my all time favorite. I'm talking about the The Rachel Zoe Project, which airs Tuesdays on Bravo. Rachel Zoe is a stylist to the stars, which means she has astronomical access to designer clothes and gowns, jewelry, shoes, bags, you name it. Oh and the designers lend them all to her for FREE! That's right, zero funds needed! Respect. She works out of her gorgeous house where she has designated a room for all of the wonderful free pieces called the studio. Her assistants consist of a cute bitchy blond named Taylor and a green endearing guy named Brad. Rachel admits that Taylor is her everything and relies on her an awful lot. Brad is the newbie who is abundantly excited to be in this world of Rachel Zoe styling. I love how much into fashion on an extreme level Rachel seems to be. She comes across on the show as very passionate and is a self proclaimed perfectionist. Her studio is filled with one of a kind haute couture pieces that one could only dream to be in the presence of. They show her and her team walking into boutiques where the designers and store managers are tripping over themselves to cater to them throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of items their way. Let's just say that I cannot imagine. Future shows will tape her at fashion week, designers' studios, photo shoots, etc. So because I'm obsessed with fashion I pretty much found the TV show I'm newly addicted to.

Peas in a pod

Well today is the last day of New York fashion week, and once again I go another season absent from attendance. I'll make it there some day I promise. The people who were lucky enough to attend however, secured a spot in witnessing some marvelous trends taking over next spring. We'll see all of the coverage soon enough, but photographers managed to capture my favorite two style icons, and together: JLo and Posh! What a combo right?! The pair were seen together at the Marc Jacobs show looking as lovely as ever. Jennifer's white dress is a vision, and all the baby weight is completely gone and then some. And how about Victoria's gorgeous new pixie cut. She has the face and her head has the shape to pull off nearly any hair cut. I didn't realize the two fashionistas were friends, but I suppose all mega-celebrities are friends.

Photo from People.com

Just Stand Up

Pic from stereohyped.com

HOW in those stripper pumps?! These are some of the ladies who graced the Fashion Rocks stage last night singing their dedication in support of cancer research titled, Just Stand Up. Being the shoe fanatic that I am the first thing that I noticed (aside from Beyonce's hair) was the ladies' shoes. Clearly the wardrobe for this number called for a black Stand Up To Cancer tee and dark bottoms. Although it looks like Natasha Bedingfield either didn't get the memo or wanted to display her rebellious ways dressed in bright white skinny jeans. All of the ladies work black stripper-like pumps. Platform heels 4+ inches tall in open-toe, closed-toe, knee-boots, and calve-boots, etc. The shoes were all definitely and undeniably sexy. If I had the opportunity to have one of the outfits for myself, I would choose Ciara's look. I just love the lame' legging, but the woman best dressed goes to Carrie Underwood. She looks comfortably sexy in her bermuda length jeans, and those fabulous pumps she wore are to die for! Leona Lewis is a close second for me in her chic pencil skirt and the strappy bootie. Oh the other thing I noticed: did Mariah really need to bring her bling bling microphone to sing a charitable song?

Dance Darling Dance

I have been so obsessed with all of the dance TV shows airing lately that it has inspired me to sign up for dance classes. Okay duh I already know how to dance, but I have never partaken in choreographed dancing. I began taking a dance style known as Afro Fusion, where Hip-Hop dancing meets African dance for a 10-week course. The class was dynamic and high energy to African drums & rhythms and hip-hop music. There were times when I thought I was going to pass out, but I somehow lasted the entire hour every week. Our choreographer taught us three different Afro Fusion pieces to three hip-hop songs, along with different individual moves to African beats. Each piece was creative, kinetic, and sexy, but I always felt I was slow to perfect the pieces in its entirety during class, especially the individual moves separate from the three pieces. By the tenth week however I felt like I nailed all three routines and was proud of myself. We ended the session on a high with new friendships and self-confidence, and I was happy. Before we left she told us that all of the instructors of the dance studio will be performing at a local theatre in celebration of the studio's 15 year anniversary. Knowing how well my teacher dances I was more than happy to support the celebration showcasing the choreographers. The week of the show, my teacher emailed me and all of the ladies in my class asking us if we would like to participate in the celebration by flaunting one or more of the routines we learned. I reluctantly replied that I would be happy to contribute to the exhibition. After a couple of practices, we were on stage facing 100 people! I could not believe what I got myself into. I haven't performed in front of people since my fifth grade play! I was extremely nervous just hoping and praying that I would not mess up any of the steps. To top things off she incorporated a solo section; so not only did we have to perform the pieces she choreographed for us in class, but we had to come up with a solo to do immediately after. Well I got through it and it was exhilarating! I would definitely do it again. By the way, we wore solid color tees (pink for me) and kente cloth to wrap as a skirt (purple with white trimming for me). The theme was to be colorful and joyous.

John Casa-got-ya

I just got back from the worst model casting of my life. I received a phone call from the local offices of John Casablancas modeling agency telling me that I was highly referred and to come and audition with them at their local office. She said the audition would consist of getting some photographs taken and walking the runway, all in hopes to see how my look and personality come across on camera and the stage. It goes without saying that I was mildly excited. Okay uber excited, but it did not come without hesitation. You see, my sister was signed with them a while ago and her experience with them was less than pleasant. However, the modeling bug has bitten her again and she has decided to try and work with them again. My thinking after hearing that, how bad could JC have been?

I walked into the JC doors to see other potential talent occupying the lobby filling out paperwork. After my paperwork was completed the receptionist told me to go into a room to have my photograph taken. The photographer took 3 snapshots of me, all head shots then sent me on my way. I was then sent into a room with all of the other auditioners to await the next step. The room was set up like a runway fashion show with chairs lined up all around the room except one back wall. A woman then comes in and tells all of the hopefuls to line up against the back wall. My mind quickly took me to the Janice Dickenson show where Janice lines up hopeful models and picks and chooses who she wants. Well I could only dream it would work that way here, because this woman came in and took a seat on the runway and her sales pitch began. She went on and on about the tough industry, the great company JC, your realistic talents blah blah blah. She literally had us STANDING for over an hour selling us the JC spiel. At that point I was done and was ready to walk out. It didn't help to find out that I was there to audition to be an actress as well as a model... What?

She finally sends us one by one down the runway (the modeling audition), and when we returned from the runway we had to read a line from a small script (the acting audition). There were approximately 25 people there (men and women) so you can imagine how long the process took after each person auditioned. When it got to me I of course killed the runway audition, but my reading of the lines admittedly could have gone a little better, but oh well I was there to model anyway so I thought.

When the audition session was over she then asked every single hopeful how badly we want it and if we have any prior experience. She booked an appointment with us individually and sent us on our way(finally), but wait she confesses that not every appointment booked tonight will be kept. She was falsely booking appointments with some people, who were going to receive a cancellation phone call the next day, and booking actual appointments with others. Huh? What kind of technique is this? She kept calling out names and "booking" appointments sending people off only I waited and waited for my name to be called. Geesh get to me already lady! When she finally called me she asked me how badly I want to model then she said, "you know, I want to talk to you some more, could you have a seat?" NOOOO! I want to go home! I'm starving and I've been standing up for 2.5 hours straight now. Unless you're ready to sign me right now we have nothing to talk about. I didn't say any of that, I just said, "OK" and took a seat.

She went through the rest of the names, sent them home then finally asked me to come back up. She told me she sees a lot of potential in me and told me with this profession I need to invest in myself since I'm starting from scratch. She asked if I was ready to do that. In other words, does your bank account have room for us? I told her no I'm not ready to take on such an investment. She asked that I call her when I am ready and gave me her card. I ran out of there and threw all the information I gathered from them in my trash. What a complete waste of time!

Dream Girl

Dang Jennifer Hudson looks good. She's been dropping the pounds, has a funky fresh new hair cut, and a great new single. Now I'm starting to see what my sister saw in her ages ago... Wow!