A sexy apron?

Ok Ladies and those who want to be Ladies, do not forget the s after smock or you will get a blog dedicated to kittens..I discovered this amazing company by Kelley Culp who makes stylish aprons (www.smocksdesign.com) They are o so affordable $35-$45 and have the potential to spice up your love life in the kitchen. So kitchy it hurts!

Mad Madonna

I was one of those girls who worshiped Madonna in junior high. I played dress up with lace leggings and she was my icon every single day. I'm also one of those who loved her so much could recite her lines from the Will & Grace episode but that's another blogpost...I am so sad to say that I have lost faith in Madonna as a style compass. Clearly she's fallen off her style wagon and needs a new stylist (I'm available but honest Madge). Who let her out of the house in this get up? I'm all for hats but blue horns? Judging from other online reviews that rip her to shreds seems I'm not alone in this. I'm just sad to see her fall off her pedestal and go down this Alice and Wonderland rabbit hole. At least she still has good taste men!
check out what the fug girls said
http://gofugyourself.celebuzz.com/go_fug_yourself/cat_621/
see another madonna blog post at
http://imeanwhat.com/blog/madonna-will-not-go-gently-into-that-good-night

Part 2 of Water Logged in SF

Stop #2 on my water tripping was Friday afternoon in Japantown San Francisco. I treated my Mom and I to an afternoon at the Kabuki Springs Spa. The Spa is open for women on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for $22 a person. We hit the timing right and didn’t have to wait to enter. They control the number of guests to keep the experience a serene one. The locker rooms were well equipped with all sorts of lotions, potions, hair dryers, cotton balls, hair combs, hair sprays, and accoutrements. Once in the bathing area we were shown the drill. For communal bathing they ask guest to shower or rinse off first. They had a line of bathing stations where one could sit on a little stool and use a pan to pour water over your body or use shower head. I felt very tall at one of these stations. They also offered regular shower stalls standing up. After the shower they suggest:
1.steam or sauna for 10-15 minutes
2.dunk in the cold plunge (wusses can take a cold shower)
3. back in steam or sauna
4. Dunk in cold plunge
5. Rest period
6. Hot pool at 104 degrees
I ended up doing shorter but extra sessions in the steam room, forgoing the sauna and loving the salts on hand for exfoliation. I drank plenty of water and used up several iced wash clothes for my face. Half way through the process my Mom said, ‘this is just as good as a massage’. The atmosphere in the spa is close to a yoga meditation retreat. The best part was the gong with a sign that invited you observe silence when you heard the gong and to ring it if you wished. Once floating in the final hot mineral pool I thought to myself ‘this is even better than a massage’. Now I just wish I could be able to ring a gong on the subway and have others fall silent into meditation.

The Rack Trap?

'Racktrap™
What I find so funny about this product is that someone thought to dream it up (my mother would totally buy this just for shopping at the farmers market) and then I found out about it by Peter Shankman of HARO who was having a hard time pimping it out (because he's a boy). His comments were dead on:
'The Racktrap holds your small everyday
essentials including license, cash, credit cards, Metrocard and key
in one safe place, close to your heart and far from mugger's hands.
(Or anyone's hands, I suppose.) Go tweet about it and have fun.'
http://www.theracktrap.com
I can just imagine..."honey is that a key in your bra or are you just happy to see me?"

The Philip Treacy of New York

If you love hats and know Philip Treacy (who made Isabella Blow looks so stylish) you will appreciate Heather Huey Couture Hats. She is located in China Town and let me tell you she knows how to sculpt a hat. Her hats were in 4 runway shows this past season at Bryant Park. Check out her work at her revamped site
www.heatherhuey.com

I love Mommie jeans thank you

So, I'm not a big fan of Jessica Simpson but I am a big fan of Mommie jeans and I really don't understand what all the fuss is about. We all have different body shapes and sizes and sorry the low rider jean is not for everyone. More specifically the low rider jean is not for ME. I have a long torso so that equals fashion disaster. High or mid waisted jeans look great on me so last week when I went on the hunt I was sent to the upstairs section at Bloomingdales. Yes, I was sent to the Mom section. There I discovered what is my new favorite jean company. Not Your Daughters Jeans. No, I'm not being paid to say this although with all the good press I've been giving them lately I should be. I bought a pair with the built in tummy tuck and I am now a convert. They are not for everyone. For example those with short waists should stick to low rise but hey that means more for ME!
ps. Nordstroms online has a big selection

Shoes...shoes...shoes...let's get some SHOES!

Very Cool spread on shoes that came out today in WSA today
It's so nice to be quoted. Thanks HARO
Pick up a copy today to enjoy the pics.
Here is the text from the article in this months WSA Today

Translating The Trends
A Handmade Tale
Craft-inspired textures add an artisan element to fall footwear
By Meaghan Kerins


Urban Mosaic
A new twist on the color block trend, patchwork-inspired constructions embody recessionista style with a “waste not, want not” vibe. Sure to be the statement piece of any ensemble, these funky styles attract attention with alluring color combinations while overlapping fabrics and materials add depth. Isaac Mizrahi strikes the perfect balance of bold and subtle with this carefully pieced-together dress. Blitz by Fergie ($99.95), 015330 by Dionella ($175), Cognac Patchwork Hobo Stud by Julie Lindsay ($490), Bangle by Sacha London ($225), Tremor by Calilla T. ($290) and Iliad by CL by Laundry ($50).

How To Wear It: The ideal choice for a hip cocktail party or funky gallery opening, these fun, colorful styles are not for the faint of heart. “It’s for the person that’s a little bit more adventurous and loves color,” says stylist Alexandra Greenawalt. “If you’re going to wear a really daring shoe, go for a simpler color scheme with your outfit; the easiest thing to do is pick one of the colors in the shoe and then use that for your clothing.”


Laced Up
From the Victorian era to Victoria’s Secret, lace overlay runs the gamut from prim and proper to racy and rebellious. Perfect paired with a basic black dress, lacy pumps can also soften up rock-inspired looks like sharkskin leggings or leather pants. Take a cue from Anna Sui, who draws attention to this whimsical and feminine fabric by placing it atop black and layering on leather accessories. Terra by Pazzo ($89), Conte by Sergio Zelcer ($150), Martha Lace by Salpy ($380), Palado by Nina ($89.95), Jeannie Clouds by This Ilk ($25), Sonnet by J. Reneé Luxe ($132) and Gracie by Rampage ($50).

How To Wear It: Greenawalt recommends saving this flirtatious footwear for nighttime. “It’s very sexy; it’s a date shoe 100 percent.” Pair these lacy pumps with black, nude or red, and don’t be too shy to show some leg. “I would definitely wear this with a dress or a skirt—use this shoe to vamp it up!”


Take Cover
From ancient Egypt to modern sewing circles, quilted constructions have found their way from the family room sofa to high-fashion runways. D&G takes this homespun trend couture with an ivory mini-dress, and a tasseled belt gives a nod to home décor. Emanating uptown chic, quilted flats add buttoned-up elegance to any ensemble. Harriet by London Sole ($210), two-tone shoe by Outono and B7529 by Rodo ($920).

How To Wear It: “While this is a more sophisticated look, the nice thing about these flats is that you can wear them with jeans and they look adorable, you can wear them with black pants and look pulled together; but you can also pair them with girly dresses.” Despite their versatility, Greenawalt adds one warning for multi-color styles: “I would be careful of having too many colors added into the mix.”


Curtain Call
Opulent, damask-inspired fabrics add a regal air to fall, as seen in this richly patterned jacquard jacket by Prada. While floral and paisley elements create a strikingly feminine design, monochromatic color schemes keep these styles wearable. Bistro by Ann Roth ($345), Babs by Diba ($79) and Cadele by Taryn Rose ($295).

How To Wear It: “You can thank the Tudors for this season’s tapestry-printed boots and booties,” says Greenawalt, who suggests pairing the shorter boot with skinny jeans and the higher style with a gray pencil skirt. “Be careful about mixing too many prints, patterns and textures. If you are going to make a statement, do it with the shoe and build the outfit around the shoe—think supporting role, not competing.”


Basket Case
Woven leather details add interest to this season’s basic ballet flat. Though the casual silhouette will keep her looking polished from 9 to 5, the artisan elements will set her apart. Marni adds sheen to this two-piece look with a woven design in metallic gold and royal purple. Bella by Paul Mayer ($270), Ribbonella by Bloch ($160), Flat Maria by Carolina Pagano ($550), PA-7096 by Chocolat Blu ($370), bronze flat by Schutz and Sam by Lust4Luxe ($460).

How To Wear It: “I see this as a daytime shoe,” says Greenawalt, who cautions that flats, if worn incorrectly, can take inches off your height. “For those under 5’7” flats look best with pants, but if you do choose a skirt keep the hemline above the knee. If you are over 5’7”, a printed dress or skirt, something with some movement to it, will add a feminine touch.”


Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt
Under the moniker AlexandrA, Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt has styled in New York City for the past eight years. It is AlexandrA’s experience as a stylist working on-set with renowned fashion photographers, entertainers and designers that has led to a well-connected knowledge of how to look fabulous in every situation. Learn more at www.alexandrastylist.com.


Side Note. I'm crazy for the 'shoes' video by Liam at www.liamshow.com
direct link :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCF3ywukQYA&feature=channel_page

Beyond Birkenstocks

So I've been asked a to comment on comfy shoes. As a New Yorker who sees clients all over town being in comfortable/attractive shoes in absolutely necessary. As a comfy shoe wearer I can attest that it really makes a difference in mood. If I was in heels I would be 100% b%$*# while in comfy shoes I'm only 60%. No in all seriousness let me share with you my shoe wisdom.
1. Just because the shoe is flat does NOT mean you will save your feet. Totally flat shoes will no support can also injure your feet especially on pavement.
2. High heels like Manolos and Louboutins may be good for your sex life but not for your back life.
3. Everyone's foot is unique so try many different brands to find one that you personally find comfy. I personally have a pair of dkny boots, and kitten heel sandals from elie tahari that I just love!
4. Look for arch support and rubber soles for pavement pounding
5. Companies worth checking out:
Merrell-buy a pair that matches your pants so they blend in
Arche have milk in their soles
Cole Han in partnership with nike air
Me Too
Gentle Souls
Geox lets your feet breathe
Kenneth Cole Reaction
Mephisto
Keen
Born
Dansko
Naturalizer
Softwalk
6. I personally like to buy my shoes at Nordstroms because they are so customer service oriented and truly want you to be happy.
7. Try to avoid shoes with ankle straps as they will shorten the look of your leg. Toe clevage styles will elongate your leg the best.
8. In these tight times go with a metallic color that looks best on you. It will go with many more outfits and then you won't need a shoe for every outfit.
9. Featured shoe is on nordstroms site and is by soft.
10. It's good to wear varied heel heights. Keeps you on your toes!
happy searching..

Red hot in the Redwood Room?!

Nothing gets me more frustrated when establishments try to fake a hot scene and create demand. As a guest of the Clift Hotel in San Francisco I finally visited the famous Redwood Room on my last night there. The hostess informed me on arrival that I would have to wait at least a half an hour for a table despite there being 4 open tables. I informed her that I was a guest of the hotel but she said that I was welcome to hang out in the lobby living room and order drinks and snacks from out there. The ‘living room’ was quieter and more peaceful but I soon discovered that service was spotty. After sitting there for about 10 minutes without a welcome a tall man in a suit asked if I had been helped yet. I said no and then he introduced himself as the manager. So I turned on the charm and introduced myself and explained that I had wanted to sit in the Redwood room since it was my last night and had limited time but was not granted a table. He offered to look into the wait for me. He came right back and escorted me to a nice table for two. 10 minutes later he told me that the table he seated me at was reserved for another party and that I would have to relinquish it in about an hour citing that he has to offer all guests an opportunity to experience the Redwood Room. Oh, you mean the snobbery? It was raining out and I suspect that many wouldn’t show up for their tables. My guest arrived, we had a great time despite the super hot (spicy) noodle box that on the second try was delivered with sliced hot peppers and the attitude. I am told that San Francisco just doesn’t have that many sophisticated establishments and when I suggested to the manager that they might think of opening another cool spot he remarked, ‘then it would be oversaturated!’ We never did get kicked out of our table so ‘don’t believe the hype’.

size wars

Overhead at parallel universe jimmy’s on u avenue in Brooklyn. ‘ do you make dresses for fat people?’ my friend and talented fashion designer Sergio of Celestino answers, ‘like a size 20? We accommodate all women.’
‘No like 8’ The claws on the cougar have come out!

have designer bag...will travel

So living and working in New York City means riding the subway is a reality of my daily existence. Although I consider myself professionably successful, I prefer to be fashionally frugal, which means opting to to walk most of the time from my very convenient 5th Avenue crib.

I suspect most New Yorkers have the prototypical cab addiction — as necessary to survival as their Grande-Skinny-Caramel-Macch-Double-Shot-Espresso running through their veins. Those who have really made it (think: expense account) have personal drivers or, at minimum, a car service ride to cruise around town.

Being content as a subway sojourner, I’m left to observe my fellow travelers, specifically the real vs. fake designer bag toters. The reality of the real designer bag market is that they are essentially ‘affordable luxury’ starting at a tempting $300. My personal definition of luxury is to have something unique that is not on the arms of a thousand others. But seriously, if you can afford to spend $2,000 on a bag, shouldn’t you be able to afford to be above ground in a towncar? I’m of the old-school philosophy that you do not spend what you do not have. So, are they dropping $2K on credit? Are they scraping every last dime to have a Speedy? Are they gifts of ‘benefit boyfriends’?

As for the fly girls who are carrying fake louis vuitton bags dressed in H&M…who do you think you are kidding? Go buy yourself something unique this weekend — that reflects who you really are or aspire to be. It can be a vintage, it can be new…. but if it’s fake, ask yourself: "Why Am I Buying This?" And if your current purse doesn’t allow for expenditures , trade a former fave with a close friend. Won’t cost you a dime but you’ll appreciate it so much more!

Adventures in Palm Beach Land-Breaking and Entering at the Breakers

Escaping New York during the winter is imperative and this year I visited the Palm Beach area with a good friend of mine Nikki (party planner extrodinaire of bon-vivantllc.com). Nikki being the social butterfly and hooked up in many ways had the whole weekend mapped out for us. I lean more towards the introverted side so I get a kick out of spending time with her. I also like to play the game 1 degree of separation to Nikki. All weekend long we ran into people she knew-at the Avis car rental was her mentor, at the airport another friend.
Friday night we attended the Wellington winter equestrian jumping festival. We had amazing front row seats, ate quesadillas, and partied with some Argentinean polo players. Saturday Night we hit local Palm Beach eatery Bice for dinner. At the bar upon enterring I was in total shock. I had never seen so much plastic surgery in one room. Not only were the women sliced, diced, pulled, and injected, they were decked to the nines. There was no time timid fashion statements. Tight, colorful, short, designery garb meant for 20 year olds, full on matching jewelry and photoshoot worthy makeup was de rigeur for this 40 plus crowd. At one point Nikki asked me if I was ok (i guess my expression was close to aghast) I stammered..."I've just never seen anything like this" We ran into my new New Jersey bff who I met getting on our jetblue flight (toting louis vuitton rolling bag, gucci shoulder bag, ricci sunglasses, ysl high heel sandals, and Baso fur coat) with her boyfriend of the moment. Later at our table I made friends with a lovely German woman whose dachshund dog had his own seat at the table. Nothing shy about this crowd!
After dinner we headed to local hotspot Cucina. Turns out Palm Beach is an early night town and Cucina is the only joing open after 11 or so. So I am thinking based on the buzz Cucina is really exclusive and chic. But it turns out to be the second shocker of the night- a total melting pot. Kinda like that college bar but with a disco ball and peppering of waspy preps in blue blazers. Young and old locals, Argentinean polo players, thirsty tourists, and cougars mix together fueled by tacky blasting music. Think Cavalli, H&M, Brooks Brothers, Tommy Bahama, and Forever 21 under one roof.
Nikki picks up a single guy 'K' because he came to the bar solo and in her books 'that takes a lot of guts.' Turns out he's in Palm Beach for a hedge fund convention and staying at the Breakers. Do we want to go back to the Breakers? (a hotel with strict visitation rules that unless you are staying there or are a guest of a guest) YES PLEASE. Truth be told I was ready to get out of Cucina the minute I stepped in it. So off we went in our White Crysler convertible (a rental) with Breakers guest (folded up like a beach chair) in the back seat for a 4 block drive. Once in the Breakers I have to say I was impressed by it's opulence. We heard the bar may be on last call but we headed over anyways. It was actually too late for them to serve us but they let us sit and chat with the other Breakers renegades who at 12:30 am did not want to go to sleep. We ran into 'Joe the lobbyist' who Nikki and I had met earlier by the pool at our hotel. (note to self this is a small town!) 'K' being an gentleman had a plan in creation/motion. After speaking frankly with the bartender he went to the phone in the hall and ordered a bottle of champagne from room service to be delivered to the hallway plant near the elevator. Our/my hero! After the champs arrived we took our small party outside to admire the view and check out the pools. Despite pool area being closed at dusk we toe dipped in the hot tub for over an hour un noticed.
The only clothing that was removed was my nylons (under the privacy of a full bush-pun not intended) but friendships were forged and fun had by all.

martha martha martha

So my fun and young girlfriend 'j' got tickets to be in the audience for a taping of the Martha Stewart Show. Luckily as a freelancer I can go to these sorts of silly frivolities. 'J' was super excited because she said 'we will get tons of great shit-ie swag'. Me being the jaded fashionista whose had it up to my ears in useless fashion swag (knitting needles and multicolored yarn from ports 1961 hello random!) decided to just be excited to attend. I've never been an audience member before and I found out that there is a art to it. So we figured it was best to arrive on the early side to make sure we get in. Just because you have a confirmed ticket doesn't mean you can show up late for Martha (manners are important to her). We arrived early in the rain and luckily were in the first group in the line. After being ushered in like cattle and given a color coded ticket that would have been glittered if it was up to Martha, we went through security, checked our coats, filled out paper work, and took a seat in a waiting room. Joey the audience fluffer came in to rile us up and get us excited for the show. We were expected to clap, to smile, to give the love. No crossing your arms and sulking on this show! Martha would be making triple citrus cupcakes and 'j' was convinced we would be getting one to eat. We were given last opportunity to use the ladies room and told that once up in the studio it is important to keep our seats. On a side note...the martha show is not a good place to meet men...they play for the other team but are friendly. We had been informed in advance to wear bright colors-no black, white, tan, or muted grays. Since I've worked with dressing people for tv I was well aware of how to look best on camera (btw blue is magic onscreen). Once upstairs we were ushered to our seats. The system is all very organized and well planned. We were in the second row from the top in the middle. There were plenty of staff getting the set ready and doing their jobs. I could see that Martha was in the fake kitchen tooling around and talking to staff. Joey then taught us how to be a good audience. Aparently the 'right' way to clap is to fade out the clapping at the end-an abrupt end is bad. Just before Martha started taping I got to see her style team in action-pushing back her hair, lint rollering her shirt, double checking her look which was not too exciting (cropped pants -not really doing anything for ya martha, button down fitted shirt in navy blue, and wedge shoes). They tape the show as if it's live but it will be broadcast May 18th in 5 segments. Martha only messed up so they restarted taping. In between the segment tapings were my favorite times because the dj would blast hip hop music. Does Martha have a thing for all things bling? I have been noticing that she had Q-tip on the show and she was flirting...
There were Q cards, hot lights, a rowdy group of bejeweled housewives behind us from Philly, many cameras, and snorable segments-a chef I had never heard of pushing a cook book that I will never buy, an inventor blogger I've never heard of, silly questions from the audience.
But really the most exciting thing was watching Joey work. He had an ability to rile the audience up just by dangling the notion of swag. When he did distribute swag to a few audience members it wasn't impressive-copies of everyday magazine (pass thanks).
Martha was her calm monotone self. I noticed she tried everything and seems to love food. Twice the stylist had to wipe down her shirt due to food falling.
I think we were the youngest and cutest audience members because I noticed the cameras sweeping on us on the monitors 5 times. Have you seen the average Martha audience member? She's nothing to look at. But she can bake/cook/craft up a storm.
Upon leaving we realized no triple citrus cupcakes for us but a MAKE notebook and a copy of MAKE Magazine.

a rose by anyone name?

Now I understand buzz in new york. The Rose Bar in the Gramercy Park Hotel has major buzz. But with buzz there is misinformation. One of my hedge fund CEO's explained that to get in you have to email and have a reservation in advance and have a secret email address. And that it was always a SS or CF. What I have found which I should probably not say is that the reservations start at 10pm at night. The doors close to the public at 9pm. But if you are already inside the Rose Bar before 9pm you can stay be there, hang out, even visit the chic bathrooms and get handed a pass that will get you back in. I have also been enjoying frequenting the bar in the early evening when it's still subdued and civilized. The downside is that when sober the $19 cocktails seem ridiculous in this economy. Last night I organized a group of 6 (with the help of a guy friend conspirator) for a little get together and we had a really nice time. In advance I was sweating the door policy so i sent an email to the rosebar from the link on their website. Got a confirmation that stated it in no way was a reservation but then never heard back to say we were in or out. I had asked for a reservation at 8:30. Maybe they deemed it not necessary and that they don't reserve at that hour but still a real human response would be nice. I then got my friend on the phone who has a friend who is 'in' there. She then gave me another email address 'velvetropes' but alas that email address rejected me because I wasn't on his email list. I guess there are cyber velvet ropes now. I was also given the cell phone number of the manager but decided not to call for fear of being blacklisted.
We winged it and you know we didn't get kicked out of our table. We had a lovely time, met some cool people playing pool and went home happy.I know I'm on their marketing radar because I get beautiful invitation mailings to come stay at the hotel but hello...I live here. I'm just wondering since I've been here like 5 times, when do I become a 'regular' where everybody knows my name?

Palm Springs Bed Hopping

viceroy dining room
snowcone bus at ace that falls short
too cool for school pool at the ace
outdoor dining at the Riviera
red chandelier at the Riviera

So I was in Palm Springs visiting my two honorary uncles having a grand old time during Dina Shore (lesbian) weekend. One at DINKS (dual income no kids) we were subjected to a great torch singer whose breasts were so big I might turn gay.
But anyways, one of the highlights of the trip (besides getting dust boogers horseback riding) was touring the local hotels.
Here's a rundown:
The ACE: Local mid century modern furniture expert Courtney's comment was dead on. "It seems like they are trying really hard to look like they're not trying. But really, they should try a little harder!" Decor was kitchy and clever but service fell short. It's cute that the server by the pool delivers food on his skateboard but it's not cute when the shortbus serving alcoholic snowcones lacks a bartender. Converting an old holiday inn is a great concept but a coat of paint doesn't really change much. Clientele feels young and immature-pot smoking, beer drinking and tattoo toting. Too kool for school! I certainly hope when the ACE opens on Broadway in nyc Walter does open an oyster bar and the service is up to snuff.
Dave Dixon's sexy boutique hotel Colony Palms Hotel was one of my top picks. The rooms center around the inviting pool and restaurant area. It features a charming cozy vibe and attractive guests. Such a treat to dine alfresco pool side. On my way in I passed Kristen Davis scoping the place out with her surfer hot boytoy so the chances of meetings celebrities are good.
The Parker was decorated by Jonathan Adler and is fabulously grand. It feels like a secret enclosed paradise. Beautiful landscaping and grounds. Restaurant is super dark, super low ceilings, and super lively ie loud. Not my ideal but popular. The spa has his and hers private indoor pools perfect for nude swimming. I would go back for the spa.
The Rivera: style wise this was my idea of heaven. Color and ambiance with the red, white, black, genius lighting schemes, and many mirrors. Organic clover shaped clever pool and outdoor dining. Inventive round bamboo steamer boxes are clever for pool side food presentation.
The Viceroy: still one of my favorites. Is chic since it was decorated by Kelly Wearstler (it's her husbands hotel) but totally cozy. Colors are stark white black with accents of bright yellow. Food is scrummy but the pool is the size of a postage stamp.
Being a water person I am intrigued by watsu offered at ultra exclusive desert hideaway at 2 Bunch Palms. You can find me there soaking in the healing waters next year!
Can't wait to return!

fashion spring cleaning?

Ahhh Spring....the in between weather.So perfect for fashion pickles. Yesterday I decided to break out an outfit from the summer. Unitard from american apparel so that I could jump into yoga class at 6pm with short flowy dress over it. Now what shoes to wear...too cold to go sockless I tried on socks with my flats (need flats for walking in nyc) and I looked....well. ridonculous (a cross between ridiculous and a donkey that sounds funny)! My legs looked short and stumpy. That's the downside of leggings-they cut my not model long legs. Ok, so next outfit with a long dress over the leggings hides the ankle area was a little better. But come on ladies, I can't believe this legging craze has gone as far as it has. Let's move on already!

On my high horse

I convinced one of my honorary uncles (the funny one) to come horse back riding with me at Smoke Tree Ranch. We chose the 2 hour tour because it's more scenic and visits an oasis. I am used to riding english on the east coast and I'm clearly out of my element. Even though I was born on the west coast I'm as californian as Carla Bruni. I show up geared up in my black english riding hat, gloves, black suede half chaps and practice britches. The Old Cowboy handing over my horse 'Frankie' pigeon holed me from a mile away. He was convinced I would be flying off the horse due to my 'high center of gravity' while my uncle would fare just fine slumping in the saddle. I got the distinct feeling that he would relish the thought of a prissy english rider (with years of experience) bucked off swallowing a dirt sandwich. (Wish they had warned us about the dusty boogers). Old Coyboy and I had another showdown about horse communication. When I jokingly asked what language Frankie spoke he said that they don't speak to their horses at Smoke Tree Ranch since they had the brain capacity of a 2 year old. I beg to differ.
Once on the trail I found our guide Lica to be much more sympathetic to my englishness. When she saw my half chaps she was jealous since they are less hot to ride in. Turns out she has a dressage and show background. Couldn't tell by her cowboy boots and jeans but no matter. She also weighed in on the english/western showdown by saying that she 'rides the horse not the tack!' Lica checked in with us and asked how I was loving 'Frankie'. Frankly, Frankie was riding up the ass of the horse in front of me which I voiced and Lica advised a few half halts with a little leg. She said that Frankie was well versed in dressage! That was hard to believe since he was mangly, dusty, and was not sporting the snobby prissy look of a show pony.
So how was the ride? Dusty, short bursts of trotting, reigning my horse in, magnificent mountain views. Beauty and the beast.

Empire of what?

7:30pm
empire hotel rooftop bar
friday night
why do they think that loud music creates the illusion of more people?
where are the civilized but unstuffy people of manhattan?

I realize that the red dress by velvet may be a little too sexy after getting groped/massaged/kneeded by a man
named 'john'. Despite banter and ensuing conversation no drink is offered but a visit and view from his 35th floor
apartment is (danger and trouble included). I decline and declare that 'I do not do that! Not even on a first date'
He commends me for having standards and then is off like a prom dress.
I'm not surprised-he was sport fishing for sure!

Just Say NO to Harem Pants

Ok Ladies.
I'm all for fashion. I work in fashion but I believe in looking good. What I stress to my clients is to showcase their best features and to WORK IT. So I ask you, what does the Harem pant accentuate?
The fact that you have a low crotch and wear diapers. I saw them on the runway and thought they would never translate, but then I saw them in the store windows in these great mecca of new york. I thought for sure no one would fall for them.....but then 2 days ago I saw 2 women wearing black harem pants in the LES/East Village area. Ok so downtown is one thing. But I'm warning you if I see them uptown or on Bill Cunningham's Shot on the Street in the NYTimes I'm going to start writing fashion citations!

Green with Envy

American Museum of Natural History’s Green Benefit Dance
As an old fashioned girl the idea of attending one of nyc’s benefits tickles me pink.
Get a chance to wrangle a gorgeous dress from my bursting closet?
Have my hair and makeup done by my good friend Agata Helena (917-687-0235)?
Flirt with the young, hip, and fabulous in 212?
People watch/outfit ogle?
Count me in!
Highlights included:
Running into pal vanity fair scribe Rebecca Guinness,
Fugly 80’s sequin mini dress on Meredith Melling Burke of Vogue-when bad fashion happens to talented people
Gold haremesque sequin pants
Gabi AsFour and the AsThree hippie entourage
Yigal Azrouel looking sexy and single!
The star TIGHT WHITE HOT STRAPLESS jumpsuit looking amazing on an unidentified blond.

How I cut my bottom line

So New York is an expensive city right? It's also home to the $8 manicure and sample sales galore. In September I decided to do a little budget planning for myself. I took a good look at my finances and decided what needed to get the ax and what changes to implement:
quit the gym-using my home gym equiptment and dvd's
started walking everywhere
cut down on metro and still very few taxis
sold my car-that in turn set off a nice domino effect of no gas, geico, tolls, parking, parking tickets, maintenance, repairs, and car wash
super diligent about grocery shopping-carrying them myself so that I buy more and asking myself to every purchase, 'do I need this?' and 'what for?'
health insurance-I would not recommend this but hey I'm healthy
restaurants to once a week unless invited
eating at home for most meals
mastered the breakfast spinach, potato, onion, bacon frittata which feeds me for 4 breakfasts
bringing snacks and water almost everywhere I go to avoid buying unhealthy and expensive food
bring 'picnics' to the movies
doing my nails mostly at home
replacing personal therapy with group fellowship
switching to an acupuncturist with a 'community rate'
still no cable or internet subsciptions-too much entertainment in new york living
found a hairstylist that is amazing but only charges $45-hello I love LES
fashion wise only buying items that have been deemed a 'hole' or missing item-truth be told as a stylist I am pretty well covered in this department
no more books on amazon-I joined the library and discovered not only great books but dvd's for free
sidenote: the library is a whole new special world in new york...very different from the fashion crowd. What I cannot figure out is that if the library lets you take out 30 things at one time for free, why are there guards and checkpoints? Who would steal what is already free?

Toledo no show

I have always paid attention to indie designers. Truthfully I would chose RED MASALA over Gucci. Last year if I had mentioned the designer Isabel Toledo to a friend I would have gotten a blank stare. Today thanks to Michelle Obama wearing her creations even my little 12 year old nieces have heard of her. She was supposed to participate in a fashion panel tonight titled 'power and fashion' as part of the graduate center with Guy Trebay and Gabi AsFour. I have looking forward to this event-I plastered the poster on my fridge and added it to my calander on my CURVE. So sad and dissapointed upon my arrival to find it had been rescheduled to April 8th.
I bet Isabel got a much bigger speaking engagement now that she's famous.

This Lady Launched too Soon

The funny thing is that even though I am an “old fashioned” girl I have always been an “early adopter.”

The truth is…when I opt to ‘launch’ I get it out of my system and fast…but timing is everything. For example…in 1999, I created a website that was a cross between firstVIEW and Patrick McMullan, documenting fashion and nightlife. I ran around Boston with a Sony digital camera that took floppy disks (remember those things). So after 3 years of toiling, many late nights, massive internet traffic, and a sense of mini celebritydom, I poured everything into getting REAL and launched my baby… PROVEREAL.com. Irony being a strong suit of mine, I then up and moved to NYC, translating the entire virtual experience to real life. I was too ahead of the times to squeeze one advertising dollar out of the business. As my former boss said: “No one’s ever gonna buy a dress on the intanet!”

More early adoptive examples: Back in college, I was the first in my dorm to have a MAC SE (Apple’s inaugural desktop), the first in my posse to own a Palm PDA, and more recently the Blackberry CURVE. But all my pioneering isn’t without hazards, like my chronic wrist problems due to a decade of overusage of devices with keyboards and teeny-weenie buttons.

So what’s the latest trend for this old-fashioned-early-adoptive-victim-of-technology? UNPLUG! Yip… this girl has even outlawed all cell phones from the bedroom, even at night. Why so stringent you ask? Well, only since you ask…I once was hooking up with a guy in Miami at 3 am and he took a phonecall on his StarTAC mid -…er …ehm…launch!

REALITY CHECK!

I don't know about you but I kinda think this whole recession may be a hard but healthy dose of medicine that the world needs. What happened to a world where if you wanted something you had to earn the money? Our reliance on credit has been disgraceful. I was taught by my family that if you didn't have the money, no manolos for you! It was pretty simple. But in the last 12 years I have witnessed the most ridiculous things. CEO's driving companies into the ground all the while enjoying cushy salaries. The inflated bonuses that allow wives to indulge in $1200 shoes and $16,000 watches. Then CEO's turn around start another company and raise capital from the same stupid rich people they borrowed from in the first place.
I say bring back the hard earned dollar! The company that was built over 30 years not 3 years who believed in good value.
Now as a fashion stylist I'm not against fashion and I enjoy the eye candy that vogue and w provide, I just think the whole luxury market has gone a tad overboard.

cutting cost in this economy. thinking smart

My Mother used to dish out advice about how my Great Grandmother "Gram" could scrape every last micro ounce out of the mayonnaise jar. This concept seemed foreign to me growing up in the 80's in Marin County. At school the 'cool' girls had the whole line from ESPRIT..But my Mother explained that during the great depression housewives were very frugal and to wast was a sin. 'Waste not want not'. 

In today's climate that concept is now making a lot of sense. With my beauty products I'm squeezing out every last but-sometimes to comical measures. Cutting tubes open to rescue the last drops and using travel samples up before buying new big shampoo bottles. 

Here is a list of some changes I have implemented in my household (of 1)

-using totes for my groceries-whole foods gives a whopping 10 cents back per bag

-using extra plastic shopping bags for garbage bags-since when did garbage bags merit $10

-cooking lots of meals at home

-making massive pots of soup and freezing them in single size portions

-walking to places in the city when possible

-shopping in my closet

-looking at my pantry and filling in the blanks-what can I make with quinoa???

-using this concept of filling in the gaps to closet, pantry, and fridge

-unplugging all appliances when not in use (thanks oprah for this tip)

-questioning myself on every purchase-do I really need polka dot gloves??

-buying sparkling water in bulk and a cheaper brand

-coupons for items I usually purchase

-if I do eat out-lunch is a better bargain

-avoiding daily habits such as starbucks, soda from street vendor, gum, ect.

Thats about it.

If you have any suggestions I would love to hear it.