Project Runway Week 5

This is probably my favorite Project Runway Challenge ever. Constructing a garment completely out of newspaper. I was so excited to see them do something like this. I sell newspaper advertising and have worked in the newspaper industry pretty much ever since I graduated from college.

Christopher's design was my favorite. I loved that way it moved down the runway. He really thought about all the details right down to the hair adornment. I also really thought Irina's trench coat was worth mentioning. What a creative idea. It was so different from what all the other designers made.


Follow up:
1. I must say that I was sort of surprised that no one made a garment out of newspaper crossword puzzles.
2. How about Tim Gunn getting mad after Johnny's bold face lie on the runway.
3. This challenge reminded me of the Dior dress from Sex in the City Season 3 (which is being recycled and worn again in the SATC 2 movie).

New York State of Mind

NYC salt & pepper shakers. Lovely.
Totally going on my Christmas list.

Hot glue burns hurt!

I made my friend a very belated birthday present. She needed a holder to display all her earrings. I have made several in the past with the assistance of my father. Think of me as the "idea" person and him as the one with the know how to execute that idea. I wanted to try something a little different this time. I knew I wanted a turquoise frame. Good luck finding that in Oklahoma City. So I painted a natural wood frame the exact color I was thinking about. Then I found this really cute fabric. I sat on the idea for a few days. How was I going to make all this work? I looked online and finally ended up adapting something I found and liked. The finished product is below. I must say I was pleased with the way it turned out. Happy birthday, Tami. Hope you like it.

Owls

Found both of these pieces on Etsy (very fond of the owl earrings). I could spend hours on that site. I love the hair accessories and jewelry.

My grandmother has collected owls for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I really started liking them. I have dish towels, magnets, a necklace,
pillow for my bed. I really wish I had paid closer attention to the display case full
of them at her house in Massachusetts.

Project Runway Week 4

This week definitely brought a much more difficult challenge. I must say the level of work has improved dramatically. I was impressed with a lot of the designs.

The remaining 13 had to design something for their models to wear to an industry event. So, their models were their clients. This was a one day challenge. Time was definitely a huge factor.

Here's my line up of hits and misses:

Gordana - The detail work down the front of that gold dress was impeccable. The dress looked fantactic on her model. Wasn't crazy about the color.

Christopher - Loved his dress. The green just popped out and said look at me.

Epperson - I did not agree with the judges. That dress looked like something a stripper would wear.

Carol Hannah - Loved her dress. Thoughtful use of texture. Wasn't crazy about the purple but that is just me hating purple.

**Althea - That look was by far the best. I think I need that suit. I think I could sell some ads in that suit. She deserved to win.

Moments:
1. Heidi saying "Ya'll".
2. Logan - Umm, total cutie.
3. Was that long, curly haired judge a bit of a B?

Mad Men

We recently started watching Mad Men. Finished off Season 1 (thanks to Netflix) and are about to finish Season 2. DVR is recording the new season. I am not patient enough to wait for one new episode every week. Watching 3 or 4 at a time is much easier.

This really is a great show. Set in 1960's Manhattan. It depicts the "Golden Age" of advertising. All the wives are homemakers and dress more stylish than I have ever seen any stay-at-home mother dress. The fashion is amazing. January Jones is stunning. And who wouldn't want to smoke cigarettes with the dashing Don Draper. He actually makes it look appealing.

Love

Cannot WAIT to see this movie. Watched the preview twice tonight.
I love, love movies. Especially ones set in New York.
Incredible cast. Natalie Portman. Bradley Cooper. Enough said.
Cool movie poster. Click on to enlarge and you can see the cast.
Soundtrack will likely be a winner. Check out the song playing during the preview. Good stuff.

Project Runway Week 3

Challenge: create a fun & fashionable surfware look with a teammate. This was a hard challenge. Three things came to mind immediately:

1. Working in teams = SCARY! See below.

2. Only 15 minutes to shop at MOOD = stressed me out and made me anxious.

3. Creating a second look (Avant Garde) on the fly. I believe Ra'mon said it best......capital WTF. (I am totally stealing that line.) Hilarious.

Skirin & Carol Hannah. Seriously, can that girl make anything ugly? The swimsuit/dress combo was fantastic. Their designs were by far my favorite.

Nicholas. Hated that light blue lace number that he made. That thing was so trashy. I am not sure how he got Avant Garde out of that. I did like how calm and complimentary his partner was of his work. It was obviously not her style but she was a team player.

Mitchell. That guy is a joke. This is a family friendly blog so I will just say that I think he is a complete d-bag. For whatever reason on the third week he was still around and again made something lame. In fact, something we didn't even get a peek at. An "alleged" swimsuit. I really thought Ra'mon's ship was sunk from the start. I can't believe he won the challenge. I did not like their finished looks. However, I was glad that this was the challenge that finally sent Mitchell home.

Epperson and Qristyl. Do I even need to say anything more? How embarrassing.

After thoughts:

Tim Gunn in flip flops, sunglasses and a blazer on the beach. Please tell me someone thought that was as funny as I did.

Rachel Bilson as the guest judge. I am not sure I care for her. Thoughts?

I heart Seattle

I just got back from a trip to Seattle. My good friend Layni came with me. Becky and I have known each other for 30 years. She moved there a year ago and it was high time I took a trip to visit her. We used our birthday as an excuse. Two of my cousins (side note: I always thought they were my second cousins until one of them informed me we are first cousins once removed) live there and so there were plenty of people to see and lots to entertain ourselves with. Can I just comment on how amazing the weather was while we were there. I have obviously been living in Oklahoma far to long. The temps were perfect and not a lick of wind. Light breezes are what they have. Can you remember the last time Oklahoma had a light breeze?

I don't necessarily have a favorite part of the trip because it was all so spectacular. However, receiving my birthday gift from Becky was pretty special. She got me a glassybaby. I know you are thinking what in the heck is a glassbaby. They are beautiful and apparently all the craze in Seattle. I am now the owner of this pretty piece of authentic Seattle glass. Choosing the color was hard. Real hard. The girl that helped me was very patient and let me look at 5 or 6 lit up. In the end, I went with my original pick, Hidden Moss. Might see silly to get so excited about a votive holder but to me it is something that will always remind me of my trip and my dear friend, Becky.

Project Runway Week 2

Sorry for the delay. I just got a chance to watch what I recorded while in Seattle. This challenge was hard! Create a form fitting look for a VERY preggers Rebecca Romijn.

Can I just ask...why is Mitchell still on the show? Seriously. That guy is an awful designer. Those shorts were bad. What pregnant woman would ever wear something that short. Two weeks in a row he has squeaked by. The judges obviously see something I am missing.

Malvin. That guy is a complete weirdo. He's the token strange designer. Remember the girl that spit marked her fabric? He named his look. I died laughing. "The mother hen and her egg". Once again what pregnant woman would wear something that draws more attention to her belly.

Shirin and Christopher were my top picks. Shirin's dresses was beautiful. That color and all the detail work.....she deserved that win. Plus she made a coat and lined it. Mitchell couldn't even make a pair of shorts look good in the same amount of time. I thought Christopher's design wasn't nearly as interesting as Shirin's but it was nicely constructed and flattering.

Two last things:

Heidi's killer suede ankle boots. Loved them.

Monique Lhuillier as the guest judge. Wow. They are pulling out all the stops this season.

Childhood revisited

Two movies are coming out that make me rather nostalgic. First up in October is Where the Wild Things Are. I am hoping that I can take my brother to see it. It is hard to remember a time when we were young that he was without his stuffed "wild thing". It was his version of a security blanket. We even have a set of family pictures where it is tucked close. By no means am I trying to embarrass him. I think the following picture illustrates that. Check out my bangs. Ha!


Alice in Wonderland was one of my favorite books as a child. What girl didn't love that book, right? I had the record of all the music from the animated movie. I am sure it is still floating around somewhere at my parents house. Along with Charlotte's Web and the Little House on the Prairie series, Alice in Wonderland was read frequently in our house. I even went as Alice one year for Halloween. Sadly, as an adult. When I heard Tim Burton was doing the film (generally speaking I am not a Tim Burton fan) I couldn't think of a better fit. I knew Johnny Depp would be involved somehow. The Mad Hatter is a natural fit for him.

What books or movies from your childhood make you nostalgic?

Project Runway - Season Premiere and All-Star Challenge

I finally watched all three hours of Project Runway this past Sunday. Two hours of which were the All-Star Challenge. The word disappointment comes to mind. Poor Korto. She deserved to win. I hated Daniel's line. The "athletic" feel was not flattering. The dress Korto made out of materials from the restaurant was incredible. Plus, she has big curly hair. I like a girl who has a mess of curls. Santino. That man is nuts. Not a fan. Sorry, Callie.

As for the season premiere of Project Runway. Some of those designers are an absolute joke. Not that I know the first thing about sewing or constructing clothing. I do, however, know a few things about fashion. I was rather sad to see that the show left New York for L.A.

Mitchell. That dress he made was hideous. His model was basically naked. Every season there is one designer who talks about how amazing they are and they totally bomb the first (and if you ask me easiest) challenge. Come on, make a Red Carpet gown. That should be every designers dream challenge.

Ari. You know the one who does handstands in the work room and wore the hooded geometric jumpsuit. Was that actually Samantha Ronson in disguise because Lindsay Lohan was the guest judge? I swear they looked identical and have the same bad taste. Whatever that was she made was absolutely tasteless. Micheal Kors said it best.....it looks like a metallic soccer ball.

The only two garments that were worth my wasted 60 minutes.......Christopher's (he won) and Shirin (that short sequin jacket over her dress was amazing). I like that someone who has no formal design training won the first challenge. Maybe it will help put some of the cocky FIT grads in their place.

The Sartorialist - The Book

I bought this book this morning. I have been eagerly awaiting the release date. Amazon did not have it the last few times I checked. Good way to start out a Monday morning.
This man is a genius. He has an amazing eye.

New IKEA catalog graced our mailbox yesterday

These are so cute and only $6.99 for the 6 pack. Does anyone spy why I must have these? Hint: right hand side....those cute little buggers that waddle. I love them! Not really sure that I care for the mushroom but I am going to ignore it because the penguins are too cute to pass up. If only the the middle pair had owls on them. My life would be complete.

After thought:
Apparently, I have a small following who I have disappointed this morning. I was not able to watch the season premiere for Project Runway last night. Sad, I know. It is recorded and waiting for me this evening. My profound thoughts on the first episode will have to wait until Monday. Please accept my apologies.....Carol, Glenda and Melinda.

I am skeptical

Great Lash has always been my mascara choice. I have used it since I started wearing makeup 15 years ago. We have the perfect relationship. I have never cheated and purchased another brand. So here they are reinventing the already perfect product. I hate that. I will have to try it........am guaranteed to hate it. I should just save myself the time, energy and 5 bucks and stick with my trusty original. I must say, the huge brush intrigues me. I was reading about it online and I believe the words "behemoth wand" were actually used. Sorta keeps you wondering.

New season of Project Runway

I can barely stand it. Soon we will be reunited with Tim and Heidi.
And even the vicious Nina Garcia.

New lighting and artwork

About a month ago, Zach's dad kindly used two of his weekends to come down and do some much needed electrical work. One of the projects was to install overhead lighting in our formerly dark living room. What a huge difference one fixture can make. It's so bright, that I decided to change up the wall behind the couch. I ordered two gallery wrapped canvases (always wanted to do that with a few of Z's photos) and here we are. I was more than pleased with the way they turned out. This company is fantastic. This picture doesn't do the colors justice. They are so vibrant. Anyway, my father hung the photo cluster for us. He was less than thrilled since I sneak attacked and didn't leave much of an option.....he should stop being so darn meticulous with everything and we would stop asking him. He is just so good at getting everything perfectly straight. So, thank you to the father's. Zach and I still need you after all this time. Lucky you, huh?

GAP new arrivals

I am ready for fall! I want to wear this outfit. Love the brown suede boots with navy blue tights. Is anyone else officially sick of summer?

Houndstooth Ballet Flats

I can just see it now......darling fall outfit. Black wool dress complete with turquoise tights and these shoes. I am so ready for summer to be over. I girl can dream right?

The Village is "hot"

I could not resist posting this. I read it yesterday and was literally in tears from laughing so hard. Something about hotlinks, condoms and public intoxication struck a chord. Did I mention it was a 12-pack of wieners? Apparently, this is the company we keep in the ol' Village. Happy reading.

Good morning!

Seersucker with a white satin bow and side button closure.
This is a happy skirt.

Wednesday Dress

I heart this dress. Sheer perfection. From the Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Collection. Enough said. Out of my price range. I will continue to drool over it and imagine it is hanging in my closet.
Here is something more affordable and just as cute (ok, maybe not just as cute, but I would still wear it). I was scolded last week by two readers for not always posting the link of where to find the items I put on my blog. So here is the link to this adorable dress. I love sleeveless dresses with a tailored shirt collar.

www.zachnash.com

I am sure you all know by now (word tends to travel fast with our group of friends), Zach just launched a new Web site and blog. This is a shameless plug but this is my blog so I can do this sort of thing and not feel guilty about it. This is also my way of saying how unbelievably proud I am of him. This was a huge undertaking and when you essentially have two jobs it doesn't leave much leftover time for Web site origination. This is a showcase of his work, both personally and professionally. Take a moment to check it out. Please. I promise you won't be disappointed. FYI: The old blog is still up but he will no longer be posting to it. So please make the appropriate change wherever you do that sorta of thing. Done. Now that wasn't so bad!

The September Issue

“The September Issue,” a documentary on Anna Wintour and Vogue premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film follows the Vogue editor and her team from January through August 2007 and focuses on the production of the September Vogue, which remains the largest magazine ever published.

**I cannot wait to see this!

Happy birthday to me!

These were an early birthday present from my darling, fellow shoe lover of a husband. Aren't they perfect. Grey suede (Jeffrey Campbell). I was bound and determined to wear them today....even in the rain. So I wore alternate shoes and changed into these when I got to work.

Maps.....and I don't mean that song by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

I really like maps (interesting since I am directionally challenged). I definitely like a certain look. I don't care for all the bright pastels that are used in atlases or road maps. I like the warm golden colors of old maps. Something I have really wanted to do over the past 6 mos is find an old map of Stillwater and an old map of Pryor and hang them in our home. I figured I would settle for this lampshade if my plan didn't quite pan out.

Saturday

Just your average day in the yard.....

Only in America

Umm, is this for real? I am disturbed by this. A sling for your dog. Hello, since when did pets stop walking?

Dorothy Perkins skirt

This skirt is perfect in every way.
It reminds me of the bottom of a wedding dress.

The book is always better than the movie....

One of my very favorite books. I will admit I had to be talked into reading it. There is a certain "sci-fi-ish" element to the book that I couldn't really get into at first. A beautiful love story in a way that you would never expect. I am sure I will be disappointed in the movie. I will still watch it. The movie is never as good as the book. Just glad I read it a few years back. I snagged it at the book sale for a buck. Can't beat that.

Their first photo shoot

Got these Saturday. Nine West leather booties....aren't they awesome! $15. No kidding. Zippdog had all their shoes on sale for 15 bucks. I can't wait until fall.

Ode to my Father-in-law

You could find all of these things in his pockets on any given day. One knife and his handkerchief are missing. WOW. Z and I were astonished. Most women don't even carry this much in their purses. How does he fit all of this in Levis? Pretty resourceful.

P.S. Thank you, Larry for all your hard work and time on the electrical work and light installation. Looks great! We appreciate two weekends of your time.

Mixed Handbag followers........photos to come!

Friday finds

Owl bowl from Anthropologie

I would like this hanging on a wall rather than displayed on a table

Message in a Bottle
(and I don't mean the Nicholas Sparks book)
Love this idea.

Personalized playing cards

Each card can be personalized with a different photo. Would be a good gift for grandparents or new parents. You could collect photos year round and give the cards as a stocking stuffer at Christmas. Great wedding gift idea. Very original and you wouldn't have to worry about the couple receiving duplicates.

Recession Collection

Jena's tweet made me remember something I wanted to blog about a few month's ago and then forgot. Rock and Republic released a recession collection including four pairs of jeans this past spring. Two pairs of which are for men. Moderately priced.....or at least it is what I would normally pay for a good pair of jeans. Available at Bloomingdale's, Neiman's, Nordstrom and Saks. NONE of which Oklahoma City has. I guess I will just have to go and check them out while I am in Seattle at the end of August. Happy Birthday to me!

Green Leaf Lulu Chair

Why don't I have room in my house for anymore furniture? Believe me I have tried.
Love this chair from Urban Outfitters!
I would adorn it with a chocolate brown pillow.

Today was a "good" mail day

No size 10

Variation of the trendy gladiator. I think the caged effect is great.
Only $24 and they come in 4 different colors.
Apparently, they don't make shoes for gals with big feet.
8 1/2 is the largest size they sell. I am officially turned off.

Tunes

Finally listening to the new Regina Spektor album that I picked up last week. I really like her. She is so calm and collected in interviews and it sounds as if she sings about whatever pops into her head. Folding Chair and Laughing With are my favorites so far.

Celebrating our Independence with more remodels

Before

After

Strep throat.....

ain't pretty!