Workin' It To The Bone Thursday

Today is a busy, busy day.

1. I must write.
2. I must do laundry. Yes. Ick.
3. I must meet with the photographer and look at my headshots!
4. I must come home and write some more.
5. I must go out to dinner with friends. Woot!
6. I must watch the season premiere of Project Runway! Yay! I need my weekly dose of Tim Gunn, y'all.

What are you up to today?

Project Meh

Normally, I would talk about Project Runway today but you know what? I found the whole episode to be rather uninspired and not exactly blogworthy for me today. Sad, I know. I expect so much out of that show. I will say that having the models go out and buy the fabric was stupid. The dresses would have been incredible if the designers had been able to do that job themselves. Instead, the dresses were, IMO, boring and too much the same. Whatever.

Instead, I'm going to give you another pic of the mouth-watering David Boreanaz (throwing James Marsters in there doesn't hurt either) and tell you how I will probably waste away the afternoon watching Angel on Hulu. I'm about halfway through season 3 of Buffy and kinda over it. All that angst over how they can't be together and Buffy's cold shouldering of Angel are getting to me. Makes me want to slay Buffy just a smidge, so I'm moving on. For now.

I'm also getting my nails done for Nationals today. Exciting stuff, I know. And at some point, I may actually write. I've got a new, slightly "not me" idea careening around in my head and I'm anxious to see what it looks like on the page. Is it crap? Is it fabulous? I'm not sure yet.

How long does it take you to decide if a new idea is working?

Project Wack-a-doodle

Season 5 (and the last season that will be on Bravo) of Project Runway got off to a bang last night with what looks to be some of the most interesting designers yet. (An aside: Bravo has done little to no promotion for this season - perhaps because they lost the series to another network? Can you say sore loser?)

As always, there is one designer who sticks in my craw. Maybe because he's too...girlicious? Ugh. That is so not a catch phrase that will catch on. The tanorexic Blayne is way too in love with himself if you ask me. Where is Christian when you need someone called a hot tranny mess, I ask you?

The winner of this first challenge was Kelli - awesome chick with a full sleeve tat on one arm. She used vacuum cleaner bags that she dyed herself with ink, coffee and bleach to make the skirt and some burned coffee filters for the bodice. Other elements of the dress contained parts of a spiral-bound notebook and thumbtacks. She pretty much rocks like a rockstar and is my early favorite.

The loser was Jerry, whose outfit looked like it might be worn by a serial killer escaped from a nut house butcher shop. Wow. Scariest use of a tablecloth and shower curtain ever. He did not, as Tim Gunn would say, make it work.

I'm so glad this madness is back on TV. I has a happy!

Project Finito and Other Stuff

Today's breakfast: cantaloupe

* Project Runway is over and out. Christian won. Which was basically a meh ending for me. Jillian's collection reminded me of her personality - underwhelming. Rami actually showed some very nice dresses, both short and long. He knows how to dress women and that's important. A point for him for NOT showing the puffy coat. Christian's collection was black, black, black, black, touch of beige, touch of darker beige, black, black and beige with feathers. My issue with his collections are A. it's almost entirely unwearable in real life and B. it's designed for a model body type, not a real women. That doesn't deserve to win, IMO. I'm surprised I'm about to say this, but my vote would have gone to Rami. Even Jillian's was at least wearable. Ugh. I'm over it.

* Islands of Adventure was So Much Fun. Hotrod and I screamed like girls on the Hulk (okay, I screamed like a girl, him not so much), had lunch at Mythos, our favorite restaurant in the park (shout out to Daniel, the manager!), saw a show, people watched, did the Spiderman ride (FAB!), bought a t-shirt, blah, blah, blah. We finished up the day with a yummy cheeseburger at Margaritaville, then I dropped him off at the airport and came home.

* I stayed up l.a.t.e. and finished Hit Reply by Roxanne St. Claire. Wow. Amazing. You need to read this book. You'll be shocked at how a collection of emails and IMs will draw you in and hang on to you! This one goes on my keeper shelf and girlfriend, there are not that many books on that shelf if you get my drift.

*So much work to do today! Send me some productive vibes, will ya?

*Almost forgot to add: Congrats to my bro and his wife on their new son, kidlet #3, born yesterday! I'm so glad they decided to procreate like rabbits. Totally takes the heat off me.

Project Outrage

Last night on Project Runway, the final four were narrowed down to the final three. Actually, it was just between Rami and Chris, to see which of them would move on to Bryant Park.

They each got to show their three strongest pieces and I'd love to show you the normally great pics of those pieces, but whoever was in charge of getting the pics did a crappy job and they're really not worth showing. You can see them here to understand what I mean. But as Tim Gunn would say, I'm making it work.

If you want to see better pics and see their whole collection, you can go here. Be warned, though, this is going to be a spoiler because it contains the final collections for Christian, Jillian and Rami too. (And oddly enough Sweet Pea. I'm not sure why.)

If you haven't watched last night's PR and don't want to know the outcome, stop reading now. Otherwise, carry on...

Rami got picked. Chris is out.

What the...??? Okay, maybe the idea of using human hair as a trim on clothes is a little out there and slightly icky, but then, people have this stuff sewn onto their heads, why not their clothes? And honestly, Chris's collection was Turned Out. The sheer black lace dress was a masterpiece. The skirt of black safety pins? Utter genius. Elegance with a punk edge. His stuff was really on point. Interesting materials, out of the box thinking, beautifully crafted. Just all around cool.

Rami, on the other hand, showed a coat that made his model look like the Sta Puft Marshmellow man, an evening gown that had extra emphasis on the hips (who doesn't look for that in a fancy ball gown?) and one really lovely draped dress. Shock and awe, he can drape! Oh wait. We knew that.

*long suffering sigh* The final competition is going to come down to Christian and Jillian anyway, so no real shock there. Both of them will show an extraordinary amount of coats and jackets. Having seen the collections, I'm going to ensconce myself firmly in Camp Jillian. Some of Christian's stuff is too costumey for me (although he seems to have edited out the feather pants Tim Gunn commented on.)

Ah well. Next week, we'll know who the real queen of the catwalk is.

Project Showdown

So...the last Project Runway decided who would be showing a collection at Fashion Week in Bryant Park and who was going home. When you look at the clothes, it's kind of a no-brainer. Well, kind of. Let's discuss... This magnificent piece of hot haute couture is Chris's. I don't care that it's reminiscent of the challenge he did with Christian (remember the dress with the big single stand-up shoulder?) - this is a winner, hands down. It's a dress to be photographed in, a dress to display in a museum, it's a fabulous, fabulous concoction and I adore it. I can't wait to see Chris's collection. Rock it out, Chris!
Remember how I said Christian's stuff looked derivative of Vivianne Westwood and Alexander McQueen? Well, lo and behold he revealed in this week's episode that he'd worked for both those designers while living in London. Points for me, people! Again, this outfit is typically Christian. Super structured, over designed, blah, blah, blah. Yes, he can design. That doesn't stop me from being over him. Moving on...
Rami, Rami, Rami. You don't get it, do you, my poor little Israeli boy? I love you and your designs, but woman cannot live by draping alone. The judges told Rami repeatedly to show them something different, but he didn't. Granted, draping is his super power, but can he do anything else? Maybe, but we've yet to see it. I guess we'll see in Bryant Park, hmm?
Sweet Sweet Pea. The judges were right on when they said you understand how to design functional, workable, wearable clothes. What you don't seem to grasp is the fantasy aspect of design. Look at this outfit in comparison to the others. It just doesn't carry the same wow factor does it? And unfortunately, this dress sent Sweet Pea home. I still think she's got a fabulous career ahead of her making women's dresses.
Lastly, we have Jillian, our Lady of the Perpetual Coat. She does jackets/coats extremely well and unlike Rami's draping, the judges don't seem to be tired of seeing them. I guess we know what she'll be sending down the runway at Bryant Park. The lining inside this coat matched the gold dress - I think that bit of unexpected pop got her the nod.

All in all, it was a bit of a surprise that the judges tied over Rami and Chris and therefore decided to send both to the finals. This means there will be four designers showing - a Project Runway first. I know, I'm all a twitter too. Whatever happens, I would love to own something made by Chris. He's my kind of designer. Campy, over the top, but able to create amazing one-of-a-kind outfits that stand out in a crowd.

Can't wait to see the collections! Make it work!

Project Pile Drivin' Glamazon

I think we all breathed a sigh of relief when Project Runway was back on. And by we, I mean me. Whatever. I love this show! Here's my take on Wednesday's episode, where the designers had to create an wrestling costume for some chicks from the WWE. The idea was they could wear them in the ring. Or at their second job, working the pole at the Crazy Horse. Kidding! I kid. It's what I do. Let's discuss, shall we? This was the winner, and I think rightly so. I adore that hoodie! You can't really make it out in the photo but the black fabric parts are glittery and look really awesome. My only beef with this outfit is in order to wear those shorts, you'd basically need a Brazilian wax. Ouch! But I'd totally rock that hoodie. Totally. I covet it, actually. Nice job, Chris! I think you're my favorite designer right now.

This is Jillian's design and it made top three, which I thought was fair. It's really a sharp take on the whole tomboy idea with the sport-inspired stripes and gym shorts. Hate the white knee socks with the patent heels. Um...gross.
This was Christian's, if you couldn't tell. On a personal note, he really needs to find a new word beside fierce. We get it. You're fierce. Your designs are fierce. You have fierce friends. What are you? A lion tamer? Anyway, this outfit was just okay for me, despite the top three placement. But then, when you see the bottom three, I think you'll know why...
Okay. First impression? Rosie Perez in a bad (were there good ones?) Paula Abdul video. This got Mr. Weepy Hat Boy sent home. Hallelujah! I'm so over his pitiful designs. If this challenge had been Design Hootchie Swimwear, he might have won. (No, probably not.)
Sweet Pea, Sweet Pea, Sweet Pea. I think you've got a potential career at Frederick's of Hollywood. While this outfit has some cuteness, it didn't fulfill the client's wishes and ultimately reminded me of those cream cheese angel commercials. I don't think clothes that remind you of cream cheese are good things. Anyone have a bagel?
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Rami took a swing and miss this week with this barftastic pink puddle of vomit. Look at this girl. Could she be any fitter? Probably not. And yet, this outfit makes her look hippy. For a guy who drapes and dresses women so beautifully, this was a complete disaster. He's lucky this didn't send him home.

Very clear winners and losers this week, in my mind. Here's hoping next week they ditch the shock-value challenges and design something real. Like dresses. Remember dresses? Those long pretty things women wear? Might want to look into that, Project Runway, 'cuz last time I checked, Donna Karan wasn't making her money off wrestling outfits.

Project 501

I haven't done a Project Runway wrap up in a while due to the holidays, but it's time to get back to it!

Last night's show was decent, if not a touch snooze-inducing. Just when you thought Chris (the hefty costume designing drag queen) and Christian (the little anime twit come to life) were going to get into it, they don't. Bo-ring! Although Chris's comment that someone needed to give Christian a bottle and put him to bed was classic! I like Chris more all the time, even when his designs are not so fabulous.

Last night's challenge was sponsor by Levi's. Let's recap the outfits, shall we?
Sweet P did this number originally as a wedding dress. I swear, that girl needs to get her head off the commune. A patchwork denim wedding dress? Yikes. Anyway, she wisely took Tim Gunn's advice and shortened it. Now? Very wearable. So cute for summer, don't you think?
This is Jillian's coat. Shocker, I know, since she just did a coat last week. That coat was crave-able, this coat? Looks like a bad 4-H sewing club project. (Not that my denim book bag looked anything like this coat, but it might have if my mother hadn't made me stick to the pattern.)
Christian can't stop calling the clothes he designs "fierce." Is this fierce? Well, I guess if making your crotch look square, your torso boxy and your shoulders Dynasty-licious is fierce, then it works. Otherwise, this is a no for me.
Chris was so close with this one. If only he'd done something different with that neck wrapping bit and fixed the frayed seams. Christian, take note - see those shoes? That's what fierce looks like.
Ricky won this week! Which of course meant we had to watch him cry about 12 times. I'm really over his tears and his hats. However, this outfit rocks. Hard. He even styled it well, channeling a little pre-crack Amy Winehouse with the hair and make-up. Nicely done, Mr. Tammie Faye of the fashion world.
Once again, Rami pulls off an impeccable garment. Actually, he could sew burlap sacks into bicycle shorts and I'd be happy so long as I got to look at him. He's a delicious dish, that Rami.
And, the snoozer - I mean, loser. Victoria made herself a coat to go home in, because that's exactly where this trench coat mess took her. Gosh, Victoria! I thought you had so much more potential. But this? Yuck.

Would you wear any of these? I would!

Project Snozzberry

Word on the street says tonight's Project Runway will be a sweet treat. Stay tuned!

Project Makeover

First of all, let me say thanks for all the condolences offered. Means a lot to me. Now, on to the show...

Project Runway this week was all about transformation. The challenge was to make an outfit out of the favorite clothing of a woman who'd recently lost a large amount of weight - the women pictured are the actual women used in the challenge. I think the least amount one of them lost was 59 pounds, some as much as 100 or more. This should be a reason to celebrate, right? Except when you look at the outfits, you wonder if the designer understood that. This is just okay for me, doesn't knock me over with excitement, you know? I mean, it looks like something you could get at Target or maybe even Walmart. Just ordinary clothes.

This is big giant NO. Granted, it started life as a long velvet tank dress, but how is this better? Hey, the 80's called, it wants its mother of the bride dress back.
For me, this should have been the losing outfit. It's ghastly. Hello, this woman just lost 100 pounds, why do want to put her in layers and a ruffled jacket that ends at her hips? Call attention to every woman's least favorite body part much?
This is cute. I would totally wear this. I give this dress an A+.
Another great, sexy outfit. I would totally buy this top. I do think the leggings make it a little 80's a-go-go, though. I would pair it with straight leg black dress pants - that would rock!
This dress got its designer kicked off. Now, you might not think it looks that bad, but keep in mind his starter outfit was a heavily beaded, pearled, sequined, laced wedding gown. And this is what he came up with. I can describe this dress in one word: mumsy.

Okay, this is sort of cute, but who thought black stockings was a good idea with this? Seriously? It makes this dress look like a mullet. Party from the waist up, business from the waist down. Stick to bare legs and strappy sandals with an outfit like this.
Another cute, cute dress that's actually styled well (bare legs and strappy sandals anyone?) but didn't win. I'd wear this. Would you?
I'm not crazy about this outfit. I think it looks cheap. I hate that the top is sheer enough that the waistband of the pants shows through. A touch tacky in my book.
Anyone else channeling Olive Oyl here? Popeye must be designing this year...

This is the winner. Cute shirt, but all he did for the jeans was take them in and crop them. Not much of a redesign. Whatever. I'm still waiting for this show to get interesting, although this week's episode was better than the last few have been.

Still watching? What's your take on the designers?

Project Wake Me When It's Over

I hate to say it, but this season's Project Runway has been one big snoozefest. Mostly, I think the fault lies in two things: A. The designers picked to be on the show are almost all established and working in some sort of related industry. For this reason, they're all playing it rather safe. There's no craziness, no just-out-of-design-school need to prove themselves. No real fire. B. The challenges they're being given are kind of lame.

Take this week's, for example. They were divided into 3 teams of 3 and given 3 previous fashion trends that are now fashion don'ts and told to remake them. Um...for the most part, these fashion don'ts weren't really something any of us wanted to revisit, were they?

The winning team, who had overalls, poodle skirts and something else I can't remember, came up with these three outfits. Very nicely made. I might actually wear the dress.


The worst two outfits of the night are the following two. The first one got its creator kicked off. Odd, huh? Especially when you look at the satin crapfest that follows it. I can describe that outfit in one word - NO. Granted, the first dress might be a bit "meh", but the designer's fashion don't was shoulder pads. What else was he going to do with them? Make a hat? At least the dress has an air of elegance about it. Unlike the other one...
In this second outfit, the designer had underwear as outerwear, cut outs, and neon. And his outfit basically looks like it belongs on a futuristic hooker. Wow, way to reinterpret those fashion don'ts!

Please Project Runway, get some good challenges! What ever happened to the days of making clothes from plants or trash? Why not have the designers make a wedding dress? Or just a fancy dress? We like to see that stuff, not be reminded of all our previous fashion sins. Do you agree? Are you as unimpressed with this year's show as I am?

Project Running Back

Last night's Project Runway was kind of a snoozefest. The contestants had to design an outfit for Tiki Barber, which was cool, I love Tiki, but except for maybe two of them, it seemed like they didn't listen to the challenge directions.

Tiki is fabulously dressed man who always looks like a million and two dollars. He asked them to design an outfit he could wear on the Today Show, told them he wasn't afraid of color, loved details and about his specific fit needs.

The contestants then basically ignored that and did whatever they wanted to, which in most cases meant making a suit. Fine. Great. Good. But if you've never made a suit before or haven't even thought about doing menswear, why pick perhaps the single hardest piece of clothing to reproduce? Why?

Not only that, but the fabrics most of them chose were bor-ring. And the style of some of them...so not Tiki. Let's discuss.

Okay, what is this? Tiki as Oliver Twist? I think not. And the crotch on those pants is the funniest thing I've seen all day.

This wasn't the winner, but it was in my book. Yes, the colors a boring, but the jacket is made of fleece, not suiting material, which gives it a casualness that works. The pants drape nicely, too. I would have gone with a patterned shirt and some nice buttons on the jacket to jazz it up.

This would be great for Tiki. When he moves to Sunset Village and takes up canasta. Hello! He's not 70! Quit trying to dress him like he is.

Um. Yeah. Nice, um, neckline. (Actually, if this had been made better, it would have been in the running. The pants were great, but from the waist up it's a disaster zone.)
Tiki Barber in a cravat? Are you freakin' kidding me? Did you look at the man? Does he look like he ever wears a cravat?

Anyway, there were more I wanted to talk about, but Blogger isn't letting me upload and more pictures. Grrr. Any thoughts on the show? Did you watch?