Subway Fashion: Mixing Prints

It's been far too long since the last edition of Subway Fashion, so I thought I'd share the latest look from the runway of the A train.This strapping young lad was testing his layering abilities by mixing many patterns. It was a bold choice, and a bit busy, but I think he really pulled it off. You can't see the blue and orange striped shirt he was wearing under all those layers, but that definitely helped tie it all together.

But we can't give him all the credit for this fabulous outfit. I think it's fair to assume he got some of his inspiration from Mondo from Project Runway:

Kenley the Cat Thrower

ZOMG! Did you hear that Kenley Collins of Project Runway fame got ARRESTED in Brooklyn yesterday? Apparently, she got in some sort of fight with her ex-fiance and unleashed her fury. She woke the poor dude up at 7AM and flung a menagerie of things at his face including some apples, water, a laptop and A CAT.
Weeeee! Nothing goes better with a feather hair clip than a nice dose of animal cruelty. Apparently her ex-fiance, a fellow named Zak Penley (aw cute! her name would have been Kenley Penley!) wrote the finale song for Kenley's Bryant Park show. The song was called "CAT?" Perhaps he had a psychic flash of what was to come hurling towards his dome just one year later.

Apparently after the fight, Kenley told Penley, "You're lucky. It could have been a lot worse." Meaning she could have feathered and hand painted him and then made him into an Oscar De Larenta-inspired gown. So yes, he should be thanking his lucky stars.

EDIT: My photoshop wizard friend Liselle made this delightful Kenley collage which could probably double as a court sketch:

Leanne Wins!

Last night was a big night for TV. Obama schooled McCain in the debate at Hofstra, the Dodgers lost to Philly, but most importantly- Leanne kicked ass last night on Project Runway and walked away with the grand prize!! As I have been saying for months, Leanne fucking rules.

I can't even express how happy I am about this win. Leanne's clothes are my favorite clothes that have appeared on Project Runway in the history of the show. They were all well-constructed, sculpture-esque and flattering. Her final collection was stunning.I would wear almost every single one of her outfits that came down the runway. While Korto's collection was very pretty, I didn't think it was spectacular. Kenley's collection was wacky and exciting, but it was a little too out there for me. Leanne just really knocked it out of the park. Her Etsy store is currently empty, but you can buy this dress on her official site:

And speaking buying her clothes, if you go to her Esty store and look at her past sales, you can see that she's been at it for a long time. Check out this dress she sold in November of last year:
In her description of it, she said:
This is quite possibly THE dress that first put me on the map. Pictures of it on the runway were used to promote this year's Portland Fashion Week, it was on the front page of the Oregonian's Living section three weeks ago not to mention on various blogs and websites. It feels like luxury, and when I tried it on I just felt so amazing in it, that I really kind of didn't want to sell it, but I need to buy a new sewing machine. This is a real steal, and it might even become a collector's item one day when I become really famous!

Awww! I'm sure she can buy plenty of new sewing machines now. And it seems like she always knew she was going to become "really famous." You go girl!

Again, I am kicking myself for not buying her stuff on Etsy when I originally found it last year. Here's a picture of Leanne modeling the first dress she over sold on Etsy: You've come a long way, baby!

Leanne Love

I hope you've all been following Project Runway. I sure as hell have, and I just came to a profound PR related revelation: I love Leanne Marshall. Here is a recent IM convo with a friend:

me (5:42:07 PM): ok so there's this girl on etsy who i have been obsessed w/ for awhile

me (5:42:24 PM): and i just realized...

me (5:42:32 PM): it's fucking Leanne!

friend (5:42:43 PM): wait what??

friend (5:42:51 PM): seriously?? from project runway??

friend (5:46:40 PM): you're a leanne stalker and u didn't even know it

me (5:46:41 PM): i kind of can't believe it

How did I figure this out? Well I was doing a google image search to prove that Leanne looks exactly like Kira from The Dark Crystal:When googling her name, I came across an image of my absolute favorite dress on Etsy that I have been obsessed with for quite some time:
I have been following Leanne's work for several months and have come REALLY close to buying a couple of her dresses but never did. Now the expensive white dress (which I would totally use as a wedding dress) is the only one for sale on her etsy store. D'oh! I should have bought one of her other dresses before she became a TV celebrity. Or maybe I will become simultaneously rich and engaged and will have money and a reason to buy my favorite dress.

Still, I am sort of shocked that I have been obsessively following her work and didn't even realize until now that she is on my fucking favorite TV show. So I guess now I kind of hope she wins. Team Leanne!

Project Runway Season 5 Begins!

I am super excited for tonight's premiere of Project Runway's 5th season. It's probably going to be the last good season, since the producers Magical Elves are running for the hills and Bunim-Murray is said to be taking over the show. Also, the show will be packing up and leaving it's lovely little Bravo home to head for their new residence: Lifetime. Yes, Project Runway is going to be neighbors with the Golden Girls.

Anyways, because the show's executive producer Harvey Weinstein is making this network move, it seems that Bravo's marketing efforts for this new season have been slim to none. There have been no big subway posters, no contestant reveal commercials (remember last season's with Christian where he goes, "I'm a pretty big deal" ??) and most importantly, no substantial online info about season 5's contestants until this week. Most of my friends had NO idea that the show is premiering tonight. I guess that's Bravo's big "fuck you" to Harvey, who is rumoured to be switching networks because Bravo gets all the credit for the show's success. I read that today in a wonderful article sent to me by my friend Rolando. I highly recommend you read the story, in which a journalist from the Village Voice goes through Weinstein's trash and finds a bunch of interesting things including:

• Printed out emails about The Weinstein Company is pressuring Tresemmé to pay millions of dollars to keep their "hair salon" on Project Runway
• A phone sheet revealing that Harvey is looking to get in contact with Heath Ledger's (former) massage therapist
• Nicole Kidman's old contracts from The Reader which revealed she was only going to be payed $100,00 for the film

I so wish I could have stumbled across Mr. Weinstein's trash pile, but alas, I was not so fortunate. Anyway, let's get down to PR business. Below I have posted a picture of each contestant, what Tim Gunn said about them (in a recent People interview), and my judgements of them just by looking at their pictures.

Blayne:

Tim's Take:

“The designers love him. His work is like his personality — exuberant. Blayne is hard to miss.”

My Take:

I like the fact that Blayne is an artsy fartsy barista from Seattle. Also, he likes neon! I think he's definitely gonna be one of my faves.

Daniel:

Tim's Take:

“He’s intense — not the workroom jokester … I called him ‘the sweater.’ As in perspiration.”

My Take:

He sweats and he only tucks his shirt in half way. Oh, and he has a crustache. No thanks!

Emily:

Tim's Take:

“Emily is effervescent, very likable and a positive presence in the workroom. She’s a sweetheart but she’s serious about what she does.”

My Take:

She seems like my kind of gal, but I'm not so sure about that hair-do. I think she's probably this season's Alison Kelly. (I love you Alison! Call me!)

Jennifer:

Tim's Take:

“She’s very thoughtful, smart and she is driven by literature and classic films rather than the pop culture scene.”

My Take:

Fucking Dork.

Jerell:

Tim's Take:

“He’s very generous of spirit. And by that I mean he was frequently one of the first to finish and he would help other designers. And he’s wonderfully funny.”

My Take:

He might be nice, but I just can't bring myself to trust people who wear vests.

Jerry:

Tim's Take:

“Jerry possesses an enormous amount of self-confidence. You can take that any way you want!”

My Take:
I guess this guy is probably going to be the "villain" this season but he doesn't look all that interesting. Also, his head looks like a melon.

Joe:

Tim's Take:

“He’s our one straight guy! He’s a guy’s guy and therefore he has a place on the show that’s very unique. Joe is also a family man and talks about what his daughters would wear.

My Take:

He's obviously a tough-guy guido. He probably drinks miller lite.

Keith:

Tim's Take:

“Keith is all about innovation and experimentation. But you would never pick him out of a group as being a fashion designer — you look at him and see high school football jock.”

My Take:
His arms are too beefy for my liking but I predict he will make some good outfits.

Kelli:

Tim's Take:

“She’s our rock and roller and she embraces that role. Kelli is a little ball of fire.”

My Take:

"Oooo look at me. I'm so punk rock can't you tell? I have tattered jeans and you can see my dark roots!" Bla bla I get it.

Kenley:

Tim's Take:

“Kenley is our season five Project Runway Bettie Page. And she’s true to that role, let me tell you!”

My Take:

At first glance, Kenley was my favorite. Upon closer inspection, I noticed she was wearing pants under her dress, which made me lose respect for her. Also, she needs to tame those fly-aways.

Korto:

Tim's Take:

“Still waters run deep: She seems so quiet and reserved, almost reclusive. She’s not. Korto is going to tantalize people with her work.”

My Take:

I predict a plethora of tribal designs. The Liberian Uli.

Leanne:

Tim's Take:

“She’s a conceptual designer. And when the audience gets to know her she’s a person I think they’re really going to be rooting for.”

My Take:

Looks like we've got a diva on our hands!

Stella:

Tim's Take

“Looks are deceiving with a lot of these designers. If I saw her in a dark alley I’d run — but she’s a sweetheart!”

My Take:

Gross.

Suede:

Tim's Take:

“Suede is a good problem-solver. And he’s current and contemporary in what he produces compared to, say, a Kenley who’s a little more retro.”

My Take:

That little tuft of blue hair is interesting. It nicely compliments that pudge of belly fat.

Terri:

Tim's Take:

“I found her to be another excellent problem-solver. She knew how to make it work!”

My Take:

Did she kill snuffleupagus to make those pants? How many other muppets must die this season?

Wesley:

Tim's Take:

“His designs are at the higher end of sophistication…beautiful work but there’s not a lot of risk-taking.”

My Take:

This guy is obviously geek chic. From Tim's comment, I predict he'll get off'd early in the season.

Project Runway- Bryant Park Fashion Show (SPOILER ALERT...sort of)

Okie dokie then. This was a big morning for the world of fashion. Not 3, not 4, but 5 of our favorite Project Runway contestants showed their collections at the Bryant Park Fashion show as part of New York's fashion week. Basically, nothing was revealed about who the finalists are. It is possible that two of the contestants are just foils to avoid giving away the final three... Bravo used Kara Janx as a foil in the finale show for season 2. Anyway, the pictures are posted all over the internet and I have read a couple of "live blogs" documenting the play-by-play action. I don't want to give everything away because I know people don't want to know too much before we get to see the last episode. So below, I will provide you with a very brief summary of each designer’s show and a picture of my favorite outfit from each of the shows, in order from worst to best.

Let's start with my favorite leopard, Chris March. I'm sorry to say that I'm not a huge fan of Chris' collection, although this is by no means the popular opinion. He has been praised left and right on the internets this morning, and his collection has been mentioned by some to be the most cohesive. Supposedly he cried when he walked on stage to introduce his show and said:

"I never knew that living my life one day at a time for many days would lead me to this hour, this moment."

Cute! But honestly, his collection was not cute. His outfits were all in deep jewel tones and there was a lot of velvet. Most of the looks seemed like stuff old ladies in Beverly Hills would wear. I would probably never buy any of these outfits for myself. Ever. But mad props to Chris for using Bianca from the last season of America's Next Top Model!
Next we have Sweet P, who managed to pull a very pretty, elegant collection out of her ass. Her garments were way better than anything we've seen her produce on the show. I guess Tim Gunn taught her well. Her collection was very simple which was part of its charm, but it didn't quite seem bold enough for a big show at fashion week. Still, I would wear a lot of the stuff she made, especially this lovely gold dress:

And now on to Rami, who of course managed to drape and drape and drape until he could drape no more. Although I have grown to hate him this season, Rami actually produced a VERY impressive show. It was cohesive and beautiful, and many people including Daniel Vosovic, have called his show one of the best. This golden frock is absolutely stunning:

Jillian's show was totally fabulous, and who could expect less from our little valium-popping bundle of joy. Throughout the show her designs have been some of the best, and her runway looks back up her status as one of the strongest contestants. Her outfits were chic, edgy and sophisticated. She made the kind of stuff I can't really pull off but dream of wearing someday, like this sexy purple dress:

Finally we have Christian, who is so bitchy and annoying but has so much talent that he is somehow tolerable. His collection was mostly blacks and creams, with poofy ruffles and his coture flare. Every outfit in his collection is totally amazing, and I'd buy any of his pieces. Of course, since I'm not 6'2" and 95 lbs. the stuff wouldn't look so hot on me, but a girl can dream right? His collection definitely told a story and was very cohesive. I loved this look:

And who better to guest-judge Christian's collection than Posh? The only memorable Spice Girl called up Bravo and requested to be the guest judge, according to Heidi Klum. We'll just have to wait and see who these bitches proclaim to be the winner. At this point, my money is on Christian, although I'd prefer to see Jillian win.

Project Runway- Wrestle Mania!

I'll make this brief because I'm anxious to blog about the Project Runway Bryant Park show that just happened this morning! Yes- it's the end of fashion week and some of our favorite contestants showed us their best on the runway today. But we'll get to that soon.

First, I must give my congrats to Chris, who finally raked in a much-deserving win!!! But honestly, this challenge was right up his alley. If he wasn't going to win the wrestling costume challenge, I'm not sure he would belong on the show. Of course he pulled through with a stunning animal print number. And by stunning- I mean shiteous... but weren’t all the costumes this episode pretty shiteous? I think this was sort of a competition to see who would be the most ridiculous, and folks- Chris is the Queen of Ridiculousville. How awesome was it when he and his wrestler girl talked about their passion for leopard print?

It was love at first sight obviously.

Another great thing about this episode was that we finally got to bid farewell to Ricky, our little melancholy Fievel. The bathing suit he made was stupid, but his dumb face is more stupid, and I’m glad I never have to see it again. At least he didn't cry during his departure.

Finally, I think it's important to mention how awesome Jillian's outfit was. If I was a professional wrestler (I do some amature wrestling at parties and I actually kick ass) I would totally wear the shiny blue number she designed. I think it was my favorite... probably because it looked so much like Sailor Moon.
I can honestly say that I'm really pleased with all of the remaining designers except for Rami. His draping is a bit much for me. And it will be nice to see how they show off in the Bryant Park fashion show!

Project Runway: Jillian Lewis' Audition Video

My current favorite on Project Runway made this drug-inspired audition video to become a contestant this season. This is totally amazing. I can't decide if she's drunk or hopped up on valium, but this one is a real winner. We see so much more personality from her here than we have on the show. My favorite part is when she goes, "Is that too much to ask?" then snaps, shakes her ass, and stumbles to the back of the room. I love her more and more every day, and now it looks like she has a great chance at winning the whole shabang!

Welcome Home

Hello Readers. I apologize that I haven't been posting that much in the last couple weeks. I have been finding myself both busy and lazy lately and I have been ignoring Today's Special. I'm sorry.

Here's what we missed during my blog hibernation:

-Barack Obama won the heart of South Carolina and me too I think!

-John Edwards and Rudy Guliani are DUNZO. Boohoo.-Heath Ledger is also DUNZO. Bigger Boohoo.-Victorya got kicked off of Project Runway for this shitious denim coat! Hooray!I'm also very excited that LOST is back on the air. Did anyone else cry like 10 times during last night's episode? I think I'm going to make a drinking game out of this season. Every time Hurley makes me cry, I'm taking a swig of wine. Every time Ben glares at me with those creepy eyes, I'm taking a shot. And everytime Jack takes a drink, I'll take two.

Maybe after watching enough episodes of LOST, my life will be in such disaray from alcohol that I can join Britney in rehab.

One can only hope.

Project Runway: Victory for Team Fierce Fattypants!

There are so many things to discuss from last night’s Project Runway. I’d like to start out on a positive note, by saying that I’m very pleased with the win by Team Fierce Fatty Pants! Hooray! I was a little disgruntled that only Christian was credited with the win because we all know whose over-the-top style was present in this outfit: My favorite lil’ leopard.

When I was bitching about this to a friend, he reminded me that without the guidance of Christian, Chris would have made this look too ridiculous and costume-ish. And I think he’s right. The stylish bodice and ruffles were signature Christian, and so I conclude that they were an amazing team. And yes, the first dress they made was so awesome that it doesn’t matter how ugly the skirt on their second outfit was. They still deserved to win.
And that’s where Team Jillian/Victoria or as my friend cleverly deemed them “the JV Squad” comes in.

It was really funny seeing the two of these ladies paired together. I was sure they were going to get into a hair pulling cat fight, but somehow they made it work. In the end, this team made the most sense because Jillian is the only one bitchy enough to not get steamrolled by Victorya's cuntiness. Jillian got to make her pretty girly stuff and Victorya got to roll her eyes and turn a model's bust into a smashed uni-boob.
Their outfits were good, but I didn't dig the pants under the big black jacket. The best part of the show was the expression on Christian's face when Jillian said, "That's why we should win!"
And now on to the loser:

It's just not fair that Kit had to go home. Yes, her fabric choices were poor, and yes the nest dress was stupid, but come on:
Ricky got away with this K-mart-esque piece of garbage? I understand that being the team leader essentially equates to walking the plank if you do a bad job, but Kit had some great ideas and an original point of view. Ricky is just a useless piece of shit who can't stop crying and looks like Fievel Mousekewitz. How long are we going to keep him on the show? Are the producers keeping him around just because he's a tear-factory? He'd better be kicked off in the next episode.

Seeing Kit go was weird. I didn't realize how much I had come to like her. When I was yelling at the TV, throwing a tantrum over her auf'ing, my boyfriend looked at me with disgust. "Um, it's just Project Runway, and Kit wasn't even that good," he scoffed. Ok, maybe he had a point. But I guess I'm really getting into this season... finally!

So who do you think will be in the final 3? I'm thinking Christian, Victorya and Jillian. And although I hated Jillian at first and her voice makes me want to stab myself, I think she's my favorite to win. Don't get me wrong, I still heart Chris March the most, but hoping for him to win is like hoping for Dennis Kucinich to become President.