Fashion Sensei Says…

 

Hi everyone, this very late edition of Fashion Sensei Says… comes with some fancy new fonts that I have been experimenting with.  I just discovered that there is a new edition to Windows Live Writer so I have been playing with some of the new features.

My apologies for the scarcity of posts.  I think the stomach virus’ that have been wreaking havoc in my household have finally subsided (fingers crossed).

 

Man Skirts?

The NY Times is blaming Marc Jacobs for the new skirt trend seen on Paris runways during Men’s Fashion Week.  Designers, including Number (N)ine, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Rick Owens- all had fellas strutting their stuff in skirts.  What no minis?  On second thought, I don’t want to see that either. [Photo Source: Vogue.com]

 

Silly Monkey…

(click on images for photo source and shopping info.)

Someone reportedly paid $2,025 on eBay for a pair of Naughty Monkey shoes that Sara Palin wore during her campaign for Vice President.  The shoes that regularly retail for $100 were sold by a person who identified herself as Palin’s niece.  As a bonus- the Alaskan Governor is supposed to sign the shoes too.  [the cut]

I did a little searching and found the exact same pair on Endless.com marked down to $86.90.  I mean if you want to be a Naughty Monkey, why not go for a pair of shoes like these?

I “Double Dare” you…

Check out more about Governor Palin on the cut, where they also report her $180k wardrobe has been stuffed away in garbage bags.

 

Forgive Me For Finding Humor In the Following Statement…

I was just reviewing a long list of press releases and this one struck me as funny: “L.L. Bean Recalls Ice Cleats Used During Winter Weather Due to Fall Hazard”  [PR Newswire]  Man that sucks.

 

This One’s Not So Funny…

“Vermont Teddy Bear’s Limited-Edition ‘Recession-Proof Love’ Bear Brings a Bit of Humor to this ‘Bear Market’ “  [PR Newswire]

There’s nothing humorous about losing 40% of your 401k’s value.  Nor would I want a broke bear to remind me of it.

 

 

 

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Fashion Sensei Says…

On My Own…

Well, I didn’t win the free personal trainer for 6 weeks (boo-hoo!) so that means that I will have to motivate myself into getting in better shape.  I finally lifted a weight other than my two children today.  So back to the gym I go…  How’s everyone else doing?

 

Happiness Is…Free Loot!

To console myself after the loss of the personal trainer contest, I entered another contest to win some free boots and you can too.

The ladies over at Running With Heels are giving away a pair of fab new boots by La Canadienne.  The great thing about them is that they are made for comfort, are breathable and waterproof.  Something this MI gal can appreciate when there is a foot of snow on the ground!  Be sure to click on the link above to enter. 

In other free loot news, head on over to the Fashion Sensei Coupons to see how you can win some more swag from jbandme.com.  Check back each week in February for new discounts and prizes.

 

Footloose And Fancy Green…

I have gotten word that Zoe & Zac, in an alliance with model, environmentalist and eco trendsetter, Summer Rayne Oakes (yes that’s her God given name, and no she says, her parents are not hippies),  have partnered and designed a new eco-friendly brand of shoes for Payless this April.

In a statement from Payless,  the line is to include stylish footwear and “accessory products that are also green through the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as organic cottons and linen, natural hemp and recycled outsoles, as well as the use of eco-smart packaging”.

The initial launch is to only include women’s products all priced under $30, and future lines will include expanded lines for children and men. 

 

It’s So Sad To Say Good-Bye…

I received a disappointing e-mail yesterday from the owner of a local boutique called Gracie’s.  It said that after four years, she will be closing up shop.  Another victim of the Great Recession.

I stopped by Gracie’s when I first started my personal shopping service and she was so wonderful.  Not only was she willing to loan me clothes to take to my clients, but she even offered to deliver them to me.

I remember asking her how she chose the name Gracie’s.  She told me that if she ever had a daughter, she wanted to name her Gracie and since she does not have a daughter of her own, she was nurturing her “baby” Gracie in the form of a boutique.

Now that she is closing, it feels like a death of a dream.  And as someone who is chasing a dream of her own, it saddens me.

Her 75% off sale starts today, so if you live near Birmingham go check it out and wish Jill well.

What have you seen in your community and how has it affected you?  Leave me a comment.

 

This Weeks Funny Fashions…

I didn’t want to leave you bummed out so here’s something funny to end the post.

Click on each image from style.com for more information.

Fashion’s idea of a space age straight jacket.

 

Marie Antoinette meets a geometric quilting bee.

 

“Forgive me fashion, for I have sinned”.

 

In a full body mug shot,  Crystal was picked up by the fashion police for her peek-a-boo un-speakables. 

Leave me captions of your own…

 

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The Cut, Clueless & Sexy Beijing

Now that all the holidays are over, I’ve been catching up on all that’s new in the fashion blog-o-sphere.  Here’s a sampling of what I found: 

the cut- 

NY Magazine’s fashion blog the cut had all sorts of interesting fashion news.

First, they delighted in speculation that Vogue editor, Anna Wintour may be the next French Ambassador for the Obama Administration.  Sounds a bit too far-fetched to me, but it doesn’t sound like the fashion world would be too sorry to see her go, according to the cut: 

[T]he fashion world is buzzing over the rumor that Wintour might leave “with a guillotine glee akin to that which preceded the death of Marie Antoinette.”

 

No Sale, No Teenagers

In another bit of elitist news, there are reports that Versace stores refuse to put their merchandise on sale to dissuade the likes of us common folk and the more insidious demographic: teen girls. 

“Our regular client was not queuing on January 3-4 in Milan or Rome but was on the slopes in St Moritz or on a boat in the Caribbean,” he said. “We want to offer a real luxury and not to open our doors to the consumption of young girls who can put the designer handbag of their dreams on their arm with less than 300 Euros. We are not interested in that.”

I for one was working with a client ( a lovely one at that) instead of cruising the Caribbean on Jan. 3rd and on the 4th, I was involved with something that Versace would deem blasphemous: grocery shopping!  I’m not sure I will be invited to a Versace party any time soon…

Are You Kidding?!

And the last bit of news from the cut involves the indie- stylista- actress Chloë Sevigny.  In an interview for Esquire magazine, miss Sevigny states:

“I don’t really have any concept of how money works. I don’t know how much things cost. Like a BMW. Or a quart of milk. It’s embarrassing.”

Comments like that make me want to slap her silly.  But since it appears that she is already silly and I am not a violent person,  I will instead offer a standing invitation to come grocery shopping with me on any given Sunday.  Love you Chloë . 

My New Fav: Sexy Beijing

So while I was catching up on all the new fashion blogger news, I visited Fashion nation and discovered this fantastic site called Sexy Beijing.  It’s an internet production based in Beijing, China that involves an American woman interviewing the Chinese people on topics involving: love, relationships, sex and women’s issues.

Channeling Carrie Bradshaw of Sex And The City, creator Anna Sophie Loewenberg, a.k.a. Su Fei, travels the city interviewing the Chinese people about the afore mentioned topics and in turn, brings us closer to a culture that many of us here in the West, have never seen. 

In a video presently on the main page of her site, she interviews Chinese construction workers on their love lives and what qualities a good wife embodies.

Upon viewing the video, I was first struck by Anna Sophie’s fantastic Mandarin accent.  It was as though a local Chinese woman had taken over her body.  After living in China for a decade, she seems to have perfected a Mandarin accent.

I was also fascinated by how candid these men were in answering her questions.  The men in her piece were very open to share their opinions.

As a Western woman, my interest was piqued a couple of times when I learned that matchmakers were still commonly used in the country and by a reply from one of the workers who viewed beauty as useless.

When asked what was more important, looks or cooking skills, the man replied, “Cooking skills.  Good looks are useless right?  What good is beauty if I don’t eat well?”  Quite a polar opposite to American men don’tcha think?

I encourage you to check out her site for yourself.  To read an article about her from CNN, click here.

Have a great weekend everyone!

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Campaign T-Shirts

I can’t help but notice that there are more campaign t-shirts than ever this election.

I will say up front that I am still undecided at this point, so there is no bias in my selection of shirts for this post.

However, from a fashion standpoint, Obama seems to have the upper hand, with an entire web page of designer campaign t-shirts.

The page is entitled “Runway to Change” and has designers from Alexander Wang to Zac Posen.

(click on images for shopping info)

When I logged on to John McCain’s site, I couldn’t find any love from the fashion designers.  Just these…

The funniest one that I found for the McCain/Palin ticket was this one from Cafe Press.

 

Which shirt do you vote for?

                                                         Gap

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Biniki: The Butt Bra

I was listening to the radio yesterday and one of the hosts was laughing because she said that she was going to order the “Butt Bra” and let the listeners know how it worked out.

The “Butt Bra”?

The first thing that came to mind was the male bra that Kramer invented for George’s dad called the “Bro” or “Manzier” from Seinfeld.  (Be sure to watch the clip it’s hilarious.)

I had never heard of a Butt Bra.

Well, here it is…the Biniki.

For approximately $29.95 you can purchase what looks like a series of elastic bands sewn together to give a little lift to your lovely lady lump.

Biniki is comfortable, invisible under most clothing, emphasizes smaller derrieres, provides needed support for those with more in back, stays in place with all movement and raises the rear as much as an inch on many people! The basic structure of Biniki is a waist/hip band with two strategically placed adjustable leg loops that encircle the buttocks. [gizmag.com]

I’m not so sure there is a bumrush for this product yet, butt you never know.

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Bruno Takes On Milan Fashion Week

Friday, “Bruno” aka Sacha Baron Cohen terrorized Milan Fashion Week with backstage pranks and a trip down the runway.

Currently filming, Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Male, Bruno, along with his camera crew, created a different sort of excitement backstage at the Iceberg, Mariella Burani and Roberto Musso shows.

Mr. Cohen’s fashion diva alter ego Bruno, reportedly threw himself about on the floor and into racks of clothes in what seemed to be a self imposed fashion crisis, while also pretending to tear off his clothes.

Unrecognizable at first, Cohen wore a prosthetic nose and blond wig.  But it wasn’t long before the ruse was up and an unamused Italian Chamber of Fashion sent out memos barring Cohen and the several production company names he was suspected to be associated with, from Milan’s fashion shows.

But nothing stops Bruno….

 

Sources: the cut, WWD, YouTube, TheBrunoMovie.com

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Fashion Sensei Says…

Visual DNA

A friend of mine sent me this link for an interactive test to discover your Visual DNA.  You are taken through a series of pictures where you are asked to click on the photo that most appeals to you in that category.

At the end of the visual questionnaire, you will have a profile that describes your visual personality.

I took a test like this once at the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art.  It was set up during a big social function for people to determine their dating personality.  The funny thing is, at the end of the test, you were assigned a color and a corresponding “match” color.  The idea was for everyone to wear their sticker and you would then be better able to identify your perfect mate.

Click here to determine your Visual DNA.

Get Ready to Laugh Out Loud

On a recent trip to the library, I was reviewing the New York Times Best Seller List, in hopes of finding an interesting new read.  I was immediately drawn to Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler.  Mainly because it was a take on my all time favorite book from adolescence, Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. by Judy Blume. 

I certainly wasn’t disappointed by this hysterically absurd memoir written by comedian Chelsea Handler.  My only disappointment, was not skipping my girls night out two weeks ago, and driving the 10 miles to Barnes and Nobel to meet her when she was in town.

Be aware though, she is very irreverent.  There were a few topics that I was a little bummed that she poked fun at, but I think that’s her shtick.

Irresponsible and Disturbing

MTV has initiated a casting call for young women from 17 and 24, five foot nine and six feet tall, and between 130 and 190 pounds to be a part of their new reality show Model Maker.

Here is an excerpt from their press release:

“Women come in all shapes and sizes, but models don’t. The term model conjures an image of stick-thin, towering beauties oozing confidence, glamour, poise and sexuality from every pore. “Skinny,” “no body fat,” and “size zero” are the words and phrases associated with models. “Chubby,” “well-fed,” and “big- boned” are not.”

It goes on to say, “With weekly eliminations looming, models must put their best foot forward at all times while staying focused on losing weight.”

The winner will receive $100,000, a modeling portfolio, a personal trainer for a year and “the chance to jumpstart the career of your dreams.”

Can you say disgusting?!

Source: amNewYork; theCut

From Buns to Bust

Have you ever dreamed of transplanting the extra junk in your trunk to your bust?  According to a recent report in the WSJ, the option may be on it’s way to the U.S. 

A procedure that couples a person’s own fat cells with stem cells is already being administered in Japan and Europe and may be a better alternative to saline and silicone.

With recent news from Christina Applegate’s courageous battle with breast cancer, and her subsequent election to have a double mastectomy, using the patients own fat cells, may be a welcome option for breast cancer survivors.

All I have to say is, I am more than willing to donate some of my belly fat to science.

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Caption These…

Fergie

Eva Herzigova

Denise Richards

Source for all the above

Don Cherry

I love Grapes, click here for last nights look.

Source

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Return Of The Kids In The Hall

I’m so excited to hear that the Canadian cross dressing comedy troupe Kids In The Hall are coming to town on their 30 city two month tour.

For those of you who aren’t familiar, the group had a cult following during their run on television from 1988-1995.  They were famous for sketches like The Chicken Lady, Head Crusher, The Eradicator and the effeminate bar fly  Buddy Cole.  (click on afore-mentioned links for videos)

An admirable quality about their work is the timelessness of their material.  Sketches like this one with my favorite re-occurring characters Fran and Gordon are just as funny now as they were 18+ years ago.  In this skit Gordon announces that he has been fired and blames Fran because she sent him to work with his soup in a bag for lunch.

In celebration of the new tour, AV Club.com has a terrific new interview catching up with the guys after opening night of their “Live As We’ll Ever Be” show.

In the interview, the guys reveal the genesis of their new collaboration, what it is like to work together again, their sense of humor and if they still feel confident in dresses.

It’s a fascinating read. Click here for the full interview and bonus video clips.

Photo Source:AV Club.com

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Fashion Sensei Says…

Clip These Coupons…

Ann Taylor, AT Loft and AT Factory Store Friends and Family 25% off coupon.  Click here to print the coupon and details.

Banana Republic 15% off Coupon any purchase of $75 or more on-line or in store.  Click here to print coupon or access on-line coupon code.  (Please note you may have to magnify it when opening it)

Express- Click here for 20% off a $75 purchase or $10 off a $20 purchase now until April 20th.

Victoria’s Secret- 20% off Terry Essentials on-line use offer code TERRY20 at check out.  Click here and print for $10 off bra & free panty with purchase. Click here for more offers.

 

Strike A Pose…

This stylish Yoga Bag is constructed from “recycled plastic bags picked from the trash heaps of a New Delhi slum. Rather than let them pile up in landfills, the bags are hand picked by women who are paid a fair wage in order to turn trash into high-style treasure. They’re made by an Indian non-profit company that employs and empowers 300 low-caste women who had no employment opportunities. Incredibly, no dyes are used to make the colorful patterns—instead layers of different color plastic bags are simply fused together.”

(click on image for shopping information)

 

Bold And The Beautiful…

Be sure to stop in to your local H&M and check out their tribute collection of Marimekko designs.  The bold prints and reasonable prices are something that we all can appreciate.  Click here for a slide show from H&M.

 

Stuff It!

Now there is a stylish alternative for your sunglasses.  Take a look at this case from hayden-hartnett. (click on image for shopping details)

 

 

 

Shoes…

You never know what  you are going to get when you type this word into Google.  Maybe I’m in a strange mood, but I thought this video was funny.  Now I can’t get the song out of my head.  Please be aware that there is explicit language at the end of this video.

 

Carry On…

There’s just something about paisley that I love.  This bag from kate spade is no exception.

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