And America’s Next Top Model is….

Whitney Thompson of Atlantic Beach Florida.

Photo Source

A big surprise to me.  I really though Anya was going to win.  The representative from Cover Girl was fawning over her at the photo shoot with comments like “You model from your toes up!”

I think it’s a positive and interesting choice all at once.  The ANTM gals haven’t become big stars as the show suggests.  There are rumors that top modeling agencies and designers don’t like to be “told” who will be the next “it” girl.  So maybe Tyra and the show have decided to change direction a bit.  Neither girl did well in their commercial and Anya was a real disappointment in the final cat walk. 

Was it just me, or did anyone else think that final runway show in Rome was only staged for the show?  Other final runway shows seemed to be actual shows by the designer.  This one just had Versace clothes, not a Versace show per se.

What do you think about the choice?  I also found an interesting link of pictures of the past contestants and some pre-show photos of Whitney when she was a bit slimmer (or really sucking it in).  Click here.

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The other night, I was going through my Blog Surfer and ran across Girl About London’s post on lotus shoes.  For those of you who are unfamiliar, foot binding has a varied genesis. They include one story of a favored  Imperial concubine in the 9th century with tiny feet to an empress with club-like feet, whose disfigurement became fashionable.  However it started, the practice of foot binding continued in China until it was outlawed in the early 20th century.

In the beginning, foot binding was most popular among the wealthy.  Poor people needed their feet to do field work and other farm chores.  Wealthy women aspired to three inch feet known as “Golden Lotus”.  In some instances, women who could achieve such feet would be highly desirable to a prospective husband and may “marry up” in social class.

The process of foot binding was a barbaric and excruciating act.  It started in children around the age of 4 -6 years old.  Feet would be wrapped with all of the toes except the two big toes being broken and wrapped tightly. The process would be repeated every two days with tighter fresh bandages.  I will spare you all the gory details, but if you are interested in more information, you can click here for my source.

Here are some photo’s that I took from Girl About London’s post.  They are of an aging modern day woman with bound feet.  (Some photos are a bit graphic so I have not enlarged them.  You may click on them for a closer look.)

There was also a fetish aspect to this practice with men desiring to have intercourse with a woman’s unwrapped bound foot.  The only reason I mention this is because there are photos of some fetish shoes circulating around the Internet that look like this.

Sociologically, how much different are the lotus shoes from modern day high heels?  Quite a bit actually, first we do not mutilate our feet to such an extreme, but many of us do eventually end up with bunions, hammer toes and more in the name of a fashionable youth.  I for one am not exempt.  At a recent doctor appointment, the doc pointed out that my feet are already developing bunions.  Bunions?!  I thought only old ladies like my grandmother had bunions.  So does that mean that I am now bound to wearing Birkinstocks?  I won’t go that far, but I do try to find shoes that fit; which isn’t easy with a size 10 1/2 shoe (US).  Can you imagine what it would have been like for me in 9th century China?  I would have been shipped off to a farm for sure.

I’m really interested in your input on this subject and the correlation with modern fashion.  Leave me a comment and let me know.

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SJP, Anna Piaggi called and she wants her hat back.

Photo Source: Telegraph.co.uk

You may remember a post I wrote on Anna Piaggi and her hat collection.  Here’s one just to refresh your memory…

The milliner for SJP’s springtime creation was Philip Treacy.  I stumbled across this terrific interview on ev-said.com of the designer that is worth a read.

But back to the SATC gals.  Here’s a look at the whole cast.  But what’s with the B.S. in having the premier in London?  American women, American show, with New York City as the “Fifth Character”, what gives?  Here’s SJP’s response: “This is where New Line Cinema decided to do it, so we started here. We are thrilled to be in London and we will be thrilled to take it to America.”

To read more of the article in the Telegraph, click here.

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There’s so much to talk about surrounding the Costume Institutes’s “Superhero” show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  The fashion of those who attended, the fabulous and the strange) and news out about a new Diane von Furstenberg collection.

First up the fashion.  Two weeks ago we had the Fashion Sensei Says…Nerd Alert Edition and I told you about the “Superhero’s” show.  Today I thought you may like to see some of the fashion from those who attended the gala.

Editor of the style bible Vogue, Anna Wintour, wore a gown from Chanel Haute Couture.  The gown looks a little bit like a cross of Princess Leia and a Tauntaun ( I didn’t know the actual name of this animal from the movie, so don’t put me under suspicion.  I had to look it up).

This dress worn by Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann in Chris Benz, with the designer himself looks nothing like a cartoon or superhero.  It’s just an high fashion example of the geometric trend so popular right now.  I love it.

Here are some other noteworthy gowns from the gala.  (Click on the image for an enlargement.)

And some of the more unusual ensembles…

We can’t forget about the guys… *sigh*

Finally, I wanted to tell  you about some interesting news about a new Diane von Furstenberg collaboration.  While reading Indian Rose Fashionista’s site, I learned that DVF will be designing a new collection based on Wonder Woman, set to come out this holiday season.

“For this holiday season, von Furstenberg has collaborated with Warner Bros. Consumer Products on behalf of DC Comics and created a capsule collection of ready-to-wear, small leather goods and footwear that loosely takes its cues from the superheroine.” [WWD.com]

I’m really anxious to see the full collection, but here is a sneak peek…

Photo Source: WWD, nitro:licious

In honor of the new collection, Linda Carter(Wonder Woman herself) is shown here at the Costume Institute’s “Superhero’s” Gala with some wicked WW cuffs.

Naomi Watts has a little bit of Wonder Woman with the star on her dress and Pegasus rolled up in one with this dazzling pleated gown.

But I think the woman most worthy of a superhero title that night goes to Christina Ricciin Givenchy Haute Couture and Bulgari jewels.  This dress is just stunning.  It’s sort of Wonder Woman meets the new millennium.

For more behind the scenes click here for a video from Style.com.

Photo Source: Style.com 

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Hi there and Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there.  It’s around 6:00am and that’s actually sleeping in considering my 3 yr old came in our room demanding a waffle and cartoons at 5:00am this morning…Happy Mother’s Day to me.

In honor of Mother’s Day, I thought I would show off my two little boys.  Recently they were asked by this amazing photographer at JoeyLulu’s to be in their spring campaign.  While they were not as excited as their mother about the opportunity, she was still able to get some wonderful shots.

Here’s some of the photo’s…

Sorry, I couldn’t help but do a little bragging. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all you mothers who work so hard every day without a day off.  I hope you get a chance to kick back for just a few minutes.  And a special shout out to all the moms of special needs kids.  Although your kids don’t (or can’t) thank you, your love is more important than words can express.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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Clip These Coupons….

Click here to print a Brooks Brothers 25% off Friends & Family coupon or use discount code friend51 online.

Mad rush to pick up something for mom or need to freshen up? Click here for a $10 off coupon for Bath & Body Works on $30 min. purchase.

Click here for 20% off at Express, now until May 20th.

Save 20% on a new pair of kicks at Piperlime with discount code D1914JNYBNBB until May 14th.

I Heart BJ Art…

I always enjoy the artwork that Betsey Johnson provides for her sale and new line announcements.  Here’s a peek at her latest work entitled “Be In A Garden State Of Mind”.

Dress Your Vest…

There are lots of options with this vest from the Gap.  You can dress it up or dress it down, but don’t button it up with either of these shirts.

(click on image for shopping details)

Keep Your Germs To Yourself…

Gotta cold or the flu?  Here’s a stylish way to avoid sharing your germs with everyone around you.  The Museum of Modern Art has a very cute selection of exclusive lifestyle products in their Destination: Japan collection.

This mask below is an image of a maiko, a young geisha apprentice.  No need to keep applying your lipstick.

Carry On…

Spring is in the air and if you are feeling like a love bird these days, shout it to the world with this cute little tote from Tory Burch.

(click on image for shopping details)

Blushing Bride Past Or Present…

Speaking of love, looking for something special for your anniversary or fiance before the wedding?  Seek out a professional photographer like Courtney Jones Photography and create a work of art with a boudoir photo.  Nothing trashy, think Maxim.  You can put it in your dressing room or walk-in-closet.  Ooh-la-la!

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Not satisfied entirely with the modeling world, Agyness Deyn & FIVE O’CLOCK HEREOS have teamed up in “Who”.  It has a real 80’s sort of feel.  After listening to it a few times, I really kinda like it.

Deyn is no stranger to the music world.  Josh Hubbard of The Paddingtons has been Deyn’s beau since 2004.  She also posed with the band in 2007 for Vogue (sorry I can’t find the pic from that issue.)

Photo Source

In other Agyness news, it seems she is now a dummy; a fashion dummy that is.  The 50 year old  British mannequin company Adel has immortalized the supermodel in mannequin form and will be holding a party for the figure on May 20th in Chelsea, NY.

Source: The Fashion Spot/ avant-garb.net

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Last week, the ladies from Sex And The City were featured on Oprah talking about their new movie, relationships and of course fashion.

First up Sara Jessica Parker and her amazing gladiator-esque heels.  In this first segment, the audience of the Oprah show are treated to a SATC movie preview.  The audience is asked to swear not to tell a soul what they saw.  SJP says, “You can brag, you just can’t blog.”  But in the end they will have to go back to see the rest of the movie because they were not allowed to see the last 20 minutes.

This next segment reveals that SJP had an amazing 81 wardrobe changes for the movie.  Did she get to keep this wardrobe like she did from the show?  Some day she needs to have an old fashioned garage sale, that would be something to fly in for.

Notice the music that the ladies come out to.  Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton got his hands on a recording the new theme song for the movie done by Fergie.  Click here to take a listen to the whole recording.  I’m very interested to hear your opinion on this one.

At the end of this segment, they address Cynthia Nixon and her diagnosis of breast cancer.

In this segment, they pick up with Cynthia and address her relationship with her current partner Christine. 

Kim Cattrall also talks about her boyfriend who is 23 years younger than her.  And is it true that she and her beau like to cook dinner in the nude?

Get your babysitters and girlfriends ready… May 30th is the release date for SATC movie. Kristen Davis and the gals talk about aging and Post SATC “let down” after the show in this segment.

Get Ready for Mr. Big…  “Welcome home baby.”

Now the best for last…the fashion!  Patricia Field takes us through the covetable and I mean covetable wardrobe from the movie.  Strap up your belts…

The countdown has started, only 25 more days!  Get your girlfriends and your Manolo’s ready!!

Photo Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Photo Source: Style Slicker 

A couple of weeks ago, sinisterrouge from Buttercup Punch wrote “What Is Fashion Sense?”.

I was really struck by her honesty:

“I have no fashion sense. None. I also have no beauty sense. I lack what people would refer to as ‘girly-ness.’ I wear barely any makeup. I don’t do my hair. I don’t know how to apply liquid eyeliner. Don’t get me wrong. I get by. I can do the basics. Like jeans and a sweater. But to put an outfit together? That is what I would refer to as hell.”

There are a lot of women out there that feel like sinisterrouge, with the overwhelming choices available to women and the trends that are in today and out tomorrow.  What do you buy?

Another contributing factor to her fashion sense quandry, was her strict upbringing and a lack of a beauty or fashion mentor.  Sometimes it really does go back to your childhood doesn’t it?  I once had a conversation with a client who would compliment me on a pair of red Mary Jane shoes that I wore.  I finally convinced her to buy a pair of red shoes similar to mine.  After I delivered them to her, she revealed to me that she felt that she could never wear red shoes because her mother told her only “harlots” wear red shoes.  Wow!  I can only imagine what she would think of me, I wear those shoes all the time.

I think fashion sense can be an inherent trait or something you can learn.  That is much of what I try to do with this blog.  I sincerley try to impart helpful information with these Fashion Lessons so you can move past some of the inherited attitudes from your childhood and embrace your own athstetics.

The rules in fashion are always changing.  Wearing matching shoes and handbags was a rule our parents or grandparents wouldn’t dare deviate from.  Now, the only time you see matching shoes and handbags are when people are wearing black and I venture to guess that is the only color purse they own.

When trying to break out of your preconceived fashion confines, take baby steps.  Choose a new bracelette or necklace.  Buy a scarf for your hair for those bad hair days (the one pictured is only $4.80, click on it) or go really crazy and buy a pair of shoes with color in them, not just the black or brown variety.

When your ready for a real overhaul, invite your best friend over and have them help you go through your closet.  A close friend like this should have no problem advising you if something is too old, too ugly, or too small.  THEN GET RID OF IT! Too many of us hold on to a bunch of old crap that we don’t wear any more, or fit the afore mentioned criteria.  It’s time to break up with the old college T-Shirt that has holes and stains from your first college kegger.  Discarding old clothes does not mean that your are throwing away pieces of yourself or parts of your life.

Some people hold on to the ugliest clothes, shoes etc. because it represents some period of their life.  Take a picture of it, put it in an album and move on.  Make a quilt (albeit an ugly one) to remember all those pieces of your life.  At least that is practicle and will leave you more closet space to usher in a new chapter in your life.

Don’t do it because you feel guilty, do it because you deserve it.  Thanks sinisterrouge!

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After seeing this first event and nearly making an entire post out of it, I decided to have a theme to today’s Fashion Sensei Says.  Enjoy!

Le Geek So Chic…

Hot off the Style.com newswire, Superheros: Fashion and Fantasy is set to go on display May 7th at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Here’s a sneak peak of what looks to be a fantastic show.

Masked Mavens

Inspiration

Cat Woman

Runway

Every Superhero needs and emblem

Inspiration

Superman, Queen with Supermen

Runway

When Super Powers Just Aren’t Enough- Body Armor

Inspiration

Iron Man, Tron

Runway

The Feminine Caped Crusader

Inspiration

Jane Fonda in Barbarella

Runway

Free For All…

May 3rd is Free Comic Book Day.  Hit your local comic book store to pick up one free comic from a list of titles.  For more information, click here.  Sci-Fi Sensei has been talking about this for weeks and was excited to see this cover to the local entertainment section of the Detroit Free Press today.

Not A Paper Cup…

From the fabulous Thinking Geek site comes the Not A Paper Cup. This ceramic, thermal java cup is fantastic!

Beauty and Brains Too…

While toting your new coffee cup, show that you have a dose of brains to go with your astonishing beauty.  The below  Caffeine Babydoll Tee has the molecular structure for your morning buzz.

I hope you enjoyed this abbreviated Fashion Sensei Says… and getting in touch with your “Inner Geek”.

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