Project Runway Recaps: Episode 6 --"You Ain't No Waif Yourself"!

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 6 --"You Ain't No Waif Yourself"!

Villain Ven, a Brawny Paper Towel (Wo)man, Hoochie Momma's and My Recap:



Oh Ven!

Posterboy for Plus Size Bashing? Project Runway Season 10 designer/contestant Ven Budhu

Villain Ven: Last night's Project Runway episode was about designers working with "real people"--as opposed to size 0 six foot tall Super-humans known as models. It was the "L'Oreal Hair Challenge of Making Over a Friend" Challenge. The ten remaining designers got ten women of varying sizes and it was their job to create a new stylish look for them. Ven Budhu, who up to now has been a top favorite because of his consistent, elegant styles and Haute Couture aesthetic, suddenly became the most hated contestant of Season 10. I, for one, was one of his "cheerleaders"...

Terri (left in her Ven Budhu Cocktail-meets-work design) and her designer, Ven with Terri's friend Theo, on the right photo

But that was all thrown out the door last night. Not because he created something majorly ugly, but because he was a disrespecting human being--toward his lovely client, a woman named Terri. Throughout the episode, he said some doozies like he was "shocked and disappointed" that he had to work with a real person and not a model, and that his client has no fashion sense and isn't fashion forward--I could go on and on...

Take That Ven!

It was so disgusting that at one point, I almost threw my carb-filled Fettuccine Alfredo dinner at him for saying all those nasty thing about--and to--his beautiful client Terri--but I didn't want to ruin my perfectly good flat-screen TV. What. Is. Ven's. Problem? And like I say in my Lifetime.com Recap--I was so surprised NO ONE--his client or her good friend who enlisted her for this Makeover--went right back at him with a "You AIN'T no WAIF yourself Ven!".

Big Is Beautiful

Important Bullet-points for Ven:

* Non-Size 4 Women Are BEAUTIFUL too!

* The Average Size of the American Woman is a 14

* Good Luck having a Fashion Business without MAJORLY apologizing to all these women

and finally

* Wouldn't it be nice to Google your name and see your fabulous fashions first...as opposed to your photo as a "Plus Size Basher"?



Moving on...let's get to some of the FUN parts of last night's Episode:

Guest Judge British fashion designer Alice Tamperley, whose client includes Catherine, Ducchess of Windsor (wearing one of her Temperley London designs at the London premiere of "War Horse"--The designer didn't know what "Hoochie Momma" meant (until Michael Kors translated it into UK-speak and said "a Tart"--in case you still don't understand Ms. Temperley...



This is HOOCHIE:

This Is Not:

Dmitry and his client Angela: Dmitry Sholokhov's look for his client was directional, very NYC, Fashion Dominatrix--It was one of the Top Looks from the episode. I loved this look. I only wished that it would have been longer--right above the knee or to-the-knee would have been perfect! But a good job Dmitry (and his HOT client Angela).

Gunnar and his client, Kim: First off, congrats to Gunnar Deatharage for NOT being a Ven Size-ist and complaining about how "big" your client was. I have to admit that I would have expected that behavior from you (you have been that Bit*** Queen "character" this season huney!) but...you were a PERFECT Gentleman. Your momma done taught you right! Now, back to Kim--she was Fabulous and Fierce on the Runway. Whatever she's drinkin'...I want SOME!!!



Brawny Girl Winner:

Before: designer Fabio Costa's client Ko-Rely (above) and her plaid non-sexually threatening plaid shirt

Ko-Rely's Muse (above)--The Brawny Paper Towel Man

After: Fabio won this "Make Over My Friend" Challenge for his original color-blocked dress for his formerly known as "Brawny Paper Towel Girl" Ko-Rely--she looked great (sans the belt)

The Hoochie Momma's:

Sonija William's twisted knot dress for her client was a little too short and the judges really didn't like it. I was surprised Alicia Hardesty's very, very tacky design--a pink taffeta badly-fitting WAAAY too short dress--did not end up at the bottom. She was VERY VERY lucky because for me, this was WORSE than who actually got the boot:

Nathan Paul's royal blue and black dress for his client--Liana who sings pop/R and B--ended up at the bottom for almost the same reasons I think Alicia's dress should have been at the bottom. Liana did look like a tacky club goer at some Vegas nightclub--and the side illusion panels did not help, but...I still think Alicia's might have been worse. 

Which was MORE Hoochie in your eyes?



Here's My Recap :

You Ain't No Waif Yourself

On almost every season of "Project Runway"
there is the "Dress A Real Person Challenge." In past seasons, designers
have had to work with moms, bratty teenagers, and even on my season, we
had to make over our fellow designers. Don't remind me the outcome of
that one. Moving on... It's the challenge that both furthers the
stereotype that (some) fashion designers are body dysmorphic creatures
who worship and idolize the size 0, 6 foot tall, super human creatures
(models), and at the same time, can show that we do care about a "real
size" woman. It's an intelligent designer who can be successful at the
latter, which is of course the most important factor, since most women
are NOT a size 0, 2 or even an 8 for that matter. In actuality the
average american woman is a size 14. So with that in mind, let's start
this week's recap:



I Have Style ... But My Friend Doesn't

Heidi waltzes onto the "Runway" stage and announces that "for your
next challenge, we have some new clients for you." Ten men and women
enter and flank Miss Klum. Before the remaining 10 designers can whisper
in disgust a, "Are we creating something for them?!" Heidi adds, "Well,
these aren't your new clients ... you'll be creating looks for their
FRIENDS." It's the L'Oreal Hair Challenge of Making Over a Friend. OK,
now you can cut to the designers giving looks of "We have to dress REAL
PEOPLE!?" Even Heidi noticed the "Oh no" looks as she tries to remind
the designers that "this might be a lot of fun..." The operative word
here is MIGHT. Even Heidi wasn't buying what she was selling — knowing
there is bound to be designer/client drama. They all head to the Parsons
workroom where Tim awaits with L'Oreal consulting hair stylist Johnny
Lavoy, who will help in creating the friend makeover transformations.



Meet Your Clients

Time to meet each of the designers' "real life clients" who were
(supposedly) chosen for each designer at random: Sonjia gets Amanda, a
sweat pant-loving tomboy who hates to shop. Elena is handed Jenna, who
is "bubbly" and loves color. Christopher gets Kate, who is hoping for a
trendy jacket. Dmitry is paired with Angela who likes chunky jewelry and
contrast. Alicia gets Martina, who wants men to marry her and women to
BE her (at-a-girl!). And finally, Melissa gets Kannace who likes
dresses...



CLICK HERE to read the rest of my Recap--and make sure to let me know YOUR thoughts--on Ven, Hoochie Momma's, and Big Beautiful Women--after the Recap on my BLOG 

Obama and Romney: A Fashion Election Style Minute

Obama and Romney: A Fashion Election Style Minute

Khakis, Mom Jeans, Too Big Dress Shirts & Bland, Bland, Bland...

Presidential Chic: US President Barrack Obama and Governor Romney giving "Presidential Suit Style" at the first 2012 Presidential Debate

Running For President = BLAND Fashion. Why do Presidents or persons running for President of the U.S.A. look so BLAND? Is that what America wants? And should it be that way? Let me raise this question: why do they have to dress like that? Is it good to look bland and so "middle-of-the-road" in terms of style and fashion? Does dressing too well send bad messages to the voters, such as "Too style-concerned means they are frivolous and not worried about the economy, taxes and foreign policy". Of course, as a voter myself, I would not think that but perhaps I am in the minority. As the election draws to an end (Thank God!), and after watching so much news coverage of President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney, I began to think--as a Fashion Designer --WHY do these men wear those pleated khakis; why are their dress shirts SO BIG; and why, oh why...do they have to wear Mom Jeans and those navy nylon blouson jackets. Why are the men running for President of the U.S.A. so unfashionable? They dress like my 85 year old dad--who, I love but--he's EIGHTY-FIVE! But maybe that's how America wants to see their Presidents and/or Presidential hopefuls...



Khaki Love:

President Obama and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie: I get it, President Obama is touring the destruction and damage Super-storm Sandy brought upon New Jersey (here with NJ Governor Chris Christie) and therefore, his outfit has to say "Casual, Concerned but yet still, Business-minded". To me, it's fine, but why does it ALWAYS have to be this; it's like the Straight Man's Version of "Casual Friday's at the Office". But he still looks like an insurance salesmen surveying the damage. I guess I should just be happy that at least President Obama was wearing FLAT FRONT khakis--as opposed to these pleated ones he featured in the past:

 Pleated Nonsense: President Obama in pleated khakis (and too-big shirts)

I know that he's got "bigger fish to fry" than what to wear but...I wonder if he asks someone in his staff "What should be appropriate for this sort of thing?" and some person with no knowledge of style says "khakis, an open-collar dress shirt, and a nylon jacket". If a Fashion Gay (like me) got to him, I would at least, give him a FAB Trench Coat! Oh--and a scarf. Hermes, preferably. But, yes I am happy that at least someone got to him and told him to DITCH the pleated khakis and go for the FLAT FRONT. Thank you Michelle Obama (I presume--or that gay staffer with style!).

Romney Not Exempt: Governor Mitt Romney drank the "Blouse-y Jacket Kool-Aid" too...this whole ensemble looks like the "Dad Meeting his Daughter's New Boyfriend...on a Saturday" outfit. But to the US, it says "I can be casual too!".  I don't even know what to say. This jacket needs to be put away...far, far away. Maybe the US Government can spend some of my tax money on hiring a design company to make "uniforms"--stylish ones--for the Presidents and Hopeful Presidents--something similar to say, what Banana Republic just designed for the Virgin America staff, flight attendants and pilots  to wear:

I would be all for that. They would create an "Outfit to Tour Disaster Areas", an "Outfit To Tour Ohio", an "Ensemble to visit the Troops", an "Outfit for a Europe Visit", and so on. The First Lady spends so much time on her clothing (and in return, we the public, spend the same amount of time--if not more--scrutinizing it), why can it be the same for the men?



Mom Jean Boys:

PS: It's 2012, Boys: I just about cringe when I see both Governor Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama in those too-high waisted mom jeans. I give points to Governor Romney for his pant legs being a little slimming--but, I take them away when  I see those tacky "whiskers" on the jeans. And need I remind everyone of President Obama and those mom jeans he wore when he threw out the first pitch at the All-Star game back in 2009. I think I gave away a similar style to Out of The Closet back in 1993! Have we seen  Obama wear these again? Nope, not so much. Hopefully, he gave those away too. And not to the Smithsonian!



Too Big Dress Shirts:

Dress Shirt Madness: Both President Obama and Governor Romney love the no-tie, unbutton one button look when they are out there on the "stump" reaching out to the "blue-collar" voters. This is a big theme during those visits. This fashion style makes them look a little more "like us"--or so their handlers think. To me, they look like they are selling vacuum cleaners but I guess to the rest of America, they look "Presidential Casual". And what is up with the roll-up the cuffs thing? So TIRED. Seriously, do people still think this mean s"Oh, look, they're getting to work!! Yipee!".

Tie-Less Boys: Governor Romney and President Obama

Too Large: Why is the shirt SO big? I seriously want to grab three inches off the side and take up about the same amount through the armhole. In all my years as a designer and working with wardrobe stylists on many shows, we always came across men who wanted their clothing WAY too big; we would ask them "What size are you?" And they would say "42 Regular" and we would put them in  a 38R. What is it about men (or at least STRAIGHT Men) wanting to wear boxier, bigger garments? Slimmer dress shirts boys.

So Who Will Win the Presidential Fashion "Nick" Test?

President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney--I'm not sure either will win in the Fashion Election, but hopefully all politicians will slowly move away from the pleated khakis, mom jeans, too-big dress shirts and blouse-y nylon jackets. What do you guys think? Should our Presidents and President Hopefuls look a little more stylish or at least, stop dressing like 85 year old men? Should they ditch those khakis, rolled up too-big shirts and look a little more polished and up-to-date? Should the same "First Lady Fashion Rule" apply to the men? I'd love to hear your feedback!! Do our Presidents and Presidential Hopefuls Need a Style Makeover? Yea or Nay?

Basic Fashion For Teenage Guys - Tips For Girls Only.

Basic Fashion For Teenage Guys - Tips For Girls Only.

TEENAGE GIRLS FASHION

 The teen years can be a confusing stage, especially when it comes to individual style and fashion. Instead of trying to always fit in with the peer group, as most teens do, it’s also about being an individual and making your own mark. If you have a teen girl at home, you’ve probably already seen her fretting over what to wear and how to style her look.

As a mom, here’s your chance to update your girl with some interesting and very ‘it’ fashion styles that are all the rage right now. Check out some fun and fresh fashion tips for teens that they love to try out.

Here is a list of fashion ideas for teens that will let your teen girl find her own style and be comfortable with it:

1. Colorful Layering:
    Layering is one fashion trend that is always in rage, and goes perfect for all age groups.

    Help your teen try out all her colorful clothes at once, without them looking too in your face.

    Ask your teen to wear a colorful vest and style it with a colorful shirt or jacket on the top.

    Let her pair it with plain denims and sneakers, and a colorful cross body bag.

2. Striped Simple Crop Top:
  Crop tops have come back with a bang and lots of teens as well as adults are wearing it all the time.

    Your teen can wear a cute striped crop top in neutral tones, such as a black and white striped one, and pair it with a simple pair of denims.

    To keep the focus on the top, ask her to keep the accessories or makeup to a bare minimum.

3. Winter Color Match:
    Your teen can use some bright colors in her winter wardrobe to make sure the look is structured, yet vibrant.

    Ask her to pair any two items in her outfit in a color of choice, such as a bright teal woolen cap with a bright teal woolen scarf.

    Make sure she keeps the rest of the outfit is in neutral or light tones, so that the focus remains on the color coordinated ones. A plain white tee or shirt with a basic pair of denims will go great. This is one of the best fashion tips for teenage girls.

4. The Basic Vest:
    The basic vest is one fashion accessory that should be a must-have in your teen’s wardrobe.

    A basic vest in the shade of white will always help her coordinate her other clothes around it.

    Let your teen try out a white vest with a blue pair of denims and simple or bright tie-on sneakers.

    She can also use a number of accessories on her hand to create the layered effect.

    The best part about this look is that your teen can always add another layer on top, by using a scarf, a shirt, a tee or even a jacket.

5. Classic Blue Denim Jacket:
    Make sure your teen has a classic denim jacket in her wardrobe in the shade blue, as it is one fashion accessory everyone should have.

    She can either go for a more form fitted one jacket or one that is a little big for her size, as both will look great when paired up with other clothes.

    Your teen can wear the jacket over a dress, over a regular skirt and top, over a vest and denim combo, over formal attire, or even as a buttoned-up jacket with a black pair of denims.

6. Shorts And Stockings:
    Teens love wearing shorts, and it is one fashion item that your girl can always use to make a stunning style statement.

    Help your teen dress up a simple pair of blue denim shorts by wearing a netted stocking underneath.

    She can team it up with a white crop top and a colorful pair of tie-on sneakers.

    To give the whole look that much more edge, ask her to add a cap and aviators. This is the best teen fashion tips.

7. Vibrant Pair Of Glasses:
    Big and chunky frames of glasses have come back to make a major style statement, both for teens and adults alike.

    The best part about using glasses as a fashion accessory is that your teen can choose the type of look she wants to create.

    You can help your teen choose a pair of glasses that are either same in color or have multiple colors in them. Also, ask her to choose colors that are more vibrant instead of dull, as they will help to brighten up a plain look.

    Your teen can use the glasses with her formal wear as well as easy and fun casual wears.

8. Arm Candies:
    Styling your arm with the right type of accessories is a big fashion statement, one where your teen girl can actually mix and match her different bangles and bracelets.

    From chunky bracelets and bangles to the more dainty and feminine ones, your teen can go for a super stylish layering effect to add character to a regular and plain outfit.

    Let your teen decide what type of look she wants to wear for that particular day. She can take a pick from leather bands, braided bracelets, chunky jeweled bangles, wooden bangles, beaded bracelets, charm bracelets, wristlets, shell bracelets and many many more.

    Make sure that if she wants the highlight to be around her arm, she needs to keep the other accessories to a minimum or not wear any.

9. Pretty In Boots:
    Let your teen girl have a gala time dressing up her outfits by choosing some cute and fashionable boots to go with them.

    These days, boots are available in a variety of colors and styles, not just the blacks and browns of earlier times.

    Ask your teen to pick two pairs in her favorite colors. She can wear them with outfits that she wants to color coordinate with her boots. Alternatively, she can use them to add some spunk to plain and neutral colored outfits.

10. A Girly Dress:
    Make sure your teen has at least one girly dress in her wardrobe.

    Floral patterns, pink or lavender hues and frills or laces will work best.

    She can wear her dress as it is, or dress it up with jackets, stockings, leggings and more.

As a mom, let your teen girl explore and enjoy the world of fashion, even as you guide her through some interesting ideas that will help her create her own individual fashion identity.

What are those three fashion essentials that you feel your teen girl should have in her wardrobe? Do share about it here.

Red Carpet Minute: CFDA Awards 2012--The Red Carpet Trends

Red Carpet Minute: CFDA Awards 2012--The Red Carpet Trends

Plunging Necklines, High-Low Hems, Color, Metallics, Caftan, The Peplum...The Trends at the CFDA's:



The 2012 CFDA/Council of Fashion Designers Awards were this past Monday June 4th. and well as you might expect it was a Red Carpet Frenzy when it came to the Fashion, Styles, Looks and Trends that celebs, models, designers and fashion glitterati were giving. Usually at such a major Fashionista event like this, one can detect some trends on the red carpet; trends that will end up "in real life"--on the street, as they say. At this 2012 CFDA Awards, a lot of the ensembles we saw came fresh off the Resort 2013--yes 2013, Collections which are just being released to the Fashion Editors. So, basically what we saw Monday night is what we'll end up seeing in the stores next year...so without further ado, here are the 2012 CFDA Awards Red Carpet Trends that you will see NEXT Spring/Summer 2013:



Plunging:

Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung Fall 2012: Actress Zoe Saldana--in all her teeny tiny size zero glory-- wore a black gown by Singapore-born Nepal-raised NY-based designer Prabal Gurung. She showed several trends in one dress: the plunging neckline, of course, but then there was the "midriff cut-outs" plus the solid vs. sheer. All in all, she looked Edgy-Vampira Chic.

Julianne Hough in KaufmanFranco: NYC-based design duo Ken Kaufman and Isaac Franco KaufmanFranco designs are favorites of the red carpet girls. Actress Julianne Hough wore a plunging neckline side draped gown in "Chinese red" from their Fall 2012 Collection.



Bold Contrast Color Prints:

Kate Bosworth in Joseph Altuzarra Fall 2012: Actress Kate Bosworth looked fabulous in this printed and metallic dress featuring a high cowl neckline, "cut-out" midriff, and knee-length fluttery skirt--from design darling Joseph Altuzarra. LOVE the black ankle-strapped heels and matching clutch. Joseph is originally from Paris France (his father is French-Basque and his mother is Chinese-American) but now he is based out of NY and well his muse, as of late is Miss Bosworth:

Actress and Designer: Kate Bosworth and Joseph Altuzarra

U.S. Vogue Editor Anna Wintour in Marc Jacobs Resort 2013: Here's another example of the "Contrast Trim" trend--U.S. Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour wore a modified version of a dress designer Marc Jacobs showed recently for his Marc Jacobs Resort 2013 Collection. In the Look Book (on the right photo), the dress was ankle length and more A-line shaped,. On Ms. Wintour, it was modified to be a more sheath dress shape with waist-defining belt; very Oscar de la Renta-meets-Marc Jacobs...




Caftan and Cascade:

Marchesa Co-Designer Keren Craig in Marchesa: "The Other Marchesa Designer" Keren Craig, attended the 2012 CFDA Awards looking quite "Mykonos Chic" in a coral silk caftan gown with gold shoulder and waist embellishment...and a FABULOUS tan. THIS. Will. Be. The Dress. Of Summer 2013. Trust.

Ashley Olsen in The Row Resort 2013: Deep lilac silk caftan drop shoulder, oversized cascade front ruffle--shapeless caftan dress--this is what Miss Ashley Olsen gave for Monday night's 2012 CFDA Awards Red Carpet. She was so on-trend in terms of what we'll see come NEXT YEAR! Love this dress.



Peplum:

Devon Aoki: NY-born 5' 5" tall model/actress Devon Aoki wore this strapless gown from NYC-based brand Alice + Olivia--from designer Stacey Bendet. The gown is from the Fall 2012 Alice + Olivia Collection, however, in their collection Look Book (right photo above), it was shown in green. Aoki wore a brick-red version. As you may know, it's ALL ABOUT The Peplum for Fall 2012 but this style detail will continue onto next year. And we can see just how pretty this silhouette detail can be. I showed it in my NIKOLAKI Collection last Spring 2011 so you know I love me a PEPLUM!



Halter Drape:

Erin Heatherton Michael Kors Resort 2013: Illinois-born Victoria's Secret Supermodel (and Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend) Erin Heatherton, wore this turquoise-blue halter liquid silk jersey dress featuring a gold/metallic neckline and plunging back. It's very easy-breezy but at the same time very elegant and chic, and leave it to 5' 11" Heatherton to make it look FABULOUS!

It's from Michael Kors Resort 2013 Collection, as seen from the designer's Look Book photo above.



 Embelished Shoulders:

Mandy Moore in Lela Rose Spring 2012: Singer/Actress Mandy Moore spotted this dress at Lela Rose's Spring 2012 Runway show, and the Texas-born designer customized it for her. On the runway (right photo above), the cream-colored dress was shown knee-length. Moore showed up to Monday night's 2012 CFDA Awards with the floor-length gown version. It's a simple gown with classic lines but what really "sells it", are those embellished cap sleeves.



Color Blocked Sportif:

Hillary Rhoda in Rebecca Minkoff: American model Hillary Rhoda arrived at the CFDA's in this navy/turquoise/ocean blue color-blocked athletic-inspired dress from San Diego-born NYC-based designer Rebecca Minkoff. Color blocking is HUGE for this Spring/Summer but will also continue on being a major trend through to next year.



High Low:

Model Joan Smalls in Michael Kors: Another big trend this Spring/Summer that we will also see next Spring/Summer is this high-low style. Girls are finally embracing this silhouette. It's flattering for tall girls and shorter girls who want to showoff your glorious legs...Speaking of legs, Model Joan Smalls looks "Demure Sexy" in this ivory high-low dress from Michael Kors. The accessories are PERFECT: love the simple gold ankle-strap heels and big gold bracelet, all finished off with a slicked-back I-just-got-off-the-Riviera hairstyle. St. Tropez Sublime.



Metallics:

Actress Lily Collins in Marchesa Fall 2012: Finally, we'll end with actress Lily Collins (yes, daughter of Phil), looking SOOOO cute in this gold high-neck, cap-sleeved fit-and-flare shaped dress from Marchesa Fall 2012. Lily is model-teeny-tiny so I wouldn't be surprised if this was the runway sample. She looked great in this dress. For those girls looking for a "new"-looking Prom Dress, this is the perfect style. Gold, silver or anything embellished will be a big trend come this Fall but it will spill over next year into Spring/Summer 2013, so ladies, keep an eye out for this Trend as well.