What's That? A Beauty Update?

Just a quick entry, about irony really. I'm pretty sure that Ally and I discussed our eerie ability to pick trends and how it doesn't really make much impact since we live in a small mountain town in southwestern Virginia where 80's hair and teacher rompers are considered fashion. However, we do enjoy it when we spend an entire season scouring the market for grey nail polish, and then break down and buy cheap black and cheap white nail polish and make grey polish ourselves, only to have grey FLOOD the collections come spring. That makes us feel good about ourselves. Especially since a LOT of people in our area don't really follow the trends.

Recently we have been into metallics, but especially gold. We actually had a conversation about gold being a neutral just last week. I have been using gold eye shadow for awhile now to offset the other crazy bright colors that I wear, and Ally just bought gold nail polish. We are LOVING gold. So imagine my surprise when I opened my e-mail this weekend to find that Sephora is encouraging me to "Try Something NEW!!!" only to find a page full of GOLD makeup suggestions. Apparently, gold is the IT color for Fall. So, grab some glitter flats (Ally's personal favorite) or a pale gold lip gloss and be spot on for Autumn.

Mondo Is My Hero

It has been WEEKS since I've posted a Project Runway review. It's sad really, because some of those episodes really gave me the opportunity to make some GREAT snarky remarks. However, today's review will be a little different, because I'm WAY to soft-hearted to be sarcastic about episode ten of Project Runway.

The challenge for this episode was for the designers to create a textile that represents who they are as a person and a designer. I knew when the designers walked in and saw photos of their family members on their fancy HP tablets, that this was going to be a TEARJERKER episode. I always get emotional when the designers collectively talk about missing their families. Yeah, they made a choice to leave and Project Runway is a fantastic opportunity for them, but I am the girl who cried at college because she didn't get to see her family everyday. It is HARD to be away, especially if you are surrounded by only your competitions. Once the designers started designing their fabrics I KNEW that I would get emotional. Micheal C talked about being away from his son, April talked about her parents' divorce and how she felt split in two, even Gretchen tugged on my heart strings when she talked about how she rarely sees her mother because of her step-father's disability, and then there was Mondo. Mondo talked about his sexuality. About how difficult it was for him to come out to his mother, how she encouraged him to keep it a secret. He talked about how much that hurt him. However, no matter how sad he was, or how much his story hurt him, he still handled himself with grace and beauty. Then in one of his video diaries Mondo revealed the inspiration for his fabric-he is HIV positive. Watching him tell millions of viewers this extremely difficult news broke my heart. I was so sad for him, but still inspired by his strength. He didn't tell anyone in the workroom what inspired his fabric, just that it was deeply personal.

I can honestly say I had no interest in the actual runway show. Some pieces were great, like April's tree dress, others were blah (Christopher's pant suit), and some designers just got lost-like Andy who created a HORRENDOUS shorts/vest hot mess combo. Nothing impacted me the way Mondo's video diaries did. I was nervous about judging, because the fabric and the outfit would both be judged. I was afraid that without his back story, Mondo's fabric would just be seen as a colorful geometric fabric. Nina Garcia's quiet "I wish I knew the inspiration" comment, paired with the other judges discussion of his outfit; seemed to spur Mondo to movement, and he told the judges, the other contestants, and all of TVdom that he was HIV posititve. I have rarely been so inspired.

Mondo was the challenge winner and I was elated for him. I have really liked his ideas from the beginning, even if they haven't always panned out on the runway. I respect the way he puts his issues with Michael C. aside when they were paired for a challenge and became friends with him, and I love the way his designs have moved to the front of the pack. I truely hope he wins this season, because I really think his talent is AMAZING and his attitude is wonderful! He is the kind of person who TRULY deserves to win.




*I know that this is a random entry. I wrote it over the course of a few days, so it kind of skips around. I hope it made sense though.

Project Runway Episode Five aka Chelle RANTS

I can honestly say that I am not really a huge fan of this season of Project Runway. I have said before that I really miss the excitement of the first few seasons, where the designers were challenged to create dresses out of flowers, merchandise from Hershey Park, things found in a supermarket, design looks for Banana Republic, give one of the designers a makeover where you showcase their style and your design ascetic. THESE are the Project Runway days that I miss. Now it is filled with lame challenges, backstabbing, and whiny b1tches who cry because Tim tells them to rethink their directions. I have a few words for the current designers: GROW A SET! Do you think that Anna Wintor is going to hold your hand or pat your back while you cry because they don't like your dress? Fashion is a competitive business and it changes all the time. Yes, you have to be true to yourself but you also have to go with the trends. While you CAN be a trend setter, you have to be willing to go out on a limb and risk being ridiculed for that. I'm sure things weren't always easy for Michael Kors, Yves Saint Laurent, Coco Chanel, or Alexander McQueen and yet they all have managed to make lasting impressions on us all. Even small town girls from southern Virginia.

Now, on to the actual episode. I was really excited when the episode started. This week was a team challenge, and those usually have all kinds of drama, more challenging challenges, and usually really show us what the designers are made of. Unfortunately, this team challenge left me wanting. Since Michael C was the winner last night he was allowed to first choice in a team member. Then April's name was drawn from a bag as the first member of the second team. At this point each person chosen picked the next member of their team. Team 1 aka Team Luxe consisted of Micheal C., Gretchen, A.J., Andy, Christopher, and Ivy. Team 2 aka Team Military/Lace was April, Peach, Michael D., Casanova, Valerie, and Mondo. The most interesting thing is that all of the challenge winners were on Team Luxe, while Team Military/Lace was made up of designers who have been consistently in the bottom three. Now, here is my problem with this. I don't believe in allowing the contestants to choose their own teams. I think things are MUCH more interesting when all names are drawn from a bag and assigned randomly. But that's just me.

THE CHALLENGE
The week's challenge was for each team to design a six-piece collection which would showcase an upcoming trend. Each team got to choose their look and also a fabric inspiration. Which brings me to my second problem. By allowing teams to choose the look/fabric inspiration they are allowed to pick items that they are comfortable with. Or at least flat out reject themes that are not part of their normal routine. I don't personally think that's challenging. That would be like one of you to challenge me to wear eyeshadow every day or to read a book over the weekend. It isn't a problem! Now, if you were to ask me to incorporate maroon eyeshadow into my daily make-up routine, that would be a little different. I digress, Team Luxe chooses to design a "Menswear for Women" collection with "camel" as their fabric inspiration. Team Military/Lace (obviously) decided to create a military inspired collection with lace accents.

INSIDE THE WORKROOM
The action inside the workroom wasn't really blog-worthy. The most exciting thing that happened was that Casanova had a complete breakdown where he wanted to quit because Tim said that his outfit looked "Old Lady." This isn't something Casanova hasn't heard before, but apparently he decided that with five other people depending on him he would not finish his garment. After multiple pep talks and a phone call to his auntie, his team mates and model were able to coax him back to finish his dress. During the coaxing Valerie had a particularly great zinger with "Casanova needs to put his panties back on and finish his dress." Casanova returned to the studio and promised his team mates he was back. He also had some words of comfort for himself, saying "I guess I design for sluts and old ladies." Sadly, these were the only two great lines in this episode. Usually there are many more *gigglesnort* moments for me when I watch this show. With little to no other drama in the workroom, I was a little bored and spent much of the episode looking longingly at "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins and wishing I was lost in Panem instead of watching this show. 

THE RUNWAY
I wasn't really overtly impressed with either team's collection. Team Luxe's collection was more cohesive, but many of the pieces looked like the model had overslept and just grabbed something off of their boyfriend's bedroom floor and rushed to Parsons. I know that a lot of times menswear inspired collections are composed of slightly over-sized pieces, but I felt like Team Luxe went a little too far. Also, I missed the cute details that menswear inspired collections have. There were no neckties, no mens watches, I don't recall seeing boots on the models. A.J. put an ascot on his model, but it was completely lost in the horror that was his "men's size 3X button down with the sleeves rolled up and a belt around it" dress. There were some really nice pants and one blazer that could have been good if it were a little smaller. Actually that's how most of the collection was, if it hadn't been SO over the top it may have worked.

Team Military/Lace was ALL lace and very little military. Personally I don't think that tassel=military. They certainly help get the point across, but I don't think that it is possible to make a super cute v-necked top and add tassels to the shoulders and call it military (Mondo.)  I was really disappointed in the lack of military inspired jackets. The lace tops were COMPLETELY SEE THROUGH! I was horrified. I understand that lace is not opaque, but you need to put a nude liner underneath it. One nude bra does NOT make an outfit acceptable, Michael D! Modesty really is a virtue. I really did love Peach's outfit. I thought she absolutely shined in this challenge. Her high waisted skirt with brass buttons paired with her LINED lace top was spot on. Casanova's outfit was decent. White skinny pants with brass button detailing down the side and another mostly sheer lace top was what he managed to produce.

JUDGING
Team Military/Lace were declared the winner of this challenge and were praised for their accents and attention to detail. The judges were also impressed that they managed to showcase their individuality in the collection. Some of the team members were asked who they thought the challenge winner should be and Valerie and Mondo both said CASANOVA! I was completely and utterly disgusted. First, he tried to quit the competition and go home. Second, you had to take time away from your own work (both of which received some questionable comments from the judges) to talk him out of his funk. Third, his outfit wasn't really stellar. The judges did ask Casanova who he thought should win, and he had the decency to say Peach. The judges dismissed Team Military/Lace so that they could deliberate.

Before facing the judges Gretchen rallies her troops and has them pinky promise that they won't turn on each other and that they will support the vision of their team. I guess afterwards whoever was left would meet up to braid each others hair and whatnot. Team Luxe grimly filed out to face the firing squad and at first, they really did stick to their promise and didn't throw anyone under the bus. Gretchen gave a rousing speech to the judges about how they had decided as a team not to sell each other out, that they had formulated their designs together, and worked together 100% to complete the collection. She then asked the judges to base their decision on who the designers are and what they have seen so far. The team remained united as the judges criticized the fabric choices and discussed how the collection had no individuality. The judges also talked about how GIGANTIC everything in the collection was. Eventually the judges forced the team members to name their weakest link. Everyone but Michael C. (who wasn't asked) and A.J. (who said all he could say was that he did not stay true to himself as a designer) named Michael C. as the weakest team member. The judges weren't happy that everyone picked the Michael C. as the worst player, even prompting Heidi to say "It's always easy to blame the one person who can't go home." Eventually the disgusted judges sent Team Luxe away so they could decide who to send packing.

WINNERS AND LOSERS
Winner: Casanova. I was NOT happy with this choice. I thought that Pearl's outfit was more military inspired  and her lace was MUCH less tacky. I realize that the judges aren't necessarily aware of what goes on during the design process, but I think that it is terrible that someone who was willing to walk out on their team is deserving of a win and possible immunity in the next challenge.

Loser: A.J. Poor A.J. I really didn't expect him to get far in this competition, and his outfit was atrocious, but I think it's awful that he was the only person who admitted he didn't represent himself and he was also the only person who didn't point the finger of blame at a team member. I think that his integrity alone should have earned him a chance next week. Gretchen stated she loved their collection, then stated that it was a hot mess, she convinced everyone to be united, then turned on another team member. I don't like Gretchen, I don't particularly like her designs, and I certainly don't like the way she played A.J. in this week's episode.

BITS AND PIECES
I felt really bad for Michael C. after the judging session. His team mates slaughtered him in front of the judges. Not once during the creation process did any of them offer him help or tips on how to improve his work, yet they were willing to toss him to the wolves. He was genuinely upset that they other designers were so mean to him. I was really glad that the judges stood up for him on the runway, something that doesn't happen often. I think this episode will make Michael C. because he will have to prove himself next week.

Rarely does Tim comment on the judges decisions; however, this week he had PLENTY to say to the members of Team Luxe. Tim told the team that he was ashamed that they let Gretchen steam roll them all, and was disgusted that A.J. paid the price for that poor decision. I don't remember seeing Tim that angry before and I have watched almost every episode of Project Runway that has ever aired. I was really glad that he called Gretchen out and I was in no way fooled by her teary vlog afterwards about how she was trying to do her best.

I was also REALLY unimpressed with Ivy. I liked her when the show started, and I thought she had potential. However, as the show goes on her snarky attitude has grated on my nerves. This week took the cake though, when she did a vlog about how Tim was right and Gretchen did screw their team over. Ivy was one of Gretchen's biggest supporters. Actually, Team Luxe was behind Gretchen one hundred and seventy percent. They were so Team Gretchen that it wasn't funny. None of them bothered to contradict her and even when other team members tried to add ideas (Michael C.) they were ignored in favor of Gretchen. I don't really feel bad for Team Luxe for losing, I think they needed that wake up call. I do feel bad that A.J. was led like pig to slaughter and was forced to take the fall for his team's bad choices.

I'm really sorry this is so long! If you made it this far THANK YOU! Also, have some virtual cookies! A lot of things about this episode bothered me and I just felt like I had to get them out. 

In Which Chelle Is a GROWN-UP

Seriously! I am an ADULT! I know I don't always act like it* and I know that my recent book purchases** CERTAINLY don't make me look like an adult, but I PROMISE that looking 27 in the face makes it apparent that I am, indeed, an adult! The fact that I spend the majority of my time with my eight year old, eleven year old, and two thirteen year old cousins, who all wear larger shoes than me isn't generally an issue. However, it is an issue at my new job. And by new job I mean same job, new school. Basically, seventh graders are HUGE! Like seriously huge. They tower over me ALL DAY LONG! The problem? Well, in seven days I have been mistaken for a seventh grade student on five of them. My boss thinks this is hilarious, my aunt (who works at the school) enjoys my stories with quiet disbelief, and the aforementioned cousins LOVE hearing the stories.

So it comes down to this. HOW do I look like an adult without turning to Teacher Jumpers? You all know what I'm talking about...those "dresses" that are hand sewn and are made of material that has building blocks and farm scenes on them. Because let me tell you. I will be mistaken for a middle schooler EVERY SINGLE DAY before I wear one of those things as anything other than a Halloween costume.*** I wear skirts, dresses, and dress pants with nice shirts or polos. I don't particularly look like the kids, but I also don't like the teachers. SUPER nice dress clothes aren't really and option either at my school, because then I would stick out like a sore thumb. So that is my dilemma. Any suggestions? We would LOVE to hear them!


*Example: Participating in water balloon fights, blowing bubbles, dancing in the rain...
**Linger, Mockingjay, The Iron Daughter, To Kill a Mockingbird, Demon's Lexicon, etc
***Seriously, mere words cannot express my hatred of these jumpers. Even worse? The matching Mother-Daughter ones! Do people hate their kids these days?

In Which We Attempt To Dress For Work

Hello!!! So as you probably already figured out. I have been a huge slacker lately.  I got really busy with the beginning of the school year and working on paper work, files, etc, and neglected by duties of blogging everyday in August. (maybe we’ll do better in April) We have also sort of been slacking on our beauty and fashion stuff. Although, I think any good blog has a little bit of everything! One thing that I look forward to when school starts is getting new fall clothes for work. This year one of my New Year’s resolutions was to dress in a way that looks more grown up and put together, but still quirky and fun. So I have been looking through a ton of magazines and fashion blogs to find things that are me but also work appropriate. The first trend I noticing is that menswear is coming back. I have seen so many cute blazers in the ads for Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. I really want a blazer to wear to work. In the newest issue of Glamour magazine, they show several blazers. Some are plaid, black, brown, even yellow…but the one thing they all have in common is they all have broaches on them. Most of the broaches have some kind of jewel element to them, but some just look like they were pulled out of Grandma’s jewelry box. I feel that it is a very cool way to add a feminine element to something otherwise a little manly. I also really love all the men’s vest I am seeing. I think they look great over tank tops and with button up shirts. I have also seen pictures where girls are wearing neckties with them. At first, they reminded me of the waitresses at Olive Garden, but now I am really enjoying them. I went and grabbed a bunch of my grandpa’s to try. Another trend I am liking is the revival of military jackets. Everything from soldier jackets, to Nutcracker type shorter jackets to Michael Jackson are coming back. I plan to try all three. I also love all the new fall lines at Target and Wal-mart. Gotta love cheap!!!! What are some trends you are excited about trying? What the heck do you wear to work? 

Mo Money-Mo Problems!

I was rummaging through all the magazines and I read and I decided I would start pulling pages for inspiration.  I found my collection of J. Crew catalogues and got pretty inspired. I loved all the layered necklaces over turtlenecks and high waisted plaid pants. And if these things sound crazy, you can always make them more wearable. You could do just the plaid pants, or turtleneck with necklaces-you don’t have to have all three. I get really excited about all the new fall catalogues I get from J. Crew, Anthropologie, Sephora and on and on, because I look at them for inspiration and the things  I can’t afford  I go and find and lower budget places like Ross, Marshalls, or T.J. Maxx. I buy a lot of things that look like what I see in the catalogues but are different and cheaper brands. One of the kids in my class knows I like fashion and today she came and showed me these really cute gladiator sandals (she has rockin style for a second grader) and said “Miss Anderson! I got these at Ross for four dollars!” I was so proud. It is also a good idea to do this for makeup. Look to magazines for ideas on trends you might want to try then go buy the stuff from the drugstore until you know it is something wearable and that you will wear it more than one time. I LOVE Sephora and Ulta and department store makeup, but I cannot justify paying for something I know I will only wear once. (Lesson learned=maroon eyeshadow) This afternoon is new magazine day and new catalogue day so I did my paperwork early so I can go home and pour over them and make lists of all the stuff to look for at the discount stores over the weekend!! Wish me luck, if I find anything awesome I will be sure to report back. Where do you draw inspiration from?

BEDA August 17

So much for me rocking this blog entry. I have a ton of notes from the last two episodes of Project Runway, but with school starting tomorrow and the stress that comes with school starting, there is no such thing as a funny Chelle. So my Project Runway post will have to wait until Thursday, when hopefully I will be calmer.

On a school related note, today I went shopping for work clothes. That was a total fail. My question is this...when did simple clothes become SO expensive. Now, I don't actually have a problem paying for nice clothes, but I have a HUGE issue paying ten dollars for a white tee shirt. I mean, I can get cute printed shirts from Threadless for ten dollars. And they will totally work as work attire because they have like, flowers on them, which work well under a cardigan. And don't even get me started on pants. Where are simple black dress pants? I mean, I don't really want to wear mom pants, and even if high waisted pants are coming back in style, they don't really work for people who are kind of chubby and only five feet tall. So pants are almost impossible. This may be one reason that I am a big fan of YA author Maureen Johnson's "No Pants" regime. Or maybe it's just that dresses are more comfortable when it is nearly 100 degrees out each day.

Regardless of why I am Team No Pants, or how expensive clothes are in relation to my paycheck...the main point is that I will be spending the weekend scouring the internet for affordable clothes and my closet for various combinations so that I can be comfortable and profession during the upcoming school year.