Christmas List Time, Girls!

I'm in danger of turning this blog into one big youtube collection and I don't care because this is brilliant. If you think this won't be under my girls' Christmas tree, you don't know me at all.

Rock your brains, Girls!

Friday Favorite- Phoebe Kicks A**

Anyone who knows me knows I am a feminist. I love TV shows and movies with strong, successful female characters. I wasn't sure about Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) joining the case of "Scandal," but her character is nothing like Phoebe. She's all about politics and kicking a**. So, pretty much awesome.

Exhibit A:



I might have even said 'Hell, yes," aloud to my TV when that aired last week.

Friday Favorite- Swamp Shark

There can be only one Friday Favorite today...(cue "Jaws" music)...

SWAMP SHARK. For lack of better words-Totally awesome. While explaining the awesomeness of this movie to some co-workers, I realized that many people don't know of the other great campy/fake terror/sci-fi movie "Tremors." I'm stunned. How can you NOT have seen "Tremors"? Kevin Bacon AND Reba McEntire plus underground dinosaur worm thingys. That's just classic movie making. Almost as classic as D.B. Sweeney and Kristy Swanson battling a mutant shark in the swamps of Louisiana. "Swamp Shark" also has the following paraphrased dialogue: "Give him the phone, he's a federal agent. He can call the Fish & Wildlife SWAT team." Also, the director of "Swamp Shark" tweeted me, which pretty much wins for best use of social media!

Tell me, have you seen "Tremors"? What's your favorite campy sci-fi flick?

Swamp Shark is my Friday Favorite.

Friday Favorite- The Vampire Diaries

Vampire Diaries and Vampire Diaries Pictures

I'm veering away from highlighting something you can buy to something you should be watching. "The Vampire Diaries." This show is consistently SO good. I LOVE the TV series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" for all sorts of reasons like a strong female heroine, quippy writing, kick butt action, the awesomest musical episode in the history of television. I even watched "Angel" for years because it was a Buffy spin-off. After Buffy, every other vampire show or movie paled in comparison (Ha ha- paled, because of vampires. Dude, I SLAY me. Ha ha-again!). I tried. Really, I did. But, I do not understand the Twilight phenomenon. A vampire with a soul in love with a normal girl? Yeah, Buffy did it first, better, and their vampire was Totally Hott. I even passed on True Blood. Not interested. I tried and discarded every vampire, supernatural show...until...some internet friends started going on and on about "The Vampire Diaries." I really didn't believe it. A vampire show has to be really good to interest me. I think I was bored one night and thought, "Eh, OK, I'll give it a shot." And, holy heck 1) The writing is excellent, 2) The writing is quippy, 3) They have a vampire in love with a normal girl (actually they have two) and one of them is SO HOTT. Both are believable story lines, 4) Major eye candy, 5) The show is not afraid to kill people, vamps, werewolves. One episode they killed like 12 people and 2 vampires. Awesome. 6) They came up with a Vampire-Werewolf. That is super interesting. I wish Joss Whedon had come up with that first. I don't even consider the show a guilty pleasure, it's just awesomely good. I don't care if the main demographic isn't old enough to drive-I don't care. Watch this show. Trust me. You won't regret it.

"The Vampire Diaries" is over for the season, which makes it the perfect time to catch up on the show. You will not be sorry. This show has quickly surpassed all others in terms of what I HAVE to watch. My Friday Favorite TV show- "The Vampire Diaries."

Oscars Red Carpet-All the Pretty

The Oscars! Hollywood brought the pretty. I loved looking at the gorgeous dresses, hair and OH MY GOD the jewels. Also, YEA for Matthew McConnahubbahubba's triumphant return to the red carpet. Matthew, I have missed your hotness....Sorry, a little drool on the keyboard there. There's quite a bit to say about Sunday's ceremony. Poor Anne Hathaway. My family loves Anne Hathaway (we watch a lot of Ella Enchanted and The Princess Diaries), but that hosting gig was rough. I think she tried to overcompensate for James Franco being bored/drunk/tired? At least she looked awesome.

As my husband said to my daughter yesterday, the Oscars are "Mommy's Super Bowl." Yes, it is. Here are a few of my favorite looks:
Sanda Bullock. Yowza. A Vera Wang. I wasn't too keen on a bustle, but she's one of the few people in the world who can pull of a bustle and she DID. She looked fabulous.
Mila Kunis. Bow howdy is this a dress to get you noticed. I saw today that Halle Berry has worn the dress before (in red). Halle looked rather boudoir in the red version. I think this color looks so much nicer. Beautiful. Also, I love her hair. Her presenting bit with Justin Timberlake was kind of weird though.
Natalie Portman. Classy. Lovely color. I'm not a huge fan of the earrings and prom shoes. But, overall the effect is lovely.
Mandy Moore. LOVED. So pretty.
Halle Berry. Finally. Halle is actually wearing a dress not a Frederick's of Hollywood outfit. Pretty. Gorgeous.

Marissa Tomei. This was her after-Oscar dress. I'm picking it because I thought her Oscar dress was a little schizophrenic-it couldn't decide if it was a sweet retro dress or a rampaging bridesmaid dress. This, however, is awesome. I love the color and the silhouette. Love it.

These are some of my favorites. I have some that I was not fond of (namely Melissa Leo and her lace doily disco ball). What were your favorites?

Images via stylebistro, AP Photo Mark J. Terrill, gofugyourself, projectrungay

Happy Love Day

My husband hates Valentine's day. No, really. He hates it. It's not a huge deal. We still have our anniversary. Since I never have to look for any gift or special celebration for us on Valentine's Day, it leaves me free to make all sorts of projects and treats for my kids. This year the girls and I made these lollipops, barrettes similar to these, and wiggly eye pencil toppers for the boys (no tutorial, but easy & cute). I'm also about 1/2 way through these flowers for the teachers (oops!). I over-Martha Stewarted the holiday and under-estimated the time I'd need. It isn't the first time that has happened and won't be the last time, I'm sure.

I watched two of my all-time favorite romantic movies while finishing the projects- The Notebook and Pride and Prejudice (Kiera Knightley version). I thought it might be fun to share our top 10 Favorite romantic movies. In no particular order:

The Notebook
Pride & Prejudice
Hope Floats
When Harry Met Sally
An Affair to Remember
The Time Traveler's Wife
Steel Magnolias (I'm counting a mother's love)
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Sabrina
Gone With The Wind

Wow, that went fast. There are at least ten others I love to watch (like Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Love Actually). What are some of your favorite romantic movies?

Monday Evening Quarterback... of commercials

I've been caught by February. I'm in the midst of finishing my training for the Austin Half Marathon (less than 2 weeks! EEEK!), class valentines, work, etc. I did finish something-watching the Super Bowl last night. Today I have to highlight something I'm sure you've all seen, but it cracks us up. My family and I keep watching this video over and over again. I present, Mini Darth Vader and the VW Super Bowl commercial. Kind of makes me wish we weren't a Honda household.

The SAG Awards Red Carpet Review

I can't stop. I love awards season. The gorgeous dresses and jewels make me want to get all dolled up and attend a fabulous party. Since I'm not heading to a red carpet anytime soon, here are my picks for the best dressed.

Jason Merritt/Getty

Lea Michele
Once again she's shining in Oscar de La Renta. Like I said, you can't go wrong in Oscar. Some people commented that her chest is a little bit too much on display. And, it is a bit. However, it's not vulgar (like January Jones at the Golden Globes). The dress is youthful but not trendy. It's very Greek Goddess with a fun twist of the belt. (I love belted looks.) Her hair and make-up are more casual than what she usually favors. Which is fine. Her look fits the occasion. It seems like the SAG Awards are a little more casual than the Golden Globes and far less casual than the Oscars. It's perfect and she looks hot. Love this dress. I would wear it all over the place because I think it's one of those pieces that would make me feel fabulous!

Jeff Vespa/Wire Image

Dianna Agron

The GLEE women are red carpet gold. They are almost always on the Best Dressed list. Dianna always looks gorgeous. She's definitely angling to prove she's more than just part of an ensemble cast, this look sets her apart. She's wearing Chanel Haute Couture like nobody's business. I like that the length is not quite full length. It gives the dress added interest. I think she nailed this look. She (or her stylist) has been hitting it out of the park lately. I could have done with a little less eye make-up. She could have gone a little more Grace Kelly with her hair and make-up and it would have been spectacular. I would also LOVE to have this dress. Pretty, sparkly, vintage feel-oh yes.

Jason Merritt/Getty

Julianna Margulies

Gorgeous. THIS is what everyone wanted to see at the Golden Globes. She should always dress like this; she looks ah-mazing. She looks fabulous in red.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Wire Image

Kyra Sedgwick

Kyra Sedgwick has such a great sense of what looks good on her. She always looks gorgeous. She usually goes for color, but this time is in vintage black. Come on. You can't go wrong. She also went for a more relaxed hair & make-up look and it really works. I love the look; I love the vintage, vintage black is even better.

Jeff Vespa/Wire Image

Natalie Portman

Even though I liked her Golden Globe dress, this dress (Azarro) is much nicer and much more flattering. The beading and twisted fabric at the top give the dress interest on top. A smart selection for a petite pregnant woman, that way you don't immediately see Bellybellybabybump. Very smart. I loved her hair. She did that low chignon thing that I can NOT get my hair to do. Classic, gorgeous and purposefully selected. It's almost like she's saying "I got this and I'm ready to assume my place as part of the elite actors now."

Getty

January Jones

Thank God for Carolina Herrera. OMG. SO MUCH BETTER. She listened to the collective groans from the internet after her terrible skanky Globes outfit. This is how you show the world that you are gorgeous, without having to show everything. I love the vintage feel. Carolina Herrera's designs are so feminine. She looks very Grace Kelly but with an extra va-va-voom. Well done.

Getty

Julia Stiles

Gorgeous. I love this look. I want her hair. I want this dress. I have nowhere to wear it, of course...I love how the colors melt into each other like a watercolor painting. I love that her hair and make-up is relaxed but beautiful. Perfect.

Getty

Nicole Kidman

There has to be a worst dressed at every event. I didn't see every dress, but Nicole Kidman stood out. It's so disappointing because you know she gets the pick of whatever she wants to wear and she picks this?! Blech. It's so Morticia Adams. Why? Why not choose a color? Why not lighten up a little bit. Also, that lace cut out looks itchy. Ew.

Did I pick your best dressed? I was a little disappointed that Helena Bonham Carter seemed so restrained last night. I guess Winona Ryder made up for it-what a weird dress.

Golden Globes Fashion Recap

Hollywood loves giving awards, doesn't it/they? I don't really love watching the shows, but I love watching the dresses! I missed the majority of the Golden Globes while I was traveling, but managed to catch most of the red carpet. Yea! In general, I thought the women looked great at the Globes, so finding my favorites was difficult.

I loved Eva Longoria's look. I know she's done a variation of this same dress (form fitting, long, mermaid hem) over and over but, why stop? She looks FANTASTIC. The cap sleeves and cut out gave the right amount of interest to her face and neck and the brooch at her waist really drew you in to her teeny tiny waist. I thought she looked perfect.

People seem divided over Natalie Portman's dress. Maybe it is a bit twee with the sweet rose. It would have worked better with a jeweled brooch or diamond neckline instead of the rose. But, I don't care. I think she looks happy. I love how she accessorized her outfit. I wish she would have worn her hair at least partly down. I think it would have balanced the outfit more and not made it so severe. A number of ladies had severe updos and could have used a little less hair "did" (Scarlett Johannson, I'm talking to you! Maybe she made one of those "massager" ads before coming to the Globes?!) Overall I really liked her outfit.
I loved Lea Michele's look. I loved that it was a light and airy pink color, but it had great structural elements on the side. In my opinion, you just can't go wrong with Oscar de la Renta. She was demure but noticeable. Well done. Also, her hair and make-up were spot on. The GLEE ladies all could have easily been included, everyone looked fabulous.

At first I was undecided about Anne Hathaway look. I LOVE her; we watch a lot of "The Princess Diaries" and "Ella Enchanted" around here. And, normally she hits it straight out of the park. This look took me a little while for me to decide. But, I like it. First, she looks Fabulous. Amazing freaking fabulous. Second, she beat Angelina Jolie at her own game- sequined/pailettes (?) colored long sleeved gown with padded shoulders. Not a small accomplishment. Kudos, Anne (and Rachel Zoe!)...

There were two looks I really did not like. I was sad to see Michelle Williams wearing what can only be described as an Easter Prom dress. Terrible. You can't even call it a hippie throwback. It's just ugly. I love feminine details. But, her dress is bad. She has such a lovely look about her and is usually so confident in dressing with her own style. I wish we would have seen more of that. Or, maybe this is her style. In which case-me no likey.

Even more no likey. I get it, January. You have a rockin' bod. Put it away. Slutty is not sexy. But, you have pretty hair. The end.

Photos: Eva Longoria, Michelle Williams, January Jones- Evan Agostini/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank; Lea Michele- Steve Granitz/Wire Image; Natalie Portman- Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Made it Work!

*This post is long because meeting Tim Gunn was a BIG, BIG, huge deal for me.*
Meeting Tim Gunn was, in a word, Fabulous! The only thing that could have made it better is if he asked me to develop a fashion/style program aimed for moms and working women. Since that didn't happen, here's what did:

I stressed out about my outfit for a few days, I was going to wear a black blazer, t shirt, denim skirt and multiple necklaces. I decided to follow some friend's advice and wear this ensemble (minus a few accessories ala Coco Chanel). Thank you J. Crew, Anthro necklace, and my husband's grandfather for the cool vintage watch. I "shopped my closet", just like Tim later told us all we should do: While I was freaking out about what I was going to wear to meet a fashion guru, sadly the rest of Houston did not. People showed up in all manner of sad jean outfits- flips flops, jean shorts, sweats. It was awful. I wanted to tell Tim that we really can dress. I was ashamed. Come on Houston, step it up!
I ended up arriving at the Galleria pretty early because I wasn't sure when things would start and I did not want to miss a second. After an initial snafu, I was able to get a fairly good seat for the fashion show. A short time later, the show began and TIM was there. Wow. The Fashion Show featured Kate Spade, Juicy, and Lucky clothing and accessories. I don't usually look at those lines or the stores, and I really didn't see anything that I "had" to have. The show featured rompers and "dress shorts" neither of which is a style I support or would wear. I thought the colors were pretty pedestrian and wasn't too wowed by anything. But, Tim and his co-host (in a romper with hose/tights) were very entertaining and did a good job of showing how a few changes could really make each outfit very different. She lost me 1) with her romper, 2) when she suggested wearing a pair of leather shorts with leggings to the office. Tim said No. Ha-I agree.

During and after the show, Tim gave out great fashion and style advice, here are some of the ideas I wrote down:

Per T's request, I asked Tim what his favorite Spring trend is. His answer- "A return to classics for both men and women. I love a great blazer (Dangit, I should have worn my blazer). Classics never go out of style and can be worn so many different ways. whether it is a boyfriend jacket, find what works for you."

What would you add to your list of basics. "Nothing really to add, just concentrate on those pieces. I love a great trench coat and every woman should have a basic black dress, you'd be amazed at how few women have that dress."

Think of your body in 3rds, break it up with a belt, scarf, etc.

Follow your own natural silhouette

"Denim shorts are in abundance and not for everyone." He used that phrase "not for everyone" a few times (denim shorts, rompers, leggings, gladiator sandals). I could tell those were the items he really didn't care for. I agree. Except on you, of course those trends look awesome on you!

He encouraged mixing patterns but said to make sure that the scales work so that you don't end up wearing a "test pattern."

I don't think Project Runway will return to LA. It was supposed to switch back and forth between LA and NY. You could tell from the audience that we wanted it to stay in New York, and so does Tim. Tim wants to see the show shake it up a bit. I hope that means different judging or different format.

Tim suggested that there is nothing wrong with finding your "uniform." He said Michael Kors has a uniform, he has a uniform. For example, Nina does not, that got a huge laugh!

He stressed the importance of great foundation garments. He mentioned Spanx and that he's tried them on (not that the wore them or needs them) and almost dislocated his shoulder!

What to wear with jeans- depends on the situation. But, please wear dark wash denim. (I agree) Best jeans are those with no taper, no flare, dark wash, not ripped or torn-"talk about war torn."

The meeting.

I managed to be one the first few people to meet Tim. It was really amazing. They had us go up in either small groups or by ourselves (I was by myself), and each person got a good amount of time with Tim to take a picture and chat. I pretty much memorized what happened when I met him, so this is pretty verbatim:

Me: Hi, I'm Elzabelz (except I used my real name).

T: Don't I know you?

Me: Why, yes of course. I am a super fashionable person who works with designers all time time. What I said was, "No, I think I look familiar. I get that all the time actually." (I do, it's weird.)

T: Really? Are you sure we haven't worked together before?

Me: Well, if you want to work with me Tim, please let me know. I'll be happy to!

T: Your outfit is great.

Me: Really? Thanks.

T: Yes, you are doing the 1/3 thing well. Your belt, your skirt, your shoes..

Me: You realize I'm never changing out of this outfit, right?

ha hah hah aha

(His assistant/co-host Romper Woman was there too).

RW: It's really great. What material is your skirt?

Me: It's dark denim, just like you (Tim) mentioned earlier.

RW: May I touch the material?

Me: Sure.

T: Who made it?

Me: It's J Crew.

RW: Oh, they do really nice stuff.

T: Yes, their line has been really great. So, what do you do?

Me: I'm in health care, I'm an attorney. I have to tell you that is is so great to meet you. I have been a huge fan since the very beginning.

T: When did you start watching?

Me: The very first show. Even though sometimes I don't like the judges' decisions. But we were all really excited when Chloe (Dao)won.

T: Chloe's great, isn't she?

Me: Yes, in fact I have a couple of dresses from her shop.

T: Great. What do you think about the show?

Me: Well, I wasn't pleased with last week's judging. Anthony was a great walking one-liner. But, the judges have let a number of designers go before that I really liked.

T: If you didn't like last week, get ready for this week. Something crazy happens.

Me: I saw something on projectrungay, T and Lo's site, that said that.

T: Oh Tom and Lorenzo, you read them?

Me: Of course, everyday.

RW: It is crazy, I've seen it.

Exchange of pleasantries, hugs, etc. And, scene.

He held my hand during the whole exchange-several minutes. And, we hugged! Hugged. I was so nervous, I was shaking after. I had to have some champagne to calm down. He was just as kind and polished as I imagined he would be. What a fun experience. I love Tim Gunn!

Friday Favorite-Tim Gunn!

In case you haven't guessed what item I am crossing off my list this weekend, it's meeting Tim Gunn! I am so excited. I've been watching Project Runway since the first episode and Tim is definitely one of the reasons I still watch. (I may not keep watching since they just kicked off Anthony in favor of Emilio and Mila, blech). But, I've thought the judges were wrong before...Tim brings such class to the show and to every show he's been involved in. I've read most interviews he's given and am waiting anxiously for his book to become available to read. Tim is the epitome of style, class, and kindness. I can not wait. I am a little scared about choosing the right outfit-it's Tim Gunn; it has to be perfect. I just can not wait to meet him and maybe have the chance to ask him a question or two. if you could meet Tim Gunn, what would you ask him? What celebrity or public figure would you most like to meet?

And My Awards Go To...the Best Dressed ladies

I may have mentioned before, but I love awards season. It's like playing dress up all over again. Now that my girls are 3 and 5 (and love dress up and all things fancy), we love watching the awards shows. So, our family sat down last night and watched most of the Oscars. I've included our favorite few dresses. I haven't included any of the worst because those were painfully obvious, weren't they?


*All images Getty via New York Mag

Jason Merritt

Vera Farmiga. Gorgeous in Marchesa. I love this dress. It was the perfect blend of interesting and classic. So many other actresses wanted their dress to make a statement like this one, but instead theirs said "I am a big pouffy, fruoffy mess."

Alberto E. Rodriguez

Gorgeous. Meryl Streep is really the Queen of Hollywood, isn't she? This is a perfect classy dress. The dress is simple and just lovely. And, (Bonus) it was designed by former Project Runway contestant Chris March. Well done.

Alberto E. Rodriguez

Sandra Bullock looking every bit a movie star here. I can't imagine it was easy to walk in, but it was gorgeous. She really pulled it off. Incidentally, this was my girls' favorite dress because she looked like a mermaid!

Alberto E. Rodriguez

Queen Latifah looked awesome in this lilac dress. Again, a simple silhouette that really played on her figure with one effective jeweled detail. Less is more and it definitely worked for her.

Alberto E. Rodriguez

I haven't seen Cameron Diaz look so good in years. I surprised myself by really liking her in this dress and loving her overall look. Finally we get to see that she really is a pretty woman and can look very polished. Well played, Cameron. She was my daughters' second favorite since she looked like a princess.

Alberto E. Rodriguez

Including Kristen Stewart in my "Best Dressed" post is my biggest surprise. I do not get her as an actress and she generally looks so distressed, dirty, and grungy. I have to give her credit, she actually smiled last night (not in this picture though) and she chose the right night to look like a million bucks. Well done Kristen. Please take note and dress like this (well, maybe not exactly like this) from here on out. At least smile once in awhile.

I came close to including Penelope Cruz, Jane Seymour, and Maggie Gyllenhall. Did I leave your favorite out? Anything grab you?

Don't be Jealous of My Boogie*

More pop culture remarks because something has to fill my time between Project Runway shows.

We started watching a bit of each American Idol episode with the girls after dinner and before bedtime. Normally we watch Dancing with the Stars or So You Think You Can Dance, but they are not on. I haven't really ever gotten "into" American Idol beyond knowing who wins each season. I'll listen to the music, but that's about it. So, this will not turn into an AI blog. But, I had to share some observations. The auditions have featured a guest judge since Paula left. At first we didn't understand why they needed 4 judges, then Neil Patrick Harris (NPH) guest judged and we realized it's because NPH is awesome. During the auditions NPH judged, a former Barney girl came in full leather Dominatrix regalia. How do you get any better than that? When she said that she wanted to show people that Barney kids grow up and NPH said (paraphrase) "into bad girls." That was classic. Classic. That's just good tv. Our older daughter, Em, will decide in 2 seconds if she likes the contestant or not. Her judging for AI has kicked her up a notch since her dancing judging is usually based solely on the outfits. She gets really angry if a female dancer is wearing pants. She hates it!

*Please, someone, tell me you have heard this song! It has been stuck in my head for days now. darn you Ru Paul and your super catchy tunes! I have a guilty pleasure and I am going to admit it here and now, I like watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race. So Awesome. It is the best of Project Runway in terms of creativity with early ANTM (when it was good) thrown in and packages it all up with a lot of sass and quick wit. Good drag makes for great TV!! Observations on Season 1 and the beginning of Season 2: 1) Ru Paul is holding up very well and has extremely toned arms. Seriously, what exercises does he do? Fabulous. 2) The best contestants are really gorgeous women. My favorite from last season was Shannel. If she ever performs in Houston, I am going. 3) Ru is so witty and the queen of one-liners. 4) They selected some of the bit%hiest contestants, which makes for great TV. Love it.

Tell me, do you have a guilty TV pleasure? The Bachelor? Rock of Love (no, I don't watch either one). Are you an Idol fan?

Fug or Fab

I love fashion, and I love pop culture, and so I love the day after an awards show. I never really watch the actual show, I just wait to see the outfits. The Grammy carpet was no disappointment. I'm not going to profile every dress, that's what the fug girls are for. But, I have to talk about two of my favorite entertainers, with very different results.

I love Glee! Love, love, love it. Lea Michel is just the best thing ever, such a gorgeous voice and great talent. She has really been impressive at awards shows lately. But, her Grammy dress takes the cake; it is so pretty and so much fun. Gorgeous.

Now for the not so good. (Lady Gaga and Beyonce are too easy). I was most disappointed in Britney. Britney has been looking so great lately, especially given some of her more egregious missteps. I have been a Britney fan for years, my iPod is full of Britney, I even went to her Circus concert (IT ROCKED, absolute best show ever!). So, I try to support her (but not buy that crappy perfume). I had high hopes for her dress. Then, she shows up in a leotard and black doily? Ugh. She is way too pretty for that. You know Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are going to bring out the weird, so she could have gone edgy but cool or classic, or just diva it out. But, she went weird and just looked kind of lame in comparison. Britney, for the record, I like it when you look classy and pretty.

What about you? Do you love awards season too? Do you watch for the awards, performances, or dresses? And, who was your favorite?

What Not to Wear-the next generation

My friends and I were discussing fashion and television, as we often do, and I believe my friend Tanya came up with a great new programming idea. We all watch "What Not To Wear," and have gotten the basics down. We know how to generally dress for our bodies, events, etc. Hopefullly noone is close to reporting us to the show for lack of style. While we can all gather a fair amount of basic information from watching Stacy and Clinton, there are some further questions that need to be answered. For example: what are the best options for summertime in Houston? Shorts? sundresses, skirts? If shorts, what lengths and colors work best on what body types? In other words, a step up from the basic shows, plus Nina Garcia's Guide to Style, with a little Whoorl and Susan thrown in for good measure.

We are more than happy for TLC to grab on to this idea, as long as they let me and Tanya shop with Stacy and Clinton for an hour or two in exchange!

Friday Favorite- Project Runway

One of the greatest shows in television is on again, Project Runway. It seems like we just finished Season 6, which is true. Much like another favorite show, So you Think You Can Dance, I believe they are showing two seasons too close together. I think it cheapens Irina’s win. Although, given all the legal drama between Bravo and Lifetime, I know they had no choice. Also, with the exception of Irina and a few others, Season 6 was short on talent, with too few appearances and critiques from Nina and Michael Kors. But, I digress...

Season 7, let's Make it Work! First, Project Runway returns to New York . New York is a much better location for the show. I think there is a business and competitive spirit in New York that was lacking in LA. Also, maybe a bitchiness! Which brings us to the fact that Nina and Michael Kors can be more present in New York than LA, Hallejuia!

The challenge, grab material and fashion a garment to express who you are:

There was an awful lot of pouf going on as seen above. Picture above is Maya's design-uh, I think something threw up on your dress, Maya. Poufy sleeves, poufy skirts, weird poufy flowers. There was also a lot of bizarre color combinations on really tight dresses. The designers still had fit issues and puckering. Exactly what clients did these designers have before they came? I can't comment on everyone, so I picked a few standouts:

Ping- Ping doesn't use dress forms, she drapes it on her. When challenged by Tim Gunn she said she never gives anything to clients that doesn't look good on her. Wha? Huh? Red and plaid ponchos look good on her? Ugh. ick, blech and no. I know there is some entertainment value in having a contestant that is "out there" and unusual. But, that "dress" was a hot mess. All she did was drape her material over the model in a slightly different way for each swath of material. It was worse than something my preschooler could design. The fact that the guest judge, Nicole Ricthie, said she would wear it makes me seriously doubt Ms. Ritchie's sanity and fashion sense.

Anthony- Michael +Kayne = Anthony (but with less talent). What Anthony lacks in talent he makes up for in personality.

Emilio- I loved his silhouette. The pattern threw me a bit. I found the front of the dress a bit too busy. I understand that he won the challenge because he expressed his viewpoint. It wasn't the best dress on the runway. It certainly wasn't a dress I would purchase or buy. But, it was interesting and looked well made.

I still think the talent has been lacking since Rami and Christian's season. Rami is one of my all-time favorite designers.

Possible Best Line of the Night: It was like fat people and a buffet in Vegas- Anthony.

My favorite, Tim Gunn (Don’t you just love him?) was in the last episode of How I Met Your Mother *(A good show that my husband and I both enjoy watching together. This is rare since my taste runs more along the lines of Project Runway and Grey’s Anatomy and his are the History of the Gun and Big Game Hunting. Also, Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser) is hilarious, and Willow (Alyson Hannigan) is on the show-Bonus!. Tim was brilliant as a tailor/suit healer. Just brilliant-he made it work!