Au revoir Fleurchon

Project Runway: The Inside Dish!

Click HERE to read my recap of Episode 8

Slider Phones

Having had the same Nokia 6100 for 3 years, I've been on the lookout for a new phone for a while.

Over the years, all my phones have looked remarkably alike, the Nokia 6100, the Nokia 8250 and this other Nokia one so old that I don't even remember the model of. But it looks like the third one shown- except more squarish. They're all basically just upgraded versions of each other. So this time, I was determined to look for something different.


Hence I turned my attention to sliders, because they just look so sleek and cool. Plus, sliding is just fun! Naturally I was drawn to the ever stylish LG Chocolate and the Samsung E900, with their super sleek form and cool sensor buttons.

But alas, my strong sense of brand loyalty to Nokia (in case you haven't notice) wouldn't let me buy anything else but Nokia. I mean, what if those flimsy things from Samsung and LG breaks on me after a year? My Nokias have never broken on me before- while the Samsung flip one T Mobile gave me when I opened my mobile phone is already dying after one year! (Incidently does anyone know whether they're supposed to give me a new phone when I resign my contract each year?)

Anyway, deciding to get a 3G just in case I should ever find myself in Japan/Korea or that T Mobile suddenly decides to gift me with the free use of the internet and video conversations at the price of a phone call, I was basically left with two choices: the new N80 or the 6250 (or whatever else you call it in your country). While the N80 is the newest, whatever extra function they added has made it thick and bulky- not pretty. And who needs something mega expensive and not pretty? So in the end (after all this thought process) I finally settled on 6250 because of its function and sleek appearance (although I would prefer it even slimmer).

Mischa Barton for Keds

While I was flipping through Teen Vogue a few months ago, it occured to me that it actually seems natural now to see Ked's shoes featured within the editorial content. But think back a few years ago, hardly anyone knew Ked's! I'm sure Keds was a well-known brand before, but let's face it, before Mischa started advertising for it, Ked's was no where near the fashion radar. But since the images of Mischa looking very cool in cute outfits and various pair of Ked's started appearing in Teen Vogue and other magazines, Keds just seemed more... attractive, at least on print it did.

Starting from Mischa's golden girl days at the OC.

So cute and pretty! Mischa looks like an effortless prom queen here.

Looking cool in a silk dress and Keds.

Keds for the fun-loving girl inside all of us.

This is one of this season's ads. I LOVE this image -a stylish student looking cool in the library. If only we all looked like that as a student!

Seeing Keds in real life though, is slightly disappointing. And perhaps most importantly, it is impossible for one to make Keds look cool, that is unless you wear clothes that really match Keds style, or you look as cool as Mischa does.

Purple Rain

EMMY WRAP UP

The Fashion:

Two words: Aubergine and Lace. These pretty much sum up Sunday's Emmy Awards "Red Carpet". I guess I was a bit ahead of myself when I designed Brenda Strong's deep purple silk gown last year for the SAG Awards and Nancy O'Dell beaded lace high-low gown for last month's "Miss Universe" telecast. Without realizing, I was "en pointe" with the two main trends. Cheryl Hines, Evangeline Lily, Ellen Pompeo: all in different shades of aubergine/ deep purple. Jamie Pressly and a couple other actresses gave you Lace, served on very tight, almost pageant dress-like silhouettes. Kayne Gillespie would be proud!! Did all these actresses' stylists get together and meet for coffee at The Ivy and discuss and agree what the color and fabric of choice would be? Crazy.

Another "Side Trend" was the One Shouldered Look. I love the one-shouldered look and have been doing it since I began my line, Nikolaki ,5 years ago. Some of the top one shouldered numbers were worn by beautiful Heidi Klum, in a red jersey Michael Kors, and Calista Flockheart, looking like a very frail Audrey Hepburn (when she was 65!!). I also loved Julia Luis-Dreyfus' black and white Narciso Rodriguez column gown and British Diva Helen Mirren looked superb in her white tiered gown. I just wish she would have put that damn stole away! I know older women have problems with exposing their arms, but her arms were not flabby at all. In fact having that stole there made me focus on them more!!!

I am still waiting for those Bjork moments! Speaking of almost-misses, Kyra Sedgwick's gown was way too much; too editorial. It would have looked great in a Vogue Italia shoot by Steven Meisel, but NOT at the Emmy's. I also was not a fan of Mariska Hargitay's Carolina Herrera gown. It was way too high on her bust. I wanted to cut about 3 inches from the bust line. A little cleavage isn't bad. Since when is she a nun?

The Parties:

David and I were invited to attend an Emmy-viewing party at The Standard on Sunset thrown by "Magical Elves", producers of "Project Runway". I met fellow designer John Wade there and hung out with Season Three designer Robert Best and his buddy , Patrik. I love me some Robert! He was so funny. What a crack-up. Three words: Split at birth. Also at this party were Season Two designers Marla Duran (with her two children) , Andrae Gonzalo and Daniel Franco. They were into watching the telecast, while Robert, John, David and I just wanted to "Dish"!!

After about an hour there, we moved onto the People Magazine Party nearby. As we approached the "velvet ropes", the fire marshall had closed it down. Just then and there, Heidi Klum and Seal emerged from their limo and I quickly stuck to them like "white on rice"! We still were not allowed in!! Let me repeat: Heidi AND Seal. Just then, somehow we were allowed into the party. Prince, yes The One and Only, was performing. There were tons of actors walking around, dancing and singing. We just enjoyed the moment, surreal as it was! As we left, we tried to get one of the huge Goodie Bags everyone was dragging around for dear life, but to no avail: No People Magazine Goodie Bags for Uncle Nick. I have enough TreSemme Hair Gel at home anyway!

As soon as we left the Prince performance at the aforementioned People Post-Emmy party, we were invited by fellow Season 2 Designer, Kirsten Ehrig and her great husband , Keith , to attend a very private and live performance by Prince(yes, again PRINCE!!) at the exclusive Foundation Room at the House Of Blues. There we cruised by the real velvet ropes and went right through the inner sanctum that is the Foundation Room. We munched on hors d'eourves and enjoyed some champagne. As I looked around ,I spotted Lance Armstrong surrounded by 5 very pretty ladies (where was his BFF, Mathew McConaughey?) and Lawrence Fishburne. A private after hours concert by Prince? Somebody pinch me because I have gone to "Purple Heaven".

PARTY PARTY PARTY

EMMY PARTY WEEKEND

This last weekend was "Emmy Awards" weekend in Los Angeles. Luckily, because of my friend Jane, I was invited to several events, but alas not the actual award show. I know, everyone asked me,"Why weren't you invited? You were on the show..." Yes, Project Runway was nominated, but the awards are for the producers of the show, not the performers (is that what we are?) , so I hope that answers most people's inquiries.
Needless to say, on Friday night I attended my first pre-Emmy party, the Gersch Agency Party (Gersch is one of the most respected agencies in town). It was held at the fabulous Sunset Tower Hotel in the newly-opened "Terrace", overlooking its sleek pool and the stunning views of Los Angeles. Fellow Season 2 Designers, my buddies Raymundo Baltazar and John Wade went with me, and we joined our "date", Jane. There was an abundant yet typical LA-calorie-conscious buffet (no meatloaf and onion rings here kids!) and an open bar (hello!). We saw lots of "stars", including Kevin Nealon of "Saturday Night Live", Jeff Goldblum (whom John knows rather well since he is a regular client at Marc Jacobs, where John works) the beautiful Kira Sedgwick(wearing an elegant strapless cocktail dress) with sexy hubby, Kevin Bacon, looking very "Hollywood Rock & Roll", with a vintage-like T-shirt and fitted jacket. He looked like he went to Kitson on Robertson and said to the sales people, "Dress Me!"
I felt a bit out of place amongst these Hollywood "stars", so I kept eating and drinking! We also spotted another fellow designer, Santino Rice, looking very incognito with his "sunglasses-at-night" look.

The next night was the Entertainment Weekly Pre-Emmy soiree, co-hosted by Revlon. I took David with me and did the "Red Carpet" walk of shame. Some photographers knew who I was, others were clueless , and that's fine. I didn't even make the "cut" for "WireImage"!! I didn't feel so bad when one of those cute guys from MTV's "Laguna Beach" was told to "go around" while they led me to the Red Carpet. Oops! Inside , we enjoyed flavored Martinis and mini-burgers. I threw my mini-burger under the table the minute I spotted the ultra chic Nina Garcia. I had not even spoken to her since I left the show so it was nice to enjoy her in a less formal setting. She looked divine in a gilded Prada dress. I almost went home and called it a night after she told me that I was one of her favorites and was very sad to see me go home. I am sure she says that to everyone, but it was classy and she made me feel special, like Sally Field at the Oscars: "You Like Me, You Really like Me?"

The scene at the "EW" party was insane, I was surrounded by so many stars that it was difficult to keep my jaw from dropping. In the one room there was Angie Harmon, Zach Braff, Ivanka Trump, and Mathew Perry. The highlights of my evening, besides hanging out with Tim Gunn and my favorite producers of the show, the HOT Michael Rucker and Ben Mack, was when Dule Hill, star of "The West Wing" came up to me and told me that he loved the show and that I was his favorite designer from the last season. I was like, "Are you kidding me?". I also chatted away with former NSync singer, Lance Bass, who was very sweet ( he did not know much about the show, saying that he hadn't watched it) Then, Sarah Chalke, actress from "Scrubs", approached me and gushed with some wonderful compliments. She looked ethereal , by the way, in a nude colored Luisa Beccaria made from silk tulle and taffeta. The best was saved for last: imposing actor Denis Leary comes up to me, while I was talking to someone(probably myself!), and I swear I thought he was going to hit me or something. He just gives you that "air". It could not have been further from the truth. He said :"Do you mind if I introduce you to my son and daughter? They love you and they would be very mad at me if I didn't have you meet them!" Too much! I looked around and wondered why was I the only "Project Runway" designer at this fabulous party? Where were the other designers? Season 2 and 3?
The party had really come to its climax the minute I looked up and saw Miss Lindsay Lohan DJ'ing!! I thought, OK it is time to go. This is really turning into an "Us Weekly " paparazzi event. By the looks of things , I assume she did not have to get up early to film any movie scenes. Her DJ'ing was kind of good, and her top was really cute too!

Stylish School Bags

To prepare us for the beginning of yet another school year, I thought I'd look at some stylish school bags to get us excited. Now when I think of school bags, the first thing that pops into my head is the typical Jansport backpack in its various shades that was ever so popular back in high school. But as I've proceeded to college, I've tried to veer away from them because a)one DOES need variety after so many years of backpacking b) it never matches with any of my outfits and c) its time to gradually move onto something a bit more sophisticated.

One of my favourite brands for school bags is Le Sportsac. Their bags are light, spacey, looks good and are waterproof. I especifically loved their LAMB collection back then. I used to buy one each season (and I still use them!), but alas, Gwen stopped designing bags for Le Sportsac and now their collections are not quite as impressive. But I think these two are ok, especially the black messenger one on the left, which will definitely match all your outfits!

Currently, I am using a brown Coach tote from last season that looks remarkably like the one on the left except mine is not as cool and is not reversible (although who wants the Coach tag hanging outside anyway? It was designed to be inside for a reason!). I really like it as again it matches everything, is sophisticated, fits everything and surprisingly doesn't get dirty that easily. For a smaller size, the one on the right is of a pretty good size too. It fits the average notebook and laptop snugly. Although I'm not sure how i feel about their new print here. . .
Another good choice is the classic Longchamp one (left). I used to not like it, but after seeing some really cool people on the streets with them, this design is definitely growing on me. And I can't help but lust after their new brown suede bag (right) this season. LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

For something more sophisticated, I am loving these two from Anthropologie that sooo reminds me of Miu Miu this season.

I am also absolutely LOVING these Warhol totes from Urban Outfitters. They are SO COOL. I can totally see someone in a punky tee, skinny jeans and heels wearing this.

American Eagle has some pretty cute options too. The navy one is very reminescent of Longchamp's one except at a much friendlier price and the brown messenger the girl in the ad looks adorable.

The blue bow bag is pretty, feminine and of a size that is perfect for school. The strap also looks adjustable, so it can be worn long across or short as a tote! And this black messenger here is the epitome of a messenger bag. Definitely stylish school bag material. Oh and these two are from Urban Outfitters.

For more classic messengers, look to Accessorize. This suede brown one is beautiful. And this army green one with the leather details reminds me of Balenciaga for some reasons, but I can't quite put a finger on as to why.

Click HERE for a fun interview I did recently with Beauty Addict

Emmy's 2006 Fashion

I had my wisdom teeth pulled out last week, so I've been staying at home and rewatching House and Grey's Anatomy in the past week. Thus I've been in a very TV-mood and actually excited about the Emmy's.

*Squeals* 24 won 3 major awards -Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in A Drama Series and Outstanding Directing For A Drama Series. 24 is the only TV show that makes me think 'what's going to happen next?' Kiefer Sutherland and 24 totally deserve these awards.

The ladies of 24, Mary Lynn Rayskub and Kim Raver. Rayskub's dress is such a pretty and classic dress. Raver looks gorgeous, but I'm not a big fan of her Pamela Roland dress.

Moving on to Grey's Anatomy, Ellen Pompei in a body-fitting John Galliano for Christian Dior gown. I love how luxurious the dress and material looks and it fits Ellen really well. Unfortunately, that hair and makeup is just awful.

Katherine Heigl looked stunning in a nude Escada dress. Her hair and makeup is very Hollywood-glamour. Chandra Wilson looked fabulous in a fire-engine red Bradley Bayou dress.

I don't really like Kate Walsh's shiny dress, but she (her makeup and hair,) looked beautiful. Sandra Oh wore a pretty Vera Wang dress. It looks fantastic on her, but I'm not sure the huge necklace matches the ruffle neckline.

Two doctors from two series: Patrick Dempsey aka Dr. Derick Shepard /Mc Dreamy, and Hugh Laurie aka House. ( I absolutely adore House's character and sarcasim in the show.)

Jennifer Morrison is sooo pretty! Her dress, hair and makeup all just made her look so sweet -loves it

Lisa Edelstein looked fantastic in her black & white gown. I especially like the braclet she's showing off here.

Moving onto other people, I loved Evangeline Lilly's whole look -from the eggplant Versace gown to the gorgeous wavy hair. On the other hand, I really don't like Eva Longoria's dress, even if she 's oh-so-beautiful herself.

Kyra Sedgwick wore one of the most elaborate dresses on the red carpet. The dress is by Giorgio Armani Prive.

Jennifer Love Hewitt looked elegant in this gorgeous Collette Dinnigan dress. The details on the dress is soo nice.

Tyra Banks looked amazing in this very-couture Georges Chakra gown. She actually flew to Paris to get fittings done, so the dress fits her perfectly.

The happy-looking, stunning couple, Seal and Heidi Klum. Heidi's gown is by Michael Kors. I don't really like the Michael Kors gown Heidi wore but she looked stunning as usual.

Urban Outfitters FW06 Catalogue

With all the September issues of style magazines rolling out, it's certainly time to start planning, (or in some cases start buying,) your FW06 wardrobe. With all the magazines listing out what is the trend and what is not, and showing you glamourous fashion shoots, you really start getting into the mood. This summer, I found that the easiest way to start thinking of FW clothes that fits you is to flick through the Urban Outfitters Fall Catalogue.

Not the most attractive cover, I know, but inside is full of pretty photos that could inspire you how to wear this season's clothes casually. Unfortunately the catalogue is not online this year, but you can just order one via mail. Here are a few things from the catalogue:

A black mini skirt is a must-have this season.

This cute pleated dress to cross you over from summer to fall.

This cardigan is so versatile -it can go from preppy to trendy. The design and colours are so complimentary to this season's dark mood. (Look at the catalogue to see the different ways to wear it.)

I'm not really into hobo bags but if you are planning to buy one this season, then this Lux one is affordable and doesn't look cheap.