DAHLINGS –
After that simply ludicrous phony crying on Episode Two of Project Runway, I was glad to see that kissing-up baggage Carmen sent packing, pardon the pun. Telling my dear little friend Sarah Jessica Parker: “That's Carmen like the opera and Webber like the baller!”…how unpardonably gauche.
Speaking of my dear little friend Sarah Jessica Parker, wasn’t she ever so sweet, and such a contrast in every way to Heidi the Hun? Short and tall, sweet and sour, human and cyborg.
It pained Sarah to speak ill of any of the designs, no matter how misconceived. Watching her meet with each designer, I felt her pain. Perhaps that’s why SJP named her new line Bitten. Having to speak to Elisa and Christian in person would, in my estimation, be quite a hideous experience. I can only hope that the Bravo staff had gallons of honeybucket tea for dear Ms. Parker.
And how delightful is that Bitten, despite its name, carries plus sizes, unlike so many other designer labels? (Yes, I’m talking to you, Gwen Stefani!) The dress that Marion and…the other fellow…designed was an absolute mess, stretching to meet the floor even while it was being critiqued before poor Marion was given the stormtrooper’s boot. Yes, I know Ricky cries at the drop of a hat (my apologies for tonight's entry being riddled with puns), but Marion has seemed so hangdog right from the start. He looked absolutely right to be cast as Oliver Twist in "Oliver!"
And what does it say about the quality of the designs that I have absolutely no memory of which outfit won? (Before anyone points the accusing finger, I was sipping delicately on a cup of chamomile while watching.)
More later, dahlings -
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Friday, November 30, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Heidi Klum, The Terror of Fashion, Is Back!
DAHLINGS –
I am “covered in shame” that I have not been here for all of you these last weeks. What with the flu, holiday celebrations, parties, parties, parties, I have barely had time in between changing wisps of chiffon to THINK!
My biggest regret is that I have not had time to address the return of that Plague of Fashion. No, not Project Runway itself, but that neo-Nazi cyborg Heidi Klum. Right from the beginning of Episode One, she had obviously been champing at the bit to tear out the jugulars of a crop of inexperienced beginners. No amount of photographs in the tabloids of Klum and “her” children (the lady is allowed to be alone with the young?) will convince me she has a beating human heart. The woman reminds me of nothing so much as one of those killer canines in “Resident Evil 2004.” (Not that I would ever watch such a piece of ordure, but one of my beach house guests insisted on ordering it from Netflix this past summer.)
This woman is allowed to be a judge of fashion?
As for the designers, Christian makes (ugh) Neckthing looks almost human. Hair in a Mixmaster, anyone?
I must confess a great liking for Chris. Any man who designs for “Beach Blanket Babylon” is a man I’d like to have a cocktail with.
The designers were asked to design a dress that showed who they were. Well, at showtime, a pronounced lack of personality came strutting down the runway. All of the designs were…uninspired. That is the only word, alas.
Baby doll silhouettes, over and over, with little pieces of torn fabric, with mismatched jackets, with pieces of red material stuck on them. If only Elisa had left the Train of Shame off the fluid blue dress; it tripped her model and resembled dragon diarrhea. (Assuming the dragon had eaten several Hawaiian pizzas.) When time came to eliminate the first designer, Heidi the Hun was practically drooling. I hoped Victorya would be eliminated, if only for spelling her name Victorya. And her design—little black dreck is the only phrase that fits. Instead, Simone got the boot. Yes, her design was a mishmash, and somebody has to be the first.
And for purely personal reasons, it gave me a chuckle. But that, my dear readers, is for me to know only.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
I am “covered in shame” that I have not been here for all of you these last weeks. What with the flu, holiday celebrations, parties, parties, parties, I have barely had time in between changing wisps of chiffon to THINK!
My biggest regret is that I have not had time to address the return of that Plague of Fashion. No, not Project Runway itself, but that neo-Nazi cyborg Heidi Klum. Right from the beginning of Episode One, she had obviously been champing at the bit to tear out the jugulars of a crop of inexperienced beginners. No amount of photographs in the tabloids of Klum and “her” children (the lady is allowed to be alone with the young?) will convince me she has a beating human heart. The woman reminds me of nothing so much as one of those killer canines in “Resident Evil 2004.” (Not that I would ever watch such a piece of ordure, but one of my beach house guests insisted on ordering it from Netflix this past summer.)
This woman is allowed to be a judge of fashion?
As for the designers, Christian makes (ugh) Neckthing looks almost human. Hair in a Mixmaster, anyone?
I must confess a great liking for Chris. Any man who designs for “Beach Blanket Babylon” is a man I’d like to have a cocktail with.
The designers were asked to design a dress that showed who they were. Well, at showtime, a pronounced lack of personality came strutting down the runway. All of the designs were…uninspired. That is the only word, alas.
Baby doll silhouettes, over and over, with little pieces of torn fabric, with mismatched jackets, with pieces of red material stuck on them. If only Elisa had left the Train of Shame off the fluid blue dress; it tripped her model and resembled dragon diarrhea. (Assuming the dragon had eaten several Hawaiian pizzas.) When time came to eliminate the first designer, Heidi the Hun was practically drooling. I hoped Victorya would be eliminated, if only for spelling her name Victorya. And her design—little black dreck is the only phrase that fits. Instead, Simone got the boot. Yes, her design was a mishmash, and somebody has to be the first.
And for purely personal reasons, it gave me a chuckle. But that, my dear readers, is for me to know only.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving, Dahlings!
DAHLINGS -
I simply wanted to wish all of my darling readers a happy Thanksgiving. May it be filled with your favorite food, drink, and people. And as few of your blood relations as humanly possible. Bucky joins me in saying Heureux Thanksgiving.
More later...my escort is waiting!
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
I simply wanted to wish all of my darling readers a happy Thanksgiving. May it be filled with your favorite food, drink, and people. And as few of your blood relations as humanly possible. Bucky joins me in saying Heureux Thanksgiving.
More later...my escort is waiting!
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Friday, November 16, 2007
Bodaciously Yours Vintage On She's A Betty!
DAHLINGS -
I was about to write a rant about the return of "Project Runway," but then I was diverted--I simply could not be more delighted! It is time once again to break out the Krug! My beautiful sheer silk black Ungaro dress is featured on She's A Betty, selected by one of the moderators of Specialist Auctions! The link is here:
I was about to write a rant about the return of "Project Runway," but then I was diverted--I simply could not be more delighted! It is time once again to break out the Krug! My beautiful sheer silk black Ungaro dress is featured on She's A Betty, selected by one of the moderators of Specialist Auctions! The link is here:
http://shesabetty.typepad.com/shes_a_betty_single_girl_/
for November 16, 2007. (There is also a dress on the bottom left from my dear friend Viviene of Born Too Late Vintage.)
This exquisite dress is labeled a size 14 US, but it will fit a size 16 easily, and is perfect worn over a frilly slip or even as an overdress!
It has a bib front with pintucks, and buttons all the way up.
Speaking of breaking out the Krug, your faithful correspondent shall be making a rare live appearance on January 17 here in the most glorious city in the world! Stay tuned for details...I know that you are simply slavering at the thought!
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Sunday, November 11, 2007
An Interview with Nadine Haobsh, Author of "Beauty Confidential" - Olay!
DAHLINGS -
Pardon the execrable pun in the title, but I could not resist.
Quite often, your faithful correspodent is sent begging emails by publicists needing to flog product. For the most part, they are badly written novels with plots apparently taken from "How to Be A Successful Chick-Lit Writer."
To those, I say a firm non. However, sometimes a book will interest moi enough to actually read it (and not just the press release and back cover).
Today we are interviewing Nadine Haobsh, a former beauty editor and author of the blog “Jolie in New York.” At the tender age of twenty-five, Ms. Haobsh has written “Beauty Confidential,” which is both a product guide and a look at the workings of the beauty industry.
The book contains a wealth of helpful information from an industry insider. For instance, the explanations of hairdressing terms are simply essential. Even though I have naturally blonde flowing locks, I have oft wondered exactly what the difference between “ash” and “gold” was.
And it was my dear dead friend Lana Turner who first told her daughter, Cheryl Crane, her indispensable beauty secret: “I wash all of my makeup off every night…even when I am so drunk I have to hold on the sink.” I was delighted to see this tip passed on to the current generation. I may be the possessor of naturally creamy skin, rosy lips and thick lashes, but for those less fortunate, this book will indeed be a help.
Ms. Haobsh took a few minutes from her hectic schedule to answer (via email) a few questions about her, shall we say, nonfiction debut. (After all, what are InStyle and Ladies Home Journal if not fiction?)
(photo credit: George Bogart)
Ms. Haobsh's next project is a novel called "The Beauty Expert," which one suspects will be about a lovely young blonde who becomes a beauty editor. But perhaps not. You can find out more about Ms. Haobsh and her projects, blog and media appearances at www.nadinehaobsh.com.
In the meantime, I'm off to slather myself with some Créme de La Mer and have the maid give Bucky a good rubdown with Sheapet shea butter.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Pardon the execrable pun in the title, but I could not resist.
Quite often, your faithful correspodent is sent begging emails by publicists needing to flog product. For the most part, they are badly written novels with plots apparently taken from "How to Be A Successful Chick-Lit Writer."
To those, I say a firm non. However, sometimes a book will interest moi enough to actually read it (and not just the press release and back cover).
Today we are interviewing Nadine Haobsh, a former beauty editor and author of the blog “Jolie in New York.” At the tender age of twenty-five, Ms. Haobsh has written “Beauty Confidential,” which is both a product guide and a look at the workings of the beauty industry.
The book contains a wealth of helpful information from an industry insider. For instance, the explanations of hairdressing terms are simply essential. Even though I have naturally blonde flowing locks, I have oft wondered exactly what the difference between “ash” and “gold” was.
And it was my dear dead friend Lana Turner who first told her daughter, Cheryl Crane, her indispensable beauty secret: “I wash all of my makeup off every night…even when I am so drunk I have to hold on the sink.” I was delighted to see this tip passed on to the current generation. I may be the possessor of naturally creamy skin, rosy lips and thick lashes, but for those less fortunate, this book will indeed be a help.
Ms. Haobsh took a few minutes from her hectic schedule to answer (via email) a few questions about her, shall we say, nonfiction debut. (After all, what are InStyle and Ladies Home Journal if not fiction?)
Q: To start, I must ask, who is the lovely blonde actress frolicking all over your press release? Is she promoting a film?
(Ms. Haobsh declined to answer this question, so I will assume it is some actress from “Gossip Girl”—isn’t everyone on the CW about twelve?)
Q: Your book is clearly aimed at the younger generation. For instance, you refer to your readers as "girls.'' But there is the occasional nod to those of us past thirty. Since you are so young, I must ask: why the emphasis on looking youthful? I speak, of course, of the section on fillers and lasers. What, exactly, is incorrect with having wrinkles? Why do you think people are so terrified of aging these days?
A: I tried to write my book for women of all ages, which is why I have a section on fillers and lasers. Lasers, in particularly, are wonderful at treating a variety of problems---they're not just anti-aging, but excellent for treating acne, redness, pigmentation and scarring---and I believe in arming women with as much information as possible so they can make the best decisions for themselves. Regarding wrinkles, however, and our society's fear of aging, I think we worship youth too much, and so women who are over thirty –or, hell, even twenty-five in some areas—ahem, Hollywood, ahem— feel like they're past their prime, which is just not the case. Women get better with age! We become more confident in our skin, we become sexier (as opposed to just *pretending* to be sexy!) and we've achieved a certain level of wisdom that shows on faces. I love laugh lines and eye crinkles. A big honking frown line down the center of your forehead, however, is objectively not "looking your best", and if there are tools out there for you to soften the line, why not go with it? I think as long as you have healthy self-esteem, any small enhancement --- whether botox, a filler, highlights, or makeup --- isn't a bad thing. (Editorial aside: perhaps women over thirty should read this book with a grain of salt; otherwise it may increase the “big honking frown lines” down the center of their foreheads. Having them didn’t hurt Bette Davis, did it?)
Q: Thank you ever so much for mentioning the Dove Real Beauty campaign. As a luscious plus-sized woman myself, I applaud their efforts to bring even a trace of reality to the marketplace. It is my personal belief that the use of cocaine-addicted teenagers in fashion and beauty advertising is today’s worst beauty trend. Ms. Haobsh, what do you think is today’s worst beauty trend?
A: I think today's worst-beauty trend is along the same lines as your view: the promotion of unhealthy and unrealistic images in the media, and the use of overly-thin, overly young models to sell images to women twice their age. Many of these models aren't even old enough to vote, and yet women of America are comparing themselves to them, and then feeling bad about their beautiful bodies. Who got together and decided that no hips, no breasts, no tummy---no *femininity*---was a good thing? Our bodies are wonderful tools capable of doing amazing things, and I wish more women looked in the mirror and were happy with what they saw reflected back at them. (And, by the way, even the models and celebrities don't look that good; it's all airbrushed, anyway. So we're competing against images that don't even exist.) (Editorial aside: take a look at Ms. Haobsh's headshot below. No comment.)
Q: I am not one to pry, but on behalf of mon cher readers, I must ask: what were the exact words your boss used when she/he fired you at Ladies Home Journal? Or had you left LHJ and were then contacted by Seventeen?
A: I wasn't fired by Ladies Home Journal, but simply had my two weeks' notice declined after I told them I was leaving for Seventeen. They'd already known about the article; it was the one-two punch of being contacted by the New York Post and then my resignation that angered them. Out of respect for my former boss, who is one of the most talented, kind women I've had the pleasure of knowing, I won't go into the specific conversation! Needless to say, I regret letting her down.
Q: A question I like to pose to my, shall we say, thinner interviewees is: how much do you eat in a typical day? Could you outline a typical day’s meals?
A: I love food! I'll admit, however, that I'm uncomfortable with the emphasis we as women put on it; I feel like it's coming from the wrong place -- not as a celebration, but as an examination, as if there's something inherently wrong with eating and we're all naughty children. Regardless, I try to eat healthily: I typically have hard boiled eggs for breakfast, a tuna or chicken salad for lunch, almonds as a snack, and then either sushi (love tuna, salmon and sea urchin sashimi!) or chicken with vegetables for dinner. (Editorial aside: Hmmmm…)
A: Lest this sounds disgustingly healthy, let me just say that I'm writing this with a can of sugar-free Red Bull on the table next to me (so bad for me, I know!), probably drink three cups of coffee and a few Diet Cokes in any given day, and also put Splenda in my coffee. All of this angers my mother---an organic, crunchy granola health type---to no end, and I'm trying to be better about staying away from fake sugar. I don't have a sweet tooth, but rather, a carb-tooth. Mashed potatoes are my kryptonite - I adore them! I'm non-dairy, however; I simply don't like the taste and haven't since I was a toddler.
Q: One must agree with the conclusion of your book, that beauty should be fun. Except when it hurts. But do you ever feel that you are perpetrating a false ideal? Or merely helping women look their best? What are your thoughts? If it is not rocket science, as you say, why does everything cost as much as an M-15?
A: I absolutely feel that I'm trying to help women look their best---and without breaking their banks! Readers of my blog know that I despise the false images that the media is saturated with, encourage women to find the beauty in themselves, and also regularly (more often than not, actually!) recommend drugstore beauty products.
It's not that everything costs as much as an M-15, it's that these overpriced products are the only ones magazines are recommending because they have to please their (expensive) advertisers! I believe that department store products are often overrated anyway; most of what you're paying for is packaging, marketing and advertising. Olay Regenerist is one of the most effective anti-aging products on the market, and I'm besotted by Neutrogena skincare, which I use to the exclusion of the $100 creams and $75 cleansers sitting in my beauty cabinet. More expensive does not equal better, and I try to get that message across, both in my blog and in my book, by simply naming products that are fabulous, regardless of the price. Sure, it can be nice to pamper yourself, but if the $15 cream and the $115 will give you the same results, why not save $100 and treat yourself with something else?
(photo credit: George Bogart)
Ms. Haobsh's next project is a novel called "The Beauty Expert," which one suspects will be about a lovely young blonde who becomes a beauty editor. But perhaps not. You can find out more about Ms. Haobsh and her projects, blog and media appearances at www.nadinehaobsh.com.
In the meantime, I'm off to slather myself with some Créme de La Mer and have the maid give Bucky a good rubdown with Sheapet shea butter.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Friday, November 9, 2007
Party Dresses & Coats At The House of Style!
DAHLINGS -
I still tire easily, but what is health when the holiday season is coming rapidly upon us? Here are some lovely vintage holiday dresses and coats in larger sizes at the Bodacious House of Style. Also one in a smaller size, but you will agree it is truly stunning! All are on auction and end soon! Don't look like everyone else at your holiday parties.
First, this vintage 50s taffeta teal dress, accented with gold, size Medium...my dear dead friend Lana Turner loves it!
Second, this NEW Dries Van Noten designer coat in cashmere and wool, size 40/M:
SOLD!
Third, this vintage 60s Lurex threaded dress with an adorable peekaboo collar, size XXL:
SOLD!
Fourth, a Marilyn-worthy silk 50s dress in a fabulous print, size XXL:
Fifth, a 60s peach crepe dress in need of some minor TLC with a gold embellished bodice, also XXL:
Sixth, this magnificent 80s new wave cape with an asymmetrical overdrape going all the way around:
SOLD!
And last but hardly least, this silk blend blue swing coat, also size XXL:
SOLD!
Do swing by and snap up some treasures for yourself!
I must go lie down again...one can only hope I am up to par when Project Runway starts up next week.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
I still tire easily, but what is health when the holiday season is coming rapidly upon us? Here are some lovely vintage holiday dresses and coats in larger sizes at the Bodacious House of Style. Also one in a smaller size, but you will agree it is truly stunning! All are on auction and end soon! Don't look like everyone else at your holiday parties.
First, this vintage 50s taffeta teal dress, accented with gold, size Medium...my dear dead friend Lana Turner loves it!
Second, this NEW Dries Van Noten designer coat in cashmere and wool, size 40/M:
SOLD!
Third, this vintage 60s Lurex threaded dress with an adorable peekaboo collar, size XXL:
SOLD!
Fourth, a Marilyn-worthy silk 50s dress in a fabulous print, size XXL:
Fifth, a 60s peach crepe dress in need of some minor TLC with a gold embellished bodice, also XXL:
Sixth, this magnificent 80s new wave cape with an asymmetrical overdrape going all the way around:
SOLD!
And last but hardly least, this silk blend blue swing coat, also size XXL:
SOLD!
Do swing by and snap up some treasures for yourself!
I must go lie down again...one can only hope I am up to par when Project Runway starts up next week.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Rising From My Sickbed At Long Last...
DAHLINGS -
At last, I am rising from my sickbed! Although I am still quite frail, I must return to the business of Life and Fashion. Today I decided I might devote a little space to my other shop, Bodaciously Yours Vintage, located on Specialist Auctions.
After giving the matter some thought, it was decided there should be a place for the finer things, the designer clothes one is not willing to sell for $24.99. Not that I need the money—heaven forbid!
But I respect vintage clothing too much, in fact I respect all clothing too much (with the exception of the ridiculous DSW designer knock-off shoes my assistant is wearing as she types this—do you honestly believe they would fool anyone into thinking they are authentic crocodile?).
Ahem. Excuse me. Still a tad cranky after my ordeal.
So I opened my little shop, and have been stocking it with the same high-quality merchandise that you will find in my Ebay store. Here are some currently listed items for your delectation:
Vintage 40s Val Mode celery green crystal pleated slip, size 36:
Vintage 60s wool boucle' double breasted coat with novelty buttons, size L:
SOLD!
Contemporary lipstick red bugle beaded chiffon dance dress, size 20W:
SOLD!
Also in lipstick red, Donna Ricco evening dress, sheer below the knees, size 18w:
Vintage 70s Givenchy pendant necklace with small rhinestones:
SOLD!
And so much more! Do have a look around. I need to go lie down...being around my assistant, frankly, is exhausting. At least now she knows when to stop typing.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
At last, I am rising from my sickbed! Although I am still quite frail, I must return to the business of Life and Fashion. Today I decided I might devote a little space to my other shop, Bodaciously Yours Vintage, located on Specialist Auctions.
After giving the matter some thought, it was decided there should be a place for the finer things, the designer clothes one is not willing to sell for $24.99. Not that I need the money—heaven forbid!
But I respect vintage clothing too much, in fact I respect all clothing too much (with the exception of the ridiculous DSW designer knock-off shoes my assistant is wearing as she types this—do you honestly believe they would fool anyone into thinking they are authentic crocodile?).
Ahem. Excuse me. Still a tad cranky after my ordeal.
So I opened my little shop, and have been stocking it with the same high-quality merchandise that you will find in my Ebay store. Here are some currently listed items for your delectation:
Vintage 40s Val Mode celery green crystal pleated slip, size 36:
Vintage 60s wool boucle' double breasted coat with novelty buttons, size L:
SOLD!
Contemporary lipstick red bugle beaded chiffon dance dress, size 20W:
SOLD!
Also in lipstick red, Donna Ricco evening dress, sheer below the knees, size 18w:
Vintage 70s Givenchy pendant necklace with small rhinestones:
SOLD!
And so much more! Do have a look around. I need to go lie down...being around my assistant, frankly, is exhausting. At least now she knows when to stop typing.
Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog
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