Fashion Week Day 5: Indashio

On Monday I attended what loosely resembled a fashion show for Indashio's Spring/Summer 2011 collection at Style 360. This event was formatted as a fashion show but felt more like a rave/Anime cartoon/hip hop tranny convention. Indashio is a young fashion designer who was the winner of VH1's Glam God, one reality show that I surprisingly did not watch. His style is out there to say the least, and attracted an audience to match. The collection was filled with bright neon colors, graffiti-like prints, metallics, sequins, feathers, and every other flamboyant detail you can imagine. I liked the sequin dresses and the purple bikini, but high fashion or sophisticated this collection was not. The night was quite the extravaganza though. Sitting front row were Paul Johnson Calderon of High Society (one of my favorite people in the world!) and Janice Combs (Diddy's mom). Amber Rose walked the runway to open and close the show, and other notable models included almost every contestant from America's Next Top Model (winners Jaslene and Caridee, and I'm pretty sure Amanda from cycle 3). Plus shirtless and pantsless men! I definitely saw some major bulge. Although honestly it was hard to tell whether some models were men or women. If the model wearing the gold lame' bikini was a women, apparently Indashio made leg shaving optional because homegirl (boy?) was pulling a Mo'Nique. The Indashio show certainly had its fair share of tranny ferocia and was not apologizingggg for it...but overall was bordering more on hot mess.

Fashion Week Day 4: Walter

Walter showed their Spring 2011 collection on Sunday as part of opening day of Style 360 at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Denise Richards, Alex McCord, and Simon Van Kempen sat front row to view the collection of laid back cocktail looks. I loved the chiffon dresses with over-sided gold sequin detailing on the shoulders. However, I haven't been loving the muted color palette that Walter and many other designers have been showing this season. The Recession is (somewhat) ending and these are spring collections, lets have fun with some color! Despite the drab tones, Walter displayed a clean, cohesive, and wearable collection containing flowy dresses, blouses, and some beautiful ombre and asymmetrical pieces. A few looks were paired with what the program noted as a "horn scarf", which looked more like a very long grey cotton snake wrapped around the neck several times. These felt a bit bizarre, but still overall a nice showing from Walter.

Fashion Week Day 4: Rebecca Minkoff

A designer mostly known for her handbags, Rebecca Minkoff showed her collection of RTW clothing, bags, and shoes in a presentation at Lincoln Center yesterday afternoon. The collection had a downtown sophisticate vibe with leather, hardware, and other edgy details on pieces with feminine silhouettes. The color palate was mostly neutrals, but a few red dresses and a pair of metallic shorts provided a very needed pop. Minkoff's famed handbags played a featured role in her Spring 2011 collection, some of my favorites being the envelope clutch and the luggage-like leather doctor bag. The hair also played a key role in creating the look of Minkoff's downtown bohemian girl, as the models wore the tousled loose waves that I only wish I could re-create in real life without looking borderline homeless. A standout point in the presentation was the statement jewelry from Made Her Think, especially an over-sized pewter and gold metal fringe necklace. Michelle Trachtenberg was in attendance to view the collection, and Danny Masterson (aka DJ Mom Jeans) provided the soundtrack for the afternoon. Delightfully random, a great compliment to the polished yet ready for anything attitude of Minkoff's collection.

Fashion Week Day 3: Whitney Eve by Whitney Port

Last night Whitney Port presented her Whitney Eve Spring 2011 collection at a studio in the Meatpacking District. Whitney was of course in attendance and busy mingling while tending to the fine tuning details of the night. The City co-star Samantha Swetra was among the guests, who enjoyed lemon juleps from Svedka Vodka and cookies and other treats from Sugar Factory. The Whitney Eve collection consisted of vibrant and flirty rompers, skirts, dresses, and a few drapey pants. I loved the color palette including coral, lilac, and khaki green, a color I've been seeing a lot of this season. Whitney also included some fun geometric prints and lightweight fabrics, making the looks appear effortlessly chic and comfortable. The one look I wasn't a fan of was the crop top. Are we really doing this? I know I'm not and would prefer others not to as well, especially with a slit down the middle of the top. The muted colors and jacket are the only thing that make this look one step up from classic JWOWW, but overall it's only one misstep in an otherwise fresh and wearable collection.

Fashion Week Day 2: Fashion's Night Out

Complete insanity. I'm just barely recovering now, a day and a half later. From the moment I tried to exit the subway at Prince Street on Friday night I knew Fashion's Night Out was going to be craziness. I have never seen so many people trying to walk up the subway stairs short of Halloween in the West Village, and the streets were also swelling with a massive slow moving crowd walking from store to store (in heels on cobblestone...fun!). We popped in and out of numerous stores along Prince Street in search of free champagne, and even though I questioned the validity of events and freebies on Fashion's Night Out encouraging people to shop, I did break down and buy a bra in Calvin Klein. But...at 75% off!

Our primary destination for the night was a party at the Elie Tahari store. The party had an Old Manhattan theme with old fashioned cocktails and champagne, an antique polaroid photographer, and a musical performance by the Nunziata twins Anthony and Will of classic standards. The store was beautiful, and the subtle details such as the cocktail waitresses' 1920's style hats were perfection. Elie Tahari himself even made an appearance which was absolutely a treat.

After one too many glasses of champagne and one chaotic crowd moment on the way home as Karl Lagerfeld exited his car (not that I even got to see him through the excitement), Fashion's Night Out officially wore me out. Good that so many people were so excited about fashion, bad that they all chose to exercise this excitement in the same five block radius. Fashion's Night Out on my couch next year is sounding pretty damn good.

Fashion Week Day 1: Farah Angsana

Only one show into Fashion Week Spring 2011 and I'm already dyyyying. Farah Angsana's collection was amazing and totally up my alley. Give me bling and metallics and I'm sold. The collection was inspired by Farah's home country of Indonesia, and the influence played just enough of a part to be obvious without hitting you over the head with ethnicticity (yes, I invented a word). The incorporation of Indonesian culture was mostly in the head pieces, ranging from small accent combs to gorgeous gold Indonesian crowns. Farah showed some of my favorite trends such as metallics, flirty ruffles, and of course rhinestones and other forms of bling. I loved the color combination of green and gold throughout the ending pieces, especially the final look of a long sleeved cocktail mini-dress with Swarovski crystal accents and a plunging neckline. The photograph does not do this dress justice, the whole audience literally gasped and broke into smiles when the model walked out. Among that audience were self-proclaimed fashionistas (okay, most of the world would probably agree) Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen of The Real Housewives of New York. I absolutely loved this show, it set the bar very high for what is to come over the next seven days. And judging by the quality of these pictures, maybe I should invest in a new camera to set my photography bar high as well...

Celeb sightings: Reality star edition

Spotted: Project Runway season 4 alum Kevin Christiana at the Barrow Street Ale House in the West Village last Thursday. He still looks exactly the same as he did on ProRun back in 2007 is easily recognizable with his signature facial hair. None the less, my gentlemen companion asked how the hell I recognized him, and sadly I had to admit it's because I watch way too much television.

Spotted: Current Top Chef contestant Ed Cotton at the bar of the Smyth Hotel in Tribeca, where he is the executive chef of their Plein Sud restaurant. Friday night I was pre-gaming with some friends who were hotel guests, and in walks a familiar looking man in a chef coat. After having a total omg moment, we went over and talked to him for about 20 minutes. He could not have been cooler! He's still with the girl he was dating during the show, and he has been with Plein Sud since they opened almost 6 months ago (with a slight break to do a lil TV show on Bravo, you may have heard of it...) Apparently there's still no proof about what happened during Pea-Puree-Gate 2010, although to me the case seems pretty obvious and totally rules in Ed's favor. As of press time Ed is one of the final 6 contestants on the show, and I think he has a great shot at the title. Team Ed!

Real Housewife reveals her "Secrets" at party in LES

One of New York's most famous yentas is spilling her secrets in a new book, and this time her whole family is getting in on the act. Last night I attended the book party for Secrets of a Jewish Mother by Real Housewife Jill Zarin, her mother Gloria Kamen, and sister Lisa Wexler (released tomorrow, April 15). The party was held at Zarin Fabrics in the Lower East Side and most of the usual suspects were in attendance: Bobby and Ally Zarin, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, the Countess LuAnn des Lesseps. No Bethenny in case anyone thought there was a smidgen of a change she'd be there. Also noticeably absent, much to my dismay, was Ginger! Other guests included Jersey Housewife Caroline Manzo (who is surprisingly prettier in person) with daughter Lauren, and new NY Housewife Jennifer Gilbert who seemed to fit into the group quite well.

The setting of a red carpet event in a fabric store was slightly cramped and awkward, but somewhat made sense given the family values of the book (not to mention the dollars saved on a venue fee). Another nice touch were the Jill, Gloria, and Lisa themed specialty cocktails with X Rated liquor, but I stuck with the personal bottles of Pop Champagne drank through a straw which obvi makes it very classy. I got a short preview of the book when meeting Jill at work a month ago and loved the familiar, direct, heartwarming voice and sage advice. Secrets of a Jewish Mother is released tomorrow and I can't wait to read the whole thing. Mazel, Jill!

Fashion Week Diaries: Day 6

My fashion week activities wrapped last night with the G-Star Raw spring 2010 runway show at the Hammerstein Ballroom. G-Star are known for their fresh take on denim and unique silhouettes, and this season's collection lived up to their innovative reputation with several harem pant-esque jeans with low crotches, baggy thighs, and tapered bottoms. I'd be hesitant to wear them myself, but if you have the right body they're such a hip and eye-catching piece. The bold prints on the men's and women's collections (especially the fishies!) were also quirky and such a fun touch. The look I'm completely obsessed with is the underlying 1940's pinup feel of the many blue and white shirt dresses, and especially the bathing suit cut, leg bearing one-pieces. If I could get away with wearing this on a daily basis I so would because it's just plain fun, sexy and "cheeky".

One thing I love about G-Star's live presentations is that they're not just fashion shows, they're complete theatrical presentations. And if the dazzling lights, music and creative runway layout aren't enough to impress then the star-power in the front row certainly will. Lindsay Lohan, Christian Siriano, Miss J, Tyson Beckford, Kat von D, Kara DioGuardi, Jared Leto, Corbin Bleu, Damien Fahey, Matthew Settle, and Taylor Momsen were all in attendance. However, I must say that if Taylor M thought she was being "inconspicuous" or whatever entering in her full-length trench coat and big, dark sunglasses, homegirl seriously needs a reality check. xoxo, Little J.

Fashion Week Diaries: Day 5

I went to the library today! It doesn't say much for my intellectual prowess that my first trip to the gorg New York Public Library after living in Manhattan for over two years was for a fashion show where there was nary a book in sight. Jill Stuart showed her spring 2010 collection today at the lobby at the Bryant Park location. Jill Stuart always draws an impressive crop of celebrities and today was no different as Kim Kardashian, Kelly Rowland, Rachel Bilson, Amanda Bynes, Nicky Hilton, more "Real Housewives" than I have ever seen in one place (NY: Jill, Bethenny, Kelly, The Countess; NJ: Caroline and Dina; ATL: Sheree), Gail Simmons from Top Chef, Tinsley Mortimer, and the unofficial high priestess of Fashion Week Fern Mallis herself were all sitting front row.

The collection carried a heavy inspiration of 80's fashion with structured shoulders, puffy sleeves, geometric shapes, ruched metallics, studs, cutouts, and lace. The color pallet was almost exclusively black, white, grey and silver, with hints of blue and magenta thrown in (because what 80's wardrobe would be complete without a pink metallic pseudo-prom dress?). And the hemlines were beyond mini status, making some of the more slinky metallic dresses appear a little less South Hampton, a little more South Amboy, New Jersey if ya know what I'm sayin. A weird but interesting accessory choice was a huge, dangling, flexible sheet metal earring that popped up in different variations in several of the looks. Notice my use of the singular "earring" as in one lonely earring in only one of the model's ears. I was almost surprised the weight of these bad boys didn't make the models' heads tilt to one side.

In the evening I attended the first ever NYFW runway show for Avril Lavigne's clothing line, Abbey Dawn, which will hit your local Kohl's soon. The looks were pretty much what you'd expect with hoodies, shredding, checkered leggings, and various other faux-punk pieces. However, there were a few "50's schoolgirl gone wrong" dresses and puffy skirts that caught my eye and could be made quite chic with the right accessories and beauty look. Though Avril's husband Deryck Whibley of Sum 41 was nowhere to be seen, a rather interesting celebrity turnout included Avril (obvi), Nicky Hilton, Olympic gymnast Nastia Lukin, and Ron Jeremy. Because clearly this is the right mix of people to keep the tweeners happy.

Fashion Week Diaries: Day 3

Yesterday I set out to two spring 2010 presentations: Poleci and Alice + Olivia. The one thing that feels a little awkward to me about "presentations" compared to traditional fashion shows is that during a presentation, you're staring at the models as if they're in a zoo. Whether they're standing on a platform in the middle of the room or part of a staged tableau, I feel like there almost should be a sign in front of them that reads "Don't feed or talk to the models". Yet they're standing three feet away and often looking you directly in the eye. Very confusing as to whether you're allowed to break the 4th Wall, or even whether the 4th Wall is intended or not.

The Poleci presentation was held at their store in the Meatpacking District, and I was very pleased to once again see sequins and rompers! I loved the pieces done in navy blue sequins, and other standouts for me included a pair of purple satin shorts and a yellow leather-esque shift dress.

The Alice + Olivia presentation was really half fabulous party, half gritty rock concert. Oh yah, and there were clothes too. Alice + Olivia are known for an energetic vibe and girly yet edgy fashions, and this year it was taken to a whole new level as the presentation moved from their store to a large semi-open-air raw space in the Meatpacking. One wall was completely open which allowed for fresh air and for passers-by to witness the fabulosity in which they could not partake. Guests were treated to an extensive open bar, a performance by French all-girl rock band the Plastiscines (who were great, Google them bitches!), and more celeb cameos than I thought possible. I spotted Nicky Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Jill Zarin and Kelly Killoren Bensimon from The Real Housewives, Kelly Rutherford, Shenae Grimes from the new 90210 (who's demeanor lived up to her "jittery" reputation...just sayin), Ashley Greene from Twilight (who I must confess I would never have known had someone not pointed her out to me), Mena Suvari, and Kristin Cavallari among others. The clothes (displayed by models in Parisian tableaus) were feminine and almost fairy-like with muted colors, lace, satin, and more sequins!

After last night I totally feel validated in my love of the shiny and will totally be resurrecting all of my supposedly "tacky" sequin pieces, and yinz better like it!

Fashion Week Diaries: Day 2

Cynthia Steffe show at The Tents. I must confess that I'm actually not as fabulous as I sometimes try to make myself out to be, and today I was reminded of that as I got my seat assignment for standing room. Blah to the ego, plus it's even more torture on the feet. I managed to get an upgrade to fourth row eventually, but it still hurt. Sitting front row were singer Ciara and Jillian Harris from The Bachelorette. No Ed in sight, but I'm happy to report that she was wearing her butt ugly engagement ring. I'm also happy to report that she is pretty! So some people need to stop the hating, Joel McHale, maybe sometimes homegirl just doesn't photograph well.

The clothes at Cynthia Steffe were amazing, very fun, flirty, and feminine. Lots of rompers which I love, and a decent portion of the looks were in pastel colors or featured this pastel abstract floral print that matched the paper that the invitations were printed on...loves it! The collection also included a section of glittery metallic looks including a to die for silver glittery fringed mini-skirt that would probably be TMTH for most people but I'm completely obsessed with.

I try not to focus too much on sad things, but I'd like to take a moment to say how breathtaking last night's WTC symbolic light beam display was. I live literally a block away from where the light beams originate (which is actually 3 blocks from Ground Zero) and had to stop in my tracks on my way home to appreciate their beauty. Yes I felt slightly awkward standing in the middle of the street staring, but I think too often New Yorkers don't take the time to stop and smell the roses.

RIP, El Chupa

Unfortunately Michael K at dlisted beat me to the Rachel Zoe joke, but I wouldn't have made one anyway because I LOVES her.

The Chupacabra is fondly known as the "Mexican Goat Sucker" and believed to be a mythical creature who preys on farm animals. Well mythical no more, bitches, I always knew homeboy was real! The Chupa(s) are described in real-life sightings as large dog-rodents with fangs, leathery skin, and sometimes spikes on their backs. I was first introduced to the Chupa in 12th grade AP Physics class, and it has since become a running joke amongst many groups of my friends. In junior year of college (circa 2006) I spent a glorious afternoon with an ex-friend watching el Chupa star in a great movie on the Sci-Fi Channel, Chupacabra: Dark Seas. In this MASTERPIECE, our goat-sucking friend (who is portrayed in a much larger, more monstrous form) somehow gets aboard a cruise ship and starts attacking all the passengers. We nicknamed it Chupacabra: Semester at Sea. Finally during a 2008 camping trip in P-Town, my friend Kelly and I were pretty sure it was going to attack us even though we were thousands of miles away from its home.

So this week el Chupa made a dumb move and decided to get himself poisoned, but this does not mean the end of him. Clearly there are more than one of these lil guys running around Texas and Mexico and probably even your backyard. It's 11am, do you know where your goats are?

Video from cnn.com

Celeb Sighting

Spotted: Haley Joel Osment gallivanting about with a few pals Sunday afternoon on Broadway in NoHo, near NYU where he currently takes class. This diminutive actor could certainly stand to lose a few pounds and have an image makeover. At no more than 5'7" and sloppily dressed in a baggy hoodie, no one would ever peg this passer-by as a former Hollywood A-lister if not looking closely.

Celeb sighting

Spotted: Leanne Marshall, winner of "Project Runway" season 5, waiting for the downtown 2 train at 34th Street yesterday afternoon. Leanne was looking cute with her signature long blunt bangs and Mood fabrics bag in hand. Could we be seeing a showing from the budding designer in a few weeks?

Popping my fashion week cherry...

…and it was everything I’d always hoped it would be ;)

Last week was Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC, and for those who have never experienced it, it’s everything you’d expect…and nothing you’d expect at the same time. The famed tents in Bryant Park are pretty amazing, not gonna lie. You’d never even realize you were technically in the great outdoors. The shows themselves are also every bit as glam as they look, and the models are every bit as skinny as they look. It made crave a Baconator.

What I was not prepared for was the process of fashion week. You arrive at the show, stand around for at least 15 minutes before they even let you in, and then even once you get in you may or may not actually have a seat. It all depends on how important you are…which I’m not. And thus I slump to the standing room in the back. Then the show never starts on time. Never. So all in all you’re standing around (in 5 inch heels…obvi) waiting for at least 30 minutes before the show even starts. The actual show is no more than 15 minutes long. At best. Allllll that waiting around inflicting pain unto the balls of your poor little tootsies for 15 minutes of couture that may or may not actually even be worth seeing. The process is exhausting. I was drained by the end of the week.

I know, I know, my life sounds sooooo terrible and difficult last week standing around watching 17-year-old anno models walk around in designer clothes. Well it’s harder than it looks dammit!

But I assure you that I’m not taking this for granted, I know it seems very glam and fun, and it is. Let me remind you, going into this season I was a fashion week virgin. And even at the beginning of the week I had ZERO invites, and then ended up at 4 shows. Thus is the magic and subterfuge of fashion week.

A co-worker gave me 2 “non-transferable” invites she wasn’t using (Charlotte Ronson and Benjamin Cho). So I went to these shows pretending to be her. Thank goodness no one at fashion week cards. Except for business card-ing…oops! “I’m so sorry, I don’t have any cards under my name…I’m actually just representing VK…I’m her co-worker/assistant/beneficiary…My name’s actually…” Somehow I still got in. I’ve come to realize they must get tons of these scenarios. No harm, no foul. And this actually got me a 3rd row seat at Benjamin Cho, right across from Mary Kate Olsen! Alas, at Char-Ro I was stuffed way too far back into standing room to get a glimpse of Li-Lo and Sam-Ro. Sigh…

Then I was sent through my job to the Malan Breton (former “Project Runway” contestant) show to interview him, getting to use my very own name! I guess I’m moving up in the world. Sat 2nd row and the show was amazing, beautiful evening gowns and elegantly flirty casual wear. Loves it! Alex and Simon van Kempen of “The Real Housewives of NYC” were in attendance…and will obviously do anything for a photo-op and a hot sec of attention. After the show, I was escorted to the super-private Mercedes Benz VIP lounge for the interview. All of a sudden I went from getting into shows under someone else’s name to totally ballin out on my own accord. Too bad it was 10:30am and I was working…that champagne looked pretty damn tempting. Malan was such a sweetheart and it was a pleasure to interview him…VIP room or no VIP room.

I still have no idea how I pulled it off, but through some sweet talking and identity stealing I somehow got into the hot-ticket Project Runway finale fashion show. Don’t ask don’t tell. Had to stand in my Michael Kors stilettos (just in case he saw) on the press riser for like an hour and a half, but it was worth it. Pro-Ro actually lasts about 45 minutes since 6 designers show collections…they try desperately to keep the identity of the 3 finalists secret. I’m sure there are tons of other reviews and spoilers out there so I won’t bore you to death with my humble opinions, dear reader, but let’s just say Jerrell or Leanne better win this shit.

And that, loves, is fashion week. And I’m still soaking my feet from shoe abuse.

So I must give a belated mention for my fab friend Andrea Lavinthal and her co-author Jessica Rozler for the release of their new book "Friend or Frenemy?". It was released Aug 5 and you all simply must go get it. I attended the book party last week and it was a great night. Notably in attendance was Whitney Thompson, winner of America's Next Top Model cycle 10, and overall a very gorg crowd at a very gorg party. Congrats girls!

PS - Though it may not seem that way based on this blog, I do more with my life than stalk Top Model winners...really...

Celeb sighting

Spotted: Danielle Evans, winner of America's Next Top Model cycle 6, on the 1 train this afternoon. So gorg in person! Wearing a flowy tank top, leggings, and gladiator sandals. She was with who appeared to be her parents for a day on the town. They were all upbeat and seemed to be having a great time (she still has the trademark southern accent). She even rested her head on her dad's shoulder...adorable.