Well, I was planning to post some music videos by a few of my favorite Irish bands, but then I did a Google search and discovered that BBC America had already done so. So instead of writing a whole new post, I'm just going to link you to their article about Five Great Irish Bands Who Art Not U2 who's list includes music videos from Thin Lizzy, The Boomtown Rats, The Pogues, The Undertones and My Bloody Valentine. Enjoy!
P.S. I hope you remembered to wear green today, or else consider yourself online pinched.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Previously On Project Runway All Stars: Episode 10
Aka. The Final Four
Previously on Project Runway, the designers were asked to create ready to wear looks for Nanette Lepore's boutiques. This week's challenge tested the designers business savvy skills as well as their design skills, as the designers had to design a sellable look, meet pricing standards and keep their designs within the pre-approved budget. This meant that the designers had to sketch their looks and have their designs appraised and fabric approved before they could begin construction. And the designers got to shop for fabrics in Nanette Lepore's own fabric store (I loved her prints!). Let's take a look at the designs:
Top
Price: $500
Fabric budget: $65
Austin jumped out of the box this week by choosing to make a rain coat (that could be worn as a dress) instead of gravitating towards making a dress like his peers. I thought Austin was going to nail this challenge for the win right from the get-go as his sketch earned the top price and biggest fabric budget. Although the judges seemed to love this coat/dress as well, they criticized Austin's choice of fabric which showed too many wrinkles on the runway, so the judges just chose to keep Austin safe.
Price: $300
Fabric budget: $32
During the sketching period of this challenge, Mondo declared that sketching is not part of his process before showing Nanette Lepore his sketch which she dubbed "the tin can". Mondo's comment later stirred up drama between Kenley and Mondo as Kenley openly commented that people shouldn't be in the fashion design industry if they don't sketch. Mondo pulled on his strength of pattern mixing and matching and opted to select swatches of several different Nanette Lepore fabrics to create his look. Initially I thought Mondo might end up going home for this shapeless look and the judges even commented that they wished Mondo's dress had more waist definition as his outfit wouldn't be flattering on every body shape. But, the judges declared that they loved Mondo's masterful pattern mixing and awarded Mondo with the win.
Bottom
Price: $380
Fabric budget: $48
Michael reverted back to his old tricks, creating another caftan utilizing his expert draping techniques and some beautiful Nanette Leopore printed jersey. I can't deny that it is a pretty dress (although I'd never wear anything like this myself because of the plunging neckline and inability to wear a bra. Maybe J-Lo could pull this off), but I'm disappointed that Michael chose a design so similar to what he's already done rather than take advantage of the opportunity to show us and the judges something new. The judges had a touch decision in deciding who was going to get the boot this week as they debated over wearable fashion vs. dramatic runway fashion and ultimately Michael was kept safe this week.
Price: $350
Fabric budget: $41
Kenley created a very cute and wearable dress with a fun print- much like I'd expect to see from Modcloth. However this week, Kenley made some very fatal mistakes. 1) Kenley forgot to listen to the judges urgings to push her designs and show us something different. 2) Kenley's original design had a key-hole front which Nanette Leopore loved, but Kenley chose to edit out of her final outfit 3) Kenley forgot to match the prints at the seams. In the end, the judges decided that although Kenley created fun, young and wearable looks, that Michael would deliver the better runway show, and Kenley was sent home.
So, now we're down to the final 3 and it's all male designers. My prediction for the finale is:
What did you think of this week's episode? Do you think the right people won/lost this week? Who are your picks for the winner of Project Runway All Stars? Let me know in the comments below.
Previously on Project Runway, the designers were asked to create ready to wear looks for Nanette Lepore's boutiques. This week's challenge tested the designers business savvy skills as well as their design skills, as the designers had to design a sellable look, meet pricing standards and keep their designs within the pre-approved budget. This meant that the designers had to sketch their looks and have their designs appraised and fabric approved before they could begin construction. And the designers got to shop for fabrics in Nanette Lepore's own fabric store (I loved her prints!). Let's take a look at the designs:
Top
Price: $500
Fabric budget: $65
Austin jumped out of the box this week by choosing to make a rain coat (that could be worn as a dress) instead of gravitating towards making a dress like his peers. I thought Austin was going to nail this challenge for the win right from the get-go as his sketch earned the top price and biggest fabric budget. Although the judges seemed to love this coat/dress as well, they criticized Austin's choice of fabric which showed too many wrinkles on the runway, so the judges just chose to keep Austin safe.
 |
| Austin |
Fabric budget: $32
During the sketching period of this challenge, Mondo declared that sketching is not part of his process before showing Nanette Lepore his sketch which she dubbed "the tin can". Mondo's comment later stirred up drama between Kenley and Mondo as Kenley openly commented that people shouldn't be in the fashion design industry if they don't sketch. Mondo pulled on his strength of pattern mixing and matching and opted to select swatches of several different Nanette Lepore fabrics to create his look. Initially I thought Mondo might end up going home for this shapeless look and the judges even commented that they wished Mondo's dress had more waist definition as his outfit wouldn't be flattering on every body shape. But, the judges declared that they loved Mondo's masterful pattern mixing and awarded Mondo with the win.
 |
| Mondo |
Price: $380
Fabric budget: $48
Michael reverted back to his old tricks, creating another caftan utilizing his expert draping techniques and some beautiful Nanette Leopore printed jersey. I can't deny that it is a pretty dress (although I'd never wear anything like this myself because of the plunging neckline and inability to wear a bra. Maybe J-Lo could pull this off), but I'm disappointed that Michael chose a design so similar to what he's already done rather than take advantage of the opportunity to show us and the judges something new. The judges had a touch decision in deciding who was going to get the boot this week as they debated over wearable fashion vs. dramatic runway fashion and ultimately Michael was kept safe this week.
 |
| Michael |
Fabric budget: $41
Kenley created a very cute and wearable dress with a fun print- much like I'd expect to see from Modcloth. However this week, Kenley made some very fatal mistakes. 1) Kenley forgot to listen to the judges urgings to push her designs and show us something different. 2) Kenley's original design had a key-hole front which Nanette Leopore loved, but Kenley chose to edit out of her final outfit 3) Kenley forgot to match the prints at the seams. In the end, the judges decided that although Kenley created fun, young and wearable looks, that Michael would deliver the better runway show, and Kenley was sent home.
 |
| Kenley |
- Austin for the win.
- Mondo will show some fun and innovative designs
- Michael will show some beautiful gowns, but will end up with 3rd.
What did you think of this week's episode? Do you think the right people won/lost this week? Who are your picks for the winner of Project Runway All Stars? Let me know in the comments below.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Weekend Stuff: 3/10- 3/11
This weekend was The Boy's birthday weekend, so I'd like to give an extra special shout out to The Boy!
In honor or The Boy's birthday, we went to our local IMAX 3D theater to see the newly released film, John Carter. The Boy was a huge fan of the 1912 Edgar Rice Burroughs novel that the movie is based on, "A Princess of Mars," and he's been showing me the movie trailer almost daily ever since the movie trailer was release. I'd warned The Boy that perhaps he was setting his movie expectations too high, but the movie was action packed an pretty gosh darn entertaining. I even took back my initial comments that I thought this movie might be as disappointing as Avatar (it's not). If you have an IMAX 3D theater in your town, I recommend that you check out this movie...and then start crafting your John Carter themed Halloween costumes. I call dibs on Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium!
What did you do this weekend? Let me know in the comments below.
In honor or The Boy's birthday, we went to our local IMAX 3D theater to see the newly released film, John Carter. The Boy was a huge fan of the 1912 Edgar Rice Burroughs novel that the movie is based on, "A Princess of Mars," and he's been showing me the movie trailer almost daily ever since the movie trailer was release. I'd warned The Boy that perhaps he was setting his movie expectations too high, but the movie was action packed an pretty gosh darn entertaining. I even took back my initial comments that I thought this movie might be as disappointing as Avatar (it's not). If you have an IMAX 3D theater in your town, I recommend that you check out this movie...and then start crafting your John Carter themed Halloween costumes. I call dibs on Dejah Thoris, Princess of Helium!
John Carter trailer
Immediately following the film, the Boy and I met up with his co-workers at a local Old Chicago where I discovered my new love for Schlafly Biere De Garde (if my love for Schlafly continues, I may consider moving to St. Louis just for the beer. The menu described the flavor as malty, caramel-y and nutty) and I fell into like with Buster Nut Brown Ale (which had some awesome label art and was described as extra nutty and caramel-y).
Saturday, March 10, 2012
What I'm Listening To: Gotye- Easy Way Out
Gotye's got a new single release and video from his latest album, Making Mirrors. And let me just say that I love the use of animation in this video. Check it out!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Previously On Project Runway: Episodes 8 & 9
aka. Fashion Around the World
Previously on Project Runway, the designers were taken to the U.N. to look at all of the flags. Then, the designers were asked to select one of 6 flags and create a look inspired by their chosen flag. Let's take a look at their looks:
Austin chose the Seychelles who's flag has a rainbow of colors in blue, yellow, red, white and green. However, Austin also chose the flag of the country most people know the least about, so Austin ended up resulting to his fall-back design of making a flowy gown which didn't represent the fun of his flag. In the end, Austin was safe.
Kenley got a top spot this week with her Chile dress. To me, this dress was very Kenley (= young + retro throwback), but it didn't really represent Chile or the Chilean flag to me. Kenley was safe this week.
Michael immediately picked the Greece flag because of his Greek heritage and I expected him to utilize his expert draping techniques to make a very lovely gown. However, Michael was not safe from ridicule this week as Michael's design was too obvious, the draping was off and the judges felt that the big blue bow made the gown look like a Miss Universe Pageant dress. The judges kept Michael safe this week.
Mondo selected the Jamaican flag and was the clear winner this week. The judges only criticized the back of Mondo's dress saying they felt the pattern was too "in your face", but I think the stripe is what made this dress special.
Jerell made a crazy Indian costume this week, prompting me to make "What the hell, Jerell" my new Project Runway All Stars catch phrase. It was totally cringe worthy! I don't know whose bum Jerell kissed this week, but the judges kept him safe.
Mila jumped outside of the box in creating an a-symmetrical hemmed dress inspired by the flag of Papua New Guinea (which was composed of very Mila-like colors). I thought the dress managed to complete the challenge and constantly represent Mila's body of work, and although it was not my favorite dress nor my favorite Mila dress, I didn't think it was worthy of going home. However, the judges felt differently and sent Mila home.
----------
aka. the Black light Challenge
Previously on Project Runway All Stars, the designers were asked to create a look utilizing technology and innovation by creating a look wired for light. The looks would be judged by guest judge Pharrell Williams and the winning look would be worn by one of his artists. Let's take a look at their designs.
Top
Mondo's dress had some seriously weird boobs, but that was the only aspect of this dress that was "avaunt guarde". To me, this dress was a disappointment for Mondo, but I'm glad the judges kept him safe.
Kenley kicked her designing up a notch by adding some black light reflective tape to her basic dress pattern to create a plaid and then added a lattice jacked up top. It was a likable outfit, but I still felt that Kenley should have gotten slapped on the wrist for not listening to the judges and using a different dress pattern.
Austin created a look inspired by the night sky. I was worried about Austin while he was in the workroom and worried that his look would be too dramatic and girly to impress the likes of Pharrell Williams, but Pharrell liked the outfit and awarded Austin with the win.
Bottom
Michael really struggled with this challenge and created several different looks, finally choosing to sent the ninja look down the runway. This look totally reminded me of a female Scorpion from the Mortal Combat video games and would have been more appropriate if this were a costume challenge. The judges also pointed out construction issues with the glow tape, and felt the glow belt and giant bow on the back were not figure flattering. It was a close call, but the judges kept him safe.
Jerell was inspired by tribal culture and the use of fiber optic lights and created a kookie, rave culture, tribal inspired monstrosity, which prompted me again to use my catchphrase "What the hell, Jerell" !? Thankfully, the judges had their heads on straight today, and the judges sent Jerell home.
What did you think of these two episodes. Did you feel that Mila was wrongfully kicked out of episode 8? Did you think the judges picked the right winners? Let me know in the comments below.
Previously on Project Runway, the designers were taken to the U.N. to look at all of the flags. Then, the designers were asked to select one of 6 flags and create a look inspired by their chosen flag. Let's take a look at their looks:
Austin chose the Seychelles who's flag has a rainbow of colors in blue, yellow, red, white and green. However, Austin also chose the flag of the country most people know the least about, so Austin ended up resulting to his fall-back design of making a flowy gown which didn't represent the fun of his flag. In the end, Austin was safe.
 |
| Austin |
 |
| Kenley |
 |
| Michael |
 |
| Mondo |
 |
| Jerell |
 |
| Mila |
aka. the Black light Challenge
Previously on Project Runway All Stars, the designers were asked to create a look utilizing technology and innovation by creating a look wired for light. The looks would be judged by guest judge Pharrell Williams and the winning look would be worn by one of his artists. Let's take a look at their designs.
Top
Mondo's dress had some seriously weird boobs, but that was the only aspect of this dress that was "avaunt guarde". To me, this dress was a disappointment for Mondo, but I'm glad the judges kept him safe.
 |
| Mondo |
 |
| Kenley |
 |
| Austin |
Michael really struggled with this challenge and created several different looks, finally choosing to sent the ninja look down the runway. This look totally reminded me of a female Scorpion from the Mortal Combat video games and would have been more appropriate if this were a costume challenge. The judges also pointed out construction issues with the glow tape, and felt the glow belt and giant bow on the back were not figure flattering. It was a close call, but the judges kept him safe.
 |
| Michael |
 |
| Jerell |
Monday, March 5, 2012
Impulse Purchases
I had a hugely stressful week last week (we're talking terribly long days, clients in crisis, fear of job loss...and I caught a cold). So, after surviving last week's work week, I decided to do some impulse shopping at Target (aka. Tar-Jay) to reward myself. Here's what I picked up:
1) I managed to get my hands on the Jason Wu for Target dot print dress in Cream. The fabric is kind of thin, so I'll have to get a good white slip before I wear this out in the summer.
2) The moment I laid eyes on this red and black polka dot cuffed blazer, it was love at first sight.
3) I've been seeing a lot of neon and florescent colors popping up on trend lists for Spring and Summer 2012, so I was happy to spot this florescent satchel at Target that was just my style.
4) I picked up a very similar looking black and read leopard print scarf with a chain print boarder at Target to class up my outfits.
Have you been to Target lately? Found any good buys for spring/summer? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: I was in no way reimbursed by Target for this post. I just simply wished to share my recent purchases with my lovely readers.
1) I managed to get my hands on the Jason Wu for Target dot print dress in Cream. The fabric is kind of thin, so I'll have to get a good white slip before I wear this out in the summer.
3) I've been seeing a lot of neon and florescent colors popping up on trend lists for Spring and Summer 2012, so I was happy to spot this florescent satchel at Target that was just my style.
 |
| ASOS scarf- similar to leopard and chain print scarf |
4) I picked up a very similar looking black and read leopard print scarf with a chain print boarder at Target to class up my outfits.
Have you been to Target lately? Found any good buys for spring/summer? Let me know in the comments below.
Note: I was in no way reimbursed by Target for this post. I just simply wished to share my recent purchases with my lovely readers.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Read the Rainbow
- Red Hearts (Romance)- A Hero At Large by Janet Evanovich. I am aware that Janet Evanovich is more widely known for her mystery novels, but I had no idea that she started off as a cheesy romantic comedy novel writer.
- Apples to Oranges (All Other Fiction)- I skipped this category
- Yellow Rose of Texas (Westerns)- True Grit by Charles Portis. This is my first non-school assigned western read and it ended up being my favorite read of the challenge.
- Green Martians (Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror)- Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. I purchased the first 3 novels in the vampire chronicles earlier this year to tide me over between Trueblood seasons and Sookie Stackhouse novel book releases.
- The Boys in Blue (Mystery)- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon. This book was loaned to me by my work supervisor to help be gain better understanding of about working with my clients with Autism. I'm not sure if this book was successful in helping me with my clients but it was entertaining.
- Mood Indigo (Classics and Family Favorites)- A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. The Boy has been telling me to read this book for years, and after watching Midnight in Paris I was finally motivated to read Hemingway.
- Corporal Violet (Nonfiction)- Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. The Boy downloaded the audio book version on Kindle for me to listen to before bedtime.
The Read the Rainbow Adult Reading Program/Contest goes from January 9-March 8,2012, so if you're in the area you still have time to turn in your entry forms to get your finishers prize (a mug, skittles, magnet, sticker and $5 Friends of the Library coupon) and enter to win prizes such as gold card memberships, gift certificates a $50 Visa gift card and at The Castle Inn Riverside.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
What's Making Me Laugh: The New Girl
Love her or love to hate her, it's hard to deny the a-dork-ableness of Miss Zooey Deschanel. Lately, The New Girl has become one of my favorite new shows. So, if you haven't checked it out, or just need to catch up on your episodes, check out one of my favorite episodes to date, The Landlord
see preview
Watch Full episode here until 3/20/12.
What's Making Me Laugh: Movie: The Movie
Did you guys stay up late on Oscar Sunday to see Jimmy Kimmel's post Oscar special? Well, if you didn't you missed out on the hilarious all-encompassing movie genre spoof that is Movie: The Movie. But fear not, as I stayed up late and then scoured YouTube so that I could show you the hilariousness right now.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Meal
On Friday, February 24th at (approximately) 12pm EST/ 11am CST I took this photo for the Art House Co-op project "The Meal." The idea was that thousands of strangers would sit down for a communal meal and capture a shared experience at the exact same time. These snapshots will be exhibited in a store front at the Brooklyn Archives and be available to view online. They also encourage participants and interested viewers to consider supporting Action Against Hunger. You can learn more about this project at the Art House Co-op, and can see more of my artwork on my Art House profile.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
