2010 Prime Time Emmy Awards - Part III

Still more from the red carpet....

Tina Fey wore a very interesting Oscar de la Renta. Looks a little wintery for LA in August, but I like it.

Brooke Burke looked stunning in a simple strapless Mark Zunino. She doesn't strike me as someone who would ever look particularly classy, but on Sunday night she came close.

Elizabeth Moss wore one of a dozen similar snug wrap/drape/one-shoulder numbers seen at the 2010 Emmys (this one by Donna Karan) but she was the only one to exude real old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, including flawless makeup. I only wish the gown's color was a little darker.

I think Jane Lynch always looks good at awards shows. Her purple Ali Rahimi gown is no exception.

Jewel's Zuhair Murad looks too much like lingerie to me. Too much lace, too pale.

Kim Kardashian is another one who seems kinda tacky to me. Ok, she is usually very tacky, but this Marchesa gown makes her look positively demure.

Not demure is Glee's Naya Rivera in a horror by Simin. I was forced to wear a bridesmaid dress in that exact color back in the mid-80s. I wouldn't be surprised if it had been recycled to make this thing.

Glee's Lea Michelle is nothing but tasteful in dark blue Oscar de la Renta. The gal has some good gays who advise her fashion choices, because she always looks great.

2010 Prime Time Emmy Awards - Part II

More from the red carpet....

January Jones looked horrible in this tacky bright blue Versace. It was as if she rolled out of bed, put on her comforter, left her bed-head as is, and headed out the door.

Didn't Julia Louis-Dreyfus wear this one already? There's something wrong about the proportion of her hair and the straps of the dress which emphasize her short neck. But I love her earrings.

Kelly Osbourne looked terrific. That is all.

Lauren Graham wore an odd gown by Yigal Azrouel. I can't imagine it being flattering on anybody.

I thought Maura Tierney's red gown was gorgeous. Not loving her super dark hair, which seems severe.

WTF is Mindy Kaling wearing? (Aguri Sagimori) She looks like Helena Bonham Carter's slightly saner sister.

More fug can be found in Rita Wilson's Prada dress and crystal-embellished shoes. She looks like she mugged a chandelier. And lost.

Modern Family's Sofia Vergara would look good wearing a chandelier trash bag so of course looks great in this Carolina Herrera. I'm not keen on the beadwork up the front - it looks like a 70s wall plaque - but there's no arguing that the fit is spectacular.

Stay tuned for more from the red carpet!

2010 Prime Time Emmy Awards - Part I

I wasn't impressed by much on the red carpet this year. There was too much black and too much boring.

Along with black, white was another trend on the red carpet, with everyone miraculously avoiding looking bridal. I actually like Glee's Amber Riley's dress. Simple and elegant.

Amy Poehler has been keeping some baby weight on and it's flattering. The same can't be said for her dull baby-blue dress. Keep that color in the nursery.

Anna Paquin wore Alexander McQueen, but it's probably too much dress for her. As one red carpet analyst commented, she looks like a bullfighter.

Christina Hendricks needs to hire some gays to help her dress her lush figure. The color and cut (not to mention the feathers) on this Zac Posen gown do nothing for her.

Clare Danes wore a lovely Armani Privé that was probably too tight in the bodice, judging from the blobs of flesh that protruded from the top. Is it me, or did she look particularly...old...last night? (She's only 31.)

Glee's Dianna Agron wore an overly-dramatic Carolina Herrera number that competed with her natural loveliness. I think it could have worked for her had it been knee-length, but the full lacy skirt is too much.

While I like the color on Emily Deschanel's gown, the texture bothers me. It makes her look bulky, and it reminds me of crepe paper streamers. I'm probably alone in this.

Come on Heidi - you're too old to continue looking cheap and trashy. And enough with the Marchesa.

More to come! Stay tuned!

You’re Wearing That?!? Contest!

Are you and your daughter in serious need of a wardrobe makeover? Stylist Luciene Salomone to the rescue! All you have to do is tell WE tv why you two are the most deserving pair and upload a photo.

Prizes include:

• 3 day, 2-night trip to NYC$
  
• 1,000 Shopping spree
  
• Consultation with Style Expert Luciene Salomone

Deadline for entry:  October 7, 2010 at 12pm ET

Click here for more information about how to enter!

Photoshoppery at Its Finest

Tonight, on You're Wearing That?!?

Former TV superstar Charlene Tilton is still dressing and doing her hair and makeup like she did back in her Dallas days. Daughter Cherish thinks Charlene needs to update her wardrobe so she can be taken seriously as the amazing business woman she has become. As for Cherish, Charlene thinks her daughter sports a look that’s one-note, and boyish. Cherish has a budding career as a musician and her mother thinks that her current style does nothing to distinguish her from the crowd.

When stylist Luciene Salomone meets this outspoken mother/daughter duo, she recognizes the enormous challenge in front of her! Charlene and Cherish then meet separately with Luciene, who gives each woman some fashion advice before sending them out on their own to shop for each other. They each must find some great new outfits for the other, including one extra-special outfit for a big party where they will reveal their new looks to their friends and family. Tune in tonight as this mother and daughter celebrate their shared transformations from outdated and sloppy, to updated and sophisticated!

Tune in tonight at 10/9C!

WTF Fashion

Apparently Australian fashion designer Charlie Brown shelled out a lot of money to get Nicky Hilton to walk in her runway show. And then she dresses her in a hideous bridesmaid's dress and a leopardskin mini and hat suitable for permatanned geriatrics.

Nicky is laughing all the way to the bank, I'm sure.

JCPenney Online Wedding Registry Event

To help in the process of wedding planning, JCPenney wants to invite all engaged couples as well as friends and family of engaged couples to view and participate in an Online Registry Party - from the comfort of their own home - happening this Thursday, August 26th, from 8:30pm-9:30pm ET.

Couples will be able to:

• Participate in a live chat and hear and ask questions from a registry expert.
  
• See demonstrations by product experts from KitchenAid, Cusinart and Mikasa with the ability to ask question of the product experts
  
• Win one of 10 prizes awarded every 10 minutes of the hour long party
  
• Receive a coupon for $10 off any home purchase of $25 or more.
  

Space is limited so sign up by August 25th here: JCPenney Online Wedding Registry Party

What do Barbie and Rachel Zoe Have in Common?

Tonight fashion icons collide when Barbie makes an appearance on The Rachel Zoe Project. And according to Rachel herself it’s, “one of the more exciting things to happen in my entire career.” Mattel styles one Barbie in Zoe’s likeness and Zoe styles one Barbie to create, “the perfect red carpet moment.”

Tonight, on You're Wearing That?

On tonight's episode. although 31-year-old American Idol alum Kimberley Locke is well-styled and trendy, her 54-year-old mother Christine thinks that she could do a lot better! She thinks Kimberley needs to create a look that is completely her own and will make her stand out among the other stylish glitterati. As for Kim, she thinks mom Christine needs a lot of help when it comes to her style. Having gone through a double-mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, Christine is having a hard time dressing her new figure, and Kim feels that her mom needs a makeover to re-embrace her feminine side and start living life with confidence again.

Enter New York stylist Luciene Salomone, who is eager to get to work with this powerhouse mother/daughter duo. After chatting with Christine and Kimberley, who share what they hate about each other’s wardrobe choices, Luciene observes a fashion show from both women so she can see, firsthand, where each of them is going wrong.

Tune in TONIGHT @ at 10pm | 9c

Beauty Bits 8.19.10

Katy Perry might not be much of a singer, but she almost always looks good. Her face, at least. So what does she carry in her makeup bag? Turns out, she likes a couple of my favorites.

Such a pretty bronzer! A shame the design gets ruined with the first use.

Purple is going to be a trendy nail color come fall, as will metallics and jewel tones.

Nail art - fun, fashionable, or tacky? (I say tacky, but I'm old.)

Looking for a great red lipstick? Sephora's Kat Von D line has tons of great reviews. I like the eye shadows in this line so am tempted to try one of the lip colors as well. Anyone out there try them?

She Can Has Cheeseburger

Angelina Jolie at the Paris premiere of her movie Salt. It's kind of amazing to see her wear a color other than black. Not that white is a color, but you know what I mean. And it's a pretty dress, but maybe it would fit better if she wasn't so damn skinny.

Still a lovely gal.

I Don't Know What or Why This Image Exists...

...but it amuses me.

(Vladimir Putin)

Style For Hire

Style for Hire will host its first workshop in New York City led by Stacy London

Saturday, August 21, 2010 and Sunday, August 22, 2010

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Eventi Hotel, 851 Avenue of the Americas (at 30th Street)

To register or for more information email: stylists@styleforhire.com

Join celebrity stylist Stacy London for a rigorous, small-group workshop and the opportunity to join the Style For Hire network as a Stylist.

Designed and delivered by Stacy herself, with an emphasis on the 'science' of styling, participants will have the opportunity to meet fellow stylists, learn the Style for Hire body-centric methodology, refine styling skills, and work closely with Stacy in an intimate and highly-interactive program. Participants will leave with a fresh approach to the trade, relationships with other stylists, and a certificate that sets the standard for the industry. Post-workshop, some participants will be invited to join the Style For Hire network as Stylists or Apprentices.

About Style for Hire
Style for Hire is a national network of selected, trained and certified personal stylists who will bring in-home wardrobe advice and shopping assistance to customers across the United States. Celebrity stylist Stacy London is the company’s Co-founder and Stylist in Chief along with Cindy McLaughlin, Co-founder and CEO. The company will launch on September 13, 2010 in Washington, D.C. and will continue to open approximately 40 new markets over the next four years with New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston to launch before the end of 2010. The company can be found at www.styleforhire.com

Codename: Carla

Not sure how many of you have noticed the graphic on my sidebar for Codename: Carla, but I want you to check it out  now. :)

Ok, back? Did you click on it?

My husband is a writer, and Carla is the lead character in two of his novels. She's a government agent working for a small subsection of Homeland Security; this gets her sent on cases that are a little more interesting than usual.

For a taste of what she's been up against, check out the three short stories on the "cases" tab of Carla's Web site, Codenamecarla.com. If you want to read more...well, you'll just have to wait until the books are published.

Help us find an agent and publisher by spreading the word! Please recommend Codenamecarla.com to your friends. And follow Carla on Twitter @Carlawhatever as she tweets information about her latest case in real time.

Thank you!

Keen Footwear

While this is largely a blog about fashion and beauty, I cannot in all good conscience dismiss comfort. This is why much of my personal wardrobe comes from the pages of an LL Bean or Eddie Bauer catalog, and my shoe collection is comprised largely of Birkenstocks and Keens.

I have plantar fasciitis in both feet, caused by heel spurs. It's a painful condition that causes me to limp and the only thing that truly eases the suffering is a pair of comfortable shoes. For me, those would be Keens, particularly the shoes in the "Waterfront" collection with metatomical EVA footbed. They offer the perfect amount of arch support, are bouncily comfortable, and are machine washable. While not the most beautiful shoe in the world, I love them and have three pairs from that collection. Here's the latest addition to my Keen family:

Keen Waimea H2

Recently I branched away from "Waterfront" and ordered a pair from the "Market St" collection.

Keen Bree Slides

These shoes have a memory foam footbed and nubuck leather straps. And they are conspicuously missing the usual Keen rubber toe guard. I'm trying them for the first time today, so we'll see if I love them as much as the ones with the EVA footbed.

Have you ever tried Keen shoes? What do you think of them?

Back to School - Nautica Style

Nautica has a great selection of kids’ attire including uniforms and backpacks as well as some classic casuals to choose from. Because these new digs are bound to be grass-stained and chocolate-covered in no time at all, Nautica is offering up a pretty solid deal:

Buy 3 uniform outfits and take 40% off the total. Plus if you place your order on Nautica.com TODAY (Aug 10) – FRIDAY (Aug 13), you receive *free shipping* on all order over $50.

Etat Libre d’Orange Like This Tilda Swinton

Etat Libre d'Orange tends to be hit or miss for me, mostly miss, although the ones I like, I really like (Noel au Balcon, Divin'Enfant). I didn't think I'd care for Like This because of the immortelle note, but boy was I wrong.

I love it.

According to actress Tilda Swinton herself, "I thought about how great it would be if I could have a smell that would keep me at home wherever I was. So I started to think about my home smells, and the principal ingredients became ginger, baby carrot, pumpkin. I'm a November child — a pumpkin child — so this whole idea of orange is there. It smells like the only home I have: my house in the north of Scotland." (NY Mag)

I'm a November child myself, and while orange is among my least-favorite colors, I do love pumpkin, carrot, sweet potatoes, oranges. Orange things.

Not that Like This is necessarily an "orange" scent.

After a brief hit of citrus the pumpkin comes in all raw and vegetal, accompanied by the sweet maple-y quality of immortelle. But don't think it's like pumpkin pie, because it's not. Unless you make your pies with flowers and vetiver. There is a sweetness, but I find it more warm than cloying. And the barely detectable vetiver way in the background keeps the scent out of the realm of gourmand.

The real clincher for me is the clean musk that comes in at the end. Unlike many people, I prefer white musks to skanky ones, and the musk note in Like This is light and airy and a little shampoo-y. And meshes really well with the rest of the scent.

Methinks this one is very full-bottle-worthy. Maybe I'll buy it for my birthday.

Notes: yellow mandarin, ginger, pumpkin accord, immortelle, Moroccan neroli, rose de Grasse, vetiver, heliotrope, musk

Cute Stuff for Your Home (and for You!)

I love to browse around in furniture stores. I've been living with the same sofas for over twenty years now and every once in a while I think I want a change. I've found some cute ones in local shops but haven't yet taken the plunge. I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for just yet. Do I want modern? Classic? Antique-styley?

I already have several pieces of antiques, but I do like to mix-and-match styles and eras. However, my dining room seems to have attained a very Asian feel, with an antique lacquered cabinet in one corner, a modern lacquered dining table with scenes of pagodas and mountains, and a collection of Noh masks in the corner cabinet. I'm thinking one of these completely ridiculous but ridiculously cute table lamps would be just the thing.

More browsing around that site, for CSN stores, has revealed a treasure trove of sofas, loveseats, chairs, etc. I think I really like this one.

Not only can I browse sofas for me and Mr Minx, I can also find bedding for our pets! Wouldn't Milo look adorable on this cute doggie bed?

But wait...there's more. As I was digging around this huge Web site of stuff, I found....handbags and shoes. I'm kinda loving this one. And this one. And I'm really digging the Anuschka hand-painted leather bags, particularly this one.

Hmmm...should I save up for a sofa? Or buy a purse? :)

Drag Queens Rokk the House!

Jujubee and Sahara Davenport (with friend Manila) from the last season of RuPaul's Drag Race RÖKKed the red carpet at the GLAAD Manhattan Summer Party. Juju is just so adorable!

You're Wearing That?!?

You’re Wearing That?!?, showcases mothers and daughters transforming each other and reconnecting inside and out. As a New York-based fashion consultant and host to the series, Luciene Salomone will give input and inspire women to re-style each other’s wardrobe and feel confident in what they wear.

More about the show’s host, Luciene Salomone:

As a personal stylist and fashion enthusiast, Luciene uses her keen eye and exceptional taste to help clients develop an individual look based on their taste, budget, lifestyle and body type. Luciene secured her fashionista status through years of styling as well as holding high positions with top-notch retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Chanel and Clarin cosmetic company.

You’re Wearing That?!?, premiers Thursday, August 19 @ 10pm | 9c.