Project Runway All Stars 2012 Premiere

And we're off!

Project Runway overhauls its host and judges.

At the end of season 8, when Nina & Michael Kors argued with Heidi and guest judge Jessica Simpson about who the winner of the season should be and Gretchen was named winner, despite the fact that today no one - outside of Portland that is - still knows who she is yet the mere mention of Mondo brings a smile to the face from NYC to Seattle. I decided I would no longer take PR seriously.

I mean, Lifetime's own Project Runway website is featuring Mondo's design as cover for their mobile app. Oh, Gretchen's is in there too, if you squint your eyes, behind the big black Project Runway banner.



No wonder, having read Tim Gunn's quotes after it was all said and done.

“Why did the villain win? Why? I could not believe it. Gretchen’s talented, and she’s not a horrible person. But was she the winner of the season? I don’t think so. The ‘Project Runway’ designers are like my kids. I love them all. I will say I love some more than others. And there’s some I wish I’d left in a basket.”

“Oh, boy. I’m going to get in trouble for this. Michael [Kors] was campaigning for Gretchen. He said, ‘We need a sportswear designer to win one of these seasons.’ “I thought, ‘Well, Mr. Kors, you just want to validate yourself. But do you want to validate yourself with Gretchen?’ I wouldn’t. Nina [Garcia] was very much in favor of Mondo, and then Michael nudges her and he says, ‘You know, Gretchen listened to every word of advice that you gave her. Mondo didn’t listen to you at all.’ So suddenly, Nina is, like ‘That’s right! He didn’t! I’m going with Gretchen.’ So that’s how it all happened.”

Going back through the statistics of season 8

Mondo 'WON' 4 challenges, Gretchen 2.

Mondo was rated 'HIGH' 5 times, Gretchen 4.

Gretchen was rated 'LOW' 3 times, Mondo only once.

Gretchen, who's color palette has been called musty and dusty. Who's 2011 Fashion Week collection was described as 'polygamist at Walmart' and 'Children of the Corn'



I love bohemian, hippie apparel, I have plenty of pieces like this in my closet. I don't really care to see more of it on runways.

OK, I'll stop now. You get the point.

I tuned in to watch seasons 9 and 10 but judging from my blog's archives, I did not register an impression. Sad to say, not surprised. What happened to one of my favorite shows?

Project Runway returned January 2012 as "All Stars" completely overhauled. New host, judges and no Tim Gunn (insert sad face)

Host; Angela Lindvall and Joanna Coles of Marie Claire instead of *sniff* Tim Gunn. Fans of the show are already clamoring for Tim. I will also miss Heidi.

Judges; Issac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman of Marchesa - I do love them. Guest judge this episode was the Senior VP and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus.

The All Stars are:

Anthony Williams, Mondo Guerra, Austin Scarlett, Elisa Jimenez, Mila Hermanovski, Michael Costello, Gordana Genhlhausen, Rami Kashou, Sweet P, Kara Janx, Kenley Colins and April Johnston.

I dont get why some of these are here, specially Kenley after her off the show drama (this is not Project Jersey Shore) In reality, how many times can you bring back Santino, Siriano...?



If you need one word in order to refresh your memory as to who they are...

Anthony - pageant (with 'sassy' as close 2nd)

Mondo - robbed

Elisa - spit

Mila - mod

Michael - gala ('crying' a close 2nd)

Gordana - knits

Rami - draper

Sweet P - whimsy

Kara - kimono

Kenley - rockabilly

April - goth

Jerell - glitter

Austin Scarlett - glam ('star' next best)

I cant help but wonder if Mondo was brought back to redeem himself, shut us/his fans up. Perhaps to boost viewers. Specially after season 8's debacle. But I'm not complaining.

Each designer was asked to bring a look that represented them to The Limelight. The 70s Disco club.



The first challenge was to spend 100.00 at the .99 cent store to create something that coincided with the first look.

The product marketting/slinging is still there but thankfully toned down some. Instead of hearing about the brands every other 5 minutes I only noticed it a couple of times.

And just as I expected, these two







Rocked it out of the gate.

Vindication? Can I get a "Heck Yeah!?"

Rami won this challenge.

His inspiration:



Not crazy about the black hole with fringes at the front on the original design, takes me back to a comment made about Kelly Rowland's dress at the MTV's VMA's

"I am not a prude but am I the only who thinks a patch of fur, fringes...etc...does not belong at crotch level on any garment."

Jerell - Rami - Mondo




1).Anthony - crepe paper, safety pins

2).April - mop heads

3).Austin- plastic table cloths, freezer bags

4).Elisa - shower curtains, paint

5).Gordana - streamers, brillow pads

6).Jerrell - scarves, placemats

7).Kara - curtains, mops, tin trays

8).Kenley - shower mat, loofah

9).Michael - mop heads

10).Mila - gift bags, shower liners

11).Mondo - binder, trash bags, tape

12).Rami - shopping bags, umbrella

13).Sweet P - dish towels, belt



One wish, that they give us more workroom time. Im guessing this was missing for the most part due to the intros and Limelight show.

Happy 2012! May we all live long & lucky!

Making my Panetela Caribe for tomorrow's New Year's party. Recipe that has been in our family for decades. Originated in Puerto Rico.

1 Pound Cake or Angel Cake. I prefer Pound Cake but Angel Cake works in a pinch.

2 cans evaporated milk

8 Egg Yolks

2 cups sugar

1/2 teas cream of tartar

Dark Rum - I like to use Bacardi but any dark rum will do.

Nonpareils


Slice the Pound Cake into 1/2 - 1/4 inch slices and line the bottom of your cake pan. Yields 2 square cake pans.

In a container whisk well egg yolks, sugar &; evaporated milk.

Pour into a pan on burner at low fire or heat. Stir constantly until it is thick.

Remove from heat &; allow to cool for a few minutes.

Add rum (2-4 cap fulls) or lemon juice.

Pour on top of the pound cake slices.

------------------------------------

Heat oven 350 degrees.

With a hand held mixer, beat egg whites, add cream of tartar, continue beating on high speed until it starts turning into meringue.

Add 1 cup sugar slowly. Keep beating until mixed well &; peaks.

Pour on top of the cream.

Spread carefully and evenly.

Sprinkle nonpareils.

Place in heated oven for about 10 minutes or until golden.

Enjoy!




My little mixer, the vintage Dormeyer 9500.

The first mixer in 1954 with 9 speeds!

It has a crazy strong motor that stood the test of time.
Made in the U.S.A.

No plastic cheap parts here.



And to all who will be on the road

Tipsy Tow offered by AAA to folks across the country: You don't have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year's Eve/Day, they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number... 1-800-222-4357 . Feel free to pass this on to your loved ones.

Merry Christmas Eve!

The Wonderful World of Glitter

All That Glitters: The History of Shiny Things.

Come get yours - Free shipping.

Glitter Is Good Sticker

His Royal Highness PRINCE

Tomorrow evening I will be in the presence of our own American royalty.

Thanks to my beautiful son who surprised me with an early Christmas present.

I keep looking at the ticket, pinching myself. Floor 2nd row!

It has always been a dream of mine to see Prince live. Bucket list is getting smaller. Sometimes it takes years for our dreams to be realized. I am a patient person. 2011 was a good year.

Happy Holidays to all! May all your dreams come true in the company of those who are near and dear to your hearts.xo

My review can be found here.

Top Fashion News of 2011

It was not Louboutin losing out to YSL in court for the use of the red soles associated with his brand. The court ruled the color red on the soles could not be granted trademark protection. According to an Associated Press report, Yves Saint Laurent has manufactured red-soled shoes since the 1970s.

I suppose I should remember that since I worked in NYC's YSL offices for a time during my college years. Still have a few pieces of their creamy stationary.

No, the best fashion news of 2011 was not the Missoni for Target frenzy.

Missoni's colorful zig-zags are known world wide, along with it's steep price tags. When shoppers learned the 400 piece collection would be selling at Target's bargain prices they camped at the stores Black Friday fashion, they crashed the Target website & emptied out store racks like locusts. Stories I heard from friends who tried to get one piece, any piece! Was that it was impossible. The craziest thing they had ever seen.





My friends and I were hard core NYC shoppers, in the trenches in our combat boots spotting, snatching 18.00 Halston raincoats - mine had a matching envelope bag..., Betsey Johnsons from the middle of 5 foot high piles, elbows out, watching out for the little old ladies frothing at the mouth nearby ripping at each other for a pair of Charles Jourdans at Lord & Taylor.

When It comes to fashion and women and you insert the word 'sale' in the middle of the two, specially when it concerns a desired label, blood will be spilled. Retailers should know this.

I no longer have the patience for the pushing and shoving. Considered going but glad I didnt.

Despite the fact Target tried to make it up to their customers who were furious I dont believe they were able to. Demand exceeded supply. To make things worse- not for the buyer but for those that missed out, I saw pieces going for thousands on ebay.

Later this fall Versace corraborated with H&M and seemed to show Missoni how it should be done.





MY Best Fashion moment of 2011 Was Kate Middleton's wedding at Westminster Abbey. The dress was designed for the Duchess of Cambridge by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen the British designer who sadly passed away last year.



I recall gossip flying for weeks about who Kate's designer would be. Every movement to and from the palace was followed, scrutinized very closely by the media and reported.

Speculation and rumors flew. Bets were placed. People were shuttled in vans, cars in cloak and dagger fashion. When questioned, the McQueen people denied any involvement. Most probably sworn to secrecy.

Then finally, amidst so much sadness, hardship, earthquakes, tornadoes...We exhaled and watched with wonder as two young lovers took their vows.

Thousands stood on the streets, sidewalks, windows, rooftops...cheering. Millions more tuned in via satellite, cable, televisions, ipods, computers around the world. The British Monarchy was on the ball, streaming the event and reporting every detail on twitter and facebook without as much as a glitch. Made my Brit blood proud.

After the couple kissed on the balcony and left for the reception...we discussed it in blogs, facebook, message boards. Special shows on CNN, Style, E had panels reviewing every single moment of the wedding for days!

Every magazine stand had issues with Kate's photo on the cover.

In the summer Kate's dress was displayed at Buckingham Palace, record breaking crowds of over 600,000 people showed up.



In NYC 650,000 people stood in long lines to see the McQueen retrospective at the Met from May 4–August 7, 2011.



For all of these reasons nothing else can top the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William in 2011.

Still today, months later, my blog from that occasion has visitors almost every day.

Tangerine Love!

We've been featured in an etsy treasury!





Thanks to etsy's ReverieMerchants.

Tangerine is the new black for 2012.

A warm color for a cold gloomy fall day.

As my friend Kathleen describes our beautiful Seattle today:

"Soft misty rain that shows the holiday lights and garlands sheeny in the reflections...On the ferry, there is a darker line separating the slightly brighter horizon from the pewter sea, with one buoy visible where the sand bar is."