Color I.Q. Quiz

Sunday, September 26, 2010
I just took the Color I.Q. Quiz from stumbleupon.com and wanted to share it with you. Click the link below to take the quiz and share your results in the comments below. I got a 19.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/3kN9qV/www.xritephoto.com/ph_toolframe.aspx?action=coloriq/r:f
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Mom's Birthday Bag

Tuesday, September 21, 2010
This spring, my mother sent me an e-mail requesting that I make her a knit felted bag for her summertime birthday. She wanted me to use a variegated colored yarn with blues and lavenders in the mix and she wanted the bag to be fairly large. Here's what I came up with:



I used Twisted Knitter's Noro Kureyon Felted Scraps Tote Bag pattern and 13 balls of Online Linie 231 Filz-Wolle in color #0205 to make the bag. Although I started the bag a month before my mom's birthday deadline, after tweaking the bag to mom's liking, I gave it to her over a month after the date.

The bag was re-enforced with heavy duty interfacing and plastic canvas to maintain its shape and it was lined like Eunny Jang's felted bag with a zipper pocket (I also used this clever tutorial from Craftster). Unlike Eunny's bag, my mom wanted me to make felted bag handles as well. I did this by knitting 7 stitches into a strip long enough to wrap around the bag. Then, I knit a 6 foot tall I-cord at the end of the strips. The strips were then hand stitched onto the bag BEFORE I added the lining (this was really rough on my fingers!) . Finally, I twisted the I-cords and mattress stitched the folded end to the other strip on the same side of the bag to make my handles.

My mom was really pleased with her bag and enjoys showing it off to friends, family and her co-workers. What do you think?
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Project Runway Season 8: Episodes 7 & 8

Monday, September 20, 2010
Project Runway Season 8, Episode 7 was the Michael Kors challenge. The designers got to have brunch on a boat before Michael Kors told the designers that they would be creating a resort wear look. The twist was that the designers would be both designing and sample making as the designers would have to sew another contestant's garment to their specifications. The teams were:

Valerie/Andy
April/Christopher
Gretchen/Casanova
Michael D./Ivy
Mondo/Michael C.

Mondo and Michael C were the headliners of this episode. Mondo threw a huge fit when he learned that he was paired with Michael C., but they ended up working really well together and by the end of the episode they were the best of buddies.

Ivy and Michael D. also didn't get along because Ivy didn't think Michael D.'s sewing skills were up to snuff (but she'd probably feel this way about any designer she was paired with).

Each designer was judged by the looks they sent down the runway regardless of which one they sewed. Ivy, Mondo, and Cassanova were in the bottom 3 and Cassanova was sent home because the judges thought his look was "too granny".


Cassanova's Loosing Look
http://www.craftstylish.com/assets/uploads/posts/71303/casanova_lg.jpg

Personally, I thought that Cassanova's look was the best of the bottom looks and I thought Mondo's K-mart swim suit totally missed the "resort wear" mark and should have been sent home.

Mondo's K-mart-chic Look

Michael D., April, and Andy were the top 3 designers, and the judges picked April's "goth baby-doll" as the winner. I thought April's look seemed more suited for the bedroom than for the beach and I thought Andy's swimsuit and cover up was the clear winner.

April's Winning Look
http://www.craftstylish.com/assets/uploads/posts/71303/april-full_lg.jpg

Andy's Fabulous Look (that should have won)
http://www.craftstylish.com/assets/uploads/posts/71303/andy_lg.jpg

Conclusion: After watching this episode, I felt like I have no idea what the judges are looking for anymore and I think many of the designers are feeling the same way. I'm also going to miss Cassanova and his accent and melt-downs.

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Project Runway Season 8, Episode 8
challenged the designers to create an American Sportswear look inspired by Jackie O, but still maintaining the designers own aesthetic. The twist in this episode was that on Day 2, Tim announced that the designers would have to create a additional outerwear piece. Many of the designers struggled with these challenges.

Mondo was the clear winner of this challenge, and Ivy finally showed off her sewing and design skills to come in second.

Mondo's Winning Look was both Mondo and Jackie O.

Michael D. and Andy were the bottom two designers. Andy's look was very Andy (if Andy had a crazy crotch and wore ill fitting t-shirts), but it was definitely not Jackie O. However, Michael D.'s look was very fashion-backwards instead of fashion-forward and ill-fitted and proportioned which ultimately lead to his departure.

Michael D.'s Look

Conclusion: Episode 8 proved that Project Runway is still anyone's game and that all it takes is one misstep and you'll hear Heidi say "auf wiedersehen."
Top picks after episode 7: Andy (I still think he's got some good design in him), Gretchen, and Christopher

Bottom:
April, Michael C. (I don't quite understand what his sense of style it), and Valerie (she hasn't shined since the early episodes, so she's been demoted).

If you'd like to read more about Episode 7 click here,
here, and here. Or to learn more about Episode 8 click here or here. As always, you can also catch full episodes on Mylifetime.com
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What I'm Listening To: Nick Pitera

Sunday, September 19, 2010
This weekend, my friend showed me some YouTube video's of Nick Pitera whom she saw on the Ellen Show. If you haven't heard this guy yet, check him out NOW. I have a feeling that we'll be seeing a lot more of this guy in the future.


I'm still in awe! Aren't you? How is it possible for this guy to have the great singing voice of a man AND a woman!? If you get a chance, check out some of Nick Pitera's other video's. He's even got a video of a song where he not only sings, but he performs all the instruments...VOCALLY (kinda like Bjork's "Medulla" album).
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What's making me laugh- Stephen Colbert

Saturday, September 11, 2010
Hi all! It's 9/11. 9 years ago around 9am I had just woken up in my college dorm and turned on the TV to check the weather and was mad that the news station was just showing me an image of a burning building in NYC and not showing the temperature outside. So, I turned off the TV for a second and turned it on again just in time to see the 2nd plane hit the towers. That's when I realized that what I was seeing was probably a big deal. I won't forget.

Thanks to all of the men and women who went to Ground Zero that day to lend a helping hand and to the men and women who have served over seas and protect this country and prevent another 9/11 from happening!

Speaking of U.S. troops, this week the Colbert Report aired the special "Been There Won That: The Returnification of the Ameri-can-doo Troopscape" in honor our country's return of U.S. combat troops from Iraq. Wednesday's episode featured Vice President, Joe Biden, serving hot dogs to U.S. soldiers and Thursday's episode had Brent Cummings and Josh Bleill. If you missed them, click the links to watch them in full.


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Project Runway Season 8: Episodes 5 & 6

Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Episode 5 of Project Runway split the designers into 2 teams of 6 and challenged them to create a six piece collection for Fall 2010 based off of trends for the season. Team Luxe was made up of the seasons challenge winners (Michael Costello, Gretchen, Christopher, Andy, Ivy and A.J.) who chose to make a collection inspired by Camel (color) and menswear. Team Military and Lace (aka. team Loser, April, Mondo, Michael D, Valerie, Casanova and Peach) chose military and lace themes.

Gretchen clearly took the lead for Team Luxe and basically designed the collection and delegated who made what pieces. Team Military and Lace took a more traditional approach and each designer created their own look in their own styles using the military and lace theme to keep their looks cohesive as a whole.

During the episode, Casanova had a meltdown and threatened to go home after Tim Gunn told him that his outfit was looking a bit "granny" (obviously he hasn't heard that you shouldn't argue with Tim if you want to win). But, Casanova's teammates chatted with him and ultimately his model was able to pull him out of his funk and Casanova whipped up a pair of pants and took home a challenge win.

Casanova's look

Team Luxe surprisingly landed in the bottom. As the judges criticized their looks, Team Luxe first decided to band together and declare that they were all equally responsible for the looks and no designer was worse than the other. But, Gretchen soon changed her tune, and so did the others, and they each decided that Michael C. contributed the least but he had immunity. In the end, each designer pointed out the garment(s) he/she made and A.J. was sent home because he'd only made one ugly looking shirt-dress.

At the end of the episode, Tim Gunn entered the work room chewed out Team Luxe for letting Gretchen bully them and take the lead over their team.

A.J.'s losing look
http://www.craftstylish.com/assets/uploads/posts/69892/aj_lg.jpg

Episode 6 challenged the designers to use "real women" models and turn the model's old bridesmaids gowns into something wearable.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFqQhyphenhyphen-0NTF6EnJeeqPHLVSqAc9sQ5BtZ91k9WoF-cfKR9J10HTru5UDuATqm6aIZDCSncTb8F3EyYZimaMorYDyFJ9NcpkiPtojuDaD_psSINfo1iI04NwkseZ5hBcrKJuSGAFYugh0/s400/proje6008.jpg

Gretchen was noticeably less annoying this week, however there was still drama in the workroom. Christopher's original model (and dress) bailed on him, so he was given a replacement model and a whole new (and even more hideous) dress to work with.

Before the runway show, the designers showed off their gowns in a public showcase where guests voted on their favorite looks. At the showcase, Ivy was convinced that Michael C. had been telling the guests not to vote for her because she was this seasons B****. Mondo ended up being the public favorite at the showcase.

Mondo's dress

I really liked Mondo's, Casanova's and Ivy's looks, but the judges voted Michael C. as the winner (much to the other designers dismay). I thought Michael C's dress was a bit too goth myself, but I suppose it was well made.

Michael C.'s dress
http://www.craftstylish.com/assets/uploads/posts/70432/mc-full_lg.jpg

Peach, Valerie and Michael D. were on the bottom and Peach's "avocado napkin" dress was sent home. Is it wrong for me to say that it was about flippin' time for Peach to go home? Her taste level is just not in PR's league.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8PPl-aXrjMzyHZbw021jipbsRUz6R8cMQlz3FbZUlyoK4O4YkbwVB1MYVt5-QDOvEbtFh_rHoScGH6MEu3mAwhhy1RnT-DFLPg1Lc6_xx8-fXLlcFvUgLRsFZkldhMbhMfUeJAW2Ww-Ae/s640/PR6.jpg

What did you think about these two episodes? Are the right people being sent home? Let me know in the comments below.

My top picks after episode 6: I'm sticking with Valerie (despite her bad dress), Gretchen and Andy

Bottom: April, Michael D. and Casanova.

For more PR bloggy goodness check out Craftstylish (episode 5 and 6), Fashion Me Fabulous (episode 5 and 6) and Grosgrain (episode 5 and 6). As always, you can check out full-episodes online.
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2010 Emmy Looks

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Last week was the 2010 Emmy Awards. Here are my picks for best dressed and worst dressed at the Emmys.

Best
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Christina Hendricks I loved the color of the dress with her hair. While I'm not usually a fan of the feathers, this dress pulls it off.
This is Tina Fey's Golden Globes dress done right. As you may recall, Tina's black and white Golden Globes dress reminded us of Mary Poppins, but this black and white number is beautiful. If I were to take one of these Emmy dresses home with me this year, this would be my pick.

Kyra Sedgwick
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I love the color and shape of this gown. Nice!

Claire Danes
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Claire Danes sparkled and dazzled in her strapless gown.

Worst

Jane Krakowski
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I am not a fan of that extra fabric on her hips.

Heidi Klum
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I think someone forgot to give Heidi the memo that everyone was wearing floor length gowns this year. Heidi's dress was too short and looked like she was ready for the club, not the Emmys.

What did you think of the 2010 Emmys? Did you watch the show? Were you happy with the results? Who were your best/worst dressed picks?
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What I'm Listening To: Jenny & Johnny - Big Wave

Saturday, September 4, 2010
Last week, I listened to Jenny Lewis's latest music release with real life boyfriend, Johnathan Rice in its entirety on NPR. The group is called Jenny & Johnny and the album is I'm Having Fun. Although the full album is no longer available for free listening on NPR, you can listen to "Big Wave" below. I'm loving it! Check it out!


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What's making me laugh- Stayfree ads

So by now I'm assuming you've all seen the hunky/ funny Old Spice Ads (if not, see previous post). But, have you seen the Canadian Stayfree ads? This week, Bust magazine posted an article on their web site about these ads meant to tantalize women into using their products, but instead are pretty creepy.

*Note to man friends and others who don't know what Stayfree pads are for: Stayfree pads are for menstruation.*

I mean, how many ladies want to discuss the pro-cons of menstruation pads on a hot date! Really!
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What I Wore: 09/03/2010

Friday, September 3, 2010
shirt: Old Navy
belt and pants: Target
scarf: Name Brand Clothing


Today's Fab Finds Under $50 Outfit Inspiration Calender called for a belted scarf, so I gave it a whirl and wore it to work. If you look closely, you can see the Scotch tape that I stuck to my belt to keep it from flapping around all day long.

I'm off of work for Labor Day weekend but I don't have any plans. Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend? In any case, I hope your weekend is a nice one.
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