Ms. Holly G. Darling

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Christian Siriano Sounds "Just Like" Hayden Panettiere

I've never seen an episode of Project Runway. No wait, I think I saw one once on NBC a few years back. Anyway, my lack of cable television has not stopped me from knowing who Christian Siriano is. I think he's one of the best young designers out there. I love the Tony's outfit he designed for Whoopi Goldberg and Heidi Klum always looks great when he dresses her.

I'm having writer's block as I try to write a one to two page poetry critique so I thought I'd pop on over to YouTube and check out my subscriptions. I came across this Nylon TV video with Siriano. I can't wait to see his new collection and his Payless line. For now I'll just sing along with him to Wake Up Call.

William Rast Showcases "New America"

Last week I read in The Cut that the F09 William Rast collection was inspired by a "new America."

With President Obama in the White House, Timberlake said he has been inspired to showcase a line that’s full of what American fashion should be about — leather motorcycle jackets, oversize flannel plaid shirts, black skinny and acid-wash denim jeans. - WWD

Last night, amidst a full to the brim tent, the William Rast runway show commenced to show what Americana style is all about.

While the looks from the show weren't the greatest things since JT brought sexy back, there were a few looks that caught my eye.

My main thoughts were:

I never tire of the William Rast American flag tee.
I love the zipper details on the jeans.
The patchwork jeans and studded leather jacket are eye catchers.
I need that fringe denim skirt.
The embroidered black blazer was interesting.

All photos from mbfashionweek.com/newyork

Monday, February 16, 2009

Original Doll

If you're from the "I ♥ Buffy" era like I am, you should remember Eliza Dushku. Remember when Buffy died for a minute and Kendra was crowned the new slayer, except psych, Buffy lived and there were 2 slayers in existence at the same time. Then Kendra died and Faith became the new slayer, except Faith was a bit of a wild child and a bad slayer.

Anyway, Faith is back on TV with a new name and new mission. In Dollhouse, Eliza plays Echo, an "Active" or "Doll," whose memory's been wiped clean so she can be imprinted with different personalities.

When the show aired on Friday, I fell asleep and it's not because the show bored me to death. I had had a busy day before I got settled in my papasan to watch the show. I went to the city to go to Crumbs and do some retail therapy at Macy's (great sale) and H&M (better sale). It's fashion week so I got caught up in the excitement at Bryant Park. Then on my way home I stopped at my favorite café for chai tea then went to my favorite Italian restaurant for take out. After dinner my mom and I headed to the movie theater to see He's Just Not That Into You (good movie, somewhat predictable ending ... to me anyway). After all that, who wouldn't be exhausted? What I saw of Dollhouse was good. I just need to watch the rest. You can watch the full first episode below.

Confused? As I stood on line at Crumbs there were a bunch of girls in white leotards promoting Dollhouse, but by the time I bought my cupcakes, they were gone, but the truck with the mannequins in it was still there. You can see the Bryant Park tents through the glass lol.

Everyone's At It

I think this is going to become the Blogger version of 25 Things. The only reason why I'm doing it is that I have writer's block. I'm trying to write a poem critique and a 3 page script with only action. Nothing's coming to me so my solution for the moment is to write until something comes to me.

Now get to know me.

Describe your personal style.
The perfect storm of H&M and a flat iron.

What are the staples in your wardrobe?
A white blouse my grandma made for my mom in the 80s that's cut like this one by Jason Wu and fierce gladiator sandals I've only worn twice.

What’s your signature look?
Glasses (I'm blind without them), DKNY jeans (Skinny & SoHo) and flat ironed hair.

Who is your fashion muse?
Edie Sedgwick, Lily Allen, Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker

Favorite purchase of all time?
The gladiator sandals I got at Payless that I wore to my prom. I got more compliments on them than my dress.

Biggest splurge?
Not sure. My camera?

What’s your beauty routine?
I'm not much of a makeup junkie. I like Burt's Bees' Pomegranate Lip Balm and Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb. Recently I discovered Sally Hansen Natural Butter Lip Shine. I also like Victoria's Secret's Berry Kiss Body Wash. It smells yummy.

What jewelry do you never take off?
I actually don't like jewelry. I used to always wear a watch that I bought when I was 7 years old at Caldor's, but the band broke and I haven't replaced it. If I do wear jewelry, I put on the Speak dog tag I got at Aldo's for $5. The money goes to the Youth Aids Foundation.

What are you wishing for?
I'm wishing I was able to write these papers. Why'd I choose to minor in writing again? I also wish my school didn't make Tuesday a Monday schedule because of President's Day. Why couldn't they take out Wednesday all together?

What are your obsessions?
Blogging, procrastinating by following fashion week and trying to actually read my textbooks this semester.

Following Fashion Week ...

Twice a year, runways and tents are erected in Bryant Park attracting designers, celebrities, and fashion geeks like myself.

Fashion week is not as fanciful as it has been in years past. The rising costs of tent shows has sent some designers to other locations. Others have canceled shows all together, opting for showroom viewings of their collections instead. Those who are still doing shows have scaled back a bit.

The declining economy's effects on fashion week hasn't dampened my fashion week spirit though. I've been trying to keep up-to-date with all the shows. As of yesterday my favorite shows were Abaeté, Cushnie et Ochs, Jason Wu, Yigal Azrouël, Ruffian, Boy by Band of Outsiders, Preen, Vera Wang Lavender Label, Hutson, Rag & Bone, Rachel Roy, Lela Rose, Koi Suwannagate, Karen Walker, BCBG Max Azria and Charlotte Ronson.

To stay up-to-date on all things fashion week, check out these sites:

For up-to-the-minute accounts, head on over to Twitter:

Happy runway watching!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

25 Things

'25 Things' has officially taken over. Every other day my friends tag me in their notes. Even The New York Times wrote an article about the Facebook craze. I have not caved in until now. Here are 25 things you need to know about me.

(1) "Shoes" was my first word. I'm not sure why, but my mum says that when I put my shoes on I knew I was going somewhere. Shoes are still my favorite piece of clothing. They can either make you or break you. Word to the wise, women do not wear heels if you can't walk in them. They just make you a sight for sore eyes.

(2) I love love love blogging. I can create a blog with my eyes closed. I don't even know which number this blog is for me. I think it's my tenth. I can't keep track anymore.

(3) I'm quiet and observant, therefore people think I'm shy. That is so not the case. Just ask my family and friends whose ears I can talk off when I'm ready.

(4) I'm studying PR in school, but at times I think I like editing more than PR. I actually found an internship recently that's the perfect mix of PR and editorial so I'm really excited. Cross your fingers that I get it.

(5) I don't consider myself to be very athletic, but other people do. I even won an award for my athleticism in elementary school. I'm not even big on watching sports either except for X-Games, tennis and beach volleyball.

(6) My favorite actor is James Dean. They just don't make them like that anymore.

(7) Sometimes I wished I lived in past decades. How cool would it be to hang out with everyone at Andy Warhol's factory? And how cool would it be to go to one of Gatsby's parties? (Yes I know Gatsby's not real.)

(8) I wish I had an accent, preferably a British one. My friends tell me to go to another country, but it's so not the same thing.

(9) Sometimes I can't be bothered with books because I feel some authors try to copy other successful authors. Just look at Gossip Girl and the many Gossip Girl-esque series that followed.

(10) Sweet Valley High: Slam Book Fever will always be my favorite childhood book.

(11) I like music when it's not that mainstream, but for some reason I can't stop singing Single Ladies.

(12) I want a guy whose pants aren't hanging off his behind. Is that too much to ask?

(13) I think it would be cool to own a nightclub, and I think I've found the perfect location.

(14) I grew up in Westchester, but I love NYC more. There's just more freedom in the city.

(15) The key to my style is simple ... DKNY jeans, Payless shoes, loads of H&M, and a really good hair stylist armed with a blow dryer and flat iron.

(16) Sometimes I think my friends and I should have a reality show. If LC and crew can do it, so can we.

(17) Dirty Dancing is one of the handful of '80s movies that I like. Maybe that's because it doesn't take place in the '80s.

(18) I love learning other languages. It comes kind of easier to me than say, science. So far I have Spanish, Italian, and a semester of Japanese under my belt. I hope to take French next year.

(19) Growing up an only child, I'm used to doing things on my own without any help. As a result, when I have to rely on people to do things, I can get very nervous depending on who the person is.

(20) One of the assistant vice principals at my high school always said, "The only thing you have in this world is your name." I think he's right.

(21) My seventh grade teacher sat my friend and me down and told us not to be teachers. After that I went through a phase where I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Every other week I had a new career. The ones I remember fondly are fashion designer, eyeglass designer, physical therapist (so I could help Derek Jeter, don't ask), music video director and lawyer. There are more I can't remember. Ask my BFF if you want to know more.

(22) I actually ended up in Mass Comm because of Orlando Bloom. My friend's cousin met him at a work-related event when I was in high school. My friend said her cousin studied Mass Comm, and I decided that I should too. Thank you Orlando!

(23) The last time I drove a car was during my road test four years ago. My mom's car was stick so I didn't bother learn to drive it. Over a year ago she sold her car so now we we walk/train/cab/bus it everywhere. I don't mind. Have you seen how crazy it is on the road these days?

(24) I don't think I want to get married and have kids. At least not in my 20s. I want to travel the world and see new things while I'm still young.

(25) I discovered that writing 25 things about yourself is harder than it looks.

Au revoir.