Amazing hissyfit

This camera-phone video of a woman losing the plot after missing her flight in Hong Kong is hilarious! Click here to watch!

Girl crushes

Just taking a moment to highlight some girls who have been getting it right lately. Whether this can be attributed to their great taste or great genetics, they are just plain enviable.

In my mind Diane Kruger can do no wrong. I think her taste is impeccable (she dates Pacey!!), and I have literally never seen her make a fashion mistake. She loves classic looks with slight twists, a la this floral Nina Rocci look and this sophisticated yet youthful Chanel suit. Also, Diane is in her mid-thirties (same age as Kate Moss) and her skin and body look flawless. Girl crush.


Speaking of girl crushes, I think Bar Rafaeli might be the one. I sat next to her on the subway once, and I remember being struck by the combination of her exotic her Israeli accent and gorgeous face (without a stick of makeup). Girl has been everywhere promoting her Sports Illustrated cover, and while she doesn't dress super interesting, she doesn't need to cause her perfect tan, aqua eyes, subtle freckles, and sick curves speak volumes.

Not only have the Sports Illustrated crew been promoting tirelessly this week, but the Victoria's Secret Angels have been hosting a bunch of events too. Adriana Lima and Doutzen Krous hosted an event at the Bowery Hotel last night and I thought Isabeli Fontana looked amazing. This is an outfit that I would love to wear out to dinner and drinks on a Saturday night, although her legs are part of what makes the look so hot. The icing on the cake is fringed Balmain boots- I need a pair!

If we are going to talk about flawless girls I have to mention my thing for Lily Donaldson. I think her face might actually fit the exact scientific characteristics that define beauty. Usually we see her styled to the max in magazine and on runways, but here she is at a AmFar/Fashion Week party last night looking so gorgeous in an evening gown, and two others of her perfectly thrown together M.O.D looks (Model Off Duty).



Ok secretly, I want to give some credit to Whitney...yes, Whitney Port from The Hills and now from The City. Obviously both shows are worse than bad, with hardly anything more than preplanned conversations, head tilts, and blinking happening in each episode. I think we can all agree though that Whitney always looks super cute, and ever since she moved to New York she has only gotten cuter! I'll confess that I have been downloading and watching each new epp weekly, and am finding that it is Whitney's outfits that keep me coming back for more. Here are two wintery street snaps of her walking around Manhattan. Not sure what is going on with those leggings (sparkles?), but I like. And the leopard print coat reminds me both of Kate Moss and of my cousin Hilary (who has been rocking a similar one for a decade).


That's all for now!

Deep thoughts: my boyfriend reads Vogue

So I am sitting on the couch with Mario, and when he isn't pulling for Federer (loudly) as we watch the Australian Open, he is flipping intently through the February issue of Vogue with Daria Werbowy on the cover. Here are his insights:

*"This is the hottest outfit I've ever seen!" - in reference to this look from Balmain's latest collection. I'm impressed with his taste- would of thought he'd make a comment like that about a look with a lot more exposed skin.

*He is apparently stoked on the latest Gucci collection, which is full of tropical-meets-urban safari looks with punchy prints and colors.

*Like any rational man or woman, he also commented on Daria's extraordinary beauty. She wasn't wearing a stitch of makeup (well at least that's what we are supposed to believe) in the shots taken in her perfectly messy bohemian apartment in Manhattan. Hatred!

*"Stella McCartney is pretty hot for a fasion designer. I thought they were all old gay men?" McCartney opens up about motherhood and childhood in the feature.

And then just when I thought we were really having a fashion moment (he was really into the mag), he said, "Models are my favourite kinds of women." Digress.

Ooo lala, some non-Obama related pics from the week

Brangelina having a grey old time at the Paris premiere of Benjamin Button:

Baby got back! And baby just had a baby. Dear God, if I ever have a baby please can I look like that just a few months later? Can I look like that anyway? Allesandra Ambrosia frolicks during a photoshoot in St Barths:

Bobby "White Woman" Trendy caught the attention of the paps on Robertson Blvd the other day:And then a few days before snapped in his "workout" clothes:

"I used to be Vietnamese. But now I am a white woman," said Mr. Trendy, adjusting his diamond-encrusted lady’s Chanel watch. "A very rich, very beautiful white woman." -- Exerpt from Simon Doonan's hysterical profile of Mr. Trendy from back by 2002.

Inauguration snaps

Michelle O rocks a lime green (although I've heard it being called yellow) dress by Cuban American designer Isabel Toledo. Thoughts? I love the bold choice and think she looks elegant, funky, and every bit the First Lady. She paired the dress with green patent leather Jimmy Choos and green leather J Crew gloves.
No biggie, just a few snap shots of Daddy's big day
Jay Z and Beyonce staying warm while keeping cool
What do you think Ted Kennedy is saying to Sasha??
Kinda looks like she is giving Bush the finger...


Mexico City:
Times Square:
Michelle O looked beautiful in a shimmering one shoulder dress designed by Jason Wu. The couple danced to Beyonce's rendition of Etta James classic "At Last." Click to watch.Bye bye, Bush!

January 20, 2009

Screenshot from my TV:As a child when I would tell people I am from Washington, DC they would always ask, “Do you know the President?” or, “Is your dad a senator?” The answer to both is NO. I just happened to grow up in a capital city, in a neighborhood called Capitol Hill, on East Capitol Street, a stone’s throw from the actual Capitol building (if you continue down from my house five blocks you’d be find yourself at the steps of the building itself). You get the idea. Anyway, despite being amongst all the action (I can look out my window and know if Congress is in session based on the lights on the top of the Capitol building), I never involved myself in any of the politics. I didn’t feel special, and my city didn’t feel any more important than any other city. My family knows a few influential people, and we discuss issues at the dinner table like any other New York Times reading family, but that is about the extent of it. And even though there are important events in our city all the time, and top-secret conversations between head politicians every day…I’m usually just not that enthused.

But as I sit here watching CNN alone in my Sydney apartment looking at a screen shot that could have been taken from my doorstep, I am so jealous of the thousands of people that are already rallying around the Capitol like March of the Penguins (it is 20 degrees F)!!! The coolest, most exciting, historical, energetic political (or other) event to happen in my city (in my COUNTRY) in my lifetime, and I’m not there to be a part of it! Damnit.

The city has this buzz on big days like inaugurations, even the Fourth of July, football games. I still remember watching people walk proudly past my house all day during the Million Man March. Even the hideous anti-abortion rallies bring a certain energy (albeit a negative one). BUT THIS. This is by far the most exciting event my city has hosted, at least in my life time- and maybe since Martin Luther King’s speech in 1963. I can only imagine the vibe in the crowd of thousands of freezing people standing in the early morning glow of the Capitol building.

Guess I’ll just have to accept the fact that when my grandkids ask me, “Where were you when Barack Obama was elected President” and “Where were you when Barack Obama delivered his inauguration speech on January 20, 2009?” I’ll have to say, “I was in Sydney.” Yes, that is my reality. But you know what? THere is something kind of fun about coming home from work and turning on the TV to watch my city LIVE from about 3am (DC time) as it fills up with people. Watching the sun come up over Capital and the throngs of people surrounding it was actually quite awe-inspiring. Even though I'm not there in the thick of it, it will surely be memorable watching from my apartment in the southern hemisphere. Better go to sleep now so I don't fall into a CNN trance. It'll be 4am Sydney time, and I'll be glued to my TV...

Bits 'n pieces of fashion news

Shopping wish list
sQ, the anti diffusion label for the girls behind myPetsQuare, hits stores in February and I know I’m not alone with my excitement. The fashion world has been buzzing since the dramatic collection was presented last August in a haunted mansion. It presented itself as sophisticated and sensual with a colour pallet of black, navy, gray, and splashes of cherry red. The fashionable audience was spellbound by the fluid fabrics like stretch silk and washed out jersey and quirky designs. Creators Vicki Lee and Angelique May-Bennett met at a music festival and conceived the idea to launch a label while in a nightclub bathroom. sQ will be the more luxurious and high end of the two labels, and a bit more geared to a night on the town. The Winter 09 collection hits boutiques across Australia in February 2009, and I cannot wait.***


Best dressed: Balmin
You know those collections that capture the zeitgeist of a time and every piece is relevant and wearable? Christopher Decarnin’s Balmain collection gave a much-needed surge of rock ‘n roll adrenalin to Fashion Week. The show was set to vintage Madonna and was full of Michael Jackson inspired jackets, stonewashed jeans, and sequins. There were plenty of sexy options for the concert, the party, and the after-party. It’s funny how the 80s and 90s look so much better the second time around.***



Sexy export
Aussie girls have been giving the Russian girls a run for their money as they take over runways from New York to Milan. Abbey Lee Kershaw, Catherine McNeil, and Skye Stracke are young, fresh, and dominating the world. The latest homegrown beauty to be strutting down runways (51 shows to be exact, including Gucci, Balenciaga, and Dior) is 17 year-old Brisbane beauty Myf Shepherd. Between meeting Karl Lagerfeld and booking the new Miu Miu campaign alongside Katie Holmes, this young model definitely has a bright future. (Myf is with Chic).***

The best thing about Monday…
The thing I love about Cheap Monday is that is actually is cheap. In a sea of overpriced and gimmicky labels, Cheap Monday delivers idiosyncratic, well-priced jeans and basics. The Swedish label has been steadily expanding since it launched nearly a decade ago, and they have finally added swimwear to the list. This simple bandeau top with zip is definitely an object of desire, and so refreshing to get trendy togs for under $100.***

Grande Bouche's grande nap

I stole this photo from jezebel because it almost made me weep with joy! Anyway, working two jobs has put my blog to sleep a bit, but I promise things are going to change. And in the meantime, Ill post adorable baby animals and hope it suffices! x

Michelle Obama: 21st century style icon

And while we are talking about the Obamas…What did everyone think of Michelle’s choice of a Narcisco Rodriguez fiery red and black dress hot off the runway? I have to say, while it was a tad confusing and eyecatching it is so refreshing to se her taking risks. She will definitely add some much needed flavor to boring ol’ Washington, DC. My friend Emily blogged on the matter, check it out here.

I love Michelle’s way of making simple outfit concepts funky. She isn't afraid of color, and certainly isn't confined to the old pants suit or plain dress. What I've been loving is her apparent love broaches, which add flair to her great taste. Here are some highlights:
Can't wait to watch her become a style icon over the next few years. Also can't wait to watch precious Malia and Sasha grow up...

Yes we DID!

It has been forever since I blogged and so much has happened (the economy has gotten worse, I have done more shopping…I know, I know what an oxymoron), but I think it is undeniable that the biggest event since I last blogged is the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States! I was working at InStyle (another update..I freelance at InStyle now) on Nov 5th when the news broke (we are a day ahead). I had been refreshing my CNN.com screen every 3 minutes or so, watching as Obama clinched key States. Then a girl walked into the office saying, “He won!” “I know,” I said, “He got Iowa!” “No, he won!” I was ecstatic in a way I can’t explain, because it was a different type of excitement than I’ve ever had. I wasn’t even expecting to feel the way that I did. My heart was racing, and all I wanted to do was transport myself to DC or New York and go crazy with a mob of happy citizens. Instead, I drank a glass of champagne and watched a few Aussie fashionistas wipe away tears during his memorable acceptance speech. But I never really got the chance to celebrate with people who felt the same way I did….and what was that feeling? Relief. Hope. And Pride. As an American that has spent so much time feeding my passion of travel, it feels good to be overseas and to be able to feel a certain pride that for as long as I’ve been traveling I haven’t been able to feel. I’ve been in the back of taxis in Nice, France telling the driver “Je deteste Bush aussie. Oui, Clinton est tres bien.”

On the historical night Miriam and I were sending emails (Blackberry to iPhone, me at my desk in Sydney, her at a bar in Williamsburg) and one email from Miriam comes to mind. I had written something like “Yeah!!! He got Pennsylvania,” and Miriam wrote “Anna we might be saved, our country is saved.” It was so dramatic, and also so amusing because Miriam and I spend so much time talking about bangs, boys, and dream jobs…that to be sharing that kind of raw excitement over something so important was wonderful. Okok we aren’t that shallow, I just painted a bad picture!

Below are excerpts from some emails from friends that I received during the few days following Election Day.


EMILY in DC:
I got home from school (after having been to only one class because the Chinatown bus driver on the way home from Philly got pulled over for speeding and then state trooper discovered that he was not licensed to drive a bus - honestly no one on the bus batted an eyelash bc par for the Chinatown bus course at this point, but we did get into DC 2 hours late) and did some HW and Gchatting, was very pumped (thanks to Margot) that I had made the trek to Philly to vote. Eventually Mike got home with Pinkyring and FIVE GUYS (second night in a row - America! Fuck yeah!!!) and we turned on NBC and ate. Saw some funnies in the Times Square coverage - including this hilarious man who Andrew took a picture of and I am attaching to this e-mail.

Eventually tall Ari came over and Obama began to win state after state. I was multitasking a little bit - looking at duvet covers online in our bedroom, because we need a new one - when around 10:00 a heard some serious football shouts from the other room. I ran in and saw the teeny-tiny graphic at the bottom of the screen and was initially confused - why wasn't it bigger? But the boys kept shouting and everyone on TV looked really excited so I realized that despite TV's mishandling of this moment, it was true - Obama won the fucking presidential motherfucking election. Then the text messages started rolling in (one from Miriam thanking me for voting in PA - <3 you boo), the most hilarious one being from Pinkyring's friend Boson: "guys this is a historic moment." Funny bc true!!!

Then the news started showing footage of DC - specifically the corner of 14th and U, where at least 20 people were standing on top of a bus stop shelter, dancing and the streets were packed with frenzied revelers. We heard rumors of a drum circle and traffic being backed up for blocks, so we decided to head down after Obama gave his speech. After watching John McCain be obligatory nice guy and seeing a little tear glistening in Sarah Palin's eye, Obama finally came on around midnight and I almost lost my shit. I know this is like, DUH, but goddamnit that man has a way with words! I was also freaking out at the Michelle/Sasha/Malia clothing ensemble (her dress was Narciso Rodriguez!!!), but you guys can read Listopad for my thoughts on that bc I posted about them on Wednesday.

Finally at 1 AM we headed out the door. Every step of our walk - through Mount Pleasant, Adams Morgan, and down U Street - was marked by people losing their shit. The sound of people honking their horns did not stop for the entire walk. The entire walk!!! It's a good 35 minutes from my house down to that corner. People would jump out in front of cars - and the cars would honk, not because they were pissed at antics but because they were happy too! Complete strangers would high-five you as you walked by, or they would just whoop and scream "WE DID IT!!" and you would whoop back. (Actually Andrew did most of the whooping.) As we stopped to talk to a friend we ran into, a woman pranced by (literally pranced) yelling, "MY UTERUS IS MY OWN!!!"

When we got the corner of 14th and U it was insane. It was like twelve Adams Morgans on a Saturday night, only people were drunk on JOY and not alcohol. The entire intersection was filled with people yelling, dancing, carrying signs, hugging - and there were indeed the sounds of drums coming from somewhere. And the bus stop shelter roof was still a dance floor. Guys, we are talking that one scene at the beginning of Matrix 2 or 3 when everyone is doing like tribal dancing underground. It was beautiful. Our friend Aaron appeared out of the crowd and ran towards us whooping as if we were his long-lost parents. Then we walked down U Street towards Bohemian Caverns where our friend was DJing and as we passed Dukem, which is a (delicious!) Ethiopian restaurant, we encountered a huge dance party. On the sidewalk. As we stood outside Bohemian caverns, we watched a legitimate parade walk by - all people yelling and carrying signs, of course. I heard later that they marched all the way to the White House. Traffic was at a complete and total standstill - buses, taxis, no one was moving - but NO ONE cared. Cops were everywhere, but they looked on with pleasure and joy as people congregated and went crazy.

I still haven't told you guys the story of how we heard my upstairs neighbor drunkenly yelling at his TV (it's actually really sad - he's a terrible alcoholic and Mike saw him coming into our building the next morning, drunk off his ass at 10 AM) during Obama's speech, but I'll save that for later because I have to go. Remember how I said this was going to be fast? LOL.

MIRIAM in Brooklyn:
anyway, my obama story is pretty lowkey; ben and i went on a mighty trek to the bar next to our house, which had put up a big screen and posted signs everywhere boasting an "election party all night long." his friend andrew came to meet us, and audrey came, and yonkers and mari briefly after awhile ben and andrew got sick of trying to see past hipster poofy hair and went back to our apartment on the other side of the wall. i stayed at the bar with just yonks as everyone else had left. it was crazy how sudden it was though, we we were waiting after penn and ohio were announced and i glanced at the screen and it had the 'elected president obama' graphic and i quietly said to yonkers "obama elected!" no one in the room would believe it until yonkers started hollering and then the whole place was up in arms for a good 10 minutes. no speaking, just yelling. then the bar just started handing out bottles of champagne. it was greatttttt. after i just wen tback home to listen to his speech but there were cars a-honking and people screaming in the streets all night.

MARGOT in Italy:
I discovered that I have a working TV in my bedroom, that receives only a few channels (one of which is, blessedly, MTVItalia) and one of them was doing all-night, live election coverage. I curled up in bed and watched until PA and OH both went to Obama. I passed out and woke up around 5am to shouts and banners on the TV of "HA VINTO OBAMA!!!!!" and it felt like a million Christmases rolled into one. I watched his speech, which had an angry Italian lady shouting the translation over him. That was unfortunate. But I tuned my ears and isolated the English and proceeded to well up and have chills. Walking around Florence the next day I had my head held high and still feel SO PROUD to be American. An entirely new feeling! Everyone in Europe is celebrating and ecstatic, the only exception being my anal beads roommate who is still sulking around because she wanted McCain because she is blond and heartless.

MARY in Chicago:
YOU GUYS! i was THERE. I had vip tickets to the rally. It was UNBELEIVABLE! I cannot even describe or explain. He is so amazing. People were cheering and screaming in the streets for hours. I didnt get home till 2:30 am. I am so lucky to have been there for that. He looked so amazing, michelle is GORGE and everyone was crying and laughing. When it was announced we all started chanting "YES WE DID! YES WE DID!" instead of "yes we can." Sooo many goosebumps!

CHRIS DEUTSCH in DC:
Last night when they announced it people were running and yelling in the streets. Our whole apt complex came out on their balcony's and were cheering and high fiving. It was really inbelievable. Billy and I set the speakers out and played Same Cooke's 'Change is Gonna Come' and people were dancing and having a good time.

A few thousand people gathered on U street into early in the morning. All peaceful and upbeat. I've never seen anything like it. You couldnt help but feel very hopeful for our future despite the tough road ahead.

MY MOM:
I’ll tell you one thing – I think the new first lady is going to be fun to watch in term so fashion. She seems to love clothes and to wear them well. Also – interesting – she NEVER wears suits! The stodgy uniform of the working woman – she just doesn’t wear them. She usually wears dresses – something I really don’t have. Of course, I’m not first lady so I may not need them…

Did I tell you that I started my speech in Florida by mentioning your excitement about the election and post script re Julius Rosenwald enjoying this? I then mentioned how John McCain had mentioned Booker in his concession speech and said I did think the Julius-Booker partnership was one of the steps that got us to today’s hopeful moment. After my speech, in the question period, an elderly man said he had been working hard for the McCain campaign but that my talk had really helped him understand the importance of this moment in terms of racial progress. I really felt good about that. I am going to try to get some more speaking gigs cause I really like it and think I do it pretty well.


I love these intimate images of the Obamas..
Nap now while you can, Mr Prez! You've got a lot of work ahead of you...