Category: ‘Watch’

Bravo’s New Fashion Show Is Gunn Shy, But Not Lacking Pheasant Feathers

I cheated and read some of the reviews of Bravo's new Project Runway replacement, The Fashion Show,
before I watched the premiere last night. They were savage. But even
after seeing the debacle myself, I can't really say that I hated it. I
just miss Tim Gunn.

Bravo's The Fashion Show

The static duo of Isaac Mizrahi and Kelly Rowland (better known as one of the girls not Beyonce in Destiny's Child) is like a wet blanket. Isaac is grating and lacks the charm of TG, who seems to have some genuine fondness for the designers. Rowland looks pretty and wears cute clothes -the orange dress above is Zara. Other than that, she just reads off the cue cards.

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What's good about the show is what Bravo excels at: casting. And wow, what a group of characters. You can't miss Merlin, clad in all red with a 2-foot pheasant feather in his chapeau. Oh, did I mention he was wearing white patent women's boots with 3-inch stiletto heels?

Merlin, along with Johnny and Keith, won the first mini-challenge. They then got to pick their teams, who each had to select one must-have wardrobe item, reproduce it five times, and incorporate it into five different looks.

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Johnny's group decided that harem pants were their must-have wardrobe item (someone must have seen our post). Too bad no one in the group knew how to sew satin.

Jonny's losiung outfit on Fashion ShowVictoria's Secret convertible dressVictoria's Secret convertible skirt

What seemed like a good idea at first, Keith's group decided to do a convertible stretch wool tube dress that could be worn many ways. But they doubled the fabric, so even the size 2 models looked like sausages. Convertible dresses, like this one from Victoria's Secret, should be form-fitting and flowing. Breathing shouldn't be a problem. 

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Merlin's bolero and James-Paul's Rubik's Cube dress (which are both available for purchase right now) ended up as the top two designs on the runway. After a sorry pow-wow among Isaac, Kelly, Fern Mallis (IMG Fashion VP) and guest judge Elie Tahari, James-Paul was chosen as the winner.

Shortly after, Isaac told Jonny D they didn't buy his designs. Ha! I wonder how long Bravo marketing took to come up with that one. No matter, it couldn't have been more awkward.

Taste Test: Which Watch Tells Time for Less Dime?

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Wanna keep tabs on the time on a wicked white watch, but don't care to shell out almost five grand for Chanel J1 ? Both of the snow white imitators above will tick down the minutes at the same 60-second intervals, but one's an even better bargain for a J12 lookalike. Pick the watch above that rings in at under $100 (the other's more than $2,000), then make time for scoping out more deals in our Taste Test archives .

He May Not Be Into You, But You’re Most Definitely Into The Clothes

We recently covered the fashion from He’s Just Not That Into You and this movie evidently hit a style nerve because we had tons of comments asking where to find particular items. From Scarlett Johansson’s adorable low-key clothes to Jennifer Connolly’s watch, here’s where to find some coveted items from the film:

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One reader asked where to locate the cute clothes Scarlett was wearing in the pedicure scene. The t-shirt is a James Perse Casual T ($50) and the sweater is Lux by Urban Outfitters, which doesn’t appear to be available anymore, so we think this Kimchi Blue Open Cardigan ($44) should do the trick. The jeans are ScarJo’s own Levi’s 501 Boyfriend Jeans ($78).

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In regards to Jennifer Connolly’s red wrap watch, it’s an Hermes Cape Cod PM Watch and it's $1,850. For a more cost-effective version, we suggest the Pedre Double Wrap Watch ($90).

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Lastly, we love the debate over ScarJo’s red slip under her vintage dress in the office scene. We can’t be sure this is the right one, but this Free People Pleated Skirt Dropwaist Slip ($88) is a good enough facsimile to get you into your own compromising positions.

We’re working on additional finds, but let us know what else you’re looking for. We live for this stuff!

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Website Review: Bid for Luxury at Portero

You know when the time comes to buy a new pair of shoes, (and that time, of course, is always…) but the rent is coming up and you’re just not sure if your credit cards can withstand another $685 dollar charge courtesy of Manolo Blahnik?

So, you check out eBay because maybe you’ll come across some great find for a shockingly low bid. But unfortunately, as it often is on eBay, the hottest brands come at the highest risk and sometimes it's just too difficult to determine whether a certain designer bag or shoe is actually authentic. You know how it is: you type in “Louboutin” and multiple listings of the same exact shoe come up from a single seller, who just happens to have six different pairs in varying sizes all shipping from China. That might raise a little red flag.

Enter Portero, a luxury auction style e-shop that actually guarantees the authenticity of its fine goods. Shop through great brands like Bvlgari, Burberry, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, or by category like jewelry, handbags, shoes, art, housewares, etc. We’ll start you off with a few great auction finds to check out:

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Azzedine Alaia White Patent Sandals
Current Bid: $380

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Miu Miu Peggy Tote
Current Bid: $223

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Yves Saint Laurent Braided Collar Necklace
Current Bid: $572

Week Of What I Wear To Work: Corporate America

Having worked in corporate America for almost my entire career, particularly in banking (at least for now <cough>), dressing for work is just as conservative as most other corporate or legal offices. Dressing for success here is simple: put your cash into investment pieces, purchase trends around them, and you will always be dressed for the job you want – not just the one you have. By investment pieces, I mean a beautifully tailored suit, a great watch, gorgeous pumps, and a quality bag.

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I tend to purchase “suits” by pulling together separates of the same line and then having them professionally tailored to make sure that they really fit well. Colors? It’s corporate, ladies, so always have black, charcoal grey, navy, and chocolate brown in your closet. I own this Theory Neela – Pinto Jacket ($365) and  Theory Mark B – Pinto Pants ($245) set.

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When selecting a watch, there’s something quite sexy and powerful about a woman wearing an oversized men’s watch. This MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Sport Watch ($225) is dressy enough for the office but classic enough to take you into the weekend. 

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You can MAYBE skimp on other details but everybody notices when someone comes to the office with accessories that are falling apart. That being said, I tend to get the most compliments with reliable and cost-effective Nine West accessories, like these Kelsey Boutique 9 Pumps ($135) and this Laptop Tote ($99). 

And be sure to check out our What to Wear to Work Guide for more pointers on how to get dressed for any office.   

Rachel Zoe Comes Undone, Eye Makeup Remains Intact

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It’s Wednesday and you know what that means: another review of Bravo’s new reality show, The Rachel Zoe Project. This week, we see what stress awards season can place on a top stylist and her crew as Rachel “comes undone” trying to style multiple events. Throw in the loss of a relative and an attempt to plan a cozy anniversary party for her husband and a couple hundred of her closest friends and we get to see a full-on meltdown.

Here’s what I still don’t understand: you see her cry in this episode. A little bough of hope springs forth when she starts to remove her makeup, but she removes everything BUT her eye makeup.  Who does that?  At this point, I assume there is something under all that liner and mascara that she REALLY doesn’t want us to see. I give up.

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I think watching this show is starting to wear off on me, because I think I want to try a fur vest for fall (faux for me), especially this Gryphon The Pretender Vest ($830). It looks like real fur but I can rock it without enduring judgmental looks from my cat.  For a little more Zoe magic, I’ll throw on these Accessories and Beyond Sparkle Elastic Bracelets ($88), and this Juicy Couture The Beau Watch ($250).

Stay tuned for next week, when we get a behind the scenes look at the Oscars and her assistants flip out yet again. 

Week Of Personal Style: The Tailored Rocker

I am a deeply conflicted person when it comes to identifying my style, but when asked to define my personal style for this week's exercise, I decided to put a stake in the ground. I am tailored rocker chic. I love classic tailoring, but I collect vintage rock t-shirts. I love pairing glamorous jewelry with well-cut but comfortable clothes. Anytime you see me, even if I’m in a suit in a corporate setting, there is always something a little too glamorous about my outfit, slightly rebellious, and always in homage to my rock and roll heroes.

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How does one rock out in an office setting? There are many ways to get your point across without looking like you’re auditioning for the next season of "Rock of Love". This Rebecca Taylor Tweed Jacket and Tweed Pant ($390 and $275, respectively) take an edgy twist to a classic fabric and wardrobe staple. For daytime, I would pair with this Max Studio Pintucked Silk Charmeuse Blouse ($188), and this great pair of Steve Madden Lallita Black Suede Ankle Boots ($159.95).

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As far as accessories go, I tend to wear one statement piece at a time but always keep it true to my rocker roots. Grab this Lucky Brand Rock and Roll Baby Charm Necklace ($75), throw in an Ed Hardy “Chic” Skull and Roses watch ($198) and Poison Oval Ring ($24), and you’ve got yourself a tailored rocker look that’s bound to snag you some groupies.

Week Of Personal Style: New England + NYC = Urban Preppy

I honed my becoming-an-adult style in a place where half the men wear pastel popped-collar polos, and the other half wear two pastel popped-collar polos to parody the first half. The preppy influence was hard to avoid.

These days, my style retains significant nods to country-club chic, with a dose of “no really, I’m laughing at me too.” (See headband below.) And now there's more black than back in college.

Last Saturday night’s outfit was a particularly urban-preppy case-in-point. I started with a Theory dress ($375) – fitted bodices with fuller skirts are a favorite – and added a somewhat ridiculous headband; faux jewels or big fabric flowers like the ones on this headband from J. Crew ($20) should achieve the joking-but-not-joking look nicely.

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With such a loud accessory at eye level, I’d just add a silver bracelet watch ($395) and keep other jewelry quiet. Dusty pink shoes ($67) that aren’t too sweet complete the ensemble.

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My most valued accessory to wear with this look? An attitude that says "Yes, I enjoy stomping on peanut shells in my fabulous shoes and no, I'm not too dressed up for this dive bar."

SheFinds Was There: Tide And Downy Total Care Party

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SheFinds attended the launch party last night for Tide and Downy Total Care at New York City's swank Empire Hotel Rooftop. As we stated in our Laundry Guide, it’s important to take care of your gorgeous clothes. These enhanced laundry favorites take their cues from beauty products, providing a fantastic new look, feel, and durability to the softness and color of your clothing. Some of the fashion industry’s well-known tastemakers and stars came out to represent the new products and we were there to capture the action.  

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First up was Laura Bennett, fantastic designer from Project Runway Season Three, in a dress of her own creation. When asked Laura about fall style, she was very hot on the 50’s retro looks à la Mad Men. We recommend the Nanette Lepore Purr-Fect Jacket ($395), a versatile piece that can go from office to weekend with a change of bottom.

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We ran into a very lovely and gracious Linsday Price, star of NBC’s Lipstick Jungle, looking absolutely stunning in an Andrew Gn Fall '08 collection dress and Brian Atwood shoes. Ladies, this show is the best kept secret on television and the wardrobes alone are worth tuning in (see this picture as Exhibit A). We’re thinking of going for these gorgeous Brian Atwood Rida Satin Sandals ($640) ourselves…

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The man of the hour was everyone’s favorite “I-wish-he-were-my-best-friend” style master, Tim Gunn. Tim is just as lovely as every dream you’ve had of him ladies and could not stop raving about this product!

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Steal this look from the party: we photographed this partygoer with her fabulous grey dress to discover she snagged it from H&M!  Since H&M STILL doesn’t have online shopping, we love this Bordeaux Belted Dress ($176).

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There were more stars present like author and Today Style Contributor Charla Krupp and star stylist June Ambrose, but alas, we did have to come home.

All in all, a wonderful evening was had and we look forward to giving you more star style coverage here on SheFinds.

Crest Pro-Health Turns Your Teeth Brown: Wow, That’s Disgusting.

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This morning's Today Show revealed a rather gross and unsettling discovery: Crest's Pro-Health Rinse apparently turns your teeth brown. Yep, brown. As in dirty than they were before you brushed and rinsed. Unbelievable, right?

According to the report, the mouthwash became popular for being alcohol-free and thus not causing that uncomfortable burning sensation when you rinse. But people started noticing their teeth becoming discolored and their taste buds altering after a few weeks of use. Piles of bad reviews surfaced on the internet and the company has since been knee-deep in lawsuits. It claims the effects are temporary and a side-effect of the alcohol-free ingredients. Well, personally I'll take a little burn any day over nasty brown teeth.

Below is an alternative alcohol-free option that won't put a damper on your pearly whites. The Natural Dentist ($10) will brighten your teeth, not soil them. And if you've already experienced side-effects from using Crest Pro-Health, voice your complaints on their website.

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Trend Alert: Put Away Your Pastels for Spring—It’s All About the Brights

Lately, I’ve been opening up magazines and catalogs filled with bold, bright colors for spring and I have felt, well, stimulated. In a good way. By buying bits and pieces from this trend, you’ll really be able to punch up your wardrobe for spring.

I would love to pair this See by Chloe frock ($315) with a bright chunky bangle ($15).

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And if I was really feeling like spring, I’d wear this Diane Von Furstenberg Kacia Dress ($355) with this adorable J Crew Ruffle Cardi ($88).

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If you are into accessories, this patent bowler ($148) will make you feel sunny. Or you can jazz it up with some bracelets like Alexis Bittar’s Pyramid Stud Hinge Bracelets ($165). 

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All these bright colors are making me feel more awake than a grande mocha..

Runway Recap: Project Runway SMACKDOWN!!!

Here's the latest Runway Recap from SheFinds reader Casey:

Oh WOW… lady wrestlers… this should be good. While it's reminiscent of the ice-skating challenge of a few seasons ago, it's 100 times campier and we love that. We predicted Chris would be in his element for this one, and that Rami would create yet another version of his standard outfit: the braided one-shoulder halter. We were right on one count anyway.

Never in a million years did we expect to hear Tim Gunn utter the words "Spandex House", but even more shocking was the realization that there is an ENTIRE STORE devoted to spandex! We were kind of bummed that none of the designers (except our boy Chris) seemed to be excited about this challenge – this is a chance to make a superhero outfit, folks!  Who wouldn't dig that?

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The colors chosen by Rami and Ricky were certainly polarizing – and you knew the judges would not like them. Rami's client's persona was sexy-girl-next-door, and the hot pink he chose was more sexy-hooker-on-the-corner. In the end it looked like Pepto-Bismol threw up on her. The neon orange that Ricky used was just horrible. I think he mis-heard the directions and thought this was a bathing suit challenge.

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Sweet P struggled this week. (Do we write that every week?) Her client wanted a "robe and reveal" outfit that said "Look, I'm demure and mysterious… NO I'm a sex kitten!" The problem with Sweet P's final creation (one of many) was that the surprise element was not there – the robe itself revealed what was beneath, defeating the purpose.

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Jillian, oh Jillian, you do such nice work but you don't entertain us as much as the others. Jillian's wrestler was the WWE's version of Sporty Spice – tomboy and athletic (but also sexy, of course). She looked like a sexed-up Wonder Woman in the end and the client was very happy.

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Christian decided this was his favorite outfit thus far in the competition (and worried what that said about him).  He wanted his lady wrestler to be "fierce" and he absolutely succeeded. She looked extremely intimidating (Heidi would not want to meet her in a dark alley) and Christian delivered exactly what she wanted – leather and lace.

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Our boy Chris was overjoyed with this competition, and if you saw his book earlier in the season, you know why. His client wanted something in animal prints, and it was love at first meeting. Chris created a flattering superhero leopard print costume and hoodie (reminiscent of Shania Twain in the desert). It didn't hurt that she rocked it down the runway either.
 
In our minds it was a close call between Christian and Chris – based solely on this week's designs, we thought it should have been a three-way ouster. In the end, it was Ricky and his swimsuit that were sent packing. Maybe they'll head to the nearest beach?

Take a look at previous PRunway reviews ..