Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Coming soon . . .

Evening, kids.

I just submitted a column to the Echo regarding my love of the Oscars. You should pick it up, if you feel so compelled.

Also, I promise the Oscar photos and commentary are coming. [Michelle, I promise that is not an empty promise. That one isn't either.]

"Fashions fade, style is eternal."
Yves Saint Laurent

Friday, February 20, 2009

Shameful

Good afternoon, children!

And good afternoon to our new friend, Meg.

So, some housecleaning matters. A bit of ridiculousness has occurred in the comments of the last post, which I feel must be addressed.

"Honey- I find it amusing that you pass fashion judgment on other people when you are kind of a scrub yourself. Isn't irony a scream?"

"mlp- I am a junior and have never heard of you let alone seen you, but from the look of your picture you should not be passing judgment either. If fashion is a taste issue you have bad taste. You look like a little jerk who thinks he is a bad ass but doesn't have the balls to actually be one. And I am not being a coward. That is my real profile. I just don't have a blog. That is all. Go ahead and call me a bitch. Doesn't hurt my feelings.

Ashley Nicole- I have seen you and your pretty little face on campus with your nose in the air. You dress like you're from a cliche teen movie. Very "nice and put together" Boring. And I'm sorry if my comment was "quite rude" Life isn't always nice honey. But I guess a little white girl from suburbia like you hasn't experienced a bad day in your life. Except when you didn't get elected Homecoming Queen maybe..."

"mlp- I find it quite comical that you are getting so defensive about me insulting your style when you are apparently a fan of this blog. And you sure got pissey when I gave a little dig to Miss Ashley Nicole. Wish you were fucking the RA Princess?"

All these lovely little gems were provided by Meg.

I don't even know where to begin to diffuse some of this anger. So, I suppose I'll attempt an open letter of sorts.



I wish I knew who you were, Meg. I get the feeling that if you knew me, and my best friends, for that matter, you wouldn't have such hostile things to say.

Let me start by saying that I have already made it quite clear that the purpose of this blog is not to pass judgment on individuals, and that this is certainly not the place for outright bitchiness.

Do you even read the blog? I never make comments about average looking people. All of my problems with SNU's lack of fashion stem from students looking like they haven't showered, or those individuals who perpetually wear work-out gear everywhere.

As for being a "scrub": [thanks for that flashback to 1999, BT Dubs. Been listening to FanMail, have we?] I have never made a claim to be the epitome of style. In fact, I've only mentioned myself once on the blog, and even then solely as part of a cultural experiment. While I do know what I am talking about, [I refuse to be humble in this] I know that I don't dress the part of a fashionista. I'm a jeans, tee, cardi, madras mini-wedge kind of gal. And that's ok. I have no issue with average, everyday, [laundered] casual wear. I don't even have a big problem with hoodies, so long as they are clean.

This blog has never been about passing judgment on people. It's purpose is to provide a slightly biting, sarcastic kick in the pants for the individuals who need a little push to get out of their sweat pants. [I doubt many of them read this, anyway. I'm not seeking a large readership or campus renown.] Why? Because I believe the students of SNU are better than that. I want the world to take my fellow students seriously in life, because they are [at large] intelligent, talented, kind individuals who deserve to be successful.

Sadly, success in the world is very much impacted by appearances. I work as the personal assistant for the CEO for a small oil company while at home, and I can't tell you how many job applicants are immediately turned down because of their looks.

I have never once said anything to intentionally hurt someone's feelings. That is not my goal, and it is not who I am. Let me say now, if anyone is truly hurt by something I have written, I urge them to come to me with their concerns.

If you have a problem with me or my comments, Meg, that is completely fine. Next time, please take them up with me in person like an adult. I assume you've seen me around, judging by the forward nature of your comments. I'd appreciate if you would keep your hostility toward any other individual, whether a close friend of mine or not, to yourself.




As for the rest of you dears who read this page, there will be no new updates until Oscar night.
I have some lovely photos from the lecture I attended at OU earlier this week, but I'm in no mood for posting them now. I guess you can thank your colleague for that.

Posting may halt entirely for the semester, due to my involvement with music department's effort to keep Jim Graves on staff. I'll keep everyone posted.

"But wait, Danielle! How very unlike you to let those mean comments about Ashley go unaddressed," you say. Like I said earlier, this isn't the place for that. Visit the Bitchery in a little while. I'm sure I'll find plenty to say there.

"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."
-
Audrey Hepburn

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Cupid Shuffle

Hello, children.

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's day.

[If you're in love and stopped by the 'bucks on 36th and May Saturday evening you should know - your barista gave you decaf. She's not sorry.]

A few friends and I had dinner Saturday [no place screams romance quite so much as Friday's], and OKC's best dressed all turned up.

Favorite highlights included a young lady in a rhinestone tiara and a hyperpreg in a bright red velour tracksuit. I have five words for you, lady. A Pea in the Pod. I don't care if you are knocked up, tracksuits died in '02.

I'm still seeing little on campus worthy of note.

Thanks for not failing miserably, on the whole? I'd take a few tragedies here and there if it meant I could see a pretty dress walking around campus every once and a while. [David, Jeremy: I miss you.]

EDIT:

Clark tells me there was a fashion tragedy on the chapel stage this morning. Marcus, whom I trust more in these matters, informed me shortly after that it's simply baggy jeans and a striped tee. I'm reserving judgement until photo evidence is provided.



I hope everyone enjoyed the Grammy wrap-up. I expect I'll follow suit with the Oscars. I hope you're getting excited, kids. [If you follow me on Twitter you can expect another live commentary on Oscar night. You're welcome.]

"Fashions fade, style is eternal."
Yves Saint Laurent

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Underground

Good afternoon, kids.

I'm posting from the refugee camp that is Hatley basement.

I could report on the sad state of affairs in regard to clothing down here, [there are copious amounts of bathrobes] however, given the situation I suppose free tornado passes are in order.

No shining star of the day as of yet. I highly doubt there will be one at all, seeing as I'm being made to trudge up and down and up the basement stairs a la Groundhog Day.

I will give you this:

9:15 AM: Unadulterated turquoise fitted baby-doll T-shirt. Very dingy white skinny jeans, which happened to be 3 sizes too small. Just what I wanted this morning: a muffin.

10:45 AM: Same turquoise tee. Same too-tight pants. Now paired with camel-colored over-the-knee boots. Thanks ever so much for kicking it up a notch.

Yes, Virginia, sometimes even basketball shorts are the better choice.

And now, a note for all you movie fans out there:

Please, don't wear your movie memorabilia tees anymore.

Today it's Twilight T-shirts. Tomorrow it's a Coraline hoodie. Before you know it, chaos ensues and then it's the era of the cape kids all over again.

You're not eight anymore. The Tinkerbell glitter purse is no longer adorable, let alone appropriate.

Let's all grow up a bit, hmm? You're 18+. I hate to sound like Mr. Darling, but you've had enough time in Never-Never Land.

It's time to get some big-girl panties, ladies.

"Fashions fade, style is eternal."
-Yves Saint Laurent

Monday, February 9, 2009

Grammys!

Good evening, children!

2009 Grammy Awards! I hope you all watched. It was quite the show.

If you missed Marcus' and my live commentary via Twitter, I'm so very sorry. You truly missed out.

Rather than talk about what you good people were wearing this week [there was a lavender and pastel blue floral print parka in my BES class this morning, JSYK] I've decided to do a Grammy wrap-up. I find it infinitely more stimulating than droning on and on about how much I hate your nappy sweat pants, muddy Uggs and multicolored dreads. [Which are still disgusting, BT Dubs.]

So here we go.

NOT FAVS:



Lisa Rinna, commentator from TV Guide, sported this asymmetrical disaster. Honey, we get it. You want to be noticed. You want a real job. Rather than dressing like you're about to take a seat on the casting couch perhaps you should consider ditching the Botox and picking up some talent. Lisa Rinna: "I was a bit worried about the hair. I thought it would go drag queen on me." Oh baby girl, it did.



Cyndi Lauper, 80s music icon and recent comeback wore a classic men's tux jacket. While I am a fan of women in [well-tailored] mens-wear, this is just a tragedy. Sorry that you weren't hired for the latest Robert Palmer video. Just get over it, and take that outfit and your lisp somewhere else.



Bai Ling. Do I even need to say anything? You never get anything right. [Living proof that a skinny girl can not pull off anything.] And why were you even in attendance?



T-Pain. I don't care if you are a rapper. That devil-may-care look just does not fly. Jay-Z can dress. Sean Combs can dress. Kanye West can dress. Go see my man Tom Ford. This is a 10/6 moment that should not have happened.



Fran Drescher. Why were you there? You get an automatic boo for walking a carpet on which you do not belong. Get some work and then we'll talk.



Paris Hilton. In Versace. [Not the biggest fan of Versace in general. Donatella can kiss my a**.] It's from the Spring collection of 2003. Hardly vintage. It's also not a dress. FAIL. *For the record, the hem on the original design was a solid 2 inches longer than seen on Ms. Hilton. I'm starting to think she puts a great deal of thought into looking like a $3 whore.



Coldplay. Why?! Have I not remained a loyal fan? Did I not defend Lavender Hill to MLP? Listen, boys. You are not Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Brits you may be, Beatles you are not. Minor points are returned to Chris Martin for publically admitting plagiarism.



Um, Zooey? Really? Really? I thought you could do no wrong. You and Maggie Gyllenhaal were my indie fashion go-to girls. Did Frauline Maria design your dress? This is your first warning. Please don't wear draperies again.



Paula, Paula, Paula. You are some other kind of crazy. You and Bai Ling need to stop styling each other and hire some professionals. Clearly, my dear, you need all the professional help you can get.



It may be a costume, Katy, but it's still seriously unfortch. Carmen Miranda is kitsch classic. This is just sad. As was your performance. You shlump like a deranged hunchback. [Also - watermelons on the bust? Wishful thinking, Ms. Perry?]

THE FENCE:



KP, again. EW put this on the worst dressed list, but the look is growing on me a bit. There may have been too many ruffles, I will say that. However, the gown itself was exceptionally well conceived and contructed, and I quite like the idea of a huge brooch on the hip. Plus, it's nice to see a bit of old Hollywood glamour at the Grammys. Nice try, Katy. You're new. Finesse will come with time. [But, because of your performance fiasco, I won't be holding my breath.]



LeAnn Rimes. Yes for the dress. Major no for the hair. Loose curls are chic. The just-been-surfing look is best saved for the beach.



John Mayer. When I first saw you in this jacket [notably sans arm-candy Jen, BT Dubs] I put you on the fail list. Sorry, my love. But as the night wore on, it started growing on me. I'm not head over heels just yet, but there's something about the utilitarian, military feel of it that is just so appealing. It could also be that purple shirt peeking from underneath. Loves.



James Valentine [winner of the sexiest name ever] and Adam Levine of Maroon 5. James, you win. Love, love, love the skinny tie and slim trouser. Adam, I am a big, big fan of the tux jacket and scarf. Very forward. It's the cuffed jeans that are killing me. There's too big of a disconnect. Unroll and move on.



Yes. I AM on the fence for this one. And I will not apologize. Let me explain. This dress is absolutuely, 100%, over-the-top ridiculousness embodied. Manish Arora, Spring 2009. I think it's quite genius on the runway:



On any other individual this would be an utter failure. Worse than even [gasp!] La Sylphide Bjork at the 2001 Oscars.

However, M.I.A. gets a free fashion pass. Why? Because she is the poo, ladies and gents, so take a big whiff. If you don't believe me, you know nothing.

FAVS:



Jennifer Nettles, of Sugarland. Absolutely stunning in this art-deco, architectural coctail dress. So good it needs a double take:



That'd be Kristian Bush [also of Sugarland] next to her. In Jean Paul Gaultier, no less. When did country start to look so good?!?



Taylor Swift, scoring another point for the country team. This gown is stunning. And the patent leather accents! So progressive. So chic. Aw, hell. You get a second shot too:



By the way, I'm very sorry that Miley ruined your song.



Jo Bros! Loving the bow ties, Kevin and Joe [that'd be the gentlemen to the right and center, respectively]. [I could do without all of the sparkle, Joe. You are not JT.] [More on that in a bit.] [For the record, you two are on the fence for me. I only placed you here because of your little brother.] Nick, I ADORE the all-black look. Very well done, my boy. The only man [other than JT] who played all-black better than you that night was Robin Thicke, and that's because A. he rocked a bow tie, and B. he's legal for ogling.



Props to Alan Thicke for achievements in baby-making.



Kings of Leon. Glory. That is almost too much skinny-tied urban chic-ness for one girl to handle. Almost. Jared, [furthest right] never change this hair.



Sara Bareilles. Those red accents are perfection. A dress that could have easlily gone Lara Flynn looks very modern and sweet. Well played.



Jason Mraz. [Sorry about the loss to John Mayer. I wish they gave joint Grammys.] Fedora and Chuck Taylors. Playful. Laid back. Loves.



Janelle Monae. It's very equestrienne, and I adore it. Equal parts Ralph Lauren and Alexander McQueen. Love, love, love, love, love.



Justin. That glitter jacket is so very Night at the Roxbury, and for some inexplicable reason it just looks so damn good on you. It's probably because you are one of the sexiest things on two legs. [Fact.] And thank you for wearing a tie clip. It's a shame men's accessories are so often overlooked. Tie clips and cuff links are some of the sexiest things around.



Adele. You are plump and delightful, and stunning. However, I can't give you too many props on your outfit. You were styled by none other than Anna Wintour, after all. [That coat? Yes, Rachel Zoe, I die.]

BEST OF THE NIGHT:

Jennifer Hudson.



Glory! Amenah! Hallelu-yah! This dress is pure church. Double take? I think yes:



RM by Roland Mouret. Per. Fect. Shun.

And then. And then. AND THEN. Homegirl turned out another stunner for her performance:



Lady was doing some good work on Grammy night. I said it on Sunday, and I'll say it again: this is what a woman is supposed to look like. Chic, classy, and curved. Can I please get an amen?

J. Hud. You have my complete adoration.

[She LOST American Idol? Biggest WTF moment ever.]

By the way, kids, warm weather is here. It's time to put your Uggs and hoodies away. The grace period is officially over.

"Fashions fade, style is forever."
-Yves Saint Laurent