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Runway Monday: Fix My Friend (PR 10:6)

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were introduced to “friends.” These friends had asked for makeovers for people in their lives who they felt needed new looks or looks that more accurately represented who they are. Without going into detail, I’ll say this episode provided an eye-opening view of some of the contestants. Formerly unlikeable designers embraced the challenge, and other designers–not so much.

Tim Gunn brought Christopher and his friend Priscilla to my work room.

Tim: What’s the story with Priscilla? What are you hoping a makeover will do for her?

Christopher: Priscilla is my best friend, and I love her, but we have a situation. Priscilla has a successful nightclub act performing Elvis songs. She’s not an Elvis impersonator exactly–

Priscilla: I do it my way.

Christopher: –but the problem is, Elvis has taken over the rest of her life! Look at how she’s dressed today!

Priscilla: Don’t be cruel.

Tim: I see what you mean.

Christopher: Next weekend, a group of us are going to the boardwalk for an ice cream date and introducing Priscilla to a friend. The guys will be wearing shorts. The girls will be in shorts or sundresses. We want our friend to see Priscilla’s playful personality–not an Elvis clone.

Tim: What do you think, Becks?

Wise men say only fools rush in; I guess I’m a fool. I couldn’t wait to get started on Priscilla’s makeover.

Priscilla: You can do anything, but just stay off of my poof.

All right. The hair can stay. I thought red would give it a striking contrast.

With a touch of blue on the peasant bodice to pick up the blue flowers of the dress.

The hat meant the pompadour wasn’t the first thing her “potential boyfriend” would notice.

So what does Christopher think?

Christopher: I love it! I’m so happy with it I brought an ice cream cone for Becks.

And Priscilla?

Priscilla: I can’t help falling in love with my new dress. And the hat.

Elvis has left the building. See you next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 5: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)
Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

Runway Monday: It’s My Way On the Runway (PR 10:5)

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were divided into teams of five and six and asked to create a cohesive collection (of five and six designs, respectively). The winning looks would be featured in an editorial layout in Marie Claire At Work magazine, a new publication meant to showcase strong, powerful, and sophisticated women who embody fashion in the workplace. The designers also had to set up a photo shoot using office props. I’m a team of only one, so I decided to create a three-look collection. Since the designs were meant to be fashionable but also work in the real world, I decided to pair two textiles not usually seen together: dupioni silk and jersey.

First up: model Jennifer in a youthful interpretation of silver and navy. Shoes by Mattel; necklace by Becks.

In a more casual workday look, Ronnie in mocha and sage. Shoes by Mattel; earrings and belt by Becks.

And finally, Sonia in shades of blue modeling the tattered look I enjoy creating. Shoes and earrings by Mattel.

My staged office photo:

Hope you’ve enjoyed the looks. See you next time on the runway!

To see previous challenges from this season:

Episode 4: Women On the Go (PR 10:4)
Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

Runway Monday: Women on the Go (PR 10:4)

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were asked to create a look for a busy woman that could transition from day to night. Their designs had to reflect their own aesthetic. Tim Gunn encouraged the designers to come up with a “story” for their look.

My story is about Melissa, an Atlanta fashion blogger, who for five years has helped her readers dress, decorate, and entertain on a budget. On a spring morning, she catches an early flight to New York City.

No piece is a more consistent part of my collections than the swing coat. Here, it’s a lightweight plaid, perfect for a cool morning but not too heavy or bulky for traveling.

Melissa is picked up by a car to take her into Manhattan, where she has a couple of interviews with periodicals featuring popular blogs and the people who write them.

Melissa is photo ready in a denim dress that travels well. It’s both comfortable and durable, and she’ll arrive at all her destinations without a wrinkle.

If she goes anywhere that her shoulders need to be covered, the scarf is a handy accessory.

In the late afternoon, Melissa meets an editor from a New York publishing house who’s interested in turning her blog columns into a book.

Still looking crisp and fresh, Melissa is definitely a savvy woman on the go.

Melissa heads back to Atlanta after a busy day. We’ll see the rest of you next time on the runway.

Mattel: Scarf, shoes, sunglasses, attaché case, earrings.
Swing coat fabric: Donation from Tom (an old and well-worn Ralph Lauren dress shirt).
Dress denim: Donation from Lynne.
Suede belt: Made from reversible fabric Tim once used in this challenge.

To see previous challenges this season:

Episode 3: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)
Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

Runway Monday: Welcome Back (or not) to the Runway (PR 10:3)

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were divided into teams and asked to design an Emmy Awards red carpet look for a former Project Runway contestant. I didn’t have a partner or PR designer in my work room, but I did have a fabulous new model, Raven. And unlike some of the whining PR designers, I LOVE designing for the red carpet. The Emmys may not be quite as luxe as the Oscars, but who wouldn’t want to create a look to be seen by millions watching an awards show?

This challenge was also called the Lexus challenge, since the designers were given partners and colors based on keys to various Lexus GS vehicles. I randomly chose this Lexus from online photos.

Inspired by the shiny red of the car, I chose a sheer red organza to design an asymmetrical bubble dress for Raven.

I gave the dress a single pickup in the front, embellishing with square sequins.

Earrings and bracelet are from Mattel. The delicate necklace is my addition.

To go with the accessories, I added gold sandals with a charm-embellished gold chain ankle strap.

The single bubble-edged sleeve has a line of red beading as a dramatic border between the fabric and Raven’s bare back.

I hope you enjoy the total look! I’d love to see Raven wearing this dress on the Emmys red carpet.

See you next time on the runway!

Red organza a donation from Lynne. Shoes a gift from Mark G. Harris.

To see previous challenges this season:

Episode 2: Candy Couture
Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

Legacy Writing 365:212

Our friend and writing partner Jim is visiting The Compound. Each year when he comes, we make an agenda (this is his request because otherwise he knows we’d never leave the house), and on the agenda is “The List,” which is an ongoing list of movies we’ll all watch together one day (if not this visit, a future one). And of course, he knows he’ll get to catch up on the latest Twilight franchise release–so far, that hasn’t kept him away.

Monday I had a big pot of homemade beef and vegetable soup simmering most of the day (someone at The Compound is a little under the weather, and soup is good food, even when it’s hot outside*). After Jim arrived, we sat down to soup and the fixings for sandwiches. I gave Jim a special plate for his sandwich.

After we finished eating, he noticed that the knife he’d used to cut his sandwich had sliced between Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. IT’S A SIGN!

The first time Jim came to Houston, in December of 1998, I assured him he could pack for mild weather, that it’s almost never cold in Houston through the Christmas season. Jim doesn’t like cold weather, so this suited him just fine. Of course, it was freaking freezing that year, and he’s never believed anything I’ve said about Houston weather since.

No problem keeping warm this visit–we’re giving him plenty of heat and humidity.

Here’s a shot of Jim with Sweet Li’l Amy Sue outside Baba Yega restaurant on that first visit. I’d say something about how adorable they are, but I’m distracted by Jet behind them. My car was only an eight-month-old then.

*Kudos to anyone who gets the “when it’s hot outside” reference after all these years.

Runway Monday: Candy Couture (PR 10:2)

On the most recent episode of Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers were taken to Dylan’s Candy Store. They were to create a garment using mostly candy.

Although I did embellish my look with candy, I actually used this unconventional materials challenge for a contest from Design Sponge. Entries for the Painter’s Tape Do It Yourself Contest needed to use Scotch painter’s or masking tape for a home-related project. Here’s how I started my project.

I got a cardboard sphere, ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape, and a model named Iris.

While putting together a jumpsuit for Iris, I was also creating a globe for my collection. Here are some process shots.

Wrapping.

Wrapped.

Glueing planet cutouts in preparation for coloring and Mod Podging.

Candy!

Hung out to dry.

Hitting the runway; necklace of Sour Punch Tangerine-Lemonade Bit.

Nerds belt!

She’s got the whole world in her hands.

And at her feet. And the world’s got her back!

Hope you enjoyed Iris’s look of bold colors. And a taste of sweetness.

See you next time on the Runway!

Thanks, Lindsey, for telling me about the Design Sponge contest.

To see previous challenges this season:

Episode 1: A Times Square Anniversary Party

The world of plastic can be treacherous

Excuse me for a moment while I wallow in self-pity because of this.

Over the years, I’ve shown nothing but love for Mattel, Project Runway, and Tim Gunn. For no compensation–other than wonderful gifts from friends and blog readers–I’ve done every challenge and presented a final collection for five–now beginning my sixth–season. When other people said, “I don’t like Project Runway since it moved to Lifetime,” or “I’m over Project Runway,” or “I’m not watching again because I didn’t like this season’s winner,” or “All Stars sucks!”, I kept plugging along, stabbing my fingers with pins and needles, burning myself with the hot glue gun, sometimes sewing into the night until my eyes were crossing. Did I receive big cash prices or a car for my efforts? An HP TouchSmart or EliteBook? Even a crumb of recognition from the corporate entities for whom I’ve been a goodwill shill?

I did not.

Now Tim Gunn has designed for a line of Barbies, including accessory packs, and it’s as if the concept is ALL NEW. All over the Internet people are dazzled and full of praise. It’s NOT NEW. For example, PR’s Nick Verreos designed two looks for MyScene Barbie, one of those a challenge in Season Two (you can buy that doll right now online for around $195.00). That challenge was an exciting one for the contestants because they knew in the past Mattel has teamed up with dozens of designers including Diane von Fürstenberg (doll available for $135.00), Badgley Mischka (doll available for $181.00), Vera Wang (dolls available from $90.00 to $470), Anna Sui (doll available for $168.00), Juicy Couture (set available for $155.00), and Christian Louboutin (dolls available from $83.00 to $299.00).

Fortunately for everyone who thinks this is the best and greatest idea ever, Tim Gunn’s dolls are reasonably priced. Unfortunately, they, too, will be snapped up by resellers who’ll gouge consumers and collectors for whatever the market will bear.

I’ll still be here in my lonely garret designing and sewing. But I refuse to gush about this Tim Gunn project. Although….I’m pretty sure I can be bought if Mattel or Project Runway wants to open their pocketbooks. Perhaps they could offer me a vintage red truck!

Legacy Writing 365:208

Ticket stub, tour book, and sheet music from Fleetwood Mac’s Tusk tour in Birmingham (Alabama) in 1980.

Stevie Nicks recently announced that Fleetwood Mac will do another reunion tour in 2013. Through the years, I saw Buckingham Nicks before Fleetwood Mac (Tuscaloosa), Fleetwood Mac with members Billy Burnette and Rick Vito and without Lindsey Buckingham (Houston), and Stevie Nicks solo a time or two (Houston), but to my mind, nothing can compare to the lineup that is Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Lindsey Buckingham. That Tusk concert was one of the best I’ve ever seen in spite of all its growing pains involving relationships and drugs. We were all so young and foolish then.

It was a thrill to me when that version of the band reunited to perform for the U.S. presidential inauguration in 1993, and a few years later when they put together The Dance.

The Internet says Christine McVie retired from the music business in 1998, but she did put out a solo album in 2004, and she did some backup vocals on subsequent Fleetwood Mac albums. The times Fleetwood Mac toured without her after her “retirement,” she saw their London performances but didn’t join them onstage.

I’m just selfish enough to want at least one more chance to see my favorite five on stage together–if she’d ever come back, I’d pay the crazy ticket price. Unless I’d have to sell a kidney. I draw the line at giving up body parts for my favorite bands. I guess I’m not so young and foolish anymore.

Legacy Writing 365:207

Since I like mysteries with amateur detectives and sleuths, it’s surprising that I’ve never read Dashiell Hammet’s The Thin Man. I’m putting it on my list. Back in the age when VCRs were the thing and you actually went to a store and rented VHS tapes for them, Tom and I spied the movie one night, rented it, and fell hard for Nick and Nora Charles (as played by William Powell and Myrna Loy) and their funny dog Asta. In the novel, Asta is a female schnauzer. But when the film was made, the best available actor was a male wire fox terrier (also called a wirehaired terrier) named Skippy. Skippy was hired for the role of Asta and was actually renamed Asta. A relative of Asta’s was hired to play the part in the Thin Man television series. You can learn a lot about Asta’s film career and why the Thin Man films were so popular at the I Love Asta website.

One Christmas I gave this DVD set to Tom, so we can laugh at Asta, drink vicariously, and listen to witty banter anytime we wish. I gave a little nod to the Thin Man franchise in The Deal in a conversation between characters Aaron and Heath.

Wirehairs are a high-energy breed who need good training from a strong human companion. They are super smart and love to perform for praise and rewards. Two of them were reasons why I loved to visit my college roommate Debbie’s parents’ house: Their names were Habebe and Sabe.

Petite Habebe and her son Sabe at full attention because they know Debbie has treats.

They had a wide range of actions they performed, including sit, stay, lie down, roll over, and BANG! which of course meant playing dead, all four paws up in the air.

Sabe would get so greedy for a treat that he’d often run through his entire repertoire without waiting for commands. He also would do this if Habebe was a little more relaxed with her follow-through.

Habebe comes from the Arabic *habib*, meaning “beloved.”

ETA: I went back and corrected the spellings of the dogs’ names after I asked Debbie about them. She said my memory is pretty accurate. She also recalled that Sabe allowed her to dress him in silly costumes and played hide-and-seek with her.

Runway Monday: A Times Square Anniversary Party (PR 10:1)

To kick off its tenth season, Lifetime’s Project Runway put on a fashion show in Times Square. The sixteen designers had to send the show one look each that they felt represented their points of view. After arriving in New York, the designers had one day to create a companion piece that should look like it was part of the same collection.

I decided to go with one of my more glamorous former looks. This blue velvet evening gown enhanced with sequined-flowers was modeled by Noelle in Fall 2010. I created the straps from cobalt blue beads.

The new strapless piece uses the same silhouette and also has a slit up the back, but it’s a spring-friendly gown in lighter-weight, beaded, onyx Dupioni silk.

I couldn’t make it to Times Square, but my model Elke steps onto the Runway Monday set with confidence.

A look at the fabric in natural light.

I also designed Elke’s crystal necklace.

Red-carpet ready for the cameras.

Visitors to the workroom thought Elke looked a lot like PR host Heidi Klum. Here, she poses with mentor Tim Gunn and Heidi so you can see they’re three different blond(e)s.

Hope you’ve enjoyed my Season 10 debut. See you next time on the Runway!

Fabric from High Fashion. Tim Gunn gift of Marika. Necklace beads gift of Mary.