The Primetime Emmys is one of the most exciting times of the year. The summer is officially over and the new fall season is about to begin. I've waited 4 long months to see Grey's Anatomy...
The other night was a major dichotomy in 2 ways - who won and what certain ladies wore. On one hand, 30 Rock and Mad Men took the top nods - again! - and nobody was surprised. But in other news, lesser known, but outrageously talented actors like Kristin Chenoweth (Tony winner from original cast of Wicked) and Brendan Gleeson snagged a few statues. And no one was more excited for Toni Collette than me. A veteran thespian, she NEVER gets nominated or wins anything. It doesn't matter that hardly anyone saw The United States of Tara; she was brilliant, as usual.
Interestingly, on the fashion front - just like Tina Fey does not need another award for the same show, I do not need to see one more actress in a solid, barely a color strapless gown with tiers of flowing chiffon. And there were a lot of them there the other night. I am so over it - especially with no jewelry and messy hair. That's right Drew Barrymore and Kate Walsh (whom I am normally knocked over by) - I am talking to you. The saving grace was a few ladies taking a chance with metallics and dare I say -- interesting styles! My personal faves were: Kristin Chenoweth , Blake Lively and January Jones. Kristin - disco ball shimmering, short (just like her), simple, clean hair - fabulous. Blake - Versace in a kerpow red and showing a lot of skin but not too much. Hello, I'm awake now. And January - thank you for taking a chance. Versace, cut out futuristic (or is it art deco?) bodice, slit, white with detail - what a statement!
Special mention goes out to Toni Collette, just for wearing orange and Ricky Gervais for going with one of his countrymen, Ted Baker in a luscious deep green with black trim. Now if we can just get the people at 30 Rock to give an award or two to go to Weeds and Entourage I'll be happy.
Do you agree? Disagree? Who were some of your faves? I'd love to hear from you...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Personal Shopping: Perception v. Reality
What is a personal shopper? I get asked this question all the time. Well I’ll tell you what it’s not.
On the new HBO series Hung, a guy, previously a star athlete, is forced by the economic downturn and a few other unfortunate factors to join the oldest profession. In the third episode, he and his female pimp turn to a “professional shopper” for potential client referrals. The pimp says to her, “So, these clients of yours – whatever you want them to buy they just buy?” and the shopper replies, “Pretty much. My ladies are so loaded they’re recession proof.” The way that it’s portrayed on Hung, the shopper is a young, pretty (and of course stylish) woman whose clients are elderly rich women who have nothing better to do with their money than to pay someone to dictate to them what to wear. This is not what I, as a personal shopper, do.
Here’s the truth…
Everybody has to get dressed on a daily basis, but some of us just don’t have an affinity for what to wear. The sheer number of stores and the selections in them can be overwhelming and many people just hate the process of shopping. Also – just like people have their laundry done or their houses cleaned, they hire a personal shopper to save them precious time and energy. I do the leg work – they just show up, try things on and take good stuff home. I hear all the time – “I would never have chosen this myself – and I love it.”
When a potential client says, “That must be just for the rich and famous,” I say, “How much money did you spend on clothes last year that you don’t really like and never wear? Wouldn’t it make more sense to hire a professional and have a closet full of things you love?” I have two clients this week under the age of 40, both at a time in their life where they are tired of their results doing it on their own and they see a value in hiring me to guide them in the right direction. My clients are sometimes performers but more often “regular people” – urban professionals like real estate brokers, or even people re-entering the workforce. They are far from super rich, but committed to their personal development and professional success. They know that working with a personal shopper is an investment in themselves and the image they project to the rest of the world.
On the new HBO series Hung, a guy, previously a star athlete, is forced by the economic downturn and a few other unfortunate factors to join the oldest profession. In the third episode, he and his female pimp turn to a “professional shopper” for potential client referrals. The pimp says to her, “So, these clients of yours – whatever you want them to buy they just buy?” and the shopper replies, “Pretty much. My ladies are so loaded they’re recession proof.” The way that it’s portrayed on Hung, the shopper is a young, pretty (and of course stylish) woman whose clients are elderly rich women who have nothing better to do with their money than to pay someone to dictate to them what to wear. This is not what I, as a personal shopper, do.
Here’s the truth…
Everybody has to get dressed on a daily basis, but some of us just don’t have an affinity for what to wear. The sheer number of stores and the selections in them can be overwhelming and many people just hate the process of shopping. Also – just like people have their laundry done or their houses cleaned, they hire a personal shopper to save them precious time and energy. I do the leg work – they just show up, try things on and take good stuff home. I hear all the time – “I would never have chosen this myself – and I love it.”
When a potential client says, “That must be just for the rich and famous,” I say, “How much money did you spend on clothes last year that you don’t really like and never wear? Wouldn’t it make more sense to hire a professional and have a closet full of things you love?” I have two clients this week under the age of 40, both at a time in their life where they are tired of their results doing it on their own and they see a value in hiring me to guide them in the right direction. My clients are sometimes performers but more often “regular people” – urban professionals like real estate brokers, or even people re-entering the workforce. They are far from super rich, but committed to their personal development and professional success. They know that working with a personal shopper is an investment in themselves and the image they project to the rest of the world.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Michael Jackson - My Tribute
I have loved Michael Jackson’s music all my life. As a huge fan of anything Motown, I grew up on The Jackson 5, danced to one of my favorite albums of all time - Off the Wall, and of course watched MJ become a superstar during the unprecedented megahit Thriller years. Now that he has left us, it feels like the world will never be the same. For the past 10 days, I’ve watched continual coverage on MSNBC and CNN and bonded with my friends from high school on facebook. I have been trying to wrap my brain around the fact that he is gone and it’s been very difficult. So – I decided that it was time to blog.
In all the countless images that have been televised over and over since Michael’s death, one that I actually found on my own (BET On Demand) has affected me the most. It’s a clip of MJ surprising James Brown at the last BET Awards Brown performed at. http://www.bet.com/onblast/?chan=3&id=3261&itype=e Apparently it was a well kept secret because all Michael did was step on stage and the crowd went wild. There is something so captivating about this clip that I have watched it repeatedly. MJ’s grace & humility - not wanting to upstage the Godfather of Soul, his exceptional talent even doing just a few steps, and his love and respect for his mentor…. all communicated in a 90 second clip. This, my friends, is the power of image.
Michael Jackson reinvented himself over and over during his 40 year career, often to great scrutiny and ridicule. Regardless of what the reviews were, MJ made you take notice of him. He was THE first celebrity brand. And he was always in control, which cannot be said for many other celebrities who have not achieved half of what MJ did. Like him or not, he was a pro. There are many questions about Michael Jackson’s life and death that we may never really have answers to. But no matter what, he lived his life with the courage to be himself and the vulnerability to put it all out there. And the truth is that Michael’s personal life is none of our business. Michael Jackson’s job was to entertain and he never let us down as a consummate performer and innovator of his industry.
Goodbye Michael. We will miss you.
“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”
In all the countless images that have been televised over and over since Michael’s death, one that I actually found on my own (BET On Demand) has affected me the most. It’s a clip of MJ surprising James Brown at the last BET Awards Brown performed at. http://www.bet.com/onblast/?chan=3&id=3261&itype=e Apparently it was a well kept secret because all Michael did was step on stage and the crowd went wild. There is something so captivating about this clip that I have watched it repeatedly. MJ’s grace & humility - not wanting to upstage the Godfather of Soul, his exceptional talent even doing just a few steps, and his love and respect for his mentor…. all communicated in a 90 second clip. This, my friends, is the power of image.
Michael Jackson reinvented himself over and over during his 40 year career, often to great scrutiny and ridicule. Regardless of what the reviews were, MJ made you take notice of him. He was THE first celebrity brand. And he was always in control, which cannot be said for many other celebrities who have not achieved half of what MJ did. Like him or not, he was a pro. There are many questions about Michael Jackson’s life and death that we may never really have answers to. But no matter what, he lived his life with the courage to be himself and the vulnerability to put it all out there. And the truth is that Michael’s personal life is none of our business. Michael Jackson’s job was to entertain and he never let us down as a consummate performer and innovator of his industry.
Goodbye Michael. We will miss you.
“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Unabashed Authenticity is Such a Lonely Word
Yesterday the "Is he or isn't he?" question about Adam Lambert's sexuality was finally answered, by him, admitting that yes indeed, he's gay. And I just want to say thank you. Traditionally performers have waited until their stardom was at a secure level to publicly embrace their identities. However, the world has changed drastically since Elton John first hit the scene and I believe the time for full disclosure is now. I mean, look at the economic mess we're in because of lies and deceit in the financial sector. And don't even get me started about the previous administration... So, I think we can all use a little transparency in the media.
My work with clients, especially performers, is all about helping them to become real for their audiences. So, it's refreshing to see a talented young man doing it by himself right out of the gate. Kudos to you Adam. It will be interesting to see how this bold move affects his career.
I for one, think the timing is perfect.
For more about Adam's coming out party in Rolling Stone, click here: http://bit.ly/lr6f6
My work with clients, especially performers, is all about helping them to become real for their audiences. So, it's refreshing to see a talented young man doing it by himself right out of the gate. Kudos to you Adam. It will be interesting to see how this bold move affects his career.
I for one, think the timing is perfect.
For more about Adam's coming out party in Rolling Stone, click here: http://bit.ly/lr6f6
Thursday, May 28, 2009
American Corporate Vested Interest Idol
So many of us have been scratching our heads (and running our mouths) in disbelief since the American Idol results a week ago and now there's been evidence that the Kris Allen victory was, let's just say, "encouraged" by a major sponsor http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/business/media/27idol.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss. Very interesting. And now the follow up story today was fascinating as well http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/27/att-admits-overeager-empl_n_208281.html Especially in light of of what I wrote (but didn't post) the day after the results. Enjoy:
America the Inexplicable
I am not an American Idol fan. I am actually proud that I never watched the show for the first 6 seasons. Then I watched one episode during the Jordin Sparks season when they had to do Bee Gees songs and was intrigued. Today, I am still not an avid Idol viewer but I do keep tabs on it because I work with emerging artists and I like to see how Idol is packaging their up-and-comings. I don’t even watch the show and I was upset all day the day after.
As an image expert with a passion for music, I believe I know good talent when I see it. I tuned in a few times in season 7 and was impressed with David Archuleta, whom I feel was robbed of the crown. When I checked in back in this past March, I was blown away by Adam Lambert. He had me at Tracks of My Tears. He seemed to have it all – a superior voice, stage presence out the door and a unique image. Well the other night I had to tune in and literally gasped when I heard the results.
There has been tons of speculation about what went wrong on the Internet and I would like to weigh in. Was it homophobia in the heartland? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/why-it-matters-that-adam_b_205588.html Or did Kris Allen get all of Danny Gokey’s votes when he was voted off, cause they are both a similar type? Or was the result a backlash to all the Idol adoration of Adam all season? http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/178713/america-gets-it-wrong-kris-allen-wins-idol/
I personally believe that finding an Idol is should be all about voice quality and the ability to command the stage and audience. I don’t think they should be allowed to play an instrument. Standing on stage leaning on an instrument is not half as scary and vulnerable as standing there with just your voice. For two years now I feel that the more talented performer was ousted out because he did not play an instrument on the Idol stage. And then I remembered that the show is on Fox, an unapologetically right wing company, and I’m not surprised at the results. I just keep thinking that we’re making progress in this country and I hate to think that Adam didn’t win because of his androgynous image. So, I’ll just focus on what one of my gay boyfriends, completely devastated by Adam’s defeat said, “This is why little girls shouldn’t have cel phones.”
America the Inexplicable
I am not an American Idol fan. I am actually proud that I never watched the show for the first 6 seasons. Then I watched one episode during the Jordin Sparks season when they had to do Bee Gees songs and was intrigued. Today, I am still not an avid Idol viewer but I do keep tabs on it because I work with emerging artists and I like to see how Idol is packaging their up-and-comings. I don’t even watch the show and I was upset all day the day after.
As an image expert with a passion for music, I believe I know good talent when I see it. I tuned in a few times in season 7 and was impressed with David Archuleta, whom I feel was robbed of the crown. When I checked in back in this past March, I was blown away by Adam Lambert. He had me at Tracks of My Tears. He seemed to have it all – a superior voice, stage presence out the door and a unique image. Well the other night I had to tune in and literally gasped when I heard the results.
There has been tons of speculation about what went wrong on the Internet and I would like to weigh in. Was it homophobia in the heartland? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/why-it-matters-that-adam_b_205588.html Or did Kris Allen get all of Danny Gokey’s votes when he was voted off, cause they are both a similar type? Or was the result a backlash to all the Idol adoration of Adam all season? http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/178713/america-gets-it-wrong-kris-allen-wins-idol/
I personally believe that finding an Idol is should be all about voice quality and the ability to command the stage and audience. I don’t think they should be allowed to play an instrument. Standing on stage leaning on an instrument is not half as scary and vulnerable as standing there with just your voice. For two years now I feel that the more talented performer was ousted out because he did not play an instrument on the Idol stage. And then I remembered that the show is on Fox, an unapologetically right wing company, and I’m not surprised at the results. I just keep thinking that we’re making progress in this country and I hate to think that Adam didn’t win because of his androgynous image. So, I’ll just focus on what one of my gay boyfriends, completely devastated by Adam’s defeat said, “This is why little girls shouldn’t have cel phones.”
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A Return to Glamour
I love movies. I’ve probably spent more time in my life watching movies than doing any other activity except sleeping. And I’ve always loved the Academy Awards. As jaded as you might be in this crazy world we live in, the Oscars are still an event, unparalleled anywhere. There are many other film awards - Golden Globes, SAG Awards, BAFTAs, Cannes, etc. but none are or ever will be the Oscars.
In the past few years the Oscars have lost their lustre. The dresses, films & hosts were unmemorable. There were few truly exciting moments and actually I didn’t care who won. But this year – finally - things changed. With new blood at the helm – Hugh Jackman was born to wear a tuxedo – there was a much needed infusion of fabulosity at the Oscars once again. Finally, a return to old Hollywood glamour. A lot of gorgeous gowns, diamond jewelry & up-dos. The way the Oscars should be! And as usual, some got it right and some got it very wrong. But what’s really interesting is that the new generation is getting it much “righter” than most of the veterans.
In my humble opinion, the winner hands down was Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive. Classic silver beading, strapless, fitted, hair up, simple makeup and red lip – perfect. Second place goes to Natalie Portman for making bright pink work. I was proud of Angleina Jolie for finally looking like she cared about the event she was at – again classic simple black strapless Elie Saab, flowing hair, with statement making chunky emeralds on her ears and hand. And she actually smiled a few times! Last but never least – I give the eternally stunning Penelope Cruz extra credit for choosing vintage Pierre Balmain. I appreciate when someone takes a chance and does something really different, and of course she looked gorgeous.
Relatively unknown actresses like Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson were flawless. So – what is wrong with some of the older pros? Marissa Tomei is one of the most prolific actors ever with a killer body and she always looks like she just threw herself together. She tried really hard this year in light grey Versace but it was just too much for her, especially because she hardly had any makeup on. And when you’re wearing Versace, the rock star of fashion, leave your hair down! And what are we going to do about Meryl Streep? How is it possible that the greatest actress of our generation can’t find a decent dress – ever?! Does she even use a stylist? She brought her daughter to the awards and they chose to wear grey drab and cocoa brown, and they looked ridiculous standing next to each other. And don’t get me started on Sophia Loren. She was an embarrassment to all Italians, usually known for our unparalleled taste in fashion.
Just a little shout out to the men… Philip Seymour Hoffman – we know you are a brilliant artist but who told you it was okay to wear a skullcap and look bored to death the entire night? Shame on you. And thank you Mickey Rourke for shaking it up in white Jean Paul Gaultier. I personally hope Mickey’s comeback is here to stay – in both fashion and film.
In the past few years the Oscars have lost their lustre. The dresses, films & hosts were unmemorable. There were few truly exciting moments and actually I didn’t care who won. But this year – finally - things changed. With new blood at the helm – Hugh Jackman was born to wear a tuxedo – there was a much needed infusion of fabulosity at the Oscars once again. Finally, a return to old Hollywood glamour. A lot of gorgeous gowns, diamond jewelry & up-dos. The way the Oscars should be! And as usual, some got it right and some got it very wrong. But what’s really interesting is that the new generation is getting it much “righter” than most of the veterans.
In my humble opinion, the winner hands down was Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive. Classic silver beading, strapless, fitted, hair up, simple makeup and red lip – perfect. Second place goes to Natalie Portman for making bright pink work. I was proud of Angleina Jolie for finally looking like she cared about the event she was at – again classic simple black strapless Elie Saab, flowing hair, with statement making chunky emeralds on her ears and hand. And she actually smiled a few times! Last but never least – I give the eternally stunning Penelope Cruz extra credit for choosing vintage Pierre Balmain. I appreciate when someone takes a chance and does something really different, and of course she looked gorgeous.
Relatively unknown actresses like Viola Davis and Taraji P. Henson were flawless. So – what is wrong with some of the older pros? Marissa Tomei is one of the most prolific actors ever with a killer body and she always looks like she just threw herself together. She tried really hard this year in light grey Versace but it was just too much for her, especially because she hardly had any makeup on. And when you’re wearing Versace, the rock star of fashion, leave your hair down! And what are we going to do about Meryl Streep? How is it possible that the greatest actress of our generation can’t find a decent dress – ever?! Does she even use a stylist? She brought her daughter to the awards and they chose to wear grey drab and cocoa brown, and they looked ridiculous standing next to each other. And don’t get me started on Sophia Loren. She was an embarrassment to all Italians, usually known for our unparalleled taste in fashion.
Just a little shout out to the men… Philip Seymour Hoffman – we know you are a brilliant artist but who told you it was okay to wear a skullcap and look bored to death the entire night? Shame on you. And thank you Mickey Rourke for shaking it up in white Jean Paul Gaultier. I personally hope Mickey’s comeback is here to stay – in both fashion and film.
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