Macy's Union Square San Francisco to host "Sex And The City 2" shopping event hosted by Nick Verreos

San Francisco, Here I Come!!!!!When I spent my high school years in the San Francisco Bay Area, we always called it "The City", so it seems appropriate that...next week, on Thursday May 20th, I will be flying to San Francisco--one of my ALL-Time Favorite Cities In The WORLD!!!--to host a Fabulous Event at Macy's San Francisco Union Square for the release of Sex And The City 2. San Francisco, to me, is a "Mini" New York City--and certainly full of sexy, glamorous and oh-so-confident fashion gals ready for "A Little Nick" in their lives.... Macy's Union Square is honoring our favorite all-girl cast, and the entire army of Carrie Bradshaw-lovers, with free gifts, fashion tips, fun & more! I will be there to walk you through closets full of affordable luxury while you enjoy refreshments, music, mini manicures, makeup tips from Benefit and sample the fragrance SJP NYC.
Miss Sarah Jessica Parker was one of the FIRST celebs to personally CALL ME (she did and I almost fainted!) when I was on Project Runway Season 2 telling me how much she admired and loved my designs so I AM THRILLED to be hosting this Sex And The City 2 SJP "love fest" at Macy's Union Square.

Here's is the info:
Macy’s Union Square
Impulse Department, Level 3
Thursday, May 20th
6:00 pm

RSVP: 1-800-786-2665

Iconic British Fashion Designer Alexander Mcqueen Dies

RIP Alexander McQueen
The Fashion World suffered a huge blow today with the untimely death of one of it's biggest stars. Alexander McQueen died today in his London Flat.

Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokeswoman for McQueen said: "Mr McQueen was found dead this morning at his home. We're devastated and I hope you understand that out of respect to his family and his colleagues we're not going to be making any further statement."

A message on his website alexandermcqueen.com said: "At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."

I have followed Alexander McQueen since his career began and have always been a huge fan and have written about him in my blog many times. Workin' the Plaid: Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala 2006

Besides being a Fashion Superstar in his own right, McQueen has dressed almost every celebrity you can think of. One of the most memorable being Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala several years ago. While she ended up on many peoples worst dress list, it was one of those images that is unforgettable and definitely made a "Fashion Statement" that is the very thing McQueen was so brilliant at.

Reptilian Diva: Alexander McQueen Spring 2010

Most recently McQueen dressed Anna Paquin for the SAG Awards in a cocktail dress from his Spring 2010 Collection. This will now be remembered as his final collection and there is no doubt after viewing these reptilian inspired looks that he ended his career at the "top of his game"
Painted Lady: Alexander McQueen Fall 2009

McQueen rose to fame quickly after he received his Masters Degree in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and famously, his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who committed suicide just 3 years ago.
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2006

He was known as the "Bad Boy of Fashion" and in his early years wore the banner proudly. In 1996 he was hired by LVMH president Bernard Arnault to replace designer John Galliano at the prestigious Couture House of Givenchy. Although he had a shaky start, he persevered and continued to design amazing collections until 2001 when he left to focus on his own label.

Alexander McQueen was a rare talent and will be truly missed.

Turkey Day Recap

Episode 2: Fashion Icon on-a-Budget?

First of all, I hope everyone is having a nice Thanksgiving and you are able to celebrate with good friends and family. While you are enjoying all the turkey, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, here is some "Fashion Gobble Gobble"(sorry, I had to do that!) to hold you stuffed until next week.
Like last time, I will do this week's recap in question form. Ready, set, go...and don't forget to check all my grammatical errors...

1) Was This Episode Boring or Was It Just Me?
Following the footsteps of a not-so-memorable First Episode, I was ready for a really good one. I invited friends over (Andrae stopped by and brought Gelato--Yeaaay!) and served Champagne and cookies. We were ready. And all I got was a "Yawn". Now, don't get me wrong, I am not looking for drama, especially "Created Drama" (think last season's "Mother's Challenge" or my season's "Take Nick's Model"). I am not a fan of that. But it would be nice to see some "Fashion Drama". This episode had the potential, especially, with the amazing "guest star" Sarah Jessica Parker and the teaming up of designers. You know if SJP showed up in my season, I would have screamed so loud and jumped and clapped so much, it would have made my scene with Olympic Figure Skater Sasha Cohen seem like "chopped liver" in comparison. Because of previous season's infamous Team Challenges, one expected more discussion amongst the designers, friendly arguments even, and thoroughly interesting creations as a result. Other than Sweet Pea and Elisa's mulling over hand-rolled hems and spitting on the fabric(I bet the cameramen and sound guys just about died and went to heaven after they saw that!), nothing much occurred. In terms of the designs that won and lost, I liked Victorya's loose tunic of a dress with the cropped vest, but surprisingly, I also liked Elisa and Sweet Pea's "polymorphic" dress and cape. Great color, fashionably styled, yet wearable. Poor thing, "Oliver Twist" twin, Marion's design did look, as Michael Kors stated, like something Pocahontas would have worn. Also, I can't help but think how many of the designers did leggings/tights because they were influenced by what Sarah Jessica Parker was wearing when she met them.
Overall, though, I felt this was a rather uneventful episode with rather unremarkable clothes.

2) Was it Uneventful because of their Budget and the fact that they had to design for BITTEN?
So then I began thinking, could it have been the fact that they only had $15 for fabric and trims and had to design for a "budget" yet fashion-savvy line? First, I don't know how they found enough fabric to create an outfit, especially at Mood, only having $15. The last time I was there, I was hard-pressed to find their "Dollar Bin". Actually, I never saw one. So how did they do it? I guess poly/cotton jersey is cheap, but even at retail prices, these stores can charge up to $8/yard for it. I would need at least 2 yards to make a top and leggings , and that's it. I have spent all my budget. What about a zipper, lining, or another contrast fabric? I have a sneaky feeling somebody somewhere sneaked these designers some extra cash... Just saying.
Now, in regards to designing for Bitten, ponder the following: Would it have been more exciting of an episode if the designers had to create an ensemble for Sarah Jessica Parker, for the Black-tie Gala/Opening of a Metropolitan Museum Costume Exhibit, in which she would have worn the outfit? All I kept thinking of was that photo of her with Alexander McQueen in his "Couture-Tartan" design. I know some people may think that she was a "fashion disaster", but personally, this was GENIUS! Who else would do that? That's one of the many reasons I LOVE Sarah Jessica Parker. she takes fashion risks. I think this "fantasy" challenge would have been possibly more fun to watch. But I do understand the tie-in with SJP and her line.

3) Is the Second Episode of every season going to be an "Ode To Andrae Crying Episode"?
Now, remember, I was watching this episode with the fabulous Mr. Gonzalo, and he noted "Why is the second episode going to be about crying? I think I started a second episode trend " I cannot recall if anyone cried in the second episode of Season 3, but if they did, please let me know. But I could not believe all the tears that flowed in this episode. First Chris, then Ricky crying so early on in the challenge--he barely had met Sarah Jessica Parker for goodness sake--made me skeptically think that this was footage from his "exit interview" questionably interjected in the beginning of the episode. Then even Carmen joined in on the cry fest at elimination. The last straw was watching usually bitchy "I-am-the-fiercest-thing-since- John Galliano" Christian actually tear up. I swear I saw tears behind those Alain Mikli glasses of his!

See you next time, and keep on crying...and sewing!