500  posts. Plus 2. Then 5 more.  That’s exciting. Shocking, too. Exciting and shocking. Reminds me of my last few marriages.

More random notes:

One: Christmas Eve, all by myself. Plenty of drink and food and a lot of DVDs piling up. And sleeping dogs. I was planning on watching an old movie I enjoyed entitled A Midwinter’s Tale, but I ended up watching it last week instead out of impatience…

from here.

It’s an old comedy from 1995, directed by Kenneth Branagh, going back to his bread and butter, of course: the bard.

It’s the story of a group of poor has been and would be and never was actors putting on a Christmas play in a drafty old church in a small English village. The play they pick, of course, is Hamlet, partially because it’s all the silly things one thinks of Shakespeare – men in tights yelling silly things at each other and then sword fighting – but also because it is the ultimate play, the ultimate endeavor of theatrical drama. And somewhere along the way they find themselves, some light within themselves that’s still burning bright. Of course.

It’s a minor film, but a likable one in my book. It’s 90s comedy and independent film making at it’s finest, also. Branagh is a capable director with a good eye for finding new angles within Shakespeare to reveal to an audience and the cast is tight and enjoyable. Especially Absolutely Fabulous‘ Julia Sawalha as the female lead.

Two: So, right, but I’ve already watched that. I’ve got some work to do but I want to squeeze a movie or two out of this night. I doubt It’s A Wonderful Life is on, though it should be, of course, and I’m actually a bit sick to death of X-mas already. In fact, you know what I’m in the mood for? A ghost story, or something like that. Something creepy. I wish there more adaptations (that were good) of Shirley Jackson’s novels. Sigh.

My choices are, and this is interesting, a South Korean horror film called A Tale Of Two Sisters or it’s American remake, The Uninvited? Granted, the traditional logic here is to watch the original first, especially when the remake is an American take on an Asian original, and I’ve heard good things about the South Korean film, but obviously I’ve never been excited enough to watch it before now.

Though, slight exception to the rule: I really did like Gore Verbinksi’s remake of The Ring. Not the most logical film, of course, but Verbinkski did a remarkable job at effectively capturing dread in the cinema, something that is a lot harder to do than one would think. Actually, previous only Roman Polanski and David Lynch have been truly good at it in my book.

Actually, you know what I really want to watch? The Others. That movie was brilliant.

Three: Speaking of the cinema and adaptations, a few posts ago I was talking about how I was worried that a remake of Home Alone would end with gun violence, and that actually got me thinking a bit…

I’m surprised it hasn’t made the leap to the movies yet, but could one effectively stage a version of Clifford The Big Red Dog series of kid’s books? Especially in this period of economic turmoil, could a family realistically afford to feed this furry monster? And, much like E.T., wouldn’t the government want to step in and take a look at this canine behemoth?

Maybe that’s the angle right there. In the first act, the family gets the puppy, and the little girl’s love causes it to grow to gargantuan sizes. Act two, the government shows up and steals the thing concurrently with the parents, already struggling to pay their bills and buy truckloads of dog food at a time, gets laid off.

Act three: I don’t know. Something to do with the family getting a reality TV show, a take on the Gosselins meets the Balloon boy and his family, and the giant dog escapes the government holding facility in Dreamland/Area 51 where they’re keeping him after peeing on a captured alien spaceship there, which looks like a fire hydrant to him. Jesus, that’s ridiculous, isn’t it? But it’d work. They’ll probably cast somebody like Breckin Meyer as the patriarch and Elizabeth Banks (who’s in the remake of A Tale Of Two Sisters, by the way) as the matriarch, and get somebody like Cuba Gooding, Jr. as the evil Army General who… well, you get the gist, right?

Four: Tomorrow, in the UK, they’re airing the penultimate episode of Doctor Who featuring David Tenant as the Doctor, “The End Of Time, part 1.”

How sad is it that this excites me more than most other Christmas-y things, right? I imagine that somewhere in the vicinity of 3 PM to 5 PM my time, I’ll be online, scouring to find where somebody will have no doubt uploaded it. Then, on New Year’s day, there’s “The End Of Time, part 2,” and after that, well, after that is when that weird looking fucker Matt Smith takes over. Well, Matt Smith and the lovely Karen Gillan too:

Five: I’d much rather watch a movie based on Clifford The Big Red Dog rather than Walter the Farting Dog. That poor creature. The covers of those books just make me sad.

Tell me that dog doesn’t look like he’s in incredible pain. Just try.

Six: This picture is just for you, Peanut St. Cosmo:

Seven: Hmm. Shit. How much chocolate is too much chocolate for a dog to eat? Fuck.

Eight: This picture is just for you, August Bravo, since I know that you’re in love with Morrissey:

from here.

Something to do with him working with Stella McCartney on a line of shoes with no leather in them. Speaking of living my life just fine without slaughtering animals…

Nine: In the last few weeks, two travesties of decency have been committed upon me: The first being that Burger King canceled their “Angry” line of burgers, which was really just pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, and some kind of spicy sauce on their regular burgers. But their angry tendercrisp chicken sandwich was like hot flavorful sex in my mouth and now… now it’s gone…

The following week I went into a McDonald’s and was informed that they cancelled the McSkillet burrito. What the shit? I calmly asked the employee working there. She has no clue and just shrugged. Also, she did not speak English. So the following day, I went to another McDonald’s and discovered the same thing. The McSkillet was gone. Sigh. It felt like a part of myself was gone with it.

It may be remarkably easy to give up fast food for the New Year, should I be foolish enough to even verbalize a resolution this year.

Ten: Also… well, also there’s nothing else. Nothing that can’t wait. Well, except for this:

And this:

Have a lovely Christmas Eve, regardless of your religion, your race, your sex, your situation, or how ugly you probably are. I hope you’re someplace safe and warm doing naughty things with someone you love, or care about, or at least know the first name of. And to all a good night!

The Night Before Christmas

Tis the season to honor a great scholar and former West Chelsea Resident, Clement Clarke Moore, author of the very well known poem, “Twas The Night Before Christmas”. In the historic area of West Chelsea, a New York City Park is named after Moore, a renowned professor of literature at Columbia University in the 1800’s.

In the historic district of West Chelsea, one can find beautiful townhouses and brownstones many having been restored to their original grandeur.  This lovely neighborhood, spans blocks which are home to countless artists, galleries, art dealers, and restaurants. West Chelsea continues to be one of the most desirable areas to live in Manhattan.

Another point of interest in West Chelsea; The High Line, which runs the length of West Chelsea is not only unique, but is also one of the loveliest parks in Manhattan and an enjoyable way to see this great neighborhood. Strolling above Tenth Avenue on the High Line, enjoy a birds’ eye view of West Chelsea, the surrounding Manhattan skyline and beautiful views of the Hudson River. Stroll through this historic district, visit art galleries such as Gagosian, Matthew Marks, and Sonnabend, or walk a few minutes south to the Meatpacking District for a wonderful assortment of designer fashion boutiques such as Stella McCartney, Christian Louboutin, Micheal Kors and many others.
 
Happy holidays to all and to all a joyful new year!
 
Catherine Adams 

http://www.benjaminjames.com

^for balloons in beginning…

^i want to see

designer: Stella McCartney Resort 2010

source: Miss Dior Fragrace ad, director: Sophia Coppola

photography: Tiara Mia

designer: Stella McCartney Resort 2010

designer: Stella Mccartney

magazine: Vogue China

artist: Banksy

source: ffffound

source: milliemotts

magazine: Vogue Italia

artist: Banksy

designer: Stella McCartney Resort 2010

Adriana Lima, Iris Strubegger, Mariacarla Boscono y Leonor Scherrer

No ha pasado el año y ya estamos viendo las campañas de Primavera-Verano 2010. Pero hagamos una retrospectiva de la mejor publicidad de moda del 2009. De acuerdo al listado de Models, la mejor es la campaña de Otoño-Invierno de Givenchy,  estelarizada por Adriana Lima, Mariacarla Boscono, Iris Strubegger y Leonor Scherrer.

Kristen McMenamy junto a sus gatos negros se lleva el segundo lugar por la campaña de Lanvin, realizada por Steven Meisel.

Seguido de la publicidad de Otoño-Invierno de Valentino, bajo la realización de Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Fuente: Models

Back from a wedding and honeymoon, swamped at work, preparing to move and then, the holiday season. I love giving gifts; one could say it is one of my favorite pastimes! Wrapping presents, finding the most unique holiday cards of the season and the feeling of handing someone I love a little piece of happiness. This year, I’ve been missing that feeling since I’ve barely made it to one store to shop for one present. I’ve been forced to do all my browsing online where I can’t touch and feel or compare things side by side, but this will have to do for 2009. So here are my favorite finds for all friends and family this holiday.

CHILDREN:

A stylish, well-designed classic.

Charlie Harper Memory Game

Anthropologie.com $14

Earth Club and Kid Friendly

Planet Earth: The Complete Series

BN.com $55.99

Camelbak Dinosaur Water Bottle

REI.com $14

Creepy Stocking Stuffer

Tim Burton’s Playing Cards

Momastore.org $5

Winter Coziness

L.L. Bean Wicked Good Slippers

LLBean.com $24.95

WOMEN:

(where to begin?)

The Ultimate in Hair Luxury

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Holiday Hair Kits

ShuUemuraArtofHair-usa.com $123

Lucite Love

Alexis Bittar Gold Burnt Amber Crystal Mosaic Drop Hoop Earring

AlexisBittar.com $225

Stella Yoga

Stella McCartney for Adidas

Studio Performance Three-Quarter Tights and Yoga Tank

ShopAdidas.com $75

ShopAdidas.com, $75

A Healthy New Year

Super Natural Cooking by Heidi Swanson

Amazon.com $13.60

Classic Camel

Dooney & Bourke Leather Dillen Satchel

Dooney.com $235

MEN

(always a challenge!)

Polo Prep

Polo.com SALE $79.99

Winter Pine Scent

C.O. Bigelow Barber Cologne Elixir Green No. 1582

BigelowChemists.com $19.50

Swiss Army Timepiece

Victorinox Swiss Army Chrono Classic

SwissArmy.com $425

Icelandic Living

66 Degrees North Mosfell Men’s Jacket

66North.com $126

An ABSOLUTE Must See

Mad Men Season 1 and 2

Bn.com $27.99, $34.99

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can’st give me

just in case he IS checking his list twice here is what i would be asking for if we lived in that magical world where friends weren’t sick, parents didn’t fret over bills, animals frolicked freely, a soldier’s watch was limited to his sleeping child, and our earth pumped out big gulps of clean, unpolluted air.

alas, this world eludes me. yet. till then, here’s my shameless, materialistic christmas list.

i'd like a piece of art by matthew heller

i fancy a side yard with this garden and shed.

an outdoor patio and fireplace fit for humans and beasts

la-la-love this lanvin necklace

i'd like a national mandate for naptime (all ages) please.

trust me. i'll find somewhere to wear them.

girls trip to nantucket

seriously? would 4 dogs be THAT much nuttier than 3???

i'd like to be julianne moore for a day. ginormous girl crush!!!!

stella's stealing my heart with this chamois canvas hobo

floor seats at a killers concert

a glow facial from christine chin spa

grand? i think so. but tis just a wish list. health, peace of mind, safety, and a better world nix fendi shoes all day long.

have a jolly tuesday!

images: troy house, country living, coastal living, net-a-porter, paul costello, frank w. ockenfels, flickr.

]]> http://thynameiswit.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/want/ Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:28:41 +0000 Chathurika http://thynameiswit.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/want/

Stella McCartney Cage-effect satin sandals

VEGAAAAAN!

I <3 you Stella McCartney (and Paul McCartney, just to throw that in)

x

Chathurika

before the holidays completely overwhelm me with laziness and before the year finally comes to a close, i would like to take a brief look back at the year that was incredible shoes.

the prevailing shoe trends of 2009:

designs at the back or the heels themselves
platforms to dizzying heights: either artistically rendered or hidden altogether
fringes or feathers
scales (or a simulation thereof)
cut-away or mesh inset boots
thigh high boots
decorative ankle straps
victorian button- or lace-up

and certainly nothing even close to plain!

louis vuitton ss 09

lanvin ss 09

diego dolcini fw 09

nicholas kirkwood ss 09

devi kroell ss 09

cesare paciotti fw 09

christian louboutin fw 09

heather williams fw 09

stella mccartney fw 09

camilla skovgaard fw 09

fendi fw 09

manolo blahnik ss 09

alexandra neel fw 09

omelle fw 09

proenza schouler fw 09

versace ss 09

alejandro ingelmo fw 09

gaspard yurkievich fw 09

charlotte olympia fw 09

tanja s. london fw 09

alexander wang ss 09

michael lewis fw 09

rock & republic ss 09

baldinini fw 09

ruthie davis fw 09

 Trend #1

The Boyfriend Jacket, a major must for spring 2010 and beyond. This edgy yet friendly style (a little more length for those that are looking for coverage) made its mark on many a runway this season from Celine to Stella McCartney. Keep your eye out for this silhouette to move forward beyond the warm weather months. Go to www.Doncaster.Com to view the jacket after January 4, 2010. You can purchase using Consultant Key 1912944

Have you seen Stella McCartney’s new line at Adidas? Beautiful.

eah
we

I’ve been researching rather sporadically over the past week, Kids clothes for “Grown-Ups”. I thought it would be an interesting topic, though it’s something that has not really produced results. Maybe it’s because kids clothes are becoming more grown-up, or maybe it’s because it’s not so appropriate (one site in particular has left me particularly disturbed). During my research I did come across a few articles relating to people who shop in the children’s departments and why. This is interesting in itself. It seems to raise several questions (mostly about state-of-mind).

Personally I don’t understand why, someone could be thought of as unsound simply for purchasing clothing in the kids section. I read about women, who do it frequently as a way to confirm their petiteness, so maybe in this sense there is something else underlying (Peter Pan Syndrome or Eating Disorders). I’ve also read about a women who discovered the kids section as an untapped resource (mostly mothers who have stumbled upon great finds while shopping for their children). I must say I agree with it being an untapped resource.

Last year, I spent a good deal of time home in Australia. One Saturday, my Mum and I babysat my little niece, and we decided to take her shopping. We simply went to the shopping centre nearest her house, and raided the low-cost department store. The point of the exercise was to help out my sister (a young, single mum) buy getting a few things for our little princess.

The first thing that struck me was how much cooler kids clothes are these days. I could be showing my age here, but I remember when a “party dress” was the best thing in a little girl’s wardrobe. In general they were maxi length, gathered at the waist, had puffy sleeves, and lace collars. Little girls these days have funky leggings, faux-fur waist coats, rock’n'roll dresses. There really is such a variety of clothing out there, that even these little people can dress in a any of a number of looks.

The next thing that I noticed was that the prices are significantly smaller than the same thing for adults.  I guess one should expect this considering they use much less fabric… or do they? The smaller sizes certainly use less materials, but the larger sizes are on par with the adult equivalents. This is what shocked me. As I riffled through racks of clothes looking for my niece’s size, I found items that I thought looked about my size. The truth is that there is an overlap in the children’s sizes and adult’s sizes (this is mainly for transitioning during those awkward teen years). This overlap has increased in the last decade. I’m not 100% sure why, though I believe it has to do with kids getting bigger (due to hormone injected produce, unhealthy foods, and the like).

This shopping trip resulted in some key finds for my little princess, but it also resulted in some personal finds. That’s right I bought clothes in the children’s department. I did this because it was cost effective and I genuinely liked the attention to detail (detail which is missing in women’s wear). I didn’t set out to buy myself kids wear.

I quite possibly could have set out “on purpose” to buy kiddy clothes at Gap with Stella McCartney’s kids collection. Unfortunately, this miraculous event started when I was out of town. From what I’ve read about the launch, stores were packed with grown-ups (unaccompanied by a child) and the bigger sizes were the first to sell out. Funny about that.

As far as fun clothing goes, these are the brands which stand out for this season. Boden (as previously mentioned), United Colors of Benetton and Gap. It seems to be mainly knitwear in brighter colours. If you are on the smaller side, Zara Kids has some gorgeous items. This tends to be my stop when looking for gifts for the children in my life, and now if I see something I really like, I take a good look around for my size.

So if you’re like me, part of the fun of being a girl is getting all beautified and purtied up. I mean, beyond the fun that is playing with makeup, what’s the point of putting together a cute outfit if your skin looks dry, your hair looks flat and you smell like a thrift store?

Obviously, my all-time favorite one-stop-shop for all my beauty needs is Sephora. That place has it all… not to mention you can pop in there while you’re shopping and freshen up with their variety of samples. (Confession: sometimes I’ll make Sephora my last stop so I can use all their expensive makeup to get ready for the night!) The sad fact is, beauty products are muy expensive-o and can quickly add up.

Good thing Sephora has a nice stock of too-good-to-be-true goodies for under $20. Let the beautification begin!

Nothing says winter like peppermint hot cocoa and marshmallows, and this Philosophy set helps ya carry that smell around all day. And considering Philosophy’s usual prices, this is quite a steal! Holiday Bonus: The boys’ll find your scent irresistible.

I bought this set a few weeks ago and it’s totally perfect for beauty on-the-go. It comes with a gorgeous palette of eye shadow colors, a blush and 4 choices of lip gloss.  For under $20, you really can’t go wrong.

If there’s one guy out there who knows hair, it is Frederick Fekkai. He’s got tons of products to get your hair lookin’ its best and this spray is by far the most fun. It adds a nice golden shimmer to your hair that’s perfect for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve. Healthy, shiny hair? Yes please.

Perfume rollerballs are a great way to carry around a fragrance for those long days when you need to re-apply. (Like after that 100 question exam that left you sweatin’.)  I love this Stella McCartney scent, but they have a whole lot of options to choose from if Stella isn’t your girl.

Everyday essentials by Bare Escentuals? That are 100% natural? That will make you look perfect without making you break out? I can’t think of anything more heavenly.

If you’re a big Diet Coke/coffee drinker, these Go Smile Touch Up sticks are for you. You just pop one open and it will freshen your breath (because coffee breath is rank) and prevent stains from forming on those pearly whites (because yellow teeth are ranker…)

Bliss creams are. the. best. OMG. I can’t say it enough. This stuff rocks. It smells good, it absorbs quickly, it keeps your hands soft and it’s small enough to fit in your bag.

And for those days when you’re surrounded by snow, stuck in the library and all you can think about is a tropical vacation, try this lovely scent. It’ll take you to Hawaii…for under $20.

One more thing: If you aren’t already a member, be sure to sign up for the Sephora Insider Pass. It’s a free club that gives you points with every purchase and sends you awesome perks (like free $15 gift cards, birthday gifts and more). Yay, Sephora!

Today we’re doing something we’ve never done before here on Me & Marisa, and that is having a guest blogger. Today the post is coming from one of my extremely fashion savvy friends; Nicolas Bebout. Nicolas has aspirations to go to work at a New York City modeling agency, so it seems only fitting that he would be doing a post on his favorite models of the year. Hope you all had a great weekend! I’m afraid I’m down with the flu :/. Take it away Nicolas!
-Andrew J

Fresh Faces…Different Places: Les Femmes
Fashion may make the man, but a model is what creates the excitement…at least I think so anyways. I thought it would be a brilliant idea for Me and Marisa to have a couple posts about models that were outstanding this past season/year. So I pitched the idea to Andrew and here we are!
-Nicolas

Abbey Lee
Perhaps my favorite female model that is making a huge name for herself at the moment. Lee is making her mark on the runway, walking in shows this past season for the likes of Givenchy, Gucci, Phillip Lim, Zac Posen and Lanvin, just to name a few. She has also made her mark in editorials, major ad campaigns (Calvin Klein and Gucci fragrance), and even walked in the 2009 Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Watch out, this girl is on fire!!

Backstage, Fendi Spring 2010

Backstage, Lanvin Spring 2010

Phillip Lim Spring 2010

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2009

Italian Vogue editorial

Gucci fragrance and Calvin Klein advertising campaigns

 Abbey for MUSE

Anna Selezneva
A standout from when I saw her walk the Michael Kors Fall 2009 show, Anna Selezneva reminds me of younger Jessica Stam with her piercing eyes and ability to really take on whatever she is modeling. Selezneva had a great runway season for the Spring 2010 shows and is sure to be back for the Fall 2010 season.

Alexander Wang Spring 2010

Burberry Spring 2010

Hermès Spring 2010

Valentino Spring 2010

French Vogue editorial

Chinese Vogue

Maryna Linchuk
Maryna has created a great balance between editorial/covers and runway. She excelled in the Spring 2010 show season and creates a great presence when she is photographed.  

Christian Dior Spring 2010

Dolce and Gabbana Spring 2010

Stella McCartney Spring 2010

Gucci Spring 2010

French Vogue editorial

Harper’s Bazaar editorial

Japanese Numéro cover

Toni Garrn
Toni had a great year, especially in print. While Garrn walked in shows like Bottega Veneta, Christian Dior, Fendi, and Chanel, her print work is what got my attention. Major advertising campaigns and covers propelled Toni to more than just a runway model and I can’t wait to see where she shows up next year.

Christian Dior Spring 2010Etro Fall 2009Dior Eyewear Fall 2009
Prada fragrance Fall 2009
Versace fragrance Fall 2009
Numéro cover November 2009
Tush cover Spring 2009

I can’t get enough of these studded clutches!  There are so many styles to choose from.  I’m loving ones that mix gold and silver studs.  Paired with my black Steve Madden ankle boots, they give a rocker edge to any outfit.

From left, Hayden Harnett for Target, Miu Miu, Stella McCartney, Rebecca Minkoff.

Dear Santa,

I was thinking since I’ve been such a good girl this year I deserve some pre-Christmas gifts. I wouldn’t mind anything from the list below

Thanks xoxo

1. Marie-Helene de Taillac Princess amethyst ring 2. Stella McCartney Sofia Flashing pushup 3. Chanel No5 Essential Bath Oils 4. Chloé Leather bow-embellished clutch 5. Stella McCartney Sofia Flashing bustier 6. Marc Jacobs silver edition Daisy scent 7. Laduree macaroons 8.lilac roses 9. Pretty Ballerinas model: Rosario

Beautiful poem. Beautiful aesthetics. 

“Beauty is the extra flesh of God”

My true love gave to meeeee,

A bottle of Stella McCartney Perfume!!!!

For a long time I was a Flowerbomb girl, but now I think I’m a Stella girl!   Stella is a beautiful fragrance with Bulgarian Rose, Peony, Mandarin and Amber notes.  I think I’ve found my new signature scent…

Mood – Merry!

Song – Click on It’s Christmas Charlie Brown

http://www.playlist.com/allysoninwonderlandmusic/playlists

J. Lo’s new song, Louboutins.

Photos from the Tokyo Nail Expo.  Some of the crazy nail art features Hello Kitty (of course).

In honor of World Aids Day, Stella McCartney designed a limited edition t-shirt for Gap available in both child and adult sizes.

And another new line from Forever 21.  Collection, for more business-y wear.

Mango is the latest addition to JC Penney’s designer collaborations.

Lily Allen is taking a 2 year hiatus from music to open a boutique with her sister.  The store will rent out high fashion items.

Sonia Rykiel’s lingerie collection for H&M just launched.  A fashion show was held at the Grand Palais in Paris to fete the occasion.