Tim Gunn's Style

We're all so familiar with Tum Gunn's fabulous, tailored suit look, but over the last few years, he's branched out a bit. On the most recent episode of Project Runway, he sported a look that was more playful and even youthful. Rather than wear his standard suit with a patterned shirt and tie, he wore dark wash, fitted jeans with the hem rolled into cuffs, kind of reminiscent of the 50's. He was still polished and professional, not to mention impeccably tailored, but I just adore how he played with the whimsical feeling and added just a touch of nostalgia to an otherwise basic look.

I created a polyvore set inspired by this outfit. I hope my gentlemen readers will consider this look at some point:

Tim Gunn Style by rtboo featuring flat shoes

If not, maybe just the tailored jeans and blazer look? I'm a fan.

Project Runway: Season 11

So... I'm a little behind the 8-ball on this season of Project Runway. Since I completely avoided the most recent "All Stars" season, I was not aware that the newest season had begun! Fortunately, the seamstresses at work are major fans and they keep me up to date on all of it.

Anyway, I will (obviously) not be blogging every episode, but I figured I'd put in my two cents about the changes this season, since there were quite a few.

First the bad:
- No Michael Kors! I miss his oompa-loompa-esque complexion and his amazing, snarky one-liners delivered in a perfect nasal deadpan. Zac Posen is fine in terms of his taste and judging skills, but no one will replace the incomparable MK when it comes to creative insults.

- Teams! I know that Tim Gunn and Heidi are all, "This is the REAL WORLD!" I just don't buy it. So far, we're three episodes in and the team method has some horrifically bad designs getting through because the rest of the team is stellar, and some other great designs that could be winners that are not being recognized because the rest of the team is so terrible. Also, watching the "Dream Team" crash and burn for three weeks in a row is just painful. Put them out of their misery already, producers!

And now the good:
- Redecorated workrooms! Parsons looks so fresh and new. I love the new workrooms, sewing rooms, and the stew room. All of it is fresh and fun. Last year, the stew room was especially stark, making Tim's entrance at the end to ask the losing contestant to "go upstairs and clean up your space" that much more difficult to watch.
- Fun challenges! I was particularly fond of the Spin uniform challenge- now that's what I consider "real world" stuff. Working with clients to create something stylish and functional is not always easy and the winning team really nailed it.

And just for fun, here are some of favorite designs (so far), by my favorite designers (so far).

Patricia- Episode 1 "NYC Inspiration"

Patricia- Episode 3 "Surprise"

Patricia is definitely a very talented lady. I love how quirky she is. So often there will be someone on the show with a unique background and an even more unique personality and all too often they are eliminated early on. It's as if they were selected more for the TV appeal than their design ability. Patricia seems to be the exception to that and at this point, I truly hope to see her make it to the finals. 

Michelle- Episode 1 "NYC Inspiration"

Michelle Episode 2 "Spin"

Michelle- Episode 3 "Surprise!" 

Michelle is the best example of someone who is currently being overlooked because she is on the losing team. Every singe runway show, she has sent something down that is original, true to her design aesthetic and fashion forward. Had her team won the "Surprise" challenge, I have no doubt Heidi would have chosen her as one of the winners. And for the "Spin" challenge, I felt heartbroken for her. It was a complete waste of a fabulous design. 

Daniel- Episode 1 "NYC Inspiration"

Daniel- Episode 3 "Surprise!" 

Daniel, much like Michelle has shown consistency each week with his design aesthetic and his workmanship. He's earned two wins in three episodes, and in episode 2, it was his design that won as well, but he quite gallantly gave the win to his design partner, Layana. He is obviously one of the most talented individuals we've ever seen on the show and I hope he continues to prove a strong contestant because I would love to see his runway show in the finale.

All in all, this season is off to a great start. I'm looking forward to seeing how the team aspect plays out in the long run. 

Are you watching this season of PR? What do you think of the changes? Of the designers? Of the judges? Leave a comment and as always, thanks for reading! 

More About the Professor and Me

Are you sick of hearing about me and the Professor yet? I know it's totally vomit-inducing at times. I have a few friends who want to barf all the time over the romantic things he and I do for each other. I am not typically a very cheesy person, but I have my moments of weakness, just like anyone else. 

This was one: 

How cute is that? I ordered it from Rar Rar Press on Etsy- the artist will stamp the postcard wherever you like! 

OK, enough about that, I want to tell you about a "dress" I saw while strolling through Copley with my BFF Beth back in September. I snapped the photo and then promptly forgot all about it:

What you are looking at is a photo of a dress made out of tree bark. How cool is that? There was a display in the mall at Copley with designs by students from one of the local fashion schools. As a blogging failure, you can understand why I didn't make sure to get any information about the school or this particular designer. I'm working on being better, I swear. 

Anyway, it was quite obviously the "unconventional materials challenge" from Project Runway, as there were dresses made of recycled water bottle labels, paper clips, and all sort of other random items. This dress was the clear stunner, though. It just looks so impressive and you have to give the designer credit for making something that actually looks wearable (whether it actually is or not). I think it's completely amazing- it's edgy, it's innovative, and it's tailored BARK! That's just incredible. 

So what do you think of it? I can't imagine someone ever wearing it, but who cares! This is the kind of piece that is truly art, not just fashion. Well done, nameless designer. You rocked that challenge! 

Project Runway Season 9 Finale Part 2

I have to admit, this was a very disappointing finale episode for me. Not as disappointing as last season when Gretchen won, but pretty close. While Anya was a strong contender throughout the entire season, I always felt that Viktor was the superior designer and he was a more skilled technician. Anya's final collection didn't thrill me, but to be honest, neither did Viktor's. I believe Viktor's downfall was that he finished too early. When Tim Gunn announced they would be given an additional $500 and freedom to do whatever they liked with it, I believe that Viktor should have passed. He edited so much of his original pieces out and filled in with the weird sheer, S&M-esque looks. It was too dark, and not nearly inventive enough. It was his competition to lose and he certainly did.

If I were one of the judges, I would have fought for Kimberly to be the winner. She was the only designer who created a cohesive collection that was well-constructed and told a story. Her ivory pants look took my breath away:

I would LOVE to wear this outfit (minus the sheer part of the shirt- I'd have to layer a cami underneath or something). The cut and fit of the pants is amazing and I love the bow on the blouse. So gorgeous! The other two pieces that I would love to wear were both Viktor's and I'm sure neither will come as a surprise to you:

Both of these dresses are silhouettes I'm very accustomed to wearing, but I also love the prints of his fabrics. I love that he created prints and that they were meaningful to him as well as beautiful. I honestly wish that he had won- I just can't support the decision to crown Anya as the winner. 

What are your thoughts on the finale outcome? Please leave a comment- I'd love to know! And also leave a comment if you watched the new "Project Accessory" or if you are planning to watch "Project Runway All Stars." I'm looking forward to the All Stars show, but I'm also looking forward to seeing all the decoy runway shows this week. Have a great day, everyone! 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 13 (Finale Part 1)

Torture. That's what this episode was to me. Torture. Why put the designers through the charade of a final challenge only to put all four of them through to fashion week? Why? I think that Anya choked, but since she's been the clear favorite from the beginning, the producers didn't allow her to be eliminated. In my (not-so-humble) opinion, this is Viktor's competition to lose. He is head and shoulders above the other contestants in terms of design and construction. Josh and Kimberly can sew, but not at the speed and level that Viktor can. He has hardly broken a sweat throughout the entire competition. He deserves the win and I think he'll get it.

Let's have a look at his mini-collection, the best of the four, by far:

I agree with the judges that this jacket would be more show-cased with a simple tee and a basic pant, but I also love the dress. What's up with the sheerness of it, though? I like my granny panties to be obscured from public view most of the time. 

This skirt/dress combination is awesome. I love the Rorschach quality of the manipulation of the print. The one and only change I would have made would have been to have the zippers zipped at a different lengths, maybe getting longer from one side to the other. A bit of asymmetry to counter the symmetrical print of the dress, that's all. 

I love the top and the jacket, and I can appreciate the pant.The print is cool, but I could never pull it off. The tailoring is perfect as always with Viktor. Based on these looks, I'm excited to see what remains in his collection. 

And now for what I consider to be the worst mini-collection, Anya's: 

This dress is vanilla at best. I think that Uli (season 3) did a far better job of creating an "island" look than Anya. I think this dress is certainly the best of the three that Anya chose to show, but it pales in comparison to all three of Viktor's looks. There is no contest. And I agree with the judges that the styling was bad. Not breezy enough. 

Boring! An ill-fitting bathing suit with a beige cover-up? Anya, you can do better! I have nothing else to say about this look. 

NOOOOOO!!!! This look is tortured. I believe Michael Kors said the same thing. It's so poorly constructed, and just not very good. I honestly can't figure out why the judges let Anya stay. She's pretty, even when she's crying, so maybe that's why. And she seems like such a nice person. Wouldn't it be nice for a nice person to win this time? Sort of like the anti-Gretchen, right? 

Ok, on to the two middle-of-the-road contestants- Josh and Kimberly. Neither one of these designers can or will win. They don't have the ideas, the skills or the sophistication. But it's been fun watching them try. 

First, Kimberly: 

Too much blue. Too much weird hair. Too much. Also, those are my least favorite pants that Kimberly has ever made. I feel as though I've seen the bag before and the jewelry is nothing special. 

Bubble butt and ski-jump front? Too weird. This skirt is asking for elimination. Again, too much blue. I agree with the judges- she should have brought in the ivory jacket. 

Meh. There is nothing special about this. Again, I feel like I've seen it before. It's completely forgettable. 

And finally, Mr. Tacky (Josh): 

The jacket is cool. The pants are nicely made and a fun pop of color. The belt ruins the outfit and the top and shoes should both go. Neither the best nor the worst thing we've seen from Josh, but definitely not Project Runway winner material. 

If you're going to make an LBD on Project Runway, it needs to be flawless. This dress is far from it. The weird tab in the front is just bizarre. The too-tight fit, deep neckline and short skirt combine to be too much. Boobs OR legs, Josh. Pick one. 

Ew. This is heinous. And the back is terrifying. I can't wait for him to be eliminated. Ugh. What was he thinking? 

So, what do YOU think of the mini collections? Leave a comment- I'd love to hear! 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 12

What's up with picking four finalists? We all know that one of them will be eliminated before the Fashion Week showing, right? Isn't that always the way? Anyway, this episode was mildly interesting in terms of the drama and fashion, but what I really enjoyed was seeing what the designers themselves wore. That was far more interesting than the actual runway show. First, their outfits on Governor's Island

Ok, Laura and Viktor are reasonably dressed for a jaunt in the park and Kimberly looks amazing, even if those heels are a tad dressy for their outing. Of course, they dress prior to finding out where they're headed, so she's hardly to blame. Josh and Anya, though? What? Seriously? Anya, I know that mixed prints are all the rage, but that is not what I would call a sophisticated combination. And Josh's shorts should be illegal. Give that man a fashion citation. Ugh. And both of them chose horrific boots to wear. I can't even discuss them.

As for the runway, I think that each designer kind of dressed for their particular collection. 

Laura's obsession with that novelty circle fabric was what I thought would be her ultimate downfall. (And I couldn't be happier to see her go.) But in the end, it was that dowdy, nightgown-esque, ill-fitting monstrosity on the left that did her in. Her own dress is a poor choice as well. Perhaps if she had Kimberly's height, the length might be do-able, but she's so petite, it really doesn't do anything for her. And the color is so drab. Ugh. 

Kimberly's outfit looks like it could be a part of her collection- the mustard yellow is so fun and youthful. I'm sure she must have made them, knowing how great she is at pants. Honestly, one of her models would have benefited from a pair exactly like them. As for the rest of her collection, I like the asymmetry of it all, as well as the bright orange. I don't love the pewter brocade, but it works for the structural aspect of her designs. I love the coat, but I wish it was a bit sleeker, more fitted. 

Much like his vomit-worthy double-breasted salmon sport jacket, Josh's collection completely lacks any kind of appropriate taste level. The white dress is chic, but forgettable. The Statue-of-Liberty lurex dress is Tacky. Yes, with a capital "T." And the separates outfit is as unflattering as can be. That poor model looks terrible! I can't believe they put him through. Again, it must be for the ratings because it certainly isn't for the fashion. 

Viktor's "marketable" collection was criticized for being so, but I loved it. In fact, he once again wins my Would-I-Wear-It-Award, specifically for the skirt and top outfit. I love the cowl-drape of the skirt. The jacket is also pretty spectacular, and the LBD is fine- not his best work, or his worst. And I absolutely LOVE his outfit. I love a man who can rock a bow tie and Viktor has done it over and over again with panache. I'm definitely rooting for him as we head into the finale. 

Without Bert, I'm not sure Anya would have been the winner of this episode. The looks are beautifully designed and constructed. I think she will have an amazing collection to show at Fashion Week, as long as she can figure out how to sew it all. And her dress? SO sexy and cool. 

I'm not really expecting to be "wow-ed" at the runway shows for any of these designers except Viktor, but I hope to be pleasantly surprised. Ever the optimist, right? 

Leave a comment and tell me what you think of the designers looks- the ones on the models and the ones they're wearing. 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 11

Oh, Project Runway producers, you are getting so tricky! First, a fake-out: the designers think they're getting teamed up to work with a partner, but NO! They're getting paired as head-to-head competitors! Twist! And not only that, they have a bird as their inspiration! Not exactly a twist, but it's a little odd. Forced inspiration can really make a designer implode as Kimberly nearly did this week. An artist needs to feel inspired at his or her own pace, and I can't say that I would have done very well if I'd drawn a neon green parakeet to serve as my inspiration.

But wait- there's more! Tim announces they need to create a second look also inspired by the bird. Twist! And as if they hadn't already been through enough, when they get down to the end, Tim announces, "Just kidding- choose only one of your two looks to go down the runway." Twist of twists! And just plain mean if you ask me. That must have been torture for some of these designers, especially Viktor.

Let's explore the looks of the remaining six designers:

Viktor's Look

In the head-to-head competition between Viktor and Kimberly, I feel as though Viktor was robbed. This look is beautiful and the frayed organza actually looks like feathers. The color combination is perfect and it keeps this white gown from looking too bridal. 

Josh's Look

Josh is one of the lucky ones- if it weren't for the twist of creating a second look, he would have definitely gone home instead of Bert. That first look of his was atrocious! He really does need to learn to edit, though. I really hate the little fabric corsage he added to this otherwise stunningly chic dress. 

Laura's Look

I can't wait for Laura to go home. She is so clearly not in the same league as some of the other designers. Her work is immature, unrefined and often such a cliche. Maybe next week will be the end for her. We can hope, anyway. 

Bert's Look

Oh, Bert. It was time. I enjoyed watching him, but he hasn't really made anything that truly "wow-ed" me after the first episode. He was out of his league a bit, but he made a good effort throughout. I'll miss him fighting with the other contestants the most, I think. 

Kimberly's Look

Here's the thing: I feel like I've seen this look a million times before on a million red carpets. It's dated. It's not remarkable in any way. It only took three hours to sew. Sometimes, sewing quickly is impressive, but in this case, it was clear to me that Viktor's dress had so much more that went into it. They are the same silhouette, but I think Viktor did it better. I'm sure he knows that he wasn't truly in the "bottom," but it must have been rough to lose to Kimberly. 

Anya's Look

Anya, Anya, Anya. Why are we only now hearing about her lack of closures on her garments? The designers would not care at all about a detail like that if she wasn't a major contender. I do believe she could win it all this season. If you ask me, I think she's smart. It's easier and faster to sew a model into the dress than to install a zipper and risk it being ill-fitting or sloppy. In the end, her garments LOOK finished and polished on the runway. Isn't that what matters? Yes, they have to sew well, but it isn't Project Seamstress. It's about the design and she can design with the best of them. 

What did you think of this "For the Birds" episode? Leave a comment! 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 10

I have three words for the judges this week: Viktor was robbed.

Seriously- how could they possibly let anyone else win this challenge when it is so clear that Viktor is sewing in a different universe than all the other designers? I'm absolutely infuriated. I'm enraged. I want to punch something.

No offense to Anya, who seems to do a pretty awesome job most of the time, but Viktor not only created an impeccably tailored, flawless, super chic 3-piece modern take on the leisure suit, but he also made a sexy, fun, amazing dress, both of which were wonderful modern interpretations of 70's attire. Pretty much everyone else used loud prints and the same silhouette and their looks were all pretty horrific.

Josh's look was by far the worst with those pants. Oh my gosh, those pants!!!

Remember when Mondo made those super high-waisted pants out of his "positive" print? Those were actually kind of cool and even though not everyone could pull them off, his model looked pretty fierce in them. Josh's plaid pants? Not so much. And to mix them with a hideous top AND leopard print accessories-  as in more than one leopard print accessory- was the icing on the cake. Not only should Viktor have won this challenge, but there is absolutely no reason why Josh should not have gone home. (Except for the fact that he's so much snarkier than Anthony Ryan and therefore makes for better television.) 

I won't even waste your time with photos of the other looks. All you need to know is that this week, the judges got it all wrong. 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 9

MENSWEAR!!! I love a menswear challenge! It is so difficult for the designers to wrap their heads around the pattern-making and fit issues that the design can become an afterthought. When I was styling performers at AMT, one thing I learned about menswear is that a simple look that fits really well will always win over something busy, over-designed and especially something ill-fitting. This was Olivier's challenge to lose and did he ever. Honestly, for a menswear designer to put out something so ill-fitting, boring and just plain terrible, he deserves to go. Also, I've always found him to be really annoying, so I can't say I'm sad to see him go. On the other end, I think that Viktor's win was completely overshadowed by the fact that there was so much drama everywhere else. Regardless, I'm thrilled for him. I've liked his designs from the beginning and I really want to see him make it to the end.

Ok, let's take a look at these horrific looks:

First, the winning look designed by Viktor:

Much like Bert, Viktor was praised for creating a look that was more than just an outfit- it was an image, a persona. It defined the wearer. It was well made, expensive-looking and fit well. Bravo, Viktor! 

Speaking of Bert, his look was one of my favorites for exactly the same reason- he created an image, not just an outfit. I loved the striped pants and the silhouette. Where Olivier fell apart trying to create a "plus size" outfit, Bert embraced his model's body type and actually helped create a sleek look for him. And it had personality! 

Even the styling choices were good and other than the tunic being a smidge too long for my taste, I wouldn't change a thing. 

In my opinion, the only other halfway-decent looks were Josh and Anthony Ryan's. Strangely enough, they both did white pants: 

Josh's Look

Anthony Ryan's Look

Both looks are too flamboyant for this dude, but at least he got some cool pants. I wish both had distressed them just a bit. Josh's have a better fit, but the top half of his outfit is pure costume. 

Everyone else's looks were pretty much disastrous. They weren't nearly as bad as the Tiki Barber episode, but this episode did include a pair of jeans that split in the back, which I believe is a Project Runway first. Let's take a look, shall we? 

Anya's Look

Kimberly's Look

Both of these looks are terrible- poor construction, bad fabric choice, and really bad design. Anya's is a really bad hippie Halloween costume and Kimberly's is Shaggy (as in Scooby Doo). Need I say more? I think the Scooby Doo reference may have even been made by Adam Lambert on the episode. It's not a good thing. Almost as bad as Olivier's look was Laura's: 

Aside from giving him the "red jeans" he asked for, Laura pretty much failed at this challenge. The jacket and scarf are terrible. The tank is borderline pathetic and the jeans (once again) are not nearly distressed enough. Kudos to her for dyeing them, but that's about it. 

Finally, Olivier really bombed on this episode: 

There isn't a single positive thing I can say about this look. There are so many things wrong, I don't even want to discuss them. Goodbye, Olivier! I won't miss you! 

On another note, I just want to say that the editing has greatly improved this season. Also, I'm really enjoying the judges- they're funnier or something this season. I can't put my finger on it, but I whatever it is, I love it. Thank you to the PR producers for jazzing things up a little this season! 

Project Runway Season 9 Episode 8

Last week's PR was a doozy! I loved seeing the designers freak out when a bunch of men- of varying shapes and sizes- came out onto the runway. We all know how well menswear goes over in PR! But fortunately, the designers were not tasked with creating menswear. Instead, they designed for the significant others of the various men- the exciting "real woman" challenge. Unlike past seasons which included at least one or two plus size women, the most any designer this season had to deal with was a set of "double D's."

Can I see a show of hands for all the people annoyed by Olivier's body issues? He had more than one "fatty" remark and he had no idea that "double D" is a bra cup size. Pathetic. His accent annoys me more and more every week. He seems to be one of those designers who prefers his models to essentially be a walking coat hanger. I am NOT a fan of that type of designer. As annoyed as I was with him, his design got him through without any critique from the judges. In my opinion, it was ill-fitting, inappropriate for his client and boring. Also, it's nothing we haven't seen from him. There was hardly any design to it. I will be happy when Olivier goes home:

Olivier's Look

There were two other designs that landed in the middle- Laura and Kimberly. Laura's dress was atrocious- the length, the silhouette, the fabric, the fit- everything about it was bad. I was amazed she wasn't called out on the runway for it. Kimberly's was half-good, half-bad. The top half was good- the blouse had pretty draping and was a gorgeous color. The bottom half was not particularly flattering and the fabric was a poor choice. Regardless, they were the lesser of the many evils on the runway this week, so they ended up safe. 

Laura's Look

Kimberly's Look

In the bottom was Bert, Bryce and Anthony Ryan. Bert was criticized for being boring, Anthony Ryan for creating a cheerleader outfit and Bryce for failing (once again) to prove he's competent at design or sewing. I know that sounds harsh, but it's true. Bryce has been out of his league from the beginning. I completely agree with the judges' decision to send him home and if he'd been put through for another week, I may have thrown my TV out the window in a rage. Anthony Ryan's dress as cute, and yes, cheerleader-esque. If only he'd made the neckline asymmetrical, the cheerleader aspect would have disappeared entirely. Also, his girl was absolutely adorable and I loved how smitten her boyfriend is with her. 

Bert's Look

Bryce's Look

Anthony Ryan's Look

Finally, the top three- Anya, Josh and Viktor- really shone this episode. Well, the boys, anyway. I was not a fan of Anya's design and I still can't figure out what the judges loved so much about it. The asymmetrical neckline, kimono sleeve, high-low hemline, layered belt, mixed fabrics- it was all too much. Where Bert offered no design whatsoever, Anya over-designed her garment to death. While I loved the restraint Josh showed in created his gorgeous black dress, I have to declare Viktor the winner (once again!) of the Would I Wear It Award. His colors were fresh and vibrant, the fit was stellar and the styling was so spot on, nearly everyone marveled at how the outfit looked like it already belonged to the client. Bravo, Viktor! I'm rooting for him for the top three for sure. 

Anya's Look

Josh's Look

Viktor's Looks

The competition is getting pretty fierce and I'm excited to head into the second half of the season. My prediction for the top three is easy at this point: Viktor, Anya and Josh. I believe those three are not only skilled and talented enough to make it, but I think that they are savvy enough to make good decisions even as the competition gets more intense. We'll see, though.

At this point in the season, do you have a prediction for the final three designers? Do you have a favorite designer? Leave a comment and tell me what you think.