Project Runway- Episode 8

This kind of wedding dress challenge could be such a blast, provided you get a decent dress and a decent client to work with. Weren't some of those dresses hideous, though? Oh my goodness! You can tell some of them got married a looooong time ago. Challenges like this always make me want to be the "real woman" client. I'd be the perfect client- totally willing to wear whatever they want to put on me. I'd love to see what different designers would make for me, so maybe I'd rather be the special guest judge than one of several clients. Also, wouldn't you love to have the Macy's accessory wall in your own closet? But I digress... on to the show details:

WIN: Gordana
AUF'd: Epperson


Major kudos to Shirin for coming back from that hole she had dug for herself. The stitching idea was a brilliant solution. The boys really blew it this week, though- all four of them! Nicholas and Logan made horribly unflattering pants and tops for their clients. Epperson and Christopher made equally unflattering dresses. I don't know what Christopher was thinking with that hideous dyed organza. Michael Kors was spot on with his advice to the model- DON'T go to a party in that outfit, particularly one in the entertainment industry. I completely disagree with the judges- Logan or Nicholas should have gone home for their hideous pants. Epperson has shown really beautiful pieces in previous episodes, whereas Nicholas and Logan have been spotty at best.

The girls, on the other hand, really rocked the challenge. My favorite was Irina- I would LOVE to wear that dress. It's such a perfect cocktail party or date dress and the color was really stunning. I thought for a minute she was going to get three wins in a row, but I was also happy for Gordana- her dress was really spectacular, too. It looked like it took a lot of time to make, but she only had the one day to do it, so I was very impressed with her craftsmanship.

I'm very happy to have Michael Kors back, but from the looks of next weeks clips, he's gone again. Fortunately we get Nina back. I really really really hope that Season 7 is back in New York. The judging is just too spotty when it's out in LA. The heartbeat of American fashion is in New York City. Bottom line. Bring PR back to its home, Lifetime!

Tim Gunn said I'm FABULOUS

It's true. In April of 2008, Tim Gunn told me that I am a fabulous costume designer. Then he rejected me from Season five of Project Runway. It was still a really spectacular day. People are always impressed when I tell them that I auditioned for the show, regardless of the fact that I didn't make it on. I realized that a few weeks back I promised to tell you all the story of how I auditioned, so I'm finally making good on that promise. I hope it's not a let down, especially since I just shared the best part! Anyway, here's the play-by-play, which I hope you find entertaining, if you not useful for those of you aspiring fashion designers who may decide to audition sometime yourselves.

Anyway, it was a cold April day- I remember wearing one of my favorite fall outfits- a cute, cowl neck jersey print dress with black tights and my old stand-bys, the black leather knee-high boots. I remember that I specifically decided not to wear a dress I'd made for lots of reasons. The most deciding of which was the three hour drive to New York that I needed to make and let's be honest, I wanted to be comfortable. The audition was at the W Hotel in Times Square. I came prepared- I had the 25-plus page application I'd downloaded, printed out and painstakingly filled out. It is a loooooong application that I doubt anyone ever bothered to read. Along with my application, I had three samples of my work as well as my portfolio.

The line outside the W wasn't too long, which I found a little worrisome because I'll be honest, if I'm going into any kind of competition, I want to be intimidated. I want to feel like I'm up against the best. I'm not sure if it was because it was the 2nd day of auditions and most people came the 1st day, but seeing only 25 people outside bothered me. Of course I found out later there were a lot more queued up inside. The others in line with me were very friendly, we all chatted, mostly to size each other up. A handful of production assistants, very stylish production assistants, I might add, walked up and down our line, asking to see our samples and portfolios and quizzing us on our experience and background. The tended to swoop in unexpectedly rather than go systematically down the line. Anyway, as I neared the front of the line, I was taken out and told to stand with a sign that had a number on it. They snapped a polaroid, stapled it to my application and told me to go back and stand in line.

A little while later, I was interviewed by a woman who writes for Blogging Project Runway. I could tell right away she wasn't impressed, so I didn't get my hopes up about being featured on the blog that day. Shortly after that, one of the stylish PA's asked to see the samples of the woman in line in front of me. She unfortunately did not have any. No pictures of her work, either- only sketches. Well, apparently that wasn't enough. The PA sent her packing. Told her to come back with samples or at least photographs. I remember thinking, "Ouch! Denied!" It made me a tad nervous, but I got over it quickly.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, my group was sent inside. We took the elevator up to the designated floor and were told to hang our sample on the specified garment rack. I was also told to wait until my number was called. Once called, I was to go into the next room where I would be outfitted with a microphone. Then, and this is the second most memorable part, the PA told me that under no circumstances whatsoever was I to repeat anything that went on in the audition. If I was put through I was to tell NO ONE. Complete and utter confidentiality is what they require. She was so serious about it all and I get that. They want to be the ones to announce the new cast without the new cast blabbing all over town before the production company gets a chance, right? Also, under no circumstances was I to move from the "X" taped on the floor. I was to stand there and only there unless explicitly instructed to do otherwise by one of the panel judges.

OH! I almost forgot to mention this! Do you guys remember Stella? The one that always sewed with "leatha?" She was totally in line in front of me- about 3 people ahead. I remember thinking to myself, "She looks made for TV." I was never that impressed with her work on the show, but I'm sure she has her niche of clients who love what she does. 

Anyway, moving on. When my number was called, everything went as the PA described. I was outfitted with a microphone, they tested it to make sure it was working and before I knew it, I was standing in a room with a panel of four judges plus a small audience that I can only assume consisted of production staff. I have no idea who else was on the panel- all I saw was TIM GUNN!!! I just about died. I remember seeing a woman from Elle magazine, but I don't remember her name. The other two? I can't even picture their faces. I remember being careful to stand on the "X" as instructed by the oh-so-serious PA. Before I knew it, Tim Gunn was asking to see my portfolio. As he flipped through it, I told a super lame story about how I'd had a nightmare about the audition. I wanted to break the ice and be memorable, but I'm sure I was just another face in the crowd. As I finished my story, Tim asked me what I did and why I was there. I said, "I'm currently a costume designer." And he said, "And I can see from your portfolio that you're a fabulous one." He asked about my experience in fashion outside of costume design, of which I have none. I was honest. He and the lady from Elle both agreed that I didn't have the fashion background necessary for the show and told me they wouldn't put me through as a result. THEN... and here's another shining moment, Tim Gunn said, "Renee, if you were to put together a cohesive collection that is current, 2009 and fashion forward, I'd be very interested in seeing it." I almost died! How cool is that? I tend to think that Tim Gunn is not someone who says things lightly. I'm sure if he was not interested in seeing my potential, he never would have made that remark. He would have just thanked me for coming and sent me on my way. Right?

That was it. After being rejected, I left the W, met up with some friends and had a fabulous day in the city. Who could ask for anything more?  Well, I guess I could have asked to actually make it onto the show, right? To be honest, after watching Season five, I was tempted to send Tim a "Thank You" note, thanking him for NOT casting me with all those talentless crazies. If I am ever going to be on PR, I want it to be on a great season, not one with the likes of Kenley and Blaine.

What about all of you? Have any of you ever auditioned for Project Runway? Or any reality TV show? I'd love to hear about it!

Hmmm... I wonder if publishing this blog post is a violation of the confidentiality agreement I signed when I auditioned? It's two seasons later, so I'm thinking... no.

Layering for less

This week the air has really started to have that nip in it- that crispness that says that fall is here. Fall to means that I get to start layering my outfits. I grew up in New England with freezing cold winters- fall was hardly a season- it often felt like summer went straight into winter and winter meant layers. I also love winter because I view outerwear as an opportunity to wear an addition outfit, but you already know that.


Today I'd like to show you guys and gals some trendy pieces and where you can find them for bargain prices.

First up, the animal print cardigan. This $348 embellished snakeskin print cardigan from Neiman Marcus is gorgeous, but I doubt many of us have that kind of cash for a cardigan!

Personally, I don't wear twin-sets. I rarely buy them, but when I do, I never wear them together. Instead I view each as a layering piece, and if you have the cash to get this set and love it, then go for it. It's just not me, but I get its appeal. For those of you on a bit of a tighter budget, I offer you this leopard print cardigan from Forever 21, also known as Bargain Central! It's a steal at $22.80, don't you think?

Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of all the embellished tops that are so abundant these days. It love the ones with feminine details like ruffles and floral motifs. This cashmere sweater also from Neiman Marcus is gorgeous- the color is so vibrant and the "ribbon detail" adds some lovely visual interest.

It's also $398, which is significantly out of my price range. Four hundred dollars is more like a car payment to me. An expensive car. So for those of you like me who want their sweaters to cost less than a quarter of your car payment, I offer you this lovely, drapey sweater from Boston Proper.

I think that in terms of color and detail, this sweater is pretty spot on. It's only $69, which may still be pricey for some, but you're getting a lot of bang for your buck- the pleating is really well done.

Layering isn't all about the top layer- it's just as fun to have something interesting on the bottom or middle layer. Like this gorgeous Escada top available at Saks for a mere $590.

I can just see myself layering something like this under a cropped swing coat or bolero jacket- something with short but roomy sleeves- yes I'm a sucker for the long sleeves under short sleeves look- sue me. Anyway, by "something like this," I mean something that isn't nearly a month's rent. Something more like this ruffle top from Forever 21.

Can you guess the price? You never will- it's too fantastic. Only $17.80! Less than twenty bucks! Pretty darn good if you ask me.

I could honestly go on and on about how to layer and how to find cheap layering pieces, but I'm sure after a while you'd all be bored. So why not tell ME about YOUR favorite layering pieces. Email me a picture of your favorite layered outfit and I'll be happy to post it on the blog. Or leave a comment and tell me about your favorite bargain layering pieces. Or just leave a comment to say "hi" and that you stopped by. I love those kinds of comments! Have a great day everyone!

Shoesday Tuesday- Wish List

Recession? What recession? I know, I know- we're still in an economic crisis, but I don't think that means we can't even look at what's out there. Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you don't look at the menu, right? So here is my fall shoe wishlist with no consideration for price or availability:

Since money is no object with this list, let's start with the most extravagant, Christian Louboutin:

I have no words for these shoes. Well, maybe one word: art.

Moving on before I start obsessing over Louboutin, don't you just die for these boots from Bakers?

I don't love the over-the-knee trend, especially when the heels are sky-high, but I do not have the legs to pull off an over-the-knee flat boot, so I feel like these are a good compromise. You can actually convert the top to be below-the-knee as well:

I'm obsessed with grey right now, too. It's my new black. Alright, moving on, but still sticking with Bakers- you know I'm in love with the ankle boot trend and that combined with my love of ruffles brings me to these lovelies:

Super cute! The ruffles are actually more like tiny little petals- it's like a perfect feminine detail against the harshness of black leather- so cool. Contrary to popular opinion, I do not always wear heels. It took me a little while, but I finally got on the ballet flat bandwagon. These from Nine West make me happy because of the bright jewel tone color:

But for those days when I want bright color on a heel, I'd love to sport these gorgeous pumps, also from Nine West:

Or these, also from Nine West, because who doesn't love a great platform cut-out bootie?

That's enough of a fantasy shoe wishlist for now. What are your dream shoes? Do you imagine sky-high platform heels? Or super feminine flats? Edge-y leather boots? What makes you drool?

Rate My Look- Black & White (and a little pink)

I was on my way to work when I took this picture, so I didn't spend a lot of time making sure it's fabulous. Forgive me my quick photography. Anyway, I have had this skirt for AGES and I love it. I got it at a thrift store for $1. The top is Old Navy and I got it for $4. The scarf was FREE when I made a purchase at Wet Seal. The shoes were $5 at Deb Shops and the ring is from Etsy and a bargain at $8. It's actually a button ring- I gave you a little sneak peek a few days ago. Here's the picture from ShopKim's Etsy site:

It's actually 2 buttons- the black one frames the green one. I love the metallic detail on the inside of the button holes. The ring and the scarf are my little splashes of color on an otherwise all white and black outfit. What do you think? I like. Do you?

I'm joining the 21st century....

Yes, it's true- I've decided to join the 21st century. I've added a shopping cart to my official website so now you can purchase gift certificates and closet consultations ONLINE! Whoo-hoo! Isn't that exciting?

I chose to only include closet consultations (Single or couple) and gift certificates in $25 incremements because the other services I provide can vary more in price. For example, a style party with only 4 people would cost less than one with 6 or 8. Also, corporate events can vary in price depending on how long you'd like me to present and whether or not I'll be doing individual evaluations. For those services, please email me for more information or to schedule an event.

The good news is that with Christmas fast approaching, you could very easily get all your stocking stuffers out of the way with a handful of gift certificates from yours truly!

Feel free to stop by the website anytime as I update it whenever there is something new and exciting to share.

Amy & Aaron's Wedding

So today was the big wedding day for Amy & Aaron. The weather was spectacular which was a total surprise since all week long they'd been predicting rain. Instead it was about 10 degrees warmer that it has been all week and the sun was shining all day. It was gorgeous.

But the weather doesn't have a whole lot to do with my fashion dilemma. As you all know, I really WANTED to wear this outfit to the wedding:

I wasn't totally convinced that it was appropriate and pretty much everyone who offered feedback recommended this outfit instead:

In the end, I got to wear both outfits- the first one to the rehearsal and dinner which was followed by a party at Amy & Aaron's house. The next day I wore the black dress, but I decided to change up the shoes and wore these instead:

The site of the ceremony was in the groom's brother's backyard, so I thought a more substantial heel and an ankle strap was more appropriate than a satin stiletto pump. They totally worked. In the end I'm really glad I went with the black because Amy actually had a gorgeous corsage for me which would NOT have worked with the polka dot dress. Here's a lovely photo of me with the blushing bride. Isn't she stunning?

I have to tell you guys that the necklace I wore got SO many compliments. It was only $7 at Forever 21, but every time I wear it, people ask if I made it out of vintage beads or if it's an antique- it fools everyone every time. I think it works really well with that particular dress- the neckline is perfect for it. Every time I tell people the price and where I got it, they just about die. But enough about me- doesn't Amy look spectacular? Her dress was so pretty and I just love the orchids in her hair.

If you have any particular thoughts or questions about my outfit or Amy's outfit or wedding outfits in general, just leave me a comment and I'll address it in a future blog. Talk to you later!