an anomaly of adventurously layered clothes

As I write this, I am wearing a deep jewel-toned blue mini jumper, eggplant grandpa cardigan, dangly emerald and cubic zirconia costume earrings, and a navy blue and white lace flapper-style "hat" (which isn't a true hat since it basically just sits atop my head, held down by tiny tabs that act as more of a headband). I honestly have no plans to leave the house--so why, you ask, am I dressed as though I'm going gallery-hopping, or cruising Eastside haunts to schmooze with hipster glitterati? It's called playing dress-up! Thanks to the recent New York and London Fashion Weeks, I have rediscovered the endless pleasure of ogling yourself in the mirror as you explore the vast possiblities of accessorizing and intermixing prints (or even matching head-to-toe!).

Not since the Fall 2005 Ready-to-Wear Collections have I felt this inspired by fashion. When John Galliano sent Gemma, Anja, and Stam down the runway in oversized striped sweaters, to-the-knee crocodile boots, aviator-style jackets and sunnies, with hair that fell perfectly over one eye--I wondered if there could be such perfect visual styling again. A few seasons later, I am absolutely cuckoo over dreamy collections from the likes of Eley Kishimoto, Phillip Lim, and my front-running favourite, Matthew Williamson. I love it because it's a little bit street, but still quite girlish and charming. Quirky is back, which is a fun shift from the romantic sophisticate look I've been a fan of for some time now. Dresses are beautiful and easy, but sometimes too easy. Style is about pieces and how you put them together; that's the challenge and that's what makes it worthwhile.


It's exciting because I feel like fashion is moving again--upside down, sideways, but most importantly, forward. I look back on my college years--a time full of memorable fashion moments (i.e. the blue and green plaid minidress that I broke while skating down a hill, my boyfriend's baggy shirts over miniskirts and black tights, my cherished white faux-fur hat that old men used to make fun of, my green wallpaper print winter coat that was the envy of every girl who crossed my path, grandma sweaters galore). With my newfound inspiration I feel like I can revisit the girl I used to be--an anomaly of adventurously layered clothes--but start fresh with the taste and intuition I have since cultivated.

bat for lashes-fur and gold

i may be jumping the gun by writing this but i am in love. i have silly love affairs with albums but i am knee-deep, take my breath away in love. i haven't felt so intensely about an album since 'takeoffs and landings' during sophomore year of high school. i was turned on to bat for lashes about a month ago when my friend noel showed me their eerie but cool video for the song "what's a girl to do". i was entraced. singer natasha khan rides her bike down a gloomy road with her puppet friends behind her, singing the song we have all sung before. "what's a girl to do" is about not knowing how to tell your boyfriend that it's over without breaking his heart. the rest of the album is magical. i'm going to see her in philadelphia later this month and i cannot wait. so many different instruments are used like the harp, viola, and the fiddle and they mesh beautifully with khan's voice. i can only imagine what the live performance will be like. her lyrics are amazing. her voice and the harmonies in each song blow me away. she has that teardrop in her voice that makes you sad and happy at the same time. just like 'takeoffs and landings', every song is so relevant, no matter how you feel about life. and so worthy of putting the whole cd on repeat. my personal favorite is 'sarah', is about the girl we all want to be, wild and free. i haven't been so excited about music in a long time, i'm smitten. if you like girls with actual talent, you will love this album.

my faves

10. BDG jeans – I’ll never understand designer jeans. I’d rather take my $200 and put it towards more unique and luxe pieces. I’ll take BDG jeans at 50 bucks a pop over Ksubi or J Brand any day.

9. Zara baby/Zara girls – My sister just had a new baby girl, which makes 4 nieces for me! I love Zara’s baby and girls clothes. A couple of my latest acquisitions have been a ruffled white dress with black trim that looks like a mini Chanel number, and a t-shirt that reads ‘Ma mere est la plus belle’ (translates to ‘My mom is the most beautiful one’). So adorable.

8. Ole Henriksen – This is my favourite skincare line at the moment. I love the Invigorating Night Gel for tightening pores, exfoliation, and rapid cell proliferation. Honestly, I can’t really afford the whole skincare regime, but I did manage to score some free samples of the Sheer Transformation moisturizer from Sephora.

7. Vinyl – I have just rediscovered my record collection and I can’t believe how many gems I have! White Light/White Heat, This Years Model, Left and Leaving, XO, Bona Drag. I’m just bummed that I threw away my crappy record player during my cross-country move and I can’t listen to any of them.

6. Anna Karina – I have never before felt so bewitched by a woman as when I watch old French classics and see her on screen. She is quite possibly the loveliest face to ever grace film. To me, she is the quintessential muse—and has been to the likes of fashion designers Pierre Cardin, Coco Chanel, and legendary filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard.


5. Electric Lotus – This Los Feliz joint rocks the Indian food like no other.

4. Vanessa Bruno – This Paris-based designer makes the most easy and beautiful dresses. I’ve never felt so pretty as when I wear my favourite little green frock. She knows femininity and her clothes truly capture the style and spirit of French street fashion.

3. STELLA – My new fragrance of choice. It smells just like Stella McCartney’s collections look…fresh, youthful, simple, yet incredibly chic.

2. The Cha Cha – A Silver Lake watering hole that is quite unassuming on the outside (only distinguishable by the large ‘LOUNGE’ sign jutting out from the roof), but grandiosely ostentatious on the inside. There are still traces of the Mexican tranny bar it used to be, but the hipster details make it gloriously cool (the vending machine dispenses Parliament lights!). Pretty much my favourite place on the planet, especially on Tuesdays when they have $1.50 PBR on draft.

1. Lucille Bluth – I really think I’m going to end up like Lucille Bluth when I’m old: drunk, saucy, and fabulously dressed.

"Get me a vodka rocks."
"Mom, it's breakfast."
"And a piece of toast."

Onyileatron5000

Those of you who know what I've been doing the past couple years know that I'm in the cusp, the fold, the circle, or, if you'll indulge my prose for a moment; I am knee deep in the reeking armpit that is Nerd Rap. I generally hang out on a nerd rap message board, chat in nerd rap irc, email beats, disses and props to my nerd rap brethren. I've seen all kinds of guys doing this all over the world, From Australia to the UK, from California to Florida. But the one band that really sticks out in my mind is Onyileatron5000.

Their first release "Year of 5000" is never skipped on my i-pod. Frontman Wholemilk and his partner, The Sauce, throw rhymes out like men possessed by the ghost of the Hamburglar. With fast food raps and mustache odes, this duo keeps a fevered pace not commonly seen by DIY rappers. They duck and swerve around acid basslines at a BPM that 50cent only hears in his nightmares. They show the production skill and cultural presence needed to make it in music and I'm sure they will. Kudos to these two and I hope for two things.

1. That their next album rocks me just as hard as the last.

2. That I get to work with them more soon.

w3rd
-IllGill

Who the $#%* is Teri Horton?

I'll tell you who Teri Horton is, a staunch broad who knows that anything in life worth having has to be fought for. In the documentary, "Who the $#%* is Jackson Pollack", Teri Horton takes on the Art World and all their malarkie. Teri is a 73 year old trash talking truck driving grandma who buys a painting for $5 from a thrift store. After deciding it was really too ugly to keep she puts in a yard sale. Much to her surprise, someone says it might be a Jackson Pollack.

From that point on Teri decides to prove that this painting is an actual JP. Hiring forensic scientists and lawyers, she peels back the layers of class warfare in the elitist art culture. I found her grit to be refreshing even when the movie seemed to lag. There is no cinematic zip to this made-for-tv feeling documentary.

If you are looking for something that is interesting and funny then I suggest you check it out. I have new found respect for people that can teach me to hold my ground. In the words of Barbra Streisand in "The Way We Were"..."People are their principles". Thanks Teri for inspiring us to be true to ourselves at any cost.

i got 10

10. Professional Skin Care - I am currently obsessed with all things involving my face! My new favorite product is Cosmedix Eye Believe Liquid Crystal Serum. This amazing liquid crystal serum replensishes damaged, thinning skin around your eyes. The ultimate eye serum, Eye Believe's alpha lipoic acid, along with copper peptides, stimulate collagen and elastin formation for lasting reduction of fine lines. It also contains coconut extract, a potent strengthening ingredient, delicate enough for sensitive eye tissue.

9. LOST - If you have become bored with this ABC drama you are weak! I am so thankful that network TV has a show that makes me wiki people like Nikola Tesla.

8. Nikola Tesla - (Serbian Cyrillic: Никола Тесла) (10 July 1856 - 7 January 1943) was a world-renowned inventor, physicist, mechanical engineer and electrical engineer. He was born an ethnic Serb subject of the Austrian Empire, and later became an American citizen. Tesla is best known for his many revolutionary contributions to the discipline of electricity and magnetism in the late 19th and early 20th century. Tesla's patents and theoretical work formed the basis of modern alternating current electric power (AC) systems, including the polyphase power distribution systems and the AC motor, with which he helped usher in the Second Industrial Revolution. After his demonstration of wireless communication in 1893 and after being the victor in the "War of Currents", he was widely respected as America's greatest electrical engineer. Much of his early work pioneered modern electrical engineering and many of his discoveries were of groundbreaking importance. In the United States, Tesla's fame rivaled that of any other inventor or scientist in history or popular culture, but due to his eccentric personality and, at the time, unbelievable and sometimes bizarre claims about possible scientific and technological developments, Tesla was ultimately ostracized and regarded as a mad scientist. Never putting much focus on his finances, Tesla died impoverished at the age of 86.

7. Chiropractors - I am currently under the care of Dr. Travis Davis. I go every MWF! I have 100% loss of the curve in my cervical spine and with the help of Dr. Davis I can correct phase one of spinal decay.

6. Chris Made... - My summer project will be to design the brand Chris Made. Chris (my bf & bf) makes slamming hummus and guacomole as well as other tasty dishes. I want him to sell his dips at local co-ops, grocery stores and farmer's markets.

5. Country Living Magazine - As the quintessential indie rocker grandma I must admit that this mag brings a smile to my face once a month as I peruse their flea market finds and glorious spreads of garden parties in the Hamptons.

4. Being Cell-less - I live to see the look on someone's face when I say I don't have a cell phone.

3. Home Study - I will be deciding soon on whether I will enter either a Master Herbalist or a Nutrional Consultant program through an online course. I love the fact that I can sit on my couch and change careers at the same time.

2. Little Edie Bouvier Beale - I have an interal dilemma. I can't decide if I want to be Little Edie or if I am in love with Little Edie. This is what always happens to me. I once felt this way about Fonzie, Jesco White and Jack Black.

1. Pinot Noir - It's my prozac. I hated "Sideways" so don't begin to associate my choice of wine with Thomas Haden Church.

In the days when you were hopeless before, I just liked you more

In the continuing tradition of my affinity to lists, I’ve made a new playlist. Here are some of my favourites and why I love them. (If you don’t already love these songs, you must download them!)

1.“Red House” – Jimi Hendrix
A brilliant opening. The guitar in this song just has so much soul! One of my most favourite Hendrix tunes.

2. “Half a Person” – The Smiths
No other song has ever made being creepy as endearing as this one. He’s spent 6 years on her trail, and only wants 5 seconds of her time. How absolutely darling.

3. “Ashes to Ashes” – David Bowie
Such a danceable and sexy song. The music is so good it just needs to be sampled as many times as possible.

4. “Grand Hotel” – Francoise Hardy
This song makes me think of lovers in French films drinking champagne and slow dancing. It’s in French, but the jazzy piano, violins, and her voice are all so seductive, it almost doesn’t matter what’s in the lyrics.

5. “Houseboat” – Camera Obscura
I’ve felt this way about almost every boy I’ve had in my life. Le sigh.

6. “Walk on the Wild Side” – Lou Reed
The bass line on this is also sample-worthy…and apparently it has been sampled a lot in hip hop. I want to make a film for the sole purpose of using this song.

7. “Too Drunk to Fuck” – Nouvelle Vague
This is probably my favourite band these days. Who would have ever thought of taking a Dead Kennedys song and doing a lounge version? I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s better than the original (most of their songs are!).

8. “Femme Fatale” The Velvet Underground
I love this song because it’s about a different type of femme fatale—a charismatic artsy girl who charms all without even knowing.

9. “Spiral Staircase” – Kings of Leon
This song is crazy awesome. A throwback to when rock and roll was bluesy and had true spirit.

10. “Wild Horses” – Rolling Stones
What a beautiful moment it must have been when Marianne Faithfull woke up from a drug-induced coma and told Mick Jagger that wild horses couldn’t drag her away. There is nothing more romantic.

11. “Los Angeles, I’m Yours” – The Decemberists
This song describes LA perfectly. Angelenos have such a love/hate relationship with the city. It can be a viciously intimidating place, but it’s not for the faint of heart. There is no other place like it.

12. “Over Time” – Lucinda Williams
Her voice on the backdrop of the guitar tremolo and brush drums are heartwrenching.

13. “Stephanie Says” – The Velvet Underground
This is my all-time favourite song. It was written about who I was in my college years, which is the most memorable time of my life to date.

14. "Punkrocker" - Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop
Dance dance dance! And is Iggy Pop the last living rock star?

15. “Age of Consent” – New Order
The perfect ending to any playlist.

Top 10 for your 21st birthday

10. Eyelash extensions.
Because you’re supposed to be extravagant on your 21st birthday.

9. Nail Art
Because you’re supposed to be classy on your 21st birthday.


8. The perfect outfit
Because you’re supposed to make everyone jealous on your 21st birthday



7. Mystic Tan
Because you’re supposed to look like a bronzed goddess on your 21st birthday. (Minus the skin cancer)

6. Good Champagne
Because you're supposed to be drunk on your 21st birthday (but still totally classy)


5. Nelly Furtado
Because 'Maneater' is good song to listen to while drunk on your 21st birthday.

4. Arm Candy
Because you’re supposed to have a hot date on your 21st birthday.
(Dana, do you have Adam Brody’s phone number?)


3. Brazilian Wax
Because you’re not shiek if you’ve never had a Brazilian done (on your 21st birthday)

2. Diamonds
Because you’re supposed to be a princess on 21st birthday. (DUH!)

1. Greasy Thai Food
Because you’re supposed to eat greasy, delicious Thai food the morning after the most fabulous 21st birthday in the history of the world.

Top 10, once again

10. Melrose – Although it may be kind of cliché to hang out on this stretch of trendy shops and eateries, it is undeniably cool. Vinyl record stores, vintage for the masses, a rockabilly barbershop—it’s where hip hop and rock and roll congregate.

9. Raquel Zimmermann – She is the newest face of Chanel eyewear. I’ve always loved her on runways, but she has just recently started catching my eye in ad campaigns and editorials. Plus I’m in love with her billboard that stands over Sunset Plaza.

8. Port wine – It makes me feel like I’m a character in “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie”.

7. Hyperion Tavern – Aside from having guitar-hero Wednesdays and shelves of encyclopedias as walls, this place is just a kickass hangout. They serve 4 kinds of beer and nothing else—and only take cash. It’s a total dive, hidden to the side of a sleepy street in Silver Lake, so it’s not too ‘scene’.

6. French Connection Spring Collection – The colors! The shapes! Oh, the femininity!

5. Trader Joe’s – Puts all other grocery stores to shame.

4. Philip Lim – He is my favourite designer of the moment. His clothes are for the quirky girly girl. The Spring 2007 collection has already put me in debt, but his Fall 2007 collection, which debuted last February, looks even more delectable.

3. Instead of Hearts – Solo project of my very good friend Meg. Her voice is chilling. Check her out at www.myspace.com/insteadofhearts. She’s also got a rough demo of a song she’s working on with illgill.

2. Barneys Co-Op – This boutique version of the ritzy department store has found a new home at The Grove, and my eyes couldn't possibly be happier. While the pickings are slightly less opulent than the famed Barneys (think Chanel, Balenciaga, YSL), the Co-Op's racks full of See by Chloe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and Graham & Spencer are nothing short of dreamy and ogle-worthy. Not to mention easier on my credit card (but not really).

1. Griddle Café – Most diners are open 24/7, right? Not the Griddle. It closes at 4pm which means this place is a mob scene all day, and getting a table can be harder than not making fun of the LA club dudes and chicks that come here in their best shoes and shades. But the good eats and hunky waiters are totally worth the wait. Cheesecake french toast anyone?

When Andy met Edie

Sienna Miller has a gift for popularizing the offbeat. A few years ago it was cowboy boots and “boho”, and in the past year leading up to now it has been 1960s It-girl, Edie Sedgwick. Amidst the anticipation of the release of the Edie biopic, Factory Girl, the deceased Warhol muse has re-achieved icon status, gracing Urban Outfitters tees and inspiring girls to rock the black tights and leopard prints. Unfortunately, no one who admires Edie has any true insight as to who she was, but there are enough opinions floating around about her to see her portrayed on the big screen. While the exploitative 1972 film Ciao Manhattan featured Edie “playing” a character based on her painfully cracked out and degenerated self, Factory Girl instead paints a picture of a poor little rich girl. I surprisingly prefer the latter.

I have been turned off by the Edie mania for a while now, unable to stomach the worship of such a tragic and unsympathetic figure (though stylish she certainly was) who did nothing but allow herself to be manipulated by catty gay/asexual, Andy Warhol. And yes, I was afraid of Factory Girl making a mockery of an era that I've always felt transcends all others. But I felt compelled to see this film the moment it was released because I couldn’t deny the glamour and magnetism of Edie. I just knew that if I kept my expectations low, I wouldn't have to feel so guilty about watching the desecration of a dead icon. It wasn't like that at all though.

I was fascinated by Sienna Miller’s performance. Though she never fully channels Edie, her ability to emulate Edie’s own gestures and vocal qualities is enough to finally prove herself as a real actress and not just a media-induced phenomenon. In fact it wasn't just Sienna--I was struck by the entire ensemble and the way they make the Factory and 60s New York come to life. Guy Pearce as Andy Warhol is nothing short of brilliant, with his blotchy skin and his vicious yet vulnerable persona. Even Hayden Christiansen as "Billy Quinn" (really Bob Dylan, but renamed for legal purposes) is tolerable and actually quite charismatic. Director George Hickenlooper did take some liberties with the whole Velvet Underground thing. It was cheesy the way they portray Nico as some sort of mysterious Viking woman, or whatever they call her in the film when she appears for a hot second. And I did have a problem with some of the wardrobe choices. But overall it was a treat for me to see all the characters--Ondine, Gerard Malanga, Brigid Berlin, and all the Warholstars.

I expected Factory Girl to be an arty and superficial piece of fluff, full of gratuitous drugs and sex. I'm relieved that George Hickenlooper didn't do that. To me the 60s was about style, creativity, and the avant-garde. That's what Edie Sedgwick represents, but she was clearly more than that to many people. Yes, she was a poor little rich girl and this film does make a lot of excuses for her. Though Sienna Miller might not have captured the real Edie completely, at least we can see her as more of a human being rather than what she's been portrayed as in the past--B-movie actress, Andy Warhol's trophy, drug-addicted sideshow, etc. She was the face and spirit of the 60s, and thanks to this film, lovers of that moment in time can feel like they are right there with Edie and Andy.

Sophistication is the New Black

Women are back in black at New York Fashion Week, which comes to a close today. I am loving the charcoal hues I’ve seen all over the runways, but that’s not to say the electric blues at Thakoon and Jill Stuart aren’t equally alluring. But the most exciting thing about new Fall/Winter collections is always silhouettes. With the chilly weather enabling you to bundle up in your best, designers are challenged to create new shapes for women. This year some of the enduring trends have stayed (layering, shifts and trapeze shapes, menswear as womenswear), but young designers like Zac Posen and Proenza Schouler have refined these silhouettes for the modern woman (and not to mention the impeccable styling on their runways!). It's not about vintage anymore; it's about moving forward to sophistication. Even Betsey Johnson classed it up this time around. It's refreshing to see looks that are more put together rather than the tangled mess that has been fashion for the past couple years. I've grown up and so should my clothes. But Derek Lam makes me truly enjoy being a girl, so I will remain a fan of flirty frocks. I love fashion because it's so eclectic in that way. You can be a femme fatale or a gamine. But what really matters is how a gorgeous piece of fabric or a flattering line can make you feel so beautiful.

Some collections were utterly disappointing, like Matthew Williamson and Anna Sui with her bohemian accouterments once again. And there were some standout designers that don't normally catch my eye, like Luca Luca and Michael Kors. But I loved the usual suspects most of all. Here are some of my favourite looks for next season:

Top 8...kinda like Myspace!

8. Knockoffs
Because I love when people go gaga for my forever 21 necklaces or shoes and think they are marc jacobs. When they ask if it is, I always say it was a gift, so I never really confirm that they're FAKES!

7. L'Oreal Lash Architecht 3-D Dramatic Waterproof Mascara
Because I'm a balla on a budget who can no longer afford designer mascara. People are constantly asking whether my eyelashes are real or fake and I can confidentally confirm, REAL!

6. Spain
Because I think about going to Spain about 40 times a day and then I think about all of the cool things that I am going to do in Spain. Then I think about paella and flan. This obsession is taking over my life and this summer, I am going to make it happen!!


5. Fiji Water
Because it is so damn good. I know that every celebrity and their mama luvs Fiji but thanks to my gay and I, we put Fiji on the map in Richmond. Say goodbye to Deer Park.

4. Victoria Beckham
Because I want to be a trophy wife when I grow up.

3. Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
Because I haven't worn it in 6 months and it smells better than ever.

2. Leggings from Target
Because they're better than American Apparel!

1. Eggplants
Because eggplants are having the best week ever. Last night, I made fried eggplant sticks with cilantro sauce. Tonight is eggplant parmesan. Tomorrow is homemade baba ghanouj. I love this forgotten vegetable.

Top 10!

10. ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!

9. Red Bicyclette French Rosé - It's sort of like red wine, sort of like champagne, and very very French. J'adore!

8. Skyn Iceland - The best skincare I have ever tried. The Glacial Face Wash and Nordic Skin Peel are as gentle as the line's name suggests.

7. French bulldogs - Only one of these can make my life complete.

6. Anthropologie - Now that I'm 24 I have broken up with Urban Outfitters. I am now romancing its lovelier and sophisticated older sister. I literally spend an hour here almost every week admiring frocks, knick-knacks, and shabby chic decor that I can barely afford (but I find a way to).

5. Melrose Trading Post - After spending the whole weekend looking for wall art and the perfect end table, I finally ended up here. This fabulous flea market is a French Country goldmine.

4. La Poubelle - Truly what you imagine when you think of a French bistro. This cute little restaurant is nestled perfectly in a less pretentious part of Hollywood and is more for bohemians than the bourgeoisie.

3. Keanu Reeves - Yes, I am totally into Keanu Reeves right now and I'm not ashamed to admit it ;)

2. Francoise Hardy - This French chanteuse and fashion icon is my muse. She is the embodiment of everything cool about the 60s and 70s.

1. The Adventures of Antoine Doinel - Yes, it's obvious that I love all things French. But nothing else compares to these 5 films by Truffaut. I finally own this box set and I am thrilled that I can now watch Antoine try to kiss girls that don't want to be kissed any time I want.

movie pitches, bitches

Awesomicity
Ashton Kutcher and Keanu Reeves are two down and out magicians looking for a spark of magic in their lives, something they like to call: awesomicity.

Duality
Famous philosophers Kurt Russell and Nick Nolte find themselves in a battle of wits with Patrick Swayze and Gary Busey.

Fido!
Juliette Lewis is a cop on the edge, Nicolas Cage is a lawyer with a dangerous secret. While being chased by the mob, this mis-matched odd couple come to realize that their dog is indeed a time traveler. Mobsters played by Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen, and Emilio Estevez.

No You Didn't
Jack Black is on a mission to get revenge on every person that has ever slighted him. Ever. Christopher Walken makes a cameo as the doctor that slapped his ass during birth.

Uh-Oh!
Mathew Perry is seeking out new members for his organization. How can he do this when he's trapped in Africa and he's the Grand Wizard of the KKK? Uh-Oh!

Not Without My Wife
Joseph Stalin is a man torn between controlling communist Russia and his fat drunk cheating spouse. Starring Robin Williams and Rosie O'Donnell.

Being John Malkovich 2: Being Ben Affleck
No one dares go through the door.

Blackass
Filmed Jackass style, Damon Wayans finds some elaborate and some not so elaborate ways to kick his little brothers in their nut sacks.

Blonde is the New Bond

You'd think on a Tuesday night, you could score a decent seat at the movies, equidistant from the front, back, left, and right sides of the theater. No one sitting too close to you so you wouldn't have to feel bad about mocking all the romantic comedy previews. Not in LA. Not with all this Bond-mania going on. I have to admit, I fell victim to the franchise's brilliant marketing techniques. Not only has it successfully wooed me into the theater for 11 bucks a pop (for a blockbuster action flick, no less), but the recurring product placement had my mind on Sony Ericssons, Aston Martins, Omega watches, and even vodka martinis. Damn, this new 007 makes everything look good.

When I first learned that they had cast Daniel Craig for this role I thought, What? A blonde Bond? And when I started seeing the trailers with him emerging from the ocean with his Adonis-like physique, paying homage to the infamous Honey Rider scene from Dr. No I thought, What? A buff Bond? I wasn't too crazy about him, until I realized that I had never liked the slick-shoes, slow-moving Bonds of old anyhow. So the idea of a new, edgier Bond really grew on me. This is one serious ass-kicking 007. Not only that, but he manages to maintain the usual charm of the character while bringing a brooding darkness to the role. I found him to be the most intriguing (and sexiest!) Bond to date. Having the newest Bond girl, Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) by his side didn't hurt either. Casting a 26-year-old, fair-skinned, waifish French actress as a Bond girl seemed like a less than obvious choice, but there is a truly enigmatic quality to Vesper Lynd that Eva Green captures almost effortlessly. Once hailed by Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci as being "so beautiful it's indecent", Eva Green does not play your typical Bond girl. More gamine than femme fatale, Vesper Lynd (James Bond's first true love) is refreshingly intelligent and vulnerable, unlike past bimbo-like love interests. It was as if the role was tailor-made for the actress, whose presence is so alluring I couldn't take my eyes off of her anytime she was onscreen. And the chemistry between her and Daniel Craig is seductive without being lusty.

At one point, the film does become a bit heavy on the romance, which almost ruined the whole thing for me. But don't lose your lunch--sit through it and it eventually makes perfect sense. Casino Royale has most of the cool stuff from traditional Bond films (i.e. Le Chiffre--a bastard of a villain who weeps blood!), but with a lot less cheese. If you like your Bond hokey, cliche, and superficial, just stay home and watch SpikeTV. If you don't give a damn whether your vodka martini is shaken or stirred, go ahead and pay the outrageous ticket prices. It's worth it to finally see a more human Bond come to life on the big screen.

I Met David Lynch and His Cow Nearly Pissed On Me

Hey. You. You know that movie you like? You know, the one that you look at your DVD rack and smile about? The one that satisfies you intellectually, emotionally and visually. The one that grows in both depth and meaning everytime you watch it. The one that has spent hours and hours, perhaps even days, spinning itself into a mangled, scratched, worthless scrap of plastic on pause in your DVD player. That one that you'd never download on edonkey or limewire or bittorrent and would gladly buy a million times over in order to support the artists involved in its making. You know that one? It sucks.
The actors are bad, the cinematography ill-conceived, the editing rushed, the director an obviously demented sociopath. Don't get me started about the special effects. God help your movie and its "special effects." If an infinite amount of monkeys given an infinite amount of time could randomly punch out Shakespeare then a team of four could probably shit your movie's screenplay out in a night of heavy drinking. The musical score is as ill placed as watermelon and fried chicken at a Klan rally. Seriously, its terrible, and you should feel bad.

Five horrible movies beloved to my generation:
1. American Psycho
2. Boondock Saints
3. Garden State
4. American Beauty
5. Kevin Smith

Take a look at your collection and add some more to the list.

D-livered!

My goal tonight was to watch "Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny" for free at a previewed showing in a local mall. Not even a wedged tractor trailer in the mid-town tunnel could keep me from this task! I had painstakingly planned out my afternoon to give a massage at my boss's house, then home to shower/eat/smoke up and have friends meet at my place to go to the movie together. Everything got botched on my way home from the massage thanks to the squished semi and I had to go straight to the mall and call the peeps (no, i don't have a cell!) regarding plan B - "everyone meet me at Chili's in the Food Court while I suck down Long Islands!".

Tenacious D's first album blew my mind. Sure the songs were a rip off of every major rock song from the 'classical' period, but the music paid homage to sex, drugs and rock and roll. How fun it is to scream motherfucker with the bravado of Robert Plant! I figured the "Pick Of Destiny" would be a let down in that they would just replicate the episodes from their HBO show, but I was stupid excited about the new songs that would grace the soundtrack. To my surprise the exact opposite happened because the new songs for the movie are kinda weak and the movie itself was fresh. The title track is by far the most kick ass and the opening musical number with Meatloaf and the child actor who looks just like JB is pretty tasty, but the rest of the songs come nowhere close to "Wonderboy" or "Double Team". I also was left wanting more of the control freak Jables. His usual cocksure portrait of the frontman is one of the most precious things about Tenacious D and it only lightly appeared.

I was happy with the plot development - prophetic vision given by Dio, chance meeting of KG, train for mission then rock off with Satan - and the guest appearances by Dio, #1 fan Lee, executive producer Ben Stiller, Amy Poehler, Tim Robbins, Colin Hanks, John C. Reilly (as tripping Sass) and self-believed rock god Dave Grohl were fun to spot. The story used key elements that worked on the HBO show and added some made for the big screen components, like a car chase, that held your attention for the running time. All in all, the D got their message of "friends that rock together are border line queer for each other " out there. I laughed out loud, I predicted jokes, I pointed at the screen and I sang along to the "History of The D" thanks impart to the stuck truck that drove me to drink (alot!). I suggest you have a shot or hit before you download the torrent of this movie and it will be D-lightful.

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"Nothing comes between me and my Calvins"

I'm sitting here at work and just this second I noticed how comfy my jeans are. I've forgotten what this feels like. Not since my Earnest Sewn skinnies (which are on hiatus from my regular wardrobe rotation since they have gotten a bit snug) have I had this feeling of being One with my jeans. I do believe that there are moments when the stars are aligned, and people and perfect garments find each other. This happened to me the other day when I stumbled upon a pair of skinny Calvins for a mere 10 bucks. Not until I slipped into them did I realize that--as the old 90s slogan goes--nothing will ever come between me and my Calvins. So to Hell with Rogan Jeans, Tsubi, and True Religion. Calvins have made a comeback, complete with a steamy ad campaign featuring the designer's most iconic muse.

A Few of my Favourite Things

Here are my top 5 favourite things of the moment.

5. Scrubs - I love how we're in the age of actual funny stuff on Comedy Central. As a child who was too cynical to hang out with the neighborhood kids, I spent my summers indoors watching Mystery Science Theater, Benny Hill, Kids in the Hall, and Absolutely Fabulous. Between then and now, Comedy Central stopped being funny and boring stand-up shows prevailed. Well, today, among high-larious shows like Drawn Together and Reno-911, they've started showing Scrubs. I hate Zach Braff, but I LOVE this show.

4. Silky Smooth - THE BEST ice cream in LA, even if it is in a mall. And they advertise that it's 40% less fat than regular ice cream, and that's good enough for me!

3. Sequins - I want to fill my wardrobe with sequins. Sequins are so glam, they can make any girl feel like the most fabulous in the room. From black sheath dresses from FCUK, to gold striped MaxMara shifts, to multi-colored vintage Emilio Pucci, sequins are are the new black.

2. The Duel - Such a guilty pleasure. I have always, always been a sucker for Real World/Road Rules challenges. This is the best one yet. It makes me anticipate Thursdays the way The OC used to.

1. Sielian's Vintage Apparel - This adorable boutique has given me the pleasure of naming LA the vintage mecca of the US (sorry, New York, you're old news). The owner, Sielian Lie, has a true gift for finding vintage frocks that might as well have been designed by Lagerfeld himself (Chloe, circa 1970s). Not only is she the sweetest boutique owner you've ever met, but her dresses are priced from $60-$300--very reasonable considering they are one of a kind and in pristine condition. I'm looking forward to frequenting this place. I've already divulged the name of the store--she told me the best day to come, but I think I will keep that my own little secret.

no sleep til brooklyn

hey. look at my new dress.


i plan on wearing it for every holiday for the next 10 years. it will never go out of style. i went to nyc this past weekend. i had a horrible time. i saw kevin federline, went to a rave in williamsburg, and had no luck finding the perfect winter coat. but i did stumble across a diamond in the rough. with no agenda in my second favorite city, i was wandering around brooklyn with some friends trying to find the cool shops that we had googled. we were actually trying to find another store, when the creative visual merchandising next door caught my friend adam's eye. (the other store was too bourgeois and was playing frou frou, but i did take the free candy). built by wendy. amazing. from cute minidresses, up the wazoo to clever men's graphic thermals to jammies for little hipsters in training. wendy's claim to fame: guitar straps. she has designed a line of guitar straps for every kind of rockstar (ultra suede, canvas, tweed) - there is something for everyone. i forgot my credit card in virginia, so i couldn't buy everything in the store, but i wanted to. everything about built by wendy made me a believer. sales associate: cool. playing t rex: cool. offering simplicity patterns: cool. yes, the designer of this store recently wrote her own sewing book and simultaneously released a line of home made patterns, so that you may DIY. i strongly urge everyone to check this designer out. (she only has 3 stores: nyc, brooklyn, la, but go online!) finding this gem was the most exciting part of my trip. even more exciting than bad rap and glowsticks.

The Exquisite Art of Vintage

After only knowing about Los Feliz through common LA hipster knowledge, I finally got out of my West Hollywood bubble and drove down Sunset Blvd., past L. Ron Hubbard St., to the adorably chic neighborhood. Where Eastside cool meets Hollywood fab, lies my latest discovery as a new Angeleno: Squaresville. This place houses unique and stylish vintage at CHKD prices. Just yesterday I found a strapless black dress covered completely in black sequins (a la Dolce & Gabbana '04/'05) for a mere $32. Worth the price for the fit and the endless inquiries I'm bound to receive on a night on the town in this number.

Vintage pieces are pretty much wardrobe staples these days. Popularized by many a young Hollywood starlet, it almost takes a stylist to pull this look off. There is a thin line between looking chic in vintage, and looking like you just literally stepped out of the 1950s. Some girls are simply blessed with an intrinsic eye, and some girls are just well-trained in the art of style. For those left over, it can be difficult to pick out vintage looks that are fashion forward. The trick is to be careful with certain silhouettes and prints. Don't try to go head-to-toe vintage--update it and mix it up with of-the-moment pieces. Usually you can go with your instincts, and with the right confidence, you can wear the hell out of anything. But just because it looked amazing on Jane Birkin in the 60s, doesn't mean you will do it the same justice today. So just take a good look at yourself in the mirror, even if you have to occupy the fitting room forever like I do, and get a sense of what you can pull off, and what is best left in the past.

Babel Babble

The Tower of Babel was built by men in an attempt to reach the heavens without reverence to God. Angered by this defiance, God divided these men by creating languages and scattering all of humanity to different parts of the Earth so that people could no longer communicate. Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's film, Babel, brings this concept into modern times, where human disconnection is fed by cultural differences, language barriers, and fear of terrorism.

Three stories take place in Morocco, Tunisia, Mexico, and Japan. A single incident--an accidental shooting in Morocco--profoundly affects several people across the globe. A Morrocan family has to deal with the consequences of their children's reckless acts. Richard (Brad Pitt) frantically tries to save his wife Susan (Cate Blanchett) in Tunisia, while their children are at home and must tag along with their nanny, Amelia (Adriana Barraza), to Mexico for her son's wedding. The trip to Mexico takes a horrific turn for the children and Amelia, which has catastrophic effects on the lives of Amelia and her nephew Santiago (Gael Garcia Bernal). While these two stories are linked seamlessly, Chieko's (Rinko Kikuchi) story in Japan seems to only serve as emphasis for the overall themes. As a teenage girl living as a deaf-mute, Chieko's communication gap with everyone around her is unique and heartbreaking. It never fully connects to the other two stories, but it is no less poignant. The acting is nothing short of riveting. Rinko Kikuchi portrays Chieko with great complexity and vulnerability. Brad Pitt gives possibly the best performance of his career.

Though I found the film to be predictable, I won't spill any more details than that. While it wasn't a flawless piece of work, Babel achieved what I feel are the most important elements of cinema. It tells a story and provokes emotions within its audience. The simplistic, no frills cinematography still manages to leave an imprint on ones mind. Beneath the imagery lies deep human emotion, desperation, and suffering. It truly reflects where our world is today, which is tragic, yet refreshing to see a film that boasts such a realistic point of view. This film is worth seeing--and coming from me, that's saying a lot.

Fashionistas who shove raisins up their nose?

I have found a haute couture line for toddlers that can elevate them from juice stained onesies to whimsical pinafores. The Spring Line for ZeBird and Krickett has just been launched from the serene Outer Banks of North Carolina. The designer, Becca Hughes, has combined her love for sewing with the necessity to keep her daughter clothed. I admit this independent seamstress is a friend of mine, but nonetheless ZeBird and Krickett (www.zebirdandkrickett.com) is interesting. I am a sucker for any do-it-yourselfers out there who are providing a living for their family with art. Before becoming a mama, Becca was an amazing artist who impressed me with her choice of color and design on surfaces ranging from canvas to walls. You may still be able to find her tag on dumpsters in Norfolk, Va.

The skirts, pants, pinafores and tees from the Spring 2007 collection are dainty and playful. The juxtaposition of eccentric patterns set against the azure calm of denim bring the pieces a comfortable sophistication. Oversized and jauntily placed shapes give the clothes a signature touch. The pinafore is reversible which makes the price two for one. The pants remind me of Little BoPeep undergarments perfect for everyday wear or playing dress up.

I can imagine that the arduous task of dressing your child in the morning would become a cinch when they have clothes to wear that are made with their imagination in mind. The prices may be higher than the cutesy-pie clothes at Target, but I believe that these made by hand pieces of art are well worth it.

Chloe girls

Though it's not THE most legendary or avant-garde fashion house in existence, I must pay tribute to the enduring spirit of Chloe. Founded in 1956 by Gaby Aghion, it wasn't until the 70s when Karl Lagerfeld took the reigns that the world would know the now iconic style that is synonymous with the name. A younger, more flirty Chanel. Succeeding Lagerfeld were the likes of Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo - designers who understood Lagerfeld's aesthetic and modernized it, putting Chloe back on the map in the past decade. It's only fitting that Marni's Paulo Melim Andersson is next in line to bring the house into the future.

Chloe girls are this generation's Chelsea girls. Smart, urban, quirky, yet feminine. The clothes are the perfect mix of casual and luxe, with a signature whimsical twist. So beautiful and perfect, that I admire them on hangers in boutiques, and they're almost too transcendent to touch. But every now and then I'm bold enough to put them on, and they're the kind of clothes a girl can live her everyday life in, and feel confident and unique. If I had to live the rest of my life wearing only one thing, you can bet that Chloe would be the one to tie me down. It would be worth the thousands, to feel so young and lovely for all time.