On last week's 'Parks and Recreation' we saw Ron Swanson prove to Leslie how much of a tolerance he has for alcohol: he finished building a small harp in his woodshop while downing a bunch of whiskey. Power tools, precise measurements, minute tuning, the whole works. He even showed her photographic evidence (above).

When I spoke to Nick Offerman at the press tour, he told me that the show would be getting a look inside Swanson's woodshop. When he talked about the prospect, his eyes lit up and said, "I'm very excited about it." Well, now we know why: Offerman owns his own woodshop, and has a website full of examples of his and his crew's work. They make some very nice furniture, and they also build small structures and canoes.

Continue reading Nick Offerman Really Does Have a Woodshop

 

Filed under: TCA Press Tour, Reality-Free, Parks and Recreation

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Since we saw that rather stunning Letterman/Leno/Oprah ad on The Super Bowl last night, I thought it might be interesting to post this audio from Dave's 1969 radio show at Ball State University (WAGO).

He's young here (it was 41 years ago!), but you can already see his style of humor in place. Not sure why it sounds so echo-y and metallic. That's either because of the age of the audio or perhaps that's what it sounded like on AM radio back then. The Internet Archive has more info about the show, and according to them, the woman that Dave calls is his then-wife Michelle.

[via Pop Candy]

 

Filed under: Late Night, Celebrities, Talk Show, Reality-Free

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The February 8th episode of 'Chuck' will be the last until after the Olympics, so here's a bit a news that should keep all 'Chuck' devotees panting for the return. Christopher Lloyd will be guesting on 'Chuck' in the spring. He's playing a psychiatrist/therapist/shrink who Chuck consults with when the rigors of morphing into a spy starts to get to Agent Bartowski.

This will hopefully be a case of the right actor in the right role and the writers rise to the occasion to create something memorable. There's every reason to hope for big things because executive producer Josh Schwartz has admittedly being a geek when it comes to anything related to 'Back to the Future.' Having Doctor Emmett "Doc" Brown in the house should be an inspiration, don't you think?

Continue reading Christopher Lloyd Will Be a Doc on 'Chuck'

 

Filed under: OpEd, Celebrities, Casting, Chuck, Reality-Free

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Here are the new TV DVDs, in stores tomorrow.

'Studio One' is one of those shows I wasn't sure they'd ever release on DVD. Sure, it's an important, classic shows, but I wondered if they'd bother releasing them and if some of the tapes were erased or in horrible condition. There was a big 'Studio One' set released last year, and this week we have 'Twelve Angry Men' and the Rod Serling dramas in separate sets. Really great stuff, and well worth getting if you're into TV history.

Or you could buy season one of 'Gary Unmarried.'

• 'Army Wives' - Season 3
• 'Fraggle Rock' - Wembley's Egg Surprise
• 'Gary Unmarried' - Season 1
• 'The Guild' - Season 3
• 'JAG' - The Final Season

Continue reading New TV on DVD Releases This Week

 

Filed under: TV on DVD, Reality-Free

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I don't know how much crossover there is when it comes to Barry Manilow fans and Ozzy Osbourne fans. But I guess it's possible to love "Copacabana" and "Crazy Train." The other night Jimmy Kimmel had both singers on his show, so there were fans of each in the audience. Jimmy tried to figure out which one a certain audience member came to see.

[Watch episodes of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and other shows at SlashControl.]

 

Filed under: Late Night, Video, Celebrities, Talk Show, Reality-Free

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Maybe it's just me, but in every promotion for NBC's upcoming family dramedy 'Parenthood,' the images of Lauren Graham has a 'Gilmore Girls' vibe. Will Lauren be able to convincingly play a new character, divorced mom Sarah Braverman, and erase the nostalgic shadow cast by her performance as single mother Lorelai Gilmore? Or are we to believe what the NBC ads are showing us -- that Sarah B. is really just Lorelai 2.0.

According to Joel, who saw the pilot, Sarah is no Lorelai. She's not chummy-chummy with her children. She's a lot tougher and more of a mom than a buddy. That would definitely be different from 'Gilmore Girls.' Lorelai and Rory's relationship was unique because they were really best friends... most of the time.

Continue reading Lauren Graham in 'Parenthood,' More Than Lorelai Gilmore 2.0?

 

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, OpEd, Celebrities, Casting, Reality-Free

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The family reality show that would never say die just died.

TLC has officially canceled the long-running 'American Chopper', which has been on the air since 2003 when it first found footing on the Discovery Channel. The show's final episode will air on Thursday.

Say what you will about the series running past its prime, but both the show and its subjects have been through a hell of a lot of mayhem. The shop played host to a ton of thick, rich drama, capping with the final season in which Paul Jr. leaves the shop on very heated terms and eventually led to Paul Sr. suing his son for a $1 million in back company stock.

If you're curious to know how things will wrap up, check out a preview of the final episode at Turbo.Discovery.com.

 

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Cancellations, Reality-Free

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I had a Stretch Armstrong toy when I was a kid. Like most boys I tried to find some way to break it. Sure, the ads said you could stretch and stretch and stretch the guy, but could you really stretch him really far and not snap off an arm or a leg? If I remember correctly he was pretty resilient. We'll see what they do on the big screen, because they're making a movie out of the toy (and I'm sure they'll be a toy for the movie, so it all comes full circle), and Taylor Lautner is going to play Stretch.

In this ad, the kids each take an end of Stretch Armstrong and stretch him practically across the room. I know that Lautner is not a doll he's a grown human being, but I think it would be funny if they included a scene like this in the movie. Sort of a wink and a nod to parents in the audience who remember the toy.

 

Filed under: Video, Commercials, Reality-Free

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Last week, when Annie posted about the series HBO is developing the comedy 'Tilda,' about the life of "a powerful female online showbiz journalist with a no-holds-barred style," the first person I thought of was Nikki Finke, who writes the blog Deadline Hollywood.

In fact, pretty much everyone who works in entertainment journalism thought of Finke; she's reclusive, opinionated, confrontational, litigious, and likes to punctuate news that corroborates with her inside info with a big fat "TOLDJA!" in all caps. So it's not a surprise to think that more than one person had to wonder if Finke was involved in this show, and if she wasn't, would she sic her lawyers after HBO and anyone else within subpoena-shot.

Gawker called Finke, who, in between threats to sue the site's writer and corporate parent, said she'd talk about her involvement (or lack therof) with the project soon. But The Hollywood Reporter managed to find out that Finke wasn't involved, leading to their wondering if Finke has the right to sue over this series.

Continue reading Could Nikki Finke Sue HBO?

 

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Industry, Reality-Free

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If you're one of the fortunate few who make it big in the television biz, shouldn't you take the opportunity to use that cushy cushion you have built for yourself and take a big risk on something exciting and new? Not if you're one of these big television producers.

Big shots like Shawn Ryan, David E. Kelley, and Shonda Rhimes all have pilots in the can that don't seem to stray much farther from the shows that made them the big shots that they are today.

For instance, Ryan, creator of the groundbreaking FX cop drama 'The Shield,' has another cop drama premiering with Fox called 'Ridealong.' Kelley, the writer/producer behind 'The Practice' and 'Boston Legal,' has created a reality drama for NBC called 'Kindred.' Even Rhimes, the woman behind ABC's 'Grey's Anatomy,' has another medical drama show for ABC called 'Off the Map.' Is ABC looking to create an all-medical soap opera cable channel in the coming year?

 

Filed under: Other Drama Shows, Industry, Grey's Anatomy, Pickups and Renewals, Reality-Free

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Filed under: Accessories, Fashion, News, Designers & Brands

Keds are getting a sparkly chic update thanks to Alice + Olivia.

The all-American sneaker brand is teaming up with Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet to create a limited edition collection of its classic Champion style.

"I don't think I removed Keds from my feet as a kid. I can even count how many pairs I had." said Bendet. "We decided to do a collaboration that would bring a little Alice + Olivia fun to the 2010 Keds Champion, with what else but fun colored sequins."

The slip-on shoe will be available in four sequin-adorned colors: black, silver, pale pink and safari green.

"As a brand, we look to partner with artists and designers that can bring their own unique vision and creativity to the iconic Champion silhouette," said Kristin Kohler Burrows, president of Keds.

The kicks will retail for $88 and are launching in the spring exclusively at Neiman Marcus, followed by Alice + Olivia stores and Website as well as select retailers worldwide.

And if sequins aren't your things, you can always design your own pair of Keds.

Alice + Olivia Partners With Keds on Sequin Sneakers originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, News

Move over Bar Refaeli, there's a new bikini babe fronting the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Brooklyn Decker is the magazine's 2010 cover girl, according to JustJared.

The identity of the model who earned the coveted spot was supposed to stay under wraps until the "Late Show with David Letterman" aired tonight at 11:35 pm ET, but the celebrity Website got word that Andy Roddick's better half will be passed the bikini, er baton, from 2009 swim star Refaeli.

Aside from cheering on her tennis star hubby courtside, Decker has been je-setting about to be photographed for the highly anticipated issue. We got a behind-the-scenes peek at one such location shoot from these twitpics posted last August.

Now, there's an image, allegedly tweeted by an SI editor, of the Ohio blonde looking well-equipped to take on the sexy status.

Brooklyn will be on hand tomorrow (Feb. 9) at 3 pm ET to answer questions about her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition gig, -- which will be broadcast via UStream.tv -- and will make a follow-up appearance on Letterman when the issue hits newsstands on Feb. 10.

If Bar Refaeli's career since landing last year's cover is any indication, Brooklyn Decker's career is about to take off. Big time.

Along with a reprise in the 2010 SI Swimsuit issue, Bar landed Rampage's campaign two seasons in a row.

Brooklyn Decker Lands Cover of 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As the title says, the Goth Geek God himself, Neil Gaiman, has penned an episode of the British iconic program 'Doctor Who'. Gaiman has already written for television (including an episode of 'Babylon 5' and his British TV series 'Neverwhere') but this represents the first time he has written for a program that he actually watched as a child. If you listen carefully, you can hear all the nerd brains around the world exploding.

Gaiman himself announced this at a British sci-fi convention this past weekend and shocked everyone with this bombshell during an award acceptance speech. However, the folks behind our favorite Time Lord would not confirm Gaiman's statement. Hopefully he didn't jump the gun with this announcement. It would be a shame if he had to renege on it later.

The episode might be called 'The House of Nothing' (the announcement is nothing if not vague) and supposedly will air sometime in 2011, during the next season. Neil Gaiman, meet Matt Smith.

 

Filed under: Industry, OpEd, Doctor Who, Celebrities, Reality-Free

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, News, Designers & Brands, Celebrity Style

When the actress, pop-star and all-around-phenomenon Raven-Symoné walks in the Heart Truth Red Dress Collection runway show this Thursday, she will be wearing a gown that was custom-fitted and dyed for her by the Los Angeles-based designer Tadashi Shoji. The former star of "The Cosby Show" and "That's So Raven" was at Tadashi's studio last week for her final fitting, which she shared exclusively with StyleList.

The actress arrived looking great - with a huge Louis Vuitton tote on her arm and wearing a glamorous Vivienne Tam day-dress. "It's from my mom's closet," she explained in a raspy voice that was caused by overzealous air conditioning in her new Sherman Oaks home. "I had it and then she took it for like four years, and now it's vintage, so I said, 'Ok give it back.'"

When Raven tried on the red dress that she'll be wearing on the runway, however, she was totally transformed. "I feel like Marilyn Monroe," she said, looking at herself in the mirror. (Though the designer himself wasn't there to witness the glamorousness - one of his assistants was helping with the fitting - we know he'd be proud.)

Part of the transformation came courtesy of an "apparatus" she has created for herself, an undergarment that's part corset, part Spanx. "Over the years of 'That's So Raven' and fluctuating and trying everything, I was like, I need to move this over here, move this here, put that there," she said.

The apparatus in question "makes the butt come out," according to the actress and recording star. "Normally Spanx makes the butt look flat, which is unacceptable for a black girl. No flat b. This molds and it lifts. Learn from Beyoncé all day long."

Eventually, when Raven starts a fashion line - something she is working on with a yet-to-be-named clothing company -she hopes to include this particular garment.

"When you do a line, you have to have something that sets it apart," she said. "I need to find that something so it's like, 'Did you hear what Raven has?'"

Regardless, "It will be affordable to all and cater to the girl who is very luscious."

Even though she looked fabulous, Raven explained that she has no anxiety about appearing in the upcoming fashion show. "The only time I was scared," she said, "was when I met Michael Jackson and when I met Janet Jackson. I almost fainted."

Come Thursday, those in attendance can watch her confidently strut down the runway like another famous catwalker. "I'm coming for Naomi," she said with a laugh.

Speaking of Naomi Campbell, have you heard what she's up to this Fashion Week?

Exclusive! Raven-Symon?'s Dress Fitting with Tadashi Shoji..and Her Secret Fashion Weapon originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, News

Normally, designers and celebrities go together like champagne and bubbles. Famous faces in the front row of the collections mean more publicity which hopefully translates into more sales in the stores.

But America's current fascination with the self-described "Guido" cast of the MTV hit "Jersey Shore" is causing some consternation ahead of New York Fashion Week.

The trouble-magnet known as Snooki has, through an intermediary, let it be known that she is available to be a celebrity guest at the shows, which is wrinkling noses on faces normally too Botoxed to move.

"It's a nightmare," one veteran fashion publicist, who is responsible for seating several top Fashion Week shows, told me. "Nobody wants any of those kids anywhere near their brand."

The problem is that while the "Jersey Shore" cast would certainly attract flashbulbs, their lowbrow image is not seen as a snug fit with the showcase event of a multibillion-dollar luxury industry. Or, in the words of another Fashion Week vet: "They're [bleeping] peasants."

Of course, it would not be hard to re-cast the "Jersey Shore" team with talent already familiar to Fashion Week. International Herald Tribune critic Suzy Menkes is an obvious choice for Snooki, based on their similar hair styles. J-Woww and Betsey Johnson also look as if they share a hairdresser.

For his famous abs, The Situation could only be played by Marc Jacobs, who has shown a recent fondness for stripping down for the camera. And the musclebound Ronnie looks like he shares a gym routine with square-shouldered menswear maestro, John Bartlett.

Sammi Sweetheart and Donna Karan show a similar knack for staying centered as madness swirls around them, while the bashful good-guy Vinny reminds me of gentlemanly designer Michael Bastian. DJ Pauly D could only be fashion's favorite spin-meister, Ben Cho.

Then there's Angelina, the cast member who seemed promising but was fired early on and completely disappeared from the scene. Umm, Kate Betts?

However, you can expect to see reality stars the Kardashians at Fashion Week showing their collection for Bebe.

'Jersey Shore' Cast Not Welcome at Fashion Week originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jorge Garcia, the dude who plays Hurley on 'Lost', has launched a new weekly podcast about the show's final season, lovingly titled "Geronimo Jack's Beard."

You can download the first episode now, which features Jorge and co-host Beth Shady discussing the script for last week's premiere 'LA X Parts 1 & 2'. It's a fun listen, but don't expect to hear any plot spoilers from Jorge, who clearly states that he's "not the answer guy."

While listening to "GJB," I honestly wasn't expecting to get any definitive answers to the four million questions I have about the premiere. (I doubt Jorge could get away with sneaking spoilers into the recording.) Still, I was hoping to get a few clues about the strange new "flash sideways" storyline.

But the podcast left me even more confused about the premiere than I was before.

Continue reading Jorge Garcia's New 'Lost' Podcast Just Melted My Brain

 

Filed under: OpEd, Lost, Watercooler Talk, Reality-Free

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, News

Tackling global issues like health care and the economy? That's a piece of cake!

It's shopping for wedding dresses that's proving more difficult to negotiate for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her bride-to-be daughter, Chelsea Clinton.

Hillary confessed to CNN's Candy Crowley that neither she nor the former first daughter have settled on dresses for Chelsea's planned summer nuptials to longtime love Marc Mezvinsky.

"If you don't tell anybody, Candy, we're still looking," Clinton fessed up in an interview with the political correspondent. "I don't have a dress yet and neither does Chelsea. We're working on it."

Um, Clinton ladies, time for a speedy motorcade over to the bridal atelier. Gown veterans know it takes more than one quick fitting to get that flawless look for the wedding pictures, which are sure to be broadcast around the world.

No date, beyond a vague "Summer 2010." has been released publicly by the couple, who announced their engagement last year.

So, what's more difficult, negotiating Middle East peace or wedding plans? Crowley asked. "I'd probably call it a draw about now," Clinton laughed.

If Hillary is stumped on what to wear, perhaps she can turn to the ever-stylish First Lady Michelle Obama to convene a style summit. Obama told "Today's" Matt Lauer last week that she plans her outfits out about two weeks in advance, but beyond that does not pay too much attention to the fact that she's perceived as a fashion icon.

If Chelsea and Hillary are really pressed for time, maybe they can just shop online at J.Crew, which we all know is a favorite resource of the current administration.

From the way Clinton spoke about the wedding, we have a hunch she may have been keeping a few state secrets. (Let's just hope Hill avoids pants suits, retro prom dresses and headbands.)

"It's a new status for me, MOTB (mother of the bride), but I am proud to have that status."

For more wedding style, check out StyleList's exclusive interview with "Say Yes to the Dress" star Randy Fenoli.

Hillary Clinton Says She and Chelsea Still Looking for Wedding Dresses originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, News, Designers & Brands

Donatella Versace has seen better days, and by that, she means she misses the heyday of the real supermodels.

The Italian designer prefers personalities to today's blank-slate, walking clothes hangers and dishes to Love magazine on the crazy catwalk days of the early '90s -- think one-name household monikers, as in Christy, Cindy, Naomi and Linda, reports the Independent UK.

Hitting newsstands tomorrow, Love's "Fashion Icon's" issue with naked supermodels on its cover, has Donatella wishing for more runway icons in the making.

"There is not enough ego!" the designer lamented. "Now is a bad moment. Now we need something. We need a special personality. We need to feed the egos of these girls. Somebody like Kristen [McMenamy] who had a huge ego. Beautiful..."

While the latest round of robotic Sashas and Valerias also have our heads spinning, are we really ready for a true supermodel comeback?

For his Fall '91 show, Donatella's late brother, Gianni, cast Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell all in the same show and together they sang George Michael's "Freedom" on the runway.

Donatella insists it's all about championing fun.

"There is an idea of neutrality in models now. Little make-up, no expression, like a robot... That is very stupid. It is almost as if the models have to have the appearance of something serious, to give an intellectual base, but they themselves are rarely like that," the bleach blonde designer told the magazine.

"And the roots of fashion are essentially fun. It is something that women wear to make themselves feel better, that shouldn't be forgotten. When you take the joy out of fashion, it is not fashion any more."

But along with big egos come big personalities, and in fashion's case, sharpened claws. Donatella dishes on some behind-the-scenes catfighting:

"Kristen [McMenamy] was a big problem with my brother at first -- she was crazy; Gianni just did not understand right away. The stories! Ha! Between her and Linda [Evangelista], it was like watching a movie that never ends...

"One day they had a fight about roots. Kristen had arrived with black roots in blonde hair, and Linda arrived with black roots in blonde hair; and both of them went mad, both saying they were first. Really, that is a big thing for models -- roots!"

A backstage fight on roots? At least this was pre-Lady Gaga's two-tone yellow locks (we have a feeling the supermodels may have lost that one).

We do see Versace's point, fashion shows have increasingly become about who's in the front row and not who's on the runway.

However, while Donatella pines for more memorable mannequins, the designer herself isn't exactly lagging in the Hollywood game. She was the mastermind behind launching the label's most celebrity-embraced collection, Atelier Versace, with the red carpet in mind.

And if you tack on her silver screen cameos in "Zoolander" and "The Devil Wears Prada," you'll see Donatella has eclipsed those robotic models as a household name.

As for Versace's Spring 2010 campaign featuring Mick Jagger's youngest daughter, Georgia May Jagger, we're wondering if Donatella is doing as she suggests and pumping the teenager's ego. Rock star progeny plus over-inflated ego? Sounds more to us like a recipe for a fashion disaster.

If one thing is for sure, the "supers" have staying power. Cindy Crawford has parlayed her modeling career into a business.

Donatella Versace Spills on '90s Supermodel Drama, Complains Today's Models Don't Have Enough Ego originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(S01E01) Networks usually give the post-Super Bowl time slot to household series or to series they really believe in and want to offer a ratings booster. This year, CBS decided to give the post-Super Bowl time slot to the new reality documentary series 'Undercover Boss.'

The series follows high-level CEOs are they go undercover in their own company to examine how things work outside of their ivory towers.

In the premiere, Larry O'Donnell (pictured right), president and COO of Waste Management, got out of his suit and put on worker clothes to live a day in the lives of four of his employees.

Does the concept work? Will I tune in for more? My two cents coming up!

Continue reading Review: 'Undercover Boss' - Series Premiere

 

Filed under: Other Reality Shows, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

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Filed under: Beauty, News, Makeup, Skin & Body, Shopping

Milly designer, Michelle Smith, and Clinique have teamed up this spring to create a Milly for Clinique cosmetics bag.

Painted in fun and flirty seasonal shades of green, pink, violet and blue, this foldover makeup clutch comes packed with Clinique's best of spring beauty products including the Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20, Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent and Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Clearly Pink.

"Colour plays center stage in my collections," says Smith. "The bright, fun print of the new Milly for Clinique bag makes me excited for spring."

And to celebrate their second collaboration, Clinique and Smith are inviting you to Girls' Night Out -- an evening full of beauty and fashion. Makeup lovers are welcome to sip on champagne, enjoy an intimate fashion show with the hottest spring trends, and take part in custom makeovers from Clinique consultants. Guests are also invited to mingle with Smith and have her sign their very own Milly for Clinique spring makeup bag.

Girls' Night Out will take place on February 11, 2010 from 5pm to 7pm at Bloomingdale's 59th Street in New York City. The Milly for Clinique spring cosmetics bag is currently available at Bloomingdale's nationwide and Bloomingdales.com through February 21.

Click here to find out what color another major beauty brand is aiming to make cool this spring!

Michelle Smith Teams With Clinique For Milly Makeup Bag originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Celebrity, Celebrity Style

Whether you were cheering for the Colts or the Saints, there was no shortage of revelry during Super Bowl weekend in Miami. There were more open bars than a prison breakout and stars such as Jessica Alba, Fergie, and Jimmy Fallon in the mix. Here's the rundown of the celebrity-soaked scene:

It started early on Saturday with a boozy brunch - complete with DIY Bloody Mary bar - hosted by all-star MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife Karen. They threw a $1000-a-plate fundraising brunch on top of the Viceroy hotel downtown to help juice their charity dedicated to helping children under physical and emotional distress.

Also on hand was star chef Mario Batali who was celebrating the launch of his own eponymous foundation. (Batali and Moyer became friends when the chef started buying salami from the baseball player's dad.) As Batali and Emeril Lagasse tag-teamed the crowd with demos, Jimmy Fallon mingled, admitting he was a hopeless cook. "But I've just gotten a crockpot," he enthused. "If you get one, just tweet about it and people will start sending you recipes."

Food was scarcer later that evening at Michael Bay's house, where a star-spattered dinner planned on the sprawling manse's roof was canceled because of the chilly weather (the food was plated and turned into passed appetizers indoors). Bay was hosting another sporting charity bash, this time for The Giving Back Fund, which helps rich sports stars morph into philanthropists. Clearly, someone at the CW owed the director a favor. Making red carpet appearances were '90210 2.0' vixen Annalynne McCord with boyfriend Kellan Lutz, and 'Gossip Girl' couple Ed Westwick and Jessica Szohr. The latter couple's flight from N.Y.C. was canceled from the snow, so he had barely made the celebrity football game on the beach earlier that day. Not that it mattered. "I don't know the rules anyway, mate," he laughed.

Late night on the Super Bowl's eve, it was a laddie mag smack down between two bashes for Playboy and Maxim. Both were vying for A-list attendance, but poor Maxim ended up with the C-list pairing of Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo. (They had embarrassingly been denied entry to the bash at LIV inside the Fontainebleau the night before.) Maxim's cred improved when Nelly and Lennox Lewis arrived at the Raleigh hotel, but leave it to 'CSI: Miami' newbie Omar Miller to then take it back down a notch. "What makes a good party, man? A limbo pole, some lubricant and pineapple," he said before ducking inside around midnight.

The gaggles of bunny-clad Playmates and live mermaids in the pool at the party Playboy and Bacardi threw for the Black Eye Peas' a few doors down at the Sagamore that didn't keep Fergie away - she's a brave woman. But 'The Dutchess' didn't show up in the Bacardi box at the game itself, though will.i.am and the other Peas did. Jessica Alba and David Spade lurked there together, too (no, we didn't know they were friends, either). Meanwhile Kate Walsh didn't seem to pay much attention to the game, instead opting to snap photos of herself with the gridiron behind her. Maybe she's over big game and prefers, ahem, a private practice.

Super Bowl Party Recap from Miami originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(S05E15) I've noticed that the last few episodes of 'HIMYM' have largely taken place in the "home booth" at MacLaren's. I know it's the 21st century version of the couch at Central Perk, but the world of 'Mother' is a lot bigger than that these days. And, besides, Cobie Smulders and Alyson Hannigan aren't pregnant anymore; there's no need to hide their baby bumps under the table anymore.

That being said, it's a great place for two of this show's signature "bits" to start: 1) Absurd arguments, and 2) Incessant ball-busting. We saw both of these this week, with Ranjit thrown into the mix to make things more interesting. What really made this episode wasn't just the Rabbit/Duck argument, though; it was the subtle direction shifts that made loyal viewers think Ted was going in one not so good direction, when he was really going in a worse -- but more fun! -- direction.

Continue reading Review: 'How I Met Your Mother' - 'Rabbit or Duck'

 

Filed under: How I Met Your Mother, Episode Reviews, Reality-Free

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Filed under: Fashion, Runway Report, Stylish Living, How to Wear

Heart Truth Factoid #11:

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, being physically inactive doubles your risk of developing heart disease.

If you just can't make the time to hit the gym, at least add some extra activity to your daily routine by walking upstairs instead of using the elevator and doing neighborhood errands by foot instead of in the car.

And to make things easier, ditch your stiletto heels and throw on a stylish (not to mention comfortable) pair of flats, like this shiny red pair by Kate Spade.

Why are we promoting a happy heart? It's on trend of course! This month, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) will host its annual star-studded Red Dress Collection runway show during New York Fashion Week. The Heart Truth initiative, as it is known, aims to inform women about the risk of heart disease.

Be sure to check back regularly for exclusive news, coverage, and tidbits pertaining to the glam fashion show taking place on February 11th as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.




Click here for more helpful factoids.

The Heart Truth - Fashionable Factoids originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Fashion, News, Designers & Brands, Stylish Living

W Hotels is staking a claim on the fashion world with its latest hire.

The ultra-chic hotel chain announced the appointment of stylist Amanda Ross as its first-ever Global Fashion Director. Ross, who has consulted for Dennis Basso and EIie Tahari and served as the wardrobe stylist for "Lipstick Jungle," spoke to StyleList about her new gig, which designers she could see creating hotel uniforms and what she'll be wearing this spring.

StyleList: What does your role as Global Fashion Director for W Hotels entail?
Amanda Ross: I'm honored to have been chosen as W's Global Fashion Director -- it's the first position of its kind for any hotel. Essentially, I will create the strategic framework for W's global point of view on fashion, whether it be through creating partnerships between W and designers, fostering relationships between the brand and influential members of the fashion community or recommending collaborations for W Hotel The Store's exclusive designer collection, Global Glam.

SL: How did the position come to be?
AR: W has two primary passions -- fashion and music. Last year, they appointed a Global Music Director, Michaelangelo L'Acqua and wanted to hire someone to guide the brand in the world of fashion. As W continues their global growth (they are opening nine hotels this year), they needed someone with an international perspective on the fashion industry. They approached me and I happily accepted!

SL: Which W Hotel property will you be working on first?
AR: Most of the ideas I have for the brand will be rolled out on a global scale and we're not announcing those just yet. However, the first property I will be visiting is W Barcelona in March. I will also be heading to Paris Fashion Week, where W will be opening a hotel in 2011.

SL: Which designers do you think would create great hotel uniforms?
AR: Derek Lam, Thakoon, Diane Von Furstenberg, Stella McCartney, Giambatista Valli, Christopher Kane, Narcisco Rodriguez and Proenza Schouler.

SL: How would you describe your personal style?
AR: Cameron Silver, owner of [vintage mecca] Decades, describes my style as "bohemian Upper East Side with a fur vest."

SL: What are your wardrobe staples?
AR: Cashmere tanks, crewnecks and cardigans from Zadig and Voltaire and I Pezzi Dipinti, black skirts from Alaïa and Balenciaga.

SL: What will you be wearing this spring?
AR: Skinny jeans from Made in Heaven and J Brand, fur vests and coats from Dennis Basso and J. Mendel, riding and biker boots from Madewell, dresses and tops from Isabel Marant, white jacket from Stella McCartney, strappy shoes from YSL.

SL: Are you attending New York Fashion Week?
AR: Yes. My schedule is packed! I'll be spending my downtime at W's VIP Backstage Arrival Lounge meeting with fashion influencers and media all week.

See you at the tents!

Plus, catch up on other fashionable lodging news.

Amanda Ross Talks About New Role as W Hotels Fashion Director originally appeared on StyleList on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(S06E14) "You can do it." - Cuddy

I get the reason for making an episode like '5 to 9.' Long running show that's popular. Established characters and story structure. The desire for David Shore, Katie Jacobs, and the rest of the 'House' crew to try something different is to be expected. However, that doesn't mean they should have done it. '5 to 9' wasn't a bad episode (in many ways, it felt like a back-door pilot for Cuddy), but it was, in a word, pointless. At the end of the day, '5 to 9' doesn't really add anything to the world of 'House,' and its outside-the-box attempt at being different just ended up being forgettable.