It's about damn time...

Terry Richardson has teamed up with V Magazine and models Jacquelen Jablonski and Crystal Renn, both of Ford NY to bring us his newest editorial, "One Size Fits All". At first glance readers may not even realize, but Crystal Renn, showed here on the right, is on the Ford + board. Plus sized for those of you slow on the uptake...

We all know that there has been a long standing debate regarding the unhealthy weights of models and the unrealistic body image issues they give the average women and girls. I like to stay on the fence with this one- on one hand, as a model, only once was I asked to shave inches from my already frail frame; I'll keep my own measurements to myself, but let's just say I fall almost 9 points below a healthy BMI score. (take it or leave it- it's all metabolism) Anyway... I believe the situation I had been in at the time to be an extreme case. Yes, agencies like models thin, and yes, there have been situations, I am sure, where girls have been asked to lose unhealthy amounts of weight, and I think this is wrong. However, working more recently as a stylist and fashion consultant, I will say that it is easier, hate me if you must, to dress a tall, thin girl. You can't go wrong with the body type- almost everything looks good on them.

Before you begin throwing bricks through my window, I must say, that in this editorial by the amazing Mr. Richardson, Renn, the plus sized model, looks hotter than Jablonski. I couldn't figure it out, and then realized- Renn looks like a woman, and Jablonski looks like a little girl. Which brings me to what I believe to be the bigger issue on self esteems throughout the fashion industry, which is ageism, but we'll get to that in another post.

According to Ford's website, Crystal Renn stands at 5'9" and is a 38" 30" 42", wearing a size 12, which is much closer to the average American woman in size, who wears a 14. Jaquelyn Jablonski stands at 5'9" and is a 32" 24.5" 34.5" wearing a size 4, which is actually LARGER than the average fashion model, who would wear a size 0/2, and have a waist measurement of no larger than 24".

In my opinion, Richardson is trying to show you that big or small, it really makes no difference when you have a good model. I think he's right, and I believe the heavier girl here to be the standout star. But is this a realistic portrayal for the average American public? Probably not. While Jablonski is clearly beautiful, and bigger than the typical fashion model, I'd hardly call her plus size.

See more of "One Size Fits All" on models.com or in V Magazine's Size Issue on newsstands everywhere January 14, 2009.

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As seen in Vogue, Harpers, Marie Claire, GQ, ect...

Thank you Paul Mitchell, for the awesome booking, funny stares, and countless, "Do I know you from somewhere?" s. :)

It's been a good season.

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For your online shopping pleasure.... ModCloth

Stalking friends on Facebook today, I happened to notice an advertisement on the side

with a photo of a dress that made me take notice. After a warning about leaving Facebook blah blah I was redirected to ModCloth, a "Mod Retro Indie Clothing & Vintage Clothes" website.

The birth of ModCloth is a pretty impressive story in my opinion. Started by high school couple (now married) Eric and Susan in 2006, these kids managed to run this small business while attending college together from their dorm rooms. Now a full time job and booming business, ModCloth is a virtual boutique other retailers need to look out for.

At first glance at the site I was excited about many of the pieces. Not a fan of chain shopping, it was refreshing to see that while obviously some of the clothing is recognizable, as it should be to be commercial, the majority of it is unique, different, and I can't think off the top of my head where I could find a look alike in my local mall. Score one for ModCloth.

What makes this site different from other online retailers is that not only does much of their bulk merchandise look somewhat vintage, they actually have a category of one of a kind vintage pieces that they sell as well. But be quick to order if you find the handbag of your dreams- as these truly are one ofs, it's a first come first serve situation.

The one con of ModCloth? While I am admittedly a bit cheap, much of their clothing seems a tad pricey. Don't get me wrong, you can't truly judge a clothing's worth until you actually touch, feel, and wear it, but, I did stumble across a sweater in their sale section that is sold at Forever 21... on sale, for what it sells for at full price at Forever 21. Ouch.

But hey, ModCloth offers "Free Returns & Quick Exchanges" so when you get that Christmas money burning a hole in your pocket, give them a try. I probably will.

Tide is High Dress $52.99 available at ModCloth

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Brazilian for Your Face

Dutch supermodel Lara Stone of IMG has started a new trend- the invisible eyebrow.

Stone was told by Paris Vogue's Carine Roitfeld that bleaching her arches would help her career, and has it ever. This baby Lauren Hutton has graced the pages of hundreds of fashion magazines and covers that include Vogue, ID, & W to name a few.

Prada and Balenciaga took the cue and showcased the no-brow look for their 2009 shows. Makeup artist Pat McGrath called the look both "... retro and futuristic."

Will the bare of hair face be a look that catches on in the streets of the real world? All I can say for certain is that this girl won't be losing her arches anytime soon, as for everyone else, only time will tell.

Balenciaga 2009

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Zac Posen jumps on the bandwagon...

Generally I am very excited when I hear that one of my favorite designers is creating a low price point line for a chain retailer. I was giddy with the first glimpse of Sonia Rykiel's line for H&M (debuting December 5th) and am still in love with my Vera Wang for Kohls comforter set. What I think is lame, is when these designer's believe that $78 for a tee shirt is reasonable simply because their clothing generally costs in the upper $1000's for a piece. Yes, that's quite a drop from what you usually charge, and for your clientele that is able and willing to drop $4000 for a cocktail dress, $78 is a great deal. For those of us living in the real world though, please, I'll go to Old Navy and buy a $4 tee shirt and call it a day.

What brought on this rant you ask? Designer Zac Posen has recently announced the launch of his chic sportswear line, Z Spoke, which will be sold exclusively (for now) at Saks. Saks has carried Posen's original line since 2004 so considerate of Posen to return the favor by giving them the exclusive. However....

Posen is known for his red carpet master pieces, and while I get it, he won't be putting the effort into a less high end line, he describes the new venture as "minimalist and utilitarian." Hmm, doesn't exactly conjure up thoughts of what Posen is known for, does it?

While giving Jessica Iredale of WWD fame a sneak peek of the collection, Posen held up a tee shirt and asked "Opening price point is what, $88?"

$88??? For a tee shirt? Really? Well no, Posen was off a bit. It's $78. Phew! SO MUCH BETTER!!! What a deal!

Lame.

Have no doubt though, this line will sell. Why you ask? Because of the Zac Posen name. Which proves my theory that when people know nothing about fashion, they will buy overpriced whatever because it says Zac Posen, Ralph Lauren, Armani, ect. Note to those of you with the itch to up your fashion ante- a tee shirt from Walmart looks the same as a tee shirt from Zac Posen when worn under your favorite sweater. Unless of course Posen's is lined with gold and comes with a rent controlled loft on the lower eastside. Just saying...

Old Zac vs New Zac

Mr. Posen, just because we're broke, doesn't mean we're boring....

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We get it, you rule the world...

Looks like retail giant Forever 21 thinks it needs more money to pad it's piggy bank.

This Friday, Forever 21 will launch it's own magazine. The mag will be released quarterly, and will be much like H&M's quarterly released magazine, however, this one you have to spend some money to get- while free to view online, if you're interested in having an actual hardcopy of the mag, you're going to have to spend at least $40. Consider it a "gift" with purchase.

The first issue includes an interview with Muse NYC mannequin Georgie, interviews with 5 up and coming bloggers (damn- we didn't make the cut this time folks!), fashion tips, blah blah. I'll save my $40 and put it on a bet that this thing is chalk full of advertorials and yet more reasons we should all shop at Forever 21. Know what I would pay to see? An interview with Forever 21 owner and founder, Do-Won Chang explaining why a company so religious that they print 3:16 on the bottom of ever bag sells sequined bra tops and other various forms of skank wear to any 14 year old willing to dish out $15.00.

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Fairy Tale, or Nightmare?

For the December '09 issue of Vogue, famed photographer Annie Leibovitz shares her vision of Hansel and Gretel inspired by the Metropolitan Opera's production.

Usually, I love what Leibovitz does. She has a way of photographing people in a way that we've never seen before, but once we have it feels as though it should have been obvious, while emitting a magical and inspiring aura. Sadly, I believe that along with all her money, Leibovitz has lost her touch. Her Hansel and Gretel editorial is too stiff, too posed, and not at all fashionable. Leibovitz has obviously tried to push the envelope here, but what she has done has given us lasting images of a bad high school play. Bad sets, bad concepts, and bad bad model direction.

IMG's porcelain doll Lily Cole, paired with actor Andrew Garfield work as a fashionable Hansel and Gretel in theory, problem being Garfield outshines supermodel Cole who appears to have taken the day off. The lights are on, but nobody is home.

Let's not overlook the worst casting choice since Michael Keaton played Batman- Lady Gaga as the wicked old witch. Ok, first of all, let's make an attempt at least to make her look wicked, old, or like a witch even, because otherwise, I don't get it. My second question is simply, why? Let's not even delve into the fact that this woman's music sends chills up my spine, but rather concentrate on the reality that is that she is a giant fashion DO NOT. In case you have been living under a rock, here's a look at her getup at the VMA's this year to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Vogue, aren't you supposed to be the epitome of fashion? Aren't you supposed the bible on what is and is not in the land of couture? Can you please explain to me why we have one of the worst dressed, untalented artists of the year, as a feature in this month's big fashion editorial?

While I wait with held breath for a formal apology and explanation from Ms. Wintour herself, here's a few sample's of the monstrosity that is "Little Girl & Boy Lost" by Annie

Leibovitz for the December 2009 issue of Vogue.

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Trend worth sticking around- Tuxedo Jackets

Erin Fetherston FW Fall 08'

Menswear for woman has been a trend that has come and gone, come and gone. Fortunately for us, it seems as though it is making its return. This look hit the runways back in 2008, but is just now making it's way to a retailer near you.

My personal favorite, the tuxedo jacket, seems to have be the casual wear wardrobe staple that wears well with anything.

To find your own tuxedo jacket, try this Grosgrain Collar Tux Jacket by Topshop, or for the even thriftier fashionista, this dressy Tux Blazer by Forever 21.

To die for... Bottega Veneta S/S 2010

Last season, Tomas Maier said in spite of the recession and all that was going on, he wanted to design a line that made women feel pretty and attractive. Well, it looks like he's done it again. Maier managed to make neutral hues and Grecian inspired gowns erotic with a sense of intense class. The woman wearing this collection is certainly noticed, but too intimidating to approach.

Bravo. A collection I would die for.

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For more information, please visit Bottega Veneta

Coming to an agency near you.... Ellisa.

Darling Ellisa.

Photography by Michael Sutton

www.mscophoto.com

Styling by Brandis Hildebrandt

Come one, come all....

Do you have dreams of walking in Fashion Week, but just don't know how to get there?

Have you been in every local publication and are waiting for that paid job?

Do you want to meet with reputable agents from the midwest?

Are you 5'8" but still think you have a chance?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you NEED to be at this seminar!

Get the hard, honest truth and advice from professionals with REAL industry experience. Have the opportunity to be seen by agents booking models in the midwest market. Hear what it's like to work as a real model. Get the answers you need from people who REALLY know.

October 24th, 2009

1-5:00pm

Eisner Museum Milwaukee, WI

mscophoto@mindspring.com

Dressing on a Dime

I am a firm believer that you don't need to be made of money to be fashionable. Here is an outfit that I built for Forever 21 in Milwaukee, WI. They asked me for "vintage, rocker, floral chic." Voila- my interpretation.

What is it?

*Long Sleeve Tee *Plaid Tights *Floral Tube Dress *Satin Ruffle Blouse

The Details...

I used a black fedora and added a sequin ribbon and floral headband. Her arms are adorned with chunks of pearl and gemstone bangles. Around her neck are basic, black colored chains, as well as a faux pearl choker with leopard ribbon woven in. On her other arm, which is not pictured here, I used the same necklace as a bracelet, wrapping it around her wrist twice.

And the madness begins....

Hello loves,

So here is where it starts- the fresh start, the new chapter, the grown up life. And to think, it only took me twenty and forever years to get here.

Confused already? I have the tendency to do that to people.

In one way or another, I have always been at least mildly obsessed with style. You see, I am a true believer that a person expresses who they are based somewhat on what they wear and how they present themselves. Style is a walking form of art- the only way we can express ourselves to one another without ever having to open our mouths or pick up a pencil. Think I am full of shit? You're probably right, but bare with me- we may just have a little fun.

Anyway, there was a time when I thought that the only way I could work within the fashion industry was to become a model. Well, and let's be honest, who wouldn't be a model if they could be? Besides the point.... long story short, been there, done that. What many fail to realize however is that modeling can only be a real career for a very select group of people, ie- your Kates and Heidis, ect. For most of us, we turn 20, or look 20, whichever may come first, and boom! You're done, out the door, over the hill. What comes next? Luckily, my time within the couture gates only solidified my obsession with fashion and lead me to my big tada moment- I want to make the world a more fashionable place, one Ugg wearing college student, khaki wearing midwesterner, and Croc wearing moron at a time.

I hope you'll come back and join me on this little life adventure. We may not always agree on things, and that's ok, as long as you keep coming back for more.

Ta-ta for now...

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