Lab Time

I've mentioned I am a scientist.  As such, I work in a lab, I wear a lab coat and gloves all day, everyday.  Therefore, I don't have much use for fashion.  But, I love fashion...so I look at it, and admire it, but I rarely buy fashion.  At work, I must wear closed-toe shoes.  Pants and ponytails, or other up-do, are preferred.  One must don safety glasses and respirators from time to time, and you are almost certain to get some sort of corrosive on your shirt or shoes, eventually.  So, what's a girl to wear?  Geek Chic 2.0.  Computer Geeks and Gamers have defined Geek Chic for years.  But, I am noticing a subtle shift from Computers and Gamers, to biologists and chemists.  (Follow the link to see some great pieces found on Etsy).  Perhaps the life sciences aren't replacing the Silicon sciences as a definition of Geek Chic, but rather there is room in the ethos for both types; niches within a niche industry.

Project Runway

This season of Project Runway has been full of great challenges: the red carpet look, pregnancy chic, eye catching look for an industry party, and on and on.  Nothing like the Saturn car parts challenge of last season.  So, why are the designers playing it so safe.  Every other season, the designers have been champing at the bit for a chance to express themselves in a full-on gown.  Now, they have been given the opportunity several times, and I haven't seen anything too exciting.

On Thrusday, the contestants were honored to design for Christina Aguilera in the tradition of Bob Mackie. 

First, lets look at Bob Mackie's style.

pic from http://tinyzippers.com/mackiebarbies.html

Next, lets look at Ms. Aguilera's style.

Pic from http://connect.in.com/christina-aguilera/photos-56119-6991165.html

I cut off her head, because I wanted to show those great shoes.  After a quick Google image search for Ms. Aguilera, I conclude that she has rather simple tastes.  Most photos show her in very revealing outfits, but they are largely solid colors, neutrals, small patterns, and a lot of skin.  Skin seems to be her signature.  So, given this challenge of marrying the King of Sequins, with the fleshy simple style of the star, what did the Project Runway designers come up with?

 4 of the 8 remaining designers gave us floor sweeping yardage.  And I mean yardage...

This pic is of model Ebony in Shirin's losing design.  All in all, the designs were disappointing.  Not one designer gave us headwear...which is a big part of Bob Mackie's aesthetic. Nicolas, Irina and Logan at least gave us some leg, of which we know Ms. Aguilera is a big fan.  I think Nicolas should have won.  He isn't my favorite designer, but I think he most closely met the challenge.  His dress was appropriate, well made and stylish.  It embodied three important qualities: it harkened to Bob Mackie's aesthetic, while still representing Nicolas's style, and it would flatter the wearer: one petite mega voice with a shimmy that should be seen for miles. 

So, designers, listen up.  Be brave.

Project Runway

Well, no need for me to compose a summary, click here for a snarky, yet thorough, recap.  What can I say, I couldn't agree more, Bravo!

Make

Here is a link one of my favorite reads on the web, Goop by Gwyneth Paltrow.  Her website is put together very well and it is not like any other website out there.  Unfortunately, she doesn't post very ofter.  It says once per week, but it is only one topic once per week.  However, it is quality stuff.  I noticed a new recipe that I am going to try, Bibimbop.  I don't know what Bibimop is, but I gather it is a Japanese rice bowl with veggies and a new sauce.  Gwenyth's recipes are very hard to make, as she has the strangest ingredients.  But, I live in the city and should be able to find this stuff.  I will let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile, Gwenyth also has a new post about FASHION.  Yeah!  You know Gwenyth gets to go to the good shows.  And has probably met every top designer.  This link is her latest GET post, which goest to her fall fashion guide.

Check it out!

Remarkable Read

Here is a link to a new site I found, Style Rookie.  It is hosted by a tween fashionista who actually gets to go to fashion shows.  She has been profiled on MSN, in the New York Times and other media outlets.  It reminds me of when I was that age...I would wear anything.  I got all my clothes at thrift stores, so there weren't any Christian Siriano skirts in my closet (like Tavi is wearing in the picture to the left).  But, my favorite outfit was a brown polyester dress with a checkered peter pan collar.  The dress had 6 inch cowboys all over it, actually, I think they were cowgirls and they had lassos that went all over the dress.  I would pair it with black and white striped tights and wooden ski boots.  Now that I am nearly 30, I tend more towards the outfits on another one of my favorite reads, Fell4Fashion. 

Emmy Night

On Emmy Night I chose Mila Kunis, Chloe Sevigny and Rose Byrne as the best dressed.  E Online chose Mila and Chloe, too.

What do you think?  Did we get it right?

 Drew Barrymore's dress is getting a lot of attention too, but it is, of course, Monique L'huillier.  She also designed Mila's dress.  They are both stunning, but I chose Mila's dress over Drew's because of the color, and the interesting shoulder straps of the red dress.

Emmy Night

2009 Emmys
I have to admit, I couldn't care less about the awards...but I love the dresses.  I grabbed some screen snips from MSN's Wonderwall of the best dressed.
First Place:
Mila Kunis

I love the dress and the styling.  Stunning. 
The dress is by Monique Lhuillier.














Second Place:
Chloe Sevigny

I can't find who made her dress, but I love the casual fabric paired with evening sophistication.













Third Place:
Rose Byrne

I can't find who made her dress either.  Do you know who made her dress?











What do you think of my picks for best dressed? 


For fun, I want to recognize Jessica Lowndes with an honorable mention...well executed, adorable, very polished, but not as creative as the others.

Again, I can't find who made her dress.  But I like the total effect, the clutch perfectly compliments her bracellet.















I have to throw in the worst dressed, but I'm sure she's kidding...

Outfit Poll

Have I mentioned that I am a scientist?  I have a Bachelor's degree and work in a lab.  In the lab, we must wear lab coats, and occassionally we have to wear safety glasses.  It is recommended that we wear our hair back and accessories are discouraged.  When I first start at a company they usually start with a day or two of orientation to read the Employee Handbook, sign forms, and come to speed on policies and procedures.  Here you learn that "it is preferred that you wear long pansts and long sleeves, although that is a suggestion for your own safety, and not a mandate."

I thought some of you out there might be in a similar position.  But, we're still required to look office appropriate.  Here are some outfit ideas that I put together using one common item of clothing for three weekday looks.  Each outfit should contain close-toes shoes, good coverage, and office-ability, while maintaining its usefullness in the lab setting.  A place where the clothes might encounter bleach, acids, biohazards, or flames.  You have to image it, as I am not going to model.  These are my real clothes and shoes, and no, I didn't iron them.  Please vote in the poll to the right.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

BCBG Shirt
Levi's Wide Leg Pants
Mudd Bronze Heals
Steve Madden Purse
Merona Sash

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

BCBG Shirt
Merone Skirt
Tahari Heals
Banana Republic Purse
Black footless tights






















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BCBG Shirt
BCBG Sweater
Mossimo Pants
Tribeca by Kenneth Cole Heals
Nine West Purse