Spend a Couple Minutes »Tony Fitzpatrick:Nickel History: Nation of Heat

177 North 9th St, Williamsburg

Quick! Make your way to Pierogi Gallery to gaze at the intricate mini etchings by Tony Fitzpatrick (the show ends Oct 9).

From Bazooka bubble gum to Dick Tracy,mutant birds to off kilter snow men, this small collection is like traveling through someone’s half remembered childhood memories. If those memories could be gorgeously rendered.

A few of my favorites are posted but you really have to see them all in person.

A really nice surprise on a Thursday afternoon walk and a wonderful introduction to an artist new to me.

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Posted on September 29, 2011

TV Shows »5 Second Review: Charlie’s Angels

Thumbs Forgot All About It

What’s the opposite of unforgettable?

The new Charlie’s Angels!

I had actually completely forgotten we had even this until Jim reminded me.

All I remember was wondering if drug dealers really host catered parties where everyone wears white mini dresses and white suits?

This is no She Spies.

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Posted on September 28, 2011

Personal,Style Icons: Female »Diane Naegel

Lucky To Have Known Her

Diane Naegel, creator of both the Wit’s End parties and was a unique soul. Always looking like a diva, but never acting like one, she was stylish, creative, caring and beautiful.

She was also a co-worker and friend.

I was totally shocked and heart broken to hear she had lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 31. Her accomplishments and kindness will live on within the many people whose lives she touched.

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Posted on September 26, 2011

Books »The Forever War

by Joe Halderman (1974)

Soon The Forever War is going to be the book you see everyone reading on the subway. Why? Because Ridley Scott is working on a big screen adaptation that has the potential to be the next masterpiece science fiction cinema. That is, if he manages to capture the brilliance of the novel.

After reading Song of Fire and Ice, John Haldeman’s economy of language is a refreshing surprise. The wry tone, smirking through heart break, violence and depression calls to mind Catch-22 and the inventive vision of the future makes one think of Starship Troopers and A Clockwork Orange. All good things, but Halderman’s work is truly unique and it’s influence incalculable.

Forever War is a seminal piece in Science fiction literature but sadly not one that has crossed over to mainstream readers. I had heard the name but didn’t pick it up until a Facebook mention reminded me of it and I was on a quest for a new book to read. Most everyone I’ve talked to has never heard of it, but like I said, that’s sure to change soon.

I don’t want to give too much plot away but it concerns a war that carries on with a species humans know nothing about for thousands of years. Much of the plot revolves around understanding theoretical technical aspects, a sci-fi trope that can turn me off, but here he somehow makes it very understandable ( just don’t read it when super tired).

It’s not a flaw exactly but could be a hurdle for some ( including filmmakers, so curious to see how its all handled) Even so, the action, the imagination, and the humanity of the broken soldier Mandella we witness the war through will entrance any reader.

Truly a masterpiece. Lovers of sci-fi, got on this! Or make fun of me for not knowing about it til now, your pick.

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Posted on September 26, 2011

TV Shows »5 Second Review: Whitney

Thumbs Sad

I don’t have much to say. Whitney is just too half assed to even qualify as a show.

Really? Girlfriend tries to add spice to sex life with a nurses outfit and the dude falls on his head and passes out? The robot that wrote that should have been updated about ten years ago.

Plus, it’s just very awkward to watch someone who finds themselves adorable.

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Posted on September 25, 2011

TV Shows »5 Second Review: Unforgettable

Thumbs Bored

It’s probably not fair to dismiss a show because I don’t like the way the lady purses her lips.

But here we are.

Have you seen a cop drama with a “strong” female lead haunted by her past? What about one where she and another cop used to bang? What about one where she goes to a warehouse alone to catch the real killer only to be saved by said cop? You have? Then you’ve pretty much seen Unforgettable.

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Posted on September 25, 2011

TV Shows »5 Second Review: A Gifted Man

Demme Makes It As Good As It Can Be

I’m not going to like anything that could be described as ghost whisperer meets ER no matter how good it is.

But I have to say, if you stories about like ghosts (which are really just golden hearted secular angels) and mean, rich men learning how to love impoverished Hispanic children, then The Gifted Man is probably the highest quality version you can find.

It’s directed by Jonathan Demme, so it actually looks like a professional show (something I’ve found shockingly lacking this season) and the cast is largely stellar. She channels Meryl Streep, he balances a tough roll, but I was most happy to see the wonky eyed entomologist from Silence of the Lambs back on screen.

Almost skipped this one entirely (like I did H8R).

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Posted on September 24, 2011

Style Icons: Female,Style Icons: Male »Best of New York Fashion Week

I thought I was disappointed in NY Fashion Week, maybe just because so much threw me for a loop, but I ended up with tons of favorite looks to sort through, so I guess it was pretty rad after all.

One of the raddest collections was 10 Crosby Derek Lam. This mix of bold Hawaiian print (a trend I am usually weary of) paired with the black and white pencil skirt is odd which everyone was all about – but unlike man – it looks sleek, stylish and wearable. How can we pull this off I wonder? I doubt a tight skirt pulled over a longer dress is the easiest combo, but I plan on trying it.

In the topsy turvydom of the week, it was J Crew that turned up some of the freshest and most wearable outfits. I had lots of great looks to pick from but am totally in love with the denim shirt paired with a shimmery midi skirt. Addition of bright red summer pumps a plus – their stylist deserves an awesome vacation.

I love the proportions and pattern mix of this Edun look a ton. The origami folds in the billowy top look great with a cropped jacket and that little peek of plaid. Have the cropped jacket, but no blouse as awesome as this.. wonder where I can find something similar for an easy Spring weekend getup.

Suno delivered with excellent silhouettes like this Amish-chic set that looks as unique as it does classic. Proof that their more than their bold prints (which I still kind of missed in this collection).

First, apologies for the misspelling – we’re working on almost no sleep here and I am too lazy to go back in and fix it, (so let’s forgive any other misspellings I haven’t caught while we’re at it). Anyways, another great look from Derek Lam and one that we can all pull of ourselves probably with item already in the closet. I am not a pants kind of girl but this combo makes me what to break out the couple pairs I own and get layering.

Nerd chic was everywhere. Awkward was the vibe of the hour but almost no one got it right like Jil Sander Navy. The over all collection left a great impression but I picked this subdued ensemble for it’s tonal layering and the great edge the leather skirt gives to the look. Leather skirts usually look so Gucci, but here it’s total Miranda July. Plus I need those shoes.

Never thought I’d love a Tory Birch collection so much. The whole essence of the collection transported me to some fictional 1920’s rich person holiday yet it never felt like costume.

Also with a vacationing flapper vibe, but far more bizarre was Thom Browne, which managed to push the envelope while remaining interesting and stylish. Should he be tapped for Dior?

Some of the best prints came from unexpected places like this kitty design at Victoria by Victoria Beckham (also misspelled, oops). Love the laid back cut of this dress too. Yes, I would love to wear this please!

If I had to pick one swimsuit for next summer this Peter Som zebra head two piece would definitely be it.

Doro Oluwu is always great with the patterns and this collection didn’t disappoint. this fitted cardigan look is perfect. Must seek out lots of easy floral dresses this spring, I think.

Anna Sui is always doing her same song and dance but that doesn’t mean their aren’t fantastic looks to be had. This sketchy stripe is super fun with the 1940’s inspiration and even better in a turban. If I could make this my early spring hat, I would be glowing with happiness.

As a young vintage obsessive, I remember being really excited when Imitation of Christ first started, then it kind of fizzled and went away, right? Well this collection was a major comeback and I loved many of the pieces. In particular, the over-sized corsage lace number on the right? I would have happily gotten married in that.

Lace was used in interesting ways this season. I love Preen’s pairing with neon and bit map prints, turning very “girlie” elements into something slightly and strangely futuristic.

Never been a huge Ports 1961 fan that I can recall, but really liked this collection. I could probably never pull off something so tight, but that doesn’t stop me from absolutely loving this wrapped up mini.

Pastels were huge but pastels are tough. Philip Lim got it right with this easy, slouchy look which somehow makes lilac trousers look like they should be a wardrobe staple.

Spring was not all about pretty pale colors though, some stuff stayed gothy, like this XO print cape from Libertine that just floored me with its awesomeness.

Also found myself very drawn to Threeasfour’s culty, witchy, fishnetty prints and punk layering dresses. This is a look impossible to replicate but I feel like I could find something that plays on the same Alistair Crowley meets 1992 vibe.

While I am no minimalist at heart, I have always loved me some Helmut Lang.. but what about the label without the man himself? Turns out I like that too. This complicated bodice dress is as wearable as it is a work of art.

Really digging the Francesc by Frank Tell vibe too – lots of leather and lace – a little something for Stevie and Don Henley.

For the first time in years, found the Marc line a little boring, but can’t resist this flapper dress/office girl look from the main line. Shimmering, pretty, but very unique. A huge love.

Not the biggest fan on jumpers, but this silvery, lace sleeved number from Rebecca Taylor is quite pretty and could even be flattering.

Prabal Gurung’s bold strokes of vibrant purple were memorable and lovely next to the clean crisp whites.

The season was all about the white dress. There were so many lovely ones, but my favorite was this draped light as air dress from Doo. Ri

See more great looks after the jump!

Click here for the rest of Best of New York Fashion Week

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Posted on September 24, 2011

TV Shows »5 Second Review: The Playboy Club

on NBC, but not for Long

The success of Mad Men, which let’s face it, is the only reason this thing exists, yielded many lessons.

To name a few: people appreciate a fine attention to period detail, audiences can deal with deliberate paced and unconventional plot lines, that characters don’t have to be stereotypes to be interesting.

The only thing The Playboy Club seemed to gleam from it though was to get someone who sounds exactly like Don Draper. Close your eyes and listen – that guy must have listened to nothing but those Mercedes Benz ads for weeks to prepare for the role.

Otherwise, this is drivel. Young girl with big dreams, mobsters, a narration by Hugh Hefner from beyond the grave. No doubt the creators saw Scorsese in their ideas. More accurately, they brought Burlesque to the small screen without the camp and wagon wheel watusi. Which is a truly boring thing to see.

Van turned it off several times. Even babies aren’t impressed and they light up when a Pillow Pets commercial comes on.

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Posted on September 23, 2011

Albums »Come Away With ESG

by ESG (1983)

First awesome Spotify discovery! I don’t know why, but since I found Come Away with ESG on a pitchfork list I expected it to be inaccessible. Instead it’s incredibly fun and infectious. I can’t imagine anyone not being driven to dance and smile by these snazzy tracks.

If you had told me ESG was some new darling of the moment I’d believe it because the sound is timeless and refreshing but they are old school 80’s Bronx mixing hip hop, dance, disco, punk and everything else fun. You like fun, right?

They look like fun, real ladies that you share the subway with too. Standing for emerald, sapphire and gold ESG consisted of four cool sisters who, without much credit added a new sound to the scene.

Fun stuff. How come no one told me about them before?

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Posted on September 23, 2011