Project Runway Season 6 Episode 2

This weeks challenge was especially interesting to me. The designers were asked to create an elegant look for Rebecca Romijn, who just happened to be pregnant with twins. They were given $100 and two days to create the look. As a recently pregnant woman, I was intrigued to see what they would come up with.

Highlights included the winner, Shirin Askari, who created a beautiful burgundy dress with a flattering wool jacket. It looked comfortable and chic.

Logan Neitzel designed an over sized sweater with black walking shorts which I would have totally worn while preggo. It seemed very cozy and modest, which I go for.

Louise Black's gown was a little too like a nightie for my taste but the judges really seemed to like it. She did include a lot of well-thought out features, like an adjustable slip underneath and pleats on the bust for expansion. Smart thinkin!

Althea Harper's gown was very long and made of a nice comfy jersey, which I liked, but the bust line was way to revealing for a pregnant woman.

Flops this episode included Mitchell (again!). His casual concept was good but the execution was horrible. Judge Heidi Klum said it looked like she sewed the shorts herself, and she doesn't sew!

Malvin's totally bizarre chicken egg outfit was way too over the top and enough to get him auffed. He should have listened to Tim Gunn's advice when he said "Don't be safe—without being cookoo".

I have to say I agree with the judges choices this time again. Can't wait for next week!

Project Runway Season 6 Episode 1

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I have been counting down the days to the new season of Project Runway. I've been a huge fan since the first season, but was especially anxious this year because it was filmed at my Alma Matter, The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles.

The first challenge did not disappoint. Each of the contestants were asked to design a Hollywood Red Carpet look that reflected their personal point of view. They were given a budget of $200.

Mentor and show co-host Tim Gunn seemed to be his same fabulous self, clad in his signature black suit dishing out constructive criticism to the designers.

Drama in the work room began with FIDM Alumn Johnny Sakalis (I'm trying not to be partial to my fellow alumni but one can't help remembering that last year's winner was a FIDM grad...Not to mention many finalists in seasons past) who begins to have some self doubt issues. I don't think he had anything to worry about because he sent a beautiful and innovative gown out onto the runway.

Designer Mitchell Hall completed (or rather, didn't complete) an indecent, sheer dress due to some technical difficulties. Frankly, I was very embarrassed for his poor model. He barely squeeked through to the next round, having been in the bottom three. I think the judges, including guest Lindsey Lohan, were curious to see what he could produce in the future so they decided not to give him the boot.

Although I had really high hopes for self-employed designer Qristyl Frazier because she claims to design for real women with real curves (i.e. myself) her gown was an 80's prom dress gone wrong in my opinion.

At first appearance I thought Malvin Vien would be one to watch, since designers with the weirdest hair-do's always seem to be incredibly talented. Unfortunately I thought his look was a little too casual for a Red Carpet Runway event.

Ari Fish, who seemed to be from another planet, had an interesting concept but it was so far out of the box that nobody really got it. Unfortunately she was "out" and the first to go home.

The winner, Christopher Straub, a self-taught designer from Minnasota created a beautiful gown that was discribed by judge Michael Kors as "edgy and cute". I agreed with him and thought he was diserving of immunity for the next challenge. Too bad I had to wait a whole week to see the next episode!

Book Review: My Family and Other Animals

Title: My Family and Other Animals
Author: Gerald Durrell
Why I Read This: I found it in a box of old books at my mom's house and I loved the whimsical cover art and witty title.
Short Summary: A nostalgic account of Gerry's youthful hobby of zoology, his crazy family and the interesting characters he meets on the Greek island of Corfu.

Since this book is a narrative about an actual zoologists' childhood it didn't have much of a captivating plot. It was kind of a slow read. The author filled many pages with very descriptive paragraphs about Corfu, which really made me want to go there (although I wonder if it is still as quaint and charming, since he spent his childhood there in the early 1900's) but didn't make for a very exciting read.

The British author's character development is wonderful and his dialogue even more delightful. The characters in the book are all very interesting (artists, poets, scientists, from all over the world) and I often found myself laughing out loud at their conversations and adventures.

I also found the little tidbits Gerald shares about the animal life he studies very interesting. For example, did you know scorpions carry their little babies around by the dozens on their backs and male turtles battle it out for the attention of the lady turtles?

This is a good wholesome book and very educational.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.