Are you full of drama and have a gift for sewing?

If you answered Yes, then you must apply for the new season of Project Runway. Bunim/Murray Productions is handling all of the casting and holding an invite only call in Los Angeles and some other cities. Read all of the intricate details regarding application submittance so casting directors aren't saying Auf Wiedersehen before seeing your talent. Good Luck!
Bunim/Murray Website

Filthy and gorgeous for Earth Day

After TerraCycle helped us get Eco-Pretty we have been all about being green, especially since Earth Day is right around the corner on April 22. So we're excited about their new TV show, Garbage Moguls airing on the National Geographic channel that will take everyday trash and turn it into something spectacular.
The show follows the ups and downs of the TerraCycle team on the edge of billion-dollar success - and bankruptcy - all while trying to make the earth a better place. Garbage Moguls tracks the theam's work on two prototypes: a messenger bag for OfficeMax - made from old billboard materials and seat belts - and a kite made entirely of Oreo wrappers for Wal-Mart. Viewers witness the zany brainstorming ideas (a Slip 'N Slide made of wrappers?), the uphill battles and the real-life dramedy in the vein of The Office.
Also, if you can't get enough of this cutting edge company the founder, Tom Szaky just published Revolution in a Bottle. It's about how he dropped out of Princeton to create TerraCycle and the tribulations he faced along the way. Szaky argues for a new approach to business, an "ecocapitalism" based on a "triple bottom line." Every business, he says, should aspire to be good for people, good for the environment, and (last but definitely not least) good for profits. He shows how the first two goals can help the third.

The next airing of Garbage Moguls is of course on Earth Day and Szaky's book is available now.

Valentino: a story of love, fashion, pugs, and being tan

Since the entire fashion world (including us) have been anticipating the release of Valentino: The Last Emperor we had to check it out to evaluate if it lived up to the hype. Well...it did. The film follows Valentino and his partner Giancarlo Giammetti as they plan shows, create couture, and contemplate the future of the couture house.
Valentino's fashions are centered around classic glamour and he grew up dreaming of designing clothes for ladies of the silver screen. Viewers learn that Giancarlo is the brains behind the business side of Valentino. Their 50+ year relationship is incredible and a real highlight of the documentary. They work together, live together, and have somehow managed to stay with each other all these years. The banter between Giancarlo and Valentino is absolutely classic and keeps you smiling throughout. Keep your ears open for them calling each other fat and Giancarlo telling Valentino he's looking too tan. Lets also not forget Valentino's five pugs who were total scene sealers.
At the screening I attended the director, Matt Tyrnauer, showed up at the end to answer questions and give more of an insight into the creation of the film. Matt met Valentino when he was sent to Rome to write an article on the fashion mastermind for Vanity Fair. Matt dreaded this as he knew nothing about fashion, but was instead fascinated with Rome's rich history. While meeting with Valentino for he became associated with the dynamic relationship between him and Giancarlo. After the article was published headlines in Italy read: Valentino Is Gay. Not sure how that slipped by them, but they are a more conservative country. After all, right next to Rome is Vatican City.
Anyways, after completion of this assignment is when Matt got the idea of creating a film centered around Valentino. He and his crew spent time commuting back and forth between NY and Europe. Somedays they would go into to shoot and be told by Giancarlo that there would be "no movie today" because he and Valentino weren't speaking. Hence, why their bickering is so pivotal and fun to watch. As you'll learn in the film, Valentino is a hard headed individual who can be quite stubborn.
Giancarlo is the more levelheaded one of the two. He even had many ideas and opinions to offer up to the directing and producing of the film. Most of them didn't exactly make the cut, but one that did was of Giancarlo walking around in his snug swim shorts as their yacht docked in Venice. Genius! Actually, when it came to the final cut of the film Valentino and Giancarlo didn't get the documentary style and weren't exactly thrilled with the outcome. It took a few screenings for them to lighten up. Although, as you may have noticed by all of his recent US press, Valentino is all about being a movie star! Looks like he was born to do something else besides fashion after all.

Now Showing at Laemmle Susnset 5. Visit Valentinomovie.com for more details.
Images courtesy Acolyte Films and Check out The Most Fashionable Pug Contest

lafw: Maxine Dillon

The last show we could bear to sit through at LAFW was Maxine Dillon. At this point in the evening we were tired, and basically over everything. Plus, we had the alcohol munchies. Dillon used lots of bright prints, but started with darker hues. I figured out at the finale that she was moving from darker to lighter, but was confused about how diverse the looks were during the show. Overall the clothes were fun and wearable, but the green blue fabric prints were not a favorite. I would never wear those, but could see how it could work on someone else.

Here's a few pics from the finale, notice the color differences. More pics on Racked LA.
After this we nabbed a few more Coke Zeros (free soda, but not water) and left. The entry way had been taken over by way too cool teenagers who were yelping about finding hott guys. It was a very obnoxious crowd who were just there for the after-party and could care less about fashion. Obviously, there was some Not So Pretty-ness going on.

Although, I wish we would've caught the Li Cari show her collection looks quite mature for the designers young age. I like that it's not screaming "look at me." However, everyone will be looking or rather watching Jazmine Whitley of Li Cari on an upcoming MTV show. More photos of Li Cari on Blogdowntown.

For the love of lashes (Modlash giveaway!)

Last weekend, I caught a showing of The Watchmen in IMAX. (Yes, there were tons of heavyset men waiting before the show with wide-eyed expressions of children on Christmas morning.) The best part of the movie to this LA Pretty was the fabulous eyelashes sported by actresses Malin Ackerman and Carla Gugino, and man did I get a good look at them! While IMAX is great for action scenes, they probably hate it because I had the pleasure of seeing every wrinkle, every blackhead, and every mole in total close-up. Meanwhile, their lashes looked amazing.

You don't need to wait for a red-carpet event or wedding to sport some falsies. Just give it a go to add some extra glamour to a night out with the BF! If you're new to the falsies game a great way to start is with a kit like Andrea's ModLash Starter Kit.

Some quick tips? Put on the falsies after you're all done applying your makeup. Apply a thin line of black eyeliner to your upper lid, right over natural lashes (this will make sure that your skin doesn't show between the real lash line and the false one). Then apply mascara to your natural lashes before applying the falsies to help the lashes adhere better and mix in with your natural lashes.


And in honor of March Makeup Madness, Andrea has kindly offered to send one Pretty reader a free starter kit! All you need to do to apply is send us an email with your name and mailing address with ModLash in the subject line to comments@lapretty.com.

We'll pick a name at random on March 16 at 12pm PT and Andrea will send over a kit.

(US residents only please.)

Good luck!

Felonies and a Kid's Choice Award?

The crew at AC360 (The Silver Fox, Anderson Cooper's show) just posted that bully Chris Brown is still in the running for a Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Award. We're shocked that Nick didn't take him off of the nomination list after his altercations with the law!

After all, when Jamie Lynn Spears got knocked up her show was pulled off the air instantly. Well they claimed "hiatus" but we all know the truth.

So, shame on you Nickelodeon! Let the kids choose between and Jesse MacCartney, Kid Rock,T-Pain for male singer! Pull Brown outta there!

Besides there really shouldn't be any competition; the winner has gotta be T-Pain for the magic that is: "I'm on a Boat" with Andy Samberg.

Celebrate Katherine Hepburn this March (for free!)

March is Women's History Month, and the Skirball Cultural Center is celebrating by honoring one of the coolest chicks around: Katherine Hepburn. They're offering a series of free matinee screenings of films starring our fave pantstuit wearer beginning on March 3 with Woman of the Year and ending on April 14 with The Philadelphia Story.

The screenings are all on Tuesday afternoons so unfortunately this Pretty is otherwise occupied slaving over her computer at work. But for those who aren't fortunate to have job, well, it's free!

Skirball Cultural Center; 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles.

Style sins in 'The City'

We admit it, we haven't been keeping up with the lovely Whitney Port and her antics on The City. We're still a tad upset that she left LA for those dreary New Yorkers. Even though the show is getting a second season, it seems like the style is taking a downturn. Xiyian Tang of Refinery29 (yes I read their site a lot), found the top 5 style sins:
1. Wearing the same outfit as the roommate you're feuding with on the most loaded holiday of the year

2. Headgear as a walking target versus fashionable accessory

3. Wearing a "timeless" outfit to a rock concert you're not on time for

4. Making plaid the symbol of your "downtown" persona

5. Loading up on eye make-up when you know you're about to lose all your marbles

Can you match each 'sin' to it's guilty character? full explanation here.

images/article via Refinery29

A cool fashion event you're probably not invited to

While I won't get to see The September Issue until, well, September, there's another must-see fashion doc that will keep me satisfied until then. Valentino: The Last Emperor will premier in NYC on March 27 and in LA the week after (the fashion world always needs to give LA a slight somehow even when they use our landscape for their chic photo ads).

Directed by Vanity Fair editor at large Matt Tyrnauer, the film documents the life and retirement of the great tanned Italian. Valentino will be in LA this week for a screening for journalists at the Sunset Screening Room - oh how I wish I could be there!

In the meantime, look for him and his entourage of pugs at The Grove, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, and Pinks as he will surely be making stops there while he's in LA. His comrade in high fashion Karl Lagerfeld recommended the chili dogs:

Here's some pug love:



Source

xx,
N

Release scheduled for The September Issue

I've been on the edge of my seat waiting to see The September Issue ever since my Partner in Pretty posted about it. Well it looks like I'll be waiting for a loooong time.

The distribution deal for R.J. Cutler's documentary about the creation of Vogue's gargantuan September 2007 issue was secured from A&E IndieFilms, the company the produced the film, by Roadside Attractions. While I was, perhaps quixotically, expecting it to air soon on A&E, it looks like Roadside is scheduling the theatrical release for (you guessed it!) September '09. Only afterwards will it air on A&E.

So I'll have to wait a long and tortuous 7 months. Hopefully Conde Nast will still be in business in September 2009, because according to this NY Times article, things are looking bleak.

Fanny packs and shotguns. My look for the summer.

There once was an actress named Gabrielle Anwar who used to annoy the hell out me. She was the innocent, waif-like, angelic beauty from If Looks Could Kill, Scent of Woman, and that other movie about some chick who dives with horses (wtf?) and goes blind. Her exquisite bone structure and ethereal gorgeousness struck a chord with my prepubescent insecurities and I really despised her. Plus I had a crush on Al Pacino and was jealous she got to be in a movie with him. Whatever.

But while Richard Grieco and Chris O'Donnell faded into obscurity and fecundity respectively, Gabrielle Anwar became fucking awesome. She's in one of the best shows on television right now: Burn Notice. Sure it has gun battles, spy games and Bruce Campbell. But to me the real star of the show is Anwar and her fashionable fanny pack.

She stars as Fiona, the trigger-happy ex of the show's main character, and she runs around in the sexiest outfits ever while making homemade bombs and blowing things up with her trusty shotgun.

Her standard outfit consists of a mini-dress, leather fanny pack, and sky-high wedges. It's basically the greatest outfit ever and perfect for a hot summer day. (Fanny packs are a convenient way to hold shotgun shells, but in my case I'll keep my car keys, blackberry, and trusty lip gloss in it.)

These are a couple of crappy screencaps from the two most recent episodes to prove my point.

So basically I want a cool fanny pack like hers. I want one bad. The problem is, this fanny pack was custom made for Anwar for the show by Leather and Denim and it doesn't seem like they're producing anymore. So then I found a whole thread dedicated to Fiona's fanny pack (if there's ever an article of clothing that deserved it's own thread, it's this one) and they swear that this offering by Australian company Happy Cow is a close copy (plus they make all their products from "recycled leather," which is pretty cool). They cost around $70. Hmmm.

The only pic they have of the Happy Cow version is in light brown. It doesn't appeal to me at first glance, but if I get it in dark brown it could be a likely candidate.

There's also these things called Luna Bags which are way bigger, but kind of cute. However, they're so not cute enough for their $88 price tag. And the fact that they originally cost $120 is a joke.

There's an inexpensive Target version. The brown looks okay, but I'd need to see it in person to be sure.
Who are we kidding? I need it in leather.

On second thought, I think I'm still on the fence about this whole fanny pack thing. I mean, Fiona wears it with bravado, but Anwar's model-body can pretty much get away with wearing anything. So I'm hoping I see a fanny pack candidate in a store somewhere so I can try it on and prance around before buying rather than having to risk it and buy something online.

Is this necessary?

We all know the fashion industry is crippling alongside the economy, but we don't think bringing 90's hit, House of Style back is the best idea. MTV is already oozing corporate sponsorships out their pores, so who's to say that this venture is going to be any different? Are the gorgeous Bar Rafeli and exotic Chanel Iman the best picks for hosts either? They obviously look stunning on camera, but what about personalities?

Leo D's GF and the young couture model have big shoes to fill. Previous hosts include Cindy Crawford, Rebecca Romijn, Molly Sims, and Amber Valetta, but we think they'll get the hang of it. It's MTV, so it can't be that difficult.

What's next? Yo! MTV Raps returning?
Article source via Page Six.
Bar Rafeli image courtesy of FabSugar
Chanel Iman image source.

For you sex addicts

I know so many Pretties have mixed emotions when it comes to the Sex and the City: The Movie sequel. I mean some things are best left untouched, is Samantha going to be going through menopause? Does Carrie get knocked up? Miranda quit her job? Charlotte shit her pants again? Whatever the case, hopefully it's half as good as the original.

Speaking of, remember when Carrie was in bed with Big, reading aloud the romantic book, "Love Letters of Great Men?" Well, apparently tons of viewers rushed out to buy the book, but became discouraged because it doesn't actually exist. Well, it didn't until now. The book is available in hardcover and audio. The audio version is read aloud by British actor, Anton Lesser. Love Letters of Great Men collects together some of history's most romantic letters from the private papers of Beethoven, Mark Twain, Mozart, and Lord Byron. The audio version brings them to life so that listeners can enjoy the music of these men's writings.


This is the perfect gift for the SATC lover in your life!

Available from diesel book store in audio or hardcover, 3890 Cross Creek Road Malibu, 90265 & Brentwood Country Mart 225 26th Street, Suite 33

cast image courtesy Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Golden Anniversaries are Pretty

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, nothing is sexier than timeless romance. And what's better than Barbie and Motown? Okay, we know they're not exactly a couple, but their not segregated either. We think Barbie's youthful flair coupled with Motown's classic jams brings nothing but smiles to nostalgic faces. It's hard to believe that both have been around for fifty years (i.e. Golden Ann.) and that makes us think of all the changes that have gone on in our vast land.

Although, what wont change are those hits that keep getting replayed and inspire new generations. So, we are urging our Pretty guys to put down the Lil' Wayne and pick up some classic tunes. Conveniently, Hallmark put together the best of Motown on CD to honor the music's 50th anniversary. The appropriately titled HEART & SOUL, is available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores for $7.95 with the purchase of three cards.

Here's the full track list:

“Stop! In the Name of Love!” / The Supremes / 1965

“(Love is Like a) Heat Wave” / Martha & the Vandellas / 1963

“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” / The Four Tops / 1965

“My Girl” / The Temptations / 1964

“Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing” / Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell / 1968

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” / Stevie Wonder / 1970

“My Guy” / Mary Wells / 1964

“Love Machine” / The Miracles / 1975

“Brick House” / The Commodores / 1977

“Endless Love” / Lionel Richie & Diana Ross / 1981

We're sure you'll remember most of those hits - a lot were Grammy nominated.


Our Golden Anniversary party wouldn't be complete without some GLAM! We're excited to announce that you can bring out your inner Foxy Cleopatra with the Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can in 'Foxy Doll'. The palette contains eyeshadows, cheek powder, and sheer tangerine lip glaze so you can create your own iconic look with one kit. Available for $40 from Sephora.

We think these classy hues are the perfect way to celebrate Motown and Barbie! Yay for fifty and looking hot when you dance to "Brick House"!

Anna Wintour - now in HD!

Anna Wintour is ready for you to see her close up, literally. The fashion world is finding a spot on the silver screen thanks to the infamous Wintour and director R.J. Cutler (The War Room). His newest flick, The September Issue, is taken from over 600 hours of footage where Cutler and his crew entered the lives of Wintour, fashion, and Vogue.

The film was shot back in 2007 when Vogue's September issue was an obese 5 lbs, making it the largest magazine ever published. The September Issue premiered Friday at Sundance to an over-packed house; literally, the screening was oversold and not enough seats were available to accommodate moviegoers. James Rocchi of Cinematical was lucky enough to be there and had this to say in his review:

"The September Issue make[s] it clear that she is the boss; we watch as Wintour, like a crowned ruler of feudal times, carefully cultivates opportunities and patronage jobs for the young designer Thakoon, and his career is made. As Anna dismisses photos, story ideas, outfits brought for her opinion and staff members' suggestions with icy grace, we understand how easily it could have gone the other way."

Anna Wintour backstage with Balenciaga designer, Nicolas Ghesquiere

We all saw The Devil Wear's Prada which educated us on how intense and demanding fashion can be. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Cutler said, “There is a moment in the film where, what might lead to the end of her time at Vogue comes up and is addressed. I don’t want to give away story points but it is something that she speaks to.”

This makes us wonder, will the film help with Vogue's current image? The magazine isn't exactly considered the fashion bible anymore, especially since they just put gossiping baby starlet, Blake Lively on the cover. Boring!

We want the glamor, the drama, and the realism brought back into our so-called "fashion bible." Hopefully The September Issue will fulfill our cravings.


Images courtesy of Actual Reality Pictures

See Chloe sexy up religious fundamentalism tonight on HBO

Just a Pretty little reminder: HBO's Big Love starring the uber-cool Chloe Sevigny starts up again tonight. After marathoning through the first two seasons on On Demand a couple weeks ago, I've been counting the days until the season 3 premiere. Only our Chloe can make prairie girl dresses look super hot, so stay in tonight and check it out for yourself on HBO!

Above image by Ron Batzdorff.

Anna Pacquin will be pretty in purple at the Golden Globes

My favorite show of the year was super sexy True Blood and I was happy to see it get recognized with a Golden Globe nod for best TV drama. Its star Anna Paquin also was nominated for best actress in a drama. I wonder if Stephen Moyer, her on screen love interest and rumored off-screen BF, will walk her down the red carpet? We'll have to wait until the ceremony tonight to know for sure.

In the meantime, it's been announced that she'll be wearing a dress designed by Herve Leroux. Famous for his silk jersey bandage gowns, Anna's will be in (our favorite color) purple with a ruched bodies and draped side. Can't wait to see it!

Anna will be in good company with:


My hero Cate Blanchett who wore Herve Leroux to the Santa Barbara film festival while pregnant with son Iggy.

Penelope Cruz at the premier of Vicky Christina Barcelona in Westwood.

The always adorable Emmanuelle Chriqui at an Iron Man premier.

And the recently single Kate Walsh.

2008 in Post-its!

This is a YouTube video you'll actually want to watch. Popwaffle! collected many of the memorable and funny moments from '08. We promise you'll laugh and reminisce on all the trends you may or may not have caught onto.





Thank you Popwaffle!

Bob Harper to the rescue!

I can hardly weight (typo intended) for the new season of The Biggest Loser tomorrow. In the meantime, I happened to notice that Jillian Michaels is tearing up the fitness DVD sales chart on Amazon.com with her latest release 30 Day Shred. It sounds painful both to me and my downstairs neighbor who none too pleased when I got my wii Fit.

But while I have to hand it to Jillian for constantly churning out winners or, rather, "losers," my heart belongs to Bob and his love for yoga. Besides, wouldn't you rather spend some time with Bob and talk about feelings and oneness and how great sugar-free Jello-O with fat-free Cool Whip is as a great, low-cal snack and oh, wow, I think the show's obscene product placements have finally permeated my psyche...

Buffy still has a stake in my heart

This Pretty has a little streak of geek in her and that part is oh so looking forward to the debut of Dollhouse next month staring the very sexy Eliza Dusku. You may recognize her from Buffy the Vampire Slayer which makes sense as both shows are brought to you by the same creator. Hopefully this show will live up to all the hype!

But while we haven't been seeing much of Sarah Michelle Gellar lately, Buffy still lives on in a couple of Pretty things.
My lust for Lush has clearly been established, and Buffy the Backside Slayer was such a hit with me that I gifted my whole family with their own bar this past Christmas. With an intoxicating milky, creamy, almond and lavender infused aroma, the soothing scent of this bar is only part of it's power. This little bar does more than just clean your skin and smell yummy: it's a way powerful exfoliator - almost a bit too scratchy at times, but no worries, it's worth it. Your whole body will feel soft and smooth and will be left with wonderful coat of oil all over it, that I even skip my post-shower baby oil routine when I Buffy my backside.


If you haven't yet made a visit to West Hollywood's Hamburger Mary's, you really should. No, I'm serious, you really should. Between drag queen bingo on Wednesdays, Karaoke on Thursdays, and $1 Mimosa's on the weekend, this place is gay heaven on earth and is every bit the fun time the music on its website promises to be.

Oh yes, they also serve fantastic burgers and my fave is Buffy the Hamburger Slayer. It's a half pound burger "stabbed with garlic cloves and doused in red wine." Oh my god it's so good. Whoever told you to mix red wine with red meat was right on. And whomever decided to soak that red meat in red wine is my hero.

Lush; 312 N Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills.
Hamburger Mary's; 8288 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood.