MOTO NGANTOK BLOG

Our Differences Unite Us

• Clutch 22 -A Blogger's Fairytale - The Making of Seattle Indie Designer Jesica Milton's "Jordie" Dress


• cmykaboom -Halloween Hauteness: Top Ten Halloween Costume Ideas


• Dramatis Personae - The Dry Shampoo Trials (Part 1)


• DenimDebutante - The Zipholder


• Fashion Pulse Daily -Favorite New Eco-Find: the Cool Indie Designer Eco Duds at Green is Black


• ferOHHHsh - To Ugg or not to Ugg?


• girl friday -A Guide to Styling & Buying Scarves.


• Idiosyncratic Style - Stylish Last Minute Halloween Ideas


• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Good Cop/Bad Cop: Participating in Links a la Mode


• Le Petite Cecile - To Bleach or not to Bleach, That's the Question.


• Lillys Garden - Dirndlpunk ROCKS


• Mama Fashionista -- So What if I'm a (Perfume) Slut?


• Prom Mafia -Warning:This Image has been Photoshopped: Should a Disclaimer be Used on Photoshopped Models?


• Oranges & Apples -Flats or High Heels? Investigating Shoes that are Both Comfortable and Stylish


• Queen Gilda: Thesis Collection: Sketching, Fabric Choices, and Final Edits


• Retro Chick -Style Snapshot - 10 Questions with Eyeliah of Style Symmetry


• The COVETED -Learning More About Vintage from The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping


• The Demoiselles -- Pay Homage to the Classic Graphic T-Shirt


• Think Thru Fashion - Behind the Scenes at a MAC Halloween Photo Shoot


• Vue Society - RTW + Alterations vs. Custom Made


• Workchic - Shoe Smitten Shows Workchic Readers the Best Tall Boots for Those with Hard to Fit Calves

Sometimes, all we have is a dream. Though, often it is that hope against hope that defines our very humanity. The story of Terri White is all about dreams and humanity – the very best of both. Told in a simple yet astounding article in The New York Times this week, it is the kind of story we love to read complete with a hard-earned happy ending. It’s also a reminder that what makes life tough can also makes it worth living.

You see, Terri is a singer and a damn good one at that. For years she flirted with success, but more often than not ended up singing her heart out at piano bars around New York City. But then, times got harder. Last summer the 61-year-old couldn’t make the rent and ended up sleeping in the park. That’s the story we know too well – when talent goes untapped, when life throws its sharpest elbows. (To read a more personal account of Terri’s talent, check out my friend Scribegrrrl’s blog. In fact, just check it out in general. That gal can write.)

But from there, the story is the stuff of Hollywood dream factory. A police officer who recognized her from the piano bars saw her, broken and alone. He made some phone calls. A friend had a place for her to stay. Another friend knew of an opportunity in Florida and still another bought her ticket. Blanche DuBois couldn’t have asked for more kindness.

In Florida she met and fell in love with Donna Barnett, a “stately 62-year-old jewelry designer.” See, snuck the gay thing in on you, didn’t I? And then came the chance to audition for the pre-Broadway presentation of “Finian’s Rainbow,” which led to a role in the Broadway version. And that is where she is today, singing her heart out again but this time to the roar of a packed house. From the mean streets to the Great White Way. Come on, even Disney is jealous.

Life, for all its loud indignities and cruel disappointments, can turn out beautifully when we least expect it. To dream is never foolish; it is, in fact, a basic human necessity.

Together with silk,soft chiffons,cotton and wools the Danish born designer Louise Amstrup has created a strong S/S09 collection worth checking out.
The designer graduated from Akedemie motedesign in 2003 before training with Alexander McQueen. She has had her own label since 2006.

Ok, I know. I can't help myself. I am so proud of my parents and seeing their home in a magazine was quite a thrill. Well, more like a "really?" and "you can't be serious!" moment for all of us. We giggled a lot when we first saw the magazine. But, it was also very heart felt because the issue was the Mother's Day issue for Romantic Homes this year and it was dedicated to my Grandmother. That was a very special Mother's Day for us, indeed. Thanks to Jacqueline deMontravel, the Editor, who dedicated the issue to our mother and daughter decorating styles. That was quite a surprise. On top of that, my article was elegantly and thoughtfully written by Janet Solomon of FrenchBlue & Co.

My parents really love decorating their home, gardening and entertaining. My Mom enjoys the thrill of the hunt and picks up unusual pieces for her home on her weekend journeys to the local antique shops. She has also made friends with a few extremely talented dealers in San Clemente. They give her a jingle when special treasures arrive that may be a perfect fit. I believe this turquoise lady statue was provided by Janet Solomon of FrenchBlue & Co. Janet has quite the eye for all things unique and magical. Having her as a friend can be dangerous! Janet's home has also been in Romantic Homes magazine twice with completely different looks in each. She is one talented designer, a great friend and an inspiration. Her blog is also top notch.

My parent's had this soft green hand painted dining room table forever. But, last year they purchased the perfect chairs to match from Tony and Lucy. Collaborating with dealer friends really pays off! The custom made flowers in a french basket was designed by Whim.

A piece of artwork found on a romantic weekend in Santa Barbara found a resting place in the dining room.

My Mom's "chair problem" as we like to call it. This one really might just be my favorite. It has a french hand painted scene this is truly special.

Books, books and more books. I am fortunate that my Mom has started collecting decorating and fashion design books in the last few years. She enjoys going to Whim in San Juan Capistrano to sit in luxury and browse through the latest books. I get to read through them when she is done. My Mom says having lots of books around is very Parisian and continuing our knowledge of design is a good thing.

They created symmetry with the two silk sofas being anchored by the fireplace.

They used the same three colors in the living room, dining room and master bedroom to have continuity. It also provides the ability to move chairs and accessories from room to room for a fresh look.




Books, personal pictures and candles make a house feel like a home. And, look... I see Claudia's book right here, The Paris Apartment! I believe that was one of my Mom's first decorating books. We looked through that book over and over while setting up my bachelorette pad 10 years ago. Oh... la la. I had satin sheets, a gorgeous vanity, huge Parisian inspired fabric headboard and a chandelier over my bed. I think that may have closed the deal with Mr. Fabulous! Tee hee... The wedding picture is of me on our special day nine years ago with Mr. Fabulous. (B.T.W. Mr Fabulous is blog shy, so no pictures of him allowed)


So, there you have it kids. A little gander at my parent's pad.
Who would have thought a credit manager could pull this off, right? Decorating is her escape from all those fun phone calls all week. I think she does pretty darn good for a novice. But, of course, I am partial to her and my Dad!



Thanks so much for stopping by.
Have yourself a fabulous day!

Remember when we had that one show about lesbians on our televisions? Looks like, if the TV gods allow it, there could be two more coming…at the same time…and not involving Ilene Chaiken. Holy embarrassment of riches, Batman! (Or – more accurately – Batwoman, since she digs chicks.) Two sitcoms are in the works involving lesbian characters as leads. Yes, two. What are we, the new doctors and cops?

The first, is “You, Me and He” in development for CBS from out writer-comedian Carol Leifer (creator of the short-lived “The Ellen Show”) and follows a recently divorced woman who enters a gay relationship only to find out that she is pregnant with her ex-husband's baby. So they could have called it Carol, Susan and Ross if they wanted people to immediately get the concept. Also, pregnant lesbians – again? But, still, it’s lesbians.

The second from lesbian comic Liz Feldman (of “The Jay Leno Show” and “This Just Out” fame) and writer Darlene Hunt (who has written for “Will and Grace” and the upcoming “The C Word.”) is a female buddy comedy for NBC where one of the females is apparently a gay lady. You know, like “Laverne and Shirley” but without the annoyance of Lenny or Squiggy.

This is all amazing news. First it’s amazing because it would mean lesbians would be on TV during a month other than November (and sometimes May, depending how badly the network needs the sweeps ratings). Second, gay women are actually involved in the making of both shows. So they will know of what they speak, so to speak. And last, but in no way least, it would mean gay women would be the focus of the stories. This is no small point. Right now we’re largely relegated to large ensembles or permanent sidekick status. That is simply not enough.

Now both shows are in the early stages. No one has been cast. There have been no network pick-up commitments yet. But the first step is always the hardest.

So now, onto the fun stuff. Who do we want to see gaying it up in primetime? I vote Leisha Hailey for Liz’s buddy sitcom. She needs to be back on my TV making me laugh and laugh and laugh.

Other good options for either show: Erin Daniels (bring back Danish!), Michelle Krusiec (still harboring a crush since “Saving Face”), Emma Caulfield (effortlessly hilarious on “Buffy,” someone hire her!) and Kristin Chenoweth (remember when I was talking about things I’d give a kidney for, well, ditto!).

So, what do you think? Will these may it to see the light of the cathode ray tubes? (Sorry to go old school, but the xenon, neon, and helium gases in plasma TVs are just too damn hard to explain.) And let me be the first to dub these shows the new wave of lezcoms. Sitbians just didn’t sound right.

Kate Moss is only one of Poltock&Walsh high profiled fans.
The young label has already achieved a big following in by fashionistas in London.
Fiamma Poltock and Katie Walsh met studying Fashion
design at Kingston University.
Poltock&Walsh formed their own label in 2006.

As we're sure you've seen by now, Ivanka Trump wore a Vera Wang dress with short lace sleeves for her wedding to Jared Kushner. The groom wore Brioni. Today, Cathy Horyn writes about a conversation with Vera Wang regarding her work with Ivanka to design the dress.

According to Wang, Ivanka liked the gown Grace Kelly wore to marry Prince Rainer of Monaco (which was made by the MGM costume designer) and asked for something that looked as regal and was covered in lace. Wang welcomed the opportunity to design a dress that wasn't "naked and very Hollywood" and used three layers of different kinds of lace, each pieced together by hand, to make the dress.

Horyn believes this might mark the beginning of a trend for more demurely dressed brides.

"Nothing would make me happier," said Wang. "I've been doing strapless dresses for 15 years. It's tiring."

Well, I personally followed the strapless trend when I got married nine years ago. But, I think a trend of alternative necklines would be refreshing.

What do you think? Do you think brides should follow the "regal" look of Grace Kelly and cover up a bit? Or, is a strapless just as classic?

Not to get all Chris Crocker here, but leave Jessica Simpson alone. No, really. I mean it. The thing is, the girl is relatively harmless. Occasionally clueless? Absolutely. Owes me 104 minutes of my life back for being forced (against my will) to watch the “Dukes of Hazzard” movie. Hell, yes. But more often than not, Jessica actually seems sort of sweet. (Yes, I watched “Newlyweds.” A lot.) No, I’m not a fan of her music. No, I’m not a fan of her taste in men. No, I’m not a fan of her home economics teacher (really, who else can we blame for the Chicken of the Sea confusion?) But what I do know is that people need to shut up about her weight. Seriously, fucking zip it. First, it’s ludicrous to call her in any way overweight (then, now, ever). And second, it’s not a crime to no longer be the size of a lawn ornament. The world is hard on attractive women who show themselves to be, in any way, human. Heck, the world is hard on women, period.

When people mock Jessica’s body (like that beyond-dumb Fox Sports/Burger King ad and assholes on Twitter telling her recently “I highly doubt God’s plan for you is bigger than your ass.”), it’s pointlessly cruel and incalculably damaging. We can rail all we want against the impossible standards projected by the fashion and beauty industries, but it ultimately comes down to us. Are we going to regurgitate that garbage or are we going to stand up and give it the finger? We only perpetuate those industries’ inherent hatred of real women when we scorn people like Jessica for the so-called crime of gaining a few pounds. Beauty is not one size fits all, nor are women.

Sure, Jessica is an easy target. Heavens knows there are plenty of other things you can legitimately poke fun of the poor dear for, but how big or small her ass looks is not one of them. This needs to stop, not just about Jessica but everyone who has the audacity to not fit through a keyhole. Like just yesterday when I pulled up a post about Kelly Clarkson accepting a shot from a fan and the first commenter said: “She should throw back shots of Slim Fast instead.” Stop making me want to stab things, Internet! Also, what is wrong with people who were mean about Jessica’s dog getting eaten by a coyote? Get it together, humanity.

p.s. Tony Romo sucks all on his own. So stop blaming Jessica for that, too.

I love photography. I suck at it, but I love looking at other people’s work who don’t. I appreciate the skill that goes into a great shot. The composition, the lighting, the artistry. I can also appreciate that sometimes things can go awry – very, very awry. Like say, dear God, where the hell are her arms wrong. I mean, look what they did to poor Julianne Moore. Last time I checked she wasn’t appearing in a movie about a double amputee who walks around in hooker heels. Though, come to think of it, that movie has Oscar written all over it.

Liv TylerJesus, this missing arm thing is contagious.

Kate WinsletThey got Kate, too. No one is safe. Run! Run!

Natalie Portman
Don’t you just hate it when you get a piece of your delicious vegan, fair-trade, sustainably-farmed lunch caught way back in your molars?

Summer GlauSummer, on the other hand, looks like she is digging for a big, juicy piece of steak.

Marion Cotillard

This is the classic, I have to pee but have no idea where the restrooms are pose.

Rachel Weisz

Well, I guess that’s one way to solve the no restroom problem.

Marg HelgenbergerApproach with extreme caution, a feral animal is foaming at the mouth in the corner.

Keri RussellWhile she has all her limbs, nothing in her teeth and appears to have used the restroom before departure, this photo is still WRONG IN EVERY WAY.

One of my must see daily blogs is the gals over at Bon Bon Rose Girls. Kristen and Megan (Kristen is the gorgeous bride and her best bud and blog partner Megan at her side) are BFF's and cover daily fashion inspiration, recipes, interior design, life and have loads of fun giveaways. I've seen them grow from their beginnings to now over 600 loyal followers. Yippee girls! These gals get it, deliver it and are one powerhouse of a blogging team. They were even kind enough to do a little feature on Fabulous Finds & Co because they are cool chicks with big hearts. In the process, somehow I got an interview out of them. I can be sly like that. Check it out... because I was wondering how you go from 0 to 600 in a matter of months and thought it was worth a share.

How did you gals get together?


K: We met in high school and have been BFFs ever since. I didn't think it was possible for us to get any closer, but becoming partners has been a wonderful addition to our friendship!

M: We've been bestie's forever (seriously I think I still had braces!) and have always wanted to collaborate. This seemed like the perfect opportunity and has been so fun for us to do together even though were 1,000 miles apart!

What is your background?

K: I was that girl who had a few, ahem, majors in college and finally settled on psychology. I then planned on attending law school, but marriage and the bambino derailed those plans. I think it was a blessing in disguise, as I am now able to do something I truly love which is writing about fashion
and whatever else comes into my brain. Someday I'll make millions at it. Ah ha ha

M: I've worked in marketing and PR and always had a love for writing and doing things creatively. I'm also someone who has a thousand To Do lists at all time and love to be busy. BonBonRose had been a great way to combine it all!

Did you both have previous blogs and combined?

K: We were a package deal from the get go!

M: Nope this was 100% collaboration from day 1!

How did you get your eye for style?

K: Fashion is something I've always loved. I don't know whether I have a true eye for style, but I love what I love and I adore sharing it with our readers.

M: Well Kristin is the one with the natural eye, mine has come from ridiculous amounts of HGTV and design mags!

What's your joy from your blogging?

K: I've truly enjoyed becoming a part of such an amazing community. Blogging has given me not only a creative outlet, but it's led to true friendships as well.

M: I love getting to share my experiences with others as well as learning about design from bloggy friends and sites.

What's your challenges from blogging?

K: For me, it's been fitting in blogging around my little dude's schedule. He's number one after all!

M: My biggest challenge has been devoting the time. It has grown so fast and I want to make sure our readers get the very best of me every time.
Thank goodness I have Kristin! I don't know how solo bloggers do it! Oh and the html coding nightmares but those stories require a stiff drink in hand!

What three words describe your blog or you two?

K: Fun, flirty and fabulous. I hope. Hee hee. We try to keep it light hearted and current. Our blog is meant to be an escape from the realities of life.

M: Upbeat: I've had friends tell me that one of the reasons that they enjoy reading us is that we make an effort to keep things positive and fresh.
Open: We love trying new things, whether its a new pair of shoes or paint color. We hope to bring new perspectives to our readers and keep em on their toes!
Sisterhood: Kristin and I function like family and there is no one I count on or rely on more as a friend.

What's your goal for your blog?

K: I would love to see our baby blog just keep gettin' better as she grows up!

A: To keep growing an continually raise the bar for our own projects and posts.

What would we be surprised to learn about either or both of you?

K: Most people are surprised when they learn about my country music obsession. I have seen George Strait a countless amount of times and my cowboy boots hold a coveted spot in my closet.

M: I think for me people would be surprised at how dry my sense of humor in person is. Its hard to translate sarcasm when you're writing for a broad audience but in person its very, very deliciously dark.

What would you like to add?

K: I would like to thank everyone who finds our blog worth stopping by. It continues to amaze me that people find my gibberish interesting. Ah ha

A: A huge apology for my lack of comma use. My husband asks me on a daily basis, often after reading my posts, why I have a personal vengeance towards the comma.

What inspires you both?

K: My bambino, my hubs, my friends, what I find in the endless number of magazines I subscribe to...I'm inspired by it all!

A: Everything, especially color, food and wine!

Any marketing advice?

K: I try to comment back whenever possible. I want everyone that took the time to read and comment on our posts how much we appreciate it!

A: Marketing advice, connect with other bloggers, a personal talent of Kristin's. Also post great content daily!
--

Now, go on over to their place. I am sure you will find it fabulous!! Cowboy boots or not! http://bonbonrose9.blogspot.com/ Let me know what you think! Or, if you are already a fan of this dynamic duo. For me, blogging has given me the unique opportunity to come in contact with so many fabulous talented people like Kristen and Megan. Merci!

So, here’s a good hypothetical: Is a kiss with Charlize Theron worth $140,000? Well, that depends. Tongue or no tongue? I kid, I kid. Tongue is an extra $100,000. Of course, we don’t actually have to guess whether the smooch was worth the smackeroos. Instead we can just ask the lady in the green tights who actually paid $140,000 to kiss Charlize (OK, there was also a trip to South Africa that included World Cup tickets, a safari and a meet-and-greet with Nelson Mandela included…but whatever everyone knows it was all about the kiss).

The kiss was part of a celebrity auction for ONEXONE, a charity that provides water, food, medicine, education and play to impoverished children around the world. The bidding was originally just for the trip and accoutrement but then Jeremy Piven got $280,000 for his auction item and Charlize raised the stakes. I mean, who wants to lose out to Jeremy Piven? So instead of just fetching $37,000, Charlize netted $140,000. Which is all fine and good and lovely. (No, really, I mean it. Yay, do goodery!) But, seriously, that kiss.

The fantastic things about it are many, but here are the Top Five.

1. It wasn’t a gay event, yet Charlize was totally unfazed by a lady winning the bid.
2. The lady in the green tights (anyone know her name, by the way?) totally went for a dip not once, but twice.
3. The kiss was so long I think Charlize had to pause for air.
4. The joint leg lifts.
5. With any luck this will encourage more stars to auction off kisses to eager lesbians everywhere.

Actually, I think Charlize may have stumbled upon an untapped goldmine. How many lesbian and bisexual women (heck, straight girls, too) wouldn’t sell a kidney to kiss their celebrity crush? I mean, just think of the loot Olivia Wilde or Sara Ramirez or Jennifer Beals or Lena Headey or Tina Fey could raise for some worthy cause if they went to a GLBT event and auctioned off a lip-lock? But don’t even think of outbidding me on Tina. I’m already looking into the going rate for kidneys. What? I’ve got two. And it is, after all, for charity.

Jesus, Snarker, took you long enough. Many thanks for entering the Mary Tyler Moore giveaway, one and all. If I had 104 copies, you’d all get one. Alas, I only have three. But, rest assured, whenever a publicist wants to ply me with something shiny and new, I will happily pass it along to you kind folks. (Hint, hint, publicists: I will hawk your wares if you let me run a contest.) Anyhew, the winners of the “Mary Tyler Moore Show” season 5 box sets are:

• M.F.
• Roya
• Suazr

Funky Burberry shoes with classic boys blazer, white blouse, great black belt and vintage inspired black and white skirt. Sassy yet classy.

The Chanel ballet shoes I am coveting right now. These gals are wearing vintage jewelry that I wish I could see.

A D.I.Y retro 80's jean jacket with the feathers added for dramatic effect.

Black skinny jeans that are all the rage, ladylike white blouse with a vintage jacket and KILLER platform heels.

80's jean jacket with a look that reminds me of Madonna in the 80's with a bag that looks like a Chanel replica. Very cute for a 20 something, but it may seem she forgot her pants? No?

These three young gals are professional stylists. The gal on the left is wearing Chanel eyeglasses, vintage dress and converse shoes. The gal on the right is wearing a vintage jacket with pink denim and great military style boots.