God Bless America

A huge step in the Fight on Terrorism was made yesterday and God Bless America as we move onward. I had an entirely different post in mind for this lovely Monday morning, but when Osama Bin Laden is finally found dead...all else holds no priority.

{Thanks to Twitter last night}

Twitter was absolutely flooded last night with streams of comradery, support, remembrance of lives lost over the last 10 years, and live pictures of NYC as the news broke. Here is a video from Ground Zero last night. Running through New York this morning was like breathing in freedom. I never tire of hearing the amazing stories every New Yorker holds of their attachment to that fateful day when our skyline changed forever. And seeing the people gather together in Times Square and Ground Zero to celebrate this great feat was truly  moving.

{photos pinned on Pinterest}

God Bless America

Pourquoi Pas?

Why not XOXO darlings? Have you been catching up on the latest on the Upper East Siders? This season is very good even if my Louboutins and I are struggling to keep up. So sorry for the absence of post yesterday, I'm afraid the Blogger Bouncer was giving me the cold shoulder of his velvet rope and logging in was something that was just not going to happen. But no tears for me mes cheries maybe just some Wayfarers as I've been blinded by the amazing fabulousness of last nights costume. The show featured the girls at the insta-important Fashion's Night Out event that has swept NYC by surprise the last two NYFWs with its glitz and its glam.

{hollywoodlife.com}

Blair's dress was amazing. The perfect frock to turns those heads

as you step out the cab ready to party. Thank you Pre-Fall Valentino!

{gossiprocks.com}

But Serena's dress stole my heart. Flowy, unique, and backless,

its everything I always look for in a gown. Bisous Jenny Packham!

Whose heels would you walk a mile in darlings?

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The Face Behind the Stories

As bloggers go, you tend to learn a lot of information about everything we like under the sun but very little personal information about who we are, the mysterious people glued to their laptops, scouring the web for great content to keep you inspired. The ever lovely Erika of Cafe Fashionista has posted a blogger challenge to get know each other better. So here I go with a little Q&A a la Erika's direction.

Where do you live?

Lately this has become an ever changing phenomenon, I could be my own Carmen Sandiego at times. I am native to Charlotte, NC and have spent many years living in different parts of the Carolina's and Virginia. I just moved back from a year of living in France! And now in one month (fingers crossed) I will finally be able to make The Big Apple my home!! That is right darlings, my dreaming since childhood is finally coming true and I am going to be able to take on the adventures of the Concrete Jungle in all its glory...and I cannot wait!

What would your perfect day consist of?

Waking up without an alarm and gobbling down a delish pancake breakfast in my pj's with a good cup of jo. Some cardio window shopping with my besties and competing for the best sale find of the day, followed by a late cafe lunch. Going for a nice long run with just me and my iPod. Rounding out the day perfectly strolling through a park wrapped around my sweetheart and having a nice meal complete with wine and lots of kisses. And maybe followed by some late night dancing and stargazing. *weather depending*

Who is your fashion muse?

I pull from mainly 2 lovely ladies: Sarah Jessica Parker and Blake Lively. SJP has always had this fantastic way of shattering fashion rules and paving the way for the perfect blend of girly chic and rockin glam. And Blake Lively, or rather Eric Daman (costume designer for Gossip Girl and therefore Serena Van der Woodson) has this fresh undone quality that perfects the I've just rolled out of bed and arrived here impossibly fabulous look. I tend to be more controlled personally, so I like pulling qualities from that character to incorporate in my wardrobe that may not normally be my first instinct.

What do you always order from Starbucks?

Unfortunately my absolute Go-To Starbucks drink is only around for a few months from September to November. Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte is heaven in a cup and it is about to come back for 2010 and I'm counting down the days!

7 Passions

Travel, Jesus, Photography, Fashion, Creating, Music, Loved Ones

What are your obsessions?

Etsy, blogging, reading, Gossip Girl/Sex and the City/FRIENDS marathons, Twilight, iTunes surfing, stilettos, French, interior decorating, sewing, fashion history, international exploration, camping & the mountains, walking along the beach, fun hairdos, coffee, dancing, tattoo artwork, thrift store hunting, dressing up, costumes...

What is your favorite quote?

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" Saint Augustine

What is on your bedside table?

Current book, cell phone, iPod Touch, cute lamp, pen & notepad (I can never go to sleep because I'm thinking about my To Do's for the next day, so this is my solution), and a stacked plate and glass from last night's brownie and milk snack (yeah I'm totally guilty of late night snacking...its a problem, I'm aware)

What's always in your bag?

Wallet, cell phone, iPod Touch, pen, camera, lipstick (I feel like the only lady left who still prefers it to gloss, I just can't take my hair sticking to my lips), my amazing pronged hair dagger thing (I'm sure there is an official term for it), Flip & Tumble's Reusable bag, sunglasses, and keys.

{thanks weheartit for all the photos}

Your turn darlings, considered yourself tagged! I hope you enjoyed learning a little info about me, and I cannot wait to learn more about you as well, so get blogging!

What will we have in common mes cheries?

Celeb sex videos reveal hypocrisy in society: Legislator

Hans David Tampubolon, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 06/16/2010 12:22 PM

Golkar Party legislator Tantowi Yahya says that the public fiasco caused by sex videos allegedly involving Ariel Peterpan, Luna Maya and Cut Tari has shown the true colors of the Indonesian society, and that is filled with hypocrisy.

"We condemn them for breaking our norms, yet at the same time we also enjoy the videos," Tantowi said at the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Wednesday.

"The proof that we also enjoy the videos is evident in the fact that the DVDs can be easily bought in Glodok," he said, referring to busy shopping mall in downtown Jakarta.

The alleged sex videos of Ariel, Luna and Cut Tari have become a major controversy in recent weeks, not only in a local scale but global one as well.

International porn stars who have watched the video have publicly stated their interests to work with Ariel, Luna and Cut Tari in future projects if they are indeed the ones starring in the video.

Taxis, Timing, and Love

I just finished watching a romance film with my friend and it got me thinking, how quickly women fall in love. Of course it is easy to see this when you need to have two characters end up together in under two hours, but it still arose an interesting point. Men and women are wired so differently, although we have more in common then general society stereotypes allow, it is fascinating to sit back and ponder.

"Its easy to fall in love. The hard part

is finding someone who will catch you." ~ anonymous

As I think back on my past relationships I know that I could have easily fallen in love in most of them, the tricky part is timing, sometimes you are preoccupied, sometimes he may be elsewhere. But in those relationships I remember learning his passions and finding ways to infuse that into our activities, or learning about his family and friends and letting them into my life too. Always changing and looking toward the future, never yielding so much that you lose yourself, but continually transforming into that "We" that you desire. I would like to reference a quote that sparked this train of thought in the first place.

"A lady's imagination is very rapid. It jumps from admiration to love,

from love to matrimony in a moment." ~ Jane Austen

For me it has always been like this, it is nothing I feel men should be afraid of, why else are you dating? Even when I was younger I always felt that dating was a test run for finding my husband, and when I no longer saw a future for the relationship, I ended it. It is selfish of me to stay with a man and lead him falsely in a direction I am not, just for the sake of me staying away from the scary word "single." Now, am I saying I've never gone on a date with a guy I wasn't quite sure had a future? No. I am saying that if I have decided after a couple dates that I would like to see where this might go, I'm jumping both feet in. Whereas I feel many men dance around the dating pool for quite some time before finally deciding it may be time to honor society with a prolonged dip. This subject is summed up perfectly in an episode of Sex and the City.

*Merci We Heart It for all the photos*

"Men are like cabs, when they're available their light goes on. They awake one day and decide they are ready to settle down, have babies, whatever, and they turn their light on. Next woman they pick up, boom, that's the one they'll marry. It's not fate, it's dumb luck. It's all about timing, you gotta get em when their light's on." ~Miranda Hobbes

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That Mother Chucker!

I don't know about you, but when Sex and the City stopped filming, suddenly television had lost it's leading stylist. Well, in the last few years a new star show has risen to claim what I believe will be the next lead for fashion forward icons: Gossip Girl. Costume designer Eric Daman has done a fantastic job at creating a look for each character that perfectly places their personality and statement to the world. My favorite of all the cast is by far Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick. Every episode he takes me to a whole new level of standards for what men should be dressing like today.

Eric Daman has truly channeled the classic men's prep look from the 1950s with an upper east side modern twist. I am usually at a loss of words for how exquisite his wardrobe is. Guys, listen up!

Pocket square. Classic Chuck staple. Anytime there is a suit, there is a pocket square, perfect for popping color to whatever the occasion calls for. *compliments blog.iamchuckbass.com*
Suspenders. Men just don't seem to wear them anymore, but I'd like to call for a comeback. Personally, I think a man in a suit with suspenders is so sexy, its truly dapper in every sense of the word. *compliments of splendicity.com*
Color. Whether its a statement velour coat, or show stopping pants, one thing is for sure, Chuck Bass does not fear color. He has worn everything from a lavender suit to bright purple pants and a yellow cardigan. He is confidant in himself and his style and totally pulls it off. Its nice to see a man in something other than neutrals, or the generic blue. *compliments of nymag.com*
Accessorize. Hat and ascot...yes please! Often known to be sporting a fedora (my personal favorite) Chuck is always properly accessorized. He knows no outfit is complete without the finishing touches. Cue his trademark red, white, and blue silk scarf. Which brings me to another thought, can men please start wearing ascots again? You don't have to be Mr. Darcy to wear it, look how modern Chuck looks...with an ascot. Also, don't forget nice shoes, nothing ruins a look like drab shoes. Yes, people notice your shoes! *compliments of stylesilove.blogspot.com*
Attitude. Of all the outfits in his expensive closet, the one thing Chuck Bass never leaves the house without is his attitude. It is 50% Smooth Talker, 50% Frankly My Dear, I Don't Give a Damn. He knows what looks good and he will wear it, and anyone that crosses his path beware, nothing says "Run for the hills" like a Chuck Bass upset. This outfit is a personal favorite of mine. Its very Humphrey Bogart meets the 21st century. The black lapel and pant piping are great details to this classic look. Then paired with a neck scarf for a GQ look, and aviators for casualness, its perfect! *compliments of latimes.com*

He may be the guy you hate to love, and love to hate, but at least he looks good doing it. Here's to Chuck Bass our modern day Cary Grant.

School Days, Forget The Golden Rule Days

Today I start my job and my French classes! Big day for me. So I thought I would post on my favorite school look...plus some. I absolutely LOVE Gossip Girl, and my favorite style of all the girl characters is definately Serena van der Woodsen. Her style is everything I love about fashion:unique, edgy, and known to break all the rules. *photo pulled from periodicstyle.blogspot.com*

Although no real school would allow that mini-skirt, even in tights, I love the essence it has. Over the knee boots, slouchy boyfriend vest, very loose tie. But also how she pairs boots with short items and long sleeves. Its a very "I'm out the door" kind of look, together yet dishelved...fun!

Janeane Garofalo to join 24

The political left and the political right will join forces on 24 this season. Janeane Garofalo, an outspoken liberal, is set to co-star on the conservative-leaning real-time drama, whose co-creator/executive producer jokingly describes himself as a "right-wing nut job." Garofalo will play a government agent who is part of the team investigating the crisis befalling Jack Bauer in the coming season. The lefty comedian is the second major cast addition to the drama, which is going through a revamping coming off a lackluster sixth season. Cherry Jones was tapped last month to play the new president.

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Kim Kardashian gets reality show

After announcing the end of The Simple Life, the E! network has confirmed plans for a new celebrity offspring reality series starring Kim Kardashian, the 26-year-old daughter of Robert Kardashian, one of OJ Simpson's attorneys during his murder trial. The show will center around Kardashian's Brady-Bunch style family, which includes sisters Kourtney and Khloe, half-sisters Kendall and Kylie, their mother Kris and stepdad and Olympian Bruce Jenner. Set to debut this fall, the show was created in part by Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

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Kelly and Kim cancel reality show

The Kelly Osbourne/Kimberley Stewart reality show has been quashed - by its stars. E! originally reported that the show was canned producers, who wanted the famous offspring to spend time with "real people" doing "real jobs" and make fun of them in the process. According to a source, however, Osbourne decided not to sign on after she saw the first episode, calling it "demeaning to other people and juvenile."
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Project Runway kids not so successful

Project Runway fame doesn't necessarily lead to money and success. Two years after winning the first season of the designer reality show, Jay McCarroll is homeless. "I sleep at other people's houses... I got pushed out of a boat and into the ocean, as if, oh, you can survive now." Second season contestant Andrae Gonzalo reportedly makes a living "hosting events at gay bars in Pittsburgh," according to New York magazine.

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Whoopi named as O'Donnell's View replacement

Comedian Whoopi Goldberg was officially announced as the new moderator and co-host of The View this morning. Picking up where Rosie O'Donnell and Meredith Viera left off, Goldberg will be responsible for steering panel discussions. She appeared on Wednesday's show for Barbara Walters's announcement. "I love this show," said Goldberg, who has guest co-hosted many times. "I love coming on it. I love hanging out with you guys." Producers at The View are also in discussions with possible candidates to fill the spot left empty by Star Jones Reynolds, including Sherri Shepherd and Kathy Griffin.

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TSL canceled

The Simple Life has officially been canceled, according to a source at the E! network. Overexposure is reportedly to blame for the end of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's "reality" show. "We felt like the real life drama of their lives overshadowed anything happening on the show," says the insider. "Viewers would see Paris all day long on the news about her going to jail, so they didn't care about seeing her camping with kids. It just was too played out." Richie also became difficult to work with, adds the source: "Paris carried the show. She was the one willing to do anything. Nicole was the diva."

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Becks gets reality show

Following this week's airing of Victoria Beckham's reality special, Coming to America, soccer hottie David Beckham is getting his own TV show. David Beckham's Soccer USA, a 13-part reality series from the producer of American Idol, will premiere next Wednesday. "David Beckham's arrival is a tremendous milestone in U.S. soccer history," said a FOX rep, whose network will air the show. "[The series] will provide an insider's look at his performance with the Los Angeles Galaxy." Posh and Becks's big move to the U.S. is garnering a lot of A-list attention - their "Welcome to America" party is being thrown by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes along with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett this Sunday."Invitations went out all over Hollywood...they were printed on red velvet with tacky gold lettering," said a tipster.
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Vanessa shopping for reality show

Vanessa Minnillo is reportedly in talks for her own reality show, although insiders say the recently-released "knife-play" photos with Lindsay Lohan may prove itself to be a thorn in her side. "The show would just follow her around in a day," says a source. "She really wants to be famous." The new project would not be an MTV show, and Minnillo reportedly has a reputation among some of her former MTV colleagues as being difficult to work with. No word on whether Minnillo's beau Nick Lachey would have a part in the show...but we all know what happens to reality TV couples.

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Ellen rules the Emmys

Ellen Degeneres ruled at last night's Daytime Emmy awards, scoring six trophies including best talk show and best talk-show host. Accepting one award, Degeneres gave a shout-out to View alum Rosie O'Donnell, saying, "I really am shocked... I thought Rosie brought a lot of new viewers to daytime television and it was interesting. I liked what she did. This was the year she should have won. I wanted to acknowledge Rosie because she has done a lot... I don't know who should replace her, but I don't think it should be Paris Hilton. That would not work."

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Lindsay's mom wants to screw up her other kids on TV

While her daughter Lindsay is battling demons and possible drug and alcohol addiction in rehab in LA, Dina Lohan is in talks to do a reality show with the E! network. Tentatively titled "Mom-ager," the show would follow Lohan as she tries to turn her two youngest children, 14-year-old Ali and 11-year-old Cody into stars. "Can you believe that?" says an insider. "She totally messed up Lindsay by making her a 'star' and living vicariously through her - and now she's going to do the same to the other two? How the [bleep] can E! do this? Those kids should be in school having normal lives, the life that Lindsay didn't get to have." Mama Lohan is rumored to have been on the hunt for a TV job for more than a year, and recently appeared as an Entertainment Tonight correspondent at Lindsay's Georgia Rule premiere.

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Posh backs out of TV show

Reality TV fans might be disappointed to learn that Victoria Beckham has pulled out of a deal to star in a reality show about her move to the U.S. with husband David Beckham and their three children. The former Spice Girl told a British paper that family comes before fame. According to a source, "the TV series was a great launchpad for her career...but she felt she was being pushed into a corner and David was obviously always going to take priority."

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Iman to host Project Runway Canada

During an appearance to promote her new gig as host of Canada's version of Project Runway earlier this week, supermodel Iman weighed in on the self-destructive path of young Hollywood. "I have to say, I did my fair share of Studio 54 in my day," the makeup guru said. "But by the grace of God, I have always known when to leave the party. They are very young, these girls...they treat rehab like it's a spa, they go in and out, but at the end of the day I keep asking myself the same question over and over: 'Where are the adults for these kids?'" Iman heeds her own advice and tries to only take on projects that keep her close to her children and husband David Bowie. "So when they approached me to do Project Runway Canada, a couple of things aligned themselves perfectly," Mrs. Bowie said. "First of all, it's in June so school is out so the little one is going to come with me. And it's in Toronto, so it's not that far from New York and I'm able to go back and forth easily." The show, which will air this fall, will see twelve Canadian designers compete for $100,000 to start their own fashion line, as well as the chance to show their work at a premiere fashion event. "It's a really good opportunity to be on a show that's in a genre that's not salacious - I'm not keen on salacious television," Iman says. "I really do like the format of Project Runway USA because it really is about finding talent and nurturing talent. There's no meanness. The critiques are constructive and the judges are designers and really know what they're talking about."

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No love between Rosie and Elisabeth

Rosie O'Donnell posted a video message on her blog over the weekend in the wake of her leaving The View. The comedian and children's advocate says she will likely never speak to ex-co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck again after their on-air battle last week. "I haven't spoken to her, and I probably won't, and I think it's just as well," O'Donnell says. "I wrote her an email, and she wrote me back, and there you have it." On this morning's View Elisabeth made a point of saying she and Rosie had been in touch, and seemed to think the two would eventually be friends again...guess she hasn't checked out rosie.com. "I was really just like a foster kid for a year," O'Donnell said of her View stint. "I came, you know, we considered adoption, but I didn't really fit into the family and now it's time for the foster kid to go back home." O'Donnell also admitted it her head writer drew a mustache on a photo of Hasselbeck in the studio, saying, "I was a joke on the way out."

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