big ups meg digiovanni

my moms got me a $150. gift card to h&m this year (on top of all my other pirate booty). when I come into nyc I stay with the homegirl of homegirls, meg d. in the les. there are two h&m's in a three block radius of here. were going cuckoo for cocopuffs today buying up some new rags for our new years celebrations tomorrow night. there are no h&m's in los angeles, california. there are over 5 in manhattan. america. feck yeah!

p.s. meg d. just gave me her digi cam. she's bananas!!

new york knickers

with my sister back from switzerland for the holidays, she was able to share with me the latest european fashions. switzerland is faaaaancy. people go to the supermarket in roberto cavalli dresses ferchrissakes!?! apparenly, the apparel du jour is knickers with knee high boots. she said all the girls are wearing these knee-length knickers that do a little puff at the hemline with knee-high, high heeled boots (stockings, both fishnet and matte can be used to cover the difference. oddly enough, I was in wal-mart on long island picking up some holiday cards and I came across a pair of said kinckers for $12.99. I live in two of the most fashionably dense cities in the country and I have not seen these knickers...but i see them in wal-mart on middle country road!?!?! must-have!! size 6. $13. caitlin said they looked like cardboard pants because of the poor quality. I didnt care. I wore them on x-mas. yesterday when we were bringing cait to the airport, there were two girls on line at swiss air who had the outfit on. It was really fun to put a image to the trend. I am heading to nashville next week to shoot the look for less. I told my sister I would wear that outfit on-air as an homage to her and her new country. j'taime caitlin. bon jour! au revoir.

my favorite day of the year

I hope ya'll had a nice time with family and friends this holiday season. x-mas is my fave time of year coz I LOVE PRESENTS!!! I can't get enough of them. giving them. getting them. even at my age, up here close to thirty, I am still spolied with a pile of presents on christmas morning. ya know that movie, the polar express? I DO believe! this year was no exception in a show of lavish giving by santa (and my parents). I walked out of the sweet deal with a fab pair of dior black aviator sunglasses. I saw a kate moss/dior ad with her wearing them and I knew I had to get them. santa knows I was very good. I also got a very fun gucci signature horse bit keychain. unfortunately santa didnt have time to make it himself this year and bought it online which resulted in faulty merchandising. folks - make sure if you are buying something online, not from the direct manufacturer and it is over $100. to really investigate the purchase!! santa know I am pretty good at reciprocating all the holiday cheer, so my mom was gifted with a luxurious pair of black leather gloves, lined with cashmere from Coach. my sister asked for accessories as she lives in switzerland and doesnt have much money to get them herself. I was able to pick up pounds of fun trinkets at forever 21 that look fun and funky and classy and only cost me $50. a nice jewelery box from target for $10. on holiday sale rounded out the present. for my dad it was a pair of lounge pants and slipper/clogs so he can be comfortable when he is home from work and around the house. since being at home, I've picked up on my parents current patterns and my dad doesn't get out of his suit or tie or shoes until he gets into bed at 10pm. sheesh. he needs some california sunshine. and a pair of lounge pants and slippers. oh! he has that now.

no joe jeans

Have you seen the billboard on Sunset for Joe's Jeans?! There is a nekkid women complete with exposed T&A with no jeans in sight?! I hate this ad. I mean, I really fecking hate this ad. So many children pass by it and the model's tits and ass are out for the world to see. It is such poor taste on the part of Joe's Jeans. That's it. They're on the list. I'm boycotting Joe's Jeans. They should stick to coffee.

champagne wishes and kaviar and kind

I went to the "opening" of jen meyer's jewelery collection the other night at kaviar and kind on sunset. jennifer meyer, daughter of ron meyer (head of universal) and girlfriend of tobey mcguire. she is like the mayor of the young hollywood set and the kids came out to kiss the ring. the bushes were there. as was anthony kiedis, rachel zoe and mark ruffalo whose wife, sunshine owns the shop. her colleciton is alot of treated metal at ridiculously high prices but when you have millions what is a couple more? the store is a celeb jem. the shopgirls are very sweet and if you're in town and have got a couple of thousand to splurge, do stop by.

snowglobing in the U.S.A.

HOW TO MAKE A WINTER SNOWBLOBE...

What You Need
* Baby food jars (medium or large jars)
* Florist clay
* Small figurine
* White glitter or fake snow (available at stores during the holiday season)
* Hot glue gun or aquarium sealing glue (hot glue is cheaper)
* Ribbon, optional
* Garland plastic greenery

How To Make It
1. Make sure jar is washed and clean. Note: Any jar will do if you desire a larger snow globe.

2. Attach figurine to inside of jar lid using florist clay. If you are using a small object, it's a good idea to build up the clay so the object will appear taller. Attach any optional items with the clay (greenery, berries, etc.). Use your imagination, but make sure it is waterproof and won't dissolve.

3. Fill jar with water to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top. Use cold water, warm water tends to cloud. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon (25 ml) of glitter, or snow into water.

4. Insert figurine in water, screw on lid. Let stand overnight -- lid side up.

5. Use glue/sealer to ensure waterproofness and attach decorative ribbon over lid. You may also paint the lid rather than use ribbon. Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless!

Tips
1. Make sure the objects are secure in the clay, you could even glue them for added security.

2. Before gluing or sealing the lid, make sure you have sufficient amount of glitter. Depending on the size of the jar, you may need more or less.

3. To make a more elaborate snowglobe, add tiny objects to float in the water, use a drop of colored oil to create a swirling effect, use food coloring in the water, various colors glitter, etc. This can be altered in any way to be a one-of-a-kind. Use your imagination and have fun.

4. This activity may be used with any size jar, have fun with this and be creative.

the san francisco treat

I'm in san fran right now. came up monday to shoot the look for less. went out for dinner and fun times with chip and pepper. they are some serious havers of fun. their jeans (and new line of vintage track suits) ain't bad neither. had a great time working with yoanna. the haight is a faaaaab place for vintage finds. my fave place was crossroads. it had the best designer vintage for the most inexpensive prices. wasteland was too overpriced and buffalo exchange didnt have a good selection. we ended up rocking the designer looks for well under $100. gosh, I love when that happens. I really love this city. its urban and chill. the street fashions aren't anything to post home about. lots of gap, hippie ish and basic commuter couture, messanger bags. I didn't have a coat so I had to get before coming up here. I found a cute faux fur hoodie puffer thingee by apollos jeans outerwear at marshalls for $25. Its kept me warm and I've got a ton of comments on it so it goes to show you the look for less can always look good!

gobble gobble, son

I can do some serious marinatin' on posting to my blog here. How was turkey day for you? Mine was stuffed (pun intended) with lots of food and fun friends! What is appropriate attire for Thanksgiving? It is a holiday so I always find it necessary to dress up a bit but when the day is centered around eating pounds of carbs and sugar, I think sweatpants should be the official outfit du jour. I'm not into Juicy-like tracksuits, but I am a major fan of Adidas and other English or Japanese imports. I also love the look of the Victoria's Secret PINK line. Here's a tip for you though, head to the nearest pharmacy and pick up a pair of sweatpants for $5. to cut, roll down, one leg up, whatever. Its way cooler and way cheap! I was on set for an Omarion/Marques Houston movie a couple of weeks ago and everyone on set was rocking the sweatpants over pants over boxers look. weird. is that the new hip-hop hotness or what?

she's crafty

I came up with a brilliant idea for an ellegirl or teen vogue magazine page. its a comic strip with live-action pictures featuring a celebrity doing something crafty. I created a "pitch" strip a couple of months ago with the teen girl-pop band, the valli girls. they were young and cute and at the time could've gone somewhere. I always thought about what they were up to. well, last night I was at the laugh factory with my very funny friend, dwayne perkins, who was performing and dane cook got up and performed. dane cook is hilarious. I've seen him a couple of times now and have his albums. really funny stuff. after the show, we were sort of hanging around with him and the others and there was the lead singer and another band mate from the valley girls. apparently, the lead singer, raquel is dane's girlfriend. now this may not seem like any news at all and its really not but it was confusingly amusing to see this chick who fronts a teen band, swigging drinks at the laugh factory bar. hollywood is great!

lohan and leto?

what's up with little girls trying to get hitched? why can't they celebrate themselves and their individuality and have fun and be young? if you find your true love at a young age and you're sure, that's cool but the competition in hollywood to get a man as an accessory or revenge tactic is bananas. I am a staunch believer in the 'don't get married until after 30' way of life...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9916539/

a whole new world

Yesterday blew my mind. Me and my new BFF (we'll call her Gail), Gail have been planning for her husbands birthday party which happens this weekend (yippee!). As a result, we've had to run around town tying up the final details. This is a very long and arduous process that includes many breakfasts, lunches, coffee breaks and misc. shopping. I was introduced to so many new and fun and exciting L.A. spots yesterday that I had to share em. As a New Yorker, I am limited in my view of what's cool in L.A. After two and a half years, Gail showed me the way...............

After some heavy lifting of liquor from BevMo (always ask for Aaron. he's the best!), we had breakfast/lunch/brunch at Ed's on Robertson. We also stopped into Closetry to say hello to Mark-Alan but he wasnt around. Then it was over to Boule for a Mexican Hot Chocolate with Cinnamon Marshmallow. It was up the block from Trashy Lingerie and since we are throwing a 1980's Rock n Roll party, Gail needed a rocking outfit that was only worthy of the Trashy Lingerie name. Finally, a stop into Party on La Cienega for the 10 lbs. of ONLY green M&Ms. I went home after that for a quick nap and trip to the gym and met up with Gail and husband afterwards for dinner at Greenblatt's, which is so my new fave place. Home run and comfy, they have the best matzo ball soup I've ever tasted.

helping the world one girl at a time

This was an email exchange I had this morning with a new young lady friend. I'm posting it because I want the world to know that I am focused and interested in making the world a better place, even if that includes helping one girl out there feel better about who she is as a female and person...

Hey Girl --
Thanks for writing. I am proud to say I can help others help themselves. Media can be so tough on women and its hard to accept yourself when as a female, the expectations to look "beautiful and skinny" are so high. I say we break that now! I am happy with who I am and am much more interested in someones character than their outward appearance. You seem really cool. It must have been tough to grow so fast so young but that's what makes you special, so F em all and stand tall (pun intended!). Thanks again. xoxoxoxoxoox. Jess

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Nov 2005 00:28:03 -0500

Jess,
(if this even gets to you) I just wanted to say thank you. I am sure you hear this all the time but you are so damn cute and seem like a little fireplug!!! I bet your the type of person that just lights up a room...lol im not hitting on you promise, im a straight girl..i just wanted to write you and tell you thank u, i am sure u r going to get to one girl...be a role model to atleast one girl in ur lifetime...and well truthfully thats amazing..u just seem so incredibly ok with ur own skin...there arent many girls especially in the media that are..and u just give that aura that u have this self esteem that many of us lack. Ive spent my entire life trying to be secure with myself..tryin to accept me as much as i accept others that come in my path...i , probably spent a childhood much like urs...i am the opposite of u , i am 6'2..at the age of 9 i was a 5'9 girl...not an easy feeling as im sure uve dealt with in ur lifetime and ive always struggled with my weight and with diets...i am 22 and have finally begun to accept my self for all that i am..i just wanted to thank u , u r changing girls throught the world one girl at a time!

how do I look?

I've been shooting How Do I Look this week for the Style Network. Things have come a looong way since the first season I was on. They've rented a house in the hills to appear as Finola's House of Style type thing. Sort of like ANTM's House of Top Model but minus the midwest runaways and the judgement... well, the judgement actually stays. This time around, I've nominated the victim. Its my friend Irene Vaksberg who owns the Vaksberg Salon in West Hollywood and who is the premier hair artist of Los Angeles in my humble opinion. I dont let anyone else feck with my 'do. I'm the show Stylist, along with the accomplices who are my good friend Andi and Irene's daughter Monica, It was pretty rough yesterday as we had to tell her why she needed a makeover and what bad style she has. It's never easy to tell someone, especially your good, kind, selfless friend, those things. She cried and for the first time on teevee, I did too. what a sap I am . anyhoo, Finny's looking fab as usual. We'll be doing our shopping today to buy the collections for Irene's new look. We get $1200 to shop for the day at the Beverly Center. This is my favorite part!!!

coke is the new black

Popular Snowman T-Shirt Raises Concerns

- - - - - - - - - - - -

By DESMOND BUTLER Associated Press Writer

November 05,2005 | NEW YORK -- One of the hottest-selling T-shirts around the country shows a simply drawn snowman with a menacing expression.

It's not Frosty's evil twin. The image popularized by drug-dealer-turned-rapper Young Jeezy symbolizes those who sell a white substance known on the street as snow: cocaine.

Anti-drug campaigners and education officials are alarmed, saying the T-shirt and others like it are part of sophisticated marketing campaigns using coded symbols for drug culture that parents and teachers are not likely to understand. Some schools are banning kids from wearing the snowman images.

"The snowman is made of white, grainy stuff like sugar," said 12-year-old seventh-grader Mailik Mason, standing next to his mother in a Manhattan store selling the snowman shirts. "It has to do with a certain drug, crack or coke."

Young Jeezy's hit debut album, "Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101," peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard album charts. On one of his songs he raps, "Get it? Jeezy the Snowman / I'm iced out, plus I got that snow, man."

winter, spring, summer, fall

I'm sort of not into paying my rent this month. I have this self-destructive streak that shows itself in the weirdest of places -- sometimes guys, sometimes drinking... and now my senseless lack of respect for housing authourity? I'm living on the edge maaaan. me and aerosmith. my new favorite friend and her husband have invited me up to the four seasons in santa barbara this weekend for spa treatments, champagne breakfasts and a def lepard concert!? I'd rather throw my dough on that fun stuff that the annoyingly stable monthly staple of paying rent. perhaps if I bring back my landlord a 1987 hysteria t-shirt we can call it even. if you're looking for good band tees and stuff, there is a great place on the boardwalk in venice that sells cute D.I.Y. rock prints and of course there is always lo-fi on la brea, but I'd rather listen to a loop of hansons mmmmbop than pay $125. for a vintage rock tee. p.s. I've got a hanson rock tee. it's one of my favorites. also check out michele marcombe's collection of unique handbags, swimwear, dogwear, and baby bags created from authentic music/concert T-shirts, beach towels, and tuxedo shirts. cheers cheers. rock on, lovey.

is that a dog in your pants?

I was recently hired to style a lingerie calendar photo shoot for the North Shore Animal League to benefit the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. It is a faaaab cause annnd I grew up a couple of miles from the North Shore Animal League in New York so I was very happy to donate my time and services. I was hired over the weekend so I only had one day to pull lingerie for the shoot and since I had to leave for Lake Arrowhead to interview Omarion yesterday afternoon, I didnt have much time at all. Enter the awesome people at Michael Antonio Shoes. Evelyn Lugo came thru like a champ, piling in 10 pairs of awesome Michael Antonio shoes and boots and shipping them out overnight for my morning shoot today. I also got to pull some very glam jewelry from Dare2Diamond that came from New York last night and got here this morning as well. Finally, the piece de resistance of the shoot was the unbelievable lingerie I was able to pull at the glamorous and ever helpful Faire Frou Frou on Ventura in Studio City. This mother/daughter business team of lingerie shop owners were so happy and helpful and the best part was, their selection of pieces rivaled any Agent Provacateur or La Perla. I came away with beautiful John Galliano pieces, La Perla to die for and so much more. I had the shoot today and it was a bit beastial and confusing to see a half-naked model frolicking with a dog in a bar, but those lovely lingerie pieces and the wonderful people at Faire Frou Frou and the awesome photog Daniel O'Neill (and the good cause of course) made it all worthwhile!! Woof.

somebody help me

It was a hot Halloween night in Hollywood as several unsuspecting journalists piled into a van and headed up to Lake Arrowhead to the horror movie set of Somebody Help Me, directed by Chris Stokes and starring rap star, Omarion. Three hours in bumper to bumper traffic and up a very windy and steep cliff of a road to interview Omarion for j-14 Magazine. If I learned anything from my tour days, its that the best thing to do on a long ride is to sleep. Which is what I did. Professional? Uh, maybe not. But that ride was loooong and I wasn't in the mood to make friends. We got up into the Big Bear mountains and pulled up to a cabin where the cast and crew of Somebody Help Me have been living for the past month shooting. We waited a couple of hours before Omarion showed up stealing the set apricots and kicking it with the crew but once O did show, he did he was waaaay nice and energetic and accomodating. We got to sit down in one of the back bedrooms and have our journalistic way with him. He is all about entertaining and to building a good business for the future of young people in film. I hope he goes far. Watch for the film and for the article. Coming soon.

halloween chic

Halloween freaks me out. I know its meant to be scary scary, but I'm scared of it in the way that it emabarrasses me. I don't know why, but I have no interest in dressing up or seeing other people dressed up in crazy costumes. I guess people like to leave their own personality for a night and cause mischief. Thing is, I do that every day. The day for me means staying true to who I am even if I am holed up in my place for the weekend hiding out from the monsters and ghouls. I lucked out and got a job Monday in Lake Arrowhead interviewing Omarion in the late afternoon which means I can skip over Halloween all together. Boo Humbug.

breast in show

I get it that when showing a denim line you want to showcase the product on the nether region but if that's the case, why do so many jean du jour fashion shows feature girls with sheer, loose or no tops on? I am sorry but looking for a tight stitch or imported fabrics while a strutting model's tots are out is not what one focuses on. Such is the case for several shows this week at our beloved Spring/Summer 2006 L.A. Fashion Week. The Rock & Republic crowd on Thursday night drew hundreds of edgy and progressively denim-ed guests to the Sony Studio show making it a scene worthy of Posh's rockstar mantra. Loved the Vargas-girl look at Meghan. I would commit a number of dirty crimes, if only to sport her jailhouse polo in the slammer. Sat in the front row of the always elegant and breathtaking Sue Wong show with my Modern Girl, Jane Buckingham. We were both outfitted in Ms. Wong's designs to no ones interest but our own, securing Ms. Wong's role as the every woman couturier. Dina Bar-El was full of flowing colors, innovative dress designs and Hollywood glam, including the embodiment of glamour, Miss Marla Maples in the front row. And finally, happiness is…being Single and no truer words have ever been spoken. The Single show elicited feelings of happiness with their looks worthy of a blooming Spring/Summer 2006.

The Miss Congeniality Award goes to Jacquelyn Love who did a fashion show cum live Beach Boys show at The Cabana Club a week before the Smashbox shows started to an intimate crowd including my favorite funnyman, Ian Gomez. Sadly Brian Wilson is no longer with the troupe, but John Stamos was and believe me, sometimes that can be just as good. The night, being so surreal and special, has become an unforgettable moment in my life.

Trendster Watch:
Lots of matte silver/platinum, champagne-y creams and bright Barbie pink for the S/S season.

The cute and playful yet sexy and sophisticated tokidoki was selected by 7th on Sixth to design the venue for this Spring 2006 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios. tokidoki is the super deluxe, so get hip to the hotness.

While at Smashbox, I ran into an ol' New York friend, Miss Audrey Bernstein. In her self-professed "dress" phase, she invited me to her newest venture, The Bluebird Bakery located around the corner from the tents in Culver City. Sitting in the very charming country chic space, Audrey updated me on her switch from nightlife goddess to dessert diva over a decadent red velvet cupcake. I highly recommend stopping in for one of her now famous treats. Its not called Bluebird Bakery for nothing. Cupcakes = Happiness too!

Speaking of New York friends, I want to give major propers to the coolest chick ever, Chantal Claret of the NYC band, Morningwood. I almost passed out when I heard their soon-to-be-huge hit, nthDegree on 103.1. Karen O. is alright but she's got nothing on this sassy rock minx and her band of musical pranksters. Make sure to hit up their website ofr tour dates and iTunes to download whatever you can so you can say you knew when.

I've recently given my website a makeover, so please stop by and take a look around. It has a guestbook and blog and everything. Big up to the webmistress with the mostess, Jen Roop for hooking me up with my brand spankin' new site.

I've said it once and I'll say it again - if you don't like getting my random trendster reports, lemme know and I will remove you from the V.I.P. listy. But then how would you know what colors to wear and what music to listen to?? That's tongue-in-cheek and I'm over and out….

XOXO, Jess
Trendster/Stylist-at-Large/Modern Girl/Your Moms
www.jesszaino.com

life is a highway?

"Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

I love to be very aware of my daily surroundings. In doing this, little coincidences pop up that truly take my breath away. As your own social experiment, take a couple of breaths during that day that slow your brain down and begin to accept the wonder of life that comes to you when you can see it clearly. Truly amazing. I gave up on driving my car and as a result I have been walking around town for hours and miles and hours and miles and I always run into my friend Zeke which is special to me because 1. I don't see him too often and 2. He walks around too. So we happen to meet in our travels walking the earth. Yesterday, I met a 23 year old meth addict from San Diego named Pablo looking to score drugs (ummm, do I look like your pusherman?) annnnnnd I ended up meeting a very fun lady who needs help throwing her bigwig husbands 40th birthday party. it's 1980's metal themed. I love parties! Good fit.

Nothing trendy here folks. Just some time to thank you for reading. You are beautiful and I am grateful.

standardized living

went to the standard tonite to the ford models party to say hello to my new york friend neal who is v.p. of ford new york. chatted it up with katie ford who is um... yeah, that ford. met some very cute boys including the guys who do the internationally chic parballe and met up with a group of old(and some new) friends where we danced the night away. always a good time when the crew shows up. xoxox.

smashed box

at the smashbox tents, thy have a fun photo booth. if the dang pooparazzi arent taken my photos at least I have the option of doing it myself. thanks dean and davis! here are some fashionweek images.........

sue wong spring 2006

I ended up at the Sue Wong show today. I worship her. Hers is always the best show of the week fer sher. It can compete with any New York show. It always is an o(ver) t(he) t(op) presentation. A performance really. I was lucky enough to hook up with the good PR people at SPRLA who offered me a Sue Wong dress to wear for the occassion. I got back from my morning hike, jumped in the shower, did my own hair and makeup (which is usually a bad idea) and slipped on the fab frock. I got to Smashbox, illegally parked the Benz (the parking situation there is horrid! I would rather pay a $35. ticket then wait a 1/2hr. in a valet line) and walked over. On the way into the tent, the strap to the dress popped off, leaving me with a major wardrobe malfunction worthy of Ms Jackson. I was able to grab a safety pin and do a D-I-Y fix it job but it didn't work as well as planned and I had to throw on a jacket for the red carpet pics. I hope they show up on WireImage so I can see how the jacket worked. Janey B., my co-Modern Girl was there and we got to sit in the front row and catch up and comment on all the yummy designs and models (how do they walk down that narrow runway without bumping each other off?). The show was a spectacle as expected...

As interpreted by Sue Wong in her Spring 2006 Collection, the Enchantress manifests herself in a variety of different forms. She inhabits and personifies the global Bohemian, the Amazonian jungle goddess, the Victorian/Edwarian romantic, the graceful and poetic ballerina and the gritty Gin Alley Flapper. In her new Spring Collections: Sue Wong Nocturne, Sue Wong Collection and the new Sue Wong Chemise, Sue Wong invokes this worldy vision of the goddess/Enchantress inherent in all women.

duuuuude. suite.

My favortie part of Fashion Week (or any other week for that matter) are the Design Suites. For those of you not familiar with this product free for all, a floor of a hotel is rented out and in it are vendors that are promoting their clothing, jewlery, bags, shoes, beauty product and so much more. It is the most intimate portion of any event, as you can privately view collections and speak with designers while indulging in the yummy candies and goodies and free bottled water and bubbly they offer. Its really fun! This LA Fashion Week, the Design Suites were held at the Bev Hills Hilton in beautiful Beverly Hills. Some notables include:

Juliet Jewelry
www.julietjewelry.com
Juliet is from Chicago. People from Chicago are cool. She recognized me from Modern Girls Guide (propers) and gave me an artsy chic gift. An N15 necklace, 2" in diameter hammered sterling silver circle suspended from a sterling chain. Hangs 16" long. Created by hand. Its incredible and I plan to wear it on one of my many television appearances.

Jasmine Di Milo
www.jasminedimilo.com
These ladies are from across the pond. They had a room full of very fun, innovative dresses. The colors were black, pale pink, silver and more. The designs were clever and cheeky, much like their creators. Definately not American. I covet this line. I wish they were available here but for now you can hop a P(rivate) J(et) to Harrods... or check out their website.

AngelFish Bikini Jewelry
www.laurenfish.com
In the Cuban-themed Nicolita Bikini room was a girl who designed sexy charms to adorn your bikini with. I had never seen anything like this before and thought it was smart and sexy.

and finally, the SINGLE room
www.singledress.com
I love SINGLE!! Their designs are smart and sexy and affordable and fabulous. I like that they both show during the week and host a Design Suite. My Co-Host, Eva La Rue was at their show earlier in the week. Happiness is...being SINGLE!

p.s. I also loved the boys in the Kasil room. I tried on a pair of their glam denim wonders and danced. Literally, the pants made me dance. Check em at www.kasiljean.com

hollywood couture and red velvet cupcakes

went to the 1pm dina bar-el show today at smashbox. it was beautiful. her dresses embody hollywood glamour. the colors, fabrics and detailing is a cut above the rest (pun intended). she had lovely creams and fun pinks, blues and greens for spring 2006. marla maples was there. I styled her in cavalli for the 2005 emmys. she is just the sweetest lady ever. said hello and took my seat in the front row next to a very cool girl who produces for fox morning, good day l.a. news. I've been trying to score a correspondent job with them for a while now. spotted my ol' nyc buddy audrey bernstein who just opened up the provencal-meets vermont bakery/lunch spot, bluebird bakery. stopped in with amy hall browne of vogue fame for for an unbelievable red velvet cupcake. do take a trip over to experience these yummy delights! tomorrow I hit up the design sweets... err, I mean, suites (I've got cupcakes on the brain).

ready...set...it's l.a. fashion weak

Tonight, I was at the Mondrian Hotel to kick off Fashion Week. Baaaad call on my part. The fact that the event was hosted by an energy drink should've tipped me off. I should've stayed true to my designer peeps and attended the actual Smashbox shows. Instead, I drove myself a block and half away from my apartment to pay $15 for parking and $17 for a plastic cup of Cab. My publicist who set this night up is out of town so I was left to my own devices. Here's the thing - nobody knows who I am yet (hence the publicist) so to show up to a fancy pants event at SkyBar sans publicist and a goal to get my picture up on WireImage.com can be an intimidating feat. After waiting in the "celebrity" line for 45 minutes (with Cindy Margolis, Natalie Raitano from V.I.P. and Slavko from VH-1's Kept. sheesh), I decided to take matters into my own hands. I scored some paper and a sharpie from the valet and wrote up a note that read 'My publicist is out of town. My name is JESS ZAINO. I host Modern Girls Guide to Life on E!/Style Network'. I had to do something!? I don't like feeling like a nobody even though I may be a nobody. Ok. Enough about my StarFaking. Onto the Fashion. Back to what I was saying before -- a show at SkyBar is not fashion week. It is held during fashion week to seem like fashion week but what it really is, is a bunch of people who have enough money to take out the pool area for a sub-par night of what said people would dub "fashion". I sat in Macy Gray's seat (I guess they forgot mine). The scene was beautiful wannabe Hollywood types against a truly beautiful Hollywood skyline. Ah, the irony. Ananda Lewis was hosting the show and came out after two hours of waiting to open the ceremonies. Unfortunately the mics were all screwy and she ended up screaming to the crowd. Nice improv on her part. The show started and just as expected it was another company that produces California casual jeans and cottons stretchy things. My fave was the swimwear collection for CarilynVaile.com. Nice colors and interesting cuts. By the time the Frye collection started up, it was raining and they were having tech difficulties, so I made sure to pop out my stolen seat and take off. I would much rather be watching Curb Your Enthusiam rather than actually curbing my enthusiasm. Tomorrow I am heading over to Smashbox to check out the Dina Bar-El show. I like her stuff. I like you too. Love, Jess www.jesszaino.com

fashion achievement is always preceded by fashion preparation

With NY Fashion Week being so last month and Paris in full French swing, its come time to get out your Chanel shades because our humble little town is about to shine bright. That’s right, fashionista lovelies, L.A. Fashion Week is about to, as Gwen’s Jamaican pirate yardies would say, come soon! These past few weeks have shown us colors of black (is back), silver and gray. The season trend is taking back our girlie side and flaunting our feminine charm. The cuts are fitting and the look is chic yet romantic. An oxymoron wrapped in an enigma wrapped in (faux/not faux) fur. There were two big happenings that lead me to predict that the Big Brother of Fashion is watching L.A. Fashion Week. First was the surprise appearance of Mizz Anna Wintour at last year’s Louis Verdad show and second, is the Zeitgeist that is Rachel Zoe. With teens and inappropriately dressed senior citizens on Robertson and around the globe rocking the Zoe look, the city of Angels is beginning to blossom. And like all seedy, Hollywood-types, we are watching. Hopefully, La Perla does a training bra. Ironically enough, my fave L.A. designers are not of the current trend. If you peek under the drapey gowns clinging to skinny hips, you will find the exquisitely stitched Sue Wong, the Bev Hills Blue Blood, St. John (Angelina sighting?) and the bold style of Madonna muse, Louis Verdad. If you will be attending the shows, make sure to show up in the “it” shoe: the wedge heel. The colors are dark blue, dark red, black and shades of brown (including bronze). If you don’t have a pair, stop by Chinese Laundry at the Design Suites. They always have the fun and inexpensive shoes du jour. If wedge isn’t your thing, you can also rock the croc. Tod’s does a fab croc shoe with an of-the-moment thicker heel. If you’re not looking to loose a hand over it, a more appropriately priced version is a Tommy Hilfiger take with the same color and shape. Speaking of which, whatever happened to that Rich Girls show on MTV? I miss the wild teen antics of lil’ Hilfiger and friends. My Super Sweet 16 isn’t quite as insightful. Some other things to check out on the lifeStyle tip –

Wen Hair and Body Care by Chaz Dean. Because Chaz is one of the most genuinely nice guys in all of L.A., he has created this product for us sans dyes and other icky stuff, so hair is left healthy, silky, manageable and able to grow, grow, grow!! Watch for it on QVC.

In an effort to lend support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, Alex and Ani, designer of couture and contemporary jewelry, has created the "St. Christopher Bracelet". This special piece is Russian gold plated over a brass-etched wire and includes an embossed double-sided metal coin of St. Christopher. The medallion, which symbolizes protection, is in scripted with the words "Saint Christopher Protect Us." All proceeds benefit Project USA and the victims of Hurricane Katrina. For $16, you can help out at AlexandAni.com

In Style: Home Edition. This season’s Home supplement has a piece on Celebrity Organizer, Jill Pollack and her client, Jennifer Tilly. In addition to being the sassy minx who single handedly got me to move from NYC to LA, Jill’s expertise will rid you of your organiziety. She can be found at jillpollack.org

If I’m plugging friends, I might as well throw one in there for myself! Check out stylenetwork.com to find out about the faaaaab show that I co-host, Modern Girls Guide to Life. Its full of fun tips and girlie tricks. If you haven’t seen it yet, let’s get this party started because it is THE thing to watch.

As I wrap this up I leave you with this one question: is bronzer still in? Seriously. I’m not sure if we’re doing the Fall pale thing here in L.A. or if we’re still spreading on that fake sun, but please let me know as my Havana flip-flop daily routine is leaving me to look like a black and white cookie. Yum. Cookies.

retroactive post it note

Just got back from NY Fashion Week and it was super fun! I flew
out to shoot Ambush Makeovers which are airing this week as part
of Everyday Runway on the Style Network. In addition, my fellow
Modern Girl, Claudia Jordan and I got to do Modern Girls Make-up
Tips for the NY Fashion Show Special which premieres on Style this
Saturday, 9/17 at 9pm . We had a blast with our fashion show hijinx
and as a result, stood out amongst the high-profile fashionista crowd.
I ran into some old school New York buddies that I hadn't seen in a while
and got to meet a whole new bunch of New York friends. I also made
sure to keep keen to the haps::

Model to Watch: Gemma Ward (the new Kate Moss) and Cameron from
Ford (wikkid Boston cutie)

Fave Shows: Project Alabama , Mary Ping, Libertine, Ruffian, Tracey Reese

Fave Party: Rosa Cha at The Maritime (coz my Mom was my date)

Make-up Trends: Mally, superstar Make-up Artist said we're moving
towards SILVER for Spring 2006. I'd listen to her. Shes pretty badass.

Most Celeb packed show: Marc Jacobs

Fave new shoe: the pump-wedge hybrid. Sexy and smart!

Fave Bags: Anything by Isabella Fiore

Weird but true: dErrrrrr, the Diane Von Furstenberg show?!

From New York it's to Vegas, baby! Make sure to check out our last
Modern Girls Guide to Life of this season airing Friday night 9/16 at
10pm on Style when the Modern Girls do Vegas! I get to learn all about
Craps from an MGM Grand legend, so tune in, coz you'll learn something
too! ModernGirl Scout promise...........................................

Also, I put together a ModernGirl MySpace page, so please join in on the
sass if you've got tips of your own to post and share or want the latest dish
on what the MGs are up to -- http://www.myspace.com/29263372

P.S. If you're not down to receive these random stories of a life in style,
lemme know and I'll take you off the V.I.P. list. It is meant for your
enjoyment not annoyment. Ummmmm, yeah, that's not a word.

See you at the Emmys!

xo, Jess

Stylist-at-Large, Modern Girl, Fashion/Lifestyle/Media Gadfly, Libra

www.jesszaino.com

www.redcross.org