dance off pants off

I was shooting a commercial not too long ago and while on set with one of the cutey actresses, she introduced me to a fab new excercise program... the tracy anderson dvd series. a combination of pilates moves and hard core dance training (which is just me thing), apparently this stuff really works. clients madonna and gwenyth paltrow are avid followers and their bodies show off their results. I jsut ordered the DVD from amazon so I will keep you posted. if u wana do it with me, get the DVD and let's get it on.

tunic trend

according to katja at polkadotsandmoonbeams in lalaland, tunics are all the rage this summer. they are the perfect style for every age and shape! pair it with your DIY demin cut-offs or over the teeny bikini at the beach for a sexy look. the alka vora featured here is pretty and affordable.

save saks

I have a client I am shopping with this week, so I decided to do some prep work and get the low-down on what's what and what to wear in saks fifth avenue on fifth avenue. have u been? I haven't in a while and boy! was it worth the wait... it's like an f'n museum in there. I can't believe people get to go in and try on the most beautiful and up-to-date fashions from the most powerful designers in the world as if they are shopping at target. there was talk of it going under due to the stinky economy, so I implore you, if you love the fashion, I would highly recommend a trip to saks for a full day of try-ons and fashion treats.

H2ohhhhhh

Saks Fifth Avenue just launched a program to benefit charity: water, a non-profit organization that funds freshwater wells...
From April 22 to June 30, Saks will offer charity: water t-shirts, bracelets and well sponsorships nationwide. Each $40 t-shirt purchased at Saks Fifth Avenue or on saks.com, a $35 donation will be made to charity: water ….. and amazingly every single t-shirt purchased will give 7 people in a developing nation clean water for 5 years!! Last year, Saks raised over $500,000 for the charity, which aided in the construction of over 100 wells that will serve 37,000 people in Central America, India and Africa and with your help we will raise even more this year! Cute tee for a great cause. Get thirsty.

is it a belt?

much like the clear, plastic bra straps that came out a few years back, isabelt is a new product with the same philosophy that you can wear your fave jeans, skirt or trousers (as they said back in the day) without a belt... or so we think. isabelt is a "thin, strong and flexible clear plastic belt, that virtually disappears when worn, providing you with the assurance that all is secure without even knowing it's there". I tried this one on for size. I knew it was there when I couldn't get it to adjust around my size 4 waist. it is clear and plastic though, so there's that.

holy hermes

a little insider birdie told me that hermes is the only true luxury brand left. if there is one piece I covet above all else, it is the kelly bag. hey, p.s. what's up with kathy griffin's bod? bitch paid for that, right?

easter candy

some of my favorite yummy spring collection finds include: anything by charlotte ronson. jewels by house of harlow. loving the newest collection of tory burch totes. juicy couture's peace sign BFF shades are cute and make a statement of luxury and world peace. fab.

top shop

since its grand opening on april 2, the broadway topshop has been packed complete with police, velvet ropes and lines around the block. all hail the new queen.

secret shoshanna sample sale... shhhh...

from the powers that be at one of my favorite lines, shoshanna...

Hope you can make it to our private sample sale!
Thursday April 2nd 10am-5pm
Friday April 3rd 10am -4pm

Dresses-$50
Tops-$35
Bikinis-$25

Shoshanna Showroom
231 West 39th Street Suite 422
New York, New York 10018
212.719.3601 Fax: 212.719.0745

f*ck the recession

alexander mcqueen may be designing his discount line for target but in the window at the 14th st. store, he has got an unbelievable jewel-encrusted corset for thousands. next time I'll take a pic. yummy.

spoiled pretty

this was super fun. thanks daneen. xxo.

home of the $12 blow-dry !!??!

I needed to get a blow-out for an event but couldn't spend the high price tag. so I took to the internet. with a little bit o' search, I came across this unbelievable find. a $12 blow-dry somewhere in chinatown. could it be true? or is this some urban myth to trick beauty-loving babes into some sticky situation? sure enough, after getting lost in a remote section of chinatown, I found my way to pell st. (oddly enough, its like five blocks from my apt). sitting pretty at 32 pell st. is the top ten hair salon. its busy and there is a wait, but I was given a yummy smelling shampoo, condition and head massage. then into the chair for a fantastic blow-dry and finish it off, an iron to boot! I was sure that the extra wash and iron would bump the price up a bit but no, ladies and gentlemen, this salon is one of its word. I recommend you run, don't walk to take advantage of this incredible deal before the tourists take over.

flowers for m'lady

everywhere you look, bright bold floral prints are popping up for Spring.

seasonal style transition

with the changing of the seasons and a lack of funds in the pocket, easy ways to change up your wardrobe but not spend too much is to get a pair of spring shoes (I mentioned my picks previously) and rock the brightly colored nailpolish (cheapie from drugstore self mani/pedi). the two small updates will quickly and inexpensively freshen your winter wardrobe.

sprung

I am obsessed with shoes. and now that it is officially Spring, I need to transfer over my Winter boots for some very high heel strappy wood-soled sandals. I know Tigerlily and I were like oil & water on VH-1's Glam God but lady had fierce style. especially when it came to shoes. I'm stealing her look for my Spring sandal choice. If you're looking for a geat flat, I found a phenominal one at Wal-mart for $17. so go high on price or low but apply the same thing to your heel.

10 minutes with Jess Zaino

checkmate

check patterns are where its at for mens fashion right now. If you too are feeling it, feel free to play around with color combos and levels of intensity. pair with jeans, suits, under v-necks or black suits. play with bowties and bahama shorts for spring. keep it to a tailored trim fit to keep it in check.

gal friday

I popped into the sweet lil lingerie shop, only hearts on mott st. in nolita the other and fell in love with ultra-organic, extra soft and girlie stella mccartney white panties of the week. each piece is a delicate sightly see thru cotton fabric with a hand embroidered floral print and a scripted day of the week. it comes in a fun bureau-like package and retails for $194. nothing is better than putting these on then taking them off ; )

pop idol

how hot was kanye's look on idol the other night?

fashion and gossip

fashion is forward. unique. bold. and right now there is no one bolder than beth ditto of the gossip. I celebrate and salute her confidence and controversy.

Glam God on LOGO

I love the gays! LOGO picked up our premiere season of Glam God and are airing our drama queen asses. If you didn't catch it the first run around on VH-1, catch it here.

the boyfriend shoot

I am designing and launching an incredibly soft, sexy and luxurious shirt with designer scott wasserberger, owner of the SEW shop in SOHO. Italian Loro Piano fabrics, mother of pearl buttons. We like to call it "The Boyfriend Shirt" -- a proper men's bespoke button-down but created and inspired for a woman with a tapered waist and a hint of strong sensuality. we had a fab photo shoot yesterday with an dynamo glam squad including m. david leeds on the lens, meg digiovanni on hair and madison mills on the make-up. a very special big-up to our supermodels, the one and only vanessa brown and the fierce janice prishwalko.

blame it on alzheimer's

ever since first glance of the march issue of W magazine with the divine miss madonna on its cover, I can't get it out of my mind. I am a lifetime fan of madonna and her fearless antics and artistic endeavors, but really, isn't enough, enough? she is a mature woman of 50+ and seeing her in a bra and panties is seemingly desperate. yes, bitch looks great, but with the elasticity of her leg skin not as buoyant as it should be, as evident on the cover, I wonder when she will figure out to prevail, on top and retire her need for approval gracefully. I mean, jesus (and by that I mean the 20 year old hottie she's snapped with).

new york fashion week trend watch

having spent several hours in the tents this week for new york fashion week, fall 09, I can declare rodarte is in. marchesa is king. and a chunky heel met with black ankle socks is what you should be wearing. boys get out your bowties, high-hemmed pants and thick black rimmed spectacles. girlies rock the menswear trend in baggy boyfriend jeans rolled up over heels. stay away from the thin, wrapped head band and go for an ornate and structural head piece. hot pink nails for all and mcdonalds coffee is the new champers. who knew?

DVF forevah evah

after her radio interview on 105.1, me and robbie picked up tiara marie in the escalade and made our way to the tents. got an exclusive aerican express consumer preview of the diane von furstenberg 'rock goddess' collection. got to sit front row next to my new friend yuli. the show started off with andre leon talley interviewing ms. von furstenberg then kicking off a fab collection inspired by 70's rock hippie chic. so colorful. so flowy. so practical and beautiful. so DVF.

style shot of the day: friday

boys town. 3pm. tents.

NYFW friday: duckie brown

was chillin at the expose suites in the PH of the bryant park hotel with my favorite superstar blogger, micah-jesse. got an oxygen facial and totally cute, made on the spot, krelwear dress. we ended up in the star lounge at the tents to say our hellos to the fashion-atti. loved spying linda carter in her heart truth red dress. dipped into the duckie brown show. some great mesnwear that hit with fitted dark browns and pops of orange. lots of misses though with oversized pom pom hats and scarves that looked cartoon-y and not couture. ran into ann dexter-jones on the way into charlotte ronson. she is fab.

style shot of the day: thursday

noon time and the divas are out. miss budget fashionista, kathryn finney and fan ready themselves for the week. notice the credential pick up line is already around the block. you better work.

kira closings?

ever since I stepped foot in the bev hills flagship store of kira plastinina, I was impressed with the low price points and high quality fun trends from the 15 year old russian designer. when I got to new york and saw that the broadway store had closed, I did some investigating into what happened to the teen wunderkind. turns out, the U.S. economy got this little russian girl good. having claimed bankruptcy in the U.S. stores, kira platinina closed its american doors in january of this year. she will be missed. it was a great brand with fun stuff. so fun, it may warrant a trip across the pond for more kira plastinina.

gossip girl garb

for the parents that want to keep on top of their kid's style, I wrote this lil diddy...

http://tandtnews.com/BeautyFashion/archives/Fashion/GossipGirlGarb.php
xoJZ

the domino effect

I have lost something very dear to me. and I am not the only one. domino magazine, the home magazine published by conde nast has closed its doors. when domino was first brought onto the scene in 2004, it brought page upon page of interior delight. each month, I would eagerly await my subscription and once it came, I would take a seat on my sette and pour over each page dog-earing the columns and ideas that I absolutely loved. it showed looks you'd love and tell you how to pull them off. you'd see options in every style and price range. and domino will always tell you where to go, whom to call, and which web site to visit to get exactly what you want. so many of decor choices were inspired by the lovely magazine and I can't be sorrier that it is closing. if you want to join the facebook revolution to save domino, click here and get involved.

the new urban office wear

I spend a lot of time in a lot of nyc meetings discussing this various little thing or that and I've come to notice that most girls employed at a PR / Marketing / Mag / Fashion house wear a very similar look. unlike at conde nast whose workers are required to wear only chicest and trendiest of professional wardrobe choices, this new look is a bit more casual and bohemian than the pencil skirts and tweed jackets of years past. if you are looking to gain employment at a place such as the ones mentioned, grab yourself a pair of opaque leggings. over that go for a thigh-length trendy blouse (or even mini-dress). throw a cropped leather or suit / tux jacket over that and layer on the long, girly necklaces. finish it off with knee-high boots (chloe IMHO) and a very fresh face and you're hired!

valentine's registry

is it wrong to have a registry for valentine's day? I can just hear the exasberated guffaw of my ex-boyfriends everywhere as I ask such a question. I know it's not cute to kid of such things, but do boys ever really know what to pick up for their paramours? candy. yum. flowers. that's nice. but how about a sterling silver love ring? or a hanky panky thong set? - someonespoilme.com is right on cue with cupid this season so take a look around and "accidentally" hit the 'send to a friend' button to your bfriend. oops.

I'm with the (head) band

the new york city weather this winter is freeeezing! most days, unbearable. I often wonder why I moved away from sunny california where the weather never dips below 60 and the sun is always shining. so when I see a handmade item, that is intended to keep your head comfy and cute in these cold, cold times, it makes me warm and fuzzy inside. a friend and fellow artist, gabriela fernandez has be knitting up these adorable headbands that look cute and for only $20, supports the artisan community. drop her a line at gabbyto2000@hotmail.com and order up some warm for your wardrobe today.

middle-aged acne

ACNE, the new-ish denim collab with Lanvin is actually quite cute and versatile in its look but absolutely horrible in name. I get that it is targeted towards teens and I get that it can be a provactive discussion but from such a classic and elegant century-old couture house, its moniker misses the mark. the jeans line ranges from $550 to $650, while coats will run $1,200 to $1,500. jewelry and handbags are expected to be priced north of $1,500. Or you can just put some zit cream on it.

west village style guide

robbie was invited by his buds at the soho synagogue to a men's shop opening, and as one who never misses a chance to see what is new in fashion, I gladly tagged along. kesner is located on hudson street in the west village and it sets a style bar. fully stocked with fantastically chic, well-constructed and slightly tongue-in-cheek designers and unique accessories, the shop is a must-stop for the fashion-forward man. I loved the funky scissor tie-clips and array of cashmere bowties. robbie picked up a robert geller leather jacket that he had his on eye for some time now. the lush gray and purple tones of the shop remind me of a brit rock bespoke shop and I happily recommend this place if you are looking for something special.

word to the style wise

an orange glow, turquoise lined eyes and frosted pink lips do not a style statement make.

booty parlor party

several years back I met a fabulous spitfire of a lil lady by the name of dana braverman. she is just the most. she came up with a concept to launch a line of designer sex toys and accessories that are packaged in a fun, girly, classy way that a woman need not be afraid to show off on her nightstand if mum comes to visit. her company, booty parlor has blown up with product selling in victoria's secret and in standard hotel intimacy kits. last night she hosted a book launch party for the ladies that wrote how to love like a hot chick at the W tuscany. it was a very sexy night to say the least. and with booty parlor's new service, mojo makeover, it may be time for you to get busy. and yes, I mean in THAT way.

cocktails at tiffany's

I had the pleasure of attending the bride wars premiere last night and the fab afterparty which was held at tiffany. gotta love an after-hours event at tiffany's. we were even gifted with little blue bags that held little blue books (for scribbling naughty thoughts in). as for the film, it was written by casey wilson of SNL fame. anne hathaway is stunning. in person, even more so. she had men surrounding her the entire night both at the screening and the party. kate hudson is an adorable comic tour de force. I guess it's in the genes. the movie is cute and kristen johnston steals the show. I got to say hello to my old friend robert verdi at the party and my accessory muse, jennifer meyer with her hubby tobey macguire in tow. much love and thank to LR for the invite.

heel-ing thru retail therapy

with the structural heel owning the runways for spring fashion week, make sure you've got a pair to strut your spring stuff in. modern vintage has a darling collection of vintage pieces with a very of-the-moment flavor.

gilt-y as charged

I am obsessed with gilt groupe. especially when they throw cathrine malandrino for $114 all up in my face.

strangers making the most of the dark

god, I love new york city. lisa's friend was dj'ing the CSS afterparty so after a liter of unfiltered sake (kampai!) and half price sushi on 7th street, we headed out to check the scene. hundreds of people were dancing without worry, care, taxes, recession, bailouts, prejudice. there was no rhyme or reason to the crowd, old and young, other than that everyone was dancing. a dream. god, I love new york city.

rebecca wynne trunk show

I love my friend rebecca friedman. we've known each other since we both made the move from new york to los angeles and back again. she spent close to a decade producing teevee, got a hitched to a great guy, lived in china for a bit collecting stone samples and started up her signature jewelry line, rebecca wynne fine jewelry. last night I hosted a trunk show at salon V to showcase rebecca's collection for fun holiday purchases. friends, collectors and stylists stopped by to view the pieces and toast with some vino. the pieces are so chic for a lady who knows a thing or two about semi-precious stones and luxurious design. with a price range from $45 - $600, rings, earrings, bold chunky necklaces and delicate bracelets made with 18K champagne golds, diamonds and stones, complete a collection that is unique, beautiful and totally worth taking a browse and buy.

yellow + blue =

me and nico hit up a fresh event last night in the name of all that is eco and friendly. greendrinks nyc is a monthly ny event where tree huggers and green chic glamazons get together, get saucy and network on behalf of a more sustainable planet. last night, was their holiday party at blvd. so what surrounded it were room upon room of organic chocolate (yum. dinner), alternative powered photo shoots and lots of really neat green organizations. we met erik who does free hikes and eco-trips through naturecalendar.com around nyc where there is abundant nature. we met a guy that started a rickshaw business in lieu of those late night gas-guzzling cab rides. and I pledged my word that I would become more green by unplugging my appliances, changing five light bulbs and requested green energy from the electric company. it's easy being green!

clean house

when I moved back to new york last month, my dad complained about how I had a decade of my stuff in his garage and would I kindly remove it asap. dads (sigh). this got me going on a major clean-up crazy train. I organized a lifetime of zaino family junk. I figured since I'm moving into my new place in a few days, I might as well clean up in the money dept. as well to make that rent. so, I had a yard sale!! two days. fourteen hours. in the snow even. I walked away with a couple hundy which was good and the rest took a trip to goodwill for others to enjoy. I definitely recommend in this economy and certainly in this season, that we rid ourselves of miscellaneous stuff and to pass it on to others who may need it more or to think out of the box and make some money while cleaning your home (and soul). season's cleanings.

happy feet

it's great to get a good review from an expert on something that you should get but what about the crap items you SHOULDN'T buy? I'm a repeat customer when it comes to the cheapy mani/pedi so when I was introduced to the as seen on TV item, the ped egg, I was all in. you even get two for the price of one when you order now. I now know why -- this thing stinks worse then stinky feet. it doesn't work well and leaves you feeling frusterated and taken regardless of the "bargain". for the same price you can head down to the local mani/pedi place and get a proper pedicure complete with massage, warm towels and freshly painted tootsies.

eat. drink. and save money.

so its official - we are in a recession. ouch. its nice to see people being prudent about the holiday spending season as it gives us a chance to get creative on less coin. an easy and terrific little treat to offer in-laws, workmates or 2nd tier friends are gift certificates from restaurant.com -- they have unbelievable savings with $3 for a $10 certificate and other inexpensive chow choices. with a quick check of a zip code, dozens of participating restaurants appear to offer your friends the best in season's eatings.

I am grateful for...

my family

davines hair product

$28 dollar riding boots by george at wal-mart

twilight

domino magazine

lobello fresa lipgloss from mexico

sexy trench coats

arnold palmers from the tea shop

my trusty longchamp tote

you

sweeet dee denim

several years ago, I picked up what seemed to be a pair of designer seven jeans. I bought them from a man on the street in nyc for $40. my bfriend at the time would joke that they were really "sixes" and wouldn't last. that was four years ago and they have been my favorite pair of trusty "go-to" jeans.... until now. in light of the recession and the inflated prices of designer denim, I have found a line that is both trusty and great looking. the "sweet dee" collection of alias premium denim is sexy, stylish and most of all, an unbelievable bargain at $40. the only minor setback is that they are a bit low on the hip (which is something I try to avoid) however, I think with wear, they will be exactly what I want.

coat check

with the winter season upon us, its time to get into something toasty and warm. if u are looking for a new coat, there are tremendous sales happening right now. big brassy buttons, military inspired trench coats and fitted leather numbers are all the rage. think burberry. or michael kors. for high end style and warmth. house of diehl has a hot leather motorcycle jacket that'll knock your socks off but with a tiny leather jacket and no socks, you'll be super cool both literally and figuratively. head to any of the major department stores like macy's or a marshalls if u're looking for something affordable and attractive.

do u like it rough?

I am living in a remote section of eastern long island. an advantage of this, other than the incredible air, leaves, sunsets and water, are the bargain basement prices of their blow-dry. I am a girl with curly curly hair and sometimes when its just too much to bear, a nice blow out saves me from hair anxiety. in los angeles this can run up to $75. in new york city, usually more. but on long island in a secret little strip mall getaway, I found a $12 blow dry to die for. I made a visit with me mum today and for less than a date night at the movies, I've got straight hair for the week. genius. the rough part came when I mentioned I had just put some african-american hair product in for a nice condition and gleam. not genius. the girl was shampooing my hair as though she was ripping it out to clean it of its recent conditioning treatment. then came the blow dry. she ripped at my head with her round iron brush causing my neck to rash and almost bleed. sheesh. when she took out the hot straight iron, I nearly fainted. I liked the consistency of her thoroughness but it was a bit too rough even for a tough girl like me. cest lie vie. I like my straight hair even with the clumps ripped out. and at $15 with wash and tip, I'll keep going back for more.

O yes!

the other night before a soho dinner at bread I popped into sephora on broadway to, ummmm, put on my (or really, their) makeup. I'm sort of living out of a gucci bag right now and sometimes my fave products can't come with. and it is a recession. so really I'm being crafty by saving money with my in n' out make-up tricks. I digress... I fell in instant love with two new products from smashbox. the O-glow intuitive cheek color and bionic mascara are to die!! especially, the O-glow. it gives your cheeks the rosiest and most natural of a blushed tint. with goji berry extract, its good for you too! so pretty. if u pair it with the NARS foundation you've got a paparazzi ready look. but at $44 for the NARS product, its probably best to follow my suit and sample and run.

namaste

I've been chillin in gramercy park these last few days and I heard of a local free yoga class in the area. since I haven't done a proper stretch since I got here, I figured free yoga is just what will hit the spot. the los angeles yoga class I did was outside at runyon canyon every morning and included a couple dozen angelenos who chill and stretch in the sun without a care (or usually in job in that city). it was fun to see how different the nyc class was. filled with nyu dancers and actors, the class couldn't have been more vocal. I had to keep from laughing because of the intense moaning that was coming from everyone. it was a like an snl skit. but it was a great workout. and free! and everyone looked super cute in their dance shorts. I recommend picking up a pair of these super comfy panty and googling a yoga class in your area. ommmmmmmmm.

for the bargainistas

puss in boots

since moving back to new york, I have had my eye on female footwear. it gets cold here so its best to be fashionable and functional. most ladies are pairing their knee high boots with leggings but if you're looking to get a leg up on the competition, go the extra inch, literally, with these over-the-knee boots from victoria's secret. they are on the affordable side so you can save some money and go short on that skirt (to best show off your sexy new boots).

sarah = style?

ever since the story broke that sarah palin spent $150,000 on her wardrobe and accessories and an additional $20,000 on hair and make-up people, the GOP has radically pulled back on her appearance. she now looks like she is doing her own hair and make-up. and the clothes? ugh. before it was beautiful valentino, yves saint laurent suits. pure fashion fabulousness. I can't wait for this woman to disappear but I wouldn't mind finding out what consignment shop she's dropping the clothes off at.

moving on up... to the east side...

there has been speculation to my whereabouts recently. where I am. what I am doing. I am so eternally grateful to the lovely friends and fans that have been asking and anticipating what will happen next in the life of JESS ZAINO so I'm here to divulge all of my dirty secrets... it's true. I moved to new york. I left los angeles last week to join the ranks of tyra, martha and rachel. I left los angeles to build a lifestyle brand that can be made available to everyone (female fashionistas of course being my targeted audience). I have been working on my debut acccessory line, street chic by jess zaino and I am buried under writing a book. I am so excited about these newest adventures because it means I am taking it to the next level. for you. by me. stay tuned for more.... xxoJZ

crazy for kamali

there is a wal-mart close to where I am currently staying in new york. I have not been to a wal-mart since my days on the NASA national tour. I am glad to have been reunited as I was unaware of the fabulousness of the norma kamali for wal-mart line they carry. I don't know whether it was the "research" I am doing for a style on the dime book or the fact that I needed some halloween make-up on the cheap, but I popped in and picked up some of the cutest, most efficient, effective pieces I've had in a while. norma kamali is known for her fashion forward designs that flatter, transform and work to achieve minimalist sophistication while still being innovative and interesting. this inexpensive line is a great way to get some basics on a budget from an american fashion icon.

bye bye mr. blackwell

Fashion critic Mr. Blackwell dies in Los Angeles
Oct. 20, 2008, 6:25 AM EST
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Mr. Blackwell, the acerbic designer whose annual worst-dressed list skewered the fashion felonies of celebrities from Zsa Zsa Gabor to Britney Spears, has died. He was 86.

Blackwell died Sunday of complications from an intestinal infection, publicist Harlan Boll said.

Blackwell, whose first name was Richard, was a little-known dress designer when he issued his first tongue-in-cheek criticism of Hollywood fashion disasters for 1960 — long before Joan Rivers and others turned such ridicule into a daily affair.

Year after year, he would take Hollywood's reigning stars and other celebrities to task for failing to dress in what he thought was the way they should.

Being dowdy was bad enough, but the more outrageous clothing a woman wore, the more biting his criticism. He once said a reigning Miss America looked "like an armadillo with cornpads."

A few other examples:

Madonna: "The Bare-Bottomed Bore of Babylon."

Barbra Streisand: "She looks like a masculine Bride of Frankenstein."

Christina Aguilera: "A dazzling singer who puts good taste through the wardrobe wringer."

Meryl Streep: "She looks like a gypsy abandoned by a caravan."

Sharon Stone: "An over-the-hill Cruella DeVille."

Lindsay Lohan: "From adorable to deplorable."

Patti Davis: "Packs all the glamour of an old, worn-out sneaker."

Ann-Margret: "A Hells Angel escapee who invaded the Ziegfeld Follies on a rainy night."

Camilla Parker-Bowles: "The Duchess of Dowdy."

Bjork: "She dances in the dark — and dresses there, too."

Spears: "Her bra-topped collection of Madonna rejects are pure fashion overkill."

The critic acknowledged he had mixed feelings about appearing so publicly mean. Most of the women he put through the wringer, he said, were people he genuinely admired for their talent if not their fashion sense.

"The list is and was a satirical look at the fashion flops of the year," he said in 1998. "I merely said out loud what others were whispering. ... It's not my intention to hurt the feelings of these people. It's to put down the clothing they're wearing."

He told the Los Angeles Times in 1968 that designers were forgetting that their job "is to dress and enhance women. ... Maybe I should have named the 10 worst designers instead of blaming the women who wear their clothes."

Surprisingly, the woman who topped his worst dressed list for 1982 (announced in early 1983) was the newly married Diana, Princess of Wales. He said she had gone from "a very young, independent, fresh look" to a "tacky, dowdy" style. She quickly regained her footing and wound up as a regular on Blackwell's favorites list, the "fabulous fashion independents."

Blackwell had started out as an actor himself, having been spotted by a talent agent while still in his teens. He landed a job as an understudy in the Broadway production of Sidney Kingsley's heralded drama "Dead End."

Although he got to the play the role of the Dead End Kids' leader on stage only one time, it led him to Hollywood where he landed bit parts in such films as "Little Tough Guy" (uncredited) and "Juvenile Hall" (as Dick Selzer).

He abandoned his acting career in 1958 after failing to make it in movies and switched to fashion design. He claimed to be the first to make designer jeans for women, and his salon had begun to attract a few Hollywood names when he issued his first list covering the fashion faux pas of 1960. (Italian star Anna Magnani and Gabor were among his early victims.)

It quickly brought him the celebrity he had long coveted, and he quickly became a favorite on the TV talk show circuit. He also became for a time, in his words, "The worst bitch in the world."

He hosted his own show, "Mr. Blackwell Presents," in 1968 and appeared as himself in such TV shows as "Matlock" and "Matt Houston."

In 1992, he sued Johnny Carson for claiming that he had added Mother Teresa to his list, saying the comment exposed him to hatred and ridicule. NBC's response was that the "Tonight Show" host was obviously joking.

"Did you see what he said about Mother Teresa? 'Miss Nerdy Nun is a fashion no-no,'" Carson had said. "Come on now, that's just too much."

During his heyday the issuing of Blackwell's annual list was an eagerly anticipated media event.

On the second Tuesday in January he would assemble reporters at his mansion for a lavish breakfast before making a dramatic entrance for the television cameras.

By the turning of the millennium, however, the list had lost its juice and Blackwell took to issuing it by e-mail.

Born Richard Sylvan Selzer in 1922, Blackwell recounted in his autobiography, "From Rags to Bitches," a troubled, poverty-ridden childhood in which he was variously a truant, thief and prostitute.

palin comparison

even in ciudad de mexico, the debates were a hot number. caitlin, michael and I settled down in front of the television last night to catch the buenos aires BBC airing of the vice presedential debates. I am sorry but I do not think in any way did sarah palin show sign of a renewed hope for the republican party as some analysts have said. they should be ashamed. my father said it best with (to quote) --

"I could not watch the debate beyond 25 minutes. Palin is a cheer leader not a leader. She certainly can win the job of hostess at a Interstate Cracker Barrel with her down home words and cutesy demeanor but "SCARY" to think that she could even step foot into a high level job as vice-president. People are so enthralled with her manner, when did that become important? If that is the case how did Cheney manage with his lack of manner and bullying mannerism." -- richard zaino

I agree completely. adios mio. on another note, the city has been experiencing beautiful weather. and I am now hooked on jugo de papaya y fresa. y tacos.