style expert jess zaino gives grown up girls & guys the scoop on new york city style and hollywood dreams
Friday, December 30, 2005
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
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.
Friday, December 16, 2005
no joe jeans
champagne wishes and kaviar and kind
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
snowglobing in the U.S.A.
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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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!
Friday, November 25, 2005
gobble gobble, son
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
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!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
lohan and leto?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9916539/
a whole new world
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
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!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
how do I look?
Saturday, November 05, 2005
coke is the new black
- - - - - - - - - - - -
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
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
is that a dog in your pants?
somebody help me
Saturday, October 29, 2005
halloween chic
Sunday, October 23, 2005
breast in show
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
Friday, October 21, 2005
life is a highway?
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
Thursday, October 20, 2005
smashed box
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
sue wong spring 2006
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.
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
Monday, October 17, 2005
hollywood couture and red velvet cupcakes
Sunday, October 16, 2005
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
Thursday, October 13, 2005
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.Wednesday, October 12, 2005
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!