Daily Loaf

If your family (like the one in the photo) is suffering from a severe style deficit — more Beverly Hillbillies than Beverly Hills — then this is the auction item for you. The Whole Aveda Salon Spa in Oldsmar is offering to spruce up the entire clan (up to 4 people) with a Whole Family Makeover just in time for the holidays. Get the Star Treatment for mom (customized facial and makeup, eyezone wrap, shampoo and style), the Manly Man for dad (massage, back treatment, pedicure and haircut) and haircuts for the kids. You’ll shine brighter than the neighbors’ 15,000-bulb Light-O-Rama!

Estimated value: $350. Suggested opening bid: $50

Bid for this item below:

TRICK OR TEET? From New York to L.A. and even D.C., the celebs were out in force this year to celebrate the one day that can’t land them on a worst-dressed list! Here’s a taste of the action, beginning with the fairest couple of them all:

Brangelina: Not sure what Angelina is supposed to be, but Brad Pitt is rocking it as DJ Lance Rock from the coolest kids show in existence, Yo Gaba Gaba.

*

Read the rest of this entry »

For decades, athletes from Walt Frazier and Joe Namath to Derek Jeter and Dwyane Wade have graced us with a sense of style and pizzazz off the field. Due to uniform restrictions in most professional sports, it is much more difficult for athletes to fashionably express their individuality on the field. Some athletes, however, have still managed to find a style uniquely their own, simply by using their heads. From hats to facemasks, eye black to visors, these 12 have established their own personal trademarks by sporting headgear that makes them utterly recognizable. Where do they rank on your list?

12 ) Brett Favre’s Stained Baseball Cap – Nothing screams John Deere quite like a Brett Favre press conference. The on-again, off-again, gun-slinging, formerly retired quarterback of the Green Bay Packers…. I mean New York Jets…. wait, no, the Minnesota Vikings made a lot of press lately with his most recent return to the NFL. When Minnesota officially announced his latest comeback, Favre looked like he had just gotten off his riding lawnmower. A slave to fashion he’s never been, but don’t tell that to the marketing brass at Wrangler jeans. Favre has a style all his own, no matter how tired we all are of seeing it. What other Hall of Fame athlete could get away with wearing a torn, oil-slicked baseball cap while announcing he was about to earn $12 million at the age of 40?

11) LeBron James’s Headband – LeBron James has made the sweatband fashionable again in the NBA. Never before has a man wearing a headband been so intimidating. Only King James could rock the headband and make it look cool. Well, he and John McEnroe back in the day, but LBJ has considerably less hair. You go ahead and tell the league’s brightest talent that headbands are lame. Just be careful he’s not dunking over you in the meantime. Read the rest of this entry »

As a child, I spent many afternoons with Playboy magazines I found in my parents’ bathroom. I would hide one in my waistband, climb a tree, and find a comfortable spot to sit and flip through the pages. I didn’t read the articles, but rather stared at the big-breasted women coyly looking back at me.

I was thrilled at the prospect of growing up to look like these women. As they were the only naked ladies I’d ever seen, it only made sense that all women had these magnificent boobies. I eagerly awaited the day my own chest would blossom. 15 years later, I’m still waiting. Read the rest of this entry »

The $500 billion beauty industry is embraces a message that tells women they must correct, conceal and camouflage. Peel away the glitz and glamour, says Stacy Malkan, co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and author of Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry, and you’ll expose the toxic truths lurking beneath the beauty industry’s seedy underbelly. Malkan shares five of the biggies that the major beauty purveyors would rather keep under wraps.

1. Many skincare products contain chemicals toxic to the skin

“A mind-boggling array of products contain chemicals that sensitize skin and trigger skin problems such as rashes, redness, acne, and other symptoms of contact dermatitis”, says Malkan, who notes that doctors often misdiagnose these problems as eczema and prescribe drugs such as steroids or immunosuppressants. Then, of course, there are the toxic chemicals that are known or suspected causes of long-term health effects such as asthma, infertility, learning disabilities, and cancer—ingredients that companies persist in including despite the fact that they “already know how to make great products without these hazardous chemicals,” she says.

2. Companies that donate to breast cancer research still use carcinogens in their products
Read the rest of this entry »

Have you heard about the new eco-friendly yoga bags made from recycled items such as recycled juice boxes and feed sacks? If not, you’re missing out on some of the hottest new tote bags to hit the market. These bags are not only eco-friendly but they’re designed to be both fashionable and practical.

Yoga is practiced by thousands of people all over the world. It’s great for keeping the body in shape and the mind sharp. The main accessory you’ll need for yoga class is the mat to make it more comfortable when doing your poses. Carrying yoga mats from one location to another use to be a hassle but that’s not the case anymore.
Read the rest of this entry »

Accessories are a big part of any girl’s life. They help to dress up and enhance any outfit while giving you a chance to show off a little of your personality. What better way to do so than with unique eco friendly bracelets and cuffs? In the past, it was difficult to find accessories for the person that was trying to incorporate green living into their life but that is no longer the case.  GoGreenItems.com now offers many products that are both stylish and eco-friendly. Unique bracelets and cuffs made from old vinyl records are a great example of trendy eco-fashion.

Recycled record cuffs and bracelets are designed from using part of a recycled vinyl record. You’ll find a variety of styles available to choose from. Some of them are hand painted using acrylics that are sealed with a clear coat. Others are black, which match any outfit. They’re a great way to enhance your favorite outfit while showing your love for music and the environment all at the same time.
Read the rest of this entry »

The 2010 collections of 15 local and regional  designers were featured in this years Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009. The event, held at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk, was packed full of  fabulous fashion, VIP soirees, after parties, vendor and exhibitor boutiques, and two nights of runway couture. The organizers have a two-fold mission: to bring together emerging and established fashion and accessory designers for the bay area to enjoy, and to raise funds for non-profit organizations. This year’s beneficiary was Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to enhancing lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

Hit the jump for more drool-worthy designs from local haute heroes like Ben Chmura, Ivanka Ska, Sana Hassan and more. Read the rest of this entry »

Do you remember the old VHS cassette tapes that have long been replaced by DVDs? Do you ever wonder what became of all those outdated tapes? Many of them, no doubt, ended up in landfills but some of them have actually been put to good use. Many of them are being used to design beautiful cosmetic bags and handbags for your fashion pleasure. You’ll be amazed at just how lovely these items look especially when matched up with one of your favorite outfits.

Recycled VHS cassette tape handbags and cosmetic bags are a real piece of art. They’ll go with anything and they can be used for any occasion regardless of whether its business or social. They make great gifts for the holidays or as a gift for yourself when you feel like you deserve something special. The handbags are designed in several different sizes and shapes to suit most any taste or need. You’ll find they have enough room to carry all of your necessities.
Read the rest of this entry »

Since the inception of sportschump.net in April of 2009, I’ve written countless narratives about the world of sports. Yet the one piece that people remember most was not my detailed breakdown of the NBA Finals, the wild card races or my football season previews, but rather the fact that, when I go to the deli, I order a third of a pound of cold cuts. In that particular chumpdate, I went on to explain that, for me “a half a pound is too much, a quarter pound is never enough. Like the baby bear’s bed to Goldilocks, a third of a pound is just right.”

Well, I hereby introduce more Chumpservations, some sports related, some not so much. At the risk of sounding too much like Steven Wright, Andy Rooney and Jerry Seinfeld all rolled into one, here goes….

Working out in dress socks: Fashion faux pas? Apparently not.

I strolled into my local YMCA the other afternoon, bopping to some Tribe on my iPod. It was just after four in the afternoon. The gentleman checking in just in front of me appeared eager to work out as well. He walked into the gym with his workout clothes already on… with one glaring exception. He was wearing dress socks. Read the rest of this entry »

Download the podcast here.

Get your very first taste of what is expected to be the beginning of some great changes in St.Petersburg. The newest party, G.L.A.S.S, begins 9.9.09 and will run every Wednesday night from 10-2 a.m. at Vintage Ultra lounge. The party will feature a variety of entertainment and interaction, and of course, most importantly, great dance-able music all night.

Two really exciting elements: Designer Go-Go Statues, in which two go-go-dancers/models will be outfitted weekly by local designers, and a Performance Art Cabaret showcasing local talent from around the bay. There will be ongoing drink specials, in addition to a “Wheel-O-Specials,” which will determine a new drink special every 30 minutes, and there will be giveaways from local businesses.
Read the rest of this entry »

Let me begin by saying that, for maybe the third time in our relationship, my DVR let me down. How can we have plans every Thursday at 10 and yet it fails me the one time I don’t turn on my TV until 10:10pm?! I do not understand it, you have one job in life Mr. DVR. One! That said, I join you 10 minutes into this weeks episode of Project Runway. From what I have gathered, Rebecca Romijn is there, she is “with child” as they say in the Bible, and she wants a snazzy new look to flatter the large lump in her stomach that holds what is guaranteed to be a gorgeous set of twins.

The work room is kind of a hot mess this week, and not just because of those hormones. (Get it? Cuz they are making clothes for pregnant ladies!) Mitchell is throwing around shorts fit for the fat lady at the state fair as opposed to a fake-pregnant model, and Malvin has opted to wrap his belly in … gauze? I guess that’s convenient if the woman suddenly goes into labor, but that’s also real gross. Speaking of Malvin (who sounds oddly similar to Michael Jackson) … did you catch that look of death he gave Tim Gunn!? If Tim ends up dead in Brooklyn, beaten to death by hipster scarves, I think we all know who to blame.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tonight as we all watched the long-awaited premiere of Project Runway, the Costume Diva was left wondering….
Read the rest of this entry »

Before they graced our eyes, ears and hearts with a new season of Project Runway, the geniuses over at Lifetime made us sit through an extra two hours of commercial time, most of which promoted, you guessed it, Lifetime.  Sorry, but I am still not tuning into the Sherri Shepherd show.

Aaaaaanyway, when it comes to the contestants, these were not the best of the best, but then again, what reality show really brings in the best of the best for these “all star” reunions?  Other than the Real World/Road Rules Challenges, obviously.  They were fan faves, though, so I will accept the group (if they asked my opinion Christian would be on every single episode ever, but they did not).

*First off, I have to say what I know we are ALL thinking was glossed over by the producers: Jeffrey has left his babymomma?! For that wicked witch of the west looking girl?! And to sing in a shitty band and wear his self-promoting band shirt for the entire episode?! Cool factor, fail.

More recapping after the jump…

Read the rest of this entry »

I think Franki really put it best yesterday as she recapped the emotional rollercoaster that the last year has been for us Runway fans.  But alas, it happened and we get to experience a rollercoaster of tears and sewing needles with a whole new set of designers to love, hate, forget and quote.  So, without further ado, let’s bring on the crazy.

Right out of the gate, we learn that Ra’mon dropped out of med school?? Unbelievable, I need to see the paperwork on that.  Can someone provide me with his transcripts, please?  Thank you in advance. Ra’mon also logged the first cry of the season.  Congrats, Ra’mon, you just lost your man-card. (I have been informed by a male friend that he probably did not have one to begin with; he has a solid point.)
Then there is Nicolas, aka the “Feather Prince,” which is how I shall refer to him for the remainder of the season, who is winning me over already with his quote of the night, maybe the season…. Read the rest of this entry »

I have an insatiable obsession with Drag Queens. The term encompasses a wide range of atypical performers: respected queens like Apple Love, seasoned bawdy queens like Natasha Richards, and innovative new queens like Gianna Love and Lennox Liemont. Some wouldn’t categorize the later as true drag queens, but there are no guidelines or standards that explain what makes for an officially drag queen. That’s why I’m hunting for a knowledgeable drag queen who will diagram the logistics. Read the rest of this entry »

Waiting for tonight’s 10 p.m. debut of Project Runway: Season 6 has caused almost as much “drama, drama, drama” as Christian Siriano’s sketch of his wedding dress for Uma Thurman. First, we thought the show had been auf’d. Then, we heard it was moving to Lifetime. Then, Bravo pitched a fit and the whole shebang was taken off the air.

We mourned. We wore black in honor of the demise of the greatest fashion show, nay, the greatest reality show of all time.

But then Heidi Klum (pictured) gave us Read the rest of this entry »

Couture and craft collided in the fifth Wearable Art Fashion Show at the Dunedin Fine Art Center Saturday night. Nine design houses created dozens of different wearable art ensembles to the thrill of the packed house. See all the fashion festivities (and a few faux pas?) after the break…

Read the rest of this entry »

Talia

Editor’s Note: Actor/director/teacher/playwright Ami Sallee Corley (right) continues her series of posts about the challenges of being a freelance artist in Tampa Bay. Today’s topic: Self-esteem (or lack thereof)

So I have had the incredible honor of being one of the cast of Pericles, Jobsite’s newest Joe Popp rock musical.  I get to play the love interest, a post-graduate hippie chick rebelling against her Cape Cod “old money” roots.  I’m in jeans and braids and half the time I am barefoot and tote around a nice chip on my shoulder for Daddy’s attempts to assimilate me into “society.” Daddy: “I thought you were going to see that Kennedy boy?”  Talia: “No.  That was your idea, and I told you I don’t want to end up at the bottom of a lake.”

So, in a very favorable review, CL’s Mark Leib refers to me as Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Diva,

I am the student director of a production of You’re A Good Man,
Charlie Brown. It is a fundraiser for Blake High School theater department.
Because it’s a fundraiser, I am trying to budget everything while
still bringing high quality visuals to our black box theater. This musical is
blocked so the actors are “popping out” of comic book panels into the
real world and I was wondering how I could convey a cartoonish
look to the costumes while still keeping within my minute budget. The cast has been working hard all summer to present this show at the beginning of the school year and I would really appreciate your advice.

Signed,
Cartoon Costumer

Read the rest of this entry »

Production just wrapped on the set of local artist Acafool’s music video “Let’s Ride,” a catchy hip-hop song featured in the movie Fast and Furious 4.  As head makeup artist, I had exclusive access to every shot from the crew call at 8 p.m. to the 5 a.m. wrap.  Check out the behind the scenes photos just below the break…

Read the rest of this entry »

When I’m not stalking former Idol contestants, I’m counting down the days, OK the hours, till the next season of Project Runway. With just a couple weeks to go before the long-overdue season premiere on Aug. 20, my Tim Gunn-themed Advent Calendar is getting a lot of use.

Even though I’m pretty upset about that whole “it’s on Lifetime now” stab in the heart, I decided I needed to find some dirt or at least info on the new contestants. Well, I was delighted to see that Lifetime has already posted contestant profiles!

So ladies (and a few gentlemen who dare to visit the Lifetime website to watch the videos and play along), let’s judge these designer hopefuls before we know anything concrete about them, shall we?

Read the rest of this entry »

Dear Diva,

I have a BIG problem. I am costuming a production of Pinocchio and the actor playing Geppetto is quite “well-upholstered.” He told me he wears a size 50 pants, however I think his nose is growing! When I took his measurements, he actually has a 58” waist and 55” hips. How do I construct a pair of pants that don’t make him look like an oompa loompa?

Signed,
Costumer-at-Large Read the rest of this entry »

What awaits at the end of of a two hour-long, cushy Jet Blue flight north; a 10-minute AirTrain ride west, a 55-minute subway ride uptown; and a climb up a particularly steep and stained flight of stairs?  New York City! (In my best Pace Picante Sauce voice), and a bottle of Poland Spring water, of course.  I just returned from the Big Apple last night, and in between shameless gawks at all the pretty buildings, I managed to survey the fashions of the hip and uninhibited.

See what they’re wearing right now, or at least yesterday, in NYC — below the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Buying “green“, eco-friendly products is becoming more and more popular in this day and age. But why is it so important? Preserving the Earth’s natural resources is vital to the future of the planet and all of its inhabitants. Buying recycled and repurposed products is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment by cutting back on waste and the resources needed to make new items.

Everything you do for the planet, no matter how small, can add up to make a huge difference. Just imagine how much energy and other natural resources would be saved if everyone made it a point to buy some type of green products regularly, whether its clothing, accessories, personal care products or something else.
By making that type of a commitment you’re taking the first step to saving the planet and its natural resources. Plus, there’re many other benefits to buying green. Some of them are listed below:
Read the rest of this entry »

The Costume Diva has arrived! On her new blog, creative costumer Kathy Buck answers your questions and

The Costume Diva created the wardrobe for Gorilla Theatre's performance of Elizabeth and Edward

concerns about the tricky clothing conundrums of local — often low-budget — theater productions. Feel free to test her skills — the Diva has yet to meet an ensemble enigma she can’t solve!

The first installment of her attire advice tackles a challenging wardrobe category: Shakespearean plays.

Dear Diva,
I have been given the task of costuming an upcoming production of The Tempest. There are 20 people in the cast. A few of the actors are playing multiple roles so I will need to construct a total of 26 costumes. I have a limited budget of $1000 and less than a month to complete the project. The director is placing this Shakespearean piece in the present. My task seems so overwhelming, I am not even sure where to begin. Can you give me some time and money saving tips?

Signed,
In Stitches

See what the Diva says after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Etsy is like eBay for artists: a highly interactive, visually appealing online market. Artisans, “vintage” collectors, designers, stay-at-home moms — all kinds of buyers (and sellers) frequent the site. Etsy’s a great place to buy one-of-a-kind items and gifts for those “hard-to-shop-fors.”

Shoppers can place requests on the “Alchemy” list, or search for items by color, materials used, location and recently listed. Etsy was developed in New York, and the team that runs it keeps it up to date and highlights various vendors, making sellers accessible as soon as you get to the homepage. It has a DIY heart and a entrepreneurial spirit.

Check out a few pieces from my favorite local artists after the break:

Read the rest of this entry »

Bravo network’s Project Runway Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano, has blessed us lowly Payless Shoe Source scavengers with a new Egyptian-inspired shoe and handbag line. Equipped with spikes that resemble the horns on a baby rhino, Cuban-style heels and bronzy punk rock chains, the turquoise, brown and gold collection launches in September.

See Siriano’s bargain beauties after the break:

What else could we expect from the fiercest of them all?

Siriano captivated Project Runway viewers with his poufy-sleeved, voluminously eccentric creations while impressing the judges with his couture craftsmanship. I never thought his work could be affordable, but with the new collection ringing up at $25-$45 (my limit for just about everything), even bargain bin bunnies can snag a pair.

These beauties do have an air of ouch, but who’s walking? Wear them to dinner, cocktails, or a movie with dark skinnies. For daytime, rock them with capri-length boyfriend jeans with a crisp white cotton button-down shirt.

My eye is on the strappy chain-link heels on the top row and the sassy spiked shoes in the lower row — which pair of Siriano’s creations can you see yourself teetering upon come Fall?

There are many exciting and fun outfits available for summer wear and if you’re like most women, you can’t wait to start wearing yours. Along with these summer fashions, accessories are a must and there is nothing better than accessorizing with handbags and clutches.

Are you searching for a unique and beautiful purse to enhance your summer wardrobe? How about a stunning clutch to dress up your “night on the town” outfit? Then why not consider one of the recycled handbags that help to promote a cleaner and healthier world offered here at www.GoGreenItems.com.

These are some of the most gorgeous purses and clutches found anywhere and they’re made from recycled items that are used everyday. It’s amazing how ordinary items that would have normally been discarded can be transformed into such exciting and attractive handbags.   

The names of a few of your options are listed below:

• Recycled Juice Box Purse (pictured at right)
• Recycled Juice Box Sling Bag
• Recycled Rubber Purses – Cruiser (made from recycled rubber inner tubes)
• Poppy Hobo Handbag (made from recycled vinyl billboards, pictured above)
• Recycled Teardrop Juice Box
• Recycled Juice Box Small, Medium and Large Clutches
• Recycled Golden Phonebook Bag (made from, you guessed it, recycled phonebooks)

If you’re a careful shopper with a genuine desire to reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll fall in love with these handbags as soon as you see them. You can make a bold statement and look great while doing it. Everyone will ask you where you got such a unique accessory item.

Once you take a closer look at some of the options available, ordinary handbags just won’t have the same appeal as before. Be the first on your block to sport one of these designer recycled handbags around and you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood. Everyone will want to know where you shop.

These purses are fun, inexpensive and they’ll add beauty and flare to your summer wardrobe. When you purchase one or more of these amazing eco-friendly handbags, you’re helping to save the environment with style.

For more infomation visit www.GoGreenItems.com

Saving the earth one item at a time!

The 2009 TRA’shion Fashion and Art Show was a big hit again this year. Held Saturday night at the ARTpool Co-op Gallerie and Boutique, the fashion was wonderfully trashy, made from recycled and other found objects. The show included over 20 trashionistas working with newspaper, aluminium foil, duct tape, recycled Coke 12-pack packages, and the perennial favorite Skittles dress worn by the host Marina Williams. Recycled inspired fine ARTwork was also featured at this 2nd annual event. More photos after the break. Read the rest of this entry »

For USF men, the new mantra seems to be “Take it off. Take it all off.” According to a New York Times article about the rise in heterosexual manscaping, a University of South Florida grad student has done two (yes, two) studies that show a high percentage of male USF students prefer to go smooth like Brüno. Read the rest of this entry »

This article started out as a way to explore pollution caused by the fashion and textile industry, but quickly became focused um, er…elsewhere…

TheDailyGreen is (gratuitously, fortunately) rounding up a list of designers and companies that are using sustainable business models and practices to help reduce the very large impact the textile industry has on the environment.

More natural materials such as chiffon, hemp, and organic cotton are being used, along with unexpected items such as bamboo and recycled materials like rubber from tennis shoes are all being made into hot, hot, sexy lingerie by designers all over the world.  All in the name of saving the planet, of course.
Read the rest of this entry »

Is hemp our future economic stimulus? A recent article on Alternet.org written by Dara Colwell suggests so. Industrial hemp has 25,000 known applications. From paper (our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were written on hemp paper ), to clothing (your hemp pants will last forever ), to food products (according to this article, the Wall Street Journal stated that hemp is the fastest growing new food category in North America). Add in construction and automotive materials and you have a very sustainable green economy start-up.

But as most of you know, growing hemp in the United States is still illegal. The Drug Enforcement Administration has grouped this low-THC plant with its relative, marijuana. We are the only industrialized country on earth to prohibit hemp production. Canada even legalized growing hemp in 1997. Read the rest of this entry »

The raunchy cosmetics brand Urban Decay — which already sells  highly pigmented eye shadows with grimy names like Baked, Roach and Asphyxia — has launched Pocket Rockets, a line of colorful lip glosses.

Pocket Rockets come in eight colors; they’re shiny and pretty and tastes good … blah, blah, blah. What’s so different about these creme-brulee-scented glosses is that they incorporate holographic images of sexy men in the packaging. Yes, the handle of your lip gloss has a picture of a buff man dressed in stylish clothes, from formal to preppy.

If you buy David, a mauve-toned gloss, you get a 30-something, corporate cutie in a suit. If you choose Jesse, a sheer — sparkly blackberry gloss — you get a hipster with long, scraggly hair. If your the type of girl who digs boys that are taken, you’ll probably grab Julio, the young father with a chunky baby girl on his hip.

But wait! (In my best Billy Mayes voice) There’s MORE!!!!  Read the rest of this entry »

Upon meeting most people i can’t help but exclaim how much i love St.Pete, and i try to convince them that their lives will be better if they move here…

I have traveled and lived around, but i believe that St.Pete has been the place where i have found my peace and place the most. It’s where everything has come together for me, like a little neat package.

I gush about the “potential” and current culture of the area, the opportunity for amazing things to happen, if only it would happen quicker! And if only they asked what i thought before they opened TWO “Ultra Lounges” (which no one seems to quite understand the meaning of)!

I deviate from my point here, but i need to mention that both PUSH “Ultra Lounge” and Vintage “Ultra Lounge” cater to the same damn crowd from Weds- Sun… on off days through the week the “club” might think about offering something different …(hint hint i have some awesome ideas)…all people really want is GOOD music and to be able to dance without feeling like you’re in a meat market.

So why, with all St. Pete has to offer, does Tampa have a hipper crowd of people with cool new businesses, stores and lounges opening? Read the rest of this entry »