Christina Hendricks: The New Face Of London Fog

Christina Hendricks is on a roll. The Mad Men star was recently named the “best looking woman in America” by Esquire magazine, and is quietly taking over magazine covers and newsstands with her fiery hair and womanly curves. Her latest gig has her starring in a fall ad campaign for London Fog, and as usual, she looks incredible. For the first time in 10 years, London Fog seems sexy to me again.

The multi-media marketing campaign will debut in October issues of fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Elle, Cosmopolitan and InStyle, outdoor and online.  When asked about the brand, Hendricks said “London Fog is a classic brand, which I love.  It also ties in to Mad Men, we used London Fog in the show and this was a nice way to tie everything together.  The trench is such an iconic shape for men and women.  It works for anyone – it worked in the 1960s and it works now.”

I personally think that Hendricks looks incredible in these shots, but what do you think of the final images? Do you like the new campaign?

BlogHer ’10 – A Crazy Good Time

I can hardly believe it – BlogHer 2010 is upon us and it feels like I’ve only blinked since last year.  I’m fortunate to be attending, for the second year in a row, as one of the Walmart Moms – and I’ve got a crazy schedule yet again, although I’m insanely excited.  Last year I was exhausted but excited to be a part of all of the chaos – and even though I swore that I wouldn’t do that to myself yet again this year – I think I just might have.

If you are going to be at BlogHer I absolutely want to meet you.  Please come say hi, and we can do the girly thing where we squeal, hug, then jump up and down while holding hands.  If you’re more low-key than that, I am equally skilled at the cordial handshake and warm smile – so don’t let my southern affection scare you off! With that said, I figured the easiest thing to do was to post my schedule so you could see where to find me – so here we go:

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

12:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Walmart Moms welcome reception at The Heartland Brewery

3 pm – 5 pm – Hanes party (I heart the Comfort Crew!)at Nikki Beach Midtown

7 pm – 10 pm – Nikon Party at the Bryant Park Grill with my girl Katja Presnal

Friday, August 6th, 2010

9:00 am – 9:45 am – Skechers Shape-Up Walk with my roomie Sheena Tatum

10:00 am – 11:15 am – Hanging out in the Walmart Booth with Amy Allen Clark (come visit!)

11:45 am – 12:00 pm – Picking up my loaner Asus UL30 (a Windows 7 PC) in the Windows Suite

12:30 pm – 12:45 pm – Video shoot with Beth and Kimberley

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Getting Gorgeous at the Warwick Hotel

2:45 pm – 4:00 pm – Workshop time!!!  “Social Media is Bringing Sexy Back to Branding – Do You Have the Social Media Strategy and Tools for Success?”

6:00 pm – Wine In the City.  Excited to be hosting this event along with Shannon Hurst Lane and Tim Hayden.  Reception at the Hilton Manhattan East with Kendall-Jackson Wines.

8:00 pm – Wine In The City dinner and artisan wine pairing (and wine preview!) at The Capital Grille.

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

8:00 am – 9:30 am – Unilever Penthouse

10:30 am – 10:50 – Meeting with Windows Phone

11:00 am – 11:20 am – Momversation interview at the PepsiCo booth

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm – Hanging out with my gals in the Walmart booth (come visit me!)

3:30 pm – ELF and XBox Party with Renee.

6 pm – Vegging, relaxing, and hopefully catching up with people that I love.  My only free time before my 7 am flight!

* * *

So there you have it – I have a crazy, whirlwind 3 days in the Big Apple.  I really want to meet you, so please come say hi if you see me at one of these events or just hanging out!  Thanks to Walmart for sending me to BlogHer this year – and to my amazing Wine In The City co-hosts for making this year’s BlogHer one that I know I won’t forget!

See ya in NYC!

Exclusive Interview with LeVar Burton – The Jensen Project

I am 100% positive that you read my post earlier today that detailed my experience and time on the set of The Jensen Project back in March.  While I was on set, I had the opportunity to interview the one and only LeVar Burton – yes, of Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation Fame.  I was totally geeked out – as were most of you, my Twitter and Facebook friends, when you saw photos of us together and saw that I had the chance to interview him.

The interview itself has been up on YouTube for quite some time (why aren’t you subscribed to my channel?!) but I wanted to share it here, as the excitement mounts for tonight’s premiere!  Don’t forget that you can enter to win a copy of the DVD/CD pack of The Jensen Project over at the other post, simply by leaving a comment!  Yo, dawg, Randy Jackson laid down the tracks, so you know it has to be good!

So here it is, my interview with LeVar!  It was a lot of fun – I think you’ll love it! Also, a huge thanks to Kelly at PegLegPug and her master video editing skills for making this video look amazing (two camera angles was no small task!).

The Jensen Project – Watch Tonight!!!

Back in March I had the most incredible opportunity to visit the set of The Jensen Project – a joint movie project by Walmart and P&G in an effort to bring back family movie night.  This is their second project in this endeavor – the first being Secrets of the Mountain.  The Jensen Project stars Kellie Martin, Brady Smith, Patricia Richardson, and LeVar Burton, to name just a few of the all-star cast.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience – check out the recap of our time on set below!  (Which, for the record, can also be seen in the “bonus features” section of the DVD!”)  Pay close attention to the last 5 minutes of this video where I prove, once and for all, that I am a GIANT. GOOFBALL.

For the record, my experience on-set was AMAZING.  But, I should also state, for the record (who keeps these “records” anyway?) that I support this movie for several reasons – the least of which was the trip to Canada to hang out on the set.  So here ya go – reasons why I am 100% behind The Jensen Project.

1.  Family Movie Night is back. Well, it’s about time!  How much junk is there on TV, seriously?  Even when the programming itself is mild enough to watch with your kids, you end up covering their eyes during half of the commercials for shows like “Desperate Housewives”.  You can watch this together with your family – all of them!  Sa-weet!

2. The movie is awesome.   I know what you’re (potentially) thinking.  After school special?  Captain lame-o?  Sorry to disappoint you, naysayers of the world – this movie is SO not lame.  Secrets of the Mountain proved that Walmart and P&G can indeed swim in this made-for-TV-movie world, and the all-star cast of The Jensen Project proves that again.

3. I adore the cast. I simply cannot say enough NICE things about them all.  This is the most down-to-earth, kind, genuine, hardworking group of people that I’ve ever met in ANY profession.  For instance, before we “officially” met, Kellie Martin and I ended up in the same elevator at our hotel.  We chatted away like old friends. I arrived later that day on the set and went – oh, right.  So that girl from the elevator (who’s ear I TALKED OFF) was Kellie Martin. She greeted me with a smile when I walked in and immediately said “We met in the elevator!”  Why yes, yes we did!

I grew up watching Patricia Richardson on TV each week, but in a very surreal moment, she stood and talked to me for 20 minutes about her children, her hiatus from work, and Twitter – and this was after the cameras stopped rolling on her interview with us.  I was totally geeked out.

Of course there was LeVar Burton who graciously played along with my antics both before and during my interview with him – and was so much fun to talk to. He even gave a shout-out to my dad during our interview – a longtime Star Trek fan!

And then there was Brady Smith (CONGRATS on the new beautiful baby girl, Brady!) who showed off pictures of his beautiful pregnant wife, and then asked to see pictures of my daughter. The next day, he saw me wandering the lobby of the hotel and invited to give me a tour of Montreal and to have lunch with him and Kellie.  So for several hours on the last day of shooting they voluntarily hung out with a random blogging chick from Louisiana – and they made me feel right at home.

…so there you have it.  This is the short of the long story – a story that I could go on and on about for a bit, but it boils down to this.

Watch The Jensen Project tonight on NBC at 7pm CDT.

You won’t regret it.  Follow me on Twitter for updates, and follow @Kellie_Martin and @LeVarBurton as well!

PS – Want to win a copy of The Jensen Project?  Leave a comment to be entered to win the DVD + CD combo – available in Walmart on July 17th!  Contest ends July 25th at 11:59pm CDT.

Shopping and Relaxing in the US Virgin Islands – Win it!

I couldn’t resist sharing this irresistible contest with my favorite people (that’s you!) – imagine if one of you won!  Knowing that you all love to shop and almost everyone loves to travel, I thought this was one sweepstakes that I couldn’t pass up blogging about!  But hurry, today is the last day to tweet to win!

The US Virgin Islands department of tourism is giving away a shopping trip to two to St. Thomas, which includes a 5-night stay at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort and free tickets to concerts featuring Wyclef Jean, Chrisette Michelle and more.  And really, couldn’t you use a (free) vacation right about now?

@USVIMockoJumbie will be tweeting updates on St. Thomas shopping deals/discounts and shopping tips now and during the Festival. Travelers love shopping in the USVI because there’s a $1600 duty-free allowance for U.S. residents, and prices on electronics, jewelry and designer good are typically lower than on the U.S. mainland. Here’s a list of some deals you can expect to find on St. Thomas during the USVI Shopping Festival:

*30 percent off swimsuits at Purple Papaya, Charlotte Amalie,
*70 percent off select jewelry at Alpha jewelers
*Coupons for free merchandise at A.H. Riise stores
*Designer sunglasses on sale at Solstice Sunglass Hut
*$25 certificate and a free gift at Golden Star Jewelers

So how excited are you?!?!  Go check out the Shopping Festival page for the rules on how to enter.  Go, run, TWEET!  (And don’t forget your favorite fashion blogger if you win – she LOVES to travel!)

Gossip Girl Season 4 Hits Paris

Can we just, for a moment, talk about this:

Season 4 of Gossip Girl began shooting yesterday in Paris, and from the looks of this photo, the fashion is primed to be even more incredible than in years past.  The storyline picks up with Blair and Serena spending the summer in the City of Light, where the first 2 episodes will take place.  The season premiere airs September 13th, 2010, and as a serious Gossip Girl addict, I can’t wait for them to be back on my television, where they belong!

xoxo,

E

The 2010 Fashion Oscars

Did you watch the Oscars last night?  You know that I did.  It has even come to a point where I jot down notes in a notebook about which looks I love/don’t love so that I can find photos and information on it after.  I also write down my initial thoughts and impressions, as they make excellent fodder for a post like this one.  So, now that I’ve told you all of my secrets – here is a quick rundown of what I loved in my very own version of the Oscars – Fashion-style.

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2010 CHIC SHOPPER CHICK FASHION OSCARS ARE:

I loved both of these looks – Queen Latifah has never looked better in an elegant lavender Marchesa gown with a sparkly twist, and Sandra Bullock was simply glowing in this golden confection of a dress (also by Marchesa).  I especially loved Sandra’s pink pouty lips and old Hollywood glamour style hair.

Two more nominees that made it solidly onto the “Best Dressed” list?  Markiska Hargitay in a sweeping Vera Wang dress, and Demi Moore in a blush-colored tiered Atelier Versace.  Both of them were simply stunning.

Rounding up the nominee list we have Rachel McAdams, for her sweeping, delicate Elie Saab Couture dress that just screamed spring.  I am especially fond of the sweetheart neckline, and that she chose to leave her collarbone bare.  And then, of course, we have Kate Winslet, who played it safe, but still looked stunning in this sleek YSL number that she accessorized with a 2.5 million dollar yellow diamond from Tiffany and Co.

Without further ado, the runner up for the 2010 Chic Shopper Chick Fashion Oscar is…

…A red-lipped Cameron Diaz in a billowing Oscar de la Renta gown that can only be described as show-stopping.  Diaz dropped her usual easy-going beach style in favor of something much more couture, and I, for one, was thrilled to see it.

Well, here we go.

It’s time.

Ladies and … well, ladies.  The moment we’ve all been waiting for.  The  2010 Fashion Oscar goes to…

Anna Kendrick who was nominated for her role in “Up In The Air”.  She stole the show in this delicate chiffon gown by Elie Saab – I especially loved that the gown was off-the-shoulders and not just strapless.  A perfect choice for her petite frame and age – this dress wins my 2010 Fashion Oscar.  Nice pick Anna!  Call me so that I can get you your award!

What were your favorites?

Grade the Look: Audrina Patridge in Rock and Republic

Spotted: Audrina Patridge and boyfriend Ryan Cabrera.

Where:  The grand opening of The Delphine Eatery and Bar in Hollywood, California on February 11, 2010.

Wearing: Patridge wore a Rock and Republic “Leland” fitted denim dress in Transmission Blue for the event.  She paired the dress with a rocker-chic leather jacket, but softened the look with a pair of Yves Saint Laurent Tribtoo Platform Slingbacks.

Grade:  A.

How would you grade Audrina’s look?  Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Clean Start Challenge and My New BFF Crystal

If you read my site or the Beauty and Style Section of Lifetime Moms on a regular basis, you might know a few things about me – like my unfailing love for the Tory Burch Reva and David Yurman jewelry.  You know these things because it’s what I usually write about here on this site, and because it’s my job.  So, it’s pretty cool that I’m able to be involved with something a little different, starting today, as a mentor and cheerleader for my new friend Crystal who is participating in the SC Johnson Clean Start Challenge.

Crystal is one of four finalists aiming to make a “clean start” in her life.  She is a striking young woman and a new mom who wants to learn how to cook and finally be able to get out of those mommy jeans!  It seems that Crystal was fortunate enough to marry a man who cooks for her – and all I can say is that if I ever meet her in person I will be giving her all sorts of high-fives!  She is also a former teacher and a Louisiana transplant – we have all sorts of things in common!  She will be posting weekly progress videos on MyLifetime.com so that you can follow along, but she’s also trying to win your votes! The winner of the SC Johnson Clean Start Challenge will receive $10,000!

We’ve talked about things that you know about me, but what you likely don’t know is that this challenge, and Crystal’s ideas about a clean start especially, are near and dear to my heart.  After I had my daughter, Audrey Grace, I really struggled to lose the baby weight.  The first bit came off fast, but I lost the last 25 pounds through a whole heck of a lot of determination and hard work.  This New Orleans native LOVES to eat!  So, Crystal’s desire to feel confident in her hot mom-ness (because she is already beautiful, but it’s all about confidence, right?) is one that I can truly relate to.  I’ll be chatting with Crystal throughout the next three months, sharing motivation, tips for cooking healthy meals, and tricks on how she can achieve her goal.  I hope that she can lean on me for ideas and support – and of course if you have any ideas or suggestions for her, you can always leave them here in the comments!

So you, my friends?  I’ve just signed you up for Team Crystal!  Welcome on board!  Don’t worry, to sweeten the pot, there will be 3 opportunities for you to vote for Crystal (or your favorite finalist, but c’mon, we already know who we’re voting for, right?) and be entered to win $1,000 and a SCJ gift basket that is filled with some very cool products.

So, as they say at the races: on your marks, get set…Go Crystal!

Fashion For Haiti

Hello fashion darlings.  I’m sorry I’ve been MIA but I’m so thankful that you’ve had our resident stylist Jennifer to keep you company.  Isn’t she doing an amazing job??? (Check out her article all about Spring Fashion!)  I have been on a whirlwind traveling tour lately, I’m not sure I’ve slept in my own bed but 1 night in the past 2.5 weeks.  Currently I’m in NYC covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Lifetime – a fashionista’s haven!

More on my coverage of this week in a bit, as well as my amazing trip to Disney with the Hanes Comfort Crew – but for now I wanted to quickly share something that caught my eye yesterday – all about what designers and the fashion industry are doing to provide help to Haiti.  This video explains it all:

I love that the designers are all wearing their t-shirt in their own unique way in the video.  The cool part is that you can buy one of these very fashionable t-shirts AND do something great at the same time.  The t-shirt will be on sale at Zappos beginning February 16th for only $25, with $16 of every purchase donated to the Haiti Relief Fund!

Designers and celebs are also doing their part – Kenneth Cole has donated a Westside Holiday billboard promoting the shirt and Beyonce is the official face of the Fashion for Haiti initiative.  What will you do?

Spring 2010 Trends: Must Haves Under $100

Hello my fashion darlings!! I am so excited to be the new girl here and to talk with you weekly about my favorite topics, fashion and style.  Check back each Wednesday for a new fashion related article.  I would love any input about what you would like to see each week.  I plan to do a monthly fashion Q & A, where your fashion and styling questions are answered along with other styling articles.  Please email me your comments and questions. Feel free to stop by and visit me during the week at my site, Red Sole Diary…I love visitors.

Q:  What is the must have article of clothing (not shoes) for spring under $100?

A:  There were a lot of trends that came down the Spring 2010 runways. Below are just a few to incorporate into your closet this spring.

Various versions of the jumpsuit were seen walking down the spring runways, from the relaxed glamour at Lanvin to loose and flowy at Roberto Cavalli.  Be sure to check out ASOS’ ruffled, one-shoulder jumpsuit ($34) to create a new spin on evening-wear. You’ll be stylishly chic at your next cocktail party.  For a more casual look, try Victoria’s Secret floral printed silk jumpsuit ($88) as floral prints are a must this season. Add a great pair of gold flat sandals and you are pool-party ready.

While we saw a lot of wide-legged pants on the spring runways, skinny-legged pants are still hot. Denim leggings are the cool girl’s jean of choice this season. Pair Ann Taylor’s denim leggings in dark wash ($88) with a white “boyfriend” t-shirt and your fitted blazer from last season to be the most stylish mom running errands.  To mimic Balmain’s military-inspired spring runway looks, pair Blank black denim stretch jeans ($78) with an Aqua military jacket ($88). It will truly be the look for less.

Shorts are the new pants this season. From quilted leather shorts seen in Alexander Wang’s show to the gold lamé harem shorts on Phillip Lim’s runway there is something for everyone. Add a pair of Victoria’s Secret belted linen shorts ($34.50) to your wardrobe this season. Pair with a lingerie inspired camisole, which is another hot trend for spring, and finally complete the look with last season’s boyfriend blazer.

Q:  What is a must have accessory under $50?

A:  Bold statement necklaces continue to be popular for the upcoming spring season. We saw everything from a full bib necklace at Vera Wang to bold pendants at Bottega Veneta. Color was everywhere on the spring runways so have fun with your accessories. Add Anthropologie’s double torsade necklace ($28) for a fresh look this season.  If you are looking for a bit more edge, check out Express’ bib necklace in a bold citrine color ($39.50).

See you next week!

Game Time! Game On!

My daughter turns 3 on Tuesday.  Oh, how it pains me to say that.  When we were deciding on a date for her birthday party, we decided on Sunday January 31st.  Why?  Well, because February 7th, the week after her birthday, had a slight conflict.  We didn’t dare place it during that weekend – just in case.

Our little football team – the boys in Black in Gold – are going to be taking on Peyton Manning and the Colts on February 7th.  Maybe you’ve heard?

It took 21 years before the New Orleans Saints had a winning season.  Both of my grandparents attended the very first Saints game on September 17th, 1967.  My family raised me to be a longtime, die-hard Saints fan.  There have been moments over the years where the relationship went more in the direction of hate than love – but as it always is with things you are loyal to – I can talk bad about my own football team, though no one else is allowed to.

This year, we made it.  Finally.  Who cares if we win or not, the Saints are GOING TO MIAMI.

I’m throwing a party.  Duh.

WalMart came to me, as one of the Eleven Moms, with the opportunity to share about their Game Time deals – you can join me and throw an awesome Game Day party of your own.  For $44 you can get:

One package of Oscar Mayer Meat Hot Dogs (8 ct.)
One package of Johnsonville® Bratwursts (6 ct.)
Two packages of Great Value™ Hot Dog Buns
Two bags of T.G.I. Friday’s™ Frozen Appetizers
One Hormel™ Supreme Party Tray
12” Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Two boxes of Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuit Crackers (8 to 10 oz. box)

For more information, check out WalMart’s Game Time site.  Oh, and WHO DAT?!?!?!?!?!

* Disclosure: Walmart provided me with two $50 Walmart gift cards for my participation in this program.

More Bubbles and Bubbly Fun

So remember how, back in October, Wisk HE brought me to my second home, New York City, for a little bubbles and bubbly shindig?  I had a blast with some amazing people and learned all about bubbles- when you need them, when you don’t.

So, today I’m on Google, searching for pictures of myself and my friend Katja for this way cool NYC Tweetup that we’re hosting on January 13th at the Roger Smith Hotel, and I come across this photo!

And I’m all … awwww … what a CUTE photo!

But then…then I came across this video.  And I’m giggling like a madwoman because here I am, looking like a total goober throughout the entire thing, and I didn’t even know it existed.

And, because I love you, my readers, I thought I would share my gooberness with you.  I’m especially fond of the 14 second mark, where I make a quick appearance just to drawl “bubbles”.  Tee hee!

By the way – my dress is from one of my favorite online stores – ModCloth, and the shoes are Steve Madden.  The crazy mad scientist lab coat was courtesy of Wisk HE.  I especially love that Nichelle from StyleMom immediately cinched hers up with a belt.  Only someone that fashionable could make a lab coat look good.  I’m just sayin’.

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