Fashion Radar

So we're well into cycle nine of America's Next Top Model and we can't help but think: They're not a particularly impressive bunch of wannabe models, are they? Not one single contestant seems to have that "wow" factor.

The photography, styling and makeup has also been lackluster. The photo shoot where the girls were made-up as flowers and plants was horrendous. Everything looked pulled from the fake flower department at a craft store. Very tacky, very glue-gun, very not high fashion.

Indulge us for a few while we share more of our clumsily thought-out opinions on the series (which we still love watching, by the way!)...

The makeover episode was disappointing, wasn't it? Aside from Bianca (above)—who looks fabulous in her super short 'do—no one else dramatically improved their look (or even cried for that matter, which would have been equally entertaining). Some contestants, like Saleisha, actually got worse. Her cute, girl-next-door vibe was completely extinguished by those awful bangs and Sonny Bono styling.


In last night's installment (Episode 6) Ebony (above) decided to back out of the competition after narrowly surviving the elimination round. We feel for her, especially since we thought she had the strongest photo overall in Episode 5. She managed to arrange her limbs in an incredibly creative pose that said "resignation" and "triumph" at the same time (see the push and pull in her back and neck). A nuanced yin and yang of resistance and acquiescence....anyways...


Actually, we think just about everyone took their best photo to date in Episode 5. Maybe it was the styling, maybe it's because we're partial to skyscrapers and urban settings, who knows. Lisa (above) was no exception. Fierce, huh? In fact, she may just be our favorite contestant thus far cuz she's just plain beautiful as well as versatile. She can do the whole urban diva thing, she can do hot haute, and we can totally see her doing close-ups for cosmetics or skin care products. Too bad her name isn't more exotic-sounding. Not that there's anything wrong with Lisa, but a nickname like Mona could be cool. Or not.

As for the rest of the contestants...Ambreal has a great smile and personality, but it doesn't come through on film. Seems like they've been ignoring Chantal in the way they're editing the footage, but she is pretty and Twiggy seems to like her, so we look forward to seeing more of her. Heather is sweet, but we still prefer her profile shots, not straight-on. We used to confused Jenah and Chantal, but this past week she managed to stand out from the crowd. She's got potential. Sarah is someone else we're keeping our eye on, she has gorgeous curves and perky features that are so exaggerated they become edgy.

Of course, we can't wait for the next episode. Fingers crossed, they might actually show some cute fashion, too. And please, feel free to ramble in the comments—this is what reality TV is all about!

P.S. Has anyone seen VH-1's ANTM spoof, America's Most Smartest Model? Great concept, but it could have been a whole lot more funnier.

America's Next Top Model airs Wednesdays on The CW at 9/8 CT. Missed one? Watch complete episodes here. >>

Tiffany & Co. announced plans to roll out up to 70 smaller-format stores, called Tiffany & Co. Collections, at a rate of three to five per year.

The stores will offer a wide range of jewelry, with a focus on higher-margin silver jewelry, but not engagement jewelry.

We're not really surprised by this move since we get the Tiffany catalogs in the mail (which are adorable, by the way) and they're already filled with accessibly priced jewelry, especially silver pieces that hover around $100-$200 dollars.

If anything, we were just surprised by how possessive the news made us feel regarding the Tiffany brand...we were somewhat overcome by the feeling that we didn't want them going more mainstream just to increase sales.

Why you ask? Well, let's face it: We're not exactly regular customers at Cartier and Harry Winston. Tiffany's is iconic, it's well-crafted, and it's attainable. No matter what anyone says about Tiffany's (overpriced, everyone's wearing it, etc.), their jewelry will always hold a special, nostalgic place in our heart. After all, Dad bought Mom a Tiffany engagement ring, and we've been presented with more than one meaningful gift from Tiffany's over the years. Those aren't emotions you can simply ignore. ::sound of violins::

So while we're sorta bummed that Tiffany's is branching out, we're guessing this means more women (and the men who love them) will be able to scoop up a little blue box of affordable luxury...so you could think of it as spreadin' the love.

What do you think about Tiffany & Co.'s decision?

Tell us who you vote for in the comments...

Model Crystal Renn looks absolutely brilliant in her fall campaign for Mango. The caption on their site reads, "Model Crystal Renn shows you how to take full advantage of your curves. Why not?"



We first learned about Crystal when she appeared on Oprah back in November of 2006. After struggling to fit the stick-thin mold of what agents told her she had to look like in order to be successful, Crystal had a personal breakthrough and decided to just be herself. Since returning to her normal weight (she had dropped to a dangerous 95 pounds at her lowest), she's been featured in multiple Vogue magazines and is the first size-12 woman to earn a highly coveted Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign.

Sidenote: After watching the last episode of ANTM, we think the contestants could all take a lesson from Ms. Renn—isn't she stunning?!

See the full campaign at Mango.com >>

Twenty-five years since Grace Kelly's passing, a series of special events will allow the public to take a glimpse inside the enchanted world of America's Princess.

From October 15th to the 26th, there will be a free exhibition at Sotheby's in New York called “Grace, Princess of Monaco: A Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Grace Kelly," featuring her dresses, jewelry, letters, photographs, video and film clips and other items, many of which have never been seen in public or outside of Monaco.

In addition, the windows of New York City’s Saks Fifth Avenue store will feature Grace Kelly-inspired creations by Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Ralph Rucci and Vera Wang. The public can bid on these dresses with proceeds to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation-USA (www.pgfusa.org).

If you're in the New York area, grab a girlfriend and check out these free events. Mothers, grab your daughters and go, too! If fallen popstar Britney is any indication, young women could all use more Grace (literally and figuratively) these days.

Learn more at www.acelebrationofgrace.com

Even budget babes can celebrate the 100th Anniversary of upscale retailer Neiman Marcus: Just enter this sweepstakes for your chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree! Bonne chance!

Filene's Basement is kicking off their annual Bridal Gown Event in Lawrenceville, NJ, on October 19th. Affectionately termed "The Running of the Brides," the wedding dress sale attracts throngs of brides-to-be from across the country (and even the world) hoping to score designer wedding gowns—which are normally priced from $900 to $9,000—marked down to prices ranging from $249 to $699.

While we've never personally attended a Filene's basement bridal sale, we have been to not one, but TWO Vera Wang Bridal Wear Sample Sales (don't ask)—one in New York City, the other in Chicago. Based on our experience, here are some tips to help make your trip a success.

How to Find Your Dream Wedding Gown at a Sample Sale:

Arrive early. Very early. Depending on the city, we're talking two, three, even four or more hours in advance.

Bring help. Enlist the help of two or three friends to help you try on the gowns, zip you up, find your size and swap with other shoppers. You could also have one friend hit the shoes and veils while the other helps you with your gown. Be sure to go over what you're looking for before the sale starts (something to talk about while you wait in line!).

Bring a mirror. Mirrors were very scarce at both sales we attended. We're not suggesting you lug around a full-length mirror, but a locker-size mirror that your friend can hold for you will really come in handy.

Know what you want. Do you want ivory or white? Strapless or sleeves? A full crinoline skirt or something sleek and figure-hugging? Knowing what you want will ensure you're happy with your gown long after the adrenaline rush of the sale has subsided.

Know your size. To figure out what style of gown you really want, visit at least one high-end bridal shop before the sale just to try some on. Note your size at this time, as designer sizes can vary significantly from the sizes you're probably accustomed to.

Don't forget veils and shoes. Not sure about Filene's, but the Vera Wang sample sales had great selections of veils and shoes at unbelievable prices. If you already have a gown, consider shopping the sale just for these accessories.

Know your budget. It's very easy to get caught up in the moment, so decide how much you're willing to pay in advance. Stick to your budget, plus or minus a couple hundo for that can't-live-without find.

Be prepared to get naked. Or, consider wearing a swimsuit or a white cami and boyshorts. Women grab as many gowns as they can carry, pick a spot on the floor, and start stripping. Large curtains are hung up to give you some privacy, but it's basically one vast, make-shift dressing room that you share with dozens of other women.

If you can't find your size, it's better to buy a size up than a size down. You can always have a slightly larger gown tailored to fit you...but not so much with a gown that's too small.

Be prepared to barter. There's no need to be a bridezilla—in fact, we didn't see a single catfight. There are many thoughtful brides who were more than happy to swap and trade gowns in search of the perfect frock.

Have fun!