watch out mk and ash

Apparently Philip Lim is not a fan of the Olsens or Diddy.

p.s., What do we think of Derek Lam's new eyewear?

They're a little too big for his face but I appreciate their silliness and hip to be square style.

the man wears prada

Spending $14.99 on Vogue Hommes International was totally worth it when my eyes came across this brilliant editorial shot by Mario Testino and styled by Carine Roitfield. Using the "it" accessory of the season for women, the satin Prada turban, and the jewel tones from the same collection that became the colors of the season, on a man to evoke a dark and masculine vision of a glam Ali Baba is something to behold. GQ would never think of something this subversive.

Neo Smoking by Mario Testino

courtesy of the fashion spot

the pathos of the man-boy

I'm still formulating an opinion on Judd Apatow's "Knocked Up", but I will say my initial response was laughter and uncomfortable wincing, which I think is the point. I think Apatow is getting at really interesting themes of what it means to be a man right now in a culture of compulsive male heterosexuality where ideas about women, sex, relationships, and a man's general purpose and place in the world are entirely skewed and effected by video games, post-college slackerdom, and movies centered around male friendships ("American Pie", "Swingers", "Wedding Crashers", etc.). His comedy is bleak but true and nonjudgmental. I think he's a filmmaker to watch with his vulgar bite and specific point of view that at times is a funny as it is shrewd and heartbreaking.

Listen to this interview on npr with Apatow and his neo-Dustin Hoffman (circa "The Graduate" in all of his unconventional leading man glory), as Newsweek so effusively put it, Seth Rogen.

A lengthy feature on Apatow in the New York Times is also worth checking out.

And Slate offers a refreshing perspective on "Knocked Up" that wonders if Apatow's films are not entirely as insightful about women as they are about men.

ms. rowland

"Like This"
Kelly Rowland feat. Eve
dir., Mike Ruiz
2007

I really wanted to like this song and video. I was always partial to the spunk and individuality Kelly Rowland expressed during her weave free days of Destiny's Child. Now, she has piled on the weave and got an Amerie leftover. Polow Da Don is somewhat responsible for this and to his credit he may provide Fergie and Ciara with the jams, but those songs seemed tailored to their style and vocal capabilities, where as I was hoping Ms. Rowland would burst out onto the contemporary pop/r&b scene with something she's been dying to say and really show us what she's made of since her DC3 days ended when Beyonce wanted to be the 21st century Diana Ross. Although the song's chorus is catchy, it sounds like it's coming from some overly-produced drone who isn't certain who she is or what she wants to be. The Eve guest appearance seems like an after thought that doesn't have the same punch or relevance as some of her other and better collaborations. As for the video, I'm not sure what she's conveying. We've always known you're hot Kelly, so showing up in a towel at the beginning offers us nothing new. The straddling the chair bit while covered in body glitter seems like something Beyonce would have done on the last album. And don't even get me started on the bizarre Photoshop filter effects at the end or the odd surveillance camera that pops up randomly throughout the video. It's a worthy effort Ms. Rowland, but I expect more out of you and let's hope, similar to your former group mate, that the second single and video will provide us the ray of pop sunniness that we've been waiting from you.

the other sister

Ashley Olsen, in The Row
at the CFDA Awards
courtesy of oh no they didn't

I've never really had a thing for the Olsens sisters until recently when it seemed that they have left behind their anorexia and boho chic days behind them and forged ahead with a new sophisticated and sultry look to match their growing maturity. Although Mary-Kate can be predictably found with unwashed hair and draped in some swishy robe of a gown or tights paired with an expensive Balenciaga shoe, it's Ashely that has really caught my eye. She's been showing more skin and poise in very grown up looking Chanel, Calvin Klein, and pieces from her own collection, The Row. Say what you will about her diminutive frame or her dubious endeavors in film and television, this is a young, healthy-looking woman who is a self-made, and very profitable, entrepreneur who knows how to wear clothes and can look more sexy and intelligent than her rehab bound contemporaries.

eye candy of the week: doutzen kroes

doutzen,

your bottom lip blows my mind.

w.

sippin' on bacardi

i love mojitos, but i cringe every time this commercial interrupts my daily intake of cable and reality-based television. bacardi's latest spot for mojitos reminds me of that bizarre slow-motion trance dance sequence in the "matrix" movie, and not in a good way. a mojito is such a refreshing and sexy drink that you would think bacardi would come up with something a little more creative and daring. it's beyond cliche to see a liquor commercial with toned and plastic-looking models engaging in a social environment with their cocktails in tow. perhaps it's the miami club theme that really bothers me. i also hate the music and wiggle dance i think they want us dopey consumers to begin practicing in the clubs. well, bacardi not only do i not enjoy your commercial, i think you're "mojito dance" is stupid and has nothing to do with the drink.

where are all the decent commercials?

the cardigan

courtesy of the fashion spot

the mtv movie awards were such a bore, but i must say that i did admire john krasinski's casual award show look. i don't know much about him other than he's co-starring in george clooney's directorial follow-up to "good night, & good luck" and he dated rashida jones (more reason to be envious of him), but i do know that if i were to go to the mtv movie awards i would make an attempt to look comfortable and relaxed but polished and together, much like mr. krasinski does here. i haven't seen too many male celebrities embrace the cardigan in all of its practical and stylish glory, but jim from "the office" gets it without looking overly styled or geeky. oh, and it doesn't hurt that his co-star in his new film, "license to wed", mandy moore looks unbelievably hot in her shockingly fuchsia cocktail dress that compliments her womanly curves. snaps to the both of them.

mr. jt

courtesy of popsugar

damn, no one can rock a vest like justin timberlake.

exhibit a.
exhibit b (picture above).
exhibit c.

he's a making a ridiculous face in that picture, but his look is young, preppy, casual but urban and very appropriate for a relaxing dinner with friends. thank you for not wearing a wife beater and flip flops. style exists in young hollywood and we can all learn a thing or two from mr. timberlake.

ankle injuries

"ankle injuries"
fujiya & miyagi
dir., wade shotter
2007

"fell in love with a girl" rip off or inspired homage?

whatever it is, i can't stop watching this video and the song aint too bad either.

fact: the group is named after a japanese record player and pat morita's character in "the karate kid."