Though it isn’t technically Spring yet, for this new Southern California transplant it sure feels like it, which is probably why I got the urge to clean out and reorganize my design studio. So much, um…stuff was uncovered that it has caused me to begin reminiscing on my fashion adventures.  It also makes me realize that a huge sample and moving sale is definitely on the horizon.

Besides half-finished samples, beads and chains of every sort, random decorative charms that chronicle my creative inspiration (and often times off-the-rocker mindset) for each of my past collections, I came across clippings of, what I deem to be hilarious feature placements and some footage of on-air interviews.

None is better than this Showtime Network promo for the capsule collection I designed for them in a licensing deal to promote their hit show, The L Word.

Because it’s Monday and I try to give my readers a little something to pick up their spirits on this “dreary” day of the week, I will share this special piece with you. Please enjoy!

P.S.
If you’re hankering for some of the exclusive collection pieces that come with a collectible The L Word, “L”ements of Style tags, let me know…we just happen to have a few sizes left and I would love for them to find a happy home.

Found in a box - an announcement of the shopping event introducing the Collection

Top Chef's Western Adventure

Well howdy y’all!  I just wanted to let you in on the top secret location for this week’s episode of Top Chef.  Drum roll (er, cow bell) please…it’s no other than our very own Sandy Valley Ranch (a.k.a La Sonrisa).  Be sure to tune in Wednesday, September 16th at 10/9c on the Bravo Network to watch what happened when our cowboys welcomed the remaining Top Chefs to our fabulously rustic ranch.  Let’s just say, some chefs don’t know the meaning of “cowboy up“.

I’ve been sworn to secrecy and under penalty of hanging can’t let too much of the behind the scenes gossip leak out, but I can say this – I’m sure our episode will be one to remember.  Put twelve City chefs to work in the middle of the desert over an open fire pit in 112 degree heat.  Add dusty desert wind and a pack of coyotes circling the campsite throughout the night, and it’s sure to make for some good T.V.

Being a food competition, the real story here is how our rough ridin’ challenges impacted the creativity and flavors of the plates served by this season’s most talented chefs.  Though I’m salivating to tell you, you’ll have to watch the show to find out.

Of course I’m having my own viewing party and inviting some of our friends who were able to join as tasters for the big event.  I had thought about serving ceviche and tuna steak sandwiches but figured that those dishes were a better fit for the Big City.  So, out of respect for the western theme of the episode, and as an homage to the Top Chef production team that proved they have large enough Cohones to pull off a complicated and elaborate show, I’ll be serving a more appropriate meal of blue cheese burgers and pollo asado.  And of course, we’ll be toasting everyone involved with a Michelada (or three).

I recently had an accident that sent me to the emergency room where my lip and chin were stitched back together.  Rather than bore you with the gory (and I do mean gory in its purest definition) details, let me share with you the DVDs that kept me entertained as I holed myself up at home until the 25 bright blue stitches could be removed.

By no means are these films my favorites (though Man on Wire makes it onto my short list in its category), but they certainly served me well throughout my healing and best of all, they distracted me from the urge to feel sorry for myself and helped me to feel thankful that I was spending a few days couching.

Man On Wire Truly one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen.  How can your interest not be captured by a talented, obsessive, risk-taking, flamboyant, French street performer?

The Films of Charles & Ray Eames Not something you will want to watch over and over (I suspect some people will give it a mere 10 minutes before turning it off),  but the DVD extras give a unique and interesting history of the life and business of these well known American designers.

In Bruges This is a quirky and strange murderous adventure set in beautiful Bruges, Belgium that makes the city its leading character.  Ever romantic and mysterious, In Bruges delivers an exquisitely shot film with intriguing dark humor.

The Tudors Don’t we all like brushing up on history by watching a gorgeous young king get all that he wants while wearing an impressive amount of luxurious fabrics and jewels?

Seinfeld Because Larry David is a genius and his one-liners never get old…yada yada yada

Role Models It ended up to be lot better than I thought, probably because of the film’s use of the soap opera formula that makes the viewer feel superior to the characters.  Audible chuckles were released as I watched McLovin’ sword-fight while dressed as KISS.

The Ben Stiller Show Though the series had a short run, it was actually quite good.  Some hits and some misses, but interesting to note that Stiller gave Janeane Garofolo and Andy Dick their first jobs.

As I write this post, my stitches have been removed and the swelling decreases every day.  I’m definitely on the mend, and thankfully don’t expect to be left with any horrible scars.

Did I mention that I lucked into getting the McDreamy-est ER doctor in the world?  Thankfully he also ended up being an excellent sewer and perfectly lined up my lip so I look more human than monster.  I suspect his own vanity inspired him to do his very best work, and to that I say – thanks for choosing medicine over acting Dr.!