Comme des Garcons' Black NYC SO Almost Here!

Word on the street is that Rei Kawakubo's brilliant answer to the recession will be popping up in New York City June 22nd on 10th Avenue and 17th Street. I'm thinking the Black bridge line store will be just as awesome as that time she collaborated with H&M except slightly more spendy with way less lines out the door because a) it's more spendy, and b) it's sooo faaaarrr uptown, wah. Still, I am totally in the mood for a distressed blazer and some more harem pants, aren't you? Exciting. Let's do this.

Feeling Right Now: Turquoise Pants

Phoebe Philo's new Celine resort collection is clean and simple: confident, effortless, lots of khakis and blues and a smashing tuxedo jacket done up in what appears to be sweatshirt material. Sweet! These pants caught my eye because who the hell sends aquamarine pants down the runway. It's totally working here, although I suspect this might be one of those moments where it's all about the model. Still, love those black details. In my quest for green-ish blue pants I came across these teal Cheap Monday jeans, $62, and I know they're a BIG departure (read: trashy cousin) from Celine's crisp trousers but kind of fun, no?

Slacking the Night Away

A few of you have noticed that I've been style slacking harder than ever (and by slacking I mean not posting), and for that I apologize. I don't have a great excuse either, my only alibis being new job/(s) and traveling to more weddings than anyone should ever have to in one summer and being real busy-like in general. Meanwhile, my better half Shya Scanlon is kicking internet ass with his awesomely epic Forecast 42 project and I think he's even tweeting (twating? whatev's) and shit now. Amazing and if you like mind-blowing fiction that punches you in the teeth and makes your chest burn (in a good way), check it out.

Come to think of it, Violet has really let her blog go, too. What can I say she's been real busy as well.

Best Celebrity Interview Ever!

Please read this Elle article in its entirety and do so immediately. Matthew McConaughey talks about horizontal vaginas, making love to Barbara Walters, "getting tribal" on his girlfriend's birth and wrestling grizzly bears with his bare hands. It's freaking genius.

"It Looks Like Someone Peed on Your Eyes"

I had a great talk with one of my favorite makeup artists Troy Surratt today, and when I asked him how he feels about the current yellow eyeshadow madness he goes: "While it's important to be trend aware—it keeps you hip and current—don't try every trend that comes down the runway." So tactful! He's all class that one. The actual post is here on Allure.

Am I the Only Chick in NY Who's Disappointed by Topshop?

After reading many a swooning blog post about how AMAZING the new Topshop store is, I finally decided to brave the crowds and go scope it out for myself. It's not my first time at the rodeo--I've been to TS many times whilst in London--but obviously, wanted to visit on my own turf. Luckily, at 2:35 pm on a Wednesday, there was no one in line to get in, which seemed promising. The store, however, was certainly packed with teensy fashionistas and their unfortunate male friends maniacally racing to and from frock after jacket, and that made it a less than enjoyable shopping experience. That fact aside, my disdain actually stems from the fact that I truly didn't see anything that deviated far from your average H&M. The Kate Moss collection has some cute moments, but you'll have to pay: One of the strongest pieces (in my opinion) is the limited-edition sequined "Flame" dress which retails a cool $250. The famed shoe department was vast, but the majority of the hooker-ish vinyl shoes reminded me of the offerings you'd see in a typical Greenwich Village sex shop. (Here is an example.) Still, some of the Preen stuff was lovely, so perhaps I'll give it another chance in a few weeks when all the hullabaloo has died down a bit. Meh, I guess I'll be smelling you and your limey wares later Topshop.

On a related note, this new British "gastropub" just opened on my block. Because you know, the food in England rules! (so bitchy today i know)

UPDATE: 8:32 pm My "spies" (okay, editor Mary Clarke) tell me that style legend Lynn Yaeger was shopping there at the same exact time yesterday. And she did not purchase anything either. SO.

Who is the Real Steven Meisel? (Hint: Watch the Video)

Perhaps you've read Jonathan Van Meter's Vogue profile of more powerful than god photog Steven Meisel. (For the uninitiated, if Meisel simply casts a girl in one of his fashion stories, she like, instantly skyrockets and gets the "super" tag affixed to her "model" title asap.) People in the industry routinely say things like, "Have you seen Meisel's new girl? She's amazing." And his breadth is stunning: He may be the man behind classic beauties Naomi, Linda, Amber Valetta and Christy Turlington, but he can also traced to more modern muses like Jessica Stam, Coco Rocha and Agyness Deyn.

The profile is beyond fascinating because Meisel is a notorious recluse, and declined to meet Van Meter at all. (Can you imagine him saying, "Sorry Anna, we do it on my terms or not at all." SNAP.) But his phone demeanor is described as "...brusque and impatient—sort of perpetually annoyed with the idea of doing an interview at all." The writer gets his revenge by dangling the titillating bit that Meisel's reticence may stem from personal insecurities regarding his encroaching crow's feet and rumored weight gain, which in my opinion, is perhaps a sort of poetic justice when it comes to a man so responsible for the fashion world's voracious appetite for newer, younger, thinner. Still, the image of Meisel as stony, simmering agoraphobic gets shattered in this amazing 80's video filled with guyliner, big hair, 17-year old Paulina Porizkova, a certain "Swedish smorgasbord" and Meisel as insane style cheerleader. Watch, it's CRAZY.

How to Pronounce Designers' Names

It's no secret that the fashion crowd is judgey, judgey (maybe only the Victorians were as condemning). Mispronouncing an important designer's name is tantamount to wearing denim bell-bottoms at the height of the skinny jean phase, if you care. Because I worked at a magazine and went to runway shows and stuff, I received on-the-job training when it comes to a familiarity and ability to correctly pronounce designers' names. But since that's not the case for most, unless you speak French and Italian with aplomb, how are you supposed to avoid at least one Nomi in "Showgirls" type of situation (remember when she mispronounced "Versace"? Ouch.) While researching a story recently I came across the following Wall Street Journal resource: Instead of simply spelling the names phonetically, they actually enlisted foreigners to properly pronounce the names of the major players. Hey, could come in handy next time you want some salesperson to pull that Ermenegildo Zegna out of the shop window.

Style Rocks: Ministry-"I Wanted to Tell Her"

This rules so hard:

How to Wear Thigh High Boots

BACKGROUND: Some of you may recall that I spied with my little eye this insane pair of slouchy Zucca boots awhile back, and I LOVE them because they certainly make a statement--so much so that a zillion designers fully just ripped them off. Still, I was unsure about how they would translate off the runway. Um, also, they cost $650 at La Garconne, cough, and the saleslady there said that she wouldn't let me return them since they were final sale, (down from $1620). Now, I get what clearance means and stuff, but these have Japanese sizing which is hard to compare to the U.S. version, and frankly, thigh-high boots are a damn tricky trend and I wanted to make sure these weren't monstrous in real life. I even told her that if she would let me exchange them should there be a problem, I would take store credit, but again, no go. So now I am kind of over La Garconne. I bite my thumb at you.

What followed was an embarrassing amount of time spent locating another retailer in the States, since like, no one carries them, which is surprising because they design really interesting stuff. But! Finally! Success! I found them for sale at cute Hollywood boutique Creatures of Comfort for a mere $415 (okay that's not cheap but big buttery, imported leather boots aren't ever cheap, plus keep in mind I was having a moment), and even though they were final sale the chick there was TOTALLY understanding and said I could return them if they didn't work out. La Garconne, 0, Creatures of Comfort 1.

Anyway, they came in the mail and they're totally lovely, but again, thigh-high boots are not easy to pull off. Here's why these work so well: They're a dark, chocolate brown, so they effortlessly go with black, brown, white and everything in between. They're definitely high, but not high-heeled, which is key to avoiding the Pretty Woman hooker look syndrome that is flourishing right now. So unfortunate. (For the record, they do have more lift than a flat, which is nice.) Lastly, they're not only comfortable, they're really versatile: You can scrunch them way down on your calf in case you're feeling kind of demure about the audacity of the thigh.

Also, proportion is key. Even Kate Moss manages to look a bit squat in her thigh-highs every now and then. What you need to avoid is chopping yourself into too many sections. Pair with a simple, short-ish, diaphanous dress or a roomy tee and skinny jeans. To balance the largesse of the boots, a chunky cardigan or similar layering does the trick. A good scarf helps, too. My only trubs at this point is wearing them out before next fall, when the trend is predicted to be huge. Then again, obviously I feel all smug and shit for being on top of this before every last mall teen has shelled out their babysitting money on inappropriate thigh-baring footwear. (Prepare yourselves!) Lastly, I know these are stupid expensive during these tough times. If anyone's interested, I'll totally start researching a more affordable knock-off. I just don't think there is one, YET. Stay tuned...

Are You Feeling the Pearl Trend?

I do love a pearl necklace (heh, heh), but the look is so J. Crew overdone now, no?

No offense, Mrs. Obama, you know I love what you do.

But what I'm really feeling are these chunky pearl drop earrings at Brian Reyes, and not just because I've been rocking a similar pair all winter. I love how these manage to look really edgy with black, but they're so fabulous and classy at the same time. I would recommend my personal ones but they're out of stock, so in the interest of being servicey and stuff, I just found this sick set at Lord & Taylor for $44.99 (down from $90.00) and they include kind of outrageous cubic zirconias which would look truly awesome with a thin, battered black leather jacket. I mean it.

It's Official: I'm Back in the City

Some of you may of noticed I've been away for awhile (um, probably no one did, but anyhoo), and it's because I've been absolutely bowled over by the moving process. I've spent the past few weeks making loads of preparations, then Shya and I loaded Violet in the car and made the arduous cross-country journey back to New York. On the way we stopped at an amazing Japanese spa in the snow-dipped mountains of Santa Fe, got re-routed due to nasty weather in Texas, climbed through the gorgeous Rockies, spent a strange night at a grungy Motel Six in Nebraska, saw lovely friends in Chicago and Indiana, finally made it to the city and found our subletter had literally trashed our apartment.

Sigh.

It was like Grey Gardens all up in this piece.

After an expensive, crime-scene level cleanup job, we made our way to our storage unit in Rhode Island, U-Hauled it back, and at the moment I'm writing from our wildly disorganized, box-laden (but clean!) Lower East Side digs. I'm not gonna lie. This move has been insanely stressful. But we're slowly, surely getting settled. I've certainly been more Slacker than Style when it comes to updates, but sartorial coverage should resume asap! And if anyone has any fun decorating tips, send 'em my way. Complete overhaul here.

xoxoxoe

P.S. I guess while I was gone the LES became SoHo!? I mean, there's now like, 10 five-star restaurants, an "organic" cleaner, several salons and a yoga studio on my street. Bananas!

P.P.S. If anyone wants to buy a vintage VW Cabrio convertible and/or knows of a cheap and fabulous parking garage located in the tri-state area, let me know. It sucks to have a car in Manhattan. We have to move the damn thing every five minutes. Seriously. Sucking.

Loving Right Now: Fever Ray

Fever Ray is both the project name and album title of Swedish singer Karin Dreijer Andersson's most amazingly awesome new endeavor. (If you don't recognize her name, she's one-half of the Knife, which you have surely heard of.) Anyway, I think my friend Erik of Think Pink Radio describes the musical tone best: "It's like if spring were made of goth." Heh, what's not to love? Sadly, they're only touring in Europe this summer, so New Yorkers are S.O.L., but you can hear the single "If I Had a Heart" on their website here. Felix Rey whaaa!?

Felix Rey for Target

Speaking of big bags, Daneen over at Spoiled Pretty got an exclusive sneak peek at Felix Rey's collection, launching for a limited run soon: March 29 through June 14 to be specific. Fergie would probably do well to switch out that leopard printed heinousity that's threatening to topple her over and step out with this studded Felix Rey for Target tote instead, no? Get the full scoop at Spoiled Pretty.

How Do We Feel About Shoulder Pads?

The chapter that is Fall 2009 Fashion Week has officially come to a close, and I'm not just exhausted, I'm also deeply concerned. There were those suicidally high platform shoes at Nina Ricci and Alexander McQueen, scary hair dresses at Givenchy and enough black lipstick to supply an army of goth teenagers. (Ah, memories.) But out of the myriad 80's themes, the one that seemed to reign was shoulder pads that would frighten the bejeez out of a linebacker. Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent and Donna Karan were just a few of the designers who sent hulky girls trudging down the runway with alarmingly wide upper-regions (it's a wonder they weren't constantly knocking each other over), and I must ask you: If the trend truly comes to fruition—we're talking the next H&M designer collaboration is rife with them—will you be wearing shoulder pads come fall? I mean, on the one hand, it's kind of a handy recession fashion movement: Thrift stores are freakin' full of ample-shouldered castoffs. But the question is, did we not collectively agree that this does not a flattering look make a few decades ago? Dude. You tell me. (Personally, I kind of like a slight shoulder here and there, but then again, I also tend to gravitate toward the odd harem pant, too.)

The Biggest Bag Ever

I'm sorry, but Fergie's bag here is just. Ugh. (Thanks Grazia.) I kind of love a jumbo-sized carryall, but the leopard print here is overwhelming, especially given her petite frame. NEXT.

Flight of the Conchords "Fashion is Danger"

You think you know fashion? You think fashion's your friend?

The Best Dress From the McQueen for Target Collection

You know, I was so dang excited, but now that McQ for Tarjay is here on the real tip it's kind of meh. For one the ads are everywhere, so everyone is going to be wearing a little piece of it, and on second glance the whole collection reads very, very young. (Ah, to be an early 20-something again; and yes I am aware that this blog sounds like it is written by a 12-year old.) The one redeeming factor: This silk dress is so pretty and drape-y, and now it's the only piece I want. O fickle heart! Of course, wouldn't cha know it's already sold out everywhere and people are selling it on Ebay for a kagillion dollars (originally $70). Oh well. Next. Still, slightly sad to look forward to something so much and have it disappoint. I wonder if that's what it's like quitting smoking for a year and finally sneaking a puff at a party and it tastes like shit and you're all like, huh.

I leave you then with an image that embodies my feelings of emptiness and despair:

Daft Punk + Tron 2

The good news: The official word is that DP will record the soundtrack. The bad news: We have to wait until 2011. Guess in the meantime, we'll have to make due with crappy You Tube trailers and stuff.

Nina Ricci Platforms Not for the Faint of Heart

What is going on at Nina Ricci? Luckily, no models were harmed in the making of this show. Still... YIKES!

Quick Poll: Are These Zucca Boots Hot or Not?

Being (mostly) unemployed and all, I really shouldn't even be looking at shoes online period, but I just came across these slouchy, knee-high Zucca boots from Japan and I'm all like, "HEY-O!" Then again, I can't decide if they're absolutely outrageously out of control awesome or just kind of out of control. Still, that leather looks awfully buttery. Yum.

Do Fashion Avatars Creep You Out?

I do love me some Style.com, no question, and I think their Style File blog is the perfect blend of both commercial and indie sartorial coverage that's insidery and not too dull. BUT! I cannot get over this whole avatar thing they have littered the blog roll with. Perhaps it seemed a bit novel last season when they debuted this amazing "new" technology, but for such a chic, polished and respected site, these look so cheesy. (They remind me of this moment a couple years back when publicists were using these to sell new products--it was beyond bad. Note to Style.com editors: This whole avatar idea is NOT cutting edge, okay?) I know they have to show some kind of visual while we listen to Jefferson's phone message and stuff, but if they insist on using animation, is there a more chic way to illustrate the moment? 

Fall '09 RTW Fashion Week: Come Backstage With Me!

Snapping up sweet little nothings and the next big things that come down the runway this week just isn't a reality for most of us. But when it comes to recreating your favorite fashion moments, as per Leonard Lauder's economic theory, a girl can always afford to splurge on a tube of lipstick. (Um, unless you're seriously flat broke, which I know some of you are, but.) ANYhoo, I'll be blogging backstage beauty posts all week at Allure.com. Please stop by and check it out!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hope you're having a good one and not feeling too pressured to spend a lot of money on plastic red crap and stuff. Shya and I are about to go to Whole Foods to buy a big, juicy pork tenderloin and lots of garlic and rosemary, because we're going to cook a fabulous dinner for his stepmother. (It's her birthday today and she is forever cooking for everyone else, so we wanted to give her a break.) Should be fun! 

• For more on why I don't celebrate V-day, check out this debate on The Frisky. 
• I can't find my favorite Mark Bittman tenderloin recipe online but here's a link to a similar one (written 1987!) on the NYTimes. 

Okay, smell ya later.

FINALLY: The Beth Ditto Love Magazine Cover

Oh fuck yes.

See also: How Love Can Save the Magazine Industry

Fashion Faux Pas: Rachel Roy Rips Stephano Pilati a New One

The Rachel Roy reviews are rolling in, and there's one itsy bitsy, slightly distracting detail that's overshadowing her collection: It's a total Stephano Pilati YSL Fall '08 RIP, right down to the black bobs and the goth lips. This is what Rachel's inspiration board must have looked like:

And here's how the collection came out:

Whoops! It's like that time last week when I was all like, MTV should do this reality show about three young, cute chicks trying to make it in New York and navigate the fashion world and they could like, do PR at Diane Von Furstenberg or something. Not really. But sorta.

Michelle Obama's Vogue Cover

Is it just me or does Michelle Obama's Vogue feature this month feel a little, well, inappropriate somehow? Don't kill me. I'm all for some fashionable escapism, but isn't the most powerful part of Mrs. Obama's appeal entrenched in her steadfast devotion to REALness? During a time when the upper class are offing themselves and the working masses may soon head to the bread lines (yo, see ya there guys!), it just seems a bit surreal to read this cover story where the First Lady talks entertaining and clothes with Andre Leon Talley within the pages of a magazine that is consistently lambasted for being the queen of conspicuous consumption and unattainability, at least on the bathroom wall that is the blogosphere. (I even feel frivolous for writing such an awfully long run-on sentence, gah.) 

Does Michelle not run the risk of appearing somewhat Marie Antoinette-ish? Especially when her husband is literally going gray before our eyes and feverishly trying to prevent the next Great Depression (which has arguably already arrived)?

On the other hand, I know I'm being a great big spoil sport here, not to mention hypocritical. I certainly appreciate that it's always a step in the right direction when the consistently vanilla Vogue features an African-American woman on the cover. And I suppose we could all use a break from the mundane. But I wonder if President Obama--rumored to have admonished his wife for spending too much on clothing recently--wouldn't agree with me just a little?

M.I.A. Maternity Magic at the Grammys

I don't understand what all the fuss is about!? She's a pop star known for being a crazy dresser. (Actually, this outfit is kind of tame compared to the crazy shit she busted out when I saw her live.) Anyhoo, it's better than that whole Lil' Kim nipple moment way back when. I don't think anyone would give M.I.A. showing up in weird clothes a second thought if she weren't so pregnant. It's all like, "OMG how could a woman with child show off her body like that? It's indecent!" Whatev's, it's not like we all haven't seen Demi/Britney/insert celeb here naked and prego on the covers of magazines. Chilax, jeez.

For the record, contrary to popular belief this particular ensemble was not designed by M.I.A. but by the rawtha masterful Henry Holland. Love the yellow nails.

Simply Rad: Exactitudes

Got a few hours to kill? Get yourself over to Exactitudes.com and go to town. This 13-year collaboration between Rotterdam-based photographer Ari Versluis and stylist Ellie Uyttenbroek has culminated in a social study of how people across the globe express their individuality… by dressing exactly the same. It really grabbed me because I became keenly aware of this phenomenon in the fashion districts of Tokyo, where the key is to look as unique as possible within the realm of conformism (nowhere is this more evident than in Harajuko and Shibuya, where "gangs" of Gothic Lolitas, Gyaru, Wa-Mixture, etc. troll the streets looking insanely awesome but surprisingly unoriginal all at the same time). But Exactitudes doesn't just examine sub-culture styles: You'll find that girl who sat in the back of math class and didn't talk to anyone and well, your dad.

How Conde Nast's Love Can Save the Magazine Industry

As a former mag hag, every time another magazine perishes, well, I die a little inside, too. (Part of that is genuine sentiment, and the other half is the excruciating anxiety that accompanies the harsh reality that my formerly "illustrious" career trajectory is becoming increasingly narrow by the day.) Sometimes I feel like it might help if we all simultaneously clapped our hands because we believe in them, you know, like you have to do for fairies and stuff.

Maybe that's why Katie Grand's Love is whipping all us old-schoolers into a euphoric frenzy. So far, it sounds like a magazine that's not hell-bent on say, commercialism and shopping, but is already being touted as "edgy and experimental." And there's dignity in ailing Conde Nast taking a risk for art's sake in these increasingly uncertain times. The whole idea seems to be lifting the morale of all the scared shitless editors out there, if only as a beautiful, glossy distraction.

Then again, maybe it's not so chancy after all. If the ubiquitous women's service magazine can no longer compete with the instant gratification of the web, then maybe the only way for periodicals to remain relevant is to stick to that old razzle-dazzle of amazing photography and escapist drama that simply can't be replicated online. (Yet, anyway.) I'm praying for literary fiction to enjoy a renaissance for similar reasons.

Of course, if the rumors are true that Beth Ditto will grace the cover, well, that makes me feel slightly less guilty for gushing about a gaudy new fashion book. I mean, that's progress, right? Fashion and art tomes that continually refuse to feature women who weigh more than 110-lbs deserve some degree of vilification now that, largely thanks to bloggers and reality TV, the fourth wall has officially been smashed to pieces. Meh, we'll see. But I think I'm kinda in love already. See ya at the newsstand Feb. 19th!

Pet Finder: The Definitive Interview With Styleslacker Contributor Chante

We spoke with designer Denise See's life partner, Chante (pronounced shawn-tay), because she's an incredibly stylish slacker.

Age: 

14 human years, 98 cat years. Watch out Diana Vreeland.

Likes: 

"Sitting on Wall Street Journals, New Yorkers, old Janes. Anything really..."

Dislikes: 

"Those heinous, waggy tailed monsters that come to my house and sniff my butt and eat my crunchies."

What are you reading right now? 

"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM IV), so i can understand my (somewhat tolerable) captors/servants."

If you could be someone else, who would it be? 

"Claire Huxtable. Just like me, nothing gets past her."

Describe your personal style: 

"It's all about studded collars and fur. Very Sid Vicious meets Anna Wintour."

Thank you Chante.

Big Idea: Music For Busy People

It's hard to keep up with new music when you have a full-time job or four. Enter Music For Busy People, a members-only site built by new music lover Max Schulte-Hillen, which aims to go about the business of discovering and delivering a smorgasbord of the latest and greatest indie/alternative/what-have-you snacks straight to your inbox. Basically, Max does the work for you, so you can, you know, stay busy doing your own job.

The "online music community," which sends e-newsletters packed with fresh tunes--my last update included links to tracks from pretty-sounding Polynya, an amazing Sporto Kantes video, a highly danceable DJ A-Trak remix of Sebastien Tellier's "Kilometer" and a Hot Chip Joy Division cover (yay!)--is invitation only, but from now through Feb. 20th, you can enter the exclusive invite code: styleslacker, to avoid the dreaded wait list and join up.

Seriously, this handy service was made for slackers like us. It's freakin' awesome. Go sign up already.

Last Call: Marcella Foschi Cassette Wallets

How cute are these bad boys? Since each wallet is a hand-made, one of a kind speciman (and Kanye featured them on his blog today), they're selling out FAST. Get over to designboom a.s.a.p. and pick one up for a cool $39, but hurry. Once they're gone, well, that's it. 

Deer Dana's Bill Cunningham Shirt!

We love artist Dana Veraldi's T-shirts, but honestly, haven't we seen enough interpretations of the usual suspects (like say, Aggy and Prince)? But here's a new one I may actually pony up and buy: Perhaps the most deserving force in fashion to have a shirt homage is the adorable and awesome New York Times style guru and photog Bill Cunningham! According to Fashionista, it's coming to Dana's site soon... Keeping. You. So. Posted.

Best Chili Recipe: The Super Bowl Gourmet

SHOCKER: I'm not really the biggest sports fan. But I do love to cook, and being from Texas and all, I take chili-making very seriously. (In fact, even in a high school for young artists located in downtown (cosmo!) Dallas, the big event of the year was our chili cook off.) Since I'm attending a Super Bowl party today, yesterday was spent searching high and low for the absolute best recipe I could find, and since none were up to my um, dizzyingly high standards, here's what I cobbled together. And I gotta tell you, it's the best chili I've ever made: Unexpected ingredients like unsweetened cocoa and chipotle give it a rich flavor, but beer and chorizo give it balance and kick. 

Chipotle Chocolate Gourmet Chili

Ingredients:

2 1/2 lb. lean chuck, ground
1 lb. ground chorizo (pork)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion
8 oz. tomato sauce
8 oz. chipotle sauce (with tomato base)
1 cup water
1 bottle beer (12 oz.)
3 Tablespoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons instant bouillon (or 6 cubes)
2 Tablespoons cumin, ground
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons oregano leaves
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon coriander, ground
1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon cornmeal
1 teaspoon flour
1 teaspoon warm water

OPTIONAL:
I added one can corn, one can black beans, one can kidney beans, two finely chopped carrots and one fresh (chopped jalapeno) to add some veggie love.

Directions:

1. In a large saucepan brown the ground meat (the beef and the pork) and drain the fat.

2. Return to pan and add the garlic and onion; cook and stir until tender.

3. Transport meat to large pot and add the tomato sauces, water, beer, chili powder, bouillon, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, coriander, cocoa, and optional vegetables. Mix well.

4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 2 hours.

5. In a small bowl, stir together the cornmeal and flour, then add the warm water and mix well.

6. Stir into chili and cook, covered, for about 20 more minutes.

7. Serve with a sprinkling of queso, crema (Mexican-style sour cream) and for a hip, white trash edge, Fritos. (Yeah, that's right, I said Fritos.)

P.S. If you're as clueless as me when it comes to football, check Lemondrop's handy "Pigskin Primer" for a 101 overview of what in god's name they're doing in that stadium anyway.

Loving Right Now: Lara Stone in French Vogue

 

If it works for Carine, it works for me. The Feb. issue is hopelessly devoted to Lara, (she's so Kate Moss-meets-Brigitte Bardot!), and I do like the fact that she's not crazy emaciated. Peter Lindbergh, Inez and Vinoodh, Hedi Slimane and Nan Goldin are some of the headlining photogs who made it happen. My favorites so far:

So versatile. Thanks French Vogue!

On Sale: Michelle Obama at the Inauguration Ball-like Dress!

This cute H Chalayan Aphrodite dress totally reminds me of Michelle's Jason Wu. It's kind of like a diet version, and it would look so amazing this spring with metallic flats, no? Plus it's on sale at La Garconne today ($160 down from $534), so you kind of have to buy it.

Are Pet Clothes Obscene (When the Economy Sucks)?

Speaking of the recession (and on a slightly lighter note), are objects like say, pet "accessories" and designer passport covers rendered obsolete when the economy goes south? I mean, even if you're lucky enough to have the extra cash to blow, flaunting outrageously expendable crap reeks of conspicuous consumption when so many people are out of work. 

I'm not normally one to fall for pet booties and such in the first place. Sure, I'm crazy about my dog Violet, but unless it's freezing outside and she's shivering her ass off and begging me to buy her a sweater, I'll pass. (Full disclosure: The awesome foster mom I adopted her from actually sent her to me with a blue hoodie, and yeah, it's kinda cute and Violet seems to love wearing it from time to time SO.) But when my friend recently sent me this picture, it was so knee-jerkingly odd and adorable that I admit, for just a sec, I thought to myself, "Now where can I buy one of these?"

That instinct was banished soon enough, especially when my cute friend Megan offered to knit one herself. She even handily provided this totally hilarious "How to measure your dog" guide, ha! (Thanks Megan! Still trying to find that measuring tape but then IT'S ON.)

Anyhoo, I'm trying to think of what other excessive, semi-worthless fashion items and trends will probably fall by the wayside in 2009. Wait lists for unimaginably expensive bags that will be out of style by next season? Lindsay Lohan leggings?  

Au Revoir Domino

Pourquoi!? Today Conde Nast folded their darling shelter mag, Domino. So sad on so many levels, (and on a personal one, a close friend works there and I feel so bad for her and the rest of the staffers--it truly sucks). I guess I get it. Times are tough. People aren't exactly in redecorating mode right now. But still, I wish they would at least keep the site up. Too lame. 

Loving Right Now: Beetle Juice

In the mood for something dirty? Go check out artist Catherine Chalmers' "American Cockroach." It's brilliant.

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target: Are we there yet!?

I know it's not March 1st yet, or um, even Feb. for that matter, but if it was, I would hightail it to Tarjay. Not since the Comme des Garcons for H&M moment have I been so excited for one of these "fashion for everyone!" collaborations. Some of you know I'm a real jumpsuit junkie--I've been wearing them since I idolized vintage Bianca Jagger in high school and now own about 14 of them--and this hot little number will definitely (I guess I mean, hopefully), be my next acquisition.

Nylon has the full lookbook up here.

Check out the silver jacket too. HOT.

Oh P.S.

The Frisky just posted my latest Love 101 column. This month we address: "How not to eff up your personals ad." Please go read it. Scintillating, I'm sure!