Kathleen Eliminated?? NOOOOOO!!!

Kathleen was the first eliminee from ANTM Cycle 8 and she was seriously turning out to be my fast favorite. For real. I promise, my first impression of her wasn't the greatest, but she grew on me REAL FAST. I'm just tore up right now. WTH did they eliminate her?? She had such an innocence and genuine quality about her that I was soooo ready to root for. I was even getting used to all her "Brooklyn-ness". It was mildly endearing.

I'm sorry... I'm gonna need some time to process this before I speak to her tomorrow.

Workin' It! ANTM Cycle 8! Here We Go Again...

Am I crazy?! I had to ask myself that right after I agreed to do this again. I didn't even do the full season last season, and let me tell you, it was harder work than I thought, but fulfilling nonetheless. That being said, yes, America's Next Top Model Cycle 8 Castoffs will be interviewed right here at Hip Candy once again, and for a full season this time! Yes indeed.

Click the pic below to revisit my interviews from ANTM Cycle 7.

I ♥ Rebecca Taylor...

Designer Rebecca Taylor has a "girlie" style that I'm surprisingly drawn to. I'm really into dresses right now for some reason! And Rebecca has some of the cutest little Spring baby doll's that I've seen so far. A couple of my fave pieces from her Spring offering at Revolve Clothing is her water floral chiffon ruffle neck dress in vermeer, and her ruffle cardi in moody blue. She's not one of the most budget friendly designers, but she definitely has some of the cutest little pieces for Spring. Check her out! {Click the pic above to see her full Spring offering at Revolve Clothing}

J. Hud's and Beyonce's Oscar Performance...

Anika Noni Rose too! Just in case you missed it.

My 2007 Academy Awards Link Post...

Another year, another Oscar race completed! The show was long and drawn out as usual but I must say, I did enjoy the dancers behind the screen... am I the only one who was completely fascinated by that?! Wow. Congrats to Jennifer Hudson, Forrest Whitaker, and Martin Scorcese (he won his first last night!) And congrats to Helen Mirren... even though I was really pulling for Meryl (Devil Wears Prada), congrats to Helen.. and she looked GREAT didn't she?!

Well on to my short list of who I thought looked great and who I thought... didn't.

Looked Great.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Zac Posen.
Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga.
Helen Mirren in Christian Lacroix.
Jada Pinkett Smith in Carolina Herrera.

Looked Great... Halfway.
Jennifer Hudson in Oscar de la Renta. The cut and chocolate color of that dress looked great on her (and it had pockets!) That cropped metallic jacket DID NOT.

Penelope Cruz in Versace. The bodice (top) of the dress was wonderful... however, I didn't much like the bottom of it... too frou-frou for me.

Didn't like too much at all.
Jennifer Lopez in Marchesa. I just couldn't fully get onboard with this dress.
Beyonce in Armani Prive. That trim going across her chest was all a bit much for me.
Cameron Diaz in Valentino. The stiffness! Nope. Uh-uh. Didn't like it.

See more 2007 Academy Award Red Carpet fashion at MSN.

What To Wear + What NOT To Wear...

I'm guessing you can figure which is which...

Natasha Budhi @ the 6th Annual GM Ten Red Carpet on Feb. 20.

Jennifer Hudson at a MAC luncheon (in her honor) @ Soho House in Beverly Hills on Feb. 22. J. Hud.'s look is proof positive that there are stylists (Andre Leon Talley, is it?) out there who are indeed skilled and very good at what they do. Bravo. I'd wear this whole ensemble.

Where Ya At Girl... Where Ya At Girl...

Ya'll... and I know my true blog readers have noticed, but seriously, I haven't been the same since all the FASHIONWEEK posts. Covering that whole scene burned up scores of my usually perky, fun-filled, infectious, "post every day" energy.

But rest assured, when I emerge from this minor slump, that I'll be BRINGING IT! For real.

Hip Candy readers are the best in the WORLD. Thank ya'll for reading.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Documentary...

This is a short trailer from a documentary done on post-Katrina Mardi Gras festivities. I don't really know if it's been released yet, but it's gives some insight into the state of mind regarding the celebration of Mardi Gras in post-Katrina New Orleans. That being said, whether some like it or not, Mardi Gras season started Jan. 6 here in Louisiana and TODAY marks the grande finale of the season, so Happy Mardi Gras!

Designer Lela Rose At Payless...

Designer Lela Rose is joining past designers (Abaete) by designing a shoe line for Payless Shoes. Lela Rose debuted her new line of shoes during her Fall Fashion Week runway show earlier this month in NYC, and I must say, her shoe line looks to be exceptional. Watch the video from her Fashion Week runway show below paying close attention to the footwear.. the shoes you see on the models (fabulous peep toes!) will be part of what you'll have to choose from when you're shopping at Payless this summer! I can hardly wait.



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J. Hud Covers LIFE Magazine...

Chick is DOIN' IT ain't she! From covering VOGUE (a near miracle) to covering LIFE Magazine, '07 is turning out to be the year of Jennifer Hudson for real. See more of her stunning LIFE Magazine spread pics here.
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2007 Grammy Link Post...

Red Carpet Grammy Looks (vote for your faves!) [Fabsugar]

Grammy Award nominated videos (watch them!)
[MSN Music]

Bad Grammy Fashion (over the years) [People]

Sunday Outfit...

Remember my style diary I started back in November last year? Yeah, I didn't think you would, as that November entry was my very first style diary entry and this one is #2, lol!

Anyways, this is the outfit I wore today to church... MUCH more conservative than my usual, but I like to sample new flavors from time to time. Not to mention the compliments on my more sophisticated style were plentious and most welcome! Thanks ya'll!

Sweater: Abercrombie
Skirt w/inverted pleat: Express, from about 8 seasons ago.
Shoes: Lipstick red 4 inch peep toes! I hate that my "special camera" isn't showing them as they should be.
Scarf: Purchased from a random NYC street vendor for $5 a few years ago, it was about 55 degrees here today.

Check out my flat abs in that forward shot! But I was totally sucking it in in that side shot. To the point of mild pain. And some throbbing.

Zac Posen, Celebrity Stylist...

Fashion Week is done! And there were numerous looks and trends that emerged from this FW/07 Fashion Week. Stay Tuned for my summary of it all. But until then, you can view Zac Posen's Fall show. He presented his line on Thursday night, and the true stars of his collection were his brightly colored column gowns, and that cute and flowy green baby doll dress. I likey a lot...

Fashion Week Friday Schedule, FINAL DAY, 2/9/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week's FINAL DAY of shows on Friday.

Malan Breton (from Season 3 of Project Runway)
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren
Evisu
Carmen Marc Valvo
Dennis Basso
CHILD Magazine
The Donna Karan Collection
Zang Toi
Charles Nolan
Costello Tagliapietra
Chado Ralph Rucci

Anna Nicole Smith, 1967-2007

Anna Nicole Smith has died in Florida, her attorney confirmed Thursday.

Ron Rale said he did not know the cause of death and was waiting for the results of an autopsy, which is expected to happen Friday. Sources say Smith was rushed to the hospital after being found unresponsive in her hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., where she was staying with her companion, Howard K. Stern. "At 2:49 this afternoon we were advised by hospital personnel that Anna Nicole Smith died," Seminole, Fla., police Chief Charlie Tiger told reporters. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family."

Her 5-month-old daughter, Dannielynn Hope, was not with them, sources say, but is being cared for in the Bahamas by the mother of Shane Gibson, a high-ranking Bahamian official who is a close friend of Smith's. Stern, with whom she exchanged vows in a commitment ceremony on Sept. 28, "is just devastated," Rale says. "He can't speak."

Before learning of Smith's death, Rale told PEOPLE, "She hasn't been well the past few days, she's had cold and flu symptoms." According to Access Hollywood, she was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital shortly after 2 p.m. ET on Thursday.

On Wednesday, a Los Angeles judge had ordered Smith, 39, and her 5-month-old daughter Dannielynn Hope to submit to a DNA test by Feb. 21. The test is tied to a paternity lawsuit filed by photographer Larry Birkhead, who claims he is Dannielynn's father. Smith's companion, Howard K. Stern, is listed as the infant's father on her birth certificate.

After the news of Smith's death, an emergency hearing was scheduled to occur in Los Angeles on Friday regarding the paternity of Dannielynn Hope, PEOPLE reports. Birkhead's attorney, Deborah Opri, wants to take a DNA swab from Smith's corpse, which Rale calls "the lowest form of behavior I've ever heard of."

Anna Nicole Smith had been enjoying a vacation weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel. According to Julianne Carelli, the public relations and advertising manager at the hotel, Smith checked in on Monday night and was due to check out Friday. Carelli says Smith was a "frequent guest" and celebrated her last birthday at the hotel and casino and filmed a TrimSpa video there. "We're shocked," Kathleen Hart, who is married to Donald Hart, Smith's stepfather "during her growing-up years," tells PEOPLE.

"We're just in shock. On the heels of Danny's death, it is hard to deal with." And Playboy founder Hugh Hefner said in a statement to CNN: "I'm very saddened to learn about Anna Nicole's passing. She was a dear friend who meant a great deal to the Playboy family and to me personally. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and loved ones during this difficult time." Smith was a Playboy Pet of the Month in 1992 and a year later was the magazine's Playmate of the Year. Smith also rose to fame modeling for Guess jeans. "This is a very tragic and sad day," the company's CEO, Paul Marciano, said in a statement. "Personally I feek she did not recover from the loss of her son Daniel who was the love of her life." And in an interview with CNN, he said "she had something magic."
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Scenes from Badgely Mischka...

Badgely Mischka presented their Fall collection earlier today and were met with a big 'ol standing "O" at the end. Highlights from their showing below...

Video: Oscar de la Renta, Looks From A Classic

Below, video from the Oscar de la Renta showing this past Monday. Ok, how about the fact that I am TOTALLY LOVING all the POCKETS I'm seeing on all these cocktail and formal dresses! Umm... LOVE!

Fashion Week Thursday Schedule, 2/8/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week Shows for Thursday.

Lyn Devon
J Mendel
Badgely Mischka
Neil Barrett
Vera Wang
Y & Kei
Calvin Klein
Mac Millan
Calvin Klein (scheduled to show @ 3PM and again at 5PM)
Joanna Mastroianni
Custo Barcelona
Zac Posen
Jayson Brunsdon

Kai Milla's Fall Collection

L.A. based fashion designer and wife of the legendary Stevie Wonder, Kai Milla showed her Fall collection on Monday. She launched her design house, Milla Design Group in 2005, and her style is definitely one to watch.

Michael Kors, Bringing The Waist Belt Back...

Michael Kors presented his Fall line earlier today and he didn't veer from his signature wearable luxury. His belted pieces are what stood out to me most. There's nothing like adding a belt for a polished and pulled together look.

Fashion Weeks Wednesday Schedule, 2/7/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week Shows for Wednesday.

Ports 1961
Peter Som
Michael Kors
Richard Chai
Carlos Miele
Malandrino
Accessories Exhibit Reception
Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent
Jenni Kayne
Vivienne Tam
Anna Sui
Michon Schur
Dragana Ognjenovic

Monique Lhuillier's Heavy Metal...

Monique presented earlier today and she displayed her interpretation of the metallic trend in her dresses, her trims and her accessories. Looks like the precious metals are gonna be sticking around for a while. See a few more of Monique Lhuillier's heavy metal looks after the jump...

Alicia Keys And Her Hair Leaving Tracy Reese...

Aside from her bangs being a bit too long (for my taste), I think her hair looks great!

This may be my next hair cut.

Fashion Week Tuesday Schedule, 2/6/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week Shows for Tuesday.

TIBI
Monique Lhuillier
Bill Blass
Chaiken
Temperley London
Betsey Johnson
DOO.RI
Jason Wu
Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti
Pegah Anvarian
Heatherette

NY Fall Fashion Week: Nanette Lepore

I was drawn to Nanette's collection, I liked her use of browns and plums... such rich and wonderful Fall color. See more pics (and video!) from the Nanette Lepore presentation earlier today after the jump...

Fashion Week Monday Schedule, 2/5/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week Shows for Monday.

Kai Milla
Carolina Herrera
Nanette Lepore
Jill Stuart
Oscar de la Renta
Reem Acra
Luca Luca
Generra
Max Azria
Ellen Tracy

NY Fall Fashion Week: DVF

Diane von Furstenberg is classy. She makes classy clothes. For classy women. Or women who want to pretend to be classy. She's pretty much known for her chic wrap dresses, but of course you knew that already. See a few more looks that I was quite fond of from DVF's Fall collection after the jump...

Want more? Click to see even more of the Fall collection from Diane von Furstenberg. [courtesy of Glam]

Tracy Reese's Smart But Sweet Style...

Tracy Reese presented earlier this afternoon and she didn't disappoint (does she EVER?) I really enjoyed her mix of smart and sweet. It just works. I ♥ her.

Watch behind the scenes video of Tracy Reese before and after the show now!

Color & The Mini Dress by DKNY

I see you Donna. Using all that Hip Candy pink and presenting a collection full of mini dresses and skirts that I adore. Do what you do Ms. Karan.

More of some of my fave pics from the DKNY show that was presented earlier today after the jump...

NY Fall Fashion Week: Tadashi vs. Sass & Bide

I've been seeing this 14 karat gold trend too much to not pay any attention to it anymore. Tadashi showed his collection earlier today with a few of the precious metal looks (over black tights) while Sass & Bide presented on yesterday displaying their interpretation of the trend. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that this isn't the last you'll see of this look, stay tuned.

Fashion Week Sunday Schedule, 2/4/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week Shows for Sunday.

My faves are in pink!

Lela Rose
Tadashi
DKNY
Twinkle by Wenlan
Tracy Reese
Erin Fetherston
Diane Von Furstenburg
Z Zegna
Naeem Khan
Tuleh
Matthew Williamson
Terexov
Edun

NY Fall Fashion Week: Lacoste

I was intrigued by the Lacoste show. Preppy chic with a Parisian twist. I was especially enamoured with the chic but comfy looking grey adult onesie that was styled with a flowy sweater, knit cap, textured tights and laced up loafers for the runway.

I'd wear it!

See a few more pics and watch video (courtesy of Glam!) of the Lacoste show after the jump...

Click to watch VIDEO of the models final walk in the Lacoste show now courtesy of Glam.com!

NY Fall Fashion Week: Marc Bouwer

Marc Bouwer is a professional. He knows what to do with a dress. Marc could probably work magic with a dress in the dark with his fingers glued together. He is a dress making wonder. Looking through his collection, I must have ooh'd and aah'd over almost every piece. Simple and elegant. I so love his empire waisted dresses, and the fact that he uses color! That was a huge plus as well. But my absolute fave? That strapless lace number with the bluish, purpleish lining. Yeah, that one has my name all over it.

See what Vivica Fox had to say about Marc Bouwer just before the show [courtesy of Daily Glam].

NY Fall Fashion Week: Baby Phat

Baby Phat presented its Fall collection on Friday with its Russian party girl theme and surprisingly, I liked a number of Kimora's pieces as I don't normally go for her usual style aesthetic. Notice how I tried to be all diplomatic and make that sound good? Nice right?! That's because I'm professional. Never mind that I had to take a short trip over to ask.com to make sure I was spelling "aesthetic" right (lol!) So what exactly is Kimora's usual style aesthetic you ask? Click here to see.

But how sweet is that little white mini-dress with the empire waist?! You know what? I think I may have a bit of a mini-dress fetish going on right about now...

Click to see a few pics from the Baby Phat Spring Collection.

Fashion Week Saturday Schedule, 2/3/07

Schedule below for Fashion Week Shows for Saturday.

My faves are in pink!

Chris Haan
Lacoste
Maticevski
Alice Roi
Atil Kutoglu
Alexandre Herchcovitch
Buckler
Gustavo Arrango
Abaete
Sass & Bide
Cabbeen
Venexiana

NYC Fall Fashion Week: BCBG Max Azria

BCBG Max Azria displayed their Fall Presentation earlier this afternoon, and in this presentation, BCBG used lots of taupes, blacks, grey's and off white, mostly dark and muted tones in this offering, but honestly speaking, the colors and the silhouettes together all felt a bit dreary to me. So as big a fan as I am of this label, I have to say, in my best Michael Kors taping an episode of "Project Runway" imitation... sadly, I was "underwhelmed". Once again, I'm preferring their Spring collection over the Fall.

Click pics for a better view of the looks I liked best from this collection.
Click to see a few flicks from the BCBG Spring Collection.