TBT: D&G

Model: Yameen Ghauri

For those that don't know TBT = ThrowBack Thursday. It is a social media Hashtaggers (#) dream day to post images from the past as a 'throwback' or #TBT. If you don't know what a hashtag is, you must wait until I explore the wild world of social media in another blog. TBT to last weekend when I was otherwise occupied and NOT watching the VMA's, no twerking for this girl. I did, as always have a peek at the red carpet looks. All the tongue wagging aside I liked Miley Cyrus choice to wear a Vintage Dolce & Gabbana look from their Fall/Winter 1991 Collection.

I did not care for the hair (or the constant tongue pose) but applaud her 'style balls' for putting herself out there. She has youth and a bangin' bod on her side so she can pull it off! 

She is also pushing her fashion boundaries and putting Vintage at the forefront where it belongs, right along side it's contemporary counterparts. Bravo Miley for following your fashion instincts ... tWERK it girl!

Both Images: 1991

One jeweled body suit  from D&G Spring/Summer 2012 collection took me back to the day of the supermodel in spandex working the Milan Runway in 1991 and Madonna on an event red carpet!

MDNA

LMP 1993

 It also reminds me how designers always pull references from the past. That is what makes Fashion's past so relevant. It is all about the STYLING and how you choose to present  it in a current way.

S/S 2012

Karlie Kloss Korean VOGUE D&G S/S 2012

Check out a clip from the D&G 1991 Show

What do you think about Miley's look? Do the jewels do her Justice?

Comment Below!

The Stafford Project: A Laugh at Life

You may know actress Michelle Stafford from the hit CBS Daytime soap opera The Young and The Restless as the feisty character Phyllis Summers. With her character she sure brought the drama to Genoa City, but she is now bringing the laughter to YouTube in her new series 'The Stafford Project'.

Michelle has recently left Y&R after 16 years of playing the beloved character of Phyllis. I have been reading peoples reactions and the constant barrage of questioning as to WHY? From where I sit I am not surprised that after 16 years this creative woman has chosen to simply move on, evolve her craft and try something new. It seems like a simple case of creative evolution to me. I said bye to "Phyllis" when she drifted into her coma on the show and now I'm over it. Enter Michelle Stafford: Comedic Actress.

The Stafford Project is a scripted, comedic web series based on Michelle's life. It will explore the humor in the up's and downs of dating, motherhood, her issues with fertility and everything generally funny about 'Doing it as a Single Chick'. She recently launched a new web site  as well where she explores all topics related to life, style, dating, health, motherhood and more from her perspective as a working single mother AKA Doing it as a Single Chick. It has been my experience that fact is oddly funnier and stranger than fiction when it comes to life and I look forward to her series developing and the depiction of the humor in hers. The series features her beautiful little girl Natalia and her friends "The Paige's" (Paige Long and Paige Dorian) who are also co-creators and writers for the series.  Michelle told me that the audience can expect 11 episodes and the third episode is scheduled for upload early September.

I had a chance to chat with Michelle about the series recently,

LG: The series is a ‘scripted depiction’ of your life, what inspired you to ‘let the camera’s in’? Will you explore all facets of your life? 

MS: Well, it's a comedy "based" on experiences in my life. I'm not really letting the cameras in... I will explore whatever is funny.

LG: Is there anything off limits, or is all’s fair in love and comedy? (ex: religion, etc.)

MS: The only thing off limits is something that is not entertaining. Something that no one can relate to. Something boring. All people can Relate to striking out in the game, or trying to make things go the good way despite obstacles.  We won't delve into religion or politics cuz it's just not funny.

LG:  How does Natalia like the camera’s? She looks like a natural character (I follow you on Instagram) She is the ultimate #Instakid.

 Images courtesy of Michelles Instagram

MS: Ha!! She is a instakid that kid of mine. I have been following her with a camera since she was born. She's kinda used to it. I mean There are probably 6 pics of me when I was a kid. Nowadays thanks to Steve jobs, people have thousands of pics of their kids.

LG: You are now exploring your comedic side.  Would you ever hit the road for some LIVE Stafford Stand up?

MS: Oh!! If I could do stand up I would... THAT is a ballsy gig!! I am not that naturally funny.

Well, I beg to differ Michelle. If the first two episodes are any indication, I think you are pretty damn funny... scripted or not. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the series! It would do us all good to have a good laugh at our lives and the bazaar circumstances we sometimes find ourselves in. The message to me is not to take yourself or your life too seriously. An injection of humor makes all the bullshit seem better and can help take the trauma out of the tragedy. 

WATCH the Stafford Project exclusively on YouTube.

Have you seen the series yet? 

Share your thoughts in the comments below or TWEET to Michelle and/or The Stafford Project.

Think Pink: FALL

Image: Hayley Marie Photography Wardrobe: Evolution Vintage Styling: LisaG Model: Kylie

We have been preconditioned in fashion culture when we think pink with respect to seasons we think of Spring and/or Summer. Pink is not a hue that comes to mind as summer wraps up and we roll into the Fall season. As always, Fashion has only the rules you personally apply. Wearing white after labour day and the like are things of the past. I was happy to see the fall runways full of pinky pastels.

Blumarine

Celine

Louis Vuitton

MIU MIU

"Pink makes the prettiest addition to winter wardrobes; partner it with soft grey and black for an instant burst of femininity" ~ VogueUK fashion features director Sarah Harris. Making reference to day wear.

I am not a slave to trends and wear whatever color I want, when I want too. I am delighted in PINK for fall, especially for evening:

Vintage 60's Victoria Royal Ltd. Beaded Pink Chiffon GOWN ~ $350

Vintage Jr. Theme New York Party Dress ~ $90

Pink Chiffon Evening Gown Mike Benet Formals ~ $150

80's does 20's Textured Cocktail Dress w Fringe (Coming FALL)

Fashion Illustration by Sandra Suy for The Time Travelling Fashionista

Are you thinking PINK for FALL 2013?

His BRAND of Comedy: The Messiah Complex

The evening of Friday, Aug 16th I spent in San Luis Obispo, California. I had the pleasure of seeing one of the first in a world tour of shows called the Messiah Complex. Comedian Russell Brand brought his new show to the historic Fillmore Theatre to a sold out audience.

 I had no expectations as I knew very little about Russell besides his films, which I did not care for. My friend who got the tickets loves Russell so I was compelled to trust her judgement and resign myself to the fact that at the very least, it may be good for a laugh.

I was pleasantly surprised with how captivated I was by Russell. His type of raw, unscripted, intelligent humor is exactly what I respond too. The social commentary placed into a context of humor with the clever delivery of factual information blended with his personal opinions was brilliant. I feel like his overall message too was genius and quite in line with how I feel and see the world.  He is promoting equality and unity among human beings, the connectedness that we all share whether we wish to acknowledge it or not. He also shed some light on the imperfectness of people, regular people, celebrity and those as a culture we idolize. The vulgarities and simple truths about the human experience I found to be hilarious. I enjoyed myself and love people who express what others don't have the 'balls' or 'guts' to say - especially in a very intelligent way.

The crowd however left a lot to be desired. I was secretly happy that I was not in the front rows where Russell could have spotted my friend and I. I was embarrassed for the obviously drunk people of San Luis Obispo who thought his live performance was time to have a live conversation with him, by interrupting and disrupting his performance over and over again. Between the random hoots, hollars and hecklers there was one man who just would not quit. Russell had to finally put his foot down, tell him to shut the fuck up and call him a cunt. HA! There was never such a fitting moniker for a person.

Image: Instagram-@tattoobeardy

Between the technical difficulties with the lights, microphone and the ill mannered crowd I missed my chance to tell Russell how much I loved the show in person as my friend and I waited alongside the promoter following the show to see Russell and he was a no show. He left immediately following the show and I could not help but think it was because how brutal the audience was. The technical issues were a shame but Russell was also Fashionably late and I guess someone should have checked sound, mic and lighting prior to his arrival. He also repeatedly asked people to stop filming. How mortifying that people cannot even put down their smart phones to enjoy the live experience. As if their ticket stub was not proof enough they attend they require video footage to prove they were there? Rude. I'm a Canadian gal living in California and I was embarrassed for both the venue and the audience. I doubt SLO will ever see comedic stylings of Russell Brand again. I then felt compelled to blog about the show since I was in essence robbed of my opportunity to tell him to his face.

I now subscribe to his particular brand of storytelling, wit, puns and personal 'propogranda'. The lesson here kids, is to really never judge a book by it's cover (or the cover of cheesy movies and random tabloids). I took the liberty of after seeing him perform to watch a series of  recent interviews. He is as crazy as he is intelligent and seems as kind and he is funny.

You can join the fun of the Messiah Complex while Russell is on tour. See all dates HERE

ALSO Enjoy a VIP experience and meet Russell (tell him I loved the show, would you?) - the money is going to benefit the David Lynch Foundation

Get yours HERE

*Sorry Russell, I tried for the SF show and it is sold out*

Editors Note for RustyRockets: This is not a blog to kiss your ass Russell but to give my honest feelings/thoughts about your show. I personally think you were a dick to my friend Kristen Johnston in your interview with her about the book GUTS. Not bothering to read the book and making "fun" of an addict for sharing her truth (taking her dogs pills, etc) is really shitty and you should at the very least empathize as you too have been trapped in the darkness and disease of addiction. Shame on you for that. I have her contact info when you are ready to practice what you preach about humanity and say sorry ~ Lisa XOXOX*

Candles for CoCo

On this day in 1883 in Saumur France, Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel was born. A woman born into relative obscurity and has become one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century and one of THE most iconic and influential in fashion. Born to an unmarried laundry lass and street vendor she had a life of humble beginnings. She spun great tales of her past and upbringing as one could only guess because she was embarrassed of it. She was once quoted as saying, "My life didn't please me, so I created my life".

She had a job as a seamstress early in her life but her start in fashion was as a milliner (hat maker). She worked from an apartment as a distraction/hobby that quickly evolved into a full blown business. In 1910 she began to sell her hats from an established boutique at 21 rue Cambon, Paris (The CHANEL flagship boutique is currently at 31 rue Cambon).  

To CoCo We Give Thanks For ...

1) LBD - Little Black Dress. The most iconic of the CHANEL garments. The fist LBD is reportedly constructed from  thin silk, crèpe de chine and had long sleeves. It is the most versatile, fashionable, functional and elegant garment EVERY women regardless of shape, size, budget or age MUST have hanging in her closet in one form or another. The LBD is figure friendly and fabulous. A classic, undisputed wardrobe staple.

2) Costume Jewelry - She made what was then "undesirable" to the wealthy French, chic, timeless and fabulous. She said: " "It's disgusting to walk around with millions around the neck because one happens to be rich. I only like fake jewelry … because it's provocative."Vaughan, Hal (2011). Sleeping with the enemy: Coco Chanel's secret war. New York: Knopf

I LOVE costume jewelry. I have always found it to be much more creative and unique than it's high priced, precious counterpart. Piling on the faux-pearls is still VERY chic!

The bracelets worn in the above image are one of CoCo's favourite pieces: A white enameled cuff featuring the Maltese Cross in 'faux jewels'

3) The CHANEL Suit. One of the most iconic looks in fashion. It has stood the test of time and thanks to Karl Lagerfeld we can all enjoy the suit in its updated version, that's if you have $4,000+ to spend on a suit. The original version was inexpensive and for a lady's comfort and function to travel. It was created from a jersey knit fabric especially created for Coco.

4) Men's Wear Inspired Looks - CoCo embraced pants as sportswear in the 1920's. A bold feminist move in the early days before it was socially acceptable for women to wear pants. 

5) The CHANEL Handbag - THIS is the bag to aspire to ladies. The quilted Chanel bag with the chain strap and interlaced CC logo is the most coveted and classic bag in Fashion in my humble PROFashional opinion. Some would argue the Birkin is because of it's waiting list and price but I'm partial to Chanel. The classic 2.55 (named after the month and year of design - Feb 1955) - black and hand quilted. Often imitated and never duplicated. Karl Lagerfeld revived and reissued it in the 80's and it has come a long way with different shapes, colors and fabrications but it has NEVER lost it's value or reputation. It boast a a heft price tag too; approx $4,000+ new. It is an investment piece that does not really loose it's value. Completely justifiable: Dear Santa ...

She was a trailblazer in fashion and lived a very interesting life. A feminist and a style visionary. There would have been 130 candles for CoCo today but sadly she left us in 1971 at the age of 87. Her legacy lives on and continues to thrive as the house of CHANEL is one of the most coveted brands on the planet! Although strange to pay tribute to someones birthday who has long since ended her earthly journey, attention had to be paid today to celebrate the life of such an amazing lady and a true inspiration to me and fashionistas everywhere.

Cheers to you COCO!