TM

TAGLINE WOULD ACTUALLY BE NICE HERE

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 2009 CHICAGO EDITION VOL 1 No 5 Printed with Explicit permission From Each Content Provider

Genevieve Garruppo | tpburl.com/40s58p

FASHION WEEK
buck the trend Five Reasons to Get Excited About Michelle Obama’s
By Chris O’Shea | 2/17/09 | surviving myself tpburl.com/4v162x
Vogue Cover
I’m a guy who appreciates fashion, so yes, at one point in my life, I thought it was socially By Veronica | 2/11/09 | My Love/Hate Relationship with Fashion tpburl.com/57dj1k
acceptable to wear pink shirts and no, I don’t feel like there will ever be a time when I can for- I’d love to take this most recent cover as a sign of a turnaround at Vogue; however I haven’t
give myself for that. seen the entire issue and am a little doubtful that the rest of the issue is as lovely as the cover.
Because I try to be stylish, I’ve participated in almost every fashion trend, from Jeans That But here are five reasons why this is the best Vogue cover I’ve seen in years:
Look Like They’re Old But Aren’t to the Great Graphic Tee Epidemic of 07. I hear the latter
ended when a GUESS? manager demanded a blue t-shirt - without an ironic helicopter on it - 1. She’s not an actress, a socialite, or the spawn of an actress or a
and threatened to hold the store employees hostage until he got one. Yes, it was a brutal as it socialite. Perhaps most importantly, she’s not Keira Knightley.
sounds. 2. She’s smiling a genuine, unpretentious smile.
The one trend that I simply cannot, and will not adopt though, is wearing skinny jeans. 3. While I believe she was most certainly airbrushed (it’s what Vogue does
I do not wear skinny jeans for two simple reasons: 1) I’m not a rock star in a band with best, or should I say worst?), she looks natural and believable.
songs about how sad trees are when you think about it and 2) I don’t hate myself. If either 4. She’s not emaciated, Eastern European, or fourteen years old, like
of these were true, I’d probably be wearing skinny jeans every day of my life, but thankfully the rest of the models in the magazine are sure to be.
they’re not. 5. Depending on the interviewer, the odds are pretty damn good that she’ll
The skinny jean look on men doesn’t work for several reasons. have something interesting and relevant to say. Imagine that!
For starters, they hug the equipment too tightly. Our equipment, as ugly as it can be, needs
space to operate. It is not meant to be squeezed together like Rosie O’Donnell in a spandex
Advertising
jumper. Without space a man’s equipment begins to ache, and with the hurting comes the read-
justing, and with the readjusting comes the public humiliation that makes men feel sad, which
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causes them to buy more skinny jeans. It’s a vicious cycle. Capture the true spirit of your special event. Choose from our Classic Model 14 or the
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our bodies. If you surveyed men across the nation, you’d find that about 87% of them have perfect touch for any event!
tiny legs. The only ones who don’t abuse steroids, and you know what they say about men on http://tinyurl.com/dcpujl
steroids- well, nothing really, because men on steroids have big muscles.
Finally, skinny jeans make other men hate you. There is no explanation necessary here.
You will lose friends if you choose to wear jeans that look like they belong on the rack at Baby
GAP.
There really are no benefits to the skinny jean look for men and it doesn’t matter how hard
they try.
I won’t be taking part of this trend. Instead, I’ll ride the wave out, and wait for what I hear
is the next big thing: leopard print thongs. On top of the pants.
I’ve just got one thing to say about that - rawrr!

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Views expressed in Content do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the printed blog inc.
 Lifestyle Growing Up Model
PHOTOS By Zoe Brock | 2/15/09 | The Nervous Breakdown tpburl.com/h6zfp5

Recently I was asked what I wanted.

Not what I wanted in my tea or what I wanted on

my salad, but what I wanted out of life.

Ugh.

This seemingly innocuous little query dredged up

tumultuous feelings inside, forcing me to realize
that-

A) the things I’ve always wanted had, while I

wasn’t paying attention, morphed into something
different, and

B) that I needed to have a serious rethink before I

could answer definitively.

I opened a bottle of wine and had a good chug

from the neck. Clarification often accompanies a
good Cabernet.
There I sat, glass beside me, “writing it out”.
What do you want, ZB? I asked myself. The an-
swer was surprising.
If I’m going to be honest with you, and myself,
I’ll have to admit that I used to want wealth, fame
and glory, an ugly remnant of growing up in the
spotlight surrounded by people with big dreams
and big lives. Teenage dreams are hard to let go
of sometimes, especially when they still seem
within reach.
I used to want a life filled with expensive, mini-
malist things and easy opportunities for adven-
tures and madness.
Matt Donahue | tpburl.com/394802
I used to want an eternity of sex, drugs and rock
Hipster Culture and roll.
By Lauren Gibaldi | 2/12/09 | Half Deserted Streets tpburl.com/53n7vr I used to want my days to be filled with private
One night during my sophomore year of college my friend Joe decided to shave his beard. jets, high-budget catering and make-up artists
His hair grew incredibly fast, so it would only be a matter of days before his shaggy appearance who would satisfy my craving for fuller lips by
reappeared. Regardless, he decided to be clean shaved for one reason or another. drawing mine bigger. I wanted photographers to
In my cramped dorm room bathroom, he got out the razor and did what most guys do tell me I was beautiful and designers to keep giv-
ing me their clothes. I needed those things to feel
while removing a ton of facial hair - he made designs. Patterns. He wanted to see just how bad
valuable and alive.
his facial hair could look. In the end, we decided his Fun Manchu was the best and he should
clearly leave it on for a day, showing it of to all of his classmates. Joe never turned down a chal-
And now?
lenge.
The next day, he and I walked across campus, to the furthest building from our dorm, I still want the adventures and the eternity of sex
together. He received awkward glances and responded with nervous laughter. In our Article and and rock and roll, only now I want less casual
Essay class, our wonderful, teacher who never held anything back (she once revealed to us that sex with much more love in it, and even louder
she contracted an STD during college), asked him if his razor broke. We all laughed. Two classes music.
and hundreds of looks later, he finally shaved off the facial hair.
Here’s the thing. A friend of mine from college is currently sporting the same facial hair That’s a relief.
I’ve cat-walked all over the world, shot covers
for Elle, been photographed for Vogue, and been
forcibly ejected from the most gruesome dens of
iniquity between Hong Kong and Manhattan.
I’ve lived the high life and licked the underbelly.
I’ve amused people and offended others.
I’ve been a brat and a belle.
I’ve stayed in castles and squatted in shacks.
I’ve partied with presidents, skinny dipped
with rock stars, discussed architecture-politics-
urination-sexual proclivities and literature with
celebrated thinkers, and committed petty ‘crimes’
with unexpected celebrities.
I’ve traveled with dear friends and nursed them
through madness.
I’ve done lots of crazy shit and blah blah blah
seen things that would make my poor mothers
hair curl if I wrote it here.
In short, I’ve lived, but I’ve never done anything,
no matter how debauched, for any kind of per-
sonal gain or anything without honor and good
intent.
I might be twisted, but I’m not bent.
I know for absolute certain that the life I’ve lived
since I was thirteen years of age would not and
could not have happened had I not been model-
ing. It’s a fact.
My first foray into the inner sanctum of the
fashion industry was in the late 80’s, at a time
when the catering budget was higher than the
collective wages of the entire crew, and a time
when nobody was eating. They couldn’t, their
noses were too full.

monstrosity, only he isn’t wearing it as a dare or a victim of a broken razor, no, he’s wearing it
So what HAS changed? I was young. So young.
because it’s ironic he told me.
Ironic? And so impressionable.
A lot.
I don’t get this hipster culture nowadays. Ugly facial hair, or clothing even, is considered
cool because it’s ironic. Maybe i’m just not getting the irony of the situation. I think it all Now I want babies and security and love and sim- The times were decadent, destructive and deli-
started with the beards. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of the beards. Certain guys can pull them plicity- I want a family, something that, despite cious. High camp ruled the social scene and air
off really well, so I was completely okay with this trend. I even prefer scruff sometimes to a all my beautiful relatives and their unconditional kisses were often a prelude to hasty sex in dark-
clean face. Somehow, the beard turned into the mustache. How the mustache ever became cool love, I never felt I had. Now I have to write to feel ened corners. It was an irresponsible time. AIDS
(outside of Halloween costumes, rapists, and my father circa 1980), I never understood. That, of worthy. Now I have to create in order to feel alive. had made it’s appearance and we were, unknow-
course, grew to the strange, yet incredibly popular facial hair of today. And the matching tight Now I have to be present to feel beautiful. All I ingly, about to lose several of our finest, maddest
have to do is show up. and most creative. It would take a long time for
pants, of course.
us to slow down and grow up. We all thought we
(Girls aren’t exempt from this hipster lifestyle, of course. There are the haircuts, the 80’s
My how things change. were invincible. I know I did.
inspired outfits that shouldn’t be brought back, etc...etc...)
The same goes for venues. The thing is, if I were to really consider it, I’ve The fashion industry is a strange place to grow
Back in college, my friends and I frequently visited a small dive bar called Poor Paul’s. It already had a pretty big life. up in. But, like anything, it is what you make of
was cramped, smokey, dark, dirty and absolutely perfect. We went so often that the bouncer it. For me it was a hard road of misadventure and
knew me by face and the bartender knew my drink. It was a place where we could hang out, I’ve been to every continent (except the frozen madness… a road that has come full circle and is
play the games on the screen, and just talk. We didn’t have to dress up or impress anyone. It one). now winding through gentler pastures with more
was, in a strange sense, home. I’ve loved and I’ve lost, many times over. creative scenery.
It took me a while to find a similar place here. I finally fell upon one around 20 minutes I’ve experienced death, depression, disaster.
It’s pretty.
from where I live. My friends and I used to go regularly until we all got 9-5s that interrupted our
I’ve hit rock bottom and seared my wings against
weeknight hangouts. Like Poor Paul’s, it was small and smokey. We loved it there.
the sun. I like it.
It came to my attention that apparently for the last few months it has become the popular
I’ve done the most glamorous things and the
hang out for these same facial haired hipsters. They like it because it’s ironic. It’s so run down, most sordid. Perhaps I’ll send you a postcard.
it’s cool! Apparently, they’ve vacated it now, gone off to an even more ironic bar, one called
Hoops. Clearly, the previous occupants have been run off.
PHOTOS
There’s a great line from the musical In The Heights which exemplifies that, regarding the
city of Washington Heights in NY: “In five years, when this whole city’s rich folks and hipsters,
who’s gonna miss this raggedy little business?” From my understanding Brooklyn is now the
hipster capital. (Obviously, there are some exceptions). I hear Williamsburg has more indy fans
than Jewish people. Go figure!
Like many trends, this one will probably go out of style within the next couple of years.
It’s not that I don’t understand people trying to make their difference in the world, stand out
as individuals, I do, believe me, I just don’t get it in this sense. Since when was making yourself
look as bad as possible...attractive?
Maybe I’m just getting too old.
Hire Me

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2 The Printed Blog
PHOTOS

Stephanie Leigh | tpburl.com/h95x6w

Guillermo Álvarez | tpburl.com/scy4rm

Those Brown Eyes | tpburl.com/dkjsv8

Fashion

A Short Essay About the

Importance of A Good Coat
By Winona | 1/26/09 | Daddy Likey tpburl.com/8dp5sg
Once upon a time, I had to go to court to dispute a speeding ticket. I was seventeen and
had been caught careening down my small town’s main street at 73 miles an hour, on my way
to turn in a history paper that, in retrospect, was not important at all. After sobbing to the state
trooper about the vital importance of said history paper, I was issued a citation for $250. I felt
an immediate rush of panic about telling my dad, combined with excitement about the chance
to wear a dramatically demure outfit to court and plead my innocence.
I spent weeks planning a foolproof trial wardrobe and defense. I decided I would wear a
cream skirt with flower embroidery, a black shirt with pearl buttons and a rounded collar, black
tights, ballet flats, a red vintage scarf, and round sunglasses. I would say that if society wanted
to persecute me for striving to be a good student, then I would dutifully pay the price, but I
would forever lament the injustice of a legal system that so callously ignored a citizen’s right to
Fabulous Fabian | tpburl.com/nhr3x4 life, liberty, and the 73-mile-an-hour pursuit of an A on my essay about the industrial revolu-
tion.
Technology
The day of my court date, everything went according to plan: my outfit looked great, and
my note cards were in order. When I walked out the door, it was chilly and I felt a raindrop, so I
Us Trendy Brings Possible ran back inside and grabbed a random coat from the laundry room. This random coat happened
to be my mom’s dilapidated fleece pullover, but I didn’t think much of it as I slipped it on and
Fashion Fame to Everyone headed to the courthouse.
When I arrived, I strutted through the big doors and down the hall to my assigned court-
By Jennifer van Grove | 1/12/09 | Mashable tpburl.com/pvsy2g
room. I whipped off my glamorous shades and faced a huge room packed with traffic offenders
If you’re a fashion designer or model who
and nonviolent felons. People were glaring and the judge’s bench was much more imposing
balks at the idea of being mortified on Project
than I’d anticipated and the whole thing was very scary. I dropped my note cards into my bag
Runway for showcasing yesterday’s trends or too
and perched on the edge of a bench next to a woman with a crying baby and I felt nothing like
thick hips, then you’re in luck. Now you can say
Winona Ryder.
“You’re out” to Heidi and friends and head online
The judge came in and the clerk started calling names for rapid-fire public pleas. I was
for fame and fortune. Though it may not be quite
hyperventilating. About fifteen minutes in, they called my name. I stood up on wobbly legs and
that simple, new online fashion company Us
they asked me for my plea. I opened my mouth to speak but suddenly all I could think was, “Oh
Trendy is aiming to be the go to fashion site for
my god, I’m wearing a fleece covered in dog hair.”
aspiring designers, models, and fashion fanatics
“Guilty,” I said.
alike.
Us Trendy combines the design competi-
tion concept of sites like Threadless and Col- Founded 2009
larFree, and throws budding fashion designers
Joshua Karp, Founder and Publisher Blogs
and models into the mix. The site is simple in purpose and practice. Wannabe designers upload Jamie Villarreal, Blog Relations Manager
their creations to the site, users vote on the designs they like, and Us Trendy produces and sells Editorial
the most popular designs in their online store. The same formula works for models too; models Claire Bidwell Smith, Senior Editor Staff
upload their best shots, users vote on each photo, and the highest rated models are given the Koray Girton, Layout Editor Chad Koskie, Writer
keys to the catwalk for Us Trendy fashion shows. Emily Schleier, Assistant Editor & Media Manager Ion Olaru, Webmaster
This type of site appears to be an excellent platform for people trying to break into the Laurel Dailey, Photography Editor Michelle Doellman, Assistant Publisher
Whitney Faile, Photography & Music Editor Luke Trayser, Production Assistant
highly competitive Fashion industry. Founder Sam Sisakhti’s says his motivation to create the
Marla Seidell, Guest Editor
site came from personal experiences. “I originally felt the need to create UsTrendy when I saw Erin Holness, Assistant Editor The Printed Blog Inc.
the struggles that friends of mine – aspiring fashion designers – went through to find viable Carly Marks, Guest Editor 200 South Wacker Drive, 15th Floor
career opportunities in fashion industry, this coupled with the lack of viable outlets for fashion Chicago, Illinois 60606
enthusiasts to express their voice in deciding the trends and clothing produced each season.” Social Networks (312) 924-1040
Sisakhti’s vision is great, and we hope Us Trendy can deliver on their promise, but I have to Jenn Beese, Social Network Manager info@theprintedblog.com
wonder how this idea will pan out. With voting sites, there’s always the possibility that people
Advertising / Public Relations www.theprintedblog.com
will game the system. Us Trendy could see designs with high vote counts but little to no mass
Lauren Omura, Dir. of Advertiser Relations blog.theprintedblog.com
appeal go into production, with the return on their community investment being more dreadful Drew Doleski, Director of Advertising Sales Facebook: tpburl.com/rq3bp1
than wearing white after Labor Day. Plus, consumers already have a plethora of online options Brianna Wheeler, Senior Sales Manager MySpace: tpburl.com/dxm91h
for finding fashion trends, what’s going to be the driving factor to get them to buy from Us Kelli Hartsock, Public Relations Manager Twitter: tpburl.com/nxdkfv
Trendy?

Views expressed in Content do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the printed blog inc. 3
 Fashion PHOTOS

I Put the Stud in Study Hall

By Wade Rouse | 2/15/09 | Wade Rouse tpburl.com/nkzmjq
I spent the first part of my 43rd birthday shopping at Abercrombie Kids, ripping T-shirts
out of the arms of a boy who probably weighed, oh, maybe 60 pounds, if he happened to be car-
rying a sack of potatoes and a human head.
If I couldn’t recapture my youth, I could certainly buy it.
“Score!”I had screamed to my partner, Gary, while displaying an XL boy’s T-shirt that read,
“I Put the Stud in Study Hall.”
“Jesus,”Gary laughed. “Just buy it before Chris Hansen gets here.”
Yes, my 43rd birthday had hit me hard. This meaningless day made me feel like I was in
no-man’s land: 22 years from retirement, 22 years since the day I was able to drink legally.
I was smack dab in the middle of middle-aged.
Which is why I was holding up a boy’s T-shirt to my body, giddily imagining how it would
hug my every curve. But when I turned to look in the mirror, all I saw was the fat kid who could
once only wear Husky’s.
The cool clothes of my youth “the contoured Velour shirts, the Jordache jeans” made me
look like Mindy Cohn whenever I tried them on in the mall, and that image of imperfection
“the one I saw reflected back at me from the mirrors in Chess King” remained in my head.
That image still haunts me, like some sort of overweight, poorly dressed ghost, dooming
endless courtships and continuing to float around during my relationship.

Even though I spent my 30’s transforming my body into a lean, muscled machine, my id and
ego still wore Husky’s during sex, and that damn ghost always seemed to hover above me in
bed, peppering me with questions and doubt like some supernatural Larry King:
Your body will never be good enough.
Are you sure you’re tan enough to hide those old stretch marks?
Gary was an optimist who believed that, one day, my ghost would simply vanish if I was
only able to catch a glimpse of the man I had become. Even if that meant I had to spend loads
of time looking for him in the mirrors at Pac-Sun and Abercrombie Kids.
When I turned to show Gary the T-shirt I had draped on my body, he exclaimed, “That
looks H-O-T hot!”
Then a clerk approached and asked if I needed help picking something out for my son.
If I hadn’t been so mesmerized by his beauty “he looked just like an Abercrombie model” I
would have bitch-slapped him to Aldo.
“What size is your son?”he asked me again.
“I’m shopping for myself,”I said indignantly. “It’s my birthday.”
“There’s, like, a Brooks Brothers across from us,”he said.
“Brooks Brothers?”I hissed.
“Umm, yeah, you know, for, like, guys your age.”
I left, on the verge of tears.
We got home “my shopping bags filled” yet I was decidedly empty. The truth was I’d never
been an Abercrombie kid, and I’d never be an Abercrombie man.
As I licked the icing off my cake, Gary suddenly snapped a photo of me.
I asked to see the camera, and when I looked I saw a middle-aged man wearing a T-shirt
that read, “I Put the Stud in Study Hall.”
“Hot, huh?”Gary asked.
His voice made me remember what he had been telling me all day – without any prod-
ding: “You are H-O-T!” Stephanie Leigh | tpburl.com/h95x6w
It was then I knew. I had everything I dreamed after all those years of stuffing Hostess pies Advertising
down my throat: Somebody who believes I am picture-perfect.
I hugged Gary, whispered how much I loved him and how sorry I was he had to stoop to
such stupidity to make me feel worthwhile.
“I just want you to like yourself,”he said.
I was 43.
I would never be a kid again.
I could never recapture my lost youth.
But I still had time to act like an adult.
So I took off my Abercrombie shirt, standing in front of Gary for the first time in my life
without trying to position my body in the most flattering way possible.
And then I reached deep into my psychological closet and hung up my Husky’s for good.
PHOTOS

Chirp Off

We asked: If you could recast any movie, which one would it

be and who would play the lead?
@ecams my friends and i had been talking about remaking The Wiz starring
Beyonce and Chris Brown...although might want to rethink
@allthingsphil I’d replace Ben Affleck in, um, everything, and put in Kermit the Frog.
Because Kermit is both lovable AND a better actor.
@ChiFilmmakers recast Constantine and put Daniel Craig in it. Maybe it would have
actually been good then
@ChicagoLori Twilight! Kristen does not deserve Robert. Replace Kristen with Jessica
Biel. Jasper replaced by a non-Ed Scissorhands guy.
@ewalker9 I would re-cast myself as female lead in Chocolat. Johnny Depp as my
lover? Oui, oui!
@NewsMeBaby Screw recasting an already existing movie, I want to know who would
play me in the story of my life.
@ihatesomuch how about renee zellweger in every movie ever? replaced by anyone.
@sheesidd I would have Harrison Ford play Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code.
Love Tom Hanks, but he didn't fit the role
@everydaywonders i would recast The Notebook with Nicholas Cage and Jessica Tandy.
Love Nicholas Cage!
@bksurviving I’d recast Teen Wolf with me in Michael J. Fox’s place. Why? Wouldn’t
you want to be a basketball playing werewolf? Exactly.
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4 The Printed Blog
PHOTOS Denim and Leather Forever Together
By Queen Michelle | 2/16/09 | Kingdom of Style tpburl.com/87x4vr
Looking at the SS09 Givenchy collection I started to
think about a denim and leather combination.
Now, I haven’t worn blue denim with leather since
seeing Metallica at the Edinburgh Playhouse during their
Master of Puppets Tour in 1986. I also had a Rock Mullet,
which can only aspire to be half as crap as a Fashion Mul-
let.
My leather was a biker jacket (natch) and my denim
was a pair of the tightest jeans I could fit my skinny little
self into and a denim cut-off (that’s a denim jacket which
has had the sleeves cut off for all those not old enough to
actually remember the 80’s). My denim cut-off sported a
full size Motorhead patch on the back, studs around the
bottom and assorted small band patches on the front.
Nice.
So needless to say there are some era’s I find pain-
ful to revisit. Yet that pesky Givenchy collection has me
thinking about denim and leather.
Whilst I find there is no excuse for chaps, or any-
thing resembling chaps...ever, I do have an old denim
skirt which I thought might look good combined with
leather/PVC.
The denim skirt actually began life as a pair of Fake
London jeans. I stopped wearing the jeans when I didn’t So here is me last Friday test driving
feel the cut was right any longer, but instead of throwing the look for work and I have to stay...I’m
feeling the combination!
them away I made them into a skirt.
I haven’t worn it in many years because I have a mental stumbling block that makes me
think I’m just a little too old for a denim skirt. But when I saw the Givenchy collection it gave
me the idea to make it more grown up by wearing with PVC trousers.

thrift star of the day: dumpster love

By Painfully Hip | 10/18/08 | Painfully Hip tpburl.com/tnzvg2

Clayton Hauck | tpburl.com/0fzxq8

Personal

The Real Beauty Myth:

A Cautionary Tale
By Gina Frangello | 1/16/09 | The Nervous Breakdown tpburl.com/trmbn4
Why do so many beautiful people have sucky marriages? The most obvious example is
Hollywood, where nobody can stay married for 15 minutes without having an affair, getting a
messy divorce, quickly remarrying, having another affair, publicly declaring Sex Addiction, and
finally marrying someone 20 years younger and settling into obscurity, too old to score gossip-
worthy roles. Most of us figure the reason actors are unlucky in love is that they face too much
temptation—if you have to make out with Russell Crowe or Angelina Jolie on screen, chances
are you’ll want to do it again off screen, right? But it’s long seemed to me that excessive beauty
can be a liability even in the real world, especially for women, so for the hell of it I made a list
of my 10 most beautiful women friends only to find that 8 are either in unhappy marriages or
already divorced; 1 is alone after a string of movie-of-the-week bad relationships; and only 1 is
in happily in love.
This didn’t look good. Briefly I wondered if maybe everyone I know is in a dysfunctional
relationship! (I’m a writer after all.) But when I widened my sample happiness levels (lack
of public fights; actually having sex—and it being with each other) rapidly skyrocketed. How
could this be? After all, as the old Janis Ian lyrics go, “love is meant for beauty queens.” Women
worldwide strive to increase our physical appeal: dieting, waxing, microdermabrasing and even
having surgery to force or simulate our way into Beauty. So why don’t superior good looks
increase the odds that a woman will find lasting love?
There are probably a number of reasons. Maybe superhumanly sexy women are subject to
more temptation, and having men woo you with greater frequency increases the chances that
you’ll fuck up, succumb and blow your marriage apart. But I’m not convinced that’s the whole
story. Often it’s a beautiful woman who is cheated on by her man (think Elizabeth Hurley; A large portion of this outfit was accrued from trash piles and recycling centers. NICE. Some
think Uma Thurman—I’m thinking of several of my non-famous friends.) Sometimes the issue people don’t look this cute after being styled by Rachel effing Zoe for $6,000. Seriously.
is not even infidelity. Could it be that beautiful women are, plain and simple, attracting the
Featured Blogger
wrong men as a result of excessive beauty?
Far more research than the scandals of Hollywood and the poor romantic choices of my
best-looking women friends would be necessary to prove my point. And I should qualify that
NEAL Boulton
I know dozens of wonderful, respectful, faithful men who are certainly not married to dogs
and have a healthy appreciation for a pretty woman! Rather beauty—like most things—seems BastardLife.com founder and Editor In
most functional in moderation. It’s really quite simple. If a woman is beautiful far beyond the Chief Neal Boulton has been everything
norm—makes heads turn when she enters a room—then it stands to reason that she attracts from the Creative Director, the Editor in
men looking to date (later marry) the hottest woman in the room. And the man who always Chief, and the Corporate Development
wants to be with the hottest woman in the room is, simply put, bad news. He is by definition Editor for some of the foremost
considering looks above other attributes; is concerned with appearances not simply because he publications in America, including
likes to get it on with a beautiful girl (an understandable urge) but because he wants the world Outside, Men’s Fitness, Shape, and
to know that he is the Type of man who always gets the “best.” His woman is an accessory,
Natural Health. A staunch supporter of
more a reflection on him than a person in her own right. Having spent her entire life attracting
LGBT outreach, in 2007 Boulton was
this Type, a beautiful woman may not even recognize his perils because he is so familiar. After
all, other men may be afraid to even talk to her because she’s too beautiful and so—ironically—
approached by the still embattled LGBT
this may be the only Type she’s ever dated. publishing arena to lend his hand at
So what is a Beautiful Woman to do? Here are some practical tips: the relaunch of Genre Magazine—the
countries oldest LGBT consumer
1. While fashion is usually a girl’s best friend, the excessively beautiful may be wise periodical. In 2008 he launched the
to skip the make-up and bod-baring frock and think outside the box. In the 80s, runaway hit BastardLife.com which has
going Goth was a safe option; in the 90s you could don a slacker skullcap. Every been called the Cosmo of pansexual
generation has a style for girls wishing to hide their beauty, and it exists for a reason. Online magazines. The guest of such
2. Are any of his previous girlfriends models? Do any look almost exactly national television programs as The
like you? If the answer is yes, proceed with extreme caution.
Today Show, The View, and Anderson
3. Double ditto if he has more than once dated anyone in excess of 10 years his junior.
Cooper 360, Neal has taught at the prestigious School of Journalism
4. If you can’t shake these Bozos even in a T-shirt and sweats, gain 15 pounds.
No matter how stunning your face is, this Type will never get serious with
at Columbia University, authored the book Sex Across America, and
a girl who is even mildly overweight. Keep a little extra padding on to been called one of the most notorious editors in the country in both
weed them out—you can always shed it once you’ve found Mr. Right. gossip columns and magazines chronicling his successes, failures, and
Good luck, Beauty Queens. But remember to leave some nerds for the rest of us—they outspoken lifestyle.
make the best husbands!

Views expressed in Content do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the printed blog inc. 5
 Music PHOTOS

Painfully Hip Interviews the

Watson Twins
By Mary Catherine Garrison | 2/16/09 | Painfully Hip tpburl.com/fk2b94
Do you love music? Really good, soulful, music that sometimes has a country spark and
sprinkle of folk? Do you love looking at tall, gorgeous girls who are also cool enough to be your
best friends? How about two of them? Do you like creative, utterly individual soul-inspiring
fashion? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please read on…
Most of you probably already know of the Watson Twins and if you don’t, you can thank
me in the comments section after you read this. This indie-folk identical twin twosome first
started getting noticed by larger audiences as the striking back-up to Jenny Lewis on her Rabbit
Fur Coat record and have since released two solo records, including last years “Fire Songs.” I say
striking because let’s face it–two 6 tall gorgeous brunettes with great style is really fun eye candy
for anyone who happens to be human. Also because vocally they seem to have ESP, following
one another seemingly by pure instinct, as well as pulling off a crazy range of styles from a 60s
soul vibe to a Carter Family-like bluegrass harmonic feast. They really are that good. But you
know what else will break your heart? They are two of the nicest, coolest, easiest-to-be-around
girls you will ever meet. They know no strangers, and I should know: we’ve been friends most of
our lives and I could think of no better examples of what Painfully Hip is about: real individual
style, done creatively, smartly and on a budget we can all believe in.
So at the risk of doubling as a Watson Twins’ fan site (see Diana’s fabulous post from
yesterday–total coincidence, by the way!), here is my brief interview with the chanteuses–they
were so sweet to answer the questions and snap a few shots of each other while hanging out on
their current tour in Tuscon. Thank you so crazy much, girls!
Mary Catherine: So, to start, tell us a
little about your individual looks. You both
obviously look very similar physically, but
always utterly cool and stylish. And you each
do it differently. What would you say your
differences/similarities are?
Leigh: We both love vintage and shop-
ping thrift, but where we go from there is in
different directions. I feel like my style is a
little more glam maybe, I like lots of bling!!
Chandra rolls more of the bohemian vibe…
but I am slowly showing her that a little bit of
shine goes a long way.
Chandra: I am a practical lady at heart Left: Chandra– top/vest: thrifted; high-waisted jeans: BDG
and one who likes to be comfy and stylish from Urban Outfitters; woven leather belt (unseen): from
her Grandma Julia’s closet; steeple boots: thrifted. Right:
all at the same time, so when I shop, I am
Leigh–nautical onesie: thrifted and hemmed to shorts; scarf:
always looking for basic key pieces to build vintage/her aunt’s; boots: vintage/thrifted Men’s Florsheim.
off of… a skirt, shirt, vest, etc. that has a great
cut or color… then I’ll pair it with a funky
scarf or boots. Soft materials and interest-
ing patterns always catch my eye and I am
beginning to learn the ways of accessorizing,
thanks to Leigh, it can be very fun.
MC: Do you treat dressing for stage or
tours and dressing for everyday life
differently?
Leigh: Totally, I take a lot more risks in
the real world. I have made too many on-
stage mistakes.
Sarah Gage | tpburl.com/p3zfmt
Chandra: Lots of things come in to ac-
count when dressing for shows. I like to take Fashion

in to consideration the space, event, type of

show, etc. and when we’re on tour you are
also limited to the amount of clothes/items
Left: Chandra–sweater: thrifted years ago; white t-shirt: ??;
Boho Chic Never Felt So Appro-
priate
skirt: vintage, thrifted and hemmed; tights: h&m; boots:
you have in your suitcase, so you have to try thrifted. Right: Leigh–shirt: vintage henley; suspenders:
and get creative with what you have. present from Chandra; high-waisted jeans: silence+noise
from Urban Outfitters; hat: h&m; boots she bought on tour By Tania Khadder | 2/17/09 | Unemploymentality tpburl.com/mrw8t1
MC: Who inspires you or who are your
in Denmark No disposable income for a new wardrobe? No problem. You can achieve the latest looks
fashion role models?
with a just a few simple items you might find in your closet, basement or garage - especially if
Leigh: Mary Catherine Garrison, 70’s Emmy Lou Harris and Linda Ronstadt etc., Sienna Miller, I think
you were a teenager in the 90s.
she always has a definitive look even when sometimes it doesn’t hit the perfect mark.
To help you dress for your lack of success, Unemploymentality explores some of the hottest
Chandra Definitely some of those 70’s folk singers come to mind, after all music and fashion tend to go
trends for fall, straight from New York Fashion Week:
hand in hand.
MC: What are some of your favorite local places to shop?
• Relaxed Fit Pants: Skinny jeans are out, which is a shame since canned soup has done
Leigh: The best stuff I find is usually on the road. Chandra and I try and hit thrift and vintage in our
wonders for my silhouette.
travels. You just never know what the Goodwill in Eerie, PA might have to offer.
• Underwear as Outerwear: It is now appropriate to wear a bra as a shirt. Just don’t sport
Chandra It’s true, LA can be kinda tough cause there are lots of vintage boutiques… so the thrift stores
this look at your next job interview.
are often quite picked over. Small towns/cities across the country don’t know what treasures they have! We
• Cutouts: Take your favorite little black dress and cut a few holes in it. Voila. Style icon.
buy across the country and carry these items back home… add to the madness of our closets and this makes
• The Military Jacket: I don’t know about you, but I think I might still have one that I got
us very happy. It’s also a great reminder of the places we’ve been.
from Hot Topic in the 9th grade.
MC: What is your absolute favorite item in your closet right now?
• Shoulder Pads: If you can’t figure out a way to make these, you don’t deserve a job.
Leigh: Suspenders.
• Statement Necklace: Make your own with some string, food coloring and a bag of maca-
Chandra Steeple boots.
roni. Tell the world you’re broke.
MC: Do you have a favorite or unforgettable fashion moment in your life?
Leigh: I think one of my favorite dresses to date is the one I wore to the opening night of one of your (Mary PHOTOS

Catherine’s) Broadway shows…the black number with the painted peacock on the shoulder. A one of a kind,
half-baked idea someone made and sold to me at a yard sale.
Chandra In 5th grade I wore a baby pink Izod, florescent pink knit sweater vest and plaid shorts.
MC: What’s happening in the fashion world right now that you absolutely love?
Leigh: High wasted pants. I know everyone has very strong views about this look, but for my six foot
tall bod, I love.
Chandra Cardigan Sweater Revival, love it.
MC: Worst fashion-move you’ve ever made?
Leigh: Red tights and black short shorts overalls…in theory it works. (see question #2)
Chandra I think I have successfully blocked them all.
MC: Do you either of you have a current favorite outfit?
Leigh: Levis, suspenders and an old school Henley or thermal.
Chandra Short black full skirt, t-shirt and cardigan sweater.
MC: Who are you listening to right now?
Leigh: Bon Iver. (Secretly obsessed)
Chandra Bill Withers
MC: Best fashion accessory?
Leigh: Hats.
Chandra Again… scarves… my obsession.
MC: Any fashion tips/short-cuts you’ve learned and want to share?
Leigh: ACCESORIZE! You can go from plain jane to chic with the right accoutrements.
Chandra: Ditto. Always buy things that are flattering to your shape, good cuts and great materials.
Even a simple piece that fits well, something that can be seen as boring, is a great place to start and can be
dressed/funked up once you throw on some accessories.

Those Brown Eyes | tpburl.com/dkjsv8

6 The Printed Blog
PHOTOS Green

How Much Do Clothes

Really Cost?
By Cicely Rude | 2/16/09 | Earthly Happenings tpburl.com/wk5yp0
Fashion Week is back, and according to
Co-op Bank’s Ethical Consumerism (UK) re-
port, the market for ethically-produced cloth-
ing will continue to climb in 2009 regardless
of the economic turmoil. Fair trade fashion
had a growth spurt of 79% from 2005-2006
and is still going strong. At the same time,
ethically questionable clothes have never
been cheaper.
However, bear in mind that an off-the-
rack outfit was probably made by someone
earning the equivalent of a few pennies a
day, possibly handling cotton treated heavily
with pesticides. Around the world, about
30 million people work in textile factories,
and approximately 80%-90% of these textile
workers are women. Around 25% of all the
world’s insecticides and 10% of all pesticides
are used to grow the cotton used to make
clothes, despite the World Health Organiza-
tion pointing out that blood poisoning from
pesticide exposure among cotton workers accounts for 20,000 deaths every year. So if you take a
moment to consider the economic, ecological, human health and life costs of cheap garments,
they aren’t cheap at all.
Dan Welch of Ethical Consumer magazine has expressed enthusiasm about the swelling
ranks of socially aware fashion retailers, ‘They’re the kind of growth figures to make the most
cynical business take note.” Big-name designers and small start-ups alike are part of the popular
ethical and fair trade fashion movement. ‘That said,’ Welch continues, “...there’s no simple
equation between price on the rack and poor conditions in the supply chain.” That means there
is no guarantee that clothes sold under an expensive label have been made ethically. Now, with
a global economic crisis in full-swing, there has been increased demand for well-made clothes
that will last instead of disposable ‘McFashion’. Homemade, vintage and charity store clothing
sales are up, as are sales at fabric stores.
PHOTOS

Alexander Thompson | tpburl.com/5mfdb3

Don’t Tell Me to go on Project Runway!

By Admins | 2/16/09 | 39th & Broadway tpburl.com/dvw5tg
In honor of our newest poll, ”What is your favorite guilty pleasure fashiony TV show?”
we’ve decided to write about one of our favorites, Project Runway. More specifically, regarding a
particular pet peeve we have in relation to that show. You may have been in this same predica-
ment over Thanksgiving or are dreading it in the upcoming holidays, the ever popular question,
“Why don’t you tryout for Project Runway?” This question often comes from a well meaning
relative back home or an old friend not in the business. It’s a frustrating question only topped
by the, “You know, you should just launch your own clothing line” statement. So here are our
thoughts on the Project Runway issue:
Project Runway has given the false impression to millions of Americans that becoming a
successful designer, or having your own label, is something that can just be awarded to you,
like a record contract or extreme makeover. Fashion really doesn’t work that way. It’s an ever
evolving business that goes beyond one individual’s talent; it requires business skills, sales
contacts, production capabilities, and lots of financial backing. Explaining to somebody not
in the business, that 100k to make a line of samples does not beget your own line of designer
clothing. Until Project Runway’s prize is, the production and sale of a line, the prize is really in
the publicity. This brings us to another irritating issue in the Project Runway question. Why
does everyone believe that we all want to be famous? Many designers just want to do good
work that fulfills them creatively whether or not their name is on the label. Additionally, even
if your desire is for your own label, that does not equate with wanting to be a reality TV star or
D-list celebrity. Then of course, there is the question of money. In order to compete in Project
Stephanie Leigh | tpburl.com/h95x6w
Runway you will, no doubt, have to quit your current fashion job just for a chance to win 100k
(which with NYC taxes is only about 60k). Giving up a good job and regular salary in the most
expensive city in the country is a luxury many NYC fashionistas can not afford to take. Not to
mention that, as talented as many of the PR designers have been, moving up in fashion on their
own would have certainly been possible. So what real advantage does going on Project Runway
provide?
This brings us to our original inspiration, an article in the NY Times the other week featur-
ing the apartment of Project Runway alum Daniel Vosovic. As talented and as famous as Daniel
is now, his life and career are not much different than those of us not on reality TV. Daniel
is currently a freelance fashion designer, recently designing hotel uniforms, and living with
four roommates in a 5k a month Manhattan apt with a typical tiny NYC kitchen (see pictures
below). Working in the garment center we spot Project Runway alum working in our build-
ings at the same kind of jobs we are all struggling through. What about the big winners of
PR? Winner Jeffery Sebelia already had his own label Cosa Nostra, before beginning the show.
After winning, he used the prize money to pay off some bills and the cost of all that fashion
show sampling. He received one order from Fred Segal for 8 pieces, and since he already had
his own company and production capability, he was able to deliver. But the prize money was
not enough to expand his business or even support him, so he had to take on another design-
ing job. What was his first post PR commission? He is the costume designer for the Bratz dolls.
There was also winner Chloe Dao, who before winning PR owned her own boutique in Texas,
and after winning, runs her own slightly larger boutique in Texas. What about the larger than
life, first ever PR winner, Jay McCarroll? After winning PR, Jay spent the next 2 years basically
homeless living with various friends in NYC trying to figure out how the business of fashion
actually works. It was only this year that he was finally able to get his clothing made, albeit
mostly t-shirts and accessories (not the avant-garde pieces he loved) through an online bou-
tique.
We are not the only ones to see the flaw in Project Runway’s purpose. Who can forget,
all the difficulties they had last season recruiting enough talent to compete on the show. All
around NYC they were begging for designers to tryout but most preferred to keep their jobs. So
next time somebody says, “You are so fashionable, you should go on Project Runway.” Just say,
“Thanks, but I’d rather work in fashion than be a reality TV star” and then hand them a copy of
this article. Eric Charles | tpburl.com/3pcmy4

SUBMIT TODAY: The printed blog is alwasy looking for new bloggers and photographers
Submit your work online at theprintedblog.com

Views expressed in Content do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the printed blog inc. 7
PHOTOS Clayton Hauck | tpburl.com/0fzxq8

Fashion Help Doc! I’m Suffering From Luxury Fatigue

E-Clothing for the Techie in You

By Admins | 2/16/09 | 39th & Broadway tpburl.com/v32yb5
Fashion and technology go hand and hand, especially recently. What fashionistas outfit is
complete without her slick little iPhone or iPod? From futuristic looking laptops to the newest
cell phones, gadgets have become “must have” accessories. At the mall teens are just as likely to
be spotted overrunning the Apple store as Abercrombie & Finch. Technology has become sexy;
and geek chic is no longer just for the geek! Inside the fashion industry technology is a staple of
doing business. Many designers no longer use pen and paper for sketching, but rather work via
Computer Aided Design. And what fashion salesman or executive would be complete without
their crackberry Blackberry.
So it was only a matter of time before technology and fashion take that next step forward.
The evolution of computer technology integrating into wearable clothing has been underway
for several years now. The active-wear market was a forerunner in using techie elements in
their designs. Be it actual electronic lights in tracksuits for safety while running at night, or by
incorporating pockets and openings to hold cell phones and Mp3s while working- out. Chil-
dren’s wear has also been ahead in this area; who hasn’t seen a kid whose shoes are irritatingly
flashing and beeping?
However, the real step forward is what several designers and engineers are working on,
making a wearable personal computer. Infineon Laboratory on Emerging Technologies has
created a technique to make the computer microchip wearable and washable. By using woven
strips of fabric that contain conducting wire, which are then covered by silver and plastic, tech-
nology becomes wearable. They have also developed a plastic material similar to polyurethane
to encapsulate the chip module. Infineon is focusing on creating apparel that could function as
a communication device, have GPS abilities, and contain health-care technologies like a wear-
able heart monitor. There are many challenges in this area, chief among them, is balancing
the technological function with style and comfort. Additionally, there are many who ques-
tion the safety aspect of E-clothing. Most importantly are concerns related to electrical shocks,
and cancer causing waves. Last year electronics giant Phillips and clothing manufacture Levi’s
teamed up to create the ICD+ line. This line of jackets incorporated a cell phone, Mp3 player,
and universal remote control within a single garment. Like much E-Clothing the price tag was
high and really only appeals to a few tech savvy luxury consumers.
Besides the functionality of merging technology with apparel there’s also the fashion as-
pect. E-Clothing at its best can be stunning and inspiring, where technology takes a backseat to
fashion. An example is when designer Hussein Chalayan and Swarovski teamed up to create the
brilliant dress shown above. By combining LED lights and translucent fabric they created a one
of a kind design for the luxury market. LED as a fashion element has become so increasingly
popular that it has inspired its own LED fashion show in San Francisco last year. We predict
that the E-Clothing trend will only grow bigger going forward and we encourage all designers
to start thinking of techie inspired elements to incorporate into your lines. And on a personal
note, to all you cold weather accessory designers, please, please design gloves with an index
finger opening for our iPods and iPhones.
By Admins | 1/28/09 | 39th & Broadway tpburl.com/cy0j3v
Right now, we are all questioning the role of luxury goods in this economic climate. If you
have not yet heard the phrase “luxury fatigue” you soon will, and in fact you may be suffering
from it. For so long the name brand or designer label was the epitome of fashion, but that has
begun to change. Having the “it” bag of the season was the goal for many women over the
last decade, but it’s time has passed. The consumer is literally getting tired of keeping up with
the Joneses and spending larger and larger percentages of their income on fashion merchandise.
Part of our fatigue is due to the abundance of luxury goods, which as we all know, quantity can
dilute quality. While we often write here about the mass and mid-tier markets selling out, the
luxury market is also a culprit. The high-end market has become so oversaturated that it has
lost the ability to evoke emotion any more. Many of these designers are more about PR and
marketing than innovative fashion. The effect of licensing out your name or logo onto any
product under the sun, results in luxury fatigue for your customer.
Luxury fatigue is hurting many designer’s bottom line this year. In the past, even during
economic troubles, luxury brands survived because the very wealthy still had large disposable
incomes. However, in the last decade these brands have grown and expanded because, with
credit so easily available, a Chanel bag was within reach to all. As the designer label grew in
status, American’s credit debt grew as well, until of course the bubble burst last fall. Now these
luxury brands are seeing significant drops in sales, as only their core customers remain. We’ve
already seen a number of designers pull out of New York’s fashion week due to financial con-
straints. High-end stores posted major losses for 2008, and brands like Dolce & Gabbana and
Cavalli are having difficulties staying afloat.
A major factor in luxury fatigue is, that luxury is at the wrong end of the spectrum in the
fashion cycle. Right now, our culture is all about: change, going green, cutting back, home-
made, sustainability, service and rejecting the greed that got us in this situation to begin with.
Just like the backlash to those driving Escalades instead of Priuses, the fashion police are saying
no to the big labels, “it” bags, and exotic furs. We began to see this trend last fall, when after
Wall Street began to crash the wife of Lehman Brother’s Ceo was seen at Hermes hiding her
recent purchases in generic shopping bags instead of Hermes signature orange ones. The flour-
ish of socialites and wealthy New Yorkers hiding recognizable Tiffany and Prada bags inside
non-logo shopping bags became a trend throughout last holiday season. Not only are we all
suffering from luxury fatigue, but it is no longer fashionable to be a walking billboard. Those
obsessed with brand names and designer duds are now being viewed as out of touch and old.
Now is the time that individuality is valued over brand name and wearing an indie designer
rather than a couture label is the hot trend. Even our first lady with her choice of newcomer
Jason Wu rather than Oscar De La Renta is a sign of our changing times. So this year as you hit
the stores, if you’re feeling luxury fatigue kick in, take the opportunity to find innovative ways
to express your style in your own unique way.
PHOTOS

What’s going on

Mashable NextUp NYC: The State of the New Celebrate Carnival at Brazilian Steakhouse
York Blogosphere - Head downtown for a night Texas de Brazil: Beads, Shot Blocks and a Trip
of networking, conversation and new ideas at to Carnival 2010 - Guests will be provided with
Clayton Hauck | tpburl.com/0fzxq8

the first installment of Mashable NextUp NYC at celebration beads and can enter to win a trip for
92YTribeca. 2/24/09, 6:00pm.Tickets $20, $25 at two to celebrate Carnival 2010 in Brazil. Feb 19 -
the door http://mashable.com/nextup-nyc Feb 25, 2009 51 East Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60611

Israel’s leading contemporary dance ensemble
performing at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Directed by
the internationally acclaimed dancer/cho-
reographer Ohad Naharin.
Join The MidWasteland and Pivot for the launch
of their exclusive ‘original eco’ collection.
30% off new Pivot merchandise with the pur-
chase of any vintage item on the night of the
event! Pivot -1101 W. Fulton Market Chicago, IL
Feb. 26th from 6 -9pm

8 The Printed Blog

PHOTOS
Recessionista: Recession-Friendly Premium Denim
By Amy Overman | 2/3/09 | The Mid Wasteland tpburl.com/jyrtz3
Once upon a time denim was the fabric of choice for the downtrodden working classes
- but that was before the days of $300+ jeans. Probably not what Neil Diamond had in mind
when he sang “Forever in Blue Jeans” and crooned about choosing to be poor and forced to
only wear denim just to be with his lady love.
So maybe the recession has made me cynical - or perhaps I’m over-romanticizing the gritty,
proletariat beginnings of denim - but I’m not too impressed by Rock & Republic’s Recession Col-
lection. Debuting March 1st, the new line features two styles each for men and women (Irony
Alert: the men’s straight leg is called “Neil”) ranging from $128 - $132. It’s significantly cheaper
than their usual $200-$320 price range, but I have some reservations.
Much of the blogging community seems super psyched about the new line, but the ques-
tion is, how much of the quality is compromised by cutting the cost? Premium denim is only
worth it when it lasts for years and looks amazing. Having only seen photos, I’m reserving final
judgement until I can actually try them on and feel the fabric. Plus, given the extreme mark-up
in the clothing industry, I doubt that Rock and Republic is really making a huge sacrifice to offer
this diffusion line. So I’m not buying Creator Michael Ball’s claim that he’s trying to “empower
consumers during this challenging time in the global economy.”
So, what do you guys think? Am I the Wicked Witch of the Economy who should have a
foreclosed home dropped on her for turning up her nose at any sort of price reduction? Maybe
this is a genuine and socially-responsible move by a fashion company. Or is this just an exploi-
tation of global financial downturn to create a marketing scheme to sell more jeans? Or are you
somewhere in the middle and thinking that this is just the natural direction that the industry
has to take to survive?
PHOTOS
Views expressed in Content do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the printed blog inc.
Mitchell Davis | tpburl.com/2h3x74
Food
Top Ten Favorite Eats in the
Garmet District
By Admins | 1/1/09 | 39th & Broadway tpburl.com/d7zb6y
(Fashion Flashback - this was originally posted on 9/9. This was one of our most popular
posts when we started so we thought we would give it one more run to share with you our
favorite local eats and a good resource when you’re deciding what to do for lunch or post work.)
We decided to compile a list of some of our favorite spots around town to get food. Below
are the results in no particular order.
1. Havana @ 27 W 38th st - Great place for Cuban food,
especially to sneak in a lunch time mojito.
2. Bravo Pizza @ 1367 Broadway - Not just great pizza, but
outstanding and addicting garlic knots.
3. Pax- With several locations, abundant menus, and online ordering you can’t go wrong.
4. Guy & Gallard @ 469 7th Ave - Some will argue the best
coffee around, plus delicious breakfast choices.
5. Ginger’s @ 512 7th Ave - Everyone’s favorite Chinese,
eat in, order out, lunch specials for $5.50!!!
6. Atrium @ 485 7th Ave - Great Panini, and we love their tuna on a croissant.
7. The Pump Energy Food @ 112 W 38th St - Best health food around plus delicious shakes.
8. Simply Pasta @ 120 W 41st St - Best place for taking the team out
to eat or ordering in for dinner when working late.
9. Cafe Metro @ 530 7th Ave - Great salad bar and our favorite Friday pasta fix.
10. Pret - Yummy sandwiches and salads and best of all their
newest location is 39th and Broadway!!!
Lauren Bost | tpburl.com/45mg20
9
 Lifestyle Peta’s New Target: “Pinocchio Armani”

Save My Coworkers from

By Chloé van der Wel | 1/15/09 | Runway to Retail tpburl.com/7dzkg9
Now that PETA got their most recent target, Donna Karan, to vow not to use fur, they’ve

Another Awkward turned all their attention to Giorgio Armani. The organization took a full-page ad out in theVa-
riety depicting Armani with an elongated nose, urging Oscar attendees to shun Armani’s designs

Undergarment Conversation
By Ben Boudreau | 1/12/09 | No Ordinary Rollercoaster tpburl.com/fcnp14
Lately I’ve been seeing more tights than I really care to mention. I’ve more or less come to
terms with the fact that they’re here to stay (for the time-being) and gladly welcome them into
fashion so long as they are not used as an alternative to pants. Oh - and provided that you all
understand that I can only accept tights or shoulder pads...not both...so you made your choice.
GIVE IT UP, “LADY” GAGA.
Nevertheless, I have some questions. The last time I really understood the composition and
function of tights was when I worked at a day camp and this kid was obsessed with lifting her
dress above her head. I fear for what she grew up to be - Beyoncé perhaps? - but at that point,
thank god for tights. Since I rarely see women in various stages of undress and the newf is not
allowed to wear tights (for a variety of reasons), I find myself hypnotized by their clingy exis-
tence every time my fashionable coworkers walk by.
Erm...not in a creepy way, I assure you.
Okay. Kinda in a creepy way.
Sorry, ladies.
on the red carpet, since the designer apparently broke a promise to avoid using fur.
A year ago, Armani told reporters before showing his Armani Prive collection: “There is no
fur in the collection. Many years ago I actually made a declaration that I wouldn’t use fur. I used
some fur in some recent collections, and the organization PETA, whom most of you are familiar
with, discussed this particular issue, and presented some information to me and I’m not using
fur in my collection.”
PETA’s new ad charges that Armani’s latest collections “include fur-trimmed skirts and
coats, as well as jackets and even snowsuits for toddlers trimmed with rabbit fur.” In addition to
the ad, the organization has written to all Oscar nominees, urging them to wear a designer like
Stella McCartney or Vivienne Westwood, both of which are fur-free.
“We’ve met with Armani in the past, and he seems far more concerned with dressing Hol-
lywood than with protests,” PETA vice president Dan Mathews said. “So we’re taking it to where
he’s most vulnerable. No designer cozies up to celebrities the way Armani does, and there’s no
organization that courts celebrities the way PETA does. So now it’s war on the red carpet.”
An Armani representative had no comment, since Armani had not yet seen the ad.
PHOTOS

1. How far up do they go? Are they thigh-high? Higher? All the way to the waist?
2. If at waist-height...do you still wear underwear with them or would that be unnecessarily doubling-up?
3. If necessarily/unnecessarily doubling-up, do you go the thong route or is a tights day a granny panties day?
If its the latter, I think I’m beginning to understand the rise of tights...it’s not that girls love tights, it’s just a
better alternative to ass-floss.
4. Say you’re seducing someone while wearing tights, is it terribly difficult trying to undress in a sexy way? I
think it would take a Pussycat Doll to get out of tights in a sexy way and even then it’d only be sexy in the
way that a woman doing an upside-down spread eagle is sexy. So....sexy with a touch of hepatitis.
5. Back to the big underwear question...when leading up to the act of love (the slutty kind, not the romance
kind), do you seem overprotective when the guy has to get through so many layers to get to the main
event? I mean dress, tights, granny panties - where does it end?? You’re like one of those freaky Russian
doll things that have 384 ladies all stored within a bigger lady. You know what I’m sayin’?

I’m sure I could come up with more questions but at a certain point you just have to let the
mystery of girls stay a mystery.
And I’m not kidding...I will not be so accepting if shoulder pads come back.
Unless I can wear them too.
I strongly support the Zoot Suit.

Hummers and the Fashion of Frugality

By William Elliott Hazelgrove | 1/16/09 | The View from Hemmingway’s Attic tpburl.com/ct581x
They say Hummers are toast. No more. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fifty thousand dollar toy
has hit the ash heap of conspicuous consumption as another relic of our old economy. Soccer
moms pasting on eye liner up in their dark command vehicle will not be the defining image of
the Obama era. Excess is out. Ring the bells. Even if you can afford it you don’t want to be tool-
ing around anymore in your Porche or your monstrous SUV. These gas guzzlers are dinosaurs of
our age gone by. Move over for bug like electric cars and lots of Hyundai’s. The Hummer craze
was our age at it’s most disgusting. Middle class people tooling around in a billboards that said
I got it all...top of the Mountain baby. You could not ignore those black military vehicles that
took up all of their lane and some of yours. They literally could push your car out of the way.
The people inside said it all, staring out of tinted windows at the poor middle class hordes who
could not afford bulletproof luxury. This was crass consumerism at it’s worst. They even came
out with a middle class Hummer that kept the tag around a cool fifty thousand and didn’t’
hit the seventy K price tag of those early beasts that were the domain of rock stars and action
heroes. But they have quit making them. You can see them in the car lots now. The Hummers
broke from basic black with a yellow Hummer, a red Hummer, a Hummer for every family in
America. Can there be any bigger statement as to what went wrong with the American Dream
when the signpost of material success was a military vehicle designed for desert climates? Little
Johnny and Susie will no longer spill out from combat ready command ships, ready to secure
the perimeter of the schoolyard. I hear tell there is a new station wagon on the drawing boards
of not a few companies. The new fashion in middle class transportation will be green and if you
can’t afford green then it will be modest. Station wagons could be the new benchmark in the
rush to be just middle class again. The Hummer will go back to being a military vehicle as the Lauren Bost | tpburl.com/45mg20
roads fill with Girly men driving cars they can afford. RIP Arnie.
PHOTOS
Those Brown Eyes | tpburl.com/dkjsv8

Sarah Gage | tpburl.com/p3zfmt

Those Brown Eyes | tpburl.com/dkjsv8

Those Brown Eyes | tpburl.com/dkjsv8

Stephanie Leigh | tpburl.com/h95x6w

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