Photo courtesy of WatchMojo.com

On H&M’s website people can preview the collection and find what store location each piece will be available at. But the collection will only be available in various cities in California, as well as New York City and Chicago. No word yet on whether the collection will be sold at other stores, which sucks because people can’t shop on H&M’s website.

Looking through the rocker-chic collection, it seems to stay true to its high end standards, unlike a lot of other designer collections for budget stores, which tend to look mediocre and poorly made. While the price is much lower than Jimmy Choo standards, ranging from about $50-$300, I still don’t think it is appropriate for H&M’s clientele.

But for label whores, like myself, it’s a dream. My wish list includes Choo’s above the knee black leather boots ($299), black leather asymmetric dress ($249) and black suede dress with fringe ($249).

Photo courtesy of Splendicity.com

The thrifty fashion enthusiasts best bet: go for the shoes…duh. While the collection includes accessories, ladies clothing and menswear, the Jimmy Choo label is usually best worn under the sole of people’s feet. This shoe collection is as spectacular as the rest and actually the best bargain. While the shoe collection also ranges between about $50 and $300, most of the stilettos that look classic Jimmy Choo cost $129. At prices comparable to Steve Madden footwear, why not?

We do hundreds of lunges, squats and repetitive motions in all sorts of ungodly positions.

So I’m sure most women are as intrigued as I am by the Reebok EasyTone commercials that flaunt an unknown woman with the perfect bum. Even though I’ve seen these shoes hundreds of times before by other brands and heard the better butt promise millions of times from various places, I dashed to the store to purchase this pricey piece  of footwear.

Ranging from about $99-$110, the shoe has “take the gym with you” inscribed on its sole. The idea is that women replace their plain old sneaker with EasyTone, wear EasyTone for daily activities and workout their legs and butt throughout the day, because of balance pods in the sole of the shoe, which Reebok says “increases leg-muscle activity.”

Photo courtesy of What's Haute

This idea has been used before, but it’s never looked so good. The most memorable sneaker like this I can remember was on “The Jimmy” episode on Seinfeld. Kramer purchased a sneaker with similar promises (he wanted to improve leg muscles for a basketball game), but the sneaker was unflattering. Between the unusual footwear, losing control of his mouth due to Novocaine and referring to himself in the third person, people thought Kramer was “special.”

Reebok surpassed that problem with its EasyTone. The design looks like regular sneakers you would wear to the gym or… That’s the problem. I personally don’t wear sneakers anywhere other than the gym and I find that to be the case with a lot of women I know.

“A sneaker is not a shoe,” Clinton Kelly, co-host of “What Not to Wear” on TLC, said while hosting Make Over America at Macy’s in Cherry Hill. “It’s a piece of athletic equipment.”

Maybe if Reebok placed their patented technology in a pair of boots or flats this “take the gym with you” modo would work. But honestly women can probably get quite the leg workout from wearing heals and look way cuter.

On top of that, it seems only some of the Reebok EasyTone styles are suggested for outside use. On the Reebok website, people will find several different EasyTone styles, but only the designs titled EasyTone Go Outside, which cost $109.58, are suggested for outdoor use in the product detail. I purchased EasyTone Inspire, which cost $99.58. The details about this style (Inspire) on Reebok’s website don’t mention whether or not people can wear the sneaker outside. Maybe it’s fine, but if a sneaker’s modo is “take the gym with you,” then I would assume all the sneakers under that collection can be worn just about everywhere, not just in the gym or around the house.

Since I didn’t plan on wearing sneakers throughout the day, this didn’t bother me too much. So I thought about incorporating the sneakers into my regular gym routine, which is running, weight training and group fitness.

The only problem is the sneaker may make its wearer a bit unbalanced, which can be a problem when using a step or BOSU ball in a gym class. Also, coming from someone who suffered severe shin splints, I probably wouldn’t recommend people use these sneakers while running, because it may not be supportive enough.

So why did I buy a pair of $100 sneakers that I refuse to wear in public and can’t wear in the gym?

I want a better butt and I’m easily persuaded.

I’ve decided instead of implementing the sneaker somewhere in my routine, I’ll create a time in my schedule to wear it.

Luckily, I go to a gym with TVs attached to the treadmills. So instead of sitting on my couch and watching my usual TV programs, I’m heading to the gym with Reebok EasyTone and walking on the treadmill for at least 20 minutes each day on top of my regular fitness routine (which I will be wearing regular sneakers for.)

I tested the shoes out yesterday and today. Yesterday, I walked in the shoes for about 45 minutes while watching Oprah. It wasn’t strenuous and I did feel my leg muscles working a bit harder. But I also felt a pain in my left heel and my feet were burning after just 30 minutes.

Then I woke up this morning with the pain in my bum that only comes from a fantastic workout.

Today I took advantage of this oddly warm November weather in NJ and walked for 20 minutes around the neighborhood. I didn’t feel any pain and my feet were not burning at the end.

While the sneakers are expensive and not completely practical, it will be well worth the money and 20 extra minutes at the gym if my butt looks like the girl’s in Reebok’s ad.

Gary Fong Diffuser

Stearing my conversation away from the usuaul “Is that going on Facebook?” and “Can I photograph you?”, this cup-like diffuser has people asking “Is that a funnel?” and “Is that so you can drink when you photograph?”

Beer funnel

No it’s not a funnel and if it was it be pretty weak. And no it’s not a cup on my camera. In fact, a cup on any electronic is probably the worst idea ever.

After being asked over 10 times in one night, I started to hate ever purchasing the thing. The I realized how much it’s helping not only the composition of my photos but also the content. Imagine how everyone would look at the only girl carrying around a funnel at a bar. It gets people excited and less-inclined to say no to having their photo taken.

So thanks Gary Fong for this conversation piece. You’ve made a lot of people smile. Let’s just home someone doesn’t pour a beer in it, because they always try.

Photo from Examiner.com

While the event will take place in cities around the world, the heart of it will be in New York City. But people from the Delaware Valley don’t have to travel to the big apple to get their fill of fashion on its biggest night. The King of Prussia Mall as well as stores throughout the city will host several events. 

The busiest and most happening spot in the area seems to be the King of Prussia mall. From 6-11 p.m. several participating stores in the mall will have fall fashion shows, giveaways, discounts, champagne, hors d’ourves and so much more.

 I will be photographing all the festivities and tweeting updates from the events.  Here is a short guide to those visiting the mall tonight for Fashion’s Night Out.

Where to tweet:

Philadelphia doesn’t have its own FNO handle, so the closest city to follow and tweet to is New York @FNOnyc. However, King of Prussia Mall is on twitter and it will have updates on the event @KoP_Mall. 

If you are tweeting about the event and want to follow updates worldwide, use the hash tag #FNO09. If you are tweeting about the event in Philadelphia or at the King of Prussia Mall, use the hash tag #FNOPA09.

Where to shop:

EVERYWHERE! But if you are looking to purchase the Fashion’s Night Out shirt seen on all the stars and models supporting the event, visit Lord and Taylor at the King of Prussia Mall. It may be sold at other stores as well. 

If you would rather purchase a bag to remember the night. Visit American Apparel in the mall.

Where to eat:

Several places in the mall will have wine, champagne and appetizers, such as Anne Fontaine and David Yurman. 

Where to play:

Quite a few stores will host competitions and games. Brooks Brothers has a bow tie contest and Cartier will allow customers to design their own Cartier Marcello bag.

Where to view photos from the event:

On the Courier-Post website later tonight. It’s a shameless plug, but I had to throw it in somewhere.

Happy Shopping!

Instead of protesting with posters and signs, "bike-tivists" used their body to send a message at Philadelphia's first nude bike ride. (Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon)

Color painted bodies speckled the cycling flesh-tone fleet.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Most of the Bikers were happy to be there and be seen despite unusually low Labor Day weekend temperatures.

9/6/09-"Bike-tivists" protest fuel dependency and celebrate the human body at Philadelphia's first naked bike ride. The colorful and bare bike fleet ride four miles through Center City. (Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon 2009) I asked for permission.

Some were not so happy to be photographed.

A nude biker gives me the finger in Center City. (Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon)

Photographing the event, I felt surprisingly comfortable. I guess being surrounded by hundreds of people just letting it all hang out (literally) distracted me from my own insecurities. 

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Of course there were a few awkwardly funny moments. First one came when I dropped my Gary Fong flash diffuser next to a stark naked man in a crowd with little room to move. I went to grab it then thought maybe that’s not such a good idea. Luckily the naked gentleman saw me flustered and picked it up for me with a smile, which was still a little awkward, but I guess there was no easy way out of that situation. Thanks Gary Fong. 

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Second moment, which wasn’t awkward but ideal under the circumstance, came when a naked man painted completely in white body paint with no clothing or baggage anywhere, asked me for my business card so he could email me to receive some photos. I thought no big deal, I do this all the time. Then I handed it to him and cocked my head wondering where exactly he planned to put it. Luckily, he found a piece of hardware on his bike to store it. 

Man who asked for my business card. (Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon)

It was the most interesting event I’ve photographed thus far and I think it went well for the bikers also. Although, I’m sure their discomfort was far greater than any I might have had. (Bike seats? Bare butts? Ouch!)

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

To see more photo from this event, check out my gallery on the Courier-Post website. 

Isaiah Zagar's Magic Gardens in Philadelphia. (Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon)

There Zagar has covered every inch of the lot with mosaics. Patrons walk through mosaic-covered hallways and gardens, up and down stairs while trying to look at every eclectic piece to Zagar’s colorful puzzle. The light aqua green and light pink clay includes action figures that still move, wine bottles that gleam in the sun, plates with inscriptions, smashed mirrors, bicycle wheels and more. Similar to but not nearly as large as as Antonio Gaudi’s Park Guell in Barcelona, Spain, it’s easy to lose yourself in the landscape, but find your reflection in a shattered mirror as you turn the bend. 

Isaiah Zagar's Magic Gardens in Philadelphia. (Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon)

The gardens are open daily and cost $4 for adults, $2 for 6-12 year olds and is free for children 5 and under. Stop in for a brochure of all Zagar’s public work throughout Philadelphia. Here’s a glimpse inside the gardens.

A peak inside the Barnes Foundation. (Photo courtesy of jameswagner.com)

The multi-talented Dr. Albert C. Barnes made his fortune not as an art collector, but as a chemist. Along with German scientist Herman Hille, he developed Argyrol, a silver compound, and co-founded Barnes and Hille firm in 1902. After buying out his partner, Barnes didn’t retire or stick to his lucrative occupation. Instead he studied pschology, philosophy and art from John Dewey’s writings and a seminar at Columbia University. He later collaborated with Dewey who served as the first art education director of the Barnes Foundation. He finally purchased a massive piece of land on Latch’s Lane in Merion in 1922, where his collection as well as arboretum currently reside, and started collecting art not just for its aesthetic or financial value, but to teach others about the great artists of the time and their influences.

Upon entering the estate, my initial reaction was awh based on the property’s size then on the caliber of his collection. Barnes owns not only some of the most prized paintings and sculptures of the art world but also pieces that were made just for him and his house like Henri Matisse 47 by 11-foot mural “The Dance II,” which was specifically painted by Matisse to fit in arches above three windows in one of Barnes’s rooms.

Henri Matisse's "The Dance II" is located at the Barnes Foundation. (Photo courtesy of blogs.princeton.edu)

Some peices in his collection include Matisse’s “Joy of Life,” Paul Cezanne’s “Card Players,” and Vincent van Gough’s “Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin.” Further, the foundation owns several African sculptures, religious panels, American and European metalwork and more.  

At first glance the house and collection is incredible, but it continues to get better with each step you take. I am a stickler for organization and order when it comes to exhibitions. In the past I’ve gotten so caught up with the layout of exhibitions that it actually took away from my focus on the art. I know that’s not always the artistic way and by no means do I know anything about curating, but it’s my personal preference to be able to walk through an entire collection without having to back track or feel confused about which way to go next. In that perspective the tour of this collection was a dream for me.

I purchased the foundation’s audio tour and it led me one from room to the next smoothly with no questions as to where next throughout two floors and hundreds of pieces. I went off track at certain points, but getting back on was simple. 

Further, the layout really gives visitors an education in form, style and color. All the walls except one were designed by Barnes. The tour described individual works of art, but the focus is primarily on an entire wall containing several pieces. In the tour, various guides including Barnes (or someone speaking from what he wrote) explained colors and forms that various artists used and how those works fit together on one wall. By doing this visitors learn how artists influenced each other as well as the evolution of various movements. 

Most of the exhibitions or collections I have seen either included one artists and a few of his inspirations as well as work from those that were inspired by him or a few artists from one particular movement. This collection included an array of movements, artists and mediums.

For instance, on the second floor Barnes placed one of Pablo Picasso’s pre-cubists painting “Acrobat and Young Harlequin,” in one room, then in the next he hung some of Picasso’s cubists pieces including “Head of a Woman,” a study  for “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” alongside African masks. By doing this Barnes really educated visitors about cubism and one of the inspirations that led to Picasso and Georges Braque painting that way.

"Les Demoiselles d'Avignon," hangs at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, but the Barnes foundation has studies for the piece. Notice how the similarities between the women's heads in this painting and the African mask below. (Photo courtesy of moma.org)

Note: I am not sure if this is actually in Barnes's collection. It's just an example. (Photo courtesy of usatoday.com)

In the audio tour, one guide mentioned that Barnes did not exactly agree with cubism. So the fact that he still invested time in it and educates others about it through his collection really exemplifies Barnes appreciation for art and its masters.   

The collection is astounding and visitors will leave with more to say than that was pretty, even if their education in art is minimal. But I still have a some criticism or recommendations. 

First, when I saw Matisse’s “Joy of Life” in a stairwell I wanted to scream. It’s my favorite painting so I expected it to be alone on a centered wall in a large room. Seeing it in a stairwell seemed almost like an insult. Then the guide explained that Barnes just couldn’t find a place to put it with other painting and this was the only wall it could have alone. So that made it alright, because there is very little room on his walls.

Second, I felt there were some artists in the collection, such as Giorgio de Chirico, whose work was overlooked on the audio tour. Barnes had quite a few works that I wanted to learn more about, but the audio tour did not include commentary on it.  

Tickets the see the collection cost $15 per adult. It seemed like there was a large crowd while I was there, but apparently the foundation having financial issues. The board of trustees proposed moving the collection to Center City in Philadelphia in 2003, which is still in the works according to its website.

It would be a shame to see the collection move from where Barnes intended it to be. Barnes designed that house specifically to fit his collection. The house’s architecture and detail is even a work of art. Who knows what would happen to the house and gardens if its collection moved.

But it would also be a shame to see the collection separated, which could happen if the foundation goes bankrupt. I just hope if the foundation does move to Center City, they keep his collection in the order he has it in with all the metal accents etc. Although I can’t think of where the foundation will find a place in Center City as vast as his mansion in Merion. It may be a good idea to visit the collection as soon as you can, while it still exists the way Barnes originally had it, because it really is magnificent.

Me, a Lucille Ball impersonator and my dad with our freshly stomped champagne in a barrel.

My dad and I visited the festival today to stomp grapes with a Lucille Ball impersonator and oodles of other wine enthusiasts.  While he thought I was taking photos I video-taped his stomping, which includes his signature dance moves. Also included in the video is the final touches to the champagne; filtering and corking. 

Before stomping I took some photos of almost ready to be picked grapes as well as different things at the festival. I didn’t have my SLR, but the grapes look beautiful. 

Finally, on the way home we stopped at Penza’s pies at Red Barn Cafe in Hammonton and saw the most beautiful pies I ever laid eyes on.

Needless to say we took one home. The one with lots of fruit risen above all other pies.