Showing up in the latest beauty, jewelry and fashion accessories, Runway Ready has noticed that green seems to be the most coveted color of the season. For Fall 2009, classical reds, avant-garde blacks, deep violets and navies will still be en vogue. However, the trendiest nail color for this fall will be… Green!

Jade, pine, mint and olive are the dominating laquer shades. This unusual trend was seen at Vena Cava, Valentino, Paul Smith, Doo.Ri, and Chanel.

Jade Nail Polish by Chanel

Fabulous news for nail polish lovers – Chanel released a limited-edition of a patent jade nail polish (number 407) in October.

Peter Philips, Chanel’s creative director of makeup said: “Karl [Lagerfeld] wanted a green tint which would resonate with the jade-colored notes of the collection. A palette of ten different shades of green was shown to the designer, who picked the one that most resembled a tweed suit from the collection.”

Regardless of the type – pastel, neon and jewel, green nail polish is still a pretty difficult trend to wear. It requires short, well-groomed nails which make even the craziest shades look subtle. It looks like many celebrities are slow to jump on fall’s trendiest color, but 90210’s AnnaLynne McCord and Rihanna both dare to wear green nails.

By Mary Salmon

If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon at mary.salmon@gmail.com about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

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The vegan and eco-friendly fashion and accessories boutique Alternative Outfitters has read your holiday list and checked it twice. Stocked with fashionable and fabulous goods for women and men at recessionista-friendly prices, it’s a great place to shop this season. From faux wool coats to must-have pleather purses and faux suede boots, Alternative Outfitters is the place to shop for the eco-minded, green-thinking, and vegan friends on your list!

Here’s a sneak peak at some of their offerings:

Black Vintage Style Vegan Hat With Flower: Here’s a retro 1930’s style vegan hat to keep you looking fashionable all season long! This lovely hat is adorned with a fabric rose and petals on the side, and is accented by a series of cross stitching along the top and around the brim; one size fits all, $36.

Black Knit Vegan Floral Beanie Cap: You’ll just fall in love with this retro boho crocheted beanie cap this winter! It’s soft, stretchy, snugly and accented with a lovely knit rose and rose buds on the side, and will keep your head feeling nice and warm all season long; one size fits all, $25.

Pictured above on the left is the BB Dakota Golan Forest Green Plush Faux Wool Jacket. This darling vegan coat is sure to keep you all snuggled up with its super soft faux wool exterior and would make a great addition to any fall or winter wardrobe. Features include forest green faux wool exterior with a button down front, a trim waistline, button tab cuffs, two button tab flap pockets, and a removable hoodie; $62.

On the right we have the BB Dakota Kava Black Pleather Jacket: You’re born to be wild when you wear this hip pleather jacket from the BB Dakota Jack line. Featuring black distressed faux leather exterior with zip down front, four small front pockets, this light weight jacket will keep you warm while looking cool, $75.

Shiraleah Marilyn Black Faux Snake Skin Satchel: This black faux snake skin satchel is spacious and chic, making it great for the office and out on the town. Features include heavy duty black patent pleather faux snake skin exterior, gold accents, three separate compartments and two cell pouches; $78.

Black Narrow Faux Wool Knit Scarf: This knit scarf is so soft, you never want to take it off! Not only will it keep you warm and cozy all winter long,  it’s classy enough to wear with most semi-formal attire; 6″ wide x 80″ long, 100% acrylic, $26.

I saved my favorites for last…

Don’t you adore the brown boots on the left? They are the Brown Faux Suede Wedge Boots. These hip faux suede wedge slouch boots are a must have this fall and winter season. They are extremely comfy with a thick interior padding. These fashionable boots will keep your legs feeling nice and warm. Features include a soft faux suede outer, a padded interior, slightly cushioned footbed, 3″ wedge, and a man-made rubber sole; $48.

Pictured above on the right are the (also adorable) Zulu Charcoal Grey Faux Suede Slouch Boots. Who said vegan boots can’t be chic? Pull these on over some fitted leggings and you are sure to be noticed at the holiday parties. Features include a soft faux suede exterior, a comfortable padded interior to keep your legs nice and warm, and a man-made sole; $48. These are great prices!

By Mary Salmon

If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon at mary.salmon@gmail.com about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

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In the following video clip, Chelsea Handler (aka Chelsea Lately) shares her feelings about free speech and Carrie Prejean, who is currently promoting her book, Still Standing, on any network willing to give her airtime.

Prejean recently told Christianity Today that she doesn’t “think there’s anything wrong with getting breast implants as a Christian. I don’t see anywhere in the Bible where it says you shouldn’t get breast implants.” Prejean, who was stripped of her Miss California crown in June, had filed suit against pageant officials claiming religious discrimination. 

She revealed that she opposed gay marriage, during the Q&A portion of the Miss USA pageant, in a question asked by Perez Hilton, an openly gay celebrity blogger; he proceeded to excoriate Prejean on his Web site, and suggested her answer might have cost her the Miss USA title. I tend to agree.

Officials say they relieved her of the title for failure to attend contractually-obligated appearances. In addition to accusing her of failing to repay $5200 for the breast augmentation, their counter-suit alleged Prejean broke her contract and lied about semi-nude photos.

“We’re so glad to be back in the business of beauty and out of the litigious system that is Carrie Prejean,” Keith Lewis, of K2 Productions, told the Daily News. “It’s wonderful to put this behind us.”

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By Mary Salmon

If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon at mary.salmon@gmail.com about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

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I like that  is a brand new store that just opened in downtown Portsmouth, across from the Portsmouth Brewery, at 31 Market Street. They sell cute, funny, and stylish tee’s, tanks, shorts, PJ’s and more by David & Goliath. Here are a few examples: 

Here’s a peek at the store layout:

Keep reading Runway Ready for more information, as I’m hoping to follow up this post with a more in-depth interview with the owners about their new store. Until then, the next time you are in downtown Portsmouth, pop into I like that , and I bet you’ll find a few great gift items, as well as something you will want for yourself. I want those pink pajamas in the photo. This will be a great new place to buy comfy & fun clothing. Let me know what you think after you check it out.

By Mary Salmon

 If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon at mary.salmon@gmail.com about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

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The inspirations for the designs were as follows: Carol Hannah – Palm Beach; Irina – Aspen; Christopher – Santa Fe; Gordana – New York; Nicholas – Greece; Logan – Hollywood; Althea – San Tropez.

Designs by: (L-R) Carol Hannah, Irina, & Gordana

Although I had been pulling for Christopher all along, the only designer without a degree or formal design training, this challenge proved disastrous for him. His inspiration was Santa Fe, but what he created was, as he admitted himself, more Little House on the Prairie. I think Althea said it best when she said, “If Christopher can put that garment down the runway and not get eliminated, then I don’t know what’s going on.”

Designs by: (L-R) Nicolas, Christopher, & Logan

Irina’s “sexy, rich snow-bunny” caramel design isn’t really my style, but when I saw it on the runway, I did really like the sexy cut-out back and how the look came together as a whole. Thinking about wearing this design did make me want to sip champagne in a ski lodge, and Irina really did an amazing job stretching her $150 budget to create three pieces. Even though she isn’t very nice, she is a great designer. She won this challenge; Gordana and Carol Hannah also placed in the top three. The surprise was that Christopher was not eliminated. Instead, it was Nicolas who was sent home. I wasn’t crazy for many of Nicolas’ designs, so this decision did not break my heart, but I expected the judges to let him through to the next round.

And then there were six…

Last week’s episode, entitled The Best of the Best, featured guest judges were Project Runway alumnus Nick Verreos and model Kerry Washington. Nina Garcia was back again, but Michael Kors was MIA. The designers were challenged to create a companion piece for their best looks, which they did not select for themselves.  

Designs by: (L-R) Irina, Althea, & Carol Hannah

Althea was incredibly annoyed that Logan was copying one of her previous looks. Meanwhile, Irina felt that Althea was copying her Aspen look with her oversized, comfortable top. Irina actually tried to accuse Althea of copying her right on the runway, so it was nice to see Althea defend herself and take the win. Irina is a tough one to want to root for, despite her talent; I guess that’s what makes the competition fun to watch. Carol Hannah’s short, black cocktail dress with pockets was adorable, and also could have easily won. Heidi pointed out that she, Nina, or Kerry would all be able to wear that dress.

Christopher’s dress “throwing up another dress,” to use Irina’s description, was somehow deemed superior by the judges to Logan’s zippery, sort of futuristic design. Gordana also landed in the bottom three in this challenge; the judges felt her look was boring, something you would wear if you didn’t want to be noticed.

Designs by: (L-R) Gordana, Christopher, & Logan

There’s a pretty good chance that it will be Gordana or Christopher that we will say goodbye to next week, and it looks (at least in my mind) like our top three designers are all women at this point in the season: Irina, Carol Hannah, & Althea. Maybe we’ll have one good catfight yet…

By Mary Salmon

(Sixth in a series about Project Runway, Season Six)

If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon at mary.salmon@gmail.com about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!
 

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It’s no secret that I adore Katy Perry’s music, as well as her style. Check out this collaboration between Katy Perry and the electro-pop duo 3OH!3 in the new video for Starstrukk below. I love this song, but I will be honest, I had never heard it or of 3OH!3 before this remix. (Had any of you?) I say it’s a damn smart career move on their part; Katy’s vocals are fabulous, her facial expressions are beyond adorable, and the video is not only fun, but also a chance to admire Katy’s amazing body in two sexy dresses; I’d never be able to pull off that hot pink & black rubber dress -- I’m guessing that it’s rubber, but I’m pretty sure I’m right. I tried a rubber dress on once at the High Street Kensington market in London; I suddenly regret not buying it. I’ll warn you that this song is super catchy. Maybe my connection is slow tonight, but I was having a little trouble with the streaming of this video. If this happens to you, just let the video play through, and then on the second play, there shouldn’t be any issues. 

I can’t help but notice that the lyrics of this song would be very appropriate for a wronged girlfriend to sing for their ex. Katy has been dating Russell Brand, of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and he isn’t exactly known for his monogamous ways. “Everyone knows you don’t date Russell Brand seriously,” said Georgina Baillie, who is one of Brand’s ex-girlfriends, in an interview with Life & Style magazine. Then there’s Katy’s ex, Travis McCoy, who claims that deep down Katy is a goodie two-shoes and Russell will get bored.

The 3OH!3 gentlemen sing about “tight jeans,” “see through tops,” and “double DDs,” while angry women charge towards them. Katy joins in to sing, “… ’cause I just set them up to knock them down… I think I should know how to make love to something innocent without leaving my fingerprints.” She also sings, while writhing in a fountain in that rubber dress, “That type of sh*t just don’t work with me. Don’t take it personally, ’cause we were never in love. It doesn’t really matter who you say you are, singing out the window of your car. Go find another girl across the bar, ’cause L.O.V.E’s not what this was.”

Katy Perry & Russell Brand in Paris, Visiting Jim Morrison's Grave

Rumor has it that Katy & Russell are flat-hunting in London, house-hunting in LA, and happy as ever together, so maybe it’s just coincidental, but making this video for an ex would be a great way to say you’re over him! After meeting backstage at the MTV Music Awards, Russell reportedly wooed Perry by writing a poem in her honor and asked if she would do the same. Instead, Katy -- you have to love this woman -- sent him a picture of herself with the word ‘poem’ written across her chest. That’s my girl.

By Mary Salmon

If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon at mary.salmon@gmail.com about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!
 

Follow Runway Ready on Twitter @Runway_Ready

The beginning of Season Two gave all of the fans who love Chuck and Blair together what they had been waiting for - these two finally admitted they loved each other and started a serious relationship (that has lasted longer than I thought would), but it looks like Blair may have just ruined things by lying to Chuck in her efforts to be chosen to make the “Freshman Toast,” at NYU on last Monday’s episode. Now she’s uninvited to Chuck’s big opening! (I bet she crashes the party…)

Chuck Bass

Here is a preview of the next episode that was posted on Perez Hilton.com (’cause he’s a shameless self-promoter, something I do respect and admire, and his name is dropped in this clip; there’s actually even a shot of his website in the scene). Here is the link to the video: Bassness -- Perez.

Tomorrow night’s episode of Gossip Girl will bring the opening night of Chuck’s new hotel & club. Meanwhile, Little J’s relationship with Eric suffers as a result of her playing into her role as queen, trying to rule the school. Here’s sneak peek: Queen J -- Bassness Preview What do you think - can Little J really pull off those fishnets? Judge for yourselves:

Little J - New Queen

Don’t forget to watch this new episode at 9pm tmorrow night, 10/26, on the CW. I just found another great sneak peak! How to Succeed in Bassness Preview It looks like Dan’s relationship with Olivia Burke (Hilary Duff) is about to hit a bumpy patch.

In other upcoming news, Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) will be making an appearance on Gossip Girl this season. She has said, “I’m beyond obsessed with that show.” Posh (she’ll always be Posh to me) is another high-profile guest star this season; we’ve already seen Tory Burch, Tyra Banks, Hilary Duff, and Sonic Youth, and rumor has it that we’ll also be seeing Lady Gaga performing her new song on the show. I don’t know if Posh will play herself or someone else.

Victoria Beckham - Spicing Up This Season of Gossip Girl

By Mary Salmon

This is the first challenge where the winner will not receive immunity, and there will be no more immunity for the remainder of the season. The designs pictured below (Left – Right) are by Althea, the wining design by Carol Hannah, and my personal favorite by Nicholas. These were the three designs the judges were most impressed with. Christina commented that Nicholas’ design would be perfect for running and dancing around the stage. She also said she loved the way Carol Hannah’s elegant design would hug her curves and said she could picture herself wearing it.

The bottom three designs were by (pictured below left – right) Shirin, Logan, and Christopher. It was Shirin, who clearly did not fully grasp this challenge, who was voted off. Of the bottom three, I didn’t think Logan’s design was horrible, and Christina said she appreciated that he took a risk.

Christopher was one of my favorites at the start of the season, but he is slowly losing my vote. Althea and Irina are both really talented, but it’s hard to root for Irina, as she is not the most pleasant person in the bunch; that most upbeat person may actually be Althea – it’s easy to pull for her. I have not fully made up my mind about Carol Hannah, but she is certainly still in the running to make it to the final three. Nicholas has come a long way, but I’m really hot and cold with him from challenge to challenge. I guess what this means is that it’s a good season that could bring some surprises – and actually already has – there are many designers who have been voted off before I thought it was their time. Epperson comes to mind, for one.
This Thursday night on Lifetime Michael Kors will return, and the preview for the new episode, below, does not reveal much about the challenge, but it does show us that there will be increasing tensions between the designers.

This last video is silly & just for fun, but fellow Tim Gunn fans should get a kick out of it!

Fifth in a series about Project Runway, Season Six by Mary Salmon
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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

It doesn’t stop at Halloween. JibJab has a video for whatever the occasion may be. They even keep your Facebook friends birthdays on the page for you – another super fun way to never forget.
Here’s another cool video I think you’ll appreciate from the fine folks at JibJab Media, whose online political satire was among the first to go viral on the Web.
Titled “He’s Barack Obama,” the two-minute video premiered June 19 in front of the president himself at the 65th annual Radio and Television Correspondents Dinner in Washington.

Say you need a costume? Let Runway Ready guide you.
I get right into dressing up for a good party, parade and, yes, on occasion a little adult trick or treating. OK, I have no shame, but I’m always having fun.
In the past I’ve dressed like a few celebrities – Madonna, Gun N’ Roses lead guitarist Slash – and I spooked a few friends with my rendition of GI Jane one year. Y’know, looking back I should have never listened to my friends who told me I looked like Demi Moore; I’m pretty sure bald isn’t a good look for me.
Anyway, you can go Gaga, if you dare.

With a penchant for thigh-high boots, leotards (sans bottoms) and eyebrow-raising accessories, Lady Gaga is made for Halloween. We shopped the city to create costumes inspired by the House of Gaga.
Source: nymag.com
And here’s an Ultimate List of Celebrity Costume Ideas for Halloween 2009 by Darrin Atkins. These celebrity Halloween costumes should be a big hit in 2009.
People are always fascinated by Hollywood celebrities. This Halloween, you’re likely to see more celebrity costumes than ever before because many famous stars passed away this year. There are some great ideas for a celebrity costume for Halloween.

By Debbie Breneman
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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

This is exciting news. One of our very own Runway Ready readers, Jessica Miller of Buffalo, N.Y., has not only entered Lifetime’s contest to be a new model strutting down the catwalk on upcoming seasons of “Project Runway” and “Models of the Runway,” but she has made it to the third round!!! PLACE YOUR VOTE FOR JESSICA BEFORE OCTOBER 30 – That’s when Round Three ends.
Aspiring models have entered the Models of the Runway Casting Challenge, created profiles and are competing for a spot on the show! By signing up and collecting votes, entrants of the Casting Challenge get closer everyday for their chance to experience the drama, anxiety, joys and frustrations the models themselves face each week on the show. The five finalists will also be awarded $1,000 each.
At the end of Round Three, the top three entrants with the most votes along with two “wild card” users chosen by the show producers and Lifetime will move onto the final round making up the Five Finalists. Jessica is one of 50 girls left in round three, and she could use our help and support to get to the top three so she can advance to the final round. You can check out Jessica’s entry & vote here.

In the final round, the Five Finalists will be announced! In this round, vote counts will again go back to zero but with a twist! (It wouldn’t be a “challenge” with a twist right?) The vote count for the Top Five will be a “blind” vote count and hidden to users and contestants. This makes for excitement when the winner of the Models of the Runway Casting Challenge will be announced. Round Four, the final round, will take place from Saturday, October 31 through Sunday, November 8.
When Jessica introduced herself in round one, she said, “I have wanted to model professionally since I was young, just like a lot of girls. I think this would be such a great opportunity. I feel I have a nice height and look to make it. I just need to be given that chance. This would be a dream come true and change my life. I would love to gain the experience.” She also has videos posted on her profile page, so you can get to know her a little better, before placing your vote.
Describing her dream runway walk? Jessica said, “I would say any runway basically! haha I think it would be nice to have it in on a beach, maybe model some swimwear, but my DREAM RUNWAY WALK would be a Victoria’s Secret Fashion show! If I was in a Victoria’s Secret Fashion show, I would want it to take place in NYC or LA, of course. I would love for the background music to be up beat and at a faster pace. I think just being in the show is enough, getting to work with all the other wonderful models. What celebrities would be in the front row? It wouldn’t matter too much to me but it would be nice to see the Olsen twins, Gerard Butler, Jessica Simpson, and The Kardashian family. After this show my name would be out there and hopefully agents would see me and I would get more offers to walk other shows! That would be my dream runway walk and dream come true.”
Here are some of Jessica’s favorite quotes:
“The dreams in your heart are only previews of your future. Hold fast to them…never let them go till they are here.”
“Disregard the hype; if popular opinion says one thing, do the complete opposite.”
“Progress always involves risk; you can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first”
The winner of the final round will be selected by show producers based on weighted scores of each of the five remaining contestants. These scores will consist of 60% judges score and 40% public voting. Let’s lend our support to Jessica & help get her on the next season of Models of the Runway!

By Mary Salmon
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If you would like to have your store or products featured on Runway Ready, please email Mary Salmon or Deb Breneman about your business, sales, and events. Happy Shopping!

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