You can buy these Wolford tights at Neiman Marcus for $425. They have tiered fringe on the calves. Nothing beats a pair of tights that makes you look like you have luscious long leg hair that flaps in the breeze. If you really want to freak people out, we suggest braiding it and fidgeting frequently. [Neiman Marcus]

Read more posts by Amy Odell

Filed Under: hairy situations, neiman marcus, wolford

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:20 pm

OPEN THREAD: Super Bowl Predictions? (Score And Otherwise?)

Score: Colts 38, Saints 24 (I’d love to see the Saints win, but if I was throwing money on the game, I wouldn’t throw the money at them, literally or otherwise).

MVP: Colts punter Pat McAfee, after successfully landing two punts inside the Saints’ 15 in the first half to set up crucial field position. Him or Manning.

The Who Halftime Setlist:

1) Baba O’Reilly
2) My Generation (cut off after like 30 seconds)
3) Pinball Wizard
4) Won’t Get Fooled Again

Number Of Mentalist Promos: 7

End Of Broadcast: ~3:45 am

Number Of Times The Word “Manning” Is Uttered On CBS Between Noon And Midnight On Sunday: 3

Number Of Times Co-Workers On Monday Say “The Commercials Sucked This Year”: ERR-UNDEFINED

One score prediction and one random Super Bowl prediction — Leave ‘em in the comments.

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:16 pm

HAPPY WEEKEND PANDA POST: Baby Pandas In Panda School

Do we need to even say anything to get you to watch 16 baby pandas going to panda kindergarten?

Watch CBS News Videos Online

ps We would literally gladly kill one of those Chinese men to have the privilege of holding a panda. They should have given pandas out instead of gold medals at the Beijing Olympics for realllll.

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:15 pm

French President Nicolas Sarkozy Slags Off on Obama

In a development that will surely confuse conservative talking heads, who love to paint even the more conservative French as symbols for all that is lefty and wimpy in Europe, French president Nicolas Sarkozy was quoted in a Paris newspaper deriding President Barack Obama. From Politico:

Sarkozy, the piece speculates, got off to a bad start with Obama during last June's visit to Paris, where the French president was displeased by both the "unflattering comparison between the physique" of the two men (Obama is much taller) and by the "adulation of the Bobo left" -- not Sarkozy's base -- for the American. The piece also quotes a Sarkozy advisor, Alain Minc, expressing what it claims is Sarkozy's true view of Obama in Le Parisien: "He's a charmer, a conciliator, but I am not sure that he's a strong leader in a crisis writing."

"Obama has been in power for a year, and he has already lost three special elections," Sarkozy said to reporters. "Me, I have won two legislative elections and the EU election. What can one say I've lost?" This is a seemingly new direction for the relationship between the two leaders. They've seemed very chummy before this. What could have happened? To whom has he been talking lately? We'll probably never know.

Sarko goes negative [Politico]

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: international intrigue, barack obama, foreign relations, france, hillary clinton, nicolas sarkozy, politics

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:15 pm

After Kathryn Bigelow and Robert Rodriguez Pass, the Planet of the Apes Prequel Goes Down the Line

The prequel to Planet of the Apes continues to evolve at Twentieth Century Fox. Insiders tell Vulture that producer and former News Corporation president Peter Chernin has been having trouble interesting the top tier of directors in swinging aboard: He has had discussions with Kathryn Bigelow, Robert Rodriguez, and Tomas Alfredson (who just made the upcoming biopic The Danish Girl, starring Nicole Kidman as the first man to undergo a sex-change operation), but all of them have declined. But Chernin and Fox are so intent on making this movie that they’re progressing right down to the next level of meat-and-potatoes action directors: The tightly controlled script, called Caesar, has now been circulated to Albert and Allen Hughes (The Book of Eli); Pierre Morel (Taken); James McTeigue (Ninja Assassin); Dennis Illiadis (The Last House on the Left), and Scott Stewart (Legion). And Uwe Boll sits at home muttering, "Patience, Uwe, patience ... "

Read more posts by Claude Brodesser-Akner

Filed Under: the industry, kathryn bigelow, movies, planet of the apes, robert rodriguez

Source: Vulture | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:15 pm

My Mother Recaps “The Real Housewives of Orange County”

Last night’s Real Housewives of The O.C. was picture perfect: Rife with drama, intrigue, and idiotic finger tattooing. Things came to a climax as Lynn decided to hold a civilized dinner party with all the HWives, which of course exploded directly in her face like so many over-pumped restylane lips.

As per tradition, I phoned up my dear mother, Judy Collins of Miami, Florida, to get her opinion on the episode. What I found was a woman on the brink of madness, dying to get her various opinions on each and every wife out into the open, via telephone with my ear glued on the other end. I realized the world needed to hear her thoughts. So without her knowing it, I began transcribing her poetic diatribe to share with all of you. Admittedly, I started a few sentences in, but I think you will pretty much get the gist of her attitude by the time you’re done.

So without further ado, here it is: My Mother’s Recap of “The Real Housewives of the O.C.”

“I have a feeling that any cat I’ve had since I’m married is smarter than Lynn. Vicky is right! None of them work. That Gretchen? She started her makeup line last week, all of a sudden she’s working? And go to any dept store — Walgreens — no one is buying makeup. Whose gonna buy it in this economy?

And that Tamra is garbage. The thing with Vicki and her marriage… I told Daddy ‘Look, if I’m going to complain to a girlfriend of mine that my husband is this, that, and the other, I really don’t expect that girlfriend to go back and tell the husband.’” (Ed. Note: I’m sure this is a purely theoretical situation, Dad.)

That was mistake #1. You can maybe give her advice, but what are you telling the husband? #1. They all came in (impersonating) ‘I dont want any drama….’ Vicki from the beginning should not have stood there! Walk away!

I think the producers coax them in these shows… Because I cannot picture Vicky standing in front of this f*cking shmuck Simon and taking it. I think she’s much smarter than that. If this was me…? ‘You know what? I’m not interested.’ Have a drink and chit chat with your husband.”

“And Tamra has to be the lowest of the low. You know what? He deserves Tamra. And the fact that she’s hot? I don’t find that she’s so hot. I think Gretchen is the best looking.

I hate the new girl! (Ed. note: Alexis.) Such a dumb f*ck woman this is not even a joke. Funny enough, her husband doesn’t bother me. Believe me Michelle, 5 more years, they’re not together. 5 years, he’s gonna dump her like a catsh*t. (direct quote) Because within 5 years he’s gonna realize ‘What kind of a f*ckin’ assh*le am I married to?’

And both of them were married before. 5 years, when her lips are going to stretch she’s going to look like Wayland and Madame over there. Did you ever see the ventriloquist? That Madame was the riskiest show, she was like a bitchy old woman, I used to pee laughing. But what a dog ugly — uch! It was a good show though.”

“I like Don. You know what he is like a happy go lucky guy. Vicky has a very poor choice of words — ‘he wasn’t invited.’ You used to come with me to Israel, did I ever say Daddy isn’t invited?

And Lynn! She looks like a deer caught in headlights — ugly!! She looks like a f*ckin’ voodoo doll, I’m dying to put some pins in her. And her husband!! You know who he looks like? Dan Hedaya… Carla’s husband on Cheers. There was a show called Arthur, only lasted a couple of episodes, still today dadddy and I talk about that show, funny is an understatement!! And that guy just looks like Dan Hedaya.”

I ask my mother what she thinks of Lynn’s daughters:

“Michelle, I’m explaining to you that the woman is a vegetable. The daughters probably never got the word discipline — they probably never heard anything clever coming out of that woman’s mouth. Imagine having a mother who never once says anything smart. The girls are brighter than their own mother, and they’re teenagers, of course with all the money, they’re sh*tting on her. But for her to invite the Youthologist — she was 2 years older than them! Im thinking “Your daughter is smarter than you, you dumb fuck!” The fact that she’s showing her breasts? You have an empty head!

Did you ever see Lynn driving her car? You can’t see her ears, she sits so low, and the wheel is so high, and I’m telling daddy “What is she, a fucking midget! Look at where her arms are holding the wheel!!” I’m telling you, Michelle, every time she comes on, I can’t look at her. Her I hate the most.

Then I don’t know who I hate more, Tamra or that mafioso’s wife. Oh Alexis, I’m sure she was born with that name. She was probably born with a name like Harriet and changed it. You know Tikva – remember my friend Tikva? — you know, her original name was Tikva Mooallem – Arab for teacher — so she changed her name. One day, I get a note, “Oh, I changed my name!” I thought oh she changed Mooallem to something more Israeli, like Sharon. So what did she change? Her first name! From Tikva to Segal. It means violet. Segal Mooallem. Then I went back to Israel and when you’re used to calling them Tikva for so many years, it’s funny calling them Segal all of a sudden. Her father was a pharmacist, a very fine family, her parents adored me. And me and her parents were the only people who she allowed to call her Tikva.”

–The End.

Yes, we end on a tangent. Sometimes life works that way.

Tell us what you thought of last night’s episode below, and if you agree or disagree with the rantings of a very fired up woman who should definitely be included on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of North Miami Beach.”

Follow me on Twitter.

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Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:12 pm

HOT FOR 2010: Hair Hats

Lorenzo Riva is an Italian designer with a vision… a vision where everyone’s hair is turned into delectable hair hats. Such as the one on the above left, which looks like it has a delicious cream center, or the one on the right, who you might remember from that very special episode of Star Trek.

Oh yeah, the clothes are pretty beautiful. So if you want to look good this spring, shape your hair into a bowler, put a giant air-conditioning filter round your waste, and break the champagne bottle over your head, because you’re ready to set sail on the high seas of fashion.

Click through the gallery to see what we’re talking about…

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:10 pm

Lloyd Blankfein’s Bonus: $9 Million in Stock, No Cash

According to Goldman Sachs spokes-sasser Lucas van Praag. The stock won't be available for five years, will vest over three, etc.. The point is, Lloyd wins, and now we can all sleep soundly this weekend. Well, except for someone, who just vaulted into the position no one wants to be in right now.

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: business, goldman sachs, jamie dimon, lloyd blankfein, lucas van praag, totally awesome power plays

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:05 pm

Like High School, But With Serious Consequences

"The cool kids in residence at Treasury and the Fed, following Tim Geithner’s curious motto, 'Act fast, deal with the unintended consequences later' bailed out the jocks and geeks and bodybuilders and speed junkies, pledging a sum that by Barry Ritholtz’s estimate exceeds the combined inflation-adjusted costs of the Marshall Plan, the Louisiana Purchase, the Space program, the Savings & Loan Crisis, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, both Iraq Wars and the New Deal."

"Ritholtz doesn’t really fault their decisions, conceding later in a 'naughty child index' that AIG was akin to 'the kid who accidentally stumbles into a biotech warfare lab' and jams his pockets full of unlabeled vials before heading back to the playground. 'History will judge' is the chorus reverberating through the rest. And maybe it will, if enough Andrew Lahdes and Fat Tonys can be lured out of retirement to impress upon this generation of entitled overachievers what vacuous, cowardly and parasitic twerps they all are." Moe Tkacik's definitive parsing of crisis books is finally online. [Baffler]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:04 pm

Vogue’s Newsstand Sales Fell 15 Percent in the Last Half of 2009

Newsstand sales were down nearly across the board for fashion and lifestyle titles in the last half of 2009. Those that took hits include Vogue, with a 15.1 percent drop in single-copy sales; Allure with a 17.2 percent decline; Lucky with an 11.7 percent decline; and Marie Claire with a 14.6 percent decline. Faring better was Elle, sales of which only dropped 0.2 percent. Of course, the economy is mainly to blame for the declines. Many magazines are soothing themselves by holding on to the belief that, well, print is dead, and newsstand sales matter less in the face of many online revolutions, late to the party as theirs may be.

Yet some titles gained, like Harper's Bazaar, with a 0.3 percent increase, and Vanity Fair, with an impressive 5 percent increase, buoyed by strong sales of the August issue with Heath Ledger on the cover. But the titles seeming to fare the best in the women's fashion category are health-oriented magazines, including Health, with an 11.1 increase in newsstand sales, and Women's Health, with a 3.3 percent increase. Just goes to show, no matter how crummy the economy and unemployment is, women will always find resources to pour into not being or getting fat.

Sluggish Sales for Fashion Magazines Persist [WWD]

Read more posts by Amy Odell

Filed Under: eff the recession, allure, elle, harpers bazaar, health, lucky, marie claire, vanity fair, vogue, womens health

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pm

Vulture Introduces ‘Performances of the Week,’ Our Video Look at Truly Great TV

Sure, every day, TV offers us good performances. "Pants on the Ground"? That was good. Everyone in Mad Men getting splattered with lawn-mower blood? That was good. Martha Stewart pretending to be interested in the design concerns of paupers? Always good.

But scientists have determined that in any given week, only five performances qualify as great. So thank goodness for Vulture's new weekly video, "Performances of the Week"! We've told our staff of 600 highly paid TV watchers — their eyelids taped open, their agonized faces bathed in the glow of a giant grid of flickering HD screens — to pick out the five great performances of the last week in TV, from drama to comedy to late night to the furthest reaches of your cable dial. Enjoy.

Today on "Performances of the Week":

Ugly Betty's Vanessa Williams at the Box, impersonating a drag impersonator of Vanessa Williams, and blowing the roof off the joint. [Recap | Full episode]

Late Night's Jimmy Fallon leading a Glee parody.

Friday Night Lights' Michael B. Jordan as Vince, reacting to his bloody showdown with Kennard. [Recap]

Wallace Shawn as Jon Stewart's therapist, helping him through his feelings of impotence after his interview with Bill O'Reilly.

Lost's Terry O'Quinn revealing once and for all that whatever he is, he's Not Locke. [Recap | Full episode]

Read more posts by Dan Kois

Filed Under: performances of the week, jimmy fallon, jon stewart, lost, michael b. jordan, terry o'quinn, tv, vanessa williams, video, wallace shawn

Source: Vulture | 5 Feb 2010 | 3:00 pm

See What Happens When Snooki Gets Booed in Philadelphia

How 'bout that reporter, huh? What she lacks in poise she more than makes up for with condescending nervous panic. Snooks, however, is unflappable.

Read more posts by Edith Zimmerman

Filed Under: tv, booed, clickables, jersey shore, philadelphia, snooki, video, wing contest

Source: Vulture | 5 Feb 2010 | 2:55 pm

The heart-on-sleeve melodies in 'Fanny' soar (AP)

AP - There's nothing like a full-throttle, heart-on-sleeve melody to lift the stodgiest of Broadway musicals.

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment Reviews | 5 Feb 2010 | 2:51 pm

Roughly One Out of Every Ten Chatters on ChatRoulette.com Is a Naked, Masturbating Man

At least, that's what our Sam Anderson found in his examination of the weird, slightly thrilling, somewhat terrifying new stranger chat website. But is it the future of the Internet, or its distant past? [NYM]

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: in the magazine, chatroulette, scary things, strangers, things we didn't even know we were afraid of

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 2:40 pm

Madoff Penthouse Finds a Buyer [Real Estate]

Matt Lauer will soon have a new neighbor: The Wall Street Journal reports that Bernie Madoff's penthouse at 133 East 64th Street has gone into contract. The buyer has yet to be identified and it's unclear how much the apartment went for—it had been listed for $8.9 million—but whoever it is, let's hope he/she performs a thorough home exorcism before moving in. [WSJ]

Source: Cityfile.com - Dailyfile | 5 Feb 2010 | 2:34 pm

Lorenzo Martone Is Working on a Swimwear Collection

Marc Jacobs's fiancé, Lorenzo Martone, recently started a boutique PR company that represents models only, with the aim of turning them into slashes. Turns out, he's the perfect person for the job, because he's turning himself into a slash. Martone is working with Bijules jewelry designer Jules Kim on her debut swimwear line, slated to launch next spring. It's unclear whether Martone is helping with design or just marketing, since our tipster reveals only that Kim is working on the line "in development with" him. So hopefully this doesn't just mean he's planning on forcing his models to wear the suits out on the town in the middle of winter for publicity or something. Though a model-slash winter midriff flaunt would probably draw a camera crew from Inside Edition at the least.

Read more posts by Amy Odell

Filed Under: slashies, bijules, designers, jules kim, lorenzo martone, marc jacobs

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 2:30 pm

Mike Bloomberg Now Deaf Both Literally and Metaphorically [Politicians]

It looks like Mayor Bloomberg wasn't too happy that reporters noticed he was wearing hearing aids the other day. They've since vanished! [NYDN]

Source: Cityfile.com - Dailyfile | 5 Feb 2010 | 2:06 pm

Murder at the Peninsula Hotel

This is incredibly weird and gruesome. On Wednesday afternoon, a woman identified by tabloids as 49-year-old "socialite" Gigi Jordan, a resident of the Trump International Hotel and Towers, checked into Room 1154 of the Peninsula Hotel with her 8-year-old son, Michael Jude. She paid for the room in cash, ordered room service, and didn't emerge again until today, when police carted her off to Bellevue after hotel employees found her son dead, "surrounded by thousands of prescription pills" and Jordan "babbling incoherently." Apparently, Jordan was very distraught over the end of her marriage and had sent an e-mail to relatives in Belgium "signalling that she was threatening to kill herself and the boy," before checking into the hotel. Panicked relatives sent police to her Upper West Side apartment, but apparently, the damage was already done.

Socialite Gigi Jordan slays son, 8, in failed murder-suicide at Manhattan's Peninsula hotel: Police [NYDN]
Boy, 8, allegedly murdered by his mother at swanky Peninsula: cops [NYP]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: crime, gigi jordan, michael jude jordan, peninsula hotel, sad things, socialites

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:56 pm

Ulta’s Makeup Campaign Fails to Feature Makeup; Donna Karan Uses Ugandan Vanilla for Fragrance

HAIR
• Access Hollywood correspondent Nancy O'Dell signed on as the new spokesperson for Rusk and BaByliss Pro hairstyling products. To the right you see an image posted on her personal website of her hair with the styling products, since she says that she's been using them for years. Which makes us wonder, why does her hair look so bad when she's being paid to make it look good? At least now we know where Snooki's pouf went. [StyleList]

MAKEUP
• Ulta released a new campaign to sell its line of cosmetics, and it's a different approach. The model in the ads isn't wearing any makeup, but Ulta offers tutorials and product suggestions online to educate interested customers about how to wear makeup properly. [WWD]

• Giorgio Armani's new spring makeup collection features nude colors with just a touch of pastel in either blue (for cool hues) or pink (for warm hues). [Product Girl]

FRAGRANCE
• Donna Karan announced plans to launch a new fragrance named PureDKNY this July. It's a global affair — the label worked to get vanilla from Uganda, which is used as the scent's central note. Angela Lindvall stars in the campaign. [WWD]

• Stella McCartney will release a limited-edition fragrance necklace that features a silver locket with a rose, peony, and amber scent inside. The item hits Sephora next week for $49. [Beauty Counter/Style.com]

• Anna Sui will release Rock Me! Summer of Love, a follow-up fragrance to her scent from last year, Rock Me! Agyness Deyn stars in the campaign cradling a blue and purple pastel guitar. [Now Smell This]

Read more posts by Sharon Clott

Filed Under: beauty marks, anna sui, beauty, donna karan, fragrance, giorgio armani, hair, makeup, nancy odell, stella mccartney, ulta

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:55 pm

Charges in Jackson case expected Monday

Dr. Conrad Murray's plans to surrender, and what charges may be brought, are in flux.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:53 pm

Trash Bag Purses at Hefty Prices [Ridiculous]

A couple of years ago, a photo of a fake Louis Vuitton garbage bag made the rounds. It looks like the company took the suggestion to heart. Louis Vuitton is now selling a purse made out of a trash bag. And it costs $1,960. [Refinery 29]

Source: Cityfile.com - Dailyfile | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:52 pm

Madoff Penthouse Goes Into Contract

The penthouse formerly belonging to Bernard and Ruth Madoff is finally in contract, reports the Journal. Originally listed for $9.9 million, and later reduced to $8.9 million, it's being sold at an undisclosed price to an anonymous buyer. If you can't remember what the Umber Alcazar looked like, you may want to take a tour through our slideshow (from back when the Madoffs' oddly plain furniture was still in place). Located on two floors of 133 East 64th Street, the property has three bedrooms and a wraparound terrace.

It's the second Madoff property to be sold by the government in order to reimburse victims of his Ponzi scheme, after his Montauk beach house, which was sold for $9.41 million in September. That house was sold for above asking price (and it wasn't for the décor), but the Madoffs' 8,800-square-foot Palm Beach mansion is still on the market, and like the Manhattan property, its price has been chopped over a million dollars to $7.25 million. Some Wall Street big swinging dick needs to come in and seal the deal on that last one. After all this time, Madoff's victims — and let's face it, the property itself — really deserve it.

Madoff’s Penthouse Goes Into Contract [WSJ]

Read more posts by Chris Rovzar

Filed Under: made-off, ballsy crimes, bernard madoff, real estate, vu.

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:50 pm

Prosecutors Won't File Jackson Death Case Until Monday

Despite Murray's  plans to surrender Friday, prosecutors announced no charges would be filed until Monday.

Source: FOXNews.com | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:37 pm

Snooki Booed in Philly… And the “Jersey Shore” Backlash Begins

It goes without saying that Jersey Shore is one of the greatest gifts to be delivered to us in this post Y2K era. It was perfect television: A bunch of Italian/other breeded morons who lived to tan and f*ck lived in a house to have their lives taped. No one knew the success the show would become, and the characters’ delicious self-unawareness was a television miracle. The show came out, was a giant success, and lo and behold, our beloved Jersey gnomes were bona fide celebrities.

And with celebrity comes the inevitable: Overexposure. Everywhere you turned, there they were: Snooki on talk shows, Paulie D giving makeovers, J-Woww giving her… opinions. It seemed that the only place The Situation wasn’t asked to appear was Wolf Blitzer’s The Situation Room (a concept noted by beloved comedian Rob Huebel). One would be correct in saying the cast was overexposed , and seeing as their set to come back for a second season (which will clearly not be anywhere near as pure as season 1), they won’t be going away anytime soon.

So the following footage you are about to see was inevitable. We’re just surprised it took so long. Here is Snooki, appearing at The Wing Bowl (the perfect pairing, dare we say) in Philadelphia, where she gets booed. Adorable Little Snickers: BOOED. The backlash… IT HAS BEGUN.

Also, we’re not entirely sure, but we’re pretty sure she punches a chicken in the face at :06.

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video.

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Follow BWEtv on Twitter.

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:31 pm

Sanford tell-all revealing

Hell hath no fury like a political wife scorned. That point is driven home in Jenny Sanford's new memoir about husband Mark.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:31 pm

Shoppers Eschew Olsenboye Section at JCPenney

The Olsens' JCPenney line, Olsenboye, went up for sale online this week, but only hit physical sales floors this morning. We swung by the Herald Square store to check out the mayhem (there was none!) and try on the clothes this morning (itchy!). One look at the display confirmed that this line isn't exactly an affordable alternative to The Row. Unlike the Olsens' previous flirty and pretty collections for their Elizabeth & James line, Olsenboye had a distinct American Eagle–meets-Mandee vibe.

The Olsenboye region of the store marked perhaps the highest concentration of plaid and peace signs outside of Lilith Fair. The line is comprised of about twenty pieces, including dresses, skirts, capris, and white bike shorts with lace trim. Most of the T-shirts are belly shirts.

Cintra Wilson's comments about the size selection at Penney's may have been controversial, but also perhaps not entirely inaccurate. Despite no one but us really shopping the section, there were few smalls on the racks, which mostly held mediums and larges, with a handful of extra-larges. Everything was wrinkled despite a salesgirl's constant efforts to make sure the clothes hung neatly. Almost every Olsenboye piece is a cotton-polyester blend, of varying percentages. We tried a few things on and each felt itchy. Except the belly shirt. (And just so you know, we wore a shirt from Forever 21 today, so it's not like our standards are enormously high here.)

Despite the large number of customers for 10 a.m., no one was peeking around the Olsenboye section, maybe because of the prices, which are a little high compared to the rest of the store. Olsenboye dresses are $44 (other brands are around $30), T-shirts are $26 (compared to $7.99 to $9.99), and button-down shirts are $36 (compared to $17.99). Or maybe it's the in-store marketing: The twins' faces weren't on a single label, photo, or promotion in the store, which is strange considering they toured the city personally in a cupcake truck to promote the line. The strategy might work for a label like Elizabeth and James or The Row, but if they want to sell Olsenboye, they may have to have to sell themselves too.

Olsenboye [Official site]
Related: See More of the Olsens’ JCPenney Line

Read more posts by Alexandra Martell

Filed Under: olsenboye, first looks, jcpenney, olsens

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:25 pm

George Christy Takes You Inside Clive Davis' Grammy Party

See what you missed from music's biggest bash

Source: FOXNews.com | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:22 pm

Clarkson vocal on Taylor Swift

Kelly Clarkson has weighed in on the Taylor Swift controversy after Swift's record label CEO criticized "American Idol."
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:20 pm

Report: Howard Stern tapped to replace Simon Cowell on 'American Idol' - Los Angeles Times

E! Online (blog)

Report: Howard Stern tapped to replace Simon Cowell on 'American Idol' Los Angeles Times Shock jock Howard Stern has been offered Simon Cowell's seat on the "American Idol" dais, a new report says. The New York Post's Page Six claims that Stern is in negotiations to replace the critical Brit in 2011 when his Sirius XM contract expires. ... Howard Stern: The king of all 'Idol'?USA Today People: Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell?San Jose Mercury News POLL: Is Howard Stern Right for American Idol?People Magazine The Detroit News -PopEater -Entertainment Weekly all 164 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:09 pm

Taylor Swift Backlash Redux: Fans And Foes Fight It Out - MTV.com

New York Daily News

Taylor Swift Backlash Redux: Fans And Foes Fight It Out MTV.com At some point, this all has to end, right? All week long, MTV News and our very vocal readers have been talking about the so-called "Taylor Swift Backlash," which started after her performance — and subsequent Album of the Year win ... Billboard singles reviews: Taylor Swift, Gil Scott-HeronReuters Kelly Clarkson slams Taylor Swift's boss for 'Idol' dissUSA Today Kelly Clarkson slams Taylor Swift's managementBBC News Bend Bulletin -New York Daily News -CNN all 734 news articles »

Source: Entertainment - Google News | 5 Feb 2010 | 1:01 pm

Japanese Shoppers Freaked Out by Singing, Dancing, Shirtless Staff at Tokyo Abercrombie

Abercrombie opened a flagship in Tokyo in December. A line of 1,000 had formed by the time the store opened at 11 a.m., as Japanese customers crowded the entryway to take cell-phone snaps of the front door and signage. Though rugby styles are hugely popular in Japan right now, enthusiasm may be waning for the store, which Business of Fashion reports is deeply flawed. Its problems are as follows:

1. The Tokyo Abercrombie's prices are double the chain's American prices, which are high enough. Abercrombie probably figures they can get away with charging a lot more than their competitors (like American Eagle) here, because they offer fun bonuses for shopping in the store. Such as the shirtless male models and scantily clad female models running around trying to smile at you and make you feel awkward. But that doesn't work in Tokyo, which brings us to No. 2.

2. Japanese customers don't want to see chiseled, bare pectorals. Despite the awkwardness for even American customers, it's always fun to mosey into Abercrombie and giggle and pretend like you're not looking when you really are (and then walk out without buying anything, of course). But Japanese customers have different cultural values. Business of Fashion reports:

[M]any of the male staff members have their chests exposed. Sex appeal may be a big part of the brand’s charm in the United States, but this particular masculine ideal of a “ripped chest” is completely out of sync with current Japanese fashion culture and the constant presence of half-naked men is off-putting to the Japanese customer — especially when crammed into tight spaces like elevators.

4. The staff is mostly American, forcing Japanese customers to awkwardly speak English with them. Speaking to someone whose nipples are exposed in a sea of clothed people is strange enough without trying to do so in a foreign tongue.

5. The salespeople act like buffoons:

The staff also fails to follow widely recognized principles of Japanese politeness. They are boisterous and many sing and dance along with the songs piped through the Ginza store, making the relatively cramped sales space feel even more claustrophobic for consumers.

6. The store reeks of cologne, which is piped through the ventilation system. However, the Japanese are averse to cologne and perfume. Business of Fashion says the stench is so bad in the Tokyo Abercrombie, you smell for days after.

In Tokyo, Abercrombie Misses Its Mark [Business of Fashion]

Read more posts by Amy Odell

Filed Under: this store may be screwed, abercrombie

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 12:50 pm

Bank Rules Topless Miranda Kerr Photos Safe for Work

David Kiely, the Macquarie Bank employee whose "Oh crap" face became a worldwide YouTube sensation after a television crew filming on the bank's Sydney trading floor captured him looking at topless pictures on his work computer, "will remain an employee," the bank said in a statement today. It is unknown whether the web campaign or the plea from the model herself had any bearing on the decision, or if they merely figured it was the only way to shut people up. Either way, this is clearly a landmark ruling, one that workers everywhere can point to when caught ogling naked pictures in the office. In fact, we may look at some right now!

Macquarie Bank says trader will not lose job over near-nude photos [Guardian UK via Dealbreaker]

Read more posts by Jessica Pressler

Filed Under: justice, david kiely, freedom, miranda kerr

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 12:44 pm

Dominic Carter Out of Jail, Eleven Days Early

After serving nineteen days in a Rockland County jail for attempted assault, former NY1 newsman Dominic Carter was released earlier this week. In a statement to New York, Carter — who is the subject of a feature story in next week’s issue of the magazine — said he was happy to put distance between himself and the upstate facility. “This is all behind me now,” he said. “I'm writing a new chapter in my life.”

Carter stood trial last year on charges that he beat his wife, Marilyn Carter, at their family home in Pomona, 40 miles north of the city. His wife did not cooperate with the prosecution, and Carter was acquitted of the assault charge. But Judge Arnold P. Etelson convicted him of a lesser crime: attempted assault. When Carter returned for sentencing last month, Etelson ordered him jailed for 30 days. He ordered Carter to attend domestic-violence classes for one year, and mandated psychiatric treatment. In addition, he issued a separation order for two years, apparently hoping to end the Carters’ troubled marriage. “Someday, you both will thank me,” he told the couple at the time.

Carter became a free man last Tuesday, eleven days early. According to his new attorney, Julia P. Kuan, who is preparing an appeal in the case, his sentence was reduced based on his good behavior behind bars. “I'm very sorry for what my family has been through, as well as to the television viewers, some of whom wrote me letters during the last three weeks,” Carter told New York. “I'm looking forward to jump starting my career in the immediate future." Barred from returning to his suburban home, Carter is currently staying with relatives in the city.

Related: The Rise and Fall of Former NY1 Anchor Dominic Carter [NYM]

Read more posts by David France

Filed Under: in other news, courts, crime, dominic carter, jail, media, ny1

Source: Daily Intel | 5 Feb 2010 | 12:40 pm

Stemme returns to Metropolitan Opera (AP)

AP - Nina Stemme returned to the Metropolitan Opera for the first time since her debut run nearly a decade ago, and sang a radiant performance in a charming revival of Strauss' "Ariadne auf Naxos."

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment Reviews | 5 Feb 2010 | 12:22 pm

Reader Look Book: The Haute DIY Knit

As Fashion Week draws increasingly near, we are increasingly hungry for style — particularly as it relates to you, dear reader! Our Reader Look Book is ever-growing, and we're loving the submissions. We had to give props to the reader at right, who's showing off a Rodarte-inspired skirt that she knit herself — DIY always deserves a shout-out (Lord knows we couldn't knit something wearable to save our lives). But what about you, fashionable friend? Show us the best of your sartorial genius, and let us praise you for your good work! To upload your own snapshot, click the "submit" button. Or, to see submissions thus far, click on the thumbnails below.

Need more explicit instruction on how to use the tool? Go here.

Read more posts by Jessica Coen

Filed Under: reader look book,

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 12:20 pm

Music Review: Sade returns with beauty and mystery (AP)

AP - Like a long-ago lover not quite forgotten, Sade has returned to steal our hearts with more beautiful, uncategorizable music.

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment Reviews | 5 Feb 2010 | 12:04 pm

This Weekend’s Events and Sales: Dunderdon Prices Start at $10; Cupcakes and Cocktails at Dalaga

EVENTS
TOMORROW
• Dalaga is offering 10 percent off all jewelry to celebrate the launch of its new online boutique. Swing by the store for vodka cocktails and cupcakes from Kumquat Cupcakery. 150 Franklin St., nr. Greenpoint Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-389-4049); S (noon–9).

SUNDAY
• Score discounts on beauty and hair treatments and donate to a good cause during P.S. 107 Day at Antonio Prieto Salon. All proceeds from the fund-raiser will benefit the P.S. 107 PTA. Antonio haircuts are $100 (originally $200), single-process color is $50 (originally $100), and a half-head of highlights is $90 (originally $185). 127 W. 20th St., nr. Sixth Ave. (212-255-3741); Su (11–6).

SALES
ENDING TOMORROW
• Sheets, accessories, and robes are 40 to 90 percent off at D. Porthault's White Sale. Sale merchandise includes the brand's signature florals and prints, as well as archival prints. Queen bed sets are $700 (originally $1,400) and shams are $100 (originally $250). 470 Park Ave., at 58th St. (212-688-1660); M–F (10–6).

ENDING SUNDAY
• Jackets, pants, dresses, button-downs, sweaters, and accessories for men and women are $10 to $80 at the Dunderdon sample sale. 25 Howard St., nr. Crosby St. (212-226-4040); F (5–8), S (noon–7), Su (1–7).

• Fall/winter merchandise from Sonia Rykiel, Vanessa Bruno, Orla Kiely, and more is up to 70 percent off at Kisan. The Sonia Rykiel black striped sweater is $117 (originally $390), the Tsumori Chisato cotton coat is $295 (originally $980), and the Farmers' Market Kross gray sweater is $76.50 (originally $255). 125 Greene St., nr. Prince St. (212-475-2470); M–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

• Receive discounts on jewelry from Anna Sheffield during her weekend sale. 153 Lafayette St., nr. Grand St., fourth fl. (212-925-7010); Th (5–8), F (3–8), S–Su (1–8).

• Samples, one-of-a-kind items, and vintage oddities are up to 80 percent off at Hayden-Harnett's spring-cleaning warehouse and studio sale. Greenpoint: 211 Franklin St., at Freeman St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn (718-349-2247); T–F (noon–8), S–Su (11–8). Nolita: 253 Elizabeth St., nr. Houston St. (212-334-2247); daily (noon–8).

• Solid-colored pleated shirts, skirts, pants, and dresses are 40 to 60 percent off at the Pleats Please Issey Miyake sale. The three-quarter-sleeve shirt is $82.50 (originally $165), the sleeveless pleated dress is $147.50 (originally $295), and the lightweight spring coat is $530 (originally $1,060). Various coats are 50 percent off. 128 Wooster St., at Prince St. (212-226-3600); F–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

• Fall/winter merchandise by Tsumori Chisato, Mociun, and more is up to 70 percent off at Honey in the Rough's clearance sale. 161 Rivington St., nr. Clinton St. (212-228-6415); M–S (noon–8), Su (noon–7).

• Past-season items are up to 90 percent off and current-season merch is up to 70 percent off at Phi's closing sale. 71 Greene St., nr. Spring St. (212-966-0076); M–S (11–7), Su (noon–6).

• Prices on dresses, tops, scarves, and handbags start at $15 at the Callalilai sample sale. 827 Broadway, nr. 12th St. (212-477-7377); daily (11–8).

STARTING MONDAY
• Receive 10 percent off your entire purchase — including makeup, skin-care products, and fragrances — when you mention the Valentine's Day sale at Woodley & Bunny. Through 2/14. 196 N. 10th St., at Driggs Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-218-6588); M–F (10–9), S (9–8), Su (11–7).

• Full-price jewelry from Giles & Brother, Wendy Nichol, Etten Eller, Wendy Mink, and more is 10 percent off at Bird. Through 2/14. Various locations. M–F (noon–8), S (noon–7), Su (noon–6).

• Samples and past-season pieces are $100 or less at the Tucker sample sale. In addition, Crumley jewelry is $60 to $150 and K* shoes are $60 to $70. Through 2/9. 413 W. 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave., Ste. 403 (212-938-0811); M (11–7), T (8–7).

• Clothing and accessories from Orla Kiely, Erickson Beamon, Kova & T, and more are up to 90 percent off at the Showroom Seven spring sample sale. The Orla Kiely classic shoulder bag is $104 (originally $200), the Erickson Beamon quartz, jet, and tiger eye Lock & Key necklace is $372 (originally $930), and dark-wash denim jeans from Kova & T are $20 (originally $160). Through 2/19. 263 Eleventh Ave., nr. 28th St., third fl. (646-395-8023); M–S (10–7).

Read more posts by Lauren Murrow

Filed Under: fashion calendar, sales, shopping

Source: The Cut | 5 Feb 2010 | 11:55 am

Exclusive: 'Betty' boss spills some beans

Talk about deadline pressure. ABC's decision to not only cancel "Ugly Betty" but to reduce the show's episode order from 22 to 20 has left producers racing to tie up four years' worth of story lines in just a handful of episodes.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 5 Feb 2010 | 11:40 am

There’s No Better Way To Convey A Message Online Than A Chorus Of Mad Grandmas

Leaving the Tim Tebow abortion commercial controversy aside, I think we can all agree: Using a chorus of singing grandmas to convey messages is damn effective. I’m talking, like, propeller plane that goes by the beach effective.

It’s like watching a Spencer Gifts birthday card come to life:

(via Everywhere)

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 10:57 am

30 ROCK: Liz’s Surveillance Tape Slightly Backfires

Last night’s 30 Rock was standardly excellent (despite another glaring lack of Tracy Morgan, who might’ve been busy with this sketch), highlighted by the following clip of Liz triumphantly revealing her surveillance footage of Frank to the writers, thinking she’d caught him smoking.

You knew the surveillance video wasn’t gonna be Judah Friedlander smoking cigarettes. You didn’t know this would be airing on a primetime NBC show:

My reaction? The same as Michael Scott’s upon seeing Christian Slater:

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 10:26 am

The Government of Western Australia's Department of Culture and the Arts

One of Australasia's richest literary prizes was scrapped Friday after the resource-rich state of West Australia said it was a waste of money.
Source: RSS feed - channel BNImagesEnter | 5 Feb 2010 | 10:20 am

Capsule reviews of 'The Whale' and other books (AP)

AP - "The Whale: In Search of the Giants of the Sea" (HarperCollins, 453 pages, $27.99), by Philip Hoare:

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment Reviews | 5 Feb 2010 | 10:08 am

VIDEO: David Hyde Pierce Raps “Boom Boom Pow”, Even Black Eyed Peas Wince

It’s just that, rapping is an activity most commonly associated with persons of the African-American persuasion, and to be of Caucasian descent and to attempt it, and for captured moving images of this occurrence to be placed on the world wide web, it’s just… this would be unexpected and awkward, would it not?

- James J. Internet, March 1993




(via Videogum)

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 9:32 am

Lindsay Lohan’s Clothes Hoarding Will Briefly Distract You From Her Nostril Hoarding

Before we begin, we would just like to take the time to thank The Insider for hiring Niecy Nash as one of their main correspondents. She is above and beyond funny and likable, and we’re happy she’s got a regular home on our televisions.

That being said: How cruel of you, The Insider, to send our beloved Niecy into the woven lair of clothes hoarder and walking case of the sads Lindsay Lohan, who could build a red-soled guest house out of the spare Louboutins she has laying around. The show wants you to believe that Lindsay Lohan is a real life hoarder. We’ll tell you how we know she ISN’T: Niecy did not find a single flat cat or flat rat under any of her many boxes. Flat cats = call A&E. No flat cats = She’s spoiled and probably high and too lazy to clean.

And to imagine: All those clothes laying around and Lindsay couldn’t even put a pair of pants on. Lindsay should donate these items to charity ASAP, if only for the hilarious reenactment of one of our favorite scenes in Coming to America… “Let them wear our princely robes…”

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Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 9:14 am

Therapy teaches that incest is never consensual

In her memoir, "High on Arrival," actress Mackenzie Phillips revealed details of her incestuous relationship with her father, which she called "consensual."
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 5 Feb 2010 | 8:53 am

Manhattan’s Not Quite As Dangerous As It Once Was

Remember the image (reality) of 80s Manhattan as a murderous, prostitute-filled cesspool? It’s made some progress:

If I had seen this image of Sesame Street Live characters renaming 31st Street “Sesame Street” and dancing around back in 1989, I would’ve been positive I was about to be murdered in some impossibly sadistic way. I’m actually still pretty sure it’s gonna happen.

More pics of Sesame Street 30th Anniversary Street Celebration in the gallery below. No murders (visible ones):

Source: Best Week Ever | 5 Feb 2010 | 8:47 am

Charlie Sheen's SUV Reportedly Stolen, Crashed in Ravine

Police say Sheen reported the vehicle stolen early Friday morning.

Source: FOXNews.com | 5 Feb 2010 | 8:12 am

Lawyer: Michael Jackson's Doctor Will Surrender Friday

Dr. Conrad Murray's spokeswoman says he will arrive at court this afternoon.

Source: FOXNews.com | 5 Feb 2010 | 7:59 am

Review: Action tramples all in 'Paris'

Just in time for Valentine's Day: a John Travolta shoot-'em-up that makes the City of Love look like a bad day in Baghdad.
Source: CNN.com - Entertainment | 5 Feb 2010 | 7:53 am

Hollywood Hoping for a New Orleans Super Bowl Victory

They may be thousands of miles away, but it seems the majority of Hollywood is rooting for New Orleans.

Source: FOXNews.com | 5 Feb 2010 | 6:57 am

`Voodoo Histories' takes on conspiracy theories (AP)

AP - "Voodoo Histories: The Role of the Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History" (Riverhead, 400 pages, $26.95), by David Aaronovitch: Did you hear the real story? The Sept. 11 attacks were orchestrated by the U.S. government. President Franklin D. Roosevelt knew the Japanese would attack Pearl Harbor. Princess Diana was assassinated. The Catholic Church is covering up evidence of Jesus' family.

Source: Yahoo! News: Entertainment Reviews | 5 Feb 2010 | 6:49 am

'Jersey Shore' is new style inspiration for some (AP)

AP - Hair gel and hair extensions, tanning and True Religion jeans, Ed Hardy T-shirts and eyebrow threading. It's fashion, "Jersey Shore"-style.

Source: Yahoo! News: Fashion News | 5 Feb 2010 | 4:50 am