As fans of NBC’s Lipstick Jungle we were anxiously awaiting this challenge when Brooke Shields would be the guest judge. We knew the challenge would be workplace related but we could not have guessed the reward would be so rich. Having a garment  you designed worn by Brooke Shields for a prime-time show… that’s huge!

We must admit that the pairings were interesting. First, there’s Keith who picks Kenley, whom he openly admits is headstrong and hopes that she’ll just be quiet and sew. Doubtful. Then, there’s Terri who so far seems very serious pairing with Suede who is anything but serious. Then there’s Jerell, who is one of the most vocal about how he feels paired with Stella who cannot get past her distinct point of view                     (i.e., leather). Blayne and Leanne have to be one of the oddest however with over-the-top personality and Leanne’s understated demeanor.

Having watched the show none of the designs seemed like anything Wendy Healy would wear. Although the show is a little sexy  Wendy is very chic and more conservative. We were honestly surprised that she even picked Keith’s design. It had a little more flair than we’re used to seeing her in. We certainly didn’t pick it out as the winner.

Despite our initial skepticism, Kenley’s prodding and Keith’s innovation reigned supreme as they impressed the judges including Brooke and won the challenge. Kelli’s design which seemed most like something Wendy would wear and the one we figured would be a front runner totally fell short on the runway. We feel like this is due to poor construction and lack of attention to detail. Who can forget Daniel saying he didn’t care because it wasn’t his design? Korto and Joe’s design was chic and elegant and actually came together quite nicely. As did Jerell and Stella’s design. Luckily, the only leather on their dress was the belt. Terri’s design, which we liked, was just ho-hum on the runway and certainly doesn’t fit the character profile. Last but not least we have to talk about Blayne and Leanne. This look was totally Blayne all the way. Leanne tried to pull it together and encourage him to streamline the look, however nothing could help the fact this was a shorts and blazer look.

All in all we love the idea for the challenge and hope they do more TV-inspired fashion for future seasons.  Let us know who your favorite  design duo was and why.  Place your bid in the auction and ‘make it work!’

We love when two of our favorite things are paired, which is why when we found out that Lipstick Jungle’s Brooke Shields would be the guest judge on tonight’s episode ‘Welcome to the Jungle‘ we were thrilled! Obviously we L-O-V-E Project Runway but we totally heart Lipstick Jungle too. Between the animal prints, killer stilettos, and bold jewelry the show is a downright fashion smorgasbord!

Speaking of fashionable pairings, tonight’s episode where the designers are asked to make a workplace look inspired by the hit show will be a group challenge! Cue the drama. We all know that this always calls for one member of the team  to throw the other under the buss to save themselves.

Don’t miss tonight’s episode- and place your last minute bids for your piece of Olympic inspired fashion. Bid now!

Let’s face it, some of the designs created out of the challenges are not things you can wear off the runway. Lettuce neckline anyone?  The accessories the models wear from the Bluefly accessories wall however are the exception. From patent pumps, metallic clutches, to embellished cuffs the accessories really add drama to the pieces.

We love the red  Maryjane patent pumps that Emily’s model Leslie wore in Episode 502: Grass is Always Greener. They work with Emily’s gray, white and navy swingy cocktail dress and are on-trend for fall. This style is one that will go the extra mile with your fall wardrobe. Wear it with a basic sheath dress for the perfect pop of color at the office, or make a statement by pairing it with a print piece.

Wristlets and clutches are another trend we saw the designers add to their runway looks. Our favorites: the oversized black croc clutch Terri’s model Xaviera carried plus the mint colored wristlet Kelli’s model Germaine carried in Episode 502,  and the metallic gold clutch Joe’s model Topacio carried in Episode 503: Bright Lights/Big City.  All three of these looks are great for day or night, working as easily with a pair of skinny jeans as they do with a cocktail dress.

The last runway trend we continue to see is bold bracelets. Large colorful bracelets were seen on  Jerell’s model Alex , Daniel’s model Elena, and Blayne’s model Polina in Episode 501:Let’s Start From the Beginning and again in Episode 502 on Nicole,  Korto’s model Katarina wore stacked bracelets in Episode 502, and statement cuffs graced the wrists of  Leanne’s model Karalyn.

Since trends change so often accessories are the best way to update your look. Adding a great pair of heels or a  clutch can instantly make an old dress new again and save you from being bored with your closet.  Visit Bluefly for your perfect fall shoes and accessories-and shop Heidi Klum’s jewelry collection for great earrings and cuffs.

Unless you’ve been living in a cave you are probably well aware that the 2008 Olympics starts this weekend in China. So it’s only appropriate that this week’s challenge be about the Olympics. As soon as they entered the stadium with Apollo Ohno I knew that this challenge was no joke. As Tim announced that they would be following in the vein of Ralph Lauren and were to create a design for the althletes to wear for the opening ceremony for the games I could see the designers getting excited.

This was short lived. Once in the workroom many of the designers fell to pieces. From those like Jennifer and Daniel who refused to create something sporty and insisted on creating pieces with their distinct point of view, to those who didn’t grasp the concept like Jerell and Stella this challenge raised stress and added additional tension to the competition. Some of the designs were ridiculous. Korto, Terri and Joe rose to the occasion being some of the few who actually made a sporty garment and incoporated all three colors into their design.

It was rather shocking that this challenge was so hard. It seems that people vying to be the next great American designer would just ‘get it’. This challenge was about each designers perspective on America and American athleticism and the designs should have reflected that. I don’t see any athletic element to a cocktail dress or a swing skirt ? Do you? This was a chance to do what Michael has asked repeatedly and that is to go further. Think outside the box and create something for our “superheroes” as Michael so aptly called them.

Let’s hope they get their act together for next week when they will be creating a  design  for the working woman inspired by one TV’s most fashionable shows; Lipstick Jungle! We can’t wait.

I am feeling rather inspired with this the upcoming Olympic Opening Ceremony this Friday and I was pleased to see Project Runway was too! This week the designers had to create a design for the Olympian “red carpet” in the Rings of Glory challenge. Last night I got to peek at the designs in person and now I’m bringing you the inside information.

The gold medalist this week was Korto with her chic pants and vest. This outfit was fabulous on the runway; I also liked her modern take on traditional warm-ups. Korto created high-waisted, white linen pants with cuffs. Although I was surprised by her choice of fabric, they were really well made with flattering seams. Her scoop neck tank was a simple silk fabric. The highlight of outfit was the leather vest with the black and red color inlays. This leather was extremely tactile, soft like butter. Even better, Korto’s outfit is wearable for many different occasions and you seem to agree judging by the auction progress. Think this outfit would inspire you to be the next great Olympian? Then make sure you bid on it in this week’s auction.

Just shy of a gold medal, Terri was in the top three again this week with her Americana suit. Terri’s inspiration clearly came from vintage America, with it’s classic silhouette. The crisp white pants were a nice compliment to the blue and red pinstripe blazer. Both garments were well executed with attention to detail–I personally liked the navy and red stripe down the left leg. The tube top was interesting: it was red, white and blue thick elastic strips sewn together. While to top was tiny and stiff in person, it looked good on the runway. Lastly, Terri added a touch of trend with her summery red and white stripe scarf, the perfect accessory for a classic suit. If vintage and class are you style, make sure you bid on Terri’s design in our auction.

Joe rounded out the Olympian triad with this his USA-inspired track jacket and skort. I was glad to see Joe get some attention this week as he had just been creeping along without notice. The skort was a fresh idea for the runway–shorts with a skirt front. Joe used a traditional track jacket, but made the outfit his own with his USA lettering and blue and red striping. The effect of the color blocking made the design look fresh, athletic, and classic–just perfect for the Olympics. Overall, I thought Joe’s garment was well made and finished. Want a runway original that will get you in the spirit for the Olympics? Make sure you bid on Joe’s design and you’ll be set to cheer on Team USA in style.

Jennifer just wasn’t up to Olympic standards this week and her sweater and skirt were grounds for elimination. Jennifer’s design was matronly and classic (like always). I did like her gold and cream striped high-waisted a-line skirt, but not with the sweater. The sweater just didn’t seem appropriate for the Olympics, but I will give her props for working with a challenging knit. Overall, Jennifer’s execution was decent for the runway but awful in person–the seams weren’t clean and the gold decorations were sloppily glued on the sweater. Jennifer’s design wasn’t fit for the Olympics, but the skirt would be just darling with a puffy sleeve blouse, so make sure you get your bid in.

Another Olympic hopeful this week was Jerell, but his design felt more Kentucky Derby disaster to me. Oh that hat! While it was well made with complimenting fabrics, it just didn’t fit into the Olympian ideology. The blouse was decently excecuted with the puffy sleeves and open neckline; however, the high-waisted skirt was thin and unimpressive. Overall, each of Jerell’s pieces were interesting, but the cumulative effect was too much for the runway. He should probably consider a more minimalist design for next week or we will be saying auf wiedersehen to him soon! However, if excessive accessories are your style, make sure you bid on his design in our auction.

Our last Olympic hopeful this week was Daniel with his purple and red dress. Personally, there was nothing patriotic about this dress; it more screamed Red Hat Society to me. Daniel’s dress was simple and not really Olympic inspiring. It was decently made with good seams, but he used white thread! The one major execution flaw was the zipper, which did not lay flat at all. I did, however, love the adorable red buttons down the front of the dress. Daniel’s dress was not welcome on the Olympic runway, but it would be cute for a morning brunch, so make sure you place your bid in the auction.

Project Runway has been inspired by the Olympics and if you are feeling that way too, make sure you bid on your favorite Olympic inspired design in this week’s auction!

In honor of the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Olympics this Friday, the designers were challenged to create a warmup look for the Olympian’s version of the red carpet. Korto won with her sleek white warmups. The judges thought her high-waisted pants and mini vest had what it took to make the cut. If you thought another designer should have won the gold, don’t worry because you can always bid on your favorite Olympic look in our Episode 504 Auction. And make sure you watch the 2008 Olympics starting this Friday!

And, stay tuned for a closer look at this week’s designs tomorrow… we have them all in the office right now!

The judges thought Kenley had what it took to win last week’s Bright Lights/Big City challenge and apparently, so do you! Our auction is getting haute: Kenley’s fabulous ode to the 80’s minidress has jumped to the lead with a current bid of over $500 and quickly mounting. Currently, there is a bidding faceoff between “laney” and “ggarvin.” Who do you think will come out  highest bidder? Or will someone else slink in and take the cake? Make sure you keep bidding on your favorite design so you can own a Project Runway original!

As you know, ProjectRunway.com is the source for everything you ever wanted to know about Project Runway. With the season quickly progressing, I’m sure you are starting to wonder how all the designers were selected, where they came from, and their backgrounds. Don’t fret, as we are bringing you the cast’s audition videos where you can see their previous designs, learn about their inspirations, and peek into their eccentric and creative personalities. Our audition videos give you an inside look at each designer.

Make sure you watch Kenley’s audition video. She’s one of my favorite designers–I just love her retro, 40’s inspired style and witty personality. She says, “I want to bring back to the fashion world hope, beauty, and real glam.” Kenley, honey, I am with you! What woman doesn’t need a fabulous wardrobe that makes her feel demurely sexy and glamorous?

If you are like me and just adore Blayne (disagree all you want, but there is something about his quirky colorful personality), make sure you watch his video. In his video he says, “I want to inspire people that inspire me.” While his portfolio is eccentric and imaginative (I want to know who inspired his parachute-leg jumpsuit…), you have to love his heartfelt passion for designing.

Another fan favorite is Daniel’s video. While I marvel at his well-executed animal inspirations, I think the random birds flitting about his sewing machine may be a bit to extreme for my taste. However, to each his own.

Lastly, make sure you check out Stella’s audition tape. “I hammer, I bang, I snap, I grommet, I paint, I distress…” she says. Yes, we know, and all on “leathuh” too. In her video, Stella expresses that she wants to jump outside her box and do more. Do you think we’ll see that this season?

All of your favorite designer’s audition videos are posted, so make sure you watch them to get an inside look at thier design aesthetic and personality.

I couldn’t wait to get a look at the Bright Lights/Big City designs from last week’s episode when they came into our office; and most of them didn’t disappoint me. Here’s the skinny on the best and the worst from last week’s challenge.

Kenley was the winner with her ode to the 80’s mini dress. She took a fashion risk when designing this outfit, but I just loved it. The dress was well executed–a mini dress with three quarter sleeves, mock turtleneck, puffy shoulders, and a bubble skirt. All of the hems were well finished and the zipper laid flat. I especially loved the fuschia and purple ombred tulle she used to offset her asymmetrical skirt hem. While her bright green floral print fabric looked fabulous on the runway, it looked a bit like a doctor’s office couch in person. Nonetheless, it was obvious that Kenley’s creativity and execution deserved the win. Currently, Kenley’s dress is doing well in the auction, so don’t miss out on your chance to have a fabulous throwback to the 80s dress.

Although Kenley ended up with the win, I thought Leanne’s separates might be the ones to beat! From an abstract picture, Leanne created a tiered skrit and simple blouse that were elegant, creative and wearable. She used basic black with charcoal grey tiers in the skirt. The sewing was among the best I saw–finished hems, flat seams, and overall polish. Leanne also paid attention to details, with the tiers at the blouse neckline and across the back of the skirt. Right now, Leanne’s design is leading the auction with a bid of over $300! If you think this outfit would like divine in your wardrobe (and trust me, it would), then makes sure you place your bid today!

Terri rounded out the top three last week with her multicolored, backless mini dress and black pants. When I saw her design in person, I just loved it–it was playful, sexy, and classy. I especially liked the sleeves on the dress with the layers of colors at the cuff and baggy fit. She also made a pair of fabulous, fitted satin pants with a boot cut. Her execution was finished and polished. Terri’s design stood out on the runway to me because it was a fresh take on the dress and a new look for the Big City (and don’t forget the fabulous, fiesty sunglasses!). Make sure you love Terri in our auction and bid on her dress/pants design.

And now for the worst. Emily’s LBD with the bold ruffles didn’t make the cut this week. Her light and energy photograph was inspiring and her idea had potential, but it was poorly executed. Emily’s basic little black dress was well sewn with obre trim, but the ruffles were messy. First, most of them weren’t finished, so they were starting to fray. Second, they were poorly placed across the dress and didn’t flatter the model (and models look good in most anything!). However, Emily’s dress isn’t at the bottom of the auction, so you must like it; don’t forget to place your bid on her dress.

Although Emily got the boot, I’m surprised Jennifer’s matronly frock didn’t have us saying auf wierdersehen to her this week! I’m sorry, but not only was this dress boring and nunnish, it was poorly executed. Jennifer created a simple black and white dress with long sleeves and a three-tier ruffle skirt. While the dress looked okay on the runway, the sewing was not appealing in person. The belt hid her messy waist seam (see above), the tiers were uneven, and her whip stitching wasn’t attractive. Jennifer tried to add intricate details to her dress like the piano key sleeves and sheer keyhole on the back, but it didn’t do her justice. Right now, Jennifer’s dress is one of the the lowest in the auction, but her faithful “gojengo” fan is once again the highest bidder. Think you love Jennifer more? Then make sure you bid on her dress in the auction.

Keith was the last among the bottom three this week with his ratty magazine inspired dress. Being a magazine junkie, I adored his picture (it was so intimate and unique), but the dress didn’t pan out like I had hoped it would. However, I will admit the dress is better in person that it was on the runway. Keith had a basic slip dress which he adored with little 2×2 squares of printed fabric. It was a unique idea, but it would’ve been better if the dress had more of a shape and more intense, darker colors. The one downfall were the twisted messy straps–that might have been intentional as a literal translation of the inspiration picture, but it didn’t help his design any. Keith’s design is at the lower end of the auction, but I bet with a belt and little personality, this dress would be a great addition to your wardrobe.

That is the down and dirty on the designs from last week’s Bright Lights/Big City challenge. Make sure you place your bid on your favorite going out outfit before this week’s episode!

So here’s the deal. We know you like having the dirty details on the designs from Project Runway and we like bringing them to you. However, we’re pretty much over episode 501, so here is a quick overview of the designs from Emily, Joe, Kenley, Korto, Stella, and Suede. Starting Monday, we are going to bring you the scoop on the 503 garments: hello Bright Lights/Big City!

Emily used a lace tablecloth (boring!) as the basis for her dress, however, she also used tissue paper, balloons, and a cut up children’s outdoor play ball to create a fabulous high collar. The collar was very intricate with tissue paper roses, brightly colored balloons, and the green ball. After traveling it did look a little tired. The construction of the dress was mediocre–it was finished, but wasn’t outstanding.

Next, I took a look at Joe’s design–a gourmet inspired halter and skirt. This skirt was incredibly heavy–I might even venture to say it weighed more than the model! The pasta design was unique and well executed as was the halter. Joe kept everything simple and clean, opting for lace-up closures. From something that could’ve been juvenille (remember pasta art circa kindergarten?), Joe managed to create something that wall well constructed, playful, and not another tablecloth dress.

Next, I took a look at Kenley’s garment–which I absolutely adored. Kenley created her corset-style bodice out of a kickball and a plastic tablecloth. It was lined in muslin and even boned, with the skirt fabric. Her skirt was made from lawn chair mesh fabric (same as Jerell) and had a creative, voluminous shape; it was also lined with the muslin and tablecloth. Overall, Kenley’s outfit had impeccable construction. Her dress did second best in the auction–meaning you like her too.

While I thought Korto’s garment was very grecian and flowing on the runway, it seemed rather frumpy in person. Although it was made out of a paper tablecloth, the dress was mostly well executed–it was lined and Korto had good detailing on the sleeves and belt. However, the bottom hem and back were unfinished and pinned together. Sadly, we didn’t get the vegetable scarf, but it was probably a good thing, as it would’ve been moldly by now! However, the veggies did leave their mark on the dress (see above).

I’m not going to sugarcoat this–I didn’t like Stella’s urban-inspired trashbag dress at all. It was long, unappealing and didn’t have a shape. She did take the time to double everything up and sew a good whip stitch along the panels. This design was also more than risque–it had to be taped to the model to prevent overexposure! This design was last in our auction, so Stella might want to rethink her rock’n'roll urban aesthetic.

Lastly, I looked a Suede’s dress–yet another tablecloth dress (augh). His strapless dress was well made and he did add detailing with the metallic tissue paper squares and ruffles. I also like the back of the dress–with the small oval openings along the back. The execution was good on this dress and it did well in the auction. Fashionista just wishes Suede would stop annoyingly referring to hisself in third person!

Now you have all the dirty details on the garments from the first challenge. Make sure you bid on your favorite design in the auction this week and I’ll be bringing you those details on Monday!