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!’

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.

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!

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!

As someone who has tried her hand at designing only to realize, as I’m sure many have before me, that those who can, design, those who can’t, become editors, I have a real appreciation for young, up-and-coming designers. Which is why I am thrilled Project Runway is back. In the spirit of tanorexic Blayne, it promises to be fabulicious.

I’m a nostalgic kind of girl, so was happier than Carrie Bradshaw at a Manolo sample sale that the first test of designer mettle was a replay of season one’s now famous Gristedes challenge (I still have visions of that Austin Scarlett corn husk number – now that’s what I call a real Field of Dreams).

And yes, while Stella’s trash bag travesty (which I could totally see Marilyn Manson’s next child bride wearing down the aisle by the way) and Jerry’s Singing in the Rain Without My Meds ensemble weren’t as inspired as I, and I’m sure they, would have liked them to be, my socks (okay, tights) were knocked off by Daniel’s molded cup concoction. I say if you can make plastic look posh then you have my vote any day.

I’m also keen on the quirky, so am not afraid to admit that I really dug Korto’s yellow, produce-embellished frock.

Like Heidi, Nina, Michael and Austin, I too was impressed by winner Kelli’s artful A-line and brilliant treatment of coffee filters and vacuum cleaner bags. I’d try to do the same with my vacuum cleaner bags, but I realize that’s impossible. Not only because I lack this skill, but also because my vacuum is a Roomba.

But I digress.

Despite a few runway misses, season five promises to be full of good old fashion reality TV-filled drama and inane-but-you-know-you-love-them coined phrases ending with “licious,” but most importantly, truly innovative minds (and hands), which, let’s face it, is the reason we’ll all be tuning in again and again.

Well, that and to see just how nuclear Blayne can get.

Until we meet on the Runway again!

Kelly Lee
Editor-in-Chief
BussBuss.com
The Online Shopping Bible.