Once you get a taste of “BITTEN Sarah Jessica Parker,” you will want to go back for seconds! Among the celebrity clothing lines that are popping up throughout affordable retails stores (such as Vera Wang at Kohl’s, Isaac Mizrahi at Target, and Roberto Cavalli’s new collection at H&M), BITTEN proves to be a bit different. Pricing on all items fit into the range of $19.98 or less!

Featured at Steve & Barry’s chains throughout the U.S., the goal of this wonderful retail store and Sarah Jessica Parker, the celebrity designer, is to give customers the ability to purchase fashionable clothing, minus a large price tag. Parker’s catchphrase says it all, “Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right.” Agreed!

Previously a shop for men’s casual clothes, Steve & Barry’s first real launch into women’s clothing is with BITTEN. Other famous females who have recently followed Parker’s lead and joined the Steve & Barry’s team include Amanda Bynes with her line “Dear” and Venus Williams with “EleVen.”

Aside from the amazing prices, Parker has taken into account that not all women are the same size, tailoring the clothing to fit differing body types. BITTEN features sizes XS-XXL in tops, bottoms ranging from 0-22, and sizes 5-11 in shoes. Infusing her personal style into her line, this star has developed a multitude of pieces, some of which include outerwear, sweaters, suit separates, jeans, lingerie, bags, accessories, footwear, and much more.

My co-worker and fellow Beauty Chat gal, Andrea (“Dre”), is the resident Steve & Barry’s expert here in the office. Dre has visited the store and purchased some hot trends from a few of their lines. Here’s what she had to say about her BITTEN jeans and Dear t-shirt: “The jeans are comfortable and great for casual wear, or you can dress them up for a night out.  The tee is comfortable as well and goes great with the jeans.  I would definitely recommend both clothing lines!”

 Sarah Jessica Parker is a busy woman these days! With her perfumes “Covet” and “Lovely,” a “Sex in The City” reunion, this clothing line, and her recent appearance on “Project Runway” a few weeks ago, she seems to be dabbling in a bit of everything. And lucky for us, we can all enjoy these endeavors. To shop for her wallet-friendly, deliciously attractive line, check for Steve & Barry’s locations, and get BITTEN!

Check out this recent YouTube video featuring her line:

[video]http://youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1hWLTQtMQ[/video]

P.S.…You can still purchase the dress/vest duo designed by Project Runway’s Victorya, I just saw it at my local Steve & Barry’s last weekend — the Ontario Mills in the Inland Empire. The pieces look adorable worn together or separately!

~ Leeann 

Finally! After what seemed like an eternity, Project Runway is back from its break and sweeter than ever. We caught up with the designers for, what I feel, was their most interesting assignment of the season thus far — designing with candy and/or candy paraphernalia. Here’s how it all went down:

Everyone was sent to the Hershey’s store in New York and given five minutes to grab anything that they felt would make their outfit stand out. With no budget, the designers ravaged the store, grabbing all that they could get their sticky little fingers on…for better or worse.

Back at the design studio, Jillian found out the hard way why she was the only one who selected actual pieces of candy, to create her look. Because it is nearly impossibly to get edible accessories to cooperate! While the other designers used materials such as pillows, stuffed animals, and candy wrappers, she chose to work with Twizzlers.

Despite the fact that she was stressed out beyond belief, Jillian “made it work” and sent a yummy creation down the runway. Because she pushed herself in a way that no one else did (and created a wonderful dress), she deserves a ton of credit.

This week was pretty successful for the designers. I thought most of the pieces shown were delicious, and I still cannot pick my personal favorite. Rami was ultimately selected as the winner with a futuristic approach to candy-inspired clothing.

And for the ousted contestant…Elisa. Just when I started to understand the lady, she loses the challenge. For those of you who missed the last episode, we got to peek into a tragic event that took place in Elisa’s life a few years back while she was in London with her T-shirt line. Hit by a car (she was a pedestrian), her skull was cracked open almost 4 inches, putting her in a coma for five days. Project Runway was Elisa’s attempt to get back into the business.

Despite such a sad story, it was her time to go and she left the runway with extreme grace and poise. Kudos to the good attitude Elisa!

So, as Kit pointed out last night, season 4 is at the half-way mark. I can’t believe it! How do you feel this round of Project Runway has stacked up?

~ Leeann

Photo Credits:  http://www.bravo.tv.com
 

I apologize for the absence of my Project Runway summaries, I just recently returned from my trip to the wonderful Riviera Maya (look for my blog about it later this week!). Now I’m back in full force, and here’s the scoop on Episodes 3, 4, and 5:

                                                (Tiki Barber)

Episode 3 featured semi-recently retired New York Giants football player Tiki Barber as the guest judge. Now a correspondent for NBC, he is asking the Project Runway contestants to design menswear that is appropriate for his position as a television reporter.

A difficult task for the designers, since they are far more accustomed to dressing women, many struggle to produce a runway-worthy style. In fact, Carmen couldn’t even finish her design — sending her model in front of the judges without a shirt. This, inevitably led to her dismissal from the show. On the other hand, Jack did very well, designing a pinstriped outfit that Tiki selected as his favorite.

The following week (Episode 4) the designers were given a “blast from the past,” and instructed to revamp a style from a previous decade. After each of the cast mates selected an outfit that they felt they could modernize, they were then told to split off into groups of three. These partnerships were to make a cohesive collection using the three of their styles.

Well, the group containing Ricky and Victoryia was anything but cohesive, ultimately leading to Ricky’s spot in the bottom two, alongside Chris. Neither of their designs were too impressive, but the judges felt that Chris’s was the worst of the two and sent him packing. Ricky is safe for another week (this wasn’t his first time on the chopping block). The winner was Jillian, who updated overalls in a sassy way.

                     (Chris gets sent home…but is it for good?)

Finally, on to Episode 5, originally airing on Wednesday, December 12. The models last week were women who have lost significant amounts of weight, and their old clothing were the basis of the designs. Using their favorite outfits from the past, the designers were challenged to transform the over-sized items into better-fitting, stylish pieces.

Just when the episode is about to get good, things change…for the worse. Jack, the fun-loving, drama-free designer who won top design on Episode 3 is forced to remove himself from the competition. An infection of the face proves to be dangerous (he is HIV positive). In order to get well, he must leave the show to receive medical attention.

This was definitely an emotional time for all; Jack, the other designers, and the viewers. Since there was a model without someone to create clothing for them, Chris is asked to join the show again and given a second chance.

The biggest design difficulty this episode was felt by Steve. He was to transform a wedding dress into something that his model could wear day to day. Despite receiving help from Kevin and Victorya, it wasn’t enough to keep him around. While we said goodbye to Steve, it was a big congratulations to Christian (the fan favorite of the season).

So, now that we’re all caught up, how does everyone feel about the season?

I know that my co-workers have definitely been enjoying the episodes thus far. Here is a little bit of what they had to say during a Project Runway e-mail conversation in the office…

Chuck: “I was so crying when Jack had to leave. Ohh but I heard a juicy rumor about Jack !!!!!! I read an outzonetv.com interview with Jack and it seems that he is kind of dating Dale from another Bravo show – Top Chef. Juicy huh?

Jacquie: “Jack was one of the best!!! I was so sad he left.”

Chuck: “I love Christian, he is so talented, and I loved his last outfit. I would so buy that for one of my sisters right now.”

Join in on the conversation — I appreciate the opinions of all of my readers!

~ Leeann

Photo Credits: http://www.bravotv.com

It’s been a few days since the season finale of MTV’s The Hills, where things did not initially look good for Lauren Conrad. But they sure did for Whitney Port!  Summoned into the office of Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Lisa Love, Whitney was informed that she would “again” be going to Paris, this time to help out at the Crillon Ball, where the highest of high society teens merge to come out as debutantes. Lauren, on the other hand, “had her chance to go” (two years ago, which she turned down).  Lucky for Lauren, though…it was later confirmed that she would indeed be needed after all. Amidst her lamenting for the heart of Brody Jenner, Lauren could barely contain her excitement.

Over at Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag’s place, a wedding postponement, if not break-up scene, did take place. Whether or not it was authentic is unconfirmed, but the closing scene, which depicted Heidi symbolically driving off into the L.A. sunset alone, was enough to warm my jaded heart.

On Season 3 of The Hills, MTV’s “Aftershow” has mostly been an exclusively online feature.  But for the big finale, hosts Jessie and Dan were at Area nightclub for a red carpet event featuring all the cast members we could handle. Our friend Elodie Otto was there, snapping backstage photos of cast members with her (very Parisian!) Jolie en Rose bottles. But the Big Announcement came from Lauren herself, who told us that, “The season isn’t really over!” What??? Looks like “The Hills goes to Paris” (or insert your own unofficial title) will be coming to MTV soon.

Do you think Beauty Chat should continue its weekly rundowns and follow the Hills to foreign territory?

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com
 

When Beauty Chat recently announced the launch of Elodie Otto’s new bath and body line, Jolie en Rose par Elodie, this yummy collection of shower gels, lotions, and bubble baths was only available online. (Don’t worry, it’s still there!)

Now, we are pleased to announce that you can also purchase all of these delectable “flavors,” ranging from coconut to caramel apple to banana, at Nordstrom at the Grove in Los Angeles. To kick off this exclusive launch (of the Nordstrom venture and the holiday season), this former cast member of MTV’s The Hills made a personal appearance at “Nordi” on December 1st.

Much to my delight, she let me in on some highlights of the event. “There was a huge response!” Elodie says. “I was talking to a lot of people about the product, and was definitely happy to take pictures with the fans.” Since I had to know which of the items is the current favorite, Elodie told me that the Noix de Coco  and Barbe a Papa shower gels were the top sellers of the event. (In fact, they actually sold out!)

Also, she says, “A lot of people are LOVING the banana (Banane Flambee), since no one has ever had anything like it…it’s so sweet and yummy!”

Even celebrities turned out to show their support for Jolie en Rose (here she is pictured with “Transformers” star Megan Fox, who brought along fiancé Brian Austin Green). While the crowds were definitely there to support Elodie’s line, some fans just couldn’t resist asking The Question. “Everyone wants to know if I am going back on the show!” Other than the appearance revealed below (you heard it here first!), her response to them is, “The show is reality, so it goes where it goes…we will just have to wait and see next season!” On behalf of those fans, Elodie, we accept that answer. But, if you come back on The Hills, we open our flavorfully-scented arms! 

If you missed Elodie’s LA Nordstrom appearance, no worries! She is scheduled to return there for a second event on December 15th, from 12 p.m. –  4 p.m. She plans to make samples available that day, for those who wish to try before they buy. Jolie en Rose is also retailed at Urban Angels Boutique in Arizona.

Elodie is scheduled to appear on the LIVE red carpet finale of The Hills on Monday, December 10th! Be sure to watch and check back for my Special Edition re-cap!

~ Brook

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Elodie combined with my Beauty Chat artistic touch!

On this next-to-last episode of The Hills Season 3, the air was thick with tension for just about everyone. As preparations were made for Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge’s Halloween party (the first gathering I’ve ever seen at their apartment), it seemed that Brody Jenner was on everyone’s mind. Throughout the episode, from Whitney to Audrina to Lo, Lauren divulged her hope for a legit relationship with Brody, if only he would retire his player status. Could it happen? In the parallel universe of The Hills on MTV, I suppose anything is possible…

But not on Halloween night! What I did find notable was the costume run-down, as follows: Lauren: 1920’s flapper, Audrina: Huh?, Brody and Frankie: Batman/Robin, Jen Bunney: Huh???, Whitney: applied the “Mean Girls” Halloween rule to ladybug costume (come on Whit, you’re better than that!), and the other guests: more of the same rule with different critters. In my opinion, the male costume of the night goes to Corey, Audrina’s new guy who arrived in sailor attire (and who, it is later noted, bathes and is a keeper, in addition to being an “Aussie”). It looked like a pretty good party (complete with an out of control fog machine) until Lauren’s hopes for a Halloween hook-up were dashed, and  Brody took off.

( Lauren glams it up, but it wasn’t enough to reel in Brody on All Hallow’s Eve. )

Meanwhile, it was same-old-same-old for Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, with a little help from Reality TV’s newest supervillain, sister Stephanie She-Pratt. The big climax before next week’s season finale was yet another wedding fight, ending in yet another Spencer walk-out (where he goes each time this happens is anybody’s guess. If anyone wants to take a stab at it, I’m listening). Finally, Lauren and Brody dined at Off Vine in Hollywood, where talks of becoming exclusive didn’t go very far (but we did get to hear the respectful nicknames that Brody gives to girls on his speed dial). Let’s hope for a more climactic finale next week!

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com
 

On episode 16 of The Hills Season 3, we were blessed with double-whammy plot points. To start: Stephanie Pratt, the similarly villainous sister of Spencer Pratt, rolled into town with her own insights on her bro and Heidi Montag’s engagement situation. In the first five of her 15 minutes, “She-Pratt” (as she was later referred to) proclaimed that she was all for a Spencer-style wedding in Tibet (?!), complete with her as the officiate, much to the chagrin of Heidi.

Later, Lauren Conrad and the gang spend a night at Opera in Hollywood, where She-Pratt and her sidekick Roxy Olin (who hardcore fans know as a key player in The Great “The Hills is Fake” Debate) confront Lauren in a high-school-hallway-style showdown. Like every good girl fight that takes pace in front of a locker, declarations of hatred and “You don’t even know me” were exchanged. (Poor Lauren. She was trying to be the bigger person, but that line reminds me of bad daytime talk shows). But wait! Look over there, it’s plot twist number two: Justin Bobby is kissing another girl! And not just any girl – a redheaded semi-goth with black lipstick. Or was he?

We’re still not sure, but fortunately, Audrina Patridge finally meant it this time when she said, “I’m done!” Now that the break-up with Justin Bobby is official, is this the last we’ll see of him on The Hills on MTV? Perhaps. But for those of us who like the slacker-passing-off-as-a-bohemian-painter look, he’ll surely live on in our hearts. 

~ Brook

Photo Credit: www.eonline.com

Due to the skipped post last week (sorry Thanksgiving  threw me off), I was looking forward to presenting you with a double dosage of Project Runway. But, um, I sort of fell asleep. So here is a look back at episode 2.

First off, can I retract my previous statement that Marion was going all the way?! Uh, yeah…got that one way wrong. Maybe by me dubbing him as a finalist this season I jinxed him, because Marion is no longer with us. Oops!

So why was he cut? Well, his design wasn’t exactly attractive. The assignment was to create a 2-piece outfit for Sarah Jessica Parker’s BITTEN clothing line (found in Steve and Barry’s stores nationwide). One of the designers, Chris, was ecstatic, crying at the sight of the starlette. He revealed to viewers that he actually moved to New York City because of “Sex in the City.” Although many may have thought that Chris was being over-dramatic, I thought it was cool that he was able to meet his idol.

 After pitching their ideas to Parker, she decided upon her favorites and those were the pieces that were created. Paired up in two’s, with the winners picking their partners, teamwork seemed to be abundant. The only team that was in real danger of clashing was Sweet P and Elisa. Despite some amazement with the spitting (yeah, Elisa spits on her garments to measure them!), the two cranked out a design that the judges really ate up this week. Heidi, however; didn’t appreciate the spitting too much either.

 Victorya’s design was selected as the winner, executed perfectly by her and last week’s winner Kevin. The outfit was definitely the best, kudos to the judges’ decision. The dress and vest is to be produced under the BITTEN line and is currently being sold at Steve & Barry’s stores nationwide.

I look forward to watching episode 3, which I’ll probably catch a rerun of tonight. Because I am going on a two week vacation, look for my thoughts on the following episodes lumped in with the sixth show recap when I get back.

Seems like I’m going to be gone forever, but I promise…I’ll be back with a Project Runway vengeance!

~ Leeann

We’re down to the last couple of episodes of Season 3 of The Hills on MTV, where most fans seem to be occupied with these prime concerns: 1.) Discontent over much-publicized allegations of fakery, and 2.) “More Whitney!”.  Well, the producers stay mum on the first subject, but they sure have responded to the Whitney Port War Cry.  All of a sudden, the girl is everywhere!  At Beauty Chat, we couldn’t be happier. 

It looks like Jarrett, the girls’ personal trainer (previously featured on a date with Audrina Patridge) now has Whit on his agenda as well.  While helping Lauren Conrad, Audrina, and Whitney with their reps this week, Jarrett took it upon himself to ask Whitney to join him on a run sometime. Whit was a little overeager in her response (ya think? She was almost salivating), but he was not deterred, and the two trekked through the Runyon Canyon Park trails the next day.�
 Later, there was a dinner date comprised of incessant chatter on Jarrett’s part, peppered by unique colloquialisms such as, “So, what’s your sign?”…need I say more?  I’m thinking that in spite of Whit’s polite interest and semi-excited recap of the date to Lauren, this one isn’t going very far.

(Heidi is thrilled with the church wedding concept, but Spence cringes at the notion of pre-marital counseling.)

But what would The Hills on MTV be without a visit from our favorite couple?  This week, Spencer Pratt continued his quest to thwart Heidi Montag’s plans for the perfect wedding by claiming that he has paid for a Las Vegas wedding package. Heidi responded by dramatically removing her engagement bling and placing it in front of him before exiting stage left. Spending the night with his folks (I presume), Spence returned the next day to reconcile with Heidi as all epic romances do. Aww, sweet. 

~Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com

The weekend is almost upon us, but it’s never too late to catch up with The Hills on MTV. Here goes: In week thirteen, Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port pulled off the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood party beautifully. The Marc by Marc Jacobs fashion show was enjoyed by all, and although they resisted her ideas through every step of preparation, Lisa Love and Amy Astley congratulated Whitney on a job well done.

This week (episode 14), the girls were rewarded with tickets to the bash for Declare Yourself, a group that promotes voter registration.  Was it the carefree night they had hoped for?  Not if Heidi can help it.  Yes, Heidi Montag and her new office mate were – gasp! – invited to the event as well.  Channeling her inner eighth grader, Heidi strolled over to the table to start something with Lauren. In keeping with the theme of the event, Lauren declared herself by refusing to speak with Heidi unless she was going to apologize.  Thus, the confrontation died out rather quickly.

      (Awkward! Heidi confronts Lauren with demands for a reconciliation.)

But in Season 3 of MTV The Hills, Heidi has shown us that she does not give up easily – the next day, she sends Lauren a string of IM’s at the office until a meeting is finally agreed to.  However, when Heidi shows up at Lauren’s apartment bearing grocery store roses, but no admittance of guilt for starting the sex tape rumor (among others that we are too polite to address here), Lauren feeds her a line of fiery inquisitions, then says, “I want to forgive you…and I want to forget you.”  Ouch!  It hurts, but then again, isn’t the truth supposed to?

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com