Imdb.com, Caughtonset.com

I decided to make this post after a conversation I had last night. It's not fair for period TV series set some time in the 1960's to be labeled as "the new Mad Men", why would we want a new one when the original was genius? While Pan Am might not be as deep an analysis of the early 60's American society they do a great job depicting the way the role of women was starting to change. If, like me, you are a fan of this era these reasons will be enough to watch the show.

1. Christina Ricci is in it. It's just great to see her back on her feet and in such a way! She nails her character and rocks a lot of body-con dresses.

2. Obviously, the costume design. From the royal blue uniforms to the off-duty looks you will love every ensemble. Poise, confidence and beauty are the Pan Am girl motto.

3. They pack old school and are always late for flights. So it gives you hope that you're not alone in the world.

4. They walk through airports in unison with a perfect smile – something in this fashion. If you like The Aviator, Pan Am will make you happy every week.

5. They use phrase books! It's a shame they went out of fashion, it was the most fun parts of a holiday.

Style.com, LuisaViaRoma

One of the things that used to drive me a little crazy when Project Runway started about 9 years ago was how unaware all the designers were of what the big names were doing on the runway. This, of course, is arguably a good or bad thing –the way I see it, you need to know what the competition is doing.

During this new season of the show we've already seen some clear references to other designers, especially McQueen, which keeps coming up on the judges' comments too. In last week's episode the only similarity between the contestants' work and the high fashion runway was the picture of an angry dog that served as inspiration for one of the dresses.

The final result was hideous but it seemed interesting to me how the girl who painted the picture, whose Christopher Kane dress made it evident that she knows fashion, might have been somehow influenced by Riccardo Tisci's f/w11 Rottweiler menswear collection.

I also loved Viktor in one of Prada's famous s/s11 shirts. It was about time some of the designers started dressing well because I will never understand how you can make beautiful things if you can't start with dressing yourself well.

Style.com, MyLifetime.com

I am really trying not to post about Project Runway because I know that I will get into it and I will end up doing weekly posts on each week's episodes like I do with Gossip Girl. But that's too much work.

I am really enjoying the current season so far –contestants are fun enough, though they have big egos, and the judges know they can get away with being meaner. I have loved Nina Garcia since season one because she's so dry and chic. And this season she's feeling really verbal about her opinions.
She is also wearing a lot of beautiful pieces from the FW11 season. Only a week or two ago she was wearing an incredible mini dress by Lanvin. But my favourite Nina look so far has been the one she wore for the episode in which the contestants need to create an outfit for her. She wore this amazing Preen FW11 blouse I remembered form the catwalk. Nina wore a black top underneath it to keep it classy and demure as it was originally see-through at the front. She also accessorised it, and this I found très genius, with hardware cuffs making the look a lot more personal.

Are you watching Project Runway?

Style.com,  myLifetime.com

I don't know if any of you still watch Project Runway. I was a big fan of the show during the first two seasons. After stopping watching the seasons when they moved the show to LA, I started to watch again for season 8. Now we're onto season 9 and it seems to be quite good so far.

For the second challenge –My Pet Project– they had to make clothes out of pet shop materials. Contestants usually suck at this challenge season after season because it's hard to work with awkward materials but two of the designs really impressed me.

The first one was a sleeveless mini dress with a mid-rise neck. It was covered with bird food had a sunflower-seed degradé detail on the neck. It was so chic and it reminded me a lot of the bejewelled Alexander McQueen number from SS09.

The second one had a similar silhouette. This one had short sleeves and a more voluminous skirt. The top was made of polyester filter fibre –a kind of shearling– and the skirt was made of two tones of hamster bedding. The texture of this one also reminded me of a McQueen dress from the same SS09 collection. Even the styling was a little McQueen.

I am hoping for great fashion moments like these in the coming episodes of season 9.

Are you watching?

Gossip Girl Fashion: "It-Girl Happened One Night"

Season 4 of Gossip Girl has been quite the roller-coaster so far. Every two or three episodes the plot just reaches serious levels of dullness to then pick up again. Well, this week's episode, "It-Girl happened one night", is one of pretty dull ones. I'm not sure if it's the fact that the drama always involves the exact same set of people and it's always generated either by relationships or by business-related affairs or if it's me that has lost interest. Either way, the fact is that it's still not hard to watch because the fashion is not quite decaying yet, au contraire.
Blair and Serena were both on fire this week. Blair opened the episode in one of those gold brocade Balmain blazers (like the leather one E. Alt wore recently) and Stella McCartney trousers. I am really looking forward more of her business woman looks. I also liked the Louis Vuitton laptop cover, it shows that she can wear inexpensive things, hahaha. Serena accompanies Blair at the beginning in a pyjama look that I particularly loved. She donned a white silk shit à la boyfriend with half-calf grey socks. Simple yet sexy.

And I can finally post about Chuck! He's been wearing really boring suit combinations lately but on this episode it seems his love story motivates him to get dressed properly in the morning. His tuxedo moment alongside Raina, looking stunning in Ralph Lauren, was a hit. As was the earlier day look of grey suit, blue striped shirt and purple paisley tie.

Lily, who I am starting to get very annoyed about, also looked lovely in this episode. She wore one of her classic cut evening dresses to Chuck's party, which she accessorised with (my favourite) a kind of white gold leave necklace. It reminded me to the ancient Roman laurel crowns, after all she's as plotting and powerful as any Caesar. Good call.

I was rather confused, although not totally in a bad way, about two of Serena's looks. She randomly wears this long-sleeve black chiffon and silk beaded dress when she receives the present from Raina, which I found odd because it seemed way to dressed up for lounge wear, even for S. And the second was the crazy uneven-layered look she wears to the Ralph Lauren shop. I loved the kind of Rick Owens style shearling coat but it looked pretty odd with the cardigan underneath. I did, however, love the VBH blue bag she wore with that outfit.

Alas, I didn't quite have a breakfast moment to enjoy this week apart from a glance at the Van der Woodsen-Bass brunch early on the episode. To compensate, I took pleasure from looking at the delicious looking roast beef and asparagus from Chuck's Valentine's Day party.

Has anyone else notices how Nate is just there and nothing happens to him, he doesn't say anything interesting or sleep with anyone hot? He just hang out with his dad, who he hugs a ridiculous amount of times per episode and then he walks out. Give him some lines? He's got good hair.

The party dresses in the episode weren't spectacular but they kind of worked. I liked Serena's Ralph Lauren a lot! She looked a lot less slutty than she usually does, which, even to a man, it's a good thing. She looked as sophisticated as Lily always does. Blair, in Marchesa, I liked too but it seemed to take her back to her old-fashioned ways. I always get slightly annoyed about Marchesa because, even though they always have incredible dresses every season, people seem to always choose the really cheesy ones.

And, once again, the episode closes with a Blair/Dan moment. I will keep repeating how much I like this duo, regardless of what happens between then, but the writers seem to only make they come together for short periods of time. Sort. It. Out.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Screen caps, CWtv.com, BergdorfGoodman.com]

Gossip Girl Fashion: "Panic Roommate"

This week's episode of Gossip Girl really reminded my why I love the show, at least fashion-wise. The plot is slightly turning for the better but the first season really raised the bar and it's hard to live up to that. But never mind the plot for now. The fact is that Blair is starting to be seriously cool. She's got the attitude from day one but the clothes, while entertaining, were always a little off. However, I feel like ever since the beginning of season four and last week's pink shorts ensemble she is going to be unstoppable. In the latest episode she style goes from good to simply astonishing. She first wears a mustard and green combo made up by a ruffled top, a green Valentino jacket and a Bensoni skirt, which is what adds the hip element. But it was the look for the W party (yes, another one) that really stole the show and my hear. Blair finally slipped into one of those dresses from the FW10 Versus collection. It looks extremely sophisticated on her. It's just too bad we don't get to see a head-to-toe view.

Serena's weekly ensembles have really picked up this week too. The first one, at breakfast, is a slight twist on the classic Serena van der Woodsen day look but I really like the fact that the two pieces are quite body-con. That big V-neck definitely suits S and the necklace, while a little Anna Wintour, works as well. But my favourite look from the episode is when she wears the beautiful brown Max Mara coat with her brown leather bag across. I know the first outfit is underneath but the coat and the bag make her look a lot more relaxed and casual. They should go more in that direction with her.

And just when I thought I was not going to get my breakfast this week, there it was! It seems like it's only Rufus and Lily who enjoy the fine pastries, mousses and cakes for breakfast. Serena rather prefers the bowl of berries and an orange juice. If anyone was wondering, that's how she keeps her line. Not that I am encouraging anyone to follow her lead...

And also this week I was happy to be introduced to a new star on the show. You never know how long these people are going to stay on the show, so you might as well not get attached. But I liked this girl. Donna is Blair's co-intern (that's probably wrong now that Blair is the boss!) and so far I am quite digging her fashion sense. It reminds me a little of how models look off the runway and I love that. Donna is played by Jennifer Missoni who, yes, is related to the famous Italian house. She is Luca Missoni's daughter and, hence, Angela Missoni's niece and Margherita's cousin. Cool, huh?

My second crush is a little less fashion-oriented. I really like Raina's character, played by Tika Sumpter and how well it mirrors Chuck's while having that sort of feminine, sensitive touch. Hers and Chuck's relationship is the only bit of the plot that has me slightly entertained and intrigued because I can't quite figure her out, which I like. However, her style needs some sorting out. The first look below is wrong on so many levels. The colours go terribly bad together, I hate the silhouette of the coat, which looks even worse with the hat and the light grey shoes and white bag (always a no for me) just top it all off.

And finally, a man who can dress!! It's really too bad we're probably not going to see more of Damien, played by Kevin Zegers. He is the only guy who really knows what understated elegant style is like. I could never get tired of his perfectly cut suits over crew and v-neck t-shirts always well accessorised with slightly more colourful pocket squares and that permanent tan.

I'm off.

[Pictures: Screen caps, CWtv.com, Style.com, topnews.in]

Gossip Girl Fashion: "The Kids Are Not Alright"

Gossip Girl has FINALLY returned this week and so has this feature on soVIPzone. Now, I have to firstly advice those who haven't watched episode 12 to please stop scrolling down as there may be spoilers ahead. I am getting bored of saying that (not that anyone's complained) so just be aware for the future. The title of the post is, after all, rather evident.
I would like to start the post with my favourite moment of every Gossip Girl episode —the breakfast. This week I have been particularly lucky to enjoy two types of this particular Upper East Side morning meal. The first was, of course, the Humphrey-Van-der-Woodsen one at a restaurant this time. I was surprised of how much they're mixing it up these days having omelettes instead of waffles and even drinking grapefruit juice! A little more glamourous and sexy was Chuck's breakfast —mimosas on a limo and fresh-looking women.

I have this thing for Penelope and that-other-girl-whose-name-get-srarely-mentioned. I think they should have bigger parts on the show, maybe as a part of the Blair Waldorf world domination plan. I really want to know their stories and I want them to have good lines opposite Blair. While that happens, we can enjoy the always matching outfits both of them wear in every single episode.

Fashion-wise this episode wasn't the most exciting. The wardrobe kind of went back to the first weeks of the season, that is, everything is nice enough but it was missing that 'je-ne-sais-quoi'. However, I did quite enjoy Blair's Louis Vuitton Resort 2007 number (and Serena's leather Longchamp travel set) as well as Serena's Burberry checked trench and Lily's ever so chic silver silk Luisa Beccaria FW10 gown (awaiting for designer).

Other fashion highlights of the show include Serena dressing up as her mum to sneak into the bank and looking exquisite. It might just be me but she does look a lot like Lily then. The way she carries herself outside the bank and the way she holds her head inside are very much Lily mannerisms.

I love the way Blair's wardrobe is slightly turning. She is becoming more relaxed and mature, almost cool. I really enjoyed the dark green coat and pashmina combo at the beginning of the episode. Not as much as I enjoyed her beautiful Oscar de la Renta gown, though. She makes everything look so easy to wear, I love Blair at the moment.

Like mother like daughter. Or the other way around. The fact is that I realised how much I like Eleanor Waldorf in this episode. She has such a presence but in a very different way than Lily's. She doesn't need to be overly subtle or do slow small movement with her head because she has that presence. She also looked stunning at the party towards the end. As she did too sipping tea and reading the paper in her dressing gown later. I hope they turn this into another classic GG moment when Blair and her mum have heart-to-hearts every week.

The only to slightly funny things that caught my attention on this episode are how Rufus and Lily have about two or three sips of champagne before they leave (I wonder if they drink Moët or Dom Perignon) and if their (invisible) maid just finishes them off —because is she does she must be quite the alcoholic. The other is Blair's initials at the top of her CV. They have been turned into some kind of logo, they almost look regal.

This plot turn has me quite excited. It was quite clever to write up a character who can fight Chuck Bass. The fact that he can always win is cool but it gets old. So the fact that there is a new big businessman in town who lights a fight as much as Chuck seems refreshing. Add a hot, smart daughter into the equation and you have a winner.

And lastly, but most definitely not least, the Blair and Dan affair. I already had a feeling about their chemistry before Christmas but now it's so evident. I am not 100% sure they will end up together but, at the very least, we'll be able to enjoy some of the best GG conversations ever between the two of them.

I'm off.

[Pictures: CWTV.com, Screen caps]

Gossip Girl Fashion: "The Townie"

There's still two weeks to go until Christmas but it seems some of our favourite shows are wrapping for the season already. This week's episode of Gossip Girl was a little sweet and sour because it was one of the best ones we've seen this season but it was also the last one we will see until the end of January (the show is back on the 25th). As usual, I warn you about any spoilers ahead. Don't keep going if you haven't seen "The Townie".
I have to admit I have always been a fan of the odd Blair-Dan relationship. It's so obvious that they have lots in common but they just can't come to terms with the fact that they could be friends. We have a lot of good BD moments in this episode. My favourite, of course, at the end of the episode when the two do the washing and Blair explains to Dan how one can't wash good wine glasses with normal soap and one must use L'Occitane products. Brilliant.

I also very much enjoyed all the fashion in the episode. Every one has kept the nice earthy palette they took up last week for Thanksgiving. Serena is kind of getting her mojo back and wearing a lot of comfy body-con numbers with subtle sparkle and statement necklaces. She's becoming more sophisticated and less vamp-y. The part I didn't enjoy as much was her boarding school outfits from the flashbacks (apart from the Band of Outsiders blazer!), but that's in the past, I hope. Blair has one of her best fashion moments of the season in this episode. There still something slightly old fashioned about her tweed skirt and graphic tights but she looks ever so cool!

Boarding school ensembles aside, I loved the flashbacks this week. It felt refreshing to have something new in the show. Plus, it fills in gaps in Serena's past. Something that the character probably needs to go forward. because, let's face it, Serena was becoming a little boring (a bit like Lindsay after rehab). Oh, and how sexy is the outfit with the combination of textures and sequins she wears to jail??!

You know I normally notice odd things during each week's episodes. This week I am particularly annoyed about Blair's email address. How can she have such a plain boring address? And @day9mail.com? What the hell is that? Someone get Blair her own domain. If anything it should at least be blair@waldorf.com, no?
On the bright side, I was absolutely mesmerised by Nate's house. There is nothing I don't love about that living room. The colours are subtle but stunning and it feels very modern even though it's decorated in quite an old fashion.

I was as shocked as one can be (about a TV show) when everyone decides to turn against Lily. Yes, she has been naughty and she deserves it. But she is such a classy woman, I couldn't possibly be angry at her...
I loved how she tells Chuck she needs to change from the party. And so she goes from a red dress with a statement necklace (copying Serena...?) to a red dress with statement earrings. That was a makeover...

Don't ask me why but I also loved how they suddenly forward a week into the future. Guess they figured they were going to make their own mini Christmas episode since they couldn't have a proper one after this week.

The boy's clothes have also improved this week. If we ignore the fact that Nate is wearing a peacoat way too big for him, everything they wear is spot-on. I keep wondering who is the genius who manages to still find more plaid shirts for them to wear that haven't been worn before. The style winner, of course, was Chuck Bass and his getaway outfit. It was like a cool upgrade on a school uniform but I liked the fact that it made him look younger than he usually does.

And, of course, their Christmas dinner/lunch/whatever it was very much made my day. Dan's shirt is a genius choice for the holidays. I just wish I'd seen what exactly they were eating...

I'm off.

[Pictures: Screen caps, CWtv.com]