In Case You Missed It: Ecru, Obama?

I know this particular controversy is a little stale already, lo these dozen or so many days later. But I never documented it on the blog. Plus, I needed to use the pun in the title. I've already heard (on The Stephanie Miller Show) "the audacity of taupe" and "yes we tan." And of course, I had to point out--like with so many of these controversies--other presidents have done the exact same thing.

 

Holiday Cheer: K-Mart's Ball BELL-ringing Joe Boxer Ad

Very cute. A little racy. Sure to tick someone off. Therefore, I love it!

 

"OneMillionMoms" Protests Sexy Valentine Ads

Image from source, MEDIAite

Oh, what a bunch of friggin' tight-asses. I mean come on. The fashion industry has been doing racy ads for decades, and these ads don't feature nudity or sex. Oh, wait. There's some homosexual stuff going on there! Oh noes!

Please. For once, a major corporation is being a little inclusive for Valentine's Day. And this "concerned" group is just worried because they're sexy, not gay, right girls? Right. Unbunchest thine panties, and concern yourselves with something that matters.

[Excerpt]

Armani Exchange’s ‘Gay’ Valentine’s Day Ads Too Much For Some Moms

Window displays and advertisers across the country have been gearing up for Valentine’s Day. In the shopping mecca that is Manhattan some storefronts fill their windows with an explosion of crimsons and pinks, while other companies adhere to the age-old advertising law (be it Valentine’s Day or otherwise): Sex sells. . .

Read more at: MEDIAite

Featured Site: PhotoShop Disasters

Given the recent splash made by Ralph Lauren, their terrible PhotoShopping of models, and the letigiousness that followed, it was kind of surprising to see another hideous 'shopped pic from the same fashion house. As an artist (and a human) I'm simply baffled how anyone could have thought this looked good (or human).

Ordinarily, I wouldn't be too sympathetic to those who say, "won't someone please think of the children?" In this case, I sort of have to agree with that sentiment. Think about all those anorexia after school-type specials, where no matter how skinny the girl gets, she still thinks she's fat. Well a girl like that looking at this shot? Thinking she could diet her way to a pelvis that small? Yikes. And a tip to girls like that: no guy is looking at you, wishing you had a tiny, tiny pelvis.

Oh, and I should mention that the site this comes from is a ton of fun. It isn't just fashion houses that tragically alter their models. And usually, it isn't with the plan to make them look impossibly skinny either. Have a look.

Source: PhotoShop Disasters

Calvin Klein Offering "Help" to Inadequate Guys

Image from source, The New York Observer

Oh, come on! Isn't this a case of false advertising? Kind of like a male falsie? A flattering cut, I get, but extra cushion "down there?" Hey guys, if the jeans work, and you manage to snag a hottie with your new pants, you're likely gonna have to come clean at some point, right?

[Excerpt]

Something Is Getting Between Him and His Calvins

Size matters. But if you don’t have it, just trick people into thinking you do with a little cleverly constructed fabric. That’s the promise of the new Body by Calvin Klein Jeans—retail price, $79.50—with their “body-defining fit for an enhanced profile.” With some padded-fly trickery, Body Jeans presumably gives guys the optical illusion of more horsepower underneath their hood. . .

Read more at: The New York Observer

Campaign Frivolity: Sarah Palin Once Not so Stylish

Image from source, Huffington Post

This story has little to offer beyond snark value, I'm aware. Though there is something to be said for the way that politicians are packaged. Most people probably think that Sarah Palin is a super-stylin' chick, right? Well, this photo belies that impression!

[Excerpt]

Sarah Palin Has Secret Style Team, Wore Pricey Valentino At RNC (SEE BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS)

First Cindy McCain came under fire for wearing an outfit estimated to cost $313,100 on opening night of the Republican National Convention. Now, Page Six reports, Sarah Palin has taken a liking to designer duds (not to mention expensive eyewear--it was revealed today that Palin's glasses cost $400). . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

John McCain Channels Grandpa Abe Simpson

Hahahahaha! Matlock! Hahahaha! Um, excuse me, but this tickles my funny bone in all the right spots. . . I wonder if onions on our belts will ever come back into style?

John McCain Channels The Simpsons' Grandpa Abraham Simpson

Kitchen Trends: Out With Stainless, In With Bronze?

Photo from Jenn-Air's website

In the last couple of years, I finally paid off my debt, and became financially stable enough to finally make those big purchases: kitchen appliances. I settled for a black refrigerator, because I wanted a Maytag Ice20, a french door, freezer-on-the-bottom, ice-through-the door model, and the deal I got on it was too sweet to pass up. But when it came time to upgrade the range, microwave and dishwasher, I went for a stainless-steel and black combo, so that everything would match.

It all looks and works wonderfully (except that the fridge's water dispenser habitually freezes up), but now I find out that all of my appliances will soon be passe. Well that's just great. On the other hand, this story is now about 18 months old, and I haven't been seeing a floor-load of bronze at the Home Depot yet.

[Excerpt]

The stainless steel craze for appliances may be coming to a shining end

Its luster resembles dark chocolate, so is it any wonder bronze would find its way into kitchen decor? For the past decade, stainless steel has dominated kitchen surfaces — major appliances and backsplashes have reflected in this silvery hue. But designers predict kitchens will soon take a turn for the darker — starting with bronze appliances set to hit stores next year. . .

Read more at: East Valley Tribune