Kendall made it through her very fashionable day with Project Runway's Tim Gunn. In fact, he said she was "making it work" in her outfit which the fashionistos critiqued below. Look for video to come...

He even had a little fun with us to boot! Be sure to check back for more from Kendall's adventures at North Park Mall's Kate Spade store when she brings us video footage and more photos.

 

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This afternoon, our own Kendall Kirkham will head out to Northpark Mall to meet the fabulous Tim Gunn. If you don't know who he is, you aren't very cool. Ok, just kidding. If you don't know who he is, Gunn is the host of Project Runway and is a major style god. Let's see if he likes Kendall's attire today. But first, our fashionistos will take a stab at it.

Loyd: Is that any way to dress at a newspaper? I mean, that look might work for the glamorous world of NBC-5, but come on! Where’s the half-untucked shirt? The stains of yesterday’s lunch? The unkempt shoelaces? The perpetual stubble? Didn’t she get the memo?

Ryan: Talk about some fierceness in that face. She is standing there rockin’ her work wear with some attitude. I know the high waist style has been back in for a while, but I think it works especially well in an office environment. It’s a jolt of spice and stands out nicely. 

Loyd: That pose says, “Watch out, world, here I come!” That arrow behind her says, “Look out everyone, the sky’s the limit!” But the look on her face says, “If you snap that photo, I’ll break both of your arms.”

Ryan: And speaking of spice, the hot pink (it’s pink right?) shirt adds some great contrast. It always seems that even when people aren’t wearing suits, they dress in monochromatic greys, blacks and blues, as if they were wearing a suit. There’s nothing wrong with color. More people should follow suit and brighten their workplace attire.

Loyd: In all seriousness, this is a nice outfit. The red (or is that pink?) and black go together really well. Fashion’s a funny thing. Wearing that belt high looks great on our model, but the last time I did it, I got laughed out of the seventh grade. I still have bad dreams about it.

Ryan: The thin belt is a nice change from the oversized ones often matched with outfits of this style. There’s really no need to go over the top with a bright shirt and a large belt. You might as well add a big hat and go spend the day at the races.

The final word:

Loyd: Very nice ensemble. We’re starting to get a better class of dressers around here.

Ryan: Attitude.

Grade:

Four out of five "go" balls

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Rumor has it that an out-of-towner in hopes of employment at neighborsgo may have sauntered his way onto the second floor today. Nonetheless we received photographic evidence that indeed, someone was here and in need of a fashion critique. What DO you wear after a 14-hour drive to Dallas only to have to endure a day's worth of interviewing?

Ryan: Let's start up top: I think the hair is a good cut for his face, and it would be appropriate for all occasions and places.

Loyd: Now THIS is the way you dress for work. Some of the other slag heaps around here could take a lesson from this gentleman. I daresay this is the best-dressed man who has set foot in our surroundings all day.

Ryan: The bar on the eybrow is hard to pull off, especially for guys I think. You really have to rock it, especially in a workplace/office environment. It’s small and subtle, but brings out the personality without screaming, “Hey! Stare at me and look at what’s in my eyebrow!”

Loyd: I love how the shirt offers a subtle background against the tie and really makes it stand out. Like the way the shirt meshes with the slacks, too. It’s conservative, yet BOLD in its own way.

Ryan: Oh the drawbacks of being a man and working in an office. it seems the fashion options are so few. Obviously the light blue is a solid choice in that it goes with most things, especially light brown. He does a great job of not sticking to the ordinary with the stylized watch and belt, once again showing that, while a belt is necessary if you’re tucking in your shirt, it doesn’t have to be boring.

Loyd: But the best part about the ensemble is the shoes. I say this because they are the same ones I wear to work. Well, not the EXACT same ones, I don’t think (pauses to check footwear).

Ryan: While it could come across as too much of the same brown on the lower half, the out of the ordinary style of the accessories keep it fresh, young and interesting.

Loyd: And the eyebrow ring screams confidence. This is a guy who says, “I know what the heck I’m doing, and I will do it my own way.”

The final word:

Ryan: Not too shabby...

Loyd: Now, if you will excuse me, I’m off to get my eyebrow pierced.

Grade: 4 "go" balls

 
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Our neighborsgo fashionistos kicked off their loafers and boat shoes and took in a little America's Next Top Model last night.

Loyd’s ANTM musings or "I pity the Fo"

I really hate the way shows like this pen everyone up in one big house. I mean, I know it’s practical and all, because you have everyone in one place and you don’t have to worry about anyone being late for anything, but of course that’s not the real reason why they do it. They do it so the cameras can catch every spiteful, petty thought the candidates have for one another.

I’m glad London, at least two episodes in, has steered clear of some of the catty comments. The other girls could learn a thing or two from her. When the camera’s on, shut the heck up – or at least be fake nice.

Boy, the makeover scenes were bone-chillingly scary. Did I just hear the strange gray-haired guy actually say, “Copy that, T?” What is this, 24? Come to think of it, I’d pay to see that crossover! There was another cool 24 reference when one of the models shouted, “We are running out of time!” during the grab-the-people-off-the-street-and-make-them-wear-makeup portion of the show.
But back to the makeovers. They helped some of the girls, they made others look … well, scary. Poor Allison, with that fake-looking blonde hair and those dark circles around her eyes, now looks like the main character from Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride. And Celia went from having gorgeous, long hair to looking like a zombie-fied David Bowie. Seriously, I thought I was looking at Silver Spoons-era Ricky Schroeder once they were finished with her.

But some of the girls looked great when they were done, though I hated to see the torture they put Natalie through when they threatened to cut her hair. It was like watching a scene from The Golden Compass when that nasty Ms. Coulter threatened to send all those poor kids to the evil faraway frozen place.

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There are no rules here in fashionisto land. Which means that these guys can even critique a police vehicle if asked. So here is the latest on the Arlington Police Department's new super cool wheels [or whips if you are hip on lingo and such...]

Ryan: Those are some well-dressed automobiles. The red and blue stripes that are styled to look the siren lights are a nice touch.

Loyd: I love the dark blue and red color scheme. Both vehicles look really nice. We’re coming up on prom season, and that SUV can take you there in style and back home again afterward … or to jail, if need be.

Ryan: I like that the car is blue and white instead of black and white. There’s no reason to stick to the black and white. While the police are still serious and serve an important role in the community they might was well do it in some good-looking cars.

Loyd: Under normal circumstances I’d be angry at a vehicle that takes up two parking spaces, but that car looks so nice that all my irritation just melts away.

Ryan: If you are unfortunate enough to take a ride on one of these, at least you’ll be riding in style.

Loyd: These vehicles look fresh off the assembly line and have barely been used. I suppose that will change once the Cowboys move to town.

The final word (s): 

Loyd: Arlington’s police fleet is the “Citizen Kane” of all police vehicles. Bravo!

Ryan:RoboCop would be jealous.

Grade:

Four out of five "go" balls

 

 

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Since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, we are still in for at least a few more weeks of winter. In keeping in that spirit, our ngo fashionistos take on the winter look.

Ryan: It’s like night and day between the two of them. Her hat: Yes. His hat: No.

Loyd: Let me guess: The guy on the left ends every sentence with “Eh?,” and the woman pronounces “Darling” like “Dahlink.”

Ryan: Her outfit oozes style and comfort. It’s dark and more form-fitting than a big baggy coat, but still allows for movement and comfort. Scarves are always a good, easy way to add to an outfit. I know you want to stand out on the mountain, but neon colors on a big poofy jacket is not the way to go. It’s not the ’80s, and that’s a good thing.

Loyd: Everyone knows the reason you wear bright colors on the slopes: Grizzly bear repellant. Those gloves off to the side there? The only thing that’s left of someone who didn’t follow that rule.

Ryan: His hat looks like a sock or part of some long johns that were made into a makeshift hat. It’s got to go.

Loyd: Her outfit is smart, sassy and elegant. It says, “I really shouldn’t be wearing this out here.” And how can you complain about the guy’s outfit when it goes so well with the toboggan?

The final word

Ryan: Her: Keep up the good work. Him: You have a lot of work left to do.

Loyd: I really like the scarf Natasha’s wearing. Can’t say the same for the tuque on him, though.

Grade:

4 out of 5 "go" balls for her

2 and a half out of 5 "go" balls for him

  and a half

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This week our fashionistos received a suspicious envelope marked confidential in big, bold letters. Unable to resist, our fashion duo opened it and found the photograph you see here. There seems to have been no identification included and no clue as to where it came from -- perfect opportunity for a fashion lesson…

Loyd: Man, Tommy Lee Jones has really let himself go.

Ryan: His smile seems so happy and genuine, but his sunglasses say, “Back off. It’s my iPhone.”

Loyd: That’s the second-largest iPhone I’ve ever seen (a little “Get Smart” humor for you).

Ryan: The shirt …. How old is it? It looks faded and worn out. You need to upgrade to match your snazzy pants. The dark color coordination is nice though. Very “Men in Black.”

Loyd: Is it true that this man once “shot a man in Reno just to watch him die?”

Ryan: The pants are well-made and have a classic design to them. They are very nice.

Loyd: That man in the reflection … he’s a shifty-looking character (but an impeccable dresser!)

The final word:

Ryan: Mmmmm … iPhone …

Loyd:How much more black could this be? And the answer is none. None more black.

Grade: 2.5 out of 5 "go" balls

and a half
 
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Someone in the downtown office (who shall remain nameless) recently smuggled, I mean sent, this photo of a possible coworker enjoying our office Christmas party. Sure Christmas has come and gone, but it's never too early (or late??) to plan for holiday fashion. Do you know who this man is? More importantly, what is he wearing?

 

Ryan: Are we hosting a holiday Dungeons & Dragons party with this outfit?

Loyd: That guy pictured on his sweater? My favorite Oak Ridge Boy.

Ryan:  I almost feel like it would have been better to go all out and just rock the sweater without the dress shirt underneath.

Loyd: Are you crazy, Ryan? A sleeveless sweater with no shirt underneath? Who is this guy, the Incredible Hulk?

Ryan: The shirt may be well made, but the way the fabrics clash is just too much.

Loyd: Hey, when did Clark W. Griswold visit our office?

Ryan:  I think the Santa on the sweater has a better ensemble.

Loyd: Somewhere up north, there’s a jolly old fat man wearing a green sweater bearing the image of some guy wearing a red sweater and a reddish shirt underneath.

The final word

Loyd: I can’t wait to see what this guy wears for Easter. I’d say one go ball for style, but five for being willing to wear that in public. 

Ryan: Boo!

Grade:  Two out of five "go"balls

 

With a special five out out of five for bravery.

    

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Yesterday marked a true moment in history but let us not forget clothing is a big part of every Presidential Inauguration. Here our Fashionistos give their opinions of the Obama family’s signature style.

 

 

The Family

Ryan: The bullet-resistant suit is nice. Who doesn’t want one of those?

Loyd: I’d vote for Obama just because he looks so good in a trenchcoat. I could wear that same outfit and look like the hamburglar. Pants look like they could be taken up a half-inch or so. Get the Secret Service on that, stat!

Ryan: I’m not sure about Michelle’s outfit here.

Loyd: Michelle, I just don’t know about pairing those gloves with those shoes. Whoever came up with that idea needs a stern talking-to since we no longer use … uh … “extraordinary” measures.

Ryan: To me it’s the polar opposite of the young, hip white dress. It’s very … gold. It reminds me of my grandparents house that still has 60s flair to it.

The First Lady's ballgown

Ryan: I like the dress. It’s very fresh and very young.

Loyd: I really have to admire the poor slob whose job it was to painstakingly attach all those cotton balls to that dress. Well done, sir! (or madam!)

Ryan: I like the texture that it has. It keeps it from being just another boring white dress.

Loyd: Hmmm … wristband on the left arm, but not the right. A strap on the right side but not the left. The age of bipartisanship truly is at hand!

Ryan: It doesn’t say to me though, “historic moment, most of the world is watching.”

Loyd: This photo was taken seconds before the first lady tripped down the stairs and suffered a spill of “Naked Gun”-esque proportions. Thankfully, Leslie Nielsen was there to save the day – as always.

The final word:

Ryan: In the end the white gown wasn't bad but I guess when they were out in the cold, they were dressing for warmth and not fashion.

Loyd: Overall, I’d say it’s quite an elegant package. Michelle’s swearing-in dress is a little too “table-clothy” for my tastes, but the white ball gown more than makes up for it, I’d say.

 

Grade: Two and a half out of five "go" balls

and a half

 

Photos:

AP Photo/Chuck Kennedy, Pool

David Stephenson/Lexington Herald-Leader/MCT

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Does monochrome with a splash of color fly with our ngo fashionistos? Let's find out.

Ryan: I’d say it’s very appropriate for business casual and it still has some chic to it.

Loyd: I see that ensemble, and I think: “I am … IRON MAAAAANNNNN!!!!!” (insert ominous Black Sabbath riff here).

Ryan: Overall I like the outfit. The design of the shirt is very interesting. It’s a nice twist on an office classic.

Loyd: I think the Boston Celtics played a game on those pants last night.

Ryan: While having several shades of gray mixed together or wearing it with black is fine, there’s just too much of it. The monochromatic look can be a bit much. The large, bright red necklace gives the outfit a much-needed dose of color, and does quite a bit on its own to brighten up the outfit.

Loyd: I like that necklace, I really do. I guess Kong needs another sacrifice, huh?

The final word:

Ryan: I noticed that the hem had come undone at the bottom of the pant leg and that it was stapled back together. That’s not the way to go. Try some double-sided tape. Staples would never fly on Project Runway.

Loyd: I want to like this outfit, but it’s just not gray enough for me.

Grade: Three out of five "go" balls

  

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