Tribute to Alexander McQueen in middle, Betsey J on right

We are such big fans of Betsey Johnson at M.I.S.S., that we jumped at the chance to go to her Fall 2010 runway show when we were offered standing room to the event by her pr company, Mao PR.

Since doing a retrospective on Betsey’s life, and as a result of watching some of her previous runway shows, I have become intrigued with the designer and hoped I would someday see her signature cartwheel. When my dad told me he once bought a suit at Betsey’s store, Paraphernalia, I knew it was fate seeing a Betsey show in person. On February 14th, Valentine’s Day, Betsey Johnson was definitely the sweetheart of New York Fashion week.

Although Betsey is definitely worthy of a show at Bryant Park, she has often made the conscious decision to show OUTSIDE of the tents, usually because of space constrictions. This season, her show was at The Altman Building, and Betsey’s shows are more like play productions – of course, this year was no exception.

Betsey’s invite was in the form of a valentine, with different types of men (Lawyer, Poor Man, Doctor, Thief) all around a circle and a spinning arrow for one to find her mate. When I arrived at the Altman Building, a girl dressing the models gave me a heads up that the theme of the event would be “cops and robbers”, and that Betsey was wearing striped pajamas and a disguise moustache. My “standing room” seat was a ticket that said “Bang Bang”, and the first song to start off the evening was Nancy’s Sinatra’s “He Shot Me Down”. The runway was made of hay, and two intertwining guns shot out Betsey’s name in neon lights at the head of the stage. The first model to make an appearance was star Kelly Osbourne, looking model-thin after having completed some time on the show “Dancing With the Stars.”

Indeed, there was a theme in the beginning with some “cops and robbers” elements. But there wasn’t really a unifying theme to the outfits of the show, other than a theme that could possibly be labeled “Old West Pure Betsey.” Her models, or looks, were categorized as the following: Banditos, Gamblers, Rangers, Vagabonds, Farm Hands, Bank Clerks, Brothelettes, Robbers, Witches, Gypsys, or Madames. There was one Queen – model Yasmina – who was a tribute to the recently deceased Alexander McQueen. During the show, The Queen came out in a white outfit, followed by a minion carrying her “royal robes” and a sign that read “Long Live McQueen.” It was a very special moment in the show. The stage even darkened and the music switched just for this moment. Lastly, before Betsey’s appearance onstage, 4 of the models (Kelly O. included) came out and lifted their skirts to reveal a special message on their bums, spelling the word L-O-V-E as a tribute V-day.

Her signature body-conscious leggings and dresses were still a hit, and many of her outfits included her flared 80’s-style skirt that she started doing in some of her first fashion shows. She included some wild Peter-Pan style hats with feathers, hats with birds perched on the tops, and vintage cowboy boots on many of the models. There were some outrageous outfits, including a fuzzy lime-green bell-bottomed suit, and a pink and lime green ensemble. Although these might never make it to her store, these outfits were truly visual delights when coming down the runway. My most favorite outfits included a black hooped-skirt dress, the Marilyn Monroe Warhol-style printed items, and all of the printed onesies of the show. But of course, one of my favorite moments was seeing the Betsey cartwheel, and the sparkly heart on Betsey’s bum. And at the very end of the show, as the models came out and danced, and bounced around gigantic red heart-shaped beach balls, it became obvious that this was not only MY favorite show to see, but Betsey’s show was also their most favorite show in which to model. Fashion should be fun – and outfits in a collection SHOULD have names like “Ace Up Your Sheath”, “Motor Mama Get-Up”, “Chicken Pot Peplum”, and “Feedbag Bustle Flounce”. Well, why not?

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Valentines Day for the rest of us...

Name: Dee
Name of Playlist: Love is for Suckers
Genre: Alternative, Punk, Soul, Rock, Folk, Showtunes
Mood: This will probably  make you want to break things…

Playlist Inspiration: This playlist wasn’t actually created by me, but was given to me by my father on VDay, a guy who happens to be a firm believer in love. Because he respects my cynicism’s about Valentines Day instead of giving me flowers or chocolate, he gave me the gift that keeps on giving: Angry music. Thanks Dad!

Tracklist:

1) Alanis Morrissette – You Oughta Know

2) Megan Mullally – You Took Advantage of Me

3) Bif Naked – F**k You 2

4) Ani Difranco – Not a Pretty Girl

5) Ben Folds – B*tches Ain’t Sh*t

6) Fiona Apple – Limp

7) Lady Gaga – Speechless

Liz Phair – Extraordinary

9) Amanda Blank feat Lykke Li – Leaving You Behind

10) Amy Winehouse – Stronger than Me

11) Peaches – Set it Off

12) Raconteurs – Many Shades of Black

13) Simon & Garfunkel – 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

14) Stars – Your Ex-Lover is Dead

15) Donny Hathaway – Giving Up

I am aware there are a lot of Valentine’s Day haters out there, but I am not one of them. If you read my M.I.S.S. Muses post last week, you know my word is love, so a celebration of it is a-ok in my book. No, I have not been showered with gifts or suitors or hotties or something in my past or present. And no, I do not have some grand plan for celebrating this year. In fact, I counted back when I last had a Valentine, and that was 8 years ago. I just really like the idea of sharing love.

Some of you may need more reason to be into this “Hallmark holiday.” Luckily, a lovely gal made a video that depicts so much of why I love it! This week, Dice Suicide released a short video she made called “Sending My Love.” In it, she has a bunch of red balloons she hands out to random strangers in a park. Children, men, women, couples, singles, and even dogs get a little bit of love. The reactions from people are quite awesome and watching her unabashedly hand out balloons is inspiring to watch. People who would normally pass her by smile when they get a balloon. Some even come up to her to ask for one! People of all types are excited by a simple gesture.

Dice Suicide spreads love

Kids, couples, singles, and dogs all love

Why make this video? In Dice’s own words:

I wanted to do something simple and thoughtful that would make a BIG impact on many people. It was great to see how surprised everyone was, and putting all those smiles on people’s faces felt really wonderful.

It takes guts to put love out there. People are scared by the word “love” and its implications. There is a lot of bitterness, skepticism, and unmet expectations wrapped up in the thought of Valentine’s Day. But you know what? It doesn’t have to be like that. It can be simple, as Dice shows in her video. And she shows that by putting cheer and love out there, you get to feel it, too. To me, Valentine’s Day isn’t about having to send flowers or buy gifts. It’s not about having a date or proving something. It’s about celebrating love and sharing it with others.

Watching this video was so inspiring I’m seriously considering doing something like it. Watch for yourself and enjoy. And, if you’re inspired for more love after watching, listen to our M.I.S.S. pro-love playlist.

Happy Valentine’s Day, and wishing you love in your life.

Rita’s Italian Ice Sweetens Valentine’s Day with NYC Debut and Cool New Flavor

NYC customers to receive Free Regular Italian Ice on Feb. 14, including new “Chocolate Chocolate Chip”

Valentine’s Day in New York City is usually chilly, but this year New Yorkers will experience a V-Day that is icy in more ways than one. Rita’s Italian Ice, the nation’s largest Italian Ice concept, will open its first-ever New York City location on February 14.

Located at 2486 Broadway between 92nd and 93rd on the Upper West Side, the new store will be open year-round to ensure that New Yorkers can always get their fill of Rita’s signature “Ice, Custard and Happiness.”

As a special Valentine’s Day grand opening treat, all visitors to Rita’s new Manhattan location will receive a FREE regular-size Italian Ice on February 14 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. in the available flavor of their choice. Special Valentine’s-themed flavors for the day will include Wild Black Cherry, Passion Fruit and the worldwide debut of Chocolate Chocolate Chip.

Additionally, the first 100 guests to visit Rita’s newest location will receive FREE Regular Ice for an entire year!

Victoria's Secret: Tease for Two Collection

Victoria’s Secret has the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for those aching to reach a naughtier level…

Tease for Two is a delectable new collection that allows you to literally savor every moment of that evil day. The sexy new collection is kissable and edible with aphrodisiac-inspired flavors: Berry Passion, Vanilla Craving and Midnight Chocolate. And we’re not talking edible panties (um, gross!), we’re talking body treats, baby! Kissable treats like Massage Oil and Lotion. Both sweet with a hint of naughty.

The collection gets tastier with Kissable Whipped Body Creme and Edible Shimmer Powder in Vanilla Craving and the yummiest of the bunch, Edible Body Icing in Midnight Chocolate…oh yeaaah.

So go on and tell your boo that dessert is on you…he doesn’t have to know you mean it literally

Victoria's Secret: Sexy Little Things Love Rocks collection

Wait! Not attached? VS didn’t forget about you, single gal! Maybe you don’t want to be tied down right now. You’re equal parts hopeless romantic and untamed rebel and all you want to do is rock ‘n’ roll! Yeah! (*insert air guitar here*)

Love Rocks, the latest fragrance in the VS Sexy Little Things series is a mix of rock star glamor and pop star lace and the bold packaging is just as intoxicating as the scent. A sensual blend of Plum, Violet and Vanilla can be applied with the Sexy Little Things signature atomizer which has a removable leatherette rosette for an added twist and tough yet sweet accessory.

Speaking of tough and sweet, the collection also includes a lip gloss ring to remind us that we don’t punch boys to show that we like them…we knock them out with kisses instead!

The Tease for Two collection and Love Rocks fragrance collection are available now at Victoria’s Secret stores and VictoriasSecret.com.

MISS HEALTHY BITES: Feb 8, 2010

So the saying goes, “The way to a person’s heart is through the stomach,” and for this Valentine’s Day, hook up your special someone with some good food for the stomach and for the heart.  If you really care about someone, show them that you want a piece of their heart by feeding them more than just a piece of red velvet cake.  Sure, chocolates and candies are nice and sweet, but those are not always the best thing to eat.  Open your mind to other ways of showing love and hopefully your sweetie will open their heart to you.  And since it’s American Heart Month, it’s just as important to take care of the hearts of those you love.

Don’t think that heart-healthy foods have to be bland and boring, causing your love interest to run to the door- or worse- the bathroom.  Foods that are good for your heart can be hearty and tasty, all it takes is a little bit of that special ingredient: LOVE.  Skip the fancy dinner and instead, turn your kitchen into a hot spot for a hot date.  It’s great to have a night out for some wine and dine alone time, but that can also be done at home, on a nice budget, that will leave plenty of time for dessert- in bed.  You’ll share the experience of a home-cooked meal with your honey, and you’ll know exactly what goes in your food.  Hopefully, this special dinner won’t be only for special occasions, because it’s important to give some lovin’ through your oven as often as you can.

What are some good eats for your honey?  Try these tips to give your babe a healthy meal for a healthy heart.

• Watch the fat.  Fats are essential for a healthy diet, but some fats can clog arteries, so make sure that what you’re cooking won’t break any hearts.  Limit the amount of saturated fats and trans fats, ie. butter and margerine, from your meal, and instead, cook with olive oil or safflower oil.  Here’s a hint: if it says “partially hydrogenated” in the ingredients list, it’s a bad fat!
• Some fat is good.  Fats found in nuts and even avocados are great for your body.  Top a salad with almonds or crumble cashews over a stir fry to get some of that good fat in.  Although avocados are not in season right now, it could be a nice time to plan for a sexy summertime picnic rendezvous.
• Get low, get low.  Get low-fat, that is.  Every meal should consist of protein, so make sure to choose the low-fat version so you two will still have the energy to play around after dinner.  Great choices would be lean meats, chicken, and even fish.  Salmon, for instance, contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and can reduce the risk of heart attack and lower blood fat levels.  If you’re doing a vegetarian meal, go for beans and soy products can fill that protein need.
• Be fresh.  Let fresh fruits and vegetables be the shining star for your dinner.  Fruits and vegetables all contain fiber that help to clean out the system, thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.  On top of that, fruits and veggies of different colors can benefit the body in different ways.  For instance, foods that are naturally red naturally help the heart.  Whatever you do, don’t fatten up your foods by adding cream or butter, or frying them, and instead, find different seasonings or marinades that can really let the flavors out.
• Don’t salt the game.  Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, and if you’re really wanting to show your chef skills, skip oversalting everything you serve.  After all, the only salt that you should be tasting is off of a hot and sweaty body!  Try low-sodium versions of your store-bought condiments, and if possible, cook everything from scratch.  Many processed foods contain high sodium levels, so remember that fresh is best!
• Don’t complain about whole grains.  You give your love your whole heart, so why not give them whole grains?  Whole grains can help the heart, and they’ll fill you up faster so you won’t be as stuffed.  You can get whole grain varieties of pasta, breads, rice, and more.
• Too much is enough.  You don’t want to spend all day cooking up enough food to feed your whole family, because you might just end up eating it all!  And a stomachache at the end of the night could get in the way of any romantic plans you may have.  Cook just enough for you and your partner to be satisfied, so you can leave the rest of the night for more satisfaction.
• Work it out.  After a good, sexy meal, get your sexy on with some physical activity with your partner.  Maybe a little chair dancing?  Strip tease?  A good frolic in the bed will also burn some calories and get your cardio on.  Just make sure you’re giving enough lovin’ to get your heart pumpin’.

As for dishes…save them for the A.M.!  Hopefully your sweetheart will have a heart and do the dishes for you.