I know, I know

I'm so late. I've been sick for a few days but I'm on the healing comeback train, so a new post will appear soon. In the meantime, here is my review of the Raphael Saadiq concert that ran today in the Philadelphia Inquirer. I went to the show with a 102.1 temperature hopped up on antibiotics. Crazy? Maybe a little, but I call it dedication. Next up? Something very interesting. I guess you'll have to keep coming back to find out what it is huh?

Did you know this video was directed by Lisa Bonet?

Ebert Doesn't Live Here

I took a few days off last week to visit my mother and we went to see "The Reader". By now my fellow movie heads will know that six-time Oscar nominee Kate Winslet won the best actress statue a few week ago for her role in the movie. Initially, I wasn't that excited about seeing another movie that was Holocaust related. I had already seen 'Schindler's List' and 'The Diary of Anne Frank'. The Holocaust was horrible, no doubt about it. I changed my mind about seeing it so after one star shaped hole punch on her frequent movie watcher card, we sat in plush stadium seating and watched Kate do her thing.

I won't give the plot away in case you decide to see it for yourself. I'd have to agree with the academy that Ms. Winslet did a great job. The movie was Holocaust related, but the horror of the event wasn't so in your face. You actually had a chance to focus on the well developed storyline and catch another good performance by the always stellar Ralph Fiennes.

After the movie, I wondered if aging in a movie equals automatic Oscar nomination? (Brad and Taraji anyone?) There's something about aging on screen and maintaining an accent for hours that just reels voters in. Meryl Streep knows what I'm talking about. Kate Winslet aged, maintained an accent, and turned in a performance that just couldn't be ignored. Triple threat. Kudos to Kate.

I did want to catch Milk and Doubt, but they will both be on DVD soon enough. Since I enjoyed City of God so much, its only logical for my movie loving mind to see 'Gomorrah' next. It's been lauded for being the "thinking persons gangsta movie". Of course I'll provide a detailed review later on. In the meantime, check out the trailors for 'The Reader' and 'Gomorrah' and tell me what you think. Seem interesting?

What's next on your movie list? TLA wants to know...

Casual Style Fashionista Dreams

I love watching the show 'What Not To Wear'. Stacey and Clinton perform magic on people. They take the drab and unstylish, transforming them into people who appear as if they were fabulous all the while. The only sad part about the show is that someone has to nominate you. That means someone in your circle thinks you are a clothing dullard. Ouch.

The nominee is usually full of emotion after getting over the initial shock of realizing that their style game is seriously lacking. After Stacey and Clinton raid your closet its off to NY for a style intervention, minus the plush hotel room with Candy waiting to whisk you off to rehab for the formerly chic. The beginning of this overhaul begins after you arrive at the studio. You are allowed to perform a few final spins of shame, modeling your sad threads in a 360 degree mirror for the world to see before they literally trash your clothes. Like in the trash can trashed. Sometimes I think they should spray bleach on them because people do dig things out and wear them on shopping day, (attachment disorder?)but I digress...

They send you out to shop in New York with the none too subtle product placed "Visa Check Card" for $5,000 and tips on what to look for when shopping. Afterwards, Nick and Carmindy hook your do and face up and its off to model the new you for Stacey and Clinton. They gush over you through three outfit changes and send you home to make your fashionable debut for the friends and loved ones that nominated you in the first place.

Sometimes while watching the show I imagine myself entering the party room, hearing the roar of a crowd so pleased to witness my unconscious hidden beauty being finally revealed. I'd smile, wave and blow air kisses to everyone. Of course someone would yell, "Spin around!" and I would twirl and think "In your face!" on the first spin and "Thanks for caring" on the second. Style is love, right?

My fashion game is definitely lacking. I'm such a slave for comfort many times I'm willing to forgo pants for jeans, sneakers for shoes. I'm a fast mover that usually always feel the need to be prepared to move fast, whatever the reason. A sudden downpour could occur. Who wants to get wet? Being able to move from one place to another with the wanna be speed of Jackie Joyner-Kersee is important. I've looked at people who wear heels on the regular and think, "I'd be past them so fast if I took off running right now. Thank you trusty sneakers." Even movies are smart enough to know that when the running high-heeled woman really wants to run, the shoes come off. You think Lola would have gotten far in Manolo's? Probably not.

I've always been a casual girl with dreams of super-flyness. I've already told my most stylish cousin Holly that when my big check arrives, I'll definitely hire her (per diem of course) to be my fashion go to guide. She even gives style counseling on the phone when I'm in one of my indecisive binds. A quick cell phone picture snapped is returned with a text of yea or nay, complete with suggestions. (Technology is magic I tell ya.) She helps me create temporary fashion illusions and choose clothes that will add to my small collection of grab and go outfits.

I must admit, I'm getting better with choosing clothes. I clean up nicely. For the most part, I still tend to shop on the need to have basis, but when I do, I think I'm making better, bolder choices. Who knows, one day I might be that fierce chick on the street with a style game that can't be beat.

What are you dear reader? Are you the stylist or the stylee? Do you phone in fashion 911's on the regular? Where are you on the fashion meter?