Castle's Costumes

Okay guys, it's being sort of strangely difficult to get ahold of official Couture Fashion Week photos so far, so you may need to wait another week for the synopsis. SO SORRY. Maybe someday I'll have my very own photographer to tag along with me--or at least front-row seats to take good ones on my own (I was only second-tier this time, I'm afraid). In the meantime, this week we get to talk about how characters dress on TV!

I've just started watching Castle this weekend from the beginning of the series, and so far I've seen episodes 1-5 of Season One, as well as Episode 12 randomly because a file was mislabeled. I noticed that the costumer for the show decided to give Kate Beckett, the lead female detective, a wardrobe "thing." Like when they decided Fresh Prince's Carlton needed to wear bow ties or the titular Blossom needed to always wear a hat. Sometimes these choices work and can help reflect a character's personality on the exterior--and sometimes it's just not okay.

In Castle, Beckett seems to constantly be wearing some kind of stretchy, synthetic, high-cut blouse or a very, very long scarf. Sometimes, she wears both at once. While I know people's style tends to reflect some pattern of taste and preference (on Dexter, sister Debra is often caught in 3/4 length sleeves to minimize her gangly frame), it is the rare bird indeed who goes into stores and just keeps repeatedly buying the same exact thing in different colors. Here are a few random shots from the first 5 episodes; trust me, I'm showing about a third of the evidence but I'm a pretty lazy screencapper:

From Episode 5, a prime example of the kind of shirt I'm describing. Either with a slight boatneck or a turtleneck, but always very unflattering to the bust. Sometimes with a bit of sheen. Here are a few more examples:

Actually, I'm fairly positive the green and purple shirts are the same, as are the red and blue shirts (sorry not all the shots are that great). From Episode 4, the same red shirt, now paired with a super-long red scarf:

Ready for more scarves? Here:

And then of course, sometimes you get the double whammy, shirt and scarf, like in Episode 5:

All in all, I feel like this sort of wardrobing is only okay if you are purposefully trying to drive home a point, or if you are dressing a cartoon character. I also feel like Castle's Costumes would make a wonderful drinking game. And, I have concluded that this procedural is not meant to be watched back to back, it does weird things to your brain. Thankfully, I am assured by a friend that Beckett begins dressing better in later seasons.

Weekly Update: Style Bard Shoes

Check out the shoe sales that were posted last week at Style Bard Shoes:

Sunday

Last Day - 20% Off Clearance Boots at Victoria's Secret - Expired

Monday

Last Day - 2-Way President's Day Sale at Gap - Expired

Tuesday

Boots Under $50 - Expired

Wednesday

Planet Shoes: Operation Clean Sweep - Expires March 7, 2011

Thursday

Pre-Order Moxsie's Latest Indie Shoes - Expiring This Week- February 28, 2011

Friday

*Deal of the Week* Shoe Shopping with Smarter.com - No Expiration

Cigarettes and Valentines

This chapter of Style Bard's recent (mis)adventures begins with Valentine's Day, which I managed to celebrate and enjoy even if I don't have a boyfriend. Being single doesn't mean you have to pretend the day doesn't exist. It doesn't mean you have to conference call your single girlfriends and bitch about men, or hit the bar after work because you know that's where the single guys will be. So what's a NYC gal to do on the big day?

Style Bard started out at the Blogger Breakroom (shown above), hosted jointly by Fashion Indie and LookBook.com. In honor of V-Day and Fashion Week, the little ninth-story sanctuary overlooking 30th featured spa treatments, snacks, booze and hookups to the Internet. There were also drinks, mini cupcakes and Popchips--which are now my favorite hard-to-find treat (I'm pissed my store doesn't carry them). They're low-fat, low-cal baked snacks that taste just like chips if not better, with a great crunch and a tasty saltiness. Talk about falling in love.

At the "spa" I indulged in an amazing, painless eyebrow wax and then a manicure from Spa Merge, all while sipping on champagne. (Also available were spray tans, massages, makeup consultations and more!) With time left before I had to head back to the office, I decided to complete the luxury with a pedicure and foot massage at a nearby salon, treating myself. Then I hunted down a local Jamba Juice, which I'd been craving for days. On my way to work, I picked up chocolates for my co-workers, bringing the spirit of decadence and relaxation to everyone else. Showing some love doesn't start and stop with your SO!

You can learn more at the official wrap-up for more great photos and info. All in all, I managed to have a great day, despite the fact that I was very exhausted somehow from all of my running around (and maybe a sugar crash or two).

But the story doesn't end there. Later in the week, I was supposed to meet a friend and her boyfriend at Amsterdam Alehouse (such delicious fries and brews!), followed by a comedy improv musical, Broadway's Next Hit Musical. Of course I was a little worried about being the third wheel (single girl peril!), but thankfully we wound up meeting up with other friends as well. The show was great, I definitely laughed out loud (with the help of a two-drink minimum) and would be happy to go back. If you're unfamiliar with the premise, the audience puts song title suggestions into a bowl, the performers pick the title at random and have to perform it as the hit song from a musical. After about four of these skits, the audience determines which concept will be turned into a full Broadway production--in one hour, right in front of your eyes. It's fun! And everyone on stage--including the astounding pianist, who kept up with it all--rocked.

But wait, the night gets even better. Our crew wanted to do the traditional post-drinks roundup at Bubby's thanks to the ideal combination of a bar plus midnight brunch menu--and besides, it was one gal's birthday and they do have amazing pies that they will even serve with candles. So we walked in and immediately noted a motley crew at the large table next to us--why, it was the cast of American Idiot! Despite all of us being , but at least we were all Green Day fans, although that's almost requisite of those born in the 80s and rebellious teens in the 90s. But it gets better. After they helped us sing Happy Birthday to our pal, a nice older lady came over to say hello and let us know that it was also her son's birthday. Her son, Billie Joe. Yes, that Billie Joe Armstrong, who apparently was born on February 17. She let us know that we were the fourth birthday gang in there that night, and that her son was really miffed about having such a popular birthday and wished he was born on a less conspicuous date. And then she had him come over to say hello and Happy Birthday, which we echoed back in earnest. Y'all, I met Mr. Green Day (and Mommy Green Day). And sampled about five delicious pies. It was a magical, magical night.

The weekend has also been insanity, since I managed to wangle tickets to Couture Fashion Week to go see the previously mentioned Alzerina showing her gorgeous, meticulous, handmade, beaded jewelry. Although the entire event (held at the palatial Waldorf Astoria) was exciting and beautifully executed, you will just have to wait until later this week or next Sunday for the full scoop, when I have all my notes and pictures in order.

Hey, I just got home two hours ago and...it's been a long week. To say the least.

Weekly Update: Style Bard Shoes

Check out the shoe sales that were posted last week at Style Bard Shoes:

Sunday

15% Off Kids' Shoes from Old Navy - Last Day - Expired

Monday

10% Off Aldo Shoes for Valentine's Day - Expired

Tuesday

20% Off + Free Shipping from Target - Expiring This Week - Feb. 19, 2011

Wednesday

Up to 75% Off Willow St. Shoes - While Supplies Last

Thursday

One Day Only - Banana Republic 12-Hour Sale - Expired

Friday

*Deal of the Week* 30% Off Scarpasa Shoes - Feb. 27, 2011

Out & About in NYC

It was one of those weeks where you have something to do before or after work every single day, and it all piles up until you're exhausted and just want to hide under the blankets. Or it was for me, at least. I'm not sure when NYC had the brilliant idea to put things like Restaurant Week and Broadway Week (it's new!) and Social Media Week and Fashion Week all back to back to back in a series like we're not all just trying to still get our bearing from the holidays.

Here are some highlights:

Dinner at Crepes du Nord. First of all, I was stunned by how tiny this place is, wedged into the Financial District like it doesn't even know how it got there, with about ten tables tops, a very tiny kitchen right in the front window and a cash register that has nowhere else to be but halfway up the front steps between the chef and the diners. Poor waitress! She was actually rather sweet, my friend and I enjoyed good customer service as well as ratatouille crepes (honestly not the best I've ever had, maybe that was the "Scandinavian" in it, but filling and fairly priced nonetheless) and a very delicious dessert crepe with bananas and raspberries and nutella and vanilla bean ice cream. Plus a bottle of Syrah, of course. Click the picture above for a more knowledgeable and in-depth review from the Eternal Optimist at Stuff I Ate.

Assouline at the Plaza. I like showing up to events with no idea what to expect; no seriously, my experience with highly publicized events (see here and here and below) is usually utter disappointment. Instead, I had a lovely night, meeting interesting new people that I already have plans to see again (such as the namesake ladies behind Lerebours Antiques and Alzerina Jewelry, who I will of course tell you more about at a later date) and seeing the Plaza Hotel for the very first time. Plus the bartender told me I was beautiful as he refilled my glass of Sauvignon Blanc past the open bar cut-off, and if that doesn't just make any night special I don't know what would. (Oh, a fast anecdote/word of warning: I believe the doors to the ladies' lounge in the lobby of the hotel do not lock, because I managed to walk in on squatting women. Twice. That, or I really did have one too many sips of wine!)

Drinks at the W. The same night as the aforementioned event, I went to close the night out with a nightcap at the W midtown, thinking it might be novel to compare this Living Room to the one downtown (visited two weeks ago). Despite pricey drinks, the bartender was fast and friendly and the crowd was a fun mix of business tourists and my-age locals looking for a decent scene on a Wednesday night off Times Square, so I had a nice time and, better yet, a quick commute home.

Compulsion with Mandy Patinkin. GO SEE THIS. Seriously, the Public Theater has done a marvelous job with this play about Sid Silver, a fictional author and former marionette-maker who struggles to bring Anne Frank's diary to the world in the aftermath of WWII and during Israel's establishment, who devolves into his own paranoia and obsession. The show is fast-paced and Patinkin as Silver makes you feel deeply for a man who is, quite frankly (you see what I did there?), pretty despicable. And sort of relateable and largely flawed and human too. If you think you know Patinkin's acting range think again; he's truly a treasure to see live. And my only minor complaint is one thing that I'll probably never, ever say again: I think the show needed more puppets.

Drinks at Juliet Supper Club. This is the poorly publicized event that I was talking about before, sadly. Invited through TheLuxurySpot.com to this Fashion Week kickoff event, I was sincerely thinking that dropping by the lounge after the play would be a good idea, a place to close out the night and an opportunity to check out a new venue, but by the time my guest and I arrived (around 10), the party seemed to be mostly over. A small crowd hovered around the bar, as per usual, and another little clump stood around the tiny pop-up Remington hair salon, but even the male dancer in the feisty red thong (yes, you're reading this sentence correctly) was alone and unappreciated on his little stage. Sadder still, no one even asked us to confirm our RSVP or provide ID, and no one greeted us but a bouncer whose sole concern was to check if we were 21. We contemplated turning straight around, but we'd already split the cab fare and it seemed only right to try one drink. One drink apiece turned out to be $32--and while that happens from time to time in Manhattan, imagine my surprise when the bill had a 20% gratuity already added on for us. Nearly forty bucks for two cocktails, plus the cab ride, and we'd well surpassed what we expected to pay to spend an hour at an event we'd supposedly been guests to--especially one that seemed to be almost over and not especially beneficial to us. Meanwhile, staff who didn't attempt to speak to us oversaw the photogs and straightened up the many well-placed Remington ads. As much as I hate to be criticizing, seemingly always, I was completely miffed that once again a PR team managed to overlook the very basics tenement of a successful sponsorship which is, in my estimation: One strategically placed, small Remington ad in the midst of a marvelous party full of people having fun and getting drunk is a better investment than a thousand giant banners draped all over a completely empty nightclub. IMHO. We bounced shortly after we hit the rocks at the bottom of our glasses and headed over to a local tavern where guys in t-shirts shot pool, beer was $4 a pop and then free once a gentleman decided to buy us a round. Much better than any fancypants kickoff party for a simple girl like Style Bard (ha).

This week actually stands to be much quieter, since I'm not quite earning invitations to the tents just yet. Not that I can say I identify much with high fashion in general, which is why I've always preferred the term "style" (obviously). But I do have some self-pampering lined up for Valentine's Day (plight of the single gal) and I will tell you all about that next week.

Weekly Update: Style Bard Shoes

Check out the shoe sales that were posted last week at Style Bard Shoes:

Sunday

Extra 10% Off Bluefly Shoes - One Day Only! - Expired

Monday

ShoeDazzle Valentine's Day Shoes - $39.95 - While Supplies Last

Tuesday

Free Next-Day Delivery from Shopbop - Expires March 1, 2011

Wednesday

20% Off Gap Shoes - Expires Feb. 11, 2011

Thursday

Be FootSmart for Fashion Week - Limited Time Only

Friday

*Deal of the Week* Overstock Shoe Savings - Limited Time Only

Unconventional, Affordable Valentine's Day Jewelry for Her & Him

Not that anyone's ever given me jewelry for Valentine's Day, but if you're looking for something special to give someone special, here are a few cute, non-smarmy pieces for men and women that I've come across recently through various websites and vendors.

For Her:

1. A watch is a classic, practical gift for your girlfriend. And giving her a watch that's actually on-trend will speak volumes about your diversity of interests (you don't have to tell her you got the idea from me!). Chunky, wide watches are popular and won't be going out of style anytime soon. But with a smaller wristband than a man's watch as well as chic, feminine touches, this gift means she's ready to dress up a casual outfit or even pair it with a dress. OP ART - Hearts at Tokyobay.com for $75.

2. Popping out a ring box on V-Day might give her the wrong idea, but you should be safe with a bracelet box. Especially if it contains this lovely, delicate Triple Birds Bracelet by Gorjana at Shopbop, which is an affordable $54. (Ladies: Don't forget your single gal pals! Gorjana also has a range of friendship jewelry that I would be touched beyond belief to receive from a friend.)

3. Another gift that strays from the convention of heart pendants and diamonds is this scented pendant by Joya Studio. Inside the 'Ancient Sphere' is a solid perfume that slowly releases over time, encouraged by the nearness of her body heat as she wears it. Two presents in one, she's sure to think of you each time she dons it and catches a trace of the Potion (lavender, lotus blossom and bergamot); $80.

For Him:

1. Who says diamonds are just a girl's best friend? These 1ct black diamonds, set against sterling silver, give the TDW Black Diamond Ring a masculine edge that I find quite appealing. It's only $155.99 right now at Overstock.com.

2. I ran into Meister Watches at a trade show recently and fell in love. Naturally, I wanted one for myself, but since they are actually men's watches (not just men's-style, which are so popular for the ladies lately), I've thus far refrained. I guess the boys can have something special just for them--this time. Though they look extremely fashionable and high-end, my favorite, the CHIEF102RB, is only $250.

3. I don't know too many guys who wear cuff links or tie pins (...not without irony, at least). But I do know a ton of guys with old, beat-up wallets. Change up his money-holding ways with a smart-looking money clip, which you can have engraved with his name or a personal message from you to him. It's a nicely priced $19 at FineandDandyShop.com, where you can also buy him a pen, flask, fob chain or various assorted accessories to go with it. Plus, you should patronize its owner, Matt Fox, who is a charming man making his way in the e-commerce world and deserves your support. For the record: No, "buy me things" is not a V-Day appropriate message, honey. Maybe for St. Patty's Day, which is a little more focused on the green.

P.S. Manhattanites: This week I dined at Candela, Candela at 5th St. & 2nd Ave. It's a very cozy, intimate setting with great service and tasty, affordable food. Although, I'm biased toward anywhere that give you complimentary bread & dip and can stay on top of refilling a water glass--what can I say, I'm easy to please. Although this Cuban-Italian dinner (yes, you read that right, there are two menus) might not be the one over which to propose, it's probably a good bet for your romantic date night.

Weekly Update: Style Bard Shoes

Check out the shoe sales that were posted last week at Style Bard Shoes:

Sunday

Final Sale of the Season at Net-A-Porter - Expired

Monday

Extra 30% Off Reebok Sale Shoes - Expired

Tuesday

The Walking Company Shoes + Free Gift - Limited Time Only

Wednesday

Extra 25% Off - Planet Shoes Sale - Expires Feb. 15, 2011

Thursday

45% Off Endless Boots for Valentine's Day - Expires Feb. 14, 2011

Friday

*Deal of the Week* Sale on Zappos T-Straps - While Supplies Last