[FashionRatty] tag: ripe

New York, Paris, Milan, SoSaLa?

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:00:00 +0000

Utah Stories Front Page
New York, Paris, Milan, SoSaLa?

November 18th, 2008
Could South Salt Lake become the next fashion capital?
by Rebecca Edwards

If it seems unlikely that South Salt Lake, or SoSaLa as it has been coined recently, could become the latest hot spot for fashion and entertainment, it may be time to reconsider. With the likes of East High becoming forever imprinted on the pop culture psyche via the High School Musical (HSM) movies, and the hottest literary phenomenon since Harry Potter, the Twilight series, being penned by a BYU alum, it seems the time is ripe for Utah to splash onto the fashion scene as well.

Central Point South Salt Lake
One man has a big vision for the future of SoSaLa and Utah's place on the world fashion stage. Stacey Eastman, founder and president of Pulse Management, has partnered with Elite Model Management to open a full-fledged talent agency in SoSaLa. Eastman's hip office is the cornerstone of the new Market Street Station shopping and urban living center being developed at 2100 South and Main.

Despite swanky, new digs and the recent attention the entertainment world has given Utah thanks to HSM and American Idol runner-up David Archuleta, the question still remains: Why Utah?

"I have operated in seven different cities for over 21 years in many different markets," Eastman said. "And all of our superbowl rings (Vogue covers) have been procured by Utah talent alone."
For the past two decades Eastman has discovered and represented some of the biggest models in the world, including Utah discovery Hye Rim Park who has walked runways for top designers all over the world and graced the covers of magazines like Vogue.

Pulse, whose mission includes "slamming forth an intense revolution of raw, clean, talent" was established two decades ago by Eastman, a successful fashion photographer. In that time, Eastman has discovered some of the top models in the business, including recent phenom (and Utah native) Ali Stephens. Ali is the latest in a long line of successful models that Eastman and his team have discovered in Utah. Within three days of Pulse discovering her, she was walking the runway in Milan. Another Utah discovery, Hye Rim Park, has not only graced the cover of Vogue, but has been heralded by editors and photographers alike as one of the top ten models in the world.

SoSaLa is in good company. Elite also has modeling agencies in Chicago, Miami and New York.
The success of talent discovered in Utah caught Eastman's attention, and it's not letting go. Over the past ten years, he has been working more and more with Utah models, leading to the opening of the SoSaLa office in June, 2008. This is the first office Elite, one of the world's leading agencies, has opened in a market that is virtually unknown to the fashion world at large.

"This is the first time since 1965 that Elite has entered into a partnership like this, and it's in South Salt Lake. There's something in the water," Eastman jokes. "When Brigham Young said that 'this is the place,' he didn't know how right he was. Elite has launched more industry icons over the past 65 years than anyone else, and we have been able to accomplish this partnership solely because of the people we have been blessed to work with."

Eastman is not shy about crediting the lifestyle and family values of Utahans as contributors to the success of his models. "I haven't been able to put my thumb on it, but in 21 years the only thing I can come up with is that it's got to be the lifestyle. Whether part of the predominant religion or not, religion attracts other religious people, and that is accompanied by a certain lifestyle."

Pulse models are selected not just for physical beauty, but for being well-rounded and having a strong family support system. Eastman has found that although Utah is not immune to the typical pitfalls of being a modern teenager, such as rebellion and drugs, the kids he works with from Utah seem to display behavior that is contrary to what he finds in the rest of the country.

Central Point apartments have attracted young hip professionals, like Justin Erikson pictured above.

"Predominantly, kids are the best here," he said. "It has a lot to do with the parents and the entrepreneurial attitude of the state. People here are industrious. They live up to the slogan of the beehive state. They are healthy, driven, very entrepreneurial-minded, and passionate. If I go to Portland, to get the kids to do anything is like pulling teeth."

Eastman prefers to sign models who are more than just a pretty face, with involvement in school activities, sports, church, and good grades being crucial factors. Since 1992, he says he has found those qualities most often in kids from Utah. The contradiction of Utah's image and that of the fashion industry is not lost on Eastman, but he remains confident that the move to Utah is the right one. And Utah seems to be welcoming Pulse Management with open arms.

"We had so much political support," Eastman said, describing the grand opening street party he held in SoSaLa that was attended by 4,000 people. "This is not what you are used to in the fashion world. If Elite opened a second office in Manhattan, the mayor wouldn't go out of his way to endorse it. We received so much support from the president of the Utah Film Commission, Governor Huntsman, the mayor of South Salt Lake, and the police and fire chiefs. The support has been overwhelming for us."

The welcoming and supportive attitude of the Utah community has even caught the attention of the Elite office in Manhattan, according to Eastman. Attention that Eastman looks forward to keeping. Pulse has a variety of upcoming events planned, including partnerships with the Twilight movie premiere this coming weekend, the Sundance Film Festival, and an upcoming fundraiser for Huntington's disease.

Eastman has a powerful vision for what he calls the "New SoSaLa," and he plans to bring that vision to fruition through creative partnerships with local and worldwide entertainment and fashion leaders. Pulse has partnered with Wasatch Helicopters to offer sightseeing tours, heli-boarding, and heli-skiing, leading to a new helicopter pad across from the Pulse office. In addition, the number one casting director in Utah is putting in an office right next door.

"We're in the process of building a production capital, encompassing all aspects of the entertainment industry," Eastman said. "We're partnering with local clothing designers, the film industry, spas, salons, sound stages. This is what keeps us at the top of the totem pole, and I'm the only one in the world with the relationships to pull it off."

Eastman is committed to making a difference in the entertainment industry, and unbelievably to some, Utah is one of the keys to making that happen. As he said, "When we find a girl we can't always tell when she will make it, but we can tell if. In South Salt Lake, it might take months, a year, or longer, but it will happen. It's only a matter of time. We're changing this town."

Little Gems from CakeSpy

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:30:00 +0000

I just bought three adorable mini original watercolors from Seattle artist Jessie Oleson (aka "CakeSpy") for a Christmas present. I've been a fan of Jessie's since she sought me out after listening to me at the Crave Panel on starting a business. She was a delight to speak with and had natural business talent, especially in sales and marketing. I own a few of her originals and have gone through 20 or 30 CakeSpy cards this year alone (previous CakeSpy posts here, here and here).

My Sister in Law is a youngster. At the ripe ol' age of 7, her room is pink, pink and more pink. So, these three mini original watercolors will be perfect for her room (and hopefully stay with her as she grows older. I love my Oleson originals and I'm a few years older than 7!). As smart as my little Sister in Law is, she doesn't read this blog so these will be a big surprise for her on Christmas day.

Check out Jessie's shop here and make someone in your life (or even you) a little happier with original sweet cuppie art.

Revolve Clothing's Black Thursday Mega Sale!

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:34:00 +0000

Unless you've been living under a couch cushion, you're fully aware that this week is RIPE with absurdly great deals. Check out all of this gorgeousness from Revolving Clothing -- almost all of my picks are under $100, plus they're doing free shipping, AND you can save 15% with promo code JT. I know because I JUST DID!

($279, Rafe, RevolveClothing.com)

Beauts patent leather faux croc black boots! Love the gold hardware at the top.

($175, Frye, RevolveClothing.com)

As much as I LOVE grey boots, I actually like these Frye Ava boots best in black. And for $175, you'd be INSANE not to pick them up.

($50, Trina Turk, RevolveClothing.com)

Both pairs of boots would look so cute with this Trina Turk bag.

($49, Generra, RevolveClothing.com)

... Or this office-pretty Generra top.

($63, Charlotte Ronson, RevolveClothing.com)

... Which would look really cute with these Charlotte Ronson flats with pyramid studs (yay!)

($48, Matt Bernson, RevolveClothing.com)

Or these Matt Bernson flats.

($153, CNC, RevolveClothing.com)

... Which you should not carry with this amazing CNC by Costume National studded clutch!

($43, Primp, RevolveClothing.com)

... But I would carry it with this fun leopard top!

($62, Betsey Johnson, RevolveClothing.com)

... Which I'd wear with these Betsey Johnson heels...

($34, YMC, RevolveClothing.com)

... Or these YMC hi-tops.

($58, Luc Kieffer, RevolveClothing.com)

All of which I'd wear with this fun Luc Kieffer ring.

($58, Married to the Mob, RevolveClothing.com)

Kay, so also, this Married to the Mob jacket is just $58!! For srs!

($51, Members Only, RevolveClothing.com)

... Or, get a real Members Only jacket for even less. SICK! (But no liquid leggings, pleas.)

($21, Something Else, RevolveClothing.com)

Meanwhile this Something Else by Natalie Wood (not THAT Natalie Wood) tee is just $21. I should know because I BOUGHT IT!

($13, Insight, RevolveClothing.com)

And OF COURSE I'd have bought this because you KNOW how much I FREAKING LOVE horses and ponies, but it's only in stock in a small. Bew! But if I did have it, I'd wear it with...

($76, Luc Keiffer, RevolveClothing.com)

Love that gorgeous salmon shade that really only '60s bathrooms came in. I'd also wear this with...

($185, Jill Stuart, RevolveClothing.com)

Pretty pretty!

($108, Devotte, RevolveClothing.com)

For dressing up like Lady Prince!

($31, Noir, RevolveClothing.com)

For cute hippies!

($122, Soia & Kyo, RevolveClothing.com)

To cover it all up in the c-c-c-cold! Happy overeating!

10 Best Bets for Black Friday

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:37:35 +0000

It takes some pretty spectacular deals to pry Americans out of their recliners late every Turkey Day and send them out into blistering cold parking lots to camp for hours, but retailers have it figured it out with Black Friday. And if you're looking to score a big-screen TV for half of what it normally runs for, get a printer bundled with your camera for free, or pick up an MP3 player for the cost of a cup of coffee, you'll be out there too. With the economy forcing consumers to pinch their pennies even more this year, and retailers trying even harder to open those cautiously held wallets, the deals are ripe for the picking. Here are a few of our favorite picks for this year.

Tom Tom One Third Edition Nav System
$69.99 at Pep Boys

Just like last year, Pep Boys remains the place to go if you're looking for the absolute cheapest GPS system out there on Black Friday. Though the price drop from last year isn't earth-shattering, the good news is that you're actually ending up with a respectable name brand unit this year. TomTom's One v.3 may be a no-frills system, but it's compact, it's in color, and it works.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 100th Anniversary

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:11:29 +0000

Nobody can argue with the fact that Converse has been a leader in the footwear industry, 100 years speaks tremendously by itself. The Chuck Taylor All-Star is also a sneaker legend, both on the court, and off, it is a classic. The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 100th Anniversary edition celebrates the long history of the Converse company.

The 100th Anniversary “Chucks” are released in two low top versions, and in two high top versions, as a part of the Converse Century Project. Simple colorways in each, a grey, black and white, with orange heel accents, and a black and white version with yellow heel accents are both available in high and low top form.

Available now at Ripe. Detailed shots after the break.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 100th Anniversary

Carol Enters the Twilight Zone. Without Me.

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:02:00 +0000

OMG, gals. Have I got a story for YOU.

So you know I am deeply, deeply into Twilight's Robert Pattinson, who plays Edward in the movie. Yesterday, he made an appearance at Hot Topic at the King of Prussia (KOP) mall, a mere 15 minutes from where I grew up in suburban Philly. I ADORED growing up there... but I was so ready to leave when I did in 1998 to move first to Boston to attend college and then to New York in 2002 after I graduated. I love to go home to surburban Philly for weekends, holidays, etc. But never ONCE in ten years have I thought to myself, self? I'd LOVE to be 215-ing it up right now whilst flitting about at fabu NYC event. Yesterday, circa 5pm, that was the exactly what happened.

Daneen and I had spent ALL day emailing back and forth about Robert Pattinson's impending KOP arrival. I was telling her she HAD to get there. She wanted to, but couldn't leave work AND drive the 30 minutes from Center City to the 'burbs by the ripe hour of 5. It was truly tragic. TRAGE. Anyway, so I try to get on with my lifestyle. I head to a fab event where I met Redken stylist/creative consultant Guido (who is HILAR - seriously, he is in my top five fave stylists group). Stay tuned for my interview with him, BTW.

While I'm there, my mother calls me like, four times. She does this, my mother. I think it's a Jewish mother requisite. She simply calls until she gets me on the phone. Does this happen to anyone else? PLEASE tell me in the comments if it does so I can feel less ridic. I get home around 9pm, and when I finally have a chance to call her back, I'm sort of frantic because, like every other time, I think maybe something's HAPPENED this time and I'm some sort of jerk for ignoring four calls in a row because maybe someone's in the hospital, etc. P.S. Never has there been an emergency. She's always just called four times in a row to ask me something like whether I would like her to renew my New Yorker subscription this year.

This is the world's longest story. So anyway, when I reach her, she tells me how she had this coupon for a shoe store that's only in the King of Prussia mall. "The Plaza," she said. "Not the Court. You wouldn't BELIEVE the crowds." All of a sudden, I realize that my MOTHER unwittingly just HAPPENED to be the EXACT place I'd been DYING to be all day. Behold the dialogue:
Mom: It was pandemonium! There were so many girls crowding up the place for some guy who's going to be in some teen movie-
Me: MOM. YOU WERE IN THE MALL WITH EDWARD???
Mom: Oh, you know who he is? I had to ask another shopper-
Me: DID YOU SEE HIM?
Mom: No, I escaped to an Israeli kiosk, where I bought the most wonderful flatiron and hairspray.

In the words of Rachel Zoe, I die. Is that not BANANAS?

Taking Off: Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:16:59 +0000

Big win for the Gunners this weekend - did you catch the 2-1 result against Manchester United? Sadly, the victory was marred by Nicholas Bendtner’s bizarre modified mullet situ. Let’s give him a week or so and hope his hair choices improve.

Red Devil fans, don’t despair. You can still take pride in your team’s ability to wear the hell out of a tuxedo.

See: Ryan Giggs at the United for UNICEF charity dinner. We think he’s ripe for a spot in our Hot HOF, don’t you?

How were the weekend results for you? FYI, we’re continually baffled by Rafa Benitez’s strategy of keeping his hotties on the bench until the end of the game. This angers our Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres happy place.

image via ZUMAPRESS/KEYSTONE Press for Kickette.com

Link: United Front for Carlos Tevez

Best Celebrity Breasts in Past

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 02:22:00 +0000

Introduction
My other babe list started me thinking. To qualify, they have to be natural, or at least make me believe they are, and they can come from any era, or performance.

Got a couple of hours to spare, so I thought I'll pirate and add pictures. It'll be a fun presearch.

(2nd Alternate) Tiffani Amber Thiessan

Very hot in SBTB. (I have been watching her since long.)

(1st Alternate) Gisele Bündchen

Bedded Leo; must be cool.

20. Christina Applegate

Loved her on Married With Children

19. Heather Graham

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, she is THE Roller Girl.

18. Jessica Alba

Sooooooooooooo hot. Someone just can't stop Yum yum!

17. Winona Ryder

Looses points for being nutty as Oscar's pet coon, but a great rack. Timothy Leary is her Godfather; so she probably dropped acid at 3 or 4.

16. Uma Thurman

So young hot and ripe in Dangerous Liaisons. Even made Kill Bill Vols. 1 & 2 bearable.

15. Scarlett Johansson

I saw her on Ellen; I don't know what she is famous for, and I don't care for those loose bags.

14. Claudia Schiffer

Unfortunately, this bombshell model looses points for the whole David Copperfield thing.

13. Jennifer Anniston

Would have scored higher, but I'm not altogether sure they are real. (brad may not remember!)

12. Angelina Jolie

Looses points for being a skank.Though ask Brad.

11. Alyssa Milano

Very hot on Charmed; looks best in jeans and a deep halter top though.

10. Sarah Michelle Gellar

BUF-FY, BUF-FY, BUF-FY!!! BOTH BUFF-ED UP!

9. Salma Hayek

Loved her movies with Antonio Banderas.

8. Jenny McCarthy

Hot and funny woman; an irresistable combination. Maybe had some enhancement though.

7. Rebecca Romijn

Dumped uncle Jesse; very, very bad.

6. Cindy Crawford

One of the three hottest women of the last 25 years.

5. Halle Berry

Watch DVDs of movies, Swordfish and Monsters Ball.

4. Katherine Heigl

Jiggle Bombs!

3. Jennifer Love Hewitt

Have you seen her in the new Hanes ad?

2. Jessica Simpson

Watch her in the Dukes of Hazzard car wash video.

1. Elle Macpherson

Some of the others were questionable, but this was a slam dunk, no question about you babe.

Angelina Jolie, Alyssa Milano, Christina Applegate, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, Elle Macpherson, Gisele Bündchen, Halle Berry, Heather Graham, Jessica Alba, Katherine Heigl, Jennifer Anniston, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jenny McCarthy, Jessica Simpson, Rebecca Romijn, Salma Hayek, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Winona Ryder, Uma Thurman, Scarlett Johansson, Tiffani Amber Thiessan

Madonna Planning A Family With Alex Rodriguez?

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Madonna is reportedly intent on enlarging her family with US baseball star Alex Rodriguez.

The singer - who is embroiled in a bitter divorce with Guy Ritchie - is rumoured to want to bear Alex's child at the ripe old age of 50.

A friend tells the Daily Mail, “She thinks he's physically a great specimen. And if she is going to have another child, he would be the ideal man to bring one to her.”

Madonna is also rumoured to be putting her 'new man' through a series of tests before fatherhood.

The friend continued, “First, when Alex says he is going to call, Madonna checks that he calls when he says he will.

“Guy would always call late or not at all. Madonna has also tested Alex on his knowledge of Kabbalah text and he did remarkably well.”

Alex also reportedly told the queen of pop he sees her as a spiritual being not a famous icon, which Madonna heartily approved of.

Source

Have You Got The Double-D Blues

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 09:49:25 +0000

Nothings worse than jogging while jugging along a pair of ripe watermelons as this quite hilarious song suggests.