La La Land is Calling... And Oh Yeah, It's International Donut Day

So it's been far too long and oh so much has happened... Not so much that it would be comparable to the current season of The Hills or The Real Housewives of New York City (perhaps Spencer Pratt could workout some sort of exchange in which he could share some of his "healing crystals" with Kelly Bensimon in exchange for a few of those Gummy Bears and Lollipops that the former model seams to be so fond of, as they ride along the loony toon train together...) but for sure enough to def suffice a season of the reality classic Laguna Beach or at least The Real Housewives of Orange County. Which is fitting, since (drum roll, please) I am relocating back to the West Coast.

Yes, in the past months I have travelled to Hawaii, taken part in some introspective soul searching (so deep, i know), and discovered that I am destined to maintain a connection with all things LA LA Land.. you know, Fred Segal, Organic Fare at Urth Cafe, and driving a luxury SUV (see, I told you my soul searching was deep... )

All joking aside, my move to LA is bittersweet and what better way to counter this feeling but with a ever so sweet, nothing bitter about it, dough fried circular bliss with frosting. That's right, today is officially National Doughnut Day. I, for one, will be abstaining from indulging in such treat today (with my pending move back to the land of the super skinny, I've made the conscious decision to limit my carb intake to late night eating and indulgences in my very fave NY staples, Ray's Pizza & Tasty D). However, I dare to ask what better way to enjoy your Friday afternoon then with a free donut from Dunkin' Donuts? Throw in an ice coffee and the tunes of my newest and most shameful guilty music pleasure, Justin Bieber, on my iPod, and its my idea of a pure summer delight. That's right some where between non existent spring and the latest NY heat wave, I was struck with Bieber Fever... shame face, shame face. On this note, I am going to take a cue from crazy yet stylish pants (that is on the rare occasion that she does actually wear pants), Killeron Bensimon, and "zip it". Hmm, perhaps I will cash in on that free donut after all....

Happy Friday,

P Chic T

xoxo

Singing, dancing, satirical comedy, ironic pop culture refs & all the drama of high school... Yes, these were a few of my favorite things indeed

When I was younger, I used to don a dance leotard while performing opening singing dance numbers down the center stairs into the foyer of my childhood home. It was oh so very Von Trapp family circa the sound of music except divide the the number of 7 singing dancing kiddos by itself and that was the total number of participants in my ensemble. It was as if a problem like Maria was solved by six children do-re-me-ing running away from home and I was the last one left to hold down fort via song. Also, rather then performing in front of a large crowd of Austrian diplomats and former naval captains, I had the not so captivated audience of my dog, Regis.

Looking past the disturbing fact that I had a child hood dog named Regis (that was a female no less- to those of you who know both myself and the history of my childhood, this should come as no surprise), it is a bit odd that when I first heard of the new musical comedy phenomenon, Glee, I gave a straight no thanks. It was actually not until a snowed in stint visiting Mr. Wonderful Chicago that I became hardcore hooked on the critically acclaimed program. I became a hardcore addict to the Fox new comedy to such a degree that Mr. W started to worry when he discovered me doing the cancan and belting out Journey in a cappella while sleep walking around 2 am one morning. Don't Stop Believing was right, I could not stop believing that this show was the quintessential balance of entertainment for my midweek Wednesday night and the perfect musical balance for my iPod city strutting play list.

Who needs rave reviews, awards, and acclaim from the likes of The New York Times, The Emmy's, and The Golden Globes, when you can get two well accessorized thumbs up from The Chic Taft. Taking a moment for my head to swell back down to reality, I for one would like to celebrate the highly anticipated return of Glee Tuesday April 13. Throw in an all Madonna episode and Bravo TV joke here and there and the newest season o this who is sure to be leave you nothing less than well... gleeful.

Singing, dancing, satirical comedy, ironic pop culture references and all the drama of high school... Yes, these were a few of my favorite things indeed.

To the return of spring sunshine and every one's favorite musical comedy cast in April,

P Chic Taft

xoxo

Good Things Come In Blue Boxes Or Wrapped In Big Red Bows:Tiffany's Profit's Up In The Fourth Quarter & Mr. W's Dance Floor Knee Slide

There is a little known saying that goes a little something like this... "All good things, come in little blue boxes" Though I don't know about this "all" business and firmly believe that some of the best things can come in large blue boxes (think crystal vase) or simply wrapped in a big red bow (thing brand new BMW convertible) as well, this is a quote that is sharing more validity today then it ever did in months prior. The evidence of this, you ask? Just look at the latest market reports fro Tiffany & Co. The famous jeweler gone borderline too mainstream in 1990s bracelet producer, experienced a 350% increase in profits in the company's 4th quarter. That's right, the proof is in the pudding or in the case of Tiffany's puddin' on a brand new diamond tennis bracelet. A case, I myself, would love to participate in especially after a fun filled wedding weekend with none other then Mr. Wonderful.... On that note, I have said too much. Wait, who am I kidding, we all know that my desire for a sapphire and diamond ring is no secret rather the question mark of who will give me such ring is out like a hung jury in the trial of who wore it best Suri Cruise vs. Victoria Beckham. However, it must be said that after this weekends knee slide on the dance floor Mr. W is def dominating the rankings...

To discovering just how much jewelry sales will sky rocket now that Americans will supposedly be spending less money on health care,

P Chic T

xoxo

P.S. Happy happy birthday to my fabulous incredi-mazing mother, who once again allows another year to go by and leaves us wondering just how young she was when she got married... I wish I was destined to inherit such good skin genes, however judging by the parenthesis beginning to appear on my face, I fear this is not so much the case. Love you CMT always, always...

Agyness Deyn, Barney's, Louis Vuitton, and Michael Kors Delve Into An Asian Invasion... And Oh Yeah, I Was Almost Named Alexander Haig Taft

"Oh how fabulous. Getting Marky Mark to take time out of his busy pants dropping schedule to plant trees."~ Alicia Silverstone as Cher, Clueless (1995)

Fifteen years later, who needs Marky Mark when you have #12 on Models.com ranking of world's top supermodels, Agynss Deyn and Barney's Japan collaborating on an eco friendly collection that's portion of the proceeds will go towards the planting of trees in inner Mongolia. That's right, Agnyess, it's not just a name for great grandmothers anymore (not that I should be one to talk, I was named Patricia, which just barely beat out Martha and Alexander Haig* by a nose) and supermodels are not just made for walking catwalks anymore either.

On March 1, 2010, WWD reported that Miss Deyn and the upscale department store's plans to tag team up and take on the world of fashion and philanthropy via Japanese consumers. The means by which they plan on accomplishing this task? Through producing a collection of 11 basics (think scarves, knits, tees, dresses, leggings, etc.) that will contribute to the eco friendly Barney's Go Green Go campaign, but of course. For the not so thrifty prices range between 18,900 to 27,300 yen, the equivalent to $212 to $317 in US dollars, Japanese fashionistas can purchase a trendy knit and be green all in one swipe of a credit card.

The launch of this collection is very suiting to the recent opening of Barney's Japan in the port city of Kobe. Others joining the luxury retailer and launching new Japanese stores include Louis Vuitton in Kobe aswell and the ultimate American lifestyler, none other than Michael Kors, in Tokyo. Yesterday, Kors announced that he will be jumping into the Asian fashion scene with the formation of is new wholly owned subsidiary entitled Michael Kors Japan K.K.

Hmm... Japan, birthplace of The Harajuku Girl, Kobe Steak, and Lexus Automobiles. Despite this country's continual money woes and post recessionary economy, it seems clear as day that the fashion world is delving into a full on Asian invasion.

To a happy post Paddy's Day recovery and enjoying our Michael Kors sheets & wedges with a side of sushi,

P Chic T

xoxo

*Eventually, I will discuss the ramifications of naming your child Alexander Haig Taft. My mother told me that she once ran into the former war general turned Nixon's Secretary of State and Reagen's White House Chief of Staff on an airplane and that this was the only time in her life where she was actually left star track. Take into consideration that this is coming from a woman who has had first hand encounters with both Mick Jagger and Sidney Potier and that the above name may quite have possibly made me one of the most Republican named children in U.S. history, and I am beyond confident that you will understand why the subject matter of my parent's list of potential baby names is entitled to it's own post all together.

A New Yorker on The Lower Eastside Helps Foreign Artist Make it to Austin & Tory Burch Shades From Manhattan Beach, To The Hamptons, & St. Bart's

Austin, Texas. I have never been there but have heard many a good thing and am fully confident that if to visit I would be gleefully clicking my cowboy boots dancing through the streets. This Texas city has become a mecca of artist and musicians alike. For this reason it should come as no surprise that many a coveted music festival, featuring a variety or musicians from near and oh so very far, take place there every year. The festival of the moment, you ask? The South by Southwest Music Festival that kicks off today, in which more than 25% of the 2,000 appearing bands travel from outside the U.S. As with most things, the magic of getting these bands to the great state and across the US border took place in a small apartment (I imagine the size of a magician's minute disappearing case) on Manhattan's lower east side. The Houdini is Mathew Covey, founder of the nonprofit Tamizdat.

To hear more about Covey and his nonprofit savior to musicians around the globe. Be sure to to read more at The New York Times Online. I, however, prefer to discuss just exactly what I would plan to don if I was going to said South by Southwest music festival. Perhaps it is the stylist in me, however those of you who frequent TCT know, one of my most fulfilling of life's simple pleasures is crating ensembles to accommodate specific events. (to refresh, who can forget the tales Phish Concert Patti?). It is no secret that accessories make an outfit and when attending a music festival, sunglasses are this oh so very quintessential accent.

My fave new picks for sunglasses derive from the latest in Tory Burch Eyewear. For days spent at a music festival such as above, rock out in T.Burch's Rounded Oversized Aviators. Noting that Tory duds are not typically the designer wear of choice at most festivities involving drunken concertgoers, I remind you all that this is Austin of the great state of go big or go home aka Texas, and if Tory Aves aren't acceptable there, I don't know what is.

Always a girl's best friend no matter the setting, Ms Burch offers a wide selection that will delight your style from spring through summer. A more dramatic choice to be worn while yachting off the coast of St. Bart's or at least pretending to be while catching rays on your NYC roof deck with a Hermes scarf wrapped around your head are the Oversized Round Sunglasses With Buckle Detail in Spotty Tortoise. My fantasy travels aside, whether chillaxing on the west coast in The Green Fade Green Classic Cat Eye on Manhattan Beach or on the east coast, enjoying The Hamptons in Black & Grey Vintage Square Shades, I am super psyched for most of the eye wear Tory Burch has to offer. I mean really, with a not so crazy price tag between $150 and $195 how can we complain? Not me, I for one am a proponent of an stylish designer accessory that still allows me to afford simple pleasures, you know like eating...

To rocking out in Austin and the luck of the Irish on this very merry St. Patrick's Day,

P Chic T

xoxo

P.S. Shout out to one of my fav little cousins, Gideon, for providing, for the first time in my life, the incentive to Tivo something on ESPN to check out he and his team, Winthrop, as they put out a beyond solid effort against Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. .. Love you Gido!

Now, if you will please excuse me, I just used entirely too many sports references in one sentence than ever for my liking. If you need me, I can be found reading Vogue and watching trying to counteract this over exertion of sports vocab....

The Official Sunglasses Of Visiting African Orphanages, Kabbalah, Staying Super Fit, & Vogue-ing: Madonna Collaborates W/Dolce & Gabbana On Eyewear

Another day, another way for celebs to help the fashion industry make another dollar... In today's celebrity obsessed culture and reduced recession spending, it is only natural that the fashion industry discover a way to hone in on this hotbed for popularity, revenue, and market growth. If the tale of the Bling Ring taught us anything, it would be that this is far too true. The week began yesterday with WWD reporting that Madonna will be collaborating with every one's fave Italian designing duo, Dolce & Gabbana, to collaborate on a specific line of sunglasses. Others joining the fashion game include supermodel, Agnyness Dane, The Kardashians for Bebe, Amy Winehouse, and even, God please save us all, the cast of The Jersey Shore. Apparently, Madge's line of sunglasses is set to feature the initialled logo, MDB. Yes, MDB, I can see it now. The official sunglasses of visiting orphanages in Africa, practicing Kabbalah, staying super fit, and oh yeah- most importantly, vogue-ing...

To the fashion industry staying afloat by any means possible and the future of seeing the fashion world through the shades and creative love child of The Material Girl, Dolce, and Gabanna,

P Chic T

xoxo

The Bling Ring, Pretty Wild, & Why I Need To, Once Again, Reexamine My Taste In Television

Five weeks ago, while indulging in one of my very fave periodicals, Vanity Fair, I suddenly became in credibly dumbfounded There it was. Between the delightful article on every one's fave star to Love Story, Ali McGraw, and a pause to wonder what in the h-e- double hockey sticks Nick Jonas was doing in my V. F. (no, seriously, what is he doing in there?), the story that surely horrified stars, parents, and anyone with the potential to every rear children, alike. Entitled The Suspects Wore Loubitans, Nancy Jo Sales cleverly delved into the actions of the "Bling Ring", a group of star crazed upper class teens collectively responsible for at least six celebrity break ins and making it off with more than $3 million dollars in star loot. When I was sixteen, I was petrified of getting a speeding ticket and these, apparently, "Loubitan" wearing kiddos were not even scared of a little grand theft charge here and there.

According to reports, the supposed ring leader, Rachel Lee, wanted to don the fashions of her favorite "fashion icons" . To this, I first pause and say, "hmm, there is nothing like hearing the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Audrina from The Hills being named as fashion icons to really make you and your 25 year old self feel like a real grandmas..." Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Edie Sedgwick... Heck, I will even throw in a Chloe Sevigny, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell, and Kate Moss in their for size. I simply ask, whatever happened to the days when these were the names associated with the words and icon were more the inspiration of Andy Warhol and less the inspiration for Girls Gone Wild videos? I suppose it's only natural to assume that they are gone along with days when having a fake ID, not executing robberies, were at the peak of suburban teenage rebellious behaviors.

The teen claiming innocence and using something that apparently never goes out of style, the "wrong place, wrong time" defense, is star of E!'s newest reality program, Pretty Wild, Alexis Neiers. Out of pure curiosity, I shamefully tuned into the this program last night. All I have to say is that this show is pretty much t-squared, taboo tv, and while it is my hope that one day , I will have the wear-with all to refrain from viewing such trashtastic programming, this is not the case just yet. Thus without further ado....

The first five minutes of this not-s0-much-leave-it-to-beaver show, consist of mom, Andrea, chipperly passes out morning Adderall to her three ADHD diagnosed daughters, in the same systematic manner reminiscent to how June Cleaver handed her children their bagged lunch on their way out the door to school. This is then followed by a peek into a homeschooling session, in which the curriculum is based upon the "movie", rather than the book, The Secret, to be followed by some sort of flower effervescence work (I am not quite sure what this is but for some reason, I have a sneaking suspicion that this may be similar to working with those perfume kits that allow to you create your own aroma "essence"...). This, along with the momager's positive energy filled but lacking discipline parenting style, leads to a form of organized chaos in which the eldest, Tess and Alexis, stay out all night, ignore mom's phone calls, and basically do whatever they want. It is almost as if I can feel my ovaries stopping egg production out of fear as I type.... I kid, I kid...

Joking aside, the show wraps up with Alexis's arrest and questioning for her alleged association in The Bling Ring and the burglary of Orland Bloom, a prayer circle here and there, and a night in which Tess and Alexis dine and party with rocker, Mickey Avalon. After taking a moment to wonder what business 34 year old Mickey had hanging out with these 18 and 19 year old girls in the first place, I paused, threw some rocks at my glass house and wondered what business I had even watching this show in the first place... Now, you will have to please excuse me as I reevaluate my life and my taste in television for the third time this week.

To the good old days when teen theft involved taking their parent's car out on a school night rather than steeling a diamond ring from Paris Hilton,

P Chic T

xoxo

P.S. If you, like I to my detriment, show little restraint when it comes to reality TV, you can check out Pretty Wild Sunday's at 10:30 et/pt on The E! Network....

Chanel, Balenciaga, Glaciers, Lindsay Lohan, & More Fur Than A Bear, Oh My: Paris Fashion Week & An Early Obsession W/Pain Au Chocolat

One of my favorite things about Kindergarten you ask? To give you a hint, it neither involved the sandbox nor playing tag (I never quite mastered putting in the effort to run fast enough so not to be "it"...) Instead, my very kinder fave was french class. Along with learning how to count to one hundred and singing the french version of Simon Says, we were also enlightened on the treats of les enfants en France. Our teacher told us that all the little French children enjoyed pain au chocolat for snack when they returned home from school. To this I responded by requesting this very snack everyday and stating that if it was not possible to make happen here in the states, perhaps my family should consider purchasing a few berets and acclimate to driving on the opposite side of the road as it would be imperative that we relocate to Paris ASAP. It should come as no surprise, that my saint of a mother made this afternoon snack happen for me and thus began my long laundry list of reasons for loving the French and oh so very their divine culture.

Twenty years later, with a continually love for all things chocolate and croissant, it should come as no surprise that the fashions of the french are one of my greatest obsessions. Perhaps, this is one of the many reasons why, of all the fashions weeks, Paris is the one for which I hold the brightest candle.

Chanel, Balenciaga, glaciers, Lindsay Lohan, and more fur than a bear, oh my! Both Balenciaga and Chanel showed their fare share of fur to come in Fall 2010. However, for me, Chanel may have just taken the cake when it came to actually runway design alone. Living up to the past, the design and execution of the Chanel show was just as exquisite and detailed as the always fabulous fashions that graced the runways. In January 2008, Lagerfeld and his models strutted out of a 75 foot Chanel Jacket (my personal favorite, I would live in that jacket if Karl would let me as I am pretty confident it is most def larger than my current NY apartment...), last October the models rolled in hay, and this year... well this year, let's just describe it as ice-cold hotness.

With massive glacier structure, frigidly made up models, and Lagerfeld himself walking through puddles at the end of his faux fur filled show, the Chanel show was nothing less than incredi-mazing. Oh yeah, and the fashions and "fantasy furs" weren't too shabby either...

To saying au revoir to fashion week until next season,

P Chic T

xoxo

P.S. Congrats to LiLo on her first Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week... who knew?

My Reasoning, At Age 5, For Abstaining From a Presidential Run & Herold Ford Jr. Out of The Race Before His Vanity Fair Article Hits Newsstands

It feel as if I have been followed by the following story for my life's entirety. This is that at age 5, I proclaimed "I would never run for president, because by the time I ran grass would be extinct and the press would be all a buzz abut how at 2 or something I accidentally ate grass while playing" (all for instances of course). If you were able to follow the above quote, congratulations you are now prepared to converse with my adoring mother who, if her propensity to tell this story is telling of anything, finds both me and my foresight, at the mere age of five , of just how cut throat modern day 21st century politics would be, to be the cats meow.

What I am getting to here is that growing up in a political family, I have always been very aware of just how scrutinizing the press and public can be. Never one to write off public service (that's right Taft for Senator 2020, coming to a shopping center, holding babies near you...), I have always been intrigued by individuals whom grow up in families of political limelight and appear to be fearless when it comes to the trials and tribulations of growing up in public life. A perfect subject that exemplifies this you ask? Here enter Herold Ford Jr.

I remember first encountering Herold my senior year at Vanderbilt. I was practicing my free style Pilate's routine (a number my former roommie K Jiggs is far too familiar with, to her dismay) when a handsome young gent prepared in my television. My first thought was that the striking resemblance between this fellow and the European doll my mother had referred to as my "brother" during my childhood years, Jose, was uncanny (yes, it's not secret, i have a bit of an eccentric family...) Once one of the youngest members of The House of Representatives, son of a congressman, and from one of Memphis's oldest and most prominent African American families, Ford was now running for Tennessee Senate. Similar to when I grew resentful of Jose and retaliated with applying marker to his for head around age six, the Tennessee Republican party retaliated by running slanderous advertisement against Ford that, ironically, reflected the maturity level of a six year old. The infamous "call me Herold" and playboy ads ran ramped through the air waives and ultimately resulted in the Ford's loss. Though it is no secret that Ford has a reputation for being a party boy, his 2006 run ultimately exemplifies just how a mole hill can be made into a mountain in the day of today's modern media (hmm, perhaps my mother had been right, I was a five year old genius after all....) After a hiatus from politics, spent corresponding for MSNBC News and vice-chairman of Bank of America and Merrill Lynch, Ford announced that he would be running for New York Senate. By the time I opened my April Vanity Fair, last week, to read George Wayne's interview with Ford, dear old Herold had already withdrawn from his run for office.

As I read through the brief interview with Vanity Fair contributor, George Wayne, I realized that just as I suspected, I would have no prob sitting down to brunch with he and his wife, former Carolina Herrera PR rep, Emily Threlkeld, anytime. Perhaps, I could tell him the infamous story of why I was always hesitant to run for president, even from toddler years... If I was really ambitious, I may even be able to swing making us the poster children for and an American political realm, in which partisanship came second to logic. Our first brunch could be a sort of first thanksgiving, if you will. I representing those of Republican ancestry, extending friendship to Ford, representing those of Democrat blood lines. Yes, it would be oh so very Native Americans and Pilgrims, except our meeting place, Plymouth Rock, would be a brunch spot that served Eggs Benedict and turkey bacon.... Okay, okay, perhaps this is a little outlandish and over dramatic. But hey, a girl can dream...

To the ever changing climate of Politics and those like Ford, that forever keep us engaged and watching,

P Chic T

xoxo

P.S. Dear Herold, Mr Wonderful and I are open to brunch with you and your lovely bride anytime after 11 on Saturdays and Sundays. Somewhere on the east side is preferred but not mandatory.... Thanks, see you then!

The Fabulous Jennifer Aniston On The Cover of W & My Nightmares Of Being Held Captive In A Pinkberry Freezer W/The Glorias

Once upon a time, a couple with matching highlights wed in the presence of friends, family, high profile celebrities, and a gospel choir. Seven years following, the pair announced divorced and the once groom appeared in W Magazine with his costar, supposed new love, Angelina Jolie.... Almost all humans roaming the earth know this story of the Jennifer Aniston- Brangelina love tale far too well. In years since, Mr. Pitt has been portrayed as the globe trotting and madly in love philanthropist and daddy dearest while Ms. Aniston is continually portrayed as "unlucky in love" and alone.

Seeing that we don't have all day, I am making the choice not to address how this whole story is loaded with enough stereotypes on gender in our society and the media to fill more than one class in a college women's study course (try a whole semester, i can see it now: The Jen & Brangelina Complex- Medias Portrayal of Woman As The Spinster or Mother & Explorations of the Madonna-Whore Complex 101). However, it must be said that I have always been a fan of J. Anniston and see her not as a victim of love but rather a target of unnecessary media scrutiny. What is it about dating John Mayer? (besides the far too obvious of course... another woman's study course topic in the making, no doubt) It is as if Jen and Jessica Simpson are these two perfectly happy single woman that are walking around with imaginary kick me signs seen only by the tabloids as open invitations to scrutinize their single lifestyles and love choices....

You will have to excuse my off subject rant rave here. I had a nightmare the other night in which Gloria Steinem, Gloria Allred, and I were trying to escape being locked in

the freezer by male frozen yogurt employees gone mad (obvi misogynists) at the Pinkberry on 3rd Avenue. Somewhere between running for our lives, throwing mochi at our attempted captors, and attempting to hale a taxi to safety, the ultra feminist Glorias must have rubbed off on me... Hmm, if only I had a preview of the April Issue of W, on newsstands March 17, to prose through when I awoke from this terror. Had I, a 13 page pictorial featuring Jennifer Aniston and her always beyond handsome Bounty Hunter costar, Gerard Bulter, up close and personal. Forget what is it about John Mayer. Perhaps a better question may be what is it about rumors of an off screen romance and an upcoming film in which the lead male and female engage in physical conflict that leads to a revealing cover and spread in W? (Ironic flashbacks from Mr. & Mr's Smith, anyone?)

Here's to Aniston's fabulous April W Cover and dreams (or nightmares rather) free of Pinkberry, kidnappings, and Glorias,

P Chic T

xoxo