I know it’s annoying when there are a ton of links sometimes but I promise these links are all to awesome things. I swear!

Win stuff:

• I’m giving away the first two Twilight books and Ben is throwing in another copy of the first and a copy of Breaking Dawn. See what the hype is all about and enter.
• Over on the other blog, I’m giving away a print from the really really cute etsy shop, Barneston. Illustrations of monsters and animals that really need to be in books. I freaking love them!

Pretty stuff:

• Go look at my pretty new blog design at the shopping blog! I can’t stop looking at it!

Awkward stuff:

• Since I’m featured blogger at 20SB, I did an interview with Lisa for the 20SB blog. I’m awkward and there is rambling. I don’t even know what I’m talking about half the time. There is mention of not wearing panties and just a lot of babbling! If that doesn’t entice you, I don’t know what will. Read it here.

Puppy stuff

• Do me a favor and vote for this animal rescue. Help them win $10,000. It only takes two seconds!

Blogs you should read if you don’t already:

• Clever Girl Goes Blog
• Cardigans Cover Crazy
• A Blog of Her Own
• Jess Writes (just moved back to Chicago!)
• Upside Down Dogs
• My Super Hopeless Romance (haven’t started reading it yet but will because everyone in the world loves it!) ETA: Before you get all wrapped up in it, let me tell you it’s fake. LAME. I’d rather of not know and still have hope that things like this happen!

Okay, I think that is it. If you have any good links to add – posts, blogs, contests, whatever,  leave them in the comments!

Last week, boyfriend and I did some shopping. I was dying to know what happened in the last book of the Twilight series or saga as they call it. A stop at Borders was definitely needed to pick up my latest dose of Edward Cullen.

We get to Borders and go our separate ways, I rush of to the land of Edward and he heads towards the magazines. I grab the book and scurry to the counter to pay. There was a guy there probably about my age working the register, blah blah small talk, doesn’t seem to notice that I am 24 year old giddy ass girl clutching a silly young adult novel or does and is trying not to laugh.

Maybe that’s why he felt the need to bust me out.

I use to have one of those Borders rewards cards on my key chain but then realized it was linked to my mom’s account so I decided to make my own. He grabs a card and asks for my email address, I hesitate before speaking, “jamieislovely at gmail dot com”

Then this kid opens his mouth and says:

“Oh that’s cute. It’s nice to have such a high opinion of yourself. That’s healthy.”

I grab my preteen novel of vampire lust, attempt to pick my jaw up off the floor and try not to throw back:

“it’s my secret bloggy code name, shut up!”

Then stopped when I realized how even more geeky it would be to tell someone you have a secret bloggy code name while drooling over fictional vampires…

COMMENTS CLOSED!

This morning I noticed that there is a carnival on Bloggy Giveaways and instead of just being greedy and entering them, I decided to host one here as well! Don’t forget to check out all the other giveaways going on and enter my etsy giveaway for a print from Barneston once you’re done here!

Let’s think what could I possibly giveaway? Hmmm…what have I been obsessing over the past few weeks?

That’s right.

Twilight.

I’ve decided to giveaway brand new copies of the first two books in the series, Twilight and New Moon! Now one other lucky person can see what the buzz is about.

ETA: Everyone’s favorite Ben is throwing in ANOTHER copy of Twilight and a hardcover copy of Breaking Dawn!

So that makes 2 sets of prizes!

1)Twilight and New Moon
2) Twilight and Breaking Dawn

I’m going to keep this one simple.

• Leave a comment to enter.
• For extra entries, blog or twitter about this contest. Link to your post or tweet in a separate comment.
• Make sure you leave a valid email address in case you win.
• Winner will be chosen Friday October 31st!

This time it’s not for me. We all know how much I fail when it comes to make up. But yes, make up help!

As some of you know, my sister is going to school for special effects make up. Not only does she get to do fun stuff like make blood, learn how people are shot in the head in movies and make human hearts out of candy but she is learning about regular make up.

Monday she is going on a field trip to Sephora.

I know right? Field trip to SEPHORA.

Lucky bitch.

But the point of the field trip is to build up her makeup kit. So she needs some recommendations and you guys have never failed me before!

What are you favorite make up products?

ETA: Specifics from the sister: I need eye shadows and blushes. Eyeliners. Lipstuff. Brushes and other applicators

I have this thing.

I’m cold all the time. Seriously, all the time. I always have a blanket over me – watching tv, reading, interneting. I complain to boyfriend all the time that my nose is cold and make him feel how cold it is (well, it is!) and pester him with cries of “warm my feets!” and shove my feet under his. Come winter, you will probably find me in stolen boyfriend pajama pants, tee, hoodie with hood up, socks, slippers and a blanket. If it’s extra cold, throw in some leggings up in there.

But it’s super annoying when you have a blanket and have it wrapped around you but then try to read a book or use your computer and your arms get cold. Or just have it over your lap and then the top half of you is cold.

See my predicament?

This is why I need one of these things.

A slanket! A blanket with sleeves, duh.

And obviously, I want to look as cool as those kids. Who wants to have a slanket party?! (what? Who says shit like that?) I’ll bring the hideous sunglasses!

But really, I need one of these in my life but I can’t bring myself to shell out $45 for one.

(Seriously, I want one)

ETA: Slankets for $29 at QVC. omg buy me one!

Anyone who reads this blog could probably tell that I’m a huge Project Runway fan and I have been since the beginning (Jay was totally my favorite winner ever). I had my first Project Runway designer encounter when I met Santino (who is probably one of the nicest guys ever) back in April and now I have another to add to that list!

Due to an amazing blog friend who seriously hooked it up, I managed to score a little interview with Suede! Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the interview in person but if he ever comes to Chicago (seriously, call me up!), I will buy him a drink because if he is half as fun as this looks, I think it will be a good time!

Check out what Suede had to say!

Q: Did you think you should have been eliminated in the musical genre challenge? I was surprised because your design fit the challenge where as some didn’t even come close to their genre.
A: The crazy thing about each challenge we never knew what the judges were looking for.  I was really down about being eliminated until I saw the episode air.  I realized my look was true to my visions and it was certainly not one of the weaker looks.  So I have no regrets.  I put a a hot rocker look out there and if the judges decided I had to go so I have to be at peace with that.

Q: Speaking of Miss Hip Hop, was Kenley really as disrespectful and bitchy as she seems on the show? I know editing has a lot to do with how people come off on television.
A: We are all exactly who we seem to be on the show.  No one is asking if I’m as genuine and nice as I seem because I am.  If someone is unhappy with their portrayal on the show they only have themselves to blame.

Q:  Watching the show now, do you feel you were portrayed accurately on Project Runway? Do you have any regrets?
A: Suede never does regrets.  I am completely fine with how I was portrayed – especially when you consider there are hours of footage to be condensed into a 44 minute segment.

Q: About the third person thing, do you always speak that way and why?
A: Again, when there are so many hours of footage the most note worthy and moving footage has to be used.  I occasionally speak in 3rd person, but its lighthearted and funny.  It definitely is not meant to be taken seriously.  We are living in times when things are very precarious – war, environment, economic market, and a scary election year – if I can make someone laugh by speaking in 3rd person I’m happy.  If you can’t laugh at it — try focusing on one of the real issues in todays world.

Q:  What was your favorite challenge? Least favorite? If you could go back and change anything on any design you made or redo them completely, would you?

A: Favorite – “Green” Eco-Friendly Challenge – with special guest Natalie Portman. I got so much positive feedback on that challenge and the dress sold out on Bluefly.com in less then 3 hours.  Plus Natalie said she would love to wear it and Heidi wanted to wear it also.

Most Challenging -  Without a doubt – CAR PARTS challenge.  I mean WOW.  I literally was bleeding for fashion.

Q: Talk to me about Hedda Lettuce! I read an interview with her and she tore into the show, designers, models…everything. What’s your side of the story!
A: Some people are just not happy inside and need to be hateful to make themselves feel better and that’s just sad.
I did the best I could in the time allotted.  I had full support of Tim Gunn and Chris March so I went with my intuition and kept the design true to where I felt it needed to go.

Q: Who was your favorite guest judge?
A: Ironically, I found the kindest and most constructive was L.L. Cool J.  He did not rip one of us apart, he kept his comments very real and helpful.

Q:  How was it meeting designers and winners from previous seasons? Did they give you any tips or advice?
A: It was cool to actually meet some of the previous designers face-to-face.  We did not have a lot of time to chit chat as we were busy selling our looks to them.

Q: Was Blayne as orange and annoying as he seemed? Did you want to slap him every time you heard “licious” tacked on to the end of a word?
A: I must admit I was a bit thrown by Blayne the first few days of the competition.  Blayne got Tim to share some of his phrases and that made it all worth while.

Q: If you could only design in one color and/or fabric from now on, what would it be?
A: OMG – seriously?  I would cry for hours on end if I was limited to only one color and one fabric.  I mean can you say uniform.  I’m definitely not about uniform looks.  I would have to switch careers with these stipulations.

Q: Is there anyone who didn’t show at Bryant Park that you really thought should have been there? On the flip side, did anyone show who you think didn’t deserve to be there?
A: I really would have loved to see what Stella would have done for Bryant Park.  The top 6 got to show at Bryant Park.  I know that without seeing who designed each, I am sure most people would have been able to pair each collection with the appropriate designer.  As far any anyone who didn’t deserve it?  The whole cast should have been able to show.  What a great group of raw talent this season brought forth.

Q: Do you feel that season 5 winner of Project Runway deserved it?
A: I am extremely proud of Leeanne, and of the top 3, I was not surprised she took home the gold.

Q: How has life changed for you since PR started airing?
A: I’m busier than I have ever been.  I get recognized all the time.  It is all great!

Q: What can we expect from Suede in the future?
A: Best way to keep up-to-date with all things SUEDE is to visit my website www.SUEDEsays.com and sign the guestbook.  I send out updates to keep everyone in the loop on my travels and progress.

All my love.
xoxox
Suede

___

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this little interview. Many many thanks, Suede, for taking the time out of your busy life to answer a couple questions! And big huge thanks to Alexa for making it all happen!!

Last Wednesday was the finale of Project Runway. Two of my favorites from day one made it to Bryant Park: Leann and Korto. Kenley should have been gone awhile ago and not only because she was incredibly defensive and bitchy. If we played the Kenley drinking game this season we all would have been terribly wasted every Wednesday night. But her crappy attitude is besides the point!

Let’s talk Bryant Park – the line up was Kenly, Korto and rounding them up, Leann. Tim Gunn filled in as guest judge last minute for Jennifer Lopez, who pulled out because of a “foot injury” but still managed to compete in a triathalon two days later. Gunn makes it work far better than J-Lo anyway. Kenley realizes she probably should not have been such a raging bitch when she hears that news.

Kenley’s collection was fun. It was very Kenley. Her shapes and loud prints. She did have some major rip offs like this look from Balenciaga (photo from MyItThings) and her wedding dress looking a bit too similar to an Alexander McQueen. As a designer you should really pay attention to what else is going on in the fashion world. I mean, really! Major fashion designers would never be able to get away with “I don’t know” as a response to their piece looking like another designer’s! Either she is really clueless or knows exactly what they are talking about and straight up copied. I’m leaning toward the later. I find it hard to believe she just doesn’t know about what else other designers are doing. You can view all of Kenley’s collection here.

Everyone knows I have been pulling for Leanne since the beginning. I absolutely adored her collection. I loved it. From the choice of music down to the clothes. She has skirts, pants, dresses too so there was versatility. Her collection was structured yet fluid, literally had movement and very cohesive. I still cannot get over the wedding dress. I think it was amazing! All of Leanne’s collection can be be found here.

Korto’s collection was very solid. Vibrant bright colors and strong pieces. Some of them were a little too overworked though. She did have some really great looks though and for awhile I really thought it was a tossup between her and Leanne. You can check out Korto’s whole collection here.

In the end, Leanne came out victorious and rightly so!

Stay turned until tomorrow for a special, ultra exclusive Project Runway treat!

Yesterday, I decided to make a twitter account for my shopping blog so add it if you want to stay up to date on features, promotions and giveaways!

@lovelyshops

Speaking of giveaways, I’m giving away a framed print from an amazing shop on etsy called Honeylux. This is one of my favorite shops so you should check it out. I mean, it is FREE and you get to pick out which print you would like.

Check out the giveaway here.

And if for some ridiculous reason you are not following my regular twitter account, you should get on that.

@jamielovely

That’s all for now. I hope Monday is treating you all nicely. If not, punch him in the eye.

Amy Poehler is amazing. It would have been more amazing if Palin did it herself though. But really, I laughed so hard. A great Weekend Update!

ETA: I suppose I should add the opening sketch as well because I love me some Tina Fey!