The Atlanta Outlook? "No Pain, No Gain"

"All the news that's fit to squint..."
BY A. Scott Walton
IN YOUR DREAMS...: Sorry, Bubba, but you’re not going to witness a fantasy scene like this (left) Saturday during Atlanta’s planned observance of International Pillow Fight Day at Freedom Park.
You’re more likely to see a mash-up of somewhat sketchy characters who’ll celebrate the rites of spring by playing the human equivalent to Whack-a-Mole.
The weather forecast calls for showers during the event’s 3-5 p.m. time frame, so the melee could get especially messy on the green space at the corner of Moreland and North avenues.
Ironically, this viral, third annual event has a tacit set of rules to help quell the potential “violence” that might ensue. Once the starting air horn blasts, the all-ages crowd will be encouraged to wail away at each other for as long as possible. But they’re cautioned against bringing pillows so fragile that they’ll burst and unleash their foam/feather contents to the wind, or so sturdy that they could cause injury.
Small children are fragile,” the event’s Facebook page warns. “Please pummel the hobbits with care!”
At last count, the big April 3 Pillow Fight had nearly 1,500 characters claiming on Facebook that they’ll attend. For more details, and the proposed “rules of engagement”, visit International Pillow Fight Day.
TATTOO U.: The Denver Nuggets’ star playmaker, Carmelo Anthony, has just divulged the world’s worst kept secret: Atlanta is the mecca for celebrities seeking elaborate tattoos. But just like the flashes of brilliance that his team has shown this NBA season, ‘Melo’s revelation was somewhat of a tease. In an exclusive interview and custom suit photo session with New York-based Complex magazine this week, the scoring machine there’s only one artist in America he trusts to ink up his skin. He referenced Atlanta, without naming names. Curiosity got the best of EyeSeeStyle, so we dug deep to discover that the artist is none other than the Tattoos By Randy shop on Jonesboro’s Commerce Parkway that the Melo Man and too many cohorts to count trust with their precious flesh. Clients of note, according to slideshow photos on Randy’s MySpace page include: the NBA’s Marvin Williams, Allen Iverson, and Sheldon Williams; singers like Kelis, Alicia Keys and Monica; and a slew of rappers, and Nas. Talk about leaving your mark on pop culture…
JUST SUE IT!:Who knew that Atlanta was home to a scrappy little sneaker company with enough cajones to take on mighty Nike in a right-to-work lawsuit? According to the Oregonian, the Portland-based sporting goods behometh is asking Gwinnett County's Superior Court to find product developer Helen Woo in violation of her non-compete contract for jumping ship, after 13 years, and taking her knowledge south to Nfinity Products & Services instead. In a statement provided by its attorney, Nfinity countered that its staff and revenues are to puny to pose Nike any threats. Is this a local Cinderella story in the making? Or will Nike crush Nfinity's glass slipper?

Nordstrom Nudges Men Out Of The Closet

Retailer caters to the clueless with 'everyday' dressing guide.
By A. Scott Walton
The first rule of thumb for being a well-dressed man is that there are no rules for dressing well.
So says Tom Julian, author of the new “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Every Day Dressing” (Chronicle, $17.95). Following up on brisk sales of his “Nordstrom Guide to Men’s Style”, Julian now urges this mindset: “Forget the rules. Think occasions.”
On Saturday (March 27, 6-8 p.m., free), Julian’s hosting a Hugo Boss-sponsored cocktail at the Phipps Plaza Nordstrom store to sign copies of the book and steer men toward the looks that can solve their wardrobe quandaries.
Julian, a tireless and world-renowned trend forecaster, said he’ll be there all day consulting men seeking advice on dressing for the four key occasions in life: work day, weekend, after hours and travel.
By phone from a book tour stop in Houston, Julian gave EyeSeeStyle an exclusive revelation of his book’s key principles…
ESS: This book treats “corporate casual” dressing as a given, but can you foresee a day coming where “traditional”, suit-and-tie dictates return to the workplace?
TJ: “Well, we already see how important the return of the blazer is to looking appropriate in the workplace. And, looking ahead, the ‘Wall Street II’ movie will certainly bring the tailored suit story to a whole new generation. But we can’t ignore that people are still driven by lifestyle.”

ESS: Out of the four “occasions” that your book guides men through, which do they find the hardest to come to grips with and gear up correctly for?
TJ: “I’d say it leans toward weekend-to-travel. On weekends, a man dives into his chores and activities. He still gravitates toward sweat pants and sweat shirts. There’s nothing wrong with that. But what he wants is to look good going from Starbucks to the soccer field to the mall. He just needs the perfect pieces that offer the versatility.”
ESS: Who really determines what’s in style in terms of menswear?: The magazines, the designers, the retailers or the customers?
TJ: “It’s a combination. The customer ultimately makes the buying decision. Retailers watch, participate in the discussion and make recommendations. It’s all more collaborative than ever. “

ESS: What does Nordstrom gain from publishing a succession of books about men’s style?
TJ: “The book becomes an authoritative piece, and an in-store tool. It’s working as a guide, and another mode of communication. And it’s selling, from a 12-year-old I met on the East coast to a four-decade premium card holder out here in the West. And I sold both of them clothes.”
ESS: You mention Atlanta’s most celebrated fashion retailer, Jeffrey Kalinsky, in the guide’s opening remarks; how did Kalinsky make an impact on the book?
TJ: “He gave very strong views about sportswear, and how the best modern pieces are actually classics worn in different ways. He helped conceptualize the dressy-to-casual concept, and made those photos in the book come to life. ”
ESS: While you’re traveling the world spotting trends, does any one city strike you as a place where men have a better grasp of how to dressing for the occasion?
TJ: “One city where men seem to get it right more often than most is London. But, then again, that’s a place known for great travel, great work environments, great evenings and weekend activities outdoors. And the retail scene supports it. Domestically, we have so many climate issues to deal with from L.A. to Chicago to New York that it’s hard to keep a balance as you move around.
ESS: Your book says to ‘forget the rules’, but aren’t there any that men should adhere to?
TJ: “I wouldn’t say these are rules, but I rely certain guidelines, like quality over quantity. Fit and proportion are key. And it’s probably best to shop for updated classics rather than trendy pieces.”

More Trouble For T.I.; Kudos To Kalinsky

Paroled rapper and prestigious retailer make headlines!
By A. Scott Walton
T.I.’s legal woes just won’t go away.
The Atlanta rapper who’s scheduled for release this week from house arrest after serving time for felony gun charges has just been slapped with a new lawsuit.
A suburban Chicago media firm is accusing T.I. of a violation that’s nothing to sneeze at: stealing the trademarked name Akoo for the clothing line the former drug dealer launched before he was caught in a sting operation involving high-powered automatic weapons.
T.I.’s Akoo brand is no stranger to controversy. Recently, New Jersey residents filed so many complaints about a risqué billboard ad campaign that the image of a woman on bended knees pulling man’s jeans down were scrapped within days.
In the current case, WWD.com reports, T.I. and his partners in the clothing venture are accused of defying a cease-and-desist order filed nearly two years ago. To clear up the confusion _ and what’s left of his reputation _ T.I. would be well-advised by attorneys to settle this one out of court.
NAVAL GAZING WITH JEFFREY: The other night's New York version of the annual Fashion Cares runway shows that Jeffrey Kalinsky stages to benefit breast cancer and AIDS charities sailed smoothly, according to reports.
The key difference between Fashion Cares events in Atlanta and Manhattan is that the former addresses women’s fall/winter wardrobe needs, while the latter caters to lads. The common thread: glitzy guests and millions raised for worthy causes.
Kalinsky _ owner of Phipps Plaza chicest boutique and a chief executive for Nordstrom _ has his heart in the right place. And he’s not afraid to rock the boat. In an extravagant gesture, Jeffrey staged his latest New York show aboard the historic U.S.S. Intrepid battle ship. Fittingly, he hosted the occasion wearing a militaristic outfit and a Navy cadet hairstyle.
Even though nautical looks are better suited for the warmer seasons, one wonder’s is Jeffrey will allow his oceanic view to carry over to his Atlanta show. Would Fashion Cares at the Georgia Aquarium float your boat?
Eye Candy...It's last call this Friday night at the Four Seasons Hotel's "Celebrity Chocolate Buffet". The annual series' final guest host will be David York, the executive director for Fulton County Animal Services. Visit www.opentable.com for details on how you can go on the cocoa craze ($20 per person, 9 p.m.-midnight)too...
Keeping it real? Word's starting to spread that a new cast member is joining Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta"; namely it's entertainment attorney Phaedra Parks (left) who's the next into the bitch-fest, while Lisa Wu Hartwell is rumored to be on the outs with the network. Only time _ and the publicity/gossip machine _ will tell. The next season of the ratings giant debuts on May 1...

FONDA U.: Don’t think for a second that actress/activist Jane Fonda has run out of ways to hold your interest, and your weight down. Fonda plans a leg-warmer renaissance for May 1 at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome when she hosts the inaugural World Fitness Day demonstration. The first few thousand to register for the event will be treated to health and exercise tips from Fonda, Billy Blanks and the irrepressible Richard Simmons. In keeping with the at-home exercise craze Jane started decades ago, Ustream.tv will also broadcast the sweaty scene.

Kalinsky photo credit: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

Four Best Reasons To Go "Green With Envy"

PROTECT PLANET EARTH FROM FASHION VICTIMHOOD





















By A. Scott Walton
Nothing says "I love you" like a second-hand shirt, or sweater or pair of sunglasses. Mother Earth will thank you in the form of millions of safe tree acreage if you join the "30 Days of Green" team challenge that ebay is staging in partnership with the Hearst magazine empire. Through it, some 74 million readers will be exposed to the benefits of adding "lightly loved" items to their wardrobes. (Saving gallons of gas by buying a used PDA, for instance, or sparing the air with a pair of vintage shades). Esquire supports the initiative with a fold-out spread in its April '10 issue that spotlights eco-friendly ways to renew the way you look while reducing your "footprint". For example: goods from Freemans Sporting Club, of New York, are made from warehoused bolts of fabric originally woven a half-century ago. The Atlanta-born cartoon hero, Captain Planet, even gets a shout-out. Talk about standing the tests of time...
GLASS IS IN SESSION: Some bottles of wine (or beer, for that matter) please the palate so much that it seems a shame to toss them away once they're drained. Even worse, all of our discarded glass can leave a nasty aftertaste to our already choking landfills. Stepping into that void of glass reclamation is the bubbly designer, Kathleen Plate, who is expanding her popular SmartGlass jewelry business into 'gem-quality' home furnishings (lamps, curtains, chandeliers) made primarily from bottle fragments.
Plate's initial Home Collection is now available at Atlanta's Environment Furniture store in the resurgent West Midtown district.
YEN FOLDS FINE: How much would you be willing to pay in cash, right this minute, for a sleek, solar-powered device that folds up smaller in your hand than the typical iPhone it's designed to recharge? Well, the portable new SolarFold and SolarFan charges by AmbienTec can be yours quite readily if you happen to have the U.S. dollar equivalent ($250 est.) of yen on hand and you happen to be somewhere in Japan to spend it. This dynamic duo absorbs the sun's energy and than feeds it to handhelds via USB cord. Go online to learn how to purchase the SolarFold or SolarFan before the world is able to buy them at retail like they're going out of style.
SWEDE RELIEF: Anyone interested in learning how the fashion industry can start easing the burden its practices place on the environment should take an encouraging stroll through the “Eco Chic” exhibit at New York’s Scandanavia House this spring. The collaborative effort between scores of Swedish designers recently lauded during New York Fashion Week opens at the Park Avenue institution on May 5 and ends, essentially, when interest in the sustainable fashion demo wanes. Apparel by brands such as Righteous Fashsion, Reflective Circle, Swedish Hasbeens and Nudie will then depart for a world tour. Fashion material and manufacturing take a huge toll on the planet. “Eco Chic” may be proof positive that the price needn’t be so steep.
“Eco Chic” presented by the Swedish Institute, May 5, 2010-until, Scandanavia House, 58 Park Avenue, New York City, free.

Sources: Treehugger.com, Popsci.com

Rielle Hunter's Real Faux Pas: A Pearl Necklace!

In GQ, Edwards' mistress flashes panties and poor taste!
By A. Scott Walton
This “earth-shattering” exclusive that GQ magazine has with the woman who broke up John Edwards’ marriage is full of … clichés.
The worst of them is the unflattering choice of jewelry Rielle Hunter wears in photos for the April issue’s feature story.
A pearl necklace? Really? Hunter might as well have worn a replica of Monica Lewinsky’s “stained” blue dress!
Don’t believe the heifer’s professions of regret about the suggestive photos she willingly posed for. This self-proclaimed ‘free thinker’ – who admittedly slept with the former U.S. Presidential candidate just hours after they first met, and subsequently made a campaign trail sex tape with him - has no shame.
The article (written by Lisa DePaulo, with photos by Mark Seliger) is laboriously long, and raises more questions than it answers. For instance: what’s that animal print on the panties Hunter flashes not-so-demurely? Leopard? Cheetah? Skank?
My trusted source at Barnes & Noble says GQ's April issue featuring Hunter won’t reach local newsstands for at least a week or two. But you can read the entire article HERE, if you’ve got the time to waste.
Leave a COMMENT BELOW to register your opinion…

Blue Wails on the Academy Awards Red Carpet?

Rate the gowns Mo'Nique, Mariah, and Gabby Sidibe wore!
By A. Scott Walton
How is it that all of the plus-sized women featured prominently at the 82nd Academy Awards all happened to wear Baltic blue gowns?
Did someone dictate to all the big girls (namely, the stars of "Precious") that the "slimming effect" of wearing black only goes so far?
This won't be a popular question among fans of Best Supporting Actress award-winner, Mo'Nique, but was a bunched-up satin dress really the best choice she had?
Flap your flabby arms if you thought her frock was a winner!

And, speaking of the right to bare arms, how did you like the crystal-studded Sea World tarp that "Precious" star Gabby Sidibe wore to the Academy Awards? That gathered, off-the-shoulder effect really accentuated her best features, didn't it?
And - as kept man, Nick Cannon, surely mutters from time to time - let's not even get into Mariah!
With all that (faux or real?) padding going on with her, you'd almost expect Martin Lawrence to come popping out as an uninvited guest shooting guerilla footage for Big Momma 3.
But that's not the point.
The point is, their stylists let them down.
It's their astoundingly expressive faces that have been emphasized; not their cleavage or thighs or (ahem) forcepts.
Whether they wore matching colors or not, all three would have ranked higher on best-dressed lists if they'd chosen A-line gowns with high necklines and longer sleeves. Something like the stunningly sophisticated garb Oprah wore, in a duskier blue hue, to the Oscars.
Too bad the onscreen women of "Precious" got beached in the low tide of high styles strutted on Oscars red carpet. This talented trio deserves better in the awards night wardrobe department.
AGREE, OR DISAGREE, THAT THEY GOT BLINDSIDED? COMMENT BELOW!

Is "Freaknik: The Musical" Atlanta's Finest Hour?

By A. Scott Walton
Wasn't it Don Quixote who said, "Comedy is tragedy, plus time"?
If so, "Man of La Mancha" meet T-Pain.
Some years back, according to lore, some Cartoon Network producers decided to make an animated ode to Freaknik; the loud, lewd and congestive street parties that hordes of (predominantly) black youth engaged in annually under the guise of a "Black Spring Break".
A decade after city officials sagely shut such gatherings down for good, some idiots still lament Freaknik's demise.
For them, the impossible dream's resurrected in the form of a 60-minute, animated re-enactment of the objectifying spectacle. It's "Freaknik: The Musical", airing late Sunday night.
T-Pain, the Grammy-winning Atlanta hip-hop producer takes a leading role.
Reportedly, he Auto-Tunes the character of the 'spook' of Freakniks past.
How's this for an image to savor? He looks like a blinged-out, gold-toothed Magnum condo with a pimp cup in his hand.
But it's all in good taste, of course. Otherwise, the locally-based cable network and a slew of Dirty South rappers and R&b dinosaurs wouldn't have shackled their names to this most tragic reflection of when "keepin' it real" goes wrong.
Right?
Please visit the COMMENT BOX below...

The "Eye-Opener": Thursday, March 5, 2010

"All the news that's fit to squint..."
By A. Scott Walton
Don’t look now, folks… okay, just take a peek … but “Real Housewives of Atlanta” phenom Kim Zolciak (left) is pulling an Emeril. The roadside blonde has taken it up a notch by launching a new web site where you can follow her faux lesbian antics for the sake of the cameras and bay watch as she frollics in the surf for sycophant camera people…
PANTHER PARTY: Apparently, the PR bruising NFL quarterback Michael Vick sustained after being incarcerated for Federal dog fighting offenses has him feeling “black and blue”. The fleet-footed QB may have put his cleats in his mouth recently by confiding to a hip-hop radio show that he’s most interested in playing for the Carolina Panthers if the Philadelphia Eagles don’t re-sign him after his current, rehabilitative contract expires in a few months.
CABIN PRESSURE: If you’re on an AirTran flight to or from Atlanta, and the flight attendants seem a tad grumpy, they may be justified. It seems that the gals and guys in polyester flight suits are fuming over the airline’s decision to plaster the impossibly foxy image of a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model on at least one its Boeing 737s. Heaven help any male passengers who make untoward references about “nuts”.
OWEN AN APOLOGY: Traffic backed up around your favorite Atlanta haunts? Having trouble with all the single ladies fainting in the streets? Blame it on Hollywood heartthrob Owen Wilson, who’s currently filming a romantic comedy with an improbable premise in and around town. Reportedly, it’s a film called “Hall Pass”, where the male lead gets permission from his wife to “see” other women. Yeah, right!
LaRosa Envy: Throngs of women (and men, for that matter) would willingly undergo root canals for the chance to channel their weather-casting expertise on a platform as popular as Atlanta-based Weather Channel. Those many dreams will be deferred for a while because the storm network’s just hired someone new to ‘splain why Al Gore’s climate predictions defy explanation. Maria LaRosa is reportedly pulling up her Philly roots to spice up the channel as a new anchor. Watch your back, Dagmar!