Love The New YB!

Hi Jennifer & Friends! I watched the Oscars last night but had to go to a friends house to do it as we don't get those channels. I was so bummed about that because I just wanted to stay home and curl up on the couch and enjoy the day without having to go anywhere.

But, I have to add that once I got to my friends house it was a blast and I had the best time. It was so much fun to have a nice evening with some girl friends and drink some really nice wine and relax. No guys!

We watched the red carpet previews and the interviews as well as all the background informational shows and it was very interesting and fun.

I was shocked to see the stars that had passed away and noticed that Farrah Fawcett wasn't listed in that segment but Michael Jackson was. I like Michael Jackson but when was he ever part of the movies. Someone mentioned that he did a Wizard of Oz type of movie once so I'm not sure if that automatically qualifies you to be mentioned. Farrah Fawcett was in all kinds of movies and shows. I guess I'll have to look into that.

Anyway we were looking online during some of the commercials and we logged onto jlamore.com and saw some of the new dresses by Yoana Baraschi and I loved the "St Tropez" dress I have shown here. It's beautiful! I'm in complete agreement with Sarah from Dallas on this dress. The new model is the perfect look for this dress, too!

There were several items in the whats new section that I really loved but this one caught my eye right away. I drank a little bit too much wine yesterday and woke up with a headache. But it was FUN!

Clare
London, England

Bra's as a fashion statement!

It seems that wearing your bra for all to see as a fashion statement is still a popular thing, although it's not for me! Glamour magazine is posting a blog on the subject and stated that only 9% of women polled say they like the look. That leaves 91% who don't. Including me. If you have big boobs this would be a terrible look. If you have small boobs it doesn't work either.

I just can't see a time or a place for wearing this look because for me, showing off your bra like this is kind of trashy and cheap. I think if this is your look then you're trying to hard. I asked a couple of younger gals in our office if they liked this look or would wear it out in public and they said ". . . no way, I wouldn't wear that look in private, . . . " Ok! They're you have it. Don't do it!

Clare
London, England

Tabloids, . . No More!

Hi Jennifer and Friends! I wish I had an iPhone too! I would love to have this App! How cool would that be.

Anyway, I have a pre new years resolution that I'm going to start right now. I'm going to quit reading the Tabloids. Seriously!

This morning the group of gals that I associate with at work were talking over our lunch break and all we could talk about was what was going on with celebrities. One friend actually pulled out "The Sun" which is England's biggest trash rag and was reading quotes out of it like it was really important. I laughed and made a half serious joke about how crazy all of this celebrity nonsense was that we occupy so much of our time with. Don't we have anything better to talk about then Tiger Woods and all his girlfriends he had on the side? What a loser!

I then made a vow in front of my friends to never read another tabloid magazine again! I'm sick of them. It's not that Tiger Woods pushed me over the edge and that I don't find gossip interesting. Believe me, I have participated in countless gossip sessions. It suddenly hit me that it just didn't seem that interesting anymore. I used to curl up on my Sunday's and pour over 4-5 tabloids with a cup of coffee and just relax in my own little world of mindless dribble!

Then (and this is the good part) I added up all the money I spent each month on this stuff and I was amazed. Stunned is more like it! I now started a "Tabloid Fund" and placed the jar on my desk and every week I'm going to put what I would have spent on a tabloid into the jar. If I can do this by mid summer I'll be able to take a weekend trip to my favorite country bed & breakfast.

So friends, wish me luck! If you have any juicy gossip and want to post it on this blog please feel free to do so. The friends blog, doesn't cost me anything, it isn't 'gossipy' and I love it! :)

Clare
London, England

Old & Experienced vs Young & . . .?

It's fantastic being a guest writer. By "guest" writer I mean one who writes on someone else's website. I'm a friend on jlamore.com and I have access to all sorts of 'benies' like the friends blog. As a guest I get to (almost) say whatever I want whenever I want and then run like hell.

Jennifer LaMore has some rules about writing on the 'friends blog' and they are: "No opinions on religion or politics. Everything else is fair game. Have fun." That was the note I received more then three years ago and the user name and password is still stuck on the side of my monitor at home.

In the early days, the friends blog was completely different then it is now. Today its become a much bigger site and the readership is in the thousands per month and growing . The topics frequently change and have matured, the writing has greatly improved and it's just a lot more fun.

I have changed since the early days as well. I have changed jobs, changed where I live and got a new boyfriend. (I'm hoping, in the near future, I'll change where I live again.)

All of this is an introduction to my latest thought. Old & Experienced vs Young & I'm not sure what to call them! When I changed jobs I entered a work place where a lot more young people are in positions I feel they don't deserve. They seem to be placed in these positions because they have tech skills and have grown up in an era where tech is so much more important then people skills or worse - actual job related skills. These 'kids' are barely out of diapers (21-25) and having a conversation with some them is painful. I mean a serious work related conversations. The know it all self centered attitude is amazing as I feel I'm just getting good at this demanding job at age 35. My contact list has grown considerably and my past accomplishments are what got me this new job in the first place. (I was hired to land a big contract with a client I worked with in the past.) I don't see any of that in the new generation of workers. They seem to demand the respect they haven't even come close to earning. Receiving a thank you note just for showing up on time is not an accomplishment and if I were to actually take these young co-workers to a job site location I swear the client would fire us. I don't want their ignorance to be a reflection on me.

All of our clients are business men and women in their 40's and 50's and 60's and I show them the respect they deserve. Not these high maintenance Generation Y types. That just doesn't happen in their "it's all about me" attitude. All day long I hear little electronic R2D2 text message sounds of beeps, chirps, and tweeks constantly coming from their pockets and purses. Friends want to get together later, a party here, a party there. We had to impliment a new policy about cell phones in the work place.

A new book, Not Everyone Gets a Trophy, concludes that employers should be in no doubt that, for those born after 1979, unlike previous generations, “their personal life comes first” and they have a “short-term and transactional” mindset. Managers, says the author, Bruce Tulgan, should effectively practise “in loco parentis management”, holding the young to high standards and “helping them every step of the way to reach those high standards”. What? Now I have to be a mommy and daddy to these people who've been handed everything, never been scolded or held to a higher standard. Wow! It's painful but so true.

But in all fairness, there are a couple of young workers at the office who are very smart and show huge promise. The problem is, . . . all my "older wiser" co-workers know who they are and these young kids are pulled in all directions. They seemed to have given up on the self centered undeserving ones pretty early. It seems to me the pool of young, smart and driven talent has grown smaller and smaller and the pool of "I have to check my Facebook page" has become the norm.

Jennifer, you're so lucky you have a young worker like Julie MacGuidwin. I can tell she's one of the types that is pulled in all directions. I can also hardly wait to read who else you have that keep the J. LaMore machine running smooth.

Clare London, England

Couture Tattoo's? Not for me!

Hi Jennifer! Thanks for the email and the new assignment. I was surprised to read the list of topics for discussion but eagerly accepted the task. Wow! You gave me a wide range of interesting things to write about. So, I'm first going to write about the new trend in body art. Couture tattoo's! It's the newest trend in high end 'tats' and all the celebs (and just about everyone else) seem to be jumping on the band wagon to get. So you're probably asking yourself, 'what's a couture tattoo?'

Well, it's a tattoo done by a classically trained artist who are brought into a salon where you could get a massage, your hair done, a manni and a pedi. These salons teamed up with the tattoo artist to bring the customer the very best in your tattoo getting experience. These salons decided to eliminate the stereotype of dirty, grungy parlors and make it a high rise experience. Some of these salons will offer a doctor subscribed Vicodin or even anesthesia.

These tattoo artist's are popping up in high end salons in London, Paris, NY, Los Angeles and Tokyo. This list is too long to mention here. A co-worker I know has been to a salon like this but did not get a tattoo. She did say, however, that she was interested in getting one after seeing how luxurious it was. A glass of Chardonnay didn't hurt either.

Now, the big question is, how much is a tattoo in a salon like this? Well, a small tattoo can cost around $125 to $250 for women. Men usually get bigger tattoo's and they can spend anywhere between $400 - $700!

I then discovered that the new trend in tattoo's for women are white tattoo's. I learned that white tattoo's are high maintenance and return visits are required because the pigment is thicker. White tattoo's are subtle and can be more like a birth mark and are very popular now. There is still a definite interest in making a statement with a tattoo and some women still want to get 'sleeved' with tattoo's that cover a large portion of both arms. Yuck!

Anyway Jennifer, I have no interest in getting any kind of tattoo but getting my toe nails done and having a glass of wine could loosen me up to the idea.

Clare, London, England

Bono's gone bonkers!

Hi Jennifer and Friends: Next week Bono is going to recite a 14 minute poem about Elvis Presley on the BBC here in London on May 14 at 11:00 pm.

The BBC is better known as the a primary repository for serious news and comment, but Radio 4 is to enter uncharted territory next week when it broadcasts a bizarre 14-minute poem about Elvis Presley written by Bono, the U2 frontman. The Irish singer has long been a professed superfan of the king of rock’n’roll, and is thought to have written the rhyme, American David, in 1994.

Listeners will be treated to lines such as: “Elvis, with god on his knees/ Elvis, on three TVs/ Elvis, here come the killer bees, head full of honey, potato chips and cheese.” The BBC has billed it as “delivered plainly, but intensely, by Bono. Some lines are purposefully quintessential Elvis clichés while others make listeners view Elvis in a new light.”

The recording is thought to have been made two years ago by Ten Alps, Bob Geldof’s production company, as part of a Radio 2 programme exploring the history of Sun Records, which released Presley’s first records. U2 are huge fans of Presley, and recorded their 1988 album Rattle and Hum at Sun Studios, Memphis, with Bono using a microphone once used by Elvis. Larry Mullen, the band’s drummer, called his first child Aaron Elvis, an inversion of Presley’s first names. In recent performances Bono has taken to the stage wearing eyeliner, telling journalists that he thought he looked like Elvis’s stillborn twin brother, Jesse. “Which, maybe, is in poor taste,” he added.

Clare, London, England

Hello from London, England

Hi Jennifer: I know I have been absent from writing blogs and reviews for some time now and I want to reintroduce myself to your ever increasing readership. It's really amazing! I have been following you, the website, and the friends blog for the past year and I can't believe the impressive changes you and jlamore.com have made even with the global economic meltdown which appears to be coming to at least a bottom. (Hopefully!)

I know that Lynn in Los Angeles is your west coast correspondent for all things fashionable, glamorous, and fun and after receiving your recent emails, I'm ready (and would love) to be your London correspondent for all thing British, fashionable and fun for jlamore.com.

So, I'm ready for my assignment and can't wait to get started.

Thanks again for your emails and support.

Clare

London, England

Love Lauren Moshi

I'm totally in love with this tank by Lauren Moshi. Even though it's wintertime around here, it would be super cute under a bright cardigan. I love the feel of the print on the tank, it reminds me of a psychedelic Bob Marley picture. Moreover, the metallic peace sign near the hip accents that area of the body for a sexy feel.

Clare London, UK

Welcome Korey and Audra . . .!

Welcome Korey and Audra to the jlamore friends blog. I have learned a lot from reading this blog. From fashion tips to drink recipes to restaurants in New York to LA and now, "Blue Balls." I love it. I'll definetly have to try them.

If either one of you ever get to London please let me know and I will tell you where all the great places are to eat and drink.

Clare London, England

Pole dancing?. .Sounds like F-U-N!

Hi Amanda: I think that would be such a great time and a good laugh. I've heard about that over here in England and I always wanted to try it. Now that you have, I may just sign up and take a class or two.

Hi Jennifer: Great new stuff! Wow! I really like the Miss Me red plaid jacket

Poll dancing. . .Here I come!

Clare London, England

The new LookBook images are fantastic. I love the styles and the photography. Great job J. LaMore!

Clare London, England

Love the Shoe Boots. . . . !

Hi Jennifer and Kalyn: I love, love, love, these Modern Vintage shoe boots. They are all over the magazines in London.

Very cute and you indicate they're comfortable too. How great is that! I will be ordering a pair right now. I really love all the new arrivals and the new LookBook.

Clare London, England

Laundry Sweater Dress

One more thing! This Laundry Sweater dress is my kind of look! Love! Love! Love! I also think you guys are right when you say that a tall pair of boots would go great here. That look would be hot!

I love your hair Jessica! I think the hair, the look, and the outfit, is wonderful! Great job! Great style!

Clare London, England

Yoana Baraschi. . . !

Hi Jennifer and all the new friends. I have been following the progression of the site and I think its fantastic. I especially love Yoana Baraschi and this Avengers Mini Dress is incredible. I love it.

Great job Jennifer on all the new arrivals and your buying skills. You guys are awesome!

Clare, London UK

Welcome Ali to jlamore.com . . !

Hi Ali and welcome aboard! It's nice to have you as a new 'friend' on the site! I have been to Chicago several times and I loved it. If you've never been to London, its fantastic and i hope you come and visit.

I was surfing the site today and I noticed the most amazing jacket. I love it and it's so perfect for my climate here in London.

I have two pieces of Yoana Baraschi clothing and she is the best.

Clare London, England

Kate Moss wearing flared jeans. . .!

Hi Jennifer and friends. . . ! Recently in London, Kate Moss was seen coming out of her Topshop offices wearing flared jeans. . . ! Is this the coming of a new trend in jeans? Are we getting away from the 'skinny' jean altogether?

I have several pair of 'skinnies' and everyone lately seems to follow what ever Kate Moss does when it comes to fashion.

Any thoughts on this?

Clare London, England

Big Watches. . . I love'em. . .!

Hi Jennifer and friends: I have seen big watches in London worn by so many "fashionites" lately and I think they're great. Is this a trend that is new or have just missed it lately?

I'm thinking about getting one and I was looking for some advice or a place where I can get one. Can anyone point me in the right direction. If anyone knows its you guys.

Clare London, England

By the way Lynn, I'm with you! Victoria Beckham is Gorgeous! (So is her husband)

Salavge Rocks!

Hi Jennifer and everyone: I love all the new "Salvage" that just came in. Especially this Pools Bomber Tank Great pieces that can go anywhere in fashion that fit my lifestyle. Very nice!

Great Lookbook pictures too!

Clare London, England

P.S.

I'm glad you had fun at the Yankee game, Amanda! Did you score a new client?

New Lookbook is awesome. . !

Wow! Jennifer I love the new "lookbook" and can't believe the way it changed the site. This Yoana Baraschi dress is amazing and the way you have it styled here is to die for!

Great job!

Clare London, England

"LookBook" buzz. . . . WOW!

Hi Jennifer and gang! The new "lookbook" is sooooo nice! WOW! I love the way you can really see how to wear an outfit and how it should look on you. . . . I can hardly wait for more beautiful "looks." I remember reading about your upcoming lookbook addition but i really didn't know what it was until now.

I can only assume that Jessica is styling the looks. She does a great job and I'm so impressed with the entire site.

I really like the Weston Wear "Lindy" dress! It's so cute!

Great job you guys!

Clare London, England