by Mandi Pimental
How often have you dreamt about owning a designer wardrobe? How often have you attended a fashion show or trunk show, wishing you could purchase a swoon-worthy, head-to-toe completed look instead of just choosing a single piece? If you are like me, that answer could very well be, daily. Or at the very least, a few times each season. You find yourself coveting a gown that would be perfect for a dinner you’ve RSVP’d to. Or a casual coat that you could wear all winter, one that you know would go perfectly with your favorite fall boots. Well, Runway is making it easy to obtain hot off the Runway looks for much, much less. While we should all agree that classic, designer pieces are a necessity and every girl should have at least one great bauble, wrap or pair of heels, you needn’t stock your entire closet with pricey pieces. You can just look like you do. Below are eight looks taken straight off the fall 2014 runways that you can re-create for a fraction of the cost. Taking you from runway to reality, one fabulous outfit at a time. Antonio Grimaldi presented some cool, throwback looks for fall this season. Psychedelic print dresses and retro Lois Lane vintage-inspired trenches were among the highlights. To get this look for less, pair Mango’s tan trench with this colorful dress by River Island. Add a stylish pair of Cordani Wayland clogs, and accessorize with an animal-friendly Harvey faux fur clutch and false lashes by Benefit. Product Info: Trench - Mango, $100, Dress – River Island, $45, Clogs – Cordani Wayland $150, Clutch – Harvey $225 & Lashes by Benefit. For a look that is simple and sweet, go head to toe in a single hue. When worn correctly, wearing one shade looks sophisticated, instead of bland. BluMarine used varying fabrics and textures to liven up this look. We started with the softest cotton white turtleneck by Mango and paired it with a tapered blush trouser by Phillip Lim. Adding a leather and fur jacket by Patrizia Pepe gives us the texture, while the Steve Madden pointed pump adds subtle glam. Product Info: Coat – Loiza by Patrizia Pepe, $160, Trousers – Phillip Lim, $375, Turtleneck – Mango, $20, Pumps – Steve Madden Intrude in Blush, $79 The classic palette of black and white was seen time and time again, in solids, color blocks and patterns. A favorite was the use of chevron and stripes, as it adds depth and character to a simpler ensemble. To achieve this look, pair Mio’s chevron cardigan with classic black skinny denim by 7 For All Mankind. ASOS patent leather boots give the outfit added edge. Play up your makeup with a rusty orange shadow by Ulta and an ultra-glossy nude lip by YSL. Product Info: Cardigan – Mio, $83, Jeans – 7 For All Mankind, $168, Boots – ASOS F-Troupe Patent Leather Boots, $149, Makeup – YSL Nude Gloss, $23 and ULTA eye shadow in Mimosa, $6 Louis Vuitton’s fall collection included alpine inspired sweaters and jackets. Emblazoned with patterns that would befit a ski lodge, Vuitton mixed in bright fun leather separates and accessories. To modernize this look, try a Charter School Navy Cardigan by Modcloth, accented with a Finding the Fun Scarf, and Motel’s vintage leather skirt. Top it off with sweet Mark and Spencer Patent Leather Dolly Court Shoes and a Rag and Bone Jet Belt. Product Info: Skirt – Motel, $100, Cardigan – Mod Cloth, $34,99, Shoes – Mark and Spencer Leather Dolly’s $48, Scarf – Finding The Fun, $39.99, Belt – Rag & Bone, $150 Dolce & Gabbana used a delicious palette of cherry red and deep plum in their collection of feminine separates. This sophisticated look would be fitting for the office or for a girl’s night gathering for drinks. Pair a textured tunic dress, like this lovely one by White Stuff, with basic leggings, such as LNA’s Olivia Cotton Basics. Add a signature vintage brooch, like this vintage Chanel Coin, and sparkling Joe Jean’s ballet flats. And a girl can’t be without a fabulous handbag, try this doctor bag by Debenham’s as a finishing touch. Product Info: Tunic Dress – White Stuff Lorelai Broderie Tunic Dress, $60, Leggings – LNA Olivia Cotton Basics, $53, Purse – Debenham’s Doctors Bag - $85, Shoes – Joe Jeans Sparkle Ballet Flats, $69, Brooch – Vintage Chanel If “rugged-girl-next-door” sums up your favored style then Isabel Marant’s fall collection is the one to emulate this season. This outfit is all about woodsy tones and natural elements. Start by pairing a deep green or brown sweater, such as this hunter green option by Mango, with a brown leather mini. We are loving the cross zip Sugar Maple leather mini by Bailey. Top with a Vintage Pendleton wool flannel to add warmth, and finish off with fur-lined Sorel boots and Dinny Hall’s Gold Three Leaf Pendant Necklace as a nod to nature. Product Info: Flannel – Vintage Pendleton Pure Wool Flannel, $45, Sweater – Mango, $45, Skirt – Bailey Sugar Maple Leather Skirt, $267, Boots – Sorel Joan Of Arc Ankle Boots, $220, Necklace – Dinny Hall Gold Vermeil Three Leaf Pendant Necklace, $195 Design houses Altuzarra and Gareth Pugh, among others, went for wintery white on white. This choice is a perfect head-to-toe ensemble to pick up in the fall and wear until spring thaw. It also presents many mix and match options for the rest of your wardrobe. To obtain this crisp style you will need quality white basics such as a Theory Boatneck Tee and a pair of Top Shop’s white Cigarette Trousers. Complete the look with Mango’s Funnel Neck Coat and a basic sandal in an off-white shade for diversity, such as the Spurr Basic Crystal. Product Info: Coat – Mango Funnel Neck Coat, $129, Trousers – Top Shop Cigarette Trouser, $80, Top – Theory Boatneck Tee, $85, Shoes – Spurr Basic Crystal - $28 This youthful look by H&M is a favorite this season for its simplicity. Effortlessly chic, you can achieve this look by pairing a sparkle-embellished mini-dress or sweater dress, such as Nelly’s Body dress, with a striking pair of knee high leather boots. Nine West boots are comfortable and have a little heel that adds femininity. Accessorize with a single sparkling JC Penney cuff and darken eyes with NARS Lola Shimmer shadow. To complete the look swipe on YSL Gloss in Corain Trapeze and you are ready to take on the night. Product Info: Dress – Nelly Body Dress, $120, Boots – Nine West Inga Boots, $199, Cuff – JC Penney, $10, Makeup – NARS Lola Shimmer shadow, $25 and Gloss – YSL in Corain Trapeze, $32
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by Mandi Pimental
I believe hats get the short end of the stick. Written off as a secondary accessory, the hat is sometimes an afterthought, just an inanimate object we use to cover up a bad hair day, or a rogue pimple. However, this season we are turning that all around. Top designers dug deep into their style arsenals and gave us looks that can only be described as a “must-have”. No longer an accessory to throw into the back of your closet, once you turn your peepers to some of the top styles for fall 2014, you’ll want to display them front and center, and you’ll wear them proudly, even if your hair looks ravishing, and your forehead is flawless. Not only does headwear spice up any ensemble, it also keeps you warm. As we say goodbye summer, and hello chillier temps, a hat is a good idea when you’ll be headed outdoors. We take a look at six styles and highlight the pro’s that each style has to offer this season. First off, the universal knitted beanie and pom-pom knits. Ralph Lauren, Tak Ori, and Tommy Hilfiger showed an array of options. Comfy and casual, the beanie is number one when it comes to keeping your head and ears toasty warm. Available in an array of colors, patterns and sizes, the beanie is a versatile knitwear piece that works best with sweaters, jackets and for outdoor sporting events. The beanie is also a great option for women that have rounder face shapes. Next, the classic beret presents a European aesthetic that is so charming. John Galliano and Rodarte showed the beret in bright, fun colors, adding a pop of artistry to a more neutral ensemble. Perfect with dressier looks, and cocktail attire, look for berets in mustard, plum or crimson for added depth in this sweet style. You can also opt for a beret that features subtle sparkle or a brooch. A trend that has taken over runways from head to toe is fur and faux fur. The ultimate in comfort and warmth, fur headwraps, hoods, and traditional fur caps are surely a winner. Daks and Fendi presented beautiful options that were luxurious and feminine. Head wrap styles also compliment a wide range of face shapes. Also in the glam category is a more couture look, and that is the chador. The traditional and ornate pieces were seen on the Dolce and Gabbana runway, as well as a few other fashion houses, making us all wonder, just exactly where would we wear such an exquisite piece? Holiday parties are fast approaching, and the idea of being adorned with jewels and beads sounds fitting. Right? In contrast, there were casual options seen on the runways as well. The traditional cap got a makeover by AF Vandevorst who created them from ultra-soft felt, rounding the top and fitting it below the brow line. Sportier, brighter cap options were presented by DKNY and DSquared while Moncler Gamme Rouge gave us pure femininity. Last but not least, we bring you the traditional “Classic”. Though varying in style, the classic collections ranged from vintage bowlers by Armani to Asian-inspired looks by Christian Siriano with their exaggerated brims. Tibi delivered Amish style hats while Ralph Lauren presented classic fedoras. The beauty in all of this is the love designers are showing for the hat this season. It’s giving us more options than ever. From the runway to store shelves, there truly will be an option for everyone. A hat for every face shape, every outfit, and every occasion, from the ski slopes to high tea. And that is something to tip your hat to. Taryn Manning Interview
by Mandi Pimental Actress, singer, and celebrity DJ Taryn Manning is a powerful force to be reckoned with this year. Since making her film debut in the romantic drama Crazy/Beautiful at the start of the new millennium, Manning has acquired an impressive resume. Credits include 8 Mile, Hustle & Flow, her work in the current award winning comedy-drama TV series Orange is the New Black and an abundant list of projects slated to release this year. Having appeared in advertising campaigns for Juicy Couture and Frankie B, Manning is an avid follower and fan of fashion. We talk to her about the many hats she wears, her up-coming endeavors, how she keeps it all balanced and the deep passion she has for music. In Orange is the New Black you play Tiffany 'Pennsatucky' Doggett, a character who touches on controversial topics such as abortion and religion. What has been the most challenging aspect, and the most rewarding aspect, of playing this role? She does touch on those subjects, and it is the ultimate contradiction. She is the most non-religious, religious person, you know? Me and my character are very, very different, but that is what makes it fun. My close group of friends told me when they watch the show there is no trace of Taryn, which is so cool. We are alike in the sense that she believes in justice, which I do too. So, there are ways I tap into her, but she is so disturbingly different from me and when I’m in character as her, I am lost. I’m gone. With the show being based on darker subject matter, tell us what set life is like for the cast off-screen? What do you do for fun? All the girls have branched off and found each other and who they are close with. I’m not sure what everyone does together, there are a lot of cast members, I know a couple of girls took a trip to Puerto Rico together. Me and Emma Myles hang out a lot and have a lot of fun together. The characters who work together often tend to gravitate towards one another, just naturally. We have a really good time, we have dinner parties. It is all very supportive. With all of your recent acting success, working on projects such as Hawaii 5-0, Sons Of Anarchy, Orange Is The New Black and an abundance of films, what do you do to work in down time? I work on music. I’m always into something, whether it be working on a clothing line or working on music. Music is my passion, I have a lot of accomplishments in music that people may not know about. Take us through a typical day in the life of Taryn Manning… If I have a shorter day on set, and wrap earlier than normal, I will go into the studio. When you work in music, a lot of magic goes down late at night. Once I’m onto something with music, there is more freedom. It’s not like on set when there are schedules and timelines. Here at Runway we adore fashion, and we heard you do too. Who are favorite designers? What is your typical weekend wear? I’ve always been a Balenciaga fan. They have so many timeless pieces. I wear a lot of their pieces, a lot of blazers, that I have had since the 90’s. Very Janet Jackson inspired. I also love the look of Yves St Laurent suede knee boots and a long trench coat. I also like Rag & Bone and Wild Fox, something more casual, like their cashmere and knit. And Juicy Couture and Charlotte Ronson, who is a good friend, there are just so many. Who are your fashion icons and how does their style influence your personal style? I wouldn’t say anyone inspires how I design, but I love Kate Moss, Nicole Richie and Rachel Zoe. I really like Rachel Zoe because her collection has a vintage appeal. I love high-end vintage, which is very expensive, and to be honest with you, I grew up without a lot of money and I had to make the best of what I had. I did a lot of shopping at thrift stores, wearing Esprit and Guess and reworking pieces. Explain the feel and inspiration behind the clothing you design? For my clothing line, Born Uniqorn, the inspiration was about being unique. The initials are B.U. and it truly is about being yourself. I did a lot of touring in Japan during my early Boomkat days, which was my music group with my brother, and I was inspired by the fashions in Osaka and the colors. What is your favorite trend that is happening now and what is one accessory you cannot live without this season? I am a hat girl. I love hats and I love sunglasses. I like that they look great and they can cover you up when you’re not wearing make-up and if I want to run in somewhere and not be bothered, it helps put up a barrier. As far as trends, I’m loving the one-pieces that are out. I love them because of my ballet background, and I like the side cut-outs and the low backs I’m seeing on them now. To celebrate Runway’s music issue, we would love to talk about your musical background and what gets you moving. Who are listening to right now? I grew up in an all musical family. My father was a musician, so was my brother, and there is just a long line of music in my heritage. I DJ too, so I listen to so many types of music it's hard to just rattle off music when I genuinely listen to so much stuff every day. Who has been the biggest influence to you in your own music? I hear often that I have a very soulful tone and that it is obvious I grew up listening to R&B and Motown. So I take that influence and mix it in with a bit of a rocker chick and I think you have me. Like a mix between Blondie & Macy Gray, or so I've heard. You have made appearances in music videos such as will.i.am’s “Yes We Can” and Butch Walker’s “The Weight of Her”. Have you worked on additional music video collaborations or have any planned for the future? Yes I've been in several music videos. I also worked with Train, Zedd and Nickelback. Having worked some of the hottest parties in New York and L.A., you have recently been labeled one of “the hottest names in the DJ game”, how does DJing compare to you performing your own music live? Do you have a preference? I don't know about one of the hottest names in the game but again I like to play music, so anyway I can get my hands on it! It has been mentioned that you are experienced in kickboxing, Tae Bo, dance, yoga and karate. Do you stay in shape by mixing up activities you enjoy, or do you have a specific regimen that you do to stay healthy? Mixing them all up is how I stay in shape, I feel like I am always working out. People say I am so small, but I am really strong. I feel like my whole life is a workout. When I can just lay down and chill I feel like that is such a gift. Lastly, you get to play with your looks for many roles. We have seen you as a blonde, a brunette and a red head and we have to know, what has been your favorite? I have felt so great about all of them, but I feel like being a really light blonde, like a bleachy white blonde, I feel most like me. When my hair is really white blonde, I feel like the musician that I am really, truly, born to be. Because no matter what I am doing, designing clothes, or shooting tv shows or movies, until the day I die I will be writing music. SECOND INTERVIEW: What do you find most inspirational about the career that Madonna has celebrated over the decades? I think it is obvious to say she is the ONE. She has maintained an amazing career, worked with sick, unique producers, she is absolutely stunning and she seems like a really good person. I look up to Madonna very much. I even dressed up as her from 'Like a Virgin' to my first Prince concert. Do you have a favorite Cher fashion moment? Cher impressed me with her original sounding vocals, her amazing, yet tragic, history and her acting chops. I admire her on many levels, along with her sense of fashion, and she has been around for such a long time! Why do you believe Stevie Nicks has been such a music icon? I believe Stevie Nicks is, hands down, one of the most admired women. She is just a bad ass and her vocals are tremendous. Her style is too. If you someone who is familiar with the history of her and Fleetwood Mac, they went through a lot as a group. Diana Ross is a true diva of our time, do you hope to radiate female power through your music? She IS a true diva in every sense of the word! I can't help but think that Madonna, Cher, Michael, and Stevie must have listened and looked up to her as well. All you have to do is study The Supremes, need I say more? What do you think was Michael Jackson’s greatest contribution to music? How does the king of pop inspire your own career? MJ was my everything. Being a child of the 80's he was my brothers inspiration and whatever my brother liked, I liked. I miss MJ very, very much. It is devastating what happened to him, even while he was alive. He went through so much and I don't believe any of it was true and I will never believe it. Another thing that was hard for me was that he passed on my mother’s birthday. My mother is very dear to me and the whole day was just full of sorrow. His music and fashion sensibility will live on forever in my life and many others lives as well. His music wasn't just for dancing and fun, he had a spiritual message that will forever ring true. by Mandi Pimental
CURRENT/ELLIOTT - These Current/Elliot zip stiletto “Soho” jeans would pair perfectly with a cropped top and fitted fall coat. They feature a five-pocket style, slanted zippers and are hem cropped above the ankle to show off stylish ankle booties or sparkling flats. $248 Frame - Frame’s ripped skinny jean is a favorite of Khloe Kardashian. Pictured in white, shredded holes give a distressed look to these on-trend skinnies. Pair with a colorful, chunky sweater or with a white top and metallic accessories for a more refined look. $200 Isabel Marant - This Valone Girlfriend Jean is the perfect patchwork denim piece for fall. Grey and beige cotton patches accent this loose fitting jean, making it a great choice to pair with your comfy oversized knit sweaters. $660 Junya Watanabe - Denim gets a glamorous upgrade on Junya Watanabe’s five-pocket skinny. They feature a velour seat and pair well with a simple long sleeve neutral top and basic black flat, allowing the pants to be the star. $1,100. Rag & Bone - Rag & Bone crafted this destroyed skinny with an ultra-comfortable cotton-denim blend. This jean is deconstructed with strategically placed rips and then re-constructed with fall’s trending plaid flannel patches. $396 Saint Laurent - This black cotton-blend denim skinny by Saint Laurent features rips and subtle fading and would pair well with this seasons trend of electric neon separates and accessories. $89 By Mandi Pimental
When you mix a passion for fine automobiles with the love for luxury, beautiful things can materialize. And, when stars have the means to drive lavish transportation, we see that sometimes they let their imaginations run wild. Others, however, opt for more sensible and environmentally friendly options. Below we have chosen our favorite car enthusiasts in fashion, movies and music. Gisele Bundchen – Supermodel Gisele Bundchen opts for sleekness and sophistication in her vehicles. As an owner of a Rolls Royce Ghost, BMW X5, Audi S8 and a Black Audi A8, she has choices when it comes time to tote little Vivan and Benjamin around Brentwood or head to a fitting. Most often seen in her Audi A8, we’ve chosen it in particular to spotlight. The car is equipped with a 3.0 V6 engine and exhibits seamless performance when on the road. Its plush interior makes it a great choice for a family car that is still luxurious and stylishly classic. Would you expect anything less from one of the world’s most successful supermodels? Leonardo DiCaprio – “Wolf of Wallstreet” star Leonardo Dicaprio drives the king of hybrids. Owner of a Fisker Karma hybrid sports car, a highly impressive and rare vehicle, Dicaprio has been spotted driving this car around Los Angeles. Reaching 60 miles per hour in just under six seconds, with a max speed of 125 miles per hour, this car has the ability to put on a good show and still be a better choice for the environment than your average sports car. Also keeping with the eco-friendly theme, no animal products were used in the interior design of the car. So, if you are looking for not only your lunch to be vegan, but your vehicle as well, talk to Leo. For a cool $100,000, he can hook you up. George Clooney – George Clooney is not only one of the hottest bachelors to reside in Hollywood; he is also an avid classic car fan and car-racing aficionado. On sunny California days, the Studio City resident can be seen riding casually around town in his 1958 Chevrolet Corvette V8 C1 convertible. This style in particular was considered a style icon in the 50’s with its chrome finished, trendy appearance and double headlamps. A seasonal resident of Italy, Clooney also had the interior refinished in fine Italian leather. Fantastico! Jessica Alba – Actress, philanthropist and owner of health conscious cleaning and product company, Honest, Alba tops our list as the most sensible car owner. Her silver Prius shows us that she cares for her environment by not only using clean, earth friendly products in her home, but by driving a car that is cleaner for Mother Earth. We respect the down-to-earth actress, and fashion week front-row spectator, for her choices for not only herself and her family, but for those around her. Lauren Conrad – The Paper Crown designer shows us, through her ride of choice, that she has moved on from “The Hills” days and onto the finer things in life. A fashionable statement piece itself, her Bentley Continental Flying Spur is both luxurious and pricey. With a price tag starting at $186,000, Conrad cruises around L.A. in the metallic black Bentley that can reach a speed of 62 MPH in just 4.9 seconds. The car, maxing out at an impressive 200 MPH, is not only beautiful, but also high performance in its own right. An added bonus feature: its four-zone climate control system for ultimate comfort. Kendall Jenner – Though Ms. Jenner is the owner of a blacked out Range Rover that she received for her birthday, she is also a lover of dirt bikes and racecars. So, we thought we would feature her love for fast rides and spotlight her experience driving a Bugatti Veyron Vitesse at the North American Lamborghini Blacpain Super Trofeo races. It is currently one of the fastest street-legal vehicles on the market today, developed by the Volkswagen group, and reaches a top speed of just over 267 miles per hour. Kendall drove it at modest speeds, with her father in the passenger seat, but said it was “still a cool experience”. She has had better luck with automobiles than younger sister Kylie, who just after 2 short weeks of receiving her driver’s license crashed her $125,000 Mercedes. Ouch! That’s got to be a hard thing to live down with all those siblings. Miley Cyrus – It is no surprise that the controversial starlet would own a car that practically screams, “living on the edge.” Cyrus’ metallic gray McLaren Mp4 is a super sports car that starts at a steep $200,000. Reaching speeds of over 120 MPH in just under 10 seconds, it is practically a racecar itself. The aerodynamic design is sleek, and the interior is spacious and features the highest quality leather throughout. Mila Kunis – The gorgeous and talented Mila Kunis opted for safety and security when she chose her Range Rover Overfinch. Though a trendy option in Hollywood, it is a great choice for a star as visible as Kunis. Equipped with a gun cabinet and ammunition, as well as a champagne fridge and a console that holds tumblers and champagne flutes, it is not only a safe vehicle, it is also decadent and luxurious. Powered by a V8 Corvette engine, the Overfinch is a powerful vehicle that can handle most driving situations with ease. An added bonus, it has plush carpeting throughout the interior! Rihanna – The Barbados native drives a Porsche 997 turbo with an enhanced performance engine. Rihanna shows she can handle a stick, as this car has a six-speed manual transmission and a top speed of over 120 MPH. The Porsche 997 is a fitting ride for a girl who likes to live a little dangerously. Ralph Lauren – Fashion great Ralph Lauren may be most popularly known for his exquisite designs in men and women’s clothing, among many other branches including his fragrances and accessories, but few know that he is an avid car collector and tops our list of car aficionados. Owning his own Ferrari museum and car garage, the extent of his automobile knowledge and love for all things auto is endless. Included in his vast collection you will find: a 1929 Bentley Blower, 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce, 2006 Bugatti Veyron, 1996 McLaren F1 LM, 1965 Ferrari P2/3 and Ferrari 250 GTO just to name a few. Lauren also owns one of the most valuable and rare Ferraris ever produced. Interview with Johnny Rock Page
by: Mandi Pimental Star American Pro Superbike Racer Johnny Rock Page is a passionate athlete with heart and a penchant for entrepreneurship. Also a business investor, film maker, music producer and single dad to daughters Madison (17), Alexa (15), and Kennedy (8), Page wants to live his life as an example to his girl’s so that they may be inspired to lead their lives with positivity, forgiveness and grace. Working as a professional American Pro Superbike Racer seems like an extreme career choice! What is it like having a day job that is a 24/7 adrenaline rush? It’s more of a weekend job really. I’m out on events from Thursday until Sunday or Monday. And it’s insane. The first five laps of every race I’m thinking, “This is absolutely over the top crazy, what am I doing?” Then after a few laps I finally gain some rational. Tell us a little bit about how you got started in racing? What made you take it from a hobby to something so much more? In 1990 I was visiting Valley Yamaha in Mesa, Arizona and I saw a poster of Eddie Lawson dragging his knee, and I thought to myself, “that is pure poetry in motion. I want to do that!” I traded my bike in for a race bike soon thereafter and haven’t looked back since. You wear a lot of hats, with your hand in a lot of endeavors. Let’s talk about some of your other projects. You are also involved in the world of music, having recently signed the band “Very Scary”, can you tell us a little bit about their project? Very Scary is a band I produced that were formed in Arizona. They are a great group of guys who have known each other since they were in sixth or seventh grade. They make amazing music with the latest technology and just have a blast together. Their album will soon be available on iTunes. A true jack-of-all-trades, you are also involved in the food industry. What made you venture into that world and what is your involvement with gourmet eateries such as HOOKMEUP and Brentwood Steakhouse? I invest in gourmet restaurants. The owners of HOOKMEUP, Jason Mogler and Amber Walter, endorsed me and are currently using my branding for their company, in which I also invest. As for Brentwood Steakhouse, I am also an investor, and this incredible 5 star steakhouse will soon be having its grand opening in Brentwood, California in March. And I am still looking for a date to take to its opening! [Laughs] Aside from all of your work projects, you’re also a dad! What’s been the hardest part about juggling your role as a father while conquering the business and racing world? When you are raising daughters, you really have to examine yourself, and change from within to lead by example. Instead of me continuing to live my life of partying and sleeping around, I discovered a new sense of awareness on how I could be more respectful to women, as well as my inner being and self, therefore setting a good example for my girls. What would be the number one thing you hope to teach them? What I want my daughters to get out of life is to realize that their life is a beautiful gift. That we are so blessed by the Creator, God, to have received the chance to be a free people and to love and to live life to the fullest. And to learn how to be good to yourself. As a single dad do you plan to look for a special someone and getting married someday? I wear a ring currently. I wear a ring to keep me tuned into God’s love. I hope to find love and settle down and get married again. I had to step away from a world of lust, and sleeping around, to focus on finding the right girl, really getting to know her, so that it can lead to something more. Man is not good alone, it is one’s goal to find a suitable partner. With all of your projects, are you a big fan of using social media to connect with fans and clients? Do you have a favorite social media platform? I disconnected from social media because I was getting my affirmation from the outside world and not looking for affirmation from the people who I love who were right there in front of me. I’ve noticed that disconnecting from social media has made me more social. Meaning that I like to interact more in person, instead of using technology to do so. I prefer talking on the phone to texting, and it’s made me a personable person. And sometimes, if I want to talk to someone I will actually go to their home to say hello. With being disconnected from social media, how do you market your various projects? I know celebrities and public figures usually have managers and PR staff. I myself don’t. I put my works out there and let people get inspired by them and approach me, and from there it grows organically. Speaking of putting yourself out there, tell us a little bit about the documentary you’ve been working on? Filming consistently for the past ten years, I’ve been fortunate to capture some of my life’s most incredible moments. From my racing, to my divorce and my journey to bouncing back. It’s got a little of everything. Pain, tears, recovery, darkness, humility and a lot of love. A director I know, Kurt Kubicek, saw it and wanted to turn the footage into the film. That film, One/Tenth of a Second is now touring the film circuit and receiving great feedback. I hope everyone who sees it can take something away from it. I believe that every human being has a movie within them, I just happened to film mine. Being a public figure in many industries, fashion must play a big role in your life. Do you have a go to designer? I don’t have any specific go to designers, but I really like Hugo Boss. When I am interested in a woman, I like to buy her gifts and beautiful clothes to help her feel good and smile, and to know how beautiful she is. I recently bought a girl a black dress by Hugo Boss and it made her so happy. Can you touch on your involvement in the political world? First, a corporation cannot be sovereign, WE THE PEOPLE are sovereign. My political stance is this: when I can walk into Starbucks and ask, “Is everyone getting a chance to vote on all the different issues?”, and people are saying yes, then I will know that the republic and WE THE PEOPLE are finally on its way to being restored. Get rid of the lengthy pages of legalities, as if people care, and simplify the process so our voices can be heard. When you get people involved, camaraderie will soar to new heights in America. I personally, am not tied to congress, I just hope that the people stand behind me. WE THE PEOPLE are the President, not just one man, we are the shapers of tomorrows future. We just need to come alive and have some fun! What are you most looking forward to in 2015? I’m investing currently in new businesses and watching over how my current investments are going. No matter who, or what, I’m involved with, I want it to be surrounded with love. I want it to be a positive experience. NANCY O’DELL INTERVIEW
By Mandi Pimental Nancy O’Dell is one of those women who you simply love to adore. Her sweet, southern, girl-next-door charm radiates through every aspect of her life. The Emmy Award-winning entertainment journalist, and star of Entertainment Tonight, talks to Runway about her fashion favorites from the red-carpet to running errands, her current projects, and the simple joys of being a mom. O’Dell leaves us all inspired with her positive spin on living in the moment while chasing your dreams. Thank you Nancy, for taking the time to speak with me today. Runway is honored to have you as our Fall 2014 feature. I am so honored to be on the Runway cover! Thank you! We must start with your style! You always look gorgeous, from the set to the red carpet; your style is effortlessly glamorous. Is there anything specific you look for when choosing your pieces, or is there a favorite designer that you love to wear? Thank you again…very much. When I choose clothes, I tend to like fitted, structured clothing and that’s in both my personal life and my work life on-camera. A more tailored look with clean lines makes the clothes look neater and more fashionable. And I feel that way whether I am wearing something casual or dressy. For the show, I wear a very classic look. In my personal life, I like clothing that has a little edge. For example, I wear a lot of Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone in my personal life. I'm also always looking for clothing that is comfortable, so a must-have for all year round is a good pair of black leggings. Leggings can go with most any top and they are so comfy. I also think a little casual dress is a staple, as it is so easy to slip on. You can even wear it with flip-flops and still look fashionable. Parker makes great little dresses. Other designers I love are Maje, Milly, ALC, BCBG, Rag & Bone and I splurge on Alexander McQueen! You get to see thousands of gowns come down the red carpet each year. Which designer do you believe hits it out of the park, time and time again, when it comes to making a woman look and feel her best? Zac Posen always designs amazing red carpet dresses, as he embraces a woman’s body and her curves. Zac custom-made a gorgeous red gown for me for the Met Gala and I felt like such a princess in it. Another favorite designer of mine is Carmen Marc Valvo. His gowns have that tailored look, which I love, and they are usually classic, yet have a little different something to them. Elie Saab is another favorite. I’ll never forget that gorgeous gown he did for Halle Berry when she won the Oscar. Also, I think Jason Wu, who hit it out of the park when he designed First Lady Michelle Obama’s one-shouldered white chiffon inaugural ball gown, just keeps the home runs coming on the red carpet! Which interview have you been most inspired by, and would you share what it was that inspired you? That’s an easy question to answer- Oprah! I have always admired her as a journalist as well as her positivity and strength. But what impressed me most about Oprah was what happened when the cameras stopped rolling. She is who you think she is. She never waivers from being that same lovely, positive person that people see on TV. In addition to being one of America’s most beloved journalists, you are also a top-selling author. “Full of Life” debuted in the top three of motherhood books, while your children’s app series “Little Ashby” is doing extremely well. Are there any other literary plans on the horizon that the readers can look forward too? Little Ashby: Star Reporter is a literary project very near and dear to my heart. I was so excited when it debuted as one of the top Apps on ITunes. As a result, we turned the App into a book and I certainly plan to do more Little Ashby books in the future. I always say I decided on my career as a reporter because it is ever changing (the people, the subject, the places), and therefore, I am always learning something on every interview. I love to learn and so do kids, especially if it is fun. Kids can't just travel around the globe in reality, but they can via an App or book! And that is the reason why I created the little reporter character, Little Ashby, and her FUNtastic crew. Little Ashby allows little ones to be able to go on adventures, exploring all the places in the world while learning so much in the process. As far as telling stories, one thing many people don’t know is that I love to produce shows as well. It gives me even more freedom in the way a story is crafted. I have a new show in the works, which I am producing for the ReelzChannel. And I’ve produced for HGTV, as I am obsessed with furniture and all things home. I think I love interior design so much, as it truly is another way of telling a story. Furniture and homes have meaning, history, and thus stories of their own. Speaking of your app’s namesake, your daughter Ashby is just darling! Does she understand yet what you do for a living? Does she dream of being a reporter too? I think she is just now starting to understand what I do for a living. Not too long ago, she asked me, “Mama, why do people stop and ask to take pictures with you?” She then proceeded to say, “I don’t understand. You’re just Mama.” I couldn't have loved more that she said that. She also had a little friend of hers run up to me the other day and say, "I saw you last night on TV.” To which Ashby replied, “Oh yea? Well, she’s my Mama!” She’s not quite ready to share me with the world and this mama takes quite a bit of pride in that bond. As far as her future as a possible reporter, she certainly has the story-telling skills. She makes up stories all the time and writes them in her journal. But right now, she dreams of being a veterinarian. She LOVES animals and loves every single one of them. If we see a dog or a cat, she wants to stop and speak to it and asks me a ton of questions about it. It is more than just a child typically loving animals. She told me the other day that she wanted to start a home for all the homeless animals in the world. So sweet! You recently appeared on ABC Family’s new series, Mystery Girls, alongside Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. What was that experience like, and how does playing yourself in a fictional setting differ from real life? I had a great time on the set of Mystery Girls. I have known Tori for quite a while, so it was nice to be a part of her show. It was quite the stretch playing myself… ha ha. At least I didn’t have to study my character to do the part! The biggest difference is obviously, that it was scripted. In real life, one of the best things about being a journalist is you never know how the interview is going to go and you change your questions and the phrasing of them based on how it is going and on what the celebrity is saying. As a journalist, author, producer, spokesperson, wife and mother, you have a lot on your plate. How do you find balance in it all? In addition, do you have any advice for mom’s who are also juggling kids and a busy career? To be honest with you, I don’t know if life ever feels totally balanced. I’d probably describe it as a juggling act instead of balancing! (smile) However, one thing I have learned to do which I think helps me to feel more balanced is to live “in the moment.” My husband told me to always try to think about that and to do that. Because if I am with my daughter and I am stressing about something at work, then the stress is taking over that precious moment. I really try to enjoy the moment I am in and actually turn my brain off to whatever is adding the stress. I do want my daughter to see a strong woman as an example growing up. I want her to know that she, too, can go after her dreams and pursue a career that makes her happy. For that reason—being an example for her—I think that is a benefit of being a working mom. However, I make it a point to be at every one of her events… every soccer game, every recital, and every school performance. I remember my parents being there for everything I did and I want to be there for everything my daughter does. It’s one of the reasons I usually get up super early. Sometimes I get up as early as 4:30 or 5 a.m. and do paper or computer work in the mornings while the kids are sleeping. That way, I don’t feel as if it is time spent away from them. I also workout super early, as getting in exercise is a key to keeping things balanced. And here's some advice for busy moms: It is so easy to get exercise while spending amazing quality time with your kids. My daughter loves to play tag and my stepsons love to play dodge ball. So many days when I come home, we play tag or dodge ball with the whole family. We have a blast and I burn crazy calories in the process! Philanthropy seems to be a big part of who you are. You support quite a few charities including Best Buddies and March of Dimes, as well as founding Betty’s Battle, in honor of your mother, that raises money and awareness for ALS. Can you tell us a little more about that organization? Betty’s Battle is named after one of the most beautiful people who ever lived, my mother, Betty. It was formed in conjunction with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. MDA provided me and my family the wisdom we needed to handle ALS after Mom was diagnosed. They provided expert medical care, told us about the latest ALS research and clinical trials, and kept us informed about what might happen next and what equipment we would need. From the beginning, MDA told us they would be there for us every step of the way – and they were. My hope is that MDA’s Betty’s Battle will be able to fund the research necessary to find a cure, so other families don’t have to go through this like my family did. I want to humanize ALS, so people understand what it does both to those who have it, and to their families. ALS took one of the sweetest people who ever walked this earth. I want to do whatever I can to stop it from taking somebody else’s loved one. Before we wrap, let’s get back to fashion. As a wife and mom, what is your typical casual, weekend-wear? Sweat suits and workout gear! And the good thing is, nowadays you don’t have to look frumpy in them. There are so many fashionable choices out today when it comes to casual clothes. For example, I found the most stylish, beautiful lounge pant and jacket by Anna Kouture. And then there is Lulu Lemon for workout attire. They have so many cute choices. I will put on my Lulu Lemon workout pants and jacket when I wake up in the morning, go run my errands while feeling put together in them and be all ready for a workout or to play with my kids outside when I get home. Any favorite Fall fashion trends you are looking forward to this season? Mini-Dresses, 60’s style, are a big Fall trend. And I love mini-dresses as they make me feel so flirty and fun. Wear them with tights and you have a totally mod look. You are also going to see a lot of sportswear this fall. No, not workout attire but pieces like cute shorts. You can even make the look work for the office by pairing silk shorts with a blouse or blazer. I also love all the skirts we are seeing which are ankle-length but sheer from the thigh down. It appears as if you are covered up, but you aren’t really. Again, it’s classy yet sexy at the same time. Pastel colors are big this fall as well. As a spokesperson for Rusk, a trendy hair care and style line, can you tell us about your favorite products? And how do you keep your hair looking so healthy? I have been obsessed with RUSK products ever since I first started in entertainment. So the relationship with RUSK for me to be their spokesperson came naturally. They create products which are both amazing for styling and for the health of your hair. I’m loving RUSK Deepshine Lustre Advanced Marine Therapy right now. My hair gets so damaged and dried out from all the styling I do on a daily basis, but when I put this product in, it is like magic. My hair comes out feeling super healthy, moist and shiny. It’s a miracle product! Speaking of miracles, I also love the RUSK Multi 12-in-1 Miracle Leave-In Treatment. It addresses all of my hair needs like adding shine, smoothing, controlling frizz, and it seals my hair color. Plus, it’s lightweight and doesn’t weigh my hair down! What are three beauty items you can’t travel without? As well as three “mom-essentials”? - Beauty items for travel: Leggings for style and comfort- You gotta be comfortable on a plane! Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Compact Powder-It is inexpensive, yet gives you a beautiful finish. It’s in this great little compact with a mirror built into a separate compartment, which is helpful on a plane. RUSK W8less hair spray - I never go without this in my purse. Sometimes I have to go straight to an interview right off the plane. W8less gives me hold, but doesn’t make my hair crunchy and unbrushable. That’s important when you have to go all day! - Mom-essentials Kleenex- Gotta have that for those little noses! Hand-Sanitizer - Think of all the things you touch in an airport. I love Cleanwell, which kills 99.9% of germs yet contains no harsh chemicals. iPad - You have to have some entertainment for the longer flights. There are so many fantastic educational apps that are so much fun for kids when they are learning! Lastly, any encouraging words for those looking to follow in your footsteps? I would love to share encouraging words for those wanting to pursue a career similar to mine. In this business, and in pretty much every business, you are going to have so many people tell you that you cannot achieve what you are setting out to do. Don’t listen to that. I tell everyone to go after the career they want to achieve and that if they are willing to put in the hard work, chances are they will be very successful. Recently, my alma mater, Clemson University, honored me with an Honorary Doctorate, and I gave the commencement speech to the graduates. I told them “don’t ever let anybody ever tell you ‘no.’” I remember when I first started working as a reporter for a local station, a news director at another station told me, “You don’t want to be a journalist or news reporter. They are all a dime a dozen, you’ll never make it.” I am glad I never listened to him, because if I had, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I love what I do. Always pursue what you want to pursue and don’t be afraid of failure. LANCE BASS Interview with RUNWAY
By Mandi Pimental At the tender age of 16, entertainer Lance Bass skyrocketed to fame in the internationally successful boyband NSYNC. The band went on to sell over 56 million albums worldwide, solidifying household name status for all involved. Bass has since grown his own personal successful empire as an actor, singer, New York Time’s best-selling author and radio DJ on his wildly popular Sirius XM radio show “Dirty Pop”. Having just wed his love and best friend Michael Turchin in a televised ceremony, Bass talks to Runway about their special day, why comfort trumps labels and what his relationship is like with his former bandmates. Congratulations on becoming a newlywed! Your wedding special aired on television and it looked beautiful! What was your favorite moment of the special day? - There were so many amazing moments, it’s hard to choose. One of my favorite moments was walking out, before walking down the aisle and seeing all of our friends and family there, just celebrating the love. That was way more emotional than I ever thought it would be. Was there any wedding stress leading up to the big day? - Of course. I mean anytime you’re planning a wedding, there’s going to be stress. But we knew what we were getting into and that there would be drama surrounding it and we’d have to accept it. But when the day came, it was pretty drama free. That is great! We also have to congratulate you on your radio show, Dirty Pop. Can you share a little bit about the shows premise and what inspired you to start the show? - Since I was a little kid, I always dreamed of being a radio DJ, like Rick Dees, and I loved countdown shows. When Sirius XM approached me to a do a show, almost 4 years ago, I jumped at the chance. Dirty Pop is a 2-hour live talk show, all surrounding pop culture and today’s news, and we play music and a featured countdown. So your dream came true! How did the Dirty Pop team, or your “Peanuts” as you call them, come to be? - Basically, it’s just a bunch of my friends. All the “peanuts” you will hear on the show are the people who make up my circle and are where pop culture comes from. As for the name “peanuts”, I was nervous when I first started the show, and it just came natural, they were my little peanut gallery. Landing your big break and having performed for many years with the multiplatinum boy band, NSYNC, do you ever miss performing in that capacity? - Oh yes, every day. The adrenaline you get from performing in front of that many people with your best friends, it’s a rush you can’t explain. It’s like a drug, you want it every day. So, of course. You have shown support for Joey Fatone’s show, Rewrapped, on the Cooking Channel through social media. Are you and the guys still close? - Oh yeah. When you go through something like NSYNC, you are bonded for life, you’ll be family forever. We love each other like brothers, and we hate each other like brothers. Haha! We chat every week, and those guys, they’ll always be a part of my life. That’s good to hear! We must talk about fashion. You always look stylish and put together. Do you have a favorite go-to designer for red carpet events? - I really don’t. During my NSYNC years, my fashion was terrible and I wish someone would have slapped me and woke me up. Looking back, I wonder what I was doing. Since going solo and moving to New York, I started to really learn about fashion and good clothes. Like on my Runway shoot, I enjoyed going against the grain of what I would wear. My go to is a good fitted suit with a little edge. Like a John Varvatos or Boss design. What about for everyday and hanging out at the radio station? Who is your favorite casual go-to designer? - I am a jeans and t-shirt guy. I like being comfortable. I’m really particular in the type of shirt I wear. They have to be soft. American Apparel has amazingly soft shirts. So to me it’s not about designers, it’s about the feel. You have had a quite an impressive list of stars featured on the show. Do you have a dream interview you would like to see happen? - I think my dream interview would be… I love Michelle Obama. I love all the initiatives she is taking on education and obesity. And the ultimate, Oprah. I love what I do, I love interviewing people, and to learn from the best would be incredible. I am a dog lover myself, and your little dog Lily is beyond adorable. I noticed she gets her share of the spotlight. Have you always been a dog lover? And can you share your rescue story? - My whole life I’ve been an animal person. Dogs have become very special to me. Right now I have three rescue dogs, and two were fosters I got when I moved to Los Angeles, Dingo and Foster. They were thrown away in a trash bag, so I went and rescued them, and they are the best things to ever happen to me. And Lily is a little terrier mix and runs the house. We work with a great place called Lucky Puppy and we will foster dogs needing a home until we find a home for them either through friends or the radio show. Being a part of our music issue, we’d like to know what’s on your music playlist? - Right now, I’m loving Hozier. I think he’s so great with his Irish roots. And “Take Me Church” is just one of those songs that I heard this year and just loved. As an advocate for LGBT rights, do you work with any specific organizations? - I work with a ton. From GLAAD to HRC, the big dogs of course. I also love organizations like The Trevor Project, that’s something near and dear to my heart. It’s an amazing suicide prevention hotline someone can call if they are feeling down or need someone to talk to. You have had success in fields outside of music, including many television and film appearances, as well as being an author on the New York Times Best Seller list for your previously published autobiography. Are there any more plans to publish further works? What about film and television plans? - I have a lot of TV and film projects going right now, that are still in the development stage. I am working on a comedy project with Cheri Oteri. And I’m developing a cookbook with my family, I come from a family of amazing cooks and I’m really looking forward to that. We look forward to it all! Tune into Dirty Pop with Lance Bass on Sirius XM Radio and help to rescue dogs in need by visiting MyLuckyPuppy.com. |