Fashion Forward

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sorry for being absent for the past, well month. Here I go again telling y'all why I've been a no show. Well, at least this time I brought photos.

So for the past month I've been immersed in what we call "Good Life." It's the luxury magazine we produce at the paper. Well, if you can believe it, I got the opportunity to art direct our latest fashion shoot.

What does 'art direct' mean exactly?

Well, I worked with Ellen, Good Life editor, and Karyn, style editor, to create a concept for the shoot. Next Jim, our head photographer, Ellen and I scouted the location. Then I wrote a script or storyboard for each shot; including which of the four models would be in each frame, where it would take place and how it fit into the storyline. Then Karyn and I headed off to the City to meet with our stylists, Jersey and Susan, to choose clothes for each shot. The following day we were at the venue with five fashion stylist, four models, three photographers, two art peeps and one magazine editor. Not a bad weeks work.

So what I present to y'all is a couple, O.K. 12, behind the scenes photos from our latest fashion shoot at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. Enjoy.

P.S. Much thanks to Count Basie Theatre - NUMA SAISSELIN, VANTONY JENKINS, ANTHONY CALICCHIO. And to Retromedia Sound Studios, Red Bank; for the VIntage microphone.

Fashion Forward II

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1)Makeup artist Dina, stylist Jersey and hair stylist Sarah on the fire escape of the theatre. 2) Models Steven and Chanue wait during a photo op outside. 3) Models Julia, Chanue and Irsida. 4) Photo assistant Treola strikes a pose so photographer Jim (not pictured) can check the lighting.

Fashion Forward III

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1) Model Julia shows off her sweeping up-do. 2) Photographer Jim, art assistant Megan, and style assistant Deana fawn over model Chanue. 3) Jim photographs Irsida and Julia. 4) Photographers Keith and Jim engage in tomfoolery while setting up an outdoor shot.

Fashion Forward IV

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

1) Megan poses in a beaded leather jacket with fox collar by Escada COST:$10,550. And check out her right wrist -- that's a platinum antique diamond bracelet courtesy of Gem of an Idea. COST: $20,000. She was in charge of wearing that bracelet all day and guarding it with her life. 2) Jersey gets model Steven ready for the first shot of the day. 3) Models Irsida and Steven chat while Julia gets her hair and makeup done. 4) Stylist Jersey and Deana get racks of clothes ready for the shoot.

This is where I tell you what to watch.

Dude, what are you watching Monday nights at 10 p.m.? Ok let me rephrase that -- you need to be watching "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip." Ok, listen to me. You NEED to be watching this show.

All the reviews said it was going to be great but, personally, I rarely listen to what critics say. If I like something, I watch it -- even if others think it's crap.

So here I was, trying to decide between my regular show, "CSI: Miami" or this new show from the peeps who did "West Wing." I decided I'd give "Studio 60" a shot. I loved "West Wing" and even now can watch continuous reruns on BRAVO.

At 2 a.m., I settled in to watch "Studio 60" on Tivo. I went in with low expectations. I mean, it couldn't be as great as "The West Wing" ... could it?

Well, one word: AWESOME.

That's right Jersey folk, you need to give this show a try. It's smart, witty, well written and has Matthew Perry, my favorite "Friend." What more could you ask for?

Now you are asking, "You keep blathering on about this show, but what the heck is it about?" Take SNL and move it to L.A. and call it "Studio 60." Next, the creator of the show has a "Network"-style breakdown. (Remember "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore.") Now, get Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford (who were fired from this very show years ago) to come in and run "Studio 60." Nice.

Now, listen. I don't tell people to watch things often, as my tastes are all over the place. I know only two shows have aired, and there's a chance it might suck tonight (I totally doubt it!). But if "West Wing" is any indication, this has the potential to be big. And I'm not talking last two seasons "West Wing" big, I'm talking season two cliffhanger finale 'Josh in the ER this is insane' awesome.

So set those VCRs and DVRs (or get someone who know how to do it) to record this show. I think the critics got this one right: "Studio 60" might just have what it takes to knock out "CSI: Miami" in this battle royale on Monday nights. And if not, I just hope it doesn't get the boot mid-season to make room for something really depressing. Like a reality show where people have to eat bugs to win prizes. ... Oh, yeah. too late.

On the Tivo: Cold Case