top model to f21 - a step down?

I was perusing Forever 21's website today when I noticed one of the models looked familiar. Is that Nicole from Top Model? Yes indeed, a Google search confirmed my suspicions. Nicole Linkletter, Cycle 5 winner of America's Next Top Model, is modeling for Forever 21. Has the economy hit even the untouchable fashion industry (people will ALWAYS buy $3000+ couture, no matter how far the stock market slumps)? Or was this just the only work Nicole could get? I find that a little hard to believe...she doesn't have a super high fashion look, not like, say, Ann of the current cycle, but she's very beautiful and has the perfect easy, breezy, beautiful Cover Girl look.

Either way, Forever 21 isn't the worst Nicole could be doing. I obviously like the brand (I used to work for them and at least half my closet is F21), and it's a very well-known line of affordable, not-so-well-made clothing, accessories, shoes, etc. She's probably better off than at least one of the other cycle winners - has anyone heard a peep from Jaslene or Saleisha recently? Nicole's getting a lot of face time, and that's good.

forget about stilettos...these are SERIOUS

Shoes are beginning to reach astronomical heights. Look at these crazy crazy high heels by Alexander McQueen (R.I.P.). My toes are breaking just looking at them. Of course, the ever-rule-breaking Gaga wore them in her video for "Bad Romance" (along with some other doozies), for which, yeah, I give her props. I love shoes as much as the next gal, but these are going a bit too far. I know the point of fashion is to keep pushing the boundaries and keep breaking those rules, but my personal taste just gags at these.

progress?

It's taken me a few days to catch up on this, but it's headline news that during Paris Fashion Week, some curvy models were welcomed onto the runway for the first time. No, these women are not plus-size by any stretch of the imagination, but at least they're not sticks. Adriana Lima, Allesandra Ambrosio, even Elle Macpherson (she's 46, believe it or not!) all stomped. Of course, it makes sense that this development would eventually come to pass, taking into consideration what happened in 2006. Marc Jacobs stated that he set out to cast a variety of women for the show this time, "younger, older, thin, voluptuous." Props, Marc. Props.

Click on the first link to see pictures!

alexander mcqueen found dead

R.I.P. to an amazing, talented fashion designer.

this is fashion?

One step down from Mom jeans (that's right, down): PajamaJeans. Yes, you can now wear your pajamas in public free of scrunity -- sort of -- because those pajamas look like jeans. They are made of a mixture of cotton and spandex and fully outfitted with pockets and rivets. I just...I have no words.