Night of the Dragon at Zenbu in Cardiff

For you industry mongrels and pro ho's that didn't make it out to Cardiff on Wednesday for Dragon's Weird Fest, you missed out on one of the best holiday parties this year. What made this shin dig so awesome? Well for one, it wasn't a Christmas party, which was a relief since most of us are sick of the ugly sweaters and red/green limitations. Secondly, it was held at the newest Zenbu location in the trendy Cardiff area. Third? The delicious sushi, of course. And lastly, the event was hosted by Dragon, an action sports retailer, locally infamous for their epic parties. The goal of the party was to celebrate "their number 1 team rider Mick Fannings claim of his second world title". Sponsors included Rockstar Limo and U4IK Vodka, and Zenbu even donated some free sushi to VIP attendees.

Props to Dragon for the sick sunglasses display in the saltwater aquarium. Thanks to Cory McGilvery for the epic photos. And of course, thanks Loren for throwing another weird/fun/amazing bash.

Give. Get. Feel. Good.

It's always to see a community come together and give to a great cause. Isn't that what the Holiday spirit is all about? Amongst all the stuffy country club fundraisers and holiday work parties, a fab collab resulted in an uber-successful charity event this week in North County.

On Monday night, Give. Get., a clothing drive benefitting the San Diego Alpha Project, was hosted at Captain Keno's in Encinitas. One of the most reputable homeless benefitting charities in San Diego, "Alpha Project provides the homeless with the tools they need to be the very best they can be. Founded in 1986 as a simple project offering work opportunities for homeless men, today Alpha Project operates numerous programs, serving over 2,000 people monthly."

Attendees were asked to simply bring in whatever clothes they wanted to donate to the homeless, and in return, were given raffle tickets to be used to win prizes donated by a slew of action sports companies, as well as local businesses (Hence the "give/get" concept). Donations were made by: Adio, Altamont, Brixton, Chocolate, DC, Dragon, és, emerica, etnies, Girl, HairDrezzersOnFire.com x James Mendoza, Henning, Mystery, Pony Attack, Reef, RVCA, Royal, ThirtyTwo, WESC, Zero, and Zico (a whole case of coconut water!).

The event, held at the charming pirate bar Captain Keno's, was hosted by Athena and Svedka, and featured promo models, a futuristic photo booth, and delicious drink specials. The local hideaway spot was appropriately decorated with an array of Christmas decor, including a lovely tree in the center of the bar/lounge. The drinks were stiff, the ribs were a hit, and the gifts were great. The turnout was also pretty prime; huge piles of trashbags filled with clothes were donated by guests, and most people came away with one of the sweet gift packages.

Hopefully all the positive responses will generate an annual event, and hopefully it will become even more successful as years progress. Thanks to Luke Van Voorhis for putting on such a successful event for such a great cause, and thanks to those who donated!

Ode to my Bestie!

One of my nearest and dearest (and oldest) friends, Erica "Bagel" Stolman, has crafted another noteworthy blog dedicated to anything and everything fashionable. Whether its an icon, an item, or an idea, my little E-bear loves to write about all that is couture. Friends that follow us, and share a passion for fashion, also like to introduce and add ideas and tidbits to our little blogs on the regular. This week, our homeboy Griffin (aka Grif Balls) brought to our attention a one of a kind item for auction that may or may not be the most fashionable cartoon memorabilia in history. Meet Karl Lagerfeld's Sponge Bob Square Pants.

According to hypebeast.com, "Karl Lagerfeld attracted the highest bid at a recent Paris fundraiser for WWF, generating 1,000 Euros (Approx. $1,499 USD) ". Who would have thought others existed that shared a love for Sponge Bob and Chanel. Way to go Karl, on another inspirational work of art!

Follow my girl, E-bear at her couture cornucopia.

Norton Knows Best

I like to discover and plug local photographers, since I share such a passion for the photographic art and interesting perspective. For almost two years I have been living back in San Diego tearing up my old stomping ground, and one name keeps coming up. NORTON.

“James Norton, a local resident of South Park San Diego has been literally capturing life at its best. Covering some of the most exclusive fashion shows and the hottest night club spots, James’ sharp eye and keen skills are masked only by his laid back and carefree attitude.” - San Diego Downtown News - April 2008

The kind, carefree, witty man behind the lense is known for his candid black and white snapshots, and most recently I became a huge fan of his fashion editorial work. His shots capture action in every form... in people, in their surroundings, in lighting, objects, garments, structures. Everything about his photos are sexy, sharp and immediately draw you into the seductive worlds of parties, fashion and musics. Deemed San Diego's premier nightlife photographer, Norton maintains his title by constantly attending the hottest events and showcasing the people and places he works with in his fantastic works. His cool personality doesn't hurt either; He is the type of guy you want to be around, and if you aren't then you probably should be. If you are fortunate enough to get spotted in one of his snapshots, consider yourself a part of something truly one of a kind. With his good shaggy haired head straight on his shoulders, his top of the line equipment, creative eye and raw talent, this guy is gonna be going places. And you might want to follow because there's always a party when Norton's around.

Check out more about Norton and his sick shots here. For a taste of his style, check out some photos below of yours truly and some local industry friends.

Spread Christmas Cheer with Free Cookies and Beer!

To kick of the long road of parties ahead, I began my holiday round robin with Volcom's 4th Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Saloon in Encinitas (my favorite bar in San Diego). Ugly Sweater parties, in my opinion, are a nice combination of silly and festive, and are a chance for holiday enthusiasts to spread Christmas cheer with fellow partiers. This party was no exception: A colorful array of ensembles made up the sea of people that filled the Saloon last Wednesday evening. Everything from tacky and tasteless oldies pulled out from the winter cabin to homemade creations composed of bows, bells and lights were represented, and even some onesie pajamas made it out of the Christmas stash.

The free beer was flowing, everyone was on a good one, and trays of Christmas cookies were being served by Santa's lovely little helpers in their own holiday flair. Local favorite at the saloon Gabe Vega was responsible for the dope soundtrack of the event, and his killer mash up's and electro taste set the scene for an epic dance floor. My girl Marissa and I sported some vintage Adolfo coats, courtesy of my glamourous grandmother, with shiny shoes, pearls, and decorative headpieces (my new obsession, for those who didn't read my piece from the Thread show last week). Other top notch looks: my good friend Tommy's light up snowy mountain village sweater made by his mother, Jordan of Volcom's sweet shark suit, and a chill guy sporting an American flag denim vest with long luscious locks... killer.

Thanks to Volcom for kicking off the holiday season to a great start, and thanks to my boy Brandon Ghio for the pics from the party!

All I Want For Christmas

ALL THE HEELS I WANT FOR XMAS! please & thank you! :D by katrinabalbuena featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Items in this set:
Christian Louboutin Studio 120 peep-toe pumps, $1,895
Womens Main Floor Shoes at Barneys New York, $1,795
Womens Main Floor Shoes at Barneys New York, $1,049
Christian Louboutin Ulona 140 platform sandals, $1,695
Alexander-McQueen Boots - Leather Peep-toe Boots, 833 EUR

Thank you to my girl Katrina for posting this on facebook! I die for every single one of these shoes, if Santa even let me have half a pair of these beauties I would be good every single year! The studs, peep toes, satin bows and black lace is all so stunning and heavenly, they make a girl just want to live out her fashion fantasies. I have to admit shoes are my biggest vice, even more than fine wine or dirty martini's. There is nothing that makes a woman feel sexier than a brand new pair of designer shoes to take her through her adventures on the town. So fellas, while we are cooking our way to your hearts, please be a dear and stop by Neiman's on your way home from the office to pick up a pair of dream shoes for your honey. What more could you ask for: a Christmas gift that keeps bringing joy year round to your lady? Sounds like a dream come true!

Fall Food Find

A few months ago, a cute little cafe/bistro opened up down the street from our Solana Beach store on Cedros Ave. Claire's has already gained a great reputation for their fresh ingredients, contemporary menu choices and warm inviting atmosphere, so it was only a matter of time before I tried the place out myself.

What a better day to enjoy an afternoon walk and lunch than this Fall Wednesday, 2 days out of a treacherous rainstorm (for us, ha), a crisp 58 degrees, in the artist district on Cedros. I decided to spend this week 'previewing' shops for potential christmas gifts for the family, and am on day 2. Today, i visited Leaping Lotus for a bit, checking out one of a kind local made goodies for my parents, and hunger struck my stomach like a lightning bolt to metal. It was perfect timing, I had some time before work, and wanted a fall salad and a cool iced tea to get me through my shift.

Immediately upon entering, I felt like a regular. Large parties filled the crowded room of tables, and a friendly waitress escorted me to a lovely table outside on the back patio, next to a waterfall. Inside, a busy bakery and barista counter in the back showcased an array of baked goods from pumpkin cheesecake to blueberry muffins. The ambiance was semi-reminiscent of Thyme in the Ranch, but less shabby chic and more modern rustic. The architecture of the building was angular, industrial, yet familiar... the slates of gray stone that created the face and walls of the restaurant reminded me of many of the newer homes in Del Mar.

My table was pleasantly placed next to a waterfall fountain and out of the direct sun, which would have been nice on this brisk day. In any case, the patio was comfortable, quiet, and an easy place for one to enjoy lunch for one. I ordered the Pear & Beet Salad with goat cheese and candied pecans off of the new fall menu, with my signature iced tea (very sweetened of course, like we drink it in the South). To my dismay, now that the holidays are here and I try and cut carbs where I can, a roll escorted my salad to lunch. However, to my surprise, it was the most delicious roll I have ever eaten. Not the type of bread that you want to eat 5 pieces of, but a perfect one roll dose of delicious pumpkin bread that complimented my spiced salad divinely. The meal was delicate and delicious and didn't overstuff me like most meals around the holidays.

So for those looking for a casual, but contemporary dining experience during breakfast, brunch, or lunch, try Claire's for some fresh fall ingredients and awesome ambiance. There's something on the menu for everyone, and afterwards, you can walk it off to any of your favorite shops on Cedros!

Dear Santa

Once Thanksgiving has passed and the Christmas spirit starts to settle in, one contemplates what they think they deserve and what they would die for if Santa would only put you on the Nice list. Most of us with good taste, however, typically make the Naughty list, so my list is merely wishful thinking. With the economy in such shambles, Christmas is predicted to be less bountiful in most households than years of Christmas past. Nonetheless, even though times are tough and wallets are tight, I have been able to find some pretty f*&%ing fabulous finds on my favorite shopping websites.

I have always been a fan of Steve Madden but when his playful designs go on sale, my heart really starts to flutter. His Cuddless bootie in a flirty fuschia is the perfect hybrid of hipster and feminine. For only $100, you get designer duds in a rich suede, a comfortable fit, and a bangin color that will add a punch to any outfit.

Since my obsession with pin-up girls began, and most recently when attending Thread, I have been so intrigued and in love with feathered hairpieces. Head bands and clips, with feathers and flowers are so ethereal and inspiring, they add a touch of glamour to any pretty face. I just bought a beautiful rouge and black feathered hair clip adorned with vintage gold jewelry from Rachel Larraine at Thread, but I just want to buy more in every color! At Nordstrom's, Tasha's "feathered friend" headband in teal or purple are both vibrant starbursts of color, perfect against a bright blonde or rich chocolate brunette (or in my case, a deep auburn).


At Intermix online, my guilty pleasure, the 'Gifts Under $250' proved to have some interesting finds, which is typically unheard of. Lauren Urstadt's Cropped Chain Leather Gloves (for $155) are an edgy accessory for those of us with deep rooted loves for leather. But if you are less of a renegade and more of a romantic, the dreamy racoon fur muffler scarf by Adrienne Landau is pricey, but so elegant I can imagine it being worn by a famous actress on a cruise ship in the early 20th century, think Kate Winslet in Titanic or a dressed up Naomi Watts in King Kong.

It is nice to see that department stores and heavy trafficked sites are breaking prices in accordance with the holidays. Working in retail, I see the ugly reality of the economy everyday. There's hope yet for my fellow fashionistas, though, thanks to compliant vendors and generous manufacturers. Even big name designers are starting to catch on that people are willing to sacrifice cost for style, since there are so many more affordable options these days. And the best thing about thrifty shopping, of course, is that even if Santa puts me on the Naughty List, I can probably scrounge some change up to treat myself to a few nice gifts :)

Get Your Thread In The Game

Since I am not in the typical fashion mecca's of NYC or LA, I try to stay as linked into the San Diego fashion scene as one can be. Other than ASR, there are not many large scale productions where you can view upcoming collections for next season, or even get to sample more than a few local lines lost among a sea of mainstream brand names. Thread is a bi-annual show, held in SF and SD every year, that boasts local designers and hip up and coming trendsetters that are taking the fashion world by storm one boutique at a time. Buyers and shoppers are of equal value, and drinks flow like the Pacific Ocean tide. A culmination of music, art, fashion and events come together for a two day celebration of all things chic before the rest of the world gets to hear or see their genius.

This year, I attended Thread Fashion Show, with my fellow fashionista Erica, at the old Wonderhaus Bakery building downtown on 14th St. The entryway where guests checked in was adorned with gorgeous globes by TEND that were filled with miniature landscapes like little vignettes transparently floating midair. The space was industrial and open, and filled with booths of clothing, accessories and one of a kind jewelry. What makes Thread such a hit among fashionistas is it isn't just for those of us that work in the industry, they welcome all shoppers as well and possess a wide array of ready to wear goodies for everybody. Notable booths to stop & revel at: the stunning feathered hair accessories by Rachel Larraine and HEADCRAZED, the chunky chic and vibrant vintage neacklaces by Micha Designs (below), and the beautiful boho designs of Babykakes.

Key social issues expressed in this years show was the green movement and the demand for wallet friendly options in the recession. On their website, Thread promotes alternative transportation by encouraging bike riding instead of driving. An array of eco friendly lines were in attendance. "This new section at THREAD focuses exclusively on eco-fashion and sustainability" says Thread's website. The green movement continues with the preservation of greenbacks... This year, the annual event had a 'swap section' where new or barely used items could be donated to a shelter or traded for items among other shoppers and donators. Those that donated a bag of clothing received a discount upon entry, while those that donated 10 items of clothing, could choose 5 items to swap. This was obviously an instant hit, since those who love to shop as much as I do like to save a pretty penny wherever we can, especially if it means purging our overflowing closets even the slightest bit.

The local support at the event was very visible, as well. The Sezio booth upstairs featured custom screen printing on basic tee's and scarves to take home and wear that day. The local non-profit company "provide[s] resources, exposure and community support to artists and musicians through a variety of new media, events, retail and community programs". Local infamous nightlife photographer James Norton was also featured at the event, exclusively providing photos of attendees and models alike. And GOGA by Gordana, a new brand to the San Diego fashion scene with a just-opened location on Market St. downtown, was featured and promoted by the Project Runway runner up who's creative genius makes up her namesake clothing line. I also saw some familiar faces from the Ocean Beach Farmer's Market: local jewelry designers Coco Loco and internationally inspired handbag designer Chi Stylezs, both of who's works can be viewed on Newport Ave. in OB on Wednesday afternoons.

The highlight of the trends being shown at the event was the twice daily runway show, hosted by one other than Gordana. The catwalk production we attended featured some of the top designers at the trade show, including: Jeans 4 Justice, Holiday Matinee, Supastar Co., and a mens underwear line that stood out due to the male models personality peppered walks that made all the female guests melt. The catwalk was covered in astro-turf and was held in a concrete room, giving it a sub-urban feel typical of Thread. The composition of different designers gave the show a segmented perspective varying from half-naked and whimsical, to politically charged and intentional.

In addition to the runway shows and booths featuring over 100 up and coming brands, A Style Concierge hosted a free hair and makeup booth, which was conveniently set up directly next to James Norton's photo booth where attendees were photographed sipping champagne cocktails in their hot new threads. Vin De Syrah was also present at the event, hosting an Alice & Wonderland themed lounge with a free wine tasting of some of the wine parlor's new labels. Upstairs, was a photography and art exhibit showing off the works of local artists, where you could sip cocktails and get a free massage by Chiropractique.

It is no wonder that San Fran and San Diego are the only two select locations chosen to uphold the hip reputation Thread has created over the years. The amenities, local support, and political savvy of the event made for a sharp, swank afternoon spent among fashion producers and consumers, alike, and really showed off the local flavor that our beloved city has to offer. Photos of the event can be viewed at James Norton's gallery, and to access a list of designers featured at the show, check out Thread's site. My own photos will be uploaded onto facebook today, so check out the runway and photo lounge shots I got of my friends and I!

New York Glamour Hits La Jolla for a Reunion to Remember

Typically, around the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, a slew of San Diego natives return to their hometown for some good food, quality time with the family, and a trip down memory lane at a slew of high school parties and local bars with old familiar faces. A local tradition at my alma mater, Torrey Pines High School, is an annual night after Thanksgiving bar party where you can see your old flings, past life besties, and kids from class you never thought you'd see again. The standard 'Where are you now?' and 'What are you up to these days?' pass with ease into a more comfortable, nostalgic vibe where old friends seek to make new memories, like time has never passed.

This year, three members of the Torrey Pines alumni came together to plan the annual event. These individuals wanted to not only plan a fun event that would top the parties of years past, but a fresh, elegant, SAFE event that would go down in the books as one of the best holiday parties of the year. It took a hip young transportation business owner and two aspiring event planners to make this shin dig happen, and it was the ultimate culmination of story telling, shot sharing, and scandal Torrey Pines students haven't witnessed since grad night.

Meet Yvonne Najor & Carli Roth. Two girls about town that know great parties and enjoy excellent company. After graduating from college and relocating to New York City, they noticed a recurring trend among friends... the need to connect with interesting new people. They began hosting small cocktail receptions in quirky, trendy spots that quickly resulted into new friendships, romances, and fun. From this, DBD was born.

DBD is a social club thats motto is about living life day by day. DBD is a constant reminder to take in and enjoy the people around you. Each month Yvonne & Carli host exclusive events, dinners, parties, and gatherings for an elite social group of young professionals in New York & California who are just looking to have a good time and live life day by day. "Its not about the life you live, but the way you live it", says Carli Roth, half of the entrepreneurial team. When planning an event of such magnitude with such an eclectic crowd, it takes an air of confidence, comfort and cooperation to pull something so hyped off. It was up to the alumni to show up, which was without doubt seeing as its the first and best holiday party at home, but the details of the event had to be worked out first.

The venue was Prospect Bar in downtown La Jolla, only a few exits South of the old neighborhood, but refreshing and new like it was another city. There was a VIP area with bottle service, and a full bar for others to fill up their cups. A pure glass wall allowed insiders to view who was coming in, and who was getting kicked out. Cali Camera Photography was hired to photograph the reunion, and took great photos capturing the excitement and surprise of many old friends reacquainting themselves with one another. The final detail to work out was the transportation. And that's where our third entrepreneur came in.

Brandon Blum, an up and coming businessman who likes to work hard and play harder, is owner of a limousine company that DBD used to shuttle guests from the Del Mar Plaza (neutral ground for most TP alumni) to Prospect Bar throughout the evening. "We wanted to help ensure people werent drinking and driving over the holiday" said Carli about teaming up with longtime friend Brandon. After a slew of alcohol related car accidents in San Diego in the past 2 months, and many other alcohol and drug related community deaths in recent years, safety was of the utmost importance on an evening where lots of alcohol and celebrating would be occurring.

The evening was filled with lots of memories, hugs, and toasts and thanks to the transportation and venue, was in a safe, refreshing, fantastic place. Overall, it went very smoothly, minus the usual drunk table dancers, sparklers, and shirtless men, and it was agreed upon by all to be an awesome reunion party. So if you missed any of the cat fights, kamikazes or kisses, be sure to check out the pics and follow DBD on facebook! And mark your calendar's for next year kids, because like fine wine, the alumni parties only get better with age and next year is bound to have just as much, if not more excitement, than this year!

Secret Soundtrack

As posted earlier, I said I would publish a list of playlists from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows of years past... These cover live musical performances, songs and mash up's from the catwalk, along with tracks used as background music backstage during interviews with the VS Angels. I will start back when I began watching the annual runway show religiously, in my college days:

2005:

"Embraceable You" by Chris Botti

"Carol of the Belles" by U.S. Army Field Band & Soldier's Chorus mixed with "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

"I Like The Way" by Bodyrockers mixed with "Dance of the Cygnets" by Andre Previn

"Shot You Down" by Audiobully's mixed with "Lujon" by Henry Mancini

"Love's Divine" by Seal

"Crazy" by Seal

"Drop It Like It's Hot" by Snoop Dogg & Pharell mixed with "Plaine, ma Plaine" by Paul Mauriat

"I Want Candy" by Aaron Carter mixed with "Pon De Replay" by Rhianna

"Drop the Pressure" by Mylo

"Drop It On Me" by Ricky Martin

"La La" by Teairra Mari

"Good Luck" by Basement Jaxx

"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet

2006:

"SexyBack" by Justin Timberlake

"Breathe Me" by Sia

"Beware of the Dog" by Jamelia

"When You Were Young" (Unknown Remix) by The Killers

"Galvanize" by The Chemical Brothers

"Bossy" (Unknown mix of Switch Remix) by Kelis

"My Love" by Justin Timberlake

"LoveStoned" by Justin Timberlake

"I've Got a Life (David Guetta Club)" by Eurythmics

"Just A Little More Love" by David Guetta

2007:

"Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)" by Bill Conti

"Let Me Think About It" by Ida Corr vs. Fedde le Grand

"Perfect (Exceeder) [Club Mix]" by Mason & Princess Superstar

"I Got It from My Mama" by will.i.am

"Touch Me" by Cass Fox

"Paralyzer" by Finger Eleven

"Doing It Right" by The Go! Team

"The Girls" by Calvin Harris

"Get Free" by The Vines

"Wedding Day" by Seal (with Heidi Klum)

"Who's That Girl (Extended Mix)" by Eurythmics

"Stop the Rock" by Apollo 440

"Stop" by Spice Girls

"Amazing (Thin White Duke Edit)" by Seal

2008:

"Yeah" by Usher

"Love Lockdown" by Kanye West

"Little Bit" by Lykke Li

"That's Not My Name" by the Ting Tings

"Human" by the Killers

"With You" by Chris Brown

"Babalu" by Jorge Moreno

"Let Me Entertain You" Robbie Williams

"What's Your Name" by Usher featuring will.i.am

"This Aint Sex" by Usher

"Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John

"Battle Without Honor or Humanity" by Tomoyasu Hotei

"Mercy" by Duffy

"Shut Up & Let Me Go" by the Ting Tings

2009:

Listed Below in next post

NOW GO RUN YOUR ASS OFF FATTY so you can start getting your freak body!!

Freak Bodies Hit the Runway for the Holidays

Every year, around the holidays, there are many things one has to look forward to... football & family, eggnog & mistletoe, the outward pouring of love & joy. For me, although Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and I love Christmas music all year round, I look most forward to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. For those of you that are annual addicts to this runway extravaganza, you know what I am talking about. And for those of you who don't, it's time to get on the bandwagon. This runway show is most notable for the brand and faces behind the production, household names like Heidi, Gisele, Alessandra and Tyra. But since it's roots many decades ago, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has evolved into the biggest fashion spectacle in the world. It harmoniously blends together commercial fashion, couture models and mainstream music into one big glittery glamorous display of beauty one may ever sat their eyes on.

This year was no exception, and thankfully so since the past few years have been somewhat underwhelming due to the loss of many familiar faces (Gisele ended her contract with VS 2 years ago, and Tyra retired as a runway model after the 2006 show) and a loss of focus on the part of the artistic directors. Themes were lost and focal points were blurred in many of the "in between" segments, but this year I am happy to say that VSFS producers have simplified their vision and delivered one of the best runway shows of the decade.

The first segment of the show began with a blast off performance by the Black Eyed Peas of "Boom Boom Pow" their first hit single off their new album, The E.N.D. The stage was layered with green lazers forming the backdrop of a European skyline, while the glitter covered runway was strewn with futuristic dancers, similar to those from the BEP performance on the VMA's. The first face to grace the stage was the stunningly beautiful Alessandra Ambrosio, sporting a hot fuschia piece that would make any fashionistas heart melt. The theme of the first segment was futuristic neon, with bright yellow and pink ensembles featuring bubble helmets, geometric acrylic wings, and mirrored

fragments in floral like arrangements.

Next came the Travel inspired segment, featuring images of passing trains through a variety of sceneries and dancers tossing and dancing with props such as hat boxes, luggage, and totes. Marisa Miller was featured in the Million Dollar Bra, while the other models were covered in everything from furs to gems to exotic feathers and an array of rich expensive fabrics. It held an air of aristocracy and leisure that took the audience on a lush fantasy trip that most women only dream about.

Next was the more playful segment, representing the VS Pink brand, commonly shows in bright colors, loud patterns, and University style emblems across the tush. Usually, this is the part of the show people don't mind missing for its youthful mood, however this time, the directors used more couture design with the commercial brand. Tightly bound corsets, balloon wings, and bubble trains adorned the vibrant, playful looks inspired by dorm room debutants and varsity vixens around the country.

To break up the drool worthy faces and fashions, the Black Eyed Pas performed their newest track, radio hit "Meet me Halfway", where Fergie stole the show in her peekaboo front emerald green gown showing off her trained and groomed stems as if she were a VS Angel herself. Her vocals were also impeccable, and her solo in the end gave me the chills.

The last two segments were the most glamourous of all, in my opinion. The first of the two followed a fairy tale theme that was reminiscent somewhat of the Russian Royalty segment from years past where a classical ballet track was remixed with Snoop Dogg & Pharell's "Drop It Like It's Hot", featuring feathers, woodsy wings, and a fantastic feeling of escape from the normal world. This segment was on the lighter side, using a cooler palette of colors such as mint, pale pink, and lavender. Wings were delicate and ethereal, matching the nymph like faces of the models that bore them. Also notable, Heidi Klum's return to the runway only 2 weeks after giving birth to the newest of her brood, Lou Samuel.

The final segment was the standard finale in the VS fashion show, a glitzy wintery display of all the finer things VS has to offer... ruby and sapphire encrusted bras, bridal lingerie, black velour two pieces, snow queen corsets, and much much more. The center of the V shaped runway was filled with a booming choir that backdropped Leona Lewis' "Happy" and was all set against the backdrop of the laser outlined skyline from the start of the show, except a winter white instead of neon green. This segment was also the debut for Kylie, a VS Angel tryout who made it past over 300 candidates, through countless preliminary and final judgements, and finally made it to the runway where she spread her wings and strutted her stuff.

The playlist for this years fashion show is listed below. Later today, I will be posting a list of previous years songs... I promise these playslists are the shiz to work out to!

"Boom Boom Pow" by The Black Eyed Peas
"Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon
"Use the Same Old Song" by Mighty Mike ("Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon mashed with "It's the Same Old Song" by the Four Tops)
"The Man Who Can't Be Moved" by The Script
"Happy" by Leona Lewis
"Untouched" by The Veronicas
"1901" by Phoenix
"The Battle" by Hans Zimmer
"My Delirium" by Ladyhawke
"Ooh La La" by Goldfrapp
"Message in a Bottle Rmx" by The Police
"Sex Appeal" by Barrie Gledden
"Heavy Cross" by Gossip
"Upset The Rhythm (Go Baby Go)" by Noisettes
"Bulletproof" by La Roux
"When Love Takes Over" by David Guetta