Museum Exhibit: The Art of Watchmen

What: The Art of Watchmen

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art – MoCCA proudly presents The Art of Watchmen. This exhibition looks at the many incarnations of the Watchmen universe: from Dave Gibbons' original character designs sketches, to the art from the acclaimed graphic novel to the stills from the highly anticipated film by Zack Snyder. The Art of Watchmen is curated by Peter Sanderson and Ellen S. Abramowitz.

On view will be photographs by Clay Enos of the Watchmen movie cast, Watchmen-related photos from director Zack Snyder's "war-room" and original artwork from the graphic novel co-created and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. The Art of Watchmen explores the way in which the comics and cinema versions each combine fiction with reality to create an alternative universe that provides incisive commentary on our contemporary times. The exhibition will focus on visual iconography from Watchmen, primarily the main characters: The Comedian, Dr. Manhattan, Nite Owl, Ozymandias, Silk Spectre, and Rorschach. We will show how each character evolved, through artist Dave Gibbons’ concept sketches to their depiction in the comics culminating in their incarnations on screen.


When:
March 6th - May 2nd

Where:
The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
594 Broadway, Suite 401
New York, NY 10012
Tel: 212-254-3511

Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Price/Fee:
MoCCA Member: Free
General Admission: $5
Children 12 and under: Free


The Art of Watchmen is sponsored by Warner Bros. Additional support for MoCCA comes from the Ann and Will Eisner Family Foundation, and the members of MoCCA. Special thanks to Reed Exhibitions, Titan Books and Wizard Universe.

Editorial: Fashion Marketing, Who are they Marketing To?

Do you ever look at a fashion ad and feel like it's the same old thing? Or you have to look at the title to figure out what's being promoted. Well, that's how I feel lately when I see one. There's nothing different or makes a particular designer or brand standout. I don't think the ads have to be shocking to standout just more creativity put into it. I feel like some of the ads are missing the point on who they are suppose to be marketing to. Some of the ads don't even seem to go with the magazine they're featured in.

Why do they go through so much effort to make the models and the clothing look so ugly and unappealing? You want the potential customer to envision themselves wearing that certain items and not turning up their nose in disapproval. If the model looks sickly thin or the clothes look to out there then you've missed the mark.

What I am happy about is that most fashion magazines are reflecting recent consumer buying behavior (e.g. saving money but still want to wear the latest trends). Even Vogue has included more affordable options aimed at their readers. They are catering to what their customers want (along with artistic and inspirational pieces), meaning fashion doesn't have to come with a designer price tag.

Get Kate Winslet's Oscar Earrings Look for Less

Kate Winslet sported a classic elegant pair of chandelier earrings which just topped off her amazing and timeless look. The Oscar winners fabulous earrings were from Chopard (which also includes a price that most of us couldn't image). However, you can achieve Mrs. Winslet's sparkly look with or without a budget. Below are five similar looks:

Splurge:

Slane & Slane Sterling Silver Mesh Earrings $950.00 Neiman Marcus


Steals:

Silver Pyramid Earrings $25.00 Guess


Diamond Shape Teardrop Earrings $4.80 Forever21


Diamond Shaped Heart Earrings $30.00 Guess


Gold-tone Fishscale Earrings $25.00 Guess

Casual Glam Inspirational Bedrooms from Domino Magazine

One of my favorite home decor magazine's, Domino will no longer be hitting the shelves. The current March issue will be their last issue.

As much as most gals want a sophisticated glamorous bedroom, it doesn't always fit our busy lifestyles but it doesn't stop us from trying maybe with a few more casual pieces mixed in with the ultra glam ones such as lush fabrics. Here are nine casual glam bedroom examples from Domino.

Best Dressed All-Star: Halle Berry at the Oscars

I can't believe that I forgot to include Halle Berry on the Best Dressed List. She looked so stunning last night. She never fails to look glamorous. From her make-up to her gorgeous dress is there any wonder why she is always at the top of the Best Dressed List.

(Click each picture to enlarge)

Top 10 Best and Worst Dressed at the Oscars

I'm sure almost everyone caught some of the 81st Academy Awards last night. For most the fashion was the most important thing. Here are some of the Best Dressed (and a few worst dressed) on my list:

1. Taraji P. Henson




2. Anne Hathaway



3. Natalie Portman



4. Jennifer Aniston



5. Meryle Streep



6. Kate Winslett



7. Frieda Pinto



8. Penelope Cruz



9. Angelina Jolie



10. Alicia Keys




Honorable Mention:
Hugh Jackman
Amy Adams
Evan Rachel Wood

Worst Dressed:

1. Heidi Klum
2. Sarah Jessica Parker
3. Nicole Kidman
4. Beyonce
5. Miley Cyrus
6. Vannessa Hudgens
7. Tilda Swinton
8. Sophia Lorren
9. Reese Witherspoon
10. Marisa Tormei

Honorable Mention:
Mickey Rourke

Meet The New Disney Princess

(Click picture to enlarge)

Tiana in 'Princess and the Frog'

by Charisse Jones
USA Today

Move over Snow White, make room for Princess Tiana.

For the first time, Disney is creating a film with an African-American princess, whose doll made its debut Monday at the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

For Disney, it's not just about being culturally and politically correct, it's also about growing its lucrative - but aging - Disney princess franchise in a tough economy. Created in 1999, Disney Princesses had $4 billion in global retail sales last year.

The cocoa-colored doll, which sports a tiara, a flowing blue gown, and is roughly the size of a Barbie, is expected to sell for about the same $10 to $15 as Barbie. Disney hopes it will boost the franchise through rough times. The $22-billion toy industry saw sales fall about 3% last year, and sales of dolls dropped a hefty 8%, according to the Toy Industry Association.

Though Princess Tiana was on the drawing board long before Barack Obama was elected the nation's first black president, marketing experts say she signals a growing awareness by industries from toy makers to cosmetic companies that diversity is critical in a nation where people of color will be the majority in little more than 30 years.

"It's very significant," says Lisa Skriloff, president of Multicultural Marketing Resources. "It's like a stamp of approval for one of the most outstanding family (entertainment) companies to say this is important."

Tiana, whose story will come to the big screen later this year in the animated musical "The Princess and the Frog," is the first princess introduced by Disney since "Mulan" in 1998.

Disney executives say that they did not set out to make a social statement.

"It was much more about the storytelling," says Kathy Franklin, vice president, global studio franchise development for Disney Consumer Products. "This was not about a conscious decision to say we need an African-American princess."

Yet, industry watchers say that when Princess Tiana dolls hit store in the fall, they will bring diversity to a marketplace where it's been sorely lacking.

Mattel, which has the license to create the Princess Tiana dolls, is planning to release its own line of black dolls in September. Part of the Barbie family, the So In Style dolls are being touted as having a more authentic appearance, from their hair to their varying skin tones.

Disney, which has had great success with its Princess franchise, predicts that sales will surge with the arrival of Tiana.

"We expect our sales of Princess Tiana products to be significant, and not just to African-American households," says Franklin.

Tiana merchandise will range from Halloween costumes to backpacks. There are plans for Tiana-themed MP3 players and digital cameras to be in stores by the end of the year, and a line of Princess Tiana and "The Princess and the Frog" books will go on sale this fall.

(Click picture to enlarge)

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Blogger Note: I do recall that Mattel had created special black Barbie dolls I believe in the 90's. I just can't quite remember the names.

Selestial Soap's New All-Natural Laundry Detergent

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Feb. 17 -- Consumers looking for green cleaning products have a new alternative for their laundry detergent needs. Selestial Soap has launched a new liquid laundry detergent that contains all-natural ingredients. The product is hypoallergenic and non-toxic for the environment and does not contain phosphates, sodium laureth sulfate, perfumes or dyes. "Not all 'Natural' products are the same," said Ruth Smith, co-owner of Selestial Soap. "Many still contain irritating ingredients, leave behind residue on fabrics or simply are not effective."

Selestial Soap's non-sudsing formulation rinses cleanly so that no residue is left behind to irritate your skin, or damage fabrics or machinery. The detergent is effective in all water temperatures and is recommended for both traditional and high-efficiency washing machines. "High-efficiency machines use less water," said Smith. "Detergents that create suds or leave residue behind can damage those machines and cause costly repairs. Residue left behind on fabrics can cause skin irritation, attract dirt and grease, and affect the fabric's breathability."

Selestial Soap was developed after Ruth and her business partner Jim Legato looked for green products to use at Eastfield Laundry, Legato's Laundromat located in Traverse City, Michigan. They were unable to find an environmentally friendly detergent that cleaned effectively and was priced competitively with traditional detergents. "We decided to come up with our own formulation so that everyone could afford to do their part for the environment," said Legato. Selestial Soap's motto is "Saving the Planet Within Your Budget." A 50-oz bottle of Selestial Soap retails for $6.99 while a 100-oz bottle is $11.99. Both sizes are available individually and in case packs at the company's website, http://www.selestialsoap.com. 5-gallon pails are also available for commercial applications.


For more information about Selestial Soap, visit the website, http://www.selestialsoap.com, email sales@selestialsoap.com, or call 231-944-1431.

Valentine's Day Dresses Part Two

Ruffle Front Chiffon Dress
$78.00
Arden B.



Bailey 44 'Maleficent' Dress
$174.00
Nordstrom


Tommy Bahama 'Island Bay' Dress
$110.00
Nordstrom



Printed Ruffle Chiffon Dress
$78.00
Arden B.


BCBGMaxAzria One Shoulder Laser Cut Dress
$238.00
Nordstrom


Ruby Rox One Shoulder Mini Dress
$68.00
Nordstrom



Juicy Couture Cascading Ruffles Chiffon Dress
$188.00
Nordstrom


BCBGMaxAzria Strapeless Floral Silk Dress
$338.00
Nordstrom


Crepe Satin Dress
$238.00
BCBGMaxAzria (bcbg.com)



Sharona Knit Dress
$34.50
delias.com
























Elizabeth and James 'Loreli' Dress
$375.00
Ron Herman

Dateless on Valentine's Day? Six Ways to Have Fun!

Photo: Jordi Labanda

by Annice Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR


Being single on Valentine's Day doesn't have the stigma it once had. You don't have to sit around feeling down. No way it's all about relaxing or getting out and doing something fun.

1. Movie Night
Gather your single friends and head to the movies to see either a horror fest like "Friday the 13th" or a romantic comedy like "He's Just Not That Into You" or "Confessions of a Shopaholic". Don't feel like venturing out, have a margarita and movie marathon at home with your friends.

2. Go Glam
Get all dressed up and meet friends for drinks at a glitzy hotel bar. Have fun flirting with all the other singles out that night.

3. Beauty Night
Pamper yourself with a facial, mani/pedi or any other home beauty treatment you haven't had time to do. Make it a fun evening in with champagne and dark chocolate.

4. Go Shopping
Head to the mall, vintage shop or the boutique to either do a little window shopping or a mini shopping spree. This is the perfect time to go shoe shopping to try on all the new styles including those must have strappy stilettos.

5. Dance the Night Away
Slip on your hottest outfit - be it jeans and a cute top - and dance the night away a la Cameron Diaz at a hot nightclub or a V-Day party. Beat the Valentine's Day blahs by showing off your killer moves.

6. Have a Party
Throw a fabulous and fun V-day bash. Put up holiday decorations including nostalgic red or pink hearts, balloons, etc. Serve a red or pink cocktail in a punch bowl. Put out Valentine's candy and dark chocolate and plenty of fun desserts. Make it a theme party and have everyone wear red.