All Things Fashionating by tracy mausser

On the tenth anniversary of the worst terrorist attack that the United States – actually the world – has ever seen, I want to take a moment to remember how that day changed the world. I remember that morning distinctly.   I was living in Los Angeles and worked downtown.   Before commuting into the office, I watched the breaking news on how four airplanes had been hijacked and were being used as weapons of mass destruction: first at the Twin Towers; then the Pentagon; and when I went to work – yes, I worked for a news wire so I had to go into the office – the third plane, which eventually crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, was still unaccounted for in the air.   When I arrived at my skyscraper, the National Guard was outside and told us that our building was evacuated and we had to go home.   My boss man said that, if we went home, we were fired.   I remember how surreal it was that day.   Los Angeles was eerily quiet.   There wasn’t a soul o...

This is a repost of a Daily Tune Up with Yehuda Berg   Open and Shut It’s always easier to tell people what they want to hear, even if you disagree in your heart. And since it’s also frightening to confront painful truths about yourself, your friends and family may feel compelled to tell you only what you want to hear.   When you need to tell the truth, find the courage to open your heart, as well as your mouth.    When you need to hear the truth, gather the strength to open your ears, and close your mouth.

Two weeks ago, a woman I met at a bridal shower asked me if I was familiar with “Pinterest.” I answered her honestly and said no. Then, a few days later, Nina Garcia – Marie Claire fashion director – was tweeting about it on Twitter so my “interest” was piqued. The first thing I did was request an invitation to become a member of the site, which at that point, I wasn’t even clear on what it did.  Also, due to exclusivity I assumed, it took almost four days for them to forward me the invitation and ability to actually access the site. It seemed so élite – like walking up to the velvet rope at a club and being made to wait – but finally getting let in. Now my curiosity was really intrigued and I still didn’t really know what the hell Pinterest was all about. So l logged on, created an account, and immediately went to the FAQs. According to the Pinterest website, it is a virtual pinboard which lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. “People use...

On the eve of Mercedes Benz fashion week, my DVR and I had a fashion date; And it is one I've been looking forward to for a long time. It's been a year, but my girl Rachel Zoe is back. I tried to stay awake on Tuesday night to watch the season premier of The Rachel Zoe Project at its regularly scheduled time on Bravo but, sadly, 10 p.m. is just too late for me these days. So, instead of living vicariously through my fashion idol, I was dreaming of Marc Jacob's 2011 Spring collection. Well, maybe just visions of Marc – I mean, have you seen his body. Speaking of bodies, it is no secret that, since last season, Rachel and her husband Rodger Berman are knocked up. But, I was shocked when the show began with the stylist to the stars six months pregnant and, shockingly, Brad gone from the team. Although the show does not make it quite as dramatic as Taylor's grand – and extremely drawn out – exit; Yet, it certainly felt like a quickie and left me wanting more. So, in B...

With Labor Day behind us and school and sports officially getting into the swing of things, I am still working on many "fashionating" topics for this fall, such as:  The Rachel Zoe Project, "A Place of Yes," the launch of the Missoni collection at Target, RHWBH, Mercedes Benz fashion week, Richard Karn Star Days, Club MTV (wubba, wubba, wubba), and the list goes on and on. I was going to beat myself up for not writing last night, but I just didn't have it in me.  Then I ruminated on the fact that All Things Fashionating is my seventh attempt to get a blog going and I'm proud to say that I am starting my sixth month of posting frequently.  (Yeah, for me!)  But today, I don't really have anything new for you guys; however, I thought I would share one of my first -- not so short but very sweet -- blogs that I created to capture the Mausser Family's memories of a trip to Paris.  Some of my close friends and supporters have already been there, done th...

Image: Chanel I am so in love with the fall collection of Chanel LE VERNIS nail colors.  Earlier in the year, models were showcasing the rich jewel tones on the runways from Paris to Milan to New York.  My absolute favorite is Blue Satin, which is such a rich, dark hue.  I've just started rocking it myself, but I love the cutting-edge feel it adds to the catwalk of my life. And with Mercedes Benz fashion week only days away, I can't wait to see what new spring colors Chanel will be dazzling us mere mortals with from Bryant Park. http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Makeup-Nails-LE-VERNIS-89314

My little guy started first grade in our public school system yesterday and, for the past few weeks, I’ve had mixed emotions.  Shane began his school career by attending pre-school at a private Christian school when he was three.  For the past four years, we have been extremely happy with Journey of Faith as he progressed and moved from pre-school to transitional kindergarten to actual kindergarten.  The highest level of schooling offered at Journey. Each year, he was assigned to so many wonderful teachers; however, last year was the cherry on top.  Shane was lucky enough to find himself with a first year teacher who went above and beyond for all her students  Ms. Moon was compassionate and filled with love for her charges, but she could be disciplinary when necessary; she had nothing but the student’s best interest in mind. She was (and is) a remarkable teacher and Shane excelled. But the school -- which doubles as our church --...