Norm's Restaurant...the pulse of American heartbeat! Artery-clogging chow...

Years ago, Norm's restaurant used to be the place to drop into for breakfast in WeHo.

There were fringe benefits, after all.

Just next door, a stream of hot body-builders flowed through Todd Tramp's gym for concentrated work-outs daily, then usually ended up at Norm's next door for a plate of chow.

Yes, the eye candy was enough to make the senses swoon!

Norm's is well-known for its breakfast combos - one of which, the Four Deuces - consists of two fluffy pancakes, two eggs (as you like 'em) and double portions of bacon strips (crispy!) and sausage links (real greasy, dudes!).

The T-bone steak 'n eggs special (teamed with a side order of biscuits and gravey) is a popular special, too, at reasonable cost.

Truckers, pensioners, and grunt workers pop in often - in part due - to the generous servings and a bottomless coffee jug (with the worst watered-down java in town).

Of course, the high-calorie vein-clogging bill-of-fare here, was always a no-no for the jocks and the lifters from Tramp's gym, especially when they were in training for an upcoming competition.

The fat-conscious buffed dudes were more inclined to gobble up scrambled eggs made with whites only, cottage cheese, fresh fruit of the season, and lean entrees that provided nutrition and energy.

Smart body fuel, in the final analysis.

Unfortunately, when Tramp's gym was shut-down, the passing parade moved on.

If a hungry dude saunters into Norm's Restaurant on La Cienega Blvd these days, he'll likely notice right-off-the-bat, the once-thriving fiftie's-style diner is a pretty dismal eatery to alight in during the course of the day and into the early evening.

After midnight, when nightclubs are in full swing up and down the club strip, things can still get frenzied and lively though.

Occasionally, when I am in Santa Monica, I'll drop in to the location on Lincoln Boulevard for a bite to eat.

My waistline can tolerate the food offered up provided it is not on a regular daily or weekly basis.

If you want to know what middle America is thinking, or are inclined to check the pulse of the common Joe, just listen in on one of the coversations going down at the counter at Norm's.

Yesterday, I sat there amused, as I took in all the banter these working stiffs were offering up.

"I know you're a democrat. So,  'ya won't mind at all if I knock  George Bush," one dude chortled to a rapt audience hanging on every word.

"He belongs in jail," another quipped.

"And, not even a good one. One in Yemen," he added with a dash of glee as a ubiquitous gold chain caught the early morning sun and sent a million little rainbows this way 'n that.

In response, another rabble-rouser levelled an insult at the former President, too.

"Bush is a Nazi."

The diners roared in response.

I was quite surprised to hear one man admit that he actually voted for George W.

Americans smear Bush a lot, but rarely ever admit they put an x by his name, first time out at the polling booth.

Curious, because he got into office, didn't he?

Someone must have voted for the man.

"Reagan was just as bad. He ruined the Unions," another man piped in when the laughter subsided a tad.

The saviour, Barack Obama, did not escape criticism either.

After a brief conversation about Social Security and Benefits - and a spirited discussion about collecting SS checks early - one dude accused Obama of the unthinkable.

"He's dipping into Social Security to pay the bills. You'd better collect now because the money may not be there when you retire," another cynic joked.

Chances are if they continue to eat the high cholesterol blue-plate specials at Norm's, they'll  keel over and die of a heart attack long before then.

I don't know if it was a tall tale - or an exaggeration - but one toothy overweight driver boasted that he was pulling in $110,000.00 a year (plus) delivering packages for UPS (or was it Fedex?).

Pretty good pay for unskilled grunt work, eh?

At this point, someone recognized me at my perch across the counter, and a little bit of whispering started up all around me.

As they grew silent (worried that I might quote them?), I realized I'd gleened all that I could for posterity's sake.

So, I headed out, with a grin on my face.

Yup.

Norm's, is a piece of Americana, where you can check the pulse of the heartbeat of the Nation.

The period architecture is worth taking a gander at, too.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Pavilions...sale scam! Nepotism unfair to work applicants...

A few weeks ago, I penned a consumer alert on CVS, to warn about their deceptive business practices.

For example, the coprorate giant advertised sales on the shelves in their retail outlets, which were not honored at the cash register at check out.

For consumers who were expecting a discount, it amounted to one big rip-off!

Until CVS got caught, that is.

Shortly after a lawsuit was filed for damages, CVS settled the charges out-of-court without admitting fault.

But, weeks later, I also became victim of their dishonest attempt to lure customers into buying items on the premise they were on sale, when - in fact - CVS did not intend to honor the advertised sale price.

After my own consumer alert was published on the Internet, a government agency also stepped in and began an investigation into the deceptive business practices at the pharmacy.

Now, it appears that Pavilions has also jumped on the dishonest bandwagon.

The other morning, for instance, I was standing in line at he check-out counter, when I witnessed an exchange between a customer and a clerk which turned out to be an eye-opening experience.

For example, at least four items on sale, were not properly charged to the shopper.

In fact, if the middle-aged man was not on top of things, he probably would have been overcharged for the goods and never been the wiser.

A pie advertised at $5.99 was rung up at $7.99, for instance.

Because the Pavilion's clerk wouldn't accept his word for it - I was forced to wait in line along with the disgruntled man - until a box girl dashed back and verified the advertised sale price.

When corrections were made, it turns out Pavilions would have charged the hapless neighborhood resident about five or six dollars in excess of the sum actually due!

Needless to say, I paid attention when I sauntered up to have my groceries tabulated.

Shortly after my purchases were bagged up, I strode over to the Starbuck's outlet at the streetside of the spacious newly-renovated Pavilion's supermarket, for a cup of Earl Grey tea.

As I sat there, savoring the tasty hot beverage, a bit of the conversation going down around me fell on my alert ears.

Judging from what I overheard from employees on a break, Pavilions also appears to engage in other questionable practices which are downright disturbing.

It was revealed that day that several of the workers at Pavilions have relatives in gainful employment there, too.

From an ethical point of view, it's a highly irregular practise, for sure.

When the store first opened weeks ago, and a call went out for employees, were candidates hired based on their skills and overrall experience (and a resume verifying a work history), or did management hire based on nepotism?

If relatives got a priority nod, that was hardly fair to outsiders who applied, wouldn't you agree?

From a practical point of view, nepotism is not politically correct in the workplace, either.

If there was ever a question about  productivity (alleged theft, whatever) levelled at a worker - common sense dictates - the relatives would vouch for (and protect) their own!

Along the same lines of thinking, it should be obvious that if an unhappy shopper lodged a complaint against an employee - for being rude or unprofessional - it is doubtful that the relatives on the sidelines would make good independent witnesses.

In a nutshell, an  incestuous workplace like that, is trouble waiting to happen!

While I am on the subject of Pavilions, I have to note for the record, that a couple of racist African-American security guards are continuing to annoy and intimidate a few of the white shoppers.

That's what happens when you bring in uneducated workers from the struggling lower class (brimming with resentment  towards privileged whites) - outfit them in a security guard's uniform - and bestow upon them  a little authority they can't handle.

Managers at Pavilions need their heads examined!

They sure haven't been thinking straight.

Or, perhaps those unanswered complaints to the executive offices, say it all.

Pavilions doesn't give a damn!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Latinos...crystal ball portends disaster in California! Culture Clash problematic...

If a White man speaks the truth

(He's labelled a racist)

Latinos worst offenders

In the morning Los Angeles Times - some idiot columnist in the front section of the daily - put forth the notion that because the Census Bureau will release statistics soon that indicate Latinos will be the majority in LA LA LAND in the future a concerted effort should be made to accommodate these immigrants from south of the border.

What a ludicrous premise to build an argument on.

A number of white folks I know have moved out of the city, because they allege that the City of Angels is overrun (their words, not mine) with Latinos.

Others compare the situation to smog.

"You get used to it. Take the necessary precautions," they quip somewhat amused.

Some say, Latinos have brought the backlash on themselves, due to their inappropriate defiant conduct and outright refusal to assimilate into the culture here alongside a smattering of other races thankful to be on these shores (without griping).

Locals lament that they are increasingly annoyed by the fact that their newspapers arrive late in the morning, the doors of Jack-in-the-Box and McDonald's always open late (never on the hour), and so forth and so on.

Siestas  may be the norm in Mexico, but don't cut it here, north of the border.

U.S. residents also complain that when they venture into a store operated mostly by Latino Immigrants, employees openly speak Spanish - thus, excluding English-speaking White Anglo-Saxons from the conversation - which they find not only rude but downright insulting.

In many instances, workers don't even speak the language, so when a problem arises in the business establishment the immigrants are unable to comprehend the specifics and  rectify the consumer's complaint issues.

Simple concepts like conserving water, for instance, are beyond them.

Ad nauseam they water down sidewalks mid-day during water shortgages without a clue!

Yes, what we have here is a failure to communicate, or understand the American culture.

Maybe, the INS should give classes on the U.S. way of life, with the requirement of a passing grade before legal papers are rubber-stamped for approval.

If the government doesn't put a handle on the growing culture clash soon, my crystal ball portends an impasse,  which may result in an uprising from within the borders (spelling disaster).

Obama, the ball is in your court!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Avatar...stale plot but stunning images wow! Cameron King of Pandora's Box...

In Avator, James Cameron has imaginatively conjured up a race of aliens with ancestral roots and a religious perspective that is downright fascinating.

Likewise, the skilled director has weaved and executed his intriguing tale - which is set on the planet "Pandora" - with such seamless skill that the filmmgoer is thrust headlong into the visually-stunning fantasy world for the long haul without much resistance.

Unforunately, the underlying plot line is a stale one which doesn't provoke much thought.

Essentially, Cameron's "baby" mirrors the same old time-honored themes exalted by the suits in Hollywood in recent decades, which pop up ad nauseam in the action-adventure Sci-fi genre perennially.

Imperialist-prone humans - with their eye on a motherlode of valuable resources in a "foreign land' - launch an attack to snatch and grab when negotiations fall flat to mine the precious commodity with the alien's blessing.

But, along the way, Avator is still a thrill ride nonetheless (that is worth taking in).

Filmgoers will marvel at the futuristic technology Cameron (Titantic &  Aliens) dredged up, for instance, which totally absorbs and is a nifty sight to behold by virtue of the state-of-the-art imagery techniques facilitated (which give a lot of bang for the buck).

The scripted dialogue is well-written and believable; fortunately, otherwise  audiences may start losing interest when the Avatar saga wears thin about half-way through.

Otherwise, discerning movie-goers may be inclined to stay glued to the boob tube at home surfing music videos on MTV.

Die-hard film buffs can not survive on seductive eye-catching visuals alone

In one profound moment, though, Camera manages to cut to the heartbeat of the film.

When one of the human warriors bows to the ancient deity and prays for assistance to defeat mankind's vicious attack on the tribe, one of their spiritual leaders points out that their God doesn't take sides.

She only acts to preserve the balance of life, the alien stresses, in so many cautionary words.

Once the commander launches the attack - and a myriad of species face imminent death - their  instinct for survival responds with a primal scream.

Yes, there are a few nuggets of wisdom in Avatar, but the audience has to pan through a lot of fool's gold to ferret them out, to the movie's detriment.

3 stars!

Cameron coaches Linda Hamilton in on Terminator set!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

UP IN THE AIR..George Clooney shines in timely film! Will you be my co-pilot...

A picture says a thousand words!

I couldn't stand the opening credits for "UP IN THE AIR".

If this hodge-podge of mundane flat images (with a score underneath that screamed Sixties B-movie) was a sign of what was to come, I half-expected to walk out.

Fortunately, once handsome George Clooney sauntered onto the screen and the plot line moved along at a fast clip, I was able to settle in for a very entertaining (and, at times, inspiring) two hours of move-making magic.

Although the subject matter is a serious one in these tough economic times (Clooney's character is basically a hatchet-man who has been hired to - as gracefully as possible - give termination notices to employees first-hand at major companies around the country when their usefulness has been outlived) the surprisingly delightful film is sparked up with a lot of hilarious dialogue, sight gags, and jokes about relationships that resonate deeply with the rapt audiences currently packing in movie theatres to catch it first time around.

The story sickens when a young efficiency expert (female, natch) - with a minor in psychology - waltzes in to incorporate sophisticated "computerized" technology into the mix  (on screen firings, for example) in a bold-faced effort to make the process more efficient and cost effective.

At this juncture, the film becomes an intense morality tale about corporate insensitivity and the loss of humanity in the workplace.

A sub-plot which focuses on Clooney's inability to commit to a relationship strikes a responsive chord, too, in this well-crafted script which dovetails a handful of believable thought-provoking scenarios which resolve fittingly (without cop out) in the closing moments of the film.

By the way - "Will you be my co-pilot?" - is bound to be a phrase (coined in the film) that surely catches on with young (and old) lovers alike as the charming Clooney offering gains momentum around the country.

Gorgeous George is at the top of his game here in a highly-nuanced performance that astounds.

All the supporting players round out the cast with solid seamless performances, too.

In fact, I expect filmgoers will be anxious to catch a couple of the relatively-unknown actors featured in "UP IN THE AIR" in future projects, if only to see what acting stuff they're truly made of for curiosity's sake.

Clooney's character falls victim to the "love" game!

http://www.julianayrs.com

NINE...scripted material for Sophia Loren disappoints! Daniel Day Lewis mesmerizing...

Sophia Loren short-shrifted in NINE!

To pen a proper review of  the movie "NINE" - currently in wide release at the Grove (Fairfax District) and elsewhere - would be a strenuous exercise.

Some critics loved the big budget feature; others, hated it.

When it gets down to brass tacks, the filmmaking experience is all in the eye of the beholder.

With this in mind, I'll focus on a few highlights, and a couple of the depths the boutique film free-falls to at the drop of a clown hat.

The portrayal of a brooding (slightly eccentric) womanizing Italian film director - by Daniel Day Lewis - is mesmerizing.

On occasion - Lewis hams it up in a melodramtic moment or two  (must be the violins in the mid-heavens egging him on) - but for the most part the seasoned pro turns in a stellar even performance.

Unfortunately, Sopia Loren got saddled in a role that was a total waste of her God-given gifts.

When the producer  rang her up with the offer, her immediate response should have been:

"Ciao baby!"

During one scene in particular, I winced at the ghastly disaster unfolding on the silver screen, in the near-to-capacity house of sophisticated ticket-holders.

The thousand points of light that winked in the backgronund - when Loren's character led her young son across a terrace as she warbled a Disney-style tune (!) - couldn't illuminate why the legendary screen siren bothered to sign on the dotted line.

That Weinstein dude must be a pretty persuasive snake-oil salesman, alright!

That tacky musical interlude deserves an honorary spot in filmdom's anals of shame right alongside the stinker - "Myra Breckenridge" - and - "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" - no kidding!

When the camera focused on Kate Hudson's  character in a close-up, I sat bolt upright in my plush seat; after all, a double-chin was staring me in the face.

The shot was so unflattering, I was forced to seriously consider that the perky blond was on the outs with either the director - or the cinematographer - at least!

Maybe, no one gave a hoot!

If you like show-stopping musical numbers, there are a couple of dazzlers in NINE, which I soon found myself tapping my foot to.

A bevy of the talented dancers (both male and female) weren' too shabby to gaze upon, either.

Sorry to say, a Nicole Kidman solo underscored the lack of range in her sweet (wavering) voice.
I laughed out loud when the director complained to a friend about the conduct of passers-by in the street (at a turning point in the mostly-entertaining movie).

"They point at me and stare," he accused with a tinge of annoyance in his voice.

My own dilemma these days, as I shy away from prying eyes, that seem to follow me wherever I go.

Yeah, it's tough being famous.

In the final analysis, the moral of the story rings out crystal clear.

Just get your bearings, and the reality of the meaning of life, will jump up and bite you on the nose one  fine day.

Everything else is just a lot of mystical hokus-pokus, conjured up by the Gods, to tempt a fall from Grace.

Trials & Tribulations of fame!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Julian Ayrs 2nd Annual Worst & Best-Dressed Men (2009)...Adam Lambert, TMZ cub reporters, Barack Obama! Style, it's that...

Mr. Blackwell infamous for fashion haikus

Last year, when Obama was triapsing about on the campaign trail - vigorously pursuing the role of Commander-in-Chief - I penned a post with a handful of fashion tips so the upstart from Chicago would cut a fine sartorial path for potential supporters.

Post: 06/05/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/06/barack-obamafashion-tips-for-stylish.html

A blogger stumbled across the fashion spread, and hinted to his readers, that I just might be the fashion wit, to fill the shoes of legendary Mr. Blackwell.

Blackwell - formerly a well-respected fashion designer - was King of the Haiku quips - so when he passed to spirit last year there was a cavernous tongue-in-check void to fill.

So, I took up the delightful task and and unveiled my 1st Annual Worst and Best-Dressed lists for Women and Men at the end of the year.

Post: 12/28/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/10-worst-dressed-listcher-oprah-and.html

Post: 01/31/09

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/01/julian-ayrs-1st-annual-worst-dressed.html

Can it really be a year later since the first platform shoe dropped with a thud?

Yup!.

So, yesterday, I posted my 2nd Annual Best and Worst-Dressed list for Women - Cher, Sarah Palin, and Pop Icon Lady Gaga (in a special category) - among 'em.

Post:  12/31/08

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2009/12/julian-ayrs-2nd-annual-worst-best_6091.html

Today, I offer up my 2nd Annual list of Best and Worst-Dressed list, featuring the man-about-town who often curried favor (and the down-on-their scruffy heels dudes who did not)).

10 Best Dressed

Adam Lambert

Adma Lambert is a Peacock in heat!

When he struts on stage - his electric persona charges the stadium - for starters.

A large part of the performer's appeal is a collection of rags that not only screams out sex! and sensuality! but a distinctive ahead-of-the pack unique style that's difficult to resist.

I expect there'll be an eclectic line of high-end T-shirts on the horizon that will be snapped up by die-hard fans and dedicated followers of American Ido, to boot.

Bill Hemmer

One of the few men that manages to look sexy in specs!

Maybe it's that sensitive mug behind 'em that grabs, 'ya.

Notwithstanding, the well-heeled anchor turns heads for other reasons, too.

Bill dons tastefully-tailored suits and sporcoats - and unlike many male animals of the species - manages to select ties and accessories that match up smartly.

Wouldn't kick him out of bed for eating crackers, would you?

Nick Lachey

Nick has the dark looks that the dames go wild over and the kind of fashion savvy that makes his contemporaries green with envy.

Although he is particularly studly and handsome in pricey designer suits with fashion accessories like - elegant ties and quality belts with tasteful shoes that round out the ensemble - he is also able to saunter into a no-man's land where other dudes should not venture ever.

Above, he smartly teams a light-colored patterned jacket with a pale dress shirt, for a look that is decidedly carefree and dapper.

Jimmy Smitts

Years ago, when I was blessed with a regular part-time gig on LA LAW, I always marvelled at how smart the male characters were turned out on the set.

Of course, all the appealing actors - Harry Hamlin, Jimmy Smitts, Blair Underwood - were fortunate to have a wardrobe crew with great taste working feverishly on their behalf behind-the-scenes and (at the time) a major studio behind 'em with bottomless pockets to jazz up the image of the popular hit show.

But, Jimmy Smitts has never been a slouch in the "style" department.

Over the years, he has always cut a fine swath, in his high-profile career.

His choices run the gamut -  but ultimately - he's fully aware of his true assets.

Therefore, Smitts is inclined to snatch up designer suits that accent his dark good looks, imposing frame, and outgoing personality.

Brad Pitt

 

 

Clothed (or not) Brad Pitt is the kind of eye-candy that appeals across the board - to women and men - alike.

Don't 'ya hate him?

Whatever the latest fashion trend, he's capable of tossing it on his buffed silhouette without much thought, and come up the stylish winner.

Whether he's in an expensive tailored suit at a private viewing at the local art gallery, or tooling around town in casual duds doing chores, Pitt always exudes a great fashion sense for that particular moment.

Like a bottle of wine, Pitt is getting better with age, too!

 

Barack Obama

 

 

 

The caption reads "Dress like a Winner".

And, it's obvious to many, that Barack Obama - at this stage of the political and social game - is one!

Especially, when it comes to sartorial spendour.

Barack has an  enviable closet-full of suits, fancy-dress shirts, and elegant ties sure to keep the local drycleaner busy.

Although his bicycle garb appears a little goofy to some - to me - it's part of his charm.

If anything, it underscores the man's confidence, too.

In the final analyis?

It's style - not the clothes - that make the man!

 

Brian Williams

 

 

 

 

When it comes to style, it's the subtle details, that matter.

Brian Williams is a prime example of a man-about-town with an eye for fashion sensibilities.

Check out his wardrobe pictured above.

Just the right amount of cuff is showing at the arm of his suit jacket.

And, of course, the collar is not only pressed to perfection, but also provides the perfect frame for his correctly-knotted (tastefully-pattterned tie).

Kudos, Brian!

 

Prince Charles

 

Take a gander at Prince Charles and it's obvious right-off-the-bat that the man is a clotheshorse.

When it comes to suits, in particular, he's strictly Saville Row.

Just betcha Camilla would be hard-pressed to find a tacky boldly-pattered cravat on his tie rack.

Pocket handkerchiefs are a subtle touch that underscore a man's attentiion to detail - and, of course - draw  attention to fashion savvy.

The man who-would-be King has it in spades!

Viggo Mortensen

 

Viggo has appeared in a dozen or so screen projects which run the gamut - from gangster films and fantasy bill-of-fare - to romantic thrillers.

Consequently, he's sported a multitude of fashion attitudes that have tended to suit the handsome leading man.

Recently, at a screening of the "The Road", I was thrilled to get an up-close take on the talented actor.

Unlike many spoiled movie stars who turn up in jeans and sloppy t-shirts with baseball caps askew to one side, Viggo displayed a remarkable sense of style.

The tailored dress slacks - and designer sport coat teamed with a chic pullover - was a breath of fresh fashion flair that turned heads.

A litlte bit of star quality didn't hurt, either.

 

David Beckham

 

 

 

 

I suppose you could say that Becks is the best-dressed undressed man!

Right down to his sexy skivvies - straining at the seams in all directions - the man's discerning taste is totally cock-sure.

With Pop Diva Victoria (Posh Girl) on his arm, on a night on the town, he usually puts in an electric appearance that is none too shabby, either.

Becks is especially manly - and charismatic - in high-end suits by Italian designers with a smattering of accessories that excite and delight the fashion senses.

 

10 Worst-Dressed List

 

Jon Gosselin

 

 

 

 

Is Jon Gosselin with child?

If not, what's with the loose-fitting mu-mu?

I expect those baubbles at his neck are worry beads.

If my image was down the dumper, I'd be say a few Holy Mary's, too.

With all the big bucks reality TV has tossed his way, Jon should try to conjure up a new image, with the help of a handful of Hollywood's top make-over wizards.

A jog along the trendy trail at the Beverly Hills flats is worth considering.

Who knows, maybe he'll hook up with a socialite, with an eye for the glare of the spotlight (and torrid scandals).

Howie Mandell

 

If you didn't recognize the "Deal or No Deal" TV Host, you might mistake him for ther Maytag repair man in that loopy leather (OMG) cap and polyester "one-size-fits-all" overshirt.

Meanwhile, that scraggly fringe on his chinny-chin-chin, is a wild-'n-scary  discombobulated mess to beat the band!

And, the clashing earring (what were you thinking?) says it all:

Fashion faux pas!

TMZ Cub  Reporters

On the gossip trail under the cover of dark, it's a-okay to downplay a splasy entrance,  and hide the bling.

But, on a Nationally-televised hit show?

Do the cub reporters on TMZ really have such little fashion sense?

Max, for example, flip-flops from show-to-show - passable duds on one broadcast one night - unsightly pukey mis-matches (like the off-color plaid number he chucked on buttoned up to the neck) the next.

Recently, Harvey Levin and one of his top-notch gossip spies,  admitted to sharing t's.

Is the budget on the show that strapped, or does just about anything blow?

Heh, Harv, find a sponsor to outfit the kids.

They're a sight for sore eyes, 'ya know?

James Caan

Judging by the wacko expression on Caan's face, I expect the sculptured collar tips featured above, are considered kind of nifty to the former heavyweight actor of yesteryear.

Notwithstanding that glaring gaffe in fashion protocol, it's obvious the freckled-faced  firecracker doesn't bother to pass himself before a mirror before exiting the front door.

If he did meet the challenge, just maybe, he'd notice that his lapels are spreading wide and the jacket is pullling at the shoulders.

What does that hint at Vegas hotshot?

Your jacket is too small!

Instead of reaching for the booze, James, why  not drop into a local haberdashery and get outfitted for the

New Year?

If anything, you'll be stimulating the economy!

Simon Cowell

Didn't bare hairy chests go out with Italian gigolos back in the sixties?

Ah yes, the Roman Spring of Mr. Cowell.

Does the American Idol afficionado think that this fashion disaster cuts it in tony Tinsel-town?

So, you think you can dress, eh?

Not.

Ron Howard

Opie, I love 'ya, but the grizzly- man look has worn a little thin

And, the bland polyester windbreaker screams out over-the-hill gang!

If you're inclined to shuffle around like a bag man, at least pamper your skin a little, for your wife's sake.

It's screaming for moisturizer, dummy!

Otherwise, in two seconds flat, you'll be given Clint Eastwood a run for his wrinkles.

Robert Pattinson

Handsome is as handsome does, alright.

Yeah, the heartbreak kid hhas  got the looks and a smattering of that special "something" often referred to as the "it" quality.

But, Robert, you look like an unmade bed!

Hook up with "Details" or "GQ"; they'll set things right.

In the meantime, a little pressing (or hair-combing) wouldn't hurt.

Bob Dylan

It was tough going.

In fact, I nearly posted legendary folk singer - Bob Dylan  - on the worst-dressed women's list!

Ah, the scarf  pictured here is a subtle reminder of his checkered past!

Yes, I get a bit nostalgic for those heady bohemian (unisex) days, too.

Donald Trump

I imagine when you meet Mr. Trump in person that he smells of bar soap and stale hairspray.

So, the stuffy suits - and over-the-top accessories he sports  ad nauseam - only add to the fashion victim's snake charm.

In fact, didn't Trump inspire the phrase  "Sharkskin Suit"?

The golden rule in business and finance is to "Dress for Success".

So, "The "Donald" opted to trump 'em all, and "Dress for Excess".

If clothes make the man, Mr. Trump is a boyscout.

Jonas Brothers

Not one, but three fashion victims.

Bad taste must run in the Jonas family.

There are a multitude of fashion faux pas here - buttons that pull too tight at the jacket, a riot of colors that clash, pant legs that drag the floorboards - you name it.

Maybe they should re-title their band "The Three Stooges'.

Since a couple of the boys have their sleeves rolled up, I suggest they get to work on their fashion persona; after all, it's sagging miserably.

Bottom line, it's not cool to be out of the fashion loop (on the teeny-bopper scene, for starters).

 

As they say in Show Business, that's all folks!

'Til next year, be well, eh?

http://www.julianayrs.com