Uni-Tasking and Getting into a Pickle!

I'm sorry for the delay my adoring fans, however I've had too much going on. Between casting calls, practicing my pussycat strut for Fashion Week, going on fact finding missions to learn what goes on and having hairball attacks to keep my figure slim, it's really been a bit much!

I've recently gotten an IPhone and I'm concerned about all of the radiation that it emits. That's why, in the spirit of "Uni-Tasking" and good health, I have ordered the art model handset from a company called YUBZ (pronounced why-yoo-bi-zee). The thing I LOVE about this handset is that people know you are on the phone and know better than to disturb you! In this case and in all cases, SIZE DOES MATTER! And when you're not using it, just throw it over your mane and shoulder....it will look like a real fashion accessory and a great item for self defense purposes should you take the NYC subway in the evening!



In case you don't have a clue as to what "Uni-Tasking" is in this day and age, well here it is: It is the act of getting something done while focusing completely on the task at hand. Isn't that completely novel in today's world? Ever notice how you don't get that much done when you can't focus clearly on one thing? Don't you find it incredibly annoying when people expect you to do 5 things at once? Doesn't your food burn when you're cooking, talking on the phone, having hot sex, cleaning out your closets and typing a dissertation on world peace simultaneously? Well, at least it does for this pussycat!

Getting back to the fact finding mission I've been on in regard to NY Fashion Week, I went to visit my adoring fan, Hillary Flowers, fashion designer, singer, songwriter and retail collective diva for her namesake fashion boutique located at 40 Clinton Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.



Before I got to her boutique, I was starving! So what's a pussycat to do? She stops at the world famous Katz's Deli, named after my kind of people, KATZ!




While at Katz's, I couldn't resist eating a full up Pastrami sandwich, some Dr. Brown's Black Cherry soda (diet of course) and a ton of 1/2 Sour Kosher Pickles. MMMMMM! Just what the Vet had ordered. I puked enough hairballs this week...so how could anything possibly go wrong?



Well, as I was walking to Hillary Flowers' boutique at 40 Clinton Street, I just couldn't understand why my shoes were pinching my paws so tightly. They were so comfortable when I bought them. Mia Morgan had warned me about the sample size issue during the shows because of the tufts of fur I have and the size of my paws versus sample size, but this was INSANE! I had no idea why my beautiful new Christian Louboutin shoes were killing me!



Well, I limped over to Hillary Flowers' store and she graciously let me sit down. Much to my chagrin, when we looked at my paws, I had never seen such horrible BLISTERS before! Hillary was kind enough to explain the finer points of water retention being the beautiful woman that she is! She explained that if I wanted to strut in her show or any other show for that matter, I need to make sure I am on a low sodium diet. Otherwise, my feet will be huge and my stomach even bigger!

Hillary's boutique is what is called a fashion coop or collective -- a bunch of designers are selected by Hillary to participate in showing their merchandise and helping out at the shop. My favorite ready to wear designer was Tamara Pogosian. Tamara does young, sophisticated, chic, elegant and luxe to a tee. Tamara is clearly a fashion force to be reckoned with.



Tamara has been nominated two years in a row by the Fashion Group International for their Rising Star Awards! So I'm not taking full credit for this scoop!



Her dresses were super flattering in silk charmeuse and the coats were made of the softest alpaca with most gorgeous detailing. And now, Tamara's collection is on sale! You'd better get over to Hillary Flowers boutique fast, because I might just buy everything myself!

Hadasity by Hadassah Lau was another artist's line whose work I found to be especially outstanding. Hadassah Lau's jewelry line Hadasity is made of wound up wire and semi precious gemstones and some vintage elements. Hadassah's work has even been featured in Marie Claire, a feat for an up and coming jewelry designer! I wonder how a girl from Singapore ended up with a name like Hadassah! Note to self: I need to ask her about this one!



Hillary Flowers has thought of everything: To make the shop even more unique, there's a mix of vintage pieces and new pieces from up and coming designers. It's like the best of both worlds, with a vintage sale rack for under $50! And if you come in now, Hillary will give you a special gift of jewelry (your choice from a special collection) with a purchase of over $50. Just don't ask for her diamond ring, because that's just not happening!

Hillary Flowers will be having a fashion show for another one of her designers, Peach Beserk, at Amnesia on January 22nd with a pop icon theme. Hillary's boutique is located at 40 Clinton Street between Stanton and Rivington. Her boutique is open from 1-8 Tuesday through Sunday (except holidays) and can be reached at(212) 673-0380 I look forward to stomping for Hillary in this show...so stay tuned!

Budding Supermodel Intervention 1.0

As part of my ongoing quest to progress to be the top Supermodel of the Pussycat World from that of a Budding one, I went to visit my dear friend and adoring fan, Mia Morgan.

In case you don't know who Mia is, that must mean you are not truly a fashion insider. She is one uber cool Mistress of Glamour and Fashion! Mia Morgan is a Personal Stylist to the Stars -- too famous to mention here on this blog! In addition, she has styled photo shoots for Nicole Kidman, Beyonce, Julianna Margulies, Debra Messing, Eva Mendez and many others famous Mistresses of Glamour and Talent. She has also worked exclusively with celebrity photographer to the stars, Timothy White, styling Hollywood luminaries including Kate Hudson, Gina Gershon, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Williams, Molly Sims and many others for retro pin up shots in the cocktail table book, "Hollywood Pin Ups" by Timothy White published by Harper Collins.

As if that's not enough, she recently worked as the Stylist for the cover of the December 2009 Brazilian edition of L'Officiel that featured Superstar Model and Socialite Lydia Hearst on its the cover.



She also recently worked as the Stylist for the cover of one of my Mistress of Beauty and Adventure's favorite fashion/lifestyle magazines, Surface in its 15th Anniversary Issue that debuted last September.



Mia also has two incredibly interesting, handsome, eligible, intelligent and talented pussycats named Sheriff and Mr. Pink - both Cornish Rex's.

Sheriff aka Biggie

Mr. Pink

I think I might want to date Sheriff/aka Biggie. He's not only a Professor of History and Philosophy at Columbia University, he is a Champion Polo Player and a consummate, award winning Equestrian Jumper and a real snuggler! Plus, he has a Mercedes Convertible! That's what we in the Pussycat world call a catch! But I digress!

Natasha Finkel: What goes on behind the scenes at Fashion Shows?

Mia Morgan: Absolute mayhem Natasha! But before we get to the actual show, fashion designers and their preferred stylists have what we call in the business, a casting call. At the casting call, the models try on designer clothing and are asked to walk in 7" high stillettos - very high heels, sometimes with platforms! Their walk must be EXCELLENT, you must not trip and the sample size must fit like a glove! Polariods are taken and then the models are selected. This is true in the Mistress of Beauty and Glamour world as well as in the Pussycat world!

Natasha Finkel: What does it take to become a Supermodel in the Pussycat world?

Mia Morgan: Natasha...you are a budding Supermodel, but, I need to see you walk!

Natasha Finkel: OK! How is this?

Mia Morgan: In an upcoming show that you are going to be possibly cast for, you are up against Fiona Fumenheimer, the German Supermodel of the Pussycat world who reeks of Animale fragrance at every show! You know exactly who I'm talking about! She models for Victoria's Secret! I don't mean to be too critical, but the fashion business and the modeling business are ultra competitive, sometimes even catty! You need to perfect your turn! I'm also highly concerned that your paw size is too big because the tufts of fur between your claws are going to fill up the shoes we're using in the show. I'm concerned that your paws will be 1/2 size too big for the shoes you have to wear and you will be in terrible pain stomping down the catwalk!

When we do the rehearsals and line up, you need to focus on looking your absolute best with shoes that are really pinching you tight! You also need to make certain that you do not slow the model dresser down, because that could screw up the timing of the show. There are DJ's playing music and all of the models must step to the beat and progress in the line, in time!

Natasha Finkel: I see!

Mia: You see Natasha, it's truly mayhem behind the scenes! You need to have your fur and make up done really quickly, many models get there barely in time (rushing from show to show), nerves are FRAYED!!!! So you'd better have a tough skin because it's a very tough business!

Natasha Finkel: Anything else?

Mia Morgan: Yes. There's a certain X Factor when it comes to becoming a Supermodel - whether you are a Pussycat or a Mistress of Beauty and Glamour! So if I were you, I'd:

1. Grow your fur out for a really dramatic look. Big manes are really in these days, just like the '80's. Perhaps some fur extensions will do the trick!

2. Perfect your turn and "smize" (smile with your eyes) just like Tyra says at the end of the catwalk!

3. To make it as a Supermodel, it's also about your personality and the way you carry yourself and the way you move! It's also about your transformation and journey!

So, if I were you, I'd elongate your neck a little more and improve your posture! You have a tendency to hunch up your back and you need to remind yourself NOT TO DO THAT! Also, be sure to maintain eye contact with the audience when you reach the end of the catwalk and STOP! You want to sell the clothing you're wearing and give the photographers enough time to take your picture! Do not turn too fast....Pause for about 3-4 seconds and count that in your head!

A few more things: You must make sure you enjoy having make up applied and that you are brushed properly before the show, your fur properly cut and groomed with no split ends or matts and no roots if you get highlights! You must make sure you show up to the show with CLEAN CLAWS. I've heard people say that there's nothing more disgusting than a model showing up with dirty claws! It's unprofessional and you may not get booked again!

Natasha Finkel: Really, I HATE BEING BRUSHED AND I DON'T LIKE HAVING MY CLAWS CUT!

Mia Morgan: Well, if you really want to make it in the business Natasha, you need to do all of these things! So be a big girl, buck up and be a tough pussycat!

Natasha Finkel: Wow Mia! You've given me some really wonderful advice. I guess I was too close to it because I thought I looked just fabulous and that everyone was in absolute awe of my natural beauty!

Mia Morgan: You have some work to do, but you do have tremendous potential! Even supermodels have to practice! A few more tips to remember Natasha: YOU MUST SHOW UP ON TIME! NO HANG OVERS, NO PUFFY EYES AND YOUR CLAWS MUST NOT BE TOO LONG! NO BARFING OF HAIRBALLS BEFORE THE SHOW AND, YOU MUST MAKE SURE YOU MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LEAN WEIGHT AT ALL TIMES!

Natasha Finkel: Thank you for all of those tips Mia. You have given me insight that I could never have known! By the way, who are your dream fashion designers that you'd like to style for?

Mia Morgan: John Galliano, Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs.

Natasha Finkel: Have you even seen fur fly behind the stage at Fashion Week?

Mia Morgan: I don't kiss and tell. That my dear, is an industry secret that you must experience for yourself!

Natasha Finkel: Have you ever done fashion shoots with Pussycats?

Mia Morgan: As a matter of fact I have. With my darling boys Sheriff aka Biggie and Mr. Pink. In fact, they posed with a Tony award winning actress from Broadway!

Natasha Finkel: Do you want to expand your business in the Pussycat modeling world?

Mia Morgan: I'm open to expanding in that direction. Perhaps doing a book of pin up style supermodel Pussycats as a follow up to the book I worked on with Timothy White! And of course, there are always shoots, fashion shows and celebrity Pussycats to work with too!

Natasha Finkel: Are there any events that you'd like to share with my readers? You have such a cool, action packed life!

Mia Morgan: As a matter of fact I do Natasha. New York Magazine is sponsoring a Red Carpet event, a retrospective, celebrating the life of my best friend, Zelda Kaplan, on February 24, 2010. I'll be able to provide you with more details on it at a later date. The price of the ticket will range between $35 and $50 so I'm told. Perhaps you can come! Do you know who Zelda Kaplan is Natasha?

Natasha Finkel: No.

Mia Morgan: Here's a video of her with clips from The Jay Leno Show!

Natasha Finkel: Absolutely! I'd love to come! Thank you for inviting me Mia, I am honored! Oh and one more thing: How does someone book you?

Mia Morgan: Have them call my manager, David Guc at Vanguard Management at 212-544-7700.

Natasha Finkel: Thank so you much for your time and insight Mia! It truly has been a pleasure! Your insight has been absolutely invaluable to me! I'll see you at the party! Be sure to send me an invitation! I'm brimming with excitement over that event!