The Fashion Smorgasbord with Kathryn Ardys

I’m not sure where they came up with the name “Laser Wolf”, but my theory is that it must have been the name of someone’s EverQuest character back in the day.  (For those of you who missed the biggest gaming trend to consume innocent lives in the 90′s/00′s, EverQuest was one of those fantasy, “live vicariously through your character because you don’t have a life of your own” games.  If you survived the 90′s and 00′s without falling victim to dating someone who played this game, then I commend you!)

But annnyway, if you’re looking for a new place to hang out and you like beer, Laser Wolf bar in Fort Lauderdale is a pretty neat place.  Off the beaten path, this bar serves original micro-brew beers in addition to well-known and not-so-well-known craft beers from around the globe, plus wine and sake, in case beer’s not your thing.  Indie art adorns the walls, which can be bought if you fancy something you see.   Indoor seating is sparse, but an outdoor patio creates a nice ambiance when weather permits.  Get hungry while you’re there?… not to worry, the food trucks park right outside for your munching pleasure.

Laser Wolf attracts a mostly “hipster” crowd, which makes for great people watching.  You’ll be certain to see some cool and interesting fashion expression among the patrons.  While the male patrons seemed to be dressed in more stereotypical  hipster fashion, the females seemed to better embrace the hipster trend for its true meaning: dressing in what one likes for his/her-self, regardless of what’s “trending.”  The attire ranged from chic and sleek to beach-y and grunge. But the best part about this bar is that it creates an aura of originality and self-expression, rather than conforming to the pretentious, traditional Ft. Lauderdale nightlife vibe.   Plus, last night was a great night for spotting celebrity look-a-likes . . . we saw Kevin from the Backstreet Boys, Frodo from Lord of the Rings, and Amber from Teen Mom, all in one night!  So next time you’re looking for something to do, check it out:

901 Progresso Dr., Ft. Lauderdale 33304

During the first few episodes this season, I thought if I had to hear Gunnar speak one more time I was going to jump off a tall building.  But over the last few weeks I’ve become quite fond of the little guy.  He softened up, stop being such a diva, and won my heart . . .  And now he’s gone!

On the other hand, Ven was one of my early predictions for Project Runway success, but over the weeks I have decided that his designs are for the 70+ socialite.  Not only that, but I have lost respect for him as a designer AND a person since the everyday woman challenge.  As fashion designers, we design clothing for women, NOT hangers!  Not only that, but how dare he insult his model’s figure!  Pot, Kettle called. . . [you see where I'm headed with this] . . . and said navy is the new black.  Get with the times, Ven!  There is no better way to prove your talent as a designer than to flatter the curves of a real woman.

So this brings me to last night’s episode.  How dare they “auf” my sweet Gunnar and keep that conceited yawn-fest, Ven!  At least Gunnar had a touching story to tell, whereas Ven missed in all directions.  First, the simple print which wasn’t even well executed, then the “pad” dress, then the unflattering origami dinner napkin he ended up with . . . oye vey.  Project Runway, I love you, but you did me wrong this week.

Ok guys, here’s the deal: there’s good news and then, well, other news.  The good news is that Kathryn Ardys business is good!  Its really taking off, which brings us to the other news… the blog as we’ve known it for the past two seasons is going to have to change as a result of my increasingly busy career.

How’s it going to change?

There will still be a fun blog, just with a new premise.  I need your participation so we can get some great comments going!  I plan to shift the blog over to a fashion “smorgasbord,” including commentary and discussion of our favorite fashion shows, random outfits I see and snap on the street, and my own designs as I create them.

As for our favorite fashion shows, I will write about our longtime favorite, Project Runway, as well as other shows we fashion addicts love, such as Fashion Police and, when it returns, Fashion Star.   If you have any other fashion-focused shows you want added to the list, let me know!

Watch out if you live in the South Florida area!  I’m bringing my fashion praise AND scrutiny to the streets!  I’ll be snapping pictures of notably good and bad outfits while I’m out and about and posting them for discussion. Let’s start our own list of the (anonymously, of course) best and worst dressed citizens!

PLUS, as if that wasn’t fun enough, get a sneak peak at all my new designs as they come to life in my studio office.  I’ll be posting pictures and commentary of my designs as they go from sketch to production!

The idea is to have fun discussing both our own and others’ interpretations of fashion, leaving no stone unturned.  Let’s discuss it all: the good, the bad, and the downright ugly!  Let the Fashion Smorgasbord begin!