Clark (left) got booted from “America’s Next Top Model,” while Kenley should have received similar treatment on “Project Runway” but didn’t.

In more exciting news than either of these developments: One of my best friends is in town this week, another needed some shoring up via Otter Pops, and I got to eat in two different restaurants with still two other sets of people. So recaps will have to wait a day or two.

But after this season, I have to wonder if it’s even worth watching.  After all, I’m already distracted by “Top Design,” “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover” (a hairstyling version of “Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares”) and this week “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style.”

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/1/08
The shirt: Lightweight cotton long-sleeved button-down by Ben Sherman (Last Chance)
The pants: Italian velvet corduroys by Riviera (Last Chance)
The shoes: Loafers by Rockport  Piperlime.com)
The scent: Salt Air cologne spray by Demeter
Listening to: “Don’t Believe in Love” by Dido

sammit

Glass-half-empty Sam: “That’s what? Four pairs of shoes? Or three really good ones?”
Glass-half-full Sam: “That’s still three more pairs than you had before.”

And be glad you don’t live in Canada (to any Canadian readers, I apologize, but): Up there, before you can win, you have to correctly answer a skill-testing question! (And by “skill-testing” they mean “math.”) Here it is, amid the other rules and regulations: (224×18) + (9672/12) - 1119 = ??? Sure, anyone with a calculator could pull it out — it’s not like they require you to do it on the spot, with only pencil and paper — but still, doesn’t it seem kind of odd?

Here in AMERICA, Sammit readers have the chance to win a slightly less glamorous prize — but there’s no math involved. All you have to do is answer: Is that shoe up top — the Something Blue satin pump by (given the theme of the Neiman Marcus contest) Manolo Blahnik, of course.

I have to say: I think they are a pretty color, but the crystal brooch isn’t particularly thrilling — come on, this is the best you could do, Shoe Glamour Shot Photographer? And they’re also $945, which I think is pretty extreme considering they’re satin and you could buy this pair of leather boots for the exact same price and several other pairs of Blahniks that I find much more “wow!” than the blue ones.

But what do YOU think? Click on the choice you agree with, or create your own opinion as an option.

ammit

ammit

Plus, post your comment below, under “Leave a Reply,” to be entered to win a prize. This week’s winner will receive a satin-lined canvas clutch designed by Matt Murphy for MAC and filled with MAC products — a Lip pencil in Spice; Eye Kohl pencil in Teddy; eye shadows in Shroom and Satin Taupe; Lustreglass gloss in Wonderstruck; Lipglass in Oh Baby and Prrr; Lip Conditioner; and bronzing powder in Matte Bronze. I’ll pick one winner from the entries received by Friday, Oct. 10. Good luck!

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/22/08
The shirt: Lightweight cotton long-sleeved button-down by J Crew
The pants: Zaf jeans by Diesel (Last Chance)
The shoes: Sneakers by Skechers (Last Chance)
The scent: Odeur 53 by Comme des Garçons
Listening to: “The Theme From Frank” by Fannypack

sammit

This year the senior corporate vice president of The Estée Lauder Cos. – and founder and chairwoman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation – has marshaled her company’s troops into creating limited-editions products whose sale in October will benefit breast cancer research.

AVEDA
The proceeds: $4 from the sale of each $21 tube of Hand Relief (up to $300,000) will go to fund environmental research. Available at Aveda stores and salons.

BOBBI BROWN
The proceeds: $35,000 in conjunction with sales of the $40 Pink Ribbon Collection kit, left, which includes a Tulle lipstick and Pink Glitter lip gloss.

BUMBLE & BUMBLE
The proceeds: $1 from each $11 or $20 can of Classic hairspray bought at the Bumble & Bumble web site.

CLINIQUE
The proceeds: $10 from the sale of each special, 6.7-ounce Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion with pump ($35), right. At select Clinique counters. And $10 from the sale of each Butter Shine Lipstick in Ribbon Pink ($16.50). At Sephora stores.

DARPHIN
The proceeds: $20 from the sale of each $205 Predermine Wrinkle Corrective Serum. At selected Neiman-Marcus stores.

DONNA KARAN COSMETICS
The proceeds: $15,000 in conjunction with the sale of the limited-edition Cashmere Mist eau de toilette spray ($58).

ESTÉE LAUDER
The proceeds: $500,000 in conjunction with the sale of Beautiful eau de toilette spray ($63.50); Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum ($80); the three-lipstick Evelyn Lauder Lip Color Collection ($22), left; the three-gloss Elizabeth Hurley High Gloss Lip Color Collection ($16); and the Pink Reflections Duet mini-photo mirrored compact by Jay Strongwater and Pure Colour Longlasting Lipstick in Bois de Rose ($150).

JO MALONE
The proceeds: $15,000 in conjunction with the sale of Red Roses cologne ($50-$95) and bath oil ($60).

LAB SERIES FOR MEN
The proceeds: $10,000 in conjunction with the sale of Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 ($37.50).

LA MER
The proceeds: $30,000 in conjunction with the sale of Crème de la Mer ($220-$1,350).

OJON
The proceeds: 20 percent of North American sales of the $26 Revitalizing Mist, right (up to $35,000). Available at Ulta, Sephora, Beautyfirst and Pure Beauty stores.

ORIGINS
The proceeds: $35,000 in conjunction with the sale of Peace of Mind On-the-Spot Relief ($10).

PRESCRIPTIVES
The proceeds: $30,000 in conjunction with the sale of the Pink Ribbon Collection, Super Line Preventor Xtreme serum ($76) and Super Line Preventor Xtreme Lifting Concentrate ($38).

SEAN JOHN FRAGRANCES
The proceeds: $10,000 in conjunction with sales of Unforgivable eau de toilette for men ($57) and women ($55).

TOMMY HILFIGER FRAGRANCES
The proceeds: $15,000 in conjunction with sales of Dreaming Tommy Hilfiger eau de toilette for women ($60) and Hilfiger eau de toilette for men ($59). Available at Macy’s.

The third-person references, the Madonna lyrics — and relatively insipid, OLD lyrics, at that. … No, I will not miss Suede.

And yet: Those pants.

Same finger pointing, with worse makeup.

High-waisted pants. With Minnie Mouse-style buttons. And an AWFUL crotch.

I guess it’s worse to be quiet than to be horrible, because Kenley’s lousy excuse at a hip-hop outfit doesn’t get her booted. Maybe they’re just keeping her around for the public flogging?

Because if she would listen to Tim Gunn — or the judges, or anyone — once in a while, she might learn something. Case in point: Her new makeup style, courtesy of Jerell, made her face look softer and less chipmunk-cheeky.

Anyway, the quick recap: pop Kenley (or “Kenley Spears,” as designer Jerell dubbed her); country Korto (designed by Leanne); rock ‘n’ roll Jerell (by Suede); punk Suede (by Korto); and of course hip-hop Leanne (by Kenley).

Surprise: Suede used to work at Jordache. At what point did Jordache dress pop stars like Christina Aguilera?

Tim time! He sees a “beautiful silhouette” in Jerell’s outfit for Kenley, which truthfully eludes me. Maybe I’m focused on the overall cheapness of the see-through fabric.

Or maybe it’s because I’m distracted by Kenley’s attitude. Tim asks his questions deferentially, prefacing them with phrases like, “Pretend I come from the moon,” and “correct me, I’m an old fart.” Yet it’s pretty evident that Kenley knows about as much about hip-hop as he does — and worse yet, she’s got that attitude where she is adamant that she’s right when it’s painfully obvious she’s not. For the record: Missy Elliott would not wear those high-waisted pants. Lil Kim would not wear those high-waisted pants.

Quick rundown of the rest: Suede’s rock outfit looks … exactly like something Jerell already has in his closet (except maybe a little better made, or with a little more coverage). Michael Kors calls it “rock ’n’ roll goes to the grocery store.” And I refuse to believe those boots came from the Bluefly.com accessories wall.

Leanne’s country outfit is too restrained. Michael says it looks like something “like a woman going out to eat ribs.” You know Tyra Banks is trying to get Leanne on speed-dial right now.

And Korto’s punk outfit for Suede … is named the winner. I never really thought a sleeveless T-shirt and jeans would be named a challenge winner.

(Click on a thumbnail to bring up the full-size photo in a new window.)

At least Suede didn’t have to do his exit interview wearing Eddie Izzard drag.

Last thought: Why even bother going through the model-selection process at the beginning of the episode when they weren’t used?

Also, I cannot wait for Friday to get here, because that means that finally the assault of “Nights in Rodanthe” ads will slow to a crawl. I hope. I’m kind of tired of being beaten over the head with “romance!” dammit!
ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/25/08
The shirt: Cotton long-sleeved button-down by Robert Graham (hand-me-down from roommate, who was cleaning out his closet)
The pants: Cotton-blend trousers by Co-op, the house brand at Barney’s New York (Barney’s outlet store, Palm Springs, CA, 2005)
The shoes: Black leather “platypus shoes” by BCBG (Hand-me-down from my ex)
The scent: Eau Parfumee Au The Vert Extreme by Bulgari
Listening to: “Rich Girls” by The Virgins

sammit

Maybe it was the two-for special, but this episode of “America’s Next Top Model” fairly flew by. My only complaint: I prefer my hissy-fit tantrums from girls, JEREMY SCOTT.

And now, the case against the defendant:
(a) In first appearance, rips off Madonna in “Open Your Heart” video.
(b) When blindfolded model puts her hands on her hips on runway, accuses of practically ripping off her dress on the runway.
(c) In appearance as guest judge, wears sleeveless vest apparently inspired by bowling alley shoes, with his hair now in greasy bangs last seen on bad ’80s Euro band members. (From episode notes: “Jeremy Scott looks like an idiot.”)
(d) Although challenge is about photo, demands head of model because of runway appearance. A very dumb girl from Alaska once said: I am over the pity party! (From episode notes, continued: “Jeremy Scott is a [verydirtyword] [otherdirtyword].”) He’s insulted? He’s disgusted? I’m disgusted by his freaking ugly appearance. THAT’S an insult.

Actually, the real insult is trying to take credit for McKey’s outfit, when it’s clearly ripped off from the “Gone With the Wind” parody from “The Carol Burnett Show.”

He should take some advice from Hannah, and get over the pity party! Well, he can’t, now, because Hannah is gone! After being named the worst walker, she had to pick up her beans and keep rolling. What the heck does that even mean? I visualize her with beans clutched tightly in her hands. Are these dry beans? Green beans? When does she get to put the beans down? Where does she pick them up from? Are they planted? Do beans grow in Alaska? To her credit, her final interview does not involve a pity party.

Good Lord, no.

This week’s photo shoot involves a heads-up: The girls will pose in a swimming pool, and the shoot is mostly about their eyes. For some reason this freaks Isis out — she’s tucked and taped and wearing multiple suits and keeps talking about making sure things are all covered up. This makes me wonder if she confused “eyes” with “fauxgina,” because seriously, did she notice where the camera was NOT pointed?

Analeigh does better both on the runway and in this shoot. She’s high on life, yo! In fact, she gets called second this week, behind only (ugh) sassafrassy Clark. Meanwhile, Elina goes from numerator to denominator and almost skids into the bottom two, thanks to a manufactured drama where this suddenly is no longer a good photo. The “control freak” edit begins!

Speaking of water, Tyra’s eye makeup at judging looks like she’s been in it all day — all her liner is on the bottom, smudgy. We hear her go on and on about how she came up with the theme for this week’s photo shoot, and it involved her on vacation with her friend, and how they were so creative and different taking photos in the pool. Which makes Tyra Banks the only person in America to never have seen Aka: No, I never saw that photo of Neve Campbell and Denise Richards in “Wild Things,” nor the straight-to-video follow-up!

I love that Paulina is tired of J Alexander’s schtick and stole the zero off his stupid necklace. I have trouble believing that Marjorie’s photo frightens her, but Lauren Brie’s does not. Scary eyes!

I also love that Isis had a tiara and messy hair in her exit interview. Nothing says quality transgender like someone who looks like someone who just woke up in the back seat of a car after her quinceañera. ¡Ay, dios mio!

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/25/08
The shirt: Cotton long-sleeved button-down by Robert Graham (hand-me-down from roommate, who was cleaning out his closet)
The pants: Cotton-blend trousers by Co-op, the house brand at Barney’s New York (Barney’s outlet store, Palm Springs, CA, 2005)
The shoes: Black leather “platypus shoes” by BCBG (Hand-me-down from my ex)
The scent: Eau Parfumee Au The Vert Extreme by Bulgari
Listening to: “Rich Girls” by The Virgins

sammit

What if soap not only cleaned, pampered and scented your body, but also helped to wipe away breast cancer?

Bath and body care store Lather has teamed up with soap opera actress Andrea Evans – who recently returned to “One Life to Live” as Tina – to create a skin-soothing Sandalwood Rose Soap ($8) and a Soap for Hope Gift Set (two bars of soap and a natural wood soap dish, $20).

Part of the proceeds – $5 from the sale of each soap, $12 from the sale of each set – will go to City of Hope, an independent cancer research, treatment and education center.

Andrea, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, will make a personal appearance at the store in Kierland Commons shopping center noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday. She’ll greet fans, introduce the products and encourage shoppers to pick up registration forms for the Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer, which is Oct. 5.

The store – 15211 N. Kierland Blvd., Phoenix – will serve pink snacks and drinks in honor of the pink ribbon that symbolizes the fight against breast cancer. Information: (480) 483-6633.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/24/08
The shirt: French-cuff cotton button-down by Dragonfly (hand-me-down from my roommate, who got it at Last Chance)
The pants: Lightweight cotton pinstriped trousers by Penguin (Last Chance)
The shoes: Leather slip-on loafers by Bacco Bucci (Last Chance)
The scent: Mat; by Masaki Matsushima
Listening to: “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon (YouTube video here)

sammit

I should point out that this week’s Shoe Hot or Not contender is kind of a fait accompli: My friend Amy already has purchased them to wear at her wedding.

And, I believe, she bought the “Organdy” pumps by Michael Kors in this color.

If I were to hazard a guess as to why, I would say it’s because:

1. She figures nobody will be able to see them underneath her long gown – which is beautiful, FYI – and they look a bit sturdier for dancing than your traditional slipper-style shoes.

2. She also will be able to wear them again after the wedding, unlike her gown. (I wonder if she’s going to be a Trash The Dress kind of bride?)

I certainly think they’re a good idea for after the wedding: I love the platform-style sole, the contrast on the captoe, and the rich jeweltone color will transition well into fall. Worn with a crisp gray suit, they’d be a great accent piece for a pop of color, but still have a professional edge.

(But, do you really want your bridal shoes to have a “professional edge”? You’d better keep these well hidden, Amy! I don’t want to see them peeking out under the gown as you walk down the aisle.)

So: let’s discuss: Would you wear these shoes at your wedding? Would you wear these AFTER your wedding? Vote in the poll below – click on the box that you agree with most, or even create your own answer.

sammit

sammit
Also, be sure to leave a comment below – one person who does so by Saturday, Oct. 4, will win some cool stuff from Philosophy. (I will consult my Magical Drawer of Booty, Spoils & Plunder when I get home and update this post with more specifics.)

And remember: be kind! A bride-to-be will probably read this, and you know how emotionally fragile they can be. (And I don’t want her banning me from her wedding ceremony.)

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/23/08
The shirt: Long-sleeved button-down by Faconnable (Last Chance)
The pants: Italian velvet corduroys by Riviera (Last Chance)
The shoes: Loafers by Rockport  Piperlime.com)
The scent: Marc Jacobs Men
Listening to: “Right Here (Departed)” by Brandy

sammit

I’m guessing the theme of the challenge will be: Crotchless leggings.  Or, maybe, it’s just “please make some clothes for Lindsay Lohan. Except for ‘Ugly Betty,’ she hasn’t worked in a while.”

And it could always be worse: The judge could be Dina. Or Alli.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/23/08
The shirt: Long-sleeved button-down by Faconnable (Last Chance)
The pants: Italian velvet corduroys by Riviera (Last Chance)
The shoes: Loafers by Rockport  Piperlime.com)
The scent: Marc Jacobs Men
Listening to: “Right Here (Departed)” by Brandy

sammit

The party promotes the store’s “buy two, get one free” sale, which is in effect 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 25-27. The salon will offer door prizes, gift baskets, discounts and even free services. Ice cream will be catered by Marble Slab.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 9/22/08
The shirt: Lightweight cotton long-sleeved button-down by Ben Sherman (Last Chance)
The pants: Low-rise boot-cut khakis (Old Navy)
The shoes: Leather slip-ons by J. Shoes (the now-defunct goclothing.com)
The scent: Odeur 53 by Comme des Garçons
Listening to: “Paradise (Not For Me)” by Madonna

sammit