Rachel Richards: The Power of Touch Makes the Difference

By Marivir R. Montebon

When living the hurried life in New York, having a massage therapist is definitely a necessity, but having a really good one is a rare find.   OSM! features Rachel Richards, an incredibly rare find in the business of massage therapy in the city that never sleeps.  Before deciding to be a massage therapist, she was a stage actress.

The lovely and petite woman with gentle, powerful touch sang and danced in some of her favorite roles as Eliza in My Fair Lady, Evita in Evita, Bella in Rags, Connie in Good News, and Sandy in Grease. (See her acting website:  http://rachelmoses.com/)

But married life has compelled her to do an extreme shift in career, and because the care giving career, by nature, is more economically stable. About four years ago, the power of her touch has done pretty much amazing help to her clients, as much as she did amaze her audience in the theatre.

Rachel is a native of Long Island and finished massage therapy at the Swedish Institute, which covered studies on anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pathology, neurology, assessment, Swedish massage, Shiatsu, and clinical applications.

Excerpts:

1. How long have you been into the massage service industry? Why did you choose this particular career?

I began my massage therapy education at the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences in April 2007. I’ve now been working as a licensed practitioner for almost four years.

After working as a stage actress, touring the country for the better part of my 20s, I finally decided it was time to find more steady work that would allow me to stay home with my husband Jesse. It took a tremendous amount of brainstorming, reading, and soul-searching. It was clear that my interests lay in health sciences. I had a powerful urge to help people. I’m also a very kinesthetic person - understanding the power of touch and how it could be used to provide people with less pain, better health, and an improved quality of life was something I wanted to explore. As opposed to many other health professions, where office visits may be scary, annoying, or painful, massage could offer health benefits and a relaxing experience. I came across the Swedish Institute online, applied right away (while in Florida doing a show), and began school shortly after my return to New York.

2. There are various massage styles or techniques, how did you master all these techniques?  Does it come with practice or the knowledge from school mattered more?

Techniques are learned and then practiced and honed over time. As far as styles, I think each practitioner has their own. Techniques are the easy part. Knowing how to do a thorough assessment and deciding which techniques would provide the best possible outcome for the patient is where more of the real work lies. And even once I’ve devised a treatment plan, that is subject to constant modification depending on the needs and comfort levels of the patient.

As far as which mattered more, school or practice, I’d say you can’t have one without the other. School was my foundation. It gave me the tools I needed to practice safely and effectively. As with most any career, expertise comes with experience. Not only do I learn from my work, I also make it a point to continue to study. I’ve taken many continuing education classes since I graduated. I followed my interests and received advanced certifications in medical, sports, and prenatal massage. I think no matter what you do, you can always learn more. Especially in the health field where new developments and discoveries are being made every day.

3. I have tried a few sessions with you and I found it very helpful, how do you know what fits best for your client?

Every person is different. Even if two patients present with the same pain symptoms, it is not unusual to use two different approaches to treatment. What may be wonderfully beneficial for one person may not be appropriate for another. That’s why it’s so important to take a thorough patient history and assessment before beginning treatment. Once a patient is on the table, I make sure she knows that the lines of communication are open. I explain why I’m doing a particular technique and check in to see if the pressure is appropriate. I encourage the patient to let me know if he feels any discomfort or if there’s anything he needs. In other words, I encourage my patients to take an active role in their sessions and in their health care. It’s really a partnership.

4. What do New Yorkers complain most of when they ask for massage service from you?

I see people with all kinds of pain and injuries, both new and old. I suppose the most frequent complaint I hear is neck pain often due to the hours spent on computers nowadays, and the lack of knowledge about proper ergonomics. If you spend a lot of time on a computer, check out my article on ergonomic essentials, http://rachel-richards.com/news-feb2012.php

5. How is business going these days? Is it busy or slow?

I am very fortunate to have a busy practice!

6. Do you have a problem with competition? How do you deal with it?  What is your edge over the rest?

No, I’ve never found competition a problem. There are plenty of New Yorkers in need of massage therapy, more than enough to fill the treatment rooms of all therapists. If you know how to market your practice and are good at what you do, getting clients won’t be a problem.

I think one of the things that keeps my patients coming back is the individual and undivided attention they get when they’re here. I make it a point to really listen to their concerns and treat them as unique individuals.

7. Being a massage therapist is quite a tiresome physical and emotional (I believe, your hands must express a sense of nurturing), so how do you regain your energy at the end of the day?

Proper body mechanics and self-care techniques were a huge part of my education. Knowing how to take care of myself and making sure I don’t overbook my schedule is key to keeping myself healthy. I make nutrition and sleep a priority. I practice Yoga and I get massaged regularly. In other words, I practice what I preach!

Links to share:

Website: www.Rachel-Richards.com
Blog: http://hungryforlifebook.wordpress.com/
Like Rachel's page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Richards-Massage/160760773967012
Sign up for her free monthly e-newsletter offering health tips and massage specials: http://rachel-richards.com/contact-rachel-richards.php

MHC YOUTH ENVOYS CONCLUDE MEANINGFUL, MEMORABLE UN CONFAB

BY MARIVIR R. MONTEBON

[caption id="attachment_1120" align="alignleft" width="300"] The United Nations General Assembly Hall, where all the Youth Assembly delegates were warmly welcomed. Speaking on the podium is Simona Miculescu, Romanian Ambassador to the United Nations as UN Department of Public Information's (Outreach Division) Deputy Director Ramu Damadoran moderates. Photo credit to Leani Auxilio
1 August 2012[/caption]

New York – Youth delegates of the Migrant Heritage Commission left New York with fond memories of and new realizations from their participation in the 11th Annual Youth Assembly of the United Nations which was concluded in early August.  “The youth assembly has made me realize that we have so much potential to make a difference. I think it is time for us to step up and help make a difference,” said Ayah Manalastas of Virginia.

The MHC is a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC which provides services to immigrants through its legal assistance, education, youth development, cultural diversity and development, and social and medical services programs.

For this year, MHC has sent 26 youth delegates from August 1-3, 2012 at the UN headquarters in New York as part of its youth development program.  The MHC Youth Envoys for Peace, as they are officially called are: Nicole Calaro, Edalaine Tangkeko, Stephanie Lyn Marquez, Jessica Campanilla, Lexi J.A. Crisostomo, Iana Kozelsky, Jolene Mafnas, Gissele Pinero, Irene Barnachea, Therese Maria Igharas, Jennefer Ipanag, Camille David, Leani Auxilio, Ayah Manalastas, Andrew Jimenez,  Jose Pestaner, Nathan Ebilane, Krishna Mata, Rynchelle Campanilla, Nathan Ebilane and Kathleen Calaro.  This year’s batch was joined by five of last year’s batch of delegates as the group’s leaders: Raymund Valera Jaramillo, Alex Valera, Chessa Taboada, Lizane Joyce Mata and Heather Horner.

[caption id="attachment_1123" align="alignright" width="300"] MHC Youth Delegates in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. From left to right: Chessa Taboada, Nathan Ebilane, Jose Pestaner, Leani Auxilio, Stephanie Marquez, Ayah Manalastas, Gissele Pinero, Irene Barnachea, Jennefer Ipanag, Iana Kozelsky, Jolene Mafnas, Camille David, and Lex Crisostomo. Photo credit to: Chessa Taboada[/caption]

Lexi Crisostomo, for his part said, “this assembly has made me grow and the MHC as well. And I believe that with this, we will be able to help the others in a much better way.”

The 11th Youth Assembly gathered on the theme “UNwired Generations: Youth Leveraging Technology for the Millennium Development Goals” which was highlighted by presentations on technological breakthroughs that improved the lives of people all over the world.  These projects centered on innovative technology, education, and gender fair programs and were presented by speakers from the Philippines, Europe, USA, Kenya, and Bangladesh, among others.

MHC youth delegate Jennefer Ipanag said she was inspired by all the presentations but admired most the presentation of Illac Diaz from the Philippines, who generated electricity by recycling one liter soda bottles and using them to catch light to illuminate homes in the slums of Manila.  “Being here has given me the idea on how to start your own charity project or business to be of help to those who need it most.”

Leani Auxilio meanwhile noted that in the assembly, she realized how technology can become useful and practical to people and actually help improve their economic lives. She's currently contemplating whether to go back home to the Philippines or travel to Ecuador as a Service Ambassador spring next year.

During the cultural night, held in a cruise ship plying through the Hudson River, the MHC youth performed Tinikling, a Philippine folk dance using bamboo poles. They were the most applauded presenters that night, and youth leaders from other countries approached them to learn the dance even before Mr. Alex Valera announced that they would be happy to teach interested learners.

The Envoys for Peace said they were grateful to MHC for having chosen them to represent MHC in this year’s UN Assembly, and that the feelings of being a family and a community within three short days would never be forgotten. Nathan Ebilane couldn’t have said it any better: “I learned that leadership means to be part of a team and cultivate the value of cooperation.”

[caption id="attachment_1122" align="aligncenter" width="560"] After the Youth Assembly, MHC delegates take a visit to what is arguably the best-loved fastfood chain by Filipinos all over the world: Jollibee. Photo credit to: Lex Crisostomo[/caption]

Mothering Heights

The grace to be a beginner is always the best prayer for an artist.
– Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

I write this in a rush. In less than an hour, my three-year-old daughter’s footfall will resound on the corridors and her palm will bang on the door. She will shout, “Mommy!”

The word Mommy defines me two-thirds of the waking day; the other third I spend trying to deserve it. I worry: Did I love enough? And then chide myself for raising the bar too high. I think: There is no bar. And hope that my heart will listen. Why are mothers ridden with guilt in the midst of so much bliss and affection?

I write to make sense of this emotional pendulum. Nothing provokes our extremes like our children: we exult in a burp, agonize over a cold, celebrate every first, battle over food, turn from Mom to Momster and back. Rinse and repeat. Almost every day is manic Momday.

I write because mothering is charged with loves, hates and raptures too big for thought and too fast for the heart. Writing
connects me to parts of myself engulfed by deadlines or harassed by the day’s cares. I look for words to shape thoughts, so that each day falls into place, sometimes painfully, sometimes joyously. Like all mothers, I am a fractal art—color geometrics that are difficult to pin down, irregular but harmonious, a mix of order and chaos, creative, requiring effort and intelligence, and mostly better appreciated from a distance.

I need words to find me. For smothered under motherhood are other roles, goals and hopes that shape me: daughter, lover, dreamer, artist, sister, friend. I write to understand, sometimes accept, that Mommy is not so much a designation as it is an endearment.

I write to find the grace to be a beginner every day and the grace to thank or forgive myself at its end. To understand that all mothers go through the ordinary madness of mothering—what the writer Judith Schwartz calls the “map of ambivalence,” how a mother’s heart can hold many antithetical emotions in chorus.

I write—a solitary act—because while we have books, websites, support groups, family and friends to help us, we in the end navigate motherhood alone.

A friend said that I enjoy motherhood. Enjoy is not quite the word, I think—it is too limited. I prefer the word my husband used:  awe—the reverential respect mixed with fear and wonder. Awe at the revelations and riddles in a child. But more importantly write because I fear, question and wonder at the revelations and riddles that I discover in me.

I write about my family in the journal I keep for my daughter Anna. What an ordinary life we lead. Our days revolve around the commonplace, peaking at her delight in finding a stray puzzle piece behind the potted plant. Nothing pivotal or portentous, but this is our story. Thank you, Gustave Flaubert—what you said centuries ago made me realize that ours is a tale to be told: “One should write of ordinary life as if one were writing history.”

In writing about motherhood, I find the extraordinary in the ordinary.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Janet Villa practiced Law for nine years before she received a fellowship to the Philippine National Writers' Workshop and to the UP National Workshop. Her first published sotry "Undercurrents" won the NVM Grand Prize in 2003, and her sond "Closopen" won the NVM Grand Prize Special Prize in 2005. She is now finishing her MA in Creative Writing. Her biggest adventure is being best for husband Jojo and daughter Anna, while pursuing her passions in writing and teaching. Janet maintains CreW, the creating writing special interest group of Mensa Philippines after being the Mensa Philippines president in 1998.

Eggs & Hot Dog Pancake Muffins

Ingredients:
2 cups of Bisquick
2 eggs
1 ¼ sugar
1 can fat – free evaporated milk
1 package (8oz) softened cream cheese
4 pcs of Smart Dogs® (it can be substituted)
4 eggs (to make scrambled eggs)
Maple Pancake Syrup
Directions:
1.    Preheat oven to 350F.
2.    Grease 12 muffin molds.
3.    Cook your scrambled eggs (should be soft & moist). Divide it into 12 & set aside.
4.    Slice your hot dogs in 3 parts per hot dog  & set aside as well.
5.    Mix  Bisquick, sugar, eggs, cream cheese and milk in a large bowl with a whisk. It's okay to have some remaining lumps.
6.    Pour batter about 1/2 full into each muffin mold.
7.    Place 1 hot dog slice & scrambled eggs on top of batter for each muffin mold.
8.    Bake for 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
This recipe is SO easy, and my whole family LOVED them especially drizzled with the maple pancake syrup!! !

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Ruth D. Ezra is a culinary queen in her own right through experience and training. She is a bookkeeper by profession at AllState Roadside Services in Northbrook, IL.  Her greatest delight is serving good and healthy food to her husband Heman and only daughter, Isabelle. Kit would love to receive feedback on her recipes, and exchange them with yours at ezraruth@comcast.net.

WRITE FROM THE HEART
By Marivir R. Montebon

Welcome to OSM! Janet Villa and Diane Fermin Roeder!

To have somebody as deep but easy as Janet Villa as a writer is truly exhilarating. OSM! is honored to have her. Mothering Heights is OSM's latest section, and we will travel digitally, reflecting into our lives through Janet's mothering experiences as we relate or affirm them with our own.
In one of our exchanges in private message, I told Janet, yes, mothering is scary. But it makes us who we are, most of the time.  I remember how I dreaded the thought while staring at my newborn daughter in her crib that this was now my real womb to tomb responsibility. As the days turned into years, mothering has always been a mix of joys and horrors.
OSM! shines further with the classy and vibrant Diane Fermin Roeder as our fashion and marketing guru. She debuts her Bamboo Stiletto for us with a keen fashionista eye on the Olympics 2012 uniforms of the athletes. It is an honor to have you with OSM!, Diane.  Thank you, Ms. Bessie Salomon for bridging OSM! to wonderful people.

We feature in our cover today an awesome person, a Judge and Poet rolled into one. Finally, we have an awesome man for OSM! It was difficult enough finding one, an awesome male subject, as I told Digital and Content Editor Leani Auxilio.He definitely writes from the heart. And so does Janet and Diane, and everyone else who are able to glue my eyes into their copies.

I love how Judge and Poet Simeon Dumdum Jr. puts it, "whether one becomes a celebrated writer or not is for the future to decide. Art makes one rich, not materially but spiritually."

Indeed, great writing comes from the heart.  It is spirited and sincere.  Each topic is a solid eruption from the heart, that did not happen in one magnificent touch of a wand, but of the writer's complex mix of joy, salvation, angst, sincerity, contradictions, and finally, confidence. Each written piece is a result of the revolting emotions and truths. Writing, like birthing, is never easy. Once it is finished, the writer feels she has given birth again, one more time.

Let me close with a poem by Judge Dumdum, which I print with his permission.

The First To Love

Always she is a step ahead.
When I think of giving her flowers,
She waylays me with wine-red roses.
And if I get up in the morning,
Pulled out of bed by the idea
Of a long walk across the fields,
She would be there, lacing her shoes,
The coffee, which was on my mind,
Filling up the room with its presence.
But one day, when there was a downpour,
I made sure I would be the first
To suggest that we have a race
In the rain, but she turned me down,
And I saw in her smile that we
Were too old for such recklessness.
But that afternoon, the sun blazed,
And she asked what just then had crossed
My mind, that we both go outside.
The road was a patchwork of water.
I wanted to help her across
A rain puddle, forgetting that
Her legs were longer than mine.

For details and orders, visit healthychocolatenyc.com

RE-WIRE YOUR BRAIN

BY DEBBIE ALMOCERA

A friend of mine once told me that when she got depressed, her mother told her to “find a husband”, and she would feel better. Two husbands and two divorces later, she finds herself in the same predicament.  She finally sought professional help, and reported feeling better.  She is living a single life, with a great career, and a disappointed mother.
The field of mental health not only introduced me to diverse tools in psychotherapy in treating depression and anxiety, but it also broadened my understanding of the impact of psychopharmacology on these disorders.  I have become a strong advocate of psychiatric medications, and have consistently encouraged medication compliance among my clients.  Explaining to clients that mental illness is not a mythical issue, nor a punitive consequence of one’s perceived degree of “sinfulness”, is quite a challenging task at times.  It never ceases to amaze me when people ask me if they are depressed because they are “weak in spirit”, flawed in character, and/or being “punished” for their “sins”.  These views not only reflect the antiquated stigma of mental illness that is still prevalent in our times, no matter how many “iPods” and state-of-the-art cell phones we have in our possession, they also reflect our lack of understanding of the organ that primarily dictates how we see ourselves and the world around us –the brain.
This 3-lb mushy mass, inside our skulls has 100 billion neurons that could each fire an average of 200 impulses per second.  Each electrochemical impulse, also known as a neurotransmitter, fired by a neural axon and received by another neuron through its dendrites carries a “message” transmitted from our senses to the brain. These neural connections establish the brains ability to process and interpret information.  A “breakdown” in these connections could trigger “misinformation”, and mood disturbances, among others.  Just like any other vital organ, the brain is not infallible and can malfunction for various reasons, affecting how we feel, think and act.  Although capable of seemingly-endless phenomenal things, when afflicted by mental illness, the brain needs help.
The good old-fashioned belief, that mental illness can be addressed by simply telling the individual to “straighten up your act and buck up”, is reinforcing the stigma of mental illness.  We can only truly achieve a significant milestone in medical history when we start to correct our own misconception of mental health and mental illness, and take care of our brains by addressing issues of mental illness as medical problems.  As I always tell my clients, if they have problems with their hearts, they would be first in line to see a heart doctor.  However, when they have problems with mood and thought distortions, they hesitate to seek help for fear of social alienation.
Spit It Out or Pop It In
Talk your problems out with your therapist, or your doctor.  In view of the biochemical nature of mental illness, talking may not cut it.  Ask your doctor for a possible medication regimen, and stay compliant.  Don’t stop taking your medications as soon as you feel better, for this could have dire consequences.
I practice and utilize cognitive and behavioral approaches to therapy.   Cognitive approaches examine one’s own personal belief systems that could be contributing to one’s dysfunction and misery.  Erroneous personal belief systems trigger depression and anxiety, and frequently lead to conflict in our relationships.  When left unchallenged, they become our reality and we believe them to be true.
Behavioral approaches are simply what I refer to as “movement approaches”.  As you move your body, your senses move with you.  The more your senses are activated, the more the brain is stimulated.  Chances are you will start to feel better as you keep moving.  So get your gluteus maximus off the couch, and start walking, jogging, or dancing.  Practice a healthy and an active lifestyle and make it a habit.
A recent article by Dr. Ambardar, cited by the Mental Health Association of Eastern Missouri, (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sheenie-ambardar-md/emotional-health_b_1542521.html), talked about addressing depression and anxiety without medications.  I found this article very amusing but couldn’t help but agree with the good doctor.  Being a Psychiatrist, she does prescribe psychotropic medications.  First on the list to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety is to SPEND LESS TIME ON FACEBOOK.  To quote:

When Facebook is used as a casual tool to keep in touch with friends or stay in the social loop, it can be a useful distraction. However, when Facebook is used to keep constant tabs on others or to promote a certain self-image, it can lead to an unconscious need to compare ourselves to everyone in our social network. This frequently leads to jealousy, insecurity, misplaced feelings of superiority or alternatively, feelings of inadequacy. Limiting time on ubiquitous social media sites like Facebook may be hard at first, but it may be one of the best things you do for your mental health."

How’s that for treatment!

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Debbie Almocera is a licensed therapist working in the behavioral medicine department of one of the largest hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri. For her, there has not been a more fulfilling and rewarding career than the one she has now. She can be reached at dholderle@yahoo.com

2012 OLYMPICS EYE CANDY: Opening Ceremony Outfits We “Heart”

By Diane Fermin Roeder

We tried our darnedest to stay up to watch the live broadcast of the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony in London on TV. Epic fail...we dozed off at 2am and instead, woke up at 7:30am.

Seeing as the live broadcast started at 4am, we initially missed the entire thing but thankfully, China still has vestiges of an Olympics hang-over after hosting it in 2008 so CCTV (state-owned national TV) is currently providing wall-to-wall coverage. They replayed the entire Opening Ceremony which made for a convenient and fun Saturday morning while I simultaneously stayed in bed and ordered a room service  breakfast (Herr Hubby and I are still making the Four Seasons Guangzhou our temporary home).

The Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was a tough act to follow...I still remember getting goosebumps from that show, a truly amazing feat by Chinese film director Zhang Yimou. Well, in opening this London Olympics, I think British film director Danny Boyle ("Slumdog Millionaire", "The Beach", "Trainspotting") did a stupendous job; to quote the BBC's most over-used words this morning, the Opening Ceremony was indeed "remarkable" and "extraordinary".  Although, personally, I would have been happy with a little bit more of David Beckham. I mean, this is the Olympics - we love seeing successful, stylish, impeccably groomed godlike athletes in tight, shiny suits, don't we?

One thing which has become sort of a delicious Bamboo Stiletto ritual during the Games' opening is watching the Parade of Athletes to check out the various teams' outfits. For us, this segment of the Opening is like an international fashion show of multi-cultural style, modeled by a global assortment of eye candy, all in glistening peak physical condition. What's not to "heart"? So....let the Games begin!

Here's our Top 5 Picks for Most Stylish Teams (in no particular order or ranking):

1.) Denmark

 

One of the few teams that did separate but beautifully coordinating outfits for ladies and gentlemen, I especially loved how Team Denmark made their female athletes look so feminine. Beside the ladies, the gentlemen looked even more dashing and masculine in their navy blue-grey suits.

 2.) Serbia



Team Serbia also had separate yet coordinating his and hers outfits, which they kept casual chic and cool. Dontcha love the girls' perky blazer & shorts combo???Tennis champ and Serbian flag bearer, Novak Djokovic, wore his shirt carelessly untucked underneath his red pullover and, coupled with a rebellious stubble, was a statement in studied nonchalance.
3.) Netherlands

 

oh, how the Dutch and I swear only the Dutch can pull off wearing orange trousers. Not only does Team Netherlands pull off the orange pants but when paired with their cobalt blue trench-style blazers and preppy white tennis cardigans, they looked downright poppin'! As an aside, I remember that this team was also on my most stylish list during the 2008 Olympics. Pale dove grey blazers and trousers paired with the most adorable orange ties, again which only the Dutch can pull off...

Get a load of the Dutch when they unveiled their Olympic uniforms a few weeks ago - won't you love a bite of that orange trench? This is stuff that we actually do want to wear!

Dutch treat!

4.) Sweden

 

Team Sweden's ebullient candy-striped sweaters just spelled adorable. Especially when paired with the ladies' pleated minis. Very United Colours of Benetton. Note the colour coordinated kicks & laces...how Scandi-cute is that?

5.) South Korea



Natty nautical-inspired outfits from sportswear giant FILA who was responsible for South Korea's look (four on the left were Opening Ceremony ensembles). Too bad we have no actual photo during the Opening Ceremony...Team SK looked so dang cute!!!

Special Mentions - for looking extra-stylin' and/or festive as befitting the Olympics (again, in no particular order or ranking):

1.) France

 

aah, the French never fail to live up to our style expectations. I mean, how GOOD do these athletes look? We especially have a weakness for their tennis players. And spot the cute little red ballet flats on the ladies? We HEART!

Btw, Team France really set the bar high for Olympic uniforms, unveiling these minimally stylish threads by Adidas a few weeks ago:

Voulezvous...?

2.) USA

 

I thought Team USA worked it! Yes, yes, I know we're not quite sure if the beret works...the French can carry a beret with requisite elan but Americans seem a bit ambivalent about it. Also, yes, we're aware of the huge hoo-ha in the US upon realizing that these Ralph Lauren outfits were actually made in China. But hey, weren't the Ralph Lauren uniforms back in Olympics 2008 - which also looked super stylin', btw - also made in China? Where was the hoo-ha back then???oh Americans & the drama :-)

When Team USA unveiled their uniforms, the Ralph Lauren/"Gossip Girl" Manhattan Upper East prep chic look is pitch perfect:



Team USA's controversial Olympics uniforms, by Ralph Lauren. Regardless of where it's produced, in my mind, what makes it look vaguely non-American are the French-style berets, with the red, white & blue stripe on the side. I have a Lacoste beret exactly like this, with the little alligator on the side in red, white & blue stripes! Perhaps a "newsie" cap would have been more American, more New York anyhow...


Bass. Chuck Bass.

3.) Germany

 

What a delightful festive surprise, Team Germany! Keeping flag colours to a minimum (accents only on trilbys) & instead rocking pastel pinks and cornflower blues, with darling matching scarves, was so un-German & so unexpected...we LOVED it. Btw, this team seemed to be one of the rowdiest & most boisterous (one girl clambered on top of a guy's shoulders) that for a second I thought the Australians had paraded again! haha!

4.) Brazil

There's something about the Brazilians that just make us smile and chortle. They're just yummy-delicious! Team Brazil wore their colours in exuberant combinations, with ladies in mini-skirts showing off tanned athletic legs (and why NOT?), matching scarves loose around their necks...meowrrrr! What is it about these people, they just look so friggin' SEKSI?!?!

5.) Paraguay

 

and speaking of SEKSI...like the Netherlands, Team Paraguay also came up with outfits that we would love to get our Stilettos in. Check out this va-va-voom wrap & tie fire engine-red dress! The gentlemen in their bright blue blazers, snowy white trousers & crimson ties looked natty too.

Expected More Stylin' From:
Italy

 

Admittedly, my expectations for Team Italy were MASSIVE, to begin with...I mean, their uniforms are designed by The Master himself, Giorgio Armani. Even the lowly deckhand staff working on this guy's personal yacht are nattily attired, as featured once in Vogue (or was that Vanity Fair?). Anyway, these were the uniforms he unveiled for Team Italy a few weeks ago...ok, very Armani. Very understated. But what are they wearing for the Opening?

 

...and here's Team Italy during the Opening Ceremony. Again, very understated. Stylish, yes.But VERY subdued. It's not terrible, of course not, you can see even from just a TV screen's perspective, these are exceptionally cut, extremely well-tailored suits. Just slightly underwhelming in terms of overall presentation. These are Italians, for goodness sakes, they're supposed to rule with cool! I just expected a bit more LapoElkann dash and flair, not the constipated investment banker look. Fashion critics everywhere are raving about Team Italy's look though.

Biggest "Huh?" Moment:
Great Britain

We expected a LOT from the host; Great Britain after all is the home of great,innovative, edgy designers, e.g. Stella McCartney, Christopher Bailey, Sarah Burton, to name a few. So when Team GB strolled out, we were like: "Huh?" Stella McCartney's PR people were quick to tweet during the Opening Ceremony that these white & gold tracksuits are NOT hers - she only designed the athletes' performance kits & village wear. Ouch! Apparently, these were done by British apparel retailer Next. Why in the world didn't they get Christopher Bailey to do the Opening Ceremony outfits? What's more cool Britannia than Burberry???

So, Stiletto-istas, that's a wrap for our coverage of Olympics Opening Ceremony fashion. Hope you enjoyed  it as much as we did! In closing, we leave you with a parting shot of the Olympic torch as carried by the tall cool drink of water that's David Beckham, who we think was woefully under-utilized by Danny Boyle:

 

THIS is how Team GB should have rocked, y'all!

Did YOU watch the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympics in YOUR corner of the world? Which teams landed in YOUR Best Dressed and Worst Dressed List? Just some lighthearted fun this weekend, Stiletto-istas, let's hear it from YOU!!!

***photos from CCTV (Official China TV broadcaster for the Olympics) Adidas, Fila, Giorgio Armani, and Ralph Lauren (for the non-Olympic shots)

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Diane Fermin Roeder is a reformed marketing communications expert in the hospitality and financial service industries. She enjoys being an expat's wife and founding wordsmith of DFR+word.works, a consultancy specializing in content solutions and development for luxury hotels and resorts in China.  She carved a 15 year leadership career spanning the Philippines, Hong Kong, the US, and China, with an American MBA to boot. Diane suffers from an incurable addiction to killer stilettos. You may to The Bamboo Stiletto (personal blog)  http://bamboostiletto.wordpress.com and Follow tweets: https://twitter.com/bamboostiletto