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Would You Change Your Style For a Man?

FabSugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:11 PST

The Muppets' Music Man Bret McKenzie on His Oscar Nod and Taking a Silly Job Seriously

Lindsay Miller — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:50:41 PST

Bret McKenzie is up for an exceedingly rare honor this year, with his ballad "Man or Muppet" earning one of just two nominations in the Oscars' best song category. I caught up with The Muppets' musical supervisor today at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank to chat about the awards attention and the unique experience of penning music for Kermit and company. The New Zealand native talked about fighting the temptation to use the word "motherfrogger" in his songwriting and the roundabout way he came on board The Muppets project in the first place. Bret - who previously was best known as one half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords - also shared his hopes of bringing FOC to the big screen. Check out our conversation below:

PopSugar: It's got to be an honor to be nominated for an Oscar, but also in a year when the Academy only bothered to nominate two songs.
Bret McKenzie: They barely nominated anyone! When I found out, it sounded like there'd been a mistake, and yeah, it's a huge honor. It's great and it's really exciting, and I'm not complaining that there's only two nominees the year I'm nominated. I mean, this is the best chance I'll have of winning an Oscar, ever. It couldn't have been better, unless there was just one nomination, and then it would be a very dull ceremony . . . There's a lot of legendary musicians - tunesmiths - in that list of possible nominations. So it's all very surreal to think that I got in ahead of Elton John.

PS: And Madonna. Those two had a little rivalry going on.
BM: I know. I got nervous about what Elton John's husband was going to say about me. It's crazy, and it's great for The Muppets film, because we're all really proud of the film and it wasn't ever really going to get a best actor. Hey, Jason's good, that's not what I mean, but Kermit, Miss Piggy - they can't win these awards - and comedies don't generally get recognized at these awards ceremonies, so it's kind of cool. It's almost like the film as a whole is being recognized with this category.

For more from our chat with Bret, including what he says about his plans for a Flight of the Conchords film, coaching Jason Segel, and the pressure he felt on the project, just

read more! PS: What was the biggest unexpected challenge for you writing music for the film? I know you talked about one draft of a song where you referred to a Muppet as a piece of felt and were told you couldn't do that. BM: Yeah. Little piece of felt, and you couldn't say things like motherfrogger, even though it's very tempting. There were lots of hard parts to it. The Muppets can't sing certain notes. They can't sing too high or the voice changes and doesn't sound like the right character. There were so many weird things. I spent hours recording penguins and rats, and what's weird is that it's such a silly job, but you have to take it very seriously. So I would be in the studio for days, maybe a whole day recording penguins, and then I'm like, "I'm not happy with how the penguins are sounding! Where's penguin four?" You know, getting demanding. "We lost penguin track four! I can't hear the penguin!" PS: I was watching the movie again last night and watching Jason Segel's performance of "Man or Muppet." Did you coach him on any of his rockstar moves? Because he pretty much nailed it. BM: He nailed it. That's my favorite moment in the film. When he buckles down in the rain, that was one of my favorite shots. I was so proud of what James [Bobin, the director] and those guys achieved, because I wasn't there on set, I just saw them syncing the video, and I was like, "Wow, guys. You nailed it." What we did do in the studio, as Jason and I had a technique where I would sing a line, and he'd watch me through the window, and then he'd sing it back. So we did this thing where, I was really into the drama of it. So, I was like, "Am I a Muppppettt?" [balling his hands into fists] And he'd be like, OK, record. "Am I a Muppppettt!" So we kind of worked together to get that style. PS: Did it shatter some of your childhood illusions to have the guy that does Miss Piggy's voice come work with you [in the recording studio]? BM: Yeah. Well, it wasn't Frank Oz. The guy Eric, who does it now, yeah. That was strange. And the day that we recorded Kermit the Frog doing "Rainbow Connection" - I was sort of pinching myself, because that was probably one of the real moments for me where I realized that my world had really changed. That I'd come from New Zealand, I'd grown up with Kermit the Frog, and now I was in Hollywood in a studio recording Kermit the Frog. It felt like worlds had collided. PS: Was there pressure knowing there was already this great catalog of Muppet songs? To try to add to that or top it in some way? BM: I knew I wouldn't top "Rainbow Connection," but I was very intimidated, but the way I worked on the job was it actually started with me just writing one song, so I didn't feel the pressure of writing the whole movie. I think it would have been different if I'd been hired from the outset to do all the music. So I wrote one, then another, and gradually wrote more and more, so that helped. PS: What song did you write first? BM: The opening song. That's the one they needed, that's the one James asked me to write first. The script was probably on a second draft, and they were in preproduction, so I came in quite late. And the way they were doing it was, they got 100s of demos submitted from all sorts of songwriters, and surprisingly - even though they got some really great people to do demos - people weren't quite hitting the right tone. The Muppet tone. I'd just come off the Conchords tour and I had some time, and James asked if I was interested in doing that opening song, because he had a kind of specific thing he needed from that song. He needed it to be really Muppet-y, that song, and he had a great idea for the whole town joining in, it starting off small and becoming a big musical number, and that came together really well. PS: Is this experience maybe something you want to bring to a Flight of the Conchords movie? BM: Yeah, exactly. Having done this movie now, we're in a much better place to do a Conchords film, because James is more experienced - well, we're all more experienced. Not specifically, but James Bobin - well, we're all very keen to do another studio musical, because I really enjoyed being able to do comedy musical numbers on such a grand scale, and I think next time, I really think it will just get better and better. Because it's such a fun genre, and we've done like 50 songs for TV now, and now The Muppets movie, and I feel like we've accidentally sort of become musical comedy experts. PS: What do you imagine Bret and Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords are up to these days, in their universe? BM: In the Lower East Side? That's a good question. I reckon they probably got a regular gig now. Like, at a Chinese restaurant. Photo courtesy Disney

Operation Organize: Charitable Closet Clearing

Lauren Conrad — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 11:30:31 PDT

We are thrilled to share this story from LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics - fashion, beauty, food, party planning - and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, we talk closet cleaning for a cause.

If you have read my book Style then you know what I think when it comes to cleaning out your closet: if you can’t see it, you won’t wear it. The solution? Overhaul your closet, and get organized. (Check out Chapter 4 of Style for helpful tips on editing and arranging your closet.) So what do you do with all of the pieces you want to ditch? Pay it forward. And no, I don’t mean watch the movie.

Think of it this way: as your unused homecoming dress sits in the deep dark depths of your closet, there is someone out there who is looking for, or needing, that very dress. They don’t say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” for nothing. Instead of tossing or selling closet rejects, donate them - but do it wisely. Certain organizations specialize in distributing specific clothing items. To inspire you to make smarter donation decisions, I have put together a list of helpful suggestions on disposing your closet castoffs:

Shoes. If you are tossing a pair of shoes, give them to someone who really needs them. I recently learned about Soles4Souls, which is an organization that collects shoes and gets them to those in need. In many countries, children cannot attend school or church unless they have a pair of shoes, and Soles4Shoes makes this possible.

Keeping reading . . .

10 Essential Etiquette Tips For the Yoga Studio Newbie

Leta Shy — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:39:59 PDT

I'm no yoga expert, but I do enjoy going to yoga class to keep me feeling relaxed and aligned. Since regularly practicing can add up, I've been doing work trade at my local studio so I can take a free class or two in exchange for manning the front desk once a week. It's made me feel more comfortable with yoga culture as well as helped me learn about the different yoga styles. It's also allowed me to observe many different behaviors from behind the sign-in desk, from the Type A regular to the apprehensive first-timer, so I've compiled some things I've learned that are essential to being a courteous and wise yoga student. You'll want to check out these yoga etiquette tips if you're a yoga studio newbie, but even if you're a yoga buff you may find a few good tips you forgot!

Show up on time. If you are more than a few minutes late to your class, you may not be allowed in because you could disrupt the rest of the students' practice.
If it's your first time at the studio, sign up for the introductory offer. It's cost effective since experiencing more than one class is important in making sure the studio is the right fit for you. If you don't enjoy the first teacher you practice with, ask for recommendations and try another one at the studio.
Make sure the person at the front desk checks you in. When people hurriedly sign into the class roster sheet and walk away while I'm helping someone else, it makes it harder to track them in the online system, which can mean their teacher won't get paid for their attendance.

Read the rest of my list after the break.

Beginner Tips For Hot Yoga

Heather Dale — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 02:16:59 PDT

Hot yoga, aka bikram yoga, can be quite intimidating for those who are either new to yoga in general, or haven't been to a hot yoga class before. If the 105ºF temperatures aren't enough to scare you away, the thought of getting sticky and sweating with a group of strangers can be enough to turn you off of it. But, once you get past the heat and the sweat factor, hot yoga classes can provide you with some of the best workouts of your life. Here's what you should know before attending your first hot yoga class.

What to bring: Unlike traditional yoga, hot yoga requires a few more accessories to make the class more enjoyable. I like to bring a big bottle of water so that I can stay hydrated throughout class; my own yoga mat; a slipless yoga towel to help keep me in place during the practice; and a smaller towel for face/neck sweat. Note: towels are not required, but with all of the sweating you do, they are nice to have.
What to wear: I tend to just wear my regular yoga clothes to class which are made out of sweat-wicking materials. I would suggest steering clear of baggy or articles of clothing made out of cotton because anything baggy will just become a nuisance, and cotton actually traps sweat, so you'll feel even more uncomfortable.

Keep reading for more tips.

Fab Community Must Reads: Victoria Beckham's Fall Denim Lookbook and More

FabSugar — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 03:00:32 PDT

Check out Victoria Beckham's Fall denim lookbook - Life, Love & Lace
Do you think Marc Jacobs will launch a couture line? - The Fash Pack
Guys, man up for this season's feminine accessories - Voguish Fair
Knee-high socks: hot or not? - British Blogger
How small style adjustments can make big changes - Over 40 Style

5 Tips to Be a Guy's Girl Without Sacrificing Your Womanly Self

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:00:20 PDT

This concept of a "guy's girl" is slightly vague. Is there a checklist of what constitutes a guy's girl that I'm unaware of? Does it mean you have to be a sports fanatic? Do you have to consume wings and beer above all else? Can you still wear makeup and do your hair?

Being a guy's girl does not mean you have to let your girly nature go. Take these five tips for being the girl lots of guys want to be around, without losing your feminine edge.

Low maintenance does not mean lack of style. It does mean that you can't be attached to every mirror that passes by. Confidence is sexy, and all the guy's girls I know, regardless of their body type, hair color, or general physical appearance, have an innately sexy quality. It's not that you don't care. It's that you don't care an unhealthy amount.
Support his guy time. Codependency is a crime for the guy's girl in you. Spending all your time together does not mean that your relationship is complete. In fact, the smothering can be a huge hindrance to the relationship. Plus, if you support the male bonding, his guy friends will support you tenfold.
Be kind to his guy friends, but don't go over the top. You don't have to overcompensate by nervously laughing at every joke or constantly telling his best friend how awesome he is. Just like you see through it when girls are faking it to the max, guys kind of get this, too. The best you can do is be authentic.
Let him be. I'm talking about the picking on your man that makes everyone uncomfortable in the room. His clothes, his music, and his interests are his. Maybe you can try to turn him on to something new that you're into, but you can't expect him to change or fit into this crazy idealized mold you've created. Couples who have serious differences but manage to make it happen are pretty intriguing. Repeat the mantra: "Let him be."
Look like a woman, and embrace it. Maybe you've got some serious curves and maybe you're naturally slim and sleek. The only thing you've got to do is embrace your body. Stop asking him if you look OK or if he thinks you're fat. This can be a hard one to give up, especially if you thrive off praise from the outside world. Ask any guy: healthy self-esteem is infinitely hot.

Any other tips for aspiring guy's girls out there? Share below!

Red Flags That Aren't Really Red Flags

Annie Scudder — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:00:00 PDT

Some dating red flags are universal - like getting wasted on a first date - but no man is perfect. Although relationship expert Natasha Burton wrote a book all about the warning signs women need to look out for when looking for love, she says her mission is not to cut down men for having flaws. If a guy shows signs of any of these commonly mistaken red flags, Natasha, the coauthor of The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags, thinks single women should think twice before writing him off.

He's never had a girlfriend before. Natasha admits this could be a red flag. "But before you think he's clearly got issues with women or commitment or both," she explains, "find out the real story. He may have just been waiting for the right gal to come along."
He's got terrible style. "We can't tell you how many stories we hear of women who refuse to date a guy because of a physical imperfection or superficial flaw," Natasha tells me. "We say - red flag on you! While a guy may be stuck in a world of flannel or graphic tees, don't let his appearance take precedence over who he is."
He plays video games. "While a guy who does nothing but play Xbox is not one we'd suggest for a boyfriend," she says, "playing games can be a great outlet for guys in high-stress jobs, allowing a dude to detox after a long day at the office. As long as his Halo habit doesn't usurp his hang-out-with-you habit, you're in the clear."
He lives with his parents. "In this economy, most young people - men and women - are being forced to live with multiple roommates. And sometimes those roommates are our parents," she concedes. "If he's taking steps toward independence and doesn't expect to live in mom and dad's basement forever, don't judge."
He's terrified of having children. "Most guys we know think babies are cute . . . as long as they are other people's babies. If your guy can't talk about your joint future together (moving in, marriage, etc.), that can be a big red flag. But if he's a little squeamish about the presumed end of your normal sex life and the beginning of changing diapers all night long, let him slide a bit."

Do you agree with Natasha that these characteristics are no big dealbreaker? Or would you run the other way without thinking twice if you met a man with any of these qualities?

For more advice on dating red flags, check out our series with the authors, or pick up their book The Little Black Book of Big Red Flags.

Rihanna Scores a Glamorous September Issue Cover

Katie Henry — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:40:03 PDT

Rihanna scored the September Glamour cover, where she sports a striking Dolce & Gabbana backless top, sequins pants, and a playful smile. Inside the magazine, Rihanna talks about drama, her friendship with Katy Perry, and being a role model for young girls. The conversation isn't entirely PG, since Rihanna also dishes on what she likes in the bedroom. Rihanna doesn't share much about her upcoming foray into acting, though you can see her alongside costars Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, and Taylor Kitsch in the first Battleship trailer Here's more from Rihanna's interview, which is due out on newsstands Aug. 9:

On style: "Getting dressed, I want to pick the most bizarre pair of shorts so I can figure out how to make it look right, or work an outfit that will make people go, “What the hell is she wearing?"
On dealing with how messy life can get: "I think honesty is the ultimate liberation in life. People want to shy away from the truth and keep sweeping it under the rug. But after a while, you pick up the rug and there’s just way too much dirt, so you might as well just be up front about it."
On being a role model for young girls: "I want to set the right example and, at the same time, live my life. . . . I feel like pop stars can’t be rock stars anymore because they have to be role models, and it takes the fun out of it for us, because we just want to have fun with art."

Too see what Rihanna had to say about sex and drama, just

On liking dominant guys in the bedroom: "I play a very dominant role in my life, in every aspect of it. And I like to feel like a lady still, at some point. I feel like that’s the time when a guy really gets to be a man, and I get to be a woman. And if I’m being a man in the bedroom too, there’s nothing really in it for me."
On staying honest: "My whole life changed a couple years ago. That’s when I decided to let my guard down completely. There’s freedom in honesty. If you just face it today, tomorrow you can move on to something else."
On hating drama . . . and perfection: "I hate drama. But at the same time, nothing bothers me more than when life’s perfect. And that’s the sick part. I just love a challenge, whether it’s a relationship, my career, clothing . . . "
On her friendship with Katy Perry: "All my friends are guys, to be completely honest. But when I met her, it was such a breath of fresh air. I just couldn’t believe this chick had no edit button. . . . Katy and Lady Gaga came out of the gate exactly the way they think, the way they wanna dress, the way they wanna speak."

Glee-ful Highlights From Episode "Funeral"

Shannon Vestal — Wed, 18 May 2011 09:14:28 PDT

There's just one more week before Glee's season finale and their trip to NYC for Nationals, and things get more dramatic than anyone expected. There's a death that shakes up everyone and changes one character to the core, and the gang busily plans a funeral service despite the prep they still need to do before the big event.

Still, the show must go on, and Jesse St. James is there to pull everyone's thoughts away from funeral arrangements and back into cutthroat competition. His funny lines break up the otherwise somber episode, which I'm ready to discuss, spoilers and all, when you