For a few weeks this summer, a new Web Series called SELENE HOLLOW is set to begin filming, taking place in a fictional town and across multiple time periods. Starring Ashley C. Williams (photo on left), star of the controversial horror film THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE, SELENE HOLLOW is written by Brian Trent (author of Lady Philosopher: The Story of Hypatia) and producer/writer Damian Dydyn (whose work includes Righteous Kill). Director Mathew Provost, whose production credits include “Brokeback Mountain” and the TV series “Waterfront,” was attracted to the project because of its unusual blend of ideas, characters, and plenty of surprises. Marty Lang, director of Rising Star and Assistant Director and Creator of the Connecticut Film Industry Training Program, is also set to produce.

The series is about exotic locations — Ancient Rome, the Old West, and the Far Future. It has just entered its Kickstarter campaign, a crowdfunding venue in which the public can directly fund the project,  giving as little as $1 to however much they like, and earn (IMDb) credit and perks by being part of the process. (More after the jump) “A Web Series offers an entirely new way of telling stories,” said Trent, author of the award-winning historical novel Lady Philosopher: The Story of Hypatia, and the sci-fi short The Theseus Woman. “And Selene Hollow is a unique canvas. We take four characters and put them in a genre-blending odyssey. We’re very excited about it.”

(left to right) Damian Dydyn, Brian Trent, and Mathew Provost.

“This has been absolutely amazing process,” said co-writer and producer Dydyn, whose production credits include “Righteous Kill” and “Being Michael Madsen.” “At times I wasn’t sure if we were driving the story or if the story was driving us. Selene Hollow will be a wild ride that stretches the boundaries between science fiction, horror and comedy.” Selene Hollow will be shot entirely in Connecticut.It is set to premier in the fall of 2012.

To make a pledge, visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1448373374/selene-hollow

Visit Selene Hollow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeleneHollow

Official website: http://selenehollow.com/

From haute couture to unique, vintage pieces, the Met Gala is definitely one of the year’s hottest events and below, I’ve broken down my top 50 favorites from the evening’s festivities.

This year’s theme was  “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” which explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. Inspired by Miguel Covarrubias’s “Impossible Interviews” for Vanity Fair in the 1930s, the exhibition features orchestrated conversations between these iconic women to suggest new readings of their most innovative work. Iconic ensembles are presented with videos of simulated conversations between Schiaparelli and Prada directed by Baz Luhrmann, focusing on how both women explore similar themes in their work through very different approaches. Pics below.

50. Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake played it safe this year putting them at number 50 on my list. While they still look great, a little more vavoom would have been appropriate – it is the Met Gala after all. People expect you to go over the top!

49. Leighton Meister‘s Marchesa gown is gorgeous and while I love Leighton, I had to put her at #49 because I’m having a hard time getting over the color of her skin! Yikes!

48. Gwyneth Paltrow looks playful in this metallic cocktail dress by Prada.

47. Jessica Chastain in blue Louis Vuitton dress with jewels from Harry Winston.

46. Ashley Greene in an off the shoulder Donna Karan Atelier white grecian gown.

45. Claire Danes opted for an asymmetrical white silk gown by J. Mendel paired with Van Cleef & Arpels jewels and Christian Louboutin shoes.

44. Kate Upton is rumored to have paid the whopping $25,000 price tag for entry into this glamorous event. To celebrate, she wore a gold Michael Kors gown that was a little too form fitting in the mid-section. Her choice of hairdo and make-up was harshly dramatic keeping her at the tail end of this top 50 list.

43. Kristen Bell played it safe in this orange, halter gown by Tommy Hilfiger. I love the color, especially contrasted by the gold clutch. Pretty, but definitely ‘safe’.

42. Kristen Stewart rocked this color/pattern blocked mini dress by Balenciaga. Thoughts?

41. Lana Del Rey was chic with dark lips in this silver Joseph Altuzarra ensemble complete with a long cape. Very dramatic and reminiscent of little red riding hood – without the red. I actually really like this look for her and the color of her hair is just perfection!

40. Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady looked glam as always!

39. Julianne Hough donned a pretty pink Carolina Herrera dress teamed with Jimmy Choo heels while Ryan went for the classic black Burberry tuxedo/bow tie combo.

38. Elizabeth Banks definitely turned heads in this dress by Mary Katrantzou paired with heels by Christian Louboutin.

37. Emily Blunt kept it pretty and simple with a long, cut out gown from the Calvin Klein Collection.

36. Eva Mendes in a Prada tangerine silk strapless gown with an embellished bustier, Prada clutch and a David Webb ring.

35. Kirsten Dunst looks all grown up in this Rodarte ensemble, accessorized with Neil Lane and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

34. Lea Michele showed some skin in this Diane von Furstenberg dress and bag paired with Christian Louboutin shoes.

33. Rashida Jones wore a custom made, drop-shoulder cream silk chiffon gown from Tory Burch with hand-painted/beaded flowers and Sergio Rossi kicks. Prior to the event, Rashida hung out with Tory herself and shared an hourly breakdown of her day on the designer’s blog. http://www.toryburch.com/blog-post/blog-post,default,pg.html?bpurl=/editorial/day-in-the-life-rashida-jones/

Before walking the red carpet, ToryBurch, Rashida Jones, Brooklyn Decker and Liya Kebede (all wearing custom Tory Burch dresses) took a moment to catch-up. (ToryBurch.com)

32. Renee Zellweger making her signature scrunchy face in a black Emilio Pucci gown with train.

31. Sarah Jessica Parker in a floral & white Valentino dress and matching heels.

30. Heidi Klum wore a lace dress by Escada.

29. Jaime King in a gorgeous red backless, a custom-made Topshop dress.

28. January Jones wearing a Versace yellow strapless gown teamed with jewels by Cartier.

Look familiar? A similar version of this dress was recently worn by Kate Moss in a spread for Vogue.

27. Beyoncé Knowles  in a very see though Givenchy Haute Couture gown with a long purple feather train.

26. Brooklyn Decker in a pleated slate blue gown with hand-embroidered floral appliqués by Tory Burch.

25.  Diane Kruger rocked a royal purple Prada layered crepe silk chiffon V-neck gown with a hand-finished ostrich feather border. Accessorized with Prada shoes and clutch.

24. Lily Collins in a Valentino dress.

23. Liv Tyler in head to toe Givenchy with Fred Leighton jewelry.

22. Mia Wasikowska looked ravishing in a Prada raspberry cady silk short-sleeve gown, with Prada shoes and clutch.

21. Nina Dobrev chose an off the shoulder custom Donna Karan gown.

20. Jessica Stam, as a brunette, opted for a John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture dress.

19. Karolina Kurkova turned heads in a rose gold sequined gown and matching headpiece from the Rachel Zoe Collection as she walked the red carpet with Rachel.

18. Hilary Swank along with Michael Kors, wearing a gorgeous gown designed by Kors, himself.

17. Amber Heard with Zac Posen wearing Zac Posen.

16. Cameron Diaz in a gorgeous Stella McCartney dress paired with a gold metal clutch.

15. Christina Ricci wore a Thakoon dress accessorized with Tiffany & Co. jewels.

14. Ginnifer Goodwin decided to go bright orange in a custom Monique Lhuillier tangerine silk chiffon cap sleeve gown.

13. Malin Akerman looked super sexy gunmetal-hued Diane Von Furstenberg dress. The 33-year-old topped off her look with Christian Louboutin shoes and Fred Leighton jewelry.

12. Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior dress, shoes, and handbag.

11. Rihanna in a skintight, black leather Tom Ford gown embossed with alligator print and paired with Christian Louboutin heels.

10. Nicole Miller looked lovely in a floral print, asymetrical Nicole Miller dress with a peek a boo red lining. This dress was inspired by an original Schiaparelli number and paired with Jimmy Choo Shoes and a Roger Vivier clutch. Jewelry by Kara Ross NY.

9. Amy Adams in a Giambatista Valli gown and gold Judith Leiber clutch.

8. Sofia Vergara a strapless Marchesa dress paired with jewels from Harry Winston.

7. Rosie Huntington Whiteley in a floor-length black Burberry dress that shimmered!

6. Mary Kate Olsen in one of her own ‘The Row’ dresses paired with Christian Louboutin heels and Fred Leighton jewels.

5. Jessica Alba in a gorgeous metallic Michael Kors gown.

4. Doutzen Kroes looked super glam in Roland Mouret.

3. Dianna Agron brightened the room in this gorgeous green Carolina Herrera dress.

2. Scarlett Johansson wore a beautiful, embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress.

1. Victoria Justice chose a fun and playful MCQ by Alexander McQueen dress with floral embellishments and lace sleeves – so cute!!!

That didn’t stop Kim’s boyfriend Kanye from attending, however. Kanye West looked dapper in a Givenchy tux, even without Kim as arm candy (see pic below). This year’s glamorous event, titled “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations” seemed to be on Kim’s list of events to attend given that hours before it’s scheduled start, Kim Tweeted: ”So excited to see all the fashion going on in New York tonight at the MET!”

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Kate Upton was in attendance, but apparently paid a staggering $25,000 to attend! Other stars at the fashionable fete were there by invitation, including…

Kanye West

Leighton Meister, Christina Ricci, Alicia Keys & Swizz Beatz, Sofia Vergara, Doutzen Kroes, Karolina Kurkova, Jessica Stam, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Radcliffe, Beyoncé Knowles, Cate Blanchett, Florence Welch, Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest, Malin Akerman, Liv Tyler, Ginnifer Goodwin, Abbie Cornish, Mia Wasikowska, Rashida Jones, Candice Swanepoel, Anne V, Renee Zellweger, James Franco, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Victoria Justice, the Jonas Brothers,  Diane Kruger, Eva Mendes, Jessica Pare, Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Adams, Emma Roberts, Kate Bosworth, Mary Kate Olsen, Claire Danes, Brooklyn Decker,  Jessica Chastain, Kirsten Dunst, Gerard Butler, Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sofia Vergara, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady, Kristen Stewart, Lily Collins, Hilary Swank, Michael Kors, Rihanna, Heidi Klum, January Jones, Dianna Agron, Rooney Mara, Lea Michele, Jessica Alba, Jaime King, Elizabeth Banks, Dakota Fanning, Amber Heard, Nina Dobrev, Paula Patton, Lana Del Rey, and Camilla Belle.

The new 4,000 square foot Piperlime store will offer a similar curated assortment as online, immersing consumers in the brand’s unique shopping experience. Styled as a boutique, the store will feature the best range of coveted, iconic brands like Milly, Frye and Citizens of Humanity as well as little known finds including Tinley Road, Ash and Maison Scotch.

“Our customers have been asking for a place where they can experience Piperlime in person, and New York is the perfect location for this,” said Jennifer Gosselin, senior vice president and general manager of Piperlime. “Since introducing Piperlime in 2006, we’ve built a loyal following of fashion-involved women looking for a mix of the best styles from the brands they love and the new ones they discover.  Our SoHo location will offer an edited assortment, giving customers the right amount of everything in a refreshing setting,” she said. More below.

About Piperlime

Launched in October 2006, Piperlime is an online boutique that inspires customers with a fresh and unique mix of products, brands and price points.  Favorite picks and tips on how to wear the season’s trends from Piperlime Guest Editors Rachel Zoe, Rachel Bilson, Olivia Palermo and Byrdie Bell keep customers in the know.  Visit us at piperlime.com.   

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, and Athleta brands. Fiscal 2011 net sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. products are available for purchase in over 90 countries worldwide through about 3,000 company-operated stores, about 200 franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

She loves to design clothes and accessories and now Nicole Richie will be designing a special, capsule collection for Macy’s, called Impulse, which will debut in mid-September in about 100 Macy’s locations and on macys.com.  The line will consist of 24 to 30 pieces and will represent the modern woman.

“Women are wearing so many different hats these days. We are evolving. Not just working, but creating,” Nicole told WWD. “This collection has a strong mix of masculine and feminine: printed chiffon mixed with faux leathers. I focused on the details, from the zipper pulls to the buttons.” While Macy’s expects the collection to sell out in two weeks,  I’d wager, based on the success of Nicole’s previous collections, that Nicole’s line for Macy’s will sell out even quicker than the retailer anticipates! More after the jump…

While Nicole is excited about her capsule collection for Macy’s, so are the higher ups who work for the major department store. Macy’s CMO Martine Reardon told press that the potential for the lineup is impressive:

“Nicole is pretty savvy when it comes to the fashion business and understanding consumers. She’s a real fashion influencer. She’s got a very definitive look, very free style and bohemian chic, and our collection will definitely pay homage to her style. But we are being very careful to provide what the Macy’s customer wants. She really likes clothes with versatility. She likes to dress it up and dress it down.”

Nicole added, “With each collection I do, it all starts with music. Music is the driving force behind my inspiration. The Macy’s collection represents the many different layers of a modern woman. Women are wearing so many different hats these days. We are evolving. Not just working, but creating”.

When it comes to shopping for herself, Nicole likes to find the perfect balance between high and low.

“I shop at more expensive stores and I also shop at thrift stores,” she told PEOPLE at an H&M Fashion Star party in New York City.

“Most of my vintage T-shirts and peasant dresses, they’re like $10. There’s not a specific store that I go to or any label that I’m obsessed with buying…Fashion is a form of self expression and it’s really about how an article of clothing makes you feel”. She’s also not afraid to wear the same thing twice: “If I like a dress that I’m wearing, I will wear it until it’s falling off of me and someone’s like, ‘You’ve got to take off that dress.’”

Dancing around in a hot pink and electric blue workout ensemble, Katy Perry makes exercise look  fun and sexy! Also in the video are tennis star Caroline Wozniacki and DJ Baby G.

While generally the hat is supposed to be the star of the show, this season, it was all about the shoes! Matching my hat perfectly, these flower inspired shoes have a cork heel, which is definitely a big trend this spring/summer season! Plus, the chunky heel made walking around easy and comfortable. In fact, I wore these shoes from early morning until a little past midnight and did plenty of walking in complete comfort! Additionally, these shoes are gentle on the environment (vegetable tanned leather and natural, recycled content fabrics), something that Naya prides themselves in. See pics below.

You can purchase this white dress online at: VictoriasSecret.com

You can purchase these Naya shoes online at: Naturalizer.com

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, the Latin cook shared some festive and authentic recipes with Target’s writers for their online website, “A Bullseye View“. Her mouth-watering menu is not only delicious, but also pays homage to the Battle of Puebla (when the Mexican army defeated French forces on May 5, 1862).

But before getting to her recipes, which include a delicious bacon guacamole, Mexican pulled pork, and a Jalapeno – Guava Margarita,  Ingrid shares some interesting facts about her early days in the kitchen and how she celebrates the holiday in her own home. Feliz Cinco de Mayo! Recipes and more on Ingrid Hoffman after the jump…

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When did you first start cooking?

Ingrid Hoffman: I started at a very early age in my mom’s kitchen, where she started a catering company from our little house. She had just come back from studying at Cordon Bleu in France, so I was always coming home to crazy quantities of food being prepared in our kitchen. I was a curious child, and they were always trying to shoo me out, but somehow they couldn’t. And here I am.

Has your background influenced your cooking?

IH: Living in different countries expands your palette. I grew up in a house where we ate everything—Colombian, Mexican, Peruvian, Bolivian, Argentinian, Caribbean and Basque food. I make food from 22 Latin countries, including Spain. I do a little bit of it all.

What are some of your favorite ingredients to work with?

IH: I would say cilantro, avocado, quinoa and chiles.

How will you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

IH: With lots of food and drinks! To me, it’s a day to make a one-pot meal. I don’t want to fuss.

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Ingrid shared three easy-to-follow recipes.

It’s easy to fill up on the bacon guacamole and guava-jalapeño margaritas before making it to the main course: Tinga Poblana (Mexican pulled pork), but it’s worth saving a little room!

“To me, entertaining is about smart menus and recipes. Place guacamole and tortilla chips next to the pulled pork and set up a great self-serve station.”

“Have all the garnishes ready for the margaritas. You can pre-make the mix and pour it into ice cube trays and freeze it, so you have a bucket of flavored ice cubes that won’t water down your margaritas. The guava-jalapeño margarita is a fun twist on your typical margarita—you’re really making homage to this incredible country with foods that represent it.”

Bacon Guacamole:

Bacon Guacamole:

Serves 6

What You’ll Need:

8 to 10 bacon slices (about 1/2 pound)

3 medium Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled

1 tomato, halved, cored, seeded and chopped

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 serrano chiles, finely chopped (seeded and ribbed for less heat)

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 1/2 limes)

Salt

What You’ll Do:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until each side is brown and crisp, about 7 to 10 minutes total. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool completely. Chop the bacon into small bits and set aside.

2. Mash the avocados in a medium bowl until the texture is semi-smooth. Stir in the crumbled bacon.

3. Pat tomatoes dry with a paper towel and add to the avocado mixture. Gently stir in the onion, chiles, cilantro and lime juice. Taste and add salt if necessary; the bacon may add enough saltiness on its own.

Step by step: (Photos by Chris New)

Remove the pit

Scoop the avocado into a bowl

Mash the avocados in a bowl until the texture is semi-smooth

Fry the bacon

Make sure the bacon is crispy

Give the bacon a rough chop

Add the bacon to the mashed avocados

Halve the tomato and remove the core

Scoop out tomato seeds

Dice the tomatoes

Finely dice the seeded and ribbed serrano chiles (be careful!)

Add in the chopped ingredients to the avocado

Dice the onions

Tomatoes, onions and jalapenos

Mix to incorporate

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Guava-Jalapeño Margaritas:

Guava-Jalapeño Margaritas

Serves 4

What You’ll Need:

3 jalapeño chiles

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons tequila

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons lime juice (from about 5 limes), plus extra lime wedges for the glass rims (optional)

1/4 cup Cointreau or Grand Marnier

3 tablespoons guava juice

Coarse salt or margarita salt (optional)

What You’ll Do:

1. Place 2 whole jalapeños and the tequila in a small bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for a day.

2. Pour the tequila into a pitcher or large punch bowl and add the lime juice, Cointreau, and guava juice. Stir to combine and chill in the refrigerator.

3. If you would like to have a salted rim for your margaritas, place the salt on a flat plate. Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, turn it upside down on to the salt, and then twist the glass in the salt to coat the rim.

4. Thinly slice the remaining jalapeño. Serve the margarita straight up in a martini glass with some jalapeños floating in the glass or slit one side of the jalapeño ring and hang on the side of the glass.

Step by step: (Photos by Chris New)

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons tequila

Soak the jalapenos in the tequila

3 tablespoons guava juice

Pour tequila into a pitcher and add the lime juice, Cointreau and guava juice

Rub a lime wedge around the rim of each glass

Salt to coat the rim

Garnish with a jalapeno

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 Mexican Pulled Pork (Tinga Poblana):

Mexican Pulled Pork (Tinga Poblana)

Serves 8

What You’ll Need:

1 pound (about 3 medium) russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 (2 to 3-pound) pork loin

1 yellow onion, chopped, plus 1/2 yellow onion left whole

2 garlic cloves, smashed

2 bay leaves

12 ounces raw chorizo, casing removed

5 small tomatoes, peeled, cored and chopped

2 canned chipotle chiles en adobo, finely chopped (seeded and ribbed for less heat)

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram

Salt

For serving

16 corn or flour tortillas

4 medium Haas avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and sliced

1 cup fresh cilantro leaves

Lime wedges

What You’ll Do:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and set aside.

2. Place the pork in a large pot of water. Add the onion, garlic, and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the pork is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Remove the pork from the water and set it aside until it is cool enough to handle (discard the cooking liquid). Using your fingers or two forks, shred the meat into small pieces and set aside.

3. Break the chorizo into small pieces and fry it over medium-high heat in a large skillet or pot, stirring often, 8 to 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chorizo to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the shredded pork, potatoes, tomatoes, and chipotle chiles and cook until the tomatoes break down and release their juices, about 15 minutes. Return the cooked chorizo to the pan and stir in the vinegar, thyme, marjoram and some salt. Continue to cook over medium heat until some of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

4. While the pork cooks, heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tortilla and warm for 10 to 15 seconds. Flip the tortilla over and continue to warm until the tortilla is pliable and heated through, about another for 10 to 20 seconds. Place on a plate, cover with a kitchen towel, and set aside; repeat with the remaining tortillas (or simply warm the tortillas in the microwave).

5. Place pork in a serving bowl or bring it to the table in the cooking pot. Arrange the tortillas, avocado, and cilantro on a platter so guests can fill a tortilla with some of the meat and accompaniments. Pass a bowl of lime wedges around the table to squeeze over each serving.

For these great recipes and more, visit A Bullseye View.

Looking casual in PRVCY jeans, sneakers, and aviators, Paris happily rode her pink bicycle complete with a basket for her pup! Of course, casual for Paris, is still sexy and perfectly planned out – gotta love a girl who knows how to look glamorous in jeans and sneakers!

With summer at our doorstep, I’ve also been considering purchasing a bike to take on the trails near my house – while it’s been a while since I’ve owned one, I have many fond memories of riding a bicycle when I was younger and even more recently when I was in college. After graduation, I ditched the bike prior to moving to New York, but lately I’ve been missing  the option to just hop on my bike and go for a ride. It’s really a great way to spend some time outdoors, get some fresh air, and work out all at the same time!

Photos and Tweets after the jump…

On Twitter: “Love my new Prvcy Jeans, so comfy! They have some amazing new styles www.prvcycouture.com”

On Twitter: “How cute is she? Obsessed with my baby!”

Looking glamorous, while keeping that down to earth attitude, seems to come easy for MH who makes every piece of clothing come to life, including a sunny day dress, a one piece corset swimsuit, a scallop textured body suit, and a beautiful Vitor Zerbinato yellow silk kaftan. In the series of photos below, MH shows us that yellow is definitely one of the season’s hottest colors and that ‘Spring Break in Brazil’ is definitely worth checking out! Photos below.

Note: Production by Monique Motta, Beauty by Marilia Terrone.

Below: Vitor Zerbinato retro – inspired, strapless, one piece swimsuit with embellished corset top.

Below: Vitor Zerbinato yellow silk kaftan, Kara Ross snake embossed cuff, and Turning a New Leaf necklace.

Below: Vitor Zerbinato strapless dress.

Below: Scallop textured body suit by Vitor Zerbinato, Kenneth Jay Lane ring.

Spring Break Brazil with Maria Helena Vianna

www.mariahelenavianna.com