Dance Moms is Distracting.

It's been so long since I've had a chance to post, but to be fair it's been so long since I've even had time to think about posting. My life plate is getting a little full at the moment: school, work, student government, pinterest, secret endeavers, and the weeist bit of a social life are only leaving me to do my other two favorite pastimes: sleeping and pizza--er, I mean eating. 


Needless to say fashion has been up to some pretty breath taking things recently (as the international fashion weeks are in full swing), but I've been up to some neat things as well. A few weeks ago I got to work behind the scenes of the Nordstrom opening gala fashion show; Next week I'll be styling my very first musician photoshoot; I've started conceptually developing and producing my very own 5 outfit collection, that will compete with those of so many others, to be in my school's fashion show next spring--things are getting a little hectic. 


But with all of these responsibilities, opportunities, projects, and parties (the few I do attend) I've been up to some other things as well...but those things will come out within the next few weeks. 


I intend to be blogging more now, keeping things a little more up to date; ranting about trends, fashion shows, and what that girl was wearing in class yesterday.  Fashion is honestly my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. This blog just gives me an excuse to talk about it. All of it.


In addition: here's some of my favorite pieces from some of the fashion week's in the last month. Enjoy

alice & olivia, spring 2012

christian siriano, spring 2012

rodarte, spring 2012

d&g, spring 2012

fendi, spring 2012

gucci, spring 2012

rachel zoe, spring 2012

luca luca, spring 2012

oscar de la renta, spring 2012

To view more collections visit http://www.style.com/



Until next time,
Lo

Oh my stars.

Sometimes when I'm up late and flipping through the channels I come across E! Now, E!, for me, is known for a few things: ridiculous documentaries on every celebrity who's ever been a little bit famous, E! news, The soup (which is an exception to E's otherwise stained reputation) and fashion police--in which Joan River's hosts (I don't know if you're all familiar with Joan Rivers, but let me sum her up for you in a few words: old, obnoxious, invalidly opinionated).

Since the Teen Choice Awards came on Sunday night, I expect there to be a Fashion Police episode soon (if it hasn't already happened) addressing the madness on the "Blue Carpet." So, before ole' joan has a chance to open that big mouth of hers I wanted to get out a few out MY thoughts.

WORST DRESSED.

DEAR AVRIL: Do you know that you are now 26? I know that you don't enjoy the way things are when they're complicated, but see, the way you dressed that night makes me frustrated (see what I did there?) But srsly. Don't dress like a 19 year old. I know you're still angsty, but there's no need to express your lingering punk rock dreams on the carpets of hollywood. Grow up.

Cory Monteith...what are we going to do with you. I realize the artsy, fashionable boy look is in right now, and I respect your efforts. However, I didn't even know they made pants in a color that looks like (if it were crayola) it could be named chicken nugget. Also: they fit kind of ill, and they don't go with the rest of your outfit. Cohesion is not on your side my friend. Be a little more relaxed next time.

TYRA. JUST BECAUSE you host America' s Next Top Model (forever and always) does NOT mean everything that you wear is fierce. EXHIBIT A SHOWN ABOVE. A skin tight, leather jumpsuit does not scream, "I AM SO FRESH, AND SO CLEAN CLEAN." Instead it screams, "I AM TRYING WAY TOO HARD TO BE YOUNG AND A MODEL AND HOT." You are not hot in this, Ty. In fact, the only reason that word might be used is because your color scheme is fireman-esque. Burn.

Fergie, I'm not sure whether you tripped and fell into Lisa Frank's bucket-o-fun, or if you honestly thought you looked out of this world. What is it with black and yellow being the suck color scheme of the night, eh? I mean, generally those colors look awesome together. Anyway, I just don't see anything fantastic or unique about this dress except for the ridiculous print (and that is only memorable because how unfortunate it is). Keep on tryin fergie-ferg.

 BEST DRESSED.

Blake Lively--I am nearly positive that you make my best dressed list EVERY TIME you chasse down the red carpet. The color choice of the dress is SO bold, but still compliments your skin tone and hair, and you definitely did it well by pairing it with a pair of leopard print stilettos and accentuating your waist with that skinny belt. Super classy, super sassy.

OH Shaun White. You look FINE (pronounced FOINE in this context). You did it right pairing the black skinnies with the boots (if Corey would have done something like this his look would have been a lot less disjointed). Also, the relaxed nature of the button up, sleeves rolled up, and top buttons open makes for a cool, easy going vibe (and I'm going to say that personifies you to a T. So, way to achieve, champ). Call me.

This dress could NOT have been any more perfect on Ashley Benson. The mock-turtle neck balances out the shortness of the dress (i.e. LEGS!) and the design of the fabric is rockin. Good call accessorizing with a black clutch and some black platform stilettos. She might be my favorite from the whole night. Black and yellow: you're doing it right. 

Kelly Cuoco looked like an angel in this tiered white dress. It's not too fancy for the occasion, but definitely made her stand out. I think she looks incredibly elegant, chic, and stylish. There's not much more to say about this look than that she hit it right on the head. Minimal accessories are definitely working with it as well

Admittedly, That was probably too much fun.

Until next time,

Lo

Back to School/Fall Trends, Episode 2: Snakeskin

"SNAKESKIN?! Holy TACKY." That's what some of you just thought. Contrary to popular belief (and bad fashion faux pas of the past) snakeskin is having a shining moment. Designers put chic ensembles and elegant evening looks sporting the reptilian print down the runways for fall and I've never seen it done better. 

Chloe', Fall/Winter 2011

Snakeskin can go day or night and can be styled urban or sophisticated; accessories will help to dictate the direction your outfit will take. Snakeskin is definitely more daring than denim, so sport it confidently.  Do be careful, though, because if your snakeskin is in a neon, a spandex, a metallic, or on a minidress...you might look like more of a teenybopper than a trendsetter.

For day:

Paring snakeskin with studs is a combination that immediately was attractive to me. The ruggedness of the two together, paired with the chain necklace and the black ankle boots, creates an edgy look that could only better be accented with a red lip and a rockin' oversized bag. I thought the feather earrings were a nice touch, to add to the animal motif of the look, and the watch was more of a practicality thing while still being cute (reason: being late to class is awkward.)

For night:

When I was styling the outfit for night time, monochromatic automatically seemed the way to go. I wanted to play off the tones in the dress and accentuate them with the sparkle of the beading in the necklace, earrings, and the clutch. I wanted to keep the shoes nude so the look wasn't too busy, and I'd make the lips nude as well to offset the smokey eye that I think would look flawless. Lastly, I could see the nails being a brown/gray color (taupe, if you will) and I think an armor ring would finish off the outfit.

Snakeskin isn't the only animal print in this fall, zebra and leopard prints are going to be popular as well. Get a little wild, but don't get too crazy.

Until next time,

Lo

Patriotic Style

When I went to the park for the firework show last night it was impossible not to notice the variety of patriotic inspired outfits that people were sporting. Red, white, and blue was the obvious color scheme of choice (as it was Independence Day), and stars embellished everything from headscarves to socks. 

Americana style is easy to spot, but some definitely put more of a fashionable spin on it than others. I was cruising lookbook this morning and there were a whole lot of 4th of July outfits posted. Here were some of my favorites:

Until next time,

Lo

Hello, Yellow

So, today I was watching e news and, amongst the countless clips of celebrity scandal and movie rumors, they had a segment on how the hot new summer color was yellow. Yellow is a sunny, bright, and popular color so I see where they get that, but the celebrity outfits they chose weren't the most original takes on the bold summer statement. 
Instead of pointing you towards a database of celebrities looking their best in various shades of lemon, butter, and baby yellow, I thought I'd style a few looks myself to show you some interesting ways to make yellow work.

For a cool and contemporary work or lunch look, try a little color blocking. Primary color combinations (such as the turquoise, mustard, and red orange that I used here) are a good way to make your yellow look a little less sunshine and a little more put together. Here I paired a looser, blouse top with some skinny jeans and a red orange cropped blazer. I accessorized with a unique watch, who's band is the same color as the wedge oxford shoes, and topped everything off with a color blocked Vivienne Westwood shoulder bag to tie it all together.

For a fun, weekend look I focused more on the complementary color of yellow, which is purple. The skirt and tank top combination would be super comfortable, and the ruched short sleeve jacket adds a little extra style to it. The accessories add the whimsy to the outfit, with the lego earrings, statement watch, and patent leather bag. It wouldn't take much to amp this outfit up from a day of shopping to a night on the town. Just a little accessory swapping and you are ready to go. 

Finally, I did an evening look, and a monochromatic one at that. The different shades of yellow work together to create an interesting effect. I think the jewelry I've chosen to go with this outfit is super elegant, and that the shoes and bag add even more of a vintage touch to the ensemble. 

There is so much you can do with yellow, other than just wearing one shade of it to the video awards. Get creative and see what you can come up with.

Until next time, 

Lo

Summer time and the living is... busy

Before this summer started I had about 90 goals to accomplish during my 3 month break from school. I had to do lists, and plans to make, and a netflix queue to cruise through... and somehow or another a little place called pf changs has stomped on my summertime ambitions like an annoyed housewife steps on ants in the kitchen. Not that I mind TOO much--I mean a girl's gotta make money, honey. 


The good news is I think that the crazy period of weeks full of doubles and closing shifts every other night has finally come to a close. It's back to a normal partly full time schedule (which is just as satisfying and dissatisfying as it sounds).


Altogether summer so far has been.. incredible. It started with a trip to a place, you may have heard of, called Italy, followed by an adventure to Bonnaroo, and in between has introduced some time for good food and time with friends (with many more to come, I hope).


With more free time comes more blogging time, which is really exciting to me, because honestly blogging has been at the top of my to do list all summer (it's just somehow gotten overridden). But those days are over! And FWIK is ready to make a ferocious comeback. Recipes, outfits, fashion news, music, DIY, rants, adventures, reviews... They all will be making appearances. I don't want to make any sort of blogging schedule, like music monday or tutorial tuesday, but instead just do whatever is fresh on my mind that day. I think it could make for some really awesome posts that will be fun to write and to read.


To finish out tonight I just want to highlight a few of my fashionable favorites from youtube and their most recent uploads. 

Sammie -AKA Beautycrush

Clothes Encounters

the Style Diet

until next time,

Lo

Top Ten: Colors for Spring

Waking up last week with the satisfying feeling of knowing it was 70 degrees outside was such a refreshing way to wake up after this winter's brutal reign. But for it to have lasted more than a week would, clearly, have been too good to be true. Wind, rain, and gloom have encompassed this postless week for long enough, and I decided now was a great time for a spring pick-me-up post. Some things to look forward to, if you will. Namely: color.

According to Pantone these are the top 10 fashion colors for this spring. These colors were the quintessential colors seen at New York Fashion Week. They will be taking over our favorite stores, makeup counters, and accessory boutiques so might as well pick a few favorites. The colors are bright, exotic, and a definite remedy for the dark browns and blacks that have made up our winter wardrobes. 

I think the coolest thing about these colors is that a lot of them can be mix and matched. Pairing the yellow and purple would complement the two of them well, but putting the orange with the purple would give it an unexpected pop. The 3 neutrals (the brown, the pink, and the gray) are very easy to toss around every day as well. These colors not only will be big in spring, but will be easy to transition into next fall as well.

A combination of these trendy colors, a bold lip, wedges, and a pair of your favorite sunglasses are all you'll need to look drop dead fabulous this spring and summer. 

And believe me, there is nothing dull and dreary about that.

until next time
Lo

currently listening to: Ben Folds & Nick Hornby - Lonely Avenue

Spring Fever

This morning when I stepped out on my balcony I expected to be faced with another morning that was a little to brisk for my taste. What happened instead is that I was suddenly over come with spring fever, and a day that was 75% completed sans cardigan. I got in a little while ago, and I want to say my car thermometer read 60 degrees. Thank you, sweet sweet groundhog, for predicting an early spring this year. I owe you one.

Outfit of the Day

I technically wore this outfit last weekend, but temperatures were pretty similar to how they were today, so I'm posting this guilt free.

Tank top- William Rast for Target. I got this tank top for my birthday from my mom. It was on clearance when we ordered it online, and with target's lack of shipping costs, it was a steal for about $8. It's a light pink color (a  current fave of mine) and made of a thin, slick, soft material. I could look on the tag to be more specific, but it's in hamper land right now, and begging not to be disturbed. I really love this top, and expect to be wearing it often this spring and summer.

Cardigan- Urban Outfitters. I got this cardigan last spring on clearance at urban. It's a really thin material, and a size up from what I normally get so it hits the big baggy notes that I crave every so often. It kept me just warm enough (and offered my hands some shelter in it's pockets) and was easy to store in my purse when it seemed to warm for it.

Jeans- Levi's. Levi's are my holy grail of jeans. Never do they fail me. The only thing I'll wear more than my Levi's this spring is my jeggings...and don't even get me started on those. They are a lighter denim and have a few rips and the perfect stretch. Skinny fit, aka the only jean fit I ever buy, but not to tight. Perfect.

Boots- Lucky Brand. I got these boots for my birthday, and ohhhh my lord do I love them. They are military/work boot style, olive green, lace up, and comfortable as can be. They tops and tongue can be worn up or folded down (depending on the look you are going for). I got mine at Belk, but as far as I know they are still available on Lucky's website, and are available in the green color I have as well as black. They are made very well and I can tell I'll be wearing them for a few years before they give out.

I already know this spring/summer I'll be doing the half tuck I did with my shirt this day. I love the way an outfit looks with a tucked in top, but leaving it untucked makes it look more relaxed...the solution? If you tuck in a bit of your shirt in the front you still get the length in your torso, but the remaining part of the shirt that is left untucked keeps your outfit looking easy going and comfortable. Voila, an easy way to amp up your outfit.

Spring Fling
When it feels as good as it did today outside it is hard for me NOT to drive with my windows down and my music turned up ridiculously high. Here's my driving playlist of the moment:

• Annie waits - Ben Folds
• Howling for You- Black Keys 
• Wagon Wheel-Old Crow Medicine Show
• Calamity Song-The Decemberists
• Dog Days are Over-Florence and the machine 
• All the Pretty Girls -Fun.
• Tight rope-Janelle Monae
• Camera Talk-Local Natives
• Kids-MGMT
• Winter Winds-Mumford and Sons
• Mutiny, I Promise You-The New Pornographers
• Badman-Newton Faulkner
• Little Secret-Passion Pit
• Holiday-Vampire Weekend
• Let's Dance to Joy Division-The Wombats

**click on the link above to hear the whole playlist**


Spring trends I'm Stoked About
According to the magazines, blog posts, youtube videos, and websites I've been reading there is a lot to look forward to this spring, but to narrow down the huge, intimidating list of trends that is going to be enveloping our malls and boutiques within the coming weeks, I'm just going to rant about a couple of my favorite up and comings.


BALLERINA
The ballerina trend is something I've been a fan of since I realized what it entailed: pretty girly dresses, chiffon (aka sheer, my fave), flowy silhouettes, frills, neutral colors, and bodysuits. All of the above are something I crave to wear in the springtime. I love the femininity they bring to the table.

white top-topshop, chiffon skirt-urban outfitters, 

rouched blue dress-topshop 

SIDEBAR: I am a sucker for neutral colors and chiffon, so those will definitely be a huge part in my spring wardrobe.

70'S

 I never hear anything positive about fashion in the 70s. Even when I was in a history of fashion class, the teacher did nothing but grimace through that chapter in the book. This seasons modern take of the 70s style is really intriguing to me. Bold colors, longer hemlines, crochet, and bright patterns made for a delicious spectacle on the runway. I cannot wait to wear rompers, crop tops, and MAYBE even a maxi dress.. but I think we all know about how I feel about those on short people. Either way, whether this spring trend lives in fame or infamy, i'm excited about it.

both the top and dress are from topshop

until next time

Lo

currently listening to: The Avett Brothers Live: Volume 3

The Skinny

Things have been a little ridiculous since birthday weekend. Assignment after assignment, weekend shifts at the PF, and work study have been consuming my free time. Good news? There are a lot of exciting things coming up from here on out. Spring break is so close I can taste it. And then after spring break it's smooth sailing, other than the dreaded finals week, all the way to my Italy adventure and Bonnaroo!

Official Italy countdown: 83 DAYS.

I have some goals before Italy. Namely: lose about 10 pounds and about 5 inches as well. I thought I could document that on here as well, because who doesn't love a good tip on staying healthy and fit. I technically started last week, but with the amount of free food that is being hurled in my direction it's been really difficult to stay on track. Sidebar: when trying to eat healthier, there is nothing wrong with eating what sounds good when it sounds good...because if you shove it away, you will likely come back at it, when it is presented to you again, with a vengeance. 

My eating habits aren't unhealthy, by any means. But I am going to monitor my cheese and my sweet intake. If you know me, or have seen my cheese drawer in my refrigerator, then you may know that I have a bit of a problem NOT putting cheese on things. Cheese on broccoli and rice, cheese on vegetable burritos, cheese on salads...I know. It's out of control. I'd really like to only be eating cheese 3 times a week, and sweets about the same amount. This doesn't mean I'm going to cut out my annual weekend pizza veg out, but it does mean that the mexican shredded cheese probably won't be finding it's way into my shopping bags as often. 

Something to remember though: is that when you are making something, such as broccoli cheese rice, is that you can add more beneficial things TO THEM to make them a)last longer, b)better for you, and c)more filling (so you eat less of the bad stuff.) Good example: when you make broccoli cheese rice, you can toss in some frozen broccoli before the water boils, and then serve it over a small can of tuna (white, canned in water), and you'll find that there is more broccoli and tuna than there is cheesy rice. LOOPHOLE, AM I RIGHT?

If you're looking for a website with recipes to keep your calorie count down, check out Hungry Girl. They have lots of tips and tricks for staying healthy, and eating what you like. If you sign up for their daily emails, you'll receive recipes in your inbox, and if that isn't enough for you then they have a few books out (available at your local book store) and they also have a whole bunch of recipes available on their website as well. 

**Not only do they have recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between, but they have news on new products at the grocery store that are healthy options, or dupes for recipes that, otherwise, might not be the best idea if you're trying to think thin.

Another thing I'm going to do [much] more frequently is make regular appearances at the gym. The eliptical machine,  weight machines, and I need to become much better friends, and I need to get back to running at the park as well (I much more prefer running outside to running on a treadmill. Much more fun.)

Fro yo for you

For those of us who live in moderately sized cities, I'm sure we have all witnessed the fro-yo craze that began a couple of years ago. I know in middle Tennessee when the topic of frozen yogurt rolls around there are, probably, only two words that pop into people's mind: Sweet Cece's. Sweet Cece's began in Franklin, TN and has now spread further east, south, north, and west. It has grown from a single flagship store to new locations opening (what seems like) every week. I've been to a few fro-yo places and I can honestly say that Sweet Cece's is my favorite. Their variety in flavors and toppings and their atmosphere are what keep me coming back. My most recent favorite combination: Peanut butter (low fat) swirled with New York Cheesecake (no fat!) and topped with a few strawberries, a couple bits of reeses pieces, and some peanut butter chips. 

Why the fro-yo freakout? Besides the high variety of toppings and flavors, Fro-yo is a lot less worse for you than ice cream. But, as shape magazine pointed out, it still shouldn't be considered "healthy." There are still calories and sugar in it, and when you fill the cup and pile on the toppings you aren't really helping your case. If you're watching your weight, try and stick with fruit and sugar free fro-yo's. You won't feel like you're missing out. Promise.

Ship Shapely
Speaking of spring fashion and shaping up, I subscribe to a channel on Youtube called "The Style Diet." Anna, the woman who films videos for it is constantly talking about hair, makeup, fashion, and healthy cooking/habits. She has even written a book called, "The Style Diet." Anna recently posted a video about dressing for your body shape that I thought was really good and informative, check it out.

March Wishlist
Because what girl doesn't have a list of things she would buy if she had unlimited money at her disposal. The 3 cosmetic items are very much going to be a part of my collection ASAP :)

dress modcloth; nail polish- lilacism, essie; mineralize skin finish- soft and gentle, MAC; 

lipstick- vegas volt, MAC; purse, ModCloth; Shoes (all) -ModCloth

Until next time,
Lo

Currently Listening to: MGMT- Oracular Spectacular

Outfit of the Day and Fashion week (Christian Siriano)

So, tonight the ladies and I went out to Chuy's to get our Fiesta on for my big 20 b-day. The verdict: (in the word's of our favorite international traveler, Borat) great success.

Top: I got this Free People top last summer, and I could not be more obsessed with it. It is a flowy sheer top that has a snakeskin type print on it. Pinks, oranges, golds, and purples combine to make a really fun color combination, and the gray lace detailing down the middle does a nice job of adding some physical texture. The neckline is trimmed in gold sequins, and the straps actually do this really cool Y shaped situation in the back. Wear it alllllllll year long. (I wore a fuchsia colored tank top under it, as it is a sheer top and I would prefer my style to be described as sassy, not skanky). 

Jacket: A piece of my roommate's. There is some niiiiice zipper detailing on the pockets that looked good with the trim on the neckline of the top.

Jeggings: I got these back in the fall at Urban Outfitters. They are by the brand BDG and they are really great for jeggings. They actually feel like denim and have sewn on back pockets. Qualities that make jeggings unacceptable: printed on pockets and stitching, are more cotton feeling than denim feeling, and if they are on the commercial for "pajama jeans." 

Shoes: Steve Madden and I have become really close closet friends within recent years. These platform, gold metallic heels are perfect for special occasions and for going out. My toes may have been cold, but the shoes are comfortable and the material they are made of is a really soft, textured kind of leather. They are the perfect amount of glam.

Jewelry: Was, again, just some simple gold chains, and a really nice silver and turquoise ring.

So dinner was completely delicious (mainly the part where we all went at a piece of Tres Leches cake like a pack of wild hyenas) and then Jennifer and I decided to take a quick field trip to the mall so I could spend the MAC giftcard she got me (she knows me altogether to well). After browsing for a good 10 minutes I had my selections for the evening. MAC's lipstick in Snob and Cream Color Base in Shell.

In fashion news..
FASHION WEEK STARTED TODAY IN NEW YORK

I'll admit, though, it's a little hard to get excited about fall color schemes and trends when I am so ready for some sunshine on my skin. Skirts and sandals could not sound ANY better right now (especially with the way I was sliding around on the ice in my heels tonight in the mall parking lot...yikes).


As some of you may know, Christian Siriano (AKA my designer soul mate) got to present his collection today. As always: I am in love. Ever since Project Runway Christian has had a piece of my heart. The show started off (kind of uncharacteristically Christian, in my opinion) with lots of asymmetry, high necklines, neutral colors (blacks, greys, and olive greens), strong silhouettes (masculine with a hint of feminine), legs, dominant collars, and a combination of sheer, shine, and the occasional sparkle. Gold zippers made a reappearance (from last fall's craze) in his collection, and leather seemed to dominate as well. As the show went on the Sirano sass I've come to know and love became more evident with evening gowns that still sported the high necklines, asymmetry, and struture, but there was a lot more texture, femininity (draped details, rose pinks, etc), and some very memorable evening gowns. To see the whole show click here. The verdict: LOVED his collection. Can't wait to see what other designers put down the runway this week.




until next time
Lo






Currently Listening to: The Decemberists - The King is Dead (newest album! So good.)