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

Summer Skin Tips.

I have one more huge final exam standing between me and exhaling. Nothing has ever seemed like a larger obstacle before. The art history test I have Friday is like, oh, only the most intimidating club bouncer you can imagine. The key, though, is to get past the bouncer so you can freely get down in the club. This exclusive club I'm awaiting entrance to? Summer. 

With it arriving as quickly as it is, for most of us (despite the unseasonable 50 degrees it is at this moment) I thought it might be good to do a summer skin post. After all--we all show plenty of it when the sun comes out. Why not take care of it?

Key words: protect, moisturize, clean.

I think the first thing I want to say is obvious: sunscreen is important. Skin is a fragile thing (as I have learned many-a-painful sun burns). Making sure it's protected from UV rays is a big deal. MYTH: Sunscreen will stop me from tanning. There are different SPF's, people. Yes, if you wear an SPF 50 to the pool, you're going to get much less color than if you wear an SPF 15. But if you wear none at all you risk damaging your skin. 

Also: There are different kinds of sun screen. I personally prefer the spray on kind, but there are thin/thick formulas for whatever your heart might desire. I bet there's even ones that smell like something other than the typical sunscreen scent if you look hard enough. And get this: there are even sunscreens that are "color boosting." Bet you didn't see that coming

Wearing a sunscreen on a daily basis doesn't have to be a burden. Easy solution: get a foundation with a bit of an spf in it. There are even some body lotions with SPF. The only downside to foundation with SPF is that it does reflect light a bit more than foundations without it (but in the long run, it's definitely worth it).

Speaking of foundation: a really great alternative to foundation for summer is tinted moisturizer. Not only does it moisturize your skin, have spf, and have coverage, but it is so much lighter than typical foundation. It feels natural, rather than cakey, and gives you a dewey look, rather than one that appears to be melting (with the day). There are a lot of brands, I use a physicians formula one that I got from Walmart, but I know clinique has some great options as well. Heads up: I haven't heard the best reviews on Benefit's You Rebel. There are some other great options as Sephora, though.

Another thing that's important for your skin in summer? Exfoliate and moisturize. There is nothing worse than an "ashy" knee. Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Exfoliating your skin will get all of the dead skin cells off and, in turn, make your skin feel great. Moisturizing will keep your skin from drying out. Finding an exfoliator that suits your skin is important, you don't want one that is too harsh or not harsh enough. I know that Lush Cosmetics have some products, as well as bath and body works and the body shop. Disclaimer: do not exfoliate too much. It could end up making your skin raw. 

What else should you exfoliate? Your lips, of course! As you know, I'm loving orange lips for this spring. But orange lips wouldn't be quite as cute if the orange was being paired with chapped lips. Lip scrubs are inexpensive, easy to use, and make your lips smooth and lipstick ready. Chapstick is nice, but it doesn't remove the dead skin that lip exfoliators do. I've heard good things about this Victoria's Secret FX Lip Scrub and Balm set. The instructions? "Gently massage the scrub onto lips for 30 seconds, then tissue off. Finish with a light layer of balm"

UM. BEST TIP OF THE ENTIRE ENTRY?

My summer skin secret that gets me compliments all summer long? Amazingly smooth legs. I'm talking no awful nair, no stinging wax, no crazy breakouts... How? Shave your legs with hair conditioner! A friend told me this trick senior year and I have never turned back. From what I can tell the conditioner doesn't dull my razor blades any quicker, and I always have positive results. I use cheap, generic conditioner (whatever is on sale, and usually a moisturizing formula), and BIC Soleil razors. The conditioner is almost good enough to use as moisturizer, but I always finish with a bit of Olay quench body lotion (aka my holy grail) I guarantee you'll be able to tell a difference.

Finally: it's end of the day. You're tired, hot, and sticky. My advice? Clean your face before you fall into bed. Not only will you feel refreshed, but you'll be more likely to avoid summer breakouts (aka, not cute). I never have turned my head from the Neutrogena makeup remover wipes. Your pores will be grateful, and you'll be able to feel a difference in the softness of your skin too. The wipes are more convenient for me than a face wash (other than when I shower), and I think they are equally as effective.

I hope this was helpful!

Until next time,

Lo

Currently Listening to: Sleigh Bells

It's Aldo Rage!

So, since about January I've been receiving the spring issues of the magazines that I subscribe to. This is exciting for two reasons. Reason #1: I love getting mail. I am a mail monster. If there is an envelope with my name on it in our mail box, then chances are I don't even make it back into the apartment without carefully tearing (with the caution of a 3 year old opening a Christmas package) the envelope open. Reason #2: I love a good fashion magazine. 


Amidst the spreads about color blocking, 70's chic, and bold lips, though, something other things began to catch my eye. These things were spring ad campaigns, and this year they do not disappoint. A good ad campaign is so important because it's all about catching the magazine reader's eye and directing them to the creative vision of your store/product. If the ad is memorable, chances are they'll remember to pay a visit to your store in pursuit of the cute pair of wedges you had so expertly styled or the dress that made the model look flawless. If your store gives off the same attractive vibes as your ads then chances are you, my friend, can ad one more name to that frequent shoppers list.


I love ads that are spunky, well styled, and fun. On the other hand, I also love ads that are artistic, unexpected, and intriguing. I also love an ad with a good pun, but who doesn't, really?


Recently I've been obsessed with one ad campaign in particular, and that is the ALDO spring campaign. Primary colors and an abundance of vintage styled hair, makeup, and clothes make for fun and eye catching 2 page spreads. See for yourself:

ALDO's spring campaign was very successful in my opinion. I have a had a craving to go there ever since their ads graced the pages of my February issue of NYLON. I look forward to the day I rip them out and stick them on my every growing wall of fashion.

until next time

Lo

now listening to: Local Natives-Gorilla Manor (or my favorite cd in the world)

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.)

Outfit of the Day - birthday (school) edition

So, I turned twenty today. EXCITING. Naturally, since it was my birthday I wanted to dress real cute for school. It was about 32 degrees (and falling) all day, so I didn't want it to be something that I would be freezing in, but I really had my heart set on wearing tights and a dress. *I did wear a jacket, I just wasn't photographed in it.


Shirtdress: H&M
I got this when I was a junior in high school (3 years ago) at H&M when I went to New York. It had pockets on the side, and is a really nice khaki-off white color. It has silver buttons going up the front and has pockets on both sides of the chest. So comfortable, and definite a favorite peice of mine that I seem to make work year round.


Cardigan: Ann Taylor LOFT
This ashy brown cardigan is my roommate's, and it is so warm. It is made of wool, but it isn't a heavy or itchy wool so it is super soft. There is a really nice rouching detail going up the front as well.


Jewelry:
For Jewelry I just wore a couple of long, thin, gold necklaces. I didn't want the emphasis to be too much on them, but I liked the extra sparkle that the gold gave and that the gold lines brought the eye down the outfit to the belt.


Belt: Savers (secondhand store in Arkansas)
I wanted to cinch in the waist of this outfit (because the shirtdress isn't the most fitted of shirt dresses and the cardigan added some extra bulk as well) and I love the antiqued look of the belt buckle on this woven belt. I also positioned the belt buckle off center, and after I passed the belt through the buckle I tucked it around the back of the belt and let it hang.



Maroon Tights: Christmas (thanks mom)


Boot Socks: Merona - Target
So, SO warm. I only wish they were a little higher.


Ankle Boots: Steve Madden
I got these boots last fall/winter and I have been in love with them ever since. They are an ankle boot with a western flair and they have two leather pieces across the front. One with studs and one with another textured detail. God I love them.


Today I also tried out two new makeup products:
Covergirl LashBlash Volume Mascara and Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in the color: Pink Ice. I give two thumbs up for both of those products.

So there you have it.

Overall my birthday was good :) other than being overtaken by a surprising snow sneak attack, I had a really nice day. I'm going to dinner with some friends tomorrow night, which is good...considering my roommate and I made 24 red velvet (valentines day/birthday themed) cupcakes last night. I even felt compelled to add them in here because they were that adorable.

Exciting things to look forward to:
NY Mercedes Benz Fashion Week starts tomorrow! The shows begin tomorrow and will go through the 17. Do expect some feedback from me, as well as some flashing back to the fashion weeks in Europe. I definitely have some opinions.






until next time
Lo




currently reading: Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut
currently listening to: Two Door Cinema - Tourist History (album)

5 products I adored in January (and a little fleet foxes on the side)

I realize that if I use the "login issue" excuse one more time it might seem like a "crying wolf" situation.  Good news: I think I have the situation figured out.


This post is alllllllll about things I was infatuated with during the month of January. From body products, to hair products, to clothing, to makeup, to music.. it's all on here.

Favorite Body Product - St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Moisturizing Body Wash

About a month ago I decided it was time to stop using my cupcake flavored body wash and find something a bit less sugary and a bit more effective. I wanted a product who's scent would last (and potentially that WOULDN'T smell like buttercream infused with sugar...not a good purchasing decision on my part.) and who would help me beat the infamous dry skin of winter. I've found it. I love the way that this body wash smells, suds, and the way it works in combination with St. Ives Vitamin E advance moisturizing body lotion. Not only is Oatmeal a nice scent, but I can definitely tell a difference in the way my skin feels.

Favorite Hair Product- Loreal Paris Hair Expertise Ever Pure Sulfate-Free Color Care System

 (Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner) 

When I got my hair done in December I got it dyed a lot darker than I had, had it before and I wanted to make sure that my color didn't fade. I saw this shampoo and decided to give it a try...totally worth it. This shampoo/conditioner has helped to keep my hair the rich brown/black that it was over a month ago. The Ever Pure line is sulfate free, which means it isn't as hard on your hair; it is made with natural botanicals, 100% vegan, and (the volume ones) are scented with Rosemary and Mint. After washing/drying my hair after using the products I could definitely tell a difference in the way it looked and felt as well. It was much more soft and healthy. I hiiiighly recommend these products. I believe they retailed at around $8 a tube. The only downside: because they are packaged in a tube there is much less product than there would be in a bottle.

Favorite Blush - Wet 'N Wild Blush in the color Mellow Wine

While watching youtube guru amarixe's video about drug store cosmetics that were worth giving a shot, I heard her mention this blush. Wet 'N Wild is usually something I don't usually give a second look to (unless I need a top coat for my nails), but I hadn't really seen their blushes before and decided that I would give it a try (and at about $1.50 how could I pass it up?) The blush is a good, neutral color (kind of a peachy color) and looks really good on fair skin tones (I would imagine it would also look good on medium and dark skin tones as well). It is really pigmented though, so if you end up picking this up be aware that you need to use it sparingly. I definitely will be checking out Wet 'N Wild's products more often now.

Favorite Lipsticks - Revlon Color Burst in Soft Nude and Raspberry 
and MAC in Rebel

If there is one thing I love...it is a good lipstick. I have become quite the collector as of recent, and am a big fan of making my lips one of my accessories to my outfit. My three favorites this month: Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in the colors Raspberry and Soft Nude, and MAC Lipstick in the color Rebel. The Color burst lipsticks are great quality lipsticks. They have a good payoff, and last a good amount of time.  Also, the color that you see in the tube is very true to the color that you get on your lips. Raspberry is (as it's name makes clear) a pinkish red, and soft nude is an orangey gold nude color. The lipsticks are a little drying, but it's nothing that is unbearable (*if you begin with a coat of chapstick it is much less noticeable). The MAC lipstick (rebel) is a really, really great purply lipstick. It does a look a little intimidating (and super vampy) in the tube, but when you put it on it is a purple with strong magenta undertones. The finish is very nice, and (as with all MAC lipsticks) it goes onto the lips in a very creamy fashion. MAC lipsticks are $14.50 and Revlon's are around 6 (I think).

 Favorite Item in my Closet in January

I got these tights from target. They are, what I am going to describe as, a geometric jumbo Fishnet. They are so cool! I am quite the tights fiend, but I didnt have anything at all like these. When I wore them the first time I wore them with a black dress and black boots for work, and I got about two hundred compliments on them. They are comfortable, and the material they are made of is very soft. They are by the brand Merona and were between $6-$8. I did get them a few weeks ago, so I can't make any promises that they are stil in stores.

Music of the Month

I've been listening to a lot of music recently. Mainly because I am pumped up (like you cannot believe) about an upcoming season of amazing shows, namely Fleet Foxes and Cold War Kids. Fleet Foxes recently reduced a track from their new upcoming album, "Helplessness Blues," which will drop on May 3, and it was outstanding. They are playing a show in Nashville shortly after it drops and (after a very dramatic few minutes of doubt) it is final that I will be attending. Thankkk goodness. That would not have been the show to miss.  Cold War Kids also dropped a new album recently titled, "Mine is Yours." I feel like it strays a little from their usual style, but I really really like it and am looking forward to their show as well. They are playing in Nashville on March 28 at the Cannery. 




Also, if any of you are interested in reading my more personal, random blog the link is
here




until next time (which will be soon this time)
Lo

Pinks and Hyperlinks

"This whole bipolar login situation is killing me. I want to have a semi-regular posting schedule. But at the moment this desire of mine seems a little bit impossible. Fingers crossed though. I have a big post due during this weekend :)


2011 Color of the Year

"Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life."


Honey suckle is going to be the source of inspiration for many a color schemes in design this year. A seemingly spring/summer color, honeysuckle has already proven it's diversity, appearing in fall shows in Berlin's fashion week last week. Color's that would work well when paired with honey suckle include: neutrals (white, black, tan, cream, etc), reds, oranges, turquoise, yellow, blue,  and many pastel type colors (except, what i'm going to call, orange sherbert. You can picture it. I know you can).  This color has the potential to look amazing on every skintone (especially in cosmetics, but do be weary of how pigmented the certain item is. If it's blush: use sparingly. Clown doesn't look good on anyone.)


Don't forget: this color won't just be relevant for fashion, but for all types of design: interior, graphic, web, etc.


Keep your eyes peeled for the pink.

all images/quotes in this segment cited to pantone

Feather Hair Extensions

I am in love with my feather extensions. My obsession started around Christmas time when I noticed my friend Holly (and several of her friends I didn't know) had them in at her Christmas party. While I was at home for the holidays they were all I could think about so, immediately, when I got back I got some put in! 

Feather extensions are put in using a method called "cold fusion." This means, the placement of the feathers are determined, a bead is slid around the hair and feathers, and then the bead is secured to the hair. The cold fusion method is damage free and will hold until you get it removed. Feather extensions can be blow dried and styled, but can only take minimal heat. What does this mean for straightening and curling? You must must must allow your heat tools to cool before you use them on your feathers. Otherwise you risk damaging them.


I know from experience that they are easy to manage, add edge to any look, and are quite the conversation starter. I got mine done at Lucy Pop Salon in Nashville. All of the stylists there are super stylish, super cool, and super good at what they do. If you're looking for a salon in the 615 I highly recommend them.


Wishlist-Cocktail Dresses
Because every girl has that list of things she drools over when she's online shopping.
all dresses are available for purchase on modcloth.com

starting from top left and going across then starting at bottom left etc: 1) Romantic Incarnation dress, $89.99 (2) Under the Dark Sky dress, $84.99 (3) Classic Combination dress, $72.99 (4) Break Fashion Myths frock, 74.99 (5) Gold Deposit dress, $97.99 (6) Debut of Venus dress, out of stock. 




until next time
Lo

Currently Listening To: 

Kid Cudi : Man on the Moon-End of Day