And then I felt like Rocky.

Lets start with a recap:

A couple of weeks ago I tried a program called hot yoga, AKA 90 minutes of bikram yoga in a room heated/kept at 105 degrees (this feels comparable to sitting in an oven in the desert). I really enjoyed the first session and was signed up for a beginners program that spanned 7 consecutive days. I had every intention of being committed to those seven days and seeing what kinds of results they produced...and then I got scheduled for like 4 double shifts during my 7 consecutive days. Needless to say, I wasn't able to attend most of the classes. I was able to go to one other session...and at that session, for the first time in my life, I thought I was going to faint. I blame this on the fact that there were more people in the room (more breath being exhaled, less open space, more body heat, etc) and that I hadn't had enough water that day (because God knows before you go you need to drink like a milk jug's worth of h20).

Hot yoga is a really great program. It completely relaxed me, put me in a good place mentally (and physically), and made my body feel fantastic...after class was over. Personally, I get the most out of workouts when I can enjoy them, at least somewhat, and therefore put my all into them. When I was at hot yoga I felt like it was more of a struggle than it was worth. I do plan on still practicing some of the postures, but as far as going back to another class...I think not.

Being in the experimental fitness phase that I'm in right now, I decided to try another new type of workout last night. This workout: kickboxing. 

Walking into the big studio room at the Y, I didn't know what to expect. My friend, Corrine, had invited me to go, and I'm always up for trying something out. I'll admit, I was a little intimidated being surrounded by punching bags, medicine balls, and hand weights, but I tried not to let it show. Class started out with doing laps around the room. First running, then squats, then high knees, and a few other variations...and then she (Claire, the instructor) released a bear- one lap around the track outside, 5 sets of stairs (running up and down them), and then circuit training started. Please note: by this point, I was wheezing. No one likes a wheezer, it's not cute, but I refused to give up.

The circuit training was made up of 3 parts: a stair stepping portion, a hand weights portion, and a punching bag portion. The stair stepping portion had things like mountain climbers, toe taps, squat jumps, etc. It was probably the hardest part of the circuit for me (crazy intense cardio). The hand weights were just different kinds of lifts (this was a little difficult too, as my arm strength is comparable to that of a small cat or a rag doll). My favorite part of the circuit was the punching bag. Jabs, roundhouse kicks, crescent kicks, fist slaps...talk about a way to deal with anger and frustration. I felt like a bad ass. And whenever I'd feel my endurance starting to wear a little thin, the playlist (going strong in the background) always seemed to switch to something that would pump me up again. By the end of the circuit training I was starting to see why Corrine goes to the class so often.

We did a series of other exercises using the bag (punching and kicks) and then ended class with some crunches and planking (sans photos). On the way out of the studio I was feeling great. Yeah, the workout was hard, but it was really great cardio and I felt like I had accomplished something. 

Zumba easily has the spot in my heart as my favorite workout, but I think kickboxing just pushed itself into the number 2 spot. I know I can't wait to go again, and I highly recommend trying it out if you haven't ever thought of it or have just been kind of nervous because you don't know what it's all about. It's definitely worth your time (and your abs will thank you in the morning).

until next time,

Lo

That's Hot

A few weeks ago my friend Rachael invited me to go to hot yoga with her. Initial thought: Oh God. Is this going to be like flirty girl fitness? Wrong. So wrong.
Hot Yoga is a 26 posture yoga sequence developed by Bikram Choudhury, and is also called Bikram Yoga. According to the Bikram website:

"It has been proved and experienced by millions that these 26 postures systematically work every part of the body, to give all the internal organs, all the veins, all the ligaments, and all the muscles everything they need to maintain optimum health and maximum function.  Each component takes care of something different in the body, and yet they all work together synergistically, contributing to the success of every other one, and extending its benefits."


The difference between a normal yoga class and hot yoga? Hot yoga is performed in a room that is kept 105 degrees (F) and 40 percent humidity. The classes are 90 minutes long and are taught by Bikram Yoga Instructors.


Some of the benefits of hot yoga are as follows:

• Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle in the whole body every Bikram Yoga session
• Expands your capacity to breathe deeply and fully
• Prevents injury and may prevent or improve chronic illness
• Promotes better sleep, you may even need to sleep less
• Fabulous body toning effects
• Weight loss or gain depending on your body's needs
• Improvement in posture and body awareness
• Improve the healing and regenerative powers of your body
• Improvement in T-cell function and your immune system
• Lengthening and strengthening of muscles
• Increased flexibility
• Improvement in metabolism / digestion
• Gives the body a cardiovascular workout without negative impacting forces
• Nervous system is exercised
• Endocrine and exocrine glands are massaged and stimulated to better function
• Muscular and skeletal network are enhanced
• Weight bearing exercise will help prevent osteoporosis
• Improves heart and lung function
• Improves back conditions of pain and misalignment
• Improves flexibility of your spine in its range of motion in all directions allowing the improvement in function of your central nervous system. Better nervous system communication means a better functioning body and mind
• Helps cultivate a sense of well being and a more peaceful mind
• Integration of both sides of the brain to improve memory, learning, body coordination and balance

Today, after pumping myself up for a week, I was finally ready. Rachael and I walked into that studio and I was totally not intimidated...until I walked into the actual yoga room...my jaw dropped. IT WAS SO HOT. When the instructor was greeting the class she said to me, "And Lauren, since it's your first time, your biggest goal is just to stay in the room the whole time." Hello, confidence breaker.

Finally, after 90 minutes of learning about what sweat REALLY is, the lights went out and we were left to breathe and leave at our own pace. I felt tired, and sticky, and gross... but I also felt overwhelmingly great.

I signed up for a 7 day yoga class, and  I'll definitely be doing a follow up post after my seven days are up to let you know what it's done for me. I'm really looking forward to the results.


Until next time,
Lo

Work it.

Days at the pool, spontaneous trips to the local fro yo shop, and the broken in pair of ripped blue jean shorts I always seem to find myself wearing are all tell-tale signs of the lazy daze of june, july, and august. The heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and never ending need to drive the car with the windows down at night ... I think it's pretty safe to say that it is officially summer. 


Though summertime is supposed to be easy livin', most of us snap back into reality when we hear the obnoxious blaring noises of our alarm clocks in the morning to wake up for an opening shift, or even worse, when the schedule for the week gets posted and we find out our Friday night plans will have to be postponed. Defeat. Summer jobs are definitely a downside to the months between semesters, but you gotta have money to boogie down, am I right?


7 Steps to: Surviving Your Summer Job 
1. Routine
One of the worst parts of a summer job, as most of us know, is having to wake up early--I mean, it's summer. AKA three months of sleeping in. Ways to make waking up less bad? Get into a routine that is time managed well. Do what you can the night before (figure out what you're wearing, if you get the option, and shower) and when you wake up throw on your clothes (but don't look janky because your clothes are wrinkled), decide on a makeup look that is easy and everyday friendly that you can do in about 5-7 minutes, arrange your hair in an easy bun (get creative with headbands, scarves, hair accessories, etc to change up your look), grab a bagel and a bottle of water and you are ready to go. The longer you get to sleep the better you feel. Figure out what works best for you in your mornings and don't waste your beauty rest (chances are with how late you stayed out the night before...you'll need it).
        
2. Take advantage of your breaks
You have 3 double shifts in a row one week, where on earth are you going to find any free time to have fun? Um. Your breaks. Though they may not seem like much time (because, really, what do you get but 1-3 hours) you can at least use that time to enjoy yourself. Scope out lunch places around where you work and ask a friend to eat with you (or eat alone, because people watching is awesome), run an errand, have a coffee date...you don't have to mope around on your cell phone and drink your sonic route 44 diet coke in the back of the store until you're due back on. That's silly.


3. Have fun with your uniform
Being a fashion lover, I'm not one to put minimal effort into what I wear to work. Our dresscode regulations are pretty much: wear dark clothing, don't look provocative, only wear white if you are going to wear a light color and only wear it on top. Even though it is just work you should still feel good about yourself--thus cute outfit. Find a reliable place to shop for work clothes (that fits the standards of your job) and that is reasonably price. Don't be afraid to change  a look with accessories or even a different makeup look (whether its a blue eyeliner or a new lipstick you are dying to try).  Who doesn't love options, right? Forever 21, TJ Maxx, and Target are definitely reliable stores for me. I mean who can complain about wearing things like this to work?

ps: pants with the second one. 


4. Hang out with your co-workers outside of work
Hanging out with your co-workers outside of work will make your time AT work even more bearable. Getting to know new people is all part of the experience, and people aren't always completely themselves within the walls of work. I mean, I'm totally different when I'm playing laser tag than when I'm seating people at table 53. Being surrounded by people (even just some) who's company you enjoy will make your day even better and your service-with-a-smile smile even more genuine.


5. If you scratch their back, they'll (probably) scratch yours
Cuss. You need to give up your shift friday because you have a concert you want to go to, but who will do it? OH stephanie will. Because you definitely did the same thing for her 2 weeks ago. See how that works? What goes around comes around (most of the time). But don't get to dependent on it. Not all co-workers are as keen to pick up as others.


6. Request off way in advance
As a follow up to #5: REQUEST OFF when you know you have something to do. The further ahead of time you request off for something the more likely you are to get it off. Or at least that is how I've always understood it. 


7. Remember not to take yourself too seriously...it's just a summer job.
Most importantly: this isn't your career. You won't always be taking people's sandwich orders or asking people what size of the green shorts they need from the back (hopefully). Take it one shift at a time and remember to breathe when things get hard. DO however, try to work somewhere you could see yourself working again (like, next summer) or somewhere that will pay off in the long run. Every rose has it's thorns.




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

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.)

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