Fashion Week at Your Fingertips

Fashion week...we've all heard about it. It happens in countries all over the world, at least 2 times a year, and gives fashion designers a chance to present their newest collections to the world (or at least to whoever is in the tent). There are weeks for spring/summer, fall/winter, couture, swim, holiday...and probably even more that I have failed to list. 


For the most part, unless you are looking for it, we (as a mass) remain pretty blind to what is shown on the runways of Milan, Paris, and Berlin. In fact, a lot of us don't even know what's shown in New York. The good news? These shows that are put on all over the world are completely accessible without the insane ticket prices, airfare, or even moving from that position you're sitting in right now. How? Youtube.


Channels all over the 'tube have completely dedicated themselves to showing clips of fashion shows or entire fashion shows that are put in a million different places. These shows are uploaded fairly soon after they are executed and, even better than watching in person, you can watch these shows however many times you want and whenever you want. Who says fashion week has to a be fashion-infatuate dream?


I'll be listing a few names of channels that I depend on for seeing shows, as well as some shows that were just put up (Berlin fashion week just took the stage as well as several swimwear shows). The internet literally puts more of the world at our finger tips EVERY day. Explore it.

(this one was actually from New York's latest fashion week in March)

MBFashionWeek

MercedesBenzTV

[CHIC.TV Fashion]

MBFWNewYork

until next time,

Lo

Melonade (Recipe post)

Lemonade seems to be the beverage of choice of summer (unless you are: a- a lemonade addict like my roommate and you drink it like it's going out of style or b- a die hard southerner who's day just isn't complete without a 99 cent large sweet tea from McDonalds.) Whether it's Country Time or Mike's Hard, people just seem to be drawn to the idea of an ice cold glass of the sweet (and sour) stuff.


Seeing as my friend Holly is, truly, the hostess with the mostest,  we always look forward to evenings at her place: great food, great company, and her cats (but that is a blog post all on its own). We went over there last weekend and she offered us some lemonade. I noticed it was pink, but I didn't think much further than that. And then I took a drink. AND THAT is when I was introduced to watermelon lemonade.


It seems to be kind of a trendy thing this summer (and by that, I mean I saw it on a poster at Genghis Grill the other night), but I think it could be something really cool and new to take to fourth of July parties this weekend.

WATERMELON LEMONADE (like Martha S. does it)


Okay, this recipe is real easy (prep time is 5 minutes) and should make about 8 glasses. If you want to make more, just increase the ingredients as you need.


Speaking of which...INGREDIENTS


2 lemons, quartered
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 medium seedless watermelon (about 9 pounds), rind removed, flesh (the pink tasty part) cut into chunks
and JUST FOR FUN
1 cup vodka (optional, of course)


DIRECTIONS
1. Squeeze lemons into a large pitcher; add squeezed lemon quarters. Add mint and sugar; mash with a wooden spoon until mint is bruised and sugar is dissolved (Jesus, Martha. So violent with your spoon)
2. In a blender, puree watermelon in batches until smooth; pour through a fine mesh sleeve into pitcher (you should have about 8 cups of juice). Stir to combine. Refrigerate covered (for up to 3 days). Add vodka, if using. Serve over ice.


Not only is the recipe simple, but I can tell you from experience that (sans vodka) it is both refreshing and delicious. Martha Stewart's recipe can be found here, but also know that lots of other places have put out recipes as well. When I was googling earlier I saw that whole foods has one on their website and I think that would definitely be worth trying.


Bring this to your parties this weekend. It'll get more attention than the bottle rockets.


Until next time,
Lo

Suit up.

On days like today I can hardly keep my thoughts drifting into that summer frame of mind. So much to look forward to. Sandals, shorts, and most importantly...swimsuits. I've been on a pretty serious hunt for a striking one, but haven't found THE one yet.


That's the thing about swimsuit shopping though--it's definitely one of the more frustrating shopping endevers of the year. You never know exactly what kind of punch winter packed to that once flat stomach and those used-to-be-flawless legs. That is...until you try on that vintage hot pink one piece with all of the rouching up the front.


Not only do you have to find one that suits you and your features, but also one that suits your body type. Here's a few tips to make that a little easier:


HOUR GLASS FIGURE- Go for swimsuits that flaunt what you got, sister. If you're hourglass, chances are you can't go wrong with a bikini or two piece, and one pieces with cut outs will flatter you as well. If you're busty, try the swimsuits with underwire (experiment with different amounts of support).


BOYISH FIGURE- Big benefit of having a boyish figure? The ability to wear (most) bandeau tops. Bandeau tops, especially with detailing like ruffles/rouching/etc give the allusion of a bigger chest (of course a push up type swimsuit is always helpful, as well). Try swimsuits that accentuate your favorite parts of your figure. For example: I am a huge fan of my waist and my collarbones/shoulders, so I think i may try one of those retro, high waisted, two piece pin up girl-esque swimsuits. I'm actually not sure who that style WOULDN'T flatter.


CURVY FIGURE- I'm going to completely reiterate the pin-up girl style swimsuit here, however, if you are insecure about your midsection then I would suggest going for the one piece version. Totally just as cute, but you feel more comfortable. Skirted one pieces can definitely be flattering (if they are not tacky skirts, e.g. kmart style) and so can halter two pieces that have a wider style of cup. (Excessive side boob is never cute)










A little insecure about being in your suit pool side, or while walking down the beach? Easy. Cover ups have recently taken a turn for the better and can accentuate your swimsuit, as well as your body. Thin fabric is the way to go. Maxi dresses work well, too.

As far as your hunt for the perfect swimsuit goes: I wish you good luck, and I send you off with some hopefully helpful information. Namely: where I've seen the cutest ones so far this season.

From L to R: (row 1) Victoria's Secret, Modcloth, (row 2) Betsey Johnson, and Anthropologie. I would even try etsy if you're feeling spunky! There are some very talented swimwear designers (and otherwise) who are in the beginning stages of making their grand debut.

I hope this was helpful!
Questions? comment below.


until next time
Lo




Currently Listening to: Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More