Senin, 31 Agustus 2009

Get the Look of Etro

For Fall 2009, Veronica Etro showcased looks inspired by the Byzantium and Ottoman Empires. I call it 1940's tribal wear for the woman on the go.


To get this look, layer a a cardigan over a blouse and cinch in the waist with a belt. Pull on a strait or A-line skirt and a cute pair of booties or peep-toe shoes and finish the look with a wool jacket. This look is easy to pull together and the layering makes it perfect for the changing of the seasons.

Minggu, 30 Agustus 2009

Readers Imbibing Peril

Stainless Steel Droppings is offering a book challenge. To participate in Readers Imbibing Peril, read one to four books from the following genres: mystery, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, gothic, horror, and supernatural by October 31st. For this challenge, I will be reading:
  • Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, which I am, also, reading for the Everything Austen Challenge
  • Jane and the Barque of Frailty by Stephanie Barron
Need a suggestion for the challenge? Pick up Alan Bradley's mystery, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I just finished reading it this weekend and it was delicious. The story follows Flavia, a tart-tongued 11-year-old who lives in an English manor house during the 1950's. When a man is murdered in her family's cucumber patch, Flavia must uncover the truth no matter the consequences.

Jumat, 28 Agustus 2009

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

lam0828

Playing Dress Up


Edited by Jordana

I’m in the process of moving to New York City, just in time for Fashion Week, which kicks off in two weeks. In browsing through all the link submissions this week, I couldn’t help but tie it all back to one very important question lingering on my mind – what the heck am I going to wear? This week’s round-up speaks to the art of ”getting dressed.” We have inspiration posts from Cake not Coke and Style on the Street, style how-to’s from Denim Debutante (she was also quoted in the WSJ this week, here!) and The Coveted, and a variety of interviews. One of my favorites was Prom Mafia’s DIY for converting your boyfriend’s tee into a tunic – love it!

For those plannig to attend fashion week, make sure you RSVP for the IFB Dress Up Soiree and panel discussion on evolving influence! Special thanks to Moxsie and Microsoft Windows phones for their support!

Links à la Mode : August 27th



  • 39th and Broadway: Are You a Fashion Sellout?

  • Brick My Lane: Interview with Fee Doran, aka Mrs Jones – the woman behind Oxfam DIY and that famous white catsuit.

  • Cake not Coke: Vanity Fair Setpember ‘09 Toujours Couture - A Stitch in Time.

  • Chicago Style: Interview with Monica Dimperio, of the Chicago street style blog The MidWasteland

  • Clutch 22: Exclusive scoop on Seattle indie greentrepreneurs – Sara Seumae of SPUN Clothing collaborates with Tara Smith of Revival Ink (plus a contest)

  • Denim Debutante: The reasons you should love Rich & Skinny denim, along with tips for the three best cuts and how to wear them

  • Dramatis Personae: Unveiling the feminine fashion stylings of independent designer Claire la Faye…

  • Dream Sequins: Shoptalk with Cherie of online vintage marketplace Shrimpton Couture, which collaborates with emerging designers

  • Fashion Pulse: Check out the new trend in leggings, by way of geometric prints and loads of grey!

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers : Dress UP for NYFW

  • Prom Mafia: Raid your boyfriend’s closet: How to turn his t-shirts into cute girly tunics

  • Retro Chick: What happens at a Burlesque Lesson?

  • Saved for Best: Girls on Film – A celebration and run down of the best-dressed films

  • Shop Fair: Top 5 obstacles fair trade and “green” fashion labels have to overcome to be more successful

  • Style on the Street: Three photoshoots inspiring trends for the next season

  • Style Symmetry: The Symmetry Seven with Rhiannon of Liebemarlene Vintage

  • Sweet Fuzz: Rustic Elegance - independent fashion designer Dace’s beautiful Fall line

  • The Coveted: Charlotte Russe Review – Mixing in Fast Fashion

  • The Demoiselles: Shopping for your body type is hard enough without a recession; shopping on the cheap is even harder

Kamis, 27 Agustus 2009

Things i LOVE Thursday


Project Runway

Watching Pride and Prejudice again

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

Back to School Shopping

Exercising with Wii Fit

New Skirt and Cami from Creole Collection

Working on my Etsy Store

Rabu, 26 Agustus 2009

Pride and Prejudice


In 1995, the BBC released a new version of Pride and Prejudice starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. A few years later, my cousins made me watch the 300 minute extravaganza they had rented from the library, and I was hooked. To me, this is the definitive Pride and Prejudice. I love Mrs. Bennet, and Darcy and Elizabeth are perfect. If you have not seen this version, you must! While the BBC version is not visually stunning compared to the 2005 film (which I love to watch as well), the BBC version offers a script that is very close to the novel and superb acting.

For more Jane Austen reviews, visit Stephanie's Written Word Everything Austen Challenge.

Selasa, 25 Agustus 2009

Frederic Fekkai Salon Color


Every few months I like to pretend that I am a hairstylist and I cut and color my mom's hair. Lately, it has been difficult to find a product that dyes evenly and looks natural. Enter Frederic Fekkai Salon Color. The kit comes with a bowl, a brush, gloves, pre-color treatment, color, and post-color mask. I felt very professional mixing the color and was pleased with the creamy consistency which did not drip when I applied the color. My mom's hair looked very natural when we were through, and we are both very pleased with the result. I used Christie 8N Medium Blonde on her and the color is a good match to the one seen on the box. My only complaint is the price, which is $30, but it is cheaper than going to the salon and the results are about the same.

Jumat, 21 Agustus 2009

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

links a la mode

Beauty, Style, & the Blogosphere


Edited by Ashe Mischief

Beauty and Style come in many forms, and this weeks Links á la Mode choices showcase the many discussions entering the world of fashion blogging at the moment: excessive judgments, the value of personalities, and cultivating your inner beauty as well as your outer beauty. Bonne-Vie challenges the values of the show “More to Love” and Fivve Blog shares model sensation Lara Stone. Newcomer Jaka’s Tea Party calls to action with the Wholestyle Manifesto and Betsey J asks “Are we too judgmental as fashion bloggers?”

Not to overshadow this weeks Links á la Mode with too heavy of discussions, we’ve also go a great roundup of make-up tutorials & inspiration, along with great DIY projects & giveaways in the forums!

Links à la Mode : August 20th



  • Ask ThinkThru: – What Can You Wear From the Office To an Event?

  • Betsey J: – Have we become too judgemental when it comes to fashion & style?

  • Bonne Vie: – Fox is doin’ it wrong with new reality show “More to Love”

  • BRICK MY LANE: – 3-in-1 DIYs: Ripping, slashing andd patching everything, rock’n'roll style

  • Broke & Beautiful – International Indie Designers can be found with Novica, plus an opportunity to REALLY make a difference by shopping.

  • Confessions of a Fashion Editor – Fed up of emails from big fashion brands demanding interviews, I decided to speak to a young, bright and new designer instead.

  • Denim Debutante: – How to Clean & Care for Your Premium Denim

  • fivve blog: – If you have a fashion mag addiction, then you probably have seen who W Magazine is calling the “fashion it-girl” Lara Stone.

  • Independent Fashion Bloggers: What's so great about Gravatars?

  • Jaka's Tea Party – A mission statement for a new movement that believes style isn’t about the clothes you wear, it’s about being a whole person.

  • Little Miss Makeup: – Pretty makeup is an evergreen fashion trend. Get the low-down on how to get the look!

  • Meilily: – Highlights the debut collection of Project Runway phenom Christian Siriano for VS Makeup.

  • pie wacket: – yesterday I worked with Kiehl’s to create a wonderful late summer giveaway and shot an original beauty story to demo the products.

  • Rags to Reverie: – 2 days ago Space 15 Twenty’s Pangaea Pop-Up makes deka ray’s architectural jewelry available for the masses

  • Retro Chick: – Why we buy – One woman’s journey in fashion and the decisions we make every day.

  • sweet archivia: – Anthropologie’s Secret Code – In-House Brand Guide

  • THE COVETED – The Coveted: Make that a double: Take Off Your Clothes Double T-Shirt Dress

  • The Demoiselles – Jennifer Nicole uncovers the secrets behind the new PETA ad, which degrades women based on weight.

  • The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner’s Guide to Chicago offers great places to eat, shop, and more.

  • The Midnight Feast: – Did I really just put on black lipstick? How to tackle this trend: a guide for those who would prefer to leave the gothic look in the 90s.

  • Unfunded – Unfunded: White Rabbit Inspired Baubles

  • Wit & Whimsy: – First Look: Michael Kors Goes Hollywood Glam with the launch of VeryHollywood.com

Kamis, 20 Agustus 2009

Things i LOVE Thursday


Visiting my friend in Chicago - such a great time!


District 9 - intense and disturbing but, also, heartbreaking

My reader book review published in Elle magazine

My new fedora from H & M

Rabu, 19 Agustus 2009

Fashion Shorts

I love short films and would be thrilled to make a fashion short.  Here's my inspiration:

Liz Claiborne
 
Lady Dior: The Lady Noire Affair

Stay tuned for later posts about Chanel and Erin Fetherston short films.

Selasa, 18 Agustus 2009

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

As part of the Everything Austen Challenge, I recently finished reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Seth Grahame-Smith's mash-up of a Jane Austen classic.  While often humorous, I was disappointed with some of the plot changes, specifically those involving Charlotte Lucas and Mr. Wickham.  However, I did enjoy the occasional retorts made by Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy to the idiotic remarks of a few ladies who shall remain nameless. 

In this retelling, the Bennet sisters are warriors who have sworn to protect England until they die or marry - I am bothered by the idea that marriage means women are no longer good fighters; after all, the men fight no matter their marital status.  The gentlemen still cut dashing figures in the novel, but Mr. Bingley is too peace loving and defenseless for my taste.  The novel is only 85% Austen and features plenty of flesh-eating-zombies and brutal action sequences to keep the male targeted audience entertained, and I couldn't help feeling like this was my little brother's version of the story.  It was an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure I have the heart to read Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters... Of course I say that, but I'll still probably end up reading it since I am such a glutton for anything Austen related.

Senin, 17 Agustus 2009

Back to School Shopping Guide

It's August and the Internet is full of back to school shopping lists.  It's a no brainer to figure out that you'll need to buy pens, pencils, notebooks, etc., but what about those extras that make life a little easier?  Today I bring you a short list of items that are by no means necessary to your academic life but can prove oh so helpful when walking across campus, taking notes, and looking good .
I owned a very similar pair a few years ago and have been lost without them.  Made to mimic walking on grass, these shoes are the most comfortable I have ever worn.
Who wears watches anymore?  I don't but sometimes I miss having a watch.  This watch from Fossil is nice because I can see the mechanics.
This kit has everything I need to fake a perfect complexion.
My brother got one, and it is the coolest pen ever - voice recorder, translator, mini piano, you can even take notes with it.
I'm in the market for a new digital camera, and with plenty of positive reviews, I think this might be the camera for me.
I like to think that I'll still have time to read a good book despite my crazy fall schedule.

Minggu, 16 Agustus 2009

Guide to Chicago

I had a fantastic time in Chicago last week.  It was my third time in the city, and I am finally starting to feel like I almost know what I am doing.  Movies in the park was great even though it was Psycho, a movie I have avoided watching my entire life despite the fact that I like Alfred Hitchcock; however, the best way to watch a scary movie is with a few thousand of your closest friends in the midsts of a bustling city.  I did way too much walking and am still sore - next time I am getting a 3 day CTA pass instead of trying to guess the right amount to put on a card.  I've made a list of things to do by neighborhood because I've noticed most maps are broken down that way.

Lakeview
Lincoln Park
The Loop
  • H & M - Two stories means a wide selection of clothes, shoes, etc.
  • ULTA - The biggest beauty store I have ever seen
  • Millennium Park - The bean, fountains, sculptures, free concerts
  • Grant Park - movies in the park and Buckingham Fountain
  • Harold Washington Library Center - Gorgeous building and nine floors of everything you might need from a library
Near North Side
  • Navy Pier - Ferris wheel, water taxis, gift shops, fireworks

Jumat, 14 Agustus 2009

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup


A Stylish New World


Edited by Jennine

Here we go with this week’s round of stylish links. Editing this week was quite difficult as there were so many great links to choose from and everyone had some fantastic news on the fashion front. One of the great things about the internet is that we can all find out what the smaller labels are doing and thinking. This week we have great interviews from 39th and Broadway, Fabulous Finds Gal, Style Gourmand and A Typical Atypical. We also have a brilliant DIY project on what to do with your fabric scraps on Brick My Lane.

Links à la Mode : August 13th



        
  • 39th and Broadway – Designer Interview; Delirius

  •     
  • A Typical Atypical – The wonderful Every Little Counts! With 15% off for readers!

  •     
  • Bobbins and Bombshells –  Vintage Finds of the Week: Mad Men Secretary Accessories

  •     
  • Breakfast at Saks – Enter to win accessories from the eryn brinié Fall 2009 collection!

  •     
  • BRICK MY LANE – DIY: putting scraps of fabric to good use by turning it into a ruffled neckpiece

  •     
  • ClandestineChic – Interview: Patricia Valery of Evil Needles

  •     
  • Denimaniac – Wood Wood’s S/S 2010 collection – a bit of street, a dash of fash and a whole lotta style!

  •     
  • dramatis personae – Quality vs. Vegan/Environmentally Sustainable

  •     
  • Fabulous Finds Gal – “Gardens in Grey” By Fashion Photographer Julia Pogodina And An Inspiring Interview

  •     
  • Fashion Pulse Daily – What was Your Favorite Summer 2009 Trend?

  •     
  • Fasshonaburu – A review on the now purchase-able Under.Ligne, the diffusion line by Doo.Ri.

  •     
  • Fete a Fete – Dancing all night and your 5-inch stilettos killing you? Bring some Rollasole emergency ballet flats with you!

  •     
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers – NYFW SS10 Schedule + tips on getting in

  •     
  • Market Publique – Art Class: Vintage Abstract Prints

  •     
  • midnight feast –  The Jean Genie

  •     
  • Retro Chick – Win – Reese Witherspoons first fragrance for Avon

  •     
  • Sterling Style – New York’s Rachel Antonoff Holiday 2010 Collection

  •     
  • Style Gourmand – Ag Kij of Net-a-Porter discusses Net-a-Porter’s new iPhone app and how technology and fashion co-mingle.

  •     
  • Style Mom – STYLEMOM holds it down for fashion bloggers as one of the only IFB members at Blogher 2009 in Chicago

  •     
  • Stylish Thought – Cats with Style: Boxing Kitten

  •     
  • THE COVETED – Mummy Dearest: Iris Van Herpen taking inspiration from the macabre

  •     
  • Unfunded – Vintage sequins, sparkles and sprinkles

Senin, 10 Agustus 2009

Taking a Short Break

I will be gone the next few days to visit Chicago, so I leave you with a score of links until I get back.
  • VitalJuice discusses a new product that may make your cellulite disappear.
  • This kit will help you get a safe mani/pedi
  • Fashion inspired by the movie Coco Avant Chanel

Coastal Scents


In one of my Makeup Alley swaps, I received a sample of Coastal Scents Paradise Rose Sky, a pearlescent burgundy mica powder and was curious enough to try it.  Despite the bold color, I really liked using Paradise Rose Sky as an eyeshadow and found it very flattering even though I have very pale skin.  The mica is safe to use on eyes, lips, face, and nails, so there are endless ways to put this powder to use.  Another thing I liked about this product was its staying power.  After applying the powder, I participated in a grueling two hour workout then spent the rest of the night in a house with no air conditioning and the color did not melt off.  I think this is my new summer favorite.  A sample is only $1 and an ounce is $4.75, and at these prices, I'm thinking I want to try out some more - maybe the Chameleon Glitter Mica Powder...     

Jumat, 07 Agustus 2009

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup


Feminine Mystique


Edited by Debutante Clothing
The caliber of blog posts amongst the IFB members never ceases to amaze me. We run the gamut of style and fashion here. This week’s picks definitely appeal to the dueling femmes in me  – the old fashioned gal and the powerful feminist. The debutante in me loved all the lovely posts about pearls including modern choices from Fashion Hippo, as well as the history of Mikimoto pearls by Fabulous Finds Gal. But nothing makes me clutch my pearls more than affordable Chanel looks by HiFashion. The feminist in me was thrilled to see smart posts about smart girls and smart fashion. Threadbared talks about academia and fashion, while 39th and Broadway explores the continuing inequality even within such a female driven industry like fashion.  Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : August 6th



        
  • 39th and Broadway: – Women are the backbone of the fashion industry, yet inequality reins supreme

  •     
  • A Few Goody Gumdrops: –  lets out her inner rockstar with Alexander McQueen’s Skull Knuckle Duster Whipsnake Clutch in Red! To-Die-For!

  •     
  • A typical Atypical: – The Phenomena of “The Sale”

  •     
  • Debutante Clothing: – contributes back to school style for “Hot for Teacher” at Style Sample Magazine

  •     
  • Dramatis Personae: –  reviews the B&Lu Femme Dress.

  •     
  • Fabulous Finds and Co. – Mikimoto Pearls –  The Story Behind The Cadillac Of Pearls.

  •     
  • Fashion Hippo: – Modern Pearl Necklaces that aren’t your grandma’s pearls

  •     
  • Fashion Talk by Lovely Lovisa: – I am the Resurrection

  •     
  • fête à fête: – Get plumper lips with Givenchy Le Makeup’s new Gloss Interdit collection. Also, lip gloss giveaway to three lucky readers!

  •     
  • Hi Fashion – Coco avant Chanel –  how to get the Chanel look for less

  •     
  • Individual Chic: – What makes a good ballet flat

  •     
  • Retro Chick: – Iconic British Union Jack style.

  •     
  • The Capitol Fashionista – Arise Magazine – the magazine that keeps you informed about what’s happening in Africa and around the globe.

  •     
  • The Coveted: – Review of the New Bobbi Brown Nude Collection with Video Tutorial

  •     
  • The Demoiselles: – Elle gets bombarded with subversive, negative advertising by Estee Lauder, and decides to take action.

  •     
  • The Fashion Planner: – shows you how to build your back to school wardrobe

  •     
  • The Recessionista: – Happy 80th to Jackie and Mad Men’s Casting Call for that 60’s look

  •     
  • Threadbared: – Pondering the mutual near-exclusivity of academic fashion studies and style blogs

  •     
  • Unfunded: – unveils Creative Recreation’s new women’s line.

  •     
  • Work Chic: – get 10% off Fit in Clouds foldable flats

Kamis, 06 Agustus 2009

Things i LOVE Thursday



Getting ready to go to Chicago

Getting my highlights done at a salon instead of trying to do it myself

Rodarte for Target - I'm hoping this is a good thing


Making Oreo cheesecake

My new Current/Elliott The Legging jeans - 
special thanks to Spandex Pony for the giveaway!

Rabu, 05 Agustus 2009

How to Swap


I am addicted to swapping - clothes, books, makeup, you name it.  In an earlier post, I talked about Rehash Clothes, an online trading post for whatever is in your closet.  Some other sites that I like are SwapTree, for books and other media, and MakeupAlley, for all my beauty needs.  The basic premise is simple: you list your item, you send or receive a message asking for a trade, and you ship your item.  Rehash and MakeupAlley allow you to post pictures of your goods and SwapTree lists items by ISBN.  Of course it's important to write a good description of your item because these sites allow people to leave feedback about their experience swapping with you.  The only cost is shipping the item, so swapping is a great way to refresh your room without spending tons of cash.  So far, I have had only one bad experience swapping and that is because the person ran out of money to ship my stuff; other than that, it has been great.  Stay tuned for more posts about swapping.        

Senin, 03 Agustus 2009

Back to School Wardrobe Planning


A few years ago, I worked at a popular children's store that drilled into me the importance of mix and match pieces for building a wardrobe. The basic recipe is as follows:

Look #1 = Jacket + Top + Skirt
Look #2 = Top + Jeans
Look #3 = T-shirt + Leggings
Mix and match pieces to create multiple looks - the goal is to create about 20 or so different looks with these 7 pieces.

I realize that 7 pieces of clothing may work for a 3 year old, but not necessarily for an adult who needs office attire, formal and club wear, etc. However, the basic formula applies to us all, and with an emphasis on accessories, a person can really change up their look without spending a fortune on new clothes.

Minggu, 02 Agustus 2009

Mark Hookup Winner

Congratulations to Nina, winner of the mark Hook Up set! Please contact me with your mailing information, so I can send you your prize.