The end of 2009
Black high-heeled shoes
Charm bracelets
Making New Year's resolutions
Chocolate and pretzels
Watching Avatar and Sherlock Holmes
Happy New Year!
Kamis, 31 Desember 2009
Selasa, 29 Desember 2009
Lady Susan and Other Favorite Books of 2009
For the Everything Austen Challenge, I had hoped to read Jane Austen's Sewing Box by Jennifer Forest, but I was unable to find a copy. Instead, I read Jane Austen's Lady Susan and was highly entertained by this often overlooked story. The novel is a compilation of correspondence surrounding the infamous widow, Lady Susan, and narrates the attempts Lady Susan makes to find herself and/or her daughter a husband. This is one of my favorite books to have read this year, and it's a quick read. I've read quite a few books in 2009 but have been very bad about keeping track of what I've finished. There are a few books that stand out in my memory as worth a shout out, so if you haven't read any of these yet, do.
- The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Flavia de Luce is an 11-year-old science prodigy and amateur sleuth who is both charming and obnoxious. This book is definitely worth a trip to the book store.
- Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
I read this book upon the recommendation of a friend and loved it immensely. It's the story of terrorism, diplomacy, love, and music. I dare you not to cry when you get to the end.
- Beloved by Toni Morrison
This is one of those strange and beautiful books you don't expect to find, but when you do, you feel like a new person for having read it. Haunting and memorizing, the novel's depiction of slavery and the psychological fallout will stay with you long after you have put the book down.
January 1st is the start of Laura's Reviews All About the Brontes 2010 Challenge. I can't wait to get started!
If you haven't picked up a copy of my new book, The Fashion Planner's Guide, you can get 10% off until December 30th with the code HUMBUG. It's a great way to start off the new year!
Minggu, 27 Desember 2009
Avatar
Yesterday, I went to see James Cameron's Avatar and was blown away by how visually stunning the film is. This is a movie made to be seen in 3-D on the big screen. The details that went into Pandora are spectacular - the colors, the textures, the scenery - make the planet feel like an actual location.
Story-wise I would describe the movie as FernGully meets Star Wars (my brother describes it as "The Last of the Mohicans... in space!"). A corporation from Earth wants the Unobtainium found underneath the home of the Na'vi. When a Marine's Avatar is accepted into the tribe, his loyalties are tested, and he must ultimately decide who his people are.
The movie is really long, almost three hours, but every scene in Pandora is worth it. The soundtrack is great, too, but is reminiscent of Titanic, which isn't surprising since they were both composed by James Horner. I would love to see the movie again, but first I want to get my hands on The Art of Avatar and learn how they did it all.
K4ZKER3593PZ
Sabtu, 26 Desember 2009
Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup
- Alice in Stilettos – Don’t Be Victimized By Fashion
- DailyDivaDish – New Year’s Eve Fashion: Make an entrance without breaking the bank. Includes 2 looks + DIY ideas.
- Fashion X K8 – Bringing attention to an essay of literary criticism that provides the proper vocabulary with which we can converse about a new fashion paradigm.
- Fasshonaburu – An interview with Liu Wen, the first Asian model to strut her stuff on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show catwalk.
- Idiosyncratic Style – Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am – Indulge in a little glamour for the holidays.
- Jewelry Whore – HUGE Roundup of DIY Christmas Present Ideas! It’s not too late to make some fabulous jewelry for Christmas presents!
- kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – You’re only a couple clicks and a few stitches away from owning your own one-of-a-kind designer piece with free patterns from SHOWstudio
- La Société de Mode – A scream of an interview with stylist Brett Bailey
- Little Miss Makeup – Bold lips: This season’s hottest makeup trend.
- M.I.S.S. – Another simple yet attractive necklace by Pandora from Acessory Source in this week’s She’s Crafty.
- Previously Owned – To celebrate the [almost there] opening of the ONLINE store Previously Owned BLOG is giving away a Royal Blue hobo!
- Retro Chick – Vintage Hair Styling with Flamingo Amy
- Style on a String – Harem Pants: Yay or Nay? And some quick tips on how to buy and wear them.
- Sugar and spice and all things nice – 10 things I like…. no, LOVE… about FANTASY SHOPPING!!
- sweetarchivia – Review of the much anticipated launch of the Rodarte for Target line by the Mulleavy sisters.
- THE COVETED – Versace Pre-Fall returns to color
- The Demoiselles – Wing Tips: Your First Time…at the Tailor
- The Fashion Planner – The Fashion Planner is excited to announce the publication of The Fashion Planner’s Guide!
- The Style PA – I review the comfy, Cable Cosy by Isabella Oliver
- The Working Wardrobe – Learning the art of layering that is both fashion-forward and office-appropriate
The Happy Holidays Edition
Edited by Retrochick
Well, I suppose I shall start this weeks Links à la Mode with this:
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
It’s Christmas Eve and I’m sure visions of sugar plums are dancing in everyone’s heads as they trim the tree and sup mulled wine in preparation for tomorrows frivolities. All too soon it’ll all be over and brain power sapped from too many TV Christmas Specials you’ll be wanting some mental sustenance, and that’s where we come in.
Essentially that’s a long winded way of me saying that what follows are some lovely links to keep you busy over the Christmas period.
M.I.S.S and JeweleryWhore have D.IY ideas to keep your mind and body occupied, ID Style and Little Miss Make Up show you how to ramp up the glamour in your make up bag, whilst Daily Diva Dish and The Working Wardrobe will help you plan what to wear for New Years Eve and that dreaded day you return to work.
If you run out of entertainment here then you should always check out the full Links à la Mode thread for more yummy fashion goodness.
I hope you all have a fantastic holiday and that Santa brings you everything you asked for!
Links à la Mode : December 24th
Kamis, 24 Desember 2009
Things i LOVE Thursday
Staying up late to wrap presents
TCM Christmas movies:
Reading Middlemarch by George Eliot
Christmas lights
Grilled cheese with jelly
Publishing The Fashion Planner's Guide
Merry Christmas!
Rabu, 23 Desember 2009
Gift-of-the-Month Clubs
I have always been fascinated by gift-of-the-month clubs and the surprise of a new something every month. From cupcakes to shoes, there is a club for just about any interest. Here are some of my favorites:
Pick a new shoe every month from your personalized selection.
24 memo books in different colors and styles to keep you busy throughout the year.
Receive a new award-winning independent or foreign film every month.
25 different colored pencils arrive every month for 20 months.
A soft cotton tee, tank, or cami delivered every month for 6 to 12 months.
Choose a selection of up to 12 independent magazines to receive for a year.
Features 2 Cupcakes in a Jar every month for 6 months. Yum!
Selasa, 22 Desember 2009
The Fashion Planner's Guide (An Interactive Guide to Style)
Today, I am very happy to announce the publication of my first fashion book, The Fashion Planner's Guide (An Interactive Guide to Style). The Guide is inspired by my love of fashion and the tips and tricks I have learned while working in entertainment.
Description: "The Fashion Planner's Guide is an interactive style guide that helps you build your wardrobe by creating a fashion inventory and a look book. Topics include: Style Inspiration, How to Look Rich, Be Your Own Stylist, and more."
If you enjoy reading my blog, I am sure you will like The Fashion Planner's Guide. The book is currently available only as an ebook and retails for $11.49. However, you can get 20% off from now through December 31st with the code COMPUTERS.
I would love to hear your thoughts about The Guide, so feel free to comment below with your likes, dislikes, and suggestions.
Minggu, 20 Desember 2009
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict
I enjoyed reading Laurie Viera Rigle's Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict, so I was eager to read her latest addition, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict. Rude Awakenings follows 19th century Jane Mansfield's exploits in contemporary Los Angeles. Waking up in the body of Courtney Stone, Jane discovers that 21st century relationships are just as complicated as those in Jane Austen's time.I found Confessions more entertaining but that may be because I rather read about Regency England than modern day L.A. Rude Awakenings is full of commentary on modern conveniences and relationships and makes interesting comparisons between our time and Austen's.
Jumat, 18 Desember 2009
Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup
The Countdown Begins
Edited by Dramatis Personae
The countdown has begun–not only until the end of the year–but until the end of the first decade in the 21st century. That’s kind of amazing to think about. Styletastic and Sway, Sway, Away! both look at fashion from the Oughts with two distinctly different visions. [the3st] interviews the founder of ModCloth, while Wicked & Whimsy reviews Closet Confidential (by the hilarious Winona of DaddyLikey fame!).
Since this will be my last edit of links a la mode for this year, see you all in 2010!
Links à la Mode : December 17th
- 39thandbroadway.com: – How Brands Get Burned By Celebs
- A Typical Atypical: – Suffering from Buyers Remorse: The Real Deal
- Brunette and Pink: – Makeup Tutorial: Leighton Meester Inspired Winged-out Smoky Eye Look
- DailyDivaDish – Create a sparkling New Year’s look with the Tarte Treasure Chest Giveaway. Enter to this limited edition kit.
- Friend in Fashion – Sugar and spice and all things nice – Unearthing the unique designs of the fabulous, Arizona based designer Monique Martinez, through the captive lense of Galaxie Andrews.
- Grit and Glamour: – The Trend Conundrum–rends are a tricky thing; what makes some women look so pulled together is not a wardrobe full of the latest styles and trends, but the ability to know which ones to avoid.
- i'm the it girl: – My Love Affair With Hermes and the Great Debate: Kelly or Birkin?
- Idiosyncratic Style: – 12 Great Holiday DIY Projects – give something special this year (even if you are short on time and money)
- kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My most amazing (and green!) find this year: Denim Therapy, a company who will restore your tattered favorite jeans to like-new condition. Seriously.
- La Société de Mode | The Fashion Society: – Combats are stomping their way back into style
- Pursed Lips: – Thoughts/quotes on Lady Gaga as a powerful tool, if a difficult one to reach, for designers.
- Style on a String – Getting down to the wire: Gifts for the Stylish Geek who is kind of Girly too
- Styletastic: – As the 00’s are coming to en end, we look back at the fashion memories that will define the decade. Ah the memories!
- Sway Sway Away!: – Sway Sway Away! presents Caitie’s bitching and moaning on the worst trends of the Aughts.
- THE COVETED – Love it or Leave it : Rodarte for Target
- The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner shows you how to make a jaunty beret.
- The Working Wardrobe: – Beware of “business casual” being too casual for the workplace.
- tick tick heart: – A focus on the varying fashions of some of our quirkier leading ladies in film.
- White Rabbit: – Pros and Contras of Artificial Nails
- Wicked Whimsy: – Closet Confidential: A Review
- [the3st]: – Success & Getting There: Interview with Susan of ModCloth.com
Rabu, 16 Desember 2009
Things i LOVE Thursday
The end of the semester
Reading Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel
Making Christmas presents
The Plight of the Darcy Brothers by Marsha Altman
(Thank you vvb32reads!)
Senin, 14 Desember 2009
DIY Gift Idea: Beret
This Christmas I am making a lot of the presents I am giving to friends and family. The classic beret is perfect for your fashionable friend and your cousin who wants to go to France. This beret only requires a little bit of sewing experience and is totally worth it once you place it jauntily on your head. You may want to play around with the dimensions, and making a cardboard pattern makes cutting out the pieces a lot easier. Enjoy!
Step #1
From main fabric, cut out:
23.5" x 3" strip (headband)
4" x 3.5" rectangle (nub)
11.5" diameter circle (top of hat)
11.5" diameter circle with 6.21" diameter cutout (side of hat)
From contrasting fabric, cut out:
11.5" diameter circle (lining)
Step #2Fold rectangle for nub in half. Then roll fabric into a tight cylinder. Stitch side shut. Cut tiny hole in the top hat piece and place nub a quarter of the way down. On the wrong side of fabric, sew the nub to the top of the hat. Then pin and sew lining with the wrong sides together.
Step #3Pin the side piece to the top piece then sew right sides together.
Step #4Fold headband strip in half length-wise and pin to the side of the hat. Sew with right sides together.
Step #5
Step #5Ta-dah! You are done!
For more beret ideas, check out Saturday Night Hat by Eugenia Kim, eco crafts, Martha Stewart and VintageSewing.Info
Sabtu, 12 Desember 2009
All About The Brontes Challenge
I'm almost done with the Everything Austen Challenge and can't wait to get started on a new challenge. Laura's Reviews All About the Brontes 2010 Challenge runs from January 1st to June 30th and the goal is to read or watch 3 to 6 Bronte related items. For this challenge, I will be reading:- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
- The Brontes Went to Woolworths by Rachel Ferguson
- The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
- Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
- Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier
Some of these books will be rereads for me, but I am excited to explore them once again.
Jumat, 11 Desember 2009
Costume Chronicles
The November/December 2009 issue of Costume Chronicles is out now and includes my article on the movie The Mists of Avalon. The theme of this issue is "Fantasy & Fairy Tales" and is a great read for anyone who loves period films. Plus, it's free!
Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup
Choices, Choices!
Edited by Dream Sequins
At this time of year, even the smallest decision can feel like the biggest burden. As holiday shopping season swings into full and relentless motion this month, the choices we make as consumers can often feel overwhelming. This week’s compelling roundup of reading explores these choices from every possible angle and makes it clear that as bloggers, we should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Whether it’s writing about a specialty gift guide for a geek chic girl, choosing the perfect red lip color or even exploring the nuanced difference in quality between designer and mid-priced items, these choices are what make us unique and connect us as an independent fashion blogging community.
Links à la Mode : December 10th
- A Typical Atypical – Get into vintage 50’s housewife mode for the Christmas season!
- Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History: L’Officiel de la Mode Archives
- Brunette and Pink – Holiday Makeup Inspired by the Sephora 2009 Holiday Sephora Catalog using Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II
- dramatis personae – High Fashion & High Art… Two Worlds Apart? Thoughts, Arguments, & Solutions for the Knock-off Debate
- Dream Sequins – A bling-tastic evening at jewelers, Doyle and Doyle.
- Fashion Pulse Daily – Fashion Pulse Daily finally finds a handbag that meets her very particular requirements.
- Fashion X K8 – Spotlighting the stylishly subtantial Desirée Rogers and challenging the press’s idea that those who fill jobs seeped in tradition should not only maintain the “tradition” but refrain from being eye-catching.
- Fasshonaburu – Shopping for the Geek Chic Girl: Holiday shopping advice for the girl who loves fashion as much as video games, gadgets and Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
- M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty: DIY Ruffled Suspenders
- Oranges and Apples – The Sapeurs: vibrant and elegant street style from the Congo.
- Rags to Reverie – A Fab Four Fanatic’s review of the Comme des Garçons x The Beatles collaboration.
- Retro Chick – Fashion Economics – Are low cost retailers forcing us to be wasteful?
- Sophisticated Insanity – Take a look at the lady behind Rare bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel
- Style on a String – Leggings vs. Tights: The difference, how to buy them and what to wear (and not wear) with them.
- Style Symmetry – Christmas Gift Ideas for Him, For Her and Secret Santa…
- The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire – Two days ago, it was 36 degrees out…today, I didn’t even have to a jacket- that’s New England!
- THE COVETED – Love bold red lips? Check out the Ultimate Red holiday collection.
- TheWorkingWardrobe – Here are some tips on how men can work jewelry at the office without any raised eyebrows.
- Thrift Eye – Dreaming of Shearling: Save up for the nice stuff and be warm or go with the cheap and be cold?
- ventures of jenn. – A spotlight on Berlin label Reality Studio.
- Wicked Whimsy – Practical Quality: Looking into what the difference, if any, is between a mid-range item & a designer item.
Kamis, 10 Desember 2009
Things i LOVE Thursday
Watching Christmas movies
The first snow of winter
Buying my Coach Poppy wristlet at a great discount
Making homemade tortillas
Rodgers and Hammerstein movies
Working on writing The Fashion Planner's Guide
Selasa, 08 Desember 2009
Favorite Trends of 2009
From boyfriend blazers and geek glasses to skater skirts and shooties, 2009 offered something for everyone. I love the blue and green nail polishes that are replacing the blacks and grays of last year. (Mint Candy Apple from essie is gorgeous.) Little details and accessories, such as statement necklaces, embellished tights, and sequins, were the focus this year and were inexpensive ways to dress up clothes already in the closet. Below is a list of my favorite trends for 2009. What are some of your favorites?
- Sequins
- Black Lace and Embellished Tights
- Shooties and ankle booties
- Frosted Eye Shadow
- Skater Skirts and Circle Skirts
- Harem Pants
- Platform Pumps
- Red Lipstick
- Bandage and Body Con Dresses
- Colored Nail Polish
- Skinny Jeans and Jeggings
- Over The Knee Boots
- Rompers and Jumpsuits
- Boyfriend Blazers
- Headbands
- Statement Necklaces
- Fedoras
- Whimsical Jewelry
Senin, 07 Desember 2009
Cheap Monday: Tweezerman Tweezers
I love tweezers. I've been the tweezer version of Goldie Locks looking for the right pair of tweezers, frequently "borrowing" any pair that happens to be left within my reach. For years, I have read reviews on Tweezerman Tweezers but never understood (a) why a person would spend $20 on a pair of tweezers and (b) why the tweezers would be worth it. I finally broke down and bought the Tweezerman Mirror and Mini Slant Tweezer Set during Sephora's friends and family event, and let me tell you these tweezers are worth every penny. The ends are nice and sharp and easily grab even the most stubborn hairs. The mirror magnifies every pore making it easier to see the hairs that need plucking while, also, reminding one it is probably time for a facial. If you are in the market, I highly recommend giving Tweezerman Tweezers a try.
Minggu, 06 Desember 2009
Gift Ideas for Twihards
Jumat, 04 Desember 2009
Links à la Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup
Links à la Stocking Stuffers
Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily
This week, as I've been getting geared up for the holiday season's shopping ( both loving and dreading it) via Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I couldn't help but compare the posts to stocking stuffers. Why? Because it felt like a nice, sentimental hodge podge of little items that although different, still fit together into the the bigger equation, hence my new phrase, "Links a la Stocking Stuffers!" Although I jest, I love the variety of posts this week, from how to style and what to wear including Retro Chick's guide to '40s hair for holiday parties, CoolMamaStyle.com's tuxedo jacket, The Coveted's adventures in Century 21 and What to Wear's Art Basel fashionable looks, to Prom Mafia's run in with Black Friday and SwaySwaySway's blissful tactics to keep your computer off on Cyber Monday.
As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!
Links à la Mode : December 3rd
- 39th and Broadway - How zoning may save the fashion industry
- Bonne Vie - talking about Knockoffs and why making accessible fashion isn't a bad thing
- Confessions of a Fashion Editor - Interview with Katie Mackay of What Katie Wore, as she reaches the end of her year-longstyle challenge, to wear something different every day!
- CoolMamaStyle.com - Binge or Bargain: Black Tuxedo Jacket
- Fashion Pulse Daily - Saks Fifth Avenue & Windows 7; an unlikely pairing for the holidays!
- Fashion XK8 - Explores Fashion through local anthropology
- Girl Friday - Mad About the Tote
- Little Miss Makeup: Smoky Eyeshadow: A Timeless Makeup Trend
- Oranges and Apples - Fashioning the Future: my favourites from the 2009 sustainable fashion awards
- Painfully Hip - Edie Sedgwick takes San Francisco (she was born a California Girl, after all)!
- Prom Mafia - Surviving Old Navy's Black Friday Sales
- Rags to Reverie - How Essie got me to embrace nail color once again
- Retro Chick - A Step by Step Guide to Easy 40s Style Party Hair
- Style Symmetry - Blog to Watch ~ My Mom, The Style Icon
- SwaySwaySway -A short and humorous guide to beating those seductive Cyber Monday urges
- [the 3st] - Interview with Hungarian Designer Dora Mojzes, recently featured at the Marie Claire Fashion Show,
- The Art of Accessories - helps you find a gift for everyone on your list with the 2009 Winter Gift Guide
- The Coveted - Finds designers at an old favorite discount department store, Century 21
- The Door in My Wardrobe - A lengthy post about fabric weaves and fibers, helpful for vintage hunter
- The Working Wardrobe - Check out these eco-friendly ties that work with your outfit and your office dress code.
- What to Wear -Art Basel Miami Beach--the most important art show in the United States
Kamis, 03 Desember 2009
Things i LOVE Thursday
Rabu, 02 Desember 2009
Coach for the Holidays
If you are looking for a gift that is fun, classic, and under $100, Coach is the place to shop. With lots of goodies in the double digits, you are sure to find a fashionable gift at a comfortable price. Here are some of my favorites.
Langganan:
Komentar (Atom)