Jane Eyre

I've read Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre a couple of times for school, so Laura's Reviews: All About the Brontes Challenge was a nice reason to read it just for pleasure. The first time a read Jane Eyre - I was about thirteen - I found the language of the gothic romance a bit confusing, but the cruel situations Jane faces always stuck with me. Reading it this time around, I was still moved by the death of her dear school friend, angered by the betrayal of the man she loves, and frustrated by her handsome and self-righteous cousin. Jane Eyre is a beautiful story and is all the more compelling when you discover Charlotte Bronte's tragic life. I think Jane Eyre is a must read for anyone who loves English literature, but Masterpiece Theatre's 2006 version of Jane Eyre is perfect for those who'd rather see the movie first.

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

A Touch of Frivolity

Edited by Retro Chick

It’s been a long time since pay day and this weeks Links à la Mode brings a touch of much needed frivolity as we crawl into the second month of a new decade. Idiosyncratic Style takes Scooby Doo’s Velma as her style inspiration, Dirty Hems is inspired by dolls houses and Ode to Awe shows off her leopard print nails. Want something for nothing? A few Goody Gumdrops has an Aspinall of London bag to giveaway and Retro Chick (that’s me!) has 2 Valentine goodie bags to giveaway worth over £100 each. We’ve also got some great designer interviews and some practical advice.

On a more sober note there’s some timely tips from Sway, Sway, Sway! on how you can continue to donate to Haiti without getting scammed, Shoe Daydreams discusses Tanya Golds “Why I hate Fashion” article and Ventures of Jenn shares her opinions on the body image debate.

Bring on February!

Note from Editor : Please be sure to check out the IFB Conference at NYFW : Evolving Influence

Links à la Mode: January 28th

• 39th and broadway – 5 Questions To Ask Before Beginning a Career in Fashion


• A Few Goody GumDrops – A Few Goody Gumdrops and Aspinal of London are Giving away an ever-so chic and sophisticated beige patterned skin clutch!


• Analogue Chic – Looking good while doing stuff – braving the weather and the commute with a sense of style.


• Bonne Vie – Invest in Quality Denim; featuring How-To Tips from Denim Debutante


• Cafe Fashionista – Style Secrets: Cowboy Boots Made Classy


• Cindy Whitehead – The Modern Snow Bunny


• Denim Debutante – Aeropostale Gives Back with Teens for Jeans Campaign


• dirty hems. – In the Dollhouse – Miniature inspiration and a teeny resulting DIY


• Dramatis Personae – a feature & interview with the designer behind i am dorkas


• Fasshonaburu – I challenge myself to follow my own dress code regulations in order to wow up my day to day ensembles.


• fête à fête – Clarins debuts first certified organic beauty soap


• Idiosyncratic Style – Inspired by the sartorially underrated Velma Dinkley.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers – IFB Presents : Evolving Influence Conference NYFW 2010


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS – Interview with Janeane Marie Ceccanti


• Ode to Awe – I review Minx Nails, plus my glamourous Russian Garnet cocktail ring


• Oranges and Apples – Vintage teenage hair inspiration


• Retro Chick – Valentines Day is on it’s way and Retro Chick has 2 goodie bags worth over £100 each to give away to help you celebrate!


• Shoe Daydreams – Fashion Influences (?)


• Style Eyes Fashion Blog – I have avoided eco and ethical fashion in the past because of the price but I have just discovered it is affordable and stylish.


• Style Symmetry – How to Choose Items at a Clothing Swap Party


• Sway Sway Away! – A passionate plea from a member of the global community to her fashionable brothers and sister: help Haiti!


• THE COVETED – Suzy Menkes, Facehunter, LeMads & The Coveted talk about fashion blogs


• ventures of jenn – on body issues

Things i LOVE Thursday

J. Crew's Double-cloth lady day coat

Watching the new Emma on PBS

Forever 21's Time to Shine Dress

The musings of Sleep Talkin' Man

Fencing

Baking cookies and a cake

Watching ice dancing

(so excited for the new Olympic team)

Knitting a very long scarf

Feeding my Bloglovin' addiction

My new American Sequin Clutch

(Thank you Chic Steals!)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Photo Safari

Bored, I took a photo safari in my room looking for anything that might look interesting.

Passage To The North

Shop my Etsy store!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade PassageToTheNorth.etsy.com

DIY Fashion Scrapbook and Box of Random Goodness Winner

Last year I created a fashion scrapbook in order to keep track of trends. Each month I went through magazines cutting out favorite looks and products and glueing them onto the page for the appropriate month. I've already started my 2010 scrapbook and can't wait to see what this year brings. What you'll need:

• Monthly Planner (I got mine from Target's dollar section)
• Scissors
• Glue Sticks
• Magazines

Create pages based on seasons, colors, trends, etc.

The winner of the drawing for the Box of Random Goodness Giveaway is:

LittleEagle

Please e-mail me your address, so I can send your prize on its way!

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

The Heavyweights

Edited by Dramatis Personae

Fashion’s getting heavier– and I’m not just talking about the rise of supermodels like Crystal Renn. This week we’ve got meaty posts covering ethical topics like the sustainability of bamboo at Awakened Aesthetic while Bonne-Vie covers the the implications of buying items made in China. We’ve got not 1–not 2, but 3 AMAZING Interviews this week at Alice in Stilettos, kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS, and White Rabbit. Even Gala Darling’s post on her 2010 Style Direction could serve as a paperweight, it’s so chock full of inspiring images, details, and notations.

As usual, there’s a fabulous collection of links in the forums for your continued reading pleasure!

Links à la Mode: January 21st

• Alice in Stilettos: – Interviewed brilliant 18 year old designer, Nathan Gerard!


• Awakened Aesthetic: – How Green is Your Bamboo?


• Bonne Vie: – At Bonne Vie, we talked about the impact of conscious spending on your wardrobe (and one girl’s journey to not buy “Made In China”)


• Cafe Fashionista: – Style Secrets: Stormy Sophistication. A comprehensive guide for the girl who wants to remain fashionable even in the midst of a monsoon!


• DailyDivaDish: – Vintage Broaches: 8 Unique ways to wear these treasures & more — includes many pics of different broaches & a DIY idea for reusing those with broken clasps.


• dramatis personae: – Following Your Instincts…When Meeting New People, When Shopping, When at Work, and When in Love


• Fashion Pulse Daily: – Ponders the significance of the C. Finley Wallpapered Dumpster Project


• For Those About to Shop: – nternational runway sensation Stacey McKenzie inspires aspiring models to be themselves.


• Gala Darling: – 2010 Style Direction: Psychadelic Ladies Who Lunch


• girl friday : – DIY Ribbon Necklace & Bracelet. tutoirial on how to make your own ribbon necklace.


• hello beauty! – In my post on Hello Beauty, I wrote about the new Bobbi Brown campaign. She’s using friends – not models.


• Idee Fixe: – Fashion and the arts charities supporting Haitian Relief on Idee Fixe


• In Life & In Fashion: – Make a “Most Coveted List” to avoid silly impulse spending! Includes tip on how to create your own list and what is currently on mine!


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: – How to Create Your Media Kit


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My exclusive interview with Inbar Spector, an Israeli London-based designer whose renowned avant garde Bjork-inspired designs have been worn by celebrities such as Rihanna.


• Model Max: – A special report on the history of male modeling – from the 1980s to the present time, with short profiles of selected male models who remain successful even after modeling.


• Oranges and Apples: – Top tips for organising your wardrobe


• Retro Chick – The 4 things I’ve always wanted but never owned


• THE COVETED – Marion Cotillard and Franz Ferdinand team up for Dior


• the fashionate traveller: – the rock/burlesque/voodoo vibe that is alternative Sydney label Baroque & Roll.


• White Rabbit: – Introducing Sorcha Gillet, the Irish born textile designer and blogger.

Things i LOVE Thursday

Painting my nails OPI I'm Not Really A Waitress red

Wearing mittens

Drinking fruit smoothies

Zac Posen for Target

Triple platform pumps

Old fashion phones

Watching Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

World landmarks acrylic ring set

Golden Globe speeches by Mo'Nique, Meryl Streep,

and Robert Downey, Jr.

Reading Shakespeare's A Midsummers Night's Dream

Tie Dye For

I am tired of the dull, grey winter and am eagerly looking forward to spring clothes. Proenza Schouler showcased bright colors and several tie dye looks which have me itching to try this trend.

Tie Dye by Icedivastar featuring Billabong

While not everyone has the mega bucks to drop on designer clothing, stores like Forever 21 and Free People are producing garments that pay homage to this spring look. Forever 21's Studded Dyed Tee ($19.80) and Tie Die Print Skirt ($15.80) are inexpensive ways to introduce tie dye into your wardrobe before spring arrives. Free People's We The Free Romper Dress ($29.95) is another cute addition while We Love Colors Splash Color Tights ($11) will kick up an outfit you already own.

Of course, I can't forget to mention the obvious way to introduce this trend into your wardrobe and that is to do it yourself. Grab a tee and some Rit® dye and make like it's summer camp. Paula Burch's How to Tie Dye is a good place to start.

Think Peach

Think Peach by Icedivastar featuring ASOS shoes

One of my favorite trends at last night's Golden Globes was the peach dress. Christina Aguilera's Versace, Christina Hendrick's Christian Siriano, and Maggie Gyllenhaal's RM by Roland Mouret were some of my favorites. Peach, blush, and flesh are major trends this spring and will continue to pop up this awards season.

Swapping Spree

I've been trying to watch how I spend my money, so last week I went on a swapping spree. If you have not yet discovered the joys of swapping, I highly recommend that you give it a try. Swaptree is excellent for for books and CDs. MakeupAlley is more than just product reviews; you can swap for makeup and more. Swapping is a great way to clean out your closet, and you only have to pay for the postage.

• Spamalot soundtrack - I'm loving "The Song That Goes Like This" and "Find Your Grail".
• Wicked The Grimmerie - fantastic pictures and information on the show.
• Eco cup - OK I didn't swap for this (it's a late Christmas present) but I love how this travel mug looks like a paper cup.
• BalmShell lipgloss - The other end of the gloss features "float art" and turns into a keychain.

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Style: An Introspective Approach

Edited by Fashion Pulse Daily

This week, some of us looked back at icons of the past, such as // Fade to #c5c5c5’s Marchesa Luisa Casati,Fabulous Finds Gal ’s Horst photography post, and Cafe Fashionista’s take on Diana Vreeland’s famous quotes, while others looked at how far we’ve come, such as The Curvy Fashionista’s plus size fashion observations and A Dress & A Bike ’s thoughts on what it means to be sexy. Each post brought a unique angle to the subject at hand, and raised important topics of self-expression, style, adaptation, trends, individuality, and acceptance. It’s fascinating to examine our own fashion-related introspection, and think about how our inner selves, thoughts and feelings, are reflected through the clothing choices we make, the pairing of certain looks, and of course our writing and blogs.

As expected, there was a fabulous round-up of links in the forum as well, all worthy of your eyeballs!

Links à la Mode: January 14th

• // Fade to #c5c5c5 – Marchesa Luisa Casati inspire artists, designers and authors till this day, more than 50 years after her death
• A Dress & A Bike – Discussion of the trends of ’sexy’
• Alice in Stilettos – Runway Review: The Colors for Spring!
• Bonnie Vie – Discussing retail hell and how both customers and sales associates can contribute to better shopping experiences for everyone.
• Cafe Fashionista – Why Don’t You…? In the spirit of Diana Vreeland; a post featuring luxurious things one can do to make themselves feel fabulous!
• ’cause I’d rather waste my life pretending – Bites sized interview with Stephanie J, Editor In Chief of N.E.E.T Magazine
• Cool Mama Style - Is there an ideal pair of panties?
• Dedicated- Gets downright nosey with Nadia Izruna of the gorgeous & girly indie label Nadinoo
• Denim Debutante – teaches you about discrepancies in denim sizing
• Dramatis Personae – How to Custom Order Goods from Your Indie Friends
• Fabulous Finds Gal - Horst photography is a study in elegance, style and rarefied glamour that spanned 60 years
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Finds the Habillees series on the Sundance Channel to be the perfect elixir for another hectic fashion week soon approaching!
• Fasshionaburu – Reviews an indie label from Australia she discovered called Evil Twin
• Independent Fashion Bloggers- How to cover fashion week….when you’re not there.
• Le Quaintrelle - A collection of Hermes-inspired outfits from my own closet.
• M.I.S.S. – She’s Crafty – Safety Pin Epaulets & Fringe Lapel Pin
• odetoawe - Love for the movie Cry-Baby, and how to get Traci Lords’ rockabilly look
• Rags to Reverie - Fantastic plastic to slip on your fingers
• Skinny Buddha - Sending out some love to the artists creating handmade items
• Style Symmetry - Interview with Audi of Fashion For Nerds
• The Coveted – Snow boots? Winter comfort or style?
• The Curvy Fashionista - Plus size fashion has picked up major steam, inspiring both yeas and nays for the latest in V magazine- stating it just a trend- or is it?

Things i LOVE Thursday

Making FairyCakes

Watching Julie & Julia

The Kelly Moore Bag

Shoe paper clips

Teaching ice skating lessons

Faux fur jacket

Sorel Hoonah Boots

Taking fencing lessons

Butter by Nadia Wrap Dress

Reading Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

The Year of Turquoise

Turquoise by Icedivastar featuring Melissa shoes

Pantone has decreed that turquoise is the color of 2010. Blue skies, the Caribbean, and chunky jewelry all come to mind when I think of turquoise. According to Pantone, "Turquoise Transports Us to an Exciting, Tropical Paradise While Offering a Sense of Protection and Healing in Stressful Times." Sounds good to me.

Box of Random Goodness Giveaway

With most of the country in a deep freeze, I thought a giveaway might be a nice way to cheer things up. A cherry red beret from Forever 21 is the perfect accessory for battling snow whether you are in Florida or Michigan. Wear the light blue t-shirt lei and dream of the blue sky hiding behind those awful grey clouds. Plus, I'm throwing in some extra goodies such as an adorable American Girl paper doll Happy Meal toy, plastic Disney princess rings, and a Jane Austen audio book sampler.

To enter, leave a comment below about your favorite thing to do when it is cold outside.

Contest runs through January 23rd.

p.s.

Have you heard about the Bloggies? Nominate your favorite blogs by January 12th!

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Bring It On

Edited by Dream Sequins

My job as editor this week was difficult as many bloggers decided to follow the fierce directive of that cult cheerleading movie, Bring It On. It’s a new decade, and the IFB community decided to “bring it” and then some. (Just to clarify, I’m talking about the original movie starring Kirsten Dunst, and not the subsequent, watered down sequels; because as fashion bloggers, we all have original stories to tell!) This week’s links explore topics such as winter trends, vintage fur care, biker chic style revelations and profiles of 70s and 80s style icons and are so good that they make me want to lead the group in a cheer.

Links à la Mode : January 7th

• 39th and Broadway – NYC Brings Opportunity to Emerging Designers


• A Typical Atypical – My style revolution takes me into the realm of the biker chick, and doesn’t look back!


• amanda lee dot org – Essential sewing skills for wardrobe maintenance


• Bobbins and Bombshells – Fashionable History – Airline Travel


• DailyDivaDish – Indie jewelry designer Debra Mitchell’s newest piece: Tibet. Part of the new SALVAGE line, this necklace is convertible and each contains a piece salvaged from Tibet.


• Darian Darling – The blonde fashion icon of every 80’s Hair Metal skank and rock star’s girlfriend!!


• denimaniac – Woolrich Woolen Mills S/S 2010 Lookbook


• Dream Sequins – A studio visit with designer Katie Gallagher


• Fashion Pulse Daily – We Love Colors will fulfill your legwear fantasy, as Fashion Pulse Daily quickly discovers!


• ferOHHHsh – Bryce d’Anice Aime S/S 2010 RTW … chic LBD’s, pops of red, and those spiked shoulders Rihanna made famous


• Gotham Hipster – Once you’ve indulged in Babycakes there’s no going back


• HiFashion – How to roller set your hair


• Idiosyncratic Style – The Personal Style of Costume Designer, Melissa Stewart


• Oranges and Apples – On the importance of critique in fashion blogging


• Retro Chick – 5 New Years Resolutions you can’t fail to keep


• sighsandwhispers – A history and analysis of the style of a notorious teenage groupie in the 70s, Lori Maddox


• Style on a String – An interview with Judy Kou, owner of the fabulous online dress shop – Sunday Brunch Dress


• Styletastic – We’re finding it hard to adjust to a new year at Styletastic, but here are some things we can all look forward to!


• The Bargain Hunter Extraordinaire – I already knew I was going to wear a black sequins belt and beret for NYE, but I wanted some fun shoes to add to the mix; I couldn’t find anything I liked though, so I decided “when in doubt, make your own”


• The door in my wardrobe – How to choose a vintage fur and take care of it – plus DIY repairing & maintenance for the brave of the heart


• wit & whimsy – The winter trends you should be wearing

Things i LOVE Thursday

Bloglovin'

(I think I'm addicted)

Reading Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Watching North & South

This amazing Rose Scarf at Alice & Isa

Baking cookies

First major snowstorm of the year

Red sequin leggings

Watching beauty tutorials on YouTube

(another new addiction)

Cat Eye Sunglasses

Watch This

Watch This by Icedivastar featuring Nixon watches

Items in this set:
Juicy Couture Crystal Watch with Jelly Strap, $195
Nixon Neon Blue Vega Watch, $85
Chereskin watch, $34
ASOS Rose Gold Effect Retro Style Oversized Watch, $34
Pink oblong case, pink dial & pink resin strap, 30 GBP

Maybe it's because it's the start of a new year, but recently, I have been obsessed with watches. For Christmas, I was a given a jelly watch and love wearing it because the band is comfortable and the watch face is huge. I've, also, noticed that men's style watches are popping up everywhere and would be a great way to mix up a girly outfit. Wearing a watch ring is a great way to grab people's attention when you check your finger for the time and is a fun accessory to own. And as for a watch calculator, what could be more perfect for a shopping spree.

Cheap Monday: Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil

Always on the hunt for new products to use, I was eager to try Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil after reading the reviews on Makeup Alley. I was a little unsure about how my face would react to the oil, but within a week, I saw improvement in my skin tone and moisture level. I use this at night before going to bed so that the oil can sink in while I sleep, but Jojoba oil can, also, be used as makeup remover and as a hair treatment. I bought this bottle in October and am pretty happy with how long the 4 ounces have lasted. Definitely worth the $8 investment.

Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

Evolve

Edited by Sandra/Debutante Clothing

It’s over kids – 2009 is done. Everyone is probably completing their resolutions list, which we never keep past March. This year, I have no list. I have just promised myself to evolve – learn something new, try new products, evolve in my style. Making yourself better, not different, seems to be on many bloggers’ minds. Fasshonaburu evolves by discovering her style, Fashion Cents helps us shop for designer while feeling great about our budget, and Hello Beauty teaches us how to finally do a smoky eye, quickly and simply. We don’t need to spend a lot, try too hard, or even shop a lot to start anew – we can make 2010 the year we get one year better than the last. Happy New Year – Cheers!

Links à la Mode : December 31st

• British Style Bloggers – positive body image campaign for 2010 needs your help!


• Daily Diva Dish – Urban Decay Giveaway – Book of Shadows, Volume 2


• Debutante Clothing – ‘Couture’, 1990s – Trends in Vintage To Keep and Say Buh Bye To


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion – Style Soundtrack: A Winter Wonderland. Plan a pretty outfit, listen to a pretty song


• El Fashionista – did an illustration for a 2010 Shoe Calendar (and there’s a high-res download!)


• Fashion Cents – gives you 3 tips for successfully shopping online sample sales


• Fashion Pulse Daily – snags an interview with the woman behind the lovely Love Rocks NY jewelry line, Limor Ratzabi Zenker


• fasshonaburu – surprising revelations about her personal style


• Fine Social – editorial – Color Theory


• grit and glamour – 2009 Fashion MVP – Which fashionista has transformed herself from LA-skanky to uber-swanky?


• Hello Beauty – Review of new Urban Decay Smoke Out Kits that make it really easy to do smoky eyes


• House in Tillford – A look back at the trends of 2009


• Ideefixemon – styles Rodarte for Target


• Idiosyncratic Style – Who do you think rocks the leopard spotted coat?


• Intrinsically Florrie – interviews the talented young fashion illustrator Derek Cardigan


• Retro Chick – :Ethical Design Spotlight – Cruelty free shoes from Beyond Skin


• Style On a String – The New Age of Sexy


• the3st – A conversation with Mei Mei Ding of the revived Central European brand Alter & Kiss, about the firm’s rich history and commitment to cultivating top fashion talent globally


• twentyteneightyfour – ‘One Size Fits All’ editorial in V Magazine – not convinved


• Unfunded – Christmas Detox, Coset Peekage and Secrets to Successful Thrift Shopping