Rabu, 31 Maret 2010

Crown Jewels

"I am a princess. All girls are. Even if they live in tiny old attics. Even if they dress in rags, even if they aren't pretty, or smart, or young. They're still princesses. All of us. Didn't your father ever tell you that? Didn't he?"

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett



Every girl deserves a tiara. Wear one on your birthday or your wedding or just because.

Selasa, 30 Maret 2010

Beautiful Things Happen Book Review


I stumbled across BookSneeze a few months ago and signed up to read and review Beautiful Things Happen When A Woman Trusts God by Sheila Walsh. Part autobiography and part devotional, Walsh writes about her struggle with depression while highlighting people in the Bible who, also, learned to trust God through their difficulties. This is not a book I would typically pickup, but I was intrigued by the cover and was not disappointed. I liked Walsh's incite into characters such as Samson and Abraham - pointing out their flaws and how they were necessary to show God's grace. At times a little slow, Walsh discusses her life in the public eye and how speaking about her past has opened up many opportunities for her to reach out to other women.

Senin, 29 Maret 2010

The Eye of the Beholder


Wearing glasses can be a pain, but things are about to change. Over the last couple of years, glasses have been appearing on hipster faces and are becoming a key fashion accessory whether you need them to see or not. (Visit Pandora for inspiration!) Both Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 offer cute affordable styles for instant geek chic without the eye exam. If you don't mind splurging, Prism is the place to go to for handmade, unisex glasses that come in a very cool case. Should you be in the market for prescription glasses, check out Warby Parker which is not only affordable but, also, gives away a pair of glasses for every pair they sell. For those passionate about glasses, Eye Heart Glasses is an amazing blog about all sorts of eyewear. Don't know how to find the right pair? DailyCandy shows you how.

Need makeup ideas? MichellePhan shows you how to do chic makeup for glasses:


Sabtu, 27 Maret 2010

Links a la Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

links a la mode

DIY NATION


It seems that across the board, there has been a resurgence in DIY, as we are very much living in a world of 'Do it Yourself' everything; ranging from creating or updating or garments' silhouettes and decorative details to showcasing our own versions of runway looks, virtually styling with tools like Polyvore, tackling self-photography, and of course self-publishing via our blog platforms. We reign supreme in the DIY world on a daily basis, and I only see this trend gaining momentum. The roundup of this week's links is definitely an indication, directly and indirectly, of the incredibly creative, innovative, persevering, motivated folks that are part of the new DIY frontier, and of course, IFB!

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

Links à la Mode : March 25th

  • Alex Loves - The Chanel Tattoo Cast
  • Alice in Stilettos - DIY Faux Fur Ankle Cuffs Inspired by Thakoon
  • Denim Debutante - How Would You Change the Denim Industry?
  • Despising Life is so Passé - Spring Cleaning: Detox your Space
  • Fashion Pulse Daily - The DYI Glue-On Pedicure: Reviewing Revlon’s Perfect Pedicure Kit
  • Fasshonaburu - Vyque & Alyssa review the "Project Runway" video game and give you a chance to win your own copy!
  • For Those About to Shop - Designer NADA's Fashion future - how about a 3D film?
  • Haute World - My real life encounters with Balmain and an exclusive tour inside the label's only boutique in the world.
  • Idiosyncratic Style - The Personal Style of Fashion Designer, Breeyn McCarney
  • Independent Fashion Bloggers : Evolving Influence business, ethics, and the future of fashion blogging videos
  • Inny Vinny - See No Evil, Hear No Evil: Jezebel exposes photographer Terry Richardson
  • Lady Peach -The men that have shaped the fashion scene... 5 Male Style Icons
  • M.I.S.S. - Interview with Gabriela Hernandez, founder of Besame Cosmetics
  • Retro Chick - How Vanity Sizing is damaging your health
  • Shrimp Salad Circus - What does color do for your life?
  • Skinnypurse - Skinny Cargo Pants: Love Them or Hate Them?
  • Style Eyes - The Wang Effect - A discussion about the phenomenal popularity of all things Wang
  • Style Symmetry: Style Me Challenge! Wear an Outfit Styled By Someone Else
  • The Working Wardrobe - Show this rainy season who's boss!
  • The Coveted - Do you alter vintage?
  • Tweet - Dark and intricately sculptural clothing by a young, Hungarian designer named Dora Mojzes with an amazing talent
  • Ventures of Jenn - Vice interviewed Karl Lagerfeld; I broke it down
  • Kamis, 25 Maret 2010

    Things i LOVE Thursday


    Surprise packages in the mail

    Unexpected auditions


    Free ice cream cones


    Stopping by the Lush Cosmetics counter

    Getting a good haircut for only $16

    Teaching my skating class

    Fencing

    Rabu, 24 Maret 2010

    White Dresses

    Because I am very fair, I typically avoid white, but I must admit I am tempted to try one of spring's hottest trends - the little white dress. Here are some of my current favorites (and all under $100):

    Senin, 22 Maret 2010

    Spring Mood Board

    It's cloudy and raining, so I am daydreaming about what I will do when it finally warms up. On the bright side, Sarah, of yes and yes, interviewed me for her True Story series. See my story here.

    Jumat, 19 Maret 2010

    Links a la Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

    links a la mode

    Rants & Raves

    I was taken aback when going through the submissions this week– there were so many powerful, strong, opinionated pieces that I felt really taken aback. With overwhelming positivity or negativity, the fashion community is finding it’s voice– and making themselves heard!

    The fashion community is great at sharing the voice of others, and we’ve got several fabulous interviews to prove it. From Derek Lam at Poetic & Chic and White Rabbit’s interview with Irish woman Sinead Doyle (along with my own interview with Amelia Arsenic at Dramatis Personae), there are voices for everyone. We’ve got bloggers ranting on the lack of premium denim in plus-sizes at Denim Debutante (hell yeah!), and some showcasing inspirational figures like KOOS (at M.I.S.S.), Philip Crangi (at Eternal Masquerade), and Maria Felix (at Jewelry Whore).

    There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing of Links à la Mode here.

    Links à la Mode : March 18th

    • Bachman's Sparrow – DIY post on how to use bleach to revamp your “unloved” clothes!
    • blackdog finds: – How To: 10 Creative Ways to Revive Less-Than-Loved Clothing
    • Denim Debutante: – Guest Blog: Is there Size Discrimination in Premium Denim?
    • dramatis personae: – Amelia Arsenic’s Miss X Aesthetic Laboratories & Interview
    • Eternal Masquerade: – How I Met Design Duo of Giles & Brother, Philip and Courtney
    • Crangi
    • Fashion Hippo – Win Marc by Marc Jacobs Leola Bow Wow Handbag
    • Fashion Pulse Daily: – Not Your Daughter’s Jeans: Fit for a Mother AND a Daughter?
    • fete a fete: – Whiisical spring designs from Camper shoes
    • Forty Not Out: – Louis Vuitton – Fall Winter 2010/2011
    • Grechen Blogs: – are you incorporating video into your blog? how is it working for you?
    • Independent Fashion Bloggers – A New Map of the Two-Way Street: Why Giving Back to the Blogosphere is Key to Growth
    • jesse.anne.o: – How do you swap, thrift or buy resale and NOT get bedbugs?
    • Jewelry Whore: – “The Fabulous Jewels of Maria Felix, La Dona”
    • M.I.S.S.: – Eyes To The Sky: Before BOHO There Was KOOS.
    • Obsession: – How I Met Design Duo of Giles & Brother, Philip and Courtney Crangi
    • Oranges and Apples: – Sustainable fashion part 2: thinking about speed
    • Poetic & Chic: – A candid interview with Derek Lam, fellow San Franciscan and fellow high school alumni!
    • Pretty Shiny Sparkly: – It’s leather. It’s quilted. It’s a computer, for fashionistas.
    • Style Symmetry: – Interview with the Stylish Sisters of Beckerman Bite Plate
    • The Thinking Fashionista: – An in-depth, critical look at the Russian Futurist themes of Viktor & Rolf’s Fall 2010 show.
    • The Working Man: – Incorporating Spring Into Your Working Look
    • White Rabbit: – An interview with Irish fashion Designer Sinead Doyle and the inspiration behind her S/S 2010 collection.
    • Selasa, 16 Maret 2010

      The Blah List

      I'm still reeling from the time change and fighting the last bit of the winter blues. It's going to be a lazy week, so I made a list of low energy boredom busters that allow you to stay in your pajamas and still get things done (although I do recommend changing out of your pajamas for a quick pick me up :)

      The Blah List
      • Change your desktop picture
      • Give yourself a mani/pedi
      • Take a bubble bath
      • Eat lots of chocolate
      • Download new music
      • Do Yoga
      • Go on an online shopping spree
      • Back up your computer
      • Try a new recipe
      • Make a movie about something you do every day
      • Read a book you love
      • Finish a project
      • Plan your dream vacation
      • Make a mix CD for someone you like
      • Change your ringtone
      • Have a Disney movie marathon
      • Pop popcorn then add m&m's and chocolate chips
      • Organize your closet
      • Start a journal
      • Delete old emails
      • Create a daily routine
      What do you like to do when you're feeling blah?

      Senin, 15 Maret 2010

      diy: Spring Nail Art

      Lately, I have been fascinated by Japanese nail art. I love the colors and the 3-D pieces which declare to the world, "I am wearing art on my fingers and can't possibly be bothered with the dishes right now." I've been experimenting with my own designs and created something cheerful for spring.

      Supplies:
      Fake nails
      Nail polish in assorted colors
      Base/Top coat
      Nail art brush or toothpick
      Rhinestones or 3-D stickers
      Small Hot glue gun
      Hot glue sticks
      Wooden skewers
      Ticky Tacky

      Step #1
      File fake nail and apply a base coat. I find it easier to paint each nail when it is attached to a wooden skewer (attach using ticky tacky). Allow to dry, and then apply two coats of main nail color letting the polish dry between each coat.

      Step #2
      Using the pointy end of a nail art brush (or a toothpick) make dots by dipping end in nail polish and then gently touching the nail with the tip. It helps to practice on a napkin or piece of paper before trying it on the nail.

      Step #3
      Once nails are dry (wait a couple of hours), apply rhinestones. I used scrapbook gems from the craft store and peeled off the backs before hot glueing them onto the nails.

      Step #4
      Apply top coat over nail and gems and allow to dry.

      Et voila!

      See more designs on my etsy store!

      Jumat, 12 Maret 2010

      Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

      links a la mode

      Spring Fever


      Edited by Jennine Jacob

      Do you get spring fever? Oh man… the itch to run around outside in flowery prints and frilly laces gets greater and greater each passing day. To heck with chunky sweaters! This week we have a load of great spring style posts, Holier Than Now checks out cape coats, if you’re strapped for cash Out of Order gives the perfect 45min spring skirt tutorial, so cute! And girly clothes not your thing? The Demoiselles has a great homage to genderbending unisex looks. I’ve been thinking of doing a couple of days in menswear myself. Well, as soon as I learn how to tie the half Windsor knot.

      There were so, so many great links this week, it really was hard to narrow it down to 2o. Check out the full listing of Links à la Mode here.

      Links à la Mode : March 11th


      Rabu, 10 Maret 2010

      Rebecca

      I just finished reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier for Laura's Reviews All About the Brontes Challenge. It is similar to Jane Eyre in that the young heroine falls in love with an older man, whose dark secret keeps them apart. While the young heroine remains nameless throughout the novel, it is the first Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, who drips off every page, even though she has been dead for nearly a year. It is a beautiful story where the haunting is not supernatural but instead lives in the minds of those who live at Manderley. Alfred Hitchcock's adaptation is, also, worth watching.

      Senin, 08 Maret 2010

      Violetteville Vintage

      I'm always on the lookout for online vintage stores, and Violetville Vintage is worth checking out for the wide selection of vintage clothes and accessories. Violetville, also, offers stylist services, which I am tempted to try out. Below are some fabulous hats from their website. These are perfect for adding that movie star look to your ensemble.

      Minggu, 07 Maret 2010

      Alice in Wonderland

      I went to see Alice in Wonderland in 3-D this weekend and really enjoyed it. I am not a big fan of the Disney cartoon, so I was surprised by how much I liked Time Burton's version. Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter is genius. His accent changes in almost every scene. He is crazy and sane and still appealing despite the clown makeup (a big plus since I hate clowns). Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen is, also, quite brilliant. She takes this cartoonish character and makes her human and very entertaining. I, also, enjoyed Anne Hathaway's White Queen, who overacted like any good Disney princess should. Colleen Atwood designed the gorgeous costumes, and you can check The Costumer's Guide for costume breakdowns. The soundtrack is by Danny Elfman and sounds so magical. I am kind of surprised by the PG rating. I really don't think this movie is for young kids because there are some scary/disturbing images. If you haven't seen the movie yet, I definitely recommend it, but this one will still be good when it comes out on DVD.


      Get the look of Alice in Wonderland:
      Alice

      Red Queen

      Mad Hatter

      Jumat, 05 Maret 2010

      Links a La Mode: The Independent Fashion Bloggers Roundup

      links a la mode

      Fashion Flashback


      Edited by Debutante
      As fashion weeks starting winding down, some are looking forward to the next trend in fashion. This week, I was thrilled to see so many bloggers focusing on the past -the history of fashion. An obvious passion of mine, vintage fashion has never been so influential. fête à fête reviews a gorgeous collection of vintage inspired jewelry. Fabulous Finds narrates a 1950s styled romp through Palm Springs. Oranges and Apples shares inspiring vintage Life magazine images. In politics, if you don’t learn from history, you’re destined to repeat it. In fashion, if you don’t learn from history, you won’t know you are repeating it!

      Links à la Mode : March 4th


      Selasa, 02 Maret 2010

      I Heart These


      Topshop has the most adorable flats for sale called the Valley Triple Bow Flat Shoe. I love the bows! They sort of remind me of these shoes by Chloe.

      Senin, 01 Maret 2010

      YouTube Beauty Gurus

      A while ago I mentioned how much I love watching beauty tutorials on YouTube. Today I want to showcase some of my favorite beauty gurus. From favorite products to room tours and shopping hauls, I'm always getting new ideas when I watch their videos. Here are some of my favorites:

      AllThatGlitters21


      Juicystar07


      xteeener


      MichellePhan


      DulceCandy87


      Who are your favorite beauty gurus?