Rabu, 14 September 2011

Red Velvet Not Safe for Runways

I'm feeling a bit under the weather this week and have been subsisting on tea and toast for the last couple of days. Suddenly, I have the most amazing craving for red velvet, and I'm not talking about the fabric. I quick browse on Pinterest turned up so many delicious looking pictures that I can't wait to muster enough energy to get busy in the kitchen. If you're in the mood, Paula Deen's red velvet cake recipe is excellent!





All photos via Pinterest

Senin, 12 September 2011

White Hot Spring

Another Fashion Week is in full force, but alas, I am stuck in the Midwest getting my runway fix thanks to IFB, The Cut, and Style.com. I'm really not in the mood to look at spring clothes since I am just now embracing the idea of fall and the need to layer off and on throughout the day, but who am I to argue with the timing of the fashion gods?

This week's IFB Project asks bloggers to discuss some of their favorite spring trends. While some of my favorite designers have not shown their collections yet, I decided to go ahead and post some thoughts. Since it is spring, the de rigueur bright colors and floral explosions are on display (see Tracy Reese and Prabal Gurung). However, my favorite trend so far is the use of white, off-white, and beige that is popping up in many collections. Whether it is Erin Fetherston's interpretation of Mia Farrow's playful shift dresses or Jenni Kayne's take on urban athleticism, white and its sister hues will be a major trend next spring.

Old Hollywood Reigns

Zac Posen's collection embraced curves befitting an Old Hollywood screen legend. Amidst the jewel tones were a smattering of beige dresses that could turn any woman into a pearl.





Photos via Style.com

East Meets West

The collection from The Row was partly inspired by Tibet. The serene color palette and attention to detail make this another stand out collection by the Olsens.




Photos via Style.com

Life as a Fairy Tale

When I read this post from Fashion Editor at Large about the real wedding of Lydia Hearst that doubled as a runway show for Imitation of Christ, I was amazed. With gorgeous, Depression-era inspired dresses, the relaunch of Imitation of Christ was a stunning display of art meeting life.




Photos via Style.com

What are some of your favorite spring trends?
Any favorite collections so far?

Kamis, 08 September 2011

Things i LOVE Thursday

Trying something new

This afternoon I made a batch of muffins using Hodgson Mill's Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffin Mix. I added extra butter and sugar because the batter tasted a little sandy... and because I have a horrible sweet tooth. It was nice pretending to be healthy while I gobbled up several of the warm muffins


Behold the ultimate power dress! For some reason, this dress reminds me of a modern take on Dynasty-style dressing...

Shopping OpenSky

OpenSky is a little confusing at first because you can only follow 10 curators when you join, but the site is definitely worth visiting because there are plenty of unusual products (design, food, style, and health items) for sale. I like following Padma Lakshmi and recently purchased the Núñez de Prado Spanish Olive Oil from her boutique. I never knew olive oil could taste so buttery!

Listening to "Parachutes" by Charlie Simpson

I discovered Charlie Simpson through FleurDeForce's August favorites video and am loving this song.


There's nothing like a little steampunk romance to brighten a dreary, autumn day.

What are you loving?

Selasa, 06 September 2011

Watch the IFB Conference... Plus, a Zombie Announcement

Watch the IFB Conference live September 7th starting at 9 a.m. EST!

Watch live streaming video from ifbconference at livestream.com

In other news, the September Zombies schedule is up at VVB32 Reads, and I will be participating later this month. Check out the zombie goodness...

Fairy Wings Nail Tutorial

This week's IFB Project is all about nails! For my nails, I wanted to use a lot of glitter and was inspired by fairy wings.

The colors used

One coat OPI Las Vegas Strip Poker

A bit of MAC Bad Fairy on the tips

Some MAC soiree applied in the middle with a wet Q-tip

A coat of Ulta Diva all over plus a second coat on the tips

A dash of glitter on the middle and tips with China Glaze Cleopatra

Top it all off with Cover Girl Disco Dazzle

What are you wearing on your nails?

Minggu, 04 September 2011

Business 2 Blogger: Heelys Campaign

This is my first project with Business 2 Blogger, a site that matches businesses with bloggers. Heelys are wheeled shoes that come in several different sneaker styles. I decided on the Sassy, a light purple glitter and stud, Converse style shoe.



I love how these shoes look, but I am absolutely dreadful when it comes to rolling in them. The Heelys site has several videos on the tricks one can do while wearing their shoes, but the only feat I have been able to accomplish is propelling myself forward while clinging to the kitchen counters in an attempt not to fall backward and slam my head on the floor. When I'm not attempting to roll, I just stomp around like a sparkly-footed elephant. Heelys are for all ages, but it is a pity that coordination is not included. I would even pay extra. Thankfully, taking the wheels in and out is a snap, so I will be wearing these shoes sans wheels. On a side note, these shoes are as safe as roller skates, so a helmet and adult supervision are both good ideas when it comes to kids in Heelys.


Besides my lack of skill, my only complaint is the sizing. I found the website a little confusing, and ended up ordering the wrong size the first time. The shoes, also, run a little wide, so my shoes are starting to crease in spots. As for style, these shoes may be a bit over the top, but that's what I love about them.




Just for girls…glitter, glitz and gingham


Pearlized synthetic leather


Heelys Wave Comfort Heel Bracket provides comfort and stability


Gum rubber Ninja Star outsole


Fats low profile wheels with ABEC 1 bearings


Heelys is running a Labor Day special where you can buy any pair of Heelys and get a second pair of equal or lesser value for only $30!


Shoes provided by Heelys. Opinions provided by me.

Kamis, 01 September 2011

Things i LOVE Thursday

Baking Cookies


This week I made a version of the wheat-free oatmeal cookies from Cookie Swap! I highly recommend the recipe.


Remembering how amazing life really is


I may have posted this before, but I couldn't resist sharing the video again.


Hearting these fabulous shoes


I am quite taken with these green satin loafers. Wouldn't they look fabulous with a leather pencil skirt?


Watching movies


While The Adjustment Bureau wasn't quite as action packed as I was expecting, the movie was still very good and raised interesting questions about making your own destiny.


Looking forward to fall shopping


It's the first of September, and my closet is begging for some new autumn clothes. I love the colors in this silk wrap dress from Topshop.


What are you loving this week?