Now that SharpieWhit directed traffic over here I guess I have to explain why I haven't been writing here.
I wasn't going to share yet but ah what the heck! :) Check out my new blog... you know what they say... "If at first you don't suceed try try again!"
Hope you all will stick with me while I try this new one out!!
It's that time of year when my hair is dull and heavy, my skin is pale and dry, and my nails are brittle. Oh yeah and my coat is thick and restraining, there is a hole in one of my gloves, and my boots are quickly withering away with every step I take on the broken up ice pavement.
The winter blues have kicked in full force! The unfortunate part of this curious weather induced state-of-mind is that it doesn't only distort our appearances (or rather current perspective of them), but also our attitudes and motivation. Exhibit A: The fact that I had full intentions to write this over the weekend. It is now Monday night. A turn for the worst in mood makes it easier to focus on the negative aspects of our lives, such as job (or lack there of), men (or lack there of), family, money, friends etc, without even realizing what we are doing.
LUCKILY on occasion we are graced with random days in the 60s to remind a girl that spring will in fact, eventually come. Days like this validate thoughts obsessed with maxi dresses, florals, rompers, neons, and wedges. Sadly, through most of March and some of April it is hardly appropriate to walk around New York City in a floral dress. Jacket weather is about the best you can hope for.
But don't despair! Yes Mother Nature can be a little conniving at times, but I have a few tricks that will put a little spring into your style regardless of who or what is trying to stand in your way. Use these tips to solve some of life's little problems, and I think you may be surprised at the effect it has on the more significant seasonal stressors.
HAIR: Dry, dull, heavy, DEAD.
Easy: Deep condition once a week. Keep your regular conditioner in for 20 minutes or look online for science project-like recipes.
Moderate: Do it yourself dye job. I am a big fan of home dye kits IF you are going darker or just need to add a little kick to your natural color. I've never done lighter.
SJP for Garnier Nutrisse... now that is shiny hair!
Last Resort: In some situations the salon is the only answer, and by some situations I mean mine. Ask around to find someone you trust at a decent price.
WARDROBE: No texture, no color, NO FUN.
Easy: Throw on colorful jewelry with ANYTHING. A wrist full of bangles or a bright scarf goes a long way with a neutral palate. And sunnies are not just for summer!
Nicole Richie makes a navy tee a statement with a head scarf and bracelets.
Moderate: Get creative with layering. Put a long sleeve tee under a sleeveless floral or bright colored blouse, and a add scarf in a contrasting color.
Last Resort: Coats are restricting and unflattering for the most part. Once it hits the mid 40s go for a jacket layered with a sweater, and warm weather accessories.
BEAUTY: Pale, blotchy, flaking OFF.
Easy: Add brightness to your day with a polish change. Give yourself a manicure and exchange the burgundy, navy, or plum for a shade of pink or coral.
Moderate: Buy a fun shade of eye shadow you may not normally wear and trace over your brown or black eyeliner with it.
Teal eyeshadow at Gucci Spring 09 show.
Last Resort: Grab some gradual self-tanner. It will moisturize and give you a glow with out getting to far ahead of the game. Being pale is hard... but it is only March.
CABIN FEVER: Bored, lethargic, TRAPED.
Easy: When it is still cold out enjoy the opportunity to relax. Cook something you have never made before, and start a renting a TV series on DVD.
Moderate: I prefer my caffeine on ice, but I am also aware that in order to drink it I have to carry it in my hand. When the weather reaches 50 opt for a cold drink.
OCCASIONALLY I have to splurge on some Star!
Last Resort: If it is SUNNY and NICE. Get out of your house. If you are working leave the office, even just for 10 minutes. I don't care what you do just leave. NOW.
Lastly, although it is easier said than done, try to enjoy the weather as the seasons change. Not many days live between "cold" and "hot." Before you know it I will be talking you through the last week of August! ;)
Now go have a spring fashion FLING. Love!! <3 <3 <3
What is the first sign of spring for you, or what is the first thing in your closet that gets to come out of hibernation?
Let me set up the scene: it is a Saturday afternoon and I am wandering around the city. I decide to grab a coffee do some window shopping (it is free after all). Oops! All of the sudden I wind up in Forever 21. Sooner or later it is going to happen: all of my will power flies out of the window and I impulse buy something. I mean we're all human… and I happen to be a fashion obsessed broke human.
When shopping I am more likely to be drawn to a neon paint splattered bikini or a purple ruffled shirt than a black cardigan. All are great but let's be honest a wardrobe can suffice without purple ruffled blouse, however has a small chance at survival without a black cardigan. Buyer's remorse is a bit of a wasted emotion if you ask me. So next time this happens, I am going to be prepared. Prepared to buy something I actually need/really REALLY want.
I suggest making a list to remedy this regret. A list will help you make smart purchases that will add miles to your wardrobe, and help you avoid another top you have no shoes to match. Write down the basics you need and the trend pieces you are dying for. Stash it in your purse and the next time there is money (or lack there of) burning a hole in your pocket, refer to it so you buy something you have been craving.
Here is my list!!
Click on picture to link to the Web site.
Black Leggings (how do I not own a pair???) Does anyone have a great pair of ankle length? I know American Apparel are good but I'm really cheap and don't want to spend $26 on them.
Express $24.99
Curling iron (to hide my split ends)
Revlon $10.49
Gladiator sandals (spring/summer staple... still. I'm buying these before they sell out!)
Mossimo (Target) $19.99
Romper (this isn't exactly a necessity but I plan on living in it when I find a good one)
Delia's $19.99 (on sale) American Apparel $28.00
White V-neck tee (a must have... + jeans + cardingan + flats = easiest outfit ever)
Gap $10.00 (on sale)
Cheap gold necklaces (spice up any ensemble, even the white tee above)
Forever 21 $5.80
Grey cardigaan (in a light material to help me ring in the spring aka my romper)
Forever 21 $19.80 Gap $24.99 (on sale)
While working on this post a fell upon a genius Web site I feel compelled to share: shopstyle.com You can search an item such as gold gladiators and it comes back with hundreds of options, then you can narrow it down by price. ($0-25 is my box)
Comments loves! What is first on your list?? And anyone have good-cheap black leggings or a pair that is worth a small investment?
<3 <3 <3
Sometimes you have to get off the yacht and into your own little rowboat…
I recently decided to reevaluate my current social status. I don’t mean where on the NYC hierarchy I stand (nowhere), but rather how I spend my spare time, spare energy, and spare money. Don’t get me wrong… I love going out with friends and having a good time (TRUST!), but the current situation has me less than eager for a night on the town, for more reasons than one. First of all, it is winter and going out in the cold with a bunch of people who are sick of winter just isn’t that fun. Second, it reduces productivity, not only while you are out at night, but also the next day when there is a knife in your right temple. Face it… you are half a person… so you get half the things done you planned. Lastly, surprise, surprise… it is super expensive and the fact of the matter is I really can’t afford it. So I ask myself why keep pretending??
I was explaining this to my mom and she shared the opening quote with me: “Sometimes you have to get off the yacht and into your own little rowboat.”
This really got me thinking. And then I realized I have been on “the yacht” for approximately the last 4 ½ years. The yacht was fabulous, but no wonder I am finding it easier than ever to be content by myself. It is definitely time for me to hop in my little row boat and start figuring things out on my own for a while, or at least until spring.
PRETTY SURE THIS IS WHAT MY ROWBOAT WOULD LOOK LIKE CONSIDERING I STILL SLEEP ON AN AIR MATTRESS.
How does this pertain to fashion you may ask? I came to New York to follow my dream of working in fashion and ever since I have been here I can’t get out of my own head. Where should I work? What risks can I afford to take? Do I like this job? Is this proactive for my ultimate goals? What am I learning? What should I do next? Sound familiar? Well, enough is enough already! I know that it is a positive thing to be looking to the future and to plan ahead, but there is only so much you can plan before you have to stop thinking and start doing and let life happen.
My first weekend MIA from the social scene I got my room organized, brainstormed ideas for this blog, and bought a big bulletin board. I am going to start using this as my mood board for all of the things that inspire style, fashion, and creativity. I found it more enjoying sitting at Starbucks with a coffee ripping out ideas for revamping my wardrobe for spring than any recent night out I have had.
The yacht is fun, but the rowboat is rewarding. I started rowing the boat, but I am going to try and let the waves help me along. This doesn't mean I won't visit the yacht from time to time... I guess it is a good thing I love topsiders.
Just a thought.
**Disclaimer: I haven’t lived in the city during roof deck and sun dress season ;)
New York Magazine's Spring Fashion issue is out this week and I gotta give them props for a few very important reasons:
1. There is a spread on items under $100 that is actually full of cute and fairly affordable stuff. Don't worry it is not all $99. A couple of the items are from Charlotte Ronson's I Heart Ronson line at JC Penney's and Alexander McQueen's Target line. NYC girls... I guess we're making a trip to the mall in Queens!
This is my fav look: This H&M jacket may have to take the place of the leather bomber I've been craving.
2. It mentions the long awaited opening of Topshop in Soho. And gives a date!... April 2nd. I am going to make every effort to hold of on any shopping impulses until then!
3. Kate Moss <3 Love her. I do. Definitely a fashion inspiration for me. AND she is not rail thin. LOOK!
BEFORE... Talk about Fashion Famine!
NOW... I mean obviously she is still thin. She looks great! Maybe heroine chic is finally out. I mean Kate is the ultimate trendsetter... it could happen.
The article is entertaining and there are more pics!!
And last but not least!!! The cover shows off Kate Moss's cute little anchor tattoo... the same one my besties and I have been drawing on our wrists in permanent marker for the last 2 years! You know what they say: "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery." She inspires me... I inspire her. What goes around comes around! Ha Ha I'm delusional (Life is so much more fun that way) ;)
NY Mag has these articles in full on their Website, so you know what that means! You don't have to BUY the magazine.
Photos compliments of New York Magazine.
The comments are fab!! What is your favorite under $100 item??
<3 <3 <3 Love!
P.S. I'm going sleuthing around the city this wknd. I'll let you know what I find.
Yes, that’s right. I am giving you an excuse NOT to do your laundry. You can thank me later.
Since moving to New York I have realized what a luxury it is to have a washer and dryer in your home. Paying to do your laundry sucks and those sweaty little rooms filled with washers, dryers, and screaming little children well… let’s just say I quickly discovered all of the nice little ladies willing to do your laundry for you. I convinced myself that this was comparable in price to doing it myself. Well I’m a fool and it is not. (Those making more than double their rent after taxes each month might be able to swing it… but in the midst of a famine the little things count.)
So I started doing my laundry every week… I mean every other Sunday… ok fine every three weeks. (Lay off me I have a lot of underwear... and I recently made a sock stop at the Big K.) Point being: occasionally a few extra days creep between visits to Nikki’s Laundromat partially because of time and partially because of money.
Unfortunately I'm not kidding... that is my laundry bag vomitting in the corner of my room.
NOW, to the point! Luckily I’ve always been quite the optimist. And when life gives me 50 pounds of laundry and a closet full of misfits I make fashionade!!
One way to make the most out of the wardrobe you have is to take stock, and force yourself to find ways to wear what is already hanging in your closet. I began noticing when I get down to the last of my clean clothes my outfits get more creative. I have discovered some of my favorite ways to mix and match my close this way. Below is a plain black dress from Old Navy I bought for probably $10! And I thought it would just be a good summer staple...
I’m not suggesting actually crossing any hygiene boundaries. Just go a week longer than normal. This will get you away from your stand-bys. You will survive with out jeans. I promise. Take this chance to mix unlikely colors. Olive green, navy blue, and deep purple can all serve as neutral anchors to a brighter hue. Another way to venture out is layering with dresses to take them off the roof top deck and out to lunch.
A few things I have come up with:
1- Putting a sweater or tee OVER the Old Navy dress... a make shift skirt!
2- Underneath the Old Navy dress is a sweater/blouse combo thing. I've never worn it because it clings funny, but under the dress it is so cute. (Side note: I just found this one and I am totally wearing it to work this week.)
3- I bought this skirt on sale. If I'm not careful it is a little grandma, but with a casual tee and vintage boots it is a great combo.
You owe it to all that sad clothes hanging in your closet. You bought it for a reason, trust your instincts. This could get interesting! How do you deal when laundry falls to the bottom of your laundry list?? Leave suggestions!!
P.S. Keep reading and I promise to get more 'tech savvy' :)
Post SS '09 Fashion Week. I learned so much from this fab team. Clearly it was a long week!
Ryan was right when he said he ruinned me. My first month in New York I was back stage at 7 shows during Fashion Week. Fast forward to 5 Months later... zip, zilch, nadda.
Those were the days! The days of working 80 hours a week for free, but 'the days' nonetheless. Unfortunately, I am not one of the blessed few that are able afford to work for free, for an undetermined amount of time until landing a dream job due to amazing experience. People will let you try your hand at about anything... as long as they don't have to pay you. What is that? You want to be editor-in-chief of a fashion magazine? Ok sure! But you will need to be ready to work full time (50+ hours a week) and we don't have the budget to pay you, BUT it will be a great learning experience! This is what I would like to call the front door to the fashion world. I'm not saying this is your neighbor’s front door. You can't exactly knock on it and expect someone to open the door and hand you a cookie. It is more like the front door to a social hot spot du jour. You have to wait in line or know someone, but at least you know you are in the right line and the door is in sight.
I am from Kansas and didn't know anyone at the door, and my glass (designer) slippers were getting dangerously close to becoming clearance rack sneakers. Needless to say I went the... take a job that pays something route, with the bold belief that there is a side door. (I think the back door involves some sort of moral discrepancies, but that is beside the point.)
So now I have a job in the fashion industry that pays my bills and provides me with some super cute free clothes! Unfortunately, it does not provide me with an outlet to cultivate my love for fashion creatively. I do not get to shove models onto the runway, watch stylists work, brainstorm PR strategies, discuss the season's hottest colors, mull over what heel height best compliments a dress etc. Call me crazy but QuickBooks doesn’t quite ‘do it for me’ if you will. And let's face it this is an entry-level job. I am able to pay my rent, however a social life is questionable and shopping is almost a dirty word.
This my style starved friends is why I am going through a serious FASHION FAMINE! Climb in to the trust tree would-be-if-could-be fashionistas… at least we can laugh about it here! This is a new outlet for all things fashion… that we can (semi) afford.
<3 Cheap Thrills
<3 Looks for less… a lot less.
<3 Things I heart… and the things that will have to make due instead.
<3 Making the most out of those scraps you call a wardrobe.
<3 Lucky fashion encounters… throw me a frickin’ Blahnik here!
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