About Me

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VA college student struggling to balance dreams of fabulosity with the realities of one's wallet. intoxicated by aesthetics, lover of simplicity, master of the last minute deadline, consistently overcaffeinated and overbooked... but wouldn't have it any other way.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Best Dressed: 2009 Emmy Awards

My roommate has a certain taste for award shows that I will never understand. She likes to watch them, like really watch them, all the boring bad jokes and awards for people you'll never care about included. Sometimes exciting things happen, which is good because then she'll scream at me to come look and then I can always say that I saw whatever _____ said/did/about/to ______ at the ______s last night. At any rate, the only part I can sit still to watch with her before falling asleep out of desperate boredom is the red carpet coverage, provided that it is on mute, because Ryan Seacrest really gets to me sometimes. This year's Primetime Emmy Awards were very strange to me--we saw a lot of black gowns, which I think is unusual because the Emmy's usually generate color, and also a lot of the younger girls were jaw-droppingly over-done (cough HaydenBlake cough). The drama was best left this year to the experienced actresses. Here are my picks for best dressed.

all photos credit of fab sugar

Drew Barrymore looked phenomenal in a rosy, blush colored Monique Lhullier gown. Although several girls showed up with a severe red lipstick thing going on, I appreciate that the only thing even noticeable about Drew's makeup is the lip shade. Hayden Panettiere, on the other hand, could have toned it down a notch. Drew's hair was also softly swept back off her face and shoulders in a way that seemed uncomplicated and romantic, which contributed well to the overall atmosphere of her dress, and she kept her jewelry simple so that it wouldn't compete--whoever styles her does a fabulous job. One of my favorite things about Drew Barrymore's sense of style is that she is usually unafraid to take risks, which you can see in this dress because a lot of girls would be wary about the shade---but she pulls it off. Kudos to Drew.



all photos credit of fab sugar

I ADORE this dress; it's probably what I would have worn had I been in Jen's shoes. A very sunny yellow Max Azria, there isn't a thing about it that I don't like. I love the way it fits her so well in the bodice, the way it skims the red carpet gracefully at just the right length, and the way it complements her skin tone. My only complaint about the entire look is her hair. It is so curling iron-y. I mean if she did it herself then mad props to the girl, but I know she's paying someone to do it--if you're paying them what I think you're paying them, it might be nice to have the final product give off the air that you're not paying anyone at all. The whole point of having a beauty team behind you is that when all is said and done, if everything is executed properly you should look amazingly effortless and natural. But those curls? Meh. They look like they took her ten minutes in front of the mirror while her date was waiting downstairs with the corsage, if you know what I'm saying. Other than that, dress well done.

What do you think of Jen and Drew's looks--or was your pick for best dressed different? And how do you feel about Jen's hair??

Monday, September 14, 2009

Best Dressed: MTV VMA's 2009

all photos credit of fabsugar.com


All Kanye-drama and Russel Brandisms aside, last night's VMA's were without any good heat. You know what I'm talking about--the outfits. I mean, I totally understand that it's the MTV Video Music Awards, not the Oscars (although T-Swift could have been at either with her dress), but does that mean EVERYBODY has to go with a short sparkly minidress in black or silver paired with platform pumps? Oh, and a fake tan? I just find myself in a state of shock when my picks for best dressed end up being cast members, previous or present, of The Hills. There must be some kind of stylist conference going on in east Asia or something, so that all of the girls must have had to call a universal replacement styling agency and therefore all ended up in similar ensembles. Shame. First up! Ladies and gentlemen it's Whitney Port.


Amazing! I adore it. Whitney and I generally do not see eye to eye on all things fashion. She has a tendency to go out looking like she forgot half her outfit, but props to the girl for trying to figure out the crop top trend. Her tan looks healthy and normal, her nailpolish is eye-popping, and she is working this cross-trend piece of body con and sheer panels. I like that her hair isn't tightly plastered or hairsprayed and her part is imperfect. Perhaps most importantly, she has the balls to step back and let this dress speak for itself by going small with the jewelry and pulling her hair off her face. I would go with a different pair of shoes, but these aren't terrible. All in all, I appreciate that she stepped outside the box a bit. Next up: Lo Bosworth.

So on The Hills, my impression of Miss Lo Bosworth is that she plays the sweet, humorous friend that says most of what everyone else is thinking but doesn't have the guts to say. Consequence being, she was (is?) my favorite. So maybe I'm prejudiced, but I LOVE this minidress. I love it's vintage inspired feel, the eclectic pattern, the short hemline... I just love it. Most of all, it works for her. If you're going to go along with the crowd (short sparkly black or silver minidress and pumps) do it in a way that makes it seem like you're NOT doing it. Know what I mean?

So what do you think--do you like Whitney/Lo's ensembles? And who was your favorite for best dressed?

Thursday, September 10, 2009

NY Fashion Week

GLORY PRAISES BE. It's that time of year again and I am SO GLAD because now that school and work and all kinds of jobs and internships have really started to settle in for most of us, we're starting to feel the heat of that pressure. And what better way to relieve some stress than the Spring Collections?? There really isn't a better way, I don't think.

Today and tomorrow kick off Fashion Week with a few highlights that I'm looking forward to, including BCBG/Max Azria today and Erin Wasson for RVCA and Nicole Miller tomorrow. Updates/Coverage to follow.

Oh Fashion Week. Hallelujah.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Real Life Wear: Gimme a great big, Texas style, YEE-HAW


WHAT: Billabong pumpkin shade sundress, Grandmother's cowboy boots, Aeropostale denim jacket and Charlotte Russe yellow shades.

WHERE: One of my first days of class I had some down time on the Quad, which resulted in me having a little too much fun with my camera. I may or may not have had a few people pointing at me as I took numerous self portraits, but that's the price you pay for style. Haters.

WHY: It's still hot here in VA and we're trying to get the most out of our summer as we can. This means pooling it on the weekends and sunbathing between classes on the Quad, so since I work all weekend and never see anything but the inside of the Roadhouse, I figured I'd take advantage of the sun while I could. These suede cowboy boots I found in my Grandmother's closet, who recently passed away, and every time I wear them they make me smile because of how amazing and fabulous a person she was. I strive to resemble her, and make her proud of me. Even if it means having outfit haters. Haha. =]

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Post at CF: How to go without your denim.

Bandeau Bras: Trend in Review

From left to right: Liya Kebede in Balenciaga, Balenciaga Fall 2009 RTW, Givenchy Fall 2009 RTW, Balenciaga Fall 2009 RTW

One of the most wearable trends of late, especially in regards to weekend and evening wear, is the visible bandeau bra. The past few seasons have seen necklines and lingerie grow more revealing, and this season is no exception. The visible bra itself is a trend popularized by several celebrities, like Rihanna, that somehow adds a touch of risque class to any casual outfit, but for this post I wanted to focus on the bandeau bra because of its trend factor.

A bandeau bra, for those who don't know, is a bra that is similar to a strip of fabric and exists without straps, which often contributes to the fact that it is generally found in spandex form. There IS a difference between it and a strapless bra---a strapless bra is merely one without straps, where as a bandeau bra is literally a band of fabric that deviates from the typical bra structure.

The bandeau first made its way into the spotlight as the show stealer at Balenciaga's Fall 2009 RTW show. The sheer lace versions peeking out under otherwise demure blazers and conservative outfits made for a wonderful contrast, and the world was hooked. More industrial, tougher leather looking versions also made an appearance at Givenchy the same season, and the bandeau trend was born. The best part about the bandeau bra trend is its wearability---finally, comfortable lingerie that is designed to be seen instead of covered up.

Given that fact, surprisingly enough it is difficult to find photos of celebrities and models taking part in this trend, with the exception of Liya Kebede. They'd rather go sans bra completely, like Rihanna and her infamous blazer/pasty fourth of July ensemble. The blogging world, however, is a completely different story. The wearability of bandeaus is not lost on the real life fashionistas, which is good because this would be a sad trend to pass up on. For some inspiration on how to wear a bandeau bra, check out Krystal from This Time Tomorrow here and here. Or if you're just looking on how to wear a visible bra in general, check out Rumi from Fashion Toast here; this is a trend she works with often.

So how DOES one wear a bandeau bra, and where can you find some affordable options? I myself am planning on ordering one of the spandex versions because I can't see myself walking around with a see through visible lace bra, despite how beautiful it is. But, I've done some digging, and several affordable options of both are available online at two primary retailers, Charlotte Russe and Urban Outfitters.

Three on model are from Urban Outfitters, top right corner from Charlotte Russe

When you're trying to get this trend to work for you, I think it's important to remember that although this is a trend about visible lingerie, it is NOT an excuse to surrender to the porno-chic of Simon Doonan. You all are classy individuals, there is no need to end up looking like you're about to go work the corner for the night. Try to minimize the amount of skin you show in the rest of your outfit; this trend is about an unexpected dose of sexy that doesn't end up looking trashy, instead it adds to the overall appearance a dash of glamour. Here are my ideas for ways to wear the bandeau trend.

BANDEAU CHIC
Top and Bra-Charlotte Russe, Bag-Lulus, Shoes-Piperlime, Nailpolish-Chanel, Watch-Urban Outfitters, Bangles-Forever 21, Ring-Lanvin

The bandeau trend, mainly because it centers around visual lingerie, is generally perceived as a casual one, but that doesn't mean you can't polish it up a little. Here I paired the $5.99 bandeau with a $20 shirt from Charlotte Russe; just unbutton that last button and you are good to go. Remember to make sure that the shirt you wear is loose with a more casual vibe so that people won't think it's a tank top. With crisp black accents incorporated into the outfit, the entire ensemble translates easier to evening wear and is polished enough to do so.

BREEZY BANDEAU

Fedora, Ring-Urban Outfitters, Tank-Alexander Wang, Shoes and Bag-Piperlime, Jeans-J brand, Bra-Charlotte Russe

If you are into the casual vibe of the trend, like me, polishing it up isn't necessary and you can run with the whole breezy effect. Choosing an oversize, loose racerback tank like this one by Alexander Wang will not only contribute to a feel of casual luxury but also make you look slimmer with the contrast of the fitted bandeau. Tuck your hair under this straw fedora, pull on the boots by Piperlime and you are good to go for the whole day!

All in all, I personally can't wait to try out this trend myself. What do you think of the bandeau trend, and would you wear it? If so, how? I'd love to hear your take on it!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Monday's Muse: "The Bitch is Back"

First of all, I'd really just like to preface this post by explaining how I am not an avid viewer of The Hills---at least, not anymore. I stopped watching it around a year ago, during my first semester of college, when I found it much harder to find time to keep up with shows and the drama became much less interesting. Lauren, the media tells me, has just left the show this past season to move on to bigger and better things (...?) AND WHO BETTER to fill the void of beloved but boring LC than Kristen Cavallari? At least, that's how MTV is spinning the situation. I kid you not, "The Bitch is Back" is their tagline, not mine.

During Laguna Beach, I must admit, I loved Kristin, and I still do to this day. She may not be nice, but she is funnier, smarter, and often better dressed than all the other girls combined (Heidi contributing a negative factor probably doesn't help). She recently stepped out to an event in this ensemble and I had to give her credit. It takes a unique person to smile at the camera when your comeback to fame is engineered to remind the public how nasty of a person you are. But anyway! On to the much more interesting part: what she wore and how you can make it your own.

A red that saturated is often hard to pull off, but with her signature blond locks and sunkissed tan I think she executes it very well. My favorite part of the outfit (no surprise here) is her shoes. You can see the garish, gold gladiators behind her and they just pale in comparison. What is important to take away from this outfit, I think, is that Kristen is here executing what many of us find difficult: transition dressing. This billowy tunic is still breezy in the sun, but will keep her warmer than a tank top or sun dress when the event carries past sun down. At the same time, she helps keep cool with an unexpected pair of navy shorts, helping distinguish herself from the rest with such a brilliant red and uncharacteristic shorts pairing. I guess you can say there is a reason why she steals everyone's boyfriends... She might be just better at it, like she is with her outfit. I guarantee that no one else at the event was wearing a similar ensemble.

For my spin on Kristin's outfit, I found a brightly colored tunic with a bit of a pattern from stylesforless.com. The best part about this tunic is that the color palette allows it a lot of versatility, letting you work with several different looks. In the first outfit, I recreated Kristen's look, and the second two I made my own. What do you think of my looks, and Kristen's? And how would you wear a brightly colored tunic?

Outfit 1: Shorts-Charlotte Russe, Shoes-Modcloth.com, Clutch-Net-a-porter.com
Outfit 2: Skirt-Forever 21, Boots-Piperlime, Earrings-Modcloth.com
Outfit 3: Boots-Charlotte Russe, Shorts-American Eagle, Bag-Net-a-porter.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Before I Burst...

I am bursting with excitement BECAUSE... of this!!!!!!!!!

Just click it. I can die a happy woman. Sort of. Well, at least today.

Yesssss.