If you're a lit-freak like me, you will enjoy this!
I Write Like...
It analyzes your writing style, and tells you who you most emulate. I was THRILLED by mine:
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Album of Note
I finally downloaded Karen Elson's album (after reading about it in both Vogue and Nylon last month), The Ghost Who Walks
. BRILLIANT.
She's a model and Jack White's wife. The story goes that she was afraid to let him hear her tunes, so she would sing in the closet. He caught her, made her play for him, and thought it was brilliant and so forced her into the recording studio. (How romantic.)
But, seriously, it's lucky for us that he did because this album is just stunning. It's beautiful, eloquent, and sort of hypnotic. She's got a very interesting audio aesthetic, clearly inspired by many sources - she's British, and there's a touch of that sexy rock sound that only the Brits can pull off to some of the tracks. There's also bit of an homage to her guitar-genius hubs, and some good old Nashville sound thrown in for good measure.
Favorite tracks: "The Ghost Who Walks," "Stolen Roses," "A Thief At My Door," and er... all of them. Do yourself a favor, and get this one - you will NOT regret it!
. BRILLIANT. 
But, seriously, it's lucky for us that he did because this album is just stunning. It's beautiful, eloquent, and sort of hypnotic. She's got a very interesting audio aesthetic, clearly inspired by many sources - she's British, and there's a touch of that sexy rock sound that only the Brits can pull off to some of the tracks. There's also bit of an homage to her guitar-genius hubs, and some good old Nashville sound thrown in for good measure.
Favorite tracks: "The Ghost Who Walks," "Stolen Roses," "A Thief At My Door," and er... all of them. Do yourself a favor, and get this one - you will NOT regret it!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Homage to D.C. Style
In honor of our upcoming national holiday, I thought I would talk about fashion in our capital city!
So, I was in D.C. this week for a work conference, and I felt sadly under-dressed (though in my defense, it was 98 degrees F when I arrived). My mother calls it a "formal" city, though that's not quite how I would describe it. I would say it's a very "political chic" city.
Now, there are two sides to this coin. On the one side were the impeccably dressed and coiffed thirty-somethings who made me feel like I was in a burlap sack, despite wearing perfectly acceptable work trousers and great colored tops. And fun jewelry (one thing I would never be caught dead without). And ladies, HOW do you keep your makeup from melting off?! PLEASE share!
On the other side were the severe, boxy-cut and unflattering suits adorning women wearing no makeup, who just looked frumpy and sad.
But regardless of which camp they fit into, suits are, of course, the order of the day in this town. And for good reason! In that same conversation with my mother, she lamented America's general state of sloppiness, and I agree 110%. My point in all of this is that more places in the U.S. should adopt suited couture. If you're not into the Hillary Clinton Look (love ya, Madame Secretary, but yikes), check out this super sexy YSL suit for inspiration!
I must say that D.C. could use a little injection of L.A.-inspired accessorizing, though. The pearl studs are seriously dullsville (though I like the Jackie O. necklaces). And take come color cues from our beloved Michelle Obama - she is one woman unafraid to rock some bright colors in your orderly city. (And by the way, how hot is this pic?!)
They also have a commonality with Parisian women - an enviable superhuman ability to walk miles upon miles of city sidewalks in heels. I adore heels and have many, many pairs, but the last time I wore heels around D.C., my feet were just torn up.
And speaking of Parisians... if you really want to rock the ultimate in political chic, look no further than France's first lady, former model and AMAZING musician, Carla Bruni! While you're at it, pick up her album, Quelqu'Un M'a Dit
- it's brilliant.
Maybe that's not terribly patriotic of me, but what can I say? Great style knows no borders! I'm all about international diplomacy. ;-) Besides, Michelle did top Carla on French Elle's best-dressed list. So, there.
So, I was in D.C. this week for a work conference, and I felt sadly under-dressed (though in my defense, it was 98 degrees F when I arrived). My mother calls it a "formal" city, though that's not quite how I would describe it. I would say it's a very "political chic" city.
Now, there are two sides to this coin. On the one side were the impeccably dressed and coiffed thirty-somethings who made me feel like I was in a burlap sack, despite wearing perfectly acceptable work trousers and great colored tops. And fun jewelry (one thing I would never be caught dead without). And ladies, HOW do you keep your makeup from melting off?! PLEASE share!
But regardless of which camp they fit into, suits are, of course, the order of the day in this town. And for good reason! In that same conversation with my mother, she lamented America's general state of sloppiness, and I agree 110%. My point in all of this is that more places in the U.S. should adopt suited couture. If you're not into the Hillary Clinton Look (love ya, Madame Secretary, but yikes), check out this super sexy YSL suit for inspiration!
They also have a commonality with Parisian women - an enviable superhuman ability to walk miles upon miles of city sidewalks in heels. I adore heels and have many, many pairs, but the last time I wore heels around D.C., my feet were just torn up.
- it's brilliant.Maybe that's not terribly patriotic of me, but what can I say? Great style knows no borders! I'm all about international diplomacy. ;-) Besides, Michelle did top Carla on French Elle's best-dressed list. So, there.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Um... about a decade late on this one, guys!
This morning, MSN featured a Glo article called "A Modern Take On The Past", in which they say "this season is all about great, retro looks."
Hasn't that basically been the fashion theme for the last decade?!
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore our crazy, new millennium approach to beauty and fashion, which is In with the Old, and In with the New. And while you're at it, In with Clashing Them Together! What's more fun than that?! (Especially for someone like me, who hero-worships old Hollywood and frequently references those looks when it comes to wardrobe inspiration.)
Glo features:
80s: neon with leggings (or "jeggings," in this case), or a smoky eye and nude lip
70s: punk hair and blue eye shadow, or the Mary Tyler Moore flip out
60s: bouffant, beehive, or black eyeliner and a bun
40s: red lipstick (also featured in Vogue this month)
20s: finger waved hair, or a Gatsby bob
With the exceptions of neon yellow nail polish and a mohawk, I have worn all of these at least once during the last decade.
Not that I'm saying I'm ahead of the curb here, but what I am saying is that this is old news.
I am wondering if this decade's obsession with the entirety of the 20th century's fashion trends is some kind of weird cultural nostalgia for the pre-digital age. Or maybe it's just a lack of imagination in the fashion industry.
I know, I can't *really* talk - I have absolutely NO idea what to expect in the next 20 years. Will we start wearing alloyed android suits or something? Will we throw back to hoop skirts and corsets? (Hmm... possible, given the terrifying increase in conservatism in this country right now...)
No clue. I sound sort of hypocritical here, but truthfully I don't mind going on mixing all of these fun oldies indefinitely. I just don't know that it's sustainable.
Thoughts?
Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore our crazy, new millennium approach to beauty and fashion, which is In with the Old, and In with the New. And while you're at it, In with Clashing Them Together! What's more fun than that?! (Especially for someone like me, who hero-worships old Hollywood and frequently references those looks when it comes to wardrobe inspiration.)
Glo features:
80s: neon with leggings (or "jeggings," in this case), or a smoky eye and nude lip
70s: punk hair and blue eye shadow, or the Mary Tyler Moore flip out
60s: bouffant, beehive, or black eyeliner and a bun
40s: red lipstick (also featured in Vogue this month)
20s: finger waved hair, or a Gatsby bob
With the exceptions of neon yellow nail polish and a mohawk, I have worn all of these at least once during the last decade.
Not that I'm saying I'm ahead of the curb here, but what I am saying is that this is old news.
I am wondering if this decade's obsession with the entirety of the 20th century's fashion trends is some kind of weird cultural nostalgia for the pre-digital age. Or maybe it's just a lack of imagination in the fashion industry.
I know, I can't *really* talk - I have absolutely NO idea what to expect in the next 20 years. Will we start wearing alloyed android suits or something? Will we throw back to hoop skirts and corsets? (Hmm... possible, given the terrifying increase in conservatism in this country right now...)
No clue. I sound sort of hypocritical here, but truthfully I don't mind going on mixing all of these fun oldies indefinitely. I just don't know that it's sustainable.
Thoughts?
Friday, June 25, 2010
Causes are Cool!
Being an activist is not only good for your self-esteem and confidence, but it's good for others, which is sexy! It's THE ultimate style statement, championing causes that you care about.
If you're on Facebook (and don't lie, I know you are!), then check out these causes:
Dove Self Esteem Fund - The funds go to the same organization as Pledge of Empowerment listed below (Step Up Women's Network), but I cannot stress the importance of raising self-esteem issues in young women. Their "Campaign for Real Beauty" is all about celebrating the unique beauty inherent in all of us! What's more awesome than that?!
Pledge of Empowerment - Bayer is donating up to $50,000 ($1 per person who joins the cause) to Step Up Women's Network to help create opportunities for young women, and celebrate the advances to women's rights since the introduction of the Pill 50 years ago. AWESOME.
Boycott BP - This oil spill is the most fucked up shit I can imagine, and BP has handled the whole thing HORRIBLY. I've always been an environmentalist (I started a neighborhood recycling club when I was in the 5th grade), but since this wretched disaster, I've tried to be extra conscious of wasting energy lately. Boycott these assholes and their subsidiaries! This Cause has shockingly few members, so join up!
Stop Global Warming - In this vein, join The Alliance for Climate Protection's cause!! I think this one is self-explanatory.
Feel Your Boobies Foundation - Gotta join just for the name! Breast cancer awareness is this cause's thing. I hope it's yours too!
For more on Facebook Causes, click here! And... happy non-profiting!! ;-)
If you're on Facebook (and don't lie, I know you are!), then check out these causes:
Dove Self Esteem Fund - The funds go to the same organization as Pledge of Empowerment listed below (Step Up Women's Network), but I cannot stress the importance of raising self-esteem issues in young women. Their "Campaign for Real Beauty" is all about celebrating the unique beauty inherent in all of us! What's more awesome than that?!
Pledge of Empowerment - Bayer is donating up to $50,000 ($1 per person who joins the cause) to Step Up Women's Network to help create opportunities for young women, and celebrate the advances to women's rights since the introduction of the Pill 50 years ago. AWESOME.
Stop Global Warming - In this vein, join The Alliance for Climate Protection's cause!! I think this one is self-explanatory.
Feel Your Boobies Foundation - Gotta join just for the name! Breast cancer awareness is this cause's thing. I hope it's yours too!
For more on Facebook Causes, click here! And... happy non-profiting!! ;-)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
My Personal Top 10 Essentials List
Keeping in vogue with my fashion gurus is a constant aspiration of mine, ESPECIALLY Tim Gunn, who is one of my personal heroes! I love, Love, LOVE him!
Several (so-called) experts have put out great books on style in the last five years or so, including the ever fabulous Tim, Nina Garcia, Clinton Kelly... the list goes on. I have read many of them, mostly out of curiosity about what they label as "wardrobe essentials." ALL fashion books seem to have a "Top Ten Essentials" list, and I sort of became obsessed with comparing them all.
I'm not going to talk about them all here, because that would boring and repetitive, so I'll reference my two favorites: Tim Gunn's A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style and Nina Garcia's Little Black Book of Style. Though both books are a few years old, their advice still holds and likely will forever (proving that style and class are here to stay).
Tim's List
Nina's List
And now... *my* list!
10. Leggings and/or tights in various colors: sorry Tim, I know you hate leggings, but this is the one piece I will argue you on. Let me tell you that it is super fun to wear purple ones under your basic black to work! You still look chic while pumping a little energy into your wardrobe du jour. Plus, as a girl who is NOT a twig, these can be necessary for comfort, if you catch my drift.
9. Signature piece of jewelry: you don't have to wear it *every* day, but it's that piece that is uniquely yours that you often get compliments on. It can be some crazy, ginormous earrings you bought in Morocco, a diamond right hand ring for you luxe-lovers, or perhaps a funky watch. I have two I consider my personal "signature" pieces - one is a silver claddagh ring that I wear in honor of my circle of friends that I studied abroad with in Dublin (we all wear one), and the other is an antique scarab bracelet that was a gift from my mother. I'm also generally acknowledged to be an earring junkie, but there isn't one particular pair I wear more often then others.
8. Well-fitting foundation garments: aka, your undies. It is IMPERATIVE to wear a bra that actually fits. What's the point of having great clothes if your breasts look lumpy? Also, watch for panty lines with your bottoms, and I will throw in here an additional essential (in my opinion) - shapewear. I have 3 different kinds myself, and I use them all regularly. They just help smooth your silhouette, and are therefore a girl's best friend. This is regardless of your body size - I have a friend who is a size 4 who wears them.
7.The classic LBD: EVERY girl needs a little black dress. They work for weddings, nights out on the town with your boy OR your girlfriends, work, and hell - even funerals. A truly multi-function piece. It should be impeccably tailored, not too short (or too long, for that matter), and comfortable. In order to have fun with this, try to find one with a unique cut or seaming. And accessories make this outfit!
6. Pencil skirt: ok, this may not be on *your* essentials list, but it is DEFINITELY on mine. I own 4. A good friend of mine once told me that it doesn't matter how big you are or what body type you sport, if you believe that you can pull it off, you can, and so it went with my first pencil skirt. At the time I was much heavier than I am now, and I still rocked one (or 3... whatever). A pair of pointy-toed flats or ankle strap pumps and some red lipstick, and you feel like you walked straight out of a Marilyn Monroe movie! Or off the set of Mad Men.
5. Tailored blazer: another great multi-functional piece. You can wear it with work trousers (blech - I hate work pants), skirts, or jeans. You can even wear them with tailored shorts and look great. There are many varieties out there - my two favorites are the riding habit style, which has three pockets, and the boyfriend blazer which is long and covers problem areas (read: my bum). Make sure it's nipped in at the waist and not too boxy, though! Whether you're a size 6 or a size 26, you want it to accentuate the curves, not look like a football player.
4. At least one great pair of high heels. If you *do* only get one pair, be sure they are comfortable (yes, comfy heels DO exist, contrary to popular belief), sturdy, and in a neutral color you can wear with lots of stuff. Black is always great, of course, but you can think outside the box on neutrals - a lot of metallics (bronze, gold, and silver) are also great neutrals, so think about those when investing. And I mean it when I say "investing" - you might wince when you pay that $100, but you won't be wincing when you wear them. I'm just sayin'. A suggestion is Cole Haan for comfort - he makes a line that is padded with Nike insoles. Sofft and Naturalizers are also good ones.
3. In line with the previous, a great pair of ballet flats is ALSO on my essentials. I wear these when I go shopping on the weekends, and to work when my feet hurt from too many days in a row of wearing pumps. A lot of people wear flip flops out and about, but I keep hearing Tim Gunn in my head yelling, "DOWN with the slobification of America!," and so only wear them around the house or *maybe* an emergency grocery run.
2. At least two nice shells/ dressy camisoles. You can wear them under blazers and cardigans, layered together with jeans, etc. They can be dressed up or down, can be sexy or sweet, and can keep you cool when it's a bazillion degrees out with a humidity index of 110%. (Much like it is right now...)
1. JEANS. And I don't mean baggy, holey ones with raggedy cuffs (though those can have their place... for yard work). I mean tailored, dark wash demin that fit like a glove. You will look like sex on a stick when you pair them with heels, a belted blouse, and some killer earrings for a night out. You can wear them to the mall with a ribbed tank and some ballet flats. You can even sometimes wear them to work (we have jeans day on Friday in my office). You can wear them in any country, in any climate, and for any activity and look awesome.
Ok, so there you have it! What are your top 10?
Several (so-called) experts have put out great books on style in the last five years or so, including the ever fabulous Tim, Nina Garcia, Clinton Kelly... the list goes on. I have read many of them, mostly out of curiosity about what they label as "wardrobe essentials." ALL fashion books seem to have a "Top Ten Essentials" list, and I sort of became obsessed with comparing them all.
I'm not going to talk about them all here, because that would boring and repetitive, so I'll reference my two favorites: Tim Gunn's A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style and Nina Garcia's Little Black Book of Style. Though both books are a few years old, their advice still holds and likely will forever (proving that style and class are here to stay).
Tim's List
Nina's List
And now... *my* list!
10. Leggings and/or tights in various colors: sorry Tim, I know you hate leggings, but this is the one piece I will argue you on. Let me tell you that it is super fun to wear purple ones under your basic black to work! You still look chic while pumping a little energy into your wardrobe du jour. Plus, as a girl who is NOT a twig, these can be necessary for comfort, if you catch my drift.
9. Signature piece of jewelry: you don't have to wear it *every* day, but it's that piece that is uniquely yours that you often get compliments on. It can be some crazy, ginormous earrings you bought in Morocco, a diamond right hand ring for you luxe-lovers, or perhaps a funky watch. I have two I consider my personal "signature" pieces - one is a silver claddagh ring that I wear in honor of my circle of friends that I studied abroad with in Dublin (we all wear one), and the other is an antique scarab bracelet that was a gift from my mother. I'm also generally acknowledged to be an earring junkie, but there isn't one particular pair I wear more often then others.
8. Well-fitting foundation garments: aka, your undies. It is IMPERATIVE to wear a bra that actually fits. What's the point of having great clothes if your breasts look lumpy? Also, watch for panty lines with your bottoms, and I will throw in here an additional essential (in my opinion) - shapewear. I have 3 different kinds myself, and I use them all regularly. They just help smooth your silhouette, and are therefore a girl's best friend. This is regardless of your body size - I have a friend who is a size 4 who wears them.
7.The classic LBD: EVERY girl needs a little black dress. They work for weddings, nights out on the town with your boy OR your girlfriends, work, and hell - even funerals. A truly multi-function piece. It should be impeccably tailored, not too short (or too long, for that matter), and comfortable. In order to have fun with this, try to find one with a unique cut or seaming. And accessories make this outfit!
6. Pencil skirt: ok, this may not be on *your* essentials list, but it is DEFINITELY on mine. I own 4. A good friend of mine once told me that it doesn't matter how big you are or what body type you sport, if you believe that you can pull it off, you can, and so it went with my first pencil skirt. At the time I was much heavier than I am now, and I still rocked one (or 3... whatever). A pair of pointy-toed flats or ankle strap pumps and some red lipstick, and you feel like you walked straight out of a Marilyn Monroe movie! Or off the set of Mad Men.
5. Tailored blazer: another great multi-functional piece. You can wear it with work trousers (blech - I hate work pants), skirts, or jeans. You can even wear them with tailored shorts and look great. There are many varieties out there - my two favorites are the riding habit style, which has three pockets, and the boyfriend blazer which is long and covers problem areas (read: my bum). Make sure it's nipped in at the waist and not too boxy, though! Whether you're a size 6 or a size 26, you want it to accentuate the curves, not look like a football player.
4. At least one great pair of high heels. If you *do* only get one pair, be sure they are comfortable (yes, comfy heels DO exist, contrary to popular belief), sturdy, and in a neutral color you can wear with lots of stuff. Black is always great, of course, but you can think outside the box on neutrals - a lot of metallics (bronze, gold, and silver) are also great neutrals, so think about those when investing. And I mean it when I say "investing" - you might wince when you pay that $100, but you won't be wincing when you wear them. I'm just sayin'. A suggestion is Cole Haan for comfort - he makes a line that is padded with Nike insoles. Sofft and Naturalizers are also good ones.
3. In line with the previous, a great pair of ballet flats is ALSO on my essentials. I wear these when I go shopping on the weekends, and to work when my feet hurt from too many days in a row of wearing pumps. A lot of people wear flip flops out and about, but I keep hearing Tim Gunn in my head yelling, "DOWN with the slobification of America!," and so only wear them around the house or *maybe* an emergency grocery run.
2. At least two nice shells/ dressy camisoles. You can wear them under blazers and cardigans, layered together with jeans, etc. They can be dressed up or down, can be sexy or sweet, and can keep you cool when it's a bazillion degrees out with a humidity index of 110%. (Much like it is right now...)
1. JEANS. And I don't mean baggy, holey ones with raggedy cuffs (though those can have their place... for yard work). I mean tailored, dark wash demin that fit like a glove. You will look like sex on a stick when you pair them with heels, a belted blouse, and some killer earrings for a night out. You can wear them to the mall with a ribbed tank and some ballet flats. You can even sometimes wear them to work (we have jeans day on Friday in my office). You can wear them in any country, in any climate, and for any activity and look awesome.
Ok, so there you have it! What are your top 10?
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday Music Reviews!
There are always a ton of albums that come out on Tuesdays, as I'm sure you are aware. Next one I'm excited about? The Canadian band Stars's newbie Five Ghosts, available on June 22nd. Last week, I picked up (and by "pick up," I mean downloaded because I have an obsessive love affair with iTunes) Grace Potter and the Nocturnals' new self-titled album and the Eclipse OST.
My description of Grace Potter? Think Joan Jett meets Dolly Parton filtered through Lucinda Williams. I like the album a LOT, especially the opening track "Paris (Ooh La La)," which is just fun and catchy. Good road trip music if you're driving through open country in the sunshine. It's the kind of thing I like to listen to in the car in the summer, but I'd probably stash it away once the temperature dips below 60. Know what I mean?
And as for Eclipse, I don't care if you're Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Twilight SUX, this is a fucking great album!! It was on repeat on Hot Lucy (erm, that's the name of my iPod - long story...) all weekend. I don't know *who* does the music selection for this series, but they deserve an Oscar for "Best Music Taste of All Time." I mean, what is NOT to love about an album that includes Muse, who wrote a new song just for this album (my favorite band on the earth, and were LOOOOOONG before the neo-Buffy vamp craze - so there!), Florence + The Machine, Band of Horses, The Bravery, Sia, Vampire Weekend, and Beck?! Do yourself a favor, and spend the few extra bucks to spring for the Deluxe Edition - it's worth it.
And though it's not new last week, I am also going to give a shout out for Mumford and Sons' album Sigh No More (came out Stateside in February this year) because I'm going to see them live tonight! LOVE. It's a bunch of British guys who sound weirdly yet awesomely Irish, make amazingly beautiful and minimalistic music videos, and write great lyrics. Track of note is #5, "White Blank Page," though they're all fantabulous.
My description of Grace Potter? Think Joan Jett meets Dolly Parton filtered through Lucinda Williams. I like the album a LOT, especially the opening track "Paris (Ooh La La)," which is just fun and catchy. Good road trip music if you're driving through open country in the sunshine. It's the kind of thing I like to listen to in the car in the summer, but I'd probably stash it away once the temperature dips below 60. Know what I mean?
And as for Eclipse, I don't care if you're Team Edward, Team Jacob, or Team Twilight SUX, this is a fucking great album!! It was on repeat on Hot Lucy (erm, that's the name of my iPod - long story...) all weekend. I don't know *who* does the music selection for this series, but they deserve an Oscar for "Best Music Taste of All Time." I mean, what is NOT to love about an album that includes Muse, who wrote a new song just for this album (my favorite band on the earth, and were LOOOOOONG before the neo-Buffy vamp craze - so there!), Florence + The Machine, Band of Horses, The Bravery, Sia, Vampire Weekend, and Beck?! Do yourself a favor, and spend the few extra bucks to spring for the Deluxe Edition - it's worth it.
And though it's not new last week, I am also going to give a shout out for Mumford and Sons' album Sigh No More (came out Stateside in February this year) because I'm going to see them live tonight! LOVE. It's a bunch of British guys who sound weirdly yet awesomely Irish, make amazingly beautiful and minimalistic music videos, and write great lyrics. Track of note is #5, "White Blank Page," though they're all fantabulous.
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