Monday, November 7, 2011

Who do you dress for?

I recently wrote an article for the Daily Kent Stater, my campus magazine, about who and how girls dress when it comes going to class.  You can read the article here.  I also made a short video that goes with it; here it is!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Beer Bread

I have been on a baking kick and have a great beer bread recipe to share!  It's super easy as well as yummy!



Ingredients:
12 oz beer of any kind (for a stronger beer taste, I recommend using a darker beer)
1/3 cup sugar
3 cups self rising flour (if you don't have self rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt for every one cup of flour)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9 by 5 loaf pan.
3. In a large bowl, mix together flour and sugar.
4. Add beer and mix using a wooden spoon, then your hands.  The batter will become sticky.
5. Pour into pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Pumpkin Bread

I love fall time, not just for the fashion, but for the food...especially pumpkin!  I made my first ever pumpkin bread just last week and thought it was pretty good.  I've included the recipe to share with you guys!  I hope you enjoy it!



Ingredients:
2 1/2 sugar
1 cup applesauce
4 eggs, lightly beaten
16 ounces canned pumpkin
3 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
2/3 cup water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray two 9 by 5 loaf pans with cooking spray.

Mix together sugar and applesauce then stir in eggs and pumpkin.

Combine all the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl.

Alternate adding dry ingredients and water into the wet mixture, mix well.

Divide batter between the two loaf pans and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

NOTE: Can also be divided up into muffin tins, cook for 25-30 minutes.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Celebrity Chic for Cheap: Kim Kardashian

In this new section of the blog, I will be featuring outfits worn by some of our favorite celebrities and showing how you can get the look cheaper.  For the first one, we will be taking inspiration from an outfit worn by Kim Kardashian.

Photo Credit

Kim Kardashian


Caslon racer back tank
$28 - nordstrom.com


Forever21 lightweight jacket
$28 - forever21.com


ASOS skinny pants
$26 - asos.com


Belle Noel by Kim Kardashian hoop earrings
$49 - shopthetrendboutique.com


Necklace
€6,90 - forever21.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

White after Labor Day: a do or don't?

I always grew up being told you don't wear white after Labor Day.  The origin of the rule is unknown.  People guess it may have to do with white being a light weight color and keeps people cool so they felt it only needed to be worn during summer months.  As we've moved into the 21st century, does Grandma's rule still pertain?

I vote no.  Rules were made to be broken and I believe this one needs broken.  Winter whites are white-hot and I see absolutely nothing wrong with it and neither do celebrities.  Kim Kardashian even took to Twitter saying how much she loves winter whites.

I can't wait for this upcoming season and making winter white a complete do!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Fashions Night Out

New York City along with CFDA and Mayor Bloomberg host the third annual Fashions Night Out Thursday, September 8th from 6-11 pm.

FNO was created by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to inspire people to spend money again in hopes of helping kick start the economy.  The earnings from sales go to different charities.  New York City is not the only city hosting FNO.  It is being hosted in 27 cities in the United States as well as 15 different countries.  Some retailers are opening up their online stores as part of the event.

The event starts off New York's Fashion Week.  While Fashions Night Out is open to the public, there's a chance you could run into models, designers, fashion editors and celebrities.  During the event, many retailers are offering exclusive discounts and special promotions including free gifts, h'ordeuvres, champagne and more.

Some of the retailers and designers participating in FNO include:
Forever 21
3.1 Phillip Lim
Alexander Wang
Anna Sui
Betsey Johnson
Bloomingdale's
Macy's
DVF
Marc Jacobs
Elie Tahari
Michael Kors
Proenza Schoeler
Scoop
Rag and Bone
...and many more!

For a full list of events and to see where there are special deals and promotions, be sure to check out the FNO website here.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

How To: Extend the Life of Your Bathing Suit

Between sunscreen, salt water and chlorine, it's hard to keep your bathing suit looking its best.  These tips will not only keep your bathing suit in top condition, they'll also help extend the life of it.

1. Rinse your suit
        It's extremely important that after every dip in the pool or ocean that you rinse your bathing suit off in cold water.  This will help remove the salt and chlorine that can damage the fabric.

2. Gently squeeze your suit
        If you wring or twist your suit to get rid of the excess water, you run the chance of causing the suit to lose its shape.  It's best to gently squeeze instead.

3. Hand wash with cool water
        The chemicals in detergents and the roughness of the washer can break down the fibers in your bathing suit.  Opt for hand washing in cool water instead.  If you must use a machine, put it on a gentle cycle and use an all-natural detergent, such as Seventh Generation.

4. Lay flat to dry
        Instead of tossing your suit in the dryer which can destroy the elastic fibers because of the heat, lay your suit somewhere to air dry instead.

Friday, June 10, 2011

What makes clothes pill?

Now that it's summer, it's time to pull out those bathing suits!  One thing with bathing suits is that they tend to pill easily.  Pilling is when little balls form on your clothing.  This is because the fibers in synthetic materials, such as nylon and polyester, are long and strong so instead of breaking off, they tangle and form the little annoying balls known as pills.  While this doesn't do anything to the durability of the clothes, it can be annoying.

While there is no absolute way to keep clothes from peeling, there are some ways to slow down the process.  Washing clothes that are prone to pilling in delicate cycles may reduce rubbing that causes the pills; before putting clothes in the washer, turn them inside out  Also, when wearing bathing suits, don't sit on any rough surfaces as that may aggravate the fibers.

If the pills really annoy you, there are ways to remove them once they form.  There are blocks of pumice or foamed glass that you can rub over clothing and it removes them.  I love the brand Hollywood Fashion Secrets and they sell pumice stones here for $5.99.  There are also several different types of pill shavers that are similar to electric razors that gently cut the pills off.  They range in price with some starting as low as $4!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

The Bachelorette: Week 3 Fashion

Now that I've given my recap of the show, it's time to break down Ashley's clothes.  All pictures are screen caps from Videobb.

Planet Blue

Ben C. Day Date


Off the shoulder top
$15 - alloy.com

Jolt jeans
$34 - nordstrom.com

Asymmetrical Chiffon Top - BLUE LIFE - Shop Online
$56 - shopplanetblue.com






Haute Hippie
Ben C. Date Night


Bl nk London floral dress
60 GBP - theremedi.co.uk

Kenneth cole earrings
$22 - macys.com






Chelsea Flower
Comedy Date Night

Chelsea Flower navy top
$112 - bluefly.com

SOLD Design Lab straight jeans
$48 - revolveclothing.com






Planet Blue
Interview Outfit

Michael Stars dolman top
$54 - revolveclothing.com

Poncho Tee With Pocket - BLUE LIFE - Shop Online
$75 - shopplanetblue.com






I hate to say it, but I can't figure out what brand this is
Earrings are Susanne Elizabeth
Bentley Leaving

Old Navy low rise jeans
$18 - oldnavy.gap.com

Shell earrings
$18 - topshop.com

Croft and Barrow Solid Roll-Tab Shirt
$25 - kohls.com






Again, I do not for sure know this brand either
The earrings are again Susanne Elizabeth
JP Date

Jeans
$30 - amazon.com

Turquoise jewelry
4.80 GBP - debenhams.com

Tie Up Military Shirt
$70 - bardot.com.au






Randi Rahm

Rose Ceremony

BKE chunky necklace
$15 - buckle.com

Scala 14189
$238 - shopdress.com

The Bachelorette: Week 3 Recap

After all the previews and gossip I was so excited for this episode.  It had its ups and downs, it made me mad at people and it made me like people.  Let's get down to the recap!

The episode starts out with Ben C. getting a one-on-one date with Ashley.  I've always wanted to be part of a flash mob so add this to the long list of dates from the Bachelor that I'm jealous of.  Ash is such a great dancer, I would love to take a hip-hop class from her!  She seems like a great dance teacher.  Things seem a little awkward just sitting there in the middle of the field in the mall with everyone watching them.  I'm so proud of Ben for going along with it and dancing to no music when Ashley asks then BAM! music starts and people join in.  He's so excited, it's adorable!  I love when he says, "Let's do it again!" when the music begins.  He's really having a good time dancing and he's even singing along!  "Ben got flashed!" I loved it!  Ben C. and Ashley are so cute during the Far East Movement concert; they really fit together.  During their dinner, Ben shows what a hopeless romantic he is.

Jeff is so creepy staring out from the balcony and the music playing doesn't help any.  I love what a big deal Jeff is making over his mask.  I think it's ridiculous and his plan didn't work.  I don't get the shots of the bird and squirrels.  Ashley's reaction is priceless because she has no reaction except that he's older than she thought.  It was so awkward when he said, "Hi!  I'm Jeff."  Now that he has his mask off, I noticed how pretty his eyes are; but he doesn't blink that much.  It's kind of weird.

When the guys find out they're doing stand-up comedy, they all say William is the funniest guy in the house.  I don't like the idea of them roasting Ashley, that's who they are there to impress.  I know they said they can roast each other, but I think those are the only people they should be roasting.  William went down in my book as soon as he said this could open new doors for him to do his dream.  Then, he goes on to say he might make Ashley cry and this is his opportunity to finally be real with Ashley?  Ugh, I'm so mad at him!

Then the roasting begins!  Lucas is up first and focused his roasting on the guys.  Then it was Ryan's turn, and while I agree with him and his statement about what was Ashley thinking keeping Bentley, it wasn't funny.  He played it off well with the "Not funny!" though.  Ames was great with the mask and Blake was funny with the taking skills and attributes away from one guy and getting another.  Jeff started in with the roasting of Ashley about her small boobs and the guys took that as their cue to talk about them.  Comedian wanna-be Will took the stage and he knows Ashley the best out of all the guys so, like Ashley, I think his will be pretty good.  Man, oh man, am  I wrong.  The "one man's trash is another man's treasure" could have worked if he would've said something about her being his treasure.  Then he started in with how he wished it would've been Chantal or Emily and I couldn't believe him.  I was furious!  I feel awful for Ashley.  Then to make matters worse, Bentley says since Ash is crying he's going to mess with her head.  As if I wasn't mad enough already! I CAN'T STAND Bentley.  Poor, poor Ashley; I can't imagine rewatching this and hearing the comments she made about him.

After the roast, there's a party and you can tell William knows he messed up.  He looks like a sad little puppy, and thankfully asked to talk to her.  Why won't he apologize?  He thinks the only solution is to pack up and leave?  He should've said that he can never make it up to her but he will always try or something, not say he should leave.  As mad as I am at him, there's still a part of me that doesn't want him to go.  Ryan is so sweet to her and I had it called that he would get the rose on the date.  Then there's Bentley.  She called him out and then he lied straight to her face --AGAIN!  He never really denies it though, he just says it doesn't apply to them which doesn't make sense.  He literally makes me sick.  He is such a jerk.  His face is so smug when Ash is cuddling up to him and I loved his face when he didn't get the rose.

Now, the moment we've all been waiting for, Bentley leaving the show!  He doesn't even give her the right reason for leaving and strings her on by saying it's not a period but a "dot dot dot".  C'mon, man, you've already hurt her enough and you don't even care for her.  I feel sorry for his daughter when she gets old enough to watch this and understand.  He is so disrespectful in his interviews, it's awful.  Him leaving took way too long, he kept dragging it out...of course.  I feel so awful for Ashley; she really broke my heart with how upset and pitiful she was.

I was so happy when JP got the one-on-one date and knew that he would be able to comfort her.  He completely melted my heart when he got out of the car with flowers for her.  Even out of all the crazy, exotic dates they have, this is probably one of the sweetest dates I've ever seen on the show.  It's a real life date and it's adorable.  JP seems really sincere.  Ashley is so cute around him and can tell that she's really comfortable with him by changing into sweats and pulling out the glasses.  In Ashley's blog on People, she said that she actually fell asleep while cuddling with him.  It was so funny when she said "it's kinda hard to kiss with glasses."

During her talk with Chris Harrison, you can tell he is trying so hard not to say, "I told you so."  That being said, he truly does feel sorry for her.  I love Chris' emotion when he found out what Bentley said about the dot dot dot.  I hope he got through to Ashley by telling her that's a guy thing to say and that if he really loved her he would have moved heaven and earth like the other guys did.  While I feel badly for the guys who didn't have a date this week, I completely understand Ashley not having a cocktail party and going straight to the rose ceremony.  Along with Ben C., Ryan and JP, Ashley gave roses to Constantine, West, Mickey, Ben F., Blake, Nick, Ames, Lucas and Will.  Since Bentley sent himself packing, Ashley sent home Jeff and Chris.

Be on the lookout for my next post where I'll break down Ashley's style from this episode and tell you how you can get it for less!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Jessica and Ashlee Simspon to collaborate on tween line

According to "Women's Wear Daily", Jessica and Ashlee Simpson will serve as co-creative directors for a new tween line to add to the Jessica Simpson Collection.  The line will launch this fall.  The clothes are geared towards the fashion-forward tween and features denim, sportswear, activewear and footwear to name a few.

The sisters' styles are very different so it will be interesting to see how they work together to create a line.  I think Ashlee's rocker edge will relate to a lot of different girls.  I have worn Jessica Simpson shoes since they launched.  With my narrow foot, her flats used to be the only thing that fit me.  Recently the heels in her shoes have been getting wider and I haven't been able to wear as many of the new shoes as I would like.  I'm absolutely in love with a pair of her nude pumps, but they're too wide for my foot.

The Jessica Simpson Collection started in 2005 and now has 22 different licenses.  At the end of last year, the brand was carried in 650 department stores with the big ones being Macy's, Dillard's and Belk.  The brand earned more than $750 million last year making it the top selling celebrity brand.  It is expected to break $1 billion in sales this year which would make it the first in history for celebrity brands.

I'm excited to see how their two styles combine to make this new line.  Does anyone else have any thoughts?

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

The Bachelorette: Week 2 Fashion

Now that I've given my recap of the show, it's time to break down Ashley's clothes from this episode!  All pictures from the episode are screen caps I took from Hulu.

Dolce and Gabbana Dress


The Bachelorette William's Date


Lace overlay dress
$70 - asos.com

$71 - bluefly.com



Sigal A Kimono Dress
I found two different dresses for this one.  One is more expensive and resembles the dress closer and the second one is cheaper but not as close of a match.

The Bachelorette William's Night Date
Akira fitted dress
$28 - shopakira.com

$249 - shopharmonylane.com



C&C California
Throughout the season she is also seen wearing a Qhandmade necklace with her name on it


The Bachelorette Vegas Group Date
Sandra Ingrish long sleeve top
$58 - nordstrom.com

The Bachelorette Vegas Group Date Night

Cooperative short top
$30 - urbanoutfitters.com

13 GBP - riverisland.com



Madison Marcus Nucleus Tank
Elizabeth and James Emery Blazer



The Bachelorette Mickey's Date

Banana Republic sleeveless tank
$40 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Tailored blazer
30 GBP - debenhams.com

$30 - ae.com



Notte by Marchesa, Silk Satin Twill Gown
I tried my best to find a knock off or something similar to this gown but I couldn't so I just posted the actual dress.  I put it in blue also so you can see the detailing on it.



The Bachelorette Week 2 Rose Ceremony

Notte by Marchesa strapless dress
$462 - theoutnet.com

Notte by Marchesa strapless dress
$462 - theoutnet.com