Fun Outfits

Outfit #1:
Lame Black leggings by American Apparel, $42
Petal Fringe Top by Sheri Bodell, $259 (on sale, shopbop)
Stitched Peep Toe Booties by Giuseppe Zanotti, $895 (WOWZA) (shopbop)


Outfit #2:
Lame Black Legging by America Apparel, $42
Peter Trapeze Top by Rory Beca, $130 (Pink or Teal, shopbop)
Ramsey Peep Toe Booties by L.A.M.B., $325 (shopbop)


Outfit #3:
Joey Romper by Dolce Vita, $143 (shopbop)
Billy Short Booties by Frye, $238 (Light tan or gray, shopbop)




These outfits clearly aren't the most affordable thing but I just wanted to put together some sample outfits of what to look out for this season.
Fringe. Leathery-spandex. Neon. Booties. Cowboy boots. And yes, the romper is still amazing.

My Favorite Things for Under $100...this instant

Clothes:

"Always Skinny" from 1969 Gap Jeans. $49.50


I bought the Saturated Dark Wash, but am obsessed with the Destructed Jeans and Destructed Jeans with buttons (see above, gap.com). So, for some amazing reason, these jeans are new and on sale! When purchasing in the store, you receive a cupon card. After purchasing three pairs of these jeans and getting your card stamped (within the year), you get a fourth pair free. Ahhh, recession specials...

These jeans are phenomenal because they are NOT low cut-no love handles when wearing these bad boys ;) I suggest going down a size unless you are one of those clean freaks who washes their jeans after every single wear...they do strech out.

"Tri-Blend Racerback Tank" from American Apparel. $19



I bought the Tri-Orchid (as seen above, www.americanapparel.net) and the Athletic-Grey. What I really should have done is buy them in each color. Last night I wore the Orchid with my new 1969 Dark Wash jeans and it looked great. The bright Orchid color is almost at the "neon" color that is a must have this season, without actually being tacky and blinding...it's just bright enough! I suggest wearing these tanks with skinny jeans, ripped up light jean shorts, or even tucked in to a baggy pair of pants or shorts. They're so casual but when worn correctly can pull off the "I rolled out of bed and look this great naturally" look perfectly. Add jewelry and make your makeup/hair look good and you'll come off a lot more polished than you would think!

Fedora, can get it anywhere, any color. I got mine from Scoop-it was the perfect fit and around $90.



Jessica Alba is literally fedora-obsessed. Every color to go with every outfit. Wear to the beach or shopping. I suggest a side braid as the go-to fedora hairstyle. For the fall you may want to go for a darker color or a different material, maybe try a "felt-like" one, but make sure it's not tacky!

Products

Kiehl's Sunflower Color Preserving Deep Recovery Pak, $25



There really isn't much to say except, it's a literal steal. It's a leave-in conditioning treatment which not only makes your hair exceptionally silky-smooth, but it smells amazzzzzing too. For anyone that color treats their hair and has had their colorist tell them "YOUR HAIR WILL START TO FALL OUT IF YOU DON'T USE RECOVERY TREATMENTS" (I've been warned many-a-time), this is a product you should buy. Done.

Sugar Lemon Eau du Parfum, $25 & Sugar Lychee Candle, $48. Both by Fresh



These two scents are amazing. So fresh (no pun intended) and very light. I used to detest candles but have recently become obsessed. The scent is so clean-smelling and perfect when you just need to detox and have a relaxing night.

And lastly, a complete non-sequitur

The 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack, $13.99

Sweet Disposition by Temper Trap is so amazing, especially during the scenes it's played in. Some other great songs from Feist, The Smiths, and Regina Spektor are on the CD. I know this blog isn't about music or movies but this movie is perfect and the soundtrack really makes it that much better. My #1 non-fashion or travel suggestion is to go see 500 Days of Summer and then purchase the CD.

Aren't we LUCKY?

As if I needed yet another reason to love November. It's my birthday month, Lehigh/Lafayette month, Thanksgiving month, and NOW, it's Lucky SHOPS month too!

On November 6th and 7th, at the Metropolitan Pavilion in NYC, there will, undoubtedly be a mob scene. The shopping event of the season kicks off Thursday night, for those of us who can throw down $250 for the VIP entry fee, and Friday afternoon for the rest ($35 entry fee). Although the vendors have yet to be confirmed, or brought to my attention at least, last years included some of my favorites: See by Chloe-great for going out, Theory-ideal for work, Hanky Panky-will make the man in your life happy...or yourself, for those of us who are single ;), Cynthia Rowley, Milly and many more!

The event will be serving complimentary cocktails, while supplies last, aka the first five people who enter, blasting music to get your energy and credit card skills pumping, and my personal favorite, "giveaways". I hear they gave a pretty sweet gift bag last year! Events like this usually throw in a free gift bag which includes make up samples, coupons, and if you're lucky, a t-shirt!

Things to look for: Bags, shoes, and jewelry. Since events like these are usually crowded and offer limited dressing room options, these three categories are great. They're all easy to try on and you know your size already! If you're daring (like me) and don't really mind trying stuff on with only your friend blocking you from gauking women, go ahead and try on the clothes, it will be worth your while.

Just remember, even though there will be pushy women, long lines and few fitting rooms, finding that one special something at up to 70% will make it absolutely, 100% worth it!


So ladies, you're just one click away from attending one of the (hopefully) greatest shopping extravaganzas of the year! http://luckyshops.com/about.cfm

Oh, and if you're super LUCKY, you'll spot a celeb...Leighton Meester and Jessica Szohr were there last year.

Happy Shopping!!!

When living on the edge isn't enough...

No, I'm not that lame, it's the actual slogan of Preseli Venture. This post is for the people who want a little adventure, but in a relaxed and homey atmosphere.

Preseli Venture Lodge, Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales.

While I was studying abroad, my girl friends and I decided to go to Wales. We were in London and it was only a train ride away, why not? The school planned a weekend trip with Preseli Venture-an adventure company with a lodge in the middle of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. We surfed-or attempted to, kyaked andddd my personal favorite, went "coasteering". Let me just tell you-Wales in the middle of the winter...not the most ideal place to go swimming. See pics of the coast below.



Each morning you meet the staff, who were all 20-something amazing guys, in the "hanger" (see below). Here you squeeze into your wet suits, go over the instructions about the upcoming activity, and of course gossip about the night before ;)


Coasteering was the best. Clad in our wet suits & helmets, we got into our van and were driven down to the water where we began our adventure. If any of you are like me and are wondering what the hell coasteering is, here is a little explanation: You start off by climbing up and around the coast just until you get to that perfect point. The point where the frigid water beneath you is jussssst deep enough so you won't shatter all your bones when you turn into a little Lemming and take the ever-so-frightening, PLUNGE. After swimming around like the little lemming that you've become, you get out, climb back up that steep and slippery coast and do it all over, just at a new and scarier height each time.
Unfortunately, none of us thought far enough ahead to purchase waterproof cameras...so you'll just have to take my word on how fun and intense coasteering was.

BUT, it wasn't all outdoor adventure. I'd say one of the best parts of the weekend getaway at Preseli was the "lodging".

Bedrooms: The lodge sleeps probably about 30 people. There are a ton of different rooms, some with bunk beds, some with regular beds, and then there was this awesome room with lofts. It's not the Four Seasons, but that's what made it fun!

The kitchen: Yes, I know, who comments on the kitchen? Well you know what, the little fat kid inside of me was shocked and super excited that not only were all of our meals paid for BUT they were all prepared by these fabulous chefs. There is a little bit of a menu selection, but the chefs stick pretty close to the term "homestyle cooking". If you've ever been to Wales, that phrase may frighten you, but again, that added character to the place!

Game Room: For all of you out there that can't really fathom a great weekend vacation without some partying, this was the place to be. I won't say much except for the fact that we happened to luck out and share the Preseli Cabin with a Bachelor Party that weekend. Needless to say, they lucked out too...they'd never met a group of Lehigh sorority girls before :)



http://www.preseliventure.co.uk/

You only live once...don't you want to see it all?

Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken- Frank Herbert

It's time to wake up. There are no more excuses for not travelling. Money? Save up for a couple months, buy a ticket and stay in hostels. If I can do it, anyone can, I PROMISE you that. No one to go with? I'm sure you have friends or family you can convince. If all else fails, go on an adventure program with strangers...if they're all weirdos at least you'll have fun stories, right?

So here's my deal. Going on travel adventures is my most favorite thing ever (yes, even more than fashion, shocking right? ha ha). I'm no travel-elitist, but I've had my fair share of excursions and trips. And, I believe that whether it's a weekend getaway or a month long vacation, everyone deserves to leave home for awhile and experience something new. My goal with this post is to inspire people to save their $$ and vacation days and go do something wild, spontaneous, and most importantly, FUN. I will tell you about my previous trips and categorize them accordingly.

IF YOU'RE INTO ADVENTURE, GO TO AFRICA:

Trip #1
My first trip was to South Africa and it was pretty...umm...interesting. It was during college, Lehigh University. We were all talking late at night and my friend who happened to be in the Orchestra (please keep side comments to yourself) was telling me about this amazing trip that they planning in South Africa. She convinced me that a TON of non-members would be travelling with them as well, and that I should definitely go. Lets just say that when I arrived at the airport, I was THE ONLY person under 30 not in the orchestra ha ha ha, oops!

Because this was a "school trip" it wasn't as adventurous as I'd have liked but the safari was unimaginable and the educational stuff made me appreciate the country 10x more.

If you're in Africa, you must do a REAL Safari! We went to Kruger National Park. I swear to god it's what Jurassic Park must have been modeled after. We had to go through electric fences when entering our campsite. It was pretty badass...But the best thing were the little huts you slept in, see mine below.


We would wake up at 6am and pile into our "cars"...I have never felt more exposed in my life. Goal of the safari, see the BIG 5: Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo.
THE only way I can describe the safari is by comparing it to one of the best movie scenes of all time- Ace Ventura When Nature Calls, Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang scene. If you don't know what I'm talking about, look it up. The second another car on the safari sees one of the five (cars drive miles apart from each other), you are radioed and off you go, chitty-chitty bang-banging through the tundra.
Highlights/Scariest Moment of my life:
Buffalo stampede of about 200-300
Elephants playing in the water
Elephants crossing infront of us with a baby (reminded me of Dumbo)
Seeing a lioness run infront of the car.


Trip #2
ZAMBIA/ZIMBABWE: I went here with one of my best friends while I was staying at her dorm in Capetown. SUPER cheap trip. We stayed at the Jollyboys in Livingstone, Zambia. It was a glorified hostel with a private shower (if you could call it that), pool, and mini-restaurant. Pretty legit.

Activities you MUST DO:

http://www.thezambeziswing.com/
We did the Gorge Swing, Abseiling, and the Flying Fox, and had them all video taped. (Side note: If you ever wonder whether or not you need to loose weight, put on a harness and videotape yourself...shocking, just shocking). See picture below, that's the Zambezi Gorge Swing!! Glorified bungee jumping...


Elephant Riding in Zambia.
This will only interest you if you like elephants, they're my 2nd favorite animal after dogs, of course. Although I was terrified because I've watched wayyyy too many episodes of When Animals Attack, it was something I had to do. The animals are trained to sit, shake your hand, etc. It was cute! See picture below.


And last but not least, something you MUST do, is walk across the border into Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls. As long as you don't mind crossing the border alongside men with machine guns and baboons, you'll be fine.

It's so weird...once you start walking, before you can see Victoria Falls, you start getting drops of mist on you, it's so exciting! Another thing to do while over there is go to one of the markets. Although they prefer US $$, you can usually trade ciggs, clothes, etc. One of the people I was with even brought her old crutches to barter with, no joke! They have cool, hand-made sculptures, clothes and paintings.

Trip #2.5
Gansbaai, South Africa.
Wake up real early, get picked up in a sketchy van, and drive to your doomsday destination...Gansabaai, the Great White Shark captial of the WORLD!
I will just say two words and then show you some pictures, and if this doesn't inspire you to go, I don't know what else will.
Shark Diving

It's about TIME to get one...

Watches always intimidated me. The two watches I heard of when I was growing up were either the Cartier Tank watch which clearly was never an option, or those multi-colored Swatch watches that were just a little too much for me! So if any of you have ever felt a little discouraged when it comes to watch shopping, put your fears aside because you have your fashionista to help you!

The one thing you need to have set in your mind before you enter watch world, is whether you want a trendy, only wear it for a season or two watch, or an every day staple sorta watch. Then you can decide the more basic things like color, price, etc.

The every day sort of time...
I'm assuming that most of you are in my boat and can't afford those tank watches anytime soon. So I'll give you some other, better options. If you want a watch that you can wear everyday without getting sick or bored of it, go for a classic, all gold one. I recommend the Michael Kors Updated Runway Watch (see photo, courtesy of www.michaelkors.com, $225). This watch won't become boring to you because it's simple and will go fabulously with your typical every day outfits. For you silver lovers out there, try a Michele watch (see below). Although I'm not a fan, they're pretty popular and high quality (and like most things in life...high quality = high price). The great thing about both of these watches though, is that you can think about them more as jewelry than manly hardware. Gold watches go great with bright colorful bracelets-either the popular leather ones with beads or your average ornate bangle. While the silver will look better with silver or black bangles-think David Yurman.


When I finally faced my fears, and went watch shopping, I went for trendy. I knew I wasn't going to want to wear a watch everyday so I decided to impulsively buy this one and I haven't regretted it since. Again, Michael Kors tops my list for trendy watches. I got the MK Horn Jet Set Chronograph Watch (see picture, www.michaelkors.com, $195) This watch is very summery so I didn't wear it much in the winter. Because of the gold detailing (another thing to think of when shopping around) it goes perfectly with my gold bangles. If you want to add a little color, put on funky bright rings and nail polish (Perky Purple or Bermuda Shorts both by Essie). For a more demure, nighttime look go with black, fancier bracelets and either Licorice or Ballet Slippers (again, both by Essie) on your nails.

Micheal Kors also makes a super summery watch that you'll probably be over once Labor Day rolls around. But, the price and fabulosity may make the purchase worthwhile. It comes in a redish-pink, yellow, blue, and white. You can see for yourself that this is not something you're going to want to wear everyday. But for under $200 the blue, white and yellow are great for summer while the red can take you from season to season. These watches were actually featured on one of the models in last month's Bazaar. I only mention this because they are such statement pieces that it actually stood out to me when I was flipping through the model/picture pages.

Okay, onto my new obsession, Le Mer watches. Their slogan, "Unique Time Pieces Inspired by Adventure" says it all. They are the ultimate, trendiest, most unique watches for the summer. They give the lazy fashionistas a free ride. They've done the bracelet/watch mix for you and added the color. Www.lamercollections.com The watches I'm recommending are the Chain/Charm Wraps. You can choose from a ton of different colors and charms. Whether you're a peace sign loving hippie, a true beach bum, or the keep-it-simple-with-nothing-too-flashy type, they've got the watch for you. My personal favorite is Cream Gold Peace wrap (see picture).
***You can also design your own!!!***For $110 there is no reason not to buy. Check it out and let me know what you think.

After 23 years of living, here's what I got...

1. Get a great white tank: No matter what season, what occasion, even what decade we're in...there will always be the need for a classic white tank top. My absolute favorite brand for tank tops is Theory. They have great spandexy/stretchy ones that come in racer back, thin straps, crew neck, etc. These spandex ones are great because they always appear to be fresh and clean cut, even if you haven't washed them in a while ;) The only downside is that sometimes they roll up which is the number one most annoying thing in the world. TIP-to avoid this, tuck it into not just your pants, but your underwear as well...it might be a little weird but totally worth it! The other Theory that I recommend purchasing is the classic long tank that has about 1 inch straps. It's long so it never rises up and will never show the gross "crack in the back".

Okay, tip time. Because Theory is obscenely overpriced, always purchase them at the Theory Outlet store (there is one at Woodberry Commons in NY) or at the Theory Sample Sales (check out Clothingline.com to see when/where they are). This will cut the price by about 50%. Some of you may think that even after 50% off, the price is still too much but they're worth, BUT the quality of the shirts mixed with the frequency in which you wear them...come on, you'll definitely get your money's worth!

2. Online Sample Sales: If you've been living under a rock for the last year you probably haven't been invited to these "exclusive" sample sale websites. Here's how they work, at the beginning of the week you receive an email telling you which designers will be on sale in the upcoming days, then you frantically sit and wait for them to begin :) My personal favorite is Gilt Groupe, http://www.gilt.com/. Not only do they have the best brands (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Hunter Boots, Rich & Skinny, Chanel, and yes they even had Christian Louboutin!!) but they give you a $25 gift certificate when someone that you "invited" to the site, makes their first purchase!! Other sites are http://www.hautelook.com/ and http://www.ruelala.com/. The only downside to hautelook is A. they take FOREVER to ship and B. their gift cards are only $10 when your friend makes their first purchase....I know, I know, stop being greedy, $10 is nicer than nothing.

Tip time: Pay attention to the emails that alert you of the upcoming sales. Find the brands you want and anticipate what they may have on sale. I recommend going to a store and trying things on so you're aware of your size. I insist on doing this not because of the return policies these sites have (b/c they do allow returns but for store credit only), but more because the SECOND you sign onto the sale page you need to quickly revert back to 4th grade and use the Mavis Beacon computer skills you were taught! Items go very quickly and are often either "sold out" or "on hold". So, if you are ready with what you want and the size you want it in you should be able to snag that bargain! See...those painful computer lab skills do come in handy :)

3. The do's and don'ts of shopping:
Don't shop when you're tired. Don't shop when you're full or hungry. Don't shop when you're grossly pale or haven't shaved your legs since last summer. Don't shop when you're having an "ugly" day or week (come on, they often last longer than a day) and preferably not during your lady week either!

Do shop when you're tan, shaven and manicured-that's how you'll look when you're wearing the clothes so stop forcing yourself to "imagine what you'll look like". Do shop once you've digested and deflated from your last meal. Do bring along your best shopping partner, but only if you like their style...it's too tiresome thinking of excuses every time they suggest you "try this on". And, do consider bringing some heels to try dresses on with...standing on your tippy toes just doesn't lengthen the body like you want.