Ivy League Chic

Wed-iquette

2007-07-16T16:23:00.000-04:00

The wedding season is in full swing again. This means A. too many presents to buy, B. numerous open bars to look forward to, and C. cute outfits to plan. I will try to help on the final part!

For a more casual affair stick with a pretty printed skirt or flirty dress. This fun skirt would work great for a summer wedding...especially one on or by the beach. (Remember to wear flats at the beach!) Anthropologie is a good place to look for skirts. All these skirts would work nicely.

Sundresses are another easy look to consider. This Ella Moss dress is simple and comfortable. (You know that you will be wearing it all the time!) Lilly Pulitzer is another great choice. Lilly sundresses are made for summer weddings. Sundresses are especially great if you have to travel a long distance to the wedding. They are easy to pack and leave more room for you to overpack other things!

A formal wedding is your chance to really jazz it up. A LBD is always a safe option. This Banana shift dress is simple but the shorter hemline keeps it up to the moment. This Nicole Miller dress is another great find if you are tired of black. If you are feeling a little exposed take a wrap with you. (This matters if the ceremony takes place in a church.) This BCBG dress would be wonderful at a fancy outdoor event. If you really want to make a statement try this taffeta DVF number. Just grab a slick clutch and you are ready to rock!

With all the choices out there just remember one thing: do not wear white. You do not what to be that girl...

What a Croc

2007-07-13T22:37:00.000-04:00

Slate has a great article all about Crocs. Even though I think they are incredibly ugly it was still an interesting read. (If you are a nerd like I am!)

For now I will stick to my espadrilles for comfort. Although it would have been a good bet to buy the stock when it went public...

Update: There is also an article in today's (July 15th) NYT's magazine on the same subject.

Party Planner: Summer Fiesta

2007-07-12T19:39:00.000-04:00

Summer is the best time to have a party. People are usually more relaxed and there are a million reasons to celebrate (Fourth of July, Birthdays, Because it is Tuesday...). The warm weather also allows you to take advantage of the great outdoors more than other times of the year. (Although I have to admit, I love a good ski gathering.) Anyway, the best person to throw a summer party should have a pool, a lake house, a beach house, or a sailboat/yacht. See a theme with the water? Just remember, if the host has boats or other watercrafts try to hide them from guests who have a tendency to drink too much. Trust me, you don't want that one wasted guy taking the sailboat for a spin.

Element One: Fire

Fire can come in many forms. It can range from small candles to torches to a full-scale bonfire. It really just depends on the size of your property and how much work you want to put into it. These tiki torches are an inexpensive way to jazz up your party. And they help to keep pesky bugs away. Another option is to use electric lights. (This will prevent someone from lighting their ugly extensions on fire.) I love the ones from Pottery Barn. They have both simple cream ones and patterned ones. If you are feeling really ambitious, try a clam bake or crawfish boil. So yummy!

Element Two: Liquid

As I mentioned before, water is important. At the very least invest in a kiddy pool: you can fill it with ice and put drinks in it if you want. This category is also a not-so-subtle reference to "drinks." What you put in those drinks is up to you. (I am old so I can drink whatever I want.) The easiest thing is to buy a summery beer like Corona and plenty of limes. Spiked lemonade is a good summer bet (this can also be done with iced tea). I know some people that swear by a watermelon filled with alcohol. It depends on how crazy you are willing to let the party get!

Element Three: Sound

This is your chance to play Jimmy Buffet as much as you want. Go for it! If Jimmy isn't your cup of tea just figure out what bands/songs remind you of summer and stick with those. Just remember to have something in the background, the sound of crickets gets dull.

Element Four: People

Obviously, invite your friends who will have a good time. Also feel free to designate a burly guy as your bouncer... you never know who may show up.

Get to planning! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Cheap not Chic

2007-07-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

That inexpensive jewelry may do more than just turn your skin green. An article in today's WSJ, entitled "Lead Toxins Take a Global Round Trip," details just how bad cheap jewelry can be. (See the Marketplace section for the article.) It turns out that more and more cheap Chinese-made jewelry is being found to have high levels of lead, copper, and tin. The toxins end up in the jewelry after waste from electronics and appliances is "recycled." The EPA currently doesn't regulate this sort of waste at all.

According to the WSJ, "this year the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued 18 recall notices affecting more than 6.7 million pieces of jewelry" that had dangerously high levels of lead. Cheap contaminated jewelry has been found in several stores including Claire's and K-Mart. California is attempting to pass a law to prevent dangerous metals from being used in jewelry. Until then this sort of thing is cleared up maybe you should skip the five dollar rings made in China. Your health (and style, I might add) is worth it!

Black, White, and Loved All Over

2007-07-11T23:35:00.001-04:00

Nothing says summer like a simple white dress. I love this one Claire Danes recently sported. The flutter sleeves are my favorite part. I have to confess that I have a white dress I wear all the time during the warm months. (In fact I wore it yesterday with pink pearls and black cork platforms. Lovely.)

This white BCBG dress is a good option to replicate this look. This one is in an empire waist style. If you are worried that you ate too much pie at the last picnic you attended, this would be good camo!

The black and white combo looks fresh here as well. Instead of a black belt this C ynthia Rowley dress has a built-in necklace so accessorizing is a snap. It also has pockets to store your tiny cell, lip gloss, pepper spray, and other necessities.

A simple shirt dress is another way to go, like this DVF number. (It is on sale at Barney's.) It is all white but you can easily add black into your outfit. A chunk black cuff or big black headband would both work nicely. I also like to pair white with a bright accent color like this red leather J. Crew tote. (It also comes in white if you prefer to stay monochromatic.) Try aqua blue as an accent color as well.

Slip into one of these clean white dresses and you will understand why they say less is more. Just remember to avoid chocolate, red wine, and all those other nasty items that will stain your look...

The Flip-Flopper

2007-07-11T22:59:00.000-04:00

Some people seem to irrationally and passionately hate flip-flops. Personally, I think they are great although they are a tad casual for the situations where many people wear them. Flip-flops at the beach? Great. Flip-flops at your cousin's formal wedding? Not so great. Avid flip-flop fans will tell you that they wear them at all times because they are so comfortable. (This is the same logic that Ugg- and Croc-wearing individuals also use as well.) There are a million cute and comfortable sandals out there just waiting to replace your sometimes overly laid-back Reefs and Rainbows. Here are a few contenders:
These are my favorite. I love the starfish detail on these Stuart Weitzman's. They also have a small heel for those girls who hate really flat shoes. Just right for a vacation in the Turks and Caicos or maybe just the local seafood restaurant.

Tropic al green slides are also a great bet. I especially like the ankle strap details. I would avoid these if you suffer from "cankles." So sad. I would pair these with khaki Bermuda shorts and bright green top.

Seaside-inspired espadrilles are just right for a weekend at the shore. This pair will be right at home on the boardwalk. Just remember your LL Bean or Vineyard Vines tote and you are set. Oh and remember, it is summer, eat all the ice cream you want!

Finally, here are some red J.Crew slides that are also begging to replace your tired flip-flops. The leather soles make them uber comfortable. They come in a few colors but this red really pops. I have a red coral necklace that would match this pair perfectly. Put on a sweet sundress, grab a boy, and head out for a date... at least your feet won't be in pain by the third minute! The boy may be another story, try to pick one that won't bore you to death.

Don't worry, your flip-flops will never know you are cheating on them with these sexy flats. I promise.

Face Off

2007-07-11T17:39:00.000-04:00

I hate to feed into the Paris frenzy but I just wanted to quickly comment on her wardrobe. Apparently Paris has just discovered the technology that suburban parents have known about for more than a decade: how to put someone’s face on a shirt. Unlike overly enthusiastic parents, Paris has opted for a shirt emblazed with her picture. And notice that is not even a good picture, she looks like a drag queen. Was that the only photo she could find? Oh wait, maybe all her pictures look like that.

I find this even more annoying than the message t-shirts people love to wear. (Let’s face it; if you have to tell people you are hot with your shirt, you are probably not that good looking.) My boyfriend pointed out that you should let other people (aka Paris’s pathetic fans) wear shirts like that. He blames the behavior on her new money status. If only she could use that excuse for everything she does.

To sum up, Paris please find a stylist quickly… and then go away for a while. Please? Your vanity is driving me crazy.

A Belated Summer Post

2007-07-10T23:45:00.000-04:00

Now that graduation has come and gone I have found myself in a strange place. I am no longer a student but have not yet started my oh-so-exciting job. So far I have filled the time with the standard summer fare… traveling around the country, frolicking at the beach, attending numerous baseball games, and wearing sundresses like they are going out of style. For now I will stick to the beachy activities…

I used to bake in the sun until my suntan was just perfect. Now my priorities have changed a bit. I just want to make sure I will look unwrinkled and beautiful when I am 40 (and beyond). If I have to be on the pale side to achieve that so be it! Along with my SPF 45 (don’t laugh) I brought along a cute white straw hat to shade my face. Of course I do not cover all my skin. I like to sport a bikini so I can collect shells and swim whenever I want! I like this one with a little Asian flare to it. If you are like my friend who spends a few weeks in the Bahamas on a yacht each summer, you are likely to have a massive collection of adorable suits. (Yes, I am jealous.)

A good beach vacation also calls for fun nights out of the town. Remember to take a nap post-beach/pre-party or you will be hurting as the night goes on. I like dresses because they are both easy to pack and easy to wear. (I obviously change outfits way too many times while trying to decide on the right look.) This bright T-Bags dress just screams summer to me. I suggest pairing it with metallic flats. Trust me, you never know when you will have to, say, run away from a bar fight quickly. (A better scenario would be that you take a walk on the beach with a handsome boy. Flats are a plus there too!)

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a lovely summer break so far!

To Avoid Studying...

2007-05-01T16:26:00.000-04:00

It must be something in the air. For some unknown reason I always seem to buy clothing from American Apparel around this time of year. The rest of the time I walk into an American Apparel store and immediately want to throw an 80s party. Seriously it is like a time warp straight into some Jersey girl’s closet circa 1984. (“Those leggings are rad!”) Then again, I also tend to be afraid when I see gold lamé anything. It is a justified fear. I really do not want to see anyone in the silver lamé mini-dress pictured. I know the guys will probably disagree with me on this.

Anyway, I chalk up my purchases to the fact is actually warm in Ithaca. And by warm I, of course, mean above freezing. Last year my purchase was a short skirt that I ended up wearing to Slope Day. This year it was a knee-length skirt and a halter dress. Hopefully they will be less scandalous than some of the other pieces. Keep it classy Cornell… for a few more days at least!

The Rundown

2007-04-24T17:38:00.000-04:00

A friend once told me that all beauty was relative. I thought it was a tad abstract at the time and chalked it up to one too many Dixie Cups of frat punch. Now the statement finally rings true.

The average girl at Cornell does not get dressed up for class and is not what I would classify as high maintenance. (Yes, I know there are exceptions.) Most of the time I find that I feel overdressed on campus. Well I got a firm reminder of how my habits have changed since coming to this small town. Recently I enjoyed a lovely little trip down to the South. It was warm, sunny, and generally made me wonder why I had left this for the cold of New York. As I was having a yummy dinner on an outside patio I noticed the girl at the table next to me. She had on cute True Religion jeans, strappy gold sandals, a floaty chiffon shirt, and a tiny Gucci clutch. Of course, she had a perfect mani/pedi and had obviously spent some time making her hair flawless. My ego plummeted. I had thought my wrap dress was cute but now everything else about my appearance seemed awful. Before dinner I had changed out of heels into J. Crew flip-flops. They seemed excessively casual now. And my poor nails were in an unmanicured state; something I had been thinking about fixing lately but had not had the time. My simple black Prada bag was too boring. My hair was flat compared to her slightly curled ends.

But then I reminded myself that this girl probably was not in the midst of completing papers, exams, and presentations. I had a valid excuse. And hey, I still had a great dress. This Southern girl had nothing on my Northernized self.

Maybe beauty is relative. If so, I am ready for the challenge…

Juicy Feet

2007-04-13T19:19:00.000-04:00

During one of my classes this week I was very distracted by my friend's lime green pumps. (Yes, my friends are those girls who wear heels to class.) They were so stinking cute! I love bright, juicy citrus colors. I have an adorable yellow Marc Jacobs top that is patiently waiting for the frozen tundra to warm up a bit. (Global warming has yet to help Ithaca in any way, today it was snowing. Arg!) Anyway, on to the shoes... (Note, "shoes" must be said like Kelly.)

First up, lovely green Sam Edelman flats. These green snakeskin beauties will brighten up even the most drab outfit.

These lemon yellow wedges just scream spring to me. I would love them with a flirty printed skirt and a cute straw purse.

Everyone loves a tropical vacation and these Pucci shoes are like wearing a tropical party on your feet. I am pretty sure these are the ideal Happy Hour shoes. Here is my reasoning: 1. You want to look festive when sipping half-price 'ritas. 2. The wedge heel means you are less likely to fall and embarrass yourself after one too many. 3. Any spills will blend into the pattern.

And to satisfy your orange craving, some wood platform sandals. These Theory wedges are nice and tall so you can tower over boys. (Evil laugh.)

Whether it is lime, orange, grapefruit, or lemon, treat your feet to some citrus this spring...

Southern Charm

2007-04-12T14:08:00.000-04:00

I will say, on the record, that seersucker is a wonderful fabric. This is despite the fact that many of my acquaintances seem to think the fabric is reserved for “complete douchebags.” (Their words, not mine.) I am positive my love of seersucker dates back to my childhood when my mother would tell me how it was such a great lightweight option for summer. No joke. Of course, this is the same Lacoste-wearing woman who dressed me in countless adorable sundresses, so her feelings toward the fabric fit well.

In celebration of my trip to the deep south, I figured a tribute/post to seersucker was in order. The past weekend I was in J. Crew and this seersucker suit was calling to me. I had to rationalize that neither the capri pants nor bermuda shorts were very appropriate for a work setting. (As a rule, I prefer a skirt suit.)

Although they did lure me back in with their St. Barth’s seersucker bag. (Also a possible post-graduation vaca spot? Hmmm.) I wish it came in more colors than just the light blue but oh well. Come on J. Crew, be nice to me!

In terms of all things preppy, Lilly is always a good, safe choice. (I apologize to all those who despise the pink and green brand, I still like it.) These pink seersucker sandals make me want to kick back on a shady porch with a tall mimosa. Ahh, delish!

Since summer is just around the corner, you may be on the lookout for a new bikini. Given the theme, this one is also (gasp!) in seersucker as well. The Juicy Couture bikini has blue and white seersucker with brown piping. Prepare to be the cutest girl at your next beach party. Or maybe just the cutest girl laying out in your backyard, they both work!

If you are looking for inexpensive options, Isaac Mizrahi makes some seersucker pieces for Target.

Happy seersucker-lovin’ shopping y’all!

Always a Bridesmaid

2007-04-11T19:18:00.000-04:00

Anyone who has ventured into a wedding boutique can tell you how simply amazing it is. (No, David’s Bridal does not count.) This girly response has more to do with the desire for a beautiful new dress and a lot less to do with the actual impulse to get hitched. It turns out the thieves like these wedding dresses as much as I do.

According to Reuters, the border patrol caught thieves who were trying to smuggle over a thousand wedding dresses into Mexico. At least I have never had the urge to break the law over a gown. (Surprisingly.) The sad thing is that the dresses were meant to be sold at a charity event benefiting breast cancer. I bet those thieves feel even worse now.

Lesson learned, buy your wedding dress fair and square or you will be wearing a very unflattering orange jumpsuit on your big day.

Pack It Up

2007-04-09T21:22:00.000-04:00

The backpack is an omnipresent feature on college campuses. Even though your Northface backpack is handy to, say, lug around heavy textbooks, they are not exactly the most stylish accessory. As the real world looms nearer, I am on the hunt for [even] more totes to haul my stuff!

First up, this Steve by Steve Madden tote. I like that it is simple with nice hard wear. It also comes in white and black, so all the basics are covered. Unlike some of my current totes, I could see this one working well for school, work, and life in general. Plus, you have to love that it is less than 200 dollars.

Isabella Fiore purses are always beautifully detailed. This tote is pretty neutral as well but the buttons and cross hatches make it special. (It also comes in an olive color if that is more to your liking.) Of course, it is more expensive than the first option. This pretty canvas and leather tote comes in just below 400 dollars. Hey, Isabella does not come cheap!

In the same neutral zone, this Hogan tote just stole my heart. The structure is more distinctive than a normal rectangular type tote. Even though the design is fairly simple, it is still eye catching. No one is going to think you picked this lovely accessory up at the nearest Wal-Mart. (Ick!) Too bad it is almost, gulp, 900 dollars which can take a big bite out a college students budget.

I love Tory Burch as previous posts have noted. This causal tote is right up my alley. Unlike some of the other totes in this post, this is easily in my price range too. It is only 175 dollars! Nice!

All these options make the tired backpack look even worse. I guess they will still have some use if I take a hiking day trip...

An Unstylish Celebration

2007-04-09T09:58:00.000-04:00

I usually love shopping, but ordering a graduation gown is a tad different. Of course, it is wonderful since it means that graduation is in sight. On the other hand, it is perhaps the most hideous item of clothing ever. Calling the gowns “clothing” is a tad generous; a better description would be “tent.”

One of my friends obsessively worked out to lose weight for graduation. This made absolutely no sense to me. I could hide another person under my graduation gown and no one would be the wiser. Who cares about a measly five pounds?

When I ordered my gown the sizes are calculated by two measurements, first heights with shoes on, and second, weight. The second category is so broad that we should all indulge in that piece of cake! (Or perhaps second piece of cake…) I fit into the oh-so-skinny “Under 200 Pounds” category. At my height someone who is 200 pounds is considered obese. No wonder the gowns end up looking like someone threw a bed sheet on you. What a way to celebrate an accomplishment such as graduation.

I will just have to settle for a cute sundress under my school-required tent. At least I will be pretty under the voluminous yards of fabric and cap-induced hat hair…

Luck of the Irish

2007-03-15T11:30:00.000-04:00

I will admit, I do not know much about Irish culture. (I saw the Departed, does that count?) Much to the chagrin of my favorite Irish lad, I had not even heard of that When Irish Eyes Are Smiling song. Well, regardless of my nativity, I still like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day like I was born in the heart of Dublin. So bring on the green....

-An embellished skirt.

-A shamrock necklace, not guaranteed to bring you luck but it cannot hurt, right?
-An adorable MJ shirt.
-Wrist candy. You never want those wrists to feel left out.

-And of course, a green belt to jazz up any outfit.
Just be nice to these pretty items and try not to spill green beer or Guinness on them. That would not be lucky for any party involved... Happy St. Patty's Day!

No Sweat!

2007-03-12T10:13:00.000-04:00

Going to the gym is always an adventure. I am constantly amused by the other people sweating around me. Sometimes I am confused by the girl who does at least two hours on the stair stepper. How does she get anything else done? And just how many flights of stairs does she climb up every week? Then there are the skinny boys who just love cardio. Come on, you are smaller than most girls, stop working out already. These are the same type that will lift 5 pound weights and act like it is at least 50. Is it really that difficult? Some textbooks are that heavy! My personal favorite is a guy who bangs on the treadmill with his fists and jumps around during his run. I think he is secretly planning on trying out for Ok Go or something.

Given all this weirdness I do not usually feel it necessary to look nice. My typical outfit consists of cheerleading shorts and one of my million sorority tees. I think it may be time to invest in more flattering gear. I have heard that looking good is motivation in itself.

My first purchase would be this fun little hoodie. Having a cute cover up for those chilly days is always good.

I also think it may be time to retire the cheerleading shorts. Those days are long gone! These retro style Puma shorts would be an upgrade.

And of course, a tee is probably the least flattering item around. I like this workout tank because it has fun little strap details.

Now it is time to run in style!

Save This

2007-03-09T08:33:00.000-05:00

It is almost time to spring forward. On the face of it, this is a sucky occurrence. Who wants to lose an hour of sleep? Bah. But you have to stay positive, there will be more sun for you to soak up and the first day of spring is right around the corner. (I wish all this global warming would bring the warm weather a little quicker. I would buy a SUV if that would occur!) Since you will already lose an hour to the weirdness that is day light savings, you might as well waste a little more time shopping. I do love to procrastinate…

If I could wear a skirt every day of the year, I would be living in paradise. (In this sense Ithaca is not paradise, unless you like extreme frostbite with your skirts. I wore a DFV wrap dress yesterday and felt like I was going to die!) I would throw on some tights with this Laundry skirt until the weather cooperates.
A bright, modern floral top ($58) to coax the sun to come out.
And because I cannot say no to a ruffled shirt dress… a Florent dress that I love. Also check out this pale yellow Cynthia Steffe is on sale.
I like this J. Crew dress as well. I would pair it with a funky belt and wedges. Oh how I miss open toed shoes. (J. Crew has matching shoes as well but that is too matchy-matchy even for me. That is saying a lot considering I am the queen of obsessively matching.)
While spring means saying goodbye to snow, it also means saying hello to that other form of precipitation. I love my wellies even though they are not the most flattering look. (Unless you have calves you want to hide?) Anyway, I picked this pair in honor of the Hartford Whalers. I apologize for the colors not being exactly correct.
Just remember to Spring Forward this weekend... being an hour off is way past fashionably late!

Hold the Retro

2007-03-06T15:12:00.000-05:00

So I understand that people really loved the 80s. In some ways I am amused that I now have tons of alligator-emblazoned polos just like my parents before me. (It must be something in the water.) The thing I do not understand is why people resurrect horrible ideas. Case in point: the legwarmer. I will admit, I had multiple pairs in the 1980s. Here is the caveat: I was a dancer. They were designed to keep me from freezing. Unbelievably, a leotard and tights is not a very warm ensemble!

Now I randomly see people wearing them again. Why? If you are that cold put on a pair of pants. There are plenty of stylish pairs just waiting for you. A day or two ago I saw the evil cousin of the leg warmer… the arm warmer. It was sort of like seeing a rare, perhaps dangerous, animal that had escaped from the zoo. You just want to stare in horror, but you do not want it to come close and maul you.

Please do us all a favor and save the arm warmers for an 80s party. They were heinous the first time around.

This Ain't a Scene...

2007-03-04T21:41:00.000-05:00

There is a popular bumper sticker around here that says that Ithaca is a few square miles, surrounded by reality. (It is true, Ithaca is a unique place and sometimes I feel out of my element here.) Well, I entered a much smaller area that could be characterized as the anti-Ithaca. Where was this strange land? The Omni Shoreham hotel, the location for this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

Walking into CPAC is what I imagine it is like to walk into another sorority’s formal meeting or ceremony. You feel like you stand out but you still want to know what happens behind the closed doors. I was sure the conference attendees would somehow be able to pinpoint my moderate stance in a minute and chase me out with torches. (Or perhaps stone me for being a vegetarian.) Apparently my short skirt and slightly confused look did not give me away.

One of the CPAC speakers was none other than Cornell alum Ann Coulter. It was bizarre to see her books being sold at six or more booths. I was probably the only one there who did not have a copy of her musings. While she was at the conference she indirectly called John Edwards a “faggot.” I doubt she was using the ‘bundle of sticks’ definition of the term. I am pretty sure insults like that were only borderline cool in elementary school.

Past the huge “Liberals Lie” banners and Hillary Clinton barf bags, I was very amused to stumble upon the bloggers’ corner. There were a few bloggers (like Red State) just sitting behind a table with computers. The whole setup was quite odd. In my mind I hoped they were live-blogging their little corner of the hall. I am sure the account would have gone something like this: “This guy in a red tie is watching Giuliani (speaking in the Ballroom a few yards away) on the television by our corner. Now a girl in an oversized Mitt Romney t-shirt stopped to listen as well. This could get crazy…”

I cannot imagine being put in that situation. It would be like sitting in the middle of Ho Plaza with my laptop. I would demand a glass box, then I would not be bothered by people trying to hand me flyers while I wrote. Actually I wish I could block those flyers without a glass box.

Anyway, most of the people I met at CPAC seemed nice. But any place with a panel called “Loony Ladies of the Left: How to Combat the Radical Feminists on Your Campus” is not the place for me. Those crazy ladies on college campuses and their books! What is the world coming to? I suppose I will just have to stick to the six packs and not CPAC for the rest of the semester…

One Toe in the Real World Pool

2007-02-28T18:46:00.000-05:00

One of the most annoying aspects of landing an internship or job is how many things you need. No, not the intangible qualities like talent or connections, but the material goods just to get in the race. I started to wonder just how much all this cost.

Step One: Finding a Position
-Computer: Whether it is a huge database like Monster or the company’s website, you are going to need a way to access it.
Estimated cost: Uh, 600 for a boring, bare bones desktop.

-Coffee: Your new best friend during the job search. Invest in caffeine or suffer the consequences when the bland job descriptions lull you to sleep.
Estimated cost: 2 dollars per cup at your local coffee shop… let’s up this to 20 dollars for a couple intense search sessions.

Step Two: Applying for Said Positions
-Previously mentioned computer for composing cover letters, resumes, and other application materials.

-Printer: If case you need to send hard copies of the materials.
Estimated Cost: About 50 dollars for a bottom of the line inkjet.

-Nice resume paper: Do these people really care if your resume is on heavy linen paper as opposed to normal printer paper? I guess it cannot hurt!
Estimated Cost: About 10 dollars for a package.

-Manila envelopes, stamps, and other such shipping materials: Stupid letters of recommendation.
Estimated Cost: About 15 dollars for it all.

-Time Spent Obsessing over Resume Font… priceless. Which one will tell them I am a efficient person? New Times Roman or Geneva?

Step Three: The Interviews
-Portfolio: Filled with ten extra resumes just in case.
Estimated Cost: About 20 dollars for a decent leather one.

-The Suit: Not just any suit, but one that actually makes you feel confident. There is nothing more awkward than someone who is wearing a suit two sizes too big. Remember to get it tailored.
Estimated Cost: A blazer and pair of trousers at J. Crew will set you back 386 dollars… round up to 400 for very minimal tailoring.

-Dress shirt: Because you have to wear something under that grown up suit!
Estimated Cost: 60 dollars for a broadcloth button down.

-Classic Heels: Your New Balance tennis shoes are not going to hack it here. You should really already have these shoes in your closet.
Estimated Cost: Hmm, I going to ballpark 75 dollars for ones that will look nice and wear well.

-Tights/Nylons: Grin and bear it.
Estimated Cost: Only like 5 dollars. Just pray they do not run.

-Knowing the Right Answer to the Off-the-Wall Questions: Cannot be bought. If you really wanted you could invest in one of those books about interviews, or reading the Vault… a lot!
Estimated Cost: Free!

All this junk amounts to approximately one thousand two hundred fifty-five dollars. Ugg, think of all the purses that would buy. (Two? Three?) I suppose compared to the thirty thousand for tuition this little expense is a drop in the bucket. All this “investing” in the future, it just better have a good ROI!

The Oscars... Minus the Pesky Awards Part

2007-02-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

This year I found the whole Oscar thing even more overrated than usual. I knew it would be bad when my pop-culture guru friend told me she would not be watching. If the ratings are especially bad this year she alone is probably half the reason! Most of the time I have not even seen most of the movies nominated. It is not that I dislike going out to the movies, it just seems pricey for a tame night out. It costs ten dollars to sit in a dark room and not interact with anyone? It is hard to justify in my budget.

Despite all this I still am a girlie girl and enjoy looking at pretty dresses. And let’s not forget all the handsome men in tuxes. What is it about formal wear? It makes guys look so darn cute. Since the Oscars are a wonderful venue for observing both pretty dresses and handsome men I make it a priority to watch… the arrivals. What can I say; I have work to do on Sunday nights!

Here are some of the Oscar night looks, from my most hated to most adored:
This is just all wrong. Kirsten Dunst’s dress looks like something an old lady would wear. Is her stylist’s name Ethel? She would have been better off stealing some of those regal gowns from the set of Marie Antoinette. At least she could have passed it off as a nod to the movie winning for costume design.
I normally love Gwyneth’s style but this is just heinous. First, the color is not very flattering and on the verge of plain ugly. Then to top it off the dress is poorly fitted.
I usually like presents. However, Anne Hathaway’s dress is certainly not a gift I would like to receive. She has very pretty porcelain skin but the white dress just blends right in. That leaves the giant black bow just sitting there, looking out of place.
I loved the top half of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s gown, that neckline is just beautiful. I also liked that she kept it simple and let the asymmetric lines of the dress do the talking. But what was on the bottom half? Faux fur? A dead beaver? It confused me.
Jodie Foster looked amazing! Can you believe she is 44 years old? I loved the soft lines of her dress. I want to wear this to my next gala, seriously.Yea for picking a color other than black or blue! I like a girl who is not afraid of pink, especially bold fuchsia. Plus, she is an expert at knowing how to flatter her curves. That is exactly why every guy I know is obsessed with Jessica Biel.Reese’s thoughts: “Ryan, eat your heart out. I bet you are kicking yourself now jerk.”Emily Blunt’s shimmering sapphire dress was one of my favorites of the night. I liked it because it was sleek and clean. I am sure being super skinny helps pull it off. This dress looks like it would show any flaw. I only wish she had paired it with a pendent necklace or choker so her neck did not look so bare.
And last, but certainly not least, Abigail Breslin looked too cute for words! Aww.

I suppose the Oscars were not a total waste. My favorite (The Departed) did win Best Picture...

Bring on the Rain

2007-02-23T13:10:00.000-05:00

Well Britney Spears has shown us that umbrellas can used for bad purposes. I guess the paparazzi were lucky she did not have a tee time that day. I bet a nine iron would have done a tad more damage. (She has a talent for taking nice things like umbrellas and hair and turning them into disasters.) If you are the sort of person who prefers to use umbrellas in a more traditional way, the choices are endless.
I am the first to admit that I am not a Juicy Couture lover. I blame them for all those heinous terry cloth tracksuits. Why are people still wearing them? Anyway, I was surprised when I actually like one of their umbrellas. The map design is fun and it wins big bonus points for not having Juicy Couture plastered all over it.

Kate Spade usually has cute ones as well but they only seem to have one on their website now. Come on Kate, spring is not that far away.

This Tray 6 umbrella really puts me in the mood for tulips and raindrops.

But please play nice with your stylish umbrellas and try to not attack people. It would be a shame to look crazy with such adorable accessories.

JT Should Look into Bringing Brooks Brothers Back Too

2007-02-22T15:38:00.000-05:00

Today the NYT's has a lovely article about shopping at the flagship Brooks Brothers store. I just love their clothes for guys. It must run in the family. I have hazy childhood memories of my Grandfather looking dapper in their suits, ties, and shirts. Some of those same ties where even passed down to other family members. I believe the biggest fight was over a tie with Harvard crests. (By fight, I mean a low key discussion. It's a WASP thing.) I cannot believe people cared that much! Guys and ties, it is a strange bond.

Back to the point, it makes me happy that some guys my age have learned the value of Brooks Brothers (and other assorted nice establishments). Don't guys get that girls love it when they dress up? (It must be so easy to be a guy.) I am glad the bf has this lesson down. Now I will just spend the rest of Thursday classes picturing him in one of his B.B. button downs. Thank you for the daily distraction New York Times.

All Dressed Up and Nowhere to Go

2007-02-21T17:10:00.000-05:00

About a week ago, one of my professors requested that we “dress up a bit” for today’s class since the University would be photographing us. First of all, it is not exciting to be a part of promotional material. It is embarrassing! My parents are the only ones who seem to enjoy pictures featuring my fake, forced smile and me. Or even worse, the photographer will try to capture the “academic” look where you are thinking oh-so-profound thoughts. Too bad you are most likely thinking: why won’t this guy just take the picture and leave me alone?

As I dragged myself up for my early class I had to consider the meaning of the “dress up a bit” mandate. I was not sure if this was a warning directed just at the people who constantly wore t-shirts and hoodies. Or on the other extreme, were we all supposed to show up in snappy skirts and trousers, appearing to be responsible young adults?

I briefly considered just wearing my usual cozy Theory sweater and jeans. After all, I do have seven straight hours of class. Literally, seven hours and twenty minutes. (Insert me desperately running into Trillium for food so I do not abruptly starve and die on Tower Road.) Anyway, then I did a 180 and decided to class it up. I threw on my favorite Lilly Pulitzer skirt (and assorted matching items) and was out the door.

Later in the day I finally arrived at my class. It was a classic vague dress code situation. The room was an odd mix of guys wearing slackers and blazers, people in suits, and those in their normal jeans and sneakers. Seriously, people need to clarify on these attire instructions. I doubt the University is striving to promote the value of “diversity” in clothing styles. Those pictures will only serve to confused people thinking about coming here. I can see a misguided kid pointing to the picture and excitedly saying to his parents: “Look! They will accept my love of daily tux wearing at this school.” Here comes trouble…

Mardi Gras Madness

2007-02-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today is Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday if you prefer). The thought of flashing someone for cheap beads does not appeal to me at all. Maybe if the revelers were tossing goodies like this I would be more inclined to celebrate:

Gold beads or a lovely brushed gold bangle… easy choice, right? This bamboo style bracelet opens up so it is very easy to slip on.

You have to have green for Mardi Gras. This peacock green watch is just the thing to celebrate with. You need to keep track of time at these events, right?

And here is a little nod to the Big Easy with a Fleur de Lis necklace. (I suppose it could be a nod to Kappa Kappa Gamma as well, but for the sake of the holiday forget that connection.) You can wear this little treasure all year long.

If you really want to get into the spirit, you can waltz over the Nars counter. They have a duo eye shadow compact with (you guessed it!) green and purple hues. In reality they are referred to as “metallic jade” and “deep aubergine” but you get the idea!
Have a wonderful Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras/Carnival everyone… if you are really lucky you will find the prize in the King Cake and rule for a day!

If You Like Pina Coladas...

2007-02-17T11:34:00.000-05:00

It is officially less than a month until Spring Break! So get excited to leave the cold behind for a few days… and attempt to forget about that huge paper you have to write when you return. In my experience, traveling is ten times better with a little pre-trip planning. Desperately trying to pack a few hours before your flight takes off will not relax you one bit. You are more likely to fly into a rage when you discover that your favorite bikini is inexplicably MIA.

There are a few necessities when packing for your tropical getaway. (Oh and if you will be going to a not-so-warm city, I am sorry if this post makes you feel unloved.) First and foremost, pack a good bathing suit. Not an “okay” one! Those are the ones that end up making you feel fat for the whole trip. I prefer a bikini to a one piece but that's mostly because I dislike odd tan lines. This cute lavender and pink printed Cavalli Freedom bikini is on sale at Bluefly.

Do not forget a beach towel. These striped ones are two for a mere 12 dollars at Target. They come in a bunch of colors so you can coordinate with your bathing suit. Much better than whatever the resort has lying around!

A practical tote is great for hauling your magazines, water bottles, iPod, and assorted junk to the pool. This straw one is on sale for about 20 dollars at J. Crew. And remember to bring your sunscreen to the pool with you! (SPF 8 does not count.) You do not want to end up being that girl who looks like a lobster in every picture. Or even worse, you may have to stay indoors the whole trip. This always happens to someone on the trips I go on!
Whenever you leave the pool for some random reason, an excellent cover up is in order. This lightweight white C&C California dress is right up my alley. It is all cotton so you do not have to worry about being extra careful with it. It is always nice to have a wearable fabric when you are drinking margaritas in the blazing sun. Not that that would cause you any problems, right?

No one wants to face the tropical rays without a pair of shades. (Unless you really like to squint.) I am somewhat tired of the huge oversized sunglasses. Lately I have gone back to wearing aviator style ones. I am a big fan of these Stella McCartney ones. They cost a pretty penny so try not to wear them in the ocean. It seems like a good idea until you get tossed by a giant wave.
While tossing a ratty pair of Rainbows or Reefs into your suitcase might seem convenient, an upgrade would not hurt. These Mella leather sandals are the perfect getaway footwear. They are even nice enough to wear out at night if you want to stay comfortable. Just watch out for mean girls with heels! They always seem to step on exposed toes.
Finally do not forgot to bring at least one fun sundress. You can use them for day activities like exploring the local town. (Cheap jewelry anyone?) Then at night, throw on an eye-catching necklace or dangly earrings plus a bright clutch and you are set! I love this Anthropologie dress because it reminds me of the blue and green colors in the ocean and sky.

So do not wait until the last minute, get planning now!

At Least There is Food!

2007-02-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

All this trudging through piles of snow has temporarily erased fashion from my mind. I suppose I am just more concerned with not falling down and breaking a leg, arm or nose. (I saw a poor guy slip down the tall stairs in the Engineering Quad yesterday; it broke my heart.) I am sure I will come to my senses in a few days. In the meantime I have been dining out a lot recently. Here are a few of the Ithaca eateries I have visited in the past week:

The Lost Dog Café

This restaurant on the Commons would probably best described as quirky or eclectic. There is funky décor and very relaxed atmosphere. I have been there many times and have yet to have a bad dish. Also true to Ithacan form, there are plenty of vegetarian options.
Try: The hummus (you need this appetizer!), Roasted Red Portobello Salad, Parmesan Sage Crusted Chicken Sandwich, or Falafel Sandwich.

CTB

Collegetown Bagels is a staple around here. As much as I love their food, CTB drives me crazy! I just dislike the chaos and inefficiency. Lose my sandwich once, shame on you. Lose my sandwich twice, shame on me. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to get that lesson through my head and keep going back. To CTB’s credit, on this last trip nothing was lost and I was not elbowed/bumped into too many times while waiting for my food.
Try: The Milestone (chicken with a plum sauce), the Flatrock (can you say no to goat cheese?), or the Michigan Hollow. Then there are all the baked goods… mmm.

Aladdin’s

I love going to Aladdin’s with my friends. They have delicious Arabic, Greek, and other assorted types of ethnic food. Plus they have great house wines that you can drink without breaking the bank. Good food and good wine makes a great girls night in my book. Who else can appreciate your sarcastic sense of humor? Anyway, it is a nice C-Town place.
Try: The Tourlou (great for these cold nights), Spanakopita, Shishkebab Pita (their spelling, not mine!), or Falafel Pita.

The Boatyard Grill

I think my boyfriend summed it up best when he said that this restaurant is “like every other one you have been too.” Basically, if it turned out to be a chain restaurant you would not be surprised. (That could be good or bad depending on your opinion.) Remember to bring your patience with you when you come. They do not take reservations, instead there is only a call ahead system. We still waited forty-five minutes despite calling when they opened for the day. The meal itself was pretty good and our waitress was adorable. I probably would not go back until the outdoor patio is open.
Try: The Blue Crab Stuffed Shrimp (very rich) or the Chocolate Cake for Two (really, do not try this on your own).

The Carriage House

This place has the best breakfast! Not diner-style food, but real, nice brunch dishes like stuffed French toast. The whole setup is just too cute. The food is usually great here. However, this last time the coffee was inexplicably horrible. Think: drinking tar. And the garlic potatoes were freezing. (We usually love them but they are not so great cold.) I hope it was a blip and next time it is back to being wonderful. They also have dinner at the Carriage House but I have not experienced it yet.
Try: The Pecan Pancakes, Multigrain Waffle, or Garlic Home Fries (they were only bad once!).

I will not be going anywhere until I finally dig my car out of the giant pile of snow that has buried it. I hope everyone else is having fun playing in the snow!

Blizzard of Love

2007-02-14T17:46:00.000-05:00

I would just like to thank Ithaca for the lovely Valentine’s Day gift. It was very sweet of you. But I have to break it to you: girls do not really want two feet of snow for this holiday.

Next time, try raining candy (Reeses Pieces perhaps) or how about giving us a few UV rays so we are not deathly pale. At least coordinate with Cornell so we get the whole day off and not just the afternoon. A half snow day? That is not nearly as good as a real one. Think about getting half a pair of socks. Same concept.

Stay gorges,
A Cold Student

PS- You had better watch it or I might have to end this relationship in a few months.

Phillip Lim Goes to School

2007-02-13T18:52:00.000-05:00

Some collections hit very (maybe too) close to home. Watching the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection was like déjà vu. Didn’t I see these same looks every day? On my professors? Even if you cannot TA during your time at school, Phillip Lim can at least help you to dress like a professor. Some easy steps include:

1. The Classic Trench

It is a classic for a reason. Plus they are always handy to have around if you want to go as a flasher for Halloween.

2. A Top Hat

There is a professor I see all the time sporting this retro headgear. Who knew he was on the cutting edge?

3. A Bow Tie

Nothing says ‘I am better than you’ than a bow tie. Have you ever noticed how people either passionately hate or love these things? I am always surprised by the strong reactions.

4. An upscale version of the L.L. Bean tote

Very inventive huh? Breaking new ground by making the straps leather instead of canvas. (Sorry Phillip looks like L.L. Bean already covered that too.)

I suppose you have to give those Arts and Science professors more credit. Maybe they are hipper than us hoodie-loving students ever knew…

Grammy Glitz

2007-02-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

I have made my feelings about award shows clear in other posts. The Grammy Awards fall into the same category for me. Let’s put it this way, I find my readings for class more interesting. I just do not understand why some people love this mind numbing programming. In terms of fashion, music people are usually the worst. It seems they have to prove their incredible creative talent by donning a bizarre outfit. Yeah, that is they way to get me to download your single.

Ok Go is a band that I like… to listen to, not too see. Apparently, they do not like to see themselves either and decided to cover their faces with red pantyhose material. Right.
Then there are the PCD. They seem to be in a competition to see who can dress the most like stripper going to an award show. Congrats girls, you are all winners. I wonder if the lead singer made all the other members wear short dresses. How bossy!
The Duffster went tragic, adopting the heroin chic/slip dress look of the 1990s.
Again with the random odd attire, Imogen Heap showed off a big poof of frizz, white boots, and oddly shaped dress. She even thought ahead and brought a parasol to ward off, um, indoor showers?
I usually like Mandy Moore. She is normally adorable but this combo threw me. Mismatching polka dot belt and floral dress? Hm, pass.
The biggest surprise in my book was that Fergie arrived actually looking nice. A new stylist in the picture? I thought her silver dress was perfect for the red carpet. Way to sparkle!
All and all, not a very inspiring show. I will just have to wait for the Oscars…

Rest in Peace

2007-02-11T22:08:00.000-05:00

Life is filled with losses, some minor, some giant. Losing items like pens or socks falls on the relatively trivial side of the loss spectrum. You tend to get over these occurrences within a few minutes*. (*Unless you are one of those people who is convinced that the dryer is slowly eating your socks. Then you obsess over each lost sock like a single-minded detective. I never understood that version of pseudo-OCD.) At the opposite end of the spectrum are events like someone’s passing which can lead to months, if not years, of grief. Somewhere in the middle is the loss of a favorite possession.

My materialistic loss is my favorite pair of jeans. I bought this specific pair back in the early fall of 2004. The two and a half years seems simultaneously extremely short and long. In some ways, the time has truly flown. In many others the same time dragged on from one hour to the next hour… sometimes every excruciating minute seemed like a battle.

I bought my favorite pair from the lovely jeans section at Neiman Marcus. I was shopping by myself. If you need someone else to confirm that a pair of jeans looks good, you should not be buying them. I was cloistered in a spacious dressing room surrounded by a mess of denim. Some pairs were on hangers, others folded neatly in piles, and still more were haphazardly strewn across the neutral carpet.

Some times the best thing about shopping is that it can distract you from whatever is bothering you. I am sure I was obsessing about a lab report or some such nonsense when I walked though the doors. The calm, air conditioned, well-lit dressing room was completely removed from the sweltering Texas day outside. That particular dressing room even had a small stage-like area surrounded by mirrors so you could ruthlessly scrutinize every angle. Eventually, I tried on a pair of slightly flared, medium rise Citizens in a dark wash. They were perfect to me.

Today that dark wash can be only be found on the insides of its pockets. The bottom leg hems are in decent shape still. Only the slightest fray has formed near my heels. (This is a good thing about being tall; those super long jeans actually fit you.) My favorite jeans are now broken in and even more perfect than when the NM girl first placed them in that yellow butterfly-cover bag.

But I have caused the loss of my jeans. I am guilty of wearing and loving them to death. I have worn them to countless classes. They have tagged along with me to frat parties, dates, church services, trips across the globe, smoky bars, smoke-free bars, museums, fashion shows, family dinners, and every other event under the sun. During these two plus years, I have discovered who will stay your friend when distance makes it hard. I have also found there are those who will turn on you in a split second and never looked back. This is the pair I wore when I had to break someone’s heart. I have also worn them while falling for someone new and wonderful who makes me feel more loved than I can express. I wore my favorite jeans during all these occasions because they made me feel comfortable, beautiful, and confident.

Now the holes in the denim have told me that it is finally time to let go. After all, it is the memories not the jeans that I really want to keep. I will jealously guard the both joyful and miserable memories of the past two and half years with my life. So until a time when age causes my memory to also become worn and holey… I will remember it all.

Socially Responsible

2007-02-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

It must be nice to be a socialite. Sit around sipping Manhattans? Try your hand at working? The choice is really up to you. I am glad that Tory Burch has picked the latter option. Even if you do not like every outfit she creates, you can at least see someone wearing it. (As opposed to some designers that produce for some unknown character.)

Case in point, this smart number.

I could see any college girl wearing this to class. How many of us already wear ballet flats, jeans, and fun blouses already? Welcome to my standard uniform.

And who doesn’t like a little glitter?

Here Tory has another sweetly bowed dress and gold cardi. I like that she kept it classy by only showing off the legs. No one wants to look like a decked out Vegas showgirl. Okay, at least I have no desire to!

If you have to work, there are some ideas as well.

I love the scarlet pencil skirt! The gold details on the toes and heels of the shoes are a nice touch too. The whole outfit is still conservative enough for most offices. Unless you work in a ridiculous land where you can only wear black or navy suits, boo.

Speaking of working, I suppose I should focus on getting a job so I can splurge on these clothes! Until then, hopefully Tory Burch will not turn into a lady who merely lunches.

A True Ally?

2007-02-09T11:43:00.000-05:00

So yesterday it was announced that the FDA had approved the first nonprescription weight loss drug called Alli. Basically it is just a half dose of Xenical, which is only available with a prescription.

The Good News: The drug could help many people lose weight. Helping overweight/obese people decrease their risk of weight-related diseases (like diabetes, heart problems) is obviously a great result.

The Bad News: Since it is over the counter anyone can buy it. This means that someone who does not really need to lose weight could potentially abuse the drug. (It brings to mind all the girls I know who are thin but still think they need to lose ten pounds. You already look beautiful!) Another con, it is expensive. The prices for Alli can range from 50 to 100 dollars a month. According to one expert on NPR, the drug will only cut 100 to 300 calories a day from your diet. For your money you can buy a nice gym membership instead.

The Gross News: Alli works by blocking fat absorption in your digestive tract… and that fat has to go somewhere. So basically prepare to run (fast!) to the bathroom if you eat anything with too high a fat content. Ick.

So Alli is far from a cure-all. Some people will definitely benefit from the drug. I, for one, will be sticking with the tried and true way of losing weight!

One in a Million

2007-02-08T21:39:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while I am pleasantly surprised by a store I had completely written off. Today I ventured into Gap to see if the conditions had improved. Unfortunately it was the same mess of bland merchandise.

But low and behold, there was a cute item… a sweet baby doll. Lacy? Pink? Polka dotted? Sign me up! I could suddenly see why some of my friends swear by Gap Body. Then my vision cleared and I looked around at the rest of the lingerie. The store was brimming with neutral bras, basic undies, and uninspiring sleepwear. Sadly it was just an outlier.

If only they could learn how to replicate this phenomenon more often. Gap Body, please promote whoever designed this and try to stop putting me into a coma.

Clothes V. Boys

2007-02-08T09:27:00.000-05:00

It is no big secret that a lot of ladies love clothes. But just how deep is their adoration?

A new study out confirms every guy’s worst nightmare: girls may like their clothes more than you.

Some findings included…

-The average woman surveyed would forgo sex for 15 months in order to receive a brand new wardrobe of clothes. (Ouch!)

-About half of the women said that an article of clothing was better at making them feel sexy than their guy. (I can understand this one. I instantly feel better when I am wearing a flattering outfit.)

-Apparently, a full 70 percent of the participants thought that love at first sight with clothing was real. Only about half thought the same for falling in love with a man. (I get this one too; clothes do not really have anything to hide. No pair of shoes has a crazy mother waiting in the wings!)

I suppose the guys of the world had better step it up… before clothes take over. Haha!

Roses are Red...

2007-02-06T14:57:00.000-05:00

It is officially one week until Valentine’s Day. Depending on your situation the holiday can trigger any emotion from glee to misery. If you are really fortunate, you do not care a lick about it and just write it off as another Hallmark holiday. (Like you need a special day to say I love you?) If you subscribe to the holiday, the typical thing to do is to go have a lovely, romantic dinner. And if you are unattached, it is always amusing go out with friends and tell tales of the single life. (“He did what?!”) In either case, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse, if you need one, to go shopping.

To me, wearing red for V-Day is about as unique as wearing green for St. Patty’s Day. Why discriminate against all the other colors possibilities out there!

So instead of sticking with red, how about orange? The sweetheart neckline is perfect for Valentine’ Day. To be honest, most guys will think it is red anyway. They always pay so much attention to these details. And since it is only 58 dollars, you will have some extra cash to buy all the post-holiday chocolate you want. Can anyone resist candy on sale?
If you are on a budget, you can always looking into this violet dress as an option. It’s only 40 dollars, you cannot beat that price. Bring a cardi so you don’t freeze though!

This blue dress is definitely a tad warmer. I love jersey because it feels like you are wearing your favorite pajamas. Mmm, that makes me want to take a nap…

There are lots of us who just cannot resist a cute pair of shoes. Sound familiar? These printed green shoes (for 80 bucks) may be just the item for your Valentine’s Day plans. You may need to plan on valeting (or having someone nice drop you off at the door) so your new pumps are not fouled by the slush.

If your main goal is to stay toasty, I would go with this happy yellow cardigan. All my favorite sweaters are cashmere, why suffer through scratchy wool, right? You can wear this sweet little tied number through the rest of spring. Or even in the summer if you end up in one of those horribly over-air-conditioned places.

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of jeans. These indigo beauties are all you really need to keep your V-Day date’s full attention. Guaranteed! (FYI: These Citizens are on sale.)

And if you just cannot go out without wearing black, look into this lovely noir DVF number. Yes, it is not cheap (about 365 dollars). But given the number of times you wear a LBD (uhhh, all the time), it seems a little more reasonable.

So in advance, Happy Hearts Day!

So Close Yet So Far

2007-02-05T15:16:00.000-05:00

With temperature in Ithaca in the single digits (or below), it is easy to forgot all about fashion and focus solely on getting to class without frostbite. Outside of this little niche there are some wonderful fashion shows happening. I wish I could simply skip town except I am sure my professors would not be too happy. (Unless I lied and said I was interviewing or something more practical.) Anyway, here are just a few of my favorite outfits.

I love this Matthew Williamson look because I can take pieces I already own. All I really need is a light turtleneck and some big wood bangles.

Okay, this one is a long, long way down the road but this Lela Rose gown would make such a pretty wedding dress. Who knows what the style will be by the time that happens though!

The tights in the Tracy Reese collection just made the outfits. Both the polka dot and striped versions somehow need to become part of my wardrobe.

I can actually imagine wearing this Tuleh suit to work... although I dislike the front pant zipper being so easily seen.

Finally, while most of the Lacoste collection reminded me of things my mother wore while she was on campus, these sleek rain boots stole my heart. They can replace my galoshes any day!

Back to the tundra for now...

Make Me Up

2007-02-03T17:01:00.000-05:00

I wonder if I can hire these people to come to my house every morning.

I will pay in pancakes... deal?

Talk is Cheap

2007-02-02T12:36:00.000-05:00

I admit I have a weakness for nice things. I really dislike buying clothes that do not fit well, fall apart within a month, or are made of horrible feeling fabric. Sometimes it is just plain easier to find clothes that are more expensive. (The difference between walking into TJ Maxx versus Barney’s.) One of my good friends is the master of finding designer things for 10 dollars, but I think her skill comes more from having a good eye and an afternoon to blow than anything else. Still, this is a skill I need to learn… I am sure my “income” from unpaid internships (what, you pay me in experience?) is not going to bring me above the poverty level.

So I decided to challenge myself to find ten items that cost less than one hundred dollars. I also added the caveat that I had to actually like the items and not just be filling space. The whole thing made me feel like a contestant on a game show. Sort of like that show where they run around a grocery store trying to find a can of tomato paste. So here they are, ranked from most to least expensive…

Number Ten:

This printed dress comes in right under the wire at 98 dollars. There is a version in black as well, but I find this one so much more interesting. I would pair it with black tights and boots until the weather is better. Date night anyone?

Number Nine:

This Tocca skirt is more of a "wishing for spring" find. (It is on sale for about 69 dollars at Bluefly.) I guess looking at this may brighten your days until the crocuses pop up.

Number Eight:
Because everyone needs fun accessories, here is a pretty gold and stone bracelet on sale for 50 dollars. Just think, if you get attacked by someone you could use this instead of brass knuckles. Watch out muggers.

Number Seven:

For 50 dollars this black asymmetric jacket can be a new addition to your wardrobe. It is a great cover-up for the bar on these cold nights. I always feel bad when I see girls dashing around wearing a tiny mini skirt or tank top. Alcohol does not protect against frostbite!

Number Six:

Next up, some grey trousers for only 47 dollars. According to one of my professors, people who shop at Nordstrom do not care about prices. I think this is a tad misguided. There are some great deals if you look. That store rocks my world, if only there was one closer.

Number Five:

Good old American Apparel is a great place to find inexpensive basics like this 32-dollar scoop neck tee. At that price you can feel free to stock up on as many of the colors as you please. Add a wide belt or interesting necklace if a plain tee does not do it for you.

Number Four:

I was super excited about this lime Rebecca Beason top for 25 dollars. Heck, dinner costs more than that at a lot of restaurants! Although the flutter sleeves may not be the best choice for people with broader shoulders.

Number Three:

This lacy Forever 21 blouse will set you back a mere 23 dollars. Add a bright cami and you are set to roll. Just make sure to check the seams and fabric, the quality can be sketchy at Forever 21.

Number Two:
This adorable printed headband that will only set you back 15 dollars. It will come in handy when you wake up late for class and have to deal with slightly dirty locks. Believe me, it is a vast improvement over a boring ponytail. And did I mention it is fuchsia? No one says no to fuchsia.

Number One:

This why Target is wonderful, you can get this Benhaz embellished tee for 8 dollars! Living in Ithaca would be difficult without Target. Browsing the rest of the stores like Bon-Ton or American Eagle can be awfully depressing. At least I can still try on cute shirts like this here. (Added bonus: no need for a necklace.)

Whew, it is nice to know I can bargain shop too. I will just have to start collecting my savings for a ski trip in the Alps...

Probably Smarter than Dr. Phil

2007-02-02T11:21:00.000-05:00

Get excited, it is Groundhog Day (again?). That means that everyone wants to see what this fatty will do. Punxsutawney Phil, pictured here, is the most famous of the once-a-year weathermen. (I am not even going to get into his over-dressed tux wearing entourage.) This cold morning he rolled out of his den and did not see his shadow… so apparently there will be an early spring.

But what about the New Yorkers? There are two groundhogs on Long Island and one on Staten Island that all claim to know what the rest of winter will bring. Staten Island Chuck and Malverne Mel agreed with Phil about the early winter. Holtsville Hal was the only defector and decided to see his shadow. (He was probably under pressure from the Long Island salt and shove sellers.) This Hal had better straighten out his act. I am in desperate need of an early spring.

And for the record, I did not see my shadow this morning either. Then again, I am blind without my glasses... and am not round and covered in fur.

I just hope this “early spring” kicks in before this Sunday when the high is forecasted as 6 degrees. My jeans cannot take being tortured to death by salt for very much longer!

Live and Learn

2007-01-30T14:54:00.000-05:00

It is easy to go through life without any real feedback. Too often constructive criticism is stymied by a mandate for diplomacy and tact in everyday conversation. Nevertheless, it is actually refreshing to be the focus of brutally honest analysis once in a while. So I would like to thank Ivy Gate for taking the time to evaluate my little blog.

The reviewer is correct; I am not looking to boast about my education or somehow give profound philosophical meaning to fashion. Most of all I do not take myself too seriously… an affliction from which some of my peers suffer.

So in the words of Erica Jong: "No one ever found wisdom without also being a fool. Writers, alas, have to be fools in public, while the rest of the human race can cover its tracks."

Thanks to every person who indulges my foolishness.

Ride Into the Sunset

2007-01-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

One of my good friends is taking an equestrian class this semester and I am so jealous. If my schedule was not already full of non-horsey classes I would be saddling up as I write. I think this stems from childhood when I would ride all the time. As time has worn on the memories of having to clean hooves (ick!) and being stepped on by large horses (oww!) have faded into the background. So when I think about riding only happy memories of cantering around the yard are left. Well, even if I am not destined to professionally ride I still like the style associated with riding horses.

Western Style

Without getting into the boring nitty gitty like saddle and riding difference, let's just say Western is a more casual approach. When I think of Western riding I think of the whole cowgirl look.

A cute pair of boots is a great way to use the Western inspiration. You do not need to literally buy a pair of Justin boots. Instead stick with a more modern take like these Anna Sui ones. I especially like the embossed sides and taller heels. The neutral color also ensures you can get lots of use out of them... unlike my old roommate's hot pink cowboy boots which were a tad hard to miss.

An updated version of the classic button-up can snazz up the old wardrobe. It has been a couple of years since these were everywhere, so it seems like a great time to trot them out again. If you have long since donated your cowgirl shirts, this Diesel shirt may be just what you are looking for. The built-in belt is a nice addition since it will help to give more shape.

Unless you have a Western themed party to attend, forget the fringe and cowboy hat. The key here is to blend the pieces with regular items in your closet... not to look like an extra in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

English Style

Compared to Western, English style is more formal and fitted. There are no crazy cowboy prints here... but still some fun jumping.

A good blazer fits into this look perfectly. My Mom always tried to harass me into buying blazers when I was younger but I never listened. Now I finally see the wisdom of her advice and have about seven blazers in my closet.

They are great for those weird months in spring and fall when it is still cool but not cold enough to warrant a coat. This J. Crew one is nice enough that it can be worn for work or play. Plus the bigger buttons and pocket details give it a tad more personality.

You may also think about a turtleneck. I know that the mention of the word can scare many fashionable girls but there are a few cute ones out there. (Here's a hint, do not shop in the old ladies department or at LL Bean for this item.) A modern fitting turtleneck can do wonders whereas a poorly fitted one will make you look dowdy. Both Michael Stars and James Perse have some options to consider. The James Perse turtleneck even comes in a shade called "saddle." Imagine that!

Tucking those skinny jeans into tall boots is yet another nod to this style. Or even go all out and buy some jodhpurs-type pants. Hey, they are designed to be tucked in! (Unlike most pants that create that random bulge of material at the ankle.)

Even if you do not plan on honing your equestrian skills any time soon, it is always nice to be inspired. And a fashion habit will be cheaper than buying a horse; paying for gear, lessons, and boarding; and of course, some nice entrance fees for dressage. It is always nice to rationalize why fashion is the right hobby, right?

Defining Your Icy Existence

2007-01-30T09:17:00.000-05:00

When waking up with a horrible cold and snow piled high outside your apartment, my first instinct is always to roll over and hibernate the rest of winter. Fortunately, I usually have a little treat from Daily Candy to make my morning better. (This is especially true now since I cannot taste real candy. Boo.) Today they had the cutest feature on winter words. (They create slang words/terms and define them.) Here are some that I plan on using… or at least thinking them, since my cold has compromised my ability to speak!

freezie freakies
n. Those prone to wearing full-on Siberian outfits, lumber jackets, fur hats, or snowshoes when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

(Hello to any southern on campus. Although I do not think I have yet to see snowshoes.)

wishful drinking
v. To drink excessively on a Tuesday night based on the desire for work to be called off due to snow.

(Give it up, you know that schools almost never give days off. It would take about two feet plus ice up here. In warmer parts of the country this term applies since y'all get days off when there is ice on the road. Wusses.)

mitten kitten
n. The evil fairy who steals one mitten or glove from your coat pocket every winter.

(Where is my black glove? And my lavender leather one? This must be the explanation.)

resortwear
n. Old, tattered, or unfashionable clothing worn simply because it’s too cold to care.

(Oh yes, people in sweatpants this one is for you!)

snow flake
n. A person who cancels plans at the slightest mention of precipitation.

(I am very guilty of this one. In my defense, sometimes the snow is a good excuse not to go to a crappy restaurant.)

Oh winter. While I gorge myself on Vitamin C Drops I hope the rest of you wishfully drink the vision of those freezie freakies and resortwear addicts away.

Haute to Everyday: My Favorite

2007-01-25T20:19:00.000-05:00

Although I find many runway collections interesting, Elie Saab won my heart for the best Couture Collection this spring. I suppose I am not a lone wolf, it seems every well-dressed star parades around in his gowns. This collection was amazingly beautiful.

From the rich fabrics to the diaphanous hues, the details were elegant and flattering. A close look at one of the dresses reveals the details of the bead work, draping of the bow, and pleating on the bottom half.

There also some bolder looks like this black and striped gown. I like the asymmetrical top in particular… always more interesting in my opinion. Plus who wouldn’t look tall with those long, thin vertical stripes?

And if someone does not pick this glamorous number for a red carpet event, they are clearly blind. Although as a blonde, I would personally look for a different tone.

Think of Elie Saab as your guardian angel for that next formal event you have… spring formal, swanky benefit, whatever. This cream Laundry gown evokes the same feel. While it is obviously not the same standard, it still has some of the details and pale color.

This Moschino Cheap & Chic dress is another option. The fabric is actually striped silk of cream, white, and grey. Plus the sweet bow and draped neckline adds to the overall effect.

Saving the best for last, I just love, love, love this gown. It captures the spirit of Elie Saab with the tiny pleat details on the bust and waist. Plus the iridescent grey shade is reminiscent of those featured in the collection.

While there are always alternatives, Elie can dress me any day!

Haute to Everyday

2007-01-25T10:27:00.000-05:00

Having a couture outfit is a luxury most of us, especially college kids, just cannot splurge on. Plus is it really practical to wear an item that expensive and special to a lecture, grimy bar, or even grimier party? Until the day when we have a special couture piece, we can still take away some key elements from the spring shows.

Chanel

The Chanel Couture collection was filled with shades of black, white, and red. There was a big emphasis on an hourglass shape. Wide belt and fitted styles were used to show case the waist. In addition, black tights were everywhere.

Takeaways for the real world: Don’t put away those popular wide belts and tights just yet. Look for fitted styles that skim and show off your shape. Keep any eye out for simple black and white pieces like this Pink Tartan dress.

Christian Lacroix

The Christian Lacroix collection was the complete opposite of Chanel’s. Instead of simple and elegant, the collection was composed of loud and exaggerated fashions. Bold prints, ruffles, bright colors, and floral details were all mashed into outfits. The outfits seemed to create unique shapes and personalities for themselves.

Real world takeaways: If you have a strong enough personality to carry colors and patterns like this, go for it. However, I would pick one of the ideas to use in an outfit instead of all of them. Pairing a bright, printed top with jeans is a good way to pull it off. This Tocca top features a simpler circle print with colorful teal, red, and amethyst details. Another variation is to use a patterned tote or vivid shoes with a streamlined outfit.

Valentino

The Valentino Couture Collection can be summed up with one word: white. Literally, almost every look was purely white. (There was one dress of a pale yellow hue and one with a floral print.) That made the looks different was the use of various textures, fabrics, and shapes. The key was an uncomplicated yet feminine look.

In the real world: Do not shy away from white. Yes, it can get dirty easily but so can most colors. I know people also avoid white because it supposedly makes them look fat. Remember if the garment is fitted correctly it will be flattering. A fitted white dress like this Rachel Roy one is a wonderful way to start your foray into the world of white.

And just think of all the other Couture Collections out there...

A Coat of Many Colors

2007-01-24T19:17:00.000-05:00

Walking around campus can be quite depressing at times. As far as the eye can see are black down coats. While some are trimmed with fur (faux or real) and the exact style may marginally change, the overall effect is one big blah. Today I perked up when I saw a girl sporting a rose and white plaid pea coat in front of the Hotel School. (Of course!) Here is more proof that there are better options that the obligatory poufy Northface:

Why look like a round ball of down when you can look sultry. I love the idea of a red coat like this one . I have a feeling the color would be more versatile than you think. Plus you never know who will notice you when you stand out in a crowd. Wink, wink.

If you want to replicate the fashionable girl I spied, this plaid McGinn coat is a good start. Unlike too many winter coats, this one will actually give you some shape thanks to the wide belt. I also like that you can flip the furry collar up to protect against the wind, snow, and other nasty elements. Be forwarded, your roommate may try to steal this coat from you. No borrowing allowed!

And if you absolutely cannot stand the thought of not having a down coat, pick one in a unique shade. How about silver like this one. It even has ruffles, got to love that. This would also make a great ski jacket. You would look like a silver bullet… unless you fell and then you would just look like a klutz. But a cute klutz nonetheless!

Say goodbye to that boring black excuse for a coat. Nothing beats the winter blues like a little color.

Protesting the Protesters

2007-01-23T18:05:00.000-05:00

I like free stuff. Two free on campus items I picked up daily are the WSJ and the Cornell Daily Sun. Most of the time I just end up using the Sun for an easy crossword. Today there was actually news pertinent to my own life: my weekend in DC may not be so peaceful.

Thanks to a column by Laura Taylor, I now know about the big old Anti-Iraq War march going on this weekend. Great, just great. I go to the District to escape Ithaca. Not to be followed by like a hundred Ithacans. Probably the same ones who insert “war” on the local stop signs… clever move guys.

Some helpful words of advice to the protesters:

-Pick up after yourselves. After the Pro-Life March the area looked like a trash dump of litter. (My boyfriend had to run through it and was extremely annoyed.) How hard is it to recycle people? It is all about the golden rule. How would you feel if a bunch of people showed up and trashed your town?

-Just take a cab. If public transportation confuses you in any way, shape, or form, then skip it. It does not help your cause if you piss off DC residents with your incompetence. Just think of your taxi fare as a contribution to the local economy or something.

-Try to look sane. I know you are passionate about your issue but remember not everyone is caught up in the same fervor. There is a thin line between a compelling protest and a fanatical one. The key is not to look like that homeless guy who thinks the CIA is tracking him.

-And most importantly, shower. This is not the 1960s. Hygiene is an important social norm that is even more vital when you are part of a massive crowd. Keep it clean, your fellow protester will thank you. Also, pick a semi-fashionable outfit that does not include a fanny pack. I would appreciate that on a personal level.

Good luck with your march this weekend. I bet that long bus ride is going to be super fun. I will be the one zipping by in my lovely car surrounded by my own apathy!

Plan in Style

2007-01-23T13:21:00.000-05:00

Dogs or diamonds are declared the best friend of choice, but I can think of an even better one: a planner. Do not get me wrong. I love dogs. My cute Cocker Spaniel makes my day so much sunnier! And ditto for diamonds. You cannot go wrong with a great pair of diamond stud earrings. But will either of them tell you what time your mani-pedi appointment is? Or when your friend’s birthday is? Not a chance.

Having a good planner is a necessity to many of us, so why not have a little fun too? I bet an ugly generic black planner will not lift your mood at all. I have to admit the sight of my lavender crocodile planner is easy on the eye.

There are all types of ways to get organized and stay stylish. A Smythson planner is a classic. While they have a large selection of their normal styles, they currently have 10th Anniversary planners that were created by designers such as Zac Posen, Alexander McQueen, and Missoni. The Missoni planner features their signature multi-colored print. You do not have to worry about someone else having this!

If you are looking for something shiny to help you track your numerous dates, this Kate Spade organizer is perfect. And we all know how I love metallics. Added plus: it is pink on the inside! So girly.

Some people swear by electronic planners like the tiny Palm Z22. My family obsessively uses these things. Unlike a traditional planner, there are a million added features. You can download anything from dictionaries to games. (The games may help you survive a painfully boring class.) Although I own one, I like physically writing things down. I guess I am old fashioned.

So whatever way you choose, getting organized can mean more than buying a token black book. I just wish I could give them to all my chronically late friends so they would actually show up places on time. But you cannot ask for miracles!

Here An Ad, There An Ad

2007-01-22T18:44:00.000-05:00

I remember the good old days when the Facebook was not a place filled with shameless pandering. Sigh. As if I did not see enough advertisements during the day. For example, do I need to know that Victoria's Secret is having a semi-annual sale? Not really. To tell the truth it pretty much feels like they are ALWAYS having a sale. It must be because of the omnipresent ads and extensive sale length. Plus if you actually consider buying these cow print boots, we may have to have a fashion intervention for you. Unless you are trying to seduce a cowboy or work at a Western-themed bar I suppose.

The ads seem fairly pointless and bland. The next flyer I encountered was the “Cornell Ring Event” that was hawking school rings. This may be a bit different for guys, but I do not have the slightest inclination to spend money on a class ring. The vast majority of class rings are fairly unattractive. That is not the type of decoration my hand needs every day. Maybe if the ring had some sort of superpower attached to it… perhaps the power to walk in heels without pain. Now I would put up with an ugly ring for that bonus.

Then I was annoyed by a University of Phoenix ad. What is the purpose of this ad? Most Facebook users are current or former college students who are already attending school. (I know I am not including those High School kids. I’m sorry but they should not have been allowed on in the first place. It is the equivalent of inviting high schoolers to your next frat party. Bad news for all.) Anyway, the whole concept of an online school just bothers me. Not good enough for a normal classroom like the rest of us?

I just wish there was some area of my life that was a safe haven from stupid advertising. The Facebook obviously is not the place to turn. I just have to hope my email stays ad-free. Please?

The Right to Party

2007-01-20T16:12:00.000-05:00

With so many types of parties out there, it is easy to concoct a flimsy reason to celebrate. Like those people who go out every Wednesday simply because it is “hump day.” Gross. Better to admit you are an alky like Lindsey Lohan. Anyway, I was recently invited to a “State of the Union Watching Party.” This tops my list of lamest reasons to throw a party. (Does it even count as a “party”?) Much to my chagrin my boyfriend has also been invited to this odd breed of gathering. What? There is more than one of these things?!

According to my research, January 31st is also “Backward Day,” “Inspire Your Heart with Art Day,” and the day that the twist off bottle cap was invented. All three of these are a better theme for a party. Who does not want to see someone wearing his or her shirt backward? Kris Kross must have loved this holiday. Or someone attempting to finger paint after a few too many shots? Remember to save the painting in case the individual becomes well known! The twist off cap lends itself well to a party too. (Think of all the beers to choose from.) At least these themes are more amusing than deconstructing the geo-political situation in the Middle East. I hear that every day!

I can only picture this so-called party panning out if an element of fun was introduced. I suggest going with the tried-and-true drinking game. It would be ridiculously easy to set up. Just take certain phases, words, or missteps and assign some amount of drinking or funny task. For example, every time the President mentions the word “surge” take a shot. When he mispronounces a word put your hand on your head. The last person that notices the mistake has to chug a beer. See? So simple! We are in college people. Save your analysis for Wednesday’s meeting of GOVT 316.

A Guide for the Rest of Us

2007-01-19T22:02:00.001-05:00

Vogue has a lovely feature where fashionable people such as Zac Posen help you to find the best places in the world’s “shopping cities.” The chosen cities include London, LA, Istanbul, Dubai, Shanghai, and Antwerp. Not surprisingly, Ithaca is not included in the list. (Although neither is NYC, I guess it is overdone.) And while knowing the Lime Tree Café in Dubai is a wonderful place to have green tea can be helpful, it is not exactly useful to those of us stuck in the nether regions of the Empire State. So are there any interesting places in this small town? Yes, but you have to know where to look.

Morgan’s is a fun boutique by the Commons. (It was formerly called Pooky & Sebastian. It reminds me of that adorable basement store in Hanover.) It is one of the few places that stocks designer brands. If you are looking for designer jeans (Joe’s, Sevens, Citizens, Rock & Republic, et al) this is the only store you should check out. They also have some pretty awesome sales. I am always surprised more people do not shop here. I guess the Commons must be too far from Collegetown! (A whole half-mile or something.) But a warning, skip the Juicy terry clothing, please.

Another place in the Commons I like is called American Crafts. The have the most beautiful hand blown glassware. It is not one of those places you shop at every day. However, it is a great resource for gifts… especially for Moms/Grandmothers/Aunts or housewarmings.

A girl like me just has to eat. I strongly dislike chain restaurants like Applebees or Ruby Tuesdays, so being in Ithaca actually makes me happy in that respect. For my money, Simeon’s (in the Commons) has the best sandwiches in the area. Plus, the names are locally themed which I find cute. The Moosewood is one the areas most interesting restaurants. I believe this was the first place I went out to eat here. They have an ever-changing menu so there is always something new to try. It is also completely vegetarian which gives me lots of choices! For brunch, go with the Carriage House. Their breakfast dishes are so rich. Purity Ice Cream is necessary to have once it warms up. You can tell how fresh it is compared to the store bought kind. It makes a difference.

And of course, you cannot be in a college town without talking about bars. My favorite bar is just a quick walk from my apartment: Stella’s in Collegetown. (See picture to the left.) If you want any sort of specialty drink this is the place. Try the Clever Suburbanite, Lychee-tini, or my favorite, the Billionaire “Philanthropist.” Plus it is right by the other bars if you want to join the crazier crowd at the Palms or what not.

So have fun in Ithaca until your next trip to Istanbul!

In-quiz-ative

2007-01-18T14:05:00.000-05:00

As a preteen I took quizzes all the time, even though the questions were so obvious. You know this type quiz!

For example: Is Your Crush Into You? (So with breathless anticipation, you flip to the page to determine if that boy in your algebra class is your soul mate. Then you find questions and answers like this…)
Q: You walk by you crush, does he…
1) Ask you if you finished last night’s homework (1 pt).
2) Compliment your new tank top (2 pts).
3) Ignore you; he is the strong silent type (0 pts).

Anyway, I fell back into the quiz-taking trap. What can I say; I had a moment of weakness. The quiz promised to tell me what celebrity I dressed the most like. (You can take the same quiz here .) While taking the quiz I was shaking in my boots. If my style turned out to be like Tara Reid or someone I would have taken advantage of my Ithacan setting and jumped into a gorge. Luckily, my celebrity style was most like Reese Witherspoon! So wonderful!

According to the quiz, my “wardrobe consists primarily of girl-next-door styles such as sweet dresses, frilly blouses and pretty accessories.” Sounds about right. The quiz even managed to pinpoint my love of Nanette Lapore. Nice work quiz writer.

If all quizzes were this accurate I would not have dumped my preteen quizzed-taking habit. As if I needed any more ways to waste time…

Spring Forward

2007-01-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

The beginning of a new semester brings the promise of a fresh start. Whether your goal is a 4.0 or to go out every Tuesday night, go all in! But there are a few pitfalls you should avoid and ideas to try this spring if you want to stay tasteful and happy.

1. Leave your bedding at home! While Mary-Kate Olsen may think wearing this plaid blanket is a unique fashion choice, you should not follow her lead. There is a reason for the term “bedding” it is meant to dress up beds, not people. One exception: toga party.

2. Take care of yourself! I know it may be tempting to sit around watching old SATC episodes and snacking on pints of Ben & Jerry’s. Sitting around will only depress you more and will often put a strain on those cute clothes of yours. Just think of Vince Vaughn whenever you want to skip the gym. Do you want to end up like that?

3. Do not pick Paris Hilton as your role model. You do not need a fake tan, fake hair, and all that stuff. Just be you, people appreciate real personalities, not celebrity clones.

4. Recover from a breakup gracefully. Your 20s can be a crazy time for relationships. Even those perfect couples hit the rocks sometimes. Instead of becoming a crazy party girl (a la Britney) or an emotional mess, throw yourself into something new. I know it is not new advice but who knows, you may be a wonderful golfer and never know until you try!

5. Do something good. This can be a simple as donating those clothes you have not worn in ages or working at soup kitchen once a month. Or go all out and organize a huge charity ball, fashion show, or other event. It may be more work but you get to buy a fun outfit for the event! In any case, giving back will not only make you feel like you made a difference, it will expand your horizon.

Good luck everyone! Have a wonderful spring semester!

Chocolate Delights

2007-01-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

Given the rapidly approaching end of the long winter break, it was once again time for me to trek to the frozen north. The drive is always the same: full of endless highway, countless bad/reckless/slow drivers, and weird country radio stations. Sometimes I busy myself with thinking about the towns I am driving though. I look at cities like Scranton and wonder who would live there. Or how Cockeysville (in Maryland) got its name. Today during my random stream of consciousness I started to think about the town of Hershey in Pennsylvania. (Yes, it is named after the candy company. There is even a candy-themed amusement park. It is bizarre.) Being the single-minded girl that I am, my thoughts quickly turned not to chocolate for eating but the rich chocolate shades to wear.

I always like an easy dress. People always seem impressed when I throw on a dress to go out. It is a win-win situation since dresses both look stylish and are comfortable. This DVF wrap dress is great because of its versatility. Nice date with a certain someone? Check. Martinis with the girls? Check... unless you have a few too many and decide to walk around barefoot. Good for almost everything? Check plus!

If these BCBGirls pumps were a type of candy they would be chocolate with caramel. Yum. But this embellished pair is even better since A) it will not make you fat and B) they are practically guaranteed to get compliments. Unless your friends are evil and mean, but your friends aren’t like that right?

Since the weather has decided to turn wicked this week, buying a coat may be a good investment. (Or you could find a driver to take you everywhere you go!) Wool is a terrific option if you are somewhere cold. The collar of this chocolate coat will protect you from the wind and snow. Talk about style and function!

And if the cold weather is really depressing you, focus on the future! Think spring break and/or summer! A brown color will help to flatter your newly acquired tan… or perhaps a burn. Remember the SPF with this lovely La Perla bikini. Your skin will thank you later in life. Plus you do not want to be the miserable one that has to stay inside the rest of vacation.

Who needs plain old chocolate when there are so many other tasty alternatives out there?

Golden Ladies

2007-01-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

I have to admit that instead of actually watching the Golden Globe, I sat through a long episode of 24. Yeah, another two hours, ugg. Anyway, I do not regret my decision because the only part of the award shows I enjoy is the fashion.

Vanessa Williams went all out for the Golden Globes. Big hair, big cleavage, and even a mink for the freezing Cali weather. I feel bad for the animal that died for her coat. Just think it could have been roaming around the forest, enjoying life instead of making a former Miss America/singer/actress look even worse. More is not always better people!

I just loved Julia Louis Dreyfus’s frock. The mustard color stands out from the sea of black. The metallic decoration and the detail of the bust are so flattering. Nice choice!

Jessica Biel’s dress was a tad blah for me. It just looked like a large block of silver. There needed to be some differentiation in the dress… like a second color around the waist or maybe some seaming details. The choice of earrings reminds me of large disco balls. It is 2007 not 1975 Jessica.

I did not look up who this is but according to my boyfriend she is “the hot chick from Rescue Me.” (He is always so accurate.) I love the plunging neckline. It works so well on smaller chested women. I would look like a stripper in this. So unfair. The whole look is simple yet elegant.

And of course, Eva Longoria, another elegant choice at the Golden Globes. The rich navy fabric sets off her skin and dark hair. The scoop detail and matching earrings are all the dress needs to shine. I am glad she decided to skip a necklace; it would have been a distraction.

Overall I thought the stylists did a wonderful job on the stars outfits. Clean and simple is always the way to go!

Oh and Entourage was robbed! It is so much better than Ugly Betty. Hands down!

Hooray for Last Call!

2007-01-14T16:06:00.000-05:00

Hearing the words “Last Call!” strikes fear into many a college student. This time, do not panic, your night is not in danger of ending. Instead the term may lead you to a slew of sale items at NM. Although even a Last Call sale may put fear into the heart of guys still. Don’t worry guys you don’t have to go shopping... you can sit around and watch the NFL playoffs for HOURS instead. For those who like to shop, there are some great deals:

Although it has been warmer than usual, unfortunately it is still winter. While it may be easy to slip into Northface fleece and hooded sweatshirt mode, this coat is an infinitely better choice. The Nanette Lepore trench ensures that you still have a figure even in the bitter cold. The frog closures are a special detail as well.

Being in college can be hard, however, this Collegiate Satchel may at least lighten your load. I am not always a Michael Kors fan but I like the tobacco leather and gold studs. It sort of makes me want throw a rodeo theme party with a mechanical bull. Maybe the purse is a better idea.

And I am so excited about this perfect slip dress for only fifty-six dollars. I have a navy J. Crew cardi that would be a nice cover-up until spring arrives!

Living in the dorms or rundown rental houses can be very crappy. Sometimes the best you can do is to decorate over the bad bones of your living arrangement. I think this bedding set would perk up the ugliest of rooms. I would personally pick the pink striped bedding. I am just a pink girl.

And for the Florida fans, a sporty orange and blue tie to celebrate their big win. Hey, it's a whole lot better than what football fans usually wear... i.e. weird facepaint and costumes.

So watch out, Last Call has begun!

Snob Appeal

2007-01-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

Today at lunch I had the pleasure of hearing about a wedding that was being planned. When the discussion turned to attire for the males in the wedding party the girl had this to say, "It will probably be Hermés because ****(the groom) thinks that Vineyard Vines is the poor man's Hermés."

Oh snap! So should you dare to wear Vineyard Vines? Let's compare:

Vineyard Vines

Shopping: Only four stores in Edgartown, Mashpee, Nantucket, and Greenwich... plus some department stores and online.

Selection: Everything from flip-flops to polos to ties. Lots of casual wear for your weekend at the shore.

Clientele: Guys wearing croakies, girls wearing tennis skirts, and others who just love Cape Cod.

Good enough for your wedding: Hey, why not! I could see their designs with starfish or shells being perfect for a beachside affair. Although some of the ties may be a tad loud for fancier ceremonies.

Hermés

Shopping: Stores all over the world. Their products can also be found in a few upscale departments stores and of course, online as well.

Selection: Mostly accessory based; they are probably most famous for their scarves. They even provide a guide to help you tie your scarf in various ways. They also sell random items such as beach towels, ashtrays, and jewelry.

Clientele: Older ladies... at least the times I have been there! You know how much women over 50 like scarves.

Good enough for your wedding: Positively. If there is ever a time to wear a 145 dollar tie, a wedding is probably it.

Maybe on your wedding day there are things more important than whether the groomsmen wear Vineyard Vines or Hermés bow ties. I believe that celebrating two people's love is more important than a superficial brand name.

Fashion Exposé!

2007-01-12T08:44:00.000-05:00

Politics is fine but what else goes on in the District of Columbia? I went undercover to find out! (Who I am kidding, I just like to pretend I am cool like my friends who work for certain agencies and say "undercover.") Cue the spy music!

Location: Fancy Capitol Hill reception. Bring your ID because you better be on the list... or know someone who is.

The Scene: Schmoozing central. Free goodies plus speeches from Senators, Congressmen, and Ambassadors as the main event. I was personally most excited to see Jim Webb after that battle for Allen's seat.

Open Motto: "I love my country!"

Secret Motto: "Free food? Open bar? See you there!"

Typical Outfit: A nice black suit, white/blue Brooks Brothers shirt, tie. Some may even have pin stripes to jazz it up. One guy even wore a tan suit. Talk about living on the edge!

Favorite Accessory: Probably gray hair or a handshake if that counts.

Fashion Sins: Blah. Welcome to the drab that is most business attire. Gotta love the working world.

Not as exciting as you may have thought huh?

Falling Out of the Gap

2007-01-10T19:00:00.000-05:00

Like vultures circling a wounded animal, the private-equity groups have begun to feel out the Gap. It makes perfect sense. Once the mainstay of the mall, the Gap has been reduced to a shadow of its former retail glory. Here the stock price tells the rise and fall of the chain. We all have an item similar to the flowered Gap tank top I loved in back in High School, which has long since been taken to Goodwill.

But even if there is a buyout, is there any hope the Gap can turn itself around? Here is my advice: stop shooting yourself in the foot! Creating other very similar chains like Old Navy (for cheap-clothing lovers), Banana Republic (for the more upscale), Forth & Towne (for Moms), and now Piperlime (for the shoe-obsessed) only spreads out your existing shopping base. Sometimes less is more. Stop cannibalizing the Gap's base for the success of the spin-offs.

If the company were to go the specialty route they would need to market the Gap to a niche audience as well. In most stores you can pinpoint the target market within the two seconds it takes to walk past. (Can you imagine your Grandmother thinking Urban Outfitters was the store for her?) The Gap has no driving conceptual force... other than bland. Hire some savvy marketing gurus and pick something! Anything! Maybe then the Gap will actually have some foot traffic again.

Until that turnaround, I will be shopping elsewhere.

Flat But Not Dull

2007-01-10T09:39:00.000-05:00

I wear flats for many reasons. They are cuter than tennis shoes but still comfortable. They easily transition from casual to dressy. But mostly, I love to wear flats because I am tall. When I put on even three-inch heels I will be crossing into six feet tall. While feeling like giant may be fun at times, it gets awkward having everyone but the basketball team looking up at you.

This pair of Circa flats are just plain adorable. I love polka dots; these pull them off perfectly. Circa shoes are generally good quality and wear well. I also like that it has a small heel for extra support. Sometimes I feel with absolutely heelless shoes it can be tough to walk long distances.

Bright colors for shoes are so fun! These Marc by Marc Jacobs beauties caught my eye. Pairing them with a skirt seems ideal. (Show 'em off!) I would leave these until the snow and slush of winter passes, unless you are luck enough to live in the balmy south.

Pointy-toed pairs can help to dress up an outfit. I have a few ensembles that would be completed by these Jessica Bennett mary janes. While the black is the most versatile, they also come in grey, chocolate, and tan. These shoes would be just as at home at that trendy new bar as at the not-so-exciting office.

And for the preppy set: some cheery yellow, moccasin-inspired skimmers. You may even already have a matching Lacoste polo to wear with these Kate Spade shoes. These are sure to help you win your next croquet game... or at least let you lose stylishly.

I guess Tom Friedman was right, the world really is flat.

Car & Fashionable Driver

2007-01-09T17:41:00.000-05:00

This week the North American International Auto Show is taking place in the good old Motor City. So the automakers are rolling out new and improved (or sometimes ugly) models. It is actually a pretty interesting event to attend, especially the charity preview. You never know what you might see.

I like this sleek Maserati Quattroporte. (My Italian is not wonderful but I believe that translates to "four doors." Creative.) Apparently the only thing they changed was the transmission. But hey, that is still an improvement! I did decide that based on this picture I could be a model at the Auto Show. Except I would demand a better dress!

Then there is the Kia Kue. It looks like one of those sports cars from the 1980s with those doors. It must be for the legging-loving girls and collar-popping guys who want to relive the decade. As for me, I prefer the modern era!

This is a Volvo concept car that will be out in 2009. Ohh, I can envision the lacrosse Moms of the future right now!

And for my personal pick, the new Dodge Viper. I love the sporty design and prominent hubs/wheels. The only problem would be the numerous tickets I would get!

Gotta love driving in style!

Fashion Faceoff: BCS Edition!

2007-01-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

Since the Ivy League is not exactly a hot spot for football, we often have to rely on big state schools to fill the void. (And some small or private ones too like Wake Forest or USC.) Tonight Ohio State and Florida will tango for the national championship. Who will win? Only time will tell. But this is just the time and place for a battle for fashion supremacy!

Up first is Ohio State:

~Mascot: Brutus Buckeye. Apparently a kind of nut. Right.
...Weird but original, safety (2)!

~Uniforms: Scarlet and grey. And they put stickers with the buckeye leaf on their helmet. Too bad it looks like a certain drug plant. Smith is their star quarterback; here he sports the uniform and some sweet shades.
...Standard fare, field goal (3)!

~The Ladies (and the Cheer Guys): Nothing different than your average cheerleading uniform. Ponytail with bow? Check!
...Classic and good for the cold weather the Big Ten endure, touchdown (7)!

And going south to Florida:

~Mascot: Albert E. Gator. I am not sure what the E stands for but it reminds me of Robert E. Lee. (The South shall rise again?)
...Not as annoying as that gator arm motion, field goal!

~Uniforms: Orange and blue, opposites attract I suppose. Is orange for oranges in Florida? Anyone?
...I like that you take color risks, touchdown but extra point not good (6)!

~The Ladies: The Gators like to show a little more skin than those OSU girls. No sleeves for these Floridians!
...Their cheerleaders are cute enough to pull it off, touchdown!

So in my Bowl Game I have OSU with 12 and Florida with 16. (There is no way this will be the actual score!) Good job Florida! Have fun laying out and drinking pina coladas the rest of the semester!

Naked the New Black?

2007-01-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

So congrats to the Pundits at Yale. I have to admit that I am a bit jealous. I have thrown some decent parties, none of which graced the pages of the New York Times. Now I know the key ingredient: nakedness. Not nakedness in the frat party sense (let's get girls to strip!), but being naked to just "be."

Maybe I am just not deep enough to appreciate this type of event. Do you know how I feel when I am naked? Cold. And no, I do not feel repressed by society when I am clothed.

I can actually think of a whole list of reasons I like clothes:
1. As stated before, for warmth. If I move to a tropical island, maybe I will reconsider.
2. My outfits reflect my personality and outlook on life.
3. High quality materials (cashmere, silk, etc) feel wonderful on your skin.
4. I can make myself look better in clothes. This does not apply to sweatshirts! However, careful picked clothes will highlight your assets.
5. No offense, but I just do not want to see the vast majority of people naked. Sorry.

I could go on but I do not want to bore anyone. So if anyone wants to have a entertaining time featuring clothes, feel free to give me a ring!

A Frame of Mind

2007-01-08T08:53:00.000-05:00

Life is all about turning negatives into positives. Case in point, I am pretty much blind. But instead of wallowing in my lack of sight, I get to experiment with fun glasses! And I get better than 20/20 vision to boot! Right now I usually am rocking eggplant-colored frames from Kate Spade but I am looking to expand my collection while I am still on the parents' health care. (This is more valuable than you realize!) It is amazing how many designer frames there are now. When I was just a kid, the pickings were slim... Other than the frames I had in fourth grade that were pink with rhinestone butterflies on the outside corners. Talk about the envy of my other bland uniform-wearing classmates. Anyway, I digress!

Some of my favorite frames have multi-colored layers. These Missoni frames are a sober brown on the outside with a pretty sky blue on the inside. Although you may not immediately notice the inner color, I bet it would really make blue eyes sparkle.

And for the status conscious, this Chanel pair is perfect. They may even match the pair of shades you already wear regardless of weather. However, be warned, if you constantly show off these glasses people will roll their eyes behind your back. No one wants to hear about how fabulous your Chanel glasses are for the fifth time. Let the glasses do the talking.

If you like the idea of literally wearing rose-colored glasses, these Prada frames may be just the pair for you. Although I would not try these if you have red hair, too much of a good thing!

Do not dispare if you already have good vision. (Ohh, poor you, you can see things when you wake up.) You can also buy these frames with plain glass lens.

Just remember, guys DO make passes on girls who wear glasses.

Eye on Metallics

2007-01-06T19:11:00.000-05:00

I love metal-inspired eyeshadows and apparently Vogue agrees with me. Here is the look during the spring Chanel collection.

Instead of using one metallic color they used two: silver on the lid and gold under the eye. While it concept seems a bit bizarre it actually looks great. Just don't freak out when you first put it on. Remember most people are not looking at you a foot from your face. (Unless you are a face model I guess.)

If you want to tone it down just use either silver or gold shadow. Some brands like Cargo, Nars, and Stila make really beautiful metallic eye shadows. I would suggest using Cargo's Reverse Liner to brighten the inner rims too. It perks up the look. And of course, lots of black mascara!

This fun Tahari jacket completes the look. (This blazer works too.) Shine on! :)

A Friday Find

2007-01-05T17:36:00.000-05:00

After spending the last two days bed ridden and confined to a diet of bread and saltines, I finally felt a bit better. So I threw on my Ralph Lauren riding boots and went to return some oversized pants to Anthropologie. (It is never good when you look a little girl wearing adult clothing.)

I was very excited to find this blouse as a replacement. It's even more adorable on than just hanging there. (I paired it with a blue cami at the store but it can easily be worn alone as well.)

I can already see a perfect day look with a cute pair of Citizens and heels. Ohh but it is just asking to be worn with my black J. Crew suit too! Now I just have to find a job to wear such an outfit. :)

Happy Friday everyone!

Is Jesus the new Dr. Adkins?

2007-01-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

Today I received an, um, interesting invitation from a Cornell alum. Apparently the new way to lose weight is called "The Light Weigh" and somehow involves getting skinny by bible study. (Some strange Catholic invention.) From the email:

"Are you tired of constantly struggling with your weight? Tired of following diets like they were religions? Consider giving God a chance to touch your heart, your life, and your eating."

Immediately I started to brainstorm just how this program would work...

First I pictured this intense spinning class. But instead of going up mountains, your sins are chasing you or something. Better bring a water bottle people!

Next I thought maybe they would take a Weight Watchers approach and teach you about how to eat. I can just see the person in charge proscribing a diet of only fish and bread. Sounds delish.

Finally there was the option of editing the bible to get it to be a weight loss book. "And on the seventh day of hardcore cardio, God rested." No slacking off!

And I thought the Adkins diet was weird. I just hope I do no get an email telling me the Torah can help me lose weight next!

Tom Ford's Take

2007-01-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

I am the first to admit that I am a huge nerd. Today those nerdy-tendencies paid off. The WSJ had a two-page article on Tom Ford entitled "The Future of Luxury: Custom Fashion, Cheap Chic." For everyone without a subscription here are some of the high-(and low)-lights:

•Luxury goods will become even more personalized. The article sites the personalizable Dior bags and monogrammed Coach purses from last fall as precursors. For Tom Ford, he plans to follow suit with twelve individual fragrances instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
...My take: If people want customizable, then luxury brands will provide them. I would say that is the whole basis of couture fashion- perfectly made clothes for your unique figure. I do not really consider launching twelve scents a huge step.

•Mass, inexpensive fashions will stay in style. We are all familiar with the high-to-low concept. Target and H&M have been particularly successful in this manner. According to Tom Ford, "This is the democratization of fashion."
...My take: It is great that good fashion is available on a wider scale. However, I feel like the term 'democratization' is vastly overused. The quality of a Behnaz Sarafpour dress at Target is not even comparable to the higher end one. Until the quality of the low-end versions is improved I would hold back the overstatements.

•Sensual over sexy.
...My take: Agreed! It is about feeling beautiful and comfortable in your clothes.

•Logos are losing their cache. Basically those logos have been done to death. In Tom Ford's opinion these logos are "only as valuable as the brand it represents."
...My take: Logos do grate on me at times. This is especially true of Coach purses, which I used to love. Now I see them everywhere, it is like a C monster just threw up on your purse. Even worse are the knock-offs and the people that carry them. They do not look real. Carrying an ugly fake makes you look cheap and out of the loop, not the fashionista you think you look like.

•Celebrity marketing is here to stay. Those five page ads with your favorite celeb are sticking around.
...My take: I wish this were not true. I would take a random model over Angelina Jolie or Nicole Kidman any day. Although I did like the Black Orchid campaign that went with a socialite (Julia Restoin-Roitfeld) instead.

Thank you WSJ for the daily enlightenment.

Save the Style Section!

2007-01-02T20:44:00.000-05:00

This is a few days old but it still haunts me. On Sunday morning, I woke up and went downstairs for some quality newspaper reading. Then the NYT shook me out of my blissful morning routine with an article entitled "The Graying of Naughty."

The Style Section has come to this? What about old people and porn is stylish? And the descriptions are not even sexy:

“I love sex,” she explained, biting into a Burger King special before embarking on her scene for the day at a rented house in the San Fernando Valley. She was wearing a bright pink satin and black chiffon nightie with a matching thong and heavy makeup.

Ohhh, heavy makeup and fast food, that is so hot. It is like that burger commercial with Paris Hilton... expect aged. So New York Times, the next time you try to convince me that porn is worth my reading at least put it somewhere other than the Style Section.

I know there are a lot of scandalous girls out there, but acting like that is not classy or stylish. Porn is not fashionable. Case closed!

New Year, Still a Sucker

2007-01-02T11:54:00.000-05:00

I just cannot resist sales. It is actually pretty pathetic on my part. Somehow I avoided the post-holiday sale at J. Crew but they managed to drag me in with the New Year sale. The only good part about this sale is that the warm weather merchandise is back and tugged on my summer-loving heartstrings. Some cute items that caught my eye were...

A cute halter with fun embellishment. (About $20.) I would pair it with shorts and white bikini as a beach outfit.

I love seersucker and this skirt (for under $100) is no exception. I am picturing a simple navy tee and red peep-toe pumps. A red clutch would do nicely too. If you want, you can get the matching jacket for a work outfit!

Then there is the perfect dress for a lovely summer day. I would throw a clambake and hostess in style!

Say hello to the dress for every wedding you will attend this summer. It's more interesting than a black dress and I love brown on brunettes.

And to finish off, an adorable pair of ballet flats. I would keep the outfit simple and let the shoes shine!

Oh, I hope the warm days will be back again soon!

Before the Ball Drops

2006-12-31T16:21:00.001-05:00

It almost time to kiss 2006 goodbye and say hello to a new, even more fantastic year! With the big 0-7 rapidly approaching I have been debating about my New Year's resolutions. Like many people I usually end up having a few glasses of champagne and then deciding that losing 30 pounds would be a stellar idea for the upcoming year. This is always bound to fail because A) I would have the BMI of an underfed model and B) I just like candy too much. So I am trying something radical; I am going to decide on resolution before I am, uhh, tipsy.

Here are a few I have been playing with...
1. Stay in touch with faraway friends! Being in the freezing cold of New York is bad enough, but being there without your friends is even worse. I think this resolution would include finding a job in a city with lots of cheap flights so it is easier to visit my friends across the continent. Come on job in DC or the City!

2. Do not give in to the last semester slump! Some of my friends (who shall remain nameless) have decided to completely give up on looking cute this semester. Apparently this would involve wearing sweatshirts and no makeup every day as opposed to their normal stylish apparel. I am going to try to stay strong. Ithaca will not break me!

3. Make a list of my post-graduation goals! Not the most exciting task, but I think it will help to anchor me when I get into the hazy "real world." I do not want to become one of those zombies commuting to work on the subway/train/bus who blankly stare at the floor. That is so freaky.

Yeah, they are not the most creative resolutions on the block. I am open to suggestions on this one...

Au Revoir 2006!

2006-12-31T00:25:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, here is 2006 though my eyes...

~I dominated the Iberian Peninsula in January. The shopping in Portugal was better than expected and surprisingly they make a mean cappuccino as well. The residents in Lisboa (Lisbon) were entranced by my embellished ballet flats. They literally stared. I am still trying to figure that one out.

~I turned another year older. The night started off classy with a nice dinner and martini. Sadly, it turned into me taking multiple shots at a bar in the Commons. This is why you do not go out with all guys!

~I spent Spring Break in the City! No bikini required!

~I rediscovered that everything is, in fact, bigger and better in the Lone Star State. Hi y'all!

~This summer I spent my days memorizing the lyrics to the Tea Partay video.

Thanks to this video my boyfriend can now cruise around the shadier parts of DC in his Volvo like one of the Prep-Unit homies. I also tested out my new title of debutant and found it to fit quite well. During a beautiful gala I had my first encounter with the political pick-up line. A guy asked me to "be his First Lady." Oh yes, very seriously.

~Suddenly school was back in full swing. In October, my little blog was born. Some of my personal favs have been: How much cooler I am than Kristin Cavallari. The oddities, crazies, and gorillas that inhabit my campus… plus the tragically high pumpkin suicide rate. The horror (whore-or?) that is Britney Spears. And of course, a reason to dress up for class!

Here is to many more memories in 2007!

Walk the Fashion Plank

2006-12-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

During a recent fashion expedition I happen upon these skull and cross-bone shoes. I even saw a few hapless souls looking at them and trying them on! As if I were on Seinfeld I was forced to ask, what is the deal with pirate stuff?

Okay, I get that Pirates of the Caribbean sequel was a popular movie this year. Then I saw way too many people posing as pirates for Halloween. (Probably so pathetic guys could ask about "hidden booty" and not look like total freaks.) But honestly, I did not think the trend had life outside of the theme party circuit.

Prompted by the unfortunate pirate shoes, I set out to discover if there were any other such items. My first find was this Vince shirt/belt combo. Too bad Neimans does not offer a matching parrot. At least your outfit would be amusing!

Then there was the skull and cross-bone necklace. It reminds me of something a rapping pirate would wear. ("Let me hear you say 'Arr!' one time.") I am just thankful my boyfriend stuck with Tiffany's instead of this bling.

I was positive that Urban Outfitters would carry this questionable style. That store is a landmine of bad fashion choices. There should be a warning sign, saying that the store is not liable if you look heinous. Anyway, true to form Urban Outfitters is carrying a ton a pirate-themed items including socks, wrapping paper, hats, "art" pieces, ashtrays, and even shower curtains. Of course, they also had a t-shirt to proclaim your love of this random trend. Do not let this shirt mislead you, pirates are not cool. Even if they sail the seven seas and often have peg legs.

So in the lingo of the fad, stay on dry land kids. The people sporting these horrible items should be forced to walk the plank... or at least be kicked out of your next party. Hopefully the sharks have better taste than to eat them!

Maligning Macy's

2006-12-27T19:56:00.000-05:00

I hate Macy's. I know a lot of people have special feelings for their Thanksgiving Day parade or the movie Miracle on 34th Street, but this is about the actual shopping experience there. And shopping at Macy's sucks.

Today I had the joy of walking though Macy's to get to the decent stores. I swear it is like the Iraq of department stores. There were clothes scattered everywhere. Like I want to buy something that has been on the grungy Macy's floors. Who knows the last time someone actually vacuumed them!

It seemed like there were random piles of clothes everywhere I turned. This is the sort of thing I expect from a store like Hollister, where they are paid to look attractive and not do anything. (Trust me, they hire ugly people to work nights and fix up the store.)

The shoe department was just in the same horrible condition. Even the non-sale items were upturned like a two-year old was in charge of arrange the displays.

And I do not even want to know where the employees come from. This woman was running the Dior counter when I was walking though. Dior! Macy's, have some respect for the few nice brands you have!

I mean, they could not manage to straighten their Kate Spade display. Where is the floor manager? Do they even have a floor manager? Or employees that have ever worked retail before?

Honestly, I am not sure what 20-something would dare to shop there. Their section of cute jeans was downright pathetic. I have more brands in my closet than they had in the whole jean department. And while BCBG is fine and dandy, it seems like the only upper-end brand they stock. (I know, calling BCBG upper-end is pushing it!)

Macy's you need a major overhaul. As an avid WSJ reader, I know your sales have been less than stellar this quarter. I just hope Federated does not ruin Bloomingdales too.

Unsmooth Fashion Criminal

2006-12-26T17:04:00.000-05:00

Every time I leave my house I see people dressed like crap. The type of outfits that are made even worse by the fact that these people think they look good! Half the nation must be legally blind. I usually attribute this affliction to the individual lacking any innate style sense and/or not having a stylist/fashionable friend to help them. However, there is no excuse for Lindsay Lohan. Her Mom always looks cute so I assume the style gene could have been passed on. And the girl has enough money to pay for a PA to help her with her obvious fashion issues.

Instead Lindsay goes around looking like she escaped from some minimum-security prison. That is the only explanation for the black and white stripped messy dress she threw on. Although calling it a dress is pretty generous. Not that the accessories are any better, the sunglasses from the 80s and Ugg boots were hopefully dumpster or Salvation Army finds. It is like the ghosts of fads past.

Maybe Miss Lohan should make a New Year's resolution to actually figure out the year. (Hint: It comes after 2006.) Then maybe she can let these horrible fashions die and slip into something uh, actually flattering. I guarantee this Juicy shirtdress will be just as comfortable as your heinous wardrobe.

A Fresh Start!

2006-12-22T19:52:00.000-05:00

Not that anyone needs a reminding, but 2007 is almost upon us! I know it feels like New Year's Eve is the most overrated holiday of the year. It is expensive and you will most likely have a horrible hangover the next day. But putting aside the negatives, it is still an excuse to test a new cute outfit. (Hey, it may help with finding someone to kiss at midnight!) So unless you will be hanging out on the couch, I recommend choosing the most important aspect of your NYE plans: an outfit! Then the parties and festivities will fall in your lap!

For the fancy lady...

This Paul & Joe dress is the perfect compliment to your other favorite accessory: a guy in a tux. Another plus: pockets for mints and chapstick!

For the holiday eater...

Some people (like me) have been known to like Christmas cookies and party finger foods a bit too much. That is where this DVF dress come into play. It hides your newly acquired tummy while still showing off some skin. Yea for not sucking it in all night!

For the LBD lover...

I am scraping together the money for this Development dress as I write! If you do not have a NYE date, they will be lining up when they see you in this. Toast to that!

For the comfortable style...

Wearing this Rebecca Taylor number is even better than laying around on your favorite sofa. Come on, you cannot say no to cashmere. Toss those gross sweatpants aside, it is time to bring sexy back like JT!

And guys, at least throw on a nice button-down shirt and blazer. No one wants to see you in a ratty t-shirt and decade old jeans. Of course, suits and tuxes are mandatory for fancier events. Think of the clothes as your wingman or a base coach (Get it, they help you score!) or some other guy-type analogy.

Now let's party!

Bubbling Over

2006-12-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

I have discovered a huge benefit to being back in the 'burbs: Costco. I am not referring to the giant jams of pickles or enormous packages of cheese slices... no, this is a love affair with the finer things. And the fact that these nice things come in large quantities. Our Costco is fairly upscale and has a myriad of goodies like jewelry, watches, cameras, lobster, and of course wine. This selection is well and good, but the holiday season has brought massive amounts of my favorite luxury good: champagne!

Any of my friends (or the Sonoma staff) can attest to my love of the bubbly stuff. Why drink boring wine when you can have something sparkly and delicious!

Needless to say, I was excited to stumble upon crates and crates of champagne at Costco.

But I did notice an interesting trend: lots of champagne owned by LVMH. For the sad individuals requiring a translation: LVMH is shorthand for Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey. The own everything, like Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Pucci, Dior, Fendi, Sephora, BeneFit, TAG Heuer, Christian Lacroix, and Thomas Pink. Basically, if I could pick a dream job it would be the CEO of the LVMH group.

So the fact that Costco is carrying Moet et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot makes me think that perhaps an expansion in the other LVMH brands is underway.

Santa, my wish this year is for Marc Jacobs to be in our little Costco. Just for me.

It's a Wiki-ful Life

2006-12-20T22:08:00.000-05:00

Without any introduction, here is the punch line: Blue is a real band! If that doesn't ring any bells, think of the movie Love Actually.

One of the plot lines revolves around an old has-been rocker whose Christmas song eventually beats out a boy band for the top song. I had always thought that Blue had been made up for the movie but then again "98 Degrees" and "N*Sync" exist too. (But I would not consider them to be "real" bands in any sense of the word.)

(A picture of Blue rocking out. Their interests are obviously pumping iron and lip-synching.)

Anyway, how did I arrive at this oh-so-exciting finding? Wikipedia. It all started with some harmless Britain's Next Top Model watching. It is so much better than the domestic version for two reasons. First, cute accents and sayings. I love that they call hugs "cuddles." Second, no Tyra Banks. That woman drives me crazy. She acts like she is that Dai Lama or something. And she looks like a drag queen. After watching the show, I decided to look it up online. (Cut me some slack, I am home in suburbia.)

So on the UK version I really liked one of the contestants named Abigail Clancy. What can I say I am required to root for the bubbly blonde girl. (All blondes take the same oath at a young age.) She ended up coming in second but according to Wiki, she has moved on...

...to become a WAG*. *WAG = Wives and Girlfriends. The Brits seriously have a term for the women of the soccer/football players. I think my friends need to start using a similar system. We can refer to our guys as FABs, for fiancé and boyfriends. Sorry married friends, you do not fit into our cool world of acronyms.

How does this all link together? Simple really! Follow the chain... I like BNTM (Britain's Next Top Model) -> Specifically Abigail. -> Who used to be in a girl group called Genie Queen (no joke) -> And her group toured with non other than Blue.

It's even better than six-degrees of Kevin Bacon!

Or I just need to get a life.

And the Winner Is Not...

2006-12-19T08:24:00.000-05:00

I remember going through rush when I was just a little freshman. Sure all the girls seemed nice but that was not the point! There were two main types of sororities to avoid at all costs: 1) Ones filled with ugly girls (shallow but true), and of course, 2) those filled with skanks.

The pageant world is the same way but with the not-so-hot girls weeded out. The Miss America pageant is that nice sorority that all the guys want to date. Look at this year's winner, she's a ballerina who wants to become a teacher. You cannot get more adorable than that.

Then there is the slutty sorority of this metaphor: Miss USA. These are the party girls that guys just love... at least for the night. A likely sighting would be of one snorting a line to stay skinny and then making out with a fellow Miss USA contestant to get the boys to pay attention. And that is how we come to this year's winner Tara Connor.

This is when the gut instinct comes in, just on looks alone there is at least a 75% possibility this girl is scandalous. It turns out she's up to her eyes in booze, boys, and coke... who would have guessed!

This is what happens when Donald Trump is running the show. Ick.

Thanks for the Memories

2006-12-15T09:17:00.000-05:00

Today is a sad day; it appears my digital camera has gone on to that camera-heaven in the sky. On first blush it is easy to say “get over it!” but this is a major loss.

The problem is that my camera basically functions as my memory these days. (I guess the 20s bring on memory loss.) Like if I was pondering about who was with me at that random party with the unicyclist, I would have to refer to the pictures that were taken that night. It’s actually somewhat pathetic on my part. I should be taking the time to enjoying the world around me instead of documenting it like some underpaid photojournalist.

So instead of freaking out that I won’t recall all these good times I’ve decided to embrace the moment. Yes, I have moved past just trying for that next, great Facebook picture. It is time to live my life without the blinders of the camera screen.

But if I get desperate I still have my camera phone!

King of the Hill

2006-12-13T18:01:00.000-05:00

I often hear the Cornell campus referred to as "the Hill"... in the school paper at least. The nickname surprises me because I had always associated Capitol Hill with the nickname. In honor of my trek back to the District, it is time to see who really deserves this much-coveted nickname. Let's get ready to rumble!

The Hill vs. The Hill

Round One - Actual Hilliness
Cornell: During our orientation the health workers told us the most common type of injuries was orthopedic. This is because the hills will break your bones! (And then laugh at you when you try to get around with crutches.)
Capitol: Although my boyfriend is convinced there is an incline from his house to the Capitol building, I am not sure it should be consider a "hill." If I can walk around in heels and not want to kill the person that invented them, then it is flat. (Although the Metro does pose a challenge to my heel wearing... mostly because tourists will step on them while trying to figure out where "La Fontee Plaza" is. Nice French.)
Winner: Cornell, hands down.

Round Two - Level of Pretentiousness
Cornell: Well there are a fair number of former prep schoolers who love to tool around in their nice Land Rovers while attempting to set a new record for alcohol consumption... but they are vastly outnumbered by the uber nerds. Actually, I am not sure which one is worse. At least the jerks are amusing when they pass out on College Ave.
Capitol: Yes, there are many nice people who work on the Hill. (Hi guys!) But I do know a few who are huge douchebags. These are the ones who send you pictures of them with Senator So-and-So in an attempt to make themselves look important.
Winner: I will give this one to the Capitol, at least while the current frat, uh Administration, is still here.

Round Three - Battle of Wit
Cornell: If this was a question of book knowledge CU would easily take this Round. The problem is Cornell kids often lack in the all important common knowledge area. A good stumper would be to ask who has the right of way at a flashing red light... so confusing.
Capitol: Well this bunch certainly knows their current events and whatever material they teach poli sci majors (Like the Constitution? Who knows.). I have a feeling they would do fairly well in common sense stuff too. If you have ever seen these people seek out free food, you will know how resourceful they can be!
Winner: The Capitol, they would so cheat to win.

Congrats to Capitol Hill, you have won your nickname fair and square. Now you will not have to rename that paper 'The Hill' or anything annoying. As for Cornell, it is time to jazz up that old nickname. How about "The Hill of Stress" or just "Hell"? If only Dante had known about our little corner of New York...

An Open Letter

2006-12-13T09:28:00.000-05:00

Dear J. Crew,

How are you today? Getting lots of holiday merchandise sold? Well, the reason I am writing you is that I think we need to spend some time apart.

I know we have had some good times together. I just love that black suit of yours, I feel almost like a real adult when I have it on. And that beautiful dress received so many compliments at my friend’s wedding.

But this is about the here and now. It is great that you want to keep me updated on sales and free shipping offers but really you need to stop contacting me multiple times a day. Do I really need three emails telling me that I have been invited to the private sale? You need to learn to play a little harder to get. You are making yourself look desperate and pathetic.

In conclusion, J. Crew I will shop when I am ready! Until that day comes, stop stalking me via email.

I will always cherish those cashmere sweaters we shared.

Preppy love,
Your Favorite Shopper

The Replacement

2006-12-11T18:45:00.000-05:00

I was optimistic for Britney Spear's post-Fed-Ex period, but my hopes have been replaced with an icky taste in my mouth. Not only is Brit sporting bad, bad fashion, various ugly hairstyles, and flashing areas that are NC-17 Rated, now she is sucking face with this dude!

Let the ickiness sink in for a moment. Cross-eyed, ick. Wearing some sort of ghetto "bling," ick! Greasy hair straight out of Brooklyn, ick! And of course a nice faux leather coat... make it stop!

This guy has to be related to K-Fed somehow, the trashy resemblance is clear.

Seriously Britney, what is wrong with boys who wear decent clothes and do not reek of Tag? It must be some sort of complex. I suggest immediate therapy... maybe Marc Jacobs will be your shrink.

NYE for Your Inner Elitist

2006-12-11T13:39:00.000-05:00

Today I received an invite to a NYE bash in the City. Oh, but this is not just any overpriced New Year's Eve celebration, it is only for Ivy Leaguers.

The event is creatively titled "The Ivy New Year's Ball.” I like to refer to it as "New Year's for Elitists." I mean, celebrating New Year's Eve with someone who, say, went to NYU instead of Columbia is a terrible way to start off 2007. Nothing says bad luck like not having someone to kiss when the ball drops or even worse, kissing someone from a "less prestigious" academic institution.

Last year it was held at the Princeton Club but this year it has moved to the New York Hotel. I bet the old folks, uh I mean guests, at the Princeton Club were riled up that their nine o'clock martini was interrupted. The move is understandable. The last time I was at the Cornell Club in NYC I thought they were going to throw me out for being under the age of 50. I guess my unlined face and good looks unnerved them!

So back to the matter at hand, other than being surrounded by people who think they are better than common folk, are they any more reasons to attend? Well, the event company does list "complementary bottled water" as a perk. Wow, what a fabulous bonus! These promoters read my mind: the perfect NYE = High Strung Type A's + Water!

The only justification for the 150-dollar price tag is the open bars. Gosh, I would have to be wasted to voluntarily hang out at the Ivy Ball.

Get your business cards ready... it's almost time to network/celebrate the New Year! As for me, I will be partying with the commoners...

Christie's: QVC for the Rich

2006-12-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

I know a lot of people really love “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” but just how far are they willing to go?

Apparently to more than $800 grand… the price for the famous black dress featured in the movie. (Adding on Christie’s fees, the price then rose to more than $920K. Ouch, the fancy version of shipping fees.)

Although no one seems to know who bought the dress, I have a mental picture. It was probably some sad, lonely trophy wife of a freshly rich businessman. Oh, there is no way she will fit into a dress that the Christie’s model barely squeezes into. I suppose it will be a nice conversation piece at her next lame wine and cheese party. You know, the kind of event that makes people whisper that she should have spent that money to hire an event coordinator not a stupid movie prop. Then the conversation will turn to how fabulous the Costume Institute Gala was and in no time flat the guests will be sneaking out the door.

Anyway, the new owner is not even getting the only Breakfast at Tiffany’s dress out there. There are two others: one at Givenchy and another at the Museum of Costume in Madrid (where everyone can see it!).

Not a good buy, that dress is over-priced and not even original. Well, at least the proceeds went to charity…

No Need for a Crystal Ball

2006-12-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

Just in case there was any doubt Britney is heading toward a really bad "E! True Hollywood Story," the signs are crystal clean now: Britney Spears is the next Michael Jackson.

Exhibit A: Britney wearing a t-shirt of her destiny.

Exhibit B: Similarities
-Both famous at a young age.
-Quasi-famous siblings. (Little Spears, the rest of the Jackson family.)
-Poor choices of partners. (Brit- weird guy from HS and idiot from the local trailer park; Michael- kids.)
-Strange wardrobe. (All of Britney's current attire, ditto for Michael.)

It's only a matter of time before little Ms. Spears...

...becomes a plastic surgery addict too!

Why I Want a Lab

2006-12-07T09:43:00.000-05:00

The NYT's Style Section has uncovered a trend: those little dogs are EVERYWHERE! Nice detective work guys. Anyway, the premise is that all those little, yippy dogs are just accessories:

"Flaunted as fashion statements, pint-sized canines are, to some minds, the fur-bearing equivalent of a pair of Louboutin pumps or other accessory. “I think of them as a handbag with a heartbeat,” said Robin Bowden, a vice president of Prudential Douglas Elliman, a real estate company in Manhattan. Ms. Bowden’s office on West 17th Street is a kind of home-away-from-home to a clutch of lavishly outfitted lap dogs belonging to various employees. “They have little beds and they scamper up and down,” she said. “I’ve seen brokers showing expensive SoHo lofts, turning up with these tiny puppy dogs in their designer bags.” "

It just seems so wrong. A "hangbag with a heartbeat"? A dog isn't an accessory, it is a friend.

But then again, when I get a puppy, I will plan on having him for a long, long time... Not just until the next best accessory comes along.

Fashion Insider?

2006-12-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

I suddenly feel validated about not giving in to the heinous look of leggings. (Double ick!) According to the Wa Po all the "fashion insiders" shun them too...

(Not a "Do"!)

A part of the article... "After a brief summer dalliance, most fashion insiders, whose livelihood depends on their ability to express personal style, elan or inventiveness, steered clear of leggings."

And my livelihood doesn't even depend on my style, unfortunately. More proof I belong in the City, not in the tundra of upstate.

The best quote of the article:
"Trendiness can be measured by what one chooses to wear. Style is determined by what one chooses to ignore."

Well, I am going to take my stylish self and get back to the fun of B-School classes.

A Bad Trip

2006-12-05T17:44:00.000-05:00

Remember those old school PSAs where an egg was crack then fried while the ominous voice-over explained that this was your brain on drugs? Well, I am not sure if they were effective at preventing kids from taking drugs. This is what they should have shown:

Yes kids, if you take drugs you will think it is the 1960s! This means you will proudly flash the peace sign to onlookers. Yeah man, peace and love.

Drugs may even cause you to wear a weird necklace/chain thing on your head. Groovy, huh?

Then in her dazed state, Lindsey decided to throw on the random flowy white dress, Indian-style earrings, and sack, uh, purse for good measure.

This is why drugs are bad: You shouldn't fear your brain turning into a breakfast food, you should be scared of looking like a washed up hippie. Consider yourself warned.

The AMA's by Request!

2006-12-02T09:48:00.000-05:00

So I didn't actually watch the AMA's that were on a week or two ago. Award shows leave me bored and with a bad taste in my mouth. Like I need to see a bunch of self-congratulatory celebs with an excuse to speak. Remember, celebrities are like children, meant to be seen and not heard. (I am thinking of those celebs that go out specifically to promote their new [shitty] clothing line or some random political cause [save the purple-tailed swallow!].) So I did my research the painless way, online.

On to the train wreck...

John Mayer, I remember when I used to love you. Now you look like a homeless man.

Refusing to get a haircut does not make you deep or soulful!

At first I was like, who is this random blonde girl? Then I realized that it was Ashley Simpson...

...thanks to the wonders of plastic surgery! This makes me want to reconsider a nose job for myself!

And then of course, there was Gwen Stefani. Not that I would really know, but this is how I envision girls in porn dressing.

This dress used to be in my closet too. I wore it for First Communion though.

Nice ruffles.

Oh, please make it stop. I do not know where to start on Carrie Underwood's, uh, outfit. It wouldn't have been THAT bad if she could have a least picked either shorts or a dress. Remember the skort? (Skirt in the front, shorts in the back.) Same mistake here.

There must be something in the Nashville water that inspires ugly attire like this.

The black dresses are just a tad blah for a swank (or pointless?) award show.

But compared to the other country people, the Dixie Chicks at least looked nice. They must live in Texas not Tennessee!

Finally, I am not usually a big Nicole Richie fan. But I really like her new, more natural hair color. The gold dress is actually beautiful too. My only suggestion is that she should have not gone with a strapless dress.

Too bad her skeleton-like figure cannot hold that thing up! Have yourself a yummy Christmas cookie, the bonus is that you will get your boobs back! Yea!

Who won awards? Who really cares? On to the next red carpet!

Red with Envy

2006-12-01T14:37:00.000-05:00

Must... have... coat.

How did Jessica Simpson find this pretty red winter coat? It would be such a fun addition to my winter attire.

Luckily (more like unluckily), I live in a place where the height of daily fashion is a combo of leggings, Ugg boots (still??), and a fleece. I bet most girls would not even appreciate this coat. I mean, if they can't brush their hair and put on a little mascara what hope is there for more advanced girlie-tendencies to appear?

I am counting down the days until I live in a real city. At this point I will even consider Boston even though it is dreary and full of Red Sox fans.

Is it graduation yet?

Gifts for the Selfish at Heart

2006-12-01T13:34:00.000-05:00

Let me preface this by saying, I am 99% done with my holiday shopping already so I can have a bit of a wandering eye. Presents are well and good but, let's face it, not always quite what we want. Here are a few pre-Holiday goodies you can buy without guilt since they are on sale:

Burberry Edonson Quilted Coat

I love their quilted coats for fall and spring, when it is quasi-cool outside. Or if you are in the South, all winter too.
Only $277, Guilt-Free Savings of $118.

Zac Posen Raspberry Silk Dress

The perfect party dress for a nice holiday party. Although your date may sideline you before you can actually make it to the party.
On sale for $1,190, Guilt-Free Savings of $510.

Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Pumps

A prime example of good animal print. See the difference between cool giraffe and trashy cheetah?
Now $522, Guilt-Free Savings of $223.

Blumarine Lace-Trim Dress

Say hello to your new favorite LBD!
A mere $357, Guilt-Free Savings of $153.

Gucci Capri Bag

A nice winter white to carry you though the rest of the season.
Down to $973, Guilt-Free Savings of $417.

La Perla Chemise

Basically a bribe to keep the guy in your life from EVER complaining about your shopping.
Hush cost $184, Guilt-Free Savings of $124.

Happy Pre-Presents to you all!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2006-12-01T10:31:00.000-05:00

December is here! I am so freaking excited, I just love, love, love the holidays. Here are a few things I am looking forward to...

-The End of the Semester!!

Okay, I don't really burn my textbooks or even sell them. I am such a dork. But I am looking forward to getting away from the bitch slap that is Ithaca weather. Temps in the teens? Shoot me.

-Heading back to the District!

Yea for seeing the National and Capitol Christmas trees and that giant Menorah.

-Visiting the City.

Aka taking our annoying cuteness to the bright-lights of Manhattan. (We do not do the other boroughs!) I haven't been into the City since March, which is excessively long. Tiffany's, Bloomie's, et al, here we come.

-Seeing my family and my puppy!!

It seems so strange I haven't been home since the beginning of the semester. I just want to help decorate the Christmas tree and play in the snow! Or maybe just look at the snow and make gingerbread houses and cookies.

Back to the Dump

2006-11-30T15:10:00.002-05:00

I know I just wrote about Britney Spears but outfits like this...

...make me want to tear my eyelashes out.

Gag, gag, gag.

And here is the PSA, please wear underwear. Victoria's Secret is popular for a reason.

(Paris actually trying to keep Brit from flashing her post-maternity cooter?)

More gagging...

Style the First Victim of Stress

2006-11-29T14:05:00.000-05:00

It is the last week of classes and here at Cornell that means every prof has decided to give you a paper, presentation, or other random busywork to annoy you before finals week. In my classes, this end of semester crush usually entails working in a group with several other just-as-anal students and who also have a million things to do. Fun.

Everyone shows their stress in different ways. There are the kids who can be seen chain smoking outside of the Hotel School, just dreaming of the day when they will run a nice resort in the Bahamas. And the Engi-Nerds wandering their quad, somehow appearing even more downtrodden than usual. Not the mention, the ever-growing line of people in the Olin library cafe, patiently waiting to get their hourly caffeine fix.

Well my stress level shows up in a weird sort of way: I dress down. To someone that does not know me, this may seem like an insignificant change but believe me, it is a major alteration. I just feel icky when I am not wearing something decent. I guess this is the opposite of how most hoodie-addicted, leggings-loving Cornell students feel.

Today it got bad... I wore a Salty Dog tee, jeans, and sneakers to class. That is right, in public!! The only redeeming qualities of the outfit were the nice Citizens jeans and that my t-shirt was pink.

(The tee in question.)

I hope this rash of college fashion will past quickly... someone on this campus needs to look cute.

From Trash to Treasure?

2006-11-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

Remember the good old days, when Britney Spears actually listened to her stylist? Then that ghetto boy came along and bought out her trailer park roots. Ew.

I thought conditions were finally improving post-break-up. She got that cute new bob haircut and actually picked out clothes that did not look like they were off the racks of Wal-Mart.

But it appears the call of trashiness is too strong for Brit to ignore. She was recently seen with not-so-classy "socialite" Paris Hilton. Even worse, they were both wearing matching animal print. Hanging out with Paris Hilton is not the way to rebuild your tarnished image.

First, Britney should find a new BFP (Best Friend for Pictures) like Tory Burch (free cute clothes too?) or Rachel Roy (always looking on-point). Then slip on this adorable Lela Rose dress...

... and maybe then Ms. Spears will once again be on my good list.

What You Get for the Money

2006-11-27T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am convinced there is some sex-linked gene that causes guys to love electronics. All the time I see they drooling over televisions, Playstations, remote-controlled cars (that were probably made for a ten year old!), or whatever else passes by them.

Case in point: my sweet boyfriend thinks that he HAS to have a plasma TV. I just do not get it. In a year or two the price will come way down and the technology will have improved. Do you really need a high-def flat screen to watch Law and Order reruns?

This 50” LG plasma will run you about four thousand eight hundred dollars... or $4,800 if you are illiterate.

To my girlie eyes this TV could pay for like 12 Days of Christmas but for the sake of simplicity here is a smaller list of item you could purchase for the same price:

Tiffany's Charm Bracelet, a mere four hundred fifty dollars...

Overly gaudy Fendi bag, eight hundred forty five dollars...

Sassymax, fake boobs on the cheap and without painful surgery, sixty-nine dollars...

Burberry nightie, keeping it classy for one hundred thirty five dollars...

Very pink luggage that will never get lost, four pieces on special for three hundred seventy dollars...

(In case you are adding, the current total is only $1,869!)

Red hot leather armchair, one thousand nine hundred dollars, ouch...

Deluxe spa package at the Ritz including deluxe accommodations, full breakfast, and 25-minute reflexology Treatment, Spa Pedicure, a Moment of Serenity massage, and finally a Petite Facial, four hundred fifty dollars, ahhhhh....

And finally the perfect shoes for all those holiday gatherings, Jimmy Choo velvet sandals, five hundred eighty dollars...

For a grand total of just under four thousand eight hundred!!

Plasma versus all that? Boys are so silly.

Take That PB!

2006-11-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that I have made my first (non-food) purchase on Hilton Head Island.

The back-story: I freaking love Pottery Barn. This is understandable since I am someone who briefly considered majoring in Interior Design. Then I found out they only made like 24K a year... Anyway, the way they arrange their rooms is my type of eye candy.

(Pictured Above: My future living room. If you ask nicely, you may just be invited to come over and enjoy it... at some point.)

Over the summer, PB did the whole decorating using seashells and starfish deal. Since I love, love, love the beach I was instantly enthralled with it. The only problem: each starfish cost 14 dollars! No offense but I can think of a better way to spend my money.

Well I was reinspired to find some accessories of the sea today.

(In our living room!)

So I went out to the South Beach General Store and bought a bunch of shells and starfish. Expect it cost about a tenth of the price! This once again proves that I am shopping maven!

If anyone wants a personal shopper just give me a call! :)

Who Is Running HR?

2006-11-20T13:20:00.000-05:00

So if you were looking to fill a position, say the Director of Family Planning Services, what type of person would you look for? Apparently the best candidate the executive branch could find was someone who thinks birth control is "demeaning to women."

Right. Allowing women to choose if and when to have a child is certainly "demeaning" them. The non-profit that he runs "is persuaded that the crass commercialization and distribution of birth control is demeaning to women, degrading of human sexuality and adverse to human health and happiness."
Way to follow the mandate of the law behind family planning services. Does taking a little pill once a day really "degrade" your sexuality? Make you depressed? Maybe this guy should recognize that BC helps to prevent abortions, especially in teenagers. Read the literature you so-called expert.

Nice work Bush administration. I'm just waiting for them to appoint an illiterate person to run the LOC (Library of Congress).