Clue #2

1. kite

2. pop

3. prong

4. fizzy

5. aorta

10 Do's of the LBD

(thats little black dress for those of you who are fashion challenged)

1. There is a difference between a classic LBD and an avant garde black dress. Own one of both. The classic style should be something body hugging and sheath like (think Audrey Hepburn), while the avant garde dress is something a little more unexpected - leather accents or beaded chiffon.

2. Don't leave all the work to the dress - invest in a good pair of pumps (or flats) that fit you perfectly.

3. Build the rest of your going out wardrobe around the dress - think houndstooth rain coat and black dress or a white poncho and black dress.

4. Try off beat, slightly quirky accessories with a very classic, very simple LBD - think a faux fur caplet or silk fingerless gloves. 

5. Wear some seriously bedazzled jewelry with a black dress that is both simple and understated - chunky coral and bright turquoise can work wonders

6. Own at least one LBD that is office to after hours convertible - something simple with a white collar or cuffs is an easy transition from day to night

7. Make sure to choose a dress that accents your best features - not to fond of your decolletage? try a higher cut neck. Wish your arms were firmer? go for sheer chiffon sleeves.

8. Always go that extra mile with your hair and makeup when wearing an LBD. A loose and sexy chiffon with smokey grey eyes, or a perfect blowout with extra mascara can really amp up any style.

9. Keep the occasion in mind - if your going to a cocktail party, you're bound to be drowning in a sea of LBD's - so don't forget to pay extra attention to details - shoes, jewelry and a chic clutch can really make a statement.

10. Black goes with just about everything - so don't be afraid to try new things. You'll quickly find the looks that work for you!

                       

Websites I Looooove

Lisa Lill Studio - The Original Custom Handbag Company

The website http://www.1154lill.com/ is absolutely amazing! Simply choose from one of their many handbag styles, deck it out the way you want, and voila! You've got yourself a custom made, one of a kind design. The possibilities are endless! Here's one that I designed: 

Beyond the Rack 

 http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/PSGOOGDIS - Simply sign up to become a member of this 'private shopping' experience (its free of charge!) and you'll save up to 70% on designer handbags, clothing, house-ware, jewelry (and just about everything in between). Its as easy as 1, 2, 3. And c'mon, who doesn't love a Prada bag at $500.00 off? 

I've Got A Surprise For Someone....

Heres your hint: 

Hot or Not

I really can not decide whether or not I like Rihanna's new red hairdo. At times, I think it looks amazing on her -  there's no doubt that she wears it with confidence - but, at other times I think it's slightly reminiscent of a certain Mc Donald's mascot...

Are you lovin' it?

Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo

Most little girls dream of being princesses and having the perfect fairy tale wedding when they grow up - Thanks to designer Alfred Angelo this dream might not be so far fetched. Teaming up with Disney, the designer will soon debut the first ever Disney inspired bridal gown collection. Dresses from the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo collection will be inspired by Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Snow White and Tiana.

Best of all - the dresses will all ring in at under $1200

Dreams do come true!

Star Style Look Alike - Rachel Bilson

The seemingly down to earth starlet dressed up distressed denim with a chic black blazer while strolling through Milan, where she is currently in town for Fashion week. 

Banana Republic: Short Sleeve Luxe Tee in Dark Heather Grey

$45.00

The Gap: Boyfriend zip pocket jeans in Faded Light Wash

$74.99

Old Navy - Cheetah Print Cardigan

$25.00

Zara - Ponte De Roma Knit Blazer

$109.00

Aldo - Eylenja Boot

$120.00

Aldo - Scates Cross Body Bag in Midnight Black 

$45.00

India

Not many people know this, but I have always wanted to volunteer in India teaching English to young children (most people would find this shocking since I'm known to be a tad bit high maintenance). However, it's something I really would love to do some day. I was looking at volunteer programs offered through the university today, and came across a few that send groups to Madurai, India. 

The experience would be absolutely amazing - However, I haven't quite decided whether or not I would be able to deal with the culture shock. I asked them to send me a volunteer brochure and some pamphlets  - Maybe I'll get the guts to actually apply to volunteer for a summer (or just a few weeks) in the next few years... 

Cow Parade

We just got these cute little cow statues, called "Cow Parade", where I work. Each miniature statue is a collectors replica of a larger statue that has been hand painted by artists and placed on display somewhere through out the world. Cow Parade is the largest public art event in the world - having placed painted cow statues in over 50 cities world wide since 1999 (New York, Tokyo and Dublin to name a few). Making its home in West Hartford, Connecticut, the  company has become famous for hosting art events, known as "cow parades", throughout the world in order to raise money for non profit organizations ($20 million to date). 

Check out this website (http://www.cowparade.com/inc/aboutus.php) to learn more about cow parade, and find out where you can view one of these life size artistic creations near you!

Star Style Look Alike - Jennifer Aniston

I love Jennifer Aniston's casual, yet put together style. This outfit is comfy but classy - great for fall! 

American Apparel: Unisex Flex Fleece Zip Hoody in Dark Heather Grey

Steal - $50.00

Gap: Classic Blazer 

Splurge - $128.00

Gap: Light-weight Solid Scarf

Steal - $29.50

Old Navy: Flirt Trouser Jean in Amazon

Steal - $44.50

Old Navy: Women's Basic Leather Belt in Dark Brown

Steal - $9.99

Little Burgundy: Toms Florona Slip ons in natural

Steal - $55.00

Bvlgari: Light Havana Frame with Crystal Brown Lens

Major Splurge - $300.00

Sun-kissed Blonde Hair: Priceless. 

<3

Dream Home

Mmmmm

One of the new Tazo tea lattes available at Starbucks is the London Fog Latte. It’s made with Earl Grey tea – hence the “London Fog” name - milk and vanilla syrup. 

Although going to your local Starbucks and ordering up a grande cup of this delightful drink is rather convenient, it's a piece of cake to make your own at home....

Homemade London Fog Tea Latte
8-oz strong Earl Grey Tea, hot
4-oz milk
3 tbsp vanilla syrup

1. Pour hot Earl Grey tea into a large mug or other serving glass. Stir in vanilla syrup.

2. Steam milk, or heat it in the microwave and whisk until very frothy, and pour it into the sweetened tea.

3. Serve immediately.

mmmmm.

T.

I know that you read my blog, so I just wanted to say thank you again for what you did. 


p.s. i love you.

Dear Fall, I Love You

I love fall. Every time I think about the crisp air that accompanies it, along with the cozy sweaters to be worn and the mugs of tea and hot chocolate to be consumed, I get a warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach. There's just something about this season that makes me adore it above all others. Soft wind blowing through yellow leaves, comfy knit scarfs, candles flickering, the smell of cinnamon, cozy boots, long walks - something about fall just feels so authentic to me.  

The falling leaves drift by the window 
The autumn leaves of red and gold 

The Ombre Effect

I absolutely love the look - now termed "ombre" by professional stylists - of darker roots that fade into lighter, or bleached out tips. Although this trend isn't completely impossible to obtain at home, a trip to your stylist may be a safer bet. 

Im rather tempted to give it a try...

Question?