snowed in!

i came over to the house where my friend jesse is house, dog and kitty sitting.... and now i've been wearing the same clothes and watched four movies and almost an entire season of entourage.

i wish i had all my cuuuute snow clothes!!!

boots, scarves, gloves, mittens, hats.... mmmmm i just love bundling up!!!

too bad i'm stuck with my ill fitting hungover friday outfit from work.... skinny jeans have never been more uncomfortable than right now.

SNOW DAYYYYYYYSSSS are my favorite days nonetheless!!!!!!

stop attracting d-bags

first day of work today. and PHEW! they don't call it work for nothin!! i'm beat. so, with the help of one of my very oldest and dearest friends, i stumbled upon this very fabulous post on sliceofstyle that is OBVS very important to SMYLA.

so, thank youuuu miss jessie tallent for allowing CMBlog to present.......

Ladies everywhere, no matter how they’re dressed, have the ability to attract a few douchebags with little effort. However, there are certain looks, brands and silhouettes that are sure to send unnaturally muscular, heavily tanned and offensively cologned men your way. To help steer single women away from such a disaster, we present you with 12 Outfits That are Sure to Attract a Douchebag.

1.

Nothing says Mrs. Douchebag like a sinfully busy Ed Hardy Tee. With an equally busy name, the Shoulder Tank True Love Anchor Cross (whew!), is among the better looking designs we could find. Designer Christian Audigier’s name is emblazoned on the top three times, which isn’t such a bad thing because it takes the attention away from the lacing along the shoulder.

2.

There is just something about rhinestones that attracts douchebags with magnetic force. The Rhinestone 3/4 Sleeved Dress’s glimmering strips along the arms and bold eggplant color, will draw him in. The deep V neck and body hugging skirt will keep him around….for the night.

3.

One way to attract a few class acts is to wear a top that talks about your boobs. This tank by Hustler Clothing calls attention to the authenticity of your rack – even better! The Women’s Plastic Beater explains that you dropped some serious cash on breast augmentation. But really, the underlying statement screams: “I’m serious about finding love a douchebag.”

4.

While we’ve come to terms with jumpsuits and rompers after seeing a few truly chic versions, this one is all sorts of wrong. This type of high keyhole neckline always manages to raise a few douche flags. Pair that with the romper style, bold elastic waistline and leopard print and the chances of attracting jaeger bomb wielding gents increases significantly.

5.

Banded bottom tops and dresses seem to have a hard time remaining tasteful. The Deep V Neck Top from Baby Phat is no exception. Of course, the dangerously deep neckline adorned with a ‘cat in a heart’ hardware doesn’t help its respectability factor. A gold screen printed pattern featuring rhinestones completes the douchebag friendly look.

6.

Sequins, pyramid shaped studs and embroidered lips on the back pockets. Need we say more? The (exclusive) Rebel Kiss RZR Jean by Akademiks also feature some serious color distressing and a slim, slouchy leg. Unfortunately, there are few tops that would bring down the douche-hunting factor of these jeans down a notch.

7.

The Rock n Roll Paradise Oversized Dress by Trash & Luxury has all the makings of a douche-tacular night at the club. The tapered, banded skirt allows for maximum booty popping while the extra wide sleeves take fist pumping to the next level. We’d address the print, but other than a few stars and stripes, we have absolutely no idea what’s going on here.

8.

Coordinating velour sweatsuits have been winning the hearts of comfort-loving douchebags for years now. No brand can create a cheesy (or cougar-friendly) version quite like Juicy Couture. The Horse Shield Logo Hoodie (pants sold separately) does not disappoint. Gold and silver sequins and an equestrian-inspired logo shield add just the right amount of “pizazz” to an already struggling ensemble.

9.

Take a menswear-inspired shirt (very of the moment), slut it up with copious amounts of ruffles, puffed sleeves and leave several buttons undone. What do you get? A professional douche’s dream. Don’t let the Ruffle-Front Shirt from Victoria’s Secret as seen here with suspenders fool you – worn in this manner – it is not an office-friendly look.

10.

Leggings solid or patterned, cropped or long will once again be a staple come fall. This pair, featuring the word “Sinful” along the front, most certainly will not. Called the Panther Crawl Leggings, we’re assuming that is the name of the move you’ll be inclined to do after slipping them on. We can picture it now: sinful little ladies crawling around growling like a feline in order to attract a douche in heat.

11.

Rocker chic cutouts at the shoulders, sides and sleeves are in the spotlight right now. This version is just a tiny bit confused. An appropriately placed cutouts done right (and preferably by Alexander Wang or Vena Cava), can transform a piece from basic to edgy. The Mock Neck Cold Shoulder Sweater, with its ‘faux’ turtleneck and banded bottom is more barfly chic than rock and roll.

12.

Momma always said, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” This shirt may only be offering hugs, but when you attract a douchebag, one hug leads to another and before you know it you’re making out during The Fast and the Furious Part 5. The Free Hugs French Terry Hoodie from Victoria’s Secret’s Pink Collection may be somewhat cute, but this series as a whole (particularly the butt messages) seem to attract more douchebags than a two for one sale at Hollywood Tans.

even tink is changing it up...

tink updates her look

After nearly 50 years of wearing the same dated duds, Tinker Bell has finally gotten a makeover!

For the latest Tinker Bell flick, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Pixar co-founder John Lasseter wanted to give Tink a stylish but practical outfit that reflected current trends but also the film's Autumn setting. "I began thinking what the costume design would be for each season," he says. "The weather is cooler [in fall], and her outfit should reflect that."

Clad in knee-high flat boots, tights, a mini skirt, capelet and hat, Tinker Bell is at the height of fall fairy fashion.

"We wanted to make Tink as real as possible in Lost Treasure," director Klay Hall said. "It made sense she was going to put on a jacket, leggings, and boots. This is sort of a new phase for Tink, and the look brings her up to the current feeling we are trying to convey."

The decision to update the iconic pixie's garb was not taken lightly; when a character's ensemble changes, so, too, do costumes of park and resort employees, as well as dolls and merchandise involving Tink. Fortunately, the changes have been well received so far, and the costumes worn by Disney workers will be made of organic, eco-friendly materials.

And while Tinker Bell's look may be updated, she hasn't lost her unique flare. "We wanted her to still be cute and charming, and not mess with who she was. You have to be careful," said Hall. "We kept her iconic white pompoms on her boots. I love those pompoms. They are what make her adorable."

Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure hits stores October 27th.

Article from CocoPerez.com; Image courtesy of Disney.

so for a little reminder of what the old...errr, i mean classic, tink looked like:

i'm thinking that the updated tink is really more appropriate, for one, because who wears a strapless super-mini cocktail dress to do their pixie projects anymore?? the leggings and boots are a good call, the forest really can be a jungle sometimes.

i like that she kept her blunt bangs, but is anyone else wondering what is under that shawl? is her dress still strapless?? where are those sleeves attaching, because they're clearly a different color than the dress... and if i were tink (Disney, stop asking me to be a Princess, GEEZE, I've told you i have far too much on my plate right now to make little girls' dreams come true on a daily basis... riiiiiight) i would wear that rope belt at my waist, but tink's slender enough to wear it on her hips.

but everyone else, take note, when you wear a belt on your hips, you better have a flat stomach because you're drawing attention to the widest part of your bone structure. if you're like and and want to camouflage that area more than show it off, move your belt up to your natural waist (above your belly button) to emphasize its smallness (rather than your hips' wideness), then you can usually rouche whatever shirt you're wearing below the belt further drawing attention away from your tummy- WIN WIN!!

anyway, i think tink looks fabulous... but remember, not everyone looks good wearing that much green head to toe!

style file

how often do you find yourself standing in front of your closet (and if you're me, you're running late) having pulled 1/3 of your clothes out onto your floor trying to figure out what to wear and having come to the conclusion that you HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!!!????

my roommates are always running around complaining that they have nothing to wear, and i know for a fact their closets are packed (because we routinely borrow this and that from each other) with super cute items!!

well, i have a solution... or a plan for a solution to this ever-present problem: a style file.

now, let's work backwards from that moment when you're exacerbated and mad yourself for feeling like you own not one suitable outfit: this most likely stems from not having a well thought out closet (a closet that has lots of clothes, but they don't mix and match each other, thus not a lot of options).

and why might you not have a well thought out closet? because you're not shopping with the end result (being able to quickly pull out an outfit you feel smashing in) in mind!! so if shopping's the root of the problem, let's do a deep dive (shiiiit: lame work terminology) into shopping patterns.

now, when you go to the grocery store, you most likely take a list? i certainly do, because if i don't, i end up buying a bunch of junk food (can you say gushers and teddy grahams??) that i don't need, and couldn't have told you i wanted BEFORE i entered the store, but now i'm stuck with all this junk, because i didn't have a list.

the same goes for clothes shopping! you need a list or else you're likely to leave the store with junk that gets you (and your closet) nowhere!

but how do you know WHAT to put on that list?? well, let's start with that inevitable moment when you cry out, "I have nothing to wear!!"

I suggest literally keeping a list by your closet for you to write down what it is you're craving to put on, but don't own. To get it started now, think about your FAVORITE outfit that you always gravitate towards throwing on.

is it a great-fitting pair of jeans with a comfy loose-fitting top with a great print, but that's always dirty because you wear it at least once a week? guess what? YOU NEED ANOTHER. maybe not another pair of jeans, since jeans can be worn a few more times before needing to be washed, but you need more tops that you don't have to worry about feeling fat in.

now, i personally read fashion and beauty magazines. yes, it's a vice. however, it's probably the reason i'm writing this blog!! it all started in middle school because our fundraiser was a magazine drive every year. i had so many that i made the border around my bedroom walls covers of all the magazines i had accumulated. thus, i have been reading, studying and worshipping all things beauty and style related since my early adolescence.

because of this, one of the main ways i am inspired is through these glossy publications. so, i decided to put all of their great ideas to use for me, and started cutting and pasting.

cutting out outfits, styles, tips, products and looks that i want to buy, emulate, try to to just remember and pasting them into my very own STYLE FILE.
keep in mind, this is in addition to my my running list of things to buy: it's just more visually specific, (and pleassssing) and is more than just ideas i come up with, it's ideas from the experts. it started when i lived in my sorostitute house, hence the room 18, with my bestie, and continues today.


see that it's not only pieces of clothes or products that i want to buy in my style file- i'm putting in items that i think have flattering shapes, or are from a company that seems to make great clothes at a price i can afford, making more than just mental notes of places to shop, and items that i think i could incorporate into my wardrobe, i'm putting them in my style file!

it's also makeup looks that i'd like to try and recreate, be it a perfume advertisement that happens to have a model with an amazing shade of lipstick, or an actual beauty article about new eye shadow tips and tricks.

so start making your list of things you love and should probably own more of, taking note of things you see that you like, and soon, your wardrobe will become full of mixable matchable pieces so that you'll find yourself cursing the heavens in vain a whole lot LESS!

did they wear PJ's in 1492?

hope you're home celebrating boats that rhyme: the nina, the pinta & the santa maria!!!

my columbus day attire?

my new (on sale) old navy boots!

our house gets super freezing in the winter and it was time to find the perfect booties to keep my toes warm for the upcoming season.

our house gets SO cold that i knew i had to get slippers that pulled up over my ankles, and at only $15.50 on sale (and the fact that my roomies had them last year and loved them) these were perfect!

it's really fun to have house attire that you aren't embarrassed of- i mean, you never know who's going to knock on the door!! hello publisher's clearing house or just nosy neighbors??

i'm all about keeping old soft tee shirts, but with so many adorable, inexpensive lines at old navy, victorias secret and if you feel like digging, at Marshalls or Loehmanns you may just want to stay in your PJ's all day- during faux holidays or otherwise!!

ballsy, but well executed

i was driving up connecticut avenue the other day, which is a VERY aggressive road. it's one of the main thoroughfares in DC, so much so that during rush hour the number of lanes shift from three and three over to four and two in whichever direction the bulk of traffic is going. kinda genius, good job on that one ddot (SIDENOTE: ddot had a super fabulously clever logo, get it?? D-DOT?!?! more kudos.)

ANYWAY, so it's an aggressive road because you have to be looking for people slamming onto their brakes for the people who dare to take a left from the left hand lane, and people causing all kinds of drama in the far right lane if they find a parking spot that they then must PARALLEL PARK into... so you're thinking, oh, just drive in the middle lane... welllllll when that's everyone's plan, it gets more than a little crowded, and thus, let's just say, HEATED.

having lived in DC for three plus years now, i have become someone who uses my horn... kinda a lot. now, now, i'm NICE about it. like, if someone is clearly rumbling through their center console after a light has turned green, i'll give them the quick, "i'm not mad, i just want to let you know that the light changed" honk, i won't LAY ON IT. but, if i can tell someone is ABOUT to make a bad decision (yes, bad decision according to me, the SMARTEST DRIVER IN THE WORLD [everyone thinks that of themself whilst driving]) i'll also be the person who honks at them to let them know that their bad decision will affect others (me) and i don't want to hit them (have to brake even the slightest bit because of them).

anyway, i honk at least once a drive now.

it's not like i'm a quiet person in life, why should i be a quiet person in the car??!

ok, all this is besides the point. so, when i was driving up connecticut again today, trying to maneuver my way through the traffic, and frankly, doing a pretty poor job (sometimes you got it, and sometimes you don't and today, i didn't) my jaw literally dropped open when this car came up from behind me, cut over in front of me and proceded to zig zag through traffic like nobody's business. i immediately said,

"WOW, ballsy. but well executed."

true, this maniac wasn't driving defensively, but he or she was driving REALLY well aggressively.

and, i think the same can often be true of fashion!

when you want to branch out from your ole' faithful fashion, and try something new and perhaps ballsy, it's important to remember to execute flawlessly!!

for example, if you are always wearing neutrals, but have an itch to try the new color for the season- like right now purple is huge- if you just grab that old purple itchy sweater out of the back of your closet that doesn't fit like a glove like it used to, chances are, you're not going to feel confident in your foray into this more bold fashion statement because you've changed too many of the elements- changed the top shape, fabric and color you're used to wearing... and if you can't hold your head up high, rocking your outfit loud and proud, you'll NEVER look chic.

instead, go back to "ballsy but well executed," and maybe put on your go-to fabulosity outfit that you know you look amazing in, so that adding, let's say, a purple accessory, like a great pair of shoes, a bright bangle, or a fun bag brings a little trendy to something you already feel confident in. you're trying something new (which may turn into a go-to piece?!), and your outfit still works as a whole.

once you find what works for you as far as clothing shapes, fabrics and colors (alllll of which i'll get into, i promise) that's when you can start to play and experiment with trends within those realms.

now go drive balls to the wall to an execution... wait a minute... i think i got confuzzed again...

gimmemmy

so the roomies and i watched the 2009 emmys last night and we realized that there's been some really amazing tv this year... and that we can't remember life before dvr (YOU CAN CONTROL TIME).

sooooo here are just a few of the dresses and my thoughts. am i rachel zoe or what? i DIE.

THE RED COATS ARE COMING

Blake Lively: OK, so i feel like everyone will be talking about this dress because she's showing off the goods (and YES she has great goods) but really, other than that? tres boring. we see her ta tas every week on gossip girl.

love the nude shoe, at least she realized that with a dress cut down to there and a slit up to there she didn't need a statement shoe.

and why didn't she get her roots done before the emmys?

blake's a hottie. moving on.

Debra Messing: i love Debra Messing, and she actually has been styled by Rachel Zoe in the past, but i'm not DIEING for this dress.

i LOVE that she's like, "being a red head is NOT going to keep me from wearing a fun red dress." (this is me talking to deb in my head, mind you) but i don't like how high the neck is on this one shoulder, with the arm hole basically looking like a muscle tee.

enjoying the twist in the middle, and her rockin' bod and her makeup is gorg.

buuuut it's not enough to make me love this entire look.

Hayden Panettiere: my roomie, lizzard, literally said, "she never dresses her age," when we saw hayden for the first time. seriously, she's 20 years old! she can't even sip champagne, and this dress isn't helping her look youthful in the least.

i don't like the straight top- it looks too tight. i don't like the necklace, it's too short and again, ages her. don't love the bag- it doesn't tie into the entire look.

i loved hayden in remember the titans, but not tonight.

OHHHH NOOO

Christina Applegate: she is fabulous, and this navy is a surprisingly great color on her, but i'm so CONFUZZED by this dress!!

why is there a cut out in the middle?

and is one of the bands cutting her boob off in the middle?

i'm just confused by what this dress is supposed to be conveying... super sexy or pretty soft draping?

samantha who told you to wear this dress.

Kristin Chenoweth: um, did anyone tell her that the emmys is kind of a big deal and you should be wearing a gown? ESPECIALLY when you're nominated??

so kristin is only 4'11" so i get why she wanted to show some leg, but really? she looks like she could be out for a night on the town in vegas... or atlantic city for that matter!

and there are shear cut outs on the side of this dress. ridiculous, no?

and now that she's put all this focus on her legs and thus shoes... and then THAT'S the shoe she chooses? ugghhh galinda, please!!!

but the good news is that she looks amazing. fashion aside, she's gorgeous, vibrant, and happy. i'll never not love the original good witch.

Mila Kunis: Seriously? Seriously Mila??

Mila is one of my new girl crushes ever since Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but WHY did she choose this??

She looks like she's going to walk onto the Sweeney Todd set.

Too much tulle, and its a ridiculous length. Long or short?? oh, can't decide, let's just do a little of each.

I like that it has a belt to define her waist, but that's about it.

WELL PLAYED LADIES

Drew Barrymore: love the nudey, peachy dress. love it paired with the red lip. so pretty, so light.

it reminds me of one of my favorite red carpet dress of all times, thank you so much penelope cruz for giving us this.










Kate Walsh: I think she looks great, and like she just happens to look this great. The color is phenomenal on her, and the soft color paired with the pretty draping is just stellar.

The bust may be a little too small- when she was on stage we were a little worried something might pop out, but nip slip averted, dress still fabulous.





Sandra Oh: Mmmmm, loving this gold dress. Because of her skin tone, it almost looks like a nude.

Her silhouette looks insane, though I really don't know how she was able to walk or sit.

But beauty is PAIN people.

I don't know if I'm 100% on the low slung rope belt- but it by no means ruins this look.

Sandra looks like a golden goddess.

Toni Collette: 1. I LOVE the United States of Tara, on Showtime.
2. I LOVE that she WON!!
3. I LOVE this gown!

The color, the fit.

perfection, perfection, perfection.

and now my favorite of the entire evening...

it's daring, it's different, and I think it's utterly perfect...
JANUARY JONES

The entire cast of Mad Men were winners last night, but JJ looks unstoppable in this pale green gown that is not just gorgeous on her, it keeps you thinking!

The sculpted shape makes is perfect for her frame and the geometric beading is different in general and oh so flattering!

Mmmmm, mad men is yet again THEE show of the season for their writing, cast, and of course, styyyle!

photos courtesy of e!online

when in rome, dress like a hipster

going to be rockin' skinny jeans, american apparel deep v tee, flats, and my new tiny GA and NC necklaces (thanks ktj!!!) like it's any other wednesday night and i'm too cool for school to put on anything too special. totally hipster (well, as hipster as i get).

i'll be able to keep up the "i'm so hipster and thus bored" facade until juuuust before matt & kim take the stage... then i'll be squealing like a li'l pig who just found out it got adopted by george clooney. (lucky, lucky max).

point: utilize: when in rome!! dress the part! it's a fun way to wear something in the back of your closet that you really love, but never have the opportunity to pull out!

dirty dancing lives on

Texts between my brother and me late yesternight:


So, there's really no time like the present to pay homage to one of the best movies of all time (Dirty Dancing, DUH), and the sincerest form of flattery is imitation, right??

If it's still warm enough where you are, dare to pull a Baby Houseman and wear this (which all just HAPPENS to be back in style... weird):

American Apparel Bodysuit, Forever 21 Denim Shorts, Abercrombie & Fitch Braided Leather Belt, Urban Outfitter Sneaker

Best way to update the look for a night out on the town this fall??? Sub skinny dark jeans in for the shorts, and a pair of gladiator heels in for the sneaks... then (dare i say it??) go DIRTY DANCING.

image via Danish blogger jeanettd

when in doubt, black and white it out.

Black and White. Noir et Blanc. Negro y Blanco. . classic, classic, classic, classic.

These opposites have attracted and will continue to attract forever. I mean, there's an entire store based on this concept!

Not only can you pair solid black and white items, but black and white prints... unless animal... are almost always the perfect combination of,

"Hey I'm a loud, fun print," and, "I'm classy and put together."

I mean what could be better for that big meeting/interview/networking happy hour; the combo of being an individual who clearly stands out, but is still clearly inside the realms of what's acceptable... making you uuber trendy AND trustworthy??

BLACK PAIRED WITH WHITE BABBBBYYYYYY.

Now, just make sure to never tell the Rainbow Brite about my black and white theory, she would NEVER forgive me... and I can't even begin to think of what this could do to Starlite!!

being dumb but looking smart

I got a stupid parking ticket. I parked my car on this specific street because it wasn't going to be cleaned until Wednesday (in DC each street is cleaned once per week and you can't be parked there for that two hour period) and when I checked the sweeping times on the sign after I parked, I was extremely surprised for it to read that the cleaning would be from 9:30 PM until 11:30 PM.

That's kinda late for the sweeper trucks to be rumbling down the roads- especially when all the other streets are cleaned in the early morning or afternoon... but whatevs, maybe there are sweeper people who are night owls, like me!?!? The sign said it, so I believed it.

LIKE.A.CHUMP.

So Wednesday at 9:18 PM I leave my vegetables roasting in the oven (which is DELICIOUS, p.s. and totally my new jam) while I run out to my car to move it, like the good Samaritan I am.

AND I SEE THAT I'VE GOTTEN A TICKET.

Because apparently, as stated on the ticket, street cleaning was Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 11: 30 AM. AM. As in.... Wait... what DO AM and PM stand for?? No time to google, moving on...

"LIIIEEEESSSSS!" I cry out into the night.

But then I go look at the sign, and I see that it has VERY CAREFULLY been altered by some mischevious vandal with a laser printer, an exacto knife and clear packing tape. WTF???

Who would do this?? This isn't a prank you anxiously watch happen from your window or catch on video and put on YouTube. This is just mean... or pointless, I can't decide which. Either way, I'm the sucker.

In any case, I'm OBVIOUSLY contesting it. In DC there are two ways to contest it: by mail, or in person.

Guess which I'm going to do? That's right, in person.

Why? Because I can wear a smart outfit to help me win my case (and bring way too many pictures from the scene of the crime).

When you need to look smart and in control- remember to layer! Your outfit instantly looks more polished and thus you look more thoughtful...aka, smart!

What I will be wearing?

• Dark grey slacks with a nice crease down the front (to emphasize that I take care of my clothes and would NEVER park in a street sweeper spot intentionally, Your Honor)
• with a skinny black belt through the loops
• with a pretty blouse (it never hurts to look feminine) tucked in.
• I'll be bringing a blazer, but if I start sweating (nerves, you know?) I will take it off and drape it over my arm.
• A short, chunky beaded black necklace to tie in the belt and shoes
• which will be inch, inch and a half black heels, probably with gold accents,
• and gold studs in my ears.
• Hair pulled back (I know I know we women like to wear our hair down once we've put so much energy into blow drying etc. to it, but wearing it back makes you look more serious)
• and if I had glasses, I'd definitely go with glasses. smartSMARTYSMARTER!
  
• Black bag, though it could be a more fun color as long as the bag is structured- this is not the time for your new jewel tone hobo bag with fringe.
  

I'm going to be sweet, but serious. THE METICULOUS VANDALS DON'T STAND A CHANCE!!!!

I'll let you know how it goes.