Trends I'm Loving!

Fall 2010 trends I'm loving right now: knee high boots, slouchy sweaters, black leather, black-white-gray-neutral tones, and big comfy scarves. See on the following celebrities, and keep your eyes out for much more to come!

Ashley Greene- neutral tones, slouchy sweater, boots

Jessica Alba- Neutral tones, lack leather shoes/bag, scarf

Emmy Rossum- Neutral tones, boots

Hilary Duff- Neutral tones, boots, big scarf, black leather jacket

Hilary Duff- Neutral tones, black leather

Natalie Portman- Neutral tones, slouchy sweater [dress]

Hilary Duff- Neutral tones, slouchy sweater, black leather pants, big scarf

Jessica Alba- Black leather jacket, big scarf

Mila Kunis- Neutral tones, black leather skirt

Katie Holmes- Neutral tones, leather bag

Jennifer Garner- Neutral tones

Jessica Alba- Neutral tones, black leather shoes/bag, slouchy sweather

Jennifer Aniston- Neutral tones, black leather jacket

No Really.. They're Serious.

Is everyone here familiar with those little games you can waste your day with on Facebook? Even if you haven't played them, you've heard of them: Farmville, Mafia Wars, Cafe World..

Well here's a new one you're not going to believe. It's called "It Girl".

You start out by picking the girl's skin color, hair color and style, makeup, and facial features. To change these at any time, you can go to the salon: where you can tan and get your makeup or hair done. (See pic below).

The main point of the game is to have the "hottest" outfit, and win "show-downs" against other girls. A show-down is a fashion-off, and is done at parties and on the street. You shop at all the stores, which takes energy. Need more? Stop at the coffee shop for a latte, and continue on your way!

Each item of clothing has a certain number of points. Mix together the max amount of points, and you can beat girls in the show-downs. (This is why you must shop all day!) To become the "It Girl", you must win the most show downs and have the biggest "clique". (Your clique will include any of your Facebook friends who also have the application).

When you win a showdown, you get points and more money for shopping. Points allow you to level up, which unlocks higher-end stores and cooler parties.

Other characters in the game talk to each other. A few examples of their phrases/convos include:

"You're rocking the trends!"

"Just wanted to say, you have great style."

"Shopping for tonight's party, it's going to be epic!"

"Oh my gosh, I love your hair! Where did you get it done?"

"Nice shoes!" "Aww, thank you!"

"Find an outfit for the party tonight?" "Yes, it's so hot."

Okay.. seriously. Let's sum up this game one more time. Shopping, coffee, fashion show-downs, cliques, and parties. Oh, and you can check out the newsstands for the latest gossip for extra points too.

This has got to be the most shallow thing I've ever seen! And I'll deny saying this if asked, but I actually don't mind it that much.. its what my own life is usually revolving around anyway. Minus the fashion show-downs of course. (Those are just in my head).

Check it out for yourself!

Why Makeup Makes You Prettier

Gettysburg College Psychology Professor Richard Russell found that the what makes us perceive a face as "feminine" or "masculine" has a lot to to with the contrast of the face. Women, it seems, have a higher contrast between our eyes, lips, and surrounding skin than men do.

For example, regardless of race, female skin is known to be lighter than male skin. However, the eyes and lips aren't lighter or darker in either gender.. therefore making the woman's lips and eyes to stand out more- having more contrast. A masculine face usually has lips and eyes that blend in more to the color of the face.

Professor Russell learned that faces can be "manipulated" to appear more female by increasing facial contrast, or more male by decreasing facial contrast.

"'Though people are not consciously aware of the sex difference in contrast, they unconsciously use contrast as a cue to tell what sex a face is,' Russell said. 'We also use the amount of contrast in a face to judge how masculine or feminine the face is, which is related to how attractive we think it is.'

Given this sex difference in contrast, Russell found a connection between the application of cosmetics and how it consistently increases facial contrast. Female faces wearing cosmetics have greater facial contrast than the same faces not wearing cosmetics. Russell noted that female facial beauty has been closely linked to sex differences, with femininity considered attractive. His results suggest that cosmetics may function in part by exaggerating a sexually dimorphic attribute to make the face appear more feminine and attractive."

In the black and white photo above, you see two faces. The one on the left appears female, and the one one the right appears male. Looking closely though, you see that every feature is identical. Same eyes, same mouth, same nose. The only difference is the contrast of the features.

Using this knowledge, you can see that there are definitely correct and incorrect ways of using makeup to your advantage, ladies. (And gents!) Pastel lips and lots of foundation all over your face might cover up some unwanted blemishes or match your outfit, but it does the opposite of what you'd want it to. Makeup at a minimum always gives the illusion of natural beauty- but use those beauty products to your advantage. Enhance what you've got, and you'll be the most attractive you possible!

Quotes excerpted from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020153100.htm

I'm Loving... Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment

So! I finally got around to watching Sex & The City 2 this past week. I'd heard a lot of mixed reviews- and the overall consensus was that it was good, just not as good as the first movie was. Well, I liked it. I'm just in love with anything Sex & The City anyway, so maybe I'm biased. :)

That said, it made me want to watch the first one again (and again). I found myself once again inspired by all the great fashions, and even more so, the decor!

My favorites: the wall decor- the photos above Carrie's bed in the new apartment, the fantastic couches, and the magazine and book caddies above the television. So cool!


Check out my in-depth tour of Carrie and Big's new apartment in Sex & the City 2 here!

Entertaining.. Sophisticated-Like

Statistics show that the more fulfilling lives are ones centered around relationships, events, and socializing. No wonder we all feel an itch for popularity, eh? The more friends, the more you can accomplish!

Couples (and individuals) are shown to be happier and more satisfied with their lives when money is spent on trips, concerts, outings, food and drinks- instead of fancy cars, designer shoes, or the latest in technology. Less materialism, more.. experiencing.

One of my favorite ways to incorporate this in my own life is entertaining. It's cheap, it's fun, and you can increase your social network quite easily over time.

While the typical college kid's version of this is throwing a really jammin' keggar on Friday night, I prefer to keep beer pong out of my venue.

With that said, I've developed some experience in throwing some pretty awesome dinner parties on a budget, and I've decided to share with you my Guide to Throwing the Best Wine-and-Cheese Party:

The Wines

Depending on the age, the type, and the make of the wines, many on this next list can be paired with all varieties of cheese. This guide is just kind of the standard, so be sure you can't go wrong. But don't be afraid to experiment!

Soft Cheese: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Champagne, Cabernet, White Zinfandel, Vidal, Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Chianti, Sancerre

Hard Cheese: Bardolino, Tawny Port, Madeira, Sherry, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, Côtes du Rhône, Rioja, Cabernet, Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino, Ribera del Duero, Chardonnay, Chianti Riserva, Beaujolais, Dark Beer, Sangria, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir

Semi-Soft Cheese: Chardonnay, Champagne, Riesling, Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara, Bordeaux, Rioja, Fleurie, Beaujolais, Chinon, Bourgueil

Semi-Hard Cheese: Chardonnay, Champagne, Riesling, Cabernet, Sancerre, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chianti Riserva, Barolo, Tawny Port

The Cheeses

As with wine, cheese has all sorts of variation. At my local grocery store alone, there are 4 different types and mixes of feta. I haven't tried them all, but the different flavorings can be paired better with a different wine than standard feta. Again, feel free to mix it up and find what you like best.

Soft Cheese: Blue Castello, Boursin, Brie, Bucheron, buffalo mozzarella, Camembert, feta, goat cheese, Gorgonzola, Limburger, Mascarpone, Muenster, Neufchatel, Pave Affinois, Teleme

Hard Cheese: Asiago, Blue, Derby, Edam, Emmentaler, Grana Padano, Gruyere, Jarlsberg, Manchego, Parmigiano, Pecorino Romano, Raclette, Reggiano, Swiss, Wensleydale, Zamarano

Semi-Soft Cheese: Bel Paese, Baby Swiss, Colby, Fontina, Havarti, Kasseri, Madrigal Baby Swiss, Morbier, Port Salut

Semi-Hard Cheese: Cheddar, Chesire, Cotija, Danish Blue, Double Gloucester, Gouda, Graddost, Panela, Provolone, Roquefort, Sonoma Jack, Stilton

More Great Vino-Friendly Pairings

Dark chocolate: best kind of chocolate to work with wines. Goes great with reds.

Crackers: water crackers have neutral flavor for in between wines, otherwise find a variety of good ones to lay out near the cheeses.

Nuts: walnuts are a wonderful complement to many cheeses, almonds are rich and salty yet not overpowering, good for cutting through the creamier cheeses. Other good ones to try are hazelnuts and brazil nuts.

Fruit: Strawberries and peaches go well with lighter, sweeter wines. Also include plums, pears, grapes, or apples.

Look Like A Pro

How to taste your wine:

1. See. Hold your glass by the stem at a 45-degree angle so it catches the light. It’s really about appreciating what you’re going to sip.

2. Swirl. Hold the base of the stem between your first two fingers and move it around (slowly!) in a small, circular motion to aerate the wine and unlock its aromas.

3. Smell. Stick your nose way into the glass (no, it won’t get stuck) and deeply inhale. This ritual triggers your taste buds.

4. Sip. Take a nice-sized sip and let the wine touch all parts of your mouth, rolling over your tongue and hitting the sides to really get the flavor.

A few terms to define the wine and flavors:

• Acidic. The tart (or over-the-top sour) quality that wine gives off naturally.

• Tannic. Tannins create a dry, puckery, astringent sensation in your mouth.

• Body. A full-bodied wine feels heavy (the way whole milk feels thicker than skim).

• Dry. A wine is called dry if it’s not sweet. Most table wines are considered dry.

For More Ideas

A fantastic go-to that I've found when you're looking for pairings. The Wisconsin Cheese Cupid pairs your wine or cheese to its "perfect mate" with just a few clicks. I love it!

Last but Not Least!

Invite some friends. Good themes I've used- having everyone bring their own bottle, or have everyone bring another friend that you might not know. Be creative, and have fun with it. Cheers to a more fulfilling life that is sure to be yours!

The Ex. What kinds do you have? What kind are YOU?

We all have an ex. There's the first ex, the crazy ex, the 'one that got away'. There are all sorts of labels we carry for these people to describe what they were to us, or what they are to us now.

They're great for stories about the past, but what if they come back to the present?

My husband has what we affectionately call his "crazy ex girlfriend". Now, to spare you the details of their relationship, they were a very dysfunctional couple, and broke up more than once or twice. After the final breakup, this girl would not leave him alone. On his end, she was crazy. But did she think she was?

How do we draw the line from taking a chance so you're never left to wonder, to harassing someone who doesn't want to hear from you anymore? I suppose it's up to interpretation of both people, but don't make the same mistake as she did. She thought she was texting her ex "one more time" in some romantical hope that it might be the one text that made the difference.

Jezebel.com posted a brilliant article to draw people out of their love-sickness and back into reality. And if you're anything like me, you'll enjoy their frankness in warning us just how crazy we might end up looking.

Check it out by clicking here.

I see a trend coming...

3-D Flower Appliques

If you're a mid-west girl like I am, it'll be 6 months before this trend actually starts popping up enough to be noticable. Be a trend-setter and be the first to jump on the band wagon!

I'm seeing this from Erdem, Miu Miu, and Valentino, to name a few. This means it won't be long until your nearest Wet Seal or Express starts coming up with some copies. (I've even seen some at Target!) Look for it on shirts, dresses, headbands, necklaces, purses, anything!