Happy New Years!

Since you're all from different times zones I have no idea when midnight is there. Regardless. Happy New Years! Right now its the day time here and I just spent the last hour contemplating my New Years Resolutions. I don't want to put anything ridiculous, like loose weight( though I would love to), because those never get fulfilled. I want meaningful ones, that I will be motivated to complete. So without further ado:

1.) Save Money- This is probably the most important. I want to study abroad in London next spring, but as you all know the conversion rate between US dollars and there is ridiculous. Not to mention that I want to travel while I'm there.

2.) Spend more time with my family and friends- This one is typical, however I'm the type of person that gets to caught up in my work projects and I forget the amazing people I have in my life. I want to take time out in 2011 to be with them and show each and every one of them I appreciate them, even if its just something small.

3.) Apply myself more- I know what I want to do with my life and I love the things I am learning, but I need to get out there and learn more. Maybe I will read some books or follow a blog on PR. Just something to keep me more involved and knowledgeable in the business. Hopefully want to land an internship this year as well.

4.) Blog more- I've really enjoyed this past month interacting and getting to know all of you. Its been great sharing my style and life and getting to learn all about yours. Its something I really want to continue and grow in 2011.

all photos from weheartit

What about you, loves? What are your hopes and goals for 2011?

Holiday Loot!

Hi there! Its been awhile since I've posted, and I've missed it. I came down with the stomach flu the day after Christmas and have just gotten back on my feet. I always seem to get sick around the holidays. Despite that I had a really great holiday with my family and friends. I got some awesome gifts that I wanted to share with you all.

I got my new camera! Nothing special but I didn't have a working one before so it was rather difficult to take nice pictures. I also got a new hair straightener. I used to have one that curled as well as straightened and I missed it. I mentioned that I wanted one in passing and was super surprised and happy to see it under the tree. It curls perfectly, too! My aunt picked me up some adorable Kate Spade slippers when she was in NYC a few weekends ago as well!

Lastly, my amazing boyfriend got me a kindle and a few odds and ends. I'm an avid reader so this was a perfect gift for me and I absolutely love it! I also got an adorable pink case for it as well!

Hope you all had amazing holidays! Can't wait to sit and read through all your blog posts.

♥K

Merry Christmas!

picture courtesy of weheartit

Happy Holidays!

Hope you all have an amazing holiday! And if you don't celebrate have an amazing day off! Right now I'm making hideous, but made with love homemade cookies and listening to Christmas songs with the family. Hope you all spend some wonderful time with family and friends! Can't wait to see what you all get!

♥K

Prep You're Shoes for Winter

The first snow has fallen here in New England. Don't get me wrong, snow is beautiful. However, it tends to wreak havoc on the condition of my shoe collection with all the salt and moisture. I used to only wear one or two pairs of shoes that I knew were water proof for fear of ruining them. Last year I got fed up and went in search of ways to protect my shoes. I learned a few tips and tricks I'd like to share with you:

• Start with proper storage-

At the end of each season I take special care to properly clean and store my shoes that I won't be wearing in the upcoming season. I stuff the shoes with acid-free tissue paper then store them in air tight containers. This will prevent and misshaping, dust and discoloring during storage.

• Give the shoes some lovin'-

When you remove your shoes from storage you need to give them another proper cleaning for the upcoming season. This will ensure they are in perfect condition.For leather remove all dirt and give a proper scrub with a product designed for smooth leathers. I generally use saddle soap such as Kiwi Saddle Soap, but you can use any soap you find that is designed for such shoes. For my suede shoes I use a supply kit from Sports Authority but you can use any cleaners from drugstores such as CVS that specify treatment for suede shoes. You need to scrub off any scuffs and clean with the shampoo and brush. If you have designer shoes you feel uncomfortable cleaning yourself bring them to your local cobbler.

• Call in the big boys-

Sometimes there might be a problem with a loose heel or a worn down sole. This is when you need to bring your shoes to a cobbler. I myself used to put this off and hope I can get through the season and fix it at the end. Don't do it, because it causes irreversible damage to the shoes core that might make it impossible for a cobbler to fix later. I usually bring my shoes to a small cobbler in my hometown. He is local and does a really great job. Its nice to bring it to local businesses and cultivate a relationship since many times I've gotten a free shoe cleaning and shine with my repair.

• Limit wear in the outdoors-

Try limit the amount of time your shoes are exposed to the elements. Its hard when walking through the city but when you can pack your shoes in a bag and wear inexpensive flats or rain boots when trekking through the snow. I know this seems like a no-brainer but I've seen women plough through snow in four inch heels before!

Hopefully these help you care for your shoes this winter season! If you're going to invest your money in expensive shoes, its important to get the best out of it and take good care of them.

If you have any additional tips or comments I'd love to hear them!

Snake Skin Booties

I think I'm in love...

No really, though, these Jimmy Choo booties are gorgeous. The snake skin ribbing on the mesh makes these shoes perfect for a night out. I could see them paired with a black long sleeve mini dress or black trousers and a top. If the price tag weren't so steep you can bet these babies would be mine!

I've been looking for the perfect red shoe for forever. I have my trusty wine colored pumps, but I'm looking for something with more of a pop. I like my statement pieces to complete the outfit. I usually go for an all one color outfit and a splash over color with a shoe or bag.

What do you look for in a statement piece?

These are a Few of my Favorite Things.

I love the Holidays. Growing up, we would always decorate the tree after Thanksgiving dinner, marking the beginning of the holiday season. I've been singing carols for weeks now, and scurrying around stores searching for the perfect presents. I thought I would share with you some of my favorite things about the holidays.

When we decorate our tree its an all day affair. We drink hot cocoa and talk about the memories and meanings behind each ornament. Even the embarrassing homemade ones from 3rd grade.

Living in New England, snow is huge part of the holiday season. I'm not one for skiing or snowboarding, but I do love to build a snowman or two!

I love baking around the holiday season. I love the smells of peppermint and gingerbread wafting through the house. We have a giant party on Christmas Eve and I love to bake desert.

all photos from weheartit

I love giving and getting presents. I love spending the time to pick out presents that I know my family and friends will love. I also love the bustle of the mall around the holidays. Having to shove through crowds somehow makes it all the more exciting.

Whats your favorite part of the holiday season?

Skins

I first discovered Skins while reading through some blogs from the UK. I immediately fell in love with the show and watched the whole first season in one weekend. The characters are so down to earth and remind me of a few of my friends (minus a lot of the drug use).

My favorite character was always Effy even before she became the main focus. She sparked my interest in the first episode with her sneaking into the house stunt. The actress Kaya Scodelario has a very classic and beautiful face. They balance out her natural femininity by making her wardrobe edgy and rough. Its a combination of blacks and blues, rips and tears, and short skirts and long tops.

picture courtesy of e4.com

Its unusual that I am so drawn to Effy's wardrobe. I'm much more of a pencil skirt and pearls type of girl than a leather pants and ripped t-shirt. Anyways, I created a look that I think personifies Effy's style for the everyday girl. Its the right amount of edge while still remaining wearable. If Skins was popular in the States I would most definitely wear this for Halloween.

Soft Wool Side Top, $105
Tear It Up Legging, 40 AUD
TAO Boots, 975 EUR
Cats Necklace, 110 GBP
Paige Novick Knotted Chain Bracelet in Rhodium, $230
PSD Detail | Ink Splat | Official PSDs

There has been a lot of hype around Skins in the States lately because they are going to make an Americanized version. I'm not to anxious to see how it turns out. I don't think it can ever live up to my expectations after watching the British version.

If you watch Skins, how do you feel about the upcoming USA version of Skins?

It Happened One Night...

As of yesterday afternoon, Christmas break has officially begun for me! This means that I have so much time to do all the productive things I've meant to do all semester, such as clean out my closet and apply for internships.

But of course that's not what I'll actually do. Instead I spent a wonderful afternoon watching one of my favorite classic movies of all time.

I've always had a thing for old movies and TV. I didn't watch the Nickelodeon like most kids. My parents kept TVLand on 24/7. Instead of Wild Thornberries, I watched reruns of I Love Lucy. My mom and me used to sit down and watch classic movies together on Saturday mornings. They were some of my favorite memories about my childhood.

This movie gets me every time. It has the perfect balance of romance and comedy. I find myself swooning over Peter Warne (Clark Gable) almost as much as Ellie (Claudette Colbert). Its nice to be reminded that love can be found in the most ridiculous of situations.

I've also noticed that my love of old films has found its way into my wardrobe. I have always found myself gravitating towards items with a more vintage feel. My wardrobe is full of classic cuts with a little extra lace and pearls here and there.

The movie of course inspired me and so I came up with a cute Christmas party outfit with a classic style to it.

Kalanchoe Blooms Dress, $245

Atop the Turret Cardigan, $68

Belle Bonita Tights, $35

Charmed Life Heel, $119

Tory Burch Logo leather clutch, $350

Retrograde Braid Bracelet | Mod Retro Vintage Bracelets | ModCloth.com, $16

Do you find that your taste in clothing comes from certain aspects of your childhood?

It takes a Legend to make a Star

Christina, girl, what is going on with that hair?!?

images courtesy of neonlimelight.com

In fact what is going on with her style in general lately. I've been keeping track of her looks for her Burlesque tour and they just keep getting worse. Whoever is styling her, has picked choices that are washing out her natural beauty.When placed next to fresh faced Kristen Bell in the photo below its so obvious Christina is loosing some of her luster.

Christina has made herself over more times than I can count but thats what makes her successful. However, lately I think her looks have been falling a little flat. Maybe its the stress of a movie on top of handling her personal life. Remember when she used to be all Hollywood glamor? The red lips and retro curls really suited her curvy shape and sassy attitude. She is practically glowing in the photo below.

images courtesy of stylebistro

Hopefully she gets herself a new stylist and maybe a new makeup artist, because I miss the old Christina who could rock any look thrown at her.

I heard her movie was great though. Have any of you seen Burlesque yet?

How Short is Too Short?

After her appearance at the Met Gala this year there has been a lot of talk about Blake Lively's red carpet looks. While other starlets are donning bedazzled gowns, Lively is sporting sky high hems that are attracting a lot of attention. They have been posted on blogs all over the internet and magazine pages. Some say they're too short. Others say its not appropriate for the event attended.

images courtesy of blakelivelysource.com

Personally I think that she just knows what looks good on her body and goes with it. I think the Marchesa dress was fabulous and one of the most beautiful pieces worn to the Met Gala this year.
Believe me, if I had legs like that, you bet I would be showing them off!

What do you think? How short is too short?

Rainy Season

picture courtesy of wikifashion This picture perfectly captures my despair over the continuous rain that is pouring over my neighborhood. Except I don't look quite as fabulous in my ducky rain boots and humidity induced frizzhair. I've never been able to look composed on a rainy day. I always end up with mascara running down my face, clothes soaked through and hair looking like a bird could nest in it.I aspire to look that cute during the rainy season in spring of next year.Maybe Gemma could give me some pointers.Perhaps the first step is to ditch the ducky rain boots?

Why? Oh, Why??

I love Chloe Sevigny. Her fashion is always classic with an urban edge. Her wardrobe is pretty much what aspire too. Because of this, I patiently await her arrival on every red carpet just to see what she is wearing. Usually I am impressed and left desperately wanting everything she was wearing. That being said, I'm disappointed by her choice of dress for the Golden Globes.

Honestly, what was she thinking??

image courtesy of fabsugar.com

The color and cut of the dress do not flatter her at all. The color washes her out and the cut adds about 15 pounds to her midsection.

How do you feel about this gown choice?

Lip Saver!

Every girl has that product that they absolutley can't live without. I have a few myself: my blowdryer and straightener are my bestfriends (after my shoes), I have worn the same perfume since I was twelve, and I wouldn't dream of changing my skin care routine.

Picture from crabtree-evelyn.com
One winter time essential is a good lip balm. Normal lip glosses don't do anything for my dry, cracked lips. I've never been one to enjoy slathering Vaseline on my lips, so I had to find another alternative. My dry lips rejoiced the say I found Crabetree & Evelyn's Jojoba Oil lip balm.
I stubbled upon this product by a complete accident. I borrowed out of a friends bag and I've been using it ever since. Its naturally moist without that shine. Its a natural texture and lasts all day. The smell is nothing to write home about, but it really works.

Buy it here for $3.50

Under the Sea

I'm sorry I haven't been updating much. I've been struck by the inspiration bug and have barely lifted my nose out of my sketch book. I think some of the things I have come up with are pretty good, which is new, usually I think my work is crap.
Jill Greenberg's photo collection called Underwater has been a huge inspiration to me. Aren't they beautiful? I love the movement.

View her other photographs here.

What inspires you?

Spring 2010 Best of: Pumps

Earlier, I decided I would share with you, lovely readers, my top picks for the Spring 2010 shoes. I had to put this on hold because of the holidays but now its time to finish it up! I have shown you my favorite boots and flats for the season and today is pumps.

The range of different styles this season is crazy. There were girly pinks and patent leather next to studs and snakeskin. Yet each shoe was so unique and beautiful.

Stuart Weitzman- Python Printed Studs Open Toe Pumps
I love the mix of different textures on this shoe. The snakeskin with the studs should have been too much but somehow looks just right. I'm right on board for the whole platform trend this season. I'm super short, so the more height the better. This heel looks manageable while still avoiding chunky.

Lanvin-Patent and Suede Pumps

The structure of this shoe was what drew me in. I love the swooping motion of the sides and the color is so vibrant and exotic. For some reason I picture wearing these on some seaside vacation.

Giuseppe Zanotti-Patent Leather with Rubber Platform Pump
I love the simplicity that these shoes offer. The color is classic while the shape is modern and updated. I love the idea of the rubber platform and I think these are the perfect replacement for your basic nude pumps.

Fendi-Lycra and Plexi Peep Toe Pumps

These were my favorite from the bunch. Like I mentioned before I am a huge fan of the platform trend and I have always loved clear details. I'm also in love with the clever placement of the Fendi logo on the back of the plexi platform. I think its an unusual shoe but very forward and when worn right could be very beautiful.

View the rest of the Best of 2010:

Boots
Flats

Saddle up!

So I've mentioned before that I have been searching for the perfect pair of cowboy boots. I'm not sure why I want them but I feel I need them to complete my shoe collection. Petty excuse to buy more shoes? Yes, most likely, but what the hell!

At first I thought a pair of Frye boots would be my best bet but I never found a pair that I felt were my style. I searched high and low and had pretty much given up my search when I saw these Jeffery Campbell on shopbop. They are the perfect pair for my style. The gray color will ensure they I can match them with most of my wardrobe, and not ruin them in the muddy weather that is so abundant here. I'm expecting them in the mail any day now!!

Buy them at Shopbop.com