Summer Inspiration: The Notebook

It might be because I've been watching so much True Blood and Mad Men, and it might be because I really do love The Notebook, but for some reason I've fixated on the '40s/'50s South as my summer inspiration.  (True Blood = South, Mad Men = '50s, see, it makes sense).  It has all the trappings of regular '40s style, the little sweaters, the fit-and-flare cuts, etc, but since it's the South you get lighter fabrics, slightly skimpier cuts, and a ton of kitschy floral patterns.  Here's some pictorial inspiration:

I'm basing this look around a dress because I feel like the sundress is pretty much the perfect thing for summer, and also totally representative of The Notebook (and True Blood, come to think of it).  

Going to San Francisco Dress, $47.99 at modcloth.com, Felicity Frock, $52.99 at modcloth.com, You Were Mint for Me Dress, $49.99 at modcloth.com: Modcloth is so great for all things retro-themed.  I picked these three dresses because they represent three different takes on the same look.  The first floral dress is the girlier of the day dresses, with the combination of the floral print, the purple hue, and the tiny ruffles.  It's definitely the kitschiest, but also the sweetest option.  The second dress is a more versatile, neutral take on the day look.  It's hard to see the print, but it's a really, really small floral print.  It almost has a pioneer dress sort of feel, but the halter neckline and fit-and-flare cut keep it in the theme.  This is a great option for a look that's not so stereotypically girly.  The last dress is the most evening appropriate, and basically the cutest thing ever.  The print is very, very retro, especially with the mint background to the print, but the bustier cut of the bodice makes it just a little more modern.

J. Crew Slim Braided Belt, $29.50 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Featherweight Cotton Bling-button Cardigan, $62 at jcrew.com, Paloma Barcelo Amaya Wedge Sandals, $295 at net-a-porter.com: I'd pair all three of these dresses with this menswear belt.  It would give just the right amount of weight and visual contrast to those extremely girly dresses, and the texture of the belt adds a nice bit of visual contrast.  I'd throw on this J. Crew cardigan over the dresses.  The off-white won't clash with any of the prints, and the cropped sleeves and fitted body are very '40s appropriate.  Light sweaters like this are great for the summer because they're an easy way to layer and fit perfectly into your purse if the weather heats up.  I like wedges with this outfit because they really do have a retro summer vibe, and they're so much more practical than heels for whatever running around you may be doing.  The woven texture contrasts with the primness of the floral prints, and the berry hue of the leather ties into the warm tones in the floral prints.

OPI for Sephora Polish in Cover Me in Petals, $9 at sephora.com, NARS Multiple in Lamu, $38 at sephora.com, Smashbox Eyelights Palette in Smokebox, $34 at sephora.com: This red-orange-coral (they should really come up with a new word for that) polish just feels so retro summertime to me.  It's cheerful, it's flattering, it looks great with a tan, and it's a great pop of color against the muted color palettes of these dresses.  Plus, since it's OPI, you know it's good.  As for makeup, since it's summer and hot/humid, I like to keep makeup relatively simple.  Aside from basic foundation and coverage, I'd go for this NARS multiple in Lamu to add a hint of bronzy shimmer.  I swatched it in Sephora a few days ago and OMG, it's gorgeous.  It's a warmed up apricot hue with a ton of gold shimmer that would look totally natural as a bronzer even on my ridiculously pale skin, and the shimmer stands in for a highlighter.  For eyes, I'd do something really straightforward, just a hint of the ivory from this palette in the inner corners and on the browbone, a wash of the taupe across the lid, and a bit of the black smudged into the lashline for definition. 

Image Sources:
Notebook pics in order: filmonair.com, farm1.static.flickr.com, ewpopwatch.files.wordpress.com, San Francisco dress: modcloth.com, Felicity frock: modcloth.com, Mint dress: modcloth.com, J. Crew belt: jcrew.com, J. Crew cardigan: jcrew.com, Paloma Barcelo wedges: net-a-porter.com, OPI polish: hausofpolish.wordpress.com, NARS multiple: sephora.com, Smashbox palette: sephora.com.

My New Fav Iron Guard + Lush Cravings

I've officially spent my fifth day in a row baking.  Today it was an amazing coffee cake, and if someone doesn't hire me soon, I'm going to spend the entire summer making me and the rest of my family extremely fat.  Happy, but fat.

The Sartorialist pic, Heather Morris from Glee: I absolutely love the combination of patterns going on in this Sartorialist pic.  The floral leggings against the bold stripes of the shirt--it's the perfect way to mix prints, choosing one bold and one softer print in a similar color palette.  On a totally unrelated note, how cute is this cat eye liner on Heather Morris from Glee?  I love how she kept the inner corners bare and then winged out her liner so far on the outer edges.  You get all the drama but the eye isn't as hard and closed off.

Roberto Cavalli Serpent Ring, $265 at net-a-porter.com, Juicy Couture Pointelle Cotton-blend Night Dress, $85 at net-a-porter.com: I have a freakish phobia of snakes in real life, but for some reason I find snakes incorporated into jewelry really intriguing.  This is yet another example of creepy animals made into really cute accessories.  The snake gives the ring a sensuous, undulating shape, the scales add a really interesting texture, and the high sheen of the eyes give it that extra bit of visual interest.  Now, I know this sounds random, but I have a weird personal obsession with cute nighties.  I sort of collect them.  I just really like feeling cute while I'm sleeping, and I've watched enough Gilmore Girls/Gossip Girl episodes to know that at some point in your life a whole bunch of people will run into your room while you're sleeping and you'd better look cute when that time comes (not sure that made sense, but go with me here).  The black and white lacy trim on this nightie give it a hint of French maid, but the pale pink and flouncy detailing take it from tacky to elegant and just slightly cheeky.  I could totally lounge around the house in this and an oversized cardigan all day.

Got 2b Guardian Angel 425 F Hear Protect 'n Flatten Flat Iron Balm + Gloss Finish, $5.99 at drugstore.com: I can't believe I haven't reviewed this yet, since I've almost used up the entire bottle.  I got it on a two for one sale at CVS, and picked it up because I've never really fallen in long with any of my previous iron guards, so I keep picking up new ones.  This might be the first one that I repurchase.  The bottle looks kind of dumb and tacky, but it smells AMAZING.  This spray plus my coconut conditioner makes my hair smell like cookies.  In a good way, not a weird way.  On top of that, it makes my hair really soft, completely protects it from burning or drying out, and keeps my hair straight and shiny.  I'm absolutely in love with it.


All Lush: Sultana of Soap, $5.95 at lushusa.com, Big Shampoo, $22.95 at lushusa.com, Soft Couer (The Honeymooner) Massage Bar, $8.95 at lushusa.com: For some sick reason, I keep watching Lush haul videos on YouTube.  I've never actually gotten anything from Lush because every time I went in the store I would get overwhelmed by the smell and confused by all the products and I'd leave empty-handed.  But now I have a mission.  I want these three things: the Sultana of Soap, the Big Shampoo, and the Honeymooner massage bar.  The Sultana of Soap is a rich, creamy soap with bits of dried fruit thrown in for exfoliation (and supposedly it smells amazing).  The Big Shampoo is supposed to give body to fine hair (and while I don't have fine hair, I need me some body), and is full of sea salt and citrus juices.  The citrus adds shine and the salt adds texture and volume, just like ocean water does.  I'm intrigued by the idea of massage bars because they sound like the perfect alternative to lotions that can leak and get all over everything.  You just rub the bar between your hands and then use that to moisturize your body.  The Honeymooner has cocoa and honey, which sounds like the most lovely combination of scents ever.

Image Sources:
Heather Morris: glamour.com, The Sartorialist pic: thesartorialist.blogspot.com, Roberto Cavalli ring: net-a-porter.com, Juicy Couture slip: net-a-porter.com, Got 2b spray: drugstore.com, Sultana of Soap: lushusa.com, Big shampoo: lushusa.com, Massage bar: lushusa.com.

Venomous Villains!

It's officially colder in Los Angeles today than it is in Boston for the second day in a row.  Really, weather, REALLY?  Forgive me if I sound bitter, I'm just so pale at this point that I literally glow in the dark.  Gah.

Anyways, on to the usual randomness.

Naomi Watts, Vampire Diaries cast: More lovely photos from Cannes, namely Naomi Watts in one of her trademark off-white column gowns with Art Deco detailing.  She does wear the same type of dress over and over and over, but it definitely works for her.  The cut is insanely flattering, the detailing highlights her figure but doesn't distract from her lovely face, and that ivory hue is just right for her skin tone.  Nina Dobrev went a totally different route for a different red carpet event, but it still works.  The black and white is so graphic, which is why it's perfect for a mini dress, and the way she matches the lipstick and the heels adds the perfect pop of color without competing with the stark black/white print.



Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream Eyeshadow, $22 at sephora.com, Gemma Arterton: I've been meaning to branch out into MUFE for a while now.  I actually swatched one of their champagne liners a few days ago at Sephora, and when I tried to take it off with remover it literally didn't budge.  That stuff is hardcore.  I'm thinking that their cream shadows will be similarly intense and pigmented, plus they come in a wide range of great shades like silver, plum, and taupe.  Speaking of great eyeshadow, Gemma Arterton is ROCKING a pale green shadow at the Prince of Persia premiere.  It's really subtle, but it's so unexpected and totally makes her eyes pop, especially when contrasted against the red tones of her lip.  Plus the green ties in with the detailing on her dress really nicely.  This makes me want to break out my Greensmoke shadow again!  My roommate would be so thrilled.  She's the only person I've met that owns a pastel green eyeshadow, which I sort of forbid her from wearing in public.  Sorry Katie!

All Frye: Dara Campus Stitch Heels, $188 at fryeboots.com, Rosy Honeycomb Sandals, $248 at fryeboots.com, Catrin Trapunto Heels, $218 at fryeboots.com: Oh, Frye.  Why do you keep doing this to me?  Just when I write them off (until I am less broke, that is) because I already own my staple pair of boots, they keep churning out amazing heels.  I love the way that they juxtapose crafty, girly details against the strong, sensible lines of the shoes.  They just look so sturdy and well-made, which usually translates into comfortable.  The Campus heels are great for daytime, the Catrin heels would be adorable for work or dinner out, and the wedges would add the perfect amount of edge to any little sundress.

I can't even put into words how excited I am for the MAC Venomous Villains collection that drops in September.  I mean, it's themed around four different Disney villains.  From the promo clip here I'm thinking the evil guy from Princess and the Frog, Ursula, the evil queen from Snow White, and someone else that I can't figure out.  I think from the packaging alone this collection will totally be worth stockpiling.

Image Sources:
MAC Venomous Villians pic: temptalia.com, Gemma Arterton: glamour.com, MUFE shadow: sephora.com, Naomi Watts: gofugyourself.com, Vampire Diaries cast: gofugyourself.com, Frye heels: fryeboots.com, fryeboots.com, fryeboots.com,

Resort 2010

First weekday back in SoCal, and it's been gloomy and overcast all day.  It's warmer back in Boston than it is in LA right now.  Oh, the sick irony.  That means that I spend tomorrow traipsing around in the rain looking for jobs again (someone, please hire me.  Anybody!  Really!) and probably spending more time shopping than job hunting, so I'll let you guys know how that goes.

Chanel Resort 2010: On a happier note, photos from the Resort collections have trickled into Style.com.  These are my two favorite looks from the Chanel Resort colleciton.  In this first look, I love how the white/pale pink/black from the boucle print have been reinterpreted into those geometrically patterned stripes.  It's a modern take on a Chanel classic, and it really is timeless.  As for this second dress, who doesn't want to float around St. Tropez barefoot wearing that?  Answer: people without souls, that's who.  It's pure, romantic loveliness.

Dior Resort 2010: Dior's Resort collection was less beachy relaxation and more "essence of Dior" in less than 60 looks.  Lots of aristocratic French chic with a little Marie Antoinette and a little Barbie thrown in for good measure.  This first dress just seems so inherently French to me (it has to be the stripes and the little bow), the cut is so flattering, and it's the sort of piece that you could transition really easy between seasons.  I think this gown would look stunning on the red carpet.  It's an unusual hue, but the cut is so classic and chic that it still works.

All J. Crew: Torque Moto Cardigan, $118 at jcrew.com, Anchor Ball Necklace, $65 at jcrew.com, Embroidered Ikat Pencil Skirt, $128 at jcrew.com: Oh, J. Crew, why do you do this to me?  Just as I go on a spending freeze (that will hopefully not be lifted until I actually get a summer job), you go and come out with a motorcycle-inspired sweater, and a tassel necklace, and an ikat pencil skirt.  I die for motorcycle sweaters.  They have all the edge of moto jackets, but all the coziness of your favorite sweater, and that gold hardware contrasts so perfectly with the navy hue of the sweater.  I'm always a sucker for tassel necklaces, and when you add a giant crystal bead into the mix, it goes to a whole new level of glam, boho-chic that would work equally well at the office and at a weekend brunch.  Ikat is one of my favorite patterns, and pencil skirts are one of my favorite pieces, so together they just equal LOVE, especially since the ikat print is all pixellated and broken up, which makes it unexpectedly modern.

Kate Beckinsale in Gucci Premiere, Camilla Belle in Gucci: It seems like Gucci is the label of choice at Cannes this year, and I'm starting to understand why.  I love the irony of Kate Beckinsale's gown (she's wrapped up like a present, haha), and that despite that irony it's still an elegant, flattering dress that manages to be both sweet and modern at the same time.  Camilla Belle hits it out of the part--when does she not?--in this sequined mini dress.  I like that she keep her accessories simple and monochromatic to really let the sequins shine.  She just looks so fresh and yet so glamourous at the same time.  A+


Nordstrom 'Eyelash' Cashmere Wrap, $78 at nordstrom.com, Tarnish Floral Scarf, $48 at nordstrom.com: I stopped by my local Nordstroms today, and while meandering around the first floor, I realized something.  Nordstrom's has really cute accessories.  Like really, really cute accessories.  There were tons of Gossip Girl headbands, skinny menswear-ish belts, and fantastic, colorfully printed scarves.  Two of my favorites were the Eyelash scarf, which is a really lightweight, 100% cashmere scarf that comes in fun colors, and these Tarnish floral scarves.  The Eyelash scarf is one of those totally practical staple pieces that you reach for again and again, and the floral print on these Tarnish scarves is just so CUTE.  I love that it's not the typical floral, that it has a sketchy, almost aggressive quality to it that's somewhat refreshing. 

Image Sources:
J. Crew: sweater: jcrew.com, skirt: jcrew.com, necklace: jcrew.com, Chanel resort: style.com, Dior resort: style.com, Cannes photos: glamour.com, Nordstrom cashmere scarf: nordstrom.com, Tarnish scarf: nordstrom.com.

California!!!!

I'm home!  I've come to the conclusion that I really dislike the act of traveling.  It's so stressful!  Once I get somewhere I'm fine, but having to get my stuff to storage and then get myself to the airport and onto the plane and home kind of makes me break out in a nervous sweat.  So of course the first thing I did today was bake a giant plate of stress brownies (actually two plates. hehe).   The recipe I used was for Pumpkin-Swirl Brownies from Smitten Kitchen, and I have mixed feelings about it.  It's pretty easy to follow, but the pumpkin half of the batter and the chocolate half have totally different consistencies.  The pumpkin is rich and creamy and smooth, and the chocolate is dry.  Like VERY dry.  I'd add about a cup of milk to the chocolate part of the batter, maybe even more.  But don't they look lovely?

Dolce Vita Niko Tubular Wedge Sandals, $186 at shopbop.com, Joie Mazira Dress, $248 at shopbop.com: These shoes belong on my feet.  Giant wedges with tribal-bondage straps?  They might as well have Megan written across the soles.  I would totally wear them with this Joie dress.  The retro fit-and-flare cut is the perfect contrast to the busy, geometric print, and the bra-strap-esque cutout in the back adds just a hint of edge.

Kate Beckinsale, Cate Blanchett, Eva Longoria, Salma Hayek: Cannes is always an interesting red carpet.  I feel like at the Met Gala and here are where celebs really go crazy with the gowns.  Just look at the skirt on Kate Beckinsale's dress.  That deserves it's own photo call, no?  Although I think she looks fab, doesn't this look remind you of everything else she wears?  Either she's got that formula down to a T (teased up-do, pouffy princessy dress) or girlfriend's stylist is stuck in a rut.  I applaud Cate Blanchett for wearing this McQueen dress.  It's certainly bold, but I think she pulls it off gracefully.  The fact that she's so understated and eternally elegant gives her the ability to wear crazy gowns without actually looking crazy.  Not sure why Eva Longoria's at Cannes, but that is one large dress.  I think the square layers of fabric on the skirt can work (see Kate Beckinsale's skirt) but instead of looking like a deconstructed fairytale, here the heavy fabric makes it look like the curtains at a modern, minimalist brothel.  On the other hand, Salma Hayek looks simply stunning.  The color of that Gucci gown works perfectly on her, it fits like a glove, and it's sexy without being too over the top.  It's actually rather lovely and understated for Gucci.  Love the subtle sheerness at the neckline.

MAC Refined Golden Bronzer, Bronze Body Oil, Beach Bronze Cream Bronzer, all from the To The Beach Collection: After looking at all the products from MAC's To The Beach collection, I'm shocked to say that all the things I want are bronzers.  I'm torn between the cream and the powder bream, since they seem to pretty much be the exact same color, a tawny bronze with subtle gold shimmer, and then the body oil for the rest of me.  It sounds tacky, but it adds just a hint of warm shimmer and a golden hue to the skin that's really summery and quite lovely.

PS: I'm thinking of adding a video component to the blog, maybe doing some vlogs about outfits, some video makeup reviews, stuff like that.  Thoughts?

Image Sources:
Dolce Vita wedges: shopbop.com, Joie dress: shopbop.com, Cannes photos except Salma Hayek: glamour.com, Salma Hayek: jezebel.com, MAC: Refined golden bronzer: temptalia.com, body oil: temptalia.com, cream bronzer: temptalia.com.

Remember Now

Another short post today, guys.  I hate not being able to have enough time to actually blog. :( But Biological Anthropology kicked my butt today.  Literally.  Gah.

Duri Nail Polish in Celebrity Scandal: This nail polish is so shiny!  SO SHINY!  I want it.  I've secretly liked metallic polishes for a while now, and this one is the perfect shade of silver.  It's almost reflective.  You could see yourself in those nails!  Can you tell that I'm excited?


Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake: So my newest obsession is this totally fab blog called Smitten Kitchen, which is basically this adorable girl baking amazing things and then blogging about them with great pics and an awesome sense of humor.  I've basically planned out my entire summer around things from this blog that I want to bake.  Like Bourbon Pumpkin Cheesecake.  Pumpkin + Cheesecake = OMGOMGOMG my taste buds just died and went to heaven.

Corn Bread Salad: This sounds like the best summer salad ever!  Cornbread and lime and tomatoes...I'm drooling as we speak.



















Apple Pancakes: I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but breakfast is hands down my favorite meal of the day.  If it resembles a waffle, omelet, or french toast I WILL eat it.  Pancakes, on the other hand, I have yet to be sold on.  I honestly find them a little boring.  But I recently had some mango-stuffed pancakes that literally blew my mind, and apple-stuffed pancakes pretty much sound like the best thing ever.


















Amanda Seyfried: To add to my ongoing obsession with side braids, here's Amanda Seyfried totally rocking one with some hardcore black liner at the premiere of Letters to Juliet.  Which I'm only a little ashamed to admit that I really want to see.



Last but not least, here's the latest installment in Karl Lagerfeld's cruise collection films.  It's basically a 17 minute St. Tropez dance party with a ton of Chanel, AKA heave


Image Sources:
Bourbon cheesecake: smittenkitchen.com, cornbread salad: smittenkitchen.com, apple pancakes: smittenkitchen.com, Amanda Seyfried: glamour.com, Duri nail polish: temptalia.com, Chanel video: nymag.com.