Style Inspiration: Alice Dellal

Who knew that us 5'5" girls could be models too?

For that reason alone, I feel kinship with Alice Dellal. OK, so I know she's totally 2008 and I'm not always crazy about her messy grunge outfits. But I adore her use of a leather jacket. And that hair!

Plus, unlike some models, we get smiles! It's nice to see you too, Alice.

Fallen Princesses

Clever...http://www.jpgmag.com/stories/11918

Piercing Post #2

One of my more popular posts outlined my inter-debate over getting a septum piercing. That idea is still on hold, but in the meantime I've come up with a few other options to get my body mod fix. Currently I'm considering either the industrial or tragus ear piercings...
In case your not familiar, the tragus is that little nub of cartilage partly covering your ear canal. My only concern is that my tragus is pretty small, so it might just look like I have a painful piercing coming out of the side of my face! I'd love to put a little ring in it though, instead of a stud like Rihanna's. One concern I have is that the pierced tragus is getting pretty ubiquitous on my college campus. It's like the new upper cartilage piercing or nose ring.

The industrial is a little less "pretty", but that could be what I need since my overall look is fairly conservative Midwest right now. I've heard this one hurts like heck, which doesn't bother me, except it means I should probably hold off until after midterms...my head is already throbbing!

Prom Dress of the Day #1

Hey y'all. Sorry for the long hiatus. I've been working on forming a music blog...fashion hasn't been intriguing me as much. (Partly because I feel like I have less money to spend these days.)

Anyway, I know a lot of high schoolers have prom coming up. When I was a senior, the dress options in the mall just didn't cut it -- tacky, poofy things just weren't my style. So these next few days, I'm going to give you a few classier, more unique options. If your past your teenage days, perhaps these would make good bridesmaid dresses?

J. Crew Silk Taffeta Strapless Sangle Dress in tropical aqua, $215
Buy it here.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Best Holiday Wishes to y'all. Try to get along with your family...

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Now playing: Bright Eyes - Blue Christmas
via FoxyTunes

10...9...8...7...

Happy New Year! by brainyblondie

2008 has probably been the most eventful year ever for me. As a college sophomore, I've had a lot of new experiences...exploring the city, internship hunting...

But 2009 is almost upon on. While a lot of people deride resolutions, I like them and am actually pretty dang good at keeping them. So far, I've decided I need to cut down on the coffee, keep my boudoir cleaner and drink more water!

I have some great cocktail recipes I'll try to put up here soon.

What are your resolutions? Any fabulous parties to attend?

An ode to Wes Anderson

Oh, Wes Anderson. At times you try a bit too hard to be quirky, but that's OK. I still love you. Or at least your movies. These grey, chilly mid-November days remind me of the gloomy but warm scenery in "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "Rushmore."


Margot Tenenbaum by brainyblondie

I want this shirt!

How to look cute at the gym

For some people, the title of this post may be laughable. When I'm working out, they'll say, I'm all sweaty and out of breath and I just don't care how I look. On some level, I understand that. I do believe that it's more important to get a good cardio session in than to walk two miles an hour on the treadmill in order to keep your hair and mascara intact. But gyms can be a great place to meet the opposite sex (wink, wink) and while you might not have the slammin' abs or strength you desire yet, you can still look bright and fashionable now.


Strong & Sexy by brainyblondie

First of all, get over the idea that you can wear leggings as pants. Even at the gym, this is unforgivable. If you really think leggings keep your legs happy, just wear them underneath cute matching shorts. Give up the idea of capri workout pants too. Capris have the ability to make even the slimmest girls' legs look short and stocky.

Also, make sure everything fits on top. Few things are an embarassing as a bulgy, ill-fitting sports bra. Realize that over-sized t-shirts will only make you look bigger. Know that darker fabrics are going to make any potential sweat more obvious, but avoid white because it can stain. There are a lot of amazing, breathable workout fabrics out there nowadays too.

Shoes are the one thing I'll give everyone a fashion break on. They really just need to get the job done -- don't automatically gravitate towards the pretty ones because they may not have the same support. I tend to gravitate toward the old, reliable basics for running shoes -- Nike, Avia, etc. (There are cute and functional shoes out there; it's just a matter of how much you're willing to pay. If investing in cute shoes might gets you to the gym more often, do it.)

In terms of hair, makeup and jewelry, the key is simplicity. No chandelier earrings, obviously. Keep your hair pulled back neatly, with a hairband if it's long or some bobby pins if it's short. My favorite gym look is tiny stud earrings, some sheer lipgloss and a touch of eyeliner below my eyes. Waterproof makeup will last through the sweating you'll on the way to become a healthier, stronger person.Have a happy workout!

Rock On, Halloween!

Halloween is more fun as an adult. You can buy the candy yourself rather than trusting your weird neighbors. Sexier costumes. Jello shots.

My first Halloween party is on Thursday and I'm going as a rocker, but I need another idea for my party Friday night. What are y'all dressing up as?Unfortunately, I'm not as committed as these girls and will likely not be wearing face paint.
On Flickr by bnittoli

Septum piercings: yay or nay?

I often come off as a conversative, girly girl- all high heels, fake eyelashes and dresses. But I also have an artsy, tough side that I've enjoyed exploring during college. No one bats an eye when you have purple hair, or simultaneously wear one color of lipstick your upper lip and another on your lower lip.

I've wanted a piercing forever. Ears are too common and I don't show off my navel enough for that to be worth it. I like the septum piercing (shown here on lovely Scarlett), as it's unique but can be hidden inside of your nose when necessary.

What do you think? I have a face that is feminine enough that I think I could pull it off. I'll probably do it no matter what you guys say, so this is more of a preview to the kinds of comments I'll be getting.

I'm mad for you, Don Draper

Mmm...Don Draper. 60's fashion. Intelligent script.

I know everyone sings this show's praises, but...what's not to love?

Bag Borrow or Steal

Want a pretty new fall designer bag without spending all of your tuition money? Check out BagBorrowOrSteal.com, which rents out bags for a weekly or monthly fee. I've never signed up...has anyone had any success with it? I'm eyeing this Prada one for 77 bucks a week.

THEY LIGHT UP!

Remember when you were a kid and they had those shoes that lit up when you walked? Or when you were a teenager and they had clear prom shoes with neon lights in the heel?

These are like the classier version of both of those. Unfortunately class costs $2,200.

Frye Boots = Orgasm

Earlier this year I saw a girl with super-cute boots and complimented her on them, asking where she got them. When she asked me if I'd heard of Frye boots before and I said no, she looked at me like I was totally out of it. Now I know why...Frye boots rock- the styling is basic but trendy and the leather is gorgeous. The Owen Lace-Ups above are amazing- they fit with my tough feminine look. Unfortunately they are $298 and I doubt there's a replica this sexy. I did just shell out some big bucks on my first Nikon though, and I'm so excited!! Once in comes in the mail I'll be the biggest shutterbug ever- I'm dying to create an amazing Flickr account. But I digress.

America's Next Top Model Episode 2

I’m a bit ashamed of it, but I’m really getting into the 11^th season of America’s Next Top Model. Right now I’m absolutely in love with Marjorie and her look. She’s such a sweetheart- like a blonde version of Audrey Tautou. (I did try to find a better picture of her than the one above...I'm not crazy about the high waisted overalls and spikier hair.)

Although I should probably be coming on fashion rather than personality, Clark and Hannah drive me insane. Clark seems very bland and ditzy, while Hannah needs to be more open-minded and get over herself.

And while I like Sheena, I’m glad they pointed out her fake breasts…but it makes me wonder how many of the other contestants have had plastic surgery. I feel like there are a lot more unique, unusual faces in the competition, instead of just pretty ones.

If only men came in flavors like Dulce De Leche

Along with fashion, I have an obsession with healthy snack food. One of my greatest healthy loves? I have adored Luna bars for years- unlike some "energy bars" they taste AH-mazing. Seriously. I would trade in my Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for a Luna bar & that's saying something. Dulce de Leche & Chai Tea are my favorites, but Cookies 'n' Cream & Chocolate Raspberry are good as well. All of these flavors are pretty sweet & almost candy bar-like, but I'd really sugar-sensitive and I can still eat these for breakfast without getting an annoying sugar buzz.
I'm also currently OBSESSED with these sugar-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies from Whole Foods (aka Whole Paycheck). The words sugar-free & vegan might not sound promising to all of you (as well as the fact that they contain tofu), but I they taste just as good, if not better, than "normal" cookies. I hope they sell them at your local Whole Foods too, because they are phenomenal.

This isn't meant as a big advertisement or anything. (Although I would appreciate it if someone from Luna read this & sent me a free liftetime supply. Hehe. How 'bout it?) Just like I don't want you to miss out on great fashion, I don't want you to miss out on great food!

I've been reading "Skinny Bitch" lately & they have great suggestions for other snacks. I'm considering the vegan lifestyle, even though I don't think I could give up tilapia & salmon. It'd be a good time in my life to try it though, as my college's food is pretty vegan-friendly.

Not really feelin' it

OMG! TOPSHOP OPENS IT'S U.S.A. SECTION ONLINE TODAY!!!

Zzzzzz. I love the Brits & I love cheap, cool clothes. But TopShop has always bored me. It's the same stuff you find at the Gap. Yeah, the Kate Moss stuff is cool, but for those prices you could get way better pieces. Does Kate Moss really have a say in that stuff?

TopShop is like that guy you've dated. Everyone raves about him and he seems really interesting and hard-to-get. But then you end up with him and are bored.

New do for Posh!

http://www.blahgirls.com/blog/2008/09/um-totally-hot-hair-cut/

Check it here. I love it. Time for her to mix things up...my 49-year-old mom's best friend just tried to get the same haircut as Victoria Beckham. When something becomes that popular, ditch it.

I've tried to pull this short of a look off, but it didn't work. I love that girl Marjorie on "America's Next Top Model". Love her, love her. She's like a sweet, French version of Agyness Deyn.

Fashion rocks, 'Fringe' sucks

Because I can't be front row at all of the exciting Fashion Week shows, I'm currently watching "Fringe". And it sucks. Like "The X-Files", but bad. (Possibly because it lacks the sexiness of Mulder.)

If you can't go to fashion week either, check out this link: NY Times Fashion Week. As usual, the New York Times does it best. And as usual, autumn is the best season, for clothes and everything else. Maybe I've been in school too long, but for me it always seems like the real start of a new year.

A note to all college girls

Dear College Girl on Monday Morning,

Yeah, I know you're still hungover from Sig Ep's party on Friday. But that doesn't mean you should walk into French IV twenty minutes late in your sloppy jeans and dirty Uggs with no makeup on. Remember all of those boys that asked for your number Friday night? Well, you could snag a few more today if you play your fashion cards right...& these might actually be worthwhile- sober men who show up to class.

I'm not saying you have to wear a D&G skirt or anything...but what about some nice colored denim just to keep things interesting? The lovely pair pictured is only $32.50 at Alloy. Throw them on with some non-Ugg boots, a well-fitted tee & a bit of lipstick. I'll be as happy as I was when I got that unexpected A in Russian Film.

Love,
BB