It's Easter!!

Happy Easter for any one else out there who is Eastern Orthodox! 

Posting will hopefully resume sometime next week once finals and such die down. 

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day everyone! Although being green is so trendy now, it hardly needs a day of it's own. But I love this earth and plan to do my part in helping out, as is a large chunk of the fashion world.  Retailers such as Barneys and Shopbop.com have their own eco friendly sections now with clothes made of organic fabrics and reusable shopping bags. 

However, as fabulous as all this is, it comes with a hefty price tag. But being green doesn't mean you have to shell out all your green ones. In fact you can actually save money! The CW, home of some great shows (Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Beauty and the Geek, America's Next Top Model) has teamed up with StopGlobalWarming.com to help you go green. The website is actually very well done and incorporates all the great characters from these shows showing you just how easy going green is and how one person REALLY can make a difference. There is also a to do list, so check it out and you too can save the world. 
Check out what you can do! 

Once again Happy Earth Day! I don't know about where everyone else lives, but the weather here was definitely celebrating along today! Gotta love that sunshine. 

I guess they're keeping her around...

I thought she was fired?!

Any way... this video takes a peak into Nina Garcia's closet as she discusses her style, how she isn't a fan of vintage and loves Chanel. 

Nina Garcia

Pride

So we made it! We are finally at the 7th sin! Time for some pride! 

I thought I would take this time to brag a bit and show off some things I'm proud of. Last week Raych from That's Chic did a post about her mom's style which inspired me to take the theme of pride and extended it to my family. I have always been emerged in style, art and fashion, since both my parents are artists, my mom was a fashion designer with her own line (Tailfeathers for any So Cal readers who frequented Fred Segals in the early 90s) and my grandmother on my father's side was a coat model, and my great-grandmother (or maybe a great aunt...?) owned a hat shop. So here are the people who have influenced my style since day one and before I knew anything about Kate Moss and Karl Lagerfeld. 

The first picture is of my parents back in their hippy days! Look at all that hair and those bell bottoms! Lookin' groovy guys! Next is my mom and me before...some event...my mom's rocking bright, textured pieces, perhaps showing a bit of her Venezuelan roots in that full skirt (my grandparents are Greek but my mother was born in Venezuela) and me in a short black vintage dress. The third picture is my dad and me on Christmas last year, nothing says holiday cheer like big bows and cable knit sweaters. Next is my parents before a spring wedding we attended last month, my mom wearing a maxi dress and my dad looking dapper per usual. And then, last but not least, a casual pic, polos and jeans and matching orange accessories! 
Here are the founders of our fashion-y family. The black and white picture is my grandmother and grandfather on my father's side (the coat model) in Freeport, NY. On the right is my Greek grandmother (who is actually from Egypt, I know, we're from all over the place, we can't seem to stay still) and me! So many bright colors, she always wore those bold blouses and I...well...I actually can't defend my hot pink, ruffly, sequined ensemble, but I remember despite my mom's pleas I WOULD NOT take it off. 

Moving away from family for a second (although we'll get back to that), I wanted to take this prideful moment to share this project I've been working on with Suzanne Xie, founder of weardrobe.com. The site is really cool and allows people to upload their photos and create a virtual closet "tagging" the clothes they are wearing. You can then look through their closet, pick your favorite clothes and see all the different outfits they wore it with. My job was to create a celebrity wardrobe. I've been working on (and will continue to expand on) Rachel Bilson's wardrobe. There is also one Coco from Coco's Tea Party created for Cameron Diaz.
So check it out! It's really fun! 

The next thing I want to get to on my list is links! I've finally figured out how to add links to my favorite blogs on my page (I think I did it right...) So if you would like to trade links I would be more than happy to! I'm so jealous (I know, wrong sin) of all of you with your links out there on so many sites! Here's hoping to expand my blog a bit!

Okay, to wrap things up I want to show off two of my favorite pictures. 
My mommy looking like the rock star she is while we were lunching out on Balboa Island last month and a polaroid of me as a wee tot modeling a dress from my mom's Tailfeathers line. I guess I was destined to be fashion-y, I had the pout and pose down by the age of three. 

Sorry for the self-centered post. But hey! That's pride for ya!

So that does it for our seven deadly sins theme week! I have a few papers to work on for school so I'm going to take a brief break. Hopefully I'll be back to posting later this week!

Hope you enjoyed this sinful series! 

Wrath

So this "wrath" post was a bit delayed due to the fact that I'm not an angry person and I really couldn't figure out what to write about. I thought about talking about celebs I can't stand but the thought of writing about Paris Hilton and Heidi Montag makes me cringe. So I thought about some movies, thought about Fight Club since there is definitely a little world anger and aggression there. And while there is a lot more going on in that movie beside fighting, it made me think about my friend Sarah who boxes for her workout, something I've always wanted to try. So I present to you my super short wrath post about how I want to take up boxing and punch it all out.

So when I take up boxing, I want to do it in style. For one, I would want to get these pro, satin shorts. They just look so awesome and hardcore, unfortunately they only make them for men so I'm not sure how they would fit but I would def try to rock them ($29.99 from everlast.com). Okay so the pink boxing set is WAY girly, but I feel like punching it out in all pink would be SO satisfying ($99.99 from everlast.com). Now all I need to do is learn how to throw a punch.

So that's all the aggression I have... ONE MORE SIN LEFT! 

Gluttony

So gluttony isn't really something heavily associated with the fashion world seeing as a stick thin figure is heavily preferred. But being one of the seven deadly sins and that being the theme of the week, I reveal to you my greatest indulgences. 

While most of my favorite foods are stuck in LA (Mom's cooking, In N Out, and more on that later), there are a few things I can continue to enjoy here in Champaign, Il. I absolutely LOVE crepes. Sweet or savory doesn't matter, I love them all. Lucky for me there is a fabulous crepe restaurant on the corner of 4th and Green, who would have thought such a small town would have such a lovely cafe. My other at-school favorite indulgence is Nutella (which happens to be amazing in crepes, as well as on toast, waffles, croissants, and in desperate times Ritz crackers). I was actually surprised to find this delicious chocolate hazelnut spread at the local grocery store but I did! Yum...I could eat it all day. Can't wait to get back to LA and head over to Il Trem and get it on a croissant with strawberries all warm and melty. Mmm
Some things I can't indulge in out here in the corn fields, some amazing (and embarrassingly trendy) locations. Geisha House is hands down my favorite restaurant. I love the trendy, hip interior as well as their incredible food. I admit, I don't really like ACTUAL sushi... but they have the BEST veggie rolls in town! If anyone goes you must get the Green Lawn which is an amazing combination of cucumber and asparagus WRAPPED in avocado... heaven. You can't talk about gluttonous consumption in Los Angeles without discussing Sprinkles cupcakes. They are so rich and just flat out amazing. I'm going into a sugar coma just thinking about it. Last, but definitely not least, is the ever expanding Pinkberry. I remember when you used to have to drive to West Hollywood and stand in line for an hour for this tart treat. Now, every time I come home there is at least one new store and a slew of knock-offs popping up EVERYWHERE. I admit, the trendiness sort of ruins the appeal of it, but I still can't wait till school ends and I get to have the plain yogurt topped with strawberries, raspberries, and chocolate chips!!
Not all gluttonous behavior has to be calorie filled. Just watching Keri Russel bake her amazing pies in Waitress (a fabulous movie to boot!) and Kirsten Dunst devour extravagant pink treats in Marie Antoinette is enough to get your mouth watering...although it may lead to a pie and cake binge session the minute the film is over! 

I'm going to go fill up on some Nutella now, hit the gym tomorrow. 

What are your favorite, sinful treats?

Green with Envy

Celebrities, I'm not jealous of their fame or fortunes (although that does lead to my jealousy), I'm not jealous of the swarms of attention they demand or their guaranteed access to the hottest clubs (although I wouldn't mind this perk). It isn't even their seemingly endless amounts of fabulous clothes I envy the most. (although again, if you gave me all their clothes I wouldn't complain). No, what I envy most about celebrities is their closets in which they store their amazing clothes. There is something about the presentation, the space, and their ability to fill it that turns me green. 

Sigh to have such an amazing closet and the clothes to pack it. While Eva Longoria's closet is far neater (there are 50 pairs of jeans there!!) than Nicole Richie's, there is something about Nicole's messy, jam packed closet that I feel like I could spend hours in, always discovering something new. 
Moving on to Eva's shoe selection, she has 200 pairs impressively displayed behind her, while a more dramatic display (in someone's living room!) is shown below. On the right is stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe's closet, which again is a little out of control but full of literally everything you could ever want! Sigh!
So how do us mortals achieve closets like this? Well despite winning the lottery and moving into an accommodating home, there are a few key elements in creating a killer closet. One, matching hangers (even Nicole's mess has matching hangers). Nothing looks more luxurious than wood hangers, it just makes your clothes look and hang so much nicer, which is why stores do this. I also like stocking my shelves full of my favorite designers. Well...books about them. If the only way I'm going to have a Valentino dress in my closet is a book, then I'll display it proudly. There's also something so stylist-esque about a fashion library and inspiration right where you need it in the morning. Another way to glam up the wardrobe is a great lighting fixture (I found the one in the top right corner on target.com for 79.99) or fabulous decorations. I think decorating the inside of your closet is just as important as decorating your room. If your closet is organized in a coherent way (ie it doesn't have to be neat but you have to know where things are) with inspirational decorations, your daily style will reflect that. My final faux-envious-closet trick, designer boxes. Fashion houses put careful thought into everything they design, including the packaging. While I don't necessarily have the fabulous clothes that came inside these boxes (those are usually my mothers) I love to use them as storage for nic-nacs and things that have no other home. 

So until I'm rich and famous, I'll make due, but I'll still turn a bit green every time I get a peak into these great rooms (because let's face it, I could live comfortably in those closets). 

Sloth

This is going to be a hard post to write, talking about all this comfy stuff makes me want to curl up in bed and go to sleep! I really think sloth is the least bad sin, I mean what's so wrong with being lazy and sleeping for hours....

Here are some of my favorite ways to be slothful.

As much as I hate super girly "fashion", I LOVE Victoria's Secret Pink and Juicy Couture sweats. Something about all the pink and girly comfort is just love and can't really be beat by anything else. (Juicy Couture Velour Drawstring Pant $57.40 on sale at shopbop.com, Victoria's Secret Signature sweatshort $24.50)
Ah, nothing says lazy relaxation like hours of calming music. The Vitamin String Quartet does amazing classical covers of everything from classic rock and punk to country and pop (they even have a Jessica Simpson CD!). With over 250 albums they are sure to have a calming rendition of your favorite music. My favorites are their tribute CDs to John Lennon, Nirvana and Snow Patrol, find your favorite artist's classical counterpart on iTunes or http://www.vitaminrecords.com/web/page.asp?pgs=products&catid=20. My other favorite albums to relax to are Nirvana and Foo Fighters acoustic albums. All their great songs toned down, both available on iTunes. mmm I LOOOVVEEE my pillows! I sleep with so many. Some people just pile them on as pointless decoration, I burry myself in them nightly. Big fluffy pillows and big comforters are what a perfect night (and often morning to mid-afternoon) are made of.

Wow, I'm exhausted! It's off to bed for me!! 

Greed

Moving on to the second sin of the week: greed. There are a few items in my closet that i have plenty of, a well rounded collection if you will. Still, like any wardrobe over-achiever, there is always room for improvement, i.e. additions. So, I present to you things i want but don't need...at all...making me a bit greedy. 

This season, Nine West has really impressed me. Their shoes are funky, fresh and edgy, all things I look for in a good pair. They're also well made and affordable (which doesn't hurt!). I not only have a good shoe collection, but I have a fairly impressive collection of this seasons Nine West shoes (see my earlier "Addictions" post). But greedy little me wants more. Six more to be exact. (Top Left: Raven $69, Hotpic $49.99 (on sale), Jobilyn $79, Newtime $89, Forger $89, Nacre $99, all available at ninewest.com)
Okay, so that picture isn't my collection of Free City sweats, but I wish it was. These funky sweats and shirts are SO COMFORTABLE. I have two sweatpants and a sweatshirt and I live in them. While they are expensive (and have been fairly trendy for quite some time) they are totally worth it, at least in my greedy mindset. (check out freecitysupershop.com)

Any one who has seen the top drawer of my dresser knows I do not need another swimsuit, and yet, if that stopped me before I wouldn't have the collection I have today. Is it wrong that I enjoy a large assortment of bathing suits all summer? ( Middle four, clockwise from top left: Mossimo Black Solid Ruched Bandeau Top $17.99, Jovovich-Hawk for Target Triangle Top $11.89, Xhilaration Stripe Bandeau Top $14.99, Mossimo Black Space-Dye Banded Swim Top $17.99 all available at target.com. Two side suits left to right: Antibes Amber-ring Banded Tank $90,  Classic Seersucker Ring Bandeau $44 both available from jcrew.com)

I'm also greedy in wanting more great comments from you guys! What are you greedy about? 

Lust

First off I want to say how much I enjoyed reading everyone's comments this weekend. It was so great to get to hear from my readers, I really appreciate it! It's always fun to know that people besides my parents (I love you mom and dad!!) read this. 

On with today's post. 

We all know the 7 deadly sins, but they aren't just warnings of bad behavior anymore, the infamous seven are saturating pop culture and the fashion world.  Some are fun and some are freaky. The dark style of D.L. & Co have created this beautiful black votive holder and stationary set with each sin written on in gold and they have a set of sleek black plates as well (available from Neiman Marcus and Barneys). Then there is the murder film Seven with Brad Pitt which showcases the septuplets. There is no doubt about it, sin is trendy right now.

So this week is dedicated to lust, envy, greed, pride, sloth, gluttony, and wrath.  All the qualities we should avoid, but it doesn't hurt to embrace once in awhile. 

Starting with lust, there are a few things that I want so badly! But due to the high price tag, they may be staying on the lust list for awhile. 

Christian Louboutin's red soled heels are so drool worthy. There isn't anything quite like the platform pumps with their sharp red heels. I'm obsessed with his entire collection, these four pieces don't even begin to cover the amount of his shoes I want. I have been lusting after them for some time now. Each time a celeb is snapped in these babies I turn green with envy (but that's an entirely different sin, more on that later this week). To own a pair of these $600 and up shoes would be a dream come true,  but until then I'm going to keep lusting. (From left to right: Suede Cutout $785, Peep-Toe Slingback $760, Nuit Dete Slingback $895, Pleated Platform Pump $875. All available at neimanmarcus.com)
Pretty much every piece in the Olsen twin's two fashion lines The Row and Elizabeth & James is to die for. I pretty much wish I owned every piece of these high priced collections. This halter sweater is particularly lust worthy.  Not only is it insanely chic and stylish, it's innovative design makes it a multi-tasking piece. So since it's like getting two sweaters does that make the $265 price tag reasonable?! (available at shopbop.com)
I'm obsessing over costume jewelry right now and really want to grow my collection. But being the lustful person I am, I want to build my collection from the best, Kenneth Jay Lang. No one makes costume jewelry quite like he does. His bangles, cuffs and rings are all must haves. (From left to right: Elephant Bracelet $220, Snake Cuff $110, Urchin Ring $57. all available at shopbop.com)
What lust list would be complete without a mention of the classic Hermes Birkin bag. This elusive status symbol comes with a 2 year waiting list and up to a 6 digit price tag if it's in exotic skins. But I would be content with a traditional leather in black or brown for a cool $7500. Sigh, a girl can dream can't she!

So what are some things you lust after? 

I NEED YOUR HELP!

While working on some posts for a fun theme week coming up, I thought I would take this moment to as for some feed back. There are a few things I would like to know. 

1. I would really love to know who is reading this blog. So, please leave me a comment. Just click the word comment at the end of the entry. The easiest way to leave one, if you don't have a blog of your own, is just to select anonymous and if you want leave your name in the text of your comment. 

2. What's your favorite part of the blog? What would you like to see more of?

3. What's your least favorite part?

4. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE! Any questions you want answered, celebs you want to see more of (less of), designers?  

I'm going to leave this up all weekend so please get around to it if you can! I really appreciate feedback from you guys and really want to know who's actually reading! 

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE! 

April Showers Have Begun

So with spring comes the return of the rain. Now as much as I hate the rain, it's a major player in my favorite movie of all time, Singing In The Rain. The comedy, the music, the chemistry, the clothes, perfection. So since showers are pouring across the United States, I thought it would be fun to take a look at the iconic styles of Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in this great movie.

So glamorous, so classy, so fun. Let's break it down.
The necessities to create this look are classic, timeless pieces. A rainboot is a must. My FAVORITE are Hunter boots, of which I have 2 pairs. This fun, loving yellow and of course a basic black. But the classic yellow is perfect for emulating the poster Singing In The Rain look. (Hunter Rainboots, $98 available at shopbop.com in a slew of colors).

Okay, I was going to search online for a good, affordable trench coat, but I really hate endorsing anything I don't own or haven't seen in real life. So, why mess with perfection. There is no better trench coat out there than Burberry's famous cut. I don't own it, as it's SUPER  high priced, but I plan to one day, as this classic piece will never be outdated. (Burberry Trench, $1295, available at burberry.com) 

How cute is this hat! It could easily be right out of Debbie Reynolds' wardrobe for the film, but looks perfectly modern at the same time. (Eugenia Kim Sophie Satin Cloche, $215, available at Neimanmarcus.com)

Finally, the dress. The loose, drop waist cut, in a casual jersey is such a great, casual dress that can work in all weather and with any accessories. Dress it up with a pair of heels, or sing and dance in the rain with it by adding your rain boots and trench. (Twenty8Twelve Alice Tank Dress, $195, available at shopbop.com)

Rachel Bilson, Rain or Shine

I adored her as Summer on The OC for four years, watching her character grow and mature. For the same amount of time, I have been obsessed with watching her own personal style grow. I think it's safe to say that Rachel Bilson is now a certified style icon. She gets it right, time and time again. Since the majority of the country is experiencing sunshine (along with some strong winds in the Midwest) and California and the South are gonna be hit with some rain, I thought I would show Rachel Bilson's range, so you can pull inspiration from her looks, no matter what your weather. 

If you're lucky enough for a warm, sunny day, Bilson gets it so right with her tight black tank and belted, high-waisted jeans. She keeps accessories minimal with a black bag and her favorite Wayfarer. 

If you have a light breeze, try this casual look from Bilson. Skinny jeans and Converse with a loose white tank and a loose scarf to help keep off the chill.

If bare arms aren't an option, this basic legging/tunic combo looks fresh in all black and a loose cardigan and boots.

Chillier still? This dark wash denim and navy tank combo is such a chic look. Add a natural, leather jacket and studded boots and a slouchy bag and you're good to go. 

For those of you unfortunate enough to have rain and other poor weather elements, try Rachel's most bundled up look. She pairs tight, black jeans with a looser white top and black jacket. The scarf is light and pastel-y and helps balance out the tough studded heels and black leather gloves. 

All Good Things Must Come To An End

So after great consideration, I have decided to stop blogging. It's just been taking too much time from my homework and such here at school. I hope all my readers continue to explore other blogs, as there are some great ones out there...

APRIL FOOLS!

don't worry y'all I'll resume posting tomorrow!