Posts from — December 2008

Today we got up before dawn and piled all of our luggage, snacks, blankets and gifts into the car and headed North.  Since I’m pretty bad at sitting still for long periods of time, I thought I’d follow Kristin’s lead and write down 100 25 (sorry, technical error erased the other 75 after Christmas) things about me to help pass the time.

25 Things About Me:

1. When I was four, I bit my best friend’s finger after we couldn’t come to a conclusion about the color of the ocean.  I was sent home briefly thereafter.
2. I’m an only child [see number 1].
3. Breakfast is my favorite meal (especially if there’s lots of syrup involved).
4. I get grossed out when people drink milk with their dinner.
5. I was born on my exact due date.  I’m still prompt to this day.
6. When I turned 18, I secretly got my belly button pierced.  I told my parents later that afternoon.
7. I love the process of making a mix CD for someone.  I always start out with an upbeat, fantastic song.
8. I had to wear a retainer in 2nd grade that gave me a lisp and landed me in speech therapy.
9. I could eat sushi every. single. day.
10. I’m not afraid of the dark, but absolutely every closet or drawer must be completely closed before I can fall asleep.
11. I get overly excited when peppermint ice cream arrives for the holidays.
12. One time when I was little, I pretended to choke just to see if my mom really knew the Heimlich Maneuver.  Turns out, she did.  I spent the rest of the night locked in my room.
13. I have the worst eye for spotting toupees.
14. New Year’s Eve is my least favorite holiday.  This year though, I can’t wait to stay in with my boyfriend and make this and drink lots of this.
15. Wheat Thins are the best when they’re slightly burnt.
16. I was a total tomboy as a child.  Now you’ll have a hard time finding me in something other than a dress or a skirt.
17. I don’t like the taste of water.
18. “Happiness is a Warm Gun” is my favorite Beatles song.
19. I hate when people answer a question by saying, ‘well, yes and no.’  Just pick one.
20. My first day out of college, I landed a job working for my two favorite magazines: Domino and Teen Vogue (I was on the first season of The Hills).
21. I love making lists.  At times, I’ll even add something I’ve already done just so I can cross it off.
22. I think I have a learning disability when it comes to my sense of direction.
23. Rain is great, but only when I can be inside with no plans to leave.
24. Some of my pet peeves include whistling, gum smacking and bad grammar.
25. When I was little, I trimmed my cat’s whiskers.  She wobbled when she walked for a good two weeks.

Sorry that the rest of the list was cut off…I swear the last 75 were the best ones!  Thank you for all of your endless support and here’s to a spectacular 2009.

xxx
Emily

As most of my loyal readers can attest, I’m all about finding the most affordable and practical options when shopping for myself, except when it comes to bags and wallets.  Since durability is key, I like to invest in well constructed leather pieces that will also look chic and classic.  Since my Hobo wallet is on its way out, here are some promising replacements that are top on my list.

Marni - The mustard yellow leather paired with an ultra sleek buckle could totally double as a clutch at night.

Marc Jacobs - If I decide to go for a sturdy wallet in a classic shape, this little Marc Jacobs number will be the one.

YSL - The ivory color is a nice departure from my sea of brown and black wallets with its trademark lock and preppy flap.

Miu Miu - Last year, I was obsessed with the bag version of this wallet, but think the miniature size will add some nice texture to my purse.

Louis Vuitton - The pebbled leather and added zipper with studs adds a bit of edge to this anonymous Louis Vuitton.

Marc Jacobs - This shade of petal pink is probably one of my favorites and in this quilted pattern, it’s almost too cute to resist.

What do you think, my lovely readers?  Do you have a favorite?

Banana Republic Scarf, Urban Outfitters Shirt, Forever 21 Skirt and Ring, Miss Sixty Pumps, Vintage Clutch and Bracelet

Every once in a while, I’ll come across a piece that is so undeniably feminine that it makes my heart skip a beat.  Yesterday, while hurriedly running around the mall, I ducked into Forever 21 and saw this scalloped lace skirt that I simply had to have.  Before I finished my Christmas shopping, I made a quick pit stop at home, just so I could wear it out with a v-neck and bright cashmere scarf for a casual daytime look.

There are certain colors that make everyone look good and I’m a firm believer that eggplant is one of them.  It’s not as feminine as purple, but offers a moodier vibe than plain black, which is why I rounded up six pieces that I simply need to own.

1. French Connection, Wizard Wonder Dress: $218 $149.99.  The asymmetrical top on this pleated tube dress would be perfectly accented with a thin, metallic belt.
2. TopShop, Boudoir Frill Padded Bra: $28.  This is such a sweet little bra with its lace and bow in a deep aubergine hue.
3. Nine West, Jazid: $119 $99.  Paired with some patterned tights, these would make such a bold statement.
4. Intermix, Buckle Beret:$125 $89.  The leather buckles add an almost equestrian feel to this adorable hat.
5. dELiAs, Trishell Skirt: $38.50.  The color alone on this swingy skirt had me sold, but it’s the studded waistline that really sets it apart.
6. Charlotte Russe, Chiffon Ruffle Top, $21.99.  The gray contrast trim is such an unexpected touch to this blouse that I would tuck into some high waisted jeans.

The rain hasn’t let up once this week and I couldn’t be happier.  Though I’ve been stuck inside an office the whole time, I love the idea of running around in the blustery weather holding nothing but a red umbrella.

(Via Flickr)

Yesterday I had a good hair day.  I don’t make that claim too often, but I had straightened it the night before and it had just a slight wave that I won’t be able to replicate ever again.  Since I’m relatively clueless what it comes to styling my hair (a side ponytail is about as glamorous as I get), I’ve rounded up a few leading ladies for some mane ideas.

Do you have a go-to style?

Back in the day, when I first starting showing an interest in fashion, I turned to the place every other 7th grader did at the time: Wet Seal.  In fact, my first purchase was such a big deal that I even coordinated the rubber bands on my braces to match my lavender skin-tight pants.  Woopsies.  Luckily, I’ve come quite a way since then, and after checking out Wet Seal’s website recently, I realized the store has made some impressive changes of its own.

Floral sheer Peasant Dress, $29.50.  How fabulous would this bohemian-inspired dress look over some opaque tights and combat boots?

3 Row Chain Leather Necklace, $9.00.  I love the different textures and lengths at work that would dress up a white t-shirt instantly.

Ruffle Cap Sleeve Top, $24.50.  This smokey gray chiffon would be the perfectly complement to a pair of skinny jeans and heels.

Smocked Waist Poplin Skirt, $22.50.  The wide waistband, tulle trim and subtle ruching pretty much check off all of my must-haves in a skirt.

Patent Trim Stretch Belt, $12.50.  Since I’ve gotten so many questions regarding this belt I got at Express several years back, I figured I’d post this ridiculously similar version (for a third of the price).

Ruffle Plaid Mesh Bra Set, $14.50.  I can’t help but imagine wearing this under layers of cozy knitwear and still feeling sexy.

Oversized Plaid Top, $22.50.  This has all the appeal of a boyfriend’s shirt, but with a flattering boat neckline and an elastic banded waist so you still look like a girl.

Wood Bottom Ankle Bootie, $26.50.  The wood bottom and rounded toe have such an organic feel, but the 4 1/2 inch heel keeps them from looking too conservative.