Sometimes It's Nice Just to be Appreciated

This write up review of a recent styling appointment I had found its way into my inbox this morning. And while I'm not one to toot my own horn, I will certainly allow someone else to do it for me.

Thank you Jillian for your kind words. They more than made my day week.

http://www.jillianharrington.com/index/brining-you-your-fashion-fairy-god-mother

New Blog!

In case you haven't noticed, my posts this last year have been noticeably  fewer and farther between. Part of this has something to do with the fact that I've branched out a bit and began contributing to other blogs and forums.
Just this week, my newest (and VERY exciting) project was launched. I'll be writing a fashion blog for KISS FM's website a few times a week.

You can follow it here http://kissfmseattle.com/pages/fashion.html?dontcacheme=1

With this new outlet, I'll probably reserve this blog for strictly personal posts on life, love, travel, and my crazy ill-behaved canine.

A huge THANK YOU to Mike, my friend over at KISS who approached me with this idea. I have him to credit for getting the new blog off the ground.

Humph

Still struggling to navigate my path through the world of fashion, social media, and writing, I aspire to find a happy home which houses all these loves together under one roof. From time to time I find such a wonderland and promptly seek out its landlord to inquire about any upcoming opportunity (paid or otherwise) and of course, shout from the rooftops how absolutely perfect I would be for their company or organization.

I have been following Nonsociety since it gained popularity years ago from co-founder Julia Allison, who seemed to have become famous in New York, for, well... nothing. The site grew to a video/ microblogging/ lifestyle editorial of its contributors (think The Hills for the Internet). While perusing through the pages one day (during which time, I'm sure I was supposed to be doing actual work), I found a very small unassuming request for additional contributors. Bingo! No, I didn't live in New York, and no, I wasn't exactly published, but those were just details. A website like this was perfect for me.

Though I sent over my portfolio and links to guest blogging posts, I never did hear back from Nonsociety, not that I really expected to. I still read NonSociety's pieces from time to time, following the lifecast of the three original contributors. Just today, I happened upon the website again. However this time, there were very noticeable changes, mainly, many more writers.

One in particular caught my eye. Bio for Katrina Szish "Posh Pundit":

A "Type A" televisionista in perma-platforms, I am a firm believer in retail therapy, champagne for breakfast and no more wire hangers. And being happily married. And helping as many animals find homes as humanly possibly. Otherwise, fashion, beauty, shopping and pop culture dominate my brain 24/7.

Aside from her real career as a TV personality, and my addiction to old etiquette books and manners, this could essentially be me. Once again, it seems I have been trumped.
My search is destined to continue for the right networking connections, the right outlet, or the right turn of luck to help me build a dream home for my fashion journalism career in waiting.

Bow Legged

I found this idea at My Empty Closet. The look was made with a handful of cute socks (found easily at Target or other discount retailers) and dressed up with some silk ribbon and other notions. What an adorable project! I also love the idea of pairing pretty socks with heels and a flirty spring skirt.

Not So Geeky Makeup Tips

When I have an event coming up and don't have the opportunity to book a make-up appointment, this website is my go-to "how-to" tutorial.

Makeup Geek starts with one eye completely finished, and goes step by step through the video to finish the other eye. Most products she uses are MAC (they really are the best in pigments), although from time to time she recommends NARS, Urban Decay, or other brands. She also has videos on the fundamentals like eyeliner, how to contour your face, and how to make your eyes look bigger.

It's a great solution for a party look in a pinch!

More tutorials here

New Blog!

I have decided to expand my blogging horizons and create a second blog. If I didn't already spam the Internet enough with my random postings, I will definitely achieve this by clogging the world wide web with more of what's on my mind.

This new blog however, has a focus and purpose. It will be based on etiquette and manners for today's society.

Now before you write it off as a total snoozer, I'll explain more. I've collected old etiquette books for years now. I actually read through each one before it's cataloged into the bookshelf. With the inspiration of an upcoming movie Julie & Julia in which modern day Julie bases a blog on the recipes from Julia Child, I thought I would tackle contemporary etiquette questions by researching them through the eyes of the forefather (foremother?) of etiquette itself, Emily Post.

I know some things will be reaching and up for interpretation. After all, Emily didn't exactly deal with cell phone use on a plane or Facebook friend requests. However, telephone manners, loud public conversation, and formal invites did exist, and thus I have a starting point.

Some things may have changed...

But some tips still stand the test of time

The title "What Would Emily Do?" is unfortunately already taken (her great great granddaughter beat me to it at the Emily Post Institute, go figure), so I'm looking for some blog title suggestions! The blog won't be completely devoted to Ms. Post, Tiffany's Table Manners, Amy Vanderbilt, Miss Manners, and others will all be consulted from time to time... so any etiquette related title that comes to mind might work.

Please help and stay tuned.

My Manolos Are Going Green

Living green doesn't necessarily mean wearing an organic burlap bag around town. Eco Stiletto is a great blog with tips on being fashionable AND Earth friendly. "Stiletto size your carbon footprint"

They have a long list of things that suck. Blunt, but effective. The list points out many products and chemicals we may be using and purchasing, yet had no idea their imprint or affect on our health. Such things I was not aware of: Sunscreen, faux fur, cotton, fragrances... yes these things are all bad for us (shocking, right?) Luckily, their list also offers alternatives and green substitutions. I won't post the entire list here, but I urge you to check it out for yourself!

http://www.ecostiletto.com/index.php?/Beauty/tbltts/

How Does Your Garden Grow?

What would I do without TrendCentral? Their eblasts are my main source for keeping up with just about everything. If you haven't subscribed to them, I highly advise it! One email a day (I usually save them up each week and blaze through them on weekends).

I mentioned awhile ago that gardening is one of my spring goals. I posted on Facebook that I'm working on a compost pile too. As of right now, it's still just a box of leftover garbage. I'm not really into using worms, a can with air holes seems to be the better option. Now to just get the can...

Gardenrant is a fun little blog I learned about from of course, trendcentral. It's a realistic, non-Martha/ Home&Garden point of view. Just what I need, a good DIY with easy ideas and instructions.

They also have a posting about bees! Lately, I've been obsessed about the honey bee crisis (just ask Nick, I mention it all the time, it's my new scurvy). Read more: http://www.gardenrant.com/my_weblog/2009/04/definitive-article-about-colony-collapse-disorder.html

Designer Spotlight: Love Natalie

Just in time for Christmas, I'm posting a spotlight on a friend from Seattle who creates wonderful (and warm) gifts for all. Back in my Washington days, Natalie designed for the well-known tableware company Rosanna. As we became friends, she was also one of the main people to encourage me to apply to FIDM. Where would I be without that entire piece of my life (thanks Nat!)

Natalie used to host some great seasonal parties... SeaFair, Super Sangria, Fourth of July bbqs, and St. Patrick's Day.
At Christmas time she and her roommate would decorate with the most random items: Plastic outdoor lit candy canes, silver painted roosters, and over-sized ornaments. Somehow it looks fabulous, chic, and original in the way you wished you had thought of the idea first.

This was a "bad Christmas sweater/ dress" party at a local Renton watering hole, Bergies where the Karaoke was terrible but good times were always had by all. Natalie is right in the middle wearing the green puffy-sleeved wonder (you should see this girl two step;)


Natalie is now living in Bellingham, designing her own line of delightful purses, scarves, baby wear and play mats.

I love the contrast of lining in this purse




This scarf makes me wish for colder weather in Austin

Handmade gifts are the best way to go for gift giving. They are much more unique, and you're supporting small business owners.

Check out Natalie's blog, and of course shop her Etsy site!

Other Blogs: Fugly is the New Pretty

It's no secret I am an avid follower of great fashion. But bad fashion can sometimes be SO MUCH more entertaining and fulfilling. Which is why I've long been a follower of the hilarious girls at Go Fug Yourself.com.

Not only are they as in love with George Clooney as I am (well, really, who isn't?), and have started a side storyline from "Intern George", but their wit and keen eye for a muffin top can sometimes make my day.

It's pictures like these that remind me celebrities shouldn't be trusted to dress themselves before they leave the house. There is still a need for me in LaLa land! Watch out Rachel Zoe ;)

I'd like to note that this teeny tiny post took about 30 minutes to write as Nick is sitting next to me shaking my laptop yelling "Earthquake!"

Yes, I'm dating a five year old.

The Next Martha Stewart

Yes, there is a part of me who still yearns to fill these shoes (although with stilettos and far less solid-colored button down oxfords). I've been cooking more lately than I have in years, and with the holidays just around the corner, baking will start to pick up as well.

With the new house and trying to mesh Nick's minimalist modern taste with my shabby chic style, I have been learning new approaches to decor. I think we have found a happy medium, large scale and masculine antiques combined with rich fabrics in neutral tones.

I also have TONS of space to host get-togethers. Since I'm on my "no travel" kick, it's been great having friends and family come to visit here in Austin. I have been consulting many entertainment websites and blogs. I happened upon Totally Tabletops a couple weeks ago and have since been an avid follower. It's chalked full of great ideas. What I love most is the feature of "real parties" and how-to instructions, all while keeping cost in mind.

I love this etiquette coaster find. I'm obsessed with etiquette books, and these would be a great addition for a girl's night cocktail party

There are some other sites I'm jonesing on and will probably feature in the near future. Hopefully I'll be able to post some of my own "hostess" tips and pics as well!

Man-ccessories

I'm not usually one for crude or potty humor. That road has long been inhabited by my new roommate. That said, there are always exceptions. Especially when those exceptions are given from the point of view of the the always hilarious David Sedaris and disguised as a bit about men's accessories



I found this on one of my favorite blogs, Dooce.com. Heather is another outspoken, over-sharing woman and former Angeleno (no wonder I can relate ;)

Did I Have a Child at 14 I Don't Know About?

OR... Can I adopt her?!?!

This "Style Rookie" could teach me a thing or two about Photoshop, clever written anecdotes, and accessorizing. She may even be funnier than I am!!!!

Oh, yeah and she's 12!!

http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

On a Serious Note

Every now and then the "non-joke seeking" side of me appears. This is one of those times:

A friend of mine from Orange County (he's actually the oldest friend I have) was in car accident two weeks ago. He and a friend were hit by a drunk driver going 55 mph. The driver suffered a broken hip but from what I understand has since been able to return home for recovery. Mike, on the other hand, was not so fortunate. Numerous fractures in the Pelvis, two fractured vertebrae in the lower back, ruptured bladder, severely damaged spleen, severed liver, and most dangerous was the torn Aorta, and unknown amount of Brain injury.

In spite of everything, he has successfully made it through many surgeries and is slowly waking up, recognizing family and friends, and increasing his range of motion daily.

I felt convicted to write something about Mike because his accident has impacted me in unexpected ways. As a young person, I am guilty of the immortality complex. I'm only 20-something and have the rest of my life in front of me, right? It's amazing how a split second can change that line of thinking. I have mentioned recently, transitions and new adventures are on the horizon for me once again. Mike's story should be a reminder to everyone not to take so much for granted. I find that I am placing so much more value on simple pleasures and the time I spend with loved ones.

As cliche as it sounds, I have a new appreciation for living everyday to its fullest (even if I am currently stuck in Smalltown, NM)

Mike's family has started a website and daily journal about his recovery. It can be found here

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mikemarion

You DO look fat in those jeans

This is marketing genius. These posters are ALL over LA.

Not only is this hilarious, I was actually curious enough from the posters to go the website. The marketing campaign is for the upcoming movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
www.ihatesarahmarshall.com
Check it out!