don't worry, I'm alive

reasons why I haven't updated recently:
(a) I've been so caught up with that thing called life
(b) I'm lazy
(c) I've been having a pretty rough time of it (call it perpetual winter blues or something)

yesterday's blizzard has everyone snowed in today, which is why I have an insane amount of time on my hands. aka: I have time to write a blog post! I know Nat and I are only doing this blog for fun, but that's no excuse for our lousy updating. we're definitely going to post more, especially since Nat got a nice new camera for Christmas! (at least I think it was for Christmas? she's Jewish.) I'm excited to play around with it.

unfortunately my Christmas holiday as a whole has been pretty blah; I've been cooped up in the house, and I would have gone out yesterday and today if it hadn't snowed.

But! I did accomplish a few things over the past few days:

•  watched a bunch of classic movies (Funny Girl, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, To Have and Have Not to name a few.. yerp, I've been a real couch potato)
• did about 239823 loads of laundry
• ate about 239823 Candy Cane Hershey Kisses
• reorganized and pared down my wardrobe even more--everything I own now fits into my closet, with room to spare!
• shoveled my mile long driveway (that's an exaggeration, but it really is long)
• donated $60 to Food for the Poor (which will be matched by one of Food for the Poor's affiliates.. so I kind of gave $120. in a way.)

..all right, so I didn't accomplish a WHOLE lot, but I'll make up for it by doing a ton of things for the rest of the week. for now, I'm passing the time by making a very long wishlist of items from Urban Outfitter's latest sale. I didn't receive anything from my parents for Christmas because, honestly, I never really want anything come this time of year. Plus, I'm one of those kids who gets guilty for making my parents spend money. I know, there's something wrong with me. But even though I didn't ask for anything, I actually do have a few things I'd like to get my hands on, and Urban's just taunting me at this point:

Leggings that Stand Out

1. Sparkle & Fade Foil Print Legging, $19.99

Fair Isle Sweaters & other knits

1. BDG Reverse Fair Isle Sweater, $19.99    

White/Black Skinny Jeans, Fitted Skirts and Shorts

1. White BDG Ankle Skinny Jean, $19.99 (online only)      2. Lucca Couture Zip Front Short, $19.99    

3. Yellow is Gold by Sunshine & Shadow Silk Ruched Skirt, $19.99

Interesting Tees

1. Truly Madly Deeply Totem Geo Tee, $14.99     2. Sparkle & Fade U-Back Boatneck Tee, $14.99

Girly Black Flats

Cooperative Suede Ankle Quarter-Strap Skimmer, $19.99 (online only)

Other wants...

a fitted boyfriend blazer that lands below the hips, charcoal tights, sparkly nail polish, a high quality bandage skirt, long nude camisole, thigh highs, these scalloped lace tap shorts (only 5 bucks? I'm there), a cross double finger ring... and just any jewelry in general because my collection is pathetic.

~

.... I know, I know. but hey, a girl can dream. and I would never be able to buy all that at once because of some shopping rules I've set for myself. but that will be discussed in a future post. :)

xo!

The Cold Enemy

When the winter months approach, all I want to do is lie in my bed. So for a quick and easy dose on inspiration, I looked on one of my favorite blogs: The Sartorialist. I glanced at these pictures to remind myself that during the winter months, cute fashionable pieces revolve around the perfect coat. I love jackets, and this website just gave me a lot of inspiration. Check it out!

XoXo,
Natalie

The Real Deal

One of my favorite Zoe styling moments, Demi Moore in Versace

It almost feels not right to idolize celebrities looks since they are always dressed by stylists. So, instead, today I want to highlight one of my favorite stylists (and celebrity as well )--- Rachel Zoe. I have to admit I love her show since I get to see her be fierce, work in crunch time, and be fashionable herself (even though now that she is pregos!) This women knows her taste, but she's also able to give all of her clients their own unique look. I'll stop gushing about my fascination with Rachel Zoe and break down her style asthetic.

Fur, Fur, Fur: There is never an episode that takes place in the winter where Rachel does not wear fur. She is always featured in the trend, and it has become her staple. In one of my favorite episodes, Zoe tried on a red fur Versace coat and boy was it gorgeous!

Put on those shades: Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall Rachel Zoe is rocking a pair of sunglasses. The bigger, the better. Zoe always experiments with colors and shapes which gives a fun pop to every ensemble.

Be true to who you are: Rachel is known for having her own look, but they celebs she styles have an unique look also. Watching Rachel style, I have noticed she knows what looks best on her clients, what they are comfortable in, and how to push their limits. When styling she always stays true to what her celebs want, but she puts them in the best ensembles. No wonder way Demi Moore,Cameron Diaz, Molly Sims, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Garner all come back to her.




Another great moment: Kate Hudson in Marchesa

XoXo,
Natalie

These Winter Months...

Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere rocking the fur trend

Winter has officially begun, and I dislike it very much. I've never been fascinated with snow, and I don't find sipping hot chocolate at an ice rink appealing. But I love what the fashion world does during the winter. Layers are a necessity to stay warm, so fashion icons all around have more room to create unique looks. Personally, the only reason I tolerate the winter is because it is the only season when I can wear fur. I know Vanessa isn't a big fan of the look, but I think in the right proportions and the right quantity, fur can make drab looks chic. The hard part is finding the fur ideal coat or vest that will not drown out your frame. My hunt for the perfect fur vest (faux, of course) has been on since September, and I won't stop until I find it!

XoXo,
Natalie

it's beginning to look a lot like December

Nat and I have been on Thanksgiving Break since last Wednesday. What did I do? Mostly just sat around, watched movies on TV, did laundry, sleep, and finish my homework early. Yep, you wish you were me. Actually I didn't want to do a lot this weekend. I've been moving in fast forward for a few weeks now, so it was nice to slow down and have nothing to do. :)

Today, we hit Starbucks to do our physics work. Probably my least favorite subject in the history of subjects I've taken. Things to smile about: Peppermint Hot Chocolate, the holiday music that's been playing since Black Friday, catching When Harry Met Sally on TV, and the nippy air--all signs that December is about to arrive!

    

because leaning against cars gives off a really cool vibe.

        

Vanessa: floral dress (Urban), combat boots (Urban), grandpa cardigan (thrifted), fur hat (Target), cat-eye sunglasses (Urban), pink heart earrings (Macy's), black cardigan, brown belt (Charlotte Russe)

        

picked up these pastel pink heart earrings at Macy's for less than $3 on Black Friday! they're probably the purchase I'm most happy with. Black Friday and I have a love/hate relationship because it seriously overwhelms me (I'm already indecisive by nature, darn it), and going shopping on that day makes me I feel obligated to buy something.. not to mention I always get this sickening feeling that I'm running out of time. I actually bought $70 boots that weren't even on sale, just because I felt like I had to get something. Bad! I'm returning them this week.

I think it might be safer to shop online next year.



how Black Friday makes me feel.



What A Life...Serena Van Der Woodsen

Every week, I wait to see what Serena is dressed in. I can definitely say with assurance that her looks are never questionable and are always put together effortlessly. Over the past four seasons, I will fight that Serena's style has changed the most. Everyone else may say the Jenny has, but I personally think Jenny always has had a grunge undertone. I would have never expected for what Serena developed into though, a style icon. Her looks are ultra sexy, but she manages them to have a unique sophistication, which is present in her season four looks:







How to achieve the Serena look:

Be playful: Serena is never afraid to have a little fun with her outfits. She does this by adding unexpected pops of color like salmon plants or vibrant emerald jewelry. Also, she plays a lot with lace, glittery pieces, and flowy, low cout shirts.

Let your hair loose: Serena's hair is constantly down and natural. She enhances her waves and her curls. So let your natural hair come down! It is not as scary as it seems.

Play with poroportions: It is fun when looks stop and start at different parts of the body. For example, Serena wears gowns and loose maxi dresses, but she can also wear tight curve hugginh skirts that are extremely short. Never be afraid to take a risk with cuts, and soon enough, you will find out what works for you.

Solids: Serena is known for pieces that are one color. This is not boring, but daring since she mixes and matches unexpected colors together. Try mixing different neutrals together with brilliant pops of color also.

Serena's outfit are always over the top, so live like her: always be the center of attention.

XoXo,
Natlie

peace, love, and British accents

fun fact: I'm a loud n' proud Harry Potter buff. One of my new years resolutions for 2011 will be rereading the entire series by senior year. This year was the first time I didn't watch the movie on the night it premiered (my show opened that same weekend). Even though the movies aren't nearly as amazing as the books were, I love them just the same. My favorite character is and has always been Hermione Granger, and thus I've been a fan of the actress who plays her, Emma Watson, since she first debuted. I seriously memorized all of her lines in Sorceror's Stone. For some odd reason, I feel a connection to her, probably because I watched her grow up onscreen as the character who I loved throughout my childhood.

KAY. Now that you're fully aware of how geeky I am, I'll connect this with British style. Lately, I've been really interested in how different British and American styles of fashion are, especially after I read a piece about it on CollegeFashion. British girls are a lot more eclectic. It's really refreshing, what with the boring looks I've seen throughout high school. Now, without realizing it, I've started to put more unique looks into my outfits! The author of that same article included a link to a list called 50 things every British girl should have, which gives a better idea of how to incorporate British elements into everyday style.

Back to Emma Watson, who is stunning, fashionable, and classy. she's living a charmed life! pun intended. plus, she rocks the cropped hair. it could've been a disaster, but she's pulling off that Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn look really well. envy!

all of emma's recent magazine shoots featuring her new haircut are currently inspiring me. enjoy.

           

        

     

         

          

via: Life in pics

haha. the fur pictures are for you, Natalie.