Whity-Knity Winter

I love thick chunky knits in the winter time, most likely because I live in Minnesota--so our winters get pretty darn cold. Additionally with this look I would advise layering, maybe some leggings underneath to start or skinny jeans, a nice soft long-sleeve v-neck, the chunky knit and in colder conditions the addition of a cozy scarf and hat. The look is comfortable and practical, plus it's been seen throughout the pages of current fashion magazines, so its a go! This is how to survive a Minnesotan winter in a nutshell--oh and don't forget the wool socks with some uggs!

Au'Naturale

Jessica Simpson searched for true beauty throughout the world in her tv series. Despite the fact that the show really only aired for one season, I still think that the message that Simpson sent to women all over was amazing. Additionally her idea to learn how other cultures portray beauty was fresh and a good change from the normal reality tv shows like jersey shore.

A natural look emits an undeniable sense of confidence, Beyonce is just one example of this.

In addition to confidence, natural beauty is effortless, a clear representation of 'you', even minimal make-up can really brighten your face.

Within our culture we are always trying to look 'our best'. Over the years it seems almost as if this 'best' has reformed itself to mean 'someone else's best.' Take for instance Jersey Shore, in the beginning season there were so many rude remarks about Nicole (Snooki's) choice of make-up, but now teenage girls walk around wearing the same cakey make-up. I think the most important part about make-up is that it is a representation of yourself, yes it's extremely fun to experiment--i especially love putting on red lipstick every once in a while--but the most vital part to this is to be yourself, and consider your own signature. An unnatural spray tan and bronzer is clearly snooki's signature. As much as make-up is wonderful and I rarely leave the house without it, I also think its great and revitalising to go a day without any make-up. Your face will not only seem fresh but the next time you wear make-up it will feel almost as if your face has been to a detox camp--regenerating natural oils and nourishing itself while the make-up took a little vacation. For winter I think a good look to try would be more minimalistic, this doesn't necessarily mean to throw out all make-up and wipe everything off--but hey, its winter--everyone is pale maybe give the bronzer a break and just leave it to some mascara and a cute lip stain. just an idea:)

Faux Fur Fashion

Fur isn't for everyone, some love it while other's despise what it represents... My thoughts are that i'm more of a faux fur kind of person to begin with, the exception for me is that I have a few gorgeous pieces handed down from my great grandma who was a complete fashionista to say the least. Some things from her collection include a full length coyote coat (not really my style) , some kind of earmuffs, a sheared peach mink sweater (i love this one, but there is never an occasion to showcase it), and a few others. None of them are really everyday wear type of accessories, but on a blizzard-type day we'll see. To conclude, wearing fur isn't only for cruela devil, but the real stuff now a days sometimes just looks wrong, and its sometimes more fun to mix and match with a bunch a faux!

bearry cute, love big furry hats in the winter time!!

There is something about furs whether they are faux or real that adds a little sophistication and interest to an everyday outfit. I adore this look!

If fur is good enough for Chanel, it must be luxury for everyone else! These two photos are Chanel inspirations, because, well Chanel is always the best-in my opinion. I love the full on oufits-so eccentric & interesting. Additionally, this is one example where faux fur is made to look chic not cheap, which if your going to go that route is very important in the purchasing process, nobody aspires to look like a plastic rat. ick.

Christmas Early

There is a positive and negative side to this story. The positive is now that I have my own credit card, the ability for me to shop online is abundant, and as Christmas approaches this will ensure that I get all my shopping done on time. Negatively, my Wells Fargo account is beginning to plummet and my family thinks I'm not only a little early on the Christmas season but also a OSA (online shopping addict.) But hey, it could be worse, right?

The site I'm most guilty of excessively using is Gilt Groupe. For those of you who have yet to hear about it, I'd like to spare you from a lifelong shopping obsession--and you should probably steer clear of the rest of this post. For those of you who already are obsessed, or have extra money to spare, Gilt is an online site based in NYC that features top notch designer clothes, jewelery, home & personal accessories, even baby necessities. In a nutshell, if you need it, you can find it on Gilt Groupe. Oh, there is a plus side to this shopping too, not only are you getting high quality but at a good price, each designer featured is discounted on this site-and not just the stuff they couldn't sell elsewhere. My favorite buys thus far are some Voluspa candles and an evil-eye gold necklace. Additionally I have already done a good amount of my holiday shopping. My excuse when my mom brings me my packages from guilt is "Mom it's not my fault that all the best sales keep happening now," or "oh, another unbirthday present for me?"(I love alice in wonderland-so that one gets a little overused) Either way, if your stuck trying to find some wonderful gifts for any occasion, I would highly recommend checking out the website, as long as you don't see yourself as the 'addiction type.' Happy Holidays...early.

8 Favorite Beats for a Dreary Wednesday!

-Nora Jones; Don't Know Why

-Lupe Fiasco; Lightwork

-The Good Husbands; Things I Haven't Done

-Radical Something; Escape

-Sam Sparro; Black and Gold

-justin nozuka; Golden Train

-Colbie Caillat; Battle

-Cat Power; Sea of Love

I know tastes in music are vastly different, so these may not suit your Wednesday needs, but they definitely provided me with that extra boost to work on my homework...well the music and that extra cup of coffee I just finished!

Love That Dog; Eero Aarnio

These dogs are the reason I discovered Eero Aarnio, I'd love one-I don't exactly know where i'd display it, but I'll decide that when I get one I suppose!

~The double bubble.~

If this was my work space I'd spend time in it more often and maybe even get a few things done... or i'd just admire my space the entire time!

Eero Aarnio is known for his innovation to modernization. In 1968 he was awarded the American Industrial Design award. His use of plastic and fiberglass especially in chair and accessory design is especially notable. I first came across him through his modern dog sculptures, I think they are fantastic and affordable.

Colleen Atwood; Design Inspiration

Anyone who knows me, understands my extreme fascination with Alice in Wonderland. Whether its the classic or the new Tim Burton version, I will pick to watch these movies over anything else! The fantasy of it all is probably which initially lured me into it, but with much consideration I think my favorite part of the movies is the costume design. No one ever seems to give credit to costume designers, but could you even imagine a movie without them? no. Hands down, Colleen Atwood did the most incredible job designing the costumes in Alice and Wonderland. Her work is so eccentric, elaborate, and not to mention enticing!

The second picture in this post, is some more photography built off of the inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. The internet is full of these sort of pictures, which i love because they're all so intriguing!