This Martha Stewart craft is the perfect little spot of green for today and a lot classier than green beer. Martha makes hers with starched fabric, but for one day use, colored paper would be just as cute....and a lot easier to scrounge up in the office. Full directions here.
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Winter weather is really drying me out. I know all the beauty magazines will tell you to moisturize, exfoliate, re-moisturize, and then put on lipstick, but not all of us have the time for that. Hence my new favorite: sparkly Chapstick!
I found Botanical Berry at CVS. It has a berry flavor that is kind of like the LipSmackers you had as a kid. And the pinkish tint is light enough that you won't have to worry about skin tone or needing a mirror to use. Just put on a little anytime you need.
It turns out there is also a Tropical which looks to have more of a gold than pink tint...I might have to hunt that down if this winter weather is going to persist.
So your head is dry, what about your feet? In my dream life, a pair of Hunter boots would be at the top of my list but dropping $100+ on galloshes is a sure sign that I have lost my mind. Don't forget though, depending on where you live, frequency of use is not just a rationalization, it's practical thinking. If you wear your rain boots often enough to wear them out, a really well made pair will save you constant replacement cost. In sunny southern California though, there's just no rationalizing. Unless you find a pair on sale...Bluefly has select colors for $70 for girls in wetter climates or if it's a label you must have.
Another reason to splurge? Seeking out a truly unique vintage pair that illustrates to your personal style. Even on the cheap you can show what speaks to you: wear Obama spirit in political rainboots (on sale now that the elections are over but the winner is always in style).
For just a few rainy days though, cheap and bright is probably the way to go. As usual, Target is a go-to for stylish but affordable choices. I like the solids (they look like Hunters) but there are plenty of good patterns. The gray with pink linings are my favorite.
In different countries Wellies are called gumboots or Blucher Boots and dancing in them has even inspired a South African musical style. For more info, read here. For style reminiscence, check out Paddington Bear, but grown up girls may be more inclined to mimc Angelina Jolie.
No money for new boots? Protect the footwear you already own. Pick up a can of Kiwi Rain & Stain Protector for less than $10--it's good on any color of leather or suede.
All set? Time for some puddle jumping!
photo via Anna Klevan's flickr
During some parts of the year, living in a cold weather is a toss-up. Having spent some time in January in 20 degree weather in the Midwest, it's been nice to get back to California. Except that precipitation in that freezing weather was pretty snow, while here it is...rain. It's just drizzling today but it's supposed to rain all weekend. Time to gear up:
Even rain clouds have silver linings though, especially with sunny umbrellas. My number one pick-me-up choice is Fred Flare's Rain Parade Mini Umbrella. Small enough for your bag and too cute!
While you're at their site, check out their Singin'-in-the-Rain earring setto complete your rainy day look....if only they came as clip-ons for us unpierced girls.
For now I have a Totes mini which is great for its lightweight size and affordable price. For something slightly sparklier though, check out their line by Rihanna. With one exception they're all $30 and under, but don't think of this as another cheap celebrity line: Totes was the first company to put a folding umbrella on the marketin 1970. But if Rihanna has you literally singin' in the rain for days, don't blame me.
Another for my wishlist? This personalized one available at Horchow. Though there are a few letter exceptions (poor Q! always left out), they DO have a W and a choice of colors too. Not only is this perfect for preppy style, it's way harder for your friends to 'borrow.' And the best part? It's on sale for less than $20...that's barely more than you would pay to add a monogram to something you already own!
One more umbrella for my wishlist? The one in my drink! These tiny favorswill make you want to stay inside with a daiquiri anyway.
They aren't just for girl scouts! I am so in love with these cute-as-a-button, ahem--badge, decorations by Lee Meszaros. Send one to your best friend for her grown-up girl accomplishments--each comes attached to a card telling her to 'BE PROUD!'
Top row: For getting back on the horse, For rolling with the punches, For tying the knot
Bottom row: For leaving the nest, For tooting your own horn, For having meat on you bones (yes! my favorite)
And don't forget to celebrate your own accomplishments. If you see me sporting this badge 'for taking the cake,' I may have bought it for myself!
PS. The badges are plenty cute in place of a brooch on a sweater or jacket--no need to break out your old brownie sash.
Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to look dull in your layers. Right now I'm loving tights as a way to stay warm--and they aren't just basic black anymore. In fact, today I am wearing lavender-gray. Check out these ways to make your new year merry--and bright!
Your wardrobe fix might be as close as your local Target. Their clothing selection is getting better and better, but so far, not more expensive. I love the way these turquoise--with polka dots!--tights bring life to black winter wool. And for less than $5 that's a better perk than the latte I bought this morning.
If you have patience, head on-line. We Love Colors lives up to their name--they have more than 45! Basic tights start at $12.50 but snoop around the site for discontinued items as low as $5. They also have different materials (sheer to thick) and plus sizes. Be prepared to fall for several. May we suggest purple? (Skirt or dress still recommended though!)
Head to American Apparel for options that make you look and feel good--all of their merchandise is made right here in the US. Buying domestic makes us feel better with the way so many jobs are going these days. And it doesn't hurt that they have a wide selection including (left to right) opaque, shimmer, and sparkle (!) options.
For even warmer wear, consider layering. It might sound funny--until you see how cute Jessica Schroeder is. Her colored tights pair with lace ones for a one of a kind look: see her full outfit here. Stop by her website What I Wore for a wardrobe full of great ideas for girls on a budget--from altered to vintage to thrifted.
Stay cute and stay toasty!
Perhaps I didn't have enough champagne for New Year's, but there's still something festive about January that I'm not ready to let go of. Louis Vuitton, Burberry and other high fashion labels have been showing lots of dark--particularly green--feathers but it's icy white ones that are getting my attention. This feather hair clip from 5eizen feels perfect for a winter princess, even if you happen to be mucking around in dirty snow. Best of all, it's budget friendly.
Bonus: imagine with pastel dresses in the spring for baby and bridal showers. Perfect!
Check out: New York Magazine's full trend report on feathers
I may live in Los Angeles but I don't have a movie star budget.
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