No one has new ideas

I heard it once said, that Shakespeare covered every story line that ever could be and today's movies and books really just try to interpret them in different ways. The more I think of it the more it seems to be true, no one has new ideas. People like to think they have something new to say, but everything is really just recycled with different vocabulary or euphemisms to appeal to their generation.
If you look at something long enough, anything, you can make it seem new or trendy with different ways of describing it. Lets take an ash tray and build its character; the crude ashtray, no too common... The outspoken ashtray... Again common.... The unabashed ashtray the Brazen ashtray the non- disconcerted ash tray, the farther we drive our vocabulary from our present generation or tone, the more interesting the character becomes. So again I state there are no new ideas, just different ways of stating them. I challenge you to find a storyline based not following a basic principal of a Shakespearean play. We only recycle ideas with different words to make them our own.

The lazy fashionista

Fall is my favorite time of year for fashion, and it's so obvious why! The weather is cool enough to layer, not cold enough for a full on parka, scarves boots and pea-coats are back, and every neutral color is in full swing (which, if you know me, you know I LIVE in neutrals). However there is a sad, dangerous half of fall fashion. Yes my dear readers, many have the temptation to throw on sweat pants and hoodies and *shudder* ugg boots every day. I admit, I am guilty, I hate myself for it. But for those of us who are super lazy and want to be bundled up in a mess of sweat shirt material all day, fear not! I am the laziest of them all, but I have learned how to disguise it.

When it comes to clothes, although sweats seem like a good idea, let me give you some just as easy-just as lazy alternatives.

1. Leggings, Leggings, Leggings!

My Staple for fall wear. They feel like pj's, they match everything, you can wear flats, boots, whatever you want with them. Get a couple pairs of black leggings and you will feel like you are running errands in sweats, but look a heckofalot better!

See; THIS

Is just as easy and comfortable as throwing yourself into an outfit that only basketball players should be seen in. 

2.Scarves

Maybe I'm the only one with this problem, but when fall comes around and my skin doesn't see the sun as much, my foundation is a little too dark and my neck doesn't match as well, ugh! However, if you don't want to take the time to dust bronzer on your neck (and I KNOW no one who is reading this would ever DREAM of getting in a human microwave known as a tanning bed...) just throw a scarf over your neck and voila! A gorgeous, fun, cozy accessory that covers how you woke up 30 minutes late. 

Another great use for a scarf;you can throw your hair into a messy bun and look totally chic with a big cozy accessory around your neck, and it looks more deliberate than one of those ugly-as-hell athletic headbands girls insist on wearing. 

3. Boots

Boots are one of my favorite things on this entire planet!!! If you know me, you know I wear them all year round, appropriate or not. I don't care if it's 104 outside, I'll be rockin boots. Accept it. Fall comes around and it's finally ok to wear them day after day! Pair with black leggings or skinny jeans, and you look put together and cozy. PLUS you can wear ridiculous warm socks underneath them and no one will know! Flat boots are super comfortable and warm for every day, and boots with a heel are my favorite, and for those of you who don't wear heels often, are way easier to walk in.

Hair&Makeup for the lazy  

Lucky for all of us late risers, natural hair texture is super trendy right now! And thank goodness, in the summer my hair melts and gets frizzy, but in the fall, as long as you condition, you can just sleep on it and go! Or sleep in braids. Also, like mentioned before, pair a usually-unflattering messy bun with a fabulous scarf and you're golden! Hats are another friend to the lazy-fall-fashionista! Make sure you try on a hat before purchasing it, and have a friend show you a picture of all angles so you don't look like you were just throwing it on (even if you were)

Makeup can be a little heavier this time of year (yay!) but it doesn't have to be. No time to do your face? Slap on some mascara and a dark lip color and you look *fabulous* with basically NO effort. Dark lip colors are popular in the fall, and can make your face look deliberate, instead of lazy. 

Hoodies

I know, I know, hoodies are given a bad rap. But I still live for them! However, be careful how you wear them so you don't look like a teenage girl (even if you are, come on, you're better than that!)

Go for a hoodie with a good fit, bigger & longer with leggings, tighter and more t-shirt like with jeans. PLEASE do not put ugg boots with either of these. It just makes me sad.

Maxi Skirts/Dresses
Obviously when fall rolls around, I refuse to shave my legs every day, rub bronzer on them, or anything that takes time that I had to do all summer. I LOVE maxi dresses for this reason! First of all, it feels like you're wearing a tent, secondly, they look chic, if plain and (obviously) in a neutral color.

This is also JUST AS EASY as sweats! Actually, It's EASIER because it's ONE piece of clothing! *also notice the lazy girl's hat!* This took 5 minutes, I promise.

If your as lazy as I am, you give yourself about 10 minutes to get ready for the day. Make good choices, people! Fall is the BEST time of year for fashion, don't abuse it!

How to be a broke-fashionista 101

A lot of people are astounded when I tell them "this purse was $4 on clearance" Or yes, these Abercrombie jeans were $10. I have "worked" years and years at perfecting my bargain hunting strategy, and after a lifetime of slavery to fashion, I am telling my secrets to you!

First of all, keep a list of the things you see that you reeeallly want. A lace dress, a denim jacket, black skinny's, the things that are staples in your closet. I am attaching a checklist of basics every girl should have. There are some things that I will splurge on, but by splurge I mean pay full price for, not splurge as in over $40 worth.

 

The best places to find bargains are pretty obvious, Forever 21, Target, Wet Seal, the stores that jump out as regular places to check. But learning the system of sales and decoding the clutter of second hand stores will assist you greatly!

Always buy one season ahead for trendy items, and one season behind for staples. Before what you crave becomes wildly popular. When stores introduce something new they usually have ridiculous sales on the items, and no one wants them yet. Why buy shorts in March? Most people ask. But not you, because you are savvy. I remember when boyfriend jeans first came out I saw some cute outifts in Vogue and decided to pick up a pair from Pacsun. They were not in the front of the store, and on sale so I paid $12 for them. 2 months later, a  few of my college friends wanted them and they had the price back up to $45! And every other store too! So I looked like a trend setter, and paid hardly anything. Boom.

When it comes to buying staples, wait until exactly what you want goes on mega-clearance. In the winter (late November-February) buy jean shorts that fit you perfectly, short plain dresses, skirts, sandles, etc. When you buy neutral colors and basic cuts they will NEVER go out of style and you can find what fits you perfectly for super cheap.
In Spring, buy peacoats, jeans, boots, and sweaters. Summer is a great time to check out the second hand stores, because people are cleaning/moving/getting rid of crap. When navigating through a second hand store, just remember that you HAVE to dig to find treasures. Some second hand stores have a  "just in" rack, which can be good, but picked over. A lot of times things are put in the wrong sections, so always skim the children's and men's department. You can't just confine to your department, search the entire place. I have found some of my favorite blouses in the kid's section!
If you are going to splurge, splurge on basic bootcut jeans, white t's, black t's, neutral skirts and dresses, pea coats, trench coats, things that we have seen since the 60's. When it comes to trendy items and accessories, GO CHEAP! It doesn't matter if it was $6 at Forever 21, that color and style will be done by the time you wear it out anyways. If you buy basics you love, you can wear accessories to show your individual style.

Now, here are some of my best secrets;

Women's clothing and accessories at Target go on clearance on Thursdays.

TJ Maxx gets new shipments on Tuesdays and Thursdays (most the purses come Tuesday)

Forever 21 has cheap versions of almost EVERY style they sell (for real, I asked a manager once) so if you see something you love in the front of the store, look next to where it is on display, or in the back.

NEVER shop in the front of the store first, head to the back and work your way forward.
Check in stores you wouldn't think of for your style of clothes, I have found some gems in Hot Topic, Dillards, and Ann Taylor.

If you are buying jeans, we all know they warp after washing and a little wear, so TRY to find them second hand! Plato's closet is my favorite because they are current, and very picky about what they buy. Plus you can always find buckle jeans, Abercrombie Jeans, etc. for $30 or LESS.

When buying bras/panties/beauty products from Victoria's Secret. Hit up their semi-annual sale about a week after Christmas!!! You will find RIDICULOUS deals! I load up on beauty and panties for the entire year. Also, make SURE you sign up with Pink Nation. They will send you coupons for totally FREEEEE panties once a month, or MORE depending on how much you go in. And ALWAYS entire your email address when you checkout! They will send you more FREE stuff! Their coupons are amazing. I went through 3 years of college, wearing only Victoria's secret panties and NEVER paid for a pair! I still have about 30 pairs, some with the tags still on them. All 100% free.


I hope this has helped all of you broke-fashionistas! Probably will have more to come soon, but here's a start to your savvy-shopping!

The spirit of youth is captured by those who live how Rock&Roll makes us feel.

It’s terrifying to me to think that these days won’t last forever. These days of being young. The late nights, free choices, and lack of true responsibility will one day come to a close, probably sooner than I think. I can’t stand to think of what those days will look like. I want to live like this forever, with a little more money of course. I want my body to stay the same, without taking care of it. I want to fit in wearing all black and ripped up jeans. I want the messy, grungy feeling of too much eyeliner&leftover hairspray.

I love waking up still in my makeup, the stench of the night before on me, going and drinking a strong cup of coffee at noon, only to repeat the process again and again. I don’t want the party to end. I want to live how music makes us feel forever, with my best friends beside me.

"Urban Therapy"

Sometimes I find the best way to clear my mind is to go join the hustle&bustle of a city. You don’t even have time to think about what’s in your own head, there are so many other things to think on! The people walking by, the hippies on the benches, the rich ladies the poor venders and everyone chatting and walking with a purpose.
No one there knows you’re only there to be distracted for a few hours and drink as much coffee as possible.

 I never realized what a vital part of my quarter life therapy the city was until I moved to West Plains, oh goodness how I miss it!
Putting on a warm trench coat and a pair of heels;to see no one in-particular, walking, shopping, sitting and watching until I had my fill. The best part of “Urban Therapy” is the more you walk around, notice and soak in, the more you realize the World is so much bigger then where you are right now. There are millions of people to see! And you realize how young you are! You feel stronger, like you don’t need anyone else besides bunches of aimless faces. Life just gets bigger and better the more people you let open your eyes.

Well....here it is folks!

I haven’t been single since I was 18 (and I’m 22). I mean, not really. I thought I had found the love of my life, not once, but twice. They ran so closely together (literally, like a week) that I didn’t give myself any time to learn how to stand on my own 2 feet (stupid of me, I know). Now for the first time in my adult life I am completely unattached and it’s a huge change. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t scary. I have always thought of myself as strong and independent, but the truth is I was strong on somebody else’s arm. It’s so hard not to have anyone to say goodnight to, or to make plans with, or to say I love you to. And the worst part is that I have never learned how to have my heart-broken so when the guy I loved so much (was practically ready to marry) decides it’s over out of nowhere, without warning, and moves on like a normal person does, it’s hard for me to understand.
But the best revenge I can think of is to be stronger than I ever thought I could be.
I am still going to go the places we used to go together, I am still going to talk to our mutual friends, I’m finally going to learn exactly who I am and I’m going to be pleasantly surprised at how powerful  I really am.

I forgot about me!

When you are first with someone, every moment you have with that person is the best part of that day. There is so much to learn about your love, their thoughts their musical opinions, so many new things to laugh at together and yes, lots of kisses. But as you move on in the relationship it becomes slightly more routine, not in a bad way but there is naturally a break in the excitement. Even though my boyfriend is my best friend, and I am more and more crazy about him each day, it seems that a little space makes a huge difference in staying in the "honeymoon stage" or become stale. Derived from the second Sex and the City movie, Carrie and Big said they could make their own rules in their marriage and take a day or two a week just to themselves and that made them so much more happy when they were together. This is a powerful lesson that I am starting to learn,
I forgot about me!
I forgot I need time to sit around and drink coffee, I forgot I love to watch pointless tv and just walk around singing all by myself. I love being my own best friend once in awhile, and who made up the rules for dating anyway?

If you're going to make a decision, make sure you have a firm foundation, and a fabulous pair of high heels to walk through life in

It's been awhile since I've published anything, maybe because up until this point I had nothing I felt was worth sharing. Up until this point, maybe I had nothing nice to say.
The truth however, is this; as long as you hold on to the values that you know are the foundation of your being,whatever they may be, you will be fine.
For me, God is my rock. And although the way that I dress, act and talk may not reflect him perfectly it's the truth. I love God more than anything. More than any man, more than any place, more than any selfish decision I want to make. When faced with different paths, always follow what you know is right. Follow the peace. I may not be the wisest person on the planet, I may be immature and I am the first to admit I do not have it all together or all figured out. But I do know that when you have a solid foundation that works for you, stick with it or all hell could break loose. All things work for the good for those who love him. I am not perfect, I am not by any means a perfect "Christian" but I pray God looks at my heart, because I have the best of intentions and the utmost love for my saviour.

Effortless Glamour, Channeling Audrey

Audrey Hepburn's most iconic role in Breakfast at Tiffany's has memorized audiences since 1961, her style, glamour, charm, and relate-ability  has so many lessons from which we can all learn.

When watching Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey captivates our full attention without saying a word during the very opening credits. Her understated style is something that will never go out of fashion!

Audrey(or, Holly as in the film, but I like using her real name better!) is effortlessly glamorous. She chooses one piece on which to focus attention, such as a giant hat, her sunglasses, or jewelry. “A man can learn everything he wants to know about you by your earrings” she says, which rings quite a bit of truth. Her nude trench-coat she wears in several scenes could have been purchased at Barney's just yesterday, instead of 1961. Simple, focused style will never let you down.

 

Part of Audrey's glamour, even more so than her wardrobe, I believe, is her charm and mystery. If you listen to her carefully as she interacts with anyone, not just people she has known previously, but strangers included, she speaks to them as if they are her very best friend and she is confiding all trust in them. At first she seems naive, but as the plot unfolds, we see that her charm is not a silly act, but a true respect for people and not a mask of her intelligence. She uses the endearment “darling” or “dear” with everyone, and this brings her so much closer to our hearts. She will confide little secrets with various people in her life, but not enough to where she ever loses her mystery and you think you know her completely. She is a lady that keeps us intrigued.

 

While Audrey is an icon, as I watched the film I realized that what makes her so loved by young women, is that there are many pieces of ourselves that we see her act out. College girls everywhere are poor, crafty, and short on time. In “Holly's” apartment, if you look carefully her couch is actually made out of an old bathtub with pillows thrown on it! 

And she uses space under her bed to store shoes, not a fancy sex-and-the-city style closet but something that we all have done. She is constantly searching for money, being late with her bills, and not being able to afford anything she wants. This does not effect her charm, being wealthy has never meant, and will never mean being glamourous or fashion forward. She climbs out of windows, has an apartment party with lots of people she doesn't know, and is always searching for new ways to wear and adapt the few pieces of clothing she has. When she first meets Paul, she welcomes him in like her oldest friend, and we see her throw herself together (much like many of us have!) in about 5 minutes, from sleep mask to movie star. Hopping about and crawling on the floor looking for her shoes. The truth is, what makes Audry such a star, is her effortless fashion, and her respect and true love for everyone and anyone around her.  

There is more of Audrey in us then we think.

 

 

So to simplify and summarize what to take from Audrey Hepburn's effortless glamour;

-When shopping (especially on a tight budget), purchase simple timeless pieces that fit you well, such as a nude trench coat, dark wash straight jeans, a simple one color dress, black pumps and single button blazers,and keep up with trends with accessories and styling of the garmet.

-No matter who they were, Audrey treated everyone from the doorman to the millionaires with the same amount of respect and endearment. It delights those around you if you call them darling or dear once in awhile.

-Never let on that you spend hours on your hair, makeup, outfit, etc. Mary Kay once said “A lady never tells her age or her weight, if she will tell you those things she will tell you anything, and she is not a lady at all.” In other words, no lady gives away her mystery.

-Glamour comes more from your heart, then your looks.

-You should seem effortless.

Rock and Roll is not dead

 

"Never give up on Rock Music, even if you have to look a little harder, it will always be there"

A quote by the members of the Foo Fighters tonight at the 2011 VMA's, and one of the only things that was said throughout the program that actually had meaning and resonated with me. 

Rock and roll has changed forms time and time again throughout the years, and will continue to change until the end of time. But whatever the style, sound, look, or appearance of rock and roll the thing that holds the label together is the attitude behind it. 

Musicians have always used various instruments and genres to express feelings strike emotional chords into those who choose to appreciate it. Whether it's love, happiness, anger, or just observing things around the artist, music has and always will be different varying from musician to musician. 

Rock and Roll has an attitude all it's own.

Watching the VMA's tonight both discouraged me and encouraged me in different ways.

Music has become such a show, such a game, such a joke in some ways.

But the attitude of true rock and rollers remains the same.

They don't care.

They are true to their music, they want to touch your emotions, and the only thing that keeps rock and roll going is the way that it makes us feel 

You cannot listen to The Beatles, the Ramones, Nirvana, Iron Maiden, or The Doors without taking on some portion of the "I don't give a F*k" attitude that they all project.

Even if their lyrics are ludacris,  they still leave an impression on the way you see your world and yourself around you in that moment.

In that moment of Rock and Roll, you feel what the music does to you.

As long as people still look for meaning, and still live as they want to and realize individualization is beautiful , 

Rock and Roll will Never Die 

DIY adorable (cheap as you can) storage

I am the kind of girl who loves her entire wardrobe and massive shoe collection to be on display

So I have slaved away at making the most fashionable  and chic ways to store shoes, jewelry and clothes

Enjoy!

This is a DIY project that is easy as pie!

Alls you do is raid your grandmother's frames, and use acrylic paint

(I used white, but you could play around with colors!)

Paint with a large,coarse brush to give it the antique look

Find some hooks, (any old hooks) and hammer away for as many  hangers as you would like!

I used looped hooks for the smaller, matching ear ring holder.

Set to dry, and enjoy! 

My next major storage problem were my shoes 

Many, Many shoes.

I raided my parent's house, and found an old vhs/dvd rack that works beautifully!

 

Lastly, In my new abode there is not much room in the closet 

(much like a closet or half a closet in a dorm setting)

But I have the stylish solution! All for $9

Go to Wal-Mart, buy a hanging wardrobe, made for laundry rooms.

This allows you to display all your favorite pieces and  make lots more hanging room!

Voila!

 

Simple as they seem?

 

Men have always prided themselves in being simple beings. They claim that all we must do is "feed us, praise us, shower us with affection and we're yours!" And claim that women are the impossible ones. But as I watched him pull his car away from the driveway I couldn't help but wonder how the same man could be so affectionate and loving one day, and completely distant the next with no change in my behavior. Each day I do my best to feed him, praise him, shower him with affection but still at times I am pushed away. Are men as complicated as women?  

Are their simple appearances just a carefully planned act that has us all fooled?

And how does one begin a conversation about their man's feelings without instantly establishing a sarcastic wall? 

When is concern confused with female craziness?

Living in a world where dreaming is a cliche'

 

I've heard that every young person comes to a "crossroad" in their lives at one point or another. A crucial point, a point at which we must make decisions. I think I may be at one of these crucial points, but I have little to choose from. Or too much, I can't decide. I find myself thinking of all the things I would like to do and not doing one thing to help my goal. My days consist of waking up at 1 or 2pm, drinking an obscene amount of coffee,  getting dressed up to go next to nowhere, sitting and chatting with good friends for a few hours, and hitting the sack around 5am. This is not the life I am used to, and I can't decide whether this is freedom or torture. 

 I have a college degree, I have worked an 8-5 cubicle job with little creative outlet, and the money wasn't great but at least there was money. Now I have no source of income besides my conversations, no form of fulfillment besides the people around me, this can't be healthy but I can't help but love it. I have never lived without my bathroom being stocked with $600 worth of Big Sexy Hair  products, my nails done every 2 weeks, a tanning package and a gym schedule. Now my regimen is next to nothing (well, I still have an obscene amount of makeup and skyscraper heels) but I am living more simply than I ever have. I know I can't keep this up forever, but for now? I am living off conversations.

Half? Or none?

In every relationship, you have to make sacrifices. Habits, pet peeves, and routines are altered to fit the personality of the person you are with. Some changes are miniscule, some are surprisingly for the better, and some are just changes to lifestyle over time. But at what point do we chisel and pluck away at our pre-relationship life so much, that we lose ourselves? When are we not one-half of the relationship, but just the other half?