Tuesday, November 30, 2010

a homemade holiday

I have unfortunately returned back to the real world, after a much needed vacation (not to mention a few extra lb. picked up along the way).  My Turkey Day break ultimately served as a big tease- family, friends, and food- all crammed into four days... Christmas break cannot come any sooner!  Hope your Thanksgiving was as relaxing and filling (literally) as mine.

For today, I have decided to cover a few different DIY trends to get you ready for the holiday season. Finding your Christmas list a little long to be financed by your wallet? I've got what you need: my top 3 gifts you can make at home for friends and family- bringing creativity, sentiment, and a break for your bank.

#1: bath salts
[Photo courtesy of hubpages.com]
Have someone who loves indulging in the pleasures of a spa day? A great gift idea is to make some bath salts.  Pretty and functional, this gift is a great trinket to place near your bathtub, and use for a relaxing afternoon.  All you'll need is:

  • a bottle or jar (cleaned out)
  • Epsom salts
  • food coloring
  • perfume or essential oil

First, mix the desired amount of food coloring with the salts (enough to fill your jar), then add the perfume or essential oil, being sure to mix thoroughly.  Spread your salts out on a piece of wax paper and allow them to dry for a few hours, then put them in the jar! I like to add a pretty ribbon around the top to add some flare.  A great gift that doesn't take that much time or effort to make!


#2: soapy treats
[Photo courtesy of hotref.com]
This gift is sure to clean up any family member or friend! This simple soap recipe allows you to customize the message inside, leaving playful notes for it's user.
You'll need:

  • clear glycerine (cut into small pieces)
  • molds (hearts, circles, flowers, shells, etc..)
  • small charms (to put inside the bar of soap)
  • essential oils for fragrance
  • food coloring (optional)

To begin, melt the glycerine in the microwave, using 30 second intervals.  Then pour the melted glycerine into the mold until about half full, and let set. Place your charms in the mold, then fill the rest with melted glycerine.  Once the glycerine has set, you can wrap in plastic and decorate for a great gift!  To add fragrance or color, add these elements to the glycerine as you melt it.
For another idea, I like to use other materials besides charms: coffee beans, oatmeal, flakes of gold- get creative!

#3: wreath ornament
[Photo courtesy of familyfun.go.com]
This custom ornament gift is sure to warm the heart of it's recipient.  Inspired by the warm and cozy wool that is traditionally associated with Christmas and winter, this homemade gift is a great idea that will last for Christmases to come! This is also a great idea if you're looking to use materials you already have- recycle some old sweaters!
You'll need:

  • an old wool sweater (one sweater makes 3-5 wreaths)
  • a needle
  • embroidery floss
  • small red ribbon
  • fabric glue

For this gift, I would use multiple sweaters to make a multi-color wreath.  You can also use just one sweater to have just one color- the options are limitless.  The creativity is in your hands!  First, wash the sweater in hot water with a cold rinse, and dry on high heat.  The goal is to get the weave tight and frizzy, as to felt the fabric, so that it can be cut without fraying.  Then, cut the fabric into squares that are approximately 1.5" by 1.5".  Thread the needle with the embroidery floss, running it through the squares (it takes about 60 squares to make a full circle).  Tie the ends together to make the wreath's complete circle, and glue the red ribbon in a bow on the front, adding a loop at the top to hang on the tree.  Viola! An adorable wreath ornament.

There you have it! My favorite 3 homemade gifts.  What will  you be doing this Holiday season for your friends! Comment below!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

lets get cozy

[Alexander Wang Spring 2010]





[Jean Paul Gaultier, Winter 2010 Holiday Collection]

This ski-bunny inspired winter trend has me wanting a brand new pair of cozy, knee-high socks.  One of the best parts of this trend is that you can pair it with a variety of different outfits.  Skirts? Check.  Shorts? Check.  Under some jeans to stay warm on the chilly morning shopping runs? Check!

My favorite way to wear these are with a skirt and some killer boots, especially the kind with the holiday inspired prints.  Who can turn down a great pair of Christmas socks?

How will you wear your knee-highs this season?

Monday, November 22, 2010

give back, get gap

Seen any of those awesome Gap commercials on TV lately? You probably haven't, considering Gap Inc. has decided against any television campaigns this holiday season, stepping away from their high energy choreographed dance numbers.  They have decided to instead invest their marketing dollars online, posting videos, and in print magazines with high quality layouts.  As usual, we will continue to see celebrities as models in their advertising, but with a friendly twist for their campaign this season.

Gap's "Want" Holiday Campaign is focusing on giving back as well as giving discounts.  The campaign is centered around their online videos... which answer a wonderful holiday question: If you could give anything in the world, what would it be? For each person that 'likes' one of the videos on the Gap Inc. facebook site, one where the celebrity discusses a cause that they support, Gap will donate $1 to that charity.  You can find True Blood favorite Ryan Kwanten, Lauren Bush, Isabel Lucas, Yaya DaCosta, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, Boyd Holbrook, Alisa Leonard, Reeve Carney, Daisuke Ueda, and Donald Glover starring in the thoughtful campaign.  As a favor for watching the videos, Gap gives back. The 'liker' will receive a 30% discount on their next purchase!

[Ryan Kwanten and Donald Glover]

[Joan Smalls]

[Alisa Leonard]

[Gap 'WANT' Campaign, Photos courtesy of au.lifestyle.yahoo.com]

So get out there and give with style.  Gap is the place to give AND get during your holiday shopping season.  Happy Thanksgiving Week!  And try not to run anybody over this Friday :)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

weekenders

I don't know about you, but this weekend couldn't come any sooner.  I've got some big events on the lineup, and my excitement has had me thinking about my outfits for each occasion since Tuesday!  It is looking as if northern California is finally going to get a taste of some fall weather (a short siesta from the sun will be nice), and the kickoff for Thanksgiving week is sure to have lots of people out and about, hitting the town.

I've compiled a few ideas for the weekend, and have decided on a solid favorite.  I'm going to ride on the idea that leather pants are making a comeback, and curse anybody who tries to call me Sandy! I first realized that these iconic pants were making a comeback after a catchy couple of H&M ads, and noticed the cozy sweater meets biker chic trend was going to be a hit.  The soft accents of a cable or knit sweater paired with some basic colors and a rockin' pair of leatherettes makes for a new look that is sure to turn heads.  My advice: save this look for the evening.  Leather goes best in the dark- and you won't have to suffer the effects of being stuck in the sun in leather pants!

What do you guys think? Is leather pants the new skinny jean.... or not?






one for the boys

Calvin Klein has finally released the long anticipated Spring 2011 line... and he has created the most relaxed look for men the runway has seen in awhile.  While his women's line follows closely to mens ware inspired looks, it's Calvin Klein's men's line that has us begging for more.  Relaxed denims and light shirts give an airy feel for a laid back springtime feel.  Light colored jeans and khakis will be a big hit this coming spring, so get your guy to follow CK's footsteps and get himself in line for a relaxed and comfortable style.  But remember to keep it classy: collared shirts are very trendy both this winter and spring- they can class up any pair of jeans, any day of the week.  We owe you one CK!
Calvin Klein Spring 2011 Presentation
Photos by Betty Sze for Models.com

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

model inspiration

Emma Watson's appearance on the David Letterman last night made me realize how much of a breakout star she has become.  Her work as an actress in Harry Potter, as well as her modeling gigs, have made her one of the most successful teenagers worldwide.  I am also completely obsessed with her new look: the short hairdo is flawlessly pulled off!

[Emma Watson at the London Premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part 1, photo courtesy of celebsalon.sheknows.com]

Studying art at Brown, she has become somewhat of a fashion devotee- noting her passion for fashion as an art.  She partnered with Burbery in 2008 to become the face of their 2009 Autumn/Winter campaign.  She has also appeared in Burbery's 2010 Spring/Summer campaign.

[Emma Watson for Burbery, Photo courtesy of stylefrizz.com]

She has become one of my fashion muses- investing her most recent energy in People Tree, a fair trade brand.  The Times described the brand as "very clever," inspired by French and London trends.  Upon the release of the People Tree Spring 2010 line, Emma noted, "Fashion is a great way to empower people and give them skills, rather than give cash to charity, you can help people by buying clothes they make and supporting things they take pride in."  This actress turned model/humanitarian has me itching to get in line for some of the awesome People Tree pieces this fall.



[Emma Watson for People Tree Fall 2010, Photos courtesy of millionlooks.com]
I LOVE People Tree's red plaid shirt- that trend is one that has hit this Fall with force.  It can easily be paired with some jeans, or a mini with high socks and my favorite Tommy Hilfiger boots.  Emma has become an fashion inspiration to many- from her iconic trench-coat Burbery look (I have to get my hands on that tan trench), to her involvement with People Tree.  We're rooting for you Emma!

Monday, November 15, 2010

monday muse alice and olivia

Today, I am all about alice and olivia.  One of the most anticipated lines at the 2010 New York Fashion Week, Stacey Bendet launched her look in 2002, focusing on creating a sophisticated yet quirky line for women of all ages.  I am anticipating the launch of her shoe collection in 2011, but until then, I'll be browsing her runway and online looks.  Inspired by the women around her, the A&O line brings a sweet vintage look to any office or evening outfit, giving a sophisticated and feminine appeal.

Bendet has mastered the art of mixing textures for a cozy autumn look- using everything from leather to knit to fur to feathers.  Her Fall/Winter 2010 line offers a wide collection of evening cocktail apparel- perfect for the holiday season.  LBDs have their own A&O twist with pretty feathers, soft and cozy faux fur, and lots and lots of sparkles.

Celebrity fans of A&O include Angelina Jolie, Gweneth Paltrow (actress turned singer..oh my) and gossip girl's Blake Lively.  With A-Listers closely following Bendet's line, this is sure to be a fall must-have brand for any closet.  Check out aliceandolivia.com and let me know what you think!





[Alice and Olivia Fall/Winter RTW; Photos courtesy of Elle.com]

backstage babes

As if my obsession with the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show wasn't enough... I came across some great photography of the models backstage at their New York Fashion Week 2010 show last week.

I find this totally inspirational- long and luscious hair, natural makeup, a classic representation of beauty.  These girls represent today's Supermodels, in a world where modeling has been taken over by celebrities on the red carpet.  Actors and modern day icons have become the new faces of magazines, and there has been a visible decline in the number of models being used for these coveted advertising campaigns.

It wasn't long ago where supermodels were seen everywhere-  top advertising campaigns, runways, magazine covers- making millions of dollars annually.  As celebrity faces continue to clutter the magazine and advertising space, replacing faces such as Cindy Crawford and Elle MacPherson, the Victoria's Secret models have been the remainder from a world where supermodels ruled.  These girls have been protected, probably due to their ability to model underwear flawlessly, and have continued to rule the modeling world above all others.  The VS Models are today's Supermodels, famed and fortuned by their beauty and runway appeal.









Photos by Daniella Rech

face lift

If you haven't noticed, I took some time to give TT (Trendy Times) a facelift.  I wanted something a bit more basic, to emphasize the awesome pictures I constantly upload.  In honor of today's makeover, I'd like to take the opportunity to cover some of this season's hottest makeup trends: ruby lips and dramatic eyes.

[Megan Fox at Georgio Armani Prive Catwalk, courtesy of fashionising.com]
If you only buy one product this autumn/winter- it better be red lipstick.  Rosy lips are taking the runway and turning it into a 50's inspired makeup playground.  Skip the liner- the trend is supposed to look imperfect.  Just add some color to your face, forget the gloss, and you'll be good to go.  You can add another coat for some extra oomph at night, or you can use a napkin to blot it down for a sweet day look.  I have been dying to order MAC's basic red lipstick- it is sure to add a holiday flare to any outfit.

[Taylor Swift, Photo Courtesy of Starpulse.com]
I think we have my girl T. Swift to thank for this next fall craze: black eyeliner.  Makeup artists around the country are using the classic makeup bag staple in new ways- flaring out the liner on the sides of the top lids, adding a dramatic element to any set of lookers.  I am absolutely obsessed with my new Define-a-line eyeliner from Maybelline- complete with a blending and sharpening tool, it is very easy to apply and correct my liner! This look makes the need for mascara almost nonexistent, although a little on the lashes is sure to play up this 40's inspired look.

These makeup trends play on a natural color base for your face, with simple accents like minimal blush and shadow.  What do you guys think of these "blast-from-the-past" trends?

Friday, November 12, 2010

ruched and knotted

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]

[French Connection Autumn/Winter 2010 Collection]
Runways have been littered with all things ruched and knotted, anything from clothes and shoes to belts and purses.  This texturized trend brings a variation to any outfit, and is a style that will be seen throughout this fall and winter.  New York Fashion week inspired Donna Karan's 2010 line to feature this trend, adding a new feel to a classic look.

My favorite has been French Connection's Autumn and Winter collection, featuring pretty pleats, classy lace, flirty ruffles, and LOTS of texture. How will you wear your texture this season? I know that I'll be looking to any kind of variation for my outfits- looking for pretty shimmers and sequins for a holiday twist, and lots of pleats and ruffles on my booties and purses!

[Donna Karan New York Fashion Week 2010]