2010 Fashion Report Card

Ooh, it was a year of fur vests and combat boots. Big shoulders and ankle socks with heels? Yes, we saw it ALL in 2010 and some things were better than others. Unlike report cards in school, I am only listing the trends with the highest marks...straight A's! These grades are extremely biased though. They are the trends I  had the most fun wearing, so there is a definite curve.


Fur Vest
When these things started popping up in Ann Taylor Loft you knew the trend was dying down. But trend or not, I love a fur vest.

Leopard Accents

I love leopard so I was happy to see it roar big in 2010. Leopard is classic, but there are some years when it's hotter than others and 2010 was such a year. I am partial to this look because FabSugar selected it as a Look of the Week! So any excuse for me to show it again is fine by me!

One Shoulder
Fashion was a little one sided this year with one shoulder tops. But I loved them. Even Michelle Obama did as she was seen wearing this trend also.

Sequins
And finally sequins were sparkling all over the place this year. From berets to skirts to jackets. Sequins during the daytime? Oh yeah! Sparkle is my best friend, so I was pleased. And what better way to ring in 2011 than with some shine. Here's to another year of fashion, trends and fun!

2011 Fashion Resolutions

It's that time of year again where we resolve to start making changes for the better.

So, here's a take on traditional New Year's resolutions. With a fashionable twist!



For 2011 I resolve to stick tho these five resolutions...

1. Grow up my style a bit. I have a funky style, but I also love a more streamlined and sophisticated approach to fashion. Something like Jen Aniston's minimalist style appeals to me so I should try to go for that look more often.


2. Wear more heels. Even if the occasion calls for casual shoes, I should wear get more of my heels out of hibernation!



3. Buy only items that speak to me. I tend to be a bit of an impulse shopper. :)


4. Wear more white. As much as I love white, I save it for future use and then never wear it often. It it gets messed up who cares, I'm wearing white!


5. Wear more make-up.  I tend to go all out in the make-up department for nights out, but I should really use more of my make-up daily before it expires on me.

Stylin' Sisters

Wow, we're still digging out from underneath this blizzard. The snow looks taller than I am so tomorrow should be quite a doozy!

In the meantime, here's a picture of me and my sister on Christmas Eve. She loves to sing like I do, so I convinced her to sing some duets with me for the family. It was a good time!

More Newport News...

Snowed in and Cooking with Clara

A big 'ol snowstorm has hit the Northeast and New York was hit hard. So I am settling in and doing some cooking. I stumbled upon these Youtube videos featuring Clara, a 94 year old Italian grandmother and cook who shares her Depression era recipes. She's so cute and she's funny too! I love her stories.
I already watched around five of her cooking videos. A good way to warm up on a snowy day!

Here is a link for her blog...

http://depressioncooking.blogspot.com/


 

What Santa Brought...

I hope you all had a wonderful time this Christmas (or Hanukkah) Here are a couple of the things that I received as gifts. A Swarovski swan necklace set with earrings. And a white leather Juicy Couture watch.
I loved all my presents this year, but I especially loved spending time with my family. And the food of course. It's back to a healthier diet now, but I wasn't about to say no to cheesecake, or rice and beans or pernil or coquito (or anything!). Uh uh.

And so, the countdown begins...only 365 days until next Christmas!

More Swarovski...

Merry Christmas

Ha Ha Ha, I mean Ho Ho Ho. I just had to pretend I was Santa on the phone for my niece. My mom put me on the spot, but I think she believed me!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

White Christmas

Maybe you remember this song from the movie Home Alone? I love this song and I found this cute little video with Santa really breakin' it down! I can't hear this song without tapping my foot and I see the Santa is doing that too! 

Bill Pickney, the last surviving member of the Drifters, died in 2007. But this sound lives on and I am pretty sure rock n' roll will never die.

Christmas Goodies from the Kitchen

Santa, these are for you!

 Peanut Butter Cookies

Cornbread Stuffing

Ever notice that once you start cooking you just can't stop! My mother will be doing the Christmas Eve dinner, but I am bringing over some goodies too! Here are a couple of things I had going in the kitchen.
To quote Rachel Ray...Yummo. The only thing I may love more than fashion is food! There are many variations on stuffing, the last time I made it, it was regular stuffing (not cornbread) and I added chopped cranberries and walnuts. This time I switched it up.

 Quick Cornbread Stuffing Recipe


1 bag of cornbread stuffing
1 beaten egg
1 1/2 cup of chicken stock
1/2 diced onion
1/2 diced green pepper
1/2 cup shredded carrots
Salt (I also added a couple of shakes of Goya Adobo) 
Parsley



Combine all the above ingredients and place in a baking pan. Bake on 375 for one hour.  Top with parsley. I also have a bunch of recipes on the Ehow site. I just added my turkey tips on my Ehow widget above.  

Merry Christmas everyone :)

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Brrr! It's supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow which is why I'm getting cozy inside watching
some TVLand tonight. Maybe it will be a white Christmas after all! Here's a casual outfit that works both indoors and outside.

Fair Isle Sweater: Old Navy
Leggings: Charlotte Russe
Boots: Rocket Dog

More Old Navy...

The Nightmare Before Christmas

This little pin reminds me of something Jack Skellington would wear on his lapel in The Nightmare Before Christmas instead of a carnation. I recieved a gift card from my in-laws, so I decided to purchase this at JCPenny's.

But, I showed it to my husband and he was like, "You want to wear a spider?" He hates spiders, but there's something cool and un-creepy about this pin and it doesn't really scare me. C'mon, I ain't scared of no pin! (ghosts? yes, pin? no)

This is the scene where Jack discovers Christmas Town. My friend in college insisted that I see this movie, so he gave me the VHS tape. Did I just say VHS? Oh, man. The movie was cool, but I scare easily. (I mean, I was a little scared even re-watching this clip)!


 

More Express...

Cure for Cold Feet

I am having a hard time trying to find some warm boots! In the past I used to use a basic Timberland workboot, but that was a long time ago! And then Uggs came on the scene and I thought no way, not for me. But like many others, I caved. I can't help it, my feet were getting cold.

So, I bought these Sundance II Uggs last year since I thought they looked a little cooler than your basic Uggs...

But the bottom part was kind of big on me and they don't make half sizes, so I sold them. I just picked up some BearPaws today at Macy's...

The style is called Quinn and they are very similar to the Bailey Uggs that Sarah Jessica Parker wears.

 

I really don't see a big difference between Uggs and BearPaws having purchased both. I prefer the fit of the BearPaws and of course, the price is lower. Which do you prefer? 

More UGG...

Mr. James Brown, Godfather of Soul

It's the holiday season and I Feel Good (sorry, had to say it!) I'm such a silly rabbit, but back to James.

When I got married I requested I Feel Good by James Brown for reception entrance song. Of course, the DJ decided to give me some weird techno mix instead, but whatever. It was my wedding day, so I was happy. But I still love me some James Brown. I mean, he was soul, funk, just music...personified. And let's not forget his dancing...that double turn on his heels at 1:58? Outstanding

Here he is in a classic clip form the Ed Sullivan show. Mr. Sullivan looks blown away by him, but how could you not be.

O Holy Lights

Every year, there are shows on television highlighting homes that have amazing, out-of-this-world Christmas displays. Well, these two homes were once featured on one of those programs. I visited Brooklyn to see them up close and I wanted to share those pictures with you. Amazing! Look at the size of that Santa!

Her Blooming Cheek

Well, what do you know, I received the blush today. Oh happy day! What's better than getting make-up in the mail?

 This is M.A.C. Powder blush in Her Blooming Cheek 

and a cute brush by Essential Beauty that I bought to match the blush!

Here it is in "full bloom"! I am only wearing the blush and a little Elizabeth Arden lip gloss. That's all you need for a fresh look sometimes! That ultra vibrant pink translates to a nice healthy glow. It's never as loud or garish as it may look in the package once you actually put it on! Just a quick application on the apples of cheeks while sweeping upwards to the temples and you're done. Rosy cheeks for the winter!

Mr. Snowman Says Hi

I did a little Christmas shopping (shopping for yourself counts right?). I finished shopping for my family early this year, so I'm having a little fun shopping for myself. Just helping Santa out, he's very busy this time of year.

But before I show the goodies, I wanted to show you the snowman on my lawn. We bought him at Walmart to replace a Santa that didn't quite make it to this year's Christmas. These blow-up decorations get pretty scarce too, this was the last one in the store!

Mom bought me this Etienne Aigner crossbody bag. Early Christmas gift! Loves it (and her)

Cute Calvin Klein Flats with a sparkly accent. 

Still have to remove the plastic shoe connecter, lol

Just a fun polka dot mug. May use it for coffee or I may use it to store my new make-up brushes. 

More Calvin Klein...

PS. I added a "widget" of my Ehow articles on the upper right hand corner. I had been meaning to add it earlier, but I was having technical difficulties. Be sure to check out some of my articles on food, fashion and fun!

Watch Out for Mickey

I should probably grow up...maybe one day I'll get around to it. A while ago, I posted a picture of the Mickey Mouse watch I once owned as a kid. Besides Hello Kitty, I like Mickey. I really don't know where that watch ended up.

So, when I saw this watch at  Big Lots, I bought it! This little gem was jumbled in with a whole bunch of non-descript watches. Forget the theory of relativity, I am a big believer in the "you-can-find-cute-stuff-anywhere" theory.

I love everything about this watch! From the black and white Mickey to the white stitching and even those white ear silhouettes! And don't get me started on that cute tin box.

A Mickey watch makes a good present for the holidays. It's classic and there are so many styles. Plus, they're pretty inexpensive!

More Disney...

Justin Beiber Prays

I'm too old for Beiber fever, but this kid can really sing and he taught himself to play three instruments. And I'll admit he's cute. Yeah, he probably would have been plastered on my walls if I were a teen. And yes, I've already started singing this song. I knew I'd eventually like this kid's music. But don't tell anyone.

Anyway, this is such a great song with a good message. Perfect for the Christmas season!

Brushing Up on Beauty

I have a wild assortment of make-up brushes from different companies ranging from Paula Dorf to The Body Shop to some drugstore brands. I never had one complete set. And I was just about to buy a random contour brush, when I stumbled upon this set from Marshall's. It comes with a contour, powder, eyeshadow and eyeliner brush. So I thought, why not? And I liked the box! Brush sets are such a great gift for the ladies on your Christmas list and of course, for us style and beauty mavens!

More Medusa's Make-Up...