What have I been wearing lately?

Here are just some quick pics of how my wardrobes been coming together lately.

I wore this new floral dress with a vintage gold lion-head's-clasp belt and by riding boots. This was the only shot of it, unfortunately, but I hope this dress will become a staple in my wardrobe.

On my birthday I wore my new red top that I got for Christmas, and then at night pulled together a special ensemble that I had been planning. I wore an Urban Outfitters zebra printed dress with black tights and pink heals. Lipstick was the special touch - grownups wear lipstick!

As I got into the swing of classes last week, I threw together a cute outfit consisting of my new highwaisted jeans, and a silk linen blouse with beaded embroidery, topped with a Gap cardigan. I was quite pleased with the outfit, and even more so when I saw later in the day that Carrie had worn practically the same outfit the same day. Great minds think a like!

Later in the week I wore this, pairing my highwaisted jeans, again, with a leotard, and bolero style sweater knitted by my mom. I added some color with a vintage scarf and my look was complete!

When my parents came and visited me for my birthday last weekend, then brought me my mom's old fur and knit coat. With the weather getting chillier by the second, I have been reveling in the warmth of this jacket. Someone even mentioned while I was wearing it that I "looked like ladies who lunch." Quite the compliment.

Last but not least, you know you should always look fabulous from your head to your toes, so I thought I'd show my cute new socks. They show a forrest scene, with little foxes at the toes. Plus the company has a really cute name!

That's all for today! Sorry it was so quick but I hope you enjoy!

Jersey Shore.

true life: i love the jersey shore. for those of you who have not seen the amazingly trashy yet awesome reality tv show on MTV, watch it. i was beyond ashamed when i watched the first episode and learned that Pauly D had a piercing, well, somewhere... but there was something that kept me coming back for more...episode after episode. now that the season is over and "the situation" has me begging for them to get a house next summer on the "shore", i have had time to reflect about juice heads, blowouts and poofs.

there is something appalling yet noteworthy about guido and guidettes. why in no means am i hating on them, its a way of live which is completely foreign to me. as "the situation" threw out there, "you gotta work out at least 5 days a week to look like this, eat right, tan (and a boatload of other requirements...)". and i mean, he nick- named his abs "the situation"...that's a yikes within itself. Angelina was fired from the shore because she needed an excessive amount of time to get ready which interfered with her job. classic episode. Pauly D has patented his blowout and it's as if snookie reinvented the poof.

for anyone that knows me... i hate (as in STRONGLY ditest) fake tanning. in my opinion its as if you are lying in a bed of cancer rays and it just amazed me that the cast would go upwards of 3 to 4 times a week. thats one hell of a tan! do it nat-u-ral!

i can truthfully say there was not one outfit on the show that i had to have (which is a serious shocker). ed hardy makes me itch, trucker hats make my tummy hurt and men in white beaters just makes me want to hit something. but for some reason, i just couldn't get enough of the shore. check it out and let me know what you have to say.

until friday, peace, love and blowouts!

Back in the saddle

First week back at school is always a scene. Not only is everyone pumped to be back in school but energy is high and people are actually putting effort into their outfits. There have been some serious hits and some major misses so far this semester... let me explain myself.

First off, the only people that should remotely be wearing sweatpants to the first days of class are athletes coming back from practice. The beauty of college is that every semester you have the privilege of meeting new people so make a good impression and rock some cute clothes.

My first day of school outfit: Black skinny jeans, brown suede boots (with buckles) and a salmon colored Free People top. When I was braving the outdoors I wore my Betsy black coat with a gray beret. I was totally feeling my artistic vibes.

My favorite first day of school outfit for a girl (other than my own) was really simple look. It involved clean cut blue jeans (nicely pressed), a fresh white cami and an adorable bright pink sweater with white stitching on the seems. So classic and preppy without looking like she was going for any look. It was a breathable and sparkling way to start out the new year in new classes.

My favorite look in the boys dept was also simple and not too overdone. Just a simple light wash jean with a bright red Polo and sick life style shoes. So easy and so adorable.

My least favorite outfit: Well this is going to be a serious generalization but I seriously dislike when girls just look like they are trying too hard. I'm talking heals, flashy bling and night make up. I have honestly seen some girls that have been more dressed up this week than I was for prom or will probably be at my own wedding. It just looks trashy and (for lack of a better term), sluttay. And for boys...PLEASE don't look like your mom is dressing you for the first day of kindergarten. Let your own voice shine thru and make sure the clothes are CLEAN... aka free of mysterious stains and smells.

That's all she wrote for me...Maddie, time to spill your beans!

For my first day of school, I opted to wear a two-tone flannel zip up dress, with black leggings, brown riding boots and a gray sweater to keep me cozy. I was going for comfortable and cute, and I think I achieved just that. It was a a good pick I think, especially appropriate for winter with dark green of the dress and the warm textures of the sweater and plaid flannel.

I found a number of good outfits yesterday in my numerous classes. One girl's ensemble struck me, particularly because of its simplicity and because it was really sort of unexpected. She wore dark skinny jeans, a white Hanes v-neck, and a black, patterned, chunky cardigan sweater. The sweater was a statement and it was definitely smart to wear it with a simple top, but I wondered to myself when I saw her if I would wear such a casual outfit, especially on the first day of school. She looked good, and it looked effortless. I will probably be copy-catting that one soon.

Another outfit I liked was based around a really nice blazer. The girl had very blunt bangs, and was pulling off a complete look to go with it. She wore black studded motorcycle boots, skinny jeans, with this oversized gray jacket. It had an elasticized band in the back, easing the fit of the jacket to flatter her perfectly. It looked really expensive, despite whether it was or not. Its interesting how such a simple item, or how well it fits can make such a statement.

One first day of school outfit I could not stand was one of my teachers. She wore: combat boots, a mid-calf length, purple flowing skirt with a tunic on top. SO unflattering, so all over the place. She also came in wearing a shiny, silver puffy parka with a fur lined hood. You know the kind I mean. She didn't really fall into one particular kind of look, and for her that was a bad thing. I look forward to seeing what other interesting outfits she brings to class.

Anyways, good luck with the rest of the semester, and look good!

A little smattering...

Why hello folks!

Back in action from the snowy heights! After just returning from a freezing Orlando and the sunny delight St. Maarten I have realized what a fashion catastrophe travel can be. People use going on a plane to look like a scene, and not in a good way. We're talking PJ pants (the most heinous ones you've ever seen), greasy hair (never an excuse for that in public) and kitten heals with booty shorts and a jean button down (yikes).

What happened to the days when flying was a privileged and people dressed up? I''m not saying we have to get dolled up to sit in one place for 6 hours, but lets look like we've seen the light of day people! You can also always tell the people that sit in FirstClass from the people who legit have the last row of the plane...my family and I always get a kick out of playing the "where will this person be sitting?" game.

So, what to wear for travel?

Truthfully, it depends on the duration of the flight and the final destination. If you're flying cross country, I'd go with a comfortable pant and a cute top. The material should all be breathable. Also, since you never really know what the temperature will be at a cruising altidude, bring a sweater, sweatshirt! Nanc (my amazing mom), never travels without her travel sweatshirt and my family always made fun of her for it. However, after this past trip when it was literally 28 degrees in Orlando, and I needed a sweater, I promised never to poke fun at her all utility sweatshirt again.

Now, if you're flying from say Boston to NY or DC, look GOOD. Who knows who you are going to see and it's such a quick flight jeans or a jumper are a no brainer- it's like sitting in class! Avoid clunky bling, annoying shoes/ boots and flashy belts- security will be that much more of a bitch.

That's all for my travel rant! Just be sure no matter what time you fly you throw on some form of under eye cover and look somewhat presentable. If you don't want me trashing you, step it up.

Toodles and best of luck if you're starting classes and if your from MASS, GET OUT AND VOTE!

Birthday List

My Birthday is swiftly approaching. This means that I have a birthday list! So here are some things that have caught my eye recently! I have the things loosely organized as there were some major trends in things that caught my eye.

Rings! I can never get enough rings! I like unique, colorful, bold and big rings, all different styles. I have been hardcore browsing eBay for some good deals, and there are plenty!!

Short Shiny dresses! Always good for going out, these dresses are fun, sequined, and oh so pretttty!

Extravagant evening dresses! I have no use for these in my life right now, but sometimes that makes things all the more desirable. These dresses are just pretty, fantasy dresses. They all shimmer!

Casual, more day oriented day dresses. I noticed that I needed some more dresses to slip into my everyday wardrobe. Denim and cotton are major components to these pieces. Here are a couple that I thought would be good additions!

Purses! What girl doesn't need a new purse. Here are a couple I've had my eye on!

Vintage Jewelry. Just found this one Chanel necklace! So purty!

High-Top Sneakers. Urban Outfitters has these two great, affordable high tops. I'm in love!

I can't wait to see what lies in store for my birthday! It should be exciting!

Miscellaneous post.

So, it's Break. Capital B Break. That mean's my mind is in a hundred different places, and at the same time, it is no where to be found. Sammy and I got to see each other for the second and last (sadfacesadfacesadface) tonight, and maybe that is also adding to my lack of focus and drive to produce a focussed and driven post this evening.

So, I have a hodgepodge of information to spit your way.

Piece of News Number One: The Vassar College newspaper The Miscellany News, or rather it's editor, and my friend Ruby, has asked me to contribute to the paper's new online Fashion and LifeStyle blog! This is Very Exciting. That may actually mean that people read/know about SiMP. Very exciting! Of course, this new endeavor will not detract from my efforts here. I promise!

Second Piece of News, Slightly less exciting: I have discovered eBay. Its like crack. What a rush. I have been an active bidder on two items - a Marc Jacob's satchel and a Tory Burch satchel. I have won neither (I'm not that good at it yet/computer glitches Suck), but that doesn't mean I won't keep trying. The first item I had my eye on was a grey little purse by Marc by Marc.

The second bag I bid on was a Tory Burch military satchel.

I love them both, and hopefully will purchase in the near future, them, or something just like them. The Tory has some potential, but the Marc was a rare deal. I have my eye on some other things, hopefully I will land one of them. eBay takes skill! Who knew?!

Okay, so thats really all for tonight, I am truly exhausted! More will come in the hear future - some birthday wish lists maybe?

Trendy in '10

Happy New Year!!!

Of course with the new year comes new trends. After doing some research, here is what Spring 2010 is going to look like (if we ever shovel our way out of this snow...)

Hot Pants and Boy Shorts: truthfully, not one of my favorite looks but all the celeb stylists are talking about the look. I just think unless you are a toothpick, you look like you're plastered in the shorts and give off the wrong vibe (unless you're going for tasteless trash).

Knee High Socks: I could see this one coming. A lot of girls have been pairing their boots with higher socks and I think it looks cute where applicable. It's a total play off of the leg warmer which I absolutely love. Just be sure not to go too overboard with the outfit if you are pairing it with a funky/ trendy knee sock.

Dresses with High Slits: For the number of long gowns I plan to wear this upcoming spring, I'm not too worried about this trend. The slit is a constant on/ off again trend so in my opinion, it's really what you prefer and feel best in. As Maddie and I always say, "confidence is the best accessory!".



Crazy Cutouts on swim suits: It's always fun to make a splash in swim wear and break away from the classic bikini/ tank/ one piece looks. I'm pysched to see what designers have in store and then what Target designers can take off of them. Note to everyone: Target has the BEST bathing suits on a budget.



Sporty Wear: From head bands to crazy kicks and warm up jackets, we can all look like Sporty Spice--- SCORE.



Jumpsuits: I would just like to say my forever21 jumpsuit and the jumpsuit I made in class this past fall will be rocking the runway this spring. I LOVE jumpsuits when done properly. So cute and so easy- just like throwing on a dress, you can't go wrong if you pair it with the right kicks, jewelry and cardigan.



Patterns and see thru gear: Pattern has been all the rage for sometime now, but be ready to kick it up a notch for Spring '10. We're talking serious animal print, banging florals and every other kind of swirl and zigzag you can fathom. Now the see thru gear... ehh, not such a fan. I recently saw a "Say Yes to the Dress" where the top of the brides gown was see thru and all I could think is "JWoww from Jersey Shore would wear this"- it's just tacky. To each his/ her own, but I don't want to be seeing anything I shouldn't be seeing... keep it classy.




Boyfriend blazers: Maddie and I have been rockin' these for a while too and I'm pumped they are back in for the spring. I've found the blazers are best when they are more fitted, otherwise you swim in shoulders and are completely boxed out. Buttons are a fun detail to pay attention too, and unlike sweaters and jackets, blazers maintain their shape which is awesome when you are looking for a tailored outfit.

Stay warm, stay hip and stay trendy!

A Celebrity New Years

Half of celebrating New Years is watching the celebration in Times Square and Dick Tracy's Rockin' New Years Eve special on television. It looks fabulous from the t.v. screen, but I can't imagine what it was like to actually be there. I was in Times Square the day before New Years Eve and it was more overwhelming and overcrowded than I could have ever imagined. I felt lucky to find refuge from this craziness back in Needham, on a couch, with good friends.

New Years is a time to go all out fancy and fabulous, so it wasn't surprising to see outrageous outfits on performers and MCs. Let's examine.

Vanessa Minnilo looked like the definition of old Hollywood and Class. While she could have easily taken the easy route and gone of a tight, shiny, and short dress, she went for luxurious, textured fabrics, in the perfect combination of feathers, fur, gloves and diamonds. She is living out the little girl's dream for all of us in this outfit. She really took it to the next level.

Of course I have mixed feelings about this ensemble, but let me first say that Jennifer Lopez really pulled it out last night. Who would have known a forty year old could look so good? She put on a good performance and she's keeping her career going strong, which is impressive. Okay. Now the outfit. Eh. Seriously? I think it was the color of it that most upsets my aesthetics. It is brown, and sheer, meaning, its almost like skin tone. It had my friends begging "is she wearing ANYTHING?" Meaning that it was way too close to skin tone to be anything but uncomfortable to look at. I guess I'm not totally anti-full body suit, but it just doesn't suit J.Lo. Sorry girl!

I'm not sure what Rihanna was trying to say with this outfit, but statement it did make. Not necessarily one that was well-received, by me, I mean. She looks less crazy in the big white fur coat then when she took it off to reveal this monstrosity of an outfit. The pants are all, all wrong. I'm not opposed to a harem pant, but these were not done well. In order to create what I think was the intended effect I think they would have to be tighter at the bottom so counter the highly voluminous top of the pant. Left the way they are, they are really unflattering. The hat is over the top, which is to be expected, but not in a way I liked. It evokes a little Tim-Burton-esque look, which has never really been my aesthetic, so maybe thats why. Altogether, I guess its good that Rihanna takes risks, but I think she should edit her outfits more and tame the beast that is becoming her wardrobe.

There weren't too many other notable outfits, besides Selena Gomez's performance dress (which I can't find a picture of, but there are some videos, check it out!), but the basic dress trend was sequins and neutrals, mostly black and white. Everyone was trying to put their best foot forward into the New Year!

New Year, New Things

Christmas brought me some pretty great things this year! I was really lucky my family and friends love me, and know the things I like. Maybe they've been reading? :)

Here are some of my gifts and new clothes and accessories acquired over break!

This is a black leather and gold shell clasp belt that my mom and I found at a vintage store in Needham called the Closet Exchange. Somehow Santa got it in my stocking! I've already worn it with a black and plaid dress, and I can't wait to pair it with some other dresses. The shell is really cute and the gold really jazzes an outfit up.

This is another leather belt with a handmade sterling silver buckle that my mom found at the Needham High School Craft Fair. Its really unique and versatile. It's long enough to be worn with jeans, or around your waist, or at any point in between. Above I wore it with a drop-waist shirt, for a casual and fresh look, maybe appropriate for a museum date or a casual work place.
This gorgeous pink plaid and gingham shirt was a gift from Michaela, and I've already worn it approximately four times. I love the color, I love the mixing of the patterns, and as Michaela puts it, its the perfect combination of her girly style and my own style. Its tablecloth bottom flares out and is really flattering and comfortable. With skinny dark jeans and my riding boots it looks really classic.
This shirt was a little gem my dad picked out for me for Christmas. I was so proud of him for picking it out! I love the unique color, wide bat-winged sleeves and its delicate black lace detailing along the edges.

These are some new shoes I bought while I was Christmas shopping. The sales were too good to resist. They are Maddengirl from DSW, and were a great deal. I wore them all Christmas Eve, and they were actually really comfortable. I don't usually wear pink, but this light hue really caught my eye. They invoke a subtle pin-up girl look that I really liked.

This goofy 70's inspired outfit is a combination of some new high-waisted jeans I got while I was in New York City this week. They fit perfectly with a little bit of stretch (gotta love it), tight and skinny cigarette bottoms and modern pockets on the back. The belt was another Closet Exchange find that I got in my stocking. It has a very fragile and quaint feel which I really like. The fringe vest is a home made experiment I made out of an old t-shirt. I can't wait to bust it out in the new year.

This is a beautiful new wallet I got from Michaela's parents. I think everyone needs a healthy dose of animal print in their life. It came in quite handy this week in the city!

I guess someone knew I was into pink patent leather shoes because I got a second pair of shoes from my aunt! These are the perfectly cheeky pair of flats I've been waiting for. They will be perfect for spring, but I probably won't be able to wait until then to wear them. Here I paired them with some new knee socks I got, but they would also work with tights and a dress or jeans!

I've had plenty of time relaxing over break and thats allowed me to get in some good knitting time. Completed projects include a recreation of the white knitted bow headband above, which I donned all over New York City. It feels perfectly lush and warm. I've also knitted a circle scarf and a cowl scarf that matches the white headband above. We'll see what the remaining cold days of break bring!

I also got this fabulous sweater from Urban Outfitters from my mom. I've been dying for more sweaters and this answered my prayers. Its slate color is soft and goes with many other neutrals and rich colors, perfect for winter. It's so soft and warm, it brings fashion and function together perfectly.

I've been so lucky to have the things I have when it comes to clothes and accessories, but even moreso when it comes to friends and family. This year holiday season has been fabulous, and I can't wait to see what the rest of the year will bring!