I love dresses. I love short dresses, strapless dresses, solid dresses, print dresses, dresses with sequins, halter dresses…. well, you get the point.
Earlier today, I was browsing one of my favorite online shopping sites, Cusp (it’s the Neiman Marcus boutique) and came across several fabulous dresses. Here are some of my favorites:
Tibi Strapless Silk Dress
Tibi Strapless Silk Dress
Um, how friggin cute is this? Yes, it’s basic Tracey-style with the strapless top and short length, but I lovelovelove this yellow color. I also think this has the right amount of flowy-ness: enough to hide a bit of bloating but not enough to look like a colored garbage bag. (Tibi, $345)
Alice + Olivia Bethany Peplum Dress
Alice + Olivia Bethany Peplum Dress
I love the colors of this dress. But living in Hawaii, I don’t really have anywhere to wear a dress like this. Too bad,
because the sequined bodice is just so pretty and eye-catching. And I love the Mad Men-inspired ruffle around the waist. Hot! (Alice + Oliva, $495)
Robert Rodriguez One-Shoulder Applique Dress
This dress is stunning–with the right figure, someone could really rock it. The asymmetrical waist and black lines, it’s just such an interesting print! If my hips were smaller, I’d definitely buy this little number. (Robert Rodriguez, $418)
Trina Turk Floral Kiki Dress
Trina Turk Floral Kiki Dress
While I normally don’t LOVE large prints, this one works for me. I like the navy with the quick splashes of green. It’s interesting and classic while still being unique. And how cute are the little cap sleeves? (Trina Turk, $348)
Summer starts in about five minutes and it’s time to find some fun bathing suits. Since I live in Hawaii, I’m always on the lookout for cute suits, but the selection’s been pretty limited until now–stores are just now unveiling new styles and looks.
While perusing online, I found two SUPER CUTE Juicy Couture one-piece suits. I generally don’t wear one-peices, but my mom got a really cute Juicy one last season and she looks great in it, so I wanted to see what they did this year. Here are my faves:
Juicy Couture Beach Ruffled Halter Swimdress
I love this navy suit. The shirred side seams will help hide any hip issues while trying to lose those pesky last five pounds. And I really like the halter neck. The ruffles are a cute addition that make this a little more playful vs. Marilyn Monroe bombshell-esque. Check plus. ($150, Nordstrom)
Juicy Couture Beach 'Limoncello' One Piece Swimdress
This yellow suit is also very cute. The bodice is long and shirred so you can pull it low if you’re feeling a little pooch-y or pull it up if you’re feeling 6 pack-y. I love this particular halter top–it’s got great support for the fuller-chested ladies. And I like the lack of ruffles… it’s a little more mature looking. If you have the skin tone to pull this off (ie. super tan/not pasty), I highly recommend this for laying poolside. Overall, I think the shirred side seams of both these suits are extremely flattering. As someone who enjoys a cocktail while sunning, I predict this type of suit will work out well for me this season! ($168, Nordstrom)
For all those bikini lovers, I thought I’d throw in this adorable Juicy two-piece, also in navy:
Juicy Couture Shirred Skirted Bandeau Bikini
I wish the model looked happier about wearing this because she looks great in it. It’s just the cutest little bikini: classy with full coverage and touch of sweetness with the ruffles. (top: $85; bottom: $98, Neiman Marcus; also available in red at Nordstrom)
A couple of months before I moved to Hawaii, I had the pleasure of meeting Chelsea Gossett. We met through my last job and it was during one of our conversations about shoes and fashion that she revealed she was a jewelry designer. Upon my moving, she asked me to help her with her business and I’ve been working with her since.
Count Me Healthy Bracelet
Chelsea designs Count Me Healthy bracelets: they are sterling silver bracelets with movable beads. Why movable beads? Because Chelsea realized she more frequently reached her health and nutrition goals if she had a way to track her progress. And instead of using a cumbersome notebook, why not use a stylish bracelet? So she created these bracelets.
And they really are cute. There are a bunch of different types: the Original, Happy & Blessed, Golf Goddess, Bride to Be, and My Bridesmaids are just a few. Each type has a different moveable bead depending on the theme. One of the newer styles is Helping Hearts — with 25% of each bracelet sold goes to the WomenHeart organization.
So while I love the idea of a wearable tracking tool, I also really love how this bracelet looks–particularly when worn stacked. I usually wear 2-3 at a time and it really looks great. In fact, Count Me Healthy offers Sassy Stacks which comes with three bracelets–instant stackability!
CMH Bracelets worn stacked
The bracelets cost $88 each and are available online at countmehealthyjewelry.com and at select boutiques around the US. And stay tuned – Chelsea has some new styles hitting stores soon!
Now that we’ve taken care of that…. GLEE IS BACK TOMORROW! Yay! Their four month hiatus was way too long. Not only did I watch old episodes, but I was forced to buy almost all of the Glee songs on iTunes just to get my Glee fix each week. I even DVR’d Oprah last week to see her Glee show (which was awesome by the way.)
Every character on this show is good, but my absolute favorite is Rachel. Lea Michelle can sing. And she’s pretty funny. Not to mention how she killed it on the red carpet during award season. Lea’s got style! My other favorite characters are Quinn (Dianna Argon,) Puck (Mark Salling,) and Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch.) I could watch Sue Sylvester talk for hours on end. Quinn is just the cutest little thing–and her internal struggle is interesting to watch. And, well, you know, Puck is hot, so…. well….yeah.
This upcoming string of episodes has a stellar list of guest stars planned: Neil Patrick Harris(!), Kristin Chenoweth is coming back (hells yeah,) and Idina Menzel of Wicked fame are all lined up. And I simply can’t wait for the All Madonna episode airing April 20. In fact, here’s the TV Guide cover inspired by the Madonna episode… (how cute is Rachel?!?)
The Cast of Glee on TV Guide
I also don’t hate Mr. Shue. I like watching him spar with Sue Sylvester… but I wouldn’t mind it if he stopped rapping for a little while…
Normally when I visit San Francisco, I have a really hard time packing: the weather is all over the place and it’s difficult to pack for warm and cold weather, particularly when you’re not checking a bag. But I didn’t have this problem on my last visit because I’d recently purchased my new favorite accessory, a Hamilton & Co. scarf.
Terrah Hamilton is the designer and creator of Hamilton & Co. scarves. I met her through my job and she’s super sweet–and has a very stylish eye. During a visit to the corporate office, I noticed all the girls were rocking these super cute scarves… and then I realized that one of the girls wearing them was making them! A few months later, I ordered my first one.
Hamilton scarves are very unique. Instead of one long piece of material, Terrah creates unusual and eye-catching designs–usually through the cutting or layers of material. The scarf I ordered was black and made of t-shirt/jersey material. But instead of being one long piece, the scarf is actually comprised of several strips of material that are bound in one spot but lay free otherwise. I wear mine looped around my neck one time so the layers add some volume, but I’ve seen photos on the Hamiton & Co site of people wearing them long to the waist. Sound confusing? Here’s a pic:
Hamilton & Co. Scarf
This accessory was the perfect finishing touch to almost every outfit I wore while in San Francisco. Almost everyone I saw complimented it. I can’t wait to get a second one in some funky color or material. Terrah is always adding new materials and hues; in fact, she introduced some tie-dye earlier this year.
Tie-Dye Hamilton & Co Scarf
Here’s a link to her blog that features photos and some of her inspirations. Terrah sells her creations in several boutiques in Memphis and on her Etsy.com shop online. Hamilton & Co. is also on Facebook.
Oliver Peoples makes killer shades, particularly aviators. I’m a gigantic fan. BIG. HUGE. So big that the pair I own now is actually my third pair of Peoples glasses. My first two pairs were identical — gold chrome frames, perfect size brown/black lens — and I adored them. I’ve never in my life received as many compliments on sunglasses as I did with these (they were Benedict style.) My third pair was similar: gold frames and brown lens, but the size was a little smaller. Not John Lennon glasses but they are a wee bit small. Either way, the Peoples aviators are hot.
Oliver Peoples, Patten
I was recently shopping and came across some of their new styles– and there are a couple fabulous ones. My favorite new style is called Patten. It’s an aviator with silver frames and squarish lens with a blue-to-grey tint. They are outstanding. Unfortunately, they don’t look so good with my coloring BUT if you have brown hair, these will look HOT. I’d maybe even contemplate going brunette for these… (maybe.)
While perusing the New Additions section on Neimans website, I found two handbags I must have. Since my handbag obsession has taken a quiet haitus since I moved to Hawaii, I probably won’t get either. But that doesn’t mean I can’t still crave both–or encourage YOU to get them!
These bags are polar opposites–but only in price. One is $2495 and the other is $255. One is a popular and high-end brand, the other is an eco-friendly, vegan brand. But, they are both considered hobos and they’re both super cute. So enough with the teasing… let’s see the bags!
Jimmy Choo Python-Embossed Tie-Dye Hobo
I mean, how friggin hot is this bag? I LOVE IT. It’s a Jimmy Choo camel brown python-embossed leather with off-white tie-dye detail. I generally don’t love tie-dye but it works on this bag. The hardware is great, the shape is fabulous, and I like that it has tan suede lining. It’s just a great spring/summer bag. Man, Jimmy Choo makes hot bags. And yes, this is the $2495 one.
Matt & Nat Cleo Stud Hobo
Okay, so I think this bag is super cute. I love the studs, I love the layered leather, and I love the handle. This looks like an expensive bag to me… but’s totally affordable. The designer is Matt & Nat. I’m not super familiar with this designer but here’s what Neimans said: “Style-conscious and design-centric, MATT & NAT combines bold color, edgy silhouettes, and inventive materials in a collection that juxtaposes structured designs with sumptuous fabrics. A perfect balance of ethics and beauty, MATT & NATT reinvents what it means to be fashionably responsible, creating accessories void of animal by-products yet rich in style.”
Sounds good to me. And you can’t beat the $255 price tag. (Note: It’s vegan faux leather, so I’m curious what the texture of the bag is and how it moves. I mean, it’s cool that it’s not real leather and animal-friendly, but I’d want to make sure it looks and feels right before buying.)
To be very clear, I realize writing about my love of soda is going to hurt my credibility in other arenas… but the truth remains, I friggin love it. And if it’s a fountain cherry coke, there’s really nothing better in life.
It feels a little ridiculous to love soda this much, given how unhealthy it is and how I’m literally the only 30-something I know who guzzles it on a daily basis. But I just can’t stop. And while my daily addiction is usually based canned diet soda, a fountain cherry coke is the perfect occasional and delicious treat.
Since we’re on the subject, some of my other favorite sodas include: Diet Mountain Dew, Diet Sunkist, and Diet Caffeine-Free Coke or Pepsi. I don’t really have a preference when it comes to Coke or Pepsi… I like both and both do a really good Cherry version. I do like Sierra Mist more than Sprite though. And I like Dr. Pepper, though not Diet Dr. Pepper as much.
For how much I love soda, there is one place I haven’t been. And I’ve done a fair amount of traveling. I’ve visited many countries and almost all the US states. I’ve lived in many cities including Washington DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Manhattan, Baltimore, and Honolulu. But I’ve never been to Atlanta–where my mecca is located. The Coke headquarters. I’ve heard so many stories about all the tastings you can try – all the different flavors of coke ever made. Including ones that aren’t available anywhere else! I hear stories of Grape Coke! Of Watermelon Coke! I must go.
Deep Fried Coke
Finally, I’ve heard that in a couple of places around the US, usually at county fairs, people serve FRIED SODA. Yep, they FRY SODA. I realize that’s taking two very bad things and then making it 100 times worse but I absolutely want to try it. Just one bite. I doubt it’s any good but it’s definitely something I need to experience as a soda fanatic. Right?
Out of all the makeup products available, my favorite has always been bronzers and bronzing powders. And I’ve spent a fair amount of time trying to find one that compliments a real tan during the summer but also gives a touch of color during the winter months. Since moving to Hawaii, I’ve been pretty good about shielding my face from the sun, so I want a bronzing powder that matches the tan elsewhere on my body. MANY bronzers later, the one I like the best is Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna.
Aside from the sharp packaging (I love Nars packaging,) the texture of the powder is nice, it stays on all day, and the color gives the perfect sun-kissed appearance (as opposed to dirty brown which can happen with some bronzers.) I’ve been using this bronzer for about a year and it’s far and away my favorite. (My second choice is Guerlain Terracota line. Also really nice.)
The Nars Bronzer is $32 at Sephora but can be found at most department stores too.
Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m completely obsessed with Arrested Development. And though it’s been off the air for four years (can you believe it’s been that long?!), I’m still missing the witty writing and great acting. There have been a few shows since that have similarities (good writing=Modern Family, impeccable timing=30 Rock), but none have captured the true brilliance of AD.
So why did I love it so much? Aside from pitch-perfect writing and insanely good timing, the cast was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Every last character was perfection. The casting of this show was just so good — each actor/actress played their character with enough charm and brash to make them simultaneously lovable and loathsome. I’m always having debates with other AD lovers about who the best character is — and it’s simply an impossible task! They are all too good.
Here’s what I love about each:
Michael Bluth
Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman)
First of all, Jason Bateman is gorgeous. I think he’s one of the best looking guys in Hollywood. I love his cute smile but I also like him because he’s so sneaky witty and funny. Also, so much of his character revolved around RE-acting to his cast mates and he was great playing off others. Michael Bluth was the “normal” one to a family of crazy people. And watching him play off all their craziness was great.
Gob Bluth
Gob Bluth (Will Arnett)
Will Arnett is great–and I think his character got some of the best writing on the show. Gob was an idiot who didn’t care about anyone–and that lent itself to some great situational comedy. I truly believe this is one of the greatest characters on TV ever. Example of Gob dialogue:
Marta: Te Quiero.
Gob: English, please.
Marta: I love you.
Gob: Great, now I’m late.
Buster Bluth
Buster Bluth (Tony Hale)
“I guess we’re just gonna blow through naptime, huh?” Hysterical! Buster is another great character–a 30-something guy that still lives at home with his mom and loves his daily naps. High point? When his hand was eaten by a seal named Lucille.
George Michael Bluth
George Michael Bluth (Michael Cera)
The discovery of Michael Cera! No one else could have played this role as well as Michael Cera did. His teen confusion and angst was so believable! And his timing… it’s impressive someone his age did comedy that well. He’s very, very talented. And funny. And endearing. And cute.
Lindsay Funke
Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi)
My favorite Lindsay moment is when she visits her dad in jail wearing a t-shirt with SLUT emblazoned on the front. I love her complete narcissism and lack of desire to do ANY work. Portia de Rossi was awesome in this role. And I’m totally obsessed with her hair.
Tobias Funke
Tobias Funke (David Cross)
“I blue myself.” Need I say more?
George Bluth
George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor)
George Bluth’s facial expressions were priceless. And his one liners (“Daddy Horny”) were even better. Jeffrey Tambor was the perfect choice for this character – witty, respectable, and lovable.
Lucille Bluth
Lucille Bluth (Jessica Walters)
I hadn’t seen Jessica Walters in anything before and was BLOWN AWAY by how amazing she is. Her acting and timing is phenomenal. I could watch her play this character for years and never get bored. Her love of cocktails and driving cars is so funny and her constant ranking of her own children always makes me laugh.
Maeby Bluth
Maeby Funke (Alia Shawkat)
This character probably got the least amount of air time, but she did a lot with what she had… her stint as a movie studio executive (at age 15 no less!) was well executed and written. “Marry me!”
The Hot Pink List 