Old Friends Are Like Vintage Jewelry

I recently read an article about vintage jewelry and it's popularity. I promise to talk more about this, soon! For now, I'd like to share more photos and moments from my trip home for my five year high school reunion. I was definitely grateful for my Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara this weekend.

I met a guy today from upstate New York. The usual response is "Wow, that must have been so hard to leave your family and friends back home!" Of course I say yes. And then I usually reply with a huge shocker, "I'm from a town of 4,000 people and there were maybe 120 in my graduating class." Only difference this time, I was the one in shock. He is also from a small town and graduated with roughly 80 people. It was so refreshing talking to someone who understood my urgency to make it home this past weekend.

I can remember so many nights just laughing, drinking, eating, playing cards, etc. in someones kitchen like the picture above. And the picture with the beautiful blonde, that's B-Lo. I'm A-Lo. These nicknames stemmed from one of the best years growing up - senior year in high school.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, friends are like vintage jewelry. You might not wear/talk to them every day, but they're an important accessory to always treasure.

And the cute little pup is my dog Sadie, I miss her a lot!

Donna Karen New York YANKEES

This is how my Monday started. I dodged a taxi in front of 10 Hanover. Heard "this express train is making all local stops today," after I had already been on for 15 minutes and was now stuck for an extra 20! Oh yeah and I had an allergic reaction to my ear infection med's that the doctor swore "aren't in the same family as Biaxin". Or how about the Progresso chicken noodle soup that is now covering my laptop keyboard, what a start to my week. Anyways, a dose of New York Yankees and designer Donna Karen turned my mood around.

The WWD landed in my mailbox today (like it does every morning) and one article caught my eye. And the picture of a certain Yankee did too. Friday night, I was at Adrienne's PizzaBar getting my local favorite ZZZA for the weekend when I noticed the game was on. After paying the bill I went outside to find it pouring down rain. But this rain didn't keep a certain New York City designer inside, Donna Karen attended Friday's game against Texas.

According to WWD Monday, Donna Karen (DKNY) recently teamed up with the New York Yankees for a long-term, multifaceted sponsorship deal. I'm trying to get more details because this sounds extra "sporty" to me!

Karen is pictured above (courtesy of WWD.com) in today's issue of WWD with Yankees manager Joe Girardi. An interesting story about Joe Girardi, I once stayed at the same hotel as him and didn't realize who it was until I got home. I think dad made me starve that week for not coming home w/an autograph!

Hope you're week is off to a better start than mine!

I luv PUMA!

I recently discovered the ultimate Puma sneaker. Ever since I can remember I've enjoyed searching for the perfect trendy sneaker on the market. In fifth grade it was Airwalk in black and maroon, middle school it was the all white Adidas sneaker with your choice of color stripes and high school it was DC and Etnies "skater" shoes. I might have been one of the select few to go for the "skater" shoe but I find comfortable, flashy sneakers so much fun!

So you can imagine how I felt when I came across these Puma sneakers pictured above. I bought the purple pair a week ago and have worn them to work (only to get to and from work) almost every day. Last weekend I wore them to my "Alumni Basketball Games" back home. With a pair of jeans rolled at the bottom they are super cute. Which is why I went back to get another pair today. I wanted to get a second pair of purple ones so that I could have one pair to trash to and from work and one for "fun." But, they were out. So naturally I had to see if they had any other colors and....

I bought the silver and white and pink and brown pairs. The best part about these Puma sneakers, they were only $39. What a steal!

What is your favorite sneaker brand? I dare you to go for fun colored sneakers this season!

Where Have I Been?

Hi, all! I have been away for a while. I was back home in Iowa enjoying myself with family and friends. I have lots of beauty information to share but need to finish some unpacking first. For now, enjoy a few pictures from this past weekend. A popular color I saw women wearing this weekend, coral. It's that time to bring your wardrobe back to life!

Jen made me cupcakes and they were delicious! I enjoyed them a little more than the famous place down the street from work. And they were carefully decorated with my favorite colors. Thanks, Jen!

The girls in my picture are Kelli and Megan. This trio started a long time ago =)

I promise beauty updates soon!

Bling, Bling

I LOVE BLING. Bling on my hands, bling around my neck, bling on my clothes, bling on my shoes...I love bling. On Saturday, I met a friend at Coffee Shop. After drinks, dinner and dessert I still wasn't ready to head back to the Financial District. Conveniently, Forever 21 is right next to the 4 and 5 train...my transportation home. So we decided that 15 minutes to scope out the jewelry selection would be agreeable.

Now, I have timeless pieces from Tiffany & Co. but cheap "costume" jewelry just can't be beat. And if you wear the appropriate amount of bling and don't overdo it, bling can complete an outfit. I have lots of bling, I design bling, but this ring caught my eye from a mile away (okay not really but you get what I'm saying). It has all my favorite colors - turquoise, silver and black!

The weather is getting nice and you might be feeling a little bit of the winter blues. I promise, if you get even one new accessory to complete a spring/summer look you'll feel great. My new ring was less than $5.00. Bling, bling fashion lovers!

Here is the link to Forever 21 Accessories http://www.forever21.com/category.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=acc_jewelry&Page=1

Beauty Alert!!

First things first. I posted pictures that Kennedy and Sabrina sent me from Iowa. I loved them! But, my mom graciously reminded me that I left Kennedy's full-color sketch out. Above is a design by Kennedy. Kennedy, we'll call this part of your Fall 2010 fashion line! Keep up the hard work! Sabrina & Kennedy sent inspiring designs - you should both definitely visit New York City!

WHO WANTS A CHANCE TO WIN GREAT MAKEUP!?

Lancome's video makeup artist Michelle Phan debuted her latest Lancome makeup tutorial last Thursday. If you haven't checked it out yet I SUGGEST YOU DO! And while you're checking out the latest look for "clubbing" become a Lancome Facebook fan and enter to win all the product she used in her video! The Lancome Blog has contest details and always has great makeup info as well as LOTS OF GREAT GIVEAWAYS!

My personal favorite product used in Michelle's lastest video...La Base Pro. Ask anyone who knows me how much I love pictures & you'll learn photography is my passion. La Base Pro takes the shine off my face and makes pictures look that much better!

Click here to view Michelle's Clubbing Tutorial

Countdown until I land in Iowa to visit friends & family - - 8 days! Now that's beautiful =)

Fashion Designers At Every Age

I like to think that being brought up in the Midwest has made me appreciate all types of fashion. I left for a date the other night and was told I was wearing a lot of color for living in New York City. Guess what I was wearing? Dark, skinny jeans from Guess, a coral button up with a blue sweater over top from Gap and gold accessories from Forever 21. I was in shock. Culture shock more like it. If I wore all black, every day, like most people do here in the city, I don't think I'd like the reaction I'd get back home.

So I was really excited when I saw designs from two students at Forest City Elementary. Kennedy Baker and Sabrina Massie sketched a few designs of their own and sent them to me in New York. Sabrina's "crazy dress" would make a statement here in New York City. It reminds me of a ruffled coral jacket I saw on Peter Som's runway in February. Kennedy's color palette resembles the rainbow of color I saw at Chris Benz. Kennedy must have known I love accessories because her "line" comes complete w/shoes and a purse!

And last but not least, the latest necklace designed by my dad arrived on Saturday. The weather is trying to warm up and I've seen more of the sun lately, so fashion should compliment this awakening. Like I mentioned in an earliest post, I love gold and copper tones, so I was especially thrilled to see this piece arrive. It's a copper chain with multi-colored beads falling gently. I love it!

Sabrina's work is the "crazy" and "big, big dress" and Kennedy's is the sketch with splashes of color.

More exciting fashion news (and I might get yelled at for sharing) my dad designed a young girl's prom jewelry last week. I'm told it matched her dress nicely and was fabulous! If you want unique jewelry for your next special occasion contact me and I'll design w/him!

If you are a fan of nail color check out Essie's "not your grandmother's" pastel shades for Spring. Some of the shades are similar to the color used in Kennedy's sketches. I have seen lots of women wearing the pastel purple, pink and nude around the office. Each Essie bottle is only $8. Get yourself ready for warm weather with these inspiring looks above.