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| Contest ends today! |
| 02.28.07 (11:33 am) [edit] |
I wanted to remind everyone that today is the last day to take part in the contest I'm running. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. All you have to do is add a link on your site, and add me to your technorati fav's. Then one lucky winner will get their name drawn at midnight, and win the bath bomb and $10 gift certificate. I want to thank everyone who participated, and wish them all good luck! Click here for more details. |
| Vivienne Westwood- Cowgirl Nightmare |
| 02.28.07 (11:29 am) [edit] |
 I went to high school in a small country school. We had honest-to-goodness cowboys, a girl who rode her horse to school once, and a couple of twin brothers who dated twin sisters and actually rode in rodeos. Honestly! I couldn't make up anything that interesting if I tried. Even worse, this is when Garth Brooks ruled the music charts, and country music and clothing was king. So I know a little bit about cowboy fashion, and this is not it. There isn't a self-respecting cowgirl that would wear a sweater over her cowgirl shirt. The boots are a stretch, but maybe for prom. The skirt is also a little fancy, but not too strange. But it's the little blue patches over the breasts that destroys this outfit. A good cowgirl shirt should come down with arrows, pointing down towards her feet, before the fabric changes. This highlights the bustline, without being vulgar. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Vivienne Westwood- Bag on her head |
| 02.28.07 (11:23 am) [edit] |
 Somehow, this is passing as fashion nowadays. And gentle readers, I know I have promoted a lot of strange outfits on these pages, and made you all raise an eyebrow once or twice. But I can't even explain this. And I don't mean that I hate it (which I do). I mean that I can't explain it. Read the next few entries, because it only gets more bizzare. First, the model is wearing a bag on her head. Not so that it covers her face. No, it's just perched there, like some ridiculous hat. She must be hiding a seriously ugly hairdo that made Westwood want it covered. Next, the bustline is saggy. It's not helping that the model is slouching, but honestly, I don't think I could walk upright with that on top of my head. It must weigh a ton! Then, it appears that the model was mauled by a tiger backstage. How else would you explain the ripped pants? Please don't tell me that was intentional. And finally, for the strangest touch, check out her wrists. They appear to have pretty bows tied around them, until you look more closely. Those are fingers sticking out from the side. Yes, folks, Vivienne Westwood has tied a glove around her wrist and called it fashion. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Vivienne Westwood- Cavegirl Bikini Dress |
| 02.28.07 (11:16 am) [edit] |
 This is one of the most wearable pieces in the entire Vivienne Westwood collection. Be afraid. Be very afraid. As a dress, it's interesting. At least it's got a style, although on most women it's going to come across as one of those styles that is cuter in theory than in practice. The pattern is just a little too heavy-handed. I do like the same pattern on contrasting colors though. But Westwood puts a bikini under the top, partially because it's too revealing otherwise, and partially because it reinforces the bikini cavegirl theme she's trying to go for. But it turns what could be a nice dress into a bizzare creation. The dress is somewhat wintery with those too-long sleeves, and the long scarf and winter boots. But then there's a bikini. Is it cold? Is it hot? Is it just bad fashion? Yeah, let's go with that one. Finally, I've got to say, I love the necklace, but ONLY with this outfit. You could not get away with it on any other outfit. EVER. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Narciso Rodriguez- Flower Dress |
| 02.27.07 (10:47 pm) [edit] |
 Okie dokie. Final Narciso Rodriguez dress of the night. This dress is not the best in the collection. In fact, it seems really out of place. Most of the others are white, black, grey, or blue solids. But a few of the pieces use this flower print. And I was about to comment that it seemed a little retro compared to the other pieces, but then I realized that they are all pretty retro. I mean, catsuits and big geometric patterns?!! But still, this has a different feel to it than the others, and I can't put my finger on the difference. Despite it not being the best in the collection, it's the most wearable. I'm far from being a size 2, and I would look great in this dress. Also, I want to call your attention to the masterful way it was sewn. Look at the way it crosses over at her chest. At the V, right where it crosses over, the dress is sewn in such a way so that the flower appears whole. Meaning, the flower doesn't overlap, even though the pattern does. I can't even imagine the difficulty in sewing this to get it so perfect. You have darts to consider, the overlap, and never knowing exactly how the model will fit into the dress beforehand. It's perfect. Finally, love the pockets in this. It gives it a nice, casual appearance. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Movie Directing |
| 02.27.07 (10:39 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Once upon a time, I wanted to be a director. Actually, I wanted to direct music videos, to be more precise. I would be able to make a short film, 3-4 minutes long, and have it as insane as I wanted. lol The closest I ever got was writing a short film. Last I heard, it was in production. Don't try to google it. It was never going to be that big to begin with. But in spite of this, the real work on a movie is in post-production. Editors are the most valuable people on a movie, in my opinion. The writer can write a horrible script. The director can shoot nothing worthwhile. But with a good editor, some decent sound FX, some special effects, you have a good movie. Take Fight Club for instance. It wasn't that the movie was so spectacular. It's that it was edited just right for that particular film. I can make that case for any movie out there. The good ones had good editors. The bad ones did not. Did you know that Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo Del Toro collaborated with each other on their recent movies, but having the freedom to tell each other, "Dude, that's lousy! You can't leave that in there." They each helped with the editing, and that's what really gives a movie it's best cut, in my opinion. Having a fresh pair of eyes to leave what works and remove what doesn't. And a good editor knows EXACTLY what works. I've got a few filmmaking buddies, and I'm going to refer them to MDFilms. They can help with editing and other post-production needs. Their site really makes it look like they know what they are doing, and a lot of attention has been paid to the small details. That says a lot. A good editor can't ignore the details, because sometimes it's that one look on an actor's face that makes one take better than another. 
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| Narciso Rodriguez- White Squares Coat |
| 02.27.07 (10:32 pm) [edit] |
 I'm sort of torn on this coat. On one hand, it's very cute. But with the white pants and the platinum blonde hair, it's too washed out. Not to mention, the bagginess bothers me. I wish it had more shape like the first white coat. I like the squares, but the top one is a little too high for my taste. I wish it was located lower, so the neckline wasn't affected by it. The square line across the top conflicts with the rounded shape of the coat. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Narciso Rodriguez- Navy Coat |
| 02.27.07 (10:29 pm) [edit] |
 This is done in the same navy velvet fabric as the catsuit, but I like the catsuit better. This coat, with its heavy, square collar seems dowdy to me. Add in the thick belt, and the matching gloves, and it's just too much. It is a nice velvet though. With the short pile, it's not going to catch every single piece of fluff that is floating through the air. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Narciso Rodriguez- White Jacket |
| 02.27.07 (10:27 pm) [edit] |
 Needless to say, there's a lot of white, black, grey, and navy blue in this collection. I find that surprising. White is certainly a hot color right now, but so is red. These are much more neutral than most of the trends out there. And I kind of like it because of that, although it makes for a more wintery collection. Again, this is a very sleek jacket. There is some detail at the neck, and it makes for a situation where not much jewelry is required. I like that. I think that accessories should enhance an already nice outfit, but not be required to make it look perfect. I do NOT care for the sleeve length. 3/4 length has always bothered me, and I wonder why they go to the trouble. Either have a sleeve or don't. lol Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Narciso Rodriguez- White Coat |
| 02.27.07 (10:22 pm) [edit] |
 Wow. I love this coat. It's a long, slightly off-white coat, with some simple lines. Those lines are what make it unique. Too often, coats are complicated with unnecessary things like buttons or trim. This has a few details around the neck and waist, but they only make it look it look sleeker. Very nice. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Narciso Rodriguez- Catsuit |
| 02.27.07 (10:19 pm) [edit] |
 This blue catsuit by Narciso Rodriguez is stunning. It's form-fitting navy blue velvet. Now, I never thought in a million years that I would hope that catsuits come back. But if they are all this beautiful, I'm okay with it. I still won't wear it (thank your lucky stars), but I'm okay with it. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Korean Fashion |
| 02.27.07 (6:06 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. I found a site today that has some REALLY cool Korean fashions. Check them out for Korean Fashion Online - Latest Korean Fashion Trends, Korean Streetwear, Korean Costume Jewelry, Korean Shoes & Bags, Korean Celebirites Pictures & more! I mean, check out this outfit. It's beautiful, and a great winter look that a lot of people can wear.  I love the stuff here, and I'm certainly going to spend more time here checking it out. The fashions are tight, and unusual compared to most American fashions. That's what I love about it. They aren't the typical, boring things I see on the street everyday. There is color and new cuts, and a youthful feel to it. There was a purse I saw on the site that looked like an ice cream cone. I mean, how fun is that? Certainly you couldn't carry it every day, but it's a blast to carry when you're out on a date at the amusement park with your boyfriend. Elsewhere I saw some boots. Now, they were furry winter boots, but they weren't hideous like Uggs. Instead the fur looked luxurious and warm, and they had a Raquel Welch sort of feel. lol There are some really cool earrings. They are a butterfly design with rhinestones. They are classy, and yet so much fun at the same time. The best part of the price. If I recall correctly, they were only $6.90.  And here are some amazing shoes. I want these. They are cherry bomb shoes with a green background. There are tiny rhinestones near the toes, and leaves that wrap around the ankles. The colors are perfect, and these are the coolest shoes I've seen in a long time.   
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| Oscar Fashions- Part 4 |
| 02.26.07 (8:31 pm) [edit] |
 This is one of those over-the-top Oscar fashions I just wrote about. Sure, it was pretty. But the Oscars seemed to be scaled down this year, and nobody gave Penelope Cruz the memo.  Ugh. Not fair. Perfect skin, perfect hair, perfect dress, and she won an Oscar for acting in an excellent movie with my boyfriend, Ralph Fiennes (who was very naughty on an international flight recently- we must have a talk and see whether we both really want to be in this relationship!). That's it. I hate her.  Damn! The Fresh Prince is going grey. I don't like it as much, but I hope he doesn't decide to color it. Grey looks dignified, and with a young face like Will Smith has- sexy! Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Oscar Fashions- Part 3 |
| 02.26.07 (8:25 pm) [edit] |
 Meryl Streep is gorgeous. She isn't wearing the sort of fluffy gown that the rest are, because she knows she'd look ridiculous. Instead, she's dressed nicely, and certainly Oscar worthy, but she's not going for that over-the-top style. And I say good for her. I hated Kirsten Dunst's collar. A formal dress should not have a "collar" per se. No pic, but trust me, it was weird.  I hate the bow thing that is chomping down on Nicole Kidman's neck. But the real news is how cute Naomi Watts looks. I discussed this in the entertainment section at my Toastthetrends.com blog, but the designer of Naomi Watts dress broke the news that she is pregnant. I can spot a bump on Kelly Preston, but miss it completely on Naomi Watts. I don't even know how. Look at it. Heck yeah there's a baby in there! Apart from that, pregnancy really suits her. She's gorgeous. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Oscars Fashion- Part 2 |
| 02.26.07 (5:55 pm) [edit] |
Make sure to check out www.Toastthetrends.com for more fashion, entertainment, and other posts related to the Oscars. It goes into more than just the outfits. Kate Winslet had on one of the most gorgeous dresses, and yet she's not getting much attention for it. I think the color worked really well on her. Green often looks great on redheads, and considering she has strawberry blonde hair, it's absolutely the best shade in the world for her.  You know how all the starlets stand funny? They do that weird one-leg-behind-the-other- one pose while turning. That's to make them appear thinner. This pic of Kate Winslet is what happens when you don't pose like that. It's also what happens when you slouch. STAND UP STRAIGHT!! Yer at the Oscar's fer cryin' out loud!!!!  Um, is Kelly Preston knocked up? Forgive the gossip, but that girl is getting large in the stomach area. (Yeah, I'm one to talk.) Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Oscar Fashions- Part 1 |
| 02.26.07 (8:43 am) [edit] |
 I'm getting my hubby in on the fashion/beauty critiquing, it seems. He announced, "I like Cameron Diaz better as a blonde." This is noteworthy because my husband HATES blondes. Not his type at all. I agree. This color is so wishy-washy.  Cursed Cate Blanchett!!! She was gorgeous. But she should not be allowed to chew gum. The camera cut to her, and she was sitting there smacking away. Ugh.  I'm sorry, but Eva Green does NOT do it for me. Even in Casino Royale, I couldn't figure out why Bond was so attracted to her. She's supposed to be this smokin' hot French actress with sultry eyes. Instead, her makeup is all over the place, and she looks like a little girl that got into her mommy's eye makeup. And that damn parted in front but not in back thing irritates me. Different hairstyle, please. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| The Ultimate Gift |
| 02.24.07 (12:23 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. There is a new movie coming out called "The Ultimate Gift". This is the official site of the movie "The Ultimate Gift"; and the grass-roots movement its starting to help charities and give to others. It's about a trust fund baby who expects a large inheritance when his grandfather dies, but instead he is challenged to complete 12 tasks, or "gifts". The idea behind the movie is based on the message, "The only way you can truly get more out of life for yourself is to give part of yourself away." This is something I believe in wholeheartedly. When I give money to a charity, it doesn't even register as a charitable act. But when I actually have to go out and get my hands dirty at great personal sacrifice, THAT'S giving. Several movements have started because of the book that inspired this movie. One started by teens is called "Show of Hands". Another is the "Weekend of Giving" which gives $1 from every ticket purchased to the charitable group of your choice. That's an amazing concept that the filmmakers and FOX have teamed up to provide. This is the newest movie from Abigail Breslin, who recently starred in "Little Miss Sunshine". This is certain to be a hot movie coming off her success. Beyond that, I hope it does well simply because of the message.  
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| Derek Lam- Black and Grey Dress |
| 02.23.07 (3:07 pm) [edit] |
 Again, it's hard to tell what exactly makes this dress so sexy. But it most definitely is sexy. Who thought a simple sleeveless black dress with a grey holster could be so va-va-voom, and yet, here it is. Perhaps it's the length combined with the cut of the skirt. It's a fun, flirtatious outfit. I really love this style, and the more Derek Lam pieces I look at convince me that this is a designer I should pay more attention to in the future. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Derek Lam- Schoolgirl |
| 02.23.07 (3:03 pm) [edit] |
 This schoolgirl outfit by Derek Lam is hot! Sure, it's short, but apart from that, it's really pretty tame. And yet, it's so sexy, even with that hideous blue plaid shirt underneath it. I like the black sleeves poking out from it, and the way it contrasts with the grey. And the boots are a really interesting addition to the outfit. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| New Site is Up. |
| 02.22.07 (7:48 pm) [edit] |
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I finally got my new site up and running. At least, to the best of my abilities. That means don't play too hard with the search function. ;) I'm a writer, not a web designer, darnit! This new site is named Toast the Trends. Gee, original, isn't it. The difference between that site and this one is that it covers trends across a lot of different areas of life. I discuss fashion, entertainment, electronics, home decor, and other subjects. Please feel free to join me over there, and I welcome your comments there and here. I am still working on getting the site up and going, so there are not a lot of posts yet. Please bear with me as I get it running. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Building software management |
| 02.22.07 (4:07 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Today, I found a company that makes property management software. As my regular readers know, I own my own commercial property, and eventually I would like to have my own real estate empire. lol I checked out the software, and it looks very useful. I think my favorite part is that you can setup a website where tenants can login and submit maintenance requests. We are going to be moving soon, and even though we are going to be near the property once a week, I don't want to be an absentee landlord. I want my tenants to be able to contact me anytime with any issue. This gives us a convenient way to communicate with them. And another cool feature is that tenants can pay electronically. Now there's no need to wait for the check in the mail. One of our tenants never mailed us a check, but they were always early with the rent. They always waited until we came in to eat (they are a restaurant, obviously) and gave it to us then. Last month was the first month they mailed it, after almost a year. It always worked out fine for us, but this gives them another option. You can also track the property and record property income and other figures, which definitely helps at tax time. And if the tenants ever leave, they give you a website where you can post vacancies and review and accept offers. This is extremely handy, and only proves more handy with the more properties you acquire. I am definitely going to bring it to my husband's attention, because it could be extremely useful to us. |
| Bauletto Purse |
| 02.22.07 (3:52 pm) [edit] |
 This purse is a gorgeous beige leatherette, and it is quite a sizeable bag. The bag is studded with silver and has brown handles and accents. Even better? It's price is less than $40. It's a beautiful bag that is both unusual and in touch with the latest trends. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Brown ruched purse |
| 02.22.07 (3:46 pm) [edit] |
 This brown ruched shoulder bag is an impressive size, and a little out of the ordinary. That's what I like about it. It can be dressed up or down depending on what you wear. For example, if you wear a pleated dress, this will be a classy bag. But if you pair it with jeans and a tank top, it's going to be a great casual bag. It's also available in red and black, but I prefer the brown. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Need new furniture and decor |
| 02.22.07 (8:15 am) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Now that we're moving (yes, it's official), I've realized that I need new furniture. Sure, I already have furniture in my house. The problem is that my house is about twice as large as the apartment, and my furniture is already too big for the house. For example, I need a loveseat and club chair, rather than a large sofa. Not only that, but I am using the opportunity to try some decorating styles I wouldn't otherwise consider. They allow you to paint at this apartment, and I am going to experiment with some rather bold colors. But the problem is, nothing I own matches these colors. I am okay replacing it a bit at a time, but I know it will look silly until then. I found a Tufenkian Rug Sale and I think they are amazing. They do custom rugs here, and I might have to buy some. Of course, I don't believe those are the ones on sale. :D But I've seen some of the ones that are, and they are very lovely. Even better, you can save 10% if you register. That's a great deal. My favorite part is that they do not use child labor. I'm always very hesitant with new places, because I don't know what their business practices and ethics are, and I want to make sure they match my own. But everything looks A-ok here. I have to admit that I love moving. It gives me a chance to update the styles that I have been hanging onto for too long.  |
| Salvatore Ferragamo Crocodile Bag |
| 02.22.07 (8:07 am) [edit] |
 This purse by Salvatore Ferragamo is GORGEOUS! I feel bad for liking it so much, because I do consider myself an animal rights person, but I also know that I didn't make the bag (nor can I afford to buy it) so I don't have to answer for it. If I made it, it would be faux croc, because there are some really good faux croc prints out there. But that's neither here nor there. From the round button flanked by two smaller buttons to the doubled over part on the shoulder strap, this bag is the epitome of elegance. I think if I was a celebrity, I would carry only Ferragamo bags. They are classy, and don't have the weird self-promotion printed all over the bag like some others do. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Dominique Sirop- Black with White Accent |
| 02.21.07 (10:16 pm) [edit] |
 This gown by Dominique Sirop is gorgeous. On one hand, I really like the white accent. On the other hand, it kind of looks like the sort of packing material that is used to protect dishes when you move. You know, that stretchy, woven styrofoam? I love the gown itself, and how it is woven together (or at least seems to be). It gives it a lot of texture, just by changing the way the fabric runs. And the belt and gloves really sell it. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Seo services |
| 02.21.07 (10:02 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. With my new website, I'm having to delve into the whole mess of SEO. And you know what? I'm failing miserably! lol I am just not an SEO expert. I've told friends before that I can write all day long, but getting my articles to the top of the page is another matter. One company that specializes in San Diego SEO can help you figure it all out. They can supply targeted results, rather than some scattered hits. I know with one website in the past, I bought some links on Overture. Most of the links were displayed in the middle of the night to porn sites. Not at all what I wanted to achieve from a site that sold mainly spices, and it was a complete waste of money and time. I'd rather hire somebody who knows what they are doing and can get me hits from the right kind of sites. |
| Francesco Biasia Bag |
| 02.21.07 (9:56 pm) [edit] |
 This Francesco Biasia bag is a gorgeous silver. It's metallic tones are funky, and yet they really show the softness of the leather. I love that it's not overly crowded with the heavy hardware that is so popular right now, but it has just enough to make it a really hot bag. The side pockets are especially handy, and it's a good size. The price is not *too* painful considering the price of some purses. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| An interesting development. |
| 02.21.07 (7:21 pm) [edit] |
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One of the sites where I write presented me with an interesting opportunity. Because I still have a few steps to go before I am approved, I am not going to divulge the details yet, but let's just say that it is fashion related and a HUGE opportunity. Unfortunately, it's probably in my weakest area of fashion. But, it is an area that interests me, so I'm viewing it as an opportunity to learn more. I am spending tonight writing sample articles for me, and I know that it is going to be a challenge for the first few weeks, but I'm ready for that challenge. :D Wish me luck, because I'm not lying when I tell you this is an amazing opportunity for me. It will let me provide more well-rounded entries here. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Hotel Suites |
| 02.21.07 (2:05 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Many hotels have begun defining the word "suite" a little differently. They seem to think it means bigger furniture or larger closet space. Sorry, but I cannot go sleep in the closet when my husband starts fighting me for the blankets. Allstays defines it differently. Their family suites are appropriate for an entire family, because they have more than one room where you can crash. We haven't gotten to the point where we do this type of vacation with the kids yet, but it is coming up soon, I'm sure. When we do, I already know we're going to need two rooms. Two beds simply won't cut it for a family of four, and I prefer having them in their own separate room WITHIN my hotel room. 
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| Oscar de la Renta- Tiger Dress |
| 02.20.07 (4:58 pm) [edit] |
 This dress by Oscar de la Renta is gorgeous, and I can't even pinpoint what makes it gorgeous. The fabric looks like a 1970's tiger print upholstery couch that was sacrificed for the sake of fashion. I detest black tights because I think it's kind of creepy to make your legs look like a different color. The necklace looks like Christmas ornaments strung together to make a necklace. And yet, it's really fun as an entire outfit. I could work this. lol Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Blugirl- My Plaid Nightmare |
| 02.20.07 (4:50 pm) [edit] |
 This outfit is F-U-G-L-Y!!!!! And that's the nicest thing I can say about it. Red patent leather shoes, red hat, plaid jumper, and a red and black striped shirt. There just isn't a single piece working on this outfit. I've always said that style is individual and you should wear whatever you want. That being said, you gotta be out of your damn mind to walk around in public wearing this monstrosity. Baby, you cannot EVER combine plaid and stripes. In fact, plaid is pretty difficult all on its own, unless you have a green mohawk. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Britney Spears in rehab |
| 02.20.07 (4:44 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. I just read today that Britney Spears entered rehab. It seems so many young people are doing this now. I can't even imagine the enormous pressures they face every day, and frankly, I don't want to. I don't think I would deal with fame very well. Although I don't approve of a lot of their actions, I am glad to see that they are getting help, whether through alcohol or drug rehab. Some of them just need somebody to talk with them and help them- someone to sit them down and teach them how to find the core of who they are. Someone to teach them some ethics. At Stone Hawk, they do this and more. First they help the person detox with saunas and then helps them get a new start on life. It's kind of like robooting their life. Stone Hawk has a 76%+ success rate. That's outstanding! And even though Britney Spears isn't going there, hopefully she can get back on track for her kids. That's the point. Not to shame them, but to teach them how to function. And the same is true of every place. I've been lucky. I have some alcoholics in my family, and I have managed to avoid it. Same with drugs. And I truly mean lucky. There are some who haven't been as lucky, and I wish them the best of luck getting everything sorted out. |
| Barbara Tfank- Gold Dress |
| 02.20.07 (3:08 pm) [edit] |
 This dress is beautiful. Again, it's not that it's a new style. Everything about this dress has been seen before. But it is still a nice look. The model could not look more beautiful in it, and the color of the fabric is gorgeous with her skin tone. I love the shoulders of this dress, and she's got the razor-sharp clavicles to really rock this look. I'm jealous. lol Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Barbara Tfank- Gold Coat |
| 02.20.07 (3:03 pm) [edit] |
 This coat is beautiful on first view, but I like it less and less the more I see it. It makes the model appear plus sized, and it doesn't give her body the shape it needs. Plus, originally I thought the material was beautiful, but now it just looks like a coat my grandmother would wear. And she was VERY fond of polyester, so you should be very afraid of that statement. ;) If you have already read this entry, I am just moving it. For some odd reason, I posted it, but it got posted two hours behind, which put it behind several others. It's like it was traveling back in time. I am simply moving it where it really belongs. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Barbara Tfank- Black and Green Dress |
| 02.20.07 (3:02 pm) [edit] |
 This dress has an excellent balance between vulgarity and chastity. It's got a late 50's housewife sort of feel, but that neckline is dangerous! lol The dress itself isn't particularly stunning. It's a style that's been seen before. All that was done was the neckline was taken lower. But it is an interesting pattern on bottom, and the neck gives it a modern edge. I like it, but I don't love it. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Free phone upgrade |
| 02.20.07 (2:48 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Most of the time, to get a free cell phone offer, you have to be a new customer. Those kind of offers are everywhere, and they are very easy to get, because nearly every cell phone company offers that kind of deal. But say you want Cingular upgrades. What are you supposed to do then? Switch companies? That's silly. You might be very happy with your current company and don't want to switch. Pay full price?? Cell phone prices are ridiculous! Now you can get a cell phone upgrade, even if you are an existing customer. Wirefly offers a way for existing customers to get a new cell phone with new features, if you renew your contract through them. It's a great deal, and it lets you stay with a cell phone company you like, but still have a decent phone with the newest features. It gives you more power as a consumer, and you don't have to pay those outrageous prices for a new phone. My husband has a REALLY old cell phone, and unfortunately, because we are through a rural carrier, there is no chance at upgrade. However that's changing very soon, and I know he looks forward to having a phone with some new features. He's been wanting an MP3 player forever, so maybe we'll get one that has that as a feature. I want a camera phone, because I can't count the number of times I wish I had a camera handy. If you've been looking at a new cell phone but don't want to switch your service, give Wirefly a try. They can help you find not only a great phone, but cool add-ons. And if you are searching for a new cell phone plan with a new company, they can help you with that too. 
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| Special thanks |
| 02.19.07 (10:14 am) [edit] |
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For my February Birthday Recommendation, I recommended the Seacret Nail Care Collection. I wanted to let you know about a special thing they did for me. After I recommended it, I wrote them to tell them that I had recommended it. I believe in letting a company know when they are doing something right, and I think that word of mouth is better than any marketing department anywhere. I submitted the form and thought I might hear back from them via form email, but there wasn't any word from them. Last Friday night, I got home and noticed a package. I knew I hadn't ordered anything, so I was a little surprised to see it. I saw on the box that it was from Seacret, and I knew immediately that they had gone WAY beyond what I expected. Inside the box were two nail kits. They both appeared to contain the same items, but the packaging and scents were different. One was Cucumber Melon and the other was Ocean scented. I typically avoid Cucumber Melon because I can't stand the scent, but because I was curious and they were so generous, I opened it up to smell it. It was amazing!!! The Ocean was really great smelling too. Now I finally got to try the product my friend had raved about. I filed my nails, and then used the buffing block. My nails look like I spent the day in a spa getting a high dollar manicure. Now, I do NOT have pretty nails. I never have. So for the first time in my life, I've got some really gorgeous nails. The surface is like glass, and I even used it on my husband's nails. He looks like a CEO that gets a weekly manicure. :D The real test was on my mom. Her nails look BAD. No, maybe bad isn't a strong enough word. They look horrible!! They are extremely dry, cracked, ridged, etc. The woman has the worst nails I've ever seen! I sat down last night and did one of her nails (it was getting late when I started, and I'm sure she'll be getting her own kit soon anyway). It wasn't quite like glass, but it was such a significant difference that she was seriously impressed. And when I applied the cutile oil, it REALLY made a huge difference. It's one thing to recommend it based on what a friend tells you. It's another to see the results. I'm not lying when I say that I'm buying this for everyone for Christmas- girls and guys alike. It's $30, and my nails look so good! Sure, these two kits were free, but they just made a customer for life. Thanks Seacret! It was unexpected and very much appreciated. Everyone- give them a shot. Throughout this fashion blog, you'll notice that there aren't THAT many products that I say you HAVE to go out and buy right now. This is one of them, and it has nothing to do with the free samples, no matter how much I appreciate them. It is because I tried it and it works. REALLY well. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Some new changes |
| 02.19.07 (9:51 am) [edit] |
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I know I haven't posted as much in the last few days. Yes, I am still away from home, but that's not all. I also looked at apartments, and I'm going to be moving soon. My regular readers will know how big this is, and what it means for my family. But that's not all. The big news as far as this blog is that I have gotten my own site, and when I finish the site, I will be posting blogs that cover more than just fashion. I stole the name from here. After all, there aren't just trends in fashion. There are also trends in business, sports, entertainment, electronics, home decor, and pretty much every other aspect of life. This is not exactly an ezine, but more like a series of blogs, connected by the common thread of discussing trends. There will also be a store where you can find some links to some of my favorite products from all the different areas of interest. I will NOT be abandoning this site, but I will have fashion recommendations there too. And my goal, right now, is to have different content on each of the fashion sites. So just because you read something here, don't assume that it is the same over there. The site won't open for a while. I'm still trying to get all of the issues worked out. And that's what has really kept me busy the last few days. I've got the main page fairly nice, and now I'm working on each of the blogs. I'm estimating the first posts will go up in about a week or two, and I'll post the URL then. Until then, I promise to try and stop in a little more often. Cheers, dears! Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| A good Valentine's Day |
| 02.19.07 (9:37 am) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Belisi comes through once again on his suggestions for Valentine's Day. On his blog, Peter Belisi discusses different gifts that are perfect for Valentine's Day. But more importantly, they are great gifts for any time of year. It's one thing to give someone flowers and candy on Valentine's Day. It's another to give them to the person you love just because it's March 3rd or July 16th. In other words, don't wait until next year to tell someone you love them. Fortunately, Belisi understands this, and suggests as much. Listen to BELISI on Valentine's Day!! He knows what he's talking about, and suggests some really great gifts. My personal favorite is the Chocolat Celeste box. Chocolate in flavors such as chili pepper?! Awesome!  |
| Grey Ant- Dressy Streetwear |
| 02.15.07 (3:49 pm) [edit] |
 How hot is this outfit?! You have an outfit that is perfectly casual. You can go shopping for groceries or stop at the laundromat. But you can also go to work, or meet the girls for lunch. It's dressy casual, and it's a great versatile outfit. I would say that if I could only have one outfit in my closet, I'd probably choose this one. :D Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Grey Ant- Jeans |
| 02.15.07 (3:46 pm) [edit] |
 Look closely, because you'll never see this again. Jeans on a runway. I presume this is an actual model, rather than someone who wandered in off the street. I am posting this because I want to demonstrate a point. It's an okay pair of jeans and a great shirt. But how good does she look compared to the other photos I've shown you? Dressing up makes you feel a little better about yourself. I'm not saying you shouldn't wear jeans. It's a staple in my wardrobe too. But try a nice pair of slacks sometimes. Imagine her with the same shirt, and a pair of wide legged black slacks or a black pencil skirt. It's a totally different outfit. All I'm saying is there is more out there than jeans. And I'm preachin' to myself more than anyone else. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Grey Ant- Retro |
| 02.15.07 (3:41 pm) [edit] |
This could have easily fallen flat. In some ways it did. The look was done several years ago, but in the world of fashion, that's a lifetime ago. Also, if you can bring a unique twist, time doesn't matter. I hate that the top is as baggy as it is. But it's still a hot look. Sorry, but there aren't many ways to be un-sexy in an asymetrical top like this. I like that it's paired with wide-legged pants. The reason this looked so bad several years ago is that mainstream America started wearing this type shirt with jeans or velour sweatpants. That didn't give it the sexiness it deserved. The monochromatic color scheme is perfect, and I love the skinny belt with such wide legged pants and a baggy shirt. It says that you know what you're doing rather than just being sloppy with your style. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Get paid to talk about what I write. |
| 02.15.07 (12:54 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. You've probably noticed the little banner at the bottom of my posts that says "Get paid to review my post." Here's what's going on with that. The company that offers most of the ads I display has an affiliate program where you stick that on the bottom of your posts. If you click on it, I get $7.50 and you get the opportunity to get $7.50. What do you have to do? Signup and accept a paid opportunity that is only offered to you. It will let you write about my blog. In other words, it's like getting paid $7.50 to comment! How sweet is that?! What if you hate my blog? Write it! What if you hate the outfit I just said I loved? Write it! $7.50 to tell the world how much you hate it. That's some easy money. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Intricategirl," you say, "I'm not interested in doing blog marketing." Groovy. Don't. You can signup for this and run it as an affiliate program. Put your own banners at the bottom of your posts, and people can signup under you. You get $7.50 and they get the chance to talk about what you write. You might change your mind about paid blogging when you see those $1000 opportunities, or you might not. Either way, you got $7.50 to tell me you love or hate my blog. EASY, I say!  |
| Fashion/Beauty Articles |
| 02.15.07 (12:42 pm) [edit] |
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Again, I'm away from my home computer, so I'm going to do a link here to some of my popular fashion/beauty articles. Enjoy! Celebrity and Red Carpet Beauty Secrets How to Purchase Fabric How to Make a Scented Body Scrub How to Make a Valentine's Day Brooch Not necessarily just for Valentine's Day How to Make a Pendant for Valentine's Day Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Biba- Green Coat |
| 02.15.07 (12:33 pm) [edit] |
Please bear with me over the next few days. I'm away from my home computer, and I don't think it's very kind to overload this one with fashion photos. lol I can't even begin to describe my love for this green coat. It's a green and black coat with a geometric pattern throughout. It's the kind of fabric that looks awful on the bolt, until you find that one perfect idea. Once you have that, you're all set. This is the green fabric's one perfect idea. It's a nice length where it can look either short or long, depending on what you pair with it. And the belt adds some class to what could otherwise be a dowdy coat. It's just truly lovely. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| An explanation |
| 02.15.07 (12:06 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. You all have noticed the ads, I'm sure. But there's a reason behind them. Sure, I'm trying to monetize my blog. That's an easy term to throw around, but let me explain why. Time to break out the sob story. A few years ago, my husband and I lost our jobs at the same time. Tell me how well you'd be doing financially in that situation. He found another job quickly, but it takes a serious amount of catching up to recover from something like that. My house is way out in the boonies because it's affordable. I can't afford to live in the city, so he lives with my mom during the week and comes home on weekends. Even worse, he still has an hour drive each way every day. Because that's what we can afford. We're just now getting to the point where we are looking at apartments. You may have noticed, I've changed companies that allow the ads. The last one had to stay up for a year, and it was always the same ads. This one actually has a few fashion related ads, and I always try to get as many as possible that are fashion related. Plus, these only have to stay for 30 days. I can remove them, and it's no hard feelings. Because I'm being honest every single time I write one, I'm probably going to leave them. The reason I'm doing it is simple. I need the money. But the whys are difficult. My daughter is almost five and she hasn't lived in the same house as her father for 4 years. You do the math. We have lived apart longer than we've lived together, and that is extremely difficult on any marriage. This post right here is sponsored. In fact, with this company, I'm required to tell you that it's sponsored. They are paying me $15 to post it. Some pay as high as $1000, although I'm a long way away from getting that kind of money. I would jump on it in a heartbeat if I could. That's why I'm running the contest to win a bath bomb. I need links to build my page rank so I can quit doing these. I don't care about being the most popular fashion blogger on the internet, because I am having fun all by myself. But more links means higher page ranks, and I'm willing to give away a prize to the people who help me. My blog popularity has already increased since I've been using them. The end. I hope this explains it a little better. We've all encountered hard times in our lives. If you want to get paid to blog like I am, check out the link at the bottom. Cheers mates! |
| Velvet |
| 02.15.07 (6:34 am) [edit] |
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This is a response to a comment from the last entry. It was a red velvet dress with some strange stuff going on at the top. LadyG wrote, "I hate the top on this dress but I love velvet." I began to respond to her there and as I typed more and more words, I knew I had to make it an entry instead. Thanks LadyG for the inspiration! I used to love velvet, until I worked in a couple of fabric stores. Velvet is such a pain to sew because it crushes so easily, and it picks up EVERY single stray hair or fluff and holds onto it for the rest of the time you own the gown. It must even be displayed hanging from the selvedge edge, because the velvet would crush and be destroyed around the hole. The selvedge is never seen, plus it's one of the strongest places on fabric, and on velvet, it has no nap (the fibers that make velvet stick up and feel so nice).  It seems that Kane had the same experience I did. Velvet isn't supposed to be shiny, except for crushed velvet. I don't believe he used crushed velvet, because at the bust, and some portions of the waist, it is a much deeper, less shiny red. That tells me that it wasn't handled as much, and the velvet survived there. Crushed velvet has a place in fashion, and I've seen some good uses, but it's also considered to be not worth as much. Think of it in terms of coin collecting. Coins that are never handled have a higher value than those that are used on the street. The ones on the street certainly have a use, but they are not worth as much as coins that are put away pristine. Also, his seam is puckered VERY badly. Velvet is just difficult to sew. The fibers make it want to go one way, and it ends up, again, crushing the fibers. So you have some fibers facing one way, some another way, and some lying flat, but bent, against your seam. You will see EVERY single stitch you make in velvet, not only because of this, but also because there isn't a thread out there that can match the depth of color that velvet has. This certainly isn't a rant against LadyG in ANY way. I love velvet too. There just isn't another fabric like it, and that's why it's considered one of the finest fabrics anywhere. But I also can't stand working with it. I personally would rather work with leather, and anyone who sews is likely to be horrified by that statement. Leather is unforgiving, and once you make a hole, it's there forever. So the trick is to sew it perfectly to begin with. Velvet can be sewn perfectly and still look subpar. On my little home machine, I won't touch it. Christopher Kane didn't use a home machine, presumably, so I'm not sure why he's exhibiting a dress that looks like it was done on one. Finally, I've opened myself up to a dozen comments that will all read, "I can sew velvet perfectly at home on my machine, thank you very much!" Good. No, seriously! I am thrilled that somebody can. I still find it to be a difficult fabric that can produce stunning looks when done correctly. If you can do it correctly- bravo! Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Christopher Kane- Bullets |
| 02.14.07 (3:35 pm) [edit] |
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Allow me a minute to say- "I told you so!" lol Okay, sorry. That was ugly. Velvet has an extraordinary amount of texture, all by itself. But here it has been given additional texture. At the bustline, it has been formed into a weird shape. It reminds me of some kind of Rambo-bullets-I've-got-lo ads-of-firepower kind of ammo. I'm not a big fan of the overall look. Heck, if I'm going to be honest, I'm not even fond of it when separated out. I'm just saying it's going to be big. Outfits like these are the forerunners. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Cell phone rebates |
| 02.14.07 (3:22 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. There is now a special deal where you can get $50 back on T-Mobile phones. And it couldn't be easier. Choose a new T-Mobile plan online, pick one that's at least $34.99 a month, and get it by March 31, 07. How easy is that?! T-Mobile is one of my favorites, because of their plan that gives you unlimited calling to your five favorite numbers. I only have about five numbers I call regularly, but they are all over the country. With this plan, I can call them as much as I want. I usually use over 300 minutes each month, but every one of them is long distance. So it's important for me to have one of these kind of plans that lets me call these people without a huge bill. I suspect the same is true, because I understand this is one of their most popular plans. I know I've talked before about how hard it is for me to get a cell phone out here, and how we have to use a rural carrier. Well, we might be moving soon, and I'll be able to get a decent cell phone. This is definitely an offer I'm interested in. Yay! New Iphone or Chocolate phone for me! lol The plans will be a little higher than out here in the boonies, but I'll save money on other utilities, so it all works out in the end. 
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| An upcoming trend. |
| 02.14.07 (3:08 pm) [edit] |
For the next few seasons, the texture is going to be the hot thing. Usually colors are big, and sometimes certain fabrics have a hot season. This time, it will be almost any fabric. Colors will not play that big a part, but look for charcoal grey to be hot. But the one detail that all the designs will be featuring is an interesting texture.  This outfit by Vera Wang is NOT my favorite, but it illustrates what's going to be hot. The skirt obviously has a richly detailed texture. But if you pay close attention, so do the top and the tights. The tights are a coming hot look, and woe be unto thee if you don't own a pair of thick cable knit tights. Also, if you look VERY closely, the top appears to have some texture to it as well. It's just so hidden with everything else that's going on. And that's the key to this look. Mix your textures. With a good eye, you will know what works and what doesn't. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Vera Wang- Not her best work. |
| 02.13.07 (4:41 pm) [edit] |
I have always been a huge fan of Vera Wang. Her work is just stunning, and it's an instant classic. Unfortunately, this collection is an exception. 
The collection is a mess. Every model had messy hair, as if they hadn't brushed it in days. (For those Project Runway fans, check out Elle.com where I snagged the photos from. Is that Rebecca, Dan's model, hiding in there?) The clothing matches the hair. It's just sloppy looking. Come on, Vera! Honey, you can do better than that! Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| New site for bands |
| 02.13.07 (4:29 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. I found a new site today. This site allows Unsigned Bands to get their music out there, and for listeners to find new, upcoming bands they like. It's still a little new, but the upcoming features look awesome. They are going to have a music player and playlist editor, and also a CD creator that lets you make a compilation CD. The artists get a cut, and so do you as the producer of the album. Sweet! They have a HUGE number of genres, and they don't make you limit it to a certain number. I love that. Most sites want to know your favorite 1-5 so they can tailor their ads and suggestions to you. But unsigned.com is more about helping you find the music you like, or promote your own band.  |
| Fashion at the Grammys |
| 02.13.07 (9:49 am) [edit] |
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Just a few random thoughts here and there. Shakira's hair- OMG! I had that hairstyle. WAYYYYY back when you could mention Mariah Carey and get a "Who?" in return. This hair made Shakira look 12. Which is appropriate, because that's about how old I was when I had this hair. My hair was done by a guy at a beauty college. It was obvious that the old, fat man who ran the place hated him. For good reason. He had long eggplant-purple hair, was emo before emo was cool (wait a minute, emo was never cool), and he smoked pipe tobacco while the perm was setting. It didn't take the first time and I was back within 3 days with stick straight hair that they had to redo. The old man who ran the place wasn't happy, and the young guy was unhappy that he was going to get yelled at later. True story. Every freakin' word. I can't stand John Mayer. I want to attack him with hair clippers. The problem is, he would actually look sexy and hardcore with a shaved head, but his music can't support sexy and hardcore. And the tux- stupid and overdressed. God, I can't wait for him to be a has-been. Vanessa Minnillo- hate the dress, but what a cute girl. Scarlett Johansson- she's very beautiful, but the whole thing was a bit misguided. It made her already large head look even bigger. Also, the dress was a bad length for her, and made her look like a very short girl. Ludacris looked hot. Hot, hot, hot. A lot of people would say he was overdressed for the Grammys. I say, "John Mayer" and that usually shuts them up. Two small flaws with Ludacris. 1) It looks like his vest is buttoned wrong at the bottom. 2) The pants appear to have the tailor marks still by the zipper. I am both trying to figure out what it is, and blushing because I'm staring at a picture of his crotch. Regardless, this is a nice color suit on him, and I'm glad he didn't go with a darker black suit. There aren't many men, in my opinion, that can rock a charcoal colored suit, but he does. Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| CD/DVD cases |
| 02.13.07 (9:22 am) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Obviously, I love fashion. But I also am a total music freak. I don't think there is a single genre that I hate, and I have a ridiculous number of CDs. I don't think a single one is in its case either. lol I always take them in the car, or a CD wallet. Here's my favorite way to store them. It's a great way to Protect your Digital Media. These hang on the wall, and you slide the CD into the slots. Then it displays it like art. It holds 30 covers and 30 discs, or 60 discs total. I think I would only need 40 of these. lol 
Now, I have those CDs that I'm really embarrassed to have anyone see. I had some questionable music taste when I was younger, and I still have some CDs from those days. The cool part is that when you display them like this, you will figure out quickly where you need to look to find each CD. But any visitors will see the whole picture, and have a hard time picking out that really embarrassing Garth Brooks as Chris Gaines CD (no, I don't own that particular one). Then it just hides in amongst the rest, and nobody knows but you. lol I saw one of these several years ago, but it was a different brand. I wasn't at all impressed with it, because it didn't hold as many, and it only held the disc. Plus, it looked extremely flimsy. This one doesn't. I mean, it's got to have some decent stability to hold the case too, you know? Finally, this company has some hardcase CD/DVD holders. I have been really looking for one, and I'm going to check them out further. My CDs are always getting damaged because I'm not kind at all to them. This would help a lot.  |
| A silly fashion entry. |
| 02.12.07 (10:38 am) [edit] |
The other day, I posted a photo of a "sculpture" my daughter made. She stuck a puppet head and her favorite dress on the handle of my carpet cleaner. 
The first comment said, "A budding fashion designer? She has inherited her mommy’s genes and interests!" Because I was in a little bit of a silly mood, here was my response. "Heh. Maybe so. If she really took after me, she would have used a chair. You can put shoes on that. :D This outfit is a lovely pink velvet with embroidered hearts and a gathered waistline. I don’t care too much for the outfit itself, but the model really knows how to work it. She’s giving a graceful peek over her shoulders as she glides down the runway. However I am firmly against models smiling as they walk the runway. This is fashion, dah-ling. Look like you take it seriously! Also, I am not too fond of the makeup or hair the designer requested. The banana blonde hair clashes with the bluish undertones in the model’s skin, and is done in a sort of Don King look. Furthermore, the mascara is just FAR too light. I can’t see her lashes at all. And finally, I HATE the office theme the designer chose for the runway. What kind of statement is that supposed to be?! This doesn’t look like business wear at all, and I find the entire setting incongruous." Yes, I'm a little nutty at times. ;) Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Gucci Wedge |
| 02.09.07 (2:39 pm) [edit] |
 This Gucci wedge is PERFECT for spring. It's got a bit of a hippy feel, so it can be dressed down, but with a crisp white suit, it's nothing but classy. I don't think it's exactly a good shoe for a more formal workplace environment, but it would be great to throw on after work to have dinner out with the girls. The heel looks a little high, but as the owner of some 6 inch heels, I'll admit that my version of a high heel is somewhat warped. lol Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Final Project Runway Pics |
| 02.08.07 (6:37 am) [edit] |
For the backstory, click here.  Here's the jacket. Like I said before, the sleeves are a little shorter than you would typically find, because that's where Chloe thought they looked the best. I had already been thinking the sleeves were too long, so it shows you how well she evaluates her customers.  This is the skirt. It's got a graceful little ruffle down the front, and is a bit asymetrical.  Here's the top. This is my favorite piece, and it's what was in the sketch. Originally, this was much shorter, but she decided to recut it and make the entire piece longer. That way, I would be able to wear it by itself over a pair of jeans, or pair it with the skirt and jacket for a business look. She said I could even wear it in the bedroom as a piece of lingerie. It's an amazingly versatile piece, and the fabric is soooo delicious to feel. :D  Closeup of the label in the jacket.  Here's the entire outfit together. See, this is where you get the entire business look that we were originally going for. Wear this during the day, pop the jacket off, trade the skirt for jeans, and you're ready to party all night. And don't forget to signup for my contest to win free goodies here. |
| Contest to win freebies! |
| 02.07.07 (8:17 am) [edit] |
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I'm running a contest to get some more traffic to my site. There are two steps. 1) Place a link on your site to the main page of my site. Make sure to leave me a comment here and let me know where to find your link! 2) Add me to your Technorati favorites. While I'd love any and all links from any social bookmarking sites, this particular contest is only for Technorati. Everyone that does this will be entered into a drawing for a free Lush Bath Bomb or Lush Bubble Bar Slice (product and scent are my choice) and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Okay, terms. The contest ends at midnight on 2/28/07. On 3/1/07, all the names go into a hat, and my husband draws one. I won't even be in the room, so there's no favortism whatsoever. That one name wins. Anyone who has already completed both steps is eligible to win, so it's okay if you've already added me. The winner will need to provide me with a shipping address (I promise to shred it after I ship your prize). Winners have to live in the US to receive the Bath Bomb, but the Amazon gift certificate is electronic. If you can use it in your country, I'll send it. Also, I am not running this contest to spam you. I just want some link love. Finally, make sure to tell your friends. If this contest goes well, I will be doing it again in the future with different prizes. And as long as you haven't already won, you will still be eligible. You know your friends would thank you for hooking them up with some free goodies!  |
| Chanel Silver Ankle Boot |
| 02.06.07 (3:31 pm) [edit] |
 This silver ankle boot is delicious. Silver snakeskin with little slits that allow it to stretch and move with your foot make this a sexy boot. There's a decent heel on it, but nothing too intimidating. I love this, but I think it's prettier to look at than to wear. |
| Skincare |
| 02.06.07 (3:24 pm) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Most of the people I know are die-hard followers of their skincare regimen. Some brands especially have an almost cult-like following. One of the ones with the biggest followings is SkinCeuticals. I have friends that go nuts for their cleansers. Another hot brand is MD Formulations. Another brand that is getting some attention is Guinot. My own circle of friends haven't caught onto this one yet, but perhaps soon. I haven't personally tried any of these, but the prices look extremely reasonable, and with the way my friends rave about the brands, I might have to give them a shot. If you're looking for any of these, Eminence Organic Skin Care, or Bare Escentuals (the one my friends REALLY rave over), give this store a try. I had always been put off by the price of Bare Escentuals, but they are really inexpensive here.  |
| Project Runway Pics |
| 02.06.07 (11:34 am) [edit] |
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A few of you may remember my Project Runway trip. For those who have joined my site since then, the links are at the bottom, and they will get you up to speed. I finally went through my photos and got some photos of the beautiful sketch she did for me. I know, I know. Chloe doesn't do sketches. She did this time, and it was a totally unexpected but lovely surprise. Project Runway Trip! Project Runway- I got the outfit! One more awesome thing from Miss Chloe.        Don't forget to take part in my contest. You could win a free Lush bath bomb or bubble bar, and a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate. Click here for more details. |
| Elie Saab- Trashy |
| 02.05.07 (11:21 am) [edit] |
 Out of all the trashy outfits I've ever seen, this is almost virginal. I'm not suggesting you wear this- well, anywhere, but if you have to show some tummy, this is probably your best option. Don't mistake that for love. I hate this dress with a white hot intensity. It's vulgar, it's got that damn bow in the front, and its sequins look cheap. It completely negates all the good things I've been saying about Elie Saab, and I'm not too happy about that. So far, we'll just consider it a serious misstep and never speak of it again. As far as I'm concerned, Elie Saab is still talented, but this dress doesn't show it. |
| Wholesale sunglasses. |
| 02.05.07 (11:16 am) [edit] |
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*This is a sponsored post. Once upon a time, I thought about putting a purse store in the commerical space that I own. I love purses and there aren't that many places to get them around here. I even found suppliers for wholesale handbags. The building is a large space, so I would have filled it with other accessories. One of the biggest sellers would have been sunglasses. I remember after I first met my husband, we would spend weekends at the flea market. Back in my home state, that's actually pretty big business, and people spend a lot of time just walking around the flea market, seeing whether there's anything they need. It's odd for people who aren't accoustomed to visiting one. You might find clothes next to pet hissing cockroaches. At the time, we were both mowing lawns for the same company, and the only thing we bought every single weekend was a pair of sunglasses. They would always get lost or broken, and they were a necessity when you were out in the sun all day long. I tell you this because I got some REALLY good deals. I didn't need a fancy name brand- just a pair of sunglasses. If they looked nice, well, even better. I'm sure this company I stumbled upon today sold to several of the merchants there. See, you can buy their Wholesale Replica Sunglasses for about $1.33 a pair, and sell them for about $8. Needless to say, that's a nice little profit. Even better, there's some nice little designer knockoff sunglasses, so you can look like you spent a lot more money than you did. I could have used this when I was thinking about opening my store. |
| Elie Saab- Sparkle Goddess |
| 02.05.07 (11:06 am) [edit] |
 Are you noticing a theme with the titles here??? lol They all seem to be "sparkle" or "goddess" or "flutter". ROFL! This one is beautiful. That's obvious. But I do have a bit of a complaint with it. It's a little too tuxedo/chorus line for me. There's something vaguely masculine at the top, and that's an odd description that should never apply to a goddess gown. Would I wear it? Sure, assuming I had a proper location to wear it to. But I'd also look back at photos and wonder what I was thinking. |
| Elie Saab- Sparkle |
| 02.05.07 (10:40 am) [edit] |