Thursday, December 25, 2008

Good Luck Charms

There is something about charm right now.

Whether it's your own personal charm or a good luck charm, it's in style.

My good luck charms consist of my "crystal" bouncy ball. I found it at Dick's Sporting Goods back in August or September. Now, these balls are everywhere. Mine is really big and has purple swirly, sparkly glitter in it.

My other good luck charm is a little elephant I found at Hobby Lobby the other night. Actually, one of my students gave me a sparkly elephant ornament for Christmas. I saw it as my cartoon character "Ed the Elephant". My student liked that idea. I bought a few of the little elephants at Hobby Lobby and I am going to give them to the people in my life that I feel may need a little good luck. I am keeping one for myself. :)

In going through some of Tommy's old toys, I found a little golden dragon. It is Dawn the Dragon. He is friends with Ed the Elephant and they sit together on the mantle in my bedroom. They sit next to my crystal ball.

I always have liked four leaf clovers. I used to find TONS of them in a patch outside my Fern Creek house when I was a kid. My mom and I would find them, then save them. I have a four leaf clover idea for my book.

I've loved ladybugs for a long time. I have a tiny ladybug tattoo on the inside of one of my ankles. Betty, my mother-in-law, buys me little ladybug things and gives them to me every once in a while. Therefore, she became Betty the Beetle in my book. She's a ladybug. :)

Charm bracelets. I found my old charm bracelet I started as a kid. There are many charms I haven't put on it yet, so I am going to be taking it soon to have all my charms put on so I can wear it.

Tiaras. I just found another tiara. It is beautiful. I didn't realized it until finding this most recent one, but I collect them. :) They seem to appear at big moments in my life. They have been around my whole life. They must be a good luck charm for me. Weird that I just figured that out.

That's all for now. Merry Christmas.

--C

Thursday, December 11, 2008

December. More Inpirations.

Stars. All kinds of stars are standing out right now to me. Shooting stars, super stars, shining stars. Stars, stars, stars. I don't know why, but they are showing up everywhere.

Stripes. They are showing up in all styles.

Black and silver. Purple and silver. Anything plus silver will do.

Red-orange.

Japanese culture....kimonos, bamboo (again). Really, just anything to do with Japanese culture.

Natural rocks. I glued some Swarovski crystals to a few and put them on my vanity. It's because everything looks a little prettier with some sparkle. I glued some crystals to a seashell too. I gave it as a gift to someone who longed to go to Mexico. I told her she could put it on her desk and go to Mexico in her mind whenever she wished and looked at that shell.

I don't know if these things are going to be popular in fashion. I just seem to be inspired by these things right now.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

December...Upcoming style!

Not much for today, but I was on a blogging roll.

Here's the latest inspirations I've had:

Bears and tigers. Don't know why, but I know they are about to hit big. Maybe for Christmas? Try getting your child a teddy bear. All kids have that "thing" they hold onto everywhere they go. Maybe it's a blanket or a stuffed animal. Try getting your child a teddy bear. The tigers....maybe the print is going to show up in fashion.

Hummingbirds. They will be in home decor and in jewelry. Try a hummingbird pin.

Sheer floral patterns. Pair them with very simple style. You want the emphasis to be on the print only.

Layered skirts. Try a 3 tired skirt. If it's dark with a floral pattern like the one I picked up at Target, try wearing it with dark tights and scrunched boots.

Try a sheer, billowy, dark floral pattern shirt. Brooke Shields had one on in the latest episode of Lipstick Jungle. She threw it on and went out and cooked her Thanksgiving meal. I thought it was beautiful and it looked so easy to wear. And comfortable! So, in my recent trip to IN, I picked one up for $10.00 in a little shop called Vintage. Although the store was called Vintage, it was brand new, with tags on it still! I will wear mine with skinny jeans and probably ballet flats. It has to have a black tank top on under it.

Spending time with old friends. You had a great time with them when you were younger, so why wouldn't you have a blast with them now? The second time around is always a charm when it comes to old friends. Give them a call this holiday season and invite them over for some food, for some Wii playing, or for a card game. No pressure for giving each other gifts, unless you want to. Let their gift to you be their presence.

Giving to those in need. Don't feel upset if the gift you gave was $100.00, but all you received was something that you don't even know what it is. Our world isn't in the best financial shape right now, so if someone can't afford to give you a gift that costs the same as yours, be thankful that they thought of you. Take what they gave you as an inspiration. Be thankful that you have the money to get someone you love something wonderful.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Style for December 2008

Here it goes again....

LOVE...say it often. It never goes out of style. Hearts represent love and they will be showing up in fashion soon.

Love's Baby Soft Perfume. Cheap (found it at Walgreen's) and smells just like I remember. I wore it in the fourth grade, and it is such a comforting scent.

Can't say it enough....PEACOCK feathers and anything Peacock inspired.

Team wear....it's casual chic for weekend style.

Coach shoes. If you can't afford the handbags, the shoes are a nice alternative. Especially when you find them on sale. Super!

Silver Sparkle. I said it a while ago when I spoke of glitter being in style. I just found some silver sparkle shoes with lavender, grosgrain ribbon heels. They are beautiful.

Lavender is the new pink...but don't retire your pink things entirely. Pink argyle, maybe when mixed with green, will always be classy.

Snowflakes. Anything snowflake inspired is in style right now. It may snow a lot this season in Louisville, KY, so wear the snowflakes to match the weather.

Crystal Balls. I found a really cool bouncy one at Dick's Sporting Goods. It looks like glass, but is bouncy. My students at school call it their "crystal ball" and always want to hear their fortune. :)

Skulls. Not scary skulls, but cute ones. Try pink cartoon-y skulls. Don't overdo it though.

Unicorns. They are magical, unique, and special. Wear one on a t-shirt.

Vintage movies. Watch them this season when you are trapped in doors due to cold weather. Try Harry and the Henderson's, Teen Wolf, Ghostbusters, Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, and the Return to Oz.

The color now is green! As in Clover Green. ;)

Acorns. They are showing up everywhere! Try decorating your Christmas tree with a few acorn accents. Or...try spray painting some silver and putting them in a glass bowl for decor. Just keep the painted ones out of reach of pets. I saved a huge acorn I found walking along a while ago, then I found it all chewed up later on in my attic. My dog got to it. Luckily, I hadn't spray painted it yet.

Penguins. They are so adorable! I watched them forever at the Newport Aquarium in Northern Kentucky this summer. They are unique creatures.

Peace signs. I wore a big one when I was in high school as a necklace. I wonder if I can dig that up from a box in my attic.

Butterflies will be in style very soon. I look for them to show up in jewelry and hair wear.

Vintage toys! Keep your kids busy this snowy season with a few "vintage" toys. Try Play-dough, chinese jumprope, Shrinkydinks, checkers, Old Maid and Go Fish card games, legos or any type of construction toys, puzzles, and finger weaving. I loved these things as a kid, and they are all coming back in a big way soon! I do Be Creative center day in my classroom and many vintage toys are in my centers. My students absolutely love them.

Fruit Stripe Gum. Yes, it only lasts a few minutes, but it tastes so good!

Chicago. Travel there if you are looking for some great bargains after the holidays. I try to make it up there after Christmas and hit some huge, huge sales and vintage shops. The hotels are so much cheaper when you travel there when it's bitter cold. Sounds crazy, but it's a quick getaway trip to calm your nerves after the holidays.

Marilyn Monroe. There's always been something about her.......

Lucille Ball. I watch old episodes of her show whenever I need a good laugh. I also watch the Three Stooges. Vintage funny stuff!

That's all for now!

'Till next time,

C

Monday, November 10, 2008

November Style

Next things coming up...November style!

Tutu style skirts. You must, however, wear them with thick tights or leggings.

Audrey Hepburn style. Be classy! Long gloves, houndstooth print, headbands, and classic sunglasses like Ray-Bans.

Layered necklaces. Pearls and beads. Wear them 2 at a time. The length of the necklaces should depend on the cut of your neckline.

Velvet thick headbands. I've been finding some amazing vintage headbands around town lately. They are so much cheaper than ones found in most stores and they have so much more style! Most vintage headbands I am finding have veils on them. I cut the veils off of mine to wear them on a day to day basis. I saved the veils. Because I am an artist, I save everything. :)

Black, silver, and yellow. I don't know exactly why, but this color combination works. The yellow must be a flat yellow, not a gold yellow.

Drinking lots of water....it's always in style!


Sunday, October 26, 2008

More Style Tips!

The color red. Not as in politics, but the color red is really standing out to me right now. Red leather jackets will be hot, as in the one similar to Michael Jackson wore in Beat It. I recently found my husbands Michael Jackson jacket he had from a child. Yes, it was the one with the silver detailing and the zippers! It was in my closet, hidden. I pulled it out and wore it to dinner one night. Unfortunately, it started falling apart (kind of dry rotting) towards the end of the dinner. :( No, it wasn't a real leather one. Ah, another fashion hunt is underway. I loved that jacket! Time to find a real leather one.

The Wizard of Oz is big right now too. Ooohh...those ruby slippers. I wanted a pair of ruby slippers so bad as a child!!! I am going to try to get tickets to see Wicked here in Louisville in January 2009. I'd love to hear the untold story of the witches of Oz. I'm going to see Dracula on Friday night. I can't wait! I am thinking about wearing my Pammie Peacock costume. I have to think about whether I want to embarrass my friends and husband or not. :) I love my costume!!

Rose Petal is back! I loved her as a child, and I believe she is going to be big with the children of today.

Roses in general are big right now. Any color is great, but red is always a great color to go with....hence the color red being big right now.

Gunmetal colored nail polish! Wear it now. It's a silvery black color.

Lush is opening at Macy's!!! Their products are the best! Try them, you will fall in love.

Friday, October 24, 2008

What's Happening in Style October 08 #2

Hi everyone!

I am in bed sick right now, so I thought I'd blog again. I wrote in my journal again this morning. Among other things, I wrote some more style tips.

So...here it goes again:

Moroccan Oil for your hair is the best!
Yes, it sounds maybe a little silly to put oil in your hair, especially if it's already oily. BUT...I swear this stuff is great! It works on dry and oily hair. My hair has never looked healthier. My stylist, Gregory Noel at the William Dean's Salon, used it in my hair the last time I was in. I left, loving my shiny, shiny hair. He used Moroccan Oil on it. One of the other stylist's that works with him, Nicole, suggested he try it. It turns out to be pretty expensive, so, after researching it, I found it on E-Bay in a big bottle for about $30.00. A little goes a long way! It smells really good too!

Tube socks rock!
Yes, the wonderful tube socks I wore as a child are back in a big way. If you think about it, they make great sense during the fall and winter seasons. They keep your legs really cozy! I found mine at American Apparel this summer while on vacation. Then I found some cool ones at Urban Outfitters on sale this summer. They will look great anyway you wear them and your legs will stay toasty!

Tarina Tarantino jewelry is glamorous!
She is my ultimate favorite jewelry designer. I collect her pieces. I love the way they sparkle. She uses mostly Swarovski Crystals which glimmer beautifully. I find her jewelry at the Luna Boutique here in Louisville. She is always on top of the accessories style market. That's why she's very successful. If you can't afford her pieces, I've found some pretty good look-a-like pieces at Forever 21.

Ballet Inspired Clothing
Try layering pieces like the ballerinas do. Try tank tops and leggings covered by a cowl neck sweater this fall. I did a lot of ballerina inspired clothing when I took a dance class this summer, so I will be adapting the look to my fall and winter wardrobes. The style is classy and comfortable.

Ballet Inspired Shoes
I found the best pair of satin shoes that look like the toe shoes my mom wore when she took toe classes when I was a little girl. I used to put her toe shoes on and walk all around the house. I had to quit ballet classes when I was seven, so I didn't quite ever make it into my toe classes. I guess that's why I am on the search for ballet inspired things now. Those satin shoes I saw were in the Victoria Secret catalogue, but they are about $200.00. I will find a pair similar to those at a much cheaper price. The hunt begins......I love a good fashion hunt.

Jewelry Stands
If I don't see it, I forget I have it. Most women do. Try going to a jewelry website that sells jewelry stands. I found a website (can't remember which one now) that sold stands really cheap, so I bought a three tiered, black velvet covered stand to put my vintage and new costume jewelry and watches on. I bought my husband one for his watches. Just don't put sterling silver on it because it will tarnish if it sets out too long.

Ikea rocks!
Need I say more? My house is full of Ikea's ideas. The closest one to my house is in West Chester Ohio. My husband and I take little trips up there whenever we are feeling inspired.

Member's Only Jackets
My husband has a couple of vintage ones. Now, I am trying to find myself one. I'd like a vintage one. The new ones come in many colors, but they are about $145.00 new. The vintage prices are more like $5-10.00. I like that price better.

Little, vintage, glass or china bowls
You can put rings in them and then store them on your vanity or wherever you display your jewelry. With your colorful rings in them, they'll look like little candy bowls filled with sweets!

Sigg Water bottles
My husband and I decided we were tired of wasting money on bottled water. We went to Whole Foods and picked up a couple of Sigg water bottles. They really keep your water cold and fresh. We know Louisville water is really good, so we figured we'd save money and the environment. Sigg bottles are a little expensive, so if you can't afford them, try getting any reusable water bottle. Just try to steer clear of plastic reusable bottles if you plan on keeping it for long term. They even make children size Sigg bottles that are super cute!

Watches...New and Old!
I picked up an old Bulova watch for $1.00 a while ago, and I love it. It's a wind up watch. It's tiny, gold, and very classy.
I also picked up a SWATCH watch this summer while on vacation. I love it! Yes, Swatch is very retro and 80's, but they are durable and water resistant. They make them in many, many styles now, so you can find one that suits your personality.

Animal prints...they'll always rock!
If you want to wear the animal prints, try them in small doses only. Try just a cardigan or just shoes. A little goes a long way! It is a very timeless style piece when worn the correct way.

Belts
Shop the vintage/thrift stores for these. The 1980-1990's stretch belts are very in right now. Braided belts, metallic belts, anything really goes right now. I try to spend between $5 and $10 dollars on my belts. It's silly to spend to much money on any trend.


Last words:
When it comes to trend, spend the least amount of money you possibly can.
I wanted a fedora so much about two months ago. I found one at Urban Outfitters that I loved, but it was about $60.00. I knew if I waited long enough, I'd find a better one for a much better price. I went to a second hand shop by my home recently and found a beautiful dark pink fedora with a matching small flower on it for only $3.00. I wore it on hat day at the school where I teach. One of my students from Mexico said it looked like a hat girls from her hometown wear when they dance. Who knew this hat would bring a memory to one of my students? It was so sweet of her to share that with me. I've also worn the hat with a very simple outfit that consisted of jeans, a white shirt layered with a black shirt, and a skinny scarf. I tied the scarf around my neck and let it hang down long behind my back. The scarf was another vintage find...it's a Liz Claiborne. Scarves are very in right now too!

I could type all day, but I think I'll stop there for now.

Thanks for reading!

Till next time...

---C


Thursday, October 23, 2008

What's Happening in Style October 2008

Hi everyone!

I love fashion and it made sense to start writing a little bit about it. I plan to write at least once a month. I may write more often. I write based on inspirations. Whenever I feel inspired, I write in my journal. I journal about many, many things. Most of what I journal about is for me. I journal about fashion sometimes and I thought maybe it might be good to share that bit of my "inspirations".

So here it goes.....

Coming up in the fashion/style world is:

Glitter (Anything goes...try putting glitter in your vases and then filling the vases with simple flowers.)

Angels (figurines, songs, anything related to angels)

Vintage Perfume bottles (I found mine at the Crazy Daisy store here in Louisville. It is complete with it's silver spray arm and plastic spray ball.)

Lace (tights, scarves, headbands)

Dark Sapphires

Leg Warmers (Try wearing them this winter with tights and boots...yes it is a little 1980's, but it will look amazing on you and keep you extra warm)

Anything Marilyn Monroe inspired (Try turning a pimple into her signature mole)

Houndstooth (I found a wonderful Audrey Hepburn/Marilyn Monroe vintage style dress with this print on it. I have a chair covered in it and coasters. It's a very classy print that will always stay in style.)

Dramatic eyes (Any colors will work...add sparkle for flair.)

Peacock inspired things (Prints, feathers...try decorating your house in a few feathers. I put a few various feathers in some vases and put them around the house. They are a great solution when you can't get fresh flowers. And...they last much, much longer than fresh flowers.)

Anything bright...as an accent piece to your wardrobe. (Don't do bright all over. Try a bright scarf, bright nails, bright tights, etc. Once again, this is very 80's, but it works in small doses.)

Try cocoa butter lotion (It is super great for winter skin. And....it smells like chocolate. Unless you don't like chocolate, as I know some people don't, it will be great for you.)

Try fancy gloves (Like kinds without fingers, lacy gloves, etc. They dress up a plain outfit.)


One thing I've learned is....simple is best. Try one style thing, but don't try all at the same time. Look in the mirror after you get dressed. If you think you have too many style pieces on, take one thing off. If you don't know, ask someone that is really truthful. I've found that kids are the best when it comes to asking for an opinion. (I'm currently a teacher, and my students rock at the truth thing!)

Till next time...

---C