The LRD.

The Holidays are coming and going, but once New Years comes to an end...doesn't mean our holiday attire needs to be shoved in the back of our closets.  We often spend so much time finding the perfect holiday attire, only to wear it for a period of two to four weeks. What's up with that? Even in the new year we should still be able to rock fabulous, sparkly, and effervescent clothing.  We shouldn't spend so much time picking out such a great outfit, and then wear it once or twice.

This is also wear the LRD comes in. The little red dress.  Red has become a staple piece in many people's wardrobes, and that is a good thing (coming from a girl who loves nothing short of a bright colored piece). Just as we rock our LBD's in every season, an LRD can be worn as well and as much.  Now I am not talking about a red dress with a bow, or something that clearly makes it strictly for the holidays.  Something like this can be worn through the beginning of January...(don't hold back).

I am talking about that statement LRD.  Long sleeve, short sleeve with a sweater, or even strapless with a layered sweater or blouse.  One such LRD that comes to mind for me, is something that will NEVER go out of style for me.  The dress I splurged on in Paris. It is my true love.  The bell sleeves are just enough to make a statement without following a trend, and the fitted cut is all the rage; even considering I got this dress the summer of 2007.

So don't retire all your holiday gear just yet. Just because a date has passed, doesn't mean your fabulous style and money has to wait 11 more months to shine. Cheers, and photos to come!

XOXO,

K

Fur Trapper Hats...Yeah, we went there!

Fur Trapper Hats are definitely a trend of the season, but you definitely have to do them right in order to get a good look going. You don't want it to look like you are wearing your uncle's cat on your head, or that you just chopped some lumber in the yard. How do you get that perfect touch of winter meets trendy...

When the hat looks like cheap fur, you are going to run into some problems. I am not saying you should go out and buy a real fur trapper hat (because who knows how long this trend will be in), but when buying fur pieces...this is always something to be weary of. A good way to be safe, is to choose a hat that has both fur and a material. One such hat would be American Eagle's version.

If you don't like the flannel patterns, there are knit versions such as the Express trapper hat.  If you ask me though...these are all trash. They aren't a staple piece, and they aren't that great of quality. Therefore, you will be throwing them out with any other trend.

I know that a fur trapper hat may not always be the IT choice...but it is definitely a statement piece that will last you (especially for those of you that live in a region with cold winters).  If you still are looking for an all out fur style, then just be sure it is something you can pull off! A great choice would be the Michael Kors fur trapper hat.  Another fabulous and less expensive fur trapper hat, Gap's version.  It is absolutely divine and photos will be coming shortly.

XOXO,

K

SYTYCD Faves.

Everyone has their favorite "So You Think You Can Dance" numbers, contestants, and seasons.

It isn't one of those nonsense reality shows that are only making the world dumber (and lack real entertainment or value). The show is invigorating, inspiring, and just plain talent--this is real television.

Personally, season 5 was unreal. Jeanette and Brandon were rockin and I can't get over their "Ruby Blue" performance. The robber dance is sharp, mysterious, and eye catching. Their movement is both free and edgy, and cartoon-like. I think this piece is so creative and the costumes of black, white, and a hint of red really draw attention to the genre and motions of the dancers. After creeping down the stairs, their swanky walk forwards makes me want to get up and join them. #1 FAVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu0W6a69X-U&NR=1

My second favorite performance from this season is Randi and Evan's "Halo". It is very dramatic and theatrical, but the movements flow and display the emotions and meaning of the dance. The clothing is rather boring, but is supposed to be portrayed as "every-day". Also they are a little bit out of sync at times...but the choreography itself is breathtaking and the two really seem to get into it! Doesn't hurt that "Halo" was a huge hit and when the performances are to recognizable songs such as this, it seems to allow the viewer to capture it or relate to it better. #2 Fave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vYLrcqFfPg

Videos compliments of Youtube.

xoxo,

k

Jaundiced or Jubilant: "How to look fly in Butter"

Say Jaundice. Word. Say Lemony. Word. No matter the shade, yellow is huge this spring and summer. An article in the fashion section of Page6.com makes us aware of how to do it right. Whether it's mustard or banana...yellow is keeping our spirits up. The fabulous Marc Jacobs stated in the Financial Times, "It's positive; it's the optimistic choice".

I am going to have to agree. Any particular principle to keep us positive in these times is a winner. Most people are affected emotionally by the weather, so why wouldn't they be affected by what they wear? Most women (and men) have closets full of black. I am a color person. Maybe it is because I love the mix of colors and patterns, or because I just don't want to feel like I am at a funeral every minute. Yes black is flattering...I will give it that. But be spontaneous, bright, and bold...add a little jaundice to your life.

As the article states...yellow is not for everyone. Find another bright color to highlight your wardrobe and brighten your spirits. Red heads (this is to you my dearest Ginger friends), we all know that sometimes yellow is not the best. However, there are so many shades that maybe even a yellow accessory can be a perky investment to your ensemble.

You can read more about the fabulous banana-mango-lemon medicinal color in the Page 6 article below. If sun brightens our moods...and the sun is yellow...jenga.

xoxo,

k

http://page6.com/p/entertainment/fashion/sunny_delight_jhZL04TfhlGEzmPZfGZM8K

FOOD FOR (Serious) THOUGHT

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/dining/07camera.html?sudsredirect=true

This article "First Camera, Then Fork" is brilliant. It is about time someone commented on the notion that people do in fact savor their foods in more ways than one. I have been taking pictures of my food for years...probably since junior high or high school. Food is a beautiful thing. I love to cook and I think the presentation of food is what makes it so worth while. When you eat at a nice restaurant your food isn't just slopped on to the plate, or separated per dish. The food is presented through the chef's eye and the result is usually a vivacious blend of nourishment that one can't help but snap a photo of.

My friends have been teasing me for years about taking pictures of my food (honestly I may have subconsciously stopped doing it as much because of them, but thank you article...I think I will continue to document my life through food). We will all go out to a restaurant and they will be like "oh there she goes with the camera". I can't help but knowing how much work somebody put into that dish or dessert. To some people it is a masterpiece. Even if it is something as simple as a piece of fresh produce, there I go with my camera. It is things like an overly-sized apple, or a decadent ice cream cone that you want to remember.

Like anything, there is a certain OCD that could be labeled with the hobby. A perfect example is when the article talks about a man leaving his wife at dinner for an hour so he could go get a different lens to capture the dish. There is a fine line between pure enjoyment, and using this photo op as a source of keeping track of your diet. Just like one of the women in the article, I believe it is a good way of showing something to someone when you have been traveling. You can try and describe the delightful field of greens with goat cheese, leeks, and fennel bulb that you had at a cafe in Paris. Then again, a picture is worth a thousand words so good luck getting as good of a reaction as if you were to just snap a photo.

We document places we go, people we meet, and new clothes that we have bought. So why not document a huge part of our lifes...the food that keeps us spry. As the Web site developer Carl Rosenberg states in the article “You have more of a direct connection with your food, so it forms a more essential memory of an occasion. I think photographing food is a more accurate way to document life. Food isn’t going to put on a special face when you take a picture of it.”

xoxo,

K

Spring!

We are indeed approaching spring and it is beautiful. Although it is gorgeous in Chicago currently, who knows if snow is coming the next day. Regardless, tomorrow is the beginning of April...wow did March fly? Looking forward to bar patios, going to the beach, and strolling the streets of the city.

With that I am also looking forward to spring/summer shopping! I feel the college kid in me wanting to live a spoiled life of new clothes, indulging in dining out, and just having fun. After all good weather = a cold beverage or two. What makes us so happy about the nice weather that we want to get every little bit out of it? At IU we would head straight to Kilroy's patio from class...NBD. Now it is work and planning something fun to get you through work.

We must enjoy every day because the flash of March is proof that life is too short. No matter how happy we are, let's make an effort to plan fun things with the people we love because that is what will keep us sane. Whether that be grabbing coffee or a drink, or fixing dinner together. In order to keep our positive healthy lifestyle going, we are going to have to set goals and get out and enjoy our lives. Monday the girls got together to make mexican and margaritas to enjoy while we watched Gossip Girl. Tuesday the roomies and I went on a long walk and ordered some sushi. What will we do tonight? While we still must be frugile, it is possible to still enjoy yourself...especially with weather like this!

The sun makes us happy so we can finally come out of our cocoon's and spread our wings. Cheers to the spring weather.

xoxo,

k

Bikram Yoga

Yoga, pilates, bar method, dance classes....there are so many different techniques and workout trends to tone and form the body! I have always loved dance, yoga, pilates, etc...but yoga and Bikram Yoga (also known as hot yoga) are two different things. Bikram Yoga Chicago in Lincoln Park has a special which includes unlimited yoga for a month at the price of a whopping $29 dollars! What a bargain! I take dance classes that are $17 dollars a piece...but 31 days for $29 dollars. That's about a buck chuck. I started on March 1st and got my roomie Kelly to come with me. I have been every single day this week mon-fri...so clearly I have already gotten my money's worth. That's right, it is 8:34 am and I have already been to the 6 am Bikram class this morning.

The classes are 90 minutes and you sweat like you never thought it was possible! The room is 105 degrees with 40% humidity. The routine is the same each day, which leaves you with working on improvement throughout your experience. I am telling you, you feel disgusting, you feel grimy, you feel dirty...and you feel amazing! Full of energy while you stretch, shape, and strengthen your body. You are supposed to go to Hot Yoga daily (or at least 6 days a week) to get the effects such as reducing stress, deepening sleep, glowing skin, improving posture, lubricating joints, normalizing weight, stretching and toning muscles, and mental clarity. These are just a few of the many benefits listed on the site of the studio I practice at ( bycic.com).

Kelly and I did notice that if we do it at night it is harder to fall asleep because of the energy Bikram brings. But once I have fallen asleep, I have slept better than I have in a long time. Very deep sleep. We also noticed some breakouts on our face because of the heat, sweat, and constantly wiping our faces or putting them on the mats. We now scrub our faces immediately following the class and try to make sure we get our equipment sanitized...but honestly I will take a few pimples for this amazing new routine we r jumping into full force. Besides, I feel guilty not going with the price I am paying for unlimited classes...taking full advantage. We actually may have a cultish addiction on our plates...

Namaste

k