Album of the week: week 4

Hello music lovers.  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  This week I have something for you that's one of my newer obsessions.  This week's album is Sunsets & Car Crashes by The Spill Canvas.  This album is a great album for road trips or, in my case, driving an hour and a half to and from college for Thanksgiving break. 

It's really hard to pick one song because this is just such a solid album. That being said, I'm hoping that one person in particular will read this, so I'm going to choose a song from the album that, if he reads this and listens to this song, will hopefully get a message to him.  The song is The Night Will Go As Follows.  I hope you all like this song and this album... and please, wish me luck!

Click here to listen to this week's album!

Click here to listen to the song of the week!


P.S. My fingers are crossed that soon the guy who I'm hoping will check out this post this week will be singing 3685, which is another truly amazing song from this album.  Listen to the whole song and you'll understand.

Click here to listen to 3685.

Winter Skin and Winter Hair

Snow has finally hit the ground and we all know what that means: dry air and dry hair.  Here are some tips for adjusting your beauty routine.

Let's start with the face.  First, you'll want to scrub away that dead skin, so I'd suggest exfoliating every two to three days.  My secret to great skin is the Clarisonic.  This baby works magic.  Say hello to smoother, softer, younger looking skin.  I like to pair it with Philosophy microdelivery exfoliating wash.  Also, you'll want a really good moisturizer or night cream.  I personally like Philosophy Hope in a Jar.  I have sensitive skin and this works really well for me.  For your makeup routine, you should add a tinted moisturizer with a built in sunscreen (the earth is closer to the sun at this time of year and you'll also have sunlight reflecting off the snow and that can do a lot of damage to the skin).  Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is great.
Next, let's move to hair.  You should condition your hair after every wash, but you should probably deep condition once a week or once every other week.  I don't have any suggestions here, because all hair types are so different.
Of course, you should use a good lotion after you shower (that's when your skin needs it most) and a second time during the day if you can make time.  I love Philosophy body lotion.  It's also nice to add a body butter or body cream for when your skin is really dry.  Again, I turn to Philosophy whipped body crème.  It's also a good idea to carry around a hand cream.  For this I turn to L'Occitane.
The last essential is something that'll keep you ready for mistletoe and that New Year's Eve midnight kiss.  I turn to Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment.

Album of the week: week 3

Hey music lovers.  This week's pick is a little tougher than usual.  There's nothing hotter than a girl who can rock, and if you ask me, the best of the best is Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless.  This week's album is Light Me Up by The Pretty Reckless. 

My last two years of high school were spent at a very small private school with very catty cliques who tried to change people and either make them as mean as they were or make them be mean to the kids who wouldn't sell out.  This album was my courage to hold my head up and stand up to them when I needed to. 
My song of the week from this album is Goin' Down.  It's the song that made me fall in love with The Pretty Reckless.  I hope it has the same effect on you.

Click here to listen.

Album of the week: week 2

Hello music fans.  Do I have a treat for you!  This week I have an album to introduce to you that has some serious sentimental value to me.  This week's album is Bring Me Your Love by City And Colour. 

For me, this album is a boy who cares for me unconditionally.  It's a memory of a friend picking me up after a rough day.  It's, of course, also just some beautiful music. 
The song I'm going to recommend is the song I was recommended to introduce me to City And Colour: The Girl.  It's a beautiful song, and, even though it's like sixth minutes long, it's worth listening to every second.  For me, this song will always be a smile and love from a friend.  I hope it can be something just as special for you.

click here to listen to the album

10 Wardrobe Essentials

There are a few pieces that every wardrobe should have.  You can do a lot with just a few key pieces.  Many of these pieces are pricier, but when you think about how much use you'd get out of them compared to other pieces in your closet, it's really worth the expense. 

1. The classic jean
The first and most necessary piece is a dark wash jean.  I recommend the J.Crew matchstick jean in classic rinse wash.  It's a really flattering fit on all figures and adds a little extra elegance to your casual look. 

2. A timeless blazer
Second on my list is a blazer.  I'd recommend getting a neutral color like navy, charcoal, black, or tan, so that it can go with a lot more and truly be a staple.  My favorite blazer is the J.Crew schoolboy. 

3. Dress Pants
Third on my list is a pair of versatile dress pants.  It's good to have something professional in your closet, no matter your occupation.  My favorite is the J.Crew Minnie pant.  With a cute pair of heals and a blazer, this is perfect for a business meeting or an interview, but with loafers and a sweater, this is perfect for any day out.

4. A little black dress
Fourth on my list is a little black dress.  The little black dress is something simple, timeless, and chic.  If you're grabbing drinks with the girls, going to the office Christmas party, or going on a date, this is the perfect piece.  With the right jewelry, shoes, and bag, this piece can be dressed up or down to meet the occasion and look like an entirely different piece altogether.  A few examples of a great little black dress: the Free People cross my heart bodycon, the Free People ode to tea shimmer dress, the Free People crazy for love dress, and the J.Crew misha dress.  It's best to go with a very simple little black dress and use your accessories to give it your style.

5. A great bag
Fifth is a great bag.  You want something that will hold up and age well.  Some bags even look better after they've been used a lot.  You can never go wrong with a well-tailored leather bag.  I personally love the Madewell essex messenger. 

6. A V-neck tee
Sixth is a V-neck tee.  My favorite is the J.Crew vintage cotton V-neck tee.  I have this tee in dozens of colors and use them all the time, but you only really need maybe two.  A white tee and then a bold color.  A bold colored tee can be the perfect way to add just a little spice to a casual look.

7. A flat
Seventh is a great flat.  I injured my knee, so I'm staying away from heels right now.  Something like this is actually why it's important to have a good flat in your closet.  I love the Madewell sidewalk skimmer.  These are honestly the most comfortable flats I've ever had on. 

8. Heels
Eighth is a heel.  It's good to have a nice heel for dressier occasions.  Something simple like the Madewell frankie pump would be a great addition to any wardrobe. 

9. A silk blouse
Ninth is a silk blouse.  A great silk blouse to have is the J.Crew Blythe blouse.  A silk blouse is the perfect piece to make a feminine business look.

10. A cardigan
Tenth is a timeless cardigan.  What could possibly be more timeless than a Jackie? My final recommendation for a wardrobe staple is the J.Crew Jackie Cardigan.

If you're equipped with these ten pieces, you'll be able to dress for any occasion.  All you need to make these outfits your own are the right accessories.

Album of the week: week 1

For all of the music lovers out there, every week I'm going to post an album of the week and a song from that album that I can't get enough of.  This week's album is Bomb in a Birdcage, by A Fine Frenzy. 

This is one of my favorite records.  There is no comparison to how it sounds on vinyl.  When I listen to this album, I picture playing in the park with a love interest -- playing on the swings, jumping in piles of leaves, and that magical first kiss that is just so perfect that you don't feel the autumn chill until it ends. My song of the week from this album is Electric Twist.  click here to listen to the album

Sweaters, sweaters, sweaters galore!

One of my favorite things about fall is that I finally get to wear my favorite sweaters!  And when I say sweater, I mean all sweaters -- from cardigans to sweater skirts.  Here is one of my favorite outfits to give you an idea of how much I love sweaters. 


This outfit is flattering on all figures. 

If you're lusting after these pieces, here are the links to the stores where I got them: by item.  Some of these pieces are no longer available, but you might find something similar so you can put your own twist on this look.

 hat     earrings     cardigan     top     necklace     skirt     shoes

Meet the blogger

Hey everyone.  I'm Ali.  I'm a college student as well as a music and fashion enthusiast.  With my future posts, you'll hear lots about music, travel, tea, food, and beauty tips, but right now I want to focus on fashion. 

I love clothes.  I always have.  My friends and classmates see that and constantly comment on how much they love my clothes and would never feel confident enough to wear something daring because they don't want to draw attention to their bodies or they don't think they could pull off a certain look.

I'm not a toothpick.  I'm not built like a model... but I still dress like one.  I'm here to tell you that you can too.