tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60143127152421936402024-02-07T07:50:47.673-05:00She's Little and LovelyEmilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.comBlogger149125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-81031563221584992422009-09-09T00:50:00.000-04:002009-09-09T00:55:51.634-04:00To Buy or Not to Buy: Satin, Suede ShoesAfter a day of heavy cleaning in my mom's house yesterday, I spent a couple of hours today at the huge <a href="http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=102">Roosevelt Field Mall</a> in Garden City, NY. I got some jeans I'd been lusting after for a while from Delia's, finally got my skin color-matched at MAC (NC 20), and found a killed pair of shoes I'm still debating whether to buy or not...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtrQHCnjcxQQRG0fP4OWMpjf8uCfIlIniOaZJtJpxSEjMhB_oS3eRdP7f-lwOy5mtr0AsZNQY74YLtMtRGQiiWrIBZ8mcjjBD1FSJdfC-rTA12-hT_OS864LoXK03K7B0zHxNffxybqs/s1600-h/CIMG0247.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtrQHCnjcxQQRG0fP4OWMpjf8uCfIlIniOaZJtJpxSEjMhB_oS3eRdP7f-lwOy5mtr0AsZNQY74YLtMtRGQiiWrIBZ8mcjjBD1FSJdfC-rTA12-hT_OS864LoXK03K7B0zHxNffxybqs/s400/CIMG0247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379322402757856386" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUQVQieXV-LzpYyX6iWd9-2gbIt4iBgKPvrBzWAN5YmBCsulMH3SUqZRouz1iWQ7c6DpWyV4S4CGnuV4Lx1cnYGfISpZz-9Vo-JLjRyatNqUA6R50UHphvBzryJde9lPvp94H9dXhByo/s1600-h/CIMG0248.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUQVQieXV-LzpYyX6iWd9-2gbIt4iBgKPvrBzWAN5YmBCsulMH3SUqZRouz1iWQ7c6DpWyV4S4CGnuV4Lx1cnYGfISpZz-9Vo-JLjRyatNqUA6R50UHphvBzryJde9lPvp94H9dXhByo/s400/CIMG0248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379321035972086130" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.stevemadden.com/item.aspx?id=49507&DirectSearch=LAADY">Steve Madden's LAADY</a> shoes in purple. Regularly $100, but there's a promotion ending tomorrow in which you spin a wheel in the store to "win" a percent discount off your purchase....So I could probably end up getting them for around $80.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9ZvjqGKPUVXr_6_JNA4XlD3AcbOhOcYSmSIHfqBAzFTUlyN4dqmbOhPf4ZtlNlhGZrxphmTTyAQDxjVAboBSAq50qd_b_KyrqwdD7NROZtXjen9O1xTa0yEhfIMmh6y6vPgMedzNdMU/s1600-h/CIMG0245.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk9ZvjqGKPUVXr_6_JNA4XlD3AcbOhOcYSmSIHfqBAzFTUlyN4dqmbOhPf4ZtlNlhGZrxphmTTyAQDxjVAboBSAq50qd_b_KyrqwdD7NROZtXjen9O1xTa0yEhfIMmh6y6vPgMedzNdMU/s400/CIMG0245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379322491214696306" border="0" /></a>The shoes are pricey, but it was love at first sight. On one hand...where am I going to wear them? Not to my new job! On the other...they are so awesome looking.<br /><br />What do you think?Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-69614592470647948762009-09-05T16:55:00.008-04:002009-09-05T18:04:16.829-04:00Crazy Awesome Couple of DaysQuick status update...so much to post, so little time to get everything in my life done! I'm still in New York vacationing with my family (well, staying with them in my childhood home) and I've had a great week.<br /><br />After dropping my sister off at school in Vermont, I paid a quick visit to a friend up in New England. Back in NY I went to the beach, walked around a cute little local town and had dinner with my best friend, who is in for a few weeks from her Peace Corps assignment in Zambia.<br /><br />Last night I had a crazy night with another friend who is about to move to Pennsylvania. We went to a huge Korean club in Manhattan and were initially rejected...most likely cuz I'm white. (Yes, seriously! I was sooo pissed since I'd been looking forward to seeing this place for months. Of course, we ended up there on the day there's some obnoxious new lady working the door.)<br /><br />But a few hours later her friends who are regulars there showed up and we got in...and wow, it was something! I've never seen a club with a live saxophone player jamming along with the DJ. There were fog machines and fake snow and strobes and thumping music and tons of people having fun. (Once I was in the club, none of the patrons seemed to care that much that I wasn't Asian. Plus, my friend's friends were really cool and made me feel totally comfortable, which doesn't always happen when you're out with people you don't know.) We danced until <span style="font-style: italic;">4:30 am</span>, then went out for Pho in Ktown, and the friends went uptown while my friend and I hopped the rail road back to Long Island...at daylight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrjszbqlq8vGFHb9NWcJt_Gr2zBo7bfkHXWvYAFCwtv_upch3thrHN1kUjXmhCHcRaOb3qXmYtNs-bwDoEskZjixR7jWbntkVETNdk-rw3s03HFJDmbtTWZk0iColCVI4W9rh-s-WYVU/s1600-h/CIMG0195.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrjszbqlq8vGFHb9NWcJt_Gr2zBo7bfkHXWvYAFCwtv_upch3thrHN1kUjXmhCHcRaOb3qXmYtNs-bwDoEskZjixR7jWbntkVETNdk-rw3s03HFJDmbtTWZk0iColCVI4W9rh-s-WYVU/s400/CIMG0195.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378106223270450338" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday I also went out to lunch with my Dad, and it was good to spend some quality time with him. The day before I took my Boston Terrier to the vet -- she's got allergies that are making her paws itch! And on the way back home, we passed my grandmother's house while she was sitting on her porch. So Bon Bon and I paid a visit to Grandma, which she appreciated very much.<br /><br />In beauty news...my skin is finally clearing up, thanks to cutting back on harsh detergents and treating it with more care. I've started using a new facewash and moisturizer that I am very happy with. I've also been trying out a new mascara, which is going well so far. And after my vacation and a trip to the hair salon, I'm a bit tanner and blonder than I had been before.<br /><br />It's also been good to indulge myself in good food. It's nice to not have to go food shopping for myself all the time or cook dinner every night. Among the meals my mom has prepared has been lobster....mmm...for a dinner and for lunch, cooked perfectly on our gas grill. I don't know how or why people go out to restaurants to get it because it's such a messy food and expensive to eat out...but our local supermarket sometimes has it on sale for $4.99 lb., which makes it a luxury within reach.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTlssHj_OHE6k7RLCfTqjAdyn57aQTHNPWWikrtPKCP5xLFlX0jsMz1K4rYq_VYYyoacZjWj27Q1Ac2EU3C1tm7c2dIrkmDbk9FBm_QDx-fSoa0TaF_Y6whnql6SH8Pv1Aw3BW78takQ/s1600-h/CIMG0114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTlssHj_OHE6k7RLCfTqjAdyn57aQTHNPWWikrtPKCP5xLFlX0jsMz1K4rYq_VYYyoacZjWj27Q1Ac2EU3C1tm7c2dIrkmDbk9FBm_QDx-fSoa0TaF_Y6whnql6SH8Pv1Aw3BW78takQ/s400/CIMG0114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378105936482070850" border="0" /></a>Tonight I'm hanging out with another best friend of mine, the girl I stayed with in Boston, who is back in NY for the Labor Day weekend. I hope you're enjoying the long weekend too!Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-18618485802785826912009-08-28T20:54:00.001-04:002009-08-29T00:05:29.380-04:00Nails: Bewitching Polka DotsI was restless painting my nails last night. I tried several different colors and designs before settling on this black and silvery-purple polka dot pattern....and I've decided I'm definitely a fan on polka dot nails.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt914eceSiZwIQiWK7tf4Cp6lWv8M0YFhbTuOti15xsADSKdJjBXv_0I_KmLcr_gWmwfoPE1RsNdiwwegIZ5drCTykYm17883Ou_j-uM031jLw-OGdPSM4eH8vo4592CAN-cEEYDKpkA/s1600-h/CIMG0074-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWt914eceSiZwIQiWK7tf4Cp6lWv8M0YFhbTuOti15xsADSKdJjBXv_0I_KmLcr_gWmwfoPE1RsNdiwwegIZ5drCTykYm17883Ou_j-uM031jLw-OGdPSM4eH8vo4592CAN-cEEYDKpkA/s320/CIMG0074-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375182257708034050" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_mMv8nzMAS459Bd-BZsfMm0EQOkVnDtlsURcdZLn1AbdP2NmseG6rEl22-MrPRT9lTSa5r_1v9yN2lqEQcME9T854jHH7pqFKvOr3OjwZyJQJDNT_aMz4zi0oW6Hn9-Uiy72iiJv4lM/s1600-h/CIMG0056-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_mMv8nzMAS459Bd-BZsfMm0EQOkVnDtlsURcdZLn1AbdP2NmseG6rEl22-MrPRT9lTSa5r_1v9yN2lqEQcME9T854jHH7pqFKvOr3OjwZyJQJDNT_aMz4zi0oW6Hn9-Uiy72iiJv4lM/s320/CIMG0056-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375175078436803154" border="0" /></a>Polka dots are a particular favorite of mine to begin with, and they're very easy to do free hand on your nails. I started with a base coat, followed by one coat of Zoya's Raven -- a dark black with very subtle shimmer to it. (This is the first Zoya polish I've ever tried, actually. I ordered three bottles during a promotion the company had a few weeks back, and I'm sure I'll get to reviewing them all at some point.)<br /><br />The dots were made with Orly's Spellbound, which is more silvery than the picture of the bottle bellow illustrates. It's also very shimmery.<br /><br />I started my dots by the base of the nail (just by dotting the regular polish brush, not using a special one) and worked my way up to the tip. The dots aren't all uniform in size, but I kind of like it that way, I think it looks visually interesting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHKr7B8NDs8G0Ibr5lSWDMpWOYonqCgH57W-PrKIf9QTSKB9Ft4muj39cMBX4R4XiFlAifG7UPPyfE3oX6JV5Yf0Zr1PuK-kHfS2l1pg3FfLLpuxuscVub4-OZ26Yse_d-6nZL8kz3FE/s1600-h/CIMG0073-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHKr7B8NDs8G0Ibr5lSWDMpWOYonqCgH57W-PrKIf9QTSKB9Ft4muj39cMBX4R4XiFlAifG7UPPyfE3oX6JV5Yf0Zr1PuK-kHfS2l1pg3FfLLpuxuscVub4-OZ26Yse_d-6nZL8kz3FE/s320/CIMG0073-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375175146778930098" border="0" /></a>After hearing so many great reviews, I also decided to splurge on a bottle of Seche Vite dry fast top coat. While I'm happy with how it's kept my nails from getting dents or accidentally being imprinted by fabric textures, so far I'm not super impressed with the shine or keeping my nails from chipping. Maybe I'm doing something wrong in my application?<br /><br />I've been having problems lately with my nail polish chipping or peeling at the tips very shortly after application. I think it might be a basecoat problem....that I need to find a good one, other than the sever year old bottle of Jordana base coat I've been using. Anyone have suggestions?Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-34709832859529024232009-08-25T22:27:00.002-04:002009-08-25T23:27:22.134-04:00Help Me Find a Place to Live in Northern Virginia!Exactly what the post title says -- anyone have advice on moving to Northern Virginia?? I'm looking for an apartment or houseshare there beginning in mid-September.<br /><br />I'm very easy to get along with...willing to live with guys or girls...I'm no neat freak but I keep common areas clean...I work an office job so I want somewhere that's relatively calm on weeknights...I don't smoke or own pets...I do own a car.<br /><br />My ideal roommate situation is one where I can come and go with freedom and live my own life, but be around friendly, laid-back, upbeat people who want to hang out sometimes.<br /><br />Needs: Available parking space; within .75 miles walking distance of an orange line Metro; no drugs or cats in the home.<br /><br />Budget: $900 maximum.<br /><br /> Drop me a line if you can help! :)Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-80404132136934762692009-08-24T19:52:00.001-04:002009-08-24T20:08:53.539-04:00Food + Masks from the Asian SupermarketI'm staying with my family on Long Island, NY, and took a trip to a local Korean supermarket this afternoon to feed my Asian food craving. The store, H and Y Supermarket, isn't as charmingly sketchy as the Asian groceries I frequent in Maryland, but it was alright. I got two containers of sushi, miso broth, Concord grapes (tart black grapes with seeds, yum), kiwis, a salad and...these good things:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3F1xLgxdj4unoo73Di9KdD4vChPjDKRN5I0AZd0u3HOXeAChZwfaEziQd9bMQ6vlc6cdAMyTdhDi9TiofuCwOHPq7CrIkCF0rO1CX0VmZAHtVrHWEEKF1GVvXwXieCCCpkMivro3GOU/s1600-h/CIMG0364.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3F1xLgxdj4unoo73Di9KdD4vChPjDKRN5I0AZd0u3HOXeAChZwfaEziQd9bMQ6vlc6cdAMyTdhDi9TiofuCwOHPq7CrIkCF0rO1CX0VmZAHtVrHWEEKF1GVvXwXieCCCpkMivro3GOU/s320/CIMG0364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373681768477875170" border="0" /></a><br />Chapagetti. Strange name, tasty instant noodles. Ever since my Korean friend made some for me in Maryland I keep getting the occasional craving for it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdGqEE1Z_oKV_PU_lgzpbPFwI-FrsQTMiNqEPI9dSWtQbez_6TvCx3_4aFeFpdPvbU133FuloD3rvSCl0wkq0PeEF2jr8lYocDTRxvZl2Hfjf_dq4qnECcKl_lgRQ8JZNMoYTl3mLQXs/s1600-h/CIMG0363.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdGqEE1Z_oKV_PU_lgzpbPFwI-FrsQTMiNqEPI9dSWtQbez_6TvCx3_4aFeFpdPvbU133FuloD3rvSCl0wkq0PeEF2jr8lYocDTRxvZl2Hfjf_dq4qnECcKl_lgRQ8JZNMoYTl3mLQXs/s320/CIMG0363.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373681832451349394" border="0" /></a><br />"Men's" Pocky?? I didn't know biscuits could have a gender! I guess it's more masculine than those Lotte cookies with strawberry koalas on them, but still...these are covered in bitter chocolate and taste very good.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkt0FYCN12HqztxIyhCikvu5kXEdFB7qRV3TlPVR4DRncgLRMiELAVL9XHa4Mb_JBX-stUOXUWKgAaULDaEiRBm77cJFd04Sl2gqMSoQbiUx7Y40_bG-B5hMW6eDhBr6x2qmN4NCB0ck/s1600-h/CIMG0365.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkt0FYCN12HqztxIyhCikvu5kXEdFB7qRV3TlPVR4DRncgLRMiELAVL9XHa4Mb_JBX-stUOXUWKgAaULDaEiRBm77cJFd04Sl2gqMSoQbiUx7Y40_bG-B5hMW6eDhBr6x2qmN4NCB0ck/s320/CIMG0365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373681905425226802" border="0" /></a><br />Korean face masks. (My poodle Chestnut felt this would be a good time to hop on my bed and get in the shot, hehe.)<br /><br />Five of them are made by Dermal, one is made by Tundisi. I've seen other bloggers use them so figured it can't hurt to try one myself. I've highlighted the different varieties below:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OfW-de8JDVioWDoy3qrPwKKKdXQYqaw98un9nU6HGVoN6D7_Hj1ZWpiUcEnDWIcfOm3v-q4yfh7FJYtgcTPvETJnxgQ1e-8VgmzhaJXeTYiU769ayfhgzI5P_WL09V3KXjorISh0QcY/s1600-h/CIMG0367.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OfW-de8JDVioWDoy3qrPwKKKdXQYqaw98un9nU6HGVoN6D7_Hj1ZWpiUcEnDWIcfOm3v-q4yfh7FJYtgcTPvETJnxgQ1e-8VgmzhaJXeTYiU769ayfhgzI5P_WL09V3KXjorISh0QcY/s320/CIMG0367.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373681691299527746" border="0" /></a>I don't know what "charcoal collagen" means...or how my skin will react to any of these...I'll post a review once I try one.Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-74843257932526647822009-08-22T22:45:00.001-04:002009-08-22T00:43:38.428-04:00Casual Mens Clothes Shopping AdventureI recently went clothes shopping with a male friend who has little (read: almost no) interest in fashion. Sure, he cares about how he looks -- something he lacked when we met as teens, though has happily grown into in his 20s -- but he was clueless about where to get clothing or what to try on.<br /><br />Thankfully, he was an eager and willing participant when it came to trying on plenty of clothes during our shopping adventure.<br /><br />Over the course of two days, we went to several affordably-priced retailers with heaps of men's clothes. We saw it all -- from shirts labeled "medium" that looked more like XXL at the regional department store <a href="http://www.bonton.com/">Bon Ton</a>, to turquoise, acid-washed men's skinny jeans at Pac Sun.<br /><br />Despite its poor size selection, Bon Ton was still the first place he made a purchase: a pair of Calvin Klein jeans with a low-rise waist, straight leg, medium wash. The pants have a grayish/rusted wash which is stylish but subtle. And they are cut much less baggy around the hip area than most of his other jeans, making them significantly more flattering to his physique.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6fE1aPENCEeCexu8swxSzaA3ZUttJZ7GTLQANzJ75kqANmZyq82p7hCsCKjuXklMncbTmEz0SPVfppqE4k9PmHOEZQMftSA5NOq-3Lz2VscZeOGY1lt-VRCRVp0tVLN0rKRFsRKtit4/s1600-h/CIMG0342.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU6fE1aPENCEeCexu8swxSzaA3ZUttJZ7GTLQANzJ75kqANmZyq82p7hCsCKjuXklMncbTmEz0SPVfppqE4k9PmHOEZQMftSA5NOq-3Lz2VscZeOGY1lt-VRCRVp0tVLN0rKRFsRKtit4/s320/CIMG0342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372641480779222738" border="0" /></a><br />The next day he got a black button down shirt and a plaid short sleeved button down at Sears. Pretty standard fair, but keep in mind we were looking for additions to a wardrobe largely comprised of polo shirts purchased by his mom and screen print tees that went out of style after high school.<br /><br />The patterns on these shirts look more subtle in person, I took the photos in a dark room so the colors are skewed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHCZunjLolHa93zu3n6OkBGXA5_MGnOY94dzdqvouBUwMrIYD6GtoinN5RKQ6LrGFMGmJrM9DB98mDy-0sbs8rLpJ7QcBGvPaMb9S9C95BRU47VwC0yvsybq25px7dIq_uE1gBGyE2ZI/s1600-h/CIMG0344.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHCZunjLolHa93zu3n6OkBGXA5_MGnOY94dzdqvouBUwMrIYD6GtoinN5RKQ6LrGFMGmJrM9DB98mDy-0sbs8rLpJ7QcBGvPaMb9S9C95BRU47VwC0yvsybq25px7dIq_uE1gBGyE2ZI/s320/CIMG0344.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372641544362607026" border="0" /></a>(This would look great with a suit jacket and jeans.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_cUK3clSyR_gRrdZ2o1-ElZjzOi-LYW5dyd2SqcL2m2g5rqz7EsdTj0eyvAHj0IGu0YN-Qae2ehvR8RQyuUMsSQ7ZcUjYzDaKFeisDQmy9zRILjju__p2QrYvqROLjGRY2dhM9CsFvE/s1600-h/CIMG0346.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm_cUK3clSyR_gRrdZ2o1-ElZjzOi-LYW5dyd2SqcL2m2g5rqz7EsdTj0eyvAHj0IGu0YN-Qae2ehvR8RQyuUMsSQ7ZcUjYzDaKFeisDQmy9zRILjju__p2QrYvqROLjGRY2dhM9CsFvE/s320/CIMG0346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372641610740260466" border="0" /></a>(Dark jean friendly -- didn't look as good with the new CK jeans, since it was too gray all over.)<br /><br />Finally, we hit the jackpot when it came to our main quest for the trip -- t-shirts. My friend wanted casual t-shirts he can throw on to go to school instead of wearing one of the aforementioned polos every day. (He says his screen print tees are relegated to in-house wear and don't see the light of day. Probably a wise move.)<br /><br />And we found them at (drum roll please)...Old Navy. Five dollar tees that look awesome and feel awesome.<br /><br />For $25 he left with five well-fitting, attractive, versatile shirts. In black and light gray he got this <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5251&vid=1&pid=419542&scid=419542012">classic tee</a> with a round neck, though it's also available with a v neck.<br /><br />My favorite shirt though was this <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5251&vid=1&pid=419540&scid=419540272">ringer tee</a> with contrast trim that he got in greenish turquoise, charcoal gray and navy blue. It feels soft and really makes the shoulders look broad. I think it's one of the most flattering, effortlessly cool things I've ever seen my friend wear.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/681/681353/main/on681353-01p01v01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 345px;" src="http://oldnavy.gap.com/Asset_Archive/ONWeb/Assets/Product/681/681353/main/on681353-01p01v01.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And to think he was relucatant to go into Old Navy! It typically isn't the first store I hit either, but from what I recently saw, I think their quality has significantly improved in the past few years.Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-75742575254294845012009-08-15T22:12:00.001-04:002009-08-15T22:15:59.042-04:00Nails: Make Mine MangoI finally got tired of <a href="http://sheslittleandlovely.blogspot.com/2009/08/shrimply-divine-nails.html">Shrimply Divine</a> after retouching it a couple of times over a week or two. So on a whim I picked up three bottles of Revlon polish on sale for $3 each at a Target. I picked these colors because they were bright, summery <span style="font-style: italic;">and </span>I think they're appropriate enough to wear to work. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHWWxjKww45fPHjwlmE0eQFeFAR1JPEckaN9oFN5Wg8-jXdI3IHlCPfusa7bAfwehorPun4scEVimrW2GYGdQ2sYRvmJ1Fb1sUJEy_N7BHhwDOhQNOAeRnaFAOObQADFAR-g_4dV05y8/s1600-h/CIMG0423.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHWWxjKww45fPHjwlmE0eQFeFAR1JPEckaN9oFN5Wg8-jXdI3IHlCPfusa7bAfwehorPun4scEVimrW2GYGdQ2sYRvmJ1Fb1sUJEy_N7BHhwDOhQNOAeRnaFAOObQADFAR-g_4dV05y8/s320/CIMG0423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370361514096036370" border="0" /></a><br />I also got some polish removing pads, figuring they'd be more convenient than getting a bottle of remover and cotton balls while traveling. I was wrong! These felt pads precoated in acetone remover were AWFUL -- first, because I prefer using non-acetone remover since it's more gentle on my natural nails, and second, and most importantly, they didn't work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl-ayFtVozUC9JecxMwIsV2jFqEOyG2CZBiFNejZjcuY1gAXaNs1BiVzNY2i9sS43XI18ReoHyvYxXwadrtwJDlD7OgwXsJN1i5DVNTpV_OYLjC5xrST2MFry9i01jAcCXVC_gHvd-LY/s1600-h/CIMG9992.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUl-ayFtVozUC9JecxMwIsV2jFqEOyG2CZBiFNejZjcuY1gAXaNs1BiVzNY2i9sS43XI18ReoHyvYxXwadrtwJDlD7OgwXsJN1i5DVNTpV_OYLjC5xrST2MFry9i01jAcCXVC_gHvd-LY/s320/CIMG9992.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370377158613919266" border="0" /></a><br />Each pad said it would do ten nails. I barely got through two or three. I held them on each nail for a minute or so and they still didn't work well. The pads dried out very quickly. I ended up going through five of the six packets in the box to do both hands. :( Maybe other people have had better luck with pads like this?<br /><br />Anyway back to the goods:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHyf9rMAgtsKebqxllJhEO-Ph6-rEi3WFvpnGK91ahB3vY4boyoRYD9ycsmlDbbHEHLEzzVubNDBpg6MGpM59pBbgi-9j50IcoKxUp3x73pGswGywYa8gsdx2kezqcub7SioeKm1UyL8/s1600-h/CIMG0426.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHyf9rMAgtsKebqxllJhEO-Ph6-rEi3WFvpnGK91ahB3vY4boyoRYD9ycsmlDbbHEHLEzzVubNDBpg6MGpM59pBbgi-9j50IcoKxUp3x73pGswGywYa8gsdx2kezqcub7SioeKm1UyL8/s320/CIMG0426.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370361570378510514" border="0" /></a>Make Mine Mango, Red Hot Tamale and Cherry Berry. I packed these with me and brought them to Maine, where I am currently on the second leg of <a href="http://sheslittleandlovely.blogspot.com/2009/08/boston-here-i-am.html">my trip</a>.<br /><br />Though orange is my favorite color, it doesn't look particularly good on my skin. But Make Mine Mango has a lot of peach and persimmon undertones that I think make it versatile for a number of complexions, including pale, rosy ones like mine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdrKQ0hRQ9b2CEWuDBBaHnnFrKeKqA8PYYJwrLNc0OR1IdcPx6Kqc4OjvO7cawcAG147M5SPOrpQscqs0zaYTGjBiWHib_tHeyFFt0giNtiWUypW3yvJ7h2DOyU617dnjGyg8qIigPMo/s1600-h/CIMG0436.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 230px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqdrKQ0hRQ9b2CEWuDBBaHnnFrKeKqA8PYYJwrLNc0OR1IdcPx6Kqc4OjvO7cawcAG147M5SPOrpQscqs0zaYTGjBiWHib_tHeyFFt0giNtiWUypW3yvJ7h2DOyU617dnjGyg8qIigPMo/s320/CIMG0436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370361633497487986" border="0" /></a>I also like that it's tropical yet understated -- not a loud, brash orange, but a soft, gentle, breezy and relaxed color, in my opinion. Something that says "I'm having an effortlessly fun vacation and enjoying sunshine"....which, well, I am!Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-44110896636063443242009-08-13T08:34:00.015-04:002009-08-13T09:27:47.203-04:00Boston, Here I Am!I've spent the last couple of days in Boston, Massachusetts, soaking up history and culture, and spending time with one of my oldest friends. I ate delicious lobster bisque in Fanuiel Hall<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fYkStMG0KOtR4JyxQxGkBhwx8aiz7bhtCCnjjgmofXIew4tZqq9pXYtzsQAXvy9hRx2X5yhVdAYXuLhSSJJ87Y9AxPgsHSlJRHZsW61DpnshmsRl8ws5kRdVSuas9yBSTb-H7_ouJ3E/s1600-h/CIMG0354.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fYkStMG0KOtR4JyxQxGkBhwx8aiz7bhtCCnjjgmofXIew4tZqq9pXYtzsQAXvy9hRx2X5yhVdAYXuLhSSJJ87Y9AxPgsHSlJRHZsW61DpnshmsRl8ws5kRdVSuas9yBSTb-H7_ouJ3E/s320/CIMG0354.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369429347569563234" border="0" /></a><br />took a DUCK tour (the bus, a converted former military vehicle, takes you by land and *by sea* past some of the city's highlights)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG21y7DiwmsnvpjId7gAexjBDrzAePSWr-vk9uh-3ZEPZKoDH8dHFY0Kvz9oCwjNR8iVNQrVjz-BSbw-tMFyRGAmtG5oOJ2Scz9esIrAR5OSz70axZMlux6xokip-cuhUr-YjjoPtTi7E/s1600-h/CIMG0349.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG21y7DiwmsnvpjId7gAexjBDrzAePSWr-vk9uh-3ZEPZKoDH8dHFY0Kvz9oCwjNR8iVNQrVjz-BSbw-tMFyRGAmtG5oOJ2Scz9esIrAR5OSz70axZMlux6xokip-cuhUr-YjjoPtTi7E/s320/CIMG0349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369434758150419378" border="0" /></a><br />saw sea lions chilling in a tank outside the aquarium<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr0Y6VZJhiJgnaDgpso1gmya8uaUXK0A74JagFVy5umKteqL3o0CbQ2UaPJamES-WLdGE09fLk_zK8CyxT3F2tKhrSsve_wT6VcGnt5Cgrzh5CHyLq-9yC_a3_oK27khfhZmMB36_THg/s1600-h/CIMG0362.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr0Y6VZJhiJgnaDgpso1gmya8uaUXK0A74JagFVy5umKteqL3o0CbQ2UaPJamES-WLdGE09fLk_zK8CyxT3F2tKhrSsve_wT6VcGnt5Cgrzh5CHyLq-9yC_a3_oK27khfhZmMB36_THg/s320/CIMG0362.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369433449860702130" border="0" /></a><br />visited the U.S.S. Constitution (named by George Washington, one of the six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs93yLqFIEsr4kvtNO5c_zpAXBzLCz3WZIxGO8IwqMW93bxj6qxOs2f-UaaxyG21O6fwEBHJ1Bq_O4avsYXCI-_FNcaQ6ie4jEISoeBoWT5xE54ZY8UXpPHSAbZ8TJY_r3FrlTLnsq798/s1600-h/CIMG0376.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs93yLqFIEsr4kvtNO5c_zpAXBzLCz3WZIxGO8IwqMW93bxj6qxOs2f-UaaxyG21O6fwEBHJ1Bq_O4avsYXCI-_FNcaQ6ie4jEISoeBoWT5xE54ZY8UXpPHSAbZ8TJY_r3FrlTLnsq798/s320/CIMG0376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369432031417884386" border="0" /></a><br />ate my first Tibetan food (yak dumplings)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffPkA3sPuujeOCh_Tpu2gtpWuk25PLDRAURpbfqVPh5GGsjldxlmME0hE-zC2bxon-GTbdSxqAbpENTNKZrIZBACn7qMH643TS0T9DMnl4vpDm-NadYuqkTV0rpquHmhMayP5Q-Zk14o/s1600-h/CIMG0394.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffPkA3sPuujeOCh_Tpu2gtpWuk25PLDRAURpbfqVPh5GGsjldxlmME0hE-zC2bxon-GTbdSxqAbpENTNKZrIZBACn7qMH643TS0T9DMnl4vpDm-NadYuqkTV0rpquHmhMayP5Q-Zk14o/s320/CIMG0394.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369435890806636866" border="0" /></a><br />took a Sam Adams Brewery tour<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi-lpj8DxpGAUqzmy5Z_sQz7JG23DaxqlvUWgfhioVfguCVzqk6wky-pmD2EPsbyuuBCPsk07hPjAFxi3T0MQF2JyBUEOGcyJVI5nC0lxOhfxrCgbQ1L0xk0ezR-6qIg71ZY1mwYxvvQ/s1600-h/CIMG0486.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi-lpj8DxpGAUqzmy5Z_sQz7JG23DaxqlvUWgfhioVfguCVzqk6wky-pmD2EPsbyuuBCPsk07hPjAFxi3T0MQF2JyBUEOGcyJVI5nC0lxOhfxrCgbQ1L0xk0ezR-6qIg71ZY1mwYxvvQ/s320/CIMG0486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369436705645073682" border="0" /></a><br />visited the birth sites of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKM_m5P4BHeHTzyYw1NEDTB19RggX6gEEG-_ynp71Dm3cmtL6LAxsBXIWYXOhxsevGH76vQlpdxRYQNqXlDvinl4M2La5eyvFxySGnA2sTyc51TAzQfKIMHO8wyO8RxwrSTapjlgAe6Q/s1600-h/CIMG0505.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKM_m5P4BHeHTzyYw1NEDTB19RggX6gEEG-_ynp71Dm3cmtL6LAxsBXIWYXOhxsevGH76vQlpdxRYQNqXlDvinl4M2La5eyvFxySGnA2sTyc51TAzQfKIMHO8wyO8RxwrSTapjlgAe6Q/s320/CIMG0505.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369437116693332162" border="0" /></a><br /><br />took a trolley around Lexington and Concord (where the first battles of the Revolutionary War began -- the photo is of a statue of a Minute Man that is featured on the Mass. state quarter)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uDz3RA2n4Fyh66e9UCEhjAZfHqB3ykgnCfScg74UQXk-elAISDc1Din-qRBx0ZwSNadiXV-11i97wT1CEvjuOJgQQGxHa944gGzBTErdr5MpGoj2pT6MleOFeeYuEa4qmi4tpDcDoao/s1600-h/CIMG0543.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1uDz3RA2n4Fyh66e9UCEhjAZfHqB3ykgnCfScg74UQXk-elAISDc1Din-qRBx0ZwSNadiXV-11i97wT1CEvjuOJgQQGxHa944gGzBTErdr5MpGoj2pT6MleOFeeYuEa4qmi4tpDcDoao/s320/CIMG0543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369437854396098962" border="0" /></a><br />hung out with my friend during her new band's practice, and went out to dinner with her and another high school friend, followed by a walk past Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuNEoln0iJXAMFhgQiQ4_3pFE7AKlz78xNnX9tVJVLbORtcXrfEO2qQ7zjB7S5A4dIlmL647j1CYIgOEeXe76wWDKdHrt-WdgeEwrd-BXjuHqCaR6XI9qup2hQnPw-l5tiUUUFpOaI6s/s1600-h/CIMG0549.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyuNEoln0iJXAMFhgQiQ4_3pFE7AKlz78xNnX9tVJVLbORtcXrfEO2qQ7zjB7S5A4dIlmL647j1CYIgOEeXe76wWDKdHrt-WdgeEwrd-BXjuHqCaR6XI9qup2hQnPw-l5tiUUUFpOaI6s/s320/CIMG0549.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5369438994297423618" border="0" /></a>And I did a bunch more stuff too...wow, and my vacation is only half way through! Now I'm on to Maine and New Hampshire, the plan being to play it by ear. :)Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-64640897141762241862009-08-07T10:57:00.002-04:002009-08-07T11:02:45.251-04:00Brazilian Carnanval Inspired FOTDAlexandra Dean over at All Things Girly is hosting an <a href="http://alexandradean.blogspot.com/2009/07/hiyarrr-i-am-so-so-so-happy-d-i-have.html#comments">international-themed contest</a>, asking participants to do a look inspired by a particular country. My inspiration was Brazil -- specifically, Brazilian carnaval. I embraced the green, blue and yellow of the <a href="http://www.oas.org/children/members/natsymbols/Flag_Brazil.jpg">country's flag</a> for my makeup, and feathers, bright fabrics, shine and jewels for the rest of my outfit. (Even though I'm much more low key than the real celebration, of course!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5L5MT7gbbL_AfSU1PanZ3ozgEKgrfWN_XWJsigistSouhc4PSV611PGADit7muJuKcFmEjYb6bk38GL179hSLud69mLpHUZ82hfbe5Px8ST7s3y25MXy6YgAHscGXrFSZXlNG0WXO4Y/s1600-h/CIMG0320.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5L5MT7gbbL_AfSU1PanZ3ozgEKgrfWN_XWJsigistSouhc4PSV611PGADit7muJuKcFmEjYb6bk38GL179hSLud69mLpHUZ82hfbe5Px8ST7s3y25MXy6YgAHscGXrFSZXlNG0WXO4Y/s320/CIMG0320.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367235740721756818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzRj6Dxj3djadlXGYJpXZ45ZughUbiQBh6FgMQz3azYVAf2p9qsRYDN7UAGzqkVdscFRrpFWMPntnMl9780ufg1kNy3sSlJZidETuti8tXXDBiqn38tV-9QhSW1cjQivyNhlZrNfjl7g/s1600-h/CIMG0338.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzRj6Dxj3djadlXGYJpXZ45ZughUbiQBh6FgMQz3azYVAf2p9qsRYDN7UAGzqkVdscFRrpFWMPntnMl9780ufg1kNy3sSlJZidETuti8tXXDBiqn38tV-9QhSW1cjQivyNhlZrNfjl7g/s320/CIMG0338.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367235745847085858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBUpAAx4NPIGJfzrc4PL4IcpsKLTHlbW0k8D66RyfRvRvOfFiSg9gyzo4COCFt1Vb1yO-Kcv8UuY0vRUz_fFXigFucdr15fMSEK2PFNhMuxbsyrcLP8wAP3tYMvOzFfvNbdgMZES9AJY/s1600-h/CIMG0346.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 237px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBUpAAx4NPIGJfzrc4PL4IcpsKLTHlbW0k8D66RyfRvRvOfFiSg9gyzo4COCFt1Vb1yO-Kcv8UuY0vRUz_fFXigFucdr15fMSEK2PFNhMuxbsyrcLP8wAP3tYMvOzFfvNbdgMZES9AJY/s320/CIMG0346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367235897630772946" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR7QwvGJCExGlzCzofdn2K_ZgXoUGcC0CCXVKtBNXb7kBsRPc7Lhr-qDsqvfjhGz-eu5xehJ17VQYZ-19rtPmgKY0GMtol85sjG9KhVis3fy7tNy_3wMVNZURzGhhTkQzO_5P23napco/s1600-h/CIMG0344.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAR7QwvGJCExGlzCzofdn2K_ZgXoUGcC0CCXVKtBNXb7kBsRPc7Lhr-qDsqvfjhGz-eu5xehJ17VQYZ-19rtPmgKY0GMtol85sjG9KhVis3fy7tNy_3wMVNZURzGhhTkQzO_5P23napco/s320/CIMG0344.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367235826211989426" border="0" /></a>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-43448956433572512992009-08-05T23:58:00.000-04:002009-08-05T23:59:05.823-04:00Shrimply Divine Nails<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NgXfy4ZyLq37I8JKUMy5cabZR9tHZbcgp6Fc1_waiC6LVhqWW8WnBfd7IPOidX4X7FpxEcaleQ_1ry8L2rgEaO0s880XtFQWuddCJffBJC2_HcwmYU9KNRIbdISGd1OGy1ZjJrkfDyY/s1600-h/CIMG0316.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NgXfy4ZyLq37I8JKUMy5cabZR9tHZbcgp6Fc1_waiC6LVhqWW8WnBfd7IPOidX4X7FpxEcaleQ_1ry8L2rgEaO0s880XtFQWuddCJffBJC2_HcwmYU9KNRIbdISGd1OGy1ZjJrkfDyY/s320/CIMG0316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366691020099650562" border="0" /></a>This is two coats of Sally Hansen's "Shrimply Divine" -- a true bubblegum, Barbie pink that, well, lacks the coral/orange undertones of real shrimp. It's still a lovely color, very bold, bright and fun.<br /><br />I'm not thrilled with the formula, though. In fact, I've found the quality of all the polishes I've tried from Sally Hansen's <a href="http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=73">Salon Nail Lacquer</a> line to be hit or miss. Some, like this, are too thin. Others are too thick. Some, like "Wine Not," are just right. It's too bad, since the line has lots of attractive <span style="font-style: italic;">and </span>work-appropriate colors. (Though I wear whatever polish I feel like to the office! But if you're in a more conservative environment, this line has many options for you.)<br /><br />In terms of polish quality, I'm more a fan of the company's <a href="http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=75">Hard As Nails Xtream Wear</a> line. I've found it to be more consistent. It also offers a wider assortment of colors, which is good if you like funky ones like I do, but might not be good if you prefer sticking to pinks and nudes.Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-43018603375473621772009-08-04T17:01:00.001-04:002009-08-04T17:02:42.066-04:00Blonder AmbitionI had light blond highlights in my hair for about four years. I loved the look, but decided to grow it out about a year and a half ago, figuring that it'd be nice to have a change of pace.<br /><br />By the way, I've had practically the same haircut since I was a young kid -- side part, worn curly. Over the years it's gained and lost layers, highlights, and side-bangs, but for all intents and purposes it's always been pretty similar!<br /><br />So...I have an appointment to get my hair cut and highlighted this Friday and as usual, I'm not exactly sure what to do. How much shorter and how much lighter to make it.<br /><br />My hair is currently a bit above my shoulders in the front and an inch or two below my shoulders in the back:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUywRfkQDLOa-L2ET0UGQEFohp3qNpn2i9RoxD4g0-GMehu94q8fa7Z6wmSzKqjC-d5gGkRgFaU07BoTQUuZRWJ12Ce4FXqdlsirBxC_0ggyiD4LeyAav64KWs5NTnIEKPKATGeuOc9o0/s1600-h/CIMG0298.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUywRfkQDLOa-L2ET0UGQEFohp3qNpn2i9RoxD4g0-GMehu94q8fa7Z6wmSzKqjC-d5gGkRgFaU07BoTQUuZRWJ12Ce4FXqdlsirBxC_0ggyiD4LeyAav64KWs5NTnIEKPKATGeuOc9o0/s320/CIMG0298.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366210899855425058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifygc64rSPCebIOmg1gHpyOlQ8uztgUuWI3m6yk1rE2pG7fCYOqIL_e1ObQ_9tlKVl97lXS_pWtvGIp-GOuoI9kiTXt5hTHEJMM8z0in77oQo6wqq-kgQc6-Cu9Ic-e4xEwUxeNeISW8M/s1600-h/CIMG0287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifygc64rSPCebIOmg1gHpyOlQ8uztgUuWI3m6yk1rE2pG7fCYOqIL_e1ObQ_9tlKVl97lXS_pWtvGIp-GOuoI9kiTXt5hTHEJMM8z0in77oQo6wqq-kgQc6-Cu9Ic-e4xEwUxeNeISW8M/s320/CIMG0287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366207930156958258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7NVUXQns6XJX3FaPUjDAej2W-VHQbk84CMlNV40wxTecGhN29TEbf9GCMkmmf-XIhk2ehb4np-2YxYDgNsv4VkgV5nuql2JmB8267d8Bv7UycePpKjRfdt0n4BvHMd6fYGNU6ox999Q/s1600-h/CIMG9644.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7NVUXQns6XJX3FaPUjDAej2W-VHQbk84CMlNV40wxTecGhN29TEbf9GCMkmmf-XIhk2ehb4np-2YxYDgNsv4VkgV5nuql2JmB8267d8Bv7UycePpKjRfdt0n4BvHMd6fYGNU6ox999Q/s320/CIMG9644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366216765892361138" border="0" /></a><br />This is how it looked the last time I got a haircut, in Dec. 2008 (the bottom still has old highlights):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI8vQ3CcFN3e4yhyphenhyphensq3V-eGI3pShhdaUnYvFIFcA7OiIFO9o8P0X5js8_u0Xr8EaaZpizWH1OMRJB6sp9ry95rJOyNkFRdgzmE9-jio8gjxIrOPT-OvBnP2ayqCgTGFqbTqvDdsBXgKk/s1600-h/CIMG9960.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYI8vQ3CcFN3e4yhyphenhyphensq3V-eGI3pShhdaUnYvFIFcA7OiIFO9o8P0X5js8_u0Xr8EaaZpizWH1OMRJB6sp9ry95rJOyNkFRdgzmE9-jio8gjxIrOPT-OvBnP2ayqCgTGFqbTqvDdsBXgKk/s320/CIMG9960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366211536237677890" border="0" /></a>My highlighted hair about two to three years ago:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCLJsn0_0z0jfXCtRYcZt8klA-X3syer8Yyguk4xUO788PNWR8CqSQY1s9xutV-DkB4nDZ6s5Sd4I6IKFRQBIl3dBl5FIt_M7BbNTNrBHlqKLoOvtp6dUEtZ12xM9jo2PiexRUHUrVds/s1600-h/CIMG5231.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCLJsn0_0z0jfXCtRYcZt8klA-X3syer8Yyguk4xUO788PNWR8CqSQY1s9xutV-DkB4nDZ6s5Sd4I6IKFRQBIl3dBl5FIt_M7BbNTNrBHlqKLoOvtp6dUEtZ12xM9jo2PiexRUHUrVds/s320/CIMG5231.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366211924660908370" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQELWn2YsPiV2bTUEA4astPWDrr_ofDRX-pb7FYK_NvckQgvjdnuvrwVKWyHDRMox9mhe0xwiTcg4bLfDWS1_S9y3_W5I7arMzeHjSgtCJYYE88IiVsSzXO4v3CjM2Z_MtUF_pBmn1EFM/s1600-h/DSC02024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQELWn2YsPiV2bTUEA4astPWDrr_ofDRX-pb7FYK_NvckQgvjdnuvrwVKWyHDRMox9mhe0xwiTcg4bLfDWS1_S9y3_W5I7arMzeHjSgtCJYYE88IiVsSzXO4v3CjM2Z_MtUF_pBmn1EFM/s320/DSC02024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366211667956774018" border="0" /></a>And my hair when I dyed it brown in summer 2007 (semi-permanent, made my hair too dry):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYzGEuzy80UDEi5OMNClpfVfGXmOC3xIC2Sl4-RNkv_AUNccu5qwQmN9is6jtaEdHcHM4XRKP0FL2ncosoVNHoNjYoU83xMUtIVi94-c9PiYlLR-WrnqEixubEac8-qKWGec1mWF6YHw/s1600-h/CIMG5404.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYzGEuzy80UDEi5OMNClpfVfGXmOC3xIC2Sl4-RNkv_AUNccu5qwQmN9is6jtaEdHcHM4XRKP0FL2ncosoVNHoNjYoU83xMUtIVi94-c9PiYlLR-WrnqEixubEac8-qKWGec1mWF6YHw/s320/CIMG5404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366211762247488738" border="0" /></a> I need a style that is relatively low-maintenance, since I only get my hair cut twice a year and don't want it to look super weird when the highlights start to grow out. Suggestions?Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-14462234123242104432009-07-26T13:15:00.000-04:002009-07-26T13:15:24.683-04:00Thrifted FindsMany of the thrift stores I've gone to have been of the megamart variety, filled with musty air and racks upon racks of well-worn, outdated clothing. (Or clothing that never was stylish.) Others have been upscale little vintage places so expensive you'd hardly believe that the wares are second-hand.<br /><br />On a recent lunch break from work, I discovered a delightful place in Kensington, Md. that falls somewhere in the middle. Of course, I can't find my receipt and remember its name right now...it's a small store on a side street, just a short walk away from some sandwich joints, a gas station and a CVS. It's not a place you'd necessarily expect a cute thrift boutique in part of an old converted house, well-lit with natural light, clean, and accented by charmingly creaky wooden floors. It felt like I was browsing through someone's personal closet.<br /><br />The women's things were mostly in one bedroom-sized room. Not a huge selection but a diverse one, from Guess jeans and Ralph Lauren shirts to shoes from Target. I tried on a bunch of things and ended up with this:<br /><br />FCUK jeans with embroidery -- $17<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-I8xnmlGfJFSBfWotRHhWPdpmjBtTZ4YFCoXN1FXo8Bo49c-NLJyRKnT-QAJpqpub-i1b7IfsR2yP-VO-vK5pda1ApKUVrozzEjKwob23pSLLWenLARLhMHCrlz3hr-4tGT1EdMSrq8/s1600-h/CIMG0163-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-I8xnmlGfJFSBfWotRHhWPdpmjBtTZ4YFCoXN1FXo8Bo49c-NLJyRKnT-QAJpqpub-i1b7IfsR2yP-VO-vK5pda1ApKUVrozzEjKwob23pSLLWenLARLhMHCrlz3hr-4tGT1EdMSrq8/s320/CIMG0163-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362803830316932114" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61eGCTl4SxRqsdR9CiK2Eb0AVgWmwS2EA4Yxh9R5S0m8B2BS-mj_ThCvt16lkogICZ06zSF1yRf7d7-BOJenwP7rTkbyckJ85qn5UsfEGpHt9wMZKYYKB0wNjSxU3b0X5oUzvhcl_-6Q/s1600-h/CIMG0166-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61eGCTl4SxRqsdR9CiK2Eb0AVgWmwS2EA4Yxh9R5S0m8B2BS-mj_ThCvt16lkogICZ06zSF1yRf7d7-BOJenwP7rTkbyckJ85qn5UsfEGpHt9wMZKYYKB0wNjSxU3b0X5oUzvhcl_-6Q/s320/CIMG0166-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362803963107968818" border="0" /></a><br />Very comfy! I love the weathering on these jeans and the awesome embroidery. Even though they were labeled as capris, they fit me as full-length pants. :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQUxD7vZa0b6xctwOBjPfEohFX4Mxz9oMVJJloo1HwPql3I2ntDTziC30vFYc-sSzegYFLFLzeU0SDUKTrHqjomhCv5JzudikI-ZJrJxhocR9h1iKYGXCihC-03kI-agAq3bUO5NrE10/s1600-h/CIMG0168-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQUxD7vZa0b6xctwOBjPfEohFX4Mxz9oMVJJloo1HwPql3I2ntDTziC30vFYc-sSzegYFLFLzeU0SDUKTrHqjomhCv5JzudikI-ZJrJxhocR9h1iKYGXCihC-03kI-agAq3bUO5NrE10/s320/CIMG0168-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362804116352357266" border="0" /></a>Express pink suede skirt -- $4<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzV0R3dife1flr2z6hlPuV6kKmQgesc44mM1Mu_MG8CwWCEKSl99L6LkBxlWGzVtsbcOl9NTZDsQr7DyAg6P0R5KRkq0NHUMgju92wpaeynrC47idtd-EFayyV1ecGosCDqQMta709Vc/s1600-h/CIMG0181-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzV0R3dife1flr2z6hlPuV6kKmQgesc44mM1Mu_MG8CwWCEKSl99L6LkBxlWGzVtsbcOl9NTZDsQr7DyAg6P0R5KRkq0NHUMgju92wpaeynrC47idtd-EFayyV1ecGosCDqQMta709Vc/s320/CIMG0181-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362803551494215218" border="0" /></a>This skirt was on clearance after originally having been $18. It's real suede and has a lining, too. It fits very well, so even though I'm not yet sure *how* I will wear a pink suede skirt...I'll find a way. Probably with black heels and a black sweater. In the photos I have it paired with chocolate brown. (And below...that's me standing on the side of my bathtub, lol, facing the only full-length mirror in my aparment.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-8l8mY9-DFDC-m_UMLavTtidWit_ZKSLo9-lsHGFmWUA5Gh5p7f0b6XZEhBxNdRSxO6kKo2UphtUROeVmPq3w3VDF86oUvQ71BSytota7Jt1X8Y8F4YOXLV_ehyphenhyphennYlM3zAJAcx-MkcQ/s1600-h/CIMG0176-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-8l8mY9-DFDC-m_UMLavTtidWit_ZKSLo9-lsHGFmWUA5Gh5p7f0b6XZEhBxNdRSxO6kKo2UphtUROeVmPq3w3VDF86oUvQ71BSytota7Jt1X8Y8F4YOXLV_ehyphenhyphennYlM3zAJAcx-MkcQ/s320/CIMG0176-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362803627353621458" border="0" /></a>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-63212815183707568402009-07-23T08:52:00.004-04:002009-07-23T09:29:35.024-04:00Lady GaGa, gone ga gaI like Lady Gaga's edgy, over-the-top, artsy style, but is nothing sacred? Not even poor <a href="http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2009/jul/230709-Hollywood-Lady-Gaga-German-television-interview-bizarre-fashion-sense-Kermit-Frog.htm">Kermit the Frogs</a>?!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mid-day.com/imagedata/2009/jul/foggy-gaga.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 189px;" src="http://www.mid-day.com/imagedata/2009/jul/foggy-gaga.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />LG wore this to an interview in Germany. It's her<a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-4789-NY-Celebrity-Events--Sightings-Examiner%7Ey2009m7d22-Lady-Gaga-skins-a-Muppet"> second Muppet-themed outfit</a> in recent memory --<a href="http://www.trendhunter.com/photos/37860/1"> both of which</a> are the creations of fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and <a href="http://www.hollyscoop.com/lady-gaga/lady-gaga-has-a-kermit-the-frog-fetish_20969.aspx">debuted at this year's fashion week in Paris</a>. (*Click on the links for photo sources.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/lady-gaga-muppet%281%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 392px; height: 640px;" src="http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/lady-gaga-muppet%281%29.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/37860_1_468.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 450px;" src="http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/37860_1_468.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />She said in an <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2009/07/21/2009-07-21_lady_gagas_frog_fetish_singer_wears_kermit_the_frog_coat_laden_with_dozens_of_th.html">interview </a>that, "<span id="PostText" class="default-body-hottopic-text-font">My friends and I in New York dress this way because it’s the way we live...We believe in vanity."<br /><br />"I dress this way because my whole life is art, and my whole life is performance." </span><br /><br />This particular Kermit outfit is still too "out there" for me. But she has a point. LG is 23. I'm 23. She's roaming the world dressed however she pleases, and I'm spending my days sitting behind a desk dressed in ill-fitting "work clothes" more suited for a middle aged mom. (Okay, not all the time...today I'm wearing dark skinny jeans, a stylish green button-down shirt and a delicate gold-colored necklace with light brown gemstone petals. But you get the idea...)<br /><br />And look, I really like being a journalist and for the most part, am very happy at my job. (I only have a week and a half left though, actually!) But it wouldn't kill me to cut loose a bit more on ocassion. For all of us to be inspired to take more risks. Have more fun with fashion. :)Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-6438196344681400712009-07-17T10:05:00.000-04:002009-07-17T10:06:25.472-04:00Hooray! Goodbye Crocs?I'm starting to see articles declaring that the era of Crocs may be over. The company is hitting financial straits and has<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/07/16/business/econwatch/entry5166703.shtml"> reportedly laid off</a> a third of its employees.<br /><br />Google "Crocs" and you'll find articles like "Once Trendy Crocs Could Be on Their Last Legs" from the<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/15/AR2009071503672.html?nav=hcmodule"> Washington Post </a>on Thursday, July 16. Or "<span style="font-size:100%;">Crocs face extinction as maker faces bankruptcy" from the<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/5850492/Crocs-face-extinction-as-maker-faces-bankruptcy.html"> UK Telegraph</a> on Friday, July 17.<br /><br />Or my personal favorite title - "</span><span class="articleHeadline" style="text-decoration: none;">Crocs May Return To The Nowhere From Whence They Came" in something called <a href="http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=109917">Media Post</a>, also from Thursday. </span>Right on.<br /><br />Frankly, I don't see Crocs as being like bell bottoms or day-glo clothes, trends that were attractive and fresh when they came out, then managed to make a semi-nostalgia-fueled comeback. Because Crocs were never attractive to me. When were they <span style="font-style: italic;">trendy</span>?? Please tell, me WashPost...or don't because I'm glad I missed that era.<br /><br />Are the shoes useful? Maybe you could argue that. But as far as I recall, no one older than five ever rocked Crocs as the hottest fashion statement. I don't own a pair and really don't have a desire to. If they are comfortable in the privacy of one's own home or garden that is reasonable. But it's like slippers...I put on real shoes if I'm going outside.<br /><br />Finally, a <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533200,00.html?test=latestnews">Fox News</a> article sums up how I think we'll reflect on Crocs in decades to come:<br /><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"><p></p><blockquote><p>Perhaps the biggest "problem" with Crocs? Their high quality. Designed to be practically indestructible, consumers apparently find little need to ever buy a second pair.</p> <p>But while one expert told the Post that the company is “dead and they don’t know it,” CEO John Duerden isn’t quite ready to throw in the towel.</p> <p>"The bottom line is, people talk about Crocs," he said. "They either love them or hate them, but it's in the vernacular."</p> <p>As were Hammer pants.</p></blockquote><p></p></span>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-67710571103932097522009-07-13T22:58:00.006-04:002009-07-13T23:23:15.154-04:00Audrina Patridge 1.0??I don't know how I stumbled upon this photo, but it's of a woman named Michelle DellaFave who was <a href="http://thegolddiggers.wordpress.com/dean%E2%80%99s-list/">apparently a regular</a> on The Dean Martin Show in the late 60s and early 70s.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thegolddiggers.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/vlcsnap-9343187whte.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 461px;" src="http://thegolddiggers.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/vlcsnap-9343187whte.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />My first thought was that she looks like a blonde version of <span style="font-style: italic;">Hills </span>star/occasional actress/Justin-Bobby dater Audrina Patridge. (Though with teeth that are less blindingly white.) Come on, that's the same face Audrina always makes on the show, right?!<br /><br /><a href="http://labelleetleblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/audrina-patridge-hit-by-nude-naked-pictures-scandal3.jpg">Audrina</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://labelleetleblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/audrina-patridge-hit-by-nude-naked-pictures-scandal3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 630px;" src="http://labelleetleblog.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/audrina-patridge-hit-by-nude-naked-pictures-scandal3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>By the way, Audrina is reportedly <a href="http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/audrina-patridge-moving-on-from-the-hills-215528/">already filming her own reality show</a>. I don't know about you, but I'm not particularly interested. Best of luck to her, though. I'm not even sure I'm going to watch the Hills now that Lauren is gone.Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-86063422390073861632009-07-11T12:38:00.001-04:002009-07-11T15:08:25.033-04:00My First Chopsticks (Sort Of)When I first moved to Maryland last September, I rented a room in a communal house. My incredibly sweet landlady allowed me to use all the fully-furnished common areas, including the kitchen. There was no need for me to bring my own cookware or utensils since they were all provided.<br /><br />Well, this past April, I spread my little wings and moved into my first real apartment. (Okay, technically it's a condo I split with the new landlord's in-laws...but it is a big change from living in a communal house, since the kitchen is the only shared room here, and we even have our own garbage cans in there.)<br /><br />Because of the communal house situation, I had almost no kitchen supplies when I moved into my new place. And while I've acquired some pots, pans, cups, bowls and other kitchen tools, I never got around to getting real utensils or plates. I'm moving again in the fall and don't really want to invest in real stuff. It's just more to pack up and move. And part of me, perhaps in a strange way, wants to wait to buy utensils and plates for the day when I can stock them on the shelves of a real 'home'...not like where I live now, which, in spite of its good points, is merely a place where I'm living short-term.<br /><br />So, I've been using paper plates and plastic utensils. Yep....a bit embarrassing, since I love to cook, do it quite frequently, and then serve my food on all these disposable things! Like I said, I have some bowls, I have some sharp knives for cutting, two miso soup spoons, big plastic spoons and spatulas...and yesterday, I added chopsticks to the mix.<br /><br />I cook quite a bit of Asian-inspired food and was running low on disposal wooden chopsticks (<span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://everything2.com/title/waribashi">waribashi</a>) </span>I'd gotten along with meals various take-out places. I picked up a package of Korean metal chopsticks and then I spotted this set:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpxh-6yEkv5hZo_FU5SVap4IjSxJ8nFtOMdbhf0pXcILUcmZ0Nx8XryvXMxDwBlUc9oPU1XKuFQEkmUgJ13Os7hyXbEPEpHwlUgEBQZ7slDik0oO1GFliUCneHJ5ZUz-GeYJpv4WC1B4/s1600-h/CIMG9978.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpxh-6yEkv5hZo_FU5SVap4IjSxJ8nFtOMdbhf0pXcILUcmZ0Nx8XryvXMxDwBlUc9oPU1XKuFQEkmUgJ13Os7hyXbEPEpHwlUgEBQZ7slDik0oO1GFliUCneHJ5ZUz-GeYJpv4WC1B4/s320/CIMG9978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055333418973858" border="0" /></a>So pretty! With their own plastic case! Only $5!<br /><br />Now, these are far from the first chopsticks I've ever used or had in my possession. In fact, my mom has at least a few pairs of attractive, reusable chopsticks in the home where I grew up. But these are the first chopsticks that are mine, all mine! And since they have a case they will be easy to store flat, instead of ending up shoved with pens and pencils in some mug on my desk. (I don't have any drawers allocated for my use in the kitchen...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBntPpGtotrnG3mUDNScmIZvgq9gzHrQRpOe5G3KiwWG2mTb20sFh79PkxqobAah1O3Alb4xyYfVd-JogHkd6awOH6tdXekdrkMCYUoFDic8XjP_vdjRODIEFfr4TO75LrvboDedH62kQ/s1600-h/CIMG9981.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBntPpGtotrnG3mUDNScmIZvgq9gzHrQRpOe5G3KiwWG2mTb20sFh79PkxqobAah1O3Alb4xyYfVd-JogHkd6awOH6tdXekdrkMCYUoFDic8XjP_vdjRODIEFfr4TO75LrvboDedH62kQ/s320/CIMG9981.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357055224687917778" border="0" /></a>Plus, I feel like they add a little bit of beauty in my life, albeit in plastic, mass-produced form. :)Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-26692737147128249062009-07-08T21:55:00.001-04:002009-07-08T21:57:00.593-04:00I'm Back x2...And This Time I'm Bringing Sexy With MeHeard that song on the radio today, lol...So, it's been a while. I just haven't been in the mood to write lately, particularly about beauty. My life hasn't felt very beautiful lately. It's sadly just trudging along, waiting for the right time for lots of good things to happen. Namely, once this month ends and I can go home to New York and do some traveling and prepare for the next phase of my life's journey.<br /><br />I have gotten back into art lately -- making greeting cards. Oh my gosh, I've turned my bathroom into a spray paint studio! I will definitely post some of my work up here in the future.<br /><br />I've also started watching Asian dramas and am totally hooked! I'm currently watching the Taiwanese version of "<a href="http://www.mysoju.com/meteor-garden/">Meteor Garden</a>," a show about a poor girl who becomes the rival-turned-love-interest of the richest boy in their very affluent college. It's got drama, romance, humor and more. I'd definitely recommend it! This show and more are available for free -- for those of you who don't know -- on MySoju.com.<br /><br />Anyway, on to the <em>sexiness</em>...I was in a good mood after conducting an interview for my job today. (The interview had nothing to do with sexy-<em>anything</em>, to make that clear!) I met with a man to discuss his volunteer work as a court advocate for children for a story I'm writing. During the discussion, he explained that he'd decided while he was still working full-time that once he hit retirement, he would devote half his time to volunteer work and half to personal time.<br /><br />Now that he's retired, he said he does just that. He volunteers with a slew of other organization, he and his wife travel, he reads books, he exercises, etc. What he kept saying is that when it comes to what someone gets involved in, it's all a matter of <em>priorities; </em>What's important to <em>you </em>to get done? It might not be the same goals as your neighbor or your friend, and that's fine. It's about determining what matters most to you and making it happen.<br /><br />We all only have 24 hours in a day. We can't change the past, whether it was good or bad. What do you make priorities in your life from this point on?<br /><br />This made me realize that I was putting too much of my energy into wasteful and silly things when I have to keep my head focused on the game, on the bigger picture. It made me think how sometimes I let important matters fall to the wayside. I'm not directionless by any means, but admittedly, since leaving college I've had lots of aspirations and barely know where to start. It's definitely comforting and <em>empowering</em> for me to consider the fact that I really can do a lot to influence my destiny. And I think an important step is defining some of my priorities and continuing to let those aspirations guide me in a positive way, instead of succumbing to anxiety about what I messed up in the past or what I'm afraid I can't do.<br /><br />I left the interview feeling pumped -- the guy was really, really nice too, so it was enjoyable to lunch with him -- spent a hot hour on the Metro, and got back to the shopping mall where I was parked. I try not to shop on a whim but I fell in love with two rings in Charlotte Rousse today.<br /><br />Forgive the lackluster photos, but let me share some <em>sexy </em>with you:<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356267855653526706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 290px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTORBz9CvVJ8ogdrsTwk6ONFJ0fbojSzt8_T4q1fkcP2pPJ2775aumz8bL5dY0bkcqzAxgszCU8-kdtGLco7PjPkjYyA9ATNTKA3tLhyphenhyphenfIyJZkf-zhyib_51xDNLWVCdqfJCUhF1X2qBs/s320/CIMG9987-1.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>And by <em>sexy </em>I mean glamorous, empowered, bold, happy. I never wear rings on my pointer finger but that's where it fit best, and there's something I like about it there. I rarely wear big rings like this either, but hey, sometimes it just works! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356267758300966834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKKkP4VythRyhXdoVsVLtSFvCEaVsXMLyvHxu2pf1MXPLsKK7haSWlnm8wBMZztWjV4zFpbjwATqRK4X9VoOP8P1OiBJF5ip9V4H1KX6IbuFffPzqQYDvoMjxUg4Asv9Qpg7x-XqnDME/s320/CIMG9989-1.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>The ring looks like the petals are lacquered. I think it's kind of retro-feeling. It cost $4. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMUvmNSQ-TegGnY-EH0BJUUYJD58VD6UCKWXLo_pXSZNpFTHJF09NpcGMiIFqWbvm3N0mdoQjZ40pctWhRbknRVvhL-IszOqgoWnn4qZTERXnYFvF1W3F8inyo3Ct4U2Z0OsNawUJMU8/s1600-h/CIMG9993-1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356267995972728818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMUvmNSQ-TegGnY-EH0BJUUYJD58VD6UCKWXLo_pXSZNpFTHJF09NpcGMiIFqWbvm3N0mdoQjZ40pctWhRbknRVvhL-IszOqgoWnn4qZTERXnYFvF1W3F8inyo3Ct4U2Z0OsNawUJMU8/s320/CIMG9993-1.JPG" border="0" /></a> The polish, which did not photograph well, is "Feverish Rose" by Sally Hansen. It's a dark-Barbie-esque pink. I topped it with a sparkly clear polish by Wet 'n Wild, which is subtle but noticeable. So these nails are quite girly!</p><p>Combine the ring, the nails, and a dose of self-confidence and...for a moment, I feel like I could take on anything in this world. :)<br /></p><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-89710827967159150692009-07-01T20:02:00.001-04:002009-07-01T20:04:04.159-04:00I'm Back....With A Charming Blog AwardThe very lovely Crystal at <a href="www.brunetteonabudget.com">Brunette on a Budget</a> passed this award on to me. What a nice gesture, especially since I've been a bit down/stressed lately, and uninspired to blog...though I have a lot of entries planned for the near future! Anyway on to the goods...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTCm7-3O5PPXEkkpmzkYU4VuW8TbW6eR1qew-S5w55K5yJh2CRxSbBUF6c4beYdsR1vdMmKdOa2Zr3dXc6BehJOlE51TP72GW0CuXURRoxIIveDT7-esOzWiqyxDCjvbpF-qCwugDfhmh/s1600-h/Love_Ya_Award1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPTCm7-3O5PPXEkkpmzkYU4VuW8TbW6eR1qew-S5w55K5yJh2CRxSbBUF6c4beYdsR1vdMmKdOa2Zr3dXc6BehJOlE51TP72GW0CuXURRoxIIveDT7-esOzWiqyxDCjvbpF-qCwugDfhmh/s400/Love_Ya_Award1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350907393238966162" border="0" /></a><br />About the Award:<br /><br /><em>Apparently this award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this text into the body of their award.<br /><br /></em><em></em>I just love passing on love. Too many haters in this world...so thanks, my blog sisters, for sharing positivity and making me smile!<br /><br /><a href="http://ahleessa4realz.blogspot.com/">Ahleessa</a><br /><a href="http://beautifulwithbrains.com/">Beautiful with Brains</a><br /><a href="http://lifeasiceyit.blogspot.com/">Icey</a><br /><a href="http://kiss--and--make-up.blogspot.com/">If the shoe fits...</a><br /><a href="http://peacelovemakeup.blogspot.com/">Peace Love Makeup</a><br /><a href="http://vanitytreasure.blogspot.com/">Vanity Treasure</a>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-58843401180242043382009-06-24T20:20:00.008-04:002009-06-24T20:32:13.993-04:00Gold Digga Contest LookWhitney over at Whitz World of Makeup is having a <a href="http://whitzmakeuptipz.blogspot.com/2009/06/gold-digga-rules-must-be-follower-must.html">"Gold Digga" contest </a>that ends tomorrow, Jun. 25. I had a lot of fun putting this look together and adding the captions to my photos. Coming up with slogans about greed wasn't as easy as one would think...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIVT5B9EQ5rbIgYpd_Htj3h8uvOJJtsmil0nHaux4GJu0esVEHM0vCTEq1FMz_KrjAYSucVhfK3NxkfQpV6R6aZIvTJ55FbfNEgOzu2Fu_7wXVMtqYlpOqKfTLOtZxL-iW20-aznsrgo/s1600-h/CIMG9694+%282%29-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqIVT5B9EQ5rbIgYpd_Htj3h8uvOJJtsmil0nHaux4GJu0esVEHM0vCTEq1FMz_KrjAYSucVhfK3NxkfQpV6R6aZIvTJ55FbfNEgOzu2Fu_7wXVMtqYlpOqKfTLOtZxL-iW20-aznsrgo/s320/CIMG9694+%282%29-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351055578576065266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkJyXF8DIgBK-DU98Z4WXHPV3Fc6ySUkuuSOQappAdk2NLEorLEj3l2r_MOmxki-yChk3nfmY4rOAn9WNfpqbFkh2BIE75Akdlt2YoWkP9F0c66_7R3ly23Ib4RCfHvInfAt27760Cx0/s1600-h/CIMG9696+%283%29-2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 187px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkJyXF8DIgBK-DU98Z4WXHPV3Fc6ySUkuuSOQappAdk2NLEorLEj3l2r_MOmxki-yChk3nfmY4rOAn9WNfpqbFkh2BIE75Akdlt2YoWkP9F0c66_7R3ly23Ib4RCfHvInfAt27760Cx0/s320/CIMG9696+%283%29-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351055662254508402" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBVcqCOq4Fr38qXYx1UZY4JfkUcv63_xM551sjyiCt1vvZwbtgBTpX2JGrRU8eV3HxxGez9glZLe9AFmysE_Cht_0zMdVzfXhrHhhhGkW77BA2G0RsTKJLzklY5xiTQHFHh95jFRloLc/s1600-h/CIMG9732+%282%29-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBVcqCOq4Fr38qXYx1UZY4JfkUcv63_xM551sjyiCt1vvZwbtgBTpX2JGrRU8eV3HxxGez9glZLe9AFmysE_Cht_0zMdVzfXhrHhhhGkW77BA2G0RsTKJLzklY5xiTQHFHh95jFRloLc/s320/CIMG9732+%282%29-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351055757075391266" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yNNqaF8sg10sIct_dPMCmkbJkQ9llZfyz_MHK2Vzru-uhT4dqjZWaPW4acBS7LEXRZ7LqaASeFwF_3Vni4Xqydy50meVydIcmQidPmxrrL0dYRsDXH9EIP1-nba74vkD62EFv_LNYDI/s1600-h/CIMG9710-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yNNqaF8sg10sIct_dPMCmkbJkQ9llZfyz_MHK2Vzru-uhT4dqjZWaPW4acBS7LEXRZ7LqaASeFwF_3Vni4Xqydy50meVydIcmQidPmxrrL0dYRsDXH9EIP1-nba74vkD62EFv_LNYDI/s320/CIMG9710-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351055460174481266" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lltkMqfS7jgUwa2F2g-6n6InFTYCiscUhGShMxJCE9OSFKMqnth9C9EMrN-iHLecNooPCbkJcFG_8g_-QZXsNwJ8kLArX7bSyywuS2XAcsFsWxHdFqYxs-COIT24uGOMX0861Tl8Tto/s1600-h/CIMG9715-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lltkMqfS7jgUwa2F2g-6n6InFTYCiscUhGShMxJCE9OSFKMqnth9C9EMrN-iHLecNooPCbkJcFG_8g_-QZXsNwJ8kLArX7bSyywuS2XAcsFsWxHdFqYxs-COIT24uGOMX0861Tl8Tto/s320/CIMG9715-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351055865910156306" border="0" /></a>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-23828205203536121332009-06-23T13:04:00.004-04:002009-06-23T13:06:33.518-04:00Jimmy Choo for H&M<span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/stepping+with+Jimmy+Choos/1721984/story.html">H&M is teaming up with Jimmy Choo </a>to release a line of strappy stiletto shoes this fall. The retailer said in a <a href="http://www.hm.com/us/press/pressreleases/fashion/fashionpressrelease.ahtml?pressreleaseid=821&nodeid=334">press release</a> that the shoes will be available starting Nov. 14 in about 200 stores across the world.<br /><br />There will be a dozen women's styles and four for men's, according to a St. Louis Post-Dispatch blog. Prices for the women's shoe line are <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/debs-style-file/debs-style-file/2009/06/chew-on-this-jimmy-choo-shoes-for-55-retail/">expected run between</a> 40 euros/$55 U.S. and 100 euros/$138 U.S. There will also be a line of accessories and bags, some of which could cost as much as 200 euros/$276 U.S.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/stepping+with+jimmy+choos/1721984/1722112.bin"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 620px; height: 400px;" src="http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/12465/1d/www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/stepping+with+jimmy+choos/1721984/1722112.bin" alt="" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(Press photo from H&M linked from the Vancouver Sun.)</span><br /><br />(Btw, I didn't realize that Jimmy Choo -- which will always be linked to "Sex and the City" in my mind -- only launched in 1996. And H&M, which has featured clothes by designers like </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Karl Lagerfeld and Roberto Cavalli, says this is its first designer shoe line.</span><span style="font-size:100%;">)<br /><br />Those prices aren't cheap, but they are attainable for a young professional like myself. And the shoes pictured above look pretty awesome. I'd love to see the full line in person to feel what the construction is like and check out the stiching. It'd be very poor form for either company to release a sub-par product just because it's not going to cost $600 U.S. like a typical Jimmy Choo, though.<br /><br />Which makes me wonder, would we be as excited about this line if it didn't have the flashy name attached? Of course the answer is probably 'no.' While the shoes pictured above do look a lot more intricate than, say, a Payless or Forever21 knock-off version (and no hating, I buy there too!), the aura of the Jimmy Choo brand makes them even more desirable. Like anyone could put these on and pretend to be Carrie Bradshaw for a little while.<br /><br />The bigger question though is, would you actually wear these shoes...and be able to walk? Since a beautiful shoe is meant to be displayed in its full glory on your feet, not hidden away in some (albeit well-organized, spacious, sigh) closet.<br /><br />And that leads to the epic shoe question -- pretty shoes or comfortable shoes? And can there be both?<br /></span>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-58993229387365646962009-06-18T17:30:00.000-04:002009-06-18T17:34:41.626-04:00Fashion Tips for the Office GalAs easy as it is to just throw on black slacks, a shirt and call it an outfit, there's more to dressing like a professional woman than that. But I didn't have any resources to regularly reference for this kind of attire until I came across <a href="http://corporette.com/">Corporette.com</a>.<br /><br />"Corporette is a fashion and lifestyle blog for women lawyers, bankers, MBAs, consultants, and otherwise overachieving chicks who work in conservative offices and need to look professional, but want to be fashionable," the site says.<br /><br />Its posts are descriptive but succinct, and often feature one specific item of clothing (ie: <a href="http://corporette.com/2009/06/09/tuesdays-tps-report-soca-st-johns-abstract-pasley-print-top/">St. John's paisley print top</a>) to highlight general style tips (the kinds of things you can wear with said top). There are also posts with reader questions, interesting links from other blogs and a 'suit of the week.' They also suggest pieces in a variety of price ranges throughout the week, starting with a splurge and ending with a bargain. (Which can still be a bit pricey, such as a $44 sweater on sale at the Gap, but I figure that anyone can take the ideas and work with them. And maybe once I've been in the working world a few more years, those prices will seem more attainable?)<br /><br />Corporette's aesthetic is in line with Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, J.Crew, the Gap, etc. Professional, polished, a little bit fun, feminine, confident. I will definitely be checking it out for attire ideas that are both office- and style-friendly.Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-59076721553817404122009-06-14T14:40:00.002-04:002009-06-14T14:44:54.361-04:00Would You Get Married in a Pantsuit?I was clicking through articles on the Daily Mail's TV&Showbiz section and happened upon <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1192582/The-bride-wore--white-trouser-suit-Boris-Becker-weds-wife-No-2-Lilly-Kerssenberg.html">this story</a> about a German tennis star and his Dutch model bride, who wore a white pantsuit to the wedding.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/06/12/article-1192582-055233AA000005DC-937_468x720.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 720px;" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/06/12/article-1192582-055233AA000005DC-937_468x720.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/06/12/article-1192582-0551A1BE000005DC-429_468x659.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 659px;" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/06/12/article-1192582-0551A1BE000005DC-429_468x659.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Other than this article, I don't know anything about this couple (Boris Becker and Lilly Kerssenberg) or why she may have chosen this unconventional look. After debating how I felt about it in my head, I've decided I actually quite like it. It's very effortlessly chic and striking. It looks comfortable too! And it brings out her natural beauty. I don't like seeing brides who are so made up with pounds of makeup and hairspray that they don't even look like themselves!<br /><br />(I do think the pants look too long, though. Click on the story link above to see more photos and you'll see what I mean.)<br /><br />By the way, I definitely prefer this look to the ones that came up when I googled her...<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-495778/Newly-single-Boris-Becker-parties-exes-mystery-woman-familar-look.html">Exhibit A</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix//2007/09_04/p27borisbecker_468x355.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 468px; height: 355px;" src="http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix//2007/09_04/p27borisbecker_468x355.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Yeesh. It was for some sort of event but still, too much there...<br /><br />I don't know if I'd wear a pantsuit to get married in, though. I've ever only thought about your stereotypical beautiful white dress -- though I'd love something with a bit of a twist, like some colored detail around the waist or in the train.<br /><br />My mind goes back and forth when it comes to what I'd envision for my ideal wedding. On the subject of attire...on one hand, a wedding dress is probably something you'll only wear one day of your life, and it's really the marriage that matters, not the party, so why go for an over-the-top gown? On the other hand, it is a big milestone in life and worth celebrating in style, right?<br /><br />Is a pantsuit or a more subtle outfit more appropriate when it's a second marriage? I don't know if this model had been married before but the tennis star has, and has two children.<br /><br />What do you think? What did you wear or what do you want to wear to your wedding?Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-50949163590898664322009-06-13T14:05:00.002-04:002009-06-13T14:12:02.598-04:00Eki's Cosplay Contest Entry!I whipped out my pink wig again to do this look for Ekimura's <a href="http://ekimura.blogspot.com/2009/05/contest-time-d.html">cosplay contest</a>, which is running until Sunday, June 14.<br /><br />My inspiration was the below photo meets Lady Gaga.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2008-11-21-125847.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 297px;" src="http://e-shuushuu.net/images/2008-11-21-125847.jpeg" alt="" border="0" /></a>And here's meeeeee:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bKkHqAEXZT2XrMXnlFh1EC4vc8lilATN7WqZs6HLepNPnqH90y6T59lSN0_f25JXsbjoBQkFjuH-mNtyBCdHSd2L6CRCcfpRPcHLUhDYoOO851828Qn_IC2NX8Zgo0DXl1DENl6W3Ns/s1600-h/CIMG9662+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bKkHqAEXZT2XrMXnlFh1EC4vc8lilATN7WqZs6HLepNPnqH90y6T59lSN0_f25JXsbjoBQkFjuH-mNtyBCdHSd2L6CRCcfpRPcHLUhDYoOO851828Qn_IC2NX8Zgo0DXl1DENl6W3Ns/s320/CIMG9662+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346867366342646434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4O5rjZunlEMAiiLkp7v3t-h0udPYMtLKKuWAd2aEgfRdfBtlQaERGeKSnKPYtcSpjkth7lUTbXvgJWFp359Lulm3LrqIQsPMOUosOGY2I3dg_dEpTM44Ha9GjSKiZ8ycqT4gaDCi0X8/s1600-h/CIMG9909-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4O5rjZunlEMAiiLkp7v3t-h0udPYMtLKKuWAd2aEgfRdfBtlQaERGeKSnKPYtcSpjkth7lUTbXvgJWFp359Lulm3LrqIQsPMOUosOGY2I3dg_dEpTM44Ha9GjSKiZ8ycqT4gaDCi0X8/s320/CIMG9909-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346867628934752098" border="0" /></a><br />The goods:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ETlxwiPHWU6VCyZbm5d18mexUORqCxREaTVYknrUFXuAqOCTwFjvrML-hQL3mtmmstrKJ9I8s47sqSkrIgUcZndXgnuC-8ior6xR2w3j6s1l7HLLAkdpcOuNtCIkdIpHITcxXszE8tU/s1600-h/CIMG9653-1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ETlxwiPHWU6VCyZbm5d18mexUORqCxREaTVYknrUFXuAqOCTwFjvrML-hQL3mtmmstrKJ9I8s47sqSkrIgUcZndXgnuC-8ior6xR2w3j6s1l7HLLAkdpcOuNtCIkdIpHITcxXszE8tU/s320/CIMG9653-1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346872843470807586" border="0" /></a><br />Different lighting:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_16PQRHwgrmz3794D9wXQMWzymEXezk3mKgCI6WLgWkscCsKY_CLN1h3f_81C4SYnFQUhBQWS7wieLINkLgjMUPIEWYpIm0fufIhR3qmfQizTYfLGID9LdQV8_CliNUvYjiHdIhceDg/s1600-h/CIMG9809.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_16PQRHwgrmz3794D9wXQMWzymEXezk3mKgCI6WLgWkscCsKY_CLN1h3f_81C4SYnFQUhBQWS7wieLINkLgjMUPIEWYpIm0fufIhR3qmfQizTYfLGID9LdQV8_CliNUvYjiHdIhceDg/s320/CIMG9809.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346868772348376754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsy3S_h51ROPbP8i2q3FvSwCVwJqMS6ORIxTJGqhdkajE6Rl2UX0q2fxOIegpHqq3LLTHGEKAqvaK5kzIMORjlHJAV-L0NZcEczBxy7To4nyX0_P9DKkBDcKaOkpPTaM5tpVEUbQ6IcI/s1600-h/CIMG9800+%282%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghsy3S_h51ROPbP8i2q3FvSwCVwJqMS6ORIxTJGqhdkajE6Rl2UX0q2fxOIegpHqq3LLTHGEKAqvaK5kzIMORjlHJAV-L0NZcEczBxy7To4nyX0_P9DKkBDcKaOkpPTaM5tpVEUbQ6IcI/s320/CIMG9800+%282%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346869930407424626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kzOE3BhzV1mFLvycx6j84mxFqKsj3n0FDqK3FLMPqu0WlKi1PIguZtRNkVcF7a6gA-jTBa5DsYlcqMDLUPs5voVP-YO1VCT61BbEN-23jxhCCe2E0g1H-7aKQkGFBS8AFGozGunydPs/s1600-h/CIMG9692.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7kzOE3BhzV1mFLvycx6j84mxFqKsj3n0FDqK3FLMPqu0WlKi1PIguZtRNkVcF7a6gA-jTBa5DsYlcqMDLUPs5voVP-YO1VCT61BbEN-23jxhCCe2E0g1H-7aKQkGFBS8AFGozGunydPs/s320/CIMG9692.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346876521176125954" border="0" /></a>Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-8652067978059095032009-06-10T12:52:00.001-04:002009-06-10T12:56:38.841-04:00I Quit My JobI gave my seven week notice yesterday. In August, I'm officially leaving my first full-time job as a newspaper reporter.<br /><br />For weeks I'd struggled thinking about how I'd tell my immediate boss the news. And then it just happened - I pulled her into my office after she put a frozen meal in the microwave and said that I'd been offered another job. She knew it was a possibility, since my new employer actually <span style="font-style: italic;">interviewed </span>her a few months ago before I was officially offered a position. She said she didn't expect that me leaving would happen so soon. And that was really all there was to the conversation.<br /><br />I hoped that by giving early notice I could help prepare my materials for my successor. What concerns me is that our publisher is probably not going to hire a replacement for me, meaning that my editor will have a whole lot more work dumped on her. I know this isn't my problem. But it bothers me that this company's product, the newspaper, takes a back seat to marketing and networking. I think it will be a real shame if they don't bring a new editorial person in. Especially if they hire a new sales person instead of putting that money toward a new reporter.<br /><br />Other than that, I feel pretty good. I'm writing my third and last cover story this month about people over 50 who use social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc. I'm taking more than five weeks of vacation between my new jobs, too, so I hope to write, spend time with my family, and travel. My tentative plan is to be willing to travel just about anywhere a friend will offer me free lodging (and in exchange I will cook!).<br /><br />So yes, that brings me to the fact that I do have a new job lined up as an editor. It's a much more lucrative job with a lot of potential for advancement. How much I will enjoy it remains to be seen -- as is the case with any new endeavor -- but I'm excited to take this next step in my life.<br /><br />I kind of feel like Lauren Conrad in the <span style="font-style: italic;">Hills </span>season finale (I haven't watched the whole thing yet!Couldn't bring myself to...) when she says that for once, she doesn't know what comes next. It's scary, it's exciting, and a few weeks from now, it's where I'll be. :)Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6014312715242193640.post-74065174578783851862009-06-06T13:54:00.000-04:002009-06-06T13:54:53.005-04:00Crystal Chrome NailsThe Milani black cherry polish I recently sported didn't stain my nails and lasted more than a week without chipping. Even though the weather is getting warmer, the dark color really grew on me, too. But I felt like a change so applied Sally Hansen's crystal chrome polish in "Baby Blue Crystal" a few days ago. It looked fantastic right after application, however the love-affair didn't last.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczkUTLzefAMwN_8tEKPJxpjtlUS1AowfdFtdcsuXHurXm-LJVtG0U_GzcYLtrE-QuxggcLaAE9EmA6w-fx-iHfmOJLk7AyNktwPFJDBKUczNKefsCk2SVi4F2mrwJouSDUZwGSGDLHl0/s1600-h/CIMG9657.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczkUTLzefAMwN_8tEKPJxpjtlUS1AowfdFtdcsuXHurXm-LJVtG0U_GzcYLtrE-QuxggcLaAE9EmA6w-fx-iHfmOJLk7AyNktwPFJDBKUczNKefsCk2SVi4F2mrwJouSDUZwGSGDLHl0/s400/CIMG9657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344230235354855122" border="0" /></a>The polish is a great platinum color. The first and second coats go on somewhat sheer, but after a third coat it looked pretty great.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzS1Rsgo47sCAJqcMaPuw3p5402Zmu_09yKruRXr83kIioLme1VJ01z4eU69iQj52wkxNYHKCecg3ma80ovx7Pg046ubXgrR1agNYZLXWxsSNmbS98tYhyluXZgOgxIvvnlnzXk9BpFw/s1600-h/CIMG9603.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzS1Rsgo47sCAJqcMaPuw3p5402Zmu_09yKruRXr83kIioLme1VJ01z4eU69iQj52wkxNYHKCecg3ma80ovx7Pg046ubXgrR1agNYZLXWxsSNmbS98tYhyluXZgOgxIvvnlnzXk9BpFw/s400/CIMG9603.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344230340406043042" border="0" /></a><br />Unfortunately, it already started chipping the day after application. (By the way, I used the same base coat and top coat for this manicure as I did for the <a href="http://sheslittleandlovely.blogspot.com/2009/05/black-cherry-nails.html">black cherry nails</a>.) Because the formula is so thin, I had to apply several additional coats to cover the chips, and it still didn't look very smooth.<br /><br />Today, a day after touching up my nails, the polish started to peel off. And my nails are stained red! Yuck.<br /><br />I believe this is a <a href="http://shopping.msn.com/specs/sally-hansen-crystal-chrome-nail-makeup-polish-%2360-pink-crystal/itemid1200689091/?itemtext=itemname:sally-hansen-crystal-chrome-nail-makeup-polish-%2360-pink-crystal">discontinued product</a>, and maybe the fact that it's quite old is why it left a bad residue. Has any one else had a similar experience?Emilitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14752782646445401310noreply@blogger.com1