fringe benefits

First of all, I wonder how many bloggers have used "fringe benefits" for a post about bangs before, probably a ton...but I like it.

I got my hair trimmed, and I let the stylist (who I totally trust) give me an asymmetrical bang. At first I was kind of wary, thought I looked a little Vulcan-like (hi, I like Star Trek.), but everyone else (mom, dad, boyf, people in salon) seemed to react positively.

After 24 hours with my new look I realized, I totally have the Emily Fitch bangs I always wanted! At least I will when they grow out a little.

summer steeze

summer 2011 steeze by annafaceface featuring lace up booties

I'm so ready to transition into summery style. It's been getting really hot here and every time I step outside, I'm met with them feeling of impending doom that preempts summer.

I took to Polyvore to kind of design my vibes for the summer. I feel like I'd be happy wearing this skirt every day, varying tops and accessories as the mood strikes.

Anyone else got a summer steeze?

color love

For someone whose favorite colors are STILL pink and purple, I don't wear them enough. I'm getting some good color inspiration though:

(Kendi Everyday, Keiko Lynn, The Sartorialist)

Okay, back to 30 for 30-ing.

inspiration: I need dark-ish plum tights

Just saw this image on the Clothes Horse and have determined that I don't just want plum-colored tights, I need them. See, these tights can be so easily paired with basic black and gray items (read: pencil skirts) for a fun, cute pop of color that's still professional and adult-ish.

An online shopping trip at We Love Colors or Hue might have to happen soon.

baltic and arctic

A quick inspiration post from the wonderful Yvan the Face Hunter.

I love that these women, who live in some of the northernmost, probably coldest places in the world, are wearing bright, springy, pastel colors. I want to wear pastels all fall and winter.

neutrals

My friend and I were discussing the other day how much we love neutrals and how they are so popular right now. It's such a nice way to be simple and chic without wearing black.

This picture from The Sartorialist pretty much embodies that. I want the female version of this outfit. Including the sunglasses, please.

You can see another great example of neutrals in Sasha's previous post!

feeling crafty

I just found http://psimadethis.com and http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/diy-projects. My creative juices are flowing, I have some cheap gray t-shirts to cut up and I'm about to run to the 24-hour price chopper for a new pack of multi-color sharpies.

Some of my favorite DIY:
jewelry bust
pocket watch wall clock
spool hooks
tassel earrings
summer scarf

If my sudden DIY urge goes well, expect to see it on the blog. If not...expect to never hear about it again haha.

sartorial

I've always listed The Sartorialist as one of my favorite blogs, but I've had a resurgence of love for it recently. As a photographer, I really admire the portraiture. It's not just good style being documented, the photography is a style on its own. These three portraits from the past few weeks are inspiring me as a photographer more than anything else.




Ok, this last picture is also a hair color inspiration. It is perfect.


(On that note, I will continue to dress like a slob and watch a lot of TV because it is spring break! On Monday I'll snazz it up and make someone take my picture in Dallas!)

style icon

I've become kind of obsessed with Emily Fitch. She's on the British TV show Skins which is one of my favorite shows, though I have to watch it illegally online because I no longer live in England...she's played by Kathryn Prescott, who is utterly gorgeous.

I am obsessed with her hair and wardrobe on the show. And her voice, but that's less easy to recreate. I want that hair so bad, and I think I'll dye mine that color soon. (God, I hope I don't regret it!)


And the clothes they put her in on the show are the epitome of what I wish I could wear every day. It's very girly and whimsical, but also kind of carefree and badass. Which is basically her character in a nutshell.

cats and dogs

It is pouring buckets today. And cats and dogs. And every other rain metaphor you can think of. Basically, it's gross. It reminds me of when I was in Milan, and it was pouring and freezing and so windy my umbrella broke. Only it's not that bad today, but it's worse because I'm not in Milan. Which is where I took the above picture of the cutest little boy ever. He knows how to deal with the rain!

I also found some really lovely pictures with umbrellas on Tip Toes on Weardrobe, and they are inspiring me despite the rain. I wish I had so many lovely umbrellas! And maybe a rainbow Mickey Mouse one too.

recipe for warmth: etsy and l.l.bean

I thought a few tips on how to stay warm and stylish(ish) in the cold cold winter weather were due after Anna and I both posted about Hel Looks.


First, two coat options from New England's trusted L.L.Bean:

long ultrawarm coat and three quarter ultrawarm coat - not exactly my favorite looks, but very much acceptable forms of staying warm.

I generally prefer to go with peacoats and am usually warm enough in my Delia's coat with thinsulate:

Neckwarmers from Etsy (just search neckwarmers and you'll find a plethora of pretty options):

And something that absolutely must keep you warm:

from filofashion, heatbria, jolieville, mojospastyle, and queenheroncreations.

brr

It's so cold outside, I wish I had this outfit.

From Hel Looks.

there is a river underground

I'm going to see Rufus Wainwright tonight with two of my roommates, and I am so excited I can't not blog about it! He has been my favorite singer for the longest time, and his music inspires me more than just about anything else. Plus, he has cooky and wonderful style.

Rufus Love!

inspiration to be warm and pretty

It's been really cold lately, as I'm sure everyone in New England and anywhere else winter-y has noticed. The lovely folks in Helsinki on Hel Looks are pretty great at dealing with cold weather and they provide some cozy inspiration for staying warm and pretty (two of my favorite ways to be!).

My own tip for staying warm is really pretty simple - layers, layers, layers. Two pairs of tights, tights under jeans, scarves, layers of tank tops/t-shirts and a sweater, however you work it, layers will keep you warm.

haute couture

I'm not usually one to pay attention to fashion weeks and runway looks more than just acknowledging their existence, but the other day I got sucked into Style.com and couldn't leave! I was particularly transfixed but the couture shows in Paris, and this is what I loved:

Armani Privé

Givenchy

Valentino

Elie Saab

...now back to reality

forgetfulness

Well, a few short days after resolving to blog more, my camera battery died. It was then that I realized my foolishness had struck again and I forgot to bring my battery charger home with me! Therefore, my other resolution is to be less forgetful. My life, and blog, will be better for it.

Since I don't want to be a total slacker (and because I might be the teensiest bit bored) I'm going to post some purdy pictures that have struck me lately, and inspired me fashion-wise or otherwise. I should give credit where credit is due, but I haven't the slightest where most of these are from anymore....there's that forgetfulness again...









OH YES! And how could I forget (oh wait, very easily) that today I ordered new glasses! I have a poor quality phone picture, because I couldn't see them on myself without my current glasses on, what a conundrum. Thank goodness for modern technology!

They will be mine in 2 weeks!