Book Review: Not That Kind of Girl

Watching Girls on HBO sporadically for the past few years and watching Lena Dunham's success soar as an actress, writer, producer, director, etc..., I figured the next logical step to understand who she is as a woman and where she came from was to read her recently published book of personal memoirs and essays.

After reading Not That Kind of Girl in two days (thank you mono for giving me nothing to do other than read, catch up on The Vampire Diaries, and sleep) I thought I enjoyed it but ended up feeling stale.

Dunham's book, while being glorified as embarrassingly funny and an honest, fresh view on life just left me feeling sad for her... but also grateful I don't have OCD or HPV or any negatively-impacted acronym.

While Dunham's book is briefly summarized by a "young girl telling you what she has 'learned'", I honestly don't think I learned anything from it.  I learned that casual sex in college will give you major anxiety, I learned that some people meet with their therapist four times a week, and I learned that you should always pack extra underwear on trips.

I was attracted to Dunham's novel due to her insane success as a young female in a male--dominated Hollywood world of execs and producers looking for the next hit, regardless of genuine plot or character, just the next big thing to roll in cash.  Dunham started making satirical short-films with two friends while working in SoHo after college.  After her short films gained notoriety in the arts world of New York, her career seemed to slowly but surely start.

However, a reader wouldn't know any of this from reading her book.

Not That Kind of Girl was filled with dieting logs, sexual exploits starting from a bizarre young age, accounts of drunken nights and coming to grips with her sexuality.

So the success and acclaim of a twenty-something year old female creating, producing, writing, directing and starring in her own HBO television series? Not included.

I was let down and disappointed slightly by Dunham's book.
Granted, it was humorous and an interesting look on another human being's life... but if Lena has "learned" anything after all of these years (as her book blurb suggests she has), I as a reader did not learn anything.

Turked' Up

Festive end-of-fall decor in our dining room

My brother & me

Getting ready to sit down

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

The day has past where it is socially acceptable and encouraged to eat double your body weight in turkey and then continue eating every type of pie every created.  Sleep in, relax, spend (even more) time with your family, and appreciate the day after the chaos.  (Or don't relax and completely clear your house of fall decorations to make space for holiday ornaments and Christmas accessories, like my family is doing today.... )

Grandmother's hand made center pieces 

Room for 17?

This Thanksgiving was fun due to the six inches of snow outside.  It added an extra touch of holiday spirit and felt like a good way to kick off the season.  My young cousins were extremely fascinated with the blindingly white snow everywhere, however, not old enough to understand that yes, a jacket is now necessary to go outside with.

A plate piled high with homemade whipped cream (usually to go with pie!)

Passed out

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was filled with love, joy, and gratitude.  Everyone deserves an extra "thank you" even for the little things.  I love Thanksgiving the most (minus insane massacres of Native Americans years ago) because family just comes together and eats.  Every American is linked by this day, regardless of religion or ethnic background.  It's just a day to come together and be thankful for everyone sitting around your table smiling at you.

Cold and Bold

As the first major snowfall of the season has come and gone (third week of November and almost a foot of snow...), I figured it's time for an in-style recount of this winter's trends. Compiled from runways, pages of fashion magazines, and from the media- this winter features a lot of reoccurring trends and some new styles for the bold and eccentric.

Advertisement for women's jeans this season

Baggy Is Better

Some key looks this winter feature boyfriend fit jeans, loose or over sized sweaters (both cardigans and pullovers), and lots of layering to create a baggy look.

My favorite winter style is a simple bottom with a chunky sweater and boots. It's easy to look cute while staying so warm in the winter. Layering long sleeve tops and sweaters and jackets is so easy and can be so cozy.

Accessorizing with scarves, hats, and gloves is another plus to winter styling due to its warmth. I love finding cute and colorful winter accessories because they can instantly make a boring outfit fun. If you're style-impaired, just rely on the accessories. Pick out a normal, basic outfit and let your winter hats, coats, and scarves do the wow-ing for you.

Creating a baggy look should be easy and cozy!

Examples from winter runway shows 

Mary-Kate Olsen street style inspiration

Street Style 2014

Feminine Styling

Even though lately menswear-inspired fashion has been more prominent on runways, this season feminine and girly silhouettes and styling seem to be coming back with force.  Layers of tulle under thick knits or chunky jackets add a utilitarian or practical aspect to otherwise very girly pieces.

These eccentric takes on the feminine trend in recent runway shows may be a bit over the top and impractical, but they are prime examples of the pretty plumage seen everywhere paired with sturdier counterparts.

Tommy Hilfiger fall runway show

Balmain fall runway show

Gareth fall runway show

from Nylon website

Ankle Boots

Obviously boots are, have been, and forever will be the staple of any fall related fashion.  Boots have evolved and been constructed out of any material under the sun since creation of man kind.  This season ankle boots and shorter, strong footwear stomped and stormed the runways.  Street style displays the trend in various pairings from leggings and skinny jeans to enormous dresses.

Are ankle boots the new iconic footwear of the season to come?  Or will it continually change?  Since last year's over the knee boots this footwear has downsized considerably; what will they look like next year?

Ankle boots from "The Brown Girl with Long Hair"

Celebrity ankle boot styling

Pastels

One trend that was completely uncalled for but all mutually agreed upon by major designers is pastels for winter.  PASTELS.  Ditch your dark hues and shades of tan, brown and black for peppy and cool colors in baby blue, petal pink, and yawn yellow (I'm kidding.. sort of).

This trend will continue from winter into spring due its transitional tones, but I'd be surprised to see this trend majorly take off.  Yes, it was everywhere on the runways but in real life?  I'd love to see some bold street style fashionistas take on this daring (?) trend.

PS-- add any bright gems or statement jewels to your bland outfits this season for an instant shine and glimmer!

Something to Think About

I saw these specific covers of Rolling Stone magazine in a post on Tumblr recently. It honestly appalled me how I had never seen this pattern until it was compared right in front of me. How can this blatant display go unnoticed for years?

I thank the girl who noticed the pattern and spelled it out for everyone on the internet. Men are treated as people, icons, while women continue to be treated as objects. You could make the argument that women can say no to being posed such ways or displaying themselves in such fashions, but why does that question have to be posed? 

Why is it normal for men to do nothing in front of the camera and sell as many covers as half naked women staring provocatively at the lens? Why is the standard so different? 

When will it change? 

The point of feminism isn't proving that women are strong. Women ARE strong. Feminism is convincing the rest of the world just how strong women truly are. 

Iconic

Women and fashion compliment each other and challenge each other since the beginning of time. Whether you wear the clothes or the clothes wear you is a struggle, can you even pull that off is the question.

Fashion adventurers and extremists dare to achieve crazy looks and lots of buzz (not all positive). They step outside the lines of practicality and trendiness to don something a bit more eyebrow-raising (perfectly shaped eyebrows, nonetheless). From looks as quiet as wigs or thematic makeup, all the way to garbage bag dresses (cough cough Ke$ha) and basically a wearable-see through diamond dress (Rihanna). The world of fashion changes and is pushed at every moment, but it's some of these show stopping leading ladies and their garments that cause the greater rifts popular in fashion chronology.

Latest and umm... greatest (?), Rihanna. Showing up at the CFDA Awards in a completely sheer, sparkly dress. Custom designed by Adam Selman, the dress was literally covered in over 200,000 Swarovski crystals. Rihanna was being honored by the CFDA for their annually appointed Fashion Icon award... clearly she didn't want to let the board down. Wearing matching gloves and thong, Rihanna also paired the dress with a fur stole and head kerchief. Iconic? Definitely. It's up in the air, however, if this is applause inducing or cover-your-eyes-quick! worthy...

The green, plunging Versace dress that changed a nation. Just kidding, but J. Lo's famous dress worn to the 42nd Grammy Awards Ceremony in 2000 designed by Donatella Versace was voted the fifth most iconic dress in fashion history. This theme of being revealing and provacative may result in being iconic, but there are many more iconic women who sported much classier gowns...

...for example, the love of my life forever and ever, the ever classy and fabulous, Audrey Hepburn. One of her most iconic dresses was this white, floral Givenchy dress that she wore to the 1954 Academy Awards Ceremony. The belted gown showed off her narrow waist, while she her natural confidence and dazzling smile won over the eyes and hearts of every viewer. Audrey won Best Actress this year for her performance in Roman Holiday. She will always be iconic and for lack of a better word, perfect.

Another Versace winner. In 1994, Hugh Grant's at-the-time girlfriend, Liz Hurley, accompanied him to one of his movie premiere's sporting this black Versace dress held together by six, large, golden safety pins. Not only was this another huge success for the Versace label, but the dress also launched Liz Hurley to global fame and to the large scale media stage. The iconic dress has been re-worn recently by Lady Gaga, moving the gown from "neo-punk" couture to a darker, grungier daytime dress.

Keira Knightley had already proved herself a phenomenal actress, but at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006, she proved herself to be an iconic fashion plate as well. The one shoulder, plum, taffeta gown was custom designed by Vera Wang and was voted as the sixth most iconic dress in fashion history by The Daily Telegraph, and the most iconic Oscars dress by Cosmopolitan magazine.

Christian Dior creates sexy and complicated looks time and time again, this dress for Kate Moss is no exception... however, it has seen better days. Kate Moss showed up with photographer Mario Testino to the Victoria & Albert Museum for an exhibit honoring Christian Dior and his amazing work in 2007. By the end of the night, shoulder tears and rips down the back caused Moss to hike up the dress and tie it around her waist to prevent anymore damages. The iconic dress is now being donated to Cancer Research UK to raise money. Although the dress is in horrible condition and will probably need the help of a surgeon to fix it, its still an amazing dress worthy to be remembered for times to come. 

Then there are the bizarre... Bjork showed up to the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 wearing not only a tan, bejeweled body suit, but also a swan wrapped around her neck. Designed by Macedonian Marjan Pejoski and brought to life by the Icelandic singer by mimicking a swan laying an egg at the actual ceremony.... And then scarily enough, Valentino reimagined and recreated a variation of the dress for his 2014 spring couture show recently. Iconic?

OMG Your Epidermis is Showing!

What is too much skin?

Plunging necklines, cropped tops, and booty shorts get a bad rap, yet are still constantly worn about. The allure of just plain old epidermis is confusing and controversial. Do you walk the line of getting slut-shamed by showing your belly button? Do you submit yourself to double-takes by revealing your bra?

 Is there a difference between where you should and should not show excessive skin? Or is the question based on HOW someone shows skin, and what they're wearing?

In high school, girls strut through the halls in belly shirts and skin tight leggings. Although both belly shirts and leggings are fashionably acceptable, is the slut-shaming coming from the pairing of the two? Jealous looks at that one girl who can pull it off and sympathetic nods towards the girl who should really look in a mirror all can arise from the same outfit. So is one stylish and the other shocking? Or regardless, should these outfits stay in the back of our closets (because I know every girl has a belly shirt and skin tight leggings, even if she claims she doesn't)?

In fashion, belly shirt trends are revamped and reused time and time again in many different styles. They're chic as shit, let's be honest. It's a cute way for young girls to show off their tiny waists. I say why not? The actual probability of an adult having a flat stomach and/or washboard abs is pretty slim, and even so, at that age- why are you wearing a belly shirt? Wear it while you can while you're young. I am pro-belly button exposure and shock.

But what about legs?

Is it just the same to show all five miles of your legs on a regular basis? Or is it worse? Understanding what looks good on your body type is the basis of fashion and style, so booty shorts where a good portion of your saggy butt is hanging out, may not be the smartest choice for a day at school with that one old, creepy teacher who calls on you way more than anyone else... But I digress in respect to the girls yelling at their computer screens questioning my sanity. "Like, wtf? My butt is kicking."

Vogue's Elizabeth Gilpin says that pulling off a pair of shorts depends on their silhouette and the shoes you pair it with. For example: high waisted shorts usually look better with higher or clunkier shoes, something to offset the lack of torso you'll be pretending NOT to have. Any voluminous shape- either on your feet or over your shoulders- compliments the tiny bottom your trying to pull off.

I think shorts really depend on how you wear them and where you're wearing them (i.e. don't make me stare at your buttcrack in your desk chair). But again, this is completely up to interpretation and how you wanna do you.

Let me know if you think any skin is too much skin or if you love showing off your epidermis so much you should be put in a nudist colony. Comment below!!

Umm... yeah.

Flip This Weave

The summer, for me, is the worst when it comes to my hair. I'm in the ocean or pool or lake too often to continually straighten it or keep it pretty, so I tend to braid it or throw it up in a bun to keep out of my face. But as the day closes and I pull my hair down, it's horrifying. Knots and curls and frizz take over my head, also taking away any chance I had to comb it and possibly leave it down. I've been trying to find cute and easy ways to keep my hair at bay while also out of my face. Eliminating a top-knot would be eliminating so much hassle and annoyance, so I've tried to find some other alternatives.

I love Free People's beauty blog because they offer easy solutions to hair and makeup problems, while highlighting the endorsement of natural products and herbal remedies (which I LOVE). Ditching chemicals and choosing the eu naturale look is so critical for your body and your mind. I'm a huge believer in natural products- especially Origins- and truly think your skin and body breathe a sigh of relief when you stop layering on loads of makeup and chemicals.

Aside from their beauty installments, Free People has awesome easy-to-do hair styles that range from festival looks to casual messy do's. I've found some favorites (and some extras not from Free People) that will definitely help me this summer, hope they solve all of your hair troubles, too!

Creative Ponytails- The ease and simplicity are there, but then with an added flair. High ponytails are nice because they keep your hair away from your face, but this Free People pony includes small braids to elevate the look. Another tip they have is to use beaded hair elastics or other fun hair accessories to make your drab tail a fabulous hair do.




Braid Ins- Adding style to a normal braid, Free People weaves "braid ins", leather already made braids, into your hair. They create a beachy look with absolutely no trouble or difficulty. In addition to braid ins, I think ribbons or feathers would be a really cool addition to any braid whether it be during the day or at night.

Braided Fishtails- Instead of a tight braid or an organized fishtail, why not be creative and do both?! Just start with a normal braid but finish it off by fishtailing the bottom. I'm basically braid challenged, so if I can do
this hairstyle, you can pull this off easily.

Double Ponytail (not pigtails)- I've actually done this hair style once last year. I think it came out pretty cool, and its so, so easy. Take about 3/4 of your hair, or the crown of your head, and high ponytail it. Then, take the extra hair at the bottom of your head and ponytail that a few inches below your high ponytail. Fluff up the top ponytail to cover over the lower one. Your hair looks double the length and stays in a cute, sporty ponytail.

And of course, there is the Urban Outfitter's "lived in" rope braid tutorial that I posted on my most recent Best of the Web post. 

There are so many easy hair do's to try out and experiment with this summer! If there are any other easy, summer hair do's that you love, share it with me in the comments! 

*I take no credit for these photos. All photos found online.*

The Best Bathing Suits

Finding a cute, affordable bathing suit that doesn't ride up your ass, stretch out in two weeks, or fall off completely once hitting the water is very difficult to find. There are the common bandeau tops and halters, but now there are crazy bathing suit tops held together by some of the coolest designs. Included are some websites and brands of the cutest and coolest bathing suits with (hopefully) great sustainability. (Click brand name titles to be taken to their swimwear sections!)

Nasty Gal
My one friend has always bought things- from mint studded heels to angelic lace dresses- from Nasty Gal but I've never been on the site until it was suggested for my best bathing suits search. The swimwear is very cute, very out there, but also very pricey. The websites I've been perusing have been very expensive- $128 for JUST the top?!- so affordability is factoring into the best bathing suit search, as well. The Nasty Gal swimwear collection is very cool and fun, but it doesn't win best bathing suit.

American Apparel
Most of my friends think American Apparel is weird and very eccentric, but I have always been a firm believer. I love the way American Apparel fits every body type and uses real people, not made-up anorexic models for ads. AND... drum roll... the swimwear is so affordable! There are some prints and styles that are a little daring, but there are so many cute bathing suit tops and bottoms that can be easily worn and won't drain your entire life savings.

Zumiez
By far the most modern-meets-surfy bathing suits I've stumbled across. The price points for Zumiez women's swimwear is pretty reasonable, not as cheap as American Apparel but definitely not as expensive as Nasty Gal. These suits are neon bright and fun to wear, but if you're spending your days at a country club pool and not surfing the ocean, maybe Zumiez is a bit too flashy for you. Other than that, go for it! I think Zumiez is really fun and sporty chic. Lots of fringe, braids, and macrame.

Zinke
Another Z for swimwear. I LOVE Zinke, my cousin knows the creator and owner of the site and introduced me to it a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, it too is very expensive for just one part of a bathing suit. Zinke style though is my favorite out of all the sites and stores I've mentioned. The classic, chic styles and patterns are girly and practical. If only.... *sigh*.

Roxy
Price points smack dab in the middle of it all, but always known for its cute swimwear. Roxy swimwear is the epitome of surfer girl chic and will always be known for such. Roxy needs no introduction, it's worth it.

Billabong
Easy to wear and simple to rock, Billabong- like Roxy- needs no introduction. It's simple surf styles are a staple of the summer and swimwear in itself. Lots of Aztec prints and thong-inspired bathing suit bottoms. Not my favorites but definitely very cute swimwear and reasonable prices.

Triangl
Once Kylie Jenner Instagram-ed herself sporting a black, faux leather Triangl bathingsuit, the world fell in love. Or, teenage girls on Instagram at least. Known for their basic styles but array of cool color combos and fabrics, Triangl is becoming a huge trend all over. Pricer than most but not as bad as Nasty Gal or Zinke. I love Triangl and really wanted a bathing suit but once I saw about four friends of mine on Instagram showing their own suit, I knew it wasn't for me anymore. Still- one of my favorites and a top contender for best bathing suit.

Of course you can always shop at Victoria's Secret and buy one bathing suit that thirty thousand of your friends will also own, but why not shake things up a bit and stand out?

What is YOUR favorite bathing suit brand? Cast your vote to the right!
Any bathing suits I missed? Let me know in the comments!
Hope everyone's spring break is sunny and warm! xox

Dallas

In a land of bottle blondes, fake boobs, and self tanner- I found myself surprisingly at home. Maybe it's my natural love for anyplace warmer than this New Jersey winter we're having, or maybe I really enjoyed seeing college guys dressed in total frat guy prep... either way, if you don't see me in the dirty Jerz, its because I've moved to Dallas.

Aside from cowboy boots of multiple hues and styles, there were several huge trends that I noticed. Like any major metropolis home to many different walks of life, the styles vary and range depending on who you are... but there are a few trends that reappear again and again.

The Side Boob
I don't know how this even works or why some girls think this is a cute look, but the majority of your boob hanging out on the side of your dress or shirt is not "sexy". Frankly, it made me lose my appetite seeing you yank up your whole boob when you thought no one was watching to create the "perky" effect. I've seen this look at concerts with a ripped muscle tee tucked into high waisted shorts- it's bad enough then but doing it with could-have-been cute dresses just takes it to a whole different level. I'm really considering walking up to the next girl with her boob hanging out and asking her how she deals with yanking the duct tape off at the end of the night instead of purchasing a bandeau like the rest of the human race (err, feminine race).

Silk Rompers
Granted, not all made out of real silk, but the flowy could-be-a-dress-but-actually-a-romper made an appearance many times throughout my visit. I LOVE THIS LOOK! Rompers can seriously work anything. My cousin wore a printed romper with a knit swear thrown over it and sandals, and the next night I spotted several long sleeve rompers paired with heels and statement jewelry. So versatile, so cute, so easy (except when peeing, then you have to take off your whole romper which is a hassle but so it goes, beauty is pain). Great rompers can be found from Free People, Anthropologie, Nasty Gal, and Urban Outfitters.

Loose Curls
I think this must be a Southern girls' ode to Taylor Swift, but regardless, the thick, loose curls were all the rage. I wishhhhh my hair would hold curls better because I would definitely try to rock this look. I love the flouncy curls that make any outfit look cuter and more feminine. If anyone has a great tutorial or secret on how to achieve these great curls, drop some knowledge in the comments section below, por favor.

Weather Confusion
This isn't a trend, more of an observation. Texas springs can be very bipolar, one day it's rainy and cold, the next day its about 80 degrees and sunny. There were a wide mix of styles because of this. Around the college campuses and local hangouts, most people opted for summery clothing and freshly sprayed tans. In other parts, however, I saw Ugg boots and North Face jackets! If I lived in Texas and there was an inkling of warmth, I would go with it fully. Who wants to walk around sweating in fur and fleece, anyway?

Cross your fingers I convince my family to move to Dallas....y'all!!!