Back to Being Red, The New Style Tribes, and Yankees Win ALCS

After an almost two month hiatus, I'm back.  What did you miss?  To sum up the past seven weeks: bought some pyrite, found my stamp collection from when I was 8, picked some white pumpkins, and rode the A train (a lot).  I wanted the first post back to be really GRAND, but isn't little-by-little more fun anyhow?

Take a look at these brilliant illos by Kelly Smith (of Birdy and Me) in "The New Style Tribes".  I like to think that I'm a healthy mix between Festival Dresser, Smart Young Thing, and Sartorialist.  What's your mix or are you just one, true category?

So, let's make this thing official again...I'm @hello_valerie too.  Ugh, so glad to be back!

P.S. YANKEES are going to the World Series! YESSSSS.

[Birdy and Me]

Tonight's Festivities

Tonight marks the one-night only event known as Fashion's Night Out where over 700 participating retailers are open to anyone and everyone. With New York City as my playground, I'll be hopping from store to store basking in fashion, fun, and funk. Let's get this economy rolling!

Here are some of my FAVORITE events happening tonight:

• Denim hemming, custom embroidery, and manicures all for free at Madewell, 486 Broadway (@ Broome Street)
• Gypsy caravan theme with fortune tellers, tarot card readers at Moschino, 401 West 14th Street
• 7:00 PM - Olsen Twins bartend at Bergdorf's, 754 5th Avenue
• 9:00 PM - Third Eye Blind live acoustic performance at Nine West, 675 Fifth Avenue (@ 53rd Street)

For more events, visit FNO... yay Fashion Week! xo

[photos via ottawa sun]

break service

being red is taking a little break...

will be back in full-force in a couple of weeks!  feel free to scroll through the archives...one year of goodies.

xo

Bon Jovi said it best...

I've completely fallen for this shirt...

[lowry's farm]

True Romance

Romance Was Born is the all-fun (lace, fringe, mini, bold, fluffy, etc.) brainchild of Australian design duo Luke Sales and Anna Plunkett. M.O.: outrageous, dramatic (but, still wearable) designs, integrity in production, and adored by musicians/rock stars/me. It sort of screams late 80s/early 90s meets Woodstock, right?

[Romance Was Born]

Out of this World

Oh mama. How cool are these daily photos from the NASA archive? Enjoy the weekend! Hopefully, I'll be back to a regular posting sched next week.

[unruly things]

Copy Right: Lace Up Pumps

Jane Aldridge's shoe collection is the most envied on the web, yet probably the most difficult to emulate.  For many of us, a pair of Chanel pumps aren't exactly something standard to pick up at the mall.  That's why when I spotted these Steve Madden pumps, I almost died.  They look similar to the Christian Louboutin's Jane featured last week.  It's good enough for me.  We may not have the labels, but we'll have the look, for sure.

P.S. Stay tuned for the Kahina-Giving Beauty giveaway winner announcement later today!

1940s Vogue

Don't you sometimes wish the covers were this thought out?

No airbrushing, just pure, sheer, artistic talent...

[conde nast]

My turn

Last week, I asked Katharine L'Heureux to answer my tiny version of a Proust questionnaire...I think it's only fair that I follow suit...

Your idea of perfect bliss? Laying in a hammock with the latest issue of Vogue/Dwell/T+L in hand / Greatest fear? Not crossing everything off of my to-do list / Your most prize possession? My raggedy, old baby pillow! / Song describing your current mood: "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder / Words or phrases you most overuse? “Is that a joke?” / Which talent would you most like to have? A steady hand to paint perfect nails (READ: DYI manis that don't look like I went to the butcher) / Where would you most like to live? Somewhere dainty, maybe a cottage of some sort / My favorite snack food is... ANY variation of cheese and/or cheese products (i.e. Laughing Cow, Cheese Doodles, a block of Munster, etc.) / If you could be anyone, real or fiction, who would you be? 1. Martha, 2. Blair Waldorf, 3. Giada / Your motto? What goes around, comes around. / On a plane, sleep or get some work done? Sleep. Sleep. Sleep.

If you have a minute, play along! It IS Tuesday after all...

xo!

Ashley Olsen

Look at the zippers from wrist to elbow!

This is why she is my favorite.

[marie claire]

Reel to Real: Coming to America

1988's Coming to America showed a glimpse of luxury in a world filled with colored-leather jackets, defined shoulder pads, and ripped acid wash denim. It also just so happens to be a movie that re-runs on Comedy Central about 20 times a year and one that I've become strangely familiar with (in the category with Goonies, Home Alone, and My Best Friend's Wedding). No surprise that when I spotted this Matthew Williamson rabbit coat, I knew EXACTLY where I had seen it...

1. Matthew Williamson Long Belted Rabbit Coat
2. Angel Jackson Woven Studded Atena Bag
3. Balmain Peak-shouldered Leather Jacket

4. Sheila Fajl Glow Round Chips Bib Necklace

5. Searle Long, Silk-lined Leather Glove
6. Forever 21 Patent Ballet Slipper

Obsessed much? Clare Tough Autumn/Winter 2009/2010

Self-explanatory!  Somehow, the British Clare Tough makes knit sweaters the sexiest, yet endearing piece of clothing you would ever want to own.  Looks like there might be a Balmain influence with the strong shoulders?  It works.  It really, really does.

[knit kicks]

G is for GIVEAWAY! Kahina-Giving Beauty...

In the age of crazy, regulated TSA guidelines (very grateful!), it's almost commonplace to make it onto the plane with a much lighter carry-on. In Katharine L'Heureux's case, her 2007 trip to Morocco began with a checkpoint confiscation of her coveted luxury face cream. But, as fate would have it, she was surrounded by good company upon her arrival in Marrakech. Her guide walked her to an apothecary, where she encountered Morocco's native argan oil...a meet cute that changed her life, and the lives of Berber women, forever.

Her skin care line, Kahina-Giving Beauty, focuses on the notion of women helping other women with their regional, natural beauty rituals. She gives back 25% of her profits to the Moroccan women who work in her co-op! The products are made of sustainable, natural ingredients that work...I've even heard a friend comment that "one treatment feels like you just got a facial". Her main ingredient? Argan oil, of course.

Over the weekend, I had the chance to chat with Katharine L'Heureux, founder of Kahina-Giving Beauty. All-inspiring and...she likes the Beatles!

Your idea of perfect bliss? A hot bath / Greatest fear? Global warming and that it won’t stop raining / Your most prize possession? My volumetric flask / Song describing your current mood. “Fixing a Hole” by the Beatles – it won’t stop raining / Words or phrases you most overuse? “It's my Destiny” / Which talent would you most like to have? Speaking Berber and Arabic / Where would you most like to live? Fes, Morocco / My favorite snack food is... raw almonds / If you could be anyone, real or fiction, who would you be? Michelle Obama / Your motto? I believe in Destiny / On a plane, sleep or get some work done? Both

VR: I love the concept of women helping women. In what ways does this philosophy help women beyond Morocco?

KL: The mere concept of “women helping women” raises awareness of women’s issues around the world. The more that people know about the struggles of underprivileged women, the more we can make a real change.

VR: Volunteering is something I've done in the past and really want to get back into. How can women give back? Are there opportunities to help the Berber women face-to-face?

KL: There are so many organizations that can provide direction for people interested in volunteering, depending on their schedules, their locations and their interests. And if a person doesn’t have the time, it is easy to donate money to many causes online. If it is helping women there is the Global Fund for Women for Women International which help women in need around the world. There are also great sites like Nest which provide micro-loans to women in third world countries, often in exchange for goods which are for sale on the website.

Big, big thank you to Katharine for working with me on this! She's a gem! For more on her story, visit Kahina Giving Beauty or check out the behind-the-scenes on her blog. I'm sure we'll be seeing more great things from her in the near future! xo

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*To enter the being red giveaway, leave a comment below with your favorite beauty secret and/or beauty ritual. It can be anything from generic chapstick to high-end face wash to all-natural egg whites! Spill the juicy beans and your entry could be the one randomly selected on August 17th!

GRAND PRIZE: Kahina Giving Beauty Travel Kit (Facial Cleanser, Facial Lotion, and Argan Oil)

---

UPDATE: The lucky winner is Underfunded Heiress! Congrats, Melanie! xo

Monday Madness

Happy Monday! I had an amazing weekend which, of course, ended too soon. Here are some things to keep me trekking through the week:

• Most important: Julie + Julia on Friday!
• style.com posted their Fall '09 trend reports last week! "Boudoir crossing" and "Party like it's 1983" are at the top of my list.
• August 3 is National Watermelon Day. August, altogether, is National Eye Exam Month! :)
• I need calling cards! Can anyone make me any? All I need is: pretty, professional, and catchy.
• A friend told me about this book (Nickel and Dimed). Has anyone read it?!!
• Tyra on Gossip Girl...
• I would move to the West Side!

photo via lookbook

Rock the Casbah

Hello all! Hop on over to my guest post at La Mia Vita! Nicole is bathing away in Hawaii and has delegated the responsibility of keeping her pretty blog afloat to Vivian, Erika, Holly, Dionne, and myself. It's all about wonderful, warm, exotic, delicious vacations. Mine? Morocco!

xx

Apartment Inspiration

After a visit to a possible apartment rental, a 450 sq. ft. railroad flat, I decided to put my feelers out for small space inspiration. I'm excited to be creative with any space and use its charm (exposed brick, industrial lighting, built-in shelving, etc.)! Hammock is a must no matter where I end up!

[apartment therapy]

Bon Vivant!

"I ate a deep fried White Castle cheeseburger."--Gabby

As a purebred Jersey girl, White Castle and I have come to know each other very well...which is why I can't believe I didn't think of this first! Great find, G. Now, for the tricky part, finding some of my own...

P.S. I don't want to be responsible for any heart attacks. Be careful eating these things if you ever encounter them.

photo via tiwyf

Friday Femme

I need this hair-do right now.

Hope it makes your Friday as happy as mine :)

via Elenita! She's adorable.

Under Wonder

I couldn't resist doing a post on dainty, pretty things after I spotted a vintage undies book (above) on Amazon. Isn't it wonderful that lace and frills can make a girl feel so great? If a legend like Coco Chanel loves it, I love it: "I consider lace to be one of the prettiest imitations ever made of the fantasy of nature; lace always evokes for me those incomparable designs which the branches and leaves of trees embroider across the sky, and I do not think that any invention of the human spirit could have a more graceful or precise origin." Don't you totally agree?

1. Vintage Lace Bed Jacket, $60.00
2. Dainty Undies Book, from $12.50
3. Blue Belle Bralette, $44.00
4. Sweet Lace Knit Romper, $14.80
5. Calypso St. Barth Boy Thong, $45.00
6. Premium Lace Crop Top, $24.00

xo!

Day and night

Dark with a punch of neon: fierce from head to toe.

v.

Upbeat with lace peep-through: gamine to the max.

Which is your fav? Btw, how was the weekend? :)

photo via the sartorialist, of course.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Not trying to impose any political views on you, but for kicks, here's what Sarah Palin's resignation speech would look like after a spin through Vanity Fair's research and copy departments...

All I'm saying is that I hope she didn't actually pay someone to write this for her.

(via oh? + milk)

11 Things That Make My Heart Tick

It's not even August and I'm already thinking F-A-L-L! I can't help but look forward to the array of treats that await us this season: furs, leathers, animal motifs, rocker studs, velvets (!!), and the list goes on and on! Just a tiny fall edit (a preview, if you will) of things that are currently making my heart tick--

1. Pamela Love Silver Eagle's Claw Bracelet, 880.00E
2. Marc Jacobs Heart Compact, $5.00
3. Top Shop Acid Wash Bubble Sweat Top, $55.00
4. A.P.C. Ankle Socks, $23.10
5. Masaki Matsushima Rollerball, $16.00
6. Miu Miu Velvet Banana Flats, $250.00
7. Still Life Carver Hat, $300.00
8. Christopher Kane Gorilla Jersey T-Shirt, $310.00
9. Hammered Design Oval Ring, $450.00
10. Essie Matte About You, $10.00
11. Faux Fur Rachel Vest, $60.00

Is it just me or are you excited about fall too? I'm, for sure, still excited about bikinis, sun tans, and margaritas though.

xo!

summer fun {according to sara}

Sometimes you encounter people that totally blow your mind--in a really fun, day-making kind of way. Random thoughts and laughs are the norm. Sara of Sara Says Awesome is a real-life (blog-life?) instance. If you know of her, you know what I'm talking about. If you don't, get to know her ASAP! See her indulgences below.

1. the smell of bug spray
2. frizzy hair from a day at the beach
3. watching the love of your life put sunscreen on
4. padded bikini tops
5. fat people in speedos

xo!

photo as per sara :)

summer fun {according to deb}

When Deb of Oh? introduced her list, I went bananas. Dance parties? Love. But, the real deal-maker was the New York Philharmonic concert in Central Park. I've never been and, unfortunately, missed Tuesday's event. Luckily, tomorrow is another! I will be really ashamed of myself if I can't make it over there. For smiles, continue reading:

1. Wine and the NY Philharmonic in Central Park
2. Rooftop picnics
3. Sundresses and sandals allll the time
4. Frozfruit popsicles allll the time
5. Summer dance party mixes (Phoenix, Jay-Z, New Order, etc.)

xo!

photo via oh?

summer fun {according to ambika}

Ambika of (Into) the Fray knows how to capture the hearts of handmade lovers with her own designs and blog finds. And even with her pretty Etsy shop in full motion, she's working on a giant to-do list! I'll have to borrow some of her points: visit Cuba, see the Northern Lights, and take a photography class. In the same spirit, her always inspired list of summer indulgences:

1) Having the sun roof open on long drives to the coast.
2) Drinking tea on the deck in my pajamas right after I've gotten up.
3) Patches of sunlight and watching the cats sprawl across the floor like living sundials.
4) Farmer's markets!
5) The smell of charcoal and barbecue as you walk around outside.

xo!

photo via ambika

summer fun {according to courtney}

Courtney's list makes me smile uncontrollably! Reporting from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the In(side) the Loop adventuress shares a handful of adorable summer indulgences:

1. Road trips with the windows down, even if it means a bug or two. I'm from the South and sometime or another you just have to give into the bugs!
2. Throwing something on the pit and having dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.
3. Getting to use my bright and happy yellow outdoor umbrella to shade me from the sun while I'm reading on a lounger.
4. No socks needed for at least 3 months out of the year.
5. Lillet, Firefly Vodka, St. Germain and Iced Tea...my favorite drinks to cool me off, but just not all at once!

P.S. Happy Tuesday! xx

summer fun {according to kristen sara}

two weeks ago, i asked you all to name your 5 favorite summer indulgences...

and some are just too, too inspiring to let go to waste!

without further ado, i introduce kristen sara of while we're waiting:

1. Wearing LOTS of sunscreen because I love the smell

2. Eating Brats (I'm from Wisconsin)

3. Margaritas - yummy

4. Spending time at my parents' house up north, jetskiing, hanging out on the pontoon boat

5. Wearing flip flops - with everything!

photo via flickr

Hello, Friday

Finally over my sinus infection (woof!) and ready to roll for the weekend! Shore, friends, sun--you know, the usual. Glad you all stuck around for my giveaway...the lucky winner, nicole marie, will look so adorable in her new pair of jeans! Here's my weekly round-up:

Hair pins that ooze with glee.

The perfect summer dessert: key lime pie and s'mores!

Black and white bliss.

Someone help her find these shoes! style circa 1990.

Goat animal portraits make my heart jump.

My favorite street style look: leather and coolness.

Real men don't dance.

For the knitters: a yummy net tote bag! (thanks, jj!)

And just for kicks...monica spotted some gossip girl action! yay!

xo!

photo via birdy+me

Runner's World

THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS!

Looks like a blast, minus the causalities.

Beer in your face? Red scarves? Check and check.

photos via MSNBC

What's blue and white and torn all over? Nicole Marie's new Current Elliott denim!

I'm very happy to announce the winner of my Current/Elliott giveaway: Nicole Marie of la mia vita!  Her lucky number 28 was chosen by the very nifty random.org, but not to fret!  Keep your eyes peeled in the coming days because I will be featuring some of your very delicious and pretty summer indulgence lists on being red.  BIG, BIG thank you to chickdowntown.com for sponsoring this mind-blowing giveaway!  And, of course, thank you for playing along! xx

Ahoy!

as seen in Erin Wasson's apartment...

She rocks.

Back to the grind

happy (not-so-happy) back-to-work day!

i woke up with a sore throat on saturday and it's been downhill ever since.

some things:

1. giveaway, big flippin' DEAL! tell me your 5 fav summer indulgences + you can snatch yourself a dandy new pair of current elliot denim :)

2. 25% discount at 25Park! Enter "red25" at checkout. be sure to report back on your findings!

3. important: does anyone have a quick remedy to a cold/sinus infection/monstrous mosquito bites? fill me in ASAP. weekend kicked me in the ass...

xo!

photo 1, 2 (sereneres flickr)

G is for GIVEAWAY! Psst...it's Current/Elliott!

In honor of America's birthday, I'd like to give something back to one of my always-awesome readers! One of you will be rocking out the summer in style with a sizzlin' new pair of Current Elliott denim (The Skinny in Cloud Wash Destroyed) courtesy of the very generous crew at chickdowntown.com!

To enter, all you have to do is tell me your five (5) favorite summertime indulgences, be as specific or general as you'd like. To kick things off, here are my picks:

1. ice-cold sparkling pink lemonade

2. stevie wonder + bruce springsteen on the drive to the shore

3. baseball game hot dogs and pretzels with spicy mustard

4. a good manicure finished off with hot pink nail polish

5. "jorts" and very, very ripped jeans (how appropriate)!

That's it! **Remember, for shipping reasons, I can only accept entries with mailing addresses within the U.S. and please be sure your email is available in case you are the lucky winner!

P.S. Check out chickdowntown.com for more celeb-featured items like the Tolani scarves as worn by Lauren Conrad or this giveaway feature as flaunted by my very, very favorite Rihanna. Want more brownie points? Be a gem and check them out on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute shopping and trend scoop.

EDIT: Winner will be chosen at random and announced on Wednesday, JULY 8, 2009! Best of luck!

Obsessed much? DANNIJO Lucia Mar Rings

I'm not sure if you can tell my recent obsession with rough stone, but these take the cake. DANNIJO's Lucia Mar Rings from their Lost at Sea collection are just drool-worthy.