Christmas Time

12-24-11

sweater - Victoria's Secret / leggings - Forever 21/ heels - Next



12-25-11

sweater dress - Victoria's Secret/ tights - Cynthia Rowley/ ankle boots - Not Rated

Cross Everyone Off Your Christmas List

     I have over half of the people on my Christmas shopping list crossed off, but there are still a few I'm a bit stuck on. Living in Boston has definitely given me more options for finding gifts, but sometimes there can be too many. At times, I have little trouble finding what I'm looking for, but at others I feel like I'll never be able to weed out enough to find the perfect gift. One thing I've learned from this year's shopping is that return policies can be a determining factor. Some stores will let you return an item for a cash refund and others will only give you a store credit. Don't wait until the cashier is presenting your bags to find out the store's return policy!

     One mistake people often make when gift shopping is going into a store expecting the right gift to find them. A better approach is to understand the kind of person you're shopping for and to have at least two items to be on the lookout for. An open mind is necessary as well. Sometimes the gift that you stumble upon may be a better decision than what you had planned. You always want the gift you choose to embody the personality of whoever you're buying for--it's more personal than a gift that could be given to anyone. A gift card is great when you're in a rut, but unless you're buying one for a shopaholic, it doesn't say much about the person recieving it. I've put together some types of friends you may be buying for this year and a few ideas to get you started. Plus, every gift is under $50, so it will help if you're in a money jam.

The Booze Babe

This friend loves a good party but she keeps things classy. A simple gesture to her favorite pastime with a cocktail ring or recipe book is sure to be a hit.

The Cocktail Party Set by Philosophy - $18 - Sephora // Cut Out Dress with Chain Neck - $44.54 - ASOS // Little Pink Book of Cocktails by Madeline Teachett - $9.95 - Amazon // Vintage Cocktail Ring - $9.49 - Arden B 

The Health Nut

She’s all about staying fit so keep her motivation going with a present that will encourage her to stay on track, like a water bottle or yoga pants. 

Bootcut Yoga Pant - $39.50 - Victoria's Secret // Bliss FatGirlSlim Treatment Kit - $38 - Sephora // CamelBak Groove Portable Filtration Bottle - $24.99 - Bed, Bath & Beyond // Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six-Pack - $8.19 - Amazon

The Bookworm

This friend likes to cozy up with a good read. She probably has a book collection the size of Barnes & Noble so get her something to complement it, like coffee or a warm scarf.

Ribbed Slipper Sock - $9.50 - Victoria's Secret // Library Books Mug - $20 - Kate Spade // Frenchi Marled Infinity Scarf - $22 - Nordstrom // Breakfast Blend Coffee - $11.95 - Starbucks

The Stylista

She probably likes to pick out her own clothes, but there are plenty of fashion-forward things you can get her. Any fierce accessories like cheetah print shoes or a metal cuff will look great with her daring wardrobe.

Charlotte Ronson Masquerade Collection - $29 - Sephora // 6-Row Textured Cuff - $48 - Nordstrom // The Rise of Fashion and Lessons Learned at Bergdorf Goodman - $26.60 - Amazon // Suede Leopard Bootie - $24.99 - Charlotte Russe

The Travel Star

She’s been all around the world so you can guess that there’s nothing more original that what she’s accumulated. Get her a gift that will ease her next trip like a passport wallet or travel size body care set.  

100% Gift Set - $29.75 - Aveda // Cris Notti Sleep Mask - $21 - Bliss // The Travel Book - $15 - Amazon // Passport Wallet - $48 - Melissa Tan on Etsy

The Music Maven

This friend is always listening to the latest music, so it would be hard to keep up with her favorite artist. Instead of buying her an album or concert tickets, reflect her eclectic flair with neon nail polish or 45-record coasters.

Neon Nail Polish (3-pack) - $15 - American Apparel // 45 Records Coasters - $12.45 - Amazon // 2011 Ink'd Gold Earphones - $19.99 - Skullcandy // Nylon Magazine Subscription - $19.95 per yr.- Nylon

The Little Princess

You want to make the little girls in your life feel sophisticated without taking away playfulness. A trendy metallic sweater is sure to make her feel special while some cupcake flavored floss is fun and may actually encourage her to take care of her teeth!  

Cupcake Floss - $6 - Urban Outfitters // Pearl & Fabric Bow Necklace - $10.50 - Charlotte Russe // Girls Cotton-Wool Cable Gloves - $24.99 - Ralph Lauren // Metallic Sweater - $19.95 - H&M

Hairspiration - Gossip Girl

     Gossip Girl has always been one of the most fashion-forward shows on tv and in it's fifth season it's still a strong style influence. What I love about this season in particular is the hairstyling by Jennifer Johnson. The styles have evolved from the school-girl look of pin-straight hair and headbands to elegant updos and intricate braiding. The characters have grown up, defined their individual styles away from school uniforms, and their hair has become more sophisticated. The styles look relaxed and effortless yet are unique and hard to duplicate. I've tried...no such luck! If I could have Johnson as my personal stylist, I would never have a bad hair day again!

 

(photo credits: cwtv.com)

Christmas Wishlists

     I never grew up believing in Santa Claus, but every year I still compile a wishlist right when the Christmas season begins! Since I can remember, I've always taken my time to make an organized, pretty, and detailed list. I rate the items I want most, give all the specifics (price, size, color), and include lots of pictures. I recently began included stocking stuffer ideas and the pjs I want for my family's tradition of getting pajamas on Christmas Eve. Sure, I sort of go a little overboard, but my siblings and I have loved making these lists since the days we would sift through Toys R Us and American Girl catalogs. It's just one more thing that gets me in the mood for the holidays and a good way to exchange gift ideas with everyone else. Here are some things I'm wishing for this year...

Christmas 2011 Wishlist by fashionistagal1

tights - Kings of Leon documentary - chocolate - gift cards - Victoria's Secret sweaters -

magazines - perfume - Patriots boxers/tee set

Inspiration Equals Motivation

     Everyone needs some inspiration to get back on track! It's hard being in college and maintaining a blog...unfortunately, my blog has been the thing that I've put on the back burner since life has been busy recently. Yet, I still plan on getting back to regular posting. This blog has been such a great way to express myself and in a way it's a part of me, so I can't give it up! Keep checking back for more posts...I'm making it a goal to post at least 1-2 times a week from now on. If all goes well, I might increase my posts after a while.

My Halloween Costume!

     Just wanted to show you my Halloween costume! I was a lion! I used a tutorial by From Head to Toe to do my make-up, teased my hair a bit (it's naturally pretty big so it didn't need much), wore a dress my cousin Maddie lent me, and made a tail out of an orange boa. Pretty simple and fuss-free...I was just determined to be a lion this year because I've wanted to be one since I was little. Maddie dressed up as a Christmas elf...didn't she look cute? I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween!

PS-I've been super busy and haven't been able to post lately...but keep visiting because I plan on getting better at it! haha I still have a lot of ideas for posts and once I have a little spare time I'll be able to post at least twice a week.

     Ciao for now!

Boston Fashion Week SS 2012

     I've been posting recently about the designers' collections that I had the privilege of seeing at Boston Fashion Week this season, but I also want to give some highlights of my experience. I've never been to a fashion week before, so this was an amazing opportunity and I thank the designers that let me attend their shows and the friends (and of course my uncle) who accommodated me. Boston Fashion Week gets bigger every season, so it's exciting to take part in something that is growing so rapidly. I really hope more and more individuals become aware of it and that the city's interest in fashion continues to widen.

Saturday, September 24th - Mike & Ton was my first fashion show...ever! I didn't know much about fashion week and I didn't know anyone when I arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, but luckily I met Amanda of The Catwalker who was also covering BFW for the first time! The shows were incredible and I was awestruck by the entire experience--there is something about seeing gorgeous clothes walking down the runway to the beat of blasting music that gives me goosebumps!

Amanda and I at the Mike & Ton and Michael de Paulo shows.

Thursday, September 29th - Almost a week later, I headed back to the Tent with my uncle Kurt to watch the Avni and Jeff Lahens shows. I met some of his friends that he has known since his Boston days and we went to the Rising Design Fashion Show at the Liberty Hotel afterwards. The Liberty was originally a jailhouse that has been remodeled into a posh hotel and now hosts parties in its chic lobby. The show there was wasn't a typical fashion show. It was more of a party with a fashion show happening in the middle of it. Models ascended up the escalator and posed on tables around the room, while party-goers munched on appetizers and sipped drinks from the hotel restaurant, Clink. After a night dressed-up and out on the town, my uncle and I finished with a midnight meal in Chinatown. It was definately one of the best nights I've had in Boston!

Sitting at the Avni show with my uncle.

We got front show seats!

Before the Jeff Lahens show with my uncle and his friends Cindy and Rob.

Outside the Liberty Hotel.

Rob and I at the Rising Design Fashion Show/Party.

My uncle and I at the show.

One of the looks during the fashion show.

Bouncers escorted each model to their next posing station.

Me in front of one of the old jail cells.

Our late-night dinner in Chinatown.

Trying jellyfish for the first time!