September 7, 2011

TOO CUTE FOR WORDS: Ragdolls

Though I'll try to come up with a few.

We've always been 'cat people', so as my thirteenth birthday present, my daddy-o brought me a ragdoll kitten. I named him Ares (after the Greek and Roman God of War) because he was such a little warrior (and by 'warrior' I mean cute, cuddly, adorable, and sweet).

As Ares and I bonded over torn curtains, taking over my bed, and shoulder real estate I thanked my dad for the best birthday present ever.

Ragdolls are notoriously loving kitties. Unlike many breeds they don't shy away from people and strangers (personally, I think the idea that cats are finicky and hide all the time is why people aren't fond of cats), they are vocal, love being held, and Ares actually comes to me when I whistle!

see also: walks around with me until I sit down where he proceeds to curl up on or next to me and purr forever.

note: if you're thinking of getting a ragdoll, I hope you like vacuuming and sticky rollers!


Brilliant blues.

A lazy Saturday morning.

Tiny toes.
Sitting and purring and looking out the window. 
"helping" me with some emails after his "Lion Cut" at the vet (which is hilarious, but necessary) 


Pretty cute. 

September 6, 2011

TOUSLED TRESSES: Wedding Hair and Tips

Soft, natural, tousled tresses are in! Check out these looks and tips for your wedding hairstyle for your big day.

Taylor Swift's people have managed to perfect the tousled and curled up-do.
Such a soft and simple looking style. 
This wavy, Monroe inspired look makes me want to cut off all my hair!
This looks a little more polished than some of the others,
but it's still soft and sweet, especially when paired with a pinky-coral blush.  
The low, side ponytail is probably the most popular wedding hairstyle
this season, and for good reason. With or without the pin, it's lovely.
Also a great reason to add extensions or a fall of hair if you need an excuse!
This messy up-do is the new direction in wedding style.
It's so pretty and a great update to the extreme look of the french twist. 
Another messy 'do, parted down the center for a more casual look
for a laid back bride and groom. 

A few tips and tricks... 

1. Keep the hairspray light... more is not necessarily better. You don't want your hair looking weighed down or dull in your wedding photos!

2. Make sure you choose the right foundation for your skin... and test it in natural light! Nothing is worse than an orange face and pale neck in the sun. 

3. Keep the shimmer you put on your cheeks light. Otherwise you'll look oily and wet. 

4. Don't make any changes to your routine (moisturizer, laundry detergent, birth control, etc) 6-8 weeks before your wedding. You don't want to have any weirdo reactions to anything! 

5. While some people swear by it, stay away from airbrushed makeup. If one little tear rolls down your face on your big day, you'll have a streak the rest of the night. It's not fixable unless they take it all off and start over! 

6. Consider getting your nails and eyebrows done at least 2 days before the wedding... therefore if there are any mistakes you'll have time to fix them, and there won't be any redness from the wax. 

September 1, 2011

BALMAIN: Resort 2012

I have a difficult time falling in love with prints. As in, "get that away from me unless it's a dainty, washed out, grandma-like floral". I'm oh so wrong, and now I really know it.

Sometimes, Paris-based Balmain is hit or miss with me, but the Resort 2012 collection knocked my face off. I was able to tack it back on long enough to watch the slideshow on my smartphone before we made it to the hospital. Okay, I'm obviously kidding, but I haven't been this impressed with every look coming down the runway (or stairs, here)... oh, ever.

Inspired by a myriad of things (see: Elvis, Americana biker chick, Native American prints, military, Rock 'n' Roll) new Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing debuts his collection for Resort 2012.

I'm impressed.

Crisp ivory blazer, killer pants, and look at those boots!
I love this sequin 'print' on the skirt. Great use of metallic.
Again with the boots! 
Fan.Tastic. 
I would wear this everyday. 
Killer printed mini with a long tuxedo style blazer? Yes, please. 
This blazer pretty much rocks.
There are those booties again!
But look at the printed tuxedo-pant stripe down these puppies! 
A romper that really works. 
Slinky how-does-that-even-stay-up jumpsuit. Neat. 

So, that's my take on Balmain Resort 2012...