DIY: Friendship Bracelets with Rhinestones

Recently while reading Refinery 29, it struck me that in their list of 9 Editor's Must Haves for NYFW, one of the items was incredibly accessible. It was also the one that Taylor Tomasi Hill listed and she's basically one of my favorite editors so it was probably meant to be. Now the item is:

Friendship bracelets with rhinestones! The bracelets, by Frieda and Nellie, are described as handwoven with vintage rhinestones but I figured who will really be able to tell if the rhinestones are vintage? So get thee to a craft store! I went to Michael's and picked up some embroidery floss, a crystal chain (you can also use an old necklace from Claire's with rhinestones), some clasps, and if you're feeling adventurous, some interesting beads.

And then, if you've never made friendship bracelets, head over to a site that teaches you how to make them and get started! After you've woven a full bracelet just twist the crystal chain or the necklace around your bracelet and attach it to the ends. Ta-daa! 

I'm in the process of making mine and I'll update this post later today or tomorrow with pictures of it once I'm done!

Thanks to Refinery29 for the image!

"I travel light...

...I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are." 

- Diane von Furstenberg*

Despite Ms. Furstenberg's lovely quote, I have packing on my mind at the moment since I will finally be back in Prague soon! I already have most of my winter wardrobe over there but I'm still bringing a new coat, some boots, presents for my roomies, and a few other must have items. What do you always take with you when traveling? If you had to pick one item to take with you when moving to a different country, what would it be? Do you have any items that just give you comfort and peace of mind when traveling (other than a passport)? Here are mine:

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer ($36), 2. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation ($42), 3. Topshop Knitted Stripe Cocoon Jumper (mine is actually a year older but this same basic idea; sadly Topshop doesn't sell it anymore) ($80), 4. American Apparel 3-Pack Unisex Flat Knit Striped Knee-High Sock ($18), 5. Citizens of Humanity Kelly Boot Cut Jeans (I got my first pair when I was 14, nearly 6 years ago. I order a new pair everytime I wear my old ones through. I am actually addicted) ($150), 6. Blackberry Bold 9650, 7. Amazon Kindle WiFi + 3G (yes it is already a necessity) ($189), 8. Fossil Fifty-Four Willow Flap Clutch ($95), 9. Lomography Diana Mini with Flash ($105).

Also, a big thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I've tried to thank everyone personally on  their blog, but just wanted to give a general thank you as well :)

Thanks to Sephora, Topshop, American Apparel, Shopbop, Research in Motion, Amazon, Fossil, and Lomography for the images. The collage was created by me.

A Little Bit Rock, a Little Bit Punk...

I have rings on my mind! My style has always leant toward a more classic and feminine look but I just can't get over these rings! From left to right, top to bottom: Katrina LePenne Talon Ring ($165), Topshop Stone Swirl Ring ($18), Topshop Skull Quad Ring ($28), Topshop Ornate Stone Cocktail Ring ($25), UO/Species By the Thousands Branch Ring ($200), Topshop Cut Out Cluster Ring ($25), Urban Outfitters Cross Double Ring ($18), Cowboy Horse Saddle Pewter Finger Armor Ring ($25.37), UO/BJ by Jules Kim Skinny Curved Bar Ring ($162), Alexander McQueen Hells Four-Finger Ring ($495), Topshop Ram Head Ring ($25), Elizabeth and James Sterling Silver Knuckle Ring ($175).

Thanks to Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon, and Shop Goldyn for the images. Collage by me.

Sunday Crosswords

Crosswords aren't really directly related to fashion but knowing about fashion can help you in all sorts of ways - Jackie O's favorite designer? Oleg C, of course. And first name in fashion? Coco. First name in cosmetics? Estee.

Every Saturday, when we get the Washington Post, I go straight for the magazine crossword. After all, few things are as quickly and cheaply satisfying as getting a clue right. And getting the entire puzzle? You're golden for the week! Until the next weekend's crossword arrives! (If by some unlikely chance someone here does the WashPost Magazine crossword, don't look at my scan :))

Do you do crosswords or sudoku? What's your favorite newspaper to get them from? 

A Short History of Lipstick

What with all the talk of nude and red and purple lips this autumn, I thought I'd do a quick post on the history of lipstick and which colors match which eras - I mean it's been useRd since the ancient Egyptians or even the Sumerians. We always talk about a decade coming back, but what about several centuries?

Ancient Egypt:
Although it was not yet in stick form, instead being a mix of oils and waxes with colors in a pot, the Ancient Egyptians wore blue-black and orange-red colors.

Ancient Greece:

Red and wine colored for most women. However, prostitutes wore all sorts of colors but they aren't exactly the ideal style icon in my eyes.

The Roman Empire:
During the time of the emperor Nero, his wife brought fucus into fashion. Fucus is reddish purple and was used alongside wine colors.

The Middle Ages:
Even though make-up was normally condemned, a white face and rose-colored lips was the only style considered somewhat acceptable.

Elizabethan England (Elizabeth I)
White faces but brighter lips. Elizabeth I thought make up could stave off death and cosmetics vendors were considered to be akin to magicians.

Baroque (1660-1789)
Men and women alike wore make up in bright colors - it was supposed to make you stand out from the crowd. Lips were to be pearl-like.

Thanks to Lime Crime and M.A.C. for the images.

Androgyny a la Woolf

I'm sorry I'm doing so many of these literary themed posts but I've been going through books from high school for a few days and it reminds me of passages that I love and so I start reading and then that turns into "that reminds me of (insert name) A/W 2010 collection" and then I can't think of anything else and they're addictive. I hope people don't mind. That said, we had to read a large amount of Virginia Woolf in school, in senior year it was To the Lighthouse and A Room of One's Own. The second I picked up A Room of One's Own, I remembered that not only is it all about androgyny but also that I bought two copies at the time and the one I was holding was covered in annotations. So I started looking through the annotated copy and came upon this gem of a passage. It didn't really fit with most of the ones I've posted since it isn't explicitly about clothing but it's still well-worded beautiful inspiration. And who doesn't love a bit of androgyny?

"It is fatal to be a man or a woman pure and simple; one must be woman-manly or man-womanly. It is fatal for a woman to lay the least stress on any grievance; to plead even with justice in any cause; in any way speak consciously as a woman. And fatal is no figure of speech; for anything written with that conscious bias is doomed to death. It ceases to be fertilised." 

- A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf, 1929

By columns, from left to right: Zara Lookbook: Crossed Checked Blazer ($129), Blucher with Flap ($149); ASOS MANOMAN Leather Buckle Lace Up Flat Shoes ($109.53); Salvatore Ferragamo "Nearly" Driving Loafers ($312); Nine West Stavo ($69); Tod's Heaven Lacetto ($425); G-Star Roll Sleeve Stripe Linen Mix Shirt ($126.38); Zara Lookbook: Short Cross-Over Blazer ($79.90); Mango Paperbag Waist Trousers ($75.66), ASOS Retro Style Oversized Face Metal Strap Watch ($37.07), Fred Perry Chino Trousers ($134.80).

So go and dress like a man! Because according to Virginia Woolf you'll never achieve anything if you're just a woman. Not vouching for that but you'll certainly look fantastic with some of the menswear pieces! I bought a blazer at Zara recently and I can barely bear taking it off.

Also, I know La Roux is totally over-used when it comes to talking about androgynous style but she's over-used for a reason. She's just so perfect!

And FNO in Georgetown was lots of fun! The weather was perfect, there were lots of people out and it's was an amazing atmosphere!

Thanks to last.fm, Piperlime, Neiman Marcus, Bluefly, ASOS, and Zara for the images. Collage by me.

Fashion's Night Out: DC

I'm heading down to Fashion's Night Out in Georgetown tonight with some friends! Quite excited but all hopes are mitigated by DC's rather straitlaced fashion sense and atmosphere. But we'll see! A list of all of Georgetown's FNO events can be found here.

Some of the spots I'm particularly excited for:
Annie Creamcheese has 20% off everything except Chanel and some designer items. Annie Creamcheese is a vintage store with pieces from the 40s and on. The only caveat being, Annie Creamcheese is fairly pricey. 20% off? Definitely a plus.

Betsey Johnson is having a garden party with wine and FNO cupcakes from Baked and Wired. Considering I would live on Baked and Wired cupcakes if given the option, this is a big deal.

bluemercury is letting visitors pick a favorite make-up look from Vogue and have it recreated by professional make-up artists.

Diesel is giving out free tote bags from their "Be Stupid" campaign.

Georgetown Aveda is offering free consultations and 20% off all products.

Georgetown Cupcake is offering a free FNO cupcake to anyone who asks for it by name. (Again cupcakes are exciting.)

Just Paper & Tea are giving out free gifts with purchases of $50 or more. (School supplies and stationery - again exciting.)

Kate Spade is having a raffle and releasing the new fragrance, Twirl.

At Presse Bookstore, a percentage of the night's proceeds goes to Action Against Hunger.

Are you going to Fashion's Night Out where you live? Are you excited? Photos later!

Thanks to We Heart It for the photo!

Military-Style Jackets

"A white church spire whistles into space

like a swordfish, a rocket pierces heaven

as the thawed springs in icy chevrons race

down hillsides and Old Glories flail

the crosses of green farm boys back from 'Nam." 

- Old New England, Derek Walcott

I find it incredible how the same motifs and themes (art and beauty, war and violence, life and religion) dominate art and culture for centuries and beyond opinions or capabilities changed by modern science and technology never seen to change much. Walcott's reaction to the draft and war in Vietnam could just as easily be a reaction to the deaths of soldiers in Iraq. And those same topics that persist in culture and political discourse continue to dominate in fashion, too.

I can't seem to get chevrons and epaulets out of my mind this season but I both realize how unoriginal this trend is and the centuries of history behind it. Afterall, military coats have come and gone from fashion for quite literally millenia. Here are some picks from Topshop, Zara, Balmain, Marc Jacobs, and a few others in the military theme.

From left to right, top row to bottom row: Topshop Military Belted Coat ($160), Zara Mao Collar Jacket with Strass ($79.90), MARC by Marc Jacobs Uniform Cotton Pants ($218), Smythe Double-breasted Wool Jacket ($595), Balmain Silk-blend Tweed Military Jacket ($6,285), Juicy Couture Skylar Twill Military Jacket ($298), Gryphon Band Stud Jacket ($495), Zara Cloth Military Jacket ($79.90), Zara Velveteen Military Style Coat ($99.90), L.A.M.B. Camo Cargo Pants ($275).

Thanks to We Heart It, Topshop, Zara, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter for the images. Collage by me.

Fashion/Fiction: Madame Bovary, The Sun Also Rises, Their Eyes Were Watching God

Since books really are some of my favorite items in the world and one of my few requirements for my dream home is that it have a room dedicated to being a library, I thought I'd bring back the Fashion/Fiction post from before and maybe even make it a series. However, this time there's a bit more variety in the eras during which the passages below were written and, as a result,  more variety in the descriptions. Since no one trend rules the runway each year and this year there are movements towards both minimalism and opulence, towards utilitarian dressing and towards military styles, a variety is not only more interesting, but also more accurate.

The first passage echoes the opulence that the Prada and Louis Vuitton collections embody but also teases the impracticality of such clothes, particularly as this scene is set at a wedding on a farm:

"The ladies, wearing bonnets, had on dresses in the town fashion, gold watch chains, pelerines with the ends tucked into belts, or little coloured fichus fastened down behind with a pin, and that left the back of the neck bare. The lads, dressed like their papas, seemed uncomfortable in their new clothes (many that day handselled their first pair of boots), and by their sides, speaking never a word, wearing the white dress of their first communion lengthened for the occasion, were some big girls of fourteen or sixteen, cousins or elder sister no doubt, rubicund, bewildered, their hair greasy with rose-pomade, and very much afraid of dirtying their gloves." 

- Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert, 1856

 

The Sun Also Rises is in my top five favorite books. It's probably the only book I can say that about given that the list changes constantly depending on my mood but this one is up there regardless. The description of Brett's outfit is sparse because, afterall, Hemingway wrote it but the materials and fabrics seem to resonate with fashion today. Wool, jersey, tweed are all back this year but the most striking part of the description is how Brett has curves and she flaunts and emphasizes them, something the fashion world is only starting to come around to now.

"Brett was damned good-looking. She wore a slipover jersey sweater and a tweed skirt, and her hair was brushed back like a boy's. She started all that. She was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht, and you missed none of it with that wool jersey." 

- The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway, 1926

  

I have to admit that the first time I read Their Eyes Were Watching God I hated it but that was most likely because I was thirteen and anything I had to read for school and then spend hours picking apart and analyzing and writing up close readings of was akin to prison. I went back to it senior year of high school though and the first chapter in particular struck a chord inside me that made me appreciate the novel much more. Here, the character of Janie first appears and I thought the reflection of how her clothes cause her former neighbors to judge and dismantle her character was incredibly interesting.

"They made burning statements with questions, and killing tools out of laughs. It was mass cruelty. A mood come alive. Words walking without masters; walking along together like harmony in a song. 

'What she doin coming back here in dem overalls? Can't she find no dress to put on? - Where's dat blue satin dress she left here in? - Where all dat money her husband took and died and left here - What dat ole forty year ole 'oman doin' wid her hair swinging' down her back lak some young gal?' ... The women took the faded shirt and muddy overalls and laid them away for remembrance. It was a weapon against her strength and if it turned out of no significance, still it was a hope that she might fall to their level some day." 

- Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston, 1937 

And I wanted to finish off with another quote by Hurston that almost gave me shivers with the perfection of the metaphor. "Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board. For some they come in with the tide. For others they sail forever on the horizon, never out of sight, never landing until the Watcher turns his eyes away in resignation, his dreams mocked to death by Time."

Thanks to We Heart It for the images.

Back to School: Part 2

Now for something actually school related. Textbooks. My two discoveries for this year are Barnes & Noble's Textbook program and the Kindle. I know there's supposedly this big e-reader war going on between the Kindle and the nook but I picked Kindle since Amazon is a bigger and more powerful company than B&N so the Kindle will probably win the war. Also Amazon just has more books. But the killer? For my favorite feature on the nook, I don't actually need the device at all. nookstudy is free and you get textbook previews and all sorts of great stuff. Go get it. Also on the topic of free stuff, I found out that instead of driving to the mall and wasting gas I can just order make-up from Sephora.com get free shipping on orders over $50 and get frequent flyer miles from United/Star Alliance for this. My mind was sort of blown. (The universal college motto has to be get everything you can if it's free. T-shirts, food, concerts, and even study tools and frequent flyer miles.)

Whereas the Kindle I was willing to spend money on (it's so pretty! and $189 is down from what it used to be! and it comes with free 3G! even in Prague!) I can't even pretend to neutrally discuss the pros and cons. As far as I'm concerned there are no cons. It's my favorite purchase for the new school year. I'm obsessed. Actually in love. Adore. Drool over. Gaze at in awe and admiration. Also it's eco-friendly, and all the books I read are cheaper on it, I can get books in 60 seconds all over the world, books on which the copyright has run out are freeee, and all my textbooks are on it so no more carrying heavy books around to class. I think the cause of my obsession is that my back is thanking me now for not lugging those books everywhere with me for the next two years.

But the best part are the cases. Some notable names like Diane von Furstenberg, Moleskine, Le Sportsac, and Cole Haan have made Kindle covers. I got the basic Kindle cover with a book light in apple green. I love it and it actually stopped me desiring other covers for about, oh, twenty minutes? But now that craving is back with a vengeance. Here are some of my favorites:

Diane von Furstenberg Kayley Canvas Clutch for Kindle in Garden Animal ($85), LeSportsac Kindle Cover in Dream Vacation ($34), Cole Haan Hand-Woven Leather Kindle Cover with Hinge in Whiskey ($119), Cole Haan Hand-Stained Leather Kindle Cover with Hinge in Green Floral Print ($99), Moleskine Kindle DX Cover with Reporter-Style Notebook in Black ($59.99), and LeSportsac Kindle Cover in Tip Top ($34).

Now to avoid sounding like an Amazon fangirl, I'm out. Also before that, I wanted to clarify that I didn't receive any free merchandise from Amazon, nor do I plan on doing so. With that out of the way, thanks to We Heart It and Amazon for the images.

Inspiration: Equestrian

As I've been packing to go back to school I've come across some items that are older but that I've fallen in love with. One of these is a pair of old riding boots from Ariat. Not showing boots but just regular paddock boots and they are perfect. For this year with the riding trend. For always because they're both classic and a bit rough. And even better because they are very androgynous which is something I have really wanted to try but have never managed. However, this got me thinking. With all the trends towards minimalism, classic styling, investment pieces, and riding, what could be found in various showing outfits? I'm sticking with English outfits rather than Western just because it both fits the style of classicism and minimalism better and because it is what I am more familiar with having only done English style riding.

Ariat Women's Coolmax Dobby Stripe Victory Shirt, Ariat Women's Trophy Hunt Coat, Hermes Clou de Selle Polo Wraps ($110), Ariat Women's English Basic 1" Belt, Ariat Women's Brittany Full Seat Breeches, Ariat Women's Coolmax Victory Shirt, Ariat Monaco Lace Paddock Boots, Ariat Hunter Dress Boot Zip, Hermes Hoof Pick and Case ($210).

To me, a lot of these pieces are similar to pieces from Phoebe Philo's collection for Celine and to a lot of the Chloe pieces. Here are a few of the ones from Chloe that seemed particularly similar:

Chloe: Tailored stretch-wool jacket (€859), Logo cotton shirt (€384.79), Leather tassel belt (€230), Leather lace-up boots (€850), Wool checked pants (€1,034), Leather boots with tassels (€740).

What do you think? Are you interested in buying riding attire now for daily wear? I mean for me, I already have a lot of riding clothes and since they're made well and intended for sports they don't fall apart quickly. I've partially reconverted to my riding wardrobe from a few years back!!

Thank you to We Heart It, Ariat, Net-a-Porter, and Hermes for the images. Collages by me.

Back to School: Part 1

So after a beautiful Labor Day weekend, I only have one weekend left in the states until winter break so I'm trying to take advantage of this week as much as possible. Unfortunately I also realized that my brain somewhat turned to mush over the course of the summer and I had to start reviewing for several classes. Of course reviewing is a bit of a nightmare, unless it's done neatly and everything is color coded and made nice! So I thought I'd make a short series of some of the fashionista-friendly back to school items I've bought or seen :) And an item or two from my wishlist for this winter.

My number one wishlist item at the moment is the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. And an accompanying lens. Now I am not going to just pop out to the store and grab it because, you know, college kids have budgets, and also, you know, my parents would probably kill me for spending the equivalent of a semester's rent in Prague on a camera and a lens. That aside, I can dream and I will get it soon. By soon I mean hopefully by Christmas. But what is a great camera without a fabulous bag to protect that camera? Tommy Ton had a post about Garance Dore's LV by Sofia Coppola bag and how it would make an amazing camera bag. So of course I started dreaming.

What would make a great camera bag? Compartments for the lens, for the camera, and for any filters and memory cards etc, etc. And a soft, soft lining that won't scratch anything on your precious camera. Of course this isn't strictly back-to-school but I do have a photography class second semester and living in Prague without a quality DSLR to capture the incredible, indescribably, it that just is the city is really a minor sin.

Fossil's Vintage Re-Issue Large Crossbody - $208

Dulce Leather Crossbody Satchel - $398

MARC by Marc Jacobs "Saddlery Lou Lou" Satchel - $558

See by Chloe "Esteli" Drawstring Tote - $495

Which one is your favorite? And am I insane for wanting a $900 camera even though I already have a point and shoot and a few film cameras?

Thanks to We Heart It, Fossil, and Nordstrom for the images.

Who Sent Flowers Giveaway Winner!

I'm excited to announce that the winner of my first giveaway is Sarah of The Queen of Wanderlust! Sarah wins the Who Sent Flowers? Ring from Modcloth!

Please email me your details at fredandgingerinprague@gmail.com! I hope you enjoy the ring!! Thank you to Sarah and everyone else who entered :)

Thanks to Modcloth for the image!

Lust List: Autumn and Winter Lace, Wool, and Tweed

I have to admit, I want to be able to go outside without sweat pouring off me and without everyone in the vicinity smelling as if no one has heard of deodorant. I want brisk autumn days with crunchy leaves to go out of my way to crunch on and all the golden, scarlet, and maroon colors that come with autumn.

However, since I am at least trying to be a frugal college student, most of my fall wardrobe will be my summer wardrobe plus leggings, jeans, cardigans, and blazers. But winter... Winter in Prague requires warm clothing. Cozy and warm and it has to be luxurious. After all, if out of your classroom window you see the largest castle in Europe, you have to be able to dream. And dreaming of being a Habsburg princess (hopefully without the genetic defects they developed) is much easier if you have cashmere and soft leather and luxurious scarves and velvet leggings and all you have to do is imagine where your beautiful outfit could take you.

Some of my favorites this week:

Flower Patterned Knitted Tube Dress ($39.90, Zara)

Waist-Cut Tweed Dress ($59.90, Zara)

Shorts R-C Main (999CZK, $52, Mango)

Bop Basics - Thick Knit Collar Scarf ($68, Shopbop)

Autumn Cashmere ($191, Bluefly)

Bop Basics Thick Knit Arm-Warmers ($58, Shopbop)

I'm also planning on writing a Zara autumn wishlist post soon but since they are currently updating the website and the inventory, everything is a bit glitchy.

Thanks to We Heart It, Zara, Mango, Bluefly, and Shopbop for the images.