Archive for the ‘Fun’ Category

This one is for the guys out there facing the girlfriend gift shopping dilemma (even if you don’t realize it yet), which I know most of you are probably planning to tackle on December 24. As the daughter of a man who has only cut his hair with a Flowbee for 15+ years and once bought my mom an automatic car starter for Christmas so he wouldn’t have to get up early to warm up her car every morning, I’ve seen my fair share of gift failures. I’ve also learned that regardless of good intentions, it’s pretty easy to send the wrong message to a girl inadvertently hurting her feelings, or better yet, calling her “fat.”

The following is a guide of 10 types of gifts to stay clear of when shopping for girlfriends/wives because sometimes it’s just as important to consider what NOT to buy.

1. “Are you calling me fat?!”

Steer clear of these types of gifts unless you’re prepared to answer YES when she asks the “fat” question.

• Wii Fit
• Personal training package or gym membership
• A fancy new scale or exercise equipment

His Intention: I know she cares about getting in shape and it makes her happy. Why wouldn’t I want to buy a gift that makes her happy?

How We Twist It: I knew it, you think I’m fat. You’re just positioning it as wanting to see me happy to avoid hurting my feelings.

Read the rest of this entry »

I take photos of everything…sometimes even hundreds per week. I probably only share about 5% here, if that, which seems like a waste if this is supposed to be a creative outlet of self expression, right? Okay, not all of my photos are necessarily blog-worthy…as much as you might love seeing photos of my chihuahuas, I’m guessing that’s not why you visit my site. So…here’s something new; a peek inside my growing appreciation for New York City through the miscellaneous photos I capture on my phone.

FYI – some photos have been “apped” for fun viewing effect. They consist of a walk down the west side to Chelsea Market, the West Village and Highline Park. View the full set after the jump!

Above: Upside down Christmas tree in bakery window display in Chelsea Market

Above: Hearty door handles at Moschino in Meatpacking District

Above: Truffle tater tots at Mercury Bar, with Cholula of course

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Need a last minute costume idea, but not into the cheap kinds available at your typical Halloween shops? It’s fairly easy to create your own version of a Smurfette as opposed to the frumpy store-bought version. Here are two different ways (the second is after the jump)…plus, as with the other DIY costumes I’m posting, you’ll get more wear beyond October 31. 

Look #1 (left side of Smurfette):

• American Apparel longsleeve tee ($26): You could always paint yourself blue, but this is a cleaner option and you’ll probably wear the top again.
• American Apparel thigh high stockings ($15):  Again, you could always go with paint or even blue tights, but these are a little more fun in my opinion.
• American Apparel mini dress ($36): Wear this over top of the long sleeve tee and stockings, then use it in layered looks in the future.
• TOMS white shoes ($44): This version of a Smurfette cares about social causes, clearly. Plus TOMS are super comfortable.
• Peggy Sue wig ($19.95): There are lots of yellow wig options; you could even do blonde. Pick one that makes you feel cute.
• Smurf hat ($13.95): A slouchy white beanie would work too. Read the rest of this entry »

Angelina Jolie as a costume isn’t new, but I don’t think we’ll see as many of her this season. Aside from a wig, wax lips and a fake gun holster, you can probably put together the rest of the costume from things you already own. My friend and coworker Alexandra is en route to Las Vegas this weekend for the Cuervo Games championship this weekend and she gave me this idea. I especially like that it doesn’t take a lot of effort, yet it should be pretty obvious. Below are the pieces shown above…what do you think?

• American Apparel Winter Leggings ($38): Any black skinny jeans or thick leggings from your own closeshould work, but these are my favorite. I’ve purchased three pairs in the past two years.
• American Apparel Rib U Neck Tank ($22): You probably already have a black tank, so pull it from your own closet. My personal fav is SPUN, but not sure there’s enough time to order it online this time around.
• Vans Wingman Aviators ($18): Any pair of oversized sunglasses or aviators will work, but if you want to buy a new pair, these are a low cost option.
• Jeffrey Campbell Riding Boots ($289.95): If you don’t already have a black boot for the costume, these are a good option as they’ll take you into winter and beyond.
• Lara Croft gun holster ($14.95): Strap this holster over top of your leggings (shorts if that’s your style, but it’s not really mine). You can probably get a second costume out of it next year!
• Shoulder gun holster ($10.95): You probably only need one holster to get the point across, but this is a second option.
• Long glamour wig ($9.95): This one looks especially like one of the wigs she wore in Salt!
• Baby dolls (starting at $2.99): Strap a few babies into your holster or a belt to bring the modern mom to the bad ass Jolie look we see in so many of her roles
• Wax lips ($2.99): you probably won’t get anything out of these beyond the costume, but if you do, let me know!
• Temporary tattoos ($4.99): Angelina is known for her tattoos. You can use temporary or even have a friend (with good handwriting) draw a quote on your arm and back with a sharpie.

Photo credits: American Apparel, She Knows, IMDB, Urban Outfitters, Target, Costume Kingdom, Amazon, Solestruck, Shopping & Info

My guess is Katy Perry is the new Gaga this Halloween. I think we’ll still see more Gaga’s, but those who went as Gaga last year are embracing their inner California Girls. What a great excuse to wear a cotton candy blue wig! Here’s how you can do it yourself with pieces you’ll be able to wear again…and with a little pop culture cleverness:

• Victoria’s Secret acid wash corset bikini top ($24 on sale) – wear it the way it was meant to be worn post Halloween with purple or black bikini bottoms!
• Dark blue Peggy Sue wig ($19.95) – a blue or purple wig from your local Halloween store will set you back about $20…you’d be surpised how often wigs come in handy once you have one.
• American Apparel disco shorts ($45) – not sure if you’ll wear these on a regular basis, but you never know when you’ll need a pair of hot pants…maybe under your favorite flowy dress to CYA (cover your ass, no pun intended) on a windy day?
• Urban Outfitters garter tights ($28) – plays up the edgy garter trend in a more sophicated way; pair with an LBD and red pumps for a holiday cocktail look!
• Forever21 grey elastic belt ($5.50) – you can always get more out of a belt, but even if you don’t, this will only set you back the cost of a latte.
• Aldo Rubin bootie ($160) – no explanation needed
• Elmo backpack ($12.50) – give it to your little cousin after!

Photo Credits: Amazon, American Apparel, Victoria’s Secret, Urban Outfitters, KatyPerry.com, Forever21, Costume Kingdom