Halloween Horrors: The Five Truly Horrible Halloween Costumes

I am the first person to tell you that Halloween is awesome.  It just is.  There are costumes, you get to stay up late, and best of all, there is free candy.  But over the years, some costumes have taken a turn for the worse.  There are the ones that are too slutty revealing, the ones that are far too scary (there are kids around), the ones that are more than a tad inappropriate (again, children people) and the ones that are so poorly done you wonder if they even remembered it was Halloween until this morning.  So, to ensure that none of my lovely readers fall into any of the above categories, here are my rules for having a good Halloween costume:
1) Plan ahead; I always start my costumes at least a month or two before Halloween
2) If you're making your own, make sure not to get too ambitious
3) Never show any bra straps, never wear something see-through, no sky high slits, and please people, no tube tops unless you are being a disco dancer, in which case, it better be a pretty modest tube top
4) BE CREATIVE!!!! Obviously if you go for a basic costume no one is going to be revolted, but this is a holiday for having fun so try to think of something original
5) If your mom would die if she saw what you were wearing, don't wear it

And now, the five worst costumes that I found while browsing Google (at least, the ones that didn't feature content so offensive I wouldn't dare to post it on this page):

Where effort goes to die.

Please do not dress your child up as a toilet, it's only setting him up for failure.

The sad part was this wasn't a costume.... (and I know someone out there is going to be Honey Boo Boo for Halloween, and if you are that somebody, please understand that you are encouraging THIS! And then go have some fun because we all REDNECK-inize that the show is pretty darn hilarious)

I AM CHEWBACCA!

What is it with people? Halloween is I time to be scary-gross, not to literally make me want to vomit! Human waste stained pants should be left to the babies.

Believe it or not, there were tons more where that came from.  I'm talking completely inappropriate racial costumes, bestiality and, yes, prison rape.  Please people, keep it PG!

Kisses,
Anonymous

Music and Why I Love It

Okay so I've never really done anything music related on here which is crazy to me because music is such a huge part of my life.  I'll start by saying that I don't have a specific preference in music, there are aspects in every genre that I respect and enjoy.  That being said, I do have some favorites.  Country is a go-to for me, the rhythms, country twang, and pure simple lyrics about love life and learning always have me singing along.  My favorites? Miranda Lambert takes the cake, Taylor Swift is an amazing and talented cross between country and pop and Carrie Underwood always has me hooked.  There are also some great up and coming stars I've found through YouTube (Kira Isabella is amazing).  As far as pop, I am a sucker for anything catchy, but I find that after listening to a song a few hundred times on the radio, it's becomes over-played, dull, and just less special.  Other genres I'm just getting to know are bluegrass and indie.  As far as bluegrass goes, the Steep Canyon Rangers (who I saw live with Steve Martin) are great.  Indie wise, I'm seriously in love with Kimbra (you may know her as the featured singer on Gotye's Somebody I Used to Know) and Fiona Apple is fascinating.  Anyway, it doesn't matter what I'm listening to, music can always make me feel better and the right song can make all of your problems go away, at least for a little bit.  Below are just a few of the TONS of songs I love, hope they inspire you!

Kira Isabella is amazing and I love this song and so many of her other ones.

Not sure if stealing cars is exactly the right message but I love how clever the video is and the tune is catchy as heck.

Like, ever.

Britney Spears is one of those artists that for some reason have songs that you've probably heard about one bazillion times and yet you have no problem getting up and singing/dancing along.  Even though I don't watch X Factor, I hope she does well!

That fiddle player is amazing (check out some of their other pieces) and I just love the depth of some of the harmonies they produce.  Steve Martin (yes, the comedian plays banjo, I thought it was bizarre too) is not part of the actual Steep Canyon Rangers, but they recently partnered on an album that is equal parts hilarious and musical perfection and are currently touring.

The music video is strange in my opinion but the song is one of my favorites.

Oh and I love Maroon 5.  Come on, Adam Levine is hot and the Voice is amazing.  Payphone is probably my favorite of all their songs and the music video is amazing.  BUT, it is explicit and that's not the type of cite I'm running, so here is a CLEAN lyric video.

Possibly my favorite song for the past six months and it has yet to be eclisped.  This song just makes me smile.  Nuff said.

So there you are, some amazing musical selections for your amazing ears.  Enjoy!

Kisses,
Anonymous

Fab Feature: Edition One

Recently I've been contemplating the idea of having a recurring type of post (like Five  Things on Cupcakes and Cashmere) and this is it.  The idea is that every once in a while, I'll highlight just one piece that I'm craving right now.  It may be hair, nails, clothes, shoes, etc. (maybe even food or events) but it'll give you a taste of what I am in the mood for.  Hence, a Fab Feature.  So, without further ado, here is the first edition!

First of all, I've been craving a good leather jacket.  It goes with tons and adds edge to a girly outfit.  Secondly, I've been anticipating Kirna Zabete for Target (that's tar-je to you).  The truth is that if you don't want to go spending tons on new wardrobe pieces, there are plenty of affordable options that are (albeit lesser quality) still very cute.  So yes, I would shop at Target.  In fact, so many trends are too fleeting to seriously invest in, so big time sales and cheaper stores that still can produce good looking clothing are actually a good idea.  Fashion-istas on a budget rejoice and head to a Target near you.

Kisses,

Anonymous

My Mother's Closet: Vintage Haven (And Everything's Free!)

Yesterday I decided to raid my mother's closet.  The truth is I've already bought my new fall pieces, so shopping is really unnecessary.  But, if I can get said pieces for free, well then there's no harm done.  Hence, my favorite vintage boutique, my mom's closet.  See, the thing about people is we have tons of clothes we never wear, yet we keep them in our possession for some reason or another.  This is my mom.  She has an array of beautiful silk shirts she no longer fits into and a plethora of shoes she doesn't have an occasion to wear.  That's where I come in.  You see, I have the good fortune of being the same size foot as my mother.  So, those black suede heels? You can bet I'll be wearing them.  One of my best clothing finds of yesterday was an old denim Guess shirt that looks flawless tucked into some shorts or skinny jeans (when it gets cold) and paired with a statement necklace.  Another great piece, a brown velvet tee that fits perfectly and looks brand new and expensive.  Overall, my day of $ free shopping was a success. 

And on another note:

Here's my new favorite pieces from Kate Spade. 

Oh Kate Spade, how I love you.  Why oh why can't your prices go down so I can buy you up? This is the true question.

Kisses,
Anonymous

FNO, We Meet Again

After browsing through one of my favorite blogs The Man Repeller I realized just how close FNO was.  Of course, I had already started preparing, but I was doing my best to be blissfully ignorant about the dreaded end of summer.  But the truth is, the days of lounging around in the sun are coming to an end.  Fashion's Night Out has long been a dream of mine.  That's right, a dream.  I don't live in New York (Ooh now you know I don't live in NY, there's only 49 other states and I don't know how many other countries to choose from. Happy guessing) and I certainly don't plan to fly there for a one night sale.  Nope plain old me is going to use the internet that I've been so neglecting these past few months (see previous post).  Now I have always been hesitant about internet shopping, especially in bulk because I just don't know how it will look on my body (why I haven't participated in FNO before, I've merely been a spectator of the sales) so this time it may take some courage.  But I'm determined to at least shop a little this year.  Want to join me in my internet adventures or find shops that are participating in NYC or beyond? Simply go to this site, and planning a spectacular shopping spree could never have been easier.  To get you psyched for the big day (September 6th) here are some clothes from participating online stores. 

This amazing dress from BCBG is just an example of the beautiful gowns and regular street clothes that will be yours for the taking if you win the $1000 BCBGMAXAZRIA wardrobe.  How to enter? tag an outfit to #BCBGFNO on Instagram for your chance to win! (bcbg.com, $298.00)

Like these wedge booties from Blowfish Shoes? Well they are currently selling for only $79. Find shoes this price and even less in the sale section of this amazing online haven. 

Oh you glorious trench from Habit of Urban, you perfect piece for fall.  How I long to place you in my closet an feel your warmth on the coldest of days.  And look, if I buy you on September 6th between 6-11pm, you come along with a reversible blouse!  The joys of FNO. (shop-habitofurban.com, $139.26)

This tube of mascara gives me the best, most voluminous lashes everyday.  So when I get to stock up on my favorite beauty helpers from Maybelline New York, I plan to give it all I got.  (Volume Express, The Falsies, Black Drama Mascara, no price listed)  

Love this For Love and Lemons Lulu dress found at Messes of Dresses for only $95.00? Then you should know there are tons more just like it.

In addition to these great finds, there are the likes of Sperry Top-Sider, my fave shoe brand for their preppy designs, and Rent the Runway, the equivalent of Netflix with clothes, to shop online. The stores above are, in my opinion, your best bets for FNO.  They are the most affordable, yet still unbelievably chic online places in the line up, and trust me, I looked through them all (well mostly, I got tired towards the end of the alphabet and skipped to my go-to stores but come on, there are hundreds).  Decide for yourself from the full list of participating stores here. 

Until next time.

Kisses,
Anonymous

Computer: Oh how I've missed you

Sad fact, I haven't been on a computer all summer. Well, perhaps not ALL summer, so I'll be more exact. I haven't been on a computer since the middle of June. How has this occurred? Honestly, I have no idea. It's not like I haven't had technology, I'm on Instagram everyday, so I'm not a complete cave woman.  But yes, I have been neglecting this blog, the news, and pretty much everything else my computer so generously brings me.  But now I've returned, and may I just say, I've missed this.  So, in celebration of my return to the modern age and in (less of) a celebration of the end of summer (more like a funeral, but....) here are my favorite new picks for fall, courtesy of my two new go-to stores, H&M and Forever 21, along with the ever fashionable Polyvore. 

I just love the collar. Not only that, but the top creates the effect of layering without any.  Simple, chic, must have.

I have no I idea why, but I'm becoming obsessed with patterns involving birds, hearts or polka dots.  I just feel like fashion has taken a turn and is letting us explore the forgotten days of our youth.  Call me crazy, but pair this top with a blazer and it's office appropriate, but you still seem young and fresh. Oh yes!

It reminds me of spring. And why not have spring in the middle of fall, it's my freaking life.  Besides, in addition to patterns of youth, my new fashion craving is coral.  Literally, I walk into a store, grab a few items that catch my eye, head to the dressing room and find that they are all the same color of coral.  Maybe it's the feeling of pure sunlight the shade induces, but I'm hooked.

I told you didn't I? Polka dots.

Yes, this shirt is simple.  But between the color and the curved collar, it's just special enough to be your go-to office piece.  The options are unlimited. 

Hounds tooth and coral.  Maybe it seems like summer, but put on some thick leggings and a jacket, and you have weekend outfit covered. 

Same as the previous dress.  A perfect piece that you can wear by itself while you soak up the last days of summer, and then add a few layered pieces for fall with color.  No one said just because it's cold out you have to go goth. 

Oh look another summer dress this wacko is telling me to wear for fall. But hey, it is pretty cute.

Okay, so I went overboard. But I made my layering point right? Besides, they were all so cute I couldn't choose.  On to another tip now (finally).

Warm but bright. A sweater with pizazz is exactly the thing to keep your post-summer depression at bay.  Just beware, you don't want to go all tacky Christmas sweater, or the last thing you'll be seen as is fashionable.

Muted color palette, and neutral enough to go with anything, but sparkly enough to have you dreaming of the magic filled holidays to come. 

A small purse that caught my eye.  I just love the geometric shape.  It's not specifically fall, but hey, it's cute.

Printed pants are huge right now (as are pastels) so this play on snakeskin has me in love. (Plus, there's a dress in the same print below)

Oh how I love me some flats.  And they have hounds tooth on them you say? Why this must be heaven.

Jeweled Peter Pan collar and the perfect fall shade, we have ourselves a winner.

The cutest collar that ever could be, it's completely on trend.  Seen on celebs such as Emma Roberts and Diane Kruger, this look is officially a do. (Plus it's sparkly)

See? I told you there was more of that amazing snakeskin-esque print.  Do you love it or do you love it?

And now we come to the end of our fall must haves list, finishing up with the perfect fitted jacket.  I must say, it was very hard to pick only a few pieces, there are so many out there, but hopefully I've shown you some stylish (and affordable) pieces to inspire your purchases for the upcoming cold. Until next time.

Kisses,
Anonymous

Catching Up- Nails

I've had so many manicures since the patterned ones I showed you forever ago, I don't even know where to begin! Regrettably, Some of them weren't photographed, but a few few were. Here are the manicures (all done by me except for the sparkly blue) you have missed.

This "jailhouse" manicure (as I dubbed it) combined the sharp contrast of black and white and the recent trend of one finger with a different design. While it's far from perfect, I like the concept.

While bubble gum pink is not exactly my go to color, I wanted to try something completely girly with these nails.  What I'm most proud of are the flowers, as this was the first time I painted them perfectly.

While I didn't paint these blue sparklers myself, I love the color. It reminds me of the ocean, happiness and of course, summer.  One thing is for sure, metallic will always be beautiful.

Sometimes simple is best, as showcased with this pale pink manicure. Whenever I just need the perfect day-to-day look, this color wins out. It goes with everything, overpowers nothing, and has a certain air of class.  For girls who don't like nail polish that takes too much attention, this is perfect! Not to mention that even when it chips, it's far less noticeable than with brighter colors.

This is my current manicure and I just love it! Check out Instagram for the full version on how it came to be, but long story short, it was a mistake turned aquarium inspired mani. The teal color has me obsessed (it's on my toes too) with it's vibrancy. Just love, love, love, love, love.

Okay, well that gets me up to date.  What is your favorite manicure? Mine is the teal, but comment yours!
Kisses,
Anonymous
P.S. Last week I had on birdie Sally Hansen nails stickers (not a peep). They were adorable, but I didn't get a photo, so when I do them next, I'll be sure to post.