Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

February- What a Strange Month

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Ok folks- I've gotten moved in, but it's still going to be a crazy couple of weeks. I have my birthday coming up, my boyfriend's got a HUGE (read: turning OLD) birthday coming up, there's Valentine's Day, I might be having dental surgery- anyway, posting will be a little bit less than regular for the month of February.

I didn't post my inspiration folder for January and it is bursting at the seams. Get ready for a very image-heavy post of awesome.

Karlie Kloss took a while t0 grow on me ( I hated her her first season on the runway), but she's gained range over the past few years and now I'm really impressed. I also just realized she's in Rodarte in both of these, which may explain the love as well.

Maybe it's the influence of couture week, but I'm loving big poufy dresses lately.

Fantastical settings. If you haven't seen the editorial from Vogue UK that this Helena Bonham Carter photos is from, you should search for it ASAP. It's based on Roald Dahl's children's stories, and it's one of my favorites in a long time. I highly recommend it.

What Are You Doing Here?

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 04:57:00 +0000

IT'S COUTURE WEEK.

Take yourself over to style.com

Oh, and I'm moving this week, so posting will be sporadic.

Thought for the Day

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 19:48:00 +0000

I hate snakes. HATE THEM. I live in an area where snakes are fairly common, and my reaction on seeing one is to go into full crying hysterics and scream things like, "Kill it! Kill it with fire!". I even have a hard time looking at pictures of snakes. I recently found two pieces that are snakeskin that I actually coveted though. Can I actually have snakeskin that close to my body without turning into a shrieking mess? Will somebody buy these for me so that I can find out?

VBH python bag

Prada whipsnake and python heels

I Smell Like a Man

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 03:33:00 +0000

Note: GAH! I wrote this post almost a week ago and pressed Save instead of Publish so I've just been twiddling along congratulating myself on posting more regularly and generally being a dummy!

I've been wearing the same perfume for about four years, so when I had a little extra money after Christmas, I decided to head to Sephora to try some new ones out and maybe pick up some new makeup while I was at it. As I was wandering around looking for Dior mascara (note to ladies with green or green-flecked eyes: Deep Plum Diorshow Mascara is your new best friend), I decided to play in the men's cologne. It was my Goldilocks moment. John Varvatos cologne smelled like a very manly library on the test strip- too woodsy. Hermes Terre d'Hermes smelled like the forest- too outdoorsy. When I sprayed Prada Infusion d'Homme on the test strip, I was instantly intrigued. It smelled clean and fresh. I'm no expert when it comes to fragrance "notes" but this review on Now Smell This really gives a great summary for those who understand those kind of things better than me.

So there I was, wandering around Sephora, trying to figure out what guy in my life was going to be lucky enough to get some new cologne, when all of a sudden it hit me- dude, I wanted this cologne! I put a little on my skin, cruised around Sephora for a little while longer, and then took a sniff- perfection! It was everything I like in a scent: a little citrus-y, a little water-y, very clean, and yet not overly manly (or even worse in my book, overly girly) at all. I had to have it!

I got home, and there lay the real test- what would the boyfriend think? Generally I don't wear perfume very often, and he's not a cologne guy either, so I knew that a new smell on me would garner a reaction. But would he think I smelled like another man? Or would he even suspect I was wearing cologne? Within moments of our first hug, he commented that I "smelled nice". Once we had settled in a little, I made him smell my wrist- and then couldn't get him to quit sniffing it! He really liked the smell that much. He was a little confused when I told him I was wearing cologne, but was still really into it.

Lesson for my ladies- go play in the men's aisles. Don't be afraid to try on their smells. Yes, some would have you smelling a little too much like your dad, but give it a shot- you may find your next signature scent there.

I've Been Gone WAY Too Long

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:53:00 +0000

Sorry for the unintentional extended absence folks- I got the stomach virus around Christmas time and then went to visit the boyfriend's family for the first time at the end of the year. (Note to self: thirteen hour roadtrips in the backseat with two large Labs are not so fun.) Anyway, there's a whole lot that I want to write about now that I'm back, beginning with an editorial from a magazine that is more practical than aspirational.

InStyle Magazine really hit the mark with its styling of Keri Russell in their January issue. I'm pretty bummed nobody gave me what I really wanted for Christmas (an unlimited lifetime shopping allowance- seriously guys, where were you on that one?), because if they had I would definitely dress like this all the time. It's the perfect mix of masculine touches with an overall girly feel. I'm going to try to look to this shoot for inspiration for my winter wear since its finally gotten slightly colder here in the Deep South. Keep up the good work, InStyle! Maybe you'll finally tempt me to get a subscription this year.

Christmas Presents of Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:35:00 +0000

Merry Christmas Everybody! My inspiration folder for December is really full, so I thought y'all would enjoy getting to take a peek at what's been exciting for me this month.

Amazing black and white photos.

Beautiful makeup photos. I love the big experimental makeup looks.

Childhood Daydreams Come to Life

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:11:00 +0000

This may be too obscure for some people, but did anyone else read Maurice Sendak books when they were a kid? Holy hell was I obsessed with these books! I think I had every one ever written, and some of them are still on my shelves today. Every last one of those books is absolutely on its last legs from being read and re-read so often. If you have not read these books, I'm telling you right now, add these and this to your Christmas list now. I don't care how old you are, and if you think you're too cool for kids' books- you probably read Harry Potter, and these books are so much cooler than Harry will ever be.

When I found out that they were making a movie of Where the Wild Things Are, I was ecstatic. When I found out Spike Jonze was directing it, I did my happy dance with glee. And then when I saw these stills from the movie that were recently released- well, I almost passed out with

giddiness.

I don't think I've been this excited about the release of a movie ever. I will be there on opening day to see this one.

The only thing that concerns me (and kinda makes me laugh a little) is that at screenings, evidently kids were running out crying and screaming. Obviously, this makes the studios a little nervous, so the film has supposedly done some reshoots and editing to make it more kid-friendly. But I don't want kid-friendly. These books are intentionally weird- that's what I loved about them as a little weirdo kid, and that's what makes me return to them as an adult. I hope that there will be a DVD release of the original version, and I really hope that the new version hasn't been too kiddie-fied to make it unrecognizable to its original fans.

In short, buy Maurice Sendak books NOW, and get yourself educated in the awesome weirdness before this movie is released. I'll see you on opening night- I'll be the one yelling "Let the wild rumpus start!" and wearing my crown.

Burberry Pre-Fall 2009

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 03:44:00 +0000

Christopher Bailey KILLED it with this collection. Usually I don't do pictures from just one collection, but this one was too good not to share. Plus he included more of the pants like the ones I'm coveting from this post, but in a great fall fabric. He also made those weird bucket hats from the spring show work. What have been your favorite pre-fall collections so far?

Inspiration Folder for November

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:56:00 +0000

I keep an inspiration folder on my desktop that I fill with images that I pull from all over the internet. They're from websites, emails, ads, editorials, basically anything that I can find. Anyway, to make some space I've been trying to organize them, but I thought that I'd show y'all what has caught my interest lately. These have all been pulled over the last month.

This photo is currently my background on my computer. It reminds me of the place I went to camp as a kid.

Getting in the holiday spirit.

Moody glamour. I never realized the similarities in color and lighting until I put these all together.

Devon Aoki and Daphne Guiness in Chanel.

The Lion, the Witch, and Stuff I Need in My Wardrobe

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:24:00 +0000

The other day, someone on another blog posed the question, "What five things do you wish you could add to your wardrobe this fall?" I thought about it, and came up with more than five, and I thought I'd share them with you.

This looks like a pirate took on the ubiquitous fall blazer. I mean that in the most awesome way possible.

Coming Soon by Yohji Yamamoto

The chicest sweater/sweatshirt combo you'll ever see.

Hogan by Thakoon

I love the hood on this jacket.

Ever

This may be the coolest purse ever. That's not hyperbole either... COOLEST. EVER.

Alessandro Dell'Acqua

If you saw these on the runway, you know they make your legs look a gazillion miles long. When you're 5'3", that makes them a must-have.

Burberry Prorsum

Could these be any cooler? I dare you to find a way.

Christian Louboutin

I need a black tie event that I can wear this dress to ASAP. I'm not sure I'd ever take it off.

Alexander McQueen

Thank you, America

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Random, but Funny

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:23:00 +0000

If you have a dog, you will understand why this is so funny. FYI, this dog is eleven months old.

Why, Topshop, Why?

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:27:00 +0000

For Christmas, my dad and stepmother are taking my brother and I to New York City. I'm really excited about this for lots of reasons, but I was really excited that the US Topshop would be open in time for my visit. Instead, Topshop in New York won't open until spring 2009. Why must you break my heart?

Instead, I'm stuck e-shopping the topshop.com website. Look at these two beautiful booties I found.

I realize that this are total Louboutin wanna-bes, but they're also beautiful, so I'm trying to tell myself I don't care.

These are YSL-esque in the best way possible. I think I'm in love.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:14:00 +0000

May I interrupt your day to bring you this HOLY CRAP THIS IS F*ING GORGEOUS moment.

That is all. Resume your activities.

Quick Notes....

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Sorry folks, I know I've been absent lately, but I've been having some medical issues that are pretty much taking up all of my time getting figured out.

However, big news:

1. I'm getting my camera fixed. While I refuse to turn this into a "what I wore today" blog (mostly because you'd see a lot of t-shirts and jeans- I don't feel like getting glamorous when I'm sick), lately I've had the urge to take some snaps of stuff around my house for you to check out.

2. I'm going to learn Photoshop so that I can collage stuff for y'all. Does anyone know of good tutorials online? I'm looking at probably using Photoshop Elements, if that helps any.

An awesome picture to tide you over until I can get my ass back in gear, from Vogue China (not sure of the issue, but it was this summer prior to the Olympics):

Two Quick Questions...

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:21:00 +0000

1. I'm slow with the updating lately because I've been having a hard time getting the pictures on style.com to load. Is anyone else having this problem, or is it just my computer?

2. I feel like such a loser for asking this, but does anyone have an invite for the Fashion Spot forums? There have been several occasions where I've wanted to ask questions that I feel like could be best answered there, but I don't know who to turn to other than my favorite readers! I'll send you something awesome in return... although I have no idea what it will be yet.

Thanks to you all!

Edit: Thanks Wendy!

The Story of My Disappearance

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:43:00 +0000

If you follow this blog, you may have noticed that I dropped off the map for a couple of days towards the end of New York Fashion Week. I didn't gush about the Oscar show (classic and flawlesss, as usual) or tell you about my favorites (Boy, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs). If I could, I would spend the next few weeks going through the detail and beauty shots of all of the shows (and if you haven't, you must go through the detail shots of the Marc show because there is so much to look at and take in and it's all gorgeous!), but instead I took a break for something special!

I was lucky enough to grow up in BB King's hometown, and so I've been able to see this amazing performer in concert since I was barely old enough to walk. This weekend was the grand opening of the museum built in his honor, and I went home to celebrate. It was an especially big weekend because, once upon a time, I worked for the museum when it was just in its infancy.

Let me tell you, a lot has changed. People, this place is amazing. Indianola, Misssisssippi is a town of about 12,000 people, but the museum could easily stand next to any museum in Atlanta, New Orleans, or any major city. Everything is absolutely beautiful, the displays are all fascinating, and you really come away feeling like you understand the story of his life and how incredible it is that a man who started in smalltown Mississippi has millions of fans throughout the world. Check out this article in USA Today about the opening of the museum..

We also got to go to the gala opening, where we saw Keb' Mo' , Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and others share the stage and play an incredible, once in a lifetime performance that absolutely blew everyone away. It's truly a performance that I will be telling my grandchildren about one day.

I hope that if you are a fan of the blues, or just of music in general, that you'll go check out the museum. Find out more about it here.

Congrats on your opening, L!

Has This Ever Happened to You?

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 06:49:00 +0000

I can't be the only one who has spilled nail polish on their carpet? It's truly a moment of panic, especially if you're like me and you rent your house. I just dumped about half a bottle of dark plum polish on my (rented) cream-colored carpet. What did I do? The same thing most of my generation would do... I Googled! And guess what? IT WORKED! Plus, the ingredients used in the stain remover can be found around your home.

If this ever happens to you, here's a solution that worked on my carpet:

1. DO NOT APPLY NAIL POLISH REMOVER. This will only smear the polish around your carpet. I would have had much less to clean up if I hadn't immediately tried polish remover.

2. Coat the stain in rubbing alcohol. If you have a spare toothbrush laying around, use it to scrub the liquid all the way down to the base of the carpet weave. If not, you can also use your finger.

3. Blot the excessive liquid up with a towel.

4. Spray the stain with Windex (I used Windex brand, so all I can do is guarantee that this type of window cleaner works), then scrub it in with the toothbrush/finger. Blot up the foam with a towel.

5. Cover the stain with hot water, and blot.

6. Alternate between Windex and hot water until the stain is out!

Tomorrow I'll be back with an awesome post about why I suddenly disappeared in the middle of Fashion Week! Something unusual but special for the music fans.

*I can only vouch for this method working on a light-colored carpet. I'd try this in a tiny little corner to be sure that this doesn't cause discoloration on your carpet!

** If you're curious, I spilled about an hour ago. My carpet had a deep purple stain. It now looks like this:

WOOHOO!

A Plea to NY Desginers...

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:09:00 +0000

Can you please quit messing with the model's eyebrows? So far I've seen metallics, blues, and completely bleached eyebrows on the runway. Really, it's quite distracting, and it's not a trend that many (if anyone) is going to try off the runway. So stop. Thanks!

P.S. Quit with the jumpsuits while you're at it.

OPI for Sephora

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:16:00 +0000

It'll be a quick post tonight because I've got an early doctor's appointment in the morning. I've added some more pictures to my lookbook since yesterday. I really loved all of the Boy by Band of Outsiders clothes, so if anyone wants to buy me early birthday/Christmast presents, that collection would be great.

I do want to rave about the Sephora by OPI polish. I bought two bottles this past week because of the great color selection. Right now I'm wearing Run With It! on my nails, which is a a really beautiful neutral with an an edge and works surprisingly well with fair skin. I've also got Meet for Drinks on my toes. It reads as a metallic purple against my skin, which is great for fall. While the colors are fantastic (I'm dying to try Metro Chic once it's back in stock - in the meantime I'll be using You Don't Know Jacques! as a substitute), it's the longevity of the polish that amazes me. I usually get chips in my polish within the first eight hours of giving myself a manicure, but I've had this polish on for going on five days without a chip in my tips or toes. I used my regular base and topcoats, so it seems that this polish is a good one. Is anyone else using this polish? Did anyone get their hands on Metro Chic? Let me know what your thoughts on this polish is.

P.S. Congrats to Rumi over at Fashion Toast for her amazing Fashion Week luck! Erin Wasson for RVCA party, Alexander Wang's show, and then being featured on the Sartorialist... what awesome luck!

NY Fashion Week

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:14:00 +0000

This season, I'm doing something different. Instead of describing all of the things that I've been lusting over, I'm going to start a lookbook on style.com. If you're interested in checking out what's looking good to me this season, you can search for gumdropsdaily under public lookbooks.

As far as things I'm seeing this season:

-While the models are still mostly white, it seems like I'm seeing a few more models of colors on the runway this season. I'm hoping that this will continue as the major names start their shows and into Europe.

-I'm seeing more rompers and jumpsuits on the runway. Did these really sell well enough to make them worth showing again this season?

-Colors are back! Yay! Things seem to be either brightly colored or black/grey and white/cream. Very few pastels (except for at Erin Featherston) or the neutrals we saw last season.

-Blazers and leather jackets are the new cardigans. Blazers are worn with the sleeves pushed up towards the elbows. Leather jackets are shrunken bombers instead of the biker jackets that we saw in the fall.

-Big, chunky, sternum-length necklaces are all over the place.

I'll be back tomorrow with more reports. Enjoy!

It's About Damn Time

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:42:00 +0000

Ladies and gentlemen, I am BAAAACK!

And just in time for fashion week... how lucky are you?

I'll be back tomorrow with official reporting - mark your calendar.

Taking a break

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:37:00 +0000

So my computer is fried and I'm forced to rely on computers at the public library right now, which means that I'll be back up and running as soon as I can! I promise to return as soon as I have a reliable, PERSONAL computer, so keep checking back periodically. In the meantime, check out some of the links on my page for other good reads!

Sex and the Clothes

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:44:00 +0000

No, I haven't seen Sex and the City. Yet. In fact, I probably will wait until I can Netflix it. To be honest, I kinda feel like it's being shoved down my throat everywhere I go - the TV ads, the write-ups on the blogs... it feels like everyone's losing their shit over this movie. I can't imagine going the first week either. I don't want to sit in a theater with a bunch of what Jezebel has dubbed "Scary Sadshaws" (you know, the girls who watch the show and say "I am so a Samantha! This is so like my life!" even though they're all of seventeen and think that Juicy Couture terrycloth pants count as designer gear). Let's be honest... the whole point of SATC was that it wasn't like anyone's life. Nobody could live on Carrie's salary and afford all those clothes. Nobody's sex life involves that many "zany hijinks". In my opinion, what people really responded to was the frank discussion of sex (yes, girls do kiss and tell) and the relationship between the girls. But why people really watched was the fashion. And to be honest, I could care less about the plotline to the movie. I'm pretty sure I could watch the movie on mute. I just want to see the clothes.

Now that I've told you about how I'm tired of hearing about that damn movie, here I am writing about it!

What I was really impressed by, however, was the styling for the Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie in Vogue in Sex and the City (try to keep up!). I think Andre Leon Talley did the styling, and I know Annie Leibovitz shot the photos. They're fantastic. Take a look at some of my favorites.

Nina Ricci (who also did SJP's gorgeous NYC premiere dress)

Alexander McQueen (who also did her London premiere dress, which I loved... and yes, I adored her Philip Treacy hat too- it was a great Isabella Blow nod)

Marchesa (who can do no wrong in my book)

Dolce & Gabbana (who I've been really impressed with lately)

If these clothes are an indicator of the fashion in the movie, then I'll be really impressed.

Thought for the Day

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Sat, 31 May 2008 04:58:00 +0000

I saw this chair in a magazine (Elle?) forever ago and haven't been able to get it out of my mind since. It's from Anthropologie, which means that it's way out of my price range. It also goes with nothing anywhere in my house. Yet it's calling me to buy it. Help?