May 2013
4 posts
3 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: Autumn Whitehurst
Fashion Illustration Friday’s last post of the semester features the beautiful creations of Autumn Whitehurst, who’s beautiful creations are feminine and decadent.
Check out more of her work below:
http://www.illustrationdivision.com/whitehurst/
To everyone who followed Fashion Illustration Friday, this is my last post, thank you so much for reading!
-DLM
5 tags
Tues-D.I.Y: Lace-Covered Purse
This project from Studs and Pearls is great for spring and summer. You can use an old, cheap purse, or something thrifted, and add this for more visual appeal.
All you need is:
1/2 yard to 1 yard of lace (you can also use scraps if they’re large enough)
Mod Podge or Tacky glue
Scissors
Paintbrush, Q-tip, something to apply glue with (optional)
The basic gist is you cut the fabric to...
Must-Have Monday: Floralia Detox
It’s time to face the music: Floralia is over and exams are upon us. I didn’t want to be the one to say it, but someone had to. So now that we’ve all wasted away Sunday in mimosa and chicken nugget induced self-loathing, let’s take this Monday to detox and prepare for the week ahead. Finals are stressful, but don’t let them get to you. Take the time to care for...
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Nineties Nostalgia!
For me, any references to the 90s have always given me a sense of warm nostalgia for the days of beanie babies, clueless, and my childhood. So, when I saw that the 90s were back on the Spring/Summer 2013 runways, I couldn’t help but think of this…
but, if you want to try the trend in a more modern way (because, let’s face it, some 90s trends are best left in the past)...
April 2013
21 posts
4 tags
Tues-D.I.Y: More Sunglasses
Every year since I first came to Conn, I remember receiving a new pair of plastic sunglasses with my Floralia wristband. This project from I Spy DIY is another great way to jazz up your sunnies.
All you need is:
Various colors of thick thread or embroidery floss
Scissors
Sunglasses
Glue (optional)
To make the sunglasses:
Wrap the first color of string once around the temple of the...
Must-Have Monday: Colorful Socks for Your Man
Whether you’re looking for a gift for your boyfriend, brother, or dad (Father’s Day is June 16th!), colorful socks are subtle statement pieces that can turn a style-phobic guy into a fashion forward gentleman without him even knowing it.
Think your guy will need some convincing? Check out this Business Insider article about “Friday Socks,” the newest fashion trend to hit...
Scrumptious Saturday: Floralia Fixins
With Floralia just a week away it is time to start planning. Don’t settle for lukewarm Bud Light this year. Instead, spice up your morning with a Bloody Mary. Most liquor and grocery stores sell pre-made Bloody Mary mixes that taste great. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try this recipe for a deliciously spicy Bloody Mary (don’t forget the celery!)
...
4 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: Veronica Andrievskaya
Today’s artist is a French, self-taught illustrator who is currently based in London. Veronica’s work focuses on runway shows and uses different media to portray the current faces of haute couture. I love the simplicity of these works and the candid expressions they capture.
Check out her fashion blog to see more of her illustrations, as well as her photography!
...
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Stars in Stripes!
This season, all lines (vertical, horizontal, and diagonal!) point to stripes! From Marc Jacobs to to Oscar de la Renta, stripes strode down the summer runways of many designers this season. Look casual yet pulled together in class while wearing a cute striped shirt or wear a striped dress to a summer soiree! Be a star in stripes!
- MM
5 tags
Tues-D.I.Y: HonestlyWTF's Cross Stitch Sunglasses
Today’s DIY is a great find from Honestly…WTF that takes a pair of sunglasses with plastic lenses and makes them into these glam cross stitched beauties.
All you need is:
A pair of sunglasses with plastic lenses
A hand held drill and 3/64” drill bit
Needle
Scissors
Various colors of embroidery thread
Felt-tip marker
Nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol
For...
Must-Have Monday: Ring in Spring!
Spring is almost here, I’m sure of it. Despite the chilly temperatures, now is the time to prepare for warmer weather. As we all know, here in New England, it can go from freezing to scorching in a matter of days. Plus with Floralia and other end-of-the-year festivities right around the corner, you’ll need these staples on hand to keep cool in the heat at the drop of a hat:
Speaking of hats…...
Scrumptious Saturday: Throw a Barbecue
Barbecues are the perfect kick off to spring. Fresh off the grill cheeseburgers and hot dogs are my go-to meal on Saturdays in the spring time. This year spice up your barbecue menus with these delicious and easy appetizers.
Apple Coleslaw:
Link to recipe below:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/wolfgang-puck/apple-coleslaw-recipe/index.html
Pigs in a Blanket:
Link to recipe...
3 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: Jay Fernandez
Today’s graphic fashion illustrator Jay Fernadez makes a nod to the Pop Art movement with his brightly colored, Lichtenstein-esque creations. Reminiscent of comic books and pin-up style ads, Fernadez utilizes primary color blocking, minimal shading, and seductive poses to create these vivid, eye-catching pieces.
-DLM
Art-Loving Thursday: Selina Trepp-Artist Avoiding...
Selina Trepp, Eyes and Toes, 2011, goache on paper, 13” x 17”
While I was browsing to see what is going on in the art world, I found Selina Trepp an interesting artist. I was captured by her defining herself as an ‘Artist Avoiding Paining’. See more on Art21 Blog to know more about Selina Trepp!
-WYZ
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: 60s and Sunny Outside!
Now that spring weather is (almost) officially here, it’s time to get into another summer trend: the return of the 60s! The spring/summer runways featured all sorts of 60s style shift dresses, flower appliques, and more! Look for cute, retro prints and (for the full effect) pair them with a 60s style hairdo and a headband or sunglasses (pictured below). Enjoy the nice weather in 60s style!
-...
Tues-D.I.Y.: Floral Crowns
With Floralia right around the corner, it’s natural to start planning for the most magical day of the year for Conn students. Today’s DIY draws inspiration from a multitude of places, but mostly Lana Del Rey.
This project from A Pair and A Spare replicates the design pretty well.
All you need is:
Silk/Fake flowers
A plastic headband
A Glue Gun
For directions, click here....
Art-Loving Thursday: Li Song Song
When thinking about art, people always tend to dig the ‘embedded’ meaning beneath a specific art work; as if the meaning directly represents the artist’s point of view. One of the most favorite Chinese contemporary artists- Li Song Song would love to verify the difference between what an artist is thinking in relation to ‘what’ is painted.
Mark-making is what Li...
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Light up the Room!
While this trend may initially take you back to the summer olympics , iridescent fabric can be used for more than just eye-catching gymnastics leotards! In fact iridescent touches looked downright elegant when placed into the masterful hands of Christian Dior, Viktor & Rolf, and Diane von Furstenberg! Want to wear the trend without looking like you are preparing to perform a fabulous...
5 tags
Tues-D.I.Y.: Jewelry Display by Honestly WTF and...
Whether you will be picking your housing assignment for next year this week or are planning your new room for after graduation, this is a great project to add a little sparkle to your new digs. This jewelry display project was made by Honestly WTF in collaboration with Lulu Frost.
You’ll need:
A large picture frame
A piece of wood that is cut to fit in the frame
4 Mending braces
...
Must-Have Monday: Spring Cleaning, hair edition
Over spring break, I chopped off over six inches of my hair, and I have to say, I feel like a new woman. This has proven to be much better impulsive decision than the one I made freshman year when I returned to Conn with a freshly pierced nose. A haircut can do wonders for your appearance; whether or not everyone else notices, you know the difference, and that’s really all that matters....
Scrumptious Saturday: Strawberry Cupcakes
With warm weather finally here (usually), it’s time to break out your favorite summer treats and try out those summer recipes you’ve been dying over all winter. Strawberry cupcakes are one of my favorite warm weather desserts. Martha Stewart’s recipe is top notch. Check it out below:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans
1 1/2 cups cake...
3 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: David Murray
Today’s post focuses on Irish artist David Murray, who is both a fashion illustrator and designer. His drawings tend to focus their detail on the garments themselves as models are drawn in a minimalist fashion that fades into the background.
-DLM
Art-Loving-Thursday: Yue Minjun and his smiles
When I first saw Yue Minjun’s painting, I could not stop myself from laughing with the repeated figures that he portrays in his paintings. The smiles have this contagious effect that I wonder if anyone could resist sensing the humor right away.
However, there are certainly many under-toned messages that Yue attempts to express. See here for more information on the artist!
Hope...
4 tags
Tues-D.I.Y.: Written In the Stars Hair Clip
Once upon a time, Rodarte made this shooting star hair accessory for the Fall 2012 show. The clip is dynamic in design and the hard metal contrasts against the softness of the hair beneath it. While it was pictured with some autumnal furs and tones, I do not see why it wouldn’t be appropriate for something like Floralia. The blog High on DIY made an awesome replica of this clip using...
Must-Have Monday: Floralia Fixins'
Floralia is just over a month away, which is crazy because that also means summer is right around the corner. For those of you unfamiliar with the custom, Floralia is THE most anticipated day at Connecticut College. I dare a girl on this campus to lie and tell me that she hasn’t started planning her outfit. An aspect that admittedly requires more immediate preparation, however, is the...
March 2013
8 posts
Scrumptious Saturday: Panzanella Please!
Ever since I was a child, croutons have been my favorite part of salads. I don’t mean the store bought croutons that claim to be infused with garlic and seasonings. I mean homemade, buttery croutons made from a day old baguette. Considering my love for croutons and carbohydrates in general it is no surprise that Panzanella salad is a stable of my diet every spring and summer. There are...
2 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: Antonio Soares
This week we take a look at Portuguese artist Antonio Soares. Antonio specializes in beautiful, evocative, minimalist, graphic fashion illustrations for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Celine, and Balmain.
Check out more of his work below!
http://antoniosoares.tumblr.com/
-DLM
4 tags
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Dreaming in Denim!
No longer is denim relegated to “I just woke up and threw something on” jeans or farmer-style overalls! This spring denim has gotten a makeover and emerged as a distinguished fabric of choice, appearing in the collections of designers like Rag & Bone and Miu Miu. Get in on the trend by wearing a cute denim dress to class when the weather warms up or pick up a denim jacket or vest...
Tues-D.I.Y.: Nautical Ankle Straps
Although it’s a bit early, I found this great DIY project featured on Vogue Australia by A Pair and A Spare. It’s a great way to add a little something to any pair of heels with ankle straps (or those without). The best part is that there’s no sewing required!
All you need is:
Cotton Rope
4 Jump Rings & 2 clasps
Glue
Thread (same color as the rope)
To assemble, see...
Spring Break
We’re on spring break! Check back for new posts on Monday, March 25th!
3 tags
Tues-D.I.Y.: Painted Chopsticks
For your next Chinese takeout or sushi gathering, consider this colorful DIY project from …love Maegan. It’s easy and only takes about 15 minutes to complete.
You will need:
Pairs of disposable, wooden chopsticks (as many as you’ll need for your guests)
Various colors of Nail Polish
All you need to do is paint the ends of the chopsticks that are opposite from the side that...
Must-Have Monday: Workout Wear
Having spent a considerable amount of time over the past four years down at the Athletic Center (strictly using the gym, mind you, organized sports are a thing of my very distant past), I have come to learn there is appropriate workout wear and there is inappropriate workout wear. Appropriate workout wear is supportive and cute; inappropriate workout wear is either too tight, too low-cut, and too...
Scrumptious Saturday: Sip your way into spring
With just one week left before spring break I find myself day dreaming about fruity cocktails and pina coladas in my classes. I often announce to my friends on Thursday afternoon that this is the weekend when I will ditch the standard burnetts + seltzer combo and create a delicious cocktail. Unfortunately, I rarely follow through with these declarations. Browsing around one of my favorite...
Art-Loving-Thursday: Chuck Holtzman's drawing
Drawing has been conceived as an activity to practice artist’s technique for centuries; but the meaning and potential of drawing is pushed much further in the contemporary society. I have to be honest to say that I never thought of drawings attractive because I thought they were boring. I just have to do them because I am an artist.
Well, until Chuck Holtzman’s drawing changed...
February 2013
23 posts
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Oh the Tangled Web...
Get drawn into the web for Spring/Summer 2013! This cool trend is a great way to fuse the sheer and graphic trends of the season (and look amazing doing it!). A little bit of open weave can add interest to an everyday shirt or you could add some allure to your evening apparel with a few netted details!
Just a little…
or
For the lattice lover!
Go on, get caught in the net!
-...
4 tags
Tues-D.I.Y.: From Tee to Tank
I am just going to admit it: I dislike short sleeve t-shirts. I can remember a time when I sported a concert tee or J.Crew graphic tee almost every day, but that was a long time ago. I still have a ton of those because I fear letting things go to waste more than I abhor t-shirts. In light of that, I have found the perfect DIY project for this week: the upcycled plain tee by Michele Ng. In a matter...
Must-Have Monday: Rain Gear
Tut tut, it looks like rain. According to Weather Underground, we’ve got a wet week ahead of us. Instead of succumbing to the ever-so-popular, leggings and Wellies dress code, however, brighten up your outfit (and day!) with fashionable and functional rain gear.
the coat:
10 Crosby Derek Lam
Brushed Twill Annorak by Hive & Honey
the boots:
AIGLE Miss Juliette...
Scrumptious Saturday: Gourmet Breakfast Sandwich
Breakfast sandwiches- although delicious- are often highly caloric and greasy. Next time you make a breakfast sandwich try this healthy option. Substituting goat cheese for American or cheddar offers a less processed (and tastier) alternative. Poaching your egg versus frying it
will cut back on grease and butter. Mix up your sandwiches with add ons such as avocado, tomato, caramelized onions and...
2 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: Tara Dougans
The beautiful illustrations of artist Tara Dougans emphasize the aesthetic combination of process-evident hand drawn line alongside boldly graphic pops of bright color. Her playful works highlight the elegant intricacies of fashion, beauty, nature, and line. Some of her new works incorporate digital animation to the traditional drawing techniques, resulting in a modern combination of...
Art-Loving-Thursday: Jonni Cheatwood
Many people have blogged on Jonni Cheatwood’s Grace Series, which I think is spectacular and interesting to look at. The combination of photography and surrealist painting style is my favorite.
In later 2012, Chestwood posted his Spatialism on his blog, which I also find intellectually attractive. Although, the 12’x 12’ square canvas and the primary color used are...
Ways-to-Wear-Wednesday: Somewhere Across the Sea
With only a few more weeks to go until spring break, it is hard not to start day dreaming about exotic adventures in distant lands! So, while the closest we may come to foreign for the next few weeks is sipping tea (in Harris) and walking the streets of (New) London - we can still dream, and we can embrace the global trend! In contrast to the mod trends that dominated many Spring/Summer 2013...
4 tags
Tues-D.I.Y.: Heavy On One Side
(Photo from TheBeautyDepartment.com)
With many notable events coming up this spring, especially for the Class of 2013, I have been trying to do something a little more exciting with my hair. My usual go-to’s are the extremes: pin-straight hair or curled waves, but both are getting a bit tiresome. This week, I’m sharing an idea from my favorite styling site, The Beauty Department....
Must-Have Monday: A Signature Drink
In a few short months, my fellow Class of 2013 seniors and I will graduate into what “they” call “the real world.” The job application process is well underway, and I think it’s safe to say we’re all a little scared, but also a lot excited. With this new chapter on the horizon, I can’t help but think of the small things that are about to change… no more homework. No more sharing bathrooms with...
Scrumptious Saturday: Where to Eat
Looking for a delicious sandwich? Don’t limit yourself to Muddy Waters. I love Muddy but this year I’ve discovered two new places that are truly gems. Sweeties Sandwich Shop is located on Bank Street directly across from the Salvatiom Army. Gourmet paninis and grilled cheeses are served with old fashioned popcorn. Also, they offer unique macaroni and cheese dishes such as Jalepeno...
3 tags
Fashion Illustration Friday: Mr. Frivolous
I love when humor and art collide and that is exactly what London-based artist Mr. Frivolous creates. Witty combinations of pop-culture, graffiti style commentary, bright colors, and beautiful fashion motifs, this artist specializes in art with a punch, reminiscent of some of the early great Pop artists. In somewhat of a Bansky-style manner, Mr. Frivolous pokes fun at our culture and his own...
Art-Loving-Thursday: Message from Andy Warhol's...
Yesterday I did a reading by Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev, which he talks about the strange connection between a painter and his/her subject in the portraitures of modern times. In traditional paintings, to paint something ‘real’ is not to paint the figure but the relationship between two people. But as the world becoming more digitalized, artists started to use photography as tools to...
Ways-To-Wear-Wednesday: The Ruffle Returns!
What comes to mind when you think of ruffles? Your grandmother’s curtains, Shakespeare’s collars, delicious, crunchy snacks? Well think again! This season the ruffle is making a comeback in a sleek and structured style. Ruffles added a touch of interest and fun to the minimalist, modern Spring/Summer 2013 collections of designers like Oscar de la Renta and Balenciaga. Wondering how...
4 tags
Tues-D.I.Y.: Keep It Organized
I don’t know about you, but I call it a good day when the textbooks and binders on my shelf look as pictured in the photo below. Most days, they are upside-down, or falling over onto the speakers and perfume bottles on the rest of the shelf.
Thankfully, this interior decorating project from the blog, Love Aesthetics, is a great way to organize your bookshelf in a way that looks cute and...
Must-Have Monday: Snow Boots
With over two feet of snow on the ground, I’m sure you’ve realized by now that proper shoe gear is essential. One of my proudest moments from high school was when I asked for snow boots one Christmas, because while Hunters may suffice, from my experience, they dangerously lack in the traction and warmth departments. And while your mind may be flashing back to childhood memories of...
Scrumptious Saturday: Blizzard Beverages
Yesterday we were hit with what I estimate to be 45 inches of snow. The best way to deal with having to only eat Harris food for a whole weekend is to drink a LOT of hot chocolate. There are several different ways to spice up your cocoa. Here are a few:
Mexican Cocoa- hot chocolate +cinnamon + brown sugar
Alcoholic Cocoa- hot chocolate + Bailey’s
Peppermint Cocoa- hot chocolate +...
