Happy Holidays!!

Hey everyone!! Hope all of you enjoyed Christmas and those of you who don't celebrate, I hope you had a great day!! Although we're not Christian, we celebrated it as well! :) I personally love the holiday spirit: the fun, the laughter, the joy in the air. To me, Christmas is really the most wonderful time of the year. It's a great time to show your family, friends, and loved ones how much you care about each other. And of course, leading up to Christmas, not only did we shop for each other, we heard Christmas music everywhere we went!! Even my teachers put up decorations, wore Santa hats, and played music in class about a month before Christmas!! :)

Growing up, I remember singing in Christmas/holiday concerts at school, where the whole grade would get together and sing favorites like "Rudolph the red-nosed Reindeer" and "Deck the Halls," as well as some others that weren't necessarily as popular. Needless to say, those are still a part of my favorites and I love singing them. It helps to get me in the holiday spirit...and to enjoy and be thankful for what I have.

We've all heard songs like "Silent Night" and "Jingle Bells," but did you know that a lot of artists have recorded these traditional songs, and have added their own touch? Some even record a separate Christmas/holiday album to release. I haven't listened to all of them, but I love Aly & AJ's (they're now known as 78violet) Acoustic Hearts of Winter album that was released a couple years back. Recently, I've heard David Archuleta perform songs off of his album, Christmas From the Heart, and they're all really great too. Also, if you're a big Taylor Swift fan, and haven't checked hers out yet, check it out. I haven't checked it out yet, but I'm sure it's great. It's called Sounds of the Season. Check them out if you get the chance to :)

And lastly, there are a lot of "remixed" songs that I absolutely love to listen to around this time of the year. For example, "Do you hear what I hear" has been performed by Carrie Underwood, Copeland, Whitney Houston, and a lot of other great artists. The Copeland version is on my favorites right now!! :)

Alright guys, I'll talk to you later!! Enjoy your week!! Have a happy new year!!

-Labanya <3

Farewell, 2008: Fashion Trends in Review

In general, 2008 was a spectacular year for fashion. The designers created looks that could seamlessly translate into reality, yet didn't lack innovation. There are many, many trends that I adored and endlessly tried recreating, but there are still those few that I’m glad to see left behind after tonight =)!

Not Joining This Bandwagon -->

Ugg Boots: This certainly wasn’t started on the runway, but it’s so mainstream for today’s female population, it simply had to be mentioned! I’m not saying this to rip on anyone who has Uggs, but they make legs look horrible! When worn with cropped sweatpants or even jeans, the look is still bulky and, might I say, neolithic. Many can attest to their comfort, but I'd rather use them as a pillow. Now if Ugg made a blanket, I would purchase that in a heartbeat ;)

Puffer: My first thought is always "Michelen Man" ! Designers styled the runways to pull them off as "sporty" with neons and patent materials, or "sophisticated" with cinching belts; that didn't work out very well, they are shapeless no matter what! The feather down is comfortable though that's just unwanted bulk for me.
Jumpsuits: I can't really point specifics for my disliking, I just know that I wouldn't even wear one :X. This is a look that should be left for toddlers, machinists, and 70's disco dancers :P.
Dropped-Crotch [iffy terminology, right?]: This is a category that includes Harem trousers, MC Hammer pants, genie pants, and dropped crotch leggings. I can't stand it; certainly a look that only the seriously brave could pull off. They must be roomy inside though the extra material between the legs would turn one into a parachute!
Now, onto my favorite trends and styles of oh eight. I hope these live on -->

Scarves: The year-round accessory that hasn't failed me yet. Whether it's in or out, I'll have at least ten different variations of the scarf in my closet.
Plaid: Not only for punk Brits and Canadian lumberjacks anymore! :D I'm a huge fan of plaid headbands and socks. Jackets, shoes, scarves, purses and stationary in plaid bring out any one's inner fashionista. In a more demure palette, dresses and skirts are fantastic as well. The New Romantic: A wash of pale neutrals and a softness that emanates girly. Linens with draping chiffon and ethereal silhouettes are balanced by tougher, Earthy materials. I adore the free-spirit this style had for the summer and have cross-fingers for its return!

Boy-Meets-Girl: The slim masculine shapes give a "don't mess with me" attitude for women. It's empowering and alluring, especially in monochrome ensembles. This trend also includes men suits and blazers, with preppy accents like oxford heels and tweed. And there you have it -- my thoughts on the fashion of 2008. I'm looking foward to what 2009 will bring! Next week, I'll reveal my fashion and lifestyle resolutions. I wish everyone a spectacular New Year (anyone wearing purple to a New Year's Eve bash?), and have a safe holiday!

xoxo;
Nicole.

A Fashionable Thank You

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving; a time to reflect on how far our nation has come, a time to spend with families, and a time to pack in the turkey and pumpkin pie! It's also an opportunity to realize what we are most thankful for in our lives. I'd like to share with you the top five fashion trends and styles I give thanks to:
1. Straight leg jeans: Not as restrictive as the skinny, and not as casual as a flare. There's enough room to run around without being too snug and transition great from day to night. My black striaght cut jeans from American Eagle are the the most comfortable pair I own.

2. Double-breasted Pea Coats: Wool ones especially, and preferably with a belt. They're sophisticated and keep you warm (in most cases). It's relatively easy to buy a pea coat within any price range. I bought a black one last year at Wet Seal for $35. 3. Oxford Shoes: Menswear and nerdy, but oh-so-chic. The bootie style is most current with today's trends. Stiletto heels are fabulous, but a thicker heel is much more practical and your heels will thank you.

4. Jewel Tones: I know they're associated with Spring '08, but I find jewel tones so elegant for winter! Dresses, blouses, purses and jewels themselves look very sharp amid gray and black. Be sure to balance what you're wearing because the hues are very rich. 5. Innovation: Nicolas Ghesquiere (for Balenciaga), Alexander McQueen, John Galliano (for Dior & his namesake line), Gareth Pugh -- how inspiring! Their designs may not be conventional enough for the real world (which generates many spin-offs), but you have to appreciate the imagination and handiwork that goes into what they make. Their runways never bore, always edgy and unprecedented.
below: Alex Mc-Q fall/winter 2009, Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere spring/summer 2007, Dior by John Galliano spring/summer 2008, and Gareth Pugh fall/winter 2009.

This is what I appreciate most in the fashion world. I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday with their family ... Happy Thanksgiving!
xoxo; nicole.

Happy Martin Luther King Day

January 22, 2008
deko and posh here…Just wanted to say how lucky we are to live in a country where we have so much freedom. Give thanks to Martin Luther King for inspiring the country to look at people in a different light. Love Life… BBL