Challenge--For YOU!!

Okay, folks, I have a challenge for you. *cue evil laughter*

This weekend, I purchased this dress for $6 at Old Navy. Well, technically, I got it for two dollars and some change because I had a gift card, but why quibble? Six dollar dress. Awesome.

Photo Credit: Old Navy

Here's the challenge: I need you to accessorize it for me. Post your best ideas in the comments section (with links, if at all possible), and I'll announce a winner Thursday afternoon. The winner will receive this glorious, one-of-a-kind, suitable for framing, fine Corinthian graphic to post on their own blog or website.

Lovingly crafted by moi in MS Paint

The dress is solid black, jersey knit, wth an elastic waistband and spaghetti straps. The occasion would be a casual cocktail party (think hoity-toity cook-out). Have fun and good luck! I can't wait to see what you guys come up with!


****UPDATE!!!! Congratulations to Magnolia! I'll send you a JPEG of your prize shortly. Stay tuned tomorrow for a post showing off her mad styling skillz. Yo. Alright, I'll stop now.****

Southern Fried Ringlets and Sticky Buns: Garnier Anti-Humidity Hairspray

Photo Credit: CVS

So...I'd planned to review Sephora's new-ish Tokidoki lipgloss today. It's funny how we make plans and God laughs. Well, more like: we make plans and the UPS guy decides he doesn't feel like delivering your package, even though nowhere on the shipping agreement does it state I have to be home to sign for the package, and he's left them countless times before, including during thunderstorms. Then he laughs.

So...instead, here are my thoughts on Garnier Fructis Style Volumizing Anti-Humidity Hairspray ($4.49, CVS).

I'm a fan of Pantene Classic Hairspray. I've been using it for ages; ever since my friend, Danna, introduced it to me backstage at our University Opera Theatre. For some reason, twittery little sopranos (such as myself) tend to be cast in roles that require ringlets. Maybe it's because they shake when we hit high notes? I don't know...anyway, it held the curls without making my hair crunchy, and I became a devotee.

And now I can't find it. Blast!

So...I grabbed a bottle of the Garnier, after noting that it touted flexibility and--the Holy Grail of Southern Belle hairdressing--protection from humidity. Here's what CVS has to say about the spray:

All-day humidity resistance. With bamboo extract. Provides bounce-back hold. Extra Strong: 3. Garnier Fructis Style Hairspray Collection: Introducing our first ever hairspray with bamboo extract and anti-humidity protection for long-lasting hold and natural, healthy-looking movement. Why bamboo? Selected with its strength, suppleness and resilience, bamboo bends but never breaks. What is volumizing hairspray? This volumizing hairspray lifts from root to tip to boost flat, tired hair with body, fullness and an extra strong hold - even with moisture in the air - all day, every day. Meets all state and federal clean air standards. Made in Canada.

Alrighty, folks. Yesterday, I did a bad, bad thing to my hair. I put it in pincurls to try to make waves. I did this poorly. Hilarity ensued. Honestly, I looked like a cross between Carrot Top and...actually, there is no cross. I just looked like Carrot Top. *shudder*

Carrot Top
Photo Credit: BestofVegas.com

To fix this...let's call it an issue, I embraced the messiness, teased the crown a bit, and pulled the rest into a purposely disheveled bun. I even threw in a hair flower, so as to scream, "I MEANT TO DO THAT!!!" at passersby. I sprayed the abomination with the Garnier to fix some of the flyaways, and to try to keep the height.

It worked fairly well. The teasing deflated some over the course of the day, but not completely. The flyaways were also kept to a minimum. My only real complaint was that the spray felt sticky, but with this particular style, that's kind of a non-issue. No one's going to run their fingers through your bun.

Today, however, posed more of a challenge. I had to sing at a funeral this morning (totally business. I didn't know the deceased, so no need to panic over who died), so I needed to look a little more professional than usual. I decided to do a nice blowout, then set my hair with jumbo velcro rollers, heat with the hair dryer, then pull out the rollers for a sleek, polished, slightly curled under, voluminous straight style. In other words, newscaster/pageant queen hair. And it was GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!! Oh, my God, I was so excited. Then I sprayed it.

It was like spraying gel into my hair. My beautiful style suddenly felt gummy, and the sleek, polished look gave way for a beachy texture! I was not happy. However, as soon as I ran a brush through the gunk, things started to look a little more like they were supposed to. Not exactly like it had been, but fairly close. My hair looked good.

I had to park three blocks from the church and walk in Southern humidity and wind. A quick brushing once I got inside the building, and I was good to go. Then, after Mass, I had to walk back to the car, drive to work, arrive almost late, run into the building, then run to my booth. Again, a quick brushing, and I looked just fine. After a couple of hours, I went to the restroom and noticed that my hair, while not as perfect as when the rollers came out, still had volume, movement, and very few frizzies. I won't say that the humidity didn't get to it at all, but my hair looked nowhere near as bad as it should for the amount of wind and weather it had been through.

Final Verdict: 7 out of 10. It's a good finishing spray for updos and less-than-perfect loose styles. I wouldn't suggest it for your wedding, though, or any style that you want to keep "just so".

They're Dancing In Chicago and Down In New Orleans!

Wow! I kind of called this one! Okay, so I actually said that I wanted to start a new trend, but whatever. It was started, and that's all that matters. It seems that Black Swan's ballerina style has taken over for Spring.

According to Wig.com, ballet-inspired updos are all the rage for modern brides. Be they perfectly polished or romantically undone, all the cool girls will be wearing buns down the aisle.

Stylebistro recently posted that the ballet trend was on the rise, but with an edgier, less innocent twist. Tutus with sex appeal, if you will. The look is pretty and provocative, and you don't get much better than that.

In the UK, searches for leotards, tights, ballet flats, wrap dresses, and even tutus have shot up since the release of the movie (though most searchers are opting for white, rather than black. Looks like they didn't get Stylebistro's memo).

Yep, it looks like the ballet trend is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. With that, I have a few affordable options for you, courtesy of Forever 21.

Black Swan, Casual:

Photo Credit (this and all): Forever 21

Now, this is not overtly dance class. At first glance, it's just a casual jersey knit top. What gives it that graceful, balletic vibe is the flutter sleeves combined with the lace neckline. Pair it with blue jeans and ballet flats for a cool weekend look. $13.50. P.S. If you don't like black, it comes in pink, taupe, and cream, as well.

White Swan, Casual:

This piece is definitely more dramatic. I love the flow of the woven material, the deceptive sweetness of the lace on such an open neckline, and the sparkle of the rhinestone belt. Pair it with skinny jeans and some strappy sandals to keep the edge. $24.80.

Black Swan, Dressy:

This piece is definitely fits the balletic theme, with its knit tank bodice, cinching waistband, and silk pickup skirt. Try this with a chunky necklace or bracelet, or mix it up with some bright pumps. $24.80.

White Swan, Dressy:

Easily the most spot-on of the lot, this sheer, nude dress features a strapless, ruched bodice, defined waist, and flowing skirt, all covered in tiny, irridescent beads. Keep it classy, but amp up the sex appeal with minimal jewelry, nude heels, and a messy updo. $19.80.

A Monthly Gift You Can Actually Look Forward To

I have never joined the Columbia Music Club to get ten CDs for a penny. Kim Kardashian can keep her monthly shoe choice, and please, for the love of God, don't sign me up for the Jelly of the Month Club. I have enough bills to deal with that the last thing I need to do is add another one to the pile. That said, were I to do just that, Jewelmint is the club I'd have to join.

 

Now, I blame Facebook for this. Had I not felt the need to find out what random activities people I don't know were up to, I never would have seen the ad on the side of the page. Also, had they not worded the ad to make me think the sparklies in the picture were, in reality, candy, I never would have clicked on it. I mean, I like candy, and I like sparklies, so sparkly candy would be awesome, right? Well, I think it would.

 

Anyway, sad to say, there is no candy on the site. I know, it's a bummer. Instead, this is a site for an accessory of the month club; a really good accessory of the month club.

 

Actress Kate Bosworth teamed up with stylist Cher Coulter to bring us a completely customized shopping experience. I have to admit, it's pretty cool. Here's how it works:

 

• You sign up (took 30 seconds, if that). Name, email, and password of your choice.
• They present you with a series of questions about your personal style. You pick the picture or word that best answers each question. It's fun, a little silly, and good timewaster. I'd guess it took about five minutes to complete the quiz.
• They present you with your result (I'm classic, refined, elegant, and sophisticated. I "dress to impress". Yeah, I'll go with that). If you like the result, press continue. If you don't, take the quiz again.
• When you like your result, you'll continue on to your showroom, where personalized, exclusive jewelry picks are waiting for you. You can save favorites (and tell them why you like the pieces), view styling tips, learn the inspiration for each piece, and even get suggestions on where to wear them.
• Lastly, you can either purchase a piece for $29.99, or opt to skip the month and be charged nothing. Easy peasy.

 

There's no charge until you make your first purchase, and after that, you have until the 5th of each month to pass. If you miss the pass date, that's okay. You'll be charged, but you can hang onto that credit until you find something you do like. There's also an option to share the site with friends, and earn a free piece of jewelry with each referral who makes a purchase. On top of all that, shipping is free. In my opinion, this is a fantastic deal.

 

Oh, in case you're wondering, the jewelry is absolutely gorgeous. Some pieces are very elegant, others more bohemian or modern, but all are unique. I've got my eye on a couple of pieces right now. If I ever find myself with some extra spending money, there's a layered gold chain set with my name on it. It'll look amazing with t-shirts.

The Most Contested Cruise That Ever Sailed

I'm a Disney girl.  I get it from my parents.  We watched the movies, visited the park (a lot), and I even worked for the Mouse for a short while after college.  Then, I had to go and marry a guy who's as much a Mickey freak as I am.  Our kids have no hope.  We're planning a trip to Disney World right now, and are seriously considering a trip to Disneyland next year.  Neither of us have ever been to the park in Anaheim, so I thought I'd do a little advance research to see what's different, new, or exciting.  I had no idea what I was walking into.

Talk about controversy!  Back in February '09 (yeah, I'm late to the party), it's a small world (no, they don't capitalize it) re-opened following a massive overhaul.  Mechanics were repaired, dolls were cleaned up, costumes were laundered and pressed, sets were painted and re-glittered, lighting and sound were upgraded, boats were slightly re-designed...you know, the usual, but all fairly unnoticeable changes.  One thing, however, that is noticeable, is the Rainforest characters have moved to the South America room.  This was to make room for a new "Spirit of America" display, featuring cowboys, farmers, and Native Americans frolicking through the countryside, with an exit through the Hollywood Bowl.  Um...okaaaay...

Whatever.  Here's where things get interesting.  The addition of 29 characters from Disney and Disney*Pixar films has been made to the ride.  That's right.  Twenty-nine characters are floating (some literally) through it's a small world, making it a 15-minute game of Where's Waldo.  Also, the music was remixed to include snippets of movie themes.  This has caused some fans to get their Mickey ears in a bunch.

Purists are crying foul.  Many are saying that it's just Disney trying to advertise (although, if you're already in the park, I think that job is done), and protest groups have formed.  Seriously.  Think about that for a minute.  People have joined protest groups against it's a small world.  I'd link to one, but they all seem to have disappeared.  If anyone finds one, please send it to me.  I'd love to get their side of the story.

Now, I can't post any pictures here, due to copyright, but here's a link to some fantastic shots.  You can also find more here, here, here, and here.  I'd like to know what you guys think.  Personally, I'm a little mixed about it.  Some of the characters fit in beautifully, and a few even blend into the background.  I'm a little sad that my surfer boy is gone, but Lilo and Stitch have replaced him, and I'm okay with that.  The Three Caballeros seem a little too far centerstage, and Cinderella seems completely out of place.  I'm really not sure how I feel about it.  I love when rides are renovated--really!  Like anything else, rides grow stale without freshening up.  In this case, though, I don't really see the point, and I'm afraid it's detracting from the overall message.  On the other hand, little kids sure seem to like it, and really, isn't that what it's there for?  Let me know your opinions in the comments section.   

Well, I messed up this morning, and forgot to pull anything out of the magic bag o' samples.  I was running late for my hair appointment, and coffee trumped experimenting.  Please forgive me.

Anyway, so as to not leave anyone hanging (in the event anybody even cares about the sample of the day), I thought I'd tell you about the cool stuff Jessica, my stylist, put in my hair.  I don't own this, and therefore don't use it everyday, so you could argue that, technically (love all the commas!), this might be considered a sample.  Sort of.

Jessica sprayed my damp hair down with Agadir Argan Oil Spray Treatment.  According to sleekhair.com:

This spray treatment is ideal for applying to longer hair lengths for ease in coverage, enabling protection from heat appliances and a smoother comb through. Agadir Argan Oil Spray Treatment instantly repairs and adds elasticity to dry, damaged, frizzy hair. It hydrates, conditions, smooths and shines.

Yes.  Yes, it does.  My hair feels amazing, my curls are shiny, and there is not one single frizzy hair on my head.  It's not the first time she's used it on me, and the results are always the same.  Retails for $23.99 for 5.1oz, sleekhair.com, and I highly recommend it.