­

About Kirsten

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Kirsten has created 1387 blog entries.

Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By |December 15th, 2011|Guest Blogger|

Celebrities are always a step ahead of the game when it comes to hairstyles and fashion, thanks to free “samples” from designers, so it makes sense to look to those in the spotlight for up and coming trends.  Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve or just adding a few items to your wardrobe, take a look at these five trends celebs have been seen sporting lately.

1. Jewel Tones

Rich, vibrant, saturated colors have been seen on everything lately – from eyelids  to clothing, and even nail polish.  Need a little inspiration?  Browse through your grandma’s jewelry collection and draw ideas from your favorite pieces.  Does the richness of the ruby catch your attention?  Or perhaps the deep, dark shine of the sapphire?  Find the color that speaks to you and make a bold statement by incorporating it into your apparel.

Jewel-toned eye makeup is making a major comeback as well.  The bold look adds drama to the eye, with a smoky application of the rich, pigmented colors.  Emerald green specifically, has been touted as the season’s “it” eye accent color.  Pair it with a dark crimson lip color and you’ll be the hit of your next holiday party.

2. Animal Prints

Though animal print may be considered “tacky” to some, it’s back with a vengeance.  Leopard print is particularly hot and can be found on anything from apparel, to tights, and even shoes. Celebrities have recently been seen wearing the stylish prints on the red carpet, at parties, and even in their casual everyday wear.  Adding a pop of animal print does wonders for an otherwise drab outfit. Just make sure to use animal print responsibly – overdoing it can take you from fashionista to fashion disaster very quickly.

3. Autumnal Tones

Earthy colors are on the rise this season, inspired by the warm, spicy palette of fall.  Mustard yellow is a current favorite, and celebrities are particularly loving cardigans and other knits in the vintage hue.  Adding a scarf or handbag in the color will instantly put you at the top of the trends.  Embrace the retro vibe the deep shade of yellow brings by trying pin curls on your hair or wearing red lipstick on your pout.  Spicy shades of red, sunset orange, cinnamon, and yellow-greens are all excellent choices.

4. Faux Fur

That’s right, fur is back, but not in the head-to-toe, Cruella DeVille sort of way.  Instead, it’s appearing on vests, coat collars, gloves, and hats.  Fur adds an air of cold-weather charm, while keeping the iconic look of wealth.  Pair a furry accessory with jeans and a simple tee to create an appealing mixture of retro and glam.

5. Fair Isle

This traditional knit stems from a small island north of Scotland.  Once again the trend is nothing new, but rather a resurgence of an age old fashion. We’ve been seeing this type of sweater in ski shops and woodsy towns for years, but only recently did it make its way mainstream. Try layering the rustic sweater over a collared dress shirt. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles works together to create a high-fashion ensemble.  The look works for males, females, children, and even the occasional pooch. Wear this Scandinavian-style sweater with some lace-up snow boots to complete the look.

Follow this five simple trends and you’ll be looking like a star in no time.

xx,

Lisa

 

About the Author:  Lisa is an avid yoga enthusiast who enjoys writing in her spare time for Usdirect.com.

Would You Wednesday: Rockin’ Bobbin’

By |December 14th, 2011|Beauty Buzz, Why Did or Why Don't?|

Recently Katy Perry chopped her locks and lightened her heinous pink hue.  In my opinion, this is the look she should have gone with in the first place.  While I’m not into the whole Strawberry Shortcake haircolor trend, I do think that IF you are… this is the way to go about it.  It’s fun.  It’s subtle.  It’s something only a platinum selling pop star could pull off.  She looks kinda fab, right?

The bob was first made popular in the 1920’s by actresses Colleen Moore and Louise Brooks.  The cut was considered a bold statement of “independence” as girls in the West had historically all had long, quite coiffed tresses.  It became more accepted as women’s long hair interfered with their work during the World War.  The popularity of the bob was reignited once again in the 1960’s by Vidal Sassoon.  The look has stuck around since then in modified versions.

Many a stylish celebrity has shorn her long locks for a bolder, more blunt bob. From Rihanna, to Kate Bosworth, to Victoria Beckham… and even more famously Anna Wintour, these ladies have highlighted their striking facial features with this sleek cut.  So, would you trade in your long locks for a brazen bob?

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Winter White

By |December 13th, 2011|Setting the Mood|

Wearing white during the winter isn’t just for seal pups and polar bears.  Celebrities have been slipping into the virginal shade for seasons.  It’s a color fresh as the newly fallen snow.  Incorporating white into your wardrobe may seem scary, but other than the dry cleaning bills, it’s anything but.  Why blend in with standard black when you can steal the show (or actually camouflage yourself) with the color quite literally of the season?  Channel your inner snowflake and float my little friends, float.

xx,

WhyDid

Coat: Burberry Prorsum Knitted Wool Blend Coat, $2,157

Pants: Donna Karan Wide Leg Satin Pants, $950

Gift Guide: You Da Man

By |December 13th, 2011|Gift Guide|

1. LEGO Architecture: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, $39.95, 2. Bodum Fyrkat Picnic Charcoal Grill, $59.95, 3. Mele & Co. Faux Leather Watch Case, $52.12, 4. Gorham 5 Piece Flask and Cigar Set, $99.99, 5. iDevices iGrill Thermometer for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, $99.99, 6. Lomokino Super 35mm Movie Maker and Viewer, $99, 7. Jack Spade Box Dopp Kit, $94.99, 8. Express Striped Fingerless Gloves, $29.90, 9. To Boot New York Warren Boots, $398, 10. Esquire Eat Like a Man, $37, 11. Alexander McQueen Skull Medium Dot Tie, $195

Now that we’ve picked out presents for just about everyone under the sun (including you, possibly), let’s start working on the man in your life.  I didn’t leave him til last because he’s any less important.  It’s actually quite the contrary.  I always find men the most difficult to shop for.  While we, as ladies, can be blinded by bling and shriek for anything with a red sole, men are much more particular.  They don’t like silly gifts and as previously mentioned, they often pick out things that we most likely will never be able to afford on our mid-level salaries alone.  So, without selling our ovaries, here are some great manly gifts that are sure to delight even the most practical male in your life.

Man up.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Candy Coated

By |December 12th, 2011|Recipes, Why Did You Eat That?|

For upcoming holiday parties, what’s better than a candy coated creation that can not only act as a centerpiece, but also as a party favor?  That’s right.  Absolutely nothing.  Precisely the reason why my lovely lady friend, Katie (who also guest DJ’s from time to time), whipped up some beautiful and festive candy apples for a party she was hosting.  (Is there anything this girl can’t do?).  Anyway, I was lucky enough to witness (and document) her working her wonders in the kitchen and have for you the secrets to creating the prettiest candy apples ever.  This isn’t rocket science, BUT it is a little tricky so follow directions closely and be sure to be patient (it’s a virtue, afterall).

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
  • Wax paper
  • Candy thermometer
  • 6 medium apples (we used Granny Smith)
  • Wooden dowels

Directions: 

  1. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
  2. Wash apples, remove stems, insert wooden dowels. 

  3. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, corn syrup, and food coloring.  
  4.  Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-high. Insert candy thermometer and continue to boil until temperature reaches between degrees 310 degrees (about 20 minutes).

  5. When mixture reaches 310 degrees, immediately remove from heat. Working quickly (seriously), dip apples in sugar mixture until completely coated. Transfer to prepared baking sheet; allow to cool.

How d’ya like them apples?  As a disclaimer, I have to suggest that you don’t actually bite into these apples.  You will crack your teeth… and that’s not the kinda look you’re probably going for.

xx,

WhyDid