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Setting the Mood: Ballet Rehearsal

By |January 30th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

There are so many reasons to love ballet.  I have loved it since my very class when I was three years old.  I love the music.  I love the quiet elegance.  And I most certainly love the wardrobe.  There’s a reason I’m drawn towards soft blushes, and cascading fabrics.  It’s a classic case of “chicken or the egg” though.  Do I love tulle because I love ballet or do I love ballet because I love tulle?  And does it really matter anyway?

Whether you’ve thought about it or not, ballet and fashion are based upon the same principle.  Both are all about creating lines.  Ballet with your body, fashion with fabric.

You need a little more than a perfect top knot to channel your inner prima ballerina though.  Soft shades of peach (ballet pink), black and white.  Delicate fabrics like tulle and chiffon.  And every ballerina needs the perfect pair of shoes.

1. Brandy Pham Tulle and Chiffon Headband, $24, 2. RACHEL Rachel Roy Bobby Pins, $28, 3. Camilla and Marc Supremacy Chiffon Dress, $540, 4.  Chloe Metallic Textured Leather Ballet Flats, $450

Brava! Brava!

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: Yes… They’re Real

By |January 26th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

Now I remember why I don’t turn on the TV before I’ve done all my writing, editing, and all around important things.  Lifetime Movies.  How is one supposed to get anything done when 15 and Pregnant (starring a youthful Kirsten Dunst) is on?  It’s like a black hole.  You just get sucked in and then there’s no stopping it.  One twisted movie after the next.  Before you know it, it’s 5pm and you’re still in your jammies and they’re may be an entire bag of tortilla chips missing.  Well, as you know (or maybe you don’t… in which case you’re missing out), a good Lifetime Movie will get even the staunchest soul working those tear ducts.  So, you’re going to need some expensive mascara to cry off.  That’s where my latest beauty find comes in.

Remember when I tried out Maybelline Volum’ Express Falsies Flared Mascara?  Yeah, not so good.  Well, I may have stumbled upon the Holy Grail of mascaras… maybe.  I had heard a few people going on and on about  Benefit They’re Real Mascara.  Now, we all know how deep my love runs for Benefit Benetint… if I can expand on this love fest, game on.  Below, check out my trial of  Benefit They’re Real Mascara.

Now, when I tested out Benefit They’re Real Mascara the first time, I wasn’t sold.  The texture isn’t so good the first couple of applications.  I also didn’t realize it was making such a big difference until I tried it up against a fan favorite, Christian Dior Diorshow Extase (I’m wearing Benefit They’re Real on the left and Diorshow on the right).  Whoa!  This mascara is no joke.  You may not be able to tell in these photos, but the difference is substantial.

Final verdict?  Basically, this mascara is telling false eyelashes to suck it.  You will not need them once you get the hang of this high impact, super sexy mascara.

Oh… but we’re not done here.  Today’s a twofer.  Because this mascara is so dramtic, you’re going to need a good makeup remover to get it off.  Nope, not even a Lifetime Movie marathon or your average cleanser is going to get rid of this stuff.  Behold NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil.  This magic potion will not only banish your mascara, it will get rid of any and all traces of makeup.  I have very sensitive eyeballs, and this doesn’t hurt or irritate my peepers a bit.  It also won’t leave you shiny or greasy.  Might I add the crowning glory?  Looks great on your vanity.  I call that a win, win, win… and who doesn’t like to win?  Not me.

Now back to She Woke Up Pregnant.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Pet Project

By |January 23rd, 2012|Setting the Mood|

When people ask me what I’m passionate about, there are two things that always come up: fashion and animals.  I can understand why some might furrow their brows in confusion upon hearing that.  They don’t seem like two things that normally go together.  My parents thought I might become a veterinarian seeing as I was always begging for a new pet, be it a guinea pig or a pot belly pig.  I’m also the same kid who rescued and bottle fed baby squirrels and wild rabbits.  And I think I’ve been quite clear about Smitty.  Then again, my first temper tantrum was over a pair or red patent leather shoes…

I have always wished for a way to combine two of my great loves.  Just short of starting a dog t-shirt line, I haven’t been able to come up with much.  However, it seems I’m not alone in my love for all things furry.  These photos show just how much a pooch can add to your Prada or a kitty can jazz up your Calvins.  Turns out your furry friend may very well be your best accessory.

1. Space Living Bosco Dog Bed, $67, 2. Balenciaga Classic Dog Leash, $295, 3. Bark n Bag Luxury Plush Pet Toy Set, $32, 4. I LOVE MY DOG Sweater, $130

Sit.  Stay.  Good girl.

xx,

WhyDid

Beauty Buzz: I’m with the Band

By |January 19th, 2012|Beauty Buzz|

kiss bandWhen I was younger and I went shopping with my mom, I would pick out something and she would often say, “I can make that.”  At the time, it drove me totally insane.  Now that I’m just a little bit older, but a lot wiser, I realize that she was probably right.  I mean, I would come home from school and she would be refinishing the hardwood floors.  I still can’t figure out how she doesn’t have her own show on HGTV, but that’s not the point.

Somewhere, that lovely woman is smiling… cause I’m about to say those four magical words… I can make that.

Remember when I told you about Birchbox?  Well, in one of my first boxes, I received a hair tie from Twistband.  Loved it.  Til it started to fray at the ends… and until I saw the price tag- $10 for six.  In my opinion, that’s a bit pricey for hair ties, which like lipgloss, are destined to be lost in the depths of my purse or that place where socks go to die.  After inspecting the hair tie, I realized that it was quite simple, so I headed to Jo-Ann Fabrics and bought myself two yards of 1/4″ black elastic.  You know how much it cost?  $2.37.

$2.37 / 6 = $0.40

Now, I’m no finance major, but I’m fairly certain that’s what you’d call a “bargain.”  Below I will show you how to make these awesome hair friendly ties yourself for a fraction of the cost… unless, of course, you have money to burn.

Supplies:

  • 2 yards of 1/4″ elastic
  • scissors
  • ruler
  • lighter
  • hair to be tied

Measure a 12″ piece of elastic and then cut (you could make them smaller depending on how tiny your wrists are and how much extra elastic you’d like on the ends).  

 

 A little something I learned in ballet class (other than a perfect pirouette) is how to singe the ends of elastic and ribbons to keep them from fraying.  Do NOT light it on fire, just hold the flame close enough to create a solid edge. 

Looks as good on your head as it does on your hand!  Now that’s fit to be tied.

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Make a Wish

By |January 17th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

Something about birthdays makes me giddy.  Maybe it’s having a very special day to myself (and anyone else who shares it with me), or maybe it’s just the anticipation of what surprises the day might bring.  Whatever it is, I like it.  As we get older though, the celebrations change little by little as do our priorities.  When I once wished for a pony, I now wish for pony hair pumps… well, I’d still take a pony to be perfectly  honest.  Cupcakes, balloons, candles, and presents.  What’s not to like about celebrating another year of life?

xx,

WhyDid

Bracelets: Jessica Elliot “Use Your Words” Bracelets, $75

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Meteorita 140 Metallic Leather Sandals, $1,795

Bag: D&G Oval Quilted Lily Crossbody, $555