Outfit of the Moment: Mother's Day Pinkness

All these pieces are oldies but goodies - although the look is new for you.

***I am interrupting this train of thought with
OMG! I AM GOING TO BE ON A PLANE TO JAPAN IN EXACTLY A WEEK FROM NOW! Sorry for the overuse of caps, but how the hell did time fly by so quickly? ***

I wore this look specifically on Mother's Day because it's so feminine. Gary took me out for breakfast in honor of my future awesomeness at motherhood (no I am not with child.) How sweet is he! (no that's not a question it's you nodding your heading agreeing with me :-)

I can't say these pictures were easy to take what with the rain and dying camera battery - does that gain brownie points in my favor?

What did you do in honor of Mother's Day? Did you wear something special or have something special planned? Hopefully the rain didn't ruin your day!

Blouse: H&M (last seen here), Skirt: Ebay/H&M, Shoes: thrifted/F21, Purse: Estate Sale
 Belt: Wetseal, Bracelet: Gifted, Earrings: Burlington Coat Factory

The Last Chummus / Hummus Recipe You'll Ever Make

I love love love chummus.

I can't help but to add a "c" in beginning making it sounds like the "ch" in Chanukah.  

What's not to love, I dip veggies in it, use it as a spread instead of mayo and the best part is it's healthy and packed with protein! Every time I eat out I make sure chummus is on the menu (refer to my Yelp page  for some awesome local recommendations.) Then I did what everyone does. I assumed I could do it better! I tried out a couple recipes and they were either not tasty, not smooth enough, and just not that special. I finally found the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and spreadablity - I made a few adjustments but the recipe is adapted from the Barefoot Contessa 

 

The Last Chummus / Hummus Recipe You'll Ever Make

•  
• 5 garlic cloves
• 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained, liquid reserved**
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
• 3 tablespoons of liquid from the chickpeas
• 8 dashes hot sauce

Turn on the food processor fitted with the steel blade and drop the garlic down the feed tube; process until it's minced. Add the rest of the ingredients to the food processor and process until the hummus is coarsely pureed. Taste, for seasoning, and serve chilled or at room temperature.

** I used dried chickpeas, soaked overnight, cooked for at least half an hour and used the boiled liquid instead of preservative filled liquid in the canned chickpeas. Not suggested for last minute rush. 

 

Let me know how your batch came out! Is the best you'll ever have? If not do you have any suggestions?
Leave a comment below!

Maniac May/June Bloggers Preview

Tuesday May 1st I attended my first event all by myself where I introduced myself as a blogger. The event was for bloggers to preview the May/June American Dreams issue for Maniac Magazine featuring Tara Reid on the cover.

I got there pretty late :-( but still got a chance to meet a few other Pittsburgh bloggers and sip on a White Diamond vodka cocktail and snack on one of Lincoln Bakeries deeeelicious cupcakes - yummers! The event was held at Maniac Magazine's new office space. Very cool! I love the furniture that Shabby Maggie custom designed for their office, the furniture was redesigned and recovered - very eco chic! The office is situated in prime locatoin - only minutes away from the South Side, Station Square, and downtown -  where the hottest nightlife is in the 'Burgh. (I know this being a bonafide party girl myself)

I skimmed through the issue and was amazed at how beautiful the layout and fashion was! I have to of course give huge kudos to April Hubal who takes the photos and publishes the magazine!

Here is a sneak preview of the issue

Look out for it in Pittsburgh news stands near you

 I loved this guest peice by Kelsey who also runs a blog called  Fashion Ace  
 Kelsey's take on fashion is colorful and quirky and I feel like I have a backstage pass when she feature's photos from her shoots

Right on trend for the summer: statement necklaces, peplum, mini metallics, Aqua and Lilac shades

I love this look!

I LOOOOVE Smash! As the show progress I fell in Love with Megan Hilty's character Ivy. So beautiful and so flawed. Maker sure to read the Q&A they did on this Broadway Supa Star!

Keep up with Maniac:
http://www.maniacmagazine.com/
www.facebook.com/maniacmagazine
www.twitter.com/maniacmagazine

Photos from the event

Furniture by Shabby Maggie

White Diamond Vodka - Seriously the smoothest vodka you'll ever sip

Custom Organic Edible Facials by Esspa Kozmetika

Yummy cupcakes by Lincoln Bakery and sushi by Tamari

Chatting it up with Wadria
outfit pics here

Not shown:  Harmony Salon


 Photos courtesy of Robert Hester

Met Gala Ball May 7, 2012

I tuned in to Vogue's live feed and was tweeting throughout the night on the looks I loved @FashFirecracker (follow me for more fun).

I divided the looks from the Met Gala into 3 categories.
 I)   To Die For
 II)  Could've Done Better
 III) What Were You Thinking?!

Top Ten To Die For Looks: Color, Color, Color

Other Looks I Loved:
Anna Wintour, Lea Michelle, Gisele, Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Leighton Meester
Scarlett Johansson, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Kate Olsen, Nina Dobrev, Jessica Alba

January Jones in Atelier Versace
Best dressed of the night!

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren
Runner Up for Best Dressed. Sigh her perfection is nearly unbearable

Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier
I love the cut and color of this dress on Ginnefer!

Diane Kruger in Prada
The hue of purple is stunning and I love how she didn't over or under accessorize!

Diana Argon in Carolina Herrera
Grecian Goddess with a pop of peplum!

Amber Heard in Zac Posen
Amber's bangin bod is only complimented further by this creation

Emma Stone in Lanvin
This dress is so cute and fun like Emma!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada
Sexy AND chic! Love the details on the shoes and pockets!

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli
People Amy Adams has arrive! She looks breathtaking in this style and her make up is perfection!

Rooney Mara in Givenchy
The black lace dress sets off Rooney's porcelain skirt perfectly. I love the peek-a-boo sheerness of bottom of the dress. (although I would love to see her in color)

Could've Done Better:

Carey Mulligan in Prada
She is such a cutie! But the tea length and "A" shape of this dress - not so cute.

Rachel Zoe in Rachel Zoe
I loooove Rachel Zoe but the off the shoulder style and oversized
necklace draw attention to how super slim she is

Beyonce in Givenchy
Beyonce is gorgeousness and so is the dress- but babe I can see your underthings!!!
Please refer to Rooney Mara how its done

Rashida Jones in Tory Burch
Blah print on gorgeous dress

Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino
Matching shoes?! Oy! This dress is too much material and print
for her slim frame and the cuffs seem like an afterthought.

What Were They Thinking? Styling Gone Wrong

Chloe Sevigny in Miu Miu
I am not sure what occasion this dress is appropriate for but the Met Gala is NOT it. 
I am a stickler for fit - which her shoes don't!

Kristen Steward in Balenciaga
Oh Kristen . . . the length plus the style of the shoes does nothing for your lean legs.

Cameron Diaz in Stella McCartney
Cameron has a killer bod but this dress makes her looks really broad and hipless

Coco Rocha in Givenchy
I am all for loud color but the only way one can get away with loud is if it's done with elegance - which is a fail here. Maybe if the pants was a full skirt instead this would work - then her tiny waist would be highlighted!

Florence Welch in Alexander McQueen
This first thought that popped into my head was same dress as we always see her in except bigger - not a good thing!

 Photo Credits:
I)    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
II)   1, 2, 3, 4, 5
III)  1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

IFB & Tanorexic . . . . To Tan or Not to Tan

First I would like to start this post with some fun links I def suggest you click on. IFB is always a source of inspiration for me when I am in rut. Go ahead and click  - who know maybe it'll inspire your next outfit. 

Midis, Maxis, and May

Edited by: Victoria of vmac+cheese

When I was a little kid, it was tough to find me in anything other than pants or shorts. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was a tom boy...but skirts and dresses just weren’t my thing. Fast forward 20+ years, and I’ve finally seen the light. Flowy skirts and pretty dresses not only lend an instant ladylike vibe to your look, but they’re also insanely comfortable. This week, plenty of bloggers are embracing the warmer temps with midi and maxi skirts, easy cotton dresses, and all in bold summer colors, natch. They’re looks that even my 7 year old self would’ve approved of!

• A Woman Like Me: Can I Get Some Aztec Please?
• A’s Fashion Files: April Wedding Showers
• Aspiring New Moms: A Pop of Color {Yellow}
• Barefoot Duchess: Low Budget Bridal Spring 2012
• Broke with Designer Taste: Dare to be Daring
• Closet Fix: My Style Fix
• Dress Code: High Fashion: White for All Occasions S/S 12
• Easy Petite Looks: 5 Q’s to Ask Before Every Fashion Purchase
• elle bow room: Handmade Blues
• Elle Yeah: It’s Like (Rose Gold) Dust
• The Fashion Firecracker: Outfit of the Day: Colorful Courage  < YAY! I made it!
• Globetrotting in Heels: Style Q&A: Go Long
• Hailes Hearts Fashion: Top Tips from Bloggers’ Lips
• Haley Cakes: That’s When I Know You’re Alone
• My Berlin Fashion: Pastel
• Shrimp Salad Circus: The Pants and Stripes. I Wore It.
• Something Old, Something New: Sunshine and Blues
• Sweet Escape: Summer Essential: Maxi Dress
• Where Can I Find The...?: The Fringe Effect
• Woodstock Wardrobe: Fashion School is Now in Session
• 40+ Style: Putting it all in one outfit

SPONSOR:
Shorts at Shopbop: Something Else, Free People Shorts, A+O Shorts, Textile, Vince Denim, L.A.M.B., Siwy Cutoffs, Bermudas, MiH, 7's Shorts, ALC, Wildfox Tees & Maison Scotch shorts

Tanorexic . . .  .  .To Tan or Not to Tan


I've held onto this post for a little because it doesn't so much go with the flow, but I decieded if it's in my head it goes with the flow!

I am sure you all heard about the crazy lady in Jersey that allegedly brought her daughter into a tanning salon to get artificially bronzed. This woman, clearly suffering from a complex to be constantly tanned, claims it was a misunderstanding and bringing her daughter with her tanning is like accompanying her to the grocery store. (click here for the full story)

Soo what do are your thoughts on the matter? Obviously her daughter is too young to even consider tanning - but why do most people tan in the first place? So I did what I always do when I have a thought provoking question - I went to see what wikipedia had to say about it!

In the Victorian era every "It" girl sported white skin (sometimes even lightened with lead or arsenic based powder) and the darker skin you had the closer to lower class you were considered. Then in 1920 Coco Chanel accidentally got sunburned and her fans apparently loved the tanned look so much they imitated her and started to adopt darker skin tones themselves. Coco Chanel was one of the reason's why darker skin began to be perceived as fashionable, healthy, and luxurious.

After research and results show excessive tanning is NOT healthy and around 132, 000 cases of malignant melanoma and over two million cases of other skin cancers occur worldwide each year. One in every cancers diangosed worldwide is a skind cancer. (click here for full aritcle)You would think people would avoid tanning like the plague or in this case skin cancer.

Every celeberity or campaign features glowing bronzed goddess. And the worst part . . .  most of the time it's temporary make up! Yet girls all over are exposed to this image the tan is beautiful! 

                                                                    

Two different magazine covers
<via>

Two different shades of skin
<via>

On the other hand I can understand the appeal. I used to love having tanned skin. While I studied abroad for a year I was constantly trying to take my bronze to the next level. Because I am naturally fair skinned and I don't think you would believe me unless I showed you proof. 

Pretty crazy huh! Half the time I baked in the Mediterranean sun UNPROTECTED. I would never risk my skin again that way. For all I know that was catalyst for the rosacea that I have now. These days I am all about sunscreen and moisturizing and hats, and embracing my natural fair skin.

Where does your opinion lie on the  matter? Harmless habit or toxic routine? 

Playful Pink Florals

How hot is this song You'll Find A Way? I love Santigold! She sounds like the American version of M.I.A. This song is years old but it still sounds fresh to my ears. 

Her new song Disparate Youth

Outfit of the Moment

This shirtdress is an oldie but a goodie. I thrifted it for $10 at Avalon, my favorite thrift shop in Pittsburgh, and instantly fell in love with the possibilites. I layer under it and over it, wear it out or in, winter and summer! What piece do you have in your closet that can be worn a million ways and is super comfy?

With a print this fun and cheap how could you not have this much fun?

Pretending to be timid and meek . . . . ha! yeah right!
Dress: Thrifted/ NY& Co., Tank: Target, Skirt: H&M, Shoes: SoleSociety
Belt: Wetseal, Necklace: H&M, Ring: Sister, Earrings: Charlotte Russe
Beauty: Nails: Revlon Minted, Borghese: Chrome

Attempting a jumping in the air shot

God taking all these pictures is sooo tiring! 

1 . 2. 3. kissy face

Ssshhh there is a firecracker in the house

So proud of my "muscles"

Ich I don't like that pictures take another one 

Details:

Sorry about the blurriness i think my camera needs a check up

Photos courtesy of YDK  . . . profile coming soon