Weekend Horoscope for Pisces

They get it right every time! Thank you Elle!

Pisces
February 19-March 20
Weekend Update:
May 28, 2010

There’s freedom in letting go, Pisces, so if you’ve been feeling sleepy, heavy, or weighed down, it’s time for a release. Be it an unhealthy relationship, toxic habit, or personal possessions that no longer suit your style, it’s time to pack ‘em up and send ‘em out. Accept an invitation to spend Memorial Day weekend with a group of people you admire and enjoy. Their broad-minded thinking and conscious outlook on the world will inspire a sense of activism in you. So maybe you’re not the type to protest or picket…there are still plenty of actions you can take to raise awareness for an important cause, like the oil spill cleanup or domestic violence awareness. On Sunday, Saturn lifts the embargo on your love life, filling you up with the spirit of Eros. You can finally see clearly how and who you’d like to spend the next chapter of your life with. If you haven’t actually MET that person yet, pick up a copy of “Calling In The One,” by Katherine Thomas. She met her soulmate at age 40 and had a child shortly thereafter, and she shares her secrets for manifesting love in this moving, workbook style tome.

- Horoscopes provided by The AstroTwins

Packing for Vegas Part II

Vegas Barbie and I finally got together to discuss each other's outfits and how we would coordinate for our outings. We sipped on Chardonnay and ate chocolates while debating what to bring and what not to bring. It was absolutely what I needed to start this week off right! The easy part was deciding on complimenting outfits, the more difficult task is figuring out how to put everything into a piece of carry-on luggage!! This time I'm bringing 4 pairs of heels and running shoes! How will this ever work?! Eeek!

Weekend Shopping: Luxurious Bed Linen & Make-up

I've decided that as a woman I do not exercise my ability to wear lipstick enough. I have counted that I have 4 MAC lipsticks and 3 lip glosses that I never EVER use, not including the one I just bought. After making my somewhat guilty luxurious cotton-sateen Sonoma life + style sheet set (originally $99.99!!), I headed over to the MAC counter at Macy's to buy much needed liquid eye liner. While at the MAC counter, I came to realize that they might still have the VIVAGLAM Gaga limited edition lip stick I tried to get at Nordstrom's months ago. I was lucky and got the very last one (limited edition lipstick - $14.00)!! This shade is by far my favorite one. It gives you the most absolutely subtle pink shade after you apply a coat and purse your lips against a napkin. It's perfect and I'm bringing it with me to Vegas!!

Now lets talk about my new bed sheets! Even though I cannot complain about the eggplant colored Egyptian cotton bed sheets I have now, there was just something off about the duvet and bed sheet combination. I did not feel like my slate grey duvet complimented the dark purple sheets. Instead they looked like they were competing with each other.


I actually discovered these sheets when I went over to a girl friend's house last night. I instantly fell in love with her sheets. I crooned over them to such an extent that she was finally obliged to share some information regarding how she came into possession of them. It turned out that it was a gift from her Mother (and recently too!), and bought at Kohl's out of all places!! At first I doubted this information since the sheets' brands were clearly marked "Sonoma," in which my heart sank because they will charge you an arm and a leg for a book end. But she reassured me that it was a partnership between William Sonoma and Kohl's very much like Vera Wang. Upon closer inspection of the tag I found out that she was right.

I did not lose a day to track down these sheets and make them mine. From the time I dropped her off and the moment I found these sheets I was in perpetual agony. I could not decide whether I absolutely needed these sheets, and of course the answer was NO I DO NOT NEED these sheets. I just WANT them. And I thought I was doing so well with not spending (I can't even think about saving!!). But when it boiled down to it, I could absolutely visualize how well the mauve (BTW I love LOVE mauve right now) would go with my slate grey comforter. What I love most about them is that they have a sheen just like my other sheets. I cold have the visual luxury of satin sheets, but have the physical comfort of cotton sheets! I am so thrilled about how they make my bed look so inviting. At least I can go to sleep knowing that I got them for 50% off the original price ($49.99)! It's not my fault I have a queen sized bed. If I had a smaller bed, I would have no trouble saving money. And in my defense, my younger sister did not think it was a bad purchase (and thankfully she saved me yesterday from making a huge purchase at Forever21!!).

Friday Shopping Spree: Forever 21

I swear about every Friday I have to go shopping. On my lunch break today I went down to Union Square and straight to American Apparel to buy a white side tie bikini bottom to go with the white triangle and bandeau bikini tops I got at H&M this week. I'm really really picky about sizes when it comes to bikinis so that's why I when I found the reasonably priced bikini tops at H&M with gold hardware, I decided that I should spend a little bit more to find the perfect bottom. Of course the perfect bikini bottom would minimize the amount of fabric used to maximize the amount of skin you see (given the size of my asset), but I wasn't about to go find that they day before Memorial weekend. I needed something quick and I knew that I could depend on American Apparel to carry XS merchandise and mean it.

I did something silly and went on the Forever 21 website right before going to Union Square. So I had to stop by Forever 21 after American Apparel. I ended up putting some oversized tanks and dresses on hold to try on later since there was such a long line for the dressing rooms. I could actually just buy everything online and make my life easier, but I'm extremely picky about how something fits me (especially at Forever 21! The tailoring could be so off sometimes!).


Forever 21 Lace Dress in black ($27.80)


Forever 21 Embassy Epaulet Dress (sale $13.99-online only)


Forever 21 Twelve by Twelve Tiered Shirt Dress in Taupe (sale $20.99, originally $42.00-online only)

Since I don't really need these items ASAP (because I generally see myself wearing them during school), I could easily just buy these items online. There just wouldn't be any instant gratification.

VEGAS PART II

Ok people. It's time for me and Vegas Barbie to make our second trip to the City that adores single ladies. In preparation for my trip I have been working out A.K.A. monitoring what I eat and making myself run and do ab work. If I had my pole up you bet I would be practicing, but since I am YES that lame and lazy I will have to go with a quick practice on my friend's pole before taking on the poles in Vegas.

I have some new things that I can bring with me to Vegas too. Among them are a white mini skirt and my black romper. This time we're going to stay for 5 nights! Think about all the damage we can cause, especially to our bank accounts!

Shopping List:


RALPH "Easy" Metal Aviators in Gold
$119.00 @ Sunglass Hut

MTV The City

I recently rediscovered the MTV reality show, The City, which stars Whitney (originally from MTV's The Hills) taking on NYC. While browsing Elle's website, I found a how-to dress like Olivia Palermo (character from The City) article. Since I stopped watching TV last year, I have become totally behind on fashion-entertainment hit reality television shows like Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, Gossip Girl and The City. Thankfully I can still catch up online.

These photos are from a The City photo shoot with Whitney and Roxy. I love the sky blue wrap-around heels that Whitney is wearing. The transparent blue platform reminds me so much of stripper heels.

DSquared2: Stripper-influenced Shoes

Last week I was browsing through one of my magazines, (I think it was Glamour, which I don't remember subscribing to so receive these for free) when I stumbled upon one of the outfits showcasing Spring/Summer '10 designer apparel that featured DSquared2 shoes. These heels were special in that every single bit of the shoe looked like a "stripper" shoe on crack. Everything from the black platform, transparent straps and metal studs just screams exotic dance shoes! But these shoes were not made by the well-known stripper shoe brands, Pleaser, Tony Shoes or Ellie. These sandals are actually the creation of identical twin brothers, Dean and Dan Caten, designers of the new high-end fashion label, DSquared2.

What I love about all of DSquared2 shoes is that they have rubber soles that are great for traction. Not enough designers keep comfort and safety in mind when they design shoes for women, which usually means clients have to take it upon themselves to pay for the upgrade out of their own pockets. I usually get rubber soles put on the bottom of my heel and sole of the shoe. It's worth it.


From left, "Lisabeth" Transparent Boot ($1,142), "Lisabeth" Transparent Boot w/ detailed metallic inserts ($1,956.00) and "Lisabeth" Leather Boot w/ detailed metallic inserts ($2,119.00)


Transparent Sandal w/ detailed metallic inserts ($1,301.00), Black leather sandal w/ detailed metallic inserts ($1,392.00).


Transparent pump w/ detailed metallic inserts ($1,118.00), Black leather pump w/detailed metallic inserts ($1,291.00)


Hot pink sandal ($792.00), Neon orange ankle boot ($972.00)

Shoes are definitely the highlight for both DSquared2's menswear and womenswear collections for Spring/Summer '10. Honestly, I don't think it's been a better time to be a man in today's fashion world. The shoes are amazing! I'm absolutely jealous that I can't wear them!

Today's Elle Horoscope

The Emperor has no clothes, and today, you’re officially nominated to deliver this somewhat uncomfortable news. It’s time to stick your neck out in the name of transparency. There’s no point in moving forward in a relationship–whether for business or personal reasons–if you’re all BSing each other. Take a stand for truth today, even if you have to sift through some awkward moments along the way.

No Work and All Play

I believe that this weekend was one of the best weekends I've had this year. I wasn't scheduled to work, I watched a total of 6 movies, became the proud owner of a beautiful black Coach Amanda patent watch and diamond ring (gifts from my grandma), bought some nail polish and did my own nails, did some retail therapy in Berkeley, spent time with family and started to read Upton Sinclair's The Jungle at one of my favorite cafes in Berkeley. I wish that I had more leisurely weekends like this past one. Now I'm refreshed and ready to get back to work, well kind of.

Spinning Pole: Last Class

Taking spinning pole classes at Poletential was such a great experience for me. Sunday was the last day out of a 3-day spinning pole clinic. On top of the previous tricks we learned, Amber taught us how to use a split grip to get into a cradle and how to climb beginning with a V/toe twirl.

While I should really master moves on a stationary pole, it's so much more entertaining to practice on a spinning pole. Spinning poles force you to control your movement to conserve momentum and builds your strength because you're just holding a move for a prolonged period of time. I would say the only really difficult part of spinning pole, is getting over motion sickness if you have that problem and being comfortable spinning while transitioning into moves.

Now that this class is over and I only have two more drop-in classes, I have become more motivated to set up my own X-Pole which has been patiently waiting for me. Poor thing.

Balmain Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear

Balmain's designer's stroke of genius this spring 2010 was just my first taste of Christophe Decarnin's creations. Last spring, he put on an equally impressive runway show that will rip your heart out and slam it into the ground. This is a man who knows how to design for women in the most flattering way possible.

Bravo Balmain Spring 2010

Diane von Furstenburg, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen, Lanvin...and BALMAIN

Fashion is vanity. Fashion is self-expression. Fashion is art. Fashion is materialistic. Fashion is ingrained in all of us to attract the other sex, whether we are aware of it or not.



I am a slave to fashion and I have no intention of breaking free of my chains any time soon. I'm aware that what drives me are basic factors such as sex, beauty and violence. Fashion falls under beauty, but you can also argue that it is sexy, sex-inspired, sexually enhancing and one of the most violent things we can do to the environment. Nonetheless, I perpetuate the system by continuously updating my wardrobe with the newest trends marketed to us every quarter.





Specifically, I have become fascinated with Balmain's latest collection created by French mastermind Christophe Decarnin. Balmain is a Parisian fashion house which definitely explains why I have been so enamored with it. No other country knows how to showcase a woman's features than the French.






Decarnin's Spring collection for Balmain draws from Military and Rock 'n' Roll themes. Decarnin artfully combined his signature use of padded-shoulders with military embellishments, metallic tunics, skinny cargo pants, and destroyed shirts in the most successful display of feminine masculinity. He definitely had the urban woman in mind. While aspects of his outfits hug the body like a herve leger, he introduces structure through the shoulder pads that doesn't venture into for-the-runway-only territory.





Since I was blessed with slender limbs (well at least my arms are) and a petite frame, I cannot resist his jackets and coats since they seem to hug the models' in all the right places. There is nothing more bothersome than wearing a coat or jacket and having so much extra fabric that you can basically fit another jacket right underneath the one you are already wearing.

Bravo!

Summer Trends and Colors: Bebe Summer 2010 Catalog

One Shoulder Chainmail Sleeve Top $54

The Bebe Summer Catalog perfectly illustrates the colors, prints, trends and key pieces to look out for this summer.

Not surprisingly, rompers and jumpsuits have returned. These are so versatile that you can basically where them for day and night. Just pair them with heels and accent jewelry and you're done. Jumpsuits and rompers are perfect if you're really active, but still want to look smoldering at the same time. Since I've already stocked up on my basic black, I'm looking to getting a perfect romper or jumpsuit in orange or blue.


Silk Pleated Jumpsuit $119

Another trend that has returned this summer are embellished military-inspired pieces. I see this trend mostly through tops and outerwear right now. So if you're feeling like sporting some surplus green and brass buttons, than it's the perfect time.



Despite my very real dislike for the military and those melo-dramatic and romantic U.S. Army commercials, I actually really do like brass buttons and some military-inspired pieces when done right. While reading my Rihanna featured W magazine yesterday, I came across a Balmain ad in the back that was absolutely amazing. This Balmain ad has converted me. While I do love the jacket and outfit, I don't think I'm ready to construct an outfit for myself. (Side note: I LOVE Balmain).



If you don't want to go out and buy new items for your summer wardrobe, you can easily find existing colors and prints in your closet that are in. Obviously, white is one of summer's biggest color but really orange is my new favorite. I never really liked orange, and have always associated it with Halloween. But to avoid pairing it with other colors (like black, which would definitely make you look like a Halloween billboard) wear a one piece dress or romper and accent it with brown heeled sandals and gold and blue jewelry.


Ruffles, taffeta and floral and maxi dresses are also trendy this summer.While I utilize ruffles in my everyday wardrobe, I avoid taffeta and floral to prevent myself from looking like I draped myself in my mother's old window furnishings and extra scraps I found in the attic. If you were adventurous and made it look sleek, than perhaps I could be persuaded, but I would rather not look like I'm attending an afternoon picnic in the 50s. There's too much kick ass going inside of me.

Every season Bebe comes out with at least one pair of shoes that I need to have. This season it's their Romy Leather and Raffia Sandals priced at $159. I have this theory that Bebe's magic number is $159. I definitely remember buying my other pair last year for that amount.


Romy Leather and Raffia Sandals $159


Hilary Snake Print Sandals $159


Shop the online catalog: