Don't let raindrops stop your exercise regime.

I always find it somewhat of a challenge to make my way to the gym on a gloomy, rainy day.  The prospect of watching the Food Network under the covers is always more appealing.

Today was no exception.  When I woke up to see dark rain clouds outside my window I was considerably tempted to snooze for the next hour until class.  The appeal of the newly downloaded music to my iPod didn't even make for motivation to hit the treadmill this time.  (Though, it usually does.)

While I lay in bed debating if it were worth it to get some endorphins flowing I wondered if there were anything that could convince me to go to the gym.  It didn't take long for it to hit me...clothing probably could.

If I were wearing a new work out ensemble, then there would be no stopping me from showing it off in the gym; the same way wearing a new outfit out at night always makes for a revived sense of confidence.

These are my favorite lines of activewear:
lululemon athletica is a great line of fitness gear.  Their bright clothes, although a bit pricey for a college budget, are of incredible quality.  If you can't afford the pants or jackets opt for one of their headbands which come in a variety of colors and will add a touch of fun to a simple workout outfit.

Forever 21 has come out with a line of activewear that is reasonably priced and trendy.  There's no feeling guilty about inexpensive clothes that encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Take that rainy day.  You can't stop me from making it to the gym. 

The importance of a desk

[My desk before]

[My desk after]

[small decorative bowls and a plain desk calendar with colorful post-its add a fun touch]

[coffee mug as a writing utensil holder, a pretty paperweight, bright post-it's and a journal my dad gave me. i love to write anything that comes to mind down in there]

If you are a writer you know how important it is to have a place where you can sit down, relax, be alone and inspired for your writing.  However, when you are a college student it's hard to define this kind of personal space for yourself. 

I live in a house that nearly 50 other women call home too.  There is rarely a time where I'm alone with my thoughts.

Fortunately for me, I have a room all to myself this semseter.  My room, although my own, still feels so much like a dorm room as opposed to a homey bedroom.  There are so many restrictions in decorating that I sometimes feel it's impossible to make my dorm room feel cozy or representative of myself. 

When I was blogging at my desk the other day, I decided my desk was so utterly lame and typical.  I didn't feel the slightest bit inspired as I sat at it writing.

My desk is the standard college dorm room desk: plain, made of wood and not very exciting at all (see above before picture.)  On a low budget I was able to make my desk feel a little more clean, a little more invigorating and a little more presentational of my personality.    

When I went out shopping for some new desk related items I pictured myself like Carrie Bradshaw living in a tiny NYC apartment (except mine's a significantly smaller dorm room in PA) with my desk as my own little space to be creative and put my thoughts into words.  I also pictured Emily's office space posts from the home improvement section of her fabulous blog cupcakes and cashmere.  I have to admit, these are the two women who really sucked me into the world of journalism in the first place.

With a few small touches I was able to make my tremendous improvements to my small desk space.
I added:
-small decorative bowls to hold paper clips, binder clips, etc.
-painted coffee mug to hold my pens and pencils
-a large desk calendar with bright post-it notes to mark important events
-magazine racks to hold my textbooks and notebooks
-pictures of friends and family in fun picture frames
-a cute notebook for any ideas that come to mind

Trend that transitions: High Waisted Shorts

[A pair of high waisted shorts that I borrowed from a friend]

Now that it's officially fall, it's time to say goodbye to some of my favorite summer staples.  It's time to put my espadrilles and sandals to the back of the closet and bring forward my booties and clogs.  I must say my goodbyes to easy summer tunics and allow my sweaters make it on my hangers.  However there is one of my summer staples that I plan to keep around for the first several weeks of fall: my high waisted shorts.

A high waisted short is a great piece that transitions from summer to fall.  All summer I wore my high waisted shorts during the day with light and easy tanks and sandals.  When making an evening look with the shorts, I'd pair them with a fun pair of wedges on my feet and a blazer worn over a bustier on top.

It's easy to take the shorts into fall because you can layer them over tights and boots on the bottom and cropped sweaters or blazers worn over a thin long sleeve shirt on top.  Something I also love about these shorts is that they're perfect worn day or night.  They can be worn with sneakers, boots or high heels- meaning you get your money's worth, something all fashionistas love.

For those of you in the market for a pair, stores like Topshop, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel have great high waisted short options for fall.  Whether they be denim, floral or a solid color these shorts are a great trend to try.


American Apparel Shorts
Urban Outfitters Shorts
Topshop Shorts

Ombre Hair

[Rachel Bilson loves the ombre hair trend]
http://bit.ly/9jQbQp

This past weekend I left the beautiful grounds of Lehigh's campus and headed to my favorite city in the world: New York City.  While in New York I couldn't help but notice a strange trend on the streets downtown.  Downtown New York is known for being the trendier scene, so I was really intrigued by the hair trend I was noticing down there.  I came home and did a little research about this look and found out that it has a name: ombre hair.

Ombre hair is hair that is dark at the roots and then deliberately lightened all the way to the tips.  Believe it or not, celebrities are loving this look.  Ashlee Simpson, Drew Barrymore and Rachel Bilson are all style icons who have their hair done in such a way that looks like their roots have come in dramatically.

To be honest, I think this look is way cool, but I'm not sure how professional it looks.  I can't imagine being in an industry other than the fashion/cosmetology/entertainment industry and being able to pull off hair that looks as though you've failed to be back at the salon in a few months.

Nonetheless, I think it's an incredibly trendy look and I'm excited to see if this low maintenance trend carries on.  In fact, I'm disappointed that I spent half of my paycheck in August to cover up old highlights that began in the middle of my head.  I'd never have had that done had I known it was socially acceptable (and cool) to have hair that says, "I'm low maintenance."

Fantastic (and Fashionable) Fingernails

[One of my favorite neutral's: OPI's Sand in my Suit]
http://bit.ly/9oPy8v

Let’s just say I’ve become mildly obsessed with nail polish trends for the fall.  I haven’t had a manicure since I got to school almost four weeks ago and the idea of getting one literally makes me giddy.  Not only is a manicure incredibly relaxing, but it’s also a prime opportunity to catch up on any fashion magazines that I’ve failed to read recently.  Unfortunately as my workload picks up there’s a few that I’ve barely been able to skim the pages of.

In dreaming of the bliss of a manicure, I wondered what the trends in nail polish are for the fall.  I’m extremely indecisive and need to prepare my color choice for my next manicure before I make my way to the salon.  I scoped out the nails on the recent fashion week runways and was excited with the trends I noticed.  It seems there are several trends, and these trends will appeal to a variety of individuals who are making different fashion statements.  Whether you want a clean look or a tad crazy, I’m happy to say the nail trends for fall will meet your needs. 

The trends that stood out to me most were neutrals, metallics, gem tones and shades of purple.  I don’t know if I’m able to pick a favorite frankly.

Before I left for school I was rocking a gem tone on my nails and toes.  It was OPI’s shade of green in Jade is the New Black.  There’s something about gem tones that feel royal.

A neutral excites me in all of its classic glory and I look forward to wearing a soft, basic shade.

Purple is my favorite color, so when an exotic purple nail is in style I’m always ecstatic.  Purple is considered a mysterious color and let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel a sense of mystery. Essie’s shade of purple in Sole Mate has been a favorite of mine for years.

A metallic nail is not usually my thing, but I happen to really like the twinkling metallic shades of greens, purples and reds that I saw on the models’ nails.  It isn’t your typical metallic in gold or silver.  Check out Chanel’s nail polish in Paradoxal for a great combination of purple and metallic.

Can't get my mind off of HOH.

[Pieces from the House of Harlow collection]

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://bit.ly/cqsiLf

Lately, I am obsessed with Nicole Richie's new arrivals to her House of Harlow 1960's jewelry collection.  The cocktail rings, giant cuffs and earrings are all to die for;  Not to mention, extremely up to date with the trends for fall.  She mixes all sorts of fabric, metallic, and looks, yet the line remains cohesive.

A lot of her line has a very tribal vibe to it.  The line emanates fun and can be worn during the day casually or more formally out at night- talk about versatile.  Stylish celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna and Kristin Cavallari are all rocking HOH jewelry.

I am itching to purchase a piece but don't want it to be an impulse decision.  I mull over the pieces pretty much everyday in an attempt to pick just which one I'd love to have.  Her jewelry will undoubtedly be all over my Christmas wish list!

Feeling homesick...

[A sweatshirt with a feminine feel- Forever 21]

[Cocktail Rings- Forever 21]

I woke up this morning to the sound of soft rain on my windowsill.  There was a beautiful lull to it, and I would have been glad to stay in bed all day and watch Grey's Anatomy DVDs.  There's something about a rainy day that always makes me wish I were lounging on my couch at home.  From my college dorm room bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the comfort of my family room couch.
In feeling homesick, I decided some retail therapy may help.  I put on a cozy sweater and rainboots and headed to the Lehigh Valley Mall; Not my favorite mall I have to admit, but I figured some alone time and some spending would feel good.

Forever 21 satisfied my shopping needs today.  I was able to find three cozy sweaters, a sweatshirt and two fabulous cocktail rings to my liking.  Did I mention I got this all for under $110 dollars?

As I'm putting away my new purchases, I still feel a little homesick.  On a rainy day my mom always cooks comfort foods, and I think that's what I'm craving.  I just called my mom and asked her for her recipe for breaded chicken cutlets.  A simple meal but a comforting one that I'm going to make for myself tonight.  I'm about to head out to Wegmanns to buy the ingredients.  Below is the recipe...

Breaded Chicken Cutlets:

Add 

4 cups of breadcrumbs

2 cloves of minced garlic

LOTS of grated cheese

to a bowl.

Then beat 2 or 3 eggs

with a little milk in a

separate bowl.

Dip chicken cutlet in the egg mixture.

Then dip the chicken cutlet in breadcrumbs.

Put oil in a pan (med. heat) until oil is hot.

Fry chicken until browned, then turn and brown the other side.
The end product: simple comfort food that
satisfies and tastes delicious!

Lace Up Booties

[Jeffrey Campbell leather lace up booties]

After spending a morning outside, I'm anxiously awaiting fall weather.  With the weather in the 70's today it felt a bit more like fall but still not quite there.  This morning, as I picked out my outfit for the day, I couldn't help but notice the shoe box that sits towards the back of my closet.  I know the shoes that sit in there.  I have taken them out of the box several times but haven't been able to put them to good use yet.  The shoes are basically unworn.  They smell strongly of fresh leather.  They are a beautiful mix of chocolate brown and midnight black.  I simply cannot wait to wear this brand new pair of short, lace up booties made by Jeffrey Campbell. 

You're probably wondering what makes these booties so great.  Well, they're the perfect transition piece from my open-toed shoes of the summer to fall boots.  I don't want to brave the idea of a tall boot yet as the weather is still warm, so the short bootie is ideal to me. 

The short, lace up bootie is a major trend for this season.  With so many pairs out there you're bound to find one you love.  I know I've found plenty.

The bootie is also fun because they don't need to be laced entirely every time they're worn.  Feel free to stop lacing mid-way and let the bootie fold over.  It's a casual look that says you're relaxed and enjoying the transition of the seasons.

Vincent from Johnny's Bagels

Today in J198 I got my first experience with video editing. I found it challenging at first but found that with time I was understanding it little by little. During this past week I set out to Johnny's Bagels, a bagel place frequented by students on Lehigh's campus. I got footage of the workers on the job and then had the opportunity to interview one of the men who works there. Vincent, who has been employed by Johnny's bagels for four years, was shy in answering my questions but he gave me great insight about his job. Vincent learned to cook in NY, where he worked and lived before moving to the Lehigh Valley area. Vincent hopes to open his own bagel shop one day.
In the first video, I simply inputted my interview with Vincent. There is about five minutes of back and forth questions and answers. The only editing I did here was including Vincent's name underneath his image and then adding some credits to the end of my footage.
In the second video, I inputted footage of various men at work at Johnny's. They are working behind the counter, cooking eggs, making sandwiches and helping customers in other ways. In the background I incorporated the audio footage from the interview with Vincent. In other words, the footage of the men on the job plays muted, while the audio of Vincent's interview plays too.
My video may not be all that, but it was really cool to be able to learn how to mute audio from one clip and input audio from another over it. I was also able to give myself some credit in the credits. I must admit, it's fun to see my name flashing across my laptop in an actual YouTube video.
I look forward to becoming more savvy with Window's Movie Maker. I'd like to be able to cut clips when they start to become a little too much of nothing. In the meantime however, I am pleased with what I've learned so far.

Bringing back the '50s, '60s and '70s!

This season, designers like Louis Vuitton and Chloe are bringing back styles of the past.  1950's, 1960's and 1970's inspired looks are all over runways.  The '50s circle skirts, '60s mod appeal and bell-bottoms, and '70s phenomenon of fur and silk are making comebacks.

I don't know if I have the desire to be wearing circle skirts or fur, but I'd be willing to give it a try.  I'm interested to see if and how quickly these trends can make their comebacks.  My guess is that neutral furs will be a hit as I see neutral shearling jackets all over fashion magazines/blogs.  However, I simply don't see a long circle skirt (these skirts are similar to those worn by the infamous Pink Ladies in Grease) being worn by women of my generation, but I guess only time will tell.

In the meantime, I am amazed by how fashion has the ability to make comebacks, and I am looking forward to a dig through my mother's closet for any of these trendy items.

Leopard Accents

[Victoria Beckham with a leopard handbag]

One cannot open a page of a fashion magazine without the sight of leopard accents.  Whether it be scarves, bags, shoes, or jewelry- one can spot leopard spots everywhere.

Leopard can be rocker-chic or very feminine, so women with any style want to get their hands on an accent with this pattern.  Not to mention, it works with absolutely any outfit.  It can make a statement when worn with a simple outfit, or push limits when worn with a more funky one.

My personal favorite is the use of a leopard handbag.  Stylish celebrities like Kate Bosworth, Heidi Klum and Victoria Beckham are all carrying leopard handbags.  I cannot wait to get my hands on one!

"Fashions fade, style is eternal," Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent once said, "Fashions fade, style is eternal."

Trends change not just every season, but every day. 

Fashion can be simple or extreme.  It can be sexy or modest.  It can be minimalistic or elaborate.  It has the potential to be so many things.

I love the ever-changing world of fashion.


I love runway shows.  The ability of a designer to create an entire line from a simple, central theme amazes me.  My sister, a fashion student, one time created an entire collection based on the concept of an enchanted forest.  I am not creative in this sort of way, and the fact that designers have an ability to take words and put them into clothes is incredible to me.

I love fashion magazines and blogs.  I would read them all day if I could.  I often times read the articles and then go back through again just to look at all the images.
I love how fashion has the ability to define a decade.

Most of all, I love how a person can say volumes about their character through their choice of dress.
In this blog, I will attempt to keep us updated with the latest and greatest trends.  I will pick my favorites, or what seems most interesting/shocking to me.  I will enjoy every second of this, and I hope you do too.

Imani's 5th Year at Lehigh but her First time as a Journalism Student!

Today is my first day in #j198 Multimedia Reporting, but not my first day as a journalism student.  This is not the case for Imani Hamilton however.  Today is Imani's first day as a journalism student, despite the fact that this is her fifth year at Lehigh.  Imani has already graduated with a degree from Lehigh in architecture, but she's back this year as a presidential scholar.  Imani is really excited for an opportunity to pursue her interests in writing and journalism.  Her schedule is hectic, but she doesn't seem to mind.  She is enthusiastic about the courses she will be taking, as they all spark an interest within her.  Imani looks forward to starting her blog about cooking, an interest she has recently picked up.  And I'll be sure to to make Imani one of my "tweeps" because I know her witty posts will make me laugh all semester.