capitol couture

Our 4 hours of Hunger Games costume prep turned out to be successful. Hannah and I used a full can of teal hair dye, plus a lot of needle and thread for sewing our costumes. Kate and Beth made themselves look like sad, poor children, and Anna perfected the Cinna look with her gold eye liner and slicked back hair. 

We left the house in style. 

Before we could walk into the theater, we already had people asking to take photos with us...and then three more people asked to take photos with us once we were inside. Stares and compliments kept coming our way, but once the movie started, all attention was on the true celebrities of the Hunger Games. 

We loved the movie. Loved it. It was worth the wait and even worth getting split up and sitting alone in the theater (lame). 

Here's a look at some of our shots from the night:

Do you like our costumes? 

Which one should we submit to the District Style Challenge?

Thoughts on the movie? I really want to know. 

[Red Lips Equals]

When I came home from the gym today I realized that I had a few hours to spare with the house to myself. I thought for a few moments, evaluated my options, and decided that I was going to have a pampering session. I had way too much fun playing with makeup to say the least... particularly with lip color. 

'Revlon Really Red' lipstick is my new best friend. When I see a woman wearing bold red lips, I think of these things:

1. Boldness

2. Confidence

3. Sensuality

4. Fearlessness 

5. Glamor  

Red Red Red = female power

;) 

[Five Favorite Fashion Trends]

   

1. Color blocking

Hottest colors being tangerine, fuschia, and purple. More about color blocking here 

2. Feminine pastels

Soft pinks and teals - paired with lace and nude colored pieces 

3. Denim

Vests, jackets, and even denim on denim has become popular lately. And guess what? Kate Bosworth is launching a new denim collection. 

4. Peplum

High waisted peplum skirts are extremely flattering. I found one at Pull and Bear in Ireland, and it's my absolute favorite piece of clothing. More about peplum here

5. Bright colored skinny pants

J Crew has a quality new selection of unique colors to choose from. Best worn with heels in my opinion. 

[The Kennedys]

Jordan and I started our new show, The Kennedy's last night. After only two episodes we are already hooked. I'm learning new things about the Kennedy family while being inspired by Jackie (played by Katie Holmes) and her 1960's style. 

Jackie colors: pink, yellow, red, ivory

Jackie's icon: Audrey Hepburn

Jackie's designer of choice: Hubert de Givenchy

Jackie staples: 

pillbox hat

pearls

white gloves

sleeveless dresses

high waisted trousers 

"Often sketching designs for her clothing as First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy fashion immediately drew international attention; more than any other First Ladies her style was copied by commercial manufacturers and a large segment of young women." 

{10 Fun Fall Things}

Source: madisonrawlings.tumblr.com via Madison on Pinterest

As you all must know by now, I am obsessed with fall. Every year towards the middle of summer I start to plan for the upcoming fall season. I really could go without summer altogether. I am usually freezing cold in an air conditioned building or sweating like a pig in the relentless humidity. I never know what to wear because of this problem. Plus, summer activities just don't bring me as much joy as the fall ones do. What is so great about fall? Let me tell you.

Fall brings changing leaves and perfect crisp weather that is reliable and welcoming. Fall draws you in with its colors of burnt orange and red, smells of campfires, cinnamon and cloves, and flavors of pumpkin and granny-smith apples. Fall is also the best season for fashion. Life is just extra comforting when you get to wear big warm sweaters, blue jeans, and leather boots.

If you don't agree with me about fall being the best season there is, then I challenge you to take part in the following activities. I guarantee that your life will be enriched and you will end the season with a changed mind and new passion for autumn.

Source: mochatini.org via Van on Pinterest

10 Fun Things To Do in the Fall: 

1. Pick apples. visit an orchard. drink their apple cider.

2. Bake pumpkin goodies. pumpkin muffins, pie, bread, cookies....pretty much anything with pumpkin is amazing.

3. Camping trip. Do it early before it gets too cold. Take in the smells of camping because you can't get that anywhere else. I prefer camping in the woods where you can sit around the fire and tell scary stories, but that's not everyone's cup of tea I suppose.

4. Carve pumpkins. Go to a pumpkin patch. Do not buy your pumpkin at the grocery store! Pick out your own unique pumpkin and carve that sucker. Make a party of it. And you must bake the seeds, they're delicious.

5. Visit a corn maze. Okay, this one is hard, because you have to find a good corn maze. Some of them are lame, but if you find the ones that are somewhat challenging, it can be really fun. It's better to do this one in the dark when things are spooky :)

6. Have a Scary movie night. If you don't like scary movies, then have a fall movie night. That sounds ridiculous, I know, but there are certain movies that are perfect to watch in the fall. Examples: Cold Mountain, The Village, and Dan in Real Life. I watch all of these multiple times during the fall.

7. Take a Hike. If you are a hoosier, this might be a challenge. But hey, "hiking" can be a simple walk in the woods. If possible though, find a mountain and climb it (or large hill). Soak up the view from the top.

8. Attend a Football Game. In High School, I remember loving the fall because of football season, and I would go to every game I possibly could. I think my favorite things are the pep band and the hot chocolate from concessions. yum.

9. Make caramel apples, cider with spices, and homemade hot soup. Hello comfort food in the chilly weather. All three of these things will make your house smell like heaven.  

10. Halloween party!!! One of my favorite things about fall is Halloween. To make the most of it, you should create a killer creative Halloween costume (like our Jack and Jill from last year). Pass out candy to the trick-or-treaters, and make sure you aren't giving out crappy candy, or the kiddies will not want to come back for more next year. I think its fun to host/attend a party where there are things like bobbing for apples, dancing, good food, and costume contests. If you are really looking to have a good time, find a haunted house to go to. Make sure you do some research, because some of these places are sketch and/ or real lame. (hint: if it doesn't freak you out and make you scream and lose your breath, than its probably not worth your time). Enjoy this night, it's the best.

Source: piccsy.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

If you do all of these things and still don't love fall, than you're a crazy person.

{wish list}

 

stepping stones necklace 

 

block it like its hot dress 

   

passport cover

go everywhere tote

 

 

ixora kitten heels

I have been craving a shopping trip lately, but the reality is, we can't afford that. So instead I just browse online through my favorite stores and find the items that I might someday purchase (but I doubt I ever will).

All of these items fit my summer mood right now, but what I am really looking forward to is fall. Fall weather and fall fashion. You just wait, my blog will be all about fall once it comes. I can't get enough.

The Royal Wedding

I apologize for doing two posts in a row related to weddings, but the Royal Wedding cannot be overlooked. It was epic, and Kate was stunning.

Isn't she lovely?

I think one of my favorite parts of the ceremony was when Kate finally arrived to William after walking down the aisle. If you watched closely you would have been able to read his lips, telling her that she looked beautiful. It was a quick and very special moment.

Orla Kiely

The patterns of the Irish fashion designer Orla Kiely are everywhere. Whenever I step into a shop in Dublin, I recognize her design right away. It is unique, simple, and usually colorful and cheery. At first I thought she only designed stationary, but she actually has a wide variety of products selling all over the world.

I have not seen one thing of hers I haven't liked, especially the kitchenware. I bought an Orla Kiely journal today. I got super excited about the texture of the cover and the paper inside...I can't wait to write in it.

Paris

I don't even know where to start. It's nearly impossible to fully capture the magic of Paris with a few words and photos. But I will do my best to translate my experience of the city of beauty, fashion, elegance, history, and romance.

Jordan and I were nervous to travel and stay in a foreign country where neither of us spoke the language fluently. Even after my four years of french classes, I was rusty and forgetful. Thankfully we had time in the airport for me to brush up, and to teach Jordan the basics. We found that getting around in Paris was actually pretty easy, and we ended up meeting some very helpful and friendly people - the rumors about the french being stuck up aren't exactly true from what I can tell.

We had plenty of time to see the major sights, with extra hours to spend in the culture of Parisian cafe's indulging in the delicious food and espresso. Jordan was an excellent navigator and Metro coordinator, and I was there for moral support. Unfortunately I am severely directionally challenged. But by Sunday, we knew our way around Paris better than Dublin!



My french stamp! I am so proud of my passport.



Notre Dame, and the star in the center of the city.





Jordan and I walked along the Seine for a few hours. This was one of the best ways to experience the romance of Paris.




So much espresso. And not just regular espresso, it was always pretty and decorated like this little guy.



Souvenir shopping and browsing.



Sacré-Cœur!



And the famous "Tour Eiffel"






We went up to the top of the tower and stayed until the sun went down. Advice from my dear friend George, who lived in Paris for a semester and gave us so many tips!





The Louvre



The real Mona Lisa. We got as close to her as possible.




Jordan being his studly self, reading our map and getting us around the city




Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, recommended by everyone I know who has been to Paris. The shopkeepers even speak English! It was such a relief.





This was our favorite cafe of all. la fourmi ailée had authentic french cuisine and a wide selection of teas brought to us in a cast iron pot. Our waiter was also super friendly and spoke really well English for being a Frenchman.









The Pantheon



Streets of Paris



Shopping at Naf Naf on Champs-Élysées




Jordan and I had extremely sore feet at the end of each day. Since we had already stuffed our bellies, and we didn't want to be lame and go back to our hostel, we went to the movies! Twice. It was a great experience. I was fascinated by the french previews and theater setup. Saturday night was The Fighter, which was amazing. The acting was some of the best I have seen in a long time. Transforming performances by Christian Bale, Amy Adams, and Melissa Leo. And Saturday was the night I finally got to see Black Swan! An epic film that took us a few hours to digest. I am so glad Natalie Portman won the Oscar for Best Actress. Well deserved to say the least.



Sunday night we went all out at Häagen-Dazs Gold Room - sit down restaurant. For dinner we had dark chocolate fondue ice cream balls with fresh fruit, brownies, and cookies for dipping. Heavenly.





We were not ready to leave by Monday. For both Jordan and I, this was by far one of our favorite vacations we had ever been on. He promised me that we would go back someday. I will miss the melodic sounds of the french language, but the taste of the Paris air, crepes, warm espresso, and french onion soup will never be forgotten.