What to Wear: Valentine's Edition

For this week's "What to Wear" I have decided to compile a list of five of my fashion inspirations for Valentine's Day. So, prepare yourself for plenty of shades of red, purple, pink, etc., etc.;) 

No. 1:

Amythest, at least in my opinion, is a very romantic color. It's both a very deep and ravishing color, factors that make it a perfect choice for that perfect Valentine's date look! The black lace dress by Van Mildert immediately screamed classic romance when I first saw it as did the black rose cameo bracelet, the dark purple heels with a bow and glittery amythest nail polish! Also, I've listed both the prices and sources of my finds below, so, enjoy!;) 

The Pretty Dress Company Windsor Lace Pencil Dress by Van Mildert: £91.00, Ravish Purple Nu Steven-Steve Madden: $150.00, Couture by Lolita Rose Cameo Bracelet Cuff- Black/Purple: $38.00, Vikki Purple Nail Polish Boogie Night: £5.00

No.  2: 

For my second Valentine's inspired look I rushed to Grace for some inspiration. To me the combination of the ornate white lace dress, the blush heels with crystal accents, the glittery gold and pink rose bracelet as well as the ballerina pink nail polish seemed to combine the perfect aroma of both classic elegance and romance!

Drawstring Waist Shear Lace Gown-Annina: $80.90, Michael Antonio Tilford Sat Heels in Blush: $44.99, Pink and Gold Flower Stretch Bracelet £7.99, Essie Nail Polish in "Pink Sheer Bliss": $8.50

No. 3: 

This bold look is perfect for all of my trendsetters and though it may be solely accented with edgy prints, bold colors and patterns, this combination of fuchsia and black makes the perfect and most daringly romantic look for a night out with your Valentine
 while still managing to retain reminiscent touches of classic elegance.

Boohoo Olivia Sweetheart Off The Shoulder Midi Dress: $45.00, Michael Michael Kors Strud Strap Heel $232.28, Mango Rhinestone Bib Necklace: $60.00, Pink and Black Lace Sephora by O.P.I.-Trend Tips: $6.00

                                     No. 4:

This classic look with it's vibrant cherry red accents just screams romantic! Definitely a fashion look that the iconic Fashionista, Audrey Hepburn would approve of in a pinch!;)

Mod Cloth- High Noon Harvest Dress in White Watercolor: $99.99, Sole Society Sonita- Bow Detail Heel: $70.00, Olia- Woman's Silver Bubble Stone Bracelet: £14.99, Essie Nail Polish in Long Stem Roses: $18.00

    No. 5:

And last of all, I have compiled a look in celebration of Valentine's day's main color, red. This outfit with rhinestone black pumps, crimson rose jewelry, a 40's inspired dress in red, black cherry nails, immediately penetrates a vibrant luminosity of romance! Perfect for a date night at some French restaurant downtown!:) 

ModCloth- Down to a Pine Art Dress in Red: $169.99, Van Mildert- Lola Cruz Crystal Embellished Peep Toe Heels £96.00, Anthropologie- Bermuda Rose Bracelet: $108.00, Anthropologie-Bermuda Rose Bib Necklace: $128.00, Essie Nail Color- Scarlett O'Hara: $8.49

Hopefully you enjoyed this post and are now inspired as to what stunning outfit you shall don tomorrow evening! Also, what was YOUR favorite look? 

~Erin xoxo <3

Baby Take a Bow

Baby Take a Bow

Saying Goodbye to "America's Little Sweetheart"

Ah! yes, the girl with the curly top, the endless collection of both talents and charisma, the girl who introduced happiness to the audiences of America back in the mid 30's has come to the end of the road in her life's journey. Shirley reportedly passed away late last evening, February 10th, 2014 at the age of 85 years old. Her death came reportedly from natural causes, no other details have been released to the public as of yet. And though we may wonder the details surrounding her death or perhaps crave for a more intricate revelation of her final moments, there's one thing for certain, and that's that her passing shall leave a gaping hole in the lives of all who have ever come to know "America's Little Sweetheart." Perhaps you know her as the little girl who sang to her fellow orphans the popular tune "Animal Crackers in My Soup", or maybe you think of her as little Rebecca from "Rebecca of Sunny-brook Farm", etc.  

Whoever she may be to you, whatever she may symbolize in your life, there's no arguing that her star and mark on cinematic history shall forever burn brightly, and though she may be absent from this earth, her legend will most undoubtedly live on and on,  forever present on that silver screen. So, heartbrokenly, we bid farewell to this screen icon and we thank you, Shirley, for all of the smiles you brought to millions of Americans throughout your career. You will be truly missed but never forgotten!;)

Last of all, I thought it best to compile a list of 10 unknown facts about the curly topped film star. So, here they are!

(1.) Was Said to have Stopped Believing in Santa Clause at The age of six. Reality came to play when the Santa Clause her mother Took Her to visit at a department store asked for her autograph. 

(2.) Was Almost Cast as Dorothy Gale in "The Wizard of Oz" But Opted Not to Take The Part Due to a Contract Dispute.

(3.) Before performing was always urged by her mother to "Sparkle, sparkle, sparkle".

(4.) Her Final Appearance on Screen was in The 1949 Film "A Kiss for Corliss". 

(5.) Changed Her Name to The Last Name of Her Late Husband and Spouse of 50 years, Charles Black.

(6.) Was Named after The Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Drink, "The Shirley Temple", a drink both concocted and named after her by either "The Hawaiian Resort" in Waikiki or "The Brown Derby" in Hollywood.

(7.) Her signature curls didn't come easy, and her mother had to set her hair in 56 meticulously planned curls before bedtime each night.

(8.) Had already earned a whopping $1,000.00 a week at the meager age of six and during her run at the top was said to have earned well over 3 million dollars.

(9.) Served as chief protocol for the U.S. in the 1970's.

(10.) Was The Most Iconic Child Star in Hollywood.

 R.I.P. Shirley! <3

~ Erin <3

Waiting For The Sun's Return

        Waiting For The Sun's Return
                 



            We're girls. We let things get to us, we let our hearts ache over things that in most other eyes remain insignificant and meaningless. Their lack of worth in the perspectives of others, however, can't dim the pain that touches us when faced with these (in our eyes) grave depression triggers. It's a constant battle, trying to reason with our complex and astoundingly sensitive mindsets, and although the men in our lives may laugh at us and think us to be ridiculous at times, it's hard to forget the things that ail us, no matter how illogical the dilemmas may seem to all others around us. 

It's not uncommon for our "unreasonable" fits of meloncholy to be laughed at, even by our own selves from time to time... when we come back to our senses, anyway. Sometimes we even are able to look back and realize just how overly sensitive and foolish we may have been being at the time. That, on the other hand doesn't stop us at the times of our heartache and sorrow, however. Because to us, at the time... it IS indeed a serious situation!

So, although we may seem ridiculous at times, some of us more than others... have patience with us! Our emotions are fragile like delicate flowers and our hearts as easy to shatter as glass. 

I used to fret about it, these bouts of seemingly hopeless melancholy. I remember how I used to let this emotional fragility pull me down like fierce claws into a dark abyss, but now… it doesn't scare me anymore. I know now and am able to smile through even my darkest trials as I am able to endure all things with the knowledge and understanding that things ALWAYS get better and that with every rainstorm, there's always a pastel ribbon showing through the havoc as it reaches it's finale. I find that you can make it through even the most vial storms with this knowledge, the realization that happiness will shine through again. It is with this knowledge that I have found myself capable of being happy even when I'm at some of the saddest peaks in my life. So, no matter how severe any situation may seem to you at the time, never ever give up on life… know that the sun will most undoubtedly shine through… it's return even brighter and more radiant than before!

So, with this knowledge, I pray that we are able to overcome even the most painful of storms in our lives. Just know that the rain will eventually stop falling, that the wind will calm and that the lemony rays from the sun will most definitely glisten once again. And if you endeavor to hold on to this thought… I can most undoubtedly promise you that you will easily discover the strength to make it through it (no matter how fragile your womanly emotions may be... or even how misunderstood you may feel for that matter). So… chin up!;) 

~Erin <3

Cheers!: 2014 please be good!

Cheers!: 2014 please be good!

                                         


                              I always grow plagued with some sort of anxiety while faced in the leading hours of the upcoming year . My heart rejoices as it beholds the anticipating hearts of all around the world, New York's celebrations being documented in the preceding moments of the ball drop in the heart of Time's Square. I repeatedly tell myself "It's the last few moments" of that current year, the number dimming with every passing second. It's sort of bittersweet, and I won't deny that my grip remains white knuckled and clasping that current yet diminishing year as I watch the final moments of it progress into it's death. In fact, I might even go so far as to call it somewhat terrifying, the thought of a new year. Perhaps that can be blamed on the fear enthralled in the virus of uncertainty. 

                  But then, at the same time... there's a part of me can't help but rejoice with the knowledge that a new beginning is yet to come! A new year, a year fresh with new adventures and explorations, lessons to learn, moments to cherish and add to our collective memories as well as brand new people to meet and treasure deep inside of our hearts. I suppose whilst letting go of the past, learning to move on from what was, we'll be blessed with new experiences to forever cherish. Besides, we're not leaving the current year empty handed! Our hearts and minds bear plenty of jewels and endless gifts granted from the occurrences of the dying year. And with that said, I shall bid farewell to 2013! Here's to a new beginning, a brand new venture in life! I shall finish, however, by thanking 2013 for all of it's precious memories, the ones I'll carry into this next one! So, here's to 2014! Please be good! 

Cheers, everyone!;)

xoxo~ Erin ;)

5 Golden Rings: Remembering the 12 Days of Christmas

                                                           5 Golden Rings
                  Remembering of the 12 Days of Christmas

                                           Call it lazy if you'd like, however, this Christmas season has been loaded with hustle and bustle... especially for me as I embark on the seemingly endless demands of my recently acquired job! Perhaps it could be blamed mostly on the 5 a.m. to 2 o'clock p.m. shifts that drained me in particular. One thing's for certain, however... and that's that there have been no Christmas posts whatsoever on my part, something that I find to be a great and most unfortunate side effect of my chaotic new schedule! 

(No snarky comments either! Working hard's a huge adjustment for me...)

 I just love Christmas... ah! I simply adore it!!

Yes! I'm the girl who has Christmas music blasting in her headphones and on the radio, who loves baking cookies and pies and making snowmen and decorating the tree, so, I suppose if it weren't for my beliefs as a Catholic (that with the 25th of December, Christmas has merely just begun), I'd be beyond devastated at the realization that my opportunities for Christmas posts has already been closed!

 To most out there, with the stroke of Midnight on the 26th of December, it is quickly to be arranged for all of the glistening bulbs laced over the frosty rooftops to be taken down and stored away for next year as soon as possible, the light encrusted pine tree in the living room faced with an appointment with the Waste Management truck the very next morning.

  

    As for all all of the Christmas items at your local gift-shops, they are set to be marked down in the early hours of that morning as well, their meager prices intended for getting rid of all of the store's Christmas merchandise as quickly as humanly possible.

                           But, if you ask me... everyone could stand to slow down about a gazillion notches. Save that pine scented greenery for a little while longer and let those jewel toned lights sparkle on for a few more weeks. It's still Jesus' Birthday for goodness sake! Why take down the decorations when it's only just begun? Haven't you ever heard of the "12 Days of Christmas"?

Why, it's only the 5th day of Christmas today, not 5 days after the end but the beginning of the Christmas Season! Christ's birthday goes on until at least the Epiphany, when we commemorate the special visit from the Three Wise Men to Jesus, each of whom bore precious gifts to offer the Infant King. 

So, with all that said... please remember that Christmas is not over but has merely just begun. Think of the song "The 12 Days of Christmas". It's only the 5th day and there's still room for plenty of evenings spent watching some classic Christmas films 

       

some Hot Chocolate and sugar cookies in hand, a fire crackling nearby.

                      Perhaps it takes extra care to ensure the safekeeping of Christmas spirit especially when the commercialization has faded and the focus begins to drift towards other Holidays. Growing up, I had a friend who's family would wait to distribute Christmas gifts, one on Christmas and the next eleven every single following day in hopes to commemorate the continuation of Christmas as well as the easily forgotten "12 Days of Christmas". Perhaps it'll take little traditions like that in order to keep the spirit blazing inside of you even after the 25th has passed. Host some Christmas parties, watch some movies, blast your favorite Christmas songs, and just remember to keep it up even when everyone else has stopped!;) 

So, Merry Christmas, my dear, dear readers!

Keep the Holiday Spirit alive and have a fabulous evening! xoxo

~Erin <3

Gaining The Courage to Sparkle

             Gaining The Courage to Sparkle



Every now and then we all start to feel inferior, our lives unmeaningful, our entire being worthless and insignificant. At least, I know that I tend to experience painful flare ups of these feelings every once and awhile anyway! 

On the other hand, however, as rarely as most wish to relay it, I'm beyond certain that we are all faced with these bursts of turbulent insecurities. In hopes to keep this post short and sweet... immediate in gaining a clear point, I shall finish off by assigning all of my readers a little bit of homework. Get a sheet of paper, then a pen, take a moment and then begin to jot down all of the things that make you beautiful! And no, it's not conceited or self-absorbed to do so! Sometimes we deserve to take a moment to focus on all of our good points as opposed to all of our negative ones. We tend to focus on the negative aspects of ourselves far often enough!

We can definitely be our worse enemy in the department of self-assurance and confidence tends to primarily grow demolished by none other than our own doubts and criticisms. Just take a moment to do the task I assign. I don't want you just to read it, think "Oh, that's a good idea!" and not do it. It's extraordinary, the positive impact such a little act can have on one's self-worth! So, do it! Don't rid yourself the opportunity to rebuild your confidence, even if it's just for awhile. When you start to feel down on yourself again (which I can assure you that you will), just take out that list, read it and jot down some more positive notes about yourself! Don't let your insecurities drown you from the opportunity to shine! You're a beautiful person, whether you think so or not, and you most undoubtedly deserve to reveal the beauty God gave you!

Have a wonderful Wednesday afternoon, my Beauty Queens, and never let the shadows of self-doubt cripple you from twinkling!;)

~Erin <3 xoxo

Remembering Gene

                                     Remembering Gene

                   With her satiny raven black curls, sparkling aquamarine eyes, high cheek bones, ruby red lips and porcelein complexion, Gene captivated all who beheld her on the silver screen.

Just as her career in Hollywood was sky rocketing as quickly as possible, however, the actress would be forced to resign her stardom to her countless psychological afflictions. As her fame and publicity dispersed in the midst of the various shock treatments she'd be forced to undergo, however, her fans would never cease to remember the undimming effects of both her exquisite beauty and charming screen personality. So, in honor of her Birthday the 19th of this month, I have compiled a list of 19 unknown facts about the legendary actress. Enjoy!;)

(1.) Born in Brooklyn, NY on the 19th of November in the year of 1920 to both Howard Sherwood Tierney and Belle Lavina Taylor. 

(2.) One of the highest acclaimed beauties of her time. 

(3.) Married to the renowned French-born American fashion designer (1941-1952)

(4.) Her father who set up a corporation, Belle-Tier, to support her acting career would later steal all of her money. 

(5.) Columbia Pictures signed her to a sixth month contract in the year of 1939.

(6.) Humphrey Bogart who would star opposite her in the film "The Left Hand of God" immediately saw signs of mental instability very similar to the signs found in his own mentally unstable sister in Gene. Bogey would proceed to support her during production by both feeding her her lines and enouraging her to seek psychological help.

(7.) She would later attempt to flee "The Institute of Living" in Hartford Conneticut after a total of 27 shock treatments but was later caught and returned.

(8.) Had been romantically involved with JFK at one time

(9.) She would later become an outspoken victim of shock treatment claiming that a large portion of her memory had been destroyed by it. 

(10.) Faced suicidal struggles and was readmitted to Menniger Clinic in Topeka Kansas after almost jumping from a ledge 13 stories high. 

(11.) Would be released from Menniger the following year after a treatment consisting (in it's final stages) of working as a sales girl in a large department store.

(12.) Would attempt to make a comeback in a film offered to her by 20th Century Fox in the film "Holiday for Lovers" (1957) but was forced to quit due to a bout of unbearable stress.

(13.) Tierney later dropped out of the film and was readmitted to Menniger.

(14.) Made her official screen comeback in the film "Advice and Consent" which was released in 1962.

(15.) Had two daughters named Antoinette Daria Cassini and Christina Cassini with first husband, Oleg Cassini.

(16.) Tierney's contraction of rubella would be the cause of her daughter, Daria's premature birth which would also cause her to be deaf, partially blind with cataracts and faced with severe mental retardation.

(17.) Tierney would later blame herself entirely for her daughter's various ailments after learning that the cause of her contraction of Rubella had been caused by a fan who would later confess sneaking out of quarantine (infected with Rubella) to meet Tierney at her Hollywood Canteen appearance. 

(18.) Tierney's autobiography entiteled "Self-Portrait" in which she candidly discussed her life and how it had been affected by mental illness would be released in 1979.

(19.) In her younger years won the heart of Prince Aly Khan. 

(20.) Lost her battle with emphysemia and died in the year of 1991. Her bout with emphysemia had been brought on by years and years of smoking. Gene had taken up smoking years and years before in hopes of lowering her voice as she'd felt that her voice sounded like "An angry Minnie Mouse." 

And in the end, despite all of her bouts with crippling depression and psychological ailments, her fans will never cease to see her as anything but her captivating and beautiful self, the image she left behind in her early appearances on the silver screen. 

Below you'll find part 1 of 5 of her biography "A Shattered Portrait"

Happy Birthday, Gene! xoxo


~Erin <3