Look I'm Loving

Blake Lively

image via coco perez

The girl is flawless.  Whether she is on the red carpet in a goddess gown, or strolling the streets of Boston in a biker chick inspired style (above), she is always on point.  I especially adore her Theodora & Callum tribal-esque scarf and edgy fingerless gloves. 

Middleton at the Millies

image via popsugar

Kate Middleton looked gorgeous in a black velvet, strapless, Alexander McQueen gown at the Sun Military Awards, or Millies, in London.  William and Harry looked equally dashing in their traditional tuxes.  Perfection.

Phipps Conservatory

I had an awesome day exploring Pittsburgh and stopping by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  It was so nice to see the lovely Christmas decorations, and I am just obsessed with all of the permanent Dale Chihuly hand-blown glass pieces scattered throughout the gardens. It was also really neat to see the orchid room named after my great uncle, Frank Sarris.  Here are some of my favorite pictures from the adventure.

beautiful, sweeping archways

gorgeous tree on water

absolutely amazed by this room, breath-taking

Desert room, GC's favorite

From Pretty to Punk

Rooney Mara

      On the Red Carpet and as Lisbeth Sander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Although I have yet to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I am extremely intrigued and anxious to see the upcoming movie.  I am not usually a fan of action movies, but this one seems special.  I say this, not only because David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is an extremely talented director, but also because Rooney Mara, the relatively unknown actress who plays main character Lisbeth Sander, did a complete transformation for the film, as seen in the above photos.  Her role as Lisbeth is guaranteed to jump start her career, especially because the movie has a guaranteed fan base.  When I see before and after photos and when I read about filming, I think to myself, "wow, this had to be the role of a lifetime for her to go to these extremes."  If not the role of a lifetime, then definitely a role to catch everyones attention.   Here is the trailer:

Her current looks for the film's promotional tour are super edgy! The girl loves her cut-outs, and I can't blame her!

(From left: Givenchy Haute Couture, Roksanda, Prabal Gurung)

European Shopping List

In a little over a year I will be embarking on an extraordinary European adventure. I have obviously already started a packing list which includes these four items that I have yet to purchase.  

Clockwise from top left:
1. Longchamp Le  Pliage Backpack - This chic and versatile backpack will allow me to have my hands free while exploring different cities. Plus, it may even make me look like a native (I can only hope!)
2. Kate Spade Travel Wallet - I considered just a regular old passport holder, but this wallet is perfect because it can accomadate a passport, but can still be used in every day life once I return home.
3. Patagonia Re-Tool Pullover - I think I would prefer the plain cream-colored style (without the blue accent), but this pullover will keep me extra warm under a thicker coat, or by itself if it is a slightly warmer day
4. Aldo Wedge Boot - These are not a definite, but it would be nice to have a chic, warm, ankle boot, such as this one.  I love my riding boots, but these would be nice to mix it up.

A lovely quote from Nikki Giovanni, English Professor, Virginia Tech

I just LOVE...

Kate Spade

I really am obsessed with the whole Kate Spade brand.  I especially adore their "Live/Give Colorfully" marketing campaigns, which include the promo video above.  They really know who their customer is and the products they create are caterd perfectly to that customer. What a fantastic company, I would love to work for them one day.

Look I'm Loving...

Camilla Belle

(image via cocoperez)

Camilla Belle always rocks it on the red carpet, but this look just guaranteed her a spot on my list of style icons.  Ralph Lauren's gorgeous gown is so intricate and beautiful, and could very easily overwhelm her, but she made it work! The understated hair and makeup were def a good choice, but wow, this dress is just stunning.  Can't stop staring.

Lilly Lamp!

While at Goodwill shopping for a halloween costume, I came across a black wooden lamp in good condition.  I was immediately inspired and decided to make it my next creative project.  After sanding off the black paint (which produced a very messy, black, chalk-like substance all over my dorm room), I painted it white and started to decide what exactly I was going to paint.  I have done Lilly prints in the past, and I decided to keep with that trend. A few different ones came to mind, but wanted to do something unique, so I chose this blue print from the Lilly Kiki dress. 

I feel like it is not as well known as the others, and it was also looking to be the most challenging design, and I am always up for a challenge.  I took a lazy Sunday and turned it into a painting day, which turned out to be incredibly relaxing.  Can I just paint every day, please?! Here is the end result! I just need to add a clear coat...

Close-ups

HP Documentary Trailer

"When Harry Left Hogwarts" an inside look at the making of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows parts 1 and 2.  It will be included in the part 2 blu-ray set.  Can't wait to see this, check out the trailer!

Pic from "Perks"

Emma Watson and Logan Lerman on set filming "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
image via Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Newest Obsession

Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual bookmarking site! It has tons of photos of decor, fashion, food, quotes, celebrities, and basically anything you can think of. You scroll through the "pins" and "repin" your favorites to your "boards" which are basically like virtual bulletin boards of your favorite things.  I have a fashion, decor, travel, artsy, and quotes board, and I love filling them with my fav images. I highly recommend joining the site and then following me!

Epitome of School Spirit

Last minutes of the VT vs. Miami game last night.  Zombie nation followed by Enter sandman (twice)? Can't get much better that that. Awesome game, awesome victory, proud to be a hokie <3

Lane Stadium

Love my school...go hokies!

'Perks' sneak peek

MTV News coverage of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower."  All interviews done at my middle school, and scenes filmed at my high school are also shown. Oh yeah, and see the stadium scene....that is the scene I am in! geeking.

'Perks' updates

Emma Watson in my high school library NBD

picture via NY Times

Also - check out the awesome NY Times article that accompanied this photo at: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/movies/emma-watsons-personal-journey-to-the-suburbs-from-hogwarts.html Lovely article, they even mention my high school a few times, but based on their description of peters twp, it is apparent that they have never actually been there... Regardless, it is awesome.

It's official

I have received the go-ahead and have applied to study abroad in Lugano, Switzerland the spring of my junior year (2013)!!!! I am so incredibly excited for this opportunity, as I have always wanted to explore Europe! Also, while there, my fashion art and entertainment blog will morph into a travel blog with pictures from my trip! Can't. wait.

Lugano, Switzerland, the home base of my European adventure

I Really Love My...

Kenneth Cole Reaction Heels

I tend to wear flats over heels whenever possible because of my height and inability to walk in some pairs, but I dig these shoes!! Believe it or not, they once belonged to my Nunny, but she would be so happy to know that I have them in my closet.  I love them because they can give any look some edge!

Look I'm Loving...

Sarah Jessica Parker in Prabal Gurung

Many consider SJP a fashion icon, but she has been far too inconsistent to be on my list of personal inspirations.  This tight, black and white graphic, red accented Prabal Gurung dress made me re-think my list of icons, though! I absolutely love it! The fit is perfection, the length is age-appropriate and the plain white around her neck prevents the look from overwhelming her.  Did I mention that her shoes are to die for?  Keep it up Carrie!

Suite Style

Fact: my blog posts have been few and far between recently.  I apologize, and I blame college.  Between starting classes this week, working with the residence hall federation, and (most importantly) catching up with my besties, blogging has not been my top priority.  I also spent a lot of time decorating our room and suite common area. A lot of time.  Here is the finished product!

Bunking gave Alyssa and me room for a futon!

Opposite view, notice the London skyline wall sticker above our door, and my Hokies and VT letters I have featured recently.

My desk area, I love color and chaos and Kate Spade totes.

Wall space above futon featuring my collage, frames, and my flat iron edit, along with the super cute hot pink cupcake sign.

Dear walk-in closet, I adore you.

Common area, I love the square NYC prints between the windows and our colorful couch cover!

Our fabulous frame collage wall.  I had fun with that splatter paint!

I wish I was a Middleton...

Kate and Pippa are so incredibly fabulous.  I am in love with Pippa's trench, the white trim is super trendy and it is tailored to perfection.

Kate in McQueen

I know I've said this before, but seriously, the Duchess of Cambridge can do no wrong! I am in love with this military-esque Alexander McQueen look.  So sophisticated, yet edgy!

LLL - Teen Choice Awards

*From now on, "LLL" will stand for "Love, Like, Loathe," and will be used to discuss award shows and Project Runway fashions.

2011 Teen Choice Awards

Love

Nina Dobrev - This blue and white striped Dolce and Gabana mini is fun and cutsey, perfect for the Teen Choice awards.  She is just as gorgeous in real life as she is on-screen (I saw her during the Perks of Being a Wallflower filming), and she definitely knows what works for her on the red carpet.
Rachel Bilson - She is such a style star.  Who else would think to pair edgy, spiked, shoes with a sweet white Chloe dress?  I don't know if anyone else could pull off that combination, but she rocks it! I love the silhouette and ruffled neckline of this frock!

Like

Blake Lively - She always looks fabulous, and I do not know many other celebrities who could pull off this orange, leather Gucci dress.  I don't loveee the dress, but I like it a lot.  Oh but I do love her hair!
Taylor Swift - She is such a sweetheart, and she never really ends up on my worst dressed list, but this white, halter, Raphael Cennamo dress, is just too safe for me.  Also, as much as I hate to say it, I hate her shoes.  They're way too bulky for such a delicate look, I would have loved to see some silver strappy heels!

Loathe

Fergie - Why, Fergie, why? I am not a fan of this star-patterned Dolce&Gabbana mini.  I find it rather tacky actually.  Sorry, not sorry.

Young Fashion Stars

Kiernan Shipka and Sarah Hyland

Mad Men's Kiernan Shipka (Sally Draper) and Modern Family's Sarah Hyland, looked fantastic at the premiere of Glee: the 3D Concert Movie.
 Shipka wore an adorable, and age-appropriate, Salvatore Ferragamo mini.  The gold trim and the shoulder bow add just the right amount of whimsy to this dress.  Her hair and makeup seem so effortless. It is refreshing to see such a clean look.  She must be taking notes on the amazing Mad Men wardrobe stylists. 
Hyland looked stunning in a white, cut-out, Nuj Novakhett mini. I am in love with the black-trimmed neckline and the pink striped waistline.  The dress may have looked too sophisticated for her without that pink detail. Her hair also helped to keep the look age-appropriate.  I would have loved to see her in a black shoe, though!

Jayma Can Rock White

Glee Star, Jayma Mays, chose to wear white to both the Fox All Star Party and to the Premiere of Glee: The 3D Concert Movie.  For the Party, she wore statement-making magenta pumps with her white Pamella Roland Resort Mini.  I love the embellished shoulder on this frock, and her hair could not have been more perfect for this look.  For the premiere, Jayma wore a white, strapless, J. Mendel gown with some strappy, gladiator-style heels.  The dress is so classy, but the shoes give her that little bit of edge, making a perfect combo.  I love the ruching on the bust, and the slit is just the right height.  I hope she continues this streak of good looks!

Look I'm Loving...

Diane Kruger in a Chanel Jacket and Miu Miu Shoes

Diane Kruger wore a Chanel jacket over a classic LBD, with some fierce Miu Miu Sparkled peep-toed pumps, to the Fox All-Stars Event in Hollywood.  I just love this look and her overall style.  Those shoes were a risk, but they work for her!

More Hokie Art

I just love patterned paper. I had to check a few places to find some cool maroon and orange patterns, but it was totally worth it.  I started with the orange paper, laid the maroon over top, and cut out the designs in the maroon, allowing the orange to show through.  The hokie tracks were def the most tedious.

Logan Lerman in Nylon

Logan Lerman, mostly known for his role in "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief," is featured in the newest issue of Nylon magazine.  His most recent role, however, is as the lead character in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower," due out next year.  As you may know, "Perks" filmed in my area and there were even scenes filmed at my high school.  I took a few trips to the set and I was also an extra for the movie. During these times on set, Logan was so polite to fans and seemed like a genuinely good guy.  I even got to experience his ukulele abilities while he was on "lunch" break the one day, and I had a conversation with him, no big deal. He is definitely on his way to the top of Hollywood.  This Nylon shoot is just the beginning.

(image via nylon)

I've Been Dreaming About.....

Studying Abroad!

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you saw all of my Royal Wedding Posts and read about my love for the U.K. http://lishylishy.blogspot.com/2011/04/ive-been-dreaming-about_29.html . I'm not exactly sure if I would end up studying abroad in London, or a different European country, but I am determined to experience a different culture. I want to learn the history, meet the people, eat the food, study the street fashion, and take pictures, pictures, and more pictures.   It may be difficult considering my credit load (thanks to my double major and minor), but I know that I will find away to pull it off!