Marina Sheehan

Scarf: H&M

Jacket: Penneys

Jumper: River Island

Jeans: Topshop

Shoes: Ebay

Bag: Coach

Aoife Burke

Jacket & Bag: 'My Mums'

Scarf: 'My Flatmates'

Jeans: Vero Moda

Boots: Penneys

 (Photo Credit: Daily Mail)

"I think fashion has been hijacked by the fashion industry creating rules on what one should wear and I feel like breaking the mold and seeing that the world won’t crumble...Why not wear mismatching shoes? Who says we can’t? I was just having fun. For me, fashion is all about fantasy and putting unlikely things together. That’s what I love. I genuinely love dressing up.”--Helena Bonham Carter as told to People Magazine

Pretty Pretty Please Vote for Me?

Sometime last night after laughing at American Idol auditions, but before slaving over my editing homework, I entered the Refinery 29 Next Big Style Blogger contest in hopes of winning a guest blogger gig with one of my favorite fashion websites. I decided a bit late to throw my hat into the ring, so I'd really appreciate it if you'd vote for me (I'm listed as Caroline from Winston-Salem)! All it takes is 30 seconds and a Facebook account. Thanks readers! And if you found this blog from the contest, I hope you'll stick around! :)

A Minor Obsession: Matchbook Magazine

As I was flipping (scrolling?) through the pages of Matchbook, newly released online magazine, one advertisement caught my eye. I'm typically more of a bangle girl, but these charmed friendship bracelets from minor obsessions by FINN seem so effortlessly cool. I especially love these two paired together.

Readers--if you  haven't clicked over to Matchbook yet, I highly recommend it--especially the 50 Classics Spread!

Michelle Obama Wears Rachel Roy for State of the Union

 (Photo Credit: Mrs. O)

Michelle Obama caused quite a controversy last week when she wore an Alexander McQueen gown to her husband's meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao. Fortunately, last night's made-in-the-USA look was nothing but chic. The first lady wore a simple Rachel Roy design for the State of the Union Address and kept her accessories understated. Drop earrings, a wrist full of bangles and a black-and-white ribbon in support of congresswoman Giffords complemented the neutral fitted sheath.

Readers what do you think of Michelle Obama's outfit? Do you think she should only wear American designers?

Dessert for a Deal

My roommates and I had a small get together the other day and served these cute mini desserts from Whole Foods. They're such a steal at 12 for $10, and you can mix and match to get a variety of tarts, mini cupcakes and chocolate treats. Not to mention, they taste divine!

Readers, what are your go-to foods for entertaining?

Paris versus New York

Last fall, French graphic designer Vahram Muratyan began a series of "friendly visual matches" between Paris, France and New York City. His bilingual blog, "Paris versus New York" took off, and now several of his illustrations are available for purchase!

Wouldn't these colorful comparisons look perfect framed in a kitchen or breakfast nook? 

 

Say goodbye to the January blues...

Mad Men Monday

Readers--Have y'all ever watched Style Innovators? My friend Emily turned me on to the web series, and I'm obsessed. This week's episode featured Janie Bryant, the Emmy award winning costume designer for Mad Men. Host Adam Rapoport visited Bryant's home, explored her closet and even attended her vintage-inspired cocktail party.

If you have 30 minutes to spare, turn off Jersey Shore, and tune into this episode. I promise, it's worth it!

PS Click here, here and here to check out the women of Mad Men walking the red carpet at last night's Golden Globes.

Golden Globes: Helena Bonham Carter

 (Image Credit: Getty Images via Mail Online)

I know some of my fellow fashionistas might disagree with me, but I think Helena Bonham Carter looked fierce walking the red carpet. Attending the Globes in support of her latest flick, The King's Speech, Carter wore a tulle-covered Vivianne Westwood frock, circular shades and a pair of mismatched shoes.

"Every bit of clothing brings out a different part of you. I was thinking wicked fairy witch," Carter told Alexa Chung, host for NBC. "If you are going to spend three hours getting ready, you might as well go for it."

Carter's outfit wasn't exactly sophisticated chic but at least it was memorable, and her confidence is inspiring!

Readers--what did you think of Carter's look? Do you like the Christmas-colored footwear? Or do you prefer this vintage-inspired look from the BAFTA tea party earlier this week?

Golden Globes: Dianna Argon

(Image Credit: Chicago Now)

 How gorgeous is Dianna Argon on the Golden Globe Red Carpet? I love her loose curls and vintage-inspired accessories. Fingers crossed Glee beats out the competition to win Best Comedy/Musical!

Readers--who do you think deserves to win Best Dressed tonight?

Spotlight on Nashville: Rumor Has It

While I'm devastated over the loss of long-time local Nashville bookstore, Davis Kidd, talk of what's coming to the Green Hills Mall is beginning to peak my interest. Rumor has it that Michael Kors, Tory Burch and David Yurman are all moving in!

Fellow Nashvillians--what have you heard about the mall situation? Are you excited for these new stores? Or still mourning the loss of Davis Kidd and Pottery Barn? Let me know if you hear any rumors!

Obsessed with: butter LONDON

Many of my favorite things hail from the UK: Digestive Cookies, Topshop, Robert Pattinson, and most recently, butter LONDON, a nail polish and beauty brand that focuses on colour instead of carcinogens.

When Sasha Muir moved to the US in the late 90's, she was alarmed by the amount of toxic chemicals found in cosmetic products in this country. Muir saw the need for a new brand of nail polish and founded butter LONDON with the philosophy: 3 Free. 3 Free means that every butter LONDON product is made without formaldehyde, without toluene, and without DBP (Phthales), three chemicals that are very dangerous and can cause cancer, severe nausea, birth defects in children and respiratory disease among a host of other serious conditions.

I was so excited what i received a bottle of butter for Christmas and couldn't wait to test this healthy product. Fortunately, butter passed the beauty bar with flying colors, and no nail polish would be complete without a cheeky name. This shimmery nude is called All Hail the Queen.

Laura Kenefick

Jacket: Ted Baker (Brown Thomas)

Jumper: H&M

Bag: Marc Jacobs

T-Shirt: Topshop

Jeans & Shoes: Penneys

Accessories: Brown Thomas

Chucks

A thick layer of “frat sludge” covers every fraternity basement at Wake Forest. This grey-tinged mixture of alcohol, mud, and god knows what else leaves less-than-desirable stains on footwear. So what’s a party girl to do?

Invest in a pair of Converse Chuck Taylors. At least, that’s the solution Wake Forest's Greek women turned to. 

With sororities on campus embracing their newest members, expect to see a few more pairs of chucks running around the frat scene. 

As a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, I don our signature blue chucks. At least, I used to until four years of sludge turned them an awful dirty gray color. Now I'm stuck debating if it's worth it to buy a new pair with one semester of college left.

Readers, what do you think? Will I wear my favorite chucks in the real world? Or should I leave this tradition in college alongside 8 a.m. classes and all night dance parties?

Last First Day

 

(Headband: Anthropologie, Scarf: American Eagle, Coat: Old Navy, Jeans: AG Stevie, Boots: Banana Republic)

I can hardly believe today is my last first day of class. Even with a two-hour snow delay, it's finally hitting me that I'm a second semester senior. Temperatures today hovered around freezing, so I bundled up with a new coat that cut the cold, but nothing could protect me from wiping out in the parking lot :(

*Let It Snow *Let It Snow *Let It Snow*

The combination of holiday traveling and my sorority's recruitment kept me away from my computer for a couple weeks, but now I'm super excited to fulfill my New Year's resolution. Here's to blogging more consistently in 2011!

Also, a long overdue congratulations to Emily--the Coast Apparel giveaway winner!!

PS- How gorgeous is this Annie Leibovitz photo of Karlie Kloss? I wish I looked that chic in the snow!

Joanna Humphreys

Jacket: Lisa's Boutique

Scarf: Penneys

High waisted skirt: Lisa's Boutique

Boots: New look

Bag: River Island

Alma Creaven

Cardigan: Vero Moda

Scarf: My Mums

T-Shirt & Skirt: Penneys

Boots: New Look

Earrings: Thailand

Bag: Warehouse