Style of a 20 Somethign Elsewhere: Review of Willow's Bistro

Wake Forest Readers be sure to check out my review of Willow's Bistro in this week's Old Gold and Black!

Click here for the article!

It's a Brad Brad World

It was just announced that Brad Goreski, the fabulous former assistant to celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe, is getting his own show on Bravo! It's a Brad Brad World, as the show is tentatively titled, will be a docu-series following Goreski through the challenges of starting his own business, but I'm sure there will be some personal drama thrown into the mix.  I can only hope the show will be full of the same "moody, snarky, Braditude" we all loved on The Rachel Zoe Project.

Readers-- Do y'all love Brad as much as I do? Will you tune in?

Obsession of the Moment: Janna Conner Bracelets

I am loving these cuffs by Janna Conner. They'd make such a statement paired with a simple t-shirt and jeans.

Readers--what's your obsession of the moment?

Quote of the day: Tory Burch--70s Style

 

"The Seventies are often referred to as the decade that taste forgot. This is unfair, and for anyone who really loves fashion, it's just not true...To designers, the decade is a goldmine of fashion inspiration. Any time there's a lean pant, a high waist, a jersey dress or a platform on the runways, the critics will write, 'Seventies-like, 70s-inspired,' etc. Take Spring 2011, where the predominant trend off the American and European runways was the Seventies, just updated. In fact, the Seventies actually referenced silhouettes and styles set in the Forties -- a decade that is celebrated for its timeless, classic appeal."--Tory Burch in an article for The Huffington Post

Angry Birds the Movie

I know this has been circulating the internet, but I love Angry Birds too much not to share this video with my readers.

Nashville Fashion Week

I cannot believe I'm missing my hometown's inaugural fashion week. With Christian Siriano, Akiko, Betsey Johnson,  Leona Collections and Cooper by Courtney Warren all showing and speakers like Style Blogger Zarna Surti and PR maven Kelly Cutrone on the schedule, Nashville Fashion Week is proving itself a legitimate event even in its first year.

If you're in Music City and attending shows, parties or speakers this week, please leave a comment and let me know all the details. I'm dying for information!

Music Video Monday: Pretty Girl Rock

It is quite the rarity when I actually enjoy having a song stuck in my head. Normally, ear worms like Rebecca Black's "Friday" and Justin Bieber's "Baby" irritate me to no end, but Keri Hilson's "Pretty Girl Rock" is a tune I could endlessly replay in my mind. The number is catchy and a bit self-indulgent, with an elaborate video to match.

In this tribute montage, Hilson appears dressed as prominent African-American performers throughout the decades. Not only does the singer imitate modern singers like Janet Jackson and T-Boz of the popular 90s girl group, but Hilson also pays homage to the ground-breaking black performers of the early 20th century like Josephine Baker and Dorothy Dandridge.

After the series of impersonations arrives in the 21st century, Hilson finishes the song in a simple white t-shirt and jeans, showcasing this songstress as a true "pretty girl."

Readers what song is stuck in your heads today?

Day Dreaming of Sunny Skies

 

(Photo Credit)

I know T. S. Eliot said April was the cruelest month, but today's March weather is pretty harsh. After a week of 80-degree days, there were snow flurries this morning! These dreary skies and frigid temperatures have me dreaming of a sunny day on the beach.

Readers--Does this sudden cold weather have you in a funk? What are you doing to shake the doldrums?

Made in the USA: Calleen Cordero Accessories

 With made-in-the-USA products and a commitment to artisan-quality footwear, handbags and jewelry, Calleen Cordero's designs are both stunning and sustainable. Most pieces cost upwards of $100, so Cordero's line is expensive, but these edgy accessories are well-worth their high-end price tags. 

 

(Top: Farrah 3/4 belt $199, Middle L to R: Tania Cuff in Black $139,  Envie Clutch in Black Borello $369, Snake Cuff in Metallic Geyser $99, Bottom L to R: Pancho Weave Sandal $369, Arte Heel in T-Morro Varu $569)

Lauren Moffatt

 

How gorgeous are these blue and white dresses?I think they're absolutely adorable.

In Remembrance of Legendary Screen Actress Elizabeth Taylor

(Photo Credit) 

“It's all about hope, kindness and a connection with one another.”

Legendary screen actress Elizabeth Taylor was known for her acting skills, Hollywood glamor and tireless work as an AIDS activist. Honor her memory by donating to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, a nonprofit focused on HIV and AIDS prevention education and direct services for those suffering from the disease.

Fashion Rules: Seersucker

1.) J.Crew Swimsuit: (top $52, bottom $44), 2.) American Apparel Seersucker Full Woven Skirt $38, 3.) Anthropologie Besotted Dress $138, 4.) Kate Spade Seersucker Jenny Ann $125, 5.)Urban Outfitters Seersucker Plimsoll Sneaker $24

This year Easter falls particularly late in the spring season, and it's really cramping my style. Traditional fashion rules dictate that seersucker should not be worn until after Easter, but it has been so nice out recently I've been itching to don this colorful, lightweight fabric.

Readers--Let me know your fashion verdict. Would you wear seersucker before Easter? What fashion "rules" do you abide by?

Taste Test Tuesday: Mozelle's

This weekend I went out to a girl's dinner at Mozelle's, a cute bistro in downtown Winston-Salem that specializes in modern Southern fare. The restaurant's quaint green decor was perfect for St. Patrick's day weekend, and the food was so fresh and flavorful. The menu is a bit pricey for everyday, but Mozelle's is great for a special occasion.

 

It's a shame this photo didn't turn out better--I had the salmon with pesto and orzo pasta. So yummy!

 You can see straight past this patterned counter top into the kitchen!

 How gorgeous are these scallops? My friend ordered them as an appetizer.

If you're super hungry or craving comfort food, I definitely recommend the mac and cheese. It was so rich and creamy!

Spotlight on Bhati Beads: Made in the USA

 (Photo Credit: J.Crew)

While perusing the jewelry section of JCrew.com, I stumbled upon these adorable bracelets by Bhati Beads. These stylish, hand-dyed silk bracelets with brass beads are made right here in the USA. They're effortlessly boho chic, and at an affordable $36 with free shipping, college fashionistas can layer them to their hearts' content. I'd pair the vibrant pink one with a simple black v-neck and jean shorts for a casual summer look!

What color bracelet would you pick?

Tania Kehoe

Ballintemple

Jacket: Bershka

Blouse: Topshop

Jeans: Warehouse

Shoes: Brown Thomas

Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs

Bag: Miu Miu (Brown Thomas)

Obsession of the Moment: American Apparel Clutches

 (Image Credit: American Apparel)

American Apparel recently posted new spring colors of their medium leather carry-all pouch, and I am obsessed. The simple design is the perfect size for a night on the town, and the fun colors would add a pop to any outfit. Priced at an affordable $45, this leather clutch is definitely on my wish list this spring. I think my favorite would have to be either the classic camel or seasonal sky blue.

Readers, what's your go-to bag for spring?

Copy Cat Survey

I saw this Q and A with Alexa Chung on both La Petite Fashionista and The Classic Case, and it was so cute I had to answer for myself! Here are my responses:
1.) Guilty Pleasure: Glee, marshmallows, Avril Lavigne, Pretty Little Liars
2.) Candy Bar: Almond Joy
3.) House Plant: None right now, but I love fresh flowers!
4.) Nail Polish Color: OPI Aphrodite's Pink Nightie
5.) Midnight Snack: Ben & Jerry's Phish Food Ice Cream
6.) Drugstore Essential: Neutrogena makeup remover wipes
7.) Weird Habits: I bite my nails when I'm nervous, eek!
8.) Pet Peeve: People who make noise when they eat

Readers, share your responses in the comment section!

Over the River and Through the Woods: A trip to Grandma's

After my adventure in New Orleans last week, my spring break culminated in a trip to my grandmother's. I thought it would be a few days of lounging around the house, and getting a little rest and relaxation before heading back to my busy college schedule. Boy was I wrong! My grandmother planned four full days of activity!

One of my favorite things we did was visit Charity Guild, the non-profit consignment store where my grandmother volunteers. If any readers are in the Houston area, I definitely recommend checking out this gem of a thrift store located at 1203 Lovett Boulevard.


I scored these two blouses, one Tory Burch and one by the brand Vince for less than $50. New, they would have each cost over $100.

Readers, do you shop at consignment stores? What are your favorite thrifting finds?

Japanese Relief: Nan Lawson

 It is far too easy to become trapped in the bubble of college life where breaking news consists of midterm exams and fraternity parties, but every so often a major event, like the recent tragic earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan, is able to break the metaphorical bubble. I hope, if you're able that you will give to the relief effort. One stylish way to help is by purchasing this gorgeous 5 x7 print by Etsy illustrator Nan Lawson. Each print is $10 and all proceeds go directly to relief efforts in Japan.

Check it off the Bucket List: Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Last week I spent my spring break checking something off my bucket list: I spent Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fortunately, I have some good friends who are from the Big Easy (shout out to Kristen and Jessica!) who they showed me what Fat Tuesday is all about. I went to parades, ate my fair share of king cake, tried crawfish for the first time and even attended a Mardi Gras ball. Overall it was the perfect way to spend spring break.

Readers-- do y'all have any vacation plans coming up? What would you like to check off your bucket list?

I loved this girl's Alice in Wonderland-inspired outfit!

One of the day parades

I'm a big fan of Maurice Sendak, so I loved this Where the Wild Things Are-themed float!

The King and Queen of the Rex Ball (check back later this week for a royalty-inspired styling post!)

My lovely host Kristen and I at the ball

A handful of reminders!

Hello readers! I know it's been a while, but I haven't abandoned this blog! After a week of midterms, a trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras and a quick visit to Houston with my grandma, I'm back! This week I'll be sharing photos from my adventures along with some spring break-inspired posts!

As for today, I wanted to remind you first and foremost about daylight savings time! If you haven't already sprung forward, be sure to change your clock ASAP. And wouldn't it be nice to change a watch as cute as one of these! (Left, Center, Right)

Second, Target's Go International re-release collection hits stores and the internet today. Hopefully the store back in Winston-Salem has the full collection--I might have to go straight there from the airport! If you have your eye on a particular dress be sure to shop early--I have a feeling this collection is going to sell out quickly! I like the look of this Proenza Schouler number and this simple dress by Tucker. Readers--What are your favorite looks from the line?

Also--if you like reading my blog, I'd love if you'd "follow" it--just click the button on the right hand side of the page! And if you have twitter, click here to follow me!

Anna Tierney

Cardigan: Dunnes

Dress & Belt: New Look

Bag: Guess (Brown Thomas)

Boots: River Island

Bettina Watzinger

Hat: Topshop

Glasses: Penneys

Jacket & Shirt: TK Maxx

Bag: H&M

Shorts & Boots: Austria

Words of wisdom in the midst of midterms:
"When you’re in college, don’t worry too much about grades. Other than getting into a decent grad school and associating with the cream of your generation, getting straight A’s means diddly-squat in the real world, where it’s all about hustle, determination, focus, dressing right, sucking up, and who you know." 

--E. Jean

It's almost spring break...

 (Photo Credit: Etsy-Don Shan)

and I'm going to Mardi Gras! Right now I'm in the middle of midterms, but come Saturday, I'm headed to the Big Easy. I've never been to New Orleans before, much less Mardi Gras so I'd appreciate any and all advice (especially about what to wear)! Leave me a note in the comment section!

College readers--Where are you headed for Spring Break?