Dying of Anticipation!

Today marks the first Little Black Blog photoshoot, however said photoshoot doesn't commence until about four hours from now. If it wasn't already painfully apparent, my excitement for this photoshoot is making me burst at the seams of my Urban Outfitters shirt. SO, to keep myself afloat during the waiting period, here's an appetizer (that has practically nothing to do with the main course that will be presented later on):

Do yourself a favor and watch "The Mirror Has Two Faces". I saw it last night for the first time with my beautiful mother and cousin, and I was serendipitously surprised with how much I fell in love with this movie. I'm almost never a fan of older movies, but this one was a perfect mix of awkward moments and slightly innappropriate jokes.

If you don't have time today for an entire movie (and make sure you make time some time in the near future!), at least have a listen to "Evacuate" by The Boxer Rebellion. Nothing like what I usually listen to, but I've found myself pressing play on this song quite a number of times since I downloaded it.

Until after the much-anticipated photoshoot,

Au Revoir!

Fashion Crisis: Football?!

Last night I got a call from my wonderful boyfriend asking if I'd like to accompany him to a football game viewing at a friend from work's house. I'd never met the friend from work, or any of his other co-workers that would be in attendance, so naturally my first reaction was "Holy crap, what in the mashoogana should I wear?!". I had to look great, but what the heck kind of outfit do you wear to this occasion? It's not a date, and it's not a party, but it's more than just a "hang out". Plus the fact that because I go to the Fashion Institute of Technology, I couldn't completely abandon my fashion sense all together! Long story short, I was up fashion creek without a paddle. SO, in an effort to help struggling girlfriends-that-need-to-look-great-while-meeting-boyfriend's-coworkers-yet-still-keep-their-fashion-sense-all-at-the-same-time (phew, breathe!), here are the options I came up with.

First of all, think simple. Football + men + buffalo chicken wings = THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND FASHION. So keep a simple trend, like this plaid button down ($15) from Target. Pair it with jeans, flats, and a headband. Plus, you can get away with some simple silver bangles with this. At least you can get SOME sparkle with those!

Second, you can get away with something a bit more fashion-forward if it's in a simple tone, take, for instance, black! Try this black graffiti shirt ($14.80) from Forever21. Throw on a jean skirt and some Uggs (or flip flops), and maybe a long necklace or scarf depending on the season.

Keep in mind that these outfits are within the context of a football game. They're not the most fashion-forward, but hey, they get the job done!

And, as per request from a reader and my recent fashion dilemma, I'm going to start a blog section called "Ask LBB" where you can request an outfit styling for a particular occasion, tell me your price range, and VIOLA! You'll have an outfit!

Thanks for reading,

Peace an' Blessins

My Crinoline Never Falls Flat

Ever since I was out of the womb, my mother couldn't help but to dress me in the biggest, fluffiest, froofiest dresses she could find (and believe me, if there was a way she could have dressed me up in her belly, she would have). And, save the four year period of my life when my style pulled a 180 to jeans, sneakers, and bandanas (I had two older brothers, so naturally I wanted to be just like them), I've always enjoyed some good crinoline. Which is why I'm tickled pink at the Spring 2010 trend: Sportswear with an explosion of crinoline. The look juxtaposes blazers and Chuck Taylors with giant crinoline skirts and shining accessories. The feel is very 80s, very fun. And when done right, the balance is perfect! Here is my favorite:

Cotton and Spandex blue blazer, blue skirt, and white skirt (Betsey Johnson - love her!), Sneakers (Converse), and Ring, Earrings, and Cuff (Joanna Laura Constantine).

For the look at home, hit Urban Outfitters for these pieces:

Embellished full skirt, $78

Strong Shoulder Blazer, $78

Chiffon Pleated Shoulder Blouse, $58.

Casanova

Tory Burch's Spring 2010 Trunk Show collection is more than available at Neiman Marcus, and may I be the first to say, "Hellooooo, Tory!"

I'd chew off my own left pinky for this Jana Caftan Dress in navy, $575 (a girl can dream).

Not to mention this Animal Print Tote, $495.

As for her Spring 2010 Ready to Wear runway show, here were my favorites:

If a sailor and a hippie were to have a baby, this ensemble would be it. Between the stripes and tye-dye, I'm dye-ing.

Oh, HELLOOO, gorgeous shoes! Passing out over here.

Shop the Tory Burch Spring Trunk Show here.

And while you shop, enjoy some ear-candy with Carrie Underwood's

"Cowboy Casanova".

The combo masquerade/flapper costumes in the video are making my mouth water.

Fresh Start

Welcome to 2010, bloggers! I for one am 99.9% against New Years' Resolutions, but that .01% is kicking in this year. However, instead of making a resolution, I'm simply making a decision. A decision to be more aware of my impact on the world, mentally and environmentally. So, fashionistas, I hope you join me in a one-step-at-a-time process to consume consciously.

Instead of throwing away your ugly, "I wouldn't wear that if I was in my grave and my left pinky toe was twitching for one last time" frocks, donate them to those less fortunate. I'm sure you thought your ugly sweater was the cats' pajamas at one time or another, so who's to say someone else won't love it now?

We're all guilty of flattening out dollar bills to get some vending machine Poland Spring, but unless you recycle the bottle afterwards, is it really worth it? Try getting a stainless steel water bottle, like a Klean Kanteen (my personal fave!), to cut down on your bottle consumption and give your wallet a break. They even carry insulated mugs now, so you can carry a reusable coffee cup, too (Starbucks gives you a 10 cent discount when you bring in a reusable mug; that adds up!). With the Green Movement, reusable bottles are the new must-have accessory.

If you can, remember to bring a reusable shopping bag to your next trip to the mall. Forever21 and H&M have plenty of gorgeous bags, some so cute that you'll want to use them for more than just shopping! Just think about how many times a year (or a month, for that matter), you go shopping, and how many plastic bags go to waste. One bag reduction at a time can change a lot. I'm in love with this one, from bits+robbins.com.

Finally, if you want to support sustainable living through fashion, check out sustainablechillin.com. A friend of mine from high school started the site with his brother, and I'm sure the site will take off soon enough. Each shirt sold features a different eco-friendly message, and with each shirt purchased, a new tree is planted in the country of your choice, and 5% of all profits are donated to The Human Potential Inc. All of the shirts are $20, and the cause is a great one. Plus, added bonus, the site features some great music while you shop.

Your decision to consume consciously doesn't need to be a huge commitment. Start with one reusable bag, or one less water bottle a day. Make your change one step at a time, and soon enough you'll change the world.