McQueen ruled as King

Devastation. Confusion. Heartbreak.

I am currently experiencing all of the aforementioned emotions due to the shocking news release of amazing designer Alexander McQueen's death. He took his own life this morning in his London home, the same day as the beginning of New York Fashion Week.

Enough of the same few sentences that every newspaper across the world is writing right now.

I'm so incredibly heartbroken at this news. McQ's designs were more than just fashion, they were wearable art. And what he created was more than just art, because the people fortunate enough to wear his creations are counted in history...especially now.

I'm curious as to what Lady Gaga will wear now.

And for anyone who wasn't already aware, McQueen designed the entire wardrobe for Gaga's "Bad Romance" video, which you can watch here.

Here are some of my favorite McQueen designs.

Rest in peace, Alexander McQueen. Peace be to the McQueen family in this time.

The fashion world will never be the same.

xox

Sweet Like Candy to My Soul

Life's been a little hectic lately, what with moving back to NYC and starting classes and starting my internship (which will be discussed in a future post!). First off, the birthday went so damn smoothly. Remember the solemates I wrote about? The Steve Madden shoes I found, only not in my size? I finally found them, in my size, on sale. They were my birthday present to myself. Ecstatic, folks. They're (surprisingly) comfortable and they look killer. In case you forgot what they look like, here you go.

I know. Try to catch your breath. Outfit post with these babies, soon.

Oh, fun fact, they were my 100th pair, so I had a little celebration.

Damn, I love these shoes.

ANYWAY, enough about those beauts. New eye candy?

Artifacts by Casey and Old Hollywood.

Both jewelry.

Both to die for.

Both being pined for by my jewelry box.

Here are some of my favorites:

Artifacts by Casey, $200

Artifacts by Casey, $320

Old Hollywood

Old Hollwood, $350

Old Hollywood, "Abe the Babe", $21

Old Hollywood, "Clide the Handsome Pug", $32

I love how unique and hysterical this jewelry is. Who thinks of a plug ring? Or Abe Lincoln earrings? Exactly, only these people. Absolutely in love with these two sites now. Thanks for the incredible amount of inspiration and creativity, Casey and Old Hollywood.

xox

LBB

Happy Birthday to Me!

Taking a break from blogging for the day to

celebrate my birthday!

xox

I've Got All This Time on My Hands...

Considering that my winter break from college was abnormally long, I had quite a bit of free time on my hands. Having the free time forced me to find ways to not waste my time, and here are some things I came up with. Enjoy!

Bake Cheesecake Cupcakes

I got the recipe out of "500 Cupcakes" by Fergal Connolly.

Ingredients:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

5 tbsp. sweet butter, melted

2 cups ricotta cheese

2 cups cream cheese, softened

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted

3 eggs

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries (or strawberries, or blackberries)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Farenheit. Place 24 paper baking cups into cupcake pan.

Put the cracker crumbs into a medium bowl and stir in the butter. Spoon tablespoons of the mixture into the cups, pressing firmly into the bottom. Chill until set.

In a large bowl, beat the ricotta until smooth. Add the cream cheese, vanilla, and confectioners' sugar, blending until smooth. Slowly add the eggs, blending well.

Spoon the mixture into cups.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Then remove the cupcakes and place on a cooling rack. Chill until time to serve. Top with fruit.

Makes about 2 dozen.

Here's the final product!

They were a huge hit. I thoroughly suggest hopping on a treadmill before eating them, though, because it's so easy to eat two or three in one sitting.

Okay, so the next activity? Pick up "Bloodsucking Fiends" by Christopher Moore. A love story about a vampire and a mortal, I was constantly cracking up reading this. It's a quick read and so enjoyable. If you hated Twilight, you'll love it. If you liked Twilight, you'll still love it.

Check out the full synopsis here.

So if you don't have time to make cupcakes or read an entire book, but you're still bored one night, check out the movie "The Soloist" starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr., an inspiring film that challenges viewers to be passionate about their endeavors.

Check out "The Soloist" trailer here.

Have fun not being bored, guys!

xox

LBB

Rebirth of Knee Socks

Yesterday's combination of God sobbing (aka torrential downpour) and my recent fascination with DIY-projects inspired one of my favorite projects yet: decorated socks. I know it sounds riveting (please sense my sarcasm), but the finished result actually looks great. This knee sock DIY is perfect for Catholic School alums, considering they're sure to have a plethora of knee socks in their top drawers (unless they've already burned them).

ANYWAY, here's what you'll need to get started:

*Note: Click on the images to enlarge.*

A pair of neutral colored knee socks, buttons, a needle, and some thread.

I sifted through a canister of buttons my beautiful mother's had since before I can remember, and I found this old mini-manilla envelope for extra buttons and was a little more inspired.

I chose buttons all within the same color palette as the socks, but you can obviously choose whichever colors tickle your fancy.

After about an hour and a half or so of sewing, here's how the socks came out!

Front view

Back view

Fun view!

Here are some tips if you're going to decorate your own socks:

1. Try to choose buttons (or beads, or crystals, etc.) that only have one or two holes to sew through. The four-hole buttons were a little more aggravating because you have to sew through the fairly small opening at the top of the socks; multiple stitches are annoying.

2. Choose a pair of socks with scrunch lines towards the top so you can accurately place the buttons in the same places on both socks without making markings.

3. Neutral color socks are best so that the socks make a statement, not a statement on the "Worst Dressed" page in People Mag.

What to wear these tootsie warmers with?

1. High-waisted a-line skirts and simple, clean-lined tops.

2. Shoes of the same color as the socks so the line of your leg continues through your foot; you won't cut yourself stumpy.

3. Layer them over leggings of the same color, a flowing or jersey knit dress, and a blazer.

Enjoy making the knee socks!

xox