Jul 07 2011
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Music

Summer 2011 Music Mix

I’m back!

It’s been far too long, life has been wild and filled with ups and downs. The blog was pushed aside for other things in life. But I miss it, so it’s time to bring it back. Starting with my seasonal music mix. Summer is always filled with new music and songs for road trips. Hopefully these songs put you in the mood to go on an adventure.

Adventure Mix 2011

1. “Look At Me Now”- Karmin
2. “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”- Luke Bryan
3. “Slumber”- Needtobreathe
4. “Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)”- Katy Perry
5. “Gold Dust”- DJ Fresh
6. “Just A Kiss”- Lady Antebellum
7. “Barton Hollow”- The Civil Wars
8. “Turning Tables”- Adele
9. “Paint It Black”- Grace Potter and the Noctournals
10. “Walk”- Foo Fighters

Apr 29 2010
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Fashion

Wedding Style: Part 1

If any of you are like me, it seems as if everyone around you is getting married. If not this week (Congrats Joel and Kristina!), next month (Congrats Michael and Kristin!), to the coming months (Whoo hoo Ben and Allie!). It happens to be a habit of mine to not wear the same outfit to more than one wedding, if I have to, I make sure that the same people won’t be in attendance as the first wedding. It’s a complicated process, and it can take a big bite out of your wallet.

For the next few weeks I’ll be posting a three part series on wedding style. First is the more formal wedding, beautiful dresses with lovely accessories to make you feel sophisticated and stylish. The second is the casual wedding, sometimes you’ll be outdoors or go to a daytime wedding, you want to make sure you’re not overdressed but you still look A+. The third is the unsure wedding, you got the invite, you don’t know what kind of wedding it’s going to be, but you still want to look presentable no matter the situation.

I’m a big fan of wearing black to a wedding. The hard part about rocking a black frock to your friends nuptials is that you don’t want to look like you’re mourning the relationship. Celebrate it with them by spicing it up with a cute pattern or an eyelet overlay like this dress has. It gives the formal look without being too done up.

To add a little splash of color at a formal wedding is always a interesting way to make your outfit seem less rigid. This dress from Ruche is a great option with the neutral silvery gray and the pop of bright yellow. Keep the accessories super simple and let the dress speak for itself.

A basic Little Black Dress (LBD) is always and option. You’ve probably already got one standing by in your closet, and they’re perfect for any situation. Keep it simple by adding your favorite patent pumps and a little clutch. If you want to add a little bit of sass and style go for a colored accent piece like red or pink shoes. Formal doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

Feb 28 2010
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Spring Break Essentials

It’s finally time for spring break! Even though the sun still isn’t shining here in Michigan, we’ve all got our hopes set on warmer weather. Spring break is the perfect time to stock up on the summer essentials you’re going to be needing very soon (hopefully). I just made some polyvore sets of my favorite things to bring on a spring break vacation. Easy to wear dresses, comfy shorts, versatile tops, sassy sandals, fun swimwear and the accessories to tie it all together.

A dress can be the perfect thing to take you from a day of shopping to a nice dinner out with the girls. These are some great options that can be changed up by adding a cute sweater, spicing up the accessories or tossing on a pair of strappy heels.

As stated in many previous posts, shorts are my favorite item of clothing. From denim to twill to tweed, they’re easy to dress up or down and give your gorgeous gams some air that they’ve been craving all winter.

The tops listed below are just some easy transtion pieces that can be worn during the day or at night. Add a jacket to go to a fancy restaurant or pair with some sparkly earrings for a night out.

Comfortable sandals are a must for spring break travel. If you’re going to a warmer climate for your vacation, make sure that you bring a couple pairs just so you have some for every occasion. Also make sure that you test them out around the house before you leave, nothing is worse than blisters from new flip flops!

Swimsuits this season are super cute and easy to wear. Buy what you feel comfortable in, and make sure to grab a cover up and put on your sunscreen. The only thing worse than blisters from your flip flops, is a bright red sunburn.

My rule for packing for vacation is keep the accessories as versatile as possible. One bag that can take you from the beach to the mall, a necklace or two that are two different lengths and styles, and a belt to take your dresses from day to night.

Feb 15 2010
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Is Spring Here Yet?

Even though it’s only the middle of February, I’m impatiently waiting for spring. It happens to be the most wonderful season, not too hot, not too cold, and rain brings lovely flowers. Fashion this spring it’s all about hot pops of color and beautiful patterns. Whether it’s wearing a beautiful basic or a watercolor print skirt, spring is going to be a season of refreshing fashion.

Simple basics like colorful tees and cardigans are wonderful when pieced with a super girly skirt. Keep the shoes and accessories simple to keep the focus on the pattern of the skirt. You can always add opaque tights under the skirt if you want to keep it more modest.

This look was inspired by one that Amanda Seyfried wears in the movie Dear John. Putting denim shorts, which are a wonderful summer and spring staple with something as structured as a blazer gives the outfit an extra bit of class. These shoes are a great deal from Forever 21, but if you’re feeling a bit reluctant about heels with shorts, go for a pair of gladiators.

This outfit focuses completely on bold colors and standing out for spring. The skirt is a beautiful watercolor bubble skirt from Forever 21 that is easily worn with any plain v-neck shirt. The bold accessories can either be played up or down depending on your mood or event.

Feb 15 2010
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God and Faith

A Letter of Hope

Dear You,

Whomever you may be. I love you.

It’s Valentine’s Day, and bets are, I haven’t met you yet. But someday, I will. You’ll be the one I’ve been wading through all of these idiots for. You’ll be right there to sweep me off my feet. Your smile will make me weak in the knees and your heart will be the first thing that I notice about you. Every time you enter the room, I’ll be reminded of why we’re together.

I can wait to meet you, yes I did mean CAN wait. I want to meet you when God thinks that we’re both ready. I want to know that when I look into your eyes for the first time, or when you say my name for the first time, we’re going to be together for the rest of our lives.

There are so many things that I wish I could know about you right now, but I’ll learn all of those when the time comes. I know that whoever you are Love, you’ll be better than anything I could have possibly imagined for myself. We will have God as the center of our hearts, and at the center of our relationship.

When we’re together, I want people to be able to look at us and see the purity and innocence of our love. Together, we will be able to do anything and take anything on. Someday, I’ll meet you. Someday, we’ll find each other. Someday, I’ll be able to tell you in person that I Love You.

Happy Valentine’s Day…hope to see you soon.

Love, Andrea

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Dec 08 2009
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Menswear Inspired Looks

A big trend for 2009 was the menswear inspired look, from boyfriend jeans and loose fitting flannels to the boyfriend blazer.

It’s still a sassy trend that is being carried over into the new year. Taking those classic “boyfriend” pieces and making them flirty and feminine is what it’s all about. Here’s my take on what menswear can mean for the everyday girl.

Boyfriend jeans can look great on any girl, loose enough to add that little bit of boyishness. Add a great pair of studded booties (I have a pair with some great buckles) and you’ve got a great and simple start to any outfit. A men’s button up with a belt is the ultimate in menswear chic and really can give oomph to the simplest white shirt.

A boyfriend blazer is the other menswear staple that every wardrobe should have. Finding the right one can be a challenge but it’s all about knowing what shapes work best for you, so try a few different styles before you decide on one to invest in. Short and/or curvy girls, go for a two button blazer, for you lovely tall ladies a one button jacket will look fabulous. A girly top is a must underneath the jacket and a great fitting pair of jeans and heels can make this look ultra feminine.

There is definitely a comfy aspect to menswear, wearing a worn in flannel is a great alternative to structured menswear. Jeans and a hat just add that little extra coziness to the outfit. The boots look a little like motorcycle boots (these are a great/affordable option from shopruche.com), and again carry the worn in comfort look you’re going for.

Dec 03 2009
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Winter Music Mix 2010

It’s winter. As much as I’ve been dreading this season, it’s finally here. Currently the snow is falling outside of the library window, and I’m just waiting for more to come. It’s time for my winter inspired music fix though! Here are some songs that I’m digging this season:

1. “Blame It On The Changes”- Dashboard Confessional
2. “August 28th 3:30 AM”- Automatic Loveletter
3. “23”- Jimmy Eat World
4. “Winter Song”- Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson
5. “Stay or Leave”- Dave Matthews Band
6. “Set The Fire To The Third Bar”- Snow Patrol
7. “Drop It Low”- Esther Dean feat. Chris Brown
8. “We Belong Together”- Gavin DeGraw
9. “White Lines and Red Lights”- Between The Trees
10. “Bad Romance”- Lady Gaga

Dec 01 2009
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Winter Essentials

Winter is finally here in Michigan, it snowed last weekend, and the temps are dropping. As a person who isn’t the biggest fan of winter or snow, the only positive I see to it is the ability to pull out your winter outerwear. Everyone needs a great coat, some fierce boots, great gloves, toasty hats, and sassy scarves.

For winter coats, a simple and classic shape is always the best way to go. Since coats are usually quite the investment, it’s best to get something that will last you a few seasons. Winter white is always the ultimate in chic but a great coat is THE winter essential.

Winter boots are more than important here in Michigan. You want something versatile that will go with your outfit but sometime function that you won’t end up slipping and falling in. Waterproofing your boots is probably the most important thing you can do for the super wet winter season.

One of the least thought of accessories for winter are a good pair of gloves. They come in just as many colors and styles as scarves do, but they’re typically overlooked. Styles that I favor are a mitten/glove combination. Look for cute colors, and this little addition can bring a little brightness to the act of scraping snow off your car.

As seen in previous blogs, hats are great accessories for any season. A trapper hat can keep you super warm and ironically enough, fashion forward. A good hat can fix bad wind blown and wet hair and of course they come in any color under the sun.

Items in this set:
Target.com hat, $9.99
Forever21 hat, $6.80
Forever21 hat, $4.50
American Eagle Outfitters, $30

A scarf is always the thing that I use to add color to my gloomy winter days. A great knit scarf can give that extra bit of color that you’re looking for. You can do that with any winter accessory that you choose, but the scarf is a just a good go-to versatile item that everyone has in their closet.

Nov 24 2009
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Fashion

Holiday Chic

It’s holiday season, with Thanksgiving only a few days away and Christmas right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about dressing for the season. It’s all about layering, making sure that you’re going to be warm, no matter what. Cute accessories can take your boring sweater to fabulous. Adding heels to a simple outfit can take it from day to night. And finding that perfect winter party dress isn’t as hard as one may think.

This outfit is great for a day on campus, walking around, going to class, endless hours the library. It’s also great for shopping and a cute brunch out with friends. The pop of color with the red hat not only adds a fun aspect but also has a purpose for beating that cold winter air. The boots are also great for trekking across campus on those super dreary winter days.

This outfit is perfect for a dinner date or a night out with the girls. Again emphasizing the accessories, and playing with winter colors in a new way. This season gold is definitely my accessory color of choice. Keep the outfit simple and add a fun accessory like the hat or some sassy shoes like these gold ones shown. The piece in the outfit of course are versatile enough for tons of other things in your closet. (Pair the shirt with a big belt and some boyfriend jeans for something completely different.)

With all the holiday parties and events coming up this season, everyone needs that “go to” dress. Pairing it with tights makes it winter appropriate and the shoes are more than fashion forward right now. The wonderful wine color keeps you winter chic, but also could be positively adorable when spring finally comes around.

Nov 17 2009
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My other love

I recently started using tumblr, it’s my main form of expression. Check it out.
andreagustin.tumblr.com

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