playlist 8.9.2011 (hip hop edition)

1. under the sheets (chiddy bang remix) by ellie goulding

2. flashing lights by kanye west

3. save me by nicki minaj

4. superstar by lupe fiasco

5. little bit by drake & lykke li

teenage dream

Between the many awards and star-studded guest list at last night's Teen Choice Awards, I was simply amazed. While the many surfboards were being handed out to the deserving recipients, I couldn't help but drool over some of the amazing dresses I saw. I decided to narrow down the beautiful ensembles to the very best here instead of ramble on all day about the great wardrobe choices- and trust me I would.

Opening Number: Kourtney Kardashian wowed on stage with her sisters at the beginning of the event in a cobalt blue Blaque Label gown- best color choice of the night!



Sugar & Spice: Rachel Bilson in a beautiful & very sweet Chloe dress. She managed to add a kick to the look with studded Brian Atwood booties. The look was a close second for me.



image via Hollywoodlife.com
Baby Got Back: While most were infatuated with her daring Giuseppe Zanotti heels, Lucy Hale's black, white & nude sequined cut-out dress was the knock-out of the night. The big surprise was the fact that the dress was backless; it was definitely a risk worth taking.  The ensemble was without a doubt the winning look in my eyes.



Oh boy!: Tom Felton (yes, good old Mr. Draco Malfoy) was the best dressed on the other end- a saving grace after seeing Ashton Kutcher's "relaxed" look. I had to credit him for exhibiting the perfect casually put together look ... I just can't believe our little boy from Harry Potter's all grown up!

I do not own any of these pictures; all images (with the exception of Lucy Hale) via Justjared.buzznet.com

sweet little nothings 8.7.11

image via Weareinevitable.tumblr.com

I've been watching old episodes of The Hills on a loop.  This is the best quote I've heard on the show thus far. 

via Artanykind.blogspot.com

A website I recently ran into that you MUST take a look at.  Thousands of amazing outfits from all over the world all in one spot... simply heaven.  Click here to be amazed.

stuck on replay: david roch

Skin & Bones by David Roch

In love with this song ever since it was featured in a contemporary dance routine on So You Think You Can Dance.   Both soothing and incredibly dramatic.

free people: venetian gold

For their august catalog shoot, free people headed to Italy. The pieces were great for summer to fall transition & were absolutely to die for! Here are a few favorite looks:

(from top: vivaldi voile & lace slip, colorblock cardigan, linear lace cami, serenissima dress)

all images via Freepeople.com

battle of the remixes: lights

Maybe you guys aren't aware, but along with the much-hyped Bassnectar remix of Ellie Goulding's song "Lights", there are 2 other EP's full of different takes on the hit. The most recent one came out almost two weeks ago and has been getting rave reviews.  Yes, the techno/club remixes are fun and great for a fun night out (especially Fernando Garibay's).  But of the remixes, which one can be crowned the best?  I'm a huge fan of dubstep, but I honestly feel like Bassnectar just injected a little more, well, bass into the original work- it sounds good, but just not as amazing as I thought it would.  So the answer to my question is probably one you haven't heard of: the Eyes Dubstep remix.  It will blow your mind, I promise.

playlist 8.2.2011

1. boy vs. girl pt. 1 by lexicondon

2. go outside by the cult

3. we found each other in the dark by city & colour
4. everybody but me by lykke li
5. wait up (boots of danger) (RAC remix) by tokyo police club

sweet little nothings 7.31.11

by soraya

image via Kissyouonelasttime.tumblr.com

A picture of the ocean reminding me of 2 things: A) I'll soon be leaving town for Los Angeles, giving me an opportunity to relax in Malibu & B) Ladies & Gentlemen, Shark Week has arrived.

image via Middaydreamer.tumblr.com

After seeing both Ke$ha and Khloe Kardashian rocking one of these snazzy Native American head-dresses, it's safe to say that I'm in need of one.

itsy bitsy teenie weenie (insert description here) bikini

by soraya

(Top row from left)
1. Vitamin A Twisted Bikini $69
2. Ralph Lauren Lace Optic Triangle Bikini $139
3. Zimmerman Posy Ruffled Floral-Print Bandeau Bikini $250
4. D&G Lemon Print String Bikini $105
(Bottom row from left)
5. Mara Hoffman COBALT MULTI Bikini $360
6. Matthew Williamson Butterfly Print Triangle Bikini $275
7. Anika Brazil Shell Bikini $59
8. Mara Hoffman PINK Bikini $335


There's less than a month before the summer ends girls, so now is the time to put on your cutest swimsuit and flaunt that tan.  Your last chance to throw or attend that killer beach/pool party is quickly approaching and you'll want the perfect bikini.  The 8 above are some of my favorites.  Since most of them are quite pricey, I hope you get inspired by the vibrant colors and playful silhouettes! 


See the original set on Polyvore HERE. 

must-see music video: ellie goulding

by soraya

Starry Eyed by Ellie Goulding

Ellie's recently released US version of her hit single, Starry Eyed.  I'm devastated that her NYLON Magazine tour didn't have any stops in Austin, but this video has made up for it (if only a little).

ocean eyes

by soraya
Best way to bring out your fresh summer tan without piling on the bronzer? Shades of blue, bronze & gold.  The ocean-inspired hues will have your complexion glowing; almost as if you came straight from beach.  Here are a few of our favorite picks:

1. Bare Escentuals "Bronzed" High Shine Eyecolor $16
2. NARS "Cap Ferrat" Eyeshadow Trio $45
3. Stila "Wonderful in Waikiki" Collectible Beach Palette $62 $14
4. Sephora Collection Gold Glitter Eyeliner $12
5. Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick $39
6. Makeup Forever "Iridescent Navy Blue" Aqua Liner $23


All images & products can be found online at Sephora.com

stuck on replay: patrick stump

by soraya

Spotlight (Oh Nostalgia) by Patrick Stump

The former Fall Out Boy front man proves that his solo project has turned into an amazing success.  This song is an impeccable combination of soul, pop, and rock.

new heights

by soraya

Standing at 5'1", you'd see why I embrace any occasion to wear heels and make up for my height deficiency.  Don't get me wrong, I love being petite.  It's cute and all, but sometimes I get tired of being towered over.
Early this summer, I fell in love with a pair of Stuart Weitzman espadrilles that I saw in a Nordstrom catalog.  The thing is, they were $365 and far above my budget (a girl needs to buy other clothes too, you know?!).  I had a mini heart attack when I saw the price... but it was a pair of Weitzmans after all.  Over the weeks, I gave up on the search for the perfect pair until I stumbled across a more price-conscious pair (pictured left).  They heel was four inches high with a generous platform, they were nude and easy to wear, surprisingly comfortable, and only $110.  So I now have my sights set on these glorious Charles by Charles David espadrilles... and you better believe they will soon be on my feet.

playlist 7.26.2011

1. tell me (clock opera remix) by au revoir simone

2. giving up the gun by vampire weekend

3. life magazine by cold cave

4. soft shock by yeah yeah yeahs

5. blue cassette by friendly fires

sweet little nothings 7.24.11

by julia

        

     image via springfashionshow.blogspot.com

       Kiehl's Pear Tree Corner Candle. I've almost burned mine out and it's my favorite candle.

image via weheartit.com
The colors and vintage vibe make me want to jump into this picture.

phantogram: marching to the beat of their own drum

by soraya
This "electro-rock duo" from New York has become my favorite artist discovery of the summer.  Their album, Eyelid Movies was released earlier this year and has been played on a loop on my iPod.  The songs are filled with heavy beats, intoxicating guitar and keyboard driven melodies, and haunting airy vocals- a perfect combination of elements.  Songs like "Mouthful of Diamonds" and "When I'm Small" have been featured on episodes of Skins and Teen Wolf.  If you haven't already been tempted to, give one of the two songs a listen and I'm sure you'll immediately be hooked.  Phantogram has plenty of potential to become a front-runner in the indie music world.


album cover image via bbemusic.com

stuck on replay: florence + the machine

by soraya

Cosmic Love (Acoustic Version)

The live version performed in SoHo (available on iTunes) is even better than the original; who says all of today's recording artists don't have talent? :)

pops of color

by soraya

                    

Make eye-catching nail colors your signature accessory for the remainder of this summer:

OPI's Hot & Spicy

Deborah Lippman's Yellow Brick Road

Deborah Lippman's Between The Sheets

Essie's Mesmerized

images via lippmancollection.stores.yahoo.net, opinailpolishstore.com, essie.com

playlist 7.18.2011

1. o0O0o0O0o by oberhofer
2. norgaard by the vaccines
3. heart in your heartbreak by the pains of being pure at heart
4. not in love (feat. robert smith) by crystal castles
5. no way by the naked & famous

fall fashion: fit for a queen

by soraya
LC, the teenager from Laguna we all knew and loved is all grown up.  After years in the reality television spotlight, Lauren Conrad has made a name for herself in both the fashion industry and as an author.  Recently, looks from her fall 2011 collection of Paper Crown have been released.


The pieces beautifully combine feminine elements with others inspired by menswear.  Conrad used a neutral color palette that can work on anyone.  The pieces are very versatile and can be dressed up or down in seconds.  Conrad also incorporated classic silhouettes; anything you buy from the collection will survive many seasons- giving you more than your money's worth (even though it is a pricey line).  Looking at many of the pieces, I would say that the line embodies "casual luxury".  It's a no-fuss collection and includes many well-made closet staples and basics. 


On the other hand, Conrad hasn't failed to include a few gorgeous floor-sweeping dresses that take your breath way.  They're flowy & sweet, and sure to make you feel like a princess- the way the brand's name implies.
See the rest of the collection at wikifashion.

sweet little nothings: 7.17.11

by soraya

via fox.com

A classy mix of sparkles & feathers; I'm in love with this dress Cat Deeley wore on this past Wednesday's episode of SYTYCD.

Chloe eau de parfum mini rollerball: a life saver & 0.2 oz of pure heaven.

Oh sunny day

by julia


Happy Friday everyone! Every Friday, Soraya and I will pick an outfit of the week to post. I hope you enjoy our help and styling. Today I went with a great summer shopping outfit complete with my favorite shoes.

Vintage shirt, Anthropologie high-waisted tie shorts, Sam Edelman gladiator sandals

troix: tres magnifique

by soraya
How many times do you find yourself buying a magazine solely for the person on the cover? And wincing once you realize that you just dropped $5 at the cash register for something that's 75% advertisements and 25% actual content?  Well, with Troix magazine, all your problems will instantly be eliminated.  It's digital, FREE, and includes numerous full-page pictures of the young Hollywood member gracing the cover.  The creators of Troix don't think that we should be required to pay to drool over the extremely attractive guys or girls (for all you guys out there) in the magazine.  The interviews manage to capture your attention and keep it.  With the number of articles in it limited to one and an expansive collection of pictures, it's sure to be a hit.  Material copies are also available for purchase- I think I just may have to grab a copy for the issue released tonight featuring Teen Wolf's Dylan O'brien (July 15, 11:59 PM)
View current and back-issues at their website.  Happy Friday & enjoy!

playlist 7.12.11

1. so near by jack peñate

2. cigarettes in the theatre by two door cinema club

3.  bullfighter jacket by miniature tigers

4. photo journalist by small black

5. riot rhythm by sleigh bells

short story

by soraya

The high-waisted shorts trend has been my favorite this year by far.  Thankfully, the look is still a hot commodity; I mean why shouldn't it be?  It flatters the tiniest part of our bodies and is sort of like an insta-hourglass figure. Denim works amazingly for casual looks; fabric shorts paired with a cute top can easily trick people into thinking you're wearing an adorable new romper; and patterned shorts jazz up any plain t-shirt.  However, with the many hits I've seen with the shorts, I've also seen plenty of misses.  There are some guidelines when it comes to working a pair.

DO's:
- invest some money on a good pair; it's hard to find ones that will fit your figure well.  not all cuts fit every body type
- make sure that it's neither too baggy or tight at the crotch.  they will not do you any justice, i promise. no one wants camel toe or the appearance of junk.
- be brave and wear bright colored shorts;  it's a fun way to liven up an outfit.  people are used to seeing tops do all the talking.
- ask your mother if she happens to have any- seriously, i know it sounds weird. but she may just have a pair of old levi 501 cutoffs she's willing to give away.  they'll be perfectly worn in and naturally distressed


DONT's:
- mix patterns (unless you've mastered the art, that is). a busy top and a busy pair of shorts will give people a headache.  if you're wearing printed shorts, put on a solid colored top.
- tuck in baggy or boxy tops.  they'll make you look frumpy.  the important thing is to balance proportion.  if you're wearing loose fabric shorts, go for a form fitting shirt.  if your pants are on the tighter side, you can wear a crop top for that beachy/bohemian vibe- also a great idea for music festivals.
- wear a belt with denim high-waisted shorts unless they are a perfect fit.  the belt will bunch up all the material in the back and probably slide above your shorts. 
- buy a pair that have a barely-there inseam.  please don't give high-waisted shorts a bad name. the smaller they are, the more likely it is they'll ride up where you don't want them to. 


See the original set of shorts above along with their brands, prices, & where to buy them at http://www.polyvore.com/short_story/set?id=33866345. Our personal favorite places to buy a denim pair are Madewell & Levi's. Nordstrom's BP section also has some great fabric selections.

sweet little nothings: 7/6/11

by julia
This week's favorite finds:

via imgfave.com

Love these colors together for summer.

via pinterest.com

Her eye makeup is amazing; I want to be able to pull it off for special events.

free on itunes: we the kings

by soraya

If you weren't already aware of this, iTunes generously gives a couple of free tracks per week- you can find the songs and other features on the bottom of the page.  This week's free song, "Say You Like Me", came off the brand new We The King's album, Sunshine State of Mind.  It is most definitely worth the download (seriously, no cost and probably half a minute of your time while you're probably multi-tasking on Facebook and Twitter).  Now I'm all about alternative music, but bands with that west-coast laid back vibe had me sold since day one.  It's an adorable love song that everyone can relate to and the perfect song for summer.

friends are forever

by soraya

(From the top row, left to right: Chan Luu Braided Leaf Bracelet in Turquoise, Avanessi One Love Green Cord Bracelet, Monica Vinader 18 ct Gold Plated Friendship Bracelet, Madewell Gilded Friendship Bracelet, Venessa Arizaga Neon Peon Bracelet, Shashi Single Row Rainbow Crystal Bracelet, Ettika Triple-Charm Green Friendship Bracelet, Juicy Couture Highlighter Rhinestone Friendship Bracelet, Mulberry Heart Friendship Bracelet)

Since my elementary school days, I've been a huge fan of the good old friendship bracelets.  I used to pile them on like I had to display every single one of my relationships on my arms & wrists- little did I know how silly I looked.

Since then, my taste in jewelry has dramatically changed.  I still appreciate the heartfelt little creations made out of colorful string; but I found some more fashion-forward pieces that your friends would love to wear in the present.  Paying homage to the braided aesthetic, bright hues, and little bits of sparkle, these new takes on the childhood favorite are sure to impress.

See a close-up of the original set I created along with the prices of the bracelets on Polyvore here.  

playlist 7.7.11

1. white nights by oh land

2. julius by starf*cker

3. obelisk by millionyoung

4. just a little bit by kids of 88

5. is it real by strange talk

introductions

This blog is a new & improved version of 'A Fine Mess'.  We moved our URL from afm-afinemess.blospot.com to the present one (which is still up in case you wanted to look through our archives).  The only difference with this new site is the crisper appearance and shorter, more frequent posts.  If you're new to the blog, thanks for checking it out :)


PS- this site is still under construction, so please bear with us if you see any random changes!


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