Autumn/ Winter Color 2014-2015

This season's color I have seen to be beige/caramel. Sure, some of the big brands will have their occasional pop of color and pattern, but the consistently present shade of light brown are to be found in almost all designers' sweaters, scarves, beanies, and corduroy pants.

It's pretty easy to unintentionally conform to this season's color. Many of the big brands-- BOSS, J. Crew, DSquared2, Paul Smith, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren-- featured beige/caramel in their Autumn/Winter 2014-2015 collections.

BOSS, J. Crew

DSquared2, Ralph Lauren

So it's not unusual to see this color in the windows of all major stores; try to incorporate beige/caramel into your wardrobe and you'll definitely be in the loop!

-Danish

As we approach the mid December mark, it’s becoming a crucial time to get our Christmas shopping done for our loved ones. I think shopping for your significant other can be a little difficult, but definitely a fun time to pick your gifts with care and excitement.

Cologne

You can’t really go wrong with any type of cologne, and you can definitely find a lot of different options on sale during the Christmas season.

Pictured above: ArmaniCologne, $66.

Headphones

Quality headphones can be exciting for music junkies. They work well and are stylish. Also, the white pair are my favorite because they match everything.

Pictured above: BeatsHeadphones, $129.99 

Chelsea Boots

These are my shoe obsession of the year; I got my own pair last week. They come in a variety of styles and colors, but the brown are very versatile and match many different kinds of outfits. The black ones are very popular as well, and if you’re feeling brave, buy a maroon pair for your boyfriend!

Pictured above: WolverineGarrick Chelsea Boots, $165.00

Varsity Jacket

I was never a fan of the typical varsity jacket, but the all black one above features leather sleeves and pockets. It definitely fits the sporty guy because of the general style, but can also work for the hip, trendy guy in your life.

Pictured above: OldNavy Varsity Jacket, $65.00

Backpack

Most guys I’ve met don’t really care what kind of backpack they use, but a Herschel bag is really stylish and they come in a variety of colors.

Pictured above: HerschelBackpack, $72.00

Sweater

I love a guy in sweaters, particularly button ups with elbow pads. They’re perfect for the winter season and can go with any kind of pants.

Pictured above: ShawlCardigan, $50.00

Watch

All guys love a good watch. Since it is the season of giving, it’s reasonable to splurge on a more expensive, high-quality watch that will last a lifetime. Fossil watches are affordable, and stores like Nordstrom rack tend to carry a variety of watches at a discounted price.

Pictured above: FossilWatch, $115.00

Denim Shirt

Whether long or short sleeve, denim shirts are very trendy at the moment for guys and girls, and are very versatile and affordable. Try stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M.

Pictured above: TopManDenim Shirt, $65.00

Sunglasses

Like watches, sunglasses are very popular for men. You can go the easy route and buy a $15 pair from a random store at your mall, or buy a nice pair that will last forever. Ray-Bans are definitely my favorite.

Pictured above: Ray-Bans, $115.00

Concert Tickets

Probably my favorite Christmas Gift Idea. There are a million different concerts to choose from, and you can snag a pair for $50 or less for underground bands, or go all out and get $100 tickets to his favorite band. Stubhub is an awesome website to check out if the concert is already sold out.

Check out: StubHub or Ticketmaster

TV Memorabilia

I’m sure that you have spend countless hours with your significant other binge watching TV on Netflix. My boyfriend and I got obsessed with Breaking Bad over the summer. Something like a t-shirt, mug, or calendar are cute gift ideas that are affordable and fun.

Pictured above: BreakingBad mug, $17.00

Turntable

Definitely on the more expensive end, but a high-quality turn-table or record player can be the best gift of the century. If your guy already owns one, you can hunt down some of his favorite vinyls or a nice stand for the player.

Pictured above: CrosleyTurn-Table, $130.00

-Kristin

Holiday Gift Guide: Your Best Friend

Necklaces

With the stacking of simple necklaces being a bigger deal than usual this fall/winter, finding jewelry to match the trend and everyone on my gift list will be more than easy. It’s simple, it’s fashionable, it’s fun, and it won’t break the bank, depending on where you go. 

I recommend: Dogeared, Inc. products found here

Headphones

So I'm pretty sure we can all agree that one of the worst feelings in life is realizing your headphones are broken as you step onto the CTA Red Line on your way to class; it makes for a pretty silent twenty-five minute train ride. My philosophy is that no one can have too many pairs of headphones—in the ear, over the ear, black, rainbow, no design, neon, whatever. I am personally have over six pairs of headphones and honestly a good deal at Target is about to raise that number.

Turntable

I will acknowledge that getting your friend a turntable is a powerful friendship decision, but I promise you that there are cheap, portable, good quality turntables that will rock your friend’s world, and indirectly your own (did someone say party??). 

I recommend: Urban Outfitters record players found here

Journal

Ever since my 11th grade English teacher made his final exam be that each of his students turn in a journal of their thoughts, I have been a firm believer in writing about everything you experience. Whether you sat in bed and watched reruns of Gilmore Girls or signed up for the Peace Corps, you’ll want to remember the things you did while you were young and living in a city like Chicago. 

I recommend: Take a trip to Art Effect (or go to their website here) 

Private by Giancarlo Giammetti

A collection of images by Mr. Giametti and his partner, Valentino, Private is practically twelve pound book full of images that I personally could only dream of. From Italy in the 1970’s to intimate photos of celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, the tens of thousands of images in this book are phenomenal. 

Grow a Santa

The only commentary I have on this gift is WHO WOULDN’T WANT TO GROW A SANTA?

I recommend: Check out Amazon, they're everywhere on that crazy internet machine

Hubba Bubba Bubble Gum and Lip Smackers

Everyone loves a good throwback to the early 2000’s, and who wouldn’t know that more than your best friend? That circle of gum that would never end and always turned your mouth incredibly blue is iconic. That Lip Smacker that was Doctor Pepper flavored changed your life, whether you want to admit it or not. 

I recommend: Claire's, always

The Comforter Bubble Bar

It makes purple bubbles; it smells like blackcurrant candy. This bubble bar is one of the highest rated products of Lush out there. That being said, I will also recommend the mint julep lip scrub until the day I die.

I recommend: Checking out Lush's website here

Flash Tattoos

At the heart and soul of Flash Tattoos is the beach. Lasting approximately 5 days, these temporary tattoos are (obviously) non-toxic and can be applied with just a little bit of water, just like the temporary tattoos you got when you were five. Primarily black, gold, and/or silver, these tats are incredibly fashionable and are relevant year round, not just when you’re standing in the ocean. Also, this would probably be the ideal way to get matching tattoos with your best friend without, ya know, needles and a lifelong commitment. 

I recommend: Taking a look at all the options on Flash's website here

Candles

I have yet to meet someone who has a strong dislike for candles. Therefore, they are a perfect gift. If you want to put a personal touch on gifting a candle, create one!

I recommend: Go to Waxman Candles right here in Chicago. All made in the United States, they’ve been around since 1970 and really know their stuff. Check them out here

Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham

So I casually am obsessed with Lena Dunham (also her boyfriend) and I think it would be a beautiful thing to have everyone and their sister read her book if they haven’t already. I know all my closest friends have read Not That Kind of Girl and absolutely LOVED it.

I recommend: Get your friend (if she hasn’t read them yet) Rookie Yearbook 3 and Amy Poehler’s Yes Please

Cookie in a Jar

THESE ARE SO CONVENIENT AND CUTE AND CRAFTY. 

I recommend: Heading to your local grocery store, getting all ingredients to make a batch of cookies, getting a mason jar from your local thrifting store (wash it thoroughly) and then pour the proper measurements of ingredients into said jar. It's so cheap; it's wonderful. 

Fig + Yarrow Sea Scrub

Created by salts of the Dead Sea, this scrub can be used from the neck and down to help exfoliate and detoxify skin. It feels amazing, and smells how I would imagine heaven (or at least a spa) to smell like. 

I recommend: Finding it here

Happy holidays!

-Leah

2014 American Music Awards

This past Sunday, America’s eyes were glued to the TV screen for a three hour, jam packed award show otherwise known as the American Music Awards (I shamelessly got my fix in the midst of finals, no regrets).  During the show, there weren’t many shocker moments – One Direction won 3/3 awards they were nominated for, Lorde had some entertaining dance moves, and Taylor Swift won a huge award that basically signified her reign over the music industry. I thoroughly enjoyed a few of the performances: Taylor Swift opened the show with an overdramatic, theatrical performance of her newest single “Blank Space,” Imagine Dragons sang “I Bet My Life” with a full-on choir backing them up, and Lorde sang The Hunger Games: Mockingjay theme song “Yellow Flicker Beat” without missing a beat. However, there were a few performances I disliked. Sam Smith nearly put me to sleep, Selena Gomez gave a heartfelt 3 minutes of lip syncing, and Iggy Azalea performed her latest hits with a completely expressionless face. 

Although the awards show itself is rarely surprising, the red carpet definitely had a shock factor. Here are my red carpet hits and misses. Side note, Fergie's dress reminds me a lot of Taylor Swift's dress from the 2013 Brit Awards. Thoughts?

Hits:

Fergie, Bailee Madison, Charli XCX

Danica McKellar, Rita Ora, Julianne Hough

Kate Beckinsale, Kendall Jenner, Becky G

Misses:

Taylor Schilling-- The first thing I thought of was a napkin stuck under your belt at the dinner table.

Heidi Klum-- Usually she can do no wrong. i'm just not a fan of this outfit at all.

Zendaya-- I just don't get it.

Gigi Hadid-- Why would one who is so beautiful wear something so ugly?

Jennifer Lopez-- it honestly looks like someone accidentally ripped the entire dress apart.

Bleona-- Do I need an explanation?

 -Kristin

Sam Smith Appreciation

In the era of auto tune, electric dance music (EDM) and countless boy bands, Sam Smith 22, has been a pleasant addition to the popular music scene that no one saw coming. With reality television and Youtube being the primary avenues explored by tastemakers looking for the next pop star, some might be surprised that Smith was ever discovered. However, once you listen to his debut album, “In the Lonely Hour”, you will realize why he has recently dominated the music charts. It is second only to Taylor Swift’s “1989” as the highest selling album of 2014. 

Smith first emerged in the U.K.’s music scene when he was featured in Disclosure’s hit song “Latch” back in February 2013. Now, fast forward to a little more than a year and a half later. Sam Smith has the fastest selling debut album this year with over 100,000 in the first week, and a hit single called “Stay with Me” that took over the radio. 

This London born singer and Youth Music Theatre alum’s signature is his instantly recognizable voice, which is fitting, because he claims such greats as Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse as major influences. Smith, Winehouse, and Houston all have power house voices that can reach the highest and lowest of notes that most people can only dream of hitting. The passion and charisma that Smith embodies in his music contrasts refreshingly with today’s music world, which has lately been regurgitating one troubled pop star after another.

If you do not believe or agree with all of the praise that Sam Smith has rightly earned, I suggest you listen to his unique gospel twist on pop songs yourself. Smith is about to start a North American tour in 2015, and he will be at the UIC Pavilion on Jan. 23.

In the meantime, here are some personal videos of him covering the Arctic Monkeys hit “Do I Wanna Know” and performing his own song “Lay Me Down”.

-Kate

Hollywood Film Awards Red Carpet

This past Friday, the 2014 Hollywood Film Awards took place in Los Angeles, California. This year marks the first year for the show to be televised. Most of the awards are given to the recipients for movies that have not been in theaters yet, or for ones that are just being released. The mission of the Hollywood Film Awards is to begin the official launch of the award season. 

That being said, here are some red carpet highlights:

Kiera Knightly, Amanda Steele, Jenna Dewan, Tian Jing

Shailene Woodley, Emily Ratajokowski, Hilary Swank, Kristen Stewart

-Kristin

Pandora vs. Alex and Ani

Charm bracelets are typically seen on the small wrists of children that are made of beads and string that represent the symbolic “friendship bracelet”. Either way, charm bracelets have never been thought of as fashionable or stylish. However, within just the last 15 years charms and bracelets have grown in popularity for women of all ages. Companies like Pandora and Alex and Ani have made millions of dollars from this timeless and simple idea. So, the question is which company creates the best charm bracelet? I will put style, quality, price, and overall brand appeal into consideration.

Pandora: 

Style: The bracelets can come in silver, gold, leather, or fabric. The charms are smaller and can come in a variety of themes-- such as but not limited to-- Christmas, Nautical, Disney, and more. The more charms the better for these bracelets. They look skimpy with only one or two.

Quality: Pandora began in Denmark around the 1980's, and the charm bracelets began around 2000. The company has rapidly grown and is present in malls all over the world. Their jewelry is not cheap and not easily breakable. The material that is used is authentic, whether it be 14k gold or real leather.

Price: The price can be up to you. Bracelets range from $35 to over $100 depending if you want sterling silver or fabric. The most costly part of the bracelet are the charms. These can also range from $50 to well over $100. If I saw a girl walking down the street with a gold Pandora bracelet with 5 plus charms, I would assume around $350 invested in that piece of jewelry. 

Brand Appeal: Pandora is a household name and is respected all over the world. It is a Danish business that started from nothing and is an example of the American Dream. It offers women the ability to customize their look. Pandora takes pride in its distinctive look and handcrafted jewelry.

Alex and Ani: 

Style: This Company is up and coming with a very distinctive style of its own as well. Alex and Ani is most well-known for its brass colored charm bracelets. These typically have a larger charm bangle with smaller charms on if desired. Since only being founded in 2004, Alex and Ani have introduced leather braided, Trove wrap, and beaded bangle bracelets.

Quality: These bracelets are typically of thinner metal than Pandora and do not have a clasp. Instead, these circular bracelets have no opening. These pieces of jewelry have a sliding mechanism that makes each bracelet entirely adjustable, making it "one-size-fits-all". These are not made to be from fitting, they are meant to be looser, so the charms can dangle.

Price: The average price can be from $38 to about $100. If you want to add other charms to the bracelet it can cost about $24. Typically, Alex and Ani bracelets are “stackable” opposed to buying multiple charms for one, girls wear many bracelets on one wrist.

Brand Appeal: Alex and Ani have become very popular in just short amount of time. I have seen girls wearing half a dozen Alex and Ani bracelets on one wrist. Perhaps it’s the message of empowerment this company wants to send, or the fact that it was founded and continues its production in America. Either way, more teenagers and women in their twenties are taking part in the fashion trend of the charm bracelet.

The winner is...

Alex and Ani, simply because they are the future of the charm bracelet. Their no clasp technology, cheaper price, and variety of choices make it a better option for people of all ages. This company continues to be innovative, and has not slowed down since its birth in 2004. Pandora is more of a commercial look, while Alex and Ani has that high fashion appeal with a reasonable price, which is something that is hard to pull off. Kudos to Alex and Ani. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for this made in American brand.

-Kate