Terrain

Ever since I heard about the toasted pumpkin seed salad and gumdrop scented candles, I have been trying to plan a trip to Terrain. This Thanksgiving break I finally made it happen and it definitely exceeded my expectations. From the second I stepped out of the car I was overwhelmed with the scent of freshly cut Christmas trees and the smoke of the bonfire that was burning around the corner.

I walked through the outdoor garden store and straight into the warmth of the indoor greenhouse. It was filled with different scented candles, poinsettias, wool blankets, and gingerbread cookbooks.

After smelling every candle, testing the silky lotions, and examining all the delicate ornaments I made my way back to the cafe. The delicious food and the feeling of eating in a secret garden was definitely worth the wait.

So if you are a fan of Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters (all owned by the same company), I suggest that you make a trip out to Terrain. Go to terrainathome.com or shopterrain.com for more information.

Photos courtesy of terrainathome.com

Monalda4, the headband resource for fashionistas

Sometimes beauty hurts but not anymore! Founder and designer Bonnie Friedman created an incredibly cute line after being fed up with getting headaches every time she wanted to wear a headband. Monalda4, named after her former address in Florence, Italy, consists of bold statement pieces. Bonnie has everything a fashionista may need, from smooth satin ribbon with rocker chic studs to glittering metallic ribbon with a big leopard print chiffon flower.

Still not finding something you like? Bonnie with gladly customize a headband to perfectly match your outfit. So look no further and stop wasting your money on headband headaches! Turn to Monalda4 and suffer only the pain from your platform pumps, not your headband!

Check out Monalda4's growing collection at www.monalda4.com

Crayola Goes Green

I remember sitting for hours with a huge box of Crayola crayons filling pages and pages of Barbie coloring books. Crayola was my first introduction to art supplies, and thus holds a soft spot in my heart. So, I was very happy to hear that everyone's favorite crayon company has stepped up their game and gone green!

They recently announced plans for a 15-acre solar farm in Forks Township, PA. Ground-breaking for the project happened on Nov. 19. This undertaking is the result of a partnership with UGI Energy Services, Inc. and PPI Renewable Energy.

Slated to be up and running by early 2010, this park will house 26,000 solar panels which will help produce about 1 billion crayons, or 10% of the company's total annual energy consumption. Crayola owns the site, while the energy companies will provide the equipment, installation and maintenance. Funding will be done in part by $1.5 million from the the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as well as $10.5 million thanks to matching funds from private sources.

The company plans to exhibit its efforts at the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA with a solar energy display. They also have an interactive "Go Green" portion of their website to explore.

Kudos, Crayola. Print out your own Barbie coloring page and remember the good old days with eco-friendly crayons!

Fashion Helping Women Come Forward

Fashion has always attracted women across the globe. In a way, their passion for fashion is a commonality that unites this very diverse group. And now these fashionistas have a chance to make a huge impact on the lives of women beyond their reach.

Earlier this month, Jimmy Choo released his Project PEP Collection. This fun, funky, rocker inspired collection includes everything from heels to flats to handbags and bracelets. But what makes this collection worth spending $975 on a pair of spiked heels? Twenty-five percent of net sales from this collection will go to the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which funds the Simelela Rape Centre in Cape Town, South Africa. Simelela Rape Centre's mission is to break the silence about rape. In Khayelitsha, rape is less likely to occur in a dark, deserted area than in someone's own home, often at the hands of a relative or someone they know. Fear for the victim's lives or the lives of their family often keeps them in silence. But thanks to the Simelela Rape Centre, more women are coming forward. Within the four years between August 2005 and May 2009, 6,330 women and children have turned to the centre for support.

If your passion is fashion, what better way to help women halfway across the globe who are faced with unimaginable fear and tragedy?

Holiday Tips and Tricks

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and usually that reminds people of turkey and stuffing and all that yummy goodness. But for all extreme shoppers out there, that means Black Friday is upon us. And Black Friday marks the alert in our heads saying, "We need to start shopping for presents, STAT!" Okay, maybe your brain doesn't work like that unless you're a surgeon or something. Holiday shopping can be really stressful on your wallet and for your imagination, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few ideas to keep the holidays special, inexpensive, and most of all: FUN.

1. DIY is never out of style.
Making things yourself puts more value into a gift than just buying something. Trying knitting a scarf for your best friend. Or create an organized recipe box with decorated index cards for your mom. Or even make a mix cd with a decorated cd case for your little brother. Or even if presents aren't your thing, hand decorated individualized greeting cards always makes people smile.

2. Regifting is A-OK as long as...
Oh I know what you're going to say. "Regifting is so thoughtless. You're not really thinking about the other person." Well, that is true, but if you feel like you have a gift lying around your house that is perfect for someone else and not you, I say: WHY IN THE WORLD NOT? Just don't be dumping your trash on someone else, that's just not fair or nice. And you want to be on the nice list right? (Also, make sure you don't regift to the person who gave it to you!)

3. Best way to please any person is through their stomach.
If baking or cooking is your thing, well, tasty treats can be your gift to people. Plus, these disappear quickly so the receiver doesn't have to worry about finding a place for them, except maybe their tummy.

4. Reusable wrapping.
If you get the newspaper, don't throw it out! You can use that for recycled wrapping paper. You can paint it any which way and decorate it however you like. Or if you find an article that you know someone will find amusing/interesting, it will catch their eye before they start unwrapping their present. A common part of the paper that people use is the comic section, especially for kids.

5. For the wrapping impaired.
For myself and many out there, I am wrapping-deficient. Cure? Gift bags!!! You can be green with this too. Every time you get a present in a gift bag, don't just throw it out, SAVE IT! As long as there isn't a label, it's still of good use. Check out GAIAMlife for more green wrapping ideas.

Fashion Designers Bring Classic Masterpieces to the Runway

In the past months of scouring fashion news sites and blogs, I have built up quite an arsenal of articles, photos and ideas that I really really love. So when Julienne Thibodeaux presented her Kirschner-inspired collection "Modern Metropolis" as a debut designer at the Arts of Fashion Show recently - I couldn't help but sift back through my collection of clippings to put a post together on this new trend hitting the runway.

Taking inspiration from favorite artists and masterpieces has moved up on the to-do list for designers this year. Mondrian, Picasso, Matisse, and even Chuck Close served as muses for top designer's spring 2010 collections at Paris Fashion Week. Thanks to The Skinny for the heads up on this one!

Hermes lines and color scheme emulate Mondrian

Miyake channels Matisse

Galliano brings this Picasso to life

Elie Saab's pieces are reminiscent of Chuck Close's pointillist world of color

Julianne's collection was greatly inspired by Expressionist artist Ernst Lugwig Kirchner's paintings "Berlin Street Scene." She used his colors, and sharp heavy brush strokes to create custom fabrics and geometric abstract silhouettes to bring his painting to life in a 3-dimensional form on the runway.

Kirschner's Berlin Street Scene

Sketches of Julianne's Debut Series collection: Modern Metropolis

Images courtesy of The Skinny Blog and Arts of Fashion

Top Five: My Favorite Things About Fall

It's officially the height of the fall season: right in between Halloween and Thanksgiving, the leaves are changing color and floating to the ground everywhere you turn, and people are pulling out their sweaters and packing away their summer clothes for good. Fall is definitely my favorite season, and on that note I am going to list off the five top reasons why.

1) Layers - If you love clothes, you gotta love layers. I mean really, what's better than a fashionable excuse to wear as many pieces as you can at once? Layers provide you with ways to wear your pieces in a different way, develop some serious color in an outfit, explore accessorizing, and of course to keep warm! Layering is definitely still in this fall, so head out and pick up some basic tees, some not-so-basic tees, sweaters, tights, skirts, boots... the list goes on.

2) Wandering - I know Summer gets the rep as the time to be outdoors, but if you've never explored the city on a beautiful crisp fall day, now's the time to start. Step 1 - put on your layers. Step 2 - Head to your favorite local coffee shop, pick up a hazelnut latte or a hot apple cider to get in the fall spirit. Step 3 - head out and look up! The city is beautiful this time of year, and it's ideal walking weather before it gets to cold. I will reccommend to you my personal favorite route: West down Chestnut to Broad then back East up Walnut for window shopping, be sure to take a spin through Rittenhouse Park on your way back! And Fairmount Park provides walking for days and some really beautiful Fall sights.

3) The Food - And yes, this deserves its own spot. From Pumpkin everything to delicious hot soups back on the menus, fall food is where it's at. Let's not forget leftover Halloween candy or the epic Thanksgiving feast that is still to come either. Restaurants all over the city are pulling out seasonal specialties to entice diners, and really who needs a better excuse to enjoy a night out?

4) The Culture - EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, comes back to life in the fall. Students are back in the city. Theatre starts back up, and the city is filled with new exhibits, there is so much to do again! This fall is no exception, and there are definitely some events to take advantage of: the Gorky exhibit at the PMA is impressive, and lots of Broadway Productions are making their way to Philadelphia, including Mamma Mia, Oliver, and White Christmas (although that's more of a winter thing).

5) The Holidays - As mentioned before, Fall offers holidays that are great for stuffing your face. But between Halloween and Thanksgiving there is plenty of celebration that goes on in this season. Thanksgiving, of course, is the real kickoff to the holiday season, a chance to catch up with friends and family and head home for a few days to hang out. If you love parties, you have to love fall. (Don't forget Columbus Day and Veterans Day as well, while not the party holidays we all know and love, they still get us a few much-needed days off to enjoy the other top four things about the season).

So there you go, some reasons to love the season. Now its time to stop your grieving over Summer's end and ignore the commercials that tell you Christmas is already here. So put on your layers, get out there and wander while you eat some fall food, stop by a theatre or museum and soak up some culture, then get home and pack for the holidays. Remember, Fall goes fast, you gotta enjoy it while you can!

How to Survive Fashionably in a Recession…

So you’re broke… who isn’t! It seems as though in one way or another we are all trying to cut back in this recession, but that doesn’t mean that you have to start wearing rags and not enjoying life. Whether you are in college and trying to conserve pennies for next term's books, a recent graduate who can’t find a full time job, or working (with no raise in sight) and stashing those extra dollars just in case you are next on the chopping block, it is still OK to enjoy life! Frugally of course!

Let’s start simply…

You have been eyeballing that new clutch but there is no way you can justify the purchase. It’s OK! Take your old simple clutch and spruce it up with a silk flower, an old broach, or a velvet bow. I am sure if you stop in to see your mother she won’t mind if you lifting a scrap or two, especially if it is in the name of monetary conservation. It will turn this tired piece taking up space in your closet into something fresh and exciting.

Need some new pumps or boots?

How about taking your classic blacks and lacing them with the same ribbon that you just adorned your clutch with. This will give them an updated, sexy lace up look without the $120 price tag.

Are your boots looking tired and beat up? Distressed is in so yo're ahead of the game! Maybe just stop in shoe repair and have new heeltaps, a buffing, some polish and conditioner, and you are all set for under $20!

Don’t underestimate the power of great accessories!

The white-tee and cardigan can go a long way when you accessorize. Layer up some trendy chains in bright gold, pearls, or “crystal” beads (all can be found at your local craft store) and no one will even notice it's Hanes! Not a necklace girl? How about a great belt over that cardigan that you wear to the laundromat. It’s long and comfy and still has some life left in it. Throw it over your lace camisole, cinch it with a belt, grab your scarf and you are ready to go.

Now you're all dressed up and have no where to go…

Relax, you have been saving so much money on your wardrobe so you deserve to head out! Don’t stress about the bill at the end of the meal because you're going out armed with a budget and the know how. Did you know that restaurants on the outskirts of the expensive neighborhoods pay a lower rent? It is true, and for this reason their prices are usually much cheaper and generally their menu is set to accommodate the local demographic, and therefore is more authentic.

Don’t forget BYOB!

A sure way to save a buck and still enjoy a few drinks! There are websites dedicated to mapping out the BYOBs in your neighborhood. Most restaurants mark up the alcohol 3 fold. Why pay $45 dollars for a $15 bottle of wine? Want to have dinner and drinks on a Saturday night, try calling ahead to see what their policies are. This will save you a bundle with out sacrificing wining and dining.

photo courtesy of madewell1937.com

photo courtesy of about.com

photo courtesy of lushlee.com

Style Your Sole

Above is an advertisement that was inspired from the work of Blake Mycoskie and TOMS shoes, one of my all time favorite shoe companies. At TOMS they have this inspiring program they call "One for One." The success of their mission is dependent on the buying power of consumers.

For every pair of shoes that TOMS sells, the company donates a pair to a child in a third world country. So far they have donated over 150,000 pairs of TOMS shoes in the three years that the program has existed have been. TOMS has donated to children in Argentina, South Africa, and they are currently helping out to prevent Podoconiosis(Podo) in Ethiopia by donating shoes and working with organizations to find the cure to the debilitating disease that causes deformity, intense pain, ulcers, and social stigma and exclusion.

The best part about this company donating shoes to poor communities, is that they don't just box up the shoes and send them away. Volunteers from TOMS and Friends of TOMS go on Shoe Drop Tours and hand deliver the shoes to the children in need of shoes. TOMS shoes really succeeds in building the bridge between what could be the very selfish shopping expenditures to the reaching out and helping the greater good. It is an inspiring system that other companies should start thinking about doing themselves. It's all about giving back.

TOMS shoes also offers ways that you can join the TOMS family other than volunteering for Shoe Drop Tours and buying shoes for the One for One program. You can also intern at TOMS, become a TOMS rep at your school, or even have a Style Your Sole party. On their website (which you can visit if you click.....here) they provide all the details about how you can market and promote your event and also a checklist to make sure you have all your materials.

Style Your Sole parties can be achieved in three easy steps:

1) Set a date that works with you and your guests. Make sure you get the money upfront to order the shoes.
2) Place your order for the shoes AT LEAST 2 weeks before the event. If you order 25 or more pairs you can get them for 10% discount.
3) Contact local retailers, bands, and artists to see if they would like join in and/or sponsor your event. Provide decorations and paints to decorate the shoes. And don't forget to document it, upload images onto flickr, and tag TOMS shoes.

[[GREEN ALERT!! GREEN ALERT!! TOMS shoes are not only aware of social responsibility, but they are also aware of being green by having certain styles that are made of vegan material like recycled twill and recycled rubber!]]

**Photo Shout out to TOMS shoes!!