While getting my hair done today I caught up on the current issue of Elle magazine. I loved this photoshoot of Kristen Stewart. Very creative and edgy.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Five Friday Favorites
A few of my favorite things from this week...
Matthew Williamson's Dress
Cat Deeley looks amazing in this Matthew Williamson dress.
I love everything about this look. The cut of the dress, the fun colors, the rock and roll clutch..fab. I would definitely wear this.
Revlon's Strawberry Electric Nail Polish
Strawberry Electric nail polish from Revlon. Perfect for summer, and very pretty on tan toes!
Cold Stone's Birthday Cake Remix
I cheated on my diet this week with a yummy scoop of cold stone birthday cake ice cream with sprinkles. (I usually get it without the chocolate and the cone) My most favorite ice cream ever. YUM.
The song I've been dancing to all week- Lady GaGa's Alejandro.
I have to admit, I'm kind of infatuated with Lady GaGa. Her "out there" fashion sense defiantly intrigues me. I've had her new song Alejandro in my head all week. I would love to see her in concert, I bet she puts on a great show.
Favorite App - QRANK!
I'm pretty obsessed with playing Qrank on my iphone right now. Its a trivia game that takes news headlines from the day before and asks you questions. The harder the questions, and the faster you select the answer the more points you get. (My highest has been 6,000) It only lets you play once a day, but trust me..its addicting!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Designs by Mandi Update
Ok, so things have been a little crazy here lately with getting ready to go on vacation, and the other job, but I have been working on a lot of things for Designs by Mandi... here's an update for you.
Merchandise: Since I'm hoping to launch the online boutique sometime in July I've been doing a lot of research on wholesalers for merchandise, and I found a couple really good ones I'm excited about. I'm starting to get sample pieces, so that when its time to buy I'll know exactly what I want. (This is the fun part!) I'll post pictures soon.
Legal Stuff: Now for the not so fun part - taxes! I swear dealing with taxes and legal issues is the worst part about opening up your own business, but I'm getting through it. I've had to do a lot of research on my own, but the IRS web page has been my saving grace. There are SO many great resources out there for small business owners out there. I took a whole class online that helped me figure out my taxes and accounting and all that good stuff for free. Very cool, but I'm glad that parts over with!
Packaging: Ive been researching what kind of packaging I'm going to be using for DBMB and I found some really cute ideas. All I have to do now is purchase them and I'm ready to go. I'll post these pictures soon too.
Marketing: Business cards are being sent to the printer :) Yay! My marketing plan is also in full swing.
Twitter/Facebook: Twitter account and facebook fan page are all set up. Follow me on twitter @designsbymandi and check out my facebook fan page here.
Blog: A huge part of my marketing plan has obviously been this blog, and I have to tell ya...I didn't know I would enjoy blogging this much! Thanks so much to those who have been reading and supporting me..you guys are awesome!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Pictures of the Week
Sleepy Girls
Izzy and Scarlet...they love each other :)
Lovely Lillies
The boyfriend got me these before "date night" last week. :)
My Chill Style
Workity Work! It's nice to work from home some days :)
My Favorite Purchase of The Week:
Taupe Crocodile Pumps from Target - only $23.00 online.
Favorite Look of the Week:
Lucy Liu in chic springy colors, and a leather jacket. So cute.
http://www.peoplestylewatch.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
My First Blog Award!
A big thanks to Marlessa Southern at Southern Reflections for presenting me with my first ever blog award!
So, since I was awarded, the rules are that I have to write 10 things about me that you might not know, and 5 things I don't like. Soooo here goes...
10 Things About Me
1. I LOVE fashion and art. I graduated from The Art Institute of Charlotte with my BA in Fashion Marketing in 2008. It's always been my dream to have my own boutique business, and now I'm finally making it happen!
2. I have a Jack Russel named Izzy who thinks she runs the house. (Who am I kidding...she does run it.) Shes a feisty little thing but I love her like shes my child.
3. I recently started learning how to cook. I used to burn things in the kitchen, but I'm actually getting pretty good at mastering yummy healthy dinners.
4. I loooove taking pictures!
5. I'm kind of a geek....I'm a HUGE bookworm, and I love all things Apple.
6. I've had some sort of journal since I was about 8 years old. I've always loved to write. I even wrote a family newspaper every week when I was little, haha.
7. I have a "bucket list" where I continually add and cross off things that I want to accomplish in my lifetime. At the top of my list is swimming with dolphins, and going to Italy.
8. I have two cell phones and its really annoying. One for work and my iphone. I wish i could forward the calls into one somehow. They need an app for THAT.
9. Speaking of iphones.. I. Am. Obsessed. I love looking for new apps, and then telling Ryan (the boyfriend) a million reasons why "this is the coolest app ever!" - poor guy.
10. I have amazing people in my life. Between my family, boyfriend, and friends, am truly blessed.
5 Things I Don't Like
1. People who make fun of other people to make themselves feel better. BIGGEST pet peeve and I see it all the time.
2. Talking on the phone! I'm getting better at this one since I have to be on the phone a lot with my work, but I still hate it. I swear I have some weird phone anxiety. My stomach literally drops when it rings.
3. People who take advantage of other people.
4. Any form of disrespect.
5. Almost every kind of seafood.
Now (drum roll please) its time for me to award 5 blogs this Gorgeous Blogger Award. Being new to the blogging community, I don't know too many bloggers out here, so I'm going to award my top five favorite blogs I read regularly. And they are:
1. Mandi from Mandi Minding Money
2. Lacy from Makeup by Lacy
3. Angie from Angela's Blog
4. Eve from Absolutely Ladylike
5. Amanda from Mandalyzing
Check out these fabulous blogging ladies!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Spring Cleaning / Celeb Closets
This weekend the boyfriend and I turned our house upside down and did some major spring cleaning. I found myself spending a decent amount of time trying to organize my closet. Its usually pretty clean, but its so tiny and I have a LOT of clothes so I have to work to keep it organized. (I've taken over the office closet as well, haha). Anyway, here's a picture of the final product of my bedroom closet.
You cant really tell from the picture, but everything is color coded. My favorite part is my cute little light I put up :) I think it makes it feel more "boutique-y"
Here are some pictures of some celebrity closets I found. Some of them look bigger than my entire bedroom, haha. Must be nice!
oman-sitting-pile-clothes.jpg
http://media.photobucket.com/image/celebrity%20closets/fashion-o-lic/christina-aguilera-closet.jpg
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Chanel's Candy
Chanel's yummy summer makeup is now in stores. This colourful pallet is full of bubblegum pinks, turquoise blues, and pretty corals. Silver, although its not pictured, is going to be a hot color this summer as well.
pictures: www.chanel.com
Friday, May 14, 2010
Look for Less - Beckham's Airport Style and DBMB News
Victoria Beckham's Airport Look This Week:
Blazer: $108.00 By Piperlime
Tank: $8.00 Mossimo
Pants: J Crew $79.50
Shoes: $795.00 Yves St. Laurent
Sunglasses: $194.00 Ray-Ban
Watch: $295.00 Juicy
Total Outfit Cost: $1,551.50
My Look For Less
Blazer: $40.00 Old Navy
Tank: $2.50 Forever 21
Pants: $25.00 Gap
Shoes: $44.00 Amazon.com
Sunglasses: $18.00 Asos
Watch: $38.00 Yesstyle.com
Total Outfit Cost: $142.50 -- WOW!
In DBMB News:
I've noticed a lot of bloggers do weekly or monthly "giveaways." Basically you enter the contest by commenting on the blog post, or following a social media website. Then the blog owner will randomly pick a winner, and that's it! You win the prize. I think this will be a great way to give away some free DBMB pieces once we get up and rolling.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Must Have Vaca Fashion
In a couple weeks (14 days actually..not that I'm counting) My mom, boyfriend, his mom and his sister are all heading to the fabulous city of New Orleans for a four day vacation, complete with a whole weekend of country concerts. I'm super excited and have been trying to find some cute vacation outfits and accessories. Here are some of the things I've found so far.
Headbands
I love headbands, especially Boho ones like this one from Free People, and its only $9.95 They are great on vacations because they are not only stylish, but keep your hair back and out of your face, so you can concentrate on important vacation activities...like getting your tan on, or shopping. :)
Light Summer Bag
A light summery bag is almost essential for vacation trips in the summer. No one wants to lug around their leathery handbag at the beach. I found this one from Nordies for $34.00
Cover Up Dress
www.venusswimwear.com
A cute cover up dress is great for vacationing. Not only can you throw it on before you head out the door to the beach, you can also wear it with a cute pair of wedges, add some jewelry, and your ready to head out to dinner. They are very versatile, very easy, and very comfy.
Gladiator Flats
I have a pair of Gladiator flats similar to these from Steve Madden and love them in the summer time. (I got mine for only $20.00!) They are easy to slip on and off, and are way more stylish than your regular flip flops. Plus you can wear these out on the town all day without your feet hurting like they might in wedges, and still look fabulous.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Fashion Survey :)
A to Z Fashion Survey
A What accessories do you wear everyday?
- Stud in my left ear (cartilage)
- Belly button ring
Other than that, I mix it up a lot.
B What is your beauty routine?
1. Neutrogena face wash
2. Revlon foundation (its seriously the best- even better than MAC for me.)
1. Neutrogena face wash
2. Revlon foundation (its seriously the best- even better than MAC for me.)
3. MAC bronzer
4. Some sort of eyeshadow, coordinating with whatever I'm wearing, and always mascara.
C What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased?
I found a pair of Seven's at TJ Max that fit perfectly. LOVE.
D Do you use a dresser, closet, or both?
Two closets, and a dresser. Yes.. two closets...
E What type of earrings are in your ears right now? Silver hoops.
F What type of figure do you have? Athletic-ish
G Do you wear glasses? Sometimes- I really need new ones. I'm thinking some cute artsy square frames.
F What type of figure do you have? Athletic-ish
G Do you wear glasses? Sometimes- I really need new ones. I'm thinking some cute artsy square frames.
H What type of handbag do you carry? It changes a lot depending on what I'm wearing. Usually my go to bag is a black hobo with gold details.
I What is your ideal style? I love casual/trendy items with a light feminine touch. I wear a lot of jeans and vests, but I love to "girly" them up with lots of jewelry and a great pair of pumps.
J What is your favorite brand of jeans? I loooove jeans. The ones that actually fit me the best are Sevens and Joe's. Every once in a while I'll find a good pair of True Religions that fit OK, but that's about it.
K Do you wear knee-high stockings? Nah
L Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? Don't have to, but I like to.
L Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? Don't have to, but I like to.
M Do you wear makeup? yep
N Do you wear nightgowns? No.
O What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winter's day? Well, since moving from NC last year back to Ohio, I've had to add to my outerwear wardrobe quite a bit. My favorite are my down white Guess coat on realllly cold days, but I also love my brown peacoat, and navy trench.
P What is your favorite perfume? Idole d'Armani - love the smell, and its not too expensive.
Q Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? It depends. I'm not into spending a fortune on things unless they are staples and are going to last a long time. When it comes to accessories, I usually don't spend too much money if they are really trendy.
R Do you wear rain boots? I love my pink and black rain boots!
S Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? I've always had some sort of "fluffy" slippers. They look goofy but I love them. So comfy :)
T Do you have a set of travel luggage? Yep - had to with all the flights from NC to Ohio the last couple of years!
R Do you wear rain boots? I love my pink and black rain boots!
S Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? I've always had some sort of "fluffy" slippers. They look goofy but I love them. So comfy :)
U What is your daily uniform? Depends on what I'm doing. If I'm working from home I'm pretty much in sweats all day. If I'm out and about for work, I'm wearing something business casual. If I'm going out- usually jeans and pumps, or a cute dress.
V If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? Not married..but probably wont wear one when I do. Maybe a chic hair piece like the one below though.
V If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? Not married..but probably wont wear one when I do. Maybe a chic hair piece like the one below though.
W Do you wear a watch? Not usually.
X What excellent item of clothing always makes you feel beautiful? A great dress
Y What is your favorite type of yarn/fabric? Cashmere hands down
Z Do you prefer zippers or buttons? Both- why not.
X What excellent item of clothing always makes you feel beautiful? A great dress
Y What is your favorite type of yarn/fabric? Cashmere hands down
Z Do you prefer zippers or buttons? Both- why not.
photos:
http://kennethjarecke.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551f255838833011570f65caa970b-800wi
http://www.female-fashion.co.uk/wp-content/twenty8twelve-skinny-jeans.jpg
http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1527/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1527R-1113058.jpg
http://www.female-fashion.co.uk/wp-content/twenty8twelve-skinny-jeans.jpg
http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/1527/PreviewComp/SuperStock_1527R-1113058.jpg
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
10 Year Old Fashion Designer Cecilia Cassini
I stumbled upon an interview on the Today show this morning about a 10 year old who is taking the fashion industry by storm. Her name is Cecilia Cassini and she has been designing clothes for kids and tweens since she was six years old! She's adorable, smart, and very inspiring. Take a look at the story below.
Here are some more pics of Cecilia and her designs:
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sex & The City 2 - Hello 1980!
Being a long time fan, I cannot wait until SATC 2 comes out...I'm literally counting the days. (My only problem is that I'm going to be on vaca on May 27th with my not-such-a-fan boyfriend..yikes). Apparently in the movie there is going to be some sort of 1980's flashback. Take a sneak peak at some of these retro pictures.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20314413,00.html
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