Paige Denim: I know I don't usually show off my jeans wear on this blog, but I am currently in love with the jeans brand Paige Denim. I love my Paige Denim Skyline skinny jeans, because they are so comfortable and stylish they make me forget that they are hugging every inch of my legs. Even more... they make my legs look longer and skinnier than they are in reality. Pajama jeans, they are not. (I actually don't own those. If they do, in fact, make you look fabulous, then leave a comment below. I want to hear from you!)
Color Block Dresses: I know the color blocking trend has been going on in fashion for awhile, but since it's my favorite trend of 2011, I just have to give it a shout out as one of my favorite things. I think it's the simplicity and the subtle play with color evident in every color blocked dress. Plus, each color block dress -- the ones I own, at least -- are professional enough to wear to work, yet still appropriate for dinner or drinks well into the evenings. Jay Godfrey is probably my favorite color blocking designer.
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| One of my favorite color block dresses (from Jay Godfrey) |
The Kindle: I wasn't the first adopter of e-reading, but I think it's safe to say I'll never read a book in the traditional format again. (Although I do love the smell of books... It brings me right back to my childhood.) I received my Kindle from my parents for my 33rd birthday, and I have already read at least 20 books on it. I really only read when I work out in the mornings, so book reading is slow for me... and now the turn of a page is just a push of a button. I love it.
Bridesmaids on Blu-Ray DVD: Chapin and I don't really buy too many DVDs anymore. With Amazon Prime, cable and On Demand services, it's easier to just push a button on our remote than actually get up off our butts, pick out the DVD, put it in the DVD player, wait for the previews to play, etc. But we did buy Bridesmaids on Blu-Ray DVD the day it was released in stores. This movie just makes us laugh, and I think the friendship at the core of the movie is something that all females can relate to. Who hasn't feared they would lose a best friend to another woman (or to a husband)? Who hasn't lip synced to Wilson Phillips' Hold On? And who hasn't defecated in a wedding boutique sink while suffering from horrible food poisoning? Ha ha. Just kidding about that last one.
Bye Bye Under Eye: I'm forever on the hunt for the perfect under eye concealer, and my favorite choice seems to vary from year to year. In 2011, I discovered Bye Bye Under Eye, my current favorite. The trick is choosing the best color. Go too light, and you look washed out (the raccoon look). Go too dark, and you're probably just making things worse.
Sparkly Nail Polish: I love that the sparkle nail polish trend seems to be growing in popularity; since I'm just about the biggest girlie girl I know, it's an accessory that makes me swoon. I especially love the sparkle polishes from Deborah Lippmann, and the Muppets inspired OPI line. Miss Piggy never looked better.
Lorac Breakthrough Performance Oil-Free Anti-Aging Foundation SPF 14: This Lorac foundation is probably at the top of my makeup necessities list right now (up there with my industrial strength hair dryer). It's not only oil-free (good for my acne prone skin), with SPF and anti-aging properties (essential for my 33-year-old skin), but it comes in a variety of shades, including one with yellow undertones (perfect for my Italian skin). It goes on smoothly and keeps my face looking fresh all day. I encourage you to try to get a free sample if you're interested in trying it out. That's how I discovered this truly fabulous foundation.
King of Pops: Chapin and I discovered the King of Pops, an amazing cold dessert, early in 2011, and surprisingly, it's not a cupcake. The King of Pops, currently available in just three cities, creates these truly sensational treats for the palette. Chapin's favorite flavor is Chocolate Sea Salt, while I have two favorite flavors: the Lemon Ricotta and Banana Pudding. My only request: Don't tell me how many calories are in just one.
Female Domination in Entertainment: In addition to Bridesmaids, 2011 was filled with numerous movies that starred women in leading female roles. The Help, the movie version of that favorite novel of mine, is at the top of that list, but I also enjoyed What's Your Number, Something Borrowed, I Don't Know How She Does It and others. On the small screen, Amy Poehler is amazing me every week on Parks and Recreation. And in the book world, I thoroughly enjoyed Tina Fey's Bossypants, which made me laugh out loud... a lot. Mindy Kaling from The Office also wrote a book last year, which is on my wish list, but I think her "Flick Chicks" article in The New Yorker is also worth a read. Hooray for women!
Scars on 45: I love to discover new bands before the rest of the world, and hopefully one day Scars on 45 will make it big. I love their old school alternative sound, especially in the single "Give Me Something." I could, and have, listened to this song on repeat many, many times before.
