Babel!

The new Mumford & Sons album is out! 

While at this point, the majority of songs aren't yet completely familiar to me, but so far the songs are excellent! If you don't get a chance to purchase or borrow the new album, be sure to listen to "Lover of the Light" and "Lover's Eyes"--two new favorites so far. Also, if you do purchase the album, be aware that there is a Deluxe Edition of Babel for sale, the difference being three extra tracks at the end. One of the extra tracks is "The Boxer", originally performed by Simon and Garfunkel, that the Mumfies pick up in lovely banjo-strumming and British style. So, my followers, enjoy! And do share your opinions as to what the hectic cover and white horse symbolize. Happy listening!

Fashion to the Max(i)

            Fall has arrived, but chillier weather hasn’t been able to daunt dress- and skirt-lovers. From boho prints to statement stripes, long skirts and dresses are blending the flow-y grace of summer with the September/October necessity for warmth. Between the flattering style, individualistic detailing possibilities, and (gasp!) comfortable nature of maxi’s, this style is here to stay.

            Often paired with sandals and a jean jacket, maxi dresses and lengthy skirts are a sure bet for finding comfortable, effortless style. To take this look to the next level, opt for a hi-lo skirt instead of a traditional hemline; this high-in-front and low-in-back style lets you show off your shoes without losing the elegance of a full-length skirt.

            For the wintertime transition, swap sandals for booties and tights and toss on a cropped sweater or tunic-style top with a scarf instead of a short-sleeved V-neck. There are two major winter styles to aim for with these flirty hemlines: warm and comfy, or fitted and dressy. Skirts made of thick fabric and slouchy sweaters comprise the “warm and comfy” approach, while the “fitted and dressy” look is achieved by pairing bold-colored or black skirts made of slightly sheer layered fabric with a scoop neck tee, tights, and a jacket.

             Fashionistas everywhere have proven once again that fun, cute, and comfortable clothes aren’t just for summertime! Long skirts are here with us through the fall and even the spring, and between super casual lounging looks to full-on glamour and drama combinations, clothes lovers in the halls this month are stylish to the max(i).

Here's a sample winter look.

For a Sweet New Year!

Aspen Promise

    It’s high season for the aspen trees! Make sure to get some time in the sun to appreciate this natural treasure of Coloradan beauty. The sun is still warm and the skies are still blue; the leaves and the music are waiting for you!

     Autumn is a time of singing and cheering and dancing. Smile at the leaves as they dance and glitter for you. Walk or run among the trees as they quiver and make their slivery, aerial sounds. Lay on the grass without worrying about the leaves and sticks that will immerse themselves in your hair; feel only the sunshine kissing your face, the ground warm and steady beneath your back, and the way your heart sings for this easy, thankful reprieve from stress and walls. Admire each piece of nature, for only together do these pieces converge and surround you with peace, love, and consistent, calm fluctuation. 

     At the very moment when you do this, the trees alone frame your world, their leaves dancing and trembling with the joy of wind and seasons and life, making you more. You cannot feel it, but their roots are a tangled web beneath you. The aspen trees caress you with their fluttery leaves, and cocoon you with their roots, branches, and white trunks. These trees give so much, whether we see it or not. Do not let this shard of beauty slip from your fingers unloved, because this fall tradition—the tradition of abundant happiness and color—is the one of the truest things we can learn to love and give.

Fall Makeup Newsflash

This fall season, makeup is all about the bold, the intense, and the lips. Everywhere from NARS to Smashbox and MAC to YSL, the good little girl-next-door look is out the door and powerful is in. Powerful is taking two forms this fall: statement and subtle.

NARS High Society eyeshadow trio

Statement eye makeup for this season centers around plums, purples, and Burgundies as eye shadow colors. While mascara is still important, the emphasis is more on shading on the lid and at the outer corners of the eyes than the actual length of the lashes. A helpful tip to make lashes look longer is to apply the most intense dark color of the palette you are using on the outermost half-centimeter or so of your lash line.

Subtle eye makeup gives a Victorian-era glow to any face; choose a shimmery eye shadow or cream eye shadow that is either your skin color or one shade lighter or darker, and then blend a grayish shadow into it. If this look doesn't have enough color for you, try mixing in a pale green or purple on the lower part of your lids and dusting the higher part of your cheekbones with blush.

Smashbox nude lip tech

Lip color trends this fall are at equally opposite sides of the spectrum. You can either opt for the nude lip or the big, bold red or plum shades. Nude lips are best if you adore your eyes and/or bone structure. By applying a shade of color to your lips that’s only slightly tinted or darker than your normal skin color, your complexion looks instantly smoother, and the attention will go right to those purple smoky eyes of yours! If you choose to go red, go all the way! To try out the wild new plum lip shades for the first time, go for a NARS plum lipstick. After applying the lipstick, kiss a tissue to soften the shade a bit and apply a light/clear gloss over the top. Pair it with sultry dark purple liner or sculpted cheekbones to share the attention with other places on your face.

NARS Fall 2012 lip collection

If you’re feeling a little less daring and want to mix classic, classy, and new all in one, go for the YSL look.

Red lipstick + matte green smoky eye + innocent blush= perfection! And, as this picture captures perfectly, play up your natural colors and assets. Big hair, for example, balances a big lipstick statement. Now’s the time to drop the bronzer, favor a paler shade that’s closer to your skin tone, and top the look off with well-blended pinkish blush. 

Pure glamour from YSL!

Happy fall styling!

Snoopy's Autumn Advice

Snoopy's done it again! This beagle knows it all; it's time to jump right into fall (and those beckoning piles of leaves).

Early Autumn Journal

The garden feels clean and pure. The air is comfortable and nearly chilly. The grass isn't warm, but the breeze that blankets my toes is warm, like a gentle current of sun-warmed water. Aspen leaves rustle now; they quiver and hum with the wind, blissfully delighting in their thousand-leaf dance and the way that the quieter golden sunshine compliments thier new yellow undertones. The vines are heavy with grapes, the trees are ladden with apples, and the flowering plants are still proud and happy explosions of blooming colors. Rays of sun peek at my face from behind a pine tree, catching the copper of my hair and the sensitivity of my eyes. The sun seems to sparkle on a ripply surface of water in teh sky. A musky scent of mulch and September peace passes by my nose as a cotton puff twirls through the air and the chorus of high leaves turns into a quiet rumble.
It's the pinnacle of a successful garden, and it creates a sense that every piece of it--the trees, flowers, vines, grasses, wood, stones, dogs, people--knows that its part was created. Perfectly.
It's more yellow now, like everything is coated in honey. Everything will go away with winter, but at this moment impermanence is peace. This is life, this is bliss, this is love...

ARTPOP PREVIEW

Check it out--Lady Gaga's new idea for the next generation of music. This new "album" will go beyond what music production has done in the past; it's designed to be interactive between little monsters, unlimited to just audio (there will be a large visual component), and accessible from everything to a computer to a downloaded APP on a phone.
Lady Gaga is already known for her non-traditional approach to fame, music, mission, and style. Now she's starting a revolution in the world of music sales, as well. If anything, this woman is a complete revolutionary.
Kudos to you, Mother Monster!
Click the link here to read her update on it!

Sweet Lips

SPF lip balm/stick

Fresh is fresh (Yes, “fresh” is the name of the company)

If you’re ever in need of a little pampering, fresh cosmetics and skincare is the way to go. Every girl and guy is entitled to pamper their pout every once in a while!

My favorite fresh products are in their sugar lip treatment collections. They offer an SPF “lip treatment” in several natural shades (from clear to pink, to red) that is made with sugar, to give your lips a sweet treat that makes them smooth, shiny, and extra smiley!

Another awesome lip product by fresh is their sugar lip polish. Made with large granules of sugar, this product comes in a little jar and is used as an exfoliant to make your lips super soft. Use it before bed, apply some fresh lip balm after for perfectly smooth and treated lips in the morning.

Lip Polish

Though these lip balms are pricey when bought individually, many stores have promotions or combos of several shades of each product; split it with a friend, and you’ve scored yourself not only a deal but a new favorite treat!

Check out their website to learn more!