How to Decorate Your Home For Fall

By Avery Carruthers

Who here is sad that summer is quickly coming to an end? I don't know about you, but as the days come to a close, I become more and more excited for fall! In Seattle, fall is an amazing time of year that I often welcome with open arms. The air is crisp, the leaves turn brown, and the pumpkin spice lattes are in full effect (even though they came early this year). 

However, I understand that not everyone is as eager for fall as I am. For some, fall represents the beginning of a new school year, or the transitioning of one job to another. Nonetheless, I am here to challenge all of YOU to stop dreading autumn and to EMBRACE it! Through these helpful home interior design pieces, hopefully they will help you look forward to the new season. 

How to Decorate Your Home For Fall:

1.) Pumpkins 

I could go on and on about my love for pumpkins. You name it, from the pumpkin patch to carving a pumpkin for Halloween, I go all out. Thanks to Pinterest, there are some crafty ways to decorate your home with pumpkins of all sizes and colors!

2.) Candles

Please tell me you love candles? I hold a special place in my heart for these jars of goodness because they never let me home smell bad! During fall, many candles come in pumpkin spice flavors, amongst many others. The best part? You can turn them into great center pieces for your tables. Add some candy corn and ribbon and you are set! 

3.) Fall Wreaths

Growing up, my mom always made a special wreath for each season. However, I always seemed to love her fall one the most (probably because I love orange leaves). Try making your own by pasting some leaves together with small pumpkins! You can typically buy them from any grocery store. 

4.) Glass Jars

What do I mean when I say "glass jars?" Well, thanks to Pinterest (yet again), I found this amazing idea where you can take a glass jar and place your favorite fall items inside! For example, pinecones, leaves, small pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and acorns could all fit to create an autumn centerpiece!

There you have it fashionistas! These are some of my absolute favorite fall decoration ideas, and I hope you enjoy them as well. They are cheap and fun to do, so make sure to get the entire family involved! Welcome fall, I hope you stick around. Signing off from Seattle!

Fashion Trends: Boots and Booties

By Brittany Dobbins 

There is nothing better than having a great pair of boots/booties in your closet, especially for fall! I think the reason why all women love them is because they compliment your outfit extremely well. So, when picking out boots or booties this fall and winter, what is trending? Or, more importantly, what fits you well? Read below to find out...

Styling Tips: How to Find a Perfect Pair of Boots

1. Find the perfect length for your leg type. 

Find the boots that best compliment your legs. If you have thick caves, avoid boots that are hard to get into and could cut off your circulation. Look for elastic material, such as stretchy leather or fabric. If you have short legs, find boots with a heel or a wedge to elongate your leg visually. If you have skinny caves, avoid slouchy cuts. 

2. Casual or dress-up? 

It could be over the-knee (black, brown, neutral) flat boot for a casual look. If you want to go with a sexier choice, wear a black high-heel bootie and wear it with a long maxi skirt to match.  The secret to a great boot is that the shoe will make you feel more confident. 

3. Wear a boot that fits your personality. 

Wear a boot or bootie that fits your personality, whether it’s rhinestones, floral prints, patterns, or snake print. Make it your own. Fashion is about being unique, do not let others discourage you from picking fashion pieces that fit your personality. Always, be daring, creative and...break the "rules!"

Gold shoes

4. Find your everyday boot. 

Find a plain boot to sport everyday, i.e., a boot without patterns, or prints. You don’t need to have a fancy design or an embellishment, just keep it simple. Simple is key and important in fashion for timeless and everyday pieces. 

Never Go Out of Style With Boots:

One of the reasons I am a huge fan of boots is that they are a timeless fashion piece. In fact, the bootie trend has been rocking the fashion world and Hollywood for quite some time; I have seen so many celebrities wearing booties/boots such as Julianne Hough, Nicole Richie, the Hills star Whitney Port, also her co-star and fashion designer Lauren Conrad as well. They are perfect for a night out on the town with friends or even if you are just going to the grocery store!

Stay fabulous this fall fashionistas! It's the perfect season to have your personality shine through your style and what a better way to start than with an adorable pair of booties! 'Till next time…xoxo!

                                          

Black over the knee boots (center by Chanel)

New trend-sneaker boots by Chanel (Fall 2020 Collection)

Fashion Trends: Pajamas & How to Pull Off the Look

By Amra B.

Many times I have dreamed about rolling out of bed and wearing my pajamas to school or office.  I thought about how great it would feel if we didn’t have to think about our attire for the day and instead would feel cozy and comfortable now matter where we went… Well, great news: I have FINALLY found my solution! The sleek design of the new silky suits makes me feel like I skipped a workday... Best of all, this pajama style is incredibly chic and totally appropriate for the office and even a cocktail party (just add pair of killer heels and some bright lipstick).

Here are some tips on how to pull this look off:

• Choose a loose fit: Pajama suit is meant to be comfortable and worn loosely. If in doubt, choose a size larger to make sure it fits flawlessly. 

Loose fit pajama suits 

• Add a matching top: Matching the top with the bottom equates to one chic pajama look. Using separates to create a more stylish look may be even better! 

Pajama separates can be combined with other pieces for a winning look 

• Add accessories: to truly separate our pajama suit from the ones we wear to bed, be sure to add some bold accessories. I like to wear mine with high heels, chunky necklace and a pair of great sunnies. 

Add some accessories to your pajama look

• Keep your makeup chic: balance the relaxed style of your pajama suit with some gorgeous makeup. Add some mineral shadow for a smoky eye, or wear a bright lipstick with a touch of blush. 

Wishing you a positively radiant day!

Outfit: Zara pants and shirt, shoes Viktor & Rolf, purse Chanel, sunglasses Forever21, necklace Topshop

Why Writing is Therapeutic

By Elma B.

Over the years, I have used my notepad as my most trusted confidant for whom nothing is beyond her level of comprehension and no thought is too private to share. Bare with me--have you ever had an experience upon which you would like to reflect, perhaps in detail, in order to learn? At that particular point in time, there was no one you could share this experience with--perhaps it was a tumultuous day at work, a relationship gone awry or simply a moment on a beautiful spring day you wanted to savor.  

Almost all of us have a jumble of thoughts that interrupt each other inside of our head as we process our everyday experiences. One sort of therapy is meditation, which helps stop the banter and provides the kind of withdrawal that fosters peace within us. Another sort of therapy, which serves as a catharsis to the chaotic thoughts racing through our mind, is writing. 

I prefer writing, if I had to choose between the two, because it resembles cognitive therapy, where by releasing your experiences onto the notepad, all of a sudden your life does not seem as chaotic. Writing sheds perspective. Or, all of a sudden, there are no longer two or three options but only one that seems so clear after writing down the pros and cons of the other two. Without further ado, here are the...

Top reasons to turn to writing as therapy: 

Me

1. Perspective. 

Problems always seem bigger inside our head. When you write down what bothers you, you shed perspective on your life. The words "oh, it isn't so bad," often cross my mind. 

2. No reservation. 

When speaking with a friend or even a close family member, you may have reservations about sharing everything or going on about the details that are bothering you. You may think "who wants to hear all of this?" or "that would be embarrassing to share!" With your notepad, you can let it all out, even the minute details that have crossed your mind. 

3. Creative. 

With writing, you can be creative. The way you formulate your thoughts on paper, organize your pattern of thinking, or even express yourself can take on a creative form. Perhaps, this is why poets have made a sort of art out of their play on words. 

4. Catharsis. 

There is no better feeling than letting it all out. Afterwards, there is almost a sort of air about you that makes you feel lighter. Keeping your feelings, anxiety and worries bottled-up leads to stress; unload that baggage onto the paper with your pen.

5. Sharing. 

If you decide to share your experience communicated through your writing, e.g., blog, you may be delightfully surprised just how many people can relate. You may even receive empathy notes for what you have gone through and support for your journey ahead. Almost every time I receive response from my fans, I am pleasantly delighted. 

There you have it, top 5 reasons to keep a journal and use writing as therapy. What are your thoughts and experiences of using writing as therapy? Leave me a comment below, I love hearing from you! 

(p.s. For the fashionistas, my outfit dissected: chunky sweater and knee-high black socks from Zara, bag by Burberry Brit, sunglasses from Urban Outfitters, and sandals by Prada.)

Runway Makeup For Everyday

By Catherine Santino

Runway Inspired Makeup For Everyday

This season, there have been some outrageous makeup trends on the runways. These looks are great for complementing designs in a fashion show, but aren’t all that appropriate to wear in everyday life. However, we can take inspiration from these makeup styles and adapt them to a more understated look. I’ve found three runway looks that are easily adaptable for everyday wear, but can still add a bit of a dramatic flair. 

1) Dior Swarovski Crystal Lips: 

In their 2020 show, Dior had their models wear a bold red lip complete with actual Swarovski crystals. Aside from the obvious fact that this is an incredibly unaffordable option, it also isn’t very practical. But by adding a bit of Ben Nye Glitter in the shade Fire Red to your red lipstick (or even your eyeshadow), you can add a beautiful shimmer without going overboard.

2) Chanel Pastel Eyes: 

This season, Chanel’s makeup look has been all about the bold, geometric black liner with soft pastel colors. By just adding a shade or two of pastel eye colored shadows to your winged liner, you can create a similar effect that is much more wearable. Using gel eyeliners can really help to get the boldest, longest lasting lines. 

3) Celine Eyebrows:

 Celine’s runway makeup looks have been featuring a lot of very strong eyebrows. This is a look that is being seen more and more all over, not just on the runways. To tone this look down for everyday but still add a bit of boldness, use a brow pencil to create a strong, arched eyebrow that frames your face beautifully. 

These are just a few ways you can incorporate runway makeup looks into your daily routine. If you see any other bold runway looks that inspire you, simply look for drugstore or high street products that can be used instead. These products will be much more affordable and more practical for everyday use. 

Runway Eye Makeup from Dior to Chanel

Runway Lips (Dolce & Gabbana left)