How to Spice-up Your Coffee!

By Avery Carruthers

Hello fashionistas! Long time no see! 

As we all know, my love for coffee runs deep, as if caffeine literally flows through my veins. I enjoy a good cup of coffee anytime of the day, seven days a week. Personally, I prefer a smooth blonde roast with a few pumps of vanilla, but that's just me.

Since having worked at Starbucks for over two years, I guess you can say I know a lot about coffee. From the roast type to their unique characteristics, I am (almost) able to answer any question you may have. So how does one spice up their coffee? Luckily for you, I am here to give you 4 tips on making your coffee that much more delicious and save the day (or at least try to)...

1.) Cream-

I am such a fan of good creamers. Due to the fact that I have the biggest sweet tooth, I always tend to go for the “pumpkin spice” and the “cookies n cream” flavors. However, a simple half and half would also suffice.

2.) Toppings-

What exactly do I mean when I say “sprinkles?” It’s simple: toppings. I love to add cinnamon to my coffee simply because it adds that ‘kick’ to my blonde roast. And of course, this is one healthy recipe, because we all know the benefits of cinnamon. I would also recommend trying chocolate, vanilla and nutmeg as well.

3.) Whip Cream-

Who here doesn’t like whip cream? That’s right, we ALL love it and I don’t blame you! Go ahead, add whip cream to every cup and savor each sip.

4.) Blends-

Lastly, if you are ever feeling bored with your regular cup of joe, why not switch it up and taste test other coffee roasts? Turkish coffee and Columbian coffee are two of my personal favorites, but go ahead and do what you see fit.

For those of you on a budget, here is how to create a cozy coffee bar at home. If you are looking for a dark roast, I would try the french or espresso roast whereas a nice medium roast is the Pike Place roast. Or if you are like me, go ahead with the Veranda blonde blend with a dash of vanilla.

Now that I have explained various ways to spice up your coffee, which ones are my favorites? Well, like I already said, I could never go wrong with a blonde roast. However, I am also such a FAN of Starbuck’s pumpkin spice lattes. They really seem to put me in the ‘fall’ spirit. I also enjoy regular brewed coffee! My suggestion would be to buy k-cups in your favorite flavors. They are simple to brew in the comfort of your own home.

Signing off from the Emerald City fashionistas! I’m going to go buy myself a pumpkin spice latte!

            

Girl On The Go: What To Bring In Your Handbag

By Catherine Santino

If you’re anything like me, your daily routine involves a lot of travelling. Your day starts early, ends late, and you are often rushing around in between. However, I have found that by bringing along a few essential items, you can be well-equipped for whatever you may need throughout the day without overloading your handbag. Let me give you a list of MUST HAVE items in your handbag...

1) Reusable water bottle: 

It is so important to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’ll be running around. Keep one of these in your bag at all times and fill it up throughout the day. Your skin will thank you too!

2) Cell phone charger: 

If you’re going to be away from home for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to throw your charger in your bag. Aside from the fact that you’re obviously going to want to be checking Facebook all day, it’s important to always have at least a little bit of battery life in your phone in case of emergencies.

3) BB Cream: 

This is great to have with you if you feel like you need to refresh your makeup throughout the day, but don’t want to pack your entire makeup bag. Dabbing a little BB cream on your skin midday is a perfect way to revive your skin and add a bit of coverage. Don’t worry about a brush- just apply with your fingers.

4) Lipstick/gloss: 

It is always beneficial to have some sort of lip product on you in case you make last minute dinner plans or are meeting up with friends after work. It’s an easy way to look a little more dressed up in just a few seconds.

5) Hand sanitizer: 

If you ride any form of public transportation during your daily commute, this is definitely something you should have with you. Invest in some travel-sized bottles to keep in your bag. They come in tons of delicious smelling scents!

6) Advil: 

I keep a travel-sized bottle of Advil in my purse at all times, and I cannot tell you how often it has come in handy. You never know in what situation you or a friend might need it.

Sarah Jessica Parker on the set of Sex and the City,
always fabulous on the go

7) Planner: 

If you don’t already have one, I would highly recommend using a planner. It’s such a great way to keep track of your daily to do list, as well as get an overview of how your week or month looks and important dates to remember. Take it with you daily so you can jot down things that may come up, or cross things off your list. Don’t forget a pen too!

Here are some of my favorite handbags, inspired by these fashion icons. Well, there you have it; some important things to bring with you when you live your life on the go. We all have days when we feel completely overwhelmed, but if you are always prepared with these few things in your handbag, you can keep the stress to a minimum.

Home Decor Ideas: Mix of Chic and Fabulous

By Fatima N.

Inspiration from the Homes of the Chic and Fabulous

Over the summer, I came across a book at the library called, "In The Pink: Dorothy Draper". A few flips of the pages and I was hooked. Dorothy Draper is one of the most iconic interior designers, famous for her signature cabbage rose chintz fabric and frequent use of stripes. Since then, I've been scouring the web for beautiful interiors, adding to my arsenal of dream room ideas. In this post, I have five home decor ideas of my favorite celebrity homes; an eclectic mix of people from all over the fashion industry... 

Lacquered walls

Shabby chic table

1) This Mastic Moment

If that sounded familiar, it's because that was the hashtag for Anna Wintour's son's wedding,which was held at her house last summer. The house, located in Mastic, New York is a elegant estate fit for a Vogue editor. It's charming and homey; my favorite part is her personal library.

2) Home at the Hills

Everything about Lauren Conrad is so pin-able, including her home decor. Highlights include her Parisian boutique influenced walk in closet and her stunning bathroom setup. I also love the exposed brick near the winding staircase. 

 

3) Tory Burch in Color

Tory Burch, designer of the ubiquitous double T flat, took her home decor skills to another area: her Southampton estate. Like her flow-y tunics, prints are everywhere. I'm usually not a fan of prints, but she employed them tastefully. There's also this sort of Turkish-Persian infusion that really resonates with me.

 

4) Power House

Given that her blog has a bevy of minimalist decor inspiration (among other things), its no surprise that her home does too. Texture is everywhere, from the throw on her bed to the pillows on the furniture. She displays her books on a unused cart; love it! Rumi Neely always knows how to put things together.

 

5) Breakfast at Holly's

I know, I know. Holly Golightly is fictional. But the fact that her chic apartment is a treasure trove of decore inspiration is not! Using trunks as furniture? Using anything other then a couch as a couch? Brilliant. The house from the movie is actually on sale if you wanted to buy something iconic from cinema history.

Now, we all can't be Lauren Conrad. But the thing is, you don't have to be. It's your home, pull home decor ideas from different places. For inspirational ideas and DIY tips on how to decorate your home this fall season, click here. So, make it up as you go along; do whatever you like! After all, home is where the heart is. 

Midi Skirts for the Fall

By Amra B. 

I am a big fan of midi skirts, and this autumn I managed to find some in a beautiful array of fall colors. I am especially crazy about this deep orange color and how easily it can be paired up with other pieces in my closet; I wear it with black blazer and a simple black t-shirt, cropped sweater, or a graphic print (like I did in the photos below). 

Midis are my go to choice for the office look, and I have found them to be particularly fun for the weekend with a crop top as well. Below are some suggestions on how to wear midis this fall:

1. Pair them up with a thick sweater: 

Stay warm (and cool) by combining your midi with a thick sweatshirt or a knit. 

Midis and Thick Sweaters 

   

2. Go for the simple white button down:

Add a crisp white shirt for a total “très chic” office attire.  

Midis and white shirts

3. Add a crop top: 

take your midi from day to night by adding a crop top and some killer heels. 

Midi skirt and crop top

4. Pair them up with fall sandals/pumps: 

Fall sandals perfectly compliment any midi. For a more “winter ready” look, add a pair of high heel booties. 

Midi and fall sandal/pumps 

Outfit below: Skirt and Shirt Zara, shoes Chloe, belt Burberry, sunglasses and necklace Topshop, purse Gucci, bracelet vintage

Fashion Trends: Top 6 "It" Fall Bags

By Nadja Muzur

Fall Fashion Trends: "It" Bags:

With summer coming to a close, fall is upon us, which means new season, new beginnings! And that means time for a new wardrobe, or at least time for change! I love the fall for many reasons and one of them being fashion. Since I am a huge fan of bags, I wanted to give you an update on what are the latest fall fashion trends for "it" bags. Here is the list on what's hot this fall... 

All you need is...a bag!

1. The backpack:

This is one of my personal favorite trends right now. This is my everyday go-to-bag because it is so easy to carry around to work, when I adventure out to the city, and even when I go out at night to a restaurant or a bar. This 90s look is back, and it makes your outfit super-chic but yet is really comfortable and convenient for everyday.

2. The clutch: 

Every girl needs a nice Clutch! When I go out to a nice dinner, or somewhere fancy with my girls, a clutch is very necessary. It is practical, not too big, and is easy to carry around. I usually like to buy a simple black, gold, or silver clutch that can go with any outfit. Also, when dressing down, a colorful clutch helps brighten the outfit.

Prada clutch 

3. Fringed bags:

Looking at some collections for fall, the fringe bag is back yet for another fall/winter season. I've noticed that many designers (e.g., McCartney, Michael Kors, Roberto Cavalli and Lanvin) are still going with this boho look, and the fringe bag is a must. When I'm feeling a little hippie, I like to wear my fringe bag paired with flared pants, colorful headband and a jean jacket. 

4. Bags with chains:

Sometimes wearing a clutch can be a hassle because you have to hold it. So, if this isn't for you, then I would go for a bag with chains. It's just as classy as a clutch but easier to carry around. Coco Chanel started this trend, and it seems that season after season this bag is always in; other designers, such as Bottega Veneta, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana and Rag & Bone, have adopted the trend as well. Classy with a bit of edge, this bag can be paired with the simplest jean and t-shirt outfit to the classiest cocktail dress you own.

Bag with chain

5. Retro Inspired bags:

The minimalist English and the American classics have made a comeback this season. Designers that have adopted this trend are Salvatore Ferragamo, Hugo Boss, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, and Marni. This bag design says time travel to the groovy 60s! It is classic, elegant and romantic!

 6. Mini-luggage bag:

I have seen many celebrities wearing these bags everywhere they go. From fashion shows, sporting events, to even your basic everyday bag that's great when traveling. Celine is famously known for this bag, this was last fall's "it" bag, and it seems that its still a must have for this season too. A girl has many goodies she needs to fit in her bag, and this bag is perfect for that. I call it the Mary Poppins bag because you really can fit almost everything in there!

The Celine mini-luggage bag

There you have it fashionistas, the top trending fall bags for this season. For the top 10 hottest fall fashion trends, click here. What are your favorite fall "it" bags? Leave me a comment, I love hearing from you! Xo.

Latest Fashion Trends: Workout Goddess

By Fatima N.
Edited by Jessica Miller

How to Work It While You Work Out

At first thought, active wear doesn't seem like a part of fashion nomenclature. Think again. All over the Fall 2020 runways, the latest fashion trend was to put some effort in your sportswear, whether at the gym or while about and about on the bustling city streets. Here are the latest trends in fashion for sportswear...

1. Sporty jackets: 

For fashionistas looking to get a breath of fresh air this fall and winter, find a beautiful jacket that will both keep you warm and complement your features. Take into consideration rain and temperature when picking out this piece. 

2. Printed work-out pants:

Wild pants are all the buzz this fitness season. For those of you confidence or brave enough for the attention, definitely try these as they are a show stopper. Fitness tip: make sure to find ones where the elasticity band is not too tight but strong enough so the pants do not slide off your waist. 

Supermodel Izabel Goulart in printed pants 

3. Motivational t-shirts: 

Motivational t-shirts are not only a morale booster but are great conversation starters! Pick ones that speak to you personally and that will have you running out the door and sweating it in the gym until you hit your ideal weight. Remember, it's not only about getting there but it's about staying there as well. More on tips and tricks on how to stay motivated to work out here.

4. Harem pants:

Whether you want to relax or workout, harem pants can go both ways. They are comfortable, and definitely make a fashion statement. Tip: make sure the pants are appropriate for the type of work out you are doing so you do not slip.

5. Neon colors:

Whether it is summer/spring or fall/winter, neon colors are here to stay for your workout gear. I suggest a royal purple or light blue for the fall/winter. Lastly, safety first: you are the most visible when running outside in neon colors. 

Now, if you are huge fan of fashionable workout clothes, I suggest you look at two of my favorite designers (below) because this season, workout clothes are no longer limited to the gym premises. 

1. CHANEL SPORTIF

In the sporty luxe that was Chanel's runway show, sneakers were worn by the models. Both the recent couture show and the Fall 2020 Ready to Wear featured them. If you have the cash, they're perfect for hitting the gym or the pavement.

2. AW x H&M

“We wanted to take certain elements of each sport and portray the ultimate warrior," Alexander Wang said of his H&M collaboration (coming out November 6). The collection consists of parkas, shorts, logo tops and other active wear. Also, this fashion trend is more accessibly priced.

There you have it fashionistas, top fashion trends for your workout gear. So go ahead dear reader, run, ski, jump rope, anything. Get your body moving, and look fabulous in these latest fashion trends while doing it!