Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.

I had always heard about a book called "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer who is an amazing writer and wrote "Everything is Illuminated" prior to this novel. However, since I was never too interested in reading, I never had the chance to actually pick it up. Now that I read very often, I decided that this book had to be on my "to read" list. Finally, a couple of weeks ago I borrowed it from my new town's library (so excited that I can actually walk a mile to the library and pick out books so I do not always have to read off of my Kindle!) and started reading immediately. From the first ten pages I was already in love. I could not put it down and I was already sad thinking that it would end sometime soon. This novel tells the story of little 9-year-old Oskar who is very intelligent and outgoing. Oskar's father died during 9/11 and this boy finds a key amongst his father's stuff and decides to search around New York City for the meaning of this key. The story was amazing and you will fall in love with Oskar who will be a character you will remember and be inspired by. I absolutely recommend this novel and already feel like I want to read it another time.

Project Accessory.

Project Accessory is Lifetime's new show inspired by Project Runway, which just ended last night. The premiere episode was broadcast last night and it is so fun to watch. Besides being able to see how people's creativity, you are able to learn the steps on how they actually make the accessories that they show on the runway. I thought that a lot of the designers did not share my view and style but it was still interesting to see them create pieces. It inspires people to get up and go to a craft stores to shop around and make your own stuff to wear. I am very excited to see what this season brings and to learn different techniques from these talented competitors.

The classic 9.

Every woman should have a little black dress in their closet. It is a simple piece that can be dressed in any way for various occasions. But what are the essential accessory items that every woman should own? Here is a list of 9 items that should be in your closet (inspired by article from msn beauty and fashion).

Polka-dot scarf:
Wear it tailor blazers, motorcycle jackets, button-down shirts and jewel-neck tops.

Silk "falling dots" $98 at anntaylor.com

Skinny belt:

Wear it with a blazer, a thin cardigan, a boyish tunic dress, high-waisted shorts or pants and a full skirt.

Leather "Licorice" $135 at shopleighelena.com

Chandelier Earrings:

Wear it with tailored blazers, slinky party tops, snug-fitting jewel-neck top and a sleeveless dress.

"Candice" $58 at robertchiarella.com

Chain cuff:
Wear it with a blazer with pushed up sleeves, slouchy sweater, blouses and body-conscious dresses.

Oxidized silver-plated "Frankie II" $488 at dannijo.com

Pearl choker:
Wear it with a motorcycle jacket, boyfriend sweater, silk blouse, button-down shirt or a strapless dress.

Glass pearl $42 Money at select Macys

Pendant necklace:

Wear it with a boyfriend sweater, paper-thin cardigan, chunky cardigan, shirtdress, maxi dresses or turtlenecks.

Curbic zirconia $295 at miriamsalat.com

Flat boots:

Wear it with skinny jeans, tailored shorts, a full skirt.

Leather "Bromley" $250 at Michael Kors

Engraved bangles:

Wear it with a boyish blazer, a long-sleeved blouse or dress and anything made of chiffon.

Gold vermeil $98 each at sarahchloe.com

Roud-face watch:

Wear it with a blazer, a motorcycle jacket, an oversize cardigan, blouses and dresses in delicate fabrics.

Gold-tone $225 at seikousa.com

Halloween peacocks.

Eventhough halloween is so close, I know that a lot of people leave their costumes for the last minute. Last year, two of my closest friends dressed up as peacocks in a do-it-yourself costume that turned out incredibly beautiful. So, I decided to share their idea with you here (with their permission!) so that you can see how easy and affordable making your own costume can be (and honestly, it is more unique and beautiful that way!).

You will need:

• Black shoes: as you can see pumps or booties work.
• Black tights: if you feel that the weather will be too cold.
• A black dress: or a black skirt and shirt.
• Black gloves.
• Various peacock feathers: can be found at arts and crafts stores or online.

All you have to do is dress in black and do your make up in turquoise, blue, and purple tones (possibly wear fake eye-lashes), glue feathers to the front of your dress and pin feathers to your hair clip.

Eye make up.

The pictures pretty much sumarize what they did and how you can transform a simple dress into a gorgeous halloween costume.

Happy Halloween everyone!!!

Have some manners.

A few days ago my mother sent me an email with a link to an article about table manners. I grew up listening to people telling me to keep my elbows off the table or to not make any noise while drinking soup. However, every here and there I notice that a lot of people in this earth do not have manners at all. I see things on the street that would never have been acceptable in my household. So I decided to share with you some basic manners that everyone should incorporate into their daily lives in order to become used to doing the right thing.

Table manners you need to know:

1. If you are the recipient of a toast, keep your glass at arm’s length—never drink from it. Instead, simply nod your head and graciously say, “Thank you.”
2. Never take your cocktail to the dinner table.
3. Allow your food to cool on its own—never blow on anything.
4. If you wear lipstick, keep it off your plate and napkin by blotting it as soon as you apply it.
5. Your napkin is there for you to dab your mouth only. Do not use it to wipe off lipstick or (God forbid) blow your nose.
6. Keep your elbows off the table at all times.
7. Don’t put your purse, keys, sunglasses, or eyeglasses on the table.
8. Take food out of your mouth the way it went in. If a piece of steak fat went into your mouth with a fork, spit it out onto the fork.
9. Remove an olive pit with your thumb and index finger.
10. Taste everything on your plate before you add salt or pepper.
11. Leave your plate where it is when you are finished with your meal—don’t push it away from you.

 

Six ways to be a good host:

1. Invite clearly: include necessary information in the invitation, such as dress code.
2. Plan well: prepare your guest list carefully and do as much as you can ahead of time.
3. Remain calm: get help if you need and do not huff and puff.
4. Keep your guests feeling welcome: look after each guest as much as you can.
5. Be flexible and gacious: as discourteous as it is for someone to spring a surprise on you, be gracious.
6. Be appreciative: thank people for coming and for gifts.

Six ways to be a good guest:

1. RSVP: do it immediately and even if it was not requested.
2. Be on time: arrive at or shortly after (usually only 15 minutes) the time stated in the invitation.
3. Be a willing participant: be enthusiastic no matter how you really feel.
4. Offer to help when you can: you could offer to help cleanup or work on something during the party.
5. Don't overindulge: keep consumption of food and alcohol on the moderate to low side.
6. Thank the host twice: Thank at the party then thank for the second time either by phone (the day after) or by a written note.

Whatever happens, enjoy!

Ants everywhere.

I came across Charlotte Taylor's ant print a few days ago and decided to search for more items made of this print. I absolutely love everything!!! I thought the color combination was adorable and the ants look super cute while making the item unique.

Here are some items I loved, but if you just search for this print, you can find some extra ones.

Buy the scarf here.

Buy the shirt here.

Buy the blouse here.

Buy the dress here.

While searching I also found...

What to wear with your ant print shirt:

Charlotte Taylor's elephant print:

Charlotte Taylor's penguin print:

Charlotte Taylor's lobster print:

Fall's new nail polishes.

This week Beso came up with an article on this season's new nail polish trends and a few tips on how to take care of your nails and do them yourself. The article was so nice that I decided to share it with you.

Here are some great polishes:

Bright reds:

Dark reds and pale pinks:

Glitter and different colors:

Some do it yourself manicure tips:

Here are some of my favorite new fall polishes from Essie and OPI:

Essie "Very Structued" and "Power Clutch".

OPI "French Quarter for Your Thoughts"and Essie "Case Study".

OPI "Road House Blues" and "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window".

Enjoy your weekend! :)



Fall heels.

Most women are obsessed with shoes. They have closets full or pairs that sometimes, are not even worn. I absolutely love shoes, from the simplest black pumps to the crazy color blocking ankle tie chunky heels. For us who always desire to buy more and more, I decided to pick a few amazing fall-style heels that I found while surfing the internet for an affordable price so we can all enjoy a pair of new shoes for this season.

A simple, yet sweet pair of purple suede pumps.

Aldo "Flavell" pump $99.95.

Sparly heels are a perfect way to turn a simple shoe into something a little bit different.

Aldo "Trejos" glitter sandal $90.

The sequin in these make a simple black sling back into a perfect night-life pair of heels.

Enzo Angiolini "Toltel" sling back pump $99.95.

Love this color blocking bow heels! Perfect with jeans and a simple shirt.

Jeffrey Campbell "Garret" pumps $149.95.

Love the transparent detail in these booties.

Jessica Simpson "Greeta" pump $109.95.

I absolutely love these! The nude and gold heels are the perfect hint of chic.

Pella Moda "Yvanka" t-strap sandal $169.95.

Every girl must have a nude suede chunky sandal in their closets!

Steven Madden "Audrinaa" platform sandal $129.95.

The color of blue jeans is very popular in this season, and looks fabulous in this simple pair of pumps.

Steve Madden "Danitty" platform pump $109.95.

For a touch of leopard and red, go with these sandals.

Steve Madden "Dynemite-L" sandal $109.95.

Love these super chucky heel, with a hippie vibe while color blocking.

Steve Madden "Gaayle" pump $129.95.

Wedges are comfortable and always look cute. For a fall/winter pair, go with suede.

Steve Madden "Pammyy" pump $99.95.

Black goes with any color, and these mary janes have the right amount of dark pink to it.

Vince Camuto "Jasper" mary jane pump $118.95.

*All of these can be found at Nordstroms.

We heart it.

Since I became a member of weheartit.com, I cannot stop going on their site and picking out the pictures I love. I've decided that every now and then (or maybe more often than that!) I will be selecting a few of my favorites and sharing them here with you. Some of these pictures are so adorable, they speak for themselves. So here you have it, my currently favorite we heart it images:

Hello Kitty bows and cover for cellphones.

A plastic bow ring.

So typical, happens all the time with chat users.

Cute nail polish patterns

Lady Gaga style Disney Princesses.

Iphone apps made into cupcakes.

A bird trying to go number 2! :)

Of course, Blair Waldorf.

Little girl getting dolled up by her mom.

And, representing today's weather, a pig wearing rain boots!