Skylar Magazine: November 2010

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Shemar Moore

Note: I'm trying to come up with a name for this column like the Girl Crush column, but I can't think of anything original. I think hotties is a little over used and I don't really like the word hunk, does anyone use that word anymore anyway? So, I was hoping you could help me come up with one? To share your suggestions leave a comment.

Anyway here is Shemar Moore.

Christmas Already?!?

I can't get over the thought of it being that time of year again. I still can't believe Thanksgiving is over already or accept that it has even happened. Two weeks ago I started listening to the Glee Christmas album and I was kind of embarrased about it. I'm not ashamed of being a "gleek" or that I enjoy the music, it really is a fantastic album. It just seemed so silly that I was even thinking about Christmas music so soon. Even though my kittens and I were the only ones around to hear it, it felt awkward.

It's always bothersome when radio stations start playing Christmas stuff by the middle of November and by the time the actual holiday arrives I have had enough! You would think it would stop once Christmas day is over, nope not so much. A lot of the stations I listen to continue to play it a day or two after it's over and sometimes even after New Years. Don't get me wrong there are some great songs. I love my Bing, especially the song he and David Bowie collaborated on, it is truly a classic. However, having to hear it for almost 2 months straight gets really old.

It's bad enough that people already have their decorations up by the first week of November, as beautiful as those lights may be it gets a little nausiating by the time it's all over. It is insane when people keep that stuff up all year long (believe me people do it), but now I think I understand the reason for it. Why take them down when you are going to have to do it all over again in another 8 months? It's really not so silly afterall, the days fly by very quickly and Christmas seems to be creeping up on us even faster this year.

Not to come off as a "Bahumbug", but this is a holiday I'm not particularly fond of, I love the idea of it and it always seems like it brings families closer together. Although I see the people I celebrate with often everyone is so much friendlier towards each other. I'm not really sure why it only happens one or two days out of the year. Shouldn't we always get along? I love the getting together with family part and all of the delicious food, I'm just not all that enthused about gift exchanging. It makes me so uncomfortable, it's like we are competing to see who gives the better gifts.

I do love getting to spend time with my adorable nephews and the youngest one can get pretty greedy, but that's okay most kids are at Christmas time and it is an occasion where it is more acceptable. It's so cute, my nephew always appreciates every gift he gets even if it's just a card. Most kids love McDonalds, but wouldn't get all that excited over a gift card considering their parents normally pay for their meals anyway, but he absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I'm broke and I can't really afford to go all out on presents for everyone, so I'm planning to give everyone handmade gifts this year. Hopefully, they will appreciate the fact that I put a lot of thought into them, afterall it is the thought that counts right? At least I know my nephew will love it.

To be completely honest, I'm just not in the spirit yet, but I am working on some Holiday related content for the blog and hopefully that will help. All I know is I'm really not ready for Christmas, hopefully some cheer will come my way soon.

FYI: You are all welcome to submit your own holiday related content for me to post. Share inspirational stories about you or people you know. Tell me about any diy projects you are working on. Write articles and give ideas on parties, decorating, craft projects, shopping, what to buy, and how to do all of it without breaking the bank. You can also submit articles about food and beverage and even recipes. If you want to contribute send your content to me on Facebook or My Space which you can find in the links section in the side bar.

Are you a "Gleek" like me? Here are some items you might be interested in:

Monday, November 29, 2010

Suffering From Writers Block

Unfortunately, I am suffering from writers block and I'm in major need of inspiration. It is not as severe as it has been in the past, but my mind seems to have gone blank for the moment. My articles may not be as well written as the normally would be, but I'm going to try my writers block exercises and see if that will help get those creative juices flowing. In the meantime, I was hoping you all could help me come up with more content ideas. What kind of stuff you would like to see? If you have any ideas leave a comment.

Still Learning

Blogging is a lot of fun, I'm really enjoying it. However, I'm still very new to it and still have so much more to learn. I could really use some tips on how I can make it look more organized and more like a fashion magazine at the moment I am not 100 percent happy with the way it looks. Hopefully, you will all continue to follow and show your support while I am learning. I know it's not perfect, please know that I am really working hard and trying my best to make it better. Any advice you can give me would be very much appreciated.

"Mad Men" Inspired Apparel

I must admit I have yet to see one episode of the hit television drama everyone is buzzing about, but from just the little snippets I've seen I have become quite infatuated with the "Mad Men" look. 60s inspired garb was all over the fall runways and it looks to be the same for spring. Designers made it more modernized, but didn't completely stray from the styles from the era. I would be pleased to see this timeless trend stick around for a while. The women from the show are absolutely stunning, it's nice to see healthy voluptious figures wearing less provocative apparel for once. It just shows that you don't have to show a lot of skin in order to be sexy. You can wear a plaid printed secretarys blouse and a Pencil skirt and it will give you tons of sex appeal.

This is a look that can easily go from modest daytime to a more seductive but sophisticated look for evening. It can be expensive shopping vintage attire especially in this recession, but you can find affordable 60s inspired sweaters, skirts, dresses, coats and slacks for less at your thrift stores and there could possibly items on clearance at your favorite store at the mall. The great thing about these garments is their style is pretty much everlasting so even if it is from a previous season or so you can still make use of them.

Look for key trends that you can wear for at least a few more years. The great thing about shopping at a thrift store or a vintage shop is you can find lots of rare items that no one else has. This is a look that requires loads of self-confidence and poise. There is a proper way to wear it too so that it is appropriate for your age and won't look like you are off to a Halloween costume party. Some vintage items were designed for the older women from that time try to avoid those so you don't look like you got your look from grandmas closet.

From the Runway
Fall 2010 Ready to Wear

Cacharel

Giambattista Valli

Rochas

Spring 2011 Ready to Wear

Oscar de la Renta

Photo Credit: Photos by Imaxtree, nymag.com.

What to Look For

Curve Hugging Sweaters and Cardigans or even a sweater set

Secretary Blouses

Pencil Skirts

Sexy Sheath and ladylike Shift Dresses

Tweed

Full Skirts

Bird or Butterfly Patterns

Cashmere

The Bolero Jacket

Brocade

Textured Fabrics- Plaids, checks, raw silk or gingham

Polka Dots

Wool Blends

Jewel Tones

Classy Stilettos and Pumps

Silk Printed Scarves

Bowling Bags

Clutches

Leather Belts

Gold Jewelry

Pearls

Other Accessories

What to Buy

If you are on a budget like most of us you probably aren't going to want spend over $500 to get this look and you don't have to. These are just some ideas so you will know what to look for. Vintage shops and thrift stores are great places to go if you want to find similar items for less and I'm sure there are plenty of options on the wracks at your favorite mall stores as well.