20 days and counting

Just 20 days till i leave Missouri. Within these 20 days will include a lot of stress in school, work and my internship. Yikes!

Crown the Queens

Queens is located in Vancouver, Canada. It is a style and nail art emporium with their own capsule collection of apparel for the ladies. As you can see, they have a casual flavor with SASS "begging to be worn with 'Pigalles,' Adidas 'Shell Toes,' canvas low tops, high tops, whatever you're fierce is.

I absolutely LOVE their newest Autumn/ Winter 2011 Look Book!

Cheers to another amazing clothing line!

xxx

HOLD

I've decided I am putting this blog on hold until I can get my life in order.

Whoa!

It's been waaay too long since I've last updated my blog. I have been busy with school and work I had no time to write in here, BUT I will sometime this week. SORRY!

V O L C O M

One of my favorite brands from a young age has been Volcom. Not only are they very fashion forward in a laid-back vibe, Volcom is also known for their unique art and tasteful music.

One thing I really enjoy reading is their blog Volcomunity: Telling her story. There are seven different groups of women who write blogs regularly. Not only are they very interesting to read, it really inspires me to work hard so I could be one of them one day.

Go to thier website and get some inspiration.

Happy Mundane Monday!

Forever 21

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

For the last couple years i've been shopping at Forever 21, where I can purchase anything from casual to formal. The BEST thing about Forever 21 is you buy everything at a great value. I can also rely on Forever 21 to keep my wardrobe colorful, as well as accessorized.

Forever 21 is where I purchase almost all of my jeans. At such an affordable price (usually $15 or less) I can buy any color, or style and not feel guilty. Most people think these jeans will only last less than a year, BUT i've had most of my jeans for 4 years and they are still good. The only reason I may throw them out is because I'm getting bigger :/.

If you need a quick outfit for an affordable price, Forever 21 is the place to be! Go check their website out here.

One for One: One Person Buys. One Person is Helped.

For many Americans, we take food, shelter, and clothing for granted. In other parts of the world, these type of things are considered a luxury.

Did you know in developing countries, children must walk barefoot for miles at a time to get to school, fetch fresh water and seek any medical help? Did you know that most of these children or even more are at risk of injury from walking on rough terrain and are not able to afford medical attention to treat these wounds?

This is how TOMS was formed. An American traveler and entrepreneur, Blake Mycoskie, saw these realities for himself during a vacation in Argentina. He was motivated to create a solution that would have a direct impact on a child's life, so he created TOMS Shoes with "one simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need." It was a huge success, as he was able to give out over 10,000 pairs of TOMS shoes to the children he met in Argentina. As the success has continued, TOMS has been raising awareness and has become a global brand, selling in many countries and giving out shoes in several countries, enabling children to dream of a better life.

To continue his success, Blake wanted to expand his business and help basic human needs that were not met in these poverty areas, so he started eyewear. Eye sight is a fundamental need. The loss of sight has a dramatic impact on a person's life - and on his or her family and community. With the eyewear line, TOMS is giving more than just a pair of sunglasses. TOMS will be giving the person in need the medical treatment he or she may need. TOMS will help these people in one of three ways: Medical Treatment, Prescription Glasses, or Sight Saving Surgery.

Be one with us in raising awareness about the problem. Participate in the One for One Movement and be part of the solution.

BOOT Camp

Booty, Booty, Booty, Booty- Rockin' Everywhere!

It's Fall shoe time!

As we (slowly) pack away our warm-weather wardrobe to make room for Fall jackets, pants, and dresses, we're taking inventory of our shoe artillery.

With Fall here and winter slowly creeping up on us it's time to find new boots, but the problem is what kind? Do I get the warm comfy ones? The high-sexy cut ones? Normal flat ones? or the in-style combat ones? So many choices, but which will last me the whole fall/winter season?

Also, where is the best place to buy boots? I like some of the boots from Forever 21, although I know it won't last for more than one season AND they don't usually have very good soles, so I will be slippin' and sliddin' everywhere. I do like boots from Urban Outfitters, Aldo, and Nordstrom as well.

Made Me "Perfecto"

Almost every day I get an inspiration from Highsnobette. Today, the look is "Schott X Made Me 'Perfecto' Look Book featuring Nina Sky. Made Me's collaboration with the illustrious Schott is a classic moto jacket lined in a liberty print. Modeled by the always on point Nina Sky and shot by our beloved William Yan."

In 4 days, Made Me will be launching their new look.

Check out their website Mademeclothing.

Free FALL'n

Fall is here!

One of my favorite stores is Urban Outfitters. I got an e-mail of there newest sweaters and I definitely fell in love! I started browsing their Fall Look Book and wanted everything.

Yes, there clothes are not the cheapest, BUT the quality is usually good. Because I am the typical "poor college student," I go straight to the SALE rack. I usually end up wondering around the store looking at the clothes that are over my price range, wishing I could buy everything and more. If I absolutely LOVE something or NEED it, I may get it. My mom has always taught me that I should love or need something in order to purchase it. If I just want something think about it a little harder and be honest with yourself.

Now it's your turn, go check out their website! Happy FALL!

Xxx,

The Island Girl

HOLD

My blog is on temporary leave for a few more days, sorry!

A Decade Ago

Wow, it's been a decade since the 9/11 terrorist attack.

Today, i'd like to dedicate this post in remembrance of the day and all the victims involved. I'd also like to dedicate this post to the men and women; the Soldiers, Marines, Airman and Sailors, who protect and fight for our country.

God Bless America!

A Peace Treaty

Today's inspiration comes from looking at Highsnobette, a fashion inspired blog.

A Peace Treaty gives a bit of a sneak peak for their Spring 2012 collection. "A Peace Treaty is an evolving collection aimed at creating ethically-produced, artisian-level accessories and apparel for the luxury fashion marketplace." Farah Malik and Dana Arbib are the creators of this international, high fashion company. Their inspiration comes from traveling all around the world. What I love about these fashionistas are they go deep within a country to small villages to grasp inspiration.

Vogue Controversy

On August 22nd, Vogue has made one of the biggest mistakes ever, it's a good thing they have a good Public Relations team. I have been a fan of Vogue, but why would you name a pair of earrings "Slave Earrings?" I understand that it was a glamorized version of the slave trade for the purpose of affirming a fashion trend.

Is it lost in translation like editor-in-chief Franca Sozaani says? Race relations in the United States are so controversial, I'm not too sure our European counterparts completely understand the idea of racial sensitivity in editorial.

Though the true reason for the publishing of Vogue's 'slave earrings' story is still unknown, I choose to give them a second chance. As controversial as the article was, can we completely negate the positive influence the franchise has given to minorities in the fashion world? For not only blacks, but also curvy women, Vogue Italia has served as a trailblazing high fashion media outlet giving voice and recognition to otherwise alienated and underserved groups. We have every right to be angry and demand the actions be taken to make sure these blunders aren't habitual.

But in the same token, realize that like humans, media outlets are complex creatures with many moving parts. They have successes and failures. Sometimes they please, and other times they offend. Does one negative story negate the existence of hundreds of positive ones? Just like many of us have done wrong and were graciously forgiven, shouldn't we give Vogue Italia the same chance?

Halia Duke Paoa Kahanamoku

Hau'oli la hanau Duke Paoa Kahanamoku!

Last week (when I started writing this blog) the Honolulu Star Advertiser recognized a remembrance of Duke Kahanamoku. I wanted to dedicate this post to him because he was an inspiring man. Not only did I learn about him in school, I learned about him in the surfing community, and fortunately I received a scholarship from the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. This foundation only awards athletes that Duke enjoyed doing. It also "provides grants for island athletes and teams competing in those sports locally, nationally and internationally."

Duke Kahanamoku was the king of water sports in Hawaii. He was an Olympic swimmer, surfer and paddler. This "Father of Modern Surfing" has been an inspiration to millions of people. Each year on Waikiki beach the foundation holds "Duke's Ocean Fest." Last week was the 10 anniversary where more than 500 amateur and professional athletes ranging in all ages compete in eight events: swimming, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

Cheers to good ol' Duke!

Fashion Problems I Have

Being smaller framed and having a bigger bust is very unfortunate. It is very hard to dress cute or find cute dresses because my bust is too big and my waist is fairly skinny. Here are some two tips for all your women out there with this problem.

1. Get an over the shoulder dress (like the red one). It will show off your beautiful collar bone and there won't be so much attention to your bust. Also, if you're petite it will show off all your other curves better.

2. A scoop neck dress will also take away from having so much attention focused on your bust line. By adding a belt as shown in the picture it will accentuate your waist line. It helps because if your dress is just straight it may look like your pregnant or it could look like you're drowning in fabric.

Cheers to La Tasca!

This summer I went to Washington D.C to visit one of my best friends, Elizabeth. The first night I was there we ate at La Tasca, a Spanish Tapas Restaurant and Bar. Fortunately, we went there on the best night (thursday) because it was half off on a pitcher of your choice of Sangria. We chose the Sangria Rosada, "prepared with blush wine, grape juice, blueberries and strawberries." It was sooo good.

Not only was the Sangria good, the food was delicious as well. The tapa style was perfect for Elizabeth and I since it was just the two of us. We ate a little of everything: chicken, shrimp, beef, and of course some greens. I can't wait to go back to D.C. on a thursday night!

Happy hump day, now go get a glass of Sangria!

Be True to Who You Are: Jessie J

Today's Inspiration: Jessie J

This british-born bomb shell is not only a pop artist, she is truly a fashionista. Her bold bob haircut, fierce make-up and unique wardrobe makes her very memorable.

Jessie inspires the young and the old with her powerful lyrics. My favorite song from Jessie is Who You Are. Throughout the last three years my family has been going through a tough time, so when I heard Jessie sing she gave me hope. "Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising, just be true to who you are."

Click here to visit Jessie's Offical Website, where you can learn more about her and listen to her amazing lyrics.

Affordable and Glamorous

Are you a type of person that only buys your make-up from a department or beauty store? If so, wouldn't you want to explore more options? Especially with the economy being so tough on us?

Well, I'm the type of girl that loves to walk down the cosmetics isle when I go to Target or a CVS store. For the last couple years, if I want to buy an affordable lipstick, nail polish, or eyeshadow that won't break the bank I go to the N.Y.C. Cosmetics area.

What I like about N.Y.C. Cosmetics:
- Very affordable (usually under $2)
- Wide range of colors (If you want a hot pink lip just for one night, this is the cosmetic line to trust)
-Not only is it cheap, the quality is good.
- Nail polish dries quickly and lasts long.

So, if you need make-up for any occasion, whether it is for a workday and you want to play up your lips or cheeks, or if you are going out with your girlfriends for the night and want a smokey eye, go out there and buy N.Y.C Cosmetics. You will not be disappointed.

LC: Lauren Conrad

Today's fashion icon is Lauren Conrad:

This weekend I went to Kohls and bought some of her clothes. This is what inspired my wardrobe for today (as seen below). Her polka dot chiffon shorts and satin tank was so comfortable to wear at work, especially during the summer when it gets really hot outside. I wore a light cardigan to cover my shoulders and a cute pair of Libby Edelman heels to add a little spark to the outfit.

Not only is lauren known for her clothes, but her writing abilities and her "fresh" look. No wonder I idolize her.

I have been a fan of Lauren since her Laguna Beach days (tv show). She always had a beautiful personality, and she always wore such trendy, yet comfortable clothes. I hope one day I can be a fashionista just like her.

Cheers to Lauren!

Change Brings Opportunity

Today is the day I change and accept change.

I want to make my degree useful by becoming a better blogger and take on the challenge of finding a job before I graduate in December. They say change brings opportunities, I hope they are right.

I would like to use any inspiration from my everyday life and share it with you all, whomever may want to read this.

Driving at 7 Years Old

This morning in Caseville, Michigan a 7 year old boy was driving up to 20 miles an hour because he wanted to see his dad. His mother was working a night shift, so he didn't have a clue of what was going on. He was charged with unlawful use of a vehicle. How scary, don't you think?

Mo-hee-toe

With all the heat in St Louis, I think it's time to cheers to one of my favorite drinks, a Pomegranate Mojito.

The Pomegranate Mojito is a rum based drink with a little sugar, lime juice, fresh mint leaves, and Pom juice. Pom juice can be expensive, but you only need a small bottle for these. Pm juice can be found in the fresh juice section of your market.

Here's an amazing recipe I got from www.recipegirl.com. It is made for two.

1 Tbs granulated sugar (superfine sugar mixes in more quickly)
1 Tbs fresh lime juice
10 mint leaves
6 Tbs white rum
¼ cup pomegranate juice
soda water and 2 additional mint leaves

1. Combine sugar, lime juice, and mint leaves in a tall glass; mash leaves with the back of a spoon. Mix in rum and Pom juice.

2. Fill two martini glasses with ice. Divide mixed mojitos between the two glasses. Top with a splash of soda water, and garnish with an additional mint leaf.

News From Hawai'i

Over the weekend, Toby Stangel went on a shooting spree from coast to coast. Unfortunately, one person was left dead and 12 sent to the emergency room.

For more information click here.

The Voice

Do any of you watch The Voice? It is similar to American Idol, but WAY better.

Click here for the most recent episode.

Prayers for the people of Joplin, Mo

Last night was another night of storms. Luckily, St. Charles didn't get hit but Joplin, Missouri did. For those of you who are not familiar with missouri, Joplin is in the south western part of missouri near Oklahoma. According to KSDK, this morning 89 people were confirmed dead.

Click on the link below to read the story and watch any videos on the tornado.
http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/260028/3/Joplin-officials-say-death-toll-has-risen-to-89

Surf!

Now that summer is near, i'm really wishing I would get the chance to get home. Unfortunately, I am stuck in good ol' Missouri coaching, taking classes, and working.

Did you know I am a surf instructor in Hawaii? Have you ever surfed? Feel free to tune into my Let's Surf podcast whenever you have time.

University of Notre Dame

This weekend Lynsey Porter, Erin de Jesus and myself took a spontaneous trip to the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. We decided to watch Lindenwood University's women's water polo team play in the 2011 Collegiate Club Nationals. It was an amazing time. Due to unlucky weather, there wasn't too much to do in between the games. We were fortunate enough to see the historic football field.

Osama Bin Laden is Dead!

Most of America is thrilled to find out that Osama Bin Laden is dead. Many New Yorkers had a celebration on Ground Zero yesterday after the announcement from Presiden Obama.

Zoom, Zoom!

Since when did we have to pay $10.50 for a movie ticket? Oh my word is it expensive nowadays!

Anyways, last night I saw Fast Five. It was worth the ten dollars and fifty cents to watch this movie. There was action from beginning to end, just what I like. Another plus to watching this movie was all the famous actors like Vin Diesel, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and the lovely Paul Walker.

Here is the storyline from IMDB if you're interested: "Former cop Brian O'Conner partners with ex-con Dom Toretto on the opposite side of the law. Since Brian and Mia Toretto broke Dom out of custody, they've blown across many borders to elude authorities. Now backed into a corner in Rio de Janeiro, they must pull one last job in order to gain their freedom. As they assemble their elite team of top racers, the unlikely allies know their only shot of getting out for good means confronting the corrupt businessman who wants them dead. But he's not the only one on their tail. Hard-nosed federal agent Luke Hobbs never misses his target. When he is assigned to track down Dom and Brian, he and his strike team launch an all-out assault to capture them. But as his men tear through Brazil, Hobbs learns he can't separate the good guys from the bad. Now, he must rely on his instincts to corner his prey... before someone else runs them down first."

Thank Goodness It's ROYAL Friday!

Congratulations to Prince William & Kate Middleton!

Who woke up this to watch this royal event? I didn't... that's what hulu or YouTube is for. :)

At the crack of dawn, Prince William and Kate Middleton got married at London's Westminister Abbey. This event may have costed the British economy over 50 billion dollars. Are they crazy!?

Who’s in: the highlights:
The Beckhams - Soccer star and robot fashion icon, David and Victoria Beckham, will tote their brood to Buckingham Palace, after the David and the Prince apparently “got along like a house on fire” during the South African World Cup. That sounds, great, we think.

Guy Richie - Director of thickly accented dialog and ex-husband of Madonna, Guy Richie, owns Prince William’s favorite watering hole, The Punch Bowl. Tip your bartender, you know?

Elton John - As a friend of the groom’s mother, Princess Diana, Sir Elton will most definitely be on the guest list. When asked by BBC if he is to perform, John responded, “I will probably be busking outside.” (Busking = performing in a public place, usually for money. English English is hard.”)

Joss Stone - Remember her?

Mr. Bean - Otherwise known as Rowan Atkinson.

David Cameron - the current prime minister

Tiggy Legge-Bourke - Prince William’s old nanny, with the best potential dog name, ever.

Who’s out: the highlights:

Tony and Cherie Blair - Former British prime minister and wife. Tony notably clashed with the Royal Family on several affairs.

Gordon and Sarah Brown - Former British prime minister and wife. Official reason for rejection: the two were never formally Knights of Garter. Don’t you love the Brits?

Barack and Michelle Obama - The American president did not receive an invitation. Sources speculate this is due to the heightened security cost his presence would require.

Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson - Ex-wife of Prince Andrew was the only one in the family who did not get a gold-embossed invitation, sources saying she would stir up too much “drama.”

Margaret Thatcher - The former prime minister declined, citing poor health.

When all is said and done, Kate Middleton is still a badass.

Celebrity Look of the Week: Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon

What She Is Wearing:
Chloé jacket, The Row dress, Christian Louboutin shoes

Where She Was Spotted:
ABC Radio studios, New York

When:
April 18, 2011

Reese has been one of my favorite fashion icons, as she always has a polished look. She knows how to drop in a pop a color, whether it is in her outfit, or her make-up. Reese is known to wear dresses. In an article in in-style she said, "you can make a dress you go-to fashion statement." Dresses are easier to put together rather than a top and a bottom. Whether it's a day dress for the office or a little black dress for the evening, wearing a dress makes fashion sense because you don't have to worry about coordinating clothing. You're free to concentrate on accessories, which can be as simple or as over-the-top as the occasion demands.

Will You Hold It Against Me?

Everyday I think about how grateful I am to have friends and family fighting for our country. Recently, I was on Twitter following an actor Stephen Colleti and he posted a funny video on Brittany Spears' song Would You Hold It Against Me.

Should I join? Looks like fun!

Start of Easter Weekend!

I have finally started my Easter weekend!

I cannot wait for relaxation and the various festivities that come with Easter.

Hope you all have a wonderful with your friends and family!

xxx

Electronic Media

What a day it's been. I have been sick, I feel a fever coming on and all I want to do is sleep. I'm happy we got out of class really early or else I would have been miserable the whole time. In class we spoke about Electronic Media-- the dos and don'ts. For example, we should not send out any personal e-mails through our work address. That is one mistake I've already made. Oops!

After our brief lecture we did an in-class exercise on the "YOU" attitude. Boy did my group start to over think these sentences. Go to this blog by dumb little man on how to Think Less and Get Happy.

Misery

Why can't Missouri make up it's mind? This state sure jumps from hot to cold, which is causing me to feel incredibly sick. I hate it! :(

The Library & Social Media

Today was such a beautiful day outside, too bad I was in a office inputting applications and transcripts. I was fortunate to get a free lunch at Qudoba. The deal was the first 50 Lindenwood students that showed up got a free meal with a drink. I believe they were promoting their store because they recently opened.

After work, I met the class in the library and had a quick tour of where everything was. It wasn't anything new for me, unfortunately. Later, we we went to our classroom in Spellmann and learned how to research our social media topics within Lindenwood Universities website. We got assigned our groups and I am very happy with who I will be working with. All we really talked about in class today was our group topic, which is the use of youtube, Facebook, & Twitter.

First Day of Class

Today, April 9, 2011, we started our first day of the Corporate Communications cluster. This will be the first of many blogs.