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!