Thursday, November 27, 2014

Luxe Living: 2014 Thanksgiving Decor & Style































 A few things I'm thankful for...

-A supportive family. Parents who continue to help me in any way they can. A sister who I love. 
-My pets who bring so much joy into my life.
-A job where I have freedom, fun and friends.
-Transportation. Travel. 
-Memories. 
-My home. The city I live.
-The internet which inspires and guides me every day.
-Health. My own and those around me.
-Optimism...




















Now Playing: "To Build A Home" by The Cinematic Orchestra
*I feel like this is a good one for Thanksgiving. I've always lived in a stone house. Really like the sound, lyrics, vocals...

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Quoteworthy


"Nothing is less real than realism. Details are confusing. It is only by selection, by elimination, by emphasis, that we get at the real meaning of things."
-Georgia O'Keeffe 1887-1986












Now Playing: "Ragged Wood" by Fleet Foxes
*Any old lie will do...

Monday, November 24, 2014

Fall Must-Haves!

FALL14MUSTHAVES



1. Oversized Plaid Blanket Scarves. As classic as a piece like this may be, it's really having a trendy moment. Perfect way to stay warm while still looking chic. I've always had an affinity for plaid. It reminds me of my grade school uniforms. It also has a Celtic feel to it; which of course, as an Irish girl, I can appreciate.

2. Green & Grey Nail Polish. Feeling these two hues for the season. A couple options: OPI Gwen Stefani Holiday, Christmas Gone Plaid. Chanel Frenzy.

3. Booties. My favorite style of shoe is definitely a must-have for Fall! I'm not into wearing true heels very often. Booties are the best of both worlds. A little extra height without any discomfort? Yes, please. Loving my new blue suede shoes. Matt Bernson Coup D'etat Leather Ankle Boots.

4. Brixton Messer Style Hats. Blacks, Browns, Mulberrys... I'll take two in every color and style. I'm truly a hat type of lady. Love that these are having a major style comeback.

5. Capes. For the past few years, I've been living in these throws during the colder months. When Burberry introduced their now iconic color block monogram blanket poncho, seemingly worn by every fashionista in the world, this type of piece really gained street style cred. This would be an incredible personalized DIY look.

6. Bobbi Brown Holiday Shimmer Brick, Copper Diamond. The tortoise shell packaging alone was enough to sell me on this beauty. I love the shimmer bricks as a highlighter but they can also be used as eyeshadow. Get this limited edition shade while it's still available. They last forever. Incredibly gorgeous especially for the holidays or to add a touch of warmth when the sun is no longer shining.

7. A new lipstick- Browns, Berrys, & Burgundys, oh my! I've really been into these types of shades for the season. My new favorite lines to fall in love with are Charlotte Tilbury and Gucci; however, shades like this can be found in just about any line. Other brands to consider: Revlon, MAC.

8. Candles. As soon as the temps drop, I go candle crazy. I don't like to spend a lot on something so disposable but it's nice to indulge in a little bit of luxury every now and again. Any brand. Any scent (or lack thereof) will do! Candles add such magic to any atmosphere. Love.













Now Playing: "3 Days" by Rhye

Music Monday: Handsome Furs



"Repatriated"


"Memories of the Future"


"Hearts of Iron"


"Evangeline"


"What About Us"


Handsome Furs were a duo based in Montreal. Of course, you can still purchase their music here.

Official










Thursday, November 20, 2014

Quoteworthy


"You can always tell gifted and highly intelligent people as they always turn to the past. Any young person who knows anything that happened before 1980, or 1990, or 2000 for that matter, is immediately someone who is intelligent, probably creative, maybe a writer. Nobody who is drawn to the past and learning about the past is not gifted."
-Mike Nichols 1931-2014












Now Playing: "All The Days" by HAERTS

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Luxe Living: Christmas Wishlist



CHRISTMASWISHLIST14



1. Hair Dryer. I have a ton of hair. I'm definitely in need of a quality blower that will get the job done faster and more efficiently.

2. Prada Candy. I'm fortunate to get 50% percent off at the end of the month so I'm going to stock up on a few fragrance sets and roller balls.

3. Guerlain Meteorite Pearls, Limited Edition Holiday 2014. I'll probably pass on these because it's red not pink. The beads complement someone with darker skin. But a beautiful beauty item none the less.

4. Gucci Cosmetics. I was ecstatic when I found out Gucci was launching its own makeup line. I purchased a number of things as an early Christmas present to myself. I plan to do a review post sometime in the next few weeks.

5. Gallery Leather Planner. I've had this planner every year for the past few and it's a favorite. Worth the splurge. I'm old school and still prefer to write everything down.

6. Guerlain Primer. I've had my eye on this for the past couple years but can't justify the price tag. I'd like to eventually add it into my collection but it would make a nice Chistmas gift for the lady who loves a bit of glamour.

7. Shiseido Future Solution Set. My favorite skincare products! Nothing beats Shiseido. My gift to myself for the year. I'll try and do an in-depth blog post on my skincare routine sometime during the holiday season.

8. Amazon.com Gift Cards. To know me is to know my love for books and getting things in the mail. Can't beat the prices on Amazon. Check out my Pinterest Bookshelf Board to see the ever expansive list of what I've been reading or plan to get my hands on next. I really need to do some more Get Lit blog features and reviews.

9. Vinyl. Thrifted, used, new, old... always appreciative of adding new music into my collection. Pittsburgh is a gold mine for vinyl- especially oldies.

10. Louis Vuitton Wallet. I really wanted the Josephine wallet in green but it sold out when I was in Paris this spring. I may be interested in the yellow one but might wait it out. I also think the 'multicolore' business card holder is adorable.

11. Satellite Radio. This one I'll probably hold off as a birthday present (Feb. 1) since I most likely won't be driving my regular car this winter because of the weather. Pittsburgh has the worst radio stations in the country. I'm confident of that. I'm not tech savvy enough to mess around with anything beyond CDs. I'm not going to invest in any more than I already have. It's time for radio. Good radio.

12. Not Pictured: Viper Tool Chest. And the item that is at the very top of my actual Christmas list is not pictured above (note to self: learn to use a new platform other than Polyvore).


This beauty would lend itself perfectly to storing my makeup collection. It's pretty massive. If the majority of my stash doesn't fit, I'm seriously going to make some drastic cuts. I get excited just thinking about organizing everything. And yes, I am clinically insane. Fa la la la la la la la la!













Now Playing: "Count On Me" by Jefferson Starship
*A favorite.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Music Monday: MOTHXR



"Victim"


"Stranger"


"Easy"


"Centerfold"



MOTHXR is a band from Brooklyn. Their music can be purchased here.

Official
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Twitter
Instagram










Monday, November 10, 2014

Music Monday: Charlotte OC



"Strange"


"Hangover"


"Colour My Heart"



Charlotte OC (the OC is short for surname O'Connor) is a singer-songwriter from Blackburn, UK. Her music can be purchased here.

Official
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram










Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Recently Purchased

RECENTLYPURCHASEDFALL14



It's been quite a while since I crafted a Recently Purchased post. I had to really pause and examine the things I've hunted and gathered over the past few months: booze, music, movies. And that's honestly about it. There wasn't much inspiration to share. I'm actually proud of myself for not hoarding collecting as much as usual. But alas, Christmas music is playing, catalogs and coupons have found its way into my life and before I know it, I'll be shopping 'til I drop all over again. Until that dark, fateful weekend in late November arrives, and the buying season officially kicks off, I'll pat myself on the back for having taken the less is more approach. It was cute while it lasted.


  • BUSINESS CARDS: I've studied Tarot for many years and have decided to finally make a go at doing it semi-professionally as a bit of a side gig. I'm in no way, shape or form ready to charge people for my services but ordering business cards is pushing me towards that goal. I've always heard that I would make an excellent psychologist/counselor. I feel that this form of intuitive introspection will really allow me to help people.
  • FAUX FUR VEST: I was a deer for Halloween. I figured I might as well incorporate a new piece of permanent wardrobe into my costume to justify the purchase. I've wanted an oversized faux fur vest for the past few seasons. I found a nice one that complements my hair very well and it was on sale. 
  • CHANEL HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTER: I told myself I wasn't going to buy anything from the collection this year but this really illuminates the skin beautifully. I have quite a few Chanel highlighters in my stash; as expensive as they are, I must say it's not a terrible investment. They last forever. Who doesn't like a little glam in their beauty regimen?
  • OPI GOING MY WAY OR NORWAY?: My nail polish collection is embarrassing. I have more bottles than a salon but I just couldn't pass up the OPI fall collection. I'm wearing this one right now. Beautiful neutral. I'm going to attempt a strict polish policy in 2015. No more than 15 bottles allowed and for every bottle purchased, I have to get rid of one I already own. That might sound extremely easy to a sane person but I'm an addict.
  • NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL BY LENA DUNHAM: I've been a fan since seeing her movie Tiny Furniture a number of years ago. Brilliant young woman. Proud that my generation has her voice. She inspires me tremendously. Hilarious book. Highly recommend.












Now Playing: "Do You..." by Miguel
*Love this song! Love his music!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Quoteworthy


"I believe in the country America used to be. I believe in the person I want to become. I believe in the freedom of the open road. And my motto is the same as ever: I believe in the kindness of strangers. And when I'm at war with myself, I ride. I just ride. Who are you? Are you in touch with all of your darkest fantasies? Have you created a life for yourself where you can experience them? I have. I am fucking crazy. But I am free."
-Lana Del Rey












Monday, November 3, 2014

Music Monday: HEALTH


"Tears"


"Die Slow"


"USA Boys"



HEALTH is an electro-noise group based in Los Angeles. Their music can be purchased here.

Official
Facebook
Twitter










Saturday, November 1, 2014

Flick Pick: The Chair Projects- Not Cool/Hollidaysburg



For those who are unfamiliar, The Chair is a television project on Starz that gave two upcoming, young directors the opportunity to create a debut feature film from the same source material. The results were two staggeringly different films. Had I watched these movies separately, without any prior knowledge of its origins, I would have never guessed they were related. Being both from Pittsburgh (the setting of the project) and an aspiring screenwriter, I found this series both informative and entertaining.

My only concern with The Chair was the voting process for the winning film. I think it was absolutely fantastic that the audience got to participate and select the best film. That being said, there's no way this project had a chance at delivering a fair winner.

From the perspective of Shane Dawson's Not Cool, we have someone who is widely well-known, arguably one of the most famous people on the internet. He's already successful in his own right. He didn't need this opportunity. Open voting involving Shane versus anyone is not going to be fair- no matter how strongly he may or may not have urged his young fan base to be honest. Current views on the Not Cool trailer: just over 3.5 million.

From the perspective of Anna Martemucci's Hollidaysburg, we have a person who is close friends with the executive producer of the show, Zachary Quinto. I'm not challenging the integrity of the people behind the scenes of The Chair, but hypothetically, had her film genuinely won and she was up against anyone other than Shane Dawson, people would be whispering. Current views on the Hollidaysburg trailer: just under 50 thousand.

While I believe Hollidaysburg was obviously the stronger of the two films, I doubt there will be a chance for it to truly shine. The director who deserved the $250,000 to hone her craft will be robbed of the victory. But all is not lost. The industry was no doubt watching. More people know her name. A great little movie was made. Martemucci should be proud of her work. As a female writer, she inspired me.


Not Cool


Hollidaysburg













Now Playing: "Spirit In The Sky" by Norman Greenbaum
*This song is the best. Perfect for All Souls' Day, tomorrow.

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Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
I'm living life in beautiful Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I hold a journalism degree from West Virginia University. I have worked in television news, fashion marketing, PR, and cosmetic sales. My love for writing and sharing with the world my various passions is strong. One of my many ambitions is to be published and continue creating in the fields of digital and print media, literature and film. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to concerts, reading, following Pittsburgh sports and traveling as often as possible. Some of my favorite things include beauty, style, architecture, books, tarot and astrology, thrifting and my shih-tzu, Ireland. I’m engaged to the love of my lifetimes and we look forward to starting our next chapter together. If you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you!