We Moved!

Our blog has moved to a different URL!  Look for shorter, sweeter posts on the new site:

www.afinemess-blog.blogspot.com

Playlist: Week of 7.5.2011

1. Julius by Starf*cker

2. Houdini (RAC Remix) by Foster The People

3. Just A Little Bit by Kids of 88

4. Jail La La by Dum Dum Girls

5. Bullfighter Jacket by Miniature Tigers 

America, The Beautiful

By Soraya

Happy 4th of July, everyone!  I wanted to take the time to express my appreciation of living in a country that is extremely privileged.  I hope you all have fun with friends and family today. 

Also, I'm once again taking over the blog for the week because Julia is off to counsel at a camp for people with disabilities- bless her heart!

"It's so sexy to be living in America"

Sweet Little Nothings 7.3.11

By Soraya

via Brittanyhavican.blogspot.com

Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne: a family favorite.  Subtle, sweet, & classic.

A bracelet I recently bought at Madewell; it's quickly become my favorite piece of everyday jewelry. 

via aliceandolivia.com

I've fallen in love with this Alice + Olivia maxi dress- everything from the pleats to the playful green color.

via 5acts.blogspot.com

"Then if my heart should somehow stop, i’ll hang on to the hope that you’re not too late."

- James Vincent McMorrow

For Your Entertainment

By Soraya


I know for a fact that this summer, you'll be caught in a moment where your in dire need of a great read, new music, or a TV show to get hooked on.  Here are a few picks to relieve those quieter moments- whether it be in the comfort of your air conditioned room or baking in all the glory of the sun, poolside.  

via Latimesblogs.latimes.com

Must-Read: Classy by Derek Blasberg

This book should be a required piece for all young ladies to read this summer.  It's a very witty book loaded with quotes from every classy girl's idols and advice from a very knowledgeable well known magazine editor and fashion journalist.  As a socialite, he's met more big-name ladies than we can count.  With a look into the lives of these seemingly perfect women, he's been able to define the true meaning of classy.  It's a refresher for many of us who occasionally cross the fine line to trashy (admit it, we've all made the mistake).  From pointers on dressing cleanly and fashionably to a chart finally explaining the difference between the salad fork and shrimp fork, you'll finish this read a classier woman.

via Unclefarkus.com

Must-Download: Replicants by MillionYoung

This album released early this year is great for fans of Small Black & Wild Nothing (of which I am).  The electronic indie-pop beats are soothing and make you feel like your almost floating in a world of bliss- seriously.  It's instrumental for the most part, but I can assure that you won't be complaining about the lack of lyrics.  

via Amanevolution.blogspot.com

Must-Watch: Teen Wolf on MTV

Yes, I give you permission to rag on me for loving this seemingly cheesy remake of this 80's hit- but you should really give it a shot.  I'll admit, some of the makeup and fight sequences are a bit much, but MTV makes up for it in so many other aspects.  First of all, it's not a reality show which is a huge plus given the heap of trashy reality TV this channel is infamous for serving up (I'm talking to you, Jersey Shore, 16 & Pregnant, and The Challenge).  The cast for this show is stellar, boasting both new talent and excruciatingly good looks.  If your not into the jokes or drama the show has to offer, at least give them credit for the amazing music they feature on the show- I've been able to find at least thirty songs from the series to add to my hit-filled summer playlist.  

Keepin' It Weird

By Julia & Soraya

The view we got to enjoy walking by the lake on the way to the festival
On Soraya: Madwell cutoffs, vintage Ralph Lauren Belt, Rebecca Beeson tank top, vintage Bottega Venetta mini crossbody, Marc by Marc Jacobs oversized sunglasses
On Julia: H&M top, Ray Ban rimless aviators, high tide denim Madewell shorts, vintage Dooney and Bourke bag

On June 25, Soraya and I went to the 'Keep Austin Weird' music festival. We get to listen to some local bands we had never heard before like The Daze and Lost July. The atmosphere at the festival was great and family friendly.  We sat on our beach towel in the shade and ate sno cones from Sno Beach (a local favorite) while people watching- a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Some people got really dressed up for the festival- embracing the 'Keep Austin Weird' theme. Many of the people that were running in the 5k after the festival were decked out in unique outfits involving things such as fake blood and tutu's. It wasn't even uncommon to see a man in full makeup and as the mad hatter. After the festival we walked around and found some reasonably priced boutiques on 2nd and Lavaca downtown. They had great sales and it was fun to see what was in that area.


From this experience, we learned that it's important to keep in touch with the culture and traditions of your hometown.  It's a very unique experience that you'll remember  and cherish forever.  Attending these events can help support local businesses and give you a better look at what your neighborhood can really offer.  Next time you're stuck with nothing to do this summer, look into festivals like this one- you may surprise yourself with the amount of fun you have and and the memories you make.

Playlist: Week Of 6.28.2011

1. Hammock by MillionYoung

2. Kids (Datsik Remix) by MGMT

3. Norway by Beach House

4. Beautiful World by Carolina Liar

5. Weekend by Smith Westerns

J'aime Sandro!

By Julia

via Sandro-paris.com
Easy shirt and skirt in one. I love the colors together and this would be perfect for work.

Sandro is a French label I found in Galleries de Lafayette. Though it's great, I wouldn't recommend going to Galleries de Lafayette because it was such a crowded tourist trap. It just wasn't for me- I've never liked department stores. When I was walking home one night, I came across a Sandro store and couldn't resist going in. They were having a sale and I could've bought the whole store. If you ever go to France stop in there.  
Here are some of my favorite items from their collection:

via Sandro-paris.com
The Navajo style is so cute when done just right. This is a great bag; I really want something like this.

via Sandro-paris.com
The fit and detail of this shirt is flattering. I couldn't resist so I splurged on this perfect blouse.

Sweet Little Nothings 6.25.11

By Julia

A picture of me canyoning in Interlaken Switzerland, it was so fun and the wetsuit made the glacial water bearable!

via essie.com
Sweet Talker by Essie

via weheartit.com
I like this idea for festivals and such.

My Longchamp bag and bright green Sony headphones are both a
 must for me when I travel.

Jack Peñate

By Soraya

Another Englishman, Jack Peñate is a sensational artist.  A couple of years ago, I discovered an XX remix of his song "Pull My Heart Away".  I thought the new spin on the track was good, involving a lot of bass, but I didn't bother digging any deeper into the rest of his album, Everything Is New.  Because summer vacation has left me with some empty afternoons, I decided to watch the movie, Charlie St. Cloud- the ending credits featured an amazing song that sounded eerily familiar.  As I listened, I realized it was the original version of the song I found a couple of years back.

Peñate's Everything Is New is most definitely his magnum opus, though he's released  a few other albums beforehand.  His music falls in the indie pop genre but it incorporates a lot of soul.  If you really listen to his music, the lyrics are also very meaningful, unlike some of the music we hear today about going to the club and getting wasted.  The instruments we get a taste of in the album (released June of 2009) range from a synthesizer to trumpets, giving you a great deal of room in between to decide where you'd listen to it- however, I think it would be a great album for a low-key party on a boat or beach.  It's easy to dance to and even easier to fall in love with.  

Last week, I put "Pull My Heart Away" on the weekly playlist.  It's my definite favorite, but I didn't want to do repeats.  So here's another one of the album's gems, and the song that it's named for:

Summer Carry-All's

By Soraya


For days when you're hauling 10+ pounds worth of magazines, sunscreen, & food for the perfect day on the lake or beach:

via Piperlime.gap.com

Roberta Roller Beach Bag 3  $89

via Intermixonline.com

Biarritz Linen Beach Tote: Blue Navajo by Theodora & Callum  $298



via Saksfifthavenue.com
Preppy Straw Rosa Tote  $178  Now $124

via Ae.com

AEO Striped Beach Tote  $30

via Couture.zappos.com

Juicy Couture Beach Coronado  $248  Now $186

Playlist: Hip Hop Picks

Yes, we realize this isn't the typical type of music you'd find on this blog.  But after years of hip hop dance (Soraya) and influence from friends and mainstream radio, we figured we'd shell out some of our favorite songs in this ever so popular genre:

1. A Little Bit (So Far Gone) by Drake & Lykke Li

2.  Flashing Lights by Kanye West

3. Save Me by Nicki Minaj

4.  Corona & Lime by Shwayze

5. Words I Never Said by Lupe Fiasco feat. Skylar Grey

Sweet Little Nothings 6.19.2011

By Soraya

via Lostateminor.com

Pinterest: If you don't already have one, you should give it a go.  I can spend hours on this site posting my favorite pictures and finding more.  Follow me here. 

I found out that my favorite fragrance, Chloe, comes in an adorable and affordable mini roller ball.  It's 0.2 oz of pure pocket-sized heaven.

An adorable glass plate that I decorated in the third grade now serves as a colorful safe-keeping spot for my most-used pieces of jewelry.

via Amandiferass.tumblr.com

This week I watched both Kickass & Nowhere Boy featuring the leading man, Aaron Johnson.  Both gorgeous and talented, he's undoubtedly my new favorite actor.

via Aghoststeaparty.tumblr.com

"Someone Like You" by Adele

The Look Book: That 70's Trend

By Soraya

It's currently too hot to be working this denim in Austin... what a shame :(

You may want to try these amazing wide-leggers from Madewell that I'm completely in love with. 

Queen of The Hills

By Soraya

via Loveontheinsideweheartit.tumblr.com

A few years ago, I was immediately hooked on to a reality show by the name of The Hills.  I'm sure you've seen at least one episode if not all.  It started out with two girls, Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag.  This same MTV driven path has taken them on two very different paths.  The girl I see as a role model and one of my biggest fashion inspirations today is Lauren.  She's a very real girl who hasn't let fame get to her head, unlike her former best friend.

Aside from becoming a reality TV megastar, she's made a name for herself in the fashion industry.  She has also become a very successful best-selling author.  She's written a series called L.A. Candy about girls who are given the opportunity to star in their own reality show... sound familiar?  Nevertheless, it's a very entertaining series of novels which will make great summer reads.  Too bad it's nothing compared to the actual drama I love watching on The Hills. Conrad has also written a style book- the one I call my Bible.  It sits on my night stand and I always turn to it for my wide variety of fashion and beauty questions.  

via Hollywoodxo.tumblr.com

In the fashion world, Conrad has worked on three lines.  Her first, Lauren Conrad, failed to succeed.  Her second collection is available at Kohl's.  It's a very well designed price conscious line that's worth looking into.  This line generated a lot of buzz and has done very well.  Her latest collection, Paper Crown, has my mouth watering.  Yes, it's a high end line, but the pieces are absolutely beautiful.  

via Laurenconrad.com

We fell in love with her chic California girl wardrobe years ago.  Today, she's still rocking her skinny jeans, Chanel bags, and sky-high heels.  Lauren Conrad's come along way, but for some reason, I feel like her legacy has only just begun.

Smart Shopping

By Soraya

(Clockwise from top left corner: Madewell utility zip pants, Madewell silk sleeve sweatshirt tee, Madewell pencil-stripe  racerback tank, Madewell shadows and light scarf, Sperry top-sider CVO sneakers, Madewell denim midi shorts)

If I told you that I got everything pictured above for a grand total of $160, would you believe me?  According to my receipts, that statement is 100% true.  On Tuesday, I treated myself to a shopping spree at the Domain, expecting to drain my checking account.  But when I got there, I was pleasantly surprised with a huge sale at one of my favorite stores in the entire world, Madewell.  Everything I bought was on sale.  

@Madewell

Utility zip pants+ sale & additional 25% off= $119  $22.49

Silk sleeve sweatshirt tee+ sale & additional 25% off= $55  $14.99

Pencil-stripe racerback tank+ sale & additional 25% off= $25  $7.49

Shadows and light scarf+ sale & additional 25% off=  $55  $14.99

Denim midi shorts+ sale= $65  $49.50

@ Nordstrom Rack:

Sperry top-sider CVO sneakers+ sale= $54.95  $40

I'm a huge believer in the quality of clothing so I'm all about spending the money I need in order to get that.  But I also believe that those prices shouldn't be way over my head.  So every time I shop, I literally always head back to the sale racks first.  I also try to buy classic pieces that won't go out of style.  If you're going for a very trendy piece, consider how many times you'll wear it and how long you think that the hype for it will last.  When you divide the price you bought something at by the number of times you'll actually wear it, you'll find out whether it's worth it or not.  And keep in mind that just because something's on sale, it doesn't mean that it's already out of season and out of style.  

When it comes to cashing out the big bucks, use it on something that you'll wear on a daily basis such as denim, shoes, a coat, belt, or nice purse.  The item will eventually end up paying for itself with the number of wears.  So buy those nice pair of Hudson jeans (you can find tons of beautiful designer labels at a discount at Nordstrom rack, no one will know the difference)!  You'll get your money's worth; you don't need as many jeans as tops afterall.  You can wear the jeans a million times without people noticing they're the same pair.  The top you wear with them will change the outfit, so take extra care in looking for tops on sale.

Playlist: Week Of 6.15.2011

1. Pull My Heart Away by Jack Peñate

2. 123 Stop by The Postelles

3. Infinite Arms by Band Of Horses

4. This Love (Will Be Your Downfall) by Ellie Goulding

5.  Let's Go Surfing by The Drums

And Then There Was One - 6.15.2011

By Soraya


Hello, everyone!  Sorry I've been M.I.A over the past few days... summer's been hectic.  However, I'm back and I'm announcing my complete takeover of this blog until my partner in crime comes back from Switzerland in about a week and a half.  And I promise, I will try not to disappoint from this point forward.

Since I didn't get to on Sunday, I'd like to use this week's edition of 'Sweet Little Nothings' to give you a better introduction of myself.  I could be boring and just dish out the general non-sense like I'm writing a self-description/mini bio on eharmony: Howdy!  My name is Soraya.  I like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain.  Just kidding... I just had to quote the song... it was the perfect opportunity.  I really do like those things though.  I mean, who doesn't?! But let me just get straight to the point.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words, right?  These images explain my life and personality better than I can: 

http://kgiles.tumblr.com/page/26

Part of my daily exercise/beauty/life regimen- it simply must be done.  Music runs through my veins.

allthoselittletthings-.tumblr.com/page/2
I'll be honest.  Because of this, I can be an idiot.  But who can say they've never been one?


http://weheartit.com/entry/7734632
Mr. Jacobs is the fashion GOD: the reason I found salvation in clothing and accessories.


http://xclassynevertrashy.tumblr.com/
If life was one huge (beach) party, I'd be set.


http://ourloveeislikeasong.tumblr.com/
A little more daring than most, I would be the person to do this.  But my parents would never let it happen.

White Hot

By Soraya

I realize that since memorial day has passed, new laws of fashion have come into effect.  The one I am addressing today is the prohibition of the color white.  Among my friends, I'm a risk-taker in fashion and I have no fear when it comes to bending this rule.  In Elle, I read that if there's one fashion rule to defy, it would be this one.  So take a chance; be the rebel and wear this universally flattering color fearlessly.
Here are a few picks that make twisting the rules absolutely worth it:

via Theoutnet.com
Dern Broderie Anglaise Playsuit- (now) $140

via Freepeople.com
Free People Tape Yarn Beach Sweater- $98

via Intermixonline.com
Jay Godfrey Strapless Gauze Maxi Dress- $295

via Johnlewis.com
John Lewis Unisex Wayfarer Sunglasses- $20

Eurotrip

By Julia

Tomorrow, I'm going on a trip to Europe and I'm incredibly excited. This trip is going to last two weeks starting in Switzerland with some friends. Eventually, my mom and I are breaking off from the group to go see Paris. I've never been to Europe so I'm like all first time European Tourists: deathly afraid of getting pick-pocketed and bubbly about how cool it will be to finally see the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa. 


When we're in Switzerland we are going to Interlaken, Zurich, and Lucerne the activities include hang-gliding off the Swiss Alps, bob-sledding, shopping, and swimming. In Paris My mom and I have decided on going to the Pompidou center, seeing the Eiffel tower and Notre dame, visiting many museums, and Giverney. We chose to take the more artsy route through the city because it's where our interest lies. This is definitely a trip where I would want to bring all of my clothes but we've chosen to wash clothes instead of packing heavy; so I decided to bring comfortable and practical pieces. In this video are all the clothes I'm taking (except for outdoors gear!) 

Daylight by Matt & Kim

Poolside Playlist (Pt. 2)

1. I Can't Get Enough by Rooney

2. These Are Listed Buildings by Los Campesinos!

3. Grow A Pear by Ke$ha

4. Cigarettes In Theatre by Two Door Cinema Club

5. Daylight by Matt & Kim

6. Do You Wanna? by The Kooks

7. Helena Beat by Foster The People

Musical Remedy

By Soraya

via Wellhellotherefriend.tumblr.com

A few months ago, I heard about a little band known as The Vaccines.  There name has always been in the back of my mind until I stumbled across them on iTunes. I gave their debut album (released March of this year) a listen and I was pleasantly surprised!  The Vaccines are yet another great British indie rock band.  Many people have said that they give off the same vibe as the amazing Ramones.  

For a band that formed recently in 2010, this group is well on their way to a very successful career.  The Vaccines have been influenced by modern pop and garage/rock n' roll bands from previous decades.  What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? is a true work of art combining all of these elements.  It's great music for summer days spent basking in the glory of the sun on a boat or driving aimlessly around town.  

Sweet Little Nothings 6.5.2011

By Julia

I like to collect old jewelry and wear it, but sometimes I come across items like this watch face without straps.  I like to fix them and create my own look.

via Anthropologie.com
I love the geometric lines in this outfit.  The necklace is truly a piece of art.

via Pinterest.com
I'm going to Europe this week. I'm so excited and can't wait for the trip!

via Pinterest.com
Too bad I'm not very good at painting nails. I'll still try...

Iconic

By Julia 

Whenever I see Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in a magazine I can't help thinking that they look extremely cute.  They are always wearing brilliant clothes and putting unconventional pieces together. They have always been fashion idols for me; ever since they were young they've set the style bar high... maybe it's because of how cute they were as children on Full House or maybe it's their puckered lips that they practically own. Despite their signature style, I've defiantly recreated the looks of the Olsen twins many times.

pictures via Weheartit.com

Check out their labels: Elizabeth & James and The Row.  Soraya absolutely adores their Elizabeth and James line and I'm sure you'll love it too!

Slim Shady

By Soraya


The best sunglasses I've seen this summer:

Oversized

Simply classic

Tory Burch Oversized Sunglasses $149

image via Nordstrom.com

Wayfarers

The embodiment of modern-retro 

Ray-Ban 'High Street' Polarized Sunglasses $179

via Polyvore.com

Patterned

An adorable splash of color

Marc By Marc Jacobs Sunglasses $175

via Matchesfashion.com

Round

I absolutely love Nicole Richie's line

House of Harlow 1960 'Nicole' Sunglasses $125

via Nordstrom.com