Hump Day Homework: Guilty Pleasure

We all have our guilty pleasures, so I figured I should share some of mine:

Read: Gossip Girl, Psycho Killer (Cecily von Ziegesar)

read me

You have to admire an author who has enough humor to write a parody of their own best-seller, because that is exactly what Cecily von Ziegesar did with Psycho Killer, the newest release in the Gossip Girl series.  The book retells the very first Gossip Girl Novel: Serena returns from boarding school to make amends with Blair, but that won't work as long as Nate is still between them so he has to go. Meanwhile Blair also has a list of people she wants to get rid off...  let's just say Patrick Bateman has nothing on these girls.  

This book is, however, nothing for the faint-hearted. It is aimed towards an older audience than the original - and some scenes are a bit gory to put it mildly. But if you don't mind graphic details then you're in for a good time. 

Listen to: The Donnas, Spend The Night

listen to me

Talking of a good time... I used to be so obsessed with this band, and I wouldn't even call them a guilty pleasure if it wasn't for the lyrics: Take Me To The Backseat? Not exactly something you would want others to find on your iPod,  even though it is exactly the bluntness of the lyrics that makes the songs so refreshing and fun. We need more girls who aren't afraid to have fun.

Watch: Midnight Madness (1980) 

Any movie that begins with the line "Allow me to explain why I gathered you all here..." is a great movie, and this wacky Disney comedy is no exception.  Hilarity ensues when grad student Leon gathers nerds, jocks, and sorority girls to compete in an all night scavenger hunt. It's Disney's first venture into PG territory before Touchstone Pictures was founded, and stars Michael J. Fox in his very first movie role...   I wish I had friends like Leon. 

What are some of your guilty pleasures? Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love and Sparkles

Laura

Florals For Spring? Groundbreaking

Isn't it?  But this year the flowers seem to be brighter and bigger than ever.  One of you asked me about a Peter Som dress  that Leighton Meester rocked on Gossip Girl. 

As gorgeous as the dress is, the pricetag isn't so nice to look at, so here are a couple of cute and afforadable alternatives: 

1) Oasis 2) H&M 3) Ted Baker 4) H&M 5) Asos

I just snatched number 2 and 5 for myself, as I have  5 days of Garden Life coming up next month, and I need something besides jean shorts to wear with my wellies.  

Peace, Love and Sunshine 

Laura

DIY: TV inspired Halloween Costumes

Last year a silly heat wave ruined my plans of being Penny Lane for Halloween (70s fur coat and  80 degree Weather don't mix...).  So there was only one thing to do: I hit my closet and tried to put together a last minute alternative. One blue sweatshirt, two orange converse, and a bunch of blonde clip in extensions later I was  Chuck's Sarah Walker:

Dressing up as your fave TV character is always an easy and cheap costume idea. In most cases you find everything you need  in your own closet. And even wigs or hair pieces can be found super cheap at Claire's or most drugstores.  

 Here's some inspiration:  

Wanna be Elena from The Vampire Diaries?  All you need are dark skinny jeans, a tank top or cami (either bright red or a darker color, like navy or petrol - no brights!), and of course her trademark KRMA leather jacket (but don't worry Asos, H&M and Forever 21 sell similar styles that look just as cute). And to complete the look with the perfect makeup check out this tutorial. 

If you're in the mood to dress up as Castle's Kate Beckett, you need a classic trench or peacoat, killer heels and of course her watch and ring. Just borrow your dad's, brother's or guyfriend's watch and find an old ring to wear on a necklace. Not detectivy enough for you? Just hit the next toystore and get a fake gun and police badge.

Feeling extra glamorous? Why not dress up as everyone's favorite Upper East Siders Serena and Blair. There are so many options here, but one look that works particularly well for Halloween is their season one school girl look. Keep it preppy for Blair (bows and headbands, and headbands with bows...), and show your wild side with Serena (short plaid skirt, messy hair, oversized cardigan...). 

...And If you wanna go for something funny, pick a reality TV character. Don't know what to do with those Juicy sweat suits and Ed Hardy tees?  Put them to use by  dressing up as a "Real Housewife" or a Jersey Shore character.  Got an old prom dress and a giant bottle of hairspray?  Be a Toddlers and Tiaras pageant girl! 

I hope this could give you a few ideas.  And if you already know what you're going to be for Halloween  then let me know and comment below!  

Peace, Love and Sunshine

Laura  (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice)