Street Smarts

I can’t believe I’ve been out of the blogging world for almost two months – not good.  I’ve been so busy packing/unpacking, moving across country and familiarizing myself with my new surroundings that I’ve forgotten that blogging is a selective hobby of mine.  Well, now that I’ve settled into my new home (NJ) I can finally get back to blogging my little heart out of things I like and not-so-like.

Being on a cross country road trip makes you think about things you might have never really thought about before.  New places, new people, new beginnings, old places, old people, old resolutions.  As your new journey beings, you start to prioritize certain things that are important in your life.  A New Years resolution you might say.  Things that are most beautiful (in their on way) – take note.  I’m becoming more observant and more alert of what is around me.

As I peruse through my daily reads, I came across a section from Style.com by Tommy Ton that jogged my thought process. I must have gone through the slideshow about a dozen times, dazed and far from confused.  I’m charmed by the woman he captures through his lens.  Your every-day-woman that strides through the streets of your neighborhood, bold and luminous, makes me appreciate how women’s fashion has developed over the decades.

Simple and sweet; for your viewing pleasure, I give you Tommy Ton’s eyes through a lens…

Lock Me Up…

Stripes, stripes and more stripes!  A recognizable trend happening in the new year is the ever elongating vertical stripe.  Horizontals are definitely on point for this year, however, verticals are always more flattering.  I realize that the print can register either way; inmate or absolutely great.  I like the combination of both.  But my personal favorite has to be the thought, Where Is Waldo? I love that while wearing such a simple print like stripes, you can stick out like a sore thumb – good or bad.  Vertical stripes can be forgiving when you allow it to.  With such a dominate direction of the vertical line, you need to be able to translate a well sense of guidance throughout the garment(s).  I wouldn’t recommend combining the two (horizontal and vertical) since your eye doesn’t know in which way to look.  So, whether you want the just-rolled-out-of-jail look or the look-at-me, 2013 is your year ;).

[Marc Jacobs: SP’13 RTW Look 4]

[Marc Jacobs: SP’13 RTW Look 6]

[Marc Jacobs: SP’13 RTW Look 19]

[Michael Kors: SP’13 RTW Look 21]

[Tommy Hilfiger: SP’13 RTW Look 2]

[Tommy Hilfiger: SP’13 RTW Look 4]

[Tommy Hilfiger: SP’13 RTW Look 14]

Beautiful Blogger Award

What a nice surprise to see this morning!  Lisa of, Mademoiselle Snow, did me the honor of  presenting my blog with The Beautiful Blogger Award.  Though I must say, she is a beautiful blogger herself.  I only just started blogging back in October of ’12 and I love how the blogging community supports one another.  It gives me motivation to keep writing what I am writing and to be inspired by the bloggers around me.  So, thank you Miss Lisa for your constant support and the nomination because without followers like you, this blog would not exist.

In addition to the award, I am asked to give 7 facts about me:

1.) I collect magazine (and actually read them)

2.) I am a complete romantic and I don’t care that it’s cheesy

3.) I love taking my daily naps

4.) I don’t lie when I say, I am a tad impatient when it comes to something I want.

5.) I’m a huge movie buff

6.) I love McDonald’s and I’m not ashamed to say it

7.) My new food craze right now is Indian food (chicken tikka marsala to be exact)

Now, the passing of the torches…

FreeUrCloset

The Dressing Room

Gold on Black 

honeythediva

ttylusa

The Secret Polaroid 

theflamboyante

Ra Ra Shish Kum Bah

Take the shish kum bah out and add the Avis.  What do you get?  RARA AVIS.  Lately, I’ve been coming across things that don’t necessarily make sense but that we accept and deem fashionable.  I have to remind myself that not all things fashion, makes sense.  So to the eyes that see weird, strange and ugly, others see beautiful, trendy and for lack of a better word, cool.  Who better to represent the Rara Avis phenomenon than the rare bird herself, Iris Apfel.  Anyone who knows anything about Iris, knows she is a prevailing innovator that has put her mark on the fashion world as we know it.  Pretty remarkable to do if you ask me.  With her ever growing empire of make-up, jewelry and handbags, she is now launching a shoe line with HSN.  We as fashion forward goers/thinkers have ways to influence each other in our own right.  Some might not realize, that (as we virtually tweet, instagram, Facebook, pinterest, style tag, etc) we put our mark on the fashion world.  We give and take from others sense of fashion/style to create interpretations we see fit to oneself.  It is inspiring even thinking about it let alone actually doing.  Iris Apfel created an avenue that would lead every fashion conscious consumer to be a little more daring, to be a little more out-of-the-box and that much more fearless in risk taking.  So, I dedicate this post to Ms. Iris Apfel because if it wasn’t for her, the word ECCENTRIC, would have no substance within its terminology, now would it?

“When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t think like everyone else.” – Iris Apfel

[Rara Avis Collection: Blue and White Beaded Stretch Bracelet]

[Rara Avis Collection: “Gator Glamour” Bypass Ring]

[Rara Avis Collection: “Owl on Branch” Goldtone Ring]

[Rara Avis Collection: Crystal Black Matte Bird-Design Ring]

[Rara Avis Collection: Crystal Heart Goldtone Cutout Pin]

[Rara Avis Collection: Geometric Wood and Gold-Color Foil Beaded Drape Necklace]

[Rara Avis Collection: Gold-Color Foil Sculpted Bangle Bracelet]

[Rara Avis Collection: Resin “Bug” Bangle Bracelet]

[Rara Avis Collection: Smoking Loafer with Sequined Bird]

[Rara Avis Collection: Pointy Toe Flat]

[Rara Avis Collection: Snake Moccasin]

[Rara Avis Collection: Suede Sequined Smoking Loafer]

[Rara Avis Collection: Suede Cone Heel]

[MAC make up collection by Iris Apfel]

[“Extinctions” Collection by Iris Apfel]

Take Me Away…

Since I am stuck in Los Angeles this New Years, I’ll just have to fantasize where I’d rather be.  I’m thinking more tranquil, more rustic and more down-to-earth.  I remember as a kid growing up, I use to hate going up to my parents’ mountain house in the Poconos.  The closest thing to human civilization was a thirty minute drive and as a kid with no car,  it wasn’t a fun time for me.  As I’ve grown, I have come to understand why an escape to a secluded haven was so desirable.  It’s such places that keep you grounded.  They are stables to which you are able to reconnect with oneself, to sort your priorities and to clear out all that barricades the mind when in a daily routine.  I would love to be in that same Pocono house which I’ve frowned upon for so long, this New Years.  To be able to sit back, read a book, drink a cup of coffee (or more appropriately, tea 😉 ) all while taking in the views which surround you would be my ultimate New Years.  A time for fresh beginnings and fresh attitudes.  Goodbye 2012, hello 2013.

[Chinti and Parker: cashmere sweater]  I’ve seen a similar sweater at Forever21 and fell in love.  Regrettably, I didn’t pick it up at the time but that’s why we are blessed to have internet shopping carts :).

[Coach: fur vest]  Every time I come across anything fur, I think, Rachel Zoe.  This is perfect on top of the (above) cashmere sweater!

[Classic skinny blue jeans]  Blue jeans are always an essential to have.  You can either play them down or play them up.  Either way, it’s uncomplicated.

[Tabitha Simmons: early boot]  I want!  I want!  This boot screams country-comfy!  It’s the perfect boot to relax in or do work in.

[Earthy costume jewelry]  No need for glitzy-glam jewels here.  Something more casual and easy to throw on is key when trying to come off “effortless.”

“I’m dreaming of a BLACK Christmas”

OK – I know it’s not traditional to think black during Christmas, but it’s all I’ve been thinking about.  I know, it’s weird/strange/freaky/unconventional/almost scary.   I’m thinking polar opposite and having fun with it, though some would think I am more in mourning than celebrating.  It’s bizarre to have a desire to try something so out of the ordinary during the holidays for me, however, I love the color black so why not try and make it a staple for Xmas.  I love the traditions that come with  this particular holiday.  I love everything that Christmas is and what it represents but I want to do something out of the “norm” this holiday.  Maybe that’s why I’m going a little goth this Christmas season.  I don’t want to ever be bored or robotic about the holidays so I’m vamping the customary colors up, or should I just say, blacking-out.  I’m not so sure if it will be something I try once or will keep up for holidays to come…eh, I’ll give it a whirl.

[Glamourpuss – Rosette fur jacket]

[Irene Neuwirth – Emerald-cut black onyx and diamond earrings]

[Frette – Anjelica spaghetti-strap short nightgown]

[Anya Hindmarch – Courtney  moire clutch in black printed canvas w/ leather tassel]

[Nicholas Kirkwood – Satin pumps w/ bejeweled platform]

[Ryan McGinness – To-do list calendar 2013]

[Givenchy – Rouge interdit lipstick]

(Mus)Stache ’em

Forget the razors and clippers for awhile.  It seems everyone is casting their five o’clock shadow … and more, all over the place.  At first, I didn’t know where and why all these mustaches were popping up.  That ah hah moment hit me when a girlfriend of mine reminded me of when everyone and their brother use to put their finger horizontally under their nose.  Then I got it.  It appeared out of nowhere, yet someone, somewhere had that ah hah moment themselves and translated the action – literally – into an image.  Raw genius.  The trend is virtually everywhere.  There is really no escape, even if you tried.  In that case, we all know how the saying goes, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,”  but in this case, “Stache ’em.”

Liebster Award

So, I woke up this morning to a lovely surprise.  Natasha & Nensi, two amazing bloggers of FreeUrCloset, nominated my blog for the Liebster Award.  A Liebster award is given to new bloggers who have less than 200 followers, to give them recognition, encouragement and to help the rest of the blogging community discover their exceptional blogs.  N-n-N has asked me to answer some questions about my Likes and how I took up an interest in blogging.  There is nothing I would rather be doing then shedding a little light on to who and what “Cups” is really about.

1.) What are you Passionate about?

Whenever I am asked “what are you passionate about,” or “what are your passions,” I am always thrown by the question.  There are many things that I am passionate about but if I had to choose just one, it would be writing.  Although I’ve studied fashion and love to know everything about the world it is in, my true love is creative writing.  Wow, I think this is a breakthrough.  I’ve never narrowed it down before.  Now, you and I both know 😉

2.) What is the favorite item in your closet?

No brainer.  My shoes!  I have quite a collection of high heels (mostly wedges) that I’ve collected in the past two years.  When I say collected, I truly mean it in every sense of the word.  Usually when shopping for heels I do it in bulk, 5,6,9 pairs at a time.  I know – crazy – but what is even crazier is that I’m also all about my plain Jane, Old Navy $5 sandals.  Since I live in warm weather climates and as much as I love to wear my heels, I find it much more practical to slap on my sandies and call it a day.  My poor heels sit along side each other just waiting for that special day when they can be worn.

3.) What was your favorite fashion trend in 2012?

There is more than one trend that comes to mind; however, a specific one that does is the stud trend.  I’m obsessed with studs/spikes on shoes, clothing, jewelry pieces, etc.  It’s just a Lady Gaga thing (in my opinion) to rock!

4.) What would be your dream job?

As I continue to explore my career options, I find it more difficult tapering it down.  A dream job I would love to have, has to be the ultimate goal most people desire – being my own boss.  As far as narrowing that down even more, it’s still unknown to me.  I am only 23 (as of today) and I feel there is so much more to still learn out there, but what I really want above all things, is to learn more about myself.

5.) Who is your fashion idol?

A woman, who I’ve recently picked as a person to watch, is Victoria Beckham.  I browse her collections every season and I find myself relating to her taste more and more.  I love my solid colors, my layered looks and my structured garments.  Victoria speaks loud and clear to me and she is definitely in my back pocket for people to be inspired by.

6.) What is your favorite day of the week and why?

SUNDAY!  It’s the national day of lazy.  First of all, who doesn’t like a weekend day?  Secondly, Sunday is a day to recharge.  Recharge as in, sleeping in, pampering one’s self, a huge movie day, football all day, etc.  Sunday is a day to do whatever you want while having no time frame in the day to do so.

7.) How did you come up with your Blog’s title?

Well, I am all about the corky phrases/sayings.  Anyone who knows me knows I like to not only make up my own phrases, but I love to make up things that don’t (by dictionary) make sense. My Cup (or not) Of Tea means: My Likes or Dislikes.  I found the title extremely appropriate.  It’s straight forward and to the point without being too literal.

8.) How did you get into blogging?

I tried blogging a few years back but for one reason or another it never really took off for me.  I was definitely not into it as much as I am now, and when I was sitting at work one day, I thought I would give it another shot.  I wanted to take it more seriously because I feel I had to get my opinions out on certain thing and trends.  I’m glad I was able to stick with it and it’s still going strong!

9.) What is your absolute favorite color?

It’s funny; my sister asked me that very question yesterday afternoon.  My response: “I don’t have a favorite color but I do prefer the natural/earth tone colors (e.g. browns, tans, whites, greens, greys, blacks, etc.)  Yes, I know Dee, I’m complicated.”  Her response: “OMG.”

10.) What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas, of course!  It’s the ultimate holiday in my eyes.  With my birthday so close to Christmas day, it’s a blast of celebration during the whole month of December.  If you couldn’t guess, I love the month of December in general.

11.) What is your New Year’s resolution?

Simple.  To keep Blogging.

Thanks again Natasha & Nensi of FreeUrCloset!  Looks like it is my turn to pass along the torch of the Liebster Award to 11 new bloggers.  Check out the blogs below that I’ve chosen to win this award.

The snow white effect

ShutUpAndReadMyBlog

The Spots Hunter

Urban Rack

Girl Necessities

Curly loves

Real Cali Cali’s Blog

The Effortlessly Chic

Blissful Blog LA MODE A MONACO

sushmitasharma

Voulez – vous polish avec moi?

Now, it’s your turn my fellow bloggers!  Answer these questions (if you wish) and let us know a little bit about you.

Questions:

1.) How do you define fashion/style?

2.) What is your favorite season?

3.) Who inspires you?

4.)  Why do you blog the things you blog?

5.) What is your one basic essential you CANNOT live without?

6.) What are you most proud of?

7.) If you had to dress casual or dressy for everyday of the rest of your life, how would you dress and why?

8.) What is a dream you hope to acquire during your lifetime?

9.) If you could trade places with anyone, who would it be?

10.) What fashion style do you consider a classic?

11.) What did you ask Santa for Christmas this holiday?

Leave me a comment on this post after you have answered all 11 questions so I and all the others looking can take a peek into the life of your blog and the blogger behind it.  And remember: pass on the Liebster Award to 11 newbie bloggers!

PS – Always and forever – Happy Blogging 🙂

XxCups

Eyesores

So, I’ve realized it has been a few posts short of my dislikes lately.  When it comes to expressing my opinion towards something I don’t like, I can be unrelenting – I know – but that is the beauty of having an opinion at all; gives diversity.  Recently I’ve been witnessing some extremes when it comes to dressing in trend.  In a post I wrote, Peek-a-boo, I See You, I mentioned “a little bit goes a long way” when dealing with certain trends.  I feel the need to get this off my chest, to release some steam and the knotted monster of an opinion I have for these looks you’re about to observe.  Granted they are, well I should say some are, not OMG over the top – looney tune, however, I still can’t dig them and still don’t understand them.

Military:  I am not against the military look.  I have a military inspired jacket myself, hence the word inspired.  This is taking the sense of the word (completely ignoring it) and directly taking it off the coat rack.  Neglecting how we use and pull inspiration and deciding to go abruptly to the source, can make a shleppy appearance.  Do I get the pieces individually – yes. It’s what I don’t get when putting them all together.

Patterns: Print on print is all over the place as we know.  Though it is not in the right place here.  The dress is like a rug pinned together with an obnoxious (though adorable on its own) quilted jacket.  But I suppose when you have those garments pieced together, why not throw in a total left fielder; the bag and shoes.

Wedge Sneakers: OK, OK.  I understand how some of us would want to create a deception of our height.  But don’t cover it up with a bulky moon shoe.  Keep it old fashion and slip on a real wedge/heel.  It’s like getting a spray tan and saying its all natural.

Sheer: Do I really have to say anything…?

Wide Pocket Shorts: This is a little too literal for the “wide pocket” shorts.  I adore the color, the simplicity and the structure (if toned down … a lot). I understand the appeal for creating curves, especially in the hip region.  Everyone loves an hour glass figure, though no woman in their right mind would want to pack on the extra fabric around what is already a self-conscious area for most females.

The Perfect Wrapping

Yep.  It’s that time of year ladies and gents.  This is one thing I love about winter time, scarves.  Not only does it keep you cozy and warm but it decorates the “tree” it’s on – you!  Even though I am in the land of stars and sun this holiday, it’s no excuse to leave out the essentials for the season.   If I can’t find an accessory piece to throw around my neck, the next best thing would have to be my scarves.  An impressive thing about scarves; they can be used for different variations of style.  For instance, head wraps, shaw-like covers, etc.  Make sure your wardrobe has the winter’s favorite and express yourself in many ways you see fit to wrap!

*Bulky knit Forever 21 scarf

*Silk Deloom Scarves

*Leopard twist head scarf

*H&M infinity knit scarf

*Alexander McQueen silk scarves