Cheap Date!

{Sweater- (old) J. Crew, Jeans- Gap, Shoes- (old) Zara, Belt- (old) Loft}

I've already professed my love for these Japanese Selvedge jeans from Gap.  The boyfriend fit combined with the premium denim is perfection!  With their clearance section at an extra 50% off, I thought I'd scoop up an extra pair - this time I went a size larger to make them extra loose and "boyfriend-y" - for $20 - that's what I call a cheap date!  ;) 

Fashion Fridays - #30 - 101 Fashion Tips & Tricks Every Girl Should Know

{Article via}

 

When it comes to fashion and style, it sometimes seems that everyone and their mother (literally!) have tried-and-true tips and tricks they absolutely swear by.  Some are useful, while others … well, not so much.  With that in mind, here's 101 of the best from the best: designers, lifestyle experts, etc.  Trust me: With these gems, you’ll be well on your way to living your most stylish life.

101. Despite what it says on the tag, cashmere is best washed by hand.  To dry it, use a salad spinner, which releases excess water in seconds.

100. Use white wine to remove red wine stains.

99. Wash new jeans twice before taking them to the tailor.  Why?  Because jeans will always shrink in length when washed.

98. To stop angora or mohair from shedding, fold the garment and place it into a zip-top bag and freeze it for at least three hours.

97. Remove odors from vintage or thrift clothing by spritzing them with a mixture of one part vodka, two parts water.

96. “Remove white deodorant marks from a garment by gently rubbing the protective foam used on hangers against the fabric.” — Jonathan Simkhai, designer

95. If you get an oil stain on your favorite handbag, coat the mark with baby powder and let it stand overnight.  By morning, the stain should be gone.  If a bit still remains, repeat the process until the stain is completely gone.

94. The best at-home method to keep diamonds sparkling: liquid dishwasher detergent and an old toothbrush.

93. The secret to well-fitting everyday clothes is Lycra.  The formulas to look for: 95% cotton/5% Lycra spandex for T-shirts, and at least 2% Lycra for jeans to hold their shape.

92. “Always organize your clothes going light to dark from left to right in your closet.  Your eye will follow the color and thus help you stay organized.” — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.

90. Wondering about the quality of your cashmere?  Gently stretch the body of the garment to see if it snaps back.  A lower-quality cashmere won’t.

89. “If you don’t have time to try on jeans in the store, try the Neck Method: You can determine your size by placing the waistline of the jeans around the diameter of your neck.  If the waistline of the pant comfortably meets at back of your neck, then the jeans will fit.”— Sarah Ahmed, Creative Director, DL1961 Premium Denim

88. Cut down your closet by 25% by asking yourself this one question: “If I were shopping right this second, would I buy this?”  If the answer’s no, out it goes. — Melanie Charlton Fascitelli, Founder, Clos-ette and Clos-ette Too.

87. “Never put your swimwear in the washing machine, and always hand dry.  The machine will damage the suit and it will lose its elasticity.  The only exception: At the end of the summer or vacation, wash your swimwear in lingerie washing bags on the gentle cycle with a bit if Drift or Woolite.  But only after many wears.” —Shoshanna Gruss, Designer

86. To drop bloat five days before a big event, stay away from dairy and whole grains, which can do a number on the digestive system.

85. While fake designer bags are a huge don’t, fake diamond studs are a huge do.  Faux stones are hard to spot to the untrained eye.

84. Dressy occasions aren’t the time to play with trends, so know your silhouette and stick to it to always look your best.  Perfect example: Sofia Vergara knows she looks good in mermaid dresses, and always chooses variations of the shape on red carpets.

83. “Never put a garment on immediately after ironing, as this can actually cause new wrinkles to form.  Instead, let it sit for five minutes to set the press.” — Althea Harper, Designer and Rowenta Brand Ambassador

82. The best way to de-fuzz a sweater: use a pumice stone.

81. Snap clip-on earrings onto flats for an instant evening shoe, or onto shirt collars for DIY embellishments.

80. If you get wax on a piece of clothing, layer wax paper over the hardened wax and then run an iron over it to loosen it up.  Once you pull off the paper, the wax should come right out with it.

79. Pour a dash of vodka into vase water to extend the life of your flowers.

78. Spray tights with sticky (read: cheap) hairspray to avoid holes and runs.

77. To clean dirt off suede, remove the crust from a piece of bread and allow it to become stale.  Gently rub dirt and stains with the edge of the stale bread, and they’ll disappear.  To de-scuff suede, use an eraser or nail file.

76. Shopping for a wedding dress or another big-event outfit?  Head to the store with makeup on, proper undergarments, and your hair semi-done to get a better sense of how it’ll look.

75. Double-stick tape work to shorten a hem in a pinch if you can’t get to the tailor before an event.

74. Blot, don’t rub, when you spill something on your clothes.  Wiping or rubbing will actually further ingrain the stain into the weave.

73. “Panty lines are not okay!  Every woman should invest in nude, seamless underwear.” — Giuliana Rancic, HSN designer and E! host

72. If you don’t feel like trying on a dress but still want to see where the hem will hit you, align the shoulder seam exactly with your shoulder bone (not your collarbone).

71. Repurpose old or thrift sweaters and blankets by using them to reupholster a throw pillow, a chair seat or cover a stool.

70. “Use hairspray to remove a lipstick stain.” – Kaelen Haworth, designer, KAELEN

69. Add a 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle while doing laundry to maintain the wash of your favorite pair of dark jeans.

68. To stretch tight shoes, fill two freezer bags with water and place into each shoe.  Let it freeze overnight.  As the water freezes, it’ll gently expand your shoes.

67. Frame vintage scarves for cool original artwork.
 

66. Due to its high level of surfactants, Dawn dish detergent is especially successful at removing grease and oil stains from clothing.  

65. “A flattering silhouette begins with the right underpinnings.  Never underestimate the power of Spanx—they’re a girl’s best friend!” — Lucy Sykes Rellie, Fashion Director, Rent the Runway

64. Revamp an old coat by swapping out the buttons and having a tailor replace the lining with something eye-catching, like a pattern or a bright color.

63. When getting jeans shortened, always ask your tailor to reattach the original hem.  It may cost extra, but it’s worth it.

62. If blush or bronzer breaks in your handbag, pre-moistened makeup removing wipes will clean up the loose powder flawlessly.

61. Break in stiff or too-snug shoes by slipping them on with socks and blasting your feet with a hot hairdryer.

60. Hang a shoe bag on the back of your bathroom door and use it to hold makeup, toiletries, brushes, hair ties, etc.

59. A vintage trunk not only makes a stylish coffee table, but it can also house shoes and clothing you rarely wear.

58. “To remove watermarks from leather boots, add a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of cool water and scrub the stains with a soft bristle brush until stains are no longer visible.  Let dry overnight.” — Daryl Carr, Marketing Coordinator, Stetson

57. To stop squeaky shoes, remove the insole and apply Vaseline or WD-40 before replacing it.

56. To determine if pearls are real, lightly rub them over your teeth.  Fake pearls will be perfectly smooth, and real ones will feel slightly gritty or textured.

55. When you’re shopping for a jacket, coat, or blazer, pay attention to the fit around the shoulders.  While a tailor can tweak pretty much everything about the fit of a jacket—from tapering the waist to shortening it—they can’t change the shoulders.  Make sure the seams sit perfectly at the bony tops of your shoulders.

54. Chic up a sporty puffer vest by cinching the waist with a skinny belt.

53. Unless they’re cropped or tapered, pant hems should just graze the tops of your shoes and be from 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch off the floor.

52. Always dry-clean coats before storing them, and place on cedar hangers inside cloth garment bags.  This preserves the fabric and keeps moths away.

51. If you have a small closet, never keep your shoes in clunky shoeboxes.  Instead, always line up them on the floor.

50. Going to a winter wedding or formal event?  Try wearing a sleeveless fur vest as a top, cinching it with a skinny belt or piece of ribbon and pairing it with a floor-length skirt.

49. How to care for fur at home: “Pass the fur with a hairbrush and steam it for added bounce, volume and shine.” —Eran Elfassy, Co-Creative Director, Mackage

 

48. “Marquise ring shapes help to create the illusion of longer, more slender fingers, even on small wide hands.  Pear or oval stones are also flattering.” — Carol Brodie, Fine Jewelry Designer, HSN’s Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie

47. Everyday bras should be replaced every three to six months, as that’s when they start to lose elasticity and support.

46. Ideally, a pencil skirt should hit just at the top of your knee.  Any lower and it will start to shorten your leg.

45. Pants a bit too tight?  Let them air dry and stretch the waistband by hand (or with a hairdryer) while they’re still damp.

44. Still look chic while showing some skin: If you’re wearing a miniskirt or shorts, cover up on top.  If your top is skimpy, go for full-coverage bottoms.

45. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-fitting, stylish winter coat.  You can be wearing pajamas underneath and you’ll still look perfectly put together.

44. Windex restores the glossy sheen on patent leather without doing any damage.

43. Fold jeans like a pro: Lay jeans on a flat surface, fold in half from left to right.  Grab the stacked jean legs and fold them in half so the hem of the jeans lines up with the waistband.  Fold the jeans in half one more time.

 42. The power of a silk pillowcase isn’t a myth: Not only do they prevent “sleep crease,” they’re much, much gentler on your skin and hair.

41. “The best way to store fashion jewelry, including Sterling Silver, is in Ziploc bags.  This helps pieces retain luster and reduces tarnishing and scratches.”—Jordann Weingartner, Founder, I Love Jewelry Auctions

40. If the garment you’re ironing has delicate buttons or detailing, cover them with the bowl of a metal spoon and press the surrounding fabric.

39. Don’t buy items you know you won’t properly care for.  For example, if you know you’re never going to hand-wash that delicate cami or beaded sweater, don’t buy it.

38. “Pair flirty, feminine dresses with masculine spectator shoes for an effortless and unexpected look.” — Gabriella Perezutti, Designer, Candela

37. To achieve the perfectly effortless cuffed sleeve, keep the top button (which is called the gauntlet) buttoned while you roll.

36. V-neck sweaters and tees give the illusion of a longer torso.

35. Spritzed a bit too much perfume on yourself this morning?  Use unscented, oil-based makeup remover to remove excess perfume.

34. Tend to wear certain leather shoes without socks?  Always stuff them with a soft cloth when you’re done wearing them.  This absorbs moisture and help the shoes keep their shape.

33. “Hoop earrings are a classic style that every woman—regardless of age—should have, but the type depends on your face.  If you have a thin face, go for larger round or embellished hoops.  If you have a round face an elongated hoop or drop style is best.” —Elena Kiam, Creative Director, Lia Sophia

32. Freeze jeans inside a plastic bag for two days to zap odor without running them through the washing machine.

31. Looking for an easy trick to make your bare legs look longer?  Try pumps the same color of your skin, which gives give the illusion that your legs extend a few extra inches.

 

30. Wrap an empty bottle of your favorite perfume in a handkerchief and tuck it into your underwear drawer for a subtle scent.

29. Heat can warp your glasses frames, so always keep them in a hard case and never wear them on your head on a hot day.

28. Spray shirts prone to sweat stains with lemon juice before washing.  The natural acid dissolves alkaline sweat reside that could cause yellow discoloration.

27. “It’s a myth that loose styles flatter a large bust or a plus-size woman.  The area just under the bust is a woman’s smallest torso measurement, so emphasizing it with a structured waistband that hits higher than your natural waist will make you look a size smaller. —BG Krishnan, President, eShakti.com

26. Use shaving cream and a washcloth to remove liquid makeup from shirt collars.

25. A modern trick to looking like the most effortlessly stylish girl in the room: Pair dressy bottoms (a velvet maxi, a leather or beaded skirt, silk pants) with a worn gray crew-neck sweatshirt or T-shirt.

24. When it doubt, always choose the smaller denim size, since jeans stretch with wear.

23. “Never dry a wet shoe with heat.  Let it dry naturally in open air.  Heat will dry out leather and the lifespan of the shoe will be cut in half.” —Jordan Adoni, Designer, Modern Vice

22. The easiest way to make your closet look organized: Buy all the same hangers for everything–same color, same shape.

21. Before bed, pour two or three tablespoons of baking soda into sweaty workout sneakers and tilt the shoe to distribute the soda evenly.  This will eat any odor and absorb perspiration.

20. “For guaranteed weight loss, I advise people to follow my A, B, C’s – no Alcohol, Bread or processed Carbs.”—David Kirsch, celebrity trainer and fitness guru.

19. To prevent clothing from wrinkling in a suitcase, fold everything in plastic dry cleaning bags.

18. If you can’t fit two fingers underneath your bra band comfortably, it’s probably too tight.

17. Pile on good accessories—scarves, sunglasses, hats, statement jewelry—to instantly transform even the most basic outfit.

16. Confused about laundry settings?  Remember this: The hotter the water, the cleaner the clothing will be.  While warm water is fine for most clothes, linens and dirty white clothing are best washed in hot water to remove germs and heavy soil.  Cold water is usually used for delicates.

15. A structured hat should rest about 1/8 to a 1/2-inch above the ears.

 

14. After a shower, use your hairdryer to de-mist bathroom mirrors in seconds.

 

13. A good tip when cleaning out your closet: Ask a friend whose style you admire to come over and help.  She/he might offer new insight on how to wear certain items before you toss them.

 

12. It might sound “budget,” but a hot glue gun works amazingly well to hem skirts, pants and even jeans in a pinch.

 

11. Looking for uses for all the single socks you’ve amassed while doing laundry?  When you’ve got aches or pains, fill a sock with dry beans or rice and pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds.  Voila, an instant (and free) heating pad.

 

10. Wear your new real leather jacket in the rain to break it in.  Water will soften up the leather and allow it to stretch and crease at specific points on your body.

 

9. Who has the time to hand wash bras?  Machine wash them in cold water in a mesh zipper bag and drape them over a hanger to air dry.

8. Use a lemon wedge to remove excess or streaky self-tanner.

7. Track lighting is possible even for the tiniest closet: Buy a track kit, screw it into the ceiling, run the wire down the wall and plug it into the nearest outlet.  Not only will you see all your clothes better, but you’ll feel like you have a more luxurious closet.

6. Invest in silk or satin pillowcases to keep your hair from breaking during the night.  (They also keep your skin looking smoother than rough cotton cases!)

5. If you’re unsure about an impulse or sale purchase, leave it at the store.  If you’re still thinking about it when you wake up the next day, buy it.

4. Have a sequin garment you don’t wear anymore?  Remove the sequins and sprinkle them into a vase of flowers. Gorgeous!

3. A good shoemaker can fully rebuild your favorite pair, even if the arch is cracked.

2. To coax a loose thread back into place, gently tug at the stitches to the sides of the pull as well as above and below.

 

1. There’s nothing cooler than sticking to a signature style you know looks good on you.  Slaves to fashion are never chic!

You Ain't Nothin' But A Houndstooth...

{Sweater- Forever 21, Pants- (old, but same style here) J. Crew, 

Shoes- (old) Viktor Alfaro, Necklace- (old) J. Crew}

I was looking to incorporate something with a houndstooth print this season, and when I found this sweater on the sale rack at Forever 21 for $5 - I figured there was no better time than the present!  It's definitely an oversized knit so I'm embracing it by pairing it with slouchy slacks too!

Splurge {vs} Save - #30 - Volumizing Sprays

{Left- Bumble & bumble, Right- L'Oréal}

Once you use your ampule in the shower, continue building that volume and structure into your blowout.  My #1 choice is and will probably always be Bumble & bumble's Thickening Hairspray, but at $28 for 8oz, it's not always in the budget.  L'Oréal's Volume Root Lifting Spray is my drugstore runner up for this.  Similar hold, and a fraction of the price at $6.99 for 8.5oz.  Which will you do - splurge or save?... 

Thrifty Thursdays - #30 - L'Oreal Volume Filler Fiber Amplifying Concentrate

{Available here}

This concentrated treatment instantly creates a texturized feel and lasting volume over time.  Apply to damp hair and leave in for 1-2 minutes for an instant thickening effect for 3 weeks of volume.  With a matching shampoo and conditioner- the system works to penetrate hair and create texture from within.  Clinically tested for instant results, lasting transformation.

I'm only 1 ampule in - and I swear my hair feels fuller!  Plus- it smells amazing - bonus!

1. Start by using Volume Filler Shampoo.  Rinse.
2. Deposit in your hand the desired amount of Volume Filler Conditioner.
3. Add to this amount the entire content of the Volume Filler ampule tube.
4. Mix and apply evenly throughout damp hair.
5. Leave on for 1-2 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly.  Ampules should be used once a week for 3 weeks. 

Fit & Flare...

{Sweater- Kohl's, Skirt- Kohl's, Shoes- (old) Gap, Bracelets- (old) Banana Republic & J. Crew}

Changing up the silhouette of a classic pencil skirt by pairing it with a loose swing sweater.  (Sidenote- this skirt has built in slimming panels - gotta love it!)  Sneakers keep it from looking too serious.  A great mid-week outfit!

Wellness Wednesdays - #30 - The Dangers Of Sleep Deprivation

You often read how sleep should be just as much a part of your well-being as working out should be.  Here are some serious stats to back up why you need to make it a priority!  So tonight - start counting those sheep a little earlier!

 {Image via}

Luck 'O The Irish...

{Sweater- T.J.Maxx, Tee- Old Navy, Pants- J. Crew (extra 40% off with code BYEWINTER), 

Shoes- Talbots, Bracelet- (old) J. Crew, Rings- (old) Forever 21 & Vintage}

After being inspired by all the fisherman sweaters, I was delighted to find this cozy cardigan at T.J.Maxx.  With sub-zero temperatures today - why not wear wool head to toe?!

Tasty Tuesdays - #30 - Healthy Takeout Cheat Sheet

{Article via}

 

Fact: Most of us are incredibly busy people who—no matter how much we like doing it—simply don’t have the time to cook dinner every night, and that’s okay!  After all, one of the modern world’s greatest perks is the fact that we can order pretty much any type of grub at any time and have it delivered right to our door.

When it comes to typical takeout, though, so many types of common cuisines are packed with waistline saboteurs like saturated fat, astronomical levels of sodium, and problematic refined flour.

The good news is that with a few smart choices, an effortless meal doesn’t have to ruin your diet.  Read on for your healthy takeout cheat sheet that outlines 6 types of common delivery food, and tips to make informed choices for each! 

If you’re ordering … Pizza
We all know that pizza isn’t the best thing for us, but it’s certainly not the worst.  That said, there are things you can do to make it a total waistline saboteur.  Here’s how to make ordering pizza a healthy takeout option that won’t totally bust your diet.

• Pile on the veggies.  Adding toppings like mushrooms, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, onions, or salad will allow you get the fiber-rich benefits of produce.
• Steer clear of meat toppings like pepperoni, ham, or sausage.  These are  largely processed, and loaded with sodium and fat.
• Blot!  Some folks roll their eyes at this one, but experts say that blotting the oil from each slice can shave around 30-40 calories.  Not a ton, but better than nothing!
• If you can, order whole wheat or thin crust.  This means less white flour, and less carbs.
• Try eating a salad before you dig into the pie, which will fill you up.

If you’re ordering … Sushi
Sushi is one of the healthiest things you can order—nothing terribly wrong with fresh fish and a little white rice—but there are some hidden pitfalls lurking on that takeout menu.

• As tasty as they are, standard spicy rolls are made with mayonnaise, Philly rolls are made with salty smoked salmon and cream cheese, and anything with tempura means it’s deep-fried, so stay away from these types of rolls.
• While a California roll isn’t unhealthy, per se, its abundance of avocado and (often) imitation crabmeat aren’t the best choice if you’re already eating spicy rolls, or anything fried.
• Choose a mix of rolls that only include fish and vegetables like cucumber, radish, scallion, or carrots, and treat yourself to one “treat roll” like Spicy Tuna.
• If you’re low-carbing it, ask for your rolls to be wrapped in cucumber instead of rice, and fill up on starters like miso soup, a little edamame, or seaweed salad.
• Instead of dunking each piece into salty soy sauce, try swirling your chopsticks around in the sauce first, then picking up your sushi—you’ll still get the flavor with way less sodium.

If you’re ordering … Indian
The great thing about Indian food is the fact that everything is so flavorful.  However, there are certain dishes that are loaded with saturated fat and calories.  With the right choices though, Indian can be a healthy, satisfying meal.

• Don’t start with samosas—they’re delicious, but they’re also deep-fried and—in many cases—packed with starchy potatoes.
• While a little basmati rice is often necessary with Indian food, it’s easy to overdo it.  Limit yourself to around a half-cup (or roughly the size of your fist.)
• If you’d rather have bread than rice, skip the empty-calorie naan, which is made from white flour.  Pick roti instead, which is the whole wheat version.
• Anything labeled “tikka masala” means it’s made with high levels of cream and ghee butter.  Instead, choose delicious tandoori dishes (which are grilled in a tandoor oven and feature plenty of complex spices.)  If you want something creamy, order a side of raita, the refreshing cucumber and yogurt sauce, which is way less fat-filled than creamy dishes.
• Add an order of protein-rich veggies like chickpeas (chana masala), spinach (saag), or flavorful lentils (daal.)

If you’re ordering … Diner food
Ordering from your local diner or coffee shop is a safe bet since there are lots of options that aren’t particularly unhealthy, but a few wrong choices could result in a major fat -and-calorie-fest.

• The first rule of thumb: Always ask to substitute French fries if you’re watching your diet.  Most diner food comes with fries and an order can have over 700 calories.  Instead, try a steamed veggie, a side salad, or a plain baked potato.
• If you’re ordering breakfast-style food, stick with egg-white omelets filled with veggies, and ask for a slice of tomato instead of hash browns.
• Steer clear of diner tuna or chicken salad, which are typically packed with crazy amounts of mayo.  Instead, try grilled chicken on pita, or a turkey sandwich.
• Go for a turkey burger or a veggie burger instead of a beef cheeseburger.
• Dinner-size  salads are always a safe bet, so long as they’re not drowning in dressing.  Always ask for the dressing on the side, and forgo things like croutons, eggs, or bacon.  Instead, top your salad with lean protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Look to Greek-style dishes, such as Chicken Souvlaki.  This often comes with a filling Greek side salad and yogurt tzatziki, so forgo the pita if you’re watching your carbs.

If you’re ordering … Chinese food
Chinese takeout has a reputation for being super-greasy, but with a few smart choices, you can still enjoy the tasty flavors without all the fat, salt, oil, and calories.

• Always go for steamed dumplings instead of fried.  Even better, go for steamed veggie or shrimp dumplings, as opposed to meat.
• Love egg rolls?  Scoop out the inside and eat it on its own, as the shell is deep-fried and loaded with grease.
• Choose steamed entrees like shrimp or chicken with veggies (as opposed to sautéed) and ask for your sauce on the side.  However, be sure to add vitamin and fiber-rich bok choy, string beans, and broccoli rather than baby corn and water chestnuts, which have little nutritional value.
• Pass on the noodles, which are made from refined white flour and often arrive drowning in oil.
• Ask for brown rice instead of white, which is higher in fiber.
• Stay (far!) away from deep-fried dishes like General Tso’s Chicken—it often has up to 1,500 calories, a whopping 3,200 milligrams of sodium, and plenty of MSG.  Yuck!
• Most Chinese soups aren’t terrible, calorically speaking, but they’re loaded with sodium.  Your best bet?  Eat the tofu and veggies out of the hot and sour soup, or a wonton or two if you’re really in the mood but leave the broth.

If you order … Mexican food
Mexican food is spicy and satisfying, but also can be loaded with saturated fat and sodium.

• Stay away from refried beans, which are usually filled with lard or pork.  Instead, stick with a small serving of black beans.
• Skip nachos, which are fried chips topped with greasy extras like cheese and sour cream.
• Choose a dish that’s wrapped in a soft tortilla and make sure it’s filled with lots of veggies, flavorful salsa, and—if you need it—lean protein like shrimp or chicken.  Ask for cheese on the side so you can control how much you sprinkle in, and choose a little heart-healthy guacamole rather than fatty sour cream.
• If you’re really watching what you eat, unroll your burrito or tacos, and just eat the filling.
• Take it easy on the rice—if you find you really want it, limit yourself to a serving the size of your fist.

Lastly, make it a point to always drink water with your takeout, as opposed to sugary soda (or chemical-laden diet varieties).  This will work to flush out the extra salt you’re ingesting, and keep you hydrated.

J. Crew, I Love You... - #30 - Thomas Mason® for J. Crew Leather-Trim Tunic

{Available here}

Loving this leather-trim shirt that Thomas Mason did for J. Crew.  Just the touch of edginess to this classic wardrobe staple feels fresh and chic!

Music Mondays - #30 - 2014 Grammy Nominees

{Available here}

	1. Locked Out Of Heaven	Bruno Mars
	2. Blurred Lines (feat. T.I. & Pharrell Williams)	Robin Thicke
	3. Royals	Lorde
	4. Radioactive	Imagine Dragons
	5. Get Lucky (feat. Pharrell Williams)	Daft Punk
	6. Roar	Katy Perry
	7. Mirrors	Justin Timberlake
	8. Brave	Sara Bareilles
	9. Same Love (feat. Mary Lambert)	Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
	10. Retrograde	James Blake
	11. Swimming Pools (Drank)	Kendrick Lamar
	12. Lego House	Ed Sheeran
	13. Just Give Me A Reason (feat. Nate Ruess)	Pink
	14. Begin Again	Taylor Swift
	15. Mine Would Be You	Blake Shelton
	16. Merry Go 'Round	Kacey Musgraves
	17. Highway Don't Care (feat. Taylor Swift & Keith Urban)	Tim McGraw
	18. Take A Little Ride	Jason Aldean

The 2014 Grammy Awards aired last night.  While there were undoubtedly several noteworthy artists and albums this past year, I hate to say it, but out of this particular playlist - I'd give it to Taylor Swift (again) for "Begin Again"...