River, Beach, Dinner, Repeat

Yesterday was absoloutly amazing! My dearest friend Courtney is home from college to enjoy the rest of her summer vacation. We spent the whole day eating, enjoying the last day of the summer sun, and laughing insanely.

The day started off with a trip to the river. Courtney, driving her sister's Malibu Barbie car (with the top down of course) and I had ourselves alittle picnic on a bench under a tree. If it wasnt for the shade from that tree I dont know how long we would have lasted! It was incredibly hot outside, reaching the 100s, and neither one of us could even consider laying out or even getting into the water. So after our picnic we decided to head to the coast, knowing that it would not only be a beautiful day, but it would also be cooler.

Off we went to the beach, taking the longest but most beautiful route; seeing trees, trees, and more trees. It was serisouly gorgerous, the kind of forest landscaping that makes you want to become a forest nymph and run into the wild. The both of us couldn't stop marveling at how perfect every aspect of the day was. When we arrived at the beach it was just as we expected: beautiful and a little less like the sahara. We went to Goat Rock Beach, (which is aparently one of the deadliest beaches in California, because of is current?) where our feet played hot potato with the sand, and the ocean felt soooooo good.

When we got back into town, we changed clothes and met up with David, a friend of ours since high school. We went to dinner at Mary's Pizza Shack and caught up on eathothers lives/latest adventures. After, we went to see The Other Guys (meh) and then the day came to a end.

The whole day was a mix of remenicing at our past adventures, running a red light (totally on accident!) then laughing like two little school girls, dancing in the car to Like A G6 by Far East Movement (which magically came on the radio after we had just talked about it), getting sunburned (I didnt wear any spf. Naughty, naughty!), and laughing some more. I have missed Courtney so dearly, and it was so awesome spending the entire day laughing and running around in the summer sun with her.

What have you done with your best friend lately?

xoxo Fennec

Sweet On: All Saints SS 201 Lookbook

Two facts about me:

1. I am obsessed with All Saints.
2. I LOVE fall.

Seriously, I love fall. If I could go into a alternative Universe where its always fall and the earth simultaneously continues to operate/turn... I would be there in a heartbeat. So every summer I pray for a early autumn and scold myself for never buying any summer clothes in the scorching California heat. Luckily All Saints has recently released on their Spring/Summer lookbook, and it inspires me to tolerate the rest of the summer while easily move into the fall.

What makes All Saints one of my favorite brands is that they incorporate the three colors I consciously keep in my closet: black, gray, and neutral.

All Saints has always been a brand that produces clothing which can be worn up or down, like the Uma Dress, which is made of jersey and worn pretty casual with the Damisi Boots. But I could totally see the Uma with a pair of pumps (of a solid color, because of the acid wash) and some edgy dangle earrings to a dinner date or a baroque social gathering.

And the part about easily moving into fall? This look is perfect to wear during the day when it starts to get a little chilly outside.

Pious Grandad, Devo Skirt, Yalena Socks, and Sand Boot(sold out!)

My wish list for this collection is the Uma Dress, Damisi Boots (I'm already dreaming up all the different outfits for these boots!), the Owain Jacket (badassss!), and the Devo Skirt. You can check them out more of the SS 2010 collection on the All Saints Facebook. I strongly advise following! Oh, no I'm not endorsed by them, I just and crazy for All Saints.

What do you think of All Saints' SS 2010 lookbook? Are you fiendishly craving fall like me?
xoxo
Fennec

Playlist Fixations

Courtesy of Pandora and its amazing ability to pick out awesome music, these songs are currently on repeat in the Fennec haus:

If U Seek Amy (Crookers Remix) [Remastered] by Britney Spears
I'm all about remixes. And I'm all about remixes to If You Seek Amy, my other favorite is the Mike Rizzo version.

Strawberry Swing by Coldplay
I was surprised to find that this song is off of their most recent album, because it sounds like their earlier work. I love how Coldplay has the ability to uplift and inspire on just the music alone, and have that lyrics can leave you dumbfound.

Another Day by Dragonette
I've loved Dragonette ever since hearing I Get Around, I thought that their music was just tongue&cheek/naughty, but Another Day is sweet and dreamy.

Phantom Limb by The Shins
Almost any Shins song makes me think of summertime Along with that, Phantom Limb makes me want to dance with my sweetie.

Don't Fall Softly by Filthy Dukes
This was on a mix that a DJ friend made for me. I love house and electro house music. This is a nice song to dance to or just have in the background while your working.

Do you use Pandora? Any songs on repeat?
xoxo Fennec

Rooting For the Underdog

When I was in junior high I slummed around in one of the more "popular" groups of my school. Disturbed and confused by the new skin that puberty had delivered to us, emotions ran high and self confidence was low. The girls who I associated my self with weren't all that nice and were crazy judgmental, but since I was incredibly shy and grateful to be accepted into any group at all, I allowed myself to become the same way. At the beginning of 7th grade a new girl named Laura somewhat came into our circle. I say "somewhat" because this girl clearly followed the beat of her own drum: she made friends with people from different cliques, wore crazy colorful clothes, lived in a mansion size house, and most of all seemed completely comfortable in her own skin. It was as if pre-teen angst had totally missed this girl.
It seemed like at the blink of an eye my groups of "friends" were totally against this girl. It first started from some stupid guy; the ringleader Stephanie liked/dated him and then he turned his attention to Laura. The rule was to hate her, so we ignored her. Then the rule was to torture her. We relentlessly picked on her: starting rumors, giggling in the hallways, ugly notes, face-to-face badgering. I include myself in this because not only was I associating myself with these girls by calling them my friends, but one day I made Laura cry. That day something clicked in my head, I laid off and faded into the background, and any further shit talking I kept myself out of.
That next school year I found amazing friends who I actually had things in common with on a creative level. One of them was Laura. In fact 8 years later Laura and I are still friends, while I haven't talked to one of the mean girls since. And yes, I apologized for all the horrid things I did.

Ever since then I've always rooted for the underdog. Those are often the people who'd rather spend their time creating something and achieving their dreams. The people who decide whats going to be in style for the season, who will sit and bond with an album at 2am, and those who intrigue the world. I'm talking about the people who are so quirky and different, from the hermit crab types to those who are loved by many but understood by few. They are too busy manifesting a amazing life than to judge how others are living theirs. Underdogs are often at some point rejected and mistreated by their peers, because people can be so damn jaded. It can sometimes not be a easy rode to ride on, but ultimately it is well worth it, and so much more fun!
From my decision to root for the underdog I have become a Underdog myself. Being a Underdog is pretty much choosing to live your life for your happiness rather than for what society tells you to. Its recognizing that I'm the only Fennec that will ever be, so I better be me, be happy about it, and have fun. You choose love over fear, truth over "fact", and positivity over doubt. And do you want to know a mind blowing secret:

In the end, the Underdog is actually Top Dog.

Say whaa? Random examples: Opera Winfrey, Jim Carey, Bill Gates, Betsey Johnson, Heidi Klum, and Lady Gaga. Look up the background of your idol, at some point in their lives they were either bullied, broke, misunderstood, or just fighting for their dream. Look where they are now, so clearly choosing to be yourself and follow your true dreams doesn't equal being alone, unloved, and friendless. It may seem that way at certain points on your journey to Top Dog, but ultimately you are educating your mind to recognize true friends, beneficial lessons, and amazing opportunities.

Have you ever been a Underdog?
xoxo Fennec

To Be Yourself...

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

xo Fennec

Makeup Look: Brick Red

MAC cosmetics has the BEST matte eyeshadows ever. I have never come across matte colors that are so silky and pigmented. Recently I became re-obsessed with matte eyes and have been frequenting my local MAC counter slowly building my collection. Recently purchased: Brick Red, which looks more like a brick orange. Its really warm and because its matte it can either pop amongst brighter colors, or give a softer look with a neutral palette. I chose the look of neutral colors:

I'm wearing:

• Urban Decay eyeshadow primer
  
• MAC Brick Red eyeshadow (matte) all over lid
  
• MAC Tete-A-Tint (matte) in crease
• MAC Blanc Type (matte^2) on brow
• Urban Decay Yeyo eyeshadow (matte) under brow
• Urban Decay liquid liner in Perversion
• MAC knol liner in Fascinating
  
• MAC lashes No. 4
• Duo lash glue

Wooooah... I swear I'm not a makeup snob! I use other brands too, but you have to admit that MAC and Urban Decay make awesome shadows. Overall outcome:Sometimes when I wear big lashes I like to go for a Barbie or Babydoll look, so I went with a high ponytail and huge bow from Hot Topic on the very top.

Seriously guys, this was not a "win" day for picture taking. Sorry about the blurry-ness!
Since my eyes were the focal point, I went softer everywhere else. I chose Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge in Calypso Coral to wear on my cheeks, and what makes this product extra awesome is that you can wear it on your lips too, which I did also. My complexion is MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer and Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation. The Silk Creme has great coverage, but literally makes your face a blank canvas, to I added definition with MAC Pro's Sculpting Powder. Brows filled with Urban Decay's Brow Box in Brown Sugar.

What do ya think? Whats your take on matte eyeshadows? Whats your favorite brand(s) of eyeshadow?

xo Fennec

How To Own Your Heels, Not The Other Way Around.

Lately I have come across quite a few women who are having troubles with heels. Whether its walking, finding a comfortable pair, or just avoiding debt from buying too many pairs; some women aren't sure how to manage. While the answers are simple, sometimes in the frenzy of loving-buying-wearing heels the simple rules can be forgotten. Here's a guide to help those who are: just coming into the world of shoes, are addicted but keep buying shoes they "cant wear", and everyone in between.
There are 5 factors to keep in mind when you buy heels:

1. Do you love them?
   You must love the heels that you buy. Not like, love. Its a big commitment to wear heels, and if you only like the pair of tan suede clogs you just bought, you'll be more inclined to look right over them in your collection. Thus they collect spider webs and dust and you just wasted $40 or more. If your heart doesn't skip a beat/race and your not dreaming about all the fabulous outfits you can create with those clogs, move on.
2. Are they your style?
   Trends come and go, but style, especially personal style that has been polished to your exact liking: is eternal. Make sure that the heels you buy reflect you.
   
3. Be reasonable.
   There is no need to put yourself in debt for a pair of heels. Buy what you can afford or save up. If the pair that you are dying for (but is out of your price range) just came out, give it a month, and watch the knock-offs pop up. You can find a cheaper version of the signature Christian Louboutin pumps in any color just about anywhere. I bought a pair for $39. Really!
   Also, don't buy doubles. Keep it real: yes a pair of simple black pumps is a stable. Three pairs is not. If those strappy gold sandals look just like the ones you have at home except for the rhinestone detail: move on.
   
4. Buy the right size!
   So they don't have your size, but they do have the next size up. And you think "Well I could stuff in some shoe cushions and then they'd fit like a dream!" I am totally guilty of doing this (5 and 5.5 can be hard finds) and from my personal experience I seriously advise to buy only your size. When heels fit like a glove, walking is much easier, but when you try to make a size work that isn't for you accidents are much more likely. A size too big tends to feel a little wobbly and a size too small just hurts. If your size is not available look elsewhere or for a different pair.
   
5. Are they a comfortable height for you?
   2-3 -inches are the easiest, and best for beginners.
   4-5 -inches are for pros, you need to have your walk down or accidents could be very ugly.
   5 1/2 and up- more power to ya! But not advised for anything other than occasional costume-oriented events.
   

A necessity to make your heels comfortable?

Foot cushions, shoe soles, jellies, inserts- what ever you want to call 'em. Go to target, amazon, or just about any shoe store and buy in bulk. They come in all shapes, sizes, and cuts so that you can add comfort to any painful spot in your shoes. I'm known to have 2-3 pairs of cushions in one pair of sandals, especially if they are just one size up (naughty naughty!). I love to buy these cushions and the jelly ones from Aldo.
It also helps to try them on first, but in the day and age of Internet shopping, its not always a option. Make sure to read a sites return policy before purchasing anything, just in case.

There are 5 golden rules to owning your heels:

1. A walk.
   Stand up straight, lean back ever-so- slightly, relax your shoulders and walk at your own pace. Practice makes perfect. If your talking really hard steps you're either: walking too hard or too tense. Allowing yourself to feel sexy gives your walk personality.
   
2. Know the lifespan.
   I'm talking about how long your feet will last. Sometimes no matter how many foot cushions you use or how great they feel for the first hour, you will find that some shoes fall into certain time frames:
   - 4-5 hour
   - 5-6 hour
   - 5-6 hour (minimal walking/standing)
   - all day
   - all day (with minimal walking/standing)
3. Practice makes perfect.
   Take a few moments to walk around in your new stilettos before debuting them. This will help you figure out where to put cushions if any are needed and what the lifespan is.
4. A killer outfit.
   If your not used to incorporating heels into your attire or you're still getting your look down, do some research. Buy a few fashion magazines, look at pictures of your style muses to see how they wear their heels, see how other girls wear their pumps on sites like lookbook.nu and chictopia.com. Some brands also come out with their own lookbooks, so give that the once over. Grab inspiration anywhere you can: best friends, coworkers, strangers you see downtown! Then put some outfits together, take pictures and see what works.
   
5. CONFIDENCE!
   For your walk, you outfit, your heels, and even your day to have a fighting chance, you gotta feel confident. Heels are a great way to build confidence because they elongate the body, tighten the butt, dress up a outfit, and help cultivate your style. Think of yourself as the chicest gal in town, who could stomp on anyone who gets in her way with her 4' heel, but doesn't bother because she's too busy being a successful glamazon.

Have any of your own rules for shoe shopping? What helps you own your heels?

xoxo Fennec