Why Hot Chilly's is the Best Cold Weather Brand

 

Growing up in New England, I always thought that I could handle any cold.  Which is why I chose to go to school at The University of Vermont.  The thing is yes I love snow and all the activities it involves, but harsh winds and freezing cold temperatures tend to keep me inside on bitter cold days.

In my family there’s an allergy that whenever I tell anyone no one ever believes me.  When I was in second grade my family went on a trip to New Hampshire and went swimming in this lake.  Unknown to my family, my father was allergic to the cold.  He went swimming and after being out of the water became unresponsive.  

After this experience my family knows how to do warm.  They know the best temp to keep the house and the best winter clothing to wear outside.  When I was in middle school you were not cool until you had a black North Face denali jacket.  When I was in high school if you had a Patagonia better sweater than you were ahead of everyone else.  Nothing against those brands, I have things from both of them, but nothing beats the warmness and quality of Hot Chilly’s clothing.

When My dad found out about his allergy, we bought him a Hot Chilly’s fleece quarter zip and pant for Christmas, to which he still wears to this day.  Hot Chilly’s is more reasonably priced than other cold weather clothing companies and their clothing never tears or rips.  

Last year was a brutal winter for everyone.  My savior was the thermal leggings I got from there, which I wore under my jeans to stay warm on the walk to classes. In my opinion, Hot Chilly’s has been warmer than any other companies clothing and even on the coldest of days their products never failed. 

How to Throw a Sweet Party on a Budget Featuring Twigs and Twirls

 

I think everyone my age would love to throw a party where the only decoration wasn’t just a table big enough to play beer pong on it.  But the thing is no 20 something has the money to spare to throw a party that is Pinterest worthy.  That was until I found Twigs and Twirls.  Their decorations are very unique, simple, and perfect for throwing a little party with your friends.

One of my favorite things they have in their shop are the balloons.  They reminded me of the ones that Kourtney Kardashian had during her baby shower.  What I like about them is they are perfect props to take pictures.  No need to print out some photo booth props for your party, these simple balloons are great for an artsy pic with your friends.

Another simple kinda genius item in their shop is their printed straws.  They are a great way to add some more color to your party.  If you want to drink out of them or just use them for decoration, they will look great.

No party is complete without some type of banner or garland.  Now do not do what I did when setting up this garland.  Use the tips and the video they use on their website.  It is hard to put together if you do not use their help.

If you want an easier garland to set up rather than the paper garland, use the balloon garland.  What I love about these is they remind me of the 80’s prom I always wish I could have gone to.  On a side note, I really wish instead of the Great Gatsby theme everyone seems to be obsessed about, someone would throw a sick 80’s themed prom party.  Hint hint should so be Kris Jenner’s next B-day party.  

 

Why You Need to Know about Kitty Whoop Ass

 

There are three important things everyone knows about me; I love food, fashion and most especially, animals.  I don’t think I’ve gone longer than a week without my dog being the background on my phone. A few weeks ago, an organization reached out to me called Kitty Whoop Ass.

 

Kitty Whoop Ass was launched in November of 2015 by Jules Lavallee.  Jules is a little like me; she’s sarcastic, an entrepreneur, and has a passion to help people.  She began her career as a writer for a software magazine and a technology marketing consulting.  One thing Jules is passionate about is helping find a solution to end homelessness.  She spends many days a week volunteering for a soup kitchen, hosting clothing drives, and fundraising.

Kitty Whoop Ass is kinda like Jules alter ego.  For each shirt that is sold, one dollar of the sales goes to Big Cat Rescue.  These shirts and mugs are a great idea for Valentine’s Day because they are a gift that actually means something.  Yes, getting a box of chocolates is pretty sweet, but helping animals in need is more important than any sweet treat.

 

How Important are Lables to You?

 

It seem like brands and labels are becoming even more important to us.  You’re more likely to hope and wish for the Ralph Lauren boots rather than the ones that look pretty much identical and cost half the price.  Branding is something that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I don’t understand why you would want to carry around a handbag that has MK on it or little crossed LV’s on it.

When I was thinking about what to say in this article I thought about how branding starts.  The thing is we all think it starts when we reach middle school.  When I was in middle school, If you were not wearing Hollister or Abercrombie and Fitch you were not fashionable.  But the thing is branding does start there.

Branding starts when you are too young to care about what you are wearing.  Think about the Disney movie Frozen.  Whether you walk into a toy store or a grocery store there is frozen cereal, fruit snacks, and many other items.  The reason companies do this is children are likely to see Elsa on the package and ask their parents to buy it.  

That brings up the question: Is branding bad? It seems harmless to let your child pick up the Frozen gummies rather than the Welch’s ones.  Personally, I do see branding as a bad thing.  The reason being is bags that have the designer’s logo on them, I don’t think the people are buying them because they like the bag.  I think they are buying them because of the name and for what the other people are thinking about them holding the bag.

The thing is buying labels is not important, not saying you should buy fake designer purses.  But paying a $50 purse at TJ Maxx from an unknown designer is no different that spending hundreds on a bag made by a famous designer.  

For example, I am completely in love with the cedar wallet from Kate Spade which costs $178.  Yes, my brothers said they same thing you’re thinking “Cara you don’t even have $178 to put into a wallet” but still the wallet I have that has the same concept is just not the same.  The reason is marketing.  When you spend the extra money on things it gives you a little more confidence.  

The reason this happens I would love to know.  I don’t spend a lot of money on my clothing at all, but still I love my Vans more than I like my sneakers I got from American Eagle for more than half the price.  They are made the same, but I’ve worn my vans hundreds of times, but my American Eagle sneakers not more than twice. 

16 Fashion Rules to Break in 2016

Photo courtesy of donaldjpliner.com

There’s one thing I kinda love and hate about fashion. What that is, is there are these “rules” and if they’re broken, you’re outfit is not perfect.  The reason why I love them is some of them are helpful.  For example, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.  The reason being is when you are overdressed, you will look amazing and everyone will be oohing and awing over your outfit.  The reason why I don’t like it is I feel like it holds us back. Like for example, the picture of Britney and Justin wearing denim on denim.  Denim on Denim is not a fashion no no if done in the right way.  Here are a some fashion rules you should break in 2016.

1. Fashion Rules are meant to be taken seriously and followed

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

There’s not a set rule book of fashion rules in a book similar to the bible. Even though they want you to treat their magazines like the bible. You don’t always have to listen to what Vogue and Elle have to say.

 Flannel: Urban Outfitters

Jeans: Bullhead Pacsun

Sneakers: Vans

2. High Waisted Pants are “Mom Jeans” 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

When people think of high waisted jeans they think about the 70’s and what fashionable moms wear at soccer games. Well those soccer moms saw the trend way before any fashion mogul. I love high waisted pants, it makes your legs look longer and it also is an excuse to wear a crop top in the winter.

Jeans:Totokaelo

Sweater: Nordstrom

Sneakers: Vans

3. Loose Styles Are not  flattering 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

There seems to be a stigma that if you wear loose fitting clothing than your outfit looks flattering and it hides your shape. The thing is I think loose fitting clothing looks better than bodycon clothing. Also you are not constantly adjusting everything.

Sweater:Free People at Macy's

Jeans:Nordstrom

Purse:Lulus

Heels:Express

Sunglasses: Cole Haan at Nordstrom Rack

4. Don’t Wear Socks and Sandals 

Photo courtesy of themomedit.com

If you said this to someone around UVM you would not make many friends. Wearing socks with sandals is becoming more trendy than hunter boot. Which I kinda love because when I feel lazy just throwing on my fake berks is perfect.

Sweater: Venus

Jeans: Nordstrom

Socks: Torrid.com

Sandals: Birkenstock at Zappos

5. Faux Diamonds are a fashion pass 

Photo courtesy of weheartit.com

I have no shame wearing the diamond earrings I got off Amazon for five dollars and neither should you. You don’t want to have a Kim K meltdown when you lose your expensive diamond earrings, do you?

Earrings: The Limited

Necklace: King Ice

Bracelet: Jet

6. Brown and Black don’t mix 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

I personally hate this rule more than all the other ones.  I love how my brown boots look with my black dresses.  And how is brown boots under leggings not fashionable?

Boots: Steve Madden at 6pm

Pants:Hot Chilly's

Jacket: ASOS

Blue Dress:Modcloth

Hat: Talbots

 7. Sweatshirts are for Athletes

Photo courtesy of weheartit.com

 Sweatshirts are kinda amazing.  Their cozy and warm and there's no reason why you shouldn’t think they are fashionable.  Pair a sweatshirt with a skirt or a cute flowy pair of shorts and your outfit will be transformed.

Sweatshirt:Calvin Klein

Jeans:Top Shop

Sneakers: Nordstrom

8. Sequins are for Night Time 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

There is no reason why sequins have to be saved for after dark.  When matched with the right complimenting clothing and accessories, you can even wear sequins to work and look completely professional.

Blazer: Guess Factory

Shirt: Nordstrom

Jeans: 7 for all man kind

Heels: Christen Louboutin At Barney's

9. Pastels are only for Spring Time 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

Pale purple is one of my favorite colors and many people agree that they miss wearing these colors in the dead of winter.  Even though I also love black, wearing pastels are a nice way to add in some brightness to the darkest winter days.

Jacket:Jacket

Scarf: Last Call

Jeans: Nordstrom

Bag: Guess

10. Only wear one focus color at a time 

Photo courtesy of justjared.com

Someone once said that you can not wear bright orange with another bright color.  I’m here to tell you that person was completely wrong.  Ever seen Kerry Washington on the red carpet?  Well her stylist is one of the best because she can make mixed matched colors be the most complimenting.

Dress: Bloomingdales

11. Red Lips are only for going out 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

I think T Swift proved that you don’t have to make up an excuse to wear red lips.  Whether you are doing the dishes, having brunch with your friends, or a date with the person you’ve been crushing on.  Rock those red lips.

Lipstick:Nars At Sephora

Scarf: ASOS

Jacket: New York & Company

Tights: H & M

Boots: Nordstrom

12. You Should Always Match 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

There is not reason you’re outfit has to be completely matchy.  To be completely honest, I barely ever have socks that match.  Try new things, maybe you’ll be surprised and two colors you never thought would work will be perfect.

Jacket:Zaful

Romper: Revolve Clothing

Clutch: ETSY

Necklace: Ross Simons

13. Sneakers are only for the Gym 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

Converse are one of the most underrated fashion footwear in my opinion.  I would rather have a pair of white converse than a pair of Louis Vuitton’s.

Jacket: LL Bean

Shirt:Anthropologie

Skirt:Lulus

Sneakers: Converse

14. You Can’t wear red to a Wedding 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

Unless you stand up in the middle of a wedding, walk up to the altar, and make out with the groom, there is no way you’re going to upstage the bride at her wedding.  It’s her day and everything is about her, which it should be.  Red’s a hot color, wear it proud.

Dress:Nordstrom

Clutch: Zappos

15. Stripes make you look bigger 

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

In my opinion, cheetah print is one of the most unflattering prints, but everyone stays away from stripes because they think it makes you look larger.  It couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The thicker the stripes, it may tend to make you look bigger.  If you do think they make you look larger, stick to thinner stripes.

 Dress:Top Shop

Boots: Steve Madden

Shall: Nordstrom

16. Shorts are for Summer  

Photo courtesy of lookbook.nu

Even though most people rock shorts in the summer, just because the days are shorter you can still rock those same shorts.  Wear a pair of tights under them and pair them with some cute boots or some ankle boot heels, and you’re set.

Coat:Nordstrom / Top Shop

Blazer:The Limited

Sweater: Turtle Neck

Shorts: H &M

Shoes: Black boots

4 Ways to not Loose Motivation Over Break

 

Currently I’m sitting at my desk trying desperately to remember the article idea I had for today.  But after hours of searching my brain, I’ve come up blank.  Also, it’s currently Thursday and I was suppose to have my articles done by Tuesday because soon I have to get ready for work.  

It seems the motivation I had this break went away when Santa went back to the North Pole.  This break, I had a couple of goals which were: learn how to take amazing photos, work full time on my blog, and start my top secret project, but instead of doing these things every day I have fallen into a Netflix coma.

Yes, I am on break from a very stressful semester, but my couch has turned into a black hole, which causes me to watch Once Upon a Time for 72 straight hours.  Here are a couple tips that might help you gain a little motivation to take a break from the Netflix marathon and be a little more productive.  

Do not make your binge watching seat too comfy

 

If you are in an overly comfortable situation the chances of you getting up and taking a walk outside are slim to none.  Not saying you should be uncomfortable when watching tv, but having a husband pillow, blanket, and hot cocoa not far away, the couch might become a part of you.

Go Outside

 

“Climate Change” has gifted us with some warm weather and we should be taking advantage of it.  Because you don’t have to be layered up right now, grab a sweatshirt and take yourself to a cool place in your town and enjoy yourself for a little bit.  Fresh air is a spark for motivation.  

Get Up When You Wake up

 

Unless you stayed out till 4am last night the chances that you need to sleep in to 2pm are probably not necessary.  What I do when I wake up is I spend at least and hour or two trying to get more sleep.  When that comes to a lost cause I usually spend an hour going through my social media accounts on my phone.  When your eyes open motivate yourself to get a start to the day.

Limit your Binge Watching

I think I know better than anyone that getting into a good show can make a break seem like it’s two seconds long.  Watch a max of three episodes a day and only when it’s dark outside.  

Rainy or Snowy Days Are Not a Lost Cause

The past three days have be gross and cold, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend all day watching TV.  Rainy days are perfect to relax.  Start an art project or grab a yoga mat and do some exercising. 

My Thoughts on Body Image

Body image is a hot topic among all youth and fills the pages on the most popular fashion magazines.  For a while I wanted to share my thoughts on body image and what I believe needs to change for young adults to have a healthy view of themselves.  

One of the aspects of our society that has hurt people’s ideas of their body image is magazines.  Even though Photoshop seems like a harmless computer program, it creates a fantasy about what a person is suppose to look like.  I remember I was watching an episode of the Kardashians and not even after the photo shoot was completed one of the sisters said, “They better Photoshop them.”

Everyone strives to be perfect, even the people that say they don’t care or don’t try want to be perfect.  The thing is, we can’t be perfect because what is perfect?  

There’s another thing about body image I really wanted to bring up.  I watch The Mindy Project and just recently watched Trainwreck.  In both of these the main actresses, Mindy Kaling and Amy Schumer, are making jokes about their own weight or one of the supporting characters is making the joke.  This may not be the opinion of the masses, but I don’t think it is alright to make a joke about a woman's weight especially when I think those are two gorgeous actresses.  

Image from glammer.com

There are many articles about how to end the stigma of body image, but to tell you the truth I think the solution is impossible.  Magazines and companies are always going to use Photoshop, which is horrible because we are never going to be able to see a real image of someone on the cover of a magazine.  Fashion is a world that strives for perfection, which is something I really prefer not to stand for.  In my opinion, fashion should be like a messy experiment, it’s what makes me love fashion.