London Local

January 31, 2013

Here's some Fun news: I will be living in London for six weeks this summer! I will be studying and interning there. Though I have never been to London, I am convinced that I will fit in perfectly. Here's why:

1. I am very knowledgable about the royal family.
2. I enjoy going to the theater.
3. I like tea.
4. I love dreary weather.
5. I own rain boots.
6. I've read an extensive amount of books by British authors.
7. I've seen/read the Harry Potter series more times than I can count.
8. I've seen multiple movies set in the United Kingdom.

So there you have it, I'm basically already a local.

New Fashion Trends...

January 25, 2013

Today I was excited to have a little Fun with my sister. We went to the mall! I've been having withdrawals since trying to save money. I was quite disappointed with the new collections though. There's a new trend that I really can't stand: graphic sweaters. Here's a few examples:



Seriously? These are from some of my favorite ADULT stores and they have butterflies and hearts all over them. Gross.

Another trend in Fashion that I noticed whilst shopping: neons. This isn't a new trend, but it's back for spring.  I am not a fan, it looks tacky in my opinion.
It's hard to tell, but this is a neon sweater. The words neon and sweater should never describe the same item.


This is a neon blazer. A neon blazer. I don't think I need to explain this horror.

I'm Owning Up

January 22, 2013

Well, I've been quick to judge other people's Fashion faux pas, so I thought it was about time I own up to my own not-so-chic choices.

1. Let's start with these little gems: Crocs. I know they're horrible, and yet I still wear them shamelessly. Well, maybe not shamelessly, but I still wear them in public from time to time.

2. I know this is an old one and not really considered a faux pas anymore, but I mix silver and gold all the time. I wear a rose-gold watch and a silver ring every day and occasionally mix silver and gold bracelets.

3. I do own an iron, I swear, but I am also on occasion incredibly lazy. So here's number three, wrinkled garments:

4. I realize, and will admit that Uggs aren't attractive, but I do live in Minnesota and so they're quite practical. This is one faux pas that I'm willing to live with:
(Yep, I own three pairs.)

5. I've been told it's the strangest thing that I wear socks to bed. Not only do I wear socks, but I tuck them into my pants so that my pajamas don't ride up. Here's a lovely picture to give you an idea:

6. I've read in magazines that it is now okay to mix brown and black, but in certain scenarios I disagree. Here is what I wear to my internship occasionally, a brown belt with black slacks (fear not, I always have a shirt covering this indecency, so it's our little secret):

7. Here's the finale: gray on gray, wrinkled t-shirt and crocs. I just wore this around the apartment building, but I still saw people on my way to do laundry so I guess that counts as wearing it in public.

Hope you enjoyed! Remember to subscribe to my blog by email :)

Top Ten Restaurants

January 18, 2013

As per request, I composed a list of my top ten favorite restaurants. I struggled with this because there are so many to pick from! There are new finds and old favorites. Here it is:

1. Salut Bar Americain in Edina and Saint Paul. I discovered this one a few years ago with some lovely Friends :)
2. Dragon City Cafe in Minneapolis. This quaint favorite is owned by my high school volleyball coach's family. They have the best won tons in town. No lie.
3. Olympia Cafe in Osseo. I have a weird obsession with gyros, and this place doesn't disappoint.
4. The Saint Paul Grill in...you guessed it: Saint Paul. Though pricey, the mashed potatoes and oven roasted chicken are completely worth it.
5. Henry's Diner in Maple Grove. This diner is always bustling with regulars, but they could always use more business! I am a french toast fiend and Henry's has homemade bread. Need I say more?
6. The Cheesecake Factory in Edina (though I'm still hoping they'll put one in where Border's used to be in the Shoppes). The menu is quite daunting at first, but the plethora of options means trying something new with every visit. They have 38 different types of cheesecake to choose from. Can't go wrong with that.
7. Bread and Chocolate in Saint Paul. Their paninis (why does that look so weird?) are delicious and I can't even begin to tell you how yummy their iced ginger cookies or chocolate croissants are!
8. California Pizza Kitchen in Maple Grove. An oldie, but a goodie. I have a special place in my heart for this restaurant.
9. Pracna on Saint Anthony Main, or really anything on Saint Anthony Main for that matter. It's so cute over there and there's the skyline and the stone arch bridge.
10. Loring Pasta Bar in Minneapolis. My first time there was in January when they still had twinkle lights up (and you know how I feel about twinkle lights) so naturally it was love at first sight. The atmosphere is wonderful, it feels like you're in a fairy forest. Plus they have live music and dancing most nights!

Chocolate!

January 17, 2013

Here's a post about Food, which I tend to neglect in the face of Fashion, which is my favorite "F." Over the weekend (which I'm now realizing was kind of a long time ago) I finally went to Nadia Cakes in Maple Grove. It's been there for months, with all of its glorious desserts, staring me in the face and I just got around to trying it. Anyways, it was delish! My mom and I got these two to split:
 The cupcake on the left was a brownie cupcake (my favorite of the two) and the righthand one was called a chocolate supreme I believe. The shop was charming, with lots of cute little chairs to sit in. I will definitely be going back...maybe for some of their adorable Valentine's cupcakes!

P.S. I have some fun upcoming posts! As per request I will soon be posting my top ten favorite restaurants. Secondly, I realized that I'm quick to judge other people's faux pas and so I will be owning up to some of my own fashion missteps (with pictures!).

The Globes

January 14, 2013

One of the most Fun seasons, in my opinion, is awards season! I love all the celebrities, Fashion and acceptance speeches. I thought this year I would do my own break down of the Golden Globes since I have so many opinions. First of all I made a list of who I wanted to win the various categories. I didn't pick someone for every category if I hadn't seen the movie or didn't particularly love anyone in the category. I picked who I wanted to win based on who I liked, not necessarily who I thought would win, but sometimes they ended up being the same!

Best Motion Picture- Drama: Argo, and it won! Love Ben Afleck.
Best Motion Picture- Comedy/Musical: Silver Linings Playbook, but Les Mis won instead.
Best Actor- Drama: Daniel Day-Lewis, who won and thoroughly deserved it.
Best Director: Ben Afleck, and he surprisingly won! Love him.
Best Supporting Actress- Comedy/Musical: Sally Field. Unfortunately Anne Hathaway won. I thought she was good in Les Mis, but didn't deserve it since she was barely in the movie.
Best Actress in a TV Series- Comedy: Zooey Deschanel, New Girl is just too funny. Leena Dunham won instead.
Best Animated Film: Hotel Transylvania, I thought this movie was great, but Brave won instead.
Best Screenplay: Silver Linings Playbook, this movie was overall fantastic. Django Unchained won, which I have yet to see.
Best Actor in a Television Series- Drama: Jon Hamm, he's been nominated for years and he deserves to finally win. The winner was Damian Lewis.
Best Television Series- Comedy/Musical: Smash, can't wait for season two! Girls won.
Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Mini Series or Motion Picture for TV: Max Greenfield, Schmidt is hilarious. Don Cheadle won.
Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Mini Series or Motion Picture for TV: Sofia Vergara, I think she is just too funny. Maggie Smith won, who is equally deserving.
Best Original Song: "Skyfall" by Adele, who won. I just love everything about her.
Best Supporting Actor: Alan Arkin, I thought he was perfect in Argo. However, Christoph Waltz won.
Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical: Jennifer Lawrence, who won! I love how normal she is.

Now I just had a few thoughts overall about the Globes. First of all I thought that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler killed it. Why hadn't anyone thought of having them host before?? Amy's comment about James Cameron was so awkwardly hilarious. Secondly, Jodie Foster's speech was extremely long and awkward. She just kept rambling and I got bored. Thirdly, HBO needs to stop making so many shows that get nominated. Us poor folk can't watch them because we don't have fancy channels. Fourthly and finally, Clinton. I still can't believe he was there as a presenter. I thought the standing O he received was very nice though.

And now, it is time for my absolute favorite part of awards season: FASHION. This year the colors to wear were red and black.

Let's begin with the worst dressed:

1. Lucy Liu

http://www.glamour.com/images/fashion/2013/1/lucy-liu-carolina-herrera-golden-globes-h724.jpg

This is 2013 Lucy, not 1302 and your name is Lucy, not Louis...let's skip the fruit covered dresses.

2. Jodie Foster

http://www.trbimg.com/img-50f364f7/turbine/la-et-golden-globes-red-carpet-pictures-033/600

Her hair is too severe, especially with the center part. I just don't think the dress was very expensive looking. Sequins can be very tricky to make look classy.

3. Amy Poehler
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/939269/thumbs/o-AMY-POEHLER-GOLDEN-GLOBES-DRESS-570.jpg?1

I just don't like when women do menswear for the red carpet. I understand that the Globes aren't as formal as the Oscars, but I think gowns are still the best option. Fortunately Amy changed for her hosting duties.

4. Halle Berry

http://cdn04.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/halle-gg/halle-berry-golden-globes-2013-red-carpet-03.jpg

This dress looks like it was made by The Buckle...need I say more...

5. Eva Longoria
http://cdn02.cdn.socialitelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13/eva-longoria-golden-globes-2013-01132013-03-435x580.jpg

Waaaay too much skin and I'm confused by the top...

6. Sienna Miller
http://static02.mediaite.com/styleite/uploads/gallery/sienna-miller-botches-it-in-erdem/sienna-2.jpg

Sienna are you six years old?...then what's with the pop up flowers all over your dress?

7. Kate Hudson
http://cdn02.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/headlines/2013/01/kate-hudson-golden-globes-2013-red-carpet.jpg

This dress wasn't horrible, but I'm just so distracted by the collar.

8. Catherine Zeta Jones
http://www.temptalia.com/images/spring2013/2013goldenglobes_catherinezetajones002.jpg

This dress is not flattering and I don't care for the accordion-like skirt.

9. Jessica Chastain
http://www.glamour.com/images/fashion/2013/1/jessica-chastain-calvin-klein-golden-globes-h724.jpg

I was waiting for a wardrobe malfunction the whole night. I really did not care for the hair styling either.

10. Jennifer Lopez
http://media4.onsugar.com/files/2013/01/02/0/192/1922398/cffffa35796d3497_159422105.preview/i/Jennifer-Lopez-Golden-Globes-2013-Pictures.jpg

This woman has no sense of style in my opinion. She is way too old to wear things like this and she needs to start dressing with more class, there's always too much skin.

Now for the best dressed:

1. Jessica Alba
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/939396/thumbs/o-JESSICA-ALBA-GOLDEN-GLOBES-570.jpg?13

I love this color, especially on her, and the accessories were just right!

2. Isla Fisher
http://i.cocoperez.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/jan-13-golden-globes-isla-fisher-getty-coco__oPt.jpg

This is gorgeous and flattering.

3. Taylor Swift
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/939343/thumbs/o-TAYLOR-SWIFT-GOLDEN-GLOBES-570.jpg?3

You should understand how hard it is for me to pick her for best dressed. As much as I dislike her, this dress was lovely, especially the plum color.

4. Julianne Moore
http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/photo_galleries/regular_galleries/1980-golden-globes-2013-what-the-stars-wore/photos/1358130115_julianne-moore-zoom.jpg

I love a good color blocking, so naturally I was drawn to this dress. I think she looks very lovely and elegant.

5. Salma Hayek
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/939398/thumbs/o-SALMA-HAYEK-570.jpg?5

Simply stunning and elegant.

6. Jennifer Garner
http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/photo_galleries/regular_galleries/1980-golden-globes-2013-what-the-stars-wore/photos/1358128930_jennifer-garner-zoom.jpg

This gown is stunning and flattering, everything is done right.

7. Tina Fey
I couldn't find a picture of her alone:
http://www.usmagazine.com/uploads/assets/articles/59237-golden-globes-2013-best-moments-from-red-carpet-show/1358137746_tina-fey-amy-poehler-lg-04.jpg

She looks so tiny! I love the teal sequins, very well done.

8. Sarah Hyland
http://style.mtv.com//wp-content/uploads/style/2013/01/sarah-hyland-2013-golden-globes.jpg

This was my favorite look throughout the entire night. Gorgeous.

9. Naomi Watts
http://media1.onsugar.com/files/2013/01/02/0/192/1922398/fe9fa45cdbbf8824_159423832.preview/i/Naomi-Watts-Golden-Globes-2013-Pictures.jpg

Love this burgundy color and that back is stunning!

10. Emily Blunt
http://i.huffpost.com/gen/939313/thumbs/o-EMILY-BLUNT-GOLDEN-GLOBES-570.jpg?13

I love the little cut outs, it adds something fun! This look is very sleek and elegant.

Well hope you enjoyed! Remember to subscribe to my blog by email!

Cuckoo for this Color

January 10, 2013

This is OPI's "cuckoo for this color," which currently adorns my nails. I bought this color probably three years ago and this is only the second time I've used it. I like this color, but it's tricky when it comes to planning outfits. I can't exactly wear a blush sweater with teal nails...

New Hair!

January 8, 2013

I've had the same hairstyle for the past three years, but today that changed! Here's the before and after:
What do you think??
P.S. Remember to subscribe to my blog by email!

Fun? False.

January 7, 2013

Lately, my boyFriend and I have been watching a lot of movies. It's always quite an affair to find a movie that we can both agree on, so when we do it's exciting. The movies that we agreed on watching recently were: The Shawshank Redemption, The Perfect Storm, and Dead Poet's Society. Exciting? False. These critically acclaimed movies were depressing. Yes, they were commendable movies, but each and every one had some depressing aspect. After viewing all of these movies I've been wondering why can't "good" movies also be happy movies? Therefore I have assembled a list of movies that I think are very good, and never fail to make me laugh.

1. Finding Nemo. (Pixar is so darn clever)
2. The Parent Trap
3. Singing in the Rain
4. Bridesmaids
5. Princess Diaries
6. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
7. Father of the Bride
8. Easy A
9. She's the Man
10. Miss Congeniality 

These movies may not be critically acclaimed, but they sure do make me laugh.

New Year, New Me?

January 3, 2013

I know it's January 3rd and therefore a little late to be making New Year's Resolutions, but better late than never. I promise there will be minimal clichés. This year I want to overall improve my life. Here's what I propose:

Physically (here's the first, and hopefully only, cliché): exercise more. I'm not going to go so far as to say I want to lose X number of pounds because I don't need to, but I just want to feel better. I don't think anyone has ever regretted a work out and so I think I would feel better about myself if I increased how much I exercise.
Also, I want to sleep more once school starts. Lethargy is way too prevalent in my life. I think my life would be better if I slept more, whose wouldn't?
Feel more beautiful. Unfortunately, I occasionally throw myself a little pity party when I think things like "I don't like my hair," or "she's prettier than I am," I need to stop with the self comparisons-they don't help anything. I will make a point to appreciate who I am and to feel beautiful. I will treat myself to things that make me feel beautiful once in a while, like haircuts or new nail polishes.

Spiritually: I want to be more thankful, more satisfied with what I have. I need to learn to not worry about things that I cannot control and let the little things go. I have a surplus of stress in my life, so I would greatly benefit from this mantra.

Financially: stop spending and start saving. I've already been doing this, but I want to continue to be more conscious of my spending.

Socially: I am an introvert and so it's going to be challenging, but I want to put myself out there more. I will try to go to events I would normally avoid because I want to become more comfortable around strangers.

I realize that I'm asking quite a bit of myself and I want to be realistic, but I also want to challenge myself. These resolutions are fairly doable, I'll even start right now...with sleep ;)

Trends

January 1, 2013

Recently I've been going shopping (and not spending money--yay!) and have noticed some Fashion trends that I find confusing. First, there are tons of pastels in the stores:
I'm all for coral pants...just not in December/January. I'm confused as to whether stores are just getting a jump start on spring apparel or if this is a winter trend. Second, bows are everywhere. I was talking with one of my Friends and we agreed that we're iffy about this trend. I like bows on jewelry, for instance a ring, but not on my sweaters:
Lastly, the trend that I am most dumbfounded by is sneaker heels. I just don't understand their purpose or why they're in style. What would you even wear these with...?

Latest Instagrams

© Catherine Day Dreams. Design by FCD.