scarves.

The transition from sunny summer months to freezing fall days is definitely a tricky one, as the change in temperature is so drastic for such a short amount of time. The two seasons are sandwiched together, so maintaining a trendy timeless look tailored for each season without completely restocking your wardrobe can be tough, but it isn’t impossible.

I've tried to narrow this post down, so here I've attempted to consolidate scarves into three basic categories: Proper, Actual scarves that do what they're supposed to: Keep people warm, Printed scarfs that are light and are perfect for summer, and Solid Scarves which tend to be heavier.

You’ve probably heard this a thousand times on numerous blogs and websites, simply because it’s completely true: Scarves are the perfect fall accessory. They’re an affordable, versatile and fun-sized addition to any wardrobe. There’s no need to shop at Saks for them either; any decent scarf can look a million bucks with skinny jeans, suede boots and an oversized tote.

Scarves are the simplest accessories. People doubt the power of a length of fabric draped casually across one’s shoulders; but scarves are able to achieve an immense caliber of chic. Knits are super cute and are the best in terms of insulation, and what better opportunity for a weekend DIY project? Cashmere is my all time favourite type of fabric; my Grandma is the queen of beautiful cashmere cardigans; their luscious texture and silky feel have me in love. Statement scarves are an absolutely stunning addition to any ensemble when used carefully. Throw on a bright printed scarf to liven up a simple outfit, and add an earth-toned one to neutralize bold clothing choices.

“But how can I pull off such an impeccably stylish accessory without it flapping around in my face or looking twice my age adorned with granny knits?” I hear you meekly cry. Well, fear not. Scarves can be worked with in three thousand different ways; they’re just a length of cloth. 

A classic casual swing is a perfect way to keep warm on a chilly day, and it brings a killer outfit down to earth too. Throw it around your shoulders if the sun’s coming out for an effortless, layered look (avoid layering scarves over industrial-strength raincoats so you don’t end up working the “overdressed snowball” look). If you’ve got a large scarf that fits over your shoulders, use it as a pashmina/shawl (bandana wrap); it’s an elegant look for a nice dinner date and will prevent your arms from sporting oh-so-gorgeous goose-bumps. And if there’s nowhere else to put your scarf (this symptom is highly unlikely, there’s always room for a scarf), loop it around your bag for an instant update. What better accessory could you ask for?

Sources: Here,here,here,here,here,here,

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first blogoversary.

It’s been 365 days since Seven Inch Stilettos was born, and I’m kind of overwhelmed that I have to write a post about this. Instead of reflecting on the past (because I hate reflections and never write them when asked to in school), I want to take this opportunity to share a little about the essence of fashion in my eyes, for those who are up for a short read (and for those who are sitting in a comfortable position right now and are content to remain seated for the next ten minutes.)

 If I had to name a motivation for this blog besides my creepy yet totally justifiable obsession with fashion, it would be all the little faces sitting underneath the great big “JOIN THIS SITE” button, or in other words, all 301 of you who are so dedicated to my blog. You have all helped it grow in your own ways, and this post is to thank all of you for each and every comment, compliment, email, piece of praise, nibble of advice, constructive piece of criticism, and everything else in between.

(It might seem a little weird that I'm putting a bunch of pictures of weird fairy lights and fireworks and stuff, but I immediately associate celebration and happiness with pretty cute pictures of lights and fireworks. Speaking of fireworks, the 4th of July fireworks were amazing. I watched them from the roof of my uncle's boat and they were beyond magical.

Random, off-topic interlude right there.)

I honestly don’t know what I’d do without fashion. It sounds pathetic, because many of us assume a false, superficial definition of fashion. And I’ll try not to launch into a meaning-of-fashion essay, but fashion has changed my view of everything I see in this world into a piece of surreal inspiration. It’s become such a glamorous industry of fame and stardom, yet many true fashion legends bask in the comfort of knowing the primitive, vulnerable and raw nature of the essence of fashion. Style in the early days didn’t comprise of hi-tech runway shows or mass-produced clothing for overrated chain stores.  Fashion was a piece of art, a few pieces of cloth stitched and styled to perfection, draped on a mannequin’s body by a man with a mouthful of pins and a cigar, a sketchpad, and a passion.

I would post a celebratory outfit picture of myself, but considering I'm bundled up quite unglamorously in hoodies and jeans, cuddled up on a lobby chair on a nearby hotel to get wi-fi. Ireland is certainly not the best place to execute your most fashionable outfits, it's way too chilly!

It’s been 365 days since Seven Inch Stilettos was born, and it’s all thanks to each and every one of you reading this right now.

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slow down for allie.

On August 24th, 2009, one life was taken and thousands of lives were changed in the small town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Allie Castner was killed in a car crash while she was crossing the road.

Allie was a dear friend of my cousin, Hunter (now 17). They'd been friends ever since they were in nappies, and they were best friends through Middle School. Although Allie is gone, her memory still lives vibrantly even beyond the boundaries of Marblehead. "Slow Down For Allie" bumper stickers (shown above) have been distributed numerous times, and are now seen on the rear of almost every car in Marblehead. Bracelets are also being sold in support of a scholarship in Allie's name, turning the aftermath of a tragic accident into an opportunity for someone else to succeed. Some houses also have large signs in their gardens displaying the iconic white butterfly motif; Allie's father said to the Marblehead Reporter, "my youngest daughters think of Allie floating around as a white butterfly."

Although this post isn't essentially about fashion, I felt that it was definitely relevant and important enough to have a blog post dedicated to it. This, to me, is a mere representation of the power of subconscious visual awareness that many don't seem to recognize as a functioning aspect of life, and for that matter, fashion appreciation. When we are presented with a stunning dress or a beautifully crafted shoe, we often override the FIRST impression and connection our brains make to it, and thus remember it as a product of our subsequent pondering. I began to wonder whether seeing these stickers plastered all over the town would actually make a change, a mental impact on people, because after all, they're just stickers. It's only now that I realise how important it is to Allie's loved ones that she is remembered, and that her memory fosters a good cause in her place. That the white butterfly I saw three hundred times a day on every car in front of me represents someone's big sister who's gone, someone's daughter who's died.

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universal.

We all agreed that we had quite a time in sparkling LA, I’ve fallen in love with the sunny city and would love to move there and fulfill my dreams of becoming a fashion journalist in the future. We took a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, and sadly it didn’t live up to it’s corny catch phrase; “The Entertainment Capital of LA!” How have I memorized this peculiar slogan, you ask. Well, it was being blared through loudspeakers throughout the park, throughout the day! It was a fun experience, but we all agreed that the newly opened Universal Studios Singapore was better. However, there was one thing that Universal Studios Singapore could never offer, that Universal Studios Hollywood flaunted with much pride; The Studio Tour.

Universal Studios is more commonly associated with a cotton candy colored theme park, but it is the name behind several movies, TV shows and stars that have made a legendary impact on the world of entertainment. The Studio itself is the largest operating Studio in the world, and driving through it on a touristy little guided tram felt purely magical. How exciting it felt to be gracing the artificial streets present in countless star-studded movies. I couldn’t help but think to myself how many celebrities have walked those very roads before us. Rowan Atkinson, Eva Longoria, and Tom Cruise, just to name a few.

The studio is a gargantuan 415 acres, inclusive of the theme park. The view from the Universal Studios theme park offered a great perception of the fictional ‘city,’ as well as a gorgeous skyline. As you can see, none of the fake buildings have interiors or rooftops, and the construction of the ‘city’ is quite clustered. At each sharp turn we took on the tour, we were magically transported to a whole new time and place. At one point we were in old London, with intricate lampposts, London-esque signage and cobbled streets. In less than a minute, we were in a modern-day city, with glass buildings and angular structures. Soon after, we were whisked to old Mexico, and all the low-rise wooden buildings, scattered crates and labeled barrels seemed to be smothered in a pearly, glowing sheen from the sun. The entire experience was so realistic; I felt like I was touring the world with Walt Disney by my side, pointing out all the intricate creative beauty embedded in the vast concrete jungle.

I’m sure all you Desperate Housewives fans recognize this polished fragment of Wisteria Lane, an elegant manicured street embellished with vibrant foliage and a lingering sunlight. This street has been used for several movies and TV shows though, but it is best known for its presence in Desperate Housewives.

We drove past this amazingly realistic set from War of the Worlds – the 747 Plane Crash (that was an actual Boeing 747 that was no longer in use; it was bought for a mere $60,000 but the whopping transportation cost was $200,000).

Picture Car used in the movie “Mr. Bean’s Holiday.” Need I say more?

The set of the city car chase scene in “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.” The cars are attached to large bionic ‘arms’ hidden under the rubber paneling that send the cars lurching forward as if they’ve been thrust into mid-air. We saw a full-on demo of the scene, complete with elaborate special effects such as roaring flames, thick smoke and moving props (my favourite was the faded Japanese cigarette dispenser that glided miraculously around the perimeter of the set to create the illusion of different angles).

This automated rushing river was one of the highlights of the Studio Tour. At the mere press of a button, a foamy river snakes realistically towards us, coming dangerously close to the tour tram. The windows of a nearby house are thrust open, emitting more frothy water into the chaos. The sprinklers atop a nearby pole begin spewing out rainwater, and the entire scene laid out flawlessly was nothing short of delicious to watch. This river has been used in numerous movies, TV shows and commercials, and recently in Lady Gaga’s music video for “Judas.” The best part? The water is mixed with milk so it appears more clearly on camera!

The building in which CSI and Parenthood is filmed.

See that line of buildings? Forget about them being expensive, antique architectural gems; they’re only painted wooden panels!

PS. This post is actually a week late; meaning we experienced the thrill of this spectacular theme park a week ago. However, I wanted to make sure I staggered my posts and varied my content, so apologies if my vacation timeline confuses you!

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