less than average movie, above average acting

After hearing about the movie The Extra Man through fellow blogger Tarver, I was determined to watch it because one of my favorite actors, Paul Dano, stars in it. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed after watching it. The story follows main character Louis Ives who leaves his teaching job at Princeton and moves to Manhattan. There, he moves in with Henry Harrison, an old playwright, who becomes a sort of mentor to Louis. Henry teaches Louis how to become an "extra man" : someone who accompanies wealthy, older women. Along the way, Louis meets a slew of interesting people as well as confronts his crossdressing issues.

Both Paul Dano and Kevin Kline (who plays Henry) do a very good job playing their roles. Dano is convincing as a confused 30-year-old who is just searching for affection, and Kline plays the perfect mysterious, old heartbreaker. However, the movie runs short as far as intriguing plots go. I finished watching the movie thinking "That's it?" There were a couple of characters, including a quirky next door neighbor and an eccentric 92-year-old wealthy woman, that I would have liked to have seen a little more character development from. I also felt like the relationship between Henry and Louis never got to the point that I was waiting for.

Although I only give this movie about a 2.5 stars out of 5, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't give it a try. Give it a go. Who knows, it may become your new favorite movie.

Check out the trailer here.

Daily Style - May 18

shoes - Urban Outfitters

So I didn't actually wear these shoes today, but they make me happy so I wanted to blog about them. I know Urban Outfitters is sometimes notoriously pricey, but these shoes were only $10. Hooray for deals! So next time you go into Urban Outfitters, don't get discouraged by their high prices. You'll more than likely walk out with at least one great steal. Also, don't be scared of shoes with crazy prints like these. So what if they don't match? Wear them anyways! They're a great way to add character to any outfit. 

Daily style - May 15

shorts, belt, necklace - Old Navy, shoes - Macy's, shirt - yard sale

Never underestimate the power of a good pair of shorts, especially black shorts. When I first received these shorts I scoffed at my mom for thinking that I would be ok with a high-waisted short. Now, 3 years later, I applaud my mom for accurately predicting my future style. In my opinion, Old Navy has some of the best shorts for really cheap. So if you want to look casual yet chic, I would recommend investing in a pair of high-waisted shorts in any (or all!) colors. They're excellent for tucking in shirts, making your outfit go from plain, to magnificent. When trying this outfit, flats are always the best way to go. Ballet flats are my favorite, but I (surprisingly) don't own any, so I pulled out my trusty black shoes (they make a constant appearance). 

Album review: Jukebox The Ghost's "Everything Under the Sun"

When it comes to discovering new music, I'll go to any lengths to find that one perfect, new addition for my iTune's library.  This month it happened to be indie pop band Jukebox The Ghost, whom I found via Urban Outfitters' music blog.  The band's most recent release, "Everything Under the Sun," is the perfect concoction of piano, electrifying hooks, and pristine vocals -- making it an instant summer play list staple.

The album opens with "Schizophrenia," a track that sounds fitting for its title.  The song is full of jittery lines and unexpected breakdowns that will have any listener toe-tapping in no time.

"Empire" is the standout song on the album, with its sunshine-y, love-themed anthem bursting at the seams with happiness.

Other notable tracks include "Mistletoe," "The Popular Thing," and "Carrying."

The most monumental track is "So Let Us Create," a piano ballad with haunting falsetto vocals and beautiful, gripping lyrics like: "So let us create what we need each other to be/ And I'll be what you need me to be."
If you're looking for an well-rounded, upbeat album full of quirky sounds, great lyrics, and infectious melodies, "Everything Under the Sun" is a good fit.  Purchase the album online at Amazon.com or iTunes.  For more information on Jukebox The Ghost, check out the band's official site here!

Ombre nails: a sophisticated throwback to the days of multicolored nails

After Lindsay's last post, I decided that now is a good time to introduce the new nail craze: ombre nails. You've heard of ombre hair I'm sure (when the hair starts out darker at the roots and gets lighter towards the bottom), but it appears that ombre nails are the new thing. Most girls remember the days when painting their nails consisted of applying every color you owned on every single fingernail. Today, you can still do the same thing, but there is a nice alternative that will keep you from looking like you let your 5-year-old cousin give you a manicure. To do the ombre nail, all you need to do is grab 5 different bottles of nail polish, all within the same color family, and paint your nails from lightest color to darkest. You'll be secretly channeling your inner little girl without anyone really knowing.

                       

Flirty fingertips: creative nail designs

A fun way to add some pizazz to your look is through fun and fierce nails.  I'll admit it- I actually consider nail polish an accessory!  I change my nail color often, sometimes even to complement an outfit I am wearing.  Although I am partial to dark plum or black nails, here are a few interesting ideas worth giving a shot:




Personally, I stick to OPI for the best quality polish- they last the longest and are the most durable on nails, not to mention the immense selection of shades offered.

Daily Style - May 7

belt - Old Navy, dress, headband - yard sale, necklace - Forever 21

Do you know why I'm so proud of this outfit? Half of it came from a yard sale. Last weekend, I went to a yard sale in Athens to help support a group of students who are going on a mission trip. I've never had a lot of luck with yard sales, but that's probably because I haven't been to one since I was in elementary school, unappreciative of nice, cheap finds. At the yard sale in Athens I snagged a whole bag of clothes, including this dress, for $5, the blue (homemade!) headband for $2, and an awesome multi-colored bag for $2. I was reluctant about wearing this dress since it's so plain, but I fixed that easily by pairing it with some simple yet effective accessories. So next time you go to a yard sale or antique store, I dare you to find at least one thing. You'll be surprised by what you can find and you'll feel good paying under $10 for an entire outfit. 

A unique new way to enjoy your tea

As an avid tea fan, I was more than thrilled when I came across this cute strainer on the Nylon Blog. Shaped like an underwater diver, this strainer would  give me even more of an excuse to enjoy my tea every day at all hours of the day. When the strainer is not in use, it could even serve as a cute little trinket to spice up your kitchen counter. At $20, I think it is worth every cent because it is something that can be used over and over. So go grab your favorite loose tea (Bangkok Lemongrass from Teavana for me) and enjoy your tea in style! 


Check it out here.



                                                                                                                                

Tweet all about it: Social media's answer to downloadable literature

Thanks to indie publisher Keyhole Press, your next e-read is a mere tweet away.  As a way for underground authors to gain exposure and disperse their written work through social network Twitter, select titles are availble for free download in exchange for a tweet on Keyhole's site.  I'm in the process of downloading my first free e-book, One of These Things Is Not Like The Others, a collection of short stories by Stephanie Johnson.  All books available for download are compatible with Amazon's Kindle, the iPad, iPod Touch, and other e-reader devices.

Style profile: Nicole Richie

Being a mother of two doesn't equate to surrendering your Louboutins.  Enter Nicole Richie, former celebutant turned fashion icon who has proven just that.  Much like a fine wine, Richie's style has matured and evolved perfectly over time, with the petite maven epitomizing the look of classy, sultry, boho-chic.  Pairing chunky bangles with evening attire and hardly ever being spotted without a casual scarf slung over her ensemble, Richie's California-cool attitude when it comes to styling is refreshing and unique.  Think you've got what it takes to challenge her effortlessly chic look? Take a cue from the looks below:

Flashy bangles paired with an otherwise simple top add new dimension to a conservative look.
A flow-y floral top topped off with a vest, natural hair, smokey eye make up and a simple hat make for a fun, versatile ensemble that would fit in perfectly at a music festival, lunch date, or shopping trip.
For winter, piling on the layers can be tricky. Ms. Richie pulls it off effortlessly, adding an unexpected pop of fun color with a flirty pale yellow skirt.

Children in tow, Nicole puts her best foot forward in a printed kaftan and boho diaper bag.  Who says mothers can't be stylish too?  Daughter Harlow Winter Kate is sure to follow in her mommy's stylish footsteps!
Aside from being a full time mother, Richie is the mastermind and designer behind vintage jewelry line "House of Harlow 1960," a collection of art deco-esque necklaces, rings, earrings, pendants, and more.  Obviously, the sky is the limit for Richie's conquests in the fashion world- she also recently launched her clothing line, "Winter Kate," available at Nordstrom.