Jennifer & Miley: Year of the Queens

Jennifer Lawrence rules the acting world. Miley Cyrus rules the music industry. Both are under 25. 2013 has been the biggest year yet for the two stars and 2014 can only have bigger and better (we hope!) things in store for them, and their loyal fans, too! The two are very different, but still very similar, in my opinion. And it's my blog, so, yes, my opinion actually does matter here!

Jennifer Lawrence was just named Associated Press's Entertainer of the Year. The recognition doesn't come as a surprise. She won an Oscar, SAG Award and Golden Globe for her role as the widowed Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook beating out Meryl Streep (and she wasn't afraid to, jokingly, let everyone know it!). While winning that Oscar, she fell up the stairs to the stage and we still loved her.  She killed the red carpet during awards season, wearing Dior each time. Handled a wardrobe malfunction flawlessly at the SAG Awards. She's the star of The Hunger Games trilogy, which is proving to be much more than your average novel-turned-film. She was on the cover for Vogue's September issue. She's also received a 2014 Golden Globe nomination for her role as the comedic, yet psychotic, wife to Christian Bale in American Hustler, and another Oscar nod on the horizon. This year is already shaping up to be a good one for her!

The thing I like the most about the two girls is that they aren't afraid to speak their minds. They're sassy and honest, a trait we can all appreciate. They don't care what people think about them and don't hide who they are just because they're at an event or being interviewed. This is something we can all learn from! Take note readers: be yourself and say how you feel. Simple enough, right? Let's not forget the major leap they each made in chopping off all their locks!

Miley Cyrus is my age and maybe that's the reason I cannot stop rooting for her. In the last few years she has (not quite in this exact order) fallen in love, gotten engaged, been cheated on  (and by the lyrics in her new album, she found out herself she had been cheated on), fired her entire management team and handles almost everything herself, broke off her engagement, dressed up as a teddy bear and twerked on Robin Thicke (it was a joke, people!), released a beautiful album, swung naked on a wrecking ball, smoked a blunt on stage, commanded the twittersphere, landed the cover of numerous magazines like Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Cosmo and Rolling Stones (she did, however, lose the cover of Vogue after her VMA performance. whomp.), had the most views of a music video on VEVO, sang with a cat crying diamonds and had one of her dogs die all while being in the public eye. We may not understand all of her motives, but she is a strong girl and even a smart business woman! She's recreated herself to the public with her appearance and social media platforms all on her own. No matter if you love her or hate her, you are talking about her! You are waiting to see what she does next and she doesn't care if you are booing or cheering because she got you to watch her. You don't have to agree with what she does, but she does it with power and confidence. Can you say the same for yourself? (I smell New Year's Resolutions..)

Here are a few of my favorite looks this year from these lovely ladies:

Love them or hate them, these power women aren't going anywhere, and I couldn't be happier.

ALL HAIL THE QUEENS!

As if I could pass up this throwback...

2014 Must-Haves

That time is upon us yet again, ladies and gentlemen: the start of a new year. This will not be a post for the weak. We don't want anyone making a New Year's Resolution they can't keep! If you know you're going to let that new gym membership go to waste after the first of February (or let's be honest, mid-January), don't buy it! It is better to start the year off with a positive attitude and a new take on things. Start slow and easy! You cannot expect yourself to change your life in 3 days when that ball drops, and you shouldn't be putting that kind of pressure on yourself to do so. Now that my 30 seconds of motivation is over...Let's get on to what kind of things you should be putting on yourself this year: clothes, makeup, shoes. This is just a short list of a few of my favorite things that I want or have and think will be a perfect companion to you in 2014.

First on my list.. drumroll please..

PARTYSKIRTS

You may not have entered the party with a significant other to kiss when the clock strikes midnight, but show up in one of these babies and you just might find one! They're flirty, fun and sophisticated. They're 100% silk, which makes for a beautifully saturated color. In various gem tones, patterns and lengths, you'll want to get your hands on at least one of these in 2014. 

Fun Fact: PARTYSKIRTS was created by sisters Lauren and Mariel Armstrong simply because they couldn't find the perfect party skirt and now they've turned it into an amazing company!

They are a little pricey, but a classic piece like this will never go out of style. Sometimes investments need to be made ladies! Once you see the styles below, you'll know why I've been drooling over all of them, + why they're worth the small dent in your Visa (or AmEx girl, go 'head) statement next month.

 TIP: Check out the "After Party" section of their website for the skirts on sale!

Lady Length in Navy

http://www.skotapparel.com/collections/classics/products/navy-lady-length

Classic in Oxblood

http://www.skotapparel.com/collections/after-party/products/oxblood

Elizabeth and James Nirvana

(Black and White)

Our favorite TV twins are at it again! If you didn't know, Elizabeth and James is one of the lines Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have created. This is their first fragrance since the tween line they had at Walmart back in the day. (Don't lie. You owned at least half of it. I literally still have my MK&A hair dryer that my mom and I use at home 10+ years later. Sad? Maybe. True? Absolutely.)

 Ashley said they had been working on the project for two years and that "black took about a year and a half to finalize, and to get to a place where we were happy." Naturally, there are two scents. Nirvana Black is, literally, a darker scent that mixes violet, sandalwood and vanilla. Nirvana White is florally, musky and mixes lily and peony. They don't hit stores until January, but Sephora just had a two week preview and I was lucky enough to test them before they went back in hiding until the new year. Personally, I favored Nirvana Black. I can't really decide why, but that will definitely be the one I purchase next month. A new scent might be exactly what you need in 2014!

Step away from that Bath & Body Works Body Mist (seriously) and splurge a little! 

That's what this year should be about: treating yourself.

When you look (or smell) good, you feel good!

I'm not saying you need to go on a spree and max out your credit cards, not that I would judge you at all if you did, but even one special item can put a little spring in your step, whether it's at work or at school, and your positive energy can lead to great things!

Nirvana's ad campaign

Nirvana Black and Nirvana White

Urban Decay Naked3

The latest Naked palette did not disappoint! All 12 rose-hued shades are never-before-seen and it is my favorite of the Naked trio. They'll make you want to never see another palette again! The shades range from shimmery pale pinks to a matte black with rosy flecks. I've found that the worst part about having this palette, is wanting to wear all 12 shades at once. Cliche, but so very true. If you're fair-skinned like I am, this palette was made for you! I also have the Naked2, but will now be reserving those shades for evening and night affairs and for when I get a little color in the summer (LOL JK I'm pale 365). If you have a darker skin tone, spring for the original Naked palette.

Fur Jacket

(of any kind!)

When I was 8 or 9, my best friend and I had matching fur jackets from The Gap. They were the color of my golden retriever Molly and absolutely huge. We were killin' it at a young age and now over a decade later I found myself searching for another fur jacket. I finally found the perfect one at H&M and at only $25! Don't worry: it's not nearly as big as my old one. If you don't think you can pull off fur, you're not trying hard enough. You can do it if you want to! Take a risk this year and jump into a pile of fur or, like I said earlier, start slow, and go with a vest.

They keep you feeling warm and looking great!

http://www.hm.com/us/product/17303?article=17303-A

Well, that's all for now, kiddies. I hope that you enjoyed my little list and that you will let it help you create your own list of must-haves! Make a promise that you will treat yourself to something special in 2014 and have fun while doing it.

Happy New Year!

Boot Camp

As the holiday season sneaks upon us and the temperature goes down (unless you're like me and living in the south where it was 81 degrees yesterday. yes, 81.) girls have one thing on their mind: boots! We all love them and we all wear them. They come in all shapes, sizes, heel height and color. You can dress them up and you can dress them down. They can keep you warm as you battle the chill of a late November night on the town. They're perfect!

As we get older, it's time to learn that there is more to boot fashion than the (unfortunate) standard UGG boot. Yes, they're warm, cozy and convenient, but are they worth the snow/slush/mud stains and the lack of shape they provide to your body from the knee down? I'll let you make the decision yourself after you peruse a few of these boot-iful (HAD TO.) alternatives.

COMBAT BOOTS:

These gender neutral (men, take note. we're begging you.) babies are my favorite and I have a studded pair and a more traditional pair that I've literally worn into the ground and refuse to throw away. I think they look even better "distressed" with my holes, ripped leather, splattered paint and burn marks that I just cannot part with them. They are the easiest way possible to make your outfit a little edgier. They complete almost any outfit for nearly any occasion. I can't keep my hands off them! There's no reason to stick to black, either. Colors are your friends, people! Brown, sand, blush, garnet, etc. 

all combat boots are Steve Madden

THIGH HIGHS:

No one quite does a thigh high boot like Stuart Weitzman. All of these can be worn for a night on the town with your friends, a date night or a day in the office over a pair of black skinnies. (however, I would suggest a 3 inch heel or lower for the office. don't get carried away!) These boots keep you warm, keep you feeling sexy and flatter you.

all boots are Stuart Weitzman

ANKLE BOOTIES:

I wear my H&M black suede ankle booties all year long. I don't care if they're suede and a little on the winter side. They're perfect for dressing up any outfit, and at a heel height of 3inches, keep me from looking too dressed up. These are the ultimate date night booties and will make your legs look fabulous! Paired with skinnies or tights you can't go wrong. Black booties are a staple we all should have, but don't forget to step outside of your comfort zone and buy a bright color, too. (I'm obsessed with my cobalt blue Aldo booties.)

Top row from left: Stuart Weitzman, Tory Burch, Chloe

Bottom row from left: SEE by Chloe, Saint Laurent, McQ Alexander McQueen

What are your go-to boots this season? Are you ready to take a risk with a bright color or higher heel? It's your time to treat yourself to something amazing, and what's more amazing than shoes?!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Demi Lovato + Minnie Mouse

Pixie Makes Perfect?

It is officially taking the salons by storm: the pixie.

People may have done it prior to that night in August when Miley Cyrus tweeted her new 'do, but it didn't make headlines until now.

You know what twitpic I'm talking about:

And let's not forget the variations that followed...

The Queen's prime, in my opinion.

It seemed the look skyrocketed from this point on, or maybe we just started noticing more women that already had it? Either way, a trend has emerged.

Check out a few of the women that were ballsy enough to chop off their locks:

The sweet, southern Kristin Chenoweth debuted her short look earlier this month. She has the bone structure to pull it off wonderfully, but she no longer looks like the innocent Broadway star she once did. Maybe that was the point?

Jennifer Hudson

Pamela Anderson

Jennifer Lawrence was the biggest shock with this look! I need a few more pictures to decide how I feel about this look, but I will still forever love this feisty, bold 23-year-old.

Here on Minnie Maus Fashion Haus, we like to give credit where credit is due. And if we're being honest (and humorous), here are the women who really started this trend.

(and one has thankfully left it behind)

Pink's been rocking this look for well over a decade now. 

Wigs were made after this mom of 8 had a makeover and got this cut.

We cannot be happier she has since grew it out.

A post on pixie cuts wouldn't be complete without the pixie queen herself, Tinkerbell.

What do you think about this hair trend? Would you do it?

Check back soon!

Alana Fuscardo

Teen Vogue Fashion University

This weekend I went to New York City to attend Teen Vogue's annual Teen Vogue Fashion University! It was definitely an honor to be accepted into the program and to be able to have the opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable and experienced men and women in the fashion industry. The weekend started on Friday with a Kick-Off Event held by Express at their Madison Ave. location. While I was there I got to meet amazing girls and also Teen Vogue's VP and Publisher, Jason Wagenheim. He is a fellow GAMECOCK! It was so exciting to meet such an influential man at the magazine and to know he went to USC, too. It was a huge boost of confidence as well as meeting the Social Media Manager who is from Pittsburgh! It was definitely a kick to keep working towards my goals and shows that if you work hard enough you really can live your dreams. (corny, yes, but true!)

 Jason Wagenheim

Saturday began with registration where we received our ID pass and a huge Shopbop bag full of merch and goodies! 

Then we went into the Hudson Theatre for a panel led by EIC Amy Astley with Teen Vogue editors. Some of the tips that were given by the crew:

 Amy Astley said that journalism "is not a dying field." "People crave information," she said. "It's just that they're getting it in many different ways now." Have no fear aspiring journalists! As long as people want information, we will be here to give it to them in all different ways. 

Teen Vogue's style features director Andrew Bevan, better known to some (Amy Astley included) by his twitter handle @bevansburg, says that "you have to be on your toes."

Information today is all about accessibility. Everyone wants it, they want it now and everyone has access to it. Social Media Manager Drew Elovitz gets info out to readers from all different social media platforms. Her role in the magazine shows how the industry is always changing with new technology. The way the magazine is perceived and displayed on social media is such a huge aspect to teenagers now and she is responsible for how they are represented and come across. They said they want to offer their girl a 360 degree point of view.

Health & Beauty Editor Elaine Welteroth said, "Build it and they will come."

Gloria Baume, Teen Vogue's fashion director, says to "take it upon yourself to do something with pride." This is something everyone can learn from: if you're passionate enough about something, keep working hard at it, stay positive, and it will happen!

Thankfully, but not surprisingly, people would still rather look at print magazines as opposed to the online version. There is something magical about the combination of photography, clothing, and story line. 

 

I then took class with Danielle + Jodie Snyder of jewelry line Dannijo. They were sweet and funny and encouraged everyone to work hard and not give up. You never know when you will get your break! I also saw designer Thakoon Panichgul who gave advice on taking a leap of faith and going after what you believe in. (This was the overall theme of TVFU–definitely a positive environment to learn from!) He did not study fashion in college and thought this may have even been of an advantage to him later on.

Eddie Borgo told us about his path and journey of how he launched his jewelry line and gave the small class each a beautiful pair of spiked rose gold earrings! They show off how simple, chic and bold his style is. Coco Rocha talked about how she works for the better treatment of child models under the age of 18. The law was recently passed and says that child models will be granted protections  from exploitation, abuse and unacceptable working conditions. You could tell how passionate and strong of a woman Coco is (and ridiculously funny, too!) and it was amazing to learn from such a role model. The founders of blogs Into the Gloss and The Coveteur were there and gave info on how to keep readers interested in a blog, how to come up with new info and how to unplug from it all when you can. (I definitely took some notes and their advice on this segment for Minnie Maus!)

http://theluxeminimalist.blogspot.com/2013/10/teen-vogue-fashion-university-day-2.html#more

 

Topshop held an event for us students that night at their SoHo location! I got to meet a lot of great people and snack on the delicious ice cream sundae bar and other desserts they provided while we sang along to the DJ. 

Sunday we screened The Editor's Eye and then Vogue fashion editor Phyllis Posnick, who is featured in the film, gave us insight to the industry. I asked her what she thought social media was doing to the beauty and health industry and she said, "When the Kardashians are the standard of 'chic' and 'beauty' we're in big trouble." Probably one of my favorite quotes of the weekend. She is so smart and blunt. I really wanted her to have a hand-held microphone so she could drop it on stage and walk off like the badass she is, but oh well. In my mind that is what happened.

After this, it was time for graduation! We all were awarded 'diplomas' and said our goodbyes to the great new friends we made. What a great weekend! I can't thank Teen Vogue enough for such an amazing opportunity and I can't wait to see what happens next for me!

Until next time my few, but faithful, readers

Alana Fuscardo

2013 Primetime Emmy Awards

My apologies, fashionistas.

I am so sorry for not posting in months! I will try to be on my game a little more, but we will see how that goes. A little update: I am a PR intern at a PR firm here in Columbia, SC called Flock and Rally Events + Communications. I am on the PR Team for Garnet and Black Magazine, USC's campus mag, and I also blog for them. And of course, I am still VP of PR for Fashion Board. Juggling these commitments with 6 courses and taking care of a dog (and still trying to find time to go out with friends and be a 20 year old college student) gets a bit overwhelming so please forgive my absence!

ANYWAYS! This post will be all about the 2013 Primetime Emmy Awards that happened last night and the fashions and trends that were hot on the red carpet.

First things first, the Master of Ceremonies, Neil Patrick Harris.

He looked great all evening and his banter with previous hosts and Tina Fey + Amy Poehler were hilarious! When asked to "twerk" he said that would be degrading, to which Amy replied, ""it would be degrading, but we would be de-grateful." NPH also gave a half-time performance in the middle of the show to wake up viewers.

Now on to the fashion!

Jane Lynch is wearing Badgley Mischka Collection. Her make up and styling was much better than it has been in the past. She also gave a remembrance speech about her late Glee co-star, Cory Monteith that was not easy on our hearts or tissue boxes.

30 Rock's Katrina Bowden looked amazing (and I may be biased now) in my favorite Badgley Mischka Cruise 2014 Couture. I am always a strong lover of anything navy, and the attention to detail in the beading is signature to Badgley Mischka and is always a wow-factor.

Rose Byrne may have been my favorite of the night in this blush colored two-piece from Calvin Klein Collection. Her hair, make up, and jewelry are simple and flawless. She must have known her man Bobby Cannavale was going to win for Boardwalk Empire and wanted to make sure she wasn't out-shone by the Emmy in his hand!

Allison Williams was on trend in a blue Ralph Lauren dress last night. The royal blue compliments her hair so well and she looked effortlessly beautiful, and her not-pictured heels were too fierce.

Leslie Mann was a vision in this J. Mendel gown. She shows that age really is nothing but a number and I would love to know her workout regimen.

Taylor Schilling is in a Thakoon gown that was made especially for her. Can you imagine?! I guess wearing all that orange Her Stuart Weitzman heels were simple and chic.

Sophia Vergara is in Vera Wang and –shocker– another mermaid style gown. Yes, she looks beautiful in this style, but yes, it is time for a change! She has a beautiful figure and can pull off any look she wants! She is also wearing Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

Kaley Cuoco in this wine colored Vera Wang gown is to die for. The structured bodice is so flattering and this color would look great on all skin tones. (Give it a try!)

My comedic queen, Julie Bowen, makes me not as fearful of getting older. She is heavenly in this pale pink Zac Posen gown that fits her figure like a dream. Seriously–what are these women doing in the gym?! and when do they find the time?!

Incase you missed it, here is a list of all of the winners:

Best Drama: Breaking Bad

Best Comedy: Modern Family

Best Miniseries or Movie: Behind the Candelabra

Best Reality-Competition Program: The Voice

Best Variety Series: The Colbert Report

Best Reality Program: Undercover Boss

Best Animated Program: South Park

Lead Actress, Drama: Claire Danes, Homeland

Lead Actor, Drama: Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom

Supporting Actor, Drama: Bobby Cannavale, Boardwalk Empire

Supporting Actress, Drama: Anna Gunn, Breaking Bad

Lead Actor, Comedy: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Lead Actress, Comedy: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep

Supporting Actor, Comedy: Tony Hale, Veep

Supporting Actress, Comedy: Merritt Wever, Nurse Jackie (she also wins best speech ever for her "uh..uh.. gotta go. bye.")

Who were your favorite celebrity looks and winners?

Check back for more (hopefully soon) posts!

Alana

              A Minnie Mouse photo to leave you with: