Beach Playlist

Memorial Day weekend has been said to be the “unofficial start to summer”. So since I am not officially going anywhere this weekend—and right now have to endure the rainy weather in New York— I thought it would be nice to at least have a beachy music line-up.

From the classics to the current “stoned”-worthy tunes, here are 20 songs that are sure to put you in a summer mood.

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1. “Whenever I Call you Friend” –  Stevie Nicks and Kenny Loggins

2. “Let’s Go Surfing” – The Drums

3. “Exodus” – Bob Marley

4. “The Great Salt Lake” – Band of Horses

5. “Summer of ’69″ – Bryan Adams

6. “This Must Be the Place” – The Talking Heads

7. “The Boys of Summer” – Don Henley

8. “Hotel California” – The Eagles

9. “Good Guys (Don’t Wear White)” – Minor Threat

10. “We Used to Wait” – Arcade Fire

11. “Wouldn’t It be Nice” – The Beach Boys

12. “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” – Otis Redding

13. “Last Summer” – Lostprophets

14. “Australia” – The Shins

15. “Reelin’ In the Years” – Steely Dan

16. “Is There a Ghost” – Band of Horses

17. “Down Under” – Men at Work

18. “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles

19. “Wordless Chorus” – My Morning Jacket

20. “Mexico” – James Taylor

Listen to Donavon Frankenreiter’s Beach Playlist on Q by Equinox here.

Top 5

In between working, commuting and trying to find an apartment, which in NYC, well, good luck, I barely have had time to watch my favorite TV shows, let alone write up a blog post. It feels so refreshing to return to my favorite hobby!

From home decor to political preferences, I decided to consolidate my top five obsessions of the week:

1) California Collection by Kelly Lynn Jones

My ‘California Dreamin’ poster hung on my wall in college has nothing on this photography collection. Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for the beach, being in the water and sunshine.

2) Soft Serve Fruit Co.

Fruit, filtered water and a touch of organic cane sugar — that’s all the ingredients this treat needs to be indulgent and healthy. During my first visit, I had the PBJC in a cup: banana soft serve, hot natural peanut butter, chocolate or carob chips, fresh banana & strawberries. One word: obsessed.

3) Urban Outfitters Deena & Ozzy Elastic Wedge

When I first saw the shoes from this catalog (which, the picture inevitably spiked some controversy), I immediately put them on my ‘What I Crave’ board on Pinterest. Perfect for the shift into the warmer season and a back strap for comfort, these platforms are a win! (Shoes are on model on the left).

4) 50 Shades of Grey by EL James

Being an avid reader, I always try to hop on the newest Best Seller hit. Before this becomes a movie, (there’s already talk of it), I wanted to read it for myself.  Little did I know this book is under the erotica/romance section…but that didn’t stop me from reading!

5) Obama: Blast from the Past

Yesterday marked a big day for his younger voters, the studly president spoke at UNC about cutting college tuition costs and appeared on Jimmy Fallon where this photo was flashed on the screen of collegiate-Obama in the 70s sporting thirft clothes. Seriously, could this guy get any cooler? You have my vote!

Tea Party

Tea cups, florals, and brightly painted porcelain china have been customary in the U.S. ever since Blair Waldorf took her first bite of a macaron on “Gossip Girl” or when Tim Burton brought Alice in Wonderland to life by creating a theatrical, well-cast fantastical version suitable for children and adults.

Having spent a memorable summer in London, I learned to admire high tea, delectable pasteries (adopted by France), and of course, the pleasantries of male suitors that surpassed American men for the time being.

Whether you enjoy tea for its health benefits, or like me, have a horribly agonizing sweet tooth, tea time can be enjoyable for both food connoisseurs and the fashionable-minded. With tea rooms popping up all around New York, like Lady Mendi’s Tea Salon, 56 Irving place, and presumably coming to a city near you, here are some treats and trinkets to set the mood.

1. David’s Tea Sweet Indulgence, gift box set of 12
2. Macy’s teacup
3. Anthropologie Watercolor Petals Dinner Plate
4. Tocca Bianca Candle, Green Tea & Lemon
5. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll
6. Laduree Macarons

Under the Sea

In honor of the Oscars tonight, let’s take a look back at 2008–Marion Cotillard in Jean Paul Gaultier. The shape, color and mermaid trend looks exquisite on the French actress and to my excitment, the mermaid/under the sea fad has returned with a vengeance.

Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”

-John F. Kennedy

This Versace ad campaign features a stunning Gisele Bundchen.

While it is still February, I can’t help but lust over summer vacations, bathing suits and the beach, (my ultimate favorite place in the world). Hope this gets you in the mood…happy travels! (Or just day dreams)

1) Goldtone Sea Lovers Starfish Cuff Bracelet, amazon.com

2) Keane Under the Iron Sea Music Print, amazon.com

3) Henriki iPhone 4 case, dannijo.com

4) OPI Mermaid Tears, opi.com

5) Front Cover Mermaid Dreams Eye Palette, forevercosmetics.com

6) Ecote Crochet Mermaid Maxi Skirt, urbanoutfitters.com

7) Oxygen London Sea NY Printed Sequin Jumper, Oxygen London

Fashion of Seasons Past

As the clock moves forward, fashion takes a step back–in time, that is. Spring’s hottest trends feature drop waist dresses inspired by the roaring 20s, cat-eye glasses from the 60s, Bauhaus school principles and floral patterns once found on our mother’s tablecloths. Instead of looking back with horror at all the wacky fads of the past, designers host yesterday’s trends as today’s muse to create fun, bright, change-it-up fashion.

Pretty Pastels 

3.1 Phillip Lim

If there’s one tradition spring brings annually, it’s the broad spectrum of pastels. Pale pink, mint green, lavender and muted blue tops, pants and nails are going to be a hit this season. Make it fun by mixing colors; pair a mint flowy top with pink skinny jeans or carry around a baby blue tote. And remember, all press is good press.

Swingin’ 60s

Karen Walker

If there’s one decade to flaunt this season, it’s the sixties. Prime time shows like Mad Men and Pan Am have inspired the runway with high-waisted pencil skirts, scarves, cat-eye glasses and cropped tops. Whether you are the Peggy Olson type (conservative blouse and skirt), or a hippie at heart (head bands and round sunglasses), there is a 60s look suitable for everyone.

Fitted Florals

J. Crew

A little bit of flower power can never hurt anyone, especially when trying to feminize a look. If you’re thinking about your mother’s floral tablecloth–think again. Skinny pants, blazers and fitted dresses support the floral trend. The result is not only bright and cheery but also sexy and feminine.

Going Gatsby

Biba

Almost an entire century has passed, yet fashion has come full circle. The 1920s are back, without prohibition and–we hope–without the Great Depression. With a remake of The Great Gatsby motion picture coming out Christmas 2012 starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire, buzz about the 1920s have spread and fallen into the hands of today’s top designers. Drop-waist dresses, burgundy-stained lips, ready-to-wear turbans and sequins galore are seeing a comeback.

Bauhaus Brigade

Giuseppe Zanotti

The clean, precise angular Bauhaus look is not only applied to buildings and design–fashion has encapsulated the trend in a big way. To achieve this look, layer solid colors; try a black pant with a yellow turtleneck and red sweater over, or wear a dress that sports color blocks. This look not only slims you down, it glams you up for a perfect transitional day to night look.

**Article to be seen in Spring/Summer issue of Emique Magazine www.emiquemagazine.com.

Going Gatsby

Burgundy lips, flashy sequins and head pieces that were carefully crafted and beautifully worn are some of the fashion hits of the 1920s that are coincidentally spot-on trends as of late.

One of America’s most beloved classics, The Great Gatsby, is seeing its revival with a remake premiering Christmas 2012 starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton and Carey Mulligan.

With the buzz of this born-again classic, it is only appropriate to highlight some of yesterday’s keepsakes that have transformed into today’s fads.

Tiny Turban

Licorice Lips

Fur Flirtation

Classic Couture 

New York, I Love You

The last few weeks were a much needed break. I went home to Overland Park, Kan. for Christmas for (only) three days, and then had a few friends of mine come up to New York for New Year’s Eve, (which was a blast)!

Having an internship and a job at the same time was great but cut my free days short. My staycation with my friends was exactly what I needed to truly take in the scenes and sights of NYC. My favorites: The Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park and of course, the mom-and-pops restaurants and bars you can’t experience anywhere else.

My favorite landmark in New York

 

As an avid reader, I have recently been into memoirs and non-fiction. My current read is Then Again by Diane Keaton. I have always respected the woman deeply and love her sense of effortless style and wit.

 

Me and the girls had a little too much fun on Canal Street, (below).

Five Foods to Help Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

No matter how many times we tell ourselves to avoid that pumpkin pie or that delicious eggnog, it’s a bit difficult to turn down those oh-so-tasty treats when surrounded by family, Christmas music and that extra glass of wine. Here are five foods to munch on before your next holiday party to avoid the unexpected five pounds to creep up in January.

1. Apples

An apple a day really does keep the doctor away. It not only fills you up, it keeps your blood sugar balanced. At under 100 calories each, this fruit can save you hundreds in the long-run. Eat an apple 30 minutes before a meal. It’s full of fiber and it requires more chewing time, so you don’t gobble it all down at once.

2. Greens

Instead of reaching for that breadbasket at restaurants, immediately order a salad instead. Not only are the greens great for you, the fiber helps slow sugar into the bloodstream, making you less likely to be hungry. According to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 42 women who ate a 100-calorie salad before dinner consumed 12 percent less than their counterparts. Just make sure to avoid croutons and high-fat dressing like ranch for a low calorie appetizer.

3. Pine Nuts

Nuts like almonds, cashews and peanuts are a great low-fat snack option, but pine nuts have the most protein, therefore the most filling. Pine nuts also have pinolenic acid, a polyunsaturated fat that stimulates two powerful hunger suppressing hormones. In a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, participants consumed 36 percent less when eating pine nuts prior to a meal.

4. Water

There’s nothing cheaper or simpler than consuming water. Often times when people think they’re hungry, they’re actually dehydrated and instead of pouring a glass of water they take a second helping at dinner. Drink one full glass of water before a meal and add lemon to sweeten it up. Always carry a water bottle with you to stay fully hydrated and to avoid that 3 p.m. vending machine craving.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is known as the super tea–it has many healing properties that reduces anxiety, increases immunity, lowers cholesterol, can help prevent cancer and suppresses the appetite. The tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that boosts metabolism, burns calories and helps curb hunger. Cheers!
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Gifts that Keep on Giving

In the last few weeks, every time I pick up a magazine or check out a blog, there’s usually headlines that read “Best gifts for your girlfriend” or “Gift guide under $50″. Since Christmas is the season of giving, I thought I would change up my gift guide a bit. If you’re going to spend money on someone, why not help out a charitable cause? Below are five gifts that give back to the community in one way or another.

Boxom Stay-There Eyeshadow

This new eyeshadow from Bear Escentuals comes in a rainbow spectrum of colors. Its plush, lightweight texture is waterproof and adds a splash of color perfect for a night out with the gals. Bare Escentuals is making a charitable donation from every purchase to the Canine Companions for Independence–a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing them with highly trained assistance dogs. (Boxom Stay-There Eyeshadow, $17, www.sephora.com).

Pura Vida Bracelets

Cheap and lightweight, these bracelets are perfect stocking stuffers! They come in solids and multi-colors, so perfect for both guys and gals, and have charity-specific bracelets.  Made in Costa Rica, Pura Vida, Spanish for “pure life,”  donates one percent to the Surfrider Foundation, a group that promotes clean beaches. (Pura Vida, $5, www.puravida.com).

Toms Wedges

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we all know about Toms Shoes. Usually known as a casual look, Toms has created a wedge line for the ladies! They come in all different styles, and best of all, they’re probably ten times more comfortable than stilettos. (Toms wedges, $69, www.toms.com).

Apple iPad Smart Cover

For techie lovers everywhere, this is a necessity. This iPad case teamed up with (RED), a popular charity dedicated to researching the cure for AIDS. (iPad Smart cover Product Red, $48, www.amazon.com).

Swiss Army Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Classic

For a limited time, Victorinox, the most popular knife in America, is selling this pink breast cancer awareness pocket knife/key holder. For every knife sold, $1 will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. This is a great idea for a daughter going off to college! (Swiss Army Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbon Classic SD, $16.99).

The Other Olsen

Marie Claire

On the cover of Nylon Magazine, a spread in Marie Claire, and her name in the designer label, Elizabeth & James, Elizabeth Olson isn’t just the sibling of a famous star, or stars, I should say, Mary-Kate and Ashley–this girl is creating her own empire.

While appearing in her sisters’ films as a child, Elizabeth can now claim her own acting career by starring in several indie flicks and has an upcoming silver screen thriller, Red Lights co-starring Robert Dinero.

Marie Claire

Besides acting, Elizabeth also shares a common tie with her family–good looks and an impeccable fashion sense. Pictured in Chanel above, Elizabeth is the face of Elizabeth & James and has also admitted in Marie Claire that she’s the “curvy” one of the family.

Without a twin or blonde hair, this looks like the beginning of a beautiful career and life for the youngest Olsen.

Marie Claire

Chanel Ombres Contraste Duo Eyeshadow, $42, Macy’s

NARS Sheer Lipstick, Belle de Jour, $24, NARS