I hate even saying this, but it's back to school time... I've always hated back to school commercials because they're the first sign that summer is ending. Okay, school doesn't totally suck, it's cool to see your friends, but it's not fun getting up early, going to class and doing homework. I'm going into my senior year of college in just one week, so here are some of my tips about getting through that annoying transition from summer to school. Admittedly, I tend to doodle my way through class, but here are some other helpful tips to make you a feel a little bit better about getting back into the swing of things. (note: some of this will include retail therapy and some won't)
Get or make yourself a cool backpack. Although I would love to have this amazing Saint Laurent backpack, why not work with what you've got. Get some cool pins and patches from a vintage store or Etsy and turn that ratty old backpack into your own unique masterpiece.
A rocking playlist. Need some motivation in the morning? Listen to some power tunes in your dorm, car, bus ride, shower, or whatever you do in the morning. Music can be a serious mood changer. My current obsession is a new british rock band called The Struts. This power anthem "Could Have Been Me" is sure to lift up your spirits and motivate you to do something cool with your life.
Work out. This sounds soooo lame, but working out really helps to relieve stress and clear your mind. It's hard to make time, but it's worth it in the end. When I can't do cardio barre, I like to go on youtube and look up workouts that I can do in my dorm. Music can help motivate you during your workout too. Play some up tempo jams to get your body moving and grooving.
Super cool school supplies. Hello kitty has always been my personal favorite for school supplies, but you would be surprised that staples has some cool supplies to keep you organized and feeling cool. I love getting anything with glitter on it because glitter can always make me happy.
Plan after school activities. Whether it be waiting for the weekend to hang with some friends, or going to a concert after you're done with your homework, it always helps to have something to look forward to. Maybe you just want to play guitar in your room, or go to some school party, whatever it is, try to keep something fun planned to look forward to when you're suffering through homework and class.
Hi lovers, it's almost Valentine's Day and even though some of you might not be as fond of this holiday as others, let's just say this holiday is about celebrating love in any form. Whether it be from your mom, dad, best friend, dog, cat, fish, significant other, grandma, yourself, whatever, show them some love! These are just a few cute Valentine's Day items I put together for inspiration. BUT-- you don't necessarily need to spend any money to show someone you love them. Along with my collage of inspo, I'm also going to share with you some free and/or affordable options (which will be in bold)! you're welcome.
Karen O's Crush Songs- This is a super cute indie solo album by Karen O, lead singer of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I just really liked the idea of an album of "crush songs"(also it was released on Julian Casablancas' record label, Cult Records). OPTION: write your own "crush" or love song for someone you like/love/appreciate/etc. I mean it doesn't have to be a love song masterpiece like "Something" by the Beatles, but as long as it comes from the heart, I'm sure they will appreciate it. OPTION 2: Don't know how to write music? Make a mix tape of some sappy love songs! Miley Cyrus Viva Glam Mac Lipstick - I can't really picture myself wearing a hot pink lipstick, but I'm willing to give it a try. I love Mac lipstick, and I think this shade of pink is especially suitable for Valentine's Day.
NCLA Hello Kitty Nail Stickers- I'm really terrible at doing my own nails, so these nail stickers make my life so much easier!
"Like I do" Card- Nylon's online shop has some pretty cool cards. I even found a Robert Plant Valentine's day card. Check out their site, you can find some pretty unique cards. OPTION: This is kind of a given, but you can always make your own card. You can either hand draw it or come up with some sort of collage and write a poem inside! LUSH Glitter Heart Bubble Bar- These LUSH bubble bars always make great gifts! Also, they will make your bubble bath sparkle!
Bedazzled Lip Sunglasses- I found these sparklers on Nylon's online shop and fell in love with them. I would wear these on a regular day, not just Valentine's day...
(For those in LA)- Duff's Cake Mix on Melrose is having a Valentine's Day cupcake decorating party! I want to go!! If you also want to go, here is a link to make a reservation! OPTION (if you don't live in LA): Throw your own cupcake decorating party with your significant other or by yourself!
I hope this gives you some inspiration in some form! If you're feeling lonely, take the day to do something for yourself (I feel like I might have stolen that line from one of my instructors at Cardio Barre).
Today, I'm starting a new feature on my blog called Friends with Style. GET EXCITED! Instead of only posting photos of my own personal style, I have decided to share with you some styling and inspiring people that should be on your radar. Starting with, nonetheless my rock n' roll loving boyfriend, Keelan Ellis! I've had a lot of requests for posts on men's style and Keelan specifically, so here you go! I had a lot of fun taking these photos, so let's be inspired, enjoy, and learn a little bit more about Keelan !
xx Frankie
Friends with Style Q&A
Name: Keelan Ellis
Who’s your style/music icon? When searching for inspiration for music, style, and if I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place I turn to none other than Steven Tyler.
Who/what inspired you to do what you do?My dad was my first inspiration. My dad being a guitarist, I got to see a lot of concerts at an early age. He would always play bands like Aerosmith, Van Halen on our long trips to the river and it fascinated me enough to the point where I found my dream at an early age.
What up-and-coming band(s) should we all know? This new band called Vintage Trouble caught my attention at Coachella last year with their killer image and great music style merging a classic 50’s sound with a modern vibe.
Where is your favorite place to shop? Brick and mortar record shops make my mouth drool. I can sit in those for hours before getting kicked out at closing time. There is a new record store in Monrovia called Resistor Records that has the greatest deals on classic albums and awesome new albums on vinyl as well. I suggest if you are ever in that area to check them out.
What’s the last movie you saw? 22 Jump Street. I give it a solid A and cant wait for 23,24,25 and 26
Where is your favorite place to eat? My grandmother’s kitchen! Pasta, Mac and cheese, you name it, she makes the best!
Describe your perfect day: My perfect day is having no plans and listening to my vinyls at volume 11. Cheap Trick’s album In Color is my current vinyl spinning at the moment.
Beatles or Rolling Stones? Yikes, I’ll get busted for my answer, but I say the Stones. The Beatles did so much for the music industry, but if I was asked to see a show (given that all members were still alive…..too soon?) I would choose the stones for their great energy. Mick should take it easy, but he still is a Jumpin Jack Flash on stage.
What’s your favorite app? Is Instagram too cliche? How about the app which tell me who unfollows me on Instagram? No?
What are you currently working on? Right now I’m focusing on my new music blog where I review albums, concerts and more exciting things to come www.keelanswallofsound.blogspot.com
Valentine's Day is near, which means it's time for a Valentine's day inspired post (and eating tons of chocolate whether you're single or not). So I have to admit that I wore this dress for our family Christmas party last year, but I think this dress actually works perfectly as a Valentine's day dress as well. I really think this sequin number is a great holiday dress, so why not repeat? I was inspired to punk up my Valentine's day look after I visited Kat Von D's Wonderland Gallery a couple weeks ago and picked up this amazing burgundy/plum lipstick. Wonderland is one of the coolest stores in LA, so if you get the chance to check it out please do so! A lot of people think Valentine's day is all about pink and red, but I don't see why you can't add a little purple and darker tones to the mix!
I hope you all have a happy Valentine's day whether you spend it with your family, your significant other, your pet, or alone in bed watching Millionaire Matchmaker reruns! Just remember candy makes everything better.
