Baby it's cold outside

I love Norah. This is a fun duet for a wintery night. Enjoy!

Let me know what you think...

Shifra

gloves, hats and scarves...oh my!

Why is it that I have the most expensive taste when it comes to, well everything. And the worst part is I have no money to spend on these things, so if there are any wealthy, attractive, (preferably Jewish) doctors out there reading my blog interested in being me sugar daddy, let me know, I am interested in meeting you. (Why a Jewish doctor would be reading my blog is beyond me but hey, whatever works!) Anyways, back to my expensive tastes. It’s December and it’s getting to be pretty cold outside again, so that sucks. But because of the cold weather I have been checking out some of my favorite stores for gloves, hats and scarves. Of course I am drawn to the items that are warm and comfy but comfy comes at a price. I am in love with these leather, shearling cuffed, silk lined gloves from Anthropologie but why do they have to be $200? I really love leather gloves right now, they look so classy, but does anyone know if they actually keep your hands warm and toasty? I like these too, cashmere lining and a beautiful gold zipper on the top. J.Crew you outdid yourself again. I also love hats, which is strange because I can’t wear hats (my noggin is just a wee big) but for anyone who can squeeze into these should definitely check them out. I love the trapper hats; anything fur lined for that matter just seems ideal. I’m also big on beanies that cover your ears. Not the ones that sit on the crown of your head, what’s the point? Earmuffs are pretty great too, who wants cold ears… the answer no one. These can also fit over my head (a key factor) and they don’t look ridiculous over my curly hair. I wish everyone lots of luck on finding great winter accessories, check out some of my links provided to ease your body into the winter months!

Ps. For anyone looking to find a great scarf check out the ‘snoods’ here and here. I love mine it’s great for blocking cold wind from your face and neck. And you should definitely check out the Norah Jones/Willie Nelson duet of "Baby It's Cold Outside" so great.

Shifra

Sweater + J.Crew (+ Tea of course) = comfort.

I lucked out this past week when my Aunt decided to take me out on a little shopping spree. I haven’t been to J.Crew in – I don’t even know how long- but I had been perusing the website recently and knew I needed to go and check it out in person. I am OBSESSED with my free people sweater (found here) and am always hoping to find the next best thing (or the exact same sweater from free people) hehehe. Now, when I go shopping I always go prepared. I prep myself by checking out all of the stores I am interested in going to and have an idea of what I am looking for (Yes I have that much time on my hands, no I'm not kidding). Meaning I literally write down a list of what I want, so IF I want help from a salesperson I know what to ask for.

I hate don't usually like help when I'm shopping. I got to J.Crew with hopes of finding another great sweater to add to my collection. (I had already found it online but I was hoping I would fall in love). I did. I got this beautiful sweater ‘the dream dolman sweater’ and let me tell you, it’s pretty dreamy. It’s part wool, part nylon and part cashmere. Incredible. The best part is, unlike the usual J.Crew structure, look at their usual cliental (not typically a short, curvy girl) it has the best wide arms and an oversized neck, which is so comfortable. Love, love, love is what I have to say. I also got a Chambray shirt. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the Chambray shirt on, but the soft and distressed fabric is pure genius. It’s a great shirt for lounging around in as well as a great shirt for dressing up. So excited for my new purchases, not to mention my camp socks (can’t wait to wear them at camp this summer J ) along with a pretty awesome gold/turquoise necklace! I love J.Crew but they have gotten a little pricey, but totally worth it. These purchases will be around for a long time. Can’t wait to wear them all winter year long. (I mean, come on, I do live in Wisconsin)

ps. got the sweater in Black (so much better than the grey)

one more thing... of course I have to wear these with a pair of black leggings, sitting on my couch, watching my favorite episode or Arrested development (come on what did you think I was going to say?) and warm cup of Chai tea. mmmmm

oops one more... I added the picture of the woman in that beautiful dark green jacket because I want NEED that jacket. Ugh. (don't you just love that collar?!)

bye for now!

-Shifra

All i want for Hanukah... is an iphone.

If you don't know me personally, you are probably unaware of my love for Apple products. The sleek design of my MacBook Pro, the apple logo and the simplicity in design is just the beginning. I had planned on getting an iPhone as soon as I was scheduled for an upgrade. I was unfortunate enough to have a slight altercation with the Verizon representatives, I will never back down, it was their fault. The very smart (insert sarcasm here) representative was nice enough to let me know that after my Blackberry white screened in July, right after my birthday, that I would only have to wait until November 5 to get a new phone; as I was ready for an upgrade then. To my dismay, he forgot to mention that it was November 5, 2012! I, of course, was not too pleased with the wrong date he gave me and proceeded to fight discuss with the Verizon representatives an alternative plan so they could comply with my demands request at receiving the iPhone 4s. I only had to speak with four representatives to get the same answer four different times which was, there is no way in hell you can get the iPhone 4s. The only way for me to get it is by waiting until the early upgrade, July 5, 2012. Not to mention that my 22^nd birthday is July 6, 2012 which is when my Blackberry took its life (in 2011) … so you’re telling me I have to wait a YEAR to get an iPhone. NO WAY. Let’s just say I was not too happy. The benefits of having an iPhone are endless. The apps that could get me through my somber days, a camera that wins awards, a music collection to sing my heart out, an app that tells me where I can catch the bus, the unlimited pins I could look at on my walk home, even what jobs are available after graduation not to mention Siri and so much more, all that lies ahead, if I ever get an iPhone. So whoever picked my name out of the hat at Thanksgiving, or whoever reads this and just feels bad should do one thing and one thing only…because all I want for Hanukah is the iPhone.

ps. I want it in black (but of course would take it in white)

the way to my heart... chai

In the Jewish religion, Chai pronounced with that thick, throat wrenching, cchhhh sound means “to life”. Chai is life, but I’m talking about my delicious, throat warming, chai tea. On the occasional Monday morning I may feel the need for a quick pick-me-up, which really means a desperate need for my grande chai tea latte with nonfat milk and a shot of espresso. However, while I was perusing the aisles of the local grocery store I was pleased to find Tazo Chai Tea Latte Concentrate. This was a gift from G-d. Not only is it delicious, it’s only $5! What a deal. I was able to make a handful of delicious iced or hot chai tea drinks, which saved me more than a few trips to Starbucks. This has simply added to my love for chai and the best way to combat the cold weather of Wisconisn.

The Fall

Summer has come to a close, and although I have not posted to my blog in quite some time I was thankfully reminded by a few of my new favorite blogs that the present is always a great time to complete new and old goals. I had a goal last year to post regularly and with the excitement of summer, new friends and changed attitudes my blog was put on the back burner for some time. My 'creative mode' however has not slowed down, in fact, I have felt a surge of creativity from this summer which caused me to reflect on my blog and my ideas for posts. Questions came to me, do I want to interview people, take pictures of myself, or continue on with how my blog has been for some time? So many questions and so many answers, but no conclusion.

As I looked at a few of my favorite blogs for some advice or inspiration, I realized I loved the aspect of a 'mood board', an array of images that describe my mood, my likes; images that I get excited, almost giddy for. So maybe I'll try something new, or maybe I'll continue on with what my blog has been for the past year. Looks like you will just have to wait...

In the meantime, if you are looking for a little inspiration or a reminder of how incredible the season of fall is, take a sip of a pumpkin spice latte, sit back and listen to my favorite playlist, a mixture of Cat Stevens and Norah Jones's album The Fall. I will be back soon, more determined and more focused on what I want this blog to be. Check back soon

with much love,

shifra

Feathazzz

Feathers are always a popular accessory in the warm summer months, the natural aesthetic a feather embodies goes so well with any summer wardrobe. The feather is a great representation of nature, music festivals and other celebratory events that take place between June and August. A big trend this season are feather hair extensions, it seems like everyone has one or is getting one and I am happy to say that I have them as well! They are very versatile ranging in colors, lengths and types of feathers. You can really personalize them anyway you choose, I went with a more natural color theme, green, brown, tan and orange. The feather extensions stay in your hair for as long as 3 months and you can straighten them, curl them; whatever you're style is. Check out my roommate's and mine!

If you live in the Madison area and want to get feathers, check out Funky Feathzzz...this girl is awesome and reasonably priced.

Feathers aren't just in your hair though, feathers have been showing up everywhere in clothing and jewelry; becoming a staple piece in everyone's wardrobe. Here are a few feather inspired pieces that I have added to my summer wishlist!

Where is summer?

I have been waiting for summer for so long and now that spring is almost over and summer is, well for me, it's here. I have been desperately waiting to take my jean shorts, tank tops and flip flops out, but it's 45 degrees in Milwaukee and I'm pulling my sweatshirts and sweatpants out of my closet instead. So I'm stuck just dreaming about my summer wardrobe still...

Here are a few looks that I'm waiting to wear!

My Wishlist:

1. Jean Shorts (frayed)

2. Comfy light sweater

3. Fringed brown Indian style bag

4. Long maxi dress and skirt

5. And 1 very cool headband :-)

What are some of your favorite summer go-to items?

Daily do

READ THIS

I don't have time to post, sorry. But if you want to know what I use for makeup this article is the EXACT same routine as mine, kind of weird how I literally wear and do the same thing as Leandra Medine from Man Repeller. The only difference is I put on Neutrogena oil free spf 15 moisturizer after washing my face. I even used to wear Chance like she did in high school, right now I'm wearing Estee Lauder's Bronze Goddess because it reminds of summer and I love the smell of coconut. (But she puts the same thing in her hair, makeup is the same, and the way she does her nails is the same, even where she does her makeup is the same... kind of freaky). Enjoy!

Summer needs to come NOW!

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I have been so bad at posting lately! I have been so busy with school and shtufff. But on a better note, I am so excited for this summer and it officially starts in almost 2 weeks! And my new obsession, pinterest.com, has made me crave summer even more than usual. I am constantly looking at fun tie-dyed dresses, maxi dresses, shorts, tank tops, tunics and I just can't handle it anymore! Unfortunately, Madison has been rainy and cold for the past few weeks and I know, I know...April showers bring May flowers... but the rain and cold is getting really old. Looking at fun summer clothing is also quite depressing when it's grey outside. But in any case, I'm sharing with you all of my wonderful summer finds! Hope that wherever you're reading this from is nicer and warmer outside than it is here in cold Wisconsin!

(Click on the pictures to find the items)

i have goose bumps...

Hey all,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but seriously the wait has been worth it! I have just discovered my new OBSESSION. I haven't stopped pinning things for the past day and I literally have goose bumps from this site! Have you ever wanted a website that consisted of everything you ever wished to find, see or learn about. Well pinning is the new thing and everyone should start! You have to be invited or request an invite to join the site www.pinterest.com. In a nut shell, if you like something on any website you "pin" it and the link to the picture gets put on your site. You can look for anything and find anything on this site. It's something you have to see for yourself. But WARNING you're about to get seriously addicted. (You're also about to find your dream house, organizational skills, DIY, and every piece of clothing you ever dreamed of owning). Enjoy!!

follow my pinterest ... (if you're already a member, but otherwise you have to get an invite)

leave your email in the comments and I'll invite you!

The sun is rolling on in. . .

Each day it seems to be getting slightly warmer out, today is a shocking 50 degrees! Summer is just around the corner, which means that school will soon be over and that warm weather will finally be a constant! For my summer plans, I was recently offered a job at a summer camp as a counselor and I couldn't be more excited! I went to this camp for 8 years when I was younger and after 4 summers of not being there I am finally going back, and I am pretty stoked! The camp is a Jewish camp and every Friday night for Shabbat everyone gets dressed up, this is the one time a week where everyone has the opportunity to look their best. And because I just got hired and am way too excited to even sleep, I have been spending the majority of my free time looking for cute Shabbat outfits, as well as everyday camp attire. I am really into the maxi dress and just got a plain black racer-back one from H&M, but because my camp is so laid back I am looking for a floral maxi to go with the camp vibe. With accessories, shoes, shorts, tanks and the must needed v-necks... this is what I found.

dresses from Free People, grey shorts and gold necklace from JCrew, Necklace by Bluma Project, White Blazer by Elizabeth and James, and the crochet tank tops by Shiny Happy Cotton

twenty days of inspiration

Hey everyone,

It's been 20 day since my last post which is the longest I've gone in quite some time without posting! I have been swamped with midterms, papers, work and spring break. Okay, so spring break I wasn't too busy, but during these past 20 days I have been following all of my favorite blogs and have done plenty of shopping. During spring break I was also able to catch up with an old friend and we both have very similar style, we only wear three colors: black, white and dark green. So I thought that with spring right around the corner it was time to add some color back in my life. Even if it is only a bright pair of shoes, or a floral tank top with a black ensemble. So today I am showing you some of my inspirations for spring...

Love that a green army jacket can be used as a neutral but also as a colorful piece, I just got a jacket similar to this at H&M and now I just need a leopard print scarf, because I love this look (and her hair)!

You know I love the Olsen Twins, and their newest interview in this April's VOGUE is just great! It's so interesting to learn more about their business strategy and about the inner-workings of The Row. If you haven't already, you should definitely check out the interview and the sweet pictures. They are both dressed in clothing from their collection and the soft spring palette is so sweet and I love that they have the same hair style right now.

Everyone loves Marc Jacobs and I love the colors he used for spring. And I can totally do that hair-do to my hair, but I don't know if I have the guts!

I have always loved Chloe Sevigny and with the end of Big Love I am going to miss her as Nicolette and her crazy antics. But I will always look out for her incredible style sense and some upcoming films/shows that she's in. If you haven't seen the short truth or dare you have to see it, she's so hipster and cool, the video just makes her even cooler.

For spring I think it's a neccessity to have a spring inspired bag and I love this white one from Aldo. Not too big, but definitely not too small, it adds a perfect accent of spring to any outfit.

Lately I have been all about the neons, I just bought this shirt from Forever XXI and althought the OMG on the front is slightly corny, I really liked the color and is a fun shirt to hang out in.

Wedges and platforms are all the rage right now and I just got these shoes from Urban outfitters, they are great for a night out or a fun day at the beach. Can't wait to wear them!

I also just got these sweeeeeet heels!! I have just discovered that at 5' 2" I should probably start wearing heels all day every day. So with my 2 new purchases I'll hopefully be towering over a few people on a night out in these shoes! Can't wait.

On my extravagant shopping spree I got a black racer-back maxi dress, a floral print tank top and a blue relaxed button up shirt that I am very excited to wear! Hopefully it'll be nice enough to wear a few things I just got, but with the recent drop in temperature it may have to wait :-(

My last inspiration for spring...

My new perfume, it literally smells like the beach with a side of coconut, it's summer heaven and I plan on wearing it a lot because I am obsessed with the smell. . . so please run to your nearest perfume counter and smell this because I promise you will fall in love with the ridiculously good smell and the sparkly bottle!

Oscars, best dressed

Hey everyone,

I have been so ridiculously busy this week I haven't had the time to post about the Oscars. I hope everyone was able to see the award show, or at least flip through it last Sunday. I watched the pre-show, red carpet, and of course the award show itself; my day was pretty jam packed with Oscar festivities.

For the past 4 years I have made a ritual of printing off the online ballot and marking which of the nominees I thought were going to win. This year there were so many great films, it was so hard to choose. Most were so great that I couldn't decide to vote on my personal favorites, or the ones that were most deserving. But all-n-all I was very happy with the winners. I guessed 15 right out of the 24 total awards, I was pretty impressed!

If you weren't able to watch I am sure you have heard about the numerous complaints towards this year's hosts. And I agree with everything I heard, they were pretty awful. Anne's non-stop clapping, and her attempt to being overly fun and 'youthful' was a little much. James Franco, seemed like he was high the whole night and didn't really want to be there. The fact that neither of them are comedians, definitely did not help. The five minutes Billy Crystal was on stage was the funniest, and most entertaining part of the night. Wish he would have hosted the Oscars, maybe next year for his 9th time! Let's just hope for a comedian!

You can't talk about the Oscars if you don't mention the gowns, and this year is no different. Like always there are the best and the worst dressed, but to spare you the agony of having to see Nicole Kidman in Dior or Marisa Tomei (who I love) in the prom-gone-bad dress. I decided to show you my personal favorites. I picked my top 8 gowns at the award show and a few of my favorite looks from the Vanity Fair after party!

(you can click on the image to enlarge it!)

Who were your favorites from the Academy Awards?

If you haven't looked at the amazing photographs that were taken at the Vanity Fair party I recommend checking them out, they are awesome! check them out here.

My favorite pictures from the night...

How awesome are these!?

(Taylor Swift looks like she's in old Hollywood, and so glamorous)

And the Oscar goes to...

Hey everyone,

I wanted to remind you that the Oscars are tonight, and I am so excited! This year in the film industry there were so many incredible Oscar deserving films. Some of my favorites include: Black Swan, Inception, The Fighter, The Social Network, The Kids Are Alright and The Kings Speech. I cannot wait to see who the winners of the most coveted award are tonight. Who are you rooting for? Great writers, performances and acts, the show is one of a kind. I hope James Franco and Anne Hathaway do a great job as hosts for the show. The young actor and actress came as a surprise as this year's hosts. Not only are these two not comedians but they are also both very young, in fact the youngest hosts in Oscar history. So I guess only time will tell to see how Hathaway and Franco do as hosts.

Don't forget about an extremely important part of the Academy Awards, the Red Carpet! I recommend watching the coverage on E! They always get great interviews and have fun personalities, and really focus on the fashion! I cannot wait to see the dresses, tuxedos, jewelry, and hair (not to mention the good, the bad and the ugly!). I'll post my favorites from the night, so check back!

Hope you all have a great 83rd Oscars night!

Things I love this week

I am a little bit of a creeper, but I was obsessed with this girl's outfit. You can't quite tell, but there was a great runner, sporty feel to her leggings. Her tank top was nice and long, and seriously distressed. It was also thin to perfection. I wish I would have gotten her head in this picture because her american apparel zip up was over her head, she was wearing this distressed denim vest and she had a great pair of ray bans. Not to mention her hair was dark and long, with a little bit of a wave. This is the ideal grunge look for me and it seems to be a popular look on the UW-Madison's campus. Love it.

Ashely Olsen is channeling the hobo(esque) look but I am in love with her fur hat. If she wasn't wearing it I would probably mistake her for a bag lady, but the hat makes her look chic with a bit of the Olsen's flawless layered look.

One of my favorite bloggers, something navy, posted this on her blog. I am in love with her apartment. The black couch looks so comfy and so chic, the silver staircase is beyond cool and the shag rug is basically awesome. Wish I lived here.

I have a love/hate relationship with pink, I don't ever wear it (but I don't really wear any color) but I have so much pink stuff. Lamps, bedding, phone cover, laptop cover... you name it. I love this outfit, the different shades of pink are so harmonizing with one another. The bright hue of the pink stockings, with the light almost baby pink of a tunic with the pink nail polish is so appealing. But my favorite part is the tiny turquoise ring that is perfectly complementary with the entire outfit.

I love Liv Tyler, I think she is so beautiful and has such a unique look. I love that this picture of her looks so grunge, but she looks so angelic in her lace pink outfit.

New York Fashion Week: The Row

You all should know by now how much I admire Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, so for my first post on New York's Fashion Week it makes the most sense to post about The Row. Some may not agree with their Fall 2011 show, some may be upset over the fact they didn't have an official runway show, but a one-on-one interview type show. But I believe that most (especially PETA) would be upset over their extreme use of fur in their collection. Among the tailored suits, menswear for woman, and a hint of color, the majority of their collection was taken over by fox fur. Fur jackets, vests, hats, even fox shirts were created for their Fall 2011 collection. They also introduced a line of luxury hand bags (made from crocodile) and the cutest shoes! I know it's not the best but I love me some fur, I grew up in a fur loving household. My mom wears her full length mink coat during winter every year, she has three of them, along with her fur coat she has a lovely fur headband. When I was growing up I would wear this cute little rabbit fur coat to all the high holiday services, and when I got a little older it was passed on to my younger sister. So as bad as loving fur is, I do love the Olsen's line. When I think of old, glamorous fashion I always think of a draped white fur coat, it seems as if Mary-Kate and Ashley are trying to capture old Hollywood glamour. I think the mixture of their iconic menswear styles and the fox fur is such a classic look. Another favorite from their collection are these incredible leopard TOMS shoes, they are so unique not only are they TOMS (which you usually don't see with a fur coat, let alone on a runway) but they are cashmere and affordable! Can't wait for these to be accessible to the public, can't wait for my pair! Check out the Rows Fall 2011 line, what do you think of the fur?