Quite Continental Charm School

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In February, the blog Quite Continental does a month's worth of substantial advice for the modern girl. You can look through this year's here. I love the above advice. My favorite dish to cook for friends? Lemon linguini. My signature drink? Whiskey-ginger with lime. Go-to uniform for a second date? Flirty little dress.

All I want is a cat that takes a bath with me

{Image Credit}

I don't get stressed very often, but when I do, watch out for me. I tend to be snappy, impatient, and melodramatic (ok, maybe I'm melodramatic all the time). Last night, my friend Leslie was asking for ideas to help cope with stress; she's got a very demanding job. I suggested that she take a bubble bath, so she borrowed some bath gel from me, and that in turn inspired me to hop in the bath (I had better things to do, like clean out the dishwasher, but man, wine makes me soooo lazy)! I used salts and and a lavender bath gel... I also lit some candles, and my cat joined me on the edge of the tub, and she was probably wondering what the hell I was doing in a huge container of warm water. Whatever, Dotty. You're missing out.

Today, I am feeling extra-stressed, stretched thin, probably the result of busyness at work, a full social schedule, extra-curricular demands, and relational up-keeping... all very important to me; I love my friends especially and show them I care by spending time with them. Same with my boif, who I extra-enjoy spending time with :)

So I guess my query is: How do you de-stress? And how do you balance all the aspects of life?

What I'm trying to do with my life...

White Girl Problem no. 34

Getting a pedicure this afternoon in preparation for Kauai.

Need a color to go with both a red bathing suit and a black bathing suit.

So the question is, which color should I choose for my little toesies?

Something that greatly inspired me last week...

{photo by Marissa Maharaj}

{From the Dear Sugar column on The Rumpus...}

Dear Sugar,

I read your column religiously. I’m 22. From what I can tell by your writing, you’re in your early 40s. My question is short and sweet: what would you tell your 20-something self if you could talk to her now?

Love,
Seeking Wisdom

Dear Seeking Wisdom,

Stop worrying about whether you’re fat. You’re not fat. Or rather, you’re sometimes a little bit fat, but who gives a shit? There is nothing more boring and fruitless than a woman lamenting the fact that her stomach is round. Feed yourself. Literally. The sort of people worthy of your love will love you more for this, sweet pea....


Read the full response here.

Man Tips From Allie

Dear Man*,

A lot of girls love Disney princes. They sing, have unnaturally big muscles, sparkly eyes, and are chivalrous. You could learn a lot from them! Here's a few lessons to take away from Disney princes that will help step up your A game:

If the girl you're crushing on likes books a lot, build her a freaking library like the Beast. Be still, my beating eggs! Ok, ok.... a more practical tip to take away from the Beast is don't be afraid to try something new, like when he learns to dance so that he can get down with Belle on their first date. Girls appreciate that ish!

Show your girl how much you care by singing her a song. That's what Snow White's Prince did, even though it was within 30 seconds of meeting her. WHATEVER. Relationship development is overrated.

If you really like a girl, she's worth chopping through thorny bushes/killing huge-ass dragons for (See Prince Phillip of Sleeping Beauty). Although you may need to call upon the aid of three fairies, AKA the girl's three gay best friends.

BE YOURSELF. Girls will up their sticks when you're trying too hard to impress them. Jasmine fell for Aladdin the street rat, not Prince Ali with that stupid turban and outlandish parade. The magic carpet ride was pretty sweet though. So if you somehow have access to one of those, I highly recommend utilizing it.

Prince Eric, you are the WORST. Just because something more exotic and sexy comes on the scene, doesn't make it ok to ignore the girl you first fell for! Even if she is mute. Because the exotic/sexy girl will 80 percent of the time turn out to be a crazy biatch with tentacles.

Hope that helps, boys who read my blog!**



* Meaning, heterosexual male populations.
**No boys read my blog.

Nerd Alert

Sometimes when I'm bored, I entertain myself by making horrifically strange faces.

Try it. You'll love it.

What to Wear

What should I wear to a 90s-themed birthday party at a roller rink? There are so many possibilities... I could go for a privileged Cher Horowitz look, or grungy Courtney Love, or sexy Bev Hills 90210, or wacky Clarissa Explains It All, or angsty Angela Chase... God, jeans were so bad back then.

Fashion Advice

Here I come to the rescue! My friend Samantha bought this adorable dress which she'll be wearing to a wedding in Orlando in April. But she doesn't know what to wear with said dress. So I will do my best to dole out some advice. Here's Sam in the dress:

Cute, right? Ok, let's tackle shoe options first:

Clockwise from the top, I included your standard black pump; you can never go wrong with this option. I like the t-strap Seychelles pump because the colors kind of match the dress and it's an all-around interesting shoe. If you prefer a wedge, I really like this peep toe one from J. Crew; very simple. If you prefer some major height, these GUESS pumps are super sexy. If you prefer something flat, I love this Seychelles sandal; strappy and fun. Last is my personal favorite: another wedge, with less height. The simple black color would look super classy with the dress.

Jewelry: Because the beading around the neckline of the dress is kind of the main snazzy focal point of the outfit, I think you should go with a bracelet or ring, just so you don't overdo the snazz :) Not saying that your bracelet/ring can't be awesome. I love statement rings (especially that flower one from Anthropologie); and places like Forever 21 have such fun jewelry for super cheap. Oh, and I'm partial to gold jewelry rather than silver for this particular outfit.

Extra credit: since your outfit is mostly a black/metallic palette, I say go for a fun/unusual color on your nails. Sparkly red, deep plum, or an opaque turquoise-gray. Rock some bronzy cheeks and eyes, since it's Orlando and you want to look hella sun-kissed. And a sheer berry-colored balm will just seal the package. Don't forget some cute sunglasses if it's a daytime wedding, and a fun clutch to put your necessities in.

Hope this helps, Sam!

If you have any fashion issues you need to hash out, let me know! I'd be happy to help!

Wish List

Ok, so I got this idea from IMBOYCRAZY, and thought it might be useful in my current state-of-being...

"If you want to fall in love, and you’ve had bad luck in the past, or you’re just unclear/not sure about what you want in someone…… Make a wish list! it helps you be clear, daydream, and specify what actually matters to you!"

He totally gets my sense of humor and vice versa

I am the most beautiful girl he's ever seen

He is my best friend and vice versa

He's a good dresser, but he's not obsessed with what he wears; it's effortless

He's not afraid to say I love you, and says it often

Dances me around the kitchen when I'm making dinner

Thinks I'm pretty even in my sweats and without makeup on

He's quick-witted

He's fine with staying in and watching a movie on a Friday night

Inspires me and vice versa

Charms the pants off of me

Loves singing in the car

Treats me really well

Likes to snuggle and hold hands

Puts me to bed when I'm feeling under-the-weather

Buys me flowers for no reason

Loves my cooking

Like cats (and all animals, at that)

Challenges me to be the best person I can be

Loves my friends and family for who they are

Will take out the trash and go on errands for me on occasion

Let's me borrow his clothes from time to time

Loves Christmas and Disneyland

Loves to travel, especially with me

Gets along really well with children

Ask Mrs. Lilien

Blogger / stylist / designer Mrs. Lilien is currently taking your questions! Ask her any old thing, from "What should I wear to my ex-boyfriend's wedding?" to "How can I wow my in-laws with a fabulous dinner?"

Here's what yours truly asked her: Is it ever okay to come to someone's party empty-handed?

And here is her *personal* response:

The answer to that would be, avoid doing so at all cost! If the host/hostess has invited you over casually and in an impromptu manner, at the very least a bottle of wine or fresh bouquet of flowers is perfectly suitable. For a more formal affair a thoughtful hostess gift is certainly appropriate. If you are a frequent guest, it's rather wise to start a gift closet filled with high and low goodies to have at the ready. This way, even those impromptu invitations are met with the classiest tokens of appreciation.

Best of luck with you future party-going and beyond!

Magnificently,

Mrs. Lilien

SO HELPFUL, YEAH?

Advice

1. Don't put bananas in the fridge. It just doesn't work that way.

2. When running to the corner supermarket, it's perfectly acceptable to wear a weird outfit such as rain-boots, leggings, and shorts over those leggings.

3. Speaking of rain-boots, when wearing them, do not avoid puddles. Jump right into those sons a bitches.

4. Cargo shorts. That's a deal-breaker, ladies.

5. Sometimes the only action you'll get on a Friday night is kisses from a dauschund named Olli. It happens.

6. Once "the ball is in their court," don't keep hitting more balls into their court. One should suffice. More than one just comes off as desperate.

7. When wearing a grape costume on Halloween, keep in mind that guys (and some girls) will want to squeeze your grapes. For some reason, this did not cross my mind. I had to find out the hard way.

8. If you use the pick-up line, "don't you work at Sub Pop?," you might be a f*cking hipster.

9. If your Halloween costume requires an explanation in order for people to get it, such as, "I'm an unemployed Clark Kent/Superman, because journalism is dead," you might be a f*cking hipster.


*This post might have been inspired by imboycrazy.com.*

For the dreamers

Keep on dreaming, nevertheless.

Hair Repair

I am in a major hair rut. The style, texture, and color are totally dull in my opinion. I just don't know what to do! Here are a few options...


I have the same face shape as Kirsten Dunst, so I look to her for hair inspiration from time-to-time... This cut is pretty basic nowadays, but I think it would be really flattering.


This one is so cute... buuuuut... short hair?? I like my long hair....


Florence Welch, my latest muse, has AWESOME hair. Great texture, fiery color. She has more bang, which I don't think I want, because I'll probably grow tired of them after awhile.


This gal has the coolest style. I love the shoulder-length cut, with the dyed ends. But, I'm not brave enough to dye my hair!-- Yet. Because I have such a special natural hair color. But I've had this hair color for almost 24 years of my life, so maybe it's time for a change?
*Photo credit Garance Dore*


Still fantasize about my-little-pony tresses, a la Giles spring 2010.

YOUR THOUGHTS WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL!

Just what I need...

That helps.

Give me a hug

I'm feeling a little uninspired with my blog. Sometimes I ask myself, why do I even do this thing? What's the point?
Well, Allie, I answer, it's a sort of creative outlet within your mundane day.
Oh yeah! Thanks, self. That helps. Sort of.
What now?
Well, it's just that sometimes I feel really bad that I don't WRITE very much. And that makes me feel stupid. And small-minded.
Aww, give me a hug.

Sometimes I have conversations with myself. Weird? Yes. God. This is me trying to get my writing juices flowing. Ew, that sounds gross. Maybe I shouldn't be a writer. Right now anyway. I hate forced writing. I feel cheap. Like a prostitute. I used to write in a journal a lot. And write poetry. And attempt to write screenplays, novels, etcetera. Never finished any. How do I become inspired to write again ? I wish I could go back to school and study English all over again. Just kidding; I'd rather not read Don Quixote for a second time. Has my soul all but dried up from being stuck in an office all day long? It sure feels that way. I have many interests. Writing is only one of them. So I'm thinking, maybe it's time to move on to another interest in my life. Although I do desire to write, or in general to create something beautiful and meaningful to myself, and hopefully to others. Fuck, dudes. This sucks. Why can't I be brilliant? Oh well, such is life, right? A wise woman recently told me to take a break for one day and get out of the city, by myself... Re-collect and just LISTEN. I think that is quite a good idea.

Enlisting your help...

I'd like to get a new dress to wear for a wedding I'm attending this weekend, but haven't been successful in finding the perfect one! It's going to be pretty hot weather, so I definitely want something summery and light and fun.

So... Which one of the above do you think I should get?

From top left to bottom right: Urban Outfitters floral dress; Nordstrom floral dress; Anthropologie green and striped dress; J. Crew eyelet dress (These are all of the places I have yet to hit up in my quest)

PS: If I can't find "the perfect dress," it won't be any skin off my back... Between me and my roomie, I have more than enough cute dresses to choose from!

Yes

The Great Indoors

I have a thing for interiors. I'm always looking for new ways to add a little something special to my apartment. The below images hit my inspiration right nail on the head, man.


Bright colors make such a difference. I love the red-orange cabinet.


Storage doesn't have to be ugly. Those boxes look perfect.


Mixing patterns is no longer faux-pas, as long as you have the same color palette, as seen in the floral pillow and striped bedding.


Get creative with wall art. I really want to recapture the above in my own house.


Potted plants are cool! Just keep it simple. You don't want your place to look like a jungle. Try a little potted succulent or moss.

What's Your Sign?

I have an embarrassing confession to make: Sometimes I take astrology seriously. My mom tells me it's evil. My friends tell me it's fake. I seriously don't think it's evil. But it is probably fake. Mostly, I think they are a great source of secular self-affirmation. This one that I read from the latest issue of The Stranger hit my personal nail on the head because it very much applies to my life. So whatever brilliant fake-astrologer wrote this, I thank thee.

In her journals, Sylvia Plath said there are two different ways to be free of desires. The first is when you are "dead and rotten inside and there is nothing in the world." The second is when you are "so full and rich and have so many inner worlds that the outer world is not necessary for joy, because joy emanates from the inner core of your being." In the past, Pisces, you have had a few encounters with the dead and rotten state. But I believe you are now in a phase when the full and rich condition will prevail. During this grace period, you will not really need anything beyond what you already have. My advice? Start the celebration!