{3-in-1 dress/cape/skirt by Bryce Black}

Considering I spent a third of my life in college, it’s no wonder that I have some serious alumna pride. Sure I went to multiple schools and switched majors a couple times, but I eventually sealed this whole apparel deal at The Art Institute of Portland. It was the best of times (I have an enviable collection of custom clothing) and also the worst (sewed through my finger in a mad dash to finish a final project), but it all instilled in me a sense of  seriously psycho work ethic. I’m currently anticipating what the class of 2011 has been slaving over in preparation for the senior collection fashion show, Fit2Print, which takes place this Saturday, June 4th at Pure Space. In addition to rooting for my fellow alumni (personal fave: Bryce Black), I am stoked to see how this year’s theme will intertwine fashion and graphic design (cocktail dresses made of film strips? Yes, please!). Tickets to the show and silent auction benefit the Creative Arts Scholarship Fund. For those of us who grudgingly send in our student loan payment each month, we know that a little scholarship money is worth working your ass off for. On that note, I will rest my case and hope to see you at the show (fashionably dressed and right on time pretty please!).

Saturday, June 4th 2011, 8pm @ Pure Space

{the finishing touch} courtesy getty images.

I have never been one to skimp when it comes to maintenance. I was busted cutting my own bangs at 4 years old and for stealing my mom’s Lancome lip gloss in the 3^rd grade (apparently it wasn’t appropriate for elementary school). I can even remember using eye make remover at an age when I wasn’t even wearing eye makeup, but it was the thought that counted (I wish I’d known baby oil was the way to go). My point? I have always been thoroughly enticed by everything and anything beauty related. I dye my hair every month, get weekly manicures, buy fancy skin cream, and I cannot ever imagine a day without makeup! Both my skin and hair are extremely dry, sensitive and prone to freaking out so I have tested countless products in an effort to smooth and soothe from head to toe. I also have strong feelings about the need for spf, I’m pro-sunless glow, and I am always flashing colorful nails. Most of my favorite products can be found at any drugstore, but I do splurge at the suggestion of my hairstylist (she’s a Bumble girl), dermatologist (Rx’s are a necessity) and makeup artist (she taught me to embrace quality brushes). It’s not like I’m incapable of being a “wash ‘n go” kind of gal, but I needn’t be one when there are so many beneficial products to take advantage of. Check out a sampling of my most treasured treatments.

{it takes a village}

photos: style.com

Perhaps this post should be titled “M.I.A.” because where have I been lately? More like, where haven’t I been?! Be it styling disco themed fashion spreads or getting my freak on at the infamous <<do over>>, my spring has totally sprung! How fitting that I’m really feeling the bold brights that are so relevant right now. My current uniform consists of coral tops + slightly cropped white Ava’s + nude sandals. Now not everyone should wear white pants (I feel like I’m breaking my own rules with them), but DO get yourself a pair of nude pumps immediately! Not only do they slim and elongate the legs, but they go with everything! More importantly, when it comes to color only pick one bright item and go totally minimal with the rest of your ensemble (hence, the nude shoe). Seeing as I’m so out and about these days (fierce exaggeration), I hope to scout some haute pink (or blue or green or orange…) helping to spring us all into summer.

cheap thrills.