Snowflakes

Out of the bosom of the air,

Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken,

Over the woodlands brown and bare,

Over the harvest-fields forsaken,

Silent, and soft, and slow

Descends the snow.

Even as our cloudy fancies take

Suddenly shape in some divine expression,

Even as the troubled heart doth make

In the white countenance confession,

The troubled sky reveals

The grief it feels.

This is the poem of the air,

Slowly in silent syllables recorded;

This is the secret of despair,

Long in its cloudy bosom hoarded,

Now whispered and revealed

To wood and field.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

These photos were taken after a snow storm last month (back when my hair still looked red... I need to remedy that soon), so it seems fitting to post them today, after the 12+ inches of snow that got dumped on us in the past 24 hours.

I love snow, and I don't even mind driving in blizzards... other than the fact that there's terrible visibility and the chance of spinning out every five feet. If it's going to be cold (and New England has been fluctuating between mid fifties and below zero temps), it might as well be pretty.

What I'm Wearing:

• High-low top by xhilaration - hand-me-down
• Cardigan by MERONA - thrifted
• Jeans by American Eagle - hand-me-down
• Boots by eurostep - Famous Footwear
• Earrings - gift

How are you enjoying the snow? If you don't get snow, I'm sorry, but your back is definitely a lot happier than the average New Englander. ;)

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Read More

Golden Globes 2014 Fashion Report

Finally! A Golden Globes red carpet where the fashion was not dull, predictable, and prom-worthy! I must say that the past few years of GG and Oscar fashion left me disappointed by the lack of creativity and originality. (Every other woman showed up in a strapless mermaid gown. Boring.) This year showcased more variety, and I felt that most of the stars were expertly dressed, choosing styles and colors that suited them well.

The wide variety of ensembles made the trends less apparent than in years past, but there definitely some were popular choices, reflecting the biggest fashion statements of 2013.

Emma Roberts in Lanvin ~ Helen Mirren in Jenny Packham

Colors were many, with classic black (Emma Roberts) as a staple, as well as deep and fiery reds, and soft blush and nude shades (Rocsi Diaz). Metallic fabrics made an appearance, and there were a myriad of bold, bright hues (Helen Mirren, Reese Witherspoon). It was definitely a strong, cheery palette!

Rocsi Diaz in J. Mendel ~ Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein Collection

Julia Roberts in Dolce and Gabbana ~ Julie Bowen in Carolina Herrera ~ Uma Thurman in Atelier Versace

The color block trend of the past few years made some fun and unexpected appearances, and two-piece dresses (also called "mock" two-piece) made big statements. Above are just a few examples of my favorites. Who'd have thought that Julia Roberts could look so great in a dress that appeared to be layered over a white button-up. (Really, she looks good in everything.) Julie Bowen's "two-piece" ensemble evoked the Edwardian era, and Uma Thurman looked like a serious goddess (halter necklines like this one were common on Sunday evening).

Michelle Dockery in Oscar De La Renta ~ Zooey Deschanel in Oscar De La Renta

Of course, the high-low hemline trend, one of the biggest of 2013, made a lot of appearances. Above are two favorite style cuties, Michelle Dockery and Zooey Deschanel, both wearing Oscar De La Renta.

Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhuillier ~ Kerry Washington in Balenciaga ~ Olivia Wilde in Gucci

Another trend on the red carpet? Maternity eveningwear! I loved how we had three equally stunning women wearing three completely different looks, and each one suited the wearer beautifully. (Even Drew's kinda-crazy, looks-like-a-flower-garden-just-threw-up gown.) They were truly glowing.

And finally, on to my top-four, best-dressed list. (Although, really, most of the looks I've already shared deserve to be on it as well. There were too many great dresses to choose from!)

THE BEST DRESSED (IMHO):

  

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

Cate is obviously queen of the red carpet. Known for her unusual and bold fashion choices, this gown was on the subdued side, but beautifully crafted from expertly placed black lace. She evoked the glamour of the golden age of Hollywood with soft hair and bold jewels.

  

Jessica Chastain in Givenchy

As always, this most beautiful redhead looked stunning in a fitted black gown with subtle texture and details. And that naturally red, never been colored hair (or so I've heard) was just the right accessory, hanging down her back in smooth waves.

  

Caitlin FitzGerald in Emilia Wickstead

Caitlin was a red carpet surprise for me, but a very welcome one, in a bright, flattering blue that enhanced her pale hair and matched her eyes. (Also a very good, bold lipstick choice.) Once again the high-low hemline reigned, and she accented her dress with fun shoes and accessories.

  

Sarah Hyland in Georges Hobeika

Another fashion surprise was this beautiful, simple gown, with a dropped, belted waist, and a soft, ombre hemline. I loved the fact that Sarah rocked one of the biggest hair trends of the year - braids! - bringing fresh fun and youth to her look.


And there you have it... we survived the Golden Globes red carpet once again! We've got wait until March to see what the Oscars will bring, but it promises to be a worth-while fashion parade. :)

Which looks were your favorites! I'd love to hear!

-Amanda

Images: Just Jared

Read More

Vogue Turkey - October 2013

Channeling Sabrina-era Audrey Hepburn here's the elfin Mariacarla Boscono photographed by Cuneyt Akeroglu. Doesn't her hair make you want to get a fringe?

This shoot makes also me want a little black jumper and a polka-dot neck scarf. ;)

-Amanda

Images via Visual Optimism

Read More

I'll get my little black dress on...

Happy New Year to all! I hope you had a tremendous holiday season and are ready to jump into 2014! I must confess that I'm not feeling as adventurous as I usually do when I flip the calendar over. Maybe its my schedule that's burned me out, maybe I've still got leftover aging apprehension from when I turned 25, maybe it's feeling that changes are around the corner, and I might not like them all. Whatever it is, I know that God has these next 12 months under control, and I can trust Him, and take everything that gets thrown at me.

Oh yeah, and regardless of what the new year brings, I'm gonna dance to "Little Black Dress" by Sara Bareilles because I finally bought The Blessed Unrest (it's on sale for $5 on amazon) and have been playing it on repeat. Sorry, but that song makes me feel tremendously happy. ;)

2013 was definitely a crazy, busy, barely-got-a-chance-to-catch-my-breath kind of year. Some highlights:

• Tried out a couple of really strict healthy eating diets for the first time in my life, and loved them. They definitely changed my taste buds, how I perceive food, and helped me feel better physically.
• Watched my brother play lots of basketball. I now (mostly) understand the game and enjoy it.
• Played Baroness Shraeder in "The Sound of Music" and made a dear, new friend.
• "Inherited" my cousin's record player and started my love affair with vinyl.
• Sent my middle grade novel out to some friends and got positive and helpful feedback.
• Saw my best friend go off to bootcamp, and then to Afghanistan.
• Spent some very special times with my bosom friend, whom I hadn't seen in 3 years.
• Sewed a wedding gown over 2 months with some of the best women I know.
• Braved Boston on the 4th of July for the greatest fireworks display I've ever seen.
• Hosted a 1960s summertime bash.
• Went to the beach. Newport, I love thee.
• Had a blast (luxury) camping with my family in NH.
• Spent a magical week in our ancestral home in Arichat, Nova Scotia, and then swung by P.E.I. for a Lucy Maud Montgomery fix.
• Started cosmetology school. Hair shows, products, homework overload.
• Managed to turn 25 without doing anything too crazy. (Other than canceling my party the night before because I was too exhausted. Still embarrassed by that.)
• Came out of "Les Miserables" unscathed.
• Took NYC with some of my favorite girls and realized that Times Square at midnight is truly everything I dreamt it would be.
• Released 3 new Flynntastics videos.
• Got to see my nephews!!
• Colored my hair for the first time ever. It won't be the last.

Umm. This list wasn't supposed to be that long. :P

As far as 2014 goes, the only plans I have are to finish school, take state board, and get started in a salon. Whether that's in the city, the suburbs, another state; I don't know. I hope to continue to write, do community theater, and start working with some local ministries. But the year really is a big question mark. There's so many things I could do, places I could go... God is going to have to sort it all out.

What I'm Wearing:

• LBD by MIKA ROSE - gift from a dear, fashionable friend
• Belt - Kohl's
• Tights by Simply Vera VERA WANG - Kohl's
• Wedge Ankle Boots by White Mountain - thrifted for $4 and just like new! 
• Necklace - Forever 21 in NYC
• Earrings by Touchstone Crystal - Christmas gift

What did your 2013 look like? And what are your plans for 2014? Please share. :)

Thanks for visiting!

-Amanda

Photos by Lydia Flynn - Thank you to the owners of the random driveway we borrowed for the shoot... I hope you weren't home.

Read More

words for the new year

Have a lovely one.

-Amanda

Read More

"Mistletoe"

Wishing you all a Merry, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! :)

-Amanda

Read More

Meant to be RED

I have always wanted red hair. It's been like a disease, eating away at me since the time I was 6 and first saw Anne of Green Gables (still my favorite movie). Anne Shirley may have hated her carrot-colored tresses, but I wanted them desperately. Natural reddish highlights were not enough.

Dyeing my hair red has always been near the top of my bucket list, but I was truly afraid to change my hair color. Not only did it seem like "cheating,"but I was terrified that I'd end up with an unwanted result.

Apparently cosmetology school has destroyed my fears. Finally, I am a redhead.

From looking at shades to finally seeing the end result, the process was fun and exciting (and my classmate Kalyn did a super job!). We were originally shooting for a brighter, more orange-y red, but it came out more of a "chocolate cranberry." More subtle, but I love it. And since it will fade out in about a month, I will be able to throw a new shade on and try for more brilliance. (Really, the possibilities are endless... watch out, world!)

My outfit yesterday consisted of a favorite top, which is comfy, long and fitted at the bottom, making it good with jeans, or tucking nicely into a skirt.
After owning this skirt for years, I recently almost got rid of it (or considered shortening it up), but I'm so glad I didn't. It's perfect when I want something a little retro 30s/40s.
I think these shoes (a Savers find for $3.50) speak for themselves.

What I'm Wearing:

• Knit Top by Bella D - thrifted
• Vintage Wool Skirt by LADY THOMSON - hand-me-down
• Sheer Tights - hand-me-down
• T Strap Shoes by BONGO - thrifted
• Jewelry designed by Kathy Snyder

Any redheads (natural or artificial) care to leave a comment and tell me how you feel about your hair? I find it kind of funny that some of the most famous redheads (take Lucille Ball, for instance) weren't naturally red. It makes me feel more like I can "own" that color, instead of feeling like an illegitimate ginger. ;)

-Amanda

P.S. There are lots of fabulous quotes and sayings regarding redheads... what's your favorite?

Photos by Lydia Flynn

Read More