Offensive Oufits and Festive Fitness Gear

Happy Halloween, Feather Girls!

(via The Shabby Creek Cottage)

"Anna Rexia" Costume (via PRLog)

Being in my early twenties, I'm still clinging on to the (rather silly) notion that Halloween is an excuse for otherwise conservative gals to dress provocatively. Honestly, I see nothing wrong with dressing up in costumes that are too risqué to wear on the other 364 days of the year. I've seen a number of offensive Halloween costumes, but this season's crop of "sexy" get-ups includes one very unsettling concept.

Have you heard of the "Anna Rexia" costume?

I understand that many costumes are meant to poke at stereotypes or raise eyebrows, but this "Anna Rexia" costume completely discounts the severity of eating disorders. I suppose the purpose is to provocatively scoff at society's backwards beauty ideals. But seriously? This costume enforces the ignorance surrounding eating disorders.

So sad.

On a healthier and much more encouraging note, I've created a collection of festive fitness gear. Although orange is not universally flattering, you can still wear shades of yellow, peach and coral—call it Halloween chic!

(via Polyvore)

 

Yoga for Beginners

Not sure you're ready for all those yoga classes featured in Feather Magazine? Maybe you should do a little practice at home, so you look like a pro at your first class.

Here are 10 easy yoga positions that all beginners can learn. Gain the benefits of yoga without getting hurt. Who says only flexible people can do yoga?

1. Mountain Pose
Stand straight with your big toes touching and your heels about an inch apart.

2. Upward Salute
Bring your arms out to the sides and up toward the ceiling.

3. Corpse Pose
Position yourself on the floor with your knees straight. Have your palms face upward and keep your legs and arms relaxed.

4. Cat Pose
Position your knees directly below your hips and your wrists, elbows and shoulders should be straight and perpendicular to the floor.

5. Child's Pose
Kneel and touch your big toes together. Separate your knees as wide as your hips.

6. Plank Pose
Draw your torso forward and position your arms perpendicular to the floor. Straighten your back.

7. Downward Facing Dog
Set your body in an upside down ‘V’ shape.

8. Chair Pose
Straighten your arms and raise them perpendicular to the floor. Keep your arms parallel.

9. Cobra Pose
Stretch your legs back, and have the tops of your feet touch the floor. Use your hands to hold your body up. Bend upward and back.

10. Extended Puppy Pose
Make sure your shoulders are above your wrists and your hips are directly above your knees.

Editors' Picks: Halloween Candy

It's that time of year again! We're sweet on holidays, especially Halloween. Even though we're all much too old to go trick-or-treating, we haven't outgrown our sweet tooth. Here's how we'll be getting our sugar rush on this weekend:

1. Catrina [candy corn] 2. Jenny [Almond Joy] 3. Jeni [Ghirardelli Intense Dark chocolate squares] 4. Kirsten [Kit Kat bars] 5. Brianti [Jolly Ranchers]

What will you treat yourself to on Halloween?

Paranormal Muppets

In case you haven't seen any of The Muppets parody trailers, stop reading and watch them from the start (Green with Envy, The Green Lantern, The Hangover II, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) All caught up? Good. Now, check out this final parody trailer (below) released yesterday.

The Muppets' final parody trailer spoofs Twilight and Paranormal Activity.

The Muppets tackle everything from Paranormal Activity and Breaking Dawn (Breaking Prawn) to Puss in Boots and Happy Feet. This is why this film will do so well--mark my words. The Muppets appeal to every age group and demographic, young, old, and those loving comedies, horrors and romances. They even mock their original parody trailer in the bit.

I haven't seen great advertising like this in a while (The Dark Knight, Cloverfield). The ads don't even feel like ads due to their ubiquity. The Muppets have never left us. They've always been on TV (appearing alongside Grey's Anatomy actress, Sara Ramirez, The Muppet Show), films (Muppet Treasure Island) and most recently, the theaters (see below). With less than a month until the film's release, I can't wait to see what they have to deliver next. We'll be keeping a vigilant eye on their Facebook page to score advanced-screening tickets.

Need more muppets? Check out their AMC theater trailer. Seriously, they're everywhere.

Editor's Letter: Fearful Beginnings

It's nice to do something from your childhood again and
remember what life was like when all your fears were
about scary stories. (That's me in the striped shirt!)

I remember when the scariest thing I could think of was the possibility that R.L. Stine's Night of the Living Dummy books may not be fictional. Then, other scary things came along—middle school, high school, college, graduation, financial independence. 

After I graduated from the University of Florida, I realized I was amongst a group of twenty-something women who only had a few realistic resources to help them navigate this part of their lives.

That realization lead me to the scariest thing of all—starting Feather.


Three months later, facing my fear has given me an amazing staff who's also passionate about helping other twenty-somethings figure out this point in our lives. As we learn and grow, we share our experiences, along with the experiences of other twenty-something women, with our readers.

In the past two weeks, we've shared a lot with you. Our beauty team recounted experiences from backstage at New York Fashion Week, why sleeping's good for your skin and how to do your makeup in a hurry. Our fashion team brought you solutions to use everything in your closet, along with our LOOKBOOK Look of the Day. Health really set the tone for their section with stories on the psychology behind clothing sizes and why wealthy people find it easier to be healthier. Entertainment has been putting in overtime with TV Recaps and some suspenseful alternatives for horror films. Life taught you how to avoid relationship drama and how to make your own glitter. Career helped you get your finances in order with much-need information on credit cards. News shed some welcome light on what really goes on in the lives of reality stars.

And that's not even the half of it!

Two weeks ago, our entire staff faced our fears by putting our thoughts out there and you've welcomed us with open arms. If we had to do it again, we would. No matter what the outcome, we know the experience is worth it.

What are some fears you've conquered?

What's Your Back-Up?

Maybe these could have been my future students?

I was reading a story on the Oprah website (You can judge, but they have some pretty good stories.) about "6 Do-Good Jobs You Never Considered" and I thought about what I would do if I wasn't a journalist. If being a part of the press wasn't an option for me, what would I do?

The answer was easy: teach content-based English in Africa with the Peace Corps. That was my dream in high school and for a few years of college, but I sort of gave up on it. You have to understand that I love books and I think they have a lot to do with the person you become. When I started really studying them in high school, it really opened up a whole new part of literature for me to love.

There were a whole lot of reasons I decided I wasn't going to apply to leave after my college graduation. One of them was that I want to go to grad school next year and the Corps is a two-year commitment.

Maybe after I retire, I'll just move to Kenya and do it anyway.

What's your back-up career?

(image source)

Occupy Wall Street and Oppressive Pasttimes

I was talking with the Feather Magazine editors the other night about the Occupy Wall Street protests because so many people from our generation are involved. I remember saying they'd never gas them. It would be too cruel; too archaic; too reminiscent of the oppressive days of the movements in the 1960s when police would gas people and spray them with fire hoses.

I heard Patricia Stephens Due, an civil rights activist who staged the first jail-in 1960, speak last year. She always wears sunglasses, even inside. A cop threw a tear gas canister at her face in 1960, causing her eyes to be sensitive to light. I remember thinking how glad I was that was behind us.

Well, I was wrong.

Rewards Cards: Spend Money, Make Money

(source)

After getting details on how to best approach credit cards from Feather Magazine, you may be a little intimidated.

When you're trying to figure out what type of card to apply for, Curtis Arnold, founder of CardRatings.com told us rewards cards are a great option.

Arnold says, "Cash-back rewards cards are the way to go. They're simple. You don't have to worry about tracking points and, unlike cards tailored to specific kinds of people, (frequent fliers and restaurateurs, for example) they don't require aggressive, constant spending to reap the reward. Check www.cardratings.com/cashbackcreditcards to find the one that fits best for you."

(interview conducted by Noelia de la Cruz)

A Glittery Dessert



Ashley showcases her glittery caramel-frosted
cupcakes.



When we saw a recipe for glitter, we knew we had to do a tutorial. Our Editorial Assistant, Ashley Hall, heated up her oven and turned on the camera to document her DIY glitter project for our website.

After dying her fingers blue and making a couple of tweaks to the recipe, she got craft-store quality glitter at a fraction of the price.

The icing on the cake? It's edible!

Try our tutorial and then sprinkle your homemade glitter on a batch of cupcakes for a salty-sweet treat.

Send photos of your glitter creations to rufflings@gmail.com or tweet them to @rufflings!

Writing History

These are a cute way to keep your thoughts.

I've had a ton of really memorable experiences that have been lost because I didn't write them down. I'd tell you what they were, but I don't remember them. Unfortunately, the first few months of my journey with Feather Magazine fits under that category.

It's a shame, too, because I'll probably be racking my brain 10 years from now to remember the details of an event and never really know which parts of my recollection are real. "How did I come up with the name for my magazine? Uh, I didn't write it down, so I have no idea."

There was a time when people used pens for more than writing on sticky notes. They wrote in journals and diaries and sent letters about their adventures to friends. They had to put more thought into what they wrote because erasing wasn't so easy. Great books have made from these documents.

In a world of computers, we're moving farther away from that becoming a possibility. Will we be reading books of compiled emails? Could the best-selling book in 2040 be a compilation of President Obama's emails?

I love what the Internet has done for our generation. We wouldn't have Feather without it, but it's not a substitute for print. Words on paper are important and can be life changing when you're young. Think about the first time you read a Dr. Seuss book. Instead of looking for one to replace the other, the Web and print should live together peacefully. We shouldn't have to choose between one or the other.

So many things are happening in our lives right now, so instead of chronicling it all through Facebook and Twitter status updates or emails, get a pen and write it all down. You can look back at your life in your own words and leave something behind. Seventy years from now when you're dead and gone, your grandchildren could be inspired by your life.

Maybe they'll have it published as a book.

(image source)

A Ghoulish Cocktail

When you’re throwing a holiday gathering, like the horror film viewing party we wrote about in Feather Magazine, it’s more fun if everything has a coinciding theme. It shouldn’t just stop at decorations for your party or choosing movies.


What about your cocktails?


This Halloween-appropriate recipe from Food Network’s Claire Robinson called “Dark and Spooky” is the perfect addition to your drink menu.

(source)

Ingredients

• Black decorating sugar
• Juice of 1 lime, plus 1 lime wedge
• 1/4 cup dark rum
• 1/4 cup ginger beer or ginger ale
• 1 black gummy spider

Directions

Spread out the black sugar on a small plate. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass; dip the glass in the black sugar, then fill with ice. Combine the rum and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake well. Carefully strain into the glass, minding the sugar on the rim. Top the drink with ginger beer and add the gummy spider.

If you serve this at your Halloween celebrations, send us photos at rufflings@gmail.com or tweet them to @rufflings!

No closet? No problem!

Fashion blogger and mobile vintage shoppe owner, Kaelah Bee, built a closet in her loft.

When you move into a loft with no closet, there's only one thing to do—build one. Kaelah Bee, of Little Chief Honeybee, gave us the scoop and a few photos on her do-it-yourself closet project on the Feather Magazine website today.

What does it take to build your own closet? We asked and Bee answered.

Ruffled Feathers: If someone wanted to recreate your closet in their living space, what materials would they need?
Kaelah Bee: First off—some heavy duty industrial rafters to attach it to. This thing is not joking around. It's HEAVY. We had to adjust the chain by 2 links once and I couldn't even get under it to lift it without taking 90% of the clothes off. There are several hundred pounds pulling on that so I don't recommend installing one in your traditional drywall-home. I say that, but I'll probably take every route possible to recreate it in our next place. I'm just really afraid it won't happen!


But if you have something sturdy to attach it to, you'll need an appropriate length of industrial pipe (in the plumbing section of the hardware store) and you'll need flanges for the ends (to attach the chain and so the clothing doesn't fly off). You'll also have to get some thick industrial chain and a lock/carabiner to hold it together. While all of these items are really expensive at the hardware store, they create a look that is super awesome and industrial. Plus, not all closets can easily hold 275 dresses, 34 cardigans, jackets, etc!


It's worth the investment in my eyes! We recently built a similar wardrobe in our Honeybean Mobile Boutique! Instead of chains we just had the pipe run across the width of the camper, attached it to the walls with flanges and then supported it from below with 2 more pipes. If we move and have a spare room then I might give this a shot!


Will any of you guys be trying this in your homes?

(interview conducted by Brianti Downing)

Editors' Picks: Autumn Outerwear and Accessories

Autumn is all about outerwear. Whether you splurge on this fall's hottest jacket or rock the same classic coat every year, we believe in amping up autumn ensembles with chic accessories.
Check out our faves for this fall!

1. Brianti [J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer in Navy, ModCloth Happy to Zebra Flat, Forever 21 Heart Bracelet Set] 
2. Jeni [Michael Kors Satin Trench Coat, brogue heels, Kate Spade Supercalifragilipstick Scarf] 
3. Catrina [Urban Outfitters Sparkle & Fade Tuxedo Blazer, ALDO Kovalcin Ankle Boot, bold statement necklace]  
4. Kirsten [Express Pleat-Black Wool-Blend Peacoat, Mossimo Patent Paisley Platform Pumps, Express Brown Multi-Pattern Infinity Scarf] 
5. Jenny [Marc by Marc Jacobs Faux Fur Coat, DV Dolce Vita “Banya” Booties, ModCloth Hair of Elegance Headband] 

Vintage Crawl Hits Brooklyn

Co-Creator Kathryn Irby at Sunday Love via Pinterest

This past Sunday, October 16th, the Brooklyn Vintage Crawl already had a lot to live up to. Featured in the NY Metro Newspaper, Daily Candy NYC, Time Out NY, and even endorsed by New York's Mayor Bloomberg himself, this 2011 fall crawl had already impressed many! 

Sunday Love Jewelry Counter via Vintage Crawl

The buzz began at The Grand Street Bakery, an awesome space carved out of an old bakery and filled with unique vintage goodies. I then hopped over to the eclectic shop, Sunday Love and rummaged through their incredible antique-ish jewelry collection. 

 Surprisingly enough, there were plenty of finds out there for guys as well, as my male friend tagged along and loved every minute of it! Next we stopped by Loren, who had an amazing selection of both girl's and guy's refurbished denim to offer.

Malin Landeaus via Vintage Crawl

Not only was shopping a huge attraction, but a few local bars opened their doors and shared their discounts to all vintage crawlers as well! After stopping at Seven Wonders for mimosas and delectable drabs, I crossed over to a full house at Fox & Fawn. 

Kathryn on Pix 11 via  Pinterest

Feedback after the event has been nothing but positive, participants shared their excitement with co-creator Kathryn Irby. Shop owner CC from Le Grand Strip stated, "I tripled my sales in comparison to Fashion's Night Out." While Lexi Oliveri, owner of Antoinette shared that she "sold more than her opening day's sales even with the 10% discount offered"!

Kathryn and Lexi before Pix 11 via Pinterest

Ending my evening at Antoinette I enjoyed a live concert by Lightfoot, all the way from D.C.! This crawl was the first of its kind and New Yorkers can't wait to see what's in store for next year...

More fun pictures to come soon. Look out for them on @rufflings! 

Detoxing Naturally

Thinking about detoxing? You can try one of the diets from today's Feather Magazine or you can eat some naturally detoxifying foods.

Foods that naturally detox include:

• fruits
• greens
• citrus
• garlic
• broccoli
• green tea
• mung beans
• raw vegetables (onions, carrots, beets, turmeric)
• seeds & nuts (pumpkin, almond, walnut, hemp)
• omega-3 oils (hemp, avocado, olive, flax seed)

(List compiled by Lindsey Afton Dufoe)

Digital Deals

There was a story on how to shop smarter on Feather Magazine today and a huge part of that is finding bargains. We all know about the inserts in Sunday newspapers, but are you utilizing the Web?

The Internet’s your best friend when it comes to finding online deals. Use the following sites and Twitter handles as guides:

1. Retail Me Not: Find coupons for nearly any retailer. User interaction allows customers to score deals on merchandise they might not otherwise have access to. (www.retailmenot.com/@retailmenot)
2. Current Codes: www.currentcodes.com -- Great if you're searching for coupons from a specific retailer or store.
3. @CheapTweet: This Twitter handle frequently links to deals and discounts for hundreds of stores.
4. @CouponCabin:  Posts multiple times per day.


(List complied by Noelia de la Cruz)

Beam Me Up

Summer days are long gone and a sweep of standard bronzer is just not going to cut it anymore. Instead of letting forced heat, crisp fall air and the last few rays of sunshine damage and dry your skin, it's time to give it a little extra TLC... and a nice, seasonally appropriate glow factor. Rather than growing too loyal to the power of powder (not that it doesn't have its merits!), I suggest you take a step outside your comfort zone and scope out the latest in liquid gold. There are some wonderful products out there today and I'm going to share my top picks at (literally) every price range.

Courtesy of Chanel

SPLURGE--Soleil Tan de Chanel

chanel.com, $48

There's a legitimate reason behind the higher price of this creamy, iridescent liquid bronzer. Not only will it add instant glow power to your lifeless cheeks, but it lasts all day and just a tiny dab gets the job done. The colors are absolutely stunning and guarantee compliments from friends and strangers alike. And the chic frosted glass packaging isn't exactly an eye sore on your vanity, either.

Courtesy of Clinique

SANE--Clinique Up-Lifting Liquid Illuminator

clinique.com, $23

The handy applicator and portable bottle are certainly appreciated here. And, as with all Clinique products, this liquid bronzer promises to spare you from unnecessary irritation or acne breakouts as it's 100 percent hypoallergenic and oil-free. I like that you can use it all over the face—no need to stick to the cheek zone. You might find that adding a touch just underneath the arch of your brows packs mega appeal, too. This is a product to experiment with and there's nothing about that not to love.

Courtesy of Maybelline

STEAL--Maybelline Dream Mousse Bronzer

drugstore.com, $8

Forgive me. This one is not exactly a liquid, but rather it's a whipped-up, delicious foaming cream that will make you melt as you watch it melt onto your cheekbones. Luscious, even and adaptable for most skin tones, this is one time that the budget brand might just beat one of the more expensive products out there.

How's that for beauty on a dime? Let us know what you think!

Down the Pumpkin Patch

We found the perfect items for a mature Halloween party on Feather Magazine today, but some things you never really get too old for.

Halloween used to mean carving pumpkins with your parents and siblings. When you move out, that’s overshadowed by skimpy costumes and tequila. Sometimes it’s nice to go back and remember what you first loved about the holiday by getting some of your friend together and have a pumpkin-carving day.

Pile up in the car (or cars) and head to the pumpkin patch. Everyone can pick the one they like best. Depending on how long you want the gathering to last, you may want to remind everyone that large pumpkins take more time to carve. You can find a patch in your city at PumpkinPatchesandMore.org.

After everyone has their perfect pumpkin, go home and start carving. You can buy carving kits at almost any department store or order one online.

Send us your pumpkin carving pictures at rufflings@gmail.com or tweet them to @rufflings!