Your Life: Your Heroes

Image from zimbio.com.

Bahya Mansour al-Hamad, above, was the flag bearer for Qatar at the Olympic opening ceremonies. The London Olympic Games mark the first time that every country represented has sent female athletes to compete. Women were first incorporated into the Olympics during the 1900 games in Paris. Since the 1996 Atlanta games, 26 teams have added women to their rosters. This year, women from Qatar, Brunei and Saudi Arabia will be the first of their nationalities to compete.

While this may not be the answer to worldwide inequality, it is certainly a big step for women everywhere. Olympic athletes are meant to represent their countries and are seen as heroes to all those watching at home. By sending female athletes to the Olympic games, these countries are recognizing the importance of women. They are also validating the dreams of girls everywhere. At the 2012 Olympics, Brunei, Qatar and Saudi Arabia joined 201 other countries in saying that women deserve to be recognized, and that we, too, can be heroes. 

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Style Stalker: Style Your Unique Shirt

Christina Caradona in a very chic outfit.
(image via Trop Rouge)

Blogger Christine Caradona of Trop Rouge has a very unique sense of style, which is why I love her. When I shop for summer tops, I always look for something rare that expresses my style. And, Christina's look proves I'm not the only one who buys out of the ordinary pieces. If you have an unusual top and need help styling it, this article is for you.  

The back of Christina's distinctive shirt.
(image via Trop Rouge)

Tip #1: Pair your cool shirt with a plain bottom. You want your shirt to stand out if your pants are pretty normal so the focus will be on your top. 


Tip #2: Add cool accessories. All Christina needed was a cute hat and one ring to complete her look. Keep your jewelry to a minimum and try other accessories like a hat, scarf or bag. 


Tip #3: Match your colors. Black is a main color in Christina's look—her shoes, the design on her shirt and her hat. Since your top is bold have a dominant or repeating color in your outfit.   


Tip #4: You'll need chic shoes. I love Christina's shoes because they are pointy like heels yet, they are flats with a strap in the back. 


How do you style your fun tops?

Jasmine Perry is a Fashion Blogger at Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter. 

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A Close Look at the Olympic Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony featured a stunning recreation of Glastonbury Tor, which was made using real plants.
(image via ABC News)

On Friday, audiences around the world watched in awe as the opening ceremony got underway in London, marking the official start of the Summer 2012 Olympics. The inventive ceremony, titled "Isles of Wonder," was directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Danny Boyle, best known for Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle brought his signature flashy visuals to the ceremony, which celebrated Britain's past and present through elaborate sets and carefully choreographed performances.

The ceremony opened on a green meadow scene reflecting the country's agrarian past. The use of real plants and authentic costumes created an ethereal atmosphere in the stadium. Beloved British actor Kenneth Branagh acted as a sort of ringleader for the performance. He stood in front of a gorgeous recreation of Glastonbury Tor and read a speech from William Shakespeare's The Tempest.

It was the stadium's subsequent transformations which really wowed audiences. In a sequence representing the onset of the Industrial Revolution, the stadium's sod was removed, and towering smoke stacks rose from the ground. The ceremony also celebrated the digital age in a short play featuring images from pop culture and classic British music.

Paul McCartney gave an emotional
performance at the end of the ceremony.
(image via TV Guide)

While the ceremony was dramatic and emotional, it wasn't without humor. Viewers immediately started talking about a clever short film in which James Bond (Daniel Craig) escorts Queen Elizabeth II to the stadium. Audiences also giggled at a cameo from British comedian Rowan Atkinson in a lighthearted tribute to the film Chariots of Fire.

Fans of the Harry Potter series were likely excited to see an appearance from author J.K. Rowling in a segment featuring enormous puppet versions of literary villains like Voldemort and Captain Hook.

The Parade of Nations featured the introduction of the participating athletes from each country, wearing their official national uniforms. Once every country was introduced, the iconic olympic cauldron was lighted using the flame from the symbolic torch. There was much talk over who would light the cauldron, some speculating it might be Queen Elizabeth herself. The honor actually went to seven young British athletes, as a symbol of the next generation of olympians.

The ceremony closed with an emotional performance of "Hey Jude" from Paul McCartney and a stunning fireworks display.

What a great way to start the 2012 Olympics! Did you watch the opening ceremony? What did you think?


Jill O'Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Girl Crush: Alison Pill

Alison Pill as Maggie in the new show The Newsroom.

Some people pop up in your life so many times that they become impossible to ignore. For me, Alison Pill is one of those people.

My first encounter with Alison was as drummer and ultimate girl crush Kim Pine in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. She was sassy, dry, and hysterical. I loved every second of it.

If Scott Pilgrim isn't really your style, you might recognize her from her role as Zelda Fitzgerald in Midnight in Paris. Not only does she look fabulous in a flapper's wardrobe and Zelda's wild curls, she plays F Scott's (in)famous wife amazingly, down to her intense southern accent and flare for the dramatic.

Most recently, Pill has stolen my heart as Maggie, an assistant turned producer in Aaron Sorkin's latest project, The Newsroom. Maggie is young and unsure of herself, but she's incredibly smart and really enjoyable to watch. The show itself is probably not everyone's taste, but the human drama created by Sorkin is enthralling and the political and current events aspects of the show drive the story line. There is never a dull moment on the show, and Pill plays a character you will definitely find yourself invested in. Not to mention her love interest is adorable.

Start looking for her, I guarantee you will start seeing Alison Pill in movies and shows you love.

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Throw a Gatsby Party!

Want a throw an end of the summer (yes, it's coming up fast) bash? Why not make it something fun and unique? With the approach of the new Gatsby movie this December, what better way to throw the ultimate party than to make it Gatsby-themed?

First things first: set a dress code. Have your guests come in full 1920's costumes, or tell them to pick a character from the book. Check out Ruche for some vintage-inspired pieces.

How cute are these flapper dresses?
(image via Accessories Magazine)

Plan the right decor. Pick up some Chinese-style lights like the ones below, or hang some airy white curtains just like the ones in Fitzgerald's book. Feathers, champagne and candlesticks will also add just the right feel to your backyard bash. 

Fun, stylish and right out of Gatsby's world.
(image via The Tumtum Tree)

Learn the Charleston—or at least, the basic steps—and teach your guests too! Playing jazz music will set the mood and transport the party back into the roaring '20's. 

Put your new dance skills to the test!
(image via Pinterest)

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Closet Case: How to Dress for Fashion Week

Fashion Week isn't that far off! Spring 2013 Collections will be shown in New York September 6-13th, so if you're lucky enough to have an invite, it's time to start putting together your most fashionable outfits now! If there's one thing I learned living in NYC, it's that the weather can change from hot and humid to cold and chilly at night, so don't be afraid of layers. Paris Fashion Week will immediately follow from September 25th to October 3rd so it's time to get packing!

Image via fashionologie

Look Back on Past Fashion Weeks and Forward on This Season's Trends:
Looking back on photos of "street style" from past Fashion Weeks will actually help you establish patterns and trends for the forthcoming Fashion Week you attend. For Spring Fashion Week (which takes place in Fall), you'll notice outfits have many aspects in common, primarily because the temperature is dropping. Fall is the time to put your best foot- I mean shoes- forward. Make sure you've picked out an outfit that will keep you warm and add accessories like a unique scarf to stand out from the crowd.

Image via fashionologie

Build Your Outfit in Layers:
The best way to be fashionable and warm is to dress in layers. If you’re wearing a skirt or dress, add a thicker pair of opaque tights underneath to keep your legs warm (and make your shoes more comfortable!) Vests are also a great addition to an outfit because they’re easy to take off if you get hot. 

Image via fashionologie

 Fall’s Color Palette Generally Consists of Darker Colors:

Yes, it’s true that all-white is a trend for fall, but traditionally speaking, you’ll be in the clear if you stick to a dark color palette. Think of shades of navy, hunter green, dark red, and the always classy color choice: black. The Paris Fashion Week attendee below, Doina Ciobanu, adds a pop of blue to her otherwise all-black outfit to create some contrast.

Image via fashionologie

Wearing All Black is Completely Acceptable… and Don’t Forget Your Sunglasses!

Wearing all black is completely acceptable- especially when you choose a fabric with a bit or texture or sheen like Olivia Palermo below. Don’t forget to wear your sunglasses- taking them off inside is optional. Even if you’re wearing all black, show you’re knowledgeable about trends by picking pieces with details and embellishments worth talking about. Add a belt to an outfit for a little interest… and don’t forget your highest heels!

Are you going to Spring 2013 Fashion Week? If so, what are you wearing? If not, what's your favorite source for Fashion Week Coverage?

Sara Neely is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Jessica Biel's New Style

Jessica Biel in Mugler

(image via Harper's Bazaar)

Hmm...is it me or is Jessica Biel developing a killer sense of style? Personally, I am loving her new style. First, her stunning look at the ESPY Awards and now this fab look. This look helped place her on Harper's Bazaar's Best Dressed List, major style points! Here are a few tips to help you perfect your style:

1. The Perfect Color: What colors look best on you? When you find the perfect color, run with it. Experiment with different shades and pieces but keep in mind the colors that look best against your skin tone. Pastel pink seems to be Jessica's perfect color. Obviously, it's stunning on her.

2. A bright shoe: Because Jessica's outfit is pale, a bright pink shoe is quite appropriate. It adds the "wow" factor to her look and makes her stand out in a crowd.

3. Bold Bottoms: The best piece of her outfit is the high-waited skirt. Don't you agree? She went for a classic piece with a new twist. The fabric and design of the skirt are very unique. Dare to be different and try something new. 

4. Jewelry: Jessica went for a more classic look with this outfit. So, a simple bracelet and ring add the perfect little touch. I would also try accessorizing with pearl earrings or bracelets.

What do you think of Jessica Biel's new style? Have fun styling your look!

Jasmine Perry is a Fashion Blogger at Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter. 

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Get Fit: Sculpting Sexy Arms

(image via Cosmopolitan.com)

Alright ladies, I know I am not alone in this. You are getting ready to go out, and you look amazing... then you jiggle your arms in the mirror and notice that extra flab that's hanging. It puts a damper on any cute outfit. Plus, it's the season of strapless dresses and full flaunting of your arms and shoulders.


Here are a few jiggle-free arm workouts to quickly tone up and sculpt some sexy arms!
All you need is a medicine ball and a pair of dumbbells (any size).

1. Lunge: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest, elbows bent by your sides. Then lunge back with your right leg and rotate your torso to the right, then back to the center. Repeat with other side. Do six to twelve reps.


2. Reverse Dunk: Lie face-up on the floor with your knees bent, heels on the floor, holding the medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest. Then, slowly sit up, keeping your abs tight. Feel the burn! Do eight to ten reps.


3. Shoulder Press: Hold a pair of dumbbells just above your shoulders, palms facing each other, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Then, press the weights until your arms are straight above your head. Hold for one second, then take three seconds to lower the dumbbells back to your shoulders. Do six to eight reps.


4. Bicep Curl: Hold a dumbbell with an underhand position and extend your arms so the weight rests in front of your thighs. As you tighten your abs and relax your shoulders, pull the weight up towards your shoulders by bending your elbows. Keep your arms alongside your body throughout the curls. Repeat with your other arm. Do eight to ten reps.

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Culture Cram: 2012 Emmy Predictions

Both Zooey Deschanel and Max Greenfield were nominated for their quirky roles on New Girl.
(image via Entertainment Weekly)

The 2012 Primetime Emmy nominations were announced last week by Kerry Washington and a pajama-clad Jimmy Kimmel. The nominations, which honor the best in the year of television, were full of old and new favorites, as well as a few significant snubs.

As a self-proclaimed television addict, I was in front of the TV when the nominations were announced, and I’ve compiled my predictions for who will win the major categories, who I think should win, and who was noticeably absent from the nods.

Comedy Series

The entire adult cast of Modern Family, including
Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, was nominated.
(image via Entertainment Weekly)

Nominees: 30 Rock, The Big Bang Theory, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Girls, Modern Family, Veep

Who Will/Should Win: Modern Family

Snub: Parks and Recreation

There doesn't seem to be any beating the ensemble ABC comedy Modern Family. Noticeably absent was NBC's Parks and Recreation, which received multiple writing nominations but no series nod. Doesn't make much sense, does it?

Drama Series

Nominees: Boardwalk Empire, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, Mad Men

Who Will/Should Win: Mad Men

Snub: Dexter

Cable series rule the Best Drama category. Ultimately, I think AMC's brilliant Mad Men will emerge victorious. Regular nominee Dexter wasn't nominated this year, after what many consider a lukewarm season.

Lead Actress in a Comedy

Nominees: Zooey Deschanel (New Girl), Lena Dunham (Girls), Edie Falco (Nurse Jackie), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Melissa McCarthy (Mike and Molly), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation)

Who Will/Should Win: Amy Poehler

Snub: Laura Linney (The C Word)

TV's funny ladies are so talented there had to be seven nominees. I think Amy Poehler will take home an award for her hilarious and heartfelt performance. Although I adore Tina Fey and would love for her to win all the time, I think this was Poehler's year. Laura Linney, who was nominated last year, was left out of the running.

Lead Actor in a Comedy

Nominees: Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), Don Cheadle (House of Lies), Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Louis C.K. (Louie), Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory)

Who Will Win: Jim Parsons 

Who Should Win: Alec Baldwin

Snub: Joel McHale (Community)

This category is full of familiar faces, and ultimately I think the Emmys will once again honor TV nerd Jim Parsons. Since the only performance on this list with which I'm familiar is Baldwin's, and he's on my favorite show, don't judge me for thinking he deserves it. NBC's fan-favorite Community was absent from the major categories, including this one. It would have been great to see Joel McHale nominated.

Mad Men received multiple nominations, including one
for Jon Hamm, who's considered one of the frontrunners
in his category.
(image via Entertainment Weekly)

Lead Actress in a Drama

Nominees: Kathy Bates (Harry's Law), Glenn Close (Damages), Claire Danes (Homeland), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), Elisabeth Moss (Mad Men)

Who Will Win: Claire Danes

Who Should Win: Elisabeth Moss

Snub: Mireille Enos (The Killing)

It seems like everyone's talking about Claire Danes's performance on Homeland, and I think the Emmy voters will agree with fans and give her the win. Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss is long overdue for a win, however. Many think Mireille Enos's performance in the Emmy-ignored The Killing was Emmy-worthy.

Lead Actor in a Drama

Nominees: Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Brian Cranston (Breaking Bad), Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jon Hamm (Mad Men), Damian Lewis (Homeland)

Who Will/Should Win: Jon Hamm 

Snub: Hugh Laurie (House)

It's between AMC's Hamm and Cranston for the win here, but I think the Emmys will finally reward the talented Hamm for his consistently fantastic performance as Don Draper. House fans are shocked that the much-nominated Hugh Laurie didn't receive a nod for the final season of the show.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Nominees: Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), Kathryn Joosten (Desperate Housewives), Sofia Vergara (Modern Family), Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live)

Who Will Win: Julie Bowen

Who Should Win: Kristen Wiig

Snub: Maya Rudolph (Up All Night)

This race seems to be neck and neck between Bowen and Vergara of Modern Family, but Bowen's control-freak mom is consistently hilarious, so I predict she'll get the win. Since this was Wiig's last season on SNL, I think it would be great if the Emmys gave her a win. Where was fellow SNL alum Maya Rudolph of Up All Night?

Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Nominees: Ty Burrell (Modern Family), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Max Greenfield (New Girl), Bill Hader (Saturday Night Live), Ed O’Neill (Modern Family), Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family)

Who Will Win: Ty Burrell

Who Should Win: Max Greenfield

Snub: Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation)

The Modern Family men have four of the six nods in this category, so it's no surprise that one of them is the frontrunner. Burrell's well-meaning dad has previously gotten Emmy love, and I don't think this year will be any different. However, fan-favorite Max Greenfield became one of last year's breakout stars as Schmidt. Parks and Recreation fans, including me, are outraged that Nick Offerman was ignored for his fantastic supporting performance.

Although Damages has long been critically
acclaimed Rose Byrne was snubbed for an
Emmy nomination.
(image via The TV Watchtower)

Supporting Actress in a Drama

Nominees: Christine Baranski (The Good Wife), Joanne Froggatt (Downton Abbey), Anna Gunn (Breaking Bad), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)

Who Will Win: Maggie Smith

Who Should Win: Christina Hendricks

Snub: Rose Byrne (Damages)

There's probably no beating the brilliant Maggie Smith in this category. Christina Hendricks's character Joan had a dramatic year on Mad Men, so it would be nice to see her rewarded for her performance. Damages fans were sad to see past nominee Rose Byrne absent from the list.

Supporting Actor in a Drama

Nominees: Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey), Brendan Coyle (Downton Abbey), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Jared Harris (Mad Men)

Who Will Win: Aaron Paul

Who Should Win: Jared Harris

Snub: Mandy Patinkin (Homeland)

Breaking Bad is one of the most highly praised shows on TV, and supporting actor Paul is likely to emerge victorious in his category. My pick for who should win, however, is Jared Harris, whose heartbreaking performance on this season of Mad Men took fans' breaths away. Many consider it surprising that Homeland received so much attention, but Mandy Patinkin was absent from the nominees.

Watch the Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 23 on NBC.

Jill O’Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

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The New Age Water Bottle

The ins and outs of Brita's self-filtering water bottle.
(image via Brita.com)

I LOVE water and I'm not just saying that. I drink so much H2O, my co-workers probably think I have an overactive bladder. My boss is nice enough to stock bottled water in our office fridge and when I first began working there I went through a few bottles every workday. Although I wasn't spending money on the bottles I felt guilty for constantly throwing plastic bottles away. Not to mention when I work out I usually end up refilling my water bottle with tap water at the gym which always has an awful unfiltered after taste.


Then I discovered self-filtering water bottles. I bought the Bobble at a local Target and fell in love. It's a reusable water bottle that filters water as you drink using a replaceable carbon filter. Not to mention it's pretty stylish. As we all know the more plastic water bottles we throw out the more harm we cause to our planet. The Bobble water bottle is free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC.

The Bobble water bottle filters
as you drink.
(image via waterbobble.com)

Online Bobble price range is $8.99 - $12.99 (depending on size). They recommend you change filters every two months and they cost $6.99. Old Navy, Target, Macy's, Walgreen's and Best Buy are among the list of 60 retailers that stock Bobbles. 


Similar to the Bobble, Brita also makes a self-filtering bottle. I use a Brita pitcher for drinking water at home and it works perfectly. This bottle is also super cute and is available in different colors. One Brita Bottle is $9.99 and a pack of two filters is $7.99. They also recommend changing your filters every two months. The Brita Bottle is also BPA free and safe for the environment. You can get these bottles at Walmart or Target. 


Please note: This is a completely unbiased and unsponsored blog post. I think both of these products help support a sustainable future for our planet! 

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Happy Home: Motivational Art

If there's one thing you need after a long week of work--besides drinks with friends and a foot massage--it's coming home to an inspiring space. Maybe it's your totally awesome couch or modern dining room, but maybe it's the actual art on your walls.

I found this adorable little shop on Etsy the other day called The Love Shop! In addition to all of the cutesy modern typography, the motivational messages are just what I've been looking for. Plus, the color and feel of each piece makes you feel refreshed and happy.

Ways to a happier life.
(image via The Love Shop)

The soft blue shade and fun message would be perfect in a bedroom. More sleep? Yes please.

So important to remember.
(image via The Love Shop)

This is a message I definitely need a constant reminder about, don't you? 

Amen, sister.
(image via The Love Shop)

I don't know about you, but I would love this print in my house. A daily reminder to travel is the perfect encouragement for my dreams.

Motivational art is becoming a huge trend in younger houses: check out Young House Love for more ideas and personal touches (they have an entire hallway dedicated to personal artwork and inspiring messages and memories). No matter what message you prefer, anything that inspires you or makes you feel happy and more positive is great for both your mood and the mood of your house. 

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Your Life: Dealing with Anxiety

A postcard from PostSecret.
(image via PostSecret)

Anxiety can be next to impossible to deal with. Anyone who has ever experienced a panic attack knows that the overwhelming emotion that comes with anxiety can consume you. Even when it feels like you're drowning in anxiety, there are some ways that you can keep yourself calm in the interest of carrying on.

Focus on your breath. This is my ultimate anxiety life saver. When you feel yourself getting anxious, concentrate on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. It can also be helpful to place your hand on your stomach and feel it expand with your breath. 

Listen to calming music. Pick something that you really enjoy, keep the volume low and listen with your eyes closed. Keep breathing and let the music wash over you. When you devote your attention to both breathing and the music you're listening too, there will be less room for the anxious thoughts plaguing you.

Take a shower. Allow yourself to be immersed in the experience of warm water and cleanliness. Washing yourself can be a good compliment to washing away the stress that's keeping you down. Being in the shower doesn't mean you have to let your mind wander. Keep breathing, and keep my last step in mind. 

Accept the anxiety you're feeling. While it may not always seem like it, the fear and tension you are feeling will pass. Remind yourself that everything is going to be alright, and soon you'll realize that is really is. 

If you suffer from anxiety, I truly hope that these tips do some good for you.

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'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!': Lea Michele in Silver

Lea Michele in Versace at the Teen Choice Awards.
(image via FabSugar Australia)

Poor Lea Michele. She missed her plane to be the disco ball at one of the clubs in Las Vegas, so she came to the Teen Choice Awards instead. I feel bad for all of those club goers who were let down when she never appeared to brighten up the dance floor.

If you can't tell, I'm not feeling this dress. And Lea's not known for pairing heels that match her dress, so I'm shocked by her behavior here. I'm seriously shocked to not be in love with her look because she's usually such a style star. I mean, not even Rachel Berry would wear something this tacky.

Style Stalker: Crop Tops

Diane Kruger in Hugo Boss
(image via Harper's Bazaar)

In these last few weeks of heat and summer sun, we understand if you need to pull out your crop top! But, ladies remember to keep it classy and never expose too much skin. Diane Kruger knows how to style a great look and still remain classy. She turned her rather plain crop top into a super sexy ensemble. And that is why I chose her outfit to give you a few style tips this week.


1. Dress Down: You don't have to go all out with your top, it can be a simple print such as, stripes or just a solid color. Your pants don't have to be flashy either, just make sure they have something in common with your top; color, cut, design, etc. I love the stripped shirt paired with the pants that have one stripe.

2. Crop Tank: Go for a top that I call a "crop tank". A crop tank is a longer version of a crop top. It is more mature looking and flatter if your tummy isn't quite in shape yet.

3. Try Trouser: Jeans are a staple in many wardrobes but, have we forgotten that there are others kinds of bottoms out there? Diane Kruger sure didn't! And we're happy that she's showing you how to style a piece other than jeans. Her trousers are very chic and look better than a simple pair of jeans would.

4. Killer Heels: It's always stylish to add fly heels to your look. Always.

I love Diane's color choice and her cute bag! How do you style your crop top?

Jasmine Perry is a Fashion Blogger at Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter. 

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Why Liz Lemon is My Lady Hero

Tina Fey is hilarious and relatable as TV writer Liz Lemon on 30 Rock.
(image via Rolling Stone)

"You are my heroine. And by 'heroine,' I mean 'lady hero.' I don't want to inject you and listen to jazz." - Liz Lemon

I originally intended to write a post about five flawed fictional women to get inspired by, including Bridget Jones of Bridget Jones's Diary, Christine Campbell of The New Adventures of Old Christine, and Lucy Ricardo of I Love Lucy. However, after thinking about it, I realized that the ultimate unlikely heroine deserves a post of her own.

Saturday Night Live alum Tina Fey created the hit NBC sitcom 30 Rock in 2006, and with it a hilarious alter ego who happens to be my favorite fictional character, perhaps of all time. Liz Lemon, the head writer of late-night sketch show TGS (a position Fey herself held at SNL), is neurotic, nerdy, romantically challenged, and addicted to junk food. I think she's the most relatable female character on television.

Liz Lemon is a role model because, even though she heads a low-rated comedy show full of immature toilet humor and manages a table full of childish, irresponsible writers, she's devoted to her career and strives to make sure things go as smoothly as possible. In one episode, after trying to be more fun to prove to her employees that she's not just "the RA," she goes back to her responsible ways, because the show would fall apart without her.

Liz isn't a boring control freak, however. Her nerdy quirks and majorly embarrassing shenanigans make her hilarious to watch and relate to. Liz does things like wearing a Princess Leia costume to court to get out of jury duty and drunkenly singing Alanis Morissette on the phone to a co-op board when they don't let her buy an apartment.

Liz Lemon is also a refreshing representation of the everywoman struggle to juggle romance and career. She handles her desire to "have it all" in a much more relatable way than previous TV women like Carrie Bradshaw. Liz isn't a flirty fashion plate or a powerful career woman. She's a normal person handling a less-than-glamorous job while being unlucky in love.

To properly demonstrate Liz's new "modern woman" persona, I point to the episode where she chases her ex-boyfriend Floyd (Jason Sudeikis) through the airport in a grand romantic gesture and ends up scarfing down the sandwich she's carrying at security in order to avoid surrendering it. She proclaims through a full mouth, "I can have it all!" She's got her priorities straight.

The next time you find yourself depressed over your dissimilarity to the glamorous, well-spoken female protagonists who grace the television screen, remember Liz Lemon, who shows that messy, awkward women can be just as lovable and inspiring.

30 Rock returns to NBC for its seventh and final season this October, but in the meantime check your local listings for episodes in syndication.

Jill O'Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Closet Case: Target to Collaborate with Neiman Marcus

Target has collaborated with many high-end designers in the past including Jason Wu, Missoni, Zac Posen, Anna Sui, Thakoon, Erin Fetherston, Luella Bartley, Proenza Schouler and Jonathan Saunders. More recently Target collaborated with five specialty boutiques across the country including The Webster of Miami, Privet House of Warren, Connecticut, Polka Dog Bakery of Boston, the Cos Bar of Aspen, and The Candy Store of San Francisco. First Target offered designer looks for less, then access to high-end specialty stores. So what could possibly be next for the bullseye?

Image via Target Style

Target's newest collaboration will be a partnership with high-end, luxury retailer, Neiman Marcus. The limited-edition collection will bring together 24 designers, all members of the CFDA, each of which will contribute 1-3 pieces to a collection with about 50 pieces. Designers currently attached to the project include Tory Burch, Diane von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera, Marc Jacobs and Oscar de la Renta. Unlike previous collaborations, this collection with be in the stores and on the sites of both retailers starting December 1st. The collection will contain a variety of items including apparel for women, men and children as well as home decor, sporting goods and accessories spanning a large price range of $7.99 to $499.99.

Image via Jurug

New York City-based fashion re­tail analyst, Hitha Prabhakar, described the collaboration stating:

“Neiman Marcus is a super high-end store that sells couture, very expensive items. Target is more for the masses, but it’s still a high-end big box store. The stores’ demo­graphics actually do overlap and look like a Venn diagram.”

Neiman Marcus did the research on Target before the partnership was ever proposed and found that many of it's customers shopped at Target for kitchen or household items. Neiman Marcus’ vice president of corporate communications, Ginger Reeder, stated:

"We knew there were traits from both stores that appeal to customers. We’ve always been respectful of their design sensibility, and we’ve kept an eye on what they’ve been doing for a while."

The collection will be sold in all Target and Neiman Marcus stores and will be available on both websites. Target hopes that having the collection available in multiple locations will help the store avoid problems they experienced with the launch of previous collections like Missoni. The day the Missoni collection launched, Target's website crashed for most of the day and many pieces sold on eBay for inflated prices. The goal of the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection is to capitalize on Neiman Marcus' relationship with high-end designers combined with Target's ability to sell products on a mass-market level.

What do you think of this concept? Are you excited about the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection? Does making designer pieces more accessible make them less desirable?

Sara Neely is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Girl Crush: Tegan and Sara

(Tegan and Sara photographed by Lindsey Byrnes)

This week’s girl crush is a two for one.

These talented twins from Canada have been releasing albums since 1999 with several big hits to their name. Not only are T and S twin sisters and band mates, they are also great friends. The two recently released a CD/DVD package called Get Along (now available on Netflix) which chronicles their travels in the US and India, showcasing the strong sisterly bond between them.

Both Tegan and Sara are dedicated to their fans, taking the time to blog on their official website, frequently update their twitter and run a tumblr, not to mention the video goodies and extras that they dedicate so frequently to fans. 

Possibly my favorite thing about these girls is that they are advocates and activists for the issues that matter most to them. Both Tegan and Sara are openly gay, and they have recently joined up with the company Revel and Riot to design and model tee shirts promoting marriage equality and equal rights for everyone in the LGBTQIAP community.

There’s something to like about both of these amazing women, whether it’s their musical talent, their quirky style or their complimenting personalities. Keep an eye out for new music from them coming soon!

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