CPTS

If there is one reality television show that has a point, it would be What Not To Wear.

I don't know who else loves What Not To Wear, but I adore everything about it. 

Stacy and Clinton both are always able to give me a good giggle, and they are successful in making over people's lives. Fashion isn't just about the way you dress, it's a lifestyle. Changing the way you dress can really change your life. 

I idolize Stacy and Clinton, they change lives for the better and create a better, trendier world. 

The most valuable lesson I've learned from Stacy and Clinton was CPTS. 

Eleanor, what does CPTS mean you say.

Well...

C- Color

P- Pattern

T- Texture

S- Shine

Those are the four keys to completing any outfit. 

Next time before you walk the door, take a quick look and see, would Stacy and Clinton approve of this outfit? Just give it a check, does it have CPTS?

If the answer is yes then chances are you're in good shape!

Keep it classy,

~E

Staples, Part Two.

Yesterday we talked about important jewelry staples, so it's fitting that today we're going to talk about my favorite/most important clothing articles in my closet. 

5.  Brown Braided Skinny Belt-

I got this last winter from the Gap, and it was one of the best purchases I've made in the last six months. I wear it every time I put on a pair of mid waisted denim shorts, or my high waisted khaki shorts. I love how the braiding detail adds great texture!

4. Black Lace Scarf-

I got this while out shopping one day with one of my best girlfriends, Julie. It adds class to almost anything you could think to pair it with. And because it's lacy you can wear it in the summer when it's hot or in the "cold" Texas winters. Also, it does look really good with my trench coat.

3. Mid Waisted denim shorts- 

Truth: I liked these so much I went out and bought a second pair.

There from Urban Outfitters and I love them. The waist is higher than normal, and they look really good with a fun colored polo tucked in, and #5, the brown braided skinny belt! 

Side Note: I'm really sad that I'll have to be putting them away in a few months.

2. White Eyelet Skirt- 

This really is my best online shopping score, I got it for $15 from the J. Crew Factory outlet last October. It pairs well with a fitted polo or t-shirt for a sophisticated and fun yet comfy look. I'm planning on wearing it this weekend before Labor Day. 

1. Black Cardigan-

Mom actually got this for me at the J. Crew outlet while shopping with her friend. I wear it all the time. Like, at least once a week. The buttons are cut like diamonds and there black and shiny and it really makes me happy. Remember kids, CPTS. (If you don't remember what that means don't worry, we're having a refresher course tomorrow.)

What are your staple pieces? How often do you wear them?

Keep it classy,

~E

Standardized.

Getting to be a Junior in high school can be some really bad news for bad testers. Being a junior means you have to begin to seriously prepare for standardized testing for entering college. The PSAT mandated at most schools is a great starting point. The only major difference between the SAT and the PSAT is the "P" before it. The whole point of the exam is practice. To learn how to manage time and prepare to take the SAT and other standardized tests.

A common misconception is that the SAT and ACT measure what you know, in fact, nothing could be further than the truth. Both tests measure how you think, not what you think. Colleges don't want someone who already knows everything, they want someone that they can teach. Someone who will be ready and able to learn.

In preparation to take the SAT I'm taking a "Boot Camp" class offered through my school. It reviews no material, it only goes over test taking strategies and how to take the test. And if you're testing and don't know the answer, all you have left are your strategies.

I'm not excited to spend a few of my Saturday mornings taking a standardized rigorous test, but knowing how it will affect my future is scary. One test could be the reason I do or don't get into the school of my dreams.

So study hard this year. New year, new you.

Good luck out there, and as always...

Keep it classy,

~E

New year, new changes.

Well, it's about to be that day... The first day of school.

The one day where everyone worries about their outfit, will the teachers like me, who am I going to sit with at lunch?

The key to success is to dress for it. Everyone experiences first day jitters, why not calm them with a healthy dose of fashion?

At my school, we're on an "Alternating Block" schedule, basically we have the same classes every other day. And while academically it's good, alternating block does pose a few fashion problems.

First of all, two first day outfits for the first "red day" and the first "green day". Can you say ugh? Oh well. Well, my mom made me a spread sheet that I can log what I'm wearing each day so I can avoid the slightly awkward situation of wearing the same outfit to the same day. 

Unfortunately for my stress level I still haven't picked out my 5 "first week" outfits. 

But I'm sure it will end up okay. I have a video conference date set up with my sister so she is going to help me out. Plus I miss her lots.

I'll keep you updated on my wardrobe choices for the next week!

Keep it classy,

~E

I love my job!

Working is, well, not bad.

It's called work for a reason. Honestly I don't mind it. 

But my favorite part is pay day. I love reaping the fruits of my labor. 

Subtract $50 for the gas tank, then divide by two, put half into savings, the rest goes to fun. That's my life. After my first few paychecks I've got it down. 

And thanks to some wonderful end of summer sales I've gotten a few great things!!! 

Thanks to Urban Decay I've gotten the Midnight Emergency Kit, complete with a full size lip gloss.

On sale for $22! 

Granted it's called the Midnight Emergency kit, however, I plan on keeping it in my tote at school for a quick touch up of my eyeshadow or lip gloss. Not to mention the kit has a zipper that keeps glitter fallout form becoming a problem and getting all over everything. HUZZAH!

And courtesy of Kate Spade's 75% off sale I picked up the Cork idiom bangle that I've had my eye on all summer. 

As much as my mother hates cork (trust me she has a personal vendetta against cork accessories) and as strange as this is, I really do love cork. I really want a pair of pointy toed cork flats! No one ever said you had to approve of all your mother's fashion choices.

I can't believe that I'm saying this, but I'm really excited to get back to school, and be there in style.

What are you kids wearing to school? Who's excited??

Keep it classy,

~E

A whole new level.

Traditionally seersucker is worn as only clothing, but I'm out to change that today. 

Lately I've been building ground on a bangle obsession. And I've been looking for a seersucker bangle. Sadly, it was a fruitless search. As a notorious craft-o-holic I decided that when in craft world, create as the inspired do. 

So I set out to create a seersucker bangle. And with some inspiration and basic supplies, you can too. 

What you'll need:

scissors

seersucker fabric

an old bangle

hot glue

How to do it:

Use your scissors to cut a length of your fabric about double the bangle's circumference.

Take your hot glue gun and place a line of glue on the top of the bangle.

Quickly, before the glue dries, place the fabric centered on the glue. 

Press down and hold it for a few seconds until the glue gets tacky.

Place another line of glue on the bottom and put one side of the fabric in it and hold it down.

Repeat this for the second side and and let it dry fully. 

Continue to do this around the bangle until it is fully covered.

CONGRATULATIONS! You now have a super spiffy new bangle! 

Wear it with pride!

Keep it classy,

~E

SeerSUCKER

My name is Eleanor and I'm a seersucker freak.

I love stripes on any day and when it comes to a good seersucker I simply swoon.

I've got skirts, I've got bathing suit bags, I've got pencil bags and I'm working on pajama shorts.

See what I mean? 

It's seersucker celebration time, celebrating with fun facts!

The word Seersucker is originated from the Persian word "shir o shekar" meaning milk and sugar, probably named for the texture and color of the white "milk" and the rough loose weave.

In World War II nurse's uniforms were commonly made of seersucker.

In June, the United States senate holds Seersucker Thursday where all participants dress in traditional southern clothing.

Yay for fun facts! 

And get ready for a special seersucker 10 Minute Trend tomorrow!

Keep it classy,

~E