Ascending

2012 is almost over and for a fond send off we've selected something a little out of the ordinary...

My father, sister, aunt, uncle, 11 year old cousin, and I are heading up. 

And I mean really, UP. 

We climbed a mountain. 

It's something I'd always wanted to do. Phoenix is littered with mountains, and we've never even attempted one. With the youngest of our climbing parts at 11 the year was finally right. Not to mention that I'm in the best shape of my life. 

 With our rugby coaches out of town, and me in Phoenix, I'm not really able to get the workout that I should be doing.  I'm so excited to get in a good workout that's not from the gym. Climbing a mountain is exactly the challenge that I've been hoping for.

 I really had a ball. Even though I didn't make it to the top, my crippling fear of heights prevented that, I made, what I call, a valiant attempt at the summit. I challenged myself and I'm really happy with how it ended up. Going down was really much harder than going up.
(Really, my hip is still aching.) But there's always next year, right? I can't wait to finally get to the top. The top will be all the sweeter after having it in my grasp.



















Face challenges and  do your best with them.

Keep it classy,
~E

Finding Faults

In following in tradition, my grandparents on my father's side gave me a book for Christmas.

In the past I've gotten books like Wicked, Waiting For Normal, and Memoirs Of A Teenage Amnesiac. All those books have been wonderful reads and true page turners. 

This year I received a  wonderful, terrible book called The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. 

I said, wonderful, however, I also said terrible. I really enjoyed the book. I flew through all 313 pages. Together with the main characters, Hazel Grace, Augustus, and Isaac I laughed, celebrated triumphs, was crushed by disappointments, and cried over tragedy.

The book is about Hazel Grace, a 16 year old battling and eventually loosing to cancer. In a survivors' support group Hazel meets Isaac and through him, Augustus. They bond and hilarity and tragedy ensue. As with any cancer book, someone is bound to die. 

The raw pain cancer and of being a living ticking time bomb are truly artfully illustrated in the novel. 

While I will not read it again unless I need a good, long cry, and I wouldn't have picked it up in the first place it was a good book. 

I have to say, my favorite aspect of the novel was the intelligence and whit of Hazel. She uses her extensive literary knowledge to interweave the words of the author, John Green, with the words of others like Thoreau and Elliot. It created a rich dialogue and an entertaining plot.

Pick up a book and read something for fun this winter.

Keep it classy,

~E

Most Excellent

Christmas is a time for giving and so today I'm going to be sharing a selection of the coolest things I've gotten this season...

From my wonderful mother, I got OPI's The Man With The Golden Gun, a super great topcoat with 18k gold leaf in it. (I realize the link is to Amazon where it's MUCHO expensive, but your local Ulta should have it for around $30. ) Basically it's one of the coolest things ever. I'm in love. I've currently got it on over OPI's Manicurist of Seville. It's perfect for a little Holiday sparkle and pizazz. 

From daddy I received some new friends that I've been drooling over for some time now, Sperry Loafers in Sahara Leather. I'm over the moon and can't wait to throw them into the mix with my normal everyday wardrobe. I even wore them to the airport the same day that I opened them. And they're not seasonal, from spring to winter I'm sure that I'll wear them into oblivion. 

Wonderful sister grabbed me a book I was looking at on Black Friday while saving her place in line at Urban Outfitters called 100 Years Of Fashion. It's a beautiful collection of the past with emphasis on the statement pieces that shaped fashion of then and now. Complete with photographs and illustrations of all the pieces it's a work of art on its own. 

From my grandparents on my mother's side came a KJP Lanyard Hitch in Constellation Rodgers. It's a perfect navy accented with an adorable brassy-gold anchor. Any lover of the nautical and preppy would love almost anything off the KJP line. Wonderful job Kiel and Sarah. Thank you! 

From my father's mother I received possibly one of the coolest things any girl could get, a trench. But not just any trench. A vintage Burberry trench. When I opened it I think that my jaw dropped and my eyes were the size of the saucers I use for my hot coco. But that's purely speculation because I was numb for the minutes immediately following. I'm still shocked that I could own something so amazingly beautiful. I've always wanted one, and now I have it. My happy bubble is impenetrable. 

My father's father and step mother went classic and classy too, opting for the traditional 16th Christmas watch. I was really thrilled when I opened the small but deceptively heavy box and the tortoise and gold Michael Kors watch I had been lusting after was revealed. (Side note: that is one of the draw-backs of working in a high end retail area, the Michael Kors store calls siren like) I have disproportionately small wrists for a person who is 5'8" so it's going to have to be sized, sigh, and I can't wear it yet. As soon as we get home I'm matching into the Kors store and getting it sized. 

I also got a wonderful book that I'll be talking about tomorrow. It's called The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. 

I also got a gift card to J. Crew which is burning a hole in my pocket from my mother's sister's family. Let's just say it's about to got down. 

Also, my father's sister and her family gifted the entire family with Sevenly t-shirts. For those of you unfamiliar with Sevenly, it's an etailer that sells t-shirts and other merchandise for a cause of the week. For every purchase seven dollars are donated to the cause. My aunt works for the local Autism Speaks office and so when Autism Speaks was the cause of the week she loaded up on Christmas gifts. Mine is turquoise and emblazoned with the campaign's slogan, Live Loud which promotes speech therapy for nonverbal autistic children to communicate with. 

That's all I know for now. 

Keep it classy, 

~E

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from The Classy Tuesdays! I hope that your Tuesday is filled with joy and family. 

I'm headed to Phoenix to visit my dad's family with father and Claire and were headed back to Texas before the New Year. 

What am I wearing right now to be comfy and classy you ask? What an excellent question!

I have on...

J. Crew cheetah print scarf

L. L. Bean berry colored fleece pull-over

J. Crew pink cotton v-neck t-shirt

Jose's Jeans dark wash skinny jeans (practically leggings in the stretch factor) 

Sperry Top Sider penny loafers, a Christmas gift, thanks dad!

And a J. Crew cheetah print head band to top it all off

I'm feeling plenty comfortable, yet still classy for my Tuesday. 

Merry Christmas

Keep it classy,

~E

Traditions

We now have only two days before Christmas. For a little fun I thought that you would like to hear what we do for Christmas in my family, with my mother and sister...

For Christmas dinner we almost always have my favorite food, steamed lobster with green beans and mashed potatoes. We even eat at the dining room table, a rare occurrence. After we eat, we proceed to the next item on the schedule.

 Make hot coco. Then we all hop into the car and drive around and look at the lights all around the town. There is this one neighborhood by my old Junior High that is always lit up. It's amazing. There are icicle lights hung across the streets and green rope lighting lining the streets and all the garden beds. Last year the most amazing house had a flashing sign in font of the house that instructed viewers to tune to a radio frequency. Then the lights flashed and twinkled perfectly in time whatever Christmas tune came onto the radio. It was probably one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

After we get home from our venture we turn on the first Harry Potter movie, The Sorcerer's Stone. We like it because of the Christmas scene where Harry is so shocked by the fact that he has presents and of course those classic lines, "Happy Christmas Harry." "Happy Christmas Ron."

Pretty much after that somehow we are all exhausted so we all head off to bed and sleep until about 7:30 when we all wake up and do presents.

However before presents Claire and I have a game of find the pickle. The premise of the game is that we have a pickle ornament and when Santa drops off presents he hides the pickle ornament on the tree. Before opening presents you try to find the pickle hidden on the tree first. Whoever wins and finds it first wins "The Pickle Prize" which is just a small extra present, usually a DVD or CD. 

Presents are next, followed by a phone call to my grandparents. Then breakfast, some form of pancakes. After that, Claire and I load up the car and drive over to our dad's house, less than 15 minutes away. We then quickly open presents at his house and then go to the airport. 

After a 3 hour flight into Phoenix we head dash to my other Grandparents' house and open presents with cousins and family. 

That's my family, what do you do?

How many times do you have to do something for it to be a tradition?

Keep it classy,

~E

Best Stuff EVER!!!

It's the holiday season and that means that in class we had all sorts of gift exchanges!

In French III we had a class food Secret Santa. Everyone put down their names and their favorite flavors of sweet things. You had to get your Secret Santa something in their favorite flavor. 

My Secret Santa requested chocolate so I got her a chocolate cupcake from the local cupcakery, Gigi's Cupcakes! (I absolutely adore them! Best Cookie Dough Cupcake EVER!)

On my slip I wrote down Salted Caramel because it's my absolute FAVORITE flavor of anything! If given the opportunity, I'll always go for the Salted Caramel Frappuccino and Salted Caramel Cake Pop from Starbucks, it's a great sugar/caffeine rush for studying!

But for my Secret Santa I got a little something I call THE BEST STUFF EVER!!! 

It's Williams-Sonoma Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate and I am 100% in love.

After a hard week of studying for midterms it was so nice to take a bath with some candles and a mug of coco. 

Unfortunately it's on the pricier side at $20 a can, so I don't think I'll make it a frequent purchase, however, it's a wonderful gift. For the salted caramel lover it's a must have. So for anyone looking for a last minute host's gift or something for that special food lover it's perfect! 

So an extra special thank you to my Secret Santa to Maddie, I love my coco! 

Keep it classy,

~E

Amazing

I live in one of the whitest parts of Texas, the Houston suburbs. 

I go to a school with over 4000 students and only about 1% of them are not white or Hispanic. 

Yet somehow we've managed to produce some really incredible rappers and freestyles. 

Clifford (Ian) Simpson just released his newest song Silent Water the other day and it's really good! Ian raps under the name Kevin Abstract, and the track even had some vocals by one of the kids who sits with me in math class, Ameer Van (Money Dolla$$). And they're really good. Like awesome! Go check them and the rest of the ASF (Alive Since Forever) crew out on twitter @kevinabstract @asf_ameer and @theasfcrew 

And listen to their new song Silent Water on the ASF web page, alivesinceforever.com

Or go check out the lyric video on youtube, Silent Water

Also another kid in one of my classes is Matt Champion. He does a few you tube videos and my favorites are the "Freestyle Saturdays" videos. I'm really disappointed that he hasn't done one in a while. So check him out too and tweet him @MattChampion2 Tell him that you want to see more Freestyle Saturday videos!

Tell me what you think and tell them too!

Keep it classy,
~E

Quite Happy!

As any self respecting history of fashion fan, I idolize Jackie O. 

Everything about her was so perfect.

From her style to the way that she carried herself, it all worked.

Even under the scrutiny of the American public Jackie continuously performed flawlessly.

As a lover of all things Jackie O., I also adore her iconic sandals, furnished by still popular Jack Rogers. All the scandals are classy and effortlessly polished. 

So when I found out that the rubber version of the classic shoe would be going on sale naturally I was over the moon. Within hours of the sale I snapped up a pair in mint and white and eagerly awaited my new sandals from the mail. Much to my disbelief and joy, only four days later my new shoes were sitting happily in my mail box, ready for the warm spring. 

I have never been more surprised at the expedience of an online purchase. And the continual email updates that I received were most helpful. So, congratulations to Jack Rogers, you seem to have nailed down a customer for life! 

World AIDS Day

One of my favorite musicals is Rent. I first saw the movie in 7th grade and as soon as it was over I watched it a second time. I was attracted to the story of pure, raw. human emotion.
The death of Angel and Mimi's near death was so touching. 

In our sheltered world we sometimes forget that danger and disease can lurk just around the corner. 
Use protection.
Don't share needles.
Get yourself tested.
It's as simple as that. 

I know that I wore red today and I hope that you did too!

Keep it classy,
~E
 

The Importance Of Red Lipstick...

It's a classic. It's iconic. It's hard to pull off. 

Red Lips.

I love them so much. A good red lip is silky smooth and perfectly balanced in a hue of mixed red, pink, and brown. You know the one. Not at all smeared, complemented by a flawless smile. 

The flash of a smile outlined in red sends a message, this girl is here to make a statement.

She is confidant.

She is sassy.

She loves a party.

She wants to be noticed.

She knows just how to do it.

Honesty time:

Sometimes when I'm a little blue I pop on some red and spark up some happiness and confidence.

Doing some room cleaning or homework is never quite as boring with a ruddy hue on my lips.

So next time you need a confidance boost, self-esteem boost, or boost of joy, try it.
And if it doesn't work, at least you'll look killer!

So in honor of my favorite lip color, and hopefully yours too, here's a few suggestions for a new one. 

Napoleon Paris Devine Goddess Lipstick - Aphrodite
(personal favorite, and I wore it to homecoming)

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick - Vintage Wine

M A C Lipstick - Spice It Up

NARS Sheer Lipstick - Jungle Red

I hope everyone helps kids.

Keep it classy,
~E
I

BLACK Friday

People, really I had so much fun!

Claire and I go every year and this year was a ball! We headed to the mall at eleven at night for the sales starting at midnight. First we hit Urban Outfitters and then Anthropologie. We followed up with Macy's and then walked around the mall without a purpose. 

Did I mention that online deals are wonderful as well? I hit up Vineyard Vines last night for 30% off sale merchandise and free ground shipping. I got a few new whale stickers and a pleated and bowed navy skirt. AND I finally got my pink whale icon bangle!!! Oh I was so happy! (Still riding high from it too!) 

Also The Gap had a really great sale on sweaters! I got an amazing bubblegum pink and navy blue sweater for $20! I'm so happy with it! The V neck is perfect for showing off some pearls!

And at Urban Outfitters I got some cat shaped paper clips and a navy and white polka dotted mini stapler.  I feel so trendy and organized!

Side note: I'm looking for a red tie for an exceedingly tall guy, prize to who ever finds the best one!

Keep it classy,

~E

Again...

Everyone knows by now that I am completely OBSESSED with The Frat Collection...

And I am so excited to announce that they've done it again! 

The Frat Collection has just launched a brand new collaboration with Francesca Joy! And oh is it joyous! Really, I'm sort of in love! 

For cyber Monday I'm totally factoring in getting a new shirt! 

My current pick is the Francesca on Deep Sea navy. 

What do you think about the new collection? Are you as in love as I am? 

Keep it classy,

~E

Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

It's that time of year again, the men are gathering in front of the television and the women in the kitchen, all to celebrate the pilgrims stealing the Indian's land... 

Well, that's the cynic's view of today... My version goes a little something like this...

My mom flies out to phoenix and my sister flies in from school, we head over to our dad's house for an intense week of prep work...

We cook from Tuesday-Thursday and have not a second of breathing room in between each dish. We have the traditional Cardiac Arrest Dip, Rullkoetter Mashed Potato Casserole, Paula's Carrot Souffle and home made pumpkin pie dip with ginger snaps. Because our extended family lives so far away we have our very own "Thanksgiving Of Misfits". Which is basically all my dad's friends who live in the area without their families all come over and bring whoever they want. Michael brings the turkey which is always over 20 pounds and stuffing , Dan and Nichole bring all sorts of cajun things, and Howard brings his mom's sweet potato pie... 

And we all eat together and celebrate another year of football and the Texans loosing (although they might not this year). 

I hope that everyone has a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Don't eat to much,

~E

The First Cold Day...

On the first day the earth was created, or so the story goes.

But on the first real cold day of the year I felt like I had been born again.

Today was really a wonderful day.

I'm so glad that it was chilly today, the first real cold Classy Tuesday.

I finally got to wear all the fun outfits that I had been planning for the better part of three months.

And oh did I make hay while the sun shone. 

I wore one of my favorite dresses and a new pair of tights not to mention blue suede shoes (or boots, six of one, half a dozen of the other).

Today was genuinely a great day. 

I'm happy with everything that happened today.

(Sorry, I'm feeling oddly warm and fuzzy right now)

And I think I did well on the Art History test I studied for hours for. 

Keep it classy, 

~E

I've Found It!

As a coffee convert I have problems finding coffee drinks that I like that aren't too "coffee" flavored. 

I used to DESPISE coffee, but after ditching my Freshman/Sophomore morning Diet Coke (even though new studies suggest that it doesn't cause cancer!!) I decided that it was time to suck it up and make myself like coffee. Plus it's much better for you than any diet (or regular) soda. Much fewer chemicals. 

So, I'm working up to the stronger drinks. Currently I can take my coffee REALLY milky and sugary. Let's face it, my coffee is really more milk and sugar with a splash of coffee. I really like Starbucks' skinny iced cafe vanilla. But today was 50 degrees so I had to find a real "coffee drink" for the first time. 

I went with the Salted Caramel Mocha and WOW was it good! The perfect balance of sweet and coffee. I'm so happy with it! 

Unfortunately due to my exceedingly low tolerance for coffee I'm WIRED right now and probably will be up for another few hours... Oh well, lesson learned...

Keep it classy,

~E

Before the dawn

My mom always says that "It's always darkest before the dawn" whenever something rough is going on. No matter what is happening,

 whenever I think of that phrase I get a little glimmer of hope. 

Something, anything, to get me through whatever is going down.

So when you're feeling down, just remember,

It's always darkest before the dawn.

Life does go on.

Keep it classy,

~E

Anything you can do...

Heard the phrase "anything you can do, I can do better"? (Annie Get Your Gun anyone?)

Well boys, anything you can do a girl can do... in heels. 

I took the chance and went to school in heels today. 5 inch heals. 

It really wasn't that bad. 

I got those shoes from a vintage store... $8 for Cole Haan! 

Really, one of my better buys.

I got a bunch of complements and on a grocery store run I even got hit on by the bag boy. 

While I am almost 5' 10" I still enjoy heels sometimes. And even though I'm not wearing heels to homecoming for practical reasons, I do need to have some shoe fun sometimes!

So while everyone else did (or did not) enjoy my shoes, really they were for me. I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything but I looked really good. 

I paired my H&M blue rugby stripe sweater with my indigo Joe's Jeans (FAVORITE PAIR OF JEANS EVER) and a pearl necklace. I felt good and had a decent day because of it.

So remember everybody, people might think that you're dressing up for some occasion or another, but as long as you're happy that's all that matters. It's like red lipstick, it's more for you than anyone else (Confession time: I put on bright red lipstick while doing homework to stay motivated sometimes)

Keep it classy,

~E

Halloween!

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I absolutely ADORE Halloween.

And this year is no exception.

Just this weekend Mother and I were bored... What did we do?

Why we baked cookies of course!!!

But not just regular cookies, we made HALLOWEEN COOKIES!!!

Oh My Goodness! We had so much fun!

We cut out ghosts of all shapes and sizes and spooky spiders and pumpkins!

And we had a ball decorating together! She iced and I sprinkled and they look so good! 

It was a great time using all the sprinkles we've accumulated over a few years. I love the different colors of icing and all the various sprinkles and colors!

Take a look...

Keep it classy,

~E

Vote For Chloe!

Hello Woods Ladies!

Don't forget that Homecoming Voting is currently going on and one of my girlfriends Chloe is up for Junior Rep! 

So do The Classy Tuesdays a solid and go and vote for the classiest candidate around!

Because Chloe is the only candidate around who is Classy Tuesdays Approved! 

Keep it classy,

~E

Ann and Michelle- First Ladies of Style

No matter who you like for president, there's no denying that both Ann Romney and Michelle Obama are exceedingly classy ladies. If I could vote, I'd vote for Michelle's arm's and Ann's age appropriate style. Both ladies would make an excellent first lady I'd be proud to be behind. 

 

 

To my readers who can vote, stay informed and the same goes to those of you who can't, because this is an excellent opportunity to get ready for when you can. So listen up America, because this is history in the making. 

Keep it classy,

~E

Thank You RuPaul.

You can learn some pretty important life lessons in the most unexpected of places.

And you've read the title of this post correctly, today, I'm thanking RuPaul for some important things.

RuPaul, you've taught me that every girl (biological or not) needs needs only four things...

1. Charisma

2. Uniqueness

3. Nerve

and 

4. Talent

Charisma- Every girl needs self confidence, and she needs to show it. Never forget that the happiest girls are the prettiest girls. Show that you ARE the happiest not to mention the prettiest. 

Uniqueness- Girls also need to remember that standing out is way better than blending in. Always be your own person and do what you want to do. Never fall into trying to be "cool" just rock you.

Nerve- It takes nerve to be your own person and be unique. You have to loose your inhibitions and take risks on the path to being your own person.

Talent- There's no substitution for talent. You have got to identify and then flaunt what you've got. Never hide it behind someone else's light. 

I hope that you all take these four lessons to heart.

Keep it classy,

~E

Lessons Learned.

Everyone knows that Junior year in high school is the critical year.

It's when everything takes a huge step up in difficulty and stress.

Colleges look hard at junior year course rigor and grades. Also, it's when people have to really start thinking seriously about their futures, what they want to do, and what they can do. 

If I could go back to my Junior High self I would say that Freshman year is going to be hard, and it's just going to get harder. But you have to study. I didn't, and now I'm forced to face the consequences. In order to get into my top choice school this year just got a lot harder. School is going to have to take a bigger part of my life. 

But you know what, I'm going to take it in stride. My social calender is going to get smaller, two hang outs with friends and two with family a weekend. Homework is going to be lots more important and Netflix is getting deleted from my phone. 

I'm ready to own my own stupidity and move on. It's also time to readjust my goals and priorities. Am I really happy? Is this going to help me in the future?

Anything that contributes to a no is going to have to go. I'm not looking forward to it, but something has to give.

Keep it classy,

~E

Post Script-

This whole thing was inspired by Legally Blonde where Elle says (or sings) that she needs to "dream within reach" and not "stray beyond". I refuse to compromise what I dream. Goals are set for a purpose, not to be upset when they aren't achieved. 

Guess What I've Done...

This weekend was an absolute ball!

I spent it at my dad's and on Saturday we participated in an "Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt" downtown in Houston!

We had so much fun! Really we did! I was supposedly a 5K but due to our poor planning we 

criss-crossed the city a few times. We tracked it on an iPhone and it turned out we did almost 7 miles. 

The whole point was to complete a photo scavenger hunt and do it in the fastest time possible. Our team, well, we weren't even close to the fastest time. But we really didn't care we made a 20 minute pit stop for drinks (non alcoholic for this under 21) and running was almost completely out of the question. Mostly we walked, or power walked sometimes... 

It doesn't matter anyway. We were greeted at the finish line with lots of water and a large cheese pizza. Life was pretty good. 

And I'm putting together a team for a 5K Mud and Obstacle run on the 27th. So if any of my local readers want to join the team shoot me an email! theclassytuesdays [at] gmail.com

So stay fit my friends and keep it classy,

~E

But does it work?

Last birthday I was awoken to two of my best friends breaking into my room and waking me up with flowers and bagels. Now I'm not complaining, but they did make fun of me for almost a month about my face when I really registered what was going on. While a typically expressive person, I attempted to hide my face from my friends for one very good reason, zits. 

Everyone gets them. And everyone tries their best to get rid of them as fast as possible.

It just so happened that I used my most desperate but successful method the night before my birthday. 

Toothpaste.

That's right, toothpaste. The stuff you brush your teeth with. If you place an itty-bitty amount on that pesky (un popped) zit before bed then BAM! Wake up in the morning and WOW! It's almost all dried out! 

My friends made fun of me for weeks until one of them had a break out. I suggested the toothpaste route and lo and behold, the next morning she gave me a hug and said "I'm sorry I made fun of you". Needless to say, I was highly entertained and felt more than slightly vindicated.

So take it from a girl who knows, those old slightly stupid sounding cures for things actually work sometimes. So don't count them out until you've tried it.

Keep it classy,

~E

Keep It Cozy

I wish it was colder here, so my wish has gone virtual... 

I'm dreaming of coats and snow....

Just go with it.

Keep it classy,

~E

Dream Closet

I'm still dreaming of fall... 

So I designed my own dream closet for fall. 

Isn't it fabulous?

 

Keep it classy,

~E

Fall Fancies- Music

 I do love music, and this fall really has me on a mellow mood, I thought I would share it with y'all. 

Enjoy!

Keep it classy,

~E

Happy Hundred!

Well Kids, we've arrived! 

It's officially The Classy Tuesday's ONE HUNDREDTH POST!!!

I couldn't be more excited!

Really, I've come a long way since last November, (celebrating one year next month) and while not every day has topped out in readership, overall I'm pleased with how running this blog has turned out. I feel responsible for something important, something bigger than myself. Having YOU as a reader has really been a splendid experience, and it's YOU that keeps me going. And I can't think of a better way to celebrate than observing Classy Tuesday!

And for Father/Daughter dinner tonight father and I are headed out for a dinner at on of his friend's restaurants where his friend the chief will be dining with us. It's all very exciting. I do have a splendid dress I'm wearing today. It's one of the great things I got a the scholar shop back in August. It's BCBG and I adore it. 

Unfortunately the brief glimpse of fall we experienced yesterday (low 60's!) is over, and we're back in the 70's. Ugh. C'est la vie. (non sequetor- that's my new phrase) 

And in the spirit of reminiscence here's a few photos from the beginnings to now. 

It's funny looking back at what we started off as to now. And it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Like an especially emotionally satisfying hug. 

Keep it classy,

~E

Changin Seasons, Changing Self.

It's officially cracked 50 degrees out so I'm calling it fall. 

And looking at my calender it's been fall for a few weeks now. 

And I'm excited about it, really I am.

I love fall and cold weather. It's my favorite time of the year. 

But I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I feel like I didn't live in the moment enough this late summer. Since summer ended I've simply existed, I haven't thrived and lived every moment to the fullest.

So this fall I'm promising myself that things are going to be different. I'm making it my new policy to stop complaining so much and focus on the now. When someone asks me 20 years from now how high school was I want to be able to say that I made the best of my high school career. 

Doesn't everyone want to be able to say that they loved those 4 years? I know I do.

Live it up and keep it classy,

~E

Crimes Of Fashion

We all know the basics of how to look good when we want to.

And I think that everyone has their own fashion pet peeves. 

For fun I thought that I would share mine!

So... 

A Comprehensive List Of Eleanor's Fashion Pet Peeves.

Beginning our list at number five... Clashing.

I really despise when people clash their colors. We had a physics sub the other day and she broke at least three of my personal rules... The leas of them being the clashing of not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different colors of navy blue. She wore navy pants, a navy cardigan with daisies embroidered on it, a navy cami, and navy sketchers shape ups. A better thing to do would have been to break the labor day code, put on some white pants, a pink polo, the same sweater and grab the super cute Madwell polka dot keds! So easy, and no more clashing!

Next at number four... Athletic shoes as real footwear.

It's really not that hard people, just grab a super cute pair of lace ups like the aforementioned Madwell keds!

Number three.. awkward hems.

That one pair of old jeans that fits you perfectly in the waist but is just an inch or two too short and you decide to wear them anyways thinking that no one will notice, I have news for you, I notice! Either cuff 'em or chuck 'em because that strange hem that is too short to be on purpose but to long to be an anke show is not attractive on anyone. I LOVE cuffed jeans, what's wrong with that? Nothing I say! Just make it look like its on purpose and you're all good!

Number two... Peak-a-boo sweaters.

Listen up! If you're showing skin between buttons then it's time to remove that item from your closet, send it to goodwill, give it to your little sister or brother, put it in the scrap fabric pile, whatever, just don't wear it! No one wants to see that, I promise!

And topping my list... Camel Toe. 

It sounds funny, people make plenty of jokes about it, but no matter what, it's a huge problem. It's not classy, nor does it look good on anyone. If your pants are riding up the front then you have a HUGE problem! Incidentally I did stumble across this hysterical video about camel toe. It's 90's and blunt. Exactly my thing. Fanny Pack- Camel Toe.

Keep it Classy, 

~E

Paul, Sir Paul.

I just gained something new to look forward to.

On November 14th I'm headed to go see Sir Paul McCartney perform live!!!

I'm so very excited!

I do adore the Beatles!!

Keep it classy,

~E

It really is all that great.

With a job a paycheck follows.

After a paycheck you spend some and save some. 

I've been responsible so far with my paycheck, but lately I've made some really great purchases that I've been looking at for a while. Some of them I've even posted about...

So here is The Classy Tuesday's Guide to Great Purchases!

6. Tugs-

Finally I have a chance to grab myself a pair! Man are they a great investment! I never have to worry about where my sunnies are and they are stylin' while still exceedingly functional. I love wearing them with purchase number 2! I seem to always get a compliment whenever I wear them out!

5. Lilly Agenda-

Cute and functional. It's a win win! I love my Lilly agenda in May Flowers. It's so incredibly cute and perfect for forcing me to stay organized but classy at the same time. I really do feel wonderful when I pull it out. Not to mention the happy florals and patterns keep me motivated and joyous while still on track!

4. Kate Spade Lap Top Sleeve-

Oh how I love it! Kate Spade can really do no wrong... It's polka dotted and protective and terrific. Really I'm incredibly happy with it. I use it all the time transporting my laptop to and from houses and Starbucks study sessions. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

3. Class Ring-

You've already seen it. Basically, I'm in love. I wear it every day.

2. Ray Bans-

I've wanted some for years. Finally they are in my grasp. I am really a happy girl. Not to mention the discount I got on them because I work in the same shopping center as the sunglasses store! They really were perfect. Also, I got the tortoise shell wayfarers so they go with practically everything. Huzzah!

1. Frat Collection T-

You've probably seen it, I've worn it a ton, the entire world practically knows of it's existence. Basically I'm just the happiest girl in the entire world over it. Really it was totally worth the shipping cost (almost $8) and the wait period of two weeks. If you haven't taken a look at The Frat Collection yet then you should totally go check it out! It's a wonderful investment!

p.s. AIDS foundation Houston is a wonderful organization to donate your 10% to!

Keep it classy,

~E

Manicures For The Greater Good.

So on Tuesday I went for a manicure.

It wasn't the best I've ever gotten, but I'll keep heading back. Because there going to get a lot better. 

How do I know?

Because my nail technician was a wonderful girl named Alexa who is working on acquiring 1,500 hours of practical salon work to earn her cosmetology licence. I was her first practical manicure! It was so exciting! We both had a blast chatting it up as she did my nails, which really do look good. 

Here's the skinny on the program, 

It's run through ORHS but TWHS and CP both also go there. It's run by a licenced cosmetologist and teacher who helps Juniors and Seniors who aspire to earn their cosmetology licences by the time they graduate high school. Students are required to total 1,500 hours of lab work on real clients and friends. The craziest thing to me is that the students who take their practical exams are required to perform so many different tasks, manicures, facials, highlights, bangs, braids, cuts and the list keeps on going. Alexa is the lab's color specialist, however the girl who did mother's nails was the nail art specialist... It's so cool!

The best part for me is that students get practice and the cost of your service is put directly into the program, for supplies and things for the students to practice with. My manicure was $8. At the salon it would have been at least $15, possibly $20 or more. Alexa got practice and I got a mani. Where is the negative?

So if you live in the area or you know that your local high school has a cosmo program, swing by and see when the lab hours are. You might be surprised how appreciative they are of your time and their use of you to practice.

I can't wait to go back and see what else the girls can do! 

Keep it classy,

~E

It's Over!

Today I am ecstatic over something ending. 

Can you guess what it is?

Ke$ha's spirit quest is over! 

Her new song was leaked late September 29th and I've been listening to it on repeat for the past few days! Huzzah for Ke$ha!

While I do really enjoy her new song, I'm not huge on its title. It sort of... not exactly what I need to be listening to because of the last few weeks.

(Die Young can be found here)

That being said, I'm digging the easily dance-able beats and the way you can simply grove.

Not to mention the sentiment that we should all make the most of today because we never know what is going to happen tomorrow.

I'm basically loving all over this song. Not to mention the lyric video is clever. All the fonts are pretty cool. Also, the new music has prompted me to go and re-discover my Ke$ha music collection, which is actually not as bad as everyone seems to think it is. 

I'm loving me some Ke$ha.

That is all.

Keep it classy,

~E

Happy October!

I'm so glad that it's October finally!

My favorite month!

Pumpkins, and a little bit of the creeps every so often, scary movies and decorations!

Can you blame me?

Not to mention that it was only 80 degrees today!

And I have always and will always enjoy trick-or-treating and dressing up! Last year for our Halloween pep rally I was Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's!

HAPPY OCTOBER Y'ALL!!!

Keep it classy,

~E

Classy, it's a 2014 thing.

Well, as we all know, I'm a Junior in high school. That means that this time next year I'll be starting to apply for college and getting ready to graduate. 

A serious symbol of graduation and adult hood is a class ring. 

And it's finally here!!!

I'M SO HAPPY!

I'll have it with me for the rest of my life and wearing it now means so much to me. It reminds me to how hard work can pay off in a big way. It also reminds me that I need to be responsible and make the right choices in order to graduate on time with the rest of my class.

It means so much to me to me to be a part of a class and a community that has lost so much together and healed together. We truly are a community in it of itself.  We know each other like no one else can or ever will. We fight and argue like the dysfunctional family of a thousand we are. Knowing that I am a part of such a community gives me hope and helps me accept that things will change, but people won't necessarily.

Keep it classy,

~E

Mango Mango Mango.

So, we're opening a new Red Mango in the area. It's all very exciting.
So besides the fact that it's the second store in the general area, it's even more exciting for a second reason. It's going to be Red Mango's 200th store.

There's going to be a huge celebration. The founder Dan Kim is coming in, lots of corporate big wigs and national press.

Weekend Warrior.

Well... I'm keeping the weekend real. Living for every single second. And what's keeping me really happy right now is my Frat Collection Long Sleeve Shirt. Honestly, it's one of my favorite purchases in the last few weeks. I how I was able to completely custom a shirt and it's soft and big. I'm so happy with it! I'm totally going to get a few more probably around March. I can't wait. 

Being comfy and classy is really the best of both worlds. I feel like I can do my best work when I like what I'm wearing. 

Keep it classy,

~E

So long Maggie.

Well, I guess I'm a normal sixteen year old. 

I'll admit it. 

I'm obsessed with my car. 

And in that respect, last week was a huge week for me. 

I said goodbye to my first car, Maggie Thatcher and hello to a new friend.

We've had Maggie in the family since I was 4. My dad taught both Claire and I how to drive in that car. There are so many memories with that car, my first flat tire. My first call to AAA.
 But as a fourteen year old, it was time for her to go.

p.s. this is from Classy Tuesday last week

So, I have a new friend who is still lacking a name. It's maroon and sort of masculine, so I'm going with masculine. He's looking like a Keil (like Keil James Patrick accessories) Mark (from Rent) or a Dawson (like Jack Dawson of Titanic). Yes? No?

Which one do I choose?

Keep it classy,

~E

Pretty Cool!

The other day on my personal twitter account I tweeted about the All Time Low concert, basically it blew up my twitter. All of a sudden I was inundated with a bunch of bands and band members following me. One in particular was set apart, a band called Clear Skies from Springfield, Missouri.

They sent me a shout out to check out their new single "Run To You" on youtube.

Naturally I was curious (as any Kate Spade Girl would be) and clicked onto the link. What I found was suprising. I thoroughly enjoyed the pop-y type beat and moving onscreen lyrics. While they are happy, I did find them... repetitive. That being said, I feel like they have plenty of room for improvement. Singing "don't look back, hold onto me" 6+ times does get old. The begining was much better than the repetitive, overly simplified ending. I'm sure in the future they can improve greatly.

I do have high hopes for Clear Skies and look forward to what they will put out in the future. 

Keep it classy

~E

Classy Tuesday Recap...

Well I'm a bit behind on the Classy Tuesday summaries, so you get a two for one today!

Last week I wore...

Black J. Crew T-shirt

Blue and White Anthro Skirt

Sparkle Skinny belt

Black Gladiators

All together I felt extra classy and pulled together!

This week I wore...

Langford Market Navy and Pink Dragonfly Dress

Sparkle Skinny Belt

Mint Cardigan

Black gladiators

I love the dragonfly dress, it's sort of vintagey feeling, the circle skirt with the button up top.

I do adore feeling like a classy 50's lady. 

Keep it classy,

~E

Clap clap...

I have a new obsession...

Youtube videos of people singing and accompanying themselves on plastic containers.

My two favorites are these...

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone 

and

Call Your Girlfriend 

Both are fabulous videos!

You're Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone is a cover of the Lulu And The Lampshades Song done beautifully by Anna Burden. She really did some big things because of it... Like Ricki Lake big...

And it's performed on a bar cup, awesome, no?

Call Your Girlfriend is a cover of the Robyn song by the Stella sisters Lennon and Maisy.

Not only are they adorable, but really they are quite talented. Their harmonies are splendid. 

Also, they use butter tubs, need I say more?

Basically it's the coolest thing ever. I might give it a try sometime...

I'll keep you posted...

Keep it classy,

~E

Lots to look forward to!

Today was a cool day, and it gave me plenty to look forward to for two main reasons...

Reason number one-

We're opening a new Red Mango location... and it's Red Mango's 200th franchise location!!!

There's going to a giant celebration, top members of them company and national press included!

Sounds awesome right?

I'm crazy excited! And not to mention we just made a bunch of new hires so there are plenty of new people to meet and socialize with!

Reason number two-

ALL TIME LOW!

Well, they are releasing a new album, Don't Panic in October, and are currently getting ready to start a new tour, complete with a stop over at The House Of Blues Houston. Even though it's on a school night I just got the ok from the parental to go!!! GAH!!!

I'M SO EXCITED TO SEE THEM LIVE AGAIN!!!

So all in alll, you have to take the good with the bad.

There is plenty to look forward to for me!

What are you looking forward to?

Keep it classy

~E

Almost Tuesday... Almost Happy.

Well, Tuesday is tomorrow, and normally that would be cause for celebration.

But tomorrow is cause for a completely different type of celebration, a celebration of life and memory.

On September 21, 2012, a boy named Luc DeVeau died.

Forever sixteen.

Home at last.

The last few days of school have been messy, tears and beauty.

The tears are for Luc, mainly the class of 2014 is heartbroken. Luc was a genuine nice guy. I honestly don't know anyone who didn't like him. He's going to be missed for a long time coming. But the beauty is it's own special kind. It's the sense of community, the love intertwined with pain. It's truly wonderful that someone could love someone so deeply to be so upset over their passing. 

While I don't understand some of Luc's choices, I respect the fact that he had the right to make them, even if they did ultimately lead to his demise.

He was a great person, but in way to deep with some things way over his head.

Thursday is his memorial, I'm still debating if I should go or not. Yes, I did know him. I don't want to be one of the people who just goes to skip class.He deserves more than that.

I guess that the moral of the story is to keep each other safe and to love one another. Luc's sudden passing reminds us all of how precious life is. You never know when it's your time. Live life with no regrets and never, never, never go to bed angry. I know I won't. I would be an insult to his memory.

~E

Legacy

Today was a bit of a rough day.

In advisory home room they passed out papers advising our parents of our upcoming PSAT which included our scores from last year. 

My poor teacher has so many kids he doesn't know us all by heart so he asked me where a kid named Jack sat.

My heart dropped. I couldn't speak.

"is Jack not here today?" he responded coming to the obvious conclusion.

I didn't know how to communicate what needed to be said.

Everyone knows. How could he not know?

It rocked the class of 2014.

January 3, 2012 Jack shot himself.

It took everything I could not to scream.

I mustered up my courage and said, "Mr. Williams, Jack is dead."

I didn't know Jack. He was in my gym class in 7th grade. But we didn't talk. I regret not getting to know a boy who touched so many lives. His friends hurt still. I'm sure his family does too. 

Jack left behind a legacy.

I'm sure the class of 2014 will think twice before doing anything tragic.

They will remember the grief and pain of the loss of one of our own.

He was one of my mom's students, she found out a day earlier than the student body.

She told me that day as well.

I guess it's because I'm a sensitive person, but the news deeply disturbed me. I cried myself to sleep for the week following his death.

Not being able to carry on with your life is a serious thing. And Jacks been on my mind a lot lately. He was a member of my class, one in 1060, but still distinctly an individual. Like us all, still struggling with identity, school, learning to drive, and relationships. All the things we're doing, starting to look at colleges, keeping grades up, driving to dinner with friends. It all seems so simple. But one of us won't be there when we graduate. He won't be going to college. He'll remain forever fifteen. Living on in the hearts and minds of us all, the people who's lives he touched. 

I said us because he touched my with his death. Jack had problems, and he wasn't able to overcome them. He chose to end his life rather than face it with head held high, stronger because of his past. Jack taught me to be couragous, to take risks. He taught me that no one is here forever. I hope that someday we will heal and move on. But for now, the wound is to fresh. The hurt all to real. 

Keep it classy,

~E

I've done it again

It's been expecially rainy here over the last few days.

And unfortunately (or fortunately, it's a toss up) that rain puts me in the mood for one movie. 

Titanic.

Staring Leo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

My heart will go on and all that crap.

Well, I've watched it and trashed my evening. 

Literally, I sob from the moment the ship hits the berg to the end of the credits.

In fact, the tears pick up in the credits, due to an equal share of Celene Dion and the shock of what just happened. 

Well, through the storm of crying, I see beauty.

Kate and Leo shared a love so deep they both felt it was worth dying for.

I can only dream that someday I feel the same way about someone. 

Go ahead and give Titanic a second look. I guarantee, you'll be able to see the beauty, the raw emotion, the pain. 

Keep it classy (maybe a monogrammed hankey?)

~E

Classy Tuesday Recap.

Another Classy Tuesday has come and gone... 

Well, It did last week...

Again with the whole "Wrenches" thing (see yesterday's post for more details)

Here's Chloe and I in French class!

Side note: doesn't Chole's top remind you of Kate Spade's #artofthedot?

Any whoo, Here's what I wore:

Top: Berry and yellow  Ralph Lauren Polo t-shirt
Pants: Old Navy skinny chinos
Shoes: Lauren Ralph Lauren pink plaid boat shoes 

Basically, I was pink to the max.
Oh well, it keeps me happy.

Keep it classy,
~E