Obsession Alert: Indego Africa

I don't know if you guys remember me highlighting the Indego Africa bracelets that J. Crew was selling earlier this year but wanted to remind you of the real value as a shopper and a human being in buying from FairTrade organizations. Indego Africa is an innovative fashion and design company. A non-profit social enterprise, they offer a unique assortment of fair trade jewelry, accessories and home decor through collaboration between women artisans in Rwanda and designers, brands and retailers in the Unites States. They place an emphasis not just on quality and creative design but also on an innovative social enterprise business model- each Rwanda woman earns a fair wage and 100% of the profits are invested in business and literacy training programs for these women. I don't know about you but that is most certainly something that I can get on board with, and I am hoping you will too.

Celebrity Inspired Winter Wear

I am currently looking for lots of outfit inspirations to get me through this Winter. It's so easy to hunker down, wearing sweaters and boots with no regard for looking fashion forward and only thinking about being warm... no, Amanda, no... don't give in to a complacent wardrobe! Where can you find new outfit ideas? Dur, celebrities. They have stylists who pick their clothes out for them, so why not take a couple notes from some of your fave celebs. Well, that's what I did. Check out some of my fave looks from the week, from some of my faves, and some attainable clothing options for us regular gals.

Pattern Drafting- 3 Classes Left

I feel like I am losing my mind. For the past month, I feel like I have not slowed down one bit what with wedding plans, house buying and of course... duh duh duh, Pattern Drafting. Pattern Drafting, while super helpful in the art of fashion design, is the most time consuming and brain busting class that I have taken since Financial Accounting... and boy, did I hate Financial Accounting.

It's not that I don't understand what I am doing at this point. I had my "A Ha!" moment a few weeks ago. It's that the sheer amount of work that is assigned to us, in a night program, is extremely overwhelming. I understand why we need it, I really do but that doesn't mean that 14 design changes at a time don't make me want to pull my hair out. In class last night, I noted that most people looked haggard. I'm not kidding. I think that everyone is in the same boat as me. We all but threw our design notebooks at the professor when she was collecting them. Take it, I don't ever want to see it again!! Well, until I want to know what my grade is...

I have 3 classes left before the end of the semester. In the next 3 weeks, I will need to design a full scale pattern, complete with design changes and then actually make the garment! Part of me is really concerned about time and my sanity but there is another part of me that is like, bring it on. This is what it's about, right? Challenging myself? I certainly did that as I look at my ever growing "to do" list but I am living my life and at the end of the day isn't this what I want to be doing? Yes... but that doesn't mean I can't whine a little ;-)... speaking of wine, I need a little.

Miniluxe LemonAide Cream and Scrub Giveaway

You guys, my bud Tamy, from the "good ol' days" at Bose, who happens to be one of the sweetest gals you'll ever meet, is now the owner of a fab.u.lous salon outside of Boston, MiniLuxe at Chestnut Hill. Tamy happens to be one of those women I strive to be; a smart business woman and a beautiful mother. She is quite the lady. In any event, Tamy has been really interested in blogger outreach as well as promoting her new business. When she reached out to me to hold a giveaway on Prim and Propah, of course I jumped at the opportunity to show my support and also introduce my readers to her business!

Get Me Through Those Winter Months [Guest Post]

My name is Katie, a sometimes blogger and pinterest junkie who actually went to high school with Amanda way back in the day. I am so happy to be helping her out with this post as she gets ready for the big day … So it’s almost the middle of November when did that happen? In my mind it feels like it should still be July but the weather and the calendar tell me differently.  Summer goes by so fast but sometimes it feels as if winter can drag on forever in New England. I have found it’s important to try to make the most of it and fill the long dark nights and cold days with food, friends, cozy clothes, and did I mention food? Below is a list of things I like to enjoy while counting down the days until spring rolls back around. Enjoy!

Candles ---  Sweet Grass Farm Soy Candle in “New England Woods” . Once the weather turns colder I start burning this puppy … it smells like freshly cut pine and since its soy it’s clean burning and easy to reuse the jar after its done.

Fondue anyone --- When cold weather rolls around I believe cheese is essential to keeping both warm and happy.  Now is the time to break out the fondue pot, invite some friends over, and cook up some creamy goodness.  I few years ago I had this fondue at Artisanal in NYC and I have been dreaming about it ever since. It is on my list of things to cook this winter or maybe this week or maybe tomorrow my mouth is watering just reading the recipe!

Cozy Cowls --- Whoever invented these cozy rings of warmth you are my hero.  I could wear these every day in the winter and with so many cool styles out there I think it’s quite possible.  I scored one at TJ Maxx the other week and I think this polka dot gem from Madewell might be my next purchase .

Cocktails --- Lucky for me I am married to someone who takes cocktails very seriously so really this is a yearlong activity but just humor me.  In the colder months our libations consist of rich bourbon drinks such as manhattans and red hooks but one of my favorite winter drinks is a Brandy Alexander. This creamy nutmeg tinged drink  goes down smooth (sometimes a little too smooth), it also happens to be a really good Feist song about a bad boyfriend but that is a whole other post.

DIY and Rearranging --- During the summer I feel like I am wasting a good day by being  indoors so my house suffers.  In the winter that changes  I spend most of my days inside hiding from the elements when possible.   To stave off cabin fever I need to have some sort of project going on. It can be as simple as rearranging and organizing a book shelf to repainting a room. This winter I have two major projects, (as well as a million little to-dos), redo our study and attempt to starch fabric over our majorly outdated kitchen cabinets, if *Amanda asks me back I will try to share the progress with all of you!

Those are just a few things that help get me through these long months, what about you guys? 

*Amanda would gladly ask Katie back ;-)

Azealia Banks for ASOS Christmas Collection [Sponsored Video]

I actually have some places to go this Holiday season so obviously, I have been thinking about some new, somewhat sassy pieces that are the "very rare" type of purchase. I have only been making very prudent purchases lately, you know those staples that you can be sure will earn their keep in the wardrobe. I haven't even been thinking about buying a bejeweled midriff baring top that would stop the show. (editor's note: I would never wear a midriff baring top). What I am saying here, people, is that I need to buy something out of my ordinary... and that's where, seriously, ASOS Christmas and Winter collections come into play. As I write this blog post, I have another screen open to ASOS where I alternate going page by page, looking at the hundreds and hundreds of items that they offer. Ask most girls and they will tell you that they can lose hours on the ASOS site.

I happen to love one of the spokespersons for the ASOS Christmas collection, Azealia Banks, who if you didn't know is a rad rapper and singer. She, unlike me, can pull of a bejeweled midriff baring top and make it look effortless. She is radiant and that's what I want to achieve with my "rare" purchase... something that people will look at me and say #1 you look amazing and #2 where did you get that?

Soooo not only can you buy great duds, you can win them from ASOS as well… sounds pretty good right? For a chance to win Azealia's wardrobe from her video, make sure you pin from the video below and use the hashtag #BestNightEver so that you’re entered. Pretty dang easy, am I right? I am happy to help celebrate my holidays with free stuff and I don’t think we could be friends if you didn’t, so yeah.

Be sure to follow ASOS on Twitter and like ASOS on Facebook for all the updates on this collection, the latest steals and everything glittery. I am really digging so much on the site right now that I couldn't begin to share it all with you. One thing that is on my must have list though is the following fabulous ensemble.

ASOS Pencil Skirt in Baroque Chain Print, $35.18, ASOS APOLLO Studded Boots, $123.13, ASOS Petite Exclusive Sequin Jacket, $114.34

*This post is sponsored by ASOS. All opinions are 100% mine and anything written in this post is content put together by me and only me.

Zinio and Their Holiday iPad Mini Giveaway

Ugh, I have far too many magazine subscriptions. It really is hard to keep up. I feel like I am always on the go and when I come home, sure it would be nice to sit and read a magazine but it seems like these days, I don't have the time. I basically wish it was easier for me to carry my mags around with me, so I could read whatever I am in the mood for (as you can see from below, I have very eclectic tastes). I figure that I will eventually get to my mags but in the meantime, they just keep piling up (sadface)... I don't want to be behind in the trends you know.

Anyway, so when I was contacted about the site Zinio, where one can find nearly any magazine you could think of, all ready for your mobile devices, I was all ears. Theeeeeeeeen when I found out they were giving away iPad minis, I just knew I had to share with you guys. A post needed to be written. You needed to be told where to find your electronic magazines and where you could win...I mean, who doesn't want to win an iPad mini that you could carry around with all the magazines you'd feel like reading, at your fingertips (head spinning).

The details: They're giving away 3 iPad Minis in the next couple weeks and everyone who enters to win will get $5 towards a magazine subscription of their choice.  They've also launched their Black Friday deals early.  There are 230 magazine titles available at up to 50% off our already-discounted prices.

So you want to enter? Well, you can Enter Here!

*This post was sponsored by Zinio but that doesn't mean I'm not excited about a great place to get my favorite magazines all in one place.

Should I Recreate this Desiger's Collective Cap with Netting?

As you all know by now, the ol' nuptials are fast approaching! I have been searching and searching for that perfect veil to perfectly coordinate with my flowy wedding dress... then I got to thinking, why couldn't I make one myself? I suppose I could, and I may very well do it, but first I have to find an extra special veil that I love now, and then replicate it I guess.

I thought back to this past Fall's runway shows and remembered seeing the Designer Collective looks featuring some fascinating fascinators, splendid veiled pieces and a feather or two. Obviously, I would move in the direction of something ivory with a touch or baby pink (to match my booties y'all) but you get the idea. I want drama! Fashion drama, not wedding drama... don't get it twisted.

A friend of mine recently wore a fantastic headpiece to her wedding; I'm talking a pretty showstopping veil that added about 6 inches to her height. I thought to myself, wow, I would never be able to pull that off but then, why couldn't I? I have a sassy dress and a sassy attitude, why not add a sassy fascinator? Take a look at some of my fave from the show.

The Infinity Scarf, a DIY [Guest Post]

Hello Prim and Propah readers! I’m Amy, the blogger behind Creative Soul Spectrum, and I’m thrilled to be here guest posting for Amanda while she takes some time to get ready for her big day!

With the chill in the air lately, I’m so excited to bring all of my scarves back into my accessory rotation! Knit scarves, silk scarves, floral scarves, infinity scarves, I’m ready for them all! But, as a creative DIY blogger, I didn’t just want to tell you how much I love my scarves, I’m going to tell you how to make one of my favorite kinds... the infinity scarf.

Massachusetts Conference for Women, December 6th, 2012

I was driving home from my friend's house late last Saturday night, and I happened to hear a radio ad for the Massachusetts Conference for Women, taking place on December 6th in Boston. I normally wouldn't pay any attention to a conference that would take me out of work a day (hello, goodbye vacation day) but I happen to have the week of December 4th off, in order to get some shiz done for this impending wedding of mine. So I made sure to grab the pertinent information that I could and google it as soon as I got home. When I talked to the man about it the next morning, to hit him with the possibility of spending more money on something we technically don't need, he was immediately, super supportive. Something he has been pushing for awhile now, is making sure that I am capitalizing on my schooling and taking advantage of opportunities as they come, this conference being no exception.

Obsession Alert: Etsy Goodies

It is this time of year when I start thinking about gift giving (and yes, gift getting) and always end up back around Etsy for interesting and unique gifts for the ones I love in this world. This year is a smidge different because the man and I are getting married directly after the new year and thusly are not really celebrating Christmas in the traditional sense because #1 I do not have the time to be shopping for gifts #2 We literally are just signing the papers on a new home so don't really have any money and #3 did I mention that we are getting married? Ugh, I cannot wait for it to be over so that I can get on with my life, haha.

In any event, just because I am not buying gifts, doesn't mean I can't pick out some of my favorite Etsy items this year. I mean, there might be some that I just have to get for my ladies or they just must get for me (hint hint) but what's a blog for if not to share obsession worthy items, am I right? OK, so let's get this show on the road.

Peacock Ore Stud Earrings, $19, A la Pop Bone Elephant Earrings and Earcuff, $22 , Petal and Pink Gold Bronze Crystal Earrings, $15, Lil' Kittens Post Earrings, $8.50

Laquerous Launched Today, Are You In?

If you travel in my social media circles, today has been a day for nail polish rental. You heard me correctly; there is a newly launched site, called Lacquerous, where you can rent designer nail polishes on a monthly basis for less than the price of one bottle they offer (in most cases). So what's the sitch?

From Refinery29: Lacquerous, Like Netflix and Rent The Runway before it, this subscription polish club revolves around the concept that renting is just the same, if not better, than owning something high-end. Here's how it works: Members pay a flat rate of $18 a month and are sent three designer nail polish shades to paint and play with for 30 days. After the month is up, members pack up the polishes and send them back with the prepaid postage label, then three new polishes are delivered a few days later.

The site currently has nine brands which include Tom Ford, Deborah Lippmann, NARS, Butter London, OPI, Chanel, MAC, Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana. Save OPI, these are not brands that I ever use because, frankly, they are too expensive for me to buy on a bottle to bottle basis. So in this regard, the service makes sense to me. When I asked my online buds to tell me what they think about the possibility of renting nail polishes, the opinions were mixed. One friend immediately noted she thought it was "gross" while another thought it was "a fantastic idea". I think I fall somewhere in the middle. We share our nail polish at the salon so why couldn't we share designer polish with one another? 

Currently, there is a waiting list to join the membership club. I put myself on said waiting list because I am never one to knock it until I have tried it. We shall see how long it is before I can decide for myself if this will be money well spent.

What do you think about renting/sharing nail polish in a membership club?

Check out Lacquerous on Facebook and Follow Lacquerous on Twitter for the latest updates on what's shakin' in the nail polish rental world....

via Refinery29

How Justin Beiber Made Me a Belieber

Justin Beiber made me a Belieber... I'm not kidding. Yesterday was a very exciting day for lots and lots of girls in the Boston area... Justin Beiber was in town and ready to knock the socks off of girls (and women) of all ages at the TD Garden. My friend Cristina, who has two adorable nieces (whom I adore), beat out thousands of people across our area to obtain the coveted ticket to Justin Beiber's November 10th performance. It had been months of preparation and excitement in anticipation of this concert extravaganza. Cristina and I planned to primp and prep with these girls to make this day as special as possible for them. We started with manis and pedis, then did some hair and makeup and were on our way to their first concert ever! We had both prepared ourselves for madness but I don't think we quite prepared ourselves for this experience.

Today I Fancy [Guest Post]

*Hi guys! I recently have been asking for help from my fellow bloggers to get me through the through the home stretch to this dang wedding and also to inject a little different sass into Prim and Propah. Here is the second one from my girl Gabi, check it!

Hi everyone!  My name is Gabriella, but you can call me Gabi for short. I blog over on Kneadle & Bread about fashion, baking, photography, and all other kinds of awesome things.  I have to say that I am absolutely thrilled to be blogging for Amanda today while she’s busy preparing to get married!  Is everyone else as excited to see these wedding photos as I am?!

Well, to hopefully keep you entertained while she’s away, I thought I would share a “Today I Fancy” post with you.  This is a series I host on K&B where I feature the items I’m “fancying” each week.  This week, it’s Kate Spade.  Do I even need to explain all of the obvious reasons why?  Probably not, but I’m going to anyways.

First of all, look at this color pairing!  How fantastic is this pink/red combination?  Well, otherwise known as “vivid snapdragon” and “maraschino.”  Simply adorable, am I right?  I feel like it was just a few years ago when most women refused to mix and match pink and red, yet here they are, looking as fabulous as ever.

Second, the fit and flare of this Striped Carolyn Dress has me totally crushing on it.  Can one even crush on a piece of clothing?  I’m going to go with a strong yes.  But wait, it gets better.  Aside from having a totally awesome shape, this dress has pockets.  You heard me, pockets.  I have been known to purchase dresses based on their pocket status.  These dresses always get a yes from me.

Next, this bag.  Period.  If you’re looking for a fun tote for fall, this Boutique Striped Small Harmony bag is, without a doubt, calling your name.  The striped bag is available in black and white, but I say be a little daring and try out the pink and red.  Pair it with your favorite black skinnies, wedges, and a classic white oxford.  It’s all about the statement piece, my friends.

How will you work the pink and red trend into your fall wardrobe?

ASOS Christmas Collection [Sponsored Video]

I am sure you all are well aware that I am a huge fan of ASOS and the pages upon pages of sweet @$$ clothes and accessories that they have to offer a young-ish adult fashionista such as myself. I have talked about my love affair with their clothes and shoes, most recently sporting one of the dresses I purchased from them at my Bridal shower. Anyway, as we gear up for the fabulous holidays coming our way, I can’t help but turn to ASOS for my “Holiday Party Wear” needs. I don’t want just the regular fare; I want something funky yet affordable… and maybe I’ll even grab something for my rehearsal dinner while I am at it ;-). And yes, I do plan my outfits this far in advance.

ASOS has certainly got some friggin’ fun stuff going on right now, what with the rad Charlotte Free, Elle Goulding and Azealia Banks working it out in some interactive videos for their Christmas collection…. And the pretty righteous looks in luxe fabrics and cool prints….. and the shoes, oh the shoes…. And theeeeeen they are giving away the looks that Charlotte features in the video… sounds pretty good to this diva. For a chance to win, make sure you pin from the video below and use the hashtag #BestNightEver so that you’re entered. Pretty dang easy, am I right? I am happy to help celebrate my holidays with free stuff and I don’t think we could be friends if you didn’t, so yeah.

Be sure to follow ASOS on Twitter and like ASOS on Facebook for all the updates on this collection, super deals and other shenanigans that those silly bears are up to. Want to see what my favorite holiday looks are?

Oasis Metallic Shirt at ASOS, $87.95, ASOS Top with Dolly Skater, $49.25, MinkPink "Double Take" Polka Dot Shirt, $79.16

 

*This post is sponsored by ASOS. All opinions are 100% mine and anything written in this post is content put together by me and only me.

Move over, Movember: There are lots of Boston events

*Hi guys! I recently have been asking for help from my fellow bloggers to get me through the through the home stretch to this dang wedding and also to inject a little different sass into Prim and Propah. Here is the first one for all the social butterflies living in the Boston area!

 

Though it's a small city, Boston has so much to do for foodies, fashionistas and everyone in between. You might be so busy that you'll grow a "Mo" during the month of November! Here is a look at some upcoming options:

• Fashionistas will enjoy the Drop It Shop It event benefitting MS. It's a a collaboration between Events by Vic, Fisher Experience Salon & Day Spa and Trust in Tricia Wardrobe Consultants. This is held on Sunday, November 11th in Braintree. Donate jewelry and accessories then for $20 you can shop until you drop! 

• Foodies should mark their calendars for Tuesday, November 13th. It's the November Mystery Meet dinner. You will get a weekly clue so you can guess where you'll be dining. If you are still clueless, they'll tell you where to go 24 hours before the event. Tickets go on sale November 6th, and you can sign up in advance for an invitation.

• Anyone who likes interior decorating should check out the Junior League's Show House until Sunday, November 18th. You can view redecorated rooms to see the historic 1867 Potter Estate revamped by Boston area interior designers. Tickets are $35. The home is in Newton.

What's on your calendar this month? Be sure to pencil in some fun!

This is a guest post by Jen Dorman, the blogger behind Boston Bachelorette, who keeps her social calendar busy by attending Boston's best events. She is having fun and loving life as a young, single marketing professional living in Back Bay. Follow Jen on Twitter to keep up with all her local adventures!

JC Penney Deserves Your Love

Liz Claiborne Active Printed Velour Pullover, $25

I don't know about you guys but I have recently rediscovered JC Penney. Aaaaand, I am pretty stoked about it. My Mom used to order from the JC Penney Catalog back in the day, which was triple the size of phone books with everything from pool tables to bedding back to slippers in it's pages. I can remember going through the toy section and earmarking the pages so my Mom would know which ones she could/should get us for Christmas. In any event, the years went by and I never bothered to shop for anything at JC Penney again because I had it in my head that I couldn't find anything there. When you are growing up, it's all about what's the cool place to shop and what brand name you can be seen wearing (ex: girls clad in Abercrombie, ugh). While that is still somewhat relevant to me ( I like nice things, OK?), I do love getting a good deal and on trend. This is where JC Penney came back into my life.