Thursday, January 30, 2014

11 Tips on Making Your Superbowl Night a Little More Super

It's superbowl tiiiiiiiiime!

Ok. Let's be honest. If most of you are like me, you didn't even know who was playing in the big game until sometime last week. But come on. Just because football may not be your first love doesn't mean you don't love Superbowl Sunday! Because let's face it. You're too busy stuffing your face with hotdogs and seven layer dip to even focus on what quarter we've made it to. 

So even though I don't care much for football doesn't mean I haven't found Superbowl night a perfect opportunity to have good fun with good people and my glorious nation. So here are 11 tips on how to make your Superbowl night a little more super if you know the game may put you to sleep.

1. Pregame. 
Now let's remember. Pregame doesn't necessarily mean "drink" - pregaming is just a way for you to get amped up for the night. Whether that means dancing around in your undergarments, getting together with a fun group of people who share your affinity for the sport, or just stuffing your face until the game starts.
But usually, it means drink until you see stars before you have to drink again.

2. Host/Attend a fun viewing party with friends and food.
This is personally one of my favorite things to do because you can have all of your favorite things in one place - friends, food, fun, and festivities. Watching the game with people you enjoy being around always makes it that much more exciting.

3.  Look up fun football themed related food/drink recipes.
For all of you who love to get creative in the kitchen, this is a sure way to get you amped for the game. Besides being able to explore some new ideas for future reference, this is a great way to give you a little more football fan spirit. Might I suggest Pintrest to get some tasty snack ideas flowing?

4. Host/Attend a tailgate.
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind attending this tailgate.
But hey. If champagne and candlelight isn't your idea of a good tailgate, I think the classic burgers on the grill should suffice plenty. I love tailgating! You get to be around friends and strangers who share your love for team spirit. Like I say, the more the merrier!

5. Host/Attend a bonfire.
Now if this doesn't look awesome...
It's like tailgating. Except cooler.

6. Make some crazy bets.
What guy doesn't like to put their money where their mouth is in anything that he does? But who says you just have to bet money? I garuntee you'll be on the edge of your seat the entire game when you know you have something up for grabs...or something to lose.

7. Have a few drinking games.
Yes. Those are garbage cans being used in place of solo cups.
And yes. I did see a lot more crazier pictures than the ones I'm showing you.
Drinking and football is the equivalent of peanut butter and jelly: they just go together. But beer pong isn't the only drinking game that can be played in times like these...
Just remember. Whatever or however you decide to drink, do it responsibly.

8. Go to a bar/venue with TV's that are showing the game.

This is a great tip for those who don't necessarily want to do the whole outdoor, get sweaty ordeal, but don't want to stay home either. It's a great way to get your grub on, an excuse to get dressed up, and have fun with a bunch of strangers who want to yell just as loud as you do.

9. Pretend you're a fan.

Like, I love these guys. They're good sports. Just because you don't know squat about the team you decide to root for during the Superbowl of doesn't mean you can't find a reason to cheer them on (I usually go based on what my Dad tells me or the team's colors. Don't judge me.). So when you do find that reason, have fun with it! Well, in something maybe a little more flattering.

10. Stay active on social networks.
This is one of my favorite things to do when watching any big television event. There are some hilarious people out there, especially on Twitter. Seeing what others have to say during the big game is definitely a great way to stay entertained, talk some crap, and maybe even a chance to understand what's going on a little better.

11. Get excited and have fun!!!
I love football for the sole fact on what it does for people. In a single night, an entire nation is bonded on (finally) one common thing. And on Superbowl Sunday, we may be obnoxious, rowdy, irresponsible, and a tad insensitive, but we're all these things together. This is one of the valuable lessons I've learned while being a student an SEC, football-worshipping establishment. I wouldn't have it any other way. Take the Stares this Sunday to the Superbowl as the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks battle head on for the championship ring at 6:30pm on FOX!

Pictures provided by:
BellinghamHerald.com
Instagram.com
someecards.com
google.com

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Fragrance Fatale

One accessory that I cannot and refuse to live without is perfume. I.  LOVE. Fragrance. Some people have a signature scent they like to stick to. I, on the other hand, like to have a variation of scents I can switch up depending on my mood and the occassion. Just like you have casual apparel and evening wear, you have casual fragrances and fragrances you can wear with your evening wear. These are (currently) my pick of the top 10 favorite fragrances I think every girl should have in her collection.


1. Viva La Juicy by Juicy Couture
Yea, so I'm on the way to my third bottle of Viva La Juicy. If I had a signature scent, it'd be this one because I wear it the most. I honestly haven't met one woman, or man, who doesn't love Viva. 

2. Acqua Di Gioia by Giorgio Armani
Unfortunately, Acqua isn't apart of my collection yet, but ever since I first smelled it in Ulta, I couldn't remember the last time I had wanted a fragrance as badly since Viva La Juicy. It reminded me of why I love being a woman so much - fresh and feminine to perfection.

3. Miss Dior Cherie by Dior
I'm still working on ways to swipe this one from my mom's personal collection. I covet Miss Dior Cherie - the scent is so girly and sweet, that it's sexy. A lot of scents that are too sweet are usually too overbearing for me, but this one is just right for every woman!

4. Couture Couture by Juicy Couture
Yes, another winner from Juicy Couture. Currently on my second bottle (Ok. Maybe I have a problem). Couture Couture is my evening wear go to. The scent reminds me of wine, except you can wear it. Very edgy and mature, I love it!
5. The One by Dolce & Gabbana
The first time I smelled this, I was at my friend's house. She said "Smell the Dolce and Gabbana on my dresser, Jess. I think you'll like it." So typically, I fell in love immediately. This scent is definitely for the grown - it's a very mature scent, but subtle and sexy. Enticing for sure.

6. Flora by Gucci
I've only smelled this one once, but I remember that I couldn't stop smelling it. Very fresh and airy, a wonderful floral scent!
7. Tainted Love by Tokyo Milk
Another perfect evening out, date night kind of fragrance. It's a very sexy and edgy kind of scent, and that could be due to the small trace of vanilla bean and orchid infusion. I have the smaller, roller ball version of Tainted Love and I rarely use it because I don't want it to run out - I love it that much. 

8. Legacy Coach by Coach
Another wonderful classy, casual scent. I think Legacy Coach is another one that could easily become someone's signature scent - it's light, sweet, and a lot of fun!

9. Very Sexy body mist by Victoria's Secret
Well, I think the name pretty much speaks for itself. And Victoria's Secret. As usual.
10. Daisy by Marc Jacobs
 And last but not least, the fun and floral scented Daisy by Marc Jacobs. It's light and feminine - it really does remind you of a stronger scented daisy flower. And hey, who doesn't love flowers?

These are just my current favorite fragrances on the shelves right now. Maybe I'll do a follow up post on cologne? Hmm... stay tuned on The Stares!

Pictures provided by:
Polyvore.com
Google.com

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Like Clockwork

Good day fashion fiends! I hope you're ready for your daily dose of a fashion post today. As always, my only goal is to inspire you through the art of fashion as it is through my perspective. And that can usually be found on The Stares. Check it out.

This is no ordinary windbreaker folks. While you may not be able to tell from the photos, there are clocks on this windbreaker. This jacket is the perfect symbol for everything fashion, representing exactly how fashion tracks time and timelessness.
I've really gotten good usage out of these black leggings with leather accents! They're perfect to wear with heels for a night out, or even casual outfits (such as this) that need a little edge.

Ah. One of my favorite necklaces! Im glad I finally get to share it with you all. Gold is such a great go to if your looking to make your ensemble more edgy.
I've been wearing this red beanie a lot lately. Perfect for keeping my hair in place on blustery days and showing school spirit (go dawgs)!
Polka-dot blouse anyone? The irony in all of this is I really hate polka dots. With a passion. But I saw so much potential in what this blouse could do for an outfit, I couldn't pass up on it. "Keep your friends, but keep your enemies closer" doesn't only apply to people, ya'll. 

"And here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why." - Kurt Vonnegut, speaking on time
Vintage Winbreaker - by Ava Sport (Cillie's)
Polka Dot blouse - Anne Carson (gift)
Leggings - Milkyway USA (Target)
White Hightop sneakers - H&M
Beanie - (borrowed)
Gold statement chain - Charlotte Russe
Chanel stud earrings - (gift)

 Photography by Joy Etuk