The Spendicate: April 2013

April 2013

04/25/2013

Is Nail Art Dead?

Is Nail Art Dead? by amanda-digiondomenico featuring Sally Hansen beauty products

Sally Hansen beauty product / (794) Fancy - Chalkboard Manicure by Ciaté / Revlon Nail Art Neon™ / NEW! Revlon Nail Art Expressionist™

I don't normally write about beauty. I'm not sure why, but I don't really care about makeup and such. Sure, I like a nice lip gloss as much as the next girl, and sure, I geek out upon entering a Sephora. But I've got my makeup routine down pat, and as sparse as it is, I would like to savor my as-little-makeup-as-possible days for as long as I can get away with it.

However, I am confused about a certain trend as of late: nail art. I keep hearing that bare, biege, and muted is where it's at, since a few stars hit the various red carpets with naked nails. (Gasp!) But I just discovered this not-yet-released-but-still-sold-out-somehow chalkboard manicure, and I'm intrigued. Would I look even more like a 12 year old at the office with chalkboard nails? Do I care? Obviously, Zooey Deschanel would approve.

Apr 25, 2013 5:58:00 PM | Fashion, Hipster-lite

04/23/2013

URBN's Customer Analysis is Eerily Spot On...

Free People Knows Me by amanda-digiondomenico featuring free people

Free People beach dress / Free People tank dress / Free People beach dress / Free People gathered skirt / Free People / Free People

URBN -- the company behind Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Free People -- had a meeting with analysts back in September 2012. During this meeting, they described the customers served by each of their brands, and the descriptions were leaked to the media. I read these descriptions out of curiosity, only to come away a little ... well, freaked out, actually. Come to find out, I fit the Free People consumer to a T.

According to Free People president, Meg Hayne, the FP girl "is independent yet loves being with her friends, her family and her mate. She travels every spring to festivals, Coachella and Wanderlust being her favorite. She runs and practices yoga to stay fit and balanced. She is influenced by fashion but yet seeks inspiration from all over the world to put together a look that is her own. She is a mix of sweet, cool and boho and everything in between. We target age 26..."

Despite my independence, I do indeed love my mate.
All I want to do ever in life is go to both Coachella AND Wanderlust (Wanderlust Oahu, in particular).
I am influenced by fashion, and yet not a slave to trends.
I do, in fact, practice yoga AND I run. What??

But I'm not quite 26 ... AHA! Take that, Free People.

I'm still a little worried, though. I am a little obsessed with Free People's new yoga line...

Apr 23, 2013 6:25:00 PM | Fashion

04/22/2013

Wedding Season is Upon Us...

I was debating finally trying out Rent the Runway for a wedding I'm attending in July, but on a spree through Anthropologie, I found the dress featured below. I haven't committed yet, but I think I might be sold -- especially for the excuse to wear bright blue-green heels.

Also, I'm just going to say this now: The "Shorty is Bangin'" poster is my new favorite thing and will probably make an appearance in more than one blog post. You've been warned.

Shorty is Bangin by amanda-digiondomenico featuring j.crew necklace

Leifsdottir dress / Kate Spade kates spade / J.Crew necklace / Kate Spade bangle / Michael Antonio Lydia / That Shorty is Bangin' Print

Apr 22, 2013 6:09:00 PM | Fashion

04/18/2013

How to Be the Office Hipster aka How to Make Your Cube Hip-tastic

This week, my department moved to a new part of the office, and we got brand new cubicles, which, of course, means one thing: time to decorate! Not that I've been searching for new desk accoutrements or anything, but I did find something that I would like to add to my collection of Instagram magnets...

...and owl paraphernalia...

Animal planters!

I found these via Scoutmob, and I instantly fell in love. Handmade by Heather Fields of Coastal Moss, who is based in -- where else -- San Francisco, these planters are shipped with the succulents included, which are handpicked by Heather from around her redwood forest home. So if I am able to put the jealousy of her insanely awesome life aside, and if I can choose just one planter (or two), the number of hipster knick-knack animals that adorn my cube will increase.

Hipster Cubicle by amanda-digiondomenico on Polyvore

White Rhino Planter with Water Stone Flower / Hippopotamus Planter with Water Stone Flower / CoastalMoss Scoutmob Shoppe / CoastalMoss Scoutmob Shoppe / CoastalMoss Scoutmob Shoppe

Apr 18, 2013 5:34:22 PM | Be My Nerdy Lover, Hipster-lite, Home

04/15/2013

A Weakness for Adorable Things

The discovery of Curio Road, a new shopping site that specializes in unique, handmade design, has only encouraged my desire to own more adorable things. What constitutes "adorable," you ask? How about unexpected details? And bows, of course.

All About the Back - Curio Road by amanda-digiondomenico featuring blouses

And then, to up the ante, accessories add a certain degree of adorable-ness -- especially simple, artfully handcrafted pieces. Basically, if you want to reach the maximum of your adorable potential, ask yourself, "Would Zooey Deschanel wear this?" If the answer is yes, then you should be good to go. I'm pretty sure I'll be relying on Curio Road for more adorable accompaniments in the near future.

Don't Forget the Details by amanda-digiondomenico featuring colorful necklaces

Chain jewelry / Colorful necklace / Round scarve

Apr 15, 2013 5:38:36 PM | Fashion

04/11/2013

Fashion for Good

Do-Gooder Fashion by amanda-digiondomenico on Polyvore

Products | fashionABLE

Last night, my boyfriend's dad asked, "What is it about Toms, anyway?" Answer: They give a pair of shoes to a shoeless child in a developing country every time you buy your own pair. Duh. But,really, there's something to the feeling that maybe your shopping problem could help others.

So, let's talk about fashionABLE. Their parent nonprofit is the Mocha Club, which holds a special place in my heart since I volunteered for them in college. Through them, I met amazing people and got to see Hanson multiple times. What? Long story.

But as opposed to simply being a "charity," fashionABLE actually empowers the women it helps. Each scarf is handcrafted by a woman in Ethiopia, helping the country's economy. By creating a demand for these scarves, fashionABLE provides impoverished women with a job and perhaps a chance at independence.

I'm all for giving women jobs. And I'm all for scarves in the summer.

Apr 11, 2013 5:44:00 PM | Fashion, Hipster-lite

04/08/2013

Let's Keep Buying Music!

I still enjoy buying music. CDs, vinyl, my Spotify membership... I believe in supporting the industry. Buying music only supports the record labels and their CEOs. Artists never see that money, blah blah. Okay, I get it. Whatever. Get off your soapbox. Let me feel good about spending money for a minute. At least long enough to let me share my HOLY CRAP, IT'S ACTUALLY HOT OUT playlist. It's spring; let's dance!

Apr 8, 2013 5:30:00 PM | Music

04/02/2013

Don't Mind Me, I'm Having a Toms Moment

This morning, I slipped into my Toms ballet flats, and I realized that I've worn a pair of Toms everyday for the past 2 weeks. I got an inkling that perhaps I need to invest in a few more pairs -- especially when I noticed a hole forming in the toe of my black classics. But then I went searching for this season's ballet flats, and I made a discovery: Toms is revamping their ballet flats! Am I the only one excited about this? Am I the only one who entered their email so I can be notified when they're ready? COME ON! Let's give more free shoes to children!

And don't worry, I'll be updating you when I get that email.

TOMS by amanda-digiondomenico featuring black flats

TOMS black lace up wedge / TOMS / TOMS black flat, $68 / Ballet Flats Coming Soon | TOMS.com / Periodic Table Women's Vegan Classics

Apr 2, 2013 5:31:57 PM | Fashion, Hipster-lite

04/01/2013

San Fran Favorite: Jackson & Polk

It came as no surprise that while exploring San Francisco, I found a shop in Ghiradelli Square that sold all things I could ever want in life: Jackson & Polk. From a million different owl-shaped knick knacks and Holga cameras to lithograph necklaces and Toms of many colors ... it's unfortunate they're too cool for e-commerce. After just a few minutes of browsing, John said, "I think you opened this store in another life."

jackson & polk by amanda-digiondomenico on Polyvore

Jackson & Polk | Ghirardelli Square

Somehow, I discovered deep within me a fountain of self control, and came away with only a single purchase: this vase, which now occupies my desk. The flowers are cheering me up as I get back into my cubicle routine. But then the vase reminds me of where I'd rather be. I can't win.