"Art is what you can get away with."

Anyone who knows me very well at all knows that Andy Warhol is one of my favorite human beings of all time. I am in love with his artistic style, his lifestyle & his philosophies about living, love and style. He was larger than life, and was eccentric before eccentric was "cool."  I believe that art has always inspired fashion and design, and I was out of my mind excited when I searched Etsy & a few other sites & found these Warhol-inspired designs. I even found this entire pop-Warhol kitchen (pictured below).  Mixed in are some of my favorite Andy quotes for good measure. Let me know what you think! Would you add any of these to your wardrobe or home?

The owner of this kitchen created this look by purchasing Warhol posters & decoupaging them to his cabinets. Something tells me that the artist would have been flattered.

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."

Andy Warhol Shoes Print Dress- by Pepe Jeans London

"People should fall in love with their eyes closed."

Bond No. 9 New York Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue Fragrance- with notes of blue cypress, pink peony, fennel, roasted almonds, creme brulee & sandalwood.
  $150.00 for 50 ml from Bond No. 9

"The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting."

Warhol-inspired Holy Mackerel Canvas- $235.00 by VisualKismet on Etsy

"I wonder if it's possible to have a love affair that lasts forever."

Andy Warhol Fashion Mix & Match Stationary- $8.95 from chronicle books

"I never fall apart because I never fall together."

Andy Warhol Soup Can Bracelet- $35.99 by cosmictrinkets on Etsy

"Beauty is a sign of intelligence."

Warhol-inspired Jackie O vs. Marilyn earrings- $32.00 by ZacharyPryor on Etsy

"But I always say, one's company, two's a crowd & three's a party."

Andy Warhol Ceramic Refrigerator Magnets- $5.99 for a set of 4 by minimagnets on Etsy

"Everyone ends up kissing the wrong person goodnight." 

Andy Warhol Appetizer Plates- $1.95 each on Kaboodle.

"Art is what you can get away with."

Andy Warhol's Exposures Women's T-shirt dress- $19.00 by CelebFashion on Etsy

"People need to be made more aware of the need to work at learning how to live because life is so quick and sometimes it goes away too quickly."

Andy Warhol Blackerry Theme- $4.99 from B Play... download yours today!

"I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want to own.”

Andy Warhol Photo Print Halter Dress by Pepe Jeans London

I also highly recommend Warhol's book, "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol (From A to B and Back Again)".... it is not only witty and enlightening, but is filled with scandal and hilarity that will open your eyes to the life of the artist beyond what most museum-dwelling Americans would ever imagine.  Happy reading :)

February Crushes.

Last week in class a professor asked our class of about twenty students if we had all already made plans for Valentine's Day. He waited about ten seconds, & then burst into uncontrollable laughter. "About half of you began to smile when I asked that question," he said, "and the other half were girls without boyfriends & all of the boys in the room."

Although I laughed at his terrible joke, it made me begin to think about what he was implying. He was generally pretty dead on; most of my friends with boyfriends were building up their dreams of gifts and gestures of love, while most of my single friends planned on binge eating chocolates, playing Taylor Swift on repeat, and boycotting romantic venues on the holiday.

I realize that I may stand alone in this opinion, but I think that it needs to be said. Valentine's Day is a lot of things. But to me it has never been only about romantic love. To be honest, my most memorable Valentine moments haven't been the years where I've had boyfriends. They've been the sweet and unexpected gestures from people who are not just a potentially fleeting fling, but who are the cornerstones of my happiness-- my best guy friends, girl friends, roommates, parents, and even brothers. Love is all around us and I think that we should all embrace it instead of forcing ourselves to set high expectations or to be miserable if we aren't currently IN love.

Enough of the sappy.

Here is an incredibly random assortment of things that I LOVE about Valentine's 2011 from some of my favorite designers and such that will hopefully leave you with a smile.

1. Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in "First Base"
I am head over heels for this print, & the Murfee scarves are seriously the best. They're the perfect length and weight. I wear them daily with fleeces in the fall, under heavier jackets in the winter, and over tank tops or dresses in the spring.  

Order yours or one for your Valentine (or mine... Momma I know you read this.) for $118.00 here, at Lilly Pulitzer.





2. Love Me Tender Cookie Cutters


People love cookies. People love people who make them cookies.
Grab a set of these for $10.00 here, at Urban Outfitters, and make some love in the kitchen. 

3. Mi Amor Margaritas
I stole this recipe from Cosmo. I haven't tried them yet, but I can guarantee you that I will have by next weekend. If you try this let me know, I'd love feedback! They look like the perfect fun drinks to share with your girlfriends, and they combine chocolate & strawberries... my favorites. 


- 3 parts chocolate milk (store bought or homemade)
- 1 part Sauza Silver Tequila
- 1 part strawberry puree or daiquiri mix
- Chocolate covered strawberry

Combine chilled chocolate milk, Sauza and strawberry puree in a tall glass. Stir vigorously to combine. Pour into a glass and garnish with a chocolate covered strawberry. 


4. Magenta Tory Burch Tumbled 
Leather Reva Ballerina Flats


You don't need a boy to fall in love with when your shoes are this cute. Perfect to wear with any outfit, casual or dressy! & you can wear them all year, with or without tights to match the seasons.


$195.00 from Tory Burch.


5. Biwa's Bounty Cuff by Anthropologie


This bracelet is perfect to transition from later winter into spring. I love the classic aspect of the pearls mixed with the eclectic look of the design. It would look so darling with the lacey/girlie looks that are in all of the stores right now & will go perfectly with your seersucker and sundresses this spring!


$48.00 from Anthropologie.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Dog Collar in "Beach Bum"
Girl's best friend deserves some love too. If you love your dog
as much as I love Grace, you'll fall for this pink and green patter designed by PinkysPetGear on Etsy using Lilly's "Beach Bum" print. Watch out for the preppiest puppy in the neighborhood!

Order one for your dog today for $17.99 here.


*Also, if this collar is too girly for your manly guard dog, she has lots of other patterns to choose from!

7. Boy Crazy Athletic Sleep Shirts 
from Victoria's Secret PINK
Snuggle up in these super soft sleep shirts with messages that will leave no doubt about your interests. Alternate available sayings include:
-"Let's Get a Room."
-"Kiss Kiss Kiss" &
-"Can't Get Enough"

Snag one for yourself or your best friend for $19.50 at Victoria's Secret


8. Dear John..."Sometimes I get the itch to go out for a drink thinking I might miss meeting the woman of my dreams, but then I realize the woman of my dreams isn’t at a bar at 12:36 on a Wednesday morning. No, the woman of my dreams is asleep in bed with her lame boyfriend she’s only now beginning to see is lame. Nice enough guy, but no passion or curiosity. It was cute when he called her babe at first but now it’s just lazy and distant sounding. The woman of my dreams just twitched in her sleep because I mentioned her. The woman of my dreams is not usually twitchy. The woman of my dreams likes Family Guy but doesn’t LOVE Family Guy. The woman of my dreams will engage in conversations that don’t necessarily cater to her in exchange for my moving quickly through the shop talk. The woman of my dreams has to be up at 7am. Maybe the woman of my dreams is at the gym, not the bar. I better get to bed..."- John Mayer

Happy Valentine's Day Y'all! 

January drifts.

"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."
-Vita Sackville-West

The thermometer currently reads 24 degrees in our coastal town. Combined with the wind that is inevitable this close to the ocean, I don't think that I've been warm in a solid week. (Walking my dog Gracie at 6:30 every morning doesn't help!) I'm already counting down the days until my 80 degree weather returns, but until then, I've compiled a list things on my current favorite things to remind me that life is good, regardless of the windchill.

1. Tall Steve Madden boots.

The "Intyce" style in Cognac. Perfect for the days when I don't feel like wearing the worlds ugliest shoes (Uggs... we have a love/hate relationship) and my jeans or leggings are too skinny to wear my Wallabees (Y'all know what I'm talking about.)

2. Modest Mouse.

I recently rekindled my love for these guys. Go throw on "Float On" and tell me your day doesn't get exponentially better.

3. Sally Hansen's Commander in Chic nail polish.

It's brownish in the sunlight, greyish brownish taupe indoors. I am absolutely addicted.

(photo courtesy of http://never-unpolished.blogspot.com)

4. Burberry Sunglasses.

Mine are the Burberry tortoise 4051's and I absolutely adore them. I couldn't find a picture that does them justice, but my favorite detail is the gold Burberry label on the side.... it resembles the leather ties on my Sperrys & on most boat shoes. Perfect.

5. Story People Prints.

Brian Andreas is an incredible artist and writer that combines these talents to produce books and prints. I own 5 of his books, and just received my 2nd print from my A

unt Julie for Christmas. They're now both frames and hanging in my bathroom! Check his site & his work out here.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Candles.

Every boy that walks into my apartment tells me it smells "just like a girl." I take this as a compliment. These candles smell so amazing that I didn't even want to burn mine, but I think I'm just going to have to stock up instead.

7. Southern Marsh.

This new brand has my seal of frat-proval. Their "About Us" section reads:

"The South is an area of the country that still finds time to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life. Southern Marsh was inspired by that idea and influenced by those who understand the lifestyle as they take it with them everywhere they go. The friends getting up at 4 a.m. to make it to the blind before sunrise, the father cashing in vacation days to go fishing with his family, or the southern belle spending a timeless afternoon with great friends."

Built on the lifestyle that I love the most and with really unique designs, they won me over with their awesome t-shirts... I've already ordered two. They run pretty small, so I'd recommend ordering a size up. Especially if you plan on wearing them with leggings like I do! Check them out here!

(photo and quote courtesy of www.southern-marsh.com)

8. "The Girl's Guide to Hunting and Fishing" by Melissa Bank.

Don't be fooled by the title. This bestseller won't actually give you instructions on the art of killing a prize buck, but I guarantee that the collection of fictional short stories (tied together into a larger plot) will draw you in and make you fall in and out of love up until the feel-good ending. It's extremely relateable and an easy read. Pick up a copy next time you're in Barnes & Noble & let me know what you think.

9. Not having Friday classes this semester.

No explaination necessary.

Farmhouse.

The eventual point of this entire blog is to hopefully get my name and some of my work "out there," mixed in with all of the "fun" posts that I love to write. I am the first to tell you that I hate my own work 99.9% of the time, and the thought of actually posting it is terrifying. So here's the first piece I'll share, and I am only doing so because I found it on my computer & because it is incredibly relevant to the last year of my life. When I originally wrote it almost 2 years ago for my first creative writing class, it's intent was to capture the pain that I imagine my grandmother must have had over losing my grandfather years ago. I honestly don't even remember my biological grandfather that I intended for the piece to be about, but this past year we also lost her 2nd husband, my step-grandfather who had been married to her for the past 13 years. I hadn't thought about my poem again until I stumbled upon it, and I haven't revised it (although it probably needs it) but I figured I might as well start with a piece that I've seperated myself from for a while... so here goes nothing.

Farmhouse.

Amelia Beamer 11.20.09

The old porch still sings

when persuaded by wind.

Decorated by time,

kissed

by neglect.

It’s still ninety-seven steps

to where he lies blanketed

in dirt,

wrapped in the roots

of his favorite ginkgo tree

If her hip isn’t betraying her

That day.

I’ve seen her cry

all of never,

her face the same yet changed,

weathered.

The modest diamond

graces her finger still,

two years of labor

poured into the thought of it

and her

seventy years before.

I am a creation of their love,

a reflection.

His eyes, her hair,

both gone or grayed by now.

A breeze tugs, slamming

at the chipped screen door

and a tired heart.

She turns,

realizing again

that it is not,

will not

ever again be him.

CLASSY: My Southern Amendments.

Happy New Year, y'all!

For Christmas, I received the book "Classy" by Derek Blasberg. It offers "exceptional advice for the extremely modern lady," and is a ballsy and humorous take on etiquette regarding everything from table manners to sex tapes. Every woman who takes herself seriously should go purchase this book RIGHT THIS MINUTE. I've pulled out a few of my favorite "rules" to share, along with my own amendments to the rules that might apply a little bit differently south of the Mason-Dixon!

1. A lady says nice things about nice people in public; but she can be brutally honest about not nice people in private.

-Southern amendment: A lady says nice things about nice people in public; but she just says "bless his/her heart" about not nice people in public. She can be brutally honest and use the "B word" or wish a man to Hell as soon as the not nice person is no longer around.

2. A lady can put on mascara in the back of a car and on an airplane.

-Southern amendment: A lady can put on mascara in the back of a car or on an airplane, but she would never leave the house without it already applied anyway in the off-chance that she run into someone worth impressing or someone that is prone to talking poorly of her.

3. A lady doesn't cheat-- on cards, tests, or boyfriends.

-Southern amendment: A lady doesn't cheat on cards, tests, or boyfriends. But she might sometimes cheat on her diet. Especially if it's with homemade, southern dishes.

4. A lady does not wish to be defined by her purchases.

-Southern amendment: A lady does not wish to be defined by her purchases, but still monograms some of them-- her jewelry, car, shirts, tote bags, etc. because it is a classic, cute way of showing that she is proud of being defined as herself.

5. A lady can drink beer, but she better like the beer.

-Southern amendment: A lady can drink beer, but she better like the beer and be able to argue with the boys about which brand is better while still looking beautiful and feminine in her sundress and/or heels. Also, the said beer had better be kept cold in a cute koozie.

6. A lady knows when to say "Excuse me." And she says it.

-Southern amendment: A lady knows when to say "Excuse me." And she says it. But she also knows that it is ALWAYS the right time to say "Ma'am," or "Sir."

7. A lady isn't afraid of arriving before a date, and she waits at the bar before being seated.

-Southern amendment: A lady isn't afraid of arriving before a date, but a true southern gentleman would never allow this to happen in the first place.

Thirty Day Song Challenge!

Maybe you've heard of the 30 Day Song Challenge: the concept is simple, follow the list & select a song for each category... one a day for a month. You should try it, it's fun and brought back some songs that have marked huge chapters in my life. For mine, I'm choosing not to explain in detail why I've chosen each song, so take from it what you will. I've condensed mine into a single post instead of 30 different one, so here's a look at my month in songs :)

The List:

* Day 01 – Your favorite song- "Two Step" by Dave Matthews Band

* Day 02 – Your least favorite song- "Your Love" by Nicki Minaj

* Day 03 – A song that makes you happy- "Collie Man" by Slightly Stoopid

* Day 04 – A song that makes you sad- "Draw Me a Map" by Dierks Bentley

* Day 05 – A song that reminds you of someone - "Keep Me in Mind" - Zac Brown Band

* Day 06 – A song that reminds you of somewhere- "Carolina" by Eric Church

* Day 07 – A song that reminds you of a certain event- "Laughed Until We Cried" by Jason Aldean

* Day 08 – A song that you know all the words to- "Me and Your Cigarettes"- Miranda Lambert

* Day 09 – A song that you can dance to- "Break Your Heart" - Taio Cruz

* Day 10 – A song that makes you fall asleep- "The Hardest Part" by Coldplay

* Day 11 – A song from your favorite band- "Die Die Die" by the Avett Brothers

* Day 12 – A song from a band you hate- "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha

* Day 13 – A song that is a guilty pleasure- "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry

* Day 14 – A song that no one would expect you to love - "With You" by Drake

* Day 15 – A song that describes you --- "Grey Street" by DMB

* Day 16 – A song that you used to love but now hate- "Lemonade" - Gucci Mane

* Day 17 – A song that you hear often on the radio - "Firework"- Katy Perry

* Day 18 – A song that you wish you heard on the radio- "Size Matters"- Joe Nichols

* Day 19 – A song from your favorite album- "Tin Man" - the Avett Brothers

* Day 20 – A song that you listen to when you’re angry- "Only Prettier" by Miranda Lambert

* Day 21 – A song that you listen to when you’re happy- "Alright" - Darius Rucker

* Day 22 – A song that you listen to when you’re sad- "Coast of Carolina" - Jimmy Buffett

* Day 23 – A song that you want to play at your wedding- "Cupid"- Jack Johnson

* Day 24 – A song that you want to play at your funeral - "Forever Young" - Youth Group

* Day 25 – A song that makes you laugh- "Ride Through the Country" - Colt Ford

* Day 26 – A song that you can play on an instrument - "Hands Down"- Dashboard Confessional

* Day 27 – A song that you wish you could play- "Don't Stop Believing" - Journey

* Day 28 – A song that makes you feel guilty- "Back to December" by Taylor Swift

* Day 29 – A song from your childhood - "The River"- Bruce Springsteen

* Day 30 – Your favorite song at this time last year- "I Love You" - the Benjy Davis Project

Single Belles, Single Belles

Is it just me, or are more and more people within my social circle getting ENGAGED? WHAT? I feel like our society has tied me to some timeline: that it's expected of me to be flaunting a ring by the spring that I turn 22 and graduate. Someone else shared with me THEIR timeline for getting married recently that went as follows: "If I can't afford an open bar at my wedding, then I'm not old enough to be getting married." Perhaps it is the recently-dumped angst within me, however I have decided that this is a very smart mindset to have-- especially in today's world where marriages dissolve seemingly overnight. In reaction to this idea, I have compiled a list of reasons (mostly specific) as to why I am happy to be single right now. This is not to say that I am against being pursued by the right person at the right time, (I really, really want to fall in love and live happily ever after, and if that happens by the time I'm 22, that's perfectly fine by me...) just that these are the reasons that I am happy, in my current state, at this very moment, with being single and dependent only on myself (and my daddy):

1. I can actually eat the food that I buy at the grocery store, instead of someone else destroying it before I can get it into the refrigerator.

2. I can fill my entire apartment with holiday scented candles UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JULY and no one can tell me I'm being ridiculous.

3. I can accept date invitations to ANY fraternity events that I wish to attend. At any college that I wish to visit.

4. I can wear leggings and t-shirts/Nike shorts and t-shirts EVERY single day, and no one will tell me I'm "letting myself go."

5. I can also wear my favorite dresses out without anyone complaining that they are "too short."

6. I can go shopping without anyone telling me that I'm wasting my money.

7. I don't feel like I ever HAVE to be the designated driver.

8. No one tells me that I spoil my dog or that I'm too nice to her.

9. I am the judge of how good my cooking is. And I say it is fantastic.

10. I can blast Dave Matthews without anyone changing it to rap or punkrock. (Amendment: I would give up my Christmas candles to marry Dave.)

11. I don't have to listen to complaints about how many guy friends I have. (Note to future boyfriend(s): They've been here since kindergarten. They're staying, whether you do or not.)

12. I don't base my schedule on anyone except for myself..... And my dog.

13. I can get excited about sorority events without anyone telling me that they don't sound very fun or that they're stupid.

14. I can watch every single Harry Potter movie in one day, on a Sunday, instead of football, because guess what? The Panthers SUCK this year, and I don't really care to watch every other team in the NFL play on repeat ALL DAY.

15. This also goes for Monday night football and EVERY OTHER NIGHT of the week. Not that I dislike football. I just really like being about to watch it when I WANT to.

16. I can watch every single Red Sox game & not be told that baseball sucks.

17. The only rumors that I hear are about what I did the night before, not who my boyfriend is cheating on me with.

18. Boys buy you more drinks at the bar when they hear you're no longer tied down.

19. Now, I obsess over boys treating me the right way as opposed to constantly obsessing over how I'm being treated poorly.

20. I can shave my legs when I want to. Which is every day. But that part is irrelevant.

21. My lime green toenails can exist in that color at peace from criticism.

22. I can sleep in flannel shorts or ratty t-shirts. And spend the next half day in them.

23. I can eat spaghetti-O's and lean pockets for dinner. For a week straight. Without complaint from anyone.

24. I can and did just apply to NYU on a whim. Because I had been wanting to. And there is no one to hold me from going or not going.

25. The only insecurities I have to deal with are my own.

26. People in long term relationships are fatter, on average, than those who are single.

27. Compliments from others aren't expected, so when they come, they feel deserved and/or intentional.

28. I can go to church on Sundays, if I want to, without thinking that I'll ever "change" someone else.

29. No more guys hiding in my phone under girl's names (sorry.)

30. I can pour my energy into my friendships and my passion into my goals.

31. I can clean my apartment at 3 am instead of rushing to have it neat by the time my boyfriend arrives.

32. I'm sure others will critique my body, goals, and decisions in many ways, however none of these people are close enough to me for it to hurt me. The people I allow close enough to hurt me, are the ones who I trust not to.

p.s. If you were to decide to put a ring on it, these are the rings that one day, someday, maybe, perhaps, (Harry, Tiff or David) will end my single streak.