Everything Happens for a Reason…

Posted by Ashley Drapkin Categories: Advice, Relationships, Sex,

You know what the worse thing anyone can ever say to you especially when you are going through heartbreak, anger, and sadness? “Everything happens for a reason.” Those are the worse words anyone can say at that moment. I know that because I hate when people would say that to me when I was sad or angry or even my heart hurting over a guy.

Many people would use those words towards me and at the time no one wants to hear it. People just need to grieve at their own pace because sometimes heartbreak takes longer then someone else’s heart to heal. The worse also is when people constantly remind you, you were never in a relationship with this person so why are you so hurt and how can you love someone. You don’t need to be in a relationship to fall in love, especially when you hang with the person constantly and get to know them on a emotional level.

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The importance of the first kiss

Posted by Ashley Drapkin Categories: Advice, Editorials, Relationships,

Remember that first kiss? That first feeling you got? Not your first general kiss that didn’t mean anything, but your first kiss with someone you loved and cared about. The feelings you get from kissing are sometimes unexplainable, but that first meaningful kiss, you never want to stop.  But good things always come to an end right?

I have kissed a decent amount of people, but I have only gotten that feeling that is always shown on TV or read in fairy tales - your heart flutters and you can’t breathe because the person you are kissing takes your breath away - only one time. Kissing is an extremely important process in a growing relationship and shouldn’t be taken lightly as it is nowadays. Kissing should be taken into more consideration then sex sometimes because kissing is where it really starts.  Kissing should always mean something.

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Why Do Girls Go for the Bad Boys?

Posted by Ashley Drapkin Categories: Advice, Editorials, Relationships,

I was talking to my friend the other day and the conversation we were having was why do girls always go for bad boys that treat them less then crap. I actually wish I knew the answer to that. From friends’ experience as well as my own, I have realized a lot of us girls go for the guys that don’t treat us well or just don’t want relationships in general. Whether or not we state that we don’t want a relationship and just want someone to have fun, as well as the comfort of having someone without the title, we don’t mean it.

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Why cheating is never okay

Posted by Ashley Drapkin Categories: Editorials, Relationships, Sex,

Why do people think cheating is okay? I don’t get it. Cheating isn’t okay and never will be okay. If you are in a relationship with someone it’s because you are committing yourself to one person. Sure, being boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t mean you are married, but it is still a commitment, so why cheat? And if you are married, you especially shouldn’t cheat! Marriage is committing your life to one person and that’s how it should be. Obviously.

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Why are men and women so different in the getting over process?

Posted by Ashley Drapkin Categories: Editorials, Relationships,

I have always tried to figure out one thing; why is it always easier for a guy to get over a girl than it is for a girl to get over a guy? I have realized that, not only with me, but with my friends as well. I have so many girl friends that try to get over guys for months at a time, and still can’t over them, but when it comes to my guy friends? They just move on right to the next one, like the previous girl never existed in their life.

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Fake relationships stink!

Posted by Ashley Drapkin Categories: Editorials, Relationships,

Relationships are hard as it is with the title and actual work, but without the title it is perhaps even more difficult. Not having the “boyfriend/girlfriend” status, one is stuck as to what the rules are or if there are even rules at all. I’ve never been in an actual relationship-relationships, but I have always been in the “fake” relationships where you go out with a guy, hang out with him all the time, et cetera; basically a relationship without the title and without the sincere caring and commitment that’s involved.

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What’s in a Name (When it Comes to Designer Shopping)?

Posted by Katie Gutierrez Painter Categories: Editorials, Fashion,

In the last, oh, say five years, I’ve gone from swearing American Eagle was the only brand I’d ever love to seeking out designer clothing and accessories for their quality, workmanship, and lasting value. (Oh, and because they’re preeeeetty.) But one thing that hasn’t changed is that I still will not buy goods that have the designer’s name splashed all over them. Monogram purses, for example? So not my thing. Even if I admire the shape and quality of some Louis Vuitton bags (like the Speedy, above), I won’t buy them if they’re covered in the signature LV. And why would I want a belt stamped all over with the Coach logo and featuring a buckle spelling, what else, Coach? To me, these are gratuitous status symbols, and that’s not why I shop designer.

Granted, I know there’s a threshold—a line dividing classic from tacky. But that line is much thinner to me than it is to, I think, a lot of people. And don’t get me wrong: My little pet peeve can get pretty annoying. Because plenty of designers I really like, such as Marc Jacobs, sneak their name onto the most innocuous places, like the buttons on a blouse. Buttons! Or this otherwise perfect daytime Miss Sixty purse that I would totally buy if it didn’t have MISS SIXTY right in front. See it? Sure, it’s small, discreet, and perfectly tasteful, but it’s there. For things like this, I know my distaste is silly, but I can’t help it.

Am I alone in my abhorrence of designer name-flaunting? I’d actually love to hear from people who disagree with me—please share why!

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Daily Deal: Vintage Miriam Haskell Pearl and Boxchain Necklace

Posted by Katie Gutierrez Painter Categories: Fashion,

Today’s deals come in the form of interesting multi-strand pearl necklaces, which I’ve been obsessed with lately. They’re a modern, young way to rock this classic gemstone—a far cry from Sandra D.! I’d wear them with a casual, soft, slightly loose white t-shirt, gray skinny jeans, and—of course—a great heel; I’m thinking black patent platform peep-toes. Add a metallic clutch and a little liquid liner, and you’re good to go! Enjoy!

Designer Deal

I’m loving this vintage Miriam Haskell baroque pearl, boxchain, and rhinestone necklace—a gorgeous piece that evokes the feeling of pulling a forgotten treasure from your stylish grandmother’s jewelry box. Haskell is known for stunning, hand-crafted jewelry, and is also the powerhouse behind department store jewelry lines O Oscar (by Oscar de la Renta) and Kenneth Cole. Similar designs are priced on her site for $700, but you can find this necklace at rubylane.com for $325.

Look-alike Steals:

We have two look-alike steals today! The first is this Betsey Johnson long, five-strand necklace with faux pearls, gold tone, and crystal accents. We all know Betsey Johnson for her bright, offbeat, always feminine and joyful clothing line that isn’t entirely wearable for a lot of women. This necklace, however, is very wearable—and adorable. Even better, it’s 20% off on Zappos for a total of $103.

Now, check out this Kenneth Jay Lane piece for
QVC. A couple of obvious differences: We’re working with a gunmetal finish here and a bit of a shorter length—the nine strands fall around 20”. I love Kenneth Jay Lane for his affordable but still high-end, feminine, and unique designs. This is no exception. Retailed at $95, the necklace is on sale at QVC for $69.50.

Happy shopping!

Gallery: Daily Deal: Vintage Miriam Haskell Pearl and Boxchain Necklace

Daily Deal: Adorable Bottega Veneta Handbag and its Less Pricey Cousin

Posted by Katie Gutierrez Painter Categories: Fashion,

This post launches the start of what I’ll call our Daily Deal. Inspired by my own feverish bargain-hunting for high-quality goods, I thought, Why not share the wealth? Or, rather, the savings. Which can lead to wealth. Or keep you wealthy. Whatever. Slightly convoluted, I’ll admit, but nonetheless well-intentioned. So come back often to check out a designer deal and its a look-alike steal. And share your own bargain-shopping spoils!

Designer Deal

With woven leather in a gorgeous sky blue, this Bottega Veneta handbag measures approximately 5"W by 3"H. In other words, it’s the perfect night-out size, but its color also makes it appropriate for day—think summery dresses and fabulous neutral heels, the perfect brunch date outfit (I want it soooo badly!). The bag also features brass chains measuring 38” long but which can be shortened to 22”; a flap closure; fully lined zippered back compartment; and two interior compartments. The designer name is stamped on in the inside. Despite its summery texture, I’d use this bag through fall and winter as a fresh contrast to richer (colored) clothing. Retailed at $602, this bag that I’m quite obviously lusting after is being sold on efashionhouse.com for $299. However, add the code OFF20 at checkout for 20% off the sale price. Then add the code OFF10 for an additional 10% off. You’re left with $215.28, and FedEx ground shipping is free. Oh, and the bag also comes in tan and red—take your pick.

Look-alike Steal

With vintage appeal, the deeper color on this vintage Walborg woven purse will make it more versatile than the Bottega Veneta clutch (for some) come winter. Its dimensions are about 8"W by 5.5"H, and it also features a brass chain shoulder strap. The one-compartment interior is lined in black vinyl, and the bag also has a small gold-lined open slip pocket. But the kicker? It’s being sold for only $35 at retrodesignerdeals.com. In lieu of the real thing, seems like a no-brainer to me!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s deals—and take requests for future ones. I have to admit, all modesty aside: I’m a wizard at bargain-shopping. Enjoy!

Gallery: Daily Deal: Adorable Bottega Veneta Handbag and its Less Pricey Cousin

The New “Vernacular”

Posted by Melissa Trebus Categories: Humor, Parenting,

I try to pride myself in being a cool “hip” mom (wait, do they say “hip” anymore), however I am having a little bit of trouble with the new technology-age vernacular. I guess my background of being an English teacher runs deeper than I thought, because the new verbs are causing me a lot of trouble. Example number one - texting. Every time I hear a group of kids talk about “texting” my grammatically correct nose twitches. A text is a noun or an adjective. They should say, “I sent you a text message.” And what about “friending” on MySpace and Facebook? Really? To an unknowledgeable observer the comment, “She friended me,” sounds absolutely ridiculous!!!  How about - She sent me a friend request? Oy! The ultimate in weird is “tweeting.” I don’t use Twitter, but the thought of telling someone that I just tweeted makes me laugh out loud - seriously!!! I suppose the gauntlet has now been thrown. Will I resist these crazy verbs or will I cave and join the crowd. Stay tuned!

Gallery: The New “Vernacular”