#FollowForCharity Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Kimberlee Van Der Wall: 917.751.2626

Raymond Smalley: 740.269.1169

followforcharity@gmail.com

FRIENDS TURN FACETIOUS CHALLENGE INTO CHARITABLE ENDEAVOR

Kimberlee Van Der Wall and Raymond Smalley proudly announce #FollowForCharity, a social media initiative which will raise money and awareness for individual charities. Kimberlee and Raymond are two colleagues and avid tweeters who were staging an informal challenge over whom could accumulate the most followers this year. While they enjoyed their friendly competition, Kimberlee and Raymond both believed their contest should achieve more than simple bragging rights and #FollowForCharity was conceptualized.

For each follower added in October 2010, everyone participating will donate 5 cents. While Raymond and Kimberlee are passionate concerning the charities they have chosen, they encourage everyone everywhere to select their own causes and participate in this inaugural and unique enterprise.

Kimberlee’s charity is the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), which she chose because she herself once endured an abusive relationship. Kimberlee hopes to serve as a positive role model for those currently within a similar experience and she believes the NCADV is a great organization that provides valuable resources for young women.

Raymond’s charity is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which he chose because he himself has confronted issues related to this most unfortunate disease and in memory of a treasured friend who recently took their own life. The AFSP’s objective is the understanding and prevention of suicide via advocacy, education, and research.

We encourage everyone's participation through use of the hashtag "FollowForCharity" and donations to your own charities. Please also follow @KimberleeVDW and @RaymondSmalley to help raise money for their organizations as well. Thank you for your attention and participation.

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I Found the Perfect Pumpkin Shade!

I've seen searching for a pumpkin color nail polish. I wanted a subdued color orange for Halloween nails. After searching countless swatch pictures online, I finally found the shade!
It's O.P.I's "In My Back Pocket" (I have no idea what that has to do with orange... but okay). The swatches I found on beauty blogs didn't compare at all with the color. They looked WAY more orange but I found it to be a soft, yellow-ish orange. Exactly what I was looking for!

My New Obsession: Portrait T-Shirts

It began with the Forever 21 collaboration with bloggers. One of Lovelyish's bloggers, because im addicted, was featured (above wearing her own portrait). The shirts were $14 and I thought it was a great way to promote bloggers. I snatched up 3 different tees.
Now I'm starting spot them in stores. I bought this shirt (above) from the Demi Lovato collection for Target (yes, its kids...), I have no idea what it has to do with her show but I liked it (for $8!). The collection had a lot of cute items, I picked up a blazer and some leggings.
Most recently, I spotted portrait t-shirts at Ann Taylor Loft (color me surprised). I thought they were doing a promotion, but I think it's just the Ann Taylor logo? They had 3 water color portraits tees available.

I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do with my collection. Is it a vain trend?

Simon Doonan's Couture Halloween Costume Line for Target

Don't want to be a slutty nurse for Halloween? Check out Simon Doonan's Costume Couture collection for Target. For those who don't know, Simon Doonan is the Creative Director of Barneys and has quite the personality (love him!). Many pieces are campy commentary on pop culture and all the costumes are $30 and under!

Glamour Ghost- (includes dress and gloves) The dress says "Trick or Trend." I would wear this dress when it wasn't Halloween because it's fun!

Diva Witch- (includes robe and hat) The hat says "Kiss My Broom." A witch costume I'd actually wear! There is also a Lil Diva Witch costume for the youngsters.

A-List Celebrity- (includes dress and tiara) The dress spells out "A-List Celebrity" in case people had any doubt (lol!)

And for the little ones:

Candace Corn- (includes hat, gloves, and dress) For the little fashionistas out there.

Don't forget the dogs:

Spaghetti and Meatballs $9.99- Awww! How miserable does that pup look? (LOL!) I love dressing my dog up for Halloween :)

A Fashion Blogger Walks the Runway at Fashion Week!

This is a big deal to me. It shows how far bloggers have come. I remember when editors didn't want bloggers at the fashion shows because supposedly they knew nothing about fashion.

It's fashion week in New York and Rumi Neely from "Fashion Toast" walked the Rebecca Minkoff fashion show. I believe this is the first time a blogger has walked a REAL fashion show (not a charity event, etc.). AMAZING!

Bloggers probably understand more about fashion than editors because they are consumers. They know what they like and aren't influenced (most of the time) by gifts/money or fame. They blog because they have a passion for it. I feel like most fashion editors have been tainted in their jobs and bloggers present a fresh voice. I hope to see more bloggers in runway shows! Perhaps me :)

Best & Worst Dressed at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards

Last night was the MTV Video Music Awards. Celebs (if we can call them that...) walked down the extravagant white carpet. I was quite frankly bored by the show, but here are my picks for the Best and Worst Dressed of the night:
Best Dressed:

Lady Gaga- Of course she is going to be on my list ;) The woman wore Alexander McQueen, changed her outfits for every acceptance speech but also brought openly gay members of the military who had been discharged because of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. A woman after my own heart.

Florence from "Florence + the Machine"- I honestly hadn't heard her music until the VMAs. However, I felt like she gave one of the best performances of the night! I'm definitely going to download her music.

Taylor Swift- I STRONGLY dislike Ms. Swift... but I'll giver her props for looking gorgeous during her performance. I'm a sucker for 30s inspired waves and red lips.

Worst Dressed:
Selena Gomez- She's a beautiful girl, but I'm sorry she looked like she was wrapped in tin foil.

Ke$ha- Continuing on with the household item trends... Ke$ha claims to have made her dress out of a garbage bag. I call bull because that dress had a zipper, pleats and piping. NO WAY she made it herself!

A lot of leather, black and white was a big trend, but I've come to realize I might be getting too old for the VMAs. It was all "reality" stars. I also performed the low key performances to the headache pounding light show ones (looking at you Usher). Katy Perry and Gaga were the biggest names there and Chelsea Handler was meh.

Making it Work... Long Distance

Drew Barrymore's new movie "Going the Distance" reminds me... I'm in a long distance relationship *sigh.* It's not as cute as her's with Justin Long and we're not across the country. He is only about 5 hours by car/train in the same state (New York). But... it sucks.

Nothing is worse than being apart from the person you love. But there is nothing you can do... so you gotta "make it work" (Tim Gunn voice). Here's what I'm doing:

1) Skype dates- Yes... use technology to your advantage! However, I feel like my partner is in jail because I can see him but not touch him. It's nice to see their face and expressions during your conversations. It is also a good way to go "oh good they're still cute." You need to be reassured!

2) Phone calls- We try to say 'goodnight' on the phone every night. It's not always possible, REMEMBER THAT! Having some routine of checking in will keep you sane in your relationship. Don't only rely on texts or e-mail, they can be so cold. Most women can detect if you're missing them with your voice, which is nice to hear because we miss you too.

3) Keep it spicy- Not to get too X-rated but just because you're apart doesn't mean you can't do things. Whether it's "sexting," phone sex or sexy Skype chatting *wink*, you need those releases. Distance doesn't mean you suddenly have to be celibate... we have needs!

4) Visits (if possible)- I know it can be expensive and difficult to schedule, but do try to make the effort to see each other if you can. Nothing replaces human interaction. And it will make the long-distance thing easier to deal with.

As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder. Let's hope the distance isn't forever.

Fashion's Night Out- Sept. 10th, 2010

Friday, September 10th was the 2nd annual Fashion's Night Out. A night to celebrate fashion! Last year was its first so it was a bit unorganized so I ended up going to Ann Taylor with my mom (it was also on a Thursday night).

This year it was on a Friday and let me say... everyone was out! The streets of NYC are usually crowded but this time it was filled with fashionistas. Loved seeing all the great styles, I wish New York could look like that all the time (get a break from those horribly dressed tourists!). However, being the pessimist that I am... one downside to the night was that it seemed to be for "exclusive" fashion crowd.

Last year it was more about shopping, but this year was about celebrities (including editors- they're celebrities in our world) and what parties you weren't invited to. You COULD go to DVF or Chanel, but if you weren't on a list then you waited on an enormous line and hoped you would get in (not guaranteed). Case in point- Balenciaga. My girl crush, Karen Elson, was performing. This event was not highly publicized like the SJP appearance at Chanel or Olsen twins at Bergdorf. So my friend and I assumed we would wait in line with a few Elson enthusiasts. Boy were we wrong. The line was RIDICULOUS and the security guards weren't letting anyone in. They even stopped Grace Coddington (how dare they!)! Then I heard Ms. Elson's angelic voice outside the store to find out that they weren't letting people in until after the performance. Whatever happened to fans at a show? Now you have to be a fashion editor or photographer to get in (or argue your way in). Fashion's Night Out is supposed to be an inclusive worldwide celebration of fashion... not another night to be reminded you're not part of the "in" crowd.

It was kind of a disheartening night... no T-shirt, no purchases, and no Karen Elson. The funnest part of the evening was unwinding at a local French restaurant where I had tea and apple tart.

90s Fashion Influence

90s Fashion Influence by KimberleeVDW featuring plastic sunglasses

Kurt Cobain's influence on fashion is more present than ever with the return of the 90s. Denim overalls in the form of rompers. Doc Martens are getting their 15 minutes of fame again. Hate clogs but socks with heels/wedges are on trend. Babydoll dresses and white framed sunglasses top off the look.

Fall Cravings

Fall Cravings by KimberleeVDW featuring one shoulder tops

Here are a few items I'm craving this Fall: nautical stripes, ripped jeggings, leopard print shoes, military booties, bucket bags and rugby inspired sweaters.

My Ruffian Spring '10 Runway Inspired Nails

In April, I wrote a post about Spring nail trends I'm excited about. I showed the above pic of nails at the Ruffian Spring '10 runway show. I searched Youtube for tutorials on how to create this look, but to my surprise found nothing! This nail design weighed on my mind for SO LONG! I finally came up with my own way to create the look.

Step 1: Apply a base coat.
Step 2: Apply the "middle" (bright pink color) along the whole nail. I used Essie's "Bermuda Shorts." Let dry.
Step 3: Use the French manicure stickers that act as a guide, for both the black tip and the bottom "half moon" affect.
Step 4: Use nail polish remover to expose the nail at the bottom, trace along the sticker line to create the arch.
Step 5: Apply black nail polish along the tip of your nail, following along the sticker. Let dry.
Step 6: Remove stickers. Apply top coat. Voila!

It is a lot of steps, but I think it is a very chic manicure. Next time, I would use a different middle color and make a better arch on the bottom. I'll definitely need to practice more, but I think they came out pretty good for the first time and making things up :) (I also want to give that eye makeup a try!)

*Update: I changed the middle color to a bright purple and liked it better. I got lots of compliments from my family at Labor Day!

5 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Self

I recently turned 25, which is a "landmark" birthday. Being a quarter of a century old, you tend to reflect. Not just on the past year but even further back. I started thinking about high school and how it was such an awkward and unpleasant time in my life. I wish there were things I knew then that I know now to help me get through it. Here are some things I wish I could tell my younger self:

1. You'll get boobs! You may be a late bloomer... but you will get boobs! I promise! And they are FANTASTIC (in my humble opinion). You will be at a weight that you never imagined, no you're not fat just curvy. You will fill out your jeans a little more, it's good to be a little curvy, and your tops. Just be patient.

2. Prom wasn't that great. You aren't going to have a date to prom, but it's not the end of the world. You won't grow up regretting not going because your older self really didn't get the big deal. So don't feel bad, you'll have a much funner time having a night with friends. Besides... you don't want to go with any of those boys anyways :)

3. Be bold! Raise your hand more often in class, speak up for yourself, and maybe tell that boy you like him (it won't kill you!). You may be afraid to answer a question wrong in front of the class, but it's how you learn and build confidence. Those "cool kids" really aren't that cool and they have no right to judge you. Just know that they are only "cool" in the little bubble that is high school, not outside of it. So don't let them ever make fun of you and if they do... say something back!

4. It all works out. You may think grades and the drama of high school is the end of the world... but it's not. You get out of high school alive. You go to fashion school to pursue your love, you have a fantastic time in college and make fantastic friends. You are now living in New York City (your dream!) and living a happy, fulfilled life. You work at this really fun blog called Lovelyish ;) Just stay focused on what you want and don't worry other people say.

5. You are beautiful. You may not have been voted "class hottie" or "most beautiful eyes" (you should have!), but that doesn't mean you're not attractive. You are beautiful and don't let anyone tell you differently. Just because you earned some scars on your legs from surgery, doesn't mean they're ugly. Show them off! Wear shorts more often! Just because the stupid boys didn't ask you out, doesn't mean you're not going to find a great guy who appreciates you (you will!).

Well that's my list.