A Not-Quite Halloween Costume

Hi H*,

I’m a recent college grad who lives in DC. Seeking the glory days, some friends and I are attending a lacrosse game and intend on taking part in one of my alma mater's tailgating traditions: tailgates at school were characterized by absurd Halloween-like costumes—the less rhyme or reason, the better. However, I’m on the more conservative end of the spectrum, but I would really like to impress my friends with a hilarious costume. Any thoughts?

-Eagerly Anticipating the Weekend

 

Well Weekender,

This isn't my usual area of expertise as costumes usually don’t epitomize style, but I think I’ve got a costume for you that’s pretty out there, but also appropriately in vogue right now.  It doesn’t even take that much advanced planning.  Assuming you have a suit and some hair product, all you’ll need are some Ray-Ban-esque shades and a crazy beard (this may have to be faked). 

If you have been following entertainment news at all, you’ve probably guessed that I’m suggesting you masquerade as Joaquin Phoenix during his absurd appearance on Letterman last week.  If you haven’t been keeping up with your TMZ, here’s a clip for your reference:

Phoenix’s behavior has been so talked about that it’s already been imitated in costume form.  For inspiration, see Ben Stiller at the Oscars:

All you have to do is don the suit and the shades and put in some product to crazify the hair.  The toughest part is going to be growing or procuring a beard.

Why is this costume so great?  People will know immediately who you are, the suit lets you still look stylish for the ladies (don’t forget cufflinks), and any excuse to act drunk and drugged out is always fun—though at a college tailgate you may not have to fake it.

Not planning on giving up blogging for rapping any time soon,

H*

Anyone have other crazy costume ideas? Leave a comment.

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Oscar Party Snacks

Hi H,

I am going to a friend's house to watch the Oscars on Sunday. I would like to bring something or make something that's festive for the occasion. I know there's always wine, but I'd like to do something a little more personal. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Party Pleaser

Party Pleaser,

When I think Oscars, it's a balance between classic and trendy: it's the newest "it" crowd and the most iconic Hollywood names in avant garde fashions mixed with vintage finds, celebrating the must-see movies of the year or some of the greatest classics.

I've got a fashionable food item that is true Hollywood. When I think trendy food, I think cupcakes. Some say this trend is on its way out, but at the end of the day, no one can resist a good cupcake.

My idea: Red Carpet Cupcakes!

It's simply just a twist on red velvet cupcakes:

1.) Grab a box of red velvet cake mix from the store and the necessary liquid ingredients. If you can find red cupcake wrappers, perfect! If not, go for white; the foil ones will clash with step #3.

2.) Bake in a cupcake/muffin pan as directed, and frost with a white frosting. Typical red velvet recipes call for cream cheese frosting, but I would go with a plain vanilla buttercream in this case.

3.) Here's the twist: dip the frosted top of the cupcake in gold sanding sugar:

To put a "classic" spin on your trendy cupcake: cut out a cupcake-size stencil of the following Oscar silhouette in parchment paper, hold it on top of the cupcake, and sprinkle the gold sugar through the stencil to create your very own gold Oscar statue on each cupcake!

And the Oscar goes to....

H*

What's your favorite thing to nosh on while watching the Oscars? Leave a comment.

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I Spent All My Money On Sox Tickets

Dearest H,

What are some unique ways for a poor student/starving artist/fired I-banker to enjoy the big city without breaking the bank?

Sincerely,
Bored in Boston

Bored,

I've got ideas that you can do in Boston this weekend, for the next few months when the weather is cold, and then an idea for when the weather finally gets nice (which, as you know, is about mid-May up there...)

This Weekend:  

The Oscars are on Sunday!  Sunday night you could definitely host an Oscar party with your friends, complete with games, trivia, etc.  All you need is your imagination.  If you ask your friends to bring snacks, you are off the hook for food too...

To get ready for the celebration, catch a matinee or two on Saturday of the "Best Picture" nominees you've been dying to see. 

Another option for this weekend that's totally free?  Head down to Filene's Basement first thing Saturday morning (before 8 am) to watch the Running of the Brides.  Thousands of brides ripping dresses from nemeses' arms to find a good deal makes great free entertainment for you. (Check out a YouTube clip of the madness.)

While You Wait for Winter to Leave:

Boston has some great art, and while the museums are not free (like here in lovely DC), they do offer student discounts to help save you a few bucks.

The MFA (Museum of Fine Arts, for those that need a translation) is a must-see for any Beantown resident, but if you go on the weekend, it's way too crowded.  Skip it in favor of the intimate Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum across the street.  $5 gets a college student admission to the museum and the chance to see one of my favorite Sargent paintings, El Jaleo:

Sargent's El Jaleo, 1880

Another great arts option is the newly opened Shepard Fairey exhibition at the ICA.  California native Fairey is a well-established and much-controversial contemporary street artist, yet most hadn't heard his name before his iconic Obama "HOPE" painting.  See some of his work before the Obama painting, on display until August 16th. 

When the Sun Finally Comes Out:

One of my favorite things to do when I lived in Boston was leave Boston.  Borrow or rent a car or grab a bike and take a day trip, or even a half-day trip, to Concord, Mass.   The drive up is stunning (it makes a great leaf-peeping path in the fall), and the town itself is fabulously quaint.  There is a lot of history there, so follow the signs marking historic sites.  There are also some great shops and cafes right in Concord, great options for brunch, a lazy lunch, or some ice cream. And, if you want to shell out an extra $5, you can channel your inner Thoreau and check out Walden Pond.

Don't want to escape downtown?  Pack a picnic, grab some friends, get a book at the library, and head down to the Charles River or Boston Common to take in some sun.  $10 will go a long way at the grocery store for picnic-able snacks:  a baguette, some spread, and grapes are an instant hit. 

Need some more ideas?  Check out the Website for local lifestyle magazine Boston Magazine, which regularly updates events and restaurant guides, including thier Winter Survival Guide, which is right up your alley!

How do you like them apples?

H*

Hey Boston, what do you locals like to do for fun?  Leave a comment.

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More Shoes, This Time for the Guys

Hi H,

 

The winter has not been kind to my footwear.  As I look towards spring, I'd like to get a new pair of shoes that is appropriate for both the office and for fun.  Any suggestions? 

 

Thanks,

 

Clueless in Arlington

Clueless!

My first repeat customer--good to hear from you again!  I've got a great footwear option that will go well with the new get-up I picked out for you a few weeks ago.   These shoes are one part nerdy, one part preppy, and totally vintage chic:  Clark's Wallabees.  They are also super comfortable, and great for walking.  

They come in a variety of heights (shoes, low boots), colors (tan, chestnut brown), and finishes (leather, suede), but I suggest going with the classic shoe in tan suede.  The suede is sturdy, and the light color will easily take you from winter to spring.  The shoes will cost you a pretty penny ($120, though Zappos has them on sale for $105), but they'll last a lifetime, and they never go out of style. 

Clark's Wallabees, $120 (Zappo's Sale: $105.60)

And listen up, ladies!  This is a great shoe option for you too.  I am not ashamed to admit I first fell in love with the shoes when I saw Joey wear them on Dawson's Creek.  They'd look great with bootcut jeans and a button-down, and are a great end-of-winter transition from Uggs to flip-flops. 

Got a clue yet?

H*

Boys, what do you like to wear?  Leave a comment.

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Stars and Pinstripes for the New Guy's Birthday

Hey H,

Everyone's been raving about your blog so I thought I'd send a question your way! 

I'm trying to think of a good birthday gift to get this guy that I've been dating for a few weeks.  He's a Government major, loves the Yankees, Hillary Clinton, and Banana Republic, and likes to read non-fiction.  He got me a pair of earrings when he came back from a trip over winter break.  I want a gift that says "I like hanging out with you, but I'm not that serious."  Also, I know this is really last minute, but I need to get him something by 8pm Saturday.  Any suggestions??

Thanks!  You're the best!

~Last minute lady

Hey lady,

Clearly, I am also a procrastinator, as I am blogging your question at the last minute possible.  As of press time though, you still have a bit over 20 hours (Eastern) before deadline.

So, it seems like, even after a few weeks, you've got a good sense of this guy's interests--nice job!  I'm not going to touch the Banana Republic one (trying to dress your man says much more about commitment than I think you are going for), but I am going to suggest you give him books.

Books?  I know....zzzz.  But, since he likes to read, you've already got one interest down, and I have two particular books in mind that cover his other interests perfectly.  While books themselves are not that personal, these titles will say "hey, I'm definitely into you enough to recognize your interests, and I'm kinda smart too."

First Book:  The Yankee Years, by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci

If he's a true Yankee fan, your guy might not absolutely love the sentiments in this memoir, but he will definitely appreciate you for knowing what's up.  This book was just released on Tuesday of this week, and has been the talk of every single sports reporter in the country.  Why?  Joe Torre, perhaps the Yankees most beloved manager, does a good deal of name-dropping, and not the good kind. 

This has been the new Harry Potter of the baseball crowd, and chances are your guy won't be able put it down--that is if he hasn't read it already.

Second Book:  Primary Colors, by Anonymous (Joe Klein)

If your guy loves Government and Hillary, there's a good chance he might have read this already, but I'm betting that you college students are just young enough to remember Primary Colors as a movie, not a book.  While technically "fiction,"  this book notoriously satirizes some of the known figures in American politics in the 1990's, most notably the Clintons. 

Definitely add a nice personal touch as well, such as a handwritten note in the books, or a cute bookmark (a photo of you two perhaps?)

You might be last minute, but you certainly know how to read your man,

H*

Any other titles to suggest?  Leave a comment.

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Sneakers With Suits are Soooo 80's Yuppie

Dear H,

Like many women in Washington who walk/metro to work or have to haul it in from a distant parking lot, I leave my heels at work and wear snow boots/flips/running shoes (depending on the weather) for the commute.  Unfortunately, all my work pants are hemmed to accommodate heels and often drag on the ground during the commute -- resulting in torn and dirty pant hems.  Any ideas for a comfortable and practical commuter shoe that looks great while keeping my pants clean and my feet happy?

Thanks!

L

L,

This is a very difficult question with a surprisingly simple answer.  Why adjust your shoes to your hem, when you can adjust your hem to your shoes??

Alas, the yuppie trend of rocking sneakers with suits seems to never go out of fashion, but someone with a bit more style and a lot more sense came up with this ingenius solution:

City Clips!!

They come in a variety of styles and colors to match typical pants: denim, black or grey. I especially love the ones with the vintage buttons shown in the picture above.  And at only $35 a pair (for the embellished ones--even less for plain clips!), you can get multiple sets for the price of a pair of shoes. 

How's that for a kick in the pants?

H*

Have a better idea?  Leave a comment.

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Heartfelt Valentines??

H, 

Do you have any ideas for creative and low key ways for valentines? something that doesnt cost a lot either! 

Thanks!

P

P,

I like where you are going with this question.  I think Valentine's Day has fallen victim to Hallmark (though I do love conversation hearts).  Finding a creative way to say "Happy V Day" without Hannah Montana folding valentines is a great way to be thoughtful while still sticking it to the man.

Here are a few ideas, some homemade, some not:

1.) Give Personalized M & M's. 

I really love this option that M&M is now offering.  You can personalize the colors and text (and even add a picture) on your very own M&Ms!  Custom M & Ms are about $35 dollars for 3 7-ounce bags, which you can split up into smaller portions for handing out to multiple valentines.  They also offer pre-printed options for $25.

Note:  You have until Thursday, 2/5, to order custom M&M's for Valentine's Day arrival.

2.)  Make your own cookies and candy--and try some unique packaging! 

The best part of Valentine's Day are some of the sweet treats you get to indulge in.  Why not save some bucks (and maybe even some calories) and make them yourself?  Here is a creative packaging idea:  Chinese food takeout containers.

One year I wrapped all of my friends' Christmas gifts (mostly small trinkets) in Chinese food containers which I decoupaged first.  They make a cute package, and most of my friends are still using their personally decorated boxes for storage on their vanities or desks.  You can go to your local Chinese food restaurant and they will give you a bunch either for free or for a nominal fee.  Also, many party supply stores sell decorative and colorful versions of the boxes.

Not just for mu-shu anymore...

3.)  Cook dinner.

I'm such a foodie, and if I didn't start this blog, I would have written one about food.  If you have one special valentine in mind, there is nothing more romantic than cooking dinner and cracking open a bottle of wine.

I got Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book as a gift recently, and I have been salivating over this recipe, which is PERFECT for a romantic night in, and doesn't require super-expensive ingredients either:

Lemon Cream Chicken with Champagne Risotto and Asparagus 

(recipe and photo courtesy of Rachael Ray)

4.)  Buy someone else's homemade goods.

Ok, so you may not be crafty or the next Top Chef.  That's ok, you can always give the guise of making your own gifts buy buying one that someone else made by hand.

I love Etsy right now as an option for buying hand-made wares.  It is an online co-operative where artisans can network and sell their goods, and where you can buy them and support the cause.  They have some great Valentine's Day options right now.

P, hope you don't OD on conversation hearts like I will.

I'M URS,

H*

Have any other ideas for cheap and crafty valentines?  Leave a comment.

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