the skimm



I consistently struggle with two pretty important things in life: geography and current events.

I was a lost cause on the news-front until Adam read me a small article from a spring issue of Vanity Fair. It was about The Skimm, a new email subscription targeted towards young professional women. I am relatively young and only semi-professional, so I hopped on that bandwagon before he could finish the next VF article. (They are so LONG.) Ever since, around 5:30am I get an email with updates on all the largest news stories of the day. I read the entire email every morning while I blow dry my hair.

The Skimm writers recap boring important stories in a way that's easy to understand and entertaining - they have a great sense of humor. #lotsofhashtagsused.

I'm sure many bloggers have written about The Skimm. (First article of business of getting the blog back in action: start writing. Second article of business: get caught up on reading.) But in case you hadn't heard of  The Skimm before, or weren't sure if it was something you'd actually read, I highly recommend subscribing to it. Gone are the days of politely nodding my head and smiling until someone brings up the last episode of Duck Dynasty. I can now have educated conversations with my superiors at the office about Obamacare, the MLB playoffs, and the Twitter IPO with little research and effort. Maybe someone will notice and I'll get paid more next year.....

love each other

I apologize for this post not being the most uplifting during the wonderful Christmas season. But I do believe this is way more important than any gift guide or weekend recap.

Everyone reading this knows what happened in Connecticut on the morning of December 14th.

I sat at my computer over my lunch break, getting caught up on the news and not even trying to stop the tears from dropping on to my to do list. There has been an invisible cloud hanging over my head since.

Church was difficult yesterday, but much needed. The priest's message was to love each other, and that God put us on this earth in His image. It's up to us what we do with our blessings from there.

He also gave us free will. For those asking why God would let this happen: He didn't. He gave us the freedom to do what we want, in hopes we choose compassion, love, and forgiveness.

Sending many prayers to those affected by such a heinous act of violence.

image

mint x6

We have all been attacked by mint over the last few months. The color is ubiquitous in fashion (that a bajillion bloggers have mentioned, I'm guilty too of course).... [insert infomercial voice] But that's not all! Now there is a SIXTH collection from BeachMint, the company that brought you JewelMint, StyleMint, BeautyMint, ShoeMint, and HomeMint. I've already written mint so much I'm starting to forget what the definition is. Does that happen to anyone else? No? Maybe it's just me.....

So here's the latest: Brooke Burke-Charvet is the celeb Creative Director behind the newest BeachMint endeavor, intiMint. Get it? IntiMint sells intimates? This one wins hands-down for best name. 

via

Somehow I've managed to steer clear from these addicting members-only, monthly-bank-account-depleting websites for the last two years. But with intimates starting at just $20, I might have to take the plunge. I mean, I'm going to an increasing amount of bachelorette parties each year, and I loathe paying full price for anything at Victoria's Secret. And maybe I'll look a little bit more like BB if I buy her stuff? It works that way, right? I think it's worth a shot.

welcome to Kansas City: H&M

Kansas City finally has it's own H&M! It's located in the heart of the Plaza, which is walking distance from my apartment! Woo hoo!

Here are some looks I'm currently crushing on. Can't wait to get in the store and try these beauties on!

I know, you don't see any Versace for H&M pieces here. They are just so not me. I am not a big print/color girl.... my thought is my red hair is loud enough as it is, so blacks and neutrals (with a few jewel tones here and there) are my best look!

rest in peace

What a loss.... Thinking of his wife and four children. You'll be missed.

via

"Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me." - Steve Jobs

brisket and chicken and pork, oh my!

Tomorrow marks the 32nd Annual American Royal Barbecue! The American Royal Association is a not-for-profit organization that has been a staple in Kansas City's culture for the past 112 years. Over that time, they have kept the rodeo alive and mastered the art of throwing a really fun party.

In most of the city's mind, the main event is the barbecue on Friday night. Tents are reserved months in advance and teams like "Red, White and Cue" and "Always Rubbin' Something" compete in more than 10 categories, including Best Party! I so wish I had these boots to wear tomorrow! So adorbs.

kiboots

So that's what I've got going on over the weekend (plus a K-State game - BEAT BAYLOR!!). What are your plans?

happy FNO

Hello and Happy FNO day to you!

In case you're not so familiar with it, this is the third year of Fashion's Night Out, a global event celebrating fall and fashion which was originally created to jump start our flailing economy. Ok yes we're still flailing like Dee on It's Always Sunny, but at least we know how to throw a decent event.... right?

This year is the first time Kansas City is participating! I will be present at the Country Club Plaza event, but there are also FNO happenings at Power & Light and Zona Rosa. Pictures to follow next week.

Shout out to my German readers - there are two FNO's for you: Berlin (Sept. 8) and Dusseldorf (Sept. 9)!

a-ladys-findings.tumblr.com

Thank you, Steve!

I couldn't quite decide how to take the news of Steve Jobs' resignation as Apple CEO last night. Mostly I was sad to see the end of his reign. I'd go as far to say that he is the most influential creative visionary in modern Information Technology. Can you imagine where we'd be without the iPod, iPad, and MacBook? Our computers would still be all black and bulky. I guess I'd be listening to music from a Zune? Or maybe even still a Discman.... oh my.

Anyway, as I was thinking about Mr. Jobs today, I realized I should pay some sort of homage to him for his dedication of advancing technology. But I didn't know how to do that. Then I started looking at pictures of him and realized His Apple-ness has quite the uniform. So I've decided to create a "how to" homage.... how to dress like Steve Jobs. Maybe it will unleash some crazy creative juices. Or maybe you'll just have to save it for Casual Friday.....

Three Dots turtleneck

7 For All Mankind Roxanne jeans

zappos.com

Steve Jobs, TIME Magazine

Don't forget to go sans belt! But in all seriousness Mr. Jobs - thank you for all you've done!!!