Girl Crush... tomorrow!

Hello!

I have failed again.

Tonight has been extremely chaotic and stressful. 

I will have some extra time tomorrow to put out this week's Girl Crush.

Then, I may or may not go on (yes, another) brief hiatus. I'm working on something verrry exciting over the next two weeks! Unfortunately, I won't have access to the world wide web during that time.

I will keep you all posted! And I promise I'll get back to this blog's fashion roots soon <3

Thanks for understanding,

Megan

EDIT (5/25): I will not be putting up a post tonight. I have too many things to get done that unfortunately have to take precedence over my blog posts...

Thank You for Being a Friend!

Hello, all!

I'd really appreciate if you could help me out!

My boyfriend is a finalist in H&M's Your Art Here contest! Voting ends tomorrow at midnight, so he could really use those last-minute votes to secure his spot! If he's chosen as a winner, his design will be displayed as art at H&M's 5th Avenue store in NYC, sold on t-shirts in H&M stores across the US, and he'll receive $2500!

He is a freelance designer known as Optimistic Designs and this would really help boost his business! 

Voting is SUUUPER easy! Just click HERE and rate his design 5 stars (click on the 5th star)! It's as easy as that. No making an account, signing up for anything, etc. Only one vote per computer, so pull out your smart phones too! (Try voting on multiple browsers on your computer. Sometimes it works!) Please pass this on and recruit everyone you know to vote!

H&M is an amazing company and great for super affordable and trendy fashion. Be sure to check out their clothes and accessories when you visit the website! Online shopping will be available in the US in just a few months!

Thanks again! I know I can count on you to help.

> > SPREAD THE LOVE < <

Playlist for Reminiscing

This week's Playlist is for reminiscing. These songs bring back memories for me and hopefully they will for you too. I imagine sitting outside with friends listening to this and just thinking back to years past.

I could've taken this playlist quite literally and including songs like "Good Riddance" and "Don't You Forget About Me." But I didn't want to make a "Reminiscing" playlist based on lyrics. I feel that the songs included here create more of an atmosphere for letting the memories flood your mind. I hope you agree (or at the very least, enjoy) this Playlist for Reminiscing.

Playlist for Reminiscing
1) Kiss Me -- Sixpence None the Richer
2) Barely Breathing -- Duncan Sheik
3) Fourth of July -- X
4) Linger -- The Cranberries
5) Slide -- Goo Goo Dolls

Flick Pick FAIL

To my Loyal Followers:

I thought today was Saturday. I was under the impression that I needed to post a Flick Pick.

I have literally just realized that it is Sunday.

To not confuse myself further, I'm going to skip Flick Pick. I will get a Playlist posted shortly.

Summer has completely thrown me off. I'm sorry that I've been so scattered.

I will get my act together ASAP! I prommise!

Love you all!

Thanks for putting up with me <3

Yours truly,

Megan(ista)

Studmuffin of the Week: Jackson Rathbone

This week's Studmuffin is the handsome and multi-talented Jackson Rathbone!

I will fully admit that I had my time as a self-declared "Twi-hard." I have since calmed down significantly, but I'm not ashamed to admit that the Twilight saga movies introduced me to this handsome man!

Jackson was born in Singapore to two on-the-move American parents and has been acting since he was a kid. He attended his last two years of high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan for Acting (which, if you know theatre, is a pretty big deal). He has since been in films such as The Last Airbender, S. Darko, and, most notably, the Twilight Saga (as Jasper Hale).

In addition to his time on the silver screen, Mr. Rathbone has also been on TV on several occasions.  He has been on the likes of The OC, No Ordinary Family, and Criminal Minds and was also a correspondent for Disney 411 back in the day (see picture of him interviewing Aly & AJ below!). Too precious.

So Jackson only acts, right? Wrong! Jackson is extremely musically talented as well.

Jackson's band, 100 Monkeys, is a Los Angeles-based band with a funk-rock sound. Jackson alternates between singing vocals and playing guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, mandolin, trumpet, and harmonica. I kid you not.

Jackson with 100 Monkeys in Chapel Hill (Photo by me!)

I got the chance to see 100 Monkeys in Chapel Hill, NC, in April 2010. The band was so energetic and fun! They truly all rotate instruments and are individually great at every single one. After a long wait after their set, I was so excited to meet Jackson and the rest of the guys! Sadly, Mr. Security Man said, "No pictures please! Keep the line moving!" pretty much right away. So, although I don't have a picture with him, I did get to see his sparkling smile and adorable dimples in person and got to talk to him face-to-face. He was very sweet and possibly a little bit drunk. Either way, it was a great experience! I got autographs from every member of the band (see picture--Jackson in upper right) and called it a night!

Jackson's acting talents, amazing musical abilities, dashing smile, beautiful flowing locks of hair, and overall debonair aura land him a spot as this Thursday's Studmuffin of the Week.

Find out what Jackson's up to on a daily basis on Twitter @JacksonRathbone!

Weekly Girl Crush: Kelly Osbourne

Apologies for getting this out a tad bit late again. My computer decided to freeze for literally 25 minutes when I was trying to wrap this up. I'll just go ahead and consider Tuesday to technically end when I go to bed (which will usually transition into Wednesday morning)... Annnyyyway:

This Tuesday's Weekly Girl Crush is all about Kelly Osbourne!

All of us go through weird and awkward stages in our lives. But most of us don't have the added pressure of doing that on TV every week. Kelly, daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, grew up in front of TV cameras. Her family starred in one of MTV's first reality TV shows, "The Osbournes." Kelly was quickly deemed an aggressive teenage pottymouth with a couple extra pounds to carry around... Over the years, Kelly has shed that image and really embraced a healthier lifestyle.

Although her family's TV show is long gone, Kelly has maintained her status as a TV personality.  Kelly shed some pounds by dancing her way to 3rd place on "Dancing with the Stars" in 2009.  That is truly when her body transformed into the petite girly figure that it is today. She has since been in several health magazines talking about her diet and exercise routine so she can keep the weight off!

Kelly is also now one of the panelists on E!'s hit show, "Fashion Police." She fills the role well! Her red carpet looks over the past few years have been stunning. Ms. Osbourne definitely knows how to properly dress her new body!

In addition to TV, Kelly has also been active in theater (starring in Chicago in London's West End in 2007) and music. I will fully admit to loving her song "Shut Up!" and her cover of Madonna's "Papa Don't Preach" that came out in 2003 and 2002, respectively.  She has also modeled on several runways and has taken part in several print ads and campaigns. Acting, fashion, and music?! This girl has got it all.

After dealing with drug addictions, being ripped apart by the media regarding her weight, and a teenage life in the spotlight, Ms. Osbourne truly has come a long way. It makes me so happy to see her so happy and doing well. She is one of my girl crushes because she is so cute and bubbly but she still maintains a tough-girl edge. Her most recent fashion choices are verrry Old Hollywood and retro/vintage inspired, which I absolutely love!

Keep it up, Kelly! You're beautiful! Don't let any haters get to you! In the long run, we know they're all just jealous. If some tabloid reporter doesn't understand the difference between Spanx and bike shorts, screw 'em! They need to educate themselves and get over it.

Thanks to Kelly for being an inspiration to millions of girls! If you can turn your life around and become healthier and happier (and more fashion forward!), so can the rest of us!

Kelly was also a part of the "Give a Damn" campaign in 2010 that brought awareness to discrimination in the GLBT community through Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund. I think it is waaay cool of Kelly to have been involved in that. I, too, am a straight ally for the GLBT community and really respect others that stand up for GLBT rights!

Here are some pictures of some of my favorite looks of hers... 

I hope you've enjoyed this week's Girl Crush! Be sure to follow this pint-size fashionista on Twitter @MissKellyO!

Perfect mix of retro glam, preppy, and girly!

Kelly showing off her new body at the 2010 Emmy Awards

Kelly wearing a vintage Courtney Love-esque look at Coachella this year

Weekly Girl Crush/Studmuffin of the Week Combo: The Blooms

Tonight, I'm playing a bit of catch-up. I missed a handful of my regular posts (as explained in the previous entry),  but I would still like to give you all some eye candy!  For the time being, I'm going to skip over last week's Flick Pick and yesterday's Playlist. I'll be sure to bring you the best this week! Now, moving on...

Combining last week's "Girl Crush" and "Studmuffin" actually resolves some issues for me... I couldn’t decide which of these two amazing people I wanted to feature first, but now I can talk about them together!

The most beautiful couple on Earth: Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom.

Okay, when I first heard that Orlando was engaged to Miranda, I felt like I should hate her. I was so upset. If he was marrying her, how would he ever realized that him and I were meant to be together?! It didn't take me long to realize that maaaybe I was being unrealistic. Also, Miranda is absolutely amazing. Why wouldn't I want them to be together? They married in mid-2010 and now have a son, Flynn, and they couldn't be more beautiful together.

Let me take a second to highlight each of them individually:

Miranda Kerr

Miranda was born in Australia and has been modeling since age 13. In 2007, she became the first ever Australian Victoria's Secret Angel, making her an extremely well-known model and very sought-after in the industry. She also studied Nutrition and Health Psychology and has her own line of organic skin products, called KORA Organics. She is all about living a healthy and green lifestyle. She also plans on releasing a book this year that aims to encourage young women to embrace themselves for who they are. Is this woman a saint or what? 

Miranda is the perfect combination of cute and sexy. She's quite the bombshell but is also insanely adorable. Orlando is a very lucky man for sure!

To break it down:

She's Australian. She's a runway and print model. She's a great role model. She has an amazing smile. She's beautiful. She works to provide everyone with a healthier and happier lifestyle. She's a mom. She's all about being organic and spiritual. She's Orlando Bloom's wife... 

I'd say she's pretty much perfect.

Orlando Bloom

Orlando was born in England and has acted in films since 1997.  He is most well known for his roles in blockbuster movies such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Troy, among many others. Bloom is now a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and also supports Miranda with all of her work.

I have been in love with Orlando for quite a bit of my life. My middle school locker was postered with pictures of him and all of my friends knew that I was obsessed. I could probably write a "Studmuffin" post about him every single week and never get tired of it. He is so handsome, charming, and talented.

Bloom was most recently featured in the epic 30-minute long music video for the Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right Revisted" and is currently filming a few other movies. I'm sure his life is a tad bit busier now, considering he's a dad!

And, like his wife, Orlando can also pull off the "sexy and cute" thing pretty damn well.

Now that we've looked at them both from an individual standpoint, I'll share some pictures of them together and with their little bundle of joy. Enjoy the utter beauty that follows:

  

(Orlando with little Flynn! What an attractive dad!)

(Have you ever seen someone look more beautiful while breastfeeding? SuperMom.)

A preggo Miranda with Orlando.

Kerr & Bloom all dolled up!

Showing off their beautiful smiles and dimples!

Follow Miranda on Twitter @MirandaKerr!

Apology for a Brief Hiatus

Hello, all! So sorry that I've been MIA for the past couple of days! 

On Thursday night, I planned on posting a Studmuffin/Girl Crush combo, but Blogger was down. Since then, my best friend in the whole wide world has been visiting me, and I want to treasure my time with him!

That being said, Meganista posts will resume on either Sunday night or Monday! I will catch up with any of my weekly posts that I've missed and get you some new affordable fashion!

Thanks for being patient and understanding!

xox, Megan

Weekly Girl Crush Postponed!!

Hello, loyal Meganista readers!

After a long and hectic day of studying, two final exams, and a series of unfortunate mishaps along the way, I am unable to complete this Tuesday's Weekly Girl Crush. I must spend my time packing my life away to prepare for moving out tomorrow. I know, I know. It's very sad. Please save your tears!

I will have a Weekly Girl Crush posted before next Tuesday, have no fear!

Tonight, I pack:

That's about what my room looks like currently. Sorry I won't be getting an actual update out tonight!

But! I will throw a little fashion in here...

Like my Miss Marc tote bag?? Get your own Marc by Marc Jacobs bag at a sweet discount on Bluefly.com!

See you soon, ladies and gents!

Playlist for Mellowing Out

Hope everyone is having a great Mother's Day!  Since it's Sunday, that means it's time for some music on Meganista!  Today's selection is called Playlist for Mellowing Out.

People all have their own ways of "mellowing out." For me, the best cure to exam-time stress (or frustration in general) is to sit down and put on music. If I just forget about everything causing my stress and focus on the music, I'm instantly calmed down. This playlist is comprised of 5 songs that all exude eerie and calming melodies. From me to you, here's my secret to relaxation:

Playlist for Mellowing Out

1) How Soon is Now? -- The Smiths

2) Weird Fishes/Arpeggi -- Radiohead

3) Honey -- Best Coast

4) Sour Times -- Portishead

5) Cherry -- Ratatat

Flick Pick: Cry Baby

It's Saturday night! That means it's time for another Flick Pick!

Tonight, I'll be blogging, singing, and dancing about...

Cry Baby is a 1990 film by John Waters starring the one and only Johnny Depp. It also happens to be one of the most fun movies ever. The movie is a rockabilly musical set in the 1950s, focusing on two rival groups of teenagers: the Squares and the Drapes. It's an obvious parody of 50s-based musicals, like Grease, and will entertain you the whole time.

Johnny Depp plays the handsome but rebellious "Cry-Baby" Walker, a Drape, and trouble ensues when he strikes up a romance with Allison (played by Amy Locane), the typical all-American sweetheart (and an obvious Square).  The movie is so quirky and bizarre, in all of the best ways possible!

In addition to the awesome and silly music (favorite songs are "King Cry-Baby," "Please, Mr. Jailer," and "High School Hellcats"), my absolute favorite thing about the movie is the fashion.  Every since I was very young, I was fascinated with the 1950s.  I had a handmade poodle skirt and everything!  The fashion of the "Squares" reflects the very stereotypical clean-cut dresses and bow ties look, which I love.  But what I love even more is all of the Rockabilly fashion worn by the Drapes:

I sport Rockabilly-inspired looks almost every day.  Red lips, black winged eyeliner, and something in black, white, and red.  Animal print and leather (or faux leather, please!) are also huge staples in a rockabilly wardrobe.  

Rockabilly gals are all about showing off their curves and having a tough-but-feminine look and attitude.  In the film, Traci Lords' character, Wanda (pictured at the right with Depp), even says, "I wouldn't be caught dead in a full skirt." Wanda is probably my favorite character. She's gorgeous and sassy and pulls off the blunt bangs, arched eyebrows, and red lip effortlessly.

So, ladies, embrace your figure (no matter what it might happen to be), and slip into some curve-hugging wiggle skirts!  Here are some rockin' options for a look that's anything but square:

Stop Staring Sexy Safari Wiggle Dress (Unique Vintage, $170.00)

Black Zip Faux Leather Jacket (Windsor, $34.90)

Ellie Satin Peep Toe Mariane Platform Pump in Red/Black (Unique Vintage, $74.00)

Satin Bow Hair Clips in Black, for pinning those curls back! (Forever 21, $2.50)

Various Cry Baby T-Shirts in Black and Red (Hot Topic, $22.00 each)

Keep rockin', fashionistas!

Studmuffin of the Week: Leonardo DiCaprio (circa 1997)

It's Thursday! (Well, it's technically Friday morning here, but we won't worry about it.) And here on Meganista, Thursday means that we all get to swoon over another Studmuffin.

This week, I give you...

Leonardo DiCaprio, circa 1997.

Mmm.

For those who live under a rock and don't know, Leo is a mega-movie star that has been in huge films, such as The Aviator, Inception, The Departed, Romeo & Juliet, Revolutionary Road, and that one movie about a big boat.  What's the name of that movie?? I'm sure it'll come to me...

Though he is still hugely popular, this Hollywood hunk literally couldn't be stopped in the late 1990s.  He was (and still is) a household name.  His face postered the walls of every teen and pre-teen girl's bedroom.  He was the guy that every other guy wanted to be.  In 1997, I was a mere 7 years old.  I knew this man was attractive, but now, being 20, I can fully appreciate and worship his utter gorgeousness.  Does anyone have a time machine??

When Leo starred as Shakespeare's most famous man in Baz Luhrmann's 1996 adaptation of Romeo & Juliet, his career started to skyrocket. And, if you've seen the film, you know why. Leo perfectly captured all dimensions of dear Romeo, and, to put it bluntly, he looked damn good doing it.  I don't know a single girl who wouldn't want replace Claire Danes in this film. I mean, if Leo looked at me like that (picture above), I would likely faint in an instant.  So. Dreamy.

Leo's next big move was portraying Jack Dawson in James Cameron's epic 1997 masterpiece, Titanic (that's the name of it!).  Leo played opposite the gorgeous Kate Winslet.  And, well, I don't have to tell you how good Titanic is.  If you haven't seen Titanic at this point, you should probably hop on Netflix or head to the nearest Blockbuster (do those still exist??) and watch it pronto.  Then, I welcome you to join the human race. Anyway... Leo in Titanic was absolutely to die for. I really have no words.  Just swoons.  And pictures.

That smile! Those eyes! That hair!

Perfectly handsome.

A modern-day Leo.

And although this is a post dedicated to Leo's hunkiness in the late 90s, I can't deny that he is still super handsome!  This teenage heartthrob has turned into a sharp and sexy guy.

Hope you have enjoyed this week's Studmuffin.

Feel free to swoon over the sexiness that follows.

 

A Birthday Post for a True Beauty

I told myself I wasn't going to make a post today. It's that time of year again where I'm buried in my books doing some last-minute cramming for final exams, so I told myself, "No, Megan. Not today!"

Then I realized that today is Audrey Hepburn's birthday. 

I won't say much. Everything that needs to has already been said about this woman.  She was so beautiful and classy and truly iconic. I couldn't let her birthday go by unrecognized.  Today, I'll just share some beautiful pictures of and quotes from Miss Hepburn.  If you have the time (and don't currently have to worry about Macroeconomics or anything of the sort), I suggest watching one of Audrey's films today.  Sabrina, Funny Face, Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, etc. Really, any of them will do.  And now, as promised...

"I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles."

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

"The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole,but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows."

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters."

Happy Birthday, Audrey! You are forever adored and loved.

***The last picture, and this post as a whole, is dedicated to my sister, Jennifer, and her love for "Moon River." Thank you for introducing me to Audrey and for being amazing in general. 

Photo Credits:

http://allaboutaudrey.tumblr.com/page/9

http://wutisit.wordpress.com/2011/01/22/inspirations-vol-1/

http://lisawallerrogers.wordpress.com/2009/01/16/266/

http://www.convogue.com/blog/post/studying-style-icons-audrey-hepburn-in-breakfast-at-tiffanys/

All quotes by Audrey Hepburn.

Weekly Girl Crush: Zooey Deschanel

We've all got 'em! Girl crushes. There's nothing wrong with one lady praising another (or one man praising another guy), so let's do it! Every Tuesday, I will bring you my Weekly Girl Crush, highlighting one lucky lady that I'm a little bit obsessed with.
This week...

Zooey Deschanel

I shouldn't have to tell you why I love this multi-talented lady. But that wouldn't make for a very good blog, would it?? 

Zooey is quite the renaissance woman: actress, singer, songwriter, and total cutie.  She comes from a talented and famous family. Her sister, Emily, is an actress, best know for TV's Bones! Her mother, Mary Jo Deschanel, is also an actress. I know and love her as Eileen Hayward, Donna's mother, from Twin Peaks.  Zooey and her big beautiful blue eyes have been in several films, including Almost Famous, Elf, Yes Man, and she perfectly mastered the complex character that is the title lady in (500) Days of Summer. 

Zooey Deschanel and M Ward, aka She & Him

Zooey also provides her musical and vocal talents alongside M Ward in the mega-wonderful indie rock band, She & Him (pictured above).  Her voice resembles a soul singer from the 1960s. So playful, jazzy, and perfect. Speaking of great indie rock bands, did I mention that she's married to Death Cab for Cutie frontman, Ben Gibbard?? (I would kill to have been at that wedding. Can you imagine the guest list??)

Zooey and her hubby, Ben Gibbard

So, let's break this down: She's beautiful. She has a great voice. She's musical. She's a talented actress. Her family is amazing. Her husband is fantastic. She has an amazing effortless, girly, and classic style.  And her big blue eyes are to die for.

Okay, let's face it. She's just freaking adorable.

And that's why Zooey Deschanel is my Weekly Girl Crush!

(Follow this Girl Crush on Twitter @TheRealZooeyD)

Photo Credits:

http://www.magxone.com/instyle/zooey-deschanel-instyle-august-2009/attachment/zooey-deschanel-instyle-august-3/

http://theartofthecity.wordpress.com/2010/06/09/she-amp-him-under-shiny-steal/

http://igossip.com/gossip/Image_and_video_hosting_by_TinyPic-256/934964

http://hkfanatic.tumblr.com/

Show Your Patriotism in Style!

My American readers are most likely celebrating right now. Just a few hours ago, President Barack Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden.  Almost ten years after the 9/11 attacks on America, "Justice has been done."  I ask that we all keep the families of those killed on 9/11/01 in our thoughts and remember that we're celebrating justice, not a man's death.

That being said... My duty here is not to post my opinions on the subject matter. My duty is to provide you with fashion! So I've compiled a few items that will allow you to show off your American Pride in style! Throw out your old flag t-shirts and slip on some of these haute patriotic pieces!

1 - White Roll Back American Flag Print Tee -- Topshop, $45.00

2 - Redopin American Flag Print T-Shirt -- YesStyle.com, $15.40

3 - Rockin' in the USA Flag Oversized V-Neck Tee -- Urban Outfitters, $9.99

4 - Maurie and Eve American Flag Spectator Tank -- I Don't Like Mondays, $98.00

5 - America Unisex Crew -- Wildfox Couture, $77.00

6 - Moto Patched Flag Print High Waisted Hotpants -- Topshop, $66.00

7 - Flag Cropped T-Shirt by Illustrated People -- Topshop, $50.00

EDIT: Also a good (and more affordable) option:

Faded Old Glory Top -- Forever 21, $8.90

Keep it up, America. We have our justice... now let's work on peace.

Photo by Michael Appleton for the New York Times