Must Listen Mondays: Ella Fitzgerald

As 2012 draws to a close I reflect on the year past good and bad but most importantly how to improve in 2013 and make it the best year yet!  Much of this improvement includes major changes to A Pinhead, all of which I am very excited about and I hope you are too.  The first focus also happens to be the first day of the week, Monday.  I have decided to incorporate a post pertaining to songs I just can't seem to stop playing, either on my laptop or in my head.  'Must Listen Mondays' is intended to introduce some of my favorite new finds as well as necessary blasts from the past that deserve to be resurrected.  I chose Ella Fitzgerald's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve" for the first 'Must Listen' song for several reasons, most obviously the date (it is New Year's Eve after all), but also as a representation of the importance of realizing the past and paying homage while still keeping our eyes open and always moving forward in every aspect of life. 

Enjoy! Please feel free to leave a comment answering Ella's question, "what are you doing New Year's Eve"?  I wish all of my Pinheads a very happy 2013; now go out and make all of your wishes come true!  XO

Birthday... It's My Birthday

It's true. Today is my birthday. And as excited as I am to spend the day and night in Palm Beach I am even more thrilled to wake up tomorrow! Yes, I do realize that I will wake up older (hopefully wiser) but tomorrow I will be shopping on Worth Avenue - the major shopping destination of anyone in South Florida. I promise to post pictures of all purchases and many 'desires' later in the week but for now I must ask something of you... Pray, wish, cross fingers, dream, whatever it is you do, so when I scratch this lottery ticket a big pay day will be in my future. Ticket #23 for my 23!

Nailed It!

Confession: I am a hoarder.  I have more nail polish than any one person should be allowed to accumulate.  Luckily, the bottles are small enough that hundreds can be contained in several shoe boxes placed under my bed.  This wouldn't make for a good television so my family and friends have been unable to get A&E to agree to an intervention.  I am always searching for something new to try, and I came across DesignFX a new nail applique.  Having tried the Sally Hansen Salon Effects and not being entirely thrilled (they were so hard to get off!), I was skeptical.  This was until I read through the application process.  Unlike the Sally Hansen skins these are applied and then a gel is brushed over the applique to seal the edges.  Then you place the nail under a UV lamp to cure for 2 minutes.  If you want to see the application process they have a great video on their website.  I will do a full review after testing but I was just so excited about this I wanted to share it with all of you!  Please let me know if you have tried it and what you think.

Azure Allure

Carnival

Look Don't Touch

Style Infection

These photos are of the DesignFx 'Bling' collection.  As you can see, they are 3D embedded bejeweled designs.  They do also carry less flashy prints and colors.  To me these put a classy spin on bejeweled nails and look more sophisticated than the french manicure acrylics with rhinestones that were popular years past.  Enjoy your weekend!

In Search of: Capes

When I was younger I always wanted to be a superhero, well that or Kimberly the pink Power Ranger, but my dreams were crushed when I found out the only super power I had was never ending hula-hoop hips, which won me a few talent shows but didn't really go anywhere. Still, I would dress up with a blanket tied around my neck and fly through the house arms outstreached running as fast as I could.  Obviously those days are long gone, but I have recently been inspired by a revived fashion trend, capes.  This fall capes have arrived in full force and can be found in all sizes, shapes, lengths, and patterns allowing any woman to feel super.  So I need your help, I have compiled some of my favorite looks so far here but are there any other capes you've found that you are absolutely in love with?  See you all soon, I'm off to save the planet!

1. Wool Cape, J. Crew

2. Milly Suede-Trimmed Cape, Net-a-Porter

3. M Missoni Leather Trimmed Cape, Net-a-Porter

4. Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Belted Cape, Alberta Ferretti 

5. Pucci Leather-Trimmed Tweed Cape, Net-a-Porter

6. Lauren Moffatt Wool and Leather Cape, Steven Alan

7. Malene Birger Selanda Cape, My Theresa

8. Leighton Cape, Rag & Bone

Hey! You've Got Pumpkin on Your Face

Fall is in full force in most parts of the country and that means cooler weather, warm sweaters and everything pumpkin!  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin carving, pumpkin spice lattes and even pumpkin facials.  Yes, you read that right, pumpkin facials.  They have been popping up in spas all over and we just can't get enough.  Not only are pumpkins in abundance now but they are also rich in Vitamins A and C and various enzymes.  I've found a DIY recipe to make an easy facial using many ingredients you probably already have at home.

What you'll need: 

• 2 Cups pureed fresh pumpkin (the canned puree works too)
• 4 Tablespoons unflavored yogurt
• 4 Tablespoons honey
• 1/3 Cup ground almonds
• 1/4 Teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

What's next:

1. Begin by mixing pureed pumpkin in medium bowl
2. Mix in unflavored yogurt, honey, ground almonds and olive oil
3. Apply to clean, moist skin
4. Sit in a warm tub or shower for 5-10 minutes, the enzymes are more active when damp
5. Remove with a clean wash cloth
6. Apply your normal moisturizer and enjoy beautiful clean skin!
7. Cover excess mixture and use within 1 week

Enjoy and Happy Halloween! 

Flowers Wrapped in Leather

These are the type of flowers I prefer to receive, the ones printed on a leather Prada bag.  They will never die and no watering is required.  This flower brushed calf leather tote is not your grandmothers bag but projects prim and proper with an edge. Jessica Alba is seen pairing this bag perfectly with a black leather vest from Two by Vincent Camuto, ankle boots and printed jeans.  The floral print gives the right amount of daintiness offset by the biker chic trend that is on point for this season.  Bag available at Prada for $2,500.

Fashion is Never Absent

Hi All,

Wanted to write an apologize for the recent lack of posts.  I have had a lot of things come up and have been very busy with school but I promise it won't happen again and I have some very cool things in store to share with you all.  Be sure to check back soon!

-A Pinhead

Cropping Up

I've noticed something popping up everywhere this season - crops tops!  Slightly shorter than a standard shirt a crop top can be the perfect fun and flirty way to bring in the summer.  Stepping away from the 90's fad, these are not the skin tight tops you remember Pamela Anderson wearing but a flowing, airy, belly baring top most women can wear comfortably and confidently in the upcoming months.  Different seam lengths make it easy for anyone to find a flattering fit.  Pair with high waisted denim shorts, eclectic jewelry, and a pair of short boots for the perfect carefree look that will get you through a hot day.

Wildfox Arizona

Topshop

Can't Resist the Resin

Recently I've been in a resin obsession.  These hot 70's inspired Gianni Bini platform sandals were the perfect cure.  They are partially supported by a lucite insert - which is just an acrylic resin, or shiny plastic as clear as a freshly Windexed window.  The desert coral snakeskin printed leather was the perfect date for a full length lavender Badgley Mischka gown I wore a few weeks ago to an outdoor wedding in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.  The thickness of the heel and the platformed toe allowed me to dance the night away, even sneaking it to the Toby Awards at one point just to keep this dancing queen going.  Looking for your own pair of acrylic resin pumps?  Find a pair with color or other detailing and stay away from a resin platform and heel combo, too much clear space can give them an ecdysiast vibe.  Not ready for plastic shoes?  A few other fashionable pieces popping up with a hard piece of plastic that is soft on the eye include jewelry, clutches, and even furniture.  Time to pull out your plastic to purchase some plastic, Pinheads!

Alexis Bittar - Clear Lucite Earrings

Judith Leiber - Frosted Lucite Handbag

Craig Van Den Bruelle - Lucite Desk

South Beach Eats Vol. 1

Waking up in South Beach is wonderful, the sun on your face, slight breeze in your hair, and the smell of the sea air engulfs your nostrils.  All until you glance across the street and notice someone walking in an amazing pair of heels and you jet across the street with a side mirror of a cab clipping the edge of your oversized purse only to discover, it's a man and the shoes are from Target.  The fact I need to make an appointment with the eye doctor is reinforced as we head off to brunch.  Perusing the plethora of shopping and outdoor dining that is Lincoln Road Mall we stumble upon the red awnings and live music of the Van Dyke Café and feel inspired by the people and plates to take a seat and join them.

Mango and Papaya Mimosas 

Caprese Salad 

Steak and Eggs

Egg Crab Cake

The European inspired eatery plays host to a variety of mouth watering dishes ranging from traditional fish n' chips to a wide array of breakfast items including homemade crepes that can be order all day.  We started with Mimosas choosing mango and papaya from their list of hand squeezed juices which were both refreshing and tasty.  The caprese salad consisted of fresh fiordilatte mozzarella, sliced vine ripe tomatoes, oregano and fresh basil stacked into a tower that was made to be destroyed.  The steak and eggs, two poached eggs served with an 8 oz NY strip steak with rye bread and fried potatoes on the side.  Mixed with the hollandaise sauce created the prefect forkful of steak and eggs, that could put Mom's breakfast to shame.  The egg crab cake placed two poached eggs on top of a crab cake bed, with creamy spinach, tomatoes and hollandaise.  This dish took me out of Miami and straight to New England, only for a few minutes thankfully as it was quickly enjoyed by all and I was relinquished back to the warmth that only South Florida can provide.  

Seeing Red

Our room and view of the outdoor pool at night

Arguably the best spot to stay in South Beach, Miami is on Collins Avenue, just one block away from a white sandy beach, hot shopping spots and good eats.  The mix of high end luxury hotel with small boutique hotels is sure to please any life style and budget.  After reading through numerous reviews and many disconnected phone calls we settled on the ultra mod-rocker The Catalina.  Entering the lobby had us all seeing red, decked out with red shag carpets across the floor and curvy white furniture leading straight to the bar.  If you want to experience all Miami has to offer a Mojito is step one, it's an acclimation thing.

Strawberry Mojito at The Catalina Hotel 

After the acclimation was complete, a couple Mojitos in, and changing into our red hot Heat gear we were ready for what we came for - the Miami Heat game.  I love basketball and have been to many games but this was my first Heat game and the first time I've been to the American Airlines Arena.  The fans sure had a fiery energy and the Heat beat the Detroit Pistons 98-75.

Notice how even the seats are flaming hot! 

Stayed tuned my next post will be on some of the best edibles in Miami!

Destination: MIAMI

Heading to Miami!  I am so excited, I've only been once before but South Beach is one of my favorite places to visit, there is action, tons of people, and most importantly, amazing fashion!  South Beach has a fashion all it's own, consisting of short, bright and even shorter.  I have found some must haves for any Pinhead traveling to Miami.

We know as you travel closer to the equator the heat rises and your clothes begin to come off.  Leaving you in need of sunscreen to keep that beautiful skin protected from the harsh glare of the sun, but lets be honest, we all want to get a little color for all of the long hours spent lying on the beach towel in the warm white sand listening to the surf splash against the beach.

On the top is Liz Earle Mineral Sun Cream SPF 20, this buttery lotion not only smells great but will keep the UV and UVB rays at bay.  Bottom is Lancaster After Sun Maximizer.  This moisturizing lotion will help you to retain that honey-colored glow while hydrating and replenishing skin with all the nutrients the sun has taken away.

On to my favorite pieces to sport in Miami, a sexy two piece.  Working at a swim wear boutique I like to think I know my suites and right now this Vix Safari Fringe Bikini has caught my eye.  The leather tie detailing adds a unique touch to a vivid blue snake print.  Skimpy and flirty this two piece is perfect to strut your stuff on South Beach and is a must have item for me before my trip.  Plus it's compact size allows me to fill my suitcase with other goodies I find while shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall.  See you in Miami!  

Pastels Fit For A Bunny

While kids woke up early this morning in search of eggs and treats left by a fluffy bunny I was on a different type of hunt entirely. A hunt for nail polish with colors as delectable as jelly beans. Fortunately I was a lone scavenger and was able to fill my basket to the brim with goodies leaving nothing behind while my face remained chocolate free. Happy Easter to everyone overfed and with fingers stained by something other than food coloring!

April Foolery

 It's here - the first day of April - a day full of practical jokes, good laughs and surprised looks.  Here I have compiled some looks that can only be worn as a joke on everyone with decent vision.  Feel free to giggle and get inspired; maybe even throw an April Fool's Day bash yourself inviting people to come in the craziest garb they can acquire.  Even though the following should be in a PSA of what not to wear out of the house, today fashion exemptions are handed out and silliness is encouraged.  Don't forget to shout, "APRIL FOOLS" when your friends give you a look as if you lost your marbles down the street while playing illegal poker with a man dressed as a Ninja Turtle... or a real life Meter Fairy.

{With an outfit like that you can come sprinkle quarters in my meter any day}

{TMI, it comes in the form of bad styling too}  

{Clothing should be practical, invest in good rain gear}

{Broken hat?  Throw it away, buy another}

{Red hair, striped shirt, stuffed animal purse will always make you look like a clown.   You can stop wondering why people are laughing and asking for balloon animals}

{PETA should stop throwing flour at celebrities and focus efforts on an animal who could use some of their help}

{Strapless bra, a necessity in every woman's wardrobe}

{This isn't how I remember it from my childhood.  Someone, please escort Donatello back to the sewer until he can be fitted for a larger costume}

Get to know me

{Please take your shoes off and stay awhile}

My name is Shannon, and I am a Pinhead.  No really, I love fashion, stylish people, researching the latest trends and of course having a good time - everything that defines a Pinhead.  I have started this exciting blogging journey in hopes of sharing the life of a Pinhead with you.  Please feel free to leave any comments or email me directly at apinheadsg@gmail.com.  Be advised that while trying to find my identity in the fickle world of blogging I will be making a lot of changes and adjustments, for the better.

A little about myself?  Well aside from being a full-time fashion enthusiast, I spend time at Florida State University studying Retail Merchandising and Product Development.  There is high importance in practicing what you preach.  Living like a child involved in an ugly custody agreement, I split my time between Tallahassee and South Florida (the fun parent who I seldom get to see).  These things enable me to be involved in a variety of exceptionally memorable moments often.  Don't worry, my mom taught me the importance of sharing.

Looking forward to sharing my life as a Pinhead and meeting other Pinheads along the way!

by: Shannon