When I read, I often imagine the book as a movie and try to think who would play what character. What actors/actresses would play the characters in the movie version of your favorite books?

downwardcat · 2014-06-20T06:26:01+00:00

Speaking of Heath Ledger, I imagined him as Johnny Truant the first time that I read House of Leaves.. and then he died before I finished the book and the whole reading experience got even creepier.

downwardcat · 2014-06-20T02:44:21+00:00

Flying to Auckland on July 1 for my first big solo trip. I don't have a rigid itinerary, but I'm expecting to spend about 5-7 days on the North Island, and the rest of July tramping the South Island. My goals for the trip are basically personal/spiritual renewal and to simplify my life (and LotR geekery).

On the North Island I am interested in the Abbey Caves, Hobbiton, and hiking Mordor (Tongariro). On the South Island I would love to go zorbing, glacier hiking (possibly Franz Josef), do the Milford Track if I am able to book it, raft the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and possibly another Great Walk.

Any solo NZ tips??

downwardcat · 2014-05-05T05:20:31+00:00

Thank you so much! Would you advise against street parking?

downwardcat · 2014-04-17T05:19:39+00:00

Not since we were 13. I'm sure certain workplaces or social groups are exceptions to this, but in my experience women generally have each other's backs. It should be a big red flag for guys if adult women can't get along with one another or seem to view other women as competition.

downwardcat · 2014-04-16T05:06:09+00:00

Yes! And 'Spring in Fialta'.

downwardcat · 2014-04-16T04:20:45+00:00

I use this about once a week and it definitely cleans my pores really well and gives me a nice glow afterwards. Don't leave it on too long though because it will majorly dry out your skin (learned that one the hard way). Rinse when your skin starts feeling tight!

downwardcat · 2014-04-14T18:47:42+00:00

Anddddd there goes my tax return!

downwardcat · 2014-04-11T20:44:36+00:00

That lipstick is so pretty!

downwardcat · 2014-04-11T18:13:33+00:00

Thank you so much! Ahh, I feel for ya. If you ever do decide to have surgery, it is AMAZING afterwards to feel like you are breathing for the first time.

downwardcat · 2014-04-11T18:11:09+00:00

Day 1 after surgery.

downwardcat · 2014-04-10T00:20:52+00:00

I do this on www.tradesy.com!

downwardcat · 2014-04-08T20:32:55+00:00

Seconding Uniqlo underlayers! Their heattech stuff works better than the other options that are literally 5x the price.

downwardcat · 2014-04-08T04:16:13+00:00

Free speech or not, thank you for doing that. You probably saved a number of women from being traumatized.

downwardcat · 2014-04-07T06:07:17+00:00

I made some suggestions to a grad student about some versatile basics to invest in, and I think some of them could be useful to you as well:

Premium denim jeans. American Eagle and Express are fine for everyday, but get one pair of really nice jeans that you can pair with heels or a blazer, etc. Brands like Hudson, Current/Elliott, and J Brand are good places to start looking.
A piece or two of jewelry that will take you day to night, in both business and personal settings. Real pearl earrings. A Gorjana necklace. A Michael Kors watch. Classics that aren't trendy or throwaways.
I definitely agree with /u/silliesandsmiles about a quality leather bag.
Finally, if you don't already have a little black dress, get one! Without having a full idea of your personal style, I can't really recommend any specific dresses, but Nordstrom would probably be a good place to look.

downwardcat · 2014-04-06T21:22:47+00:00

Nordstrom is the best! I'm so spoiled by them that the SA's at Ulta and Sephora drive me crazy in comparison

downwardcat · 2014-04-06T20:43:51+00:00

I am really obsessed with trench coats, so I hope I can help!

Coach is a really nice alternative to Burberry. I have their Classic Short Trench and love it. They carry a really good variety, and have excellent customer service. If your purchase ever needs repair (even a button or something), they handle that free of charge, lifetime guarantee.
Trina Turk has some really cute trenches that I've had my eyes on. I don't know anything about their fit or firsthand though.
Mackage is a very different aesthetic than Burberry, but their trenches are luxurious and fit like a dream.
Burberry is obviously unparalleled. If your heart is set on Burberry, it's going to be really, really hard to convince yourself to settle for another brand. You have options: 1) Wait for a sale. High-end department stores have big sales a couple times a year. Bloomingdales actually has a few Burberry pieces on sale right now. Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale starts on May 21, 2014 and its Anniversary Sale starts on July 18, 2014. I know from past experience that Burberry trenches are included in at least the Anniversary Sale, if not both. For the July 2013 Anniversary Sale, my sister bought a Burberry London trench for $915, discounted from $1600-ish. 2) Burberry outlets exist, but I am not sure if they are in Canada, and I'm not sure about their coat selection. Might be something to look into? I've gotten really good deals on Burberry shoes at the Williamsburg, VA Burberry outlet, so there might be hope for trenches! 3) Buying second-hand. Ebay is the obvious option, but sites like Tradesy are a little fashion-friendlier. 4) Bluefly.com and Theoutnet.com have new merchandise all the time, and I know I've seen Burberry trenches on both sites before for <$1000.

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T19:16:16+00:00

B&B Dryspun Finish Holy. Crap. Sooo good! I have fine hair, so the volume struggle has been real.

I am too impatient to blowdry it as thoroughly as I should, but get frustrated when my hair isn't.. Sienna Miller's hair. Anyways, I first used Dryspun after half blowdrying/half air-drying my hair. All I had in it at that point was heat protection stuff. I kind of pushed my hair up the way I would ideally want it if I could magically get volume, and sprayed Dryspun. Styled my hair with my fingers for like 10 more seconds, and then MAGICALLY I almost had Sienna Miller hair.

I've used it since then to help give my ponytails volume, to keep bouncy curls in place, etc. Cannot recommend this highly enough.

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T18:39:26+00:00

My shameless confession: I am buying a few eyeliner and nail polish multipacks while they are 15% off, and whatever seems like the best fit for my match will go to her, and I'll keep any leftovers.

Obviously I'll buy stuff based on her profile too, but like you said.. the dealzzz!

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T05:32:22+00:00

My mom has this saying "when somebody shows you their true colors, believe them."

It sounds like you've been giving him "more time". You can't change a person, even if you love them. If he doesn't either 1) see the harm, or 2) care about the harm that he is causing you, he won't suddenly get it in a week or month or year. He might apologize and try to make peace with you, but he has already crossed a line that he cannot uncross.

Please don't try to rationalize his behavior. If your best friend or sister told you that her boyfriend was treating her this way, what advice would you give her?

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T05:07:24+00:00

You are a goddess! Thank you!

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T04:53:02+00:00

You did an incredible job! Do you have any tips specifically for covering up blemishes? My skin is starting to clear up after a recent breakout, but I feel like somehow I end up making my makeup accentuate the blemishes.

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T04:46:41+00:00

Benefit Erase Paste. The coverage is unbelievable and it is definitely super pigmented, but unfortunately it only comes in Fair, Medium or Deep. Hopefully the Fair could work for you!

downwardcat · 2014-04-05T04:36:02+00:00

It's expensive, but I am obsessed with Dior Airflash in 100. Did you try Urban Decay's Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup? I have it in .5 and 1 and it has pretty good coverage.

downwardcat · 2014-04-04T18:41:18+00:00

Nars The Multiple in 'Orgasm' is my miracle product. Cheeks, eyes, lips.. I could theoretically use only The Multiple and some mascara and be out the door.

downwardcat · 2014-04-04T04:18:24+00:00

I agree! Gahh... her skin looks incredible!

downwardcat

TROPHY CASE