6/14

STUDDED PRINTED SHORTS
$908 by Philipp Plein

White is hot this summer season. Add some gold bling, and you are smoking! Talk about one hell of a heat flash when I discovered the studded printed shorts by Philipp Plein. These shorts run for a steep $908, but are well worth the extra cost.

Not only does white go well with everything, it spices up your denim from the usual blue. The combination of white and gold has been a major trend this season as well. I really enjoy the double row of gold studs lining the waist. They could easily pass for a built-in belt, and the strings instead of a zipper mean that there is no reason to even wear a belt. I really like the strings over the zipper because you don't have to worry about leaving your fly down and you can make the shorts as tight or lose as you want.

Summer season is shorts season. These shorts can virtually be worn anywhere. They can be played casually or dressed up depending on the occasion. With some cute sandals and possibly a cropped top to show off the gold studs, you can pull together the perfect summer outfit. While these shorts are out of my budget, don't let that stop you from updating your summer closet with these studded printed shorts from Philipp Plein.

6/13 Thrifty Thursday

CUTE BOWKNOT HANDBAG
$25.99 at US Trendy

A new season calls for a new handbag. With the arrival of summer, it is time to find a new bag to match your colorful summer hues and spontaneous shopping trips. Costing only $25.99, the cute bowknot handbag from US Trendy is the perfect purchase for the start of summer and will still leave you enough cash for all those shopping sprees to come!

The clutch combination of coral and mint in a handbag is one thing, but the bow?! My jaw dropped when I saw this purse, and my heart exploded when I saw the price. Clearly, someone had too much caffeine this morning. Nonetheless, I have found the perfect handbag, and it is mine to share with the world.

Similar handbags of this nature usually have a starting price of $50 and can sell for as much as hundreds of dollars. While one may argue that accessories, which get more use than clothing, are worth the extra money, US Trendy allows you to keep your hard earned cash by selling this purse at such a reasonable price.

Both coral and mint are currently two competing colors in the fashion world. To find the best of both worlds on one handbag is genius. Additionally, bows are popping up on apparel and accessories everywhere you turn. This hint of femininity makes for the perfect touch to a cute little handbag dangling off your arm.

The only negative thing about the bowknot handbag I can think of is how annoying all of the compliments will become after you've already received your first 100. This Thrifty Thursday don't treat yourself to something cheap, treat yourself to something useful with the cute bowknot handbag.

6/12 Whine Wednesday

BODYSUITS

Yes, it is summer. No, that does not mean we can turn our grandmother's one-piece swim suit into a shirt. And no, that does not mean we can stretch out our old one-pieces from our baby years either. yes, I am talking about bodysuits.

Bodysuits emerged as a fashion forward piece in the United States last spring season and several years ago in Europe where it is especially popular. Bodysuits are worn as tops but are similar to a swim suit or baby clothing in the way that it connects at the crotch.

I'd assume women enjoy wearing bodysuits to ensure that their shirt stays tucked in at all times, creating a clean and polished look. Or wear them simply because they are in style, regretfully. I, however, do not understand why women wear bodysuits.

My first thought when this trend started was that it would be impossible to wear a bodysuit on a date. What if the date goes really well, you go back to his place and he tries to take your shirt off? Men don't know what bodysuits are! Talk about a major wedgie and some major explaining to do.

My second thought was that in the midst of crop tops and cut-outs revealing as much of the midriff as possible, where do bodysuits even fit in? Call me confident, but I am much more keen to that trend instead of this one.

Lastly, I thought, I don't like the slick, tuck-in look from the 90s. This brings back horrible memories of camisoles tucked into denim jeans. Especially with long legs, untucked shirts give the impression of a longer torso. Bodysuits are restricted to only being tucked in. Not to mention, bodysuits reveal every single curve, roll and pouch on your tummy.

If you have not purchased a bodysuit by now, chances are you will never become a part of this trend. I do not see this trend lasting any longer than it already has, and hopefully by next summer, bodysuits will have become a shameful joke. The moral of the story is swim wear should stay at the pool and baby clothes should not be worn over the age of 2. Therefore, bodysuits are unacceptable.

6/11 Terrible Tuesday

CICELY TYSON

At the 2013 Tony Awards, Cicely Tyson surprised everyone on the red carpet with her Frank Gehry dress. Looking like a grape, Tyson won the Tony for best leading actress in a play for her role in "The Trip to Bountiful;" however, she should have won the Tony for best actress in a Fruit of the Loom commercial. However, after seeing this dress, I'm not sure Tyson ever left "the Bountiful" either.

If Tyson doesn't look like a grape, well, then she looks like a purple scrunchie from an 80s aerobic class. It wouldn't surprise me if she had spandex underneath her garb except that this dress successfully masks any bodily disfigures.

There is no justification for this dress. While past celebrities featured on my Terrible Tuesday list may have had at least one redeeming piece in their outfit, this dress is so voluptuous, there isn't any room for anything else.

Even though this dress would look just as bad on a 20 year old actress, the fact that Tyson is 79 years old just makes this dress downright inappropriate. Being this old, shouldn't she know better than to wear something as atrocious as this?! After all, it's not like this is her first awards show. When Tyson stepped up to accept her award, they should have just told her to sit back down. Cicely Tyson, get your act together!

6/10 Memorable Monday

JACKIE O

The first lady under the reign of John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy, or better known as Jackie O, led the world as a fashion icon of the 1960s. A true socialite, Jackie Kennedy knew how to throw a party and dress the part. Her A-line dresses, three-quarter length sleeves and polished suits created iconic ensembles that would inspire generations to come. During her first year in the White House, Jackie spend $45,446 more on fashion alone than the $100,000 annual salary her husband earned as the President of the United States. Talk about a shopping spree bigger than the White House walk-in closet!

Perhaps the most iconic fashion statement worn by Jackie Kennedy was her pink Chanel suit. Worn on the day of John F. Kennedy's tragic death, the pink Chanel suit has become a symbol of her husband's assassination and one of the lasting images of the 1960s. Even Elle Woods from Legally Blonde knew this was a powerful look when she made her debut in Washington D.C. This inspired look can be pulled together with a hot pink suit with black lapels.

If there was one thing Jackie Kennedy could pull of, it was the A-line dress. Whether it was a ball gown she paired with a triple-strand pearl necklace and above-the-elbow gloves or a sundress with low-heel pumps, Jackie always dressed with class and style. Of all the dresses, my favorite was her apricot silk ziberline dress made by family friend Oleg Cassini. Worn on a daytime boat ride onLake Pichola, this sleeveless, knee-length dress was accented with a bow at the waist.

The yellow gingham dress Kennedy worn on the cover of Vanity Fair is a timeless summer classic. Another Jackie O original was her ruby red strapless ball gown with the classic straight neckline. This Notte ruffled silk-chiffon gown by Marchesa has the high empire waist line, which look absolutely exquisite on Jackie. The firs color our eyes can visually see, red was an excellent choice of color for Kennedy because it attracts all the eyes onto her.

One of my favorite combinations of Jackie Kennedy's color wheel of fashion was the full yellow skirt she paired with a simple black top. The yellow bow on the skirt is a signature Kennedy style and is making its reappearance in the fashion world.

To achieve the ultimate Jackie Kennedy look, though, a tweed dress with a matching, notch-collared jacket is crucial. Pair it with large mod sunglasses and a pillbox hat to complete the look. Tweed says classy businesswoman and always makes me feel put together and important whenever I wear it. Remember, when dressing the part of Jackie O, keep true to wide and modest necklines, A-line skirts, tweed, silk gloves, mod sunglasses, and lots and lots of pearls.

"Pearls are always appropriate." - Jackie Kennedy

6/9 Sunday Showdown

J. CREW VS. CHARLOTTE RUSSE
Maxi Dresses

In the cut-throat world of name brand and fashion fast comes one the biggest fashion dilemmas. Name brand and designer clothing means better quality material, more wear, higher prices and let's not forget the pleasure of being able to say it's name brand. Fast fashion means cheaper prices, less wear, can be considered a fake, knock-off or copy and is probably made from a blended material.

J. Crew

Speaking of this fashion dilemma comes the dilemma between J. Crew and Charlotte Russe. This is the second summer season maxi dresses have been trending. Unlike other dresses that can be casual with prints or formal with beading, all maxi dresses are meant to be casual. The similarity shared between all maxi dresses would lead one to believe the price difference between the two maxi dresses from J. Crew and Charlotte Russe shouldn't be all that different.

Charlotte Russe

A J. Crew Collection silk maxi dress costs $398, and a solid halter knit maxi dress from Charlotte Russe costs $19.99. The J. Crew maxi is more of a straight-cut dress and has no body or shape. It appears loose and ill-fitting. I feel like it needs a belt or some kind of tie at the waist to give it more body. The maxi dress from Charlotte is more of an empire dress with the halter neckline. Because of the empire waist, the ruched lines contrasting downwards and the strings to tie the halter yourself, the dress from Charlotte Russe has a much more appealing body and fit to it.

With that being said, name brand or fast fashion or whatever label you want to give the two aside, the dress from Charlotte Russe is the better purchase. Financially, this dress is more economical. Fashionably, this dress is more stylish. The dress from J. Crew is much too bland and should not be listed at almost $400. The dress from Charlotte Russe is simple and chic, appealing and fits nicely and is more budget-friendly. Dilemma avoided; Charlotte Russe makes a better maxi dress.

6/8 Saturday Rave

HIGH-WAISTED SHORTS

You can give yourself a high-five if you have already expanded your wardrobe with high-waisted shorts. The current summer trend originated via the DIY method by taking an old pair of Levi jeans and cutting them down into cut-off shorts. From there, the trend took off with artists destroying the denim and adding embellishments to them as they please. Eventually retail stores began to add more high-waisted merchandise to their inventories as high-waisted shorts became more and more popular, not to mention how fabulous they look paired with crop tops as that trend continues to skyrocket as well.

I began my quest to acquaint myself with this trend in high-waisted shorts by buying my first couple pairs at Charlotte Russe. These were not the typical denim high-waisted shorts, however. I bought a skin-tight pair of black shorts and white lace shorts with a floral design. Dipping my toes into this new and exciting trend, I still wasn't sure if this was a trend I felt comfortable pulling off.

Alas, as summer approached, I began to scour the mall for a pair of high-waisted denim shorts. I found many high-rise shorts, but they weren't high enough for my standards plus my lack of booty didn't fill them out. Finally, I became frustrated enough that I looked to retailers at Etsy for my first pair of high-waisted shorts.

I must say that my obsession over high-waisted shorts has only increased with my latest edition of denim shorts. They are simple and just a little frayed, but they keep everything classy and just a little sexy for the summer months ahead.

Depending on your style, high-waisted shorts can be neat and clean, with a series of buttons down the middle giving off a nautical look, or high-waisted shorts can be frayed, damaged and covered in studs and cheetah spots giving off a more free-spirit look.

High-waisted shorts are most commonly paired with crop tops. However, if you don't wish to show off that much skin, the key is to tuck in your top in order to emphasize the high waist. I especially like the look of tucking in a button-down tank or long-sleeved shirt, which creates a more polished look. For colder weather, black tights look pleasing underneath a pair of high-waisted shorts as well.

Like with any shorts, depending on how dressy or casual they are, you can virtually wear them anywhere. From summer concerts to days at the beach with your friends and night time bonfires to dinner dates and graduation parties, you would not be out of place wearing these stylish shorts.

It is safe to say I am now officially obsessed with high-waisted shorts, and I believe everybody should invest in at least one pair. But believe me, once you make the switch to high-waisted, you'll never want to go back.

6/7 Friday's Find

PLUME EMBROIDERED DRESS
$3900 at Yiqing Yin

This might cost more than your summer babysitting job can afford, but that's why it's on the Living Like Lily's "Friday's Find" list. These are the items out of most people's price range that we like to torture ourselves fantasizing about.

It appears the designers at Yiqing Yin were doing quite a bit of fantasizing when they were creating this masterpiece. For $3900 the plume embroidered dress by Yiqing Yin can be yours.

While most people don't even spend that much on a wedding dress, this gorgeous dress is well worth the splurge. After all, you only wear your wedding dress once, but this dress can be worn to an assortment of events. With the right amount of financial support, I would wear this dress to any given special occasion such as black tie parties, special dinner dates, an award ceremony, and speaking of weddings, I would wear this dress to every single wedding I attend until my legs become too veiny and all of my friends are too old to get married. Then, I would wear this dress to their funerals.

This dress would look best paired with simple closed-toe stiletto pumps. It is a busy dress, but depending on how fancy you want to look, or how much more money you are willing to spend, I would dress this dress up with as little or as many diamonds you feel is necessary.

I really like the charcoal gray color of this dress, which looks particularly well on blondes might I add. However, it is the detail that really strikes me with this work of art. The folds and draping on the front of this dress is exquisite. It looks like a mix of feathers and flowers, and that is all right by me. This dress might just have to be reserved for my dreams because that is only place I will be wearing it this summer.

6/6 Thrifty Thursday

BEST ROSETTE TO COME DRESS
$99.99 at ModCloth

Roses are red. Violets are blue. There is no doubt on Earth this dress will look lovely on you.

Yes, you caught me. I'm a poet, and you didn't even know it. But more importantly than my inevitable future career with Hallmark greeting cards is this dress. I mean have you seen this dress?! Roses and bows, summer neutrals and blocks of fuchsia, what more could a girl want?

For $99.99 at ModCloth, the "Best Rosette to Come" dress can be all a girl needs this summer. Especially for a dress of this stature, the price is incredibly reasonable. How can you say no to that? However, with this amazing bargain of $100 for a retro-inspired dress made by Ryu, you would have enough money from your summer babysitting job to perhaps splurge on tomorrow's "Friday's Find" dress.

The "Best Rosette to Come" dress combines class and sophistication with style and elegance. The rosette-lined V-neck collar is so stylish and very timeless. The neutral color works great for this summer season, and the pop of fuchsia meshes well with the current color-blocking trend. The fuchsia bow at the waistline makes for the perfect touch.

This dress could be worn to numerous summertime occasions. For example, during the daytime I would wear this dress to a religious service, a graduation party or a wedding, and it would look best paired with a simple heel and minimal arm candy. This dress could also be worn out at night to a dinner or a semi-formal party. Despite the roses, bows and fuchsia, I truly do not believe this dress is too "girly." However, this is a very ladylike dress, so treat yourself like a lady, and invest in this dress.

6/5 Whine Wednesday

ANIMAL FACES

They are ferocious. They are horrifying. But perhaps the most tragic, they are here. Yes, I am talking about animal face prints. These animal faces, usually the face of a tiger, lion, cheetah or some other wild cat, are now trending in apparel. With this new trend, comes a slew of unanswered questions about this atrocity. How did we let this happen? Why is this happening? How did we go from sexy animal prints to scary animal faces?

There is nothing cute about a close-up of an instinctive killer animal's face with its fangs out ready to attack. These animal faces make the wearer look scary and unapproachable. Like they might just bite off your face dare you get too close. Clothing should invite people in to approach you and talk to you. Not scare them away in absolute terror.

Now don't get me wrong, I love animals. Hell, I even boycott the zoo because I believe it's wrong to keep animals locked up. But animal faces trapped on clothing? That is just wrong!

I don't even like when people wear other people's faces on their clothing, much less an unclean animal's. For instance, look at the lion's face pictured above. Those pointed teeth, those wet, black lips and that tongue! This proves that animal faces printed on clothing are way too up-close and personal. This trend in animal face prints is taking the whole jungle fever and "animal print" mania way too far. Sticking the face of an animal onto an article of clothing is too dramatic, and simply sticking to animal prints and faux fur will suffice.

6/4 Terrible Tuesday

RITA ORA

Double the trouble, Rita Ora has made my Terrible Tuesday list once again. You know what they say, any publicity is good publicity...wrong! Between sleeping around and dressing down, it would appear that this is the only publicity this one-hit wonder singer can get. What truly amazes me, though, is that some people continue to consider her a fashion icon. When was she ever?!

Rita Ora clearing wasn't when she was spotted on London's Carnaby Street wearing this hideous ensemble. If you take the pieces apart, the bright canary yellow bag, sunglasses, beanie and maybe even the beige thigh-high suede boots would be cute if they were worn separately. However, Ora's color palette for this outfit is larger than she is, leaving her looking like one big mess.

With an outfit as crazy as this, it's hard to even know where to begin. First there is the color-blocked white, red and black sweater. The sweater has then been paired with a white skirt that looks like a piece of plastic from the 90s. Talk about cheap and tacky. On second thought, the skirt is perfect for Rita. From the thighs down, Rita is wearing beige boots, and on her head, she has placed a black beanie and yellow-brown tinted shades. The bright canary yellow purse completes the look, giving the impression of disarray. If you ask me, Ora looks more like a model for a cheap secondhand shop rather than a world-famous Rihanna-wannabe.

Meanwhile, I'm just waiting until the day when Rita Ora becomes irrelevant. However, I'm not sure how much more my eyes can take until that day comes. Perhaps Ora should think about entering the world of television. There's a show on TLC called What Not To Wear that I believe Ora would be perfect for.

6/3 Movie Monday

THE GREAT GATSBY

One of my all time favorite novels, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald has been recreated through cinematography twice. Once in 1974, and once again in 2013. This timeless and tragic romance has spurred some of the best fashion from 1922. However, The Great Gatsby does more than just bring back the flapper. The Great Gatsby inspires an entire movement within the fashion community from which apparel and accessories in every category have partaken in.

The female lead role is characterized by Daisy Buchanan, the girl everybody loves to hate. Everybody, but Jay Gatsby that is. As the title implies, the story is about Gatsby's efforts to win the love of Daisy Buchanan and live happily ever after with her by his side. However, with Daisy now a married woman, this task is harder than it would seem for the endearing main character.

Dress- Hoss Intropia
Scarf- Molly Bracken $31
Shoes- Casadei $576
Headwrap- Deepa Gurnani $99
Bracelet- Tallullah Tu $16







Coming from old money, Daisy is a more refined character with a more refined taste. Daisy's style consists mostly of diamonds and pearls with her light-toned dresses also consisting of many embellished details and bows. In almost every scene, Daisy is seen wearing a jeweled head wrap.

To modernize Daisy's classic look, look for a dress with a drop waist, plenty of detail and possibly a bow. Throw on a shawl for those chilly nights out on the town. Don't forget the most quintessential piece: the head wrap. To top off the look, be sure to layer on the diamonds and pearls from the top of the head down.

Jordan Baker is introduced in one of the first scenes at a dinner party hosted at the Buchanan's residence. Jordan is a friend of Daisy's and a professional golfer. She and Nick Carraway, the character from whom the story is told, become paired up together throughout. Although Jordan appears to be mysterious, she acts as a guide for Nick.

Dress- Giselle
Shoes- Christian Louboutin $1295
Clutch- All Express
Headpiece- Vivien $890
Ring- Saks Fifth Avenue $1550








Although Jordan is an athlete, the athletic fashion of the 20s is not a pair of Nike running shorts and a t-shirt. Jordan, too, possesses her own style, and one that is slightly more darker and mysterious. Elaborate black gowns and fashion forward head pieces make up Jordan Baker's look. To tone down her attractive pieces, she wears simple silver jewelry with smaller diamonds.

Myrtle Wilson is trapped. She is the wife of a poor car mechanic and the mistress of Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband. She wants nothing more than to leave her husband and run off with Tom to live the life she believes she truly deserves. In an effort to run away one night, Myrtle fatally mistakes Gatsby's car for Tom's when she is hit and killed on impact. However, it is not Gatsby driving the car. It is Daisy.

Dress- Joseph Paule $265
Shoes- Michael Kors $115
Headband- Rockabilly $9.28
Necklace- A&C $15
Bracelet- Matthew Williamson $95







On a budget, Myrtle's fashion is filled with bold colors and prints popping out at every angle. She loves polka dots and thick head bands. Rather than diamonds and pearls, Myrtle accessorizes with chunky bangles. The heart necklace represents her love for Tom.

Upon Myrtle's death, which was believed to be caused by Gatsby, George Wilson seeks revenge. In his pool, the great Gatsby is shot and dies all alone. Daisy and Tom leave New York City together, and Nick Carraway is left to clean up the mess of these careless people. Like the past, fashion constantly repeats itself. The 1920s are back with drop waist dresses, head wraps, and all the pearls you can get your hands on.

6/2 Sunday Showdown

TORI PRAVER VS. GIFTS IDEAS
Bikinis

Rather than judging which model is prettier, skinnier or has the bigger thigh gap, I'm here to determine one thing and one thing only: which bikini is the better deal. My obsession with this mint toothpaste color began during the dreary winter months, long before I had skin kissed by the sun. However I have come into an unhealthy craving to purchase everything known to man in this color, which enhances that dark tan I slave away laying in the sun for hours on end to obtain. While both of these bikinis tear at my mint-colored heartstrings, the price difference breaks one and soothes the other.

The Tori Praver "Sea Glass" triangle bikini set costs a total of $220. The baby ruffles on the top are cute and creates the appearance of bigger boobs. Depending on the personality of the wearer, this bikini can be both girly and bohemian.

From Gifts Ideas comes a light blue ruffle front silky-soft bikini set for $43. That's like taking 80 percent off the Tori Praver for a similar bikini. This bikini has larger tiers of ruffles compared to the Tori Praver. However, this bikini has a sparkling factor in that it is embellished with tiny, shimmering trimmings.






I definitely prefer the smaller ruffles on the Tori Praver as I'm not the biggest fan of the larger ruffles on the Gifts Ideas bikini. Although, I do like the embellishments on the bikini from Gifts Ideas.

Taking both bikinis into consideration, I have to choose the light blue ruffle bikini rom Gifts Ideas. It is by far the best deal. The embellishments, which would drive the price up, still make the bikini way cheaper than the Tori Praver. Smaller ruffles are not worth the extra $180, and I can learn to live with the larger ruffles. This Sunday Showdown is a great lesson that a little searching on obscure sites can be worth your time and money.

6/1 Saturday Rave

CHEETAH ACCESSORIES

The first signs of the start of a trend begins with the accessories, as any fashion forecaster will tell you. Applying this fundamental lesson, let the rise of the cheetah commence! Pops of cheetah print have been materializing since the fall season, and the trend has continued all the way up to this summer, and girl, we are glad it has!

The collection of neutral tones that comprises the coat of a cheetah is perfect for the sizzling summer weather. Accessorizing in cheetah print creates the right amount of sexy to turn your summer outfits from mundane to fabulous.

One way to accessorize with cheetah print is with a belt. Cheetah print belts should be relatively thin and subtle. However, belts are not restricted to merely keeping your pants from falling down. Use a cheetah print belt to define the waistline on a solid-colored dress or add it to a skirt for some extra oomph!

Turn cheetah print bohemian by draping it around your neck. This style would look great paired with combat boots, high-waisted shorts and simple crop top. Or like the picture above, style your scarf with a maxi dress or a maxi skirt.

Perhaps you are looking for a new purse for the summer? Rather than turning to the typical white or pastel hues of summer, opt for a cheetah print handbag or cloth. Cheetah print matches well with virtually every color, so you won't have to worry about your bag coordinating with your outfit of the day...or night. A cheetah print bag is a faultless investment for your summertime wardrobe.

Just like the purses, shoes guarantee multiple uses. Cheetah print shoes offer a sexy, yet subtle representation of the trend. And what better combination is there than matching your purse with your shoes? The cheetah print design goes along well with all colors of the rainbow, as well as all of the colors in between. The addition of cheetah heels, sandals or even Oxfords would make a fantastic statement in a sea of black and neutral toned footwear.

The best part about accessories is the unlimited use and options that come along with them. You can reuse a belt with different dresses, skirts and shorts. A scarf can be slung around your neck with anything (or nothing, I suppose) down below. And of course, the amount of wear we get out of our shoes and handbags is limitless. Cheetah print, to an extent, will always be in style. Coming from a cheetah girl, my only suggestion is to bulk up on the cheetah accessories while they last!

5/31 Friday's Fix

ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH
"Cool Kids" Controversy

Since its conception, Abercrombie and Fitch has been the cause of much controversy. Between selling sex to children and advertising homoerotic images, it would appear that the company is far too liberal to receive your grandmother's blessing. Recently, controversy has resurrected over a statement made by Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries in a 2006 interview with Salon.

Mike Jeffries: "That's why we hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don't market to anyone other than that."

Causing an uproar within the country, this statement has given us another reason to hate A&F, and as a result, many angry customers have boycotted the company. This statement alone brings up many arguments concerning discrimination. First and foremost, during the hiring process, the company discriminates against their employees. Who are they to judge whether or not a person looks good enough to work in their stores? Secondly, the company discriminates against people who are not cool or good-looking enough to shop in their stores. Who are they to decide who is and is not worthy enough to shop in their stores? Lastly, the company discriminates against people who are not cool or good-looking enough to wear their clothing. Who are they to determine what other people put on their backs?

To be perfectly honest, I do not see one thing wrong with the business plan and concept of A&F. They are a business, and just like any other business with a plan, they must decide on a specific target market to cater directly to. A&F is running their company no differently than any other company. For example, Chanel markets to the wealthy. Should we riot against Chanel because those who are less well off can not afford their clothes? Craftsman markets to the handyman. Should we boycott Craftsman because they do not sell tampons? A&F markets to cool, good-looking people. Why, in this situation, are we disturbed simply because the company wants people to look good in their clothes? More importantly, why would you even purchase and wear clothes that you don't look good in? That's how you make the Living Like Lily "Terrible Tuesday" list.

The statement made seven years ago by the CEO should not in any way affect the company's business. A&F caters to cool, good-looking people because those are the people who are going to buy their clothing. It's like a company not making body-con dresses in plus sizes. Why make a product for customers who will not represent the brand well and who will most likely not even purchase the product in the first place?

Many workers were unhappy with the CEO's statement, as well. I do not see anything wrong with a business owner wanting to hire good-looking people over slobs. First impressions are everything. If you don't look good, I wouldn't expect a company to hire you. Especially if your job is to sell clothing, a company would want their employees to offer customers a good representation of their clothing line.

As Jeffries would likely say, everyone needs to stop being so cynical and just be cool, dude. A&F is a brand, and they have every right to determine their own target market and image and select their own method for hiring their employees.

1/20 Sunday Showdown

STEVE MADDEN VS. TARGET
Wedge Sneakers

One of the newest trends in footwear on the market today is the street-chic wedge sneaker. While still exploring this new fad, I have noticed there is a lot of uniformity and very little poetic license within the fashion community. For example, take the wedge sneakers from Steve Madden's collection compared to the wedges on the racks at Target. The Steve Madden Hamlit Wedge Sneakers run for $110 and the women's Xhilaration Shayenne High Tops sell for $34.99 at Target, yet there is an indisputable similarity between the two.

The Steve Madden wedge sneakers are undeniably hot. I like the tone difference between the two shades of black. Just to be picky, I also like the square studs. What puts this wedge sneaker over the top, however, is the studded tongue on the shoe. I wouldn't be living like Lily if I wasn't all about the bling. As always, Steve Madden can do no wrong when it comes to women's footwear.

The Target version of these high top wedge sneakers are just as attractive. While more simpler, the studded strap is subtle and understated sexy. Even though these sneakers are from Target, the price difference between these and the Steve Maddens allow some remodeling to factor into your budget. Want more bling? Do it yourself and bedazzle these sneakers to your liking for about $5 dollars more at the craft store. I would rather save money and experiment with shoes from Target than potentially destroy a pair of Steve Maddens. The Xhilaration high tops allow you to interpret
 fashion and make it your own, rather than succumbing to designer labels.

The thing about Steve Madden shoes is there is there is usually an exact copy for a much cheaper price somewhere else in the world. I love Steve Madden shoes, but what usually keeps me from buying them are his more economical brothers. In this case, while I do prefer the Steve Madden's with the studed tongue, the Xhilaration sneakers are the economical brother seducing me in. The same style and look for two different prices, which would you rather pay?

1/18 Friday's Find

SILK CREPE DE CHINE JUMPSUIT
$498 at Ralph Lauren

Halfway through January, I'd say winter is almost over. In anticipation for the arrival of spring and warmer climates, I could think of no better spring must-have than this stylish silk jumpsuit. And what could be more perfect than to start spring off right with Ralph Lauren's silk Crepe de Chine jumpsuit?! The perfect combination of fabulous and casual, this outfit is going to cost you $498 dollars to be exact.

This jumpsuit presents the ultimate casual springtime look with the drawstring cinching above the hips. I really like the fun, lime green color, which is also fitting for spring. I absolutely love the tied ends at the ankles which would look great paired with platform sandals. Toss on some chandelier earrings and some colorful bangles to complete this outfit.

This jumpsuit is a great, easy, go-to outfit. While rompers were made for the summer months, the jumpsuit is a good transition for the spring. When I see it, I think of spring break, but this jumpsuit can be worn to far more places than just the tropical south. Backyard barbecues, lazy afternoons in the park, and street fairs are all appropriate places to sport this trendy look. Merely an elongated version of the romper, try something different this spring with this Ralph Lauren jumpsuit.

1/17 Thrifty Thursday

URBAN RENEWAL CUTOFF OVERALL DRESS
$49 at Urban Outfitters

Rather than waste away with winter blues, strap on some blue jeans and rekindle a summer romance. This Urban Renewal Cutoff Overall Dress is $49 dollars at Urban Outfitters and would make the perfect solution to curing seasonal depression...or at least an addiction to retail.

Not only will this be the perfect dress come summertime with outdoor country concerts and neighborhood barbecues, it is ready to wear now. As long as it's indoors, I would wear this dress to virtually any casual gathering. It only takes a few basic pieces to pull the outfit together. Like how the dress is styled above, all you need is a long sleeved solid colored shirt and some tights to pull this look into a wintertime favorite. Pair this dress with some cute flats in a fun pattern, like leopard, to add a touch of femininity.

As fashion trends of the decades in the 20th century are making their comebacks, this 90s inspired, denim overall dress would be right on point. I really like this modern twist on overalls, and the price is right too. Urban Outfitters has been known to produce quality denim products, and this dress is certainly no exception. With this kick-ass blue jean dress, those winter blues will be gone fast.

1/16 Whine Wednesday

BORING MODELS

Fashion is an art form. Art can move you, shake you, and drop you to your knees in awe. Art is a form of inspiration in which fashion is an expression of. With that being said, please tell me why a designer would choose stiff, boring, and lifeless models to represent their works of art?!

It would be like the hanging the Mona Lisa in a cold, damp basement. Or, framing the Girl with a Pearl Earring in a slab of unpolished wood. I understand that the reasoning behind this absurd concept of choosing blase models is to allow the clothing to stand out and speak for itself. I understand that the models simply act as the designers' blank canvas onto which they display their masterpieces. What I don't understand, however, is why models are paid to look like plastic mannequins and how this tactic helps sell the clothing.

I witnessed one of the best examples, and worst offenders, of employing boring models while I was casually browsing the Carlos Miele pre-fall 2013 collection. I was overcome with boredom from looking at his collection. It was then that I realized it wasn't the clothes that were boring, but the people inside of them. I would reckon about 75% of a garment's appeal has to do with the way the people inside of the clothes are wearing them. If they are just standing like stiff statues, it's not going to make me want to buy the clothes they are wearing. Even the mannequins in the store windows show more movement than these models! Presentation is everything.

Repeatedly looking at the same stance and facial expression over and over is boring and is going to make me skim over the entire collection rather than actually studying the pieces. Some designers really need to reevaluate their marketing strategies because, from what I've heard, the fashion industry is too cutthroat to merely be overlooked.

1/15 Terrible Tuesday

LESLIE MANN

Holy Cannoli! Leslie Mann practically made me sick when I saw her on the red carpet for the 2013 Critics Choice Awards. She wore a Giovanna Randall knee-length dress with pink Jimmy Choo 'Fitch' high heeled sandals an a pink Tiffany 'Morgan' clutch. Talk about overkill with the assortment of pink on pink on pink.

Looking like a bottle of Pepto Bismol, it is safe to say this was not the right dress for Leslie Mann. At her age, she is way too old for this dress. Besides, wasn't her movie called This Is 40, not This Is 14? Between the sheer lace top and full skirt, not to mention the bubblegum pink color, the dress is way too youthful. This dress would look cuter on Kylie Jenner.

With that being said, there is nothing wrong with the dress, the shoes, or the clutch individually. It's the combination of this triple threat that makes this outfit so dangerous. Pick one and carry on. After this pink explosion, I think Leslie needs to pick a new favorite color and not wear it out - literally!