A Day in the Life of a Band of Outsiders Model: James Marsden

WARNING: This post you are about to read contains over a dozen pictures of hottie James Marsden in silly situations wearing gorgeous clothing. Your computer's fan may have to work overtime to prevent overheating from the hotness of these images. You have been warned.

I never thought it was possible to love a men's clothing blog so much. But Band of Outsiders outfits many wonderful men in awesomely creative photo shoots. The shoots just look so... realistic! If you ever wondered what a celebrity like James Marsden, Andrew Garfield, or Donald Glover does in their spare time, now you know. Let's go through some of the highlights, shall we?

First up, the gorgeous and talented James Marsden.


James likes to start his day by playing with action figures-- no, wait, Pez dispensers-- in his underwear.
The Pez people have forgiven each other, and James is officiating their wedding.
Then it's time to fetch the paper! James lives in a building called "The Gaylord" (on the ground in barely discernible letters).
James then puts on his "I'm a serious actor" glasses and reads the newspaper in a foreign language. James doesn't speak the language, but he enjoys the pictures.
James works on his new business idea; he'll be a paparazzo... of himself! Such a simple money-maker for actors, James doesn't understand why other famous people let the paparazzi earn pictures they could take themselves!
Looking for some inspiration, James takes a trip to the roof. He keeps looking over his shoulder, however, as the security guard has been catching onto his habit.
Now it's the daily pool skimmer fight with the security guy at the pool! If he wins, he gets to swim. If his ninja-like jumping skills don't pay off and he loses, well then...
... then it's time to drink the sorrow away! If the drinking doesn't help his anger at being denied a swim, James will smash some old, valuable records. Because he's a movie star and he can.

To come later: A Day in the Life of Band of Outsiders models Andrew Garfield, Donald Glover, Dave Franco, and Leslie Mann.

(all photos courtesy of Band of Outsider's blog-- check them out! They have pictures of hot guys wearing nice clothing. What else could you ask for?)

3 Websites I Love Right Now

1. Netflix.com

My one and only (legal and fail-safe) source for old SNL episodes. I'm loving the Maya Rudolph/Tina Fey/Amy Poehler/Jimmy Fallon era. My favorite sketches include Two A-Holes, The Needlers, and Weekend Update.

2. ASOS.com


Bravo, ASOS, bravo. You've successfully ruptured my heart with longing for this gorgeous dress (Plus it's in 2 of my favorite dress colors-- cream and navy!). Bravo.

3. WhenParentsText.com
The texts sometimes make me wish my parents were as cool as the ones posted; sometimes, they make me glad my parents are relatively normal. Every time, they amuse me to no end.

What are your favorite sites-du-jour?

Soulmates

After watching The Royal Tenenbaums for the first time, I noticed something...



Chas Tenenbaum and Sue Sylvester are soulmates... well, at least their tracksuits are. And do formal occasions get in the way of their tracksuit wearing? OF COURSE NOT.

Here's Chas, modeling the funereal black tracksuit:

And Sue, donning the tracksuit wedding dress-- perfect for marrying yourself!

To sum up...
Awesome people wear tracksuits. All. the. time.

(pictures here, here, here, and here)

Dear self,

Oh, sweetie. When will you ever learn? We've been through this already. Twice.

You're a smart girl, but you have to stop deluding yourself into thinking you can wear three-inch heels outside, having only worn them around the store and your room before.

I know, the boots are gorgeous and you want to show them off. But when you waddle around like a constipated penguin because you're so wobbly than you have to take super tiny steps, people will be looking at you, not the shoes. And you will not look good.

I know you need to wear them out to wear them in-- I get it. But take it slow, hun. Don't prance out in public with your three-inch heels just yet. You look like a drunk Bambi on stilts. It's not a pretty sight.

But you will get there, I promise. One day, you will strut around NYC in your 4-inch stilettos-- I promise.

But right now? Stick to flats.

Love,

Yourself

Why I'm happy today

Actually, why I've been happy every day for the past week or so...

Something very pretty (and very discounted) came in the mail...

So yea, life is good :)

Love Letter

Dear Victorian Lace Dress,

How are you? You look stunning today. Look, I know we only met a few minutes ago, but I just have to tell you something important. I know this might be hard for you to hear, but...

I love you.

There! It's out! I love you, I love you, I love you! I'm sorry, I just couldn't hold it in any longer. Ever since I first laid eyes on your scalloped lace form, I've known I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Besides, I feel like I've been waiting for you for forever.

I can't offer you much. I have a modest-sized closet that I would love for you to call "home." I even have a wooden hanger reserved just for you! But what I lack in grandeur I will make up in love. I will wear you weekly, and always pair you with my most refined heels-- no polyester will touch your supple, intricate lace! I will dress you down for school with tights, a belt, and a blazer, and up for night with some dazzling earrings. I will do whatever it takes to make this relationship work.

What I'm trying to say is... move in with me. I know this relationship is moving so fast-- I mean, I haven't even tried you on yet!-- but I just know that this is true love.

Just think about it, ok? I'll be waiting.

Love,

RN

(image from shopbop)

A Little Fashion Math

I've been searching far and wide (ok, from Kate Spade outlet to DSW...) for a pair of simple knee-high or over-the-knee socks. I just imagine them peeking out over the top of some riding boots, over tights, with an adorable dress to top it off. And maybe a scarf, just for fun. A chic-meets-schoolgirl-sexy look. Speaking of school, let me give you this little equation to help you out:

A Fashion Equation by oscarcat729 featuring Falke socks

Got it? Now if only I could find the perfect knee socks...

What's your take on the knee-highs trend?

This is sad.

So the other day I just had the most brilliant idea for a blog post. Ok, maybe not brilliant, but it's my retelling so I can fudge the facts. Anyway, the post in question centers around one perfect, awesome, gorgeous item of clothing.

Only problem?

I have searched all my normal shopping sites (J.Crew, Anthro, UO, etc.,etc.) and I can't find a fittingly gorgeous piece. Crazy, right? What is it with the selection nowadays, stores? Just because it's in between clothing seasons, y'all feel like you can slack off? Nuh-uh. Style waits for NO ONE.

But my incredibly witty and fun blog post will have to wait. Until I can find that one dress, shirt, or skirt that calls to me.

So you're stuck with this post for now. Boo.

How to wear... Non-Jeans

How to Wear... Non-Jeans

Since I attend a prep school that forbids us from wearing jeans of any sorts, you know I can--and must-- wear the heck out of khakis. Khakis, chinos, cargos-- as long as it's not jeans, it's all good. Many times I cursed these plain Jane creations, lamenting their monotony and drabness. But as I have expanded my wardrobe beyond these staples, I've realized that these non-jeans-- in moderation and with heaps of creativity-- can be, dare I say it, fashionable! Here are some outfits I hope you'll consider when staring confusedly at your old pair of khakis:

Look #1: Khakis

Surprisingly, Khakis are in this season-- cuffed and torn, they take on a casual-chic air. Playing even more with the casual look, why not add a cropped sweatshirt straight from the fashionable side of the '80's? And if it doesn't have enough embellishments, add some with some lavishly jeweled bracelets, necklaces, and/or sandals:

Light khakis- GAP, Darker khakis- Adriano Goldschmied, Cuff- Urban Outfitters, Sandals- Nordstrom, Embellished crop top- Forever 21, Cropped t-shirt- American Apparel, Necklace- Free People

Look #2: Cargo Pants

Cargo is a little more utilitarian, which is a perfect subtle trend to follow this spring. To soften the look of this macho leg wear, keep the rest of the outfit simple and light. Pieces like a draping vest and cute heels keep this outfit from getting too much like you're about to go fishing:

Cargo pants- J. Crew, Tan vest- Forever 21, White vest- American Eagle, Heels- H&M, Earrings- Carolee

Look #3: Chinos

Chinos are the most sophisticated of the three, and as such, seem too "old" for college students. So I figured that skinny chinos would be easier for a young adult to tackle. Chinos are a pretty blank slate, so you can jazz them up however you'd like; for this outfit I chose some gorgeous draped tank tops from one of my favorite haunts, Anthropologie, plus some sweet and simple accessories:

Chinos (on left)- ASOS, Chinos (on right)- Banana Republic, Tank top (on left)- Anthropologie, Tank top (on right)- Anthropologie, Flats- American Eagle, Earrings- Forever 21

Things to keep in mind:

- Khakis, chinos, and cargo pants are even tamer than jeans, so let the rest of your outfit go crazy! With such plain bottoms, you can pick your boldest, most eye-grabbing top and not feel overdone.

- With these pants, above all, it's about the fit. Don't worry about brand names-- just buy the pair that looks the best on you!

- If, like me, you are "vertically challenged," the rolled-up cuffs trend gives you an excuse to buy a pair of pants and wear them un-tailored-- just cuff them up! I know I always but a pair of pants and then they sit in the bag for months because I'm too lazy to take them to a tailor! If the double-cuffed look goes out of style, then get them hemmed.

- Want to try the loose, torn, and cuffed look, but don't want to spend the money on a trend? Borrow your brother's or boyfriend's khakis and roll them up!

I hope this post gave you some inspiration to wear those boring pants sitting in the back of your dresser!

(first picture found here)

Happy Day

Why? Because I got these cuties:

For $45 shipped. (40% off sale items with code SALE40. Thanks Chloe!)

And yesterday I snagged these in the Outnet's $1 sale (I'm one of the lucky ones who just happened to be awake at 6:50 AM!)

They're not really my style, but they were all that was left in my size (yea, it was a pretty hectic way to start the morning).

And for $6 shipped? No question. I'm already thinking of how I can wear them!

What have you bought recently that's made you happy?

(images via Ann Taylor Loft and The Outnet)

How to get really depressed

Instructions:

1. Go online.

2. Go to an online store that's slightly above your price level, but the sale section is do-able (try J.Crew, Revolve, Anthropologie, etc.).

3. Look through the sale section. Spy a cute, cheap skirt/shirt/dress.

4. Examine it further. Realize it's the only piece of clothing you ever want. Realize you cannot live without it.

5. Check what sizes it's available in.

6. Cry

7. Briefly wish you were a size large so you could buy it.

8. Get depressed.

Tada!

Loving H&M

I am LOVING this Fashion Studio game, courtesy of H&M. It's great advertising too, because it really makes me want to buy these clothes! If only H&M had an online store for the USA... hinthint.

Seriously, this is one of the best realistic virtual dress ups I've ever seen. Everything fits seamlessly, and they even added some subtle-yet-important touches, like when you put a belt over a loose top, the top automatically constricts under the belt. It's amazing! They even have a "Tuck jeans into boots" feature! Brilliant!

Here are some of my creations to give you a little taste of how awesome it is (click to enlarge):

A Letter to Teen Vogue

Dear Teen Vogue,

I used to love you. Note the "used to." I just got your most recent issue and am over half way through it and I must say our love affair is officially over. When we started, you represented the quintessence of cool, a delicious taste of what I could and might be someday. But as I collected issues, I realized that I could never be one of those stylish girls gracing your pages. For any "normal" girl you showcase has a quasi-famous or super-rich parent. You may as well rename your magazine "Rich, Quasi-Famous Teen Vogue." You cater to the Manhattan socialites who are invited to events because of their famous artist father or who start a fashion line just because they have the money, even if they lack the talent.

What's more, you're pretentious. I'm sorry to be so rude, but "to plainness honor's bound when Majesty falls to folly" (yes, I just quoted King Lear. I can be pretentious too, so SUCK IT). You showcase up-and-comers, letting your "discoveries" parade around your magazine like trophies to be harvested when they land their first big gig. News flash: no one cares about two-movies-to-her-name Lily Collins. Why do you do this? I doubt it's because you can't get big names for your magazine... so is it because you actually think we care? Or do you just want the satisfaction of smirking and yelling "I told you so" when Lily lands her first big role?

Another thing: why are your photo-shoots so similar and crappy? Your photo-shoots used to be so whimsical and different, while keeping a strong footing in reality. Now it's all neon and chunky necklaces on top of a gorgeous dress that 90% of teenagers can't afford. And even when you advertise something as "budget-friendly," it's still $70 for a shirt. Seriously? Go outside and ask the first ten teens you see how much they're able to spend on a shirt. Try not to pass out when they say "$40 or lower."

I'm just saying, please, get off your high horse and come back down to the world of reality. Otherwise, future preteens wont look to you for their sartorial fantasies as I did long ago.

Sincerely,

Random Nobody

T-shirt blunder

I really hope someone else has noticed this. Otherwise I might be the first case of senility at age 17.

So I was browsing through the clothes at Target, checking out the new Anna Sui line (surprisingly expensive and not super cute). And I came upon this pretty ugly shirt from the collection. Then I noticed something:

Do you see it? No? Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Now, is it just me, or is this shirt noticeable grammatically incorrect? It should be "Best Friend For Life Who Has Lunch And Goes Shopping A Lot" OR "Best Friends For Life Who Have Lunch And Go Shopping A Lot." Right?

And, now that I see it, "Have" is the only word whose first letter isn't capitalized! Were they hoping by not capitalizing it we wouldn't noticed their gigundo error? Nice try, crafty designers. Nice try.

And, on top of the uglyness and the incorrectness, this is also kind of a quote from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, which makes it (and me for knowing the quote) uncool.

London: We can be BFFWLSAGSAL!
Mr. Moseby and Esteban: What?
London: "Best Friends Forever Who Love Spending and Go Shopping A Lot."

So there you have it, readers. A huge typo for sale at your nearest Target. Unless I'm totally insane and this is grammatically correct, in which case I'll crawl into a corner and slip on my Dunce hat.

Do you guys see it?

Hell on Heels

Dear Self,

Remember this story I'm about to tell you. This isn't the first time I've warned you about wearing heels. And yet you don't listen.

So last night night you had a fancy event to go to. You picked out a cute dress, and decided you wanted to wear those new heels you got. You know, those poorly made $18 heels you found at the clearance rack at DSW? The black ones with the laces and cut out in the middle (that looked kinda sorta like this) with a heel higher than you have ever worn before? You said they were so comfy sitting down. You were right. Plus they were cheap. So you ignored their flaws and impracticality and bought them. And you kind of loved them. So you decided to wear them last night.

Big mistake. You hobbled from the car to the party like a drunk Barbie doll, taking small, calculated steps and holding onto everything in sight for support. You arrive at the party, ready to sit down and nibble on whatever vegetarian options they had.

It's a mingling event.

As in, no chairs.

Hooooly crap.

So you walk carefully, knowing that at some point during the night you will do one or more of the following:

a) Trip and fall

b) Trip, grab something/one for support, and have them topple down with you

c) Trip and break your ankle

d) Trip, fall, hit your head and kill yourself.

All for a pair of really cute shoes... So you gather all the courage you have (after all, despite the problems these shoes cause, they make you look tall and pretty awesome), and suck it up. You mingle, you chat, you eat faux-fancy food, and all the while your feet hurt more and more.

So you take to the habit of teetering on the balls of your feet and rotating your feet around in place, trying to a less-tender spot to rest on.

Then something happens. One of your legs kind of bends a little, and you think you know why. Your heel broke. You investigate. It didn't break. But it did bend so that it will probably be permanently bent, at least when you put pressure on it. You're shocked. Upset. You feel betrayed by your fun, spontaneous purchase.

Luckily the party is winding down. You walk even more slowly out of the venue, grabbing at columns and walls for support. You find a table and sit on it uncouthly, tugging at your heels ferociously. They come off. You moan in delight and pain. You look at your feet. They have red imprinted markings on them where the laces were. You leave and walk outside barefoot.

Never has the grass felt so nice on your bare feet.

So, Self, I hope you've listened intently. Just remember this next time you take those heels out for a spin, or find another cheap thrill at DSW. Neither will last...

Sincerely,

Me/you

PS: You need to learn to walk in heels so you don't look like Bambi taking her first steps. Seriously.

Oh boy

It's a lazy saturday at the RN household. I went upstairs to change from pajamas to "lounge wear." Which includes PJ pants. Oops.

So I change and then realize something: my pants, cardigan, and Tshirt are all navy blue. This is weird, albeit understandable because I love navy blue. Still, it's kind of odd. Then I realize something.

I'm wearing my only pair of BLUE underwear.

I don't know what all of this means, but it can't be good. I'm grabbing the cats and getting into my bomb shelter.

Not quite, but still. Freaky.

Ode to J. Crew

Ah my dear J. Crew... 

I have a love affair with you.

Your clothes are chic and cute and nice

But your prices-- they make me think twice.

Your gorgeous dresses make me drool 

And I imagine wearing them to school.

But oh, 't'will never be, I know

Because $100 is a lot of dough.

And yet I still look, despite my sorrow

In hopes that it will go on sale tomorrow.

But even your sale section makes me sad

As good is gone, and bad is too bad.

I admit with delight that I have some of your clothes

But the desire for more lingers like the flow'ry stench of a rose.

(I added that apostrophe just for fanciness and fun

Because more apostrophes never hurt anyone!)

So to the outlet again I must leave

To buy more cardigans with rips in their sleeves.

Upon the sartorial leftovers I must feast

Snatching up clothes with the speed of a beast.

And now I must end, for I'm out of pics

Which I interspersed for prettiness and kicks.

So J. Crew, for you I have one plea:

Give us the goods without the large fee!

(Pictures aren't really mine:

They're from the J. Crew catalogue, online!)

 

I love free stuff

I got this free tank top in the mail today from JC Penny! Free shipping, free tank top, no purchase necessary. 

Granted, I ordered it on August 1st.

And it's long enough to be a dress.

And it's kind of ugly.

And I don't know if I'd ever wear it out of the house.

But it's FREE!

(image via Shopping Frugal)

Rachel Pally-- YUM!

I just rediscovered Rachel Pally. And I love it. Simple, comfy-looking, cute, and EXPENSIVE. Wah. Ah well. A girl can dream. 

PRETTY

CUTE

SIMPLE

LOVE!

Reminder

Dear Future Self:

Don't wear wedges to your next college tour. Those gorgeous green quads are pretty but not level. You will fall again. You will scrape up your knee again. You will land in the most awkward position possible again. It will be embarrassing again. It will hurt again. Don't do it... again.

Love,

Past Self

PS: Now the word "again" looks and sounds so weird. Yarg.