Artist of the Month: Haim

Oh boy, where do I even start with Haim? You might recognize them from a previous SNL. They are honestly one of my favorite bands. Haim is based in California and has an indie pop feel. The band is made of 3 sisters, Alana, Este, and Danielle. They have such an interesting sound and all play instruments, which is very unique. some of their most popular songs are: The Wire, Falling, and Don't Save Me. Their songs are super upbeat and so much fun! You should definitely check them out asap!

Cheers, Lucy

Thanksgiving Craze

Don't we all just love Thanksgiving? It's that one time when you can eat basically whatever you want and not feel bad, you're supposed to feel thankful! When I was little I would always say Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday because I wanted to secretly impress everyone, but the truth is I really do love this holiday. You can look over your life and realize just how thankful you are to have a home, delicious food, an education, clothing, etc. I don't think we realize just how lucky we all are. Some people are in much worse situations than we will ever will be. Anyways, just be thankful for your life; it's important! Enough with me getting wordy, here is a fab recipe and what I'm wearing this on this festive holiday!


Cranberry Cupcakes (makes 12)

Ingredients 
2 cups whole wheat flour
11/4 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
5 tsp. unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup chopped cranberries.

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside
2. With an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar. Next, beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the Greek yogurt, a little at a time, until it's all mixed in. Add chopped cranberries and mix until blended.
3. Divide the batter among the 12 muffin cups with paper liners. Bake about 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool, then frost. Enjoy!

Frosting
Mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup chopped cranberries. Let it thicken in the fridge then frost! Yum

This recipe was found in the November 2013 issue of Seventeen!




Now for todays outfit:
Sweater/Top is from H&M
Skirt is from Target
Boots are from DSW
Striped socks from Kate Spade
Necklace from Stella & Dot

Have a fantastic Thanksgiving!!

Cheers, Lucy

Songs:
I would do Anything for you by Foster the People
Walking on Air by Katy Perry
Alive by Empire of the Sun

Artist of the Month: The Naked and Famous

 Music is one of my favorite things in life. It can make you feel so many numerous emotions all at once, it is true art. In my spare time I like to find new music. My favorite genre is alternative/indie. I'm going to start writing about a musical artist each month and incorporating them into my future blog posts! This way you can learn about new music too!

This month I will be focusing on the band The Naked and Famous. They are an alternative rock band from New Zealand. The band formed in 2008 and is still around today. Their sound is really unique, it's a mix of indie electronic pop punk (there is nothing else like it)! You might recognize some of their songs, they have been in various TV shows. Everyone should definitely check this band out. 

Some of my favorite songs from their past albums include:

Young Blood, Punching in a Dream, and All of This. Hearts Like Ours is their newest single. They are coming out with a new album on September 17th. You can pre-order it on itunes. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YuSg4mts9E

I recommend downloading Spotify to your computer. It's free is you have a Facebook account and it's a great way to discover new music! You can create playlists and share them. 

Cheers, Lucy

cstation@ry

Need some new stationary? My cousin Caroline makes homemade quality stationary for $.50 each including envelope. She creates designs like: Hand painted sail boats with little figures (shown in picture) also hand painted flower design (also shown in picture). Email crgraham@me.com for more information or to place your order. Happy shopping!

Cheers, Lucy

Maxi-dresses Return Big Time!

I'm back! I have been really focused on school and my grades for a while but now it's summer so I can relax!! I went to a street fair earlier today and saw many cute summer styles. Let me tell you, I have never seen so many maxi dresses in my ENTIRE life! There were so many different colors and patterns, I fell in love with all of them. Summer is finally here (it's a blessing) and I will be scouting out many more summery fashions, let me tell you!

Free People O Maya Maxi Dress
Originally $108, but now marked down to $79.95
Colors: Poppy (shown above) and Black

H&M Maxi Dress
$14.95
Comes in Black, Coral, Gray (shown above), and Khaki Green

 A popular shoe to go with the maxi dress look are sandals. You can find sandals anywhere! Some of my favorite shoe stores are DSW, Bloomingdales, or even Target! My favorite type of sandals have some sort of pattern or uniqueness to them.

DV Dolce Vita Sandals--Archer
Originally $69, but now marked down to $48.30

Splendid Flip Flop Sandal--Madrid
Originally $48, now $33.60
Colors come in Green, Dragonfruit, and Cabin

I will be posting much much more this summer!! Have a wonderfully fantastic summer!

Cheers, Lucy


Songs for post:
I Choose U by: Timeflies
Summer Girl by: Jessica Andrews

Shoes Are a Foot's Best Friend

Shoes are a girls best friend too. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors so you can always find a match depending on what vibe you want to set with your outfit. Every season has a different style of shoe which makes them unique and different. My favorite shoe season is spring/summer because you don't have to wear those big clunky boots anymore. Enjoy my montage of shoes!

Gap

DSW

Urban Outfitters

My companion, Olive, loves shoes too!

These are my cleats for soccer. They aren't muddy at all! ;)
Dicks Sporting Goods (best store ever... just kidding)

Cheers,

Lucy

Songs for this post:
New Shoes by: Paolo Nutini
Take a Walk by: Passion Pit
Hit and Run by: Breathe Carolina

Spring Break Week 1/2 out of 2: Mini Me

The past 6 days that I spent in Florida seemed like a magical dream. What could be better than warm weather and being around your favorite people? Nothing... The only not so good part is that I got a little burnt, but what else is new? While I was in FL soaking up the sun, I saw lots of patterned jeans, tops, even swim suits. I love mixing patterns with solid colors to create classy looks! My twin cousins helped me pull together a mini photo shoot of our outfits from the last couple days. ;) 

Enjoy my lovely ladies.

Shirt: TopShop
Skirt: H&M
Necklace: Forever 21

Pants: H&M 

Shorts: (starting from left to right) American Eagle, Target

 Photo credits go out to my beautiful cousin C! And thanks to my other lovely cousin K for modeling with me. :))

Cheers, Lucy

Songs for this post:
I Love It by: Icona Pop
Midnight City by: M83
Radio by: Hot Chelle Rae

We Are Born This Way

Everyone is born unique right? Some people change to impress others, which happens more then you think. I believe that you should be whoever you want, whenever you want. I may be quoting Lady Gaga, but you are born this way, so be yourself! I truly respect someone more when they are real, not fake. It also just makes you feel better in the long run. (just something to think about while falling asleep) 

Cheers, Lucy

Songs that go with this post:

    Born This Way by: Lady Gaga

    You Don't Know Me by: Ben Folds

    The Fear by: Lily Allen

Spring Break: Week 1 out of 2

As soon as my art teacher dismissed me from class, I could already smell all of the sunscreen I would be putting on for the next two weeks. If you aren't aware, I tend to burn, not tan. Whether you're planning on watching The Notebook and baking fudge brownies, or traveling to a warm, sunny getaway, make sure you have fun and forget about all the work you need to finish for a few days. Next week I will be in the warm sun, but this week I'm stuck in the cold 30 degree weather :(

These pictures got me through the frigid days of February. 

All photos are from Tumblr

Cheers, Lucy

Songs related to post:

Good Time by: Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

Express Yourself by: Labrinth

Islands by: The xx

New Girl

If you aren't aware, fashion and anything fun is right up my alley. I love to be different and express myself in anyway possible. I love shoes and any beats that make you move. On Style Diaries, I'll be covering everything that I am intrigued by or find mesmerizing (in the fashion sense of course ;) ) Comments are much appreciated

Cheers, Lucy