Sunday, December 25, 2011

Damsels Love the Holidays

Rachel and I want to wish you all a very merry holiday season, as well as a happy new year! We'll be back in 2012 to bring you all the latest on what we love and hate, but until then a huge thank you and internet hug to all of our favorite damsels.

Fashionably and faithfully yours,
Rachel and Megan

P.S. Michael Bublé loves you, too!




Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Damsels Love Rock n' Roll

The new Rock of Ages movie/musical is coming out next summer, and it looks FANTASTIC! Not only does it have Russel Brand with all his hilarious sleeze, Julianne Hough with her dance moves, Tom Cruise as a sex-crazed Rock n' Roll God and Catherine Zeta-Jones as a religious zealot, but it has ALEC BALDWIN.

Alec FREAKIN' Baldwin, guys!

Check out the trailer and tell me you're not loving up on the best of the Baldwins.


Right?!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Damsels hate Kristmas Kards

This year's Christmas Card is already getting too much media hype. I guess you could say that I am being manipulated into writing about them. Darn those Kardashians! They got me again!

But Bruce is awesome. And Masey steals the show. Khloe actually looks really good! AH! They got me talking again!

Via fashionista.com

Seriously, though. What is with the sparkly tuxedo duds? I'm not on board with either of Kim or Kourtney's looks. And of course, Kris gets to be the only one in color. Oh dear. Fool me three times...shame on me.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Damsel of Cambridge

Not much to say about this one, Damsels. Kate Middleton rocks it again at the Sun Military Awards, which took place at the Imperial War Museum on Saturday.

Via celebuzz.com

Girl is sporting one of her staples, McQueen, this time in a black, velvet, draped and ruffled strapless wonder. Velvet is the perfect winter fabric, utilizing texture and warmth simultaneously. Not much more can be said about it. She can do no wrong. We bow down.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Cropped Damsels

I would say I like crop tops. I don't love them by any means, and I don't wear them personally. But if I see a girl that's rockin' one, I would definitely give her crop-props. If it's cute and she looks good, why should a sista hate?

But here's the thing Damsels -- most women do not rock a crop. Big is beautiful and all, but even an average-sized woman may want to steer clear of these tummy showers.

That's why I was half-amused/half-horrified when I saw this:


Not only is this top (let's face it) not that great to begin with, but now it's available in XL? Who are the women protesting that this wasn't in an XL? Who thought to themselves, "How unfair! This unattractive crop top with an unflattering stripe pattern DOESN'T come in my size?? I SEEK JUSTICE! I will never shop here again!"

And Free People was all, "Wait, don't fret! See? It's now available in XL!! Just like you wanted! And we're telling you with a pink font and an exclamation point! DON'T LEAVE US!"

Dramatization aside, I would like to meet the confident/blind women who want this top, of all shapes and sizes.

For serious.

Damsels Against Critter Scarves

You Damsels may have noticed that Rachel and I are all for faux-fur. It imparts the drama and class of real fur without the guilty feeling of wearing someone else's coat. Or just the gross realization that what you're wearing is taken from a dead animal. Plus, there's always been something super creepy to me about the word "pelts."

And even though I sometimes find myself admiring a handsome fur piece, what skeeves me out more than anything else is when the heads and paws are still attached. We already know the animal is dead, who wants to have that sad fact draped over their shoulder?

That's why my sensibilities are repelled by this Anthropologie "Coiled Creatures Scarf."


I realize it's supposed to be cute and silly. A whimsical scarf during the colder months. Yet my sensibilities repel! Not only does it feel akin to wearing a stuffed animal around my neck, but it reminds me of dead animal carcases and makes me sad. Really, really sad.

And Anthro isn't alone -- this ASOS sweater with "detachable knitted badger stole" is yet another example:


Ugh.

So what do you think, Damsels? Overreaction to a perfectly adorable trend or do you agree that there's something...off about these faux-dead-animal fashion pieces?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Hummana Hummana: 24601

OK. So maybe this is an unconventional Hummana Hummana post, but I have to do it. I've just been to the touring production of Les Miserabels, and I am so in love. With the musical. But also with the character of Jean Valjean. Not only does his name rhyme with itself, but also he's a convict with morals. I mean, seriously. Where can you find an attractive bad guy/outlaw/rebel, who also lives by a moral code (and not their own moral code, Dexter style, but the real rights and wrongs that define all of us)? It is awesome.

Also, Javert's voice always has my stomach tied in knots. Have you ever met a deep voice that didn't make you swoon? Didn't think so.

Who am I? 2-4-6-0-1!!!!

Liam Neeson playing the screenplay, non-musical part of Jean Valjean in Victor Hugo's Les Miserabels, via IMDB

At this point, I must address the fact that maybe not all of you are getting my references (maybe you're thinking 24601 is a zip code - well it isn't, at least in this case), or for that matter, my love of Liam Neeson. But I must assure those of you who aren't on my level that you should really get on my level, or at least be on the elevator doors that open on the mysterious other side of the floor on my level (Can you get to level 2R from level 2 somehow? Why would you need a key? These are the tough, hard-hitting questions we face today). Because this musical is awesome. It has a timeless message, and actually at this point in history, maybe even has a timely message. So, check it out if you haven't. Then come back and chuckle at my references, and basque in the glow of Liam Neeson as nature intended him, as Jean Valjean, naturally.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Damsels Question a Jenner Jewelry Line

Hmm. Have you heard this news? Kendall and Kylie Jenner along with accessories company Glamhouse are coming together to create an unnamed (so far) jewelry line.

Question 1) Are they qualified for this?

Answer 1) Nope.

Via fashionista.com


I don't think any more questions need to be asked (although I am loving Kendall's dress and booties. You go girl!)

In other news, E! will also be doing a Keeping up with the Kardashians spin off following Kendall and Kylie. I think this is the moment we've all been waiting for. My DVR is already set to record.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Damsels Play Hunger Games

So, here's a shocking confession: I haven't read The Hunger Games yet. Partly because I am busy, but partly because the book covers look like Ayn Rand covers, and I just don't feel like going that deep into philosophy and Objectivism at this time in my life. Before this year, and the Entertainment Weekly covers (thank you man-sel Liam Hemsworth for your hotness and Miley-devotion), hunger games to me were merely the tests of will I encountered with various salty snacks. My everyday battles with chips and doughnuts are far less epic, I've been told, than the novels themselves. So, I am willing to give it a chance. I got the first book on Amazon, and I will read it soon (I will let you know my thoughts, but not before I read my newest romance novel - priorities). I have chosen to give in and finally read this book mostly for the following reasons:

1) The female protagonist's name is Katniss, and that is just plain cool. It sounds a tad like catnip, but it is spelled with a K, so you know she's in league with the Kardashians. Any friend of Bruce Jenner's is a friend of mine. (Hey Katniss, can you get me in with Khloe and Lam-Lam? Their lives are awesome.)

2) I feel a moral obligation to read most books before I see their screen-versions (The one exception? Twilight. But I do love Twilight, and I know I will read it soon, even though Harry Potter is way better and nothing could possibly compare. JK Rowling,  you are a genius - among other things).

3) But, two things specifically happened today to irrevocably change my mind about not reading The Hunger Games:

     a) Miley Cyrus showed up with Liam at an event to which she wore this hairstyle, described as a Katniss braid. I love this braid, and I can get by any story character who's hair is this cool. She looks super cute, despite a plunging neckline.

Via gofugyourself.com
     b) Design sketches of Katniss' fire dress were released by Christian Siriano, Rachel Roy and Charlotte Ronson (I wish I had a fire dress, whatever it may be, because it sounds legit.) Katniss' fire dress is described in the book (allegedly) as a close-fitting black jump suit, with an orange, yellow and red cape and boots that lace up to her knees. See the first photo below, the Charlotte Ronson version (which, I have to admit, is pretty bad-ass and awesome. I wish I was a super hero, or had some other reason to run around the city looking like this.):


Via style.mtv.com

Christian Siriano (his sketch pictured below on the left) took a similar approach to Ronson. And here is where I swoon. Rachel Roy's version is to-die-for. I have no reason to wear something like this, and neither, I'm sure, does Katniss, if she is galavanting in a forest, battling for her life for her whole community to see. But this is completely awesome. This interpretation of her fire dress makes me weak in the knees. The boots! Did you see the boots? LOVE. This is why I will surely be reading The Hunger Games very, very soon. Katniss, her awesome name, her affiliation with the Kardashians, and this awesome version of her fire dress better be ready to impress. I judge harshly.


Via style.mtv.com
No really, did you see the boots?


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Damsels Marry the Night


Before reading this post, it is easiest if you watch Lady Gaga's latest music video, Marry the Night. Be patient, it is literally 13-some minutes long, with only the last 3-ish minutes containing the actual song. Here's the link.

Lady Gaga's latest foray into editorial-feature-film-music-videos is her track, Marry the Night. Watching said video left me with a chronic expression of confusion on my face. It's so deep, so meaningful, so—wait, why is she eating Cheerios like that and dancing in front of flaming streets? Why is she in a psych ward/hospital? What hospital would allow these conditions? What does this plot line have to actually do with the song and its meaning? Does the song have meaning?

Regardless of Gaga's wakadoo narrative arcs, I paid particular attention to her footwear during the film/video. We've been trained to search for her crazy fashion tendencies ever since her first video, Just Dance. From her lightning facial decals to her McQueen armadillo shoes in Bad Romance, we can expect her to be on the cutting edge, towing the line between fashion genius and insanity.

In Marry the Night, she sports no-heel heels, or as some are calling them, pony shoes (because of their resemblance to hooves - literally). I can't decide if this is a ridiculous avant garde trend that no one normal will wear, or if it actually is kind of cute.

Gaga sports this sparkly silver pair while thrashing around in a bathtub (for no obvious reason, other than it seems to be a compulsory theme in most of her vids).


Via Celebuzz.com

The shoes in the vid could be Jeffrey Campbell's Night Walk shoes in silver, pictured below. Am I crazy? I actually find these kind of cute! I have no idea how one is supposed to actually walk in them, but they are girly, not too horse-y, and kind of sexy? I have trouble walking in regular heels (refer to my graduation stage anecdote), so I have no idea how to successfully accomplish stepping in these contraptions, but I am thinking maybe it is easier. Just walk on the tips of your toes all day, and you'll be fine.

Via shoewawa.com

Then, there is the ballerina scene (relevance to the plot of the psych ward goes unexplained), in which she wears an extreme ballet version of these shoes, pictured below.



Via undefinedgrace.tumblr.com
Okay, the ballet point shoes are ludicrous. Am I crazy to go along with Gaga? These shoes are extreme and ridiculous, but I still think they are cute! What do you think?

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Hummana Hummana: One Goofy Mansel

I LOVE Jason Segel. I mean, I know everyone does. But I really love Jason Segel. I've seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall (with and without commentary) too many times to count, and I like to fancy that he's as sweet a human being as he is a talented actor/writer.

So when I heard this darling, handsome man had taken on the project of writing, directing and starring in The Muppet Movie, you can imagine my felicity. The only thing that could've made me happier would be if his Dracula musical from FSM had been finally realized.

I mean, just look how much fun he's having!


God, I love him.

So enjoy this week's unconventional, yet totally sweet and adorable, Mansel of the Week. Jason Segel, you are one helluva goofy, beautiful guy.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Damsels Shocked Senseless

Something happened today, Damsels. Something completely shocking. Something I never thought possible. I, a proud English major, saw something beyond words. Something that literally made me speechless. And, not the dramatic, I'm saying I'm speechless for emphasis kind of speechless. I mean, gaping mouth, bugged-out eyes, catch-your-breath speechless.

Now that I've said "speechless" at least five times, I'm hoping you get the point. Because there are genuinely no words that can describe what I am about to show you in an apt manner. Words simply can't divulge the kind of horror this image possesses.

The nights of insomnia I'm about to incur by seeing this image again, in order to impart its devastation unto you, are worth it. Because, in this case, seeing is believing. I must warn you, what you are about to see is graphic in nature.


Via asos.com

It is true. What you are seeing is some sort of blue, transparent crocheted maxi-length terror designed to evoke extreme depression and pain. There seems to be a sort of draped, ribbon-esque tail trailing off at the bottom, inexplicably. Unseemly parts of the female body have been covered, rather shabbily, by larger, ribboned crochet job in a haphazard, devil-may-care sort of way.

But no, we're not finished, I'm afraid.

Via asos.com

Its heinous crimes continue on the back. A dreadlock-type ribbon seems to be hanging limply off of her elbow. The larger crochet appears to only partially hide a lady's unseemly bits, and it has been styled with patent-leather combat boots.

Please hold while I burn my eyes off.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Fabulous Damsels Don Cossacks

When a friend of ours went to Russia to study abroad, amidst all the revelry concerning the prodigious amounts of vodka and her glaring lack of language skills, we joked she would come back bedecked in furry coats and hats. And maybe married to a billionaire.

And though we were right about the vodka, she did not come back with a furry cossack for me to try on and laugh at, but secretly admire and envy.

That's why I'm extremely pleased with Top Shop. They understand the importance of a Lisa Vanderpump-esque chapeau to don during these winter months, no matter how ridiculous it may seem.


Seriously, what's not to love?

Top Shop is currently sporting a wide variety in colors to choose from, but I'm particularly taken with this honey-colored cap. It's furry, warm-looking and though freakishly-similar to the color of my dogs, it's also completely faux and animal-friendly.


But they also have a white version à-la-Lisa. Oh, Top Shop. How's a girl to choose?

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Damsels Love Duffles

It's hardly a secret around here that I like two-tone bags. It's even less of a secret that I enjoy tote bags -- the bigger the purse, the better. How does one go about town without a small suitcase to carry out the day-to-day necessities of life?

The extreme of this obsession takes it's form in the luxe duffle bag, or weekender. Being that it's time for me to upgrade from my Nike soccer duffle bag (from high school), I've been looking around for the best way to class up my luggage needs.

Here are a few options I find enjoyable.

1. The Duluth Pack Large Sportsman Duffle in Burgundy. I'm loving burgundy right now. It could be the holidays or the fact that it is winter, but I can't get enough of the richer, creamier reds. This two-tone action plays up the burgundy with brown leather accents, which also make the bag sturdier. The leather accents add a touch of class to the otherwise canvas bag, but allow those of us with post-grad budgets to not break the bank with an all leather bag.

Via duluthpack.com

2. This Pendleton bag from Urban Outfitters takes the original duffle and gives it some pizazz. The Navajo-inspired print makes it cultured, unique and unexpected, while the leather allows for structure and strength. A perfect match for a more daring duffler. 

Via urbanoutfitters,com

3. Ah, there's nothing quite like genuine leather. Dependable, trustworthy, sturdy and strong, a leather duffle bag could be worth its salt (whatever that means). Who mentioned post-grad budgets? This Damsel could be in denial about those. This example of duffle hails from Pottery Barn, and reminds us that duffles are perfect for the holidays -- with so many packing needs, why not get a duffle that will get you though the close-quartered family time in your future?

Via potterybarn.com

Well, there you have it, Damsels. My obsession with duffles is out there for anyone to see. What do you think? Are weekender bags worth the dough, or would you rather stick with your high school gym bag?