Retro Swimwear

Hello Artsy readers and Happy Memorial Day!

Since we have been giving shout-outs for everything "SUMMER" and Memorial Day is the jumping off point for the season, I wanted to shine the spotlight on everyone's favorite outfit for the summer, the SWIMSUIT!

Last week, A. told you all about what's hot for men's swimming trunks so today I wanted to show you all my favorite trend in women's swimwear...."Retro." Whether it be a bikini or a one-piece, going retro is so stylishly perfect for this summer so take a peek of some of my faves.

Ruffled floral bikini from Shoshanna.

Electric animal print bikini with high-waisted bottoms from Diane Von Furstenberg.

Black and white abstract bikini from Michael Kors.

Michael Kors yellow polka dot one-piece.

And my favorite retro swim pieces are from Jantzen's Heritage Collection and they can be found at http://www.swimoutlet.com/

Metallic one-piece from Jantzen.

Jantzen's beautiful ruffled red two-piece with flattering skirt bottom.

My favorite piece of all is this floral latex swimcap with chin strap by Jantzen.

**Pair all of these gorgeous swimsuits with oversize sunglasses and stylish espadrilles.**

Have a great summer and keep cool by the pool or ocean!

"Looking good, Billy Ray!

Feeling good, Louis!"

peace out,

M.

Whatever Friday 5/28

WHATEVER FRIDAY 5/28

_______________________

M.

On this sweet little Friday I wanted to let all you readers in on a few of my guilty pleasures...all having to do with TELEVISION. I'm a movie lover first and foremost, and I love to read...but have been known to be sucked into the world of TV.

I just got television this past weekend so I've been able to catch up on some of my shows that I've been missing out on the past few weeks. Now that I no longer live in Statesboro, GA I have the Bravo channel again and it's literally taking over my life...fa realz. If you don't already know me and for those of you that do....of course I've been getting my American Idol and Glee fix every Tuesday on Fox and you know I can't wait for the new season of True Blood on HBO. BUT I've just discovered a new show and RE-discovered a few others. It's almost embarrassing at times when I tell people about the things that I enjoy watching, but then I'm like "WHO CARES!?!" because I can't help it, I like what I like.

So, here goes... in case any of you guys were interested...

1.New TV obsession that is tacky and over the top entertaining.

JERSEYLICIOUS

on Style.

It's about these peeps from New Jersey who are hair stylists and makeup artists. It's ironic because you look at these characters and you think that people would be scared to have them help anyone in the beauty department. They are tanned and teased to the max. THE MAX! It's funny and over the top and I am throughly entertained by the breed of people that come from Jersey. I fist-pump while I surf the channels, hoping that it's on. (not really but I do like the show)

2. Re-discovery of an old favorite.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

on Bravo

I told you guys I love the people from New Jersey! They are so entertaining! It's like they live in an entirely different universe and I love to watch their lives unfold in front of me. It has an air of The Sopranos (famous mob show from HBO) to it with housewife Caroline stating in the first season that her family is "thich as thieves" and having castmate Danielle having a past tainted with name changes and kidnapping! Of course, I'm not an idiot and I know most of it is "put-on" for TV, but hey, it's so fun to watch! These ladies are the best housewives that have ever come through Bravo, and like Jerseylicious, they are over the top entertaining. They are tanned and dressed to the nines...always, with attitudes that could cut you like knives.

I hope all you cats have a fantastic weekend! If you're bored, catch up on your Jersey TV!

peace out,

M.

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So Peeps, this Friday I want to share with you a new artist that is after my own heart! Artist Susan Jane Belton at the Howard Yezerski Gallery is creating works on one of my fazies, COFFEE. I think these would be ridiculously amazing in my kitchen! Actually,  I think one of these needs to be in my possession NOW!  

There works are so great! Yes, they are fun, but they also are a reflection of our "go" society. 

These drawings are studies for her coffee cup portraits, shown below. 

I hope your weekend will be as enjoyable as your morning cup of joe! A.

"Coffee is my cup of tea."

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Showcase Thursday!!

Maqnolias Meet Chelsea Steverson!

Chelsea Steverson, a Pierce County native (shout out to PC), is an aspiring actor in her senior year at Savannah College of Art and Design.

She will be interning this summer at the Utah Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City, UT. She will appear in various productions throughout the summer portraying Ursula in "Much Ado About Nothing." Nerissa in "The Merchant of Venice" and one of the witches in Macbeth.

The Utah Shakespearean Festival pulls professional actors and directors from all over the country. Operating on a budget of more than $6 million, the festival expects some 150,000 visitors for this seasons performances.

This opportunity ads another accomplishment on Chelsea's resume. Last summer she interned with the Shakespeare theatre of New Jersey.

The first show is scheduled for the weekend of July 4 and will show everyday, sometimes twice a day except for Sundays. So if you are in the Utah area make sure you check out this local talent making her way in the world.

Good Luck Chelsea!

(check back later for Q&A's with Ms. Chelsea)

"Sometimes you just gotta get away with the girls."

Ok ladies there is only one more night until the much anticipated Sex and the City sequel. I am so excited I probably will not be able to sleep tonight.

We all know how the fabulous quartet live a lifestyle that many of us try to imitate. Big City, small town, it doesn't matter, we are FABULOUS anywhere. If you and your friends are Sex and the City fans then more than likely you have had the "I'm soo the Carrie" conversation.

When we sit down with our girlfriends and have the debate over which friend is which character naturally everyone thinks they are the Carrie. Yes I have had this conversation with my girlfriends and we have decided I'm 90% Carrie and 10% Samantha. Yes there is a full blown Samantha in my group, and a Charlotte, Miranda, and even a Stanford.

So in the spirit of the fab four I have decided to put this debate to rest with the following descriptions of each character see which one fits you the best!

CARRIE

-Led by her Emotions

- Often the Peace Maker

- Charming

- The glue that holds the friends together.

- Although she has dabbled in different relationships to find true love, she is a single gal at heart.

- Has a unique fashion since and wears whatever she feels like rather it be see through, vintage, couture, second hand, she wears it with the confidence that makes it simply fabulous.

SAMANTHA

- Most "flirtatious" of all four.

- Very out spoken

- Loyalty to her friends.

- Non-judgemental

- Extremely candid and honest.

- Doesn't care what anyone else thinks of her.

- Independent.

- No desire to get married and have kids.

CHARLOTTE

- Most conservative & Traditional of the group.

- Totally optimistic about love.

- Is always there for her friends.

- Soft personality.

- Preppy style but can bring out the Va Va Voom when necessary.

MIRANDA

- Career minded

- Cynical when it comes to men and relationships.

- Often the voice of reason.

- Tough on the outside - Mush on the inside.

- A great listener but often judgemental.

- The friend who pulls you out of a situation to help you see clearer and get the bigger picture.

Get all of your girlfriends together, get all dolled up - go out for some martinis - and go see the sequel! It will be a great girls night out!

E-mail me and let me know what you think of the film!

XoXo

Q

SATC

Check out what the lovely ladies of Sex and the City II wore to the premiere last night!  

Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino, Cynthia Nixon in Carolina Herrera, Kristin Davis in vintage from Decades and Kim Cattrall in Naeem Khan.

SJP Killed It, Love This Dress!

Product Guide for Men's Swimwear

I hope you are having a beautiful Tuesday! So today I thought I might show a little man love and do a product guide for men's swimwear! I know us, ladies tend to forget about making sure the men in our lives look as good as we do, especially when it comes to swimwear. But NOT anymore....Here are a few Trunks that are sure to make a Big SPLASH this summer!  

Brooks Brothers: Fish & Reef 

J. Crew:  Seersucker Short

Vineyard Vines: Boat Geo Board Shorts

Tommy Bahama: Floral Reef Volley Swim 

(This was my husband's favorite! Maybe he will get a pair for his bday...)

The Best Line of Men's Swimwear for Summer 2010

THESE TRUNKS ARE AMAZING!
*Don't forget Father's Day is just around the corner, this would be a perfect gift!

Enjoy your day! 
A. 

Summer Staple

Summer Staple

As you all have probably caught on by now, MAQ are blogging lately about SUMMER! We are showing you all our favorite tips and styles for summer. Going with that theme, I have decided to show all you ladies a little garment that will surely be a staple in your closet this summer and well into the fall.

::drumroll::

THE SHIRTDRESS

Yes! I saw this in a magazine and then in a store and thought to myself "of course." Have you ever been caught in your closet, just completely lost trying to find an outfit? If so, take this style tip and you won't have this problem all summer. The shirtdress is great because there are so many options to change up your look with this one piece of clothing.

You can pair it with skinny jeans and a skinny belt for a tunic look.

Or wear it open over your favorite bikini with metallic sandals and a chic beach bag.

Also, you could wear it over a cami with ballet flats and a great summer handbag.

Find one in a nice shade of summer or a perfect neutral and you will be set. This is the greatest staple to your summer wardrobe because you can wear anytime for a variety of different occasions. My only MUST is to MAKE SURE YOUR BOTTOM IS COVERED! There is nothing I hate more than cheekage showing....it's just tacky and tasteless. Other than that, shirt-it-up ladies.

Try this great option from American Apparel

http://www.americanapparel.com/rsacp300.html?cid=29

Totally affordable! Only 52 bones!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK MAQNOLIAS!

"Looking good, Billy Ray!

Feeling good, Louis!"

peace out,

m.

Whatever Friday 5/21

M.

This week I am loving a couple of things that I thought I would share with you all.

First, I want to tell you about this nail color that my future mother-in-law just purchased and has let me borrow. Blue-green colors are all the rage right now and this particular shade of nail polish is perfect for summer.

"Read My Palm" from Sephora by OPI.

Second, is JELLIES!!! Yes, all of the ladies reading this most likely had a pair or four or five and they are BACK! I have been seeing these in my fashion mags and I'm totally dying over them! The sandals and flats are just too cool and I can't wait to get a pair.

Bejeweled flat sandals from STEVEN by Steve Madden

Yellow laced sandals by Chloe

Black floral thong sandals by Juicy Couture

Check out this super cute flat from Tory Burch.

Have a great weekend peeps!

peace out,

M.

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Okay, so today I want to share with my

Must Have Right Now

EYE PRODUCTS:

Moisture Bound Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex

What it is:

A gel-textured treatment that reduces dark circles and revives the eye area.

What it is formulated to do:

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex is an oil-free, mineral and botanical-rich treatment designed to hydrate and energize the delicate skin around the eyes. With an infusion of nourishment and moisture, this formula reduces the look of fine lines, puffiness, and darkness, creating a healthy and radiant effect. The benefits are both immediate and lasting.

This product is a little pricey, but totally worth it, I noticed a difference in days! Also if you buy something from Sephora right now, you can try a sample of it for free!

Learn More.

Shadow Insurance

What it is:

An eyeshadow primer guaranteed to go the distance.

What it does:

This is your full-coverage insurance policy against all fading, creasing, melting, blurring, oil slicked, and hard-to-blend eyeshadow accidents. Our silicone based eyeshadow primer transforms any eyeshadow into a perfectly blendable, color-drenched, intensified version of itself, then locks it down perfectly until you take it off. This soothing formula evens out the skintone on your lids and smoothes lines while securing a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again.

Truly versatile, Shadow Insurance can be used with powder or cream eyeshadow products, and it's concentrated: the size of a rain drop covers the entire lid.

Learn more or Purchase.

Amazing Concealer

What it is:

A full-coverage concealer ideal for any kind of imperfection.

What it does:

AmazingCosmetics' AmazingConcealer is the most AMAZING concealer available today. This highly-pigmented super-emollient waterproof formula blends seamlessly into the skin, creating a flawless complexion that looks and feels natural.

What else you need to know:

The AmazingConcealer is formulated to erase all skin imperfections: Dark circles, broken capillaries, sun damage, blemishes, redness and more. There's nothing on the market today that can compare to the AmazingConcealer and it's ability to erase all skin imperfections. Unlike traditional concealers, the AmazingConcealer is so concentrated, you only need to use tiny pin-dot amounts of product to create the skin you've always wanted but thought you could never have. A beauty insider's favorite, the AmazingConcealer is your "magic eraser."

It truly is a magic eraser and a must have in the makeup bag, get it NOW!

TO Purchase.

Enjoy your weekend, and be sure to check some of these awesome products on Sephora,

A

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Hello Maqnolias!

LIKE

I just recently discovered hair extensions...and adore them. Why have I not gotten myself a pair before now is beyond me. I recently got 19' real human hair dark brown clip in hair extensions. If you have naturally long, thick hair then don't spend the money on them. Yes, these bad boys do come with a little price tag but totally worth the money. If you have thin hair that takes forever to grow out...like me, then these clip ins are your salvation.

It takes about 5-10 minutes to clip them in, then Viola...you have long thick amazing hair.

When purchasing hair extensions you can get different lengths colors and choose between "Real" hair and "synthetic" hair. The synthetic hair is cheaper but it doesn't really look real and you cannot curl it or wash it like you can real hair. I recommend real hair all the way to get the results you want.

LOVE

I know you're all dying to know what has been on repeat on my iPod this week so here it is.

Song- BLOODSTREAM

Artist- Stateless.

This song was on the season finale of The Vampire Diaries and I feel in LOVE with it. I have listened too it at least 10 times a day. For a good chill song go to iTunes and download it now!

LUST

So I think everyone who is a Greys Anatomy fan was on pins and needles last night during the 2 hour finale. Last week I stated that I thought I knew who the shooter was going to be and I was right. It was Mr. Clark (the man who lost his wife).

Two semi main doctors died Reed and Charles but they were newbies this season anyway and we really hadn't developed a bond with them.

Meredith finds out she is preggo!! yahhh but unfortunately has a miscarriage due to all the stress she endures that day. I mean...she did see her hubby get shot!

WHAT?!?! Yes ladies and gentlemen McDreamy goes down for the count. I vowed that if he died I would no longer watch Greys...they got lucky because he LIVES, thanks to Christina who had to perform major surgery on her best friends boo..solo, talk about pressure.

After the finale was over it took about 30 mins for my heart rate to go down..it was that intense. If you want to know more sweet deets head on over to abc.com and watch the full episode....anyone with a heart condition should consult a doctor before viewing!

Have a Great Weekend Maqnolias!!

xoxo

Q