Fashion Inspiration: Remembering Whitney Houston

"To me, beauty is rare, even unique." ~Whitney Houston~

This post is inspired not by the tragic death of Whitney Houston, but by the richness of her life, troubled as it was.

Channel the look of this gorgeous woman who became such an icon of American music, film, fashion, and beauty by looking for 80s-pop-culture-influenced elements of her style such as sequins, scarves, lace, and button-up shirts. Don't forget the pointy-toed, sky-high heel.

R.I.P., Whitney

You had such an impact on our culture and will continue to do so after your passing. We know that you are in a better place, but the world isn't going to be the same place without you.

Holiday Looks Inspired by Marlee Matlin

Anybody know who Marlee Matlin is? Well, besides one of my heroes, she is an Academy-Award- and Gold-Globe-winning actress, a mother of four, and deaf. Haha, you knew it was coming! It's been way too long since a post related to the Deaf community here at Nine to Phive, and who better to usher in the theme than the beautiful Marlee?

Marlee is the only deaf actress to every win an Academy Award for Best Actress, and she won it for her debut film, Children of a Lesser God. Her first film! Let me tell you, her signing in so incredible and impassioned in this movie, and the story is so powerful. She has also appeared on popular TV shows Seinfeld (my family is addicted) and The 'L' Word (don't endorse the show, but there is one scene where she fights an ex-girlfirend in ASL that is absolutely breathtaking). She even scored a Best Actress nomination for playing a role as a hearing woman in Against Her Will: The Carrie Buck Story.

Aside from being inspired by Marlee, this post sadly has little to do with sign language or the Deaf community.

The above image of Marlee is so sexy and wintery that I knew I had to make an outfit post inspired by it. What I did not anticipate is that my inspiration would birth four outfits! The good thing about this overkill is that it provides inspiration for four very different holiday party looks.

Greens and reds are pretty overdone this time of year, so I often tend more towards blues, grays, and silvers--all of which are alive and well in the above picture of Marlee.

Flirty Skirt

Doesn't this outfit just say "party?" The eye-catching shimmery skirt is contrasted nicely by the simplicity of the white V-neck tee shirt. Add some unique patterned tights for warmth, a cute clutch, some creative jewelry, and comfortable party-ready booties for an ensemble that is perfect for rocking around the Christmas tree. Note the bracelet that spells out "WWJD" in the American Sign Language alphabet--just a little nod to Marlee and the beautiful culture that produced her.

Cool, Warm, and Hot

I can imagine this look working well for more of a Christmas on the town with friends. Anyone for a rum punch? Haha, just kidding. Do people still drink those? Anyway, this outfit is a little wild with the sequined top, leopard print, and leather jacket, but it also has an element of girl-next-door glam. I mean, you're wearing jeans and a bow on your head. How much more normal can you get? If you're going to be bar-hopping around Christmastime, make sure to layer up. Those clubs can get very warm and the walks between them can get very cold.

Sugarplum Fairy!

This outfit is arguably the most fun of the four if only because it is just plain fun to dress up. What is the most upscale shindig you'll be attending this Christmas? Does your school has a winter ball? Will you be attending a ballet? I highly recommend George Balanchine's adaptation of The Nutcracker. At any rate, blue satin is an infinitely glamorous option and has such a wintery vibe. Start with a simple sweetheart-topped dress, add some romantic sparkly jewelry and a glittering pair of statement heels to modernize your look, and you'll have every eye at the event on you. Also, (sorry if this sounds dumb) wear a coat. Be smart even if wherever you're headed will be heated.

Like a Pro

 Some more professional holiday environments may call for a bit more power suit style. Trousers and a fitted blazer will provide all the professionalism you need, but keep it fun with a sequined top and classy costume jewelry. Also, more blue satin would be nice . . . sky-high shoes, anyone? ;-)

Obviously, there are so many great to ways to crash a Christmas party as far as fashion is concerned, but these looks are the ones that jumped into my mind because of the inspiration from the picture of the beautiful Marlee Matlin.

Here's wishing you, Marlee, and everyone else a very merry Christmas season!

Harrison Ford and John Williams. Coolest Ever?

Lulzpics.com rewarded my procrastination with this gem of a work fan art. Can you believe how thorough this is? Not only do all the little images look exactly like Harrison Ford in his various characters, but they include every film he's ever been in! In order!

It even includes all three installments of Star Wars and Indiana Jones and features super-subtle differences in hair, costuming, etc., between the three films! So impressed. Remind me to find out who did this.

Also, get a load of how many of these movies I've seen! Actually, I've probably only seen a handful because I am movie-impaired, but I'm a trivia nerd, so I know a lot of the titles anyway.

A Time for Killing
The Virginian
Ironside
IDK
IDK
Star Wars: A New Hope
IDK
Force 10 from Navarone
Apocalypse Now
Hanover St.
IDK
Star Wars: The Emperor Strikes Back
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
IDK
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Witness (LOL, he's Amish)
Mosquito Coast
IDK
Working Girl (I think . . .)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (best one, I pretend the fourth didn't happen)
IDK
IDK
Patriot Games (maybe?)
The Fugitive
Clear and Present Danger
IDK (but he's a nerd)
IDK
Air Force One
IDK
IDK
IDK
K-19
IDK
IDK
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (meh)
Firewall
Extraordinary Measures
IDK . . . no wait! Morning Glory
Cowboys and Aliens (was actually very good)

How do you measure up to my Fordian expertise?

P.S. Harrison Ford was in several films with kick-butt John Williams scores. I therefore present to you a lovely vocal compilation of all of John Williams' greatest soundtrack hits--with lyrics. The words are about Star Wars, but the part set to the Indiana Jones theme is the best (and easiest to sing along to.) Enjoy!

Kirk Cameron Celebrity Stalked On His Birthday

Apparently, since most child actors like "Growing Pains" star Kirk Cameron who continue in the entertainment industry throughout their lives get involved in all sorts of hijinks and questionable behavior in their adult years, the media is forced to make up "scandals" about the people who remain relatively chaste as they grow up.

Photo credit: Lane Chaplin via Twitter

This photo went viral when someone snapped it at Cameron's 41st birthday celebration at a church in Bellflower, California. The press was apparently appalled at the poorly attended gathering.

Oh, the horror! Kirk Cameron didn't have a multi-million-dollar birthday celebration! With every Hollywood A-lister in attendence! Pity him! How will he ever eat all of those subs by himself?

Seriously, this seems like the least sensational piece of news since ever. People simply have nothing better to do than creep on the actor-turned-evangelist and speculate about what a terrible person he must be to have held a birthday party where hardly anyone came. I mean, I have my own thoughts about televangelists, but get some real news! And a life, while you're at it.

The full story is coming out from party attendees (yes, there were attendees) who say that everyone was crowded behind the camera when the picture was taken. "Everyone" being 10-15 of Cameron's friends who had organized the birthday observance.

Shocking, right?

You can get the whole story here, but I basically just told you everything. There's scarcely a story here.

Live Well, Dress Well: Shop Fall's Hottest Colors

“Designers take a painterly approach to fall 2011 by artfully combining bright colors with staple neutrals, reminiscent of how an artist would construct a stunning work of art.” ~Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute~

Is this an excellent quote or what? It's so true that an artfully constructed outfit combines classic neutrals with eye-catching brights in order to make the biggest impact. Experts at the Pantone Color Institute have scanned the runways for the most commonly reoccurring colors of Fall 2012 and have noted a healthy combination of colorful and neutral options.

Completely unrelated, but Leatrice is an incredibly cool name, and she has an incredibly cool job from the sound of it.

I realize that the season is about half-over, but that is why I think it is important to begin shopping vigorously for items in these colors!

1. You only have a few more weeks to show off how well you rock the season's colors.
2. Fall's "hot" items will begin to go down in price as the season wears to a close.
3. Nothing was so trendy in the way of colors this season that it will be unwearable or even unfashionable in future seasons.

Take advantage of shopping late and the game and save yourself some money on these hypnotic hues!

Phlox (bright purple with pink undertones) and emberglow (orange coral) are everywhere from Nordstrom's to Target right now. You can find them on yoga shorts and purses or in lipstick tubes and nail polish bottles. You should have no problem snagging some serious deals in these trendy yet timeless shades.

Cedar (gray-based olive green) has a similar story. Many clothing lines featured lots of military-style clothing in this shade. Military is another great fall trend, so pairing the two would be a great money-saver.

Honeysuckle (dark bright pink) is apparently "the color of 2011." It's popularity has led to it being readily available in many affordable department stores. It also makes a lovely lipstick shade, but I personally find it to be the ideal color for a sexy maxi dress.

Cofee liqueur and nougat need no explanation. If you can't find brown and taupe fashion items at a good price, you might be colorblind. No offense if you are ;-). I'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Deep teal is one of my favorite colors and one of Josh's favorite colors on me. Double win! I love how flattering it is as well as how easily it translates from high fashion to everyday wear. It and bamboo (light mustard yellow/tan) have been popular in many indie fashion communities such as Etsy and Modcloth for some time now. Hit up thrift stores for these colors if you're feeling ambitious. They are also excellent options if you're looking to try colored denim this year.

Quarry and orchid hush are going to be the sneaky ones. They are challenging to find purely because they are so unique. Quarry is a light gray-blue and orchid hush is literally the palest shade of lavender you will ever wear. Despite the difficulty in finding items in these colors, success will be very rewarding, as both are incredibly elegant. I might even try thrifting for orchid hush. It seems to me it was popular among stay-at-home moms in decades past :-)

Without a doubt, there is a shopping spree colored in various shades of trendy out there that fits your budget. Personally, I am okay with being just a little bit behind trends because that works for me financially. Already, I am planning a trip to a bag sale in one of the ritzier suburbs in the city. I am so psyched to make out like a bandit with all of the trendy cast-offs!

That sounds thoroughly unglamorous, but I am pumped, nonetheless!

This is Art: EW's Princess Bride Reunion Portrait

This needs no commentary. It's just . . . magical.

R.I.P., Andre the Giant.

Fashion Inspiration: Heaps of Heap!

While I'm ashamed to admit that I first discovered Imogen Heap because of Jason Derulo's ridiculously overplayed song "Whatcha Say" in which the chorus samples Heap's "Hide and Seek," she soon became famous to me in her own right and is now one of the most inspiring individuals in my life. I am amazed by the utterly transcendent quality of her tunes. Her lyrics are at once mysterious and relatable. Her voice is pure and unique, and her music meshes a folksy soft jazz with elements of dance and electronica. Not to mention that the simplicity of the "Hide and Seek" music video mixed with the complexity of the song itself almost makes me pass out every time . . .

It's her fashion sense, though, that really makes me feel right at home. I was forced to admit my strong affinity for her when Josh saw me making this collage for inspiration and peeked over my shoulder to say, "Oh, she's got your style." When I gave him a look of quizzical surprise, he corrected himself: "Or you've got hers . . . I don't know . . ."

Well, I don't think I'm quite that flamboyant, but that's cute that he noticed the similarities.

I'm amazed that while I initially labelled Imogen as too high fashion and unwearable for my taste, I've slowly come to realize that my wardrobe is made up of a lot of similar elements (statement scarves, "ratty" dresses, arm-warmers, and I-didn't-touch-this-today hair, anyone?).

Imogen's style is all about bold imperfection. She relies on bright colors, full-bodied fabrics and textures, and unfinished edges created by feathers, fringe, and fur. Of course, the most gorgeously imperfect element of her style is her wild and wonderful hair. Up or down, plain or embellished, Imogen's hair always makes an all-natural, easy, breezy, statement about how effortlessly chic this fashionista is.

I channelled the "unfinished" look with a gorgeous black fur vest and a frayed navy flower headband (our lady of the hour is big on flowers) as well as with the ruffling of the purple peasant skirt. The skirt glams the outfit up a bit with the smoothness of the sheer fabric, but it stays true to the slight bulkiness of many of Imogen's outfits with all of the ruffles. These pointed heels with ribbed sock cover-ups are totally something Imogen would wear, and the black sheer tights add a sexiness that is always so subtle with her. Of course, I had to incorporate some arm warmers, and these sweater gauntlets were just the thing. I would wear the vest as a top on it's own, but you might want to layer a long-sleeved t-shirt under something like this. Also, I would rock a messy updo with this outfit.That's important if your channeling Heap hair!

Be sure to check out some of Imogen Heap's music. There is so much more out there besides the notorious "Hide and Seek." I recommend "Goodnight and Go," "Speeding Cars," and "Headlock."

P.S. Her second outfit in the "Headlock" music video is to die for.

ASL to Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" (Uncensored)

Messiah College's Homecoming Coffeehouse a few years ago

You may not know this, but I am proficient (note I don't say "fluent") in American Sign Language. I am always quick to follow up that statement with the fact that  I am actually quite petrified of attempting to carry on signed conversations with members of the deaf community. What if they make fun of me?

I know. I'm pathetic.

What I am good at, however, is interpreting songs into ASL. I perform at coffee houses, church and school events, and even weddings lately. This is one of my greatest passions and talents and probably should have appeared on my blog sooner.

When I saw this video on a deaf and hard-of-hearing blog, I knew I had to share to introduce to my audience what is possible with signed musical interpretations! This girl has talent. Now, I try to avoid swearing as much as is humanly possible, so rather than post the actual video on my blog, I've just provided the Youtube link:

F*** You ASL Performance

She is on fiy-ah! I love how she starts out looking all sweet and then she pulls out bucketloads of attitude. I am so impressed. (She is way better than me, for the record) This is her final for a college ASL course. I feel so sorry for the person who presented after her . . .

Anyway, look forward to more ASL-related posts in the future now that I have acclimated you all to this unique art form.

This is Art: It All Ends

How fabulous is this shot of the cast?
If anyone can find the shoot this came from, look me up!

12:01 AM tonight/tomorrow morning. I never thought I would be one of those people. I would much rather have been one of the people who camped outside of bookstores the world over before the last book came out. Doing all this for a movie feels a bit cheap for an English and Communications major. Well, I guess film is a big part of mass communication and media . . .

Anyway, you don't want to listen to me deal with my guilt on here. You want to hear about Harry Potter!

By the way, how about this fan video? Just watched it for the third time. And cried. For the third time. Don't lie. You did, too.

The song "Marching On" is honestly a perfect embodiment of the journey that Rowling's characters have taken us on. I am so amazed at how the series has evolved and "grown up" at the same rate as it's main characters and as it's primary readership. The internal and interpersonal conflicts have traveled through early childhood bullying, pubescent romance problems, divided loyalties, and ultimate self-sacrifice.

The books are impossible to outgrow because they themselves are continually growing. For this reason, I refuse to believe that their impact could every truly end.

Fashion Inspiration: Death Eater Dresses?

In the trend forecast for Fall 2011 we see an emergent style which Elle magazine has dubbed Dark & Stormy. The fashion mag says of this trend, "Elongated silhouettes embellished with feathers, dramatic layers, and cut leather feel decidedly enchanting."

Mmmm. Decidedly enchanting. Sounds lovely. While Dark & Stormy may be a perfectly fine pet name for this spooky trend, the runway looks above made me think of something entirely different.



Due to the above models all sporting getups that Bellatrix Lestrange would certainly be able to rock, I am now christening the Dark & Stormy fashion trend . . . Death Eater Fashion!

But how to translate this "let's-get-in-touch-with-our-dark-sides" look into everyday life? Obviously because of the dark colors, this trend will be more appropriate come fall and winter, but there is no reason that you cannot sneak a little Death Eater into your daily getup. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Wear all black
• Wear lace and leather
• Elongate your silhouette
• Layer
• Add dark-colored feathers
• Don't do your hair

                 Pants, Top, Bandeau, Booties, Ring

High-waisted pants paired with heels are a great way to elongate your shape. These pants even have some B.A. little spikes at the ankles! Granted, they are a smidge pricey. The booties also have a classy level of edginess to them. Incorporate some more dark and stormy style by layering a lace crop top over a black bandeau. By the way, College Fashion did a great piece on styling crop tops over here. I also snuck in a snake ring to give tribute to the Slytherin snake.

Of course, any of the above elements could be styled to make a great death-eater-esque look for they days when you're feeling just a bit . . . you know . . . bad.

Are You Not Entertained: The Delightful Deathly Hallows (Beware of Spoilers)

Thrifted lace cut-out top, Charlotte Russe olive tee,
DIY shorts from thrifted trousers, American Eagle sandals

So I snuck a "What I Wore" in here, too. Sorry to surprise you. The title was getting too long!

Well, the book in my tender grasp serving as a nice summer accessory is, of course, none other than the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. You probably think that I'm doing what all other Harry Potter fans are currently doing--marathons! Watching all the movies! Reading all the books! Brushing up on all things Harry before it all ends this Friday!

Actually, I am reading The Deathly Hallows for the first time.

You see, before this past May 30th, I had never before seen a Harry Potter film, read a Harry Potter book, played a Harry Potter video game . . . you get the idea. I came from one of those families who didn't want their kids growing up thinking that some kinds of witchcraft were healthy and good.

Anyway, I then made it my summer project to journey through the entire series by the time the final film came out on July 15th. The plan was to read a book and then watch the movie ad infinitum until I was finished. Of course, life happened, and I sometimes ended up reading the book after the movie and I actually skipped parts of The Order of the Phoenix (shame on me). Nevertheless, here I am, about to emerge on the other side of a wonderful adventure in the mind of a brilliant author.

I so regret that I was not able to be a part of this cultural phenomen as I grew up, but I am also grateful that reading the books as an adult meant that I could better appreciate them as works of art.

P.S. The movies are pretty 'meh' compared to the books.

Did I fail to mention that this was the best book I have ever read?

Since getting married, I've been a bit of an emotional wreck, and things that I used to be able to enjoy stoically now move me to tears. I've cried over plenty of movies and songs, but this was the first book that has ever moved me to tears. That, my friends, is using the power of words in the way which God intended. Anything less is betraying the gift of language. Joanne Rowling, you are a witch in your own right. You have mastered the magic that is the English tongue.

Let me just say that I have loved Snape ever since The Sorceror's Stone and have been waiting for the magical moment when we find out that he is actually a good guy. The foreshadowing of this fact was too strong to ignore. When Harry began to explore Snape's memories through the Pensieve, I felt a lump growing in my throat every moment that I continued to read. And when Snape showed Dumbeldore his doe patronus representing Lily!

Oh my word . . . I was a goner. I bawled all the way through the rest of the Battle of Hogwarts.

Anyway, I am off to purchase tickets for a midnight showing. Josh and I were going to attend the premiere dressed as Harry and Ginny, but he has to work and I'll be going with my little sissy instead. How sad. Ah well, Halloween next year, right?

I kind of look like I'm still crying in this last one . . .

This is Art: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Elle

I have a confession to make. Yesterday when I did my fashion post about all the great flowy dresses I was seeing on celebs lately, I had no idea who Rosie Huntington-Whitely was beyond the fact that she was dating Jason Statham.

Today, I see that she has done a gorgeous spread for Elle and that I needed to check her out! Turns out she's the new chick in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Blech. But hey, she's lovely!

P.S. You need to check out the full photo shoot.

Live Well, Dress Well: Celebs "Dress" It Up on the Fourth

Katy Perry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jessica Alba, and Gwen Stefani
Photo credit

While perusing celebrity fashion over the past couple of weeks, I spotted a definite theme in the wardrobe choices of many stylish starlets. Apparently this summer is all about flowy dresses and fabulous sunglasses.

I am totally okay with this trend, as my flirty feminine side has definitely been coming out more and more since being married. Here I have collected a few different dresses that each channel the specific look each featured celebrity is going for.

Katy's Short, Lacy Number

ASOS, Target, Victoria's Secret, Urban Outfitters

Not surprisingly, I could not find a perfect replica of Katy Perry's very unique dress, but this little frock is just asking to be DIYed! Begin with any of the many available lacy or crocheted frocks from a variety of price ranges and then add floral decals similar to the ones on Katy's dress. Urban Outfitters offers many frocks with looks similar to the ones above as well as dresses with floral patterns similar to Katy's even if they do not share her dress's lacy texture.

Rosie's Fluttering Floral

Dillards, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was out with boyfriend Jason Statham shopping for July Fourth barbecue supplies in a flowy dress with a lovely flowered pattern. I actually had a very hard time finding an affordable version of Rosie's dress, but these three options channel her look fairly well. The Nordstrom's options are a bit pricey, but the shorter Urban Outfitters dress is very doable.

Jessica's Trendy Coral and Denim Pairing

Charlotte Russe, Boscov's, Old Navy, GoJane

I think mom-to-be Jessica Alba's trendy grocery shopping look could be achieved using any bold-colored maxi dress, but coral is certainly an easy to find and affordable option. If you are one of the lucky ladies who can still fit into juniors' clothing, Boscov's can offer you a coral maxi for a mere $17. You could also incorporate the nautical stripes from Gwen Stefani's outfit with the coral from Jessica's thanks to Old Navy's tiered maxi dress in Warm Sunset. Don't forget a cute denim jacket to complete the ensemble.

Gwen's Nautical Stripes

Piperlime, TopShop, Target, Nordstrom

Gwen Stefani's Independence day attire is my favorite outfit in this post. Her tiered, asymmetrical dress obviously has some distinct designer flair, but a similar look can be achieved with any number of nautical striped maxi dresses. If you're in the mood to rock Gwen's bold holiday look even after the Fourth, be sure to add bright red details.

Sunglasses, Sunglasses, Sunglasses!

Urban Outfitters, Iced Out Gear, Sunglass Warehouse, Urban Outfitters

These ladies seem to think it's all about cat-eyes and aviators. Who am I to disagree? With shades, it's all about what you're willing to pay. They are available everywhere from the dollar store to the shelves of Gucci's warehouse. Find a pair that you can rock no matter what.

Enjoy the Fourth looking fab as a Hollywood celeb!

Artist Inspiration: Ronald Jenkees

This fellow is a smidge of an internet phenom, so there is certainly a chance that you heard about him long before I did. This, however, does nothing to change the fact that Ronald Jenkees is a genius, if not a bit odd-looking (chipmunk aesthetic?), and that he is constantly my go-to playlist while I am "working" (aka, artsing and fartsing around). His niche is in electronica with subtle influences from symphonic and orchestral rock, so if that is not quite your thing, go listen to your favorite tunes rather than raining on my musical parade with hatin' comments.

This is "Stay Crunchy," Josh's and my favorite Jenkees jam from the "Disorganized Fun" album:

Many thanks to AudibleAudioArt for posting so many of Mr. Jenkees's songs to the wonderful world of YouTube. AudibleAudioArt, or Triple-A as I am going to call this chick/bloke (not sure which) from now on, describes her/his musical collection as "Like Candy for Your Ears." This tagline makes me smile because it taps into the medium-crossover that I love so much. Why can't music taste beautiful as well as sound beautiful? I don't know, but I'm sure I could find several psychologists who would have a few words to say about my synesthesia. Anyhow, check out this delicious channel when you get a chance.

Speaking of medium crossover, if anyone can tell me who the artist behind these images is, I will give them a trillion dollars--or just a hug--an e-hug of course. You're all kind of far away. These are the images Triple-A uses as for the Ronald Jenkees videos on YouTube, and they capture Jenkees's style in a way around which I cannot quite wrap my head.

On Triple-A's channel, Jenkees is quoted making an important and inspiring statement about his art:

 "If someone has no way of paying for my music, or if it's 'against their religion' to pay for anything digital (LOL), whatever the reason, I'd personally rather those people be able to enjoy my music rather than to not hear it at all. I'm not going to give a tutorial on how to download torrents of my album (google it, it's simple stuff) but I'm also not going to hate on anyone that downloads my music or shares it with a friend. That said, I still think it's important to support the stuff you like whether that's software, music, whatever . . .I hope that everyone will keep it in mind that I'm an independent artist. I make most of my music from scratch and I'm not signed to any record label."

This man is very progressive both in his sound and in his ideas about the nature of art and economy. Me likey! My kind of guy.

Fashion Inspiration: Kate Nash

Kate Nash is a British pop diva who fills my heart with such youthful delight that I can hardly stand it. Her music is playful and cheery without being syrupy sweet. She sings with just enough obnoxious irreverence to make her music real and significant to your average young person, and what's not to love about that accent?

I adore Kate's style not only because she is simultaneously classic and creative or because she masterfully utilizes color, but also because (in my experience) she is sexy without being slutty. She doesn't have to show off 95% of her skin in order to turn heads (Hello, gorgeous red hair?) She strikes me as a really confident and down-to-earth girl, as is suggested by the lyrics of her song "Mouthwash." For this reason she is one of my biggest style icons.

Photo Credits 1 and 2: Pipe Colors

This dress inspired this outfit:

I mostly leaned on Kate's color choices for inspiration in this case; however, the fun yet put-together feel of the pieces is also very her. She picks clothes that both flatter and delight by selecting well-fitting pieces with unique patterns and color combinations. The necklace that seems kind of random over there on the left was inspired by the low scoop neck of Kate's dress.

And this song inspired this outfit:

I don't know why, but an orange tank top and brown leather jacket totally says "cheese on toast" to me, and while you probably couldn't wear these fierce pumps to a disco without falling over on the dance floor, they have a disco-esque vibe for me. The flower hair accessory is there because . . . well, what says happy like a flower? It also illustrates how Kate comes off as sweet, but as the B.A. leopard pumps suggest, she has a wild side.

Does Kate Nash make you "Merry Happy," too?