Happy New Year!

So we have reached the end of 2011. What say you? Good? Bad? Meh? Good, bad, or indifferent, in about 12 hours it will all be over. 2011, that is. Here is what I resolve to do in the new year:

1. Become fully financially independent. I'll be honest, I'm not entirely sure what financial independence means. But if it means walking into a restaurant and knowing that your card isn't going to be declined when you go to pay, sign me up! I won't be making this journey alone. I will have the ladies (and gents) of LearnVest to help me along. If, like me, you would describe yourself as financially illiterate, sign up for LearnVest's daily emails and free(!) financial bootcamps. It just may be the encouragement you need to keep it in your purse. Your plastic, that is!


2. Read at least one new book per month. I have decided to start with The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Note: I have built in a Hunger Games hiatus for the week of March 23, 2012. During the week of March 23rd, I am totally permitted to stop everything and (re)immerse myself in the world of jabberjays and Capitol mutts.

3. Eat (slightly) less cheese than I currently eat right now. I may be approaching that age when my cholesterol may actually matter. Maybe.

4. Get my cholesterol checked. This will determine just how much cheese I will have to eliminate from my diet.

Whether your new year's resolutions include losing those last 5 (or 10 or 15, or whatever) pounds, making an appointment to see your doctor, getting to the gym regularly, calling your grandparents more often, or learning a new language, best of luck to you! If you are out tonight, please make sure you have a designated driver or the number for at least one cab company programmed into your cell phone. If you are partying in the LA area, The Auto Club of Southern California offers free "tipsy tow" services to members and non-members alike. Tipsy tow will not only provide you with a safe ride home, but they will also tow your car anywhere within 7 miles of the point of pick-up. To contact AAA Tipsy Tow, call 1-800-400-4222.

I had to think and think and think some more to come up with a popular song that includes some reference to NYE. This is what I came up with. Hopefully your evening is more fun than this guy's was. And despite what One Republic and Timbaland say, it's never too late to Apologize. Happy New Year, friends!

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What I'm Running To: Let it Whip by Dazz Band

Is there anything better than walking into a store to get your shop on and hearing your jam blaring over the speakers? I don't think so. I happened to experience this special kind of euphoria last week while doing some last minute Christmas shopping. I'll give you three guesses as to what song was playing. Congrats on surviving Christmas, friends. Let it whip!

p.s. Does this song remind anyone else of that very special episode of Felicity where Noel found out his girlfriend (played by Road Trip's Amy Smart) was pregnant and sought counsel from everyone's favorite bad boy with a poet's soul, Ben? And Ben realized that he was in love with Felicity (again), but she had started seeing that guy with the weird hair, Greg? And then they all came together to paint Noel and Elena's apartment to this song?

Man, that was a good show. I actually went as far as to YouTube that video so that I could post it here and drown you all in my early 2000s television nostalgia. But guess what? The YouTubed Felicity painting party video does not contain that song. I'm guessing that the CW or whoever did not obtain the rights to put "Let it Whip" in the DVD version of the show. That's just my guess because I pulled out my personal VHS collection of Felicity episodes that I taped back in the day and confirmed that "Let it Whip" was, in fact, the song Ben's quiche-making roommate, Sean, put on at the painting party. Anyone else out there miss the adventures of Felicity and her amazing head of hair? Pin It

The Stylish Women of Murder House

American Horror Story is proof positive that great style is not limited to the living. In honor of tonight's season finale, here's a look at some of the stylish women of Murder House:

Clockwise from left:

Nora Montgomery: Prohibition chic. The original first lady of Murder House is destined for all eternity to sport 1920's waves and red lipstick. Sporting a retro beaded or flapper-esque dress this holiday season? Look to Nora's polished face-framing waves and bold lip for some stylespiration (Style + inspiration =stylespiration. Cute, no? No? Oh well).

Violet Harmon: Smells Like Teen Spirit. Murder House's favorite daughter definitely has a Kurt Cobainy-Angela Chasey-grunge thing going on. If you are single-handedly trying to bring back the flowered baby doll dresses and combat boots, look to Violet for some seriously angsty style cues. Keep the hair long, loose, unstyled, and just a little bit dirty. If you are truly a grunge princess, you probably have not showered in several days so this won't be a problem. If you are a grunge poser, fake second-day hair with dry shampoo. I love this one, but there are also some great drugstore versions available if you are not interested in making the $21 investment. 

Moira and . . . Moira: The (literally) two-faced housekeeper of Murder House is all red hair and porcelain skin. Moira keeps her make-up simple and dewy with a cat eye and highlighted cheekbone. And let's be honest here, the rest is the outfit. 

The Black Dahlia: Ever wonder what happened to the Black Dahlia? The writers of American Horror Story don't. Murder House's most famous resident looks just as you pictured her. Especially if you pictured her looking a lot like Mena Suvari. Want to copy the Black Dahlia's signature style? That's a little morbid, but I ain't mad at 'cha. Start by spraying your hair with hair spray. Curl small sections of hair around small or medium-sized electric rollers and coat with a second spritz of hair spray. Let the rollers set while you do your make-up. Make-up should consist of a clean, lined eye and a defined red lip. Skip the blush. Skip the bronzer. The lips are center stage here. Gently remove the rollers and spray with, yes, a third coat of hair spray. I love, love, love this one. Carefully break up the curls and pin back the sides of the hair with bobby pins. Finish by pinning the flower of your choice behind one ear.
Vivien Harmon: The woman of Murder House. Ben's anguished wife has been holding it down (minus that little stint in the mental institution, of course) with long, flowing waves and neutral make-up. Want to copy Viv's signature coif? Separate your hair into three sections--like tiers on a cake. Comb out each section and spray with hairspray. Wrap 1" sections around a large-barreled curling iron and hold for 15 seconds. Open the clamp of the curling iron and pull the curling iron straight down, being careful not to disturb or pull on the wave. Let the curl cool as you continue curling pieces around your head. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. When you get up to the sections around your face, wrap the hair around the curling iron so that the curls are directed away from your face. Finish with another light spritz of hair spray before breaking up the curls with your fingers.     

Hayden: If you are a crazy chick, or you just want to look like one, look no farther than Ben's psychotic mistress for beauty tips. Hayden is all about the serious raccoon eye. If your crazy stare is what brings all the boys to the yard, circle your peepers several times with a thick black kohl pencil like this one (in Oil Slick for shimmer or Zero for matte) and let everything else go. Bonus points for the soft, romantic hair. Anything that keeps them guessing about just how coocoo for Cocoa Puffs you really are.

Spend the night with the women of Murder House tonight at 10 p.m., when the season one finale of American Horror Story premieres on FX. What say you, friends? Have you been tuning in to this creep show? Any theories as to how the first season will end? 

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Last Minute Christmas: 20 for $25 or Less

Because it isn't really Christmas unless there is a full family brawl, we decided long ago to swap the whole "joy of giving" thing for a little shouting match we like to call "white elephant." Rules are changed and broken, deals are brokered, alliances are formed. Welcome to a Very Riley Christmas. If you happen to find that you are still in need of a special stocking stuffer, a gift for your secretary, or a white elephant gift valued at $25 or less, these recommendations are for you. Ho ho ho.

1. Bon Iver-For Emma, For Ever Ago, Urban Outfitters, $14.98 

2. Phd Ski Light Socks by Smart Wool, Athleta, $19.00 

3. Nordstrom Cashmere Blend Fingerless Gloves, Nordstrom, $24.90

4. The Hunger Games Juniors Tribute Spray T-Shirt, Amazon, $22.00

5. Awkward Family Pet Photos, Urban Outfitters, $15.00

6. Philosophy Hope in a Jar Ornament, Sephora, $15.00

7. Frozen Waves Earrings, Anthropologie, $19.95

8. Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Pocket, Athleta, $20.00

9. Steve Madden Kattiie Slipper, Piperlime, $24.99

10. Milk Bottle Measuring Cups, Anthropologie, $24.00

11. Sunflower Pitcher, Anthropologie, $14.95

12. Josie Maran Organic Argan Oil, 0.5 oz, Sephora, $14.00

13. Kate Spade 2012 Wall Calendar, Kate Spade, $20.00

14. Mustache Shaped Flask, Urban Outfitters, $18.00

15. Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest, Athleta, $25.00

16. Jonathan Adler Giraffe Ornament, Nordstrom, $24.00

17. Plan an Adventure Blackberry Pouch, Kate Spade, $25.00

18. The Big Lebowski Tee, Urban Outfitters, $24.00

19. The North Face "Bones" Microfleece Beanie, Nordstrom, $20.00

20. Tinley Road Hammered Gold Stud Earring, Piperlime, $16.00

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What I'm Running to: Do They Know it's Christmas 1984 by Band Aid

When I think of Christmas, I think of Boy George. What? You don't? Well, you will now. Behold the original Band Aid. Never before was a better group of shoulder-padded blazers assembled, and never would there be again. Enjoy. But Band Aid wasn't done. Band Aid II recorded Do They Know it's Christmas in 1989, with an extra side of cheese. Oh, hi, Kylie Minogue. Then along came Band Aid 20 in 2004. Now with Chris Martin! And rap!  And finally, because no popular music is immune from the Glee treatment . . . Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, friends! Pin It

The Hunger Games Takes On: Legos?

I'll admit it. I'm just a slave to the marketing machine that is Lionsgate's promotion of  the upcoming film for The Hunger Games. This new look at The Hunger Games trailer, however, comes from a YouTuber named CarCrashcorp. Meet Lego Katniss, Lego Prim, Lego Gale, and Lego Peeta. What's with the sinister smile, Lego Peeta?
p.s. You can find the real trailer for Liongate's Hunger Games here. Pin It

What She Wore To Court: Lindsay Lohan

Finally a bit of good news for LiLo. Not only did she complete her required 12 shifts at the LA County Morgue and her required 5 psychotherapy sessions this month, but she actually dressed appropriately for her December 14th court appearance! Brava, LiLo! Here is what she wore, and what I thought about it:

1. When more is too much: the trouble with Lindsay's hair. My biggest criticism of Lindsay's court look pertains to her low, platinum pony. It's a mistake every bottle blonde, myself included, has made: taking it blonderexic. Here's how it happens, you go in for a few highlights. You know, something subtle and natural. When you're back in your colorist's chair 6 weeks later, you hear yourself tell her "you know, let's just go a little bit lighter . . ." 6 weeks later you're saying "let's turn it up, summer's right around the corner!" And the next thing you know, you are a damaged, washed out, blonderexic mess. Lindsay's hair here is clearly damaged, and worse, it doesn't go with her skin tone. It's too blonde. Return to red, Lindsay! It's nice over here! 

2. Lindsay kept her jewelry simple with a delicate pendant necklace. I love a pendant for everyday because it affords an opportunity to purchase a signature piece that murmurs something about who you are. I fully believe that your daytime jewelry, like your fragrance, should whisper, not scream. Score one for Lindsay. Bonus points for not allegedly stealing a necklace to wear to her court appearance.

3. Lindsay's loose cardy is a giant step up from this business, for sure. A courthouse is not the place to let it all hang out. That said, I think that Lindsay could have gone a bit more tailored on top to account for the looseness of the trousers. The key to pulling almost any outfit together is balance: a loose bottom is balanced by a more fitted top. A form-fitting top is balanced by a loose, flowing bottom. I also would have liked to have seen a color on top. I would have paired her pleated trousers with this sweater, but as with her supervised probation, it is nice to see our little Mean Girl making progress.    

4. So you probably hate Lindsay's pants, but I'll be honest, I ain't mad at them. I think that if she had better balanced the proportion on top, the pants wouldn't look as borderline sloppy as they do in this photo. As a side note, if you are little hippy, you are probably thinking that you need to stay away from pants like Lindsay's. The opposite is actually true. The pants create a natural curve without clinging to your curves. If you are thigh heavy, as I am, the generous hip and thigh cut of these pants actually pull the eye away from that area and direct it down the leg. 

5. Girl, you know I love a pointy-toed heel. Guess what? I love these ones too. 

6.  The call of the wild: if you feel so compelled to pop an animal print in court, your accessories are a completely appropriate place to do it. A leopard print bag, belt, or shoes is all style without the Snookie. Note: a leopard print bag, belt, and shoes is a little "Jerseylicious." Looking for a great leopard print bag? I lurrrrvvvee this one.

As I side note, I do take some issue with Lindsay's attorney's attire. When I think chic attorney, I think Shawn Chapman Holley. If you happen to be an attorney looking for professional style inspiration, I wouldn't hate you for following in Shawn's fashion footsteps. I would, however, recommend that you not do this: 

Photo courtesy of am New York

Whether your hearing is 5 minutes or 5 hours long, I don't believe that going sleeveless in court is ever appropriate. Had Shawn Holley thrown a cardigan (I would have topped this sweater with a little red cardy, but that's just me) or a blazer over the top of her black and white sleeveless top, I would have been all over it. Not every hearing requires the full Chanel suit treatment, but I do believe (and this may be old fashioned,  but I don't care) that if you are appearing before a judge, your shoulders should be covered. Also, girl, it was not that warm here on Wednesday. You could have worn a sweater. Just sayin. 

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