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Fabulous Florals

April 17, 2013 at 6:00 am , by Bethany Porter

If you’re a little fearful of prints, this is the year to break out of your solids shell! Stripes, polka dots, and florals are back in a big way and they’re easier to wear than you think. To ease a patterned piece into your wardrobe stick with a cut that is classic. This thigh-length blazer is a wardrobe staple. Pair it with your favorite colored denim or standard blues and top the look off with a fun sandal. Keep your bag neutral and your jewelry delicate to avoid an overly busy look.

blazer, Topshop at Nordstrom, $136, camisole, Topshop at Nordstrom, $36, jeans, Target, $23, nude sandals, Dorothy Perkins, $59, blue sandals, Calvin Klein at Macy’s, $109

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Carrie Ann Inaba’s Season 16 Dancing With the Stars Blog: Week Five

April 16, 2013 at 5:39 pm , by Ladies' Lounge

I woke up this morning after a restless night of heartache for the suffering and pain that was caused yesterday by the Boston Marathon bombing, and I don’t think I was alone in that state. Yesterday was a very sad day indeed and my heart continues to go out to all of those affected by this incredibly cruel act of disrespect for human life. For all of us at Dancing with the Stars, there was a strong feeling of duty for our fellow human beings. At about 3:00 p.m., just two hours before show time, there was talk of pre-empting us due to local news coverage. But in the end, they decided that people needed to be able to change the channel from the coverage for their children, to have something else available on the television set to lighten hearts and ease people’s minds, if only for short while. I think it was a good decision. Some people may have needed a respite from the heaviness of the news and the questions that have once again arisen about our safety.

Yesterday our vulnerabilities were once again exposed in a tragic act of someone or some organization. We don’t know who did this yet. But my stomach churns to think of a mind that would come up with such a terrible creation of destruction and pain that hurt so many innocent people, people who were at the finish line to support their loved ones and cheer them on in their most challenging hour. May God bless all of them.

I pray for their suffering to be eased by the love that is pouring out to them from everyone across our country. Social media and the internet have become important tools in times of crisis. I’ve found that when someone is troubled, Facebook and Twitter provide wonderful platforms of support. When a family member is sick, or has passed on, the support that is given via tweets and Facebook posts is truly comforting and life-changing. I know this from my own experience, but I certainly saw it yesterday and it’s a beautiful thing. Sure, some people use the platform to spread hateful words and anger, but the love overpowers the negativity. That’s what is so incredible about the human race. We have found a way to make computers, technology, and apps tools of humanity. Yesterday, the tweets and posts were so uplifting and helpful. There were updates, photos, videos, places for people to stay, support and valuable information being shared non-stop. People helping each other… that’s what I saw yesterday both outside and inside the ballroom.

What happened in the ballroom yesterday is tiny compared to what happened in America, but I hope that it helped to lift the hearts of those who watched us yesterday despite this terrible situation we’re in. But we’re in it together, and we each can play a part. We can do something to help those who’ve been hurt by the bombings, both emotionally and physically. It’s our duty as human beings to do what we can to help our fellow human beings in their time of need. And each act of kindness and generosity helps to heal our own hearts.

I want to thank all the dancers for putting their hearts into their dances and giving so much of themselves. Ali is from Boston and had wonderful words to say about where she grew up. Our first two tens of the season, by Val and Zendaya, were dedicated to the Bostonians. There was a strong feeling of camaraderie amongst the crew, cast, audience and everyone who is a part of our show. We all knew we had to do our thing and that “the show must go on” for everyone at home who wanted a friend to sit with in their living room for a few hours, to take their mind off of what was happening. It seems strange to say, but there was more joy in the ballroom last night… there was more light and more vitality than I’ve felt in a while. I think that opening number was incredible. I wish they would do that every week; it added so much energy to the show. It was like a black pleather shot of liquid vitamin B—nothing but energy. It was a performance that celebrated our strength, vitality and never-ending determination. We all know that what happened yesterday isn’t going away and is now a part of our history. We will not forget this, but we will not let it stop us either…the dancing will continue and remind us to celebrate life.

That’s all for today. May you all be safe and celebrate life!

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Spring Must Have Accessories

February 12, 2013 at 11:24 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Yes, we know it’s still cold out but we are just so darn excited about spring! You might not be ready, whether physically or emotionally, to start shopping for spring clothing but why not get a head start on some accessories. Here are some must haves!

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