The Art of Emulation

What is a guru?

According to Miriam Webster, a guru is a knowledgeable, expert guide in matters of fundamental concern. From this I gather that in order to obtain the said knowledge and expertise, one must learn to incorporate the fundamentals of the expertise, rather than attempt to imitate every detail. This is where emulation comes into play. To master what the master has mastered! While maintaining one's own integrity and staying true to oneself. To incorporate and put into practice the theoretical examples and teachings of the guru, while tailoring it to apply to one's own life and personality. The honorable title 'guru' has been bestowed upon the most historically important and influential teachers in the world, such as Gandhi. So the esteemed guru I'd like to use to exemplify the skill of emulation? Yep, that's right, Ashley Tisdale.

Sadly I haven't set out emulate her impeccable career choices (i.e. High School Musical 3).

Rather, I think any aspiring fashionista in her early 20's can learn a thing or two from the tizz.

Below are pictures that typify the essence of her style, and how to apply her fashion savvy to what you already own in your closet. Guru? Maybe not. Effortless trendsetter? Now that's a discipline I'm inspired by.

~Skinnies and booties update a basic jacket~

~A a hint of color and animal print pop against a monotoned backdrop~

~Long shirts evolve into dresses with a simple layer under~

~All black accessories add edge to rose hues~

~Take a simple outfit from day to night with a blazer and retro booties~

~Keep those plaid shirts current with coats and flat boots~

~Pair the girliest dress you own with masculine pieces for impact~

~Summery floral blouses are perfect for colder weather with a caramel leather jacket~

~ Tone down a voluminous sweater with skinny jeans and boots to balance proportions~

~Lighten up the seriousness of a long black coat with a fun scarf peeking through~

~Combining one trend (like studded boots) with a casual outfit is powerful~

~Committing to an all black outfit downplays the shock of an oversized sweater and tall leather boots~

~In contrast, sporting all white brightens multiplies the simplicity of chicness~

Fall Obsessions

It's been a while, but like they say, there is no time like the present. And what better way to revel in the present than to dish on my absolute favorite time of the year? I have been patiently peering out of my front door every morning since October 1st, in hopes ofdiscovering an autumn wonderland of golden and auburn leaves falling to the ground amidst a crisp breeze like a shaken up snow globe. Of course I've been disappointed by the summer's arid stubbornness, but like they also say, all good things are worth waiting for. (Who is 'they' anyway?) If there's anything I've learned from good things coming my way, the wait is always worth it.

In hopes to induce Fall of 2010, I've arranged a culmination of all things that make me, well, fall, deeper in hopeless love with theseason. These are things that imbue me with that quintessential autumn feeling of crispness yet warmth, of snuggly comfort, and of seasonal revery. Ultimately, my fall obsessions are probably the very reasons why I embrace Fall so much.

Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte

What better way to embrace the season than by sipping on the best autumn flavors trapped in a starbucks cup? Not a pumpkin fan? The gingerbread latte or toffee nut mocha will fill you up with that same satisfying, delicious warmth.

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Comfy Sweaters

Fall is the perfect excuse to feed my sweater fetish and stock up on nubby toppers that are both fashionable and functional. Not only do the layers keep you warm, you feel fabulous in them! The best way to make a statement this fall is to incorporate current fashion trends with sweater stable basics. You can achieve this by adding aone shoulder or belted detail to a classic fair isle print. Ruffles, ties, and buckles add that pop ofdetail or hardware to classic sweaters. Lastly, keep all those fun summer colors in your wardrobe rotation. There will be no black, white, and grey cold weather slumps here! The best part? All of these sweaters are under $40 and can be found at ami clubwear

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Pumpkin Patches

Nothing screams autumn to me like a trip to the pumpkin patch. The bright orange pumpkins, the rustic hay, the countryside backdrop, pumpkin patches rival Disneyland as the happiest place on earth. Carving the pumpkins and baking pumpkin seeds are added bonuses. The best part? It's the perfect outing for spending quality time with your loved ones, which is what this season is all about.

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Fall Home Decor

Bring your beautiful surroundings inside this fall. By adding splashes of fall themed accessories to your home, you will warm up your living space and set the perfect visual mood for this time of year. Look for inspiration outside. Incorporate the colors of the leaves, the textures of the branches, and the smells of the fruits and vegetables in season. Light pumpkin, apple, or spiced candles, and enhance their appearance by surrounding them with dark nested branches with sugared berry accents. Update furniture with wine, chocolate, and amber hued accent pillows and throws. Load your favorite things about fall (pumpkins, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, hay) into a beautiful glass bowl or two for the perfect centerpiece. Don't forget hints of green to keep the look fresh. The result? an effortlessly rustic chic vibe suitable for any style living space.

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The Great Outdoors

While others have ditched their bikini season diet, you can one-up the season of feasting and enjoy nature at the same time. Dedicate the time to briskly walk or jog through the beautiful trails and parks available to you. There is no better way to enjoy the outdoor's offerings than to crunch through the colorful leaves and inhale the fresh air. Meanwhile, you're increasing the rate at which your body metabolizes food, which will come in handy when you give into the many indulgences that accompany the fall. Don't feel guilty, keep up your exercise regimen and enjoy that well deserved gingerbread latte!

You can learn a lot from the flowers.

I was so inspired when I came across this simple yet profound statement recently. The phrase has the adolescent spark of a young child, which is probably why it carries so much weight. What really can a flower teach us? These things of beauty, said to be the biological manifestation of God, constantly surround us yet usually blend into the background. I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the significant benefits of keeping blooming pods of perfection around. Useful only for decoration? I think not. Consider these facts next time you spot a bouquet of floral beauties at your grocery store or farmers market.

Flowers have an immediate and significant impact on happiness.

Flowers can improve your mood for long periods of time.

Flowers harbor intimacy between family, friends, and loved ones.


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Ontop of their inherent benefits, the presence of flowers will transform any room from well decorated to flawless instantly. Here are some ideas for incorporating flora into your living spaces.

Use unconventional containers, such as rain boots, pitchers, tins, or watering cans, to act as a vase for flowers.





Make flowers the centerpiece for your coffee, kitchen, or dining room table, even small side tables, to add a fresh, inviting warmth to your home. Keep the flowers in simple vases or pots, and place candles around them at random for maximum impact.

For the closet Shopaholic.

Anything that is socially acceptable to do while wearing only underwear, I love. I'm talking about online shopping- of course. But leave it to shipping and handling fees to ruin my lust for the ever seductive UPS man carrying my package to my door. Upon discovering Coupon Cabin, I have silenced the voices in my head preventing me from clicking the "checkout" button and am always in the mood- to online shop. So it hasn't solved all of my qualms with online shopping, but the issue of waiting for purchases to ship won't be solved until the whole time traveling thing gets sorted out. At least now, I can survey what my beloved world wide web has to offer my wardrobe without the mood-killing s&h fee looming a few steps away. Coupon cabin is simple, just type in the store you wish to get promotions from, then enter the promotion codes where it indicates to while checking out online. More often than not, you'll snag free shipping and discounts. Happy shopping!

Click here for the coupon cabin website.

Everyone can use a new outlook.

Maybe you've already heard of the runaway cultural phenomenon that is "the secret". If you haven't, you are in for a great life lesson. Never has science and spirituality met at such a practical crossroad. Sure, elements of the movie are cheesy and contrived, to say the least, but the contents of "The Secret" will improve your day if not change your life. So take a look, and get a glimpse into what the law of attraction can offer you.

Click here to watch the first 20 minutes of "The Secret."