Archive | Opinion RSS feed for this section

Serious water quality discussion needed in Des Moines

21 Apr

You wouldn’t leave a wolf to guard your flock of sheep.  However, moving the responsibility of monitoring Iowa’s water quality from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship would be doing just that.

Senate File 500 would transfer the control of watershed improvements and federal Clean Water Act programs out of the DNR as well in addition to water quality monitoring.  The original bill, House File 643, that spurned this controversy died during the first funnel week in the Senate.  It only adds to the need for discussion about Iowa’s waters and how they should be taken care of.

The move, if adopted, would create a devastating conflict of interest that could further harm water quality, wildlife and natural resources across the board.  The DNR’s work in this area is also a crucial part of the recovery that has barely arrived after the 2008 floods. Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , ,

Paris wears an arm-cape

7 Apr

Paris Hilton

Oh Paris Hilton, my love-hate relationship with you continues.  I hate your acting, but I usually love your clothes.  However, your recent fashion disaster is making me question it all.

Normally, you’re the one woman that can always rock the bling.  Your clothes can outshine any diamond or disco-ball and you still look more like a million bucks.  Many look tacky, you look fabulous.   This is the one-sleeved wonder definitely needed a little shine reduction.

The calf-length sleeve resembles a bullfighter’s cape more than a chic statement.  I might have gone for it with about a yard’s worth of fabric reduction, but there’s no way anyone could pull this look off.  Leave it on the runway girl, stick with something more practical and less old school.

Oh and one more thing, it’s spring. Keep your Christmas-red platforms in the closet until next winter.  You’re ruining my warm season fashion high.

Tags: , ,

Spice up your spring wardrobe – Ditch the florals

4 Apr

April has arrived, meaning that it’s time for us Midwestern girls to break out those spring clothes.  The cold weather will soon be gone and I’m hoping that most of these floral prints will leave with it.

The flowers will soon be blooming all over the ground, so they don’t need to take over your closet.  Here’s a few ways to bring some pop and color to your look without being typical.

Animal prints – Leopards, tigers and zebras, oh my!  These patterns (without the fur) are stylish and eyecatching all year round.  Whether you wear it as the central part of your ensemble, like with this Forever21 dress (pictured) or as an accessory, like this Urban Outfitters feather bracelet, you’re certain to stand out.  These pieces look great when paired with basics and are sure to be an asset to any wardrobe.  Whether you love feathers, spots or stripes I know you’ll find something to love here.

Other looks: Wendy Top-Slip Peacock
                          Leatherette Embossed Reptile Skin Handbag, Forever21 
Pareo, Express
                          Sleveless Draped Python Print Michael Kors Dress, Macys Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , , ,

ACM Fashion – What worked

4 Apr

Author’s note: This post also appeared on April 4, 2011 on HerCampus.com’s University of Iowa Chapter.  You can check that out here.

Laura Bell Bundy – Some critics are wondering whether or not Ms. Bundy will be able to make it in the country music industry, this is one fashionista I would hate to be without.  She looked absolutely perfect in this Jean Fares Couture gown.  The details on the dress made it a unique statement that would have grabbed attention all night long.  This is the kind of dress that should be seen more often on red carpets everywhere. Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Starry-eyed over this look

31 Mar

Adam Star-print silk tank, Net-a-porter.com

According to Elle Magazine, the new look of the season is stars -  accessories, shirts, dresses and more.  And I have to say, I’m LOVING it.

It is the perfect shape to spice up any print or look.  If they aren’t overdone with too much sparkle, stars can look very mature and elegant.  The tank to the right would look amazing paired with a leather jacket and some skinny jeans.

It is my new spring must have.  You’ll probably be able to catch me at the mall on the hunt for some starry fashion this weekend.

What do you think?  Love it or hate it?

Let me know in the comment section below.

Tags: , , ,

One spring trend isn’t all that

29 Mar

ASOS Stripe Egg Maxi Dress, Us.Asos.com

This spring’s trend that I love to hate is horizontal stripes.  And boy do I hate em’.

Now those who know me and have seen my closet are fully aware that I have always adored anything nautical.  That style is always in for me; in fact, half of my closet is navy.

However, this spring’s expansion on the nautical stripe for the soon to arrive warmer weather is a dud on real women.  Let’s face it ladies, anyone who wears anything over a size 4 is going to look broader in this type of fabric.  It accentuates any abdominal imperfections by accentuating everything but the waist.

As an accessory, this print is fabulous and funky.   However, I’m staying away from this style in dresses, shirts and skirts.  It is always better to dress for your figure than this season’s it style.

But enough about me, what do you think?  I’d love to hear about it in the comment section below.

Tags: , , , ,

Mr. President, let the tax cuts go

16 Mar

Photo by Dana Beveridge, Flickr

The president’s decision to extend the Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthy last fall was the biggest fiscal blow that the middle class has experienced in recent times.

President Barack Obama’s deal with Republican lawmakers was unpaid for and will cost the government $858 billion.  The tax cuts and unemployment benefits extension will not do much to stimulate the economy or relieve the burdens of the middle class.The legislation merely gives the Democratic president a campaign talking point.  Obama will be able to say he cut your taxes, but he cannot say that he did right by the economy.

President George W. Bush chose to create these temporary tax cuts at a time where he had inherited a budget surplus.  The money was flowing in, people were at work and in the meantime the housing bubble was quickly growing, soon to burst.  However, the country’s fiscal situation was substantially brighter and the bill was sellable to the American people.  Bush made the wrong decision to create these tax cuts, but at least they were not permanent.  The sunset should have occurred during President Barack Obama’s tenure as president, but it didn’t. Continue reading →

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Who wore it better – Nicky Hilton and Jamie King

14 Mar

So last Friday, Nicky Hilton and Jamie King pulled a Samantha and Miley ala Sex and the City 2, showing up to a French Connection event in the same dress.  So the question all over the web has been: who wore it better?

Hilton takes this one easily, pairing the mini with a waist flattering belt and silver bangles.  The choice of black pumps for both women was a good one, but King just flopped without any accessories.  The leopard print dress lacked any gusto without them.

The ladies did not seem to think much of the coincidence and posed for pictures together, laughing it off.  What do you think?  Who wore it better?

Tags: , , ,

Oscar Fashion: What worked

1 Mar

Author’s note: This post also appeared on March 1, 2011 on HerCampus.com’s University of Iowa Chapter.  You can check that out here.

Watching the red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards is always a blast for any college fashionista.  The 2011 ceremony was filled with gorgeous gowns that appealed to a multitude of tastes.  Each and every one of us had a moment where we gasped in amazement and almost died of jealousy.  Here’s a rundown of some of my personal favorites:

Halle Berry

If there was a Queen of Oscar Fashion, Halle Berry would own that crown.  Her Marchesa gown was a dream that must have drawn all eyes as she worked her way down the red carpet.  Her spiky pixie cut topped the ensemble off perfectly; she doesn’t need long locks to make jaws drop.

 

 

 

Sandra Bullock

Last year’s Best Actress defined elegance last night.  Her strapless Vera Wang gown and timeless up-do were classic and brilliant.  Bullock’s regality was hard to miss when pointing out brilliance in Oscar fashion.

 

 

 

 

Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz looked fiery and fierce alongside her hubby Javier Bardem.  Her L’Wren Scott gown showed off her flawless post-baby figure, catching light in all the right ways.  Nobody should have been able to keep their eyes off of this lady in red.

 

 

 

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway’s second look of the night was certainly the best chosen by Rachel Zoe.  Her entire wardrobe was stunning, but this Givenchy frock was exceptional.  Hathaway looked contemporary and youthful as she glided across stage in this gown.

 

 

 

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson made me dream in tangerine on Oscar night.  This gorgeous Versace gown was by far the best of the night.  Her new svelte figure shone through, highlighting her natural beauty in perfect elegance.

 

 

 

Jennifer Lawrence

If there were a dress that stood out on its own, this one was it.  Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning in this simple Calvin Klein creation, no jewelry necessary.

 

 

 

 

Natalie Portman

The Best Actress winner stunned everyone in this plum Rodarte gown, Jimmy Choo heels and Tiffany earrings.  Portman looked elegant, sleek and regal while both working the carpet and accepting her Oscar.  If only we could all look forward to being this gorgeous during pregnancy.

 

 

 

Hailee Steinfeld

Finally there’s a beautiful young woman who works carpet with style and class well beyond her years.  The Best Supporting Actress nominee helped Marchesa design this age-appropriate work of art.  Let’s hope this is just the beginning of incredible fashion choices for years to come.

So you’ve seen some of my favorites, what were yours?  Sound off below in the comment section!

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.