ImTwentySomethingIsh

WEATHERED.

The weather outside is frightful…so I am staying home curled up in bed reading my new book from the social media conference I attended this week, drinking a Jones Zilch Black Cherry Soda, and listening to my new favorite song on repeat. 

With this month bringing showers to the Knoxville area, I have decided to start researching some purchases I will be making soon and decided to share my findings with you.

Top Rain Gear Finds 2011

1. Umbrella

Printed Umbrella (Cloud Print)-Urban Outfitters-$38

Bella Pagoda B&W Pinwheel Umbrella-Umbrellas.net-$129

 2. Rain Shoes

Rubber Slip-ons-Sperry Topsider at Jcrew-$98

Womens Original Rain Boots- Hunters at Bloomingdale’s-$125

Rain or Shine Flats-Anthropologie-$130

3. Trench

Cotton Twill Trench-AK Anne Klein at Belk-$99.50

Double Breasted Trench Coat-Zara-$99.90

Double Breasted Waxed Cotton Trench Coat-Burberry-$750

Stay stylish during this sometimes soggy month!

WEEKEND.

Who: You and your friends (in my case Shelly Gaughan and Samantha Doust)

What: Weekend trip from Knoxville (4 hour car ride)

When: One weekend

Where: Charlotte, North Carolina

Why: Because I loved it—and so should you!

{Eat at the Penguin Drive-In located in the Commonwealth neighborhood}

{Go view the beautiful McGill Rose Garden on North Davidson}

{Grab a cup of coffee at the Smelly Cat located in the NoDa neighborhood}

{Walk up & down the main street of the NoDa neighborhood-where food, art & shopping line the streets…along with a local market down the road}

{Also take time to walk around the Commonwealth area—many vintage and antique shops line the streets along with high end boutiques, night time spots, and restaurants like the Fuel Pizza Cafe which has been converted from a gas station into a pizza place}

{For those with canine friends—grab a beverage at “The Dog Bar“—Charlotte’s only pet friendly bar}

{Need a quick sandwich before walking the streets of NoDa?  Stop into the Salvador Deli for their great cubano sandwich located on North Davidson}

{Admire the many murals and graffiti artwork throughout the NoDa neighborhood-this one highlights many well known local NoDa residents}

{Before you leave—make sure to enjoy a night out with your closest friends—at a place you enjoy! This bar is Sanctuary located in the NoDa neighborhood}

HAIR.

Who: Lox Salon

What: Shampoo, Haircut, and Style

When: Anytime (but I recommend Thursdays—see why below)

Where: 103 W. Jackson Avenue 37902

Why: Best place I have gotten a haircut in Knoxville during the five years I have lived here…plus the girls were so nice and helpful….and they have stuff for sale from local artists, including hair accessories, clothes, and products.

Special Tip: Students—schedule an appointment for Thursdays (30% discount with student ID)

Building located on the corner of W. Jackson and Central Avenue in the heart of the historic Old City Knoxville

Lox features events other than hair styling appointments.  The ladies regularly have events during First Friday including art displays and music.

                                                 *pics via

Some of the stylists from Lox Salon—these ladies have great individual style!  However, I am more conservative and they still managed to make me look stylish yet classic!  The interior of this salon is fantastic, with old wood and a big open space so people don’t feel cramped next to other clients. The historic Old City area where the salon is located is known for their very old buildings, and this place does not disappoint.  Even if you don’t need a haircut, stop in for some shopping and looking around at the artwork that adorns the walls.

Market.

                         

                        *via

Who: Bearden Beer Market

What: Beer market (buy beer by the glass, six packs, even kegs) and garden (stay and hang out with friends, play cornhole, and enjoy the outdoor atmosphere) where friends can go to grab a beer that you can’t find in other Knoxville locations

When: During your night of restaurant and bar hopping around town

Where: 5424 Old Kingston Pike

Why: Where can you find this selection of beer on the same corner of Ashe’s Wine and Spirits for your friends who enjoy a cocktail more than a cold one, across the street from the famous Long’s Drug Store where you can fill up on a delicious chocolate shake or greasy burger, and down the block from the Taco Truck parked over by the Marathon gas station on Kingston Pike?

FACE.

As a twentysomething always wanting to look her best, I try to keep my makeup soft and subtle with a hint of glamour.  As a recent college graduate, I decided it was time to up my usual no-makeup to class look with a sophisticated look I could wear to work each day then easily change to night time if I needed to be somewhere in a rush.

Knowing nothing about what makeup looked good or not on myself, I ventured over to Sephora (most girl’s usual makeup spot here) in the West Town Mall in Knoxville.  A really funny woman with the craziest red hair and brightest blue eyeshadow came over to help me.  She decided she would give me a “makeup re-vamp” and although I was terrified she was going to make me look like Lady Gaga…she actually gave me a classic look that made me feel confident but also gave me that boost into the “Hey I have a classic look—but I feel so much more glamorous!”

Let’s just say I am starting my more sophisticated and professional life with a look to match—but I know how to amp up my face for a night out on the town with friends and colleagues.

My new and improved makeup kit:

1. Sephora Primer ”Tricks of the Trade” Perfection Primer—$18

2. Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 15 Matte Foundation in Golden Tan—$28

3. Nars Blush in Orgasm—$27

4. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Eye Primer—$18

5. Too Faced Natural Eye Netural Eye Shadow Collection—$35

6. Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara in Rich Black—$19

7. Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Sunset—$14

FASHION.

Who: Salon and Spa Visage

What: Charity Fashion Show of Remake, Remodel: A Benefit fashion show for Haiti

When: Saturday, March 12, 2011

Where: Bliss Entertainment Venue in the Old City area

Why: An opportunity to attend the very RARE fashion show to hit the Knoxville area and check out a new venue in the Old City with friends

Clothing provided by: OBLIGATO in Knoxville

Makeup and Hair provided by: Salon and Spa Visage

Break.

Who: Twentysomethings

What: Spring Break 2011

When: March

Where: Miami, Florida

Why: Need a break from all the chaos in Knoxville!

After a long past few months after graduating college, I decided to treat myself to a spring break trip which has not happened since high school.  I could have gone to Destin or Panama City Beach like the rest of Knoxville-however I decided to hit up Miami, Florida and have some fun by myself somewhere that I would not have to see people I knew around every corner.

One good thing about Miami for me is that I have relatives who live in the area.  However, even a twentysomethingish guy or girl with doesn’t know anyone can have a great trip!  Here are a few of the higlights of my trip and hopefully next time you are planning to go down to Miami, you will remember a few of the things I pointed out.

DAY 1: South Beach

What to do:

Arrive in Miami!

Eat dinner at Puerta Sagua on the main strip of South Beach

Shop at ZARA, MANGO, AND DASH MIAMI

Stop by the Chesterfield Bar & Lounge or if you like a wilder scene-Fat Tuesday’s!

DAY 2: South Beach

What to do:

Lay out on the beach

Rent a jet ski if you feel so inclined

Play volleyball along the beach

Eat a sushi lunch in South Beach

Grab a drink at one of the many bars or restaurants along Ocean Drive that runs parallel with the beach

Drive over to Sunset Place outdoor mall and check out their three story building that hosts a mix of different shops and restaurants

Eat dinner at your second cuban restaurant stop of the trip!

DAY 3: Biscayne Bay

What to do:

Go to this family beach just ten minutes down the road from South Beach if you are not feeling the party crowd today and would rather rest and relax alone

Catch a starfish

Lay out…again.

Drive over to Little Havana to see a bit of history from Cuba’s past and how the Cubans in Miami enjoy themselves in this area today

Don’t eat cuban again today…take a break…maybe some yogurt…and nothing else.

Have a random local (in my case-my relatives) show you around the city by car (I stopped by Florida International University, the Biltmore Hotel, Miracle Mile, and many beautiful residential areas)

DAY 4: South Beach/Coral Gables/Coconut Grove

What to do:

Lay out one more time before you have to leave so it looks as though you have been relaxing and tanning the whole trip!

Drive through Coral Gables and Coconut Grove areas to see some cute houses and shopping in a more bohemian area of town

Pack up—it’s time to head home!

My tips to save time, money, and headaches:

1. Take the bus or the train line—I drove and almost wrecked about a million times!  Unless you are used to large city traffic-do not attempt this!  Also, parking in South Beach costs about $20 for the day, so you might save money by just getting a bus or train pass AND not have to worry about drinking and driving!
2. Eat at hole in the wall cuban restaurants— You save alot of money and usually it is better than the nicer places!  For 3 people, a meal at a cuban place cost $40 including tip; at a sushi spot in South Beach our meal cost $70…not good for a twentysomething on a budget!
3. Bring your own drinks— if you plan on having more than one margarita or daquiri….BUT don’t bring glass bottles to the beach…although it’s cheaper than those fancy drinks-you will get fined by the police if you have glass bottles on the beach area!  So bring a mixed drink in a coffee cup and avoid the hassle!

Grind.

Who: Twentysomething

What: Very tired—needing a wake up

When: Morning after a long night out in the Old City

Where: Just walked out of an apartment downtown, can’t find car

Why: No 20something can get through the day without a cup of joe

What to suffice morning funk: Downtown Knoxville Coffee Shops

Remedy Coffee—Try the Peppermint Mocha Latte (W. Jackson Avenue)

• Music venue

Old City Java—Try the Blueberry Almond Bar (Old City area)

• Relax and check your computer

The Parlor—Try the coffee-it’s local! (Corner of Gay Street and Summitt Hill)

• WDVX radio station inside the same building; daily live music

Downtown Grind—Try their cleaning services (Gay Street)

• Prestige Cleaners inside the coffee shop

Cafe 4—Try one of their cute miniature cupcakes (Market Square)

• Music Venue for bigger name acts

Coffee and Chocolate—Try anything-this is my favorite place downtown- the atmosphere is calm and the building is tiny but I love it (Market Street)

• Painting in the bathroom makes me smile

Maybe now you can find your car—which you left underneath the interstate bridge by Regas!