What are Men Looking for?

Supposedly, men are looking to marry wealthier women now a days. That is, women who are wealthier than they are. Did I read that right? Am I completely screwed?! As a 23 year old, I'm not necessarily in the market for a husband this instant, but I'm certainty not too far from it. And not that I would ever marry for money, but if men looking for so-called wealthier women, then I'm scared to know what I'll end up with :P!

A collection of census data and research found that this role reversal is profoundly affecting the pool of potential marriage partners. The NY Times reports, “Men now are increasingly likely to marry wives with more education and income than they have, and the reverse is true for women,” said Paul Fucito, spokesman for the Pew Center. “In recent decades, with the rise of well-paid working wives, the economic gains of marriage have been a greater benefit for men.”

According to this data, women who are college educated are much less likely to have a husband who is college-educated and in the highest income bracket as they were in the 1970's. I'm all for equal earnings, and I would never seriously analyze a relationship based upon my earnings over my "potential husband's", but I do find it interesting that men are ending up with women who are more successful than them. It's so not typical! But then again, things are always changing.

(NY Times)

I hope to find someone who is equally successful as me someday. . . but I've got to find that great success in myself first!

Charlotte
Chicago, IL

My Favorite Aspiring Artist

After seeing her as the opening act at a local concert, I became an instant fan of Anya Marina's raspy voice and meaningful lyrics. Her music is very "chill" and different from anything else I've ever heard. She's not someone I'd normally like listening to, but there is something about her music that I can't get enough of!

Anya had a song (back in 2004 I think) that was on the Grey's Anatomy soundtrack called "Miss Halfway." Just recently it was announced that her new song is one of the tracks on the upcoming "New Moon" soundtrack. I think this will really be the big break for her! "New Moon" (the Twilight movie) is going to be huge, and I bet the same for the soundtrack. I wish her the best of luck that she'll gain some recognition and get big with this track!

The first video below is pictures from Twlight/New Moon and her song off the soundtrack called "Satellite Heart." The second video is my favorite song and video of hers, called "Move You." Enjoy!

If you love her music, do her the favor and buy her music on ITunes. First off, she's an "aspiring" artist, which means it actually counts when people buy her music. Secondly, her new track "Satellite Heart" is already #88 in ITunes which is a huge jump from yesterday! I'm really rooting for her!

-Charlotte

All the Single "Babies"

Jennifer, I loved the You Tube video you posted. That cat is so cute!! I wanted to post one of my recent favorites for those of you who haven't seen it. It's hilarious!




-Charlotte

Rain Rain Go Away

Today was a gloomy day in Chicago. When I woke up this morning, I was bummed that I'd have to cater my outfit to the weather outside. I feel like I have nothing cute to wear on rainy days!

Does anyone have any suggestions for cute rainy day wear?! I need help!

I have a pair of Sperry rain boots, and even a little rain jacket, but nothing that I'm actually excited to wear. Leggings are always my go-to item on rainy days, which are cute, but I wear leggings all the time. I do like them for those rainy days though because they tuck in easily to rain boots, and I know they won't drag and get wet! I'm looking for that certain outfit that will make me excited for it to rain.

-Charlotte

Over-The-Knee Boots

What does everyone think about the over-the-knee Boot trend for Fall?? I was undecided until I spotted that pair of Jimmy Choo's pictured (at $1,400 I don't think they are quite in my budget....!) I actually really like the trend and I plan on picking up a pair of my own over-the-knee boots.

I like the boots because you can either go for a chic or rockerish look. I will probably wear them with a pair of skinnies and a rockin' Lauren Moshi tee. That would be a hot! Otherwise, they'd look really chic with a classy pencil skirt (just that little bit of leg between where your skirt ends and your boot starts would be an awesome look.) Not all over-the-knee boots are that showstopping. Some are more simple, and would work better for day-to- day wear. A pair of flat over-the-knee brown suede boots are what I've been dreaming of finding... Jennifer, if you're getting any over-the-knee boots in (or boots in general), e-mail or call me!

-Charlotte

In Style

I'm an instyle.com addict. Everyday I look at their "Look of the Day," which shows a picture of a stylish celebrity and tells what they are wearing and why it's hot right now. Celebrites are a huge inspiration for my fashion choices, so it's no wonder that I use these pics and tips to pick items for my own wardrobe.

Natalie Portman is looking stunning- both for her fashion choices and because she is beautiful!-in this "Look of the Day" pic. Her cape and scarf combination made me think that it's time I get a cape sweater for Fall. Surprise, Surprise...J. LaMore has them in stock, and they are adorable! I'm loving the Laurie B. "Platinum Milady" Cape. It's a great neutral color that will work well for Fall. A cape like this will look great paired with a skinny jean or pencil skirt to balance your outfit. Now I just need some new Fall scarves! Jennifer, are you getting any in?

Have a good weekend!

-Charlotte

The Importance of Accessorizing

An outfit doesn't feel or look complete until the right amount of accessories are present. Sometimes all it takes is a delicate bracelet and a pair of stud earrings to look well dressed. Other times it may take a belt, some jewelery, and a great pair of shoes.

I've been struggling with accessorizing one of my favorite outfits lately; a plain top tucked into my high waisted skirt. I love this look because I can wear it to work or out on the weekend (and all it takes is one great skirt and a bunch of tees and tanks.) I saw on J. LaMore this fabulous bracelet, and I knew right then and there that this was the answer to my problem! My outfit will look great paired with this bracelet, and that's all I'll need. It's so fantastic on it's own, so I don't need a belt or any other jewelery.

-Charlotte

New to the Blog!

Hey everyone! I'm Charlotte and I'm a new blogger on the site. I just graduated from Northwestern this past May, and now I'm working for a local magazine. I live in Lakeview in an apt with 5 other girls! It's a tight squeeze, but we're making it work. The best part? Our open closet policy. I always have something to wear (and lucky for me, a lot of the other girls shop at jlamore.com, too!)

I heard about J. LaMore from a friend, and once I was on the website I became an instant fan. I was lucky enough to have the chance to make a trip up to Madison one weekend. I was able to meet Jennifer and the whole staff of J. LaMore. I see that someone blogged about how great J. LaMore's customer service is, and I couldn't agree more! I've never felt so comfortable and had so much fun shopping in a large boutique.

As for my own style, my fashion idol is Leighton Meester. She always dresses so great and has on such different outfits than the other celebs. I definitely have the Chicago girls style (25 year old Chicago girls for sure have a specific style. You can pick them out anywhere in the crowd! Think skinny jeans and gladiator sandals.) I also have a sophisticated side. I'm very into collecting timeless dresses, like the Susana Monaco "Open Back" Dress. I got this dress right when it came to J. LaMore and I've already had 4 events to wear it to. Many more to come!

I'm excited to start blogging with all the friends on the site. I can't wait to share some of my own stories and talk about the great fashion at J. LaMore.

-Charlotte