Blog Posts by Julie Pereira, Thread Blogger

Clockwise from top left: Alabam Shakes, Frank Ocean, fun., Hunter Hayes, The Lumineers | Photos courtesy of Getty ImagesSome people have called winning the Grammy award for "Best New Artist" a kiss of death--many past winners failed to find success after snagging the award. But whoever snags the award this year will be in good company with past winners like The Beatles, Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, and Adele. Yeah, no biggie. Let’s get familiar with this year's nominees.


fun. – Let's be honest, guys: if you haven't heard one of fun.'s many earwormy jams by now, chances are you've been living under a rock. In a cave. On Mars. Whether it's the Janelle Monae-assisted "We Are Young" or the anthemic hit "Some Nights," most of the band's tunes feel like instant classics. They've been working together since 2007--after the break up of his old band (The Format) lead singer Nate Ruess asked his buddies Andrew Dost (formerly of the band, Anathallo) and Jack Antonoff (formerly of Steel Train) to join him to create fun. (And yes, Antonoff is designer Rachel Antonoff's brother and is currently dating "Girls"

Read More »from Get to Know This Year's "Best New Artists"

Shipka in Oscar de la Renta. At 13. Our closets will never add up. | Photo courtesy of Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images
While it's easy to be captivated by the glittering bombshells and handsome devils traipsing down the red carpet, this year the stylish little ladies won our hearts at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. More and more, we're seeing young actresses taking their fashion choices seriously--gone it seems, are the days when the tiny stars and starlets' red carpet gear skewed more towards Sunday best and less towards haute couture. We would never dream of knocking the outfits of anyone under the legal driving age, but in this case we especially had to sing the praises of two tiny actresses in particular.

Anderson-Emmons is too cute for words. | Photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty ImagesWe love love LOVED the looks from pint-sized "Mad Men" scene-stealer Kiernan Shipka and "Modern Family" powerhouse Aubrey Anderson-Emmons. Anderson-Emmons, better known to most as Lily from the ABC sitcom, worked the red carpet (check out that fierce pose!) in a frilly gown that we wish we had in our closets when we were six! Or maybe even now. Her pearls and black patent leather Mary Janes

Read More »from Pint-Sized Style at the SAG Awards

We love COVERGIRL's Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss | Photo courtesy of Mark Sullivan/Getty ImagesLast year ladies the nation over hit the bottle in record numbers. The nail polish bottle, we mean. According to WWD, polish sales reached $768 million in 2012 in the U.S., which is a gain of 32% over 2011. Why the boom? With the advent of at-home gel polish systems, nail art, and new finishes like matte, high-gloss, and yes, even sand, the lacquer companies are innovating at neck-breaking speeds. WWD cited a survey that claims that 33% of women in the States have at least 25 bottles of paint in their homes. Hey, who’s been peeking in our medicine cabinets?

Consider this post an intervention, ladies. (We need one too.) The next time you're at a drugstore, just step away from the nail section.

Truth be told, most of these insanely pricey colors and long-lasting and bizarre applications are unnecessary purchases. We're here to assure you, less is more. You don't need to be buried under a clinking pile of nail polish bottles to have totally kickin' and versatile collection. Nail junkies Read More »from The 5 Nail Polishes You Need

Russo's designs use unconventional materials like beads and feathers | Photo Courtesy of Natalie RussoWe've heard of some crazy fashion and beauty trends in our day, but one thing we've never seen before: Eyelash jewelry! We spotted these designs--made out of wire, beads, and even feathers--by Etsy seller Natalie Russo and we had to know all about them. Here’s the inside scoop about Russo’s eyelash jewelry.

Thread: When did you start making these and what was your inspiration?
Natalie Russo: I loved the look of big, glittery, "show girl" eyelashes. But, when I was a teenager, I couldn't afford to spend money on regular false eyelashes that would fall apart. I experimented with using eyelash glue to adhere gems and small beads to my eyelashes. I then began attaching the beads together with wire and found that it made them easier to apply. When I turned 18, I was able to start selling my designs. Since then, my customers and the people I've met through Etsy have been my biggest source of inspiration.

T: How long does it take to make each pair?
N.R.: A simple pair takes 20 minutes. The more

Read More »from Wild New Beauty Trend: Eyelash Jewelry

We know you get your jollies by dressing festively for the holidays (so do we), but there's a difference between spreading good cheer and looking, well, TOO merry. Thread host Jessica Stam teaches us how to toe the fine line between embracing the season and looking like a Christmas tree--hint: if it looks too much like something an elf would wear, steer clear!

Avoid: Head-to-toe red - Is crimson your go-to holiday dress color? Avoid looking like Mrs. Claus in red, fit-and-flare dresses with wide, black belts (ho, ho, NO) and stick to separates. A red pair of skinny leather pants with a silk shirt or a red skirt with a tucked-in embellished top will look much more chic.

Avoid: Holiday-themed sweaters - Unless you're a member of the Griswold or Huxtable clan, these bulky and bedazzled nightmare knits are not a good move. Try instead a more fitted, embellished sweater with skinny jeans and heels. Sequins or beading are a fun way to add to your holiday look without being too literal.

Avoid: Read More »from The Best and Worst Holiday Looks

Dikember Mutombo and "Science the Bear" are saving the world with Old Spice | Photo Courtesy of Gary He / Old SpiceStacy Keibler and NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo came together with Old Spice to launch the internet sensation “Dikembe Mutombo’s 4 1/2 Weeks to Save the World,” a real-time, embeddable video game where Mutombo will embark on weekly globe-saving missions based on current events that could be considered signs that the Mayan Apocalyptic prophecy (you know that one that says the world will end on 12/21/12?) is correct. Keibler was at the launch to help demonstrate the game, along with some other fun arcade games--all in an attempt to "Save the World"--along with game character “Science the Bear" and Mutombo. Keibler told us she became involved with Old Spice because she really enjoys the brand. “We all remember the Old Spice man and...their campaigns. I think it's just such a funny thing, saving the world with the Mayan calendar saying the world is going to end on the 21st--it's a fun game!" Mutombo, the 7'3" star will promote the new "Champion" product line, the latest addition to Old

Read More »from Stacy Keibler and NBA Star Dikembe Mutombo "Save The World"

Iris Apfel unveiled her line "Extinctions" at Bloomingdales. | Photo by Julie PereiraThe word "legend" gets thrown around a lot these days, and in a world full of hyperbole and fawning interviews, it's hard to take that label seriously. But believe us when we say, the famously bespectacled Iris Apfel is every inch a legend. At 91 years old, Apfel has been monumentally influential in the worlds of interior décor, illustration, and style, and has even been honored with a retrospective at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Now, with her handbag line "Extinctions," Apfel has stepped out in to the design arena. The line features the nonagenarian's signature "more is more" aesthetic; with Mongolian lamb's wool purses in bright orange, fiery red, and cobalt blue, structured handbags in hunter green pony hair with geometric handles, and snake-print totes--all with a bright turquoise lining--this is a line we're seriously lusting over. We sat down with the legendary style icon to discuss her signature style, her new handbag line, and her ability to prove that

Read More »from 91-Year-Old Style Icon Iris Apfel Peddles Handbags, Not Advice