Games for Girls on the A-Go-Go

Whether you grew up with Crash Bandicoot, PaRappa the Rapper, or Pong, video games have played a part in most everyone's lives in one way or another. Despite having a reputation for belonging only to loner boys in living rooms and basements, gamer girls have been tapping out codes and saving princesses since the dawn of games themselves.

Here and now in the 21st century, being a girl that digs games is far less of a stigma than it used to be, especially with all of the darling options geared specifically towards swingin' gals. With the advent handheld systems like the Nintendo DS, though, teeny tiny baby girls on the way to school and high-heeled professionals commuting to work alike can partake in something that used to be just for those with enough spare time to plant themselves in front of the television every night. With all of the options out there today, it can be a daunting job to find just the right game to accompany you on the Brooklyn-bound G train or the public bus or the London underground or even just on a car trip across the street, but here's a list of Penelope-approved games for every girl on the go.

Princess Debut

Who hasn't had those sugary summer daydreams of suddenly switching places with a fairy-tale princess? In Princess Debut you find yourself doing just that after coming face to face with your crowned doppelgänger, a girl who looks just like you and just so happens to have your same name despite coming from a different dimension. As you take her place in her parallel world you find yourself encumbered with the challenge of learning how to ballroom dance in time to wow the guests at the royal ball, not to mention the monumental task of finding a date! Part dating sim and part rhythm challenge, Princess Debut is bound to bring out the girly-girl inside of you and will no doubt have you tapping your toes and cha-chaing around the living room in no time at all.

Style Savvy

Put your fashion skills to the test in the ultimate style challenge that'll have you reorganizing your own closet and dressing up your friends before you even know it! Work your way up the fashion ladder, starting from your first day working at a super chic boutique all the way up to managing your own shop, dressing customers, ordering clothes, and customizing your stylist all the while. Filled with styles to suit every taste, from retro go-go girls to baby pink lolitas to classy dames to gothic honeys, Style Savvy has something for every girl, goddess, and mama with a love for dressing up and being fabulous.

Rockin' Pretty

Become part of the ultimate super sweet all-girl band in Rockin' Pretty, an outright adorable slice of heaven to any girl who has dreams of rocking out on stage in a Japanese school uniform. Play as Mai, an energetic teen who can rock with the best of them, as she joins up with a Josie and the Pussycats-esque rock group in hopes of taking home the grand prize at Rockin' Pretty, a nationwide contest for up-and-coming bands. Play at gigs and dress up the band in outfits that range from adorable to out there, all the while working towards your goal to become the best band there ever was.

Rhythm Heaven

I have a personal soft spot for any kind of rhythm games, especially after growing up on ample doses of Dance Dance Revolution, Um Jammer Lammy, and Space Channel 5, but as of late Rhythm Heaven has been my toe-tapping game of choice with its catchy tunes and unique characters. Work your way through different mini-games and try to master them all, saving the world or cheering on your favorite pop star in the process, and with thrilling quests that can be played over and over again you'll never find yourself short of a catchy rhythm at just the right time!

Always,
Penelope ♥

How To Make a Comeback

Photo by Claude Estebe

After months upon months away - gone without a word, never mind an explanation - how exactly does a girl go about sliding herself back into the spotlight? Should she rush in, guns blazing, and make fireworks pop in the sky like shattering stars to recognize her reappearance? Or should she simply slip in unnoticed, wistful and nostalgic but ready to start anew nonetheless?

And what about those chronic procrastinators that we all know lurk inside of us? How exactly are we supposed to kick that put-it-off bug and fall back into what we love, whether it be baking or weaving or playing the tambourine? After what seems like a millennia of putting aside those favorite hobbies for the sake of our careers or education or family or reruns of Web Soup, how exactly should we re-approach those darling delights of ours that have been waiting patiently for us in the corner, gathering dust?

All it takes is a whim - a sleepy morning or a snowy night - and from there the rest is history.

Start Slow
There's nothing wrong with jumping right back into things, but it's important to set a pace for yourself so that you don't end up putting down your hobbies again, this time for even longer. Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself - it's important to see yourself in the perspective of the here and now, not the past. Sure, you may have used to play the drums in a ska band every other night, but now you may only have the time to pick them up on Saturday mornings. Don't force yourself to play every other day! Set a goal to get back to that peak you used to have and work gradually towards it.

Set Priorities
Remember that no matter how much you love doing what you do, life comes first. Don't be afraid to temporarily break from your schedule if your car breaks down or your grandpa falls ill. Give yourself some slack, and it'll be less stressful in the long run when accidents or unexpected events do happen. With that being said, it's important to not mistake necessary slack with an excuse for procrastination. Prioritize your life, putting your hobby or task below the most important things to you, and don't break from your schedule unless anything related to those important aspects of life comes up.

Don't Make Excuses
There's no need to answer to why you stopped doing your hobby in the first place - all that matters is that you're back into it now. Remember that you don't have to explain yourself to anyone but yourself because you're the only person who is instrumental in getting things done. Plus, not telling the whole world exactly what happened adds a little bit of mystery which is supremely unconquerable!

Do Something New
Give your old hobby a new twist to liven it up! Try a new sewing technique or learn a new type of dance - the more unique and new you can make your hobby, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Do What Makes You Happy
Because in the end, happiness is all that matters.

I've missed you girls, and I'm thrilled to be back.

Always,
Penelope ♥

The Cocoa Guide To Tutus

Photo by Abby Lanes

"I see you like tutus! Any recommendations for really nice ones? I've been on a hunt for vintage-styled ones, but the best I've come across thus far are right here and I figured it couldn't hurt to ask if you, perhaps, had suggestions!"

Only recently have tutus become style essentials for unconventional, eccentric, and all around fabulous girls, but their history stretches all the way back to the dawn of ballet and beyond. In the 14th century their brethren, the petticoat, were worn under huge creampuff dresses to create a more desirable shape, but strangely enough, in modern times the terms "tutu" and "petticoat" have become interchangeable, meaning short, fluffy skirts made of tulle, crinoline, or silk. Nevertheless, these swingin' circles of sugary-sweet fabric have captivated so many and still somehow hold the power to make any girl the center of the room. Looking for your very own tutu or, for you DIY girls, directions on how to make your own? Look no further - here's the Cocoa guide to the sparkling, shimmering, cotton candy joy that is tutus. 

♥ Making A Tutu

For the No-Sew Girl

As crazy as it sounds, no-sew tutus are incredibly easy to make and require so much less time and effort than full-blown tiered ones do. All you need to make one of these fabulous, fluffy skirts is a few yards of tulle your favorite color (or colors!), a pair of scissors, and a piece of elastic long enough to fit around your waist with room to spare. Simply knot the two ends of the elastic together so that it makes a neat little circle, cut the tulle into strips, and tie them one right next to another on the piece of elastic, as shown here. Easy as that! You can embellish your brand new tutu with just about anything you can think of, if a plain and simple skirt is a little too boring for you - tie pieces of silky ribbon in-between the strips of tulle, hand-stitch a loop-de-loop design around the bottom, or even make flowers out of the remaining scraps of tulle and stitch them into elastic!

For the Sew-Happy Girl

Take it from me, sewing your own tutu is not a good idea unless you're both super experienced with sewing and extremely patient. I took the plunge and made an attempt to sew my very own a few months ago and, while it came out with only a few little flaws, it took about seven hours and bundles upon bundles of tulle. If you have the time and experience, though, the possibilities are endless - you can make tutus from just about anything, from old t-shirts to kids bed sheets to your favorite curtains to vintage kimonos. There's a fabulous tutorial on how to do exactly that over at Instructables, covering all of the basics and displaying some amazing tutus to jump-start your creative juices, as well!

♥

♥ Finding The Perfect Tutu

Believe it or not, vintage tutus are everywhere - the trick is to know where to look. Antique shops, vintage clothing stores, and even thrift stores usually have these tiny gems hidden in-between 1970's aprons and pencil skirts, sometimes even dangling from the ceiling like gauzy halos of tulle. Not up for a hunt? My all-time favorite tutus come from the online retailer Sock Dreams, featuring everything from victorian-style petticoats to sweetly short crinolines all for a super-reasonable price. In terms of the mainstream, Hot Topic has a genuinely funky selection of tutus that are just short enough for us under-5'5'' girls to pull off without looking weighed down by our huge skirts, but if you have the cash to spend and want to go all out, Lacey's has a gorgeous collection of super-pouffy bubblegum colored tutus perfect for any eccentric fashionista.

 

Always,
Penelope ♥

The Cocoa Guide to Discovering Sparkling Novels

Photo by Sara-Elizabeth Myers - my new favorite book!

There's no specific section in the library for books bubbling with lyrical prose and mythical stories, yet our hearts are still stuck onto these kinds of tales - so how, we ask, do we discover new and exciting reads? How do we find these tiny novellas and towering epics that make our heads spin and our hearts fly out of our chests? There are only so many tried-and-true authors we have under our belt and what happens when no one else is around to give recommendations and we, quite simply, get that insatiable itch to read?

♥ Where to Hunt for Fabulous Reads

+ Dig through the young adult section of your local bookstore or library - I find that some of the most dreamlike and enchanted books somehow always end up categorized there.

+ Used book stores usually have a "vintage" section filled with old kids books and ten cent paperbacks with the most curious and outrageous story-lines. Take a day and explore all of these stores in your area - you might just find some really great deals while you're at it!

+ Hit the nearest comic book store! Crazy as it sounds, most comic book stores carry the best in science-fiction and fantasy, not to mention the fact that you're more than likely to find a thrilling read at a discounted price!

+ Garage sales, garage sales, garage sales! There's no better place for thrilling novels that you won't find anywhere else.

Before you begin your hunt, here are some absolutely amazing, all-around thrilling, super sparkling books to keep your eye out for...

♥ White Oleander by Janet Fitch
If Francesca Lia Block were to write harrowing, epic tragedies, White Oleander would be her first novel. Set in Los Angeles against a hazy, blooming landscape, a mother-daughter relationship is shattered after poetess Ingrid Magnussen poisons her backstabbing boyfriend with the blossoms of oleanders. Consequently her fifteen year old daughter, Astrid, is faced with the all-too harsh realities of foster homes and adoption agencies, bouncing between dilapidated houses and all too unfit guardians for the remainder of the novel. The tear-jerking story and lyrical prose are both beautiful, but nothing short of heart-wrenching - just when Astrid seems to get a break, some terrible tragedy occurs and she's forced to start all over again. Nevertheless, White Oleander is an absolutely gorgeous work of fiction that deserves every piece of praise that it gets - if you're looking for something especially lovely to read, give this doorstop of a book a glance.

♥ The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
When I first picked up this tiny little gem, I expected something strictly fairy-tale-esque - something dreamy and hazy, a fantastic world that evoked Alice in Wonderland and the eccentricity and wonder of being young again. Instead, The Book Of Lost Things presented the Brother Grimm world with a fiercely woozy twist, one that's mature and real rather than mild and childlike. It evokes a slightly less gothic yet similar nonetheless feel to that of American McGee's Alice at parts, and at others it shines brightly in the same manner as the original fairy tales themselves. In black and white, it tells the haunting story of a young boy, isolated in life and driven to a state of childish jealousy when his father remarries and has a second child. The only place he can seem to find solace is in the pages of his books, dusty old things that speak to him in the middle of the night, whispering secrets and stories and tales of their lives. It is only when one night, during the all-out bedlam of a World War II air raid, that he gets sucked into their paperback world and everything truly changes, and he finds himself in charge of a life-changing decision - is it better to face the modern horrors of growing up or those shadowy ones of childhood?

♥ After Dark by Haruki Murakami
As a preface, I’m hardly exaggerating when I say that this is one of the most interesting, well-rounded, and comprehensively thrilling reads that I’ve ever gotten my hands on in my history of literacy. It’s an eccentrically simple story, following a strange brood of characters through the electric world that is Tokyo at night and mapping out their connections to each other - a Chinese girl is robbed and abandoned in a "love hotel", a quirky trombonist meets the sister of the girl of his dreams in a Denny's, a group of women with oddly unfitting names find themselves in the grungiest of districts at night, and a young woman who is trapped in a Sleeping Beauty-esque sleep gets transported into a strange and mysterious world inside of her television. After Dark is storytelling at its best, comprehensively capturing what its like to be a night owl in an electric city, from the cast of characters to the script-like narrative. Pick it up now and experience it for yourself!

♥ Mondo Barbie

I'm consistently shocked when I reference this book in everyday life and others have no idea what I'm talking about. Mondo Barbie is an eccentric, flirtatious, and sometimes dirty compilation of short stories and poems all about America's favorite pink plastic sweetheart - that go-go girl herself, Miss Barbara Millicent Roberts. The book turns a modern bubblegum twist on the doll that almost all baby girls grew up with, exposing her stunningly deep impact on twentieth century life, culture, sexuality, and everything else through sweetly short valley girl novellas printed on petunia pink paper. Because really, who doesn't want to be a Barbie girl?

♥ The Gift Moves by Steve Lyon

In a Hayao Miyazaki-esque world where buses are living, breathing creatures that pad across the country side and whole families tattoo their names and stories across their bodies, a girl leaves home with dreams of apprenticing in the city and learning the art of weaving. As she is taught how to dye fabric the most brilliant of colors and work a loom so large that it takes up a whole room by a mild old woman named Heron, secrets begin to unfold and her path in life criss-crosses in the most unexpected of places. The Gift Moves is a mystifying novel about soul-searching and the things that bind us to life, no matter how everyday they may seem, and is one of those rare electrified books that leaves you transfixed with the dreamworld contained inside of its pages.

♥ The Every Boy by Dana Adam Shapiro

There's no more cheery an example of death and rebirth than that contained inside of this upbeat recollection of fifteen year old Henry Every's life. After washing ashore with no clues to his death, Henry's parents discover a meticulously organized ledger recalling every melancholy and rapturous moment of his short yet quirky life, from his obsessive love for a teenaged New Yorker named Benna to comically illegal episodes performed with his partner in crime, Jorden. A charmingly sweet yet tragic novel, it's heartwarming in a curious sort of way that will leave you wishing for more of its kind. I promise you that as soon as you've turned the last page you'll ask why your childhood couldn't have been this interesting.

♥ Green Angel by Alice Hoffman

To all of those searching for magic in novels, for quiet tales with modern day mysticism, for daydream-esque worlds painted through sticky-sweet words, for some tiny piece of fiction that can never be categorized, never be shelved properly, something that belongs to more than just children or young adults or quiet pre-teens, Green Angel may just be exactly what you've been searching for. It's a hauntingly lean novel, telling the story of shadowy and shy Green who, after an apocalyptic fire rages in large scale, is left empty and alone. With nothing but the house she grew up in and a garden soaked in ashes, she morphs through her teenaged years into a leather-clad warrior, a negative of her former self, blind from the ash and tattooed with her sorrow. Through chance encounters and the help of other survivors, though, she rediscovers herself and finds that sometimes disaster can lead to true inner-happiness.

♥ Stardust by Neil Gaiman

I can’t say enough about this book. Neil Gaiman brings fairy tales back from the depths of history and revives them with a newfound vigor in this incredible, imaginative novel. If you’ve seen the movie and thought it was just a little too cheeky for you, then this book is absolutely a must-read – the novel version is just a little bit darker while still retaining that wide-eyed charm that most fairy-tales have. It’s so nice to see a revival of this genre since no truly good fairy-tales have been written since the 18th century, and I definitely think that Neil Gaiman is just the man to tackle its Renaissance.

Always,
Penelope ♥

Style Essentials for the Unconventional Girl

Photo by Trixie Bedlam

Let's face it, fashion isn't the same for everyone. While some girls run their fingers over glossy magazines, slipping into teeny weeny slips of haute couture and super-slick Manolo heels, others burrow into vintage floral wraps found at rummage sales and electric yellow go-go boots. Yet whatever your personal style may be, some things are simple style essentials that look good on almost everyone - so for the front-page fashionista, thrift store starlet, and everyone else in-between, here are those certain items that every well-dressed girl should keep stocked in her wardrobe at all times!

♥ Pashmina Scarves
If you're from New York then you should have absolutely no trouble finding one of these beauties - they're sold on street corners all across the city for as little as $5 and they come in the most dizzyingly beautiful colors and styles. The pashmina scarf is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing for the sole reason that it can be worn so many different ways - from a full body wrap to a simple winter shawl to a sari-esque skirt to just a plain old scarf. It's a must-have for anyone who braves brisk winters (or for those who just want to look like they do!) Having trouble figuring out how to wear yours? Here are nine basic tying techniques!

♥ Tutus
Crazy as it seems, tutus really are absolute must haves for any modern girl who loves bringing funkiness and fun into everyday life. It may seem a little too wild at first, but tutus and petticoats can easily be paired with seemingly simple fashion staples and make you look effortlessly charming and chic. Try wearing them with oxford button-ups, long sleeved shirts layered with tank tops, and knee-high socks. For an everyday look, avoid high heels and instead opt for simple sneakers or flats.

♥ Black, Ankle-High Skinny Pants

I reference it constantly on this site, but there's one particular scene from my favorite movie, Funny Face, that cemented my love of skinny pants. In it, Audrey Hepburn's character Jo performs an interpretive dance in a smoky French club to thoroughly explain the concept of dancing as a form of release to Fred Astaire. She prances around the club in a black turtleneck and black skinny pants, swinging and swaying and throwing herself left and right, dancing with French poets and beatniks amidst the club's hazy lights. It's a classic scene that created a classic staple, and even today I still see the most amazing women pull a similar look off with so much flair. Pair them with a horizontally-striped shirt for a Paris-a-go-go look or a button-up shirt with flats - anyway you choose to wear them, these pants will never let you down!

♥ Thigh-High Socks

Thicker than tights for cold winter days and very schoolgirl-esque, long thigh-high socks can really do wonders for an outfit. I suggest going with darker colors like an eggplant or navy, but whites and creams can look just as good when worn correctly. Wear them with mini-skirts, dresses, or even shorts and a good pair of heels!

♥ Wide-Brimmed Hats
Although in modern days the big, classically simple sun-bathing hat has become more and more rare, it will always hold it's rightful place in a well-stocked closet. Audrey Hepburn pulled it off effortlessly in Breakfast At Tiffany's, pairing it with a little black dress, a pair of sunglasses, and a string of pearls, and I firmly believe that anyone can give it just as much character and charm as she did. Go with a tan one for casual summer days, wearing it with a white tank top, a filmy button up, and a rolled up pair of jeans, or for those more formal occasions wear it the Audrey way, black dress and all!

♥ Ballet Flats

For quiet, casual engagements or those days when you simply don't feel like wearing heels, a good pair of ballet flats are the next best thing - they're stylish and simple, making you look professional and chic without being too dressy. A good black pair is always in style, but it's worth it to invest in as many colors as you possibly can. Mix and match and see what comes of it!

heyrabbit

♥ Faux-Fur Coats

Fur coats create such a wonderful silhouette and add a great finishing touch to any outfit, but faux-fur is the way to go both ethically and practically. Fur coats have been associated with women of luxury for a good reason, for a real one will cost you a fortune, not to mention the fact that you'd be perpetuating the practice of killing for fashion with bona fide fur. Faux-fur is cheaper and just as stunning when worn, so try topping off any outfit with one, from silky buttercream dresses to denim jeans and turtlenecks.

♥ A Great Pair of Jeans

This goes without saying, but every girl absolutely has to have that one perfect pair of jeans to complete her  wardrobe. Jeans are so versatile and can be dressed up for semi-formal engagements and dressed down for runs to the supermarket. The possibilities are endless when it comes to what to wear with them, so get yourself a pair and experiment!

♥ The Good Old Fashioned Little Black Dress

What would a girl be without the incredible little black dress? Think about how many classic outfits have been perpetuated by that one plain and simple idea of a perfect black dress? Discovering your dress is one of those classic moments of womanhood, like tumbling down the rabbit hole and into this strange and wonderful new world of style, so when you discover it don't let it slip away. A flattering dress never goes out of style!

Always,
Penelope ♥

Cocoa 2008 Holiday Gift Guide

Photo by Qatar

Those of you who live in the States will most likely be in one of two places right now: either you've stayed home with a cup of coffee in hand to enjoy the lovely weather and holiday weekend, or you're out at your nearest shopping mall partaking in the strictly American tradition of Black Friday. For all of you international lovelies, Black Friday is the notorious busiest shopping day of the year - it's the Friday after Thanksgiving that rings in the holiday season and with it, holiday shopping. Every Black Friday, stores open their doors as early as four a.m. to offer ridiculous deals on big-ticket items, things like flat-screen T.V.'s and hot video games with discounts as big as 75% off. Sure, it may seem crazy, but the hope is that folks will be able to get all kinds of wonderful gifts for their friends and family and finish all of their holiday shopping in one day - and so they push through the crowds and go from store to store to store, everybody looking for those perfect gifts for the people they love.

But why go out and brave the crowds when you've got a whole world of shopping right in front of you? You too can get all kinds of marvelous gifts for your friends and family, perfect gifts tailored just for them, but unlike those folks dashing through shopping malls and department stores right now, you don't even have to leave your flat! My lovely bunnies, sit back and jump into the holiday spirit - I give you the Cocoa holiday gift guide for 2008!


For the Daring, Dashing Dame

When buying for that supersonic cool-for-cats dame in your life, it's always best to go vintage! Scour around for that perfect shade of heartbreaking red lipstick or for pencil-thin dresses with big, thick bows, buying only things that have as much character as that girl herself. HumblebumbleB is a great place to find retro hats that are absolutely perfect for any swingin' dame, but I personally recommend the Fascinator hats just for that extra pinch of style. Pillbox hats are just as stylin', though, when shopping for a more atomic kind of girl, and they're bound to thrill even the most chilling of dames.

For the Closet Geek

Admit it - everybody has their nerdy side. There's always that part of them that loves to watch old reruns of Dr. Who and who still thinks that Star Wars is the pinnacle of motion picture achievement. Granted, with loads of new technology flooding into the world every day, the word geek has branched off to have so many different meanings and to gain a new form of popularity, but that doesn't mean that we love our geeks any less. When buying for our techno-cuties, ThinkGeek is the absolute hub for all things nerdy and it's impossible to not find just the thing you were looking for. For a 4chan geek who knows what Rickrolling is and loves to scour around the internet for new trends and macros, try the LOLCats-esque LOLMagnetz. As for those science geeks? The Good Chemistry salt & pepper shakers may be just the thing, bringing a whole new life to plain old salt and pepper. Geeky and educational!

For the Down-To-Earth Gal
Shopping for those earth-friendly folks in your life may seem like a bit of a challenge at first, but now that "going green" has become so popular and has seen such a warm reception in everyday society, shopping for the environmentally-conscious is as easy as a click! Be sure that whatever you choose to buy for your earth-loving lovers is recycled and biodegradable, and remember that buying all-natural, vegan products is always best for both the person you're buying for and the Earth. Etsy has a wonderful selection of handmade and Earth-friendly products, my personal favorite being the recycled address file box which manages to be beautiful and conscious at the same time. If you have a die-hard vegan in your circle of friends your range of potential purchases may seem to be even more limited, but another seller off of Etsy offers this beautiful and eco-friendly Not A Nugget pendant which is a great way to show vegan pride, no animal products included!

♥

For the Slapdash Eccentric
There's always a lot of pressure to buy all of those wild and crazy folks you know really spectacular gifts, and, as crazy as it sounds, the rule of thumb seems to be the funkier the gift, the better! Wrap up old family photos in metallic pink paper or make little paper-dolls out of found materials - be creative and have loads of fun doing so! If you're short on time and looking for something a little less time-consuming, though, try this super cool laser-cut Polaroid sx-70 ring from Etsy for lots of colorful flair, or, the key into the heart of eccentricity itself, this wonderful collection of bottlecap jewelry

from California's Casa del Corazon.

For the Epicurean in Training
Buying for those foodies you love means indulging on simple, universally tasty things (or the tools to make them!) which may sound like a pretty daunting task. But remember, gifts don't always have to be complicated numbers - keep it simple! Sometimes a good holiday present can be something as easy as taking your epicurean lovely out for a spectacular dinner or coming over with a big marshmallow fluffed cake and a bottle of wine. If you're looking for something a little more wrap-able, though, try the incredibly ingenuous honey drops from Honibe, an especially lovely gift for those tea-drinkers in your immediate sphere of friends who aren't exactly fond of the mess that swirling honey into a cup of earl grey creates. For bakers-in-training who spend their days cooking up a storm of treats and concoctions to share, the cooking superstore that is Williams Sonoma offers a pack of super-cool circus cookie cutters which can be used, among other things, to create your very own animal crackers - what can be more fun than that?

♥

For the Fashionista
Remember all those Christmases from your childhood where you'd get sweaters or huge, billowing dresses wrapped up in neat, white JC Penny's boxes? Remember always hating getting clothes instead of toys and dolls and big colorful books? It's strange that as adults sometimes getting a package-full of beautiful clothes can be the best gift a girl can receive, especially after all those years of throwing fits over red gingham dresses or little pink shirts printed with flowers and butterflies. Now's your chance to finally give marvelous outfits and accessories to your fashiona friends to make up for all of those sad, department store-filled Christmases that all girls have had to trudge through - the trick of it all is finding those marvelous pieces in the first place! For the shoe-lover, I highly recommend checking out Hetty Rose's handmade shoes for beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations. As for the girl who already has the perfect outfit and always knows just the thing to wear, Bando is the perfect place to find absolutely gorgeous hair accessories that go great with any outfit, not to mention the fact that each beautiful little brooch comes with a custom haiku!


For the World Traveler
When buying for that globe-trotting go-go girl in your life, use the internet to your advantage and buy internationally! Dig around for kitschy ethnic items that you can't find just anywhere, items that are unique to one area or that grew out of a regional phenomena, or, alternatively, look for little things to aid your lovergirl in her travels. SewingRabbit, an Etsy seller from Thailand, offers this adorable Little Red Riding Hood passport case to style-up any boring old passport, as well as quite a few others in that same style. For the girl who loves to advertise her travels when she finally settles back down at home, though, Teresa Sheeley offers a lovely latin print shouting the world traveler's battle cry: I came, I saw, I conquered.

Always,
Penelope ♥

The Cocoa Guide to Rococo Style

Photo by Nett

Rococo is an art term that designates a specific period of French culture, namely during most of the 18th century. Marie Antoinette? She's the Rococo goddess herself - a queen of everything light, sweet, and lovely. Rococo design treats every room, dress, and person as an individual work of art, decorating them accordingly. By using gentle curves and pastel colors contrasted against vivid golds, a sweetly beautiful yet undoubtedly aristocratic effect is created.

Rococo style, both architecturally and artistically, is generally looked down upon by the art world and thought to be merely "frivilous and extravagant," but when looked at closely it's clear that there's incredible history behind everything from this period. The style itself says worlds about French culture at that point in time and in modern day society it reflects a carefree and whimsical attitude. If you daydream of masquerade balls and flower petal baths and shimmering pink hair ribbons and sugar-iced cupcakes, chances are you'd firmly disagree with those art historians.

Authentic Rococo style is vividly reflected through most Japanese "Lolita" brands such as Baby, the Stars Shine Bright (which I would kill to own anything from!) and Metamorphose, but for Western city-dwellers it's not impossible to transform the lavish and extravagant into something a little more everyday. 

Embrace Florals...

Flowery prints and nature-themed fabrics were commonplace in the 18th century and although they may not be quite as popular today, that doesn't mean they're impossible to find. Even if not conventionally vintage-looking, most anything with a simple floral print can be construed as Rococo when paired with the right accessories. Even something as silly as floral printed combat boots can give you that babydoll edge if worn with something sweet and bubbly.

...And Pastels

Color is your friend! The only time you would see black or white in Versailles was during either a marriage or a funeral. The message behind Rococo itself is to never take life too seriously and embrace the sweetness around you, and that means filling your life with loads of color!

Work Off of a Theme

Dress yourself up like a butterfly garden or a hand-spun web of cotton candy, the summer sky or a neatly wrapped birthday present. Buy butterfly clips for your hair or powder your face and dab on baby pink blush. Pick a new theme everyday and stick to it! Your theme doesn't have to be perfectly apparent to others but do try to go the extra mile, even if it means just doing something as simple as buying lipstick in a shade that you wouldn't normally wear or using ribbon instead of a belt. You are a work of art! The french treated everything as an individual masterpiece, whether it be a room or a hair-do. It's a vital part of this lifestyle to do the same to your daily wardrobe!

Don't Be Afraid to Clash

Contrast and juxtaposition in color is what makes everything Rococo incredibly alluring. Think Betsey Johnson! That kind of incredible dash of color and life can bring any outfit out of mediocrity and into the realms of history. 

Never Doubt the Power of Accessories

Since most Rococo dresses were incredibly complex, adapting the same sort of style to a more everyday outfit involves a great deal of accessorizing. Gold is the metal of choice for jewelry, being an old-school sign of both privilege and femininity (not to mention a key aspect of Rococo decorating), but just about anything from ribbons to pearls can be adapted accordingly.

Always,

Penelope ♥

How To Be Mysterious

There are always those people in life who continually keep us guessing. We could never understand them fully even if we wanted to - they're the dramatic foils in the passion play that is our life, slow-dancing in the background and speaking only when spoken to. These little fragments of noir royalty, with their sultry eyes and crooked smiles, these are the people who are the real lead characters. They're the ones who we would die to know completely, from cover to cover like a paperback novella, but we know that could never be possible with someone as curiously strange as they are. Just when we think we've got them completely figured out, they turn around with a different mask on and fool us yet again.

We all have little pieces of these people inside of us, whether we can shatter conversation with a simple smile or change who we are whenever we change our hair, these swingin' flappers and private detectives of lore are thriving somewhere in us. And it's never impossible to let them out.

When being charming doesn't quite do it for you, the great thing about life is that you can always turn to being mysterious.

Figure Out Who You Are
It's incredibly important to know who you are as a person before taking up the task of becoming more mysterious. Write down some of your traits and habits and highlight the aspects of your personality that you would feel comfortable revealing to others. Only your closest friends should know every trait on that list!

Always Keep Eye Contact
Although some may find it slightly intimidating, keeping solid eye contact is a sign of confidence. It gives you an air of mystery since most people, usually unconsciously, will break eye contact to fiddle with little things are glance around the room. Eye contact even while you're not speaking makes you appear attentive yet enchanting - top it off with a hazy smile to seal the deal.

Play Hard to Get
Act like everything deserves a little deliberation. Even if you're asked to do something that you'd love to jump up and down and scream yes at, hold yourself back, think about it for a few seconds, then answer with a yes and a smile. If the topic is important to you then don't beat around the bush - never be afraid to say yes or no - just eliminate the firmness in your voice. Keep everything sweet and simple leaving others confused as to your true intentions.

Sharpen up your Wit
Always stay on your toes and never be afraid to flash your dazzling wit. If you don't feel comfortable answering a question, throw out a sneaky smile and ask your company a question of your own or divert their attention to some other menial fact. The monologue?

Them: So, what's your name anyway?
You: Well, I do suppose it depends on who you ask. You know how people are these days, going by so many titles. There are names and nicknames and professional titles and pen names. My own grandfather has four different names! And I don't mean semantics like "grandpa" or "grandad" - real, legalized names!

Carry Curious Items
Wearing monogramed jewelry or other items of clothing that clearly have symbolic influence will definitely keep others guessing. Never go outright and tell people what these little trinkets mean - the dialogue below will do!

Them: What does the "M.P." on your necklace stand for?
You: If I told you right away then we'd have nothing to talk about!

Never be Afraid to be Unpredictable
Being mysterious in no way means being boring. Mysterious folk always seem to be doing something new and different which is half the reason why most people can never quite pin down their interests. If someone asks you to dance, don't say you're not a very good dancer, just dance! Play up your hidden talents spontaneously, like bringing a ukulele to work and serenading strangers in the hall.

Never Ever Act Self-Absorbed!
Mystery is not about being snooty - it's simply a way of presenting yourself. Remember people's birthdays, even those you hardly know. Bring them tiny gifts that show you remember and leave them wondering how you knew their birthday in the first place. Selflessness is never out of place.

Speak Profoundly
Even during fluid conversation, never prattle on saying things just to pass the time. Cut down on the filler in your dialogue - eliminate saying "like" and "um" altogether. If it takes you a few extra seconds to get your thoughts together, so be it. Never let yourself be pressured into mindless conversation. When you do speak, be sure to say only what you mean.

Always,
Penelope ♥

How To Be Charming

"I'm about to depart for a month to a place that feels like home to me. The entire atmosphere has been very nourishing for the eight years I have known it. However, the generally friendly people there have never received me with much warmth (as I am something of an anomaly). This year I suspect I'll be even more foreign to them than usual. I think these people are golden (if a little closed-minded sometimes), and I want to charm their socks off. How would you approach such a venture?"

There's nothing more difficult than finding something you love and having it somehow not love you back. As hard as it is to say, people can be cruel sometimes and very close-minded when it comes to the unfamiliar. Personally, I've never understood it, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. The one way that I've found to appeal broadly to almost everyone is by being charming - a trait that originated as far as I can tell in old American cinema. Starlets like Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis could solve almost any problem by batting their lashes and turning on their legendary charms. But how exactly did they do it? Is charm a talent that you're born with, or does one acquire it like a favorite pair of shoes?

Being charming takes practice, but once perfected it can be used in most any situation and, more importantly, can send your self-confidence skyrocketing out into the stratosphere. For the every girl and socialite alike, here are the charm school basics.

Set Down the Ground Rules
Before you embark on any kind of social adventure, write out a small list of promises that you'll make to yourself. Promise yourself that you will never compromise who you are just to gain the attention of others. Promise that you won't have more than one or two casual drinks in public. Promise that you will always sing karaoke when the opportunity arises. Whatever you can think of! This kind of list is for whatever you find to be important socially and morally - it's the social samurai's code of honor. Write one up and stick to it!

Always be Yourself
It's key to always be yourself, even if you don't fit perfectly inside the lines of normal. A lot of times people will find folks that they wouldn't normally give a second glance to be incredibly endearing so long as they are upbeat and friendly. Stick to your morals and personal beliefs like glue and never back down from them - in the long run, this will earn you way more respect and admiration than sacrificing them for attention ever will.

Flirt!
Essentially, flirting and charming are the same thing - your intentions as the flirter are really the only difference between the two. Be as appealing as possible, keeping eye contact and making your positive attitude known, but the key is to present yourself in a graceful yet fun air. Act as though you were chatting up that beautiful boy with a cup of cafe au lait or that darling girl with bubblegum pink hair ribbons - even if you're not romantically interested, at worst it will always keep people interested!

Go Out Of Your Way to Talk to People
Don't intrude on their conversations at dinner, but do strike up a chat with people you wouldn't normally talk to. If you're trying to charm a particular group of people then don't be afraid to walk straight up to them and introduce yourself. Be eccentric! Follow your hello with batting your lashes and a question about their thoughts on god. If you have no particular group you're trying to thrill in mind, then simply take any opportunity to strike up conversation. Shop-keepers, waiters, supermarket cashiers - talk to whoever you can! The key is to know your limit; never draw out these tidbits of conversation into your whole life story. Charming girls always have a bit of mystery to them!

Keep Everything Casual
Informality is the key! Make people feel like they can really open up to you by placing them in a casual, easy-going setting. Never drill them with questions, even if well-intended! Tell a silly anecdote, ask them about their favorite movie, and let them answer at their leisure. People will feel much more inclined to respond positively to you if they feel relaxed.

Stay Relaxed
On that note, you too should be calm, cool and collected! Do some breathing exercises, fill your house with lavender, drink chamomile tea, or even practice light yoga. Do whatever you feel is most relaxing and conductive to a positive mood. Charming girls always appear as though they don't have a care in the world, even when the world is on their mind!

Smile!
A little happiness can go a long way - never be afraid to flash a genuine smile! If others are trying their hardest to shoot you down or if you find yourself in a rocky position, a true smile will always turn the situation upside down. Others are drawn to those who appear to be happy and carefree and a smile does both for you. It's trite but true - a smile spreads joy.

Be Humorous
If you aren't normally a very funny person then this might be a tricky one, but the message here is basically never be afraid to joke. Wit is never out of place when meeting new people. With this said, there is a fine line between wit and just plain inappropriate humor. I love dirty jokes just as much as the next girl, but they have their place and it's definitely not a good thing to throw out to people you've just met.

Practice Your Diction
For some strange reason, truly charming folk always have astonishingly perfect diction. They annunciate perfectly and never slur their words, a trait that may be hard for those of us who have a lot to say and so little time to say it! Nevertheless, practice makes perfect and when it comes to speaking, slow and strong is the way to go. Practice tongue-twisters in the mirror or shout out monologues and soliloquies while driving to work. If you're truly dedicated to the charmed way of life, you could even consider taking drama classes or auditioning for a local play. Theatre always gives you the means to perfect your speaking!

Always,

Penelope ♥

Alice in Wonderland Style

Photo by The Cherry Blossom Girl

After discovering that lovely Alice in Wonderland photoshoot yesterday, I got to thinking about what big a part of my childhood the Alice in Wonderland books were. Alice was smart, carefree, and she just so happened to tumble into this curious dreamworld where anything was possible. She lived every little girl’s dream and pulled in anyone who happened to crack open the book.

Now that Western society is going through an Alice in Wonderland revival, I think it’s even more important for Alice-inspired style to retain certain aspects of those awe-inspiring books. Thus, I give you the Cocoa guide to Alice in Wonderland style!

Alice

The Look

Alice is all about the babydoll look, wearing pastel blues and buttercreams. Very much like Japanese Sweet Lolita fashion, her clothes should be childlike with lots of lace and ribbons, but try not to overdo it. Everything about her should be smooth and simple - she’s no Marie Antoinette! For a little extra charm, stay true to her 19th century roots and accessorize with anything floral. Flowery cameos, pretty flower rings – whatever you can think of!

In terms of makeup, it’s essential to remember that Alice is still a little girl. Her look is very natural, with little to nothing more than a rosy blush and lip-gloss. Start with a smooth, pale foundation and spread evenly over the entire face. Brush the cheeks with a light yet vivid pink, something like MAC Cosmetics’ Coygirl Powder Blush. For the lips, try an equally light pink stain for a gentle look – Benefit’s PosieTint looks absolutely stunning and is described as a “petal-pink stain that plants a kiss of see-through tint on cheeks & lips”. That alone would make me try it!

How to embrace your inner-Alice
+ Have afternoon tea every day for a week. Pick an interesting spot to lounge at whilst enjoying it.
+ Embrace knee-high socks and mary janes. Extra points if you can find white knee-highs with pretty blue ribbons.
+ Take a class on etiquette - make any excuse to practice what you’ve learned. Over dinner, in meetings, even over traffic tickets!

The White Rabbit

The Look
While the Lewis Carroll version of the White Rabbit was a drab, punctual character, I always pictured his female anima to be a swinging, flirty go-go girl on white and pink roller-skates. Try muted dresses in white or buttercream to balance out eccentric, funky jackets. For an everyday look, a classy pocket watch necklace like the one seen above is appropriate, but for a more costumed look, oversized Flavor Flav clocks can be substituted.

For makeup, start out with a matte foundation in your natural skin tone and seal it with a matching powder. Brush your cheeks and neck with a sparkling iridescent powder like Lush’s Candy Fluff for a fun, breathless look and on the eyes, use a light and shimmery pink champagne color such as Stila’s Bouquet. Finish off the look by using a cotton candy pink lipstick and maybe even going over it with a clear, glassy gloss. I’m in love with Benefit’s Candy Store Silky Finish Lipstick – it’s a great color, long lasting, and super shimmery!

How to embrace your inner-Rabbit
+ Run, bike, or roller-skate regularly to quench your need for speed.
+ Read Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time from cover to cover.
+ Invest in a good pair of four-wheeled roller skates. Spend a weekend at a local roller-rink, honing in on your skills.
+ Blow kisses to thrilling-looking boys – even those you don’t know!

The Red Queen

The Look
The Red Queen can easily be described as a saucy powerhouse; she's a girl with an assertive attitude and lots of flair to boot. She’s not mean-spirited per say, but she’ll definitely put up a fight if she doesn’t get her way. All of this is reflected through lots of vibrant reds and spicy, sometimes outrageous outfits. If you’re not feeling all of the red, try to tone it down with a bit of gold – sometimes something as simple as a set of gold bangles can really sweeten up a look. The most important thing is to include some accessory that represents her cardshark royalty, and it can be anything from earrings (as pictured above) to a printed dress. Whatever you can find!

In terms of makeup, go for a light brown eye shadow and black eye pencil to create smoky, seductive eyes. And, of course, lips should be a vivid cherry red. Try Benefit’s Frenched for the perfect starlet shade – it’s more than just a cute name!

How to embrace your inner-Red Queen
+ Go to rock shows in your best red dress and sturdiest boots. Knock the socks off anyone who crosses your path.
+ Shower your home with red roses and look to them to brighten your day.
+ Drink fruity cocktails (or mocktails if you’re underage) that are crimson in color. For starters, try Shirley Temples, Cosmopolitans, and Watermelon martinis.

The Mad Hatter

The Look
A female version of the Mad Hatter can be interpreted in so many different ways, but I’ve always seen her as a chilling eccentric in pinks and golds. With an obliviously calm attitude, much like Harry Potter’s Luna Lovegood, the Hatter remains the most true to her original character’s mode of dress, sticking firmly to anything frilly & dolly and, of course, 19th century top-hats. When dressing as her, lace and other vintage-associated fabrics are musts, but throw in modern accessories like heart-shaped sunglasses and bubblegum to emphasize her eccentricity.

For makeup, the Hatter is surprisingly natural with a pale foundation smoothed across the entire face. Eyes and cheeks are left as-is while a tasty pink gloss is applied to the lips. Smacker’s Lip Frosting in Strawberry is not only the perfect refection of the hatter, but also adds a smooth, even shimmer that completes the look. Iridescent powder can dusted around the face and neck for extra sparkle and a sweet-smelling kick.

How to embrace your inner-Hatter
+ Celebrate your un-birthday at least once a month. Make it a spectacular complete with large, formal table settings.
+ Write poems and riddles that have no answers. Challenge others to come up with the solution.
+ Bake tiny tea cakes and petite fours in vast amounts and decorate them with your initials.

Always,
Penelope ♥