Super Cool (and age-appropriate) Websites

 

From learning how to be more socially responsible and completing activities to fuel food donations, to finding some inspirational woman in science and learning how to be a savvy consumer, there are some super cool (and age-appropriate) websites out there.  Luckily we discovered commonsensemedia.org, an organization committed to helping parents and kids navigate the world of media - television, movies, websites, etc.

Here are some of their top rated websites we thought you'd enjoy.  Click to read reviews, see ratings and more :

Girls for a Change

"Nonprofit helps girls become catalysts for social change."

HowStuffWorks

"Excellent tool for kids with nuts-and-bolts questions."

Girls Inc. Online

"Girls can do (almost) anything in online community."

I Was Wondering

"Girls can find great role models on stellar science site."

Project Girl

"Artsy site empowers girls to critique media messages."

You Are Here

"Interactive FTC site makes it cool to be a savvy consumer"

 Tikatok

"Kids write and share stories safely on super-creative site."

Free Rice

"Learning and ending hunger, a few grains of rice at a time."

Enter Ana's Closet

From pretty pink, pale green and custom made to dramatic tones, artful flair and handmade cool, a girl's bedroom is her sanctuary - her closet a treasure chest!  If you haven't toured Ana's closet yet, take a spin by clicking on the photos below and let us know what you think.  

We've also found some videos of absolutely cool girl's rooms just for a little inspiration. Enjoy!

How to Use a Pencil Case as an Evening Bag for Ladies Young and Old

Looking for a fun handbag alternative for ladies young and old?  May we suggest a pencil case.  That’s right!  Today there are so many beautiful, chic and stylish options meant for storing pencils but they can be used for special occasion bags too!  In her book Style, Kate Spade says “It probably seems a little unconventional, but I really do use PENCIL CASES as evening bags.  I like that they’re small and have such a compact design.”  We agree! 

Here are some very cute finds:

 

 

 Check Target and CoolPencilCase.com as well as your favorite designer's website for more options.

Did you know:  “While today most pencil cases are rectangular in shape, early pencil cases were round or cylindrical. In the mid-1800s, sterling silver pencil cases were made in London to house telescoping pencils. “ -eHow

View from the Work Room: Tresures of Lace and the Sash Say Party Dress

The first thing I see when I look at out Sash Say dress is the lace!  On this piece it's not simply a finish for textural element, the lace is the standout.  It starts at the neckline, flows over the shoulders, runs down the front and finally ties around the back.  I was not quite aware of the sheer number of options available when it comes to lace or the history of such a fine and detailed element - I did know however that nothing says a young ladies party dress like a lace!

"Lace is, by definition, an artefact without provenance. Many pieces were used and re-used by succeeding generations. In many cases it is possible to recognise the style of construction, although since many lace makers were copying each other’s techniques, one cannot be certain that for example a piece in the style of Bedfordshire was actually made there." -http://www.laceforstudy.org.uk/about/

The darker lace, used on the Sash Say, is Midland Lace made of viscose.

Ana Louie Holiday 2011 Look Book

Take a moment to peek at our Holiday 2011 Look Book. Preview the Ana Louie our 2011 Holiday Collection, which is a confident array of beautiful dresses, ruffled collars and tailored coats and inspired by the elegance and charm of 1950’s Paris.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/62055713/Ana-Louie-Holiday-2011-Look-Book