What the hell is a 1099?!

Last week was a pretty big week for me in grown-up world. Not only did I learn a valuable lesson about why you don’t take your shoes off in bars, but I also filed out my taxes all by myself. And by all by myself, I mean with the help of an accountant who probably now thinks that my IQ borders somewhere in the high twenties.

Up until last week I thought filing taxes was as simple as creating a fake Facebook profile to stalk exes (okay…one-night stands). I fill out a slip of paper with my name, social security number, yearly earnings, bra size, favorite movies, and my vote on what color M&Ms should include next. Bada bing,  bada boom, I’m a functioning member of society.

But no. This process makes writing a 19 page paper on the causes and effects of “I only smoke when I’m drunk” look incredibly easy. First I had to fill out a million pieces of paper, then I had to track down W2′s, W4′s, 1099s, 13 Chinese take-out menus, and Colt 45s. And it’s not like I stored them all in one place.  Why would I ever do anything that would make my life less of a daily episode of Real World/Road Rules Challenge. Some were at home in Florida, some were at my grandmother’s NYC apt., some were buried 6 feet under cement in a “what? We’re making a graduation time capsule and I can choose one thing to put in? Okay, here’s some official, legal, looking documents that I doubt I’ll ever need” time capsule on the Syracuse campus. Read More »

[Celebrities get paid to look good and serve as a style guide to all us common folk, and part of looking good is flaunting their totally awesome fashion sense. Each week, I will be highlighting my Style Idol of the week: a celebrity who consistently shows keen fashion sense and whose closet I would raid in a heartbeat. Of course, no celebs are immune to the occasional “what the hell were they thinking?” moment, but for the most part, these celebs look foxy and fabulous and inspire us all to do the same.]

My style idol this week is someone who has recently come into her own and proven to the world that you can come out of a (very) bad break-up stronger and more beautiful than ever before: Anne Hathaway.

Ever since her life seemed to be falling apart early this summer when her ex was accused of fraud and tax evasion, Anne has been kicking some major booty. Not only is she getting rave reviews and Oscar buzz for her role in Rachel Getting Married, she’s doin’ it all while looking gorgeous and glam.

Let’s be honest; Anne hasn’t always been totally up on style or considered a fashion icon. Lately, however, she’s been seen everywhere sporting well thought-out ensembles that are trendy yet unique, classy, and do a phenomenal job of highlighting her long & lean frame.

She’s often seen in darling and feminine dresses, is a big fan of belts, and, when on the red carpet, she’s fantastic at throwing back to old Hollywood glamour with gorgeous gowns by designers like Marchesa and Dior. This combination of new-found style and a killer new haircut has turned her into a bonafide fashion star and officially has me drooling over her closet. Read More »