The 5 Best Feel Good Movies on Netflix Right Now

There really is no better pick-me-up than a movie, and there's definitely no better pick-me-up kind of movie than one that makes you feel good. Feel good movies are for everyone, whether you're craving something sweet, funny, romantic, or all of the above. So the next time you're feeling down or maybe you've got two hours to kill, watch one of these feel good movies from Netflix and instantly boost your mood.

• Ferris Bueller's Day Off 

This one is a classic, so you've probably seen it at least once or twice. Ferris Bueller (played brilliantly by Matthew Broderick) is a conniving but cool and clever high school senior who decides to fake one last sick day and spend it in Chicago with his best friend Cameron ( the very endearing Alan Ruck) and his beautiful girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara). Ferris and his friends encounter a snooty maitre d', lip synch to "Twist and Shout" in a huge street parade, and discuss life after high school, all while their nosey principal Ed Rooney tries to catch Ferris skipping once and for all. Like all of John Hughes's other teen films, Ferris Bueller's Day Off captures the best parts of being a teenager without ever making its young characters seem inexperienced or unimportant. Ferris is never just immature or silly; he's someone everyone wishes they could be, at least for one day. 

• While You Were Sleeping

I love this movie. My 24 year old older brother loves this movie, my mother loves this movie, and my 17 year old sister loves this movie. Basically, anybody and everyone can love this movie, no matter your gender or age. After saving a handsome lawyer she has never spoken to but has admired from afar, Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is mistaken for the comatose man's fiancee and forms a relationship with his family. She struggles with the guilt of keeping her real identity a secret, all while she begins to fall for her fake fiancee's working class brother. The movie is comfortably predictable and romantic without being overly sappy. Watch it with your other half or your family.

• Galaxy Quest

I remember watching this movie on VHS as a little girl while my dad laughed so hard he couldn't make a sound. Years later, I actually understand the movie and appreciate how it constantly (but not in mean way) makes fun of the success of the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises. Tim Allen plays a has-been television actor who, along with his has-been cast mates (Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman to name a few), is recruited by a real alien race to save their planet. You don't have to be a fan of Star Wars or Star Trek to appreciate the humor. Frankly seeing Professor Snape in a comedy is a good enough reason to watch. 

• Silver Linings Playbook

Often movies about mental illness are sad but not this one. Sure, there are tense moments but there's a hopefulness present throughout the entire movie that makes even those moments easier to watch. Pat (Bradley Cooper) is in a bad place. He discovered his wife cheating on him and, in a moment of temporary insanity, made some bad decisions. Just released from a mental hospital, Pat is intent on getting his wife back and is convinced by family friend Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence in her Oscar-winning performance) to join a ballroom dance competition with her to prove he's changed. The entire cast (which also includes Robert De Niro in one of his best recent performances) is great and the final dance scene will definitely become a movie classic if it isn't already. 

• Zoolander

This one is ridiculous but so, so brilliant. Ben Stiller plays fashion model Derek Zoolander. He's ignorant and over the top which makes him the perfect candidate for fashion designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell) to persuade into killing the prime minister of Malaysia. If you've ever heard the terms "Blue Steel" or "Magnum" then you have this movie to thank. Boasting about a million celebrity appearances, including the likes of Paris Hilton and David Bowie, every minute of this film will make you laugh. You may lose a few brain cells in the process but it's all in good fun. 

As of now all of these films are scheduled to remain on Netflix in 2015. Fingers crossed they do!

...And if you like this list, check out my list of the The 5 Best Chick Flicks on Netflix here. Let me know in the comments section what your favorite feel good movies are. :)

What to Wear: Traditional Versus Alternative Wedding Dresses

As a little girl I dreamed of wearing a big, white princess ball gown on my wedding day. I wanted lots of flowers, a huge cake, and tons of people to attend. As I grow older, however, I find myself craving simplicity more and more, and in turn, I think my wedding will be a much simpler affair than I imagined as a little girl.

It seems that more and more brides are leaning toward alternative ceremonies complete with alternative wedding dresses. Though not necessarily simple, the weddings are different from those of our mothers and grandmothers. And thanks to the Internet (and especially Pinterest), creating a unique, personalized wedding is easier than ever.

Fashion It girl Olivia Palermo combined traditional and alternative wedding style when she donned a custom white Carolina Herrera sweater, shorts, and skirt combo for her big day. Other looks brides have been rocking recently: short dresses (especially for courthouse and other small ceremonies) and even colored dresses. The green Jason Wu dress pictured below would be great for an alternative black tie wedding.

So, what kind of wedding do you want to have (or did you have)? Will you wear a traditional gown, something alternative, or a look that's a little bit of both? Let me know in the comments section. :)

Alternative Wedding Dresses by grecbarn featuring vintage wedding dresses

Nicole Miller prom gown, $365 / Jason Wu long v neck dress / Wedding gown / Vintage wedding dress

The Best Web Show You've Been Missing: Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

The newest creation from the mind of comedy legend Jerry Seinfeld (Well, it's not really that new. It's been streaming since 2012.) is exactly what the title suggests: It's comedians chatting about old times while riding in sports cars and meeting for coffee. This simple premise is the genius of the show, and what makes Jerry's conversations even more remarkable is that his friends are just as funny in real life as they appear to be on television. Of course the show is edited and the best parts of what may be a three hour (or longer) conversation is cut down to around sixteen minutes. But that doesn't make Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee any less of a "gem," a word fans used to describe it in the comments section of the website. 

While I think all of the seasons of the show are worth a watch, the most recent seasons are the most entertaining. Some of my favorite guests include: Carl Reiner and Mel Brooks, Don Rickles, and Michael Richards. Ironically my favorite episode of all the seasons is one of the most recent and features not a comedian but a comedic actress–Sarah Jessica Parker–who is in her prime conversing about her childhood with Jerry. It's definitely a must-watch even if you're not a Sarah Jessica Parker fan just because it's so funny. 

So, be sure to give Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee (comediansincarsgettingcoffee.com) a watch and tell me what you think in the comments section. :)

Spring/Summer Trending: Floral Dresses

Spring/Summer Trending: Floral Dresses by grecbarn featuring a pink dress

Cameo Rose black fit and flare dress, $39 / Floral pleated dress / AX Paris plus size dress / Short dress / Hollister Co beach dress, $82 / Ted Baker pink dress, $240 / 60% OFF SALE Digital Clipart Ranunculus Clip Art Flowers Spring Easter...

Floral dresses never go out of style, but this spring they've been everywhere thanks to the runway creations of designers like Oscar de la Renta. Floral dresses are the ideal summer/spring staple because they are so versatile. You can pair a floral dress with a cute pair of sandals or wedges for day or add a jacket and ankle boots for a dressed-up night look.

What do you think of floral dresses? Do you prefer a different kind of print, maybe stripes? Let me know with your comments. :)

It's All Black and White: My First Attempt at Nail Art

As a little girl, I use to watch artist Bob Ross's show Saturday mornings on PBS. He would paint the most beautiful landscapes using the same techniques over and over again. It looked so easy and I was inspired to create my own masterpieces. But of course, nothing it as easy as it looks, and after spending a few minutes painting I would quit, frustrated and impatient that I couldn't magically become an amazing artist.

Well, I'm still definitely not a painter or an artist of any kind, but I do appreciate amazing nail art. Thankfully, for non-arty people like me, we have nail stickers and manicurists that do all the hard work for us. Yesterday, however, I decided to try a hand at nail art, and this is how it turned out.

I bought some artificial nails from Wal Mart since my nails aren't very long and not the easiest things to paint. I applied two coats of Sinful Colors Snow Me White nail polish and then drew the black lines with an I Love Nail Art in Black. I definitely should have cleaned up the edges of my nails before taking this picture but I was so afraid of messing them up, I took the picture right after they were finished. This morning I woke up to find that some of the lines had faded. Note to self: always add a top coat!

So, do you like nail art? Or do you prefer simple nails? Let me know with your comments. :)

The 5 Best Chick Flicks on Netflix Right Now

If you're like me then you enjoy spending your weekends vegging out while watching lots and lots of Netflix (Malcolm in the Middle again? Yes, please). And while I definitely love a good sitcom or action movie, there's nothing quite like a chick flick for when you're in a girly, romantic, fun mood. And who better to watch a chick flick with than your girls? So the next time you want to have a girls' night out, stay in instead and spend all night watching these classic, feel good stories about women for women.

• Ever After 

This is probably my favorite Drew Barrymore film. Loosely based on Cinderella (like all the best love stories), the film takes place in 16th-century France with Barrymore starring as Danielle, a young woman who acts as a servant for her cruel stepmother, played by the always amazing Anjelica Huston. The costumes are really beautiful and, of course, there's a happy ending. If you're looking for a romantic, sweet movie fix, this is it.

• Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day

If you're a fan of old movies and wish they still made 'em like they used to it, you'll love this witty, charming comedy. Set in London in the late 1930s, Frances McDormand stars as a down-on-her-luck governess who takes a job as a "social secretary" for a wild American actress and singer (Amy Adams). Filled with plenty of handsome men to swoon over and messages about love and life, this is the perfect one to watch with your girlfriends if you crave something uplifting and sweet.

• Maid in Manhattan

In the early 2000s, a gorgeous Jennifer Lopez solidified her acting career by playing the role of the every girl. Maid in Manhattan is Jennifer Lopez in her prime every girl-"ness" as a hotel maid and single mom trying to make things work and score a manager position. Critics have not always been kind to this movie, but it remains one of my (and my friends agree!) favorite chick flicks. It's a Cinderella story, it's set in Manhattan, and costars a dashing Ralph Fiennes (who ironically plays a not-so-dashing Voldemort in the Harry Potter movies). So basically it has all the ingredients to make a perfect chick flick. Watch Maid in Manhattan when you want something over-the-top romantic. 

• Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason

Yes, this is a sequel. No, maybe it's not as good as the first but it's still pretty great. Renee Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant all returned for the sequel to the critically acclaimed and audience success Bridget Jones's Diary. If you haven't seen the first Bridget Jones* movie, buy it, rent it, whatever you need to do to get your hands on it! It's that good! Then, start streaming Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. These movies are hilarious, the characters are endearing, and you may even see a little bit of yourself in Bridget. I know I do!

• Clueless

You've probably seen Clueless at least once but more likely a million times. It's a classic by chick flick standards and still has a cult following years after its release. Loosely based on Jane Austen's Emma, a young Alicia Silverstone stars as a rich Beverly Hills high school student with good intentions trying to make a difference in the world. The supporting cast includes Brittany Murphy, Stacey Dash and an adorable and young Paul Rudd. From the awesome clothes to the satire and the quotable lines, Clueless is the perfect teen movie all other teen movies want to be. 

So, what do you think of these picks? What are some of your favorite chick flicks? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

*Update: Since I wrote this post last summer, Bridget Jones's Diary has been added to Netflix's instant streaming service.

Parisian Chic Look Featuring Chanel Accessories

Parisian Chic featuring Chanel accessories by grecbarn featuring a skimmer pump

Alice Olivia black velvet top, $225 / Helmut lang pants, $235 / Chanel skimmer pump / What Goes Around Comes Around black quilted handbag / Circle jewelry / Chanel beauty product

Overalls: Love 'Em or Hate 'Em?

Overalls: it's a touchy subject. Some people love them, others hate them. Just when you thought that the boy bands (Was it 98 Degrees or N'SYNC that wore them?) of the late '90s and early '00s were the last to flaunt this trend, boom! Here it is again. But this time I think, better than ever.

I'll admit it. I myself have a love-hate relationship with overalls, mainly because I'm afraid if I wear them I'll look like I stepped out of a Salt-N-Pepa music video. The secret I think is to do one of two things: wear a distressed pair of overalls and rock the "I just woke up" kind of look or go all out and pair your overalls with high fashion accessories. 

Overall Obsession by grecbarn featuring bib overalls

Topshop bib overall / Vero Moda clothing, $68 / River Island denim bib overall, $50 / Topshop clothing / Tropical Ride Overalls / Skater skirt

Overalls come in variety of fabrics, colors and designs so make your overall look your own! Maybe pair a dark denim style with black boots or use a fun print (like the Tropical Ride Overalls above) as a swimsuit cover up. Don't have overalls? You could DIY a pair by buying a really inexpensive pair from your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or thrift shop and cutting the legs into shorts or distressing them yourself.

So, what do you think of overalls? Love 'em or hate 'em? Let me know in the comments section below. :)

Casual Summer Look Featuring Maxi Dress

Casual Summer Look Featuring Maxi Dress by grecbarn featuring 14k jewelry

Oasis chiffon maxi dress, $115 / MICHAEL Michael Kors adjustable strap sandals / The Cambridge Satchel Company leather shoulder bag, $270 / Charlene K 14k jewelry

Retro Inspired Fashion

Retro Inspired Fashion by grecbarn featuring a dark red nail polish

Retro vintage dress / Alice You retro print dress / Chinese Laundry maryjane pumps / Retro shoes / Coach red leather handbag / HOBO kisslock wallet / Retro style sunglasses / Prism sunglasses, $425 / Bobbi Brown Cosmetics gold lipstick / Gorgeous Cosmetics faux eyelash / Dark red nail polish

Grunge Inspired Festival Look

Grunge Inspired Festival Look by grecbarn featuring ray ban sunglasses

Rebel Yell bear shirt, $64 / Topshop distressed shorts / Neu Aura vegan leather shoes, $195 / Sole Society black handbag / Balenciaga black wrap bracelet / Sperry Top-Sider monkey earrings / Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses

Casual Summer Look Featuring Coral Maxi Skirt

Casual Summer Look Featuring Coral Maxi Skirt by grecbarn featuring a leather purse

Alice Olivia striped shirt, $225 / Dorothy Perkins skirt / Kurt Geiger leather shoes, $270 / L K Bennett leather purse, $495 / Yochi vintage jewelry / Teal earrings / Elizabeth Cole long necklace / Floppy hat, $33

Swimsuit Trends 2014 Part Two: Cut Outs and Snakeskin Print

In yesterday's post I featured two of the biggest swimsuit trends (ruffles and tribal print) for summer 2014, and today I've got two more trends that you'll be seeing everywhere this season whether you're vacationing at the beach or lounging poolside in your hometown.

Cut outs are a great way to show off your favorite physical features without showing everything. My favorite way to rock this trend is by wearing a one piece with side cut outs; it provides a little more coverage than a bikini but still feels sexy.

Swimsuit Trend: Cut Outs by grecbarn featuring cut-out bathing suits

While I always love to see bright prints in my summer wardrobe, I also love designs that are a little more sophisticated and understated, like snakeskin. It's exotic like a tribal print but the muted colors feel much more grown up. And really, has animal print ever gone out of style? So go on and load up on snakeskin print products. I especially love the snakeskin heels from KG Kurt Geiger pictured below.

Black fringe swimsuit, $42 / Araks cut out bathing suit, $445 / Charlotte Russe bikini swimsuit / ADRIANA DEGREAS cheetah bandeau top, $250 / Boohoo cut out swimsuit / Cut out bathing suit, $50

Swimsuit Trend: Snake Print by grecbarn featuring a one shoulder bikini swimsuit

Lipsy cutout bathing suit, $47 / Varley shirred one piece swimsuit, $215 / STELLA McCARTNEY one shoulder bikini swimsuit / Boohoo cutout bathing suit / KG Kurt Geiger high heel shoes, $185 / Snakeskin iphone case / Roberto cavalli sunglasses

Swimsuit Trends 2014: Ruffles and Tribal Print

Summer is quickly approaching, and with summer comes new swimsuit trends. Last year retro bikinis saw a comeback and they'll be popular again this summer. But what are some new trends to rock for summer 2014? Ruffles! Ruffles are a great way to emphasize either your upper body, lower body or both. If you're pear-shaped, try wearing either a swimsuit that is embellished with ruffles at the top; if you're apple-shaped, wearing a skirt with ruffles will balance out your figure. Of course, when it comes to trends, the most important thing is to have fun. You never know how long they'll last.

Swimsuit Trend: Ruffles by grecbarn featuring a bandeau bikini

Boohoo bandeau bikini / L space / Lisa Marie Fernandez maillot bathing suit / Orange bikini / Tori Praver Swimwear pink ruffle swimsuit / Wonderland ruffle swimwear, $22

Everyone likes to wear bright colors when they're on the beach or in the pool, and this summer will prove no different. Tribal prints were all over the runway this year, so you'll definitely be seeing a fair share of this trend in swimwear this season.

Summer Trending: Tribal Print by grecbarn featuring a swim bikini

Tribal top / Jessica Simpson swimsuits two piece / Coral swimsuit, $180 / Mara Hoffman tribal bikini, $345 / Vix ruched swimsuit / Vix swim bikini / Sole Society medium tote / Charlotte Russe mini crossbody purse / FOREVER 21 GIRLS Globetrotter Fringed One-Piece (Kids)

I'll be featuring more swimsuit trends in upcoming posts, so stay tuned! What are your favorite summer fashion trends?

Ways to wear Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

Radiant Orchid by grecbarn featuring michael michael kors shoes

Daniel rainn blouse / Donna Morgan clothing / Rag & Bone shorts / Michael michael kors shoes / FOSSIL crossbody purse / Red bracelet