Scarves & Socks

Getting over equality, a critical diagnosis of religious freedom in America
The distinction is between measures that "target" a religion on religious grounds and ... Of course, orange and black striped socks may be unfashionable.

Questions of religious freedom continue to excite passionate public debate. Proposals involving school prayer and the posting of the Ten Commandments in schools and courtrooms perennially spur controversy. But there is also a sense that the prevailing discourse is exhausted, that no one seems to know how to think about religious freedom in a way that moves beyond our stale, counterproductive thinking on this issue.In Getting over Equality, Steven D. Smith, one of the most important voices now writing about religious liberty, provocatively contends that we must get over our presumptionmistakenly believed to be rooted in the Constitutionthat all religions are equally true and virtuous and "authentically American." Smith puts forth an alternative view, that the courts should promote an ideal of tolerance rather than equality and neutrality. Examining such controversial examples as the animal sacrifice case, the peyote case, and the problem...

Find inexpensive dorm decor at local stores

Decorating a dorm room is essential for turning a highly impersonal space into something workable.

Think about it: You are now living somewhere hundreds, if not thousands, of people have lived in before. This is a room replete – if not resplendent – with toothpaste-filled nail holes and strange carpet stains located in places where the only solution is covering them up with a throw rug.

The problem? That rug may cost upwards of $20, which is a price that can be hard to stomach when $20 is your ramen noodle budget for the week – or the month.

Shopping around at thrift stores may seem like the only option, and while there are great things to be discovered, even big-box stores can yield frugal-yet-cute finds.

Source: StateHornet.com

KRISTINA J.: Guest Post: Merrick's Art

by Kristina Clemens

The way to casualize any dressy item is to pair it with something much more casual. By wearing a simple, striped t-shirt underneath the dress (which I think is a very casual layering style), I added a pop of pattern without going overboard. A pair of casual boots or flats continues to keep the outfit simple and understated. And finally, a top knot and minimal or no jewelry will keep your outfit super casual. For this outfit, I wanted to create the illusion of a shift dress, which I think is pretty sophisticated. I paired it with a simple collared button up (layered underneath), and a blazer (a nice cardigan would work just as well). Pretty, but conservative shoes, simple and sophisticated jewelry, and a snazzy pair of specs (hopefully yours are cuter than mine) make this a pretty, sophisticated look. A gorgeous velvet blazer was the perfect piece, and it immediately ups the dressiness factor....

Read more...

Notes From the Dressing Room: OOTD-Brightness through the Haze

by fshnonmymind

I was politely told that I looked a bit "not so hot yesterday", but I liked my outfit so much that I plopped my dapper new hat on my head and took some pics anyway. I'm telling you color has been a saviour this week. I might not be feeling 100% great, but having bright colors going on in my outfits gave me a tiny push towards the finish line of this week.

Source: Notes From the Dressing Room: OOTD-Brightness through the Haze