DIY: Oxblood w/Black Stripe Nails!

I am always inspired by bloggers, and this idea is no different. One of my favorite blogs, Love Aesthetics http://love-aesthetics.blogspot.com/  by Ivania Carpio featured a single black stripe down clear-painted nails. Very chic so I decided to give my own spin on them by just adding an oxblood base color. Check out below!

How I did it:

1. Prep nails
2. Paint base color with oxblood/burgundy color
3. Let dry
4. Paint thin black stripe starting at where half-moon ends
5. Cover with topcoat

Oxblood nails with black stripe!

Finished nails!

DIY: Black and White Nails - Reverse French Manicure

I love all things nails, and being in NYC gives me the opportunity to see what's hot in the streets.  I recently was in MAC and saw their new, limited-edition falsies nail collection and instantly fell in love. Loved the matte black with shiny gold tips, the red/white/black theme and the white with black moons and tips.  What I didn't like was the price ($25).  It's not that bad, but I also hate wearing fake nails with the chance of them falling or breaking off (embarrassing!!).  So, being the nail junkie I am I decided to grab our first-aid friend, the band-aid and get to work!!

I first heard of the band-aid trick through one of my favorite blogging channels, Andrea's Choice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WOBA9simFY and it was so easy, I've been doing it ever since.  You basically get perfect french or reverse french every time! Watch the DIY below to get perfect reverse french nails without having to fork out the cash for the falsies!

Supplies you will need:

1. white nail polish
2. black nail polish
3. 5 band-aids (cut in half)
4. base coat/top coat

Directions:

1. After applying base coat/hardener, paint all of your nails black. I only needed to use one coat for this and I recommend the same for you.
2. Once the black is *completely* dry, grab the band-aids (at this point they should be cut in half) and using the round side of each band-aid piece, apply to the half-moon of your nail. Make sure to stick band-aid to your hand (3-4 times) first to get some of the stickiness off so the band-aid doesn't pull off the polish.
3. Once you have all of the band-aids stuck in the right place on your nails, paint the top portion above the band-aid white.  I used two coats for this color since I think white chips more easily.
4. Let dry.
5. Once they are dry, peel the band-aids off (go slow).
6. Tada!! Now you have beautiful reverse french nails!! Just remember to apply top coat.

Black and white reverse-french mani!

Finished!!

Repeat after Me…ORANGE | The many ways to wear Orange this season

by: Ashley Stewart

As Spring unfolds, orange reveals itself as the hottest spring color, in ohhhh so many ways. From blood orange jeans made by J Brand, to the washed orange t-shirt from ASOS, different variations of orange are sprouting up everywhere.  Sephora recently announced their Color of the Year, and to no one’s surprise, the most sought after color this season, Tangerine Tango.

With the exception of last year, orange has not been hot since the 90’s, and even then, it looked awful (well everything looked awful in the 90’s).  So when it became the new color, it begs to ask the question, why?  The answer is simple.  Orange is just fun.  Not too much, not too little; and the most popular reason: everyone is tired of red as the, dare to be bold color.  

An extra plus, it looks great on every skin tone and can be paired to match just about any color; just find the perfect variation of orange that suits you.  One will notice that a majority of the orange clothing on boutique shelves are not created with a drastic, dramatic, life-changing effect in mind; rather a classic jean with an orange dye, or a deep-orange blouse that accents the tan glow, we all love in the summer.  Simple designs are what designate orange as the right color for the season.

When it comes to makeup, go orange or go home.  That doesn’t mean step out of the house with orange eyeshadow, orange blush, and orange lipstain.  Pick one and ride it out.  

Less is more, and you don’t want to look like you have waited your whole life for orange to become popular, just subtly wear it and it will make a BIG statement.  

If you’re wearing a lipstain but don’t want it to be as orange, try a nude lip liner as a base…not only will it tone down the boldness, it will give it more of a matte look which is totally hot this season.

Exactly how do you wear this hot new color without looking like an orange popsicle?  A great look is the full-on monotonous outfit but if you do this, hold off on applying any orange makeup.  If you don’t quite have the edge, or you’re simply not in the mood to turn heads with a bright, bold ensemble, then I suggest a neutral-colored outfit, paired with orange heels and tangerine lipstain.  Not only will you feel comfortable, you will look HOT.  So, before hitting the beach this summer, or an after work Happy Hour, remember to give yourself a quick, at-home makeover, with Orange!

What’s Metallic, Pastel and Floral all over? You! | BEST Summer Accessories

by Ashley Stewart

The best summer accessories have shown themselves, and they are looking good!  From the many varieties and types to choose from, you will have no trouble staying in-trend this season.  With so many summer-ins, I have narrowed down my top ten faves that will have you moving from side to side in style.

Try Tribal-esque – Going native is never a bad thing, and this summer is no different.  Get down to the basics with classic tribal designs that display earthy tones and bold colors.  These designs look best on necklaces and headbands – even belts and purses!

So sleek with White Leather – Leather is the way to go when looking for accessories such as shoes and clutches.  White leather is in and when I say in, I mean IN!  So ditch the fur shearlings and black leather bombers and update your wardrobe with white leather that is sleek for summer.

Turn me on, Turban – When you think of turbans this summer, think of bright, floral patterns that are looser on your head but still tight around your hairline.  There are great designers springing up very fashion forward hair turbans, so turn up the heat and try one for yourself!  This is definitely one of my favorite looks this summer.

Going out to sea, or at least looking like it – Bring the beach to the sidewalk this summer with fancy, sea-inspired designs.  Looking like a mermaid never looked so good and you can catch this look by choosing accessories such as sea-shell earrings, starfish bangles and deep blue, fish necklaces.

Hold up, you may need your 3D glasses – Turn on the illusions with 3D designs that will have all eyes popping.  Dress up your floral print dress or blouse with a dramatic, 3D flower necklace that is as overstated as the Kardashian brand.  Try a 3D hairband on a lazy hair day and you will get an “A” for Amazing!

Matte-tastic! – Satin matte is what you need this summer, whether it is in the form of cute blazer or an edgy clutch for evening.  You can find metallic accessories just about anywhere this summer, so make sure you have all the essentials: cuffs, earrings, necklaces, belts!

Dramatic Paisley – This summer is all about drama, and the drama

doesn’t stop with paisley prints!  Instead of the small, organized prints designers created last summer – this season, the top-notch fashion players brought out the paisley print, but in a looser, more dramatic pattern.  Check out all of the new designs displayed on dangling earrings, shoes and cuffs.

Go, Go, Gadget Go! – Bring out the robot in you with geometric shapes that are both flattering and at the top of the summer list.  From triangles, to octagons, you can find just about any accessory that will give you that robot-feel; just remember geometric accessories look so good in neons and brights!

You’re such a Softy, Pastel – Bring in the pinks, the purples, and the blues…pastel version, of course.  Every accessory looks good in pastel and this summer is no different.  Not only does pastel serve up something fresh for the season, it also makes you look classy and put-together, without even trying.  So get soft and get it together with pastel clutches, headbands, shoes and belts!

Take care of Mother Earth – This season you can save the earth while saving your dress code.  Turn the style up with organic cuffs and bangles made from recycled materials.  Not only do you get the earthy look, you get the reputation as a “green machine.”

http://hot-new-fashion-trends.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-summer-accessories-2012.html

http://www.elle.com/Accessories/Accessories-Spotlight/Editors-Picks-Accessories-of-the-Day2#mode=base;slide=5;

http://www.elle.com/Accessories/Accessories-Spotlight/Haute-Decor#mode=base;slide=0;

Look Your Best, You Beauty | Swimsuit looks that will keep you HOT

by: Ashley Stewart

Strut your stuff this summer with a swimsuit that not only makes you look hot, but feel hot as well!  From string bikinis to cutout one-pieces, this summer is sure to add beauty to all body shapes and sizes.  I searched hundreds of sites and used my own personal fashion-eye, to find the best looking swimsuits for your body type.  Look below to see where your body fits!

Are you pear-shaped?Look for a great one-piece that has a v-neck to take distraction off of your bottom half and make your figure come alive.

 Any suit with stripes, polka dots and patterns looks great, as do the one-shoulder suits that reveal elegance and a little skin.  Avoid boy shorts as they add a box-shape and cause an illusion of a bigger bottom half.








Do you want to enhance your chest?

Bring out the bold colors, ruffles and frills!  Anything embellished on top or full of fluff is great for the women who want a little more action on their upper half.  Try string bikinis, bandeau tops and cutout one-pieces to bring it all together…up there.



Got junk in the trunk?
We all would love to have a booty like Kim K., but for those who want to hide it just a tad, go for a suit with a plunging neckline to add emphasis to your friends upstairs.  If you want to stay away from the one-pieces this summer, go with a fold-over style bottom with adjustable side strings.  This takes away from the attention of your booty and still has that sex appeal we all crave.  A handy tip is to try a suit with rings on the sides instead of strings.  This is a great look and also prevents your bottoms from slipping up and showing more of your bottom.  A suit with a skirt bottom or a strapless one-piece and full bottom coverage is great as well.  My recommendation, try them all and select which style works for you!



Got a pin-up body with a lot of curves?
One-pieces and tankinis will be your best friend this summer and will not only mask what you don’t want revealed, but your curves will be accentuated marvelously.  Stick with bright solids and not too many patterns or stripes.  Bold colors are all the rage this season so get your favorite color and feel great at that upcoming pool party.  I love the classy look of tankinis and skirts because they hide the problem areas but make the legs and arms look great.  Whatever your choice, choose a suit that hugs your body and even go for rouching on the sides which will accent those curves in the best way!




Are you Miss Ab-less?

No worries this summer!  Go with a suit that has a high-cut leg which will take the distraction off of your tummy and put the attraction into those long legs of yours!  One-piece, solid color suits are great looks along with tankinis, which hide those “love handles” that we hate.  If you are going for the one piece, opt for a sexy number with a plunging neckline, belts, or ruffles – or all of those!  Loose, draping necks look great and give some attention to the girls upstairs.  Another way to hide that belly is to camouflage; try color blocking with black and white and you will notice a dramatic change!

Are DD – elicious?

Having big tatas is what every girl wants, but if you are over your natural bust of beauty than don’t hide your friends, support them!  Try a v-neck suit that shows cleavage (not too much), and elongates your figure.  Halter top suits are great because they add support and if you can find one with thick straps, even better!  For extra support, find a suit with an underwire that will give you an energetic, perky look.
For whatever your body type, this summer is bringing you beach-sexy looks without all of the baggage.  If you’re shopping in-store, bring a friend who will tell you how they really feel and spend time picking out that perfect suit!

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/beauty/fashion/swimwear/best-swimsuits-for-pear-shapes/?page=3
http://www.cosmopolitan.com/hairstyles-beauty/tiptool/swimwear-for-body-shape#/category1

Summer is Coming, Bronzer it Up!

by Ashley Stewart

Wanting to be bronze is like wanting to be the president:  you have all of the resources, know about the different issues, but don’t know how to quite pull off the job.  Start with some easy tips that we found to pull off that bronze-goddess glow, we all envy.

Powder vs. Liquid, Gel, Cream

Choosing what type of bronzer to use can be a chore of its own.  With so many options out there, your bound to get lost in the maze.  But if you stick to what your skin needs and looks best in, you will achieve that perfect look.  If you have oily skin then stick only to powder.  The exception to this rule is if you find a great primer, then you can try the gel bronzer to achieve that dewy look.  If you have more dry or combination skin, then score with a great liquid, gel or cream, which not only gives you that glow but adds moisture at the same time!

How to find the Right Match

Never go more than two shades darker than your natural color!  The exception to that rule is if it's Halloween, then you can do what you want.  From there, follow this advice to choose the color that is right for you.

If you have fair to pale skin, choose a rose or peach infused bronzer, even try blush if you are very pale, and pull off that damsel in distress look.  If you have medium tan to olive skin, then go with gold and shimmer bronzer for the earthy look.  And for dark skin, stick with the darker, mocha infused bronzers for extra glow.

Bronzer ain’t bronzer if you don’t apply it right! Make sure that you use a blending brush; short, light-weight and fluffy. If the brush bristles are too stiff, the bronzer will go on streaky, and no one wants to look like a bronze zebra.

Once you have decided on your bronzer type, and your brush, it’s time to apply! This is when the power of three becomes so important! You want to bronze your forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and neck.  Your starting point should be right below your hairline on your forehead, swooping down through your cheekbones (hit your nose of course), and curve again down to your jawline and sides of neck, drawing a three on each side of your face.  This will leave you with a sun-kissed look, minus the UVA and UVB rays that demolish your skin’s health.

Tips!

If you are going for a dewy finish rather than the satin-finished look, try a bronzer gel over a face primer.  Facial primers go great after your morning moisturizing regimen and work by blocking oil and minimizing pore appearance.  Just apply about a quarter size all over your face and Hello Flawless!

If you must wear foundation, please don’t put on a liquid, gel or cream bronzer.  It will make your face look very shiny (not in a good way) and primer cannot save that mess.  If you are a liquid foundation-goer, stick to a powder bronzer.  If you wear a powder foundation, then slip on the gel bronzer before applying the foundation so it sets and isn’t too bold.

If you are new to the bronze game, start with a powder and leave the gel and liquid to the rookies.  It is difficult at first to master, so I recommend practicing before you perform a sales pitch to potential clients.

Less is more -  More people notice you (in a good way), the more natural you appear.  Hey, no one said you have to go Blake Lively on everyone, but if the question ever pops in to your head, am I wearing too much makeup? Then the answer is, YES.

Last but not least: if you have practiced and still don’t have the look that you want, get help. MAC stores are always around, and who doesn’t use MAC? Just walk in, ask them to show you how to apply bronzer – the normal way (no one wants to have as much makeup on as a MAC employee) and take mental notes. Good Luck!

Nail Stickers…Just Stick ‘em

From classic to trendy, to downright outrageous, your mouth won’t have to utter a word…your nails will say it all.  This season, take life with a firm grip, all while keeping your nails intact and chip-free.  Nail stickers and decals are this season’s sure thing, a way of avoiding those rushed, lunch-hour manis (that only last three days), and actually giving us time for the stuff that really matters…like lunch hour trips to an end of season sale or downing an entire Chipotle burrito in one sitting.  Whatever you do during your precious lunch hour, you can now remove the nail salon from your list.

By now, we have all come across the cheap-looking nail decals that we would never be caught dead in; but if you take a closer look, brands are popping up everywhere, and their stock of stickers is anything but cheap.  Nail stickers and decals have a bad name, but once you browse the selection at Duane Reade, CVS, or even Sephora, you will take a double look.  Designs from pure pink to cheetah, to metallic-gold are all options and the combinations, endless.

If you are like most women, and can’t stay within the lines when using the microscopic brush of an OPI bottle, or have the patience of a three-year old, then all you need to repeat is: peel, stick, file.  There is no staying in the lines with nail stickers.  They come precut and you just match them with the size of your nail, and file off the excess with ease. Don’t worry about waving your hands obnoxiously to dry them either, no dry time needed.

Stickers are the anti-nail polish and it’s clear to see why.  You can be cute from head to nails for up to fourteen days for only around $10. You can’t even get a polish change for that! Worried about your nail’s health after a Shellac or OPI Gel massacre?  Well, calm down…do a breathing exercise, and count to ten, because there is zero damage with nail wraps.  Another positive is once you’re ready to forfeit your bold look, simply peel off or use nail polish remover for a quick removal.

For great brands that have the newest looks and designs, check out Sally Hansen, Kiss, and Nail Rock. Oh, and for that, right out of the spa look, put the stickers on your toes and go all in!

http://fashion.elle.com/beauty/2012/01/13/instant-runway-ready-nail-art/

http://www.sephora.com/nail-bling-P294707?skuId=1357888

Girls who Show Skin have More Fun!

The rulebook this season is full of do’s, and pretty empty on don’ts. The verdict:  Anything and everything goes as long as you look good in it, which must be why crop tops are back with a tummy-twisting vengeance.  I suppose all women should be praising the genius (yeah, right), who thought it was a good idea to sneak these small tops back into the fashion forefront, but since top designers such as Donna Karan and Prada revealed there bare-bearing fashions on the runway this Spring, a whole new mindset has set in, on us all.

Before you hunt down the crop top culprit, read on about how this unsettling trend may bring out the NEW you!  The great thing about this trend is that there are several ways to wear these midriff showers, and different types and variations to give a try.  If you are very confident with your body and don’t mind getting some extra attention, then I would go with the bandeau type. 

Yes, people are actually purchasing and wearing swimsuit-style bandeau tops for a day of shopping and brunch.  Most of us, unless we are workout buffs or were on the last season of ANTM, cannot pull this off without constantly looking down, worried about what is happening below head-level. 

For us working women, a simple midriff bearing, corset-crop may be the perfect option for us.  This allows us to show just enough skin without feeling like we work in the Red Light District, and in addition, lends us the sexy appeal only crop tops can offer.  If hitting the work scene, slide on a blazer and a long pleated skirt or dress pants, to have an outfit that makes you feel like you’re on the runway, and look like it, too.

Still not convinced?  Then you should opt for the cut-out dress.  This shows the least amount of skin and if you are not feeling so great about your ab-game then this style is perfect for you.  It portrays the illusion that you are in tiptop shape without the hassle of the workout.  Another option to try, is grab a pair of high-waisted shorts or jeans and have a loose crop top that will only show an inch of skin, if that, and will give you the security that not too much is revealed.

Keep in mind that confidence is everything, so if you don’t have it…get some!  Look around, everyone is trying new things and there’s no reason you shouldn’t.  Yes, fashion is a scary thing sometimes, but it is always fun to try new things and that’s what fashion brings to us each season: new ways to wear something and new attitudes to go along with them.  Something is always too far out there for us, but with a little exercise (and some praying), we can pull it off!

http://www.vogue.com/guides/the-list-voguecoms-50-plus-picks-for-spring/
http://www.elle.com/Fashion/Fashion-Spotlight/The-Cropped-Top-Challenge/Wear-the-Bra-Top-Trend-in-Public-Spring-2012-Fashion-Trends-ELLE.com
http://www.elle.com/Fashion/Trend-Reports/Top-10-Trends-From-Spring-2012/Top-10-Trends-From-Fashion-Week-Spring-2012#mode=base;slide=36;

Drinking Hot Water, more Benefits than We Know | Purifying your body

Recently my boyfriend returned back to NYC from a trip to China, where as we all know, the culture, religion and food are drastically different from our Americanized way of life.  During our brief phone calls via Skype (yes, Skype works there), he went on to tell me all of the differences he had discovered and experienced while visiting China.  Being a self-proclaimed world traveler, he has been all over the world and has had the opportunity to prevail and live within other cultures of people.  I have heard his heart-felt stories of the paths he has walked during his travels to small towns in Macedonia, Israel and Morocco.  Now it was China’s turn.

I was surprised and taken aback when he told me (without disgust, I must say), that in China they do not refrigerate their meat.  I automatically resented the country upon hearing this news (yes, I know - shallow).  However, he kept talking.  He was traveling around parts of China, beginning in Beijing, and was changing hotels every two to three days during his three-week stay.  With excitement always in his voice, his hotel accommodations were more than he could hope for.  He was blown away by the cleanliness of the hotel grounds and room, and loved the marble and granite shower.  Food is always a mystery when visiting other countries, China being no different; he ate with open-mindedness but was surprised when he began to feel mildly comfortable with the 5-star dining experience (although he did incur food poisoning within hours of devouring a Subway sandwich).

I believe it was during dinner one of his first nights where he caught glimpse of another China-culture extra – hot water, and even more so, the lack of cold water.  He noticed the locals and some of the tourists with cups of steaming hot water, during all times of day; no ice cubes in sight.  During this particular conversation, I was a little embarrassed I had not heard of this hot water trend before.  I wondered why on earth would they drink hot water in the afternoon when it was so hot outside?  Don’t they feel the heat?  He went on to explain to me what knowledge he had gained from the others: it purifies your body and helps with digestion.  Just like that, I wanted to follow in the Chinese culture (at least, in the hot water sense).

After researching on this topic, it somewhat revealed to me that I am not as experienced as I thought.  This hot water practice has been in use since the beginning of time, and China was not the only place where people indulged in this practice.  One can learn a lot about life through experiences and this is just one more reason to always have your ears and eyes open.  Having an open mind is much like having an open heart: you let everything in, but always take it with fair and realistic measure.

The benefits of Drinking Hot Water:

1. Purification – drinking hot water creates perspiration which is key to releasing toxins from your body.  The average body heat is 98.6 degrees, imagine how a cup of boiling hot water can help raise your body temperature momentarily.  We have six quarts of blood in our body, and it travels nearly 12,000 miles each day, so try to keep it clean and purified when it’s working hard for you.  Drinking hot water also is known to remove deposits in the nervous system; those deposits are believed to have a negative effect on thoughts and emotional responses.
2. Great for Diet – Some people believe that drinking hot water helps with weight loss.  Hey, can’t hurt to try.
3. Congested?  Clear it Up! – If you are feeling ill and congested, or just need to open those nasal passages, then try water instead of coffee or hot tea, which only dehydrates you due to the caffeine.  If you can’t stand the taste of plain water, add a slice of lemon!

http://www.healthydrinkingwaterblog.com/final-tips-on-drinking-water/benefits-of-drinking-hot-water-36/

Oh Girl, Where Did You Get Your Hair? | DIY: Coconut Oil Mask

Summer is coming, your body is beach-ready, and your toes match your fingers to perfection.  Sadly, none of this prepping and pampering matters.  If you have shaggy, worn out hair, then it’s time for a hair REDO.  Instead of spending countless hours at the salon to get a deep conditioning treatment, look within and around, at all the beauty that you can obtain, naturally.  Who knows, the products in your kitchen fridge and cabinets, could end up being your best friends this summer!

After many hair color changes, times that I thought I could pull off that Beyonce blonde hair, I was a hot mess with a pile of straw on my head. I was on the mission to find the perfect deep conditioner, to wake my hair up and give it life.  After taking early morning and late night trips to the nearest beauty supply store, my search would always end up in disaster; either empty-handed or settling with a hair mask packed with unhealthy, synthetic ingredients, sure to do more harm than good.

Hours of searching left me with the most popular haircare regimens: at-home hair treatments from the most natural ingredients.  With so many treatments to choose from, I had my hand in picking the few I thought would work best for my unruly mane.

My favorite solution to fight overall dry and brittle hair:  Coconut oil!  This oil fortifies and moisturizes each strand to give your hair a natural glow and contains key components those salon brands lack.  One of them, Lauric acid, is present in coconut oil and is used for the prevention of hair loss.  It works against the roots and scalp and acts an antimicrobial agent.  Coconut oil also has vitamin E, which we all know is the go to vitamin for hair, skin and nails.  Got dandruff but too embarrassed to walk up to the counter with a Head & Shoulders bottle?  Coconut oil to the rescue!  It acts as an anti-dandruff agent as well, because of the various fatty acids it contains.

Start by going to a nearby organic market, such as Whole Foods, and purchasing a jar of extra virgin coconut oil.  There are many brands out there, but the most popular and sought after are Nutiva, Spectrum, Nature’s Way and Tropical Traditions.  Grab some honey as well, as it helps with attracting and locking in moisture and is a natural hair lightener.

DIY Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Shower cap
• Hair clips
• Hair brush (optional)
• Gloves (optional)

Directions

Mix the coconut oil and honey is small bowl.  Part hair into four parts for easy application.  If you choose, use gloves, grab your brush (or use fingers), and start applying on hair.  Once your hair is completely covered, place shower cap on.  The longer you leave on, the better.  I recommend leaving it on overnight.  In the morning, lather up with your favorite shampoo and start styling your beautiful tresses.

Tips!

• Conditioner works great when applied to damp hair.
• Try air-drying instead of a scorching hot hair dryer.
• You may need to try several hair treatments before you finding a moisturizing routine that works for you.