Fashion Faux Pas: Harry Potter Lingerie

It pains me to write this. Full disclosure: I've never actually watched Harry Potter. But I hated the trailers, clips, and everybody in the world talking about it. So...I feel like I'm informed enough.

I just plain hate it.

So imagine the look of horror on my face when I discovered that there is actually Harry Potter themed lingerie.

I guess I’m wondering what the appeal is. The books and movies are about kids—dorky kids. And I don’t mean that in a nerd-chic kind of way. It just seems like the last thing in the world that would A. make a woman feel sexy, and B. turn on any guy who isn’t a virgin.

I mean, the damn glasses are not included in the set, but they are obviously encouraged! And it’s apparently well-made, or even worse, somehow popular because the set retails for almost $50!

I've asked several guys (who like Harry Potter) if they thought this look was sexy. No one liked it at all. Not even a little bit.

What's interesting, is that the site, Yandy, also offers some cute, non-creepy lingerie. They have a Disney princess line that is a little weird, but for the most part, it isn't a bad site.

But this is certainly a bad outfit for seduction--magic wand and all.

Flowy, Fabulous Frock

I'm totally obsessed with most of the Knox Rose tops at Target, but in all honesty, their Velvet Bell Sleeve Top is my absolute fave.

It's an absolutely gorgeous three-quarter sleeve '90s-ish-inspired top in navy with details of lace and crushed velvet textures. The sleeves are great--I've been seeing a lot of bell sleeves, and while they're pretty, they can get in the way when they're at the wrist. The placement of the sleeve on this is perfect.

I'm also crazy about the cut of this top. It's universally flattering and hides anything you don't want showing, but without looking like a tent-like, shapeless garment. Everything just falls beautifully.

And the color!! It is darker than your normal navy hue. In black, it would probably be a bit too much, but the slight bit of navy is super pretty.

Honestly, the entire collection is beautiful. I'm sure I'll be buying more very soon! As it is, I wanted to save this top for Thanksgiving, and I couldn't even wait a day to wear it. Am I overly obsessed? Clearly. But it's still fabulous!

Each Bell Sleeve Top retails for $27.99.

Happy shopping!

A Bunch of Beauty Blunders

Since I haven't written in a while, I thought it would be appropriate to write about several beauty mistakes that simply make my skin crawl. So take a moment to reflect--and make sure that you don't do any of the following beauty blunders!

Fragrance Overload
If you're anything like me, you've been spraying (and spraying...) the latest Victoria's Secret fragrances since the day they landed on your vanity. But be aware: too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Here are the numbers you need to know: No more than three sprays for an eau de parfum, four for an eau de toilette.
Caked-on Base

Painting on countless layers of foundation, tinted moisturizer, concealer, and powder on your face will rub off on anything you wear. You'll also look ridiculous. Trust me: I had wore super thick foundation in middle school and looked stupid. Never again! Stick with a lightweight foundation, remove any obvious spots of makeup with a damp sponge, and dab concealer just over redness and under eye circles.

 

Overdone Lashes
I'm also guilty of this in my past...I used to pile on a crazy amount of mascara. When poorly done, the Kardashian look you're probably going for can turn into the spidery effect that no one wants. I'm talking scarily clumpy, flaky, and just plain awful. A few falsies applied to the outer corners make your eyes look wide, innocent, and sexy, without looking like they could walk on their own. Also use Disposable Mascara Wands in between coats of mascara! They work amazingly well for this, and they're easy on your wallet.

A Sloppy Shave
Nothing says "I've given up on caring" quite like leg stubble. Shave at night for the most precise finish (your legs swell as you sleep, so you'll miss hairs if you shave in the morning) and use a new blade frequently. Doing this will help you avoid those annoying red razor bumps, and make the job easier.

Sticky Lip Gloss
There are lip glosses that moisturize with a gorgeous sheen, and there are those that are so sticky they could glue together broken glass. Or at least ensure that you always have hair stuck to your lips at all times. Not attractive, and super annoying. Keep your lips kissable with a gloss like Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Lip Shine—it lasts longer than most and isn't the least bit sticky.

Orange-y Self Tanner
A subtle bronze glow is lovely, but one coat too many and you're suddenly an Oompa Loompa. Play it safe and go for one that's just one shade darker than your natural skin-tone. If you're worried about making a mistake, dilute self-tanner with moisturizer or try a gradual tanning lotion, like Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer.

Stay fabulous, ladies!