Man Mishap: The Rise of the Man Bun

Sigh. The latest hair trend with male celebs is quite unfortunate.  Apparently, the man bun is "trendy" in Hollywood.


I don't get it.  I'm not sure who started this horrific trend, but I would love to personally punch them in the 'nads.  Repeatedly.  And that's not me just being mean and selfish--it's to remind the men of Hollywood that they are actually MEN.


A chic ballerina bun can be absolutely adorable...on women.  A grungy, disgusting bun on dudes is simply unacceptable.


I've always hated men with long hair.  The man ponytail is right at the top of my most hated men's hairstyles.  That said, the man bun has actually surpassed it.


Listen guys, I get that throwing your long locks into a bun can seem like a good idea.  It gets your hair out of your face, and is easy to do.  But you know what else keeps hair our of your face?? A G.D. HAIRCUT!!!


Stop trying to be trendy and cool, and just get a haircut like normal people.


Thank you. That is all. 

For Fickle Fingers: Sula Pant and Peel Polish

When I was around six, my mom got me my very first set of nail polish.  I think it was included in a little Barbie makeup set, and what I loved the most was that the polishes peeled right off.  It was fabulous, because I couldn't ever decide on a polish color to stick with, so I was able to constantly paint, peel, then repaint, to  change looks depending on my mood!


Not much has changed since then.  I still constantly change my nail polish hue, sometimes more than once daily.  What can I say? I get bored easily and I like to try out different colors!


The good news is that there are some new gorgey paint and peel polishes out there.  Sula Beauty has some adorable nail duos (one end is a color, the other a top coat) that peel right off whenever you feel like it.  The quality is way better than my old Barbie polishes--the color can last for up to a few days if you want it to.  And the color options are phenomenal.


Here's a peek at the different hues:

Cute, right?! The polishes are also totally portable, so you can change up your mani on the go!

LOVE it!  You can buy yourself a duo (or buy 'em all!) for $9 each.

Fashion Faux Pas: BEING SICK!

Sorry, fashionistas!! I've had the most ridiculous cold/fever/possible flu for the past couple weeks, so I haven't been writing.  I know you've been missing reading up on the latest trends, but don't fret! I'm better now, so look forward to some fab posts starting tomorrow!

Side note: I've come pretty close to writing myself a few Fashion Citations during this time...and I'm not proud of that fact!!

Fab Flats for $15!

Even though I'm only 5ft tall, I tend to gravitate towards flats on a regular basis.  Heels are great, but since my feet are so tiny, I have a hard time finding any that fit me. And let's be honest--flats are much more comfy!


No matter what season it is, or what I happen to be wearing, I can usually depend on a good pair of stylish flats to get me through the day.


A couple years ago, I had a pair of AMAZING leopard print flats.  I basically wore them everyday.  Somehow, they managed to go with nearly every outfit I ever wore.  The downside was that they literally wore out after about a year because I wore them during all sorts of crazy weather (hey, a little bit of rain isn't going to stop me from wearing leopard print flats!)


I've been on the lookout for a replacement pair for a while and I finally found one!!


Target has this great pair of Leopard Print Ballet Flats that I am absolutely in love with.  They are super comfy, and totally gorgeous!


The flats are only $15 per pair, and come in a few different colors and patterns.  There's a really pretty pair of patent leather nude ones that I want...and will probably get.  But really, nothing beats leopard print, in my book (or blog)!

My Virtual Makeover Obsession!

I've been using this awesome website, Taaz.com, for a while now so I figured I'd pass along the fabulousness to my lovely readers!


Basically, the site allows you to upload any photo of yourself and add makeup, whiten your teeth, and even try out different hair styles! You can actually even try out complete celeb looks to see how it would look on you.


The coolest part, in my mind, is that the makeup you choose is actual makeup.  The site tells you what product you're using so that if you like the way a certain color looks on you, you can run out a buy it.  It's super helpful for when you don't feel like trying out a million different eyeshadows at a makeup counter, but still want a new look.


The result is a fairly natural-looking picture with whatever products you picked over it.  That said, you can also get crazy and creative with it if you want.  It's totally up to you.  I can literally spend hours trying different makeup on my "face".


I also have to admit that I love using the site to touch up some of my own pictures (like adding a little mascara and blush to a pic that makes me look washed out).


It's really a great resource, and best of all it's free! Huzzah!

Fashion Faux Pas: Underwear for your Bra

So I was going through some of my grandma's catalogs the other day and found a crazy amount of weird products that shouldn't really exist.


The worst? Gold Violin's Absorbent Bra Liner.


Now I realize that the product is meant for older women, but still I feel like it's totally ridiculous.  I mean, it's like wearing a panty liner underneath your bra. Even the name tells it like it is!


The liner claims to make wearing your bra less painful, while also absorbing any sweat you may accumulate throughout the day.  Honestly, if you sweat enough to need this product, you should see a doctor.


Another point? How do you explain this if you're about to..."get intimate" with someone??! Do you just flat out say that you have sweaty boobs? Or make something up on the spot?


If for some ungodly reason you want to try these out, you can buy a pack of three washable liners for $20.

Happy Easter!!

In honor of Easter, I found this adorable Bunny Ring.

I'm absolutely in love with it. Not only is it the perfect Easter accessory, it also works for spring and summer in general. 

I also like that the ring has a bit of a vintage feel to it and looks rather unique.

But the best part? It costs a mere $9!

How can anyone pass that up??!

Simply Divine and Under $39!

Makeup sales are my weakness.  Well, really any sale on general.  But makeup is def my addiction.

Currently, Ulta is teaming up with Smashbox for a fab sale.  Basically you get a set of makeup (it's about a $150 value!) for $39!  The set is called Beauty Exposed and contains a bunch of ultra-wearable makeup hues that work with nearly all skintones.

Here's what's inside:

• The Beauty Exposed eyeshadow palette (with four shadows in Bare, Carmel, Marble, and Oak and a soft lights highlighter in Moonstone)
  
• Lip Enhancing Gloss in Starfruit
  
• Blush Rush in Peony
  
• Limitless Eyeliner in Stone
  
• Photo Finish Foundation Primer
  

Pretty fabulous!!  If you need to stock up on some basic makeup goodies, this is really the set to get!

Stowaway Shower Curtain

I live in a studio apartment.  One of the downsides is that my bathroom is tiny.  I don't have tons of room for my plethora of hair and body products (to be fair, I probably own way too many products than is socially acceptable).


Anyway, I found this fabulous Stowaway Shower Curtain from Urban Outfitters.  It has POCKETS!  For real.  I'm loving this.  I can actually store oodles of things right inside the shower curtain!


I'm also a huge fan of the color.  The light blue hue is fabulous.  But if you aren't a fan, the curtain also comes in a light grey.


Each curtain is $44, which I think is reasonable for a good quality shower curtain that doubles as an organizer.

AMAZING Guess Jewelry SALE at Burlington Coat Factory!

On a recent jaunt to Burlington Coat Factory, I stumbled upon the most ridiculously awesome deal EVER.   A ton of their boxed Guess jewelry sets (including a necklace, bracelet, and a pair of earrings) are currently on sale for under $3!!  I bought the sets pictured above. Gorgey, right?!

Seriously.  This is not a joke.

Guess jewelry is amazing and the quality is always great.  So this is kinda a big deal.

The gift sets are originally $60.  That's right.  I know this because the original price tags are still on the inside of the boxes.  This is the best sale ever! I actually think I totally freaked out the sales girl when I checked out because I was so obsessed and giddy.

I'm not sure how long this sale is going on for, or even how long they'll have the gift sets since they're so crazily cheap...SO definitely make a point to pick up a set (or two...or three!) They make fab gifts for anyone in your life--especially for yourself!

How To Pronounce Beauty Brand Names

I don't know about you ladies, but I have a ridiculously hard time pronouncing beauty brand names.  And it can get pretty embarrassing when I claim to be a beauty guru, then say the name of a brand incorrectly.  Below are a few of the most common beauty brands that people mispronounce.

Borghese
How to pronounce it: bor-gay-zeh (NOT bor-gay-zee)

Bourjois
How to pronounce it: boor-jwah 

NYX
How to pronounce it: nix (NOT N.Y.X.)

Shu Uemura
How to pronounce it: shoe oo-eh-moor-ah

L'Occitane En Provence
How to pronounce it: lox-ee-tann uhn pro-vaunce

Sheiseido
How to pronounce it: sheh-say-do

Stila
How to pronounce it:  stee-lah

Rimmel
How to pronounce it:  rim-l


Chantecaille
How to pronounce it:  shan-tuh-kigh


Guerlain
How to pronounce it:  gerr-lahn (the n is silent)



Helpful, no?  I must admit, I was definitely pronouncing some of these incorrectly.  But now I can talk about beauty brands with confidence! Huzzah!

My Latest Obsession: Magenta Hair Mascara

Every once in a while I get the uncontrollable urge to do something crazy with my hair.    Because I also like to look professional at times (oh the woes of being a journalist!), I cannot permanently color my hair bright purple, no matter how much I want to.

That's where Claudia Steven's Hair Highlighter comes in.  It comes in oodles of colors (black, bronze, mocha, gold, blue, and of course my personal fave, magenta).  As a side note, my lovely friend Nicole over at Glossy Gurl opted for the cobalt blue hue and it looks absolutely fab on her.

Now I have to say that the actual product looks much more pink than the picture leads you to believe.  It's a true magenta and somehow looks great with my newly dyed red locks.  Here's a picture with some of the magenta mixed in:

It's a little difficult to see the full effect in the picture, but you can get the basic idea. I like to do only a few highlights on the top of my head and then do multiple strands of "peek-a-boo" highlights underneath so it looks as natural as magenta hair can possibly look.

The only "downside" that I've found so far is that it's a little tricky to wash out.  I put a ton of the stuff in my hair for a night out and it took about three washings for it to completely disappear.  That's not really a bad thing, and I still consider it a temporary look.

What do you ladies think?

The best part is that you can get a tube of the hair mascara for under $5.  I'm definitely going to stock up on a few of the other colors (the gold color is def on my list!)

Fekkai Complementary National Blowout Day!

I'm practically hyperventilating while writing this, so bear with me.  To celebrate spring, two of my absolutely fave companies, Ulta and Fekkai, are hosting a Complimentary Blowout Day on April 5th 1-8pm!!


The only thing better than getting a blowout, is getting one for free! There's no purchase necessary (awesome, right?!), but if you do spend over $25 on Fekkai products, which I highly suggest you do, you'll also receive a 1.6oz Brilliant Glossing Cream.  This is honestly one of the best products that I use daily.  It works on all hair types and makes hair look shiny and fabulous, without looking greasy.


For the blowout, you can choose from two different looks:
Silky Straight or Full Blown Volume.  The Full Blown Volume style utilizes products from the Fekkai Advanced collection to add some volume and extra oomph!  The Silky Straight look uses products to make hair look effortlessly smooth, straight and chic.


Sounds incredible right? I'll definitely be headed over to the closest Ulta for this!  To find one near you, check the site's store locator.

What to Keep in Your Emergency Makeup Bag

I think it's safe to say that I have a makeup obsession.  I probably love makeup more than is socially acceptable.  So I generally carry what I call an "emergency makeup bag" with me everywhere I go.  I usually carry a huge handbag and throw a small cosmetic bag in there with the essentials. And while my obsession causes me to include a full eyeshadow palette and about five lip glosses in there, I also like to think that I carry some great products that can revive any look all day long.


Here are the top five products I keep with me at all times:


1) A good eyelash curler. Seriously, you've got to see the difference it makes. Insane. A portable one is great because they're super tiny and can easily fit into any makeup bag. 
2) A dark eyeliner. Black or brown or both. Non-negotiable. 
3) Mascara. It can be thickening, lengthening, volumizing. Whatever, really. Just pick your poison. Dramatic lashes just make you look more awake and "with it." Plus, it keeps focus on your eyes and not on, say, a big pimple. 
4) Concealer that exactly matches your skintone. 
5) A subtle sparkly eye shadow. Beige works. So does champagne. Just look for something light that shimmers. You can put it in your lids for a soft, girlie effect, in your inner corners to open your eyes up or along your cheekbones to make them look higher. So versatile! An acceptable substitute: Highlighter.


Of course, there are lots of other great things that can be handy to have on hand, but those are the five I think everyone should have. 


Although now that I think of it, putting together an emergency makeup bag is the perfect excuse to buy a fab new makeup case!! One with a mirror inside it is a great added bonus!

Where to find your emergency supplies:

Shameless Self Promotion

Check out the shoutout I got on BB Becker's site! For those if you who didn't read my post on their "It's Okay" bracelet, take a gander at it here!

The Look For Less: Bow Rings

Since I'm so crazily girly, I'm always looking for cute jewelry.  I'm particularly in love the bows.  There's really nothing girlier than a little silver bow.  I have a couple necklaces that feature dainty bows, but I've really always wanted a ring.


Pictured above, I have a couple of gorgey bow rings.  I'd love to wear either of them (or let's be serious--both at the same time!)  Unfortunately, my budget simply won't allow that.


On the left is a beautiful ring by Stackable Expressions.  I absolutely LOVE it.  The bad news? It's on sale for about $140.  The regular price is a steep $300.  It's a pretty ring, but I just can't imagine shelling out that kind of cash for it.


So I found a fab alternative.  On the right is a fab ring from Forever21.  The cost? Under $2.  Pretty amazing, right?!


I love finding great deals! Yippee!!

Super Adorable Clutch for Spring!

Purses are my weakness.  I recently got rid of a bunch of them, but I'm slowly building my collection back up. And when I say "collection", I mean that I probably own over 50 handbags.


What can I say? I love accessories!


I am totally smitten with this fabulously feminine Large Floral Cabbage Print Clutch from Target. 


Let me list the reasons why I'm so obsessed:

1. The print.  There's nothing prettier than light purple flowers daintily printed on a bag.  It almost has a vintage feel to it.
2. The metal closure.  It takes a super girly bag and adds a little bit of "badass" to it.
3. The size.  I can't get the exact dimensions, but I have seen this in stores and it's totally large enough to hold everything you need for a night (or day) out.

So yeah. I love it.

The best part? You can grab one of these bags for under $17!  Total steal! Woohoo!

Fashion Faux Pas: Pants You Can Eat Off Of

Much as I love Italy, I'm definitely not down with their latest trend. A company called Acquacalda has created what I consider to be the most horrifying pants in the world.


The idea is that the pants transform when you sit in a cross-legged position to create a table-esque surface.  Apparently they are perfect for picnics.


Umm...are you kidding me??! First of all, anyone wearing these pants in public looks like an MC Hammer reject.  The fabric over the crotch area is super unflattering and looks just plain confusing.  I also hate the cut of the pants in general.  They puff out, then come in at the calf, kind of like pantaloons.


How is wearing anything like this acceptable??


I mean, if for some reason you constantly sit and eat on the ground, I guess it's okay.  But in reality, who eats outside that much? And is the practicality worth looking like you have some sort of elaborate crotch issue?  I don't think so.


Oh and another weird/hideous bonus? The pants also include a cup holder on the side. No joke.


This is very disappointing.  I can't find a price anywhere for them, but I'm willing to bet that they're as expensive as every other ugly pair of pants out there.


Please people--just stick to regular jeans.  Put a blanket down if you want to have a picnic.  Or just sit on a park bench!


That is all.

The Prettiest Dress I've Seen In a While

As most of you know, I'm a total girly-girl.  That means I'm constantly on the lookout for fabulously feminine dresses.


My new love? Alloy's Bliss Embroidered Tank Dress.  It's seriously the girliest, prettiest dress I've ever seen.


It comes in a super light rose hue, which I absolutely love.  I mean, pink in general usually has me hooked, but there's just something so pretty about the light rose.  I especially love the color when paired with sparkly, silver embroidery.  


Another bonus?  The cut of the dress.  Because it goes in right under the bust, then flows out, it's flattering on nearly all body types. Yippee!


You can pick up the dress for about $45.  I think it's totally worth it for such a pretty dress!

Beauty Boo-Boo: Impress Nails (I'm NOT Impressed!)

I've been obsessed with press-on nails for months.  I've tried just about every brand and style out there.  So when I saw the adorable packaging and patterns of the new ImPRESS Press-On Manicures by Broadway, I was definitely intrigued.


The patterns are amazing.  I especially wanted the nude and black lace print (pictured).  I held off on buying them for a while though because I was quite skeptical about the easiness of application that the box boasts.  In my experience, the only thing that will hold press-on nails on is actual nail glue.  Since these nails come with a gel glue already applied, I had a hunch that they wouldn't really stay on.  I was right.


Basically, you're supposed to peel a piece of plastic off the back of each nail, apply it to your own nail, and simply hold it down for a bit.  After trying that method with one nail, I could tell that it simply wouldn't hold.  At all.


But I still was obsessed with the nails themselves, pattern-wise.  So, I dug out some nail glue from my own stash and applied the nails like all the other press-ons I've used in the past.  Of course this didn't really work, because the gel glue is still on the nail.  So, the end result was super messy and the nails only stayed on for a day-ish.


Not good.


The only thing that they're good for is if you want to wear them for an event or something.  Since they'll only stay on for about 24 hours, that's really all they're good for.  And even then, you have to use a bunch of nail glue and clean up the edges. It takes way longer to apply these and make them look somewhat decent than any other press-on nail I've ever tried.


If you want to try them out for yourself, each pack is about $7 and they can be found at most drugstores.