Too Hot for High School?

January 5th, 2010 - 

We know you like to look good. But there’s a fine line between dressing your best and turning heads for the wrong reasons. This semester, when you glance in the mirror, take these tips on how to  tastefully tease and look sophisticatedly sexy before heading to class.

Hair, hair, everywhere. Spiraled curl up-dos–no. Duh. Stick with a sleek, clean and simple look. Go for a low ponytail with a classy barrette to hold back those bangs. If you want to jazz up your tresses for a day, sport some loose curls by using big heat rollers in the morning. A light hairspray spritz and you’re ready to bounce.

Skirt rules. Apply the old dress code trick. If you hold your arms straight down your legs and your fingers go past the hem, don’t wear it. When you sit in your desk, someone will see your panties. Unless that’s what you’re going for…If you have a great miniskirt, pair it with leggings.

Too high heels? Do you want to be laughed at? Trust us, in heels, you’re asking for behind-the-back whispers. We know heels make any girl feel pretty, but wedges, kitten heels or low pumps are way more comfy and appropriate. Wouldn’t want to step in gum in your favorite stilettos, would you? We opt for sneakers with jeans any day.

Makeup for math class. When applying make up for the school day, remember one thing: florescent lights. A bare face will look hotter than caked-up eyelids any day. Lip gloss, a little concealer, mascara and light, shimmery blush will do the trick.

Just Jewelry. Leave the large rhinestones and full matching jewelry sets in the drawer. Instead, go for one item you love–like a simple silver necklace with charm, or stud earrings. Nothing too gaudy.

Basically, in the morning you should ask yourself one thing: are you comfy? Trust your gut and go get ‘em, girl.

Bottom line, save the glitter for prom night. We like to be able to skip down the halls after lunch without snapping a heel and breaking an ankle.

Know Your Fabrics: a Fashion Tutorial

January 5th, 2010 - 

Ever looked at a dress tag and read “silk satin mix with tulle and taffeta lining. Dry clean only.” What the heck does that MEAN, you ask? Well, we’re here to fine-tune your knowledge on fabrics. This is vital info, so pay attention. Your prom dress depends on it.

Plus, once you read, you’re totally authorized to toss around fancy schmancy fabric names like you’re Anna Wintour.

Chiffon

A light, flowy fabric used in many prom dress styles. It fits great on most body types, and is generally layered on other fabrics. Chiffon can be made from silk, nylon and cotton.

Silk

A natural fabric, shimmery, elegant. Silk comes in different blends, like silk Georgette, silk-satin (a combo of silk weaved with satin), or silk crepe (a gauzy or wrinkled texture).

Organza

Feels like silk. It’s a blend of silk filaments, polyester and nylon. Lightweight, sheer and breezy fabric.

Satin

A weave of different blends that make a shimmery, high luster material. When cotton is added, satin becomes sateen, a softer, but not durable fabric. So don’t step on your hem.

Taffeta

A stiff woven fabric made from natural silk or synthetic fibers. Yarn-dyed silk taffeta is generally used for prom dresses since it’s much stiffer than piece-dyed silk taffeta–which is generally used for inner linings of dresses and coats. In Persian, the term means “twisted woven.”

Tulle

A lightweight, tiny netting fabric made from rayon, nylon or other fibers. Generally stiff and gives a dress poof and flair, despite its lightness. It adds bulk and generally comes in layers.

Velvet


A heavy fabric with a soft pile typically found in vintage gowns. At one time, velvet was made only from silk fibers, but today velvet can be made from cotton and other synthetic materials to create velvet varieties, like crushed velvet, velour and velveteen. Not like the rabbit.

Alright, ladies. Choose your fabric, and shop on!

Ditch Dry Skin

January 4th, 2010 - 

While hot cocoa, fluffy wool sweaters and stiletto leather boots make us giddy for winter, itchy dry skin does not. In fact, we frown upon the Winter Itch. We run away from red dryness. You can too. Besides, there’s nothing sexy about a flaky first kiss.

How to avoid?

The Winter Itch is caused by lack of WATER in your skin, NOT OIL. So, don’t fall for false ads that promote “essential oils.”

You can’t drink away dryness. Many magazines will tell you to drink eight glasses a day to avoid dry skin. While H2O is great for your bod, it won’t stop cracking knuckle skin. Ew.

Apply directly. That’s right, a nice, long bath is the best remedy for itchy dry skin. Apply water where it counts in lukewarm water, not scalding hot water.

Now, you know how your nails get super mushy and are easy to cut after you bathe? That’s an example of good hydration. Your skin is soaking in the good stuff.

Pat your yourself until DAMP with a towel, don’t rub until completely dry. Water helps a moisturizer trap water in your skin.

Mineral oil and petroleum jelly top the charts of best skin hydrators, but don’t smell exactly like roses. Look for these ingredients when choosing a lotion. For your face, avoid these products because they will clog pores, but a little won’t hurt, especially if your facial skin is cracking or burns. This doesn’t count as pain for beauty.

A few quick fixes:

Carry moisturizer in your purse. Handy for a quick hydration fix after washing your hands in a restaurant or at school.

Don’t buy moisturizers with alcohol listed in the small print. Alcohol dries out your skin. Like a hangover.

Sleep with a humidifier in your room.

Turn your thermostat down (as in cooler). Hot heat sucks the water out of your skin.

Use super fatty soaps, like Dove and Neutrogena, which are therapeutic to dry skin.

Look for oatmeal in ingredients. Used for over 4,000 years, oatmeal might be the number one skin-soothing agent. Check out Aveeno.

Get moist and shop on!

We Quit! Our Guide to Reasonable Resolutions

December 30th, 2009 - 

In three months, we plan to drop 20 pounds, be following a set two-hour daily workout regimin, land the job of our dreams and the hottest BF in town.

In other words, completely set ourselves up for an ultimate self-loathing letdown.

New Year’s Resolutions can be a bitch or your best friend. Depends on how you tackle it. We’re gonna be realistic this year when choosing what nasty habit to kick. Wanna join?

Stick to simple and slow. Think baby steps. If you want to quit caffeine, don’t go cold turkey. You know those Nicorette commercials with the steps? Yeah–do that. Here’s our handy dandy easy-does-it step-by-step guide to quitting practically anything (except injectable substances. For that, get real help, K? K.)

For cigarettes, coffee, soda, ice cream, etc. We’ll call it the Substance.

Week one: Figure out how much Substance you inhale/ingest per day. Write it down in a journal you’ll carry with you everywhere. Now, each day, tally how much Substance you use, no matter what. You can also journal when you crave. You might figure out that a certain emotion, like stress, triggers a craving. You’ll do this until freedom. For the first week, work on cutting back by 20%. Like, you smoke 5 cigarettes per day, go for four.

Week two: Keep tallying. Cut back 40% from the original amount. (From six diet sodas to roughly 3 1/2) Start a new hobby. Used to play piano? Pick it back up. Start cooking dinner. Paint your room. Shop for prom dresses. Any sort of escape that’s not the Substance. Devote half an hour to your new hobby every day.

Week three: Keep tallying. Look back at your journal. Notice improvements? Note patterns. Like, do you tend to give in on weekends or during the school day? Cut back to 50% from the original intake. (Four cups of coffee to two). IMPORTANT: at this point, it’s vital to give yourself your “drug” at vital times during the day or night. Figure out when you want it the most, and save it for then. Also, develop a buddy system. Tell someone what you’re up to and keep them updated on your status. When you decide to inhale/ingest your Substance, give your buddy a call.

Week four: Tally! Journal! Hobby! Call buddy! Cut down to 75% of original intake. (Four bowls of ice cream in a week to one.) This might be your hardest week. If you slip, don’t worry. Think of it as a learning experience. Assess what was going on. Did you have boyfriend problems? A super hard test? Fight with your mom? What were you feeling? Introduce alternate stress and anger-reducers into your habits, like punching pillows, scribbling with markers until they run out. Write letters you won’t send. Keep at it.

Week five: 90%. Now’s the time to think about how much you really want to eliminate. If it’s soda or candy–don’t get rid of these foods completely. In moderation, they won’t hurt you. Save a soda for a special occasion-like a date. If you’ve come this far with cigarettes, keep going. No one wants cancer. Gross.

We’re ready. Are you?

Shop on!

worth a watch: fashion Youtube vids

December 28th, 2009 - 

images-1Usually, we only visit Youtube when a famous face flashes a thousand cameras stepping out of a limo or when we’re really really unbearably bored.

But given the latest fashion video blog craze, we thought we’d check out the virtual assortment of amateur fashionistas advising us from their bedrooms on vidcam.

Surprisingly, we found a few goodies in the grab bag–some notable fashion vids worth watching…

For makeup, we’re fond of Michelle Phan. She’s full coverage from wearing makeup with glasses to masquerade ball facials. a sultry voice and fun background music, not to mention a pretty face. Plus, she does a luscious Lady Gaga Poker Face tutorial.

Also an expert with a foundation brush, screennamer “petrilude” gives great visual tips on a very wide variety of facial styles–from drag queen (he is a dude) to terrifyingly artistic Halloweenesque painted masks. Like how to get a great green face for a Malificent from Sleeping Beauty or the green witch from the musical Wicked. Don’t get weirded out–this guy’s an arteest.

A bit amateur, a lot of “ums” and awkward pauses, but Hungarian sisters Erika and Krista from NY most def show potential with their baby video blog “How to Live Your Life”. Not a fancy title, but they cover quirky hippy cool stuff like wearing clearance maternity Target clothes, mixing health drinks and sorting trash from treasure in vintage threads. The girls can sniff out bargains. Check out their finds from a sale hunt at GAP.

A little obsessed with Carrie Underwood, “pursebuzz” gives a gamut of advice from makeup and hairstyle how to’s and homemade gift ideas to threading your eyebrows. What’s that, you say? Check it out. The chick goes live with ZERO makeup. Props.

“Lollipop26″ keeps it simple with her at-home product reviews (brands actually send her stuff–nifty) and simple everyday how-to’s for the normal everyday girl. She shows us how to taper bangs, or what she calls fringe in an innocent English accent. So cute!

The First Decade’s Fashion Faux Pas

December 26th, 2009 - 

A decade’s nearly past since we all thought the world was going to explode (or worse, our Facebook pages would crash) at the turn of the millenium. But, we don’t really think our stocking up  on eye liner was such a waste.

2012 is upon us, and, if the Mayans are correct, we’re all in for it. That means two years, count it –two, dos, deuce, deux– to make up for all the fashion faux pas committed during the first decade of our 2nd chance (at fashion perfection).

We can’t all be prodigal Prada sons and daughters. But let’s go over a little list of sewn sins that shouldn’t live to see January 1, 2010.

Guacho pants.category37

Instructions: Cut off pants mid calf to make body look even shorter. Wear unbearably tight spandex at butt to make jiggle. There. Gaucho pants.

Crocs. Good for gardening, middle-aged housewives and five-year-old boys. If you’re not one of these, get some cute slip-ons.

UGGs. fashion-uggs21267x400Done. Over. Unless you look out your window and see three feet of snow. Oh, wait, they’re not water proof. So, unless you’re modeling them in three feet of fake snow. Oh wait, there’s just no point. And if you even THINK of wearing UGGs with sweatpants–automatic condemnation to eternal purgatory.

Black Nail Polish. “Uhh, like, I’m so depressed. Like, sooo, I’m gonna wear, like, black, like, uhh, my soul.” Don’t get us wrong, we’re empathetic to bad days, but not ones that last until you chip off every last nail tip.

Skinny jeans on the wrong bods. skinnyjeansFrankly, we’re kinda tired of breaking a sweat to get our pants on in the morning. Plus, if you have hips larger than your cat’s, you’re screwed. Time for a Low-Rise comeback.

MicroDoggy Clothes.maddy_dog_clothes No, not human fashion, but your pup’s practically an extension of your body. If your teacup chihuahua could speak people language, it would probably scream, “I’m not shaking because I’m cold, I’m trembling because this velour vest is terrifyingly itchy! Come on, would you wear this?! Do you hate me!?”

Trucker Hats. Unless you’re actually a trucker. If you’re rolling out of your dorm bunk and have absolute deadbedhead, DO NOT reach for your BF’s trucker hat. Sport the nasty pony tail. Everyone understands. No, not even Ashton Kutcher can pull off this one.  At least wear a black beret and pretend you have a brain.

We’re sure we bought and wore more very naughty things this decade, but these faux pas bi$&*%slapped our fashion commandments spot on.

Shop on, with karma in mind.

nice beats from naughty artists for your holiday party

December 21st, 2009 - 

Hey DJ, turn it up! But not just any tune off the charts. We’ve been nice all year, it’s time to misbehave on the dance floor. Mix it up at your Holiday party with a few of our fave hits that are so hot they’ve made the naughty list.

Ke$ha TiK Tok

tik_tok_-_kesha_official_single_cover

Okay, the girl’s Crayyzee. She’s a bit of a rags to riches story. Once on welfare, Kesha worked her patootie off to make her debut album Animal, which hits stores in 2010. Word is Kesha wanted Prince to produce her music, so she found and snuck into his Beverly Hills pad. Once discovered, she was thrown out, but not before she left her demo. (He didn’t call her back). She also had the opportunity to sing background for Paris Hilton ’s second single, which led to an incident later where she barfed in Hilton’s closet.

ANYway, her music’s hot.


Lady Gaga Bad RomanceLadyGagaBadRomance

We don’t have to say a lot to prove why Lady Gaga’s on our naughty artist list. After removing her dark-lensed sunglasses and admitting to Barbara Walters she’d had sexual relations with girls, the Lady can’t mend her ways. Barbara Walters for heaven’s sake. Whatever, we love her. And who can’t get down to a Gaga hit?

Gucci Mane The State vs Radric Davis

gucci-mane-album-cover.jpg

So, he spent a bent in prison, but we all make mistakes, right? Point is, a girl can get busy to his beats on the dance floor. That we dig. Plus, he looks kinda remorseful on his cover–maybe he’s turned a new leaf, will mind his P’s and Q’s, and stick with mixing some sick hits. (Ooh, we like talking like gangstas. Is this gangsta talk? What’s a gangsta, anyway? Whatever. We can dance to it!)

Britney’s 3Britney Spears - 3 (Official Single Cover)

Yeah, we did it. Admit it. You did a double take when you saw her new album, too. She’s back. Again. Eloping, babies, drunken rages, inappropriate spreading of legs, the shaved head bout. What’s left? One, two, threesomes. “It’s just for fun,” she claims in song. Well, what do ya expect? She’s not known for class,  but at least she’s danceable. Just don’t do what she does, okay? Promise us.

Kid Sister UltraViolet

kid-sister-ultraviolet

So far, all the dirt we can find on this gal is that she once weighted 215 pounds. We think it’s pretty naughty to go from fat to THIS phat. Props, girl. Plus, her songs rock. Hard.

Justin Bieber My Worldjustin-bieber-my-world-album-cover

This kid’s probably done nothing more than shoe polished his next door neighbor’s car, but he’s got scandalous potential. That’s what pop star PR is for, right? Yeah, he’s 15. But, come on, he’s adorable. We’re imagining him in five years AFTER he starts dating Miley Cyrus, maybe gets some Senator’s daughter pregnant…

If all else fails, we hear Now 32 is out. Geeze where does time go. Remember Now 3? Ah, 98 Degrees and early Blink 182. How we (don’t) miss middle school–and all the detentions that came with it.

Now get to making that play list. Oh, and make sure you can get down in your dress. That’s the most important part of any part-ay.

Shop on!

Text Mess or Best Text–Your Guide to Prom Texting

December 15th, 2009 - 

72df7c301ef9ed59_81715119.xlarge“Do you luvvvv me, do you wannnna be my friend? Yes or no?”

Remember that good ol’ country song? No longer do we scratch our love notes on scraps of notebook paper–it’s all technological. We’re talking texts. That little silent vibration in your purse could make or break your day around prom season–only if you let it. Take these tips on how to handle typical texts before, during and after your big night.

Will You Go With Me Text. If a guy asks you to prom via text, consider a few circumstances. How well do you know him? Is it your best friend who might not see you all day and just wants first dibs? Give him a break. And a snarky comment later. If you barely know the dude, text back saying you’d prefer to chat in person (a.k.a. You like a guy with two big…um… a little guts).

We Need to Talk Text. Getting this text before the big night demands immediate attention. This could mean anything from tuxedo color trauma to another girl intruding on your territory. Politely respond right away and see what’s up. Remember, if he ditches, it’s his loss and there’s plenty off fish in the tank. (Believe us, high school ain’t no sea of boys–it’s a fishbowl.)

In the Limo Text. Depends on who he’s texting. Did he receive a text? Politely ask him what’s up. Maybe it’s his mom asking if he remembered to open the door for you. If he whips out his phone, this could mean trouble, especially if there’s zero convo between you two. If he doesn’t stop punching buttons, suavely pull your glittery iPhone out of that lovely clutch and choose a friend to text. Who says two can’t play the game. He’ll get the hint.

During Dinner Text. No. No and no. This should be a time of complete one-on-one convo or group sharing. You’re with your best friends (or possibly your worst enemies). Either way, you guys don’t wanna miss a beat. If you see him discreetly glancing at his itty bitty screen under the table, politely nudge him and ask if everything’s okay. Tell him he’s missing out on the fun. Besides, whoever he’s talking to isn’t at the table (and if they are. FIND OUT and CALL HIM OUT-literally or figuratively. And don’t give him the pleasure of a slow dance. Besides,  if he’s staring at his phone, he can’t see your pretty smile.

After Prom Text. A definite plus. Means he thoroughly enjoyed your company and probably wants a little more of your time. Oh, p.s. When a guy sends you a smiley face–he’s definitely showing you his romantic potential. If it’s something he wouldn’t want his dude bros to see, you’ve got him. :)

We have to throw this one in here.

Do You Wanna Text. Text sex? Are you KIDDING? Tell him to get a life.

On the flip side, the Flirt Text can be used to spice up the night, especially if things aren’t so sizzling. Did he yawn? Secretly send him a flirty text reminding him that you’re in for a night of fun–which means he is, too.

Shop on!

Sweet 16 Party Themes-Dresses Included

December 11th, 2009 - 

images-1Ah, your sweet 16. Such a wonderfully dynamic number–you’re almost a woman but can still get away with acting like a kid. Ooh–did we mention those two sweet little words driver’s license? This birthday most def calls for a grand celebration. Some party themes to think about, and we even found the perfect dresses to top off your terrific bash.

Black and White

A dash of red will set you apart as the birthday star of the party.

A77211_prom

Luau

A summer birthday means lots of leis and a rainbow of drinks with those cute little umbrellas. If you can’t host a party in Honolulu–at least look like you belong there.

4200 prom

Psychedelic Sixties

Get your groove on in this far out flirty short.

9225 crop prom

Happily Ever After Ball

Add a tiara, and your night will be perfect. Just think, there’s 18 and 21 to look forward to…

Sherri Hill red carpet dress_small

Spring Garden Party

If your sweet sixteen falls in the spring, go for something floral.

1212 coral proms

Valentine’s Theme

For a February bash, be your own Valentine.

3401 prom

Pretty in Pink

A never-fail theme–and we found a flawless dress to match.

1104_dresses

Night on the Town

All grown up and no where to go? Not in this cocktail.

7219 black-red prom

Hollywood Theme

Pick your favorite classic movie star and live it up for a night. Have all your guests claim a star–but you get first pick. We’re going Audrey.

1210 prom

Have these lovelies hanging in your closet by clicking here and here.

Shop on!

Beat the Holiday 15

December 11th, 2009 - 

56569222

Whales can have up to 20 inches of squishy blubber to stay warm in chilly waters.

But we don’t run around naked. That’s why we have electricity and fake fur winter coats.

Winter brings thoughts of giant mugs of hot chocolate and cookies right out of the oven. But, while yes, a hot stove feels cozy and makes us wanna nap–the steamy brownies that suddenly appear on both hands only make us feel bloated and NOT in the shopping mood.

Besides, who doesn’t wanna try on designer sweaters and pretend we can afford them?

How to avoid the Holiday 15? Take these tips…

Keep comfort food out of the house. A treat here and there from a restaurant or your fave local cafe is cool–you deserve that. But eliminate easily-reachable goodies for your own internal spring renewal.

When it’s cold, we crave Grandma’s hot rolls and thick, creamy soups. So, stay warm on the outside. Excuse to buy a new winter wardrobe–duh. Don’t get cold! Dress warm so your body doesn’t go into hibernating-prep mode. (You know, like two ton bears and stuff).

If you have to have hot chocolate, ask for lowfat milk and order a small size. Or, make instant hot cocoa with water.

When dining out, ask for water with no ice. Opt for hot tea.Order broth-based soups (fewer calories, same warm cozies) and skip the hot bread and butter.

If self-control just isn’t your thing–wear cashmere gloves. Wouldn’t wanna dirty such a waistline-saving investment.

Stay warm and shop on!