I don't think I'm the only one wary of this new trend: straw hats. But what with all the buzz about how it's the "it" summer accessory, you're obligated to try it, of course. But how do you pull it off without looking like you're trying oh-so-hard to incorporate a trend that might soon pass? One word: denim. To look like you've been wearing hats forever, pair it with stylish denim to make it effortless.
Pair a hoodie with boyfriend shorts for an outdoor-ready ensemble. The shells on the sandals are great for carrying on the cool, summer vibe. An oversized workshirt (with rolled up sleeves) and a pleated skirt seems like a lot of volume, but the hat and pretty strappy heels will tighten it all up. For an ultimate lazy look, just throw on a dress and rope heels.
I say don't invest too much in a hat this season, unless you know you will love it and wear it for years to come. One thing that's fun about these straw hats is that the ribbon band is easily replaced--so you can really customize it with funky patterns and bright colors for a whole new look. I think a fat, woven/braided band will look so adorable!
I guess one reason why NY gals look down upon us Cali Girls is our tendency to wear flip-flops everywhere. I myself am guilty as charged, and do wear around my narrow strap Rainbows religiously--unless I have a dress code to follow. Yes, I sport my beachy footwear to go shopping (they're so easy to take off, its perfect for shoe shopping), out to lunch, and as horrible as it may sound, to dates too.
Many will think I should plead style-insanity, but on this one, I really think it's worth hearing me out: if a plain white v-neck and shorts can be considred stylistically sound if paired with the right accessories, how are flip-flops any different? It's just as legit to say that these beach sandals can go from sandy to sassy and give off a cool, casual, summery vibe (who doesn't want that?) My proposals: wear it with a pretty embellished top and ankle leggings, and pull the leggings down to your heels for a leg-warmer-esque feel. I usually just do it because they're too long for me, but I get so many compliments saying it dresses up my sandals! Also, wear it with a ruffle top tucked into linen shorts, and the sandals are sure to make your boyfriend blazer look effortless.
You Have: Full Coverage Liquid Foundation You Add: SPF Moisturizer
Juicy Coral Lips
You have: Creamy Lipstick You add: Lip-plumping Clear Gloss
Rose-Gold Glow
You have: Cream Blush You add: Mineral Bronzer
Sure, we're all making our spring-to-summer closet transitions, but what about our beauty box? Summer means its time to lighten everything up and let our natural glow. And the best way to do it without breaking the bank is to give your already-haves a summer makeover!
1. Lighten up your existing foundation with a moisturizer and voila, you get tinted moisturizer. Added SPF is always merrier. Take even parts foundation and moisturizer onto your hand and mix well. You can adjust the amount of foundation to get the desired coverage. But remember, less is more when it comes to dewy summer skin. The Laura Mercier Foundation is no surprise pick, and I like this moisturizer from Aveeno because it goes on super light.
2. Already have a coral lipstick? (hint hint: its only the hottest lip shade of the season) Get some summer fun out of it by pairing it with a lip-plumping clear gloss. First, lay on the clear gloss--my fave is this one from Bare Escentuals, which gives you a tingling sensation that isn't numbing. Then, with a lipstick brush, blot on the lipstick (Estee Lauder has such an awesome color) and press your lips together. For an extra shimmer, opt for a gloss that has glitter in it.
3. You got your rosy cheeks, but its not summer with a little shimmer. Dab the cream blush onto the apples of your cheeks and then spread it up and out in a circular motion. When its evenly blended, get a bronzer brush and lightly sweep it up where you put your blush. You'll look like you're glowing from within!
I have such dry skin. Not just cute dry, but ashy-white powder dry. My mom would tease me and tell me I had elephant skin. Thanks Mom!
So to get through the winter cold, this little elephant likes to do mini-facials. While I still have yet to go to the kitchen and mix myself a facial mud of some sort, what I like to do is super easy. Just get your usual toner and cotton face pads. I usually like to us Square ones like these for more surface area, but any pad will do.
Now if you already use pads like these to pat in your toner, great! It's basically the same concept. Soak about 4~5 pads with your toner, and stick them onto your forehead, one on each cheek, one on your nose, and another on your chin. I like to do a whole-facial, but sometimes I do a concetrated sesh on my unibrow area (it always gets so dry there!). Leave it in for about 5 to 10 minutes, pat on the toner all over your face like usual, and voila! A well deserved snappy facial.
I've been using this Kiehl's Yerbe Matte toner ($24.50) for a while now, and it's been working great. What I love most about this line is their moisturizer--it leaves your skin so revitalized without being gloppy! Totally recommend it.
Tip-Off will be about beauty, fashion, whatever tips I have to offer. But I'd love to hear about anyone else's idea of an easy facial. Who doesn't want one, right?
