Get the Gradient Look

Nail art has been all the rage this year, but if you're like me, you can get pretty intimidated by the crazy collection of nail inspiration sprinkled across pinterest boards. Not to worry--even if you aren't a nail-painting-Picasso, there is one on trend look even the most rookie of nail painters can accomplish--

Graident Nails.

Essentials:

• White nail polish
• Color polish of your choice
• Top coat
• Paper plate

Steps:

1. Paint thumb on each hand with the color polish you have selected.
2. Pour a small amount of color polish onto the paper plate.
3. Add one drop of white.
4. Mix with color polish brush and apply to next nail.
5. Repeat until you've painted all nails for the perfect gradient look!



No Sew DIY Bow

Just in time for V-day, add a girly touch to your outfit with this easy DIY bow. 

Step 1. Cut a piece of fabric into a rectangle (about 14x8")

Step 2. Apply fabric glue (or hot glue) along the long edge of one side of the fabric and fold.

Step 3. When the glue dries, fold the fabric inside-out so that the seam is on the inside. 

Step 4. Fold the two sides in so that they meet in the middle. Glue each side down, applying extra where necessary. 

Step 5. When the glue is dry, pinch the center in and tie securely with string or ribbon. Slide a bobby pin in to apply to hair.

All done!

What to Wear: Valentines Day

No matter what your plans are this Valentines day, it's important to look the part! Check out these fabulous outfits to inspire you on Feb 14th. 

Date Night

If your going out with your significant other this V-day take inspiration from the romantic side of the holiday. Look for girly outfits in light pink or red hues (not together-don't want to look like a walking cliche!). Another great way to vamp up the romance in your wardrobe is by looking for dresses with detailed embellishments and delicate lace.

J.Crew

H&M

pinterest

Girls Night Out

If your hitting up dinner and the bars with the girls this Feb 14th, you're going to want to spice things up with attention grabbing apparel and edgy accessories. Try on black skinnies, leather leggings, or floral-print pants. Pair with a lose top and statement worthy heals to finish off the look. 

H&M

pinterest

H&M

How To: Clean Your Shoes

It's that time of year when you look down at your feet and realize those super cute shoes are either crusted over with salt or weighed down with muddy sogg. Fortunately there's a chance for revival with the right remedy!


Canvas&Cloth Shoes

Solution: Equal parts colorless detergent and water.
Tools: Toothbrush, newspaper.
Directions: Mix detergent with water. Dip toothbrush in the solution and apply gently in to shoes in circular motion. Dab with wet cloth to remove remainder of dirt and excess cleaner. Stuff with newspaper to prevent shrinking and let dry for several hours.

Leather&Suede Shoes

Solution: Equal parts white vinegar and water.
Tool: Cotton rag (leather), nylon bristle (suede), newspaper.
Directions: Dab solution into cleaning tool and rub gently over stains until removed. Stuff with newspaper to prevent shrinking and let dry for several hours.

Exercise (durable) Shoes

Tools: Rag, washing machine, detergent, Oxyclean, newspaper.
Directions: Take a dry rag and rub the loose dirt off (skipping this step will let the dirt soak in when washed!). Place the shoes in the washing machine with detergent and Oxyclean on cold. Stuff with newspaper to prevent shrinking and let dry for two days.

You Are Pale

Yep, that's right, you're pale- but so am I. Truthfully, unless you live year round in SOCAL (jealous) we are all pale this time of year. It's around this early February mark that all of mankind begins to look like ghosts and seriously guys, it's just plain scary. Fortunately there is a temporary solution to our pastey problems- and I'm not talking about tanning beds. Oh no, I am way too high on the burnability radar to roast under some heat lamps. That's why at this time of year, I turn my attention to sunless tanner.
I know there are lots of people out there that have been too afraid to use sunless tanner or have tried the wrong brand and had permanent disdain for the whole idea ever since. That's why I have compiled my reviews of the best sunless tanners with a few tricks for achieving that flawless application.


Application Best Practices


1. Always shave and exfoliate first- this removes all dead skin to allow for an even application.
2. Start from your tips and move in. Whether you're bronzing your legs or whole body, it's best to go outside in to avoid snubbing the coloring or missing spots.
3. Move in laterally then vertically in small sections (i.e. feet first, then ankles, calves, etc.).
4. Wash your hands immediately! You don't want to have tiger paws.
5. Let the tanner dry before getting dressed to avoid rubbing off the color or staining your clothes.


My Top Rated Brands


1. Jergens Natural Glow- goes on even, skin looks perfectly sunkissed without looking orange or streaky. Moisturizes extremely well and even firms your skin!

2. L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Zny Angle Self-Tanning Sray- Very easy to use. Spray bottle functions very well and goes on even. No rubbing needed and stain free for your hands, always a plus.

3. Banana Boat Summer Color Sunless Lotion- Great even application with the perks of a moisturizer. Added bonus is that it is long lasting and gives you a great tan after a single use.

Get Studded

One of my favorite current trends is studded accents. They come in all sorts of shapes, colors, and options lending to lots of variety in your wardrobe. The best part of this trend is that it goes well with all styles. It doesn't matter if you're grungy or polished, there is a studded accent out there for you! My one caution is to be modest about the amount of studding you wear in a single outfit. You don't want to look like a weapon walking around town, so be careful about your usage and placement. I tend to like studs on accessories because they give a subtle pop of power that's less overwhelming. Check out these pictures for inspiration!

Source: Valentino

Source: Wantering.com

Source: Pinterest

Source: Wantering.com

Source: Pinterest

Things that Bring Me Pure Joy

Let's be honest, nothing truly compares to this feeling of pure joy and excitement. It's as if all of your anticipation and anxiety has suddenly dispersed in a single moment. A weight has been lifted from your shoulders and it has been filled by complete elation that makes you want to run home to the mailbox in a frantic fit. You know what I'm talking about- it's that simple message from the FedEx package tracking site telling you that your package has been, dare I say it? delivered. Just this moment the purple tracking arrow went from "in transit" to "delivered" and I must admit I cannot contain myself. The funny thing is that I've come to realize it doesn't matter what I order (although the package contains Romeo and Juliet leather leggings from lastcall.com which is a definite bonus), I always get excited to open a package. Surely this only fuels my online shopping addiction which has reached an all time high as of late. But at least I know I'm not the only one out there that feels this way! Yes, it's a little embarrassing to admit, but surely some of you feel the same way and know all too well of the excitement brought about from the "delivered" sign.




source: fedex.com