Tag Archives: how to

The 4 Makeup Brushes You Actually Need

Every time I go to Sephora to get some concealer in an attempt to cover up my under-eye zombie circles, some perky salesgirl tries to convince me that I can’t possibly apply said concealer without an army of extra brushes. Ditto on everything from blush to eyeshadow and even lip gloss. Unless you’re a hardcore beauty Nazi who insists on doing everything by the book though, it’s all kind of BS. You don’t really need different brushes for blush and powder or different layers of eye shadow; that just tends to get confusing and expensive. Find out which four brushes will get you through every makeup situation, after the jump. Keep reading »

How To Shop For A Mid-Weight Jacket

We’ve officially entered that odd, in-between season where temperatures hover between the mid 40s to 60s and make navigating jacket selection an obnoxiously difficult task. We should be wearing medium-weight toppers, trenches and leathers. Instead, however, I look around and see droves of women in too-heavy woolens and too-light cottons, apparently having decided to ignore pre-spring jackets entirely. Sorry to be a stickler, but this sort of outerwear behavior is totally unacceptable. Every girl needs a coat for the in-between times, and we’ll help you pick out the right one after the jump. Keep reading »

6 Ways To Maximize Your Suitcase Space

I’ve just zipped a carry-on-sized suitcase that holds all the contents necessary for me to look presentable (maybe even good!) for nine days. Bow to me, gods of efficient packing, because my days of checking two huge bags for a one-week trip are dead and gone. Read on to learn how to pack like an OCD organizer a pro for your next vacation.

  • Choose pieces that complement one another both in color and in style. That means choose a color scheme and stick to it, but also choose a general look so that pretty much any and every piece can be mixed and matched. This should be easy for those of you who are more consistent in your dressing, but for those of us who are fans of dress-up days and odd outfits, it can be more of a challenge.
  • You get one statement piece, so choose wisely. Something like a great skirt or jacket is better than a dress because it can be mixed in with a handful of the other pieces you’re bringing, in case you need to repeat.

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10-Minute Hostess Gift: Cookies In A Jar

Lately, my group of friends has gotten really into home entertaining. Call it an effect of the recession if you please, but we’re hosting potlucks, game nights, and movie screenings at out apartments like it’s nobody’s business. This means I regularly pop into corner stores on my way to the host’s house to pick up some cheap flowers, a six-pack, or dessert to contribute to the evening. These offerings aren’t exactly original, so I pulled something out of my mother’s arsenal the other night: cookies in a jar. “Make” oatmeal — or another variety — of cookies by following my video primer. Here’s the recipe I used: Country Oatmeal Cookie In A Jar (I left out the chocolate chips and walnuts). Keep reading for links to other varieties! Keep reading »

Crystal Renn’s DIY High Fashion Headband


Check out everyone’s favorite real-sized model, Crystal Renn, and craft chick Erica Domesek of DIY blog P.S. I Made This constructing floral headbands inspired by various runway shows. Headgear is hot right now and this is a fun way to get your hands on some without spending tons of cash. Let us know how it goes if you make on yourself! Keep reading »

How To Pull Off Pants Under Dresses Without Looking Like A Schlumpy Hobo

With New York Fashion Week over, fall trends have started to make themselves abundantly clear. And while some — like minimalist makeup and easy hair — we can get on board with, others require a bit more skepticism. For example, runways from Rag & Bone to Richard Chai sent models marching with pants under their skirts and dresses. While Susannah and Amelia are fans of this style, I remain on the fence, fearful that it often results in a look that’s more schlumpy than chic. That said, if the awesome stylists at Rag & Bone taught me anything, it’s that pants under a dress don’t necessarily have tomake you look like a hobo layering up for the winter. We’ve got a few tips to keep you looking cool, not confused. Keep reading »

How To Seduce Someone (Or Simply Get A Date)

In honor of Valentine’s Day, there’s an article in today’s Daily Mail called “How to … Seduce a Man,” written by the founder of the popular lingerie boutique Coco de Mer. The advice, which is really applicable to either sex, made me think of this weekend’s “Dear Wendy” column in which a reader asked me why she can’t get a date. I offered her some suggestions, but because a lot of us could use a refresher, check out some of the best tips for seducing someone (or simply getting a date) … Keep reading »

5 Cheap Ways To Make Your House Look More Expensive

After a few weeks visiting my parents at their very grownup house in Chicago, returning to my own cute but tiny and not-nearly-as-nice apartment (left) in New York was a bit of a challenge. I think my roommate and I have done a lot with fairly limited resources, but my mom’s museum-like stylings reminded me of the seemingly endless ways we could improve our own place. But while some– antique French chairs, for example– remain out of my price range, others– like switching out our crappy kitchen knobs for cute ones– are easy and affordable. After the jump, a few tips on instantly improving the look of your apartment. Keep reading »

Magic ’80s Wand Can Grant You A Princess Party

Planning a party fit for a princess/spoiled brat? Well, then you’re going to need this poofy pink lady’s advice. So hilariously high-pitched, it’s heard best by bitches, er, dogs. [Everything Is Terrible] Keep reading »

How To Get The Snooki “Pouf”

We’re obsessed with Snooki from MTV’s “Jersey Shore” for innumerable reasons, including her signature hair ‘do. Called “the pouf,” Snooki’s been rocking the look since she was 16 years old. Now she’s explaining how to get your very own (FYI, it takes her an hour and a half to do, but she isn’t the most low-maintenance girl going, so grain of salt): “When I get out of the shower and my hair is wet, I can scrunch it up and put the clip in and it stays forever, just because I have thick hair and it’s naturally straight. If people don’t have hair like mine, I suggest teasing it a lot and then just put hair spray in (product plug: she uses Paul Mitchell hair spray) and a clip. It should stay.” There you go, kids. [In Touch Weekly] Keep reading »