No matter how many cosmetics ads you rip from your magazines or grainy tutorial videos you try to study on YouTube, replicating the exact makeup look you see done by the pros is not often an easy feat. Not everyone has the skill, time, or coordination required to be as creative and as beauty-dexterous as the trained makeup artists of the world, and even if you’re pretty gifted with an eyeshadow quad and brush, chances are there are loads of makeup tricks you just can’t seem to master on your own. Luckily, more and more our favorite big-name beauty brands are making their collections more novice-friendly with product intro kits and how-to instructional sets that are sure to make Hollywood-worthy glamour accessible to even the most easily intimidated. Have a huge array of shadows but don’t know how to apply them to achieve the perfect smokey eye? Maybelline can tell you where on your lid each shade belongs! Got the eyes down pat but need a little help with the brows? Anastasia’s at-home brow kit even provides the stencils! Take a look at the slideshow for a few of my favorite instructional products and sets!

If it were up to me, I would wear a totally fashionable, totally new outfit everyday. I would have a pair of hot heels or cute flats for everyday of the year and I would have at least one brand new, lust-worthy piece on every time I changed outfits. Alas, we can’t all be a tall, rich, bottle-blonde socialite, but we can still look fashionable everyday! Saturated colors, higher hems and edgy details like zippers, chains and asymmetry are still going to be hot in the Fall season. That’s good news for those of us that have a budget and are actually going to try and follow it this time! Instead of going out to buy a whole new wardrobe to suit the cooler weather and blow our meager savings account at the same time, a few basic and affordable pieces are all that’s needed to add a little warmth into our favorite summer ensembles! Add a pair of funky leggings to a mini-skirt for an uber-trendy Fall look, or keep it classic with a cardigan and some great boots that go along with that sundress you wore all summer! Leggings, boots, sweaters, tights… the possibilities are endless! Check out the slideshow for more ideas on versatile basics to help transition your favorite summer looks into the coming season.

Tired of putting on the same face every day? Here’s some stellar advice to try on for size: Switch things up with some of the hottest bold makeup picks that are destined to freshen up your beauty regimen. Been eying that daring dark nail color but aren’t sure you can pull it off? If you’re a Taurus gal, it may be written in the stars to become your new signature hue. Pisces girls can ditch their usual go-to nude lip gloss and channel a film noir look with dramatic burgundy lipstick. Whether or not these bold and beautiful beauty trends are wearable enough to be incorporated into your everyday look, you’ll be sure to turn heads with the new you and maybe even find a favorite new look in the process. View slideshow.

Since cell phones became the new watches, your wrists may be in need of something to take their place. Perhaps you could take a tip from the unlucky watch-stealers with wrists stuck in cuffs. Tight-fitting like the handcuffs a cop carries, a cuff bracelet is a fun and flashy way to add edge to your look. They can’t tell time, but they can take a simple outfit to a more fun and accessorized level! Like the variety of watches you’ve retired, you can find a cuff to match to the core of your style. Casual or cordial, leather or lustrous, boyish or bangle-like, there’s a big selection of cuffs to make a big impression. While some provide all-around clasping security to save those like me from losing another piece of jewelry, the c-shaped variety are great for a bit more mobility and easy attachment. Check out the slideshow for a fashion police-approved selection.

Excluding those gals who have the unique ability (and required lack of shame) to go around commando on top, we’ve all found ourselves in the dilemma of finding a super-cute top or dress… but no bra to wear with it. Since I require some serious support when it comes to my undergarments, I’ve tried just about anything to make do with what I’ve got at the last possible minute—sewing kits, safety pins (why did it take them so long to invent the Brabuddy?), tucking straps into my armpits, etc.—but now that I’m a little older, I’ve learned that the easiest solution is to just shop wiser! Why spend money on a separate strapless bra when you could buy the ultimate convertible bra that’s both strapless, strapped, racerback, and halter all in one? Continue reading...

For the ceremony announcing her as the new face of Mango, Scarlett Johansson rocked a super sleek style that had a bit of a sexy edge. Scarlett paired a flutter sleeve satin top with a waist cinching black skirt- both from Mango. She completed the look with a funky pair of snakeskin shoes, gold bangles, and a large ring on her index finger. This ensemble perfectly complemented Scarlett’s incredible figure so keeping the accessories to a minimum was definitely a wise move- it would have just been overkill otherwise. This outfit is the perfect day-to-night look and is classy, chic, and subtly sexy. Check out my SLIDESHOW to get the look!

I don’t know what it is about Britney Spears that makes me compulsively root for her through thick and thin. I guess a part of me is still in denial, thinking she’s going to bust out onstage with a boa constrictor or silver chair and start magically performing with the energy and enthusiasm of Britney circa 2001. Even without all the flair and fanfare of her high-octane performance past, Britney is still doing pretty well for herself, now out with her new video for “Radar,” the fourth single off her latest album Circus. This time around, Britney leaves the barely-there lingerie get-ups and goes for a sort of equestrian-chic look while swooning over a sexy polo player within the video’s gorgeous Santa Barbara setting. Continue reading...

When it comes to summer beauty, it’s all about strategically playing up certain features that pop—and what better way to give your beauty look plenty of star power than with a touch of glitter? Now I know what you may be thinking: no, I’m not trying to make you channel Adam Lambert or force you to relive your preteen days experimenting with roll-on glitter gel and butterfly clips. Sure, shimmer isn’t exactly for the wallflowers, but when applied with a modest (and steady!) hand, it’s a bold beauty risk that pays off on any day of the week (not just on Halloween)! To avoid glimmer overload, stick to sparkling only one feature at a time—whether you opt for dazzling lips or shimmery cheekbones—and keep the rest of your face matte and minimal, for the most part. Over-doing the shine everywhere and anywhere may have you looking too much like a “Dancing With The Stars” contestant, even without the sequined salsa gown to tip you over the edge of what is considered wearable (and sane). Check the slideshow for some of my favorite glitzy products!

To call Philip Treacy just a milliner is a severe understatement. While he is best known for his award-winning hat designs and for his collaborations with Alexander McQueen and Chanel, did you know he’s also the design director for the g Hotel in Galway, Ireland? It’s no surprise that his whimsical hat designs have translated into hotel design as well. From the bubblegum Pink Lounge to seashell decorated rooms, Philip explains his designs as “hats people love to wear. With the g, I have created a place where people will love to be.” The g has 101 rooms including the Evangelista Suite (where you cannot “wake up for less than $10,000 a day”). All rooms have Treacy-designed Frette linens and even butler service! Continue reading...

This summer, camp shirts are popping up all over the place, from the traditional structured styles to sheer, more billowy ones. They have a collar and most are button-down, so tuck them into a great pair of wide-leg linen pants and throw on a pair of pumps to be office ready! Change into a flirty skirt and wedge sandals, or some skinny jeans and peep-toe stilettos and you’ll look chic and fresh for any after-hours plans you may have. Very comfortable, completely versatile and sweetly sexy in that borrowed-from-the-boys kind of way, camp shirts are the perfect summer staple. They can even double as swim cover-ups! Continue reading...

Maybe I’m easily distracted, but I’m just naturally drawn to sparkle. All a shirt needs is to be bedazzled in sequins, twinkling at me from its hanger, and I’m instantly a sucker! So you can imagine my delight when I started noticing that the flashy sewn-on embellishments, once reserved for dressy nights out on the town and mermaid costumes, are becoming increasingly wearable for all hours of the day, showing up on summery dresses, floaty tunics, and even casual cropped vests. I guess someone finally came to their senses and realized that daytime is the time to get the most sparkle from their shiny sun-reflective surfaces! Continue reading...

This summer is about the extremes, from the brightest colors to head-to-toe nudes. The same was true with beauty trends. It’s time to say buh-bye to the black lip gloss trend of fall and winter (that never really caught on anyway) and hello to brights! Pastel pinks, hot pinks, light corals and neons are all the rage for lips. Fiery coral was seen at Proenza Schouler and bold pink at Hussein Chalayan. It’s hard to go wrong with these bright shades, as long as you find a shade that works for you. Continue reading...

They call it the “butterfly effect”—the theory that a butterfly can flap its wings in Chile to create a windstorm in Central Park (not to be taken literally, of course). Regardless of the power the butterfly’s wings have, it’s obvious that they’re a trend to watch out for! Names like Diane von Furstenberg and Juicy Couture have embraced the butterfly, so it’s no wonder these beautiful creatures have translated well into clothing and accessories. Consider it a happy medium between ultra-feminine floral prints and sultry animal prints. You can go small and subtle with a butterfly print scarf or go big with a skirt that looks like butterflies are resting on top! Remember, with all printed apparel, it’s best to keep accessories simple. This summer, stand out from the crowd of floral prints and reach for the butterflies instead! Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of butterfly prints.

Sparkles, sequins, and studs—oh my! If you’re not built like Alessandra Ambrosio like I am (ha! I’m definitely kidding), finding the perfect swimsuit can be a task similar to finding a needle in a haystack… so you might as well make sure that the one suit you finally settle on is killer! Of course, confidence is the only thing you really need to get heads turning and all eyes on you as you strut your stuff on the sand, but let’s face it—sparkly embellishments adorning your scantily-clad bod definitely helps! Forget your basic black bandeau and opt for a tribal-inspired stone-studded bikini from Victoria’s Secret, or even a wallet-friendly Charlotte Russe rhinestone monokini for added coverage with maximum sex appeal. We may be well into summer by now, but it’s certainly not too late to add some shimmer to your swim style. Continue reading...

With the beautiful weather these days, I’ve been keeping cool by wearing cute summer dresses and staying barefoot as long as possible. I’ve also been making use of my ice maker and blender to stay cool. Smoothies, iced tea, you name it and I’ve made it (or plan to!). Nothing beats sitting down with a cold drink, a fun book, and the afternoon passing by. But wait, don’t forget the coaster! Nobody likes excess moisture, especially your wood furniture. Whether you have a valuable antique or a cheap Craigslist find, your furniture is supposed to last. Quite unlike the fast fashion scene we’ve been experiencing, it’s hard to buy and then throw away your furniture after a season or two. So that’s why we’ve got to take care of it to keep it in shipshape. Take a look at the set of slate coasters from Crate and Barrel. You can keep track of the owners of each drink by writing your name on the coaster with a piece of chalk. Another favorite are the pinecone shaped coasters made out of durable vinyl. Take a look at the slideshow for more!

The 4th of July is rapidly approaching and I’ve been busy figuring out how I’m going to go to all the barbecue parties and picnics I said I’d go to! (I mean, how could I say no to juicy burgers, grilled veggies and cold drinks with all my friends and family?) Anyway, I know I have plenty of capable people who can work the grill as well as Bobby Flay so I can definitely count on a delicious meal. They’ve got the grill and the charcoal ready, but the last time I went to an outdoor grilling party, I noticed that all their tools have seen better days. I’m looking to replace their ratty and singed oven mitts with a suede bbq grilling mitt instead. There are some things that they didn’t know they need too like the magic seasoning sheets that lay on the perfect flavor. For more outdoor entertaining tools that will make your 4th of July (and beyond!) tastier, check out the slideshow!

Summer can be the busiest time of year for many of us. Three months of vacation, travel, weekend excursions, surprise visits and spontaneous road trips! All those days at the beach, evening concerts and other balmy night activities sure are fun, but keep us busy and running all around! What is the best way to stay looking and smelling so fresh and so clean (clean) if there’s no time to stop by the house in between things? There’s travel size cosmetics, blotting papers, compact mirrors, mini hair brushes and even dry shampoo! But what about perfume? Continue reading...

If you’ve ever had to replace a waterlogged cell phone (or two) due to an unplanned dip in the toilet, this handy little invention has your name written all over it! The MobiGrip device leash, a stick-on mini-bungee that loops comfortably around your digits, is the cure to all butter finger-inflicted disasters that leave your poor dropped phone either cracked on the sidewalk or slowly fizzling out in a puddle of water…Read more

Inspired by a friend’s shiny new pair of Jeffrey Campbell stacked heels in the most refreshing shade of mint, I got to thinking. Who says pastels are only suited for your Easter basket? We tend to associate pastels like eggy yellows and dainty pinks with the early springtime, but what’s more summery than a bowl of mint ice cream or a cloudless blue sky or the aqua tint of the ocean on a perfect day at the beach? Creamy cool tones are about as fresh as colors come and are the perfect calming, crisp alternative to obnoxious 90s neons. The stars predict warm weather ahead, so surrender to the the summer spirit and get your hands on some cool-toned pastels! For example, Leos can swap their trusty LBD for a more daring satiny spearmint number and Libras will ditch their old wayfarers for a fun pair of lavender-hued frames. Check the slideshow and see if your sign is destined to don lilac, aqua, or mint!

A few years ago, we all fell hard for Chanel’s black nail polish. Celebs started sporting this goth color and soon it spread faster than the H1N1 virus. But can they cause another nail craze again? Come summer, most of us turn to bright pinks, corals and reds when we head into the nail salon (if we head in at all); however, this summer may be different…Read More