One of the hottest colors for 2011, whether it’s for fashion or home decor, is navy. With the popularity of nautical inspired pieces the last few seasons, there’s a good chance you already own something in this dark shade of blue. Navy can substitute for black as a neutral in many cases, making it a good addition if you’re trying to banish some of the black from your wardrobe. For example, if you’re tired of your usual little black dress routine, why not switch it up with a little navy dress?

Navy works well with all other textures and trends of the season. Navy lace? Check. Navy stripes? Check. Navy Sequins? Check. So when you’re hitting the mall looking to add new life to your wardrobe, try navy instead of black. You won’t be disappointed. Read More »

Where else but America could we devote our lives to whatever career we want, eat whatever we want (and as much as we want), while subjecting ourselves to whatever guilty pleasures we want — and spoof the government that makes it all possible at the same time?

Compared with the rest of the world, Americans tend to live privileged lives. You know the spiel: it’s all possible thanks to the incredibly brave people who serve in the armed forces. But how often do we really stop and give them that thanks?

Well, it’s time. So today, Veterans Day, here are a few ways we ladies can show our appreciation for those who’ve helped preserve our uniquely American way of life.

Say Thank-You, Literally
College girls are gutsy. Put some of your verve to good use. Approach a family member, or – even better – a complete stranger on the street (veterans often sport their pride with commemorative T-shirts and ball caps, especially around the holiday). All you have to say is something like, “Thank you for your service,” or “I’m glad you’re alive.” This tiny exchange may seem awkward to you, but you will touch a veteran’s heart beyond belief with your consideration. Veterans often go years without hearing these simple words of gratitude.

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When I was a freshman my sorority whisked my pledge class away to an undisclosed location for a girls-only bonding weekend. We were told nothing about where we were headed; our only instructions were to bring some sweats and a going-out outfit or two.

It was only once we were 45 minutes into our drive that we learned where we were going: Ohio State University. Apparently our sorority had a chapter on that campus and it was the perfect place for us to hang.

Riiight.

Naturally, I was scared. I was wearing Michigan sweats from head to toe! (I was a freshman, gimme a break.) And it turns out my fears were justified. After spending a mere hour walking around the campus and having full beer cans and rocks thrown at our heads (we were 40 defenseless Jewish girls, mind you), we were forced to have police escorts for the rest of the weekend. Read More »

Designer duds – for fashionistas around the world, they are a must-have. But with the economy in the crapper and most of us on a college student or recent graduate budget, finding the cash flow for those lovely labels is a lot harder than drooling over them. However, it is possible to find designer apparel and accessories at very discounted prices without having to elbow some other fashionista in the aisle at TJ Maxx, Loehmann’s or Filene’s Basement.

Just hit the internet.

While the prices are oftentimes still much higher than those pieces you love grabbing at Target, Old Navy, Forever 21 or H&M, many of these items are much higher in quality and can be wardrobe staples for many years to come.

I am personally obsessed with designer denim, shoes and handbags. I don’t have the salary to allow me to buy whatever I want at their normal price and I don’t own a credit card (for good reason – it would’ve been maxed out ages ago), so I have to look for deals. Enter my saviors for retail therapy on a budget:

Overstock.com: This site is a gem! You may not always find exactly what you want, but you can find some great stuff here at even better prices. I got my bf 2 sweaters and a button down shirt that were each originally $75/piece, for $15 each! You can also find great home goods here for awesomely affordable prices.

Bluefly: While things here are oftentimes still pretty pricey, they do give a good percentage off, and I check here often because when they have sales, you can find phenomenal deals. Read More »

As a kid, I was never really a fan of shorts. Unless they were my brothers mesh Umbro’s or later, the – who knows why they were trendy but they were – mesh bulldog shorts.

I found shorts to ride up, leaving me constantly trying to pick a wedgie when no one was looking (yet someone always managed to see). And let’s face it- unless you have legs like Gisele Bundchen walking around on a summer day can be more than quite uncomfortable in a pair of short shorts.

But these past few season’s shorts have been unavoidable. They have been everywhere and they have been CUTE. With heels? Cute. With sandals? Also cute!

Much like that annoying tag-along friend of yours, shorts have found their way into every occasion. From bars to the beach shorts have become appropriate (and trendy) attire.

So it would only be appropriate that before it gets too cold (although I’m sure some freshman girl will be wearing them to the bar- in January- with no coat and you will obviously spend at least five mintues talking about how ridiculous she looks before you realize that you did that too) that I bring you:

Celebrity Chic on the Cheap: YOU Wear Short Shorts!

High Waisted jean shorts- High-waisted shorts make your legs look like they go on forever. Not to mention these are so super affordable! So ladies- start NAIR-ing! (Seriously when was the last time you thought about Nair?!) Read More »

I know The Fleet has come and gone from the East coast, but now it has made it’s way to The City of Roses (Portland, OR- my city of residence) and when my friend informed me she had won tickets to this “non-denim” (yes, the tickets specified no denim) formal affair event, we had to go – it was our patriotic duty after all.

I should take a second here to clarify a few things before I really get into this story. I would like to start out by saying I fully support the troops, after all my brother is in the Navy, and when I told him I was heading out to the annual Meet the Fleet festivities his only response was a very brotherly “Don’t hook up with sailors.” Granted, I really had no intention of hooking up with these guys, I was more seeking some attractive company who would buy me drinks and could possibly turn into a pen-pal who sends me presents.

In order to maximize my odds with nabbing me a high ranking sailor I had my brother write me out a little guide on how to separate the men from the boys. With my criteria in place I was ready to meet and greet the ocean’s finest. Read More »

So, I told ya all what the best options for making your face look flawless this summer; now I’m gonna help you complete the look by revealing this summer’s hottest trends in hair and nails. While traditional styles stand strong, fun & funky details in make-up, hair and nails are a staple of the next few months. It’s all about encapsulating the fun of summer and reflecting that in your look, so whether you want to look like a classic beach beauty a la the 40′s and 50′s, or an edgy, rocker chick, embrace your look and run with it.

HAIR:

The Bob: Back again, the focus this year is on strong graphic outlines and catering the look of the bob to the individual’s personality. Utilize curves and sharp lines, go for an asymmetrical style, mix lengths gradually and if you want to soften the look, backcombing and wisps are both great ways to do so. If you don’t wanna chop off your lovely locks, just roll your hair from the bottom with the ends on the inside of the roll, bring the roll to the nape of your neck and pin it up, you’ll get a fantastic bob without having to sacrifice your hair.

Fringe Cuts: These are still hot and like the bob you can use them to their maximum potential for your face shape and personality…soft and wispy, choppy and bold lines are all popular now. No matter what you choose, going for the fringe is about feeling sexy and confident. Read More »

Happy Fleet Week, New Yorkers!

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about a man in uniform that piques my interest. They’re so neat and poised (even if it’s because of extremely intense training… and boot camp), so strong and capable, so… hot. Even if a guy’s a six, you throw him in a uniform and he’s bumped up at least to a seven, instantly. And seven’s can be negotiable, justifiable even. (For other rating boosters, see: accents and business suits. Same effect.)

For those who haven’t seen the Sex and the City episode, or been to New York, Fleet Week is an eagerly anticipated time of year for single(ish?) young women who love a man in uniform… a Navy uniform, that is. From May 21 through Wednesday, May 28, the city is taken over by sailors. Ahoy, matee! Read More »