This camouflage trend? You bet!

The Military Trend is still in full-swing, and even celebrities like Rhianna and Miley Cyrus and designers like Y-3, Kinder Aggugini,  Kenzo, and Michael Kors are on board!

 From bags to cargos, jackets and even shoes, this camo trend is everywhere!

You've gotta love a versatile trend, and this trend is certainly versatile!

How to make it fit you?

Well, Remember the White Belted Dresses I raved about in my "Fall Trends on A Real Woman's Budget" post? On a cooler day, throw a camo jacket over it for a surprise twist of edge to a classy look.

A Classy Collaboration - Zara

Miley Rocks A More Edgy Look with Biker Boots and Classic Cutoffs

A Bright/ Fun Look

Some More Of My Fave Camo Looks <3

Quick Tips from Shannon Fitzgerald

Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Simple Life, Nanny 911

If you have been in the US for more than a minute, you are almost certain to be familiar with the titles above.

But what you might not realize, is the amount of work and effort it takes from many people to pull together just one episode of a television show, or how much creativity it takes to come up with a television show that the American Public with really enjoy.

 

Meet Shannon Fitzgerald, who works as Senior Vice President of Series Development at MTV in New York. Basically, in Layman's Terms, she creates new shows for the MTV network, both reality and scripted genres. 

And with a few feature film projects, speeches to young students, and more also in progress, it seems the self-proclaimed "Accidental Executive" has got a great work ethic. 

Today, I asked her a few questions about helping young woman find balance in work and play.

Her Tip?
 
"Don't be afraid to work hard. Don't waste time on short cuts.Worth it" 

We live in an age where people look for shortcuts or quick solutions quite often. We'd rather finish something timely, than take our time to make sure everything is perfect. When we take shortcuts, we uusually end up having to back track and fix something anyways. Be productive and make a good impression on your employers, friends, and co-workers on giving it your full 100% the first time around. 

Her other Piece of Advice? 

You are in your building years, so throw yourself into it while u have the energy/desire.
Important to play too - good for the soul!   

Basically, as a young person trying to build your career, it does take lost of hard work and consistency. BUT it also takes a few breaks here and there. If you work too hard, you'll feel burnt out. It is very important to find the right balance of work and play now. 

Trust me, you'll thank us later :)






**A special thanks to Shannon Fitzgerald for passing on her advice, so young women like us everywhere have an opportunity to grow for ourselves and one another.**  

Do's & Dont's of Business Wear

Do's & Dont's of Business Wear

 1. Marc Jacobs was once quoted as saying -

"Unless your job involves sitting at a lifeguard station, this is a no."

This doesn't necessarily mean you  have to wear heels every day, but with the wide variety of shoe choices these days like booties and flats, keep the flip flops for the beach or the pool.

Great for the Club..but the Office?

2. DON'T show too much skin. When in doubt, don't go without. Dressing like you're going to the club is never office appropriate. 

Having to Adjust Constantly Is NOT flattering..or fun!

3. Don't wear a brand new ensemble to work, Make sure you're confident in it and that you're not constantly having to adjust. Which comes to my next don't...

4. DON'T show bra straps. If It even comes close, go strapless. Or, if you're good at sewing, or have a few extra dollars.. Nicole Miller suggests you have a tailor add snaps under your straps to keep your bra in place. 

5. DON'T wear a hat unless it's part of your uniform. 

5. Do add personality with a bright bag or accessories, but ...

6. Don't go overboard with loud pieces. The idea is to add a bit of you to the outfit, but you definitely don't want to distract anybody. Dainty, delicate jewelry looks best on smaller girls, and bigger boned women look better with jewelry on the chunkier side.

7. Do invest in a nice blazer. They are timeless, and tailored to your size, a blazer flatters any shape well. And don't be afraid of patterns! Just keep the blouse simple, like a crisp white dress top.

fellt.com

8. Do wear a watch if you'd like. But stay away from digital, if you wear one - keep it analog.

JUICY COUTURE

9. NEVER expose midriff. Period.

10. Tube tops are a no-no for the office!!

Cute Outfit!!! But.... not for the Office!

http://howdo-i-wearthis.com/tag/platform/

 

11. Do keep your makeup fairly natural at the office. Keep the sparkly stuff for the weekend.

Natural Flatters, but Doesn't Overpower For Work

Fall Trends on A Real Woman's Budget

Go For The Gold!

As i mentioned previously.. It will be a gilded fall! This comes complete with sequins and glittered sheen! Elie Saab pulled the look off for the runway, (left), but I found this Karen Sequin Dress (right) for only $29.00 on Alloy.com! Nude Heels go great with this trend <3

 

 

Get a Clutch on Daytime Clutches

Stella McCartney & Diane von Furstenberg (above) were just two of the many well known names that featured clutches on the Fall 2012 runways. Below, I found a beautiful white daytime clutch at sears.com for only 14$.

Relic Women's Clutch at Sears.com for 14$.

 

 Back from Black.. To Red

 Red is the new black this season, and The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection 2012 Fashion Show (see photo, above) really kicked it off with a bang! What started as a nod to heart heath turned into the start of a bold trend for Fall, and I'm loving it!!I found a beautiful dress, (left) from http://www.dhgate.com for around only 20 dollars! Those nude shoes you got for the gold dress, they work here too!

 

Contrasting Collars

 

A contrasting collar can be anything from edgy to cute, depending on how you pull it together. But one thing that is for certain, is that this trend is awesome <3 Derek Lam (above) went edgy with his, adding a leather skirt and done, but not overdone hair. Below, I found a similar piece for only $14.57 at http://www.bonanza.com.

White Belted Dresses

L-R: Chadwick Bell, Jenny Packham, Tory Burch

 White after Labor Day is WAY ok! A slew of designers featured belted tops and dresses of white and off-white shades for Fall. This is an especially great trend if you are petite or a bigger waist. Belting off your dress with give you a fake hourglass shape, flattering your figure. I found a similar belted dress, (below) for only $18.49 at http://www.charlotterusse.com.

 

Birchbox Review - October 2012

Birchbox is a subscription service that delivers luxe beauty samples to you each month. For 10$ a month, you get sample sizes of everything from perfumes, organic teas, hair and makeup products, etc., customized to fit your taste. It also comes with online tutorials for makeup and hair, insider tips, and major discounts of full size products. This subscription is a GREAT way to try out the latest trends and products, without forking over a lot of cash to see if you like it. It introduces you to great brands and products that you might have otherwise missed. To join, simply go to https://www.birchbox.com/join.

For each month, I will list the products that came with my Birchbox, plus a review of each. If you also get a subscription, and would like to submit your review for the blog, please contact us directly :) Enjoy!!

Product 1: Harvey Price | Eau Flirt

www.harveyprince.com/

 I really enjoy the scent of this. It was extremely flirty, and with a little citrus and pumpkin - this is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Just a little went a long way, and lasted through my work day and still lingered by evening. I'd highly reccomend this product for anyone who wants to make a statement.

-A women who doesn't wear perfume has no future. Coco Chanel

 

 

 

Product 2: LIQWd | SiLK Professional Deep Conditioning Treatment

 

This stuff is a miracle in a bottle! As a model, I'm constantly styling, ironing, blow drying - simply put, I'm constantly damaging my strands. This results in a major lack of moisture. Using this product left my hair silky, smooth, and feeling healthier than it has in ages! I almost couldn't believe it was even my hair! This product also claims to boost volume. On that note, my fine hair didn't feel much more volumized - so I'd leave that job to another product. But if you're looking for smooth, tangle-free, hydrated (and not to mention yummy smelling) hair - this product is definitely the way to go.

The hair is the richest ornament of women.  ~Martin Luther

 

Product 3: LIQWd | The Perfect Wave

 

  



To be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of this product. I have stick straight hair, and it takes a little work to get any kind of wave to hold. The smell was nice, and the product was very light-weight, but after using it according to the directions, it just didn't make the beachy waves without the crunch it claimed to. I have a feeling this would have worked better if i had a natural wave or curl to my hair already. But for my pin-straight hair, this product was a no-go.

Product 4: Mox Botanicals | Pomegranate & Fig Lip Butter

Smooth Texture.

Yummy Smell.

Ecologically Friendly.

Honestly, the packaging and ecologically friendly elements are what you seem to pay for. It worked pretty decent, but you could find products with similar effects at your local drugstore for much cheaper. 

 

Product 5: theBalm Cosmetics | Mary-Lou Manizer

The packaging is super cute!! 

This all-in-one highlighter, shadow, and shimmer does it's job well! This product is a great way to change up your every day look, from dabbing a small bit on your brow bones, to using it as a blush, to emphasizing your lips by using a little over your cupids bow. Use sparingly, a little bit of this stuff goes a long way. Too much WILL make you look ridiculous. 

Mighty Leaf Tea | Assorted Teas

 Green Tea Tropical

 Organic Earl Gray

Organic African Nectar

The fruit really stood out in the African Nectar and Green Tea Tropical. I really enjoyed the flavors and would highly recommend them!My favorite of the three was the Green Tea Tropical, which was just the right amount of fruity for me <3

Fabulous Fall Accessories

Fringe with Benefits

If your personality is bohemian or you just want a vintage feeling piece, this trendy bag is just your ticket! Weather you make a d.i.y. version, or splurge on something a little more expensive, fringe purses are comfortable, feel worn in, and are sure to make a statement! 

 

SsssssSuper Snake Rings

A little bit girly, a little bit dark and edgy. The snake ring is a great statement piece.

 

Business Bags

Image from beautyandthebudget

Add a bit of structure to your fall ensemble with the Working Girl styled purse. Weather or not your really work 9-5 doesn't matter.. this purse will contribute to many bold looks for Fall! 

 

Studded Shoes and Bags

As I mentioned before, if you like a little edge, this season’s popular studded shoes are where you need to look and an be found on everything from sky-high pumps to reserved flats. But what I didn't mention was that studded PURSES are hot as well!  The one above is from Gucci, but designers such as Jimmy Choo have also featured studded accessories. Whether you want just a hint of metal or something completely covered in studs, you’re bound to find the prefect match with this trend. <3

What REALLY Makes a Woman Sexy

What REALLY Makes a Woman Sexy

Mila Kunis was recently named 2012 Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine. She follows in the footsteps of 8 other "Sexiest Woman" such as Rhianna, Minka Kelly and Angelina Jolie.

Esquire Magazine

So what sets Miss Kunis apart from other sexy women? It's less about the looks, and more about the personality. Derek, from Massachusetts says it from a man's point of view best: "Her sense of humor and personality are what puts her above the rest. There are a lot of beautiful women out there, but a good sense of humor and down to earth personality are just as important."

And he's right! Occasionally, you get an answer that is strictly based on looks, but it's more about personality.

So what really makes a woman sexy? Asking around I got answers like, "Confident, but not conceited", "Takes her work serious, but has fun", "Walks with her head held high, but doesn't look down on others", and "Just a great personality, that brings the best out in others" According to almost every man I have asked, it's her attitude that is most attractive.

Additionally, I have found that it doesn't matter how beautiful you are on the outside, if you are ugly on the inside it will shine through. Being hot goes a lot further with a personality to back it up.

Clearly, looks aren't everything  they're cracked up to be. Mila proves that being yourself and enjoying it, is far more important, (yes, even to men), than looking perfect all the time.

Trendy Nails On Any Budget

Deep Blue

 

Camo / Deep Green

Oxblood

Nude

The Do's and Don'ts of Make-Up

DO: Splurge on a foundation that matches your skin tone exactly. Going to a a department store will allow you to try on the shade before you buy it, a luxury that isn't offered as often in the drugstore.

makeupforever.com

DO: Apply foundation on your eyelids, all the way up to the brow. Applying foundation on your eyelids cover any redness, allowing for a smooth application of eye shadows and liners. It also gives your entire face an even and smooth appearance

DO NOT: Cake the foundation on. It isn't meant to be a mask, but even out your tone and compliment your features.




DO: See eye-shadow as part of your accessories. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to be all matchy-matchy, but the color should compliment the colors in the rest of your ensemble, not clash with it.

DO: Try a dramatic eyeliner color across the upper lids for a striking evening look.

DO play up one feature and go neutral with the other. That way, you'll avoid looking like you're wearing too much makeup.

DO: Curl your lashes before applying mascara. It will open up your eyes and make them look bigger.

DO NOT: Curl your eyelashes after applying mascara; you can risk damaging them.

radaronline.com

DO NOT: use greasy concealers on blemishes or the undereye area. Emollient products will either clog pores or slip into lines, making them more defined then when you put the concealer on!

DO NOT use a concealer that is too light or too dark. A too light shade will look unnatural, and a too dark shade will be just that - too dark.  Use a flesh-tone concealer (that means no yellow, orange, or green tones) that is just a shade or two lighter than your foundation.

Do NOT match makeup textures. If your lips are glossy then use matte eye shadow and vice-versa to keep the balance of your makeup look in check.

Do NOT forget to blend. The key to flawless makeup application, (foundation, eye shadow, blush & lipstick) is to blend. Always make sure there aren't harsh lines or any places where it’s obvious that your makeup has been applied to achieve the most flattering and natural finish.