Why Ameicans Should Act More Like Anne Frank

Most people know the story of Anne Frank, the little Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family during the reign of Hitler, keeping her hopes and dreams alive through a simple plaid diary she wrote in often.

I came across this quote when re-reading her book, and I found that we could relate with today's political and economic issues. We are struggling to make ends meet, worrying about healthcare and jobs. The dreams of "making it big" seem to be put on the back burner as life and responsibilities take their toll.

“It's difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.”

Anne said it right. It might be difficult to hold onto our ideals, our dreams. But if Anne could hold onto hers through 25 months of being completely shut out from the rest of the world and her people being extremely discriminated, then don't you think you can hold on to your goals too?

Channel Anne and always hold onto what you believe in- no matter what life throws your way! 

XOXO

<3

 

 

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

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

Shoe Trends- Fall 2012

Thigh/Knee- High Boots

All Available for purchase at Nordstrom.com

From Versace in Milan, to Rachel Zoe in New York, Thigh and Knee High Boots were all over the runways for Fall 2012. I prefer to style these over skinny jeans, with a ladylike silhouette to add some sixties flair (which is in for Fall as well), or for pairing with oversized cashmere. 

 

Low & Kitten Heels

 

 

At least our feet can take a break too this fall! Low and Kitten Heels are all the rage this season, says Manolo Blahnik, Yves Saint Laurent, Topshop, and more. The heels themselves varied from chunky to pointy,  with peep-toed, rounded, or pointy toes. I love to pair this trend with cropped trousers or below-the-knee skirts for a chic look. <3

Studded Shoes

 

If you like a little edge, this season’s popular studded shoes are where you need to look! These embellishments can be found on everything from sky-high pumps to reserved flats. Whether you want a pair of shoes with just a hint of metal or something completely covered in studs, you’re bound to find the prefect match with this trend. <3 

 

Glitter!

From subtle styles to ultra-shimmery versions, these trendy flats, heels and boots are sure to add some sparkle to your wardrobe.<3

Easy but Awesome Fall 2012 Makeup Trends

Cherry Red Lips

Left- Rochas (Imaxtree) Right- Sammi Putnam for Don Bothem Photography

This statement lip has proved that trends CAN be repetitive. The same trend that ruled the 'hot' list of Fall 2011 is BACK and better than ever. Whether you choose a matte color like Rochas on the left, or a more glossy version like Ms. Putnam on the right,  red lips are here to prove they are the best at making a statement!

Imaxtree

Thick, Defined Brows

I love the natural feel of this look by J. Mendel. The brows look thick, strong and healthy, not over-plucked and drawn on. This is the simplest trend.. just stop tweezing too much! Only in between the eyes and any hairs that grow outside your brow line. Using a magnifying mirror only makes you go tweeze-crazy, so use a regular mirror instead. If you need a boost, use a brow pencil, but don't over do it!

Fresh, Natural Faces

Valentino (Imaxtree)- Trina H for Badkins

 Usually, this trend pops up
spring, when everything is supposed to be light and fresh. But this year, is makes a surprising apperance on several different Fall runways. Vera Wang, Marc Jacobs, and Valentino were a few big names hosting this trend on their models. Nude tones, nothing overdone, and a little pop of blush & you're all set to rock this!

Smoky Browns

Trina H. for Badkins

Blumarine- Imaxtree

I adore this color for its versatility. It can be worn on pretty much any skin tone, and can be layered lightly for a small glimmer (see left), or heavily for a more intense look (see Blumarine right).

The Beauty of Being Imperfect

The Beauty of Being Imperfect

 

Picture a world where every single person was the same. Everyone looks the same, lives in identical houses, drives the same cars and makes the same amount of money. 

A world like the one above might, at the surface, seem one of less prejudice and equality. But, after the initial feeling of peace wore off, you would be in a world where there was no more beauty in people. Life would be boring, people would be boring.

What makes an individual beautiful is what makes them unique.

Their talents, their traits and characteristics. All the little things that make you..YOU. If we didn't have those things, then what would we have?

Every.Single.One of us has unique characteristics, some strengths-some weaknesses. I might be a great dancer and a horrible singer. You might be a horrible dancer, but have the voice of an angel!

Just because someone might be better than you at something, doesn't mean their better than you in general. It just means they have strength in that area, and weakness somewhere else.

Instead of putting so much pressure on trying to fit in to today's stereotypes pressed out by the magazines, newspapers, television and other medias, embrace who you are, your differences, and apply them to something positive!

When you accept and share your unique traits, people will see just how strong and confident you are about who you are, and will, in turn, see your uniqueness as a positive thing as well!