Posted by Rebecca Norris / Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Most of us know her as Serena van der Woodsen on the hit CW show Gossip Girl, however Blake Lively is more than just a prep from the upper east side involved in enough drama for all of us–debuting on the cover of Vogue at 22, modeling as the face of Chanel and Gucci–she has made a name for herself in the fashion world.
Your Ideal Treasure Chest: Birchbox
Posted by Meghan Furey / Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Birchbox Women's Samples (Photo courtesy of Birchbox)
Purchasing makeup sometimes can be so stressful if you do not know what you’re looking for. That’s why you can avoid this trouble by joining Birchbox. Founded in 2010 in New York, Birchbox personalizes one’s experience when purchasing beauty products and helps find items that are perfect for one’s individual needs and style. Since first launching off, makeup brands from all over have jumped at the chance to allow Birchbox subscription users to try their products, so one can discover great finds from high-end brands such as Benefit, Jouer, theBalm, and many more!
UpCircle Studio’s First Birthday, Cupcakes and Discounts
Posted by Kristy Ju / Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Celebrate UpCircle Studio's First Birthday!
Moms, we understand that you are all too familiar with the difficulty of shopping for children’s clothing. Towing your child in one arm, you use your other free hand to carefully feel the material of clothing as you sift through the racks. Will this tulle skirt be too itchy for my daughter? Is this button-down’s collar too stiff and uncomfortable for my son to wear? You take extra care to ensure that your child’s clothing is both comfortable and stylish.
Local mother and sewing expert, Waleska Town knows this all too well and armed with a sewing machine for her 30th birthday, she took matters into her own hands. Owner of UpCircle Studio , Town creates handmade children’s attire, bedding, and accessories that are not only comfortable, but also made up of up-cycled, environmentally-friendly and socially-responsible materials.
The Wet Brush Makes Tangles a Worry of the Past
Posted by Rebecca Norris / Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
Photo Courtesy of Andresr/Shutterstock.com
Having fine hair certainly has it’s share of downs, from having trouble maintaining volume to incessantly needing to be shampooed–but the worst is the inevitable after-shower tangles. You would think that having fine hair would mean less to work through, however it seems to knot up and consume much more time than necessary and oftentimes leads to aches and split ends.
Women of NoVA, fret no more–The Wet Brush has come to save the day! At first glance, you’ll wonder what I could possibly be talking about because this brush looks as ordinary as any other–however, with just one use you’ll thank your lucky stars that you came across this article that led you to your new favorite after-shower accessory. With it’s specially formulated strong, thin and super flexible IntelliFlex™ bristles even the toughest tangles can be beat–and better yet, with no tugging. The Wet Brush makes hopping out of the shower and brushing your hair virtually effortless.
Available in a wide variety of colors for only $14, you can pick up your very own Wet Brush at Victoria Station Salon in Vienna or click your way over to TheWet Brush.Com. It works for all hair types!
Happy Detangling!
–Rebecca Norris
Your Crowning Glory: Summer Head Scarves
Posted by Meghan Furey / Monday, June 17th, 2013
- Photo courtesy of Dolce and Gabbana
In Dolce and Gabbana’s Spring/Summer 2013 advertisement campaign, it was hard to miss those lively prints inspired by the vibrant culture of the Sicilian lifestyle. One distinct way the designers embraced the glamour of the seaside woman, however, was the use of beautiful head scarves to complete the looks modeled on the runway.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by Kristy Ju / Monday, June 17th, 2013
In the space where fashion collides with the workplace, we’ve all heard “The Short Suit Debate” :
Is it appropriate to wear shorts in the office on blistering summer days?
Collen Sherin, senior fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue weighs in, “What’s the difference between shorts and a skirt—even if they’re the same length? It’s that shorts are perceived as casual by nature, something that children wear, something we wear on weekends. That perception is changing.”
We say it depends. In a more casual or creative work space enviornment, a short suit that comes together as one unified look (think coordinating colors) can be worn. On the flip side, save your shorts for the beach if you work in a more conservative environment and opt for a skirt instead. Be sure to dress-up the short suit so that it conveys professionalism and polish, rather than a too-relaxed look.
Try on these stylish ensembles for your next casual Friday at work or summer outing:
Shopping Simplified: One King’s Lane
Posted by Skylar Korby / Friday, June 14th, 2013
Trying to find one-of-a-kind pieces to give an eclectic edge to your home without having to scour every antique shop in the
area to do it?
Photo courtesy of One King's Lane
One Kings Lane [onekingslane.com] brings you interior individuality at a seriously discounted price. Beautifully merchandised assortments from top home decor and lifestyle brands launch daily in sales that last 72 hours. With items like furniture, lighting, tabletop and travel accessories arriving every day, lavish living and valuable spending are all located at one simple address.
Walking on Sunshine: An Etsy Twist on Summer’s Hottest Color
Posted by Meghan Furey / Friday, June 14th, 2013
Everything is looking sunny-side up this summer as yellow is popping up in everyone’s wardrobe. Get your own fix of this season’s hottest hue with some help from Etsy!
Sure Things: Clinique BB Cream
Posted by Kristy Ju / Friday, June 14th, 2013
Clinique 'Age Defense' BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $37 (Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom)
Ladies, we’ve got you covered with a gift from beauty gurus to women who struggle finding skin makeup that works: Clinique BB Cream. We love a product that simultaneously provides light, glowing coverage, protects us from the sun’s rays and moisturizes the skin. It comes in only three shades, but Clinique also carries a CC Cream if you’re looking for more color options.
After one too many unsuccessful searches for skin cover-ups, I walked into Sephora and nervously asked about these raved BB creams. The sales associate picked out this cream in Shade 2 for me and smoothed it onto my face. I looked in the mirror and was pleasantly surprised to see that the cream had blended in well without looking pasty. On that day in January, I said farewell to those just-not-right cover-ups and have never looked back.
Personally, I dot the product around my face and use a cosmetic sponge to spread and blend it into my skin. It gives the slightest luminosity, but still appears to be my “natural” skin without causing breakouts or irritation.
If I haven’t gained your confidence yet, one of my friends commented, “Kristy! Your cheeks are glowing!” and we both know that there aren’t too many products that will bring on that kind of compliment.
Style on,
- Kristy Ju
Cosmetic Crushes: Jaclyn Hill Leaves You Bombshell Bound
Posted by Rebecca Norris / Thursday, June 13th, 2013
Photo Courtesy of SubbotinaAnna/Shutterstock.com
The term “bombshell” originated in 1933 in reference to Jean Harlow, an actress known for her platinum blonde hair and elaborate makeup. Nowadays, you don’t necessairly have to be blonde to be deemed a bombshell, you just have to know how to get the look.
Luckily, we live in the age of YouTube tutorials and instant access to the teachings of talented makeup artists worldwide and subsequently the perfectly contoured bombshell matte complexion and smokey eye combo–all just a click away!
And when it comes to the bombshell look, no one teaches it better than Jaclyn Hill, a former MAC employee turned YouTube beauty expert and artist to WBFF Fitness Competition models, brides, prom queens and other notables. So be sure to click the play button below and immerse yourself in her Bombshell Makeup Tutorial–you’ll be sure to fall in love.
Happy Contouring, you beautiful bombshell you!
–Rebecca Norris