Party Predators

I've learned a lot from a year and a half in college, and a lot of it is out of the classroom. One thing is to exercise extreme caution when going to parties. Some girls are so comfortable with getting wasted and allowing guys to lead them in whatever direction they want. But party predators can be dangerous, and they definitely want to take advantage of you. Guys out there persuade girls to lose their virginity after getting drunk, and you may be wasted to stop or give your consent (see title link).

Fun shades

I'm beginning a small (cheap!) collection of sunglasses and wanted to find a perfect retro pair. These Ezekiel Women's Sunglasses cost just $10 ($15 on Amazon) and fold up to be super-tiny for compact use (see title link). Made of plastic with polycarbonate lenses. Perfect fun streetwear!

Calling all Chocoholics

I LOVE chocolate. My friends do, too. And if you're looking for a cool birthday gift, try customizing a candy bar for them! At Chocomize, you can do that for just $4 to $6 (see title link). Yummy!

Make your eyes sparkle (literally)

Make Up For Ever Star Glitter works as an excellent way to get instant sparkle (see title link). If you apply to the outer corners of your eyes, you'll look absolutely gorgeous! Hint: try some eyelash glue on the under side to help it stick, and make sure to let it dry for a few seconds!
This lightweight powder is so glamorous and looks good anywhere on your face or body. Long-lasting if you apply it the right way, too! Available for just $13!

Play up your eyes

Try something new to make your eyes pop. Add some shocks of color to your lids, with layers of bright and contrasting shades (see title link), like purple and green!

Bold n' Fake

I am far too wimpy to try this trend, but lots of celebrities are wearing fake lashes these days. If you add fake lashes on top and bottom, your wink will really pop (see title link).

My favorite accessory, on the other hand? A cute ring. Some gold with white diamonds (all fake, of course) never fails to do the trick.

Starry Eyes

My everyday makeup look is nonexistent. I usually just don't wear any! But if I want to look understated but still put-together, I bring intensity to my face with two coats of black mascara, applying only on my top lashes. Only takes a few seconds, too (see title link)!

FB-Obsessed

Are you normal about your Facebook crush? 40% of girls check their crush's profile more than once a day! Scroll through photos and realize he's sitting behind you in disbelief, and you'll avoid him forever. So don't get addicted (see title link).

Don't get addicted!

Laptops are great. They're excellent communication tools and provide a phenomenal way to stay tuned to what's going on in the world. The Sony VAIO VPCEA33FX/P 14" Laptop Computer is a good pick for $749.99. The multimedia entertainment is like no other! The Intel Core 2.4 GHz processor 4.0 GB memory, and compactability make it great for traveling. And who can forget the sleek Glossy Pink shade? Just remember to stop getting addicted. There's other stuff in the real world to see, too!

Report Signature

These Report Signature heels are a $225 splurge (see title link). The shoes, called the Remsen2 Pumps, are available at Fred Segal and have that irresistible laceup from the heel to the ankle. The covered platform only adds to the charm! Suede upper, 5" covered heel, and man-made sole.

Nanette Lepore

The purse at right costs a bundle of money, but I couldn't resist posting it in the hopes that SOMEONE reading can afford it. The Nanette Lepore Embossed Cobra Clutch is a gorgeous bag and is featured here in the Graphite shade. For a whopping $325 (see title link), you get a clutch with a cobra inlay and a hidden magnetic closure under the flap. The chain strap is wrapped in leather for maximum comfort, and it features a zipper pocket and front slide pocket as well. The leather tassel is detachable, although I think it is just the cherry on top. Burgundy lining.

Chic Glasses

For some, it's hard to accept that they need glasses. I've had them since age six, but some are just beginning their journey with corrective lenses. If contacts aren't an option for you, just search around until you find a cute pair of glasses! I'd suggest Initium (see title link). They have a great ophthalmic (rx) collection.

Bedding for your budget

Give your bed a makeover by purchasing the New Seventeen Tangerine Dream Mini Comforter Se at JCPenney (see title link). Includes cool bohemian styling, brocade, velvet, and vibrant shades of orange, pink, aqua, and green. Consisting of a comforter and pillow sham, the set is totally washable. It IS imported, after all. Available for $24.99 to $99.99.

Twilight Couture

I adore the Valentino dress Ashley Greene wore at last year's Teen Choice Awards. It's from the Resort 2011 collection (see title link), definitely NOT worth its 4-figure price, but beautiful to look at! Considering that she confesses to saving $10 to $15 from each of her paychecks as a child to pay for her holiday gifts, it's surprising she would choose such extravagance.

Your Life

Don't let peer pressure control your life. I just read an article about a teenager who got a nose job to stop the bullying she suffered. Most importantly, don't BE the bully (see title link).

Cheer

I usually don't have much of an appreciation for cheerleading, but these uniforms on the CW show Hellcats caught my eye. Check out the top on Aly Michalka (see title link)! She looks stunning.
Yes, I'll admit it, I Hulu-surf a LOT. And this show is definitely a guilty pleasure.

Men's Fashion

Sometimes we can take inspiration from menswear as well. Clean pieces can do a lot for a girl's figure. Take this white shirt Ian Somerhalder is wearing in the photo at left, taken at Nina Dobrev's 21st birthday celebration at Asia de Cuba last year. While Dobrev looks tacky and overdone (WHO wears feathers these days? I don't care if it's her birthday!), Ian looks fresh and classy. Try the tailored white shirt look yourself (see title link).
On another note, does anyone else notice that he's pulling her close? Cozying up cheek to cheek is not exactly a platonic gesture. Ha!

Love tricks

Want your crush to kiss you? Think you're not in an ideal location? Make the best of it! If you're at a really public place (like a super-loud party!) you have to get EXTRA close. I mean, you have to talk, right? When you do, talk into his ear. You'll be irresistible to him (see title link), according to the boys themselves.

Shop on your phone

Want to shop anytime, anywhere? Download the Seventeen Fashion Finder app, free from the iPhone App Store. You'll find something to make you shine this season, and can even watch behind-the-scenes videos of cover girls, including Taylor Swift (see title link).

Fool yourself into eating healthy

I LOVE the cheesiest mac & cheese. But honestly, it's not that good for you. So what can you do to eat healthy but not hate it? For a start, you can make your favorite meals and toss in some frozen veggies to add fiber. You'll eat less of the bad stuff, but still find the overall product yummy (see title link).

Fitness Tip

The pros know it best, and they've got some vital advice to share. Tasha Dixon, who trains Victoria Justice, believes in a very valuable training tip: take five minutes when you wake up or are ready to work out and hydrate yourself and stretch. The exercise will feel much easier when you're loose and have had half a glass of water (see title link)!

I've got the secret

On a Friday night out, you don't want to have to worry about your B.O. So if you're going to get some strong deodorant, you might as well sparkle with it! Try Secret Scent Expressions' new Body Splashes. The Ooh-la-la Lavender is my personal favorite, but maybe I'm biased because purple is my color of choice. The sun-drenched lilies will keep your skin smelling lovely, anytime, whether you're dancing or just taking a walk. Lasts all day (or night!) and bought for just $4.79 (see title link).

Soft Skin

In the winter, my skin gets super-flaky. I always forget to put lotion on my body (I never forget my face! A girl's gotta look good, after all). Now I've found something that has such an amazing scent that I never forget to apply it.
It's Fruits & Passion Grapefruit-Guava Quenching Body Butter. For the body, it feels fresh, with the shea butter and grape seed oil ingredients. It leaves your skin delicately scented. Simply radiant, and costs $22 (see title link).

Exude Confidence

Want to look fabulous in all your Facebook pictures? The key is to look to the pros. Check out Leighton Meester at the Re-Opening of the Chanel SoHo Boutique. She's popping a hip like no other. It projects tons of confidence and even has a slimming effect (see title link).

No-Fade Color

Want a lip gloss that's kiss-proof? With Stila Acai Crush Lip & Cheek Stain, you'll have just that. Retailing at $24 from Stila Cosmetics, you'll be looking kissable hours after application, at midnight, even. The color sinks into your lips so they look vibrant for HOURS! It IS the richest super-fruit in the world, after all. Just a click of a pen, and you've got some immunity-boosting power and look young for ages to come. It is just so smart and has incredible staying power. You'll get that gorgeous, natural rosy flush.

Make major waves

I always want to curl my hair for a nice day but can never find a cheap iron. Well, I can finally use the PRO Beauty Tools 1.5" Curling Iron, which I found at Walmart for $30 (see title link). Just curl two-inch sections of hair at a time with this large barrel, and you'll have loose curls after you flip your head over.

Work on your acne overnight

Clean Start by Dermalogica has a Bedtime for Breakouts product that clears your skin while you sleep. Created by Clean Start USA, it makes your next day clear and wipes breakouts below the surface of your skin (see title link).

Jewel-Toned Lashes

I always thought of eyeshadow and eyeliner to make my eyes pop, but mascara can do the trick, too. For a unique look that will make you stand out in a crowded room, try Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension in the Blue shade, $29 online (see title link). The spherical brush has a lengthening effect, high-definition performance, and extending and fixing results. Tons of elasticity!

Get Glam

Add a little bling and you're look beautiful (see title link). With some touch-ups, your party getups will rock! Get glam!

Designer threads aren't always on-trend

Rachel Bilson was spotted in these beautiful Paige USA Womens Silverlake Shorts in the Friction wash (see title link) on July 20 of last year. Seems like she'd be a great fashion icon, no? But these $149 shorts are far from the trend these days...in fact, Daisy Dukes are a don't with the theme of being somewhat classy. Opt for longer shorts instead of these teeny-tiny cutoffs. The heavy 12.5 oz. fabric will weigh you down, too.

Classic White Tee

I can't believe the prices that people are willing to pay for brand name these days. For example, this Loose Burnout V-Neck in Oatmeal from Fluxus is a great T-shirt and all, but I certainly am not willing to pay $39.99 for it (see title link)! And if you'll believe it, that's the best price they can give, considering its MSRP is $69. What's so special about it? I mean, it's great that Hayden Panettiere has bought it and all, but I can find an ultra-soft cotton blend and a deep v-neck and pinched short sleeves elsewhere for a fraction of that price.