Do good for your community

If you're looking for a way to do community service, whether it's for boosting your resume or out of the goodness of your heart, do it in a fun way so you give back more happily! If you love playing with puppies, for example, go volunteer an hour per week at an animal shelter! You can take them out of their kennels for a while and give them some much-needed love (see title link).

LBD for the season

Absolute gorgeous dress with an amazing fit which I found at Macy's this past weekend. It's a $59 dress from City Triangles which is currently on sale for just $35 online (see title link). The Sleeveless One Shoulder Beaded Draped Mini is super-glamorous and fierce! I'm in love with Grecian silhouettes and this one's even more sexy with the fitted skirt. Lined with polyester and thigh-high.

Guys answer

If your guy is texting the whole time he's with you, don't fret! He may just be nervous so he's clinging to it for support. If you tease him a bit he should snap out, says Michael, a guy surveyed by Seventeen magazine (see title link). Yep, he looks great in that white tee!

Exclaim your cuteness :)

You may want to tone down the exclamation points on your fashion during the winter, but don't forget to accessorize! These 0.5" Bow Studs from Girlprops with Vintage Tooling in Antique Brass are just $4.99 (see title link)! But they'll put a new look on your face instantly!

Get your hair done!

Pampering yourself to the ultimate doesn't have to break your bank - just do one simple thing, because in truth, that's all you need to feel different and more beautiful. Campbell F. McAuley, for example, is a hairstylist at Solo Artists (Sydney Hair Care). She's done hair for Nikki Reed (see title link)! Speaking on Twilight, Reed reveals there was a lot of drama on the set because of the history, love, hate, and fighting exchanged among the cast!

Ben-Amun bling

Ben-Amun, a line of jewelry created by designer Isaac Manevitz, makes wonderful little accessories to keep in your collection. They're subtle but so classically beautiful (see title link). I favor their bracelets in particular (like a rhinestone one I found) but it's all amazing!

Oxfords - Great to dance in!

These Wanted Oxfords are great for walking, dancing, or any other strenuous activity. The Jade Black Patent shoes are Lace Up and cost $50 (see title link). They have a wing-tip detail heel with 1.5" of height and medium width. Pair them with tights and a dress, jeans, or anything else!

Betsey Johnson actually makes edgy stuff, too?

Never in a million years would I be able to pull these off. But for those of you who can and do often, here's a pick for you! I couldn't believe these shoes were from Betsey Johnson, but lo! and behold, they are. The Caylin Shiny Lace Up Boots come in this great Black color and cost a cool $190 (see title link). Maybe it's because they're made of leather and have a 5.75" heel (with 1.75" platform, so you'll only feel 4 inches). You can only clean them with a damp cloth, but I honestly think they'll look edgier once they've been dirtied up a bit. Buy at your own risk!

Tangerine Accessories

I thought tangerine accessories might be too much, but if you buy them in a soft texture, they add just the right amount of spice to your outfit. For example, R.J. Graziano makes a great orange thread bangle (see title link), which can be worn as the night's showstopper (see title link). A wild rager, low-key birthday celebration, whatever!

Oribe's Products Can Speak Volumes

I had never even heard of this brand before, but its products definitely speak for themselves. Oribe Hair Care's Dry Texturizing Spray gives your hair so much body, you can create a great tousled look with the flattest hair. It even has the perfect diameter to use to curl it a bit, with ample bobby pins! Warning: Could be glamorous or disastrous. The spray's polymers absorb oil at roots, and charge $39 to do it (see title link).

Fine jewelry - so versatile

R.J. Graziano makes wonderful fine jewelry, but it's also great for wearing to more low-key parties when the rest of your outfit is understated. Let the accessories speak for themselves! This pyramid bracelet sparkles, but definitely isn't too much (see title link).

CC Skye Rings

I found this gorgeous Fools Gold Ring from CCSkye. It costs a whopping $175 but it's absolutely beautiful (see title link). Comes in two different sizes and will light up your look.

Back in the day...

I adored 'N Sync back in the day - hell, I love them now. This photo was taken circa 2000, and I love looking at their chill style from back then. Check out JT's black polo! Love that and he rocks it! Am I the only one praying for a comeback (see title link)?

Suicide is a serious thing

I just read a story of a 16-year-old girl who stopped her friend's suicide. Imagine the sorts of issues the two are individually going through. Having your friend threaten to hurt yourself is tough to hear, but it's up to you to do something about it - you could be saving her life (see title link).

Cool party dresses from JCP

The lastest in women's dresses is this adorably cool party dress available at JCPenney from I 'Heart' Ronson, called the Lurex Stripe Dress. It's on sale now for just $23, what a steal! Love the metallic stripes, round banded neckline, chiffon skirt, and side zipper for easy self-dressing. It's even washable (see title link)!

Sweaterdresses = compromise for the holidays

My figure isn't the right one to pull off a casual sweater dress - at least I haven't found the right one yet. But I can see this dress looking absolutely fabulous on some girls, so I'm displaying it here! It's the Lucca Couture Stitching Circle Striped Sweater Dress, available for $73 on lulus.com (see title link). I think it's really cute because of the chunky factor, three-quarter sleeves and sheerness for that little sexiness!

Belated Christmas Cheer

Okay, I'm going to stop myself from gushing on the ring that Mariah Carey's wearing on her right hand in this cover. Yes, it's her 17-carat, pink diamond Jacob & Co. wedding ring that is estimated to be worth $2.5 million. But her Merry Christmas II You album is so perfect for the holidays, with a pop spin on our holiday favorites. I'm not a fan of listening to them on the radio (I'd definitely change stations) but turning up the Pandora channel is a must! Only $9 on Amazon (see title link).

Snuggies are USELESS!

I cannot believe Snuggies have made all the revenue that they had over the past few years. Yes, a joke gift can be fun once in a while, but I honestly hate useless gifts - what a waste of money! Gag gifts are certainly not funny, and make sure you never, ever buy them for a sort-of crush or flirty friend or anything! $15 NOT well spent. At left - the TATTOO snuggie. Gotta love prints. Nothing about this screams freedom of movement! I don't want to eat in this, I don't want to watch a movie in this, and I certainly don't want to wear it outside in public! Oversized pockets are useless, too! Thank god it's machine washable, at least.

It's workout time! Try Dick's Sporting Goods

I need some incentive to go to the gym - maybe some shopping will indulge my New Year's Resolution? These Under Armour Micro G Split Coldgear Running Shoe is made for women's feet. The footwear is only $89.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods, and they are so comfortable with their sleekness! I don't run outside, but they're built for all weather, with excellent shock absorption, fleece lining, and great traction for speed on all surfaces. I love the cushioning for my time on the elliptical, and they're only 8.5 oz (see title link).

New York Film Academy

I've made this post a few times, but if you really are excited about filmmaking or acting, try learning and getting out of your normal zone early in your career by going to a school for it, like New York Film Academy. You can take intensive classes for a summer, a semester, or years for learning to use the most advanced cameras, getting degrees in fine arts, and traveling around the world (see title link).

Holiday chocolates!

Here are some awesome chocolates for the holidays that you can find in the clearance sections now that it's January (see title link)! I love the red velvet ones with red sprinkles on top - if you have just a few at a time, you won't bloat up or gain weight, but still benefit from the antioxidants in dark chocolate to get great skin. Remember to have small ones - no bigger than the top half of your thumb.

Nike workout gear

I love Nike clothes for workouts but am not always crazy about giant logos advertising everywhere. Surprisingly, Nike makes plain, blank clothing as well. This AD Rib Women's Tank Top is a great sleeveless piece, and I love the black color as a contrast on skin! It's only $22 (see title link), and has a nice slim fit that's very classically Nike. Features interior taping, machine wash ability, and general awesomeness!

Contest winner highlights

U by Kotex held a contest recently with Patricia Field, famous designer, challenging girls everywhere to design new materials for a Patricia Field collection! I love the Inspiration Board that one winner from Missouri created, called "Joie de Vivre," or "Joy of Living" - very collage-y and filled with turquoise (see title link)! Ban the Bland...

Relief for Mouth Sores

The cold often brings with it infections - I always get mouth sores at this time of year. Try Orajel Mouth Sore Gel - it literally starts working instantly and numbs the pain, whether the sore's on my gums, braces-related, or anything else. It's cheap, too, costing only $7 (see title link) .

New Maybelline Eyeliner

Want a more dramatic look for a day of traveling, mingling, or wandering around a big city, maybe? Or maybe you just want to look good. Try Maybelline New York's Eye Studio Master Drama cream pencil (see title link). I personally find the cream to be too thick and overly dramatic, but some girls think it brings out their eyes that way, with heavy eyeliner. The Midnight Master shade is especially dark, with some eye-opening intensity. It promises to be easily applicable with the cream's gliding properties, concentrated, waterproof, smudge-free, and safe for contact lenses. MSRP is just $7.99.

Lancome's other wonders

Lancome makes great makeup in general, but their powders are particularly excellent! Try the Poudre Lumiere in Golden Hat, which costs you $42 and gives you a great all-around bronzed look - Sweep the gold shade on cheeks and nose, and swirl with the pink for the rest of your face (see title link).

False eyelashes? Definitely not for everyone

False eyelashes may accentuate certain girls' faces. I am not an advocator of them, since I think Kim Kardashian looks absolutely monstrous wearing falsies. But if you do want to go big and be even more daring than the rest, try getting brightly colored ones! I found these Illamasqua False Eye Lashes in Sephora, and the #011 shade looks like that pictured at left. They cost just $12, and are definitely dramatic without being over-the-top. Your eyes will be brought out and have an impact on the crowd. So out of the box (see title link).

Lashes like a doll?

I was quite surprised to see an ad positioned this way, but Lancome Paris released a new mascara called Hypnose Doll Lashes! The models actually look like dolls in the print ads, but glamorous and different at the same time. Lancome's makeup with a twist - brings out your eyes by using your outer lashes most, giving you that same wide-eye look. Lots of volume, extension, and lift for your lashes. So flirty, thanks to the cone-shaped brush which keeps the liquid clean and smooth. Even your lower lashes don't smudge as much while thickening. Costs $25 (see title link).

Garage - some Canada fashion!

It's always awesome to move beyond your normal stores to look at some abroad. Garage, originating in Montreal, has locations nationwide in the US. They have great clothes at reasonable prices, but I love their jewelry most. Check out the Laugh Necklace in their Accessories section. It comes in a 3-pack for $12.90 (see title link), with a cute sparkle and lobster clasp to fasten. Love it!

Chanel Haute Couture

Emma Stone is gorgeous in pink at the Los Angeles premiere of The Help on August 9 (see title link). She's wearing a top from Chanel's Couture collection of this past spring, but it's her twisted updo that really does the talking. It's so complicated! I tried pulling off a similar style for New Year's Eve by twisting random sections of my hair and bobby-pinning them, but that didn't work.