New ridiculous book

Gotta love these new teenage novels! "Why be the sheep when you can be the wolf?" That's the latest tagline from Grave Mercy, a story about a seventeen-year-old named Ismae who is trained to become an assassin - how will she be able to kill the guy she loves? My goodness, that's morbid. PASS.

Wax time

Time to wax your body for summer! Sally Hansen makes excellent wax that doesn't need a microwave, is easily applicable, and comes on double-sided strips for ease and simplicity. You can use the Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit for your face, brows, or bikini area.

Modeling isn't always so glamorous

I've been thinking of the future and my career path a lot lately, and I've come to a conclusion - no profession is as perfectly glamorous as it comes off to be. Not to say it isn't worth pursuing - but if you don't become the next Tyra Banks, that's not to say your career or life has gone to shame. Think of models, for example - they get to wear beautiful clothes all day, but shoots often require a lot of testing physical circumstances. Would YOU want to be stuck in freezing cold water, smiling while in a bikini? I think not. 

For tanning, it's best to use the spray-on kind

I can't believe girls still go to tanning beds these days, or lay out in the sun unprotected to tan. I love perfectly bronzed skin as much as the next person, so I'm not suggesting you keep yourself pasty pale forever. Just use all the self-tanner options in the market! Victoria's Secret has some wonderful beauty products, including its own Beach line called Beach Sexy, and their Tinted Self-Tan Body Spray is an excellent $12 buy. It has the perfect golden shade and doesn't streak!

Clinique Lip Color Sticks

I am just loving Clinique's simplistic response to lipstick, with the Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. Clinique's makeup is second only to its fragrances, but is definitely worth checking out. This one contains mango and shea butters, so your dry lips will be transformed into something soft and smooth. It gives them the most subtle sheen! Try the Mega Melon shade: Costs $16. Warning: reviews say the product is great but is smaller than appearances indicate. 

Vlog advice

Lots of people post videos of themselves on the Internet these days, especially on YouTube. But before you hit upload, keep in mind that you may not have a right to post it legally if you're using copyrighted music or someone else's personal information without their permission. YouTube makes this easy to decipher with its Community Guidelines - check it out!

Big volume, big earrings

I love when girls have the perfect amount of lofty volume in their hair. Now, you can use volumizing spray and related products to boost your hair to unforeseen heights, but balance it with enhancing statement jewelry! I love these Rectangle earrings from Elizabeth Knight Jewelry's Armor Collection. They cost a whopping $176 and feature an antique gold plate with oxidized silver. 

Get over awkward situations

Awkward moments can actually make you more confident. Yes, you heard right, people. If you make a fool of yourself--especially in front of a guy--make sure to remember you've survived it! Next time you try chatting someone up, you'll feel a lot less pressure. 

Teal accessories - so in

Bright, statement jewelry is huge these days. That's why these Urbanog teal bangles are such an essential. They're $13 each and are total standout accessories. Bracelets and bangles are so in these days!

Bright-band watches

I used to find these childish, but Lulu's came out with a bunch of affordable, brightly colored watches with thick plastic bands which remind us all of childhood. Yet with a mix of some girly and sporty vibes, it's a $17 piece of jewelry that comes in useful!

Colorful tank, colorful highlights

This latest spring trend of peekaboo highlights is so cute with pops of color! They look bold with blue in your inner bangs and aren't so dramatic OR subtle. I found a cute pink tank from Sauce which would pair well with it. 

Jennifer Lawrence - one strong woman

An Oscar-nominated actress, Louisville small-town girl, and Hunger Games star, all at the age of 21! Boy, do I feel inadequate. But Jennifer Lawrence deserves all of that and more, and I admire her boldness and courage. "If I'm going to be naked in front of the entire world, I'm going to look like a woman," she told Seventeen magazine last month. Damn, girl. 

Define those curls, don't straighten them!

I used to hate my curly hair - it always frizzes, takes forever to wash and comb out, and never looks put together or normal. But nowadays, as I see so many girls forgo curls and waves to iron their hair every single day, it worries me that they try so hard to conform to a single image. No one is distinguishable! So I've found products to help me rock my curls instead. Garnier Fructis' styling products have a Curl product line, and their cream, called the Calm Down Anti-Frizz Cream, is a strong formula which moisturizes your hair and defines it for a full 24 hours, with nourishing shea butter for those unruly curls. 

Massage for a study break

I hate those late nights filled with studying and feeling overwhelmed. Next time you get a headache from staring at your computer screen, try just squeezing near the arch of your eyebrows for a few seconds, followed by a repeat at your temples. You'll feel instantly better with a self-massage. 

Chanel LBW (Little Black Wallet)

Check out the Chanel Classic Caviar wallet, as shown in the hands of Dianna Agron when she walked out of the Ed Sullivan Theater last August. Chanel makes excellent accessories (their greatest strength, in my opinion), and their small leather goods are the most accessible in terms of price point. 

Self-Help on Guys?

I don't agree with magazine stories which detail the ways in which to specifically attract men and appear irresistible, since each guy is different and you shouldn't change yourself to fit the mould. Honestly, you shouldn't care about whether the guy is saving your photo as his cell phone wallpaper - all that matters is that he cares, and you can figure that out without this advice. 

Those uncomfortable (but necessary) topics

I'm going to mention birth control on this blog. Not because it's something I can honestly review, since I'm not on it myself, but because it's something to be aware of as a teen girl. Sex Ed in schools give you a little or lot of information, but it's especially hard to receive gender-specific stuff that's essential for your health. Remember, if you are using a form of contraceptive, wait it out! You might need different methods than your peers, and it's important to test the waters for at least three months (unless, of course, you have awful side effects which should only last three or so weeks. 

NYFA!

Aaaand, once more - I'm telling you all to check out New York Film Academy if you're interested in filmmaking or acting! It's a great hands-on, intensive program for any level of degree you want, from associate to master. With international campus locations and summer programs, what more could you want?

Velcro is BACK!

Who knew people still bought Velcro products anymore? Well, the Pink Gentle Stylers are 1 1/8" rollers which do the job for giving you a cute flirty flip. As far as styling tools and appliances go, these are simple to use, and obviously don't require an outlet so they can be used on-the-go. Your hair will have tons of body, texture, and curls. Works well for stylists who are perming as well. They reportedly add shine, but I'm not quite sure how that works. They cost just $4.29 for a pack of six, too, which is a steal.

Demi Lovato goes Australian

Dresses are the perfect topic for spring, and Demi Lovato is inspiring with this dress from Finders Keepers at the Seventeen magazine Power of Friendship Luncheon honoring nobody but herself, at Cleo in Los Angeles' Redbury Hotel. Her long layers are great for medium- or thick-haired girls, too.

If you want some juicy light reading, are enjoy the romantic novels, try Life Eternal by Yvonne Woon. With the tagline "Soul mates are an eternal proposition," the book costs $12.48 at Barnes & Noble and is the second in the Dead Beautiful series. Love the cover model's white skirt as well!

Lela Rose - Couture designer, master hairstylist

Lela Rose makes the most gorgeous ready-to-wear dresses. I wish I could afford them but most cost upwards of four figures. The Spring 2012 collection is to die for at Neiman Marcus, and all of them are so elegant, especially with some long hair and twists to the side (and adding additional strands with bangs progressively). 

Quick-drying nails for minimal cost

New York Color's In a New York Color Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish is one of the cheapest at the drugstore (Rite-Aid, for me) - just $1.99! It comes on slick and looks absolutely perfect if you have some sort of coordination. Vibrant colors as well - their ads feature Tribeca Silver but I love East Village (shown here). With calcium and iron. 

Tommy Hilfiger shoes for the commoners!

Did you know Tommy Hilfiger recently released a line of shoes at Macy's that features more affordable products for us fashionistas on a budget? Not too many pieces, but I'm especially in love with their espadrilles - check out the Venice Wedges pictured! They're currently $89 but on sale for 15% off for Mother's Day. The best part: wedges never go out of style, give some air to your feet in this springtime weather, and have elastic straps for good fit. 4" high, too. Love the green/blue combo. 

It's basically time for the beach (oh wait, there's still finals). If you want to feel beach chic anyway, try these Rainbow 301 Leather Sandals in Dark Tan, available for women at Journeys stores for $48.99. They're comfortable, casual, and just overall awesome!

I'm addicted to Mango. Seriously.

Sorry for the delay in blogging! Finals week has me in a tizzy. But I found some great spring picks, since a girl has to procrastinate by online shopping! These pink jeans from Mango are only $40 and are the cutest five-pockets skinny variety. This color is called Dust but are anything but boring and dull. All of Mango's clothing is excellent, but these are particularly standout. 

Mascara from the other side of the pond

Some makeup sacrifices quality for price, but good mascaras can be found at drugstores. Rimmel London will make your eyes pop with their Volume Flash Scandaleyes Mascara. This time around, they've used massive PR around their new product and it's everywhere. There's the maxdensity brush to touch every lash, a guarantee of 3x more collagen and keratin than their own Flash the Max (I LOVE that they chose to compare this to their own products, rather than competitors'. Bold move) and the shade 001 Black looks amazing on their spokesmodel, Georgia May Jagger. The mascara really won't stop plumping or sculpting for hours. As they say, why bother for settling for anything less? 

Jessica Simpson sure makes some bangin' shoes

I'm a sucker for heels (even if I can't walk in half the ones I try on!) And no, these aren't an exception - these shoes are not necessarily practical, comfortable, or meant for high heel novices. But they're gorgeous and hot in an understated sort of way for their dramatic height, and they're from the Jessica Simpson Collection for shoes. Retail for $98!

Acne Treatment

I've been getting a lot of acne on my face as I get through this last hurdle before finals. Luckily, I can get rid of those scars, my current pimples, and future breakouts with Neutrogena's All-in-1 Acne Control Facial Treatment. Those to-be marks will never even become a reality, with all that salicylic acid. Promises not to overdry. It's gotten great reviews on the website for just $8.49, so let's hope they're worth something!

Some light spring reading...

Looking for a new trashy novel to read? Check out the Delirium trilogy from Lauren Oliver. The first book, Delirium, is a book which talks about the way love latches on to your blood, of an imaginary world in which scientists have found the cure for it. So what happens when the main character falls in love? Find out!

Jessica Simpson Maxi Dresses

Ombre never goes out of style, and Jessica Simpson does it right in her collection of dresses. How beautiful is the maxi dress!?

Aero for Guys

Aeropostale has some really bright-colored Guys' Tops this spring - their Graphic tees, for example, are great to wear on a chill day, especially the surf ones.  

The Secret Life

The ABC Family Original Series The Secret Life of the American Teenager was back on air with new episodes a few weeks ago. I'm assuming viewership has skyrocketed since Shailene Woodley starred in The Descendants? Check out the spring season (see title link).

For April, get some Pacific Sun

Pac Sun is a great store to shop at for the spring. I love all of their California-inspired, sea-mountain landscape photographs. The different hues of blue are simply breathtaking. They also carry the Hurley brand, which is always an added plus (see title link).

Future

See what the stars (the ones in the sky, not the ones in tabloids) are saying about your life (see title link). Maybe you'll have a new frenemy, or maybe you'll genuinely like them. Who knows (see title link). Love them horoscopes!

Fashion Faux Pas gone right

I adore this dress Fergie is wearing, at last year's "A Night of Firsts" event hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and InStyle. She made her dress into a major style statement, and it's designed by a Moroccan designer named Jean-Charles de Castelbajac (see title link). See his Spring 2011 collection and shop!

Youthful Vans shoes

Here are some casual sneakers from Vans. The Distressed Era shoes are in the Women's section in the Vans line, and are cute in the blue denim color. They actually look better the older they get, and start out cute with that head start in wearing down. Vintage at its finest (see title link) and just $55.

Chain necklace with a twist

What a perfect Archer Multi Collar necklace from Giles & Brother (see title link)! Made of Silver and Brass Oxide, all of you ladies will look gorgeous with this piece, retailing at $185. Features finished chains and 18" length, with a spring ring clasp.

The Hunger Games boots!

For all of you Hunger Games fans, I found the boots Katniss wears in the movie! The Frye Melissa Tall Lace boots are one of the most durable pairs of women's boots I've found yet. They're dramatic, and are securable with a zipper on the side (no real lacing necessary!). Made of leather with a rubber outsole, with a 3/4" heel and 15" shaft circumference and 15.5" total shaft height. Retail for $398 (see title link).

Plain White Tee (nope, not the band)

You can't go wrong with a basic white shirt which has a good fit and nice fabric. This $29 shirt from Urban Hearts is available at Macy's and can provide a neutral complement to any wild prints or cuts you may wear, such as super-wide bellbottoms (see title link). Look flawless in the easiest way and you'll feel confident and happy--not to mention comfortable and able to breathe.

Bold eyes for the end of spring break

Sometimes the key to finding good makeup shades that work for any skin tone is to choose the one which doesn't really blend into any one of them. I love aqua liner, for example! NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil makes a nice Electric Blue one for just $4.50 (see title link). If you just smudge it along your lower lids, it will make a statement but not be overdone. These pencils just glide on as well, without pulling at that delicate skin or fading if I touch it. I absolutely love NYX products, and blue eyeliner is definitely next on my wish list.

Couture Headbands?

Thick headbands are all the rage right now, but I actually prefer relatively thin ones - they give you a beautiful, delicate look. A quarter-inch might be too small, but try half an inch for width. The Dalis from Jennifer Ouellette has two curving candy stripe spines and side loops on the skinny band. It costs $130, but is followed by celebs (see title link).

Lily Collins - Cover girl

I don't know much about Lily Collins, but I take that to be a good thing. After all, she's stayed away from the Hollywood rumor mill, away from TMZ arrest reports, and is clearly out to work hard (see title link). See her on the cover of Seventeen magazine, where she's landed after years behind the spotlight. And what a beautiful close-up the budding actress has!

Printed Nails - the new rage

People are starting to use newspaper print to have printed nails, which I think is really cool. I haven't quite mastered that one yet, but in the meantime, I am loving nail strips which can do the same. Check out these statement nail strips from Incoco Design (see title link). They have tons of design manicures, and the First Crush print is my personal favorite. They cost just $11!

Prom dresses were so much fun to shop for, back in the day when I was in high school. Even though I also got my junior prom dress from David's Bridal and even got a Ball Gown/A-Line style, I never saw anything like this Two in One Transforming Dress (see title link)!You can make it short or long, and wear it after prom! Costs $259, and also comes in a pencil skirt form. I love the torso, with those dazzling sequins. Fully lined, so no worries about showing anything you don't mean to be, and made of total polyester. Available only in this color, Light Purple (also the same color as my prom dress)!

New York Film Academy

I know I always talk about it, but seriously, check out this university created specially for filmmaking and acting! New York Film Academy has campuses worldwide and offers several degree programs, so you can choose the option that's best for you (see title link).

Safety in numbers

You can be put into danger ANYWHERE these days - Chelsea, from Oregon, even got carjacked at the mall! Wear good shoes (like suede boots) to help you run in need (see title link), and try not to go into parking lots solo. Your car could get stolen!

Side note: Sandy Sahagian, the photographer I'm linking who photographed Chelsea, isn't the most original...

Dress up like the cast of Glee!?

I've never watched Glee, but I love the fact that it embraces so many previously unspoken issues about television. The fact that they portray a lesbian couple and even the character Santana's private battle of coming out is so inspiring. What baffles me now is that people have Halloween costumes related to Glee baffles me though! You can get that cute cheerleader top for a cool $40 (see title link)!

Teenage Bereavement

Everyone grieves after a close death in different ways. This can most recently be seen in last year's The Descendants. I really love Shailene Woodley's acting here (and that denim shirt!) - she is so versatile!

Workout tank

I've found it surprisingly difficult to shop for tank tops. Some are too long, some too loose, and some too fitted! But C&C California strives to let their tanks drape, rather than hug your body, which is great for a basic layer and/or working out! This pink classic tank, a staple in its tops, tanks, and tees section, is made of super-soft combed cotton and has nice spaghetti straps. Machine washable and on sale for $19.99 (see title link)! The color is Brick, FYI.

Hand Sanitizer can take away zits? indirectly...

Hand sanitizing wipes double as screen cleaners. And if you have zits along your jawline, they may be caused by all of the germs on your phone - that means it's time to clean! Use these La Fresh Eco-Beauty Healthy Hand Sanitizer wipes and they'll clear up on their own (see title link). They're just $5 for this pack of 12 shown and come in a nice snap case. Biodegradable and alcohol-free. You can also use them to condition your nails, with aloe and orange. Contains no dyes or animal byproducts. Shelf life of up to 1 year.

Facial Towelettes

These facial towelettes, created by a dermatologist, are made for washing on the go. If you work out a lot and need something after practice, these can wipe off sweat and dirt until you can get home and take a real shower. DG Skincare Ez4U 4-in-1 Facial Towelettes are great for your face, and are just $22 for 20 to cleanse and repair multiple times a day. Your skin will be positively radiant with all the botanicals. Doubles as a makeup remover to tone in 20 seconds, all the way to your neck. Make sure to refrain from washing immediately afterwards and let your skin dry naturally, though! Cruelty-free, vegan, and sulfate-free.

Pop of color

Cheap lipsticks that work are the best. Maybelline New York sells this Color Sensational Lipcolor for just $7 (see title link). If you try the Coral Crush shade, it gives your lips a nice fruit-punch sort of look with just a swipe or glide across the bottom lip. Just outline your lips in this color before filling and you'll see the results. Contains honey nectar for great moisture, so your face will brighten up! Pure, rich color, nourishing lipstick, and works best if you start at the center of your upper lip for blending.

Eyeliner the Armani way

An expensive eyeliner, but it comes with a great reputation. Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Eye Pencil is an investment piece for sure, at $28, but is awesome for making that graphic cat-eye look you've always wanted to create. The kohl pencil is pretty vivid for drawing a thick line, and all Armani makeup aims to please. Love that this product comes with both pencil and eyeliner (see title link). It's precise and versatile. My eyes are instantly intensified, and I'm sure it works great for that smoky look as well. The color is just so rich! I go for the #4 Black.

Fashion tricks from Naya Rivera

Black and white silhouettes are to die for, and Naya Rivera pulled out all the stops at the FX American Horror Story Los Angeles premiere in October, when she stepped out in an Intellexual Property dress (I thought the skirt itself was amazing!). The dress is perfect for slimming her middle.

Luxe inspiration

I've always loved pleats, but have only found the shortest skirts to show off the trend. The longer stuff with pleats usually looks too stuffy and more fit for my grandma than for me. But Burberry Prorsum does it right for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection (shown at left during London Fashion Week) with its Pleat Front Heritage Skirt in Womenswear. It retails for $995 (see title link), but is great for inspiration, with the high, fitted waist, full skirt with gathered pleats at the waist band, and adjustable button tab with a concealed zipper. Of course, I have to give a shout-out to those beaded wedges - they steal the show!

Denim vests - an unexpected revival

Aeropostale has a great denim vest featured in its summer ad campaigns. I know they're so '80s-'90s, but the models can definitely pull them off! The Aero outerwear is a hit or miss, but this one is a hit, and now on sale for just $32 (see title link).

Crop Tops - so in for March!

Crop tops never cease to amaze me - They look sexy and amazing on some girls, ill-fitting on others, and plain slutty on the rest. But if you know you look hot in crop tops, check this Bluebirds Cropped Tank out from Wildfox Couture. It costs $58 and is also available in my preferred option, DNVY (see title link), but is definitely worth it for a weekend or Thursday night out. If you're like me and don't have washboard abs, try pairing it with a skin-colored tank top (not white, since that just looks prudish).

Dittos Jeans

I've never heard of this brand of jeans, but I'm all for designers who do colored denim well. Pulling off bold jeans is tough - perfect to start for a dinner with friends, perhaps! Check out Dittos jeans - they cost $69 and are available at high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale's and Lord and Taylor (see title link). Works great with batik!

Flared jeans are back

You can be a trendsetter by bringing back a has-been! Counter-intuitive, you say? Well, these jeans from Truck Jeans show off anyone's figure, which automatically makes you look hot and gets everyone wondering how you do it. These cost a pricey $69 at LuLus.com, but the denim is so high-quality! The Kiki Flare Jeans are the best item in the Denim Jeans collection on the website, with soft fabric, a retro cut, two back patch pockets, and the truck logo on the back right pocket, you're ready for a great day. There's even a hidden zipper for closure - wide-leg jeans are just awesome. Just watch out for those European sizes, and measure properly!

Essie nail color

What a dazzling nail color this one is - Essie Nail Polish just came out with the LuxeEffects collection, which are all top coats with tons of shimmer and dimension. They literally bring bling to your nails, and my favorite of the five shades is "A Cut Above", with shattered pink diamond glitz! Currently sold out online (see title link), but they cost $8 so look for them in your local drugstore.

Hot red watches for women

Swatch is an excellent brand for watches, but what sets it apart most are its vast swatch of colors (see title link). I love this red watch available for $70 - it's sporty but definitely feminine!

Time to go pink!

I'm not one for pink shoes, but these are very comfortable and eye-catching for a night out - Pink sandals from Chinese Laundry, which cost $40, definitely make a statement without looking outrageous (see title link).

House of Noyes earrings

I adore Emma Roberts' earrings from House of Noyes, shown here at Temperley London's book launch for "True British" in Los Angeles (see title link).

March is here!

Check out this month's issue of Seventeen magazine! The March 2012 issue has Lily Collins on the cover, so it promises to be exciting and inspirational (see title link).

See the stars

Check out your horoscope for fun every day (see title link). My Scorpio stuff is never accurate, but some people claim to discover crazy truths!

Embarrassing stories!

Strapless bra problems. They happen to all of us. But when you wear them to school? That's when it causes problems - what's the point in a fashion risk? I read a story who was sitting in class and her bra had shifted to the cups being on her back - talk about awkward (see title link)!

Love is complicated

My philosophical rant of the week - Love can be complicated. It can be confusing and unfair, but remember that love isn't just about making a relationship work no matter what; there are so many more unnecessary factors that will come into play (see title link).

Comfy sleep shorts

I know I'm being too wishful for thinking of shorts in wintertime, but these are too cute to refrain from mentioning. The PJ Salvage $36 All About Love Rose Shorts are one of the new bottoms that the line offers (see title link). They're followed by celebs, so they have to be good, right?

Straight hair without an iron?

This product is great for those girls who love that tan, sleek hair look. It makes your locks look endlessly long, and is called Mark Salon Straight Smoothing Balm with Invigorating Orange (see title link). The hair styling it inspires is ridiculously shiny, and can be used in conjunction with straightening irons. Try it for just $6!

V-Day Horror Stories

Since I don't have a significant other, I'm bitter about Valentine's Day. But now that some days have passed, I can appreciate the horror stories. Check out these nightmares (see title link) from the guy's perspective - one got a flat-out rejection from his new girlfriend because he bought her too many gifts for her liking. Is it wrong to want to slap her for not appreciating some flowers and a teddy bear? I can't believe she freaked out about being so serious and embarrassed the guy - how sad!

Bright Blush from Bobbi Brown

This is the brightest blush I've ever seen. No joke. Bobbi Brown's makeup has some serious color craziness, and her blush is no exception, with the award-winning product in Pale Pink (this is pale!?) making a perfect solution to deepen your cheeks a bit for a nice swirl of color. It costs $24 and lasts for over a day, especially if you blend it nicely to your hairline (see title link). For a softer look, blend back down.

For the Disney-obsessed

Expensive and childish? Not my cup of tea, but if you're having a whimsical day, try these Minnie Mawi earrings, called Disney Couture Jewelry. The Heart Drop earrings are a cute silver multicolor, and are on sale for $27.95 (see title link). I'm a fan of the oversized crystals, just not the minnie dots on the bottom. But if you're into accessories and can pull off this jewelry, by all means: go for it!

Hardcore bling

If you have expensive tastes and some edgy ones, they don't necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. Check out this piece from Jules Smith. The skull bracelet looks great in purple or in turquoise, and gives any outfit a requirement for a second look. In the best way possible (see title link). A bit pricey, but very well-made!

Makeup is true art

It's fascinating to read about the world of makeup artists! Francesca Tolot, for example, represented by Cloutier Remix, has done makeup for dozens of celebrities, magazine covers, music videos, and more. But her true first passion? Renaissance Art! She's Italian-born and gets her inspiration for colors and mixing from that medium. I think it's so fascinating (see title link). So celebrities like Demi Lovato (whom she styled) can just worry about how nice their butts are looking in certain dresses!