Look Beautiful ALL DAY LONG (Without Carrying Your Entire Bathroom in Your Purse!)

So you get up in the morning and you get ready for school or work and then, an hour later, you look messier than you did when you got up!! Is this a problem for you? Or are you just looking for tips to stay beautiful (and keep your composure) all day long?
Well it seems that the only solution to this problem is to carry all your make up, hair products, and lotions in your purse. I can't carry that much! Can you?

So to start, here are some things you can have in your purse or bag that can help you A LOT!
1. Pocket hairbrush/hair ties- A small, pocket hairbrush can keep your hair from getting tangley. And hair ties (or clips if your hair is short) can be a back up if your having a bad hair day.
2. Chapstick- Unscented, unflavored chapstick can be a lifesaver. It can be used for a lot more than you think! If you get dry hands or knuckles or if your nose and face get dry and flaky in the winter or the ever popular use, if your lips get too chapped. Because chapstick is made for a very sensitive part of your skin, it can help a lot for ANY part of your skin.
3. Tissues- Tissues are like mini wipes for everything. They can be used as makeshift napkins, to wipe off make up smears, to help with a cold, and to dry your hands when paper towels are missing.
4. Mirror- Keep a tiny mirror to keep checking for food in your teeth or any other blemishes that may appear during the day.

And here we are to some secrets to staying beautiful all day!!!

CLOTHES:
1. When you need to wear layers, try to keep them all around the same length or you will be tugging at them all day long and you'll be so uncomfortable.
2. You CAN tuck your shirt in if you need to. It doesn't always look dorky or stupid. In fact it can look unique. When you're tucking in a longer shirt into tighter pants, take the bottom of your shirt and fold it up to where the waist of your pants would be and then pull your pants over it. This helps from it getting bunched up and looking strange.
3. Stains can be fixed (sometimes.) When something drops on your clothes such as food or mud, wipe it off AS SOON AS YOU NOTICE! First saturate it with water and rub gently. If it still doesn't come off, you can always try to put a sweater or cardigan over it. Also, wearing a scarf or adjusting a necklace can help it from being so noticable.

MAKE UP:
1. Use a powder foundation (I recommend mineral make up) instead of a liquid concealer. It's better for your pores, which will help from breaking out, and it's almost always easier to find your shade. Don't let bad liquid concealer cover your face with a mask. If you find that powder dries out your face, put on a morning lotion and let it dry before you brush your face with powder.
2. Don't you hate it when you put on eyeliner and it's smeared under your eyes by lunch??? An easy fix for that to put the eyeliner directly on your waterline and then make a SUPER THIN line of the same color liquid liner right under it (but not on the waterline.) It keeps it from smearing and looks bold all day.
3. Lipstick is not made to last more than 2 hours, so it will fade. Put on chapstick, then apply your lipstick carefully and reapply as needed. This keeps your lips from getting flakey.

SHOES:
1. THE SECRET TO HIGH HEELS! Firstly, if you're going to wear them all day, keep them under 4 inches. Try your best to keep your toes pointed while your walking in heels. Flexing like that will make it less harsh on your ankles and balls of your feet. If you're walking up stairs, try this: Instead of putting your entire shoe up on every stair, try balancing the front of the shoe on the stair and let your heel hang off the edge. (It's actually A LOT easier than it sounds!) Also try not to wear heels for long periods of time and not two days in a row.
2. If you have shoe problems (broken heel, rips and tears, etc.) throughout the day, you can keep a pair of foldable, purse-sized black flats with you. You can find them at dollar and drug stores and they're CHEAP!
3. Break in new shoes BEFORE you actually need to wear them. Wear them around your house for day (you'll have a little practice of walking on hardwood, carpet, and stairs.)

HAIR:
1. To keep hair from getting frizzy, try washing with a de-frizzer and anti-friz products. You'd be surprised how much it helps! If if still gets frizzy, DON'T put water on your hair! It will only make it worse! Put it up with a tie or clips.
2. CAUTION! HAIR! If your hair prevents you from moving your head or you have so many pins in your hair that they just won't stop falling out, it's probably best that you don't attempt to wear it all day. Keeping your hair looking naturally gorgeous (and staying comfortable) is just better all around.
3. Experiment with your hair! Another day, another style. Even something small, like switching your part or just taking off the split ends keeps you looking updated and OF COURSE... beautiful.

Stay stunning... every day, all day!
-Ruby

Why ANYONE Can Rock Short Hair!

Thinking about a new cut? Thinking about a short cut... but unsure if you want to try it?
Thinking that you can't pull off short hair?

Well that's where you're wrong, ANYONE CAN PULL OFF SHORT HAIR!! (yes, anyone, even you!)

Here are some common concerns... maybe one of yours?

"My face shape is too wierd for a short haircut."

"I won't be as attractive. I'll look too boy-ish."

"I don't want to lose my long hair."

"I'm not bold/pretty/confident enough to cut my hair short."

"Short haircuts look ugly."

All right, so these are some pretty logical concerns but they can easily be challenged.

But first, here's a quick story. There once was this girl who had super thick, dirty blonde hair just past her shoulders. She noticed other girls with pretty, short hair and envied their courage and style. She was just plain bored with her hair. So her friend said to her one day that she wanted short hair. And this inspired the girl. So, she went to the hair salon (Great Clips, actually...) and got all of her hair chopped off. And from then on, she kept her short hair. She changed it and dyed it all the time... but she loved every style. She never regretted it.

In case you didn't get it, that girl is ME!

But without further ado, here are some reasons why any girl and every girl can pull off (and LOVE) short hair!

1. You are not the only one with that face shape! Although you do have to find the right cut to fit your face, there is no face shape that is unflattering with short hair. Once you do find the right cut that frames your face perfectly, you will be surprised how beautiful you look.

2. Even if you're not super feminine, you won't look like a boy! Short hair is not one length, just as long hair isn't. If you don't want to cut it super short... you don't have to! And there are plenty of cuts that no boy on Earth would have that you would look absolutely stunning in.

3. You'd be surprised how great you feel with a new look! If you don't think you're confident enough to take on a style change, it's okay! You'd be shocked to find that when you cut your hair and you can't hide behind long hair anymore, that you start to love your face and that it's easier to play with make-up styles and that it even gives your clothes more pizzazz.

4. There are ways to fix it if you don't like it! You can always add texture, layers, or bangs to change it if you're not satisfied with it. And you can always wear pins or hair flowers/clips to work with it.

5. IT ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS GROWS BACK! It's the most common reason that no believes. If you're not happy with it, it will come back. It takes some patience.. but I guarantee it will.

6. You can do so much with short hair! Spikes or flips or bangs... you name it! There's always different ways to do it,

And finally,

7. There is a cut for everyone! Everyone is different and your hair is too. It can really make you feel great and fun. You get lots of compliments and attention when you do something different and people admire that kind of courage. There is always an option for you no matter the type of hair you have or your face shape.

Please stay tuned for a guide of hairstyles for different face shapes!

 

Keep trying new things!

 

-Ruby

Slutty VS. Sexy

It's the most epic battle of all time... okay, not really, but it's something that every girl should know the difference between. What looks steamy sexy and smokin hot? And what looks just too trashy?

Why it's important:
1. Your Image: It's important the image you put across. To put it delicately, you give people the wrong idea if you walk around looking like you just stepped out of a porno. People notice your appearance first and if you look like that... it definitely puts people off.

2. Guys notice too: Once again, guys could get the wrong idea if you look too slutty. And the good guys, who won't take advantage of you, will get the impression that your "easy" and that's just bad all around. And think about how your boyfriend would feel with you walking around like that...

3. Respect: Honestly, people have less respect for you you appear to have no respect for yourself. If it looks like you're trying to sell yourself, people will shy away... which could make you feel bad about who you are.

So even though it matters to other people... it should matter to YOU the most. Anyway, here are some ways from looking too trashy.


HAVE THIS? - Fishnet tights
GET THIS!- Lace tights

Lace tights look much sweeter and more polished that fishnets. Make sure there are no runs or rips in them.

Good Idea- Wear them on a more formal occasion with a black pencil skirt.
Bad Idea- Denim mini skirts with lace tights look odd and very informal.

HAVE THIS? - Corset
GET THIS! - Floral Bustier

A floral bustier is much more clean cut yet still looks pretty.

Good Idea- Put it over a matching pale thermal and with a pair of jeans. Great for school!
Bad Idea- Don't try it by itself (unless you have a jacket/sweater over it) or with too-short shorts.

HAVE THIS?- Strappy, sky-high pumps
GET THIS!- Simple black patent pumps

Strappy shoes are good for summer but when they're too high they look too stripper-esque. If you want skyscraper-high heels, try simple pumps.

Good Idea: Black pumps, skinny jeans, and a t-shirt is a great, chic date look.
Bad Idea: Pumps and leather mini skirts (for anything other than an 80's party) are a big no.


Some more wear-me-nots....

1. Crop tops/belly shirts
2. Too-short skirts or shorts
3. Shirts with too much cleavage


There you have it, some great alternatives to anything too revealing!

Happy Styling!

-Ruby

Vintage is Always IN!

Vintage is Always IN!
So, I'm OBSESSED with old fashion, pin up girls, and anything vintage. And I'd thought I share with you some modern twists on some old styles. Just as my title says, vintage is ALWAYS in. But sometimes it gets a bit tired with the same old thing. So the secret is, just like everything in fashion, you have to reinvent it. You have to make it all your own. Sometimes, it's simply channeling an old movie star with some glitzy jewelry and sometimes is full on boatneck 80's sweaters and blue eyeshadow. Whatever the case, it's just has to be YOURS!

Here goes!


30's/40's

Celebs to Channel: Audrey Hepburn, Bettie Page, etc
Hair: Curls, Curls, Curls! Victory rolls are super pin up and soft, delicate curls with always give off a more classic vibe.
Make Up: A simple swoop of liquid black eyeliner on your top lid and red lipstick is the way to go.

Some trends to try:

1. Nautical Stripes- Navy blues, classic whites, and bold reds will always have a "sailor vibe." It looks super chic and sweet. These stripes are always horizontal.
2. High Waists- High waisted shorts, pants, and skirts have been around for years. Yet they still work if you wear them right.
3. Polka Dot Dresses- Polka dot dresses with small dots (too big of dots and you'll look like Minnie Mouse) are a definitely a 30's/40's staple. Try a red or black dress with white dots.

Try this: Pair a nautical striped shirt with high waisted jeans. Wear a girly ascot around your neck (use a bandana and roll it up) and some classic black pumps.

50's

Celebs to Channel: Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, etc.
Hair: Pinned up curls are the fad in the 50's. Pin it into a hat or simply wear a flower clip.
Make Up: Long lashes, deep red lips, and thinly line eyes and eyebrows are what you're after.

Some trends to try:

1. 3/4 Length Sleeve Cardigan- A light pink, white, emerald green, red, or dark purple 3/4 length sleeve cardigan is a must-have.
2. Full Skirt- A full, knee-length skirt is super 50's. (Think of a poodle skirt... without the poodle.)
3. Floral Halter dress- A floaty, floral halter dress is what you need. It can be a light color with pretty pink flowers (very girly) and if you can find one, make it structured on top and full on the bottom.

Try this: For a cute 50's look, try a floral halter dress with some red heels (or flats if you choose) and add a belt around the smallest part of your waist. Then throw on that 3/4 length sleeve cardigan and pin a sweet flower in your hair.

And More: Houndstooth coats are great for 50's look in the winter. (If you're not sure what houndstooth is, google it!)


60's

Celebs to Channel: Twiggy, Jackie Kennedy, etc.
Hair: Can you say... Bump it? High hair is all the rage, full and bold.
Make Up: Big, bold lashes (bottom lashes too!!!) with a dark color swooped on your eyelid up to the crease. Don't forget pale pink lips!

Some trends to try:

1. Black and White Striped Blazer- Bold is the word! A blazer (like a suit jacket) is absolutely unforgettable. It can be cropped and fitted but it MUST be black and white striped.
2. Solid Mini Skirt- Bright colors like yellows, oranges, and bright blues are great for a mod 60's look. A simple solid mini skirt (pleated or not- either is fine) paired with high boots or knee socks is awesome.
3. Colorblock Dress- A sleeveless, colorblock dress with a high collar is the perfect dress for this era. (Suprisingly, you can find them at places like Forever 21!)


Try this: For the perfect 60's outfit, try the black and white blazer with a black t-shirt under it. Put on a solid mini (purple, maybe?) and high black boots.



70's (punk)

Celebs to Channel: Debbie Harry, Vivienne Westwood, etc.
Hair: Spikes of all sorts! Shaved parts, different colors, Mohawks... you name it! (if you're not interested in making any drastic changes to your hair, simply straighten it out and spike your bangs.)
Make Up: DARK eyeliner, big lashes and to top it off, a deep purple lip color.

Some trends to try:

1. British Flag T-Shirt- Anything with the British Flag (or even the Queen) looks awesomely neo-punk. Make slits in the back for added style.
2. Colored skinny jeans- Any bright colored skinnies will give an outfit some spunk and punk. (and you can try some rips in those too!) Extra pockets, studded belts, and chains look even more crazy-cool.
3. Plaid Dress- A pleated plaid dress is the ultimate modern punk staple. It looks great without having to try to hard.

Try this: Cut off the sleeves of an old band t-shirt and put on a great pair of colored (or even faded blue) skinnies. Converse or vans or even combat boots definitely work... or make it more feminine and wear some black pumps. AND OF COURSE- a sweet, bad-ass leather jacket!

And more: Pins, buttons, chains, leather, collars, spikes, studs, and rips are all great add ons. Use them as much or as little as you choose for the look you want to achieve.



80's

Celebs to Channel: Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benetar, etc.
Hair: As big as you can get it!! Tease it and spray it or put it up in a high ponytail.
Make Up- Blues and pinks. Blue or purple eyeshadow, hot pink cheeks and lips are all the rage.

Some trends to try:

1. Off-the-shoulder Tops- Try a boatneck sweater or just a big shirt that falls off one shoulder. Even cut an old band t-shirt!
2. Leather Mini Skirt- This will definitely be a conversation-starter. A simple black leather mini skirt will rock any look... or try a different color to go nuts!
3. Strapless Dress- A hot pink strapless dress (sweetheart cut) with a poofy bottom will make you stand out like no other.

Try this: Get that off-the-shoulder top and try a cropped blazer over it. A full, bouncy skirt and big heels will make anyone turn their heads. Add leg warmers if you want! And don't hesitate to pile on the jewelry!


So here you have it, some fantastic vintage styles that are yours for the taking. All you gotta do is wear it with confidence... in other words.... ROCK IT!

-Ruby

Winter Outfit Ideas

So sadly, it's winter yet again. But before you get down about it, how about some winter outfit ideas to keep you warm? (and make you look great!)

Outfit Idea #1

Although this looks great year-round, it's easier to do in colder weather because of the layers.
Simple but fun!

(BASICS) Leather jacket, striped t-shirt, and jeans

(EXTRAS) Lace Cami, bold necklace

Put together a girly striped t-shirt (preferably white and a dark color) with a just a simple pair of blue skinny jeans. Throw over a leather bomber jacket or a cropped leather jacket for something a bit more fun. You can add a lace cami underneath, possibly a clashing color with the lace poking out from underneath. A bold vintage-y necklace always looks great with something simple like this, pearls or big charms and beads look super cool, especially colors like black and gold.

P.S. This outfit works with almost any shoes. (heels, boots, converse, vans, etc...)

Outfit Idea #2

(BASICS) Acid wash jeans, floral shirt, solid tank top

(EXTRAS) Black booties, chain necklaces or scarf

Acid wash jeans are ALWAYS in style. They have such a cool modern-but-kinda-80's vibe. (And seriously, who DOESN'T want to live in the 80's?) Pair them with a floral shirt with a solid tank top under it. Florals may seem spring-ish but really they're awesome anytime. Now, some add-ons could really define this outfit. Throw a cool scarf on or some really long chain necklaces. And black booties look so chic (they can even be peep-toe if it's not too cold.) Lace up booties look great too.

Outfit Idea #3

(BASICS) Solid sweater, plaid mini skirt, dark tights or leggings

(EXTRAS) Floral hair flower, dark pea coat, combat boots

This can possibly be a very preppy outfit but, as always, it's what you make it. A solid colored sweater and a plaid mini skirt are pretty basic. Because of the cold, put on some dark leggings or tights. A pea coat looks super polished or combat boots can make it super punky. And for added fun, try a floral hair pin. It clashes perfectly with the plaid.

Outfit Idea #4

(BASICS) Lace blouse, dark jeans, converse

(EXTRAS) Chandelier or feather earrings, knit hat or newsboy hat, short sleeved cardigan

A pale lace blouse looks really girly, so try it with some dark (gray or black) jeans. Throw on a pair of converse for comfort (and you won't look too fancy.) If the blouse is too sheer to wear by itself, throw on a dark tank top or a pale tank that matches your blouse. Don't be afraid to mix textures and styles. A hat really tops off this outfit well, try a knit hat, a newsboy hat, or really any hat you'd like. For added warmth, put on a short sleeved cardigan.

Happy Winter and Enjoy!

-Ruby

Back in Action!

Sorry, all! Been gone for quite some time... but that time is no longer. I'm back to blogging. So be prepared for new tips and ideas coming atcha!

-Ruby