Autumn's Hottest Shoes

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/autumns-hottest-shoes/

Just because the weather is cooling down, doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to also. In fact, it’s time to start heating things up with Autumn's hottest shoes.

My favorite fashion pleasure during this time of year, are boots. You can’t go wrong with them no matter what part of the world you live in.

For an all-purpose boot this season, I suggest a flat riding boot like my favorite- 'The Montage' boot by Bamboo. Pair these with leggings or skinny jeans for a relaxed every day look. 

(*Boot is available from different retailers including online. Prices will vary.)

And who could forget everyone’s favorite…Ugg Boots by Ugg Australia? It seems like every year I’m getting a new pair because I simply can’t get enough of these adorable trendy things. Uggs are perfect for hanging around the house, going to school, and just about everything in between. They keep you comfortable and warm, which are two things I’m sure we all want to be during this time of year. 

(*Styles and prices vary. Available through most retailers.)

Do you need a dressy shoe but it’s just too cold or wet outside for a heel? The next best option, are the stylish and sophisticated flat. I can’t even begin to tell you how many pairs of these I own. Flats are perfect this season because they can be both formal and casual while at the same time practical. For a put together look, add a pair of flats with slacks and a cardigan. Think class presentation. For a more casual look, try flats with rolled up denim and an oversized sweater. Think an afternoon at the mall. I adore my Tory Burch ‘Caroline’ flats in Nude.

 ($225, Nordstrom.)

Now this next category is solely dependent on how rainy your part of the world gets. For outdoor fall activities like Trick-or-Treating or visiting the pumpkin patch, you might want a shoe that can take a beating. For these needs, I suggest owning a pair of rain boots/galoshes and/or a pair of comfortable tennis shoes for all that walking you’ll be doing outdoors. Since these guys might get a bit dirty I won’t recommend anything super pricey. Also keep in mind that comfort is just as important. So I leave this one up to you- find something you like and wear the heck out of them, if necessary.

Are you as excited about those options as I am? I sure hope so! And in the words made famous by Nancy Sinatra, or rather Jessica Simpson, as this generation is more familiar with- “Are you ready boots? Start walkin!”

Smoky Eye How-To

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/smoky-eye-how-to/

Dark dramatic eyes are perfect for the upcoming holidays. Between the variations of deep shades and shimmery lids, there’s just something about this look that screams ‘Festive!’ to me. Here’s a look at how to achieve the ever so popular smoky eye.

Getting Started

-Eye shadow primer

-A neutral color for the base of your eyes

-A light-medium shade for the lid

-A medium-dark shade for the crease

-A darkest shade for the outer corners or ‘”V’s” of your eyes

-A lightest shade for highlighting

Or rather than individual colors, you could also use a palette like Sephora Collection’s “Pro Lesson Palette” in Smoky Eyes ($28, Sephora.) *As a bonus, the palette also includes step by step directions for achieving the look.

How-To

1. Begin by applying an eyelid primer all over your lids. (I use Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Glue, $18, Sephora.)

2. Using a neutral eye shadow that closely matches your skin tone; apply that shade all over your lid.

3. Next, using a medium-dark eye shadow of your choice, apply that to the crease of your eye. Don’t forget to blend!

4. With a different brush, take a light-medium eye shadow of your choice and apply that all over your lid. Blend this lightly with the color you just applied to your crease.

5. To create that smoky effect, take the darkest eye shadow of your choice and apply that to the outside corners, or outer “V’s” of your eyes. Blend dark shade with crease shade in an upward motion to create a gradual smoked effect. This technique darkens the eye and adds drama.

6. Lastly, with the lightest shade you’ve chosen, apply that with a clean or different brush, to the inner corners (tear ducts) of your eyes and along the brow bone. This technique is more for illusion. Highlighting your tear ducts makes you appear more awake and livens up the eyes, while used underneath the brows- it draws them up, giving you a more youthful appearance.

The biggest tip for a smoky eye is to blend, blend, blend! There is nothing worse than being able to see where one shade ends and another begins. Also, when doing a darker eye you can’t forget eyeliner or mascara. If you have to choose only one, go with mascara but don’t neglect the bottom lashes. For the rest of your face keep your makeup light and simple, as your eyes should be the focal point of your look.

This is just a basic take on the smoky eye. Feel free to play with colors and techniques, as there are several variations of this look. Are you ready to try it out for yourself? Good luck!

10 Interesting Health & Fitness Facts

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/10-interesting-health-fitness-facts/

Like the saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Luckily for you teens, you still have plenty of years ahead. But why wait until you’re older to worry about your health? Take advantage of your youth while you’ve still got it. Below are 10 interesting facts about health and fitness.

1. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States. According to WebMD.com, "Regular activity strengthens your heart muscle; lowers blood pressure; increases "good" cholesterol and lowers "bad" cholesterol. Regular activity also enhances blood flow; and helps your heart function more efficiently. All of these benefits can reduce the risk of not only heart disease, but also of strokes and high blood pressure."

2. Fitness consists of four components: Your body's ability to use oxygen as a source of energy, which translates into cardiovascular fitness; muscular strength and endurance; flexibility; and body composition (Discovery Health).

3. Reported on MedicineNet.com, only 19 percent of all high school students are physically active for 20 minutes or more, five days a week, in physical education classes.

4. According to About.com, "Adolescents need 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day to stay healthy." Benefits of those 60 minutes include:
• Reduced anxiety, stress, and depression
• Improved self-esteem
• Boosts academic performance
• Helps establish lifelong healthy habits

5. Did you know that eating colored foods have surprising health benefits? It’s true. Aside from being high in vitamin A, leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.) are also a good source of calcium. If you don’t eat dairy, be sure to load up on deeply colored greens to get enough of the essential mineral (Diabetes Forecast Magazine).

6. Certified trainer David Atkinson has stated that, “Not only does exercise improve your body, it helps your mental function.” Having trouble with homework? Take a short break, try running in place or jumping rope for a few minutes, then try your homework again. Did it do the trick?

7. Daily consumption of water (at least 8 glasses) helps you lose weight by reducing your appetite, increasing your metabolism and washing down fat breakdown byproducts (Livestrong.com).

8. Reported by Overweightteen.com, "The percentage of children and adolescents who are defined as overweight has more than doubled since the early 1970s."

9. Having a support system can greatly enhance your fitness levels. Whether it’s a friend you exercise with daily or someone you check in with weekly regarding your physical activity, having support holds you accountable and makes you more inclined to work consistently and/or harder.

10. Lastly, physical activity along with good eating habits increases your chances of living a longer life. If for no other reason than this, health and fitness should be a vital component of your every day life.

Did you learn something new? Hopefully you did, and hopefully it was this: it is our own responsibility to take care of our health. Don’t wait before it’s too late!

Fall's Latest Colors

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/falls-latest-colors/

Summer fashion brought us the era of neons; the sometimes painfully loud colors that ranged anywhere and everywhere from denim all the way down to nail polish. Now…thankfully, with summer winding down, it's transition time for designers and retailers. Whether shopping in stores or flipping through magazines, a very popular trend that I'm noticing in fall fashion, is vibrant jewel toned pieces. And by jewel toned, I am referring to collections made up mostly of primary colors with hints of other hues here and there. On trend for the new season are bold, attention grabbing colors, and I just can't get enough of them! 

Color: Blue

Gem Influence: Sapphires

Color: Red

Gem Influence: Rubies

Color: Purple/Burgundy

Gem Influence: Amethysts and Garnets

Color: Yellow (mustard)

Gem Influence: Citrines

Color: Green

Gem Influence: Emeralds 

What's also on trend for fall are basic neutrals like off whites and tans, as well as darker shades such as grays and blacks. And while patterned pieces are still very popular among women's clothing, these particular items are designed for accessorizing and layering this season- while solid pieces comprise the outfit. 

Are you a fan of these colors? What do you think will be the next big trend? 

How To Make the Most out of Your School Year

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/school-year/

Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, making the most out of your school year is important to everyone. Don’t let the next several months pass you by, here are 5 tips to ensure a fulfilling year ahead!

1. Join a club: Becoming a member of a group or organization that you have a strong interest in is a great stepping stone for the future. Being part of something where each student shares a common interest, goal or purpose promotes teamwork and can prepare you for the workforce; most specifically a career. 

2. Participate in Athletics: According to Sue Castle, Executive Producer of PBS Sports: Get in the Game, "The evidence supporting sports participation for young people is overwhelming...It has the power to combat everything from racism to low self-image, to the high-school drop-out rate." Athletic programs in schools are such a positive outlet because they have the ability to promote teamwork, camaraderie and respect. 

3. Run for student body council: What better way to make the most out of your school year than to become the voice of your peers? Maybe you've had ideas for years about improving school lunch options or themes for school dances- by becoming a leader you'll have the platform to potentially see those changes. 

4. Explore the arts: Connect with your creative side by participating in activities such as drama, band or even dance. Performing arts programs not only serve as  great confidence boosters, but they also allow the growth of social skills by involvement within the group as well as with audiences. 

5. Become a member of the yearbook staff: This one's a no brainer. Having the privilege to work on your school's yearbook, is great way to document the school year. Examples could include covering events that you've always wanted to attend, or meeting/interviewing students that you haven't had the chance to meet before. 

And my last tip for all you students: Go out of your comfort zone, say hi to everyone, be friendly amongst your peers, talk to groups of students you don't normally talk to, meet potential new friends. But most of all, have fun!

Backpacks Under $50

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/backpacks-50/

Because it's that time again, I give you another back-to-school article..enjoy!

Gear up for school with these fashion forward backpacks. With plenty of styles to choose from and each bag under $50, get ready to make a statement in the halls.

For the Diva

Go wild with JanSport's High Stakes Realistic Chee Backpack (shown in Black/ Multi). Available at Sport Chalet and sportchalet.com, $40.

For the Jock

Support your favorite team with the Concept One Slingbag (*Backpack shown is one of many teams. Available only on target.com, $29.99.

For the Techie 

Carry your laptop safely in Pottery Barn Teen's Gear-Up Messenger Bag (shown in Black Damask). Messenger bags can be made customizable with embroidered names or initials for an additional charge. Available at pbteen.com, $39.50.

For the Trendsetter

Get noticed with this super popular trend in Mossimo Supply Co. aztec themed backpack(shown in Multicolor Stripe Print). Available only on target.com, $29.99.

For the Practical Student 

Tote your belongings to and from class with the GAP Herringbone Backpack (size senior). Available at gap.com, $25.86. 

As always, Good luck in school and Happy Shopping! 

Summer-to-Fall Nail Trends

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/summer-to-fall-nail-trends/

Out with the old and….in with the old? Here's a look at 5 summer nail trends that I hope stay for fall.

1. Matte nail polish became a big trend this summer, but I think it will be even bigger this fall. There's just something about that non-glossy manicure that seems so appropriate for the coming season. Try a french manicure with a matte shade to make a very bold statement.

2. and 3. This particular style introduces two trends in one: the accented ring finger and glitter nail polish. Both trends have been favorites of mine as well as ones I've worn a lot this summer. An accented finger is fun, it breaks up the monotony of a single color manicure and glitter is just simply girly. And what could be more 'girly' than nail polish?

4. There's no other way to describe leopard print than fun, flirty, and feminine all wrapped into one. And that is why I absolutely adore this nail trend, and hope that it sticks around a little while longer. For this manicure, try using colors that don't resemble an actual leopard's coat, to give yourself a customized look. 

5. Magnetic nails are a trend I've yet to try, but a trend that also intrigues me. Similar to my feelings about matte nail polish, magnetic nails seem very autumn-inspired to me. The shades (the ones of which I've seen in stores at least) are deeper hues such as: burgundy, navy, black, etc. These nails are perfect for both seasons because they're oh so sleek and sexy.

Hands down, no pun intended…these are the 5 summer nail trends that I hope to see more of next season.