OPI's Germany Collection

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/opis-germany-collection/

I’m such a sucker for nail polishes with ridiculously clever names. Which is why I’m obsessed with OPI’s new Germany Collection. (Fall 2012)

In 12 shades that range from pale pink to slate gray, this tour of Europe has undoubtedly put Deutschland on the fashion map.

The colors from left to right:

My Very First Knockwurst, Don’t Pretzel My Buttons, Berlin There Done That, Schnapps Out of It! , Deutsch You Want Me Baby? , Danke-Shiny Red, Suzi & the 7 Düsseldorfs, Every Month is Oktoberfest, German-icure by OPI, Unfor-greta-bly Blue, Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! , Don’t Talk Bach To Me

Try on colors at opi.com; descriptions of each shade ($9 at select retailers) are also available on the site.

My favorites? Don’t Talk Bach To Me and Every Month is Oktoberfest.

Which are your favorites?

Auf Wiedersehen!

What To Pack in Your Makeup Bag

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/pack-makeup-bag/

At one time or another every girl has needed a quick makeup fix. Admit it, you've gone half way through the day and were suddenly mortified by the slight case of raccoon eyes you had no idea existed, right? And It's always in those moments of desperation, that we never seem to be prepared. Well suffer no longer ladies, because I've compiled a list of must have items in your on-the-go makeup bag. 

Essentials

1. Eye Lash Curler

2. Mascara

3. Eye Liner (and sharpener if necessary)

4. Lip balm/Lipstick

5. Face Powder

6. Concealer

7. Tweezers

8. 1 face brush and 1 spare eye shadow brush

9. Makeup remover wipes

10. Floss

Sure toting around every item on the list seems like a bit much- but when it comes to sparing you an embarrassing moment, you'll be thankful you had every item on hand.

You're Welcome, Gorgeous!

Fall Jacket Guide

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/fall-jacket-guide/

Get ready to bundle up! Here's a look at some of this season's best jackets.

Blazers

Still so trendy for juniors and women are blazers. These sport coat inspired jackets can really dress up an outfit, without doing too much. The great thing about blazers is that they come in a variety of fabrics, styles and colors- so you can purchase a few without feeling like you're repeating an outfit. 

The 'One Button Color Blazer' from Papaya (pictured above) is a great option. ($21.99)

Trench Coats

The essential rainy weather item.  Available in different lengths, trench coats look great on everybody. 

Forever 21's 'Belted Button Tab Trench Coat' (shown) is definitely a winner. ($34.80)

Pea Coats 

A slightly heavier coat designed to keep you warmer as the weather cools down; pea coats are fashionable for both guys and girls. Made in an array of styles and colors to please every fashion sense. 

The women's 'Belted Performance Fleece Peacoat' from Old Navy (shown) is beyond fierce. ($34.94)

Jean Jackets 

When you need something that goes with everything, a jean jacket serves that purpose. This selection is a classic, it will never go out of style- just be careful when wearing a jean jacket with jeans, as the washes should never match. 

Levi's 'Authentic Trucker Jacket' (shown) is the perfect pick. ($78)

Down Jackets 

In regions of the country that get unreasonably cold during fall months and worse during the winter, a down jacket is ideal. The feathers are great insulators of heat which is what keeps you so warm inside those soft puffy jackets. Downs also come in different lengths and styles and are perfect for outdoor activities. 

Old Navy's 'Frost Free Quilted Jacket' in Gray Leopard (shown) is utterly adorable. ($49.94)

Leather Jackets

A clear indicator that the weather has changed is signified with the leather jacket. Like the jean jacket, a leather jacket is also timeless. This item is the epitome of cool. Available in a variety of styles and colors, as well as real and faux materials. 

Nordstrom's 'Collection B Quilted Faux Leather Jacket' (shown) is just so chic. ($33.90)

Which ones will you be wearing this fall? 

Latest Articles Are Up!

So instead of posting the actual articles on my blog, I thought I'd just link the two. It's getting a bit monotonous, and I'm itching to post some original (or rather, non website related) work on here. Suggestions for topics??? Help me out. Till then, stay fabulous! And check out my latest articles on theteentrends.com. XOXO!

http://theteentrends.com/7-ways-wear-denim/

http://theteentrends.com/fun-date-ideas/

Thanks everyone (everyone that reads my blog, anyway ;) )

Crazy For Ombre

My Featured Article: http://theteentrends.com/crazy-ombre/

Made famous by celebs like Jessica Biel, Ciara, and Lauren Conrad to name a few- Ombre hair has become a huge trend not to mention, highly sought after style for most of 2012. Although the trend is most popular within the beauty community (hair and nails), it’s also crossed over into clothing and fabrics.

“Ombre” is easily defined as different colors and tones shading into each other resulting in a color scheme that graduates from light to dark or vice versa.

So what does Ombre hair look like? The answer: dark roots that gradually get lighter toward the ends of your hair. The style can also be reversed.

In my case, I ended up with Ombre hair on accident I suppose. Or rather, I had the hairstyle before it was even a trend really. It was the result of not re-dying my hair after I lightened it. Go figure! After a few weeks my roots started coming through and I was left with slightly different colored tresses. That was fun!

Now if you don’t have the patience for your hair to grow out to achieve this look the way I did, you can always visit a hairdresser to request the style. I recommend bringing in pictures of styles that you like, so that the stylist can match you with shades complimentary to your skin tone, or in whatever colors you ask for.

And just in case you need something to reference, I’ve included pictures of celebs that have also gone Ombre.

Ciara

Lauren Conrad

Jessica Biel 

What do you think? Is this trend still hot? Or has it already fizzled out?

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!