Exhibit A comes to us from nail salons in New York City. According to a recent exposé in The New York Times about the real costs associated with a bargain mani-pedi, Manhattan's ubiquitous $10.50 manicure is only possible because salon owners gouge workers' pay to drive down prices. Many salon workers earn less than $30 per day, and must pay fees for the right to do so. There are phrases in the English lexicon that can capture what may be occurring in these nail salons — debt bondage, involuntary servitude and perhaps even human trafficking come to mind.

Regardless of the catchphrase we use, we can objectively call the labor practices unjust and exploitative towards vulnerable populations. And as women who consume these services from potentially at-risk women, this is a problem that concerns us all.

More: Kylie Jenner admits to having lip fillers

So, how can you ensure that you are purchasing an ethical manicure the next time you hit a salon?

1. Watch for cues

Labor exploitation and human trafficking often have noteworthy signs associated with them. Become familiar with the signs of labor exploitation so you can spot it if you see it occurring at your salon. The Polaris Project has a great overview of the labor exploitation cues you should look for any time and any place in your community.

2. Chat

You may go to a nail salon to relax, but it's important to talk with your manicurist for a few minutes at least. Exploited workers may come across as depressed, fearful or anxious during conversation. And though there are many non-exploited workers who speak little English, an inability to speak English is sometimes a sign of worker exploitation.

3. Remain cautious of tips

Tipping more will not solve the problem if you think labor exploitation is occurring at your salon. The owners will just skim more of the tip, or further reduce wages. In fact, if your salon relies heavily on tipping for worker pay, that's a sign of labor exploitation.

4. Look for postings

Labor laws may vary by state, but it's a good sign if you see United States Department of Labor posters in your salon. These posters contain information for laborers about federal minimum wage and other worker protections.

5. Pay more, go less often

If your salon has suspiciously low prices — prices that you know fall outside the national average or are much lower than other local salons — that isn't a good sign. Pay more for a manicure with average pricing. If you can't afford the higher prices, cut back on your visits.

More: 7 Steps to cover your tattoo with makeup

As you consider this story, remember that this isn't just a story about manicures and pedicures. The beauty and fashion industries are rife with human trafficking and labor exploitation. Do your research about the source of your favorite products and services before you purchase — and remember that there are often human costs associated with rock-bottom prices.

Finally, if you're ever concerned about labor exploitation or human trafficking, call the Department of Labor hotline for your state or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center for help and resources.

I shifted from the stereotypical careers you dream about as a kid like, "I wanna be an astronaut" to "I actually want to be a writer." My parents always supported that, but deep down were probably shaking in their boots thinking, "How the heck is my daughter going to feed herself?" Spoiler alert, I'm employed.

And more and more people seem to be tossing the safe careers aside to just pursue what they love to do. And it's working.

Rolando "Rolly" Robinson, editorial designer and makeup artist

"I have the knowledge, the skill set, the technique and the creative vision to do it, so why not, right?"

Rolly is not your average makeup artist. He is a makeup ARTist — emphasis on the "art." He works for StyleCaster as their editorial designer and he's responsible for extreme beauty transformations like this one. And believe it or not, he taught himself almost everything he knows about makeup. And you guys, this isn't the average mascara, lipstick, and you're out the door.

"When I first moved to New York, I was living in Manhattan and I worked as a makeup artist for Sephora. The training there was excellent, and that’s how I was able to extend my knowledge," he tells me. "All my friends would say 'you need to do this for a living, you’re so good!' The more I heard that, the more I believed it. As I took it to the next level and really began to become crafty at artistry, I realized I was doing something that no one else is doing."

More: You're an expert, you just don't know it yet

And, my friends, a star was born. "Once I began working on editorials, is when I thought 'Okay, now you got this,'” he says. "Being an artist is something that comes naturally. I don’t think it’s a skill that can be taught. You either have it, or you don’t. BUT, I will say that there’s never too much to learn. I learn new things more and more every day!" Amen!

His best makeup tip for some parting words: "Embrace the human fingers. They are the best beauty tool you could ever use!"

Adriane Dye, personal stylist

"Through referrals, [I] started going into women's closets mixing and matching their clothes and taking them shopping."

Adriane Dye has been picking out clothes for her friends since she was a teenager. Eventually, one of them finally told her she needed to get a marketing plan together and make it her business. "At the time I had just left the insurance claims adjusting industry and was looking to go back into the industry at a different company but felt that that wasn't where my heart was," she tells me.

After starting an out-of-her house business helping women put together outfits and shop, she also applied for a job at Nordstrom and became a personal stylist. But, she says about her love of fashion and retail, "I didn't really buy all the fashion magazines. I liked better 'what do you have in your closet and how can we make it work for you?' Instead of following every single trend, how to make the trend follow you." I mean doesn't every woman want to be so cool that trends follow them?

I imagine that getting women to break out of their comfort zones is one of the hardest parts of the job. Adriane assures it me, despite that, that it's the best feeling. "I had one of my favorite clients, Paula. She is about 62." Paula needed an outfit for a wedding that was on the casual side and Adriane picked out something unlikely for her.

"She wanted to be able to dance so I put her in an Eileen Fisher harem pant jumpsuit. Basically MC Hammer pants, but it was a jumpsuit, and some patent leather oxford lace up shoes, a white T-shirt and a red Bolero jacket. She looked like a million bucks. She didn't want to put it on." But she did. And she loved it.

More: 6 Looks that make boots in spring totally acceptable

The Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus rule book says that women love to shop, but that is not true for a lot of women because finding something that fits our body and the occasion perfectly is freakin' exhausting. Adriane happens to have a knack for it, and it helps pay her bills.

Tiffany Masterson, founder of Drunk Elephant Skin Care

"If you're passionate about something, you'll do it well and if you stay true to yourself, it will be different and unique."

About a year ago, I received samples from this amazing then-new skin care company. I immediately wanted to know more as I was slathering their serums on my face and marveling over the pretty packaging — I learned that the line was founded by a woman who simply started asking a lot of questions about beauty products.

Previously a director of communications, she had the opportunity to sell a bar cleanser from Malaysia. "I had been struggling with my own skin issues and never could find a line that worked well for me," she explains. "That was really a time for me to research and ask lots of questions about products, ingredients and people's skin care routines, what was working, what wasn't and what people really wanted. I had been struggling with my own skin issues and never could find a line that worked well for me."

So, why not make your own? She did, and the results are the very serums and lotions and potions I was putting on my face as I realized I had found my skin a soul mate.

But the whole line is non-toxic and manages to make more natural products that work like the synthetic, clinical ones that are so common. So, of course people criticize.

"Me, my strategy, my brand name... you name it," she tells me of being doubted. "That can be toxic so you remove those people from the picture. I try to surround myself with people who know more than I do, who have been successful in the beauty industry and who share my values. Everyone has an opinion; the trick is to decide whose opinion matters to you."

So, dream on folks. As Tiffany reminds me, "It's usually just the simplest ideas that are right under our nose that can make a big difference."

Last night, I exited my Pilates class, checked my phone and found a series of frantic text messages from my usually cool, unfazed husband. Had the house burned down? Was one of the kids running a fever? No and no.

His first text read: "WTF?! Dad bod? What. The. [Expletive]."

It seems, while I was "boomeranging" my "mom bod" into the more ideal "single woman's bod," my husband had fallen down the internet rabbit hole and had made an interesting discovery: His body was suddenly in hot demand, according to several news outlets. He, Seth Rogan, Leonardo DiCaprio and a random selection of dads (and non-dads alike) had gone to sleep on Wednesday night and awoke Thursday to find they were the new Gisele Bundchens.

My husband was not amused.

Apparently, women all over the planet are lusting after guys with "dad bod," which, as you're about to read, sounds like the body type shared by 99.9 percent of men on Earth. If a man is in his late 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s, he probably has "dad bod." If he's a dad, he most undoubtedly has "dad bod." If he isn't employed as a physical trainer or stunt double for Marvel Studios, doesn't spend 18 hours of his unemployed day inside of a gym and likes a few French fries with his protein shake (because he's cool like that): You got yourself a total "dad bod."

To truly have a "dad bod," you have to have a bit of paunch and a devil-may-care attitude about it. The total "dad bod" experience is about being both physically imperfect and mentally perfect enough not to give one iota of a f*** about your "dad bod."

Allow my husband's next text to sum up what this actually is: "It's fetishizing a body type, just like we do with women, and in just as creepy a way. It's our MILF. Creepy and gross."

There's a good reason why I married this man.

More: Self-worth: You are not the size of your pants

Many women may be thinking: Oh, here we go again, yet another way we allow men to age and be "hot," while society demands we morph from teenagers into MILFS. I agree. But men aren't benefiting from this nonsense any more than women benefit from feeling like we have to live up to lofty physical expectations.

Any time you attach "mom" and "dad" as adjectives for a body type, you imply that life is over after kids. The stereotypical "mom bod" is one that is too soft and fleshy for its own good. Obviously, no one is writing trend pieces about the hotness of "mom bod" because we don't value women who are at ease with their "imperfections." We should be laid back enough to kick back with a beer and steak, but our asses better hit the treadmill the next day to burn up those calories.

More: Secrets to having a positive body image

There is no "dad bod" or "mom bod," the same way there is no "college bod." Stop putting people into neat little boxes and telling them dads have guts, moms have big hips and 20-year-olds have abs of steel. Anyone who has spent more than an hour outside in the real world knows people come in all sorts of beautiful shapes and sizes — even those of us who have chosen to (gasp!) procreate.

Anna Friel went for a 1920s vibe in a beautiful, delicate Osman Spring 2015 dress with an interesting fringed disc on the back.

Photo credit: Mario Mitsis/WENN.com

Ninja Warrior presenter Rochelle Humes' Zeynep Kartal dress was one of the most daring looks of the night.

Photo credit: Zibi/WENN.com

Big Brother presenter Emma Willis often goes for trousers on the red carpet; she gave her elegant monochrome look pops of colour with a red lip and yellow box clutch.

Photo credit: Mario Mitsis/WENN.com

Made In Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue chose a metallic Julien MacDonald gown with cut-out detailing for the event.

Photo credit: Lia Toby/WENN.com

House of Fraser didn't reveal who would be wearing their bespoke "technology enhanced" gown on the TV BAFTA red carpet; it turned out that honour went to television presenter Donna Air.

Photo credit: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

Davina McCall also wore monochrome: a cropped tuxedo trouser suit with a crisp white shirt.

Photo credit: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

Rising star Ophelia Lovibond's dress was one of the most interesting of the night with cut-out detail, full skirt, pockets and contemporary monochrome print.

Photo credit: Mario Mitsis/WENN.com

The Only Way Is Essex star Lucy Mecklenburgh matched the red carpet in a dramatic coral Bambah gown with plunging back.

Photo credit: Zibi/WENN.com

Jennifer Metcalfe bared a shoulder — and her thighs — in this interesting Philip Armstrong lace gown.

Photo credit: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

Laura Whitmore chose a demure look with her gold rose print Adrianna Papell gown with asymmetric hem.

Photo credit: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

Alex Jones channelled Old Hollywood in a floor-sweeping, off-the-shoulder scarlet gown by Cristallini, with lots of fringing giving it a contemporary edge.

Photo credit: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

Katie Piper wore a stunning lace gown by fashion duo Kolchagov Barba.

Photo credit: Lia Toby/WENN.com

More celebrity style

Cara Delevingne wears intricate body art to the Met Gala
How to wear a wedding dress on a night out like Daisy Lowe
8 Timeless style tips we can take from Old Hollywood's leading ladies

Anti-aging this, moisturizing that, long-lasting, natural, organic, you need this, the best ever, the first of its kind, more volume, more color, matte, gloss, shiny, matte-shine, wait what? — and breathe.

Shopping for makeup is supposed to be fun but a lot of women just end up in the beauty aisle wearing a blank stare because there are 10 different mascaras all claiming to turn you into a bombshell with just one swipe. There's a reason it's next to impossible to leave Sephora in under an hour.

And, half the time, we end up buying way more than we need. It's like walking in to Target "just to pick up some dish soap." Seven purses, four picture frames, one new pair of sandals and no dish soap later, you leave with your tail between your legs wondering where the last two hours went.

In 2012, the cosmetics industry as a whole brought in $245 billion in revenue and is expected to reach $265 billion in 2017. So, it's no doubt we're overwhelmed. Repeat after me: You.are.not.alone.

Which brings me to the first-ever StyleCaster Beauty Awards! (Full disclosure: StyleCaster is part of the SheKnows family.) The idea is to get real feedback on the products women are buying from the women that are in the trenches with you. Note: In this scenario "trenches" reads Sephora, Ulta, whatever beauty aisle you call home.

You can nominate your favorite products in categories like Best 'I woke up like this' Hair Tool and The Conditioner That Doesn't Weigh Down Your Hair. Breakup-proof mascara and 'Hide My Late Night' concealer are all on the list (because we've all been there, whether it's because we had one too many or because we stayed up too late binge-watching Orange is the New Black). You have until May 25 to nominate and you'll be entered for a chance to win $500 worth of the winning products (you can enter once a day).

After that, sit back and wait for the winners to be announced on June 10. Start by clicking the image below — do it for the confused soul in the beauty aisle.

The brand itself is Reese's personal homage to her Southern roots. She grew up in Nashville and always looked up to her grandparents, Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon, for their charm and impeccable style. Thus she named it Draper James in honor of these two pillars of influence in her life.

Reese says on the company's website, "My grandparents taught me everything I know about gracious Southern living. From them I learned to dress and act like a lady, to take pride in my home, to reach out to help a neighbor, and to always invite everyone in for a visit."

To say her grandmother was stylish is an understatement. According to Reese, she only drove white Cadillacs while always wearing pristine white gloves. While she didn't have a ton of clothes, she knew how to make them stand out with the perfect accessories. That sort of understated Southern elegance is what Reese is trying to capture with the line's clothes and accessories. Here are some of the highlights.

More: Reese Witherspoon wants you to know she's not who you think

Image: Draper James (Derby Bag — $325)

Image: Draper James (Bristol Short — $125)

Image: Draper James (Statement Stud Pearl Earrings — $125)

As you can see, the style is all about sophistication with a Southern flair. Reese says Southern girls love mixing and matching bright, colorful florals and prints with heirloom jewelry they may have gotten from their grandmothers, like a set of gorgeous pearls. She wanted Draper James to exemplify that and give women the chance to dress up the Southern way.

More: Get the look: Reese Witherspoon's errand-running outfit

But she didn't want to stick to just women's fashion. Reese's grandparents were also incomparable hosts and thus a large part of the brand is dedicated to home decor. There's even stationery and hostess gifts, which are integral parts of "gracious living." Reese actually always had dreams of opening up a stationery store. She told ABC, "I've been obsessed with stationery and monograms. There's something about Southern girls and monograms, we literally — if it's not moving, we monogram it." If you look at some of these custom monogrammed napkins, you'll start to see why she loves it so much.

Image: Draper James (Assorted Southern Greeting Cards — $30)

Image: Draper James (Single Letter Cocktail Napkin Set — $85)

Reese has taken such care with her brand. Over the past three years, she has been dedicated to curating the style, and makes sure her hands touch everything that passes through production. It is, after all, her family name, and the last thing a good Southern girl would do is let her family down.

As of right now, 70 percent of all Draper James' products are made in the U.S., with the hope that it will be 100 percent in the not too distant future. The company also gives back to an organization called girlsinc.org, which strives to help young girls become entrepreneurs and leaders of social change, aka, little Reese Witherspoons.

More: Reese Witherspoon is pregnant, again!

Many modern celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Miley Cyrus are known for their bright white tresses, but with more stars trading their jet-black hair for platinum blond, the world of 'more fun' seems more attainable for everyone. And with all the hype Kim Kardashian received for her drastic hair change earlier this year, platinum blond may be just the change you're looking for.

More: Kim Kardashian's new hair color will make you do a double take

But, if you're not a celebrity who has access to all the perks of stardom (like time, money and an on-call expert colorist), platinum blond can be is a tricky color to maintain — and it's not right for everyone.

Matrix Celebrity Stylist George Papanikolas, who has worked with many celebrities known for their blond hair including Nicole Richie and Ellie Goulding, says achieving the desired color of platinum needs an expert touch.

"The process of lightening the hair requires expertise to get the desired tone. Unlike [other] hair color, there is not a set processing time — it's based on the tone." Adding, Papanikolas says, "If you take it off too soon, it can be brassy, too long can make it ashy and over processed."

Yann Varin, owner and stylist at Varin Salon in New York City, adds that visiting the salon will ensure your whole head of hair — from roots to ends — is colored correctly.

"When you apply the color that is going to lift your natural color, the portion closer to your roots will lift faster than mid-shaft," he said. Technically, the mid-shaft is healthy hair while the ends of the hair are usually a dry texture that is more sensitive, more oxidized and takes in color faster," Varin continued.

Even when done by a professional, platinum blond will leave some damage to your hair due to the harsh bleach chemicals needed to lift the color. Since platinum blond means you're as close to white as possible, not everyone's hair can stand up to the damage.

"Going blond is the hardest thing to do in the hair business," says Varin. Adding that it's a "thin line" to remove hair pigments without damaging the hair so much it can't hold the texture together and one not all hair colorists can do.

Papanikolas agrees saying, "Going any more than seven shades from your natural hair color will definitely result in damage — it really requires the care and professionalism of your colorist to maintain the integrity of your hair."

More: 10 Things you should know before going blond

Papanikolas says platinum blond usually looks more natural on people with fair complexions, but you don't always have to play by that rule. "Usually those with fair complexions look best with platinum hair. Darker skin can have a very edgy look if it's paired with a modern, edgy haircut." He warns that you need to consider both your cut and skin tone when debating going platinum blond if you want to keep a certain look, "super-long platinum hair and tan skin can look less sophisticated."

Now that you are platinum blond, what do you need to know?

Like any unnatural hair color, platinum blond requires a lot of maintenance to keep your hair healthy and your color bright. From root touch-ups to special shampoo, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time and money to keep your tresses icy.

Johnny Ramirez, celebrity colorist from Beverly Hills, California, who has worked on famous blondes like Faith Hill, Chloe Grace Moretz and Whitney Port, agrees.

"It is very expensive to maintain platinum blond hair. Your roots grow out very fast and you will need touch-ups every two to three weeks depending on how quickly your roots grow back." He also recommends icy blondes visit the salon every few weeks to get deep conditioning treatments, purple shampoo and a clear gloss to seal the hair, which will all keep the hair color looking its best.

More: 9 Strawberry blonde hair photos for blonde tired of platinum

Varin says that when it comes to platinum blond upkeep, it can really depend on your own preferences and how much your roots showing bothers you. He warns that you don't want to wait too long to top-up your color because it can cause issues of its own. "After two months [without going back to get your roots redone], it is troublesome to keep your hair a smooth, beautiful platinum blond without a touch-up as you’ll get some kind of lines."

The bottom line

• Purchase a purple shampoo and use weekly to remove any brassy tones
• Find shampoo that is high in moisture and has a low PH so you don't dry out your hair even more
• Shampoo less frequently so your natural oils can hydrate hair and scalp
• Consider going platinum blond in stages over several weeks or months to lower damage

Rebel has been killing it on the red carpet lately, so it's no surprise that's she's taking the plunge into fashion design. The 25-piece collection will appear in stores sometime in November of this year, and will be exclusively for women sizes 12-28. She's particularly excited to be bringing her own sense of style to the world of plus-size clothing.

Image: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

More: Rebel Wilson is proud of her body

Rebel told the Daily Mail, "I've never really felt like there's a brand out there in the plus size world that is creating cool stuff, that fits well and is good quality yet affordable. So it was awesome to team with Torrid, who are doing such a great job making plus-size fashion relevant and dope."

While the look of the actual line is still unknown, Rebel has said that it will have lots of her eccentric touches all over it. There will be microphones to reflect her love of singing and the stage, and koala T-shirts to pay homage to her Australian homeland.

The collection will also be priced super reasonably, with pieces ranging from $29 to $125. Torrid is thrilled to have a hilarious, body positive rockstar like Rebel on their team. CEO of Torrid Lisa Harper said she thinks Rebel will inspire girls everywhere to wear what they love without fear of judgment.

More: Get the look: Rebel Wilson's pretty purple dress

She's also been involved with every aspect of the design process. Liz Munoz, Torrid's SVP of Design told the Daily Mail, "Rebel's also got a natural instinct for design. She's been hands-on throughout the process and cares about every detail, down to the diamante rivet on the jeans." Obviously that's because she knows that kind of dedication is the only way you can crush it, whether it's a hilarious movie role, or a pair of jeans.

Rebel's own style got a serious boost from her new stylist, Elizabeth Stewart. While she totally had awesome fashion sense before, now that she's becoming a big star, she wanted to streamline her look a bit more for Hollywood premieres and such. Thus Stewart, one of Hollywood's top 25 stylists, stepped in and helped her up her fashion game, all while preserving the actress' signature fierceness. Her guidance will no doubt come in handy as Rebel puts the finishing touches on her new clothing line.

Image: David M. Benett/ Getty Images

More: Pitch Perfect: Why Rebel Wilson is our new hero

I was in college and, thus, surrounded by troves of girls with "PINK" scrawled across their butts. My friends and I made monthly shopping trips to the mall and Victoria's Secret was always on the list of must-visits. Spray on a little Love Spell perfume, stock up on that heavenly smelling shampoo and conditioner and then duck into those fancy dressing rooms to try on the season's newest colors. If this is what sexy was: I had mastered it. But, not exactly belonging to a thin-framed family, I knew my time would eventually run out. Mom-bras were in my future.

I did not, however, suspect that my time would come at 21. At a Dave and Buster's. With a broken underwire. And after one too many Jameson shots. My best friend at the time shook her head and knowingly told me, "You're not wearing the right sized bra. I don't even fit into Victoria's Secret bras and you're way bigger than me." I cringed. Where would I buy bras, then? The ones at Target, even in my size, never seemed to last. And, despite my good girl ways, I still wanted something pretty.

More: Women try on vintage bras, make hilarious observations (VIDEO)

Her suggestion was Lane Bryant... and I almost punched her. My mom, with health issues and breasts twice the size of mine, shopped at Lane Bryant. Girls my age and my size did not. I went through a few more shopping trips in denial. They all ended with muffin-topping boobs or bra straps and underwires that broke too soon. Eventually, I gave in and quickly realized that Lane Bryant's bras were cute and sexy and... not just for moms. I could push my boobs up to my chin and secure them in place against my chest all while wearing a rainbow of colors, not breaking the bank and not feeling like an old lady. Triumph!

I'm still a little bitter, though. Just in case. At 21, I should not have been made to feel like I no longer belonged in a store that specifically caters to girls my age (and the guys that fantasize about them). Victoria's Secret, despite distributing lingerie that often looks a little "grown up" and having models that are a tiny bit older, mostly caters to thin, young college girls. Their sizes seem to fall off once you hit average baby-having age when that tiny creature wreaks havoc on your perfect breasts. They're pushing fashion shows with gorgeous girls in bedazzled push-up bras and making all our dudes drool... but they're not supporting the real, the average, the larger boobs. Shoot. In my instance, they weren't even supporting my delayed "freshman 15" expansion.

More: The 'sleep bra' is touted as a miracle for sagging breasts

If studies are right and the average size for women right now is 14-16, a huge chunk of those girls probably have boobs that, like me, don't fit into Victoria's Secret. Their models are by no means unhealthy. Admittedly, VS is one of the few places that does a decent job of showing healthy-looking models. Where they fall short is by suggesting via their fashion shows and size-range that angels and fantasy girls only come in so many sizes. Not exactly a size two... but certainly not a size 16, either.

So, my question is: What are you thinking, Victoria's Secret? Your limited sizing and close-minded opinion of what a fantasy girl looks like is cutting off a huge chunk of buyers. Why don't you support my boobs? Why aren't you supporting the average American's boobs?

More: StyleCaster Creators brings multimedia creative dreams to life

This fact is what inspired graphic artist Emily Armstrong for her first project for StyleCaster Creators. She took a look at five prominent female archetypes in New York: The Socialite, The Feminist, The Blogger, The Hipster, and The Basic. She broke each one down into a series of captivating and cheeky mind maps which you’re about to see.

If you’ve never heard of a mind map, it’s a cool way to visually organize a central thought, using words and images that are all connected to each other. Emily’s maps were handmade, each taking about six hours to complete.

Hundreds of words, dozens of pens and markers later, we have a beautiful and funny series where you can discover (and poke fun at) the type of woman you are—wherever you live.

This post was originally published on StyleCaster.

Spring allows us to peel off a few of our layers and experiment with color (oh, yellows, reds and oranges, how I've missed you)!

This season, we've fallen in love with trends that run the gamut from cool '70s hippie mom to military chic, but we're even more thrilled to find that so many swank styles are also practical spring staples that every woman needs in her closet.

1. The shirtdress

There's something about spring that makes us yearn for half-day Fridays at work, but that doesn't mean we have the luxury of dressing like we're going to the beach. The shirtdress achieves that perfect balance of no-nonsense professionalism and pretty that just makes sense in the warmer months. It's also dead-easy to accessorize. Add wedge heels and a pendant necklace if you have a big meeting that day or smart flats for an honest-to-goodness half-day Friday.

2. Wide-legged or flared jeans

After months of squeezing our skinny-legged jeans into rain and snow boots, our poor legs need a break. Lucky for us, '70s-style wide-legged jean trousers are all the rage right now — the higher on the waist, the better. Choose a light wash and feel California cool or stick with a dark rinse, which looks polished with a button-down shirt.

3. Menswear button-down shirt

Roll up the sleeves, leave a few buttons open at the top, and tuck this must-have shirt into a pair of high-waisted jeans or trousers. Take this versatile look from the office to dinner by adding a statement necklace or drop earrings.

4. Poncho

The ultimate way to free yourself from cumbersome winter jackets is to opt for an extremely stylish poncho, which is more practical than a cape, lets you show off your blouse or sweater and gives you freedom of movement. Instantly update a simple pair of jeans and loafers by slipping on a poncho in a bright color like red or bright blue and white.

5. Trench coat

April showers bring May flowers — prepare yourself for the elements by investing in a great neutral-toned trench coat that goes with every single item in your wardrobe. Bonus: Few outer garments are as flattering to a woman's figure, thanks to the trench's adjustable sash or belt, which cinches your waist so that it looks itty bitty.

More: How to make your trench coat work for spring

6. Culottes

Save your short-shorts for picnics. Culottes do the work of both a skirt and pair of shorts and can be made to look all fancy pants with the addition of a pretty, sheer cream blouse, fitted jacket and killer heels. Today's updated culottes are longer than the dreaded Bermuda shorts-length ones that might still haunt you from the '80s.

7. Ankle boots

Don’t retire your ankle boots just yet. There are plenty of fantastic ways to incorporate these little cuties into your spring wardrobe and they work wonders when the temperature isn't warm enough to break out your espadrilles just yet. Pair them with crop pants, skinny jeans and a basic T-shirt, or even a voluminous skirt and blouse.

More: 10 Stylish outfits to inspire your summer wardrobe

8. Military maxi skirt

Everyone will be wearing a boho maxi skirt this spring — and they look great, don’t get us wrong. But if you want to stand out and do something just a bit different, opt instead for a killer military maxi skirt, which is the perfect blend of utilitarian chic and an easy-breezy spring attitude.

9. White pants

Bright white pants are to spring and summer what tweed is to winter — they're the ultimate seasonal fashion statement. The coolest way to wear the hue this spring is to make it less precious by pairing sharp white trousers with a graphic black and white blouse or shell top.

More: Why you need to wear white after Labor Day

10. Yellow

The season's hottest color is also more wearable than you might think. Pick the right shade for your skin tone, whether that means pastel yellow, saffron or gold, and keep things simple by accessorizing with a pretty pair of button earrings or a cuff bracelet. Prepare yourself for the countless smiles and compliments you'll receive because a woman wearing a yellow sundress lights up every room she enters.

11. Tunic

Even if you can't get on board with '70s-inspired flare pants, a tunic offers a less "dated" way of capturing the worldly elegance of laid-back times. It also pairs beautifully with everything from fitted white jeans and heels to shorts and sandals.

12. Floral dress

This season, the bigger and brighter the flowers on your sundress, the better. Keep yourself warm and toasty from now until June by wearing your dress with a sweet cashmere cardigan, tights and ankle boots.

Images: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows

I can't even get into the red hair envy I have when I look at 19-year-old vlogger Lucy Edwards because today I'm going to instead focus on my makeup envy. Edwards was diagnosed with a rare disorder when she was 11 and partially lost sight, then lost all sight about two years ago. It's devastating to think about how the teen's life has drastically changed overnight.

One thing that hasn't changed: She's stunning and puts us all to shame with her serious makeup skills. Her YouTube channel, YesterdaysWishes, has thousands of subscribers who are drawn to her passion for makeup, knowledge and just plain sweet personality. She credits the channel with keeping her feeling upbeat at a time when life was throwing all kinds of obstacles her way.

More: This tutorial is pure makeup mastery (VIDEO) 

Edwards' best-sister-in-the-world Alice worked with her for about a year to teach the college student how to get glam without a mirror. If you're thinking: Well, that's just impossible, trust me, I'm with you. But we're wrong because, after gliding her eyeliner on just a bit too thick a few too many times, Edwards has mastered the art of applying foundation, eye makeup and lipstick no matter where she is on the planet.

Which makes her, in the eyes of beauty mavens everywhere, a freaking superhero.

We aren't going to give away all of Edwards' tips and secrets because there are a million reasons why you should watch the video below and subscribe to YesterdaysWishes, but we will say this: She's dead-on about using a brush instead of a silly, skinny little pencil for eyebrows — which just doesn't allow for the same kind of stability. We're also going to take her word on applying powder on top of her contour makeup because it still beats the hell out of us how to contour without looking like zebras.

More: Makeup artist turns eyelids into works of art

Since she is unable to see, Edwards says she has come to rely on the opinion of others to tell her when her lipstick is off, which has to be difficult because every woman's feelings about makeup are personal. In many ways, the way we apply our eyeshadow becomes as much a part of us as our own natural eyelid. In addition to trusting others, the teen also reminds us of the importance of choosing makeup brushes wisely because the right one can mean the difference between looking naturally flushed and looking as though you've applied war paint.

I'm just going to take everything Edwards says as gospel because the lady knows her stuff — and, as you'll see, goes from naturally beautiful to Gisele Gorgeous in a few makeup strokes:

Okay fine, we aren’t exactly experts, but there’s credit in trying. That’s why we perked up when our guest editor — the fabulously chic animated persona Sew Sketchy — wanted to lend her expertise in the athletic art by sharing a few of her custom yoga poses crafted especially for the style set. Follow her through moves like her body-lengthening Kim Kardashian inspired “Selfie” pose and the glute-challenging “Front Row” stance, and you’ll be toned and tightened before you can say namaste.

Want to see more original work by StyleCaster Creators? Head over to our new page!

This post was originally published on StyleCaster.

Beautiful Soul describes its label as being "committed to a conscious approach to fabric sourcing, environmental impact and is committed to local, UK-based production [and] supporting the regeneration of UK manufacturing and textile production," while Aspiga Beach prides itself on "helping to fight poverty through trade" by working with small Kenyan suppliers.

Livia's commitment to eco-friendly fashion goes well beyond her wardrobe. She's the executive producer on The True Cost, a documentary exploring the impact the fashion industry has on the environment which is screening at Cannes this year. At a Cannes reception movie mogul Harvey Weinstein said, "This movie's going to shock the fashion world."

Video credit: Untold/YouTube

Photo credit: Livia Firth/Instagram

The film's director Andrew Morgan revealed how Livia helped get the project off the ground by introducing him to some of the biggest players in the eco-fashion industry, such as Stella McCartney who was interviewed for the film.

More: Celebrity selfies not welcome on Cannes red carpet

Livia, who is also in Cannes to support husband Colin Firth and his film Genius, is passionate about vintage clothing too; she posted an Instagram picture of herself in an amazing 1970s Missoni dress yesterday captioned with the hashtag #clotheswithstories.

Photo credit: Livia Firth/Instagram

As the creative director of Eco-Age and founder of the Green Carpet Challenge, Livia Firth has been appointed a UN Leader Of Change and recognised with the UN Fashion 4 Development Award.

In 2014 she won the Rainforest Alliance Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability and the Honorary Award of the National German Sustainability Foundation.

The True Cost will be released on Netflix.

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And by slipped out, I mean Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing showed up with Kendall Jenner and fashion model Jourdan Dunn to tell the world (or whoever happened to be watching) that Balmain for H&M is happening. The women were dressed head-to-toe in two looks from the line to tease the collection. That's one way to give a first look!

H&M confirmed Olivier's news on Twitter with the hashtag #HMBALMAINATION and now we all just have to sit and wait for the edgy clothes to hit stores on November 5th.

Image: Steve Granitz/Contributor/Wire Image/Getty Images

There's a major difference between festival-chic fringe and the kind of fringe we can get away with at work: One is a borderline "anti-establishment" costume and the other has just enough laid-back spunk to elevate your classic staples.

"We all have a tendency to get overanxious and toss on a trend head to toe — only to find that the trend doesn't really "suit" us — or we don't like it after we spent a lot on new styles," said Stylist Kimberly Anderson of American Road Trip Style.

In order to ensure you don't break the bank or look anything less than fab in fringe, follow these seven tips.

1. Wear fringe-light accessories

There's no better way to test drive a trend and get the most use out of it by wearing it with multiple outfits you already have in your closet than by incorporating one fringed hobo bag, scarf or pair of boots into your wardrobe at a time, Anderson said. Just make sure the rest of your look is clean and simple (Macy's, $69).

"Fringe itself is enough of a statement," Anderson said. "Unless you are western or boho-chic to the core and this look is your wheel house, pair your fringe with clean, simple styles, which will allow for the trend to speak for itself."

2. Consider a fringe kimono

Want to be the ultimate in chic this summer? Kill two amazing fashion birds with one stone by adding a fringe kimono to help you ease into this style. "A fringe kimono or cardi is the perfect way to transition into this trend because it is easy to pair with styles in your closet," Anderson said. "You can pair a fringe kimono with a dress, denim, shorts and more!" (Victoria's Secret, $80).

More: 6 Ways to wear turquoise jewelry without looking dated

3. Flirt with a fringe hemline

"Skirts can be the perfect introduction to fringe — fringe hemlines are flirty and fun," Anderson said. "The best part: Toss on a cool tee or button-down shirt and your outfit is complete." If you aren't confident you can pull off a fringe mini, no worries: The midi skirt, which hits just below the knee, is hot right now — and super forgiving (Pink Mascara, $44).

4. Get your feet wet

On the heels of our accessory tip (OK, I'll stop), sexy fringe heels in a knockout color like yellow or fuchsia are an unexpected and super-cool way to make a statement — one that isn't: I'm trying to look like I rocked out at the original Woodstock. Wear these heels with a simple LBD and no one will ask you to go running through a muddy field any time soon (Macy's, $129).

More: You can wear this one shirt 24 ways — no joke, folks

5. Focus on one fringe piece at a time

If you layer a fringe jacket over a fringe blouse over a fringe skirt, you're going overboard with the bold statement design and not allowing each piece to get the attention it deserves. "If you wear two or more fringe pieces, the focal point will be confusing and so will the rest of your outfit," said Style and Savings Expert Nayri Leanna Gregor at Sointheknow.com. Gregor suggests pairing larger statement pieces like a fringe jacket or dress with nude or solid colors to tone it down and keep it classy (Shopbop.com, $225).

6. Bring it to the beach

Still think fringe is strictly an autumnal trend that works best on a suede jacket? Not when it looks this insanely hot on a simple black bikini. "You will definitely not look like a hippie in this," said Personal Stylist Megan Brandle of Best Kept Self. A bit 'o fringe along a bikini bottom is equal parts hip and sassy (Shopbop.com, $73).

7. Jazz things up with fringe jewelry

Picture this: a black tailored suit, cream blouse, pumps and this stunning gold fringe necklace. It's the one piece — the only piece — you'll need to catapult your entire look from safe to sensational (bcbg.com, $98).

Courtesy: Panache/Instagram

Amongst the new faces of Panache is sports therapist Amy Hughes, who ran 53 marathons in 53 cities in 53 consecutive days last year (breaking the world record and raising a huge amount for charity in the progress). Joining her is Rachel Elliott, a senior nurse and volunteer in an Ebola treatment centre in Sierra Leone, and singer and TV presenter Mica Paris, who is also a patron of the "No Means No" campaign against the abuse of women.

More: 53 marathons in 53 days: One girl's incredible running challenge

Then there's Martyna Kaczmarek, who launched the "Day In The Life" charity, which hosts blood drives in Polish schools and sports stadiums. The campaign also features Hannah Cockcroft from the Great Britain Paralympic development team, and successful model Marquita Pring.

Yes, Pring is a "real" model — insofar as she has walked the catwalk for Jean Paul Gaultier, fronted a Levi's campaign and graced the pages of Italian Vogue — but she also co-founded ALDA, the positive body image group representing beauty in all its forms and mentoring young girls to be confident in their bodies, and is a passionate advocate of "beauty beyond size".

Video credit: PanacheLingerie/YouTube

"Each of these extraordinary women was chosen for their individual strengths, achievements and contributions to society as well as their healthy approach to body image," said Panache. "We want to celebrate both the beauty of women's bodies as well as the wonder of their success, championing the next generation of female role models and hoping to inspire others."

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Stretch marks, which appear first as red marks and then gradually fade to pesky white or silvery little lines, are usually caused by the skin stretching during pregnancy — especially during the third trimester.

"If you get them, no big deal!" said Gina Mari, Beverly Hills aesthetician and the founder of Gina Mari Skincare. "There are safe and effective treatments that can be done once nursing is completed." Before you consider laser procedures or retinoic topicals for stretch marks, we spoke with five experts about five of the best ways to prevent stretch marks in the first place. Here's what they had to say:

1. Maintain a healthy diet

The number one tip — one experts agreed with across the board — was that the best way to prevent stretch marks is to eat a variety of healthy fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and good fats. "Maintain a skin-nourishing diet during and after pregnancy," said Chicago-based skin care expert Dr. Mary Szatkowski-Pritikin. "The omega-3s found in fish, nuts, and flaxseed help skin recover and renew from the stress."

More: Miranda Kerr's big secret to avoiding stretch marks

2. Drink a lot of water

The bottom line is that stretch marks are hereditary and there is no real scientific proof that any of these methods work. But drinking a lot of water during pregnancy is one tip that is crucial for health, as well as beauty. And if Dr. Michelle Henry, a dermatologist with Sadick Dermatology, says there's a possibility it could help with stretch marks, we're game: "Hydration makes the skin more pliable and less prone to stretch marks during pregnancy."

3. Exercise

Yeah, yeah, we all know we have to exercise while pregnant in order to keep everything as toned as possible — only that isn't the sole reason why moving our bodies can prevent stretch marks. "Some causes of stretch marks are actually hormonal," said Rodrigo Diaz, a biochemist at GOA Skincare. "The Glucocorticoid hormone prevents the skin's fibroblasts to produce collagen fast enough and expand therefore causing scarring. To offset this hormone, a good exercise regimen can prove to decrease the amount released. Water aerobics would do just fine."

4. Moisturize with coconut oil

Mari admits there are no studies that suggest creams or oils can actually prevent stretch marks, but it is still important to exfoliate dead skin cells and add moisture to the skin. "Not only will it result in a healthy glow, it will also help with itchiness due to the stretching of the skin," Mari said. "Coconut oil contains a high amount of Vitamin E and it is 100 percent pregnancy safe — be sure to use amounts normally found in your diet, as excessive amounts are not proven safe."

More: How to hide stretch marks and cellulite

5. Don't literally eat for two

I'm sorry — experts agree there's no magic bullet when trying to avoid stretch marks. One of the best things you can do is maintain control over your diet so that your weight doesn't rapidly fluctuate. "The best way to fight stretch marks during pregnancy is to be healthy. You should be your healthiest self during pregnancy," said dermatologist Jill Waibel of Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute. "

Gain the appropriate amount of weight your OB suggests and understand that the phrase, 'eating for two' doesn’t exactly hold up. Your baby requires nutrients from food as he or she grows, but don't overdo it. You shouldn't 'eat' for two literally, but you should definitely 'think' for two, and understand your limits, your body, and be committed to a healthy lifestyle."

Reports are surfacing that women are being denied entry to various Cannes events for wearing flat heels. During a premiere for a screening of Carol this past Sunday, some women who were wearing flats claim they were denied entry based on their footwear.

Others noticed this occurring at other Cannes events.

In fact, director of the Amy Winehouse documentary Amy, Asif Kapadia, substantiated these claims, confirming on Twitter that his wife was turned away.

More: Are your high heels hurting your health?

The famed film festival does have a dress code — including requiring tuxedos or formal dress for Gala screenings — however, there is no official wording on footwear. There are plenty of high end and glamorous options for flat footwear, and remarkably enough, only a few years ago flat sandals were the trend, so it seems absolutely ridiculous for Cannes to be turning women away for wearing flats. It should also be noted that some of the women who were wearing flats did so for health or medical reasons, but apparently Cannes organizers — sadly — believe in the oft-repeated saying "beauty is pain."

While no statement from Cannes has been released so far about these allegations, social media has been very vocal about the situation. Tweets continue to pour in sharing stories of being kicked off the red carpet for footwear options and people are rightfully outraged. While it's all well and good to have high standards and a dress code, enforcing high heels as the exclusive footwear is a bit much.

More: 10 Fun flats for moms on the go

It should be noted that beyond "tuxedo," men attending the film festival have very little pressure to adhere to any high fashion expectations. Yet women, who usually spend hours prepping for such events, are held to much higher scrutiny and critique. Yet, sexism in Hollywood in particular is not something new. Actress Emily Blunt addressed both the larger issue as well as the shoe debacle during a Cannes panel.

The actress was answering questions while promoting her film Sicario when she was informed about the flat heel controversy. Blunt responded:

I think everyone should wear flats, to be honest. We shouldn’t wear high heels anymore. That’s just my point of view. I prefer to wear Converse sneakers. That’s very disappointing.

Blunt's director in Sicario, Denis Villeneuve, jumped in and stated that "as a sign of protest," he will walk the red carpet in heels alongside Blunt's co-stars, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin. While this provided some chuckles for the audience, the actual banning of flat heels at Cannes is truly no laughing matter.

I'll admit that I was a little suspicious of the trend, until a friend of mine diffused lavender oil in her home. I was immediately hooked on the chill vibe of the scent, and the experience got me wondering if essential oils are more than just hype. Since I struggle with oily and acne-prone skin, I was particularly interested in oil-junkie claims that essential oils can clear up even stubborn acne.

As it turns out, those pop-culture claims actually have some merit. "For those who have acne, putting oil directly on the skin can be a daunting thought," says dermatologist Dr. David Bank of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. "It might seem unlikely, but there are natural oils that are beneficial for those with acne."

More: How to wash your face without a drop of water (and why)

If you're curious to try the essential oil trend on your acne-prone skin, Bank suggests adding one of the following oils to your regimen.

1. Tea tree oil

According to Bank, tea tree oil has disinfecting and soothing qualities that can aid in the battle against acne. "It yields results with less itching, scaling or irritation on the skin," he explains. You can use the oil sparingly as a spot treatment on red and inflamed patches of skin without fear of drying.

2. Extra virgin olive oil

Seriously? Yes, you can rub extra virgin olive oil directly on acne-prone areas of your skin to reduce acne and minimize scarring. "For optimal results, it is best to use high-quality, pure olive oil, which has the greatest amount of polyphenol," Bank says. "Polyphenol is the key ingredient to extra virgin olive oil's curing powers."

More: 5 Ways to combat the effects of stress on your face

3. Lavender oil

"Lavender oil is a must-have in your acne treatment regimen," Bank says. The delicious-smelling oil of the lavender flower contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which speed up cell turnover and reduce the number and severity of breakouts. He cautions that you should dilute lavender oil to limit irritation if you have sensitive skin.

4. Rosemary oil

If your main complaint is oily skin rather than patches of acne, rosemary oil might be the perfect treatment for you. According to Bank, you can massage the oil directly on your skin to promote a radiant skin tone. "It doesn't fade spots but can help promote a toned complexion overall," he says.

After chatting with Dr. Bank, I decided to try out tea tree oil on a stubborn spot of inflamed skin, and I was very pleased with the results. Just as Bank promised, the oil reduced inflammation without drying. Have you ever had luck with essential oils on your acne-prone skin?