Every woman can rock red lips, it's just a matter of choosing the right shade. Pynn shows us the foolproof (and crazy-easy) way to find a shade that is guaranteed to flatter any woman who is bold enough to give the red pout a go. Go forth and conquer.
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Zinc oxide has been used as a form of sun protection for thousands of years but only started appearing in color form in the early 1980s thanks to a brand called Zinka. Surfers in Australia actually started using it as face paint, because naturally you want to look cool while you're catching some waves. It made its first onscreen appearance in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, when surfer dude Spicoli (played by a young Sean Penn) wore it in a dream sequence. After that, its popularity skyrocketed, especially because neon colors went perfectly with '80s fashion.
More: 80 Percent of sunscreens aren't doing what they are supposed to do
Like most funky, retro looks from a simpler time, Zinka has been making a comeback in a serious way. There's an Instagram hashtag dedicated to wearers of it, which has more than 6,000 posts, and it's in the media again because Colin Firth's wife, Livia, posted a picture of herself decked out in pink and orange zebra stripes on the beach.
Livia Zinka
Colors aside, it's a particularly effective form of sunblock that does a heck of a lot more than keep harmful UVA and UVB rays at bay. Where most sunblocks absorb these harmful rays, zinc oxide actually works like a sun reflector, because it sits on top of your skin like a cream shield. As such, it offers some of the strongest broad spectrum sun protection you can buy and even works to combat age lines caused by sun exposure.
More: 6 Natural and organic sunscreen reviews to reveal what's worth your money
It also sticks around on your skin much longer than average, non-zinc-oxide-based sunscreens. As long as you don't rub it or sweat it off, you're good to go. It's great to see a trend that's good for your skin resurfacing, especially in the wake of the most ridiculous (and dangerous) tanning trend, sunburn art.
Zinka sunscreen
If you like the idea of skin art but not the subsequent skin damage that can come from a burn, this body paint sunblock will be right up your alley. You can create awesome designs on your body and face, all the while protecting your body from harmful UV rays. It's also a great way to get your kids into the habit of putting on sunblock.
I used to hate having my mom put it on my face when I was little, but if she had presented me with multicolored Zinka, I think I would've been much more inclined to wear it. If your kids are still dubious about putting it on themselves, you can encourage them by letting them paint you first (as long as you don't mind sporting crazy, colorful designs).
Suddenly, putting on sun protection becomes a fun, cool activity that you can do as a family. It also makes your beach vacation pictures much more interesting.
Zinka
Zinka 2
You can buy Zinka on Amazon, J.Crew, Swim Outlet and Sunplay.
Seventeen-year-old Sylva Stoel took to Twitter last Friday to call out the department store after she was sent home for wearing a pair of red linen shorts that were "too revealing." The clincher? Stoel purchased said shorts from J.C. Penney — in the career section, no less.
However, just because there are shorts in the career section doesn't mean you get to override your company's dress code policy. According to an email exchange between Business Insider and a J.C. Penney spokesperson, "JCPenney's dress code policy for store associates prohibits the wearing of shorts of any length. This policy applies to both male and female associates." And to be fair, I can understand why the company's dress code may prohibit shorts in general.
I have had my fair share of retail employment, and when you are working on the floor, you tend to bend over to pick things up, fold clothes on the display table, etc. The last thing you want to be wearing is a pair of shorts or a riding-up skirt that could potentially reveal your cheeks in the process.
Regardless, what we have here is a situation of both blatant irony and some false advertising. If J.C. Penney chose to sell these shorts, deeming them appropriate enough to be classified career appropriate, why send home employees who chose to wear them?
More: Teen blasts school's discriminatory dress code with scathing brilliance
"I bought these shorts thinking they were professional," Stoel told Today. "They didn't show anything other than my legs, which I don't think is too provocative."
Sylva Stole
The fact that J.C. Penney sells the shorts in its career section sends a mixed message to employees, but Stoel was not sent home because she was dressed provocatively. She was sent home because she broke the dress code.
Writer Janet Street-Porter makes some good points in her anti-bikini rant for the Daily Mail. She says:
The bikini is thoroughly evil, as the most efficient (and cruel) way of separating the women from the girls. It's the fashion industry's way of making mature women feel rubbish. It's underwear to swim in with zero support, and there's nowhere to hide.
It's a total mystery to me why grown women think that putting all their bits on display and hoisting up their breasts like a pair of half-set jellies on a plate makes them seem alluring, sexy or seductive. Why on earth would I want to turn the clock back to my teenage years, to pretend that 50 years of eating and drinking haven't taken their toll on my torso?
Look, we all know those women who would rather wear a one-piece as soon as they hit adulthood. That's fine. But we all also know women who look downright spectacular until well past their 40th birthday. We also know women who don't care about the perfect "bikini body," who instead are in pursuit of body comfort, and they feel best in a two-piece. In short: It is not up to this writer — or anyone else — what bathing suit the rest of us should choose to wear.
More: 7 Great reasons to hate strapless bras
As a mom, I am not comfortable with the idea of my daughter in a bikini until she has breasts that fill the top. It just seems gratuitous for a child to wear a bra-like top before she has developed. Which means that once my daughter is allowed to wear one, she will have only about five years until she has to switch to a one-piece. Why is that some stranger's call?
Contrary to popular belief, we do not dress ourselves for others' eyes. We dress for ourselves. So if I want to wear a two-piece and show off all the work I did at the gym, then I will. And if I want to wear a one-piece and hide my "flaws," I will do that too. We all are struggling to be comfortable on the beach or at the pool. So let's stop all the infighting, shall we?
More: Everything you need to know about seamless vs. seamed bras
Wear the bathing suits that suit you, ladies. End of discussion.
History's leading ladies have gone to great lengths to look youthful for pretty much forever. Using natural treatments, many of them actually succeeded.
Thankfully the struggle isn't so great for us. Learning from their anti-aging experiments, we've been able to use what they knew to look fab for years with much more ease. Watch the video to see what these women from history did to stay looking fresh — and how much more easily you can accomplish that today.
This post is sponsored by Burt's Bees.
7 Things you do every day to cause eye wrinkles
9 Skin treatments you can do now to avoid wrinkles later
The bare-minimum anti-aging routine for any woman
We have 10 tips for getting a radiant look. Incorporate them into your daily routine to get the biggest benefits. You'll be glowing from head to toe!
It is definitely easier to get healthy, shiny-looking hair if your hair is healthy and shiny. You should get your hair trimmed regularly to remove damaged areas. Avoid heat styling, or at least use a heat protectant and turn the temperature down on your flat iron to below 400 degrees F. Finally, swap out your regular conditioner for a hair mask at least once a week for a deeper penetrating treatment. Your hair will be healthier and shinier in no time!
Even if your hair is already really healthy, there's something about shiny hair that just screams health and vitality. Adding shine to your hair is a bit tricky; you want to hit the sweet spot of shine. Too little shine and you'll wonder why you bothered. Too much shine and your hair looks greasy. I like to use a shine spray rather than a serum. A light spray over all of my hair at the end of styling will help smooth any frizz and add just the right amount of shine.
Even if you're washing your face twice a day, you need to be lightly exfoliating your face as well. The goal is to lightly remove dead skin cells, encouraging your skin to renew itself. You can use a light at-home chemical peel or a gentle scrub, but scrubbing your face with a rough washcloth will also get the job done. The goal of exfoliation is skin that feels smoother and clean, not red and irritated. Exfoliate your face once or twice a week to get a smoother, more even complexion.
While exfoliating can help reduce unevenness in your skin tone, chances are that you also have a few areas of darker pigmentation. These areas age your face, and tackling them as soon as they appear increases your ability to remove them. Reach for a serum each night to treat these spots that contains vitamin C or hydroquinone. You should also prevent their appearance by slathering on the sunscreen every morning.
It's hard to look radiant when your skin is parched! Use a super-hydrating moisturizer to add much-needed moisture to your skin and you'll also plump up the outer layers of your skin, making fine lines and wrinkles less obvious. Look for products with hyaluronic acid, a water-loving ingredient that won't feel heavy on your face.
Even if your skin is shiny, you can add a little shimmer to your makeup without looking greasy. Use just enough highlighter to catch the light and emphasize your features. I like to use a cream product and apply it with my fingertips as the last step of my makeup. Apply to areas that the light naturally hits like your brow bone, the center of your forehead, down the center of your nose, your cupid's bow, your chin and along your cheekbone. If you're fair you should be reaching for a white or pale-pink shimmer product; medium tones can use a Champagne or light-pink highlighter and those with darker complexions or olive skin tones will do great with gold-toned highlighting products.
After you've spent so much time on your hair and face, it is easy to get sidetracked and forget about the most important part of looking radiant, your smile! I like to use Truly Radiant™ Rejuvenating Toothpaste, which goes below the surface to strengthen, clean and repair tooth enamel for a radiant smile in just 5 days!* Just swapping out my toothpaste is much easier than dealing with trays and strips, and the end result is a great smile!
While you're exfoliating your face, you shouldn't forget about your body. Your body can tolerate more exfoliation than your face, and you should be exfoliating it! You can use a sugar or sea salt scrub, many of which come with amazing scents and will make your morning shower anything but routine. My favorite way to exfoliate my body is to use a pair of bath mitts, which gently exfoliate my skin while I'm washing.
Even if you've embraced your pale like I have, a little sun-kissed glow can look amazing! Rather than baking in the sun to get that glow, I like to avoid damaging my skin and use a sunless tanner. I apply at night before bed, opting for a foam product and application mitt to avoid streaks. Once my skin is dry, which only takes a few minutes, I can put on my pajamas and crawl into bed. The light glow will be fully developed when I get out of bed eight hours later!
Not everyone is a fan of brightly colored manicures and pedicures. While you could opt for a clear top coat, there's a chip-free option that will still look glossy and lasts for weeks! Reach for a buffer and buffing cream; you can buff your way to nails that pull together your whole look but are very low-maintenance. You'll need to touch up the buffing once a week or so to shine up your nails and buff new nail growth.
Disclosure: This post is part of a collaboration between ARM & HAMMER™ Truly Radiant™ and SheKnows
The video is below:
Men trying on bras buzzfeed video
Funny, right? But also scarily accurate. Bras do dig into our shoulders and make us hotter and generally feel very uncomfortable. The men in this video conclude that bras are horrible and they feel for us ladies who wear them. "I get why women burned them," one man says. Eloquent. Certainly accurate and needed commentary. On the other hand, bras, for some of us, are simply not optional. And when we start to talk about feminist choices and burning the bras and how awful they are, you leave out women who need them. Women like me.
More: Short shorts can cause very icky (and painful) health problems
I am all for bra burning. In theory. Because let's face it, certain women (myself included) simply can't get away with no bra. And while I wish I could and there are so many cute backless dresses and skinny strap tanks I will never wear, I know my DDs will always need to be in a bra. And it's not just because people notice when I go braless (though they would. Immediately). It is also because it's simply uncomfortable to skip a bra. Oh yes. It's worse than wearing one at all.
OK, so I hate underwire. But when I go braless, my breasts bounce so much, my nipples scrape against the fabric of my shirt. Can we say ouch? Additionally, gravity doesn't feel good a whole day in. I breathe better with my bra on and something else taking on some of the weight. And while bras are hot, I am much hotter when I don't wear one. Can we say boob sweat?
More: Skinny jeans land woman in the hospital for four days
So, sorry, I won't be burning my bra any time soon. These men got a glimpse of the bra life. But not a very good one of the boob life. Because as a marathon runner with DD breasts, I couldn't do half of what I love were it not for the invention of the bra.
All hail the miracle sports bra. I will never burn it.
She's calling it Melissa McCarthy Seven7, and claims it will be "everything a woman needs." And when she says "woman," she means every woman. It's not exclusively a plus-size line, but will include sizing from a size 4 to a size 28. McCarthy's all about designing clothes that are fabulous, but also serve a function, and fit most everyone.
For example, she loves pockets and the purpose they serve, so every outfit has pockets. She told Vogue, “I want pockets in my dresses. I put pockets in everything! I want pockets inside my pockets.” I feel you, girl. I get particularly angry when pants have fake pockets. I'm even intent on having pockets sewn into my wedding dress.
Image: Ben Watts
It might surprise you that McCarthy had plans to be a designer long before she jumped headfirst onto the comedy wagon. She was fashion obsessed from a very young age, clipping out design ideas and patterns from magazines and making scrap books with them. She even went to college for it, with every intention of following the path toward designing. “I went into clothing and textiles in college and moved here with [shoe designer] Brian Atwood. I was going to finish at FIT and he made me do stand-up on the second night.” Now I'm sure Brian Atwood didn't force her to do comedy and TV shows, and eventually movies, but you can see where the split might've happened.
More: 7 Ways Spy frees Melissa McCarthy from her usual stereotype
She never stopped loving clothes and fashion though. You might think that when she started making red carpet appearances in awesome designer clothes she'd be in heaven, but actually it was quite the contrary. It irked her how high fashion didn't feel plus-size friendly, but rather forced and uncomfortable. A big part of the mission of her clothing line is to change that.
Image: Ben Watts
Stylists Judy Swartz and Magda Berliner are working with McCarthy on her line. They also helped incorporate some of the signature looks into McCarthy's own recent red carpet appearances. Judy Swartz is acting as McCarthy's creative director. You might remember her name because she was the fashion mogul behind the Olsen twins' very first fashion line.
McCarthy's line was designed to show women of all sizes that they don't have to hide behind slimming blacks, but instead should embrace bold colors and adventurous prints. “I want you to wear it how you want to,” says the actress who's famous for wearing things backwards, upside-down and inside out. Basically, she wants you to feel free to experiment with all pieces of her line, and find new and exciting ways to wear them. Just remember, if you put both feet through a long-sleeved shirt, you probably won't be able to walk too far.
The line will appear in Nordstrom, Macy’s, Belk, Bloomingdale's, Von Maur, Lane Bryant, Penningtons Canada, Evans UK, MelissaMcCarthy.com, as well as several other outlets on Sept. 1. If that feels like a world away, you can check out McCarthy and get a closer look at her line on HSN on Aug. 13.
More: Melissa McCarthy digs into the shame women feel when plus-size shopping
Most women like to prepare for a big night out in the comfort and privacy of their home or local beauty salon, only unveiling the final product to the world at large. But our Scouse sisters appear to be roaming the streets with — how scandalous — their hair in curlers.
According to MailOnline, the so-called "glamour capital of the U.K." — the average Liverpool lass spends three times more on beauty and grooming than women in other parts of the country — is being taken over by young glamourpusses unashamedly rocking rollers and hair nets.
More: Sand art hair trend is the coolest thing you'll see this summer
If you're tempted to step outdoors with your hair in curlers these fabulous Instagram pics might inspire you to go for it.
Instagram hair in rollers 13
Courtesy: janetlouisemeyer/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 12
Courtesy: sunandmoonchild13/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 2
Courtesy: i.n.s.t.a.s.t.y.l.e/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 3
Courtesy: alyssagandolfo/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 5
Courtesy: blondecreature/Instagram
More: What to know about platinum blonde before you can nail this look
Instagram hair in rollers 6
Courtesy: kimberli_cakes/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 4
Courtesy: artdefemmes/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 7
Courtesy: shannonroscher/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 8
Courtesy: intellectualangel/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 9
Courtesy: radhika_bhalla/Instagram
More: An open letter to the dry shampoo that changed my life
Instagram hair in rollers 10
Courtesy: jess_mederos/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 1
Courtesy: jwhurter/Instagram
Instagram hair in rollers 11
Courtesy: judithmariabradley/Instagram
With the hot and sticky summer temperatures lingering, who really wants to do that awkward little dance we all secretly do to get into our jeans anyway? You can still get across the same hip All-American vibe by wearing this fabric in pieces other than jeans.
The overalls trend will never be over in my book. Denim overalls are an awesome way to channel your inner 5-year-old for the day, and what’s not to love about that? Throw on a bathing suit underneath at the beach or wear them with a patterned T-shirt and sneakers for a casual outfit. Most popular stores in the mall are flooded with overalls this summer, so it should be a breeze to find a style that suits your personal fashion sense.
Shop this trend: Check out this long pair from ASOS ($81) or this short pair from American Eagle ($40).
If you don’t have a romper or jumpsuit in your closet by now, I’m afraid you’re doing summer wrong. They give off the same vibe as a sundress but provide a special added bonus: You never have to worry about pulling a Marilyn Monroe as you walk over subway grates. Denim rompers are somewhat similar to overalls except that they can be styled in a more dressy way by adding fun accessories and gladiator sandals.
Shop this trend: Take a look at this belted chambray number from Forever 21 ($33) or this wide-leg jumpsuit from ASOS ($81).
More: 4 Celeb-inspired chic denim outfits
Button-down shirts are the perfect way to add a polished and put-together touch to your summer wardrobe. When left open and unbuttoned, they’re an unexpected extra dimension to complete any outfit. Throw one of these on to spice up a plain skirt and shirt combo, or button it up and wear it with white jeans and statement-making accessories. The key with this trend is to go for chambray — a denim look-alike that’s a whole lot breezier and lightweight for those steamy summer afternoons.
Shop this trend: Try this long-sleeved chambray shirt from J.Crew ($78) or this short-sleeved option from Forever 21 ($20).
A classic option that will never go out of style, denim shorts are a worthy investment. Wear your high-waisted pair with a loose crop top and sneakers for a day spent exploring a new town on vacation this summer.
Shop this trend: Go for these high-rise shorts from American Eagle ($30) or these cutoff denim shorts from Nordstrom ($35).
Kill two birds (or should I say “trends”) with one stone by trying out a denim crop top while the temperatures are still hot. Wear this option with a white skater skirt or fun patterned shorts at a barbecue or casual dinner date. Add a swipe of bright coral lipstick to accent the blue hues of the denim, and you’re golden.
Shop this trend: Check out this simple option from American Apparel ($42) or this zip-back crop from Nordstrom ($45).
More: 16 Casual denim looks you’ll want to wear all summer long
Jean skirts probably cue up flashbacks to the days of wearing Abercrombie jean skirts to awkward middle school dances. But before you dismiss this trend, think again because denim skirts are back with a more fashionable bang. Whether you go for a dark wash midi skirt or a loose-fitting skater skirt, these look best when paired with a simple tank top and block heel sandals.
Shop this trend: Try this button-up miniskirt from Zara ($50) or this more loose-fitting one from American Apparel ($58).
Most denim dresses this season are loose and comfy, making them the perfect outfit candidate for hot summer days. The styles range from long-sleeved to sleeveless, making it easy to find one that suits your personal taste. Denim dresses look super chic when worn with a floppy felt hat and matching strappy sandals, but the styling options are endless if you get creative.
Shop this trend: Check out this long-sleeved button-down dress from Levi’s ($98) or this swing dress from Nordstrom ($60).
Last but definitely not least is the more summer-friendly adaptation of a jean jacket — the versatile jean vest. Want to add a little edge to that flowy floral dress? Throw on a denim vest and you’re good to go. Vests give off the same classically cool vibe as a denim jacket without the pools of sweat. You’re welcome.
Shop this trend: Look for something like this light wash vest from Macy’s ($40) or this slightly cheaper one from Target ($30).
There are some debates of such great importance they have the power to divide the nation. This is one of them: Do you take the plastic backs off earrings or keep them on?
On Monday, 19-year-old Chelsea Smith tweeted an innocuous-sounding revelation: "After my nineteen years of living i have now realized that you are supposed to take the plastic part off."
Smith was referring to that flat, circular plastic piece often found attached to the backs of earrings, which hug the ear when worn. In a photo posted on Twitter, she showed how she removed the plastic piece.
Chelsea Smith tweet
But the teen could have never predicted the insane response to what seemed to have been an offhand tweet: 43K retweets as of Tuesday morning, and news coverage everywhere, from Today.com to PopSugar to BuzzFeed.
Alas, no one seems to agree whether or not Smith's style tip is bad advice or common knowledge. For example, Twitter user Jo Anne Smoot says, "helps distribute weight on heavy earrings and makes it more comfortable."
JoAnne Smoot tweet
User eaglearmcandy implored others "to keep it on to stabilize the earring" so it doesn't accidentally fall out of larger holes. (For those of you without pierced ears, with lots of wear, the holes enlarge slightly over time and therefore hold the earrings less snugly.)
Earring tweet
User selenasbuteraa spoke for the my-mind-is-blown contingent with her incredulous tweet, "I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WTF":
Selena tweet about earrings
Ultimately we like the point made by Twitter user Paul Michael Bierker, that the plastic bit guards those with sensitive skin from an allergic reaction on their ears:
Paul Michel earrings tweet
Of course, no one will see the plastic backs of your earrings anyway, so the debate seems pretty moot. Still, let us know in the comments where you stand on this debate: Take the plastic backs off earrings, or keep them on?
If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin -- and you definitely don't want to do that.
At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it's peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.
More: DIY sunburn-soothing face and body mask
Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburn or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contains aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to the peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.
Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it's time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged -- like after a sunburn -- water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink eight to 10 glasses of water per day.
More: 80 Percent of sunscreens aren't doing what they are supposed to
Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive. It can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don't pull on it - no matter how temping it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don't tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.
Reduce the itch associated with peeling (and moisturize your skin) by taking a cool bath containing colloidal oatmeal. You can find this fine oatmeal in most pharmacies. To help prevent scarring, promote healing and reduce long-term skin damage, take antioxidant supplements -- vitamin C and vitamin E. Also apply a topical vitamin E cream to reduce the chances of scarring as well.
Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don't get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, that means that the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to re-apply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen don't forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned.
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If you aren’t familiar, there was a blurb in O, The Oprah Magazine, that said that only women with flat stomachs should wear crop tops. The web went wild and with due reason. It’s 2015, have magazines not learned anything? The fashion “rules” like this have long been buried and women of all shapes, sizes and ages are doing and wearing what they want. My colleagues stampeded to their laptops and furiously rebutted the magazine’s statement. "Anyone can wear a crop top. We’ll show you!"
It isn’t that I disagree with women wearing crop tops. I firmly believe that one should wear what one wants. Plus-size women and all women should be able to show whatever body parts they want to. I am all for a body positive revolution, but there are just certain things that aren’t for me. It’s almost like being a member of an organized religion; there are just certain doctrines that aren’t my vibe. That said, I whole-heartedly support those who choose to wear crop tops.
More: Why I won't teach my kids the word 'fat'
And as a confident representative for curvy women everywhere, shouldn’t I be first in line to champion a trend like crop tops and loving your body and wearing what you want? I am! But when it comes to pushing the envelope with trends that I’ve long avoided, I am slow to change. This struggle proved real as my counterparts posted picture after picture baring their belly skin. I dug through my archives and found one. Victory! No skin shows, but I am wearing a crop top in it. I posted the picture on my Instagram in solidarity with my Rubenesque sisters.
Then, in an exercise in what I thought was extreme confidence, I took a chance on a crop top and let me tell you, standing up… I looked amazing. I loved the look I had put together and felt fab, but this was before an hour-long drive to my event where my crop top had rolled up to my underwire exposing my entire belly to every car on the highway. This was not comfortable or empowering; it was incredibly uncomfortable and made me pray that the event I was heading to was standing room only. I felt worried and was unhappy with my choice.
Once I got to the event, it was standing room only and I walked confidently without tugging on my crop too much. I was wearing a crop top, in public, and I was OK! Memories of rules from growing up flooded my mind, but I carried on and held my head high. I chose this outfit and I am proud of my choice. It was a true challenge for me and I am glad I did it.
More: Big boobs in summer — the struggle is real
But what I learned from my little experiment is that when my curvy counterparts are excessively praising a trend, I don’t have to jump on the bandwagon. I have the choice to not #rockthecrop. Crop tops aren’t for me and that doesn’t make me a body shamer or even dull my confidence; it may just mean I am over 30 and OK with covering up my stretch marks and belly fat. I don’t have to feel empowered by the same things that make other tastemakers in my world empowered. I get to be comfortable in my own skin, and that doesn't have to mean literally showing my skin.
Has there ever been a trend you’ve been shy to embrace? How did you handle it?
The pants I chose to style were the Cool Gal Blue Jegging in the Darling I Know blogger collection. They come in sizes 14 to 32. You can shop these looks at this one easy link http://bit.ly/jesslook3ways.
If I'm in a hurry to run out the door, I just add my favorite floral babydoll cami and strappy gladiator sandals! I'm wearing the top in size 24/26, pants in size 26 and shoes in 11W.
Skorch Inspired Red And Black Floral Print Top (Cool Gal Blue, $36)
Darling I Know Light Blue Denim Jeggings (Cool Gal Blue, $37)
I'm all about being comfortable, even if I'm dressing up a bit. A peplum top instantly makes this look more polished. Here I'm wearing the top in size 24/26, pants in size 24 and the shoes are 11W by Christian Siriano for Payless.
Darling I Know Black and White Polka Dot Peplum Top (Cool Gal Blue, $31)
Darling I Know Light Blue Denim Jeggings (Cool Gal Blue, $37)
Date night always means I want to feel like my sassiest self. I would add some accessories, a cool "over thing" and a bright color to make these pants work for a night out with my hubby. I was definitely feeling my strut! I'm wearing the trench cardi in size 16/18, the top in size 30/32, the pants in size 24 and the shoes are size 11W by Comfortview for Payless Shoes.
Jessica Kane Lime Sleeveless Blouse (Cool Gal Blue, $15.50)
Jessica Kane Sheer Trench Cardigan (Sizes 12 to 22) (Cool Gal Blue, $49)
AITNB Leopard Print Box Clutch (Cool Gal Blue, $34.50)
Maxi Moment Precious Stone & Metal Bar Layer Necklace (Cool Gal Blue, $20)
Curveella Crescent Layered Drop Multi Link Snake Chain (Cool Gal Blue, $13.50)
Wearing trends can be difficult when you're over a size 18 and I feel the struggle with you! If you would like to see more trends translated, come say hi on Instagram and Twitter.
First, you'll want to apply an eyeshadow primer to both eyelids gently with your fore and middle fingertips for a smooth application and strong hold throughout the day.
Next choose either a cream or powder blush based on your preference of color prominence.
If you’re only looking for a just a hint of color, dab an eyeshadow brush against a powder blush and apply gently to your eyelids. For those looking to go bold with a heavy color pop, use your fingertips to smooth over a cream blush. This will add severity to your lids and embellish your natural iris.
It is important to note that not all colors will do your eyes the justice they deserve. If you were born with a set of baby blues, brown and orange shades will make your eyes pop. My green-eyed gals, stick to pinks, purples and red shades while brown-eyed beauties should opt for blue tones and gold for ultimate enhancement.
I’m not overly adventurous myself, so I find that a matte pink shade will do the trick. It’s subtle, yet prominent. However, feel free to always experiment.
Tip: If bold actually isn’t better, and the look you thought you wanted totally backfired, tone down a blunt shade by applying a light brown shadow over the color blush coating to soften the severity. You’ll have magnified eyes without the jack-in-the-box effect.
Images: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows
There are many things that can go wrong with fake lashes. However, beauty expert Allison Pynn is here to save the day yet again. Watch this video to learn how to get fake lashes that will go on without a mess, stay put and look beautiful all day.
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India, who lives with her parents Sam Blanshard and Kimberley Cooke in West Kirby, Merseyside, is the star of an Instagram page set up by her mum, lifeofkimandindia.
The tot caught the attention of the national press after the Liverpool Echo ran a story on her social media success and now little India has kids' fashion labels keen for her to model their designs and over 16,000 Instagram followers checking out her daily outfits.
Which never disappoint by the way. India may only be 3 years old but she knows how to put an outfit together that wouldn't look out of place in the pages of a high-fashion magazine.
Kim, 24, told SheKnows that India decides what she wears "most of the time" although sometimes she has to be persuaded into something else if her first choice isn't weather appropriate.
"If she feels an outfit is 'boys' clothes' she won't wear it," said Kim of her headstrong daughter. "And if she has an outfit in mind she will refuse all other suggestions."
Despite her quirky personal style, India isn’t really different to most other 3-year-old girls. "She loves any Disney princess, her Frozen wellies and her pink tutu, and anything that's pink and sparkles," said Kim.
And, like all true fashion icons, her style is constantly evolving: "Whatever mood she's in that day, she dresses for it,” said Kim, who counts Zara, H&M and Doc Martens among India's favourite high street brands and relies on Instagram shops like BowsandBespoke, Dollymix_Boutique and LittleCherubsBoutique to create her signature looks.
Love India's look? Here are seven of her top style tips:
India Insta 6
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
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India Insta 5
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
India Insta 4
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
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India Insta 3
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
India Insta 2
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
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India Insta 1
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
India Insta 8
Courtesy: lifeofkimandindia/Instagram
Here are five more looks you can "do cleavage" in beautifully and flawlessly.
Evening gowns with a little oomph in the bust can be ultra-chic and sophisticated. "Certain evening gowns that show cleavage can be pulled off in an elegant way," says Elycia Rubin, the former style director of E! and author of Frumpy to Foxy in 15 Minutes Flat.
If you've got it, it's often hard not to flaunt it in a bikini or one-piece. So do it! You'll look and feel super sexy once you've picked out the one that "suits" you best. Just make sure you have some support so you don't have a wardrobe malfunction on the beach or at the pool, Rubin advises.
More: The best bikini tops for every kind of boob
V-neck and halter tops with a little "plunge" to show off your assets are super pretty and not at all questionable, especially with the right stuff underneath. "One of the keys is wearing a good bra," Rubin says — one that accentuates your cleavage perfectly.
Summer dresses are cute and flirty, and those that are a little revealing in the chest area are even more smokin'. What better time to show your girls than when it's hot outside? Meow!
A blouse can be a classy way to give your bust a boost, especially when you pair it with something that has flair, like a sexy-but-coy fitted skirt (maybe with a ruffle at the bottom or a slit up the side), a pair of tight boot-cut pants or even just some skinny jeans.
More: 8 Fashion pieces to help you look effortlessly chic this summer
The takeaway? Showing cleavage can be stylish, fun and even elegant. Whatever you wear to do it, wear it with confidence and own it. You're hot!
"It can be perfectly lovely to show a bit -- it can be feminine," Rubin says. It is feminine.
From the dress to the shoes to the flowers to your hair, much of what you pick and choose on your wedding day is part of what's in style. This fascinating Buzzfeed video captures all those styles from 1960 until today.
See below:
wedding hair
It's kind of amazing to look back and see the styles that peek out from our parent's wedding albums (1970's) and the ones that we did ourselves (2000's), but I definitely eschewed the trend and my hair looked more akin to the current style when I got married in 2003 than the one they showed. But I saw a lot of people in that 2002 look. There's no shame in that game!
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Like anything else, wedding trends come and go, but I wouldn't be ashamed to wear any of the looks on this video. The 1980's is the only look that looks truly dated.
Of course, my favorite is today. Flowers. Long, natural hair. Perfection.
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Which did you like best?
