Ra Ra skirts... All the rage in the UK

Apparently these skirts named "Ra Ra" skirts are all the rage in London/the UK. Basicly they are tiered, ruffled mini skirts. Take a gander..

I found the similar style which is being sold at Topshop on Forever 21. There's loads more to choose from (though these skirts aren't really my style to be honest).
$19.80

35 GBP (which is like $70)

Wearing All Black

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are known for their elegant and fashion forward styles that have really been growing on me. Mary Kate was seen wearing a classy all black ensemble consisting of a black v-neck tee, black skinny pants, handbag and louboutins.

Other blog inspirations for the all black look:
Ash1314 from "Rantings of a fashion addict"

"Unwise Pedestrian"

Would You Wear?: Knee High Sandals

While looking around on Topshop for London trends, I stumbled across these sandals (available in tan too). The "Fonda High Cuff Sandal" is made of leather, retailing for 50 GBP.

I just can't seem to get on board with this look.

What do you think: could this be the next hot trend in sandals?

Trends: Tall Gladiator Sandals

I've never been very daring when it comes to fashion. I tend to stick with what I know and change it up once in a while. Usually when a strange new trend comes out, it takes me a while, but eventually it grows on me - well, except harem pants which I still refuse to try.

But onto trends that grow on me...

When I first caught a glimpse of the knee high Balenciaga gladiators on Rihanna I couldn't help but be dissapointed in her/her stylist for choosing that.

Fastforward a few months and now I'm totally lusting over a similar version Mary Kate Olsen was spotted wearing some time back (note: people.com even voted this trend WORST a year ago in June 2007).

While the black ones do seem a bit too S&M for my liking, I do want pair that hits mid calf- and in brown to go with my cuff denim shorts. Here is a perfect example from Urban Outfitters($58).

And I found these on Topshop- "Frisky link chain sandal". They retail for about 45 GBP.

Look For Less: Heidi Klum

It's blazing hot outside, and summer is near. We're all ready to get out of our jeans and into the next best thing. This summer it's all about the gladiators and denim cuff shorts which can be seen everywhere: celebrities like Mary Kate, Kate Moss and Heidi Klum (pictured below) spring to mind when I see this look.

Very trendy, casual and sexy. .

Tragedy: Ruslana Korshunova Dies

A cover model for European Vogue has fallen to her death from her Manhattan apartment building in an apparent suicide.

The New York Post and Newsday said 20-year-old Ruslana Korshunova died about 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon in a fall from a building on Water Street, in Manhattan's Financial District. The newspapers cited unnamed officials and police.

It appeared Korshunova fell from the balcony of her ninth-floor apartment, police said.

Authorities were investigating the circumstances of the fall Saturday evening. It was unclear whether anyone else was in the apartment at the time of the fall, police said.

The British edition of Vogue hailed Korshunova as "a face to be excited about" in 2003.

The telephone rang unanswered at Korshunova's New York agency Saturday evening. A spokeswoman for medical examiners did not immediately return a telephone call.

SATC: Vintage Studded Belt For Less

It's pretty obvious this is THE belt of ALL studded belts right now- the vintage one Carrie Bradshaw wore several times thru out the Sex And The City Movie. Though many Ebay sellers are claiming otherwise, there aren't any other ones like this.
 But in case you're as bummed out as me about this, there's good news: soon you can own something close to the real deal thanks to Patricia Field, the Sex And The City stylist. Her boutique in New York is currently taking pre-orders for the replica belt, which is expected to be available in July (currently retailing for $120.) Patricia’s boutique is located at 302 Bowery above Houston Street in NYC.

Eyeshadow Tutorials For Brown Eyes

Get The Look: Mary Kate on Letterman

Seems the majority of people LOVED this look. I found a similar items for you in case your up for recreating the exact look. Better find another way to pay the rent this month- all though the dress/caftan is very reasonable! (I looked everywhere for a kaftan with the gold sequinces but had no luck.)

Christian Laboutin Decolette Leather Pumps - $575 (Net a porter)

Micheal Kors Studded Kaftan - $115 (Net a porter)

ASOS leather studded corset belt - 22 GBP (of course you wear it with the buckle in the back)

Ring

Jackie O round sunglasses

P.s.: What is this?? DO I see... a... SMILE?!! I gotta say: this is one of her best accessories yet.

Forever 21 Haul

I just ordered a bunch of basics from my favorite online shopping store: surprise surprise Forever 21. I swear by the end of next year more then half my wardrobe will consist of their stuff. O.o


I picked up a trench coat for my upcoming summer vacation to London as it gets chilly. The Black Safari jacket and black halter are items I will definitely be using when I get my part time job in a few months; I really HATE last minute shopping only to risk ending up with a bunch of fugly pieces bought for the sake of buying. It's funny how I procrastinate on other stuff, yet when it comes to shopping, I'm way ahead on schedule.

Haifa Wood Bangle Set-$7.80

Wire Crescent Earring (Gold)-$3.80

Full Length Leggings (Charcoal)-$9.80

Safari Trench Jacket-$29.80

Gathered Three Button Top (Aqua and purple)-$8.80

Stripe Halter Vest (Black)-$12.50

Sweetheart Charm Necklace-$7.80

Safari Belt Jacket (Black)-$24.80

Knit V Neck Top (Black and white)-$5.80

Wide Latch Belt (Black)-$9.80

Polkadot Ribbon Tunic (Black)-$15.80

Review: Chanel Stylo Yeux Eyeliner

CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF LONG-LASTING EYELINER

I absolutely love black eyeliner; in fact, I wish I could wear it everyday. What's stopping me? Well, by the end of the day I always look like Wednesday from the Adams family with the black liner halfway down my cheeks and underneath my eyes. Not the cutest look.

I pretty much accepted there was no solution to this and just went the more natural route. It wasn't until I was reading InStyle magazine the other day where I saw a little article about Ashley Simpson's favorite things.
Ashley swears by Chanel's waterproof eyeliner pencil, she claims it stays on even during shows where she dancing around stage for hours. I don't exactly do much stage dancing but by the end of a stressful day I still would like to see most of it (only) on my waterline.

This life saver will cost you about $28 though about 3 times the price of most, but hey, if it means not being mistaken for an Adams, I'm willing to shell it out. Plus you won't have to re apply anyway.

UPDATE: The Budget Fashionista actually tested this Chanel one vs. a similar one from Maybeline cosmetics. Read more about which one is best here. According to the site they wouldn't splurge on the Chanel one since Maybeline stays put too and does a good job.. Hmmm.. Interesting to know.

Coconut Oil And Hair

Coconut oil is one of the best natural sources of nutrition for hair. It helps in aid in healthy hair growth providing extra shine. Regular scalp/head massages with coconut oil is said to keep scalp free of dandruff and other annoying ailments, even if your scalp is dry. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It also provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. So it's no wonder it's also used in conditioners and dandruff relief treatments.

Directions:
Evenly run fingers through hair and rub oil into hair. Using a comb to distribute evenly is also possible, but massaging your hair with help stimulate blood circulation helping hair to grow a bit faster. Usually, I put it on dry hair at night before, go to bed and put a small towel over my pillowcase. Then in the morning I wash it out with shampoo. Some people have even reported thicker, stronger hair after using it. And I may just start using it more regularly to lessen hair falling out, which is natural- but is always nice to reduce.


Here are some other picks for natural home made remedies using coconut oil:
For Dandruff.

• Apply the warm mixture of olive oil, lemon juice and coconut oil. Do a steam -towel- wrap for 15 minutes and wash the hair with a shampoo.

For Healthy and Shiny hair

• It is better to apply castor oil for a healthy growth of hair.
• Wash hair with tea once in a week.
• Soak a handful of gooseberry in a cup of milk for two hours. Make it as a paste and apply in the hair.
• Apply the mixture of an egg white, 2 spoons of castor oil, 1 spoon glycerin, in the scalp and hair. Wash it after some time.
• Massage hair with warm coconut oil an hour before washing. Let it soak. Cover your head with a hot towel and wash your hair after an hour or so.
• Boil a few hibiscus flowers in coconut oil. Filter and use this hair oil to control hair loss and thinning.
• Do a 'steam-towel-wrap' once in a while, if your cuticles are damaged, as this steaming opens out the pores and absorbs the oil.
• Deep condition with curd, beer and egg.
• Mix a little vinegar in warm water and rinse your hair with this solution. This will add bounce to dull and lifeless hair.

Also, check out this blog post from Beautylogic about "the miracles of coconut oil" and Mildreds's experience with it. :)

Ri Ri's Tattoos And Piercings

Rihanna appears to have gotten some more tattoos.
The new tattoos on her shoulder are roman numerals that read "11-4-1986". It’s her best friend and assistant- Melissa Forde’s- birthday! Sources online confirm it definitely isn't Rihanna’s (February 20, 1988) or Chris Brown’s (May 5, 1989) birthday.






Rihanna and also mentioned being accompanied by Melissa anywhere she goes… even the shower:

Here's Rihanna describing how she got off the body paint from the video Umbrella:
The body paint was really oily. I couldn’t wait to get it off my face. That was the worst part about it - getting it off. I was in the shower for two and a half hours! My best friend had to come and shower with me, because after I tried to do it myself, the silver would just go back to where I just washed myself. She was just like, “Take your hands off and let me do it.” ... It would not come off. [Laughs]" (source)

The other "Shhh..." tats are on Rihanna's fingers. .

Looks like she's wearing some extra bling too. A nipple ring piercing was visible through her sheer tank on the red carpet at the MuchMusic Video Awards.

Rihanna hosted a surprise birthday party at the Star Lounge for Melissa Forde, where she showcased some star tattoos at the party that are on her neck and back.



UPDATE: check out more of Rihanna's tattoos here.

How To Get Super Straight Hair

Smooth, pin-straight hair begins with blow-drying strands.

1. After detangling your damp hair, apply a heat-protecting product from roots to ends, then separate your hair into several sections (the thicker and curlier the hair, the smaller the sections should be).
I just bought a heat-protecting product: V05 new! Miracle Mist which can be used with flat irons OR blow dryers and basically you just spray it on from the bottle.

2. Clip up the top and middle sections, and add a concentrator nozzle to the dryer.

3. Blow-dry one small section of the bottom layer at a time, beginning at the roots, working toward the ends, and gripping each section firmly with a good paddle or round brush. It’s important to get the roots, keep the tension consistent, and keep the nozzle pointed downward to avoid frizzy and static hair.

4. After the underside is dry, use the same technique for the middle and finally the top layers. At this point, you can flatiron your hair for an even straighter look, again working in small sections and keeping the iron moving to reduce the risk of damage.

After a few practice runs, you’ll be finishing like the pros!

Maxi Dress: Black & Feminine

Well, it's been a hectic week for me but the show must go on. Recently I got a question from one of my readers asking me the following:

Where can I find a black maxi dress with some cute details- not expensive since I don't have much to spend. Preferably white and black!

My pick:

This dress features tiered crochet trim detail, surplice bust, spaghetti straps and unique wood ring cross back. From Wetseal.

I say pair it with some silver sandals, and cute accessories. Check out my "how to wear maxi dresses" post for more details. =)

Nail Art

Ever since I managed to quit nail biting, I've gotten into nail art. It's opened a whole new world of bright bold colors for me and my nails. I decided to invest in these cute nail gems which only cost me about $8 for 144 stones- from Broadway Nails. You get an assortment of shapes like heart, round, petal and flowers shaped stones as well as glue and a topcoat. I'm quite pleased with the results though I do need to get more creative with the patterns. The good thing is I may even be able to re use them if I take really good care of them.

Here's my how-to guide:
1. Apply a basecoat. I never knew how important this was til recently. It smooths ridges and makes nail polish go on smoother and stay on. If you missed it, here is my recommendation for a budget friendly basecoat.)

2. Apply 1-2 coats of your favorite polish. For more a more detailed explanation on applying nail polish perfectly go here. Make sure you let dry properly between coats. I usually just watch tv or go on the elliptical at home in between coats.

3. Apply the nail glue and (with tweezers apply) nail stones to your nails.

4. Sometimes I use gel pens. Metallic colored pens or even pastel to paint on patterns on nails. I find it easiest to work with patterns which include dots, not lines. Why? It's way too hard painting on lines with my left hand. I invested in a set of metallic gel pens with the colors silver, gold, blue, red, green, and purple.

5. Dab the topcoat- DON'T stroke the brush- onto the painted pattern. Stroking it over the pattern like you would with nail polish will smudge all your hard work. I recommend "Sally Hansen Hard As Nails" (about $2-3 and adds high shine).

6. Allow the dabbed on topcoat to dry then brush over all your nails with proper coating.

Here you can see I stuck a red heart-stone in the top corner and painted on 3 silver dots. Still working on getting more creative.

Here are some patterns you can recreate:

You can try these looks by buying nail stickers, glueing them on with adhesive then applying a top coat. Add stones to jazz up the nail stickers:

One more TIP: I recommend using more of the PASTEL pens, instead of metallic gel ones. For some reason, the metallic ones don't dry much, the pastel ones do! So every time I try doing my nails entirely with metallic red, blue, green, etc it smudges! Try doing a white flower and only a silver center for instance. Or add a stone in the middle instead.

Also, if you can it's always much easier to have a friend paint your left hand for you. That's why I stick with dot patterns: much easier to do with my left hand.

Rihanna's New Hair Style

Thursday Rihanna rocked a newly cut, dyed and styled hair-do as she lit up the Empire State Building for Cartier Love Day. Thank god Miss Mushroomhead ditched the "bowl cut" she had been recently sporting. I am glad to say she is looking her usual stylish self again after coloring her hair brown/red do as apposed the the usual black color; I wasn't really feeling her style lately (not only when it comes to hair do.. anyone seen the "cop outfit" she wore on the Red Carpet??)

Here you can see her sporting a bubble hem dress, hot Louboutin Trottinette ankle boots and an oh-so-fab Cartier diamond hair brooch.
Me like-eee!

Time To Get Monokini Ready

A reader sent me an e-mail asking where she can get cheap priced cute bikini's- in the one piece cut out style- apparently called Monokini's. Here are a few of cute ones I found online:

Gold Stud Monokini $24.50 from Wetseal

O-Ring Monokini $34.50 from Wetseal

Patent Monokini $19.50 from Wetseal (Lightly padded and also available in Silver, Fuchsia and Black)

Look For Less: YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pump

Glamouricious to the rescue bringing you yet another splurge vs. steal when it comes to shoes!

YSL Tribute Canvas Leopard Pump, $675

Baker's "Emory" Slingback Platform, $79.95

Shrink That Pimple By Tomorrow!

Yes folks.. that age old question "how do I get rid of this pimple in 1 day?"
I can finally say that I think I have the answer. I love trying out products - beauty and make-up, but especially those claiming to fight acne. You name it, I've probably tried it (mostly during my teen years). But even though I'm in my 20's and have it under control, I still get the occasional pimple.

Clean n Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment ($6.50) claims that "100% of people showed clearer skin in just 1 day!" Too good to be true? I put it to the test on this one zit which refused to shrivel up and die and... it worked! I'm never going back to any other acne-on-the-spot treatment until this one fails me of course (or unless an even better one comes out:p).

This miracle in a tube contains 2% Salylic Acid and won't over dry skin. Within 8 hours it reduces pimple redness, size and swelling. And what's even more baffling is that it's so cheap too. Definatly one of my new fave beauty products.

Side note: after trying this spot treatment I took a look online and saw Clean n Clear also has a whole 3 step kit available. (Check out my other post about 3 step kits "say bye bye to acne for good"). For those of you looking for an alternative to, let's say Proactive, this one seems perfect, and only costs $18.

How To Wear: Maxi Dresses

I posted about Chic and bugdet friendly maxi dresses some days back and got an email asking me:

Hi,
I love the maxi dress trend inspired by the SATC movie and other celebrities but am not sure if it will suit me. I saw one on Shopbop the other day and practically fell in love with it. I'm a bit short (5'3) and am also not sure if I should wear them with heels or flats. Any tips for accesorizing?
Hellpppp!

Here are basically a few guidelines to follow when wearing these long/maxi dresses:

• If you’re short don’t get one that’s way too long, unless you plan to get it hemmed (or do it yourself). A super-long dress will make you look even shorter, and may even add the illusion of you carrying extra weight. Also, remember to look for a dress that’s fitted up top and doesn’t have an extremely voluminous skirt. Less fabric is a better choice for you.

• Accessorize, but don't go overboard. Long dresses are very eye catching and it's obvious that it's going to be the main focus of your outfit. Accessorize to add instant chic-ness to the outfit, but you can keep it simple. A few bangles or a long necklace are perfect for adding character. Also, if a dress is too voluminous, you could add a cute belt at the waist.

• Footwear. These dresses look best when worn with flat sandals: flip flops or gladiators. If you want a little extra height, wedges or gladiator heels also work well.

Hope this helps and feel free to email me with any other questions.


P.S.: Maxi dresses look amazing on you tall girls and you can pretty much get away with any style of maxi dress, so long as it isn’t too short!

How To Stop Biting Nails And Grow Long Nails

I have never had the best nails; always a biter and when I finally stop the biting, they don't grow strong enough.

Atleast I finally figured out a way to grow my nails long and it's really a few very simple things you can do.

1. Keep reminding yourself NOT to bite them- and no I'm not being sarcastic. One option is to spend a few bucks on those bitter nail treatments: everytime you stick that nail near your mouth you'll be reminded right away to stop, by the bitter god awful taste. Just be carefull not to apply before eating fruit or other finger foods... I had to learn the hard way.

2. Get inspired by other people with pretty nails. I check out nail art pictures, beautifully painted and shaped nailes ever so often. The more new styles I see, the more I want to also be able to get the look.

3. Keep your nails painted and groomed. The day I decided enough was enough I bought a nail buffer, and gave myself a manicure. I buffed, filed and painted my nails with a clear, shiny coat. They looked better already and since then I did bite a few times, but trust me.. it's not even near noticeable. The more you take care of your hands and nails, the less damage you'll want to do to them.

4. Massage your nails with olive oil whenever you can. This boosts circulation and is said to help nails grow a bit quicker.

5. Milk is said to be good for nails so watch your diet. Eat/drink healthy.

6. Last but not least, this is the one thing which helped me more then all the others: I walk around everywhere with a nail file in my purse). Anytime my nail tears/begins to tear or if I bite it I stop any further damage then and there and "fix" it.Check out my other important tips when it comes to nails.


If you have long nails- what's your "secret" or #1 beauty tip?

Look For Less: Dior Extreme Gladiators

Covetting the fierce Dior Extreme Gladiator Platform ($770) like I am??
Well if you can't afford to break the bank check out these from Nine West- inspired by the chunky Gladiator Platform trend. I predict these are going to be hot following the SATC movie.

Antonella- $89.00 (Available in black too)

Gisellan- $49.99-$99.00 (Available in Snakeskin)
A slightly strappier version.

DIY: Studded Designer Belt

One of my fave bloggers made a belt much like the Sonya Rikel studded wrap belt she saw on SATC. Definitely worth taking a look at and giving a try when you have the time.


It's posted on threadbanger.com.

Leggings: I've Fallen In Love All Over Again

Just as I'm contemplating hanging up my leggings another variation on it pops up.

This funky leggings come with an exposed zipper at the bottom and to give the old look an urban twist. I actually love it! Especially in a bright color. If you want to play it safe go for the black pair (they come in a variety of colors. The leggings go for $99 (from LnA) which I personally find wayy too much for a pair of leggings. Maybe try DIY version by sewing on a zipper with metal parts!
Where to buy…

• Lisa Kline (use code LUCKY for 25% off through June 30)
• Shopbop
• Singer22
• Boutique to You (use code WTF20 for 20% off)
• National Jean Company (use code GRECHEN for 20% off)
• Lee Lush

(Celebs who have been spotted wearing them are Kourtney Kardashian and Paris Hilton).