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5 ACCESSORY TRENDS YOU CAN’T IGNORE THIS YEAR

It may not feel like it yet, but spring will be here before we know it, and that means a whole new season full of opportunities to revamp our wardrobe and experiment. I’ve recently noticed a few of the trends that have emerged briefly in the past are quickly becoming fashion staples. This year, they’re better than ever. These jewelry and accessories are just too cool to ignore…

Accessory Trends

Pearl-Capped Collar Necklace, Pearl Bumper Choker, Sparkle Ear Cuff, Scania Cuff Bracelet, Chain Reaction Bracelet, Floppy Wool Hat, Chained Wool Fedora, Rose Tear Drop Head Chain, Chain Hair Comb, Shelling Out Bag, Holographic Lace-Up Shoes

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1. Pearl Collars
Thin gold chokers with a pair or trio of pearls are starting to replace the statement jewels and layered necklaces we saw last year. It’s a minimalist approach that looks delicate and intentional, rather than loud or bold. This accessory would look beyond chic paired with an all-white outfit!

 2. Cuffed Jewelry
Cuffed jewelry always seems to be a trend in some form or another, but this year they have endless potential for designs. Take the embellished cuff above by Portland-based Betsy & Iya, which has a sleek brushed gold look from the front and a tiled triangle pattern when worn open-faced. With a sophisticated gold cuff as a jewelry staple, you can’t go wrong.

 3. Embellished Fedoras
Floppy hats, fedoras and Panama hats made waves last summer, and you guessed it – they’re here to stay (no matter the season). Should you find yourself hopping on the trendy hat train this year, try one with a bohemian braid or, like much of the cuff jewelry, one adorned with gold or brass chains.

 4. Chain Headpieces
A simple headband is no longer enough! If you liked any of the above, you’ll love chain headpieces. Often wrapped across and around your head, this accessory is part-hair, part-jewelry, part-hat – all at once. Some people opt for the boho style, while others choose ones with gems or a comb for a dressed-up version. It’s a tough one to pull off as an every day look, but if you love the chains – I say go for it!

5. Holographic Accents
I think the holographic vibes are definitely going to replace all the glitz and glitter: they’re rad, wearable and a little space age. What’s not to love? From out-there holographic clutches to shiny hologram-covered shoes, it’s not everyday you see someone rocking this trend. But when you do, it’s always someone whose style is on point.


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CHEMICAL FREE BEAUTY TIPS

Like it or not, a lot of the beauty products that help us achieve our looks have chemicals. Some of these work to improve our skin’s health, and some have other purposes, such as color or scent. This doesn’t mean they all have harmful chemicals, but every now and then, there’s nothing like a fresh façade. But what if you want to achieve a fresh-faced look without appearing half asleep at school or work (who here has gotten the “you look tired” or “are you sick?” comments on days you’ve gone sans makeup? Yikes!)? Here are ways you can test out the chemical free look without going all in:

Chemical Free Beauty Tips

Mix up a few DIY concoctions. You’ll need enough to cover your bases – like an oatmeal mask for a fresh faced look, DIY cucumber eye pads to widen and waken, a rinse for your tresses, etc. These may not replace your bronzer or lip color, but you’ll look so refreshed that people are sure to notice the au natural look – in a good way.



Get out the dictionary. It never hurts to wisen up when it comes to product labels. Once you look into what you put on your face regularly, you’ll be armed with info so that the ball is in your court – you can decide what to use sparingly and what’s totally fine. On “skin break” days that you want to avoid harsh chemicals, you can pick and choose the products you want to layer on your skin. For example, if you want to go fragrance free, it’s helpful to know that ‘fragrance’ also turns up under the name ‘parfum’ on labels at times. A little research goes a long way.

Focus on skin care. Perfecting a basic skincare routine is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy, youthful glow. Once you’ve properly cleansed, exfoliated and hydrated, all you need is – if anything – a little BB cream with SPF and you can skip the makeup, no questions asked.

Consider the product-free parts of your routine. Grooming and styling is just as important to your beauty routine as applying product. You’d be surprised at how good a brow shaping or facial wax can be for your overall appearance, before you even put on foundation. Not to mention the instant boost of confidence. Even just getting out your handy eyelash curler makes a difference. It’s surprisingly easy to skip the mascara when you’ve got a good curl on your lashes – try my simple eyelash curler tricks for a polished look, naturally.

Of course, there’s nothing like going bare-faced for a few days to refresh your look and truly take a break. It can be a bit scary if you’re used to daily makeup, which is why I put it on my list of beauty risks you have to take this year!

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WAYS TO REIMAGINE YOUR WHITE T-SHIRT

With another fashion week come and gone, who doesn’t want to rush to the mall for a whole new wardrobe? As tempting as this is, it isn’t always the best way to curb spending beyond your means. Instead, why not reimagine something you already have and love? Or, if you really do need to get out and buy new clothes, take this time to invest in one of the most important basics you’ll ever own: the white tee.


how to style a white t-shirt



Mossimo boyfriend crewneck, boden scoop neck, J. Crew cotton v-neck tee, Madewell slub crewneck, Topshop pocket T, boden high neckline

Having a comfortable, cute and functional white tee is just as essential as your undergarments and bras. It’s the first building block in a conscious wardrobe. But let’s face it, wearing a T-shirt and jeans everyday doesn’t exactly scream fashion forward. So in the interest of creating something new with what you already have, here are a few of my favorite classically chic ways to style a white tee:

6 ways to reimagine your white t-shirt

1. Tuck it in. Sometimes trends of the years past ought to stay in the past, but sometimes they become timeless tricks for creating something out of nothing! Tucking your crew or v-neck into high waist jeans or partially tucking a slub-neck makes a basic top go from looking like an afterthought to intentional.

2. Make it sexy. Yes, it is possible to make your white tee a little sexy. If your top is thin or slightly sheer, forgo your undershirt to add intrigue in a tasteful way. But if that’s too much, you can still make it more flirty by layering over a lacy tank or colorful bandeau. You’re walking a fine line here, so it may take some tweaking before you get the combo quite right!



3. Change up your pants game. Those of you who have reservations about going too bold with fashion can see this as an entry into the world of prints because a white tee is going to balance out your look so you don’t feel too out of our comfort zone while experimenting. No need to worry whether a funky print or flowing material will clash or look frumpy – the white tee can be worn with any pair. PS – Same goes for skirts too! Pencil skirts in particular pair perfectly with basic tees no matter the print.

4. White out. Conversely, a fabulous way to reimagine the basics is to pair things you normally wouldn’t. White on white or any sort of matchy-matchy monochromatic look will instantly break you out of your closet rut. It’s simple, yet not something you see everyday.

5. Tie it up. Another 90s trend, the basic side tie, can take a worn tee and make it more fitted, as well as be a playful way of showing midriff in the summertime. Make a small knot on one of the front sides so the trim of your top is slightly asymmetrical, then pair with a denim vest or moto jacket to add an edgy spin.

6. Make a statement. Similar to printed pants, statement jewels are another way to step up an otherwise plain outfit. For spring, think bib collar necklaces or bright drop earrings to shift the focus from your tee to your accessory. Again, this balances out your look while offering that oomph a white tee doesn’t normally have.

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Source: michellephan's Blog

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5 Strange New Hair & Beauty Trends for 2015

Each year, trends are left behind in favor of the next big thing. Sometimes that big thing is actually better and sometimes they’re better left untested. This year I’ve already come across a few beauty trends that are more surprising than even the craziest beauty treatments. Interestingly enough, all of the ones I’ve rounded up here have to do with achieving a new hair look – be it eyelashes or armpits. See what I mean when you check out the strange new trends up for consideration in 2015:



Five Strange Beauty Trends in 2015 / MichellePhan.com

1. Frizzed-Out Hair

This year, you apparently no longer need to fight the frizz! The runway gods have spoken, and frizz is officially in. From subtle wisps to an all out mess, the tousled look has been taken to a whole new level in the Spring 2015 runway shows. So leave the smoothing serum behind and let your strands stray. This should be a relief for some, right?

2. Smudged Mascara

Another trend for Spring 2015 might make you rethink all your past efforts to get a clean eyelash look. We’ve all dreaded smudged mascara and the havoc it can wreak on our makeup, but it’s actually becoming a sought after tactic for creating a more softened, smoky look around the eyes. Instead of (or in addition to) using a smudge brush to soften the strokes of a pencil liner, you could allow the mascara want to get a little messy during application – and forgo any perfecting. The thin smudges along your lash line will evoke a bit more drama than you’re average eye makeup might.

3. Dyed Underarm Hair

Yes, you read that right. This is quite the deviation from this year’s runways, but it has been gaining traction ever since last fall. What started off as an experiment with a hair colorist and a little blue dye quickly took off as a symbol of the freedom of expression all over blogs and Instagram. While for most of us, just the thought of having enough hair there to dye at all seems a little crazy, some see it as a feminist movement about embracing body hair, and others hopped on this trend as a fun way to express individuality. To each her own!
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4. Mesh Hair Dryers

After reading about this new type of hair dryer diffuser – one that’s more like a mesh bag than a plastic tool – from Japanese brand YS Park and used by hairstylists at NYFW, I got the feeling that these will be influencing the masses in no time. It’s an innovative tool stylists love for creating softer, diffused heat without the uncomfortable and oftentimes ineffective traditional diffuser. So far it’s generally just used by professionals, but it might just be the next big thing. Check it out here.

5. Eyebrow Extensions

Move over lashes, there’s a new showstopper in town. While it’s been a couple years since bold, unruly brows took over the beauty scene, this trend doesn’t seem to be disappearing any time soon (thankfully!). Given that many of us aren’t gifted with naturally full eyebrows, filling them in usually does the trick. But just like mascara doesn’t always achieve the full lashes extensions create, bold brow lovers are looking to extensions to give them the volume their makeup doesn’t. Like lash extensions, this treatment needs to be maintained every few weeks as opposed to requiring daily application, and can take the place of your brow pencil or powder.


Source: Michellephan.com

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How to Dress for a Job Interview

First impressions will probably always be based in some way off of appearances. Before you talk or get to know someone, you see them walk in a room. For that reason, how you dress when vying for a certain position is really important. I’ve talked about this a little in my book, but I’ve had a few requests lately with the new year, new internships and graduations coming up next season – it’s a good time to make sure you’re prepared!




How to Dress for a Job Interview

Even if you’re going for a casual job, you have a very short amount of time to show someone why you’re the best possible fit for a position. You certainly don’t want them to spend half that time wondering about your outfit! Here are a few interview related fashion tips, no matter what the job entails:

Be polished but not distracting. In most cases, it’s best to play it safe when it comes to interviews. Unless you’re applying to a job in fashion or beauty, being too daring with your clothing will only distract, taking time away from your story and qualifications.

Analyze the job function. Even if you’re going for a creative position, you still want to consider being polished and fairly minimal. But beyond that, knowing your industry will help you determine what details to showcase – is a little color on your nails or a sparkly necklace OK, or is that going too far? And if you’re applying to a more fashion-forward job, will your average slacks and blazer make the cut? This means that if you’re applying to jobs in different fields, you should be prepared to alter your attire for each opportunity.

Fit is everything. Let’s face it, most of us woudn’t wear our go-to interview ensemble on the daily. But just because it doesn’t get much air time doesn’t mean it’s not important. Having pants that fit – and flatter – that also go well with shoes and a fitted (but not too snug) blouse are musts. Ill fitting clothes will once again distract, both you and the interviewer.

Don’t leave your personality behind. Lastly, inject a little “you” into the outfit. I’ve mentioned before that you should dress like yourself on a first date – same goes for an interview. This job is likely to be a big part of your day if you land it, so you don’t want to totally pretend to be something your not. Dressing to impress is one thing, impersonating is another! For example, if you’re a flats-only girl, don’t use this time to take heels on a test run. If you love color, you may want to scale it back a bit, but that doesn’t mean you need to wear all black.




Now, a few work appropriate styles I’m loving…

how to dress for a job interview
Blush Crop Jacket, Slim Fit Blazer, Crepe Blazer, Drape Blouse, Blush Top, Frill Blouse, Pencil Skirt, Cigarette Pants, Wide-leg Suit Pants

Tailored blazers. Super formal blazers taken down a notch with a loose fitting blouse and balanced out with skinny bottoms or pencil skirts.

Cigarette pants. Perfect for petite frames, these super skinny pants look chic in black or gray and eliminate any length issues that may arise when trying to pair with shoes.

High waisted trousers. This trend of the past is perfect for the style savvy, as you need to know how to rock them just right! A fitted, tucked in top or sweater can balance out the dramatic look of the pants, creating the perfect style for those in a more fashion-forward industry.

Wrap blouses. While these can easily come off as too casual when not dressed up enough, they’re also a lot more interesting than a standard button up, without going overboard!

High-low blouses. If you’re wearing a blazer, you can get away with a sleeveless blouse, making the fit easier and more comfortable. You’ll have more options such as high-low styles, which vary in length from front to back or on the sides. But beware, these will look frumpy if your pants aren’t nicely tailored.

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Source: Michellephan's Blog

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iPhone 6 review


Why do we have the Apple iPhone 6? Well, despite record sales, the Cupertino brand was heading for a fall. Not this year, or the next. But the brand had been trading on the same phone for four years and something big was needed to keep it current.
So with that, the iPhone 6, and its bigger brother, the iPhone 6 Plus, were born to keep Apple at the sharp end of a market that was starting to lust after powerful, big screen smartphones with clever and premium design.
And, judging by the sheer avalanche of money Apple has made in its Q1financials, that seems to have been the case, with one iPhone being sold every 10 seconds apparently.
The iPhone 6 certainly addresses a number of the problems Apple had developed, coming with a much larger screen (although not dramatically increasing the size of the phone) a boosted processor, better camera, improved battery and crucially: overhauled design.
This is the sixth iPhone I've reviewed now, and there's a real sense that this one is really rather different.
I wrote in 2013 that Apple was becoming more aware that the time when it could define what consumers would buy in the smartphone is ending – and with the 4.7-inch screen, it's clearly had to admit defeat in the smaller screen market.
There will be some that will miss that screen size, maintaining that they don't want a bigger display on their phone – but nearly all of those people won't have spent any appreciable time with a larger device, and I believe that a good portion of you thinking you need a smaller phone will quickly come to appreciate the power a bigger handset brings without hurting quality.
iPhone 6 review
The phone fits very well in the hand
But while the iPhone 6 has answered a lot of the problems I've had with previous iterations of Apple's handsets, there are still some issues that still swirled when I handled the phone for the first time.
Why has Apple decided to not join the masses with a really high-res screen? Why is the iPhone still the most expensive on the market? Has it done enough to improve the quite dire battery life of previous models, especially at a time when many high-end Android phones are easily chugging through a day's hard use without thirsting for a charger's caress?
Let's take a quick look at the price - and it's not pretty.
In the UK, you're looking at £539 for the 16GB version, £619 for the 64GB option and £699 for the 128GB model. On a decent contract these start at around £45 per month, with roughly £100 for the phone up front, although you can shop around and get it for slightly less if you stray from the main networks.
That's a lot more than the competition, with most high-end contracts topping out at £38 for the main rivals, with less up front too.
In the US, the Apple iPhone 6 16GB is $199 on contract, 64GB comes in at $299 and the 128GB at $399. If you're planning to go off book, then it's 16GB at $649, 64GB available for $749 and a whopping $849 for the 128GB model.
iPhone 6 review
In Australia, the iPhone 6 outright pricing starts at AU$869 for 16GB, then jumps to $999 for 64GB and $1,129 for the 128GB version. If you prefer to pay off your phone over time, Optus is offering the 16GB for $0 on a $100 monthly contract over 24 months, Telstra has the same model for $0 on a $95 monthly plan and Vodafone will give you the 16GB iPhone 6 if you sign up for 24 months on an $80 a month plan.
The iPhone 6 Plus, meanwhile, costs AU$999 for 16GB, AU$1,129 for 64GB and AU$1,249 for 128GB. On contract to get a 16GB model for $0, you'll need to spend $95 a month with Telstra, or $100 a month with Vodafone, both on a 24 month contract.

Design

Let's take a look at the first thing most people will wonder about before picking up the iPhone: how will it actually feel in the hand?
This is a big departure for Apple, marking a time when it's admitted that the industrial, sharp design of the last four iPhone models is a little outdated and needs to up the ergonomics to really compete.
iPhone 6 review
Well, with the Apple iPhone 6 we're looking at one of the thinnest and sleekest handsets in the market. It's got a strong combination of metal back (which feels exceptionally premium, borrowing bucketloads of design language from the iPad Air) and the way the screen curves into the chassis gives it a slight lozenge feel.
iPhone 6 review
One of the thinnest phones in the world
The iPhone 6 looks the business, and at 6.9mm thin it's very nice to hold. I do still feel that phones that push harder on ergonomics are a better choice though - the HTC One M8 bows out at the back and fits in the palm a little better - but that's quibbling. This iPhone just feels really well made.
Apple has always favoured a flatter phone than the rest of the market though, and placed on a desk it looks great. It does feel great in the hand too, but as said others impress more if I'm being hyper-critical.
There's also the issue of the large plastic strips that flow through the top and bottom of the device. Given metal is a nightmare material to try and get radio signal to penetrate, these are clearly there to offset that.
iPhone 6 review
The plastic strips detract and are not flush with the chassis
While the plastic does seem to give good performance for signal for the most part, it's nothing amazing, and to my eyes they're a little unsightly and ruin the sleek back of the iPhone 6, and their presence seem at odds with Apple's design ethos.
The other big design change is to the power button, which has now been moved to the right-hand side of the phone. This makes a lot of sense, and given the phone is now a larger device at 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm hitting the top of the handset is a much harder task, so moving the button is the right thing to do.
Like the rest of the exterior buttons, the power key is raised and easy to hit in both left and right hand modes. It's metallic and crucially doesn't have the same rattle that I criticised on the iPhone 5S.
iPhone 6 review
The new raised buttons
However, that doesn't mean the metallic keys don't have a little wiggle to them. Running your hand up and down the sides idly will result in you noticing a very slight looseness to the power and volume buttons... I'm in danger of being too critical here, but for the price it's not the sort of thing I expect to see.
The other important design change here is the camera now protrudes slightly on the rear of the phone. It's good to see that happening, as it shows that Apple isn't willing to compromise on camera quality in order to just whack in a thinner phone.
The protrusion is a little worrying in that laying the Apple iPhone 6 down flat on a table could see scratches appearing, but the sapphire glass that covers the lens should see that's pretty safe.
iPhone 6 review
The camera protrudes but you won't notice it day to day
The rest of the iPhone 6 is very similar to the iPhone 5S, with the speakers at the bottom flanking the Lightning port. Well, I say speakers: it's just the one speaker, but thanks to the slightly elongated bottom of the phone you won't cover it when holding the phone in landscape.
This was irritating when trying to game or watch a movie without headphones on older iPhones - but this upgrade, combined with the lightness of the iPhone 6, mean you won't have a similar problem for the most part as the hands sit lower and free of the speaker generally.
Sadly the headphone port still resides at the bottom of the iPhone 6, meaning you'll still probably get your phone out of the pocket the wrong way around when listening to music.
Let me make one thing very clear though: the Apple iPhone 6 is another iconic handset in terms of design for Apple. It's not the best looking on the market (I'm still giving that title to the HTC One M8) but it's definitely right up there, and for the price I'd expect nothing less.
iPhone 6 review
The iPhone in Space Gray
You can pick up the iPhone 6 in Space Gray (the colour I've had on test here), or the more standard silver or gold. Whichever one you want is up to you, but there had better not be a shortage of the champagne gold colour again this year.
That made me sad to see so many clamouring for a colour just because it was hard to get hold of.

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Makeup Rules From François Nars

Backstage-beauty legend François Nars is celebrating his 20th anniversary by sharing his secrets. If you are the proud owner of the famously flattering Nars Blush in Orgasm—or of a Multiple cream color stick (one of which flies off shelves every four minutes in the United States)—you have François Nars to thank. Since launching his line with just 12 lipsticks back in 1994, the French makeup icon (and collaborator of designers like Marc Jacobs and Karl Lagerfeld) has quite literally changed the way women everywhere look today. But here, let him explain for himself…



You’re a makeup artist, photographer, and makeup creator—sort of the ultimate beauty mogul! Was this always the dream?
Yes, since I was 11 or 12! It was the early seventies, and I discovered makeup by going through my mother’s fashion magazines. I fell in love with the photos, the models, the fashion.

What was your big break?
Legendary fashion editor Polly Mellen booked me to shoot the fashion collections in Paris with [photographer] Peter Lindbergh. It changed everything.

Nars is one of the few lines adored both by our readers and by pros. How’d you pull that off?
I don’t think there’s a major change between runway and real life anymore. My vision was to create makeup that was more transparent but with formulas that last. I follow my instincts—it’s all very spontaneous!

How has beauty changed in the past two decades?
Women don’t want to feel like they’re wearing makeup. I hope I was partly responsible for that. Polly Mellen always felt that my touch was lighter than other makeup artists’ at the time. That was the start of seeing more freckles, seeing more skin on models. It’s like what Coco Chanel did for women by freeing them from corsets—not that I want to compare myself to her.

Any products you’re especially proud of?
I’ve got to give credit to Orgasm—it’s becoming the planet’s ultimate blush!

You launched a dozen lipsticks in ’94. Now you’re coming out with 40 shades called Audacious Lipsticks. Tell us what’s new.
Better, nondrying formulas, amazing pigments. The texture is like velvet! And they’re inspired by beauty icons like Lana Turner, Marlene Dietrich, and Janet Leigh.



How does a woman find her best makeup shades?
Your look should fit your personality. My mom is a great beauty, but red lips weren’t for her. She was into beige lips and stronger eyes. If a friend says that red doesn’t look good, listen to your friend. Well, listen to yourself first; just don’t follow fashion blindly.

So we shouldn’t all be wearing runway trends?
Do single elements of an extreme look, not the whole thing. Keep a matte look from becoming too flat by adding shimmery highlight on cheekbones and eyes or lips.

What about making your makeup last—any tips?
The details count: It’s important to prep with skin care and primer, and always powder your foundation lightly to set it. For eyes, brush lashes between coats of mascara.

Finally, French versus American women—still see a difference?
American women are still lovers of makeup. They want a total, perfected look. French women, not as much. It’s a different attitude to what they feel sexy is. I love them all!

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Source: glamour.com

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