I am admittedly pale.  I mean the kind of pale where people on the beach offer up sunscreen just in case I forgot.   It isn’t always fun getting into a bathing suit again after a long winter, and it takes forever for me to build a base.  I know I’m not the only gal with this issue, so what’s an English rose to do?

I am typically against spray tanning; the George Hamilton look and chemical warfare smell aren’t really up my alley.  I like to keep things as au naturel as possible, but if you have no other solution, and you need something to start your summer with… enter airbrush tanning!  Because we all know there’s nothing better than a summer glow.  You don’t have to wear makeup, you feel thin and lithe and lovely, and it camouflages those thank-you-mother-nature-bumps and lumps.  Not do-it-yourself streaks.  It’s called airbrushing for a reason.

You want to find a salon that is 100% natural, organic, and paraben free. If you’re in the LA area Lavish Tan has been voted the #1 salon in the US by Allure magazine.

They created a patent pending, brown sugar based solution derived from apples. The brown sugar base ensures golden brown color eliminating all possibilities of an orange tone.  They can also customize the smell for you.

The benefits of airbrush tan:

• Slimming and contouring
• Covers stretch marks
• Reduces the appearance of cellulite
• Can also reduce unfortunate skin conditions like rosacea and eczema
• Gives you the perfect glow
• Lasts about 5-7 days
• Even coverage

The day prior to your tan make sure you:

• Shave all parts you normally shave
• Exfoliate all over, especially rough areas like knees and elbows
• Don’t put on make up or lotion

-Arianna Schioldager

For those of us who don’t view the world through rose-colored glasses, thanks to current trends there are some awesomely rosey other options.

Roses are making a discernible comeback among prints this spring, and though they may come into bloom now, there is no reason you can’t keep them blossoming through summer.

Floral leg wear trends seems to come and go and it might feel a little 80’s for those of us who remember the pastel and rose printed jean shorts of our youth, but the fashion gurus have updated the cut and prints (to a degree), so there should be no shame in stepping both legs in.

All the top jean designers have options in the cuts you’ve come to love.

Citizens of Humanity offers the Mandy, a Cotton and Lycra Slim Jean with delicate floral patterns that crawl up the leg. The 9” rise is flattering, so you can wear with a simple brown sandal. Also available in a frayed short, known simply as Chloe.

Current/Elliot have a pair of lightly printed skinnies with roses a little bigger, a little bolder.  The Stiletto-Haystack Floral.

For those of you who don’t want quite the color shock and favor the wallpaper look more, J.Brand offers a muted solution with their black and cream Large Floral Print Skinny Jeans.

Don’t want to pay the price for the Queen’s Roses?

Head over to Asos to channel the swinging 60’s and a little Betty Draper, with their bold rose print pant.  It’s slim and cropped.

Light and simple, nothing is better for bike-rides and sun hats than roses with rompers. Johann Earl for Urban Renewal Mistress Romper.

Can’t wait for summer? Rose print bikini, the perfect blend of lady-like with beachwear.

No matter your choice, everything certainly will be coming up roses.

It isn’t quite bikini season yet, and for many of us the idea of catching a glimpse of our backsides in a dressing roomis enough to make us shirk the light for weeks on end, but truth be told, there’s no better motivator than bathing suit shopping.  Plus with all the options available, it may just end up being fun…

The first piece every girl needs is a black bathing suit. Like a classic LBD or go-to black pump, your bathing suit drawer needs one.  Bikinis are recommended, because black pieces are easy to mix with others.  Fit is key, and there’s no one bathing suit that works well with every woman’s body.  You want something that doesn’t cut or pinch in the wrong places.  You know your body. Choose accordingly.  You can wear this Bandeau Top five ways. Seems like a good place to start.

Mix and Match

I’ve got a drawer full of bathing suits so mis-matched even Iris Apfel would be appalled. However, if you mix and match properly, you can get some serious stretch out of a few key pieces.

Madewell makes it easy, and does some mixing legwork for you.

You could easily match this brightly dotted Tori Praver Betty Ruched Bikini with an all black top or bottom. Same goes for her Chilean Flower Print Kailani String Bikini.

J.Crew stands out in my memory as the spear-headers of the M&M (mix and match minus the calories).  They’ve still got it and there are so many options for all body types.  Try their not-so teeny-weeny polka dot bikini and then match it with monochromatic reds, blues, and whites.

If you’re into polka dots, but not your belly button, try this Sweetheart Patchwork Maillot. Straps are removable too, which heads off those pesky tan lines.

-Arianna Schioldager

From tights to hair (yes, you trendsetter Drew Barrymore) to manicures, root to toe tip, ombre hued gadgets and garments have been making their multi-hued mark on the latest fashions.

Pants

My personal favorites are ombre pants. A great fitting pant never goes out of style.  And, if mixing and matching outfits isn’t your strong suit, a playful, wacky pant paired with a simple, basic tee, always makes you look fashion forward. Even if you aren’t.

Top Shop.  Count on trust Top Shop to offer a simple, easy and breezy option with these multi colored ombre silk tapered leg trousers.

These Matthew Williamson pants combine two of my favorites! Ombre and Ikat together in a skinny fit.

Asos is always offering inexpensive solutions for trends.  This pair of ombre neon in ivory and green pants has spring to summer all over them.

And if you’re feeling gutsy, why not go all out with the matching blazer?

Shirts

This fringe ombre t-shirt is not so serious and just in time for the onslaught of music festivals.

Equipment makes the most beautiful shirts, and every woman should own at least one.   This ombre and sheer python blouse from Equipment features a blue and grey snakeskin print. Wear it long and over shorts with strappy sandals.

Dresses

Tara Matthews offers a simple hand-dyed ombre cotton-jersey dress that’s perfect for sun-filled days.  Easy to roll up and throw into  beach bag or travel light on vacations.

Accouterments and Beyond

Even your accessories can be ombre, from earrings, to necklaces, socks, and yes tights because sadly, it isn’t summer yet (I love jumping the seasonal gun), and since there are bound to be a few more chilly days in the near future, check out these hand-made ombre tights on Etsy.

-Arianna Schioldager

What if you could have that amazing feeling of walking out of the salon with shimmering locks full of body and bounce and free of frizz every day? Well, you can! Many women have started to treat blowouts like manicures and make way too frequent trips to the beauty parlor. However, you can save your money and your time and have a lasting great hair day. There are ultimately two factors that should tailor your at-home blowout, the style you want and your hair’s natural texture. Make sure you section your hair in 3 to 6 parts (depending on how much hair you have) and use a round brush to completely dry every section. Make sure you also add resistance to get that ultra-sleek look at your roots and feel free to spin the brush to get bouncy ends. Finish with hairspray, concentrating on the roots, and a light shine spray that won’t weigh your hair down.

For more thorough directions, look at Blowout Tips for a Sleek, Straight Style and Blowout Tips for Soft, Wavy Style.  Then, follow these simple steps for a lasting blowout!

A Clean Slate

Make sure when you wash your hair before a blowout that you rinse out the conditioner completely. Pay attention to the crown of your head because this is usually the area we miss. If you leave in conditioner, your blowout may fall flat quickly. We want that baby to last!

Dry Shampoo

Use dry shampoo at your roots right before you pick up the blow dryer to prevent greasiness.

Clip-trick

Do not use an elastic band to pull sections of hair back during your blowout. Use a jaw clip to section hair during your blowout to avoid crimping your hair.

Bun in the Oven

After your blow dry, sleep in a bun positioned at the top of your head, secured with u-shaped hair pins. The next morning, you will be free of bed-head and have another great blowout hair day!

Don’t Sweat It Out

When exercising, wear a sweatband along your hairline. Post-workout replace it with a new one and let hair dry in that position. This will prevent frizz and grease at your hairline and keep your blowout bouncing. Then, use a flat iron to touch up any parts that may have become kinked.

-Emily Freeman

There’s that moment when you’re sitting in the stylist chair, flipping through a magazine, when you spot a photo, forget that the girl in the picture has been primped and styled for hairs, and you exclaim, that, I want that! Those bangs.

24 hours later, you’re home. Your hair is un-styled and slept on—and your bangs are like a bad hangover that won’t go away. Le big cry.

Styling bangs, unless you’re a master with a round brush, is hard, their charms wear off, and growing them out is the devil’s work.

So, if you’re in the bang-growing-slow-rowing-boat try out these tips to soften the waters.

1. Trim them.  Just like a bad haircut that’s growing out, you need to have your stylist reshape your bangs as they grow.  Otherwise you might end up looking like you cut an intentional mullet, or bowl-cut.  Your stylist will know what’s best—don’t attempt to do this at home.
2. Futz with your part.  A side part can be helpful in camouflaging unsightly bangs.  Smooth them down with product (the heavier the texture the better), tuck them behind your ears, or pin them down with bobby pins. Make sure you buy the bobby pins that match your hair color.  Unless you want to look like a 3^rd grader.
3. Braid them into your hair.  A French braid that weaves your bangs into the rest of your head is a great disguise and is an elegant way to wear your hair regardless.
4. If all else fails, just accept that you are going to be rocking the ponytail for a while.  Learn cute ponytail styles, like low and to the side, or up with a headband (yes, this can look cute).

Remember this feeling for next time, and just don’t do it.

From vibrant crayon colored hair to daring cat-eyes, beauty trends for spring 2012 are all about making daring statements!

Dark-Matte Lips

This season, bold lips are storming the runways. Pucker up with sultry reds, romantic purples, and vibrant oranges. Stay in trend with a matte finish. Try CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Lipcolor and just skip the gloss finish.

Cat Eyes

Unleash your 1960s alter-ego with a daring cat eye. Quick! Time to stock up on liquid liner and volumizing mascara to match!

Colored Hair

No, I don’t just mean adding some auburn tones or some blonde highlights; this season fashion is embracing the colors of the rainbow when it comes to hair. Sorry fashion rebels, you’re going to have to find another way to mock the system.

Uniform Palette

Get the “tonal” look by choosing a shell, taupe, brown, beige, or blush color to use on your eyes, cheeks and lips. This fresh look is perfect for day-time wear and can translate to evening with a swipe of your liquid liner!

Full Brows

Ditch those tweezers! Okay, well maybe not completely. However, extra-full brows erring the side of boyish and bushy have been storming the catwalks. Take this look from high fashion to street beauty by shading in brows one shade darker than they really are and laying off the tweezing around the arches.

-Emily Freeman

I have dealt with ruthless curly hair since birth. I went from “Einstein Baby” (as my family liked to call me), to Shirley Temple wanna-be, to my pre-teen product craze (think hair gel, lots and lots of hair gel), to teenage heat-styling junkie.

However, about two years ago, a new revolution in hair treatments transformed my hair. Instead of hour-long blowouts followed by straight-iron styling to achieve frizz-free, shiny locks, the Brazilian Blowout has given me back hours of my life and healthy hair.

The treatment uses a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system to actually IMPROVE the condition of your hair. This is unlike most other hair smoothing and straitening systems that fry your hair, creating breakage. The Brazilian Blowout creates a protective protein layer around the hair shaft, rather than penetrating it, that eliminates frizz and smoothes the hair cuticle. It is semi-permanent, lasting about three to four months, so you don’t have to worry about the awkwardness of super-curly roots showing next to stick straight, processed hair. Instead, the product gradually wears off. The other great part about it being semi-permanent is that it never takes all of the body out of your hair. I am all about having bounce, so I actually love the Brazilian Blowout best about two to three weeks after the application.

If you are still worried about exposure to chemicals, Brazilian Blowout has now released Zero, which contains no formaldehyde and takes about half the time to apply (one hour versus two hours for the original).

If you are a Los Angeles resident, I highly suggest going to Justin Teal Hair for your Brazilian Blowout. He offers the treatment for only $175 and it comes with complimentary giggles, therapy sessions, and gossip!

-Emily Freeman

Some of my favorite fashion inspirations come from the summer music festivals. Here in California, the summer sun and wild tunes of some of the greatest names in music bring out adventurous bohemian inspired trends. Get your festival wardrobe started with these fashion trends.

Enjoy the summer breeze in this cool and chic Blu Moon Cross Over Skirt.  Pair it with flat strappy sandals for a beachy, relaxed look or vamp it up with some platform booties. Then, dress it up with a silk blouse or down with a cropped vintage tee.

Unleash your inner flower child with these Novella Royale Mama Bells. Just when you thought you saw the last of bell bottoms and tie-dye, Novella Royale combined the two to make an old time trend fashion forward.

Dare to bare in this Charlotte Ronson Cropped Lace Cami. It will keep you cool while dancing under the hot sun.

This Will Leather Goods La Manta Mini Backpack is both the perfect accessory to any bohemian look as well as a practical way to carry all your festival supplies!

Hold up a peace sign while rocking these oh so totally rad Peekabooda Vintage Sunglasses.

This Yoko Fringe Cape by Mink Pink is the perfect light layer to throw on when the sun goes down.

You can wear this Free People Shaku Peasant Dress effortlessly for hours. I love the way the flowy asymmetrical skirt moves when the wind blows or your hips move.

Show off bronzed stems in these Free People High Waisted Baja Stripe Shorts. Rock them with a cropped top for a girly look or with a button down jean shirt or vest for an edgier style.

-Emily Freeman

I don’t support looking unnatural (seriously, yay for natural faces!), but certain occasions call for an extra something, and since eyes are the windows to the soul, they deserve some pretty framing.

False lashes are the perfect, inexpensive, and non-invasive solution.

As always, if you have the wrong product, it’ll be all the much harder to make it work.  Something that looks natural is a great place to start, especially since if you go overboard, it will make you so uncomfortable (in more ways than one) that you might end up just nixing the whole idea.  The first night I ever wore false lashes, I went way overboard, and was so self-conscious the whole time, I would up in the bathroom taking them off.

M·A·C Lashes are handmade to what they call exacting specifications, and their M·A·C 7 lash is a natural looking product for lash-virgins.

Also highly recommend… are individuals. Duralash Natural Individuals are perfect for natural looking, luscious lashes.

Before you start to apply, measure the length to make sure it fits your eye shape. This will keep the corner from drooping or the end poking your eye. If your individuals are too long, give them a little snip too.  Nail scissors work well for this.

Apply a thin strip of glue. Duolash makes a great Striplash Adhesive.  If you have a toothpick handy, it’s helps glide the glue across the strip.  Put more glue on the inner and outer corners, otherwise it might come loose with repeated blinking.

Wait 10 seconds before application.

Align the strip with the natural lash line on top of your actual lashes, not your eyelid. Tweezers are a great help too if your fingers are clunky.  Same rules apply for individuals.

Use mascara to blend the false lashes with your real.  Va-va-voom.

-Arianna Schioldager

The grass is always greener. Or so they say. We crave other women’s legs, eyebrows, you name it, if it isn’t attached to us, we want it.  And hair. We split hairs over hair!  We love everyone’s but our own.  Ours is too curly, too straight, too thick, not thick enough, and frizz? Don’t talk about frizz.  We chemically treat it, straight iron it, curl it, tease it, up-do, down-do and start all over again.  We rifle through different product at the behest of commercials and promises.  We buy it, use it, toss it, change it.  Our day-to-day bathroom hair grind is like that Daft Punk Song, Technologic, except we’re singing about follicles.

Well, leave it to scientists, including Dr. Bob Langer of MIT, and a company located in Boston called Living Proof to undo years of covetous hair-behavior. The Living Proof product was designed to actually answer the issues that women have with their hair, not mask it; for once, a hair-care company that cares.

Their best selling line at Sephora is called “No Frizz.”  Even then girls at the register swear by it.

The shampoo and conditioner block humidity without weighing hair down, and repel dirt to keep your hair cleaner longer. The products are sulfate, silicone, oil and paraben free, among a laundry list of other nasty sounding chemicals.

The Living Proof No Frizz Discovery Kit at Sephora is one their editors’ top picks, and to start you’ll get a shampoo, conditioner, an styling cream.

If frizz isn’t your issue (ah, I feel the jealousy creeping in), they also have a Restore and Full line. All offerings available here.

Try it and you’ll be happy to let your hair down—in more ways than one.  Or as the bottle promises, you’ll be Living Proof.

-Arianna Schioldager

Confession time. I’ve always been lazy about washing my face.  I fall asleep with makeup on.  Some days in the shower I just forget.  I commit about every beauty felony known to skin.  And the thing is, I care about my skin. I think about aging, pimples, and wrinkles just as much as the next gal.  I’m just not all that in to washing my face and possibly it’s because I’ve never noticed that drastic a change amongst face scrubs, washes (oh the millions of products!) offered.

Just walk through Sephora.  There are plenty of beauty-face-related products on the market that make some outlandish claims.  I’m usually first in line on the naysayer train.  But I’ve come across a product that, while can seem (because it is) pricey, is my new every day go-to.  I’m trying to factor in the money I’ll save on facials. The justifications we make.

I’m singing the praises of the Clairsonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems.  I just bought this one.  It’s been on the market for a while, but if you aren’t a believer, you should be. Used and recommended by spas and dermatologists (and me!) the Clairsonic uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements and removes tons of dirt and oil trapped in pores that manual cleansing can leave behind…six times more makeup and two times more dirt and oil than washing with your hands.  It also reduces oil and dry patches, and minimizes the appearance of pores.

Build up can damage the appearance of skin and even prevents other skin care products from working properly.  That means your expensive moisturizer may not be doing its job.

And serious data aside, it leaves your skin feeling SO soft. I mean baby soft. And it makes face-washing fun.  Even for girls like me.

-Arianna Schioldager

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly took fashion by storm in the 1960s. This spring we can all honor the fashion icons with a new twist on one of the many trends they helped make famous: the cropped pant!

J Brand has released its spring 2012 line of cropped jeans. In line with trends this season, there are a plethora of colors and styles to choose from.

For all you classic and sleek women, opt for their Mid-Rise Capri in white or khaki. These pants can easily translate from country club when paired with a button up or polo shirt, flats and pearls to dinner with the girls when paired with a flowly, floral blouse or lace tunic and flirty wedges.

To bring an edge to this timeless style, you can pair J Brand’s daring Ginger Pant embellished with zippers in the Vintage Armadillo or sultry black. Dress up the look with a pair of platform pumps, a statement necklace, and a sexy silk top.

Get noticed in their Patterned Mid-Rise Capri line. Patterns include an audacious grey floral called Heaven, a Japanese inspired print called Empress, and a sweeter, black and white version of Heaven called Sugar Cane. Any of these printed capris can be taken easily from day to night with a change of shoes. Pair with a bright colored espadrille (a bold red would add a punch to this monochromatic look) for a daytime picnic or pair with metallic platforms for a sultry night out on the town!

-Emily Freeman

Perhaps one of the most memorable and recognizable tap numbers is Gene Kelly’s Singin’ in the Rain. What little girl didn’t whistle the tune as they tapped about their bedroom?  It might have even inspired a few of us to convince our doting mothers to send our little cabooses off to a tap class or two.  Ballet inspired garb stole front stage for a bit, especially after movies like Center Stage and Black Swan, but forget wrap sweaters and ethereal outfits for a minute, and recognize how awesome tap outfits are.

Sometimes a girl needs to throw on some tap inspired shoes, a pair of high-waist shorts, bobby socks, and maybe a few sparkles.

The below will help you get started, and if you find yourself on 42nd street, well that’s a bonus.

Let’s start at the bottom. Shoes. You don’t need to be your own percussionist, but there’s a good reason American Apparel calls this the Women’s Dancing Shoe.

If you really want to get into the spirit, try it in glitter.

Socks.  Even if you aren’t into something with a cute little ruffle, go a little naughty with this Fishnet Sock.

Or if you want to maintain your ankle innocence, try a simple bobby sock.

Tap shorts. Here’s where the fun starts. You want them with a high-waist.  But from there, the short’s ocean is your oyster.

Nautical: Good Ship Lollipop has nothing on these Striped Nautical Shorts Sequins: You might be asking for trouble in this pair of Sequin Hotpant Shorts

Lace: Channel your good girl in these Lace Shorts w/ Belt

This Short Sleeve Lace Trim Collar Blouse screams tap starlet.

Top it off with a bow, and you can do the Gene Kelly all the way home (minus the rain, umbrella, and suit of course!).

-Arianna Schioldager

You can pick a pocket or two with this burgeoning fashion trend.  Whether is it skirts or tops, even cute little dresses, pockets are everywhere.  They’ve been everywhere for a while, you might think.  True.  It isn’t like pockets themselves are ground breaking.  But designers and brands are putting them in more unexpected, and sometimes useful, places.

Nothing nasty about the On The Spot Dress from Nasty Gal. Its flowy fit and front pockets look perfect paired with a satchel and ankle boots.  You won’t even need to carry a purse when you take your dog for a walk in this adorable number.

Jenna Lyons is known for reinvigorating the J.Crew brand and creating enviable looks in the companies lookbooks, so it is no surprise that the Boatneck Popover boasts two welt pockets in front.  Plus it is an easy winter to spring crossover piece.  That’s like putting money in those pockets! And just in case you are looking for a similarly pocketed bottom, the Stripe Sweater-Skirt is sleek and to the fashionable point.

If you’ve got money burning holes in the pockets you do have, try on Marc Jacobs Crewneck Cabochon Sweater Vest.  Two pockets, one faux, one mini. Which is good, because you won’t have anything but change left if you purchase it.  But you sure will look cute!

Asos is overflowing with cute clothes—many with pockets, but this Stripe Cardigan by Vero Moda, with contrast patch pockets is a definite winner.  Choose from Beige and Red or White and Blue.

For something basic, try the Top Shop Pocket Shift Dress. Pair it with tights and boots, and tuck your hands in the deep pockets to keep them warm.

-Arianna Schioldager

So the groundhog saw his shadow, granting us 6 more weeks of winter. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t start exploring the flirtatious spring trends of 2012!

Stripes and polka dots and florals, oh my! This spring it is all about integrating bright patterns!

Patterned sweaters in salmons, pinks, red, and teals are all the rage this year. Pass up classic sorority girl pearls and break up this contemporary trend with chunky bauble necklace such as this Kenneth Jay Lane Foiled Again Necklace. Or get creative with any of these chunky necklaces.

Make a fashion statement with wide stripes. Add oomph to your t-shirt and jeans with a big-striped jacket, pair a flirtatious striped skirt with a blouse, or wear them both! You can definitely get away with head-to-toe stripes this spring. Try out the trend with this super-affordable H&M skirt and pair it with a jacket such as this 10 Crosby striped blazer.  Additionally, dare to pair stripes with other patterns such as botanical t-shirt or a flowy floral blouse.

Your floral blouse can become a staple in your spring 2012 wardrobe. Mix and mingle your floral tops and bottoms. Just make sure you mix small and large prints to keep you from looking like a bouquet. For instance, wear a big-floral print skirt and a blouse with a small subtle print.

Lucky for us and our trouble spots, tunics are still in! A tunic should fit comfortably but it should not be so roomy that it looks like a potato sack. This spring is all about lace and crochet tunics, such as this Free People Child Crochet Tunic, which can be worn over a cami, tee, or even a bandeau if you’re daring enough. Pair it with bright pants or shorts, another spring trend.

-Emily Freeman

A couple of weeks ago Jessica Alba wore some seriously brightly colored floral print trouser pants during the wee hours of the morning to a taping of “Live! with Kelly.”  You don’t need to go floral and bright, but if the skies are grey and your ground is covered in white, what better way to liven up the winter doldrums then with some over the top (depending on what you consider the top) brightly hued pants.

If you aren’t ready to make the all out woah! commitment, brand Tibi has two beautiful options. The first is a peachy coral and the other a minty fern. Both come in the relaxed fit signature silk color block pant style.  They give traditional a run for its money with an asymmetric front closure, front slash pocket, and back welt pocket with a flap.  Just be careful not to spill.

If high waist is more your vibe, Alice + Olivia has a beautiful pair of wide legged pink trousers that would look classy and really pop against a plain white tee.

J. Brand has a great skinny bright red corduroy pant that will not only put your legs on parade, but will keep them warm the remainder winter months. Plus right now… they are 50% off.  Ooh-la-bright-la-la.

If you’re worried about shelling out too much money for a trend that you think won’t last, good ole handy Forever 21, has a ton of inexpensive but super cute options.  They’ve got a pair of wide leg woven pants in bright mint for under $25 and a pair of bright purple destroyed skinny jeans for the same price.

And Bloomingdale’s brand Aqua has a great pair of cobalt blue, dress up/dress down cumberbund pants with pockets.

No matter what color you pick, you’re sure to pop!

-Arianna Schioldager

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, but most of us with a sweetheart will be headed out Valentine’s Night.  Whether you’ll be whisked away to a secret getaway or out to a romantic dinner (or maybe your hunny has something else up their sleeve), you’ll need that perfect outfit.  And since they say the dress in the details, why not go for something a little simpler, a little girly, and wear something with a feminine fit. While I’m always in favor of dressing for yourself, there’s no harm in dressing for him one night out of the year. Take a peek at these Little Valentine’s Dresses and outfit yourself in something that makes the night memorable.

For a traditional night out to dinner. Forget feminine wiles, beguile him with your fashion sense, and slip into this simple black classic Victoria Peplum Dress from Alice + Olivia.

For a picnic underneath the stars.  Yes, you can still wear a short dress, but you may want to drop your hemline an inch or two.  To snuggle up beneath the Milky Way, try this flirty Contrasting Collar number from Zara. You can add tights for warmth, or bank on good snuggle session. Plus it’s easy to dress down with flats, or up with heels…just in case you want to take your picnic to the dance floor.

If you want to knock his socks off, don’t hold back and take a peak at this Embellished Fringe Shoulder Dress from TopShop.  The red palate and the plunging heart neckline are just what Cupid ordered, but still maintain a classic look.

And just in case you’re one for dressing for the occasion, who needs a dozen roses when you can wear them? This Sleeveless Painted Rose Dress is feminine and sexy, fun and girly.  Need anything else?

-Arianna Schioldager

The beginning of the year can quickly turn from refreshing to exhausting. February may be the end of your post- holiday vacation gusto and the beginning of fatigue symptoms.  Breaking a sweat daily, eating well, and getting a caffeine fix may help your overall mood, but for most of us, our eyes will still give-away our sleep deprivation.

Whether you want your eyes to sparkle this Valentine’s Day or every day, enhance your eyes with these effortless beauty tips.

To get rejuvenated and youthful-looking eyes, start with eye drops. Red eyes portray sadness, poor health, and exhaustion. Use fake tears sparingly because ingredients in vasoconstrictors can sometimes cause rebound redness when used too often.

Next, you must cover those dark circles. Dot a concealer under your eyes that is the same shade as your foundation. Light-reflective formulas with hyaluronic acid attract moisture and will keep your eyes from looking sunken. Under-eye creases bumming you out? Use a moisturizing eye primer under eyes before applying concealer. Primers have silicones that prevent make-up pigments from settling into fine lines.

If you are a minimalist when it comes to make-up, concentrate on your lashes. Apply a light layer of a shimmery eye shadow. If you have hazel or green eyes use an olive-gold shadow, bronze, metallic cocoa, or copper shade. Taupe, tan, or warm auburn shadows really make blue eyes pop and rich plums and soft lavenders accentuate expressive brown eyes. To get fuller, longer lashes, concentrate on your mascara brush. For fuller lashes, find a tapered or football-shaped brush. These create a dramatic, feathery topcoat. You can also look for a mascara that contains micro-fibers. They cling to lashes and give a false lash effect sans glue and hassle.

To take your eyes from work to play, play around with a sexy smoky eye. Start with a chocolate-colored kohl liner. Apply with the side of the pencil, not the tip, to create a smudgy, soft effect. Then, use a natural-bristle brush to apply a similar shade eye-shadow. Feather the brush right above the lash line and sweep upwards at the outer corner. Then, use a small pointed brush to contour the outer edge of your lower lashes in the same shadow. Then, set the look by adding a darker shadow over your daytime shadow to the inner and outer corners of your eyelid.

Feel free to unleash your inner flirt and bat those lashes!

-Emily Freeman

My boyfriend used to always complain about how sticky my lip gloss would feel or how he would have to wipe off lipstick from his cheek or mouth when we would kiss. But after discovering CoverGirl Outlast All Day Lipcolor, my lips not only look sultry red or sweet pink all day long, our kisses are completely whine-less!

The 16-hour, food, kiss, and waterproof lipstick comes in 7 different shades of browns and spices, 6 burgundies and wines, 7 corals and reds, 7 mauves and berries, 7 neutrals and nudes, and 7 pinks and roses. No matter what the occasion or skin tone you have, there is a color for you! Wear it matte for a more contemporary look or use the moisturizing topcoat gloss to add a burst of shine.

-Emily Freeman