The other weekend, my friends and I had a sudden craving for some good quality burgers and shakes, so we thought- Johnny Rockets! But when we got there having anticipated it for hours, we couldn’t find it! Where did Johnny Rockets go? After much wandering around, we finally realized that it has been replaced with a Penguin store.
Personally I didn’t realize they had enough merchandise to warrant a whole store. I’d always associated Penguin with men’s polo and preppy menswear in general. I didn’t know they had womens wear!
So it appears that they do. And the style very much reminds me of the likes of Ted Baker, which is ironic since this brand stems from Minneapolis.
Looking at the window display (instead of indulging in burgers and shakes), I rather liked the shirt dress (above left) they showed. Admittedly it isn’t a dress that immediately takes the breath away, but I like to think that there is a subtle charm to it- it also played right into my sudden recent obsession with shirt dresses . I also like this blue shirt dress (right), because while the cutting and design is really simple, the mixture of small polka dot prints with the thin floral print (or I think it’s floral) belt is just adorable. My friend just gave me a 20% off coupon for Penguin.. maybe I’ll go check this dress out. I hope they fit better than Ted Baker (Ted has the prettiest clothes, but with the worst fit!).
They also have these pretty standard looking dresses. I reckon the plain red dress would be an awesome dress to wear if you loved to accessorize- think headband, think crazy necklace!
These are not bad either. I think I even have something very similar. But you see what I mean about being very Ted Baker? Browsing through their website, I cannot help but feel like I’ve seen and have been excited about everything before already…. I’d like Johnny Rockets back please!

Image Source: The Original Penguin

Popularity: 4% [?]

I saved the image of this yellow t-shirt dress by See by Chloe (from the Cruise collection) when it was still online a few months ago. It’s bright, casual and looked like such a fun, easy-to-wear dress for the summer. I never managed to see it in real life but it got me looking out for tee shirt dresses.

I love the design of this Mr. Abbott dress. I don’t quite love the pinkness of this dress, but it’s such a cute design!

The design of this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress looks cute from the front but the hole at the back makes it not very practical for casual, everyday wear.

Urban Outfitters has these simple, short-sleeved dresses. They’re even nice enough for a nice dinner or night out.

The other shirt dress I found on uo.com is this plaid shirt dress. The bubble shape at the bottom makes the dress feels less indie and more girly, which makes the dress easier to pull of because let’s face it, not everyone can pull of plaid!

The black dress on Lily Donaldson looks like another versatile, day-to-night dress. I’ll be looking out for this one on my next trip to H&M.

Another dress I’ll be looking out for is this See by Chloe jersey dress. I really like the print on the top and I’m hoping to find it in this dress version, (although I’ll be looking out for the t-shirt version too.)

During my search for t-shirt dresses I’ve noticed that it’s much harder this summer than last summer to find them. It probably means that t-shirt dresses aren’t ‘in’ anymore but they’re just so cute and easy to wear! Plus, putting on shirt dresses is arguably even more brainless than a denim and t-shirt combo!

Image Credit: www.shopbop.com, www.urbanoutfitters.com, www.activeendeavors.com, www.chloe.com, www.hm.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

All photos are mine.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Let’s face it. Being a teenager means being self-conscious, pretty much all the time. and, if you’re a teenage girl, especially one whose skin, complexion or overall appearance is not “picture perfect” that can make the whole experience even worse. (This of course, can apply to any girl, depending on her frame of mind). Fortunately, here are some beauty tips that can come to the rescue for your face and skin type, so you can meet the world refreshed and ready, as well as some make-up and safety tips for when you’re going out and having fun. All this said, always remember that true self improvement comes from within, and that while looking good on the outside, in terms of being presentable and attractive, are always find a strive for, but never define who you are.

Facial Skin Care Tip

Some people can confuse the physical transformation that comes with putting makeup on, with a sort of personal transformation, but again this is not the truth. When you feel beautiful inside, you will be more attractive to others on the outside. Makeup will not do it.

From a practical physical standpoint, it is a good idea to remember that your skin needs to breathe. It is important to keep your skin as natural as possible- so try and keep makeup is minimal as is necessary and keep going, “all-out” for special occasions like parties.

Mirrors with good high quality lighting are great for examining your skin – although the first time you take a really good close look it can be a loud and shocking personal alarm to take some fast action, if you’ve neglected your skin. Beauty tip no 1 is to take a close look at it at home and ensure before you do that you’ve done a good job of makeup removal. This can especially be true in the summer, when the excess heat can cause problems faster, if you’ve left any makeup on your face for an extended period of time.

If your face is usually dry: Before you shower, apply a rich moisturizing mask or thick layer of moisturizer. The moist heat helps the mask plump up fine lines and creases temporarily. Apply a heavy layer of petroleum jelly to lips. At the end of the shower, use a warm damp washcloth to gently massage off both treatments, and then use a naturally made loofah to bring out a natural, healthy glow.

If your skin is naturally oily: Use toner before and after you get out of the shower, before, to clean off any oil that has risen to the surface during sleep, and again when you get out to take off any oil that has surfaced from the heat of the water.

If you have combination skin, only apply toner masks to the “T” area on your face, you could cause your cheeks to redden from applying toner there.
Dab yellow or skin-tone concealer on blue under eye circles. Stay away from lighter skin tone or white cover-ups. You can get free samples to try out in the privacy of your own home and samples are available for all skin tones.

Hair Care Tip

Dwayne, the African-American Culture contributing hair care expert, shares a secret beauty tip on how to prevent hair breakage while you sleep for all hair types, not just black women. Spilt ends have a tendency to get caught on the cotton and your tossing and turning will actually pull the caught pieces out of your head. So little by little, if you were wearing a cotton scarf to protect your hair while you sleep, you may actually be making it worse! It is highly recommended that you either wrap your hair up in silk or satin scarves at night or sleep on silk or satin pillows.

Indian Ethnics.com, has some good Indian (and non Indian as well) beauty tips on make up and skin care for teens. Here’s the secret: If you are getting ready for a night on the town, choose a foundation closest to your natural skin tone, and foundation that is to be sure to blend it past your jaw line and across your neck (so it doesn’t look as though you’re wearing a mask). When it comes to eye shadow, choose a color slightly darker than your eyes.

Beauty Accessory Ideas

As far as accessories, a hot gift idea for a teen with a low-budget can be decorative jewelry, that doesn’t necessarily have to come from Tiffany’s. There are plenty of places online where you can shop for attractive and very reasonably priced items. Believe it or not, the way you move can actually be one of the most attractive or off-putting features you have. When you can move more gracefully and assuredly, that puts out an air of confidence which will make a difference to matter what it is you are or are wearing. Consider taking a dance lesson, enrolling in some sort of after school sport like gymnastics where you can learn more control over your balance and agility. You may think, what does this have to do with looking good when I’m going out to a party- but once you’ve got grace and agility in what is referred to as your “muscle memory”, it will make a difference in all areas of your life.

And lastly, I always think, especially if going out at night, that taking the time to buy pepper spray, even if it’s a teeny little canister that goes on a keychain can be one of the best “accessories” you can own for your own and your loved one’s peace of mind. It’s probably one of those things you’ll never need to use that you’ll always be happy you have.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Therese Higgins is a dedicated advocate and researcher of healthy anti-aging skin care. Visit http://www.blithe-radiance.com to read about the results and recommendations that she shares with interested readers.

Popularity: 2% [?]

I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
She’s givin’ me excitations
(Ooom bop bop … good vibrations!)
I’m pickin’ up good vibrations
(Ooom bop bop … good vibrations!)
She’s givin’ me excitations
Good, good, good, good vibrations!
– The Beach Boys, Good Vibrations

The hype has been huge. For months, rumors have been circulating about the amazingness that is Lancome Oscillation Mascara. The whopping 7000 oscillations per minute that this tube produces are completely unrivaled on the market. So when the opportunity came along to purchase a tube for one day only this past July on Lancome’s website , I jumped at the chance. I plunked down my $27 and laid in wait for the tube to arrive, dreaming of the fabulousity that surely laid within.

Well, let me tell you … this mascara does not disappoint. I was fully prepared to be underwhelmed, especially when Kerry Diamond, the Vice President of Public Relations and Communications for Lancome, told me I might hate it at first. But I tried to keep an open mind and recall all of the wonderful advice Kerry provided me before trying:

“This is definitely a product for beauty junkies,” Kerry told me. “When you use it, remember it’s a different kind of mascara. You have to go slow and steady. If you zig zag, forget it. And keep the word stretch in mind. Just imagine that you are trying to stretch your lashes as you do it and pull the comb through your lashes. If you get a clump, and you just might, go right back into the clump with the brush and comb it out.”

So, keeping all of this handy advice top of mind, I pulled out the black lacquered tube, pressed the handy-dandy button along one side to get the vibrations going, and started applying the mascara ever so slowly to my lashes. Right from the get go, I was seriously impressed. The formula really adheres to the lashes, making them appear longer and thicker in only one coat! I didn’t find any thick clumps among my lashes, though there were a couple spots to run through with the brush a couple of times. While there is a lot of product to clean up — the mascara does feel a bit gooey and wet, and will leave some traces above and below the lashlines to get rid of with makeup remover — it really does make lashes look fantastic. Each time I’ve worn it, I’ve gotten compliments on how long and lush my lashes appear … so it must be working! Even better, it stays on all night — even through vicious bouts of dancing — with no fading or streaking.

My best piece of advice? Don’t be afraid of the vibrations! They’re very fast, but so tiny that you won’t really feel like you’re poking something scary at your eyes. I definitely don’t see any way that this mascara could hurt you. The price tag may seem a bit high, but I definitely think it’s worth it. You can see for yourself fairly soon, as the mascara should be on counters within the next couple of weeks!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Popularity: 2% [?]

As you all know, I simply adore large shades. Over the years, I think you’ve all heard me go on about big black shades, big brown shades and big aviator shades- all the classics. So where does one move onto next when they’ve been through all the classics? Well, according to Prada, it is big odd shaped shades! I love them. They have all the essential elements of big black shades that make them classic (the big squarish over sized shape and the black plastic rims), while the slight irregularity gives it that oomph it needs to be refreshing and ‘new.’
Speaking of new shapes, I also adore these circular shades from Chanel. I’m not sure if you can see, but there is a thin white lining that highlights the black rims (this highlight also comes in pink too, which is absolutely darling!). At first I wasn’t sure about the shape of these shades. It slightly looked like those glasses that incredibly nerdy kids wear in cartoons. Or those toy shades that kids play with i.e. heart shaped shades anyone? But then I tried it on and they actually look fabulous! It has the whole over sized shades thing going on for it. The white/pink rimmed highlighting and the diamond pattern on the side makes it feminine and sophisticated. And the circular shape is just more modern and fun.

The only trade off is that these irregularly shaped shades were just not made to sit on the head as headbands really well. Oh well.

Image Sources: Chanel and Prada

Popularity: 2% [?]

And ok, Sasha Pivovarova is admittedly one of my favourite models but I am not one of those fans who think she should get every Prada campaign until the end of time. Plus, the whole lace thing is so hard to pull off and frankly, sort of aiming for an older audience so a more traditional, mature model is probably more suitable. But seriously, Linda Evangelista does not exactly look tradiational to me here -her face looks weird. Maybe it’s just whatever anti-aging treatment she’s done and the mono shape of her lips.

But I suppose it’s not a completely horrible campaign -the colour of the background and the shadows in the images are very cool.

Popularity: 1% [?]