Friday, July 15, 2011

Top 5 Best Harry Potter Moments

Spoilers are ahead if you haven?t read Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.

1. You?re a wizard, Harry-This moment marks the start of Harry?s journey in the wizarding world.


2. Snape kills Dumbledore: Possibly the most devastating moment in the entire series, which only made the world hate Severus Snape more.


3. Discovery/Finding horcruxes: This task fueled the last two books and was the only chance for Harry to defeat Voldemort.


4. Sirius is Harry?s godfather: Harry finally has a family member he can relate to and rely on for advice.


5. The prophecy: Harry finds out that he cannot live while Voldemort survives.


—MANDILYN KERR

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Kim, Kourtney, and Khloé Take… OPI?

Looking for the next way to keep up with the Kardashians? Yearning to expand your nail polish collection with a plethora of “K” themed titles? The infamous Kardashian sisters have been hinting with tight lips for months via Twitter that they would be participating in a collaboration with polish powerhouse OPI sometime in the future.

The day has finally arrived, with “Kardashian Kolors” bearing a promise of 14 varied polishes to jazz up nails and complement any ensemble. The always cleverly named polishes incorporate the first names of the six prominent Kardashian women, with titles such as “Kim-pletely in love” and “Wear Something Spark-Kylie.” These bottles of fabulous colors will sell for $8 each at beauty stores. The collection is set to launch on November 25, 2011 (Black Friday, anyone?).

Even if you are not enamored with the Kardashian clan and their whirlwind of K-words, smoky eyes, and outrageous antics on television, these dazzling new shades will be sure to find any nail polish enthusiast in good taste.

-STEPHANIE WEBER

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The 675-Mile Shopping Spree


Calling all bargain shoppers: the world's longest yard sale is just around the corner! Held the first Thursday through the following Sunday in August, the 127 Corridor Sale stretches across six states, beginning right here in Hudson, Michigan and ending in Gadsden, Alabama. Each year, adventurous shoppers set out in search of unique treasures while enjoying the scenic drive along Highway 127. Thousands of roadside vendors offer everything from fresh farm produce and homemade crafts to antiques and vintage collectibles. Interested in commencing your summer with the ultimate road trip and shopping spree duo? Mark your calendars and visit 127sale.com for more details.

-SAMANTHA MEUX

Royally Chic


Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, arrived in North America for their tour of Canada and Los Angeles. Of course, we couldn't keep our eyes off the new princess and her classic, chic style. In Canada, Kate honored the country by wearing a diamond Canadian maple leaf pin on her simple dresses by some of her favorite designers such as Issa and Reiss, as well as on Canada Day, wearing a fabulous red hat with maple leaves on it. Paying homage to her tour stops, Kate wore two dresses by Canadian designer Erdem and for her first night in Los Angeles, she wore an emerald silk dress by American designer Diane von Furstenburg. Her choices were elegant and effortless, choosing dresses in bright jewel shades like red, green and purple and soft neutral shades of grey, taupe and white. Her best moment? Her belted, lavender Alexander McQueen gown for the BAFTA Awards in LA. This North American tour helped us see that no matter where she is, Kate always has the perfect princess style.


Want to bring a favorite clothing piece of Kate's home with you? Kate was seen wearing J Brand's "811" mid-rise skinny leg jeans ($169, jbrandjeans.com) three days in a row in Canada!


-CARLY HILL

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Wardrobe Update: Make a new outfit from clothes you already own


Long gone are the days of standing in front of your closet thinking, "I've worn all of this." Here are some tips to spruce up what you already have!

· Add a belt

· Roll, cuff or tie

· Add a brooch or a pin

· Tuck a shirt in instead of wearing it loose

· Take a piece that's been hanging in your closet for years and add a fun accessory to update the look.

· Mix and match floral with leather, stripes with polka dots, brown with black.

Have fun with the clothes you already own and do not be afraid of making alterations!

—MANDILYN KERR

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Pool-proof your look!

Water, humidity, and heat have a knack for spoiling a perfectly made-up face. This summer, resist the cruelty of the weather and its unappealing side effects by relying on waterproof makeup.


FACE: A natural, fresh-faced look is most desirable in the summer to avoid appearing overly dolled-up. No one strives to be seen stepping out of the water with foundation streaking down their face. Lancôme’s Effacernes is a waterproof undereye concealer that stays on all day, evens skintones, and covers uninvited dark circles. (Sephora, $28)


EYES: Stila's Smudge Stick eyeliners are both waterproof and smudge proof to help you endure a long day in the heat. While waterproof eyeliners commonly tug at the eyelids, Stila’s seven shades glide on easily to deliver intense color with staying power (Sephora, $20). Consider pairing lined eyes with Yves Saint Laurent's Singular Nuit Blanche waterproof mascara. The unique wand allows for volume, definition, and length that prevails in water and heat (macys.com, $36).


REMOVER: At the end of the day, washing away the makeup that resists it all can be a grueling task. Benefit’s Remove It is a lightweight, oil-free solution for cleansing your face of the makeup that accentuates your natural allure all day (Sephora, $20).


-STEPHANIE WEBER

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Red, White & Blue Beauty


Whether you're at the beach, a BBQ or the firework displays, here are some easy ways to add a little Fourth of July spirit to your beauty routine this holiday weekend.

Eyes — To make your beach tan really show, try a shimmery white shadow in the inner corner of your eyes. Try NARS Shimmer Eyeshadow in Tibet ($23, barneys.com) Or for an extra holiday touch, try a little blue mascara on the tips of lashes with Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara in Indigo ($17, sephora.com)

Lips — Nothing says Fourth of July more than a bold red lip. Perfect for a quick from-beach-to-party touch-up, swipe on M.A.C.'s Russian Red Lipstick ($15, maccosmetics.com)

Nails — For a subtle patriotic nod, try Sephora by OPI Glee Chic Print Nail Patches ($15, sephora.com). These navy and white polka dot nail strips, inspired by the FOX show, easily apply with varying lengths for a perfect fit. To match the fireworks that night, swipe on a coat of Deborah Lippmann's Glitter Nail Polish in Lady Sings the Blues ($18, nordstrom.com).

Hair — Finally, if you're feeling really bold, dye small streaks of varying colors of blue similar to Ashley Olsen's new 'do . If dying your hair seems too risky, try clip in extensions for the day!

— CARLY HILL