How Tos

We all think Rachel Bilson is absolutely adorable. She’s definitely a young Hollywood celeb that has gotten it right – especially when it comes to style. When we saw this photo of her, we immediately wanted to know how to get her hair style. The wispy, undone ponytail with the braided crown…simply gorgeous!

For advice on how to get this look, we turned to Bumble and bumble editorial stylist, Michelle Fiona. Michelle has worked with numerous celebs and models, including Karen Elson, Zooey Deschanel and Maggie Gyllenhal – as well as top media outlets like Allure and Nylon. Her refined, but inventive style is exactly what Rachel Bilson is all about…so here are her fabulous step-by-step tips on how to re-create the look: (more…)

Editor’s Note: The lovely Becki from Shopping’s My Cardio asked me to write an article for her blog – and this is it! It’s posted on her site today, and she’s allowed me to cross-post it here for you to read, too! Hope you enjoy.

Bangles are making a comeback! (Were they out? At least for me, they were…but they’re definitely back in for the season, though.) I’m seeing them everywhere – from my favorite little boutiques to big department stores. They are easy and simple to wear, but make a style statement. Here are my tips on how to choose and wear bangles, en vogue: (more…)

Gwyneth Paltrow is looking truly stunning these days, especially at all the Iron Man premieres. I’m really loving her shorter hair and her fashion choices (see here and here). For the film itself (which my boyfriend is incredibly excited about), Estee Lauder created a a lovely romantic look for Gwyneth Paltrow’s character, Virginia “Pepper” Potts; the look is “soft, feminine and luminous and the perfect complement to Pepper’s evening style of a striking jewel-toned cocktail dress and long, flowing hair.” To re-create her look, simply follow these steps! (more…)

We’ve told you before how much we love Gossip Girl…and yes, we will be glued to the tube this evening since there will be a new episode tonight. We decided that we’d make it a complete GG day and tell you how to re-create one of the hairstyles from the show. We’ve always admired Leighton Meester’s curls (a.k.a. Blair), but had no idea how to replicate it with our own locks. So, we turned to celebrity hairstylist Christine Symonds from Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles for advice!

“To achieve Leighton Meester’s toussled wave look, you will need to invest in a wide barrel curling iron. A 1 1/2 in. will work best,” advises Christine. Below, she’s broken down the look and provided step-by-step directions, so you can have Blair’s perfect waves, too! (more…)

Want to look like Angelina Jolie? Don’t we all! I usually think she looks beautiful (and I always covet her Louboutins), but I was especially enamored with her neutral makeup look at the Spirit Awards last week. So much that we consulted our friend and celebrity makeup artist Emily Kate Warren for tips on how to re-create the look. (Many thanks for the wonderful tips!) Then I tapped into my arsenal of makeup products to try to recreate the natural glow effect. (Sadly, no amount of makeup I ever put on will have me looking like Angie).

I think it’s tricky making this look work because you essentially have to put your face out there with very little color, but a lot of polish. When working with nudes and neutrals, it is also tricky to find shades that don’t wash you out, so I recommend testing out a bunch of products to get the ones that work for you. Below, I’ve listed the tools and tricks that did it for me. (more…)

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are pulling out our stationery supply and a pen for the many thank you notes we’re about to write. But what to say and how to say it? We asked the experts for their advice – and they answered! We tackle etiquette, card types, and more. After finishing this How To, you’ll have no problem crafting the perfect thank you note.

Q: When should you send a thank you note?
A: Immédiatement! “The most frequent note writers prefer to mail their letters within a day of an event, while details (and the task itself) are still fresh in their minds,” says Kate Frederic at Dempsey & Carroll. However, if 15 days have gone by…should you send it anyway? Avis Wampler of Avie Designs says, “I think better late than never. The fact that you are sending a handwritten note is a beautifully thoughtful gesture that should not be given up on just because you’re a little late. Send it anyway.”

Q: When must you send a thank you note?
A: There’s no hard and fast rule. Send one when you genuinely appreciate what someone has done on your behalf. Dempsey & Carroll also offer a short guide on their website.

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How many of you are afraid to try at-home hair color? Perhaps you’re a hair color virgin or just tired of the expensive visits to the salon…well, we put together DIY guide for at-home color – with plenty of tips from the experts! Let’s get started, shall we?

WHAT COLOR ARE YOU?:

• You’re at the drugstore staring at rows and rows of boxes. Which box do you choose? Simply take part some of your hair and put it next to the color swatch on the box. We recommend choosing a color no more than two shades lighter or darker than your natural shade.
• In the past, you’ve colored your locks professionally, but now want to attempt it at home. What color are you? Here is what Marcy Cona, Global Director of Color & Style at Clairol recommends: Determine your current color by viewing it in the daylight. Fan out your hair at the bottom and then look at the shade guide on the side panel of the hair color box.
• If you are having trouble selecting the correct shade, stylist David Scott recommends speaking to staff in the beauty department at your local drugstore; they are often trained on the various lines that are available.

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Cardigans are a classic item that most people have in their wardrobes and with cold weather up ahead, they are coming out of the closet. But have you ever felt like it ends up looking too prissy, ultimately making you look older or uptight? I know that I have! Here are our tips on how to buy and wear cardigans – with style:

• Layer, layer, layer! Though you can wear practically anything with cardigans, try to layer them over a piece like a bold print silk shirt for an unexpected touch of luxury. One of our editors also favors layering a short-sleeved cardigan over long-sleeved tees or blouses for a more playful approach.
• Belt it! A belt, whether it’s thin or wide, brings freshness to the look and also can help accentuate the tiniest part of your waist, thereby playing up curves. Patent leather or metallic belts will give it a splash of fun.

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It can be a daunting task to continuously look stylish at work. Some of us work at more conservative companies, and it’s hard to find flexibility in a dress code! We’ve found some great ways to dress up your pantsuits and work skirts–just be sure to gauge your own workplace and corporate culture. If you think your style may be pushing the envelope, chances are that it probably is. That being said, take a look at these tips and find what works for you at work!

Jewelry: The simplest way to dress up your work wardrobe is to add a stylish piece of jewelry to your everyday look. Strands of pearls of varying lengths or pearl pendant necklaces give a simple and sophisticated lift to your suit. The Majorica collection ($145 and up) of organic pearls are gorgeous and won’t break the bank. For more of a statement, this Mikimoto cultured pearl pendant ($960) is absolutely gorgeous. The key is making sure your jewelry is simply sophisticated and not overly flashy. A simple right hand ring or bracelet from the always classic Tiffany’s is work-appropriate, yet still stands out. We like the sterling silver Elsa Peretti pieces ($175 and up) for their designs and reasonable pricing, and the Frank Gehry collection ($195 and up) for its unique architectural inspiration and structurally-focused design.

Tops: If you don’t always have to wear button-down shirts with your suits and skirts, consider incorporating dressy tops to your work wardrobe. J. Crew’s Emelia blouse ($88) would look great under a suit jacket. This silk sleeveless top ($78) from Banana Republic would perfectly dress up even a plain black skirt. Choose tops that have details that are subtle yet still stand out, like some ruching, ruffles, or pleating. A pretty top in an eye-catching color is a simple departure from plain button-down shirts.
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How long has it been since your last mani/pedi session? Well, I know that it’s been too long since my last appointment. I’m just too busy – and I’m betting that there are many women who are the same boat! Well, to help your nails get into tip-top shape, we’ve put together a simple “How To” on how to give yourself an at-home mani/pedi. Get together with your girlfriends for a “girls-only day” and put the tips to use! (more…)