Podcast: What Not to Wear to a Hockey Game (and more!)

Although beauty and fashion are my passion, I do have another love: sports. I teamed up with a couple of my friends, Alex and Lindsey, to talk about some of the most exciting aspects of attending sports events such as tailgating food, competition, and of course apparel. We also had a special guest, Patrick, who joined our conversation.

Also, if you like what you heard, check out my friends' blogs! Lindsey's blog is about cooking, and Alex's blog about sports and social media. Unfortunately, Patrick does not have a blog.

The Mane Idea: Five Hair Products I Can't Live Without

Like most girls, my hair care routine goes way beyond just plain shampoo and conditioner. Here are five products that keep my hair feeling and looking its best: (from left to right)

1. Macadamia Natural Oil Flawless Cleansing Conditioner

This cleansing conditioner eliminates the need for shampoo and conditioner. It claims to speed up the blow drying process while adding nourishing macadamia oil to strengthen the hair and soothe damaged ends. I purchased a trial-size of this product for $15 at Ulta but the full size is $33 for 8 oz. 

2. Paul Mitchell Hot Off The Press Thermal Protection Hairspray

This hairspray has been a lifesaver when I'm running late and need my waves to last all day. It doubles as a heat protectant and a strong-hold hairspray that doesn't live my hair with that crunchy feeling we expect from a traditional hairspray. This product is sold at Ulta and Walgreens at around $19 for 6 oz.

3. Batiste Dry Shampoo

It's a common commandment in the world of hair care that washing it too frequently can be too drying and damaging on the hair. That's where dry shampoo comes into the picture. My favorite dry shampoo is from Batiste and I particularly love the "wild" scent (pictured above). I usually get mine at Marshalls for around $6 but it is also sold at Ulta and other drugstores for $8.

4. Lush Big Sea Salt Shampoo
After using heat protectant sprays, dry shampoo, and other styling products my hair can tend to feel a little icky.  I will use a clarifying shampoo like this sea salt one from Lush to get rid of the extra build up and gunk. Although at $27 it is a little pricey, it leaves my hair with an amazing shine and lemon scent that makes up for it. Clarifying shampoos can be a bit drying, so I like to follow them with a deep conditioning treatment.

5. L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm

My list of top hair products would not be complete without mentioning this deep repair masque. It claims to repair up to a year of damage after just one use. Let's be honest - that's probably not possible but it truly does make my ends feel softer and silkier each time I use this product. At only $7 for a whopping 8.5 oz of product, this is a definite must try for anyone whose hair could use a little extra TLC. You can find it at Ulta and most drugstores.

The picture of all five products and the Lush shampoo are my own. All other images were acquired at the following websites:
http://www.handsomemen.pl/UserFiles/Image/drag/batiste_wild-2013-9-20-14-27-10.jpg  
http://i-glamour.com/images/801025_2.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/GURoEtcoo4A/Uf71b4fLDsI/AAAAAAAAAH8/7AzTbiMiedU/s1600/DSCN0614.JPG
http://www.kelsidoeshair.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/WorkedUp.png

Top 10 Under $10 - My Fashion Wish List

Here are the top 10 clothing items and accessories that I'm currently lusting after.  As an added bonus, these pieces are all around $10 and won't break the bank if I do decide to purchase them. If we break it down, that's cheaper than two grande vanilla lattes at Starbucks or a trip to the movies. Enjoy!

                                                            1. What: Oversized top
                                                                    Where: H&M 
                                                                   How much: $9.95

See it here

 2. What: Cranberry long leggings

  Where: Cotton On
    How much: $9.95 or 2 for $15

See it here

3. What: Flat Rider bracelet
    Where: UrbanOG
    How much: $6.20

See it here

4. What: Striped maxi dress
    Where: Forever 21
    How much: $10.80

See it here

5. What: Pentagon sunglasses
    Where: Cotton On
    How much: $9.95

See it here

6. What: Denim shorts
    Where: H&M
    How much: $9.95

 

See it here 

7. What: Tassel scarf
    Where: Forever 21
    How much: $9.80

8. What: Pop-Color tank
    Where: Old Navy
    How much: $8.50

See it here

9. What: Classic Skinny Jeans
    Where: Forever 21
    How much: $7.80

See it here

10. What: Wallet clutch
    Where: T.J. Maxx
    How much: $9.99

See it here

All photos and information are taken from the links provided. All rights reserved.

Nailed It! My Top Spring Nail Polishes

It's finally that time of year where we can say "so long" to our riding boots and moccasins and hello to our favorite pair of sandals. If you're like me, sandal season also means that my toes must be painted if I dare let them see the light of day. From cool blues to peachy neutrals, here are my top six polish picks for spring:

1. Essie -  Mint Candy Apple
2. OPI  - Bubble Bath
3. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear -  Pacific Blue
4. Deborah Lippmann - Tip Toe Through the Tulips
5. Essie - Bikini So Teeny
6. OPI - Cajun Shrimp

Images compiled from the following original links:
1. http://bit.ly/1hy1UwQ
2. http://on.allure.com/1mUJdvn
3. http://bit.ly/1imgkB8
4.http://bit.ly/1stu7y9
5. http://on.allure.com/1mUJ6Qj
6. http://bit.ly/PUxAXi

Style Diary: Danielle Giangrasso

Name: Danielle Giangrasso

Age: 21
Major: Psychology Major at Appalachian State University
Sweater: Cotton Emporium (from Ram's Rack thrift store)
Tank: H&M
Pants: Old Navy
Boots: R2 by Report (from Rack Room Shoes)

Q: Why is this your go-to outfit?
A: I chose this outfit because the sweater is light yet cozy and is great for layering. The high-waisted black pants are comfortable but not too casual so I could wear them for any occasion. I like these boots because they hold up well in the Boone weather.

Q: Describe your style in three words
A: Earthy, casual, and affordable.

Q: What are you looking forward to wearing this spring?
A: Wearing Chacos without socks.

All photos for this post are my own.

Beauty Essentials: Spring Break Travel Edition

Mid-March is a celebratory time for college basketball, St. Patrick's Day, and for most students the long-awaited vacation from school work known as Spring Break. I decided to share five of my travel beauty essentials that are both airplane and budget friendly.

1. Sunscreen

This may seem like a no-brainer, but this isn't just any old sunscreen. This is specially formulated to protect your face from the sun and from breaking out. While it's difficult to travel with aerosol cans, this packaging allows it to fit in a TSA-approved ziploc bag. The formula is light-weight and doesn't leave you with that god awful and overwhelming "I just put on sunscreen" scent.

2. Makeup remover wipes

Traveling with face wash, toner, moisturizer and makeup remover can be a bit excessive. I decided to purchase these Olay Fresh Effects deluxe wipes to get the job done. They are perfect for refreshing your skin from a day in the sun and won't dry out your skin.

3. Waterproof mascara

While I am not the biggest fan of covering your skin in makeup on vacation, obviously a little makeup for a night out is fine. I recommend packing a cheap waterproof mascara with a long-lasting formula that won't smudge in humid climates.

4. Heavy-duty concealer

If you're going out with friends on Spring Break, chances are you will be out late at night and your sleep will consist of naps by the pool. An under-eye concealer with high coverage will hide under-eye bags and brighten your imperfections.  My dark circles are genetic (thanks, Mom) so I've sworn by this affordable Maybelline Age-Rewind concealer

5. Travel-size perfume

Let's be real for a second. Bars are smelly. Sweaty people are smelly. Aside from deodorant - which I didn't put on this list because I hope you all wear it already - a little extra boost of your favorite perfume is easy to slip into your purse or carry on. This is the Taylor Swift Enchanted perfume that I picked up for only $5 at Marshalls.

Happy traveling!

All photos and opinions are my own.

Runway Recap: Fall 2014

Although my heart is set on spring, the fashion industry is focused on fall. Now that New York and London Fashion Weeks have recently wrapped up, I decided to delve into my favorite looks from the two.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, New York – Feb. 6-13, 2014

Marc Jacobs, model: Elisabeth Erm

Photo provided here

This muted cornflower blue piece caught my eye because of the stunning neckline. I can definitely see this cut in a thicker shift dress for everyday wear in the fall. Plus, I adored his use of sporty fabric headbands and blunt bobs on his models. The guy can do no wrong in my eyes.

DVF, model: Mariana Santana

Photo provided here

The designer legend Diane von Furtsenberg did not disappoint at this year's NYFW. I chose this flowy fuchsia number because it seems like the perfect runway to real world dress. The youthful pattern and light fabric would be an ideal transition from summer to autumn.

3.1 Phillip Lim, model: Marine Deleeuw

Photo provided here

With inspiration from the unpredictable forces of climate, Phillip Lim debuted his 3.1 collection. Pictured here, my top pick from his show was this textured top and structured trouser combo. While the chunky sandals aren't my favorite pairing with this outfit, I can't get over how well he captured the essence of every girl's fall staple (blue jeans) in a sophisticated way.

For more information, please visit mbfashionweek.com

London Fashion Week – Feb. 14-18, 2014

Tom Ford, model: Betty Adewole

Photo provided here

My knowledge of Tom Ford prior to London Fashion Week is quite embarrassing. It essentially extends to the fact that he makes stellar red lipsticks at prices I only dream to afford. However, this cape coat with solid black trim struck out to me.Fur vests, structured blazers and velvet gowns were also running themes of his  fall 2014 line.

Christopher Kane, model: Carla Ciffoni

Photo provided here

Scottish designer Christopher Kane brought a variety of textures and styles to London Fashion Week. This dress has a very stable structure yet reminds of the pages of a book unfolding before my eyes. Books, fall, back-to-school - what an appropriate look for fall 2014.

For more information, please visit londonfashionweek.co.uk

All photos courtesy of vogue.com, with the appropriate links provided. All rights reserved.

Moisturizer is a Girl's Best Friend

With the winter wind in full swing (thanks a lot, groundhog) I thought it was appropriate to share my top three moisturizers. Because even the oiliest of skin types can fall victim to dry patches, I have selected moisturizers that will apply to dry, oily, and normal/combination skin types. In general, I find that applying a daily moisturizer keeps my skin looking fresh and hydrated throughout the day and is essential to prevent any face makeup from looking cakey.

My first pick (above) is the Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer. As the name suggests, the cream-gel hybrid formula is perfect for those with normal to combination skin who are just looking for balanced, softer skin. According to its packaging, it's clinically proven to reduce the size of pores in four weeks. While I can't dispute or agree with that claim, I can say that my skin looks healthy and smells amazing when I use this product. I found this for an awesome deal at my local T.J. Maxx for only $8, but it generally retails for $32 (according to Sephora's website.) http://bit.ly/1eIQ5Tc

My next favorite moisturizer is the Ultra Repair Cream from First Aid Beauty. My skin leans on the dryer side, especially during this winter season. The great thing about this cream is that can be used on the face and the body. It is also free of harsh irritants and chemicals so it claims to be safe for sensitive skin. The Ultra Repair Cream is an extremely thick consistency, and is sold in both a trial tube form and in a larger six-ounce jar. I purchased the smaller tube (pictured) at Sephora for $12, while the full-size tub is $28. http://bit.ly/1gdELTd

My last pick for my top moisturizers is the most wallet friendly of the bunch. Sold at drugstores and mass retailers, the Garnier Nutritioniste Moisture Rescue Refresher Gel-Cream is available at a $7-$9 price point. Although the packaging claims this product is for normal to combination skin, I would recommend it for oily skin types. The "gel-cream" formula is actually an incredibly lightweight, translucent gel. While I have drier skin, this is my ideal daytime moisturizer that will transition well into the warmer months. http://bit.ly/1eISFIC

All images and reviews for this post are my own. Websites provided are not affiliate links.

Best and Worst: Grammys Fashion

Another award season is upon us and that means another batch of celebrities are donning their looks on infamous red carpets for millions of Americans to critique. I have selected my top two best and worst dresses from last week's Grammy Awards.

Best: Chrissy Teigen has a lot going for her. She's a supermodel whose portfolio includes a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. She writes a cooking blog and hilarious tweets. She also just so happens to be married to singer John Legend. That being said, Teigen's Grammy dress was by far my favorite of the night. She wore a strapless Johanna Johnson dress with a plunging sweetheart neckline and gold sequins for days. It was stunning.

Best runner-up: Miranda Lambert wore my second favorite dress of the night. She rocked a red floor-length gown designed by Pamella Roland. I loved the satin-trimmed waist that fit perfectly on her curves. This dressed proves that simplicity and elegance go hand-in-hand.

Worst: Although Zendaya came close to winning Dancing with the Stars, it appears that her stylist got lost in them. She wore a Emanuel Ungaro number featuring Tiffany blue, chiffon, and polka dots that were all tied into one hot mess. While I thought her trendy slicked-back hair and neutral makeup were appropriate, the dress was just ... not. The see-through chiffon and too-high slit showed skin in all the wrong places. Better luck at the Kid's Choice Awards, girl.

Worst runner-up: I think Paula Patton, wife of R&B artist Robin Thicke, took the whole "blurred lines" concept a bit too seriously. Her zebra-printed Nicolas Jebran gown featured two animal heads facing each other on her decolletage.  Zebra print is only acceptable when it is covering your notebook in seventh grade.

Honorable mention: Macklemore's teal velvet suit. Bold and unapologetic. Just like him.

 (All photos courtesy of eonline.com. All rights reserved.)
http://www.eonline.com/photos/11218/best-dressed-at-the-2014-grammys/350607
http://www.eonline.com/news/503605/worst-dressed-at-the-2014-grammys-kathy-griffin-paula-patton-more