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