Top 10 Fall Hairstyles

By Catherine Santino

Now that we are (finally) transitioning into Fall, it’s time to change up hairstyles. Cooler months mean we don’t have to worry so much about taming frizz or keeping hair off our necks in the heat. It allows a whole lot more freedom and creativity, which is definitely something to take advantage of. Here are...

Top 10 Fall Hairstyles:

1) Angled Bob: 

If you’re itching to change up your hair but not ready to go for something super dramatic, this is a great style to choose. It adds something different and interesting, and frames the face really nicely.

2) Center parts: 

I am seeing more and more center parts lately, and think they can be really flattering. It’s also a quick and easy way to switch up your hair if you’re getting bored with it. 

3) Braids: 

Braids are a great way to add something different to any hairstyle. Try French braiding pieces of hair into a ponytail or bun, and leave a few wisps out for a messier look. Braids are also a perfect solution for those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair!

4) Loose Curls: 

This is one of my favorite looks. To get the perfect soft-looking curls, curl sections of your hair with a 1 ½ inch curling iron, then gently brush the curls out while they’re still hot. Then using your fingers, comb a holding mousse through your hair to ensure that it lasts all day. 

Mary Kate Olsen

Glamorous curls 

5) Ponytails: 

Another quick and easy solution to second-day hair. Tie your hair back in a ponytail mid-height, teasing it a bit first to give it some volume. 

6) Grown-out Bob: 

I’m seeing this more and more on celebrities and runways, and most of the time paired with a center part. It’s perfect for messy waves, too!

7) Bangs: 

Bangs are making a strong comeback as of late. It can be a risky move, but if you take the time to find a stylist who you trust and are feeling bold, go for it. It’s a perfect look for fall and a fun way to change up your look. 

Bangs look great when paired up with dramatic hair color

8) Messy Top Knot: 

Yet another solution to second-day hair, this is a perfect style to pair with a chunky sweater, leggings, and boots for a comfy fall day. 

9) The Wet Look: 

If you’re feeling a bit bold, try out this high-fashion look that I’ve been seeing more and more of. 

10) Beanies: 

Practical and stylish, beanies are great for the cold weather and come in a ton of cute colors and styles. And of course, perfect for an unwashed hair day. Are we seeing a theme here?

Here’s to the new season and new, fresh hairstyles! Enjoy the frizz-free weather and the pumpkin spice lattes. 

The Struggles of Post-Grad Life

By Catherine Santino 

After graduating from college last year, I went through a particularly difficult period. I was living at home, unsure of what it was I wanted to do, and generally confused about life. I felt like people saw me as unmotivated because I was working a million part-time jobs and didn’t seem to have any real direction. I felt this immense pressure to have it all figured out, since so many of my friends had full time jobs and after all, that’s what college is supposed to be preparing you for.

But college doesn’t prepare you for the messiness and confusion that usually ensues after you graduate. There’s so much expectation to start a career and know exactly what you want. But what I realized after a long and difficult year is that it’s okay to not have a plan. That it’s more important to know what you’re interested in and what you’re good at than to have one specific career goal in mind. It’s also important to put yourself out there. Explore your interests, hone your skills, and be open to any and all opportunities to grow.

How to Handle the Struggles of Post Grad Life... 

My advice to others who may be struggling with similar issues would be that it’s perfectly fine to take your time in figuring everything out. It’s not meant to be a race. 

I read a quote recently that went like this: "It’s messing people up, this social pressure to ‘find your passion’ and ‘know what it is you want to do’. It’s perfectly fine to just live your moments fully and marvel as many small and large passions, many small and large purposes, enter and leave your life. For many people there is no realization, no bliss to follow, no discovery of your life’s purpose. This isn’t sad, it’s just the way things are. Stop trying to find the forest and just enjoy the trees." - Sally Coulter

This really resonated with me. I feel like the reason a lot of people feel unfulfilled or unhappy with their lives is because there is so much expectation in finding this one thing you are supposed to be doing. But I think that we should focus more on simply doing our best. Find what it is that makes you happy and never stop taking-in opportunities to learn and grow. I think that this is the surest way to happiness, more so than a career or a salary.

How to Pick Healthy & Delicious Snacks

By Sarah Baker

Snacking: What should you eat and how often?

Everyone loves to snack. In fact, some days we may feel the need to snack more than others. It’s easy to just snack whenever we want and eat whenever we want, but that is never a good idea for our figure. So what exactly should we eat and how often?

How often should you snack?

I’ve always been told to have 6 small meals a day, which would transfer to 3 meals and 3 snacks. Essentially, you should eat every 3-4 hours, which means a snack after breakfast, one after lunch, and possibly one after dinner depending on when you eat and when you go to bed. 

What should you snack on?

Your snacks should include things that are low calorie, low fat, high protein and high fiber. Some of these snacks include:

1. Fruit: try bananas, apples, melons, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, dried cranberries, and raspberries.

2. Vegetables: try edamame, celery, carrots, cauliflower, and tomatoes (technically a fruit, I know).

3. Protein: try edamame, avocado, eggs, granola bars, protein bars, peanuts, toast with peanut butter, hummus, and tuna on whole wheat crackers.

4. Dairy: try light string cheese, light yogurt (you can throw in some fruit as well), berry smoothies, and cottage cheese. Remember, it is all about proportions. 

5. Other: You can also have other things such as air popped popcorn, fat free pretzels, a small salad, and half a chicken pita sandwich with vegetables.

Remember to keep your snacks small and healthy. If you need to eat less more often, then do so. Figure out what works for you. The experts may say to eat every 3-4 hours but if you can’t make it that long, don’t starve yourself. Have a handful of peanuts or a few carrots early if it helps. The most important thing is that you stay away from the fatty and salty snacks, no matter how delicious they are, and eat the low calorie, low fat, high protein and high fiber snacks. Remember eat often, eat healthy, and eat for you!

Choosing The Best Jeans For Your Shape

By Kati Miller 

Picking out the perfect pair of jeans can be exhausting and just plain frustrating. Therefore, I have come up with a guide to picking out that perfect pair of jeans for just about every body type and personality.

How to Pick the Perfect Jeans For Your Body Type:

1. Hourglass.

This shape can rock almost any cut of jeans but it really depends on your personality to which would work best for you. Skinny jeans will highlight your curves and can look absolutely amazing; just make sure you choose a pair with a stretch to make room for those hips and that bangin’ booty. If you’re uncomfortable with this look, go for either a pair of strait legs, which gives you the skinny look without feeling like they’re painted on or wide-legged trouser jeans, which will enhance that tiny waist of yours. 

A slim bootcut jean is also another viable option, you can never go wrong with this look and every hourglass figure should have a pair in her closet. No matter which style works for you, just make sure that you pick a pair that have larger pockets to even out your booty and isn’t too low rise or you may be at risk for exposing a little more than you or your onlookers bargained for!

Wide legged jeans 

2. Pear or Plus Size:

Search for any pair of jeans with a flare or bootcut to balance out your bottom half and go after the mid-rises to elongate your legs. Love the skinny jean look? 

Pair them with a long flowy tunic or even a pair of strait leg jeans, which gives you the same feel without squeezing your thighs to death. Whatever you do, stay away from high-waist jeans as they will create a disproportioning affect; instead, choose a trouser style that is snug through the hips and then wider through the legs. In terms of color, dark washes are your best friend but if you must have a lighter style, make it an even wash; jeans with fading or "whiskering" around the hips or rear highlight the largest part of you. Let’s talk details: make it simple and avoid tiny back pockets like the plague.

Dark wash jeans 

3. Apple.

If you carry your weight around the middle, choose a pair of jeans with a little more “give” in the waistline but be sure to show off those gorgeous stems of yours and by all means choose a straight leg fit! A skinny bootcut will also work really well to balance out your midsection while highlighting your legs. However, avoid high-waist trousers, which will draw attention to your middle area and steer clear of a super tight fit but if you must have your skinnies (we all do!), be sure to pair them with a long flowy tunic.

Skinny-straight-leg jeans 

4. Inverted Triangle.

Your goal should be to add volume around the hips and rear end, evening out the broadness of your shoulders and defining the waist, creating more of an hourglass shape. Choose a pair of jeans that are mildly tapered to the knee and have a slight flare at the bottom; a slim bootcut would be best for this look. Similarity, skinny jeans tucked into oversized boots, as seen above, help create this silhouette as well. A wide leg fit helps to balance out your bust but beware of straight-leg jeans as these will make your waistline less defined, instead, opt for a low-rise fit. In terms of color, choose a lighter wash, which will draw the eye downward and away from your upper half; dark, solid-colored jeans will make your hips appear smaller. 

A lighter wash down the center of the front and back of the thigh will add fullness to slim legs and small pocket embellishments will do the same for your backside but be sure to avoid jeans with no pockets or large rear pockets, as this will make your rear look less shapely.

Street style: boyfriend jeans

5. Ruler. 

You can pretty much rock any style (hello, light wash skinny crop jeans!); it just depends on your personality and the features you want to show off. If you want curves, an ultra-skinny fit will literally create them for you; a skinny high rise will do the same and make your legs look like they go on for days. Light washes, low rises, embellishments and small pockets will also help your cause as they make you frame appear slightly fuller. 

On the other hand, if you want to remain long and lean, strait leg jeans are the way to go; they will elongate your legs and show off your thin frame; dark washes and mid rises are also good to accentuate a thinner appearance. Whatever you do, beware of the bootcut/flare jean as they can swamp your body and make you look bottom heavy.

Karlie Kloss wearing skinny jeans 

Street style: skinny jeans

6. Petite (Half Ruler!).

Most petite women strive to lengthen their legs. Long, super skinny cuts will best help you achieve this silhouette while showing off your tiny figure and curves. Additionally, a pair of high-waist trousers will help create the illusion of height and length. Whatever you do, don’t go for a bootcut, they will swamp your body and make you look bottom heavy, not a cute look; furthermore, avoid cropped cuts or capris as these will visually shorten the line of your leg. 

Instead, opt for strait leg jeans and when wearing heels, make sure the hem is about 1cm off of the floor, which will give the illusion of longer legs. In terms of embellishments, stay away from oversize buttons or large/long pockets that will overwhelm a petite figure, rather, go for small flap pockets, which are great for the appearance of a rounded booty.

Straight leg jeans 

Now that you’re armored with the facts, hopefully jean shopping will be less painful in the future! Until next time fashionistas, signing-off from Las Vegas! 

8 Hidden Seattle Gems

By Avery C.

“A city is not gauged by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams,” said Herb Caen. As many of you know, I have lived in Seattle my entire life. Some know it as the Emerald City, whereas others instantly think of coffee (Starbucks, am I right?). However, Seattle embodies so much more.

Don’t let the rain fool you because Seattle is an amazing city. Besides, it really doesn’t rain that often; it’s just cloudy 300 days out of the year J In order to make up for the weather, this city contains some of the best coffee shops, restaurants and boutiques in the country (I may be a little biased).

If you are ever looking to visit the beautiful Northwest, definitely stop by Seattle because the minute you enter the city, you are quickly be embraced by the fresh air, the Puget Sound breezes and the extravagant art. In order to make your stay a little easier, check out these....

8 hidden gems that a true Seattleite recommends:

1. Kerry Park

Kerry Park is located in the heart of Queen Anne, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Seattle. What is so amazing about this park is its view- you can see the entire Seattle skyline right in front of your eyes!

2. Pike Place Market

Every Seattleite knows that visiting Pike Place Market is crucial. From Le Panier French bakery (I am obsessed) to the first Starbucks, this market never disappoints both locals and tourists.

3. Fremont Troll

Did you know that most trolls used to dwell in dark places because they cannot tolerate sunlight? Well folks, the Fremont Troll was inspired by the folk tale, “Billy Goat’s Gruff,” where the troll could not handle the sun. Makes sense as to why this troll lives under the Fremont Bridge!

4. Seattle Great Wheel

Opened in 2020, the Seattle Great Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel at Pier 57 on Elliot Bay. What I love most about this wheel is the impeccable view people get to experience. Not only can you witness the entire city, but you can also view the ferries along the pier.

5. Gum Wall

Okay, I know this sounds disgusting, but people really do put their gum on the famous gum wall. I know I have, a couple of times in fact. This wall has become a trademark of Seattle! Why? Who truly knows, but it is pretty clever if you ask me.

Me (on the right in red)

6. Discovery Park

Where do I begin with Discovery Park? Ever since I was a little girl, I have been hiking this trail with my family and friends. I would recommend going during the weekend since it is less crowded! Don’t forget to pack a picnic because the stairs head down to the beach as well.

7. Alki Beach

Speaking of beaches, there are not many in Seattle (shocker, I know). However, the two I adore are Alki beach and Golden Gardens. Alki stands out due to the fact that you can actually see the entire city of Seattle (and Starbuck’s headquarters). Yes, the sand does have rocks, but the skyline makes it worthwhile.

8. Green Lake Park

Last but not least, one of my all-time favorite locations in Seattle is Green Lake Park. Green Lake is a freshwater lake in north central Seattle. The park has a gorgeous path that allows visitors to experience both nature and shopping (there are some great ice cream stores surrounding the lake). Oh, did I also mention that it is at least 15 minutes from the Woodland Park Zoo?

There you have it fashionistas, hope you enjoyed a brief tour of my beautiful home city! If you have any questions, please leave them in the comment section below. We love hearing from you! Until next time, signing-off from the West Coast! Xo.

How to Style Yourself In the Fall

By Elma B.

Frosty mornings and cool breezes, the leaves are turning into beautiful golden browns...this can only mean one thing...the fall is here! One of my favorite parts about autumn is fall fashion-- playing around with various textures, with the magnificent orange, yellow and deep red colors, and layering.

I wanted to compose a list for you on how to style yourself in the fall. Mainly, how to take advantage of the layers, the textures, colors and just let your creative side shine. Without further ado...

Top 5 Styling Tips For the Fall 

Me

1. Fall colors. 

For your wardrobe, aside from the standard black, brown and gray, you can pick  from a myriad of brilliant colors: deep purple, orange, yellow, red, and green. For the fall, think earthy colors. For a true fashionista look, try blocking colors, e.g., wearing orange and maroon together or hot pink and bold purple together. For instance, opt for an orange shirt and maroon pants coupled with a camel colored sweater to balance out the colors.  

Orange coat for the fall 

2. Textures. 

Opt for wool, cashmere or cotton. If choosing silk, make sure to have a blazer or a sweater nearby incase the wind gets too breezy. Set aside the linens and other thin materials. The goal is to feel comfortable, warm and stylish. 

3. Accessories. 

Fashion is as much about pairing unexpected colors together as it is as about accessories. Aside from statement jewelry pieces, which are often covered up by coats and long sleeves, opt for a vivacious hat that is visible when strolling on the streets. My personal favorite is the floppy hat. 

Floppy hats are perfect for the fall 

4. Booties. 

There is so much you can do with a bootie, dress-up, dress-down or just make a chic fashion statement. This fall, try the peep-toe bootie. I must admit, it is not very practical for the winter days but play around with the look in the fall while the weather permits. Otherwise, always pick a boot that looks the best on you. Here is a guide on picking the right boot for your leg type. 

5. Bags. 

Fall is a perfect time to pick out your glam bag--buckles, fringe or chains, nothing is too much. Of course, I recommend balancing-out your outfit if your bag is extravagant, tone down the rest of your look. 

There you have it fashionistas, the top 5 styling tips for getting together your fall look. Below, you will see how I put together my fall look and some of my favorite fall fashion pieces. Until next time, stay cozy and fabulous. Xoxo.