It's always a downer when you are in a desperate need for a little shopping therapy but you don't have the extra cash to splurge. One of the best (and cheap) ways to re-invent your wardrobe and make your clothes seem new are to do DIY mini projects on them. I personally wouldn't try to put any embellishments on shirts or sweaters for fear of ruining them instead, but ripping up tights with a simple pin is easy for anyone to do.

I saw this DIY: Ripped Tights post at Miss at la Playa's blog, and I can't wait to try it on a pair of my old tights.

Here's an excerpt from her post:
" This is very easy to do. Remember how upset you used to get when your tights ripped? Now you can wear them instead of throwing them out. Follow the trends the girls from LA in The Cobra Snake are wearing.

Maybe it is too much for you, but I assure you that if you do it well, some runners on your stockings will look très bien.

YOU NEED:

-A pair of tights. It can be any colour, but it looks better on black. You can use an old pair with previous runners on it, but if you want to buy new tights for this experiment, you can go to H&M, there are good quality tights just for 3 $.
-Pins

STEPS:

1. Put the tights on. It will be better as the holes/runners will be at the exact place you want them to be, plus, the ripping is easier as the tights are stretched.
2. Take a pin and pull out a thread. Then, with your hands, pull the thread until a runner appears.
3. Stretch the fabric to extend the runner.

IF YOU WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE THIS:

Just pull more threads with the pin to create paralell runners. This is my favourite effect, it looks like you bought it like that. Don't make any holes, it won't look too grunge.

FOR A MORE EXAGGERATED LOOK:

When you pull the thread with the pin, start a runner and with your hands make holes along the runner. "

All images and steps courtesy of Miss at la Playa.

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I'm assuming many of you made New Year's resolutions. I made a maximum of three (I definitely wouldn't be able to keep more than that), and one of them included eating healthier and working out whenever I possibly could. And this happens to be one of the most popular New Year's resolutions, so I thought this post would be appropriate!

Now I don't know about you, but looking cute definitely puts me in the mood to get myself off my lazy butt and out the door. And you can even turn to your favorite Hollywood celebrities for some outfit inspiration when working out.

Even though these stars are getting shot by the paparazzi, they still keep their activewear simple, comfy and chic without being totally ridiculous and piling on a whole lot of makeup and jewelry. You might as well look cute while you're working up a sweat, but be realistic about accessories, hair, and makeup. You don't need to be wearing your cocktail ring to the gym, no matter how much you like it. Sure, you can keep your no-fuss, short necklace on, but keep in mind that you're still just working out. If you need to wear makeup stick to the basics, such as a little mascara, tinted moisturizer, and lip balm.

As simple as all these outfit seems, it looks a lot more put-together than just throwing on a baggy shirt and some shorts. Definitely feel free to switch different pieces together to get the look you want.

Walking the dog

Don't feel like doing anything too strenuous? Then replace your gym partner with your pet dog. There are going to be days when you won't feel like sticking to your resolutions, but even taking your dog for a half an hour walk will be more healthier than not doing anything at all. Since you're not going to be working up too much of a sweat, put on a comfortable, slightly-oversized sweater (it is winter after all), and some leggings (in a fun color), then slip on some warm moccasins. It's a perfect no-fuss outfit so you can keep your attention on your furry friend.

• Truly Madly Deeply Solid V-neck Tunic, $42.00
• Basic Leggings, $4.50
• Micaela Moccasins, $24.99
  

Jogging

Whether it's outside, or the gym, running is great for your health (and your legs!). This outfit is probably more preferable for the gym, since it might be a bit chilly outside. But switch the leggings for some yoga pants and you're good to go. While sticking to blacks and greys is common for workout wear, add a pop of color by wearing a bright tank underneath your basic t-shirt so it peeks out. Just because you can't wear a funky necklace doesn't mean you're not allowed some color!

• Stretch Leggings, $8.80
• V-neck Layering Cami, $8.50
• V-neck Slub Tee, $9.80
• Nike Zoom Structure Shoes, $100.00
  

Yoga and Pilates

I'm sure some of you are devoted yoga/pilates fans. The great thing about that is you're allowed a bit more freedom with your outfit choices. Start off with your basic t-shirt, and form-fitting sweats. Since you're going to be taking your shoes off anyways, feel free to wear some comfy flip-flops for easy slip-on and slip-off. And you can just stick with your normal day bag and just add your workout essentials inside. To keep warm and look chic while going to and from your yoga/pilates class, put on a scarf in a neutral color and pattern. This accessory is easy to stuff into your bag right when you get to class so there's no fuss.

• V-neck Tee, $12.50
• Girly Crop Pants, $29.50
• Oracle Cream Gauze Scarf, $7.80
• Havaianas, $20.00
• Hayden-Harnett Hobo, $44.99
  

Dance

If you think running or gym-ing is too boring, take up a dance class! It's extremely entertaining, you get to meet tons of new people, and you work out practically all parts of your body. Don't feel pressured to look super cute like you might in your school classes; everyone else will be getting sweaty too! But you can still stand out by wearing a stylish graphic tee with some colorful sneakers.

• LOVE Screen Tee, $22.50
• Zip-pocket Fleece Capris, $19.50
• Nike Dunk High iD Shoes, $125.00

♥ Celeste

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I know many of you are on your winter break and planning (or already have planned) some fun trips. I myself won't be going anywhere farther than an hour away (especially after taking that horrible five hour car drive home), but a few of my friends are already leaving for a trip tomorrow. So in case you haven't left yet, here are some of my chic traveling trips to ensure that you look as fabulous as you are comfortable!

Now when you're traveling comfort is essential. You don't want to be fussing with your clothing when you're lugging your packed bags into the airport (or trunk). One of the most important things to remember are layers. You don't want to be stuck either too cold or too hot, so make sure to wear two or three lightweight layers of clothing so they can be easily taken off. This is a good tip to remember especially on airplanes because of the fluctuating temperatures.

• Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck, $22.00
• Printed Lace V-Neck Tunic, $48.00
• Hooded Scarf Cardigan, $25.00
  

And now for the bottoms. I'm all for comfort, but still no pajamas or ugly sweats please. But if you don't want to wear jeans, try these cashmere pants from VS. They're more put-together, especially if you keep the top half of your outfit neat (no baggie hoodies!). I prefer to just wear some of my broken in jeans. They're just as comfortable, and you don't look like a mess.

• Cashmere pants, $148.00
• Lapis Skinny Boot Cut Jeans, $38.99
• American Rag Skinny Jeans, $49.00
  

When choosing what shoes to wear, opt for a pair that can be worn with socks. This is also an important thing to remember if you're traveling by plane. Thanks to the tight security shoes must be taken off. You don't want to be walking on the ground with bare feet. Sneakers are always a good option if you're looking for comfort. But don't overlook other options such as the cute boots featured above! They are just as cozy and snug, but a bit more fashionable.

• Sam Edelman Ursula Boots, $78.90
• Converse Jack Purcell Shoes, $49.99
• Steve Madden Bonanza Boots, $78.95
  

You might think just because all your clothing is comfortable, it can't be chic. Don't be fooled! I'm a big fan of basics since you can wear them so many ways. But you can always up their fashion-y factor by adding some chic accessories! To look put together in the cold wrap a scarf around your neck. Beanies and berets are another way to stay warm and look good. Big messenger bags are perfect for all your carry-ons, and travel tags in a girly pink make it easy to find your luggage!

• Foldover Tackle Bag, $39.99
• Traveling Girl Luggage Tags, $4.80
• Circle Applique Scarf, $29.99
• Calyptic Beret, $28.00

Stay warm and safe during your holiday trips! And of course, fashionable.

♥ Celeste

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This is part 1 on the set of posts I am going to do on Lauren Conrad's style. This post will focus on her dressy outfits, while the next one will focus on her casual ones.

The "Dress Like..." posts are a series I'm going to do featuring a certain celebrity that is known for her fashion choices. It won't be on specific outfits, but more on how their overall style is like, and how you can incorporate that into your wardrobe. I know most of you usually have one celebrity/model or even a girl you saw on Myspace as your fashion muse. But some of you, like me, may have a main one yet also others on the side. And Lauren is one of them for me. I connect with her style because I'm a student and I can see myself wearing many of the outfits she chooses when she's at events or just going out for lunch. She does this effortlessly chic style very well. Her style is usually very basic, trendy and comfortable. That's what I want to go for when I'm just going off to my classes or getting spruced up for special occasions.

Her dressy outfits give off that same vibe. She stays with very classic cut dresses, but always has some kind of special detail that gives her look something different. It can be something subtle like the hem on her dress or something more eye-catching like bright patterns.

The Dress
Lauren opts for sweetheart cuts for her dressier days. They look great on practically every body type and they come in a variety of styles and prints. She switches up their look though by always finding a unique piece. If it's a solid color she adds a fun belt, goes for crazy and colorful prints, or chooses an elegant fabric.

But that doesn't mean she doesn't try out other dress styles. She goes for t-shirt dresses with amazing beaded details and mini dresses in classic colors.

(On the left): Flower Embroidered Satin Dress $27.80 (On the right): Extend Pleat Dress $24.80.














(On the left): Sequin Stripped Shift $68.99 (On the left): Floral Sequin Chiffon Dress $36.99.














(On the left): AB Studio Jeweled Sheath Dress $69.00 (On the right): Fold Down Neck Puffball Dress $57.00.

The Shoes
Lauren wears shoes that don't compete with the rest of her outfit. They are usually black peep toes or, her current favorite, YSL T-straps. It isn't hard to find a similar pair since Lauren's picks are timeless. Plus this is the perfect chance to add some classic heels to your wardrobe if you don't have them already. They'll never go out of style.















(On the left): Skinny Heel Patent Platforms $37.50 (On the right): Kurt Geiger Glitter Heels $150.00.














(On the left): Charles David Minis Sandals $124.95 (On the right): Linea Paolo Branson Pumps $69.90.

Accessories
Lauren keeps her accessories to a bare minimum. If she's wearing a strapless dress she will sometimes stick to a barely-there, thin necklace, but most of the time she keeps everything clean by having no accessories at all. Her hair is usually curled and kept down so accessories would just make her outfit more cluttered. She does love her bracelets though. Lauren wears gold or silver thin bangles to add some sophistication.

Remember, having a style muse is great for creating new looks, but don't ever copy someone else's style from head to toe. That isn't being creative; you've got to make the look your own. That's why the items I picked are never exactly like the pieces that Lauren is wearing in any of her pictures. But, they are all something you can imagine her in since it's very her. You always want to put your own touch into your outfits too!

I hope you enjoyed this new and different post! Give me your thoughts and look out for part two!

♥ Celeste

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Now that the days are getting shorter, I'm sure your skin is getting lighter. So why not put those bronzers away, and bring out the blush? Even if you absolutely can't live without your bronzer, you can always apply it underneath! Rosy cheeks will look amazing against your fall skin.

No matter what your price range, blush is fairly simple to shop for. While on a budget, Wet N Wild is my favorite make-up brand. They have every product for an inexpensive price. To get you started, here are four recommended blushes:

















(On the left): Wet N Wild Silk Finish Highlight and Contour Blush $4.98 (On the right): Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush $6.00. (Both items are available at most drugstores).

The great thing about the Silk Finish, besides it being extremely budget-friendly, is that it comes with three different shades. So you can use one by itself, or to create some depth, use all three! These come in four different variations, so you can choose which three colors you'd like depending on your skin tone. Tip: Don't forget to buy a medium size blush brush if you don't have one already!

I personally love the Dream Mousse because all it takes is a couple dabs of it on your fingers, and some blending to get a natural look. Plus, if you don't like powders this is a great alternative! I have the "Rose Petal" and it's subtle sheen gives me a nice radiance, even if I'm not wearing any other beauty products!














(On the left): Bare Escentuals Blush $18.00-$20.00 (On the right): Nars Blush $25.00 (available at any Sephora store, or Sephora.com).

Bare Escentuals blush is perfect for you if you have sensitive skin like me. Mineral make up is less irritating than the regular kind. You can actually apply this blush lightly over your forehead and chin for a pretty glow, just like you'd do with bronzer! It comes in fifteen different shades, so you're bound to find the perfect one for you! (There are three shades that are only available online. Those three are $20.00 each).

Nars blush is a popular favorite from make up artists to beauty editors. It always goes on very naturally and the golden shimmer gives you an amazing glow. This is a great product if you're looking for a long-lasting, high quality blush. Don't be afraid to spend if you're going to use it often.

How-to apply blush

Now that you found the perfect blush, we're going to explain how to perfectly apply it! We don't want you to go out in public with two obvious streaks against your cheeks. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to avoid mistakes.

1. (Skip this part if you already found the shade that matches you best). The easiest way to avoid a blush mistake is by finding a shade that matches the color of your cheeks when you're flushed (for example, after exercising). Most people with fair or light skin look best in a rose or peach color, while people with dark skin look better in apricot or red.
2. If you buy a blush that comes with that small, can-barely-fit-into-a-doll's-hand brush, just chuck it out. You want to apply blush as naturally as possible, and by using a brush with such a small surface area as the one that's given, you're just asking for a beauty faux pas. Buy a full make up brush, and don't use the same one you use for your foundation. (Look here for some brushes if you don't have one already).
3. Now put the blush all over the top the brush, and tap it to get rid of the excess. Don't worry about it being too little. You can always re-apply. Now if this is your first time, look into the mirror and smile. This makes it easier for you to find the apples of your cheeks, where you should be applying the blush.
4. Apply the blush with a light hand over the apples of your cheeks. Blend, blend, and blend so you don't get "clown-ish" cheeks. You can also try blending upwards on your cheekbones, toward your temples to create some depth.
5. To finish it off, gently dust some translucent powder to ensure that the color stays on longer.

Extra Step: Like I said in the beginning, you can apply your bronzer along with your blush. It's very simple, and it's another great look to try! Before applying your blush, take some bronzer and dust it on your forehead, chin and nose for a sun-kissed sheen, even in the winter!

♥ Celeste

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