Crush Magazine: July 2013

7.23.2013

Sweet Sixteen Styling

Hi everyone! So this is what I (Rachel) wore to my recent birthday party. Everyone loves dressing up, and birthday parties are a perfect excuse to do so.

I wore an Iris Los Angeles dress. When I saw it on the rack at Ross, I fell in love! (I know, right? You didn't expect this to be from Ross...) The bustier top and the high-low skirt are very flattering! Plus, I couldn't resist the coral color. The best part: it was only $13! Trust me, you can find amazing deals at unexpected places - I have found loads of adorable dresses, bags, and shoes hidden in those messy racks.

And the cognac-colored slingback heels are Madden Girl! I'll let you in on a little secret: nude, tan, and brown heels work magic by lengthening legs so they look miles long.

I'm not a huge fan of heavy makeup, so I decided to go simple - dark brown eyeliner and a dusting of light eyeshadow.

I did the curls with my trusty Remington wand curler!

Ew.. I definitely cannot be a hand model, but let's ignore that! Anyways, since my shoes had gold accents, I wore an Urban Outfitters spiked bracelet and a Forever 21 ring. Coral nail polish with a coat of gold glitter finished the outfit off!

So give stores like Ross a try... you just might find your favorite party dress!

7.16.2013

Daily Style: Midsummer Adventures

{Yaoyao wears UO high-waisted shorts, thrifted American Apparel cardigan, UO tank, Aldo accessories, PacSun bag}

It's the middle of July! Wow, summer has sure passed by quickly. Even though your summer outfits most likely have become repetitive by this time, you can always change something up in your look. For me, I put three basic pieces together so it doesn't just look like an ordinary jeans and T-shirt outfit.

Since the tank top was long, I decided to knot it for a more unique look. And to cover it up a bit, I slipped on my favorite high-waisted shorts and slouchy cardi. To make the look less boring, I added newly bought accessories from Aldo for instant edginess. This summery look is perfect to a day in the city, a photography adventure in the woods, or even just a quick PMT run.

I hope this inspired you guys to keep up with staying in style for the rest of summer. Sure, study SATs and do AP homework, but don't forget to go out and have fun!

-Yaoyao

7.13.2013

Protect your Eyes in Style

Whether you're at the beach, at a party, or just hanging out with friends, it's super important to protect your eyes from the blazing sun. Most people focus on lathering on greasy sunscreen (ick), but don't forget about your eyes!

And while you're at it... might as well protect them in style!

Left: Aviators look good on almost any face shape and give a beach outfit a relaxed vibe. The floral underwire bandeau swimsuit stands out against black high waisted shorts, and comfortable sandals are perfect for a long day of walking. And when it gets cold at night during your beach bonfire, beanies keep your ears nice and cozy!

Middle: Cat eye sunglasses make your face look longer and thinner! Look ladylike by pairing these with a ladylike dress, sky-high wedges, and a lacy bow. Purr-fect for a Sunday brunch or outdoor party.

Right: Ray Ban Club Masters are making a comeback - and also protect your skin with a big floppy hat! While shorts with stripes and stars are often classified as tacky, a simple top and bold shoes that follow the neon trend make it more sophisticated.

If you're going to protect your eyes, might as well be fashionable about it!

xoxo, Rachel

7.06.2013

What To Wear: Mid-Summer Trends

Hi lovely followers!

Here's my take on this year's summer trends!

Nothing screams summer more than neon, and there is no doubt that it is this year's must-have color! Of course, we don't want to look like a walking high lighter, so a little pop of color will do.
Also, let's not forget this year's most popular clothing, rib crop tops, which can be worn with circle skirts along with triangle stud earrings and black sandals.

Another thing that I really love (and wish more stores sold them) are set-ups! Especially ones with fun, summery prints.

Orange lipstick is also something that I love sporting during the summer, and of course, a matching orange blush to go along with it.

This might not really work if you want some privacy, but clear envelope clutches can take a summer outfit to a whole new level with its transparency and simplicity.

Lastly, complete the outfit with simple white wedges.

Hope you enjoyed this editor's picks!

Comment&Follow us if you'd like :)

Cheers,

Wakana

7.05.2013

Red, White, and Blue

Hi guys! Since the 4th of July is basically an excuse to wear red, white, and blue without looking tacky, here's an outfit that I (Rachel) wore to dinner with friends on Independence Day!

I wore a thrifted denim button-up - navy and white to match the occasion - paired with a red Forever 21 skirt. The peter pan collar and the airy skirt are playful and cute, making this outfit perfect for a BBQ with family and friends. To top it off, I wore silver Old Navy boat shoes. The silver makes a normal pair of boat shoes really pop!

Since I have naturally boring and straight hair, I used a Remington wand curler to curl my hair the night before. By 4PM the next day, the curls had softened and I had loose waves. This is a great trick if you know you won't have enough time to get ready right before a big event!

What did you wear on the 4th?

xoxo,
Rachel

7.04.2013

Hair Care Routine

Hey girls! (and maybe a few guys)

As some of you may know already, I recently got a hair cut and chopped off a good length from my almost-butt length hair to slightly-past shoulder length. And now, I'm determined to keep my hair healthy and nourished!

Besides the obvious like avoiding heat styling tools, here is my improved hair care routine (and some tips) I swear by to make sure I never go back to my fried, brittle hair.

My Hair Routine:

1.) Sulfate-free, silicon-free shampoo. I avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals as it can strip the natural oils from my scalp, causing oilier scalp. Then, I follow up with a conditioner of the same brand as the shampoo.

2.) It's a 10 leave-in I spritz this on the ends of my hair while it is still damp.

It's best used to detangle, nourish, and protect hair.

3.) L'Oreal EverSleek Leave-In Creme

I only use this for days when I want to wear my hair straight. I take about half a pump of this and rub this to the surface of my hair avoiding my roots.

It's best used to tame frizzy hair

4.) Moroccanoil Oh my goodness guys, this stuff is a life saver. My hair stylist gave me a sample to take home, but I definitely want to purchase the full-size because it does wonders to my hair! I take about a drop of this stuff and rub it into my hands for even distribution.

It's best used to give hair shine and moisture.

That's about it for my night hair care routine!

Make sure to never sleep with wet hair and cut back on hair dyes! (Don't get me wrong, there are way more causes of hair damage, but these two are probably my main causes)

Hope this was helpful to some of you & Happy Fourth of July! (:

Love your locks,

Wakana

7.02.2013

Fourth of July Sales

Yaoyao here! While most people are obsessed with Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, the stellar Independence Day sales coming up are often overlooked. Well, I've taken the liberty (ha ha) to provide you girls quick links to these limited time sales. You can thank me later in the form of food coupons. Which then raises the question as to why I'm a fashion blogger and not a food blogger. Anyways...

Have a happy Fourth of July and a happy shopping! :)