Shopping 1101: Don't Blow the Budget

We all want a closet like Carrie Bradshaw, but even Carrie wouldn't completely blow her budget. During the holiday season, it gets hard to maintain a budget with the stacks of accumulating stacks of coupons, receipts, and discount emails that seem to be never ending. And, if you're in the same situation as me, you might just be trying to bounce off from low funds due to the holidays. Follow the tips below to save up your cash!

• Never go shopping without a list! A lack of purpose leaves rooms for unnecessary items in your cart. 
• Always set a budget, or spending limit, before going out to shop. Setting shopping guidelines helps you to be more wallet-conscious while shopping. 
• Utilize shopping apps! Apps like Retail Me Not and Shop Savvy help you to find the best deals and coupons, plus they're free!
• Never be afraid to ask about coupons and discounts. Many stores have student discounts, military discounts, and senior citizen discounts. Some store clerks are even willingly to give you a store coupon.

Drop some of your cash-saving shopping tips down below!

Winter Woes: Dry Lips Be Gone

Dry Lips Be Gone by lyndseycamille

If your winter is anything like mine, dry lips are always involved. No matter how much chapstick I slather on my lips, the dry air still causes them to chap. However, with the weekly lip treatment I created above, I can easily nix my dry winter lips. Keep on reading to find out the three steps in my weekly dry lips routine.

1. The toothbrush! Take an old tooth brush, or a new inexpensive toothbrush, to use as a lip exfoliator. Make sure to wet the toothbrush as well as your lips. Then, gently and slowly rub the toothbrush around your lips to remove the dead skin. Do so until your lips feel smooth (lips should not feel raw or red, or else your rubbing to hard/long!)
2. A lip scrub! A lip scrub exfoliates the lips similar to the toothbrush. Apply the lip scrub using either your fingers or the tooth brush, following the same directions as step 1. Also, if you don't want to invest in a lip scrub, make your own using a mixture of sugar and water. 
3. Lip balm! Always follow this lip treatment by applying a lip balm. Try using a lip balm specifically for dry lips such as EOS or Vaseline. Be sure to apply a lip balm at least once a day to protect your lips throughout the week.

How do you fight dry, winter skin and lips?

Hair 101: The Haircut of the Winter

Lauren Conrad

Rihanna

Vanessa Hudgens

Lucy Hale

Lately, every celeb has had a case of "scissor fever". So many celebs have caught on to the "lob" trend. What is a lob you ask? Well, it's a combination of long + bob, a long bob. Usually bobs are cut above the shoulders, around the chin area. A lob, however, is cut at or just below the shoulders. This gives the hair room to still be pulled into a ponytail or bun, perfect for so many of us who still want versatility. And, as shown above, a lob can be transformed into so many looks. Keep it full with body like Lauren Conrad and Lucy Hale. Stay sleek and chic like Rihanna. Or, get bold with colored tips like Vanessa Hudgens. If you want a lob, just show your stylists one of these pics and be sure to specify the desired length of your lob.

How are you styling your hair for the winter?

Help! My Nail Polish is Ruined!

In the world of manicures and pedicures, there is only one thing worse than a chipped nail...a ruined nail polish color! (especially in your favorite color!) I have probably witnessed hundreds of nail polish bottles become hard and guppy, clumpy, or just "stuck" inside the bottle. However, I have figured out some tips and tricks to making my nail polish last much longer in their bottles! Check out my tips below:

1. Invest in the Best! So let's just start off with the obvious, cheap nail polishes die faster. Nail polish brands such as O.P.I. and Essie are some of the best nail polish brands around because their polishes are made to last in the bottle and on your mani/pedi.
2. Storage is key! I used to throw all my nail polishes into a little basket, some would sit upside down and others on their side. This caused so many of my polishes to clump up on the brush bristles and around the tops caps. Nail polish sits and lasts longer when stored right side up. So, you might want to invest in a nail polish storing kit.
3. It's all about the temperature! Adding on to the storage tip, be sure that your nail polish sits at room temperature. Don't have them in sweltering heat or extremely cold environments, especially since the bottles are typically glass. 
4. Pour on the Acetone! When the polish is starting to get clumpy, try pouring a small amount of acetone based nail polish remover into the bottle. Pour only a tiny droplet into the bottle and the shake it up thoroughly until the polish thins itself out.
5. When all else fails... Sometimes it's just time to throw in the towel and start again with a new bottle of nail polish. But, before you do that, make sure you remember the name of the polish color if you are planning on buying it again!
   

What are your favorite nail polish colors and brand?
Leave your answers in the comments below! 

Hair 101: I Cut My Hair!

So in my 8 months of transitioning to natural hair, I decided it was just not for me. Now, I love natural hair, from afros to twist-outs, but not for me. I have always adored short bobs adorned with tons of layers and flips. What I especially love about my new bob cut is that it is not too short. When it's curled, the hair ends right at my chin, but when straightened, it is about an inch below. This gives me the versatility to pin pieces back, curl it, slick it back, or, when it grows about an inch out, to put it in a ponytail. I am so excited to finally have the cut I have been envying in every magazine and longing for in the back of my mind. Plus, I get to turn 18 with my version of the perfect 'do!

What is your version of the "perfect" haircut?

Style 101: Hats Off to Fall

Zendaya

Now Zendaya is known fashion risk taker! Here she is even taking cues from singer and producer, Pharrel, as she owns this big and bold hat. This hat is like a super-accessories that will definitely have all eyes on you! A hat like this can work to make any bold fashion statement.

Selena Gomez

A hat can give the most incognito look while still being ultra chic. A floppy hat is no longer just for tea parties! Floppy hats keep the sun out your eyes, hide bad hair days, and add an extra oomph to any outfit. Use a floppy hat just like any other accessory, to add flair to a look.

Beyonce

Want more of a classic Charlie Chaplin look? Try a bowler hat. A bowler hat is super cute and looks great when paired with a nice pair of shades. Mix it up by pairing the bowler hat with curls and waves in the hair or even a loose up-do.

Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner

Hats are one of the best accessories because they can work in so many different situations: bad hair days, sunny days, or days we just want to look extra chic for the day. There are so many varieties of hats in many different styles, shapes, and colors that you can work in and out of your daily wardrobe!

Do you integrate hats into your wardrobe?

Beauty 101: Simple Skincare Secrets

Lupita N'yongo

All summer long, my skincare goal was to recreate the smooth glow of Lupita N'yongo's gorgeous skin. Lupita's skin is so even and rich that it can make any girl enviable. However, not even the strongest products would give me the perfect glow. So, of course, I went on a Google search to find my answer. That answer ended up being two basic necessities: water and sleep. I never realized my lack of sleep and water, especially during the summer, and how much it impacted the appearance of my skin! I made it a goal to drink at least 16 oz. of water a day and get in my bed by 10 p.m. on week days. After 2 weeks of this new ritual, my skin began clearing up and looking a bit brighter. Today, my skin feels smoother and looks visibly brighter. So, I literally took it back to the basics of skincare.

1. Water! Skin is like a plant that needs a lot of water to keep it hydrated. As I increased my water intake for the day, my skin was visibly clearer, brighter, and healthier!
2. Sleep! I never realized how important sleep was to skincare as well as my overall health. Once I began getting a good night of sleep, my skin began rejuvenating itself to a greater health state. I even noticed that I felt more energized throughout the day!

What are your simple skincare secrets?

Beauty 101: Fall 2014 Nude Nail Trend

Fall 2014 Nude Nail Trend by lyndseycamille featuring a nude nail color

I am a self-proclaimed manicure maven! My dresser is full of nail polish, from glitter polishes to bright neon polishes. An entire dresser drawer is home to nail design brushes and manicure kits. However, I won't be needing an abundance of color this Fall 2014 season. Throughout the summer, I became extremely bored within a repetition of bright pink, poppy coral, and classic red nail polish colors. So, I traded in bright colors for nude polishes. I found that the nude polishes complemented my accessories and made my fingers appear more elegant and lady-like. Now, two months later, who would've thought nude nails would become the Fall 2014 trend?! A nude nail look is all based upon your skin tone, a deep-toned lady may want to go for a more chocolate, rich nail color, a bronze-y girl for a soft tan polish, and a fairer skin girl for a creamy or pink-toned polish. Nude polishes are perfect because chips aren't as noticeable and can easily be dressed up with a coat of glitter polish.

What is your perfect shade of nude?

Love Her Style: The Simplicity of Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn style is simple, edgy, and chic. Dunn keeps her wardrobe united with simple colors: black, white, and bold pops of color. The black and white may sound dull, but with the right fit an accessories, Jourdan makes every outfit pop! Jourdan also makes the satchel bag work! The satchel bag drapes nicely over her shoulder, not interrupting the look of her outfits. For her beauty routine, Jourdan always keeps it simple, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.

Who is your style crush?

Beauty 101: How to Find Your Dark Lipstick Shade

Lorde

Transition your red lip to fall by going to the deep side. Trade in the bright red lipsticks, for the darker hued reds for a darker, classic look. For fair skin ladies, try using a lighter red lipliner mixed with the darker lipstick to prevent the color from overpowering the face. For deeper toned ladies, go for a red that leans more to the deep brown shades. 

Rihanna

Rihanna has been rocking dark hued lipsticks for years! Trade in the dark reds and blacks, for a mauve-y, brown color. The color looks fantastic when paired with heavy eye makeup, or even a subtle smokey eye.

Selena Gomez

In need of a new color all togther? Go the Selena Gomez route and opted for a deep purple. Purple lipstick shades do not have to look like crayon marks! Go for lipstains first, then transition to the full on purple shades. 

Have you gone to the dark side of lipstick?

New York Fashion Week: L.A.M.B. S/S 2015

Gwen Stefani and her fashion brand, L.A.M.B. made their return to fashion week! I have to say I am obsessed with every single look. Above are my favorite looks from the collection. L.A.M.B. S/S 2015 mixes masculinity with femininity, prints with color, and chicness with cool. Each look screams fashion in the most subtle way. Instead of going for dramatics, the line sticks with prints and color to stand out. The prints and colors make the outfit, while the models give it the chic vibes. From the line, I predict menswear inspired look, denim, and lots of unique prints and poppy colors to dominate Spring/Summer 2015. However, I must say that the fashions weren't the only thing that impressed me. Gwen made sure to use a diverse cast of models, ensuring every girl would find a model that embodies them.  

Hair 101: The Latest Bob Chops

Emma Stone

Beyonce

As of late, two major celebs have given their long locks a chop. Emma Stone and Beyonce have traded in long hair for short, wavy bobs. Bobs are typically an "average" hair do, but only when styled like the typically bob. What makes Emma and Beyonce's bobs stand out is the texture and bluntness of the cut. Instead of many layers, each has a more straight across cut that maintains the same length all the way around. Also, there are no heat tools near either one! Instead of super sleek looks, each bob keeps with the hair's natural texture which gives extra body and volume.

What is your favorite fall hair cut?

Style 101: Not Your Average Bag Lady

I am a self-proclaimed "bag lady". If you've ever caught me at school, I probably have a huge book bag on my bike, lunch bag in my hand, and a purse clutched in my arms. However, this year I began to notice slight shoulder pains and an abundance of things I really don't need in my purse. No matter how much I cleaned and reorganized my bag, my huge satchel purse would not feel any lighter! So, this year I made an effort to find a small, chic crossbody bag that could carry my essentials: wallet, lipgloss, pencils, oil wipes, tissues, etc. I found just that in a super cute, and small, circular Jessica Simpson at T.J. Maxx! Just like the bags above, excluding the backpack, it's big enough to carry my essentials, but small enough not to weigh me down. Plus, small bags can mesh perfectly with any outfit! So, if you need a new everyday bag, try a mini-crossbody bag.

What is your perfect bag size?

P.S. I only added the backpack because it is chic, and perfect as a weekend bag!

Not Your Average Bag Lady by lyndseycamille featuring a black purse

Beauty 101: How I Grew Out My Eyebrows

Before 

After

Like many other girls around the world, I struggled to keep a "strong brow game". My eyebrows endured about 4 years of waxing, brow shape changing, and, of course, over tweezing on my behalf. However, 6 months ago my brow maintenance had to change after my eyebrow were waxed off ultra thin a week before prom! Since that day, I hid my brow tweezers and scissors from myself (Yes, I endured the tiny, stubbly new growth!). For 2-3 months, I relied only on brushing my eyebrows and utilizing brow pencils to perfect the shape. By month 3, I used tweezers to remove hairs that were obviously outside of my natural brow shape. Through removing the out of place hairs, my brows started to form a natural arch, perfecting my brow game. Now, 6 months later, I leave the tweezers alone for at least 3 weeks before removing any out of place hairs.

Quick Tips!

1. Hide tweezers, eyebrow scissors, and wax! Your growing your eyebrows out, not removing them.
2. Brush your eyebrows with an eyebrow brush to keep them neat. 
3. When tweezing, only tweeze hairs outside of the natural brow shape.
4. Place conditioners on your eyebrows to promote growth. 
5. Don't fantasize over everyone else's eyebrows! An eyebrow shape frames an individual's face, so an eyebrow shape is unique to every person. 

How do you maintain your brows?  

Back to School: Kickin' Into Fall

Back to School: Kickin' Into Fall by lyndseycamille featuring high heel shoes

Whenever back to school season comes back around, I love to get a pair of new shoes. However, I make sure not to purchase anymore summer shoes: sandals, flip flops, etc. Instead, I like to get a cute pair of shoes that will work for a lot of walking, match a majority of my outfits, and make me feel like I'm walking a catwalk. Below are descriptions of my favorite back to school shoe styles and why they work!

1. Slip-ons! Slip-ons are a simple version of sneakers that mimic flats with a whole lot of comfort. Slip-ons come in a variety of prints and colors that will go with any outfit and fit into any style. 
2. Oxfords! Oxfords are my favorite shoe style! Oxfords now have a feminine take on menswear, especially because of the new prints, lace additions, and other features now being added to them. Also, your feet will thank you for the comfort.
3. Booties! Booties are the perfect transition shoe as it gets closer to fall. Booties can work with shorts, dresses, and, of course, future fall and winter outfits. 
4. Wedges! Heels are fabulous, but don't always work for a school day. However, wedges, especially with rubber on the bottom, can work for a school. Wedges give height and add ultimate chicness to any look without taking away too much comfort.

What are your favorite shoe styles?