5 College Wardrobe Items That Can Be Reinvented for Post Grad Life

One of the saddest things about post grad life is having to completely change your wardrobe to suit your new life and career.  Rolling out of bed, putting your hair in a messy bun, wearing leggings and an oversized sorority tee is no longer an acceptable practice.  Here are 5 pieces that with some clever styling can still be wardrobe staples post graduation.

Leggings- yes these college staples can still be used in the professional world.  However the rule of cover your a** does apply.  Pair these with a long tunic or dress for a work appropriate yet comfy outfit.

Chambray Button-Up- this is the utility knife of wardrobes.  It can be paired with anything and everything.  Pair with colored dress pants or pencil skirt for a look that is stylish and oh so easy to pull off.

Leather Boots- Leather boots are comfy, stylish, and can be paired with absolutely anything!  This is true even after college ends.  Choose a neutral tone like cognac, black, or taupe.  Pair with sleek pants and a sweater for an easy look even as the temperatures grow cooler.

Plain V-Neck- a Plain V-neck tee is a staple in most college students wardrobe, they have them in every color imaginable.  It is also the perfect base for a professional wardrobe.  Put on a colored/patterned skirt with the white tee or wear it under a blazer.  Complete the look with a colorful statement necklace to fill the neckline space.  There are endless combinations and it all begins with a simple cotton tee.

Skinny Jeans- while these may not be appropriate for all work environments, a casual atmosphere can accept the wearing of skinny jeans.  Choose a dark wash or black pair for highest level of sophistication.  Wear with a cardigan or button up made with a flowy material.  Complete the outfit with heels so as not to appear too casual.  These truly can be dressed up or down depending on the situation and should definitely remain wardrobe staples even during post grad life.

Unfortunately I was unable to find a way to make yogis and your worn in university crewneck office appropriate- those will have to stay relegated to your weekend wardrobe!

Spring 2014: Colored Eye Make-up

Brightly colored make-up is one of my favorite beauty trends for spring.  The wide array of colors are wonderful for brightening up your face and making features pop.

The color of the year, Radiant Orchid, is being extensively used in make-up.  Pantone even created a line of make-up for Sephora called "Sephora+Pantone Universe The Eye: Radiant Femme Artistry."  It was inspired by the color of the year, with 25 shades formulated to compliment Radiant Orchid.  Plum shades blend together well to create a summery take on the smokey eye.  Truly make heads turn with a violet hued lip.

Blues and aquamarines are making their way back to the beauty scene this spring.  To avoid looking like an 80's movie extra, don't cover the lid from browbone to lashes, instead sweep the color in selected areas.  One of my favorite tricks is to use taupe shades on the eyelid and line the lower lashline with blue liner.  One of the creamiest (and affordable!) eye liners I've used are the Stila Smudge Stick Eye Liners.  Get lost in the depths of the ocean with a nautical smokey eye- utilize shades of blue and teal to create this sultry beauty look.

Emerald might no longer be the color of the year but it can be seen making a revival at make-up counters everywhere.  I love a green nail polish!  I used a hunter green for winter and I will transition into spring with olive and mint tones.  The mint shade is an excellent compliment to numerous spring colors and is the perfect base for nail art.

Whether it be an ombre nail or a bold lip, raise your beauty standards this spring!

Spring 2014 Trend: Groundbreaking Florals

Normally when I think of florals for springtime, I think of the scene in The Devil Wears Prada.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, when Miranda Priestly rolls her eyes and sarcastically states that the idea is "groundbreaking."  But these Spring 2014 florals are anything but basic.  Seen in runway collections of Marc Jacobs, Dolce and Gabbana, Isabel Marant this year florals are more edgy and have a Hawaiian vibe.  Florals can be incorporated in numerous ways from printed shorts and brightly colored tops to vibrant accessories.  One of my favorite pieces are the printed shorts from J Crew.  Pair with a statement necklace and white tee for a casual take on the trend.  A great high end accessory is the brocade cross-body bag from Dolce and Gabbana.  The magenta flowers on a teal background are a wonderful pop of color for any springtime outfit.  

Groundbreaking Springtime Florals by shannonmariebauer featuring a pink peony bouquet

Post Grad Closet Update

The time is slowly drawing near where leggings and an oversized university sweater will no longer be your go-tos on the daily.  Words like "business casual" and "work appropriate" will become commonplace.  But that doesn't mean your routine needs to be complicated or boring.  These 25 statement pieces are an investment and can be mixed and matched for hundreds of different combinations!

Spring Trends: All White and Outta Sight

No white until after Memorial Day?  As if!  Achromatic color is all the rage this spring.  The most important thing to remember with an all white outfit is to mix and match textures.  Pair sleek shorts with a bow top.  Lots of jewelry with mixed metal metallics will set off the white color and keep the outfit from looking drab.  A bright printed handbag will add a pop of color and really packs a visual punch!

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Spring Trend of the Week: Skirts

I've decided to do a spring trend of the week every Tuesday.  This week's Spring Trend is all about the skirt.  Skirts are perfect for rising temperatures-- freedom from the heavy fabric and structure of winter.  They are easy to wear, style, and make an outfit instantly more girly and fun.  This spring the shapes are varied so whether it be mini, midi, or maxi you are in springtime style!

Mini- Lengths above the knee.  Here is a cute aztec printed option from Nasty Gal

Midi- Lengths in between knee and ankle, generally hit around the calf
ASOS  has wonderful options for midi skirts.  Like this textured pleated midi in soft blue or pink.

Maxi- Lengths between ankle and floor, full length.
I love the shape on this striped fit and flare maxi from Body Central

Spring Trend: Orange Colored Lips

As the snow melts into springtime blooms it becomes time to transition your deep berry lips for a fresher shade.  Orange colored lips are the newest beauty craze for this spring.  Seen on celebs such as Jessica Alba and Zooey Deschanel, this color is crashing onto the beauty scene.  The color may seem intimidating at first but there is a citrus shade for every pucker.  Skin tones with yellow undertones should stick with the most vivid orange shades while blue undertones should look for more coral or red based tones.  Stick with a sheer shade or a stain versus a true lipstick to prevent looking like a circus extra.  The shade I chose is called “Make it Sparkle” from the CoverGirl lipslicks smoochies collection.  Pair the orange lips with peach blush and a nude eye to complete the look.  A tangerine pout is a fun twist and perfect to reflect the sunny weather! 

How to Achieve the Perfect Pout

Sending me to a make-up counter is like sending a child to a candy store.  You press your face up to the pristine glass and drool over the pretty colors and fancy containers.  Then you painstakingly choose your favorite item and leave the store, but always, always you want more.  I think bright red, head-turning lipstick is a beauty classic, like the little black dress of make-up.  You put it on and instantly feel beautiful!  My favorite lipstick is a vibrant cherry red called, Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in “Mightiest Maraschino.”  I highly recommend the chubby sticks as they are affordable (only $16!) and have a moisturizing balm, so none of that chalky lipstick texture.  Embrace your inner child and run, don’t walk, to the closest make-up counter for a sugar rush and red lipstick perfection!  

Selecting the right shade of lipstick can be the most challenging beauty dilemma a woman will encounter.  This tutorial will teach you that skill to bring out your inner vixen.

Step 1: Selecting the right shade.  You may need to test several until you find a brand and formula appropriate for your skin tone and beauty needs.
Step 2: Prep the lips. Brush your lips when you brush your teeth to exfoliate them and use chapstick before applying any lipstick.
Step 3:  This isn't your grandma's lip liner.  The days of surrounding your entire lip with a thick line of dark lip liner are over.  Lightly trace the top of your upper lip (cupid’s bow) and the curve of your lower lip.  This prevents feathering and defines the sexy curves of the lips.

Step 4: Apply lipstick. Apply the lipstick right from the tube or use a lip brush and coat the entire lips.  Apply 1 coat for a milder look or several coats for a truly dramatic, head-turning experience.  Put your finger in your mouth and pull out, to take off any color outside the lip line.  This tip will prevent the awful faux pas of lipstick on your teeth.

Step 5: Seal the lip line. The final step is to seal the lip line so no lipstick sneaks outside and creates an awful ring around your mouth.  Take liquid foundation or concealer and trace the lip line.  Blend into the skin and you have just achieved the perfect dramatic red lip!

Keep your head, heels, and (beauty) standards high!

Change in Schedule

Postings will be on Tuesday and Thursday from now on due to my time constraints!  See you tomorrow for a lipstick tutorial!

Blush Pink and Plum

I had a sorority formal function on Saturday and figured I would share my outfit inspiration.  Blush has been a huge color this season and shows no sign of stopping into Spring.  My dress had pale pink pleats that continued from neckline to knee and was cinched at the waist.  The sleeves were sheer, chiffon modified flutter sleeves that floated down the length of the dress.  I paired the look with nude heels and a chunky purple stone necklace!  I did my own curled updo and created a beauty look of brown smokey eyes and berry glossy lips.

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Cosmetic Equivalent of a Best Friend

My name is Shannon and I am a self-proclaimed make-up addict... say it with me now "Hi, Shannon".....
I have loved makeup since I was a young girl.  I was the child sneaking into my mom’s room to steal her makeup and would spend hours learning to apply it.  I spent all my allowance on the newest Bonne Belle products and NYC $1 nail polishes.  I have to confess I still have to reel in where I spend my beauty bucks. Here are my top 5 Cosmetics-- these are the products that I live and breathe by!

MAC Eye Make-up Primer Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly- I was nervous to try this product as the price tag is a little steep, however after my first week using the primer I was hooked.  I put this on over my foundation but under any eye makeup.  I cover my entire eye lid up to my brow bone- it evens the color and texture of the eyes.  Applying eye shadow and liner is smoother and easier to blend, great for creating dramtic beauty looks.  I have found that my eye make-up lasts longer and is more resistant to smudging.  I have owned the primer almost a year and am still only halfway through the first pot, even with daily applications.  The 0.17 ounce container cost $20.  If I use the product everyday for 18 months before the pot runs out, that's only $0.04 per use!

Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express Mascara- I have mentioned before my obsession with Mascara.  Maybelline is an industry leader in mascara sales for a reason.  My favorite is absolutely Falsies Volum' Express.  The product coats each lash, thickens, and lengths.  One tube lasts me between 1-2 months of daily use.  But the $6.99 price tag is easily justified.  That's only $0.12 per use!

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mightiest Maraschino- When it comes to makeup there is nothing better than a smokey eye or a bold lip.  One of my favorite red lipsticks is Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino from Clinique.  I highly recommend the chubby sticks as they are affordable and have a moisturizing balm, so none of that chalky lipstick texture.  The crayon looking tube allows for easy application and layering of color.  The lipstick cost $17 and allows for hundreds of applications.  Only 170 applications of head-turning red lips and your usage is $0.10 per smooch! 

Eyes Lips Face Eye Liner Pen in Black- I have loved E.LF. since I was in high school and it was still an online beauty supplier.  When the brand moved to sell at other retailers I was ecstatic- cheap make-up was right at my fingertips.  Not all of their products are worth the cheap price tag however I love their eye liner pen!  It creates a smooth line with no tugging or needing to be sharpened.  Easy to create cat eye or winged looks with the wet formula that dries smooth.  I even prefer this product's formula over more expensive brands.  I can use a pen for several months before it dries or runs out so the $2 cost is less than a penny per use!

Daniel Sandler Radiant Sheen Illuminating Face Powder- I got this bronzer as a gift from my internship last summer but the second it runs out I will buy another one.  The quad of colors- ranging from pink to deep bronze- blend to create the perfect glow.  I can use all the colors together or separate for different looks.  I can even use the mid tones as eye shadow.  The powder has a light shimmer giving skin a dewy, post workout glow!  This bronzer is easy to blend, contour, and highlight and makes skin look fresh not dirty as some bronzers are prone to. The multipurpose product costs $44.34.  It is rather pricey but well worth it for the formula!

I have yet to find a foundation that I absolutely love and meets all my needs so send suggestions my way!

ASME Lifestyle Covers of the Year

The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) does a Best Magazine Covers Reader's Choice Award every year.  Each week is a new category and participants "like" their favorite covers on Facebook.  Then the winners of each category compete for best magazine cover of the year.

This week (February 24th-28th)  the theme for the ASME best magazine covers is Lifestyle Magazines.  Vote for your favorites here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151883665056436.1073741850.59153151435&type=3

I reviewed by Top 3 Choices for Lifestyle Magazine Cover of the Year!

#3 Choice: Departures Magazine.  The jewels in the photograph caught the light and sparkled ensuring to catch my attention.  The magazine is a departure (I'm sorry I had to- it was right there waiting for me...) from the norm in magazine covers making it a contender for magazine cover of the year.

#2 Choice: The New York Times Magazine.  This cover features a photo of a face that is blurred to the point where it is unrecognizable.  The tagline is "The Price of a Stolen Childhood."  The frosted picture is haunting and causes the reader to look twice.

#1 Choice: Architectural Digest with Ralph Lauren cover is my vote for best Lifestyle Cover!  Anytime a non-fashion magazine features a fashion icon it catches my attention.  Putting Ralph Lauren on the cover made me wonder about the content of the article and therefore made me want to read the magazine-- the purpose of any great cover!


What are your favorites?  Let me know in the comments below!

ASME Best Magazine Covers

The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) does a Best Magazine Covers Reader's Choice Award every year.  Each week is a new category and participants "like" their favorite covers on Facebook.  Then the winners of each category compete for best magazine cover of the year.

This week (Feb. 17th-Feb 22nd) the category is Fashion and Beauty covers.  I reviewed my favorite covers of 2013!

Shannon's Pick #3: Lady Gaga on the cover of Glamour.  I love the simplicity of the background- the navy with only the "Girl on Fire" headline makes the photograph stand out.  The matches covering Gaga's face forced to reader to take a hard look to determine the cover girl.  Albeit the use of matches with the tagline "Girl on Fire" was a little corny, the use of fire imagery was a welcome change in fashion and beauty covers.

Shannon's Pick #2: Harper's Bazaar "Super Style" cover.  This cover stood out to me because it was unique.  On fashion and beauty covers, there is almost always a celebrity in a designer outfit with a headlines surrounding the headshot- anything that breaks that pattern is a good cover in my book.  This cover was divided into squares 4 down and 6 across.  In each box was either a figure dressed in black or white or one of the letters that spelled out "Bazaar."  The mixture of white, black, and red was stunning.

Shannon's Pick #1:  George Clooney on the cover of W.  George Clooney is in a completely polka dot outfit- need I say more?  The outfit is unique with the suit coat, dress shirt, and bow tie all in black and white polka dot patterns.  The background matched the print so the outfit fades away versus being the focal point.  The W logo and headline were in a pink and orange polka dot pattern.  This cover hosted a major celebrity, had unique styling, and a twist on W's usual cover design- absolute perfection!

Vote for your favorites on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151870954861436.1073741848.59153151435&type=3

What were your favorite fashion and beauty covers in 2013?

New Year, New You: Maintaining New Years Resolutions Beyond the First Month

If you're like 90% of Americans, you have probably given up on your New Years Resolution by February 1st.  I'm here to tell you to get back to it!!!  You didn't resolve to {insert resolution here} for the first 31 days of the year, but rather resolved to do it for 365 days.  Everyone has something that they would like to change or improve in their lives.  This isn't about doing it for your mother, father, boss, best friend, or child but it's about DOING IT FOR YOURSELF.  Get back in shape not because your doctor says you should, do it so you look fabulous in the jeans that are currently 2 sizes too small.  Score that killer job not because you are graduating and have to find something, but do it because it is your dream and your worked hard for 4 years for that accomplishment.  If you haven't found a resolution yet here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Getting Healthy- exercise more, eat less, eat healthier, lose weight, take your vitamins, eat less fast food- everyone has something they could improve upon.  You might as well spend the next year being a healthier you than the year before
• Scoring an internship, job, promotion- you're going to work for the next 40 years of your life, it'd be best to love what you do!
• Maintaining relationships with family and friends
• Getting a good GPA, finishing a project at work
• Volunteer to Help Others- Whether it is physically, emotionally, or financially this is one you will never regret doing.
• Quit a bad habit, form a good habit

• Crossing Something Off the List of Dreams- Every person has a list of things that they want to do before they kick the bucket, every year work on accomplishing another item.  I've always wanted to try snow shoeing, so I talked to my parents and we planned a trip to Duluth this spring break.  Want to take a fabulous trip of a lifetime?  Spend the next year planning and saving money.  There is always something you can do to complete every item!
• Manage money better, pay off debt
• Start a new club, hobby, or activity

While stating your new resolution is well and good, actually following though is a totally separate concept.  Make a detailed plan on how to accomplish these each day, week and month- breaking a goal down into easily managed parts will ensure success.  For example say losing 20 pounds by summer is your end goal, each week workout 5 times, that means each day you only have to focus on going to the gym once.  A win each day will keep you happy and motivated to succeed in the end.

10 Reasons to Continue New Years Resolutions Past the 1st Month
1). Sense of Accomplishment
2). Confidence
3). Health and Wellness
4). Improve Yourself
5). Improve Relationships
6). New Experiences
7). Increase a Desired Behavior
8). Small Achievements Become BIG Achievements
9). To Live the Best Life Possible
10). It's for YOU.

Make your standards and your heels higher in 2014!

Where to Spend Your Beauty Bucks: Mascara Edition

When planning budgets, most females would consider make-up a necessary addition.  There is an endless list of products to purchase in every color, formula, and brand imaginable.  The most difficult part is determining how much you should spend to get the best products for your money.  I’m going to let you in on a little known beauty secret: some drugstore products are just as good, or maybe even better, than their luxury counterpart.  Knowing the difference will do wonders for your skin and your wallet.  

When it comes to mascara, the formulas found in drugstore brands are the same as those found in fancy makeup counter brands.  CHANEL’s INIMITABLE INTENSE- MASCARA MULTI-DIMENSIONNEL SOPHISTIQUÉ draws consumers in with its exotic name, creating images of nights in the Paris lights.  The mascara has the sophisticated black packaging with gold band and specially engineered brush with the $30 price point, but it won’t make lashes any longer or fuller than a drugstore kind that costs only $7. The formula in drugstore and designer mascaras are the exact same.  Since mascara should be replaced every 3 months to prevent the growth of bacteria it is best to save money and stick with a drugstore brand.  L’Oreal, Maybelline, and Max Factor are industry leaders in mascara sales for a reason.  

I am a mascara addict and never have less than 3 tubes at my disposal at any one time.  I have tried nearly every Maybelline formula ever made (the best mascara brand in my opinion).  My absolute favorite mascara- hands down, no contest- is Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara.  It comes in the purple tube and costs only $5.99.  The curved brush ensures a thick application of color to every lash.  It coats both sides of the top and bottom lashes while maintaining the perfect swoop.  

Heep your standards and heels high!

Coconut Oil: Does Your Body and Your Beauty Good

Coconut Oil is quickly becoming the hot new must- have product.  Sold at beauty supply and grocery stores everywhere, this all natural oil is extracted from the “meat” of coconuts.  This one-stop beauty product has numerous uses, including hair and body applications.  Just be sure to look for the label that says organic or unrefined.  Here are just a few ways to incorporate the oil into your beauty routine:

1)      Use as a deep condition mask, the oil will protect and condition even the most damaged hair

2)      Fight frizz by smoothing the oil over flyaways

3)      Replace your favorite lotion or moisturizer with coconut oil

4)      No need for anti-aging creams, coconut oil is full of antioxidants to keep skin from aging too quickly  

5)      Remove eye makeup with the natural, non-irritant oil

6)      Mix the oil with water and use as a shaving cream

Image Source: foodmatters.tv

Keep your standards and heels high!

Color of the Year

When I heard that Radiant Orchid was going to be the Pantone 2014 color of the year, I was ecstatic.  It is the perfect color for every skin tone and hair color.  In direct contrast to last years deep emerald, the bright color was a breath of fresh air. The undertones of both pink and purple exude warmth and happiness. Pantone describes the color as

"an invitation to innovation, Radiant Orchid encourages expanded creativity and originality"

This color is already popping up in Spring runway collections of Juicy Couture and BCBGMaxAzria. A huge trend this spring will be the mixture of soft pastels with vivid bright tones. Use the pinky purple to invigorate your winter wardrobe; the tone is the perfect pop of color amongst the drab blacks and grays. When the snow is melted and the sun begins to spread its warmth mix Radiant Orchid in with a monochromatic outfit of light toned neutrals for a fresh take on the trend.

Not just regaled to the wardrobe, this color will translate beautifully to accessories and cosmetics.  One of my favorite ways to wear the color is in a bright toned nail polish!  For a bolder approach, transition the deep berry lipstick popular this winter to a lighter mauve tone for spring. The make-up giant, Sephora is developing makeup for the romantic beauty trends next season.

As always, Pantone was right on target with the 2014 color, Radiant Orchid will softly welcome spring with its warm hues and influx of color.

Keep your standards high and heels higher!

First Posting Coming Soon

First posting will be January 27th!  Check back every Monday and Wednesday for new postings!!

Keep your Head, Heels, and Standards High.