... about the fashion industry, is that the notion of time almost doesn't even exist. Next season's looks capture our hearts even before this season has began. We're already oogling over spring 2011 designs... yet we've barely hit the beginning stages of fall. 

here are some of my favorite 2011 designs:

Vena Cava Resort 2011

Vena Cava Resort 2011

Jen Kao RTW Spring 2011

Lyn Devon RTW Spring 2011

Nicholas K RTW Spring 2011

Christian Siriano RTW Spring 2011

*click through each photo to see the designer's entire collection

Over the years we've all collected our fair share of makeup and beauty related products. However, we rarely take the time to discard those old products that have been sitting around for months and are most likely far beyond their expiration dates. It's time for some summer makeup cleaning!! I've come up with a few tips on how to re-use some of those seemingly useless products. So ladies, open up those drawers, gather up those shadow pots, liners, & glosses, and get ready for some much needed product re-inventions.

Mascara:

Thoroughly wash your old mascara wands with a good brush cleanser or anti-bacterial soap and water and re-use those babies!! Especially if you've found a brush that you love and works wonders on your lashes (I prefer the big wands with smaller bristles)

Use your wands as eyebrow brushes and eyelash separators. Or, dip it into that brand new mascara you bought that has a great formula but came with a terrible brush. Toss that wand out, and re-use your favorite one instead!

You can also whip up a quick lip exfoliator and use that mascara wand by gently rubbing it across your lips. This will get rid of any dead skin cells and relieve chapped lips.

(Make your own lip exfoliator by mixing: 1 tsp of sugar, 2 tbsp of honey, and a small drop of vaseline. Rub the mixture onto your lips gently with the wand, wash off with warm water, and voila, a DIY lip scrub.)

Eyeshadow:

Take your old eyeshadows and de-pot them. Crush them up finely until they turn into a powdery texture. Then mix in a little bit of Vaseline. You can now dip a liner brush in them and create different color gel eyeliners. Or, if you have pink, red, or peachy colors, use them as lip or cheek tints.

Lipgloss:

Again, make sure you thoroughly clean any wands or brushes before re-using. If you have an old empty tube of lip gloss with a sponge tip applicator, re-use that sponge tip to apply eyeshadow or glitter. You can also dip them into nail polish and get creative with some sponge painted looks on your nails. If you have a lipgloss with a small brush applicator, use that brush with nail polish as well to create nail art or add details to your nails with more precision.

 xo laura

Most women can agree on one thing: shopping for a bra can be a major pain in the derriere.

One of the most frustrating wardrobe purchases to make is something that most people won't even see... the bra. Even more so, the strapless bra. Searching for a bra with the perfect fit isn't always a walk in the park. Cup sizes, gaps, straps that won't stay put, awkward pinches here and there, uncomfortable wires... it all boils down to a recipe for disaster in the fitting room.

Many women have found that one special 'go to' bra. The one that seems to go pretty well with everything and is the most comfortable and somewhat stress-free of their entire bra drawer. Other women have opted for the multi-funcitonal bras that transform into a million different styles (or as I like to call them, the morphing bras) like the Victoria's Secret BioFit 7-Way Bra. But I've found a simple (kind of sticky) solution to this ever-so-annoying bra dilemma...

I call it the "sticky bra." It's basically an adhesive bra that sticks to your skin and gives you coverage only where you need it. It's strapless, backless, and clips together in the middle. The farther away you place the cups from each other, the more cleavage you get when you snap them together in the front. You have full control and can achieve a completely different look every time!! This type of bra can come in different materials, such as gel, satin, or basic cotton. I prefer the cotton ones because they seem to stay on much longer and last longer with proper care. These babies will also stay put all day long. Somehow, even through a night of dancing, or a sweaty humid day, the adhesive is sticky enough so they will not budge an inch, making this the most comfortable bra alternative ever invented. Its almost too good to be true, but take my word, I've sworn by these bras for years and years.

Although it's a product that has been out on the market for a long time and many different brands carry them, it seems to me that everybody who asks me about them is always so skeptical about using them. Maybe you've tried them and you've had a bad experience? Well here are two brands that will never fail you...

The first is by a company called NuBra. At $30, it's a good deal for a bra that you can use under so many different style tops and dresses. I recommend the feather-lite bra (comes in sizes A to D). You can purchase it at Nordstrom, or click through the picture and head over to their direct website.

Another great option... at an even better price... is one I accidentally stumbled upon at a store I like to call my second home, Jo Ann Fabrics. It's called the June Tailor Strapless Self-Adhesive Cloth Bra (also comes in sizes A through D). At only $13.99, it's just as good (or almost better) than the NuBra. I find the adhesive is a lot stronger and overall it feels much more secure. The fabric is also the same great quality as the NuBra. So if you're a fashionista on a budget, this is the perfect alternative. Stop by your nearest Jo Ann Fabric, or click through the picture to purchase online.

Summer is here and the heat is getting out of hand... lets just say, tank tops, halters, and strapless items will be most prominent in your wardrobe whether you like it or not. If you're feeling "iffy" about this type of bra, reconsider and try out one of these two options, you will rid yourself of straps and hooks and wont have to worry about pulling up those annoying strapless bras every 5 to 10 minutes. It's complete boobie freedom!

xo laura

It's finally summer time! And we all know the most important part about these warm months (apart from the beach, bbqs, and fun times with friends) is looking the part of a sun-kissed bronzed goddess!!

Having a "natural tan" isn't always possible for everyone. With busy work/school schedules and all the hustle and bustle of every day life, laying out under those rays might just not be an essential part of your "to-do" list. So why not fake the bake instead? I've personally set aside a few of my favorite bronzers, self-tanners, and other helpful products that will keep you looking sun-kissed at all times, even if it's your first time actually stepping out into the sunlight.

For Face:

It's important to add a touch of color to your face where the sun would naturally hit. (your cheekbones, on your forehead right above your eyebrows, on the bridge of your nose, and your chin)

One of my favorite bronzers (trust me, I've tried them all, from gel to mousse to powder) is this one by Rimmel London.

Rimmel London Natural Bronzer. I got mine at Walgreens in the color 002 called 'Sun Bronze.' At only $5.49 this product won't hurt your wallet and will leave you with a perfect natural looking glow. My favorite thing about this bronzer is that it's matte, perfect for sunny days, as you want to stay away from any heavy shimmer products on your face that will attract the light in unflattering ways. Matte always looks more natural in the daylight sun (unless you're going for a glowy look, in which case there is a whole other world of products for). You can also sweep this over your eyelids for a quick pop of color after the beach or pool. It's the perfect multi-use item to throw into your beach tote.

For Body:

If you're careful about avoiding harmful rays and enjoy keeping your skin youthful and safe, but you're still eager to rid yourself of that pasty winter-wonderland-white color, then you're most likely a fan of self tanners. My favorite self tanner of all time is a bit on the pricier side, but worth every penny. It's this one by St. Tropez Tanning:

The St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is super light-weight. I prefer the mousse because it's easy to apply, goes on with a nice bronze tint, and smooths over my skin much more evenly than any other lotion or gel I've tried before. It also dries in a minute or two, perfect for days when you're in a hurry and have to get dressed Speedy Gonzalez style. Another great thing about it: it's infused with aloe vera! Your skin will feel smooth and soft, as well as perfectly tinted... Orange-free! You can get it at Sephora and prices range from $30 to $40 per bottle, depending on the size.

For Lips:

This next product might take some courage to try out. With a name like "Yes to Carrots" it took some self-convincing before purchasing this lip balm. But now that I have, I'll never go back to any other. Keeping your lips protected during the summer is just as important as wearing SPF on your skin. The sun deeply damages your lips, as they are extremely sensitive. A sunburn on your lips (yes, it does happen!) can hurt like crazy and leave you with chapped, cracked, and peeling lips. Not sexy.

This Yes to Carrots Pomegranate Lip Butter with SPF 15 is amazing!! And, again, for less than just $5, you'll be surprised by it's superior quality. I've never felt softer smoother lips before. This is perfect to sweep on by itself, as it gives your lips a slight sheen. Or, wear it underneath your favorite lipstick/gloss and give your summer pout that extra protection it deserves!! I got mine at CVS, but click on the picture to check out their website. They have other great products for hair, face, and body as well.

These are all tried and tested by yours truly... I'm always on the look-out for affordable and effective products that will leave me feeling happy-glow-lucky throughout these hot, summer months! Enjoy!

xo laura