OOTD

Hey Lovelies!! I feel like a Tommy Hilfiger model today! When I woke up and put my outfit on I just felt European, I just don’t know why. LOL. But back to business, so I am going to start posting pictures of my outfit of the day (OOTD) when I feel like it is special!! I love the trend of collared shirts under sweaters and today I finally did it! So here’s my look:

I like how I rolled up the sleeves to show some of the ombrè part of the button down shirt which is from Target. I love this sweater, definitely my favorite sweater that I have in my wardrobe, it is a cable knit sweater and the contrast against the blue just seems cool to me, I got this sweater at Forever 21. My jeans are from Hollister. My boots are brown and black contrast and I love how chic and refined they look. To me they give off like a polished and sophisticated feel. (Sorry don’t know where they are from! I got them for Christmas.) I just went with my everyday jewelry; the bangle is from Henry Bendel. My earrings are just silver cross earrings from Forever 21. My nails are Sally Hansen hard as nails in gunmetal. I just wore my hair in a messy side braid.

So this is my completed look! Hope you liked it! Come back for more fun!

-         AM

How I Curl My Hair: Everyday Curly Hair!!

Hey Lovelies!! So I haven't posted a new blog post in such a long time and I am so sorry for that; I have been in love with curling my hair for an everyday look so I decided why don't I show you how to do it also!! I like to use a regular curling iron to get looser and more "natural" curls, when using a wand I seem to get more tighter curls which I don't prefer for an everyday look!! I love the Conair Instant Heat 1 inch Curling Iron. I got it from Target last year and it is still going strong. I personally think Conair curling irons are great, I have another one that is 1/2 in and that also works great!! I think the 1 in just makes amazing curls!!

Before I curl my hair I always use heat protectant, I use the Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray, it works with all heat products but I primarily use it for just curling my hair. If I do straighten it I will use the John Frieda Straight Heat Protectant. It is really important to use a heat protectant, it is essential to shield it from over heating and damaging or breaking the hair. I like to flip my head over and spray this on the front and back of my hair then brush it through with a wide toothed comb to distribute it all over my hair evenly.

When I curl my hair I split my hair into 2 parts, from the top of the ear and up; I first work with the bottom section. I like to wrap the hair around the curling iron away from my face. I keep the hair smooth on the surface of the iron, if you keep it like bunched up it will come out with a different curl. I like to keep my ends out of the curl so I don't damage them and get split ends.

I hold it for 10 - 20 seconds, on 9 which is probably 200 - 250 degrees.

After I am done I like to drop the curl into my palm and hold it there for 5 seconds while it curls off.



Usually I don't like to put any product on my hair after I curl it but if I did I would put a pea size amount of the John Frieda Secret Weapon Finishing Creme. I scrunch it into my hair and it just tames frizz and adds some more curl and shine. I would also spray some Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play Volumizing Hair Spray to add volume and keep the curl all throughout the day. I also like to scrunch this after spraying to add more of a curl.



First picture is when it is completely done (without hairspray and finishing creme). I flip my hair over and shake it a little and this is the complete finished look in the second picture. Now I am completely done!! You can add a braid, twist, clip or any hair accessory to add more glam!!

Thanks!! Hope you try this out!! If you do, send me a picture on twitter!! https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

- AM

Have a great day!! Do you have any techniques or products you love to use for curling your hair, let me know in the comments!! 

Bloglovin!!!

Hey lovelies! I just joined Bloglovin!! You can go sign up and follow my blog to make sure you never miss the next time I post a new blog post!! Thanks!!

- AM

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4672987/?claim=4hmjrv3kdcu">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Say What: Lemon Water

I drink alot of water every day, and just drinking plain water gets boring, I have done my research and learned a great tip about lemons!! Not only do they add flavor to your boring water but they have amazing benefits also!!

1.      Lemons have a lot of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and Citric Acid which help boost your immune system, and increases collagen for smooth glowing skin!

2.      Lemons will actually reduce hunger and it is also amazing for detoxifying your body which will get all the toxins out and keeping all the good stuff in! Also it is great for digestion!

3.      Research has shown that it will actually keep you more alert, which is a plus for those Monday mornings in class where you’re just too tired to pay attention!

I like to put a lemon slice in my water every morning and just drink it while I get ready in the morning, which will keep me hydrated for the day! Fun fact: when you wake up you are actually dehydrated since over night you have not drank any fluids so drinking water right when you wake up will help, like I said, in hydration! Finally, water can also clear your skin, so say bye bye to breakouts!

Hope you drink a lot of lemon water today! Thanks and come back for more!

- AM
http://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Color of the Year!!

Pantone has announced the color of the year!! I am so in love with this years color! Emerald Green! Every year Pantone chooses a color for the year to inspire fashion, beauty, and anything else! Last year was tangerine tango and this year is the "Ultramarine Green" or emerald!! I think emerald is such a gorgeous color! So here are a few inspirational ideas, and how others incorporated the hot color of the year!



Essie Nail Polish in "Going Incognito"



So, I hope you like this color because you probably will be seeing alot of it this year! I definitely will be on the look out for more of this color to incorporate into my style!! Have a great day! P.S. I got a
Pose, my username is FashionForwardAM!! Go follow!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA



Can Your Nails Do More then Look Good?!

I read a post on laurenconrad.com that wowed me and probably will be wowing you also! Have you recently given your nails a good look, and I mean fresh, bare, non polished nails. If you haven't, next time you take your polish off, you have too! Your nails can actually tell you how healthy you are!! I know that sounds really weird but it's true!! So...

If your nails are Peeling. It may mean your diet is lacking an important nutrient like linoleic acid. You need to increase the cooking oils you have in your diet like, vegetable oil, olive oil, or peanut oil.

If your nails are Yellow. Girlllll you need to callllmmmm down! Stop with the polish for a while! You need to let your nails breathe for a little, it is okay, just for a few days, I swear, they will restore!

If your nails are Brittle. Are you eating enough iron-rich foods in your diet, because I think you are not! Eat more lettuce or any leafy green vegetables and eggs! Also, drink ALOT of water every single day! To find out how much you need, take your body weight and divide it by 2! That is how much fl oz of water you need to consume every day. It may seem like a lot but don't you worry, when you get into the habit, it will be really easy! Or you could drink 8 glasses a day.

If your nails have Ridges. Every thing is alright, it is totally normal! You may be stressed, anxious, or just sleep deprived. Calm down, do some yoga, and get a good nights sleep and everything will be okay! No need for being stressed.

If your nails are Blue. Go to the doctor, you are not okay. You probably are not breathing right or are not getting enough circulation throughout your body.

Okay, well there you go! Nails can do so much more!! Thanks and come back for more fun!!

- AM

Spring 2013 Fashion Trends!!

Hey Lovelies!! I didn't know what to type about today, but don't worry, I got an idea!! Since it is the winter and spring is next, I decided to tell you some of the trends that will be going viral next season!! I knew I had to tell all you fashionistas about it so that you can go on a shopping spree, or look through your closet to make sure you're ready for this spring!! So let's begin!! All the trends and pictures are from Marie Claire Top Spring 2013 Fashion Trends Straight from the Runway!!



Helmut Newton Effect
BCBG Max Azria





Water Trend
Proenza Schouler





Stripes
Oscar de la Renta



Peek-a-Boo Midriff
Jill Stuart

  



All-White Slice and Dice
Alexander Wang

 




Sheer
Timo Weiland

 


Chambray and Denim
BCBG Max Azria


Thanks!! Have a geat day!! Hope you will be showing off some of these trends!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Drugstore Makeup Favorites!!

Hey Lovelies!! Today, I was thinking what I should do for a post, and I was thinking, since I do alot of high end favorites, I decided to do a favorites for the drugstore. This tag is perfect because the drugstore is affordable, and close to really anyone. Over the years, drugstore makeup has become amazing quality! So lets begin!!

1. Favorite drugstore makeup brand!
- I would have to say, it is a mix between Maybelline, Revlon and L'Oreal. I like all Maybelline products. I like the Revlon Colorstay/ Photo Ready products and from L'Oreal I like their lip products.

2. Favorite face, cheek, eye and lip products!
- Foundation: Revlon Colorstay is by far my favorite! It stays put ALL day and it does not fade, look cakey, or crease. It is also super build able which is great for everyone because you can put just a little on for light coverage or build it up for full coverage, suited for all skin types.

- Concealer: Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer! I put this under my eyes to camouflage my dark circles and just by putting this on over my foundation it looks like I got a full nights sleep (but really who ever does)! You can also highlight your features (top of cheekbones, bridge of nose, cupids bow, below lips, forehead) with it which is great, it is basically a 2 in 1 product.

- Setting Powder: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder! It really locks in your concealer and foundation and keeps it in place all day. It is really perfect for anyone that has combination/ oily skin types. I like to pat my settingpowder onto the skin because, once you put your foundation and concealer on, it isn't exactly into your skin and if your sweep the powder on you can move your foundation and concealer; so i pat it into to really lock in everything!

- Bronzer: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster! This product is amazing for contouring, it gives you an all over glow that wont make you orange but gives you just the best tan! It also has some benefits like, carob tree extract which helps to naturally enhance a healthy-looking bronze glow. Vitamin C and E are potent antioxidants which help to improve skin's clarity and radiance. If you use it daily it helps to boost skins natural luminosity.

- Blush: Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blushes! They may only have a few colors but they are really great for a natural blushing color! Blush is basically a way to brighten the face and this is just great for that!

- Lip Balm: Maybelline Baby lips! They are so nice! They come in clear and have some colored balms if you want a little color on your lips. They last well and just make your lips so smooth and soft, even in the winter season! Also I love the L'Oreal Color Riche Balms!

- Lip Sticks/ Gloss: Really any L'Oreal gloss or lip stick is nice! All of the ones I have are smooth and apply nicely! I love the 8 hour Infallible Le Glosses from L'Oreal though, they are amazing! They have great color, are opaque, and last for such a long time! They also have plumping lip glosses that do the trick for any one who just wants to enhance there lips and make them fuller!

- Lip Stains: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

- Lip Butter: I Love the Revlon Lip Butters! They are amazing, that's it, just amazing!

- Cream Eye Shadows: Maybelline 24 Hour Cream Eye shadows are amazing! I have some of the Makeup Forever cream shadows and the Maybelline ones are just as amazing for a fraction of the cost! They stay on great, don't crease and are perfect for eye shadow bases for any eye look. I like Bad to the Bronze the most, it is just an amazing product!

- Mascara: I like any of the Maybelline mascaras, they all are great and just make your lashes look fantastic!

- Eyeliner: I like the Revlon Color Stay Eye liners, they are creamy, stay in place, and are pigmented!

- Gel Liner: Maybelline gel liners! I like to put this on my lower lash line to pull a look together and it just gives me the neatest line ever! I just love how nicely it applies!

- Liquid Liner: Revlon Color stay Liquid Liner Pen! I love just putting this on my upper lash line and it just makes them look so much thicker and great!

Thanks! Have a great day!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Beauty Awards!!

Hey lovelies!! I was looking at ElleandBlair.com and they posted a link to a website called Daily Glow. They held the top beauty and skin care products of 2012 recently. I thought you may want to look at some of the different products that got awards! I went through them and saw some of my favorite products so I thought you may want to go through and see if some of your favorite products got an award!
Here is the link: http://www.dailyglow.com/awards

Thanks and have a great day!!

- AM

Fabulous Fitness!!

Hey!! So today I have a really smart workout plan for you! I love being fit and working out, it makes me feel so good about myself! Today, I have the smartest workout plan ever!! 2 of my favorite trainers, Karena and Katrina, the founders of the amazing fitness website, Tone It Up!, have made a 6 week fitness program for everyone wanting to shape up after the holidays and get ready to look fantastic for a special someone on Valentines day, its called the Love Your Body Series!! If you haven't looked at the calender recently then you may want to know that Valentines day, or the day of love, is in just 6 weeks!! Karena and Katrina have made a calender for the month of January that has a different activity/ workout for everyday! Better yet, they are giving away prizes from Victoria's Secret throughout the 6 weeks! You can join for free just by giving your name and email, and you will be entered in the series, easy, right! It really isn't that hard, I mean, you know you will not be alone, I will be doing it also, so why not do it with me! Get off your butt's and kick off the new year right with getting toned, slimmed, and looking/ feeling great! They even have full workout videos on YouTube that you can do in the comfort of your home!

- Tone It Up! Love Your Body Series Page: http://toneitup.com/blog.php?L-VE-Your-Body-Series-5657

- Tone It Up! Website: http://toneitup.com/

- Where to sign up!: http://toneitup.com/blog.php?New-Year-s-Challenge-...-What-could-it-be-5655

- YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/ToneItUpcom

Hope you love it as much as I do! Thanks and Happy New Year!!

- AM
https://twitter.com/FashionForwardA

Review: Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette!!

Hey Lovelies!! Guess What! My first review ever! Today I am talking about the new Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette!! It has 6 shadows, ranging from light to dark, perfect for every look!

It is small and compact so it is perfect for traveling, or throwing in your bag for touch ups! It is the same size as an iPhone if you were wondering the size.

It has a mirror when you open it, perfect for applying/ reapplying makeup!

As you can see, the shadows are perfect for any look, preferably a matte neutral look.

Venus - skin tone, light color, this is the only shadow that has a slight shimmer to it. I would use this as a highlight color for the inner corner and brow bone.

Foxy - skin tone color with yellow undertones. perfect for an all over lid color to hide any redness or veins.

W.O.S - skin tone color. I love to sweep this over my lids and it brightens up the eyes!

Naked 2 - Perfect light brown color for the lids. You can use it to fill in your eye brows, or you can use it as a liner for the bottom lash line just to make them a little more prominent.

Faint - Brown color, perfect for crease, lining, or lid color. I like to put this is my outer corner and crease then line the bottom lash line with it, it just looks perfect with Naked 2.

Crave - Deep brownish black color. Perfect for the smokey eye looks, or lining your upper and lower lash line. You could also put this in your crease to give the ultimate drama eye. I like to line my upper lash line with crave because it makes them look fuller!

Thanks!! Have a great day and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

- AM

http://www.twitter.com/FashionForwardA