Sara in the City: Friends in the Office

As much as we love spending time with our friends as we grow older the less time it seems we get to spend with them. Work and family seem to dominate our lives as we age. While the bond will always be strong, it is not the same as seeing them every day like you did in high school or college.

Our co-workers are usually who we spend the most time with. It only makes sense. We spend most of our days at work so the people we see the most would be the ones we work with.

That's why it is so important to get along with them. Who wants to spend most of their days with people they don't like?

It can be challenging at times especially if there is an age gap between you and your co-workers. However, I've learned that people can relate to everyone no matter what the age gap is in between the two.

Even if you are shy, make an honest attempt to get to know your co-workers. You don't need to be best friends with them. However, if there is some comradeship between you and them, the day will go by a lot quicker.

'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!": Fergie Goes Rock

Is it just me or does Fergie have the most questionable style of any star at her level? I rarely know what to think of what she's wearing. Case-in-point: this all-black number she wore to a party in Los Angeles.

The Black-Eyed Peas singer (who's seriously overdue for another solo album), wore a black shirt with a black H&M skirt and a black jacket. She set accessorized with a part of dark shades (FYI: This photo was taken at NIGHT) and simple studs.




(image source)

Editorials We Love: Olivia Palermo in Elle Ukraine

It's not like Olivia Palermo needs a crew of stylists and make-up mavens to make us covet pretty much every look she steps out of the house with, but it helps make this editorial pure perfection. The socialite channels Old Hollywood (think Sophia Loren mixed with Grace Kelly) glam using modernized apparel in these images shot by Andoni and Arantxa for Elle Ukraine.

(image source)

Girl Crush: Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel won our hearts as America's favorite New York housewife. Her spot on wit, ambition and willing to admit she is not perfect makes her beyond lovable. When she got her own reality spin off series, we fell more in love with Frankel and her crazy antics. Plus, girl can make a mean margarita!

Happily Ever After?

Is it just the people in my life or is EVERYONE getting engaged? I actually know people I graduated high school with who've been divorced and are on their second engagements. I even know someone who's on her second marriage.

Don't get me wrong, marriage is a good thing, but I sometimes wonder if I'm the only girl my age who sees walking down the aisle as insanely terrifying. If I got married in a dream, I'd probably call it a nightmare. Yet, I see people on my Facebook timeline do it so casually every week, sometimes to people they've only been dating for a few months.

I've been saying for a few years marriage is like this virus everyone is catching and I'm afraid to get it. Sure, I want to be married someday, but I want to do it when I'm closer to 30 than 20. And I've never been that girl who's had her wedding planned since she was 6 years old. All I know is my wedding song will be "Never Knew I Needed" by Ne-Yo and that Big and Carrie's reception from Sex and the City at the diner is like my dream reception. When the time comes, I'll probably just elope.

Sometimes I wish I could bravely walk into such a huge commitment like everyone else, but I seriously doubt I will anytime soon. Being free-spirited looks so good in the movies, but in real life it just means you have commitment issues because you don't want anything to jeopardize your freedom.

What about you guys: Are you ready to walk down the aisle anytime soon? Or have you already?

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David Lerner's New Manhattan Showroom

The meatpacking district has some new competition. David Lerner recently opened a showroom at 413 West 14th Street in Manhattan showcasing his most coveted item, leggings, along with an array of back-to-basic pieces. Recently I had the chance to visit and was awed by my discovery. Leggings that can truly be worn as pants, sexy knit dresses, and comfy layered tops fill the racks that line the walls. Lerner prides himself on the sleekness of his collection, reaching out to the women who want simplicity and edge in her daily attire. Be sure to check out more of his Fall 2012 collection at www.dlcollection.com 

David Lerner Manhattan Showroom

David Lerner Staple Leggins

David Lerner Fall 2012

David Lerner Staple Leggings

David Lerner Fall 2012

David Lerner Manhattan Showroom

(images provide by Catrina Gunter)

The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook

We get a few quirky books sent to us every month to review and last month we received The Unofficial Hunger Games Cookbook. Obviously, the publishing company read my mind or have seen some of my insane gushing about the book on this blog.

Whatever the case, we can cook recipes from Panem now. From District 1 on up.

How rude would it be of me to keep these to myself? To enjoy the spoils of a fabricated dystopian world without letting my Feather Girls in on the fun? I'd never be that rude, so I'm sharing some of my newly gained knowledge.

I've listed three recipes from the book from the bread Peeta gave Katniss so her family wouldn't starve to the pea soup she took comfort in after a hard day of training. The last is a pheasant recipe from Catching Fire. I could seriously go into detail about how significant the recipes are in certain moments and how precious food is in a land where most are starving, but I don't want any spoilers for those of you who haven't read the books yet.

I'll be doing a little tweeting from the midnight showing tonight before the film starts on @feather_mag. Anyone else going at midnight or joining the really late crowds at 3 a.m.?

The Boy with the Bread: Hearty Raisin Nut Bread
(2 large loaves)

Ingredients:
1 (.25-ounce) package or 5 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 1/2 cups warm milk (110 degrees Fahrenheit)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons white sugar
2 eggs
3 cups whole wheat flour
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 egg white
2 tablespoons cold water

Directions: 
In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water until foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the milk, butter, honey, salt, cinnamon, sugar, eggs, and whole wheat flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough. Place raisin in a bowl of tepid tap water. Let soak until needed. Turn dough out onto floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once a coat. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Grease two 8.5" x 4.5" loaf pans. Punch dough down. Turn out onto the lightly floured surface; sprinkle with raisins and walnuts and knead them in. Divide dough in half. Roll dough into loaves, keeping raisins folded inside. Place loaves into greased loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about one hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Beat egg white and cold water; brush over loaves. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes or until golden brown. If top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.

Pea Soup for Your Sorrows
(5 servings)

Ingredients:
16 ounces dried split peas
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
2 medium onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves,  minced
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
5 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 cups water
3 cups frozen peas
1 cup milk

Directions:
In a slow cooker, layer all the ingredients but the frozen peas and milk in the order listed. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or until the vegetables are tender. Add the frozen peas and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Stir in milk and heat through for 15 minutes before serving.

Roast Pheasant
(4 servings)

Ingredients:
2 pheasants (2 1/2 pounds each)
2 oranges, halved
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 apple, quartered
1 onion, quartered
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 slices bacon
1 cup chicken bouillon
1/2 cup apple cider
Jewel-Colored Mint Jelly (recipe in book)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rise and dry pheasants. Squeeze oranges all over birds and inside the cavities. Season with salt and pepper. Place 1 half-squeezed orange, 2 apple quarters, 2 onion quarters, 1 bay leaf, and 1 sprig of rosemary in each cavity. Brush each bird with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the pheasants in roasting pan and lay 4 slices of bacon over the breast of each bird. Pour the bouillon and apple cider into the pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, basting every 20 minutes with pan juices. Remove bacon and cook for another 15-20 minutes to brown the breast a bit. Pheasant is done when a meat thermometer registers 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast. Serve carved meat along with bowls of pan dripping and Jewel-Colored Mint Jelly.

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Sara In The City: Home Sweet Home

I still live with my parents.

There, I said it.

I recently graduated college and, like many, moved in with dear old mom and dad to save money. When I was in college, it never once crossed my mind that I would move back home. My college self would've thought that was awful. Who wants to have all this freedom and then go back to living under mom and dad's rules? Much to my chagrin, it happened. 

I thought of myself as a failure. However, I soon realized almost all my friends moved back in with their parents at some point. Most still live with them.

Plus, I am saving so much money by living with the folks. Sure, I pay for my own expenses, but it is a lot cheaper than it would be to live alone. Plus, I've saved enough money  to be a free woman again by the end of the year! 

Until then, I'm going to enjoy my mom's home cooking as long as I can.

'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!': Katy Perry in London

Katy Perry, who's been seen out and about in Europe this week, stepped out in Paris wearing this cut out blue ensemble to match her electric blue hair. She paired the dress with pantyhose, black booties and a bold red lipstick.

Here's a little goss: the "Part of Me" singer was seen with Chanel male model Baptiste Giabiconi when photographed in this outfit (that's her bodyguard in the photo, not Giabiconi). In addition to being a rather sexy specimen with a gorgeous smile, Giabiconi is reportedly the highest-paid male model in the world and K.P.'s rumored new beau. This girl's getting back on the horse in a big way. Russell, who?

Back to the important stuff: what do you think of her outfit? Also, how do we feel about her visible black roots and that odd hair attachment on her head?

(image source)

 

Hairstyle How-To: Half-up, Half-down

Freida Pinto at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Play up your hair with one of my favorite styles: the sophisticated half-up, half-down. Pulling some of your front strands back will let you show off your luscious locks, while drawing attention to your bright or natural eyeshadow hues and oh-so-perfect pout.

Actress Freida Pinto looked glam with this hairstyle at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards. The half-up, half-down style was also spotted on models at New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 for designers Monique Lhuillier, Tadashi Shoji and Ohne Titel. Though this look is straight off the red carpet and runway, you, too, can rock it like an A-lister.

Get the Look in Three Easy Steps:

1. Add some height to your roots with Regis DesignLine Root Boost (available at Regis Salons).

2. Pull your front strands to the back of your hair, and tie them with an elastic.

2. Spritz a little bit of Redken Quick Dry 18 Spray (available at Redken salons) to hold your ‘do in place.

You’ll be looking gorg in no time. 

(image via MastiNetwork)

Girl Crush: Ariel Winter

Ariel Winter plays the lovable nerd Alex in one of our favorite comedies ever, "Modern Family." Who doesn't love a girl with looks and intelligence? She is the perfect foil to her crazy siblings antics. Plus, the fact that she is bit of a nerd doesn't seem to worry her a bit. In fact, it is something she is proud of.

In real life, Winter is energetic and bubbly young lady who has a long career in front of her.

Beautyblender Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to the winner of our Beautyblender giveaway:

Although, this commenter didn't win, we loved their natural beauty advice:

Look for more giveaways in the near future!

My Go-To Diet Foods

I hate the word diet. As a gluten-free vegetarian (hello, restrictions!) I tend to avoid dieting for weight loss, so as not to further limit my food choices. I do, however, strongly believe that abs are made in the kitchen and no amount of exercise will compensate for a poor diet.

With summer fast approaching, I've started my annual bikini-bod boot-camp. My diet hasn't been a top priority over the last few months and it's time to clean it up. With so many diet products strategically placed around the grocery store, it's often difficult to feel healthy while snacking on nutritionally devoid 100-calorie cookie packs or sugar-free, fat-free 'energy' bars. Here are my top five go-to diet foods that are clean alternatives to the chemical-laden diet products:

5. Bananas are so versatile. I like them with a variety of nut butters, but my favorite way to eat a banana? Frozen, blended and combined with unsweetened cocoa powder. I'm serious, Feather Girls, try it. You can experiment with add-ins, but this banana "ice cream" is to die for and completely guilt-free.

4. Sweet potatoes are a healthy carbohydrate source and you should definitely include them in your diet, whether for weight loss or not. My boyfriend likes to combine mashed sweet potatoes with his oatmeal, making a nutrient-packed and energy-dense snack. I prefer to bake sweet potato fries with a little cooking spray and some serious seasoning—try a chipotle blend or a rosemary and garlic combo!

3. Greek yogurt is an easy and oh-so-delicious way to get protein—I don't think I'll ever go back to regular yogurt! Be sure to read labels and verify the that ingredient list is on the shorter side, as yogurts are often packed with unnecessary sugar and artificial flavors. My favorite brand is Chobani.

2. Beans and legumes are amazing for you. Make black bean brownies, butter bean burgers and roasted chick peas for a satiating source of protein and fiber.

1. Spaghetti squash is a healthy alternative to pasta—I like to eat it with pesto or butter bean alfredo sauce. Choose a small squash for a quick baking time and a perfect serving size.

(image source)

Editors' Picks: Five Things

1) The Hunger Games anticipation right now has taken over a lot of my thinking time. I mean, did you see Jennifer Lawrence's dresses at the U.S. and London premiere? Girl can really work a dress. I pray they don't Twilight me and turn out a horrible film. Since Lawrence is an Oscar-nominated actress, I doubt we'll have the trouble K-Stew caused. Let's be honest, put her in anything but Twilight, and K-Stew is decent, but she brings down the franchise. FYI, we will be reviewing it for the magazine.

2) Is there anything more hilarious on Modern Family than Cameron dressing up in full clown costume as Fizbo? I get insanely excited any time I know he's going to be in an episode because it's sure to be hilarious. This week's episode included clowns dropping whipped cream pies into an open grave. It's a sign of respect, guys.

3) I'm totally obsessed with Kimbra right now. Like, so obsessed that even though I was sick Wednesday and still crawled out of bed to watch the live stream of her SXSW show on YouTube. Obviously, most of you recognize the name from Gotye's song "Somebody That I Used To Know," but as awesome as that song is, it's mediocre compared to her album "Vows." If you want to join my obsession start with watching her live performances at Sing Sing Studios. You'll never be the same after hearing "Two Way Street."

4) Usually I hate films where someone from the past enters some modern era and has to learn the ways, etc. But I have this inability to hate a Johnny Depp or Tim Burton film. Plus, I've literally been waiting since my senior year of high school (at least) for this, so I'm going to see it this summer. Also, I have to say that I love Helena Bonham Carter, but does she have to be in every Tim Burton film? She's not the only actress married to a director, but she's one of the only ones in all her husband's films.

5) I saw Project X last week and that was the craziest party ever. Which is why it was in a movie because no neighborhood would let chaos like that ensue without calling the cops every second until something was done about it. I'm not the partier I used to be, but I would've attended this one. I would've left before it got insane around sunrise. Someone actually tried to recreate it in Texas and a teen died, which is why I'd only go to the party in theory and never in practice.

Brianti Downing is the Editor-in-Chief/Founder/Life Director/Entertainment Director/Social Media Coordinator of Feather Magazine. You can follow her on Twitter at @brianti.

The South is Having a Moment, Ya'll

Maybe America just wants a little more wholesomeness in their TV nowadays? Well, fake wholesomeness, at least.

If you've read almost all of my posts in the past, you know I'm a Southern girl. A real one. I'm talking sweet tea sipping, debutante, hidden accent until I go visit my family kind of Southern. So, I was obviously elated when I saw a piece on the South in Glamour. We don't have many moments in the South, less since Julia Roberts stopped doing films set down here or characters from Georgia.

But right now, this is our moment.

Just look at one of the hottest new shows right now. GCB is full of southern charm, and universal vindictiveness, but the characters go to church every Sunday, quote Bible verses in every day conversation, have rules for when it's appropriate to discuss certain matters (I never really learned that lesson) and gossip like it's going out of style.

Also, TNT is currently rebooting the sizzling 1980s primetime soap Dallas. It's about Texas oil, family and murder. Taylor Swift will always dominate the charts. Top Chef's current season is in Texas. On America's Next Top Model this week, the UK girls ate authentic Southern cuisine, like pig feet and chitterlings. Floridian Melanie Amaro won X Factor. And, even though I'm not really a fan, Blake Shelton is always representing on The Voice.

When you're looking for places to live, don't discount us. Obviously, we're hot right now.

(image source)

Sara in the City: Growing and Maturing

When I was in college, I loved the night life. Every night I was down to go out and cause some trouble.

However, now that I'm a little older I find my interests to be somewhat different. While I enjoy a good night out in the city, I also enjoy a night in.

There is something truly peaceful about staying in with some chinese food and a good book. However, not everyone changes at the same pace. We all have those friends who still act like their in college.

I have a friend who has been out of college for three years and still goes out to party every night. Let me just say, I don't think there is anything wrong with this. Everyone has the right to live their life the way they want to.

However, this friend of mine was gave me a little grief by saying I've become "boring." Tired of hearing this, I went out one night with her to prove her wrong. Well, the way I felt next morning proved I could no longer party the way I did in college.

Turns out, I don't care if I'm "boring" or not. Life's a journey and you're not suppose to have the same interests you did in college. In fact, I don't think it makes you boring at all. I think it you're maturing.

'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!': Beyoncé's Printed Pants

New mom Beyoncé took daughter Blue Ivy out for a stroll.

Can we all agree that Beyoncé's maternal wardrobe is better than pretty much any other celebrity mother's wardrobe? She's ditched the sky-high heels for flats when she's carrying baby Blue, but she's still bringing it full force. Or maybe my Beyoncé obsession is totally clouding my judgment.

Monday, she and mom Tina Knowles spent some girl time with Blue. King B strolled the streets of New York City a blazer with a jacket underneath (possibly a leather motorcycle jacket), shades and a hat. Let's not ignore her natural beauty look and those pink lips. 

What I'm most wondering is what you think about those high-waisted printed pants she's wearing? Since she's got the baby on her chest, it could actually be a one-piece.

(image source)

War of the Words

If you haven't already heard, Jon Hamm called Kim Kardashian stupid. After considering how much it would suck if he did that to me because I'd have to vow to never watch Mad Men again (talk about cruel and unusual punishment), I thought about all of these anti-bullying initiatives with celebrity backing.

I went around the Internet and realized that a lot of celebrities who've recorded "It Gets Better Videos" or done PSAs, etc. have said hurtful things about others. For example, Chelsea Handler recorded a video on bullying, but that's basically how she makes her money on late-night television. The same goes for Kathy Griffin, who's been calling for Oprah to say her best friend Gale is actually her lover for years and has said pretty horrible things about Ryan Seacrest on a regular basis.

My point? They should be practicing what they preach. If they put themselves out there as role models, they should act like it. I don't know much about Kim Kardashian's intelligence level, but picking on her in internationally read publications is bullying. Trying to get someone to come out of the closet (someone who was actually nice to you) is bullying, whether it's for jokes or not. That really goes for every person on Earth.

During the last episode of Glee, when (SPOILER!) Karofsky tried to kill himself after being bullied at school, (END SPOILER!), I tweeted this:

Huge lesson on #Glee tonight: words hurt, but they can also heal. Be careful how you choose to use them.
— Feather Magazine (@feather_mag) February 22, 2012

Even for those of us who are not followed by papparrazzi, we need to be careful what we say about people. That whole "sticks and stones" rhyme is not true for most people. Word hurt. A lot. Use them carefully.

Girl Crush: Jennifer Lawrence

Is there really any doubt that in a little over a week actress Jennifer Lawrence will become America's Sweetheart?

The talented actress already scored an Oscar nomination for her role in Winter's Bone and she is portraying Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games, which might be the most coveted role in young Hollywood.


Also, girl is funny. In interviews, she is charming, witty and a little self-deprecating. Check the video below to see what I mean.

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Pastel Power

Is there anything better than these tea cups from Etsy?

I'm about to throw some truth at you. Do you think you can handle it? OK, then: PASTELS MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER. I'm exaggerating, but not by much. The colors actually help you think better, which reminds me that I need to start a petition to have walls in every college library in America painted pastel. Along with every economics and differential equations exam room because when you take those classes, you need all the help you can get.

Back to the topic at hand: pastels. Paintings made with them are better, loud colors become soft through them and they make it OK to wear yellow in November. Just the smallest hint of pastel can turn a room from it's standard name (dining room, kitchen) to that room in your house everyone raves about when you give them a tour.

If you don't believe me (I can't believe you're calling me a liar, by the way.), check out these photos below and imagine what they'd be without pastels. Maybe you'd still like them, but would you like them as much?


If this doesn't send you to Target on a pastel hunt, there's no hope for you. I guess you could find your happiness in brights or earth tones, but you'll be missing out.

First, can we marvel at the fact that it occurred to the decorator to put a dresser in the
dining room/kitchen? Second, the mint dresser in the back adds color to the neutral room
and makes it seem fuller without compromising the original aesthetic. Pastels can work
miracles, ladies.

Under normal circumstances this kitchen would look like something from "The Flintstones." (I've seen rocks that
weren't so gray.) But add the blue island with the same wood finish and it not only blends but it brings life to the room. Paired with the sun coming from the window, this is now a very happy kitchen. 

Looking for retro look? Put your pastels together in a cute arrangement. Then play some Elvis on a record player in your poodle skirt because it will seem wrong not to with this in your house.

How do you use pastels to decorate?

Lauren Conrad for Kohl's Spring Collection

Any of my friends will tell you I'm always looking for an excuse to wear my LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's black faux leather motorcycle jacket I bought two years ago. It just goes with EVERYTHING. Except my Jason Wu for Target pleated dress, which is really a huge bummer.  

I was so excited for her newest spring line and it does not disappoint. I'd like everything in my size, please. Including that fishtail braid she's wearing. And if you think I'm not buying that pale faux leather motorcycle jacket, you're crazy and should go seek help immediately for your issues.

Her newest collection mixes cute, flowy dresses with pleats (When are they not appropriate, really?), lots of floral prints, a little color blocking and a pair of strappy platforms that are on my wish list until the end of time. 

I remember when Lauren was just a teenager on Laguna Beach and not a multimillion-dollar brand. I wonder if she teaches a course in how to make such a huge transition, while looking fabulous the entire time?

(images via MTV Style)

'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!': Rihanna in Triple Denim

Let me preface this by saying every week, I try insanely hard not to use Rihanna for this feature again. But it's always so tempting. I'd love to give other starlets/trends a chance, but Rih Rih's everywhere nowadays and she's always trying something daring.

Just look at this outfit. She's paired thigh-high boots with studded shorts and two denim shirts (one around her waist that's tucked into the shorts and she's wearing another). Her accessories game: large hoop earrings, at least two necklaces, a watch, a bracelet, black sunnies, a trucker hat and probably some other stuff I can't see.

Maybe we should just start a feature called "Stuff Rihanna Wears." We'd never run out of interesting looks.

Beauty Giveaway & Featured Makeup Artist [Closed]

 

Real Houswives of Beverly Hills cast
member Camille Grammer in makeup
by Dedra Whitt.



If you’re a fan of Bravo, then you’ll agree with me when I say that the Real Housewives franchise dominates the channel. And why wouldn’t it? You’re living the luxurious life vicariously through beautiful women. But behind every Hollywood beauty is a makeup artist who makes the starlet look even more gorgeous.


I had the opportunity to interview Eric Jimenez, Adrienne Maloof's makeup artist, so be on the lookout for his beauty tips and tricks in Feather’s April issue. Recently, I got in touch with the lovely Dedra Whitt, or DD, Camille Grammer’s makeup artist and BFF. She’s also worked with actresses Jessica Biel and Mila Kunis.







Beautyblender Sponge

 

DD has an au naturel approach to beauty, and she uses the beautyblender sponge to help achieve this look on her clients. This applicator’s suede texture and elliptical shape lets you get to those hard-to-reach areas on your face, like the T-zones, and helps to blend your foundation so that your makeup doesn’t look cake-y or blotched.


Feather has teamed up with DD to give one of our readers this top-quality beauty product, which lasts up to six months. To enter the beauty contest, "like" Feather Magazine and Simple Beaute by Dedra Whitt on Facebook. Then, tell us what your favorite natural look is in a comment below. Make sure to include your e-mail, as well.

The winner will be announced March 17, and Feather will tweet our favorite natural look comment. Best of luck to all of the beauty-istas who enter. xoxo

(images via DD and The Original Beautyblender)



Girl Crush: Troian Bellisario

Troian Bellisario perfectly portrays Spencer Hastings on Pretty Little Liars. On the insanely popular show, our not-so-guilty pleasure, Besllisario sparkles amidst the never-ending drama the mysterious "A" keeps throwing at the girls. She is by far our favorite little trouble maker. 

With a witty personality and a wardrobe we'd die for, what's not to love?

Editorials We Love: Kirsten Dunst in Vogue Italia

Actress Kirsten Dunst looks absolutely stunning in this month's Vogue Italia. The actress gets in touch with Mother Nature to show off her natural glow and colorful designs by Blumarine, Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Prada. The photos give off a romantic, Alice in Wonderland vibe we love.

Pixar Gets "Brave"

Since childhood, I've been fairly certain the designers at Pixar have ran out of rooms screaming about the possibilities of getting "cooties" from doing a film with a female hero. I guess they all got their "cootie" shot ("Circle, circle, dot, dot...") and finally came up with Brave. While I'm insanely excited, my message to the Pixar staff is: FINALLY!
I love the Disney Princesses as much as anyone in our age group (The whole staff does!), but I'm glad to see Merida because she's a heroine who can save herself. She's also got archery skills that would make Katniss Everdeen run off in shame. Or in fear if Merida happened to be one of those kids sent to die in the Hunger Games. Let's be morbidly honest: she would've killed all those other tributes with one hand behind her back and been the only one to get gifts from sponsors.
Despite the fact that I'm 23 years old, I'm going to see Brave. I'll probably take my younger sisters with me so everyone thinks I was dragged by adolescents. If you'd like to rent them for a one-time movie viewing, let me know.

Sara in the City: Work Hard, Play Harder

Having a job you love is an amazing and incredibly lucky thing. Every day I wake up and I'm excited to go to work. I realize that not many people wake up with that feeling.

When I love something in my life, I become obsessed with it. That is what has happened with my job. I spend crazy hours in the office and when I'm home I find myself thinking about work. I spent a solid 20 minutes the other day trying to open my house door with my work key.

While it is great to be dedicated to your job, sometimes you can be a little too dedicated to it.

I realized that loving my work too much has left me with little to no social life. While I'm typing away at my computer, my friends are out having fun...without me. I missed talked to people who weren't people I was interviewing.

Life is all a balancing act. You need to balance your work life with your social life. It can be tricky at times but it is important. You need to be happy in your social life to be happy in your work life. They are all connected.

So, take some time to have a little fun. You worked for it.

Fashion Extra: Framed Clothing Co. Launches Today

Designer Saxon Campbell's new line, Framed Clothing Co., opened its digital doors today. Vintage typography, unique graphics and hand-illustrated prints make up the aesthetic of this new line. The debut brand also sells tees, sweatshirts and accessories for both girls and guys in their online store. 

Appealing to a range of ages and lifestyles, the brand includes both city and country influences, and each article of clothing has an enticing message behind the art. The collection is classic and clean, as emphasized in the brand’s lookbook, and with sister company Glyph already in full mode. 

It looks like Framed Clothing Co. is set up for success.

Visit FramedClothingCo.com for more information and to shop online.

(Images courtesy of Saxon Campbell)