Q&A: 'Good Girl' Manika

(image via Style Bistro)

Rising pop singer Manika was kind enough to answer some of our questions, which are up on Feather today, but we wanted to know a little more about her personality.

Sure, we want to know what music she's listening to and what she can't live without, but she's on tour with One Direction right now. We're not going to deny that we have a soft spot for that boy band (Ain't no shame in our game.), so what we really wanted to know was—who's her favorite boy in the band?

Name: Manika

Age: 18

Hometown: Las Vegas

What's on repeat on your iPod right now: Tyga's new album

Favorite One Direction member: Why do people always try to make me choose??

Who would play you in a movie of your life: Me!

Cats or dogs: Dogs (But I grew up with cats, too.)

If you could be one celebrity for a day, who would you choose to be: BEYONCÉ! Love her!!

Finish this sentence: I can't go a day without...My Victoria's Secret Pure Seduction Body Spray!! Haha

Girl Crush: Hannah Hart

Hannah Hart hard at work eating.

I’m not much of a YouTube watcher, but something about Hannah Hart’s sloppy cooking and drunken wit keep me coming back for more. The host of My Drunk Kitchen is funny, smart and honest, making her serious girl crush material. 

First off, her videos are dedicated to my one true love: food. Almost every week, Hart gets drunk on camera and makes a different dish. While not every meal comes out perfect, Hart’s real-life love affair with everything delicious makes her a really relatable lady.

More importantly, Hart’s clever, punny commentaries make me wish we were best friends. Despite—or perhaps thanks to—being drunk in her videos, Hart’s humor is always spot on and her alcohol-induced honesty (I’m recalling a specific monologue about cheese) is an absolute riot.

What I like most about Hart? She’s doing something she loves, having fun, and not apologizing for it. I imagine most people wouldn’t want their drunken shenanigans posted on the internet, but Hart is right there laughing with the rest of us.  

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Summer Dinner Party: Neon Brights

So, you've decided to host a dinner party this summer. You spend all day slaving away in the kitchen, find some candles and linens and dig out the fine china and voila—seems simple right? No, it seems boring. Instead of doing the same ol' thing, why not take this summer's trend and run with it?

Save the china, candlesticks and table runners for a cozy winter evening with your hubby and bring out the best of summer with this awesome, fun decor. Start with some old milk glasses or mason jars of various shapes and sizes and spend an afternoon painting (or spray painting) them different shades of neon tones. 

The colorful splashes make for a beachy, summery setting.
(image via HGTV)

Buy some cheap but colorful dinnerware (like this bright turquoise set from Target), instead of using your grandmother's old rosette stuff. The pop of color on your table will definitely scream summer and put your guests in a cheerful mood.

Play up the citrus feel with fruity centerpieces and decor. A bowl of limes, lemons or oranges will give your party color and provide tasty, refreshing treats for your guests. 

Don't you love the little citrus candies? Perfect for a sweet summer night.
(image via Pizzazzerie)

No matter the color palette you choose, keep your decor fresh and lighthearted. Your guests—and you—will feel more relaxed and happy when you step away from traditional dinner party decor and channel your inner playfulness with some colorful style.


Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Culture Cram: Disney/Pixar's 'Brave'

Brave's fiery-haired heroine Merida is fierce with a bow and arrow.
(image via USA Today)

Pixar is wowing audiences once again with their thirteenth animated feature, Brave, in theaters now. The latest Disney/Pixar collaboration features the team's first female protagonist, a shocking revelation considering the enduring success of the 1990s Disney princesses.

Brave's heroine is the spunky Merida (voiced by Boardwalk Empire's Kelly Macdonald), a Scottish princess who would rather ride a horse and shoot a bow and arrow than practice etiquette and find a suitor. Pixar's animators achieved a uniquely beautiful look for Merida, who sports a head of wild red hair and creamy skin. As a pale-skinned redhead myself, it was exciting to witness the first redheaded Disney princess since The Little Mermaid's Ariel.

Whereas many Disney princesses dream of being swept off their feet by a handsome suitor, Merida goes to extreme lengths to avoid marriage. Her objections set the adventurous plot in motion. The feisty heroine spends the film developing a better relationship with herself, her family and her culture, something all young women can relate to. Ruffled Feathers realized Brave's potential impact on young women when the trailer was released, and the film does not disappoint.

It's also a relief that Pixar did not revert to inserting a male character to tag along with Merida. In 2010, Disney feared that Tangled's heroine wouldn't appeal to boys, so they emphasized the hero Flynn Rider as Rapunzel's co-protagonist. Boys shouldn't need a male hero to enjoy an adventurous story like Brave. I think this will be clear from the box office numbers.

Considering the critical disappointment of last year's Cars 2, it's great to see that Pixar has returned to telling thematically significant stories with stunning visuals.

If you love sweeping animation, independent heroines, Scottish accents and magical wonders, you'll love Brave.

Jill O'Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Pretty Little Liars Fashion Recap: Birds of a Feather get Ruffled Together

I've been watching you Liars...

Image via Cambio Courtesy of ABC Family

I feel like I've given the Pretty Little Liars enough trouble (at least on their fashion choices) over the past few weeks, so tonight I'm going to discuss the minute number of stylistic choices they got right. In return, I'm going to ruffle your feathers even more than usual.

Let's discuss fashionista, Emily Field's, imaginative style tonight. Just kidding—this post would already be over. Let's talk about a subject that's infinitely more interesting: me! Here's the question I'm sure you're dying to know the answer to: What would a torturous innominate do with 50 grand? You'd better hope I'd spend all my money shopping... for clothes!

Let's shop "Birds of a Feather," shall we? Which item is #1 on my list? Hanna's Yellow Zipper Blazer from Zara. I like to stay incognito, so bright yellow is usually out, but this blazer is beautifully structured, has fabulous texture, and a little edge with it's zippers at the waist. This piece looks great against blonde hair, you know, if you have blonde hair... like Hanna. 

Image via Cambio Courtesy of ABC Family

Next on my list is Aria's Leopard Dress. Don't you just love the feeling of wearing a garment made from one of nature's most dominant predators? You know I do...

Image via Cambio Courtesy of ABC Family

I've been too busy ensuring that Hanna and Caleb break-up (among other devious plans) to figure out where the dress is from; keep reading for incentive to find out for me.

I also want Spencer's Silver Sequin T, but like I said, I've been too focused on torturing Hanna to find it. I know that sequins tend to stand out in a crowd, but it doesn't matter if you have no idea what I look like anyway. Finally Spencer wears something that will make her stand out in a crowd! If you'd like an alternative, check out the ScoopNeck S/S Cone-Sequined T-Shirt by MICHAEL Michael Kors from 6PM.

Image via Pretty-Little-Liars Courtesy of ABC Family

Now for my demands: I want to know where I can purchase these items (and others) from Pretty Little Liars. Don't worry, there's a perfectly good reason for you to get answers for me; One $129 blazer from Zara isn't going to make much of a dent in 50 grand. The deficit, however, will leave plenty of money for me to buy these in matching white for all of you:

Image via tv equals

Why should you meant my demands? Well let's see...
I take credit for this:

Image via prettylittleliarsupdates

Oh, and I can probably take some credit for this too:

Image via prettylittleliarsupdates

Image via prettylittleliarsupdates

                                                                            If the feather fits,

P.S. Just because the show is on hiatus next week doesn't mean I won't be posting. Be sure to return Tuesday night to see a recap of my favorite Pretty Little Liars fashion from all 3 seasons!

Closet Case: Kohl's Collaborates with Narcisco Rodriguez for "Design Nation"

(image via Broke and Beautiful)

Do you have designer style but live on a budget? Do you get excited over Target's new designer partnerships only to be disappointed when they sell out quickly? The answer to your problem may come as a bit of a shock: shop at Kohl's.

Kohl's may be known as the home of Vera Wang's lower-end line, Simply Vera Wang, and Lauren Conrad's LC Lauren Conrad, but now they're stepping up their game. Kohl's will be kicking off a new designer collaboration series called Design Nation this November. Unlike other department store designer collaborations that result in mass produced, low quality imitations of the designer's line, Design Nation is a concept aimed to produce something new from designers. 

According to Women's Wear Daily:

...the concept adds a new twist to fashion’s high-low game: Rather than simply bring designers to a retailer with special, limited-edition lower-priced lines, the program teams them up with a city of their choice, then takes them on a journey to that location to find inspiration for the month-long capsule collection.

The first designer to collaborate will be Narcisco Rodriguez. ( It has even been rumored that Derek Lam may be on board for spring!) Rodriguez's collection will consist of outerwear, dresses, pants, tops and skirts, all inspired by a trip the designer took to Istanbul, Turkey, and will range in price from $30 to $150.

Rodriquez is a master of couture and a favorite of celebrities like Claire Danes and Sarah Jessica Parker, so we can probably expect something great from this collaboration.

(image via the blush)

What do you think of Design Nation? Do you shop at Kohl's now? If not, will you shop there when the collection hits the shelves in November?

Sara Neely is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Happy Home: A Fun Fix, Right Under Your Feet

I don’t know about you, but I am currently obsessed with geometric print rugs. The fun patterns and colors can spice up a boring space instantly, without costing you new carpets, tiles or wood floors. I’m seeing them everywhere right now—in bedrooms, bathrooms, under dining tables and couches. They give any room a modern mood.

Did someone say watermelon?
(image via Knock Off Decor)

Take this bright pink one, for example. The fun splash of color takes your attention away from the white walls and makes your dining table the centerpiece of the décor. Plus, it’s perfect for summer—the bold shade just begs you to whip up some watermelon margaritas and invite your friends over.

The perfect balance for a bedroom.
(image via Young House Love)

This Moroccan rug adds contrast to the white bedding. Using different shades of one color could lead to a boring room, but the pattern gives it some personality and sass.

Online stores like Joss & Main and Overstock offer a great variety of rugs for half the price, with new deals daily. No matter the pattern or color you choose, investing in a trendy rug could be just the therapy your apartment—and your budget—needs.

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!': Mila Kunis in Black

(image via The Fashion Control)

I've realized this feature is all about criticizing celebrity looks, but never tells you how to get their look if you like it. Well, I'm going to try to change that from now on. And don't be afraid to tweet me with ideas for who to feature here if you're dying to find one of their pieces at a more affordable price. Honestly, I'd love the help because I'm still tempted to feature one of Rihanna's latest outrageously daring looks every week.

Anyway, Mila Kunis showed up in a Christian Dior dress to the premiere of her new film, TED, which will either be one of the funniest movies of the year or one of the biggest disappointments. Kind of like this dress. It doesn't know if it wants to be peplum or a skater dress. It's not fully committing to either, so it just kind of looks like something her grandmother made her right before the show. But it does give her more height, which is always a major factor for petite ladies on the red carpet.

What do you think of Mila's Dress?






STEAL HER STYLE:

left: Mesh Insert Skater Dress; right: Mesh Insert Peplum dress.
(images via Topshop)

Unlike Christian Dior, you should choose to either go with a skater dress or peplum, and Topshop has two great options. Petite ladies like Mila should try the Mesh Insert Skater Dress. (Megan Park actually wore it to the Braave premiere last week.) For the peplum look, and a dress that looks better than the Dior one (Sorry, Mila! And my apologies, Dior!), try the Mesh Insert Peplum Dress.

Brianti Downing is the Editor-in-Chief of Feather Magazine and the Blog Editor for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Your Life: A Horse of a Different Color

From a very young age, I was never one to blend in. While my mom wouldn’t let me go to school with my tutu “hidden” under my uniform, she did do her part in helping me stand out from the crowd.

At just 7 years old, I dyed my hair for the first time with my mom’s help. We bought a box of blonde dye from the drug store and applied it to my curly, auburn locks. Much to my dismay, my hair turned a very bright, very unnatural shade of orange.  I didn’t let this failure dissuade me though, as I’ve been dying my hair ever since.

My hair for the first half of 2012.

Currently, my hair is bright purple. It’s taken a lot of bleach, deep conditioner, and patience to get this shade, but I definitely think it has been worth it. Here’s the thing about hair: it will always grow back. No matter how many different colors my hair has been and how much I've fried and abused it, my roots always grow back in the same auburn brown I was born with.

My hair for the second half of 2012 so far.

I’ve always liked using hair dye as a way to express myself and my hair has been some pretty extreme colors. Each dye job has marked a specific point in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you’re looking to add some color to your hair, there’s some simple advice you should keep in mind: do your research. Read dye reviews (my favorites are Manic Panic and Special Effects), consider the possible need for bleaching and determine if having bright hair will pose some sort of problem with your lifestyle. And, when in doubt, go to a professional.

My best advice for dying your hair? Have fun! And always remember: it WILL grow back. 

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Style Stalker: Printed Shorts

We've all seen the printed denim shorts trend everywhere this summer. It seems as if we can't get away from it, and why would we want to? It's time to spice up those printed bottoms with these daring, super fabulous ideas. Check out these chic looks from some of our favorite stars:

Ashley Tisdale dressed in Free People shorts and sweater. 

(image via Candy Barbie)

Be fearless: Ashley Tisdale spices up her outfit by sporting a long-sleeved top with shorts. She plays with the balance in her outfit and draws attention to her legs. She also plays with the color shades in her outfit, using a variety of different colors that are only repeated twice. And can we just acknowledge how gorgeous her bag is?

Rihanna leaving her hotel in New York City. 

(image via Style Bistro)

Be Bold: Rihanna uses the same technique as Ashley by playing with the length of her pieces. She also uses black as her dominant color. Rihanna, who loves the bad girl look, completes the ensemble with black tights and sneakers.   

Solange Knowles in sister Beyoncé's "Party" Video.

(image via ULoveBeauty)

Be Festive: Take a page from Solange's book and get creative with your outfit. Don't be afraid to match bold patterns and finish the look with big accessories. When mixing prints, there is no right or wrong, which is the beauty of it! It's all about what you like and how you want to experiment with you outfits. 

Speaking of festive, don't forget to check back next week for tips to help you dress in style for the Forth of July! 

How will you sport your printed denim shorts?

Jasmine Perry is a Fashion Blogger at Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter. 

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5 Reasons You Should Be Watching 'The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson'

Last year, Craig Ferguson moved his show (and all his desk accessories) to Paris, where he interviewed Kristen Bell.
(image via USA Today)

Late-night television can get boring. Monologues become predictable, regular segments lose their bite, and celebrity interviews get too promotional. My growing disinterest in the typical talk show format led me to devote all my late night loyalty to the hilarious Craig Ferguson, who hosts The Late Late Show weeknights at 12:37 a.m. EST on CBS. The show's quirky brand of humor has become the perfect way to end my day, so I've come up with five reasons you should be watching Ferguson's show, too.

1. Craig Ferguson is Scottish. You know how men always seem more appealing if they have a foreign accent? This also applies to how funny they are. Ferguson is undoubtedly a great comedian, but his jokes are promoted to an entirely new level of humor when he delivers them in his Scottish accent.

Geoff Peterson, Ferguson's sidekick,
always has a comeback.
(image via Wikipedia)

2. His sidekick is a gay robot skeleton. Conan O'Brien has Andy Richter. Chelsea Handler has Chuy. And Ferguson has Geoff Peterson. He stands behind a podium and is voiced by Josh Robert Thompson. Geoff has such a well-developed personality that his robotic form is not distracting at all. He and the host genuinely seem like best friends, and he has just as sharp a sense of humor as Ferguson.

3. Ferguson seems to be making everything up on the spot. The host manages to find the perfect balance between delivering written lines and improvising hilarious quips. His monologue includes predetermined topics and obviously planned jokes, but he'll often break into an unexpected accent or spontaneously interrogate audience members. Ferguson always jokes about how unprepared he is, which just adds to the fun.

4. The show makes you feel like you're watching something nobody else knows about or understands. One of Ferguson's recurring jokes is that no one knows his show exists, not even CBS. He pokes fun at his small, dark set and his lack of A-list guests or expensive segments. The show feels like an undiscovered gem buried in the depths of late-night TV. Its content is also absolutely absurd and bizarre. The show is just weird enough to be entertaining when you're sleepy, but not so weird that it becomes frightening (like Adult Swim's programming gets for me).

5. Ferguson's interviews never come across as promotional or rehearsed. Ferguson proves how unprepared he is for the interviews when he ceremoniously tears up his question cards after the guest sits down. He rarely asks the guest about his or her latest project or even shows a clip. He and his guests usually just chat organically, and the celebs participate in the show's running gags, proving they've been paying attention. It really feels like you're watching a humorous conversation between friends.

If you're awake at 12:37 a.m. on weeknights, turn to CBS and see what Craig and Geoff are up to. It's bound to make you giggle.

Plus, don't miss Craig Ferguson's voice work in Disney/Pixar's Brave, in theaters now.

Jill O'Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Relationships: Making Long-Distance Last

(image via A Gut Jahr)

My boyfriend recently moved away for a job—a huge step for both of us. Going from 20 minutes to a 1,000 miles apart wasn't easy and definitely not desirable. But luckily, a few little gestures have made it bearable and our relationship stronger. 

Long distance is a tough situation for anyone and many people discourage it. While relationships should never be forced, long distance definitely takes some work. The most important thing to remember is patience. Whether you're three hours apart or three continents, a little patience can go a long way. Recognizing and respecting that your man has other responsibilities and a separate life from you can be the difference between every day arguments and mutual understanding.

Designate a time for the two of you to talk, and stick with it. Obviously, there will be times when one of you needs to reschedule, but using Skype or chatting on the phone every day or so keeps you both in the loop about the happenings in one another's life. Without consistent contact, communication becomes an important force in keeping the love alive.

Being romantic may be the most difficult part of long-distance relationships. With limited face-to-face contact, you've got to be creative. Sending little emails or snail mail every once in a while can make a big difference. The personal gesture shows you care enough to take time out of your schedule—writing letters is a pretty much a lost art, but this old-fashioned, simple idea can make your guy feel the love and vice versa. And come on, who doesn't like getting a letter in the mail? I still get excited when I check the mailbox and find something addressed to me (unless it's a bill—where's the fun in that?).

(image via For the Dream)

Most importantly, trust each other. The worst thing you can do is get jealous or bitter about your situation. Think positively, encourage honesty and know that if it's meant to last, it will. Being secure about your relationship can make you feel less alone. Stay busy if you need to, especially when you're feeling down. Spend time with your friends, listen to music, paint—whatever floats your boat.

Remember, cherish the time you do get to spend together. Plan fun little trips and activities and focus on the present. I recently stumbled upon a quote that I think really sums it up well: "The longer you wait for something, the more you'll appreciate it when you get it. 'Cause anything worth having, is definitely worthing waiting for." 

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Closet Case: Social Shopping: A New Way to Stock Your Shelves

image via wetpaint

We're all aware that shopping can be addictive, and with easy access to the internet, online shopping can be particularly addictive. But what will we do without our friends around to tell us how terrible a top looks on us or to help us reevaluate whether an item is trendy or not? Don't worry: "There's an app for that!"

There's a transition happening in online shopping; transitions that give you  access to shopping directly from the closets of your favorite fashion bloggers, access to sales by your favorite stores all in one place, and the ability to save your favorite items online and create looks.

image via Threadflip

Threadflip is a new "social shopping site" integrated with Facebook designed to be more personal than eBay or a consignment store. The site is a great way to shop fashion bloggers' closets and your friends' closets! There are some great finds and prices on items like vintage Chanel, Chloe and Dior. You can turn on "social shopping" which feeds your closet into your Facebook timeline, so you can still get feedback from your friends!

Do you constantly strive to stay ahead of the trends? Would you like access to current sales and promotions of your favorite stores all in one place? Check out hipiti, a site aimed to simplify your shopping that so new, it's still beta testing!

image via hipiti

If you want to be ahead of all your friends, sign up to beta test hipiti! Hipiti is completely customizable, so you only get the offers you want, as frequently as you want them in your inbox or on your smart phone. The goal is to make shopping for sales at your favorite retailers easier and faster and to take the retail clutter out of your inbox. Click here for exclusive access for Ruffled Feathers readers to beta test the site! You can even connect your account with your Facebook!

image via ShopStyle

If you consider yourself a fashionista and you haven't heard of ShopStyle, you've obviously been living under a rock. ShopStyle is essentially the "Google of Fashion." ShopStyle is a shopping "search engine" that lets users search the most stylish stores at once by designer, brand, store, sale items, price point, and color. With a free account, you can save your favorite items to your "style-book" to use to create looks. ShopStyle also acts as a fashion community with thousands of groups on every topic you could think of from Gossip Girl fashion to Street Style. You can create wish lists of your favorite items and even set sale alerts to find out when the pieces you love are on sale!

If you're a blogger, you can even use ShopSense, a free service from ShopStyle that pays you for sending traffic to online retailers from your blog, website, or application. You can even use ShopStyle widgets to share your favorite looks, products, or trends! Check out one of my looks below!

Sara's Easy Summer Shopping Look

Skinny Denim
Platforms

What's your favorite way to shop online? Are you interested in shopping other fashion bloggers' closets? Do you use sites like ShopStyle, Polyvore, or Kaboodle to save your favorite items online and create mood boards? I want to know!

Sara Neely is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Culture Cram: The Neverending Journey of Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know"

Gotye and Kimbra blend into their surroundings in the music video for "Somebody That I Used to Know."
(image via Entertainment Weekly)

Australian singer Gotye has received praise, backlash and fame after his song “Somebody That I Used to Know” found its way into everyone’s ears. I certainly couldn’t get it out of my head after hearing it for the first time. The haunting ballad has had an impact on virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry.

If you haven’t heard the song, crawl out from under your cozy rock and watch the emotional music video below. The video, which currently has over 250 million views on YouTube, is a Michel Gondry-style stop-motion work of art. Gotye’s earnest expressions and poignant voice add to the video’s effect.

Gotye performed his song on a recent episode of Saturday Night Live. In a digital short (below), Andy Samberg and Taran Killam serenade Gotye with his own song while donning full body paint reminiscent of the video.

Whenever a song becomes popular, it inevitably shows up on Glee. “Somebody” was used in a recent episode guest starring White Collar's Matt Bomer as Blaine’s (Darren Criss) brother. They sang it  in an emotional duet (below), but a damper was placed on the performance when Gotye criticized Glee’s rendition. Better luck next time, boys.

The song’s journey wasn’t over then. A clip (below) of a little girl dancing soulfully to the song in her car seat became the latest cute kid video. It looks like adults aren’t the only ones who enjoy Gotye.

Finally, and perhaps the most significant effect of “Somebody That I Used to Know,” is the exposure it provided for young female vocalist Kimbra. The singer is featured on Gotye’s song, and her powerful, vibrant voice drew the attention of millions. Her debut album Vows was recently released in the United States.  Watch her video for "Cameo Lover" below.

What’s your favorite “Somebody That I Used to Know” moment?

Jill O’Rourke is an Entertainment Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Style Stalker: Lessons From Queen B

Beyoncé out and about in Paris.
(image via Celebrity Fashionista)

Beyoncé  looked stunning—as always—while strutting her stuff on the streets of Paris. She met up with husband Jay-Z for a dinner date at La Maison de la Truffe restaurant. This look is definitely the talk of the town and, not to mention, fashionable enough to land her a spot on Vogue's best dressed list!

We can all learn a few things from Queen B, especially in the fashion department! That's why I decided to make it easy for you by creating a list of techniques Beyoncé incorporates in this look:

1. Try the trend: I can't seem to get enough of her glamorous chain wedges. They are clearly becoming the new shoe trend. I've seen chain shoes all over new but these are by far my favorite! Beyoncé  doesn't sport every trend, but if it fits her, she isn't afraid to give it a try. You can thank Tom Ford for making a shoe fit for Queen B to wear.

2. Leave the comfort zone: Beyoncé's look is so refined and refreshing. I love how her style is constantly developing. She's never afraid to step out of her comfort zone and try something new. She knows the importance of dominating a look, even if you're not totally sure it works. Personal style is about being confident, after all.

3. Use a dominate color: A dominate color is the color that appears most in your outfit. Here, Beyoncé's dominate color is black. Then, she added the red and white to really make the outfit stand out. Dark colors make great dominate colors, as bright colors are great in small amounts. To top off the look, she uses splashes of gold jewelry. Jewelry adds flavor and a personal touch to any outfit.  

4. Make the look fit you: Style is all about taking a look and making it your own. Case-in-point: I would wear a light pink blazer, probably from H&M, and put my hair up in a chic ballerina bun. Forever 21 carries cute leggings that come in many different styles. I would try to find chain sandals and a cheetah print clutch (I love cheetah print!) online. When looking for something specific it's easier to find it online. 

How will you take Beyoncé's fab look and make it your own?

Jasmine Perry is a Fashion Blogger at Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter. 

Your Life: Treat Yourself...to a Compliment

(image via Words Over Pixels)

For a lot of people, self-love doesn’t come easily. Anyone who has struggled with self-esteem knows that taking a compliment can be very difficult. Reminding yourself, however, of your best attributes and favorite features can really help the negativity fade.

Need some advice on how to stay positive? Pay yourself a compliment.

Try writing a little compliment on your mirror. It’s a nice way to remind yourself that you’re worth more than your reflection might make you think. Lipstick is fun and cute to use for this, though I prefer dry erase marker. You could let yourself know how great you look today, or that, no matter what, you really are beautiful.

If you find yourself being particularly negative, a great idea is to make a list of things you love about yourself. Every time you make a negative comment about yourself, add something to the list. By cancelling out the negative things you think with positive messages, you’ll start to focus more and more on the positive. 

Giving yourself a little compliment every day can really do a lot for your self-esteem. This process takes a little time to really work, but soon enough you’re realize that you’re just as wonderful as you’ve been telling yourself all along. 

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