Closet Case: Azealia Banks Collaborates with M.A.C!!

(image via RevolutionBeauty.com)

Get excited my fellow music lovers! Rapping sensation Azealia Banks is getting her very own M.A.C lipstick shade!

The 20-year-old London rapper first came on to the music scene as a YouTube sensation last year with her "212" video. The massive success of "212" led to an Interscope record deal, and the adoration of music and fashion lovers alike. Between an invitation from Karl Lagerfeld to perform at his home in Paris to scoring the music for Mugler's 2012 men's runway show, it's plain to see that not only is she on the fast track to music stardom, she's definitely the "it" girl in fashion right now!

M.A.C’s collaboration with Azealia Banks is named “Yung Rapunxel” after her alter ego. The lipstick shade is a "deep plum, cream Lipstick with an amplified, semi-matte finish." This limited edition lipstick is bound to be a staple for fashionistas everywhere this upcoming fall season! "Yung Rapunxel" will be available starting September 5th and will be retailing for $15.   

Ashley Cedeno is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can follow her on  Tumblr and on Twitter.

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Feather Girl DIY: A Bit Of Lace

I'm a sucker for cute candles, which is why I couldn't wait to share this adorable DIY with you all! It's simple as always but a totally great way to give your regular old candles a quick makeover.

Delicate and girly.
(image via Martha Stewart)

All you need is a candle, some lace, fabric stiffener, and a balloon. Cut the pice of lace into a rectangle of any size, and shape one end to follow the pattern of the lace. Sew along the bottom and sides to create a candle holder, then place it around a balloon and slowly blow up the balloon to fit the holder you created. Spray with fabric stiffener, allow to dry and pop the balloon. Instant lace votives.

It's a pretty and perfect addition to any room. Try it out this weekend and tweet us your creations @rufflings!

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

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Get Fit: The Benefits of Juicing

Don't let the color fool you, this juice is delish!

(image via MindBodyGreen)

My quick fix during the tough work week: Strawberry Kale Lemonade from a local juice bar. It's absolutely delicious, healthy and tastes nothing like leafy green kale. One of the best parts about juicing is ingesting healthy veggies like kale (or spinach) without tasting it! Although juicing has even more benefits than just taste. 

A glass of raw juice is full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants which all work together to improve your body's use of oxygen, helping you feel more energized. Your body absorbs the healthy vitamins and nutrients from fruits and veggies much quicker in juice form rather than when its whole. The digestive process is much faster when the fruits and vegetables are already broken down for your body to absorb.

Since the fruits and veggies are completely raw when used in juicing the enzymes are still present that can be nonexistent after being cooked through. These enzymes help aid in digestion.

Not to mention, juicing can be very helpful in loosing weight (the healthy way!). Many times, people can't lose weight because of toxins that build up in their body from processed foods they consume. A huge benefit of raw juice is that its full of an abundance of nutrients, the opposite of toxins. 

So if you turn your nose up to a plate full of boiled spinach, try some mixed in a fresh glass of fruit from a juice bar! You just may be surprised.  

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

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On Trend: Clear Accessories

Throughout the summer, I have been noticing this unique trend: transparent accessories! Fashionistas everywhere have been seen wearing everything transparent from clutches to heels! I'm in love with this trend, because you can adapt it however you want! Check out just some examples below:

The fashionista above is rocking a transparent shirt and heels!

This 3.1 Phillip Lim Transparent PVC Tote has been on my wish list for months!
(image via bayareabags)

 

Carry a clear clutch for a classy take on the small accessory.
(image via Aydani)

            

(image via Hearty Magazine)

(image via Pinterest)

                

Even easier: clear jewelry!

My personal favorite: transparent shoes (from top to bottom: Charlotte Olympia, Christian Louboutin, and Simone Rocha)!

This crystal-clear trend has been seen all over runways and fashionistas alike! This trend is so versatile that you can even transition it into fall! Will you try this trend?

Ashley Cedeno is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can follow her on Tumblr and on Twitter.

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'Oh, Yes!' or 'Oh, No!': Katy Perry in Black and Appliques

(image via JustJared)

I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've seen Katy Perry wear black. Maybe after a public divorce and her recent split from John Mayer, she's not exactly in a candy-cane striped dress mood? Or maybe she's taking a page from Rihanna's playbook and her next album will be all about how she's a "good girl gone bad"?

Regardless, KP has seen more stylish nights (not many, though) than wearing a body suit with a sheer skirt and a studded leather jacket. Can we also discuss how horrible those appliques are on her body suit and skirt? It looks like she bought iron-ons from Wal-Mart.

Katy, when you step out post break-up, you're supposed to show a guy what he's missing, not that he's missed by wearing the clothes of someone mourning.

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Happy Home: Animal House

Add something unique to your room.
(image via West Elm)

No, no, not that Animal House. The new trend in home decor is faux-animal sculptures for your walls. Wait, what? Yes, I went there. It sounds crazy, but bear with me. It's totally eclectic and still really cute!

I first saw this trend in bedrooms. I know what you're thinking--thoughts of deer heads hanging above the bed make you feel like you've stepped into some old, ugly hunting lodge. But these sculptures? No way! Just take a look.

Bring the animal to your bedroom. Literally.
(image via Young House Love)

Weird or cute? You decide.
(image via Motherhood Inspired)

Welcome to the strangest yet somehow endearing trend this year.
(image via Etsy)

These fun, 3-D art sculptures bring an interesting touch to any room in the house, whether it be your dining room, family room, or even bathroom. Using a neutral white gives each sculpture a more modern feel and keeps it looking fresh and young. Adding an accent color is also a great idea. I especially love the turquoise antlers on the faux deer one above!

Maybe it's for you, maybe it's not. But one thing's for sure--faux animal heads won't be on the way out anytime soon.

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

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Top Anti-Aging Products

(image via Neutrogena)

I know I know, "anti-aging" makes you sound much older than you are, but believe me it's definitely not too early to start! Don't you want to get a head start on any wrinkles, sun spots or other aging flaws that may creep up on you in the future? I sure do.

Remember, a key point to helping to reduce age spots is using a daily facial moisturizer with sunscreen. Even if you can't see any noticeable damage on the surface, there can still be damage below.

My go-to product is Neutrogena's Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream (with SPF 15) that contains retinol which boosts collagen production, Vitamin A, helps to even out skin tone and treats acne. With a somewhat oily complexion, I noticed this product left me feeling moisturized but not greasy.

Another great product is Garnier Ultra Lift Moisturizer (with SPF 15) which also contains retinol to increase collagen production to help create a firm, even complexion. Olay's Regenerist Regenerating Lotion with Sunscreen (with SPF 15) also uses amino-peptides plus a vitamin-B3 complex to visibly improve skin's appearance and protect it from any future damage.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

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Beyoncé in House of Deréon Fall 2012 Campaign

I'd say Beyoncé's still got it, but let's be for real: was she ever in danger of losing it? If anyone was going to lose the baby weight and look even better than before, it was going to be King B. Discipline is basically her middle name.

The face of House of Deréon, Beyoncé is posing in photos for the fall 2012 ad campaign. In the past, I haven't exactly been impressed by House of Deréon much, but every piece in this campaign is seriously making me want to empty out my bank account. 

It looks like her mom and designer, Tina Knowles, used inspiration from Beyoncé's personal style, using prints, hats and round glasses. Next, I'd like Tina to be inspired by Blue Ivy's wardrobe and come up with a spring infant clothing line, using baby Blue as the model. This is obviously just a ploy to for me to see the baby again. 

She's just too insanely cute to keep hidden all the time.

If you want to see the full 2012 collection, check out HOD's lookbook.

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

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Closet Case: Maison Martin Margiela for H&M!

Yes, you heard it right! The amazing designer Maison Martin Margiela is collaborating with H&M for their Autumn/Winter 2012 collection!

H&M is known for collaborating with some incredible designers like Versace, Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin and Marni, just to name a few! With that track record, it comes as no surprise that the retailer was able to secure another to die for designer collection!

The mysterious Margiela is known for his out-of-this-world designs that are true works of art! Margiela is a designer that is always two steps ahead and consistently pushes the boundaries of fashion. Check out just some of his incredible designs below:

(image via Keenan Evans )

(image via Fiercer Than You )

(image via Visit Flanders )

(image via Kenton Magazine )

Leandra Medine, of Man Repeller, commented on the collaboration stating:

“Margiela is one of the forefathers of man-repelling. It’s not clothing for the sake of utility, functionality, or wearability; it’s clothing for the sake of art—and of turning ourselves into walking installations. I saw a sketch of a darted sweater that is probably a pretty accurate representation of what we can expect: classic silhouettes infused with Margiela’s characteristic kiss.”

Fashionistas everywhere are greatly anticipating this designer collaboration and, if the promo above is any indication, it's bound to be a match made in fashion heaven! Maison Martin Margiela for H&M arrives in select stores Nov. 15. 

Ashley Cedeno is a Fashion Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can follow her on  Tumblr and on Twitter.

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Feather Girl DIY: Shoebox Art

I'm not much of an artist, but when I saw this awesome DIY for turning shoeboxes into art, I went for it. Of course, that may also have been due to the fact that it just happened to be chevron art. But really, it's just too easy!

(image via Spunky Junky)

Grab some old shoe boxe lids, paint over them, and use a chevron pattern to mark off the lines with tape. Then spray paint over the entire faux-canvas and you're done! It's that easy. You can find the entire how-to here.

(image via Spunky Junky)

If you're more artistically-inclined, try a more complex pattern or design, or totally go all out and paint a shoebox masterpiece. Use various shapes and sizes to create a wall collage of homemade art. It's stylish, fun and really simple! What's not to love? Test it out this weekend and tweet us @rufflings!

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

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That Time Taylor Swift Was Just as Rude as Her Musical Persona

Taylor Swift and beau Conor Kennedy have no
problem with PDA, or wedding crashing.
(image via E! Online)

On her current journey to become the newest Mrs. Kennedy, country singer sweetheart Taylor Swift and her high-schooler boyfriend Conor Kennedy showed up at the wedding of one of his relatives. Unfortunately, Conor RSVP-ed about an hour before the actual ceremony and then brought Taylor along, who was uninvited. According to the Boston Herald, Victoria Gifford Kennedy, mother of the bride, asked them to leave twice because all of the craziness constantly surrounding Taylor was taking away from the bride's big day:

“They texted me an hour before the wedding and asked if they could come,” Vicki Kennedy said. “I responded with a very clear, ‘Please do not come.’ They came anyway. ... I personally went up to Ms. Swift, whose entrance distracted the entire event, politely introduced myself to her, and asked her as nicely as I could to leave. It was like talking to a ghost. She seemed to look right past me.”

Taylor's people say she was invited to the wedding and the bride was happy to have her there, but I wouldn't be surprised if she did crash the party.

I know you hate to admit it because day-to-day Taylor Swift seems so sweet, but musical Taylor Swift can be a total jerk. If she's not blaming the whole failure of a relationship on John Mayer ("Dear John") or Joe Jonas ("Forever and Always"), then she's implying Camilla Belle, who reportedly moved in on Joe Jonas when he was still with Taylor, walks around with a mattress permanently strapped to her back ("Better Than Revenge"). Don't get me wrong: I love it. But I have an inappropriate appreciation for highly dramatic situations in the lives of others, so I don't know if that really says anything good about her choice to put people out there like that.

Maybe she and her 18-year-old boyfriend just wanted one last hurrah before she starts promoting her new album and he begins his JUNIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL! When this relationship blows up because he can't balance a long-distance relationship and boarding school academics, Tay Tay, I don't think you get to put the blame on him in a song.

Unlike your relationship with John Mayer, you're the mature adult here. Or you would be if you weren't crashing weddings with teenagers.

Do you think Taylor actually crashed the wedding?

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

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Girl Crush: Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson in a scene from her CW TV show, Hart of Dixie.
(Image via YKYLF Blog)

Something about Rachel Bilson still makes me want to finish my Algebra II homework early to watch Summer Roberts on The O.C. and get caught up in her Seth Cohen romance drama. But the more I watch her as Dr. Zoe Hart on Hart of Dixie, the more I forget about Summer Roberts.

It may seem easy, but getting past a well-known character is difficult, especially if it's a supporting role. Just ask Matthew Perry, who's had at least two attempts at it on NBC and is still just that guy who used to be Chandler Bing on Friends. Where Matthew has failed horribly, Rachel has thrived in her new role. A part of it has to do with the fact that she's not trying to find roles that are anti-Summer. Just like Summer Roberts, Zoe Hart has an eye for style and is a woman just looking for personal happiness.

What I love most about Rachel, aside from her killer fashion sense on and off the small screen, is that she's not afraid to totally embarrass herself to get a good scene. Too many actresses just can't get over themselves and have a little fun, but she's not one of them. Just check out her Funny or Die rap video below with the cast from her show.

Because I have this serious fear I'll be crying over Hart of Dixie's cancellation midseason this year, I'm going to recommend that you Feather Girls check out a few episodes. There's a lot of heart and a lot of sexy, southern man candy. (Just look at her co-star Wilson Bethel on the examination table in the beginning of the video!)

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

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Get Fit: The Amazing Avocado

It seems like avocados are definitely trending these days. I just recently walked into a local Wawa and found that I could add avocado to my favorite sandwich! Not to mention, I've seen commercials for Subway with a similar avocado-friendly menu option. Wonder why? Duh, it's because avocados are AMAZING.

Now, I just don't mean amazing in taste but they are amazing in how great they are for you! I mean PACKED with healthy nutrients. According to Avocado.org, they provide your body with nearly 20 nutrients, including fiber, potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, B-Vitamins, and folic acid plus tons of antioxidants. 

Although avocados have received a bad reputation for being high in fat, which is somewhat true (85 percent of its calories come from its fat), this type of fat is beneficial for your health. Avocados contain mono-saturated fats (aka, the "good" fat) which help to lower blood cholesterol in place of saturated fats and provide your body with the fat it needs. 

Here's a great (and easy) recipe from AllRecipes.com for homemade guacamole! I've made it multiple times and believe me, it takes a few times to figure out the easiest way to peel, pit and mash an amazing avocado. Also, good to note if you don't eat guacamole right away, it will turn a brownish color but no worries its still good! (this recipe calls for lime juice which helps to keep it from turning an icky color) 

Dig in to your guacamole, it's good for you! 

(image via AllRecipes.com)

Ingredients:

• 3 avocados - peeled, pitted, and mashed
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:

In a medium bowl, mash together the avocados, lime juice, and salt. Mix in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Stir in cayenne pepper. Refrigerate 1 hour for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

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