From BBQs to pool parties, fireworks to—oh yeah, our nations independence--there is so much to celebrate this Fourth of July. 

Now, just to get it out of the way—can we all agree that the 4th of July being on a Wednesday is not the most ideal situation? That, of course, doesn’t take away all the fun. Even though we have to go to work the next day, it simply means we have to have THAT MUCH more fun looking fabulous so we can tell our friends about it at work the next day.

So whether you’re spending the day grilling at the BBQ or chilling by the pool, here are some fun ways to show your American spirit and celebrate the holiday in style
(and really, lets be honest—I love summer, and I love holidays—any excuse to dress in theme and I’m already there.)

While wearing the patriotic red, white and blue isn’t completely mandatory for 4th of July celebration, I definitely believe in throwing in a few small touches of all three colors into your ensemble.. because really—what other time of the year can you wear all three colors and not look like you’re wearing a costume?

To take the guesswork out of figuring out what to wear, I’ve put together three different style options that will work depending on what your plans are for the day. As always, feel free to mix and match elements of each to find your perfect outfit.

1) BBQ Champion -This outfit perfect for a hot summer BBQ. Pair a blue check or plaid top (farfetch.com) with some (all-American) denim shorts (hm.com) for a laid back chic. Pair it with some cute red accessories like these red converse (converse.com) and red shades (alexandchloe.com) and you’re ready for that watermelon, corn on the cob and owning the three-legged race.

2) Everybody in the pool - Ah, the pool party. If there were any place I’d want to be this 4th, it would definitely be by the pool. Be pool ready with a striped bikini paired with some red denim shorts (aritzia.com) and a chic beach tote (tommy.com) and a pair of cute wedge sandals. You could also opt for a chic cover-up, and of course don’t forget the hat and sunscreen.

3) Firework Fab – Be a firework in a cute simple navy dress (forever21.com) that’s perfect for a hot summer night of fun. Pair it with some simple t-strap sandals (editnewyork.com) and this adorable navy blue wrap bracelet with gold detailing (jcrew.com). Finish of the outfit with a pop of red, like this red chain strap clutch (stylebop.com).

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Now that all the hustle and bustle of the holidays are over --and everyone is beginning to take down their Christmas lights and decorations- there’s only one thing on my mind: spring!

I know, I know we’ve still got a few more months.. but I love my sunshine and warm weather.

Besides, who needs an excuse to get a head start on some of the crush-worthy hairstyles we saw on the runways during s/s 2012 last fall. Just think: once spring comes we’ll have them perfected and totally be ahead of the game.

This ‘do immediately stole my heart as soon as I spotted it on the runway at Marc by Marc Jacobs.

It’s a ponytail/bun hybrid and such a fun way to add some chic to your regular pony and so easy.Start out with a medium-height pony tail secured with an elastic. Spritz with some hairspray to tame any fly-a-ways. Then with a barrette fasten the ponytail creating the bun, while letting the ends hang loose. You might want to tease your hair first before securing the bun for some added volume.

Next ‘do is the fab woven messy braid from Michael Kors.

What’s gorg about this braid is the leather that is woven throughout –giving it a messy boho style. You could try this with leather cording (available at most craft stores) or even cute pieces of colorful fabric like the photo to the right.

To get the messy undone braid start out with a volume spray and tease the hair to give it some added texture. After you’ve braided and secured the hair, give some pieces a tug to loosen them.

The last spring style trend is the deep side part, shown here from Chanel and Betsey Johnson.

To get this look you want to part hair to the side while it’s still wet, brushing it over while it dries. Then pull the other side of your hair back and secure with bobby pins until it sets.From here you can try a number of different styles, like glam curls or a chignon.

Kelly

It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day--are you planning on wearing green?

Erin go Bragh! I love St. Patrick’s Day--I mean, how can you not when there are so many hunky men with Irish accents. Think Colin Farrell or Gerard Butler--who’s actually Scottish but have you SEEN P.S. I Love You. So sexy, right?

Anyway, now that I’ve graduated college I have decided that my normal St Patrick’s Day style (drinking green beer and Irish car bombs--which I highly DON’T recommend, and throwing on whatever I could find that happens to have green in it) could use some amping up. What better way to celebrate the luck of the Irish than to embrace the green--here’s how to do St. Patty’s Day chic-ly:

A Pop Of Green

I picked 3 different outfits to show how you can rock the green anywhere, whether you’re going for green at the office or headed for a lucky cocktail hour after work.

I chose to go with one bold green piece in each outfit then pairing it with neutrals, because really--no one wants to look like an extra from the movie Leprechaun no matter what day it is.

Jewelry is a great way to add some subtle fun to the outfit, above I picked a clover key necklace, a gold coin necklace and a Claddagh ring; each subtle pieces that have Irish charm, yet can be worn any day of the year.

Add Some Neon

If you’re feeling a little more daring, St. Patty’s Day is THE perfect time to add some neon (one of spring’s hot trends) into your wardrobe. The key with neon, again, is to pair it with neutrals like nude so as not to over do it.

Minty Pale Pastel Nails

We all know how much I love painting my nails for each upcoming holiday. My favorite greens for the occasion are minty pale pastel greens like MAC’s Peppermint Patty and Essie’s Mint Candy Apple.

You could also go for a bolder green like OPI’s Fresh Frog from the Muppet’s collab. It practically SCREAMS St. Patrick’s Day.

Finishing Touch

Lastly, to finish of the perfect chic St. Patty’s Day outfit, I recommend a spritz of one of my favorite “green” scents like Demeter’s Clover--a scent that elicits the rugged and untamed nature of the Irish countryside with grassy notes and a hint of Irish spring soap.

Got any fab plans for St. Patty’s Day? Let us know! xo

Kelly

Yes! It's the time of the year to make resolutions.. I suppose you could make resolutions any time of the year but everyone seems to make them in the new year. Just TRY to find a treadmill at the gym come January 1st.

Is anyone else horrible at keeping resolutions? I'm that person who always breaks my resolutions after, like, a day. In fact, the only resolution I think I've ever kept was my cynical resolution last year: DO NOT make any ridiculous resolutions.

I toyed with the idea of making the same resolution this year --but instead I chose to challenge myself like everyone else and make some beauty-themed resolutions (I know, total beauty nerd) and share them with all of you. This year I resolve to:

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It’s safe to say that the holiday season is definitely in the air. One of my favorite times of the year –besides summer, of course! Ya’ll know I’m not so big on fall, once Fashion Week is over I’m usually counting down the days until summer comes around but something about the holidays always lifts my spirits and I can’t help but get excited.

Silly confession: I totally bring out the Christmas tunes in, like, July. I’m that girl sitting in traffic (a not-so-rare occurrence in L.A) and belting it out to my hearts content to Christmas music. Only the classics for me of course, like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra Britney and Hilary Duff. And Justin Bieber. I know.

As a total beauty-junkie and someone who tries out 100’s of beauty products every year, I decided to come up with a list of beauty gifts that any beauty-obsessed gal will totally love --no matter what your budget.

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Without a doubt this fall will leave us seeing red with everything from clothes, denim, jewelry and accessories following suit. But another place fall’s hottest color is starting to show up all over? Hair.

Red-head stereotypes aside, red can be one of the hardest colors to pull off and it’s definitely a tricky one to maintain. No worries though, depending on your skin tone there’s a shade of red for everyone, whether it be a pale strawberry blonde or a deep auburn. You’ll certainly want to consult with your stylist to find the perfect shade to suit you.

If there’s one thing that anyone who has ever gone red knows, it fades. fast. So to keep your fiery locks from looking dull here are a few tricks:

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It’s that time of year again, and while I can’t guarantee you’ll ace quantum physics and OChem – I can give you the 411 on Beauty 101 so you will at least look your best while you hardly study study hard.

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It’s summertime ladies, and you know what that means: it’s time to get our twinkle toes in tip top shape!

Now I know not everyone has the time (or money) to spend on a luxury spa pedicure, especially with all those beach picnics, concerts in the park and backyard barbecues you have scheduled this season. So I put together some of my favorite tips for the ultimate spa soft feet at home, all you need is a few essentials and you’re ready to rock those sleek summer sandals.

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Getting a brand new iPad 2 a week before college finals and graduation.. that’s bad! Finally being able to use it once I’m finished (after having my roomie hide it for the week): that’s awesome! Needless to say I COULD-NOT-WAIT to scour the app store for the latest and greatest style, beauty and fashion apps. After hours upon hours of researching (read:playing) I’ve come up with a list of my top ultimate 10 must-have favorite apps (aside from Angry Birds and Fashion Story, which are insanely addicting btw!) that are totally worth checking out:

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