Shecky's » MAKEOVER MANUAL http://www.sheckys.com Discover, Experience and Get Rewarded Wed, 23 May 2012 16:43:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Cannes 2012 Big Fashion Winners http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/23/cannes-2012s-big-fashion-winners http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/23/cannes-2012s-big-fashion-winners#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 16:00:25 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=75071
We’re a week into the Cannes Film Festival, which means seven full days of fabulous and not-so-fabulous fashions from the world’s most stylish stars. So far, we’ve seen floor-sweeping feathers from Cheryl Cole and Paz Vega, brightly colored prints from Mia Wasikowska and The Artist’s Berenice Bejo, pretty retro-inspired looks from Naomi Watts and Kelly Brook and a whole lot of peach, but while all those were well and good, there were a select few stylish stars who simply turned it out over and over again this past week at Cannes. Here are our favorite fest fashions (so far!) of Cannes 2012:]]> We’re a week into the two-week-long Cannes Film Festival, which means seven full days of fabulous and not-so-fabulous fashions from the world’s most stylish stars. So far, we’ve seen floor-sweeping feathers from Cheryl Cole and Paz Vega, brightly colored prints from Mia Wasikowska and The Artist’s Berenice Bejo, pretty retro-inspired looks from Naomi Watts and Kelly Brook, and a whole lot of peach, but while all those were well and good, there were a select few stylish stars who simply turned it out over and over again this past week at Cannes. Here are our favorite fest fashions (so far!) of Cannes 2012:

-Christina Izzo

Freida Pinto

What a comeback! After a less than stellar showing at this year’s Met Gala, the Slumdog Millionaire star let her fierce flag fly at Cannes this week, looking every inch the French Riviera fashionista in a midriff-baring crop top and skirt combo from Salvatore Ferragamo (left), tackling not one, not two but three major spring trends with a neon yellow, high-slit, half peplum Atelier Versace gown to the Rust & Bone premiere (middle) and a pretty peekaboo Paco Rabanne frock (right). Did we mention these were all the same day? Talk about having a good style day!

Image credit: skyliving.sky.com, fashiontrendseeker.com, skyliving.sky.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/23/cannes-2012s-big-fashion-winners/feed/ 4 Best Beauty Looks of Cannes 2012 http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/23/best-beauty-looks-of-cannes-2012/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/23/best-beauty-looks-of-cannes-2012/#comments Wed, 23 May 2012 13:45:27 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=75581
We can only dream about rubbing elbows with the hottest celebrities at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, but at least we can gush over some of this year’s hot red carpet beauty looks! From Freida Pinto's lush lashes to Jessica Chastain's retro red lip, get the full scoop on how to recreate these lovely looks with my Cannes beauty wrap-up!]]> We can only dream about rubbing elbows with the hottest celebrities at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, but at least we can gush over some of this year’s hot red carpet beauty looks! From Freida Pinto’s lush lashes to Jessica Chastain’s retro red lip, get the full scoop on how to recreate these lovely looks with my Cannes beauty wrap-up!

Freida Pinto

A stunner in yellow, Freida Pinto glammed it up at the Cannes red carpet last week with sexy eyes and light pink lips. For a bombshell finish, start with groomed brows, polished cheeks and a soft lip to contrast your deep dark eyes. For a sophisticated cat-eye, play it up with liner, shadow and, of course, mascara. For elongated lashes, Cry Baby Mascara ($22 on crybabymascara.com) guarantees a long-lasting (two weeks) curl full of volume, color and length.

Image credit: ellecanada.com, crybabymascara.com

-Courtney Leiva of The Doll House

Courtney Leiva first dived into the beauty world at the age of 6 when she give her dog lipstick makeovers and bleached more Barbie’s hair than she can count. Now with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Courtney eats, sleeps and breathes beauty journalism whenever possible.

Courtney has contributed to online magazines such as Feather Magazine and The Beauty Bean. She also serves as the active beauty editor at Love Twenty Magazine. More recently, Courtney has journeyed into the world of beauty blogging with The Doll House. Love Twitter? Courtney does too! Follow her on Twitter @CourtneyLeiva.

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/23/best-beauty-looks-of-cannes-2012/feed/ 6 Waxing, Sugaring, Shaving, Oh My! Your Summer Hair Removal Guide http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/22/waxing-sugaring-shaving-oh-my-your-summer-hair-removal-guide/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/22/waxing-sugaring-shaving-oh-my-your-summer-hair-removal-guide/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 13:30:48 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=75307
It’s that time of year again when we embark on that dreaded journey of summer hair removal. It may be uncomfortable and a tad little awkward, and the thought of the pain is, well, painful, but with this summer hair removal guide, you can put your fears or misconceptions to rest as we explore several different types of hair removal options to make your summer just a little less, er, hairy!]]> It’s that time of year again when we embark on that dreaded journey of summer hair removal. It may be uncomfortable and a tad little awkward, and the thought of the pain is, well, painful, but with this summer hair removal guide, you can put your fears or misconceptions to rest as we explore several different types of hair removal options to make your summer just a little less, er, hairy!

Waxing


What is it? You’re probably reading this thinking, “waxing”? Yeah, right! Luckily for us, waxing isn’t what it once was, even though the basics of putting heated wax to desired areas is the same. Although many women dread it, Brian Holtz of Austin’s Waxology Waxing Studios swears by it. “If you are taking a quick trip to the beach and want to show off your new bikini beach bod, then waxing is the best method, hands-down, to remove all the unsightly hair needed to look and feel your best on the surf and the sand,” Holtz says.

Why does it work? While there are tons of waxing products on the market, Brian Holtz surely knows a thing or two about waxing. Serving over 100,000 waxing services clients since 2006, Holtz recommends customers choose only organic based waxes. “Organic wax is free of fragrances and chemicals, making it a gentle and natural solution to hair removal. In our experience, liquid organic wax is the best option for removing the downy fine hairs that are missed by most hard waxes,” Holtz finds.

Is it Expensive? Waxes are available at salons everywhere at a broad range of prices, but when choosing this hair removal method, the real secret is finding the right technician. “The technician, the wax and the technique are equally important for the best, fastest, and least painful results. The real secret is finding a technician that is very experienced in waxing,” Holtz adds.

At-home or salon only? Unlike some hair removal methods, waxing can be performed in salon or at home. However, if you are attempting at-home treatments like Moom’s Organic Hair Removal Kit, take Holtz’s advice by being extra cautious and stick with organic based wax formulas. Also, Denise Clark from SheaMoisture recommends sticking with this detailed regimen for salon-worthy results. “Make sure that the area to be waxed is clean and dry with no existing cuts or abrasions. Spread a generous amount of cold wax against the way the hair grows naturally to ensure wax coats the base of every hair. Then sooth muslin sheets into wax with gentle pressing motion taking care that wax adheres completely. Let wax harden for a couple of minutes for clean removal. Hold skin firmly beside muslin cloth. With the other hand, remove cloth in the opposite direction of the way hair grows with one quick, fluid motion. Immediately apply an antibacterial elixir to help prevent bumps and reduce inflammation. Always keep area moisturized!”

Image Credit: aspatoremember.com

-Courtney Leiva of The Doll House

Courtney Leiva first dived into the beauty world at the age of 6 when she give her dog lipstick makeovers and bleached more Barbie’s hair than she can count. Now with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Courtney eats, sleeps and breathes beauty journalism whenever possible.

Courtney has contributed to online magazines such as Feather Magazine and The Beauty Bean. She also serves as the active beauty editor at Love Twenty Magazine. More recently, Courtney has journeyed into the world of beauty blogging with The Doll House. Love Twitter? Courtney does too! Follow her on Twitter @CourtneyLeiva.

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/22/waxing-sugaring-shaving-oh-my-your-summer-hair-removal-guide/feed/ 12 10 Essentials You Need In Your Closet This Summer http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/22/10-essentials-you-need-in-your-closet-this-summer/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/22/10-essentials-you-need-in-your-closet-this-summer/#comments Tue, 22 May 2012 04:45:41 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74985
Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is right around the corner and that means it's time to start updating your wardrobe from springtime sweet to summer sultry! To get a head start on the season, here are summer staples that should be making their way into every fashionable lady's closet in the next few weeks, from funky wedges to metallic jewelry, bold 'n' bright blazers to cool retro shades. You don't want to get left behind in last season's styles (the horror!), so pick up these ten wardrobe essentials and have yourself one stylish summer!]]> Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer, is right around the corner and that means it’s time to start updating your wardrobe from springtime sweet to summer sultry! To get a head start on the season, here are summer staples that should be making their way into every fashionable lady’s closet in the next few weeks, from funky wedges to metallic jewelry, bold ‘n’ bright blazers to cool retro shades. You don’t want to get left behind in last season’s styles (the horror!), so pick up these ten wardrobe essentials and have yourself one stylish summer!

-Kenia Mazariegos

Little White Dress

The sunnier cousin of that closet classic the little black dress, an LWD like this Daisy Lace Spring Dress ($106 on pixiemarket.com) is a staple for your summertime styles. With white border trimmings, lace detailing and a mini cut, this frock melds sweetness and edge, ideal for those girly girls who want to get a little fierce with their style this summer!

Image Credit: pixiemarket.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/22/10-essentials-you-need-in-your-closet-this-summer/feed/ 15 Stars Without Makeup: Would You Dare Go Bare? http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/21/stars-without-makeup-would-you-dare-go-bare/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/21/stars-without-makeup-would-you-dare-go-bare/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 15:07:50 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=75031
A surprising trend has sprung up in Hollywood—stylish starlets are going back to basics, voluntarily shedding the security of glamorous makeup and daring to go beauty bare in the pages of magazines and under the ever-watchful lens of the paparazzi. Now, as a lady who can't leave the house without at least some cherry Chapstick and a swipe or two of mascara, I've got to give it up to these bold broads for doing something I don't know if I'd have the cojones to do myself, but with barefaced beauties like these making makeup-free look fabulous, I just might!]]> A surprising trend has sprung up in Hollywood—stylish starlets are going back to basics, voluntarily shedding the security of glamorous makeup and daring to go beauty-bare in the pages of magazines and under the ever-watchful lens of the paparazzi. Now, as a lady who can’t leave the house without at least some cherry Chapstick and a swipe or two of mascara, I’ve got to give it up to these bold broads for doing something I don’t know if I’d have the cojones to do myself, but with barefaced beauties like these making makeup-free look fabulous, I just might!

-Christina Izzo

Jessica Simpson

Obviously it helps if you’re genetically blessed when looking great without makeup and Ms. Simpson is definitely that, with her killer bone structure, pretty, big brown eyes and a dimpled, megawatt smile that truly shines brightest when uncovered from behind the veil of lipsticks, liners and gloss. The Fashion Star judge even covered Marie Claire with a makeup-free look and looked stunning—this Southern belle should definitely go barefaced more often!

Image credit: theonlinecentral.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/21/stars-without-makeup-would-you-dare-go-bare/feed/ 7 Six Chic Ways to Wear Chambray http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/21/six-chic-ways-to-wear-chambray/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/21/six-chic-ways-to-wear-chambray/#comments Mon, 21 May 2012 13:45:41 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74201
Lightweight and lovely chambray is one of our favorite fabrics for spring and is an incredibly versatile choice to punch up your wardrobe this season. Dress it up or dress it down, button it up, tie it up or try it as a bathing suit cover up this summer—you can wear it so many ways and for so many different looks! Here are six totally chic ways to add chambray to your springtime style.]]> Lightweight and lovely chambray is one of our favorite fabrics for spring and is an incredibly versatile choice to punch up your wardrobe this season. Dress it up or dress it down, button it up,  tie it up or try it as a bathing suit cover up this summer—you can wear it so many ways and for so many different looks! Here are six totally chic ways to add chambray to your springtime style.

-Jade Hall

Business Casual

You may not be able to get away with wearing jeans to work unless it’s casual Friday, but you can suit up in a chambray shirt and pull it off. Try this Levi’s Daphne Sleeveless Button-Down Shirt ($48 from urbanoutfitters.com) for a comfortable springtime look, and dress it up with a deep pink ASOS Linen Midi Skirt With Belt ($48.71 from asos.com) and these Haste Leather Sandals with Buckles ($ 86.98 from asos.com). Pair with a neutral cardigan and this look is perfectly business casual. Ditch the cardigan when you leave the office and you’re ready for an after work springtime stroll!

Image Credit: urbanoutfitters.com, asos.com, asos.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/21/six-chic-ways-to-wear-chambray/feed/ 7 “Girls” Isn’t The Next “Sex And The City”- And That’s OK http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/20/girls-isnt-the-next-sex-and-the-city-and-thats-ok/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/20/girls-isnt-the-next-sex-and-the-city-and-thats-ok/#comments Sun, 20 May 2012 16:00:40 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=75023
Are you watching HBO’s new show Girls? Well you should be—hell, at least to see what all of the fuss is about. The blogosphere’s been blowing up with polarizing reactions to Lena Dunham’s brainchild (which she stars in, writes, directs and produces—go girl!), with some touting it as the second coming of Sex and the City, while others criticizing the lack of diversity amongst the principal cast (all Caucasian, all brunette, all from well-off families, yada yada yada). I’ll admit, my initial reaction to Girls was a bit like this, but now a few episodes in, I’ve come to not only respect the show, but actually like it, and realize that Girls is definitely not be the new Sex and the City and that’s A-ok with me. Let’s break it down:]]> Are you watching HBO’s new show Girls? Well you should be—hell, at least to see what all of the fuss is about. The blogosphere’s been blowing up with polarizing reactions to Lena Dunham’s brainchild (which she stars in, writes, directs and produces—go girl!), with some touting it as the second coming of Sex and the City, while others criticizing the lack of diversity amongst the principal cast (all Caucasian, all brunette, all from well-off families, yada yada yada). I’ll admit, my initial reaction to Girls was a bit like this, but now a few episodes in, I’ve come to not only respect the show, but actually like it, and realize that Girls is definitely not the new Sex and the City and that’s A-ok with me. Let’s break it down:

-Christina Izzo

Don’t expect glitz & glamour: Let’s just say you’ll never find this foursome wearing Jimmy Choos atop camels in Abu Dhabi. Girls’ version of Mr. Big is a tattooed twenty-something with his mattress sitting on the floor. Sure, Sex and the City was pioneering in looking at female friendships and sex from a woman’s perspective, but it was a glossed over, glamorous fantasy world that didn’t really exist then and definitely doesn’t exist now. The age of donning designer shoes and taking cabs everywhere is long gone (head’s up Gossip Girl!) and it’s refreshing to see something on TV today that grittily, unflinchingly looks like today.

Actually Does Show Diversity: When critics haven’t been jumping on the anti-diversity bandwagon, all they can talk about is Dunham’s less-than-modelesque figure, which has been frequently put on display in Girls’ hilariously awkward sex scenes. But to a carbohydrate-loving lady like myself, seeing a female body that’s similar to my own and the ones I see on a daily basis is something new in the sea of leggy Blake Livelys and bodacious Sofia Vergaras. In the film version of Sex and the City, Samantha puts on weight much to the incredulity of her best friends and they actually have to have a sit-down discussion about it. Here, Dunham’s Hannah shows off her wobbly bits without even batting an un-mascared eyelash—what a breath of fresh air!

It’s pretty freakin’ funny: Between the aforementioned hilariously cringe-worthy sex scenes (one of which begins with shocking dirty talk from Hannah’s friend-with-benefits and ends with him offering her an orange Gatorade), surprising gay announcements from an ex-boyfriend and been-there interactions with everyone from bosses to parents, Girls will have you actually laughing out loud, and with the crappy comedy on TV nowadays, that’s definitely something!

Image Credit: thegrio.com

Girl Talk Time: Have you been watching Girls? What do you think? Is it the new Sex and the City? If you haven’t been tuning in, will you be watching it tonight at 10:30 pm (on HBO)?

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/20/girls-isnt-the-next-sex-and-the-city-and-thats-ok/feed/ 5 Style Statement: Summer’s Biggest, Boldest Baubles http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/19/style-statement-summers-biggest-boldest-baubles/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/19/style-statement-summers-biggest-boldest-baubles/#comments Sat, 19 May 2012 16:30:02 +0000 christinasheckys http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74676
There are a few fashion musts we should all live by: you must own at least one little black dress. Must have a perfectly worn in leather jacket. Must have a pair of killer high heels perfect for dates or dancing. And, of course, must have some rockin’ pieces of statement jewelry! For summer, a stunning statement necklace is a must-have—it instantly dresses up a casual look, adds extra life to a haute dress, and you can even layer a few complementary pieces for an even bolder style statement. Luckily, the options for statement jewelry no longer come with hefty price tags, so here are a few fab pieces you can pick up (affordably) and have on hand when you feel like making a statement this summer!]]> There are a few fashion musts we should all live by: you must own at least one little black dress, a perfectly worn in leather jacket, a pair of killer high heels perfect for dates or dancing and, of course, some rockin’ pieces of statement jewelry! For summer, a stunning statement necklace is a must-have—it instantly dresses up a casual look, adds extra life to a haute dress, and you can even layer a few complementary pieces for an even bolder style statement. Luckily, the options for statement jewelry no longer come with hefty price tags, so here are a few fab pieces you can pick up (affordably) and have on hand when you feel like making a statement this summer!

Go ‘green’ with this Pine Spike Strand Necklace ($52 on baublebar.com). In an earthy hue, this necklace looks the boho part, but is actually quite edgy, with its spiky resin strands. The 22-inch long length gives you the chance to pile on other necklaces. Remember, layering is your fashionable friend!

-Image credit: baublebar.com

-Ehmonie Hainey of What’s Haute Magazine

What’s Haute Magazine is an online shopping and personal style resource. We know you love to shop and love a great deal, as well as an occasional splurge. We’re all about helping you find what’s haute right now. Think of us as your friend in the know. The one you take shopping who always knows where to find the best stuff. Want to know what your favorite celebrity was wearing and where to buy it? How about which designer jeans will fit best on your body? Or where to score that designer bag for much less? We’ll show you.

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/19/style-statement-summers-biggest-boldest-baubles/feed/ 4 Great Grad Dresses For Under Your Cap & Gown http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/great-grad-dresses-for-under-your-cap-gown/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/great-grad-dresses-for-under-your-cap-gown/#comments Fri, 18 May 2012 15:00:38 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74660
Graduation Day is just around the corner! God, hope you bought your—oh wait, you didn’t buy a dress yet?! Never fear because Shecky's is here with a list of gorgeous frocks that are perfect to wear for commencement and for the sunny months after. Part ways with a boring ol' little black dress and pick up some flirty garbs from budget-friendly faves like ASOS, H&M, Necessary Clothing and more—these guys specialize in making you look good without the hot price tags! Plus, everyone will stop and stare in envy when they see you stylishly strutting to the stage in a flirty peplum dress, cut-out frock or printed wrap dress to accept your diploma!]]> Graduation is just around the corner! God, hope you bought your—oh wait, you didn’t buy a dress yet?! Never fear because Shecky’s is here with a list of gorgeous frocks that are perfect to wear for commencement and for the sunny months after. Part ways with that boring ol’ little black dress and pick up fun, flirty garbs from budget-friendly faves like ASOS, H&M, Necessary Clothing and more—these guys specialize in making you look good without the hot price tags! Plus, everyone will stop and stare in envy when they see you stylishly strutting to the stage in a flirty peplum dress, cut-out frock or printed wrap dress to accept your diploma!

-Kenia Mazariegos

Just take a gander at this H&M strapless peplum Dress ($34.95 on hm.com)—from the lush color to the body-hugging design, this frock is a pretty pick to wear under those less-than-flattering grad robes. The dress is cute but still conservative enough for a commencement ceremony and for the obligatory dinner with the parents afterward, plus the trendy peplum will keep you in style all summer long!

Image credit: hm.com

]]> http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/18/great-grad-dresses-for-under-your-cap-gown/feed/ 3 Très Chic: French Riviera-Inspired Fashions http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/17/tres-chic-french-riviera-inspired-fashions/ http://www.sheckys.com/2012/05/17/tres-chic-french-riviera-inspired-fashions/#comments Thu, 17 May 2012 13:20:15 +0000 Shecky's http://www.sheckys.com/?p=74377
Anchors up! All of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars are sailing away to Cannes for the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival, but who says you have to be a celebrity to enjoy the styles of the French Riviera? This week, step out in your favorite nautical looks and laidback resort wear. Try some vintage-inspired swimsuits, sailor pants and chic dresses to feel just like Audrey Hepburn or Brigitte Bardot taking in the sights of the south of France and yachting with Hollywood’s royalty on the Côte d'Azur!]]> Anchors up! All of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars are sailing away to Cannes for the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival, but who says you have to be a celebrity to enjoy the styles of the French Riviera? This week, step out in your favorite nautical looks and laid-back resort wear. Try some vintage-inspired swimsuits, sailor pants and chic dresses to feel just like Audrey Hepburn or Brigitte Bardot taking in the sights of the south of France and yachting with Hollywood’s royalty on the Côte d’Azur!

-Jade Hall

Beach Wear

The French Riviera is known for its movie star vacationers, film festivals, beautiful beaches and, more importantly, its stylish beach goers. Catch some sun in a vintage-inspired bikini like this Ted Baker Stripe Padded Halter Bikini Top and High Waisted Bikini Pant ($67.84 each on asos.com) and you’ll feel (and look!) like a movie star circa 1950. Cover up with a Motel Jacqueline Playsuit ($83.50 from asos.com) and rock your favorite Whistles Ultra Cateye Sunglasses ($78.28 from asos.com). Stash your goods in a nautical beach bag like J. Crew’s Boardwalk Tote ($49.50 from jcrew.com) and you’re ready to stylishly step back in time!

Image credit: asos.com , asos.com, asos.com, jcrew.com

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