A Thing of Style

What is the one thing (aside from their bodies!) that makes us envy Victoria's Secret models? Their hair! On every catwalk and advertorial, we see big, luscious, voluminous hair that cascades down into perfection. Trying to achieve the same look may seem futile, but with these fantastic products, flowy, sexy hair is just a spritz away.

It got up to 86 degrees last week, and I'll be the first to say that it's far too early for it to be this hot. Plus, if your office is anything like mine, the air conditioner is already going full-blast, resulting in chills inside and sweatiness outside.

Whether you're headed to the cabin, the beach or a backyard BBQ this holiday weekend, don't leave home without these sunny essentials.

Now that the warm weather is here to stay, sandal season is officially in full-swing! That means lots airtime for your feet, and keeping toenails pretty isn't the only thing you need to worry about. If you want to skip a trip to the salon for a pedicure, try these quick tips to get smooth and sexy looking feet — at home, and for less.

With summer peaking its lovely head around the corner, it's time to shed those layers and update your beauty routine. Store heavy foundations, flat irons, and thick moisturizers in exchange for our five most delicious summer beauty buys.

Because I battled the occasional pre-teen (and now, adult) flare-up of unflattering blemishes and blackheads, I learned at an early age that when it comes to covering unsightly bumps, concealer is my best friend. When a new formula hits the shelves, it's only a matter of time until I get my grubby hands on it.

I'm not usually one for lip glosses. They're sticky, don't last very long, and tend to cause a lot more hassle then they are worth. That was, until I discovered Laura Mercier Lip Glacés. I feel like I've experienced a lip gloss revolution! These glacés — as they're called — are moisturizing, scrumptiously scented, and unlikely to catch a stray hair. Slightly thicker then your standard gloss, their color-payoff is more intense, and sticks around for a solid two to three hours. In 35 shades, it's easy to find the perfect Glacé for any occasion.

One of the best parts about adult-life (for me, anyway) is being able to shop whenever I want. One of the worst is budgeting those shopping trips so that I can afford essentials, like food and mortgage payments. Oh, the reality of being a grown-up.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month, and while sun exposure warnings might seem like old hat to everyone but the New Jersey mom who allegedly took her six-year-old daughter into a tanning booth, a new study by the Skin Cancer Foundation revealed an alarming rise in melanoma among people ages 18 to 39. Over the past 40 years, rates of this potentially-deadly skin cancer grew eightfold among young women and fourfold among young men.

My concern for my lips is second only to my deep devotion to proper skincare. However, I was a chapstick-only girl until I stumbled upon Philosophy's Kiss of Hope, a creamy formula that keeps my lips so well-hydrated that I need only apply it twice a day. Enriched with SPF 15 and infused with a refreshing vanilla-mint scent, it's perfect for the summer sun. And at $16 a pop, it's a necessary indulgence. Here are a few other lip treatments that are worth a smooch.

Although the weekend feels terribly far away on Tuesday, we nonetheless find ourselves daydreaming about Sunday. Our favorite part of the weekend (aside from sleeping in) has to be brunch — a great excuse to drink in the morning and eat dessert for breakfast. What's not to like?

I've been there: rather than lying under potentially harmful UV rays, you make a smart choice, and decide to get your glow the faux way — with a self-tanner. At first glance, your color oozes Caribbean getaway, but upon closer inspection, your tan is more George Hamilton than Gisele.

There's always a hair trend doing the rounds in the fashion, music and celeb worlds. Whether it's the classic Rachel cut, or the magical tresses of Princess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge on her wedding day, someone's bound to be giving us mere mortals serious hair-envy! At the moment, I'm crushing on the shorter styles — not the pixie crop (as even I don't think I will ever muster up the courage to go that short!), but those flattering 'dos that hit just below the collarbone. I'm booking an appointment at the hairdresser, pronto!

I bought my first suit a week after accepting my first job offer. While I can count on one hand the number of times I've been required to wear it, my suit is definitely a confidence-boosting outfit that I always feel good slipping on.

With a beauty writer for a daughter, my mom has it better than most on birthdays, mother's days, and any other occasion that calls for a little pampering. One trip to the Beauty Bets closet for samples — she's especially fond of lip-plumping glosses and firming eye creams (I've taught her well) — is usually all it takes to make her day.

A couple of months ago, I revealed my love for the clear nail and colored tip trend. With spring here (sort of—it's still a little chilly on the east coast), I decided to pump up my fingers with some seasonal colors. Each tip is a different vibrant, warm-weather-evoking shade. Here's how to get the look.

With the start of May, it's officially wedding season. Whether you're single, on the prowl, or attached, we're here to take the stress out of finding that perfectly proper outfit, and to ensure that you look your best without outshining the bride-to-be. Choose a cheery and flattering dress like this python print frock, and pair it with fun wedges that will add height without sacrificing comfort. Remember to pack a wrap or sweater and a statement clutch to pull the outfit together. If it's an outdoor affair, also tote a spare pair of sheer tights for warmth and style. Are you ready to dance the night away?

Sun protection is a BIG topic in my family. To this day, my mother still monitors the number SPF I slather on pre-sunbathing — even from far away!

Dry shampoo is a lifesaver. Whether I need to refresh my hair before work, or am looking to add some extra va-va-vroom when I head to drinks with the girls, the magical stuff solves my hair troubles instantaneously. For hair that never becomes limp and lifeless, I keep a canister (or five!) of dry shampoo in my beauty closet. These are some of my favorites.

As I continue to stretch my fashion limits and expand my outfit options, I'm always looking to add more patterned pieces to my wardrobe.