How to Score the Same Kale Sweatshirt as Beyoncé

We already dubbed Beyoncé the pop master of surprise after she released her completely unannounced “Visual Album” almost a year ago. And now, perhaps Queen B wants to prove she’s above social media teasers, or she really does have the quickest production team ever, because she’s at it again. The new music videofor 7/11 just kinda appeared and leaked all over the Internet on Friday at what could only be called Beyoncé speed. It has an upbeat vibe that feels a bit thrown together, but in that fabulous just woke up already flawless kinda way.

You may have already spent your weekend learning the 7/11 dance, but what really gets me about the video is Bey’s totally relatable fashion sense. Dancing around in an oversized sweatshirt, Beyoncé looks like she could be just one of us. And even better, it’s one of those sweatshirts that say “Kale” in Yale University’s signature type format. Like weren’t those cool over the summer, before being forgotten somewhere among the Internet or something?


Either way, thanks to Beyoncé, food puns are officially back. You can score the same sweatshirt she actually wore from Sub Urban Riot ($48). No promises that it’ll improve your dance moves, but if one thing’s for sure—it’s the perfect cozy sweatshirt for dancing around your house when you should be putting your kid to sleep (hi Blue Ivy cameo!). Now, I'd say that’s definitely worth dipping into your Black Friday fund early for.

Cheeky Fashion Tees For All Your Satorial Needs

There was a time when I definitely declared, "I am not a t-shirt and jeans kinda girl." While my principles were there--I've never been one for basic dressing--I can't believe what I was missing out on! Since I work in a creative office, tees with fun graphics and slogans have been my go to lately. They're perfect with jeans on a casual Friday (or post studio day), sure. but when paired with typical office wear like midi skirts or high-waisted trousers, the effect is elevated cool, anything but basic.

Looking for the perfect statement slogan? Shop my picks below:
 

Rather Be Shopping

Take Chances

Designer Bags

Thanks for Following Me

Shopping Marathon

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Mani Moment: Get the Perfect Exposed Nail Half Moon in Minutes

I have a confession, when exposed nail nail art first started appearing on the runway, I wasn't sold immediately. "Why should I let anyone see my natural nail," I thought. After all, I can't remember a time since middle school when my nails were unpolished. One time I had to remove my polish for a sorority ritual, and I just felt so naked.

So what changed my mind when it came to exposing part of my nail? I always favor bright polishes over darker ones, so for fall, I wanted to challenge myself to take on hues I've typically stayed away from. I've done the half moon mani thing before, and it has always turned out okay. But using a darker shade, it became all about structure and lines. This manicure transformed the shape of my nails, giving them a sleek, sophisticated but still trendy vibe.

Get the look:

1. Remember those binder reinforcement stickers you used to use back in high school? They're the secret to making the half moon mani simple! Place your stickers so that the top half is covering the bottom of your nails. (The hole of the sticker should be on your skin)

2. Paint a dark color over the rest of your nail. Make sure not to get under the sticker at all. I used NARS polish in Fury, part of their Fall 2013 collection.

3. Let the polish dry and carefully remove the stickers from your nail.

4. If you're anything like me (an impatient nail painter), your half moons might not be perfect. For an easy fix, use a dotting tool or stripping brush to clean up your edges.


Now, brb while I recreate this nail look in different colors each week....

Why As Told By Emma is BaubleBar's Best Guest Bartender Yet

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Every time BaubleBar introduces a new Guest Bartender, I anticipate shopping an amazing jewelry selection curated by a big blogger or celebrity. But until now, I haven't actually bought anything from these selections. Usually, my anticipation goes to waste. So when BaubleBar kept their newest Guest Bartender a surprise until the collection's reveal, I didn't expect to fall in love with so many of its pieces. But when I saw As Told By Emma, I knew immediately that it was time to break out the vault points I was saving and shop!

Emma Robert's BaubleBar collection mixes trendy statement pieces with more classic jewels, so there's something for everyone. As Told By Emma is broken up into different chapters inspired by Emma's childhood to modern muses. She selected some typical pieces such as statement bibs and drop earrings. But she also went for the unexpected with two finger rings, ear jackets, and tassel earrings.

I already added the Third Eye Ear Jackets to my earring collection and am waiting for my Coffee First bracelet to ship. My bracelet is going to turn into a "wear with everything piece" while my earrings will edge up any outfit. Shop the rest of my picks above and let me know which pieces you're loving! Hint: use code Racked at checkout for 20% off your purchase.

Speckled Mani + Tops Coats That Look Like Major Nail Art

 

Looking for a quick, but fun manicure this past week, I painted my nails mint with black and white polka dots on top. Mint is such a summery color that I wanted to cover it up a bit for more of an end-of-summer vibe. As for how to get polka dots like mine, it's actually way easier than it looks--that's not nail art, it's a topcoat! I used Maybelline Color Show Polka Dots Collection in Clearly Spotted.

When I first finished this design, I wasn't expecting much of a reaction to it. The green was bright, perhaps too bright, for this time of the year when the weather is getting colder not warmer. But all week, I've been getting compliments at work. A makeup artist at a fashion photo shoot I worked on even asked me for tips on recreating the design!

To get this look, paint your nails your favorite color. Then, grab a final effects topcoat and you'll have notable looking nail art in seconds. Make sure your polish and top coat are different enough that there's some major contrast for a bolder design. The only downside is that the polka dots are hard to get off your nail, like glitter polish.

Shop my favorite top coats that look like major nail art below:

Maybelline Color Show PolkaDots

Formula X Xplosives Top Coats

Jin Soon Polka White

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Get Your Own Made With Code Bracelet!

 

I love edgy, spiked jewelry. So when I saw these #MadeWithCode bracelets, I was instantly sold. They're stylish, comfortable, and even...educational?

Google launched Made With Code to inspire girls to get into the tech industry and close the gender gap. The idea behind these bracelets is that you design them on your own, using code. The code then gets sent to a 3D printer and is designed specially for you! Oh and did I mention they're completely free, shipping and all. You can code them to say whatever you want; I chose my name and "Dream Big."

Now, style wasn't the only reason I was drawn to these bracelets. Last year, my sorority partnered with a similar organization, "Girls who Code," to encourage women to get interested in technology as well. I work in media, and what a lot of people don't know is that code is a vital skill to have in this industry! Currently, I'm working on the print side of a magazine, but when I was in web, I used HTML to format how I wanted my articles to appear online. If it wasn't for code, websites couldn't exisit!

As I mentioned above, I was definitely surprised when my bracelet came at just how wearable it is. I have one other 3D printed bracelet, and it's bulky and kind of itchy. These Made With Code bracelets slide on easily since they have openings at the bottom, and feel like any other bangle. Since I already have a collection of spikey bracelets, they blend into my arm party perfectly!

What will your Made With Code bracelet say? Design it here for free!

Walk out of Summer with these Perfect Sandals - All Under $100

With summer coming to an end, it's getting harder to get away with wearing sandals everywhere. Maybe your summer slides are worn out, or you're ready to (gasp) move on from birks. And don't even get me started on flip flops. Either way, these Sixtyseven oxford inspired shoes are the perfect sandal-flat hybrid for the end of summer. Wear them now with sundresses and shorts, and through fall with jeans. I work in a creative office, but am always looking for a way to make my outfits more presentable. Unlike my everyday slides, these shoes are polished looking, but totally breathable for sweaty NYC commutes!

Shop my Sixtyseven flats and other end of summer sandal picks below:

Sixtyseven Strappy Lace Up Flat

Urbanog Cut Out Oxford Flat

Lucky Brand Caged Flat Sandals

Sam Edelman Lace Up Huarache Flats

Charlotte Russe Laser Cut Out Flats

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Mani Moment: The Easiest Ombré Nail Art Ever

Remember when ombré nail art was the latest trend? Well last summer, I was basically on a mission to master this nail effect. Although I eventually did achieve the perfect (okay not so perfect, but still!) fade from light to dark a few times, my ombré was messy and hard to execute. Well, this time around, I didn't mix colors to have every shade between white and blue possible. Instead, I used 2 polishes and 1 eyeshadow brush to get a professional looking mani in minutes!

Get the look:

1.  Apply base coat. Then paint your nail white (or any color really) & let dry.

2. Drip pink polish (or your second color) onto a napkin/paper/tinfoil. Dip a soft eyeshadow brush into the polish and sponge it onto each nail lightly, going about halfway down your nail. If the effect looks a little messy and uneven at first, don't worry, that's normal!

3. Using the same polish (in my case, the pink) paint a line across the tip of each nail. The sponge effect you created in step 2 should appear to be fading out of this solid coat.

4. Apply top coat and admire your new ombré! The pink seen here is Formula X in Potent.

unofficial 5th step: Ralph's Ices is the perfect accessory to a fresh summer mani!

Dannijo Introduces Bridal Line, Perfect for the Edgy Bride

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When it comes to fashion, I'm all about incorporating unique pieces into my own style, often to add a bit of an edge to a basic look. For this very reason, I never leave the house without accessorizing. A pair of spikey statement earrings can make even a preppy dress feel tough! So when Dannijo introduced their bridal line yesterday, I knew it was the accessory collection that would finally get me excited about weddings. 

Truthfully, I'm not super into the idea of a big, traditional wedding. Not every girl fits into a mold, and I think that weddings tend to be stereotyped. Well, I didn't wear a big, puffy dress to my Bat Mitzvah, and I'm sure I'll be saying "I don't" if someone tries to get me into one of those things for any other occasion ever. Thanks to Dannijo's new bridal line, we now have the perfect accessories to add a edgy but glam look to bridal wear. Opt for a statement necklace or of the moment ear jackets. You can even find your something blue or something nice for your bridesmaids. This line reminds me that weddings are special occasions, and on such a memorable day you should stick to your own style and what makes you happy!

Will you be saying #idodannijo? Shop the whole collection here!

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Rock the One Earring Look like Emma Watson with Ear Jackets

Emma Watson is the queen of the one earring look. Either she only has one piercing, or some serious (risky!) style. In fact, Watson was spotted sporting a single dangling earring, with her other ear bare, as early as the 2013 Met Gala. More recently, she rocked a single 360 stud at the Golden Globes and even switched up her accessories for another lone earring look for the after party. Since there are so many unique earring styles on the market right now, I knew it was time to channel my inner Emma Watson.

Ear jackets, simple studs that come with a back piece that sticks out underneath your ear, lend themselves perfectly to the one earring look. In this style, I'm wearing earrings from BaubleBar.

The secret to mastering this look is simple: wear the full ear jacket on one side. Then, on the other ear, leave the "jacket" out so that you're only wearing the stud piece. This is an easy way to rock one earring because your ears will match, but one will have a little more bling. The overall effect will be similar to an ear cuff. This asymmetrical style is the perfect way to ease into Watson territory if you aren't ready to go completely bare on one side.

Get the look with one of my ear jacket picks:

BaubleBar Crystal Arcs

Jeweliq Floating Pearls

BaubleBar Cairo Studs

JewelMint Peachick Earrings

Splurge: Jacquie Aiche Crystal Studs

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Scores from the BaubleBar Sample Sale

Last night, I was lucky enough to shop the BaubleBar Sample Sale (slightly) early in NYC, thanks to a VIP invite found on Racked.com. Although it seems like BaubleBar has insane sales & deals pretty often, I jumped at the opportunity to get up close and personal with my favorite costume jewelery, which I've only been able to shop online in the past.

Although BaubleBar jewelry is constantly going on sale, I found the prices to be even lower at their sample sale. Bracelets, rings, and earrings were as cheap as $5 and necklaces ranged from $10-$25. In the spirit of being cheap, I aimed for an under $20 find, scoring this beautiful black & white bib for only $12. Truthfully, I would have liked to buy another necklace, but many of my favorites were missing stones so be careful to examine your finds!

 

 

Are you as obsessed with sparkle as I am? Luckily, you can still visit the BaubleBar Sample Sale today & tomorrow from 10AM-8PM at 28 W 27th st, 2nd floor.

For more information, go to Racked.com.

Mani Moment: Sparkle & Fade with a Glitter Gradient

The Inspiration: Although I'm always looking for nail art inspo in my favorite magazines and around the Internet, sometimes I like to revisit my old designs with a new twist. So, for this week's look, I combined my Layered Glitter Nails with my Tape Manicure for a fun new way to wear glitter polish.

My Way:

It can be hard to create a glitter gradient using just the polish, so I used tape to apply my topcoat in a triangular shape. The way the glitter is thicker at top, coming to a point near the base of the nail, gives it an effect that appears to be fading out.  

Get the Look:

1. After applying a base coast, paint your nails a light pink or cream color. I used Nicole by OPI polish in Sweet Surrender.

2. Before applying your glitter gradient, let your base color dry completely. This is the perfect opportunity to prep for the next part of your mani. Rip off 20 pieces of masking tape (each about 2 inches long) and stick them to a nearby surface. This way, you won't have to worry about smudging your glitter to rip the tape later on.

3. Once your first color is dry, apply 2 pieces of tape over your nails, creating a triangle shape. Although I didn't snap a photo here, I demonstrated the correct shape in my Tape Mani Tutorial.

4. Apply glitter polish within the lines of your tape. I used Sally Hansen Triple Shine Dream Sequins.

5. [Optional] If you want your gradient to have even more of a fade to it, chose a slightly larger flecked glitter and apply it to the tips of your nails, similar to my Layered Glitter Nail Tutorial. I used Milani 531 Gold polish. Note: if you're layering glitters, chose polishes that have flecks of sparkle within a clear coat.

6. Apply top coat and take a pic of your fresh #ManicureMonday sparkle gradient!
 

The Ultimate Frends Collaboration Showdown

I've admired Frends for their commitment to both design and function ever since I spotted their oil slick headphones in my office last winter. So when their collaboration with one of my favorite jewelery retailers launched, I was overjoyed. But then, only about a week after BaubleBar and Frends announced their collab, a similar announcement was made with Nordstrom. Since I can't be the only one feeling déjà vu over these two collaborations, I decided that the time has come for a showdown.

Frends x BaubleBar (right): Frends headphones are accessories of their own, but in this collab, the brand looked towards a popular jewelry site to lend them some sparkle. This pair comes in two colors, both complete with matching statement earrings! (Though I imagine you couldn't comfortably wear them together, right?) While the rose gold (pictured) has a femininity to it, the black pair is a bit edgier. Either are a perfect go to for the bauble enthusiast. Since they already sold out once, the rose gold pair is now available for pre-sale on BaubleBar.com.

Frends x We Are Handsome (left): This collaboration brings together music with a popular swimwear label for the perfect summer headphones, available exclusively at Nordstrom. Instead of the typical shine we're used to seeing from Frends, these headphones have a floral print in different shades of purple. Wear them with your bathing suit on the beach, or in the office when you want to pretend you're actually poolside. Get them now at a special price during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and you'll be listening to your fave tropical tunes in no time.

So which collab is your personal favorite--florals or sparkle? Or are you lusting after a pair in Frends own collection? Let me know in the comments below!

My Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Although I hate to admit it, fall is creeping up on us. Luckily, Nordstrom's biggest sale of the year is here to ease us into fall dressing while still enjoying the summer sun. So here are my picks from the sale--some you can wear now, while others will have you looking forward to the colder months ahead.

 

1.  Topshop Print T-Shirt Dress: Wear this graphic dress now with your favorite slip on sandals, and in fall with black high socks and booties. 

2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Colorblock Crossbody Satchel: This colorblocked version of Phillip Lim's classic satchel is sure to blend in with your fall and winter wardrobes. The teal will add a fun pop of color that doesn't deviate too much from your closet of neutrals come fall.

3. Ciaté Nail Polish Trio: I'm always doing my nails, and I love finding new colored polishes. This trio is great because each color works well for now or for fall! Cute beauty boxes like this one also make great gifts.

4. Steve Madden Nyrvana Boot: When I was interning last winter, black booties became a staple in my wardrobe. They're versatile and can make jeans appear polished! If you work in a cold office, wear them now to give your summer dresses a bit of an edge. This style's quilted backing give them a unique vibe.

5. Rebecca Minkoff Chic Happens Pouch: No matter the season, a bright pouch is a necessity for us busy girls on the go. Tuck it into your tote bag with your makeup essentials enclosed. Chic will happen in no time.

6. Kate Spade Teardrop Studs: Although these studs come in a few colors, the green is perfect to pair with your summer floral dresses! Come fall, you won't want to tuck them away in your wardrobe, which is fine considering accessories are the perfect way to add color to your outfit.

7. Topshop High Rise Taperd Raux Leather Trousers: I'm a lover of all things high-waisted, so these pants caught my eye immediately. They have a perfect edgy but sporty vibe that will scream "I'm casual, I just threw these on and walked out the door," every time you put them on. In case you can't tell, I'm also a lover of pieces that make any outfit look trendy, that are still versatile (strappy heels, cropped sweatshirt, slip on sneakers--you be the judge!).  

Introducing My New & Improved Blog

A year ago, I started a (now-nonexistent) blog called FashMob, which then became Shinnersss the Blog with the purpose of developing my writing skills and online identity. However, since I also was writing for a few other online magazines, my blog never picked up much. For those of you who don't already know me, I'm an aspiring magazine editor and I spent my last year of college writing for student publications and interning at more national titles. Anyway, I never really liked its design or name, so now that I graduated, I decided that it's time for a blog that actually feels like my own.

Introducing A Strike of Style! (aka the page you're on right now, in case you haven't noticed)

Truthfully, the purpose of this blog hasn't changed all that much. I'm still focusing on fashion, beauty (nails!), and career tips I've learned from trying to make it in the magazine industry in my posts. And while I'm always going to be writing for other magazines, I hope that this blog can be a place for you to come and get to know me.

So take a look around and let me know what you think of my redesign!