trend

Shoulder Love

Courtney Salinger
off-the-shoulder-6

Enjoying the great outdoors in a cute ensemble.

Spread the shoulder love! “Off the shoulder” tops are making waves and providing views of various collarbones and shoulders. “Off the shoulder” tops are very versatile. They can be worn for just about any occasion and can be worn during any season, depending on how you wear them. Here are a few suggestions on how these delectable tops can be accustomed to your wardrobe.
Showing some Shoulder Love in an "Off the Shoulder" Dress.

Showing some Shoulder Love in an “Off the Shoulder” Romper.

Try pairing an “off the shoulder” crop top with jeans and any kind of shoes. The balance between the laidback vibes from the jeans and the cute and sweet vibes from the top will make the outfit look relaxed and desirable for any chill occasion.

Cut-offs with gladiator sandals and an “off the shoulder” crop top looks adorable! When pairing cut-offs and a crop top, you get a chance to show off your figure. The crop top accentuates your waist and shows off those chiseled collarbones and toned shoulders. Whereas, the cut-offs make way to show off legs and design of the gladiator sandals. Adding gladiator sandals to the outfit, gives the whole ensemble some character.

Cut-offs and gladiator sandals, with an "off the shoulder" crop top.

An “off the shoulder” crop top, cut-offs, and gladiator sandals.

If you’re not feelin’ a cropped “off the shoulder” top, try wearing a regular shoulder baring top with some leggings and some boots for those upcoming chilly days.

Another alternative to an “off the shoulder” top would be a dress. “Off the shoulder” dresses look cutest with heels or knee high boots. Try pairing a dress with some strappy heels or suede knee high boots and a cute leather purse for that balance of chicness and sophistication.

“Off the shoulder” tops are flattering and chic, they accentuate shoulders and collarbones in a stylish way. Whether it be for a casual outing or an elegant dinner, “off the shoulder” tops can be worn anytime.

See it in action here:

Blue Pouty Craze

Courtney Salinger

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick “Little Denim Dress”

Lately, it seems as though one of summer’s hottest beauty trends is a sky blue matte lip. Whether it be provided by Kylie Jenner’s Lip Kits or NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipsticks, sky blue matte lips are on the rise. I have heard mixed reviews about the trend and decided to try it out. Here is how I first found out about the trend and my overall critique.

I first discovered the sky blue lip color from NYX because I follow them on Instagram. Then, through Snapchat, I saw that Kylie Jenner was launching “Skylie” a sky blue matte lip just before 4th of July weekend. When I first saw the products through social media, I thought, “Wow, that’s very bright, I wonder how I could pull this off.” I was skeptical about the whole thing because I had felt the brightness level of the blue was very high and it would be overpowering. I gave it more thought and was like, “You know what, let’s go for it… It’s summer time, I’m only young once, why not have a little fun!”

Yes, I’m still adjusting to my shopaholic ways and trying not to spend that much money. So I did a little research! I compared prices between Kylie Jenner’s “Skylie” Lip Kit and NYX’s “Little Denim Dress” Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick. Kylie’s runs around $29, whereas NYX’s is near $7. Which one sounds like a better deal, guys? Don’t get me wrong, Kylie’s lip kit includes both the lip liner and liquid lipstick, but better to save especially when you’re on a budget.

So, I went for NYX’s “Little Denim Dress” Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick. I drove down to my nearest ULTA and picked up one of two “Little Denim Dresses” that were available. When I first swatched the bright blue creamy lipstick onto the back of my hand, I thought, “ok, ok, this might actually work on me.” As it was drying on my hand, my interest grew more and more.

Blue Lippies

Blue Lippies

I decided to try it out during 4th of July weekend. I was getting ready for the day’s festivities and pulled out my newest makeup hopeful, “Little Denim Dress.” I had made up my face with my usual makeup routine, which consisted of, face makeup (moisturizer, foundation, highlighter, bronzer, concealer, setting powder), eye makeup (eyeliner for the top and bottom, mascara), and primer water.

I began to swipe “Little Denim Dress” onto my lips, in front of a mirror. Indoors, the color looked surprisingly pretty, I looked awake, which was a plus, though a little bit on the costume side, but I thought the color could pass.  In broad daylight is where I really had my “wow” moment.

I had walked over to the window in my room, which provides natural sunlight, and looked at myself with a handheld mirror. It was then and there where I fell in love! The bright blue actually made my skin look so healthy and clear. My eyes had looked brighter and were sparkling with delight. In that moment, I just felt alive. I was impressed.

Overall, I’m a fan of the bright blue lip trend. Yes, it is out there and risky, but who doesn’t like a good showstopper? 

See it in action: