Giving Thanks

Photo by: Rory M.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so thankful for a lot around here. We're especially thankful for your support and suggestions over the course of our first year on the internet.

Let's remember to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving all year because there is always something to be thankful for!

"I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy." -Anne Frank

EOB

Winter Series: Scarves

Photo by: Rory M.

Photo by: Rory

To kick off our winter series, we're going to talk about scarves! I convinced my friend, Samantha, to play dress-up with me as we discussed our favorite scarves and how we like to wear them.

Scarf #1 is one of my personal favorites. I just love the idea of wrapping a heavy scarf around my face to keep warm. It's comfy, cozy, and carefree! To wear this scarf, you simply wrap it around your neck (Not too tight!) until it reaches its desired length and thickness.

To me, these scarves are the sweatpants of the accessorizing world. You can wear them with anything for instant comfort for a relaxed and informal feel. They are also fun to get in neutrals or bright colors (like Samantha's).

Photo by: Rory M.

Scarf #2 is my personal go-to for cold weather accessorizing (I'm wearing it right now)! It's perfect because the many colors go with anything, and it is a bright pop of color to go with winter's greys, browns, blacks, and other neutrals.

To wear it like Samantha, fold the scarf in half (from 6ft to 3ft), wrap it around the back of your neck so over one shoulder you have the tassels or ends, and over the other is a loop. Tuck the end through the loop and pull until it reaches its desired tightness. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Samantha is wearing Scarf #3 in the style of an ascot. It's traditionally a mens accessory, however, on women it looks sophisticated with a  dash of prep. Read Samantha's article from Lucky Mag on how to wear an ascot scarf here.

Scarf #4 is an accent scarf. It's purpose isn't to keep the wearer warm, but just to look fabulous. Samantha is a writer, so this scarf is the perfect accent for her! You can also have fun picking out specialty scarves that showcase your interests. 

Photo by: Rory M.

Remember, no matter what's in style, fashion is personal expression. Find a way to share your personality in what you wear, then you'll never be out of style!

One of our readers, Jen, sent us an e-mail about why she likes wearing scarves in winter, so we thought we'd share it! 

Scarves have come to be an always increasing love of mine all throughout the year, but especially in the winter since I get to wear my absolute favorite long, warm-knit scarves. My current favorite is a super long cream colored one that, like any go to accesory, I can wear with anything! I especially love wearing it as I walk down the street on a windy winter day, especially whn I feel rather stiff in the many warm layers protecting me from the chill. As the tip of it swings side to side I feel my step turn into a sudden sache, beginning to imagine myself as a heroine from a book or classic film, about to embark on the next big step in my own story. 


Just like being mood lifters, scarves can also be outfit lifters. As a pair of cute summer shoes or purse do, scarves can be that extra pop of color you could be looking for if you feel your winter could use some brightening up! They also make for a lovely, and timeless gift perfect for anyone this time of year, making them all the more splendid winter-time accessory for anyone in need of a simple addition to their ensemble, with the perfect added touch of warmth. 

Jen

Do you have a favorite winter style or accessory? We want to hear about it! Send your thoughts to anewbeautyblog@gmail.com.

Happy styling!

Rory

Winter Series

Photo by: Rory M.

Hello all you beautiful bloggers!

In the upcoming weeks, I will be writing about some of my favorite winter/cold weather trends. I used to hate the cold weather because I felt there was no way to look good and be comfortable. I'm pleased to say that is no longer the case!

I'm still in the process of discovering all the wonderful winter-time fashions, so if you have a favorite, send us a photo and/or information about why you love your cold-weather trend. You can e-mail us at: anewbeautyblog@gmail.com.

Rory

Something I Saw on the Tube

Photo by: Rory M.

Last night, I saw this hairstyle on a contestant on "The Voice", and desperately wanted to try it out! Lucky for me, I was enjoying a wonderful evening with some girlfriends who let me experiment with their hair. Here's what we got!

Step 1: Take a small section of hair from one side of the head.

Photo by: Rory M.

Step 2: Begin braiding small section around the head until you start getting to the back.

Photo by: Rory M.

Step 3: Once you get to the back, start adding strands to the upper side of the braid. This looks like a French braid with hair only being added to one side.

Photo by: Rory M.

Step 4: Continue half-French braiding, angling the braid downwards. It should begin to look diagonal. Follow this step until you reach the opposite side from which you began.

Photo by: Rory M.

Step 5. Finish the braid, and tie it off.

Photo by: Rory M. 

Give it a try!

Rory

The B-word

Photo by: Rory M. 

Over the weekend, my brother told me something that struck me so much I knew I needed to write about it. Saturday night, we went to a birthday party. Afterwards, he walked me to the bus stop, and we chatted until the bus came. We talked about the party and the neighborhood, and all manner of silly things until he suddenly became very serious.

"Rory, you're beautiful. You know that?"

I let that sink in for a moment. I wasn't sure what he meant, but I knew he wasn't referring to how I looked that night. As if reading my mind, he said, "Not like fashion and style beauty, although you always look good, but the inner beauty." Cue heart melt.

I spoke with a friend over the summer about what we referred to as the "B-word" and how it connotes so much more than good looks. The word "beautiful" carries a weight with it that's hard to describe. It consists of all these inner qualities that radiate out. I love this quote from Roald Dahl's The Twits. I think it captures what I'm trying to say perfectly:

"A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.” 

And it also goes the other way.

I once knew someone who would have been deemed "beautiful" by worldly standards. She had a coveted physique, fabulous hair, great bone structure, and flawless skin. I don't know what she spent her thoughts on, but she often spoke judgmental and condemning words. As a result, she had few friends, and people began to sense the inner person before even acknowledging her looks.

People have different ways of attaining their personal beauty. It is found in anything that lights your fire- anything that gets you excited about life. The most effective makeover trick I could ever pass on would be this: Fill your heart with so much joy and passion that it has nowhere to go  but out. There is nothing more beautiful than that.

This isn't meant to sound like, "Oh hey, look at how cool I am", but starting this blog has been a sort of check for me. It's pushed me to do and experience more of life that gets me excited. Since then, it's inspired me to chase a life that produces inner beauty. This is merely an encouragement to find your beauty and share it with the world!

Happy weekend!

Rory

The Ten-Second Tailor

Problem:

Photo by: Rory M.

As a petite shopper, it's annoying when I find a pair of jeans that fit in all the right places, but the length is all wrong. I can't tell you how many jeans I've destroyed by doubling the hems as socks. Jeans are not meant to be walked on, especially over extended periods of time. So here are some tips if your jeans are too long!

1. Roll

Photo by: Rory M. 

2. Tuck

Photo by: Rory M. 

4. Raise

Photo by: Rory M.

5. Bootilicious

Photo by: Rory M.

These are the techniques I use most often. I highly recommend eventually tailoring jeans to your height, but in the meantime these tips will keep your jeans safe while you're having adventures!

Rory

Walking the Line

Photo by: Rory M.

Today, I'm sharing another product I absolutely love! Like my red lips post, I have certain criteria by which I judge liquid eyeliner. Here they are-

Easy to apply.
Create a dramatic line with minimal mess/smudge.
Come off easily with a Q-tip when I mess up, but must not fade throughout the day.
Can't bust the bank.

Photo by: Rory M.

I found all of these in the Milani Eye Tech Liquid Eye Liner. This liner is compact (comes in one piece) and has a felt tip that makes it easy-peesy to apply. And the best part? You can find it at any pharmacy or your local drug store. Yippee!

So if you're feeling some drama or a 1960s vibe, give liquid liner a try!

Rory