Fashion

20 College Graduation Dress Ideas to Wear for the Big Day

Posted on October 3, 2021

Here, 20 graduation Dress ideas that will complement your well-deserved accomplishment

Congrats! College graduation is finally here, and I bet you’re feeling a lot of different emotions. You made it through the dreaded group projects and late-night studying to get your degree, you might be leaving behind your close friends to embark on a new chapter, and you got through it all during a pandemic, which is stressful and anxious in and of itself. But you should be SO proud of yourself and you deserve to be celebrated!

It might not be exactly how you envisioned, but whether your school is holding an outdoor in-person ceremony or hosting it virtually, you can still dress up in something festive for the special occasion and celebrate. Plus, don’t forget: you never have to take a test again (well, unless you’re going to grad school), which is definitely something else to cheers to! Here, 20 graduation outfit ideas that will complement your well-deserved diploma—and please remember to take a bunch of pics, even if you’re just posing in your living room. You’ll be glad you did.

Love Swept White Lace Midi Skater Dress

$98

A scalloped white lace frock with ankle-strap heels is a classic that’ll go with any cap and gown.

BUY FROM LULU’S

Polo Dress

$128

Talk about red hot! A vivid shade like this will guarantee all eyes on you. Pair it with white accessories for even more of a pop.

BUY FROM REVOLVE

Jade Jumpsuit

$115

Talk about red hot! A vivid shade like this will guarantee all eyes on you. Pair it with white accessories for even more of a pop.

BUY FROM REVOLVE

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Fashion

Clip-In Hair Extensions, according to Celebrity Hairstylists

Posted on September 27, 2021

Looking to try temporary hair extensions? Experts recommend these picks.

We’ve all experienced it: The brief pang of regret after cutting our hair; mourning for all of the hairstyles intended for long hair that we were “just about to try” and will miss out on until it grows back.

Luckily, there’s an easy solution out there for anyone who feels like their hair just doesn’t have the length or volume they crave (and that growing it out takes too long): extensions.

But with so many options out there, it’s so hard to know which to choose. “As a colorist, I like clip-ins the best,” Stephanie Brown, master colorist at the Eddie Arthur Salon in New York City, previously told TODAY Style. “It’s easier for me to color hair, and also because you can put them in and take them out whenever you want. They are a (commitment-free) way to add length and fullness or body to your hair.”

Stephanie’s most important tip is to pick a set with color and texture that is most similar to your own hair. “It isn’t easy dyeing extensions and it isn’t cheap … I charge the same amount as I do when I color someone’s hair,” Brown said.

When it comes to price, a good set is worth the investment.

“(Cheaper options) can look bulky and even cause harm to your natural hair since the clips or tapes are poorly made,” Brown added. “If you take proper care of your extensions, they will not need to be replaced so quickly. Even if you dye your hair, just bring them with you to the salon and ask your colorist to match them.”

We asked other celebrity hairstylists what their favourite clip-in hair extensions are and they shared which ones they recommend to their own clients.

CHECK THESE OUT

Vario Clip-In Human Hair Extensions

$73.98

“I originally bought these because they were an ‘Amazon’s Choice’ item, plus their reviews — although there are not many — were almost all five stars,” said celebrity stylist Gregg Giannillo, who works with clients like Vanessa Williams. “Once I used them, I knew why! They are soft, thick, very good quality and very well made. They curl beautifully, they color beautifully and they come in so many varieties that you can find a perfect match. They are truly the next best thing to custom-made at a fraction of the price.”

BUY FROM AMAZON

20 Inches 3/4 Full Head Clip in Hair Extensions

$12.99

“For easy, clip-on hair extensions, DevaLook comes in an assortment of colors, adds some nice volume and is easy to use,” said celebrity hairstylist Felix Fischer, who has worked with Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson and Kate Winslet.

BUY FROM AMAZON

Bellami Clip-In Extensions

$262.99

Extension expert and celebrity hair colorist Kacey Welch swears by Bellami clip-ins. “They come in lengths from 18 inches to 24 inches and are perfect for a quick style change, event or to see if extensions are for you,” Welch said. “They have such a wide assortment of colors, they virtually match everyone — and they also have fun colors so you can experiment, too. They instantly add volume and length and are easy enough to do at home or to take to your stylist.”

BUY FROM BELLAMI HAIR

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The Most Decorated Female Olympic Track Star Allyson Felix and All the Moms

Posted on August 6, 2021

This one is for the moms!

United States Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix just won her 10th Olympic medal becoming the most decorated female athlete in all time! And she did so after giving birth to her first child, Camryn, and fighting back naysayers who counted her out since she became a mom!

The 35-year-old California native ran blind, situated in the less favored lane 9, and accelerated fast enought to win the bronze medal in the women’s 400 meters on Friday. She ran a season-best at 49.46 seconds and did so wearing her own brand of shoes, Saysh.

Defending Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas was the gold medalist in a lifetime best 48.36 seconds, and Marileidy Paulino of Dominican Republic the silver medalist; her 49.20 clocking was also a lifetime best.

With today’s medal Felix broke a tie with Jamaica’s Merlene Ottey, who has nine medals. She has also tied the legend Carl Lewis for the most medals by an American track and field athlete.

Felix parted with her longtime sponsor Nike after pushing back publicly about the athletic company’s battles with atheletes who return to the field after having a baby. She eventually created her own line.

Per Vogue

Felix gave birth to her daughter, Camryn, in 2018, and she has since been candid about her recovery and struggles while returning to training. In 2019, she broke up with her then sponsor Nike due to the circumstances related to her childbirth, sharing in a powerful New York Times op-ed that she faced a 70% pay cut in her sponsorship because of it. “During my pregnancy, I faced a gender injustice that I couldn’t run from,” she tells Vogue. “My employer [Nike] did not support my maternity in a way that I could be proud of.” With no big shoe sponsor this year, Felix decided to take matters into her own hands. But instead of finding the right performance shoe, she decided to channel her frustrations into creating an athleisure sneaker under her new brand, Saysh.

Felix competed in the finals with teammate Quanera Hayes who skated into the last round of the 400M competition on her time but came in 7th. At the Olympic Trials this year, her son Demetrius and Camryn met and hugged.

She is part of a long line of moms who had to fight stereotypes about our ability to perform at the top level in sports, come back after giving birth and generally multitask!

US Marathoner Aliphine Tuliamuk appealed to the IOC which had intially banned her from bringing her nursing newborn along to Japan. Amidst outcry from the world, she won and was able to take her daughter Zoe!

Here are some headlines about other moms who competed and are competing in these 2021 Tokyo, Japan Olympic games

NPR –Olympic And Paralympic Moms Face Big Obstacles To Compete. They’re Demanding Change

People – Super Mamas! 10 Moms Competing in the Tokyo Olympics This Summer

CBS– Marathon mom pushes Olympics to allow nursing babies

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Celebrity

Meghan Markle’s unique accessory is a sweet tribute to her children

Posted on August 5, 2021

Meghan Markle is celebrating her 40th birthday today, but she is celebrating her children everyday with this sweet and subtle tribute.

This morning the Duchess of Sussex released a video for her “40×40” initiative in honor of her 40th birthday, a campaign in which she is asking women to pledge 40 minutes of their time to “support women re-entering the workforce,” through mentorship, according to the Archewell website.

In the video, Meghan is wearing two gold necklaces in the shape of two very special constellations. The constellations — Taurus and Gemini — are the astrological signs of her 2-year-old son, Archie, and her 2-month-old daughter, Lilibet, respectively.

The star-inspired pieces Meghan wore from Logan Hollowell, a sustainable, Los Angeles-based jewelry brand, are adorned with diamonds in a gold setting.

Though Meghan is no stranger to using her jewelry to share sentimental messages, particularly with the zodiac. Last year, Meghan was spotted wearing a pair of necklaces featuring the Virgo and Taurus star signs for Harry and Archie, respectively.

Personalized necklaces have been gaining traction recently, among celebs and other royals. (Last year, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wore a pendant with “GCL” engraved on it, which are the initials of her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.)

Constellation necklaces are the perfect way to get in on the personalized jewelry trend, but with a cosmic twist. Below we rounded up the best constellation necklace options that will add a touch of flair — and sentimentality — to any look.

CHECK THEM OUT

Potion Number 9 Constellation Necklace

$32.95

Etsy store Potion Number 9 makes dainty gold-filled constellation necklaces from cubic zirconia stones in a range of lengths. This top-rated accessory is an “Etsy’s Pick,” meaning it’s been selected by style and trend editors as a style to note.

BUY FROM ETSY

Sterling Forever ‘When Stars Align’ Constellation Necklace

$69.00

Available in gold- or brass-plated styles, this top-rated pick is perfect to sport your or your loved one’s sign.

BUY FROM STERLING FOREVER

MC Collective Cubic Zirconia Constellation Necklace

$69.00

This necklace from MC Collective features constellations using cubic zirconia stones. It is available in both gold and silver tones to match your preferred style.

BUY FROM KOHL’S

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34 best wedding guest dresses to rock in 2021

Posted on July 23, 2021

Attending a wedding soon? These sweet dresses are perfect for every type of ceremony.

Whether your upcoming event takes place at noon in a garden or just before an evening reception, we’ve rounded up some of the best dresses for wedding guests to wear to any special occasion this spring.

Lady wearing floral dress and a black hat

There’s nothing more beautiful than a spring wedding, and as beautiful as the bride is bound to look, there’s no shame in wanting to look your best, too.

Whether your upcoming event takes place at noon in a garden or just before an evening reception, we’ve rounded up some of the best dresses for wedding guests to wear to any special occasion this spring.

From plus sized to petite, from silky cocktail dress to flowing maxis, we’ve got all springtime wedding guests covered with this guide to looking event-ready.

CHECK THESE OUT

Mango Floral Print Dresses

$39.99

This short-sleeved floral dress is romantic enough for any kind of wedding. Its shorter length makes it a great dress to pair with some vibrant heels.

BUY FROM MANGO

Next to You Ruffled Midi Dresses

$68

Dance the night away in this romantic rose ruffled midi dress, which has fluttery sleeves and a dramatic side split.

BUY FROM LULUS

Lady wearing an emerald green crinkle dress

Torrid Crinkle Knit Skater Midi Dresses

$75.50

The cute keyhole back and emerald green crinkle fabric take this plus-size option from Torrid to a whole different level.

BUY FROM TORRID

SEE MORE GUEST WEDDING DRESSES HERE

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Tips

The Best Maternity Bridesmaid Dresses for Every Bridal Party Look

Posted on June 30, 2021

Shop our favorite retailers for the perfect pregnant bridesmaid dress.

So you have a pregnant lady in your bridal party. First thought: Yay! Second thought: Oh, boy! (Or girl!) How to dress all your bridesmaids—including your pregnant bridesmaid—in the bridesmaid dress of your dreams? Don’t fret! You’re not the first bride-to-be with an expectant bridesmaid in your bridal party, and you certainly won’t be the last. Thankfully, many bridesmaid dress companies are recognizing that fact. Believe us: There are plenty of stunning maternity bridesmaid dresses to choose from today, and we’re putting them all in one place for you! Whether you’re going with mismatched bridesmaid dresses (i.e., giving your ladies a colour or style to look for and letting them choose the dress they feel most comfortable in) or crave a more uniform look, we’ve found gowns you (and your pregnant ‘maid) will love.

HERE ARE OUR FAVOURITES

The Dessy Group

$284

For an endless variety of cuts and colors, it’s hard to beat The Dessy Group! In addition to carrying go-to brands like Alfred Sung, After Six and its own collection, the store has a dedicated lineup of maternity bridesmaid dresses. Better yet, many of the styles come in dozens of shades for any wedding color palette. We like this long maternity bridesmaid dress for its empire waistline and unique neckline. It doesn’t hurt that it comes in everything from a moody, black floral “Noir Garden” pattern to a solid, purpleish peony hue called “Enchanted.” And FYI, everything sold by The Dessy Group comes in plus sizes up to size 30.

BUY FROM DESSY

Seraphine

$419

Seraphine—a favourite of Duchess Kate and Zoe Saldana’s—is known for its stunning collection of formal maternity dresses, including pregnant bridesmaid dresses. While the brand is pricey overall, the quality and refined details are hard to beat. We love this floor-length blush stunner for its lace bodice, cap sleeves and jewelled waistband.

BUY FROM SERAPHINE

ASOS

$140

This fast-fashion retailer may not be dedicated to wedding wear, but it actually has a vast assortment of bridesmaid dresses—including maternity bridesmaid dresses. The site is our source for inexpensive, trendy options, with some timeless styles thrown in there too. (It’s also got an inclusive array of tall, petite and plus size attire for the rest of your bridal party.) Can you stay stunning? This springy yellow maternity bridesmaid gown has a trendy off-the-shoulder neckline, a sparkly sequin bodice and pretty pleats. Oh, and it won’t break the bank. (It also comes in a cool silvery gray shade.)

BUY FROM ASOS

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Children’s Books for the Fourth of July

Posted on June 2, 2021

Celebrate this Fourth of July with fireworks, flags and the Founding Fathers! From the well-known George Washington and John Adams, to Sybil Ludington’s midnight ride, this collection of books brings history and festivity to kids ages 0-12.

Check out this books here

These are our faves:

Those Rebels, John and Tom

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson didn’t always agree, but this book explores their teamwork in a colorful and creative look at their differences and similarities. Award winners Barbara Kerley and Edwin Fotheringham researched the lives of these two great men to deliver an accurate but witty biography to young children.

F is for Flag

This endearing picture book looks at the American flag’s many homes, from school yards, to boats, to neighborhood houses. Easy to follow and easier to love.

Sybil Ludington’s Midnight Ride

Paul Revere wasn’t the only one who made a famous midnight run. Sybil Ludington was only 16 when she answered her nation’s call for heroes, and she and her horse rode for miles to alert her countrymen about the approaching British soldiers. This inspiring look at Sybil’s life reminds us that anyone can change history with a little courage.

Little black boy with United States flag in his hand smiling as part of an article about children's books for the 4th of july

This Land is Your Land

This classic ballad is brought to life in a richly illustrated edition for the the whole family to share. Woody Guthrie’s powerful lyrics and Kathy Jakobsen’s detailed paintings invite readers on a journey across the country, creating an unforgettable portrait of our diverse land and the people who live it.

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Fashion

12 Reasons Why You Need Another Slip Dress

Posted on April 30, 2021

Ahh, the ’90s. If there’s one article of clothing that has become synonymous with the golden era of fashion, music, and pop culture, it’s the slip dress. The delicate, silky garment was once seen as a fashion faux pas—a risqué lingerie piece worn only in the comfort of your home—but when industry insiders like Kate Moss took the boudoir look from the bedroom to the red carpet it was a wrap for the bedroom-only mentality.

Now that it’s officially spring, I’ve been dreaming about slipping into the butter soft one-and-done silhouette in varying lengths and prints. Shop 12 of my favorites ahead.

Here are our faves!

Mykola Sequin Slip Dress

The party doesn’t start until you walk in wearing this dazzling, sequined dress with a flowing ruffle hem.

Buy Now On Intermix!

Mallory Cowl Neck Slip Dress

Complement this look with a pair of crisp white sneakers or go full-on ’90s with delicate strappy sandals.

Buy Now On Urban Outfitters!

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10 All-Inclusive Family Resorts Even Teenagers Will Love

Posted on April 30, 2021

When my kids were little, I would enviously eye parents traveling with teens. They seemed so self-sufficient, carrying their own suitcases and watching movies or playing video games during long flights, while my needy toddlers were stuck to me like peanut butter to jelly.

Little did I know that when my kids reached their teens, they’d find spending vacation time with their boring parents anything but cool. Their idea of vacation paradise is splashing around in water parks and hanging out with new friends at the resort’s teen club. They’ll spend time with their parents as long as they’re also allowed a healthy dose of independence, too.

Here are our faves!

Club Med Punta Cana

In the Dominican Republic, Club Med Punta Cana sits alongside a stunning swath of the Caribbean Sea fringed with sugary sand and tall coconut palms. Club Med pioneered the whole concept of all-inclusive resorts, with meals, drinks, activities, kid and teen clubs, and entertainment covered in the pay-one-price deal.

At Club Med Punta Cana, teens ages 11 to 17 have their own space called Club Med Passworld. Activities include water sports, circus arts such as learning to swing on a flying trapeze, archery, and horseback riding. When the sun goes down, outdoor movies on the beach and dance parties offer the chance to mingle with new friends.

Book Your Stay Now On Trip Advisor!

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

Nestled in a private enclave on the Riviera Maya just a short drive from Cancun, the Grand Residences Riviera Cancun is a beachfront hideaway located between the world’s second largest barrier reef and a tranquil nature preserve.

If you’re traveling with active older kids and teens, the resort is the ideal spot for outdoor adventures. In addition to numerous pools and tennis courts, guests can stop by the sports desk and reserve equipment for water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking, or borrow bicycles to pedal around the grounds. The activity centeris open daily and includes the opportunity to try beach volleyball, salsa, and yoga classes.

Book Your Stay Now On Trip Advisor!

Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch is an upscale resort in Monterey County, California. It’s paradise for active families with teens who crave adventure. There are multiple saltwater swimming pools, including one designated for families that includes a hot tub and squirting water jets.

Golf, tennis, and hiking should keep many teens entertained, but there are also more unusual opportunities to get acquainted with the natural world. Carmel Valley Ranch is home to its own apiary with thousands of Italian honeybees. Teens may explore beekeeping, from hive science to honey tasting, when they join a 90-minute class and learn about the connection between plants and pollinators. They’ll suit up in protective gear and head to the apiary to watch the bees in action before sampling the luscious honey.

Book Your Stay Now On Trip Advisor!

Massanutten Resort

Located in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten Resort is loaded with recreational possibilities to tempt teens. There are indoor and outdoor options in all seasons, so there’s never a wrong time to visit. And it’s located only a few hours from Washington, D.C., making it a favorite weekend escape for Beltway families.

There’s a huge indoor/outdoor water park, a Family Adventure Park with a zipline, 30 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails, plus basketball and tennis courts. In winter, active families and teens enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding. Creative teens can try ukulele lessons and tie-dye workshops. In summer and during holidays, there are special teen nights with games and activities.

Book Your Stay Now On Trip Advisor!

Woodloch Pines Resort

Woodloch Pines is a family-owned lakeside resort in the Pocono Mountains. It exudes genuine hospitality and prides itself on personalized service, which helps to explain why so many guests return year after year.

It’s a slice of teen heaven only two hours from New York City, with paintball, go-carting, archery, and more activities targeted to teenagers and older kids. In winter, snow tubing and ice-skating are fun outdoor options. While there’s no specific teen club at Woodloch, the resort hosts numerous friendly competitions such as Bakery Wars and Olympics, all of which are a great way for teens to make friends. Entertainment each evening includes juggling, magic shows, and comedy acts.

Book Your Stay Now On Trip Advisor!

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Tips

27 Unforgettable Family Vacation Ideas for After the Pandemic

Posted on April 30, 2021

Sometimes it takes a pandemic to make you realize which family vacation ideas are really at the top of your bucket list. Now that we can’t travel as freely as we used to because of COVID-19, you might be finding yourself daydreaming more than ever about where you want to take the kids when the world reopens. If so, you’re not alone. Surveys show that when travel resumes, people are more likely than ever to invest in all-inclusive family vacations in the U.S. and abroad along with other big-ticket vacation experiences.

Here are our faves!

Monhonk Mountain House

The only U.S. location for Club Med is far from alone when it comes to all-inclusive vacation options for families, though. In the northeast, the Mohonk Mountain House offers a stunning Hudson River Valley backdrop for classic family vacation activities like swimming, kayaking, row boating, picnicking, and hiking (not to mention family-friendly fare like glow-in-the-dark disc golf).

Organize Your Trip Now On TripAdvisor!

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Hawaii is always one of the best family vacation destinations in the world, but booking a stay at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is a next-level family vacation idea for kids and parents alike. Ringed by glorious white-sand beaches and a rocky black lava landscape on the Big Island, this family-friendly resort has seven swimming pools, an incredible kids’ club, and a teen-only lounge for when your surly teen has had enough of you (or vice versa). Throughout 2021 and all the way until February 28, 2022, you can save 20 percent off the regular room rate if you book a stay at least seven days in advance.

Organize Your Trip Now On TripAdvisor!

Seven Mile Beach

Of course, Mexico and the Caribbean are great family vacation destinations for sand and sun, too. The island of Grand Cayman is home to the crescent-shaped Seven Mile Beach, world-renowned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. The seven miles of uninterrupted beach are lined with restaurants and the crystal clear water is perfect for snorkeling with kids. Family-friendly Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort boasts prime real estate on the beach to go with its beachfront pool and fabulous rooms.

Organize Your Trip Now On TripAdvisor!

Beaches Turks & Caicos

In the Turks and Caicos, Beaches Turks and Caicos has villas that can accommodate up to 14 people, making it a great all-inclusive option for larger families

Organize Your Trip Now On TripAdvisor!

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

In Mexico, Cancun’s Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers both a kid-friendly and an adults-only private beach vacation experience right in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. Families love it for the 29,000-square-foot Woodward Riviera Maya action-sports facility (think trampolines, a skate park, and a ninja obstacle course), the kids club with daily activities, and the Rockaway Bay water park loaded with adrenaline-fueled slides for the older kids and gentler slides for the youngest families members.

Organize Your Trip Now On TripAdvisor!

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