ElleGirl

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    If there’s one thing we took away from Pitti Uomo, the annual mega menswear trade show in Florence, it’s that Italian boys know how to dress. Usually it’s the girls who are the more fashion-forward ones in relationships, but these guys put the ladies’ outfits to shame, hitting the streets in bold colors, rolled up cuffs, daring prints (camouflage!), and tailored blazers. Most of the designer duds from the show itself won’t hit the shelves for months, but in the meantime, you can learn a thing or two from all of the fashionable male attendees. To help your beau get an equally stylish look, here are some takeaway fashion tips straight from Italy (just in time for Men’s Fashion Week!)

    1. Tailored blazers



    Photo: Courtesy of STREETFSN

    A tight-fitted blazer can either be worn as a separate or with matching pants (as this sickeningly handsome Italian man did). This double-breasted jacket is a classic piece that will be “in stile” for years. Feel free to coordinate with a colorful scarf.

    2. Camouflage

     

    Photo: Courtesy of STREETFSN

    his guy’s not blending in anywhere with this flashy camo print. Skilled in the art of layering, he chose to wear the print over a tweed blazer and underneath a chunky sweater. He tied the look together with a pale blue oxford shirt—an ensemble fit for any adventure.

    3. Plaid

     

    Photo: Courtesy of Jack & Jil

    Plaid was a hot pattern at Pitti: coats, shirts, ties—you name it. This gentleman wore a crisp green coat with a simple plaid pattern and a contrasting collar. This handsome plaid piece will look great over dress shirts and suits.

    4. Bold colors




    Photo: Courtesy of Grazia

    Look, it’s the Italian Chuck Bass! One great part about Pitti is that the guys weren’t afraid to show some color. A bold-colored pant, blazer, or tie will add some Italian flair to your boyfriend’s look.

    5. Layers, layers, layers



    Photo: Courtesy of Jack & Jil

    When it doubt, layer it up! Layers are great for the cold-weather months—when you get indoors, you can simply shed a piece. This guy shows off his layering skills with a double set of collared shirts worn under a double-breasted cable-knit sweater—a wardrobe staple that will instantly update your look.

    6. Pops of color



    Photo: Courtesy of Grazia

    You have to applaud this dude’s subtle use of color in his outfit: the tie, the hanging scarf, the socks, and the shoes. Deep, rich colors like orange, yellow, and blue will make your man a classy standout on the street.

    7. Casual cool



    Photo: Courtesy of The Sartorialist

    Even though in our dream world all boys would dress in jackets and ties, that’s just not reality. But worry not—your boyfriend can still look trendy in a lightweight T-shirt, slim-fit pants, brogues, and a navy coat.

    8. Rolled-up cuffs



    Photo: Courtesy of Grazia

    Rolled-up cuffs were seen on countless ankles at Pitti, and we’re totally on board with the look. Just make sure your boyfriend cuffs his pants over the ankle, leaving room to show off some skin (or some colorful socks!)

    9. Canvas sacks



    Photo: Courtesy of STREETFSN

    This colorful canvas sack transforms an everyday item and makes it stylish. Just think how much cooler your boyfriend will look toting this around in the hallways instead of a ratty old North Face.
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    Michael Kors fall 2011, Imaxtree 
    Unless you live on the West Coast, you know about seasons. And when seasons change, so must our skincare regimen. The weather and its elements affect our skin so much that if you reach for the same products all year long, you’re doing your skin a disservice. It’s something we’re trying to be better at, too. We recently chatted with top NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Anne Chapas about the most common winter skincare mistakes we make, and what we can do protect our skin during the most severe inclement weather. And below, check out our favorite go-to products we stock up on when Old Man Winter settles in. 
    ELLEgirl: What are the definite Don’ts of skincare during the cold season every gal must know? 
    Dr. Anne Chapas: Skipping moisturizer. Not wearing sunscreen because it’s not “summer.” Using gels that dry out instead of moisturizing lotions and creams. Using abrasive soaps. Taking long, hot showers. 
    ELLEgirl: Does winter skincare differ from skin type to skin type? 
    Dr. Chapas: Yes and no. Everyone’s skin is drier in the winter. However, if someone is oily to start with, she might be more normal in the winter months, whereas a person with normal skin type may be dry in the winter months. 
    ELLEgirl: What are the top products every girl should be using on her skin? 
    Dr. Chapas: Two things: a mild cleanser and a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher, anti-oxidants, and Retinol. 
    ELLEgirl: Is there a specific product that we shouldn’t spend our money on? Why? 
    Dr. Chapas: Anything with fancy packaging. Save your money for things that have been scientifically proven to improve the health and appearance of the skin, not something that looks pretty on the shelf. 
    ELLEgirl: Should our AM and PM skincare routines be different? If so, in what ways? 
    Dr. Chapas: In the morning, use a moisturizer with sunscreen. At night, apply retinol/Retin A, since these are inactivated by sunlight. 
    ELLEgirl: If a girl has 10 minutes in the morning to get ready, what skin regimen would you recommend? 
    Dr. Chapas: Use a mild cleanser with an exfoliating brush, and cover up with a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. 
    ELLEgirl: Does keeping a humidifier in our bedrooms really make a huge difference? 
    Dr. Chapas: Yes! Especially in the winter. 
    ELLEgirl: What’s the best way to prevent and control breakouts during the winter season? 
    Dr. Chapas: Always remove make-up—no exceptions! Use a water-based moisturizer after Retinol at night. 
    ELLEgirl: How do you know for sure that a product’s not working/not best for your skin type? Dr. Chapas: If your skin is dry, red, or irritated, you need to make a change. Top Products for Winter Skincare 
    Photo: Courtesy of H2O H2O Plus’ new Marine Calm cleanser, $18 
    Photo: Courtesy of TargetDove Cream Oil Ultra Rich Body Wash, $8 
    Photo: Courtesy of Sephora Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $13
     
    Photo: Courtesy of L'Occitane L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, $26
     Photo: Courtesy of drugstore.com Curel Foot Therapy, $6 
    Photo: Courtesy of drugstore.com Vaseline Intensive Care Vitalizing Gel Body Oil with Brazillian Nut and Almond Oils, $8 
    Photo: Courtesy of drugstore.com Nivea Body Smooth Sensation Daily Lotion, $8
    Photo: Courtesy of Walgreens Aquaphor Advanced Therapy, $6

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    Photo: MTV 
    Tonight, ANTM finalist Angelea Preston is guest starring on the season premiere of MTV’s Made. The 25-year-old model and actress will appear as a “Made coach” helping a handful of Earl Warren High School student achieve their dreams of being crowned Homecoming King and Queen. We chatted with Angelea about what she was like in high school, how she deals with harsh winter weather and the even harsher modeling industry, and what beauty product she simply cannot live without. Check it out! ELLE Girl 
    (EG): How did you get involved with Made? 
    Angelea Preston (AP): The agency I was working with set up a casting call. I was a little nervous and I thought I was going for a wingwoman episode, but then I met with the casting director who told me they wanted me for a Homecoming King and Queen episode. I’d never been Homecoming Queen! They asked a lot about my high school experience and I got really excited and just kept thinking, ‘I hope I get this! I hope I get this!’ because I love working with kids and teens. Then they called me about a week later and gave me the part! 
    EG: What was your high school experience like? 
    AP: Very fun! Like I said, I wasn’t Homecoming Queen, I was actually kind of a nerd. I was really concerned about my grades and part of Italian Club and a peer education group, BART. I went to schools and talked to kids my own age about STDs and HIV and AIDS. I wanted to be a cheerleader, but I was nervous and kind of shy. I was very tall and very thin, and I felt like the most awkward person in school, I just felt out of place. 
    EG: In a sneak peek for tonight’s episode, you spoke about not feeling confident in high school but that you eventually regained that confidence. How did you go about doing that? 
    AP: Basically by gaining experience. As a teenager you’re worried about what everyone thinks, you want the nicest clothes and the nicest sneakers, and you worry about who has the nicest car. That’s just what you think about. As you get older, you become more of your own person and you think about the problems from high school and they don’t seem real—you think ‘why was I thinking about that boy, I have college courses to worry about and bills to pay!’ 
    EG: What was it like to be figuratively “back in high school” while coaching? 
    AP: It was so much fun! I felt like the new kid at school! It brought me back to being 16 and 17 and going to a new school for the first time and worrying if everyone would like me but I had so much fun. It felt great to be at a school that was so different from mine—they have a lot more freedom. They get to go out to lunch and eat outside and eat at restaurants! Everyone was also really welcoming, the staff at Earl Warren was welcoming and San Antonio was welcoming and the kids were great. I really miss them! We’re friends are on Facebook  and I’m going back in March for a festival called Fiesta. 
    EG:You also said in the sneak peek that being “in charge” shouldn’t be the goal of someone running for Homecoming Queen and that conflict resolution and a positive attitude are important. Is that one way you approach life in general? 
    AP: Absolutely. It’s very important to remember that if your peers can’t relate to you, if they can’t think of you as a friend and talk to you, if you play the role of HBIC, they’re going to look at you like you’re crazy. In the industry I’m in, you get told ‘no’ a lot and you have to not let negativity drag you down. 
    EG: On the note of not letting negativity get to you, you didn’t make it into cycle 12 of ANTM, made it to the semi-finals in cycle 14, and were one of the three finalists in cycle 17. What would you say was your key to success? 
    AP: My key was growth. In cycle 12, I was off the wall, I didn’t care and I didn’t even make it past the first episode. After cycle 12 and after I had actually watched myself on TV, I was like “wow, this is crazy.” Of course, there’s editing and a lot of things are cut but for the most part, there was a lot going on, both on and off screen, in my personal life and in my career and it was personal growth for me in life that helped me succeed. 
    EG: You handled your disqualification from ANTM very gracefully. Do you have advice for people who hit major set backs?
    AP: Keep going, just keep going. I loved my time on America’s Next Top Model, and I’m so grateful to the producers and to Tyra for giving me the chance to showcase my work in that way—and congratulations to Lisa, and I wish her success in all of her endeavors. You just have to keep going; no one can direct your destiny but you. People will tell you can’t do this, you’re too tall, too short, you need to lose fifteen pounds, you need to gain fifteen pounds. Everyone who has succeeded has endured negative criticism, but they’ve got something inside them that says ‘you can do it’ and they take every negative comment with a grain of salt. 
    EG: Modeling is a cut-throat, highly demanding industry. How have you managed not to lose who you are and to stay true to yourself? 
    AP: I always remember where I come from. I’m from Buffalo, NY, and I didn’t grow up rich. I didn’t grow up poor either, but my parents worked so hard to give me everything, and my goal and my motivation has been wanting something better for myself and my family. They also help keep me grounded. I’m living in New York City right now, taking acting classes and getting into acting, and it’s good to go home and see the people who genuinely love you for yourself and your friends who want your friendship for no other reason than genuinely enjoying your company, who knew you before you were on TV. They help me stay grounded and humble, especially my niece, Niesha, I love her so much. 
    EG: You’re from Buffalo so you’re used to intense winters. What are your best tips for surviving winter weather? 
    AP: Oh my God, I am used to the crazy snow. I just layer on a bunch of clothes. I’m in L.A. right now so I don’t have to deal with it but at home I just layer on the clothes: three or four sweaters, a big puffy coat, two pairs of socks. I’ve very thin too so it’s hard to stay warm. I just go completely overboard and bundle up. 
    EG: Do you have a favorite celebrity you follow on Twitter? 
    P: Let’s see…I love to follow 50 cent; I think he’s tweet are so funny. I follow about 500 people, about half are celebrities and half are fans so there’s always a lot on my dash, but I love 50 cent. 
    EG: What about a favorite reality TV show? 
    AP: Oh yeah, I watch tons of reality shows! I love The Real Housewives shows, there was a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills marathon on last night and I watched that, pretty much anything on Bravo. I love VH1 reality shows, love Mob Wives, T.I & Tiny, yeah I love reality T.V. 
    EG: What is one beauty product you cannot live without? 
    AP: Definitely facial cleanser. Because I wear so much makeup on shoots I need a really good cleanser and I have to wash my face everyday. I don’t like to use the same kind all the time because I don’t want my skin to get used to it but I would recommend Neutrogena Acne Wash. Whenever I  use it my skin clears up in like a week. Clean and Clear is also a great brand and Noxema has a regular cleansing cream which works well on my skin which is kind of sensitive but also oily.

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    According to The Wall Street Journal, the newest trend taking over high schools wasn’t plucked off of runways or out of glossy fashion magazines. What’s “cool” right now are…pajamas. Baggy pajama bottoms, fuzzy slippers, or cozy over-sized hoodies to be precise. The pajamas-in-school trend has gotten so big that the overall sales of “activewear” clothing has tripled in the past compared to overall clothing sales, according to a NPD, a market research group. That means flannels and yoga pants are flying off the shelves, leaving jeans and dresses in the dust. Despite the fact that many adults are calling the trend “sloppy” and “lazy,” the look isn’t a fresh out of bed free for all. Footie pajamas, for one, are not welcome. The “loungewear” trend calls for pairing one large, comfy piece of clothing with a tighter, more flattering item. That means roomy flannel pajama bottoms with camisoles or long-sleeve tees, or leggings with a cozy hoodie. Clothing stores like Abercrombie and Fitch and American Eagle have hopped on the pajama train and are featuring sweatpants heavily, both in stores and online. If you fee like putting some effort into this effortless look, you can check out our shopping guide below. No need to stress though: people will probably be unable to tell the difference between the PJs you’ve had since middle school and a new, expensive A&F pair. Photo: Courtesy of Abercrombie and Fitch Abercrombie and Fitch long sleeve fitted tee, $15. Photo: Courtesy of Victoria Secret Victoria Secret PINK slouchy sweatshirt, 40$. Photo: Courtesy of Victoria Secret Victoria Secret fold-over yoga pants, $26. Photo: Courtesy of Aerie Aerie printed pajama pants, $30. Photo: Courtesy of Bloomingdales UGG Australia knit slippers, $110. Photo: Courtesy of Madewell Madewell leather slippers, $46.
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    Campaign season is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only do we get to experience the best of spring 2012 fashion week all over again, but if we’re going to be totally honest, we’d rather see models at a candy-colored tea party or hovering above the ocean than walking on a runway. In the spirit of spreading the love, we’ve rounded up our favorite spring ad campaigns. Check out our list and leave a comment to let us know if we left anyone out! 
     

    Photo: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton 
    Louis Vuitton We stopped attending tea parties around the time we stopped talking to our stuffed animals but the candy-coated LV spring campaign made us want to break out our tea sets and send out some hand written invitations.

     
    Photo: Courtesy of Philip 
    Plein Philip Plein We love a comeback story and we rue the day when a Mean Girls reference doesn’t have a place in every possible conversation. That’s why we love Philip Plein’s spring ads, featuring the good-girl-gone-bad-gone-to-jail Lindsay Lohan. 
     
    Photo: Courtesy of Miu Miu 
    Miu Miu Even though they gave Hailee Steinfeld the boot after feeling the heat from critics who didn’t think a 15-year old should be representing a brand most 15-year olds can’t afford, we’re still fans of Miu Miu’s colorful, portrait-esque spring ads featuring Mia Wasikowska.

     
    Photo: Courtesy of Chanel 
    Chanel Chanel’s spring ad campaign proves that models do work hard. Saskia de Brauw and Joan Smalls performed gymnastics moves over the ocean for some breathtaking shots. We weren’t the only ones who were impressed. Fashionista posted a behind-the-scenes video, showing how the acrobatic editorial was made.
     
    Photo: Courtesy of Versace 
    Versace Versace’s spring collection has strong oceanic currents in all the pieces so we were pumped too see the somewhat literal interpretation in their blue-tinted spring ad campaign. The editorial shots featured Giselle Bundchen poolside as well as in the water.
     

    Photo: Courtesy of Hervé Léger 
    Hervé Léger In Hervé Léger’s spring campaign, Fatima Siad proves that you don’t need to win America’s Next Top Model to become one of America’s next top models. We’re absolutely loving how fierce the third-place finalist of Cycle 10 looks in the minimalistic, highly stylized ads. 
    Photo: Courtesy of Oscar de la Renta 
    Oscar de la Renta New blogger Karlie Kloss was the only source of color in a black and white world in this mind-bending spring campaign. With a constantly shifting maze of a floor and larger-than-life doorways, we were getting major Alice and  Wonderland vibes.
    Photo: Courtesy of Roberto Cavalli 
    Roberto Cavalli Cavalli featured supermodel legends Naomi Campbell, Karen Elson, and Kristen McMenamy, along with 16-year-old newcomer Daphne Groeneveld in their spring ad campaign. We loved the high level of glam and high level of skill in these posh spreads.

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    Photo: Splash News 
    Sarah Hyland looked absolutely fab at the Golden Globes, wearing a floor length vintage Dolce & Gabbana gown with a surprising twist: a mermaid flare. Previously isolated to frilly over the top wedding gowns and bizarelly stiff pageant dresses, the mermaid flare cut has made a comeback on the red carpet during award season. The newly revamped mermaid flare had tempted stars with its form flattering appeal and eye-catching dramatic silhouette, making it perfect for prom night. You can rock this modern take on the mermaid flare by experimenting with flirty fabrics, bold textures (just say no to polyester!) and drawing attention to your curves with details at the waist. Check out out top picks for the perfect mermaid flare prom dress (and tips for how to rock them all)!
    Photo: Courtesy of PromDressShop BG Haute lace dress, $540 Flirty Fabrics 
    Fight the mermaid flare negativity by choosing a dress with a soft, feminine fabric, like the black lace in the dress above.
    Photo: Courtesy of PromDressShop Mori Lee blue mermaid flare dress, $398 
    Be Bold A huge part of this trend is the sense of drama that the flare brings, so embrace it all the way! If lace isn’t your thing, look for a high impact color or a dress that has a huge sparkle factor.
     
    Photo: Courtesy of PromGirl Favianas beaded gown, $338 
    Waist not, want not Picking a dress with a detail at the waist, like the simple ribbon belt in the dress above, draws attention to the majorly flattering silhouette of mermaid flare dresses. Avoid: giant bows, heavily encrusted heavy weight champion style belts. 
     
    Photo: Courtesy of PromGirl Jovani beaded gown, $570 
    Sultry Sleeves If you aren’t feeling the strapless look, go for a dress that has delicate sleeve detail. It brings together the entire look by mimicking the sheer fabric of the flare.
     
    Photo: Courtesy of PromDressShop Alyce lavender beaded gown, $789 
    Two Tone If you can’t pick between two colors, try purchasing a dress that with beaded accents that match the swooping flare, like the purple flare and beading. 
     
    Photo: Courtesy of French Novelty Jovani gray beaded gown, $640. 
    High Glam Mermaid flare dresses can carry the heavy bling that some of us crave. If you’re feeling extra daring, go for a dress that has rhinestone detail throughout.

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    Burberry Prorsum, Zac Posen, Imaxtree 
    From Burberry Prorsum to Zac Posen, 2012 pre-fall collections were packed with models sporting strong, full eyebrows. Using an eyebrow pencil can be daunting, and can wind up giving harsh, unnatural results. Instead, try using an angled brush and eyebrow powder to fill, shape, and accentuate your brows.  We’ve broken the process down for you in 3 easy steps so you can have posh, powerful brows in the bat of an eye (literally). 
    1. Wipe off your brows with a cotton ball to remove any traces of make-up or oil. 
    Photo: Courtesy of Sephora 
    Sephora angled brow brush, $10. 
    2. Dip an eyebrow powder brush, like the one above from Sephora into an eyebrow powder and gently tap it on a flat surface to remove any excess powder (splotchy brows are a no-go). When picking a powder, try to find one that is a shade lighter than your natural brow color if you have dark hair or a shade darker if you have fair hair.  Alternatively, use a trio like the one below, which gives you the option of blending a few shades for a customized look. 
    Photo: Courtesy of Lorac
    Lorac brow powder trio, $22. 
    3. Using, gentle, short motions, apply the powder to your brows, following the natural shape. If you’re worried about going overboard, focus on only applying the powder to the hair of your eyebrows, instead of your skin, a technique that will lighten up your brush hand even more. Unsure where to stop? Holding your brush vertically in front of your face so that it just touches the edge of your nose will show you where your brow should start. Hold your brush at an angle so that it starts at your nose and ends the tips of your eyelashes will show you where your brows should stop. Always remember, you’re shading in your natural brows, not drawing new ones on. Powder v. Pencils There are many reasons to go with a powder instead of a pencil when going bold with your brows. For one thing, it’s much less time consuming, and many powders come with a wax built in for extra hold, eliminating an extra grooming step. Powders also tend to look much more natural, and are easier to blend.

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    Got the blues? We’ve got the cure. With winter in full swing, short days and frigid nights often leave us glum. This season, however, we found the best way to beat the blues is to wear them! No drab navys or bleak midnights here. Electrifying cobalts and bold sapphires instantly revive a tired look while exuding contemporary cool. Check out our favorite picks and let us know how you’ll wear your winter  blues! 
    Hat
     
    Photo: Splash News
    Ferne Cotton’s cozy cobalt beanie illuminates her face while adding a playful jolt to her colorful ensemble. 
    Skirt
      
    Photo: Courtesy of Stockholm Street Style 
    A strikingly bright skirt becomes a refreshing addition when paired with a ubiquitous black sweater. 

    Pants
      
    Photo: Courtesy of Celine 
    Celine’s resort collection suggests pairing one bold piece with an otherwise understated palette. 

    Dress
       
    Photo: Splash News 
    We LOVE Busy Phillips’s simple yet highly impactful Carven dress for the People’s Choice Awards. 


    Shoe 
    Photo: Courtesy of Alexander Wang 
    Alexander Wang blue pump $475 Alexander Wang gives us an exotically textured lapis heel forcing all eyes south of the ankle.


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    Photo: Courtesy of Bebaroque, Cocorosa 
    When we saw Lady Gaga’s rhinestone studded tights on New Year’s Eve, we had flashbacks to the Miu Miu, Zac Posen, and Doo.ri tights from their fall 2009 collections. The look is back this winter as a great way to add a glam pop to any outfit.  If you’re like us, you don’t have $216 to spend on a pair of embellished tights—luckily, a tight budget’s never stopped an ELLEgirl. Whether you like your tights ripped to the point of destruction, or sweet and girlie, you can make this look work for you with our DIY guide, inspired by some of the best fashion bloggers out there. You’ll need: a pair of tights, a needle and thread, and embellishments of your choice: our favorites are sequins, seed beads, and rhinestones. You can also use lace trim (the kind you find at craft stores), silk flowers, or cut outs from a different garment.
      
    Photo: Courtesy of Park & Cube 
    Step One: Put on your tights! It’s much easier to sew when you’re wearing them, and you won’t have to worry about your beads or gems tearing off when the tights stretch to fit your legs. (Hint: If you decide to unleash your DIY skills on a pair of plain tights, you can add your embellishments at random. If you want to use a pair that come with a pattern, sew onto the thickest part of the design.) 
    Photo: Courtesy of PeachTreeSupplies Opaque sequins, .2 oz for $2. 
    Step Two (Sequins/Beads): Begin sewing on your sequins or beads. Hold you embellishment in place and slide your needle through the hole(s), securing it onto your tights. Thread the needle back through the whole(s) and tie a strong double knot. (Hint: If you’re sewing on beads or sequins, you’ll want to attach them in clusters of four or five at a time, tying your knot after you’ve secured each cluster.)
      
    Photo: Courtesy of ALLURIS ALLURIS 12mm crystals, 28 for $10. 
    Step Three (Crystals): Sewing on heavy crystals is a little bit more tricky. Hold your crystal in place and thread your needle through the hole(s) and your tights, securing them in place. Loop the thread around each crystal at least twice, since they are heavier and make smaller clusters of about two or three. (Hint: Don’t sew your embellishments on places where your legs are likely to brush, like the inner thigh, knee, and ankle area.) 
    Photo: Courtesy of Cocorosa 
    It can take anywhere between two and five hours to finish embellishing a pair of tights, depending on the intricacy of your  pattern and your skill with a needle and thread. Don’t worry if the legs aren’t perfectly symmetrical, half the appeal of this style comes from the whimsical, free-spirit feel. After you’re pleased with the level of bling, slide on your one-of-a-kind tights and be prepared to share the steps with admirers.

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    Photo: Getty Images 
    Everyone who’s on social networking sites shares the same inside joke: “It’s not official until it’s Facebook official.” Or “You changed your relationship status—whoa, big step!” Well, whether or not you view someone’s status as a symbol of a serious relationship, we can probably all agree that sharing private information—like passwords to your Facebook account, email, or phone—with another person is nothing to be taken lightly. According to a recent article in the New York Times, that’s exactly what many teen couples are doing. More than ever before, it’s become a sort of trend for couples to share passwords as sign of trust or to show how serious they are about their relationship. A 2011 survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that 30 percent of teens who spend time online have shared a password with a friend, boyfriend, or girlfriend, and that girls are almost twice as likely as boys to disclose the info. The natural inclination is to think that if you’re dating someone seriously, you share everything with that person. No secrets. So, whether it’s a conscious or subconscious act, girlfriends and boyfriends swap passwords to show the other that “Look, I’ve got nothing to hide from you. You can trust me.” Ironic, isn’t it? If there’s really trust in a relationship, you’d think that there wouldn’t be a need to disclose passwords in the first place. And obviously, there’s a chance that things could go awry. Beyond the fact that knowing your guy’s password to his Facebook, email, or phone is an easy formula for paranoia and obsessively checking up on him, what happens if there’s a breakup? You can change a password, but you can’t change what your ex now knows about you from all that access to your online accounts. So what do you think? When you’re in a relationship, do you and your guy swap passwords? Do you think having freedom to check his texts, emails, and Facebook messages makes for a healthier relationship? Sound off in the comments!

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