Helpful Tips: 7 Ways to Truly Enjoy Winter

The winter is cold, and I'm not really a cold weather person. But there are ways to make this season more enjoyable. Tricks for healthier and brighter skin, sweet treats, and tricks for rejuvenation on snow days. 
Whatever it is you need more of in your life lately, long winter days are the perfect time to restart and begin new routines and habits. 
I did my research, and found some bloggers with expert tips for this winter season. I will definitely be trying these out, and you should too. 
Even if you start with one thing, your winter is bound to be the most enjoyable yet.

1. How To Take Care of Your Hands During Winter: Best Lotions and Masks

2. Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate and Homemade Salted Caramel Marshmallows

3. 5 Things You Should Do Before Bed

4. 7 Ways to Add Coconut Oil to Your Beauty Routine

5. Nutella Hot Chocolate With Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows

6. Winter Hair Problems, Solved

7. The Sweet Life Part 5, Winter Warming Bath

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Everybody Dance Now - C&C Music Factory

Helpful Tips: Online Shopping the Cheaper Way

There is no better way to waste time than by shopping online (ha. that rhymes...kinda). But once you've scrolled through and added every possible item to your cart, you realize how expensive everything is! Not to mention adding the price of shipping. But to all you online-shopping-addicts, there is a solution. Well, 5 to be exact.
I found a bunch of websites that not only sell amazing products, but also have a ton of discounts and sales that will cause you to never shop online anywhere else ever again. There is nothing better than getting 20% off an item and not having to pay for shipping. Literally nothing!
So what are these stores and what make them so great? Let me tell you...

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1
Tobi 
http://www.tobi.com/

The concept of Tobi is "latest fashion at amazing prices". Sounds good to me.
The clothing is super trendy, minimalist, and affordable. If you spend over $50 (which when you are shopping for clothing it's pretty hard not to do) you get free shipping and free returns. The best part is, when you first sign up for their mailing list you get 50% off your first entire purchase. And, you can always unsubscribe from their mailing list afterwards!

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2

Skinnydip

http://www.skinnydiplondon.com/

If I am going to be completely honest, Skinnydip may not be the cheapest. It is, although, super student friendly. There is a 20% student discount! The stuff is super quirky and unique so the price may actually be pretty fair. Also, if you sign up for the mailing list you get a 10% discount. To be honest, the price is worth it.

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3
ASOS
http://www.asos.com/

Most of you have probably already heard of ASOS. It always has amazing sales (right now there is a sale for up to 50% off!!) and there is free shipping worldwide, but for different places there is a different price you need to pay before you get free shipping. There is also a 10% student discount. ASOS carries a ton of products both for women and men, and has an awesome thing called the marketplace. The ASOS Marketplace is a lot like ebay. It is a platform for buying or selling new, pre-owned, and vintage fashion. You can shop directly form independent labels and vintage boutiques, or sell your own products.

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4
feelunique.com
http://www.feelunique.com/

feelunique.com is "the destination for beauty". Any cosmetic and beauty product you could possibly need is sold on this website. It offers a ton of discount options and gifts. After you make your purchase, you get to choose some free samples that they throw in as well, depending on whether you have spent a certain amount or bought certain things. My favorite way of getting free things is through the giveaways. There is always a ton of giveaway options for endless different brands and products, and all you need to do is sign up and wait to see if you have won. I haven't won yet, but what is better than free stuff?! They offer free worldwide shipping on orders above $15, which, to be honest, if you are shopping for beauty products, you are bound to spend that much. 

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5
UNiDAYS®
https://www.myunidays.com/

UNiDAYS® is an online store that is specifically for students. It offers hundreds of student discounts for hundreds of different brands and stores, and all you have to do is sign up. It is totally free. Also, if you refer your friends to UNiDAYS®, you get to claim gift voucher rewards! You'll be credited for each and every friend you refer (but I guess I don't get any rewards for posting about it here). You can use these discounts online and in-store.

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Bad Blood - T-Swizzle

Helpful Tips: Statement Backpacks and Back-To-School Thoughts

It's about that time where we can all feel the summer coming to an end. Last minute family vacations are being crammed in, camps are ending, and back to school shopping begins.

Shopping for clothing and school supplies for the fall is one of my favorite types of shopping. School still hasn't officially started, and the idea of starting a whole new year is thrilling. Imagine what new relationships will be formed and what old friendships will be re-kindled after a summer apart.

In just a few weeks I will be starting my senior year of high school. The mere idea of being a senior is insane. Now my friends and I are the "senior girls" admired by freshman and the "senior guys" obsessed over by freshman. But senior year is not just about ruling the school. The first half of the year comes with a lot of stress. Applying to college is no longer a distant thought, it is actually something that we have to do along with other normal school work. In fact, I was supposed to start writing my essay this week. Unfortunately it's hard for me to grasp the idea that I have to actually start writing and not just thinking about what I should write. For now, I just want to get back to school, see all my friends, and rewire myself to the everyday tedious schedule that is high school. 

But one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking things about starting school is wanting to make a good first impression. Even though I may have already known these people for years, I always worry about what I should do on the first day, no scratch that, the first WEEK of school. What should I wear, how should I do my hair, what backpack should I get. It's just more pointless stress in my life, but it's a routine. If I have done it every year before than I might as well my last year of high school.

Below are some adorable backpacks that are perfect for making a back-to-school statement.

1. Heritage Backpack Burnt Orange Crosshatch Rubber

2. Vans Disney Old Skool II Backpack

3. Sole Society 'Reed' Convertible Backpack

4. Faux Fur Drawstring Backpack

5. Baggu Backpack in Black Static

6. Superbreak Backpack in Red New California Republic

7. Realm Backpack in Black/Black

8. Superbreak Backpack in Multi Tropic Gold

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Corner of The Sky - Pippin

Helpful Tips: 5 Ways To Survive NYC Rush-Hour

I am lucky enough to be spending this summer in New York City. I'm staying with my Grandma in New Jersey, but my internship takes place in Soho, so there is a lot of commuting involved on a daily basis. It's taken me about two weeks, but I have finally come up with a few strategies that are key to having a more efficient and enjoyable morning (and afternoon) commute. Some of these tips and tricks apply most directly to commuters in New York, but I hope that they may also be helpful in any other situation where you need to be get through the mess that is rush-hour. 

1. Timing is Everything

Plan ahead and leave yourself plenty of extra time. If your commute consists of taking the subway be especially aware of your timing because you never know when your train might be delayed or just take forever to get to your destination. Better safe than sorry. Once you get off the train, if you have extra time, then you can slow down your pace and maybe even grab a cup of coffee. 

2. Avoid the First Car
During rush-hour in the middle of the summer, the worst place to be is in a crowded subway car. In order to avoid this hot, sweaty and sticky situation, try walking along the platform till you get to an emptier car and enjoy the AC.

3. Don't Initiate Awkward Eye-Contact 

One thing that I love doing is people watching and there is no better place than New York to do so. Unfortunately on the subway, looking at somebody sitting across from you leads to some pretty awkward eye-contact. The way I avoid doing that is by paying attention to people's shoes instead. What people wear on their feet is really interesting because their shoes show a lot about the person's personalities.

4. Decide First, Then Dine
Grabbing lunch in the city is one of my favorite activities, but long lines and small spaces require a lot of quick decisions. I am particularly indecisive when it comes to food, so before my lunch break I have already decided my plan of action. I go online and find the place I want, find the online menu, and deliberate what to eat before I get to the cafe. This enables me to make a speedy order and get in and out of the cafe as quickly as possible.

5. Push For Your Path
During rush-hour, everyone has the same agenda, to get to their destination as quickly as possible. But when everyone is rushing around it makes it pretty hard to find a clear path on the sidewalk. The only way to walk the streets of New York without bumping into everyone is to look straight a head and just go. Don't worry about making room for other people because nobody else will worry about you. If you have to push your way through then just push.

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Blue Moon - The Marcels

Helpful Tips: 4 Ways to Wear a V-Neck and Jeans

This post is pretty self explanatory. I designed four different ways that you can style a plain white V-Neck and a pair of blue jeans. 
Enjoy :)

Which style are you most likely to wear? Comment below.

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Distance - Christina Perri

Helpful Tips: Selfie

The word 'Selfie' is now in the dictionary. I am pretty sure that I have never met anyone (other than my dad) who has never taken a selfie before. 

There is now a distinction between a good and a bad selfie, so here are my 'tips' for taking a 'good' selfie.

1. Find good lighting. The light will hide the ugly face your making. 

2. Find the right angle for your face. (Not that you don't spend enough time in front of the mirror already)

3. The less your face is in the picture, the better. 

4. USE A FILTER!! 

Here are some more examples of selfies I have taken in the past. Enjoy!

xoxoxo

Nina

Song stuck in my head right now: Wannabe - Spice Girls

Helpful Tips: How to Create Your Daily Outfit

Life comes with many struggles. A lot of them revolve around physical appearance, like making sure your hair looks good, your face is clean and especially that your outfit is trendy and/or stylish. When I have to pick out my outfit for the day, there are a few things I keep in mind that make that decision a whole lot easier, and keep me from just wearing the same boring outfit all the time. I hope that these tips will help some of you to burst out of the habit of wearing the same things and kindle your creativity, because that is what being stylish is all about.

Tip #1: Check to see what the weather will be that day

What you wear, should not only look good but be functional. If you really want to wear that new skirt you just got but it is cold and rainy outside, maybe save the skirt for another day and wear pants instead. from that decision you just came up with two outfits (one for now and one for later). Also if you know what the weather is going to be going into the day, than you can eliminate a whole category of clothing not suitable for that weather. (P.S. there is a super handy weather app on all iPhones)

Tip #2: Pick one item you really want to wear

The second thing you should do after you know what the weather is like, is choose one garment that you are leaning towards and build the rest of the outfit around that. It doesn't necessary have to be a top, it could be pants, shoes or even an accessory. 

Tip #3: Find your style icon

(I love Emma Watson)

When creating an outfit I usually have an image in my head of what somebody else wore. Your style icon could be a celebrity but it could also be just someone you noticed on the street and really liked what they were wearing. This is super helpful for building on to tip #2 because you can replicate an outfit already created with the items you own.

Tip #4: Search for something old
A great way for finding something to wear if your stuck wearing the same things over and over again, is by finding something you haven't worn in a while and try to incorporate that into your outfit.

Tip #5: Your Outfit doesn't have to be complicated

 I feel like one really huge reason that people stress out about their outfits is because they think that a fashionable outfit has to be complicated and full of accessories and everything. The truth is, a simple outfit can be stylish too. Don't overthink what you wear because even simple basics can look amazing. But this leads me to the next and final tip...

Tip #6: The hair makes the outfit

Your hair is just as important as the rest of your outfit, if not more important. It is really important to have a hairstyle that coordinates with what you wear, like if you are wearing a top that is very busy I would suggest putting your hair up and vice versa. Also don't be afraid to be creative with your hairstyles. One of my pet peeves is when one person styles their hair the same way everyday. I know it is hard to find multiple hair styles that look good on you but the more times you take risks, the more likely it is that you will find what you like (that goes for clothing too).




xoxoxo
Nina




Song stuck in my head right now: The Weight of Living Pt. 2 - Bastille

Helpful Tips: Updating for Winter

The weather is changing outside, so you know what that means... its time to get dressed for the cold!! I personally love cold weather clothing because you get to wear lots of layers and scarves, tights and warm socks, and of course boots. 

Sometimes it is hard to make the transition from wearing summer clothing to trying to find outfits that will keep you warm, and are still cute. Thats why I am going to give you some simple tips on how to make your outfits warmer!

I love wearing skirts and dresses, but my legs get cold really easily. So, of course, tights are a really great option. I love almost any kind, but I especially love unique tights. I always try to wear something out of the ordinary while still being trendy, so if i was going to wear a standard dress or skirt I might wear interesting tights in different colors or patterns...but don't go to crazy. They are also great for making your summery shorts more appropriate for winter.

One thing that always seems to be an issue for me is keeping my face from getting cold. I always find my nose or my ears just get freezing! That is why I love scarves. I could never really pull off scarves until I discovered the infinity scarf. For some reason it is the only type of scarf that really looks good on me. Throughout the day, when I go outside I always wear (along with my awesome coat (which I love)) a plain, grey, Calvin Klein infinity scarf that I got from T.J.Maxx. But sometimes, just to make a slightly boring outfit have more personality, I wear a fancier, more interesting scarf.

Layers are really useful. I wear cardigans and sweaters almost everyday. You can through a cardigan over anything, and then add a jacket or a coat along with it. I love the style of cardigan that is really trending, and those are the long bulky cable knit cardigans that look really slouchy. I don't happen to own one, but I do have a lot of really long cardigans, which work with both jeans and skirts. The great thing about cardigans is that you can wear them over any type of top. Whether its a tank top, or a T, or even a cropped top (which I own a lot of).

I hope those tips gave you a better idea about what to wear this season. If it did feel free to comment and tell me what your planning on wearing or what tip helped you the most.

xoxoxo

Nina

Picture 1: Tights- Target, Shoes-Target

Picture 2: Coat- idk (it was my moms), Scarf- T.J.Maxx

Picture 3: Dress- H&M, Chambray Top- Urban Outfitters, Cashmeer Cardigan- idk (also was my 

moms)

p.s. sorry there are no pictures of my face. They didn't come out so great :)