5 Tricks to Hide Sweat During a Heat Wave

Sweating sucks! Who knew that perspiring water out of your body could be so not fabulous. After all, wet t-shirt contests make having wet clothing seem like a sexy thing. When it is sweat and not water though, it's not exactly what I would call a Bond girl moment. Being so, here are five helpful tricks to keep your sweat a secret and not something public. Because whether you're getting married, being interviewed for an important job, or just walking the streets to your favorite bakery, in this nation wide heatwave,  pit stains are not very attractive and sweating in even the hidden areas of your outfit and body can be an uncomfortable puddle.

1.) Talc (Baby Powder) 

This little trick was used by grandmother religiously. Anytime it was stifling outside, the talc came out and the powder started flying. To this day, whenever I may feel like under boob sweat is coming on, and yes I said under-boob sweat, I take my bottle of baby power out and put some on. What the powder does, is it covers up the area that is liable to sweat and keeps it dry by absorbing any possible drips. Put enough that you feel comfortable with. With that being said, don't sprinkle it nor drown yourself in an abyss of white powder. Pat that area down and smooth it over so it becomes practically invisible. 

2.) Loose Clothes

Honestly, the easiest thing for you to do is to just wear light clothing. Don't attempt to wear a body contouring dress If you do, when you sweat, which you will, all the areas that are dripping like a monsoon, will stain the clothing and show in disheveling sweat lines. If you are being interviewed or even going on a first date, this look is so chic and professional.  Go for a loose and flowy top, bottom, and or dress. Chiffon is great for this! This way the fabric isn't sticking to your body, for the sweat to stain, when it counts most.

3.) Wear White and Print Clothing

White clothing and and those with prints are simple choices to use when trying to hide the fact that you are sweating. Dark colors and other bright hues show sweat lines like it is their part-time job. With white, it's not as noticeable because of how light the color is. As for prints, the crazier the better. Prints and patterns are so distracting to the eye, that someone passing by in the street won't even see that stain caressing your underarms. Polka dots, stripes, and tribal prints are the best!

4.) Try Going Sleeveless 

When in doubt, going sleeveless is always a quick fix. Of course, sleeveless is not the best for a professional setting, but for a summer BBQ or a night out with the girls, going sleeveless is always welcome. Without any sleeves, your underarms have nothing to drip their tears on. Just go to the powder room every few hours and pat yourself with a tissue and keep the areas dry like the Sahara. Oh and if you go the sleeveless route, put on invisible deodorant. When sweating, sometimes deodorant becomes clumpy. Make sure to own a good deodorant that you can trust not to have this problem with. I suggest, Dove Go Fresh Antiperspirant. I used it during a hot summer in Europe and it didn't stain, clump, or smell. Instead, it kept me dry, smelled yummy, and stayed invisible.  

5.) Tinted Moisturizer for Your Face

Some may say I am crazy for suggesting putting this on while sweating, but hear me out.The idea is to put it on those places that become shiny on your face from perspiring. I dab a little bit on my nose and t-zone. You also have to use a well made concealer that won't run if you sweat. My favorite is "hope in a tinted moisturizer" by philosophy. I use the light to medium shade with SPF 20. This way, not only is your face hiding sweaty shine, but you are moisturizing it, and keeping it protected from the sun. That's a win win!

It's Not You...It's Me: How to Break Up With Your Closet

Similar to a relationship that has lost its simmer, the connection with our closet can be just as along the terms of "grew apart" as anything else. After a while, certain pieces that we once loved and couldn't  live without start to look more like the giveaway pile than an obsession. So what do we do when some of our clothes, accessories, or even shoes, reach their expiration date in our closet? Simple, we give it away!

The task of letting go of your former wardrobe and giving it away can be extremely easy, but like any break-up there are those moments of doubt on whether or not the right decision is being made. We begin to reminisce memories we shared with our items, making fun connections, such as going to prom in a special pair of pumps, or kissing a summer fling in a cute top that gave you total confidence, all of which makes you ask the question "Should I really let go of this just yet?" When I come across this (more times than none), I ask myself the five questions. These five questions are what help me decide on whether or not to donate or trash a piece that I am not quite positive on.

Photo Credit: Sex and the City  and  New Line Cinema

5 Questions

Is it in good condition?
This is a very important inquiry. In order to donate your items to Salvation Army, the pieces should at least be in good condition and not look like a truck ran over it. If that were the case, then just throw it out. This helps you decide on whether or not you trash it or give it away to a cause.

When was the last time I wore this?
A question that I ask myself all the time. We all have those articles of clothing that while perusing our closets one day, come across, and wonder how we ever forgot about it. Well guess what, we did! That is why, while I clean out my closet I ask this because sometimes the answer will shock me. If it has only been a few months, then no biggie, but when you are swimming in the territory of  a year or more, or even that you just forgot, then odds are you probably won't wear it again.

Do I have somewhere to wear it to?
If you decide that you are planning on keeping it, this question will help burst your unrealistic bubble if it should be. If you can't think of where or when you will don it again, then it's time to quote N'SYNC say "Bye Bye Bye".

Will I really wear it?
Aww that moment where you still decided to keep it, even though you can't think of a place or time to where it to, needs another reality check. Ask yourself truthfully this question without second guessing and see if your still on the side of never breaking up.

Can I pair it with anything? 
We ask ourselves this same thing when we are shopping. Before I buy a skirt for instance, I try to think of what is already in my closet, that I can possibly pair it up with. If I can think of at least two to three combinations, then it's a winner. If not, that pretty skirt is going back on the rack or in the moment of refreshing a wardrobe, thrown into the giveaway bag. Here you use the same concept.

These five questions are so simple yet brilliant when it comes to easing your crowed mind. Inside all of us, there is always a little bit of a hoarder, especially when it comes to saying goodbye to some of our most prized possessions. Leave it to the five to nip that in the butt!

Organization 
When we break up with men, we plan it out before the actually deed, or at least we try to. Being organized is always awesome, but when you are throwing your entire closet practically on your bed or floor, try labeling and piling. I create two big bags. Trash bags will suffice because when donating, they accept them, and when trashing, well that is self explanatory. I then label one "Donate" and the other "Trash". This way I don't put the items in the wrong bags after making my decision. Also, try keeping the donation bag nice and tidy and don't just throw things in there. You have to remember that those pieces are going to people in need and they don't deserve to get wrinkly, torn, or dirty items.

 Photo Credit: Robert Zuckerman © Touchstone Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Make it Fun 
Yes, when saying sayonara to an unfortunate relationship, it's not exactly a walk in the park or breakfast at tiffanys per say, but never the less, you can still come out on top and feeling good about it. Kind of like those epic moments at the end of a romantic comedy where the lead girl breaks up with the side role jerk of a boyfriend and decides to go after the amazing and lead role, who had always been there for her, male, while the camera films her hailing a cab with some Sarah Bareilles music playing in the background. (Wow needed to catch a breath after that one) It's true though. Make saying goodbye to your clothes a fun event! Put on the music and even invite a few friends and share a few cocktails to pass the time. They can help you decide with a dash of fun gossip. This way letting go isn't so sad or boring after all.

Photo Credit: Sex and the City  and New Line Cinema

Photo's from cleaning out my own closet

This Bites: How to Cover Up Mosquito Bumps and Avoid Scarring

If there is one part of summer that I can definitely live without, and I am sure you can as well, it would have to be the nuisance that is known as a mosquito. It's like they are mini vampires biting you  every chance they get. If they looked like the vamps from the Twilight films I would be fine with them circling me every five seconds, but until they are some how able to transform themselves into a Cullen looking species, I would rather they just back off. After all, it's not like there bites are fun and dandy to deal with later on.

Once mosquito's do there damage and leave you with a swelled up bump on every part of your body, and I mean everywhere because they are like ninjas when getting through your clothes, you are now left with an intense itch on every bump. This leads you to scratch those areas like a dog with flees. At first, it's not a big deal, but in reality your little bites have long term conditions, as well, if you don't approach them correctly. The sun in the summer is very intense, and when you are outside doing anything from tanning to just taking a walk in the park, your skin can easily scar. If scarring is a problem for you, then here are ways to avoid scarring because of mosquito bites and how to cover them up. 

Cover it Up

Like most things you hate about your skin, you  can always hide it. Of course, I do support every girl in flaunting her natural skin, flaws and all, because it is what makes you unique. If, on the other hand, a mosquito pricks your face or any other place on your body and you don't want to necessarily show it because you are going out, then just cover it up. During an online chat, hosted by Cosmopolitan UK and beauty blogger/vlogger of the Beatuy Crush, Sammi Maria, I asked her what to use to cover up scars due to mosquito bites. The beauty expert simply answered, "MAC Face and Body would work great!" So there you have it. I did some research and it turns out that this product is in fact "great!" Not only is it lightweight, but it has natural finish to it that will make you look like your not even wearing it to begin with. To top that off, one bottle takes care of not only your face, but your entire body, saving you money from having to buy a foundation for two separate things. Use a dab of this on any area touched by a mosquito and your skin will seem as though it never even landed on you.

Avoid Scratching Heavily

Sure the scratching eases you now, but it actually adds to your chances of your bites scarring. Yup, and it isn't pretty. The more you irritate that area, the more the skin can become sensitive, red, and even scraped open. If you have to scratch, do it softly, not like your going at it with a cactus! 

Use Ice to Cool it Down 

I love ice cubes! When it comes to mosquito bites replace your heavy and constant scratching with a cooler solution. Ice cubes are natural, cold, and can ease the itchy feeling building up from your bite. Just rub the cubes on the areas affected and you will feel temporary relief from your insanity. The best part is, now the bite won't be irritated and eventually become a scar. 

Wait Before Tanning 

I know I know...it's summer and to not tan now is like to not have Turkey on Thanksgiving, but waiting a day or two before you lay in the sun for hours is actually they best way to avoid getting any scars. The first couple of days of having a bite is usually when it is most red and more susceptible to make a permanent mark on your body.  Use those couple of days to stay in the air conditioning and watch reruns of shows you missed or go shopping at your favorite mall instead. 

Oh My Bling: How to get Emma Watson's Signature Style from The Bling Ring

Ever have that urge to steal? Well, stop it, because unless you want to end up wearing a ghastly orange suit for quit a while, the consequences are not worth the momentary urge. Sure, deep down inside all of us, at least once in our lives, even when children, have pondered over the idea of just sneaking some toy in our pockets or as we get older, dreaming up an elaborate Oceans Eleven type scheme and planning a heist in our heads. Blame it on cool movies or just that innate feeling of wanting to take from your sister's closet, either way what sets us apart is who actually acts upon it or moves on. There are different reasons for people to steal though.  In the new Sofia Coppola film, The Bling Ring, the robbers are driven by vanity and a need to feel a rush from their complacent suburban lives. 

Based on the true events that occurred from 2008-2009, the movie tells the story of the "Hollywood Hills Burglars'' who stole millions of dollars in cash and belongings from celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson, Orlando Bloom, and Lindsay Lohan. The film does have differences compared to the true life story, but all in all, it is a guilty pleasure to watch and one that makes you leave the theater wanting to go on a major shopping spree (all paid of course). With costume designer Stacey Battat, known for other projects like Country Strong (2010) and an episode of the hit HBO series Girls,  the film's aura of fashion coveting teens truly comes to life. From the famous and way overpriced  Birkin bag, to the apartment sized closets, Coppola and Battat bring the audience in on the burglaries in a glamorous way. Who knew robbing could look so stylish?

Emma Watson, a style icon herself and fan favorite, plays Nicki, based off the real life Bling Ring member Alexis Neiers. In the movie, Watson's style is as chic as in real life, except for a few outfits (that pink Juicy Couture sweat suit) that should disappear like Alexis Neier's short lived reality show on E, Pretty Wild. On the other hand, there are certain ensembles and accessories of the character that are a definite must have after watching the film. Here's how to get Emma Watson's style from the movie without having to steal from anyone's home like her character Nicki did. Remember style cannot be bought or in this case stolen, but if you need help on ideas on how to get the look here they are! 

Credit for all the featured The Bling Ring photos- Youtube, NALA Films, A24