braids: not a how-to

I really don't do braids as much, but when I do, I make sure they're feminine, cute, and somewhat intricate. By all means, not complicated, but it's generally best if people do a double-take and ask, "Did you do that yourself?" Yes. Yes, you did. Because you are a fabulous beauty guru.

Shorts on Acid

Is this a dare? Depends on how brave you are. For me, EVERYONE in my area is brave, so really, it's hardly a deviation from the norm. I could make a joke that you're amish so you wouldn't wear these and then oh wait how do you own a computer. Ha ha ha. Please understand sarcasm. That's from like 2001.
Joke is officially old.
Shorts.
So, these are from H&M, so surprisingly cheap! Yay!  Again, how to wear these breaks down into two categories: the daring and the understated. And yes, there is a huge difference between understated and wallflower. What I'm trying to get across here is that there are people whose kids will laugh at their fashion choices in old photos, and there are those whose kids will be surprised at how classic their parent looks. There are risk-takers and there are thoughtful people.
Shorts.
I've never ever stayed on topic ever in my life. When I was a kid I used to
...Shorts. This is about shorts.
For the classic: Wear crazy shorts with a simple shirt, and if you are in that wasteland between wanting to wear the shorts and hide them, you can never to wrong with a breezy cardigan.
For the daring: Hello my lovelies, and welcome to your new favorite trend. With these shorts, I'd suggest a lavender shirt. Really, wear whatever you feel like on top, just make sure the colors don't clash. We need unity somewhere in your outfit and god knows the shorts will throw everything off. Wear high-top shoes of any kind to show off your legs, and therefore your shorts. WORK THAT SHIT.
Kisses

How-to:Red Lips

This is in no way a dare. Red lips, my dear, are a complete lifestyle. Really, I wear them when I get angry, as a warning to the world. Yes, I really do have that thought process in my head but if you really feel like calling someone stupid, go on a political video about youtube. Hate to your heart's content.
Red Lips.
Well, before doing anything, apply lipstain (can be found at local drugstores, any kind will do). I'd suggest chap stick after that, so your lips don't get all nasty. You COULD apply lipstick or gloss after that, but let's face it: you don't need to.
Guys actually don't like the thought of red lips leaving stains on them to my knowledge, and this is mainly why I recommend lip stain over lipstick--it STAYS. That's because it's a glorified marker, but regardless, I swear by lip stains. If you want that ever-so-sexy swipe of lipstick though, be my guest. There's something undeniably retro and cool about good ol' lipstick.
Times to wear red lips:
If you don't want a kiss on the first date
When you need to be noticed
During a recession (TRUTH! It creates an instant outfit, why do you think it was so popular during the thirties-fourties?)
when you feel pale but want to make it trendy
feeling retro
Christmas
sometimes school? high school? I wouldn't say college, though. Suck it up freshman, you all will be dressing in yoga pants soon enough.
when you're angry;)
Lastly, when you feel a need to look pretty and really don't care who it's for. Most guys will notice but are repelled by red lipstick in a lot of cases. Rock it with confidence, though. Red lips are what turn heads and start trends.
Kisses

Ballerina Skirt

Alright, I'm a dancer, albeit and incompetent one, but I love channeling it in everyday clothes. However, the lacrosse player in me wants to be taken seriously. CONFLICTS. Kidding, but if you do want to wear a ballerina skirt, here are some tips:
Keep the top SIMPLE, this outfit is like an experiment. It's very volatile and can turn into ridiculous if you turn the wrong way. I suggest black on top--subtle ballerina looks. Yes.
I offset it with leather, because it's my favorite jacket and because I can. If I was you, though, I'd find a way to toughen it up a bit. Maybe rough shoes, or dark eyeliner? Whatever sinks your titanic.
Cat eyes are really good with this.
No lipstick. It ruins it. If it's pink, you look five, if it's red, you look desperate. If it's purple...well damn if you can pull off purple, wear it whenever the hell you want.
This isn't really the bravest of dares, but I got very positive reviews on this when I wore it in SF. Trust me, it's a good look. Just make sure it matches your personality a bit. By that I mean, if you've gone every day wearing tshirts and awkwardly long shorts, then ease your way into this look. Everybody has their looks and closet-pets. This is really a look that I do love.
If anyone out there has a pulse, feel free to reply. Love it, hate it. suggestions, people, it's about the journey.
Kisses,
Cristi