We've all heard how buying counterfeit goods negatively impacts the fashion industry, but when the real deal--like high-end designer handbags or sunglasses--costs as much as a mortgage payment, it's easy to see why buying a fake is so tempting.  What you may not have realized, however, is how toting around a knockoff can affect your moral compass. Psychologist, author, and James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, Dan Ariely, has done studies on this topic and discovered that one act of cheating (like wearing imposter designer sunglasses) easily leads to another act of cheating. Ultimately, says Ariely, "Wearing imitation designer clothing or accessories can fool others--but no matter how convincing the knockoff, you never, of course, fool yourself."

So instead of sliding down that slippery slope filled with fakes, Adam Glassman, O's Creative Director, recommends staying on the straight and narrow in style. To raise awareness about the counterfeit issue and celebrate original design, the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) recently partnered with eBay and asked 50 designers--from Coach to Tory Burch--to create one-of-a-kind tote bags emblazoned with the slogan, "You Can't Fake Fashion." While these bags (which went up on eBay today) sold out faster than you can say "sale," you can still get your hands on the plain tote with this ultra-fashionable motto for $35 and customize it yourself. Plus, all the proceeds benefit the CFDA Foundation. Check out the gallery of designer totes online and get inspired to keep it real.

Have you ever purchased a fake? How did it make you feel? Did you find that you acted differently while wearing it?

Life's a beach (as they say), but if you didn't have time to get away this weekend at least you can fake that post-sun glow with this slim, purse-sized palette from Stila. It comes filled with a blush, bronzer, and four shadows inspired by the Hamptons--the ultra-chic beach retreat New Yorkers flock to for R&R. Plus, a step-by-step guide for getting an easy, warm-weather look comes screen-printed inside the compact (which means you'll never be at a loss for where to put that bold azure shade). With colors reminiscent of blue skies, sandy beaches, and golden sunsets, this is the only makeup you'll need to pack for your next summer escape.

Photos: Courtesy of Stila

Stila Haute in the Hamptons Palette, $14

For more info on the Hamptons this season, check out Stila's website for the best shopping destinations, restaurants, and summer sites they discovered while doing "research" for this palette.

For more summer makeup ideas keep reading:

Check out July's best beauty buys
10 ways to summerize your beauty routine

Lernert & Sander: Natural Beauty on Nowness.com.

Ever wonder how much makeup you slather on in a year? Two Dutch artists--Lernert and Sander--set out to answer that question by directing a short film entitled, "Natural Beauty," starring Belgian supermodel Hannelore Knuts. They applied 365 layers of Ellis Faas makeup in one day. It took seven bottles of foundation, two bottles of cream shadow, three lip glosses, and two bottles of liquid blush, and NINE HOURS of non-stop work to get the job done. (Knuts--with her head fixed between two panels--drank her yogurt lunch through a straw all in the name of beauty and art).

As I watched the layers of foundation melting off her face I wondered--do I really use this much makeup over the course of the year? How much do I actually pile on every morning in an attempt to look like I'm not wearing any at all? If only I had kept a tally of how many bottles of tinted moisturizer I'd gone through in 2010. (I'm just about at the bottom of my first bottle for 2011). What are we really trying to cover up? Why do we feel the need to mask our natural beauty on a daily basis?

What about you? Where do you stand after watching this? And what makes you feel beautiful?

Keep reading:

11 Ways to Feel Beautiful (And not one involves more makeup)

[via Nowness]

Photo: Courtesy of Sheyna.com

Making your own jewelry can be a chance to express your creativity and personal style. But for those of us who don't have the dexterous hands of a jeweler, securing a clasp or tying a microscopic knot on a homemade bracelet or necklace can be more frustrating than stress-relieving. If you fall into the latter category, Sheyna.com, a design-it-yourself jewelry site, might be the perfect solution. With over 5,000 chains, charms, beads and stones to choose from, ranging in price from $5 to $5000, you can get your arts and crafts vibe going at any price. The best part: Clicking and moving your mouse are the only skills needed to design your dream jewelry. Just select individual pieces from the gallery (or a ready-made design from the shop that you'd like to alter) and pull them onto the drag-and-drop digital sketchpad. This tool even builds your jewelry on a budget—pricing out your bracelet, necklace or earrings as you make each addition. Blossoming jewelry designer? After you've finished your sparkly masterpiece, you have the option to publish it and share with other shoppers, or keep this one-of-a-kind creation for yourself. Sheyna's pieces are handmade by artisans from around the world and arrive on your doorstep ready to wear. It's official: DIY has never been easier.

Other DYO (design your own) jewelry sites we like:

• The bracelet building function on Pandora.net is particularly fun, and you can create everything from watches to rings.
• Charmed by Ingrid Anne offers adorable necklaces at affordable prices—the perfect personalized gifts for your friends.
  

Photo: Courtesy of Sonia Kashuk

It's the little things that count, and these Sonia Kashuk makeup brushes, with their sleek wooden handles and gold accents, will look great displayed on your vanity. Since this set comes with seven different options, you're guaranteed to have every brush need covered. Plus, the wicker makeup bag doubles as a clutch for steamy summer nights out. Getting back to nature has never been so affordable or so chic.

Sonia Kashuk Gold Mine 7-Piece Brush Set, $25






More Summer Style Ideas
10 nature-inspired wooden accessories
Check out O's Great Buy of the Day

National Bikini Day has arrived. In celebration (really, we found a reason to celebrate), we bring you the future of the classic two-piece: The first 3-D printed bikini.

The founders of Continuum Fashion, Jenna Fizel and Mary Huang, refer to their company as part fashion label, part experimental design lab. Together (with the help of a computer and a 3-D laser printer) they "reinterpret textile design through a computational lens," says Fizel. What does that entail exactly in nontech terms? Inspired by how a beaded necklace coils in a compact but organized way, Fizel wrote a computer code that takes into consideration 3-D geometry and edge conditions to create a pattern of interlocking circles. Using a material called nylon 12 (for which their bathing suit, the N12, is named), the printer uses lasers that melt the nylon into the shape of a bikini. Since this material is also used in the making of fighter jets, we assumed it wouldn't be comfortable on the beach. However, Fizel says that the nylon becomes softer and more flexible as it gets wet. The best part: This suit will never sag in the wrong places (like around your bum). The material is printed in the exact shape of your body, and unlike regular fabric, the interlocking circles and system of coils respond to areas that need more support and flexibility (i.e., your breasts and derriere).

Photo: Ariel Efron

Each of their ready-to-wear bikinis (ranging from $250 to $300 for the top and $200 to $350 for the belted bottom) is composed of four pieces that lock together. The only part that's sewn on by the design team is the lining of the bottoms. They also have a bespoke option that creates a 3-D model of your body and a bikini created to your dimensions ($1,500).

We think this fashion concept paves the way for what's to come in 20 years (or less)—you'll be able to order, print out and wear clothes that are guaranteed to fit your body. The best part: You don't even have to try them on first. Which means you won't have to face a dimly lit dressing room with an armful of questionable ensembles ever again (and bathing suit shopping, in particular, will be especially less painful). We can't wait.

More Great Bathing Suit Ideas
Find the most flattering swimsuit for your body
Accessorize your look with a waterproof watch
Shop these ultraflattering and affordable styles

Photo: Thinkstock

Besides the obvious benefit of getting designer clothes on sale, the best part about these discount destinations is that you don't even have to get out of your pajamas to get in on the action:

Newly launched this week is Clique To Know, a flash sales website dedicated to luxury brands sizes 10 and up. You'll find high-end labels that will hug your curves in all the right places at prices you can afford. Something to note: these sales last 48 hours (and items only stay in your digital cart for 10 minutes).

One of New York City's best-kept shopping secrets is now available anywhere you can log on. Century 21--a department store and fashion destination for tourists and native New Yorkers alike--features a new set of designers online every Monday and Thursday at a major discount. Need a shopping alert? This site allows you to add future sales to your digital Outlook or iCal calendar with the click of your mouse.

Will you shop these sites? Tell us about your all-time favorite bargain.

For more great deals keep reading:

Find More Deals at Oprah.com's Great Buy of the Day.

Photo: Lomography

Celebrate the holiday weekend early with something special just for you...

La Sardina Camera, $59. The nautical packaging is inspired by vintage sardine cans, but instead of fish you'll find 35 mm film inside. Perfect whether you're on land or at sea this summer.

Violent LIps American Flag Temporary Lip Tattoos, $14.99 for 3. Red lipstick is always festive, but for a very patriotic pout come Monday press on one of these.

Simeli Dress Guards, $85. Not only will these colorful crocheted (crocheted!) wheel guards keep your clothes from getting splattered with mud, but they'll instantly dress up your bike. [via Honestlywtf.com]

Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock SPF 50, $10.99. No more excuses--now you can reapply every two hours without even drying off. Earning a gold star from your derm has never been easier.

Photo: Thinkstock

Dread walking onto a crowded beach? The typical advice for an uncomfortable situation is to imagine the other people in their underwear. Not so useful when everyone is already practically in their underwear. Luckily, we discovered a new way to get inspired to slip into that bikini or one-piece in time for the holiday weekend. And no, it doesn't involve crunches or a giant coverup.

We found this unique gallery of literary bathing beauties, which includes everyone from blond-blond bombshell Sylvia Plath to the always-debonair Truman Capote (who appears to have accessorized his Speedo with a headband). Next time you get the jitters staring at your itty-bitty bikini, channel your favorite smart (and sexy) writer—after all, Ernest Hemingway obviously wasn't afraid to let it all hang out! And of course, don't forget to pack your favorite beach read.

[via Flavorwire.com]


For more confidence-boosting bathing suit tips, keep reading:

Find the perfect swimsuit for your shape; plus, snag one that's affordable and flattering.

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

Chanel's chic nail polishes generate waiting lists a mile long, and we have a feeling that this intoxicating new shade will be no exception. Since it's named after one of our favorite brunchtime cocktails, we think this is the perfect shade to be wearing at all your lazy Sunday morning meals (and the best way to cure today's 3 o'clock slump).

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Mimosa, $25 (Chanel.com)