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Bewildered by the big, chunky bracelets, earrings, and rings seen everywhere from Forever 21 to J.Crew? We asked the sister duo of Jodie and Danielle Snyder behind cult-favorite jewelry line, DANNIJO, how to pull off bold pieces (like their Bea necklace at left). Their company started as a labor of love after Jodie's visit to Lwala, Kenya for an internship in 2006. She learned about the devastating rate of HIV infection among the villagers after one-third of them were tested by doctors at the nearest hospital--a four hour walk away. Determined to make a difference and build Lwala's first health facility, she co-founded a non-profit and named it after the community (L.W.A.L.A.) giving it the acronym "Live With a LIfe-long Ambition." To raise funds for the cause, Jodie and her sister designed a capsule jewelry collection--a passion they shared as children. The small line was so successful that their charity project quickly turned into big business, resulting in the creation of their attention-grabbing accessories label. Monday is too stressful. Wednesday is already hump day. But Tuesday is "you" day: a day when you have the energy to do—or plan—something fresh and unexpected that might just turn your whole week around.
Treat your neighbors to a cool, sweet, liquid treat tomorrow, also known as Watermelon Day. Whip up some backyard watermelon margaritas with Sheryl Crow's secret recipe. Amaze your kids in college by mentioning (casually) that you're going to start storing the family photos in the cloud. How to get a sneak peek at iCloud. Play amateur paleontologist. How to see the fossilized skeleton of a thalattosaur, just found in Alaska. Trick yourself—or somebody you love—into eating 2 of their 5 recommended servings of fruits and veggies. Indulge in a bowl of sweet corn and black raspberry ice cream. Celebrate your friends and Friendship Day this Sunday. Buy the ladies you love a grown-up version of a summer camp friendship bracelet.
A debate recently broke out in O's fashion department--a few staffers strongly argued in favor of keeping breasts supported 24/7 to prevent sagging, while the rest of us said strapping our chests down at night just isn't worth the trouble (or discomfort). Which is when our creative director Adam Glassman stepped in, declared it a toss up and asked me to get to the bottom of this bra (or no bra) battle. I called in the experts, bra whisperer and founder of Intimacy boutiques, Susan Nethero, and Phil Haeck, MD, and president of The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, to find out what's myth and what's fact when it comes to keeping the (ahem) girls perky.
If you're taken with wine/book/cheese of the month clubs, you might want to consider becoming a member of one of these style societies, where you can treat yourself to something new and affordable every 30 days. Need a gift for a friend or family member who hates to shop? Sign her up and create a personal profile based on her fashion likes/dislikes so she's guaranteed to receive something that she'll actually want to wear (without having to hit the stores). Check out three of our favorites: Jewelmint: Created by actress Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter, this jewelry club emails you a personalized selection of earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces to choose from--offering a range in styles from dainty to daring. And you're not obligated to buy each month--if you don't see anything you love, skip it. The cost: Membership is free, each piece of jewelry is $29.99. Sole Society: Put a spring in your step with new sandals, flats, wedges, or heels every month. Ideal for the shoe obsessed or the woman who doesn't have time to hunt for the perfect pair. Like Jewelmint, you're not obligated to buy every time and if they don't fit, return them free of charge. The cost: Membership is free, each pair of shoes is $49.95. StyleMint: Is your go-to weekend uniform a T-shirt and jeans? This club, created by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, sends you a super-soft tee and style tips direct from this duo so that you can add to your collection and find new ways to wear your old favorites (in other words, give your jeans a day off and try a long skirt or slim khakis, etc.). The cost: Membership is free, each T-shirt is $29.99. Which club would you join? If you could create a fashion item of the month service, what type of clothing or accessory would you want to receive every 30 days? Jeans? Handbags? Hats? Keep reading: Check out O's summer fashion handbook See our Great Buy of the Day
We recently told you about the first 3D printed swimsuit, but it was just announced that Kristin Cavallari (star of The Hills) will be walking the runway tomorrow at Miami Fashion Week Swim in a bikini made of...glass. While it's certainly cutting edge, we imagine that sitting poolside or actually swimming in this creation would be nearly impossible. Plus, you'd need to apply sunscreen to parts of your body that, ahem, you never thought needed sunscreen before. If the idea of walking onto the beach in this swimsuit makes you cringe, here are 8 confidence-boosting and affordable options to try on for size. Like the one at left by Yokini, which which has a 5-in-1 bottom that can be rolled up or down depending on the amount of coverage you desire. For more swimsuit advice keep reading: Find the most flattering swimsuit for your body Slimming suits for plus-size women Pear-shaped? 7 styles made for you. Wednesday is already hump day. But
Tuesday is "you" day: a day when you have the energy to do--or
plan--something fresh and unexpected that might just turn your whole week
around.
Get ready for "Embrace Your Geekness" day on Wednesday.
How to purchase some inexpensive and super authentic vintage geek classes. Share our affection for the shuttle program. How to tour Discovery online, and how to see how the earth looks to a female astronaut in space. Celebrate National Gummi Worm day on Friday. How to bake a
disgustingly delicious dirt cake. Treat Yourself to some fruity, deep summer fun. How to paint watermelon nails. 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?
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:
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).
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
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. Advertisement
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