The SHG – Fake What Your Mama (Didn’t) Give Ya!

imageWe’re all for natural beauty and firmly believe that when makeup and cosmetics are involved, less is more.


However, as much as we may love our own natural, unadulterated assets, there’s certain features and looks out there that Mother Nature just didn’t bless us with, but we’re still dying to try and have. No worries! When it comes to beauty, it’s ok to fake it (as long as you’re not obvious about it)!


Give your pale skin a healthy, golden glow (and in a way that’s so much safer than harmful tanning beds), get the pouty lips you’ve always coveted, or make your lashes the most fluttery and flirty they’ve ever been. It’s easy! Check out ThisNext Beauty Tastemaker, Rona O’Connors’ best ‘fake it’ beauty tips and collection!

ThisNext Tastemaker, Lucy Sykes, Shares Her Spring Essentials!

imageThisNext has an entire arsenal of experts known as TasteMakers, all of which are well known people in their industry be it fashion, beauty, home or lifestyle.


This week, Fashion Tastemaker, Lucy Sykes, is sharing her must have Spring essentials from trendy must-have wedges to unique and edgy, but completely functional and practical jackets. We love her style and fashion picks!


Check out her Best Spring Outerwear collection at her ThisNext OneShop, or click on the slideshow here to check out some of our fave Spring picks!

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The SHG – Get Snapped For Fashion Week!

imageIt’s a Fashion Week frenzy in New York right now and while we love seeing what new collections are parading their ways down the runway, it’s just as interesting to see what Fashion Week go-ers are wearing to these shows.


We managed to snap a few of our favorite looks from in between shows and on the streets, courtesy of our own Contributing Editor, Geri Hirsch of the popular blog, Because I’m Addicted. Take a look at our tips on how to dress to impress while trekking through city blocks in the extreme New York weather, then take a look at the slideshow to see our fave picks to get the looks for yourself!



The Fur Coat – It’s cold in NY, but there’s no need to sacrifice luxury for warmth! A thick fur coat (the make great faux-fur pieces these day as well!) is a great way to add decadence to any ensemble while keeping you toasty!



The Statement Jacket – Bold shoulders, edgy style details, crazy colors, unique materials. These are all in style for the fashionably daring and a unique but flattering jacket makes for the perfect statement piece on chilly days!



The Crazy Hot Shoe – It’s Fashion Week! And while a pair of flats may be more practical, some killer heels are a must! Really can’t walk in stilettos all day? Roll up a pair of flats into your purse, but remember that a hot pair of heels amps up any outfit and adds instant fashion cred. Look for cool color-blocking, architectural shapes and anything that will make you stop and say ‘Wow!’.



The Perfect Bag – When it comes to Fashion Week, there’s usually a lot of running around involved and long hours out and about. A roomy bag that’s also a show-stopper is a must. Look for larger totes and satchels from your favorite designers; it’ll be well worth the investment! Anything from a luxurious leather bag to a leopard print affair works, just go with you’re own preference!

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The SHG – Do It Your Way

imageTrends are definitely fun to follow, but following a trend also means that you’ll be wearing a lot of similar styles as others. A mark of true style chops is the ability to make an ensemble that so many others are wearing into a look that’s all your own! It doesn’t have to take your whole paycheck to step out in a one-of-a-kind style. All it takes is a little creativity and minor DIY skills to take any outfit from a dime a dozen to one in a million!



Antique Pins – Vintage pins and brooches can be found for a reasonable price at any pawn or antique shop and because they’re vintage, you’re guaranteed a unique piece! Place them on skirts and outerwear as hard-ware. Or place a few on a scarf!



Large Silk Flowers – These voluminous accessories are truly multi-functional. Try floral clips on shoes for a cute, retro spin. Or make a statement by fixing a large silk flower to hair or wrist. Really turn heads and amp up the fashion with a large flower on a would-be basic dress. Really go for gusto by combining different colors or sizes!



Studs And Such – A boring tee or shorts, simple leggings or even your fave pair of jeans gets an instant makeover with the addition of just a few studs or hardware. You can get studs and stud setters at any craft-store, but for bonus DIY points, use the studs from an old belt, or piece of jewelry!

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The SHG – 3 Haute Coats For The Holidays

imageThe Holiday season is officially upon us! This means lots of festive gatherings, cheer and good food! And festive gatherings means festive ensembles. But with this season full of love also comes a season full of freezing days and extreme elements. A warm winter coat is the best way to look stylish, stay warm and add a winter touch to any ensemble. A holiday coat should be a style that is classic and versatile, while being flattering and just a touch dressy. We have our three favorite styles of winter coats that’ll keep you toasty and tasteful all season long!



Pea Coat – This classic number is a winter coat staple. The thick material keeps you toasty, while the structured look is flattering and versatile. Pea coats can come in varying lengths, but opt for one that is more traditional for a look that’s in year after year. The A-line structure makes layering easy and it’s unisex appeal makes it equally cute with heeled boots or mens-inspired oxfords! Try a pop color for something a little more unique!



Cape – This style of outerwear is at once traditional and unique. Reminiscent of Christmas carolers, the cape is a look that is very winter appropriate, very cute and extremely comfortable (just remember to find a style with arm holes!) Due to it’s voluminous shape, layering is easy, but remember to keep the bottom sleek to avoid looking larger than you are. Try opaque tights and ankle boots!



Long Cinched Coat – The length is flattering and flirty because when paired with knee socks or tights, a long coat resembles a dress and flaunts long legs. The cinched waist creates an hourglass shape and makes for a more dressy style. A long cinched coat can be as casual or fancy as you please. Look for one that’s made of canvas or nylon for an everyday coat, or find one with fun embellishments like a fur trimmed collar or covered buttons for a special occasions coat!

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The SHG – High-End Staples Worth The Investment

imageA lot of our favorite celebs and style icons have been talking about mixing their fave high-end statement pieces with more lower-priced items and while this is a great idea and gives any look an air of luxury, it’s hard for us mere mortals to mix in a different thousand dollar piece into every one of our outfits. But that doesn’t mean we can’t partake in this way of dress ourselves. The trick is to look for high-end designer staples that can be mix-n-matched with a plethora of different ensembles and that will stay in fashion for years to come. Here our some of our high-end staples that are worth the investment and how to wear them, plus take a look at our slideshow to see some face picks and where to get them!



The Designer Scarf – Think iconic. Look for a scarf that is warm and durable, but that is also immediately recognizable as well. Burberry plaid, Gucci or Louis Vuitton monograms and others immediately let others know that it’s a high quality item, but are also versatile enough to pair with classic looks or casual styles. Wrap it around your neck and add instant luxe.



Leather Bag – There’s a lot of cute bags out there, but look for a high quality leather bag in a classic silhouette like a satchel or messenger bag. It makes toting your essentials around in style a cinch and is a bag that can be used with everything. Opt for a medium or large size for practicality, as well as a solid color like black or camel so that the look is timeless and extremely versatile.



Blazer – A designer blazer costs, but the structured, flattering fit is worth it. Look for a length that hits at high hip as extra short or long styles come and go through the seasons. Black, beige or pinstripe options are classic and go with almost anything from flowy dresses to jeans and a tee!



Short Black Boots – A high quality shoe is always worth the splurge. It’s better for your feet, much more comfortable and definitely durable. While pop colors are fun, every season has a new ‘it’ color, but black stays as a versatile staple. A short ankle boot matches just as many looks as a pump, but gives an added touch of edginess.



Cashmere Sweater – It’s warm, soft and not as chunky as wool versions, making it a great layering piece or a flattering sweater when worn on it’s own. Pair it with leggings or dark jeans, or for even more style cred, try thigh high socks and shorts!

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The SHG – The Best Accessories For Any Day (Or Night!)

imageThere are many a time when us gals are flipping through a rack or perusing the shelves and come across what would be the perfect dress or top if only


Forget about the ‘if only’ moments in life (or at least in fashion) and add your own accessory to make a look exactly what you’re going for. Whether it’s a lunch or shopping with your closest girl friends, a day at the office, or a wild night out in the city, our accessories are what helps express who we are and helps complete and polish a look. We’ve gathered a few quick tips to keep in mind while accessorizing to make sure that your look is perfect (a spiked leather cuff may be wrong for a job interview, but will induce lust from all the other club-goers!), then click on the slideshow to see some fave jewelry and accessory picks!



Daytime Fun – For casual day time activities that have you in a cute pair of jeans and a fun blouse, or a simple and sweet dress, you can have fun with your accessories. Mixed materials, chunky charms and fun colors are all great for a simple day time look, allowing your accessories to really help pull together a look. Large bags are still in and are essential for storing everything you may need. Try suede option to be really of-the-moment!



Workplace Worthy – When it comes to a professional setting, think simple and clean and nothing to overpowering. A few layered long necklaces, a chunky, but minimal cuff or sleek drop earrings help give your workplace attire a touch of personality without seeming inappropriate or distracting. Metallics are in and can be a subtle way to add shine so look for simple accessories that really sparkle!



Girls’ Night Out – This is the perfect time to shake what your mama gave ya! And to show-off some of your more outrageous and amazing pieces. A unique pair of heels really spices up a simple black mini-dress, while edgy pieces like leather bracelets or eye-catching earrings really amp up the sex appeal. As long as it looks good, anything goes in this situation so opt for pieces that are real attention getters!

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The SHG – In Touch With Your Masculine Side

imagePeople are always talking about finding a man that’s in touch with his feminine side, so why don’t we flip the script and get in touch with our masculine sides? Stylistically, of course. Every young girl goes through a tom-boy phase and with the recent menswear inspired trend, men’s clothes are looking more appealing than ever.


Plus, men’s clothes always seem to be more comfortable, so why not raid their closets and find some stylish pieces that actually look better on us? Pair flannel shirts with sleek leggings or baggy cut-offs, or don a fitted tee over a pair of slouchy jeans. A long cardigan works for multiple ensembles and that leather messenger bag? Dibs!


Click on the slidehow to see some fave picks of what to steal from your dude’s closet! Or if he’s lacking the right fashion pieces,these choices make great gifts that you can use too!

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The SHG – Not-So-Halloween Costumes

imageWhen we were younger, Halloween night was rife with anticipation to don the elaborate costume that had been picked out weeks ahead of time, gather up friends and family and head out to see what type of candy treasures you could accumulate in a few short hours. Nowadays, while Halloween is just as exciting, our days of trick-or-treating have long since passed and are being replaced with themed parties and spooky get-togethers.


While some of us still love to get into elaborate costumes, even more of us may not have the time or energy. But who wants to be the ‘debbie downer’ and show up in a boring outfit while everyone else is dressed in the spirit (or as a spirit!)? Fangs, a wig, intricate make-up and other fun, but time-consuming costume pieces may not be feasible, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still dress to impress and show your love for this ghoulish holiday!


Fishnet stockings, lacy corsets, leather thigh-high boots and other sexy, Halloween-themed pieces are a great way to show up at any Halloween shindig looking festive and ready to party, but can still be used for stylish ensembles for after the holiday! Click on the slideshow to see some favorite picks!

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The SHG – Get Dressed For Wet!

imageThough for most, sunny weather brings the smiles, for us there’s nothing more poetic than pending storm clouds to ignite a renewed love affair with our rainy weather outerwear and accessories.

Modern trenches and rain boots keep you dry, while plush scarves and fingerless gloves keep you warm and current! Rainy weather doesn’t have to mean drab and dreary and can be the perfect way to show off some seriously chic style while staying dry at the same time!

Click on our slideshow to see our fave cute to edgy picks for rainy day pieces that help you stay dry and fly!

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