Hot In The Hive: Cheri Bento Box

imageWhen it comes to preparing for lunch at work, usually I… well, don’t. As much as buying take-out every day burns a whole in my wallet, sometimes I’m just too lazy in the morning to do anything but dress myself and down my mandatory 2 cups of coffee before I hit the road. And when I do muster up the motivation to whip something up, it’s usually a slapped-together sandwich and a granola bar thrown in a plastic Safeway bag. Maybe if I had a lunchbox as cute as this Cheri Bento Box, designed by Shinzu Katoh, I might be a little more enthusiastic about saving money, being less wasteful, and incorporating more culinary savvy with my daily on-the-go lunching! It has plenty of pull-out compartments for easy organizing (and more room for the healthy side dishes of my would-be balanced mid-day meal!), yet still remains compact for convenient travel. Plus, it’s totally cute… which is my favorite part about it, quite frankly!

Price: $23.99
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Cheri Bento Box to the Hive.

Stylehive’s Stylescopes Has Your Perfect Summer Tote In Mind!

imageTrue, it’s only the beginning of May, but as I always say, it’s never too early to start thinking about your summer plans! Whether they involve a whole lot of shopping, jet-setting far and wide, catching some rays at all the best beaches, or just taking it easy and lounging poolside, you’re gonna need the perfect summer tote bag to keep all your personal belongings safe and close at hand. But as any true fashionista knows, the possibilities in the realm of totes are just about as endless as the long summer nights ahead, so why not let the stars be your guide and see what Stylehive’s Stylescopes has in mind to best equip your sign’s style? For example, even if you don’t have a big exotic getaway in the works, Scorpios can live vicariously through the bright tribal print on this Billabong tote, and Aquarius ladies will have all eyes on them when they hit the beach with a sparkling sequined bag. To see what kind of summer tote your sign has in its fashion future, check out the slideshow!

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Label Love: Dare To Brighten Your Look With Sugarpill Cosmetics

imageWhen it comes to clothing, I love incorporating bright colors into my wardrobe. But with eye makeup, I usually play it safe with neutral shades like brown, grey and taupe. Just when I was trying to figure out how to get out of this drab makeup rut, I discovered Sugarpill Cosmetics. Founder Amy Doan launched her makeup line earlier this year with a variety of brightly colored pressed eyeshadows, loose pigments, and false eyelashes. It sounds weird, but I wish I had more eyelids so I can play with all the products all at once. Unexpectedly, one of my favorite pressed eyeshadows is Dollipop, an insanely bright matte pink that I usually pair with a light brown shadow for a look that’s almost work appropriate. (Tip: you can also use it as a blush!) MAC Carbon lovers like myself looking for an alternative should try Bulletproof because it’s one of the blackest black eyeshadows I’ve ever encountered. You also get over double the product compared to MAC at a lower cost too. As for the loose pigments, Lumi may look like a simple white glitter powder, but when applied there’s a surprisingly flattering turquoise sheen that catches the light beautifully. Prices range from $8 for a pair of dramatic false eyelashes to $34 for a quad eyeshadow palette so there’s something for everyone. It’s time to ditch boring neutrals, embrace bright colors in your makeup routine and using Sugarpill is the perfect way to start.

Beauty Bargain: Guerlain Double-Sided Volumizing Mascara For Less!

imageEver since I recently became addicted to false lashes, I can’t help but want long lush fringe all the time… you know, like during the day and other occasions that are just too casual to bust out the full lash strips and glue. Of course, sometimes just regular mascara doesn’t cut it — when I want noticeable volume and length, I like to go for a double-sided mascara that contains either lengthening primer in addition to mascara, or some kind of additional gloss or formula that amps up the look of my natural lashes. Guerlain’s Le 2 de Guerlain Volumizing Mascara is probably the best of the best I’ve tried, but $36? Come on. As much as I love long lashes, it’s hard to justify spending that kind of cash on mascara, no matter what kind of almost-miracles it performs. Luckily for us beauty mavens on a budget, many more affordable brands have caught on to this double-duty mascara idea, so you can still get a similarly great 2-step volumizing system without having to spend quite so much dough! Check out my slideshow for 6 cheaper alternatives to Guerlain’s double-ended mascara that are still gorgeous, but less harsh on your wallet!

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Hot In The Hive: Ice Cream on Collar Necklace

imageIce-cream is a classic favorite for summertime (or all the time) not only because it’s creamy and delicious and helps cool you down on a sunny day, but because a good ol’ fashioned ice-cream cone is nostalgic and conjurs up childhood memories and happy past-times too. While many of us would love to munch down on an ice-cream cone or three every day, we’ve passed the age where metabolism can be taken for granted and while we’ve given up running semi-naked through sprinklers, we have gained the burden of calorie counting. Now, thanks to Topshop (and the famously waif-like Kate Moss), we can shower ourselves with as many fun ice-cream cones as our neck can carry. The whimsically designed Ice Cream on Collar choker features a string of cute, plastic charms in the shape of ice cream cones, connected to one another by plastic chain link. It’s the perfect way to add sweet whimsy to a spring or summer ensemble. Pair it with a flirty sundress and bright sandals for a girl-next-door vibe, or add it to a tank and short shorts for a touch of stylish humor! However you decide to wear it, the Ice Cream on Collar Necklace is the perfect treat for your summer wardrobe!

Price: $12.50
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Ice Cream on Collar Necklace to the Hive.

Cowl Back Tops Put A New Twist On The Lowcut Neckline!

imageTalk about bringin’ sexy back! Cowl back tops push the limits of how low you can go with your neckline without the danger of looking unsophisticated or the risk of… well, popping out (yikes). While similar to the season’s popular cut-out trends, cowl styles have a little softer, effortlessly elegant vibe going on, as if the top just naturally draped on its own to conveniently show off your best new summer asset! They add an extra breezy femininity to your casual summer tanks, and can totally dress up an otherwise boring tee. Of course, there is a catch — a low-cut back introduces the obstacle of pesky visible bra straps — but it’s easily solved! Look into a convertible bra specifically for backless tops for the illusion that nothing’s there at all, or add interest with purposely visible straps for a pop of color… as long as you’re able to rock it like you intended for them to show rather than looking like an unfortunate fashion oversight! Browse the slideshow for some summer-approved cowl back tops!

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Lose Your Flip-Flops & Lace Up Your Sandals This Summer!

imageLaces, usually saved for utility boots and sneakers, started making more trendy appearances on booties last season as heeled combat boots became popular and feminized. And now that it’s sandal season, laces are showing up on our favorite summer heels as well. While a sandal isn’t something you’d normally associate with the need to knot before wearing, laces add visual interest and add to the sexy ultra-strappy look in a unique new way. But just because they’ve lost some coverage to suit the upcoming warmer weather doesn’t mean they’re any less edgy. Either clunky and platformed like these Derek Lam sandals or vampy like these caged Dolce Vita ones, lace-ups are ready to be paired with a summery day dress or you’re next night-out outfit, depending on the style. Take a look at the slideshow for a selection of my 10 favorite lace-up heel sandals!

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Give Active Moms A Boost With Workout Friendly Gifts!

imageMost moms already seem more busy than humanly possible, many times juggling kids, a relationship, a career and a social life, as well as household chores and life errands. Then there are those moms that do all that and still manage to squeeze in a routine workout regime. While I can’t seem to find the time or will-power in my own life, it’s definitely impressive and if this sounds like your mother or a mother that you know, give them a motivating boost with a gym/ workout friendly gift this Mother’s Day! Whether it’s a stylish gym bag to let her tote her things around fashionably, or if it’s practical and fun gym accessories that is more up her alley, she’ll definitely appreciate the effort and how cute and stylish she’ll be looking while breaking a sweat. Click on the slideshow to see some cute gym/ workout staples that will make great gifts for your active mama!

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Bag Of The Week: Deux Lux Fortune Hobo

imageI’ve spotted plenty of Deux Lux’s items over at Urban Outfitters, so I was pleased to see one of their more high-end (but still totally affordable) bags over at the Nordstrom purse department, one of my favorite places to lurk! When it comes to the Fortune Hobo, I’m totally digging the “Moonshine” metal mesh detail which looks almost holographic when the light hits it — it gives the otherwise simple bag a more futuristic, space-y vibe without making it look completely wacky or tacky. Plus, its practical shape and neutral navy faux-leather makes it appropriate for day or night, even with the added glitz. I just love slouchy bags that are big and roomy yet somehow still fit perfectly under your arm and at your side — it’s perfect for tossing in all your must-haves last-minute when you’re racing out of the house, as long as you’re willing to spend the extra minutes to fish out your lip gloss from its bottomless pit later!

What: the Deux Lux Fortune Hobo
Price: $158
Where to Buy: Nordstrom
Who: xgalexy was the first to add the Deux Lux Fortune Hobo to the Hive.

Get Organized With Chalkboards For Your Home

imageMy favorite cleaning chore to do when I was in elementary school was to go outside the classroom with some chalkboard erasers and whack them together to get all the chalk dust out. Not sure if my nose and lungs liked that very much, but seeing the clouds of dust seemed so cool. So when I thought about organizational tools for the home, I thought about chalkboards! The simplest way to go is to get a chalkboard wall decal that you can stick onto multiple surfaces without damaging your walls. The Peel and Stick Chalkboard can be arranged with just one at a hallway for reminders and notes or you can group multiples and cover a whole wall. I also love the Sabrina Basket & Chalkboard Labels for easy storage from anything like kids toys or your toiletries. The best part is that nothing is permanent so just a swipe can erase your words. Take a look at my slideshow to see more!

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