18 Things to Love About Guys

There's an article by Marina Khidekel from CosmoGirl in Feburary of 2006 that I really liked.  The article was "30 Things to Love About Guys"... Here are my favorites.  
... "how they're like a personal garbage disposal.  Can't finish what's on your plate?  Give it to your guy friend." 
... "how they are so sweaty after playing really hard in a game."
... "how guys' skin smells."
... "when guys walk on the outside of the girl near traffic as a sign of respect."
... "how they act all tough around their friends but when you're alone with them they're all sensitive."
... "how they try to fix stuff when they have no idea what they're doing"
... "how guys lift up their shirt to scratch their stomach- to secretly show off their abs"
... "their shoulders and backs."
... "how they jokingly push you, just to touch you."
... "how they make an effort to look hot, but it's better when they don't."
... "how protective they are of their little sisters."
... "how they always kick pebbles when they walk."
... "when they're talking to their mom and you hear them say, 'I love you.'"
... "how they think of tomorrow, not yesterday."
... "how they wrap their arm around your waist, like they're saying, 'She's with me.'"
... "their quick, sharp humor."
... "how they look at you and smile when they don't know what to say."
... "how they say the right thing when you lease expect it but need it most."

I hope ya'll enjoy these as much as I did.

XOXO, Dylan

4 Tips to Look Like a Model Without Surgery

Here are some tricks that models use to appear flawless.  

Wide-Set Eyes.

Trying to find a model with close-set eyes is like trying to find a date-able guy at William and Mary. (JK!) Anyways, line your inner rims with a skin-colored pencil.  Line the outer 1/3 of your eye with charcoal or black.  This will make your eyes seem wider.... check out Lily Donaldson (above).  

Fake-Looking Lashes.

Coat both sides of your lashes with mascara.  Coating the underside (which most people don't do) makes a huge difference.  People might even ask you if they're fake.  Make sure you separate each lash though. You don't want them looking like spider legs.

A Definite Jawline.

You know those jawlines that seem to blend right into the neck?.. It's pretty much a straight slope to the chest.  Sorry, but models don't have double-chins.  Dust bronzer along the underside of your jawbone to get more definition of your jawline.  It will take 5 lbs off your face.  

A Narrow Nose.

Has anyone seen Heidi Pratt's new nose?  Well, let me tell you... it's proof that cosmetic surgery is not always the quick fix.  If you want a slimmer and straighter nose, try this trick.  Pat a bronzer down both sides of your nose.  Use an eyeshadow or powder 2 shades lighter than your skin tone and pat it straight down the center.  Blend well.  

Now, of course I'm not saying that women need to look like models.  We can't all be 6 ft tall, weigh 90 lbs, and have perfect skin.  These are just a few little tricks :)

XOXO, Dylan

Check Out My Muscles! Hehe, call me the Terminator.

Ok, so I'm kind of worried because I've been taking my golden retriever, Ellie, on a 5 mile walk every day since summer started.  I always hold her leash in the same hand.  Something you should know: Ellie loves to chase chipmunks.  Every time something in the grass moves she nearly pulls my shoulder out of its socket.  And now my one bicep is way bigger and stronger than the other one from holding her back.   Oops.  Today I'm going to try to switch hands.  Wish me luck.... because I'm not really feeling this lopsided look.  

XOXO, Dylan

p.s. Isn't the back of this dress cute?  I like it.  I think I'm going to start looking for things with cool back details. 

The Men at Victoria's Secret

Since when were half of the people working at Victoria's Secret men!??? Seriously. I was at Victoria's Secret yesterday and like 4 out of the 8 people working were guys.  No, I don't mean they were the typical "sassy gay friend".  They were scruffy, balls-to-the-walls, heterosexual men.  

And honestly, it made me a bit uncomfortable when the man at the cash register slowly fondled my purchases, holding them up and then looking at me.... on repeat.  Not to mention, he looked to be about 16. 

Now, I'm not suggesting that all guys who work at VS are dawgs, but this particular situation was rather uncomfortable.  I would compare it to going to a strip club with a professor.  Or watching pornography with your parents.  Or giving your father-in-law a lap dance.

XOXO, Dylan

Ma-Love-of-America, my second home.

So today I met up with my cousin, Mary, at Mall of America.  It was my first time at MOA since I've been back in Minnesota.  It was SO GOOD.  I felt like a fat kid in a bakery.  

For those of you who have not been to MOA, here are a few facts: 

 520+ stores.  

Each level is .57 miles around (there are 4 levels).

4 out of 10 visitors are tourists.

7 Yankee Stadiums could fit inside.

258 Statues of Liberty could fit inside.

My FAVORITE: There is no sales tax in Minnesota!

I would call today a successful trip.  I got a dress, a shirt, and a romper from Express, a pair of sunglasses from ForLove, and a secret from Victoria.  I saved $74 and spent $78.  Crazy, huh!? And no I did not steal anything.

P.S. Mall Cops premieres this Thursday on TLC.  It's a show about the mall cops at the Mall of America.  My goal is to get on the show.  I will probably have to pretend to be selling drugs or something.  It would be SO worth it though.  Let me know if you have any ideas :)

XOXO, Dylan

My Next Purchase

Cute, right?

A big mistake by COACH? Mens' Stores.

What girl hasn't heard of COACH?  Come on.  I have a few pieces from COACH because I love their promise of quality, timelessness, and style, not to mention, COACH is a status symbol that is at the lower end of the high fashion market.  They appeal to a range of price rdanges from $25-$600.  At the outlet stores, the majority of COACH wallets, purses, etc. are between $30-$200.  


Now, let's move on to what I believe was a huge mistake by COACH... They're now creating stores for men.  Yes, MEN!  I don't know WHY they would do this, as I find it hard to believe that more than a small, exclusive group of male population would be willing to hand over $200 for a wallet.  


In my experience, men don't even understand why women would be willing to do this.  There is a huge market among women because COACH accessories are the things that women save up for!  I don't think you'll ever hear a man saying, "Oh, no I'm not up for the movies tonight.  I'm saving up for a new COACH wristlet".  


The new men's store boasts $600 cotton peacoats, $500 washed-leather totes, $700 leather carry-ons, $100 sheer, wispy scarves, and more.  Guys, would these interest you?  Quite frankly, I think men would rather drop money on a new snowboard or a weekend at the beach.  


What I find most hilarious about the COACH store for men is their marketing tactics.  They use phrases like "Details Make the Man" and "Featherweight and Sheer".  Also, "Miles of Detailing" and "Unlock Your Personality".  I don't know if they're trying to allure men or send them running away.  


I'm no astrologist, but I'm predicting a big F-A-I-L for these men's stores.

XOXO, Dylan 

7 Tips on How to Wear a Romper

Don't miss out on this summer fashion trend!  Rompers are the hottest thing right now... they're sexy without being overstated.  You don't have to weigh less than 90 pounds to pull this look off, and no, you're not going to look like a 2 year old with a diaper-butt; I promise.  Please don't be intimidated.  Here's the right way to pull this look off :)


1. Choose a fabric that has some structure.  If the fabric is a loose, stretch knit, and the leg openings are wide, it will look like you are wearing a slutty, too-short dress.  Or, even worse, the romper will hang straight off your booty and your undies will be visible.  Especially if the shorts of the romper are pretty short in length, you need to have a fabric with definition and structure.  Think tailored.


2. Hell NO, camel toe.  You NEED to make sure that the torso of the romper is long enough for your body. Enough said.  Personally, I have found Forever21 to make rompers more suitable for shorter torsos, and Express to make rompers more suitable for longer torsos.


3. Tight is NOT Right.  Skin tight is a no-no.  Unless you're trying to look like an "adult" entertainer or a circus acrobat, then please, give your body some breathing room.  Instead, choose a billowy silhouette and define your waist with a belt or thick ribbon tied in a bow.  The lady lumps do not do well with lycra. Remember, we're going for "hottie", not "hooker".


4. Tone Down Accessories.  You don't want to look like Snookie from Jersey Shore. Also, keep the jewelry close to your face (i.e. earrings) to avoid looking over-done.


5. Step up your game, and step into some heels.  They will create a long-legged and slimmer silhouette.  Not a fan of heels?  Maybe you've never even worn them.  Or maybe you think you're too tall.  I'd suggest wedges if you're nervous about the idea of a heel.  And if you think you're too tall I have two words for you: confidence baby.


6. Clutches, not Purses.  This just looks better.  Having purse straps on your shoulder can be a fussy distraction.


7. A Black Romper = Bom Chicka Wah Wah.  There's just something about it. Especially if you have a good tan.  Pair it with a smoky eye and some summery wedges for a sexy night out.  WARNING: People may ask for your number.

P.S. This is my next purchase. It's currently on sale at Express for only $34! Love it :)

Happy Sunday!!! God Bless :]

XOXO, Dyl

26 Little Things I Love

1. I love it when you walk by a lilac bush and catch a drift of its sweet fragrance.  It's like it's saying, "Welcome to summer".

2. I love it when you are walking your dog past a house with loose dogs outside.  You think, "Shoot, I hope that dog doesn't see us, or else I know it will come harass me and my lil pup".  You see the dog ready to come over, but luckily, the dog stares and you pass by it safely.

3. I love when its about 10 a.m. and you go outside to lay in the sun.  The air is cool, but it's okay.  In fact, it's heavenly, as the intense rays of the sun warm your body up. 

4. I love it when you walk outside and the air temperature doesn't feel any different than the temperature inside.  I call this the perfect day.

5. I love hugs from behind.

6. I love long hugs that you both know mean something more. 

7. I love the lines in the grass when its been freshly mowed.  

8. I love having a daily ritual of some sort. For me, it's my 5 mile walk with Ellie.

9. I love that moment where you are walking with someone and you both want to hold hands but are too chicken.  You tell yourself that you will next time.  Suddenly one of you gives in, and you both kind of smile.  

10.  I love new athletic socks.  The first time you wear them it feels like you are running on a pillow.

11. I love the sound that rocks make when you throw them into the lake.  Each rock makes a different "plunk".  I could do this for hours.

12.  I love it when you are sitting in the hot tub with a group of friends and you and the cutie next to you are holding hands under the water.  No one even knows. 

13. I love feeling like I know about country music because I listen to Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift.

14. I love when the music in church is loud enough so you don't have to worry about whether or not you are on key. 

15. I love when you pull up next to a stop and a bunch of cuties in the car next to you are smiling at you.  It's even better when you're with all of your girls.  

16. I love those friends that you have that whenever you are together you both end up laughing uncontrollably. 

17. I love looking at people's engagement photos (Congatulations Ashley and Joshua!!!).

18. I love it when after a movie, everyone in the theater looks at the people they came with before standing up at the same time and shuffling out of the theater in silence.  There will always be the occasional extrovert murmuring "Wow"or "So whatcha think?"  Everytime, I swear.

19. I love trash TV.  Sure, as a William and Mary student I'd like to pretend that all I watch is CNN and CSPAN, but let's be real.  I'm really not a politics girl. 

20.  I love looking at old pictures and reliving the glory days of high school sports.... back when you were the fastest girl on the team... that is, until you got hips and boobs.  

21.  I love trying different seasonings on my grilled chicken.  I'll try anything.

22. I love it when you meet someone who is just plain nice.  You know that their kindness is not self-serving.  It's from the heart.  It's God's love. 

23.  I love it when you have lyrics stuck in your head all day long, and then you turn on the radio and that song is on.  It's like hell yea, that's right!

24.  I love texting things into my phone throughout the day and saving them as drafts.  In fact, that is how I come up with lists like this.  You can actually learn a lot about yourself that way.

25. I love singing "I'm in Love with a Stripper" by T-Pain.  "...she climbin that pole...."

26.  I love being able to trust that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for you.  At first when I didn't get a job in Virginia for the summer I was upset.  But, as different things happened at the end of the semester I realized that I was supposed to be in Minnesota this summer.  I believe that things fall into place for a reason... a reason bigger than that which we can understand.  It gives me a peace about life.  I love having a peace about life.  

 XOXO, Dylan

Movie Review: Liam Hemsworth and Miley Cyrus in The Last Song

Somehow this film was even better the second time.  The scenery was more beautiful.  Miley's voice seemed a little more bearable. And Liam's physique seemed even more amazing.  I know. Is that even possible?
P.S. Yes, these pictures are necessary. 

Overall, loved it. I'm not exactly sure why either.... so many reasons I suppose.  It's a very relatable story for me, and I loved the whole beach romance thing too.  Leave a comment if you enjoyed this movie too.  Or leave a comment if you think it was worthless, shallow, and a waste of time.  I'd love to hear from either side... just holla back.

XOXO, Dylan

Top 7 Summer Beauty Looks

1. The Fuschia Lip.
This is totally "babydoll in Miami".  I love it.  It's great for any skin tone; try a more coral-tint if you have fair skin and a more fuschia-tint if you have a darker complexion.  To get this look it takes 3 steps: moisturize with chapstick, then use a pigmented lipstick, and finally finish with a dot of gloss in the center of your lips (makes them look fuller).  Keep the rest of your look neutral. It's summer... we don't want caked-on Barbie faces.

2. Eye-liner Only on the Water-line. 
Just because it's summer doesn't mean that we must forgo all make-up.  But remember, eye-liner running down your sweaty face says, "I'm a hot mess". To still get that intense look of eyeliner, use it only on your water line (the underside of your lashes).  It will make your eye color really pop, and it's more natural than lining your eyes like normal because you can't see any of the product.  Talk about sultry.

3. Put DOWN the Hot Tools.
Forget pin-straight, flat hair.  Forget spending an hour curling your hair.  Embrace what you've got.  It's summertime...  it's pretty likely that you'll get thrown into a pool or a lake at some point anyways.  Wasting time and damaging your hair is not worth it.

4. Back off your Brows.
That's right, stop plucking off all of your eyebrows.  Drawing on eyebrows with a pencil is not a very beach-y or summer-y look.  If you must fill them in, stick with a soft powder and an angle brush.

5. Strategic SPF Spots
If you aren't going to lather your whole face with SPF, at least put it on the spots most prone to pre-mature wrinkles.... that means: around your eyes, around your lips, and your forehead.

6. Keeping Your Face Non-Reflective.
Sun + Humidity = Shiny Face.  I've tried many different products and my favorite is Almay Clear Complexion Pressed Powder in Light/Medium.  This product works and lasts all day.  You still want that shimmer and radiance, so only hit up your t-zone with this powder.  You still want your face to look like it is 2 dimensional, not a matte "pancake face", as my father puts it.

7. Bright Eyes. 
That means, no smoky-eyes for the daytime.  It's just too much.  Plus, it's going to smear. Keep the eyes light and bright.  It's highly likely that the stress of finals left you with dark circles and blood-shot eyes.  That means we need concealer underneath the eye and across the lid.  You want the skin to be smooth and even.  This will instantly breath some life into you.

XOXO, Dylan

Fuzzy Flip Flops from Hell

We've all seen these DIY flip flops before. Cute, right?  Maybe you yourself even own a pair in your school colors.  For those of us unfamiliar with this fashion "trend", these kitschy flip flops are made by taking strips of fleece/fabric/ribbon and tying it around the straps of foam flip flops.  Quite frankly, I'd consider these more of a fashion "disaster", and they need to be outlawed.  I don't care how comfortable, individualistic, or "cute" they are... these flip flops are inexcusable... here's why:

1. First of all, can you imagine how many germs these shoes track around?  The fabric quickly becomes dirty, dingy, smelly, and matted down.  Hello, it's like having mop-heads on your feet.
2. Then there's the fact that these shoes simple look clownish- since when was having large stringy balls of colorful fleece on your feet fashionable?  Um, never?
3.  Wearing them just screams, "I'm 9 years old, and I'm on my way to a slumber party! Oh-em-gee, let's have a pillow fight!"  Unless you're a small child these have no place on your feet, especially not in the workplace.
4. If you're resorting to these DIY flip flops as a fun craft project, then please, just stick to the beaded lizard keychains.  They're cuter.

So, if you happen to own a pair of these flip flops, I'd suggest untying the fleece before wearing them out.  Or at least just save them for the slumber parties. 

XOXO, Dylan

6 Ways to be a Momshell (the new M.I.L.F.)

I'm really not a proponent of the F-word, so I prefer Momshell.  If you don't know what M.I.L.F. stands for, then google it.  Anyways, Happy Mothers Day to all you lil mamas out there, especially mine :).  For every mommy out there, I have a few tips to become that sexy Momshell.
1. BEWARE of EYEWEAR.
If you were not blessed with 20/20 vision and you are blind without your glasses, then please please please, next time you're at Lenscrafters choosing from hundreds of different rims, choose a pair with a more modern-style.  It's the quickest way to take 10 years off your face.

2. Carry a Modern-Looking Purse.
Too often I see hot moms walking around with a sad, homely purse.  It's slouchy, it's textured leather, and it's an awkwardly long, skinny strap to be worn on one shoulder length.  You know what I'm talking about.  No I'm not suggesting that you go out and buy a designer purse.  Whatever your price range, modern purses are out there.  It's not about the brand, it's about the style.  Stick with something neutral, leather, and a bit larger.  The larger your purse, the more petite you look. Also, stay away from teen section.  It's always disheartening to see a 50 year old woman walking around with a blinged-out, studded, faux-leather bag.
3. Pant Length... High-waters? 
We all have seen the woman who makes that effort to look more modern by pairing her jeans or black pants with a pair of heels.  What she doesn't realize is that her efforts have gone to waste because now her pants are 3 inches off the ground.  Hello, high-waters.  This says, "I tried to be cool and hip, but I failed".   A word of advice: If you're going to wear heels, make sure that the pants are no more than 1 inch off the ground.

4. The Rule for Shirt Length.
Too often I have seen women get stuck in the rut of wearing short, boxy t-shirts.  They seem to hang straight off their boobs and barely reach the top of their mom jeans.  You can sometimes even see the button of their pants.  This is what happens when you wear shirts that are too short: Your butt looks large and shapeless, your shoulders look broad and square, and your waist loses its definition.  Instead, make sure that your shirts reach at least 2-3 inches past the waistband of your pants.  You want your shirts to hit right below your hip.

5. Lips: Victorian Lipstick VS. Bubblegum Gloss. 
I know that many moms reach for the lipstick when trying to look pretty and fresh.  Lipstick, however, can actually be extremely aging when misused.  If the lip is too dark, your eyes will blend into your face, your skin tone will appear pale, and wrinkles will be more noticeable.  And we all have seen those moms who wear a thick layer of bubblegum-pink, frosty lip gloss.  When the gloss dries it looks like you have crusty, chalky pieces of crystalized cotton candy stuck to your lips.  Really, moms, there's no need to "frost yourselves".  When choosing a lip color, stick with something closer to your natural lip color.  If your lips seem to have lost their color, look at a picture of when you were in your prime, and match that color.  Also, moisturize with chapstick before applying lip products.  It will make the lines and wrinkles in your lips so much less noticeable.

6. Bootylicious Butt Pockets. 
I am a HUGE fan of cute and interesting butt pockets on jeans.  Maybe you're a new mom and your booty still has that pop to it, or perhaps a bit too much pop.  Or maybe you're an older mom and your butt now resembles a pancake.  Whatever the case, butt pockets are your friend.
 For those bootylicious bums: Choose pockets without a flap.  Also, if the pockets are too high on your butt, they will make it look gigantic and like it becomes a part of your thighs.  If the pockets are too far apart or sit an an slanted angle, they will make your booty look a mile wide.  Basically: choose pockets that are sit lower, slightly closer together, and do not have a flap.
For those pancake butts: Choose pockets that have a flap.  Also, pockets with some sort of subtle embellishment (please avoid bling) will add dimension.  Choose smaller scale pockets as well, as large pockets will "drown" your booty.

There you have it- six tips to be a sexy Momshell.  Send this article to your moms or drop a few hints here and there.  Whoever said moms can't be hot- think again :)

XOXO, Dylan

Road Trip Fashion Idea: Dress to Intimidate

In four days I will be embarking on a 23 hour road trip across the country, from Virginia to Minnesota.  It will just be my friend, Lauren, and me in my VW Beetle (so roomy, I know).  I have a feeling that two girls in a girly car with a bright pink daisy on the dash might get some "unwanted" attention.  I can just imagine... creepy truck drivers, crude remarks, etc.  I'd really like to make it to Minnesota without being assaulted, so I was thinking...


What if I tried to look intimidating.  Rather than wearing my usual girly sundress, I could dress in black, ripped up clothes like Miley Cyrus (read my last post)... or maybe I could dress like a thug.  I've been told that I have "hood status", so I think I might go with the latter.  


Here's the look that I'm going for: a fitted thug hat, ballin athletic pants, and a white tank.  Whatcha think?  Does it say, "Don't mess with me."?

Let me know if you have any ideas :) 

XOXO, Dylan

The New Miley

Some of you might know that I am totally obsessed with the movie "The Last Song" featuring Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth.  Did I mention Liam Hemsworth? ;)
If you haven't heard the news, Miley and Liam ARE in fact, a real life couple.  I'm really not a fan of Miley (mainly her man-voice), but let's take a look at this grunge princess.  After all, she's dating Liam Hemsworth!
In their latest shoot for the April 2010 issue of Teen Vogue, Miley and Liam were truely love birds.  I feel like Miley may be taking a step in a more grown-up direction.  At the photoshoot, Miley tossed her signature ripped-up, grungy shirts for a fresh summery look.

Not only does she have some hot eye-candy on her arm, but she is adopting a more lady-like sophistication.  Now I can almost take her seriously.
I just wonder how she got him.  Here's an idea: This summer maybe I'll stop brushing my hair, give boys the death-stare, and dress like ready for a mosh-pit.  Hey, it worked for Miley.

XOXO, Dylan

Enough is Enough! Do you need a "life break"?

This is how I feel in this moment- like the mom.  The expression says, "Enough is enough. Can I get a babysitter?"... Needless to say, I'm ready for a break (and a back massage). One more week till the epic 23-hour road trip home in my VW Beetle. Hang in there everyone.  Summer here we come :)

XOXO, Dylan