SUNS OUT GUNS OUT: 10 Thoughts on Guys in Tank Tops

What's up with guys and tank tops?  Let's just say.... I have a few thoughts. 
1. Armpit Hair. This is the #1 issue.  All too often, I see guys with abnormally long armpit hair trying to pull off the sleeveless shirt.... like hair so long that I could french braid it.  Now, I don't suggest you shave your armpits, but honestly-- there is nothing more frightening than when a guy puts his arm around you, and you get a face full of long, mangled armpit hair that is clotted with deodorant chunks.  Tip: Trim with a scissors so it's not more than 2" long.
2. What's on the shirt? 
Anything related to beer, sex, politics, or rednecks is usually always a no-no. 
3. Strap Width. 
There is a huge difference between a spaghetti-strap and a capped-sleeve.  We want NEITHER.  Find a happy medium.  Rule of thumb: The strap should be at LEAST 3 fingers wide. 
4. Wifebeaters. 
How could something called a "wifebeater" look anything BUT trashy!??  Not even Eminem could pull it off.  Unless you're under the hood of a car, there is simply no excuse to sport such a derogatory garment alone.
5. Do you lift weights?

Whether your biceps resemble balloons or toothpicks-- it doesn't matter.   It's about confidence: shoulders back, chest out, chin up.  

6. Farmer tan.

Don't feel obligated to get rid of a farmer's tan-- some girls find them sexy.  They suggest that you are probably hardworking, determined, and active.

7. DIY (when done right) = HOT. Oftentimes it's hotter to see a guy in a sleeveless shirt that he made himself (by cutting the sleeves off) than a guy in a manufactured, store-bought one.  You seem more capable and resourceful if you make it yourself... there's nothing hotter than a handyman. 

8. What The Flannel?

There is really never an excuse to wear a sleeveless flannel shirt-- unless you're going for the "hot, sweaty lumberjack" look.

9. Bottoms Up. This rule is simple.  If it is cool enough to wear pants, then you really SHOULDN'T be wearing a sleeveless shirt.  Sleeveless shirts are good for hot weather, but in cooler weather, they carry a different connotation-- starting with "T" and ending with "RASHY." 

10.  Ulterior motives.  Here's a secret: women know when you're trying to show off your arms.  It's 100% obvious.  We notice when you're trying to flex your triceps while stretching in class.  We notice when you cross your arms to make your biceps look bigger.  Most importantly: We can tell when you only do arm workouts... it shows on your legs.  So if you're wearing a sleeveless shirt just to show off the guns-- we probably have figured that out.  

How do YOU feel about men in tank tops?

Comment below, I wanna know!

Love,

Dylan

My Hairspray Tip for Windblown Waves

It all started when Willow Smith began whipping her hair back and forth.   Now it seems as if the  weather is agreeing.  This spring whiplashed, tornado-spun hair is IN!  TIP: Finish the look by spraying your fingertips with hairspray and digging your hands into your roots to create more volume.  Check out your favorite stars sporting the look:

I tried it too :)

Happy Hair Blowing,

Dylan

10 Tips on How to be a CLASSY Gypsy

I'm on the move... within 1 month I will have lived in London, Virginia, Minnesota, and New York.  I don't have any roots.  Today, my dad told me that people who live out of their car usually pile up their clothes in the back.  Hey, at least I have suitcases.  Still, it's easy to feel scattered/unstable.  Here are some tips to feel more "held together" while you're living the gypsy life.

1. Accessible Beauty.  Keep all of your beauty products and shower products close together and easy to get to.  You never want to have to dig through your back seat to find a toothbrush.  
2.  Always lock your car door.  For me, I was driving around with a flat screen TV in my car for about 2 weeks.  I'd say I was a pretty good target for break-ins.  Luckily, I got that out of my car today.  
3. Never pack more than necessary.  When in London for 4 months, I only brought 1 pair of jeans, 8 tops,  3 skirts, 5 dresses, and 4 pairs of shoes.   And, no, I did not wear dirty clothes. 
4. When it rains it pours. Keep an umbrella easily accessible.
5.  Be the best guest. Offer to cook, clean, and take out the trash for whoever you stay with. 
6. Keep your favorite foods on hand.  They will help you feel more secure and stable, no matter where you are or whose couch you are sleeping on. 
7. Have a miniature closet. Always have a duffle bag with a few tops and bottoms that you can easily get to for a quick change of clothes. 
8. Always do your hair and make up.  You will feel more put-together instantly. 
9. Use nice bath soaps.  They will make you feel extra clean and in order.  
10. If all else fails, head to the nearest Hilton... 

GYPSY LOVE,

Dylan

REVIEW: Brazilian Keratin Treatment

My hair was starting to feel unbearable.  After 4 months in London, I was starting to look like a homeless dog with matted fur.  My curls were tighter.  My hair was duller.  And I couldn't run my fingers through my hair like a princess..... it was time for an intervention.  

I accepted I was powerless over my hair.  I knew I needed help.  Rather than praying for a miracle, I turned to chemicals-- the Brazilian Keratin Treatment.  I have to say, while I was initially gratified, the chemicals left me empty and unfulfilled.  Let me walk you through the process...

1. I found the Brazilian Keratin Treatment & Cut deal on UK Groupon marked down from about $500 to $120.  I figured that a) a haircut back home would be $50, b) I need a trim badly, and c) I probably won't find a deal like this again.  

2. I arrive at the funky 3-chair salon in Brick Lane (London) to find myself facing a woman with red buzzed hair, tattoos on her body, and a cigarette in her hand.  Was this a sign?

3. Her 18 year old assistant proceeded to shampoo my hair 3 times.  She told me she wasn't supposed to condition it.  Alrighty then. 

4. I sit in the chair, and for the next 25 minutes, the red headed stylist blows my hair out like a poodle... without a brush.  Oh crap.  Who is this lady?  I then start to ask her how many treatments she has done, and how they have turned out.  

5. She disappears for 5 minutes and comes back with a petri dish full of black gunk.  The smell didn't really scare me, but it didn't seem like enough product to coat all of my hair.  I thought, "Great, she's scrimping on product, and it won't work."

6.  She applies the gunk to my hair in 1" sections, and after finishing my head, she gives me a few magazines to read while the chemicals soak in.  The fumes hit me.  Why do I keep imagining that my nose is bleeding?

7.   Thirty minutes later.... she blow dries and flat irons the chemicals into my hair.   So far, it looks like my normal hair.   Was this a rip off? 

8. My hair is all flat ironed, and she begins to trim it... but before she does, she says, "Well I think this looks pretty good,  I don't think we need to trim much at all."  Either a) she isn't seeing my split ends, or b) she is just trying to get me out of her chair so she can start on her next client.  I'm thinking a bit of both. 

9.  I insist that she at least trims 1/2" so that I don't need to get another haircut right away.  She complies.  

10. She runs some Moroccan oil through my ends, and I'm whisked out the door.  Fabulous.  

I was told that for 3 days I could not wash my hair, touch my hair, wear a ponytail, tuck my hair behind my ears, or even put sunglasses on top of my head.  I followed orders.   I even used the special sulfate-free shampoo that they advised me to use.  

For those first few days I got many compliments on my shiny, Pantene-commercial-worthy locks.  I even got called Kate Middleton a few times.  But... to my disappointment...  after the first time I washed my hair,  I realized there was no real difference.  

My hair looks and feels just like it did before the Keratin treatment.  For me, chemicals were not the answer.  Feel free to comment below with any comments or questions!

Love,

Dylan

10 Tips on How to Wear a Floppy Hat

I don't know about you, but when I was growing up, my dad would always crush an Easter bonnet on my big head and take photos of my sister and me while saying, "Oh, you're so cute!"  The impromptu photo shoot in the front yard of my aunt's house certainly left its mark.... I've never liked hats ever since. 

This summer, however, the bonnets are back-- in a more grown up, Jackie-O fashion.  We're taking a more 1970s approach, pairing the bonnets with wedge sandals, big sunglasses, and high waisted mom shorts like the ones in my post, "Is that a diaper?"...  

Here are some KEY outfits to wear a wide-brimmed floppy hat with...

1. Floppy hats are the perfect accessory for a trip to jail. 

2. Pair with large sunglasses, large earrings, and flash a corny peace sign.

3. Match your hat to your hair color for a"witchy" vibe. 

4. Pair your floppy hat with red lips and thick doll-like lashes for a luscious "come get me" look. 

5. Contrast your hat with your outfit (i.e. light hat & dark outfit or dark hat & light outfit) to make a stronger statement. 

6. Wear a hat while you tote your baby around... you will be the hottest mama around town.

7.  Floppy hat + Business suit = Mysteriously sexy businesswoman

8. Save your skin and your highlights with a floppy hat at the beach. 

9. Tie your favorite silk scarf around your hat in a bow for a personal touch. 

10.  And for the more daring ladies, well, balls to the walls!

Happy hat hunting!

Love,

Dylan

How to Dress in Easter Egg Colors

One thing I love about Easter-- other than Jesus dying on the cross to save us from our sins-- is wearing pastel colors.  There is something so celebratory about plastering yourself in pepto-bismal pink and baby-chick yellow before going to church and singing with all of the other pink and yellow people around you.    This year, with the trend of clashing colors and neon brights, it's totally acceptable to go all out.  Here are some of my favorite Easter outfit ideas.

Guys, there is no better day to pull off a seersucker suit.  

Ladies, this is the one day you can dress like you dipped yourself in Easter egg dye.  

Fabulous wide-legged walking trousers are perfect if you're not the "skirt type."

This "Carrie" skirt from Whistles (a UK brand) is everywhere in London... it's actually sold out!  Take inspiration from its pleats, modest length, and rich color. 

Too soon to show your legs?  Pair some white trousers with a bright top!

Alternatively, try bright bottoms with a crisp white top!  I did this look last year!

Feeling a bit more reserved?  Use nail polish for a splash of color!

If you have a son, why not dress him like Peter Rabbit.  They're only young once. 

Happy Good Friday!  What will YOU be wearing on Easter?

Love,

Dylan

25 Things I'm Excited to Do in Virginia

1. Jamestown Beach & Virginia Beach

2. Baseball games

3. Lay out by the pool.

4. Peking Mongolian BBQ on Bypass Road!  Best. Buffet. Ever. 

5. Text people back.  Hey it's my first time really texting since January. 

6. Make a french silk pie.

7. Declare my International Emphasis 

8. Bring a pizza to the beach at night

9. Queen Anne Dairy Shack

10. Movie - the Lincoln Lawyer

11. Bowling!

12. Spend long mornings at the rec center 

13. Terracing w/ friends. 

14.  Make pancake breakfasts for my man 

15. Doing dishes.  Give me a break, I haven't had a chance to do them in nearly 4 months. 

16. Fold laundry!  Again, it's the simple things :)

17. Learn how to make a rainbow cake. 

18.  Crash the ballroom dance classes with Prof. Rushforth. 

19.  Write articles for Her Campus. 

20. List some of my furniture on Craigslist... anyone see Craigslist Killer?

21. Prep for grad school entrance exams

22.  Throw the football w/ Jes in the Sunken Gardens

23.  Study up on fashion designers for my summer internship

24. Research potential companies I'd want to work for 

25. Make macaroni & cheese-- the Rugrats shapes only :)

What else?

Love, 

A very American girl 

London College of Fashion Graduation!

After 3.5 months of managing 7 classes, making endless mood boards, creating a swimsuit range for Marks & Spencer's, producing a 15 page report on ethical fashion, and writing 3 separate 30 page marketing write ups on Topshop & Whistles,   I can now say that I've graduated from London College of Fashion!  All in all, it was a fabulous experience-- helping me get where I need to be.  Here are some highlights from the graduation ceremony, which encompassed speeches, a fashion show of corsets, grammy style awards, champagne, and champagne, oh, and champagne.  Check it out: 

Some friends from the program: Brittany, Kristina, Manuela, and Heather! 

These are the girls (and honorary guy) who I lived with at Vandon House Hotel: Hattie, Erica, Brian, Emily, and Nicole.  

I'm grateful for the experience, but I also remember that after closing that chapter, I'm moving forward into the next chapter.  And this one excites me even more!!! :) :) 

Love,

Dylan

12 Tips for Wearing a Denim Vest

I've seen these all over London, and I have a feeling they're about to hit America soon-- like a denim tsunami.   Brace yourselves.  And remember: 

1. Cropped vests are less frumpy (bottom should come to your belly button).  
2. NEVER button up a denim vest-- think of it as a cardigan.
3. If you wear a vest over a tee make sure the vest is much larger than the tee.  We don't want to look like a stuffed sausage. 
4. Denim vests over sundresses are THE best way to wear vests in the summer.
5. Feeling like your strapless top/dress is a little skimpy?  Visiting the boyfriend's parents?  Going to church?  If so, you definitely qualify for wearing a vest. 
6. Kim Kardashian proves that denim vests can be sexy.  
7. If you are "well-endowed" make sure to get a vest without the breast pockets.  
8. The denim vest is the new lace/crochet vest.... in my opinion. 
9. In general, the wider the width of the vest on your shoulder, the more boxy you will look (See photo).  Go for a slimmer width that shows more skin. 
10. A vest should ALWAYS be worn over SOMETHING.  It is not a shirt...  I repeat, not a shirt.   (Just like leggings are not pants) 
11. If you're afraid of looking like a hick, then go for white denim-- it has a more of a modern, city vibe.
12. Never combine a denim vest with white tennis shoes..... Seinfeld anyone? 

Will YOU be trying this look?  Let me know!  I'm thinking about it for over some sundresses!

Love,

Dylan