Say Aloha to Your Favorite Mascara!

Long, luscious lashes are super sexy and can make your eyes stand out for miles. And now that you've probably found your favorite mascara you need to make sure you use it... or you'll lose it. What do I mean? If you don't use your product it will eventually go bad just like anything you'd leave out on the counter too long. So how do you know if your favorite lash enhancer is bad? The first sign is the smell. If your once pleasantly fragrant mascara is now odorific it's time to trash it. The smell could mean bacteria is present in the tube and that should go no where near your eyes. Second, if you've shared your wand... pass it on. Sharing mascara is a big no no and should be trashed (even if your pal in gym class borrowed for like, a minute, because she forgot hers). Finally, if you notice changed in consistency... dump it. Your wand should glide in and out of the bottle and there should be no cakey flakes in sight! Now that you've ingested all this info go check your mascara. If you notice any changes in smell or consistency throw out your bottle and get a new mascara today!

Look of the Week – MINKA KELLY

Minka Kelly reminds us that sometimes simplicity is everything. At the premiere of the movie Country Strong this week, Minka opted for a look that wins points on its structure, color and attention to detail. The draping of the dress with its V-neck, hemline and great shoulder structure enhanced Minka’s killer bod, and the black and beige color palette was striking with her skin tone. I’m in love with those peep-toe Jimmy Choo shoes and the matching nude clutch just seals the deal. If you’re loving Minka’s look as much as I am, you might want to replicate her look (I know I do!). If you do too, just remember this—looking like a million bucks doesn’t have to COST a million bucks when attention to detail is paid.

Buy a Pretty Necklace and Change Lives!

I’ve talked about Crowdrise on here before and I’m going to give it props again!
Kristen Bell is one of the very active celebs on there using her celeb status to make positive change in our world, and she’s at it again!
She created this awesome necklace and the proceeds go to support Invisible Children. If you haven’t already heard about Invisible Children, hoping you are already aware but just in case, check out this website.
http://www.invisiblechildren.com/homepage
The donations will help to build new schools and provide education to war-effected children. So make a difference in the world for just $45 and get a beautiful necklace to boot! Check out Kristen Bell’s Invisible Children fundraiser page on Crowdrise for more deets!
http://www.crowdrise.com/invisiblechildren/fundraiser/kristenbell

Make Way For The Movies!

Q: What’s hot now?
A: Seasonal Sequels!

Get ready movie goers because this month is jam-packed with soon-to-be box office hits! From “The Chronicles of Narnia,” to "Tron: Legacy," to everyone’s favorite “Little Fockers,” one thing is for sure– Tis’ the Season of Sequels! So go ahead, indulge in some sweet Christmas candy and delicious buttery popcorn, and sit yourself in the middle of what’s sure to be the best seat in town– the movie theater! After all, what better way to spend your vaca than in the presence of some of Hollywood’s most notable actors? Make sure to check out www.imdb.com for the latest reviews, ratings and upcoming flicks!

And congratulations to the month of December, I hereby declare thee, "every movie lovers’ fantasy!"

Look of the Week – CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Looking perfectly Christmasy (not to mention stunning) in an Edition by Georges Chakra red gown, Carrie Underwood lit up the carpet at the 2010 American Country Awards. The long skirt, high slit, beaded cummerbund and luxe detailing are to die for, but the the thing that I’m loving most is Carrie’s styling. Her piecey side chignon, flawless dewy makeup and matching gold heels and clutch were the perfect complement to her look-at-me dress. We may not be able to run out and buy a Chakra gown for that upcoming holiday party, BUT we can definitely steal a page from Carrie’s style playbook when prepping for the big night—easy breezy styling and a hot red dress? Can do!

Look of the Week – MILA KUNIS

When it comes to fashion, Mila Kunis can basically do no wrong (IMHO). Mila consistently chooses classic colors like black, white and navy in flattering styles. Her latest look is no exception as she shined at the Gotham Independent Film Awards this past week in support of her newly-released film Black Swan. The brunette beauty opted for a navy Oscar de la Renta strapless dress with floral appliqués on the skirt and edged it up just a bit with a wide black belt and matching pumps. Stellar! Catch Mila’s Savvy Celeb profile in our December issue or take a sneak peak at http://www.savvymag.net/!

Bye Bye Blemish!

It always seems to happen... you wake-up for your first day of work, school, on the day of the homecoming dance or for your first date with the All-American hottie only to realize you have a zit the size of mars on your face. While it totally blows, don't worry. There's a way to hide the blemish until it shrinks (I promise!).

First, exfoliate the area as best you can. If there are little pieces of skin hanging off your "new addition" try to gently pull them off with tweezers. Next, use a concealer like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye that matches your skin and blot it on your blemish using a flat or rounded concealer brush. Wait a few minutes for the concealer to dry and lightly blend it into your skin. Now set the concealer with translucent power using a large fluffy brush and walk away from the mirror! Your pimple will be well hidden and YOU can now shine on your big day!

Photo Credit: Domenico Gelermo

Finals…Finally?

Don’t worry—I’m not excited about the rapid approach of finals, but I am thrilled about what the onslaught of finals foreshadows. It’s almost December, which is my very favorite month! I feel your pain if you’re dreading the upcoming endless study sessions in your near future, as well as the time spent coloring in little bubbles on multiple-choice exams, but don’t despair! If you take the time to buckle down and power through those pesky tests, the excitement and joy of this beautiful time of year will arrive before you know it. Here a few study tips that may be slightly unconventional, but have helped me:

• Study in a place that mimics the type of environment you will be in during the test. Silly as it may sound, simulating the testing environment helps with your recall!


• If you have a friend in the class (or a compliant parent or significant other), study by “teaching” him/her the material—you will learn it far better this way.


• If your test is in the morning, eat a healthy breakfast. My power combo is oatmeal with blueberries and an egg—I swear by this to get my brain functioning bright and early (and so do the experts—check out http://www.ehow.com/how_2189053_eat-properly-before-exam.html)!

Once you cross finals off of your checklist, it’s time to decorate, buy presents for your loved ones and savor the best month of the whole year! Good luck and go get ‘em!

Harry Potter’s Emma Watson….and fashion with a true purpose

I’m certainly not one who stayed up til all hours this weekend to catch the premiere of the new Harry Potter flick but you can’t escape the wizardly buzz!

I felt given the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it would be appropriate to give a shout out to Emma Watson.

She has brought a huge amount of attention to Fair Trade and doing away with factory slums and sweatshops. She’s helped be a voice to People Tree an awesome company that is a pioneer of Fair Trade fashions. People Tree proves “that it is possible to wear stylish, exciting and affordable fashion, at the same time as respecting people and planet.”

Check out the Youth Collection, endorsed by Emma. It’s easy, buy some cool clothes and know that it’s helping people in impoverished communities build a better life.

http://www.peopletree.co.uk/press/100816ycew.php

Look of the Week – RACHEL BILSON

There aren’t enough glowing words to describe Rachel Bilson’s gold Chanel minidress. With 3/4-length sleeves and gorgeous detailing at the hem, sleeves and neck, the look was classically elegant—but not TOO perfect. The black clutch and strappy Camilla Skovgaard sandals kept the vibe youthful and fresh. And while I normally like hair pulled back in a low ponytail or chignon when a high neckline is in play, I’m giving Rachel props for choosing long, loose waves and a pop of bright lip color. Sheer perfection!

Ready... Set... SHOP!

Q:What’s Hot Now?
A: Holiday shopping!

Believe it or not, the holiday season is fast approaching and while normally the motto is to ‘shop till you drop,’ this year I’m going to encourage you to try something a little different that I like to call ‘pick it and click it!’ Yep, it’s really that easy. This season, make the internet your ‘go to’ place for prime holiday shopping. Just think... while everyone else is pushing their way through the lines at the mall, you can be browsing gifts galore from the comfort of your own home! So kick back, relax, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and let the World Wide Web take control... all you have to do is ‘pick it and click it’!

Here are some great sites to help you start your holiday hunting–

http://www.amazon.com/ - Books galore and SO much more!

http://www.christmasgifts.com/ - The name says it all.

http://www.overstock.com/ - Everything from home and garden to music and games... what’s not to love?

www.ruelala.com/vip - For the exclusive bargain shopper, try this stylish members-only online shopping destination. They carry clothes to computers and everything inbetween!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/ - This site caters to the ‘geek’ in all of us, with an over-abundance of gadgets and gizmos!

http://www.wheredidyoubuythat.com/ - Retail therapy at it’s finest. This site even offers help to shoppers by dividing it’s merchandise into tons of different categories!

And to make sure you get the most stellar steal possible try using - http://www.beatmyprice.com/

Ryan Seacrest dons yet another hat!

That's right, as if he wasn't busy enough, Ryan Seacrest now has a new role as the voice behind the Ryan Seacrest Foundation.

He was in Atlanta last week with his beau, former Savvy cover girl Julianne Hough, opening up the first media center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

Ryan's foundation helps to improve the lives of

seriously ill and injured children "through unique programs that utilize multimedia and interactive platforms to enlighten, entertain and educate."

Props to Julianne on finding a guy who appears to be just as kind and generous as she is!

Look of the Week – Rachel McAdams

Since stealing our hearts in The Notebook, Rachel has been in and out of the spotlight—but now she’s back with a vengeance. Gracing the red carpet at the premiere of her new rom com Morning Glory, Rachel looked super hot in a gray form-fitting Lanvin dress from the spring 2011 collection and adorable mesh pumps (also Lanvin). Gray is fast becoming the new black and is a perfect choice when you want to stand out—but not be too obvious about it. For more hot star looks in this new “it” color, check out the December issue of Savvy, hitting mailboxes and stores in a few weeks!

http://www.morningglorymovie.com/

Do guys dig kissing glossy lips?

Your heart is pounding, your palms are sweaty, your breath is sweet and the dude you've been crushing on for months is about to kiss you for the first time. You wanted him to notice your sexy mouth so you made sure to apply ample glossy, glassy, glistening gloss to your pout (all night)! And now the moment has come—but what does he actually think of that gloss?! He likely thinks it’s pretty on YOUR lips and not on his. If it is super sticky he will probably have to wipe it off so his lips aren't glistening like yours (awkward!). And finally, the taste can make or break it! So here's what we found works well for you and your man...

First, stick to a clear or nude gloss without a lot of shimmer. That shimmer can stick to his face and lips and can turn a manly man into a girly man (and no one wants that)! Next, pick a gloss that plumps without the sting—men do not like to suffer for beauty like we do. And finally, try to use a gloss that is gender neutral in taste (think something minty). Stick to these gloss rules and you’ll be totally kissable! Kisses!

Help Edward Norton raise 26 million dollars this weekend!

Edward Norton and Crowdrise are trying to raise 26million dollars for charity this weekend!! Don’t know what Crowdrise is yet? http://www.crowdrise.com/ It’s SO fun and SO important! Think Facebook but with an amazing sense of humor and full of people trying to make our world a better place, really trying!

Brothers Robert and Jeffrey Wolfe teamed up with actor Edward Norton and created this one of a kind place to be! Set up an account on Crowdrise.com today and give to the New York Marathon charities or find another cause you’re passionate about. You can find anything from a grassroots campaign to raise funds for one individual’s needs or provide a child in a village in Africa with a school uniform so they can go to school http://www.gybmovement.org/movement (P.S. This is one of my favorite causes on Crowdrise!)

Join today and find me and other friends on Crowdrise and learn about and give to some amazing new cause! Oh and if you’re in NYC this weekend RUN on Sunday November 7th!

Look of the Week – EVA MENDES

Ever notice how the day (and I mean literally THE DAY) after Halloween the stores start pulling out the Christmas gear?! In keeping with this seasonal push, Eva Mendes electrified the red carpet on November 1 at the Rome Film Festival in a jaw-droppingly beautiful ruby red gown. Her one-of-a-kind Gucci is stunning because of its sheer simplicity. In a color as bold as red, less is usually more—and Eva proved this theory correct in her strapless gown with minimal jewelry. So since the time for holiday parties is apparently already upon us, remember in picking your wardrobe that the perfect dress can virtually stand alone—and will make YOU stand out!

Affirm Yourself!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Positive Affirmation!

Feeling a little down in the dumps lately? No worries, we’ve all been there. What’s important is that you don’t stay there. Sometimes all you need to lift your spirits is a slight attitude adjustment. Trust me, the biggest difference in your day can be as simple as making an effort to think positively. So for your viewing pleasures, here’s a few tips from one of my all time fav YouTube sensations, Jessica!

This video is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Rock out and rock some positive change!

I already loved 3 Doors Down before I knew they used their celebrity to start their own charitable organization and make lives better for countless children. Knowing that, they
now earned themselves a spot as one of my favorite bands of all time!!

On November 13 at the Horseshoe Casino/Hotel in Tunica, MS 3 Doors Down will be taking the stage with Theory of a Deadman and Saving Abel for their 7th annual The Better Life Foundation event!

Get a VIP Package!! For the price of a really fun night out (okay maybe the cost of two, but SO worth it) you can meet the the band and take photos with them, and get prime spots to watch the show! So whether you want to just enjoy the music from a standard fare seat or give a little extra, keep in mind going to a phenomenal cause, either way get your tickets now and enjoy the show! I’m SO jealous! Leave me a comment if you’re lucky enough to go! I want to hear every detail!!

Learn more about the organization and the show at: http://www.thebetterlifefoundation.org/
To quote 3 Doors Down’s mission statement: "Changing the World, One Life at a Time"

Photo credit: Doug Sonders

Home Sweet Homecoming

There’s something about going home that stirs up a feeling unlike any other. The best parts of that experience are almost always found in the special people, comfort and familiarity there. When fall rolls around, there’s no better time to go home sweet home…to homecoming, that is! Whether you are still a student and want to have some fun with your friends while showing off your school pride, or if you are a graduate who wants to reconnect with old pals and feel the excitement in the autumn air once more, seize the chance! Homecoming football games are often the rowdiest, most thrilling games of the year and are guaranteed to have full crowds bursting at the seams with the exhilaration of it all. If it’s chilly out, it’s the perfect opportunity to debut some of your new winter wardrobe, grab a pumpkin spice latte (or something else equally reminiscent of the fall), pack your car full of friends and head to the game! If you’re in high school, you can’t forget to attend the homecoming dance. Don’t have a dress? Get a pretty new one at an inexpensive store like Forever 21 or spice up one you already have by switching up the accessories and adding a feminine jacket to the ensemble. The most important part is to don your best smile and dance the night away while making some unforgettable memories! You don’t always get such a fun reason to go home, so make the most of it this year!

Get Real!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Getting "Real"!

Okay, I admit it... I am (shamefully) a self-confessed reality T.V. show fanatic and therefore, I naturally watch shows like "Jersey Shore," "Teen Mom" and "The Real World" religiously every week. While I’m obviously addicted to the "can’t help but watch" suspense of these somewhat train-wreck inspired shows, I’ve recently noticed a new sensation that’s grabbing my attention and forcing me to stay up even later past my bedtime. What is it you wonder? Well, it’s MTV’s new genre of reality! Shows like "World of Jenks," "The Buried Life" and "If You Really Knew Me" are quickly gaining popularity and shining the spotlight on a different kind of "reality star"– the kind who is passionate, caring, driven and determined to change the world. So while I’ll never fully be healed of my guilty reality show pleasure, at least now I can watch my fav shows with pride (well, some of them that is!). Major props to MTV for making good deeds and inspiring individuals a "reality"... that is SO now!

Catch up on missed episodes or check the T.V. schedule to find out what time these shows air near you at http://www.mtv.com/

The boy with the umbrella

Every day I try to teach my children to appreciate all they have around them. Sometimes we literally list all the ways we are blessed, we did so just this morning!

We have a picture up on our wall of a little boy in the Congo, he’s “home” in a refugee camp. He sits amongst some rocks, holding an umbrella; my guess is it came from the photographer. We call him “the boy with the umbrella” simplistic I know, but simple works, especially with children.

So when my children fuss about eating all their dinner, about having to get up early on Saturday for a soccer game, about not getting some little trinket they saw at the store….all I have to do is say do you think the “boy with the umbrella” would like to eat that dinner, get up and play all morning in a safe environment, have even one toy that he could call his own? And then they smile and appreciate all they have and by now understand full well the lesson I’m trying to teach them.

I confess, I too remind myself of the “boy with the umbrella” when I’m feeling overwhelmed by work, life in general and remind myself of the endless blessings I have. If he could only know the impact he’s had in our family. Thank you “boy with the umbrella” we appreciate you!

If you want to help the children of the Congo, visit UNICEF and learn about the different ways you can make a difference: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/drcongo.html

Special thanks should go to the photographer who captured this image that means so much to my family, and hopefully now to you as well…so thank you Uriel Sinai for capturing this young boy.

Look of the Week – EMMA ROBERTS

Emma Roberts showed up at Spike TV’s Scream 2010 awards looking pretty much perfect. Her black Emilio Pucci dress has TWO trends I’m loving right now—lace and asymmetry. The one shoulder style is uber hot in evening wear this season, and the lace just kicked it up a notch. The best part about this look is that the romance of the lace counterbalances with the edge of the singular sleeve. Positively breathtaking! It’s fun to see stars Emma’s age pull off looks that are both sophisticated and youthful all at once. Props to Emma for her perfect choice!

Full Lips – MWAH!

How is it that every girl modeling in catalogs and on our fave clothing websites has full, pouty lips? They look natural and pouty without looking like they've been stung by a million bees (lucky girls)! Ok...get ready to BE one of those girls because with a few short steps you can have a luscious mouth too, the natural way!

First, apply a white pencil above your natural lip line and blend it in. A good pencil to use for this is IT Cosmetics Dual Plumping Pencil in Attract and Energy. Follow with a lip pencil that's close to your natural lip color and trace a below your lip ONLY in the center. This gives the illusion of fuller lips. Finally, finish up with your favorite gloss or lipstick. See...you ARE one of those girls now! Kisses!

They're cute... they're comfy... and they're SO now!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Cardigans!

I’m totally loving this sudden surge of cute, comfy and classy cardigans! Sleeveless, ruffles, buttons, no buttons, crochet, or knit... the options seem to be endless! Cardigans are the must-have wardrobe item for this fall and are perfect for the college girl juggling her time between class, work and a social life, as they prove to be a great quick-fix for sprucing up any ensemble. Take for example, Miss Fashionista herself, Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf... she’s always working the cardi and looking ever-so classy and chic might I add. You can catch Blair and the rest of the GG crew in all their fashion (and drama) glory tonight at 9/8c on The CW!

Check out these websites for some super cute cardis!
http://www.j.crew.com/
http://www.anthropologie.com/

A heavy topic…but it needs to be said

It seems you can’t turn on the news lately without hearing about yet another young person choosing to end their life. The rash of suicides in the past weeks, many prompted by bullying, has been alarming to say the very least. It’s so troubling to know how many young people see this as an option in hard times. It’s imperative that we teach the youth of our nation that suicide is not a solution to any problem.

Demi Lovato is teaming up with Facebook® and Pacer’s National Center for Bullying Prevention to spread the message. October is actually National Bullying Prevention Month and Demi and other stars are doing their part to spread the word. You can watch Lovato's video message about the topic on her Facebook Page. facebook.com/demilovato

Also check out an excellent, heartwarming plea from Good Charlotte’s Joel Madden imploring young adults that things do get better, that they can overcome their situations. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqENROhtbsE http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F&h=10a37

I learned for the first time this week that Facebook® has actually implemented a “Safety Page” to assist people experiencing any type of bullying or unsafe activities they encounter on the social networking site. facebook.com/safety

If you or anyone you know is struggling please contact The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention immediately! Sadly I have experience with this, and know that losing a loved one to suicide is one of the deepest pains you can know. Let’s end this awful epidemic today!

If you are in suicidal crisis please call 800-273-TALK

Go Naked this Fall! Wait....what?

With the fall comes back to school shopping, cooler temps and going naked? Ya, you read that right! One of the hottest make-up trends this fall is naked, not an ounce of make-up (looking), glowy skin. If you've ever looked in the mirror right after rolling out of bed you realize this look isn't literally about heading out the door make-up free. As with anything... there's a little effort behind the look.

To get this "I roll out of bed looking like this every morning look" start with a sheer tinted moisturizer. If you have any blemishes cover them up with a concealer that will never get caky like IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye. Next, line your lower lash line with a bronzy shadow and follow with one coat of mascara. To finish the look brush a golden bronzer under your cheek bones for a sun-kissed glow. Ready, set, go naked!

The playful days of summer have officially been cast aside in exchange for the often overloaded days of autumn. If you’re like me, going back to school holds some excitement but definitely causes some anxiety too! Between staying on top of classes, working (multiple) jobs, going to the gym, maintaining involvement with community organizations, and (oh yeah) trying to keep up a social life—it can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least. Whenever I get into that old habit of taking on too much and losing sight of the bigger picture in life, I try to remind myself of one of Dale Carnegie’s principles—“Count your blessings, not your troubles.” It’s so easy to be consumed by all your “to-dos” but I challenge you (and myself!) to actively pursue your “want to-dos.” Allow yourself a night to revel in all the camaraderie and commotion of Friday night football; schedule dates with friends instead of dates with your laptop; and focus on the meaningful parts of your life (like relationships and experiences) a little bit more. What you do will always be a nice reminder of your hard work, but it’s who you are that makes you stand apart. It may not be the “lazy” days of summer anymore, but trademark this autumn with your own special brand of happiness—I know I’m going to!

With peace and hope,

Rebecca :)

It's hot... and it's SO now!

Q: What’s Hot Now?
A: Bikram Yoga... literally!

If you’re looking for a new way to stay in shape, give this cleansing workout a try. So what exactly is it you ask? Bikram Yoga is set of 26 yoga poses which are each performed twice during the course of the 90 minute session. The classes are usually conducted in a room at a temperature of 95-100 degrees, allowing you to sweat out all those dirty toxins in your body. Beginners beware though... these classes are no easy task! Always remember to bring your own bottle of water, towel and mat. You may also want to try taking some regular yoga classes at your local gym or yoga studio before heading into the heat. Celebs who are jumping on the bikram bandwagon include – Jessica Simpson, Beyoncé, Madonna, George Clooney and Jim Carrey (just to name a few)!

Attending the Roberto Cavalli show during Milan Fashion Week, Taylor Swift managed to look like she just stepped off the runway herself. Her cream Victorian-inspired blouse, black pleated skirt, patterned tights and (AMAZING) lace-up gray boots, Taylor took a departure from her usual full skirts and color infused wardrobe – but she managed to look as hot (or hotter) than ever. To pull a page from Taylor’s style playbook, try mixing hard, edgy pieces (like her rockin’ boots or a leather jacket) with soft ones (like a floral skirt or silky blouse).

Love it!

Jack Johnson-Giving Back

I'm so excited to pick up a copy of Jack Johnson's latest CD "To the Sea" today! As he has done in the past, Johnson will be giving 100% of his tour profits to charity!! Can't beat that! So if he's in a city near you check him out!

You could even volunteer at one of his shows! Learn more about volunteering, about his Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, the tour and the new CD at http://http://www.jackjohnsonmusic.com/