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Storm Jameson
Storm Jameson “For what I have received, may the Lord make me truly thankful. And
more truly for what I have not received.” https://ift.tt/2XAEXXV
Henry David Thoreau
Henry David Thoreau “How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of
a book.” https://ift.tt/2SFhwsP
37 Things to Buy Your Friends as Birthday Gifts This Year
37 Things to Buy Your Friends as Birthday Gifts This Year
You think you know your friends well until it comes time to buy
them a birthday gift. I’ve never quite been able to pinpoint why,
but for whatever reason—possibly, the pressure—when you’re
forced to think of what someone would like or enjoy on a time
crunch, nothing comes to mind! At least, this has been my
experience over the last several years, and from what my friends
have told me, I’m not alone.
So, since I don’t have any birthday gifts to buy in the coming
weeks, I thought there would be no better time than now to round
some up great options, while the pressure is off. From
affordable trinkets anyone would be happy to receive to
bigger,
group gift ideas worthy of chipping in for, just keep scrolling
to see and shop 37 of the best birthday gifts you can buy the
fashionable friend in your life right now.
For
the trendy one in the group.
These
pearl buttons will catapult you to the favorite friend in an
instant.
Help
a friend indulge in a little mask session.
The
sneakers every fashion girl either has or wants right now.
I
might just need to get these for myself.
Pretty
but also practical.
A
truly timeless accessory.
Definitely
coffee table–worthy.
I
have this at home, and in addition to smelling lovely, it’s truly a
pleasure to look at.
Had
to get the pearl barrettes in here.
Of
course, you’ll have to buy yourself one, too.
Surprise
someone by framing a fun photo from their Instagram.
I’m
a sucker for anything that feels remotely personalized.
I
used this cardholder for years and have made probably 10 people buy
it for themselves, too.
For
that group gift you’re all chipping in for.
You
simply can’t go wrong with Tibi.
If
you have a friend who’s cool enough to pull these off, she deserves
them.
Who
wouldn’t want this by their bedside?
What
better way to welcome spring than with this colorful bag?
Had
to throw a spring trend in here.
We
all have that friend who’s obsessed with their sign.
Never
gets old.
I
love this because it can be worn out at night as well as at home to
lounge in.
So
9,866 people “loved” this on Sephora.com. I guess they must have
done something right.
Call
it cliché, but people love candles! 
How
could anyone not smile upon receiving this?
Anyone
could use this easy bag for day or night.
Feeling
like we should make friendship hair clips a thing…
+
Football Lace-Up Stretch Leggings ($110). As someone who hates
spending money on workout clothes, I can attest to how nice it is
when someone else does it for you.
Fact:
People love trinkets.
Ideally,
you can get both.
We
all know someone who would appreciate influencer-approved lip
balm.
+
Monogram PJ Shorts ($40). Comfort first!
Pretty
and, according to one reviewer, “sooo relaxing.”
Everyone
needs a good black one-piece and this is simply perfect.
For
the friend who definitely doesn’t need more jewelry, but might need
more ways to organize it.
A
bright addition to anyone’s weekend wardrobe.
Top Hairstylists Have Spoken—These Are the Best Cuts for Every Face Shape
Top Hairstylists Have Spoken—These Are the Best Cuts for Every Face Shape
Within the ever-colliding stratospheres of fashion and beauty,
“rules” have
become a bit passé, if not obsolete altogether. Gone are the days
when we’d refuse to wear white after Labor Day or dismiss navy and
black as an ill-conceived color pairing. Currently, we feel
inspired to dye our hair a
demurely shocking shade of Chantilly lace or an audacious shade of
citrus. A hot-pink, glittering eyelid is cooler than yesteryear’s
smoked-out cat eye, and we’re even experimenting with crystal-studded
manicures and taxi
cab–inspired polish shades. Our point? It’s an exciting time
to be in fashion and beauty, and more so than ever before, our
hair, makeup, and fashion aesthetic reflect that.
Hair, especially, has been the comeback kid of 2019. Previously
old-fashioned styles
like the French twist have been artistically resurrected, and
we currently own more pearl-, tortoiseshell-, and
velvet-embellished hair accessories than we did butterflies, banana
clips, and comb headbands circa 1999. Impressive. That said, one
rule that hasn’t changed over the years is the importance (and
confidence-boosting power) of having a truly amazing,
ultra-flattering haircut. With the right cut, the rest of the hair
gamut—color, styling, and accessories—is kind of your oyster.
Sure, we 100% condone sporting any kind of haircut that makes you
feel like the sh*t, but we also know certain haircuts look
especially flattering with certain face shapes, going together like
PB&J, Mary-Kate and Ashley, Dolce & Gabbana—you get the
idea.
To help steer us in the right direction, and since spring is
(thank God) a glowing orb of hope sitting in the not-so-distant
future, we asked a handful of Hollywood’s most talented stylists
(you know, the ones who cater to all of our favorite hair-blessed
celebrites) which haircuts look best for which face shapes. Oval,
diamond, square, heart, round, long, and unique variations
between—the shape of our heads can dramatically influence the way
certain cuts will flatter and fall. Thankfully, we have the best
experts in the biz by our side to help point us in the right
direction. Keep scrolling for 20 haircuts strategically suited to
every kind of face shape.
As
Lawless points out, Kim’s sleek, shorter lob haircut is super
striking with her oval face shape and brings attention to her
eyes, lips, and nose.
Charlize
is known for her amazing bone structure, and when she chopped her
longer length for a role a few years back, the cut only served to
further heighten her amazing cheekbones. “Charlize Theron has
historically done a great job with shortcuts when it comes to
bringing out her cheekbones,” confirms Lawless. 
Bella
Hadid is known for her large, wide-set eyes. If you have an oval
face shape like hers and also love to play up your eyes, Lawless
recommends taking the plunge and asking for some fringe. Hadid’s
take is super smooth and polished. Plus, you can wear the rest of
your hair shorter (like Hadid) or longer. Whatever you love best.
“I always love bangs on an oval face shape!” exclaims celebrity
hairstylist Tarryn Feldman. “I just think it’s so complementary.
That said, if you’re worried about the commitment or getting sick
of them, I recommend opting for this cut in the fall and winter and
letting them grow out for spring and summer.” 
“For
an oval face shape, I like a layered, choppy bob, which can be
chin-length or more of lob hitting somewhere along the neck but
definitely above the shoulders,” adds celebrity hairstylist
Cervando Maldonado, co-owner of 454 North Salon in West Hollywood.
Here, Rihanna demonstrates.
Ginnifer
Goodwin will always be one of our favorite pixie-haired actresses
in Hollywood and demonstrates the textured haircut Marjan
mentioned to a T. “Pixie cuts look best when blow-dried smooth,
especially at the nape of the neck,” instructs Marjan. “Use
Ouai’s Matte Pomade ($24) to control the shape and keep the hair
in place.”
Not
quite ready to say goodbye to your strands? Fear not, because
stylists say that a layered bob can be equally great for round
faces while still allowing you to change up your length. For a
shorter, layered cut à la supermodel Miranda Kerr, Marjan says a
flat iron (GHD Platinum+ Professional Styler, $249, is her go-to)
and a texture spray like this one from Bumble and Bumble will be
your go-to products for effortless styling. Simply spray the
texturizer through the ends for flawless movement.
When
it comes to highlighting her signature cheekbones and round face
shape, Chrissy Teigen is the ultimate hair muse. We love her sweet,
side-swept bangs here, coupled with shoulder-grazing
length. 
“When
styling side-swept long layers like Queen Latifah’s, use a round
brush or curling iron to direct the hair away from the face, giving
it a wave that starts at the cheek but not above,” Lawless
directs.”The closer the hair falls toward the eye, the more
balanced the face will appear.”
“To
style a chin-length bob, use Leonor Greyl Au Lotus Volumizing
Mousse ($46) from roots to ends on damp hair before first
rough-drying then sectioning the hair to blow-dry it with a
medium-sized Ibiza boar-bristle brush,” Maldonado instructs. “For
perfect ends like Kat Graham, dry the ends straighter, and add a
bit of texturizing spray to add cool finish and movement.”
If
you have a heart-shaped face, you can opt for long layers with or
without bangs, and Felicity Jones (ahem, Maldonado’s own client)
has worked her signature long longers with both. “Start on damp
hair, and add some volumizer to the roots, combing through
thoroughly,” Maldonado tells us. “Next, you’ll start by drying the
bangs using a small Ibiza boar-bristle brush, and then you’ll
section the rest of the hair, blowing out using a large Ibiza
boar-bristle brush. You’ll want it to be on the straighter side.
Once you’ve finished, you can add Oribe’s iconic spray for texture,
movement, and light shine.”
Name
a more iconic, wispy-fringe moment than Reese Witherspoon circa
2007. To keep bangs wispy, Marjan advises steering clear of too
much product and opting for something lightweight like
Tresemmé’s Volumizing Dry Shampoo ($6) on your non–wash days to
absorb excess oil and keep bangs fresh.
We’re
super obsessed with Kelly Rowland’s sleek yet playful fringe,
complemented by super-long length, but there’s definitely some
at-home maintenance involved with this look in order to keep it
looking polished. “The best advice I can give for a fringe
wearer is to ask your stylist for a quick lesson on how to trim
after they give you your cut. I recommend getting a pair of
thinning shears with as many teeth as you can find on Amazon and
start low and slow. Thinning shears are best because they are very
forgiving and give the fringe a lived-in look that doesn’t look too
chunky but soft. You can do it! Just go slow!” 
“If
you’re going for a shag, I recommend using a curling wand from T3
to really amp up the curls and volume if you don’t have it
naturally. Use a smaller-sized wand around the bangs and larger
size around the edges and ends,” directs Lawless. We’re obsessed
with T3’s mega-handy Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand
Set ($250), which can tackle every single curl goal you and your
new cut have in mind.
Unless
she’s wearing her hair up, we rarely see SJP without long,
super-voluminous strands. And by concentrating the body on either
side of her face, it helps balance out the length. Plus, her layers
are perfection and help with embellishing her haircut
with piecey-ness and movement. “To style, you’ll want to start
with damp hair and apply a volumizer like Phyto Actif Volumizing
Spray ($30) to roots. Then a little bit of mousse all over to the
rest of the head,” Maldonado says. “Next, section the hair and
concentrate the blow-dry in the top and front sections. Add three
Velcro rollers on the top, and as they set, blow out the rest of
the hair as usual. Once the hair is dry, pull out the rollers,
which adds fullness, shape, and shine. Then turn your head upside
down, shake it out, and come back up for the perfect tousled look.”
To lock it all in with staying power and shine, he recommends
spraying strands with Oribe Gold Lust Dry Shampoo ($44) to keep
the look intact. 
“For
a haircut that really flatters diamond face shapes, you want to
avoid creating too much volume at the crown, which will go for your
stying too,” warns Marjan. “I recommend focusing your volumizing
products towards the mid-lengths and the ends instead of at the
roots. I love Tresemmé Tres Two Extra Hold Hair Mousse ($6) to
add fullness to the hair combined with the GHD Air Professional
Air Dryer ($199). 
Vanessa
Hudgens is ever the hair chameleon, but this blunt-cut bob served
with bangs manages to encompass two different haircuts both Marjan
and Maldonado say work great for diamond face shapes. “If you opt
for bangs, styling can become a bit tricky,” says Marjan. “Always
start your blow-dry with the bangs, as they are harder to control
once they’ve dried. I suggest blow-drying bangs with a small-sized
boar-bristle brush. If you have a cowlick, use the brush and the
dryer to dry the hair one way then the other, back and forth until
the hairline relaxes.” Oh, and mind your upkeep! As Marjan tells
us, both short cuts and bangs tread a little
higher-maintenance since the grow-out will be more noticeable
around your face. Therefore, she recommends stopping in to see your
stylist for a bang trim every two to four weeks and a cut trim
every six to eight weeks. 
If
you’re looking for something that’s a little less maintenance, go
for a shoulder, or just past the shoulder à la J.Lo, haircut
featuring lots of body-building layers to add maximum volume. As
Marjan explains, a strategic cut like this one will create the
illusion of width where diamond faces don’t have it. 
Maldonado
cites client Lily Aldridge as the ultimate muse when it comes to
this particular haircut for square-shaped faces thanks to her long
length and the fact that she has little to no layers. For styling,
this cut is pretty low-maintenance, but for a super-glamorous
finish, he recommends blowing out damp hair with a round brush
(definitely add some shine-giving heat protectant!) before taking
strands for a few spins around a curling iron. For extra volume,
he’ll finish off the look by spritzing a volumizing spray through
the lengths of the hair for some extra oomph and
texture. 
Though Rosie
Huntington-Whiteley may be rocking a shorter cut these days, when
we think of deep, dramatic, super-romantic side parts, her
sweeping strands of yesteryear are the first to come to mind. The
major side part coupled with the model’s long, minimal layers help
stretch out the shortened appearance of a squared-off jaw and,
according to Marjan, help add some extra softness. “I love
styling long hair with GHD’s Soft Curl Iron ($199) to add wave and
movement around the face especially,” she shares. “Try prepping the
hair with Ouai Wave Spray ($26) and then blow-drying. When hair is
dry, go back in with the curling iron to curl both sides away from
the face, leaving the ends straight for a more modern
finish.”
According
to Marjan, curly hair types don’t need to get cut as often
because of the natural, spiral growth pattern. Usually, she says,
you can go in for a trim anywhere between three and six months
depending on your curl pattern and hair-growth cycle. However,
if you have long waves and layers, you can probably stick it out
for eight to 10 weeks in order to maintain the pieces around the
face and to help stave off pesky split ends. “To style big bouncy
curls like Henson’s, prep damp hair with Aveda’s Be Curly Curl
Enhancer ($25). Then add the diffuser attachment on your hair dryer
using the high-heat, low-pressure setting. Take your time with the
curls to avoid too much frizz.” Next up, the seven pillars of
fantastic eyebrows, according to the most sought-after brow
artists. https://ift.tt/2EIm8dZ
The "Basic" Skinny Jeans Fashion Girls Will Always Wear
The "Basic" Skinny Jeans Fashion Girls Will Always Wear
Like most things in fashion, skinny
jeans follow their own trend cycle. Every season, new
iterations rise to be It styles—like light-wash styles right
now—while others fall off the map. That said, blue skinnies in a
medium wash (without the bells and whistles) will always remain a
staple, regardless of what’s “trending.”
Sure, you could call these skinny
jeans “basic” because of their standard nature. But we’d
describe them as more “classic” than anything else. Fashion
people will always rely on this specific skinny-jean trend for
those no-fail, always-in-style vibes. To prove it, we’re
showcasing seven style setters wearing these go-to skinnies right
now for outfit inspiration. To take it one step further, we also
shopped out our favorite pairs in case you’re ready to refresh
your offering.
Next,
check out the best spring ankle boots to wear with skinny
jeans.
11 Emerging London Brands You Need to Know About
11 Emerging London Brands You Need to Know About
London is a city constantly buzzing with fresh talent. While
the sartorial destination houses some of the most talked-about
brands, including Burberry, J.W.Anderson, and Christopher Kane,
it’s the smaller less-talked-about ones we want to highlight today.
Because there are many definitions of “emerging”
talent, the selection ahead includes brands that are stocked on
Net-a-Porter, ones that barely have 10K followers on Instagram,
ones that have won an LVMH Young Designer Prize, and everything in
between.
Ahead, learn a little bit about 11 emerging London-based fashion
brands you’re about to see a lot more of, whether you like it or
not. In case you haven’t noticed, London
fashion is fun. It’s crazy. It’s colorful. It’s cool. The
brands before you are all of that and then some. We encourage you
to click on to each brand’s Instagram and shop the curation of
products at the end to really get a feel for each of these London
labels. Trust us, this will be the most thrilling thing you’ll do
all day.
Next up, check
out 23 fresh outfit ideas from women all over the world.
16 Maternity Dresses That Will Always Look Good in Photos
16 Maternity Dresses That Will Always Look Good in Photos
Anyone who’s gone through the experience of
carrying a child knows that despite the moments of stress and
exhaustion, the excitement of bringing a new addition into the
family is something worth celebrating—especially if it’s your
first one. And as each passing day brings you closer to the due
date, more likely than not, you’ve scheduled a maternity shoot to
mark this milestone.
However, planning your outfit can feel easier said than done. If
you’re looking for an effortless way to show off your bump, there
are plenty of maternity
dresses practically made for photos. Shopping for your maternity
shoot can be daunting, especially when you want to show off
your bump, but when you have stylish dresses to slip on, you’ll be
able to devote more time to other aspects of your photos.
To give you a starting point, we’ve gathered 16 dresses that
will always look good in photos, no matter what. Shop them all
below.
A
kimono dress is simply classic.
For
your more formal photos, wear this lace-and-velvet dress.
An
off-the-shoulder dress will feel so polished.
If
you’re taking photos outdoors, this dress will
look so pretty.
Add
a pop of color to your maternity photos.
Though
technically not a maternity dress, many expecting mothers opt for
these flowing dresses during their pregnancies.
This
dress is right on track with the season’s biggest trends.
Add
a pair of mules or pumps and you’re set to go.
This
red dress is simply breathtaking.
Style
this dress with a pair of over-the-knee boots for a classic
everyday ensemble.
A
classic LBD will be timeless in photos.
This
is perfect for your dressier occasions.
This
will feel so cozy around your bump.
A
floral-print dress is always welcome.
You’ll
get so many compliments wearing this kimono-sleeve dress.
A step
up from your average LBD.
Once the shoot is over, change into these
comfortable leggings to wear until your due date.
2018 BMW X2 Long-Term Update 1: Fair Trade
2018 BMW X2 Long-Term Update 1: Fair Trade
Staff photographer Robin Trajano and I have agreed to
swap long-term cars. From here on out, Robin will drive the
BMW X3 M40i
and I will oversee the BMW X2. Robin
wanted more size, power and aggressive noise, and I wanted a
smaller footprint, quieter exhaust and better fuel economy.
Horse-trading sorted, my first order of business is to try to
better comprehend what sort of vehicle the X2 really is, and more
so, does it serve its purpose of intended function. I’ve been
behind the wheel for a few weeks, and still continue contemplating
if this is simply BMW’s direct response
to the Mercedes GLA
or something more? Maybe it’s BMW’s interpretation of Volkswagen’s
much-loved GTI? Or perhaps it is a remixed version of BMW’s own
rear-drive 1 Series, a hatch that is still in production, but not
sold here. Possibly this is just BMW offering a sportier variation
of their X1 SUV, one with sharper styling, better driving dynamics,
and more curb appeal. I’ll continue contemplating knowing that
more time spent with the X2 is certain to reveal the answer.
The second order of business is adapting to the reality of a
front-drive BMW, one that shares a platform with various Mini
products. That fact aside, it’s apparent that the brand has done
a good job at impregnating X2 with BMW DNA inside and out.
Exterior styling is unmistakably BMW (the roundel on the C-pillar
is a wink to BMW’s ‘70’s era CS coupe), and the interior
switchgear, instrument panel dials, and dash layout all look
similar to what you’d find in any modern BMW. But, the budget
platform origins of the X2 occasionally shine through in the form
of small seats that look out of place in a BMW, and a lack of
adjustable seatbelt height. Furthermore, the chicken-leg-like,
mechanical shifter is strikingly different than the electronic
shifter found in most other BMW SUVs and sedans. Though the
mechanical stick works just fine, it lacks the luxo-tech premium
feel experienced in other BMWs. Also noticeable is the lack of
detents in the HVAC system. Temperature selections can only be had
in increments of two, something that Mini owners can relate to, but
that ultimately is perplexing and annoying when one setting is too
warm and the other too cold. On the plus side, anyone familiar with
BMWs will be delighted at the seat bottom extenders and the thick,
beefy steering wheel, both signature BMW accouterments that help
make this this hatch feel like a genuine BMW
merchandise.
Read more about our long-term 2018 BMW X2:
The radio preset buttons display
their programmed channel when you hover a finger on them.
The post
2018 BMW X2 Long-Term Update 1: Fair Trade appeared first on
Motortrend.
U.S. Safety Agencies to Investigate Fatal Tesla Crash in Florida
U.S. Safety Agencies to Investigate Fatal Tesla Crash in Florida
WASHINGTON, March 1 (Reuters) – The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) said they are sending teams to investigate a
fatal crash in Florida on Friday involving a Tesla Inc car and a
semi-trailer.
The two agencies are investigating several crashes involving the
use of Tesla’s driver assistance system Autopilot including a
fatal crash in California in March 2018. NHTSA, the auto safety
regulator, can demand a recall if it believes a defect poses an
unreasonable risk, while the NTSB makes safety recommendations.
A spokesman for the U.S. Transportation Department that oversees
NHTSA said late on Friday that “NHTSA’s Crash Investigation
Division assigned a Special Crash Investigation team to investigate
the crash,” while the NTSB said it is sending a team of three
“to conduct a safety investigation.”
A report on Friday’s crash released by the Palm Beach County
Sheriff’s Department did not indicate if Autopilot was engaged at
the time of the crash that killed the 50-year-old Tesla Model 3
owner.
The report said the Tesla struck a tractor trailer and the roof
was sheared off as it passed underneath the trailer and came to a
rest three-tenths of a mile south of the collision. The driver was
pronounced dead at the scene.
Tesla declined to comment on Friday.
Some Tesla drivers say they are able to avoid putting their
hands on the wheel for extended periods when using Autopilot, while
Tesla advises drivers that they must keep their hands on the
steering wheel and pay attention at all times while using
Autopilot.
NHTSA is also probing the January 2018 crash of a Tesla vehicle
apparently traveling in Autopilot that struck a fire truck in
Culver City, California, a May 2018 crash in Utah of a Tesla in
Autopilot mode and a May 2018 Tesla accident in Florida that killed
two teenagers and injured another but was not in Autopilot
mode.
The NTSB is investigating three earlier Tesla incidents being
reviewed by NHTSA, as well as an August 2017 Tesla battery fire in
California, in which an owner ran the vehicle into his garage.
Friday’s crash is similar to the first fatal Tesla crash
linked to Autopilot use.
In May 2016, a Tesla Model S
driver was killed near Williston, Florida, using Autopilot when he
slammed into a tractor trailer that also sheared off the
vehicle roof.
The incident raised questions about the safety of systems that
can perform driving tasks for extended stretches of time with
little or no human intervention, but which cannot completely
replace human drivers.
The NTSB said in September 2017 Tesla lacked proper safeguards
that allowed the driver “to use the system outside of the
environment for which it was designed and the system gave far too
much leeway to the driver to divert his attention.”
In January 2017, NHTSA said its review found no evidence of
defects in the 2016 fatal Autopilot crash that would require a
recall.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Sandra Maler and
Muralikumar Anantharaman)
The post
U.S. Safety Agencies to Investigate Fatal Tesla Crash in
Florida appeared first on Motortrend.
NYC Girls Are About to Be All Over This New Belt-Bag Trend
NYC Girls Are About to Be All Over This New Belt-Bag Trend
There’s a new accessory trend in town, and it’s coming in
with a bang. Led by Fendi (at least among the street style set) but
embraced by brands across the spectrum, the multi-pouch,
utility-inspired belt bag is gaining steam for spring, and if I had
to make an educated guess, I would say it’s going to be a major
hit among the style
setters of NYC, in addition to the rest of the fashion world,
very soon.
Why New York, you may wonder? Well, if there’s one thing
I’ve
learned through observation since moving here, it’s that
whenever there’s a cross between fashion and function, the women
of the Big Apple are all over it. Since utility is literally in the
name of this trend, I can only imagine it’s going to pick up very
quickly here on the East Coast—starting with me, perhaps? To see
how street style stars already wore the trend at fashion week and
then, of course, to shop my favorite utility-inspired belt bags,
just keep scrolling.
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