Maggie Niemiec

Hot Summer Hairstyle: Chic Chignon

July 11, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

Can Emma Watson do no wrong? Whether walking the red carpet or strolling the city streets, our ultimate girl crush nails it time and time again. We’re obsessed with the simple twisted chignon she wore at the Cannes Film Festival and love that she let her natural beauty shine through with a luminous makeup look. Her easy updo is the epitome of chic, and believe it or not, you can do it, too! Recreate Emma’s stunning hairstyle for your next summer party in just a couple of steps.

First gather your hair at the base of your neck and pull into a ponytail. Smooth out any frizz on top of your head. Back comb sections of hair in the ponytail to add volume. (FYI: The more you tease the ponytail, the bigger the chignon will be.) Then bunch up a piece, twist it up and around, and bobby pin it into place. Continue teasing and pinning small pieces of hair until you’ve created a balanced bun. Spritz with a light-hold hairspray to keep your style in place.

This low updo also looks fab when worn off to the side. Follow our how-to video to see exactly how to do it. Emma’s hair is fairly straight, so her style looks sleek and polished. But you wavy and curly-haired girls can wear it just as well! Use a salt spray to enhance your natural texture and then follow the same steps as above.

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Make It Work

July 10, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

We’re halfway through summer, and, boy, is it hot. As much as we wish we could  lounge by the pool all day, we still have to go to work. Bring summer fun into the office with this easy ensemble. The classic pencil skirt gets a nautical-inspired update with this chic navy-and-white wrap version from Madewell. Pair it with a bright pink sleeveless blouse and you’re sure to stay cool. (Is the A.C. blasting in your workplace? Ditch your usual cardigan for a soft patterned scarf, which doubles as a shawl when you get cold.) Every working woman needs a fashionable yet functional bag, like this leather satchel, to tote her essentials to and from work. Slip on some Toms for your commute but step into these raffia-trimmed metallic sandals as soon as you arrive at the office. They’ll add a little edge to your look while the platforms make them easy to walk in.

 

blouse, Target, skirt, Madewell, scarf, Target, bag, Shopbop, earrings, J. Crew, watch, Nordstrom, bangle, BaubleBar, shoes, Nordstrom, sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue

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The Best Target Collaboration Yet

June 21, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

We’re super excited about Target’s latest collaboration, this time with FEED Projects, the humanitarian organization founded by Lauren Bush Lauren, to create the FEED USA + Target collection. The limited-time-only collection includes more than 50 products, from home goods to clothing to accessories, which will benefit Feeding America and fight hunger in the U.S. Each product displays the number of meals that will be donated to children and families through Feeding America when purchased.

You can bet we have our eye on this comfy and totally cute red fleece zip-up (above). At just $25, each fleece’s purchase provides 20 meals to Americans in need. Now that’s a shopping initiative we can get behind. Get yours, and other FEED USA + Target collection products, starting June 30 at Target stores and Target.com.

 

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Cream of the Crop

June 19, 2013 at 7:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

Crop tops aren’t just for 20-something festival-goers anymore. They’ve been all over the runways this year, and, believe it or not, you can wear them, too! The key to pulling one off is to keep the rest of your look simple and refined. If you’re going to play peekaboo with your tummy, be sure to cover your cleavage. This knitted crochet crop top does the trick. Pair it with a high-waisted knee-length pencil skirt, like this gorgeous floral one from Zara, so only a sliver of your stomach shows through. The look is super flirty, yet still classy and totally on-trend. Change up your accessories to take your outfit from day to night. A versatile crossbody bag and flat sandals are perfect for daytime, while gold spiked bracelets, a hot pink clutch, and strappy high heels give you just enough edge for a night on the town.

top, Topshop, skirt, Zara, crossbody bag, ASOS, flat sandals, Old Navy, bracelets, ASOS, clutch, Kate Spade, heels, Steve Madden

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Wild Thing

May 29, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

We’ve seen a lot of tribal-inspired fashion in 2013, and this super versatile animal-print shift dress from ASOS is an easy way to incorporate the style it into your own wardrobe. Wear it to work with a crisp white blazer and silver accents, like these sparkly earrings, classic wristwatch, and studded suede loafers. Pair it with natural makeup for a tasteful but trendy look. Heading out for a night on the town? Go for the gold with spiky gladiator heels (which are actually quite comfortable because of the extra ankle strap) and dainty drop earrings. We love adding the hot pink clutch for an unexpected pop of color. Finish your going-out look by applying bold fuchsia lipstick and a touch of shimmery bronzer.

 

Work look: dress, ASOS, blazer, H&M, earrings, Banana Republic, watch, Fossil, shoes, Forever21

 

Play look: dress, ASOS, earrings, ModCloth.com, clutch, Michael Kors, shoes, Guess, lipstick in “Faint for Fuschia”, Maybelline, blush/bronzer duo in “Desire/Laguna”, NARS

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Short and Sweet

May 22, 2013 at 9:32 am , by Maggie Niemiec

Shorts weather is finally here, and we can’t wait to wear a trendy shorts suit. A minimal black and white print like this one ensures the match-matchy look doesn’t overwhelm you. Three rules apply when picking out your suit. First make sure the shorts are shorter than Bermudas (which can look dowdy), but longer than cutoffs (which only work if you’re 16). Then go for simple accessories. We paired basic earrings with a magenta tote for daytime and a canary yellow clutch at night. The bags add subtle pops of color without competing with the patterned suit. Lastly, avoid sky-high stilettos! Mid-level pumps or flats keep the outfit classy and chic.

 

Blazer and shorts, Karen Millen, blouse, H&M

Daytime look: stud earrings, Kate Spade, tote bag, Dillards, flat sandals, Zara

Nighttime look: hoop earrings, Dorothy Perkins, clutch, Aldo, heels, Zara

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Lovely in Leather

May 8, 2013 at 8:00 am , by Maggie Niemiec

Yes, you can do leather! It’s one of the biggest trends this spring and surprisingly accessible. The scalloped hemline and fun cutouts on this (faux) leather skirt make it flirty and feminine. Pair it with an of-the-moment chambray shirt for a casual style you can wear anywhere, from running errands on the weekend to a romantic dinner out with your husband. The denim acts as a neutral, so feel free to incorporate pops of color with your jewelry and shoes.

skirt, Nordstrom, shirt, Madewell,  sandal, Piperlime, wedge, Target, bracelets, Aldo, earrings, Kate Spade 

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