April 7, 2013
Tank Top Takeover

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A trend that will definitely be seen this spring and summer is the tank top. 

Tanks are easy to pair with jeans or shorts, and effortlessly matchable with the rest of your warm weather wardrobe. They are perfect for a casual night out or a weekend afternoon with friends.

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With so many styles, colors and stores to choose from, it’s hard to not get involved with the tank top takeover. 

Spring weather can be unpredictable, so if it gets too breezy, simply throw a cardigan, pull-over, or hoodie over your tank. You’ll be set for any spring weather. 

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They can be found basically anywhere, but some great places to find a wide range of tank tops are Pac-sun and Urban Outfitters

Keep your eyes open and find the perfect tank for you! 

Billabong Tank-swell.com

Black Skinny Jeans-bankfashion.co.uk

Obey Tank-zumiez.com

Levi Jeans-asos.com

Turquoise Tank-zumiez.com

Grey Jeans-bankfashion.co.uk

Mistakes Tank-pacsun.com

Black and White Flower tank-pacsun.com

Palm Tree Tank-pacsun.com

Tree Design Tank-pacsun.com

-Shore Crawford

April 5, 2013
Cheers to the Weekend

Fashionistas everywhere rejoiced when Kate Spade launched her spinoff brand, Saturday, earlier this month. The only store is in Tokyo, Japan, but her U.S. based online store is open to all 50 states.

This sister brand is a less-expensive alternative to the Kate Spade label. Don’t think that a cheaper price means skimping on style. The Saturday line reflects the casual, carefree attitude of the weekend in wearable pieces for any day of the week.

The Saturday line is versatile, functional, and full of graphic patterns, bright colors, and bold accessories.

Saturday is perfect for any college girl on a budget.

Take a peek now at http://www.saturday.com.

-Greta Hallberg

April 5, 2013
It looks like this just might be the summer of musical tours of returning artists. 

First Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z announce their summer tour and now another absent artist is joining the tour circuit.

John Mayer has announced his first tour in three years. Beginning in April his performances will run all the way until October and headed to 48 stops across the United States. Although Mayer has had a number of hits after his 2003 Grammy winner, “Your Body is a Wonderland” he has made at least 8 new albums, and won a number of awards.
Not only has Mayer been known for his music, but in the past few years he has also stirred up headlines due to what some would call his juicy romances with countless celebrities including other artist such as Taylor Swift (and the supposed inspiration for her song “Dear John”. More recently Mayer however was known for his relationship with singer Katy Perry. Rumors had these two going as far as getting engaged before Perry and Mayer officially separated at some point this past year.
Whether this heartbreak is the reason that Mayer has decided to travel across the country, or it is because of his more recent recover from vocal surgery that left the singer mute for three months, one can only speculate.
The tour will officially kick off on April 12 and will also be headlines by American Idol winner Phillip Phillips. Official information and tickets can be found at http://johnmayer.com/tour
-Emily Parks

It looks like this just might be the summer of musical tours of returning artists. First Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z announce their summer tour and now another absent artist is joining the tour circuit. John Mayer has announced his first tour in three years. Beginning in April his performances will run all the way until October and headed to 48 stops across the United States. Although Mayer has had a number of hits after his 2003 Grammy winner, “Your Body is a Wonderland” he has made at least 8 new albums, and won a number of awards.

Not only has Mayer been known for his music, but in the past few years he has also stirred up headlines due to what some would call his juicy romances with countless celebrities including other artist such as Taylor Swift (and the supposed inspiration for her song “Dear John”. More recently Mayer however was known for his relationship with singer Katy Perry. Rumors had these two going as far as getting engaged before Perry and Mayer officially separated at some point this past year.

Whether this heartbreak is the reason that Mayer has decided to travel across the country, or it is because of his more recent recover from vocal surgery that left the singer mute for three months, one can only speculate.

The tour will officially kick off on April 12 and will also be headlines by American Idol winner Phillip Phillips. Official information and tickets can be found at http://johnmayer.com/tour

-Emily Parks

April 4, 2013
Purrfect Your Look With Kitten Heels!

Who would have thought that the style of the 1950s would make a comeback this season? Well, thank goodness it has because you no longer have to wobble around in 5-inch stilettos.

So, what exactly are kitten heels?

This shortened version of regular stilettos comes in various shapes and forms. The best part about this heel is it is usually only 1.5-2-inches high.

Kitten heels were extremely popular in the 1950s. Adolescent girls wore the shoe as formal attire. It’s no surprise the style stemmed from the film and fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn. The kitten heel is also referred to as the “Sabrina heel” as a tribute to Hepburn’s role.

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Now, with the turn of the decade, kitten heels were recently spotted as essential pieces in both Louis Vuitton’s and Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2013 collections.

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(Image from Glamour.com)

The kitten heel is easy for anyone to pull off because the shoe works for both daytime and nighttime attire. Since the heel is quite subtle, glam up your look by adding funky jewelry or accessories to your outfit.

Now’s the time to take advantage of this comfortable, yet stylish trend and give your feet a break!

- Amanda Romagnoli  

April 4, 2013
BAGGU

Hints of spring weather inspire us to pull out all those soft shades or bright colors. As stores release their latest spring collection, the urge to shop for a fresh wardrobe becomes even more intense. 

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Make your first purchase of the season a smart, economic, and eco-friendly one by purchasing a BAGGU. These reusable handbags will be sure to add that splash of color needed to recreate your everyday apparel. 

The original model was meant for grocery shopping and can hold two to three plastic grocery bags worth of stuff. This is the perfect space for everyday items, books, workout materials, or groceries

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(Only a few of the millions of designs and colors)

BAGGU’s simple style featured in millions of colors and designs appeals to all audiences. The company also has other great everyday items including; ipad cases, keychains, pouches, and backpacks.

Check out the many options and package deals at there website baggu.com

-Mary Jane Greene

April 2, 2013
The Dog Days are Over

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The weather finally feels like spring and its time to get outside and be active! It’s been a long winter and we’ve been cooped up inside for so long, it’ll be nice to stretch your legs and get out in the sun.

Here are some great outdoor activities that will get your blood flowing and your muscles going.

Ultimate Frisbee - go out with some friends and play ultimate. It’s a great work out that’s enjoyable while leaving you winded.

Hiking - It’s still a little cook outside but that will make it feel that much better when your hiking the trails. Make sure to take a sweater to keep from catching a cold. It’ll be nice to see color returning to the terrain.

Long Runs - Enjoy the sun and head out on a long run around town. It’ll be nice to get your body some rays while enjoying fresh air.

Scenic Walks - Take your significant other or a good friend out for a walk! It can be a nice casual stroll that allows you to enjoy everything you’ve been missing out on for the past five months.

Toss a football/ throw a baseball- Opening Day was yesterday and you can celebrate the beginning of baseball season by putting on a mitt and heading outside. If baseball isn’t your thing, grab a football!

No matter what it is take advantage of this beautiful weather. Walk to your classes, eat outside, and spend every moment you can outside in the sun.

Happy Spring Up Readers!!

- Shannon Rosenberg

April 1, 2013
Fall Takes on a Delicate Edge

As we all take the highly anticipated plunge into our spring wardrobes, it’s the perfect time to embark on our pre-fall fashion forecasts! After combing through countless runway shows, we’ve established a glorious batch of trend takeaways that are sure to step on the gas to your fall fashion-fever.

One that was re-vamped and spun into pre-fall shows is lace. As you all have formerly known it as the ultimate feminine style, the use of lace will be a little less girly and a little more sinister come fall. Traditional sheer lace was modernized as it was used in a more severe setting on runways. Labels like Valentino, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Michael Kors, and Diane Von Furstenberg integrated confectionery lace into their designs for the season. 

Try combining this delicate fabric with edgier pieces for a completely seductive look this fall!

April 1, 2013

Watching Blake Lively behind the scenes for her new Gucci Premiere campaign has us falling in love with our favorite Gossip Girl blonde all over again. The campaign was featured in this month’s ELLE (which you can’t miss because Miss. Minaj rocks the cover).

What caught our attention were the floor length Gucci gowns with open backs and dramatic leg slits, and Lively’s side swept old-Hollywood inspired hair. 

Formal season is coming up for many, and we think all you ladies should take a cue from Lively and play with bright red lips, waved hair, and floor length dresses for an effortlessly glamorous look.

March 30, 2013
Spring Scents!

Cologne and perfume are essential items, especially for a night Uptown. With the right scent, you can definitely make an impression on someone that you want to impress. 

Find your perfect scent within these amazing upcoming spring colognes!

Wishful for Wood

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One of the most desired scents for men’s cologne…is wood. A long time favorite, and classic scent. Mixtures generally are complimented by spices like mint, and fruits. 

You can find this pleasantly rugged scent in Encounter by Calvin Klein or Eros by Versace. 

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Begging for Bright


Another top contender in the cologne department is a brighter scent. Usually with a more citrus, or minty smell, the aroma can be complemented with flowers like Lavender. 

You can find this in Le Beau Male By Jean Paul Gaultier or Acqua Di Gio by Armani. 

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Give me the Ocean 


One of the most distinguishable scent category is ocean. An ocean cologne gives the wearer a sense of sunny beaches, and dark blue oceans. 

You can find this implemented in Cool Water for Men by Davidoff and Oceans Nautica for Men by Nautica. 

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To smell great and feel great for a night out on the town, try these spring scents! 

-Shore Crawford

March 30, 2013
The Pinafore Comeback

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A pinafore, more commonly known as a jumper over here in America, is a sleeveless dress with adjustable straps, meant to be worn over a blouse. The pinafore was originally worn for practical purposes, much like an apron. This spring designers have reinvented the pinafore for girls of the 21st century. Unexpected fabrics, such as leather and denim, along with glamorous details, like crystal embellishments and floral patterns, have updated the pinafore to one of this season’s must haves. Feel free to wear the updated pinafore dress by itself- the new versions no longer require a blouse or undershirt. When it finally gets warm, try this new shape as a trendy alternative to the sundress. 

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Fashion Union Grey Pinafore Dress; River Island Black Floral Pinafore Dress; River Island Black Skater Pinafore Dress; Topshop Moto Clean Denim Pini Dress; New Look Coral Textured Pinafore Dress

-Kiley Flynn

March 30, 2013
Recapture the Perks

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, based on the novel by Steven Chbosky, was turned into a movie in 2012, and is now available on DVD and Blu-Ray.

The book was published in 1999 and has since gained a cult following. The movie starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller, has been nominated for a number of film awards.

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This coming-of-age story is written as a series of letters to an anonymous source from a boy named Charlie throughout his freshman year of high school. Charlie, played by Logan Lerman, enters high school as a shy teen, confused and sad about the suicide of his only friend.

He tells his anonymous friend about Sam (Watson) and Patrick (Miller), a brother-sister duo he befriends. Charlie’s new friends are older than he is and they introduce him to a world that welcomes misfits like him. Through his letters, Charlie describes his experiences with dating, dances, parties, and his first exposure to drugs.

Throughout the movie, Charlie witnesses intense physical and emotional abuse between couples. He has emotional instability of his own, but is able to get through it because of the support of his new friends. His acceptance into a group of friends gives him confidence, that helps him become completely different person who experiences life rather than watch from the sidelines.

For more information and the DVD trailer, go to http://perks-of-being-a-wallflower.com

-Greta Hallberg

March 30, 2013

Even though Emma Watson has strongly denied through Twitter that she will not that be staring in the 2014 Fifty Shades of Grey film, it doesn’t mean that she won’t be making a stir by moving away from her innocent Harry Potter background by staring in this summer’s upcoming film, The Bling Ring.

Set to debut on June 14, this upcoming tale features Watson alongside a number of other young actors in telling the story of how a group of teenagers set out to rob Hollywood.

Based on true events from 2008, this movie tells the story of a group of teenagers who known as “The Bling Ring.” When most of us enjoyed summer vacations doing only some slightly illegal activity, these teens took it to a new level by robbing celebrities blind.

Even though the group was eventually caught, it wasn’t until after they stole about $3 million in cash, jewelry and clothes, most belonging to Paris Hilton.

This new movie looks to be a great summer hit combining action, fashion and celebrities while using a strong mix of established names such as Watson and upcoming actors new to the industry. And rumor is Paris Hilton will actually be doing some work again by staring as herself.

-Emily Parks

March 28, 2013
Brow Guidance

Eyebrows are one the most impossible features to manicure, but they are critical to one’s image and facial features. With so much room for error, because of the little hair to work with, many are frightened to take a stab at cleaning up the bushy extras or attempting at a little volume. This could mean a pricey trip to the salon is in the future. 

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The Beauty Department.com offers the proper tools and step by step instructions to create that perfect voluminous brow.

Tools:

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Steps:

1) Place the straight edge along underside of brow, from the end of the arch, and trace your a line with the brow liner.

2) Place the straight edge along the top of the brow, from the end to the arch again, and trace a line with the brow liner.

3) Place the straight edge along the top of the brow, from the arch to the beginning of the brow (by your nose), and trace a line with the liner.

4) Place the straight edge along the bottom of the brow, from the bottom of the arch to the beginning of the brow, and trace a line connecting it to the one from step 1. (Steps 1 - 4, drew an outline of the perimeter of the brow.)

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5) Dip your brush into the shadow powder and start drawing individual hairs, mimicking your own, by flicking the brush upwards in little strokes. (This is more tedious than merely shading it in but the results are more realistic.)

6) Continue drawing hairs all the way to your arch.

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7) Fill in the arch with more curved motions, determined by the direction of the hair growth.

8) Switch to downward strokes from the arch to the end.

9) With the brow gel, brush hairs upwards if you’re like a more natural look. Or brush them from the nose towards the arch to lock them. 

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So instead of spending your last paycheck at the salon, experiment with Beauty Department safe techniques. 

For more helpful tips and advice on other beauty strategies visit their website: http://thebeautydepartment.com/

-Mary Jane Greene

March 28, 2013
See Right Through Spring

It’s pretty clear that see-through accessories are back in style! I’m sure every 90’s child is reminiscing back to the days where jellies and clear backpacks were their most prized possession. However, transparent accessories have come back this spring and are more sophisticated than ever!

Fashion designers such as Valentino, Dolce and Gabbana, Gucci and Fendi have featured see-through pieces in their 2013 shows. Some of the accessories include handbags, clutches, bracelets, rings, heels, and sunglasses.

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(Vogue.com)

Clear accessories may be hard to incorporate into your wardrobe but don’t let that stop you from trying it out. Alexis Morgan, executive fashion director of Lucky Magazine, says, “Clear accessories are very versatile and it allows a woman to really play with them and create her own look.”

Not sure how to wear this trend? When it comes to wearing clear accessories, stick with the saying, “less is more.” Look for this trend on the straps of heels or handbags or in simple jewelry. These are easy and painless ways of incorporating this trend into your everyday look.

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(Image retrieved from glamour.com)

Although these accessories are slightly revealing, be daring and jump right into the trend. Clear plastic accessories are light, airy, and a fun way to make a statement and show off your personality.

 -Amanda Romagnoli 

March 26, 2013
UPkeep: Bachelor Sean Lowe Style

Alright. For those of you that didn’t tune in this past season of The Bachelor, I’ll give you a recap of what you need to know. Sean Lowe was the Bachelor contestant this past season and won the hearts of basically every single person out there that watched the show. My friends and I had an almost unhealthy obsession with him - I’ll admit it. BUT, what is even cooler about this stud we grew to love, he is the president of the factory girl

I had not heard of it until Sean started talking about it. Him, his best friend and sister started it up and let me just tell you, everything they make/sell is TO DIE FOR.

For those of you graduating in the next few months, the furniture pieces they sell are perfect. In need of a new wallet or handbag for spring/summer? They’ve got you covered. Just wanting to shop for some variety to your scarf or accessory collection? Done and done.

Check out these few pieces that I personally adore & check out the rest at: thefactorygirl.com

UPkeep your self and living space, factorygirl style!

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I want these for my apartment some day! So unique!

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Here are some awesome handbags:

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And now for some essential accessories:

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Such good pieces for spring and summer! Last but not least, they have adorable makeup and coin purses. I actually ordered the one below!

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And there you have it, Sean Lowe is not only the most gorgeous bachelor contestant but also the president of a great little company made just for customers like us! Enjoy and Happy UPkeep!

-Katie Deeds

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