• Los Angeles

    Styling with Beachwaver Co. Coast Pro

    Leave it to the DIY hair genius, Sarah Potempa, celebrity hairstylist and inventor of the dummy-proof Beachwaver Co., to introduce another tool that makes doing your hair at-home so much easier. Just in time for those natural styles you’re longing for this spring/summer, the NEW Beachwaver Co. Coast Pro Ceramic and Titanium Styling Irons feature attachments shaped like a round brush for easy maneuvering, which help to achieve that smooth and voluminous blowout-style finish.

    The Beachwaver Co. Coast Pro Ceramic and Titanium Professional Styling Irons (Ceramic, $169; Titanium, $189; at Beachwaver.com, Ulta and Ulta.com)
    No time for a step-by-step blowout? No problem! The Coast Pro™ provides professional quality results in minutes and is perfect for all types of hair, available in ceramic and titanium plates. The ceramic plate version, for all hair types, protects hair and glides smoothly. The titanium plate version evenly distributes heat, resulting in even faster styling and maximum frizz reduction, adding shine for coarse, curly and thick hair. What’s cool and different about this iron is that the attachments are shaped like a round brush for that smooth, blowout-style finish. Sense technology monitors the iron to reduce heat during non-use and automatically returns to previous temperature when touched, and the iron heats up in 17 seconds flat up to 450 degrees based on your preference.

  • WorldWide

    Fashion Bloggers’ Favorite Pieces This Spring

    It seems that, over the past few years, fashion became less a product of what fashion designers and streetwear retailers serve us and more of a product of social media, fashion influencers, such as fashion bloggers and off-duty supermodels. In fact, fashion industry recognized the potential of this change and started giving the influencers a chance to be the first ones to try on their new products. This shift brought a mini revolution in fashion game – it made it more open to experiments, recycling old styles, and creating edgy moments. And since spring is usually the most fashionable season of them all, here’s what bloggers hide in their wardrobes right now.

    Slip dress

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    Straight back from the ‘90s grunge, slip dresses came back to the fashion scene and became one of the fashion bloggers’ favorite trends. Silk, satin, and plush are the materials to look for but when it comes to combining it with the rest of your wardrobe – possibilities are endless. Since they usually have straps, you’ll probably need something underneath or over it for a chilly spring evening. Plain white tee or denim jacket are nice options but feel free to play with it a bit.

    Graphic tees

    No matter what they say, you’re never too old to wear a good graphic tee, especially if the message it carries is powerful. The beauty of styling it comes from the fact that it can be such a versatile piece. For example, if you want to break down the seriousness of a simple blazer then wearing a graphic tee underneath is a must. On the other hand, they match marvelously with skirts, jeans, and shorts and can be a good base for every day-to-night outfit.

    Power suit

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    Completely different from graphic tees but equally necessary in every fashion aficionado’s wardrobe, at least one power suit is something you simply must have. You don’t even have to buy the one that’s already been matched – you can make your own by pairing a nice blazer and a pair of cigarette trousers. The best thing about wearing suits is the elegant yet powerful look you can achieve without putting too much effort. As for the shoes, flat strappy sandals or any platform type of footwear are more than welcome.

    Ankle boots

    Ankle boots are one of those pieces everyone should have in their closet. Not only are they versatile but also comfy (if you choose the right heel) and bring a dose of nonchalance to every outfit. This spring, in particular, is going to be all about suede boots with clear heels, like those you can find in fabulous Billini shoes collection. They look best when paired with a vintage pair of denim trousers or midi slip dresses we mentioned above.

    Denim skirt

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    It’s impossible to take a look at the ‘70s fashion and not notice denim skirts as one of the fashion staples of the era. Luckily, this wonderful trend found its way to the present day and now all fashion bloggers have at least one in their closets. Mini, pencil, or midi – the choice for length is all yours. If you’re worried you’re going to look like a high school girl wearing a mini denim skirt the trick is to pair with flats or low-heeled shoes. Ballet flats or sandals might be your best ally if you want to rock a mini denim skirt like an adult.

    The best thing about bloggers, not fashion shows dictating trends is that all of these pieces are pretty wearable and adjustable to any style. So, if you want to look trendy this spring, make sure you incorporate some of these into your wardrobe and make a fashion statement.

  • Technology

    Echo Show: The next unveiling of the Amazon Ecosystem

    Amazon has officially unveiled its latest Echo product: a touchscreen device with built-in Alexa called the Echo Show.  The device is now available to preorder from Amazon for $229.99.

    Some quick blurbs from Amazon’s site:

    • Echo Show brings you everything you love about Alexa, and now she can show you things. Watch video flash briefings and YouTube, see music lyrics, security cameras, photos, weather forecasts, to-do and shopping lists, and more. All hands-free—just ask.
    • Introducing a new way to be together. Make hands-free video calls to friends and family who have an Echo Show or the Alexa App, and make voice calls to anyone who has an Echo or Echo Dot.
    • See lyrics on-screen with Amazon Music. Just ask to play a song, artist or genre, and stream over Wi-Fi. Also, stream music on Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and more.
    • Powerful, room-filling speakers with Dolby processing for crisp vocals and extended bass response
    • Ask Alexa to show you the front door or monitor the baby’s room with compatible cameras from Ring and Arlo. Turn on lights, control thermostats and more with WeMo, Philips Hue, ecobee, and other compatible smart home devices.
    • With eight microphones, beam-forming technology, and noise cancellation, Echo Show hears you from any direction—even while music is playing
    • Always getting smarter and adding new features, plus thousands of skills like Uber, Allrecipes, CNN, and more

    The Echo Show seems to have a lot on its hands. At first glance, it does everything your Alexa does, with a built in screen, that adds various functionalities. As with what you expect in Amazon products, it works best within its own ecosystem. For example, the Echo screen can be used as a digital photo frame by pulling pictures stored on Prime Photos. If you’re listening to music through Amazon Music, it’ll put up the lyrics up on the screen. Amazon says the device can also be connected to Wi-Fi-enabled security cameras, letting users check their video feed with commands like “Alexa, show me the front door.” This not only enables users to feel more safe, but the possibilities of this can save you hundreds of dollars on security cameras.

    The most intriguing new feature, though, is access to video and voice calls. Anyone can make or receive a call through the Show if they have the Alexa app. Sadly, it doesn’t seem that there will be support for Skype as of now, but there is a new Amazon feature called “Drop In,” which lets friends and family make a call at any time.

    As someone who is constantly on the go, its always a great reminder to be able to see my grandmother and check up on her. While I haven’t received one yet personally, I am defiently interested to see how this would work in the world of communication. Would we no longer have a need to use landlines? Who knows?

    The Amazon Echo is something to look forward to, once released on June 28, 2017. *Right now, Amazon is currently offering 2 for $330*