Truly Beautiful Online

Denim Dresses = Rarely Cute

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Denim dresses bring back memories of 1994. While those were the days, the dresses need to stay in 1994.

I have seen these frocks in stores such as Forever 21 lately, updated with various cuts and styles. However, whoever said that bringing denim dresses back was okay, I beg you to please cease and desist for the love of God.

Friends don't let friends wear denim dresses (unless you find a rare fly one).

Eclectic Beauty: Jay Z Proving He Still "Run[s] This Town"

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Jay Z, Rihanna and Kanye West all go hard on the new track that debuted today entitled "Run This Town." Check it out. It's about to be in heavy rotation on my iPod.

What do you think? Does this song live up to the hype? Speak on it.

Stay Eclectic.

Which Color?

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:18:00 +0000

So, I decided that my nail color is going to be a reflection of my mood at any given time. Today I'm going to get a polish change and I'm going neon because I feel outlandish and adventurous. I'm stuck between two Essie shades though!

Perky Purple or Funky Limelight.....

Which one do you think I should get? Which is cuter for the summer from the Essie 2009 Neon collection?

Ray Ban Sunglasses = Love.

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:07:00 +0000

I have a slight obsession with designer sunglasses. I wouldn't say I'm a collector though. I'm a bit to broke for that status. However, when I went on a solo excursion to South Beach the other day, I walked through Macy's. I stopped in my tracks when I saw the Ray Ban aviator display. The salesman cleaned the shades I was wearing while I tried on this new style. I fell in love with the orange ones. At $129.00, I have to wait until I find employment to treat myself to them.

Get them from Macys.com or your favorite sunglasses retailer ASAP. They are hot!

Prisoner of Words

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:23:00 +0000

I was watching random YouTube videos the other day and came across this amazing poem by Alicia Keys. I can relate to her words because I used to be one of those people who didn't speak up. I realized that you only hurt yourself when you stifle your thoughts. If you can relate, remember this quote:

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

Check out the video.

What words have you left unsaid?

Stay True.

So I Graduated... Now What?

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:15:00 +0000

The Graduation Blues - a phenomenon I know all too well. After all of the quarter-life crises, Mariah moments and other meltdowns about my future, I think it's safe to say that I am an expert.

The Graduation Blues has several phases, which I'm sure most grads can relate to.

First, you have the realization that graduation is coming sooner than you thought, otherwise known as the "OMG, let me party all I can before it all has to stop!" epiphany. I can relate to this because I think I partied more than I ever did throughout my entire college career during my last few weeks of school. I realized, yeah, it was fun, but I was way too old for the scene. I just wanted to make sure that I went out with a bang and wore all the clothes I had never worn due to my past bookworm ways. This partying phase comes on as an attempt to hide from the fact that now, you have to figure out what comes next in your life.

Next, you start to reflect and think, "Did I choose the right major?" I remember those Kanye lyrics from "All Falls Down" going through my head - "The major that she major in don't make no money, but she can't drop out - her parents will look at her funny." I never questioned my choice of major and I definitely never considered dropping out, but these times will make you question everything. Don't fall victim to it. Stay confident in your choices.

Then, you graduate. The family comes to see you. With the family, comes the questions - what are you doing now? In fact, as I write this, my grandmother is asking me if I'm really going to grad school and that she heard on the news that I won't get a job without it.

Insert Mariah moment here.

Between answering the questions with more and more ridiculous things (my answer is now, "I'm going to NYC on a one-way ticket to seek my fortune") and actually contemplating them, you really have to sit and figure out what you're going to do. The hardest part is actually doing it.

My advice to the world is to stop wallowing. I am trying to take my own advice as I am currently wallowing in a "swine flu"-induced stupor. It's hard, I know, but we - the class of 2009 will prevail.

Anyway, this will be a series of posts in which you will get advice on professional development and becoming the best you during your down time.

In the meanwhile, remember that sometimes, plans don't work out and the best things happen when you let God surprise you. Just take advantage of every opportunity you get and don't be afraid to fail.

Stay True.

-Aly

Michael Kors Watches are Fly!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 06 May 2009 21:00:00 +0000

There is nothing that trumps the power of a nice, classic watch when it comes to creating your image. This is the reason why people spend thousands on creations by Audemars Piguet, Cartier and Rolex.

However, most of us can't afford to break the bank for those timepieces (yet), so I think Michael Kors has some of the most beautiful watches for those on a limited budget but want a step above a Fossil.

This oversized, men's style watch is on my wishlist for sure! I'm just waiting for the next sale at Macy's so the $195 price tag can be lowered.

New Music Tuesday: A Brilliant Epiphany

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:03:00 +0000

Chrisette Michele's second album is going to be a girl's best friend this summer. It's title track is an empowering ode to ditching your mediocre boyfriend with a classic lyric - "I think I'm just about over being your girlfriend." Once I heard this song, I knew this CD was going to be a good one!

It's not all about man-hating though! The CD is full of romantic, jazzy songs such as "Notebook" and "All I Ever Think About is You" that we can all relate to. Throughout the whole CD, Chrisette Michele is truly unique with her music and vocal arrangements. To me, there is nobody out there quite like her today. She reminds me of a modern day Ella Fitzgerald, which is a major compliment.

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

I think Epiphany is so much better than her first album, with songs that you can jam to in your car, listen to when you're sitting up in your room thinking about that one special person, sing along to with the girls and get ready for the club to. I suggest that you give it a listen and buy it on iTunes or on Amazon MP3 for $2.99 all week.

Epiphany gets the Truly Beautiful Stamp of Approval.

Check it out on IMEEM:

Chrisette Michele - "Epiphany"

Hit or Miss?: Ciara's Two-Tone Hairdo(n't)

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:29:00 +0000

I know that celebs have a lot of license with what they do with their hair. They can usually get away with styles that regular, non entertainer 'gals like you and me probably couldn't. Yet, is there a line that is past the point of ugly? I think Ciara's latest hairstyle has crossed the ugly line for sure. What do you think? Would you do this to your hair?

Let us know what you think.

As always, stay Truly Beautiful!

Concert Season: Lupe Fiasco featuring Drake

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:22:00 +0000

I'm sitting here at my school's student union, still wired from my 5 Hour Energy drink, but also hyped up for the Lupe Fiasco concert tomorrow! I really love his music. He is just so different from any other hip hop artist out there right now. I can't even think of a classification for his rhymes. I just know I love them.

Also, he is bringing along the new rap sensation Drake, also known as the kid in the wheelchair on Degrassi. I never had Noggin growing up (only basic cable over here...) so I didn't know about his past as a child actor. I just know that I love his flow and he can sing too! Personally, I think he's a cutie and I wouldn't mind getting his autograph tomorrow.

Check out some of my fave songs from Lupe and Drake... get your lyrics game up so you can sing along!

unstoppable remix - drake ft lil wayne & santogold

Paris, Tokyo - Lupe Fiasco

The Perfect Low-Maintenance Nail Polish by Essie

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:45:00 +0000

Irony! Tell me why, the most perfect, low-maintenance shade of sheer pink nail polish by Essie is called... get this... Hi-Maintenance. I just thought that was funny. Anyway, I don't know about you, but I hate getting bright colors on my fingernails only to have them chip in a few days. Because of this, sometimes I just opt for a clear shade. However, sometimes you want to feel a bit more fancy. If you can relate, this shade is for you.

It goes on quickly and flawlessly with two thin coats and makes you look like you just came from the nail salon.

This polish gets the Truly Beautiful stamp of approval! Make sure to try it. You'll thank me later.

Stay Truly Beautiful!

I'm Alive!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:22:00 +0000

I want to extend my sincere apologies to all of you loyal readers out there. My hiatus from blogging was far too long. School this semester has been crazy to say the least! Taking 17 credits while being a graduating senior will officially get you honorary membership in the Bad Idea Club!

Anyway, please don't abandon this site and bear with me. I have plenty of updates in store!

Stay Truly Beautiful!

Easy, Cheap Eye Makeup Remover!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:48:00 +0000

This is still a recession, so instead of using expensive eye makeup removers (even Neutrogena is getting pricey!), try Johnson & Johnson "No More Tears" Baby Shampoo.

Put a small amount on a cotton ball, and swipe it gently across your eyelid and lashes. This should take off even the thickest coats of Dior mascara instantly!

This tip is courtesy of Ashley B., a student at The University of Florida. Send me your beauty secrets and share them with Truly Beautiful readers everywhere!

Barack Obama is Officially the 44th President

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:18:00 +0000

Today, at a little after 12 noon, Barack Hussein Obama took the Presidential Oath and was sworn into his office as the 44th President of the United States. Obama is the first Black president, as well, which made this day even more historic.

This is one of those days that you try to document because you know that you will have to tell your kids exactly where you were when the inauguration happened.

Unfortunately, I was in class, but I was able to watch everything. It was so moving to see my campus stop completely to watch this momentous event. I don't think we will see something of this magnitude ever again. Obama is truly one of a kind.

I was brought to tears when I realized that he has willingly taken the massive weight of an entire world's hopes and dreams upon his shoulders - and he carries it all with grace and a smile.

Nothing can bring down this day.

However, it is sad to say that people have tried and probably will not stop trying to sour this achievement.

Several students at the University of Florida received a mass text message stating, "The monkey got out of the cage."

This simple sentence has caused turmoil and unrest among the offended students. Nobody opened their cell phone expecting to see such a horrible message against our will. I personally wrote the editor of the school newspaper, The Independent Florida Alligator and the CNN News Room.

There will be more updates to come. However, let us not let this negativity and any others ruin this day.

Check out this unique song which eloquently summarizes Obama's achievements

Yes We Did! - Mr. Magnum

Truly Stylish Red Carpet Watch: Best Dressed at the Golden Globes

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 06:20:00 +0000

Part of the change to take place on Truly Beautiful Online is the creation of separate blogs within the main site. This way you can read what interests you!

Check out Truly Stylish coverage of the latest fashion trends, original styling and the Golden Globe 2009 Red Carpet Watch!

Click to see who we named Best Dressed!

Change is Truly Beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:14:00 +0000

The year 2009 will bring many changes in all of our lives - hopefully a change for the better. Truly Beautiful Online is no exception. We have begun the year with positive growth thanks to you guys - the readers!

Thank everyone for checking out this website and reading our articles. My goal is to help people and I hope that I have been doing that through these articles.

Truly Beautiful is under construction to make it easier for you to navigate and tune in to the aspect of beauty that means the most to you - from makeup (Truly Glam Online) to fashion (Truly Stylish Online) and more.

Also, we have partnered with SkoolBoy.com, the ultimate college marketplace on the Web.
It's like eBay but better! I will be writing posts on college life and surviving out there post-graduation, among other interesting topics.

All in all, you are in for a treat! Stay tuned for updates and get ready for the launch of the new Truly Beautiful Online.

Stay beautiful!

-Aly

The Truly Beautiful Reading List: Life Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:53:00 +0000

Reading for leisure is something that gets more and more difficult as we get older, especially once you get busier at work or you are so consumed with studying textbooks that you can't read anything else. Yet, leisure reading is something that we should never sacrifice no matter how hectic life gets. There is just something about getting lost in a book and letting the author take you to another place or teach you something new.

Make a pact with yourself to read at least one book a month that you don't have to read. If you read a few pages a day, you can easily make this goal a reality!

TB Tip: Reading books will enrich your life and give you an excuse to take some time for yourself and relax. Get lost in the book and distract yourself from your stresses. Try reading on a park bench or near a lake for some added relaxation!

Here are some books that you should check out to kick start your journey! In particular, these books will help you along the way by sharing life lessons and guidance.

1) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

This book is the last lecture of a popular professor who was diagnosed with cancer. He maintained a positive outlook on life, despite his prognosis and sought to inspire those around him by sharing his lessons learned from his life experiences. The special on ABC made me cry because it was so moving to realize that we complain everyday while this man was so happy even though he was dying. It made me think. This should definitely help you to see life from a new perspective.

2) Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

This book is at the top of my reading list because it details the keys to success. It talks about what separates the best from the rest, plain and simple. I think that this alone should inspire you to improve your daily routine and truly develop and utilize the talents that you have.

3) Become a Better You by Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen is so inspirational. I love to watch his broadcasts on television because they always seem to pertain to something going on in my life. His book gives you daily inspiration and a guide to becoming a better person by improving yourself and relationship with others and God. It's definitely worth reading, especially if you like religious books without excess preachiness (made up my own word!).

The Truly Beautiful Girl's Holiday Gift Guide: Drugstore-Brand Beauty Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:00:00 +0000

For those pinching pennies this year, the thought of buying gifts for your friends and loved ones is a scary one. Never fear! You can still get your loved ones amazing gifts without going into debt - all it takes is a little bit of creativity.

I just had a brilliant epiphany and I am definitely putting these together for some of the Truly Beautiful ladies on my shopping list...
Holiday beauty baskets are a great idea! They are easy to make and allow you to personalize them for everybody and for every budget. All you need is a small basket (larger if you want to spend more to fill it), some cellophane wrap or tissue paper and a ribbon to tie it!

Next, hit up your local Walgreen's. They have better sales. Often you can find makeup with the little orange tags for 50% off or more!

Purchase whatever you feel your friend/loved one would love. For a natural beauty, try items by Neutrogena. For a glamour girl, try L'Oreal H.I.P.

The sky is the limit with possibilities, but not the price tag.

The Truly Beautiful Girl's Guide to Surviving Black Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:58:00 +0000

Black Friday. The one day of the year that we have an excuse to shop until we drop - or until someone pushes us down in a frenzied rush to get a dirt cheap LCD TV.

Black Friday is your wallet's best friend, but your worst enemy. From waking up at the crack of dawn to the crowds, it's usually not the best experience, but it is worth it if you play your cards right.

Truly Beautiful Online's Guide to Surviving Black Friday will help you make it through the day in one piece.

1) Get your beauty rest! Basically, that means go to sleep in the next few hours. The best sales, also known as door busters take place for a limited time, starting at 4 am. To get in the store, sometimes you have to wait in a long line. To try to avoid this, get to the store an hour before it opens. Make sure your Blackberry is charged so you can browse the Web while you wait.

2) Know where you're going to go. Black Friday is not a day for leisurely perusing the aisles. You have to go into the store with a purpose and know exactly what you went there for. Check out web sites such as www.bfads.net to see the complete list of door buster deals. Make a list of what you want.

3) Prioritize. Get your rare, big ticket items first. That TV or digital camera is on the front page of the ad, but the stores probably have 2 in stock! Maximize your chances of getting the biggest deals by going for the electronics before you check out the shoe sale at Macy's (well, it depends on your priorities).

4) Stay on Budget. This is a recession. Make sure that you don't spend beyond your means. You can accomplish this by writing down everything you want to buy and add up how much it will cost you. Try your best to stick to the list because debt is not sexy.

5) Break for Lunch. Shopping is an endurance sport, so make sure to nourish yourself. Take a break from shopping and stop at your favorite local spot to get a healthy lunch, such as a salad.

Get Beyonce's New, Natural Look

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:39:00 +0000

Along with her new double CD, I Am...Sasha Fierce, Beyonce ditched the over-the-top makeup and extensions in favor of a more natural look. I think that this look makes her look much more youthful and allows her natural beauty to shine through. Sometimes less is more...

The key to this look is a flawless face. Achieve this by applying a light foundation or tinted moisturizer all over your face to even out your complexion.

TB Tip: After you apply foundation, see where you still have blemishes that need to be covered and apply concealer there. This way, you will avoid looking cakey.

Make sure to dab concealer under your eyes too, to cover any dark circles or those pesky bags.

Define your eyebrows by lightly accenting the arch and tail of your brow with a pencil. Try Maybelline Define-a-Brow Retractable Pencil. Then, use a light brow powder to fill in any gaps.

Apply a very subtle blush to the apple of your cheeks. NARS Orgasm will give you a perfect, light peachy glow.

Set your makeup with a light powder to keep you shine free all day, and then apply 2 coats of Covergirl Lash Exact mascara and Clinique Air Kiss lipgloss.

Voila! You are now ready to show the world that you don't need tons of makeup to look amazingly fierce!

The Truly Beautiful Girl's Holiday Gift Guide: LAVANILA, The Healthy Fragrance

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:54:00 +0000

LAVANILA is the new, healthy fragrance and cosmetics line on the beauty block. Made with a mix of essential oils, goji berry, kakadu plum, olive leaf and other botanicals, these products nurture the skin without all of the chemicals that nobody can pronounce.

On top of it all, it smells great if you like warm, Oriental fragrance notes like I do. If you or your friends hate the smell of vanilla, avoid purchasing these products as gifts.

Sephora has the Vanilla Grapefruit fragrance in a gift set, along with the matching Body Butter for only $56. Not too shabby considering the fragrance alone usually retails for that price.

TB Tip: Fragrance gifts are best reserved for people you know very well, or if you know for a fact that someone has a signature scent they wear 24/7. Get a fragrance for your mom, aunt, sibling or best friend.

Hit or Miss?: Leggings as Pants

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:04:00 +0000

Along with the resurgence of 80's fashion last year came the re-birth of leggings. Leggings look cute under shirts or dresses that would look whore-ish without them, so thank goodness for that. However, is it a fashion offense to wear those leggings without a shirt to cover your booty?

The answer is yes! Wearing this trend is officially a fashion felony. At first, I was debating this because I figured that skinny people might be able to get away with wearing this look. However, after seeing people on the street wearing tights as pants I realized that nobody needs to be that exposed. Also, the look just isn't flattering - thick, skinny, medium... just no. Especially not $60 pant-leggings (peggings?). Extra especially not velvet, pleather and sequined ones.

The Verdict?

MAC Little Darlings Lip Gloss Set

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:15:00 +0000

Little Darlings, the final release in MAC'S Holiday 2008 Collection, is now available online and at a counter near you. The gift sets feature 5 miniature products, including lipglass and lustreglass, pigments and eyeliners.

I have been eagerly anticipating this release because I have an obsession with lip products and you can't get a better variety of the best colors at any other time of year for only $29.50.

The Little Darlings lip set choices are:

Coral Lips featuring Underage, Ola Mango and Pink Grapefruit Lipglass, and Wonderstruck and Budding Lustreglass.

Pink Lips features Fleur Delight, Song and Dance, and Magnetique Lipglass, and Flashmode and Little Vi Lustreglass.

Neutral Lips features C-Thru, Mouthwatering, and Languish Lipglass, and Love Nectar and Beaux Lustreglass.

I reallllyyyy want 2 sets, but I feel like that might be overkill. I can't choose between Neutral or Coral.

Neutral lips can go with look you choose to put together, but there is nothing hotter than a coral lip, especially in the summer. Oh... decisions, decisions.

Check out some great Little Darlings swatches from Temptalia.com!

Barack Obama is the President of the United States!

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:45:00 +0000

Until a man named Barack Hussein Obama joined the race for president, I never thought I would see the day come so soon that a Black man would become the President of the United States. This day, which once seemed like a mirage, became more and more real as time went forward. I must say that the difference with Obama is that he inspired a nation, more than ever before, to do something instead of just complain. He told us that we were the change we sought. We became it. He told us that we could - and we did.

The volunteers on the ground all over this country sacrificed their time and effort, and it paid off in the most extreme way. Obama won Florida. Wait, no. Obama won Miami-Dade County. Anyone from there should know how serious that feat is. I have witnessed their efforts firsthand and just saw the results come into fruition.

Now, with this night - we have all made history. If you voted, got someone to register to vote, went out into your community or even gave someone a ride - you own a piece of this moment.

Personally, I'm in shock. I sat and thought how I would react in the event of Obama's victory. I thought I would cry, jump up and down and run into the streets screaming with utter joy and hope for what we all can become. I haven't done any of the above - yet.

Obama himself might be in shock. I can only imagine how bittersweet this moment is for him. In the shadow of the loss of his grandmother - he carried on. I admire that so much. I understand how it feels to just drop everything to go to your grandma. I did the same thing this past summer, but my commitments were nowhere near as serious as a presidential campaign. That's how I knew that Obama was a man to be respected beyond measure.

This victory doesn't show the power of one, but the power of us all. It goes to show that anything is attainable, against all odds as long as one maintains hope, positivity and a strong belief in the power of a change for the better.

It's been a long time coming, but the time is now.

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Fabulous: Essie Nailpolish Set

noreply@blogger.com (Aly) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 04:44:00 +0000

Even though it's only October, this cold weather makes December feel that much closer. Before you know it, it will be time to start thinking about Christmas shopping (or another holiday you may celebrate). Along with holiday cheer comes long lines, fighting over the hottest items and stress. To nip that before it begins, I will be doing the hunting for you to find the best gifts possible that are sure to wow the lucky recipients. Check out my first suggestion.

Essie Winter 2008 Mini 4-Pack Nail Polish Set

This set contains all you need to keep up with the dark, vampy nail color trends of the winter. Also, Essie is up there with O.P.I. in salon-quality polish. Your fab friend is sure to love this set. It includes:

"...Sexy Divide, an electric violet temptation; Bold & Beautiful Rich, a ruby garnet; It’s Genius, a violet quartz shimmer; and Rock Star Skinny, a glamorous crimson red."

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