College Gloss: Cate Young

The Hunger Games movie has made a huge splash on pop-culture since it opened last weekend, and broke box office records. For lovers of the novel, it was a great visual telling of a familiar story. Even though there’s been debate about what aspects of the story were changed in the transition from novel to screen, (Don’t worry, no spoilers here!) one thing most people can agree on is that there wasn’t enough fashion.

In the Hunger Games universe, citizens of the Capitol indulge in extravagant and excessive fashion choices, and the brief glimpses we saw in the movie were divine. Even though we didn’t get to see the fashion choices of very many of the characters, there were definitely some fashion lessons that can be translated to real life in boring old 2012.

1. Make a statement
The first time Effie Trinket appears on screen she makes a statement. With her huge wig and sky high-heels, you can’t help but look at her striking outfit. While huge wigs might be too much for the average college girl to maintain, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a statement with your outfits. Find a signature piece of jewelry that makes you recognizable or incorporate one new statement piece into each outfit.

2. Experiment
Seneca Crane’s beard is such a standout part of the movie that it’s almost its own character. The strange twists and turns of hair, artfully crafted along his jaw line are an apt metaphor for the daring fashion choices that Capitol citizens make. While I wouldn’t suggest growing a beard, you should definitely try to experiment with your usual look. Try a new hairdo, a new color palette of makeup or even dip you toes into a new fashion genre entirely! Fashion is always evolving, and your personal style should too.

3. Color is your friend
One of the best parts of Capitol fashion is the way that the citizens embrace color. From dyeing their skin various shades of blue to huge purple wigs, in the Capitol, color is a girls’ best friend. Embrace color in your own wardrobe by gradually introducing non-traditional hues into your look. Always wear red lipstick? Try purple or orange the next time you go out. Get a green streak in your hair. Abandon your nude heels for floral peep-toes. There are tons of ways to incorporate a little more color into your life.

4. Remember your nails
In the Capitol, the manicures are extreme. Don’t get left behind with boring nails. Experiment with nail stencils, nail art or some other kind of decoration. Nail art designs are very on trend right now, so look for tutorials online that will show you how to express your mood with your nails. If you don’t know where to start, check out the official Hunger Games line of polishes from China Glaze

If you haven’t had a chance to see The Hunger Games go see it soon. There’s no better way to get a handle on what fashion might look like in the future!

By: Cate Young | Source, Source

Five Spring Nail Colors Every Girl Should Try

A great nail colour is an essential part of every fashionable girl’s wardrobe. Whether you’re decorating your fingers or your toes, choosing the right colour isn’t always easy. Between matching that season’s colors, your outfit that day, or equivalent shades from different lines, things can get overwhelming.

To help make things a little easier, here’s a short list of great colours that every Fashionista should try to work into their nail colour rotation, or at least take out for a spin when she’s feeling a little adventurous.

1. White

China Glaze Nail Lacquer, White On White

Many women think white polish isn’t wearable unless it’s part of a French manicure, but white on its own is a great colour for nails. A full nail of white makes you seem daring, and willing to take exciting fashion risks. The first time you try white, it might take a little getting used to, but it will quickly grow on you as a great color to complement any outfit.

2. Purple

OPI, Lincoln Park After Dark

Purple polish conveys power and femininity. No wonder it’s the go-to colour for royalty! Try a grape shade if you’re not yet comfortable with this bold colour. But if you’re ready to go all out, try for a deep, rich purple that will catch people’s eye.

3. Orange

Essie, Orange It's Obvious

Orange polish is a great colour for shorter nails, and conveys a sense of youth and excitement. It’s a colour that you can’t help but notice, and you’ll probably get lots of compliments when you take this shade out for a spin.

4. Jade

OPI, Jade is the New Black

A deep dark jewel-toned jade polish gives any outfit instant pizzazz. Green is a colour that oozes style, and jade especially conveys the sense that you’re a woman in control. Think Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy, but without the deadly seduction!

5. Black

NYX, Matte in Black

Although some still it see it as a nail colour strictly for the Emo crowd, black polish gives any manicure a polished and perfected look. Best on longer nails, black polish on a well-manicured hand portrays discipline and organization. Wouldn’t you like to be considered responsible because you chose a great nail colour that day?

Whatever colour you choose to rock, remember to try to experiment every now and again. Peruse your closest drug store, and pick new shades that are outside of your usual palette. You’ll be surprised at the number of new colours you’ll discover and how many of them you’ll absolutely love.

By: Cate Young | Image: Source

Fashion Lessons From The Hunger Games

Five Spring Nail Colors Every Girl Should Try