A Fashion Guide to Graduation
When it comes to graduation fashion, don’t let that boring cap and gown get you down! Whether you’re celebrating your own graduation or a friend or family member’s we’ve got some styling tips to help you choose the perfect outfit for the occasion!
Make Sure Your Outfit is Practical. If your heels are too high, they might sink in the grass while you’re walking up to receive your diploma. If your dress is too short or too low cut, you’ll easily wind up on everyone’s “fashion don’t” list. Also, keep in mind that you’ll be sitting most of the time during the ceremony, and possibly in direct sunlight, so comfort (and sunscreen) is always key!
Go Bold! Try color blocking. Choose an outfit made up of several bright blocks of colors juxtaposed against each other. Just remember to keep the cut classic and let the colors speak for themselves! http://www.togandporter.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/colorblocking.png
Maxi-mize the Moment! A fun maxi-dress, preferably with an outrageous print on it, is an easy-to-wear option.Just be sure the length isn’t too long – you don’t want to trip on your way to the stage! Pair the dress with simple jewelry and hair for the perfect ensemble! http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/04/daily-outfit-idea-how-to-wear-5.html
Pack a Citrusy Punch! Oranges and tangerines add the perfect pop of color, but we especially love when the hue is the main focus of any outfit. Try a wrap dress or comfy tunic in this bright color. http://thestylerundown.com/?p=3141
Make Your Makeup Memorable! Keep your makeup light if the ceremony is outdoors, or else you’ll end up sweating most of it off. And don’t forget to use waterproof mascara that will stay in place if you shed any tears! Check out our spring skincare for some additional beauty inspiration: http://mycleanscene.com/blog/2012/spring-skincare-trends/
Enjoy planning your outfit and have a wonderful graduation celebration!
Switch Up Your Style This Summer!
Summer is almost here! With the weather warming up, now is the time for bright colors and new looks – not only with your clothing, but with your hair and makeup too! Here are 5 of the most popular trends you’re sure to see everywhere this summer:
Braids: Braids are back! There are endless ways to incorporate them into your hairstyle. You can pull all you hair together for a classic side braid just like our favorite girl Katniss. Or try including a few little braids into your updo. It only takes a few minutes, but will look like you spent hours working on it! http://thebeautydepartment.com/2011/08/the-long-the-short-of-it/
Neutral Eyes/Bright Lip: We’re seeing bright pops of color everywhere and now is the perfect time to brighten up your lips! Have a little fun with your makeup and make a statement. Whether you choose hot pink, red or bright coral lips, pair it with neutral eye makeup so you don’t end up looking like a clown. Most importantly, make sure your lips are smooth and hydrated before you apply any color to help the look last all day.
Neon Nails: Nails are the easiest way to change up any look for the season and we couldn’t be more excited that bright neon polishes are staying through summer! Nothing says bright sunshiny days quite like lime green nails or some hot pink polish on your toes.
Top Knot Bun: We all know how the story goes… you spend all day at the beach or lounging around the pool and then your friends decide to go to the mall or out to lunch, but your hair is a MESS! What’s a girl to do? Nothing a simple top knot bun can’t fix! Try throwing your hair up into a top knot and be amazed at how quickly your look goes from hot mess to super chic. Here’s a helpful how-to on getting this look in a flash: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZQ-uZAEgi0&feature=related
Bright Eyeliner: What’s the quickest way to spice up your eye makeup without putting too much time and effort into it? Try rocking some bright eyeliner! Start off by lining your top lid with black eyeliner. Next, add a line directly on top of it with your favorite bright colored eyeliner. Use the same eyeliner to line your lower lid and voilà! You’re ready to rock the summer season! http://glowtdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img.jpg
Now go out, sport some of your favorite looks from the list and get ready for an amazing summer!
Earth Day: Upcycle Your Clothes!
We all know recycling, but are you into upcycling? It’s the latest in eco-friendly fashion – making your old clothes new again through creative styling. In honor of Earth Day, try out a few of these trendy spring looks created by upcycling your winter clothes!
Turn your slouchy winter sweater into a fun knit beach bag! http://frugalliving.about.com/od/craftsgifts/ss/Sweater_Bag.htm
The scarf that kept you warm all winter can be used as a sarong with your bikini, a mini for day, an evening wrap and more! http://i.americanapparel.net/storefront/images/altimages/rsa2502.html
Turn your jeans into a skirt by following these easy instructions! http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/08/back-to-school-jeans-skirt/
Repurpose your old tee shirt into a super-cute cropped jacket! http://wobisobi.blogspot.com/2011/03/project-re-style-12.html
Happy Styling and Happy Earth Day everyone!!
Show us how you are upcycling your clothes by posting pictures of your creations on our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/mycleanscene
Turn your Oscar Viewing Party into a Fun, Glamorous Affair!
The Oscars are like the Superbowl for fans of all things Hollywood, celebrity and glamour! Why not celebrate it like you would the Big Game – with a fun themed party! Clean Scene is here to give you all the tips and tricks to make your Oscar party the next best thing to being at the actual event!
The Guest List:
1) Invite people that love the Oscars – and will love a theme party – as much as you! There’s no bigger downer than having your BF’s boyfriend in the corner all night looking at his watch. So tell her to leave him at home and bring her Celebrity A-Game instead!
2) Make it a costume party and have guests dress up as their favorite nominee. Not feeling the people nominated this year? Have people dress up like movie starts past or present. Everyone loves a good Marilyn Monroe costume opportunity!
3) Outfit inspiration: http://www.teenvogue.com/style/2011/02/best-dressed-at-oscars#slide=1
The Ambiance:
1) Get guests into the mood before they enter your door.
-Have a red carpet in lined up in your entrance way, or stanchions with fake paparazzi behind them. It’s a great photo op that will be an even better keepsake after the last award has been announced!
2) Gold is the theme of the night, so cover your place in golden balloons! Blow them up with helium, tie them with gold ribbon and let them float on the ceiling for a festive atmosphere.
3) After the Oscars are finished, make sure to have your own after party, with video interviews of your guests talking about how happy or disappointed they were with the Oscar winners.
The Food:
1) What better way to honor the year in movies than with movie theater treats! Think boxes of candy, popcorn and even hot dogs! Everyone loves to have movie snacks – without paying the concession stand prices!
2) Or Get fancy with your food, a la the Governor’s Ball. Drizzle chocolate on strawberries, serve yummy appetizers and don’t forget a signature mock-tail!
3) Toast the winners! Serve sparkling apple cider with a squeeze of lemon and a halved strawberry in plastic fluted glasses each time a winner is called. Yum!
The Games:
1) Download Oscar voting ballots—or create them yourself!—and have all the guests fill them out before the show starts.
-Making a ballot: http://www.ehow.com/how_10019459_make-ballot-sheet.html
-Personalized ballots: http://www.ehow.com/how_2026124_personalize-oscar-ballot.html
2) Test your guests knowledge of movie trivia before the actual festivities get under way. Find some great games to print out here: http://martieknows.squarespace.com/blog/2011/2/21/academy-awards-party-movie-quote-trivia-game.html
3) Provide prizes to winners of each game. Prizes can include chocolate awards statues or replica mini Academy Awards.
However you throw your Oscar party, remember to have fun! It’s all about the glitz, glamour and celebration. Who knows, someday maybe we’ll be watching you on that Oscar stage accepting your award!
10 Ways to Give Back
Home cooked turkeys, family traditions, and reflecting on the past year are just a few common Thanksgiving traditions. This Thanksgiving, try adding a new tradition to your holiday by volunteering your time and giving back to your community. Helping those in need will not only brighten someone’s day, but will make you feel good inside too! Here are a few easy and fun ways to contribute!
1) Get all of your friends to go through their closets, find things that you don’t need anymore and donate them to your local Salvation Army. Not only will you be cleaning out your closet (something your parents will love!) but you will also be helping others who may not be able to afford new clothes for winter.
2) Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Thanksgiving is always a busy day for local food banks and homeless shelters serving the community. This is a great way to give back to your community and still make it back home in time to spend the evening with your family!
3) Create a hygiene kit comprised of basic necessities that can be given to homeless teens in your area. Make sure to include essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, facial cleanser and sunscreen.
4) Have a garage sale with your friends and sell movies, accessories, books, and any other random things. Send all the money you make to a charity that you believe in.
5) Offer to help clean for an elderly person in your neighborhood. It’ll definitely make their day!
6) Gather canned and non-perishable foods (tuna, corn, pasta, etc) from your pantry and donate it to your local Food Bank.
7) Have a fundraising bake sale at school to raise awareness for your favorite charity. You’ll have fun baking (and sampling for “taste”) as well as making a difference with your bake sale proceeds. Check out the bake sale we did to raise money for City of Hope!
8) Create an after-school tutoring program at school to help teach younger kids. You’ll not only be helping expand the next generation’s knowledge; it’s also a great college application builder!
9) Support companies that do charitable deeds, like buying TOMS shoes. Not only are they fashionable, but for every pair of TOMS shoes you buy, they will donate a pair to a child in a developing country.
10) Encourage your parents and anyone over the age of 17 to donate blood to The American Red Cross. They are always looking for extra blood to help those in need and you never know, that blood could help save a life!
And there you have it! Now there’s no reason to not do at least one or more of these activities to help make the world a better place. Happy Holidays!