Ironic title for someone who is running on only a few hours of sleep right now, huh? Regardless, it's that lack of sleep that inspired me to write this post. Here are a few quick fixes that I've gathered over the years to help you look more alert, even if you just can't wait to jump back into bed!

• Stick two metal spoons in the freezer the night before. In the morning, put them under your eyes to reduce puffiness. Plus the shock from the cold should give you a little jolt of energy. 
• If cold isn't your thing, try warming things up. Make yourself a nice cup of tea and save the tea bag! A warm tea bag can also reduce under eye puffiness and redness while the antioxidants and herbs soothe tired sockets.
• If all else fails, makeup can do the trick. To appear alert you need to highlight and conceal. Use highlighter in the innermost corner of your eyes, or the tear duct area, to open them up. Take the concealer to cover up any under eye darkness. For an extra highlight, make sure to use a concealer about a shade or two lighter than your foundation in order to appear brighter and refreshed.

Do you have any beauty tips to help you look your best on groggy days? Let me know in the comments below!

Don't hang up your summer clothes just yet because I have a few simple ways to make your favorite pieces stretch into the colder months. For my fellow college students, we can't always afford to buy a whole new wardrobe every time the seasons change. All that means is we get to be a little more creative!

• Sarong into head wrap/turban | Transform your favorite beach cover up into a fashionable way to stay warm. There are tons of tutorials on YouTube to make fabulous, and easy, head wraps so don't be afraid to try your hand at this trend.
• Crop tops over maxi dresses | This kills two birds with one stone. Both items were wildly popular this summer and will be just as popular if layered together. This style provides warmth and an unique silhouette. Add a thick scarf and some boots and you're ready to go.
• Tank tops and outerwear | One article I never retire during the fall (to the disdain of my mother) is a good tank top. While the trend of pairing them over long sleeve shirts may be long gone with snap bracelets and butterfly clips, there are other ways to stay warm. Layer them with chunky sweaters, leather jackets, or military jackets to stay in style and out of the nurse's office. 

JC: I can only imagine! I read that your favorite piece from the finale collection was the long sleeve dress with the cowl back. Is there a least favorite?
DS: I wouldn't say there was a least favorite piece. I made a lot of garments and went to a very selective process to narrow it down to everything that you saw in the collection. I honestly love every piece that I sent out.

JC: You touched on it a bit, but in more detail can you describe your design process?
DS: It all starts with inspiration. I usually have a good feeling of what will be "in" the next season. Also, I write a lot! I have just tons of descriptive words scribbled on my paper. After that I get into the sketching a developing a color palette and silhouettes. Then comes the prints. I can properly design a print if I don't know what silhouette I'm working with. It has to be proportionate. Then I get to design the print in photoshop and have it sent out to be made into a textile. Then I can get to work.

JC: Wow. I always knew it took a lot of work, but I never stopped to think about how much work goes into it.
DS: (Laughs) Yeah, it can be a bit much.

JC: (Laughs) I can see that! So how has Philadelphia influenced you as a designer?
DS: It influences the type of woman I design for. Everyone is always on the go, hopping on and off the subway. I design clothes that are made to be worn in the city, from day to night. My clothes are for people with an active lifestyle. Movement is my main thought when I design. I ask myself, "Will it work?" If it's not something I could wear in the city, I don't do it.

JC: So you focus on functionality?
DS: Exactly!

JC: Being a city girl myself I can appreciate that. So Philadelphia may not be a fashion capital like New York, but in your opinion is the fashion scene here growing?
DS: Definitely! I noticed this while I was in school. Over the past few years, interest in fashion has blown up. It's becoming a regular part of our lives.

JC: The majority of my readers are women my age (20, not much younger than yourself). Explain where all of your confidence comes from.
DS: Well, I'm just a naturally talkative person so it's easy for me to jump right into things. Besides, it's required as a designer. You have to have tenacity in this industry. Plus I've never been the type of person concerned with other people's opinions. The only thing that should matter is your own.

JC: Was there ever any point during the competition where you doubted yourself/your ability to win?
DS: No, not really. There were definitely moments when I was stressed, tired, and exhausted! I went in saying, "I want to win." I wouldn't do it if I didn't think I could win. That just seems like a waste to me.

JC: I really like that perspective and you're right, it does seem like a waste of time if you aren't going into something with that mentality.
DS: Exactly. It's like, so what are you doing then?

JC: Alright, I'm sure you have a ton of favorite pieces that you made during the competition, but what is your favorite garment previous to Project Runway?
DS: Previous? Oh wow.... Well there's this chiffon dress I made that used two textiles that I hand-pieced together. That was the first time I realized I could mix textiles. It's funny because you can't really teach that. You're just born to have an eye for textile design; it's not really something that can be developed. That's actually still one of my favorite pieces.

JC: Favorite garment during the season?
DS: Definitely the avant garde challenge. It was perfectly made, both in construction and design! I absolutely love that look. I'm really glad that the judges saw the hard work that I put into it.

JC: Most fun challenge.
DS: (Laughs) The HP challenge!

JC: (Laughs) I figured you would say that. Most difficult challenge.
DS: The first challenge, definitely. It's like you watch the show and you know it's difficult, but you really have no idea. The pace is insane and it was definitely a shock. The first and second challenges I really struggled with time management.

JC: How long is the season in real time?
DS: Six weeks!

JC: Oh wow, that's insane! So what experience has developed you most as a designer? (Your education, specific life event, etc.)
DS: Um well there was no one moment. I remember in high school when I was starting to apply for college, I was going to study marine biology. I was talking to my counselor about what I liked to do and fashion came up. I made the decision to pursue fashion and never looked back.

JC: How did you seem to stay above the drama this season?
DS: This was a huge opportunity. I had been looking for a job in the industry for months after graduation. I knew this was my one chance at fashion so I wanted to remain professional throughout the competition.

JC: Is there any one person who helped you the most on the show?
DS: Helen. She was my closest friend. We bonded, confided, and helped each other. We can't talk to family, no phone, no computer. We're completely shut off. She was my shoulder to lean on and I was her shoulder to lean on.

JC: You and your model also seemed to have a pretty good relationship. Did she help you as well?
DS: I love my model! She was the perfect model: perfect personality, beautiful. Plus she was intuitive to the judges' point of view. You know when they get a closer look at the clothes? She would come to me with extra feedback from the judges. Plus she was so beautiful so I wanted to design feminine, elegant clothes to match her personality.

JC: You are such a motivated, passionate person. What message can you give to my readers on pursuing their own dreams?
DS: To not give up. It's very easy to get discouraged. It had been three years since graduation and I still didn't have a job in my field. I had to work at an animal care center and waitress. You have to stick to your guns. Now, I can wake up doing what I love. Besides, it's supposed to be hard; you're supposed to struggle. It makes you that much stronger.

It would be easy to tell you to toss your pink and coral lipsticks aside to make room for darker colors, but that's obvious isn't it? Naturally people tend to wear cooler colors during the cooler seasons. However, I want to show you simple ways to wear your favorite summer shades all year long and truly transition your makeup for the fall.

• Orange was extremely popular this summer. It's bright, bold, and vibrant, much like your bikinis I'm sure. But orange is also a very autumnal color most noticeably seen in the leaves when they change colors. The best way to wear this color through the fall would be to tone it down. Opt out of a full-on orange lipstick and try a lip gloss or stain. You still have that unexpected pop of color without going overboard. Recommendations...
• Drugstore: L'oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Coral Tattoo
• High end: Yves Saint Laurent Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stain in Orange De Chine

• Turquoise eyeliner was also a huge  trend this summer. You can still incorporate this hue by choosing to use an eyeshadow instead of the more harsh eyeliner. Turquoise eyeshadow is much more forgiving and gives you a lot more flexibility. You can tone it down by smoking it out with a dark brown or charcoal gray shadow in the crease. You also have the option wearing the turquoise shadow the way is was most commonly used this summer: on the lower lash line. Just be sure to blend! Recommendations...
• Drugstore: Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in Tenacious Teal
• High end: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil in Clash

• Rose colored, neutral pink lips were also seen everywhere. Luckily, in my opinion, this trend is already perfect for year round use. Natural lip shades are classic and timeless; you can never go wrong. If you want to enhance it for fall in a subtle way, choose pink shades that lean more towards the mauve or berry families. It will still be a warm, neutral color, but adding a slight purple tint will make it a bit more seasonal. Recommendations...
• Drugstore: Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
• High end: MAC Lustre Lipstick in Politely Pink

For all of my natural hair ladies out there you know how important moisturizing your hair is, especially during the upcoming colder months. However, it can be a bit of an inconvenience. Having a busy schedule can definitely get in the way of taking the time to properly moisturize your hair for the fall and winter. Also, managing wet hair while combating the cold temperatures can jeopardize your health. Luckily there are a few quick remedies that you can use in between conditioning to combat dry, brittle hair.

• Spritz! Instead of always completely wetting your hair, give it a good spritz. Doing this lightly before bed will keep your curls soft. It's also great to do in the morning. It aids in the process of shaping your style while refreshing the curls. For a little added benefit, mix in a bit of your favorite conditioner. It will make your hair smell great and add an extra moisturizing boost.
• Seal. This is a key (and simple) step that can often be overlooked. Keeping a small container of your favorite oil or shea butter next to your spray bottle ensures that you won't forget this step. Also, a little goes a long way. You don't want to over-moisturize because that can lead to product buildup and a greasy scalp. Focus your product on the ends and use a small amount. You can always add more later if you need more moisture, but you can't take the oil away if you've overdone it. 
• Style dry. I feel that many girls are still under the impression that you have to completely re-wet your hair every night in order to style it. That's simply not the case. Re-twisting or braiding your hair dry not only makes your hair even bigger and bolder, but it decreases your chances of getting sick from possibly waking up with a damp scalp. Just remember to lightly spritz and seal. If your feel your ends are the problem, go ahead and soak those, brush in some leave-in conditioner, and seal as if it were a fresh style. No one will know the difference!

While thumbing through a magazine yesterday, I came across an article about the best places to wear fragrance. I already knew about the common areas like the wrist and the nape of the neck, but they named two other places that surprised me. The back of your knees and the crook of your arm are also great fragrance spots. Why?

These four areas generate the most heat on your body. Since fragrance is dispersed when exposed to warmer temperatures, keeping the fragrance concentration to these four main areas allows the scent to be distributed evenly and leave a lasting impression.

If you would like a list of my favorite fall fragrances, let me know on Twitter @JordanCathleen_.

1. This color does not look the same as it did the last time I put it on.
2. I know I can get this last little bit of [insert lip product here] out.
3. Is lip liner really necessary? Goes outside the lines. Damn, I guess it is.
4. I think I'll keep it simple today. Comes out with full smokey eye.
5. Shit, shit, shit I got mascara in my eye! Oh my god! Help me baby Jesus! Help me Oprah!
6. Why don't my winged lines ever look the same?!
7. In the bathroom: I don't think I put enough on. Outdoors: I look like a Cullen.
8. I'm sure if I just add a little water to this mascara it'll be just fine.
9. Why haven't I used this in so long? It's amazing!
10. Where the hell did I put my lip balm?!

Over the summer I realized that travel sized items aren't just for traveling. Granted, I ended up buying most of my new finds as a result of my trip to Puerto Rico. However, after I returned I found plenty of uses for those little carry-ons.


Test Subject
If you want to try a new product but are afraid to invest in the full sized item only to wind up disappointed, buy the travel size version first. I did this with the Cetaphil face wash. I heard so many rave reviews about this cleanser but I wasn't ready to shell out $11 if it wasn't going to help out my skin. The verdict? It is nice and gentle, but I'm one of those people who needs to see something lather to prove that it's working. Plus, I've had the same, if not better, results from my previous cleanser so I'm glad I tested it out first.

Ride Along
Travel size items are also great for, well, traveling. But, you don't have to be going out of the country to take advantage of them; traveling to class counts too. For example, a small deodorant is the perfect thing to throw in your purse for those days you forget to put some on before you leave the house. Don't pretend like it's never happened to you.

Also, having those travel size items on hand is great for impromptu sleepovers at your friend's or your significant other's house. You'll be grateful that you have a mini shower gel you can bring along instead of lugging around your entire medicine cabinet.

Penny Pincher 
Restocking your toiletries cabinet with travel size items when you're a little pressed for cash is also a brilliant option. All of your favorite brands are made in a smaller size, trust me. You don't have to resort to a generic brand to save money when you can just buy your staples in a smaller volume. You'll be surprised, those three ounces go a very long way. Being able to stay consistent with your routine is just an added bonus.

I was planning on writing an entire post on essentials to keep in your everyday bag, which includes several other travel items. Let me know if that's something you would like to read either in the comments below or on Twitter.

New York City, NY

1. Jacket | Rihanna for River Island
2. Shorts | American Apparel
3. Shoes | Zara
4. Sunglasses | The Row
5. Bag | H&M

Since my tips last Tuesday on finding the right lip color for your skin tone were so popular, I decided to do a sequel! For most of my beauty-obsessed girls, this is probably common knowledge to you by now. However, even the best have their little book of basics tucked in their back pocket for quick reference. This is one of those basics.


For brown eyes: Because brown is a neutral, you can use any shadow color and it won't compete with your eyes. However, to really make them sparkle use bronze, peach, purple, and shades of blue and green.
For blue eyes: Since blue is a cool tone, putting warmer tones on the lid will make them stand out. Also, avoid using colors that are too bold because they can distract from the beautiful blue color your eyes naturally have. Try bronze/golden shades, peach, slate, and champagne.
For green eyes: Nothing makes your eyes pop more than purple, there's no doubt about that. However, if you aren't a huge fan of the hue, try browns with a reddish undertone (like rust and sepia) and subtle pinks.
For hazel eyes: Because hazel eyes can have flecks of brown, green, grey, and gold, they are like chameleons and can be transformed to bring out whatever color you want to emphasize based on your shadow choice. To play up the green, of course go for purple shades and for brown, use yellow-based browns and gray. Avoid light golds though because they tend to wash you out. Dusty pinks and burgundy also look lovely on you.

Remember, you can wear whatever colors make you happy. These are just a few colors that will make your eyes shine even brighter!

This may seem like a no brainer. Just go to the store, pick up a pretty color, and walk out, right? Wrong. It's clear that not all shades are the same, but what can be less obvious is that not all shades are meant for every woman. I feel that some women have the misconception that they can wear any color they want on their lips. While they have every right to, some shades are more flattering than others. It all depends on your skin tone/undertone. There are three undertones you need to be aware of:

Cool undertone: You can tell you have cool undertones if the veins in your wrist are blue or blue-purple. Lip colors that work best for you are a blue-based reds and pink-based shades.
Warm undertone: You have warm undertones if the veins in your wrist are yellow or olive. The best lip shades for you are orange-based reds, peach, and earth tones.
Neutral undertone: You have neutral undertones if you have both blue and green veins in your wrist. Lucky you, because you can pull off anything!

Keep in mind, you are free to wear any lip color you choose. Just know that there are colors that will flatter your skin tone better than others.

What is the secret to kissable lips? A better question is "What is the secret to soft lips?" After all, soft lips make for kissable ones. If you've been suffering from chapped lips or simply find your lipstick flaking away after 20 minutes, try these tips.

• Moisturize! I know this has to be the most obvious tip, but you would be surprised how many people don't practice it. During the day, use a lip balm that has SPF in it to protect them. Your lips are like any other part of your body and are able to be damaged by the sun as well. At night, use a heavier moisturizer. I have tried a ton but the best will always be petroleum jelly. It applies smoothly and will make your lips feel buttery soft by morning.
• Exfoliate. Yes, exfoliate your lips. I know it sounds crazy but I promise it works. You can use a toothbrush to exfoliate your lips using gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds. That's the method I practice. You can also make a lip scrub by combining sugar and either extra virgin olive oil or honey. The purpose? Again, our lips are just like the rest of our skin. Your lips produce dead skin too! Get rid of it.
• Protect. I said this already when talking about moisturizing, but it is important to protect our lips from the sun. Even if you're a lip gloss or lip stick kind of girl, make sure to apply an SPF balm underneath. Your lips, and your love, will thank you. 

If I could only live with five beauty products for the rest of my life, here's what they would be and why.



1. Benzoyl peroxide. I don't care what form this ingredient is in as long as I have it in my life. Nothing I have ever tried keeps my skin as clear as benzoyl peroxide. I will take it with me to the grave.

2. Lip balm. If you asked me this question maybe a year and a half ago, my answer definitely would have been lip gloss. I never used to use lip balm. Not sure why exactly. Now, I can't even go to sleep without applying lip balm. Dry lips just make me feel like my whole face is sad.

3. Face wipes. Even if I don't take the time to do my full routine, I always make sure to at least clean my face with a wipe. It's refreshing and it gives my skin a chance to breathe a little more.

4. Fragranced body cream. I was very specific with this item for a reason. I prefer a body cream or butter because my dry skin requires plenty of moisture. Also, I like to use a fragranced cream because it stays on much longer than a fragrance mist or perfume and I don't have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day.

5. Hair removal cream. I've simply preferred this method of hair removal for a while now and there is just no way I could live life without shaving...ever...anywhere...that's nasty.

So that's basically everything I need in this life of sin, just me and my cosmetics.

*Note: List is in no particular order.

2. Scarf | Urban Outfitters
3. Sweater | Old Navy 
4. Shirt | Corsa on South Street
5. Chains | Top Man 
6. Headphones | Beats by Dr. Dre
7. Checkered Shirt (wrapped around waist) | Old Navy
8. Jeans | Plndr.com
9. Shoes | Timberland