What To Wear To: Meet The Parents

Even though it's only Wednesday, I'm already freaking out about Saturday. Yes, I know the weekend is supposed to be the time to unwind, but Saturday morning I will be faced with one of the more stress-inducing situations a woman can go through: brunch with the boyfriend's parents. It's the first time meeting them, and I'm usually okay with parents (my sparkling personality wins them over every time) but oh what to wear. I always get caught up in what to wear. Will it be overdoing it if I appear ultra-conservative? Will I scare them away if I break out my eclectic, trendy garb? 

Above is what I believe to be the perfect combo of a demure ensemble with some attitude mixed in. I thought I'd share since I know many of you ladies will have this situation come up sooner or later. 

Start with basics. Pair wide-leg black pants with a crisp, classic button-down sweater. The 3/4-length sleeves make it youthful, while the scoop neck keeps everything PG. Since it's brunch and therefore not too formal, stay casual with springy, neutral colored sandals. Just make sure to leave the beat-up beach thongs at home. Let your flair show through in your accessories. Break out an extra-long ring necklace and thick embellished cuff to spice up the black and white. Finally, a bold red handbag will show the 'rents that you don't take yourself too seriously. 

Finally, Some Oops-Free Underwear: Thank You OnGossamer Luxury Liner

What: OnGossamer Luxury Liner Bikini, $19

Why: Some might consider period spotting a hush-hush topic, but to them, I say out with your old-school mentality and in with OnGossamer's new Luxury Liner underwear. Although us sophisticated, put-together, and on-schedule ladies are normally in control of our menstrual situations, we can't help the occasional early monthly visitor or embarrassing spotting situation. Which is where OnGossamer steps in. Touted as "Save the Day Lingerie", each pair of their new line of underwear has a strip of black stretch microfiber that is sewn in and extra-absorbent.

The panties come in a variety of colors including nude and white, so you're not restricted to all-over black on those questionable days. And huge bonus: their panties are all seamless, so they disappear under all types of pants. 

OnGossamer makes their Luxury Liner collection in bikini, thong, and high-rise versions, so snatch up a pair of all three.

Get Yours: barenecessities.com  

Beauty Buzz: Spring Colors For Your Nails (And Grey Is One Of Them)

It’s transition time: the halfway point between spring and summer. It’s also time to bring out the peep-toe pumps.

If you’re anything like me, baring your first pedicure of the season to the world is never the most fun thing. And let’s not discuss the state of my winter-white hands.

So I always try to start off on the right foot (heh heh) with a fun, trendy nail polish color. 

My favorite (but only for feet, I’m not brave enough to wear it on my hands) is China Glaze’s Celtic Sun ($2.68). A bright, sunny yellow, it reminds me of daffodils. The warmth of the color might be overpowering for those of you with cool-toned skin, but with the right shoes, anything is possible.

Also high on the list are sweet pastels. Spring is the time of new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate than with baby pinks and sweet peaches? An oldie (but goodie) is Zoya Bailey ($6), a sheer, shimmery pink that’s flattering on a wide array of skin tones. Also check out Essie’s Tie the Knot ($8) for a gorgeous shade of buff.

Now, we come to the two trends I just don’t understand (possibly because they’re corpse-like on my warm-toned skin) - dove grey and lavender. Grey is the hot color of the season. If you’re interested (and I totally was), check out Essie’s Great Expectations above. ($8)

For lavender, Zoya’s Miley ($6) is an understated, yet current shade.

Find the perfect sandals to pair with your pedicure in our Guide to Spring Shoe Trends.  

Crest Pro-Health Turns Your Teeth Brown: Wow, That’s Disgusting.

This morning's Today Show revealed a rather gross and unsettling discovery: Crest's Pro-Health Rinse apparently turns your teeth brown. Yep, brown. As in dirty than they were before you brushed and rinsed. Unbelievable, right?

According to the report, the mouthwash became popular for being alcohol-free and thus not causing that uncomfortable burning sensation when you rinse. But people started noticing their teeth becoming discolored and their taste buds altering after a few weeks of use. Piles of bad reviews surfaced on the internet and the company has since been knee-deep in lawsuits. It claims the effects are temporary and a side-effect of the alcohol-free ingredients. Well, personally I'll take a little burn any day over nasty brown teeth.

Below is an alternative alcohol-free option that won't put a damper on your pearly whites. The Natural Dentist ($10) will brighten your teeth, not soil them. And if you've already experienced side-effects from using Crest Pro-Health, voice your complaints on their website.

Deal Of The Day: An Extra 25% Off Dresses Already 70% Off At Shopbop

Apparently Shopbop has temporarily lost its mind: offering an extra 25% off gorgeous, summery daytime dresses that have already been marked down a whopping 70%. And they didn't stop at dresses. The sale also includes chic swimwear, sultry blouses, and trendy denim. So hurry over to shopbop.com and get the goods before this secret sale ends on Friday! (Use coupon code EXTRA25 at checkout.)

The poppy color of this Elegantly Waisted belt dress ($75, was $330) makes it the perfect option for a Memorial Day barbeque or early evening rooftop cocktail.


At first glance, you might think this Dallin Chase mini dress ($96.40, was $428) is too fancy for daytime, but after taking some cues from our tutorial on How To Pull Off A Cocktail Dress For Daytime, you'll be wearing it all over town. 

Great for a casual beachside soiree, toss this Rory Beca blouse dress ($102.50, was $455) over your bikini for a quick day to evening transformation. 

More deals on the web:

Nanette Lepore platforms are 55% off at Bluefly.

Dresses from Graham + Spencer and T-Bags are up to 70% off at Pink Mascara.

Save up to 60% on MAC, NARS and Stila at Makeup.com.

Peruse more deals posted by our SheFinds readers at our forum.  

Style Swap: Rhinestones Get Ixnayed For Something More Natural

It's not that costume-y faceted rhinestones aren't a great way to add a little bling to your wardrobe—if you're in a pinch. We just think the trend of outsized, obviously plastic rocks has lost a bit of its original sparkle. This summer, when you're faced with rack upon rack of embellished sandals, try picking something studded with natural stones instead of the manufactured stuff. Turquoise, coral, mica, and semi-precious rocks all up the glam factor just as much as factory-fresh lucite stones, but they give your look a more earthy, contemporary vibe. Check out the classy cool of Mystique's 1644 turquoise-embellished sandals (above right, $140). Aren't they so much more subtly chic than those garish Betsey Johnson Frey flats (left, $235)? If you're convinced and are ready to swap your faux sparkle for something more naturally beautiful, check out more of our picks below.


Bo'em loves to use unexpected materials in their luxe line of footwear. The chunky mottled green stones on these Minu thongs ($209) are different on every pair, so you've got an original, conversation-sparking work of art right on your feet.


A swirly, pearly silver-and-black mica disc sets these Pelle Moda Janika thongs ($125) apart from their rhinestone-encrusted counterparts. As an added bonus, the smooth, coin-flat disc won't tear up your feet like a pointy and potentially hazardous rhinestone setting might. Pick these for everyday wear, as their shine is totally subdued by the earthy brown leather.


Infuse your look with a taste of the Far East by choosing a coral-studded pair of thongs from Vince Camuto ($98). The tomato-red coral, set off by lovely new gold, pops against the season's bright yellows and oranges, but this pair would also look so pretty paired with a clean white dress.

News Updates: Project Runway Loses Manpower, Shipley & Halmos Gets Even Cooler, And More

NBC has just announced a deal that will prevent Project Runway's producers from following the show to Lifetime. [WSJ]

Rookie label Shipley & Halmos will be honored with the National Arts Club's Young Designer Award this month after only a year in business. [FWD]

Lancôme will premiere its men's skincare line called Lancôme Men in stores this month. [NYMag]

According to some experts, flats are as bad for your feet as heels, offering little support and thus putting strain on the ankles. [GuardianUK]