Melissa Gorga’s Pink and Black Tie Dye Skirt

Real Housewives of New Jersey Instagram Fashion

The girls are back at it! Melissa Gorga took to Instagram to post a fun pink pic of the ladies partying last night at an event that was surely being filmed for next season. Her pink and black tie dye skirt, along with the rest of the looks, were a great reminder of the adorable summer style we got out of Season 11. And they were also a great reminder that if we don’t scoop it up on sale now, we’ll be left SOL when Missy G’s skirt airs on Season 12.

The Realest Housewife,

Big Blonde Hair

Click Here to Shop her Alice + Olivia Skirt

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Click Here to Shop Dolores Catania’s Maaji Dress

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Photo: @MelissaGorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Pink and Black Tie Dye Skirt

I have to admit, I’m not really a comic movie or TV fan. I watched the entire first season of Jessica Jones without realizing it was based on an iconic Marvel character. Oops. But I know killer looks when I see them and the new The Suicide Squad movie is full of ’em. To celebrate, Smashbox rolled out a Suicide Squad collection inspired by Harley Quinn, Mongal, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Javelin, Polka-Dot Man and Ratcatcher 2.

“There’s an undeniable synergy between The Suicide Squad and Smashbox,” Glenn Evans, SVP, global general manager at Smashbox Cosmetics said in a statement. “With the collaboration, we’re thrilled to celebrate not only the eccentric storytelling but also the unparalleled artistry and versatile approach Heba Thorisdottir brought to the film—and now brings to our brand.”

Not only is there limited-edition packaging of the iconic scenes and characters, but there are also five new shades of Be Legendary Lipstick and five of Always On Cream Shadow. And we can expect even more to come in time for Halloween.

Thorisdottir, makeup department head for The Suicide Squad, added: “Throughout my career, Smashbox has always been a top player when it comes to pro color pay-off and hardworking formulas. At the
end of the day, I need makeup that keeps up with me, I need makeup that keeps up with the characters
I create on set. Pretty pigment isn’t enough—what I need to know is, does it perform? Smashbox does.”

The movie doesn’t come out until August 8 but you can shop the entire Smashbox collection now.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Smashbox.

Always On Cream Shadow Squad

You don’t even need a primer with this stay-put cream eyeshadows in five bold shads. Hint: buff the color out a bit for a laid-back feel.

Smashbox.

Be Legendary Anti-Hero Lipstick

This nourishing lipstick comes in five high-pigment shades that will look amazing on a variety of skin tones.

One of the ways I live like a millionaire in my retirement, or jubilation as I call it, is by baking. Yes, I’m back. And yes, it’s this simple. Baking can improve the quality of your life in countless ways. This is another article in my series of How to live like a millionaire on a retirement budget. The previous articles can be found on Sixty and Me, and in my inexpensive (!) e-book, available on Amazon.

We imagine that a millionaire’s lifestyle means being able to afford the best that life has to offer. Life is in the details, and if we pay attention to the details – the myriad of small things that add up to make the quality of our lives – we can insure that we are living our best lives.

Bread is “the staff of life,” one of the most basic things we eat. Maybe you can’t afford a new car or an exotic vacation, but you can eat The Best Bread In The World. No sticky sourdough starter needed. No kneading needed.

Interested? Keep reading!

My freshly baked loaf out of the oven is a crackly crusted, beautifully textured loaf. A millionaire can’t enjoy my bread because it is priceless – not for sale anywhere.

Do the Math

A loaf of seriously good bread from a gourmet bakery in Chicago where I live can easily cost $8 – $10. A loaf a week, is $40 a month; $480 a year. And we all know we eat more bread than that in our lives, what with family, guests, a raisin tea loaf here, a foccacia there. It adds up. And up and up and up.

The loaf I bake, an artisanal country boule, costs me pennies. Another issue that makes my bread priceless is its quality and health. My bread has organic flour, salt, a pinch of yeast and water.

Read your labels. One bread I picked up at a crowd favorite grocery store listed things like reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, malted barley flour, water, soybean oil, dextrose monohydrate, salt, mono & diglycerides, yeast, ascorbic acid, sorbates. Really?

A Loaf So Brilliant, a 4-Year-Old Can Make It

I feel so clever when I walk past the bakery stands at the Farmer’s Market and don’t hand over a $10 bill for a loaf. Instead, I go home, and with a recipe that is brilliant, make my own.

I direct you to the brilliant Jim Lahey, owner of Sullivan Street Bakery in New York. He was featured by the New York Times’ Mark Bittman on a viral video on “No Knead” bread. Yes, the year was 2006… where have you been? And it’s still making my life better once a week. (It’s all over the internet, I’m sure you’ll find it in whatever country you live in.)

This is a gorgeous loaf that a child can make. It takes me, I kid you not, 3 minutes to assemble the flour, yeast, salt and water. I give it a stir and put it aside for 20 hours to rise.

Just mix it up and forget about it. No kneading. Often, I quickly mix up a batch after I finish the dinner dishes, or in the morning after I’ve cleaned up breakfast. I am the boss of the bread. It is not the boss of me. I don’t baby sit it or worry about it. I mix it and forget it.

Anytime from 12 – 20 hours later (I often let it sit overnight), I shape it into a boule, let it rise again for two hours, and pop it in the oven for 45 minutes.

There’s a whole story about why this bread works, why it doesn’t need kneading. I’ll let you ask Auntie Google about it when you type in “no knead bread.” One thing is crucial: you need a Dutch oven to bake it in.

That’s a big, heavy cast iron pot with a lid. Setting the dough in a pre-heated, screaming hot Dutch oven and putting the lid on it is what creates the steam that creates the magical rise, chewy texture, and the crackly crust.

Priceless Gifts That Money Can’t Buy

Baking bread saves me money in other situations. Invited to a friend’s house for dinner? You don’t need to spend a fortune on a decent bottle of wine. Bring the gift of your truly priceless bread. Have you ever noticed how people go gaga when they have a slice of freshly baked something? They just can’t believe it is so good. And that you made it!

I have learned that people positively melt when I bring them something I’ve baked. Adults become children around freshly baked, homemade goods. That’s another huge savings – in gifts alone. At Christmas, I have gifted friends with evocative mini madeleines, wrapped in cellophane bags, tied with a ribbon. An extravagant gesture, for pennies.

Savings All Around

Baking in general can improve your life in many other ways. Let’s say you go out to the museum, or you’re out window shopping. You’re tired and you want to sit in a cafe. Definitely sit in the cafe. Definitely order the coffee. But don’t buy the $6.75, hard-as-a-rock scone.

Out of my handbag I take my own amazing bran muffin or a slice of pound cake and enjoy it. I’ve just upped the quality of the moment. It’s not the coffee that’s expensive, it’s the treat you add to it.

I can make an entire batch of my favorite blueberry muffins in a matter of minutes for about $3.00, instead of paying more than that to eat one, not so fabulous, gummy muffin.

Yes, it requires effort. Yes, it requires planning. If you stock your kitchen with flour, sugar, butter, yeast, eggs, vanilla and have some cinnamon, chocolate chips, raisins (or dried cherries!) – you are ready to bake when the moment calls. Plus, you get the priceless satisfaction of a new hobby which is creative, earthy, arty and soulful. Most important, it is loving.

Worried about calories? I have a saying in my home: I can eat whatever treat I want; I just have to bake it myself. It makes you pause. It requires an effort. It’s healthier and because you took the time to make it, you cherish it, you respect it, and you tend to eat it in moderation.

Bake It All

My high school BFF was visiting me recently, and we stopped in a famous upscale bakery in my neighborhood. She bought an expensive Swedish cardamon bun. I tasted it and said, oh my, that’s very good. I now had a benchmark for taste. When we got back to my flat, I started researching recipes. I didn’t want to pay $4.75 for one cardamon bun when I could have a batch for less.

The variations are endless. You can pay $25 for a pizza, or you can make pizza dough for a few cents. Homemade pizza is one of the most sublime things you can enjoy. Then there’s a beautiful coffee cake. A comforting loaf of cinnamon raisin bread. Don’t get me started!

I kid you not, while I wrote this article there was a loaf baking in my oven. I’ll leave you now because it’s done. Can you smell it? The butter is ready; this is the baker’s treat.

If you haven’t tried baking, do give it a try and see whether it is something you might like. Remember, practice makes perfect. And if you are a baker, please tell us what your favorite bakes are. We want to know!

From TikTok to Instagram trends, it’s all about the retro vibes these days. Sorry millennials—the ’90s and 2000s are included. To make sure your hair joins in on the throwback action, there’s one look that should be on your radar—the retro flip hairstyle trend. Our favorite celebs including Rihanna and Kylie Jenner have been rocking the look and doing it really well.

This hairstyle originated in the 1960s and was later popularized in the ’90s, hairstylist Cash Lawless reminds us. It’s officially back with a vengeance. The best thing about this flip hairstyle is that there are so many ways to rock it. Whether you’re throwing in some hair clips or adding bangs, there’s a twist to this look to suit you.

We caught up with Lawless, as well as hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, to get the scoop on this re-emerging style and exactly how to make it work on your own hair at home. In addition, stylist and salon owner Ursula Stephen gave us the scalp-care tips we need to ensure the health of our hair. Keep reading to find out.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Book That Haircut

Before you can nail the style, you have to have the right cut. This isn’t really a DIY situation. After all, you don’t want to get scissor-happy on your hair or extensions and end up ruining the look before you have a chance to rock it. Lawless stresses having the proper cut before attempting this style. “[This] is going to be your foundation for whether or not you pull this off well,” he says. “A one-length haircut, with significant density on the ends and with the length meeting just at the collarbone, will get you a beautiful, full, long-lasting flip that hits right at the shoulder. You can go a little longer, but I recommend you flip the hair once the length gets past the collar bone.”

Wash and Prep the Hair

Whether you’re opting to try this style on your natural hair or with hair extensions, it’s essential to care for your strands first. The last thing you want to do is damage your hair in the process. The shampoo, conditioner and leave-in products best for you depend on your hair’s needs, but both Lawless and Fitzsimons recommend starting with a heat protectant. We like Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray ($13.99 at Amazon).

Stephen emphasizes caring for your scalp while sporting on-trend styles. If you have textured hair and are opting for wigs or extensions, this is especially important. She recommends using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner line such as Dove Dermacare Scalp ($4.99 at Amazon).

Source: Instagram

Add Volume With the Right Products

Fitzsimons is no stranger to the voluminous hair flip and has even done the style on Kylie Jenner. If you’re concerned with volume while blow-drying, especially if you’re not using hair extensions, he recommends NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Blowout Jelly ($13 at Ulta) to pump up the volume in your strands and achieve non-sticky hold. For heat protection and memory (lasting, touchable hold), Lawless loves Seven Haircare Heat Defense ($19 at Amazon) to prepare your hair for the big flip.

Choose Your Hot Tools

Since you’re working with heat again, you should apply additional heat-protectant to your hair. Fitzsimons likes Tigi Copyright Custom Create Heat Protection Spray ($14 at Amazon) which conditions and softens hair. The actual hot tools you use depend mostly on what you feel comfortable with. While Lawless prefers using a curling iron for better heat control (300 degrees or less!), on the flip side, Fitzsimons prefers a flatiron with rounded plates. 

Source: Instagram

Section Hair and Start the Flip

There are so many modern twists to the flip; the possibilities are endless. If you’re like Fitzsimons and love a classic look with a touch of a ’90s feel, you can keep it parted down the middle and add some ’90s-inspired accessories. To switch it up a bit, Lawless is a fan of the trending half-up half-down style.

Once your hair is dry, cur pieces outward, rotating the flat iron or curling iron toward you. Remember to lightly comb through your hair before curling to avoid tangles throughout the process. Also, be sure to refrain from tightly clamping your hair with your tool to prevent denting the hair. You don’t want crimp lines going through the ends.

Make It Last

If hairspray makes you think of crunchy, stiff hair, we have some great news. Both hairstylists recommended some of their favorite soft hold products to help make the style last without the crunchy feel. Lawless recommends Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 ($18.50 at Ulta), which resists wind and humidity all day. Fitzsimons, on the other hand, loves Redken Fashion Work 12 Medium Hold Hairspray ($21 at Ulta), which contains vitamins A and E.

Treat Your Scalp

If you choose to achieve this style using wigs, Stephen reminds us to care for our hair underneath. You want to keep your hair and scalp moisturized at all times. If you’re concerned with product build-up between washes, she recommends using a lightweight natural oil such as jojoba. This particular oil mimics the natural oil (or sebum) that comes from our scalps. All hair types can use jojoba oil, but the amount varies based on texture and density. For example, curly to kinky hair textures will probably require more than straight or wavy hair types.

Whichever way you flip, this retro style is totally worth giving a go this season and beyond.

From TikTok to Instagram trends, it’s all about the retro vibes these days. Sorry millennials—the ’90s and 2000s are included. To make sure your hair joins in on the throwback action, there’s one look that should be on your radar—the retro flip hairstyle trend. Our favorite celebs including Rihanna and Kylie Jenner have been rocking the look and doing it really well.

This hairstyle originated in the 1960s and was later popularized in the ’90s, hairstylist Cash Lawless reminds us. It’s officially back with a vengeance. The best thing about this flip hairstyle is that there are so many ways to rock it. Whether you’re throwing in some hair clips or adding bangs, there’s a twist to this look to suit you.

We caught up with Lawless, as well as hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, to get the scoop on this re-emerging style and exactly how to make it work on your own hair at home. In addition, stylist and salon owner Ursula Stephen gave us the scalp-care tips we need to ensure the health of our hair. Keep reading to find out.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Source: Instagram

Book That Haircut

Before you can nail the style, you have to have the right cut. This isn’t really a DIY situation. After all, you don’t want to get scissor-happy on your hair or extensions and end up ruining the look before you have a chance to rock it. Lawless stresses having the proper cut before attempting this style. “[This] is going to be your foundation for whether or not you pull this off well,” he says. “A one-length haircut, with significant density on the ends and with the length meeting just at the collarbone, will get you a beautiful, full, long-lasting flip that hits right at the shoulder. You can go a little longer, but I recommend you flip the hair once the length gets past the collar bone.”

Wash and Prep the Hair

Whether you’re opting to try this style on your natural hair or with hair extensions, it’s essential to care for your strands first. The last thing you want to do is damage your hair in the process. The shampoo, conditioner and leave-in products best for you depend on your hair’s needs, but both Lawless and Fitzsimons recommend starting with a heat protectant. We like Mielle Organics Mongongo Oil Thermal & Heat Protectant Spray ($13.99 at Amazon).

Stephen emphasizes caring for your scalp while sporting on-trend styles. If you have textured hair and are opting for wigs or extensions, this is especially important. She recommends using a nourishing shampoo and conditioner line such as Dove Dermacare Scalp ($4.99 at Amazon).

Source: Instagram

Add Volume With the Right Products

Fitzsimons is no stranger to the voluminous hair flip and has even done the style on Kylie Jenner. If you’re concerned with volume while blow-drying, especially if you’re not using hair extensions, he recommends NatureLab Tokyo Perfect Volume Blowout Jelly ($13 at Ulta) to pump up the volume in your strands and achieve non-sticky hold. For heat protection and memory (lasting, touchable hold), Lawless loves Seven Haircare Heat Defense ($19 at Amazon) to prepare your hair for the big flip.

Choose Your Hot Tools

Since you’re working with heat again, you should apply additional heat-protectant to your hair. Fitzsimons likes Tigi Copyright Custom Create Heat Protection Spray ($14 at Amazon) which conditions and softens hair. The actual hot tools you use depend mostly on what you feel comfortable with. While Lawless prefers using a curling iron for better heat control (300 degrees or less!), on the flip side, Fitzsimons prefers a flatiron with rounded plates. 

Source: Instagram

Section Hair and Start the Flip

There are so many modern twists to the flip; the possibilities are endless. If you’re like Fitzsimons and love a classic look with a touch of a ’90s feel, you can keep it parted down the middle and add some ’90s-inspired accessories. To switch it up a bit, Lawless is a fan of the trending half-up half-down style.

Once your hair is dry, cur pieces outward, rotating the flat iron or curling iron toward you. Remember to lightly comb through your hair before curling to avoid tangles throughout the process. Also, be sure to refrain from tightly clamping your hair with your tool to prevent denting the hair. You don’t want crimp lines going through the ends.

Make It Last

If hairspray makes you think of crunchy, stiff hair, we have some great news. Both hairstylists recommended some of their favorite soft hold products to help make the style last without the crunchy feel. Lawless recommends Kenra Professional Volume Spray 25 ($18.50 at Ulta), which resists wind and humidity all day. Fitzsimons, on the other hand, loves Redken Fashion Work 12 Medium Hold Hairspray ($21 at Ulta), which contains vitamins A and E.

Treat Your Scalp

If you choose to achieve this style using wigs, Stephen reminds us to care for our hair underneath. You want to keep your hair and scalp moisturized at all times. If you’re concerned with product build-up between washes, she recommends using a lightweight natural oil such as jojoba. This particular oil mimics the natural oil (or sebum) that comes from our scalps. All hair types can use jojoba oil, but the amount varies based on texture and density. For example, curly to kinky hair textures will probably require more than straight or wavy hair types.

Whichever way you flip, this retro style is totally worth giving a go this season and beyond.