Melissa Gorga’s Rainbow Sequin Top

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 5 Fashion

Somewhere over the rainbow there’s a shiny pot of gold waiting to be found. Then somewhere over in New Jersey there’s Melissa Gorga’s shiny rainbow sequin top that was just found. Which some may say is another form of gold.

Sorry rainbows and gold are just on the mind because it’s good ole’ St. Patrick’s Day. And though this rainbow top is sold out, it’s still a very lucky day because there are still some amazing Style Stealers to shop. But hurry because it’s only a matter of time before that stock makes an Irish goodbye.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To See Her Saylor Darcie Frill Top

Click Here to Shop it As a Dress

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Rainbow Sequin Top

Have you thought about what kind of skills you want to carry with you into the second half of your life?

Have you thought about the skills you wish to leave behind?

Notice, I said skills and not talents. Do you know the difference between your talents and skills? For an in-depth discussion, please check out my post, Talents versus Skills – Do you know the difference?

A talent is a special ability that comes naturally.

A skill comes from one’s knowledge, practice, or aptitude. A skill is learned.

Do you see the difference?

Typically, we learn skills to either make us employable or to do something we enjoy. We learn skills to make us employable based on market demands. We learn skills to do something we enjoy (think hobby) because we want to learn them. There is a big difference.

Skills that are not based on your innate talents can wear you out if you overuse them.

Overused or Abused Skills

I am a remarkable public speaker. I spent over 10 years working for IBM, where my primary job was presenting. I have been speaking as part of my job for over 20 years. It was a skill that I honed, and I have won multiple awards for best speaker at technology conferences. It is a skill and not a talent.

Burnout often occurs when you overuse a skill that is not based on your innate talents. Think about that!

When I started my business, Career Pivot, I knew I would be presenting as a way to promote my business. I have to be very careful not to overuse that skill. When I walk off the stage after giving an energetic and motivational talk, I am exhausted. I do not get energy from being on stage since I am a closet introvert. For me, public speaking is a skill and not a talent.

In your career, have you developed skills that leave you exhausted or bored after extended periods of use?

Walking Away from Valuable Skills

Have you reached a point where you simply do not want to do what you are doing anymore?

Twice, I have walked away from the high technology sector. Each time people told me:

Why would you want to stop? You are paid so well!

Oh, you are so good at it! Why would you stop?

I was seduced back into high tech because I listened to these messages, only to leave again three years later.

You may have skills that you simply do not want to use in the 2nd half of life. Your close friends and family may question your sanity, but only you know what is right.

Skills Carried Forward into the 2nd Half of Life

What skills do you want to carry forward?

You will probably carry forward skills that are not based on your talents. You just have to make sure you manage how often you use each skill.

Just because you can do something does not mean you should do it. I am very technical, but I did not develop my own website. I can do my own bookkeeping, but I decided to hire a bookkeeper. I can do these things, but I have chosen to find others to do them.

Skills from Our Hobbies

When I was a young adult, I rebuilt cars with a friend who was much older than I. As he entered his 2nd half of life, he decided to rebuild cars for others. He hated it! He wanted to work on the cars that he wanted to work on. He wanted to work on his own schedule. He wanted to work on projects that others did not want. It was only fun when he got to do it his way.

Skills developed for our own enjoyment do not always translate into a natural fit for encore careers.

Skills Inventory

Build a list of all of your skills. You will probably need help from others. Ask friends, family, and colleagues:

What am I good at?

What are my strengths?

I guarantee that you will be surprised.

Are any of these skills based on your innate talents?

Not sure what your natural talents might be? Read my post, What are your natural talents?

Create two lists of skills. One with skills based on your innate talents and one where they are not.

Take your time working on these lists. Reflect back to when you used each skill. Did you really enjoy using the skill AND were you energized when you were done?

You should now be able to determine which skills make sense to carry forward into the 2nd half of life.

What are your secret talents? What dreams do you have for the second half of your life? More importantly, what steps are you taking to make them a reality? Please join the conversation.

I’ve always been low-key obsessed with drugstore beauty scores that perform just like their higher-end counterparts, but for a fraction of the price you’d pay for luxury products. And, you don’t even have to make a trip IRL to your local drugstore anymore to get your hands on them either. Amazon’s growing selection of premium and affordable beauty products, from anti-aging skincare serums to dupe-worthy makeup items is ever-expanding, and many of them are available for Amazon Prime shipping (if you’re a Prime member, of course). Like any smart shopper on the hunt for effective, wallet-friendly scores on Amazon (and as a shopping editor who takes her product recs very seriously), I always do my due diligence and read up on all of the customer reviews before deciding whether or not to add a product to my cart.

Thanks to my extensive research and never-ending hunt to find cheap and stellar beauty steals (I really do live for a bargain, y’all), I’ve got the low-down on what Amazon shoppers and drugstore beauty aficionados are buying and loving right now, and I can wholeheartedly say that I agree with the best-selling and top-rated products getting the spotlight at the moment. From TikTok-famous moisturizers from CeraVe to under-the-radar retinol serums and cheap mascaras that perform just like your favorites from Sephora, I’ve rounded up some of the most-loved drugstore beauty staples to score on Amazon at the moment.

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.

Courtesy of Differin.

Differin Adapalene Gel

Frankly, this is the closest thing to a prescription retinoid treatment you’ll find over-the-counter. It’s got an impressive 17,000 reviews on Amazon, and most of them are pretty positive. Oh, and there’s also a huge selection of customer before-and-after pictures on the product listing in case you need extra convincing. Most of the reviews seem to stress the importance of patience when waiting for results from the product, but it seems most users find that it’s been worth it.

“My dermatologist actually recommended it to me to help with fine lines/wrinkles but she did stress that I HAD to use a moisturizer before applying it, which I’ve done and haven’t had any issues. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my wrinkles and (I’m not even exaggerating), if I see a pimple start to come in, this stuff will literally knock it out overnight,” status one loyal fan of the derm-approved treatment.

Buy: Differin Gel $11.99

Courtesy of CeraVe.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

This understated moisturizer may not be glamorous but there’s a reason why nearly every TikTok beauty influencer and dermatologist swears by the stuff, and it’s no surprise it’s backed by nearly 4,000 glowing reviews and a near five-star rating to boot. “I can’t say enough about this holy grail product! For years I’ve struggled with mild eczema and have tried so many products that promise but fail to deliver what CeraVe does,” says one enthusiastic reviewer.

Buy: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream $16.98

Courtesy of Aztec Secret.

Aztec Secrets Indian Healing Clay

This cult-favorite, pore-cleansing clay mask has amassed such a large following for a good reason—it really does work and it works instantly. There are few skincare products that deliver visible results after just one use, but seriously guys, this powder-based mask is definitely one of them. One newfound devotee calls the powder formula “the best thing to happen to me in the last week,” while another longtime fan with oily skin and congested pores says “this stuff really pulls the gunk out of your skin.” You can also use it as a natural deodorant or hair mask too.

Buy: Indian Healing Clay $12.79

Courtesy of Maybelline.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Foundation

Okay, this affordable (and shade-inclusive) foundation is backed by a whopping 35K+ reviews and again, has an almost five-star rating. Like a dream for oily and combination skin types, this lightweight and shine controlling base delivers medium to buildable coverage without causing breakouts or feeling heavy. “TRY THIS STUFF! STOP SPENDING YOUR MONEY ON EXPENSIVE BRANDS. I use to spend $30-$40 for a bottle of foundation and now I get to buy the perfect one for a fraction of the price,” says one review.

Buy: Maybelline Matte & Poreless Foundation $6

Courtesy of NYX Professional Makeup.

NYX Epic Ink Liquid Eyeliner

For an under $10 liquid eyeliner, NYX’s Epic Ink Liner is probably the best you’ll find—I’ve personally been a loyal fan of this product for years and it appears I’m not the only fan. One Amazon reviewer shared that a pricy high-end liner used to be her go-to—until she came across this affordable dupe. “It basically fits all of the requirements I would want in my perfect eyeliner. It’s affordable, extremely black, opaque, easy to use, waterproof, stays on for a long time, and the tip is quite thin so you can get wings as sharp as a sword.”

Buy: NYX Epic Ink Liner $6.75

Courtesy of Essence.

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

Another one of my personal long-time holy grail products, this volumizing and lengthening drugstore mascara works just as well as some of the luxury best-sellers I’ve tested out in the past. True to its claim to fame, it really does leave your lashes looking like your wearing falsies or just got back from an extension appointment, and it doesn’t smear, smudge, or flake throughout the day. “Omg best mascara I have ever brought, and I have brought a lot. I like lengthy lashes. I like the look of false lashes without having them, and this delivers,” says one glowing review.

Buy: Essence Lash Princess $4.99

Courtesy of eos.

eos Coconut Milk Shea Butter Lip Balm

Whether you’re prone to dry and chapped lips all day long or are simply addicted to applying your product of choice to your lips literally every hour on the hour (raising my hand right now), this hydrating and line-filling formula is truly a game-changer. It’s infused with moisture-locking ingredients like shea butter, coconut milk, and jojoba seed oil for 24 hours of hydration. “I would give it more stars if it would let me. “The best lip balm I’ve had in a long time worth every penny will definitely be ordering again,” says a fan of the scented balm.

Buy: eos Lip Balm $2.99+

Courtesy of e.l.f.

e.l.f. 16 HR Camo Concealer

You don’t have to take it from me, but this is definitely the best drugstore dupe for the iconic Tarte Shape Tape concealer that I’ve ever found—TBH, I even kind of like it better. It offers super full coverage and an oil-controlling and long-wearing finish that resists creasing and fading all day long, and it doesn’t emphasize fine lines under your eyes either. “I LOVE IT. This is the best concealer I’ve ever used at any price point. It gives an amazing, flawless, smooth finish!” says one super fan of the affordable formula.

Buy: e.l.f. Camo Concealer $6

Courtesy of Blue Cross.

Blue Cross Cuticle Remover

Sure, it’s not the most glamorous item on the list, but there’s a reason this nail care product has over 10,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Many of us have had to forgo our regular manicure appointments, and if you’re like me, cuticles have basically taken over my entire set of nails (adding to cart right now, BTW). This magical cream remover instantly dissolves pesky cuticles that can destroy a fresh polish job, without causing irritation. “Oh my goodness, I am ALWAYS had horrible cuticles no matter what I do/did they still looked like they went through a meat grinder! Tonight I used it before my dip manicure and WOW this stuff works miracles! Will never go back to not using it!” says one ~very~ satisfied customer.

Buy: Blue Cross Cuticle Remover $3.94

Courtesy of L’Oreal.

L’Oreal Paris Elvive Wonder Water

This damage-repairing and dryness-restoring “wonder water” is truly the real deal—just check out the product’s array of incredible reviews. This eight-second treatment almost instantly revives parches tresses, leaving with shinier, healthier, and bouncier hair without having to weigh it down with a heavy conditioner. Calling this hair treatment the GOAT, one reviewer gushes, “I don’t usually do reviews on products, but for this one, I absolutely have to. I have 3c type hair and struggle with a lot a breakage, unmanageability, and moisture.  have never in my 22 years felt my hair like this. I feel like I have a completely different head of hair. This product is so amazing and I will FOREVER be using this product in my hair regimen.”

Buy: L’Oreal Wonder Water $8.97

Courtesy of Maybelline.

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink

I’ve been a fan of this matte liquid lipstick since my mom suggested it to me two years ago. Not only is this formula ridiculously pigmented and super lightweight, but it’s also budge-proof and doesn’t smear or transfer. “I’ve been searching for a wedding day lipstick that won’t kiss off but feels comfortable on the lips. This is the one! I purchased [the shade] lover first and loved it so much that I purchased 2 other colors! I will for sure be purchasing more!” says one repeat buyer.

Buy: Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink $7.98

Jennifer Aydin’s Blue Cover Up and Bathing Suit

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 5 Fashion

Jennifer Aydin wasn’t looking blue in the slightest wearing her all blue cover up and bathing suit. Though I have to say she was probably feeling pretty blue the next day thank to that round of tequila pong. I know I certainly would be! Thankfully I’m not very good at pong, so I wouldn’t have been making/taking the shots. Something I am good at is shopping which is why this blue cover up is about to make it’s way to my Summer ’21 collection. That way at my next pool party I’ll show up looking like a tall glass of tequila water.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To Shop Her Pink Queen Blue Cover Up

Click Here To See Her Chanel Coco Blue Bathing Suit

Photo + ID Credit: @jenniferaydin

Originally posted at: Jennifer Aydin’s Blue Cover Up and Bathing Suit

After Billie Eilish rocked the Grammy Awards, TikTok was aflutter about her hair. At first, it didn’t look different but many believed she was actually wearing a wig to hide her new hair color. Now we know that was true. Eilish just debuted her blonde hair on Instagram and even broke a record with how many likes she got so quickly. Yes, it’s that good.

We knew a hair transformation was coming. In an Instagram story back in December, she told fans a hair change would come after the release of her Apple TV+ documentary, The World’s A Little Blurry. “It will be the end of an era,” Eilish said in her story. “I’m gonna give you a new era. I have announcements to make, I got some shit to put out.” Most people thought she was rocking red hair under her wig or another bright color.

No one seemed to expect Eilish to turn into a blonde bombshell complete with trendy curtain bangs.

Source: Instagram

The choppy cut gives the bright blonde a rockstar feel. It’s a huge change for the musician, who has had green and black hair for a year. “Did you guess correctly?” she asked on Instagram while shaking her hair to show all the hair. There’s something about going blonde that changes a person and brings out a ton of confidence.

Still, I can’t help but think this platinum hue is a step towards something different. Often a celebrity will go for a blonde base before debuting another colorful shade. But either way, Eilish looks stunning and you can tell she’s feeling herself.

Source: Instagram

Famous friends are losing it over this change. Storm Reid wrote “obsessed” while Skai Jackson said, “omgggg I love it.” As excited as we all are over this major transformation, we also know it’s because new music is coming and that definitely deserves a celebration.