For some reason, bangs are always a bit controversial. Curtain bangs are no different. Some love them and some aren’t feeling them and others think people are calling long layers bangs when they’re really just a layer. Bur regardless, Ashley Benson does have new curtain bangs are they look great on her. The actress shared a video of her on set wearing a wavy bob wig and apparently, it inspired her to make a real change.

Not only did Benson get curtain bangs, but she also went shorter allover and much lighter. “The focal point of this look is the cut and color combo,” her hairstylist Joseph Maine said in a statement. “I love how the platinum color really compliments her skin and the dark root gives her a lot of depth, making her light blonde pop. The depth in her root also goes with her eyebrows and makes her eyes stand out. For the style, I wanted it to look effortless and just slightly tousled.”

Instagram.com/ashleybenson.

“I love working with Ashley because we get to try so many different looks,” the Trademark Beauty co-founder said. “She’s always up for new things. This is our first time really playing with her hair since Paris Fashion Week in March where we did eight different looks. It was fun to try something new today! While this is a wig that she’s currently rocking, we were so inspired by it that we ended up chopping her real hair super short too. It’s pretty drastic!”

Source: Instagram

Benson’s new bangs will take a little styling work to get used to but they’re very versatile. She can wear them straight forward, blown-out in a cool ’70s way or even just tuck them into the rest of her hair when she’s not feeling then. They’ll also grow out easily right into her chic bob. We love them and hope she keeps them around for a while—until she switches it up again.

Why do so many women, often at about 50 years of age, lose the ability to say “no” without making excuses or providing an explanation? Are we so indoctrinated with the belief that our purpose is to serve others? Do we not understand that unless we serve ourselves first, we lose the ability to serve others?

One of my favourite sayings is, “Give to yourself constantly and you can give to others endlessly.” Think about it for a second; how true are these words for you? Do you give to yourself constantly? If not, why not? How can you give to others if your heart is closed?

We all become tired and worn down over time if we fail to replenish our spirit and body. How much better would your relationships and friendships be – on every level – if you were constantly refreshing yourself?

How No is Replaced by the Desire to Please

When we are children, no is one of the first words in our vocabulary; watch any toddler and you will see no used almost indiscriminately! But as we grow older, we are taught it’s unacceptable to be so forthright. Freedom to say no is replaced by the desire to please. We even dumb ourselves down to please others.

If you wish you could be assertive and stand up for yourself, speak your truth and do what is right for you and be guilt-free, when do you start?

I believe you start by establishing your boundaries, something that seems to cause consternation to most women. If this causes you a problem, think of yourself as the Princess in the Tower surrounded by a wall of thorns.

Nobody breaches the wall unless you choose to let them do so. You’re maintaining your privacy and the right to respond to others as you choose, to keep a comfortable space between you and them where you feel relaxed.

Here are some suggestions for establishing clear boundaries.

Establish What’s Important to You

Be clear on your values and you’ll be able to make decisions based on what you want, rather than living with the expectations of others.

Base Your Boundaries on Your Self-awareness

Be clear on who you are and, more importantly, who you aren’t! Understand yourself enough to work out what you want to do and how close you want people to be; physically and emotionally.

Be Flexible with Your Boundaries

Stay open-minded and keep an eye open for the possibilities for growth and learning offered by new opportunities. This is one instance in which saying no may prevent growth.

Use Your Intuition

When you allow your intuition – your sixth sense, your gut – to take over, setting boundaries becomes a simple process. If you don’t work regularly with your intuition or don’t believe you have intuition (huh?!), become aware of how you feel and react to different people and situations. This is one of the best ways of establishing boundaries and saying no.

Boundaries may cause guilt. It’s the sense of letting people down and it isn’t uncommon. Whatever you decide will upset some and frustrate others. Stick with your decisions. In the end, it will be best for everyone!

The Benefits of Saying No

Your priorities take precedence over those of others. You will no longer have your time crowded by acquaintances.

Yes, you will finally have the time for rest and recovery. You will no longer be frustrated and stressed by trying to do things for everyone else

You will be able to say yes to the important things.

It’s wise to remember that saying No requires no explanation. Saying no empowers you to make the decisions you want; it’s all about you! Until you learn to adopt the attitude that goes with the saying, you will continue to be drained by others. Keep saying it to yourself and out loud. You’ll know when you believe it! It’s definitely an Aha moment!

Do you find it hard to say no to people, even when your own happiness is at stake? How do you find the right balance between helping others and helping yourself? Please join the conversation.

Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s Black Leopard Print Sweater on Instagram Live

Real Housewives of Orange County Instagram Fashion 2020

While Braunwyn Windham-Burke covered all things sobriety and wellness on an Instagram Live recently with podcaster and former reality star @ItsAlexisHaines (née Neiers…if you know, you know ), we’re of course covering the super cute black leopard print sweater she was wearing. Which I think we can all unanimously agree (in a good way!) was definitely Pretty Wild.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Rails Sweater

Click Here For Additional Stock

Photo: @BraunwynWindhamBurke

Click Here to Watch the Video

Originally posted at: Braunwyn Windham-Burke’s Black Leopard Print Sweater

We have to admit something. We don’t love “best of” lists—especially for 2020. We’re all about looking forward and moving onto the next and this year is going to be better than the last (it has to be). Of course, when it comes to beauty, it’s exciting to see what products are coming down the pipeline, especially the more affordable ones. So, we rounded up the best new drugstore beauty products for 2021 so you can get excited, too. Some of these are going to be your new everyday favorites.

Now, most of these aren’t out until January so if you can’t wait, you can still purchase a similar product below each. There’s something for everyone, too, including new curl-enhancing goodies, damage-repairing shampoo and conditioner, long-wearing eyeliner and peptide-infused serum. Most items are even priced at less than $10! You truly can’t beat that.

Read all about our favorites and stock up at the same time.

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.

Aveeno.

Aveeno Hair Sunflower Oil Blend Conditioner

Aveeno is taking its popular scalp-soothing shampoo and conditioner (you know, because of that oats) and adding a hydrating and softening sunflower oil blend. The pearlized washes smell like red currant, sugared peony and vanilla. Available January.

Buy: Aveeno Hair $8.99

Head & Shoulders

Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Dry Scalp Rescue

When scalp issues need a bit more help, Head & Shoulders Clinical Dandruff Defense Collection just might help. The shampoos and shampoo + conditioner 2-in-1s come in dry scalp rescue, advanced oil control and intensive itch relief with 1 percent selenium sulfide. Head & Shoulders is also launching Supreme Scalp Moisturizer with Hemp Seed Oil and Supreme Color Protect Shampoo & Conditioner (previously only at Target). Available January.

Buy: Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength $19

Maybelline.

Maybelline New York TattooStudio Smokey Gel Pencil

We can always count on Maybelline to pull out all the stops and this gel pencil is no different. The brand already launched the TattooStudio 36HR Longwear Brow Pencil and now, a blendable eyeliner that promises to last just as long. It’ll be available in all the shades you need for a sulty smokey eye: Smokey Black, Smokey Brown and Smokey Grey. Available January.

Buy: Maybelline New York TattooStudio $6.38

Olay.

Olay Collagen Peptide24 Serum

This fragrance-free serum contains Olay’s highest concentration of peptides yet. The collagen-infused line also includes cleanser, eye cream and moisturizer. The line just launched online and will be expanding into stores this January.

TRESemme.

TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Color Shampoo

TRESemmé is launching so many new collections in 2021, it’s hard to keep up! First up is the TRESemmé Pro Collection with damage protection, care for curls or an extra boost of moisture. There’s also Flawless Curls Collection featuring four curl-friendly styling products, as well as two newbies to the popular Effortless Styling Collection and four shades of the Gloss Collection. Available January. 

Herbal Essences.

Herbal Essences Honey & Vitamin B Conditioner

Two of Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Collections, Birch Bark Extract and Honey & Vitamin E, are getting revamped packaging and an updated formula in the new year. They’re still PETA-certified cruelty-free and meet the clean beauty standards of the Environmental Working Group (EWG). This conditioner is for quenching the thirstiest hair. Don’t want to wait? Shop the original formula now. Available January.

Buy: Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner Kit $9.97

CoverGirl.

CoverGirl Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara

Everyone’s fave Lash Blast mascara got a clean upgrade in November, but just in Target stores. Come January, you can grab it in all drugstore locations. It’s paraben and sulfate free and comes in an 80 percent recycled paper tube and packaging.

John Frieda.

John Frieda Hair Care Blue Crush Shampoo

John Frieda’s Violet Crush shampoo and conditioner is already a favorite for blondes and now brunettes can get in on the brass-busting action with Blue Crush Shampoo and Conditioner at CVS. In addition, there are two new frizz-fighters in the fam: Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Shampoo And Conditioner And Curl Defining Creme Oil, both coming to Walmart. Available January.

Nexxus.

Nexxus Curl Define Ultra-8 Pre-Wash Treatement

Nexxus is launching two big collections in 2021: The Weightless Styling Collection with a “proteinlock” system and the Curl Define Collection. We’re especially excited about this pre-wash treatment that detangles, reduces breakage and hydrates even the most fragile curls. The line also includes sulfate-free shampoo, conditioner and leave-in conditioner. Available January.

Olay.

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Body Wash

Olay is coming for your face and body this year. The brand added retinol to its Body Wash and Rinse-Off Body Conditioner to gently renew the skin’s surface overnight. Available January.

Buy: Olay Body Wash $13.52

Pantene.

Pantene Miracle Rescue Deep Conditioning Treatment

If you’re already a fan of the Intense Rescue Shot, you’re going to love this new collection inspired by the best seller. The line works to repair damage from styling, hot tools, hair color, etc. Pantene is also rolling out the new Nutrient Blends Fragrance-Free Pure Clean & Clarify Collection (the first fragrance-free from the brand) and Nutrient Blends Sulfate-Free Hydrating Glow Collection with Baobab Essence. Available January.

Buy: Pantene Miracle Rescue $8.98

Simple Skincare.

Simple Skincare Instant Glow & Defend Wipes

These makeup removing wipes contain glycerin for moisture and niacinimde to brighten skin. Available January.

Buy: Simple Skincare $14.34

Four years ago, we sold our big house in Texas and moved 800 miles away to a small home in Nashville. As we sorted through our belongings, and packed up our life in Houston, we donated, purged, consigned, and sold.

I got rid of the dishes and linens and cookware and clothing I didn’t use or wear. All the stuff I didn’t like. 

But I saved – and transported to our new city – a few boxes filled with items I rarely used or wore. Because I liked them way too much. 

Those precious things I didn’t want to risk breaking or soiling or using up. 

Those Items I Saved for Special

Our set of fragile wine glasses with the delicate stems. When I sipped wine from one of them, I was transported to a romantic restaurant with white tablecloths and doting waiters. I used them when we had company. 

My cream-colored silk blouse that showed every speck of dirt and had to go to the dry cleaner. I only ever wore it on dinner dates with my husband.

The French-milled soaps and lavender lotions and fussy linen towels I’d received from girlfriends over the years. Those lived in the powder room, the bathroom designated for guests. 

My Special Memento from France 

Almost 30 years ago, I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Paris. We deposited our toddlers with his parents and took off on a 10-day journey – our first trip to Europe – without little people to clothe and feed and bathe.

I savored the cozy hotels with maid service, sidewalk cafes, chocolate croissants, and after-work window shopping along the Champs-Élysées. 

In a lovely garden boutique, among the floral work aprons and dried lavender bouquets and brimmed sun hats, I spotted a coffee cup and saucer. A twisting ribbon and bow, painted in the calmest shades of blue and green, unwound their way around both pieces of the set.

The dainty cup brought to mind a wicker chair on a sunny patio in the early morning sunshine. An imaginary – special – breakfast spot.

Bundled into my carry-on, that cup and saucer – and a little bit of Paris – travelled home with me. I placed my keepsake in our dining room cabinet, behind glass, on a shelf where it would be safe from little hands and accidental bumps.

There It Sat for Decades

When I did venture into the dining room, to dust or set the table with fancy plates for a holiday meal, I glossed over it. In plain sight, I barely noticed it. Oh, I suppose somewhere, in the back corner of my mind, the cup reminded me of that special trip and our one visit to Paris.

But it never crossed my mind to use it.

Until we moved into our new home in Nashville.

In this smaller space, with no extra dining room and limited shelves for decorative objects, my Paris cup and saucer went into the kitchen cupboard. Alongside the dishwasher-safe, easily-replaceable, so-what-if- they-break coffee mugs lined up and ready for morning coffee and afternoon tea. 

One day, I pulled on my bathrobe and stumbled toward the coffee pot. I opened the cupboard and hesitated. Instead of automatically reaching for a sturdy, practical mug, the lone cup and saucer caught my eye. 

Why in the World Have I Not Used This?

I smiled as I poured my coffee into that beautiful cup. My first sip tasted warm and sweet and smooth. Special. 

In 2021, I’m looking for special. It’s my word this year. I’ll slide into the red shoes that make me happy when I put them on my feet – even to the grocery store. Set a pretty table with napkins I need to iron – on a Tuesday. Use the salad bowl I love that I have to hand wash. Light the candles. Buy the peonies. Wear the bracelet. Make lists with the notepaper.

Because, isn’t each day on this earth – when we wake up healthy and happy and fine – a special day? 

If I had my life to live over, I would have burned the pink candle – sculpted like a rose – before it melted in storage.

Erma Bombeck

What’s your word for 2021? Do you save things for special or use them? Do you own a special something you only look at but never use?