Blog Posts by Ariel Rivera

There are two Facebook statuses that rule my news feed these days. Those who announce to their friends each workout they complete and/or what healthy meal they consume, and those who want those people to just shut up about it. It doesn't matter to me which category you fall into (I'm the Queen of the overshare; follow me on Twitter!), by the way, because aren't we all just a group of people bound by our desire to look thinner?

Until those pounds start melting off, however, you can PRETEND you're thinner! Below are five easy wardrobe essentials that will seemingly shave pounds off, and you probably already own a few of them since they've been in style for what seems like years already!

1. A DRAPE-NECK CARDIGAN works wonders for virtually every frame and here's why: the wide neck and loose body conceals whatever damage your holiday eating did to your torso while the slim arms give the appearance that you're slim everywhere. It's an optical illusion! For bonus slim-down points, wear it

So, obviously you've heard that we are now sharing oxygen with hip hop royalty Blue Ivy Carter, newborn daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z as of last Saturday. Proud papa even released a song about her in which he revealed that she was conceived in Paris, the world capital of chic ("You don't yet know what's swagger/but you was made in Paris," he raps). Style is very important to new mama, Beyoncé, and I'd be remiss not to mention that I think she was trying to tell us all something with her sartorial choices over her third trimester. Were all of her blue-hued clothing and accessories looks a hint at her new baby's name? You be the judge. 

Ariel's on Twitter and she tweets frequently about how much she loves Beyoncé, among other topics.

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The hands-down (pun intended) easiest way to add a shot of flair to your look is a funky manicure, and this winter, we're taking our cues from the junior high style set. This is THE beauty trend of the season, and you do NOT want to get left behind. Let's talk glitter, day-glo color and adorable packaging!

 1. Hard Candy was my obsession when I was a kid. My friends and I traded those cube-like bottles of polish with the matching plastic jelly rings like they were going out of style. And they did! It was discontinued for awhile to my dismay, and after a brief reappearance at Sephora, they're now at Wal-mart for only FOUR DOLLARS. Go buy them; you owe it to your Courtney Love-listening 13-year-old self.

2. In the same vein, who didn't love Hello Kitty? I was actually a Kero Kero Keroppi fan myself, if we're being honest (NERD ALERT!), but that's another story for another time. Luckily for all us nostalgic folk, there are tons of collaborations with the cute little feline. Sephora, for

Isn't it the worst when a celebrity is wearing a gorgeous pair of shoes and you find out who the designer is and click to see if you can adopt them and take them home and build them a shrine in your closet, but then realize, at hundreds of dollars, they cost half your month's rent and you just exhale incredibly loudly and locate the look-for-less option? Those shoes are worth PENNIES in comparison to the ones in this gallery. Take a look: is any of this footwear - - you know, the thin layer between your sweaty feet and the pavement - - actually worth it?

Ariel's on Twitter and she loves making your shoe dreams come true - - for pennies.

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Check Out The Thread Homepage	How to Get Sleek, Straight Hair

Generally, turtlenecks are stifling-hot neck-squeezers that ruin your hairdo but the fashion industry and the celebrities in this gallery disagree with me. They were all over the runways this year: Michael Kors, Derek Lam, and Alexander Wang are a few names you may recognize who showed the extended-neck tops. This look can go a variety of different ways, so bear with me if you're interested in taking a turtleneck for a test-drive. And then check the gallery for a wide range of inspiration!

Turtleneck DOs:

- Layer under a jacket, a vest or a blazer.

- If you're going to wear a necklace, make sure it's big and short, and your turtleneck is thin and tight.

- Turtleneck dresses!

- Turtlenecks UNDER dresses!

- Sleeveless turtlenecks!

- Tight turtlenecks with loose pants or skirts.

Turtleneck DONTs:

- White turtlenecks, unless it's the 1990's and you're a dad coaching a soccer game in late November.

- If you're well-endowed up top, no turtlenecks. Sorry :(

- Tight turtlenecks with tight

At this year's Victoria's Secret fashion show red carpet, Alessandra turned heads (similarly to her impact on the runway) in a metallic embellished Balmain mini dress and touseled, natural hair. She accessorized with a gorgeous caramel Valentino leather clutch, diamond star earrings and nude peep-toe pumps. 

Zoe Saldana rocked the look back in August with an attached white, gauzy train. She pulled her hair back in a loose chignon, and matched her black strappy sandals to her nail polish.

 Both girls are unequivocally gorgeous, and they actually both look amazing in the dress. I'm a little bored, however, by Alessandra's styling, and I think she's showing a bit too much cleavage. Zoe, on the other hand, added such an interesting touch to the piece, and it really made her stand out, for me.

Who do you think rocked it best?

Ariel's on Twitter. Let her know if you agree with her choices! Or if you disagree. Fine.

Check out the latest from The Thread below.

Holiday Shopping Dilemmas

She's got everything and she buys it herself. This is why you love her, isn't it? She's independent, confident in her choices, and, let's face it, works hard for her money. She's deserving and rewards herself accordingly. Which makes it close to impossible to gift her with something worthy of her goddess-ness. But not entirely hopeless, you see. There are several things women want from their partner but are too coy to mention. Seven of them are in the gallery below. Consider it my holiday gift to you. Happy & Healthy.

Ariel's on Twitter. Follow her for more advice!

Check out the latest from The Thread below.

Holiday Shopping Dilemmas Solved	Are You Washing Your Hair Wrong?

Check Out The Thread Homepage	How to Get Sleek, Straight Hair

Is it too vain to care about your outfit when you're pushing a squeaky shopping cart towering with groceries? Consider this: a polished appearance gives us confidence. And with all the stress of the holidays, an extra five minutes of prep time is a big step towards taking care of yourself this season. For  celebrity style inspiration (and what NOT to do), peep the gallery below. 

Are you following Ariel on Twitter, yet?

Check out the latest from The Thread below.

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