Easiest Contest Ever

The first person to tell me how they'd use a Torani syrup in a NYE cocktail gets a free syrup. I'll be sending them out after the new year. :)

Healthy Food Fight

What a great idea! We all could use a little healthy food in our lives.

Falling for You: An Open Break-Up Letter

Imagine this. You're laid out in the middle of a busy sidewalk with scuffed hands and knees. Were you robbed? Of your dignity, but your wallet's in tact... Just seconds ago, your shoes went flew one way and you flopped in the opposite direction. I don't have to imagine this, because it happened to me a year ago.

For the majority of my early adulthood, I have been sliding around in heels that I have never gotten around to master. I can vividly remember the first pair of heels I bought with my own money. I was at the Nordstrom's department store when they caught my eye. I loved them. They were around 90 dollars, which was nearly half of what I got paid as an intern. Despite that, I asked the sales clerk to try them on. I could barely walk in them, and really was going to leave them in the store. I really was! I was until...
Oh, those are hot!, swooned one woman. Yes, you should get them!!, agreed her friend. I don't know why the approval of strangers somehow validated this, but I skipped to the cash register and paid for my new shoes.

I wore the shoes to my cousin's wedding, and I was miserable! While I didn't fall, I was hardly on solid ground. It made me wonder where this all started. My first memory of being in love with shoes was my mom. I adored walking in her heels and playing dress up. It even crossed over into my dolls! My Barbies were always in heels and pretty dresses. Where did things go wrong?

Things went wrong when I started to wear heels as an early teen. I was awkward and quite unbalanced. Things did not come as easily as my mom made them seem. My distaste for lower heels did not help the matter. Maybe things would have been different, if I had learned to walk before stumbling along trying to run!

At 27, my shoe rack is not a place that holds my favorite things. It's a wall of shame. It's a constant reminder of laying in the middle of M street like an idiot. So, that's it! The buck stops here. I quit. Stilletos, it's definitely you and not me. I'm dumping you for sensible heels and comfortable wedges. I'm never going back to you, because clearly this is NOT a healthy relationship.

-Teneisha

DOOM GENERATION

If you're looking to take a break from the average teen flick, Doom Generation is for you. I discovered this gem while surfing Netflix this week, and thank goodness I did! There's some scenes that aren't for those with weak tummies, but overall- great movie!

Dive into the depths of darkness in an elevator

Rompers

The sizzling summer heat has made it almost impossible to wear the standard t-shirt and jeans combination. Rompers are a cool alternative to this standard look. They are not only weather friendly, but rompers are in style. Trend-setters, Rihanna and Katy Perry, have been spotted wearing this versatile piece. This look does not have to break your budget! There are many wallet-friendly alternatives in stores and online.

Stores like American Apparel, Lucaya and Pink Ice provide various rompers at affordable price points. The rompers spotlighted in this article will all be under $30.00. Lincoln Square's American Apparel offers a sweet and casual take on the romper American Apparel's "Tri- Blend Halter Romper" is soft enough to offer comfort, but the design is far from slouchy. This version of the romper seems like a throwback to the time when sexy and trashy were not used as synonyms for each other. This sexy, sporty piece is very affordable at $28.00.

The next romper comes from Lucaya at PG Plaza in Hyattsville, Maryland. This contribution is a bit more tailored than the American Apparel alternative, so it can go from day to night. The funky green color gives it a pop of personality. It also comes with a belt, so that is an excellent buy for $19.99!

Last, but not least is the "Tubey Tilt Romper" from online retailer, Pink Ice. This ultra-feminine romper is the perfect alternative to the little black dress. The ruched detailing and side pockets gives this romper something extra! While this piece may look like a million bucks, it retails for only 24.99.

Rompers are one of the easiest pieces to accessorize. To achieve an effortless, yet pulled together look opt for fun, flat metallic sandals like the Mara Exotic Sling Sandal (Christian Siriano for Payless). You also can not go wrong with a great summer bag. An example of this is the Renee Top Zip Crossbody(Guess) or Sequins Box Purse( Pink Ice). Statement jewelry is great for easy, summer looks. Hammered Silver Cuff (Cookie Lee) and Crystal Vogue Earrings (Cookie Lee) would be great additions to any outfit! Mix and match any of these options to get a great look for the hot summer days and nights!!

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN KARMALOOP WIDGET!