Of course, being trendy isn’t easy, and it definitely isn’t cheap. So to help out those of you who want to look trendy without spending a ton of money, we’re hooking you up with The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Summer Fashion Trends. You can thank us later.

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Monochrome

Monochrome is back, but you don't want to look like you're just following the crowd with this trend. Become a mime so that you can look on trend without coming across as if you're trying to look on trend.

Source: Shutterstock

Fringe

Fringe isn't just for the 70s anymore. It's everywhere these days. So why not just put your clothes in a paper shredder to emulate the same look at home?

Source: Shutterstock

Mullet Skirts

Mullet skirts (also known as high/low skirts) are super popular right now. But if you want to go for a less expensive twist on the trend, just grow a mullet. It's a fun 80s throwback that'll get you tons of compliments.

Source: XFinity Entertainment

Garish Florals

Garish floral prints have hit the runway and your favorite stores. But why spend so much money looking like everyone else when you can wear a one of a kind floral ensemble? Pour glue all over your favorite shirt and then roll around in a nearby garden. Voila! You've got your very own avant garde floral outfit. The additional dirt and bugs also give your look a little extra edge.

Source: Shutterstock

Hologram Clothing

Shiny, hologram clothing is everywhere these days. You can rock the same silvery rainbow look by wearing some old CDs. Sure, you might blind everyone you're near, especially at the beach, but at least you'll be trendy!

Source: Shutterstock

Clear Clothing & Accessories

Clear/see through accessories are big right now, especially with clutches and high heeled shoes (they're not just for strippers anymore!). But why not go full speed ahead with this trend by wearing clear clothing as well! Get some cling wrap from your kitchen and wrap yourself up in it. Very edgy.

Source: Shutterstock

Geometric Color Blocking

Geometric color blocking, inspired by Mondrian paintings, is still very in style. So why not just steal a Mondrian painting and use the canvas as a dope dress? Everybody will want to know where you got it, but it'll be your little secret.

Source: Shutterstock

Stripes

Vertical, horizontal, diagonal, you name it: Stripes are more in fashion than ever. You can make sure you're on top of this trend 24/7 by applying your sunscreen in stripes across your body. That way, even when your striped clothes are in the wash, you can still look stylin'.

Source: Shutterstock

Leather Skirts

Leather and summer don't seem like they'd mix, but even summer weather can't cool off this blazing hot trend. But cows are super cute, right? If you want to be on trend without having a heavy conscious, just walk around with a cow instead.

Source: Shutterstock

Wear What You Want!

Forget the trends and wear whatever you like, whether it is in style or not. Don't sacrifice your personal sense of style for a trend that you're not too fond of. You'll probably look awesome regardless.

Source: Shutterstock

Which summer trends are you into right now? Do you even pay attention to trends? Tell us in the comments! 

10 Summer Makeup YouTube Beauty Tutorials You Need To Try

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So I don’t want to get too sappy here, but my little sister is definitely one of my favorite people in the world. There are a lot of great things about having a sister, just like there are a lot of great things about having a brother (I would have wrote about my brother also, but Caitlin did that here!). Whether you have a sister or not, read the 10 best things about having one, explained in GIFs:

You have a built-in best friend. 

Source; Tumblr

If she’s younger, you get to be a role model, which is nice sometimes. If she’s older, you get a role model. 

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Your closet basically doubles, because you two can share clothes whenever. 

Source: Giphy

You always have someone to talk to or goof around with at home.

Source: Giphy.com

You can drag her around with you when you’re running errands. 

Source: Tumblr

You have someone who will always be honest with you – sisters will tell you if they hate your outfit. 

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You can test out new makeup and hair things on her first.

Source: Giphy

She’s not super protective over you like a brother is when it comes to guys and stuff. In fact, she can actually help you land a dude. 

Source: Tumblr

You know that no matter what you guys fight about, you’ll still love and be there for each other in the end. 

Source: Tumblr

You have someone to hang with at boring family functions. 

Source: Giphy

Do you have a sister? Which of these things is the best? What did I miss? What do you love about being a sister? Tell me in the comments!

The best things about being an only child

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So yeah, as dicey as friendships can be, they’re so important to our overall sense of well being. But who hasn’t had some sort of problem with a friend? Here’s some of your comments about friend drama.

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What’s the biggest fight you’ve ever had with a friend? Do you think it is easy to restore a friendship once it’s been broken? Tell us in the comments!

My Best Friends Are Dating And Now I Feel Like A Third Wheel

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Me and my (awesome) natural hair.

My hair is incredibly important to me, especially since I wear it in a natural hairstyle. By natural, I mean that I don’t use any chemicals to straighten or alter the texture of my hair. Relaxers and perms are very popular among black women, and I have nothing against people who use them! What you do with you hair is a personal choice and nobody’s business but your own! But I’m very happy that I leave my hair in its natural state because, well, I think it looks awesome!

Despite the growing popularity of natural hair in recent years, there is still a big stigma against it. Black hair in its natural state is often seen as unattractive and unruly, and it definitely fails to meet euro-centric standards of beauty. If you’re skeptical about how deep rooted these standards are, look at most of the hairstyles in your average magazine or advertisement. Trust me, you’ll have to spend a fair amount of time finding anyone with my hair texture. If you’re still not convinced look at it this way: I’ve had friends who decided to relax their hair so that they can appear more professional for jobs in media or business. How sad is that?

Frankly, screw euro-centric beauty standards because my hair is fabulous. Here’s 10 reasons why I love my natural hair.

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The Coolest People Are Rocking It.

Interest in natural hairstyles is growing and it is becoming incredibly trendy. Celebs like Willow Smith, Solange Knowles and Viola Davis--just a few of my favorite black celebs--are rocking natural hairstyles and looking fabulous.

It Scares Off Losers

Angela Davis is a political figure who should be known for more than her awesome afro. But let's be real: Her hairstyle was seen as radical back in the day, and in some ways it still is now. People love to associate afros with being angry and militant and scary, and honestly the people who are dumb enough to make those stereotypes deserve to be scared. So I hope that my hair worries at least one person everyday.

It Is A Money Saver

I can save a lot of money by not getting my hair chemically straightened every few weeks. Also, I rarely need to buy shampoo! Most shampoos contain sulfates that are really rough on natural hair. Many people with natural hair rarely use shampoo, which means that my bottle of shampoo lasts FOREVER. Seriously, I'm talking one bottle every year and a half or so, personally. Saving money is always a plus in my book

It Makes A Statement

Since there are still many people who disapprove of natural hair, wearing natural hairstyles in public always makes some kind of statement whether I like it or not. But usually, I like it, because it looks awesome! The more gravity defying it looks, the better.

Rain Won't Mess With It

In case you didn't know, black hair naturally curls when water touches it. For natural ladies who don't straighten their hair, this means that rain is no longer the enemy of our 'do. For women who have their hair chemically straightened, well, my heart goes out to them. I hope their umbrella is super durable!

It Is Incredibly Versatile

People underestimate the lengths to which black hair can can transform. I'd argue that black hair is the most diverse and most versatile hair type out there. It can be straightened, locked, twisted, braided, and transform into an awesomely voluminous afro. There are so many options! It almost makes me want to have two heads just so I can play around to my heart's content!

It Can Be A Makeshift Pillow

Uncomfortable rides in airplanes or cars can be a real pain in the neck. Literally, a pain in the neck. Luckily when I'm in those situations and donning a fro, my hair provides a little bit of a cushion when I don't have a pillow. It's not much, but it's something.

People Try To Copy Us And Fail Miserably

People who don't have our hair type love to try to emulate our most popular styles. This is especially evident with cornrow style braids. All I have to say to people like Ke$ha who try to rock this look is...no. Just, no.

I Can Become Scary Spice Whenever I Want

Enough said, really. We all know that Scary Spice was the coolest of all of the Spice Girls. Stay jealous.

It's Just Amazingly Badass

Frankly, I just think that natural hair is straight up beautiful. I mean, of course, I have my bad hair days but I just love how awesome natural hairstyles look. Whether it's braids or fros or everything in-between, natural hair is straight up cool and nobody should ever feel ashamed of it.

Do you have natural hair? What do you think about euro-centric beauty standards? Tell us in the comments!

 
Why I Love My African American Hair
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Carmen Carrera, transgender actress, drag performer and activist. She was also a contestant on Ru Paul’s Drag Race. Photo Wenn

June is LGBT pride month and while many people support LBGT rights, how many really understand what the T stands for? Of course, they’ll likely know that it stands for transgender, but would they know what it really means to be transgender?

Transgender is an umbrella term that refers to people whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth. Some may identify as either male or female, while others don’t identify with any particular gender. However, there are people whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth who may refer to themselves as trans, transsexual, gender queer, etc instead.

Before I go on, let’s get something straight: Sex and gender are two different things. Sex refers to one’s biological status as a male or female, based on specifications like chromosomes, hormones, and external/internal anatomy. Gender is a social construct and refers to the standards, practices and roles assigned and considered appropriate for girls/boys and men/women. Basically, gender is a created concept and it differs in every society. If you’re still a little lost, look at it this way: Girls/women don’t have some sort of biological  inclination to wear skirts and clean kitchens in mop commercials. The magic of western society has determined that those are things that girls/women should be interested in.

Anyway, moving on.

While transgender is included in the LBGT acronym, gender identity and sexual orientation are very different things. While sexual orientation involves one’s sexual, romantic, and emotional attraction to another person, gender identity is about one’s personal concept of being a man or a woman. Transgender individuals can be straight, gay, bisexual, etc just like people who aren’t trans. By the way, for future reference, non-trans people are generally referred to cisgender individuals. Cisgender men and women have gender identities that align with the sex they were assigned at birth.

It is always respectful to refer to transgender individuals by their preferred pronouns. Just because someone was born biologically male, that does not mean that you should refer to them by he/his/him if they identify as a woman. If you don’t know what they prefer to be called, simply ask! It’s better to ask than to guess and potentially come across as offensive, ignorant, or dismissive of their gender identity.

There are so many misconceptions about transgender people out there, especially in the media. Most representations of transgender individuals in television and film are very static; they’re usually portrayed as sassy sex workers, especially in crime dramas. This stereotype breeds more misconceptions about transgender people in general. For example, one common misconception about transgender individuals is that they are all interested in sex-reassignment surgery or hormone treatments to “become” a man or a woman. Well, some do that, but plenty don’t. Being trans is about gender identity, and the lengths that a transgender individual goes to feel the most comfortable as that identity is up to them. The same can be said for outside appearance and clothing: some wear clothing that is generally geared towards their gender identity, some don’t.

Trans rights activists hold up a poster with the names of transgender women who were killed in early 2012. All were women of color. | Shutterstock

While generalizations about transgender people are viewed as absolute truths, real facts are ignored. Discrimination, bullying, and violence against transgender individuals is rampant. According to The Anti-Violence Project, transgender women accounted for 40% anti-LGBT murders in 2011. Of this 40%, a majority were women of color. Transgender individuals of color are more likely to be victims of violence because of their trans identity. The National Transgender Discrimination survey concluded that 45% of transgender youths (aged 18-24) have attempted suicide.

There are people out there who are willing to accept the L, the G and the B, but don’t understand the T. This lack of understanding leads to denial of trans identities and, ultimately, perpetuates violence. Even among progressive feminist circles, trans-women are neglected and not considered “real women.”

Well what is a real woman anyway? If someone asked the average cisgender woman if being a woman is all about buying tampons and producing breast milk, they’d likely say no. I know I would. Of course, those things are part of being a woman for women who have to deal with that, but accepting trans-identities also means accepting the fact that not all women have periods, and not all people with periods identify as women.

As a cisgender woman, I know that I can’t expect to support transgender individuals without actually listening to transgender people and learn about important issues within transgender communities. Support isn’t just about saying that you’re an ally of transgender people, it is about actually caring and being aware of what you can do to be more inclusive of transgender identities.

Is there enough acknowledgement of transgender identities within the LGBT community? Do you identify as trans* and have other important facts or a personal story to share? Tell us in the comments!

Gay Youth Gains Support: LGBT Students Have An Alternative Prom!
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With all that said, I’ve had my fair share of drama at concerts, and the most frustrating incidents are usually the most easily avoidable. After attending so many shows, and a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out what is needed to have the most hassle-free concert experience ever. This advice is definitely valuable whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or you’re attending your first gig sometime soon. So here’s what I wish I knew before my first concert.

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Have A Game Plan

Just deciding that you and your friends are going to go to a concert together isn't enough of a plan. Know ahead of time when you'll arrive, if you want to stand in the pit vs. the balcony, etc. If you and your friends differ, you have to come to a compromise unless you want to be grumpy throughout the show.

Source: Shutterstock

Charge Everything

Please, charge your phone to full battery before you head off to the show. It is really inconvenient and stressful to have a dead battery at a show, especially if you need to make phone calls, texts, or take photos. Here's my advice if you're bringing your smartphone: Set your phone to airplane mode whenever you can. You'll save a lot of battery life. Also, if you're bringing a digital camera make sure that battery is check to make sure that you have enough space left on your SD card.

Source: Shutterstock

Pack Light

Don't bring your everyday purse that is probably filled to the brim with your bulky wallet, scraps of paper and that old candy bar that you could have sworn you already ate. Take only what you need and put it in a smaller purse. My essentials include my phone, ID, money/credit card, lipstick and a camera.

Source: Shutterstock

Forgo A Coat

Even if it is cold on the day of the show, only bring a lightweight jacket at the very most. Once you're inside the venue it is going to get really hot, especially if you're standing in the pit. The last thing you want is to have to carry around your big ol' coat while you're trying to rock out.

Source: Shutterstock

Don't Wear Anything Uncomfortable

Look, I've been known to forgo practicality for the sake of style many times in my life. But listen to me: A concert isn't the place to do that, especially if you're standing for a majority of it. This is particularly important in the case of footwear. Don't wear high heels that you know pinch your feet after a couple of hours, and don't wear open toe shoes. Wear a pair of shoes that you love but don't mind if they're stepped on and won't kill your feet. I usually wear my Docs or a pair of flats.

Source: Shutterstock

Arrive Early

If you want to get a great spot, arrive early. How early will depend on the particular act that you're seeing, but at least make sure you know what time the doors open. Depending on the act and venue, you should either arrive at least an hour early. The earliest I've arrived for a show was 8 hours. Do what you can, just know that unless you're at a gig with assigned seats, the good spots are taken early.

Source: Shutterstock

Buy Your Merch First

That's yours truly in that pic. I almost always buy merch at a gig, especially shirts. I try to buy them as soon as I get inside the venue (well, after my spot in the very front of the stage is saved!). Why? Because sizes run out and it is far more crowded around the merch table when the show ends. Just get it out of the way as early as possible so you don't have to worry about it later.

Bring Your Own Pen

If you want anything signed, please bring your own pen. Don't assume that another fan will have one, and definitely don't assume that the members of the band have one. And make sure there is plenty of ink!

Source: Shutterstock

Be Patient If You Want To Meet The Band/Group/Singer After The Show

If you want to meet the band/group/singer after the show, you have to have some patience. And you'll likely have to wait outside. Once, I stood in freezing cold rain for nearly two hours in the middle of December to meet my favorite band, Arctic Monkeys, after their show. It was totally worth it. Don't worry about being the only person standing around; there will likely be other people waiting for the band too. Make some friends, mingle, etc.

Source: Shutterstock

Know What You're Getting Into

Concerts are fun, but not if you're taken by some unpleasant surprises. Just use a little common sense. If you're seeing a very high energy group and you're not into getting pushed around, don't stand in front of the stage. If you're wearing a dress or skirt, know that it can ride up if people are pressed against you. If you decided to bring your expensive handbag, know that somebody can spill beer on it. Somebody will probably step on your foot at some point; don't freak out. Know that nobody has an obligation to move just because you're short...just remember little things like that and the concert will go smoothly

Source: Shutterstock

What’s your favorite concert experience? Are you seeing anyone in concert soon? Do you prefer large venues or small ones; seated or non-seated? Tell us in the comments!

Comments Of The Week: All About Music!
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And yet, starting something new is so rewarding. Summer is right around the corner and there is no better time than now to reinvent yourself. Here are some quotes about fresh starts to help inspire you to make a change for in a small or large way.

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Are you starting something new? What big changes have you made in your life lately? Tell us in the comments!

Should I Come Out If I Go To An All-Girls’ School?

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You always have a lot to say about sexism and gender inequality, so this week we decided to highlight a few of your comment about it. From slut shaming to school dress codes, here’s what you had to say.

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Do you have a story to share about a sexist situation you’ve been in? Do you think that sexism “works both ways” or is it primarily a woman’s struggle? Tell us in the comments!

Facebook Agrees To Change Policies After #FBRape Campaign
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Getting people to sign our yearbook is enough of a hassle, but singing others people’s yearbooks comes with its own set of dilemas: Hand cramps, limited page real estate and being completely unsure of what to write.

Well, GIF Girl is here to share her experience with signing yearbooks. It is probably just as sloppy as yours.

I have my arsenal of awesome colored pens. They don’t bleed, they don’t smear…they’re perfect.

I know who I’m going to write long messages to…

And I know the generic message to write to people I don’t really care about.

So then it’s finally time to get down to business and start writing.

Sometimes I run out of room.

But sometimes there is ZERO room to write because somebody has already written the entirety of War and Peace on my best friend’s page.

But I don’t know what’s worse: having to fight for page space or having somebody get really snappy and specify where they want me to sign.

Especially if it is just by their photo. Which means there is only room for your signature and maybe HAGS.

Sometimes one of the best parts about signing yearbooks is reading the messages that others write in it. Especially when they’re surprisingly juicy with gossip.

Without fail, somebody I have a mutual dislike towards wants me to sign their yearbook. I don’t care if it’s for posterity. Do I need to remind them…

But the scariest moment is when, without fail, at least once, I manage to briefly misplace my yearbook. ”My name isn’t Diana…why are all of these messages to Diana?”

And then the frantic search for my yearbook/Diana begins.

And of course, what’s a yearbook signing without seeking out my crush and hoping that they will sign mine in return?

But 9 times out of 10 I get too nervous.

Better luck next year. Or, if you’re a senior, woops.

Why don’t they give us an entire month for this stuff? I mean, this ends up becoming an experiment in social Darwinism. Survival of the fittest, too much drama, wasted time…and yet, each year I think I can handle it this time. I convince myself that I’ve learned from my past missteps and–

LOL yeah right. It’s a mess every year.

What’s yearbook singing like for you? Do you put a lot of thought into what you write? Tell us in the comments!

10 Quotes About Saying Goodbye
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Lately when I glanced at my fellow drivers, however, they’re usually on their cell phones. It’s against the law to talk or text on the phone while driving in California (and a number of other states), but people do it anyway. While their distraction allows me to cut in front of them without much hassle, it is still scary to be around drivers who are so careless about their surroundings! Since we want all of our readers to be safe and awesome drivers, Gurl has teamed up with DoSomething.org to give you a list of 10 ways not to suck at driving.

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Don't Text And Drive, Start A Thumb War

I'm sure all of you have done it before, at least once. But seriously, don't do it. There isn't a single text message that is important enough to completely kill your concentration. Things happen in the blink of an eye. According to DoSomething.org, when you're texting while driving 55 mph, your eyes go off the road for the length of a football field. Freaky, right? Well, DoSomething.org has just launched their Thumb Wars campaign to help spread the word about the dangers of texting while driving. Filling out a little basic info and informing your friends and family about the dangers of texting and driving gets you some free stuff and a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship. What are you waiting for? Do Something now!

Source: Shutterstock

You're Not Speed Racer

This is not Fast and Furious. This is real life, and real life isn't a never ending drag race. Don't speed. It's not worth the possibility of getting a ticket and it's not worth the fear of having to make a sudden, screeching stop. This is especially true in crappy weather.

Source: Shutterstock

Know What You Can Handle

Don't assume that you'll know how to handle a stick if you've only learned how to drive an automatic. The last thing you want is to stall in the middle of a busy road.

Source: Shutterstock

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Falling asleep at the wheel is becoming more common for teens, especially with busier schedules, more homework, and a higher demand for extra curricular activities. If you're incredibly sleep deprived, stay off the road. Also avoid driving if you're sick!

Source: Shutterstock

Use Your Turn Signal

Not using your turn signal can lead to some serious road rage! Please, use your turn signal. Even if you think that there's enough space between the car you're going to cut in front of, or you think you can make a turn fast enough without it...just do it. Unless you're surrounded by jerks who'll take your precautions as a cue to speed up, it'll generally warn cars around you to be vigilant and give you some room.

Source: Shutterstock

Keep Your Friends Under Control

Yep, your friends can make you a horrible drivers. Don't be peer pressured by your friends to go flying down the freeway or honk obnoxiously at some strangers. Basically, don't do anything you wouldn't normally do alone just because you friends are around.

Source: Shutterstock

Stop Reading

Reading directions or looking up directions on your Google Maps app is fine when you have somebody else in the car with you to do that for you. But solo? Yikes! I've tried it plenty of times when I was unsure about how to make my way around an unfamiliar part of LA, and it was a huge pain! I could barely read the directions because it was getting dark, I kept losing my place and I became more anxious as time went on. Try to use either your car's GPS or a maps app on your phone that provides directions aloud. The robotic voice can be annoying but it beats trying to keep your eyes on the freeway and your directions at the same time.

Source: Shutterstock

Don't Make Your Car The Scene Of Your Last Supper

We've all been there: We just picked up some take out or some food from the drive through and we're having a hard time resisting ripping the bag open and eating it all before we get home. But for your own safety try to have some self control. You don't want to have a burger in one hand and a soda in the other while you attempt to grip the steering wheel with your wrists. Don't let a lukewarm hamburger be your last meal. Grabbing a few fries is cool but anything more than that is asking for trouble and a potential mess to clean up.

Source: Shutterstock

Don't Doll Yourself Up Behind The Wheel

Don't apply your makeup or do your hair while you're driving. Not only is it dangerous, but there's also nothing more ridiculous than passing by somebody applying mascara and lining their lips while they're at a stop light. Either finish your makeup at home or wait until you arrive at your destination. Stabbing yourself in the eye while driving is not a cute look.

Source: Shutterstock

Don't Drive Under The Influence

Just because you think you can drive, that doesn't mean that you can. I know you've heard this to death but seriously, teens get into accidents like this all the time and it is never taken seriously until it hits close to home. A little buzzed is too buzzed. It's just not cool and it's not safe. Don't be more worried about abandoning your car than your personal safety. Get a cab or a sober friend to take you home.

Source: Shutterstock

Do you text and drive? What are your driving do’s and don’ts? Tell us in the comments!

The One Thing You Need To Do With Your Boyfriend This Summer: Road Trips!

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