New Girl, starring Zooey Deschanel, has become ubiquitous among television viewers and has turned into a pop culture staple. Deschanel’s character, Jess, is a peppy, quirky gal with distinctive (see: vintage) style. Her look is subtle enough that it can be borrowed to add some variety to your look, and if you mimic specific elements of her style, it can be a great hipster/nerd/New Girl-themed costume. Let’s take a look at a few things you can do to put a little Jess in your step.

Retro Frames

Nothing gets you to geek chic faster than retro glasses. A staple in Jess’ look, they say “I’m sophisticated, silly, and may or may not love your favorite comic books.” Solid black goes with everything, but tortoise shell is versatile as well. For extra fun, wear solid color frames once in a while to mix and match with different outfits.

It’s Always Sweater Weather

Winter, spring, summer, fall… it’s irrelevant. There’s a sweater for every season and outfit. Cardigans go with everything, and be sure to have some striped pullovers to wear with jeans. You’ll want to have a variety, from thick and woolly to thing and ventilated. A sweater is the perfect way to put an outfit over the top, and it’s removable if you get too warm.

Flats Are For Cool Cats

Flats have a way of being elegant and casual at the same time. Besides being comfortable, they come in a variety of styles and colors, making them easy to fit in with any look. Jess wears them often, and you can too if you want to complete the look.

Vintage Dresses

These are a staple. If you do one thing, wear a vintage dress and you’ll be most of the way there.

Don’t Forget the Bangs

Like the dresses, the hair is a crucial part of this look. A long, curly brown wig will do the trick, or you can just do bangs with your own hair. No matter what, go for bangs.

So there you have it. You’re now ready to channel your inner Jess. If you’re not sure how to act once you’ve got the outfit on, just be quirky, unexpectedly pull out a ukulele, and break into song.

Last week, Avengers: The Age of Ultron hit theaters nationwide. Comic book enthusiasts and casual fans alike packed into seats to watch the superhero supergroup fight evildoers and protect the world. And while the actors that portray the characters and other celebrities are invited to attend fancy premiers, us regular folks are left to our own devices to celebrate. So I’m going to give you some advice: before you go to the movie, throw and Avengers party! All you need is a are a few games, some snacks, and of course, some kind of costume. Without further ado, here’s how you can do your part to protect the galaxy – or at least look like you have that skill set.

Game On

Put Avengers-related character names on Post-It notes and place them on the backs of your party guests. Have everyone walk around and give each other clues about their character. This is a classic party game and a great way to break the ice if some guests don’t know each other already.

Snack Attack

Make character themed treats. This could be anything from Hulk brownies with green frosting (vanilla frosting and food coloring should do the trick) to red, white and blue rocket Popsicles. If you can, make a treat corresponding with each hero and villain.

Suit Up 

If you’re having a themed party, you need a themed costume. If you don’t want to go all out, a wig or character t-shirt will work just fine. As long as your attire is in line with the Avengers universe, you’re good to go. If you forget to dress up, you can always claim to be a civilian – the Avengers have to protect someone, right?

You don’t have to be an A-List actor to attend a fancy movie party. Your Avengers extravaganza will be the talk of the town, so be warned – people are going to want a sequel.

Maybe it’s because I’ve never been able to grow one myself, but I have, from time to time, found myself dwelling in beard-envy. Though the dream is undoubtedly better than the reality of having a beard. Shaving, trimming, washing, and whatever other secret ingredients go into the perfect beard. Overall I enjoy the thought of a temporary and easily removable beard. If you happen to fall into the same category as I do when it comes to beards then we are all in luck. Behold the miracle of fake beards. There is a massively wide variety of choices when it comes to fake beards spanning from Santa beard, biker beard, pirated beard, Amish beard, biblical beard and the list goes on.

The key to choosing the beard is to know what style matches your intended outfit.

Here are a few simple tips and standards to keep in mind when deciding on the appropriate style of fake facial hair.

Know what your choices are and what beard fits your character. If you are going to be a pirate then you are going to have to decide between the pirate goatee or the pirate beard. Both choices are highly appropriate and top off the pirate costume nicely. If you aren’t going to invest in fake hair you could always use a dark colored face paint to create the beard as well.

Pirate Goatee

Pirate Beard

There are multiple versions of the long styled beard and they can possibly become easily confused with one another. Here are some pictures to help clarify the differences.

ZZ Top Beard

Santa Beard

  Biker Beard

Biblical Beard

Lumberjack Burglar Beard

Lastly, choose the beard that chooses you. It’s all about dressing up and becoming someone else. I’ve found that the best way to get into acharacter is to do what makes the most sense to you. If that means a John Waters mustache on a Fred Flintstone costume then so be it, as long as you have fun!

Sometimes I write about holidays, and sometimes I write about things because they’re fun. This time around I’m doing the latter, and it’s all about pirates! A few hundred years ago, if you were sailing the high seas and came across a ship flying a skull and crossbones flag, it was bad news. If you see that emblem today, you may be close to a costume party. So what does it take to be a pirate? Read on and you’ll know how to be the scourge of the seven seas – for an evening, at least.

Shiver me timbers!

Perhaps the easiest way to look like a pirate is to wear an eye patch. And while you can go the traditional route and buy one, you can also create it with eye shadow. Just apply it to a larger area than normal, and when you close your eye, voila – eye patch! You can also apply some to your non-eye patch eye for a sunken, weathered-by-the-seas look. Other accessories – such as a cutlass, parrot or treasure map – will help put your look over the top.

Sharpen your language

Nobody will be convinced you’re a pirate unless you talk like one. Take the time to learn some pirate phrases. If all else fails, just slip in an “Arrrrrr matey!” after everything you say. If they question you on your vocabulary, make them walk the plank!

Share your precious booty

Most pirates are in the looting business, but if you do that you probably won’t have too many friends. It’s ok to be a benevolent pirate and share with your fellow shipmates! Consider having a chest full of something edible – chocolate gold coins come to mind. Whatever you have, make sure there is enough to share the wealth.

These are just a few things you can do to unleash your inner pirate. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, office party or just because, you’re now better equipped to be a savvy swashbuckler – just beware of mutiny!

Get ready to party because the New Year is right around the corner. What’s that, you say? We’re already in the second month of 2015? That’s true, but next Thursday, February 19 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year.  Whether you’re a goat and it’s your year or you’re one of the other animal symbols, it’s a great opportunity to go out and dress up. If that sounds like a good idea but you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Depending where you live, this may be celebrated in a big way or not at all. Wherever you are, here are some things to do/looks to wear so you can celebrate in style.

Accessorize

Obviously, no look is complete without an accessory of some kind. For this occasion, an umbrella or parasol will be perfect. Find one that matches your outfit or makeup. If you can’t find one, a simple fan will work as well and is a little easier to carry with you.

Makeup

You can do as much or as little as you like here. If you want to be over the top, go for geisha – there are plenty of tutorials on how to achieve this look. If you’re thinking of something more subtle, use eyeliner and eye shadow for something that’s more dramatic than your everyday look but not a full-on costume. Coordinate your colors with your outfit and have some fun with it!

Show Your Inner Animal

Whatever you decide to do, incorporate your Chinese zodiac symbol into your ensemble. It can be bold or subdued. You can wear a print with your sign on it or opt for a temporary tattoo. If you’re feeling creative, you can work it into your makeup or use face paint.

However you decide to celebrate, enjoy it! Whether you’re attending a large gathering or hosting a small get-together, you can set the mood with your festive attire and attitude!

Get Ready for Groundhog Day

What do Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve all have in common? They’re highly anticipated and celebrated the world over. It’s not uncommon to attend multiple parties during these holiday seasons. Some days, though, are less heralded. Does this diminish their importance? Of course not! If you want to establish your reputation as a host/ess supreme, wow your friends and neighbors with something unexpected: a Groundhog Day celebration. Punxsutawney Phil may or may not see his shadow, but you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

What Will the Weather Bring?

Whether it’s six more weeks of winter or an early spring, you should prepare for both at your party. Have both winter and spring decorations, and make treats that go with each season. For example, you can make snowmen with Hostess Snowballs. Use Dots or some other small round candy, such as cinnamon imperials, for eyes and buttons. Make sugar cookies and frost them to look like beautiful spring flowers. Consider having a hot cocoa bar with various flavored syrups. This is fun way to have people make their own drinks, and it makes the party kid friendly.

Dress Accordingly

Encourage your guests to dress up in costume centered on a winter or spring theme. Set the tone by making your own costume. If Phil says it’s going to be a long winter and you’re sad about his prediction, use face paint to turn yourself into a sad sunflower. If you’re excited, you can go the happy snowflake route. Anything related to the seasons will do. And of course, you can always dress up like the groundhog himself – don’t forget the top hat!

Spring into Action

Once you know how your party – and you – will look, send out official invitations. Make sure to give plenty of notice so your guests can prepare. Ask your guests to bring winter and spring cuisine for a potluck approach. Have the classic film Groundhog Day playing in the background, or have a special screening. However you decide to celebrate, it will be a great time for creating memories and having fun – even if you have to crouch down next to your space heater for another month and a half.