Standing Out from Our Peers and Standing on the Pier

Taylor, who recently returned from NYC with a suitcase full of new goodies, is showing off her spunky side in Urban Outfitters jacket, sweater and shorts. The boots and jacket give an edgy feel, while the fun pattern of the sweater and the cute high-waisted shorts add a fun, springy attitude. Tamar went in a different direction with a nautical, 1940s-esque look. Stripes and neutrals are two big spring trends and, fortunately enough, the easiest to find! Balancing patterns is easy when they are monochromatic. And to break up the neutrals, add a splash of color, like Tamar did with her cherry lipstick.

Our 12 Best Beauty Buys

Cosmetics are a vital part of a truly great outfit. They can add flair or femininity, sophistication or sultriness. Whatever it does, makeup gives an opportunity for fun and experimentation. Today we want to show and tell you about our favorite cosmetics that we can't live without. Hopefully our long-sustained trial-and-error process will make your search for your perfect cosmetics a little easier.

Taylor's Choices

(from left to right)

1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on eye pencil (Lust and Covet) - $18
2. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Palette - $38
3. Maybelline One by One Mascara - $7.99
4. Urban Decay De Slick Oil Control Setting Spray - $29
5. Maybelline Mineral Power foundation - $7
6. Physician's Formula Glow-boosting Blush - $11.95

Taylor: The Urban Decay eye-pencils are really vibrant, smudge-proof, and they really last all day. I love Urban Decay's eyeshadow palette because it has all the shadows I need for a neutral, smokey, or funky eye. The Maybelline One by One mascara has a plastic brush which is great for preventing clumping and it gives my lashes great volume. I can't live without my Urban Decay De Slick as it keep my face shine-free all day long with the help of Maybelline's Mineral Power, a light powder foundation. Lastly, the Glow-boosting blush has a really nice sheer tint that gives me a pretty glow.

Tamar's Choices

(from left to right)

1. Covergirl Exact Eyelights Mascara (Hazel) - $8.49
2. Almay Intense i-color liquid eyeliner - $7.49
3. Covergirl Natureluxe (Peony and Marble) - $5.99
4. Chapstick - $1.99
5. Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick (Pink Chic) - $5.99
6. Givenchy "Ange ou Démon: le secret" Perfume - $53

Tamar: The Covergirl mascara is absolutely amazing! It is specialized for every eye-color (hazel has gold-flecks in it to highlight green and gold) and goes on smoothly and clump-free thanks to the rubber brush. The Almay eyeliner follows the same concept (it is specialized by eye-color) but really stands out from others because of it's great color and easy to use applicator. I originally bought the "marble" color Covergirl gloss balm and loved it so much I had to get "peony" as well. It adds just enough tint to make your lips pop, but goes on like a nice lip-balm. Rule #1 in Tamar's book of life rules: never ever ever ever ever leave home without Chapstick. The "Pink Chic" color from Rimmel London is perfect for spring, bright and fun, and wears nicely. Finally, I completely love Givenchy's "Ange ou Démon" perfume, with it's light citrus scent that lingers without being cloying.

Fun, Fun, Fun in the Afternoon Sun

Spring is on its way! But, like aliens and sugar-free snacks that don't taste like cardboard, it's not here yet. It can be kind of awkward finding an outfit that hits a balance between light and warm. Taylor finds this mix by pairing an airy, floral dress with a light cardigan and her first pair of real boots! *Tamar wipes a proud tear from her eye* Tamar gets the same effect by wearing light cotton pieces and fierce open-toed boots with flowery, feminine tights. If you're craving a spring outfit, but are afraid to brave possible chills, try this: Find a focus piece that makes you happy (like a floral dress). Then form your outfit around that, using accent pieces like cardigans, tights, scarves, hats or knee-high socks that will add spunk and warmth to your outfit. You'll be cute, comfortable, and ready for any weather that comes your way!

A Domestic Interlude

Hey there, followers! It's Tamar here from your favorite fashion duo! Today is a solo post about one of my beloved pastimes: baking delicious treats. I like making sweet things for my friends and family to show them that, though things get crazy sometimes, I love them and appreciate them. This recipe for chocolate cupcakes will say all that in just one bite. Seriously, these cupcakes are true to their name of "Ultimate Chocolate Cupcakes with Ganache Filling" from the magazine Cooks Illustrated. The cake is a perfect combo of texture and flavor, while the creamy filling is bursting with dark chocolate and coffee. The icing is just, well, icing on the cake. Mix in a little love and Bon Appétit!

To find the original recipe: http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/login.asp?docid=23637
If you do not have a subscription go here: http://www.wor710.com/Cook-s--Illustrated--Ultimate-Chocolate-Cupcake-wi/6801521