I have short hair, and I love it. I love how easy it is to get ready in the morning, I love how fast it dries. I love the way it frames my face and how cool it makes me look when I wear long, dangling earrings. The only thing I don't like about having short hair? Trying to find a pretty and stylish way to wear it when it comes to formal occasions.

Sure, I could always rock it the same way I do every day, but would I do that if I had long hair? No way. Something about an 'updo' or blow-out screams "fanciness" in the best possible way. But don't despair. Shorties, you can have your manageable locks and eat them too (I mean, please don't actually eat your hair, I was just being cute, mkay).

It's so much easier than you think to play up your short hair. There are so many options that might seem like way too much for the long-haired to pull off that you can do with aplomb! Hair jewelry? Done! A funky hat? Don't mind if I do! Retro finger waves? Bring. It. On. We've put together 7 fabulous formal short-haired looks sure to inspire you to great hair heights!

How do you dress up your short hair?

Image via © Ralph Wenig/Corbis Outline

Ah, the life of a supermodel. It's not everything it's cracked up to be. And no, that isn't just my stumpy 5'2" envy talking! Seriously. Just because you're a supermodel doesn't mean everything in life is a cake-walk. Most of the time, they can't even HAVE cake.

Sure, they've got money, fame, and countless admirers, that's true. But even the most beautiful of models is still a human being. As such, it shouldn't be surprising that even they get dumped. A quick jaunt down memory lane should remind you that just because supermodels seem perfect, it doesn't mean their lives are without flaw.

Supermodels get divorced just like the rest of us -- albeit, most of the time, they are divorcing someone equally good-looking. Who knows what leads to the splits? It's probably the same stuff that causes most of us to break up. Infidelity, growing apart, constant flights to Milan to be photographed ... okay so maybe not allll the same reasons. But still! 

More from The Stir: Supermodels May Be 'Sexier' After Baby But Not Us 

Divorce happens to everyone. No matter who they are, no matter how beautiful or wealthy. That doesn't make it suck any less, but it is slightly reassuring. It also doesn't have to destroy you. These six supermodels, full of glamour, a zest-for-life, sex appeal, and good stories, are proof positive that even models hit the skids sometimes. 

What supermodel divorce shocked you the most?

Image via Splash News 

Getting a tattoo is a very personal decision. Something that has a lot of meaning to you might not make sense to a lot of other people. Be that as it may, there are some things you'd think people would never do to their bodies -- especially considering that a tattoo is basically stuck on you for life. In the interest of full disclosure, I have three tattoos, and they are all equally ridiculous, so I know of what I speak. 

But people (like me) do crazy things. Take this guy, whose passion for KFC was so intense that he went and got an elaborate tattoo in celebration of their Double Down sandwich. He seems like a normal enough guy during the interview, and the tattoo is a beautiful piece of work -- but at the end of the day, the dude has a sandwich and the logo of its maker permanently inked on his person. We get that it's a personal choice -- but still! 

If you think Mr. KFC fan's choice was strange, you won't believe what some other people out there thought they HAD to have etched onto their person for all time. We've compiled 10 of the most WTF-worthy tattoos we've ever seen for your consideration. Sure, they definitely make us chuckle, but hopefully they also make us cringe. Kids: Think before you ink! Do as I say, not as I do!

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Do you have a tattoo that you regret?

Image via KFC/YouTube

I've got a wedding to attend at the end of the month, and updos on my mind. I love having my hair down, but there's something so extra special and fancy-feeling about wearing it up (and not just thrown in a ponytail, ahem). Plus: it's so much cooler, literally!

More on The Stir: 9 Best Facial Hair Removal Options if You Can't Afford Lasers (PHOTOS)

I found a bunch of really pretty updos that involve braids; they're a little extra glam and all totally do-able at home. Check them out -- and click on the tutorials if you need any guidance. You need at least medium-length hair for most of these, but there's one that's just for short(er) hair!

Would you ever wear a braid to a formal event?

Image via LoveMeagan/Flickr

It's easy to look good when you're a teenager or in your 20s. Your metabolism is faster, you can get away with wearing ridiculous fashions and no one bats an eye, and -- the least fair fact of all -- you can stay up all night and somehow won't look like a ghoul the next day (what's that about anyway)?

Most women accept that they have to work a little harder as they get older. And some are a lot like these 8 female celebrities -- they actually look even more gorgeous the older they get.

I know, I know, it doesn't seem possible given how we're constantly told younger = better. Dancing With the Stars' Candace Cameron Bure recently admitted that she likes her body now, at 37, way more than she ever did when she was in her 20s. And it makes sense. The body you have in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond is the one you actually work hard to attain. Of course you should be super proud of it!

These 8 celebs are living proof that maturity and far better styling choices can add a certain womanly appeal and charm that isn't commonly found in younger women. Here are our favorite age-defying celebs, most of whom look better now than they did when they were younger with little to no help from plastic surgery. Hurray to that!

Image via Instagram

The following is a post from our sponsor, Simple.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I can’t help but think of all those moms out there who are living the mad life like me. Whether we’re juggling careers and kids or kids and carpools, most of us barely have time to think, let alone take care of ourselves. We constantly put ourselves after everyone else in the family, and though we don’t mind a bit, after a while, it takes its toll on our skin!

I thought for sure by the time I was a mom, I wouldn’t have to worry about my face anymore. But the truth is, all that stress coupled with years of neglect have made my face more sensitive than it was when I was a teenager.

I ran across a series of short videos on CafeMom and thought to myself, “Now, here’s something worth sharing!” I started watching and got hooked right from the get-go. The title of the spot was "Mad Life Beauty Breaks," and all I could think about was how busy moms lead mad lives! Right up my alley!

The videos introduce Simple® Skincare products and showed me that it only takes a few minutes to take care of my skin. The first video "Morning Skincare" talks to a young working mother who has four, yes four(!), boys, ages 3 months to 10 years old. She is taken through a morning skincare routine so easy even I could do it! You start with Simple® Moisturizing Facial Wash, move on to Simple® Soothing Facial Toner, then top it off with Simple® Skincare Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15. I’m not kidding; it took like less than a minute!

And the second video (link coming soon!) introduces an equally easy nighttime routine. I had to chuckle because the mother of four confessed to going to bed without taking off her makeup. How many times have I done that?! But there are these really great Simple® Cleansing Facial Wipes that you can just keep by the side of your bed for the nights you forget to wash your face!

I really need to wear makeup (don’t we all these days?), but I rarely find the time for more than a quick whisk of the mascara wand and maybe a dab of lipstick that I never bother reapplying. Well, "The 5-Minute Face" video with Sonia Kashuk took care of that for me. She’s got this great line of makeup and gave a tutorial on how to do a five-minute face. Sonia had the working mom apply the makeup herself, which in my book is way better than getting a makeover. It showed me that if this mad life mom can do it, so can I! Even I have five minutes to make myself look and feel better!

Simple® products have no dyes, no artificial fragrance, and no harsh chemicals, so they are perfect for the sensitive skin I’ve come to walk around with. Best of all, Simple® products, as well as Sonia Kashuk makeup, are sold at Target, a store I can’t seem to stay out of.

Check out these "Beauty Break" videos, and I bet you’ll become a believer, too. We busy moms need to pass these tips along because we’re all in this together. Hope you love your Simple® Skincare products and makeup and that someone gives you something really special for Mother’s Day. You deserve it. 

Image via © istock/KatarzynaBialasiewicz

You gotta love MAC Cosmetics. To celebrate The Simpsons turning 25 (take a moment here to feel ancient with me please), they are releasing a Marge Simpson-themed makeup collection. I can't even with this news! Fingers crossed that this kit will include a mile-high blue beehive or it isn't worth my time. At the very least I want banana-yellow eye shadow and crazy falsies.

Marge might seem like an unlikely beauty icon, but when you really think about it, she's a natural. There are countless reasons why she's the perfect choice of a cartoon to honor with a makeup list. But because we love counting here at The Stir, I've come up with a list. So gird loins, because here are 6 reasons Marge Simpson is the perfect beauty icon for moms.

 1. She isn't afraid to take risks.

I mean, rocking blue hair in the tiny superb of Springfield? That's bold.

2. She works what she's got.

Who needs to overdo it with loads of face-paint when you've got such luscious lashes and a killer bod? Marge knows how to play to her strengths.

3. She does her own makeup.

She may be super-famous, but Marge prefers to do her own makeup. She's probably still traumatized by Homer's makeup gun.

4. Her lipstick is always on point.

The woman is basically a later-day Clara Bow.

5. She takes haircare seriously.

It's no laughing matter, you guys.

6. She's more than just a pretty face.

Beauty is more than how you look -- it's how you speak, what you say, and what's in your heart!

Who's your favorite animated beauty icon?

Image via Corbis

It seemed like such a cool hair idea. This Celtic knot half-updo we spied on Divine Caroline is a beautiful way to pull back your hair -- in an of-the-moment Game of Thrones way. You're tying your hair into a simple knot, just as if the strands were rope. We had to try it! So we grabbed a willing staffer here with long hair and gave it a try.

The results were ... well, let's just say we're not quite ready for our GOT cameo.

When you think 'Angelina Jolie' you probably don't think 'hot mess'. At least not these days. Sure, Angie was wild, and rocked a ripped-tee and bleary mascara look to accompany her edgy ways, but that was long ago. Now Angelina is something of a classically styled beauty. She shows up on the red carpet or even out on the street looking stately, beautiful, and pulled together. A mom with six kids, who never, ever, ever, steps out looking less than perfect. It just ain't right.

Well Angelina showed her human side the other night, and while she might be cringing, we pretty much adore it. The still-stunning actress was walking the red carpet at the premeire for HBO's The Normal Heart in her usual black -- nothing amiss there. The flub came with her face. Her usually pore-less complexion was sullied -- and cooovered in white powder that was totally visible. Eeps! 

Now, we've seen stuff like happen to other famous ladies before. The culprit is usually makeup designed for HD cameras being photographed under the wrong light. Knowing that's the case definitely puts it into perspective. It's not as though Angie left the house with her face half-painted like Braveheart. I mean, Brad Pitt may be down-to-earth but I feel like he probably wouldn't let her leave the house like that, you know? 

Still, even if it makes us seem vaguely petty, there's something totally great about seeing her look anything other than perfect. Sure, she's an inspiration every other day of the week with her charitable giving, and her dedication to women's health, and being the best mom she can be. But seeing her fall short of the mark? I don't know about you, but that makes me like her even more. It proves she's a human and not a literal angel. 

Do you like seeing your favorite celebs goof on the red carpet?

Images via Bobby Bank/Getty 

When it comes to planning your look for your wedding, shoes can be tricky -- even trickier than the dress! You've got everything else picked out, right down to how your eyelashes will curl and what your underwear (or lack there of) will be doing. But what about what's going on your feet? 

Just like any other day in your life, your shoes are your chance to express your personality. They can add, style, and a hint of pizzazz to any ensemble. And why should your wedding day be any different than that? If you're getting married in the spring or summer, it can be super-easy to get lost in a veritable sea of all-the-same strappy sandals. We're here to help! 

Be it a pop of pink, a funky sole, or a more casual take on the old classics, we've rounded up 10 fresh summery inspirations for your bridal footwear. Even if you don't want to splurge on your wedding footwear, there are still plenty of cost-friendly options that will still let you be YOU! If nothing else, here's hoping this guide inspires you on your next trip to the bridal boutique.

Would you ever wear anything other than white shoes?

Image via Amazon 

Shopping for a swimsuit is stressful, so we've decided to make it a little bit easier for you. Here are 9 hideous swimsuits you should NOT buy. You're welcome! We just narrowed down your choices to a mere 720,397,423.

No but seriously, who would wear this monstrosity? I ask you! What the hell. No one wants to consider the human digestive system while they're at the pool or the beach. NO ONE. But while we're on the topic of the weird swimsuits, take a look at some of these. Would you dare to wear any of them?

As women, there isn't a lot we won't do when it comes to looking our best. We'll drizzle scalding wax on ourselves, only to rip it back off. We'll bleach some hair, and tweeze the rest. We'll even wear underwear that puts our organs at risk -- provided they banish muffin-top.

Doing weird and wacky things for beauty isn't that strange. But there are still some totally nuts beauty devices that are so out there we can't help but be left scratching our heads. Do they work? Are they worth looking totally terrifying in the comfort and safety of our own homes?

While they might provide results (key word here being MIGHT) we can't help but wonder -- are they even remotely worth it? What if there are secret cameras in your house? Or, you know, you desire positive night-time attention from a fella? THE QUESTIONS I HAVE! We've rounded up twelve of the kookiest looking devices out there for your consideration.

Have you ever bought something totally weird to add to your beauty routine at home? Did it work?

Image via Japan Trend Shop

When it comes to wedding hair, brides have so many things to consider. Will it be up or down? Curled or straight? Will I go with a veil or not? If I ditch the veil, what sort of accessory should I use? Well hold your horses, missy. We're here now, and we'll help you get this all sussed out. So put on your big girl panties and let's do this thang.

More from The Stir: 10 Bridal Shoes That Are a Perfect Fit For Your Wedding (PHOTOS)

If you're getting married in the spring or summer, we've compiled a list of 10 of our favorite hair accessories for the season. So if less-is-more is your approach, you're set. If you want a big ol' statement piece, we've got those too! Whatever you fancy, from formal to lazy-girl chic, we've got your wedding day hair options ready for your consideration.

What do you look for when hunting for formal hair accessories?

Image via J Crew

As idealized as it is by reality shows, wedding dress shopping can be a seriously daunting experience. Not only do you want to find and "say yes" to The Dress that looks the most gorgeous on you, but you also want to make a unique statement. A tall order for even the least finicky bride-to-be!

Thankfully, the latest flock of frocks on the market is colorful, sexy, sparkly, romantic, unexpected, and just plain divine. Here, the 10 most beautiful of the bunch to suit all manner of stylish brides ...

Image via Pogo Photo

For the most part, I've always been pretty conservative with my makeup, keeping it pretty simple (if any at all) during the day and then maybe jazzing it up with a little eye shadow in the evening.

I know, crazy, right?

Well, lately I've become addicted to YouTube make-up tutorials, which have really helped me take more risks with makeup. Not only are they cheap and easy, they can make you look so much more pulled together.

If you've been remiss to go a little nuts with your makeup, here are 5 trends you should totally try.

1. Bright orange lipstick: I am so not a bright lipstick wearer (hello 40 shades of nude), but the lovely girl at Sephora convinced me to give it a try, and I admit I'm really liking it. Orange can be a tough sell and there are different shades of oranges, so be sure to try the colors on before you toss them into your basket at your favorite drug store.

Tip: If you've got a bright lip, keep your eyes and cheeks simple.

2. Blue eyeshadow: I tend to think about my grandmother when I see bright blue eyeshadow, but the right color (think sapphire or deeper blues) right on your eyelid and just above the crease can really make your eyes pop.

Tip: If you've got bold eyes, go easy on the lips.

3. Cat eyes: I have tried numerous times to do cat-eye eyeliner right, but it wasn't until I watched a quick tutorial on YouTube (just search it and a ton will come up) that I mastered it. You'll definitely want a liquid liner; I like the pens, as they make application so much easier.

Tip: Keep your eye makeup pretty light so that you can actually see the definition of the cat eye. And practice makes perfect, so invest in some eye makeup remover pads.

4. Bold brows: Truth be told, I never do anything with my brows except tweeze them, but after watching a tutorial (I know, I know), I'm actually convinced that filling them in, maybe even more than usual, really brings out my eyes and adds a polished look.

Tip: Blend, blend, blend.

5. Heavy black eyeliner: Now for my everyday look, I steer clear of black liner since I have always thought it makes me look like I was out too late the night before. But then I realized it was because I was trying to smudge it too much. I actually love the way a completely black-outlined eye looks when it's applied neatly and paired with a light, berry lip.

Tip: Use a sharp pencil so that you can carefully outline your entire line as close to the lash line as possible.

Would you be willing to try any of these makeup trends?

Image via Maria Zanartu/Flickr

Wedding etiquette is a big deal. There's a lot of it! So much so, that several books have been written on the subject. But this isn't just scholarly debate: Friendships have been put through the flames over supposed-wedding etiquette gaffes. It's a serious business. Well, as a serious as a giant party featuring a multi-tiered cake can ever, in reality, be.

As a woman, what you wear to the wedding is important. There are a couple of things that are clear cut. You look to the invitation for dress code -- it will usually let you know just how formal (or not) you are expected to be. It's also usually a given that you will not show up in dirty jeans and a tee-shirt. I mean, unless that is the given dress code.

But what about all those weird in-between questions? Like, can you wear black to a wedding? Are sequins okay? Fret not, worthy wedding guest. We can help. We've got 5 wedding don'ts that are actually wedding do's!

1. Wear Black

One considered gauche, now a little black dress is just the thing for an afternoon or early evening wedding. So ignore your mom and do you! If you have any reservations at all that what you're wearing might not be appropriate, speak to the maid of honor about it. The bride will be too busy, but the MOH will always set you straight.

2. Wear White

Okay, so don't parade into the church in your own wedding gown complete with veil -- but don't rule out white altogether! Is this a spring or summer wedding? Is the dress you're eyeing covered in a print but has a white background? Do it! That's fine! Even a simple, short white dress paired with a colorful belt, scarf and shoes send the clear message: I am not the bride, nor am I trying to steal the show.

3. Wear Something Flashy

Dressing like a disco ball will do you no favors (unless the wedding is disco themed, of course). But a little glitter on your gown is fine -- it elevates a dress from semi-formal to full-on occasion appropriate!

4. Wear Old Shoes

For a wedding you might be tempted to run out and buy an entirely new ensemble. While of course you want to look your best, new shoes are something you might regret. Do you have a nice pair that you've worn in that go brilliantly with your ensemble? Spare your toes, spare your wallet, and don't miss out on any festivities because you're too focused on your aching tootsies.

5. Wear The Same Color as The Bridesmaids

I didn't even know this was a thing until I heard a fellow wedding attendee bemoaning her attire. So you're wearing a similar shade to the bridesmaids, so what? Unless you've bought the exact same gown, infiltrated the wedding party and stolen a bouquet, no one is going to think your choice of attire is odd.

Have you ever been called out for your fashion choices at a wedding?

Image via Corbis

Cannes International Film Festival is one of the biggest events in the movie industry. While it's always amazing to see the great projects that are recognized annually, I've got to admit that the real reason I turn in has nothing to do with a movie theatre.

I'm a sucker for a red carpet! Cannes never disappoints. With so many big and star-studded premieres it's no surprise that Cannes is often the showcase for some of celeb's most glamorous gowns. I drool for it, and if you have eyes in your head, you will too!

More from The Stir: Cannes 2010: French Riviera Style

Sure, there are also some outrageously bad looks on the red carpet, but let's make today about the good -- not the bad or the ugly. Nicole Kidman rocked it totally, which was amazing to see. Blake Lively turned out a red carpet walk so good she did it twice with two separate but equally amazing gowns. Here are the 5 winners of Cannes Film Festival Fashion!

Which one of these dress would you wear?

Image via Getty

Ladies, allow me to introduce The Braid of the Moment. Did you know there could even be a Braid of the Moment? Well, there is. That's the kind of magical world we live in. This week at Cannes Blake Lively stepped out in a spectacular Gucci Premiere gown with the perfect hairdo. From the front it's all sleekly slicked back, not a hair out of place. Too severe? Not so fast! Check out the party in the back ...

Oh stop -- not that kind of party. We're talking about her hair! Specifically, this perfectly mussed braid.

Don't you love that? So clean and summery. We've seen the messy braid before, but it's usually done with some messy wisps in front, too. I think that look is actually hard to pull off on the red carpet without looking too frowzy and careless. But pull everything back cleanly in the front and you hit a chic balance between formal and whimsical. It's brilliant.

We've shown you how to do a messy braid before. For this version, you'll start by doing a classic slicked-back ponytail.

1. Section the hair on each side from the crown to behind the ear.

2. Section out the top at the crown and pin back.

3. Use the section just below to create "foundation" ponytail to anchor the rest of your hair.

4. Secure the rest of your hair, section by section, to that foundation ponytail. By the way, you're adding new (teeny) elastics each time, rather than undoing the ponytail, adding more hair, and re-securing it.

5. When you're down to the last top and side sections, spray some shine hairspray into your hands, work it between your hands, and then use that to smooth down any fly-aways in the top section of your hair. Then secure the top section to your foundation ponytail.

6. Brush back those last two side sections and add them to the ponytail. Finish off with more hairspray.

7. Now braid that ponytail loosely, as done in the messy braid tutorial (step 4).

8. Secure, and pull braid braid apart slightly (step 6). Spray and you're done!

Here's the video for that slicked-back ponytail.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Images via Tim P. Whitby and Michael Bruckner/Getty

Tanning is deadly, and in more ways than one! Forget UV rays and, you know, cancer or wrinkles. There are even scarier things that can happen. Did you hear the one about the woman whose tanning bed caught fire -- while she was still in it?! Luckily she escaped with her life (though presumably not the stellar base coat she was searching for). The tanning salon, however, was totally wrecked by the fire. 

Crazy! I completely understand the appeal of going and getting a tan under the hot lights of a tanning bed. It doesn't just give you the glow you crave, it also relaxes you. Our lives can be mad stressful -- a quick, easy way to look and feel better? Sure, I'll take it! It's not surprising that folks still turn to the pretty prehistoric idea of tanning beds to get their sun-fix. Here are 5 other glow-inducing, totally relaxing ways to get a tan WITHOUT risking your hide. Literally.

1. Tanning Towels

I am as white as a fish's belly. But even I swear by these little one-use towels! No streaks, no mess, and they don't smell that assy either! The color lasts AND looks natural. Turn your bathroom into a steamy escape -- pampering yourself is as relaxing as it gets.

2. Dry Oil Tan

I can't even with this one. Our legs and arms can get dry, dry, dry thanks to stupid winter. This ultra rich dry oil smells great and leaves a lux glow that's an instant de-stresser.

3. Airbrush Make-Up

Well, sort of. That sounds better than make-up-in-a-can. This spray on is half bronzer, half foundation and all awesome. Plus it's got an spf to keep your sexy skin super safe.

4. Hire a Professional Spray Tan Artist

This is a great way to feel ultra-pampered AND to see stellar results. For everyday? A bit much. But for special events? Bring it on!

5. Bronzer is a Girl's Best Friend

Keep your skin in good shape with this bronzer and primer. Use it beneath your foundation for a subtle glow, or all on its own to highlight and contour your nose, cheekbones, chin and forehead.

Do you still use tanning beds?

Image via Corbis

Like beauty, "sexy" is in the eye of the beholder, right? And when it comes to lingerie, whatever you want to wear in the bedroom to get your engines revving is totally your business. But sometimes we come across lingerie that we assume is meant to be sexy, but seems oddly...funny, instead. Sure, the couple that laughs together stays together, but we're gonna bet most women don't want to put their partners in stitches because of something they wear to bed.

We found 10 lingerie sets that we think are intended to be sexy, but might just make you laugh out loud instead.

Image via spicylingerie.com