Whether or not the weather agrees, we're officially in winter again. So snuggle down with your knits and nail polish because this year's mani trend is killer: icicle nails. 

We've seen icicles on nails before, but we're on a whole new level this year. I mean:

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A photo posted by Andrea (@sezjeuric) on Dec 14, 2015 at 2:14pm PST

Stunning, right? You could also do the simple, clean version:

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A photo posted by Carly � (@carlysisoka) on Dec 6, 2013 at 6:35pm PST

Or even the kind of crazy, amazingly cool embellished version:

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A photo posted by Laura Merino (@lauramerino12) on Dec 10, 2013 at 8:12am PST

You're thinking that these look so absurdly beautiful that you could never do them yourself, right? Well, we have NEWS for you. It turns out that even though icicle nails look professional-level awesome, they're not that hard to do. 

All you really need are some blues, whites, and glitter (of course) to create a winter wonderland on your finger nails. If you have mini detailing brushes, that's awesome. If not, here's PixyPolish's tutorial on how to recreate the look by painting with a bobby pin:

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If you're looking for something a little more complex, Lucy's Stash gets pretty serious with shading in her tutorial (we promise, it's easier than it sounds!).

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Lenysea has the how-to on creating extra glittery, extra glam icicle nails. We looove the black background!

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And finally, if you're up for a real challenge, PiggieLuv's transparent, snowflake-studded icicles are nothing short of jaw-dropping. Check out her tutorial:

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Image via iStock.com/DevMarya

Since the birth of the red carpet, stars have been pushing the boundaries of what they can get away with, and the following 16 celebrities are no strangers to getting tongues wagging. They each made fashion statements that seemed to have one thing in common: Less is more. 

Sneak a peek at the barely there looks that made jaws drop when they hit the red carpet. Which is your favorite, and which star do you think went too far?

Image via Splash News

We're almost to the end of The Stir's 12 Days of Giveaways! This has been so much fun -- we love celebrating this season of giving with YOU, our wonderful and lovely readers! We have a really awesome, celebtastic pair of prizes today...

In celebration of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's new movie, Sisters, we're considering this giveaway a sisterly celebration -- offering you the opportunity to win TWO amazing prizes ... one for you, and one for you to give to the "sister" in your life, whether that's your best friend, your mom, your daughter, or -- yes -- your actual sister!

Today, we're giving away two pairs of HONNS "Selina" Leather Gloves in Wine (each of which retails for $128 on honns.com). These luxurious and super stylish lambskin gloves feature touch screen-conductive tips on the thumb and index finger so you can type, text, and tweet your BFF without exposing your hands to the freezing cold. Cool, right?!

Don't miss out on yesterday's giveaway! Giveaway: Gorgeous Cashmere Wraps & Two $50 Marshalls Gift Cards

How about a close-up of our lovely Tina and Amy doll models with those gloves?

Thanks, ladies!

Note: Our Amy and Tina dolls are NOT included in this giveaway. (We need them to keep us company in the office!)

To be entered in this giveaway, just answer this question in the comments:

Who's the person you text most often? Have any funny texting stories to share?

The "Giveaway: The Honns Leather Gloves That Celebs Love" starts on December 24, 2015, at 12:00 p.m. (ET) and ends at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on December 31, 2015 (the "Sweepstakes Period").

Enter by replying to this post with an appropriate comment* during the Sweepstakes Period. Limit one entry per day during the Sweepstakes Period. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries on or around January 4, 2016, to receive two pairs of HONNS "Selina" Leather Gloves in Wine .

Only entries from CafeMom members are eligible to win. Sign up for CafeMom here.

No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 18 years and older. Void where prohibited. Click here for the rest of the Official Rules.

*Your response may be included in an upcoming CafeMom feature.

Images via Anne Meadows

Do you ever get that itch for a new tattoo? And you know exactly where it should go but not exactly what it should look like? We feel you. Since the hip is forever one of our fave spots for tattoos, we picked out some of the most intricate, interesting, or otherwise inspiring hip tattoos.

All these designs look so awesome on or around the hip bone that you'll want to steal them all immediately. Promise.

Image via s11dragonfly/Instagram

You'll hear people swear that the secret to good skin is good exfoliation, and that the secret to good exfoliation is microbeads. You may not know them by name, but you've seen them: They're those teeny tiny plastic balls that tend to crop up in your body washes, face soaps, and toothpastes. But it's time to say so long, because the Senate just passed the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which bans those little buggers from beauty products.

It was actually kind of a no-brainer for Congress, because microbeads are terrible for the environment and, by extension, terrible for you. They're made out of plastic, which means that they don't degrade when you wash them down the sink. Instead, they suck up toxins and get dumped into the ocean, where fish think they're little fishy food snacks and eat them up. Then you and your soft, exfoliated skin eat the fish and it's your body that gets slowly poisoned by toxins. Ick. 

The bad news is that microbeads are being phased out, so we won’t be totally rid of them until 2017 (and many products are still stuffed full of them). But the good news is that, in the mean time, there are tons of awesome products out there to replace the ones you're using now.

Here are 10 of our favorite face and body scrubs that are microbead-free. Better for you, better for the fishies.

Image via Blend Images/Shutterstock

After so many red carpet experiences and events, many stars adopt a signature hairstyle, so when they diverge from that, they can be practically unrecognizable. Others like to mix it up all the time, trying new hairstyles and switching from curly to straight to wavy and back again, always leaving fans guessing. But no matter what their style philosophy, there are plenty of stars who just look seriously different when they switch their hairstyles between curly and straight.

These 20 celebrities look gorgeous no matter what—but they look totally different with curly and straight hair. Which hairstyle do you prefer?

Images via Xavier Collin/Celebrity Monitor/Splash News/Corbis, 2004 Phil Ramey /R/RameyPix/Corbis

All that glitters may not be gold, but it sure is pretty! What better way to add some sparkle to your new year than with a glam mani designed to catch the light?

Whether you want to go all out with the glitz and sparkle, or you want an understated, cool girl glimmer, these are some of best glitter nail polishes around.

Image via sephora.com; deborahlippmann.com; opi.com; mineralfusion.com; essie.com

We do some crazy things to ourselves in the name of beauty -- so crazy, in fact, that some of them can even be downright dangerous! It's true: Some of the simple things we do to look our best every single day could be hazardous to our health.

Here, 10 beauty trends you may be surprised to find are the worst offenders!

Image via iStock.com/Cesar Okada

Finding the right dry shampoo is a little bit like meeting your soul mate. Once you get it in your grasp, you never want to lose it. Also, it smells really good. Think you've tried them all, but still haven't found the right dry shampoo for your hair type? Think again. We've rounded up the best and most affordable dry shampoos for those days you look at your shower and just can't. 

From easy-to-find drugstore brands to cult classics, we've found 13 dry shampoos under $25. If you don't find one that works here, you might just want to consider daily showers. We know. The struggle is real. 

Images clockwise from left via walmart.com; folica.com; sephora.com; birchbox.com; dermstore.com; amazon.com; bonanza.com; walgreens.com; amazon.com

If you're not going to be the best dressed, why not go for the most shocking, which nowadays seems to get more press and notoriety than looking fashionable?

And let's face it: We all remember what Lady Gaga wore to the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards (the infamous raw meat dress), but Julia Roberts' myriad award-winning looks, who recalls? Check out our list of 19 shocking looks that left a lasting impression.

Image via Johnny Lawrence / Splash News

Right now, today, there are almost definitely too many hand lotions floating around the purgatory at the bottom of your purse. It's something we tend to collect a lot of, but winter is the time to thin out your stash: How many of those tubes are really helping your dry skin?

Here are our picks for the best, most effective hand lotions, creams, salves, and milks for winter-ravaged skin.

Image via tocca.com; usa.loccitane.com; libraryofflowers.com; amazon.com; blissworld.com; target.com; amazon.com

Shoes. Nothing can make or break an outfit quite like them. Over the years, we've seen some of the best and worst pairs take the spotlight. From jelly shoes to Doc Martens, we're taking you on a nostalgic tour down the shoe aisle.

Here's a look at the hottest shoe styles of the '80s and '90s. Which do you think will make a comeback?

Image via 2008 Phil Ramey /X

Picking the perfect spot for a tattoo can be tricky, but behind the ear is a long-time fave. It's a spot that's as easy to hide as it is to show off, and it's the perfect canvas for small statement tattoos. But choosing the perfect piece to put there can be a challenge.

We gathered up some of our favorite behind-the-ear tattoos for inspiration, and they range from small and subtle to big statement pieces. We love 'em all, and we also love that many of these people assured us that getting a tat behind the ear doesn't hurt as much as you've been told. You ready to book your next appointment yet?

Image via evantattoo/Instagram

Considering that the worldwide Muslim population is at 23 percent (and growing), it's kind of a surprise that we don't see more clothing geared toward Muslim women and men in stores and on runways. But one major fashion house is ready to change this: Dolce & Gabbana just released its first collection of hijabs and abayas.

The Abaya collection is all neutrals: blacks, whites, and sandy tones mixed with lace and Dolce & Gabbana's signature florals. They're gorgeous, they're couture, they're chic. And we're so happy.

All 14 looks are featured on Style.com/Arabia, but here's a preview:

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A photo posted by Dolce & Gabbana (@dolcegabbana) on Jan 6, 2016 at 6:13am PST

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A photo posted by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on Jan 5, 2016 at 2:49am PST

According to Business Insider, Muslim women are a $266 billion market that's largely untapped by Western fashion houses -- though other major brands are already making moves toward them. DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger already sell clothes for Muslim women, and H&M debuted their first hijab-wearing model last year. 

There's lots of great stuff going on here, and we're excited to see the market expand. Dolce & Gabbana's hijabs and abayas are classy and chic, but we also want to see more colors and more glitz and more variety in style. Honestly, the more the better.

More from The Stir: Why the Supreme Court Decision in Favor of Muslim Rights Is Good News for Christians

While we're talking about it, though, it's probably also worth pointing out that hijabs and abayas and other similar garments serve a religious purpose for Muslim women, and non-Muslim women wearing them for fashion purposes could probably be considered cultural appropriation. 

That appropriation/appreciation line is a vague one that always seems to be moving, and some Muslim women seem excited by the possibility of their fashion migrating into the non-Muslim world. Others don't. There's no right answer, but it's good to be aware of.

Also, at the end of the day, it's probably better to support local markets and Muslim-owned businesses who are also designing gorgeous and fashionable abayas. But a bigger, more saturated market can only be good thing, and it's hard to complain about major fashion houses finally looking at and targeting Muslim women, even if it is only for a profit.

Anyway! The Abaya collection. It's gorgeous. We love it. Give us more.

Image via dolcegabbana/Instagram

Sometimes, it feels like cold wintry winds are out to get you and your soft, kissable lips, right? They tear through skin and chap everything in sight, and we're starting to get mad that they're ruining all of our fun winter plans. 

But we think the solution is all in the products you choose: Here, 11 lip balms and chap sticks that will work hard to combat the winter cracks and help you keep your lips kissable through Valentine's Day and well beyond.

Images via burtsbees.com; amazon.com; johnmasters.com; supergoop.com; clinique.com; kiehls.com; skinceuticals.com

As if our beauty product arsenal needed an additional segment, apparently we're supposed to be stocking up on makeup that can withstand a workout. Yes, as in, now products exist specifically so we can pretty up while we exercise.

This month Birchbox is launching Arrow, a streamlined collection of makeup formulated specifically to keep your face in place through spin, barre, TRX, or whatever other fitness routine suits your fancy. The first offerings out of the gate include a gel blush, tinted lip balm, and deodorant. But have no fear -- waterproof mascara, a tinted serum, and even brow gel are on their way in May.

Perhaps I'm reading a bit too much into this, but are beauty companies seriously trying to intercept my gym time? It's one of the few instances where I can be out in public and not feel like I have to pull it together. Because if I'm doing my workout right, I'm going to sweat. A lot.

More from The Stir: 13 Affordable Dry Shampoos for When You Don't Have Time to Shower (PHOTOS)

This idea that women are being encouraged to look "perfect" under extreme conditions, like when I'm imagining my pretend cycling team (i.e., fellow spinning sadists) is bracing for a ginormous hill, seems downright cruel.

We were supposed to be headed toward a period of loving ourselves as we are, not necessarily needing to see perfectly curled lashes as we stare at ourselves in the mirror praying for a set of "chair" to be over in Bar Method class.

But like a bunch of PO'd commenters on Birchbox's Facebook, I'm simply not buying into it. I completely understand why formulas specifically designed to withstand a workout could come in handy for fitness instructors who are on display as they demonstrate upcoming moves or even dare to sweat alongside the rest of us, but aside from that, come on!

I'm not trying to knock those who already willingly get gussied up specifically for the gym (although I admittedly don't understand it); I just don't love the idea of having marketers make me think I should join the club. If I have makeup on at the gym, it's because I didn't remove it after work, not because I intentionally put it there before hitting the treadmill.

In Birchbox's defense, they're not the only beauty brand getting in on the sweat-enduring makeup game. Eyeko is already selling Sport Waterproof Mascara and Eyeliner. And for all I know the products are fantastic; I'm just going to choose to keep my fitness routine bare-faced, thank you very much.

Image via iStock.com/gradyreese

Not everyone can squeeze their thighs into Lululemon workout tights. It's just the way the world works. If you're one of the many who are looking for a larger, elastic-ier, cheaper, but Lemon-levels-hot workout outfit, Forever 21's new line of plus-size activewear might be your dream come true.

First, the lead model promoting the gear is Ashley Graham, who -- let's be honest -- could sell us anything because she makes EVERYTHING look good.

Second, everything in the line is less than $30, but still comes with all the flat lock seams, key pockets, and moisture-wicking fabrics you can dream of.

Third, everything is sexy. Seriously. Peel off your boring black Under Armour sports bra and slip into one of these strappy, marbled, low back, high-waisted, mesh-panelled beauties. You know what? Don't even work out. Just wear these around forever, because they're made for your body and your body looks damn good it them.

Sold? Shop the full line online or in Forever 21 stores, but check out our favorite pieces here first.

Images via forever21.com

Brrr, it's getting pretty cold outside. We can tell because our teeth are chattering -- and also because all the celebs are strutting around in some very lovely winter coats. We're obsessed.

From black leather and red houndstooth to fur collars and full fuzz, winter style is in full swing. Let's take a look at some of our favorite celebrity outerwear picks so far this season, along with some similar looks in the stores.

Images via Splash News

Thigh tattoos are simply gorgeous. It's a spot where the artist can go bigger in design than on the arms, and so many designs work well in this spot. You can go with black and gray or with colors, but thigh tattoos need to be thought out carefully in term of placement.

Your tattoo artist will work with you on the best spot for your thigh tattoo -- a certain design may look better on front, side, or back of thigh. A design can completely wrap around or go down your leg.

No matter where the piece is placed, it seems the bathtub might just be the best place to take a photo of your thigh tattoo. Seriously -- wow! We were inspired by all the lovely work on these women. You will be, too.

Image via lily_heather/Instagram

Dressing for work doesn’t have to be boring and serious! Since business casual is the most common dress code in today's workplace, you have a wider spectrum of clothes available when it comes to your business wardrobe. But as a busy working mom, you have little time to devote to what you wear every day -- so let’s make things as effortless as possible for you. 

Here’s my secret weapon for the working mom: the printed dress! Printed dresses are my favorite piece for professional moms because it’s an easy choice in an otherwise unpredictable morning routine. Reaching for a dress from your closet is one decision; you put it on, add tights, booties, and an accessory, and voilà, you’re dressed.

Wearing a dress can feel simultaneously powerful and feminine, but it has to be the right dress and, more importantly, the perfect fit. Fit is key with everything, but especially with a dress. Be sure to check the length -- is it too long? That will make you look dowdy. Is it too short? Definitely not work appropriate. When you put the dress on, do you fidget? That’s a deal breaker. If you feel uncomfortable in a dress, your discomfort shows up on your face, and you don’t want to look uneasy at work. It may take a few tries to get the right dress when shopping, but trust me, it’s worth the time investment because in the long run, it will make your mornings less stressful.

Below are two printed dresses for this week's style cheat sheet -- one budget friendly and one splurgier choice. I love the geometric patterns because they add a bold, artsy feel to the overall looks.

More from The Stir: What to Wear to a Winter Wedding (PHOTOS)

Office, Budget Friendly

Our budget-friendly outfit starts with a Tahari scuba dress. Have you tried scuba material before? If not, you definitely should! The material is a bit thicker, giving the dress solid construction, which means any extra curves will be smoothed out -- and plus, it stays wrinkle-free when packed for a business trip. Having a dress with longer sleeves for the winter is essential. And if your office feels especially chilly, throw on a cardigan or black blazer as an extra layer. Add black tights with a pair of work appropriate black booties and a simple cuff bracelet on your wrist, and you are office ready.

Shown above (clockwise from top left): Tahari Arthur S. Levine Printed Scuba Dress ($134, lordandtaylor.com); Open Metal Cuff in Gold ($24.95, solesociety.com); Michael Michael Kors Jet Set Item Top Zip Tote in Cherry/Gold ($198, macys.com); Classic Opaque Tights in Black ($5.80, forever21.com); Massimo Matteo Leather Suede Bootie ($149, zappos.com).

Office, Splurge Worthy

For our splurgier option, this Black Halo dress says “I’m a woman, I mean business, and I’m powerful.” This dress does all the work for you, so pair it with black tights and these gorgeous Vince Camuto black booties that you’ll wear all season long for both work and play. Your final steps are to put on the chunky gold cuff by Bauble Bar, throw your office gear into this navy tote by Tory Burch, kiss the children good-bye, and head confidently to the office in your power outfit.

Shown above (clockwise from top left): Black Halo Marissa Sheath Dress ($345, bloomingdales.com); Pisa Cuff ($44, baublebar.com); Tory Burch Tote York Buckle in Tory Navy ($295, bloomingdales.com); Heattech Tights in Black ($12.90, uniqlo.com); Vince Camuto Assymetrical Bootie ($148.95, nordstrom.com).   

Images (clockwise from left) via bloomingdales.com; solesociety.com; bloomingdales.com; zappos.com; forever21.com