Unless you’re living in a tropic climate with little seasonal change, fall isn’t far off. The summer clothes are on sale in all the stores and the new fall and winter outfits are on the racks.
But to transit the seasons, layering is always in. And this fall, the little jacket is on display everywhere. It’s available in knits that you can tie in front or let hang loose. And you can always opt for a tailored version that buttons. They all look glamorous over a long sleeved tee shirt or blouse. And now the ever-popular little black dress has been joined by the little black jacket. Tossed over a blouse and skirt or a dress, it transforms an outfit from casual to dressy.
Both boots and shoes are still sporting spike heels and gladiator shoes are marching on to fall. But plain leather boots have been left behind. This season’s boots are trimmed with bows, tassels and shiny buckles.
If you bought a tulip skirt for summer, a long sleeved blouse and a blazer will take it through cooler days. And the blazers are long-lined and hang loose over ruffled skirts. Fitted is out and boxy is in. Tweed, houndstooth and leather are all popular materials for blazers. Leather pants and leather leggings are also making an appearance.
Jeans are forever but in even more styles to fit every shape and tummy control panels are showing up more than before.
Blouses feature ruffles. puff sleeves and dropped, bloused waists. The latter styles are great for disguising the love handles. Kimono style sleeves are also in for blouses, dresses and even coats. Some have attached knitted sleeves. And the popular hoodie is still around.
Animal prints are back indeed if they ever left. You can find them in shoes, handbags, jackets, skirts, dresses, trousers and lingerie. And if you’re planning to travel, you can even pack them all in an animal print suitcase. So take your summer jeans, add an animal print jacket and you have the latest fashion for autumn. Or top the jeans with a silk top and animal print gilet and you’re dressed for an evening out.
And the animals aren’t restricted just to clothes. They’re also showing up on the jewelry counter. You’ll see long chains with elephant or fish pendants attached. Serpents abound. They’re curled around your arm in a flashy bracelet or the setting for a ring. This fall, you can really go wild in the jewelry department.
And the ’80s are making a comeback in color as well. The bold neon colors are appearing in belts, shoes, scarves, blouses and dresses. And for those who don’t wish to go bold, black and white graphic prints are taking over jackets, coats, dresses, blouses, shoes, belts, and bags. So with all the variety, fall offers something for every fashionista.
2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Natural skin care involves using the products of nature to manufacture a cosmetic. For example, herbs, roots and flowers are the common ingredients of most natural skin care products.
The use of natural skin care products dates back to ancient Egypt and China although some of the ingredients used then were rather exotic, for example black ox blood, fly dung, and donkey’s liver.
There is more to natural skin care than just cosmetics. One must follow a diet high in fiber, water, fruits and vegetables. Natural skin care adherents also believe that a sedentary life style contributes to aging skin and other skin problems as it causes the poor circulation that results in the accumulation of toxins in the skin. So exercise is important too.
Our grandmothers used natural cosmetics extensively and many recipes in early cookbooks call for natural ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, rosewater, and witch hazel.
Honey was a popular ingredient for moisturizing and protecting the skin from environmental damage. A paste of honey and cinnamon was mixed and applied at night as a skin softener and also a treatment for acne.
Jojoba oil, safflower oil, rose hip seed oil, and shea butter were all used to soften the skin. Today
many of these are popular spa products as many spas have turned to featuring natural products in their beauty treatments.
Women with sensitive skin often seek out natural skin care products. However, it is important to remember that natural and non-allergenic are not
synonymous. One can be just as allergic to natural products as to chemical ingredients.
Women with sensitive skin need to be equally careful in testing natural skin care products on small areas of their body such as their arms just as they need to do for chemically formulated cosmetics. In fact, sensitive skins may fare better with chemically formulated non-allergenic cosmetics than with naturally derived ingredients.
2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
My take on needles and surgery is avoiding them until it becomes a choice between living and dying. So far that hasn’t happened. But I became tired of seeing my deeply wrinkled jaw and turkey neck in the mirror. And the turkey neck was getting to the point that I was afraid I might need to hide out in my house come Thanksgiving. So I started to think about wrinkle fixers.
I began with serums and creams but they only depleted my bank account. Then I thought about fillers and laser facials. I finally convinced myself that fillers involved only a few injections, would be pain free and might produce some desirable results. So I scheduled an appointment.
However, the doctor also suggested that a Nefertiti neck lift would do wonders for my aging neck. Thinking it would look odd to see a young jaw atop and old hen, I agreed. Shortly thereafter my supportive friends told me about neck lifts that had resulted in lopsided smiles and difficulty swallowing. Scared but determined I marched off to my appointment.
First they patted my face with alcohol and applied a numbing agent. Afterwards I drank tea and read a magazine until it took effect. Then I felt a few light pinpricks and the injections were over. Afterward I looked in the mirror and I looked happy. The grumpy expression was gone.
The laser facial did sting a little but one dark spot the size of a dime completely disappeared from my cheek. That alone was worth the discomfort. My face is now smooth and blemish free.
After effects were truly minimal. I had a small bruise where the needle was inserted that disappeared in a week. The brown spot the size of a dime had a tiny scab before it sloughed off. I could wear make-up immediately and felt no discomfort after the procedures. The numbing agent wore off in an hour.
I would certainly have the above done again. In fact, next I plan to do my hands so they age match my neck and face.
2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
This season, eye makeup is making a radical departure from the traditional types and colors we’re accustomed to. The trend is particularly evident in mascara.
The latest buzzword in mascara is literally buzz. We now have electrical mascara. The wand vibrates just like a toothbrush and some pulse 100 times in a second. The result is lashes with length and volume that cannot be achieved with a hand brush.
Another mascara newbie is the availability of colors other than black and brown. You now have a choice of blue and green in addition to black, very black, carbon black, brown/black and brown. Although beauticians recommend that you first apply the color you normally use, black or brown, as a base coat. Then cover it with the green or the blue, just brushing the tips of your lashes.
Then there are also lash extenders. These are not false eyelashes but another type of mascara. Supposedly the secret is in the brush and when you drag the brush through your lashes the result is extra length and volume.
And brows are now in. The fine, plucked line that has been with us for so many years is passé. And if you need help with shaping, stencil kits are available.
Eye shadows are a riot of colors just like your garden. Creams are as plentiful as powders. Metallic finishes are also popular. And if you apply primer under the shadow, not only will the shadow last all day but your eyes will also look prettier.
Fortunately, you no longer have to put up with under eye puffiness and dark shadows. There are many creams to choose from that do away with those problems.
The overall new look is natural and subtle. With all the tools available, beautiful eyes are easy to achieve and they are probably our most noticeable feature.
2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
Other than actually being sick, there is probably nothing that tempts a woman to crawl back under the covers and call in sick than a bad hair day. But the good news is that often bad hair days can be avoided and bad hair is now in fashion, well almost.
First, your choice of hair products often determines how difficult or easy hair care will be. One characteristic of women is that we have difficulty resisting a bargain. That often leads us into temptation and we buy whatever shampoo is on sale when we need shampoo. But this isn’t always wise purchasing.
Different hair has different needs. One hair characteristic that often prompts bad hair days is frizziness. Color treated hair is subject to frizziness. However, using a shampoo and conditioner blended especially for color treated hair often solves the problem.
And if you spend a little time just shopping in the hair care department of your favorite store, you will soon notice that there is a wide array of hair care products to solve just about every imaginable hair problem.
And a little more time perusing hair magazines and you’ll discover that perfect is out of fashion. Facing the chairs in the shampoo section of my beautician’s salon are four huge posters of beautiful women all advising, “Get Motion.” And that is the hair fashion of the moment. Hair should move. The ‘every lock in place’ is passé. Flyaway locks are in vogue. Too, too neat out dates you, particularly bad if you are also past forty to begin with.
You may have spent an hour in front of the bathroom mirror wielding the curling iron, blow dryer, flat iron, brushes and combs but when you walk out your front door your hair should look like you just jumped out of bed and ran your fingers through it or gave it a lick and a promise with brush. So why not just try that first and see what happens?
2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments »
For the last couple of years baggy has been the look in teenage boy fashion. And now it has made an entrance into women’s fashion. Harem pants, which made their appearance on the runways two years ago, are still in. Some styles are knee length and others ankle length. And some bag to the knees and gather around the leg to the ankle. Harem pants are comfortable and chic, a win win fashion choice.
Leather is also back and contrary to what has been appearing on MSN you can wear leather if you are over forty. The key is to leave the leather strapless evening gown to the under thirty set and settle for an amazing jacket or knee length skirt instead. Just don’t wear them together.
Distressed, bleached out and shredded jeans are still haute couture and moving into fall. Stovepipes and boot cuts are popular and high waists are back.
Vests are also making a comeback in a variety of styles. Some are short and fitted, others long and loose. Another popular style is the long vest that is gathered in or belted at the waistline.
The little bright dress is a popular addition to the little black dress. The bright colors that arrived in time for summer are marching on to fall.
And this is truly the season of trim. Sequins, beads, and studs are showing up from head to toe, on blouses, pants, skirts, and shoes.
Two styles that may not be embraced by every woman are the pouf pieces and dirndl skirts. And no matter what is in style you are never in fashion if you don’t look and feel great in it.
And not every woman may feel great in the season’s shoes. They’re all about stilettos and high platforms that translate to sexy, beautiful legs for any woman who can wear them and still walk gracefully.
2009 | Fashion | No Comments »
Shoes Every Woman Should Have In Her Closet
1. Black Heel:
The Black, low-heeled pump is a fashion must-have. It is clean and sophisticated. Black is a great color, because it goes with about everything. The black pump would look great with a little black dress for a fancy dinner or for a more casual occasion, like lunch with some old friends.
2. Brown/Beige Heel:
When black is not the best color, go with another neutral color, such as brown or beige. Add the classic, pointed-toe heel in a natural color to your collection for a sleek and classy look. Beige looks best when you are wearing purple, pink, green, blue, brown, or orange.
3. Flat:
For a more casual look, grab a basic flat. They tend to look best with a pair of jeans.
4. Flip-Flop, Sneaker, and Loafer (Everyday):
In your closet, you should have an everyday shoe, such as a flip-flop, sneaker, or a loafer. These shoes go great with any outfit. I recommend getting one of each. A sneaker is an excellent choice if you are planning to do a lot of walking or if you plan to exercise. A flip-flop is a must-have in the hot, summer months. You can never go wrong with the classic, penny loafer.
5. Bright Stiletto:
A bright-colored stiletto turns heads when you are out on the town. It is sexy, stylish, and completes a fun-looking dress.
6. Boot:
During the cold, winter months, a high-heeled fashion boot or a comfy snow boot is a must-have. Every woman should have at least one pair of boots in brown or black. Boots create a trendy, casual look when paired with jeans or a cute skirt.
7. Slipper:
The final shoe that your closet should contain is the slipper. Slippers can be worn any time around the house, such as when getting out of the shower or before turning in for the night. Grab a pair of spa slippers to relax and relieve stress.
“I did not have three thousand pairs of shoes. I had one thousand and sixty.”
-Imelda Marcos
2009 | Fashion | No Comments »
Hair color is probably the most aging factor on our body. Grey hair, even when it’s pre-mature is aging. While some people’s gray or white hair may be attractive, it still reflects age. So coloring your hair will keep you young. But you must be careful how you color. Selecting a color that is too dark will age you. It is also better to have highlights rather than one overall color.
Since thinning hair is another sign of aging your hair care products should include a volumizer. Dry shampoo also makes hair appear thicker. And if you are coloring your hair, you need a shampoo formulated especially for color-treated hair. A hairstyle with fringe bangs will hide forehead wrinkles.
Don’t neglect your eyebrows. As we age, gravity takes its toll and anti-aging is basically a battle against gravity. From head to toe, back and front, everything sags. So you need to utilize every opportunity to lift. Eyebrows can help. So don’t pluck a thin line but do shape a subtle arch. The arch should not be extreme. Anti-aging is always subtle, never extreme. It is the combination of small subtleties that will produce the overall effect. Be just as careful with eye shadow. But do make up so that you call attention to your eyes as this takes the emphasis away from your face and wrinkles. Don’t overdo the mascara either. Overuse of mascara is aging. If your eyelashes are really thin, consider an eyelash transplant. They’re readily available from doctors who do facial rejuvenation.
Blush is another aging combatant. But don’t apply it to the apples of your cheeks any more. Instead, use it high across your cheekbones.
And finally, avoid dark lipsticks. Stick with pink or peachy shades. If your lips are thin try a gloss, as it tends to make lips look fuller.
2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »
Women with acne, sensitive skin, dry skin and oily skin may encounter problems with anti-aging creams and need to be very selective when choosing their skin care products.
For sensitive skin care, avoid using too many skin care products at once and be careful when exfoliating. Women with sensitive skin should test new products on their arms before trying them on their face.
Oily skin care becomes easier as you age because you lose less collagen so you don’t wrinkle as easily as women with dry skin. However, all women will have drier skin after menopause. Moisturizing needs to be part of all skin care regimens including oily skin care. Some women tend to think that if their skin is oily they don’t need to moisturize. But there is a difference between dry skin and de-hydrated skin. Dry skin is genetic but all skin types can de-hydrate. De-hydration causes the oxidative stress that produces the damaging free radicals that result in wrinkles.
For moisturizing, women who have acne should look for acne skin care products that contain silicone. The silicone helps the skin retain water. They also need to be more careful in selecting acne-fighting products, as many of these can be irritating. Everyone should always apply the moisturizer last after the other anti-aging skin care products otherwise it will block the absorption of the anti-aging creams. The best preventive device for wrinkling and spotting is sunscreen. You should look for a high SPF and 30 is minimum. Women who use a foundation will find that many foundations contain sunscreen but be sure to purchase one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Most cosmetic companies offer products for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin and acne prone skin.
All skin types need to find an anti-aging eye cream that is comfortable to wear as the skin around the eyes is very thin and prone to wrinkles.
2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »
1. The first step to healthy and beautiful skin is to remove all of the dead skin cells. A good face-washing scrub or just washing your face with soap and water will leave your skin feeling great.
2. Skin hydration is key. The next step to glowing skin is a fabulous moisturizer. Skipping the moisturizer can lead to dull and dry skin. Use an oil-free moisturizer if your skin is often oily. Another great tip is to grab a moisturizer that already has at least an SPF 15 to prevent that nasty sunburn. Using moisturizers that already contain SPF help if you forget to apply sunscreen to your face before going out in the sun.
3. Foundation comes next. If you do not want to apply foundation to your entire face, dot concealer on the places that need it the most such as on blemishes or to cover
discoloration. Less is more; Resist applying too much foundation. Before going out, check to see that there is no makeup line along the side of your jaw, where foundation was not rubbed in. Choosing a foundation that matches your skin tone also prevents this error.
4. Applying a good, loose powder will get you closer to a healthy glow. Apply powder lightly and not too heavy, so that you will not add years on to your skin.
5. Finish with a glowing face by adding some bronzer. Applying bronzer to the parts of your face that the sun hits gives you a natural look. If you would like, you can also use bronzer in the place of your blush and eye shadow.
Skin Tips:
~ Remember to remove your makeup before bed. If left on your face overnight, the products may cause skin irritation, clogged pores, and increase breakouts. Remove your makeup and finish with a gentle face wash to wakeup feeling refreshed.
~ Always apply sunscreen. Leaving your skin unprotected from the sun’s harsh UV rays may cause wrinkles and sun spots later on in life.
~ One way to look younger and happier is to reduce your stress. Take atleast one day off every week to pamper yourself with a relaxing day at home to relieve those little worries. Also, taking a deep breath when you are stressed out is said to help too.
~ Eat healthy foods. You are what you eat and your skin is a major part of you. Follow the food guide pyramid and lower your sugar intake.
~ Exercise helps firm and tone your skin. Set aside 30 minutes a day, 3 days a week to participate in some kind of physical activity.
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2009 | Skin Care | No Comments »
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