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Serenity Now, on a Budget

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:06:46 +0000

After a long, demanding day, we need to recharge ourselves. Quite like a battery, if you will. Candles and essential oils are both greatly reinvigorating. There isn’t any greater reward than in pampering yourself. A luxurious bubble bath and massage followed by a manicure and pedicure. What about slipping into your freshly washed bed sheets to read a delicious novel? These are all things that many women can do without having to spend an extra cent. It’s about rewarding yourself with the small gifts, pleasures and intoxications one yearns for most. Even saving a coveted episode of your favorite TV show on Tivo or DVD for just before bed, can be a reward in itself. How about setting your alarm clock in the morning an extra 10 minutes earlier, which will allow you to stay in bed reading or take that longer hot shower? On the infamous television series, Sex and the City, character Carrie Bradshaw enjoyed snacking on a stack of saltine crackers with grape jelly while reading Vogue magazine while standing in her kitchen. The next time you’re out and about and hearing how other women pay for Spas, facials and massages by a masseuse to relax … you can quietly smile to yourself as you remember about your own secret rituals waiting for you at home.

The Rules

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:04:27 +0000

1. Dress for your age group; dressing appropriately for your age is always the best rule. This doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with it, let it be elegant versus trendy.

2. Splurge on classic pieces; a black blazer, the skinny pant, a classic suit, the perfect pumps.

3. Black will never go out of style. Mix some into your wardrobe; for both night and everyday.

4. Don’t splurge on trends in small doses to “save money.” In the end you will only be ending up with a bunch of junk when you could have gotten yourself that one item you’ve always craved.

5. If you’re happy in what you’re in, you feel beautiful and like a million dollars, then that’s what matters the most.

6. Neutrals are your friend; always have some gray, navy and white to work with.

7. Make friends with a shoe cobbler, he will soon become your very favorite person.

8. Never settle on a bag, as she will be your key statement piece. It’s OK to splurge here.

9. White after Labor Day is a sin, unless it’s done with panache. You can wear white year round, just be careful when it comes to shoes.

10. Coco Chanel said it best, “Elegance is refusal.” Always keep this in mind when leaving the house and take off that one extra accessory. It’s better to be a touch underdressed than it is to be completely overdressed

Lipstick Language

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:01:03 +0000

Lipstick can help you to make a statement, set your own identity and even mold your beauty regimen. When it comes to the plethora of colors showcased in commercials and magazine ads, it’s a little hard deciding where to start and what to choose. This is where experimentation steps in, as it is a key part. You see, many celebrities are noticed for their choice of lip color. Madonna made dark burgundy popular in the 80’s, while Gwen Stefani and Christina Aguilera took over the red lip brigade in full stride. Even Marilyn Manson was able to make wearing black as your lip color du jour, an accepted favorite among the Gothic crowds. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and Diane Kruger brought the nude lip back. And the younger set; Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus and Lindsay Lohan created a sensation over the sparkly, glossy lip. When playing up your eyes, be it smokey or just plain black, it’s always best to keep the lips light and subtle, almost out of the way. Whereas when toying with a red lip or darker colour as in burgundy or wine and even black, the eyes shouldn’t be played up quite so much; as the entire focus will be set on the lips. Once you have found your perfect shade, you too will be noticed for that particular choice and might just start up a brand new trend.

Shimmer in Seconds

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:29:56 +0000

A fully made up face isn’t necessary for every single outing; especially if it’s in the daytime. This is where a slight shimmer can come in quite handy, whether in the form of a light bronzer, eye shadow, or lip gloss. Here the choices run a plenty and your decision can easily be made, as most every color will suit most every skin type and color. M.A.C, Clinique and N.Y.C. all run ad campaigns on their shining and shimmering lip glosses, eye shadows and bronzers. You don’t have to burn a hole in your pocket to achieve this look either. For a more tanned or olive skin tone, deep purples, dark browns and olive greens are always best for the eyes, while a terracotta orange is best for the cheeks. When playing to fairer skin, peachy pinks work wonders on cheeks and open endless possibilities for both light pastels and deep black for the eyes. If you go heavy on the eyes, the trick is to keep the rest of the face neutral and that includes your lips. A hardly there colored gloss is always a perfect match when trying to achieve this all over shimmery look. Remember we want a subtle and natural shimmer, not overdone and over the top. Keep these guidelines in mind, and you’ll wow any crowd the next time you’re out and about, ready to shine.

Skin Deep

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:48:37 +0000

The first step in applying the perfectly natural look is the base; the foundation. And choosing the right shade for you can get tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. With nationwide stores such as CVS and Walgreen’s, who either accept opened products with a full return policy or boast employees specializing in makeup consultation, you can’t go wrong. It’s such an important part of the equation; that it goes without saying how comfortable you will feel in splurging when you find the right brand and shade for you. Since it is the “base” of your look, the rest of your accompanying makeup doesn’t have to cost quite so much. The three key notes to keep in mind when heading out to your local drug store or department store are: knowing your skin type, considering your skin color and deciding whether you prefer liquid or powder. There’s also the option of either going with a moisturized finish for that glow, or a matte finish, for that classic look. Whatever your choice, picking the color suited best to you, will do wonders when choosing your outfit, complement just about any hairstyle, and seamlessly mesh with any other makeup you choose to mix in. Have fun and always keep in mind that the world’s best kept beauty secret is remembering to smile.

Fringe on a Binge?

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 02:18:55 +0000

It looks like a chain reaction has begun among the celebrity assembly. It’s beginning to catch up with the designers, the influencers and the impressionable crowds as well. A fringe benefit that is. Accenting everything- from handmade bags, dangly earrings and structured hats- to soft soled shoes and even multicolored vests. Ashley Tisdale of High School Musical fame, and Lauren Conrad, of MTV’s The Hills, have been given short Uggs decorated in this same fringe. Both have been seen tooling around town in them. The upside twinkle to this trend? The fact that this look can go with most anything, whether paired casually to a pair of skinny jeans or cut off denim shorts, to a minidress and jacket combination. For those on the more conservative side, who might be weary of making such a standout statement, there are still subtle ways of carrying out this look. Accessorize. How about a pair of earrings? Or a fringed clutch? There’s even the idea of a handmade bag. There are a plethora of choices, yet one for each and every one of us. Have fun deciding before finally settling with one; or two. Do remember to have this in mind, whenever working with fringe, try keeping the rest of your pieces simple, you wouldn’t want too much going on all at once, then the fringe wouldn’t be able to shine through!

Blondes taking the Dark Route

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:23:35 +0000

It seems as if Hollywood has been taken over by the dark side. The darker side of hair, that is. More and more beach blonde California girls, or so as they are often termed, by those outside of the Hollywood circle, are looking to darker hues to jazz up their look. They say that blondes have more fun, but it seems that the brunettes get all the boys. Not to mention the attention. The infamous strawberry blonde Lindsay Lohan spent a few months in brunette locks. How about Britney Spears and her Onyx Hotel Tour in brunette? And we can’t forget when Cameron Diaz went dark. What are you waiting for? Come on over to the fun side. We’re sitting here, patiently waiting to accept you into our clique with open arms.

Facial Washing: 101

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:18:51 +0000

A beginner’s guide on how to go about getting that perfectly, clean and smooth face. Never use soap! Always lather first. And don’t forget to use mildly warm water. This will help to open the pores for a proper cleansing. The most highly recommended products are: Clearasil and Noxema as well as Neutrogena- who specialize in producing facial cleansers marketed to both the adult and teen spectrums; which also include products targeted to both men and women. Once finished, remember to rinse with cool water, as this process will help to close your pores and block out any impending bacteria.

Pretty in Platforms

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 02:22:39 +0000

Every girl I know has always had that single wish; to be taller. Thankfully, a wish is no longer necessary now that platforms have landed back on the scene and are here to help. The best part being the easy way of pairing them to a simple, short dress as much as they can comfortably paired with tailored pants or denim pants; be it wide or skinny leg. Arriving in an array of colors, heights and designs; there’s one style for every single girl’s particular taste and desire. Imagine yourself stepping into a candy shop, except this is a much more delicious treat! Why not dig in?

How to Begin the New Year with New Style

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:10:55 +0000

It’s time ladies, to go through that wardrobe, toss what you haven’t worn in over a year and donate it to charity or a resale shop. Take the earned cash and splurge on the three essentials for 2009; a tailored jacket, sleek slim cigarette pants, and a bauble or two. This year will be all about a clean, concise look; something that both appeals and flatters every body type. When choosing the right pant, decide carefully, the end result should include the accurate tone, fit and length for you. The tailored jacket shouldn’t be boxy, instead search for an hourglass grazing fit. And when it comes to those baubles, shiny pretty things are back; choose sleek lines, go for classic embellishments and don’t forget that the bigger the better; when it comes to purchasing that perfect cocktail pinky ring. Accessories always have a way of jazzing things up. Cheers!