Going in to 2010 and longing for Spring
Time to take a look at our closets and transition once again. There are some styles that can carryover from winter and others that you still have time to shop for. Hot off the runway; here a few that you definitely will be seeing and most likely wearing in the season to come.
First, our colors pallets remain mostly neutral and clean; especially in the case of dresses. So, keep it basic because the pared-down look is still in. When out shopping remember that pinks and browns are flattering on almost everyone and are easy to coordinate. All you have to do is layer up and utilize multiple shades and hues for variety. Neutral can be fun.
When the warmer days are peeking on us, peek-a-boo styles are hot. Exposed flesh, from cutouts to lace,is a designer favorite both on the runway and in main street fashion alike. If you want to keep the look tame, go with a slit or lace accents. For the bold at heart, mesh gives a sexy peek no matter where it is. The point here is to be bare somewhere.
Metallic is also making a reappearance. From accessories to garments this glittery trend is everywhere! While definitely opposite of the pleasingly soft neutrals, these sparkling shinys of disco are fun and sexy. No matter how you do it shimmer and glitter add light to your wardrobe and your day.
If you are one to go for the different or daring then feathers should be your new thing. They can be found in all textures and colors for a playful and exotic look. Just don't over do it. There is a difference between taking part in a hot new trend and a fantastic carnival. A feathered hair accessory or hat decoration could be just the right touch.
For a more comfortable approach go back to school, so to speak. The stores will be packed with knee socks, preppy stripes, gym clothes, and blazers. This is one of those trends that should be embraced with moderation in most cases. Try a cotton sweater with your fav jeans or knee high socks with a great skirt. Mix and match all your best pieces for the endless closet.
Now look at what you have, decide what you need, and factor in what you want. All the basics still apply and there are really only a few things to remember; tone down the color, don't be afraid of skin, or shimmer, and it is okay to be comfortable and chic. Its not only a new season ahead of us, but a whole new year, have fun and dress well.
Happy New Year
Sun nien fai lok
Gung hay fat choy
Xin nian yu kuai
Godt Nytår
Gelukkig nieuwjaar
Aide shoma mobarak
Bonne année
Aith-bhliain Fe Nhaise Dhuit
Gutes Neues Jahr
Hauoli Makahiki Hou
Shanah tovah
Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab
elamat Tahun Baru
Buon Capo d'Anno
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu
Maligayang Bagong Taon
Szczesliwego Nowego roku
Feliz ano novo
La Multi Ani
S Novym Godom
Feliz Año Nuevo
Wilujeng Tahun Baru
Gott Nytt År
Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
The end is near
New Year's Eve is a time to celebrate new beginnings. A successful New Year's celebration wouldn't be complete without good food, festive cocktails, friends, family. See ya next year!
I love my scarves
Cashmere, Knit, square, etc.. When it comes to scarves, there are so many choices out there. And to complicate matters, each style requires a different trick to tying! To get to the bottom of scarf tying, here are some quick tips to wrap up your look.
Classic is always a contender. You can't go wrong with old school glam when it comes to silk and satin scarves. Wrap the scarf around your neck, leaving one end in the front and the other in the back. Now you have an elegant and timeless look.
And simple is another favorite. There are many ways to go, but I love to use a wide and sheer scarf, like a cashmere number, as a cover up. It may look slightly askew, but that is good. The end result is sexy and sophisticated.
Square is hot. This style is named for the shape of its scarf and will work only with squares. Simply fold the square into a triangle and stretch the triangle in front of your neck. The triangle should be upside down and pointing downward. Then wrap the ends around the back of your neck; ends in front.
Go boho by wrapping the scarf around your neck loose and draping open. Just stretch the fabric in front of your neck, around the back, and let each end hang in the front. Your done. And this style is so chic with patterned scarves.
Need some warmth? Wrap the scarf around your neck and go around as many times as you can. The ends tuck underneath when your done for a cozy accessory. This style looks great with dressy jackets and blazers because the scarf won't cover collar details.
And ideal for any cool day is the "when in doubt" of scarf tying. Bring the ends of your scarf together and fold it in half. Drape the folded scarf around the back of your neck and let each end hang in front. Then find the loop of the fold and pull the other end through it. Chic, sleek and ready to go.
Last, and maybe the best tip of all, pair any scarf in your wardrobe with your favorite over-sized bag for flair or to you best ladylike handbag for an edge. Just a simple knot at the scarf's center will do just fine. Where to hang in is all up to you and your own personal tastes.
Hair Care
Along with a blast of cool invigorating air outside comes dry indoor heat. These happen to be two of the top enemies for your luscious looking hair! The only thing that is worse is the chemical damage coloring and perming will cause. But, you do not have to hide your hair under a wool hat this winter.
This type of damage is avoidable with a key item and a simple daily plan. Flyaway hair can be tamed with a simple touch of leave in conditioner. Certain fabrics create static charges when rubbed against our locks; leave in conditioners neutralize the static before it even have time to appear. So, think ahead.
Taking care of your hair is just as important as caring for your face. After all, it is at eye level and one of the first things that people notice about you. Pamper your hair and it will reward you with a noticeable bounce, beautiful shine, and look that anyone one would envy.
Picture Perfect
Isn't it a shame when we have gone to great efforts with our hair, makeup, and outfit just to realize afterward that we have taken a horrible pictures. Maybe you were slouching, your face was shiny, or out of nowhere you have a double chin! Regardless, that special picture is not so special now. The up side to all this is that there are simple tips that many photographers use that you can benefit from, too. So, get those dusty frames ready; you are going to need them.
First, is posture. Just stand with your feet 45 degrees away from the camera and then turn towards it. That is how you get that slimming effect to your profile; all the celebs do it. Another angle is to stand with your back to the camera and look over your shoulder towards it. That is the extremely flattering one that you see all over he red carpet if you look closely. And if you are worried about your arms just hold them slightly away from your body. This works really well on side pics.
Next, make sure to hold your head right, and I do not mean the direction. Stretch out and elongate your neck while holding your chin down. Your eyes will pop out and that pesky double chin will disappear. And under hot lights or in a warm room make sure to powder your nose or use a tissue to dab away excess oil. Now you have less shine than the light you are working with, and that is a good thing.
Finally, accentuate your best feature. If you have gorgeous shoulders wear a strappy or sleeveless top. Fabulous skin? Try a deep neckline or interesting back. The point is to think about what suits you best and then feel great in it! And don't think that the clothes make the picture... you still have to be you. Laugh, dance to the music, and let the picture catch your total beauty. Then revel in the sight. After all, you look great.
Cold feet
For those of you who are still out there freezing your feet off, it is time to ditch those flip flops til next summer! True, tights can be a great way to carry your summer shoes into the fall, but it does not work on thongs or in the snow.
Take the plunge and buy a couple cute pairs of boots, flats, etc. with closed toes. Neutral shades help to compliment and complete your winter wardrobe in the right way and without stressing the budget. So, have fun and pick up som warm socks while you are out.
For those of you who are still shopping for the holidays
YOU ARE RUNNING OUT OF
TIME!!!
Curly comeback
Curly hair is a blessing; it just seems that most of those who are blessed just do not see it that way. But stop and look at it this way, you can get the largest array of looks with less money spent. Not a bad deal in the current economy.
So, cut those curls loose and try to maintain some control for style's sake. Curls have made a comebacks time and again, but making them look good is where the secret lies. So, all you need to do is work what comes naturally and remain in control.
The more you touch your root, the frizzier your hair can get. The tangling and blow-drying is enough stress to keep your curly locks a mess for a while. So, just don't do it. Use a diffuser as opposed to a blow dryer, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and monthly deep conditioning treatments.
If your hair is naturally curly, be careful with hair color; especially blond shades. Stripping your hair of its natural color to go lighter hues makes it dry, and your curls will turn limp. Highlighting might be a better route to go and will really add volume to your look.
And keep in mind that most damage is done when your hair is wet. Use a big toothed comb and some type of conditioning sealer to protect against split ends. Also, remember to have a cut at least once a year. Your stylist is your friend and will keep you up to date with the hottest, easiest to wear style.
Sharpen your mind
If you have put your mind on pause for the holidays you are in trouble if you don't snap out of it. Here is a little something to help keep you sharp. Find the ten words hidden in the grid. They can be read horizontally, vertically, or diagonally; backward or forward; up or down. The same letter can be used in several different words.
HINT: the theme is food.
Good Luck 
Gray scale
Gray is not the drab, unhappy color that it so frequently gets pegged as. Gone are the days of the affiliation with Eeyore; now gray closely follows black in popularity and was used in many designer threads this year. With its ability to exude an expectant nature, independence, and self-assurance gray is here to stay.
Gray is not just one shade. It is timeless, practical, solid, and available in a wide array of hues that range from that of dark pavement, to earthy, and even light gray tones. Yet another variation is the metallic grays that are oh so hot. When it comes to the sparkling effect silver goes great with other colors and as an accent.
A shot of white can make your outfit just right
It's an old-school rule that you shouldn't wear white after Labor Day, but in our newfound fashion freedom we can now choose to wear light colors in cooler weather.
The little black dress is such a staple that it is no wonder that the little white dress could be its neighbor in your closet. After all, the right shade of winter white is flattering on everyone. It looks so rich.
When it comes to pants, pair them with a jewel-tone or chocolate brown sweater. With wool or denim you can't go wrong. And a blazer or leather boots finishes it off.
Or you could go with a black turtleneck, cute flats, and chunky jewelry. Either way, white is necessary to make the look. Just remember that tighter is not better and to wear nude undies.
For the more subtle, a shot of white, like a turtleneck under a sweater, has a slimming effect just like black and vertical lines. And mixing a few tones of white in the same outfit is also chic.
Put your back into it!
Good posture not only improves your health, but your overall appearance,too. Once you improve and maintain your posture while sitting, standing, and lying down you will not go back to slouching. There is that big of a difference in your silhouette. Here's how to get started...
First, choose a chair with firm cushions and a high back. Sit with your hips as far against the back of the chair as you can, and with your knees level with your hips or just a little lower. If needed put a round cushion, towel, or sweater between the small of your back and the chair for extra support.
Then make sure to stand with your knees slightly bent and your shoulders relaxed. Line up your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. For proper posture they have to be in a straight line while standing. This might be a hard one to do all the time, but most of the time is better that not at all.
Finally, sleep on a firm mattress that provides back support. Try to lay on your back with your legs straight or with a pillow under your knees. If you prefer to sleep on your side, keep your legs bent, with the top leg straighter than the bottom one. Use a pillow between your legs to help. Sweet dreams.
