Casey's blog

The simple truth is cameras are everywhere. And just because we live in a day and age of camera phones does not mean that we are all experts at being photoed. Even the celebrities need tips on how to put their best foot forward.

Tip number one? Put a big mirror on the wall. Then find your pose. This can be fun if you let it be and then you are not winging it when the next photo op arises. To take it a step further, have someone who loves you spend about an hour just taking pictures of you. Then you can see what is hot and what isn't.

Still need help? Practice your smile. Using that same mirror, or the one in the bathroom if you are a little shy, to test out smiles and head positions. And remember that if you look slightly up it is a very flattering angle, especially for women. Now keep practicing until it feel natural.

Now, what to wear? Quite simply get rid of anything that is not your hue, no matter how trendy, you never know when you will end up on Facebook. In other word dress to impress and you are in the clear. You do not have to pull out all the stops all the time; just make an effort, always.

With these three very simple things you should be able to take a fabulous picture anywhere and anytime. You can't always have your hair and make-up perfect or have on your best dress, but you can position your body, break out that radiant smile, and dress to flatter yourself. Say, “Cheese!”

Whether you've been together ten days or ten years Valentine's day is too frequently a huge pull on all your creativity and your resources. The stress created in the name of love is unbelievable! And no matter where you look, everything is the same. The perfect gift can seem so elusive.

But fortunately, celebrating your love can not be done simply by giving a present. The thought behind the gift is just as important, if not more. I know, pressure! But don't worry, here are a few suggestions that are sure to get you going in the right direction.

Listen to your significant other. They may be dropping hints about what they really want; all you have to do is be listening. For example, he or she may like the cologne or perfume but the tickets to the game or concert are perfect. So, stay off the promotional isle and put some thought into it.

For some of us chocolate is a must. And in this case the cliched gift is okay, just do not buy the cheap ones at the drugstore. But even better, go for something special.. Personally, there is no better choice than a Sprinkles cupcake. Find your sprinkles; visit a chocolatier.

If the traditional choice of jewelry is in the cards, then make it romantic and sweet. One of the best ways to do this is with an engraving. Maybe a pet name or an inside joke that makes you both smile. The point here is to be sincere and memorable.

This one may be touchy, but lingerie does not have to be just sexy. It can be comfortable, too. Men and women alike should consider what it is like to wear the garment... then choose. This doesn't mean that sex appeal is out, just follow the golden rule. Hint: cottons are good.

If you have been together a little longer it may be time for a makeover. Not you; the bedroom. Perhaps a new set of sheets, the more luxurious the better, or some fresh flowers with an intoxicating aroma. Your imagination is the limit here.

Regardless of what you choose be thoughtful and imaginative, plan ahead, and go with you instincts. As long as you use your partner as a gauge, not mass marketing, you will do just fine. After all, the best gifts are the ones that keep you thinking of the one who gave them to you.

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.

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.

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.