Heels to Die For

You probably think that that’s figurative – heels to die for. According to doctors, though, heels are something that could just about kill you. Ask the woman who is not used to wearing high heels. They’d probably agree without hesitation.

Think about those shoes that you love to death (no pun intended). Seriously think about them and how your feet feel after wearing them for a bit (not even for an hour). Forget the emotional aspect – you feel great because you look great in those shoes – but remember the physical pain.

That is precisely what doctors – podiatrists in particular – are saying:

“It’s partly why we have a job,” said Dr. Martin Alongi, a podiatrist at Beverly Hills Podiatrist in California.

“I just figure women in their 20s are going to do it. If they take care of their feet all the other time, most people can get away with it. There’s going to be an occasional person who injures themselves.”

So why are we continuing to wear high heels? Why do these heels keep getting higher and higher?

I suppose that you can answer that for yourself. It’s just the way it is. Never mind the pain and the risk of getting injured. Heels are sexy.

However, experts tell us that we do not have to suffer just to get the look we want. Heels don’t have to be six inches to look good, do they? Here’s something that you probably already know, but it’s a good reminder: wear what looks good and what makes you comfortable in ALL aspects.

Wear heels that will give you a look to die for, not a look that will kill you.

Summer Skin Is In

As the season changes so do our wardrobe. The one thing that stays constant year round and year after year is our skin. Whatever your fashion sense may be you can be sure that healthy looking skin is and always be in fashion. With summer already we can expect more skin to show so that it is even more important that we get to make it look its best.

Here are a few tips to make sure that you have skin that is summer ready:

Hydrate – There’s nothing worse than dry and tired looking skin. Keep yourself hydrated and drink lots of water to keep your skin looking fresh all day. It won’t only help your skin it will also ensure that you don’t get a heat stroke in this heat! Need a quick boost for your face? Keep a mister handy and spray some on your skin when you get too hot.

SPF – Choose products with the high SPFs. This goes not only for sunscreens but facial creams, lip gloss, and even your clothes. You can get great fashionable summer wear (from hats to dresses and shirts) with built in SPF online. Remember a great tan is really nice but better safe than sorry. SO wear sunscreen and don’t stay under the sun for too long.

Hair – A full body wax is one of the best ways to go if you want smooth looking skin this summer but if you just opt to shave make sure you do it the right way. Always use a good shaving lotion for your legs and I find that men’s razors usually give a closer shave for the legs.

Exfoliate – Get a glowing and smoother look by exfoliating your skin before heading out for the beach. Exfoliating several times a week will ensure a clearer skin. You can buy a body scrub or just use your very own homemade scrub. Top ingredients for making homemade exfoliating scrubs include oatmeal (good for dry skin), papaya (good for skin whitening), crushed almonds (not for sensitive skin), coffee (anti-cellulite and varicose veins), and table salt (detox properties).

Now that you know how to get that clear glowing skin, it’s time to put on your best bikini and head to the beach!

Can Hiking Jackets Be Fashionable?

Would you ever wear North Face jackets or any other hiking jacket as a fashion statement?

Outdoor jackets have been popular with hikers and people who enjoy walks outside for many years. Why? They are of course perfect at protecting you in any conditions, making them great for the British climate. However, outdoor jackets have also now become a fashion statement to the British public who do not actually intend on wearing the outdoor jackets for hiking in, oh no, they intend on wearing them as a fashion statement. I do not know how this came about but I do think that it is a very strange concept but if it is something that will evolve in to a much bigger trend remains to be seen. I sincerely hope not though!

This trend in wearing an outdoor jacket as a fashion jacket seems to be most popular within the teenage groups. I have seen an increasing amount of school children wearing their North Face, and Berghaus jackets. I have also witnessed children who appear to have worn the same outdoor jacket every day for about a year. Why, oh why is this popular at the moment?

You would never catch me dead wearing one of these jackets as a fashion statement? The biggest reason why I would not wear one of these jackets as a fashion statement is because they really are not fashionable at all!  I am a big fan of fashion and looking good in the clothing that I wear and it is beyond me how anyone thinks this looks good in a fashionable way. The majority are made up of horrible patterns and are usually only marginally better with the range of colours.

In addition to this, there is a certain group of youths who tend to wear outdoor hiking jackets as a fashionable item; some people may call them ‘chavs’. These particular groups of youths can use the design of these outdoor jackets to their advantage, as they usually have hign knecked collars which can be tightened so it can conceal every part of your face except for your eyes. Certain youths use this technique in a way to intimidate people and look threatening. A group of twenty youths stood on a corner with their hoods up, completely concealing their faces is not good for society as it can mean that they can commit felonies and avoid any punishment as they have no way of being identified.

So, if I did happen to think that these jackets looked attractive and would look good if I were to wear one as a fashion statement then I would still chose not to where one as I would not like to be associated with such a culture. I want to see these sorts of problems being removed from our streets and I would not be happy with myself if I were to encourage the popularity of this kind of fashion, and the kind of culture that sometimes goes along with it.

I really do not see how anybody in their right minds could wear these outdoor jackets a fashion statement. I am not denying that they are excellent jackets for hiking in and they look good when you go hiking but when you are in social town centres, it is just not the same. They do not look nice in any way and I really do hope that thi fashion trend ends, leaving these jackets to be worn as intended, hiking!

Advice for Petite Women

Naturally, petite woman have a desire to look tall, it is not just about the clothes they wear, but the posture they hold.However, for women a sure way to create an illusion of being a little taller is to wear strips going down, never across. In addition, a good trick is to wear quite light clothes, for instance chiffon or cotton material, so when they walk they do not feel so weighed down, and therefore tend to walk tall with their shoulders and head held high.

A round neck I have always felt makes you look shorter and a little plump, go for a V-neck, or even try the Kaftans style tops could work wonders.

A very simple light jacket, nothing with patterns on or to much detail, a lot of detail closes a person in, you want people to see you for you, not be hit with to much detail, it would just be to chaotic for your small frame.

Party Dress Tips

It’s time to dress up, ladies (and gentlemen)! If you’re one who normally prefers to dress “down” rather than “up”, you now have the perfect opportunity to show some sparkle by dressing up for all those parties and get-togethers in the coming weeks. And the simplest way? Through a good party dress.

Good things about The Dress:

1. You just throw it on – no need to worry about matching/coordinating as with separates.

2. There’s just something about wearing a dress that makes a woman feel instantly feminine and good all around (provided it fits well).

3. Dresses are easy to find and surprisingly cheap these days.

4. For even more penny pinching, use an old “Little Black Dress” and  simply glam it up by adding on some statement jewelry like some chunky jewelled cuffs or an interisting necklace. If you still don’t have that LBD wardrobe staple (shame on you!), do yourself a favour and buy one today. Try Top Shop for some cool LBD’s that will last years. H & M also has finds that will keep your Christmas budget lean and healthy.

5. Lastly, don’t forget good undies.  A good dress will look even more fabulous on you when you make the effort to wear the “streamlining” kind like shapewear. Its not cheap, but unless you are a pilates fanatic with  buns of steel, it is so worth the expense.

Are You Chic Enough For Colette?

On one of my research browses, I stumbled upon “Colette“.  The mouseover read “styledesignartfood”.  All things up my alley, so with trepidation I clicked.  I arrived at a white page, (after the annoying few seconds of “loading”), with a pulsating blue circle and very funky music which got my hips swaying even at 8 a.m. There is a mini music player, which has some very funky tunes indeed, making me feel like I needed some kind of cocktail in my hand was sitting in a very plush cushion, schmoozing with some extremely cool people (no doubt in Colette gear).

Colette is a concept boutique in Paris, which also has a flagship store in New York city. Named after the famous novelist (who wrote Gigi), the Paris store is strictly for the seriously chic Fashionista, who wouldnt be caught dead shopping at Printemps. Up and coming designers as well a smattering of uber-cool home furnishings and accessories, have found their way to Colette (as well as a very swish tea salon), and their website is a good place to source some of this coolness from the comfort of home.  Some items on the Fashion Hookup list:

Oakley X Colette Frogskins (only 100 pcs. in the world)

Little black dress with gold bow de Valentino by Alessandra Facchinetti

Tote Bag Stephano Pilati “I Love My Planet”

In Paris, Colette is at 213 rue Saint-Honoré 75001.  In NYC, 54th and 5th Avenue.

The Makeup Series (Part 5): Pucker Up!

In previous posts, we talked about preparing our skin, picking out the right foundation, as well as making those eyes look pretty. All of these things may seem quite complicated to the beginner, but what could be simpler than swiping on some color on those kissers?

Putting on a bit of lipstick is probably the fastest and easiest way to bring some color to one’s face. It can instantly brighten up one’s look, but that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to take it for granted. It can, after all, also be the fastest way to ruin one’s overall look. This is why you have got to pay some attention to your lips – because they’ll probably catch everyone else’s.

It all starts with lip care

First things first: Never apply lipstick to dry, flaky lips. Chances are, you’ll end up with a very feathered look, or the product won’t be distributed evenly. Avoid clumpy-looking lips by using a lip scuff and some moisturizer on dry lips. If you want, you can even make your own recipe from ground oatmeal and honey. Use this mixture to exfoliate your lips gently before rinsing off.

It’s also a good idea to have lip balm with you at all times. You can either go for the colorless variety or pick out one with some sheen or color. There are so many varieties out there, and in yummy flavors, too! It’s also a good idea to pick out one which provides sun protection. After all, your lips get exposed to the elements, too.

How to use lip liner and lipstick

Now comes the tricky part. Many women underestimate the importance of using lip liner with lipstick. While it isn’t always necessary, depending on the look you’re going for, it can certainly help define your lips and give you a more polished look.

It’s usually a good idea to use a liner which is a shade darker than the lipstick you intend to use. If you have full lips, draw an outline within the lip itself. Thin lips will be given an extra boost if you line just outside the lip, while still following the contour very carefully.

You can then apply the lipstick within the outline you’ve just drawn. I would recommend using a lip brush to do this, just to make sure that you have applied the product evenly and precisely. To keep the color on for a bit longer, blot with a piece of tissue paper then reapply the lipstick.

Essential colors

It’s always a good idea to have a number of choices for your lip color, so that changing your look becomes easier. A few neutral shades are necessary, especially for the day and while you are in the office. Regardless of what you think, though, your collection can never be complete without a few darker ones. At the very least, you MUST have a red lipstick. MAC’s MAC Red is perhaps one of the most classic colors ever, but go ahead and see which variant of red you like best. You’ll never know until you try them, so don’t be afraid to test anything from red-orange shades to plum and blood-red hues.

Next to the eyes, it’s probably the lips that will define your look the most when you wear makeup. Make sure you make a good impression, whether you’re caught pouting or showing off that gorgeous smile!

Photos via maccosmetics.com and eyeshadowlipstick.com

Scarves, Style, and Celebrities

I never thought of myself a scarf person. As a student living in Paris in the early 90′s, I sometimes donned the “cravat” look, tying an Hermes scarf (or one that looked like it) around my neck, above my navy blazer, complete with shoulder pads. Very 90′s Eurotrash. Since then, scarves have not been an essential in my wardrobe, except for when the weather dictated. Until a trip to Laos last month.

In Laos I discovered the most beautiful scarves. Gorgeous designs, intricate weaves, they were so many to choose from (at great prices), and best of all they were soft and wearable.  I went crazy in the Luang Prabang night market (a veritable treasure trove of scarves and embroidered linens) and came home with 10 scarves for me plus some for presents (which the recipients loved). What an amazing place that was.

But back to scarves. Since then, I’ve rarely been without my beloved scarves (great for all weather I’ve discovered since the sweltering heat of Laos).  I find that it completes my look and adds that little extra bit of style. Even my fashion-forward 6-year-old loves scarves, and I must say they look fab on her.

In Hollywood, scarves are almost a necessity (for the stylish at least), as seen on Nicole, Lindsay, Jessica et al. In fact, they’ve all been wearing them since last spring, by both men and women. There’s even been a book written about celebrities and their knitted scarves aptly called “Celebrity Scarves“, written by Abra Edelman. Aside from great photos of the celebs in their own creations (people like Daryl Hannah, Rosario Dawson, Eartha Kitt, Portia de Rossi and Parker Posey), it gives instructions on how to recreate the scarves yourself if you happen to be a knitter.

Image via ArtofCute

The Makeup Series (Part 4): Open Your Eyes!

When it comes to makeup application, perhaps the trickiest and understandably, the most intimidating, is eye makeup. Perhaps it is because of the limited space the eye area allows (which means you shouldn’t be making big mistakes), or maybe it’s the fact that there are so many products and colors that can be used for this area. It could also be because our eyelids and browbones are so different from each other’s, which makes it impossible to prescribe and employ just one technique for all the eyes of the world.

The thing is (and as cheesy as it may sound), the eyes are indeed the windows to one’s soul. When we look at someone’s face, the first thing we see is a pair of peepers looking right back at us. The eyes can speak volumes and say so much about a person, so this is why we should learn how to enhance them. In fact, the rest of the face can be completely bare, but if the eyes are striking enough, then the whole look is made.

Beginning with beautiful arches

Before even applying your makeup, make sure that your eyebrows have been properly groomed. Never underestimate the importance of beautiful eyebrows! If your arches are well-done, look neat and clean, and are shaped appropriately to the rest of your features, then you automatically look more attractive. Bushy unibrows can be somewhat scary, and sky-high, ultra-thin brows can make you look perpetually alarmed. Overplucked brows can also make you look years older, so go easy on the tweezers.

To make sure that you have the correct eyebrow shape, you can use the good old pencil trick which requires you to hold a pencil against the adge of your nose to help determine the length of the brow. However, I would personally recommend that you go to a professional brow architect at least once or twice before you attempt anything on your own. Then, you can start plucking on your own once the tiny hairs start growing out.

Now that you have nicely-shaped brows, you can make sure they look neat and manicured with the help of cosmetics. If you have full brows, you usually won’t need to use anything other than a brow gel to make sure everything stays in place. However, if there are some sparse areas or if your brows are not exactly of the same length, you will need to color these areas in. Even if you have black hair, it is usually not a very good idea to use the same shade for your brows. Try going a couple of shades lighter for a more natural and less severe appearance.

One of the easiest products to use is the e.l.f. Brow Kit. The tinted gel gives you the color you need while keeping everything where it should be. The powder helps set it and gives a clean and polished look.

Seeing in Full Color

Now as long as you have a guide to follow, the brows shouldn’t be that difficult. What happens when you get to the eyelids? This just might be the most challenging part of applying eye makeup. There are so many colors to choose from, so a lot of women don’t really know which colors to choose, how many to use at one time, and how to achieve the desired effect. Well, first of all, the secret to applying eyeshadow is blending. You don’t want to make it look as if you just plastered on some color. What you want is a subtle fade-out effect from the area closest to your eye going up to your browbone.

So, if you have a palette with you, use the lightest color fro your brow bone. Apply it just so it serves as a highlight. You can then use the darker shade on the eyelid. If you wish, you can apply an even darker shade just around the outer corners of your eye, or you can use this to outline the shape of the lid. Think you’re done? Not quite. Take a soft brush and use this to blend and soften the delineation between the darker and lighter colors.

The smoky eye is one of the most popular looks, but this doesn’t really work well during the day. Try to use lighter, more natural colors first, then simply layer on the darker, more dramatic shades right before you move on to your evening rendezvous.

Shimmery colors are great, but you will need some basic matte colors to make sure your look stays classic and clean. Bobbi Brown’s Day to Night Cool Eye Palette is a great choice! If you’re not so used to using eyeshadow yet, you can be sure that this set is a great one to start with. It will allow you to experiment with safer looks and eventually get bolder as you become more confident. It’s a must-have for those who already wear makeup all the time, too.

Opening up with eyeliner

Now, the eyes can easily get drowned out with eyeshadow, especially if you use a lot of light or shimmery colors. Make sure that your eyes still pop by using a good eyeliner.

I always say that eyeliner is one of my best friends. True enough, I rarely leave home without it. It can really make a difference between a sleepy look and one that appears fresher and more alert. As such, if you want to go for a really barefaced and natural look, you can get away with just a light foundation, lip gloss, and eyeliner.

Eyeliner comes in a variety of forms. You can choose pencil, liquid, or gel eyeliner. My personal preference is gel eyeliner, because I don’t have to sharpen anything, and it’s easier for me to apply than liquid eyeliner. There are some liquid eyeliners which get really runny, and it can be quite hard to cover up the mess. If you want to use a gel eyeliner though, you will have to get a special brush. Eyeliner brushes pick up the product better and give a more precise and defined look.

When you apply the product, start from the inside going out. You may have to use your other hand to stretch your eyelid out to help you draw a clean and even line. If you want to open up your eyes a bit more, just go a tiny bit beyond the edge of the eye to create an upward curve. Don’t go too far, though! Subtlety is still the standard here. If you want to use eyeliner under your eyes, do so sparingly to avoid looking too harsh. Apply the product along the waterline of your eye for a more striking look. To soften things up a bit, use a brush to apply a tiny amount of eyeshadow along the outline. Just try not to spread it out too much, or you might end up looking like a raccoon.

If you want to try using a gel eyeliner that glides on smoothly and gives a clean outline, try Makeup Forever’s Aqua Creamliner. The consistency is just right. Of course, it’s not a good idea to leave the jar open fro extended periods of time. Aside from exposing the product to contaminants, you are also drying it out and making it difficult to work with.

Go ahead and bat those lashes!

Last but not least, remember that nothing makes a girl look more mysterious than beautiful lashes. You can choose to get extensions, but if you’re not up for all of the maintenance that comes with these, then just use good mascara or put on the occasional falsie.

The first thing you should do is use an eyelash curler. There are some brands which heat up to hold the curl, but I wouldn’t really recommend those, especially since the eye area is very sensitive. Shu Uemura has a really nice curler with a sturdy rubber pad. You can use something like this – just remember to release the handle and not to pull on your lashes!

There are many mascara brands and types out there, so choose one based on the effect you need most. Do you need length, volume, curl, or all of these? Try to get a brand and type which is easy for you to handle. For instance, Shu Uemura’s Ultimate Expression Mascara is great for adding curl and volume, and since the brush is tilted, it is easier to handle.

On the other hand, if you don’t want any smudges or if you’re up for a more dramatic look, then try using false eyelashes instead. I’ve found these really useful during weddings and occasions which present the possibility for a bit of sentimentality. No mess! You can get full lashes or individual accents. Just apply the lash glue on to the edge, let it set for a few seconds, and, using tweezers, stick them on to the base of your real lashes. It may take some practice, but it’s worth it!

Shu Uemura has an entire line of amazing lashes in different colors and designs. For a natural look, go for their Flare Eyelashes. People will barely notice that you’re wearing falsies!

The eyes are certainly the most noticeable of all our facial features, so don’t try to hide them behind too much product. Use the tools you have properly, and then just allow those beauties to sparkle and shine!

The Makeup Series (Part 3): No More Flaws with Concealer

It may be because you are always in a rush and can’t be bothered to take this extra step, or it could just be because you’re not quite sure how to work with them, but you may be one of the many women who veer away from the use of concealers. Now unless you have incredibly luminous and flawless skin, you are missing out on something if you do not try adding a good concealer to your list of makeup essentials.

More often than not, we think that concealers are only useful for covering up obvious blemishes, such as pimple marks and redness. However, using a good concealer can also help hide the effects of those sleepless nights by diminishing dark circles under the eyes. This gives a fresh effect and helps avoid distracting raccoon eyes which can really take a lot away from the efforts you put into applying makeup on your face.

Just a dab goes a long way

One of the most important things to remember though, is that concealer can be your best friend or your absolute worst enemy. If applied incorrectly, it can make you look even more splotchy, which is exactly what you wanted to avoid in the first place. It is therefore important to use very little product with each application. You may want to use a concealer brush, as this picks up the right amount of product and is able to apply it precisely to the areas which need attention. An alternative, and one that I personally prefer, is the tip of your pinky finger. This is useful for blending, since your body heat helps incorporate the product more evenly.

If you are applying concealer underneath your eyes, start from the inner portion going out. Try not to use outward strokes, because it might spread the product unevenly. Instead, use a tiny amount each time and pat the area until the product has been well-blended into the skin. If you are using a cream product and intend to set it with a powder-based one, don’t wait too long, as the color may not come out very evenly.

If you are using a cream foundation, you can apply the concealer first and then layer the foundation over it. However, if you are using cake or liquid foundation, you will have to apply the concealer after. Personally, I always apply the concealer after foundation because I feel like I have more control over the evenness of the application and the final effect. I also don’t end up ponging or brushing away the concealer with my foundation.

Great concealer picks

The kind and consistency of concealer you buy will depend on your skin type as well as the kind of blemishes you intend to cover up. One of the most versatile buys is Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer Kit. The product blends well and keeps the skin adequately moisturized, which helps avoid caking. It also comes with pressed powder to allow you to set the product evenly and quickly.

Another crowd favorite is Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage. It covers up minor discolorations effectively.

Perhaps the most popular of them all, Yves Saint Laurent’s Touche Éclat is not really a concealer in the conventional sense. If you use it like a regular concealer, you might not be able to take advantage of its benefits. It actually works more like a highlighter as it brightens the face and erases dark circles and shadows, making your skin look even and giving you that beautiful glow.

There are many other brands and types for you to experiment with. Don’t be afraid of using concealers, but don’t try to “conceal” your entire face with the product, either! You may find that a tiny, almost invisible dab is all that you will need to perfect your look.

Photos via bobbibrowncosmetics.com, lauramercier.com, ysl-parfums.com