Gucci? Pucci? Dukki?

The decision between buying an original and a fake implies that one actually has the power or financial clout to buy a designer handbag if they wish. There are some times during the year when this is true. In the January sales quite a few designer bags are reduced to the price of ordinary top-end, high-quality non-designer handbags and so are affordable. There is also birthday time when payouts from various relatives mean a big cash injection that one can blow on a designer bag. In these circumstances (because they occur so infrequently) one can be forgiven for having that ‘must get’ attitude.

Splashing out on a signature designer handbag is a good feeling. Especially as it’s been a year since you bought your last one. This bag will help define your fashion year and has the power of making you look like your worth a few bob. Carrying round a £1000 Gucci bag gives one an air of respect and perhaps an illusion of financial security to others at the office, on the train or even at the dentist’s. In short, for a women, it is the secret to happiness…..

Fake handbags do not quite carry that same air. If they are obvious fakes, they make the owner look like someone who does not care for accuracy or proper fashion accessories. This is in varying degrees depending on the age of the owner. For a teenager, one can be proud that they are aware of the importance of good-looking handbags at such an early age, despite having a small budget.

For grown women, fake handbags are simply unattractive. Carrying round a Pucci handbag or worse Dukki handbag (as I saw yesterday on the bus) does not look good. Save up and spend or stretch the budget to a better looking fake. Better still, buy a non-branded handbag.

The Essential Nail Color Palette for Spring

While it may still be chilly where you live, there’s no doubt that Spring will be here before we know it. That means only one thing: It’s time to gear up for a change of wardrobe and of course, nail color!

Fall and Winter saw us painting on some pretty luxurious shades of caramel and darker jewels. These were excellent for driving away the cold and getting us to feel all warm and festive for the holidays. For Spring, however, these may be just a tad too overwhelming. For a brighter and lighter feel, you might want to think of transitioning from the darker, richer shades to those which resemble candied almonds and Easter eggs. It’s time for a change!

In Full Bloom

Spring is all about color bursting forth from the earth. Get into a brighter and more cheerful mood by painting on some sweet pastels and bright pinks. If you can pull it off, you might even want to combine colors or use different shades for a bit of nail art!

Remember how we told you all about the Color of the Year for 2011? Well, this season, you can certainly be in fashion by picking out a honeysuckle polish. OPI’s Flower to Flower comes very close to this year’s most happening hue.

For something a bit more subdued, Orly’s Chantilly Peach makes a great substitute. It gives just the right sort of gloss with a bit of sweetness. It’s a really good option for those who want to wear a bright color without being too loud.

On the other hand, Essie’s French Affair, which is a mix between lavender and pink, adds just a bit of mystery without losing the playful vibe of the season.

For a refreshing, citrusy boost of color, there’s Lemon Fizz by China Glaze. What’s great about this color is that it suits a lot of skin tones, because it’s bright enough to look alive, but the shade isn’t too dark so as to make it look gaudy. If you want to channel the energy of the first bit of Spring sunshine, this is a great color for you.

Chilling Out

If pink is not your thing, but you still want to go for something light and playful enough for the season, why not go for blues and greens in their more pastel hues? For instance, OPI’s Breathe Life is a silvery-blue polish. It’s a great color to wear if you’re going for a light, airy vibe.

Another cool shade to wear is mint green. Re-fresh Mint by China Glaze is definitely the way to go for those who like this color. It’s the best shade for those who’d like to welcome the green of Spring without succumbing to a grass-stained look.

Sophisticated Classics

Of course, there are just some colors that never go out of fashion, regardless of the season. Even as you go out and get those pretty pastels, make sure you still have a couple of bottles of the indispensables. Nudes and reds just look beautiful and classy, period. If you want a relatively neutral color that still suits your Spring mood, check out Essie’s Sand Tropez.

To distinguish from the deeper, more jewel-toned reds that were all the hit during Fall, try to go for a brighter shade of red with the tiniest hint of orange. Orly’s Haute Red might do just the trick.

Changing your nail color is one of the easiest, most effective ways to change your look and mood. In the coming season, make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to liven up your appearance by experimenting with some new colors. More importantly, don’t forget to have fun and flash those new nails with confidence!

Photos via orlybeauty.com, nailtechsupply.com, naildepot.ca, harpersbazaar.com, and essie.com

Winter Beauty Tips

It’s STILL winter and don’t we all know it! I know most of you are probably yearning for some place sunny and warm, but hey, if you can’t do anything about it, so be it. Did you know, though, that your beauty routine should be adjusted to the winter weather? Here are some tips that can help you look fantastic despite the cold.

Don’t go easy on lotions and creams. The winter months are bad for the skin in that the cold dries it up even more. As such, don’t hesitate to use more lotion or facial cream than you normally would. Moisturize, moisturize, and moisturize some more.

Don’t forget your sunblock. But it’s winter, right? Yeah, but that doesn’t mean that the sun is not emitting UV rays – that’s something that doesn’t disappear. So when you’re going outside, don’t forget to put on some protection.

Don’t forget your lips. Your lips are probably chapped because of the cold. I know mine are – that is if I don’t use lip moisturizer or balm regularly. In case your lips do get chapped, use an exfoliant to get rid of the chap. You can make one at home using brown sugar and olive oil (or honey if you wish).

Don’t give up on a glowing look. It’s winter and you think you look like a pale fish. You just might be right but that doesn’t mean that you have to go on looking like one. Put foundation on. Better yet, mix some highlighter in with your liquid foundation – you’ll see a world of difference!

Victoria Beckham’s Inspiration: The Brit School Teacher (From the Archives)

I suppose it makes sense when you think about it, with those pencil skirts, high-heeled stilettos and trademark tight-lipped facial expression.  Posh Spice once claimed that she never even owned a pair of flats, but was busted this summer when she was caught in flip-flops at Disneyland. Far from dressing like a relaxed Californian since her move to the States, Victoria has gone the other way, dressing more un-laid back like ever before in tailored, tight pieces that scream “uncomfortable”.

When asked about this change in style,  the Essex-born Victoria told Company Magazine in an article out this week:

“It hasn’t, not at all. I am very British in my style. Think school teacher…..I love pencil skirts and fitted blouses, classic cut dresses and well fitted jeans mixed with classic tailoring.”

Hmmm. Having lived in the UK, I can honestly say that most British girls are actually some of the most relaxed dressers I know, bordering on the scruffy, especially if they spend a lot of time in the Country. Victoria, I believe has a style of her own, purely made for the pages of the tabloids.  Why the woman sold 400,000 copies of her book on fashion, The Extra Half an Inch is completely beyond me. The Guardian newspaper sums it up rather perfectly.  Here’s a bit of it:

I have no qualifications to write this book; that’s why I’ve got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I’d like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They’ve both got far too many calories.

My own inspirations come from Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and Giacometti sculpture, but this book is not my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It’s my last chance to cash in on what remains of my fame before David retires.

I am grateful for the possibility of being close to Victoria’s credit card” – Roberto Cavalli.

Going Beyond Your Average Flip-Flop

Now I don’t have anything against flip-flops. I have a few pairs of Havaianas, and I must say that I do love the comfort that these give me. I am never without a pair when I go to the beach.

Still, there are times ordinary flip-flops just don’t seem to go that well with a get-up. If you’re wearing a skirt or a stylish top, you might want to go for slightly more sophisticated footwear. The good news is that you don’t have to give up comfort to pull this off. A pair of Oka b. shoes might be just the thing you need.

Oka b. has been around for a few years now. It was released by the footwear company Okabashi in 2005 with the objective of combining the therapeutic effects of reflexology with a fun but elegant kind of fashion. As such, their thongs, slip-ons, and mules, which are made from a special rubbery material called Microplast, are specially shaped to stimulate key pressure points on the soles of one’s feet.

So all of this might sound good, but you may be wondering about the designs. After all, there are some women who will gladly give up comfort for fashion. The great thing about Oka b. is that it comes in wide range of designs, from the simple to the outlandish, quirky to classy. Each design also comes in a variety of colors, so you can easily find a pair to match your outfit. Personally, I like wearing Oka b. thongs while I’m lounging at the beach, because the pairs I have go so well with my sarongs.

In addition to their fabulous flats, they also have a line of shoes with a bit of heel. Petite ladies will love these because they can enjoy some added height without having to suffer all day. These can also be worn with a variety of outfits without looking out of place. People won’t even think you’re wearing rubber slippers!

I’ve been wearing Oka b. footwear for a few years now, but I just found out recently that they have a wedding collection, too! If you’re having a beach or garden wedding, you might not last until the end of the night wearing a pair of stilletos. If I were to have a beach wedding, I would definitely go for something like this. The bonus is that you can wear it over and over with other outfits.

You can also pick up a pair for your boyfriend, brother, or dad. Their men’s collection may not be very extensive, but there are a couple of versatile styles that also provide the benefit of comfort and instant reflexology.

For more designs, you can check out their website at www.shoesthatloveyou.com. I’m betting that you’ll love them back.

Ice Cream And Fashion (From the Archives)

What have ice cream and fashion got to do with each other? You might not have heard about it, but in the Philippines, a recently concluded fashion show highlighted “angelic” creations inspired by one of the best comfort foods around the world – ice cream.

Dubbed “Heaven by Nestle Ice Cream presents Premier C,” the fashion show featured some of the most popular designers in the country. Those familiar with the Philippine fashion scene will recognize names such as Arnold Galang, Dita Sandico-Ong, Enrico Carado, Happy Andrada, Tina Daniac, Raoul Ramirez for ESAC, and Lyle Ibañez for ESAC Plus.

I have to say that Nestle does have some delectable ice cream flavors, and they chose their premium flavors to serve as the theme for the show: Belgian Bliss, Strawberry Dream, and Vanilla Secret. Obviously, Belgian Bliss is all about chocolate – as rich as you can get; Strawberry Dream greets your mouth with a burst of fruity flavor; and Vanilla Secret brings a new twist to the ordinary vanilla ice cream with caramel and almonds.

So how did the designers infuse these flavors into their creations? Short of using ice cream on the designs themselves – though I know some people who just might NOT mind this – the artists chose to follow the individual themes of each flavor. Belgian Bliss equals sensual yet sophisticated; Strawberry Bliss equals fresh, fun, and feminine; Vanilla equals elegantly classic.

The theme may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it does make for an interesting small talk topic.

From the Archives: Holiday Shopping: The Dressy Pump

These days it all seems to be about the impending holidays, from my friends’ dreading opening the “Christmas List” on Facebook, to stores and malls already decked out in Christmas displays, to signs everywhere telling me its time to shop, shop, SHOP!  Not that I need my arm twisted to do the latter, but it’s a fact of the holidays, and the sooner you start, the less overwhelming the season becomes.

So let’s start with footwear.  Whatever the occasion, be it a party for the office, with friends or a romantic rendezvous, a new pair of shoes will do wonders to put you in the festive mood.  Normally, the word dressy comes to mind, and we all know that dressy usually equals = heels. Yes, we all feel sexier in them, but I’d say that the average woman, would most welcome a break from them – but only if the affair does not entail having to wear a long gown.

Flats, or should I say, “dressy pumps” are perfectly acceptable for all your December affairs, provided they are dressed up with the required sparkly embellishments that scream “holiday season”. Take these oh-so-pretty silver be-jewelled flats ($100) from Zara pictured above.  Unless you’re truly vertically challenged, they should take you through most of the season in relative comfort and safety (think slippery, wet roads due to climate change), and the object of envy from your friends and colleagues in their sexy but pain-inducing (and expensive) golden Jimmy Choo heels. Or for a more flirty look, I’d go for these sweet pink sequined Kate Spades, on sale from $275 to $165 at ShopBop.

While dressy thongs are okay in the summer months, I’d stay clear of them in the holiday season, whether or not you live in a warm climate. I just feel too much foot doesn’t work this time of the year, in the evenings at least.

Its Sale Season! 5 Quick Tips For Serious Shoppers

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – yes, ladies, it’s Sale Season!! If you’re a serious shopper (and bargain hunter) like me, it’s time to get some real damage done (as in credit card- but remember, its a bargain!),  and hopefully set yourself up with some terrific pieces for the year ahead.

Here are 5 tips to get the best deals and have a blast doing it:

1. Be An Early Bird – The cardinal rule in shopping, whether it be for a designer sample sale or at your farmers market for organic veg.  My sister, who works nights, does her grocery shopping at 7pm and always ends up with the lousy produce.  Duh? If shopping for shoes especially, the size 7 and 8′s are gone in a flash if you aren’t early. So set that alarm early ladies, it pays.

2. Make Time – You need time and patience to do a good shop. Trust me, a frenzied trip to a sale on your lunch break is not a good idea.  Clear your schedule for a couple of hours of good, solid shopping time. And do go through the items with patience, no matter how haphazard presentation may be – remember, amidst the polyester there may be some cashmere.

3. Grab as You Go- When scouring a sale, grab items that take your fancy, then edit later.  If you hesitate and think that you can “come back for it later”, chances are it will be gone.

4. Dress Appropriately – Yes, you should always look stylish, but when I’m on a serious shopping trip I like to dress for ease in the changing room.  A pair of tight, skinny jeans, for example, is a nightmare to take on and off in the changing room, as are shirts with too many buttons or other fiddly bits. You want an outfit that is easy to throw on and off when trying on multiple items of clothing.

5. Be Resourceful -Be friendly to sales staff at your favourite shops and they are likely to keep you in the know – when new sales stock is coming in, what may be hidden in the stockroom etc.  Online is also a good place to hunt for bargains when you just can’t face the crowds any longer.  Some good options are:

Designer Warehouse Sales

Shop Bop

Secret Sales

Laugh Your Way To A Healthy Look

You may wear the most fashionable of clothes, buy the most expensive accessories, and generally have the most attention-catching ensemble; but this doesn’t mean anything if you look all stressed and worn out. In my mind, a healthy look is the foundation of the true fashionista. Forget the washed out look that some people have been going after. Go for the healthy glow that no other look can beat.

But what if you’re way too stressed at work? What if you don’t get much sleep at night? How can you get a head start on chasing the effects of stress away?

Take the doc’s advice: laugh more, look better.

Laughter has short term benefits. It stimulates our organs, thanks to the increased intake of oxygen. It also increases the endorphins released by the brain – these are chemicals which make us happy. When we laugh, we also soothe the tension in our muscles, generally making us feel better.

Of course, it also has long term benefits. Researchers say that laughter may improve our immune system. How so? Laughter releases “good” chemicals, like the endorphins mentioned above and neuropeptides. In the long run, these may help boost the immune system. Laughter also relieves pain, improves confidence, and gives an overall sense of satisfaction.

Combine all these things together and you will definitely have a look that no designer clothing, shiny bling, and colorful make up can emulate. That, my friends, is what will set you apart.

Fashion Tips For THE Interview

So you’re looking to moving on up in the corporate ladder. It may be an interview within the same company you currently work for, but for a higher position; or it may be an interview for a totally different employer. It doesn’t matter. What you should pay attention to, in addition to your CV and interview replies, is your appearance.

Yes, it is illegal to base employment decisions on appearances, but no one can deny that how it plays a large role in some cases. Here are some tips that you should bear in mind when preparing for that interview.

First rule: never underestimate the impact that looks have. This is basically what I was getting at in the previous paragraph. Never mind that it’s not written anywhere. Never mind that it’s unfair. If you look the part, you just might have an edge.

Aim for a polished, commanding look. Employers look for the confident person. They prefer employees who come across as people who can get the job done. I am sure you are the best person for that job, but do other people know it? Having that “person-who’s-got-it-together” look will help.

Pay attention to the details. You may love that pair of scuffed shoes – the scuffs may have some sentimental or lucky value – but potential employers will only see that as a reflection of your character, and trust me, it may not be all that positive!

Last, dress for the position you are applying for. Do not make the mistake of dressing for your current position. Remember, it’s all in what you project.