Savvy Style: Holiday Must-Haves

By Chaton Anderson ~

Stylish Gifts That Won’t Be Re-Gifted
Here we are again—scrambling to find the perfect gift, the one that makes you look just like the superwoman you are. We’re making it easy this year by giving you some ideas that are unique and show just the right amount of thought. You might even find something for yourself—you know you deserve it!

For the Stylish Yogi

Yogahitch
Your favorite yogi will love this imaginative and practical gift! Invented by mompreneur Alycia Denham, this innovative yoga product gives you a stylish and efficient way to carry your mat around. Available in a vibrant range of colors and cool collections with names like Zen, Now and Couture, this ideal yoga accessory can also be used as a towel, cushion or for stretching. www.YogaHitch.com

For the Indulgent One

Lumnique Scented Candles
These are not just any candles—these babies provide unique, customized touches that set your gift apart from the rest. Each of Lumnique’s scented candles are personalized, tailored, and hand-poured for an individual purpose that you decide upon. You can choose its color and fragrance, and tie each one to a special meaning or “intention.” The site’s cool online shop lets you build the candle from scratch, or choose from an array of cleverly formulated holiday specialties, such as “Let it Snow,” “Silent Night,” “Gingerbread Man,” or “Mistletoe Glow,” among others. There’s even a Chanukah blend called “Graceful Light.” A stellar way to truly convey the thought you’ve put into someone’s gift. www.Lumnique.com


For the Health-Conscious

House of Balsamic’s Aged Bottles of Balsamic Vinegar
Skip the bottle of wine or bubbly this year in lieu of a bottle of aged balsamic vinegar.  Only 100 families in the world are approved to formulate “traditional” Balsamic Vinegars from Modena, so these creations by House of Balsamic make for a rare and amazing gift. Go big with a bottle aged for 100 years in century-old barrels, with notes of wood, tobacco and fruits. The simplest drizzle transforms a meal into a masterpiece and effects incredible health benefits. Also available in 12, 25, 50 and 80-year old bottles, each with an exquisite, full-bodied taste and velvety texture. www.HouseofBalsamic.com.

For the Beauty Queen

Philosophy Holiday Greetings Set Holiday Greetings Set
Philosophy’s products deliver great results and feel absolutely decadent! This year, they’ve got a great set of holiday treats for the hair, body, and lips, inspired by holiday cookies. This trio includes a yummy smelling, moisturizing Brown Butter Cookie Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath, a luxuriously hydrating Coconut Macaroon Body Lotion, and uber glossy Pink Frosted Cookie Lip Shine. We’re hungry just thinking about it. www.Philosophy.com

CND’s Almond SpaManicure Snuggle Set
This awesome package contains deliciously scented Almond Hydrating lotion, a bottle of renowned SolarOil nail and cuticle conditioner, plus a pair of buttery soft toeless socks for those chilly winter pedicures. The perfect treat to undo the damage from all the baking, gift wrapping and tree trimming the holidays bring about. CND also has a really cool Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Gift Duo that includes body wash and lotion in a seasonal Sparkling Champagne fragrance that almost gives you a buzz. The gift set includes a handy purse hook to keep one’s handbag within reach.  www.CND.com.


For the Plastic Surgery Addict

Ultimate Facercise DVD
It may be too late for Heidi Montag, but anti-aging expert Carole Maggio can still save the rest of us from frozen foreheads, overfilled cheeks and that oh-so-surprised look. Maggio took her original set of synergistic facial exercises up a notch with her new Ultimate Facercise DVD. The DVD offers 13 fine-tuned facial exercises that offer quick ways to fight gravity while toning and firming your pretty face, as well as an 8 Minute Super Set for those days when you’re at the mercy of time. The DVD set includes one instructional DVD and one CD, a second CD with the 8 Minute Super Set and Travel Cards so you can stick to your regimen during that next vacation or business trip. www.Facercise.com.

For the Intelligentsia

Dannijo iPad and iPhone Cases

Give your favorite geek a stylish twist with Dannijo’s savvy and psychedelic iPad cases. These trippy prints are overlaid on fitted, organic canvases that garner street cred with the stoner set while keeping gear safe. www.Dannijo.com

Pop Culture Pencils

Quirky pencils with funny comments that ask all those questions you always wanted to. You know the ones, like “Why It’s Time for Lost to End” or “Why You Should Be Thanking Me” and so on. Perfect for the pop culture aficionado. www.GreenwichLetterPress.com


For the Domestic Diva

Fire Water Fondue Tower
This sleek and luscious creation is absolutely droolworthy, perfect for any chocolate lover. It’s a sexy way to sweeten up a party, date or girl’s night in—complete with a candle holder to melt the goods, two fondue bowls, two fondue forks, and a recipe card to give you some guidance. www.MaxBrenner.com

Doughnut Maker
Forget toasters and waffle irons. This kitschy appliance is super cute and yields five cakey doughnuts in just five minutes. www.Sunbeam.com


Chaton Anderson is a Writer and Filmmaker, a certified Trainer and Fitness expert, as well as a product and pop culture addict. She is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. E-mail her at Chaton@FusionIntegrated.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Smart Spa Secrets to Scoring Spa Deals

In need of a little “me time,” though think a spa visit is out of reach? Wise up and Get Spa Smart with time-tested
tips on finding the best deals around. Spa & wellness expert Mindy Terry pulls from her 18 years of creating award-winning
spas to offer fresh ideas that will keep you from stressing over finding stress relief.

“With just a little homework, it’s simple and cost-effective to pay attention to your personal wellness,” said Terry. “The spa
industry takes the stress out of focusing on wellness by offering treatments, products and experiences that educate on
how to be the ‘best you’ after you leave the spa.”

As the President of Creative Spa Concepts, Terry has created treatments and programming for many of the world’s
leading spas. She has done the research and invites you to Get Spa Smart by tapping into the Seven Get Spa Smart
Secrets:

• Hometown Advantage – Score a discount at your favorite spa just by living in the same area code! Ask for
local’s discounts at day spas, hotels and resorts in your town and make a day out of your experience by taking
advantage of all the amenities. Keep in mind the deal may be limited to slower days of the week, typically
Monday-Thursday

• Buy in Bulk – Buy several services up front and receive a price break. For example, Red Door Spas offer 10
percent savings when six services are purchased or free services when a certain number of treatments are
bought. Get Spa Smart by scheduling all your treatments in advance to keep your wellness routine on track

• Be True to Your Spa – The next time you make an appointment, ask about loyalty rewards programs. You can
benefit from special discounts developed for the very best guests. Just like a rewards program at a restaurant or
retail store, you earn points with each visit or product purchase

• Chain Gang – With locations throughout the United States, businesses such as Facelogic and Massage Envy
offer membership programs where you receive a service every month, build them up or even transfer them. No
frills here, but if you are worried about your wallet, it’s a great way to spa on a budget

• Super-deep Discounts – For those super-savvy spenders, visit your local massage or aesthetic schools. You
won’t get the plush robe, soothing tea or tranquil environment, but you will get one-hour massages and facials for
as low as $25. At the time of booking, simply request students who have the “greatest number of hours” in order
to work with therapists with the most experience

• Be a Spa Detective – Pick the spas you’ve been dreaming about visiting and follow their public relations team on
Twitter. Not sure how to find them? Do some detective work by visiting the spa’s web site and looking in their
press room. To uncover more deals, search for the hash tags #giveaway or #contest on Twitter

• Web Sites for Spa Lovers – Add spa web sites to your daily reading to stay up-to-date on the latest trends,
treatments and products. We love www.Spa-Addicts.com, www.SpaFinder.com, www.SpaWeek.com and
www.Wahanda.com. Be sure to also sign up for e-mail alerts and follow these sites on Facebook and Twitter to
score the best offers

About Mindy Terry
Based in Atlanta, Mindy Terry is the President and Founder of Creative Spa Concepts. Pulling from her 18 years of
experience in the spa and wellness industries, Terry is a respected presenter and educator for her diverse expertise in the spa industry. In addition to leading Creative Spa Concepts, Terry is also a licensed cosmetologist, aesthetician, yoga instructor and certified infant massage instructor. You are invited to read more on www.creativespaconcepts.com.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Fall Style Musts

By Chaton Anderson  ~

Fall is here and it’s the perfect time to get back to your studies—of all the best new must-haves. There’s summer damage to undo, new stressors to combat and preparations for the holidays coming up quick. This month, we’ve got some great new tools to keep you looking and feeling your best through the end of the year.
Must Have
The Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System

If you haven’t tried Clarisonic’s skin care system, you’ve at least heard of it by now. The amazing results were enough to motivate me try their newest antiaging tool, the Clarisonic Opal. If that’s not enough for you, maybe Demi Moore’s rave reviews will get you amped enough to try it—and she’s not a paid spokesperson. Any product she deems antiaging is something I’ll try. At first, I was a little intimidated by the tiny device, but it’s easy to master and takes only one minute to use. The Opal uses sonic technology to deliver Clarisonic’s Anti-Aging Sea Serum to the eye area, immediately improving its appearance. It micro-massages your skin to hydrate, smooth and brighten while targeting puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. Skin feels firmer and more elastic, and best of all, the results are cumulative. Crow’s feet, watch out!

Must Read
YOU: Being Beautiful. Understand the connection between eating a healthy diet and beauty, by Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen.
Written by Oprah’s medical gurus, this book is a cool guide that offers a holistic approach to beauty, health and confidence. It’s packed with the latest information and research on what it means and takes to feel, look and be more beautiful. The book is not just about how to better care for your hair, skin, nails and teeth—it goes deeper by giving you tools to truly assess your aesthetic image of yourself and inspires you to take control of your life so that you can tap into your inner beauty and project it externally.

Must Do
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the perfect time to treat yourself to a thermographic breast screening with Pink Image. This painless, non-invasive, cutting-edge technique uses the highest resolution, infrared camera available to detect potentially cancerous tissue six to ten years earlier than mammograms. This enables the detection of cancerous tissue at such an early stage that it can be treated with alternative, less harmful methods than those with full-blown diagnoses. Pink Image is radiation-free and safe for pregnant women, nursing mothers, women with implants, fibroids and dense breasts, and is the only breast screening available for women ages 25-39. Best of all, the cost is extremely affordable—most clinics charge less than $200.
This service is literally revolutionizing the fight against breast cancer.  Visit www.MyPinkImage.com or call 619.723.8769 for more information and to find a screening location near you.

Must Go
If you live in Los Angeles county, another must for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the Spreading Pink Fundraiser taking place on Wednesday, October 27 from 8 to 11 pm at Café Boogaloo in Hermosa Beach. Sponsored by Three Olives Vodka, Lure Events, South Bay Events and Café Boogaloo, the event will feature the up-and-coming band, Chewbatcha, a vodka tasting, auction and more! Don’t miss the opportunity to spread awareness of Spreading Pink, which provides breast screenings through Pink Image to those who are unemployed or living in a low-income household. Café Boogaloo is an awesome New Orleans-themed bar located at 1238 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. www.SpreadingPink.org.

Must Eat
Young lifestyle brand House of Balsamic has an amazing product that lets you take your salad to the next level—in taste and in nutritional value. Saporolio (http://www.houseofbalsamic.com/store/oil/saporolio) is an alternative to your old school dressing—a unique blend of extra virgin olive oil and Saporoso balsamic vinegar, with a touch of Sicilian salt, makes for a palate-pleasing condiment that is perfect for raw vegetables and salads. Drizzle it on your caprese salad for a to-die-for flavor twist and a sophisticated touch. www.houseofbalsamic.com.

Must Indulge
Organic Fiji Pineapple Coconut Nourishing Lotion For Face & Body
This scrumptious, nourishing lotion with Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil blends plant extracts and essential oils to soothe and moisturize your skin. It absorbs beautifully and has a delicious, tropical aroma of Pineapple and Coconut that will make you wax nostalgic for island vacations. While on vacation in Fiji, company founder Bob Rogers discovered the island’s essential ingredient at an organic coconut plantation that burns the coconut husks to provide a clean, sustainable, and environmentally friendly source of energy for its surrounding communities. After witnessing the amazing properties of coconut oil and social responsibility of the plantation, Bob knew he had to share this Fijian Island secret with the rest of the world. We’re so glad that he did!  www.OrganicFiji.com.

Chaton Anderson is a Writer and the Publicity Director for TheSavvyGal.com. A product and pop culture addict, she is always looking for the coolest, hippest things on the market, as well as the newest health and fitness trends to hit the scene. E-mail her at Chaton@thesavvygal.com with questions or leads on products and services on the cutting edge.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: 7 Tips to Start Your Best Body Now

by Tosca Reno with Stacy Baker ~

Because I’m in the spotlight and in front of the cameras so often, readers often ask how I manage to look so young. While great food and fitness habits are fundamental to looking youthful and radiant, we can all use a few tweaks to our routine.

1) PURGE YOUR COSMETIC BAG, DRAWERS AND CLOSETS. Old makeup can be contaminated with bacteria. Throw out opened products more than a year old — or three months for mascara. Most skin care products, such as night creams and sunscreen, have an expiration date on the packaging.

2) CARRY YOUR ESSENTIALS. Carol keeps her five basics in her bathroom, purse, travel bag and gym tote so she can easily transform in five minutes or less. Even just a swipe of gloss or mascara midday can rejuvenate how you look and feel. I buy duplicates of these five basics and stash one set in my purse, one in my home and one at the office.

3) FIND AN ARTIST. Carol recommends using the resources around you, which includes finding an expert at a beauty store or spa in your area. She can work with you to help you use products you have or teach you to apply what you’ve bought. All you need is one session and then you can go back seasonally for updates on new products, techniques, brushes or shades.

4) START WITH WHAT YOU KNOW. Most women have colors that resonate with them. If you’re more comfortable with peach tones, start there because you’re more likely to stick with a routine you’re confident with. Also, rid your cosmetic bag of shades that no longer work for your skin tone or lifestyle. You can explore new shades or products once you’re into a regular beauty habit you like.

5) INVEST IN A GOOD PALETTE. Many brands design their makeup palettes with the idea that the eye shadow and blush colors can be mixed and matched together for easy and coordinated application. Find one palette you like and experiment with the shades — it’s a great place to start to feel more comfortable with trying new colors or techniques.

6) PERFECT A SMOKY EYE. Even though the smoky eye you see in movies and on television and in magazines seems unattainable, it can be really simple to do — and it’s a great way to feel sexy at any age. It’s easiest to start with a palette because your highlighter, lid shades and contour shades are all included. All you’ll need in addition is liner and mascara. The easy how-to:
Apply the lightest highlighter shade from brow to lash to create a canvas.
Use the middle shade — whether smoke, taupe, brown or gray — over the eyelid, then blend it into the crease softly and then toward the outer corner. Softly wing out to elongate the eye.
Smudge the darkest shade from halfway on the lid to the outer corner and out at the edge to add depth and darkness.
Use the dark shade to smudge under lower lashes as liner.

Line top lash line with black liner and smudge. Finish with mascara and light peach, pink, or nude lips

7) FIND THE PERFECT NATURAL LIP COLOR. Look for liners and lipsticks in colors no deeper than a shade darker than your own for the quintessential natural look. Carol loves this look with the smoky eye in the evenings, and it works for day when you need a touch of color.

The above is an excerpt from the book Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way by Tosca Reno with Stacy Baker. The above excerpt is a digitally scanned reproduction of text from print. Although this excerpt has been proofread, occasional errors may appear due to the scanning process. Please refer to the finished book for accuracy. Copyright © 2010 Tosca Reno with Stacy Baker, authors of Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way.

Author Bios ~
Tosca Reno, B.Sc., B.Ed., author of Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way, is the bestselling author of the Eat-Clean Diet® book franchise, which has sold over a million copies worldwide. A magazine columnist and fitness model, she has spent the past decade putting her principle of health, fitness and wellness in motion in her own life, and sharing her proven plans with readers through her books, regular columns in Oxygen and Clean Eating® magazines and media appearances. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Extra and The Doctors, among others. Visit her at www.ToscaReno.com and www.EatCleanDiet.com.

Stacy Baker, co-author of Your Best Body Now: Look and Feel Fabulous at Any Age the Eat-Clean Way, is a health and fitness writer whose work has appeared in publications such as Self, Shape, Fitness, InStyle, Women’s Health, Family Circle, Prevention and more.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: The Mane Event ~ Eight Hair-Care Myths Debunked

By: Allison Ford

They say a woman’s hair is her crowning glory, and boy, do we take that to heart. Women spend inordinate amounts of time and energy washing, styling, and caring for their hair (and let’s be honest—men do, too), all for the sake of keeping it shiny, healthy, and manageable. Like many areas of modern life, there’s plenty of advice and chatter on how to handle your hair better, faster, and more easily. There’s bound to be some folklore out there, like these points of hair-care “wisdom” sprinkled in with the facts.

Myth 1: Brushing one hundred strokes per night makes hair healthy and shiny.
At one point in hair-care history, someone thought that excessive brushing stimulated blood circulation, prompting lazy hair follicles to work extra hard. The truth is that although individual strands of hair are fairly strong, brushing more than necessary is much more likely to cause excessive breakage and damage than to leave you with thicker, shinier hair. This is especially true if you use a brush with plastic bristles, which can catch and snag. Natural-bristle brushes (like those with boar bristles) can distribute beneficial oils from the root to the ends of the hair shaft. But no matter what kind of combing implement you use, you should leave your hair alone once the snarls and tangles are gone.

Myth 2: Prenatal vitamins help hair grow longer.
Although some women swear by them, there’s no evidence to suggest prenatal vitamins are particularly helpful for hair growth. Hair does grow longer and thicker during pregnancy, but that’s because of higher hormone levels, not because of the vitamins themselves. Vitamins can be helpful for people experiencing poor hair growth due to a vitamin deficiency, but in those instances, a regular multivitamin or an iron supplement will perform just as well as the prenatal variety.

Myth 3: Male-pattern baldness is passed down by the mother.
Baldness isn’t just mom’s fault. Conventional wisdom holds that a man’s baldness is determined by his maternal grandfather, but it’s actually much more complicated than that. The gene for androgenic alopecia, as it’s formally called, can be inherited from either parent. It is true, however, that the X chromosome, passed down by the mother, is the most important determining factor as to whether or not baldness will actually develop. Both men and women can inherit the gene for baldness, but men are more likely to express it, in the same way that they’re more likely to express legitimate X-linked disorders like hemophilia and color blindness. Since they don’t have another copy of the X chromosome to cancel out abnormalities, they’re stuck with whatever gene is on their single X.

Myth 4: You can restore damaged hair back to health.
All hair is dead, and unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about it. Once hair emerges from its follicle, it has no biochemical activity, no nervous tissue, and no pain receptors. There is no way to magically heal or restore hair that’s been damaged by chemicals or rough handling. The only solutions are to use products that artificially add moisture and mask the damaged texture or to cut if off completely.

Myth 5: It’s dangerous to use hair dye during pregnancy.
This concern stems more from the noxious fumes associated with hair dye than with the small amount of dye actually absorbed through the scalp. Pregnant women should always consult their doctors, but there’s no scientific evidence that coloring hair during pregnancy will adversely affect an unborn baby. Even the March of Dimes assures women that there’s virtually no increased risk. However, to take extra precautions, most experts advise cautious moms-to-be to wait until after the first trimester to start dyeing again. When they do, they should always use gloves, should only use the recommended amount of dye, and should do the dyeing in a well-ventilated room.

Myth 6: A cold rinse keeps hair shiny and frizz-free.
Contrary to popular belief, giving freshly washed hair a final rinse with cool water does not seal the cuticle, keep it shiny, or prevent frizziness. Cold water can temporarily help the hair’s cuticle to lay flatter, but the effect instantly wears off after towel-drying, blow-drying, or intense styling. The only thing a cold-water rinse is good for is a morning pick-me-up.

Myth 7: Shaving hair makes it grow back thicker.
Some misguided moms even resort to shaving their infants’ heads in the hope that the hair that grows back will be thicker and fuller. In reality, shaving doesn’t affect the quality or texture of the hair, according to dermatologists at the Mayo Clinic. Shaving acts on the hair shaft (which, of course, is dead to begin with), not the follicle. Whether it’s on the head or the legs, hair that’s growing back may seem coarser, thicker, or more noticeable, but it’s not.

Myth 8: You can train your hair.
Unfortunately, if you’re the owner of a noticeable cowlick or natural part, you’re stuck with it. No amount of styling, fixing, or cementing hair into a different orientation will ever make it grow that way. Hair follicles lay in different orientations all over the scalp, and whatever pattern you’re born with is what you’ll have to live with.

Nowadays, anyone with a computer and the software to build a Web site can market him- or herself as an expert and dispense advice to the masses, but a healthy dose of skepticism is still the antidote for misinformation. A dermatologist or trichologist (hair doctor) can help you understand your hair and determine the best way to treat it. Their first piece of advice? Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.

By Allison Ford. Originally published at www.DivineCaroline.com.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Dressing for Your Body Type

By:  Oreet Mizrahi, AICI FLC ~

How many times did you look at yourself in a mirror and think: “If only…?”

”If only I could increase, decrease, erase, or maybe replace some parts of my body, only then I could be well dressed and look great!” Well, you don’t need to think this way any more. No matter what size, shape or age you are, you can look great instantly.

Choosing clothes that are flattering to your body type is the best way to look great. If you do not pay attention to your body type nor know what it is, the result can be poorly assembled outfits that do not make you look your best.

These tips will equip you to choose the right clothing for you in particular. You’ll be able to dress to flatter your body type easily, rather than staring into a mirror and feeling miserable.

Bring Out Your Assets

No matter how many flaws you have or think you have, you also have assets. The best way to look great is to downplay your body flaws and accentuate your assets. For example, if you have great legs, but are a little heavy in the hips, opt for a slender skirt in a darker color to minimize your hips and still show off your nice legs.

Likewise, if you have a good chest and a not so great stomach . . . use a plunging neckline to show off your asset and distract from your little bulge. Find ways to draw attention to your best parts and you’ll find that you look and feel better.

Use Color to Change Shape

Your body is probably not perfect – not many are. But a little color goes a long way toward creating the look you want. Dark colors slim, while light colors tend to expand, and bright colors draw attention. Use this to your advantage. If you have a pear-shaped body, with wide hips and a narrow top, try using dark-colored pants with a light top to balance things out. A bright scarf will draw attention away from the wider hips. This color principle will help you choose clothing to create the perfect look.

Find Flattering Cuts

When choosing pants, look for a cut that will enhance and balance your body type. A small waist and hips look great with tapered pant legs, while a large bottom can be slimmed by choosing a flared skirt or boot cut pants. Likewise, a crisscross or ruffled top will enhance a small chest by adding more bulk, while a plain shirt with only darts will look great on a larger chest. Peasant shirts, which are more flowing, flatter a smaller torso and fitted tops look better on larger women.

Use Accessories to Your Advantage

Accessories can be your best friend. Not only do they help distract from areas you don’t want people noticing, they can really add flair to your wardrobe and help you make your clothes look better on. For example, if you are quite tall and want to look a little shorter, a wide belt can help create that illusion by providing a “cutting” line at your waist, which stops the eye. When the eye can move the length of the body without interruption, this creates the illusion of length, so it stands to reason that a belt that creates an interruption would cause the body to appear shorter.

Knowing how to choose clothes that enhance your body type will result in a boost in confidence. You’ll end up wearing outfits that look excellent on your body and leave you feeling great. The best way to get started is to use the above guidelines to get rid of any clothing that doesn’t suit your body type and then hit the stores to find something that does suit you. Once you have learned to dress according to your body type to hide your flaws and show off your assets, you will look your best. There will be no more wondering which parts of your body you need to erase or replace.  You will look well-dressed and proportioned, even if you’re not blessed with the perfect body.

Author Bio:

Oreet Mizrahi, AICI FLC, is the owner and president of Oreet Mizrahi International Image Consultant. As a body image and appearance expert, she has earned herself an expert reputation world wide. Visit her at www.mizrahiimage.com.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Hair Accessories 101

By: Fatima Spencer ~

Fashion accessories are a woman’s best friend, whether they are earrings, matching shoes, or hair clips to compliment her style. The great thing about hair accessories is that they provide an easy way to keep hair in place, AND they are also a great way to spruce up a simple hairstyle. There are many types of hair accessories on the market, but finding something that fits you, or a certain occasion can be a bit difficult. Here are a few popular styles of hair accessories and ways to wear them:

Headbands are very popular among women of all ages. For a chic look, a simple headband with vivid colors can add a vibrant touch to the hair and they are great for keeping hair away from the face on hot and sticky days. These types of headbands work for everyday wear and there’s a wide variety from which to choose. The plastic headbands with the “teeth” on the underside hold to thick and thin hair very well. The teeth keep the headband in place, which is a plus for women who have trouble keeping accessories from falling out of their hair. Stretchy headbands are great for holding hair in place as well. You will also find cotton-lined headbands that look great on kids, but work well for teen women when adorned with sophisticated decorations, such as flowers or gems. No matter what style of headband, more neutral colors with mature adornments, such as small silk roses, crystals, or metallic shine are perfect for special occasions, or a night out on the town.

Hair clips are another fun way to hold hair in place wherever security is needed. Simple decorated hair clips add a sophisticated finishing touch to any ensemble. Flower hair clips are popular for special occasions, such as weddings, while hair clips are ideal for long hairstyles, too. Wear them along the sides of long bangs to keep them in place. Hair clips can be easily hidden underneath the hair, which can be a great alternative to using hair gels and sprays. To accomplish this look, simply fasten down the hair around the face that you wish to secure, and let the remaining hair loose to cover the clips.

Hair combs are essentials for women who love to wear tightly held up-dos, such as the French bun.  Hair combs make it easy to hold the up-do together. That being said, hair combs work best in thicker hair. An elaborate hair comb, decorated with crystals, or flowers, can add a very classy and delicate touch to these types of hairstyles and they can also be worn around the crown of the head for a classic “tiara” style look. Like the hair clips, transparent hair combs can easily be concealed, for a flawless and classic style.

Hairpins are another essential for most hairstyles. There are countless styles of hairpins on the market today, but hairpins, or bobbies, are simple hair accessories that can easily be hidden due to their small size. They are great for achieving classic hairstyles such as the donut, messy ponytail, and the bun. Like the hair combs, hairpins are great for up-dos. Bobbies are also popular to wear with long hairstyles. Like the hair clips, tight hairpins can be used to hold hair down while adding a simple touch to the style. A more popular trend of hairpin has been the flower-decorated style, which can be worn to hold hair in place with an exotic look.

About the Author:

Fatima Spencer is a student at Xavier University. She owns Flowers From Fatima, a line of classic floral hair and fashion accessories for all occasions. Her designs have been showcased in numerous blogs and events across the country, including Cincinnati’s local Goddess Night Out and Cincy Chic.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Say No to The “Muffin-Top”

Check out this video for tips on finding pants that eliminate the dreaded “muffin-top.”

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Where to Save vs. Where to Splurge

~ Photo Credit: Nico Malvaldi ~

By: Katharine Polk, Stylist ~

Fashion can get excessive and expensive … and that’s a statement coming from a Stylist! There are definitely places where you can skip on the designer item and buy the chic key pieces that wont break the bank. Your closet should be filled with accessories that can transform everyday looks into new outfits.  Add these few key pieces and you’ll never run out of ideas!  My style consists of combining the staples that are classic such as Converse all Stars; they never go out of style and are always great to combine with a chic designer bag and a summer dress. Here are five things you need this season to help you transform your closet so you will always look stylish and never like anyone else! You wont need another thing all year if you shop by these five rules:

VINTAGE

SAVE

This is always a great place to start shopping, especially for revitalizing your summer wardrobe or for a quick closet update. I’m a sucker for vintage summer dresses, kaftans, and tunics. They are incredible buys when you can find them for under $25. It might take a little time and some sorting through racks, but my favorite part is that no one else is wearing your dress! I usually end up taking a lot of my VINTAGE finds to my favorite seamstress and having her tweak the garment to make it current and perfectly fitted.  Vintage plus some alterations create the perfect fitting, one-of-a-kind garment.

FIORINITINI & BAKER ELI BOOTS

SPLURGE

These are my go-to, all season motorcycle boot — I wear them with summer dresses (long and short) and leather pants in the Fall. They look amazing with everything. If you are having one of those days, throw on your Eli’s with skinny jeans and a white T. These are worth the splurge and the annual re-soling. They will set you back about $500.

THE BAG

SPLURGE

You should always invest in a good black everyday, classic designer bag.  I would suggest one that is a little different so you’re not walking around as a fashion clone with the same bag as everyone else. When picking a bag you want to make sure that it is versatile and it easily goes from day to evening. A couple of bags I recommend are the FENDI Selleria Hobo and the YSL Muse or Easy styles in Black Leather. They are classic styles that are chic and eye catching.

Stay away from bags with big logos and designer names splattered all about.  Remember, you are not a billboard! Your bag should be eye catching, not screaming out “look at me!”

SAVE

On the other hand…there are also ways to SAVE when shopping for a bag. Funny enough, it is easier to get away with inexpensive lines when choosing a bigger bag.  You can get a cute canvas bag at H&M or a street vendor. This is where you can add some color and have fun. Again, stay away from a big logo spread across your bag. Simple is best.

LEATHER JACKET

SPLURGE

As a stylist, I look for quality and construction first when I shop for clothing. That said, my go-to leather jacket is Rick Owens. He has made himself famous for his silky smooth leather, A-symmetrical cuts, shawl collars, and fabric inserted stretch sleeves which make for an unbelievable and scrumptious fit. His Jackets are un-rivaled.

SAVE

If you decide not to spend a few months pay on a Rick Owens, you still have options! Other designers have developed their own chic, affordable leather jackets. You can find these at varying price points from $400-1200 at designers like All Saints, Vince, Paul and Joe.

Good luck and remember every girl should have one of these jackets to wear to dinner or a meeting, with a summer dress, or jeans and a T-shirt. It’s a closet must!

HEELS

SPLURGE

When it comes to shoes you can only get so far with saving! Real design and great style comes with a price. Throughout this article I have kept the styles very classic and simple and the splurges have been “investments” not impulse trend buys. The same goes for these shoes.

Here are some styles that will remain classic and wearable for many seasons to come. These are also interchangeable from spring to fall.

One of my favorite shoe designers is Casadei. Although they are a major SPLURGE item, I feel they make the best evening shoes and platforms.

As you begin shopping for the Fall season, remember that sometimes it is worth the splurge for a long-term key piece like the quality Designer Bag.  Trends switch frequently, but these five items adapt to most styles, can be worn year round and are classic.  Its key to pick great accessories to keep your wardrobe updated. It’s essential to have a wardrobe that can go from day to evening and be flexible.  Your new inexpensive scarf can transform your old two-year-old LBD to a completely new look!  Enjoy shopping this season and think of these tips when you are trying to determine whether to lean designer versus H&M.

About Katharine Polk:

Talented celebrity stylist, Katharine Polk, is an expert in all things fashion.  As a former designer for Badgley Mischka and a regular at NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (as creative director), Ms. Polk has experience spanning all areas of this glitzy and glamorous industry. Her work has been featured in Vogue, Glamour, InStyle, Elle, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, among others and she has styled for photo shoots, editorials, and runway.  Her impressive career even extends to the world of television with a fully-accessorized 14-look fashion show previously on America’s Next Top Model and a 27-look show on the Lifetime series’ Blush.  As for celebrity dressing, Ms. Polk styled Emmy winner Bruce Gowers (Best Director) as well as the 2007 American Idol Jordin Sparks, both on their award-winning nights.  Her celebrity clientele continues to grow as her fresh, creative eye for styling has caught the attention of some of the most important people in the fashion industry.  Designers, photographers, and models just can’t get enough of her friendly California demeanor. Check out her website at www.KatharinePolk.com.

Post to Twitter

Savvy Style: Essential Bathing Suit Guide for Women

By: Amy Steak ~

A sunny afternoon can make any woman start thinking about the beach … and thoughts of the shore and thoughts of swim wear go hand-in-hand. The only obstacle is actually buying a bathing suit that fits properly! It often seems that swim wear manufacturers fabricate suits made to flatter only those girls who wear a size zero.

Try these tips as you head out to choose the perfect bathing suit for you, whatever size you may be.

Size. When looking for a swimsuit that offers a comfortable fit, go up a size or two from what you normally wear. If you usually wear a size 10 dress, try swim wear in a 12 or 14.

Fit. Although size is essential, the fit also plays an important role. Make sure to try on the swimsuit before you make your final decision or leave the store. A swimsuit that looks great on a different woman, even one who wears the same size you do, may not do much for you if your body structure isn’t the same. Swimsuit bottoms ought to rest well on your hips, and there should be no skin hanging out at the waist or thighs. Similarly, swimsuit tops should fit snuggly, without crushing your chest or leaving ugly marks on your skin later.

Pattern. Pay extra attention to the patterns on the swim wear that you’re planning to purchase. Vertical stripes compliment women with short torsos, while individuals with long torsos should choose higher leg lines and plunging necklines. Printed suits are great for those with a belly, while solid colors are an easy way to cut size.

Style. From sexy string bikinis to modest racing suits and the newly popular tankini suits, there are all sorts of styles in the market. Even so, it’s not likely that every suit type will look great on you. Halter tops that have a supportive underwire are perfect for girls with a heavy bust line, while those with a more moderate chest can pull off slinkier bikini tops. Tankinis and one-piece swimsuits are terrific for those who have a large stomach, while those with a narrow waist should show it off in a bikini. Boy shorts are a poor choice for those with curvy thighs or behinds, but they suit those with skinny gams very well.

Keep these shopping essentials in mind when you venture out to find this summer’s swimsuits, and you’ll be certain to uncover something that looks terrific. Bear in mind that trends switch frequently, so it’s more essential to buy what makes you look and feel great rather than sticking to the latest fashions. Make sure that you take care of your bathing suit to ensure that your careful shopping pays off and that it lasts as long as possible!

Post to Twitter