Jewelry - Easy way to update your wardrobe

Jewelry is a great way to jazz up any outfit. A simple thing like great earrings or a giant faux stone ring can add pop. Here are some examples of what will be hot in the upcoming months:

Big and bold ornaments are in this season. Embellished pieces having drama and making a major statement will be what to wear in 2011 . Large metal pieces such as giant link necklaces and bracelets will be very modern looking and bring your total look into style.

Antique vintage jewelry mixed with modern pieces will give you a very unique and chic look. Check your local consignment stores and yard sales for some interesting vintage stuff to mix and match with your new pieces.

Necklaces are definitely in. Maybe you've seen some of the long bib-style necklaces around in magazines or in the department stores. These are must have items. Also, look for one-of-a-kind artsy pieces that are interesting; this Bohemian kind of look will also be very desirable.

Bold bracelets have been around for a while, and they are staying for 2011, too. Try the large, chunky Lucite bangle bracelets for a clean and updated look.

Some other styles you should consider are ethnic looks, Venetian art glass, faux and real pearls and huge over-the-top-rings. For your ears, large chandeliers and hoops will make any outfit look fabulous.

Also, anything "green" and "eco" is definitely new and a great conversation starter, as well as a way to be kind to the planet. You will see this jewelry popping up all over, and it will be made from recycled newspaper, milk cartons, auto parts and everything else you can think of.

Jewelry can be purchased at all price points, and it is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make an outfit really stand out. A plain white top is just a plain white top until you add a huge metal necklace or a great bracelet to the look. Take a look at some magazines, and then visit some stores and try on some fabulous jewelry to create a look that is truly yours!

The opulent bib necklace shown is by Ranjana Khan.

Brazilian Hair Straightening - Straighten your hair naturally!

Have you been hearing about Brazilian hair straightening? This is the hottest trend in hair straightening today! You may also here it referred to as a "Brazilian Blowout."

Depending on the length of your hair, the process takes about two hours and lasts about four months. The cost is around $200 to $300, depending on where you are located and the salon itself.

What exactly is a Brazilian hair straightening treatment?

Brazilian Keratin hair straightening is a very intense treatment that softens, smoothes and straightens hair. The best part is harsh chemicals are not used to manipulate the hair shaft at all. Keratin, a natural substance, which comprises approximately 88% of your hair, is used to do the straightening. Keratin penetrates the hair and repairs any damage that is present, as well as coating the hair to prevent any future damage. Please note: this is not a permanent straightening, and when the product is gone your hair will be back to its kinky, curly and frizzy self.

Who can benefit from a Brazilian?

The following types can benefit from the treatment: colored, highlighted, previously straightened, kinky and curly hair.

Some more info on Brazilian straightening:

• Keratin naturally straightens.
• Works better on colored or chemically treated hair.
• You can go into the pool or ocean after 4 days
• Will remain in virgin hair for two months, any other type of hair for 3-4 months.

First, be sure to research your salon. Find out which straightening product they use. The best Brazilian hair straightening system is said by some to be 'Chocolate'." This brand is imported directly from Brazil, and is the system that many major salons use. Second, make sure the technician performing the service has plenty of experience in the process. Look for, or ask to see, before and after photos of their work.

Brazilian Do's (now that you've had it done) :

• You do want to wear your hair down for at least 4 days to allow the product to settle in your hair.
• Do use a blow dryer or flatiron as needed, (in case hair gets wet during the first four days.)
• Do wear a silk scarf to pull your hair away from your face.
• Do use a shampoo without sodium chloride (sulfate-free) on your hair at all times.

Brazilian Dont's (the days following the treatment):

• Don't wash your hair for about four days (check with stylist)
• Do not tie your hair into a ponytail.
• Do not use hair clips.
• Do not place your hair behind your ears.
• Do not exercise or sweat.
• Do not use hair bands.
• Do not use your glasses to hold your hair back.
• Do not use sprays, gel or mousses.

If your hair is frizzy, curly or just plain unruly, the Brazilian straightening treatment will provide you with a low maintenance and gorgeous straight hair look!

You can see the before and after photo above...WOW!

Wedding Veils - The final touch

Did you know that the veil was originally thought to protect the bride from evil? Yes, it is true! The veil was used to cover the bride's face to protect her from being seen by evil spirits. In modern time, we just think of it as a beautiful accessory.

If you do decide to be very traditional and wear a veil, what is out there? How do you know which veil to choose? Take a look at your dress. An elaborate dress calls for a simple veil. And maybe a simple dress calls for a fancier veil. Here are some style ideas for veils that are in fashion for 2011 brides:

The Mantilla veil comes to us from Spain, and is a long, elegant veil usually lace lined, but sometimes you can see this style with ribbons or embroidery. The veil is informal and dropped over the head of the bride in a relatively random way, and then it is pinned into place. You may also see this tied around the head of a bride, sort of like a bandanna. The rest of the material cascades down the back. This veil style looks great with silky, sexy dresses and halter gowns as the sheer material provides a “peek-a-boo” covering.

The bird cage veil extends to just below the chin and is made of netting, either French, Russian or English. The difference here is in the netting size with the French weave being tightest and the English loosest. Birdcage veils are pinned to the bride’s hair using pins or hair clips, working well with long or short hair, and are beautiful with vintage, especially tea-length, wedding dress styles as well as a beautiful contrast to sleek, modern sheath styles.

Wedding Day Makeup - Natural and glowing for 2011

A lighter and more natural look on your big day is what will be on trend in 2011. Now, remember that a natural look for your wedding day is not the same as a natural look for running errands on Saturday. Here are some hints for "wedding day natural" looks.

Foundation: Heavy pancake or "stage" makeup is out, but you can still use foundation, just with a lighter touch. Consult with your makeup person, but one way to get a flawless look of no makeup is by applying a gel-based primer to your face first; this will fill in an small lines, creases and pores. Then, try an airbrush foundation. This will take away from the matte and flat look of a regular foundation. Instead, you will look dewy, moist and fresh faced. All aglow and luminous is the look you want.

Blush: Say no to the striped look that comes from too much blusher applied badly! Try blending a cream or gel blush onto to cheeks to create a more natural flush. Now, that is fresh!

Eyes: Getting the eyes right can be tricky, and even more so if you are trying to keep it natural. The look of one shadow in a natural shade without any liner would achieve this look for sure, but most brides will want to amp up their eyes a bit more. You will want a little more definition for the eyes. Use a liner, but make sure it is blended well, not just a harsh line. Instead of the full set of fake lashes that many brides use, a current trend is to use mascara and attach only a few fake lashes to the outer corners of the eyes. This accentuates the eyes in a subtle and more natural way.

Lip color: Some natural sounding lip shades by just about every company are out there. Berry, Flush, Coral and Blush are just a few that you will see out there, all indicating a natural hue. Again, while subtle lip color may be the trend, you can still use a red. Keep it natural by softening the color and not making the lip line outline so precise and sharp.

Your makeup person will be aware of these trends, and let them know you want to look modern and fresh on your big day!

Aisle Walk - What to expect in wedding shoes

For weddings in 2011, it seems there will be a shoe to suit every taste. Whether you like pointy toes or platforms you will find something you like. Beading, bows, polka dots and peep toes are all options.

The short pointy toe was seen all over the runway at recent wedding shows. This is a very flattering shape, and you can find it in all heel heights. This shoe style creates a very classy look that is great with a knee-length gown as well as a long and fitted dress.

High heel shoes are a great way to make a statement on your wedding day, and there are many to choose from! One very popular look is the covered platform shoe. An added benefit to wearing platforms on your special day is you can get a lot of extra height with comfort; it is definitely worth trying these on with your dress when you shop for your shoes. These shoes look great in ivory and dyed in any color, perhaps to match the sash of your gown. Check out the peep-toe version of platforms, too.

Another fun wedding shoe trend is glitter and shine. Yes, this look is a lot of fun! You will see shoes in all styles amped up with embellishments like crystal bows. A scattering of crystal or tiny beads along the toe is so pretty peeking out from under a gown.

What could be sweeter than a shoe adorned with polka dots or bows? If you're a bit of a whimsical and cheeky bride, these shoes, no matter what style you choose, are a perfect way to express yourself.

When you head out to start your wedding shoe shopping be sure you give all of these styles and looks some consideration. Look for what shoe best goes with your dress style, personality and overall theme of your design. Happy shoe shopping!

The shoes in the photo are by Badgley Mischka Odell.

2011 Wedding Dresses - Romance is back!

For 2011 weddings it looks like the romance look is all the way in! Tulle overlays and ball gown dresses will be seen walking down aisles everywhere.

One trend you will see in the Spring 2011 wedding dresses is the use of tulle overlays. This look is so romantic! The tulle creates a very soft look to the dress and can tone down high gloss on satin and silk. Tulle can give a light airy and almost dreamy feeling to a wedding dress, and it can be used to soften the shape of an A-line dress, for example.

If you are not well versed on tulle, here is some information about this fabric. Sometimes tulle is knows as illusion net. It is a thin lightweight fabric, and it's named for the town of Tulle in France. The netting itself is typically hexagon shaped. Tulle can be made of cotton or silk as well as synthetic materials like rayon and nylon. Think ballerina skirt when you think of tulle.

The ball gown style dress is the stuff fairy tale weddings are made of, and they are definitely "in" for 2011. There are a variety of styles to compliment any body type, including those that have a portrait neckline and long sleeves to conceal less than toned arms. Do not be surprised to see long opera gloves worn with sleeveless gowns!

So the more architectural and modern wedding dresses will be taking a break this year, and the romantic and dreamy dresses will move to center stage.

The tulle gown in the photo is from Christos.

Mineral Makeup - Better for your skin?

You may have seen infomercials about mineral makeup on television, or you may have passed by a store in the mall that sells them exclusively. What is mineral makeup, and it is really good for your skin?

Although it seems to be exploding right now, the mineral makeup revolution actually started back in the 1970s in San Francisco. These are products made of natural, finely ground products from the earth. There are no chemicals, preservatives or artificial dyes in the mineral makeup products.

There are a myriad of products made from minerals, but the most popular are the loose powder foundations and blushes. These light, finely ground products are buffed into the skin using a big, fluffy makeup brush. Like all cosmetics, there is a wide range of pricing on these items, anywhere from $10 or less to $50 and upwards.

Because they are from the earth, are these mineral products better for your skin? There are varying opinions on this claim. Fans of these items love the light and natural glow that they say they don't get with traditional makeup. Critics of the products say they are drying and can accentuate wrinkles. Also, an ashy undertone is one complaint heard from users with ethnic skin tones.

Most people give these products a try because they are drawn to the claims that it is better for your skin to use the natural minerals from the earth. Some dermatologists say that the ingredients in these mineral formulations, like mica, zinc oxide and titanium oxide, have been used in makeups for decades and they have no special benefits to skin at all over traditional foundations and blushes in a mineral formulation makeup.

So you have your fans of the products who will use nothing else, and you have your other consumers who say the products do not work for them. Hmmm.....isn't this sounding like every other skin care and cosmetic product experience we've had? They work on some skins, and on some skins they don't work.

The best way to know if these will be great on you is to go out and try them for yourself. Get your big fluffy brush and buff away!

Winter Skin Care - Keeping moisture in

As the winter moves in, the dry winter air comes in with it. You may have already noticed that your skin is dry and you are itchy. The good news is there are steps you can take to keep your skin moist and supple throughout the fall and winter months. The goal is not to put moisture in, but to keep moisture in.

Hot water robs the skin of moisture; it is best to shower and bathe in lukewarm water. By the way, this applies to your hands, too. Warm water is best. If your hands are turning red, then the water is too hot!

Apply moisture to your skin while your skin is still damp. Use your towel to pat yourself dry rather than rubbing yourself dry. For your legs and arms an oil will be more effective than a lotion. You may want to consider going to a health food store and purchasing organic extra virgin coconut oil. Slather this on your damp skin, and your legs and arms will be silky and supple. If you want to stay with a lotion, consider shea butter, which we have blogged about in previous articles.

If you are a chronic hand sanitizer, remember that these chemicals are very harsh on your hands and nails. Keep a nice hand lotion with you to apply after you are done washing your hands. Sample and travel sizes work well for keeping in your purse or desk drawer at work.

A great tip for keeping your skin moist is to get a small mister spray bottle and fill it with mineral water. You can put a light spritz of this on right over your makeup during the day. Evian has a mineral water spray for this purpose. Another quick tip for your face is that your moisturizer is absorbed better on exfoliated skin. Extra hint: Dry brushing the skin on your entire body before showering has a similar effect and will allow any oil or lotion you put on to be more effective.

To keep the air in your bedroom moist, invest in a humidifier and use it in the winter months. Keep it on while you are sleeping, and close your bedroom door so the moist air stays in. A humidity level of 30% is what skin needs to be moist and balanced, and in the winter months with heat on the air in your home can have a level of less than 10% humidity.

So stock up on your potions and lotions, crank up the humidifier and enjoy the winter!

Leather - How to wear it now

Leather has been a consistent Fall trend for the past several years, and the good news is that it remains dominant for Fall 2010. In the past we have been limited to jackets and leggings, but this Fall we see leather used in all categories from coats to dresses, bottoms and accessories.

Leather was used as a detail throughout almost all collections and is a key component for the Fall wardrobe. Some designers took leather dressing to new heights by creating all leather looks putting jackets with pants and leather accessories. Other designers used leather as a trim incorporated into outerwear, pants, and cut-outs within dresses.

Here is a bit of what is going on with leather:

Coats and outerwear: Going beyond the motorcycle style jacket, we now see leather coats in trench and cropped versions.

Dresses: Leather dresses are very popular now, and are seen in just about every style, including strapless.

Pants: The basic leather pant has always been a favorite, and this Fall you can see full cut trousers as well as tight fitting motorcycle pants in your stores.

Skirts: You will see leather skirts ranging from the thin pencil skirt to a full, 1950's style. The short cropped skirt with a very architectural feel to it is also quite popular for a clean and professional look.

For an affordable way to get in on this trend, look for clothing that has leather detailing, like trim on collars and cuffs and buttons. This is very popular in the junior clothing market because it is cool and affordable to wear leather this way. Patches of leather on a top or skirt will allow you to be in style and save a bit of money at the same time. Long live leather (it isn't going anywhere anytime soon)!

The gorgeous dress in the photo is by Stella McCartney!

The Military Look: How to wear it

We see military clothing come and go, but today it is definitely an ongoing trend. There are not only jackets that have made their mark in military clothing, but other clothing items are also following this look. To get this trend into your own wardrobe you don't need to go totally crazy and over the top. You can just add a touch of something that looks military inspired like buttons, chains and structured collars.

We have all seen military jackets, and we love the very structured and symmetrical buttoned coat. Have you thought about this look in dress? A very sexy look is a black military dress or long trench coat with a pair of black boots to match. If you want to add a little brightness, try a tan or camel-toned dress with gold buttons. Wear this type of dress with a shoe to match for the "long leg" effect. Some great jewelry and textured tights could also jazz this look up a bit.

If you are more of a pants person, military style pants can make a great statement, especially when worn with a simple top. The pants are the star here, so don't detract from them with an overly elaborate shirt. Military pants will look great with a simple white shirt or even a textured sweater. A necklace or arm full of bangles will be enough to make this look even more amazing.

To add touches of the military trend into your wardrobe, consider these aspects: brass buttons, cargo pockets, pleating, belt loops, double breasted, flap pockets, zippers, army green, navy blue

The military look is very polished and neat and has almost a classic look to it. When this look is done right it gives a woman a certain look of authority, too, and who doesn't love that in a girl?

Add a Pop of Color with a Scarf

A scarf is a great accessory to enhance an outfit or add a pop of color to brighten your face! If you've received scarves as gifts and are not sure how to wear them, you can find some suggestions here.

A light scarf around the neck is a great alternative to a piece of jewelry, especially if you want to make a statement. You can take a bright colored pink tones scarf and knot it loosely around your neck. Not only will this make your top look new, but the bright color next to your face can brighten your whole complexion.

A simple neck scarf can lift a one tone outfit (such as black or blue) into a business like and stylish ensemble.

Sometimes you just don't have the right belt in your closet - and if your closet consists of plain black, silver and gold belts this might occur regularly. Using a colorful patterned scarf can as a belt will add an extra touch of colour to an outfit and draw the eye. A long scarf will also allow you to leave a knot and a long length of scarf to flutter against one leg.

Wrapping a light scarf around your hair is a great way to add some color to your outfit as well as cover even the worst bad hair day.

If you want to add a real touch of class, try using a silk scarf. Silk is a lovely material whether you choose to go with the natural type or a mixed or more refined version. Some silk scarves are also suitable for wearing in both summer and winter which means they're an even better investment for your closet.

So the next time you have nothing to wear in your closet, try dressing up your favorite blouse, suit or dress with a colorful scarf.

French Manicures - Ooh la la!

Clean, crisp and classic. This is what is associated with the French manicure. Here is some information and explanations of the long-time favorite manicure style.

A French manicure is a style of polishing the nails wherein white paint is applied to the tips of the fingernails, and the rest of the nails are given a pink coat or painted with sheer polish that is colored either pale pink or very light beige. The French manicure is very good for short nails and nails that have a moderate length.

Before you start giving your nails a French manicure, make sure you have followed the general rule for putting on nail polish. You should prep your nails first by removing old nail polish with acetone remover. Then go and clean your nails and give them a trim.

Once you are done cleaning and trimming your nails, go ahead and apply a base coat to your nails. Keep this base coat thin and even. Afterwards, put a tip guide to your nail. This is supposed to cover the lower part of your nail as well as follow the curve of your nail tips natural white. When you are done with that, apply white polish to the exposed tips of your fingernails, and then let them dry. Keep the area that you will paint white thin. If you go too widely on the white paint, your nails will look chunky. Also, if you do not feel comfortable with stark white tips, you can use off-white polish instead.

When the white polish on the tips of your fingernails is dry, remove the nail tip guides thoroughly. And then, paint the entire length of your nails with a beige polish. Two coats of this polish may be necessary. After this, put a layer of top coat on your nails. This is the last step; after putting on the top coat, dry your nails and make sure they dry completely.

To extend the life of your French manicure and to keep your nails nice and looking well-groomed, you should make it a point to apply an extra layer of top coat on your nails every night.

For all its seeming simplicity, putting on a French manicure can get really tricky. Most drugstores and beauty shops sell readily-assembled nail polishing kits especially made for the French manicure. If you need extra help, you can find these kits very useful.

If you want to try out the French manicure but you are afraid to do it yourself, you can always visit a nail salon and have your nails done there. French manicure often costs extra than a regular polish because of the degree of accuracy needed for the job. It may be an expense, but it is worth it.

Longer Lashes - Have you thought about extensions?

How many of you never leave the house without first applying a swipe of mascara to define your eyes? We all love the look of long and lush lashes. Now, you can have extensions put on your lashes and have that long and lush look all the time.

Single threads of a synthetic material are attached to your natural lashes with a surgical grade adhesive. You can shower and swim while wearing them, and they don't really come off until your natural lash falls out. Do not confuse extensions with fake lashes. These are actual individual strands applied to each individual lash.

Approximately 30 to 80 lashes are applied to each eye in a procedure that can take around two hours. The cost of this can range anywhere from $150 to $500 per set, depending on the salon and scope of the application. Most people opt for the black or brown lash extensions, but they are available in a variety of colors, including red, green and purple, depending on your needs. There are even extensions that are made from real mink! These can cost $500 and up.

Because you are dealing with you precious eyes, you want to have this done by a licensed and trained professional. This is not a procedure you want to cut corners on by having this done in a back room of a small shop by someone who offers to do it for half price. Only licensed estheticians should be applying eyelash extensions, although in some states cosmetoligists can perform this procedure, too. Make sure you check and verify credentials.

Your extensions will last anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on your individual hair growth and shed cycle. So the next time you want to treat yourself to a beauty item, you might want to look into this at your local spa.

Cosmetic Safety - When it's time to say goodbye

We all have a favorite lipstick or eyeshadow that is our "go to" product, and we've used it forever. Well, it's okay to use it forever as long as you are not keeping the same tube or tin around forever. Old makeup can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and this is especially harmful when your mascaras and eye products become the petri dish. How long should you use your favorite products and keep them around at the bottom of your bag anyway? Here are some guidelines:

Mascara: Change tubes every three months

Foundation: At least one new bottle/tube per year

Concealer: A year to 18 months and then toss it

Powder: This has a long life of about 18 months

Powder Blush/Bronzer: Same as above

Creme blush: One year to 18 months

Eye shadow or eye liner (powder): 18 months max

Liquid liner: Six months and it's time for a new one

Lipstick/gloss: One year to 18 months, or if it develops a bad odor or taste

Lip liner pencil: About one year and then replace

Nail polish: Around one year or when texture renders it unusable

Keep your makeup in a clean makeup bag and be sure to replace the caps tightly. Take a look once yearly. When you do your Spring cleaning of your home, take a look in your purse and makeup bag and see what needs to be replaced. If looks or smells a bit off, then don't put it on your face, eyes or lips!

Winter Boots - What to wear?

There are lots of choices out their for winter feet! The selection runs the gamut from boots to moccasins. The materials are anywhere from fur to patent leather. And get your bunion pads out because the pointy toe is back.

Mountain boots are definitely an option this winter, and they are coming in a variety of colors and lace patterns. They have wedged heels, flat heels and high heels. You can wear them tied, untied or somewhere in between. When you hit the mall, you will see some of the top designers offering a hiking boot style, so don't be afraid to try them on.

What about thigh high boots? They can be used to sex up an outfit as well as add a retro feel to your wardrobe. You can wear thigh high boots in a number of different way, including with jeans and a chunky sweater, or with a jacket and lacy skirt for a totally different look. As an added bonus, thigh high boots are great for giving the illusion of a longer leg.

If comfort is your "thing," take a look at some of the moccasin type shoes. These are extremely comfortable even when they are high heeled! If you want to be trendy and comfortable, these are a super cute option.

The really pointy toe pump is back this season. It can be found in a variety of textures and colors and can work with everything from tapered trousers to stirrup pants. Some designers are featuring a retro look with these pumps by adding bows and flat block heels. These can be nice options for work attire.

So as you head out for winter shoes and boots, you will see there is something out there for every taste. Whether you want to try the hiking boot look, high heeled moccasin or patent leather and pointy pump, they are all out there for the taking this season.

Get Buttered Up with Shea Butter

Shea butter is a natural moisturizer that contains properties very similar to those produced by our own sebaceous glands. Those who swear by it say it helps with everything from wrinkles to rashes. And it that wasn't enough, it also contains anti-bacterial properties, or wound healers, that are extremely beneficial.

Now, we are not talking about the products that say they contain shea butter, we are talking about 100% pure shea butter. Don't be fooled. Products can say they contain an ingredient even if it is just a tiny amount, and to get the amazing benefits of shea butter you want to make sure you are getting the 100% real deal.

Shea butter comes from the nut of the Shea trees found in Africa, and is a natural fat extracted from the nut of an African tree called Vitellaria Paradoxa. It is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer, salve or lotion. The butter is also edible and used widely in food prep. Whenever anything is pure enough that it can be consumed as a food, you can feel good about putting it on your skin. The skin is the largest organ on our body, and what we put on the skin gets absorbed by the skin and into our bodies-the less chemicals the better.

As the winter moves in, the cold and dry air moves in too. The skin can no longer draw moisture from the air and can become dry, cracked and itchy. A great moisturizer can help relieve these symptoms and keep you feeling silky smooth throughout the cold and dry winter ahead.

Okay, so how do you select a good quality shea butter so that you can reap the benefits? Here are some tips for you:

* Look for the American Shea Butter Institute of Approval Seal

* What is the processing method? (Traditional extraction is the one you want)

* The color will vary from light gray to medium yellow. If it is white, it is not natural

* The scent will be natural and strong. This will fade over time.

* The texture should be smooth and soft (like butter)

* Look for 100% pure

The price of shea butter ranges from $5 for a large jar at beauty supply stores and online all the way to $39 or more for cosmetic brands, like L'Occitane, sold at Nordstrom's and other department stores.

Now, the next times someone tries to "butter you up," make sure it is with shea butter!

Winter Coats for 2011 - Bright and Bold!

This weekend, as we set the clocks back, it is time to think ahead about our winter coats and what will look good while keeping us toasty. Before you pull out the standard black or tweed wool coat AGAIN, let's see what other alternatives there are.

Winter 2011 coats are all about bold shades, dramatic prints and embellishments. These are not your mother's winter coats, girls! Interesting cuffs, creative stitching and metallic buttons are all in the mix this winter.

As for color, don't be shy about wearing a bright yellow, fuchsia or red wool this winter. If you choose one of these bold striking shades, you'll want the other elements of the coat to be a bit subdued in order for the focus to be on the color and line of the coat. Just like with everything else, moderation is the key.

Try wearing a coat with checks or other prints with a pair of jeans and boots. A nice scarf in a solid color is a great way to accent the patterned and printed coats.

If you really want to be a stand out on a bleak winter's day, try an embellished coat option. Look for a coat with ruffles, bell sleeves or a belted waist. A wool coat with a big bow in the back is not out of the question this year! Sounds fun, right?

Take a look in your department and specialty stores and see what catches your eye. The weather forecast may be dark and cold, but your fashion forecast is all about fun!

Eyebrow Grooming - Tweeze, Wax or What?

Keeping your eyebrows well groomed and well shaped goes a long way in making you look fabulous. Your eyebrows frame your eyes, and so you want them to look well taken care of and compliment the shape of your face. There are various techniques that you can use to do this, although some are more familiar to us than others. Here is some information on the three most common techniques:

Tweezing is great for plucking out a stray hair here and there as they grow in, and it is also very cost effective. Tweezers range in price from a few dollars to twenty dollars or more for a good pair. You simply grasp the stray hair and pluck it out. The small amount of discomfort only lasts a few seconds. Be very careful not to over pluck your eyebrows! The hair takes a few weeks to grow back, and that can seem like an eternity when you are walking around with a misshapen eyebrow or two. A good idea is to have a professional do an initial shaping of your brows, and then you can pluck the stray hairs that grow back in.

Eyebrow Threading was developed in India, but slowly became popular in America and other countries. What exactly is threading? I was wondering that same exact thing. Cotton thread is formed into a double strand so a hair or line of hairs can be grabbed and removed from the eyebrow. Removing a line of hairs with this method creates a very clean line. The hair will grow back in approximately four weeks or so. You want to look for someone highly skilled in this method, and this will help reduce any discomfort and redness you may experience. The price range for this method is sort of all over the place at between five and forty dollars.

Waxing is one of the most popular methods for grooming brows, and it can be done at home and in salons. The two methods of waxing are hard waxing and strip waxing. Hard waxing uses warm wax that is placed on the area, allowed to cool and removed by taking it off in the opposite direction, removing the unwanted hair with the wax. Strip waxing is done by placing a thin strip of wax on the area in the direction of the hair growth. A piece of cotton or paper is placed over the line of wax, and using a very quick movement the strip is pulled away in the opposite direction, taking the excess hair away with it. A very skilled technician should be used for waxing to avoid any burning of the skin and excessive discomfort. There are many kits available to do this at home, too. Salons charge anywhere from ten to twenty dollars for this service, and waxing is quite popular on other areas of the body as well.

You can decide which method is best for you by considering your budget and pain threshold. Technicians in a salon are very happy to sit with you and discuss the best shape for your eyebrows and explain the method they use in detail. Happy shaping to you!

Lipstick 101 - Matte? What's that?

Going to the local drugstore and picking up a tube of lipstick "ain't what it used to be," as the saying goes. There are a variety of lipstick formulas out there, as well as literally thousands of colors to satisfy everyone. Here are some basics to help you pick the right lipstick for you.

1. Matte: Matte lipstick is perhaps the most dramatic. These lipsticks provide dense rich color and are "flat" instead of shiny. As matte lipsticks can be a tad drying to the lips, it is best to apply a light moisturizer to your lips before applying the lipstick. Some matte formulas contain Vitamin E to help minimize drying of the lips. Matte lipsticks tend to look best on younger plump lips that are smooth and unlined.

2. Creme: Creme lipsticks are quite popular. The formula has a higher wax content than others. Although this servers to protect the lips, it can also leave lips feeling dry. Like matte lipsticks, creme lipsticks are also a bit "flat," and an application of clear lip gloss on top of the color can add some "oomph."

3. Pearls and frosts: Ah, yes. I remember them well! Frosts and pearls can make your lips stand out. They are shimmery and a bit funky. The light reflecting properties in these lipsticks make your lips glisten and sparkle. This formula, too, can benefit from a moisturizer applied as a base on your lips, as they tend to be heavy and drying. These shimmery potions may be best used in the evening, as they can appear somewhat harsh or over the top in the light of day.

4. Long-lasting, stay put and won't come off....ever: These lipsticks are designed to hold color on your lips for long periods of time, for an entire day in some cases, without transferring on to drinking glass, through smooching or anything else. The staying power in these lipsticks also has a drying effect. Look for the brands with built in moisturizers, or you can apply your own.

5. Gloss: If you want shine, you want a lip gloss. If you want to enhance smaller lips, you want lip gloss. The pigment is not as saturated in a gloss, and so many women use the gloss over their lip color. Applying a shimmery dot of gloss to the center of your lips, over your lipstick, is a great trick used to make lips appear larger.

The right lip formula is just as important as the right lip color. Think about the situation you will be wearing your lipstick in, and then choose the formula that will suit it best.

Contour Makeup: What it is and how to do it!

Do you want to accentuate your cheekbones, re-define your jawline or make your eyes pop? If you answered yes, but want to avoid "drastic measures," then you should learn makeup contouring techniques. When done correctly, contouring can change the look of a face dramatically. Likewise, when done incorrectly it can look like a hot mess!

Contouring is basically playing with light and shadows. Light accentuates a feature and tricks the eye into thinking something is "more there" than it really is. Dark tones can recess and create depth that really isn't there. Sounds great, right? So how exactly are these feats of wonder achieved?

Start with applying a neutral base foundation with a damp sponge. This will even your skin tone and cover any blemishes and small imperfections on your skin. Gently buff all over to remove any excess foundation. Now, you are ready to contour!

Using a darker toned foundation or blush, take a brush and apply to the areas that you want to appear deeper, under the cheekbones for example. Apply this darker tone slightly upwards and outwards. Make sure you are working in good light!

Likewise, you will lighten and highlight the areas that you want to stand out. Under the brow bone is a great place to highlight to accentuate your eyes. You can use a lighter foundation or light colored eye shadow to accentuate this area. Very important: Blend, blend and then blend again. You do not want lines of demarcation so that it looks like you have stripes of color anywhere on your face. This should look seamless! Another great place to accentuate with a lighter color is on the top of the cheekbone. You can get those high cheekbones with a lighter blush applied just right to the top of the cheekbones.

Contouring is extremely useful for minimizing the appearance of a large nose. Take a look in the mirror and notice how the part that extends the most is the part that is lighter in color. You would want to put your darker toned foundation on that area, and then dab the lighter color on the sides. This will minimize the natural contrast. Pretty cool, right?

Now, what about your lips? Is your pout not as full and sexy as you'd like it to be? Try this trick: take a lip liner that is just a bit darker than your lip shade and line your lips along the natural lip line. Then, fill in your lips with your lip color. You can also add a tough of gloss to the center of the lips to create light there. Poof! Your lips look instantly fuller.

Contouring is not easy, and it takes a lot of practice for it to look natural. Plump lips, high cheekbones and a smaller nose are just a brush stroke away!

Check out this video to see how it is done:

How to Apply Contour Makeup: How to Apply Professional Makeup | eHow.com