Thursday, October 9, 2014

Pretty in Pink for October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
and many designers, manufacturers and companies are showing their support
by offering special items that give back a portion of their profits to various
breast cancer organizations. Your purchase provides you with a treat and also
benefits worthy organizations. Check out these great products below or google
pink products to benefit breast cancer for more specials that give back.
Tory Burch Leather Tote
Tory Burch will give 20% of the $245
                                           purchase price of this great leather tote to
                                   BCRF (Breast Cancer Research Foundation) toryburch.com                             
Rebecca Taylor Tank

Rebecca Taylor designed this cute top to benefit 
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and will
donate 50% of each purchase to TNBCF $225

Joe's Jeans Pink Scarf
JOE's Jeans created this so very soft ballet pink scarf
                                       and 100% of the net proceeds go to FORCE,                                              an organization that aids families and individuals 
                                        affected by hereditary breast and ovarian                                  
cancer $78 joesjeans.com
Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection
The BCRF will receive $12 from every purchase of this
   special edition set of shades of pink lip glosses from Bobbi Brown
(You can treat your friends and family).
 $60 for 4 glosses bobbibrowncosmetics.com 
Wrinkle Soak Age-Defying Hydrating Mask with Watermelon Extract
Skinn Cosmetics is donating 100% of the sales from Wrinkle Soak Watermelon Mask to Bright Pink, a national non-profit focused on early detection ad reducing risks of breast cancer in young women  $22.50. store.skinn.com


And if you are in Tampa on Sunday, November 2, join me for
Yoga for the Cure in the Park
to benefit our local affiliate of Susan G Komen for the Cure
10am at Fred Ball Park off Bayshore Blvd.
your $20 donation goes directly to Komen
email me for more info or come by that am
Ldwb102@aol.com

Thursday, September 25, 2014

Beauty Tips for Fall

Just as we look to Fall for changes in our wardrobe each year, we can also explore new beauty trends and skincare routines to help look our best.

Get The Hottest Nail Polish Colors For Fall

NAIL TRENDS
Your regular manicure is an easy and quick way to flaunt the hottest fall trends. On-trend autumn nail colors from creamy nudes to moody blues will update your look without putting a dent in your pocketbook. Look for deep berry shades. Deep, rich, chocolates are stylish and work for most any skin tone. All the cosmetic designers are showing elegant browns. Royal purples from rich plums to sparkly amethyst are a new look. Shiny metallics in golds and silvers are perfect for cocktail and holiday parties. Deep, dark blues are moody and new, but not as goth as black. Classic neutrals -dusty pinks, griege (gray and beige) and nudes are fresh in a matte finish.

Christian Louboutin has created nail color in bottles as outrageous as some of his stilettos. Each $50 bottle is an "object d'art." The story goes that early in his career, the designer famously grabbed some polish from his assistant and painted the sole of a shoe he was working on to make it more vibrant and so his signature was born. Nail polish was the natural next avenue for him. The collection includes" Pops, Nudes, and Noirs" in 30 colors. His red is a perfect match for the orangy-red Louboutin soles and an absolute classic.I understand you can definitely get by with 1 coat so you can stretch that $50 splurge into a lot of wears.

             
       Christian Louboutin 'Rouge Louboutin' Nail Colour     Christian Louboutin nail polish.

HAIR TRENDS

A change in seasons is a god time for a hairstyle change or even a tweak,
especially if you've been sporting the same style forever.

Change your part
During Fall 2014 Fashion Week, center parts were all over the runways.
It's sleek and modern, but sometimes a bit severe. A tight ponytail with a center
part is dramatic. For a softer, feminine look pair the center part with soft waves
 or curls.

Ballerina Buns
A bun is always a classic look and it's this seasons's answer to a bad hair day.
Prada's Fall Runway Show featured a traditional, polished top knot.  Use a
smoothing serum to keep this look sleek. Or try a slightly undone, messy look
 from Roberto Cavalli's show. You wear it a little lower on the crown
with loose strands falling down.

Play with Platinum
Platinum tresses are seriously in this season. This hair trend isn't for everyone.
You need to be bold and uber confident and have the right complexion to pull
it off (unless you're a runway model- than anything goes:)  Platinum looks best
on those with cool undertones, (not great on those of us with yellow or golden
undertones) so if you have pink or blue tones in your skin, give it a try and
 let us know if"blondes really do have more fun".

Versatile Lob
The lob, or long bob, is really hot this Fall. It's also the answer to brittle ends
after a summer in the sun. You can trim your hair and still have a healthy,
stylish cut. The versatile lob works with wavy, curly and straight hair. It
typically ends just at or above the shoulders and is cut blunt. Your stylist
can add stacked layers in the back for some movement.

Layers Alyssa-Milano-Hairstyle Most Googled Hair



SKINCARE

DYI Dermabrasion

This is a quick and easy go-to that people have been using for ages.

All you need is 1 part water to 3 parts baking soda. Simply mix together your two ingredients in a bowl until they form a paste. 

On a clean face, gently rub your paste onto your skin using circular motions. Be careful around your eyes. The skin below your eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive. After about 1 minute of scrubbing, rinse off your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply some moisturizer and you are set!

*Tip — If you have extra sensitive skin, strain the natural juices from a fresh cucumber and use as a substitute for water. Cucumber has a naturally soothing effect on your skin.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Fashion Week - Because They're Already Showing Spring






Large Fringed Hobo Bag - Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Ralph Lauren - RalphLauren.com
Ralph Lauren Polo bag
Silk Tartan Sleeveless Dress - Polo Ralph Lauren Short Dresses - RalphLauren.com
Polo for Women for Fall



                
Michael Kors


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Fashion Collaborations



          Target has been successful with a number of designer 
collaborations (Peter Pilotto, Phillip Lim, Zac Posen, Missoni,

 Isaac Mizrahi to name a few) in the past and hopes to repeat that success with Joseph Altuzarra next week. Altuzarra is nominated for this year's CFDA Womenswear Designer of the year  award. He has a strong celebrity following in Cate Blanchette, Jennifer Lawrence, Cameron Diaz, Michelle Dockery and more.This collection will feature a mix of his iconic silhouettes created specifically for Target. There are about 50 items, ranging in price from $17.99 to $89.99 for apparel and $29.99 to $79.99 for accessories and shoes.   

mouret-brp-1.jpg

Banana Republic is featuring a
collaboration with Roland Mouret currently in the stores.
The 25 piece collection features skirts, tops, trousers and his signature dresses inspired by his ready-to-wear line. Interestingly, Mouret used Banana's own "Sloan" fabric. Look for flattering, well-priced cocktail dresses. Prices range from$49.50 to $165. 

Alexander Wang for H&M

He follows in the footsteps of French designer Isabel Marant and Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Matthew Williamson, Versace, Lanvin and Marni - have also designed for the high-street brand. No sneak peeks of what to expect, other than edgy, leather looks around Nov 6th, 

                           

Adidas Announces Collaboration with Mary Katrantzou

 Her wonderful prints,colors and silhouette will bring another amazing new aesthetic to the Adidas originals women's collection (think Stella McCartney's tennis dresses). Her global designs should be an exciting addition to their women's clothing and footwear. Also presenting in November.

These collaborations make it possible to own designer fashions at a fraction of the price. Try a trendy look without the investment!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

It May Not Feel Like It Now...

But Fall is Coming!

With Temperatures still in the 90's and the humidity hanging
 in there ( at least in Florida :), it's challenging to start thinking
 about Fall. However the clothes are in the stores and online
 beckoning you. If you are like me, it's hard not to get 
excited for a new season of clothes as we turn the corner
on Labor Day ( even if the weather isn't playing along yet)
A great way to make fashion work for you is to pick the
 trends you like best, or that will work best for you and your
lifestyle and look for them in more transitional fabrics to
 work with the current weather.



Embrace GREENS- forest green, bottle green, emerald, olive and even teal. 
There is a shade of green this season for everyone to flatter her coloring.  
                                                              





     

 Gray is the new neutral. Forget beige. Silvery gray, 
soft heather, deep charcoal- all are naturals to
complement basic black, white or colors

  


 













   
                                                                                                                              
            

   




       Knits are really in.
 Cozy, comfy casuals ( think knit leggings and tops) 
                 as well as big statement knits
                  and lady-like suits and dresses
                                                                                  
Image 1 of JACQUARD HOODED THREE QUARTER LENGTH COAT from Zara

note-Gray is really popular for knits
                                     




Vests are back in a variety of styles-
 quilted, knits, leather, faux and real fur-
long and short and in-between lengths


The sixties are back big time in many ways-
mini skirts, ponchos, capes, wild global prints,
bold accents-



 


Designer collections fall 2014.


You may be thinking "I can't wear that ..." but you can. You can 
do a shorter skirt with dark tights. You can wear a bolder pattern- just adjust the length to where you are comfortable and play down your accessories. Both the cape and poncho look above are a modification. The Eileen Fisher on the left is a poncho-looking
 top- very easy to wear (and in the new neutral, gray). The other look incorporates a cape detail with-out being an actual cape.
 There are loads of adaptations to the trends out there to make
 them work in real life, off the runway.

Next up- More trends like footwear and accessories- stay posted:)

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Fun Fashion and Beauty News




In addition to launching new specialty stores around
 the country, Spanx announced this week that they are
 adding jeans to their collection of magically slimming
 products. The jeans will come in two styles- the "Signature" with a high waist,
wide waistbandand side zipper ( meant to be worn with a shirt tucked out) and
 "Slim-X", a five-pocket jean with a mid-rise. Spanx promises the jeans' patent-
pending "hidden shaping feature creates a perky rear" and have an all around
flattering fit.
The jeans will be available next month only in Spanx stores and on Spanx.com to start.
Skinny, straight and bootleg styles are priced from $148. ( in line with other top denim
brands). They aren't the first to do slimming jeans. Not Your Daughter's Jeans. Levis and
J Brand's Photofinish styles have offered good versions of figure -flattering jeans.
The word among those in the know is that the Spanx styles look good and if they
can suck you in like their undergarments do ( with minimal discomfort to look slender)
then they will surely draw fans.
 .



The Jumpsuit is for everyone- it's the new maxidress!
The  jumpsuit made a statement in the 1960's and 1980's and has been featured
 frequently in Runway shows throughout the years. This year the jumpsuit has
 become a "must have" for day and evening.
They make a whole outfit in one piece, giving them an effortless quality- both in getting
dressed and in creating a look. Long, flowy, dressy fabrics and metallics work well for
cocktail and formal events, while florals, stripes and denim in full or knee- length are
fun for day. Many different styles are available to flatter various figures and age groups.
 There are great looks and price points from H&M and Zara to all the top designers.
The only trick is having plenty of time for the ladies room :)


 
                                            

OILS are  the new body bronzers and self- tanners
Lightweight, lightly tinted bronzing oils will give you that glistening sun-kissed effect
immediately, more easily and evenly than the self tanners of the past. You can skip
the moisturizing step ( though regularly exfoliating/using a body scrub is still recom-
mended for soft, glowing skin) because these oil-based formulas are so hydrating.
I understand the color is longer lasting also.The MAC Bronzing Oil works best for
medium skin tones. Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil from the Body Shop is
good for lighter/fair skin types. Darker olive and dark skin complexions should
try Too Faced Royal Coconut Oil Body Bronzer. Another choice for all skin
types is Clarins Golden Glow Booster, where you use the enclosed dropper to
Maracuja Bronzing Serummix with your own body lotion or moisturizer for custom color.
Tarte's Marcuja Bronzing Serum is getting a lot of buzz
 because this Vitamin C formula firms, hydrates and brightens
 skin while providing a sunny glow.It's even infused with
 bergamot,gardenia, lily of the valley and jasmine,
At Sephora, $47.





.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Summer Shoes



                                


 With shoes this summer, like so many other trends for 2014,
everything old is new again-


  
              
Starting with white KEDS, which are back in style this summer  (and about keds in general- did you know keds has a clothing line now? You can check it out at Macys)
 White VANS also- does it take you back to Junior High or High School? Classic canvas lace- ups are cute with boyfriend shorts and jeans, summer skirts and the dressed up track pant.
CONVERSE ALLSTARS and SUPERGAS are hot also. Even any white TENNIS SNEAKER-
 think K-Swiss, Tretorn, Puma... nails the look for your white capris and striped maxi skirts. For my younger readers- the white sneaker is also super cute with shifts and sundresses.

                                                     white-sneakers-shoe-trend-2014-summer-3







SLIP ON sneakers are back in, too. A fresh take ( and offering more support)
on traditional espadrilles. Again look for Keds and Vans- both in solids
and fun prints and florals! Any time comfortable, functional shoes are in style
one should take advantage! They are available for every taste and budget,
from the floral lace look Givenchy $650 at Saks to a perforated white
Tory Birch $165, to Keds lime lavender chevron $39.99 at Zappos.
Pair them with any casual summer look.

           Tory Burch 'Miles' Sneaker (Women) in Bleach White                

BIRKENSTOCKS - once only a hippie's, geeky tourists' or senior citizen's choice
 for sandals are now a fashion favorite as flat sandals are now a stylish statement.
 Comfort is playing a big role this season.With many designers now doing their own versions
- the chunky sandal is now cool. Check out the Rebecca Minkoff Talis Too and the classic
 Birko-Flor patent Birkenstock below and find versions from Givenchy to Marni
 to Topshop and Zara recreating this iconic style.


MULES are another '90's trend in footwear making a comeback for 2014 -
 little edgier and more sophisticated this time around.
They work nicely with another revived trend- the midi and maxi skirts.
 If you don't love the chunky, clunky feel there are options that are more streamlined-
like a stiletto without a back



                                            mules-styles


After a bit of an absence, it's good to be back blogging
More to share soon. Always love to hear what you think, too.