How To Do A Sexy & Smoky Eye
By Abby on February 08 2010 at 04:08 PM
In the pursuit of beauty, women want many things - the perfect figure, pouty lips, sculpted cheekbones, and smoldering eyes. While all this can be obtained by various means, the easiest and most cost effective thing on this list is the smoky eyes. With a few shades of shadow and a steady hand, every woman can have those unforgettable, dark, starlet, forget-me-not, come-hither eyes.
There are several variations of the smoky eye, so let’s first look at the basics and then how we can add even more drama.
Step one: select your color. If you have good lids and evenly spaced eyes, this step is easy for you as you can apply one color over your entire lid. If your skin tone is olive or dark, you can get away with a black shadow. If you have lighter skin, you may want to try a plum or deep brown. Play around with different dark shades until you find one that suits you. If you normally use the base, highlight, and contour method to give your eyes the appearance of being wider set, closer, etc, buy a dark trio in complementing shades (i.e. dusk/tan/brown or black/gray/mist). Steer clear of peach, coral or pink with a dark shadows to avoid the “bruise” effect.
Step two: apply the color to the lid. If using a makeup brush, make sure it is angled properly and of a good quality. A brush will give you a nice application, but precision is difficult for a makeup novice. Using your finger is also acceptable and the skin to skin contact blends the makeup in nicely, but it can be difficult to get the corners of eyes properly. An eye shadow applicator (like the ones that come with most shadows) is easy and effective. Give it a light blow to remove excess shadow before applying to avoid color “raining” down on your cheeks.
Step three: liner. Use black eyeliner to softly trace your top lid as close to the lash line as possible. If you are not using a black shadow on the lids, you can use a black shadow on the very tip of the applicator to make a nice, soft line. This effect is much less harsh than a liner and more comfortable for those with sensitive skin.
Step four: mascara: I cannot stress the importance of this step! Like a good pair of shoes finishes off an outfit, mascara finishes off the smoky eye. Black works best but if you have very fair skin or light hair, dark brown looks more natural. Even if you have long lashes, a coat of mascara is necessary for maximum impact.
What Makes A Celebrity A Fashion Icon Or Disaster?
By Abby on January 01 2010 at 06:54 PM
Celebrity fashion is big business. From red carpet dissections to Hits and Disses on MSN, we are obsessed by who wore what, who looked good, and who was a hot mess. While anyone can be a hit or a miss for a day, there are a handful of celebrities for whom we have definite expectations. So, what does it take to be a celebrity fashion icon or disaster?
Your traditional iconic is a woman that embodies grace, poise and elegance in addition to the ability to wear great clothes well. You will never see her with grown out roots, unshaved legs, or less than perfectly plucked eyebrows. She loves to look good and it shows all over. She knows what looks great on her body and she only wears clothes that are well made and beautiful - never daring, faddish, or outrageous. On the red carpet she seldom disappoints. Previous icons included screen legends Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn. Their modern counterparts include Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, and Dita von Teese. To be a traditional fashion icon, you need to know how to dress for your body type, adhere to a rigorous grooming regime, and have a quality, tailored wardrobe.
The untraditional fashion icon is a woman that takes risks but manages to pull it off in ways nobody else can. She’s the one that can wear haute couture without looking foolish and even in a creation that you have to look at from all angles to understand, she’s relaxed, and confident. Untraditional icons include Kate Moss, Tilda Swinton, and Eva Green. To pull off their style, you need a firm sense of self and a towering heap of confidence. You must like attention and know how to wear the clothes, not let the clothes wear you.
How To Define And Purchase An Investment Piece
By Abby on December 15 2009 at 11:33 PM
Start a conversation about women’s wardrobes and the words “investment piece” and “wardrobe staple” are sure to be bandied about. What exactly are these superhero sounding clothing items and how does one acquire them? A wardrobe staple, aka investment piece, is an item of clothing that is purchased with the intent of owing and wearing it for many years. It blends seamlessly into the rest of your wardrobe regardless of the trend du jour and is a quality, well made garment.
A Google search will turn up many lists of women’s “must have” closet staples, but I urge you to take a more personal approach. Determine what pieces you need by following these quick and easy steps.
Step 1: Ask yourself, “where do I spend most of my time?” Are you an executive in the boardroom that needs a variety of suits? Are you mid-level employee that needs a great working wardrobe and a great after hours one? Is the playground with other moms your scene?
Step 2: Edit your wardrobe. Before you add pieces, you may need to take some away. Go through your closet with brutal honesty. If you seldom wear it, if it is uncomfortable, or if it is a bad fit, put it in the pile for charity. If it is ripped or torn or needs a button or hem, put it in the fixable pile (hit, no time to fix? Your local dry cleaners may do this for a nominal fee). What’s left should be a nice selection of well fitting, quality garments that you feel good about wearing.
Christmas Gifts For Fashion Divas
By Abby on December 01 2009 at 11:50 PM
Christmas is only a few weeks away; time to start shopping! Some people are easy to buy for, some are more difficult, but nobody is as tricky as the Fashion Diva – especially if you are not a shopaholic like her. What do you get the woman on your list that can pick out a Dolce & Gabbana handbag in a crowded room of people? Read on, for help is at hand!
If the lady on your list is very close to you, i.e. sister, wife, mother, girlfriend, or fiancé and your budget is substantial, you simply cannot go wrong with a designer handbag. Steer clear, however, of the fad collections (yes, Coach Pop C collection, this means you!) and opt for something classic and timeless. For inspiration, check out the Garnet collection from Coach. Notice how the bags in this collection are beautiful yet subtle, modern yet timeless. Other fine retailers include Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, and Burberry. More fashionable gifts for the well-endowed wallet include scarves from Hermes, leather gloves, designer sunglasses and celebrity endorsed perfume. (A note on perfume: scents are a sensitive subject for women so you need to know in advance if she prefers fruity over floral or woodsy over sweet. It makes a big difference.)
Now, let’s say your budget does not allow for anything that Eva Longoria is currently wearing or promoting but you still need a fashionable gift for your diva. A true diva wants to look as good out of her clothes as she does in them so a gift certificate for facials, mani/pedicures, massage, or body wraps would be well received. Alternately, you could get creative and put together a spa experience in a basket. Your local drug store has DIY facials, foot soaks, and massage oil (hint: if your diva is your spouse or girlfriend, your basket can include a note saying you plan on giving her the spa treatments yourself with low lighting, candles, soft music and your loving hands applying her mud mask and massaging her back…).
How to Shop for Clothes and Accessories Online
By Abby on November 28 2009 at 01:44 PM
Online shopping is fun and easy. Thanks to the Internet, you have a broad range of clothing and accessories at your fingertips regardless of your location. If you do not shop online for fear of identity theft or concerns about customer service, I urge you to reconsider. There are many fine online retailers just waiting to expand your existing repertoire. In addition to the large, industry-recognized brands, consider small start-up businesses, cross-border locations, and eco-chic retailers that rely on the Internet to showcase and sell their products.
It pays to do a bit of homework before purchasing anything online.
1. Prior to making a purchase, go to http://www.bbb.org. This user friendly Better Business Bureau site covers the USA and Canada. Use the URL search engine by copying and pasting the site’s address. If there is a problem with their service or products, you will know in seconds.
2. Do a Google search of the company name. If people are complaining, comments will show up in forums and blogs.
3. How does the site accept payments? PayPal is internationally recognized and completely safe. Do not send a personal cheque unless you have received the product first and are satisfied with it. Avoid sending cheques if you can. They contain a plethora of personal financial information. If using a credit card, the checkout site’s address (URL) should switch from http to https. Https means the site is secure. When in doubt, look for links on their page that advertise the type of security they use. Reputable sites readily advertise their high levels of security.
4. Take the time to read the privacy policy. Some sites share your information with other retailers; your inbox could be spammed by online retailers. If you are uncomfortable with that, do not complete your purchase or see if there is an option to opt out of having your information shared.
How To Select The Right Winter OuterWear For Your Body Type
By Abby on November 11 2009 at 04:01 PM
“Baby it’s cold outside!” croons Frank Sinatra as he tries to persuade his beloved to spend the night with him at the end of a date. Like any dainty lady, she demurs, gives him hope, but still hints strongly at her impending departure. While it doesn’t specify in the song, I’m guessing she leaves him wanting more and makes him think about her all night by ensuring his last look is of her strolling down his walk, wrapped up against the cold in a fabulous coat. Make no mistake about it, ladies! It may be cold, but you can still look hot. All you have to do is choose a coat that suits your figure.
Curvy girls like, Janet Jackson and Beyoncé, with larger busts and defined waists should choose a form-fitting belted coat that falls just above or below the knee. When you have curves, a short, puffy, or heavy jacket could easily distort your proportions. Your coat needs to skim over the bust and nip in at the waist to avoid making your derriere look larger than it is and your bust and waist look like one unsightly lump. Look for warm, but thin materials like leather (pleather for those so inclined).
Heavier women with undefined waists like Camryn Manheim should also look for thinner materials to avoid adding unnecessary bulk to their frame. A jacket that hits mid-thigh makes you look leggy as opposed to stumpy. Choose a double lapel front closure to give the illusion of a longer neck and proportionate bust. If it is very cold, you can always add a scarf to keep your neck warm (besides, scarfs make wonderful winter accessories!)
Tall, thin gamine women like Nicole Kidman can wear shorter waist-length coats and opt for puffy, down filled jackets. If you are tall/gamine and like bulky coats, make sure they are on the shorter side. A big, poofy coat that sweeps the ankles does not flatter anyone! If a longer coat is your preference, take a good look in the mirror to ensure you are not distorting your proportions. With significant height you can wear a coat that graces the floor; however, with a gamine frame, make sure you add a scarf or a belt or that your coat has some interesting details over the bust to create balance.
Dressing Professional Yet Sexy
By Abby on October 29 2009 at 08:48 PM
For women, striking a balance between being a sexual being and a professional one is a difficult task. You don’t want to give up who—and what—you are in order to be taken seriously. But you don’t want your sexuality getting in the way of your career. In short, just because you’re a professional woman doesn’t mean you’re not a sexual one… but the unfair “rules” of the workplace seem designed to force you to choose.
Fortunately, there are plenty of little tricks you can use in your office wardrobe to let all of your sex-appeal show—while staying as buttoned-up and professional as you need to.
6 Tips for a Sexy Career Wardrobe
1. Choose touchable fabrics. There’s something irresistibly sensual about a soft and touchable fabric. If you want to look and feel sexy but keep it subtle, look for the styles you normally wear in soft and sensual fabrics. Satin just begs to be looked at and touched, as do soft silks, velvets, and furs. Anything that subtlety states “touch me” to the opposite sex will immediately vamp up your sex appeal… without you having to show a thing.
2. Show off your waist. The waist is becoming one of the year’s biggest fashion accessories. You can stay utterly professional yet highlight your femininity and sexuality by showing it off. Shop for some high-waisted trousers and skirts to show off your waist. Or cinch it with a skinny belt over a long jacket to show off your shape.
3. Think shape, not length. When many women think of being sexy at work, they often think of lower-cut tops or shorter skirts, a la Ally McBeal. And while a short skirt will always ooze sex appeal, there are other, more subtle ways to do the same thing. And that’s by showing off your shape and silhouette instead of your legs or your cleavage. Combine a figure-hugging top with a loose, flowing bottom, or vice versa. Show off your breasts, waist, hips and shoulders instead of your skin.
How To Wear Over the Knee Boots
By Abby on October 15 2009 at 09:29 PM
Do you know why I love fall? The boots! By the end of summer I am more than ready to shed my sandals, casual flip flops, and ballet flats for the sleek, sophisticated look of the boot. That is why I, like so many other boot enthusiasts, am jumping for joy with this season’s debut of the over-the-knee-boot. Unlike the mini skirt or military jacket, this is a rare trend, so get on board while you can! The question is, once you buy your tall boots, what do you wear them with? Well, fling open your closet and rethink your wardrobe ladies!
Shorts in winter? Yes you can! Now, I am not talking about Daisy Duke cut offs! If you have a nice pair of formal shorts, not denim, you can pair them with your boots. It it’s really cold out, add dark hose. Maria Sharapova has inked a deal with Cole Haan, and rocked this look for the publicity photos. While a couple celebrity blog’s dissed the look, the majority (myself included) hailed her as a fashionable knockout.
Tall boots as leggings? Yes you can! However, the taller the better for this look! If you have boots that not only go over the knee but all the way up the thigh, pair them dresses or skirts. Over the jeans? Yes you can! This is, in my opinion, the best way to wear tall boots – over a pair of snug jeans.
If misused, over the knee boots can go quickly from classy to trashy. To look tantalizing, not tarty, keep these principles in mind.
Hottest Looks For Fall 2009
By Abby on October 11 2009 at 08:47 PM
Whatever trend is in for the moment, there are always a few designers that embody the essence of it and deliver something unforgettable. This fall catwalks from New York to Milan showcased the best of the season. In my opinion these are the designers that really nailed it.
In Paris, Jean Paul Gaultier sent suits down the runway that made women on both continents salivate. Edgy, manly, dark and dominating, the suits covered up the body from the ankles to the neck yet the addition of suspenders gone wild (backwards, draped over the hips and legs) the well placed buttons, and the piping on the pockets made these suits absolutely crave worthy and an excellent example of how an adroyenous trend can make a women look sexier than a body baring, revealing one.
When a designer that consistently marches to the beat of their own drummer falls in line with a trend, you know that look is definitely in for the season. Flamboyant, different, and defiantly out there, Comme des Garcons is not known for following or even setting fads, but this fall Rei Kawakubo, the face behind Comme des Garcons, surprises us with a very romantic collection. Her flowing, draping pieces seem to be inspired jointly by military and homelessness, but in a really beautiful way. Rei takes two of the harshest elements of life and shows us the fragile beauty that lies within in. Ok, the manly shoes with painted on toes the models wore probably won’t catch on anytime soon, but from the feet up, Comme des Garcons has one of the strongest, most memorable looks of the season.
Jewelry For Fall 2009
By Abby on October 11 2009 at 02:05 PM
In the past when we said jewelry, we meant delicate diamonds quivering on a thin silver strand or heirloom freshwater pearls tied around the neck with a silk ribbon. Well not anymore! Welcome to the jewelry revolution. This massive accessory reinvention actually started a few years ago when chunky gems jumped onto the scene, or rather, around our necks, wrists and fingers. For awhile we couldn’t get the stones big enough, the chains long enough, or the rings oversized enough. Thankfully, as time went on we tweaked and shaved and perfected and now the enduring costume jewelry trend has reached perfection.
I took a trip to Saks to see what jewelry looks like for fall 2009.
Let’s start with the necklaces. Chains have become much thicker; in fact, some necklaces are simply a series of large links. Large gemstones are placed with stones of similar size or dangle solitarily, framed in gold or silver. Making an impressive debut is the collar necklace. Think Egyptian – massive rings of gold and gems stiffly wrapped around the neck in a thick band. A gentler version of the collar is the regal looking bib necklace. Jewels cascade elegantly down your throat and over the collarbone. The bib and collar can be difficult to pull off. When you wear those necklaces, you dress everything else down to showcase your stunning piece. If you don’t feel like showing off, you can opt for a charm necklace. Charms are available in everything from mini postal letters to diamond skulls, to terrier dogs. Whatever your mood is, there is a charm for it.
Fall 2009 Trends
By Abby on October 04 2009 at 04:42 PM
Has Christmas come early? It certainly feels like because fall 2009 is just chock full of yummy surprises!
The first gift from the runway is over-the-knee boots. While this is a very daring and bold look, do not let it intimidate you. These boots can be worn with everything from fitted jeans to shirt dresses. In fact, thigh high boots easily double as leather leggings…which brings us to the next trendy leg coverings – metallic, leather, latex, mesh, and striped hose. If over-the-knee-boots are beyond your budget (and they are an investment piece) gift yourself one of those alternative options.
Another seasonal goodie is the androgynous suit. The pretty, ladylike, trend is still going strong, which is why I was surprised to see so many manly suits on the runways of Paris and New York. A trouser suit is a great way for women to look empowered during the colder months and since boyfriend blazers are in right now, the jacket can be worn with jeans, dresses, and skirts as well.
Polar opposite to the suit is the romantic look. Puffed sleeves, fur collars, and tulle swish down the catwalk on dresses and skirts that fall gracefully in wide circles and hit below the knees. That’s right, good-bye 30s A-line, hello 50’s silhouette. Skirts may flare, but trousers remain slim and longer than summer’s cropped styles.
Coach Gets Colorful With Pop C
By Abby on October 01 2009 at 08:44 PM
Coach throws a life preserver into the sea of moody, conservative bags with their energetic, colorful Pop C collection. At first I thought I had stumbled across a Pucci, but the distinctive Coach signature C quickly dispelled this notion. Wild, and erratic, the Pop C boasts contrasting and clashing colors made up of the signature C placed all over the bag in a random, haphazard way. If the Pop C isn’t enough for you, Coach pushes it one step further with the Graffiti Groovy. The Graffiti is very much like the Pop C, but instead of a pattern of signatures, the pattern is jagged, colorful lines ripped away to reveal COACH stamped through the center like, well, graffiti.
Fendi Skunk Fur Pekaboo Bag
By Abby on September 28 2009 at 08:12 PM
Available at Saks Fifth Ave is the Fendi Skunk Fur Peekaboo roll bag. Fur is a major fall trend and it makes sense that this fad would trickle down to handbags. However, skunk fur is not something commonly seen in the world of fashion. Holstein cowhide? Yes. Reptile skin? Definitely. Beaver fur? Not as common as it used to be but it’s been done. Skunk fur? This is a first. Skunks do not have the sweetest reputation. They are small, rodent-like creatures whose scent will send mighty beasts cowering and running in fear. Well, when you put it that way, a skunk fur bag makes scents (oops, I mean sense!). This small bag makes a very big statement. It says I am not afraid to be different, I am not afraid to be daring, and watch out because I am not as cuddly and sweet as I appear to be.
Fall Handbags For 2009
By Abby on September 26 2009 at 04:50 PM
Fall handbag collections have hit the stores and designers are collectively playing it safe. Perhaps the economic times have designers conserving excess material and opting for classic shapes and features instead distinctive ones. Whatever the reason, bags this season are lovely, but there is very little drama of the past hey-days. Excessive bling, massive amounts of hardware and gigantic oversized bags are gone. In their place are obscure, tasteful embellishments (if at all); minimal and very strategically placed hardware; and smaller, more tasteful sizes. What the bags lack in flamboyancy, they make up for with an understated timelessness; bags from this season will easily be carried into the next without looking out of style.
An emerging, trend is the hardware handle. Instead of buckles, snaps, and studs on the body of the bag, the hardware shifts to the handle by either anchoring the leather strap or doubling as the actual strap. Color trends are somber with mostly blacks, browns, grays and rusts. The few that do not conform to the color code break away in a very dramatic way. Stephane Verdino, for example, offers several pink metallic and saffron pieces while Gucci’s New Jackie Large Hobo is available in metallic green.
Designer Dream Purchases
By Abby on September 20 2009 at 02:38 PM
I had $10 worth of lottery tickets for the drawing last night. Today, I’m out $10 and dreaming of the purchases I could have made if only a few numbers had gone my way. Who hasn’t dreamed of having a closet overflowing with high-end designer clothes, brand name handbags, and shoes straight from the set of Sex and the City? Let us live out the daydream for a few moments. Let’s say, lucky you, you’ve won the lottery! It’s time to go shopping! Hmmmmmm….what should you buy?
First stop, Chanel! Coco Chanel was born in a poorhouse in 1883. Her mother died when she was 12. Her father had to leave to find work to support his children, resulting in her living in an orphanage for seven years. At the orphanage she learned the trade of seamstress. The rest, as they say is history. From these humble and desperate beginnings, Coco rose to build an empire that still dominates the fashion world today. Despite her passing in 1971, Chanel’s clothing philosophy and the designs that come from this powerful fashion house remain largely unchanged. The fabrics, the construction, and the simple elegance that Coco craved echo through time and are still relevant today. Therefore, an absolute essential piece for your wardrobe is the Chanel suit. Designed to maximize a woman’s power, elegance, grace, and sex appeal, the suit is also comfortable, sophisticated, and classically timeless. In addition to being an exquisitely tailored piece, wearing Chanel honors the extraordinary woman – the only one in the haute couture field named as one of Time Magazine’s most influential people of the 20th century. It will remind you that no matter whom you are or what your circumstances may be, you can rise above it and change the world. Oh, while you are there, make sure to pick up a bottle of Chanel No.5 - the first fragrance to have a designer’s name attached to it. Prior to her death, a custom made Chanel Suit was around $12,000.00. Today, a ready to wear Chanel suit is around $5,000.00.
