Thursday, May 27, 2010

Unsung (Beauty) Heroes

Summer is upon us and every beauty magazine and major retailer is offering their summer beauty essentials. We are all guilty, for even yours truly has posted her summer necessities, but every list is relatively the same. They all seem to contain a moisturizer with a sunblock, a bronzer, a leave-in conditioner, and I am not arguing the virtue of any of these products. I have every one of them in my bathroom cabinet. However, I felt that some of the less glamorous items are being completely ignored by my esteemed colleagues. In turn, I have chosen to highlight some of the beauty essentials that no one is talking about, and best of all, they are important all year long! Don’t we love the items that take us through every season?

Irons—yes, I am talking about the device that smoothes the wrinkles out of your clothes. Summer is a season that demands breathable clothing. Cotton and linen, the fabrics of summer, are renowned for their inability to stay flawlessly smooth. And white summer dresses? With wrinkles? Tragedy! So having an iron on hand is essential, and following the ironing instructions on your garment’s tags—even more essential. Hey, there is a reason that nearly every hotel in the country has an iron in their closets… it is a small, but important, essential in looking summer-ready!

Primer—you know those girls whose make-up seems to look flawless even after being in the hot sun all day. Give credit to her primer. Many people are unfamiliar with this beauty essential, and it isn’t just a requirement in the summer. It should be used all year long. Primer is a powdery gel that is put on the skin prior to foundation, powder or concealer. It preps the skin and helps the make-up stay put through all kinds of weather. If you ask me, anything that will allow me to ignore my make-up all day is definitely an essential!

Water—I’ve said it once, or maybe twice, and I’ll say it again, nothing is more essential in the summer time than water. When people ask me how I keep my skin so fresh, it is always the same answer—water. In addition, 70% of perceived hunger is actually thirst, so instead of grabbing for the Pringles, grab a bottle of water. It has no calories, and I can guarantee, drinking water instead of soft drinks will result in a better bikini body by the end of summer… so start now!

Preparation H—it isn’t pretty, but it’s true… the hemorrhoid ointment shrinks swelling, and that includes the pesky swelling around your eyes that makes you look tired first thing in the morning. Dab a bit around your eyes carefully (it isn’t a good idea to get the ointment in your eyes) and wait for the swelling to decrease. It costs far less than those fancy eye creams that you buy at department stores, and it works just as well, if not better!

Baby oil—yet another beauty secret that will save our young, broke and fabulous fashionistas a pretty penny, baby oil is the best tool for removing make-up. And to think, you’ve been spending more on those expensive make-up removers!

Yogurt—both inside and out, yogurt is an essential part of any girl’s beauty repertoire. Eat low-fat Greek yogurt daily and you will be thinner, you will smell better, and you will be healthier on the inside. Put it on your face once a week for 20 minutes, maybe blended with a bit of grated cucumber, and you will be moisturized and glowing on the outside. How easy is that?!

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Breaking News: Cougar Town Hit By A Reality Tornado

I am a staunch advocate for confidence. Nothing is more attractive than a woman who feels good about who she is, and what she possesses. However… There is confident, and then, there is classless. There are cougars, and then, there are car-wrecks. If you are more Dame Judy Dench than Lady Gaga, you should seriously be reconsidering whether or not your wardrobe is age appropriate. No matter how sure we are of ourselves, there are limits to what we should be allowed to wear, and since the government does not have the time to pass legislation about tube tops, we must step in to set some guidelines. If you are a self-described cougar, please, make these are your new guiding principles.

1. Midriffs not welcome—showing us your stomach is adorable when you’re fresh faced and 16 and look like you aren’t really trying to look promiscuous, but once you have stretch marks and a C-section scar, it is no longer quite as charming.

2. Catholic school rules now (re)apply—remember when you were in high school, and you were forced to wear skirts that were as least as long as your fingertips reached? Time to revisit the past. It is not as sexy as you think. You’re someone’s mother for daughter’s sake! Shouldn’t we expect the same standards of good conduct from you that your daughter’s high school expects from her?

3. Logo-less bottoms—there comes a point in your life when wearing a logo on your ass is no longer necessary. Let something else about you do the talking. No need for Rock & Republic to define your style. You have a career, a family, or your own fabulous personality to say everything that needs to be said about you!

4. “Hello, Kitty?”—you’re a cougar, not a kitten! So, please, pass that cute “Hello Kitty” t-shirt you couldn’t resist on to a more appropriate audience… like your niece. It is not appropriate to wear cartoon characters across your breasts… because you have breasts. Point made, and hopefully, taken.

5. Speaking of breasts...—Congratulations on the breast augmentation. Now put them away. We are all very happy for you. They stand at attention like never before. That doesn’t mean that they have to be displayed like portable trophies every time you leave the house.

6. Your underwear should be under there—showing your bra straps and God forbid, your underwear, is embarrassing. Not just for you, I am embarrassed! I can’t stop staring! Victoria’s Secret is out, and everyone is looking.

7. Tanorexia is a disease—and one of the symptoms is premature aging. That’s correct, you’re making yourself look far older than you are every time you step into that tanning booth. Think of all the money you could spend in future plastic surgery by NOT exposing yourself to all that UV. Think of all the Ed Hardy you could buy!

8. Speaking of Ed Hardy—ladies, if you are over 40 and you can still rock a super tight mini-dress, I applaud your efforts. I can jump off of the Brooklyn Bridge, but I’m going to refrain. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean that you should. As one of my male counterparts so eloquently commented recently, “keep the freak in the bedroom; don’t bring it to the bar.” My sentiments exactly.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Our Most Fashionable Summer Cocktails

It is the summer season and no season sparks our desire more to see and be seen. And it should be noted that while the perfect sundress is important when out for a sizzling summer night on the town, what is almost equally important is the drink we’re holding while we’re wearing it! It may seem oh-so-trivial, but the perfect cocktail can be a conversation starter, and you never know when the hot guy next to you needs an excuse to lean your way, and ask “what are you drinking?” Here are a few of the standouts…

•The Icepick—this one is old school for the classic Southern Belle fashionista. Vodka and iced tea sounds completely dull, but with the onslaught of new and exciting flavored vodkas, this classic has become completely revitalized. Like our grandmother’s vintage brooches, a new spin can turn something elderly into something extraordinary. My personal fave is Stoli Strasberi (that’s “strawberry” in laymen’s terms), but peach, raspberry or even blueberry flavored will do in a pinch. They’re refreshing, easy to drink, and you can request them, as I do, in a tall or a pint glass, ensuring that they take just a little longer to drink. Plus, using unsweetened iced tea as the mixer means that you avoid all those pesky mixer calories, and can save all of them for your liquor, and what girl doesn’t love that?

•The Mojito— most certainly for our “muy caliente” fashionistas, and one of the more controversial of the summer classics, but who doesn’t love a little scandal? . There is no clear origin of this invigorating rum concoction, but many bestow credit upon a feisty English pirate named Richard Drake, who frequented Cuba often. Whoever was ultimately responsible, this beverage is decidedly Cuban. Rum, muddled mint and sugar (simple syrup is the easiest and most efficient) and a splash of soda water is my most loved version.

•White Port with tonic—for the decidedly European fashionista. This effervescent summer treat is for the girl who loves white summer dresses, for there is no fear of stains! An added perk: it is lower in alcohol, so if one is a light drinker, they can enjoy with abandon…

•Sangria—for the adventurous fashionista who loves variety. Sangria is the most versatile cocktail on this list. Every mixologist seems to have a new and exciting twist! Traditionally, sangria is a wine “punch” that originated in Spain, and can be made with brandy, red or white wine, simple syrup or honey, and a assortment of fresh summer fruits. The best part? It is the best way to spice up your cellar’s cheapest and lousiest wine!

•The Gin Basil Smash—for the bohemian fashionista. Nothing screams earthy independence louder than the Gin Basil Smash. The cocktail has been claimed by Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany, but it is popping up everywhere in the hands of women who seem to live by their own sets of rules. A dry gin muddled with simple syrup, lemon and fresh basil and served shaken and strained, straight up. What could be more decadently simplistic than that?

•The Caipirinha—for our worldly fashionista. The young woman who orders this drink is one who is well traveled, for it is easily the most obscure of our list. Hailing from Brazil, the Caipirinha is as difficult to attain as it is to pronounce, but if you come across it, you must be bold and sip slowly! Made from Cachaca, a rum-like liquor made from fermented sugarcane juice, fresh squeezed lime and simple syrup, this cocktail is uniquely South American. Close your eyes and you can almost smell the crisp sea air!

•Sparkling wine—for the sophisticated fashionista. Nothing is more fun in the sun than a flute of bubbly. Whether you enjoy a sweeter cocktail (prosecco or moscato d’asti are the right choice) or a dryer cocktail (cava or brut are sensational selections), sparking wine will suit any tastes. Throwing an intimate summer party? Buy a few different flavors of sorbet and a small ice cream scooper, and add a scoop to the flute before you pour over the sparkling. You’ll get a cold delicious glass of sparkling completely personalized to each guest, and you’ll look like the summer’s most fabulous and innovative hostess!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Top Ten Summer Essentials

1. Moisturizer— We’re young, we’re beautiful, we can’t imagine a day where we’ll wake up and the wrinkles around our eyes won’t just be there when we laugh- they’ll be there permanently. Unfortunately, time stands still for no fashionista. The best way to delay the inevitable is to moisturize. If you are unsure of which one to choose, look for one without oil and with SPF. Sun protection is important all year long, not just summer. In addition, don’t be distracted by expensive moisturizers, do your homework. Anyone can moisturize, even on a budget. My moisturizer: Oil of Olay for Sensitive Skin. Another suggestion: tinted moisturizer. No one wants to caked in makeup all summer, and tinted moisturizer makes your skin glow, and eliminates the need for heavy foundation.

2. Sunblock— I know that you want to look thin and sun-kissed this summer, but remember, do it slowly and safely. If you know you burn easily, use a high SPF and spend just a little bit of time in the sun each day. If you don’t burn easily, use a lower SPF and spend just a little bit of time in the sun each day. I’m not saying don’t spend the day at the pool or on the beach… just take some shade breaks!

3. Sunhat— Who doesn’t love season-specific accessories? Sunhats are fabulous because they protect your gorgeous face even when you aren’t thinking about the sun. And if you have the confidence to rock a giant sunhat, you’ll steal the show practically everywhere you go.

4. Beach bag— There are so many versions of totes out there, it makes a girl’s head spin. You can get one practically anywhere. I prefer Shopbop, but if you are on a budget, Target, H&M and Urban Outfitters all have great choices as well. Practically anything can serve as a beach bag, it simply must meet two important standards: it must be large because you have to be able to bring a day’s worth of versatility and it must be machine washable because sand is dirty! It also helps if it is colorful, because summer is meant to be fun!

5. Jumpers/Rompers— Why do I love! love! love! these trendy pieces? Because I don’t see them as a trend, but more of an emerging summer classic. What is better to throw on over a swimsuit and look perfectly ready for the country club/beach bar/restaurant? Throw a chunky necklace and some bejeweled thong sandals in your beach bag, and voila! An adorable ensemble that is easy and more exciting than a sundress.

6. Swimsuit— Duh. Of course, you need a swimsuit. But make sure that you spend as much time looking for this important piece as you do all of your other important closet staples. Ensure a great fit, and that the colors and patterns are great for your pre-tan body. It is essential that when you’re as exposed as you are in a swimsuit, you feel your most confident, so find a suit that makes you feel your best.

7. Flip-flops— Again, this seems so self-explanatory, but there are so many adorable sandals on the market this season, that I suggest buying one pair that will last you a lifetime and a few pairs of cheap ones… I suggest Urban Outfitters, Target, and Old Navy for the cheap ones. For the investment pair, decide the purpose and your personality before you buy. Are you a girly girl? Buy a pair of Tory Burch from Shopbop, Nordstrom’s or Saks. They’re trendy in a classic way, and they go with practically everything summery. Are you a more active girl? Buy a pair of Rainbows or Birkenstock’s. They are comfortable, will last a lifetime, and once you break them in, they’ll become your favorite shoes!

8. Chapstick— Okay, I’ll admit, I’m addicted. But all biases aside, most Chapsticks have SPF, and remember ladies, your lips can burn, too!

9. Cheap sunglasses— I understand the desire to buy some super cute Chanel shades to rock on the beach this summer. Nothing is more fun that seeing a beach full of girls green with envy at the sight of your super expensive and exclusive shades- until you sit on them. Or lose them in the ocean. Or toss down your beach bag and crush them. I have done all of these things. And I will admit, I am a terrible eyewear caretaker, but for summer, when you wear them day in and day out, go cheap. I suggest the convenience store on the highway to the beach. Or, if you are more of a poolside lounger, Wetseal always has incredible summer deals on sunglasses. Not only are they cheap, but they are almost always buy-one-get-one-free! That way when you destroy one pair, you have a back-up pair ready to go!

10. Water bottle— I started the list with hydration, and I’m ending it with hydration. Because when the temperature is high, you sweat, and when you sweat, you dehydrate. There is nothing that will make you look worse than dehydration. You know the way you look after a long night of drinking? Well, that is dehydration baby. Nothing else. Find an adorable water bottle, and drink water constantly! It will keep you looking fresh through all of your summer activities.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Wardrobe Essential: The White Button-Up

Many designers have tried, some have succeeded and some have failed, but nearly all have designed some version of the classic man's button up white shirt. My opinion: go with the original, the men's version. Gap offers a great version in nearly every season, and because of rampant consumerism, you can find a Gap in nearly every major city in America! The more expensive versions made for women, the ones that are tailored and offer feminine details, are lovely, but they lack the versatility and often, the comfort, that we need in a wardrobe essential. Case in point:

Fall: Wear the classic men's version with a beautiful pair of tweed chocolate wide leg slacks, tucked in, with a chunky rust colored statement necklace... boots are lovely in the fall, and if you live in a moderate climate, you may want to fore go the knee-highs until it gets a bit colder.

Winter: Wear it with a pair of black slacks un-tucked, and belted at your natural waist with a wide patent belt. I like a pair of slacks with a bit of texture, but any nicely tailored pair will do, and high heels or boots are the right shoe decision.

Spring: Wear it with a fitted blazer and a great dark pair of skinny or straight leg jeans. Ankle booties are the right shoe if it is still cool outside, but thong sandals with some decorative detail will also look terrific, if you live in the warm warm South, like yours truly.

Summer: Wear it un-tucked with a few of the lower buttons undone (if you have a toned, tanned stomach) and a great pair of khaki shorts. This season, there are some fabulous shorts with really exciting details! And roll up the sleeves, kind of sloppy like, to 3/4 length. Pull your hair into a loose side bun with some loose hair hanging out or some fabulous earrings if your hair is too short for an up-do... If you want to go out on the town, pair this casual look with a great pair of heels, and take sexy-casual to a new level...

Now that you know how to wear this classic piece in every season, there is no excuse not to have one in your closet...

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Denim Do/Denim Don't

Denim do:

Do have a fitted, preferably dark denim jacket in your closet.

Denim don't:

Do NOT wear it with jeans! I don't understand why the mirror doesn't illustrate this point to people, but I have been seeing it a lot lately, and it simply has to stop.

Alternatives:

Wear the jacket with white pants, even white denim, khakis, cords, or a white skirt or dress.