Fashion Must-Haves This Winter

I found myself doing the unthinkable the other day. I got out of the shower, looked at the clothes I had laid out for myself the night before, and then went straight for a sweatsuit. Fortunately, my oldest daughter, Kelsey, came in when I was getting dressed.

"No, Mama," she said. "You are not going to go 'sweatsuit' on me."

She was right. I put away the sweatsuit and instead got dressed in the leggings, sweaterdress, and boots I had laid out the night before. Winter has a way of driving us into hibernation. All we want to do is just cuddle up in our flannels with a cup of cocoa. Well, I am NOT one to downplay the magic of flannels and cocoa, but I also know there is a time and a place for everything. With a mom's busy life, we need to save the flannels and the sweatsuits for a lazy Saturday or maybe in the evenings when we cuddle up on the sofa with a good book (or a good husband). But for our work days--which is practically every day--we need to dress like we mean business. As a rule, your productivity level matches your wardrobe choices. I know it's winter, but don't 'go sweatsuit' on me. Instead, try out these fashion must-haves for the chilly season.

Boots--You've got to have a pair! I'm not talking heels, here. I'm talking about stable, fashionable boots that are comfortable. Boots that you can wear all day and do laundry, change diapers, dust furniture, and take out the trash. I have one brown pair and one black pair that I practically live in during the winter. One I got from Land's End four years ago and they are still holding up just fine and the other I got from T.J.Maxx at a ridiculously low price. You don't have to have a ton of boots, just two or three pairs that will take you through the winter in high style.

Leggings--It looks like the 80s are back; and there's not much we can do about it. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Leggings are a super inexpensive way to supplement your wardrobe. Plus, they are stretchy, so they are very forgiving after that holiday meal splurge. Get some solid, basic colors that you can wear under skirts and dresses. If you are wearing them with boots, it's a good idea to make sure your hemline is above your knee. It looks a lot more streamlined and stylish. You can also go for jeggings (leggings that look like jeans) and wear them under casual dresses or long shirts.

Jacket--Even if it's just a run to the store, don't wear that big, fat hoodie. Instead, opt for a nice, heavy coat that pulls an entire outfit up to the next level. I have a solid, black pea coat that I got from Old Navy a couple of years ago when they were all half price at the end of the season. I wear it everywhere. A nice coat looks sharp and doesn't have to break the bank.

Cardigans--These are one of my biggest go-to fashion staples. I always throw one over a t-shirt and skirt or button up a long one over leggings. These are definitely essential. They can turn a simple t-shirt and blue jeans into a trendy outfit. Get some basic colors and add them to your outfits to push the style up to the next notch.

Dresses--I still can't understand why more moms don't wear dresses. I practically LIVE in them. They are stylish, easy, and comfortable. I'm not talking about dowdy dresses, here, so put away the denim jumpers. I'm talking about fashionable dresses, and there are plenty of them out there. Next time you are out shopping, by pass the sweatpants and head over to the racks of casual dresses. You will probably pay about the same price, but make such a bigger fashion statement.

Just to tell you how easy it is to dress stylishly, let me tell you a quick story from my own life. One morning, I was feeling especially frumpy. I had a cold and I didn't even feel like taking a shower. I wanted to stay in my jammies, but instead, I reached in my closet and pulled out on of my most comfy, casual dresses. I pulled all my (unwashed) hair back in a bun and stuck a rhinestone headband on top. Then I pulled a long, jeweled, necklace out of my jewelry box and threw it on with some dangling earrings. When I went to pick up my daughter from her class, a mom came up to me in a sweatsuit and said, "Oh my goodness! What's the occasion? You look all dressed up and pretty." I just smiled and said, "Nothing, really, just a great day to be a mom." What she didn't know is that I totally felt "sweatsuit" inside but was just as comfortable in my dress and jewelry as I would have been if I had opted for the sweatsuit. It doesn't take much, it just takes practice. Try taking that little extra measure today. It's worth it!

What Does Beauty Really Cost?

Yes! We all want to be beautiful no matter what. We are shown what is classed as as beauty on a regular basis by the media. Fashion models who look like bean poles and who cant possibly eat chocolate or cream cakes as this would be the ultimate sin.

In reality they probably eat very little!

We are all made to be beautiful in our own way! it might not necessarily be in the way the media portray.

This is a good thing as it would be a rather boring world if we all looked exactly the same.

Time is also a big factor as we struggle to fight against it,nobody likes growing old, but are we really winning or delaying the inevitable?

What is all of this really costing us? we spend millions of pounds a year in the UK on beauty products and treatments.

How many of us know what we are really using in these products? We heard recently about parabens possibly causing cancer yet manufacturers still produce products containing them which we buy and use!

We need to look at what we are buying and what they contain!

Would you knowingly eat something containing poison or harmful ingredients? I know i wouldn't,yet we regularly buy and use thing to so called make ourselves more beautiful without reading the labels.

Here are some of the many things to look for:

DEA,MEA,TEA(not the kind you drink) are irritants which dry the hair and skin ,also known as allergens

METHYL,PROPYL,BUTYL & ETHYL PARABENS: are food grade preservatives-used to preserve products and extend there shelf-life. considered to be highly toxic and have been found in cancerous tumors ,also allergens.

ISOPROPYL:poisonous solvent used in many products.

IMIADAZOILDINYL UREA:formaldehyde-forming preservatives,known to weaken the immune system.

PROPYLENE GLYCOL: wetting agent and solvent main ingredient in antifreeze and brake fluid.

POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL(PEG): is a caustic substance used to dissolve grease. found in oven cleaner and most skin cleansers.

Are we taking unnecessary risks by not doing a simple thing like reading a label?

Is it worth risking your health for the sake of beauty,when these days there are more and more natural alternatives available in our retail stores,supermarkets and online so we can have a more natural way to enhance our beauty. Without the extra costs!

The Changes in Lingerie Fashions

Through the years lingerie styles and fashions have definitely changed, especially since the first lingerie article was introduced way back during the eighteenth century until today in the twenty-first century.

Throughout the centuries, fashion styles in regard to lingerie has been switching between the feminine and boyish, the painful and the very practical. Forever gone are the days of those cone-shaped bust, wasp lined waist, and the false buttocks. In today's world, lingerie is the most beautiful, luxurious, and feminine clothing that can be worn intimately and appreciated for its practicality and its comfort as we look back in time and reflect on the most noticeable changes in lingerie styles. The very first pieces of lingerie underwear can be traced all the way back to the ancient civilization of Egypt and Greece, where the women of Crete had to wear corsets to support their breasts.

During the eighteenth century the history of underwear was considered to be some what ancient with their padded silhouettes with their flat stomachs, narrow waists, and cone-shaped bust as fashion was way back when. The corset, which was actually the most essential part of any woman's wardrobe during that time. The corset gave the bodies of every woman unnatural shapes, which mainly compressed their internal organs and often times caused them to faint. During this period, lingerie mostly consisted of excessive use of satin, silk, and damask that was decorated with embroidery, ribbons, and laces, which created the effect of its artistry.

As the nineteenth century came along this point of time was typically dictated to women's bodies that were being controlled by corsets, crinolines, and bustles. This is when the s-shaped silhouette was first introduced. The corset with a bustle in the back made a woman sit with the very tip of her derriere on the edge of their chair, which many women felt was totally uncomfortable. Women had to wear about five pounds of underwear during this period of time. They typically wore knickers, corsets, camisoles, and waist slips, with the corsets themselves being even tighter than ever. The crinoline, which was designed to support by yards of fabric, tended to completely exaggerate a women's figure.

With the twentieth century came lingerie that became much more simpler as well as practical. Corsets were finally substituted for a much more flexible girdle with a much more modern bra. Lingerie finally came out during this period with fabulous paste colors and during the year 1910 the boyish silhouettes were finally in as part of the fashion world. The boyish silhouette was a look for women to have, which caused an impression of having no waist, no hips, and no bottom. During the 1930s, femininity finally came back with the girlish silhouette as women once again began wearing corsets, which consisted of a rounded and bust-emphasizing brassiere and girdle with garters. Additionally, one-piece corsets continued to be widely used around the world and panties grew smaller and smaller and eventually took the shape of bikini briefs.

The twenty-first century world of fashion, pushed women to show off their underwear as outerwear, which became known as visual enjoyment of their partner. Lingerie began being thought of by many women as their a second skin with all tastes and wishes being catered for by the world of lingerie. Women were finally free in their lingerie choices more than ever.

A Black Dress Never Fades Out of Fashion

There is one definite implication of fashion: fashion changes. For one month the dress you have selected is on its fashion peak. After a month or two, your dress will be out of the fashion scene. With this situation, women find it hard to determine which and what type of dress must be bought.

If you are experiencing a headache in finding what proper dress to suit all occasions, well you must consider purchasing black clothes. You may attain different benefits upon purchasing this type of dress. Discussed below are the importance's of black dress because it never fades out in fashion industry.

Black clothes can be worn on a girl's night out. Just accessorize the dress with nice heels or even closed black shoes. Moreover, partner your dress with a nice hairstyle. You don't need to use a hair style that is formal. Remember, you will be using the dress in a party and this occasion does not require a nice looking type of hair.

Moreover, it can be used on offices. Just accessorize the dress with a nice cardigan jacket or even blazer. Be sure that the fabric of a certain jacket will mix the fabric of your black dress. Use a nice pair of low heel pumps to define "work look" of the dress. Ponytail your hair and use nice set of pearl earrings. Now, you are ready for work.

You can also use a black dress for special and formal occasions. It can be accessorized best with nice set of gold jewelries. If you have a tube black dress, use a belt just to heighten up the shape of your body. Never use necklace if you are wearing tube black dress. In addition, use a black glamour purse to carry your personal belongings. Collaborate the dress with an astonishing set of high heels to complete the look.

It is essential to keep it in your closet because you can use this in social occasions. Moreover, you need to know the tips on how to create fashion from old clothes to maximize the use of dresses and clothes in your closet.

Silk Scarves - How To Tie A Silk Scarf Beautifully

Silk scarves...fashions and seasons may change, but silk scarves with their beautiful style and variety offer many new looks to an otherwise dull outfit, simply by knowing how to tie a silk scarf beautifully. Style never goes out of fashion and scarves have been worn by many style icons of our time, including Coco Chanel and Jackie Onasis to name a few.

Which type of scarf you choose to wear may be determined by the season and weather as well as current print styles in fashion. A few seasons ago Pucci was very in but not very affordable to most, so a scarf in a similar design can bedazzle with that off the cat walk Pucci look. With a few tips on tying your silk scarf beautifully the sky is the limit to what you can do.

The first thing to remember as with anything you wear, wear it with confidence. That is what sets you apart from anyone else. It is the same with wearing scarves and in time your flair will increase with a bit of practice and experience. Depending on the flexibility of the material here are some simple ways to wear your scarf. It is better to start off with the basics then progress to more complicated knots as you go along. The Ascot Knot, European Loop and Fake knot are good kick off point for scarf tying.

You start off by folding your scarf material in half, then in half again to form a simple oblong. The Ascot knot begins this way, then taking the oblong and simply placing it behind your neck and tying the front parts loosely in front of you, one forms the Ascot Knot. It can be loose or tighter around your neck depending on the mood of your outfit.

The European Loop uses the same oblong but by forming a loop you can slide the other free ends into the loop around your neck, again pulling it as high or low as you would like to match your current outfit. With the Fake Knot, allow both ends of your now folded oblong scarf to dangle down in front of you. Take one side of the scarf and tie a loose knot, take the other side and slide through the loose knot. This works with all materials but particularly well with silk or satin types of material. Then slide the knot up higher. In winter this knot looks particular sleek and appealing and pulled up high it does cover your chest area for warmth.

Scarves can be used as head adornments too, like a simple bandanna, or even as a loose shawl as well as using as a belt on trousers. For a great summer look with white trousers and a shimmering colorful scarf try the the belt loop. Take your basic oblong pull through the loops on your trousers till both ends meet equally. Then move off center and tie in a fake knot using the instructions above. Tying a scarf beautifully can completely update and change not only your look but the whole mood of your outfit.

Beauty Secrets - The Ultimate Guide

We've all experienced a fashion emergency or wished we could improve out beauty regimen with easy, inexpensive adjustments. So here are some quick and easy ways to stave off that unsightly pimple, keep under eye bags at bay and have gorgeous skin all year long.

Pimple Rx

Feel a pimple coming on and can't walk around with chalky white toothpaste on your face? Try dabbing some of your perfume on the blemish a few times throughout the day. The alcohol in the perfume will help dry it out (plus you'll smell great!).

Sleep better

Have trouble falling asleep but you've exhausted your sleep aid prescription? Why not try to catch some Z's the natural way? Lavender is known to promote alpha waves, which are necessary for restful sleep. Try soaking in a bath before bed with Lavender salts or Lavender oil.

Here's another idea: take a Lavender face pillow and pop it in the microwave on low for a couple of minutes, then place inside your pillowcase. Put your arms over your head and clasp hands, then stretch your clasped arms as far to the right as possible (make sure you remain comfortable) and then back over your body to the left. Repeat about five times. Breathe in deeply as you do these stretches, which will get the oxygen flowing.

Perfect that Pout

We can only dream of having lips like Angelina-well naturally anyway. Most of us have at least thought about using a lip plumper, hoping to look in the mirror and see gloriously luscious lips smiling back at us. The key is getting lips ready for lip plumper, so it can penetrate and do its job.
Here's a little trick that won't cost you a dime. Apply a small amount of Vaseline on a soft bristle tooth brush that's been moistioned with warm water. Ever so gently brush lips for about 2 minutes-you might want to do this while watching TV, two minutes can feel like forever. Remove the Vaseline with moistened towelette or soft washcloth and then blot dry. Apply moisturizer, sunscreen and lip plumper. Then go show off your beautifully plumped lips.

p.s. If you don't want to splurge on a store-bought lip plumper, dab a tiny-and we mean tiny-amount of Cayenne pepper on your lips. It'll sting a little, but what's a little pain in the name of looking gorgeous?

Baby Soft Skin

Wonder why some women appear to have plump, hydrated skin even in the middle of winter while yours is so dry it hurts to smile? Chances are those other ladies are doing a few things differently-or else they are genetically perfect and we don't like them anyway.

When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated it only makes sense to drink lots of water. Water keeps the cells in your body quenched, so your skin looks luminous and your appetite is curbed (great skin and a trim figure-it's too for the price of one!). You've heard it before but we'll say it again, get eight 8oz glasses a day. Your skin will thank you.

Here's something you may not have heard before: distilled water is the best for drinking because chlorine and other contaminants are greatly reduced when the water is boiled. To hydrate your skin throughout the day try a purified water mister.

Moisturizing Basics

The best time to moisturize is immediately after bathing when your body is damp and moist. Smooth on Body Butter, Body Cream, or Body Lotion to lock in moisture. And you don't have to spend a lot of money.

Some may think the more expensive a moisturizer is, the more effective it will be against dry skin. But this really is a myth. That's not to say expensive lotions don't make us feel more luxurious (even if it's just because we know how much it cost). But the good news is-especially if you don't have a $200 a month beauty budget-is that you can still yourself to radiant, glowing skin for the cost of your daily Starbucks and muffin, just by visiting your local drugstore. There are lots of great moisurizers that hydrate and condition dry, thirsty skin with natural ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E.

In addition to applying lotion daily, here are some other helpful tips to keep skin smooth during the winter months:

• Keep your shower times shorter and limit your exposure to hot water. Try turning on the radio and limiting yourself to just 2-3 songs as a guide.
• Avoid intense scrubbing while showering. Choose a soft soap rather than an exfolient. Here's an idea. The SALUX Beauty Skin Cloth gently exfoliates the skin with a special texture that stimulates blood circulation, while requiring you to use less soap.
• Don't forget your sunscreen! Sun damage can still happen with clouds in the sky, so it's very important to continue to wear no less than SPF 15 every day.

Frizz-free hair

On the go and forgot your hair pomade? Don't freak out-and certainly don't let your hair freak out. Apply a small dollup of hand lotion in your hands, then gently smooth hands over your hair. This will help to tame unruly hair. You can also use a tiny amount of Vaseline on the ends of your hair.
For future hair emergencies, make sure to pick up one of these great products to keep on hand and in your medicine cabinet: Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream , Biosilk Silk Therapy, which also doubles as a great skin salve, and Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss.

De-puff eyes

Trust me I've become a pro at de-puffing eyes. Computer strain, too little sleep, too much sleep, stress-you name it and it makes my eyes puff up like a cream cheese wonton. If you're looking for a quick fix that's more effective than cucumbers, try a green tea or black tea bag (it must contain caffeine). Dip it in hot water then toss it in the freezer for 5 minutes. If you have some foresight pop an anti-histamine like Benedryl the night before and you'll wake up bag-free. Supplements can help with puffiness too. MSM with Glucosamine, Flax Oil and Evening Primrose Oil seem to help alleviate puffiness.

Fake tan streaks

With all the publicity about skin cancer you feel guilty getting a tan the old fashioned way. So you tried a self-tanner or maybe you opted for the Mystic Tan booth. Unfortunately you ended up with the telltale streaks on your arms, legs, feet ... okay everywhere. Don't worry, you don't have to wear a turtleneck and pants until it fades. Hop in the shower right away (some will inevitably come off anyway) and generously rub down with an exfoliating body scrub followed by a rigorous scrubbing with a loofah. For really bad cases around the ankles, feet, elbows and hands (usually the driest parts of your body), you can use a callous file to eliminate unsightly streaks. We don't recommend incorporating these measures into your regular routine but if you've got a hot date or a big event you can't exactly show up looking like you got in a fight with a can of orange spray paint either.

Better yet--avoid rubbing your skin raw with St. Tropez Self-Tan Remover. Like magic it removes unsightly stains from your palms and other body parts if you mess up (the only caveat: it only works up to 4 hours after you apply self tanner). Find it at Sephora, Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret and Red Door Salons.

Is Being Obsessed With Beauty Vain and Pointless?

Am I Vain Because I'm Obsessed With Beauty? If you are reading this you probably love beauty products and fashion like I do but I admit I may carry it to the point of obsession at times. Many times people who have this drive to make themselves pretty are considered vain, conceded or overly self involved. Believe me, there are plenty of people that are vain that are not into fashion and beauty!

So what drives us to this passion for fashion if it isn't vanity? For me personally it is an art form. I love the unique, different and sometimes bizarre because it fuels creative passion inside. I see something beautiful in every woman I come in contact with. I don't mean "internal beauty" B. S. Lets just face it that is a load of crap. There are "beautiful" and "ugly" people who are horrible human beings and the other way around. I'm talking about actual physical appearance. First impressions only. So many women don't see their actual physical attributes for many reasons. They may have the most beautiful personality on the inside but they take a look in the mirror and see nothing they find attractive about themselves. The blow to their self esteem can impact who they are inside and how they react to others.

If you know someone or see someone who looks a little low on the self esteem department finding something attractive about that person and letting them know can make their day and possibly change their outlook on themselves.

My absolutely favorite thing to see is a 90 year old lady who's looks have long gone walking down the street in her bright red lipstick and matching red orthopedic pumps. You know when she was getting ready to go out she felt pretty and young. After all its really about how you feel about yourself.

Don't compare yourself to 90lb super models who are barely 18 years old. Look at what you find attractive in other women in your same age and size range. What are they wearing or doing with their makeup or hair that you like? Treat yourself to a new lip gloss in a similar shade, a trip to the salon for a new do, or a cute shirt in a style you've seen that you like.

Don't be afraid to look in the mirror and say yanno what I like my lips or eyes. Or god forbid... I have nice boobs! We all tend to see the worst in ourselves and focus on hiding those parts instead of enhancing the parts we like. It isn't vanity, its self love and awareness. When you exude confidence and feel attractive others will see you that way too.

Treat yourself like the princess you are and demand others to treat you the same as you treat yourself. This doesn't mean you need to be a glam queen and wear glitter and a tiara! (although that would be a nice touch) You just need to celebrate your beauty every once in a while. Enjoy being a woman! We have enough crap to deal with in the PMS department we all deserve a little vanity and self love from time to time. And if you already a diva, ROCK ON!! Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for it. Be a good person and make others around you feel good too and you got the total package.

Beaded Jewelry, the Wonderful Accessories to Achieve Overall Beauty

Accessories are essential for fashionable women. In the market, accessories are available in various designs and styles. Thus, women are able to choose the one they like best. However, most of them have strong preference for beaded jewelry.

Beads, the oldest materials in jewelry making
Beads have been applied in jewelry making for a long time. They can be the oldest materials in designing accessories. The history of beaded jewelry can be traced back to the ancient times. Today, beads are still very popular among people. Many women are interested in beautiful beads.

Numerous beads offer people a lot of choices
In the market, we can find a large selection of loose beads. They are available in various colors, sizes, shapes, materials and designs. We can find beads in multiple colors, such as, white, black, red, pink, purple, green, blue, orange, silver, gray, and so on. Meanwhile, these beads are designed in different shapes, like round, oval, rice, button, coin, rectangle, abacus, teardrop, and flower etc.

Beads are famous for their various materials
These days, all kinds of materials have been applied in making beads, including sterling silver, gemstone, crystal glass, rhinestone, metal, polymer clay, pearl, shell, coral, agate, jade, jasper, amethyst, quartz, etc. Different materials have different characters. Various materials make beads appear more beautiful and attractive.

Beads can be used in making all kinds of fashion accessories
Beads have been applied in designing all kinds of fashion accessories. In the market, earrings, necklaces, pendants, brooches, bracelets, and rings can all be made of beautiful and colorful beads. At he same time, some hair accessories are also made of beads, such as, hair clips.

Beaded jewelry is wonderful to complete a woman's overall beauty
Today, women keep a watchful eye on beauty. They try their best to appear more beautiful. If a woman is looking for ways to add beauty, she can take beaded jewelries into consideration. They are wonderful pieces to achieve overall beauty. For example, a pendant made of stylish gemstone beads can add glamour to one's neck.

The latest trend in beaded jewelry
Women always keep in step with the newest trend in the fashion world. They hope to get the latest items to add beauty and charm. Then, do you know the latest trend of beaded jewelry? At present, European charm beads and gemstone beads are very popular in the market. Many people are attracted by their trendy and unique designs.

Fashionable Hair Styles 2006: Eyes on Stars

Every year dozens of millions of people nestle close to TV to watch an exciting Oscar ceremony. Among them there are not only those who like movies, but also those, who are striving to see all brightest style novelties, including fashionable hair styles.

If you are worrying about your hair style at the moment when it is time to put off hats, you can follow general trends of hairdressers' fashion without great efforts. The main thing is obvious: romantic appeal is in fashion! Now you just have to try on appropriate styles on you. For this you should pay attention to several general trends.

Firstly, short hair-does are not fashionable today, as, agree, it is difficult to look sentimentally-romantic with a 3 cm crew-cut on your head. The shortest style that can be considered really stylish, - is something like classic square 2-3 fingers lower lobe.

However, long hair styles became hit of the season. Of course, those, who had short hair-does for long years, will not be able to gain luxurious long hair for 1-2 weeks. Naturally, it is a poignant long process, which can come to its logic end just by that period, when hair-do cut off all hair will be among fashionable hits.

So, if you want to be in the very center of fashionable main stream, you can gain this with help of modern achievements of hairdresser art - natural extensions, hair lengthening and so on.

But even if you already have long hair (your own or extensions), today you have a wide choice of variants - and this is secondly. For example, sleek long hair can be arranged in a very high ponytail. You could see such ones on shows of collections by Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Bill Blass, Chloe, and also on such Hollywood beauties, like Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Keira Knightley and Jennifer Garner.

This is a very elegant variant, which is also appropriate for a business woman. However, it requires very healthy arranged hair, as in such long sleek ponytail split ends, dim or grey hairs are quite noticeable.

Among this season hits are also hair styles, which seemed to be an attribute only for women of "elegant age" till recent time. These are various buns (arranged as very high, as low on neck) and high set with backcombing. As it tuned out, together with appropriate mood it is greatly combined even with very young age of sentimental ladies.

You will look equally elegant with beautifully arranged hair (may be with parting) and a bun of most quaint form on nape both in office and high society reception. You can make certain of it easily, if you saw such different beauties, like Reese Witherspoon, Amy Adams, Charlize Theron at Oscar. Those who are still doubting can watch reports from shows by Dries Van Noten, Donna Karan, Hermes, Narciso Rodrigues.

But under such variant you should have not only healthy and beautiful hair, buy also clean and healthy skin. Such hair-do opens your forehead according to medieval fashion, and all small (and not only small) defects you successfully hided under fringe turn out to be visible.

Brittany Merphy, Salma Haek, Kelly Lynch preferred more romantic variant this time.

This is a soft feminine set of long curly hair, with separate locks getting out of it naturally (however in a thoroughly considered manner). The impression is like a lady in an evening dress got in a gusty spring wind before reception, and wind disarranged her hair slightly.

On shows by Loewe, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Luca Luca, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Anna Molinari and other famous Fashion Houses such slight carelessness in set (when locks got out of set and curled above ears and along neck) became an additional nuance in forming of super-actual sentimentally-romantic image in laces and frills. It is clear, that probably it is too relaxed for a business atmosphere, however, it is just an ideal variant for any other circumstances.

But the simplest variant, of course, is a hair-do, chosen by Naomi Watts, Madonna, Jennifer Aniston accurately.

These are straight or slightly curly (long or of middle length) hair, parted and flowing on shoulders. Simple and elegant.

There is no fringe also, or it is so long, that it falls down on face. Then you should pin or put behind gentle female ears such fringe. And general impression, though, the same as with set with a bun on nape, - jauntily disheveled locks under capfuls of wind, which sometimes also have an effect of wet hair.

The "Green" Zone - Eco Fashion on the Rise

Today's generation of fashion designers and beauty companies are starting a new revolution-the Green revolution. From global warming to saving Mother Nature and concerns on spendthrift fashion, the 21st century style is widely "going green".

To these eco-friendly clothing distributors and cosmetics manufacturers, everything from dresses down to shoes and makeup has to be earth friendly. Life cycle in the fashion industry to them is not simply about keeping in touch with what's cool and hip, but more about the concern on what happens to their wholesale dresses and makeup bottles after they are out of season and empty.

In Paris, Pedro Lourenco, a budding Brazilian designer showcased his collection with a theme, "Diana the Huntress". His dresses clearly depicts of a warrior woman living in close connection with nature.

Sophia Kokosalaki's collection was a reflection of her childhood days in Greece. The satin pants with rippled fabrics and dresses ornamented with gold covered matchsticks are a clear depiction of a burning forest, a clandestine reference to last summer's fires in Greece.

In Los Angeles, last week's L. A. Fashion Week showcased The Green Initiative Humanitarian Fashion Show, which gave designers a new look in eco-fashion. The show featured eco-friendly designers Emily Factor, Lizzie Parker, and Puridee.

Emily kicked off the "green" catwalk with her sexy silhouettes which used organic fibers, non-hazardous dye, and reclaimed materials. Lizzie worked out her work/night out ensemble using organic fabrics. Her eco-fashion style combined with exquisite accessories artfully exuded versatility and flair. Meanwhile, Puridee stomped the runway with fiercely feminine and alluring organic wedding dresses made of silk that was organically raised and woven by hand.

Following the fashion designers' green revolution is the beauty industry. In a study conducted by Mintel in 2008, forty percent of the women surveyed said that the eco-friendly packaging of cosmetics matters a lot in their purchasing decision.

The study brought about a significant change in packing methods and materials used in beauty products, even in the form of energy used in the production such as energy-efficient bulbs. Companies are continuously finding ways to make their products as Earth-friendly as possible by using organic and renewable substances, e.g., Mineral FX's biodegradable corn resin jar and the recycled jar of Aveda's Green Science Firming Face Cream.

The goal of green revolution is to use natural resources more sensibly. But is it enough to change the world? Not entirely. But a stiletto-sized step frontward will take us farther than expected. The fashion and beauty industry is a highly influential world. Organic fashion produced for the runway, "green" beauty products, and eco-friendly mass-produced wholesale apparels is surely a sensible move towards saving our ailing planet.

Missoni, the Sumirago Fashion House

Missoni is often considered one of the most beautiful fashion houses in the entire world. Although every design they put forth may not be cutting-edge, the style is always there. They are one of the only fashion brands to carry a reputation for consistent beauty. Missoni's powerful tradition of creating new products has trickled down to their competitors. The business has meager beginnings, starting in 1953 to little acclaim and eventually building a lavish and luxurious fashion empire. The Missoni name has come a long way since the days of a basement studio in Sumirago, Milan.

Rosita and Ottavio Missoni met during the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England. Carrying on a relationship for the next five years, the two wed in 1953 and decided to take the plunge into fashion designing. They started a very small knitwear operation in the aforementioned Milan basement, and after much hard work and meager sales, the line started to take off in the 1960s.

It was during this time that the brand Missoni began to turn heads due to the colorful palettes, unique textures and a wide range of fabrics. The Missoni's definitely had more than one ace in the deck, proving time and again that they could produce chic originality on demand.

Although Missoni picked up a head of steam in Italy, their brand was relatively unknown around the world. This all changed when Diana Vreeland of American Vogue took a liking to one of Missoni's fashions and mentioned them in a 1970s edition of the magazine. Of course, Vogue was the bible to fashionable American women in the 1970s. If it was printed in those crisp, clean pages, it had to be right. After the article ran, Missoni was on the forefront of the American woman's mind, and their fashion sales exploded.

The family business started to grow tremendously. There was no possible way that the couple, juggling children and work now, could keep up with the demand - even with a few employees. Suddenly, the small family brand had become a conglomerate.

Many employees were hired and a large factory was built to handle the demand. Missoni was now found in some of the world's most selective markets, and the sale numbers were huge. Over the years, the Missoni's children have stepped in to help keep the line young and modern, appealing to younger women.

When the line started, the husband and wife couple created a unique logo that is their trademark: colored strips on all their clothing. With the fashions Missoni releases today, it's like playing "Where's Waldo?" when locating the stripes on some of the items, but they are still there.

This tradition is something the younger Missoni's have kept alive and well. The tradition of Missoni is what makes them so unique in their clothing. While a lot of brands have drastically changed with the times and become unrecognizable, Missoni has modernized beautifully, never losing their originality. This is one of the many reasons they're still sought after today.

Red, White and Beautiful - Fashion School Tips For Showing Off Patriotic Colors on the 4th of July

Oh, say can you see - all the people wearing red, white and blue? Every 4th of July, Americans eagerly sport the colors of the flag to express their patriotism. But fashionistas also wonder if they can wear red, white and blue without looking like Uncle Sam, or a parade float. Fellow Americans, it is indeed possible, as these fashion school tips demonstrate. So this Independence Day, show your patriotism - and your fashion savvy - 'til the dawn's early night.

Try muted colors. According to fashion design experts, wearing more than one intense color at the same time creates a "loud" look that is unflattering. So go for muted versions of our patriotic colors. Instead of wearing bright red, try cranberry, burgundy, or even soft pink. And the more neutral hues of navy, indigo or heather blue look much better on most people than royal blue. That's why jeans work so well; the muted denim complements almost any color, bright or subdued.

Allow one color to dominate. When you wear equal amounts of red, white and blue, it tends to look costumey. So let one color dominate, and allow the other colors to play back-up. For example, a red sundress can carry the day, accented by blue sandals. Or wear a blue shirt, with just a hint of a red ringer tee underneath. You can even go monochromatic. Imagine how dramatic an all-white pantsuit would look in the sea of patriotic outfits.

Let freedom bling. Go patriotic with your jewelry. And we don't mean a flag pin, either. A strand of white pearls looks stunning against anything red. And turquoise blue bracelets add just the punch you need with a white blouse or slacks. After all, your red, white and blue elements don't have to be articles of clothing.

Mix red, white and blue with other colors. In fashion design, it's all about balance, so introduce some neutrals into the mix for a more pleasing color palette. Even the brightest red or blue blazer looks fashionable when paired with a charcoal grey skirt or slacks. Oddly enough, by adding additional colors to the mix, the patriotic colors can stand out even more.

Play with patterns. Red, white and blue look particularly stylish, and less like a flag, when they're incorporated into prints like florals or plaids. Besides, these cheery prints are so essential to any summer wardrobe. Stay away from stars or stripes, however, or you'll look like you're about to do a tap number in the town square.