(ARA) – American kids are learning from their parents this holiday season – about value, smart investing and getting the most for every dollar spent. Developing wise spending habits is a good thing for kids, but does it mean they have to sacrifice their sense of style as they attend school, extra-curricular activities and holiday happenings?

Not necessarily, says children’s fashion expert, Jenny Cooper, head of J.Crew’s children’s line, called crewcuts, for ages 2 to 12. Children of top celebrities from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., have been spotted wearing crewcuts. “It is possible to get great style, quality and durability at family-friendly prices,” Cooper says. “Parents should look at their children’s wardrobe as an affordable investment, and follow a few basic rules when shopping.”

* Look for sophisticated, classic styles rather than trendy clothes that may have less enduring appeal. Because something is classic doesn’t mean it lacks character and personality. Timeless style enables a wardrobe item to be usable and relevant for future seasons, whereas trendy togs are often “flash in the pan” items that may be cheaper and less durable. “Your son may outgrow his crewcuts by this time next year, but you’ll still be able to use the clothes next year to put his little brother in stylish, great-looking hand-me-downs,” Cooper says.

* Look for quality. Choose garments made of durable, quality materials that have great details. It’s common for children to fall in love with certain articles of clothing that they wear over and over again, as any mom who’s washed the same shirt five times in a week knows. “It’s worth it to spend a little more on a few items that will look great no matter how much use and washing they get,” Cooper says. “We are obsessed with quality.”

* Don’t forget fit. How often have you bought your child a pair of pants or a shirt in a particular brand, loved the fit, and went back and bought several more pairs in different styles and sizes of the same brand … only to find out that not all styles fit the same across the brand. “Fit should be consistent,” Cooper says, “so that items will look great and consistent across all ages. We want our jeans to look as amazing on a 10- or 12-year-old as they do on a 3- or 5-year-old.”

*Build a wardrobe by mixing and matching key items. Just as you purchase a piece for your own wardrobe keeping in mind what it will pair well with, do the same for children’s clothes. A good pair of jeans, smart-looking skirt and classic shirt or blouse can be worn for a variety of occasions, from dress-up to casual. “Try to keep a core of neutral-colored items – pants for boys, skirts for girls – that will go with whatever fun, playful thing your children want to wear on top,” Cooper suggests. “If you establish a good base, the rest of the choices they make will always look great.”

* Remember, your children’s clothes need to fit their personality, not just their body. “Our aim is to create styles that kids would create themselves if they were little fashion designers,” Cooper says. “Styles should be fun, comfortable and unique.”

* Accessorize for your kids, just as you do for your own wardrobe. For boys, a pop of color in the socks instantly gives a little guy a twist of personality. For girls, look for jewelry that looks like the real thing, rather than gumball jewelry, and don’t forget hair accessories to really crown a look.

* Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of good shoes, whether they are dress shoes, casual shoes or sneakers. You child’s shoes should be durable enough to survive the season of tumble and fun, and good-looking so that your child wants to wear them again and again.

For more ideas on how to keep kids stylish, visit www.jcrew.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: children's clothing, J.Crew, J.Crew’s children’s line, kids

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – With the season of soirees upon us, the ultimate look is needed to stand out among the crowd of little black dresses. With a few simple steps, it’s easy to have the appearance of professionally done makeup without emptying your wallet. Be your own makeup artist by trying these three looks from the pros to accent your best features.

Smokey eyes
International makeup artist, Jemma Kidd recommends a dramatic smoky eye to pump-up the glam.

Step 1 – Sweep a light highlighter shade over the whole lid to the browbone.

Step 2 – Apply a dark and intense shade along the lashline, blending up and smoking outwards to the socket line.

Step 3 – Smudge eyeliner across upper and lower lashline; use black for ultra intensity.

Step 4 – Finish off with dark, black mascara, and for a full on look, go for false eyelashes. For an ultra-modern take, add a touch of glitter to lower lids and lashes.

Tip: To finish off the face, use a nearly-naked base, with barely-there flush on cheeks and a nude color for the lips.

Natural perfection
Petra Strand, makeup artist and creator of Pixi, firmly believes that makeup should make a woman look like herself – only more gorgeous.

Step 1 – Prime the skin with a primer – skin will look youthful, glowing and hydrated.

Step 2 – Switch to a base that is sheer and use a concealer for those areas that need a little extra help. Your complexion will look naturally flawless.

Step 3 – Use a cheek gel instead of regular blush to give an instant “lift” with a transparent touch of color on the apples of the cheeks.

Step 4 – Switch from full coverage lipsticks to a tint of color that has both the moisture and treatment of a balm for a perfect pout.

Tip: The next generation of powders is here with a diffused matte finish that is truly perfect to “set your makeup” so that it goes the distance yet you look “fresh as a daisy.”

Sophisticated glamour
For classic holiday glam, celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis recommends being bold and brilliant.

Step 1 – Prime your skin for a flawless canvas for makeup application and follow with your perfect foundation match for full coverage and matte skin.

Step 2 – Make a lip statement. Red lips are the most glamorous trend of the season. Pick your favorite red and make sure to always apply lip liner to prevent bleeding. To give the illusion of fuller lips, dab some gloss only on the center of the pout, over lipstick.

Step 3 – To perfectly complement your bold lips, keep the eyes neutral. Use a neutral and easy palette of taupe eye shadows for a seductive eye.

Tip: Complete the look with black mascara – always remember that three coats is the magic number, and a look is never complete without show-stopping lashes.

Don’t have all that’s needed for the ultimate glam look to show off your best assets? Relax, Target has you covered. Pick up premiere makeup products at budget-friendly prices from Pixi, JK Jemma Kidd and NP Set at Target stores nationwide and at target.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: eye makeup tips, glamour, holiday beauty tips, natural makeup, smokey eyes

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Fall is a time of transition. Not only do you need to prepare your skin for the cold months ahead, but it’s time to transform your look from light and airy to soft and classic.

Focus on a few beauty basics – skin, make-up, fashion and fragrance – and you’ll have all you need for a fantastic fall.

Great skin is always in
As the weather gets cooler and drier, your skin needs extra moisture to keep it supple. Keep warm weather memories alive with a scent reminiscent of summer and try Coconut Milk Body Lotion from The Body Shop. Treat yourself to the finest ingredients – ethically sourced community trade virgin coconut oil from Samoa – and get soft, smooth and deliciously scented skin.

Pucker up
Autumn lips are washed in soft color. International make-up artist Chase Aston says this fall is all about the perfect pout and recommends Colourglide Lip Color from The Body Shop.

Aston shares his tips for luscious and gorgeous lips:
* Use a lip liner for added definition and to help prevent feathering.
* Enhance the natural color of your lips by gently gliding on lip color. For added pout power, use a lipstick/concealer brush.
* Look for a shade that complements your skin tone. With 37 shades, you can easily find Colourglide Lip Color that works for you.

Ultra-modern eyes
This fall, dramatic smoldering eyes are what’s fabulous.

To achieve fall’s hottest eye looks, Aston gives these sizzling tips:
* Smudge together forest green, shimmering grey and lilac to create a chic, modern, smoky eye.
* To create an intense, sultry eye look, look for a palette that features a warm trio of rich brown, golden copper and shimmering sand hues.
* Try a metallic eye definer. Alone, it can be used to line and define or use it to complement your favorite eye shadow. “Choose shades that contrast your eyes to make them pop,” says Aston. “Apply color to the eyelid or along the lash-line as an accent for impact.”

Bundle up
Classic, “back to basics” clothing was all the rage on the fall runways. This season’s must-have piece is the crisp white jacket that works with everything from jeans to a little black dress. The key accessory to sport is perfectly fitting with the chill in the air – gloves. Half gloves, fingerless gloves and long gloves are gracing the arms of starlets walking the red carpet and go with everything from rugged parkas to dainty and ladylike skirts. If you’ve got a special occasion to dress for, or if you’re just plain feeling glam, the gold dress, inspired by the rich tones of autumn, is the choice for your holiday parties.

For more information on fall beauty basics, visit TheBodyShop-USA.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: fall beauty, fall beauty basics, The Body Shop

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – The beginning of every school year comes with one guarantee – the need for back-to-school shopping. This year, even more families are trying to save money without denying their children all the back-to-school essentials they need. When it comes to clothing, moms fear that their hard-earned money will be wasted on items that can get ruined by “kid stains” within the first semester of school.

This fall, save yourself the stress and take the advice of Yahoo! Finance Columnist and mother Laura Rowley on how to save while shopping and ensure that your children’s favorite outfits can be worn all season long so you don’t have to buy new ones:

Shop with a list
Before you begin shopping, take a look in your children’s closet and figure out what items they need. This way when you get to the store, you’re only on the lookout for specific items. Fortunately, current kids fashion trends favor a frugal approach: Faded skinny jeans, leggings, soft plaid shirts, graphic tees, distressed leather jackets, scarves and messenger bags are items that can easily be “swapped” with friends and other family members.

Use coupons
If you shop at a department store, make sure to ask the cashier if there are any coupons behind the counter. Most people don’t realize how many deals can actually be negotiated while in-store. If you prefer shopping online, look for retail sites that give you rewards with every purchase. You can also search the Internet for weekly or monthly coupons that can be used in conjunction with your online and in-store purchases.

Get more out of your children’s clothing
Once you’ve shopped for a school wardrobe, it pays to help protect your investment from the inevitable stains that occur during everyday wear. In fact, according to a 2006 P&G study, nearly $800 million in children’s clothing is “wasted” because the clothing is used for play, thrown away or worn with a stain. To fight stains on children’s clothing throughout the school year, Tide has created new Tide Stain Release – an in-wash booster that helps remove many tough fresh and dry stains that kids often encounter, such as grass and ketchup. By taking proper care of your children’s clothing, you can help their new back-to-school wardrobe last long enough to be handed down to siblings or friends.

Trade it in
Though gift cards are great gift idea, sometimes you just can’t make use of them. This fall, trade or cash in your unwanted gift cards. Do a search for a card exchange Web site – there are many available that allow you to get up to 85 percent of the card’s value in cash. You can use this newfound money toward purchases at some of your children’s favorite clothing stores.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: children’s clothing, fall fashions for kids, save on fall fashions for kids

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Looking for insight into what your college student wants to wear to school this fall? Want them to fit in with their peers, but still look respectable? Want to know the secrets to saving a buck?

The Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising students and instructors at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale offer some advice and insight on fall fashion trends.

“Global cultures influence the colorful mosaic of fall ’09, creating a new universal attitude,” says Chelsea Rousso, a fashion design instructor at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. “Through a mixture of motifs, layering occurs, allowing for uniqueness and individuality. Deep ethnic colors and patterns are appearing on scarves, skirts and knit dresses worn over leggings or textured tights. These ‘boho’ looks capture the relaxed approach to the easy-does-it mind-set.”

Rousso, who is currently writing a book on fashion forecasting, has more than 20 years experience as a designer and design director in the New York fashion world, including Datiani. As business in the early ‘90s was changing, she developed the concept for an artisan-inspired collection called Earth Song, clothing with natural and earthy appeal that was sold to stores and catalogs throughout the United States. “I am now committed to ‘giving back’ through teaching,” she says.

Recent graduates of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Fashion programs have their own opinions on fall fashion. “College students think about finding themselves,” says Karlee Smith, who received a bachelor’s of science degree in fashion merchandising and immediately went to work at the VF Corporation in Atlanta, Ga., as Vassarette merchandiser. “In essence, they create their own trends. At least most do who care to be unique. Even if they are on a budget, college students can find affordable clothes and accessories at places like Forever 21, Zara and Express.”

Smith’s classmate Elana Bloom concurs with making your own fashion statements and that college students care about their clothes. “I do think college students still think about fashion when they dress for class. Although, I do not think fashion is what is determined in their mind when they are shopping for their class attire,” she says. Comfort, convenience and chic are ideal for a college student who faces long days schelpping books, laptops, and other college necessities. Let’s face it, can a girl walk up three flights of stairs in 4-inch platforms and make it without breaking a sweat or falling?

“Today less is more and being chic is not being bedazzled or wearing ultra tight clothing,” Bloom adds. “It is about accessorizing your bamboo cotton sweat outfit. Attraction is all in the hair, makeup and the accessories. Who has time to put together a three-piece outfit at 6 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class? Throw on a comfy cute sweat suit by Pink Lotus or a cotton maxi dress by Lani, Havianas sandals, beaded bracelets, sunnies and a quick blow dry to the hair and you’re ready to go.”

Rousso agrees that when it comes to accessorizing, students are keen. “They are adding interest to their outfits by using bright pops of color to a neutral palette of black and grey,” she says. “From shoes to sweaters or necklaces to handbags, the intense hues are adding color excitement. Crimson red, associated with strength, desire and power is being worn by girls and guys in jackets, bags and accessories.“

Jeans – a college fashion staple – are also getting an updated look this season. Rousso continues, “The looks for denim this season include skinny jean silhouettes along with more relaxed shapes that are cinched at the ankle – often tucked into gladiator sandals or boots. Denim is light in color, distressed and embellished with studs and embroideries – a flashback to the ‘80s.”

Bloom also suggests Nordstrom’s B.P section and Target as places to find affordable accessories. “Wide headbands or scarves used as headbands, chunky beads and rings, and fun play jewelry embellish any outfit. I also think everyone should accessorize with a nice manicure and pedicure. This always gives a mini makeover.”

Both Bloom and Smith share more than their fashionable interests. They were the first two high school teens to win full scholarships in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition in 2006. They decided that Fort Lauderdale was the shared destination to pursue their design and merchandising goals. They met for the first time in New York at the scholarship presentation and have been making news ever since.

Smith is originally from Simi Valley, Calif., and a graduate of South Forsyth High School, in Cumming, Ga. Bloom, of Boca Raton, Fla., is a graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Fla.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: fall fashion trends, fashion for students, teen fashion

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – This year’s back-to-school clothing trends are all about expressing individual personality. Just as music allows the listener to express themselves, fashion is a way for tweens and teens to let their true personality shine through.

Actress and singer Selena Gomez has teamed up with Sears to share today’s hottest back-to-school teen trends. Here’s what the coolest kids in school will be wearing this year:

Trend 1 – Be inspired by music
“For me, music and fashion are two ways I really get to express myself,” says Gomez. Like many tweens and teens, the music she likes has become a huge influence on her taste in fashion. From rock to rap styles, this year will be the year of music-inspired clothing.

For example, skate-style outfits will feature bold colors and geometric patterns. Rocker styles are edgy and use dark or muted colors. Hip-hop styles have lots of flare and feature accessories such as cool hats and belts. Pop-styles tend to be trendy and mix and match lots of dressy elements with casual pieces.

Trend 2 – Accessorize!
Accessories are an easy and affordable way to transform any outfit and make it more unique and your own. For girls, this could include necklaces, bracelets, scarves and fun colored socks. For boys, watches, sunglasses and shoes top the list.

“Unique accessories are also great because they can add so much to an outfit and dress it up or create a totally different style,” says Gomez.

Trend 3 – Mix and match for style success
Get the most out of your back-to-school wardrobe. Consider new combinations, interesting patterns and mixing textures to find a style that is uniquely you.

Gomez suggests, “Try to mix up your wardrobe with a combination of trendy items as well those that are classic. For instance, everyone needs a great pair of skinny jeans that you can wear with anything, but look for unique pieces such as a cool jacket, vest or scarf that are perfect for back-to-school this year and really dress up your look.”

Trend 4 – Make your style your own
The golden rule of tween and teen fashion this year is to make your style all about you. “It’s so important for everyone, especially tweens and teens, to have their own sense of style. Even if that style is constantly changing, it’s an outlet for us to tell the world who we are and what we like,” says Gomez.

She suggests trying new things and creating a different look each day. The key is to find a style that gives you the confidence to walk in a room and feel really good about yourself. “What’s great is that Sears has all the top fashions to choose from and since it’s so affordable, you can always get the hottest new items and try a variety of looks,” says Gomez.

Do you have a fashion sense that stands out? Is music part of your unique personality? Visit www.Arrivelounge.com to view all the hot new fashion trends and check out the Sears Air Band Casting Call. You’ll also have a chance to help style the band, pick a name, design a logo and more. The winner will get great prizes like a Sears back-to-school wardrobe.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: Selena Gomez, teen fashion, tween fashion

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Wondering what to wear at the office as the temperature climbs this summer? Fashion experts at The Art Institutes have some words to live by when dressing for success at your workplace.

“There are many ways to incorporate summer’s hottest trends into your office wardrobe without compromising your professional credibility,” says Marlise Vance, senior instructor in Fashion Merchandising at The Art Institute of Ohio – Cincinnati. “Using color, accessories and patterns can bring a summer feel to your work ensembles, even if the pieces themselves are traditional office conservative. A bright tank or cami under a jacket, a colorful patterned skirt or fashion-forward shoes can make a big impact.”

“Black is never out of style,” says Stephanie Taylor, academic director of Fashion Marketing and Management at The Art Institute of Charlotte. “A great idea is to pair a black suit with fresh colors such as lime green, hot pink or yellow.”

Some of the hottest trends this summer include a more do-it-yourself kind of attitude. “The big trend this summer is that there is no big trend. Instead of going out and buying a trendy new outfit, recycle and reuse the clothes you do have,” says Taylor.

As part of this do-it-yourself kind of season, however, there are essentials every woman may want to purchase when dressing for the office.

“Accessories are an essential part of the dress code, and summer can be a good time to try a new scarf or bracelet,” says Thomas Liddy, apparel design instructor at The Art Institute of Portland.

Cardigans are another great buy.

“Women want to invest in a great cardigan this summer,” says Mike Watson, Fashion Marketing and Management instructor at The Art Institute of Charlotte. “A cardigan is great because you can wear it over a sleeveless shirt or dress, and then take it off when you leave work.”

He adds, “If I had to tell women to buy one thing for the summer, I would tell them to buy a white skirt or pants.”

“Think about your overall look throughout the day,” says Patricia Crockett, Apparel Design instructor at The Art Institute of Portland. “If you choose to wear a lower-cut top or camisole underneath your blazer, ask yourself if you’ll really wear the blazer or sweater all day. If the answer is no, choose another top that will complement your outfit and look work-appropriate on its own.”

What’s underneath your outfit also is crucial to your being dressed for success.

“Appropriate undergarments are essential,” says Julie Hengle, academic director for the Fashion Merchandising and Interior Design programs at The Art Institute of Ohio – Cincinnati. “There is nothing less professional than an unsuitable foundation piece.”

Common sense goes a long way, she elaborates. “Though it should go without saying, it bears repeating and reemphasizing: There should never be an occasion in the workplace when your co-workers can discern anything about your underwear. If you want to be taken seriously and judged for your work, not your wardrobe, then make good choices in proper undergarments.”

“What you wear to the office in the summer should always be one step removed from what you wear to an after-work event such as a date or cocktail party,” says Vance. “That means there should be something you either add, such as trendy accessories like jewelry or shoes, or something you can remove, like a jacket or sweater.”

Along with the essential “Dos” come absolute “Don’ts.” According to the fashion experts at The Art Institutes, one should follow these rules in the office, no matter how high the temperature climbs outside:

* No tube tops or halter tops.

* No flip-flops or gladiator sandals.

* Never go braless and be careful not to show too much cleavage.

* No minis: Skirts should fall at or below the knee.

* Don’t go sleeveless — cover bare arms with that cardigan.

* If you wear open toe-shoes, make sure you have a pedicure.

* And, men: Never go sockless.

“Make sure skirts are office-appropriate, which includes length,” says Crockett. “Because women bare their legs in summer, skirts should be closer to the knee. In winter, skirts can be shorter because women wear dark hosiery underneath.”

For men, there also are appropriate ways to transition to warm weather summer attire.

“Men obviously have fewer options than women when it comes to changing their wardrobe for summer time.” Watson says. “But what they can do is change from dark, heavy clothes to light clothes. For more fashion-forward companies it is perfectly acceptable to wear short-sleeved European dress shirts to work.”

Liddy adds, “If your office culture allows jeans, pair them with a lightweight blazer. Ties can also be worn more loosely to achieve a great summer look.”

No matter what, both men and women should “resist the urge to dress down for summer,” says Liddy. “Save the strappy sandals for evening and the sports sandals for the weekend.”

To learn more about The Art Institutes system of schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

——————————————————————————–
EDITOR’S NOTE:

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, is an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

The Art Institutes schools offer a broad range of programs including: Audio Production, Computer Animation, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing, Graphic Design, Industrial Design Technology, Web Design & Interactive Media, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Photography, Restaurant Management and Video Production. Not all programs are offered at all schools.

Tags: work attire, work clothes, work dress

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Are the warm rays of the sun inspiring your inner fashionista? Summer is the perfect season to jazz up your wardrobe with fun and fashionable items that make you look great. But how do you know where to start in a fashion world that offers endless possibilities?

When it comes down to it, there are some things that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Here are the top six items that will make you look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine this summer:

1. Sunglasses
A good set of shades is an essential that is fashionable and functional. Helping protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, sunglasses can also provide a fun summer look. What types never go out of style? Some options with fashion-longevity include aviator glasses (also known as pilot shades) that have metal frames and reflective lenses, as well as over-sized options often seen on celebrities.

2. Shawl
Having a fun colored wrap or shawl can serve multiple purposes throughout the summer. For example, pashmina-style shawls offer a look that is appropriate as a shoulder wrap at a wedding, but also could be tied around the waist as an impromptu cover-up at the beach. Are you chilled? It can add a bit of warmth. Is it too sunny? It provides protection from sunburn. Really, it provides style and function for just about any situation summer can throw at you, plus it’s small enough to be stashed away in a bag if not needed.

3. Pearl necklace
Pearls are the quintessential summer accessory for many reasons. They remind us of the water and are produced by nature, plus, they are the traditional birth stone for June. The best part of having pearls in your wardrobe is their versatility — they add style to your ribbed tank and jean outfit or jazz up your black dress for a night on the town. Want to truly add some summer pizzazz? PearlParadise.com notes that pearls in fun colors like pink, gold, blue and lavender are popular during the summer season, as well as unique shapes like baroque, drop and keshi Tahitian pearls.

4. Strappy sandals
Whether heeled or flat, show off those toes with a great pair of strappy sandals. Open shoes look great and help keep your body temperature down during hot summer days. Colored leather straps are popular and stylish during the summer season, but you can also find options in natural woven materials. Having a couple pair isn’t a bad idea — maybe one flat and one high-heel, or one casual and one dressier. Whatever route you go, you’ll be sure to get use out of these the entire season.

5. Earrings
Earrings bring focus to the face and enhance a person’s eyes. That’s why so many people feel “naked” if they don’t have earrings on. For summer, opt for pearl or stone earrings — or better yet, a combo of both. According to Pearl-Guide.com, Akoya Pearls are very popular for use in jewelry because of their consistently round shape. Studs, drop-downs and drop-downs with diamond accents are all great summertime options. When the sun hits them, your face will sparkle with true style.

6. Wide-brim hat
A good hat can be a great addition to your favorite summer dress and also be your best friend on a sunny day at the beach. Wide-brimmed hats are popular during the summer time because of their style and how they protect the face from wrinkle-inducing rays. A straight, stiff brim often made from natural fibers like raffia or straw provides a more formal, tailored look. Flexible, shapeable brims often made of cotton or linen have a more casual feel.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: summer wardrobe essentials

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Summer fashion always calls for bright, fun colors that are a welcome relief after a long winter of black and gray. However, those bright summer clothes come at a cost — more maintenance and tricky summertime stains. There are tricks you can use to keep your favorite summer clothes looking as fresh and bright in September as they did in May.

Style expert Sam Saboura, from TLC’s “Real Simple. Real Life” and author of “Real Style,” has a few tips on how to not only add the hottest new trends for summer to your wardrobe, but also extend the life of your clothes:

This season, it’s all about shopping your closet. You can easily get the look you want by taking a pair of dark denim jeans from your closet, cuffing the bottoms and pairing them with embellished sandals and a bright top. No matter the month, a pair of dark jeans is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own. To keep your denim looking darker and brighter longer, turn jeans inside out before you wash them, use cold water, add a color booster and stain remover and line-dry.

One of the best ways to stay cool and stylish this season is to layer sheer, lightweight tops. Layers add dimension and levels, and make you look put together and in the know with little to no effort. Keep the palette soft and neutral for a light, airy style. You’ll love the ease and comfort of this simple trend.

Two of this summer’s hot colors are red and green, but it’s important to find a color that looks great on you. You can easily slim down your look by combining bright colors with contrasting dark colors. Draw attention to areas you want to play up by wearing bright hues like pinks and yellows, and use darker colors to play down areas you’d prefer not to highlight. It’s an instant makeover at no cost.

Moms and dads can let kids get creative when picking out clothes from their closet. Mixing and matching colors, patterns and prints is a great style for kids this season. Parents can feel comfortable knowing their kids’ creative pairing of clothing is right on trend.

When shopping your closet, it’s important to keep your clothes in great shape. Since many families are heading outdoors in the warm weather, they’ll be more likely to get dirtier faster — especially if you have young, active kids in your household. To keep clothes looking good all season long, pre-treat stains and add a product like Clorox 2 Stain Fighter & Color Booster (http://www.laundryroom101.com/) to your laundry because detergent alone is not enough.

For more information and tips from Sam Saboura, visit www.laundryroom101.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: laundry tips, Real Simple. Real Life, summer clothes

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading ...

(ARA) – Warm weather is here and it’s time to update your beauty routine for summer. Why not take some inspiration from warm weather’s renewal theme and refresh your beauty regimen?

The welcome change in seasons brings longer days, trees and flowers in bloom and more time spent outside. Nature has so much to offer, including inspiration for products that can help you look and feel beautiful from head to toe.

“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices with so many new products on the market,” says Jeni Thomas, a beauty scientist with Procter & Gamble. “It can be difficult to know which products really work and which natural ingredients can be effective elements of your beauty routine. The key to finding nature-inspired products that do work is to look for ones that blend and balance nature with science.”

Seeking out products that combine the best of ingredients with the best of science gives you nature-inspired options that really perform and keep you looking your best. While many new beauty manufacturers may be unfamiliar to you, some of the most highly recognized and respected cosmetics brands are now offering nature-inspired products. Consumers often gravitate toward these brands because they are recognized, trusted, and easily available.

Here is a sampling of nature-inspired products from brand names you recognize and that you’ll easily find on your local supermarket or drug store shelves:

* CoverGirl now offers TruBlend MicroMinerals foundation, designed to fine-tune mineral coverage from sheer to full. The product incorporates iron oxides, minerals that give nice even coverage to skin, as well as pearl and mica to give skin a luminous, healthy glow.

* Hair color goes nature-inspired with Clairol’s Natural Instincts line. Like other Clairol products, the hair color blends away gray in just 10 minutes, but relies on an antioxidant-rich, ammonia-free formula with vitamins C and E to accomplish healthy-looking color and shine.

* Consumers know and trust the name Olay. Now the company has introduced a Botanical Fusion Body Wash formulated with scents and ingredients inspired by nature, such as patchouli, rosemary and ginger. The wash incorporates these invigorating scents with hydrating and skin-nurturing ingredients.

* The Cassia plant, a botanical science discovery that helps give hair radiance, softness and strength, is the key ingredient in Pantene Pro-V’s new Nature Fusion shampoo.

“Consumers looking for nature-inspired products no longer have to search specialty shops or the Internet to find the effective products they crave,” Thomas says. “Some of the most recognized names in health and beauty are responding to consumer demand with effective, cost-conscious, nature-inspired products.”

To learn more about nature-inspired beauty products, visit www.pgbeautyscience.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Tags: summer beauty, summer beauty routine

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

 Loading ...