Fashion Savvy - Fashion, Beauty, & Style » Fall Fashion

Beauty basics to help you embrace autumn

fashion — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:05:03 +0000

(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

Fall fashion trends – expert advice from those who know

fashion — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:45:27 +0000

(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

Tween and teen fashion trends make back-to-school fun and affordable

fashion — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:50:04 +0000

(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

Red Carpet Tips for Fresh Fall Style

fashion — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 17:59:03 +0000

Red Carpet Tips for Fresh Fall Style

As the leaves change their colors this fall, many people find it is a great time to also change their style. The fall season brings new fashion and a chance for women to peruse style magazines and hit the shops to revive their look. Stylist-to-the-stars Britt Bardo brings good news for this fall’s style seekers — looking your best does not have to take a lot of time or money.

Prepping celebrities for red carpet appearances and eleventh-hour events is a daily task for Bardo whose clients include Hollywood A-listers, Jessica Simpson, Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez. While she spends much of her time preparing stars for important events, Britt often finds herself providing clients with simple tips to achieve a stylish, yet effortless, look at the last minute.

But in Bardo’s opinion, a new look isn’t always about the clothes and accessories. Her easiest tip is likely the first that people notice. “When my clients have to look good quickly, my new secret weapon is the new touch-up teeth whitening product, Aquafresh White Trays Revive. It revitalizes the effects of previous whitening treatments, improving teeth whiteness in just two days — it is a life-saver for last minute events.”

This fall, fashion doesn’t have to be complicated — Bardo finds the most basic items to be wardrobe essentials. “When you are at a loss for what to wear, stick to well-fitting, chic basics,” she says. “A great pair of trousers and a simple t-shirt tucked in are dependable outfit home-runs. Then give the outfit some ammunition with bold accessories.”

Bardo recommends these other tips to turn heads this fall:

* Every woman should have a great-fitting, sexy little white shirt. It is classic and chic and goes with everything.

* Mix up your cosmetics with the new mineral make-ups available at the drugstore. Drugstore cosmetics are just as good, if not better than high-end, fancy brands, and are a fraction of the price.

* If you want to try out a trend but are hesitant to spend a lot of money, look for a similar style at a lower price. With high-end designers doing collections for mass retailers it is easy to find something fun and low cost.

For more tips from Britt Bardo see the article featured at www.AquafreshWhiteTrays.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Denim for the Real World

fashion — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 03:22:50 +0000

Update Your Fall Wardrobe with Denim that Fits and Flatters

(ARA) – This fall, millions of kids will be returning to school, clad with new backpacks, lunch boxes and a school wardrobe including the latest in teenage-trendy jeans. With all the styles available for the younger set, it can be a challenge for parents to update their own denim wardrobe by finding a great fit that also flatters. “Extreme denim trends come and go, but the need for great-fitting jeans that complement and are comfortable never diminishes,” says Michele Casper, a denim expert at Lands’ End. “As we get older, body shapes change, as do the denim silhouettes that make us look great.”

When buying jeans, there are many factors to consider including wash, fit and all those designer details such as hand sanding and hardware. For those of us who can’t seem to keep up on all the latest denim trends, Casper and the design experts at Lands’ End offer some sage advice on fit and style.

Denim Silhouettes: Clean Lines for a Modern Look

First, consider body shape. Casper recommends that women who are larger on top should look for fuller leg jeans such as a trouser or boot cut. They’ll help create the illusion of a longer leg. For curvy women, wearing a darker wash naturally creates a slimming line to down play fuller thighs and hips. Also, look for jeans cut specifically for curvier women to prevent gapping in the back. For men, keep a more natural silhouette so the fit is in proportion with the body. Casper suggests, “If you’re slim, the Lands’ End original fit is a good choice. It’s slim through the hip and thigh with a straight leg. So, you’ll keep the fit in line with your natural shape, resulting in a modern silhouette and a clean line.” Other silhouettes are available for more athletic builds and relaxed comfort. But, be sure to get a size that fits without appearing overly bulky.

Wearing the Right Wash
Consider the wash and where you plan to wear your jeans. In general, the darker the wash, the dressier it is. “Darker washes are great for professional occasions,” says Casper. “Look for jeans with minimal sandblasting so they look newer and more in line with office attire. You also can dress up darker denim with a blazer or blouse over a cami for a night on the town.” Lighter washes tend to be more casual, say for an afternoon sporting event or weekend with friends.

Denim Details that Make a Difference
There are so many details that go into creating a great pair of jeans. From hammered or molded hardware (you know, those rivets and buttons), to hand sanding and selvage edge seams, this is where denim connoisseurs can play with personality. Casper suggests thinking about denim details that fit.

“If you’re more conservative, think minimal or subtle details. Consider the way the seams are stitched — perhaps a bit wider hem or back flaps on the pockets would work well. If you’re really looking to express your personality, then consider hand-crafted denim with whiskering that mimics natural fading around the front pockets. Also, selvage edge side seams create that ‘railroad track’ fading down the sides over time. This is an authentic detail harking back to the early days of jeans.”

Lands’ End, a perennial favorite among families, has redesigned their fall denim collection for kids and adults with updated classic pieces for a variety of tastes. To view their collection, visit www.landsend.com or call (800) 800-5800 to request a catalog.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Fall Fashion: How to Get the Best Fit

fashion — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 01:50:54 +0000

A proper fit can make all the difference between looking sharp or simply disheveled. For petite and plus sizes, the challenge can be even greater. Some apparel designers simply do math, increasing or decreasing clothing measurements by a certain percentage without taking proper proportion into consideration. The result can be shapeless silhouettes that look frumpy, not flattering.

The experts at Lands’ End offer some advice on getting a great fit.

Know Your Measurements
The key to a proper fit is knowing your measurements. The average woman is 5’4” and weighs 164 pounds according to the National Center for Health Statistics — not your typical runway model. Look for designers that offer clothing specifically for your size.

Take the time to measure your body with a proper measuring tape — a dimensionally stable cloth tape measure — keeping the tape taut but not stretched. Get a friend to help, if possible, measuring your body over properly fitting undergarments while standing erect, without shoes, and with feet approximately six inches apart. For consistency, take all measurements from the same side of the body. Measure your height, bust or chest, arm, waist, rise, hip and inseam.

Keep it Proportional
If you are petite or plus size, look for clothing that is in proportion to your measurements. Plus sizes should look for shapely, flattering styles — not styles you hide behind. For petites, consider the way a pant leg drapes or tapers. If it doesn’t fit well in the hips or the leg is too wide, it can distort your appearance.

Don’t Forget the Details
Details can play an important role in proportion. Print and pattern sizes, button sizes and back pocket sizes are all elements that play with proportion that can make you appear larger or smaller. Look for details that are in proportion to your body. Or, see how certain details play with your body shape. Proper hemming is important. Know your inseam and be sure your hem lengths flatter your legs. Lands’ End hems and cuffs pants for free.

Forget the Titles, Get the Right Size
Regular, petite and plus sizes are just categories. Forget the titles and buy what works for you. Regular sizes are, on average, for women with heights between 5’4” and 5’7”. Petite sizes typically start at heights 5’3” and lower. Plus sizes start at 16W and above. Be open to shopping beyond your normal category to try sizes that work for your unique measurements.

Superior Shoes
Our feet are in shoes for countless hours each day. It is very important to get the right fit and not just style. Ask any doctor; improperly fitting shoes can lead to health problems down the road. If you have wide feet, be sure to seek out these styles, especially for kids. Their growing feet deserve a good fit. Lands’ End has often hard-to-find wide widths for both kids and adults in a variety of styles.

Kids Comfort
Kids grow at different rates and in different proportions. It’s important for parents to take their kid’s measurements each year. You might find that a regular size won’t work this year or that your child needs plus sizes after a recent growth spurt.

For more information about getting a great fit, visit www.landsend.com where you can create a virtual model of yourself, see size charts and learn more about extended sizes for the entire family.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

SIDEBAR:How To Measure For The Right Fit

Be confident that the size you select is the size that will fit. The key to a proper fit is knowing your measurements.

* Bust/Chest: With arms relaxed down at sides, measure fullest part of bust/chest, keeping tape parallel to the floor.
* Arm: Bend arm to 90 degrees. Place hand on hip. Start at center back of neck, measure across the shoulder to the elbow and down to the wrist.
* Waist: Measure around your waist, where you normally wear your pants — keep tape a bit loose.
* Rise: Start the tape at your natural back waist, run the tape between your legs, pulling comfortably at the crotch and up to your natural waist.
* Hip: Stand with heels together, keeping tape straight and parallel to the floor. Measure around fullest part.
* Height: Stand in stocking feet, with feet together, back to a wall. Measure from crown of head to the floor.
* Inseam: Take a pair of pants that fit you well. Lay them flat. Measure from the crotch seam to bottom of pants. Number of inches (to nearest 1/2) = inseam length.
* Belts: Measure over waistband of your best-fitting pants, running tape measure under belt loops.