Stylish with Substance

 

 

poll closed.

 

What happens when we're a week away from Halloween and/or costume parties and our costume's arrived, but when we try it on, it's a trainwreck?

This happened to me. I wanted to be a ball of yarn. I got a red yarn wig. Check. Beautiful. And I had the "genius" idea of (somehow, still not sure how - eep lol) wrapping an inflatable pumpkin costume with red yarn to make me the skein.

Well, I'm petite, which might have caused a problem. For some reason, this adult's costume didn't inflate as desired. I was droopy ... AND fat. It wasn't taught enough to hold the yarn ball correctly. Going as the fat-bum pumpkin? Not an option, you hear me?

So I came up with another idea quick. But I had about 6 days to receive every little piece of it (AND embroider something on part of the outfit - eek) before the big party. (With prizes for creativity and such, natch.) Now all these different parts help give the full picture - but they may not all arrive in time. As long as one crucial piece - the bling (natch, he he) arrives, I can manage the rest with a drug store run. (I can surely know I'm saying good-bye to that years-long coveted prize, however.)

 

Has this happened to you? What do you do?

If anyone else is in a costume pickle ... write in the comments, let's help each other out.

My new costume, you ask? In honour of newly running my own household: A housewife. (A rich one, too.) The purchased item I need is my faux engagement ring and wedding band. (Alas alas, I'm plum out of my own.) And I ordered a plain pink sweatsuit that actually is in true danger of arriving (coming from one of those plain apparel wholesalers) - that's the item on which to be embroidered (on the tush: "wife") so it actually needs to come in plenty of time --- especially since I'll also need to hem the pants (petite, remember). Sigh.

Wish me luck! And I hope all your costumes rock. (Do share!)

This is a sponsored, 100% honest review of Hairstyles.info. Learn more about paid reviews at ReviewMe.com.

 

A quick glance of Hairstyles.info lets you know the creators know style, with the glammed up cover model's graphic-meets-tresses diva look.Hairstyles.info is just that, a collection of articles, and even galleries, about styling one's locks. There aren't even any ads to be seen on the website's pages, at the moment. Admittedly young, but off to a great start with plenty of content already, this educational yet fun site is setting up to become a staple go-to and a must read before a big salon trip.The site as it is now contains categories with both photos and infotaining articles based on style type. Each type runs through descriptions of the best within, but there aren't enough photos attached to each style in the articles yet to aid and give eye candy. (Perhaps take some from the galleries?) On the plus side, the writers, even early on, have covered so many of the best 'dos! I'm also wishing for more detailed how-tos as well though. Step-by-step photos would be fantastic! My biggest how-to wish --- any info for the woman yearning to create curly hair out of perfectly straight boringness. ;-) ('10 Things You Must Know About Getting a Perm', is one example.)

There is, of course, some great info, even in the site's infancy. 'Should wavy-tressed girls brush, comb, or what?' is an example of a Q&A --- something I'm thinking will be done a lot as the site grows. Many gaps in the site's content can be excused, and no review can be perfectly fair about it being small --- but I am disappointed that the suggestions for very long hair are the old and boring, which frankly don't work to make a woman a fabulista. (Ponytails, braids and buns? Oh my! Oh no!) Get a little more creative, and you'll have us mousing for those social bookmark buttons. That's a dare!

Other great aspects to the site that can only improve with time are sections like "men's hairstyles" (Yes! They didn't forget the men [something I actually do - te he]) and ... "emo hairstyles"? Wow, I didn't know that existed! Good job covering it, Hairstyles.info. Perhaps every personality deserves its own hair style! Maybe this means Hairstyles.info supports the individual, and that's something I admire! Except still needing to be added are tips for face/body shape, and I'd even like to see what styles go best with each hair color! Indeed, you should explore every path you can, and eventually, you can be a master on the web.

The handler on the right has apparently been experiencing Groundhog Day for centuries.

In official news; it's an early Spring coming! Get use out of your Burberry scarves and winter white bags now ... and start buying those "Spring White" bags and sandals, too!

Yosifa Penina barrettes are molded out of rubber into textured, stylish hair pieces. They're flexible, comfortable to wear, waterproof and chlorine resistant. Consumers may choose a barrette in anything from sophisticated to whimsical styles. There's a barrette for every lover of pulled back hairdos.

One note; the barrette may not hold a full ponytail (like the picture) for women with thicker hair (like myself). We can still put up half of the hair, though. Or...

Tip: Pull your hair back into a ponytail, then clip the barrette in (some of) the hair above!

Barrettes are $8 at 3 ½" length x 1" height.

Probably my Mum's favorite person in the world (or just on t.v.), Nick Arrojo, hair stylist on What Not to Wear, gave tips to People Magazine on celebrity hair styles.

My favorite was Jessica Alba's loose waves.

1. Apply volumizing mousse all over, and – using a medium-sized round barrel brush – blow-dry smooth.
2. Wrap hair sections around the brush, and blow-dry for five seconds. Blast with cool air to set and unravel.
3. Twist the pieces together to "create loopy, bouncy waves," says Arrojo.

 

Visit People.com for more hair styles and bonus tips!

Here are the late entries for my Carnivale de Couture. I will accept no more, except in full detail in comments, not on your blogs. Enjoy the last 2 of my blogging friends, but then my own will be posted shortly!

Here was my topic:

What is your fashion confession, either a long ago faux pas, or today’s guilty pleasure?

• Jill Danyelle, of FiftyRX3, confessed that she intended to return that suede skirt---that how-can-I--when-can-I-wear item---but missed the return date. She also confessed she has purchased such items several times just this year. Ella says, "and?" lol, this is normal and sometimes fun. I hope you find enjoyment in these guilty pleasures!


• Kiffen, from The Fashionable Kiffen, once died her fair brunette locks a Gothic black, which turned horrific against her even fairer skin tone. The process of returning a browner shade to her tresses took a long time, leaving her hair damaged. Ahh, we have learned to love our natural beauty, thus---this is a beautiful story, especially for the kiddies.

Haven't these all been lovely stories? These bloggers tell their "darkest" tales so well that we could never put them down! Aren't we nice, too?

This makes me feel ready to spill my own.

The celebrities can't quite seem to make the simple resolution to act classy and be a proper person. As for their appearances, I see in them that they can do better than flash and trash, but the ol' publicity trick always wins over. Ladies and fellows, that is not acceptable. Greed leads to bad karma, and karma is in! and anyone can do it, perhaps even the stars.

Whether these pictures are new or old, random or hinting at true change, here are some iffy stars looking their darn best. I want to encourage them to keep it up for the new year. I also have predictions!

Here is Lindsay Lohan in the most fabulously cut blazer I have ever seen. This is what I dream of, although I wish celebrities could stand to show less cleavage and wear underthings. C'est la Hollywood!

In the second picture, she is looking like a goddess in a flowing Grecian gown. Although perfectly waisted, it's much like will be in these coming seasons. And trends are what we will see from Lindsay, as always. Although recent pictures of her show her in last year's boho and extra layers. Hmm. But the red carpet will prove worthy of a look (and the about-town shots should be interesting, anyway).

Here is Jessica Simpson (at a Grammies awards, obviously not recently), looking so different from her usual throw-it-together style. She's sophisticated and ladylike.

Her hair in the small photo is also elegant and "classic film siren."

I know that this girl has a sense of style, she just needs a little fashion-compass to guide her away from wrong turns. She also needs to be presented with gorgeous gowns, like this one, more often. I believe she could turn her style-self around, if she really cared to.

Just someone steer her clear of short-shorts and gaudy layers of performance costumes!

Before I even say her name, I must say that I know not to expect this proper attire to maintain a hold on the body of Miss Fergie, of the Black Eyed Peas.

And generally, I advise against this shape, but if this is how the woman cleans up, I'll take it. (I also find the shoes interesting.)

I can hope someone tells her she looks nice, but I still doubt we'll see much of this look on her, in the near future.

Le sigh!

And finally, Ashton Kutcher did no butcher job to his hair. No, this post-70s new 'do is clean, mighty fine, and he even looks like there might be a good boy in him. As a non-nerd, he's still not my dish, but look at the pretty!

The good thing about this style makeover is, that since he's off That 70's Show for good, he can keep nice styles like this. (And look at the blazer/shirt combo! Good job dressing, too.)

As for his work projects, I have more worries... Hm, that goes for all three.

Like any fashionista or fashion writer, I get a sense of trends, what I feel is the flattering or "the look," passion in fashion upcoming or of-the-moment. I also somehow find myself wearing or being drawn to trends somewhat before they "hit" (sometimes after, of course). No matter how I really just want to have my own style, I flow with the go, as well.

Here is my petite liste for the first months of 2006:

1. We'll continue to see sweat suits on celebrities. They wear them out of the house. (They must dress up so often, you see, they have a psychological compulsion to dress down while erranding.) Well, we are worn out---with our busyness and from seeing this so much. We just want to cuddle up in comfort with these duds--but remember to wear them around the house, instead of pajamas. Let this be the year of taking things one step up. We can be seen in these getting the mail, then put on khakis and a denim jacket or cotton blazer to grab a carton of juice, coffee, or DVD. But if you partake in wearing this if going out, try mismatching different pieces and ONLY, ALWAYS make sure they fit a bit snug.


2. Long, super-straight hair will be most in, but slight, loose waves are even prettier. This year, we'll go darker. I also have visions of long, high pony-tails atop pretty bang-adorned heads.


3. Croc is in and even more chic than last year. In the upcoming seasons, we will mix croc embossed leather with metallics, to refresh both trends. But for luxury, we must have snake skin and python. If you find an inexpensive snake embossed, consider yourself lucky, and consider buying.


4. Big bags are still big! Don't listen to any mentions of bags getting smaller. Take a look at fashion magazines, the ads with the biggest bags catch your eye the best, right? I'm seeing a big picture. After all, they fit so much!


5. As hot and as gorgeous as last Fall's peep-toes, is this Spring's platform and chunkier heel combos. This must and will be done in serious moderation, although you will see drastic platform wedges. Stay away! To do a wedge, take a hint from last Autumn and pick something more sophisticated than a platform or the espadrille. In the spirit of ever-changing, espadrille's will be back and bigger with flats. Oh, yes.


6. High-waisted pants will be paired with cropped tops for the ultra retro glam appeal. But lay-stylistas be careful when applying this look, it is usually for the slimmer-thighed.


7. Red and navy blue, in bags, in anything.


8. Colors will be more modest than Springs of past. We'll have light fabrics, but less bright colors; instead, there will be muted deep-naturals and creams. Think mature.


9. Cuts will take a hint, and we'll see a lot of sophisticated vintage touched pieces. Like ruffles on blouses, Victorian tops, and pleated pencil skirts. As we can already buy in a few stores, they will come out of our closets in full force when the weather turns warmer.


10. Good-bye Boho! Think sleeker, chicer, and more refined. Thank goodness.
    
    But we can still wear those empire-waisted tops, it's oddly turning trendier, so much in fact that "babydoll" dresses are in. Anything loose, goddess-like and floating is already raging from runways and magazines. But take this slowly; remember that you can't be a goddess without a womanly, curving shape.

    Unfortunately, the slightly more flattering (when done right) tunics are OUT, so say the experts (especially the fashionista-friendly, embellished ones). Poo poo, I say, why this fine line of no crossing? Perhaps, the chic, more fashionista-fabulous--less hippie ones are still in the clear. In fact, I'm saying it! wear those modern tunic-style blouses. But keep a discerning eye on that fashion line.

    And remember, the beautiful lines of your body should stand out. It's great that this is turning out to look like the year of femininity, and skin-tight sexy is so passé, it's actually getting through to even celebrities, but there really can be fitted and forgiving in one garment. Dressing your best takes a little bit of work, but looking gorgeous is worth a little restraint and control--no matter what the trend-o-meter pings at!