Friday, October 07, 2011

Trends-Form

How to Reinvent your style, Give your style a fashionista make over for the New year!


How often do you stare into your closet full of overflowing clothes and realize that you still have nothing to wear? From past experience it happens a bit too often, especially during the times when seasons are changing. Celebrities are always trying to switch up and revamp their fashion styles and now it's your turn! Here are some tips to help you jump onto a fresh start during the chilly months and the new year!

Fur is definitely the big "in" this year. It has been on all the runway shows from designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Christian Dior just to name a few. If you don't have this in your closet already this timeless piece adds great depth to your wardrobe! Fur is great when it comes to adding a 'texture overload' to your style. Being able to stay warm in the cold months but still looking like your fabulous self isn't a hard thing to do. By adding a fur scarf or a fur hat to your outfit, gives you an ultra luxurious look while giving you that layered feel. You could also go for a purse with fur detailing or even a fur vest to pick up your outfit a bit. Just try not to over load on the fur, picking one or two pieces will help put together an outfit, but wearing too much fur? Might make you look like a walking animal. Against wearing the real thing? Not to worry, you can find a lot of faux fur pieces these days in retail stores and at a cheaper price. It's a win-win situation!

Another great thing to look for while you're shopping for new pieces is to look for a vintage-inspired floral print. You may think floral prints are only for the summer months, but a lot of designers are now trying to tie in the floral print with fall/winter pieces to give a soft, feminine silhouette. By keeping a soft elegance feel to it, you can find a floral print shirt or a silk dress and pair that with nylons and cute little ankle boots. Throw over a wool trench coat and your set to hit the city streets! One thing to keep in mind when buying floral prints for the fall/winter seasons is to keep the colour either neutral or soft and stay away from bright and vibrant colours.

Last but not least the last trend would be the more structured pieces that have an androgyny feel to it. Designers such as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Stella McCartney are coming out with pieces that have more of a tailored built. More women are striving to get this look because it empowers a strong woman. Look for structured and tailor pieces such as shirts, blazers, boots and hats. These items would give you more of a polished look for days at the office or an important meeting, either way you'll look trendy and sophisticated!

A Striking Smash

Proving art is all about creativity get cracking and turn a boring old mirror into stylish wall art.


What I did...The idea came from an episode of Sex and the City where there was a mirror on the wall that looked like it had been broken. I was able to duplicate the mirror by using basic materials such as plywood, paint, glue to turn an old mirror into an edgy piece of art.


Home Depot to Good Will



First decide what size you want your art piece to be. I went with 2 x 4 because my mirror was 3 x 3. It depends on the amount of space you have on your wall and the size of mirror you can find! Next, gather the materials you need:


· ¼ inch thick plywood


· Paint


· Mirror


· Adhesive


Look around the house or ask friends if they have any of the materials lying around. If that proves to be disappointing you can get plywood, glue and paint from home improvement stores. Thrift stores are great places to find inexpensive mirrors.


Smoothing With Sandpaper


Plywood is rough, so you will need to sand down all your edges and each side of the wood. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth, but you don’t want splinters coming off your wood! Then roll on your paint making sure to cover the edges. I used black for the background colour because it is what was used in the inspiration; also I liked the statement the mirror made against the black. If you want another colour to match your decor, I would go for either dark vampy colours or super bright colours. That way your mirror pieces can really pop!


All That Shatters


Forget the seven bad years of luck, smashing a mirror is a superb way to let out some anger and to score your mirror pieces. Smash your mirror on a concrete floor, I suggest using the garage floor. Safety first, wear protective goggles and gloves while doing this. Use a mallet and start in a corner trying to break off large chunks. Depending on the thickness of your glass, you may have to hit it more than once really hard. After your mirror is smashed, separate the small and large pieces.


The Puzzles People Play


Keeping the gloves on, arrange your mirror pieces over your board. Start with the large ones placing them together like a puzzle creating a college. You want them to be close together but not touching; don’t worry about making sure every piece is evenly spaced, it is supposed to be broken. Once the big pieces are placed, fill in the gaps with the smaller pieces until the entire board is covered. Keep all the pieces inside the edges of the board; you do not want to have sharp edges poking out. When all the pieces are arranged to your liking, start gluing them down.



Clean a Little Talk a Little


After you have waited the allotted time for the glue to dry, you can polish your mirror pieces and clean up the glue. Still wearing the gloves use any glass cleaner for the mirror pieces. If you used glue that dried opaque and got some on the board, just dip a small paintbrush into your paint and colour over the glue. For mounting your finished art piece you will need steel mirror support hangers or clips. When getting the clips take into consideration the length, width and weight of your art for how many clips you will need. I would suggest 2 or 3 on the top and bottom and 1 on each side.

Now you can enjoy your unique and trendy piece of art you’ve created!

Mix and Match

New ways to colour your life and satisfy your wardrobe with all the latest wants, needs and desires.



Be Jeweled – It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 Gold!


Gold has reign the top choice for many avid jewelry connoisseurs, but beware folks, rose gold has entered the competition. Now more accessory lovers can happily adorn their bodies in favourite precious metal. For the classic type, sporting a monochromatic scheme is safe and sultry. A delicate necklace tied in with small studded earrings and a plain band on one finger, all in the same gold. While fashionistas boldly mix yellow and white gold, layering different lengths/sizes of textured necklaces, ornate dangly or hefty earrings, and let’s not forget a statement ring or two! Such combos are a never–fail and always on point trend. Now enters the newly sophisticated and unexpected rose gold; for those who dare to be different, this blush-coloured metal rises on the popularity list. Because of its unique tone, it is best to use rose gold as an accent piece or let it stand on its own .Whether deciding to choose to mix all lustrous colours, harmonize two or simply dress one at a time, makes us all winners.


Denim to Dye For


Jeans are an easy way to experiment with colour blocking, a huge trend for spring. Match a bold pair with a solid top in a complementary hue: yellow with purple or peach with bright blue. You can also go the classic route and partner any of these jellybean inspired jeans with a crisp white dress shirt.



Floral and Leopard and Stripes Oh My!


Remember the days when choosing one pattern packed much of a statement? Bold just got bolder with these standout combinations, a sure way to never get lost in the crowd. Pretty pastels or intense bright florals, sleek palettes of black, red, blue and white stripes and loud leopard prints can easily translate to savvy chic. The easiest way to showcase the looks are by choosing two patterns at once and pairing with a neutral (shoes, bags or trousers). But for those who live by “two is swell, three is better”- indulge yourself in all riveting contrasts. Done correctly and with the right proportions, anyone who wants attention should take note; try a black/white nautical striped tee tucked in a floral formfitting pencil skirt with leopard peep-toe stacked wedges. For a subtle approach, a black lacy floral top with boyfriend jeans, a satin multi coloured ballet flat and a leopard clutch will do the trick. Get excited and combine things your own way!


You Got Nailed

Those subtle nudes are nice and all, but these days dark to bright choices and the wild-pattern craze are all the rage. Short nails adorned in glossy jet black polish are far from gothic. Deemed cool and glamorous, black has become and continues to be the go-to colour for all ages and wearers. More importantly, it is often chosen for formal occasions to either offset the attire or provide impact for subdued looks. Classic reds are by far the most flattering ranging from candy apple, scarlet, burgundy to blackberry. Red has become the leading staple for every nail addict out there and remains the most coveted. Nowadays, more and more are gravitating towards the neon fuschias, hi-liter yellows, seafoam greens and cobalt blues. And finally lace, zebra, leopard and high voltage metallics are definite eye catchers. Paint each nail a different colour or try a bright striped French manicure…polka dots anyone? For endless possibilities and those on a budget, these flattering and impressive choices are affordable, providing an instant update to any wardrobe.

DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY

How to survive the upcoming holidays without having to check into your local psychiatric ward. (And if you're lucky you might make it into the New Year!)
In & Out
Step one: breathe in. Now breathe out. Repeat. You already feel better don't you? Yes, this is a stressful time of the year, what with all of the parties, dinners, shopping trips and organizing to be done. But by taking a few minutes out of your day to take a few deep breaths and calm down, you can really change your outlook.
Excess Baggage
We know you like to have a good time. And we know you've got a daily planner jam-packed with parties...but that doesn't mean you have to be at all of them! Try not to overload yourself with too many events and get-togethers, you social butterfly you. Narrow down the invitation list to the truly important. Packing your schedule may provide a plethora of fun, but it also packs on the stress levels. Don't wear yourself too thin by being everywhere and doing everything; you'll thank yourself later. (Plus you'll avoid that tired, worn-down look that comes along with stress...who wants that in their pictures?)
Tic-Toc
Time flies! So make the most of it by taking the time to get yourself together. Brush the dust off of that organizer you swore you would use (but have yet to open), or make the most of the daily planner in that smart phone of yours and get organized! One of the best ways to handle stress is to be prepared, and by knowing exactly what's going on and when, you can better brace yourself for it. Schedule your time- it can help you avoid stressing situations (two events on the same night!) and keeps you aware of everything that needs to be accomplished, and when.
Burn, Baby, Burn
You want to avoid that. Unless of course it's because you look smokin' in that party get-up of yours (which, in fact, is perfectly acceptable). Burnout, however, is not. It is quite common for people to over-stress themselves this time of the year, be it by taking on too much, trying to put on the 'perfect' occasion, or simply by never taking the time to slow down. So do just that and take a 'me' break. Read a book. Have a nap. Go for a run. Do whatever it is you need to do to take your mind off of things for a while. Even a few minutes each day of just sitting and taking a breather can help you avoid succumbing to that dreadful b-word.
You Only Live Once...
..So embrace it! Yes, there is a lot going on, but you need to try and remain positive when faced with your holiday schedule. If you treat each occasion as something else on your list of things to do, you'll never be able to fully enjoy them. Learn to live in the moment a little, and appreciate each special event while it's happening. You'll be able to look back on your holidays with pleasant memories, instead of those filled with negative thoughts and stress-induced hair pulling.

Animalistic Instincts

Wild Child:

No need to rush to the salon to get the hottest nails this season, now you can do them yourself in the comfort of your own home! Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects nail strips in ‘Wild Child’ are zebra print and absolutely to-die-for. The package comes with a variety of strips in different shapes and sizes. To apply, start by removing the white piece of plastic from the back of the strip, to expose the adhesive. You then position the strip on your nail, lining it up with your cuticle, and then press down starting in the center and working towards the sides to make it stick. Once that is done you can remove the top layer of plastic from the strip and simply bend the strip at the tip of the nail so that any excess will rip off. The strips are made so that they are easy to tear and can be shaped perfectly to fit your nail. Repeat these steps for the rest of your nails and then, using the nail file provided, file down any leftovers that you don’t want, and ta-da, you’re all finished! No topcoat needed! The nail strips can last up to 10 days.

Venomous Veneta’s:

Snakeskin boots have been all the rage this season, and Bottega Veneta's cowboy-style ones are no exception. These round-toe, platform boots come in black, making them easy to pair with any outfit. For a casual outfit you could pair these boots with dark wash skinny jeans, and a button up blouse in a bold colour, such as red. For a night out you could wear these boots with a sharp dress that cuts just above or below the knee.

Quick Fix:

There is no better way to turn up the heat than with a cheetah print scarf. They can be worn with almost any outfit to add a little something extra. If paired with a blazer and jeans, a cheetah print scarf could be worn all day long, whether you’re inside or out. Just wrap it around your neck once or twice and you will stay warm and stylish all day. Louis Vuitton came out with a cheetah print scarf that really caught my eye. One of my favourite ways to make use of this beautiful accessory is by wearing it with a pair of high-waisted black pants, a neutral or light coloured tank, a jean or leather jacket, and some killer pumps. Heck, you could even add some cheetah print heels to the outfit to bring everything together.

Latch Onto This:

What better way to accessorize your outfit than with an alligator clutch? Alligator products do come at a steep price, but in the end they are worth it. Burberry has an alligator clutch that is my personal favourite. Not only is it visually appealing, but also it has four separate compartments in it, perfect for all of your personal belongings. An alligator skin clutch can be used with pretty much any outfit. Since it is so chic and professional, my advice would be to pair it with a blazer and high-waisted skirt. Pick a blazer in a nice colour such as forest green or plum. Nothing too bright and bold as you don’t want the clutch to go unnoticed. As for shoes a pair of neutral or black heels will do just fine.

Fashionable Feline:

No wardrobe is complete without an assortment of pretty belts. Since animal prints are all of the rage right now you can buy a belt in almost any animal print you can imagine. In order to keep things interesting, it’s good to own a leopard print one, as it stands out. A great thing about belts is that they can be worn in a couple of different ways, whether it’s around your waist, hips, or somewhere in between. The sky is the limit! One of the best ways to wear a leopard print belt is with a pair of low-rise jeans in your choice of wash, a sheer, button-up, white blouse, and knee-high dark brown boots. Add some gold jewelry and your outfit is complete. Michael Kors has an amazing leopard print belt.

Animalistic Instincts


Wild Child:


No need to rush to the salon to get the hottest nails this season, now you can do them yourself in the comfort of your own home! Sally Hansen’s Salon Effects nail strips in ‘Wild Child’ are zebra print and absolutely to-die-for. The package comes with a variety of strips in different shapes and sizes. To apply, start by removing the white piece of plastic from the back of the strip, to expose the adhesive. You then position the strip on your nail, lining it up with your cuticle, and then press down starting in the center and working towards the sides to make it stick. Once that is done you can remove the top layer of plastic from the strip and simply bend the strip at the tip of the nail so that any excess will rip off. The strips are made so that they are easy to tear and can be shaped perfectly to fit your nail. Repeat these steps for the rest of your nails and then, using the nail file provided, file down any leftovers that you don’t want, and ta-da, you’re all finished! No topcoat needed! The nail strips can last up to 10 days.

Venomous Veneta’s:


Snakeskin boots have been all the rage this season, and these cowboy-style ones by Bottega Veneta are no exception. These round-toe, platform boots come in black, making them easy to pair with any outfit. For a casual outfit you could pair these boots with dark wash skinny jeans, and a button up blouse in a bold colour, such as red. For a night out you could wear these boots with a sharp dress that cuts just above or below the knee.



Quick Fix:


There is no better way to turn up the heat than with a cheetah print scarf. They can be worn with almost any outfit to add a little something extra. If paired with a blazer and jeans, a cheetah print scarf could be worn all day long, whether you’re inside or out. Just wrap it around your neck once or twice and you will stay warm and stylish all day. This particular Louis Vuitton scarf really caught my eye. One of my favourite ways to make use of this beautiful accessory is by wearing it with a pair of high-waisted black pants, a neutral or light coloured tank, a jean or leather jacket, and some killer pumps. Heck, you could even add some cheetah print heels to the outfit to bring everything together.

Latch Onto This:


What better way to accessorize your outfit than with an alligator clutch? Alligator products do come at a steep price, but in the end they are worth it. This Burberry clutch is my personal favourite. Not only is it visually appealing, but also it has four separate compartments in it, perfect for all of your personal belongings. This clutch can be used with pretty much any outfit thanks to its colour. Since it is so chic and professional, my advice would be to pair it with a blazer and high-waisted skirt. Pick a blazer in a nice colour such as forest green or plum. Nothing too bright and bold as you don’t want the clutch to go unnoticed. As for shoes a pair of neutral or black heels will do just fine.


Fashionable Feline:


No wardrobe is complete without an assortment of pretty belts. Since animal prints are all of the rage right now you can buy a belt in almost any animal print you can imagine. In order to keep things interesting, it’s good to own a leopard print one, as it stands out. A great thing about belts is that they can be worn in a couple of different ways, whether it’s around your waist, hips, or somewhere in between. The sky is the limit! One of the best ways to wear a leopard print belt is with a pair of low-rise jeans in your choice of wash, a sheer, button-up, white blouse, and knee-high dark brown boots. Add some gold jewelry and your outfit is complete. This Michael Kors belt is perfect as it has a gold tone buckle that will match the jewelry.




Thursday, October 06, 2011

Call of the Wild

Discover the inner animal in you.

The kings of the jungle are making their way back and it’s the perfect combination of emphasis and style--it is a sheer image of the wild.


Stampede!

The hunt begins with exotic print booties to match with the nature of this fall seasons exquisite array of colourful street style statements. Perhaps it has to do with falls pumpkin oranges, cherry reds, rich browns, and greens offered by mother natures' fall beauty that brings inspiration to the run-way or, perhaps it comes from a designers idea to take polka dots and plaids--which are too tame for you-- to something a little more wild. Not to be outdone, Erdem and Miu Miu flocked together with bird prints peppered throughout their collections. In the city too, cool cats prowl in exotic leopard booties and sly gals even snake skin thigh-high killer boots for added texture & taste. Michael Kors is one of many top designers who kicked-off this season with adorable leopard loafers- perfect for everyday wear.

For a warm welcoming return, you may also want to great winter with pair of cozy womens’ Gucci leather and fur-trimmed booties for every winters event. Bundle up!


Exotic Skins

Snake skin Anya Hindmarch, crocodile Rachel Zoe tote, zebra patterned Diane Von Furstenberg evening clutch -- this is the pattern seen to come. If it feels like your fall wardrobe looks the same as previous seasons, the wildlife may bring your apparel back to life. Make it work by simply pairing with this seasons luscious colours but just remember, too much print or pattern can be very displeasing for the eyes. So, keep the bag simple or, stick to solid colour knit sweaters, pants, or shirts.

Animal prints are hot and exotic! Get the latest glam feel with a dash of animal print. Flying off the shelves are Michael Kors cashmere leopard print scarf offered in red, grey and, camel sold at Holt Renfrew. This playful scarf has an incredible drape which can be worn in several stylish ways, adding even more heat to the flame. Whichever mammal is about to catch your attention, keep in mind that this trend has claws, tails and fangs.


Wolf Pack

Stay warm yet manage to maintain your cool in, leather and fur coats perfect for the fall/winter weather. Key pieces for this fall/winter: Aviator, fur-trimmed draped sweaters, strict-classic cut coats, parkas-either cropped or maxi length. Leather coats, often paired with short- or long-haired fur (Mongolian lamb or fox), making the cool coat of the season ’70s inspired. If fur is your foe and faux your friend, you can still enjoy this fab frenzy in diverse styles from posh and pretty to blown-out beastly. Looking for a bang for a buck? Fitting every students budget and bod, this fall 2011 season, our favourite friend Joe Fresh has designed a faux suede and faux shearling aviator jacket for every occasion!

Trust your instinct for beautiful fur trim is everywhere again! Keep cozy and beautiful with a soft, luxurious feeling of fox fur and angora trim. Marc by Marc Jacobs has you in mine boys. With the new design of gorgeous Peter Parka with fur hood, you’ll catch any pray insight. Next to your friend Canada Goose, Mackage luxury designer outwear offers extreme light-weight, warmth and, style. Catch a tiger by its toe or grab a coat and add some faux! For a home crafted version, update your favourite fall/winter coat by simply sewing a desired length of fur around the trim of a collar or hood.

Scintillating Scarves

Adding a scarf to your outfit is the perfect way to finish the look. Scarves are an easy-to-wear, quick throw-on accessory, which is ideal for this season. They offer endless possibilities to enhance the look of your outfit. You’re outfit can be as simple as a plain tee matched up with blue denim, however by simply adding that stunning scarf you have completely brighten up your look.

Living in Canada, you can never have enough scarves in your closet. Not only do these super soft and playful scarves keep us warm during those winter days, but throwing on a scarf can also add splash of colour to an outfit. Winter is a great excuse to accessorize. During those chilly winter days, where everyone seems to wear just dark colours, why not throw on a colourful scarf to brighten up your outfit (and you’re day)? It is the perfect way to look good and stay warm. These stunning scarves add flair to that specific style or give it a soft yet playful look that will make you feel like a million bucks.

We’re seeing scarves everywhere this season. Light silk scarves, wool knit scarves, linen scarves, you name it! With scarves, the possibilities are endless. This ideal winter accessory can be worn multiple ways - they are versatile in every way! These scarf tying techniques will help you achieve that look that will not only brighten up your outfit, but also keep you warm this season.

Loopin’ Around

For that layered, thrown-on look, loop your scarf around your neck once or twice, depending on the length of your scarf. Pull it down and scrunch it up to it give some volume and texture. This look is perfect with a short leather jacket or a big chunky sweater. For those cold winter days, I suggest wearing a wool knit scarf for extra warmth.

Pretty Parisian

It’s simple to get that classic Parisian look. First, fold it in half lengthwise and follow this by simply wrapping it around your neck. The loop should be on one side and the fringe on the other. Finally, pull the fringe side through the loop. You may make it as loose or as tight as you want, whatever is most comfortable to you!

Wrap it Up

You can wear your scarf as a wrap to give it that elegant look. First, wrap the scarf around your shoulders. Then simply cross the left side over your right shoulder and your right side over your left shoulder. It’s as simple as that!

Toasty Turtleneck

On those extreme harsh winter days, the best way to wear your scarf is as a turtle neck. The first step is to put the scarf on the back of your neck. Wrap it around as many times as possible until creating that turtle-neck look. You may tuck in the ends inside, or you may leave them out. A bright solid scarf looks great wrapped this way with a simply black coat - It’s a classic winter look!

Nifty Necktie

Necktie scarves add a touch of glamour and it is perfect for any occasion – it can be can a casual or a formal look. In order to get this clean elegant look, I suggest using a squared silk scarf. To start, fold the scarf into a triangle. Wrap the scarf around your neck, from the front to the back. Bring the two ends around and tie them into a lose knot at the front. This look is perfect for the office, for a formal event in the evening, or even just a casual day. A simple silk necktie scarf adds a touch of elegance to your outfit and overall look.

SERVICE JOURNALISM FALL 2011

DRY, DAMAGED, DILEMMA.

Winters here and for most of us, it takes a toll on our precious mane of hair. Here are a few tips to tame your tousles, and make them look great over the holidays.

FROSTBITE
It’s time to zipper up those parkas, and slip on those mittens! Winter has arrived and is back colder than ever. With decreasing temperatures, the harsh winter cold is hairs number one enemy. From dry brittle ends to full on frizz - We went to the experts on what we can do to keep our hair smooth and frizz free.

HAIR-APY
Expert stylists say to avoid winter hair problems there is one basic step you can do and that’s moisturizing conditioner. Many of our hair problems stem from it being too dry and brittle, so with a little extra conditioner in the mix it will help kickstart your way to smoother, healthier hair. What kind should you use? For women with thicker, coarse hair go for a deep conditioner thats thick. “Leave it on for a half hour twice a week. Since thick hair seems to hold oil at the roots, it can make your hair seem extra dry. Be careful not to condition too close to the scalp.”, Chavez, who created Perfect Plus hair care products says. For hair thats very fine and thin, its not recommended that you use a deep conditioner for it will make your hair seem oily, and have a wet-like appearance. Instead, use basic conditioner after you shampoo your hair in the shower. Follow it with a light conditioning leave in spray to keep it moisturized throughout the day; Keyword: light. With fine hair you have to be careful with product, it can drown your roots making your hair look like you haven’t showered in days! Ew!

FIGHTING THE FRIZZ
No matter what your hair type is, mostly everyone on this planet gets frizzy hair at some point, and oh how we love to have to put up with it more during the holidays. To decrease your frizz full hair follow these three simple steps and be free of worry.
1. Try to towel dry your hair as best as possible before blowdrying
2. Use a heat protector before styling
3. Don’t wash your hair daily. It will get rid of the natural oils causing your hair to become dry, and yes frizzy.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS
With all these tips under your belt, its now time to style that hair of yours and get yourself seen! A few things to reconsider when styling your hair is your products. Do you use the same product during the summer months as you do for winter? So on and so forth? If so, its time to hit the mall. A few simple switches will give you the boost your hair needs to tackle that winter weather. For one, switching from your styling gel, to a styling cream will add more moisture and elasticity to your hair and decrease the chances of your hair breaking. Opting out of sprays and perfumes with a high alcohol content (alcohol dries the hair) will help your hair stay moisturized instead of your tresses getting dry and brittle. The one most important thing you can do when styling your hair is to cut back on the blow dryer! (Surprised?) It also goes for year round - cutting back on your blow dryer is the smartest thing you can do. Less heat, less mess! So wet, wash and style with these tips and you’ll have the happiest of all holidays!

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Create a chic style without the sophisticated price.

Everyone wants to be that eye candy, or best dressed in a room, however not everyone has a budget that will allow that. Today, there are many brand names and designers, but with all the fast fashion stores that we have readily available to us, it is easy to create a mock couture outfit without paying the price of couture.

Here are five easy steps to look great while still staying on a budget.

Step one, keep your mind set on your budget and only shop at places that have the most up-to-date fashion at the most affordable prices. Retailers that fall into this category are H&M, Zara, and the brand new to Canada TOPMAN TOPSHOP. Shopping at these fast fashion retailers will keep you up-to-date with your fashion sense while staying within your budget.

Step two, follow up with fashion magazines, and make sure you know the current trends and what kind of style you want to sport “Whether it be a trendy hipster from Queen Street or a designer diva from Bloor Street”.

Step three, if you want to be an authentic and an original shopper I suggest doing a little “vintage” shopping. Head to places such as Value Village, Haute Classics and Fashionably Yours to find deals and pieces at more affordable prices.

The fourth step, knowing your fabrics and materials is a huge help in looking chic while keeping your budget in mind. Instead of purchasing real suede you can settle for micro suede which is a cheaper alternative to the suede look. Respectively, instead of spending upwards of $500.00 on a genuine leather jacket, H&M and TOPMAN TOPSHOP provide similar alternatives for a cost that will not break the bank.

Step five to staying in fashion without costing you a fortune; remember to have your own fashion sense. It is important to stay on trend with styles and fashions because they are constantly changing, but always remember to have your own creative mind. Creating a eye-catching piece does not always mean imitating what is put together in a magazine; it comes from creating an image in your mind and bringing it to your everyday life.

After following those five steps of shopping on a budget, you should find yourself looking fashion savvy and having a little more money than you expect left in the bank.

Overwhelming styles and an abundance of in-store merchandise and prices can be overwhelming for most people. Fortunately, fast fashion stores have opened their doors world wide to help people shop with ease. Although the amount of merchandise and styles these fast fashion stores offer can be excessive, it is all made to your advantage. The main fast fashion retailers, such as H&M, Zara, and TOPMAN TOPSHOP, carry many styles for the current fashion buyer, along with the basics for the not-so-fashion savvy customer. These stores gear their merchandise and styles to people aged between 18 and 28. They also have basic collections for the more mature, and “black” and “grey” labels for the more high-end fashion customer who is willing to spend more than the average consumer. Keep in mind that being trendy does not have to cost you your inheritance.

With the five steps given above you should be off to a great new start for the Fall/Winter 2012 season and even have some money left in that Prada wallet of yours. Happy Shopping!

Eye-conic Lashes





How to have the sultry, va-va-volume, eye-popping lashes of the classic style icons before us.
All the glitz and ultra glam eyelashes without the hassle of falsies.


When you walk into your local drugstore or makeup specialty stores- women are always drawn to something that will make their eyes dazzle, and what’s more alluring than sensational lashes. This is why many have wondered “which mascara is best for my buck?” But not just any mascara, one that will fulfill the categories of LENGTHENING, VOLUME, DEFINITION, and CURLING.

So, here’s the top 6 mascaras; for the frivols spenders and the money saving gals.

1) Dior’s “Diorshow” Mascara (around $25)
2) Lancôme’s “Hypnose” Mascara (around $23)
3) Maybelline’s “Lash Stiletto” Mascara (around $10)
4) Maybelline’s “Volum’ Express the Colossal” Mascara (around $10)
5) Covergirl’s “Lashblast Fusion” Mascara (around $9)
6) Revlon “Grow Luscious” Mascara (around $9)

Diorshow
The first time I ever tried this mascara was without so much as an eyelash curler, and yet this tube of wonder worked its magic on my short, straight lashes. Although the cost will definitely put a dent in your wallet- it’s well worth its weight in gold! Lots of volume, lengthy AND curled up lashes. Including no smudging, next to no clumps and definitely DRAMATIC! The only downside, takes a bit to dry and you can’t get the bottom lashes. All in all, the ultimate Marilyn Monroe lashes, sans the falsies.

Hypnose
This mascara delivers greatly in the LENGTHENING department, also contributes to the curling- however it is always recommend to use an eyelash curler before applying any mascara to help enhance the shape to your lashes. Yet another mascara that is costly, but this will definitely keep you coming back for more. Has a glistening appearance; however it clumps- so just one or two coats will be more than enough.

Lash Stiletto
Given the name STILETTO for a reason; lengthens, defines and separates the lashes; making it easy to achieve the infamous bottom lashes of Twiggy. Lash Stiletto leaves a silk-like look to the lashes and doesn’t clump. Only costing around $10, the only complaint on this one is it’s difficult to remove.


Volum’ Express the Colossal
Delivers dramatic result in as little as ONE application; the Colossal mascara gives a great thick “false lash” effect. Alongside with elongated the eyelashes, with minimal clumps, and keeps the curl of lashes all day. Overall really seems to give your eye that extra POP! For around $10 a tube, it is a wonder it doesn’t cost more.

Lashblast Fusion
Covergirl has made an entire line of the Lashblast mascaras, all of them having one thing in common BEAUTIFUL THICK LASHES but from all of them, Lashblast Fusion stood out the most with its extra “oomph” of lengthening. It defines every single eyelash and makes them look as if you’ve always had Audrey Hepburn-esque lashes. Quite inexpensive at $9, usually needs 2 coats to achieve its full claims.

Grow Luscious
This Revlon mascara is said to actually increase the growth of your lashes in 2 weeks, and from what I can tell- it does, but it is something you will have to keep up with. Gives loads of volume with no clumps, however does not curl the lashes. Definitely gives you more of a natural full eyelash look. The brush is a little thick which makes it slightly hard to manoeuvre on the bottom lashes.

Now that you have the perfect tools to pick from, go forth, make those eyes sparkle and create the “eye-conic” lash look!

Service Journalism Fall2011

Nailed It!

Prep and polish your way to pretty nails without the salon price tag.

Prep

To start off your at-home manicure, remove any old nail polish with a cotton ball and an acetone free nail polish remover. Using a nail polish remover with acetone too often will weaken and damage your nails.

Once you have removed your old polish, trim your nails until only a small amount of the white tip is visible. File the nail into a smooth, rounded shape by dragging the file across the nail rather than pushing. Using too much force with the file can cause the nail to weaken or break.

Next, it is necessary to buff your nails. Buffing the surface of the nail will even out any ridges, leaving a smooth surface for the polish. At this time, you will want to wash your hands to remove any dust from filing and buffing.

Once your hands are dry, apply a cuticle cream to the edge of the nail bed. Use an orange stick (cuticle pusher) to push the cuticle back gently. Remove excess cream with a tissue in the same direction that you pushed.

Finally, massage a lotion into your hands and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Pretty

Once you have prepped your nails you need to choose a polish colour, which can be a very tough decision! Here are a few suggestions from timeless tints to current colours.

Shades of pink and red have always been go-to colours for daily wear, however, coral can also be added to that colour pallet. How about trying a translucent flirty pink such as Cabi-o-lait, by Essie or a creamy coral-red hue, Escapades, also by Essie.

Two of the most current trends are neutrals and shatter topcoats. At first sight by OPI is a neutral taupe shade that matches every outfit perfectly. Take your polish from day to night by adding a black shatter topcoat.

Try using Essie all in one base coat, which is a base coat and topcoat in one for normal nails.

Polish

Before applying coloured polish, be sure to cover your nails with a basecoat or hardener. This will serve as a primer for the polish, which will keep the colour pigment from staining the nail as well as helping it last longer.

Once the primer has dried, shake the polish well before you begin to apply it. As you remove the brush from the bottle, swirl it around the top inside rim to remove any excess polish.

Now you can slowly begin to paint each nail. Place the brush in the centre of the nail, angle the brush forward and push down gently to create a fan like effect with the brush. Drag the brush down the centre of the nail. Repeat this step twice, once on each side of the initial middle swipe.

Wait 10 to 15 minutes for the polish to dry before applying the second coat. Applying the second coat without allowing the first coat to set will result in smudging the first coat.

If you happen to get a bit of polish on your finger, there are two ways of removing it. If the polish is still wet, use a flat toothpick to wipe it away. If it is dry, dip a Q-tip in nail polish remover and gently rub the polish off your finger – be careful not to touch the freshly painted nail!

Finish off your polish by adding a clear topcoat. A topcoat will give your nails a smooth and scratch free finish while adding a touch of glossy shine.

Perfect!