Ooooh it is that time of year! Holiday music, Christmas shopping, Christmas songs and holiday cheer! Well, my sister does a segment on ABC Columbia called Wrinkle Free Wednesdays, and last week when I was in town to visit for Thanksgiving, I saw this segment on making your own peppermint scrub at home. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit--and what a wonderful activity for your girlfriends/sisters/mom on a Saturday in December! I can feel my pores opening up just thinking about it!
Here is the segment:
and the recipe:
Peppermint pedicure scrub:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 candy canes finely chopped into a powdered form
mix the 2 together and add...
½ cup olive oil
6 drops essential peppermint oil
gently massage into legs and feet
wrap with a hot towel
Leave on for 5 minutes
wipe it off, add your favorite nail color and voila!
If you live in the Columbia, South Carolina area, you can catch my sis Alicia Barnes weekdays at 6 & 11 on ABC.
Since one of the most festive holidays is around the corner, and people are making final decisions about the possible looks they will be creating, I thought this would be a fun blog. Make-up allows costumes to come to life, and I am going to share my favorite online tutorials by my personal favorite make up artist Kandee Johnson.
I never claimed to be a make-up guru because the truth is--I have no idea what I am doing! BUT a long time ago I discovered (and stuck with) an extremely talented professional. She goes by "Kandee the Makeup Girl"! You may have heard/discovered her.
Kandee does every kind of look you can imagine, and in a time where there are millions of "make up tutorials" by thousands of different people--this woman by far is the BEST!! Anytime I need a "look", I You Tube what I am looking for + "Kandee" and I find it. Her steps are easy to follow, she names all products that she uses, and the videos are to the point (she edits out all the down time). She even has her own blog (I posted a link at the end).
Check out some of my hand picked Halloween "looks" and 2 bonus Non-Halloween looks.
Ever notice how the Victoria Secret models wear basic T shirts and jeans and look amazing? One of the secrets is great hair!
Fortunately one of my really good friends is a former hair stylist (and genius) and she taught me some tricks of the trade. I thought I'd share one of my favorite hair styles--the S patterned wave/curl (bka the Taylor Swift look). This style is great for shoulder length to long hair.
I found this awesome video that goes through exactly what I was taught to do--
1. Use a 3/4 inch barrel to 1 inch barrel (smaller is better for this) 2. Curl very small sections 3. Pin curl with a metal clip to hold (shown in video) 4. Re-pin curl at night to keep for the next day!
Check it out (and to skip the fluff--jump to 2:36)
"·Starting with the back section, separate hair into in 1-2 inch sections for curling. Spray section with hairspray, comb through and wrap hair around curling iron barrel starting close to the root. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, allow hair to stay on iron for 10-20 seconds.Slide the curl off the end of the iron and re-coil the hair into the shape of the curl and clip.
oAllowing the hair to cool in the shape of the curl ensures for smooth, longer-lasting curls.
oTo create extra texture and movement, use two different size curling iron barrels throughout the hair.Scott recommends using a 1-inch and ¾-inch barrel curling irons.
·Once all sections of hair are curled, clipped and cooled, begin taking out the first pins you put in.
·Once all of the pins have been removed, gently flip hair over and work your fingers through your roots -- do not work fingers through to the ends. Working your roots will gently separate the curls and create a more natural look.
·Gently flip hair back up and style front of hair, as desired. If you want to add more definition at the root, add a few more curls with the ¾-inch curling iron. "
*For shorter hair, you have to do a tighter pin curl and for longer hair
These days it is more and more common to see people showing off their natural, shorter nails in brighter and non traditional colors! How fun, right? But how do you know which colors would best suit you? You will have your answer soon...
*side note* I have never really been into acrylic both for the damage to your nails and the price. The cool thing about natural nails is that it doesn't have to be expensive and you can express your personality or mood through color far more frequently!
*Back to the point * Oftentimes colors are recommend based on skin tone (light, medium, dark), but I believe that is the wrong way. I think you should pick nail colors and consider your undertones-- the same way that you pick your makeup. For example, some people have yellow undertones, some have red, and some have blue.
My favorite brand of nail polish is OPI (in my opinion the best quality, best color range and the most original names guaranteed to make you smile).
OPI just debuted their "Swiss Collection" for fall....*side note* Every so often OPI comes out with new collections with an overall theme (like India or South Beach) but these themes really don't mean anything--just inspiration for naming the colors. I am convinced that the colors are not new, just old colors repackaged with new names!
I don't want to limit your interest in any of these colors so just scroll through and pick your favorites without any guidelines. Here are the 12 new colors for fall (note the "Swiss" names underneath):
Diva of Geneva . Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous . Glitzerland
I’m Suzi & I’m a Chocoholic . From A to Z-urich . Color So Hot it Berns
Just a Little Rösti at This . William Tell Me About OPI . Ski Teal We Drop
Yodel Me on My Cell . The Color to Watch . Cucoo for This Color
OPI retails for between $6 to $8 dollars a bottle at Sephora, Ulta or sometimes even the grocery store. If this is a little pricey (or you don't have access to these stores) you can go with some of the polishes at your local drug store. I have had great experiences with Sally Hansen's HD nail color, and Complete Salon Manicure (Fairy Teal shown at the very top)--they have a variety of great, long lasting colors and retail for between $3-$6.
I have recently taken to Milani's "Liquid Metal" collection shown below. "Ms Milani" (far left) is a beautiful pewter color that will work great for fall and retails for about $3-$5 at CVS. They also have a dope "neon line" that I hear lasts long too.
I'm sure you may be expecting some more guidelines on how to choose the color for you like "cool undertones stick to cool colors" and vice versa, but honestly now that I think about it--I don't think there should be any rules! Like I said consider your undertones, but don't limit yourself. Try out what colors you are drawn to or curious about and if it scares you after 48 hours--change it. If all 10 fingers being painted scare you--just paint a couple nails in each of the colors you are considering and wear them around for the day to see how you feel.
If any, there should be some guidelines on HOW to wear the colors. Colors can really enhance a look--and you have to decide if you want a bright pop, a metallic edge, or a classic look. What you want may change daily--and that's totally fine!
*quick example* If you are going out--try something edgy or funky--something you normally wouldn't--and if you hate it in the morning--change it! Or if you are going for a vintage look--try a bold traditional color like a deep red to set off your polka dots and pin curls.
*personal story* I was always scared of reds--but I tried a modern spin on red to go with a festive frock (OPI's "Cajun Shrimp" --similar to "Color So Hot it Berns") and after the initial shock--I loved it. So be adventurous!
Consider what look you are going for and take it there (including hair & make up). The important thing is that you love it--who cares about everyone else ;)
Okay ladies, let's talk about our bodies. Your body is your temple, right? And naturally you want to look your best whatever your body type may be.
Luckily that is why there are so many different styles and trends. And yes, this means that not every trend and style is for you/your body type!
Fortunately for us women--we are beautiful in many different ways, and thus we naturally have different attributes that we want to highlight.
I have done my best to categorize all of bodies types that I have seen and added an appropriate name for each (you will see). I never liked those negative labels like "pear" or "box" so you will have a much more appealing name to call your body type after reading this blog!
Scroll down to see which one best matches you--and remember, you may be a combination of more than one. Once you find your body type--I have added celebrities to watch, what your style goal should be, and things to AVOID!!! I have also added other names you may have previously heard for that body type.
Please share this link with girlfriends, mothers, sisters, cousins, whoever you think will benefit from reading--the more the merrier--by clicking the tab at the end.
I got most of the information from DressYourBodyType.com which is an excellent resource because they have detailed rules for each body type. Some of the info is kinda dated, but it is still really good! Go to their website by clicking --> HERE.
Have a great day and don't forget to share with at least one friend by clicking the tab at the end!
Love, Rose
P.S. I may do a blog on dressing right for your age too...
The Goddess
(Formerly Petite)
Celebrities to watch: Kelly Ripa, Kristen Bell, Natalie Portman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jada Pinkett-Smith
Style Goal: to elongate your figure
Characteristics: If you answer "yes" to almost everything below, you have a petite figure and should read on to find out what garment is best for your shape:
You describe yourself as having a “small frame”.
You are typically under 5'3".
You wear “ankle” length pants or may feel “short”.
Balanced proportions.
Avoid:
Over sized tops and coats.
Large, over-powering patterns or prints.
Skirts that are way too full or too-long.
Pants that are too wide or cuffed at the hem make you look shorter than you really are.
Blousy dresses
Be cautious when picking out a long dress. It may swallow you.
No child-sized swimsuits!
The Queen
(Formerly Full Figured/Apple/Diamond)
Celebrities to watch: Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Hudson, America Ferrera, Queen
Latifah
Style Goal: For the full figure, you want to minimize those curves, but not deny them. Your #1 challenge is finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let's find out if you are a full or curvy figure. If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
Characteristics:
You have a full bust and hips.
You may be thick-waisted or you have little to no curve in the waste.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.
Avoid:
For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use Velcro to secure the fabric. I hear it works perfect.
Waist length jackets. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.
Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
Pleated and ankle-tapered pants.
Big-patterned prints --run the other way!
Tight satin-y dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.
Anything too baggy--the volume only makes you look heavier than you actually are.
Granny-style skirt swimsuits - give them to Goodwill!
The First Lady
(Formerly Pear/Triangle)
Celebrities to watch: Michelle Obama, Lucy Liu, Kristin Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Sandra Bullock, Alicia Keys
Style Goal: The challenge is finding apparel that balances the upper portion with the bottom. Our goal is to visually slim your bottom half and play up your top. Choose bottoms with flowing fabrics to de-emphasize your wide hips.
Characteristics: You are generally bottom heavy. You have a slender neck, narrow shoulders, smaller bust, as well as a shapely waist, generous lower hips and full thighs.
So you think you may have a pear shape figure? Well, since this is the most important part of developing your image, let's make sure. If you answer yes to all of the statements below than you most likely have the pear shape figure:
You have narrow shoulders. Your bust and waistline are small and petite.
You have more voluptuous hips, bottom and thighs.
You are blessed with the “derriere” syndrome.
Avoid:
Tops that hit right at the waist or waist length jackets
Don't wear extra full or clingy skirts.
Drawstring pants, gathered, pleated, cuffed, or tapered ankles.
Be cautious when it comes to skinny jeans.
The same rule applies for skirts has it does for dresses. No full and clingy dresses.
Stay away from boy-leg styles or super-high cut legs.
Celebrities to watch: Jessica Simpson, Naomi Campbell, Demi Moore
Style Goal: You are blessed with a generous bust-line but haven't a clue how to balance your shape. You probably feel like people only see what's below your face. Well, lucky for you women pay thousands of dollars to have that bust-line. That's not the only plus; there are ways to wear certain fashions to complement not flaunt.
Characteristics:
Bra size is over a "C" cup.
Usually this shape has a combination of a shorter waist.
With out the right support, your body can look 10 pounds heavier than it really is.
Lower portion of body is petite to normal size compared to the upper portion.
Avoid:
Embroidery, ruffles, gathering, shirring or big patterned tops. All they do is draw more attention to the bust-line.
Flimsy fabrics or bias cuts lack support. Shop for thicker cotton or wool textiles.
Be cautious with Empire waists. Make sure there is no extra fabric gathered or shirred around the bust.
No waist-length jackets
Mid-thigh or narrow skirts make you seem top-heavy.
When shopping for pants or jeans, keep away from super skinny or super full legs. However, putting the boots over the pants works well with skinny jeans. It's a great trick to balance the top with your bottom half.
Run from fullness on top such as ruffles or shirring.
For special occasions, keep it simple on top. Don't let the clothes wear you.
Be cautious when purchasing string bikinis!
The Renaissance Woman
(Formerly Classic Hour Glass)
Celebrities to watch: Scarlett Johansson, HalleBerry, Heidi Klum
Style Goal: The hourglass figure is the dream body shape, so make sure you accentuate your curves well.
Characteristics: You have a small bone structure; defined waist; curved hips; protruding bottom and shapely legs. The body shape that most clothes today are made for.
Dubbed the “perfect body shape,” an hourglass has equally-proportioned bust and hips with a well defined waist. 36-26-37 is an example of an hourglass silhouette.
Avoid:
Hourglass shapes should avoid stiff, bulky fabrics
high necklines
tapered pants
baggy clothing
David Justice...(okay that was a joke--he is Halle's ex husband!)
yeah, that is pretty much it ;)
The Duchess
(Formerly Rectangular/Tall & Slim/Athletic)
Celebrities to watch: Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Gabrielle
Union
Style Goal: With this shape you might look shorter and/or heavier than you really are. So your main goal should be to create a waist on your figure and add more width to your upper and lower part -- transforming your body into a proportionate hourglass shape.
One advantage is you don't have to hide unwanted curves. You can emphasize areas that other women can't. With a tall frame, you want to work in a little curve with different blouses, ruffles, tailored jackets, belts and other fun trends
Characteristics: Do you struggle with shopping for the perfect outfit to bring out your girly side? If you match the profile below, you may have a tall and slim body type:
You have little to no curve in the waste.
You have long arms and legs.
You have a straight shape from shoulders to hips.
You maybe thick-waisted or very lean and tall.
Your goal is to look more feminine.
Avoid:
Leave plain t-shirts, camisoles and solid tanks as a second layer
Don't wear a v-neck alone. Tight v-necks over elongate the body. Stick with blouses and ruffles.
Stray from extremely full or baggy pants. You have the body most trends are made for. Flaunt it!
Straight, boxy mini skirts.
Tight knit dresses.
The Diva
(Formerly Curvy)
Celebrities to watch: Beyonce Knowles, Selma Hayek, Nelly Furtado
Style Goal: For the curvy figure, you want to minimize your curves, but not deny them. Your challenge is finding beautiful, trendy clothes that fit. First, let's see if you are a curvy figure.
Characteristics: If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
You have a full bust and hips.
Your shoulders and hips a line evenly.
Your waist curves like an hourglass but you are fuller around the bust-line and lower portion.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller and want to minimize the portion.
Avoid:
For button-up blouses, make sure the fit is right. The space between the buttons may open a bit. To solve this problem, use double sided type to secure the fabric. C'est magnifique!
Throw out the waist length puffer jacket. This piece cuts the body in half. You want to elongate the body not chop off.
Throw out the skirt that is gathered at the waist.
For pants, avoid pleated and ankle-tapered pants.
Big-patterned prints are a big no! Run the other way!
Tight satin dresses or any thin or flimsy fabric will ruin those curves.
Don't wear anything too baggy or with too much volume
Throw out the granny-style skirt suits!
Le Petite Diva
(Formerly Curvy Petite)
Celebrities to watch: Reese Witherspoon, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Style Goal: For the curvy petite figure, finding clothes that do not overpower your frame and still, minimize your curves is one of your biggest challenges. First, let's find out if you are a curvy petite figure.
Characteristics:If you answer "yes" to most of the characteristics below, then read on.
You have full bust and hips.
Your voluptuous curves are well proportioned with you r body.
Your goal is to elongate your figure.
You feel your hips and upper portion could be smaller. You want clothes that slim your curves instead of drawing too much attention to them.
Avoid:
When it comes to work environment and wearing button-up blouses, be cautious of the space between the buttons. It tends to open a bit. A quick solution to this problem is adding velcro to secure the fabric.
Items to throw out: waist length jackets. This item tends to cut the body in half. Before purchasing any garments be sure it elongates your body.
Stay clear of big prints and patterns that over-power your frame.
Avoid pleated and ankle tapered pants.
Be cautious when picking out a long dress. It may swallow you.
Don't be ashamed of your curves. Channel Marilyn Monroe --she had voluptuous curves and is an icon.
So this week, and really until I tire of it...I am loving monochromatic looks. Don't know what "monochromatic" means? It's everything in shades of one color or hue. When I think of monochromatic my mind immediately goes to Jay McCarroll--the winner of the very first season of Project Runway. Remember him? His winning collection looked something like this:
See what I mean? I know these looks are pretty extreme, so here are some examples of more ready to wear:
And here is one example of colors you can put together that compliment each other:
Can't find an accessory to "match" your outfit? A lot of times people try to match things to tie them in, but BREAK THAT HABIT!!! Adding a belt in a darker or lighter hue of the same color is a perfect solution. This is a fun way to have something compliment your 'fit, but not become too "match-y match-y". Other things to add depth--earrings, a necklace, bangles, shoes, sunglasses, or a summer scarf (but not all at once!) in different shades of the same color can come together nicely and I promise you will get lots of compliments!
Love, Rose
P.S. Send feedback on what else you would like to hear about...
So I borrowed this video from my sister, and I was blown away by the segment on eyebrows! It features celebrity make up artist Sam Fine and his easy to follow guidance helps even the most experienced of make up artists up the ante. Here is a little snip it that I found on Youtube so you know the secret!
He also covers how to "clean up" your brows with tweezers and added some finishing touches by dusting translucent powder over the top so they don’t look waxy, and by using clear mascara to brush the head of the brow to make it look more natural. If you are thirsty for more tips from this make up guru--you can purchase Sam Fine: The Basics of Beauty on Amazon.com for about $25—or you can just look up more free clips on you tube!
I am all about asymmetrical necklaces as of lately. Here are some that I have been crushing on:
Paisley Rebirth Necklace $80 Anthropologie.com - for the effortlessly chic...
Beach Bounty Necklace $50 Anthropologie.com - perfect for anything beach-y
Sunken Ship Necklace $48 Anthropologie.com - great with an all white theme
Accessories can really exaggerate a look and create a greater effect, making a difference in overall presentation. Adding a textured clutch, drop earring, chunky necklace, scarf, hairstyle, chrome cuff, or pop of nail color can really take your look from drab to fab in 5 minutes flat!
I am a chameleon and I can look totally different from day to day depending on how I feel--but I will have a "look" in mind that I am going for. So find out what inspires you for today, tomorrow or any occasion and take it all the way!
