Tips for Home Hair Color and Highlights
In today’s challenging economic times, it can be difficult to find room in the average household budget for expensive coloring trips to the hair salon. Thankfully, companies like Clairol and Redken offer home hair dye kits which can give you the appearance of having natural highlights or appear as if you underwent a professional hair color session. Using home hair color kits can help you save money and get beautiful results.
Use these tips to learn how to get the best results with home hair color products.
1.Choosing Your Hair Color Shade: One of the most important parts of the home hair color process is choosing the shade of hair color you want to try. If you’ve colored your hair before, you can simply use the same color kit you used during your last at-home coloring session. However, if this is your first time coloring at home, you need to be careful and take your time to choose the best shade for you. Take a look at your current hair color and try to match it up to the shade samples from the hair color boxes to get a natural blend. If you want to try a completely new shade, consider looking at the skin tones and eye colors of the models on the hair color boxes. If you choose a color where the model has a similar skin tone and eye color to yours, you’ll likely be fine with the results. It’s always suggested those who color their hair at home not go for dramatic results more than two hair color shades away from their current color. For example, someone with black hair could not effectively dye their hair blond using a traditional over the counter, inexpensive at-home hair color kit.
2.Read The Hair Dye Instructions: Before you even think about applying the hair color, be sure to read through and review the entire instruction booklet in full. While you may think all you need to focus on is the steps of application, it’s important to know what you need to do to prepare for the home hair color process. In addition, most hair color kits require users to undergo a 24 hour allergy skin test, which is vital if you want to protect your health during home hair color sessions. While rare, hair color allergies can be deadly and this test will help you avoid any major problems.
3.Home Hair Coloring Technique: While the basics of applying hair dye include mixing the solution, applying the solution to the hair, waiting a pre-set amount of time for the color to process and washing the hair with the included shampoo, there are a few things you can do to ensure easy application and results. If you’re doing the application yourself, be sure to start by separating your hair into four sections (using clips or rubber bands to create four taut buns of hair). Then starting at your hair line, apply the solution and work it around the scalp area. When you have the scalp saturated, begin by taking one of the buns down and massaging color into the hair. Repeat with each bun. Lastly, pile all of your saturated hair into one bun at the top of your hair. In addition, be sure you wait the exact amount of time the box instructs you to wait to get the best results
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion. Show all posts
Protecting Hair From Blow Dryer and Flat Iron Damage
Protecting Hair From Blow Dryer and Flat Iron Damage
If you use flat irons or blow dryers on a daily basic, protecting your hair might be a real concern. Protecting hair from heat damage is one of the biggest concerns stylists hear from their clients in the salon. Whether your hair is curly, thick, thin, long or short, it can be damaged easily by a flat iron or blow dryer. You may be well aware of the damage hair color or chlorine can do to your hair. But, heat damage is much more commonly seen by stylists.
Damaged hair can prevent your hair from looking healthy. Heat damage can cause split ends, frizzy hair or hair breakage. You may think you need to buy expensive hair products from designer lines like Paul Mitchell or Sephora but you can get great protection from many generic hair products as well.
Use these tips to prevent hair heat damage from occurring and learn how to use a flat iron or blow dryer without damaging your hair’s style and shine!
Prepare Your Hair
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair when using a flat iron or blow dryer is to prepare your hair for the heat it will endure. Instead of just using a comb or brush to prepare your hair for drying or straightening, take more action. After you wash and condition your hair, consider using one of the many new beauty products which focus on heat protection. These products can be found for the hair in various types such as sprays, serums, lotions and gels. The best products are lightweight, heat-activated and include hair-healthy ingredients. Some of the most popular heat protection products include Redken’s Smooth Down Heat Glide, FHI Heat Hot Sauce and CHI Silk Infusion.
Blow Dry On Low: Use Only The Heat You Need
Have you ever noticed how a professional stylist rarely blow dries your hair on anything but low heat and speed? This is not so they can avoid getting to their next client but is because blow drying can cause a flash drying effect on your hair. When done at excessive temperatures, it can remove surface moisture and hair hydration. This can lead to your hair becoming brittle, dry and frizzy. It’s best to avoid blow drying your hair on a daily basis. But, if you can’t break the habit be sure to take the extra time to blow dry your hair at a lower temperature. With most hair dryers made equipped with several heat levels and speeds, this should not be a problem. Along the same line, be sure to only use as much heat as you need not only when blow drying your hair but also when flat ironing your hair. Thin hair may not require as much heat for effective flat ironing as thick hair.
Only Flat Iron Clean And Dry Hair
Experts say those who flat iron hair with buildup of previously used hair products in it is putting themselves at risk for hair heat damage. Even the slightest dampness in hair can literally cause the hair to “cook” if you try to flat iron it, which will swell the hair shaft and cause the protective hair moisture to be removed.
While you may not be able to give up your blow dryer or flat iron for an extended period of time, be sure to give your hair a little break every now and then. In addition, when you must use heat on your hair be sure to use as little heat as possible and protect it beforehand with a hair protecting product.
If you use flat irons or blow dryers on a daily basic, protecting your hair might be a real concern. Protecting hair from heat damage is one of the biggest concerns stylists hear from their clients in the salon. Whether your hair is curly, thick, thin, long or short, it can be damaged easily by a flat iron or blow dryer. You may be well aware of the damage hair color or chlorine can do to your hair. But, heat damage is much more commonly seen by stylists.
Damaged hair can prevent your hair from looking healthy. Heat damage can cause split ends, frizzy hair or hair breakage. You may think you need to buy expensive hair products from designer lines like Paul Mitchell or Sephora but you can get great protection from many generic hair products as well.
Use these tips to prevent hair heat damage from occurring and learn how to use a flat iron or blow dryer without damaging your hair’s style and shine!
Prepare Your Hair
One of the easiest ways to protect your hair when using a flat iron or blow dryer is to prepare your hair for the heat it will endure. Instead of just using a comb or brush to prepare your hair for drying or straightening, take more action. After you wash and condition your hair, consider using one of the many new beauty products which focus on heat protection. These products can be found for the hair in various types such as sprays, serums, lotions and gels. The best products are lightweight, heat-activated and include hair-healthy ingredients. Some of the most popular heat protection products include Redken’s Smooth Down Heat Glide, FHI Heat Hot Sauce and CHI Silk Infusion.
Blow Dry On Low: Use Only The Heat You Need
Have you ever noticed how a professional stylist rarely blow dries your hair on anything but low heat and speed? This is not so they can avoid getting to their next client but is because blow drying can cause a flash drying effect on your hair. When done at excessive temperatures, it can remove surface moisture and hair hydration. This can lead to your hair becoming brittle, dry and frizzy. It’s best to avoid blow drying your hair on a daily basis. But, if you can’t break the habit be sure to take the extra time to blow dry your hair at a lower temperature. With most hair dryers made equipped with several heat levels and speeds, this should not be a problem. Along the same line, be sure to only use as much heat as you need not only when blow drying your hair but also when flat ironing your hair. Thin hair may not require as much heat for effective flat ironing as thick hair.
Only Flat Iron Clean And Dry Hair
Experts say those who flat iron hair with buildup of previously used hair products in it is putting themselves at risk for hair heat damage. Even the slightest dampness in hair can literally cause the hair to “cook” if you try to flat iron it, which will swell the hair shaft and cause the protective hair moisture to be removed.
While you may not be able to give up your blow dryer or flat iron for an extended period of time, be sure to give your hair a little break every now and then. In addition, when you must use heat on your hair be sure to use as little heat as possible and protect it beforehand with a hair protecting product.
Bad Hair Dye Job: Fix Wrong Color Results with These Tips
Bad Hair Dye Job: Fix Wrong Color Results with These Tips
Whether you use at-home hair dye from popular permanent hair color companies like Clairol to get rid of grey hair or get a professional highlight dye job at a high class salon, there may come a time where you find yourself with an unexpected bad hair dye job you’re longing to fix in a flash.
If You Went To A Professional Salon For The Color
If you went to a professional salon, call them immediately. Most salons will give you a 48-72 hour window to sit with the color and will change it for no additional cost if you don’t like the results. Of course, if the stylist refuses to repair the damage or if you’re unsure of their capability to do so you may want to pay a color correction expert at another salon to ensure you won’t end up with a brassy or wrong tint again. Remember, color correction can take multiple trips to the salon, for the color removal to be fully effective. But, don’t be tempted to try to fix it at home, yourself with cheap bleach, toner products or henna dyes. You’ll only make the problem worse or completely damage the natural health of your hair.
If You Did Your Hair Color Yourself at Home
If you screwed up your hair with an at-home hair color kit, you may be in luck. Many of the boxes will include a help line number available during daytime business hours. Hair color experts at these numbers can often help you find a solution. These experts can also offer hair coloring tips, teach you how to learn to chose the best color for you and help you in choosing the right type of dye for your hair type. There may be a chance you can re-color your hair with a darker semi or demi-color. In addition, if your problem is a green tint you can often find chorine removal shampoo which can help you or even do an old fashioned tomato juice soak to remove the green color.
Here are a few tips to remember when you’re suffering the results of a bad hair dye job…
1.Time will fade color: Remember your hair color won’t last forever. There is no need to panic!
2.Heat often fades color as well: Hot water can fade colored hair, along with other shampoo products like Matrix Amplify, Prell shampoo or even hot olive oil. Heat and these products are made to open the hair cuticle and this can help with rapid hair color fading. Of course, these things will only fade your color which may not be a fast enough option for you.
3.Call beauty schools: If you can’t afford to go to a salon for hair color correction, try to find a hair college or beauty college where you might be able to volunteer to be a hair model. Many times these colleges are looking for people in town to allow them to demonstrate certain techniques upon for their students. Most charge you nothing for the services. It may be a long shot, but it’s worth a try. Even if they don’t have modeling options you may be able to get a re-color for a very low cost compared to most other hair salons and most often the quality is just as good if not better because the students are trying to get great grades.
4.Avoid repeat mistakes: Once you go through a bad hair dye experience, you won’t want to go through another in the future. So, be sure to carefully choose your new stylist or be careful when trying to dye your own hair.
Whether you use at-home hair dye from popular permanent hair color companies like Clairol to get rid of grey hair or get a professional highlight dye job at a high class salon, there may come a time where you find yourself with an unexpected bad hair dye job you’re longing to fix in a flash.
If You Went To A Professional Salon For The Color
If you went to a professional salon, call them immediately. Most salons will give you a 48-72 hour window to sit with the color and will change it for no additional cost if you don’t like the results. Of course, if the stylist refuses to repair the damage or if you’re unsure of their capability to do so you may want to pay a color correction expert at another salon to ensure you won’t end up with a brassy or wrong tint again. Remember, color correction can take multiple trips to the salon, for the color removal to be fully effective. But, don’t be tempted to try to fix it at home, yourself with cheap bleach, toner products or henna dyes. You’ll only make the problem worse or completely damage the natural health of your hair.
If You Did Your Hair Color Yourself at Home
If you screwed up your hair with an at-home hair color kit, you may be in luck. Many of the boxes will include a help line number available during daytime business hours. Hair color experts at these numbers can often help you find a solution. These experts can also offer hair coloring tips, teach you how to learn to chose the best color for you and help you in choosing the right type of dye for your hair type. There may be a chance you can re-color your hair with a darker semi or demi-color. In addition, if your problem is a green tint you can often find chorine removal shampoo which can help you or even do an old fashioned tomato juice soak to remove the green color.
Here are a few tips to remember when you’re suffering the results of a bad hair dye job…
1.Time will fade color: Remember your hair color won’t last forever. There is no need to panic!
2.Heat often fades color as well: Hot water can fade colored hair, along with other shampoo products like Matrix Amplify, Prell shampoo or even hot olive oil. Heat and these products are made to open the hair cuticle and this can help with rapid hair color fading. Of course, these things will only fade your color which may not be a fast enough option for you.
3.Call beauty schools: If you can’t afford to go to a salon for hair color correction, try to find a hair college or beauty college where you might be able to volunteer to be a hair model. Many times these colleges are looking for people in town to allow them to demonstrate certain techniques upon for their students. Most charge you nothing for the services. It may be a long shot, but it’s worth a try. Even if they don’t have modeling options you may be able to get a re-color for a very low cost compared to most other hair salons and most often the quality is just as good if not better because the students are trying to get great grades.
4.Avoid repeat mistakes: Once you go through a bad hair dye experience, you won’t want to go through another in the future. So, be sure to carefully choose your new stylist or be careful when trying to dye your own hair.
Fix a Bad Haircut: Don’t Be Embarrassed by Chop Job
Fix a Bad Haircut: Don’t Be Embarrassed by Chop Job
Everyone has been through it and no one ever wants to go back…to the worst haircut of their life! Maybe you tried a new stylist, maybe you asked for something that wasn’t suited for your face shape or maybe your beauty salon expert just didn’t deliver. Whatever the circumstances, learning how to fix a bad haircut at home can fix your hair dilemma.
Decide What You Don’t Like About the Hair Cut
The first step to do is to take a really good look at the haircut to decide what it is you hate about it. Did the stylist cut it too short or not chop your bangs in an uneven way? Once you figure out what you dislike about it, you can take action. Before you begin your assessment, wash and dry your hair as you normally would. Sometimes this is all it takes to make you love your hair.
Your Hair Style is Too Short
Nothing you can do today can make your hair grow rapidly. There is no miracle hair growth serum you can purchase. So, in the event your hair has been cut too short you are facing the worst of ugly haircut situations. You can always go purchase a chic wig but most women would rather just wait it out. One thing you can do to help your hair appear longer is to straighten it out. Using a flat iron on your hair will make it appear longer and sleeker. These tips are especially effective if you have curly or wavy hair. You can also use cute accessories like clips and decorative pins to add flair to your new shorter do.
Your Hair Is Too Curly in Texture
Often when people get perms, they hate the tightness of the curls for the first four days or so after getting the perm. If you seriously cannot stand the curls, you can purchase at-home relaxant products but these can be difficult to work with. You can also simply wash your hair right after getting home. Most of the time permed hair should not be washed for at least 24 to 48 hours but if you wash it sooner you might be able to relax it just a bit. If not, think about experimenting with gels and hairspray to get it just the way you want it to look.
Your Hair Is Cut Uneven
Growing up you may have been very embarrassed to have that annoying cowlick but not that you’re all grown up, the worst hair moments are usually when you’ve received an uneven hair cut. To fix a bad hair cut, grab your scissors and be ready to boost your self esteem within moments. Remember to start slow! Trim a small amount of hair and then step back to look at your results. If you think it needs more, trim a little more hair. Repeat this process until you have the results you desire.
While you can surely fix a bad hair cut at home, most salons do offer a 48-72 hour re-style time period where you can come back in at no charge to have your hair fixed. Of course, it may be embarrassing for you to call the salon back or you may not trust the hair stylists there to fix your hair problem. Just remember, you deserve to leave the salon being completely satisfied so there is no shame is asking for a re-do!
Everyone has been through it and no one ever wants to go back…to the worst haircut of their life! Maybe you tried a new stylist, maybe you asked for something that wasn’t suited for your face shape or maybe your beauty salon expert just didn’t deliver. Whatever the circumstances, learning how to fix a bad haircut at home can fix your hair dilemma.
Decide What You Don’t Like About the Hair Cut
The first step to do is to take a really good look at the haircut to decide what it is you hate about it. Did the stylist cut it too short or not chop your bangs in an uneven way? Once you figure out what you dislike about it, you can take action. Before you begin your assessment, wash and dry your hair as you normally would. Sometimes this is all it takes to make you love your hair.
Your Hair Style is Too Short
Nothing you can do today can make your hair grow rapidly. There is no miracle hair growth serum you can purchase. So, in the event your hair has been cut too short you are facing the worst of ugly haircut situations. You can always go purchase a chic wig but most women would rather just wait it out. One thing you can do to help your hair appear longer is to straighten it out. Using a flat iron on your hair will make it appear longer and sleeker. These tips are especially effective if you have curly or wavy hair. You can also use cute accessories like clips and decorative pins to add flair to your new shorter do.
Your Hair Is Too Curly in Texture
Often when people get perms, they hate the tightness of the curls for the first four days or so after getting the perm. If you seriously cannot stand the curls, you can purchase at-home relaxant products but these can be difficult to work with. You can also simply wash your hair right after getting home. Most of the time permed hair should not be washed for at least 24 to 48 hours but if you wash it sooner you might be able to relax it just a bit. If not, think about experimenting with gels and hairspray to get it just the way you want it to look.
Your Hair Is Cut Uneven
Growing up you may have been very embarrassed to have that annoying cowlick but not that you’re all grown up, the worst hair moments are usually when you’ve received an uneven hair cut. To fix a bad hair cut, grab your scissors and be ready to boost your self esteem within moments. Remember to start slow! Trim a small amount of hair and then step back to look at your results. If you think it needs more, trim a little more hair. Repeat this process until you have the results you desire.
While you can surely fix a bad hair cut at home, most salons do offer a 48-72 hour re-style time period where you can come back in at no charge to have your hair fixed. Of course, it may be embarrassing for you to call the salon back or you may not trust the hair stylists there to fix your hair problem. Just remember, you deserve to leave the salon being completely satisfied so there is no shame is asking for a re-do!
Wedding Jewelry Ideas: Ideas for Elegant Fashion Accessories
Wedding Jewelry Ideas: Ideas for Elegant Fashion Accessories
From the moment your engagement ring is placed upon your finger, chances are the idea of wearing jewelry takes on a whole new meaning in your life. Not only do rings become fashionable accessories when you are engaged and married, but they also carry intense symbolic importance. After all, most women never take off their engagement ring and wedding band sets after they’re married. The bridal ring set becomes a part of their everyday accessory attire. Thus, choosing wedding jewelry can be a huge decision for those about to be married.
Choosing Your Wedding Bands
The first choice many brides and grooms think about when choosing wedding bands is the metal they prefer. While many brides go with the traditional look of gold bands, others prefer platinum or silver. It’s best to choose bands which match your engagement ring, overall. Look for bands that will compliment the engagement ring and style, size and metal color. If your engagement ring is a family antique heirloom or of vintage style you should be particularly aware of choosing an appropriate band to accompany it on your finger.
While mens wedding bands are required to completely match their bride-to-be’s rings, some men prefer to have a unified look. Other men are going for more modern styles of wedding bands and are choosing celtic patterns, Irish patterns and even bands with a precious stone or diamond in the design .
‘Big Day’ Bridal Jewelry Tips
Even if your engagement ring came from Tiffany, chances are you’ll want to save a little money for your wedding day bridal jewelry and go with fashion jewels for your big day. Many brides choose to simplify their jewelry, especially since the main fashion focus is often directed toward the wedding gown itself. A single pearl necklace and matching earrings can create an elegant and flawless look on a bride. However, those brides who crave more sparkle can easily find crystal fashion necklaces and earrings to “bling up” their wedding day look.
Bridesmaid Accessories and Jewelry Ideas
Many brides give their bridesmaids wedding day jewelry, as part of their bridesmaid “thank you” gifts. Thus, the bride often chooses attendant jewelry which matches her own in a similar manner. However, brides can also think about adding small pieces of jewelry into the hair of her attendants. For example, today’s fashion houses make beautiful and affordable crystal hair clips and pins which look fantastic in updo hair styles.
Remember, choosing wedding jewelry is a big part of the entire wedding planning process. Whether you’re choosing wedding band sets, bridesmaid jewelry or bridal jewelry for the big event, it’s important to think about the overall style of the engagement ring, the style of the wedding gown and your budget.
From the moment your engagement ring is placed upon your finger, chances are the idea of wearing jewelry takes on a whole new meaning in your life. Not only do rings become fashionable accessories when you are engaged and married, but they also carry intense symbolic importance. After all, most women never take off their engagement ring and wedding band sets after they’re married. The bridal ring set becomes a part of their everyday accessory attire. Thus, choosing wedding jewelry can be a huge decision for those about to be married.
Choosing Your Wedding Bands
The first choice many brides and grooms think about when choosing wedding bands is the metal they prefer. While many brides go with the traditional look of gold bands, others prefer platinum or silver. It’s best to choose bands which match your engagement ring, overall. Look for bands that will compliment the engagement ring and style, size and metal color. If your engagement ring is a family antique heirloom or of vintage style you should be particularly aware of choosing an appropriate band to accompany it on your finger.
While mens wedding bands are required to completely match their bride-to-be’s rings, some men prefer to have a unified look. Other men are going for more modern styles of wedding bands and are choosing celtic patterns, Irish patterns and even bands with a precious stone or diamond in the design .
‘Big Day’ Bridal Jewelry Tips
Even if your engagement ring came from Tiffany, chances are you’ll want to save a little money for your wedding day bridal jewelry and go with fashion jewels for your big day. Many brides choose to simplify their jewelry, especially since the main fashion focus is often directed toward the wedding gown itself. A single pearl necklace and matching earrings can create an elegant and flawless look on a bride. However, those brides who crave more sparkle can easily find crystal fashion necklaces and earrings to “bling up” their wedding day look.
Bridesmaid Accessories and Jewelry Ideas
Many brides give their bridesmaids wedding day jewelry, as part of their bridesmaid “thank you” gifts. Thus, the bride often chooses attendant jewelry which matches her own in a similar manner. However, brides can also think about adding small pieces of jewelry into the hair of her attendants. For example, today’s fashion houses make beautiful and affordable crystal hair clips and pins which look fantastic in updo hair styles.
Remember, choosing wedding jewelry is a big part of the entire wedding planning process. Whether you’re choosing wedding band sets, bridesmaid jewelry or bridal jewelry for the big event, it’s important to think about the overall style of the engagement ring, the style of the wedding gown and your budget.
Applying Bridal Makeup and Choosing a Stylist for Day or Night Weddings for Professional Looking Results
Applying Bridal Makeup and Choosing a Stylist for Day or Night Weddings for Professional Looking Results
Dealing with cosmetics on your wedding day can be fraught with danger or an experience of safety and even luxury. Although many brides take the risk of doing their own makeup, the wise bride visits a makeup artist before the wedding to scheme and strategize about ways to look her best when the photographs are taken. Pictures are the enduring mementos of a wedding ceremony and the reception, and these are pictures you want to look your best for. Getting tips from a makeup expert (or even the makeup artist in concert with your photographer) is one way to avoid makeup disasters on the big day.
Choosing a Make-up and Hair Stylist for Your Wedding Day
Hiring a makeup artist to first conceptualize your wedding look and then apply your makeup on the day of the wedding is a smart move. If you can afford the time and money, having the entire bridal party done by a professional will make your bridesmaids and your mom look their best for the photos, too. Traditional Indian weddings involve painting the hands and feet with henna as well as applying cosmetics and dressing the bride in her wedding sari: in the past, the women in the family readied the bride for her wedding, but with more families living far apart, brides are opting to bring in experts to help the wedding go smoothly.
Plan ahead to get the right professional bridal make-up artist
Choosing a stylist is a little tricky and shouldn't be done at the last moment. If you don't already have a favorite stylist, don't just pick the first one you meet unless you have an instant rapport. Shop around: ask to see their portfolios, talk with them about your ideas and the styles you are planning to evoke at your wedding. Look for someone who has similar taste and who wants to support your dreams on your wedding day. Equally important is reliability: ask for references and call the stylists' old clients to ask a few questions. Did the stylist show up on time? Was he or she prepared, having brought the tools needed to get the job done? And was the bride comfortable with stating her wishes and getting what she wanted from the stylist?
Have a mock-up or trial run with the professional stylist before making a final decision
Once you've narrowed your choices down to two or three (having already made sure they aren't booked on the date of your wedding), visit the stylist and have a trial run of the makeup you want to wear for your wedding. Talk about the lighting where the ceremony and reception will be held, and the look you want for your photos, which should influence the cosmetics you use. Are you looking for a dramatic look or something natural and fresh? Will your hair be up or down, and what sort of hair accessories or veil will you be using? Coordinate your makeup with your hair style, jewelry and gown.
Consider the time of day and wedding setting: Night, Day, or Weddings Outdoors
If your wedding is during the day and outside and the reception in the evening and indoors, you may want to schedule a second makeup session between the ceremony and the reception. You may need makeup that's lighter for daytime portraits, but for evening revelries you may want to go a little heavier on the eye makeup. Darker eye shadow, deeper blusher and shimmery lip color may be perfect for nighttime, but in the daylight you may need more natural eye shadow colors and a matte lipstick. Work out the details with your stylist so all your portraits come out showing you at your very best.
DIY Bridal Makeup Still Requires a Little Advice from a Professional
If you decide to do your own makeup or have a friend do it for you, it's still worthwhile to get tips from an expert and then practice your makeup before the big day. Then, prepare as a professional would with towels to wrap around the neck (and over that gorgeous gown), brushes for applying makeup so your hands don't get stained (or worse, stain your clothes) and a bottle of spot remover standing by. Don't let a wayward mascara brush wreck your ivory lace veil!
Dealing with cosmetics on your wedding day can be fraught with danger or an experience of safety and even luxury. Although many brides take the risk of doing their own makeup, the wise bride visits a makeup artist before the wedding to scheme and strategize about ways to look her best when the photographs are taken. Pictures are the enduring mementos of a wedding ceremony and the reception, and these are pictures you want to look your best for. Getting tips from a makeup expert (or even the makeup artist in concert with your photographer) is one way to avoid makeup disasters on the big day.
Choosing a Make-up and Hair Stylist for Your Wedding Day
Hiring a makeup artist to first conceptualize your wedding look and then apply your makeup on the day of the wedding is a smart move. If you can afford the time and money, having the entire bridal party done by a professional will make your bridesmaids and your mom look their best for the photos, too. Traditional Indian weddings involve painting the hands and feet with henna as well as applying cosmetics and dressing the bride in her wedding sari: in the past, the women in the family readied the bride for her wedding, but with more families living far apart, brides are opting to bring in experts to help the wedding go smoothly.
Plan ahead to get the right professional bridal make-up artist
Choosing a stylist is a little tricky and shouldn't be done at the last moment. If you don't already have a favorite stylist, don't just pick the first one you meet unless you have an instant rapport. Shop around: ask to see their portfolios, talk with them about your ideas and the styles you are planning to evoke at your wedding. Look for someone who has similar taste and who wants to support your dreams on your wedding day. Equally important is reliability: ask for references and call the stylists' old clients to ask a few questions. Did the stylist show up on time? Was he or she prepared, having brought the tools needed to get the job done? And was the bride comfortable with stating her wishes and getting what she wanted from the stylist?
Have a mock-up or trial run with the professional stylist before making a final decision
Once you've narrowed your choices down to two or three (having already made sure they aren't booked on the date of your wedding), visit the stylist and have a trial run of the makeup you want to wear for your wedding. Talk about the lighting where the ceremony and reception will be held, and the look you want for your photos, which should influence the cosmetics you use. Are you looking for a dramatic look or something natural and fresh? Will your hair be up or down, and what sort of hair accessories or veil will you be using? Coordinate your makeup with your hair style, jewelry and gown.
Consider the time of day and wedding setting: Night, Day, or Weddings Outdoors
If your wedding is during the day and outside and the reception in the evening and indoors, you may want to schedule a second makeup session between the ceremony and the reception. You may need makeup that's lighter for daytime portraits, but for evening revelries you may want to go a little heavier on the eye makeup. Darker eye shadow, deeper blusher and shimmery lip color may be perfect for nighttime, but in the daylight you may need more natural eye shadow colors and a matte lipstick. Work out the details with your stylist so all your portraits come out showing you at your very best.
DIY Bridal Makeup Still Requires a Little Advice from a Professional
If you decide to do your own makeup or have a friend do it for you, it's still worthwhile to get tips from an expert and then practice your makeup before the big day. Then, prepare as a professional would with towels to wrap around the neck (and over that gorgeous gown), brushes for applying makeup so your hands don't get stained (or worse, stain your clothes) and a bottle of spot remover standing by. Don't let a wayward mascara brush wreck your ivory lace veil!
Wedding Wear.
Wedding Wear.
I got lucky when my friends from school decided to marry their long-term boyfriends. I was a bridesmaid both times, and I privately worried that one of my friends (good, sensible young women) would go insane when it came time to choose bridesmaid dresses and bridal makeup. It’s been known to happen: a prospective bride asks her best friends to stand up with her, then dresses them like the dolls made by insane homemakers to cover up toilet paper rolls.
When you go to the bridal salons, there are the endless rows of white gowns, and then, against the wall, a garish assortment of satin horrors. I loved my friends, but hormones and the pressures of engagement can do weird things to even lifelong friends. (If you’re looking for a gorgeous wedding or bridesmaid dress that doesn’t make you look like the marriage-fairy pelted you with magic bad-taste beans, take a look at the bias-cut silk gowns at J. Crew.)
Laura’s wedding came first, in early spring. The wind blasted in icy drafts through the outside corridors of a lovely, gray-stone Episcopal church. Laura’s mother-in-law came to town bringing her favorite mink stole—a gift for the bride. Laura thought about the sleek little creatures who’d given their all, weighed the possibility of offending her fiancé's mother, swallowed hard and graciously accepted the mink. Good thing, too. It was twenty degrees on The Day, and her dress was décolleté.
Our dresses were not build for warmth either, but they were perfect. Ivory, with a vague damask pattern. Fluttery sleeves that didn’t mean a thing. Sleek, flowing waistlines. Calf-length. Heather has bright blue eyes and dark, wavy hair. A bust men swooned over, long legs. Laura’s sister Kathy, blonde, very slim, elegant. Me, feeling dowdy and nervous until Laura graced me by asking me to help her manage her voluminous gown and petticoats. She had to squeeze into the tiny bathroom at the church for a practically last-minute tinkle. Her dress puffed up around her, the train bulged out the open door, where I held it off the stone floor and blocked the view of potential passersby. My face was partly buried in the silky mink. At that moment, Laura looked like one of those toilet-roll dolls, extra fancy, wedding-style. We laughed until I had to go too.
Heather’s wedding was neat because she and Kevin did most of it themselves. They folded a thousand paper origami cranes, and we placed them around the banquet hall, with flowers and streamers. We danced all night. Her gown was movie star glam—strapless, classy. I remembered the day we all drove to the bridal salon and spent the day trying on wedding gowns, and how she narrowed it down from about three hundred to two, to one in short order. She always seemed to know just what she wanted. For Heather’s wedding, we wore emerald green, her favorite color. Also slightly damask, rayon, not satin, same easy shape as the ivory dresses we wore at Laura’s wedding. Beautiful, and simple. I wore mine again and again that year.
A real friend wants you to feel comfortable and look pretty, even on her wedding day. She doesn’t saddle you with costly dresses you’ll never wear again, or with ugly, dyed-to-match shoes. She drives you to the bridal salon and makes you try on wedding gowns along with her, because it’s fun. She asks you to hold her mink while she takes a pre-wedding pee, sitting on the toilet in clouds of silk and tulle, and laughs her ass off at the picture she presents. Like I said, when my friends got married, I got lucky.
I got lucky when my friends from school decided to marry their long-term boyfriends. I was a bridesmaid both times, and I privately worried that one of my friends (good, sensible young women) would go insane when it came time to choose bridesmaid dresses and bridal makeup. It’s been known to happen: a prospective bride asks her best friends to stand up with her, then dresses them like the dolls made by insane homemakers to cover up toilet paper rolls.
When you go to the bridal salons, there are the endless rows of white gowns, and then, against the wall, a garish assortment of satin horrors. I loved my friends, but hormones and the pressures of engagement can do weird things to even lifelong friends. (If you’re looking for a gorgeous wedding or bridesmaid dress that doesn’t make you look like the marriage-fairy pelted you with magic bad-taste beans, take a look at the bias-cut silk gowns at J. Crew.)
Laura’s wedding came first, in early spring. The wind blasted in icy drafts through the outside corridors of a lovely, gray-stone Episcopal church. Laura’s mother-in-law came to town bringing her favorite mink stole—a gift for the bride. Laura thought about the sleek little creatures who’d given their all, weighed the possibility of offending her fiancé's mother, swallowed hard and graciously accepted the mink. Good thing, too. It was twenty degrees on The Day, and her dress was décolleté.
Our dresses were not build for warmth either, but they were perfect. Ivory, with a vague damask pattern. Fluttery sleeves that didn’t mean a thing. Sleek, flowing waistlines. Calf-length. Heather has bright blue eyes and dark, wavy hair. A bust men swooned over, long legs. Laura’s sister Kathy, blonde, very slim, elegant. Me, feeling dowdy and nervous until Laura graced me by asking me to help her manage her voluminous gown and petticoats. She had to squeeze into the tiny bathroom at the church for a practically last-minute tinkle. Her dress puffed up around her, the train bulged out the open door, where I held it off the stone floor and blocked the view of potential passersby. My face was partly buried in the silky mink. At that moment, Laura looked like one of those toilet-roll dolls, extra fancy, wedding-style. We laughed until I had to go too.
Heather’s wedding was neat because she and Kevin did most of it themselves. They folded a thousand paper origami cranes, and we placed them around the banquet hall, with flowers and streamers. We danced all night. Her gown was movie star glam—strapless, classy. I remembered the day we all drove to the bridal salon and spent the day trying on wedding gowns, and how she narrowed it down from about three hundred to two, to one in short order. She always seemed to know just what she wanted. For Heather’s wedding, we wore emerald green, her favorite color. Also slightly damask, rayon, not satin, same easy shape as the ivory dresses we wore at Laura’s wedding. Beautiful, and simple. I wore mine again and again that year.
A real friend wants you to feel comfortable and look pretty, even on her wedding day. She doesn’t saddle you with costly dresses you’ll never wear again, or with ugly, dyed-to-match shoes. She drives you to the bridal salon and makes you try on wedding gowns along with her, because it’s fun. She asks you to hold her mink while she takes a pre-wedding pee, sitting on the toilet in clouds of silk and tulle, and laughs her ass off at the picture she presents. Like I said, when my friends got married, I got lucky.
Bridal and Wedding Shoes: Comfortable Style When You Walk Down The Aisle
Bridal and Wedding Shoes: Comfortable Style When You Walk Down The Aisle
The dress is chosen, the flowers are ordered and your wedding day is only a few weeks away! It’s time to start thinking about last minute details, including your wedding shoes. While many brides choose their shoes in haste, at the last minute, the choice of what wedding shoes to wear is quite important. After all, no bride wants to spend her honeymoon barely able to walk due to blisters on her heels!
Comfortable Wedding Shoe Ideas
Today’s brides are more and more focused on making their wedding day the most comfortable it can be. Instead of choosing heavy dresses and three inch heels, they are going for more modest gowns and laid-back footwear. Whether the wedding is on the beach or in a church, brides are seeking out casual footwear for their big day. Since many wedding dresses don’t allow the public to view the bride’s shoes in any case, many brides are choosing to wear simple ballet slippers, sandals and even rhinestone flip flops under their dress. Those who sincerely do plan a beach wedding are even choosing to forgo shoes and are walking down the aisle barefoot.
How To Choose A Great Bridal Shoe: Tips
If you can afford to do so, buying a designer shoe for your wedding is a great way to show style and get comfort. Well known designers not only produce beautiful shoes, but they also make them incredibly comfortable and durable. However, if you’re on a budget discount shoes can get the job done just the same. The most important thing to consider when choosing your wedding shoe is your dress. It’s vital you take your dress with you when trying on shoes, or vice versa. Often women flock to flats because they want to be comfortable. However, most wedding dresses are made for women of average heights. So, if a petite woman wears flats with a typical dress, the dress will be too long and need addition (and often expensive) altering.
Unique Wedding Shoe Choices For Bridesmaids
You may have heard of this company when you were searching for prom shoes, but Coloriffics is still around and ready to help you match your bridesmaid shoes with their dresses. If you are interested in dyeable pumps for your attendants, these custom choices can help you cut your planning time down by hours.
Traditional Colors Always Work
Sure, today’s brides are choosing various colors in dresses and shoes. However, the most popular colors for wedding shoes remain white and ivory. Brides-to-be can find strappy shoes, traditional pumps and even glammed-up tennis shoes in most modern bridal stores. Whether a bride wants shoes with beads or satin slippers, there is something for everyone.
The dress is chosen, the flowers are ordered and your wedding day is only a few weeks away! It’s time to start thinking about last minute details, including your wedding shoes. While many brides choose their shoes in haste, at the last minute, the choice of what wedding shoes to wear is quite important. After all, no bride wants to spend her honeymoon barely able to walk due to blisters on her heels!
Comfortable Wedding Shoe Ideas
Today’s brides are more and more focused on making their wedding day the most comfortable it can be. Instead of choosing heavy dresses and three inch heels, they are going for more modest gowns and laid-back footwear. Whether the wedding is on the beach or in a church, brides are seeking out casual footwear for their big day. Since many wedding dresses don’t allow the public to view the bride’s shoes in any case, many brides are choosing to wear simple ballet slippers, sandals and even rhinestone flip flops under their dress. Those who sincerely do plan a beach wedding are even choosing to forgo shoes and are walking down the aisle barefoot.
How To Choose A Great Bridal Shoe: Tips
If you can afford to do so, buying a designer shoe for your wedding is a great way to show style and get comfort. Well known designers not only produce beautiful shoes, but they also make them incredibly comfortable and durable. However, if you’re on a budget discount shoes can get the job done just the same. The most important thing to consider when choosing your wedding shoe is your dress. It’s vital you take your dress with you when trying on shoes, or vice versa. Often women flock to flats because they want to be comfortable. However, most wedding dresses are made for women of average heights. So, if a petite woman wears flats with a typical dress, the dress will be too long and need addition (and often expensive) altering.
Unique Wedding Shoe Choices For Bridesmaids
You may have heard of this company when you were searching for prom shoes, but Coloriffics is still around and ready to help you match your bridesmaid shoes with their dresses. If you are interested in dyeable pumps for your attendants, these custom choices can help you cut your planning time down by hours.
Traditional Colors Always Work
Sure, today’s brides are choosing various colors in dresses and shoes. However, the most popular colors for wedding shoes remain white and ivory. Brides-to-be can find strappy shoes, traditional pumps and even glammed-up tennis shoes in most modern bridal stores. Whether a bride wants shoes with beads or satin slippers, there is something for everyone.
Bridal and Wedding Hairstyles for Long or Short Hair
Bridal and Wedding Hairstyles for Long or Short Hair
After Mr. Right gets on his knee and proposes, family and friends are informed of the upcoming wedding news and the reality of wedding planning sets in, a bride-to-be can quickly feel overwhelmed with all of the details and choices for her big day. Many women dream of their perfect wedding day, are constantly tuned into the Wedding Channel or flipping through Brides Magazine and hope not one single thing goes wrong. Most importantly however, they want to look and feel beautiful. After all, wedding pictures usually stay on parents’ mantles for years. While makeup and the dress are important, it’s also vital for brides to give great thought to wedding hairstyles and updo options. If you’re planning the wedding of your dreams, use these wedding hairstyle tips to gather ideas for your big event.
Classic Wedding Hairstyles
For years brides have been wondering how to wear their hair on their special day. Some women dream of a traditional wedding look, complete with an elegant French Twist. Some of the most classic hairstyles include a high or low bun, ringlet curls, a curly updo twist and a bouffant. Classic wedding hairstyles often look very formal on any bride or bridesmaid in the bridal party. Most often, a classic wedding hairstyle will be completed and topped off with a beautiful traditional wedding veil.
Long Hair: Wedding Hairstyles
When you have long hair, choosing a wedding hairstyle can be a challenge. After all, you can wear it up or down, with ease. If you’re trying to create a romantic and fairy-tale inspired wedding theme, you may want to choose to let your hair flow in curls. However, if you prefer to be able to stay cool during your reception party, you can always choose to have it swept off of your neck into a braid with flowers. The best way to think about your long hair choices is to think about your dress. If you have a dress with great back detailing, you’ll likely want to wear your hair in an updo. However, if the back of your dress is not your focus area wearing your hair down is perfectly appropriate.
Short Hair: Wedding Hairstyles
Just because you’re hair is short doesn’t mean you don’t have options on your wedding day. Many brides with short hair are choosing to forgo veils and in exchange wearing beautiful tiaras on their wedding day. For a modern twist, messy curls can make a tiara look less formal and more chic. If a tiara isn’t your “thing” you can instead choose to use a sparkling hair clip, decorative bobby pins or even tuck a flower behind your ear for extra flair.
Modern Wedding Hairstyles
Creating a modern look on your wedding day is all about the simple and easy wedding hairstyles and accessories. Today’s modern bride often chooses to wear her hair down and straightened. The modern wedding hairstyles are less focused on curls and ribbons and more focused on looking polished, sophisticated and elegant. Instead of going for the same French Twist a bride wore to her high school prom, a modern gal will choose to keep her hair simple and fuss-free. Often modern brides will choose to go without a veil and will tuck one single flower bud behind her ear to complete her wedding look.
Basic Updo Tips
1.Always be sure to use a multitude of bobby pins when you want your updo to stay. It’s best to let a professional do your updo for your wedding. However, if you are wearing your hair down you may want to save money and construct the style yourself.
2.If your hair doesn’t hold well, think about using spray freeze instead of everyday hairspray on your wedding hairstyle. Many spray freeze brands come with an added “shine” in them, which will make your hair sparkle on your wedding day.
3.Think about your dress when choosing your hairstyle. You want your hair to work well with the design of your dress.
4.Consider your wedding day accessories. If you have earrings you want to show off, an updo or a style which pulls your hair away from your face is likely the best option.
After Mr. Right gets on his knee and proposes, family and friends are informed of the upcoming wedding news and the reality of wedding planning sets in, a bride-to-be can quickly feel overwhelmed with all of the details and choices for her big day. Many women dream of their perfect wedding day, are constantly tuned into the Wedding Channel or flipping through Brides Magazine and hope not one single thing goes wrong. Most importantly however, they want to look and feel beautiful. After all, wedding pictures usually stay on parents’ mantles for years. While makeup and the dress are important, it’s also vital for brides to give great thought to wedding hairstyles and updo options. If you’re planning the wedding of your dreams, use these wedding hairstyle tips to gather ideas for your big event.
Classic Wedding Hairstyles
For years brides have been wondering how to wear their hair on their special day. Some women dream of a traditional wedding look, complete with an elegant French Twist. Some of the most classic hairstyles include a high or low bun, ringlet curls, a curly updo twist and a bouffant. Classic wedding hairstyles often look very formal on any bride or bridesmaid in the bridal party. Most often, a classic wedding hairstyle will be completed and topped off with a beautiful traditional wedding veil.
Long Hair: Wedding Hairstyles
When you have long hair, choosing a wedding hairstyle can be a challenge. After all, you can wear it up or down, with ease. If you’re trying to create a romantic and fairy-tale inspired wedding theme, you may want to choose to let your hair flow in curls. However, if you prefer to be able to stay cool during your reception party, you can always choose to have it swept off of your neck into a braid with flowers. The best way to think about your long hair choices is to think about your dress. If you have a dress with great back detailing, you’ll likely want to wear your hair in an updo. However, if the back of your dress is not your focus area wearing your hair down is perfectly appropriate.
Short Hair: Wedding Hairstyles
Just because you’re hair is short doesn’t mean you don’t have options on your wedding day. Many brides with short hair are choosing to forgo veils and in exchange wearing beautiful tiaras on their wedding day. For a modern twist, messy curls can make a tiara look less formal and more chic. If a tiara isn’t your “thing” you can instead choose to use a sparkling hair clip, decorative bobby pins or even tuck a flower behind your ear for extra flair.
Modern Wedding Hairstyles
Creating a modern look on your wedding day is all about the simple and easy wedding hairstyles and accessories. Today’s modern bride often chooses to wear her hair down and straightened. The modern wedding hairstyles are less focused on curls and ribbons and more focused on looking polished, sophisticated and elegant. Instead of going for the same French Twist a bride wore to her high school prom, a modern gal will choose to keep her hair simple and fuss-free. Often modern brides will choose to go without a veil and will tuck one single flower bud behind her ear to complete her wedding look.
Basic Updo Tips
1.Always be sure to use a multitude of bobby pins when you want your updo to stay. It’s best to let a professional do your updo for your wedding. However, if you are wearing your hair down you may want to save money and construct the style yourself.
2.If your hair doesn’t hold well, think about using spray freeze instead of everyday hairspray on your wedding hairstyle. Many spray freeze brands come with an added “shine” in them, which will make your hair sparkle on your wedding day.
3.Think about your dress when choosing your hairstyle. You want your hair to work well with the design of your dress.
4.Consider your wedding day accessories. If you have earrings you want to show off, an updo or a style which pulls your hair away from your face is likely the best option.
Wedding Makeup Ideas: Beauty Tips for Eyes, Lips, and Skin
Wedding Makeup Ideas: Beauty Tips for Eyes, Lips, and Skin
Every woman wants to look and feel beautiful on her wedding day. From wedding makeup to the wedding gown, each process is often planned far in advance. However, when the big day comes, many last minute things can occur and brides should be prepared for wedding makeup meltdowns with these helpful preparation tips.
See a Makeup Professional
About three weeks before your wedding date, it’s important to focus a great deal on your skin. Chances are you’ll be getting nervous and your skin is going to get fussy. Be sure you’re getting enough rest, drinking enough water and cleansing regularly. It’s also a great time to see a professional makeup artist. While most brides can’t afford to hire a professional makeup artist to apply the makeup and touch up before the wedding photographer takes pictures, you can often get a free bridal consultation at Sephora or other makeup counters in your local mall. These consultations can help you better understand what types of foundation will last through your wedding day sweat and tears.
Simple Wedding Makeup Beauty
While your wedding day is a time you can choose to glamour-up your look, it’s not a great day to take on a huge risk. The basics are really all you did for your big day. Look for a foundation which will give you a dewy glow, without leading to shine. Choose waterproof mascara for your lashes, in case you get a bit emotional throughout the ceremony. Choose a colored gloss for your lips and forgo heavy lip liners and lipsticks. Make your eyes the focus of your face, by applying a rich hue of brown, gray or lavender to your lids. Smudge darker colored eyeliner onto the top of your upper lash line for a smoky look. Remember, you want to look like yourself, just with a more beauty forward wedding style added into the mix.
Ideas for Covering Up Blemishes Or A Tattoo
If you’re getting married in the snowy winter, you’ll not likely need to worry so much. But, if your wedding is taking place at a beach where you’ll be showing off your body in a summer wedding gown, you may want to think about covering up any tattoos showing. Many brides choose to purchase specialized makeup to cover up their body tattoos for their wedding day. Just be sure to test the makeup beforehand to ensure it not only covers but also won’t come off on your dress. Of course, other brides choose to be themselves on their wedding day, tattoos and all!
Keep in mind, your wedding makeup should be something you experiment with in the month before your wedding. Don’t wait until your wedding day to try something new, or you could be in for a bad surprise. Not only could your makeup look bad but it could also cause an allergic reaction if not tried before. Keep wedding day makeup simple and elegant. Do what you normally do when going out, but jazz it up a bit with a rosier color on the cheeks and lips. Don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with makeup that outshines you!
Every woman wants to look and feel beautiful on her wedding day. From wedding makeup to the wedding gown, each process is often planned far in advance. However, when the big day comes, many last minute things can occur and brides should be prepared for wedding makeup meltdowns with these helpful preparation tips.
See a Makeup Professional
About three weeks before your wedding date, it’s important to focus a great deal on your skin. Chances are you’ll be getting nervous and your skin is going to get fussy. Be sure you’re getting enough rest, drinking enough water and cleansing regularly. It’s also a great time to see a professional makeup artist. While most brides can’t afford to hire a professional makeup artist to apply the makeup and touch up before the wedding photographer takes pictures, you can often get a free bridal consultation at Sephora or other makeup counters in your local mall. These consultations can help you better understand what types of foundation will last through your wedding day sweat and tears.
Simple Wedding Makeup Beauty
While your wedding day is a time you can choose to glamour-up your look, it’s not a great day to take on a huge risk. The basics are really all you did for your big day. Look for a foundation which will give you a dewy glow, without leading to shine. Choose waterproof mascara for your lashes, in case you get a bit emotional throughout the ceremony. Choose a colored gloss for your lips and forgo heavy lip liners and lipsticks. Make your eyes the focus of your face, by applying a rich hue of brown, gray or lavender to your lids. Smudge darker colored eyeliner onto the top of your upper lash line for a smoky look. Remember, you want to look like yourself, just with a more beauty forward wedding style added into the mix.
Ideas for Covering Up Blemishes Or A Tattoo
If you’re getting married in the snowy winter, you’ll not likely need to worry so much. But, if your wedding is taking place at a beach where you’ll be showing off your body in a summer wedding gown, you may want to think about covering up any tattoos showing. Many brides choose to purchase specialized makeup to cover up their body tattoos for their wedding day. Just be sure to test the makeup beforehand to ensure it not only covers but also won’t come off on your dress. Of course, other brides choose to be themselves on their wedding day, tattoos and all!
Keep in mind, your wedding makeup should be something you experiment with in the month before your wedding. Don’t wait until your wedding day to try something new, or you could be in for a bad surprise. Not only could your makeup look bad but it could also cause an allergic reaction if not tried before. Keep wedding day makeup simple and elegant. Do what you normally do when going out, but jazz it up a bit with a rosier color on the cheeks and lips. Don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with makeup that outshines you!
The Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit: Ideas and Etiquette
The Perfect Wedding Guest Outfit: Ideas and Etiquette
When you’re a wedding guest, thinking about the outfit you’ll wear to the wedding ceremony can be a challenge. While most people know wearing a white dress to a wedding is taboo (the bride is the only one who should traditionally wear white), the choices of appropriate and inappropriate wedding clothing can still seem overwhelming. To help you easily get though the rules and etiquette of wedding clothes, use these tips and helpful ideas when choosing what to wear to a wedding.
Seasonal Ideas and Tips
One of the main things to consider when trying to find something at Macys or Nordstrom for an upcoming wedding you’re attending is the season of the wedding. Whether the wedding is in summer or winter can make a huge difference on what you should wear. Typically, a summer wedding can call for a more casual look in wedding attire overall. Even if the summer wedding isn’t held on a beach, guests often wear beautiful summer dresses and men can even get away with forgoing a suit coat in many cases.
Fabrics are often lighter and free in flow and floral prints are extremely popular choices for wedding guests. Summer weddings also allow for brighter colors in dresses and short styles in length. However, keep in mind you should always dress appropriately and not show too much skin. In addition, flip flops are a “no-no” so choose dress shoes or even beautiful sandals.
Daytime or Evening Wedding?
The time of day a wedding is held is a great indication of what you should wear to the event. Evening weddings are traditionally more formal than afternoon or daytime weddings. If you’re unsure what to wear, you can always pair your little black dress with various accessories until you feel comfortable. Many women stick casual accessories and elegant accessories in their handbag to take along. Then, they slip into the bathroom after viewing the other guests to choose which ones to adorn.
Formal or Casual Wedding?
Many brides make it easy for guests and state on the wedding invite what type of dress is most appropriate. Some brides require black tie dress, which essentially is code for the fact men should wear a tuxedo and women should choose cocktail style dresses. If you’re still not certain what is most appropriate for the wedding, think about asking the mother of the bride. She may be able to help give you advice on what the bride expects of her guests.
When you’re a wedding guest, thinking about the outfit you’ll wear to the wedding ceremony can be a challenge. While most people know wearing a white dress to a wedding is taboo (the bride is the only one who should traditionally wear white), the choices of appropriate and inappropriate wedding clothing can still seem overwhelming. To help you easily get though the rules and etiquette of wedding clothes, use these tips and helpful ideas when choosing what to wear to a wedding.
Seasonal Ideas and Tips
One of the main things to consider when trying to find something at Macys or Nordstrom for an upcoming wedding you’re attending is the season of the wedding. Whether the wedding is in summer or winter can make a huge difference on what you should wear. Typically, a summer wedding can call for a more casual look in wedding attire overall. Even if the summer wedding isn’t held on a beach, guests often wear beautiful summer dresses and men can even get away with forgoing a suit coat in many cases.
Fabrics are often lighter and free in flow and floral prints are extremely popular choices for wedding guests. Summer weddings also allow for brighter colors in dresses and short styles in length. However, keep in mind you should always dress appropriately and not show too much skin. In addition, flip flops are a “no-no” so choose dress shoes or even beautiful sandals.
Daytime or Evening Wedding?
The time of day a wedding is held is a great indication of what you should wear to the event. Evening weddings are traditionally more formal than afternoon or daytime weddings. If you’re unsure what to wear, you can always pair your little black dress with various accessories until you feel comfortable. Many women stick casual accessories and elegant accessories in their handbag to take along. Then, they slip into the bathroom after viewing the other guests to choose which ones to adorn.
Formal or Casual Wedding?
Many brides make it easy for guests and state on the wedding invite what type of dress is most appropriate. Some brides require black tie dress, which essentially is code for the fact men should wear a tuxedo and women should choose cocktail style dresses. If you’re still not certain what is most appropriate for the wedding, think about asking the mother of the bride. She may be able to help give you advice on what the bride expects of her guests.
What to Wear: Choosing Proper Daytime Wedding Clothing
What to Wear: Choosing Proper Daytime Wedding Clothing
Choosing what to wear to a daytime wedding can be quite the challenge. Most of the time when you can’t find the perfect wedding attire, you simply grab your little black dress and hit the door. But, wearing your favorite little black dress might look a little drab during the day. Daytime wedding clothing is a little more casual and most of the time it changes drastically with the seasons. Depending on where the wedding is being held and the couple, daytime wedding attire can vary from sundresses to light colored suits.
Appropriate Outdoor Wedding Attire For A Daytime Wedding Ceremony
If you’re invited to a summer outdoor wedding, fashion etiquette states you can choose a much more casual outfit. Often women choose to wear sundresses or flowing skirts and blouse combos. In addition, in lieu of heels many female guests choose to wear dressy sandals. So you stay as cool as possible, look for lightweight dresses or outfit choices in light colors. Dresses in light weight fabrics like linen can often be ideal choices. However, wedding experts will give advice of warning telling guests to avoid wearing white to a wedding. After all, a bride is the only person who has the right to be in white!
Traditional Wedding Attire Daytime Nuptials Or Religious Ceremony
Even a formal daytime wedding calls for attire that’s a bit less proper than a conservative night time wedding. While men should likely still stick with a suit, choosing to select a light colored variety is best. Black and navy suits are almost always reserved for funerals or evening events and can look overly formal at a daytime wedding or event.
Beach Daytime Wedding Attire
Today, beach weddings are becoming more and more popular. Often brides and grooms will leave details on appropriate attire in a small note included with the wedding invitations, which is extremely helpful to guests who are curious about what they should wear. If you are unsure about what to wear, be sure to call the couple and ask them what they want their guests to wear. Some couples like their guests to dress in khaki shorts, polo shirts, sundresses or even flip flops and often many of them also dress their wedding party attendants in similar attire. However, others expect more formal wear even if guests must remove their shoes in the sand filled ceremony areas.
Overall, most brides agree that as long as their guests are comfortable they could care less what they wear to the ceremony and reception. Of course, you might not be comfortable if you show up in flip flops and the other guests are wearing designer couture. So, don’t hesitate to make a call to the bride to get the scoop on the wedding’s general dress code.
Remember These Outfit Tips:
•Choose light colors for daytime wedding attire but never wear white!
•Be sure to ask the wedding couple about attire if you’re unsure what they expect their guests to wear.
•If you feel a suit is necessary, be sure to choose one in a light color or gray instead of in black or navy.
•When looking for a summer wedding dress, look for vibrant colors and large flower prints for a chic look.
•You can often get away with forgoing heels and wearing dressy sandals to most daytime weddings.
•Clothes in lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton are often best for daytime wedding attire.
Choosing what to wear to a daytime wedding can be quite the challenge. Most of the time when you can’t find the perfect wedding attire, you simply grab your little black dress and hit the door. But, wearing your favorite little black dress might look a little drab during the day. Daytime wedding clothing is a little more casual and most of the time it changes drastically with the seasons. Depending on where the wedding is being held and the couple, daytime wedding attire can vary from sundresses to light colored suits.
Appropriate Outdoor Wedding Attire For A Daytime Wedding Ceremony
If you’re invited to a summer outdoor wedding, fashion etiquette states you can choose a much more casual outfit. Often women choose to wear sundresses or flowing skirts and blouse combos. In addition, in lieu of heels many female guests choose to wear dressy sandals. So you stay as cool as possible, look for lightweight dresses or outfit choices in light colors. Dresses in light weight fabrics like linen can often be ideal choices. However, wedding experts will give advice of warning telling guests to avoid wearing white to a wedding. After all, a bride is the only person who has the right to be in white!
Traditional Wedding Attire Daytime Nuptials Or Religious Ceremony
Even a formal daytime wedding calls for attire that’s a bit less proper than a conservative night time wedding. While men should likely still stick with a suit, choosing to select a light colored variety is best. Black and navy suits are almost always reserved for funerals or evening events and can look overly formal at a daytime wedding or event.
Beach Daytime Wedding Attire
Today, beach weddings are becoming more and more popular. Often brides and grooms will leave details on appropriate attire in a small note included with the wedding invitations, which is extremely helpful to guests who are curious about what they should wear. If you are unsure about what to wear, be sure to call the couple and ask them what they want their guests to wear. Some couples like their guests to dress in khaki shorts, polo shirts, sundresses or even flip flops and often many of them also dress their wedding party attendants in similar attire. However, others expect more formal wear even if guests must remove their shoes in the sand filled ceremony areas.
Overall, most brides agree that as long as their guests are comfortable they could care less what they wear to the ceremony and reception. Of course, you might not be comfortable if you show up in flip flops and the other guests are wearing designer couture. So, don’t hesitate to make a call to the bride to get the scoop on the wedding’s general dress code.
Remember These Outfit Tips:
•Choose light colors for daytime wedding attire but never wear white!
•Be sure to ask the wedding couple about attire if you’re unsure what they expect their guests to wear.
•If you feel a suit is necessary, be sure to choose one in a light color or gray instead of in black or navy.
•When looking for a summer wedding dress, look for vibrant colors and large flower prints for a chic look.
•You can often get away with forgoing heels and wearing dressy sandals to most daytime weddings.
•Clothes in lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton are often best for daytime wedding attire.
Nighttime Wedding Clothing: Proper Attire for Any Evening Ceremony
Nighttime Wedding Clothing: Proper Attire for Any Evening Ceremony
Trying to pick something to wear to a wedding can be stressful and aggravating, especially if you’re choosing nighttime wedding clothing. While a cute floral dress with sandals or a nice pant suit might be appropriate for a day wedding, nighttime weddings are more confusing. Some brides expect their guests to wear more formal attire or cocktail attire while others expect conservative or casual outfit choices. Unless the invitation declares the dress code for the nuptials, trying to select a proper ceremony outfit can be a challenge!
Always Avoid White
While there are many things you can certainly wear to a wedding, the easiest place to begin might be what you should never wear to a day or nighttime wedding. Most importantly, never wear white to a wedding. Proper wedding etiquette states only the bride should be in white on her wedding day. Of course, if the bride arranges for her groom to wear a white tie and tuxedo there is no fashion taboo being committed. While this may be a cultural fashion rule with a rich tradition and history there’s always at least one guest who pushes the limits and shows up in white or a similar color like ivory. Take our advice and don’t be that guest!
Black Is An Easy Choice
If the invite isn’t clear about the dress code for the nighttime wedding clothing expectations, you can always play it safe with a Little Black Dress. While it may seem like a boring choice, it’s extremely easy to make a black dress work in casual or formal situations. Add formal jewelry to your dress in case the attire is formal that can easily be removed and slipped into your purse if you arrive to see others wearing much less formal attire. Pair a black dress with a pair of simple black heels and no matter what the dress code may be, you’ll look as if you fit in perfectly.
Think About The Season
When dressing for a nighttime wedding it’s also important to think about the weather. While you may long to wear your strapless black dress, if the weather is chilly you’ll need to remember to bring a wrap along. After all, chances are a nighttime wedding’s temperatures will be cooler than a day wedding. This is true for any time of year.
Pant Suits Are A Possibility
Many women don’t feel comfortable wearing skirts or dresses to any event, regardless of whether it’s a wedding or not. While most pant suits are too casual for a nighttime wedding, some wedding attire designers are finally creating beautiful pant suits suitable for wedding wear. Be sure you aren’t reaching in the closet for your favorite office pant suit, however. Look for a pant suit with sequins or beading around the top jacket to help you fit in whether the event is casual or more formal.
Nighttime wedding clothing options might not be limitless but there are many options to think about. From your Little Black Dress to a dressy pant suit, you definitely have choices to make. Think about using accessories to help you quickly dress up or dress down an outfit, even after you’ve arrived to the wedding ceremony. Of course, if you want to quickly figure out what the bride would love to see her guests wearing you can always make a quick phone call and ask her yourself!
Trying to pick something to wear to a wedding can be stressful and aggravating, especially if you’re choosing nighttime wedding clothing. While a cute floral dress with sandals or a nice pant suit might be appropriate for a day wedding, nighttime weddings are more confusing. Some brides expect their guests to wear more formal attire or cocktail attire while others expect conservative or casual outfit choices. Unless the invitation declares the dress code for the nuptials, trying to select a proper ceremony outfit can be a challenge!
Always Avoid White
While there are many things you can certainly wear to a wedding, the easiest place to begin might be what you should never wear to a day or nighttime wedding. Most importantly, never wear white to a wedding. Proper wedding etiquette states only the bride should be in white on her wedding day. Of course, if the bride arranges for her groom to wear a white tie and tuxedo there is no fashion taboo being committed. While this may be a cultural fashion rule with a rich tradition and history there’s always at least one guest who pushes the limits and shows up in white or a similar color like ivory. Take our advice and don’t be that guest!
Black Is An Easy Choice
If the invite isn’t clear about the dress code for the nighttime wedding clothing expectations, you can always play it safe with a Little Black Dress. While it may seem like a boring choice, it’s extremely easy to make a black dress work in casual or formal situations. Add formal jewelry to your dress in case the attire is formal that can easily be removed and slipped into your purse if you arrive to see others wearing much less formal attire. Pair a black dress with a pair of simple black heels and no matter what the dress code may be, you’ll look as if you fit in perfectly.
Think About The Season
When dressing for a nighttime wedding it’s also important to think about the weather. While you may long to wear your strapless black dress, if the weather is chilly you’ll need to remember to bring a wrap along. After all, chances are a nighttime wedding’s temperatures will be cooler than a day wedding. This is true for any time of year.
Pant Suits Are A Possibility
Many women don’t feel comfortable wearing skirts or dresses to any event, regardless of whether it’s a wedding or not. While most pant suits are too casual for a nighttime wedding, some wedding attire designers are finally creating beautiful pant suits suitable for wedding wear. Be sure you aren’t reaching in the closet for your favorite office pant suit, however. Look for a pant suit with sequins or beading around the top jacket to help you fit in whether the event is casual or more formal.
Nighttime wedding clothing options might not be limitless but there are many options to think about. From your Little Black Dress to a dressy pant suit, you definitely have choices to make. Think about using accessories to help you quickly dress up or dress down an outfit, even after you’ve arrived to the wedding ceremony. Of course, if you want to quickly figure out what the bride would love to see her guests wearing you can always make a quick phone call and ask her yourself!
For Brides (or Bridesmaids) to Be: Choosing Bridal Party Dress or Gown the Works for All Body Types
For Brides (or Bridesmaids) to Be: Choosing Bridal Party Dress or Gown the Works for All Body Types
While most people think choosing the bridal gown is the most difficult decision a bride makes, others will argue choosing bridesmaid dresses can be the largest pre-wedding challenge. If you’re getting ready to pick your bridesmaid dresses, use these five tips to help you accomplish the task successfully!
Choose Color First
Most often the first thing a bride must do is decide what color her bridesmaids will wear. Not all bridesmaids will look good in all colors, so keep that in mind. Unless all of your bridesmaids have the same hair color and skin tone, you need to stick with colors which look great on everyone. Some safe options include silver, black and red. It’s a great idea to have your bridesmaids tell you what colors they don’t look great in and start from there.
Look At The Length
One of the most important things to consider when trying to find flattering bridesmaid dresses is length. While shorter bridesmaid dresses are certainly in style, they aren’t flattering on all figures. If you have full figured bridesmaids in your wedding party, chances are they’ll be most comfortable in a skirt length of mid calf or longer. Of course, floor length gowns can make short attendants look even shorter, so keep this in mind as well.
Allow For Variety
Many brides only allow their Maid of Honor or Flower Girl to wear something different from their other attendants. However, modern brides are choosing to be a little different and are allowing their attendants to choose dresses of various styles and cuts. The differing dresses must not match each other, but they should complement one another. Dress makers are jumping on this trend and often make collections of different dresses meant to be worn at the same time, making it easy for brides to give choices to their attendants without ruining their wedding’s style or having dresses which contrast too much. Allow each attendant to select their own dress, to reflect their personal style.
Think About Body Types
If you prefer your bridesmaids to all wear the exact same dress, you must think ahead about body types. Not only will your bridesmaids be uncomfortable if you choose dresses that aren’t flattering for them, but they’ll look miserable in your wedding photos as well. Whether you’re going formal or casual for wedding attire, think about the women you love and have asked to be a part of your big day. Do most of your bridesmaids keep their everyday apparel modest? Are you in need of maternity dresses or junior sizes? Instead of needing custom made dresses, search for a dress maker who already offers these options. Ask your attendants if there are things they prefer in a dress. Perhaps some don’t feel comfortable showing their arms or others need more coverage in the bust area. Take these things into consideration when choosing your bridesmaid dresses.
Don’t Forget About Alteration Costs
While it’s reasonable to expect your attendants to spend a moderate amount of cash on alternation costs for their bridesmaid dresses, keep in mind it’s not polite to expect them to completely renovate a dress. For example, paying for a dress to be hemmed is normal. Asking them to pay for a dress to be taken down two sizes because the dress only comes in larger sizes is not acceptable. Be sure when you’re choosing dresses they come in size ranges enough for all of your attendants to be able to find one in their size for your nuptials.
While most people think choosing the bridal gown is the most difficult decision a bride makes, others will argue choosing bridesmaid dresses can be the largest pre-wedding challenge. If you’re getting ready to pick your bridesmaid dresses, use these five tips to help you accomplish the task successfully!
Choose Color First
Most often the first thing a bride must do is decide what color her bridesmaids will wear. Not all bridesmaids will look good in all colors, so keep that in mind. Unless all of your bridesmaids have the same hair color and skin tone, you need to stick with colors which look great on everyone. Some safe options include silver, black and red. It’s a great idea to have your bridesmaids tell you what colors they don’t look great in and start from there.
Look At The Length
One of the most important things to consider when trying to find flattering bridesmaid dresses is length. While shorter bridesmaid dresses are certainly in style, they aren’t flattering on all figures. If you have full figured bridesmaids in your wedding party, chances are they’ll be most comfortable in a skirt length of mid calf or longer. Of course, floor length gowns can make short attendants look even shorter, so keep this in mind as well.
Allow For Variety
Many brides only allow their Maid of Honor or Flower Girl to wear something different from their other attendants. However, modern brides are choosing to be a little different and are allowing their attendants to choose dresses of various styles and cuts. The differing dresses must not match each other, but they should complement one another. Dress makers are jumping on this trend and often make collections of different dresses meant to be worn at the same time, making it easy for brides to give choices to their attendants without ruining their wedding’s style or having dresses which contrast too much. Allow each attendant to select their own dress, to reflect their personal style.
Think About Body Types
If you prefer your bridesmaids to all wear the exact same dress, you must think ahead about body types. Not only will your bridesmaids be uncomfortable if you choose dresses that aren’t flattering for them, but they’ll look miserable in your wedding photos as well. Whether you’re going formal or casual for wedding attire, think about the women you love and have asked to be a part of your big day. Do most of your bridesmaids keep their everyday apparel modest? Are you in need of maternity dresses or junior sizes? Instead of needing custom made dresses, search for a dress maker who already offers these options. Ask your attendants if there are things they prefer in a dress. Perhaps some don’t feel comfortable showing their arms or others need more coverage in the bust area. Take these things into consideration when choosing your bridesmaid dresses.
Don’t Forget About Alteration Costs
While it’s reasonable to expect your attendants to spend a moderate amount of cash on alternation costs for their bridesmaid dresses, keep in mind it’s not polite to expect them to completely renovate a dress. For example, paying for a dress to be hemmed is normal. Asking them to pay for a dress to be taken down two sizes because the dress only comes in larger sizes is not acceptable. Be sure when you’re choosing dresses they come in size ranges enough for all of your attendants to be able to find one in their size for your nuptials.
Picking Lingerie YOU Feel Comfortable In -
Picking Lingerie YOU Feel Comfortable In -
It's Hard to Pull off Sexy If You Don't Feel Comfortable
Choosing lingerie isn’t easy if you’re the least bit self-conscious—and who isn’t? After all, when you’re wearing a teddy or a baby doll, there’s not much left but you in all your glory. If you’re feeling glorious, either because you’re madly in love or you’ve just completed an astonishing diet program, you can probably put on nearly any piece of lingerie without feeling too self conscious. But for many women, sexy lingerie prompts the impulse to hide behind the nearest drape and get those lights off as soon as possible.
The fun of dressing up charges an otherwise ordinary evening with excitement. Women have used lacy nightclothes for centuries to woo men, to demonstrate their interest in their mates and to call forth the feelings of earlier times in long established relationships.
Here are some tips from our friends at Yandy Lingerie on how to choose the right lingerie for you.
Your Mind
To find the best lingerie, first consult with your own mind. Are you bashful or proud of your body? Are you embarrassed showing much skin, or do you hit the beaches in tiny suits? Take some time to think about the way you feel about your body before choosing a piece of lingerie. It’s good to be bold, but if modesty can’t be easily forgotten, you may find that a sexy outfit makes you more inhibited, not less. On the other hand, some women find that lingerie is like a costume: you can pretend to be freer and wilder than you usually are. If you’re not sure you can make the leap from Shy Suzy to Wildcat Wendy, choose two pieces of lingerie, one more modest than the other. You can make a last-minute switch if you need to. Never forget that the purpose of lingerie is to have fun, to add spice to your life. You can certainly dress up to please a partner, but make sure it’s something you like, too.
Your Body
Play up your best features. Hiding your legs? Choose a long nightgown with spaghetti straps and a deep v neckline. Baby dolls and teddies show a lot more leg and bust, but make sure you add the right shoes! If you pair sexy lingerie with a pair of flip-flops, the effect is undone. Find old-fashioned feathered mules, or try a pair of stiletto pumps. Gloves add a fun touch, too. Empire waisted baby dolls are useful for hiding your tummy if you feel self-conscious about it, while still showing plenty of leg. And if you want to wear something sexy without putting it all on display, there are plenty of easy, elegant lingerie fashions you can wear even to host late night cocktail parties.
Lingerie Themes
To build the perfect lingerie wardrobe, consider organizing it by theme. Buy lingerie sold for Valentine’s Day, Christmas (complete with Santa Hat) or St. Patrick’s Day, with matching shoes. Collect bridal nightgowns or dress up like a nurse or a French maid, just for kicks or for a sexy Halloween. And for more modest but fun night fashions, explore retro lingerie styles—long, filmy nightgowns, lacy peignoirs and diaphanous robes.
It's Hard to Pull off Sexy If You Don't Feel Comfortable
Choosing lingerie isn’t easy if you’re the least bit self-conscious—and who isn’t? After all, when you’re wearing a teddy or a baby doll, there’s not much left but you in all your glory. If you’re feeling glorious, either because you’re madly in love or you’ve just completed an astonishing diet program, you can probably put on nearly any piece of lingerie without feeling too self conscious. But for many women, sexy lingerie prompts the impulse to hide behind the nearest drape and get those lights off as soon as possible.
The fun of dressing up charges an otherwise ordinary evening with excitement. Women have used lacy nightclothes for centuries to woo men, to demonstrate their interest in their mates and to call forth the feelings of earlier times in long established relationships.
Here are some tips from our friends at Yandy Lingerie on how to choose the right lingerie for you.
Your Mind
To find the best lingerie, first consult with your own mind. Are you bashful or proud of your body? Are you embarrassed showing much skin, or do you hit the beaches in tiny suits? Take some time to think about the way you feel about your body before choosing a piece of lingerie. It’s good to be bold, but if modesty can’t be easily forgotten, you may find that a sexy outfit makes you more inhibited, not less. On the other hand, some women find that lingerie is like a costume: you can pretend to be freer and wilder than you usually are. If you’re not sure you can make the leap from Shy Suzy to Wildcat Wendy, choose two pieces of lingerie, one more modest than the other. You can make a last-minute switch if you need to. Never forget that the purpose of lingerie is to have fun, to add spice to your life. You can certainly dress up to please a partner, but make sure it’s something you like, too.
Your Body
Play up your best features. Hiding your legs? Choose a long nightgown with spaghetti straps and a deep v neckline. Baby dolls and teddies show a lot more leg and bust, but make sure you add the right shoes! If you pair sexy lingerie with a pair of flip-flops, the effect is undone. Find old-fashioned feathered mules, or try a pair of stiletto pumps. Gloves add a fun touch, too. Empire waisted baby dolls are useful for hiding your tummy if you feel self-conscious about it, while still showing plenty of leg. And if you want to wear something sexy without putting it all on display, there are plenty of easy, elegant lingerie fashions you can wear even to host late night cocktail parties.
Lingerie Themes
To build the perfect lingerie wardrobe, consider organizing it by theme. Buy lingerie sold for Valentine’s Day, Christmas (complete with Santa Hat) or St. Patrick’s Day, with matching shoes. Collect bridal nightgowns or dress up like a nurse or a French maid, just for kicks or for a sexy Halloween. And for more modest but fun night fashions, explore retro lingerie styles—long, filmy nightgowns, lacy peignoirs and diaphanous robes.
Beauty Packing Travel Check List and Tips for Carry On Luggage
Beauty Packing Travel Check List and Tips for Carry On Luggage
Once, long ago, airplane travel was done luxuriously, in spacious aircraft with curving stairways that led from first class to the piano lounge, or in Pullman trains with lace frothing every mahogany molding while leaded-glass lamps cast a soft glow over the faces of well-heeled travelers and solicitous waitpersons alike. Travel was gigantic trunks on European steamships, dressing for dinner with the captain and champagne with every meal.
Okay, that's not entirely true. For the ninety-eight percent of the population that didn't come from money, travel meant bouncing along in a buckboard, sweltering and vomiting in the smelly, overcrowded hold of a ship for months on end, or flinging yourself onto a moving boxcar and praying you didn't end up under the iron wheels.
Cheap Airplane Travel Doesn't Mean Sacrificing Your Beauty and Comfort
The interesting thing is, even in these advanced times, unless you do happen to have "money" and travel ultra-platinum-first-class, your trip to Hawaii on a crowded, coach-class, super-saver-fare flight may make you long for the days when the cheapest tickets could be had by sleeping on the ship's deck. At least there was fresh air and elbow-room, and you expected to bring your own sandwiches along.
Making Your Own Travel Packing List Before Vacation
Before you take a vacation, making a travel packing list always involves making many decisions. What must you have with you in you carry on luggage in case your other suitcases wind up in South Dakota? What do you need for in-air comfort? What are the nice-to-have items that can come along if the rest of your travel luggage is sufficiently pared down?
Beauty Carry On Luggage Packing Checklist
I'm including my packing checklist of tips of must-have items for beauty and health in your carry on luggage on your next vacation or business trip.
1.Quality Carry on Travel Luggage
Of course, you're going to have to have something to put your things in. I have a friend who had been traveling with the same purple nylon suitcase she's had since 1991 when her borrowed, wheeled suitcase broke down on the steps of the Stockholm airport, and she had to replace it with a $20 piece of baggage from the nearest department store. As of 2004, it had holes on some of the pouches and rips in others, so she packed her socks in the holey compartments, and books in the ripped ones. It looked pretty disreputable and made her look tacky, so she finally decided to shop for some grown-up luggage at an online discount luggage website and throw the old bag out before it makes her look like an old bag herself. See the new carry on luggage my friend bought.
If you are in the market for new luggage or a suite case these are some brands try : Tumi, Travel Pro. These are all very high quality manufacturers and their luggage should last for a lifetime of travel for the average vacation traveler.
--Editors Tip ------------------------------------------------------------------
Why You Should Invest in a Quality Piece of Carry on Luggage
Trust me, I am a bargain hunter just like you (and all the other women on the planet). I shop at the popular discount stores looking for a deal, but not on my luggage. I recently purchased my first set of quality luggage and I absolutely love it and found it to be worth every penny.
2.Higher quality luggage is made from fabric and materials that can take the hussel and bussel of traveling. Plus, quality luggage pieces have more storage compartments and partitions to keep your items organized and easily accessible. For a carry-on luggage piece that you might use on a business trip, a quality luggage piece can help pull an outfit together rather than looking ratty with some old discount duffel bag. My advice . . spend the extra money on a quality luggage item or carry on bag. It's an investment you will appreciate over many years.
In case you were curious, here is the Travelpro luggage set I purchased at Luggage Pros. You will find many other styles of classic luggage and carry on bags with all the quality bells and whistles that make packing a breeze.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.Bottled Water
If you can only bring one thing on the plane, make it a bottle of drinking water. I know they serve water on planes, but it rarely comes often enough, and it's usually in a small cup. Bring a liter of water or more. As well as being hydrated during the flight, in a pinch, you can also use it for in-seat freshening-up.
4.Moistened towelettes
When I convince myself that I don't need wet-wipes (usually because I'm too lazy to get to the drugstore before leaving town), I always regret it. They're great for a quick face-wash, for wiping the handle in a questionable ladies bathroom, for stain-removal on-the-go. They remove newsprint and cashew oil and salt from hands. They smell nice and provide a quick, easy pick-me-up on long journeys. Nowadays, they come in anti-bacterial and travel versions, so if those don't irritate your skin, you can also have a little more germ-control than otherwise. I like the Splash 'n Go! Alcohol Free Hand and Face Wipes by Kleenex. You get a bunch of them for a low price, and they smell nice.
5.Reading Material
Waiting an hour or two on the ground while pilots decide whether that blinking warning light is important or not can be whiled away with a good best-seller book or a really large, heavy womens fashion magazine. It's always tempting to omit reading material because it's heavy, but I place the importance of a good book right alongside the bottle of water.
6.Facial Tissues
You can never have enough soft, versatile paper products.
7.Vitamins
The week before you start your trip, make sure and take your vitamins. Or you can try taking a vitamin product, called Airborne, starting 3 days before your airplane flight. Air travel in particular makes people sick because on a plane of 300, at least three people are going to have colds or the flu. Besides that, people from different places carry different germs. Something that doesn't bother me at all may make you sick as a dog. So load up on vitamins, drink lots of water and do all the right things in terms of nutrition and exercise before taking a trip, to maximize your immune functions.
8.Moisturizer
A day spent in the forced air of a plane and air conditioning in airports will dry out your skin like two weeks in the desert. Moisturizer is an absolute must, to be applied before you leave home and every three hours or so afterwards. Augment your moisturizer with a small atomizer filled with Evian water, that you can use to lightly mist and refresh your skin during the flight.
9.Toothbrush and toothpaste
Nothing freshens a person up like a good, two-minute tooth-brushing. Buy a travel-sized tube of toothpaste and carry it inside a small zip lock bag in case it opens up during the flight. You can also try the new Brush-Ups from Crest. They easily stored in a purse or wallet.
Carry your toothbrush in a plastic bag too, so that wet bristles don't get the other contents of your bag soggy. (They make special toothbrush-carriers, in case the zip lock toothbrush bag doesn't appeal to you).
10.Chewing gum or breath mints
For moments when you can't get to the toothbrushing station, gum is the answer. It's also useful for alleviating pressure in the ears, and can be used to sweeten up the occupant of the seat next to yours. It banishes coffee breath and is useful as an ice-breaker (as in, "Would you like a piece of gum?") When the child behind you starts kicking your seat, gnashing your teeth on a crunchy-coated piece of Dentyne Ice gives you a couple of minutes to think about what you'd like to do next, since it's not considered correct to slap someone else's child ,no matter what a brat it's being.
11.Snacks
Even on short hops, a flight without food is a sad stretch of time. Some longer flights now aren't serving more than a small (as in a bag of peanuts) snack. I usually bring salted nuts, in direct contradiction to every in-flight magazine's advice to avoid salt on flights. I love nuts, and if my ankles swell a little more, I don't much care. I also bring dark chocolate, the New Moon 74% dark chocolate by Dagoba, (those lovely polyphenols have antioxidant properties that do something to free radicals that helps prevent cancer. More about that later) and often, fruit. If you really have your act together before leaving your kitchen, sliced fresh fruit in a Tupperware (with a dash of white wine if you can manage it) can add a feeling of luxury to a coach-class flight.
12.Eyedrops or contact lens case and saline
For contact wearers, extra saline, a case, and a pair of glasses are important. The dry air of the plane can wreck your contacts and give you bleary, bloodshot eyes. A friend who wear contacts says she usually takes her contacts out partway through the flight, and puts them in again ten minutes before landing. If you don't wear contacts, eyedrops can moisten your eyes and prevent them from burning.
13.Clean socks
A pair of clean socks in your bag means that no matter how hot and sweaty (or cold and clammy) your feet got getting to the plane, you can slip off your shoes, put on clean, dry socks and relax throughout the flight with dry, comfortable feet without adding anything funky to the general airplane ambiance.
14.Sweater or Light Jacket
At some point during your trip, you're going to get cold. I don't care if you're going to Brazil in July, either the airplane will be 58 degrees, or the airport will have the air conditioning going full blast when you arrive. If by some miracle you don't need to wear your sweater, you can roll it up and put it under your neck as a fluffy substitute for the flat airplane seat pillow.
Once, long ago, airplane travel was done luxuriously, in spacious aircraft with curving stairways that led from first class to the piano lounge, or in Pullman trains with lace frothing every mahogany molding while leaded-glass lamps cast a soft glow over the faces of well-heeled travelers and solicitous waitpersons alike. Travel was gigantic trunks on European steamships, dressing for dinner with the captain and champagne with every meal.
Okay, that's not entirely true. For the ninety-eight percent of the population that didn't come from money, travel meant bouncing along in a buckboard, sweltering and vomiting in the smelly, overcrowded hold of a ship for months on end, or flinging yourself onto a moving boxcar and praying you didn't end up under the iron wheels.
Cheap Airplane Travel Doesn't Mean Sacrificing Your Beauty and Comfort
The interesting thing is, even in these advanced times, unless you do happen to have "money" and travel ultra-platinum-first-class, your trip to Hawaii on a crowded, coach-class, super-saver-fare flight may make you long for the days when the cheapest tickets could be had by sleeping on the ship's deck. At least there was fresh air and elbow-room, and you expected to bring your own sandwiches along.
Making Your Own Travel Packing List Before Vacation
Before you take a vacation, making a travel packing list always involves making many decisions. What must you have with you in you carry on luggage in case your other suitcases wind up in South Dakota? What do you need for in-air comfort? What are the nice-to-have items that can come along if the rest of your travel luggage is sufficiently pared down?
Beauty Carry On Luggage Packing Checklist
I'm including my packing checklist of tips of must-have items for beauty and health in your carry on luggage on your next vacation or business trip.
1.Quality Carry on Travel Luggage
Of course, you're going to have to have something to put your things in. I have a friend who had been traveling with the same purple nylon suitcase she's had since 1991 when her borrowed, wheeled suitcase broke down on the steps of the Stockholm airport, and she had to replace it with a $20 piece of baggage from the nearest department store. As of 2004, it had holes on some of the pouches and rips in others, so she packed her socks in the holey compartments, and books in the ripped ones. It looked pretty disreputable and made her look tacky, so she finally decided to shop for some grown-up luggage at an online discount luggage website and throw the old bag out before it makes her look like an old bag herself. See the new carry on luggage my friend bought.
If you are in the market for new luggage or a suite case these are some brands try : Tumi, Travel Pro. These are all very high quality manufacturers and their luggage should last for a lifetime of travel for the average vacation traveler.
--Editors Tip ------------------------------------------------------------------
Why You Should Invest in a Quality Piece of Carry on Luggage
Trust me, I am a bargain hunter just like you (and all the other women on the planet). I shop at the popular discount stores looking for a deal, but not on my luggage. I recently purchased my first set of quality luggage and I absolutely love it and found it to be worth every penny.
2.Higher quality luggage is made from fabric and materials that can take the hussel and bussel of traveling. Plus, quality luggage pieces have more storage compartments and partitions to keep your items organized and easily accessible. For a carry-on luggage piece that you might use on a business trip, a quality luggage piece can help pull an outfit together rather than looking ratty with some old discount duffel bag. My advice . . spend the extra money on a quality luggage item or carry on bag. It's an investment you will appreciate over many years.
In case you were curious, here is the Travelpro luggage set I purchased at Luggage Pros. You will find many other styles of classic luggage and carry on bags with all the quality bells and whistles that make packing a breeze.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3.Bottled Water
If you can only bring one thing on the plane, make it a bottle of drinking water. I know they serve water on planes, but it rarely comes often enough, and it's usually in a small cup. Bring a liter of water or more. As well as being hydrated during the flight, in a pinch, you can also use it for in-seat freshening-up.
4.Moistened towelettes
When I convince myself that I don't need wet-wipes (usually because I'm too lazy to get to the drugstore before leaving town), I always regret it. They're great for a quick face-wash, for wiping the handle in a questionable ladies bathroom, for stain-removal on-the-go. They remove newsprint and cashew oil and salt from hands. They smell nice and provide a quick, easy pick-me-up on long journeys. Nowadays, they come in anti-bacterial and travel versions, so if those don't irritate your skin, you can also have a little more germ-control than otherwise. I like the Splash 'n Go! Alcohol Free Hand and Face Wipes by Kleenex. You get a bunch of them for a low price, and they smell nice.
5.Reading Material
Waiting an hour or two on the ground while pilots decide whether that blinking warning light is important or not can be whiled away with a good best-seller book or a really large, heavy womens fashion magazine. It's always tempting to omit reading material because it's heavy, but I place the importance of a good book right alongside the bottle of water.
6.Facial Tissues
You can never have enough soft, versatile paper products.
7.Vitamins
The week before you start your trip, make sure and take your vitamins. Or you can try taking a vitamin product, called Airborne, starting 3 days before your airplane flight. Air travel in particular makes people sick because on a plane of 300, at least three people are going to have colds or the flu. Besides that, people from different places carry different germs. Something that doesn't bother me at all may make you sick as a dog. So load up on vitamins, drink lots of water and do all the right things in terms of nutrition and exercise before taking a trip, to maximize your immune functions.
8.Moisturizer
A day spent in the forced air of a plane and air conditioning in airports will dry out your skin like two weeks in the desert. Moisturizer is an absolute must, to be applied before you leave home and every three hours or so afterwards. Augment your moisturizer with a small atomizer filled with Evian water, that you can use to lightly mist and refresh your skin during the flight.
9.Toothbrush and toothpaste
Nothing freshens a person up like a good, two-minute tooth-brushing. Buy a travel-sized tube of toothpaste and carry it inside a small zip lock bag in case it opens up during the flight. You can also try the new Brush-Ups from Crest. They easily stored in a purse or wallet.
Carry your toothbrush in a plastic bag too, so that wet bristles don't get the other contents of your bag soggy. (They make special toothbrush-carriers, in case the zip lock toothbrush bag doesn't appeal to you).
10.Chewing gum or breath mints
For moments when you can't get to the toothbrushing station, gum is the answer. It's also useful for alleviating pressure in the ears, and can be used to sweeten up the occupant of the seat next to yours. It banishes coffee breath and is useful as an ice-breaker (as in, "Would you like a piece of gum?") When the child behind you starts kicking your seat, gnashing your teeth on a crunchy-coated piece of Dentyne Ice gives you a couple of minutes to think about what you'd like to do next, since it's not considered correct to slap someone else's child ,no matter what a brat it's being.
11.Snacks
Even on short hops, a flight without food is a sad stretch of time. Some longer flights now aren't serving more than a small (as in a bag of peanuts) snack. I usually bring salted nuts, in direct contradiction to every in-flight magazine's advice to avoid salt on flights. I love nuts, and if my ankles swell a little more, I don't much care. I also bring dark chocolate, the New Moon 74% dark chocolate by Dagoba, (those lovely polyphenols have antioxidant properties that do something to free radicals that helps prevent cancer. More about that later) and often, fruit. If you really have your act together before leaving your kitchen, sliced fresh fruit in a Tupperware (with a dash of white wine if you can manage it) can add a feeling of luxury to a coach-class flight.
12.Eyedrops or contact lens case and saline
For contact wearers, extra saline, a case, and a pair of glasses are important. The dry air of the plane can wreck your contacts and give you bleary, bloodshot eyes. A friend who wear contacts says she usually takes her contacts out partway through the flight, and puts them in again ten minutes before landing. If you don't wear contacts, eyedrops can moisten your eyes and prevent them from burning.
13.Clean socks
A pair of clean socks in your bag means that no matter how hot and sweaty (or cold and clammy) your feet got getting to the plane, you can slip off your shoes, put on clean, dry socks and relax throughout the flight with dry, comfortable feet without adding anything funky to the general airplane ambiance.
14.Sweater or Light Jacket
At some point during your trip, you're going to get cold. I don't care if you're going to Brazil in July, either the airplane will be 58 degrees, or the airport will have the air conditioning going full blast when you arrive. If by some miracle you don't need to wear your sweater, you can roll it up and put it under your neck as a fluffy substitute for the flat airplane seat pillow.
How to Tie and Wear a Womans Scarf Many Fashionable Ways
How to Tie and Wear a Womans Scarf Many Fashionable Ways
When it comes to accessorizing that special outfit, the scarf is the one item you want to have in your wardrobe. The scarf is the perfect accessory as it can add pizzaz to any outfit from the perfect little black dress to a business suit or your favorite T-shirt and jeans outfit. The scarf can add a sensational look making even the plainest outfit into a fabulous fashion hit. You should try to have a variety of scarves such as the pashmina, cashmere, fleece, silk and the scarf belt, then you will be ready for any occasion.
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Scarves Can be Worn Many Places on the Body Besides Your Neck
There are numerous ways to wear a scarf, making it a very versatile accessory. Wear it around your neck, tied, knotted or draped. Wear a scarf around head to keep your hair in place or around your waist as a belt. Wear a large scarf around your shoulders as a shawl.If you really feel like “tying one on” try tying a silk scarf around your hips. Just by tying a scarf around your hips, like a scarf belt, you can make your waist look smaller. You can achieve this look very easily by folding a long oblong scarf into the desired width, draping it around your hips and positioning it as a sash. Adjust it as you like. Let it hang down asymmetrically drawing the eye downward to produce a smaller looking waist.
How to Tie a Silk Scarf Around Your Neck
Of course, the traditional way to wear a scarf is around the neck. A fashion statement can be made by tying your scarf in creative ways. Try tying a small square scarf around your neck as a choker or a longer oblong scarf can be knotted in front and hang straight down. The smaller silk (many times can be found in washable silk) scarves look great with a scarf pin to secure them in place. Use a crystal brooch, ring or scarf pin that is all the rage now to hold your scarf in the front. The scarf clips are great to use. Shell scarf holders that you can find at your beach resort gift shops are great options as well. These are just a few ways to hold that perfect designer silk scarf in place. If you don’t have a scarf pin or brooch, try wearing that long oblong scarf in the Grace Kelly style by holding it across the front of our neck and then bringing one end around to fall done your right front side and then bring other end around your neck to fall down your left front side. This is a great way to wear those designer silk scarves that are so light and airy now days. They are great for summer and spring. Another way to wear the long oblong scarf is just drape it around your neck and shoulders and then let it hang down dramatically in front.
Video Showing Unique Way to Tie a Scarf
Video Provided by YouTube
How to Wear a Winter Cashmere Scarf and Keep Warm
For winter wear your wool or cashmere scarf and get extra warmth around your neck , by folding the long oblong scarf in half and positioning around your neck with the two ends on one side and the fold of scarf on your other side. Next take the two ends and slip thru the fold of the scarf. By pulling on the two ends you can tighten the scarf as you like around your neck. If it is really cold out you can tuck these ends into your coat for added warmth or if you want a fashionable look then fan the two ends out as desired. This looks great for the thinner summer scarves for a more fashionable look. The knitted scarf is great to wear this way too and often comes with matching gloves to complete your outfit. Usually the knitted scarf is just worn by looping it around your neck.
Tying a Scarf to Make a Hair Accessory and Keep Your Hair Style in Place
A large square scarf can be folded in half forming a triangle that can then be tied around your neck loosely to hang dramatically off one shoulder. Then of course there is always the head that can be covered with the larger square scarf. Hold your hair in place while riding in your convertible this summer by using a light weight chiffon or silk scarf. You can either tie the scarf in front under your chin or try tying it in the back of your head. A smaller scarf can also be folded to a create an hair ban. Another way to wear the square scarf is as a Turban. Fold the square into a triangle and fold edge under over the forehead. Take the two ends to the back and cross them over each other bringing them again to the front to tie on top of the head. You can then tuck in the ends or any loose fabric and adjust as you desire. Be creative with your scarf tying and have fun trying out the many different ways to wear your fashion scarves.
When it comes to accessorizing that special outfit, the scarf is the one item you want to have in your wardrobe. The scarf is the perfect accessory as it can add pizzaz to any outfit from the perfect little black dress to a business suit or your favorite T-shirt and jeans outfit. The scarf can add a sensational look making even the plainest outfit into a fabulous fashion hit. You should try to have a variety of scarves such as the pashmina, cashmere, fleece, silk and the scarf belt, then you will be ready for any occasion.
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Scarves Can be Worn Many Places on the Body Besides Your Neck
There are numerous ways to wear a scarf, making it a very versatile accessory. Wear it around your neck, tied, knotted or draped. Wear a scarf around head to keep your hair in place or around your waist as a belt. Wear a large scarf around your shoulders as a shawl.If you really feel like “tying one on” try tying a silk scarf around your hips. Just by tying a scarf around your hips, like a scarf belt, you can make your waist look smaller. You can achieve this look very easily by folding a long oblong scarf into the desired width, draping it around your hips and positioning it as a sash. Adjust it as you like. Let it hang down asymmetrically drawing the eye downward to produce a smaller looking waist.
How to Tie a Silk Scarf Around Your Neck
Of course, the traditional way to wear a scarf is around the neck. A fashion statement can be made by tying your scarf in creative ways. Try tying a small square scarf around your neck as a choker or a longer oblong scarf can be knotted in front and hang straight down. The smaller silk (many times can be found in washable silk) scarves look great with a scarf pin to secure them in place. Use a crystal brooch, ring or scarf pin that is all the rage now to hold your scarf in the front. The scarf clips are great to use. Shell scarf holders that you can find at your beach resort gift shops are great options as well. These are just a few ways to hold that perfect designer silk scarf in place. If you don’t have a scarf pin or brooch, try wearing that long oblong scarf in the Grace Kelly style by holding it across the front of our neck and then bringing one end around to fall done your right front side and then bring other end around your neck to fall down your left front side. This is a great way to wear those designer silk scarves that are so light and airy now days. They are great for summer and spring. Another way to wear the long oblong scarf is just drape it around your neck and shoulders and then let it hang down dramatically in front.
Video Showing Unique Way to Tie a Scarf
Video Provided by YouTube
How to Wear a Winter Cashmere Scarf and Keep Warm
For winter wear your wool or cashmere scarf and get extra warmth around your neck , by folding the long oblong scarf in half and positioning around your neck with the two ends on one side and the fold of scarf on your other side. Next take the two ends and slip thru the fold of the scarf. By pulling on the two ends you can tighten the scarf as you like around your neck. If it is really cold out you can tuck these ends into your coat for added warmth or if you want a fashionable look then fan the two ends out as desired. This looks great for the thinner summer scarves for a more fashionable look. The knitted scarf is great to wear this way too and often comes with matching gloves to complete your outfit. Usually the knitted scarf is just worn by looping it around your neck.
Tying a Scarf to Make a Hair Accessory and Keep Your Hair Style in Place
A large square scarf can be folded in half forming a triangle that can then be tied around your neck loosely to hang dramatically off one shoulder. Then of course there is always the head that can be covered with the larger square scarf. Hold your hair in place while riding in your convertible this summer by using a light weight chiffon or silk scarf. You can either tie the scarf in front under your chin or try tying it in the back of your head. A smaller scarf can also be folded to a create an hair ban. Another way to wear the square scarf is as a Turban. Fold the square into a triangle and fold edge under over the forehead. Take the two ends to the back and cross them over each other bringing them again to the front to tie on top of the head. You can then tuck in the ends or any loose fabric and adjust as you desire. Be creative with your scarf tying and have fun trying out the many different ways to wear your fashion scarves.
Bra Size Guide: How to Find Your Bra Size
Bra Size Guide: How to Find Your Bra Size
Did you know that 7 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size. Popular shows like Oprah and TLCs What Not to Wear have dedicated entire shows to the subject since the problem is so rampant amount women. With such large number wearing the wrong bra size, I began to wonder if perhaps I was wearing the bra size.
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Since I, Girl Friday, am the editor of this free beauty tips website, I decided to do a little bit of research on behalf of all women on measuring a bra size. Many websites explained how to find your correct bra size and had a size chart to find your resulting cup size. I will paraphrase the important parts about determining your bra size using this method.
How to Measure Bra Size
First put on your favorite bra that you think makes your breasts the right shape and feels most comfortable. Next you will need to find a flexible measuring tape (the kind a seamstress would use). You may also need to grab a trusted friend to help you measure, since it is difficult to keep the tape level around your body. The first measurement to take is around your ribcage, just below your breasts. Now add 5 to this number to get your band size. If the resulting band size was an odd number, you will need to round up to the next even number since bra bands only come in even numbers.
The second measurement should be taken around the fullest part of your bosom with your favorite bra on. This measurement is your cup size. Next subtract your band size from your cup size to calculate the right cup size. Refer to the bra cup size chart below.
Video Showing How to Fit a Bra Properely
Video Provided by YouTube
Bra Size Chart
1 larger than measurement 1--------------------A
2 larger than measurement 1--------------------B
3 larger than measurement 1--------------------C
4 larger than measurement 1--------------------D
5 larger than measurement 1--------------------E
6 larger than measurement 1--------------------F
After all the research about finding the right bra size, my measurements put me in the somewhat embarrassing category of 32A. I did indeed fall in the 7 out of 10 women who are wearing the wrong bra size. I figured models have smaller breasts right? It cant be that bad. So I was off to the store to try on what I thought to be my measured bra size. The only problem was a 32A was giving me four breasts (you know the double-bubble affect) instead of two! I was back to square one asking myself whats my bra size?
--Editors Tip ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Finding Your Bra Size, Even if Your Department Store Doesnt Carry It
I really believe that one reason why so many women are wearing the wrong bras size is because local department stores only carry a very limited, standard size selection. We all think that we are suppose to fit in that limited size assortment, which is just not realistic. If you dont perfectly fit in the standard bras size, most women settle for mediocre fit of what is available, on sale and in the prettiest color.
I too, find myself in a rather hard to find size. I am also someone who prefers to stock up on everyday clothing items when they are on sale, which has been harder after learning my proper size. My new strategy is to buy the proper size, on sale and online. If I can find one at the store, I try it on and then stock up on that style through an online retailer. They are well stocked on unusual sizes and have sales all the time. Many offer free shipping deals, as well. Below are a few of my favorite online bra stores that carry a large variety of sizes brands.
•Bare Necessities
•Fig Leaves
•Essential Apparel
•Big Girls Bras (my bustier friends favorite)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a Professional Measure Your Correct Bra Size
Completely frustrated at the department store trying on the wrong size bras, I had to call in the little old woman sales assistant in the bra department to measure my size in the dressing room. I will admit I was a bit shy, but at least I would have a solid answer from a real bra professional. With the tape measure she too, measured the same measurements as I had myself. But when looking at me in the 32A, she saw the problem. She sweetly went out and searched for a 32B bra size for me to try. After trying on this new size it fit absolutely perfect! I was ecstatic and quite happy with the shape result and added perkiness.
The moral of the story is have a bra professional fit you with the proper bra size. Measuring with a tape measure may not be enough to get the perfect fit bra. And trust me, a correct size bra makes for a shapely, perky bosom with comfort. If your measured bra size is not translating well to the bra size try going up or down a cup or band size for the perfect fit.
What the Right Bra Size Shouldnt Do
With so many ladies wearing the wrong bra size, I thought I would take a moment to discuss the signs that you might be wearing the wrong size bra. Below is a list of no-nos when it comes to bra fit.
Breasts should not fall out below the bra when raising your hands above your head. If they do try, going down a band size
The middle part of your bra that sits between your breasts should sit flat on your rib cage. If it doesnt try, going up a cup size.
The band of your bra should stay level around the circumference of your body. A band that rides up in the back means your band size is too big.
The bra straps should only be 10% of the support your bra gives. If your bras straps are doing all the work, consider going down a band size.
Breasts should fit comfortably into the bra cup with no overflow, double-bubble, or wrinkles in the bra fabric.
Your bra band should not be giving you the illusion of back fat. If this is happening try a larger band size or a difference style bra.
Did you know that 7 out of 10 women are wearing the wrong bra size. Popular shows like Oprah and TLCs What Not to Wear have dedicated entire shows to the subject since the problem is so rampant amount women. With such large number wearing the wrong bra size, I began to wonder if perhaps I was wearing the bra size.
Click to Add this Beauty Article on Your Favorite Social Media
Share 6
savesDelicious
Since I, Girl Friday, am the editor of this free beauty tips website, I decided to do a little bit of research on behalf of all women on measuring a bra size. Many websites explained how to find your correct bra size and had a size chart to find your resulting cup size. I will paraphrase the important parts about determining your bra size using this method.
How to Measure Bra Size
First put on your favorite bra that you think makes your breasts the right shape and feels most comfortable. Next you will need to find a flexible measuring tape (the kind a seamstress would use). You may also need to grab a trusted friend to help you measure, since it is difficult to keep the tape level around your body. The first measurement to take is around your ribcage, just below your breasts. Now add 5 to this number to get your band size. If the resulting band size was an odd number, you will need to round up to the next even number since bra bands only come in even numbers.
The second measurement should be taken around the fullest part of your bosom with your favorite bra on. This measurement is your cup size. Next subtract your band size from your cup size to calculate the right cup size. Refer to the bra cup size chart below.
Video Showing How to Fit a Bra Properely
Video Provided by YouTube
Bra Size Chart
1 larger than measurement 1--------------------A
2 larger than measurement 1--------------------B
3 larger than measurement 1--------------------C
4 larger than measurement 1--------------------D
5 larger than measurement 1--------------------E
6 larger than measurement 1--------------------F
After all the research about finding the right bra size, my measurements put me in the somewhat embarrassing category of 32A. I did indeed fall in the 7 out of 10 women who are wearing the wrong bra size. I figured models have smaller breasts right? It cant be that bad. So I was off to the store to try on what I thought to be my measured bra size. The only problem was a 32A was giving me four breasts (you know the double-bubble affect) instead of two! I was back to square one asking myself whats my bra size?
--Editors Tip ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Finding Your Bra Size, Even if Your Department Store Doesnt Carry It
I really believe that one reason why so many women are wearing the wrong bras size is because local department stores only carry a very limited, standard size selection. We all think that we are suppose to fit in that limited size assortment, which is just not realistic. If you dont perfectly fit in the standard bras size, most women settle for mediocre fit of what is available, on sale and in the prettiest color.
I too, find myself in a rather hard to find size. I am also someone who prefers to stock up on everyday clothing items when they are on sale, which has been harder after learning my proper size. My new strategy is to buy the proper size, on sale and online. If I can find one at the store, I try it on and then stock up on that style through an online retailer. They are well stocked on unusual sizes and have sales all the time. Many offer free shipping deals, as well. Below are a few of my favorite online bra stores that carry a large variety of sizes brands.
•Bare Necessities
•Fig Leaves
•Essential Apparel
•Big Girls Bras (my bustier friends favorite)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have a Professional Measure Your Correct Bra Size
Completely frustrated at the department store trying on the wrong size bras, I had to call in the little old woman sales assistant in the bra department to measure my size in the dressing room. I will admit I was a bit shy, but at least I would have a solid answer from a real bra professional. With the tape measure she too, measured the same measurements as I had myself. But when looking at me in the 32A, she saw the problem. She sweetly went out and searched for a 32B bra size for me to try. After trying on this new size it fit absolutely perfect! I was ecstatic and quite happy with the shape result and added perkiness.
The moral of the story is have a bra professional fit you with the proper bra size. Measuring with a tape measure may not be enough to get the perfect fit bra. And trust me, a correct size bra makes for a shapely, perky bosom with comfort. If your measured bra size is not translating well to the bra size try going up or down a cup or band size for the perfect fit.
What the Right Bra Size Shouldnt Do
With so many ladies wearing the wrong bra size, I thought I would take a moment to discuss the signs that you might be wearing the wrong size bra. Below is a list of no-nos when it comes to bra fit.
Breasts should not fall out below the bra when raising your hands above your head. If they do try, going down a band size
The middle part of your bra that sits between your breasts should sit flat on your rib cage. If it doesnt try, going up a cup size.
The band of your bra should stay level around the circumference of your body. A band that rides up in the back means your band size is too big.
The bra straps should only be 10% of the support your bra gives. If your bras straps are doing all the work, consider going down a band size.
Breasts should fit comfortably into the bra cup with no overflow, double-bubble, or wrinkles in the bra fabric.
Your bra band should not be giving you the illusion of back fat. If this is happening try a larger band size or a difference style bra.
Picking the Right Jewely and Womens Acessories Can Make or Break a Fashionable Outfit
Picking the Right Jewely and Womens Acessories Can Make or Break a Fashionable Outfit
People have been wearing jewelry since the beginning of time. In some places, beauty as a bone through the nose, in others, golden necklaces studded with beetles’ wings and lapis lazuli were just the thing. These days, we wear jewels all over the place, on our toes, in our noses, and (one of my personal favorites), in the naval. The great thing about jewelry is there’s so much of it, in every color, price and style available.
So, how do you choose the perfect gem stones to set off your personal beauty? What if you're not in the market for costly diamonds, but are seeking a little glamour in pale green, deep purple or clear, bright blue? Start your adventure in gemstones by looking at, where you will discover exotic and affordable gems you never dreamed existed. Do you know the plummy red of rhodolite? The liquid fire of a Mexican jelly opal? Here's where you learn that you don't have to spend hundred of dollars for jade, pearls, garnets and zircons, to name but a few of the hundred of stones available at this amazing site.
--Editor's Note --------------------------------------------------------------
Never Be Overwhelmed or Frustrated with Jewelry Shopping Again
Most women have had at least a few frustrating shopping experiences while trying to find the perfect jewelry to match a special outfit. Sometimes the jewelry store's zillion choices can be so overwhelming you don't know where to start. Or you had a budget in mind, but clearly the jewelry sales person didn't understand your idea of a "budget". In either case, there is now a much easier way to shop for jewelry and accessories. One online resource in particular lets you search by price, color, gemstone, jewelry style and several other jewelry descriptives. Showing you only the jewelry choices that fit your particular criteria and get the perfect jewelry item to compliment any outfit.
This time skip the nosey jewelry sales person and try searching for your favorite jewelry style using specific criteria. Never buy a piece of jewelry that isn't absolutely perfect again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to consider when choosing jewelry to match an outfit:
What does it accessorize? A plain dress? A busy patterned top?
Usually jewelry has a purpose. It can be playful and casual, or elegant and very expensive. When I buy jewelry, I think about what I would be wearing with it before making my choice. If I’m wearing jeans and want something to go with my new bathing suit because I’m going on vacation, I’ll look for something in the line of a choker, maybe with a carved stone or something in leather and silver. Sterling silver most people can wear even if they have a nickel allergy affects about 15% of the population. Nickel is found in most golds and cheap metal jewelry. (Beware of hemp-rope jewelry if you’re planning to wear it swimming. I bought a great choker, but when the water hit it, the hemp fibers shrank up and it became a much-too-real choker. I practically had to get cut out of it.)
What’s the occasion you will be wear the jewelry? Fancy? Casual?
Occasion-specific jewelry should be tried on with the outfit before you make a commitment. Dresses with sweetheart necklines can do terrible things to the wrong necklace (if you don’t believe me, look at Susan Lucci in the old episodes of Dallas. Big, shiny, dangling diamonds, a wide expanse of cleavage-lined Hollywood skin and shoulder pads out to here. Horrible). Now that I think of it, there’s only one occasion to wear a sweetheart neckline, and that’s if you’re in a wedding dress and the neckline fits your bust perfectly. The danger in the sweetheart is that if you have big breasts, they can look unwieldy and even floppy; small breasts just rattle around in there.
Where was I? Right, for big-deal dressing up, either wear the dress to the store, or keep your receipt until you know the dress and the necklace, bracelet or earrings match it. If your top has beading or embroidery, necklaces and earrings should be kept simple –no gemstones, just gold, silver or platinum. A rule of thumb; the simpler the dress, the fancier >the jewelry can be. So if your heart is set on the three-tiered, sapphire and platinum job, find a plain black or white frock for the backdrop.
All the fashionist as of yesteryear agreed that you simply cannot go wrong with pearls. Throughout the ages, these little blobs of oyster nacre have graced the necks of royalty. Pearls come in a variety of colors and shapes, the most well-known being the perfectly round, white pearls coveted by 1950's college girls because they matched so perfectly with cashmere twin sets. In the '20's, the flappers wore large, elongated pearls, running in gleaming ropes to waist-length or even longer. Baroque pearls are stunning, their uneven surfaces and their rectangular shapes catching the light like no other pearl can.
Often ignored, freshwater pearls are oval, and can be bought for a fraction of the cost of round ones. An example of their cost--in San Francisco's Chinatown shops, you can buy a 15-inch strand of freshwater pearls for about the cost of an ice-cream cone. Take them home, remove them from the dental floss string, string them on fishing line and add a clasp purchased from your local crafts store for an easy, elegant necklace.
Tahitian or South Sea Pearls are black, with the same opalescent gleam as their white cousins. These can get expensive, and make lovely apology gifts when men forget anniversaries, birthdays and other important occasions like graduations.
About jewelry quantity - How much is okay?
As much as I like hardware, I can’t think of an occasion to wear earrings, a necklace and a bracelet all at the same time. It comes out looking tacky. Two out of three is fine, and rings on your fingers are fine any time (not on every finger: two rings per hand are sufficient). If you’re of the belly-ring persuasion, toe-rings are cute too, but omit either necklace or earrings to keep the focus lower on the body. One exception to the two-item rule may be stud earrings. If you wear studs of gold, silver or platinum, or even small gemstones, they won't compete uncomfortably with a necklace and bracelet. In this case, two items may match, but the third should be complimentary, or you'll wind up looking like a little kid who bought the entire plastic wedding-jewelry set at the drugstore. For example, if you wear silver studs with pink zircons and a silver necklace with the same stones, your bracelet could be a plain silver bangle.
I’m a big fan of gemstones. I love tashmarine, wihich is a recently-discovered Asian stone that comes in a most unusual variety of greens. Its softness (5) prevents it from being the ideal ring choice, but set in a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, tashmarine is stunning. Check out tashmarine My other favorite gem-of-the-moment is tanzanite, available in a range of blues and lavenders. A friend of mine needed a belated birthday gift for his wife, and all was forgiven when he presented her with a tanzanite and diamond three-stone pendant. I’d have forgiven him too!
People have been wearing jewelry since the beginning of time. In some places, beauty as a bone through the nose, in others, golden necklaces studded with beetles’ wings and lapis lazuli were just the thing. These days, we wear jewels all over the place, on our toes, in our noses, and (one of my personal favorites), in the naval. The great thing about jewelry is there’s so much of it, in every color, price and style available.
So, how do you choose the perfect gem stones to set off your personal beauty? What if you're not in the market for costly diamonds, but are seeking a little glamour in pale green, deep purple or clear, bright blue? Start your adventure in gemstones by looking at, where you will discover exotic and affordable gems you never dreamed existed. Do you know the plummy red of rhodolite? The liquid fire of a Mexican jelly opal? Here's where you learn that you don't have to spend hundred of dollars for jade, pearls, garnets and zircons, to name but a few of the hundred of stones available at this amazing site.
--Editor's Note --------------------------------------------------------------
Never Be Overwhelmed or Frustrated with Jewelry Shopping Again
Most women have had at least a few frustrating shopping experiences while trying to find the perfect jewelry to match a special outfit. Sometimes the jewelry store's zillion choices can be so overwhelming you don't know where to start. Or you had a budget in mind, but clearly the jewelry sales person didn't understand your idea of a "budget". In either case, there is now a much easier way to shop for jewelry and accessories. One online resource in particular lets you search by price, color, gemstone, jewelry style and several other jewelry descriptives. Showing you only the jewelry choices that fit your particular criteria and get the perfect jewelry item to compliment any outfit.
This time skip the nosey jewelry sales person and try searching for your favorite jewelry style using specific criteria. Never buy a piece of jewelry that isn't absolutely perfect again.
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What to consider when choosing jewelry to match an outfit:
What does it accessorize? A plain dress? A busy patterned top?
Usually jewelry has a purpose. It can be playful and casual, or elegant and very expensive. When I buy jewelry, I think about what I would be wearing with it before making my choice. If I’m wearing jeans and want something to go with my new bathing suit because I’m going on vacation, I’ll look for something in the line of a choker, maybe with a carved stone or something in leather and silver. Sterling silver most people can wear even if they have a nickel allergy affects about 15% of the population. Nickel is found in most golds and cheap metal jewelry. (Beware of hemp-rope jewelry if you’re planning to wear it swimming. I bought a great choker, but when the water hit it, the hemp fibers shrank up and it became a much-too-real choker. I practically had to get cut out of it.)
What’s the occasion you will be wear the jewelry? Fancy? Casual?
Occasion-specific jewelry should be tried on with the outfit before you make a commitment. Dresses with sweetheart necklines can do terrible things to the wrong necklace (if you don’t believe me, look at Susan Lucci in the old episodes of Dallas. Big, shiny, dangling diamonds, a wide expanse of cleavage-lined Hollywood skin and shoulder pads out to here. Horrible). Now that I think of it, there’s only one occasion to wear a sweetheart neckline, and that’s if you’re in a wedding dress and the neckline fits your bust perfectly. The danger in the sweetheart is that if you have big breasts, they can look unwieldy and even floppy; small breasts just rattle around in there.
Where was I? Right, for big-deal dressing up, either wear the dress to the store, or keep your receipt until you know the dress and the necklace, bracelet or earrings match it. If your top has beading or embroidery, necklaces and earrings should be kept simple –no gemstones, just gold, silver or platinum. A rule of thumb; the simpler the dress, the fancier >the jewelry can be. So if your heart is set on the three-tiered, sapphire and platinum job, find a plain black or white frock for the backdrop.
All the fashionist as of yesteryear agreed that you simply cannot go wrong with pearls. Throughout the ages, these little blobs of oyster nacre have graced the necks of royalty. Pearls come in a variety of colors and shapes, the most well-known being the perfectly round, white pearls coveted by 1950's college girls because they matched so perfectly with cashmere twin sets. In the '20's, the flappers wore large, elongated pearls, running in gleaming ropes to waist-length or even longer. Baroque pearls are stunning, their uneven surfaces and their rectangular shapes catching the light like no other pearl can.
Often ignored, freshwater pearls are oval, and can be bought for a fraction of the cost of round ones. An example of their cost--in San Francisco's Chinatown shops, you can buy a 15-inch strand of freshwater pearls for about the cost of an ice-cream cone. Take them home, remove them from the dental floss string, string them on fishing line and add a clasp purchased from your local crafts store for an easy, elegant necklace.
Tahitian or South Sea Pearls are black, with the same opalescent gleam as their white cousins. These can get expensive, and make lovely apology gifts when men forget anniversaries, birthdays and other important occasions like graduations.
About jewelry quantity - How much is okay?
As much as I like hardware, I can’t think of an occasion to wear earrings, a necklace and a bracelet all at the same time. It comes out looking tacky. Two out of three is fine, and rings on your fingers are fine any time (not on every finger: two rings per hand are sufficient). If you’re of the belly-ring persuasion, toe-rings are cute too, but omit either necklace or earrings to keep the focus lower on the body. One exception to the two-item rule may be stud earrings. If you wear studs of gold, silver or platinum, or even small gemstones, they won't compete uncomfortably with a necklace and bracelet. In this case, two items may match, but the third should be complimentary, or you'll wind up looking like a little kid who bought the entire plastic wedding-jewelry set at the drugstore. For example, if you wear silver studs with pink zircons and a silver necklace with the same stones, your bracelet could be a plain silver bangle.
I’m a big fan of gemstones. I love tashmarine, wihich is a recently-discovered Asian stone that comes in a most unusual variety of greens. Its softness (5) prevents it from being the ideal ring choice, but set in a necklace, bracelet, or earrings, tashmarine is stunning. Check out tashmarine My other favorite gem-of-the-moment is tanzanite, available in a range of blues and lavenders. A friend of mine needed a belated birthday gift for his wife, and all was forgiven when he presented her with a tanzanite and diamond three-stone pendant. I’d have forgiven him too!
French Fashion. The arbiters of style from french designers in clothing, perfumes and cuisine.
French Fashion. The arbiters of style from french designers in clothing, perfumes and cuisine.
The French have long been known as arbiters of style, in clothing, perfumes and cuisine. Coco Chanel, the epitome of the smart French businesswoman as well as the creator of a multitude of fabulous clothing, fragrance and accessories, created looks for women that set the mode for modes that are still with us today. Today, we call Coco’s great stuff, “classic”: there is no greater acknowledgement of her genius. (And when a reporter once asked Marilyn Monroe, “What do you sleep in ?” She replied, “Chanel No. 5”.)
American style tends to revolve around the “more is more, new is best” idea, which is the absolute opposite of French style. French women know that, when it comes to style, the thing to do is buy one perfect, timeless item that will last truly all your life. In four or five years, buy another item that complements the first one. Perhaps it’s this fashion ethic that enables French women to purchase costly French real estate on middle-class salaries.
Exquisite moderation in fashion is reflected in another French attitude: French cuisine takes the part of the carcass we usually throw away—the marrow, the intestines, the fish heads—and creates magnificent dishes that are then priced at top-dollar in bistros. There is a charming sensibility in which a woman in a three-hundred-dollar dress sits down to a luncheon of delicately prepared tripe. Add wine, Chardonnay, I think, and a cheese plate. After which she returns to her job as a sales woman at the local gift shop. Just another day in Aix…
The classic French hair style comes in two versions: one for short hair, one for long. Short hair is severely bobbed: long hair is worn in a twist. Chignon is for evening, bien sur. What else could you possibly need?
If you are considering embracing French style, your wardrobe will tend towards neutrals, which are all-season and cannot go out of fashion. Black, and white, red or blue accents for scarf, purse and maybe (if you’re the daring type), shoes. Red lipstick, which works on most women. Mascara, but no eye shadow, except maybe for evening.
Don’t be fooled by American television design shows that purport to advance ideas of Parisian or French Country chic. Twelve layers of toile is not chic: painting your living-room red to mimic bistro walls will only give you eyestrain when you try to read your Vogue (which also is not French, unless you happen to buy the French Vogue.) (Also, research shows that people fight more in red rooms.)
I hope this short discourse on French fashion gives you something to muse over when considering ways to simplify your life without sacrificing style or life’s pleasures.
The French have long been known as arbiters of style, in clothing, perfumes and cuisine. Coco Chanel, the epitome of the smart French businesswoman as well as the creator of a multitude of fabulous clothing, fragrance and accessories, created looks for women that set the mode for modes that are still with us today. Today, we call Coco’s great stuff, “classic”: there is no greater acknowledgement of her genius. (And when a reporter once asked Marilyn Monroe, “What do you sleep in ?” She replied, “Chanel No. 5”.)
American style tends to revolve around the “more is more, new is best” idea, which is the absolute opposite of French style. French women know that, when it comes to style, the thing to do is buy one perfect, timeless item that will last truly all your life. In four or five years, buy another item that complements the first one. Perhaps it’s this fashion ethic that enables French women to purchase costly French real estate on middle-class salaries.
Exquisite moderation in fashion is reflected in another French attitude: French cuisine takes the part of the carcass we usually throw away—the marrow, the intestines, the fish heads—and creates magnificent dishes that are then priced at top-dollar in bistros. There is a charming sensibility in which a woman in a three-hundred-dollar dress sits down to a luncheon of delicately prepared tripe. Add wine, Chardonnay, I think, and a cheese plate. After which she returns to her job as a sales woman at the local gift shop. Just another day in Aix…
The classic French hair style comes in two versions: one for short hair, one for long. Short hair is severely bobbed: long hair is worn in a twist. Chignon is for evening, bien sur. What else could you possibly need?
If you are considering embracing French style, your wardrobe will tend towards neutrals, which are all-season and cannot go out of fashion. Black, and white, red or blue accents for scarf, purse and maybe (if you’re the daring type), shoes. Red lipstick, which works on most women. Mascara, but no eye shadow, except maybe for evening.
Don’t be fooled by American television design shows that purport to advance ideas of Parisian or French Country chic. Twelve layers of toile is not chic: painting your living-room red to mimic bistro walls will only give you eyestrain when you try to read your Vogue (which also is not French, unless you happen to buy the French Vogue.) (Also, research shows that people fight more in red rooms.)
I hope this short discourse on French fashion gives you something to muse over when considering ways to simplify your life without sacrificing style or life’s pleasures.
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