Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category

The start of spring means warmer weather and longer days while enjoying the outdoors. It is also the start of wedding season for many excited brides-to-be. For those of you who are tying the knot this spring, your wedding day will be one of the most important days of your life. On your special day, you want to look like a beautiful princess. As you are shopping for your wedding gown for your big day, you want to keep a budget in mind so that you don’t overspend. Affordability is the key. Fashionisitas know that the way to make the most of a gown is to accessorize with little extra pieces to create their own look.

For the bride on a budget, there are some lovely accessories to peruse that will make your wedding look uniquely about you. One of my favorite accessories to play up a style is jewelry. I really like how chandelier earrings add a touch of glamour and shine to a gorgeous gown or dress. A great style like the crystal and pearl set of earrings, which is available for only $20, and  look elegant enough to wear again for formal occasions.

Bridal headpieces, which can be worn with or without a veil, are another statement accessory to consider. Depending on your preference, there a range of styles, from headbands and combs to flowers and tiaras, to refine your bridal ensemble. Tiaras may look expensive, but they need not break your budget. A gold-brushed metal tiara with rhinestones is actually a wallet-friendly deal for only $99. The beautiful floral motif is a dream find. Headpieces are also a great way for you to reflect your personality on your wedding day. Are you simply chic or do you want to make a more dramatic statement?

The combinations are endless, so have fun and try on different looks with your gown to achieve that perfect style. Try to create a look that is an extension of your personal style and what you feel most comfortable wearing.  On your wedding day, you want to have an ensemble that will let your true beauty shine!

Photos Courtesy of H&M

H&M recently announced that the Swedish retailer will have a delightful selection of skincare products available in stores soon. The first ever line of beauty products will debut in early March. In keeping with the retailer’s eco-friendly purpose, all of the products are made of natural and organic ingredients, and are certified by Ecocert. The European organic certification organization is one of the largest in the world.

The range of everyday essentials include shower gel, body scrub, body lotion, hand cream and lip balm. In lovely scents of raspberry and melon or  lavender and mint, and prices starting at $4.95, I can’t wait to try these budget-friendly goods!

The new season of Project Runway just started a couple of weeks ago, so it is still too early to predict who will have the opportunity to showcase their talents at Bryant Park. However, in 2008 we witnessed the start of a stunning career for a designer, Christian Siriano, whose unique hairstyle, the “fashion hawk,” and creative genius earned him the top spot among the fashion crowd. He became the youngest designer to win the reality fashion show, and has shown two impressive collections at New York Fashion Week. In addition, he has collaborated with Payless ShoeSource and Victoria’s Secret Beauty for exclusive editions of accessories and makeup products. Now, Siriano can add author to his growing list of projects. His first book, Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self, is available now at your local bookstore.

The book serves as a guide to finding and developing your own style. While it is full of advice on topics, including shopping and working with your body type, Siriano wanted the book to be “fun, kitschy and not super-serious.” One of my favorite chapters was his tips for looking fierce on a budget. He described fierce style as being about being confident and exuding power. He recognized that while it is fine to want to have “dream” pieces in a wardrobe, you can find more wallet-friendly choices at stores, such as H&M, Banana Republic and Forever 21. Maybe you can’t afford a Burberry trench coat. A Banana Republic trench is a wonderful option for you with great quality and fit. 

Like the rest of us recessionistas, the style guru appreciates the collaborations from Target and H&M. When a designer does a line for them, the superstore can be a hidden gem, said Siriano. It’s a no-brainer to purchase some pieces when it’s from someone like Stella McCartney, he said.

Siriano also shared his belief that fashion definitely means taking chances. One of his fans who embodies the style of a risk-taker is actress Sarah Jessica Parker. If she didn’t wear something that looked outrageous to the rest of us, she would never be dressed different, he said.  Take risks and find different things, such as a new color or a print. After all, looking fabulous for yourself is what makes you feel better about yourself, said Siriano.