How to Dazzle Tonight - New Year's Eve
Filed under: Holiday Style, Ask StyleList, Style Tip of the Day
Happy New Year's Eve! It's your chance to start over. Reinvent yourself for 2009, and start at the New Year's Eve party!Ask StyleList
Happy New Year's Eve! It's your chance to start over. Reinvent yourself for 2009, and start at the New Year's Eve party!Drowned Rat Hair Help
Filed under: Ask StyleList, Hair Care, Beauty Tips, Hair Cut and Style
Yesterday we got this question from a reader:I need help for very thin, very straight, and extra baby fine hair. Or shall I say, has all the negatives in type of hair except frizz. I am looking for help and not able to find any. Even past hairdressers are at a loss. I know I am not the only one out here that has gone through life looking like a drowned rat.
Of course you're not!
The Difference Between Tights and Pantyhose
Filed under: Accessories, Clothing, Swimwear and Lingerie, Ask StyleList
In our Tucker Webshop article, we recommended a dress be worn with nude tights. Reader Z asked: "Nude tights = pantyhose, right?"
Continue reading The Difference Between Tights and Pantyhose
Sexy Skin Here We Come!
Filed under: Fashionable Food, Ask StyleList, Cosmetics, Skin Care, Daily Obsession, Beauty Tips
Boy have we got the perfect New Year's resolution for you! Stylelist blogger Boydie will be entering into the Wellness with Rose's Younger Skin Diet and you're invited to join in on the fun.
American Idol Makeup Artist Mezhgan's 5 quick pick me up tips - Make {me} gorgeous!
Filed under: Ask StyleList, Cosmetics, Celebrities with Style
When we have questions about makeup, from styling tips to using tools, we turn to style star Mezhgan, our favorite American Idol makeup artist. Mezhgan is an expert at getting people ready for their closeups, even in HD! She's sharing her wisdom with us each week in this regular feature Make {me} Gorgeous!
Got a question for Mezhgan? Leave it in the comments and we'll answer as many as possible in future posts.
Michelle Obama Inauguration Predictions
If expectations are high for Barack Obama, they're no less soaring for his wife -- at least in a sartorial sense. After two decades of Bush and Clinton women -- for whom style was not a sixth sense -- the inarguably fashionable and seemingly fearless Michelle Obama has trend-watchers in a frenzy. Tall and taut, with the broad shoulders and self-confidence to carry off whatever she wants, Obama has spent the past 21 months being compared to Jacqueline Kennedy. And, so far, Obama has acquitted herself well, showing off recession-friendly dresses from White House/ Black Market and pricey styles from edgy designers like Isabel Toledo, who she wore (left) last spring to a fundraiser with fashion industry heavyweights. What will she favor for the White House? StyleList takes a look at her past -- and offers some predictions for the future. And for those who think clothes don't matter, remember the words of JFK as he introduced his wildly popular wife at a 1961 State Dinner at Charles de Gaulle's presidential palace. "I am the man," Kennedy said, "who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris."
Marcel Thomas, FilmMagic.com
She hasn't even gotten to the White House, but Michelle Obama has already done more than any fashion mag to make Thakoon a household name. The Thai-born designer's dresses were perfect for several major moments on the campaign trail, including (at left) the final night of the Democratic National Convention. At right, the rose-colored silk dress as it appeared on Thakoon's runway. Mrs. Obama seems to have made no changes to it -- except the addition of three her trademark pins to the neckline. (And for those who can't afford Thakoon's four-figure price tags, the designer debuts a more recession-friendly collection at Target in December.)
PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Image
No, we don't expect the new First Lady to parade her abs at the Easter egg roll. But with just a few strategically placed swaths of fabric, this delicate floral sheath by Thakoon could meet the needs of the most demanding East Wing schedule.
Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images
Back in 1982, when Nancy Reagan wore rhinestone-trimmed knickers to a dinner at the American Embassy in Paris, she was ridiculed across two continents. So it's no surprise that Michelle Obama decided to keep her thighs safely away from the runway version of Moschino's flowered silk shorts (right). What's a First Lady-wannabe to do? Moschino took the same gray-and-purple fabric and used it to bare Mrs. O's knee's in a more Donna Reed way -- a soft shirtwaist that made her look both comfortable and camera-ready for the debut of the Obama-Biden ticket in Springfield, Ill. last summer. Surely, Nancy would have approved.
Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images
This purple silk coat and carnival-striped dress from Moschino's spring collection strikes the perfect balance between the White House need to look sophisticated and Mrs. Obama's penchant to shake-it-up.
Catwalking/Getty Images
If fashion tells a story, Michelle Obama's fiery red confetti-printed dress conveyed every bit of her Election Night euphoria. True, the Narciso Rodriguez sheath, modified from the runway version at right, earned as many barbs as raves -- "Maybe it looked really awesome up close?" one fashion wag asked. But you won't find a trace of disappointment on Obama's face, which glowed as brightly as her $10,275 Loree Rodkin diamond earrings.
Joe Raedle, Getty Images
Narcisco Rodriguez's edgy black-and-white dress would be techy enough for the You Tube generation and graphic enough for those Dinosaur Age readers of print media.
Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images
Tall and toned, Mrs. Obama isn't afraid to experiment. She plays with color (usually favoring brights) and shape (usually body-hugging) -- and, just when you think you've figured out her fashion maxims, she veers in another direction. The cantaloupe-colored Moschino dress that she wore to her husband's acceptance of the Harold Washington Award this fall was a softer color and silhouette than her typical fare.
Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images
Hillary Clinton made front-page news in 1993, when she co-hosted the Governors' Dinner at the White House in Donna Karan's "cold-shoulder" dress, a dramatic long-sleeved black sheath with -- surpise! -- the shoulders cut out. We're not sure the world is ready for a First Lady in a cut-out torso, but with a bit of fabric in all the right places, Narciso Rodriguez's 'bondage" gown would be a fierce addition to Mrs. Obama's don't-mess-with-me repertoire.
Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images
Peter Soronen's fashions are fun, flirty, and fit for a woman confident enough to show off her curves. Small wonder he's earned red-carpet time from the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Hudson and Tina Fey. He's also added Michelle Obama to his roster. At left, her white delicately-patterned dress is adapted from Soronen's houndstooth check sheath.
Peter Soronen
Got a question for Mezhgan? Leave it in the comments and we'll answer as many as possible in future posts.
A diaper bag with style
Filed under: Handbags, Accessories, Ask StyleList, Kids and Babies
Reader Cynthia asked us:Well I was looking for a diaper bag with great fashion sense. No prints please, just solid color with leather....like a trim or flap. What is your view on this bag made by a company called pyknyk I love it but would like your input on it? Love, Cynthia
Well, Cynthia, we had a look at the Pyknyk bags, and they are seriously stacked. They are loaded with all kinds of mom bag goodness, including a diaper-changing pad!
Still, we have to say our favorite mom bags come from Roman Savell, like the one pictured here.
Ask StyleList: Dandruff relief
Filed under: Ask StyleList, Hair Care
One of our dear readers wrote in to ask for advice about dandruff, a little discussed but common ailment. For some people it's a minor irritation, a few embarrassing dry flakes. To those who suffer more severely, with oily scalps and painful itching, it's a frustrating affliction.The best first step is always education. Cool Nurse has a great primer on the different kinds of dandruff and causes, as well as some treatment suggestions.
Ask StyleList: What should I wear with these shoes for a wedding?
Filed under: Clothing, Ask StyleList, Dresses
Dear StyleList,I have a daytime, dressy-casual family wedding to attend in June, in a Catholic church. I have great shoes to wear, but I don't know what to wear with them. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Caitlin
Continue reading Ask StyleList: What should I wear with these shoes for a wedding?
Ask StyleList: Clothes for grandmas and more
Filed under: Clothing, Ask StyleList
Dear StyleList,I'm 77 years young and having trouble finding fashionable clothes. I dress casually and cannot wear the tees and blouses because I have the roll around the middle. I can wear a size 10 in pants as long as the waist is elastic, but tops show my roll so I tend to buy XL, which don't really fit. Where can I find nice-looking clothes that aren't old and dowdy? I hate shopping because I cannot find anything that makes me feel good.
Maggie
Continue reading Ask StyleList: Clothes for grandmas and more
Ask StyleList: What do I wear with my fabulous new gladiators?
Filed under: Accessories, Shoes, Ask StyleList, Celebrities with Style
After a post on one of the seasons hottest trends -- gladiator sandals -- StyleList received the following comment:Not sure what to wear with my new gladiator sandals. They come up to the knee, and they're the Stuart Weitzman gold ones. Sharp!
Continue reading Ask StyleList: What do I wear with my fabulous new gladiators?
Ask StyleList: I'm really tall and curvy -- what should I wear?
Filed under: Clothing, Ask StyleList
After a recent post on how to flatter various figures, I received comments from two girls with the same issues -- they're quite tall (about six feet tall), and curvy, but not overweight.At about 5'8" with broad shoulders, I run into issues with fit, often having to find long lengths in pants or letting hems out when long lengths aren't offered, and sometimes having to go up a size in jackets to accommodate my shoulders. These girls have it worse because they'll run into problems like that nearly every time they go shopping.
For girls in this predicament, I offer the following advice:
Continue reading Ask StyleList: I'm really tall and curvy -- what should I wear?
How old is too old when it comes to glitter?
Filed under: Ask StyleList, Cosmetics
I have a female friend that is 35 years old and every time she goes out, she insists on splashing glitter all over her face. I told her that a little on her eyes would be okay but that she is too old to be putting glitter all over her face. She looks like a circus clown. My question is, at what age do you think women should stop wearing glitter?Yikes, there is no right age for looking like a glitter coated circus clown and kudos to you for telling your friend she looks like a fool because it sounds like she does. But to more clearly answer your question, I would say that 29 is the cut off for a face full of glitter. To me once you turn 30 you should have definitely mastered the application of glittery cosmetics.
Now glitter is the trend in cosmetics for Fall 2008 so chances are that your friend is going to get her hands on some. Steer her in the direction of some glitter eyeliner -- it's fun and doesn't end up all over your face. I can almost bet that she will get twice as many compliments with that than her disco fever face.
Good luck!
You could hire an image consultant, but why?
Filed under: Handbags, Accessories, Ask StyleList, Hair Care, Cosmetics
Apparently, actors and rockstars aren't the only people who use stylists. Everyday people like you and me use them, too, but we call them "image consultants."
An image consultant will do exactly what you see on those "makeover" reality TV shows: invade yourprivacy closet, throw out what doesn't work, keep the (ostensibly few) things that do work, spend all your hard-earned cash to buy the many things you absolutely have to have to look better, send you to a hairstylist, and give you a makeover with beauty products that are probably "in partnership" with the consultant.
Do I sound too harsh? Maybe. It's just that $160 an hour sounds like a bit of a frivolous expense to hire someone else, or even an entire team of people, to help makeover your image. For one thing, your image probably isn't all that bad to begin with, or at least not so bad that it requires $160 an hour. Furthermore, I'm pretty sure that doing some research yourself, and asking friends, you can achieve pretty close to the same, if not better, result.
Heck, at the very least, you can email us at StyleList!
An image consultant will do exactly what you see on those "makeover" reality TV shows: invade your
Do I sound too harsh? Maybe. It's just that $160 an hour sounds like a bit of a frivolous expense to hire someone else, or even an entire team of people, to help makeover your image. For one thing, your image probably isn't all that bad to begin with, or at least not so bad that it requires $160 an hour. Furthermore, I'm pretty sure that doing some research yourself, and asking friends, you can achieve pretty close to the same, if not better, result.
Heck, at the very least, you can email us at StyleList!
Answer StyleList: Help our super dry skin all over!
Filed under: Ask StyleList, Skin Care
Here on StyleList, we frequently receive emails from readers asking for advice, suggestions, or help in finding a specific look or product. Recently, a reader wrote in bemoaning a problem that a lot of us have this time of the year with dramatic changes in temperature from outdoors to inside, and hot air blowing from heater -- super dry skin. For someone like who already has desert-dry skin even when on vacation in the Tropics, I feel you, and have the same question myself: "What can I use to help my cracked, dry, chapped skin?"
I put the question out to my network, and reader Ingar generously shared her solutions for both face and body:
For face: Ingar uses DHC Q10, which is line of skin care products from Japan that use the natural power of olive oil. The Essentials Set contains DHC Q10 Lotion which is actually a toner with the consistency exactly of water and really adds that moisture back to the skin without grease or heaviness, DHC Q10 Milk, which is a lightweight moisturizer, and DHC Concentrated Eye Cream which gets rid of fine lines.
For body: Skin gets even more dehydrated when it gets pounded too long with hot water in the shower. ATOPALM's shower gel restores moisture to sensitive or dry skin with essential amino acids. In fact, ATOPALM Body Wash can be used to calm hives, dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, itchy skin and eczema.
A little bit of luxury: Freeze 24/7 is a little pricey but definitely worth the $65 for the exfoliator. The Ice Crystals exfoliate dead skin cells and according to Ingar, leaves overall skin feeling way less haggard. It also decongests acne prone skin and diminishes the appearance of age spots, blemishes, skin discoloration and scarring.
I put the question out to my network, and reader Ingar generously shared her solutions for both face and body:
For face: Ingar uses DHC Q10, which is line of skin care products from Japan that use the natural power of olive oil. The Essentials Set contains DHC Q10 Lotion which is actually a toner with the consistency exactly of water and really adds that moisture back to the skin without grease or heaviness, DHC Q10 Milk, which is a lightweight moisturizer, and DHC Concentrated Eye Cream which gets rid of fine lines.
For body: Skin gets even more dehydrated when it gets pounded too long with hot water in the shower. ATOPALM's shower gel restores moisture to sensitive or dry skin with essential amino acids. In fact, ATOPALM Body Wash can be used to calm hives, dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, itchy skin and eczema.
A little bit of luxury: Freeze 24/7 is a little pricey but definitely worth the $65 for the exfoliator. The Ice Crystals exfoliate dead skin cells and according to Ingar, leaves overall skin feeling way less haggard. It also decongests acne prone skin and diminishes the appearance of age spots, blemishes, skin discoloration and scarring.
Ask StyleList: What to wear to a Casablanca themed event?
Filed under: Clothing, Vintage and Retro, Ask StyleList, Dresses, Celebrities with Style
StyleList recently received this plea for help:I am attending an event themed after Casablanca the movie ... I live in Florida and the event will take place in early February in a 1920's mansion on the bay. I want to dress like Ingrid Bergman in the movie, however, I have no idea where to find anything even close to her style ... Please help!
Lucky for you, Casablanca just happens to be one of my all-time favorite movies, not to mention that I'm a bit of a vintage junkie. Bergman wears a number of styles in this 1942 classic, ranging from feminine two-piece suits to glamorous gowns.
To get the look from the final scene of the movie ("We'll always have Paris"), I recommend searching eBay for "1940s suit". It could take some patience and digging, but when I searched I found some great suits from the right time period here, here, here, and here. If you can't find the perfect suit in the right size (always a problem in the world of vintage), you might also try purchasing a vintage suit pattern on eBay or elsewhere and having a local seamstress make it for you. This way you can have your pick of fabrics and make sure the fit is sublime. Top the whole thing off with this Ingrid Bergman inspired hat from BoringSidney, don your date in a classic trench coat, and you'll be good to go.
Alternately, you could go for an old Hollywood glamour look and emulate Bergman's dress in the "As Time Goes By" scene. Pair an ivory dress, such as the Flutter Ashley Dress by Trashy Diva, with a vintage rhinestone brooch and earrings, and all you need to complete this look is a pair of classic neutral pumps.
Finally, while I'm not sure that this look is an exact movie replica, this fabulous dress by Stop Staring (available at Red Dress Shoppe) is inspired by 1940s Chanel haute couture and it brings to mind classic film stars like Ingrid Bergman. This dress is truly timeless, so it's something you could wear again and again to dinner parties or other corporate functions.
