GLADIATOR SANDALS!
In keeping with the Greco-Roman theme that emerged on last year’s runways, there has been “an undiminished appetite” for Roman sandals and gladiator boots “both on the high-street and the catwalk”, according to the Telegraph of 6 April 2008, in their article "Grecian 2008."
Gladiator-toting celebrities such as Mischa Barton, Mary-Kate Olsen, Jessica Alba and Hilary Duff have also played their part in making gladiators a hot item this summer. In fact, according to the Australian magazine Shop Til You Drop, February 2008 edition, "almost every famous name in Hollywood has been spotted wearing gladiators.......from fat platformed high-heels to laid-back criss-cross flats."
On the subject of gladiators, online upmarket retailer Net-a-porter warns to “Prepare for a full-scale invasion” in its recent magazine article “Sole Searching”. According to Net-a-porter, gladiators “exude boho appeal and no vacation look is complete without a pair this season.”
Gladiator Sandals Hailed as one of the least flattering women's shoe trends of 2007, 2008 sees a new twist on the gladiator theme with more elegant and intricate detailing. Delicate straps and embellishments and more feminine styling make them more versatile, such as Bottega Veneta’s Lotus Platino sandal. Just one look at Yves Saint Laurent elegant Saint Tropez gladiator sandals is enough to convert those who are not big supporters of the trend.
Part of the opposition to last year's trend was the ability of the tough bondage-style sandals to be less than flattering, unless you were as tall as a runway model and had the legs to match. Despite this, according to the Telegraph, “ Balenciaga, Gaultier and Givenchy have sent out increasingly ferocious-looking versions — including some expensively elaborate, knee-high designs."
New Fashion Trends '09
Fresh, crisp and modern with a healthy dose of American practicality is what it's all about in the fashion world for 2009. The Classic looks of the 1960's influence what will be seen in stores this year. You too can be a Fashionista this year with these simple, affordable and easy tips.
Blue is now the New *Green*: The color green has come to symbolize all things eco-friendly and so blue is following in it's footsteps. Even if it's not the easiest shade to work with, you will find more of this shade in beauty, fashion, interior design and graphic design. Spiritually speaking, blue denotes, serenity, peace and stability. It does work with most skin tones. Choose shades closest to the ocean avoiding that awful bright 1960's blue eye shadow color. One trick to working with blue for example is to wear a blue shirt with a blue jacket. It's flattering and you don't have to worry about it clashing or matching.
Buy Classic Pieces: Classic pieces never go out of style or become outdated. Invest in a few Classic pieces such as the Classic men's trouser pant. Think Katherine Hepburn. It's something that can go from day to evening all with a change of accessories and some make-up. These pieces can also be rotated more easily than maybe a dress could.
Accessories: Bold bangle bracelets to chunky earrings, so stock up now. These affordable accessories can and will update any look making you stand out from the crowd. Dress up any outfit with simple accessories in colors such as yellow, red, and orange. Same goes for your handbag. It will make your outfit *pop*!
Metallic Eye Shadow: Go from Classic day wear into evening with a silver or gold metallic eye shadow but don't overdo it. It's an easy way to go from Office Girl to Evening Bombshell. Keep the rest of your makeup simple with natural blush and lips. Even the eye liner is to be kept softer, more simple. Again, Classic.
Sexy, tousled waves, or a slightly unkept ponytail or updo is what will be seen this year. Hair that is chic, but yet a little undone. A minimalist look that is also sexy is what you want to try an achieve. Hair accessories that are clean, fresh and classic.
Top 10 Beauty Myths
MYTH #1: RUBBING LEMON ON YOUR TEETH WILL GIVE YOU PEARLY WHITES
This actually does work, but it comes with a price. While lemons do help you get lighter locks, they don’t really work on your teeth since the citric acid in lemons wears away enamel. Save the lemons for the lemonade and instead brush your teeth with water and baking soda a couple times a week to get those pearly whites at home.
MYTH #2: FAKE NAILS WILL DESTROY YOUR REAL NAILS
Not true. It is not the artificial nail or the glue that ultimately causes nail damage, but improper removal—such as picking or prying off. So if you just take care of your nails and remove them properly, there will be absolutely no damage to your nails.
MYTH #3: LASER HAIR REMOVAL DOES NOT WORK FOR LIGHT HAIR
Who came up with that? Either way, it’s not true. Although laser hair removal does work better for darker hair, lighter does works just as fine. With lighter hair, you’ll see about 70-80% removal of the hair. So just go one extra time and you’ll be fine!
MYTH #4: YOU NEED FREQUENT HAIRCUTS IF YOU WANT YOUR HAIR TO GROW LONGER
Wrong again. Your hair will grow at the same speed with or without a haircut. But regular haircuts will help improve the overall health of your hair as well as getting rid of those pesky split ends.
MYTH #5: PETITE GIRLS CAN’T PULL OF LINGERIE
Another stupid myth made up by guys who like big-chested girls. There are so many different types of lingerie out there made for every body, including petite. So next time you wanna surprise your man but you think you won’t be able to pull it off, just go out and find a nice up-lifting water bra and it’ll do the job!
MYTH #6: BREAKOUTS ARE CAUSED BY OILY SKIN
Although breakouts are associated with oily skin, that is not always the cause. In most cases, breakouts happen because the skin is so sensitive that you might be using the wrong products, therefore causing more pimples. So if you have oily skin and you’ve tried everything, try sensitive formulas and you’ll start seeing some change.
MYTH #7: ORGANIC PRODUCTS ARE WEAK
Whoever made that up is seriously disturbed because organic beauty products are the best you can get! They’re skin friendly so they won’t clog your pores and they protect your skin from all the harmful pollutants out there. Plus, you don’t get all the chemicals so organic beauty products is really the way to go.
MYTH #8: YOU CAN’T PULL OFF ALL COLORS
If there is one thing I always hear from my girlfriends is that ‘I can’t wear THAT color!’, which is absolutely ridiculous. The one thing you have to pay special attention to is the shades of the color as well as the undertones. So while a hot, fiery red might not suit your complexion, a toned-down version might do you wonders!
MYTH #9: CHLORINE TURNS YOUR HAIR GREEN
So not true. Copper, not chlorine, will turn your hair green. If a pool is not properly maintained and cleaned regulary, it can have copper residue which in turn could turn your hair a greenish color. Now this is mostly for blondes since their pigment is so light, but all you have to do is switch to a low pH shampoo which will help combat against greening.
MYTH #10: CROSSING YOUR LEGS WILL GIVE YOU SPIDER VEINS
Very untrue. Most people that hair spider veins or vericosse veins have them because either their mother or grandmother had them. It’s all in the genes!
Top 13 Fashion Mistakes
1. Wearing oversized clothing.
Now there is the wrong oversized clothing and the right over-sized clothing. The right over-sized clothing is some of this spring’s top trends such as the bubble skirt, which looks fabulous paired with a tighter fitting top and a high waist belt. Wrong over-sized clothing is just plain wrong: huge knee-reaching t-shirts, baggy pants, you get the point. Make sure you buy clothes that fit you properly.
2. Wearing red and green at the same time.
Honestly, you will look like a Christmas tree. Red and green are two of the colors that you absolutely must avoid wearing together. These colors completely clash, so just stay clear. Also, it’s best to stay away from green and red makeup. If you decide to go for a green eyeshadow, don’t put on a bright red lipstick. Instead, opt for a clear gloss or a nude color.
3. Dirty shoes.
It would be bad enough if you had shoes that were out of style, or didn’t match with your outfit, but if you have dirty shoes, you’re making a big fashion faux pas. Make sure to keep your shoes in style, according to your outfit, and most importantly, clean!
4. Short skirt and short top.
If you’re going to wear a miniskirt, don’t wear a short top with it! It is one of the worst fashion mistakes you could make because you’ll end up looking trashy. Instead, wear a miniskirt and pair it with a tee that reaches your hip bones. Play it up with a wide belt. If you’re into short tops, just wear jeans and steer away from short skirts.
5. Bulky shoes with feminine dress.
Whenever I see this, I always have to ask myself: “what was she thinking?” A floral, feminine dress should never be paired with bulky shoes such as thick platforms. This kind of dress deserves a pair of soft, delicate shoes. Anything with a small heel, and even wedges and espadrilles.
6. Too much jewelry.
A pair of embellished earrings; a funky necklace; some bangles; a few rings; maybe a brooch. That is way too much jewelry for you, and for your outfit. So if you don’t want to look like an ornament, keep it simple! A thin, fine necklace and a pair of earrings is enough. Or if you decide for a pair of big, adorned earrings, keep it simple by wearing a few rings or a bracelet or two with that, but stay away from the necklace.Just know your limits.
7. Wearing fashion that doesn’t suit you.
If miniskirts are in, and you don’t have the greatest legs, that’s fine! You don’t have to abide by each and every single fashion trend that comes out. If something that suit your body type, it’s better to stay away from it. After all, most of us aren’t models and a lot of the fashion trends that spring up don’t suit everybody, so be careful what you choose.
8. More than one pattern.
If you have flowers on your shirt, don’t wear plaid pants, or the other way around. Try to stick with one pattern in your outfit. A pair of plaid pants with a solid colored top, or a floral shirt with a pair of jeans. Don’t crowd your outfit with patterns. Keep it sweet and simple.
9. Tights are not for everyone.
As I’ve mentioned before, not all fashion trends work for everyone. Some people should stay away from certain trends. Trends like tights for example. You know they stick to your skin and show off your legs, so if you don’t have shapely legs, don’t wear them please. I know they’re in, but if they make you look bad,avoid them I see so many women wearing tights with over-sized shirts,it absolutely amazes me. But try to avoid this very common mistake for your own good.
10. Panty lines.
Need I say more? If you’re going to wear thin, clingy, or even white pants, be aware of it and don’t walk out with embarrassing panty lines, but opt for a thong.
11. An orange tan.
Let’s face it: you know that it’s orange, you just don’t want to admit it. Stay away from cheap self-tanners because they will bring you nothing but trouble. Instead, shell out some money for a better product such as Estee Lauder sunless and make sure you always exfoliate before applying self-tanner.
12. Sneakers with everything.
Sure, we all want to be comfortable in our shoes, but it’s not vise to always wear sneakers with everything from skirts, to jeans, to capris. A lot of people like to wear sneakers with a jean skirt, and that’s completely fine, as long as you don’t do it all the time. It’s a comfy, sporty look, but you can make it classy and sexy. Instead, wear a pair of wedges or high heels. Don’t always pair your jeans with sneakers: it’s boring, and it’s tasteless. Spice up your outfit with a pair of hot stilettos.
13. Don’t indulge
That means don’t over do sparkles, sequins, or any festive looking articles of clothing. While it’s fun to play with different colors, fabrics, and styles, keep it simple is very important. Wearing too much of a good thing can turn into a fashion disaster. If you’re going to wear a top that has sequins on it, keep it simple everywhere else and don’t embellish your outfit even more.
New Spring Fashions
It’s all about color and volume. Fitted doesn’t have to mean tight.A voluminous skirt can do wonders for your shape for example.
Cropped jackets are also in. Trench coats spring up in hot colours like red, and add a little bit of volume all over.
Carry your loads in a slouchy, oversized bag. Make sure you don’t put too many things in there. This spring it’s all about lightness-nothing should feel heavy.
For a sporty yet sexy look, wear a pair of strappy wedges with a flowy skirt.
Check out the DKNY collection for this spring and get inspired!