Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Dress for your Body Type

 
We know if we are sweet, chic, big, or petite but how do we dress to accentuate these fabulous attributes while (at the same time) drawing every one's eyes away from those uncomfortable areas?
Step One: figure out your body type.
Step Two: use fashion to highlight your best qualities!
 

 
The Apple or Diamond body type:
Apple Do’s:
Apple Don’ts:
 - Skirts, Dresses, and Jeans that flare out towards the hemline will bring balance to your broad shoulders
 - A line skirts accentuate an hourglass figure
 - Try keeping patterns and lighter colors on the bottom with darker colors on top
 - Wedges and thick heels will work in your favor!
 - Empire and bias cuts help hide tummy.
 - Clingy material
 - Bows, belts, or anything to clinch at your waist line  
 - High waist pants
 - Skinny jeans (without a chunky knee-high boot)
 - Very short, fitted, or ruffled skirts


 
 The Pear or Triangle body type (the most common female figure):
Pear Do’s:
Pear Don’ts:
- A line skirts and dresses allow flow over your hips.
- Keep light colors and patterns on the upper half of your body
- Try light colors on top & dark colors below the waist
- Empire cuts that flare towards the bottom can be very flattering for your feminine pear shape
- Watch out for big pockets, they will accentuate your bum!
- Skinny or tapered jeans and tight skirts will make you look heavier
- Tops that end at your hip line
- Big belts or patterns/glitter around the hip line and pockets
- Bold patterns and light colors shouldn’t go below your waistline



The Hourglass body type (the most symmetric and usually most desired figure):
Hourglass Do’s:
Hourglass Don’ts:
- Try fitted skirts and dresses to hug your hips
- Find some comfortable negligee or spanks to smooth out the rougher mid-section
- Pencil skirts with a well fit slit and waist will make you appear slimmer
- Darker colors will also be slimming, lighter colors will emphasize width
- Wrap and A line dresses are very flattering
- Take advantage of your hourglass figure and show off that waistline!
- No. 1: DON’T HIDE YOUR CURVES!
- If you are big busted, avoid tops with bold patterns, thick ruffles, or any design that will make your top look even larger
- If you have cellulite you don’t want to share, make sure to avoid thin or unlined pants and skirts
- Avoid baggy tops, strait/rectangle shaped dresses, or anything that will hide your curves can make you look shapeless and frumpy  



The Rectangle, Ruler, or Banana body type (the most rare figure):
Rectangle Do’s:
Rectangle Don’ts:
- Tops and dresses that clinch below your bust or at the natural waist add natural curve
- Circle skirts, A-line dresses, pleated, and bias cuts are all flattering; try them all to find which suite your personality, age, weight, and taste the best!
- Bias cuts and halter tops hug your curves, accentuating your natural femininity
- Vertical and checkered patterns
- Low rise jeans/pants will elongate your torso
- Dropped waist and straight dresses will give you a boyish figure
- Crop tops and jackets also emphasize the length of your torso
- Thin belts will only make you look larger


Check out this 5 minute video if you need assistance finding out which body type you are!

 
Find more at:
 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Determining the Best Hair Style for your Face Type

Whether you are getting your haircut today or not for another few months, here are some tips to find the right hairstyle for you!
A Great Haircut Style will do two things for you:
  1. Minimize unappealing attributes about your face (as if there are any) and
  2. Promote your complimentary features

Oval Face Shape
TRY any shape and style; short, long, layered or bobbed but be sure to consider is which feature of your face you wish you avoid. Oval faces are complimented by height on top, wispy or side-swept bangs, and long relaxed curls.
AVOID hairstyles that cover your face or hang in your eyes, straight cut bangs, medium cut perms, or feathered long layers.

Round Face Shape
TRY volume at the crown and sleek sides. Hairstyles with height to give length to your face, also longer hairstyles have the same lengthening effect. The round face shape is perfect for a middle or off-center part, no bangs (or swept across--we want to see your widow's peak!), and straight or (VERY) soft curls.
AVOID volumed bob/short cuts that promote facial width; as little volume at the sides as possible! Bangs will cover your forehead and essentially shorten your face while accentuating width and roundness.

Square Face Shape
TRY soft, flowing, middle part, light layers. Medium or long hairstyles look the best. Wispy bangs and off center parts will accentuate roundness in a square face.
AVOID heavy bangs, strait hairstyles, center parts, and straight bob cuts.

Heart Face Shape
TRY a chin-length (or longer) bob, narrow bangs, and no volume on the sides. If you can add bangs, you can pull off most hairstyles! Long hair with lots of waves and fullness will be very complimentary.
AVOID bearing all by showing every inch of your forehead; no short hairstyles without bangs! You don't want height at your crown or slicked back hair.

Triangular Face Shape
TRY shorter hairstyles with waves or curls. Triangular faces are complimented by off-center parts, height/fullness at the crown, and tapering around the jawline. Layered hairstyles soften the jaw line. Shorter is better than longer.
AVOID long hairstyles, center parts, solid bob cuts, and too much height/fullness at the crown (we walk a fine line so lets not 'bump it').

Diamond Face Shape
TRY soft, draping, side swept bangs or side parts with gentle sweeping lines. Longer hairstyles tucked behind the ears or short pixie cuts, with a Diamond shaped face, most styles will look great on you with bangs!
AVOID cropped hairstyles with too much spike or height--you want hair on your neck and framing your chin. Also avoid middle parts that will elongate the face.

Oblong Face Shape
TRY long side-swept bangs and lots of side volume! Longer top layers and no height--for example the wedge and the graduated bob are very flattering.  Hairstyles that turn under or kick out between chin and shoulder length will add volume. All layered styles add body--try this with wavy textures. Oblong faces are the best for bangs!
AVOID straight, heavy bangs and sleek, slim sides and added height will only elongate the oblong face shape. No middle parts.

Having a hard time determining what haircut best suits your facial type? Consider asking one of our hair stylists for a consultation.
  


Monday, August 6, 2012

8 Foods for Better Hair & Skin

watermelon heart

8 Foods for Better
Hair & Skin

Beans Carrots Dark Greens Eggs Fish Green Tea Tomatoes Strawberries
1.       Beans—All beans and lentils are rich sources of biotin, iron, proteins, and zinc which make them amazing foods for hair growth! Beans are also great sources of Vitamin E and Selenium; vitamin E stimulates collagen and elastin production in skin cells while selenium improves elasticity and protection from sun damage—combined they will make your skin feel toned and youthful.

2.       Fish—Omega 3 fatty acids will help condition hair inside out; the result is shiny and hydrated hair making Fish arguably the best food for your hair. Omega 3s contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which has been shown to increase the time it takes for skin to burn; enjoy that sashimi and sun protection. Nuts and specifically Walnuts can be a great alternative to fish because their good fats and oils are great for your complexion.

3.       Eggs—PROTEINS! Proteins help hair regain strength and elasticity. Eggs are also an excellent source of the mineral Selenium which has been shown to improve skin elasticity and protect from sun damage. Not into eggs? As an alternative try low-fat dairy products because they are rich in proteins. Also try whole grain cereals or garlic to increase your selenium intake.

4.       Carrots—Carrots are so rich in vitamin A that they will work wonders for hair and scalp. They will help maintain the natural balance of your scalp so there is no discomfort associated with excess shedding of the scalp or dandruff. Carrots are also rich in beta carotene—a nutrient that is known to help the skin protect itself from the sun.

5.       Dark Greens-Rich source of vitamin A and C; enjoy spinach or broccoli to live a dandruff-free life. These vitamins add natural shine and conditioning to your hair. Vitamins A and C stimulate collagen and elastin production in skin cells to keep your skin looking plump, textured, and toned. Kale and Spinach are rich sources of antioxidants to help battle the free-radicals that are aging and degenerating your skin.

6.       Green Tea—One of the greatest secrets to better skin: cut down on our caffeine because it leads to dehydration. Green Tea is the perfect way to cut down on the caffeine while improving your skin! Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds in Green Tea which help fight sun damage, protect from harmful rays, combat the aging effects of sun exposure and support the immune system.

7.       Tomatoes—Red fruits and veggies are packed with the antioxidant Lycopene. Like most antioxidants, Lycopene eliminates damaging free-radicals that would contribute to burning and aging of your skin. When you eat Olive Oil in conjunction with other lycopene-rich foods, it will help your body absorb lycopene (making your lycopene intake more efficient and effective) as well as boosting your natural SPF.

8.       Strawberries—Strawberries are really just the beginning of the larger fruit category. Strawberries will help protect your skin from sun damage and deliver overall better skin complexion. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C (so are oranges, grapefruit, guava, papaya, and plums) which will help replace the nutrients lost during the day, sooth inflammation from sun exposure, and boost collagen production. The best fruits to go for are antioxidant rich—the brighter and more concentrated the color, the more antioxidants so reach for red, purple, and orange fruits to see results of better skin. Bananas and raisins are an amazing fruit pair: the B6 from bananas will keep hair follicles healthy while iron from raisins transport plenty of oxygen to the scalp to prevent hair loss and breakage while boosting hair growth.
Just so you know:
Antioxidants fight harmful chemicals known as ‘free radicals’ which make the skin look dull and tired.

Although many of these foods will help your skin's natural defences against sun damage, we highly encourage your continued use of sunscreen.

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