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Wanna know what it takes to make an outfit go from flab to fab? Check out these under-things designed to suck, tuck, and smooth out your jelly:
Smooth out back-fat and muffin top with 1. Lipo in a Box at lipoinabox.com
Want to look good in a form-fitting dress or top? Go to the brand celebs know and love for their red carpet looks: Spanx! 2. Hide and Sleek Bodysuit with Thong Back $54 at spanx.com 3.
Hide & Sleek Full Bodysuit $88 at spanx.com 4. Power Panties $30 at spanx.com 5. Slim Cognito Body Shaping Cami $74 to $78 at spanx.com
Have excess tummy flab due to having a baby or eating too many carbs during lunch? Try 6. Yummie Tummie Tanks at yummietummie.com to smooth out and have your tummy flab virtually disappear!
Need a bra that can multi-task? Whether you’re wearing a halter top, a low-back dress, or anything else unfriendly to normal bras, check out 7. 100 Way Bra $50-$56 at Victoria’s Secret
Wearing something super low-cut and can’t go without a bra? You need 8. U-Plunge Push Up Bra $38-$41 at Victoria’s Secret
Stubborn arm flab got you down? Try the first-ever arm shape wear for women 9. Flabuless at flabulessu.com
Need a bra that can hold up the girls, but doesn’t show through your t-shirts? Check out 10. Body by Victoria Ipex Demi Bra $45-48 at Victoria’s Secret
Hate the idea of VPL (visible panty lines) but can do without a thong? Try 11. No-Show Low Rise Panties 3 for $25 at Victoria’s Secret. They come in “nude” shades suitable for many skin tones!
If you’re rocking low-rise jeans or pants, you need a panty that can go the distance (so to speak). Try 12. Body by Victoria Bare Ultimate Hip-Hugger Panties 3 for $30 at Victoria’s Secret
Say you’re a plus-sized hottie tired of the dark marks that bras leave on your shoulders and that really don’t support the girls like they should. You need 13. Butterfly Bra $44 at Ashley Stewart. With double back wrap back panels and graduated push-up gel pads, the Butterfly Bra offers comfort and support for your back, bust, and shoulders. It also eliminates back fat and bulges for a smoother look.
If you’re a C-cup or smaller and can use a bit of a push-up or added “oomph”, check out 14. Style Secrets Adhesive Push-ups $18 at Victoria’s Secret and 15. Intimissimi Gel Inserts $10 at Victoria’s Secret
OK, I know that H&M is supposed to be the go-to for the fashionista-on-a-budget, but I have some things to say about the quickly becoming nationwide mass retailer.
Eight years ago, I remember walking one inch at a time in the over-crowded first H&M store to hit U.S. soil on 5th Avenue. You could find unique fashions at great prices and of decent quality. You felt like you were in on a little secret when you shopped in H&M. Nowadays though, I feel like since H&M gained popularity, the demand for more of their clothing led to quick (and often times low quality) mass productions. And now with stores in 22 states, that cute $79 hot pink winter coat you spotted in there is also being worn by your neighbor, your classmate, your best friend, and (gasp) your boss!
Another issue with H&M is that prices have gone way up north for duds of lesser quality. The other day I spotted a seemingly cute blazer at an H&M in Long Island, but when I picked it up, the price tag read $49.90 yet the single button on the jacket looked like it was bungee jumping! And that was just the least of the low quality goods I’ve seen at H&M—many of which were priced $49.90 and higher. Many items screamed “cheap” instead of “fashion forward”. What gives?
All isn’t bad for the retailer though. There are items you should be buying from stores like H&M, such as basic v-neck tees (I got one for $5.90 3 years ago and wear it all the time under jackets, sweaters, and on its own and the quality has yet to fade), accessories like hats (they have some really stylish winter hats), and the occasional pair of jeans. And if you mix a great find at H&M with a higher-end piece, no one will be the wiser. Just don’t go head-to-toe H&M.
So if you’re on a budget but are hopelessly stylish, what do you do? For one, you remember that buying cheap clothing is a false economy. When it comes to shopping, I go back to simple junior high math formulas:
You want the price per wear to be as low as possible. And you get the lowest price per wear by buying good quality items that can be mix and matched with items already in your closet for years and years to come. For instance, take a pair of $200 Joe’s Jeans skinny jeans in dark denim. You could get away with wearing them twice a week. In just one season, the price per wear of those jeans is $8.33 ($200 divided by 24 wears), but when you realize that those jeans will last you more than one season, the price per wear goes down even more. But say you bought a pair of $19 jeans from Forever 21 and could only wear them twice because after the second wash, you noticed the color faded and the material ripped, it cost you $10 per wear. See the difference?
If you like to be unique in your wardrobe, then you know mass retailers are not where you’ll get unique pieces from. Instead try looking in your neighborhood thrift stores (or even ebay!) for great vintage finds at even greater prices. You can always replace buttons or add a belt for a small additional price. And there’s nothing wrong with shopping off-season for great designer investment pieces to add to your wardrobe. Many luxury retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Bergdorf Goodman offer great end-of-season sale prices. You just have to be patient.
For questions about style and shopping, email style911@myurbanglamour.com
See you there!
1. Aminaka Wilmont Leather Biker Jacket $1995 at net-a-porter.com 2. Stella McCartney Single Button Tailored Jacket $1575 at net-a-porter.com 3. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Biker Style Boots $445 at net-a-porter.com 4. Diamond Pattern Tights $16.50 at Banana Republic 5. Steven by Steve Madden Sumee $149.95 at Steve Madden 6. Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette 26 $315 at Louis Vuitton 7. Resin Bead Necklace $38 at Banana Republic 8. Steve Madden Zinnia $109.95 at Steve Madden
Check out these fab fall looks seen on celebs this week:
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! What better way to show your support (and your hair) than with the purchase of Ojon Revitalizing Mist for Breast Cancer Awareness? Remember Logic from back in high school? Well, Ojon Revitalizing Mist is to your hair as MAC Fix+ Spray is to your face!
This weightless, pre-styling, leave-in conditioner strengthens and protects dry, damaged, and chemically-treated hair as it prepares it for styling. Formulated with 100 percent pure Ojon® palm nut oil, this unique “shake to activate” formula is completely alcohol-free and will not weigh the hair down. Perfect!
Whenever you want to give your hair a quick boost, spritz a few sprays of this stuff in your hair! You can also use it as a leave-in conditioner or to prep your hair before heat styling. Another plus–it also gives your hair a pretty aroma. Get it now because this spray is limited edition and will be gone soon!
With all the craziness going on in the economy these days, many people are pinching pennies and keeping their Marc Jacobs wallets zipped TIGHT. While cutting back is smart in uncertain times, you don’t have to sacrifice your style to save a buck.
1. High/Low. The stock market isn’t the only thing hitting highs and lows these days—so should your wardrobe! Head-to-toe designer looks can come across as too obvious and even pretentious. True fashionistas mix high-end pieces with low-end finds.
Items you should spend money on because of their long shelf-life (items that are so well-made, you wear them time after time, year after year): a well-tailored coat, a pair of pumps that can dress up anything from work pants to jeans, a good leather bag, a cashmere sweater, a well-tailored suits, and a well-fitting pair of jeans. Things you can catch a deal on that can also add character to your wardrobe: basic v-neck tees in black and white, hats, driving gloves, earrings, bold colored nail polish, etc.
2. Designer Desires. Have your eye on a $1,000+ Louis Vuitton bag, but can’t see yourself paying so much? Try the Louis Vuitton Poche Toilette! Prices range from $250-$315 so you won’t spend a grip AND you’ll have a cute authentic LV clutch.
Another way to indulge in your favorite designer without breaking the bank is via their makeup line. So if you’re craving an Yves Saint Laurent Le Smoking but would have to be smoking something to think you could afford it, check out the YSL Beauty line instead. Not only are the colors rich and fashion-forward, but they come in such chic cases!
3. Get on the List. Sign up for email alerts at your favorite retailers to be in on future sales. Sometimes stores have “secret sales” where they only send coupons via email. Because the economy has many Americans scared to spend, retailers are stuck with merchandise they need to sell off quickly. You might also want to get your favorite store’s credit card as you’re likely to getting even more savings when you use it (be sure to limit yourself to no more than 2 store credit cards and keep your balance low enough so that you can pay it off within a month or two otherwise you’ll lose your savings in finance charges)
4. The Remix. Don’t let Puffy be the only one making it happen with the remix! There are items in your closet right now that with some imagination and a quick trip to a tailor, can look like a brand new, totally different item! You can also browse your neighborhood thrift for items that with a little attention can make the move from 1978 to 2008.
5. Girls’ Night Out(let). Outlet shopping can be a really great way to snag a season’s worth of great wardrobe items at a fraction of the cost. But the key to really getting the most out of your trip is through planning and scheduling. Log on to Outlet Bound to find a shopping center near you.
What other methods do you use to get by and stay fly in an uncertain economy? Tell us in the comments 🙂
I couldn’t have written this better myself–LifeScript.com breaks down the top ten makeup mistakes and how to avoid them:
Makeup Mistake #1: Dark lip liner and light lipstick
Makeup Mistake #3: Drawn-in eyebrows
If your brows are super-thin, Sheriff recommends making short, feathery strokes with a pencil, then topping brows with powder. (See related article: Your Guide to the Perfect Eyebrows)
For a perfect eye, draw a line along the root of the lashes from the inner to outer corner. At the outer edge, subtly slant the line upward. Extend the line no farther than a quarter inch past your eye (or just a tad bit farther for a more dramatic look). Use your eyebrow as a guide: Don’t take the line past its edge.
Makeup Mistake #5: Clumpy Mascara
Before the mascara dries, comb through your lashes with an old toothbrush or an eyelash comb to separate them and get rid of the gunk. If you want, apply a second coat, then comb through again.
“After you dip the brush into the blush, knock it gently on the back of your hand to get rid of excess powder,” says Sheriff, who has worked with Alicia Keys and Hilary Duff.
Smile and apply the blush in short, upward strokes on the apples of your cheeks, blending up to the hairline and ear. “It will give you a flushed, natural glow,” Sheriff says. If you apply too much, tone down the color with a light dusting of translucent powder.
Finding your best blush color may require some experimentation… or a visit to a makeup counter. But as a rule of thumb, bright colors are a definite don’t. When in doubt, stick with a pinky/peach hue with a soft shimmer.
Dark blue mascara can brighten up the whites of your eyes, which is especially useful when you’re tired or your eyes are bloodshot. “It’s pretty on all eye colors and flattering to everyone,” Berg says.
If blue still seems too outrageous, you can go for a more subtle look by applying regular black mascara and just tipping the edges of your lashes with blue, Berg suggests. (See related article: Beauty Trends You’re Afraid to Try)
Makeup Mistake #8: Caking on foundation over bad skin
For fine lines: Mix in a little moisturizer with your foundation, which will prevent the formula from seeping into the lines.
For blemishes: “Mineral makeup can give great coverage for pockmarks and acne,” Berg says.
Makeup Mistake #9: Foundation line on jaw
Sheriff points out that our necks are often a different color than our faces and chests, so it’s important to blend foundation down into the neck for a uniform color. Use a makeup sponge to create a seamless edge.
Since 40 is the new 20 and older women are putting more and more effort into their looks, style does not end at 35. The key to looking good at any age, is with well-tailored classics and unexpected bursts of color via stylish accessories. Be extra careful not to fall into the trap of wearing what the younger generation is wearing to look youthful—you will appear as if you’re trying too hard.
Tips for Beauty and Style at Any Age:
1. The number of birthdays you’ve had does not dictate when you should cut your hair. What does dictate a fresh new cut is your face shape and lifestyle. Whatever you decide, go for well structured cuts, adding low-lights for depth.
2. Mature skin can have the tendency to be dry, so look for rich moisturizers in both face creams and foundations. Always keep skin protected from the sun.
3. When it comes to make-up, matte finishes are your best bet. Not only can shimmer look like you’re channeling your teen years, but they are also unforgiving to wrinkles.
4. Don’t be afraid of trying “lunch-time” procedures such as Botox, but definitely do your research first and make sure you only allow a reputable doctor to perform these procedures on you.
Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Jabot Wool Coat at net-a-porter.com. Aminaka Wilmont Leather Biker Jacket at net-a-porter.com. Emilio Pucci Cropped Balloon Sleeve Jacket at net-a-porter.com. Diane von Furstenberg Sabra Long Coat at net-a-porter.com. Bill Blass Pressed Boucle Dress at net-a-porter.com. Bottega Veneta Wool High-Waisted Skirt at net-a-porter.com. Fendi Wool Wide-Leg Pants at net-a-porter.com. Bill Blass Flamenco Backless Blouse at net-a-porter.com. Rupert Sanderson Kit Kat Shoe Boots at net-a-porter.com. Rupert Sanderson Delta Pointed Platform at net-a-porter.com. Miu Miu Large PVC Tote at net-a-porter.com. Mulberry Ostrich Bayswater Bag at net-a-porter.com
Hotter Lips
Turn old into new! Instead of buying all new lipsticks, layer your existing shades to create fun fall options. Combine brown and pink to make a sultry rose, red and purple for plum, and coral and red for fuchsia.
Make your red lipstick racier. Apply pressed powder in between coats to intensify your everyday red lipstick. “The powder pulls out the oil from the lipstick, so you’re left with a deep, matte stain, which is exactly the kind of effect you want right now,” says Chantel Miller, MAC senior makeup artist. Her pick: MAC Select Sheer/ Pressed Powder, $21.
Outline your pucker with a brow pencil. To prevent your bold lip color from creeping past the corners, “rim your mouth with a flesh-colored brow pencil—its waxy formula is great at preventing any smudging,” says Matin, Neutrogena cosmetic-science expert.
Pat foundation over your lips. The nude, mod lip is the balance to this season’s rich colors. You don’t even need any lipstick to pull it off. “Just dip a makeup sponge in foundation, press it to your lips, and let it dry for a few seconds,” says Shane Paish, Dior global makeup adviser. “Finish it off with a clear lip gloss to add some shine, and you’re good to go.” Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect in Tulle, $24.50, is great for this trick.
Fresh, Flawless Skin
Rub face primer on your body. Skin-revealing dresses are still in for fall, so your legs and arms need to shine. The pros smooth on regular makeup primer. “Primers contain light diffusers that even out and enhance your skin tone,” explains Miller. “So it’s great to apply them anywhere you want to draw extra attention.” We like Lancôme’s La Base Pro, $42.
Swirl cherry lip gloss on your cheeks. Dick Page, artistic director for Shiseido the Makeup, recommends using bright red gloss or balm on your apples to enhance your natural glow. “You can layer on more or less to get the exact level of rosiness that you want,” he says. Try Nivea’s Cherry Tinted Lip Care, $2.99.
Trade bronzer for blush. To get the chiseled cheekbones from the catwalks, sweep bronzer (instead of powder blush) onto the hollows of the cheeks. “This creates shadows and depth so your cheekbones stand out more,” notes Paish. You also can use a darker shade of powder that’s left over from summer.
“Paint” on your foundation. Models looked especially airbrushed on the fall runways. To get the look: Use a makeup brush to put on liquid foundation. “The bristles evenly distribute the product, so you get this soft veil of coverage,” says Miller. When going over tricky areas (like under the eyes or around the nose), squeeze the tip to flatten the edge to smooth out lines. Every few days, remember to wash your brush with shampoo to remove buildup.
Instantly Alluring Eyes
Maximize your blush. Take a creamy rose blush, and apply it in a half-moon shape under your brow bone and over the tops of your cheekbones. “You’ll get a subtle sheen that draws attention to your eyes and makes your face glow,” explains Page.
Tap lip gloss under your brows. Sounds crazy, but patting on a soft, shimmery pink gloss helps highlight and lift your eyes, says Paish. Use a nonsticky formula (so your lashes don’t get stuck!), and blend in.
Wear contrasting eye-shadow colors. It’s a hot trend for fall, but just work with what you already have. Apply a bright, intense hue (like purple) on your upper lids, then drag a softer hue (pearly green) along your lower lash line, recommends Page.
Put bronzer on your lashes. Comb loose bronze powder through lashes instead of mascara. “You’ll get a subtle sparkle that’s so sexy for night since it catches the light,” says Miller. One swipe should do it— you don’t want any excess flakes to fall under your eyes. Try MAC Pigment Powders, $19.50.
Seasonless Beauty Secrets
Some makeup tips are so good, they work any time of the year.
DEFINE YOUR BROWS. Use mascara to accentuate your shape and conceal any patchy gaps. We like working with Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara, $19.50, since it has a mousselike texture.
CONCEAL DARK CIRCLES. Dust a thin line of taupe shadow under your lower lashes to offset any bluish under-eye circles, says Matin. “It’s an insider trick if you’re running low on concealer,” he adds. Try Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Iced Coffee, $8.49.
PLUMP YOUR LIPS. Sparkly eye shadow dabbed in the center of your lips gives the effect of fullness. “The shimmer draws light, so your lips seem to bow out naturally,” explains Miller. We like Laura Mercier Eye Colour in Primrose, $22.
GET GLOWY. Mix a pinch of metallic eye shadow into face lotion to warm your complexion. Our pick: American Beauty Copper Glow, $15.50.
Over the summer, we ran the Urban Glamour Summer Beauty Super Giveaway, where once a week for 7 weeks, readers had the chance to win some of my most favorite beauty items. One of our readers was gracious enough to do a review of her prize, the Ojon Tawaka “The Ball”
Nice! Thanks for your comments, S 🙂
I personally have thought extensively about consuming this product because it smells so GREAT (and there was a slight chocolate shortage in my apartment, so the Ojon Tawaka Ball was almost a done deal…lol). You can grab one for yourself at sephora.com!
My Urban Glamour: Style and Beauty Tips from Stylist and Makeup Artist Danielle Gray 