S.E.X. and the City: Dorothy Perkins Dress

I haven't been inspired or moved by many pieces this summer but I saw this dress and fell in love. It's classic yet trendy and it combines everything that I love....polka dots,cinched waist, and it's belted! So I thought I would share it with you guys. It's by Dorothy Perkins and it costs about $32.

Khaki Spot Toe Waist Dress

P.S. If you're looking for cute trendy plus size clothes then check out the Dorothy Perkins website. I'm sure you'll find something you love!!!

Face Forward: Sunny Summer Beauty Tips

Summer is upon us you know what that means....it's time for swimming, beaches, cookouts and fun in the sun! This also means that it maybe time to make a few changes in our beauty routine. So here are a few tips to get you through the hot sunny days of summer.

1. Drink plenty of water. Water is not only good for your body but it does wonders for your skin. So drink up!

2. Don't forget the sun block. Everyone needs sun block...even those of us with darker skin. The sun can do some serious damage to your skin, especially to your face. To avoid dry blotchy skin apply sun block after your moisturizer.

3. Ditch the foundation. Foundation is much too heavy for the summer heat. It melts and runs and that is never cute. Instead opt for a tinted moisturizer, a light powder, or just skip the makeup all together.

4. Become a bronze goddess. Bronzer looks good on everyone. It's a simple makeup look that gives the appearance that you have been slightly kissed by the sun.

5. Get bold. Try out a bright lipstick. This is the easiest way to make a statement without a lot of makeup or work. If you feel really daring spice up your look with a bright eyeshadow.

6. Don't forget to moisturize. The sun often makes the skin shiny and oily and in turn we ditch our moisturizer until the cooler weather returns. This is a big no no! Moisturizer serves as your skin's protection. It keeps your skin looking young and healthy... and no one likes to look old. So slather it on.

7. Wash your face. This should be done at least twice a day. This will keep your skin fresh and blemish free. Keep in mind that you may have to alter you skin regimen because of the weather. So pay attention to what you skin is doing and adjust accordingly.

8. Exercise. Do I even have to say why this is so important? Exercise keeps you healthy, looking good, and it helps to keep your skin looking great.

9. Get a pedicure....and on a regular basis. You want your toes and feet to be at their best so that you can rock all those cute sandals you've been eying.

10. Have fun! After all that's what summer is all about.

Runway St.: SPRING Into FABulous II

4. The Flat Sandal

It’s Flyy Because:

Whether gladiator, fringed, bright or metallic - the foot-friendly flat sandal is hot

Rock It With:

A spring dress or casual shorts

Complete The Look:

By adding a relaxing pedicure

Avoid:

Sandals that aren’t flattering or comfortable to your feet

If You’re Really Flyy:

Try a pair of bold gold gladiator sandals

5. The Short - Sleeve Button Up

It’s Flyy Because:

It allows you to be comfortable and fashionable at the same time

Rock it With:

A Pencil skirt (tucked in or out) or leggings

Complete The Look:

With a hobo bag or satchel

Avoid:

Pair a loose-fitting shirt with relaxed fit jeans

If You’re Really Flyy:

Go ‘geek chic’ with personality frames!

6. The Relaxed - Fit Short

It’s Flyy Because:

Showing off great legs are always fashionable

Rock it With:

A fitted polo style shirt or blouse

Complete The Look:

Add flair with a cool pair of shades

Avoid:

Shorts that are too short or too long.

If You’re Really Flyy:

Pair it with a dressy flat and lace shirt for a more polished look

Runway St.: SPRING Into FABulous

It's Springtime and we all know what that means...awesome open-toed shoes, pretty pedicures, sweet sun dresses and show-stopping shorts! It's time to do some shopping! Spring is all about fresh starts, which makes it the perfect season to liven up that wardrobe and kiss winter goodbye! So where do you begin? What do you buy? What do you need? Glad you asked!! And we're here to help. Our next few posts will focus on our view of Spring’s must haves and essentials. On your mark, get set… SPRING into FABulous!

1. The Boyfriend Blazer

It’s Flyy Because:

It’s about as versatile and wearable as clothes come - and there's something effortlessly cool about its relaxed fit

Rock It With:

Skinny jeans, tights and a shirt or a short sleeveless dress

Complete The Look:

Hoist the sleeves up for super-cute retro look

Avoid::

Suit jackets. They are different than blazers

If You’re Really Flyy:

Pop your collar and grab a clutch

2. The Jean Legging

It’s Flyy Because:

They look like jeans but are way more comfortable

Rock it With:
A casual blouse or dress them up with a boyfriend blazer

Complete The Look:
With a cute pair of flats or open toe sandals

Avoid:
Leggings that don’t fit properly or that are see thru

If You're Really Flyy:
Add some flat boots and nice statement jewelry

3. The Cardigan

It’s Flyy Because:

It’s a great way to layer on windy spring nights and will work with casual and even more formal looks if done right

Rock It With:
A nice pencil skirt and blouse or a nice pair of jeans

Complete The Look:
With chunky bracelets and a big handbag

Avoid:
Cardigans that are too tight because they’ll make you look stuffed

If You’re Really Flyy:
Pair with a ruffled blouse

(this is more appropriate with a shorter cardigan)

Editorial: The Case of the Missing Pants

It doesn’t take a genius mind to know that leggings have become a staple in any girl’s wardrobe. They are EVERYWHERE in every color, style and look imaginable. I love the way you can throw a pair on and be comfortable, stylish and even sexy all at the same time.


This hot trend, however, has also caused me some heartache. I cringe at the sight of  a legging worn wrong. It is a sad occasion that unfortunately occurs more than it should. There are five factors that contribute to the travesty of a legging worn wrong, that I will attempt to dissect and sort out. After all, a doctor cannot fix the problem unless she first makes the cut. Here we go.


Mistake #1 No consideration of what type of legging looks best for your size and leg shape.

All leggings are not created equal. Some are made of light cotton,

Garden Gem Leggings


others are made with heavier cotton, like these

CJ by Cookie Johnson 'Joy' Stretch Denim Leggings

(these are also considered Brazilian jeans in some fashion dialects).


Some are created with a little bit of lycra, like these

Pris Leggings


and some have no mercy for cellulite

Vince Lightweight Cotton Leggings

Just because it’s a legging, does not automatically qualify it as a legging for you. Take time to consider which type of legging enhances the beauty of your legs, not draws negative attention towards them. Also, I know a lot of women HATE trying clothes on, but I encourage you to take time and try leggings on, and keep trying them on until you find the right pair for you.


Mistake #2 Failure to distinguish a TIGHT from a LEGGING.

This might be my biggest pet peeve. Sure we were all probably guilty of this when leggings first hit the scene as pants replacements. But we are well into this trend. We should all know better by now. THIS is not a pants replacement.

SPANX Chain Stripe Tights
Notice how they are being worn WITH bottoms, not replacing them.


Mistake # 3 Jaded sense of Reality
This one is close to my heart because I, like so many of us out there truly believe that they would walk circles around Naomi, Tyra and Kimora if given the chance to hit the runway. However, this is not my reality. This being said, everything that hits the runway shouldn’t be coming YOUR way. Many things made for the runway are made just for the show, and look ridiculous on the average diva.

More and more, a lot of celebrities are being photographed pairing their leggings with shorter, tighter tops.

I implore you. Do not make this your reality. If you must (because I admit, we all feel ourselves from time to time), consider pairing the look with a boyfriend blazer. Trust me it make a world of difference. 

P.S. When in doubt, F** with reality.


Mistake #4 Panty FAIL

This is a big one guys! PLEASE make sure that your panty lines are not visible beneath your leggings. This is a big no no ladies! There is nothing worse than noticing a heinous panty line looming beneath the surface. It sounds basic, but trust me, it must be said!


Mistake #5 Time and Place FAIL

Ladies, there is a time and place for everything. Leggings cannot go everywhere you go. They can go from ‘cute and casual’ to ‘side-eye slutty’ in no time, depending on the occasion. Going to a classy dinner affair/date? Leave em at home. Going to work in a corporate setting? Leave ‘em at home. When in doubt- you guessed it- leave ‘em at home. I know this is contradictory to most images thrown at us, but let’s keep it sexyCLASSYcool in 2010 shall we?

Face Forward: Makeup Review - Maybelline Dream Liquid™ Mousse Foundation

• Price: 5 out of 5
•  Product: 4.5 out of 5
• Quality: 4.5 out of 5
• Packaging: 4.5 out of 5
• Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Would I Recommend: Absolutely

Where to Buy:

Local Drug Store

$7.99 - $9.99

Product Description:

·    

• Liquid - Mousse texture
• Smooth, 100% pore less finish with natural luminosity
• Air-whipped formula provides skin perfecting coverage
• Air-brushed natural perfection
• Blends effortlessly for a flawless, air-brushed finish.
• Oil-free, Fragrance-free, Dermatologist Tested, Allergy Tested, Non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores.
• Safe for sensitive skin, good for all skin types

Overall Opinion:

I’m normally a MAC girl when it comes to most makeup products but sometimes it’s just not economically wise to spend $25 for a bottle of foundation. I discovered this particular gem last year while going through a financial setback. I needed foundation but I didn’t have a lot of money to spend so I headed to my local CVS. This foundation had just been released and was on sale. Very soon after using it I was in love! I had found a foundation that gave me the same coverage as the MAC I love but for half the price. It’s a liquid foundation but it’s thicker than a lot of liquid foundations on the market. Since it is thicker a little goes a long way. It’s perfect for building coverage (Use a little more in the areas that you need) and it blends very well with your skin. When used with proper moisturizer and primer it does indeed give you an airbrush finish. My only problem with this product is that over time your face does start to look shiny. This is easily cured by using a toner before you apply the foundation to your face and using a powder to set the look once it’s been applied. This product comes in over 12 shades but matching it to browner skin tones can be a little tricky. I’ve found that if you buy both the lighter color foundation closet to your skin color and the darker foundation color closet to your skin color and mix them together you can create the perfect color. [This is a little makeup trick that works with any brand of foundation] So if you’re looking for foundation on a budget this is definitely the way to go.

Advantages:

• Very inexpensive
• Easy to use
• Covers very well

Disadvantages: 

• Can create shine over time
• Brown skin tones can be hard to match

Face Forward: Makeup Kit Essentials Part Deux [Brushes]

The proper brushes must haves for every makeup kit. Brushes work better than sponges because they don’t absorb the makeup and the also carry less oil and bacteria. Good brushes can last you for years if taken care of properly. Brushes also allow you to apply your makeup more evenly and control how much product you are using. Here are my must have brushes.

Concealer Brush: This a brush that has stiff bristles that allow you to evenly apply and build you concealer. They come in different sizes but it's generally a small brush that works wonders in covering imperfections and dark circles. I recommend Mac 195 Concealer Brush ($22 at www.maccosmetics.com) or the Revlon Concealer Brush ($9.99 at www.ulta.com or your local drug store)

Foundation Brush: The foundation brush is like the concealer brush only larger. The bristles may also be a little softer than those of the concealer brush. A good foundation brush allows you to apply your foundation evenly so that you achieve a natural look. I recommend Mac 190 Foundation Brush ($32 at www.maccosmetics.com ) or NYX Foundation Brush ($8 at www.nyxcosmetics.com)

Blush Brush: For blush application a good fluffy angled brush works best. It allows you to apply the blush in a way to contour your face and cheek bones. My favorites are Mac 168 Contour Brush ( $32 at www.maccosmetics.com) and Sonia Kashuk Large Angle brush. ($9.99 at www.target.com)

Eye Shadow Brush: This brush allows you to apply eyeshadow by effectively building color. A good eye shadow brush will allow you to add as little or as much color as wanted or needed. My picks are MAC 213 Fluff Brush ($22.50 at www.maccosmetics.com ) and Sonia Kashuk Large Eye Shadow Brush ($9.99 at www.target.com)

Eye Shadow Blending Brush: This brush is best when you are wearing more than one color eye shadow on your eye. The brush usual has soft dome shaped bristles. It allows you to BLEND the colors and to get rid of harsh lines. My favorites are the MAC 217 Blending Brush ( $22.50 at www.maccosmetics.com ) and the E.L.F. blending brush ( $1 at www.eyeslipsface.com)

Full Face Brush: This fluffy face brush has many uses. The most important is to BLEND your foundation. This brush allows for effective blending of your foundation at the neck and hair line. It can also be used to add a pressed powder finish to your makeup. I recommend the MAC 129 Powder Brush ($34 at www.maccosmetics.com) and the Sonia Kashuk Large Powder Brush ($19.99 at www.target.com)