Category Archives: STYLE

fashion, style, beauty, interior design, and all things glam and chic

Health and Beauty Do’s and Don’ts from Vintage Educational Videos

Meet Don and Sue. They’re neat, attractive young adults who’ve got it all figured out. They’re the kind of people you’d like to know, at least according to the narrator of “How to Be Well Groomed.” Produced by Coronet Films in 1949, this vintage educational video was part of a new wave of “social guidance” films that were meant to teach the public how to be well-adjusted, attractive, healthy and even popular.

They’re funny little time capsules of social norms from another era. Maybe it’s the perky background music, stiff acting or the outdated advice, but we laugh every time we watch them. Yet, maybe there’s something to be learned from them? Have standards of grooming and self-care changed all that much since the 40s? We took a closer look at “How to Be Well Groomed” to see if it stands the test of time and pulled out some “dos” and “don’ts” that you can apply to your own life in the new millennium.

 

“How to Be Well Groomed”

DO: Keep your clothes pressed and mended.

Our hearts melted a little when Don starts ironing. This un-heteronormative expression of self-care was completely unexpected in a film made in 1949. Whatever your gender, clean clothes make a difference, and getting them ready the night before helps make mornings less stressful.

pressing clothes

DON’T: Only stick with clear nail polish.

Poor Sue. Sue thinks she has “stubby hands.” She avoids red nail polish so as not to draw attention to them. We disagree! Sue, your hands are beautiful. You should wear whatever color nail polish makes you happy, whether it’s red, black or none at all. Today, women (and men) are expressing themselves through elaborate nail art more than ever before. It’s a relatively inexpensive and temporary way of trying out a whole new style.

 

get your beauty sleep

DO: Get eight hours of sleep.

While every body is different, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that most adults get 7-9 hours of sleep per night to feel rested and stay healthy. Sticking to a sleep schedule (even on weekends), practicing a relaxing bedtime routine and sleeping on a comfortable mattress all help with sleep hygiene. Don and Sue don’t need to think about turning off their smartphones at bedtime, but we all should. The light from electronic devices can affect your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall and stay asleep.

beauty sleep 2

DON’T: Stick to conventional fashion choices.

Check out the fantastic print on this buttondown! Sadly, Don chooses a rather dull version to pair with his trousers instead. We think he should embrace the idea of “jolie laide,” the French term for “pretty ugly” that means taking fashion risks and even wearing clashing prints. Why not? Life is short. Make a statement.

fashion choices

DO: Clean your fingernails in private.

Absolutely. There’s no excuse for clipping nails in public. Ever.

clipping nails

DO: Choose a hairstyle that looks right on you.

The “right” hairstyle doesn’t have to be conventional or boring, though. Sometimes going blue is just as “right” as staying natural.

dying hair

DON’T: Stress over breakfast. 

Recent research has debunked the modern belief that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Based on the results of two new studies, it turns out that eating first thing in the morning has inconclusive impact on weight loss or general well being. Some people are breakfast people and others simply aren’t. Gretchen Reynolds of the New York Times, sums it up nicely: “if you like breakfast, fine; but if not, don’t sweat it.”

 

hearty breakfast

Ask a Pro: What’s the Deal with Makeup Brushes?

They come in all shapes and sizes and cover all price points. You can find them pretty much everywhere and you likely use one or more in your daily makeup routine. But how much do you really know about makeup brushes? We wanted to get the scoop on which brushes are the best and for what uses, so we consulted professional makeup artist Tiana Holiday and here’s what she had to say.

You must have good quality brushes and they must be clean. You can invest in a brush cleaner and use it with a paper towel daily, but along with that, cleaning them weekly with warm to hot water and a gentle liquid hand soap or baby shampoo will do the trick.

I am a huge fan of MAC brushes, although they have a steep price. Just know that I have had some of my favorite brushes for over 15 years. Remember, the better the bristles, the better they apply the products. And in general, when it comes to selecting brushes, the darker the color, the smaller the brush you should use.

girl makeup brushes

I prefer the Fluffy brushes, like MAC #217, which is my eyeshadow holy grail. I use it in a circular motion to blend the colors and I use a different brush for each color.

Other main eyeshadow brushes are the MAC pencil brush #219 to smoke out the bottom eyeliner and apply a crease color.


For foundation and concealers, I love the Beauty Blender. You can get one at Sephora, or even online from Amazon. MAC brush #168 is my go to for highlight and contour powders. Stila has the best powder brush that I use for bronzer. You can find it online . I also love MAC #182 Kabuki Buffer brush for powders.

MAC #208 is my favorite eyebrow brush. Lastly, as an Artist, I have to use MAC mascara brush #205 on my clients.

 

Tiana Holiday is a professional makeup artist with 17+ years experience in the industry working with celebrities, on music videos and commercials, weddings, private clients, photoshoots and fitness models. She is the owner of Tiana Rae Artistry.

How to Style Mixed Prints: A Guide for Beginners

Fashion is all about having fun, but the idea of mixing prints can leave style newbies feeling more than a little stressed. If you’re wondering how to wear leopard with polka dots or debating if plaid ever goes with florals, have no fear. We’re offering up some simple guidelines on how to style mixed prints like a pro.

5 Easy Ways to Style Mixed Prints

1. Keep Things in Proportion

mixed prints outfit

Mixing prints is a bit of a balancing act. You want to choose pieces that work together in perfect harmony without clashing or competing with one another. A no-fail formula is to pair a small print with a bold one. (Think broad stripes with dainty florals.) Essentially, the bold print will dominate and the smaller one will serve as more of an accent.

Try:

mixed prints pieces

J.Crew Silk Button-Up Shirt in Party Dot, $79.99
J.Crew Tie-Waist Short in Clip Dot, $55.99

2. Look for a Common Hue

floral mixed prints outfit

One of the simplest rules for mixing prints is looking for pieces with similar color palettes. Make sure both designs share at least one hue to guarantee a cohesive presentation, but don’t feel pressured to find exact matches. For example, you can mix and match a pastel shade of blue with a richer sapphire shade for a more intriguing combination.

Try:

mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Button-Up Lace Top, $120
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Wide-Leg Pant, $138

3. Play With Details

mixed prints outfit

When it comes to styling mixed prints, it’s important to use details to your advantage. If you’re searching for a piece that will work with a particularly bold print (like camo or all-over florals), you may want to choose a statement piece with sequin embellishments or perforated faux leather as an alternative to basic solids. These little details take an outfit to the next level without looking too busy or complicated.

Try:

pieces for a mixed prints outfit

J.Crew Sequin Floral Embroidered Cotton Jackie Cardigan, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Tank Top, $98
J.Crew X Abigail Borg Silk Slip Skirt, $128

4. Invert the Colors

polka dot mixed prints outfit

Another helpful approach to mixing prints is choosing two styles with inverted color palettes. For example, style a white button-down blouse covered in navy dots with a navy skirt covered in white dots. It’s simple but oh so effective.

Try:

polka dot mixed prints shirt and pants

J.Crew Drapey Tie-Neck Top in Polka Dot, $79.50
J.Crew Boyfriend Chino Pant in Polka Dot, $79.50

5. Stick With the Same Pattern

outfit using mixed prints

One of the biggest mistakes most people make when they begin styling mixed prints is looking for pieces that are too opposite. It’s actually fine (and oftentimes better) to choose designs that are similar. Pair two different floral pieces with one another to turn separates into a dress, or go for a mod look with stripes on stripes or gingham on gingham. Just stick to the rule of two when you’re first getting started so as not to overcomplicate things. (Don’t worry; you’ll graduate to Rebecca Bloomwood status soon enough.)

Try:

mixed patterns jackets

J.Crew Ruffle-Neck Bomber Jacket in Gingham, $64.99
J.Crew Relaxed Boy Shirt in Crinkle Gingham, $59.50

 

Do you regularly mix and match your prints, or are you a mixed prints rookie? Let us know your styling concerns and fashion tips in the comments section below!

Is a Fringe Haircut Right for You? 9 Things You Need to Consider

From Louise Brooks’ iconic blunt bangs to Alexa Chung’s curtain-style ‘do, there’s nothing quite like a fringe haircut to get us all in the mood for a makeover. But before you run off to the nearest salon with a photo of Zooey Deschanel, here are nine things you’ll want to consider before you make the chop.

To Chop or Not to Chop: What to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Fringe Haircut

1. Are you a wash-and-go kind of girl?

The first thing to know about bangs is that they’re very high-maintenance — especially at first. They may want to part in a weird spot, or they might cling to your forehead. At the bare minimum, you’ll likely need to blow them dry each time you shower, and you may even have to straighten them with a flat iron. In other words, bangs could put a serious crimp in your laidback beauty routine.

Try:

flat iron for a fringe haircut

Drybar The Tiny Tress Press, $49

2. How often do you visit the salon?

Bangs don’t actually grow faster than the rest of your hair, but it certainly seems like they do. If you want your bangs to look good and behave themselves, you’ll need to schedule regular trims from a professional. Plan on visiting a salon once every two or three weeks to keep your fringe in tip-top shape.

3. What’s your shampoo schedule?

We all know by now that we shouldn’t be washing our hair every day, but getting a fringe haircut can complicate things. Bangs are closer to the scalp and forehead, which means they’re naturally oilier and will need to be washed more frequently.

That doesn’t mean you have to shampoo on a daily basis. Instead, just rinse them in the sink to keep them looking fresh (or use dry shampoo when you’re short on time).

Try:

dry shampoo for fringe haircut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $23

4. Is your hair curly or straight?

A lot of people mistakenly assume fringe hairstyles only work on straight hair. Fortunately for all you Curly Sues out there, this assumption is a straight-up myth. Just make sure your stylist does a dry cut — you don’t want to end up with super-short bangs once your curls dry. Also, anti-frizz styling products and diffuser attachments will become your new BFFs.

Try:

curly hair cream for a fringe haircut

Kerastase Discipline Cream for Curly Hair, $32

5. Is your hair fine or thick?

lesley with a fringe haircut

Different hair textures require different types of bangs. Really fine hair (like mine, pictured above) is better suited to side bangs or wispier styles, while thicker hair can better accommodate a heavy, blunt fringe. Talk to your stylist to discuss your options, and work with your texture — not against it.

6. Do you work out?

Bangs are all fun and games until it’s time to break a sweat. That’s when those pretty face-framing strands become an absolute nightmare. If you exercise on the regular, then you’ll need a strategy for dealing with your fringe. Headbands and clips are obvious must-haves, but you’ll also want to consider the aftermath of these styling solutions. Your bangs will probably need to be re-styled after your workout sesh to keep them in proper shape themselves.

Try:

headbands for a fringe haircut
H&M 2-pack Hairbands, $5.99

7. Are bangs a commitment or a fling?

Hairstyle chameleons, listen up. If you’re pretty sure you’re going to sport your new fringe for just a season or two, you may want to steer clear of a blunt cut. Side-swept bangs are much easier to grow out, and they blend better with longer hair.

8. What’s your face shape?

Bangs can work with any face shape — as long as they’re the right type of bangs. The goal with most hairstyles is to make your face appear more oval. Round faces look great with thick, choppy bangs that create the look of angles, while angular heart- and diamond-shaped faces are softened by a side-swept fringe.

9. If you’ve had bangs before, did you like them?

Your previous experience with bangs is probably the single best indicator of how you’ll like a fringe haircut now. If you loved them before, then you’ll probably love them again. If you couldn’t wait for them to grow out, then it may be best to leave that Zooey Deschanel picture at home

Are you considering rocking a fringe haircut this fall? Let us know in the comments!

Our Favorite Celebrity No-Makeup Selfies

Check out these babes for some natural, no-makeup inspiration and a reminder that true beauty has nothing to do with fake lashes or the perfect contour (although, we love that look, too)!

 

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

A post shared by Rosie HW (@rosiehw) on

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley just might be one of the most beautiful human beings to ever grace this earth. Between her big, beautiful lips and her stunning bone structure, she totally doesn’t need any makeup to enhance what she’s already got. Rosie posted a stunning makeup-less photo of herself in support of the Elephant Crisis Fund.

 

Zendaya

A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya) on

Zendaya posted a stunning makeup-free selfie wearing a plain white t-shirt. Seriously? Who looks that beautiful undone? She captioned the photo, “Yes for my white shirt being the perfect light bounce,” although we’re sure she’d still look amazing, even without that amazing lighting.

 

Cardi B

Cardi B is known for her incredible self-love, so it’s no surprise the rapper often shares makeup-less photos on her Instagram feed. Just a few short days after welcoming her baby girl, Kulture Kiari Cephus, Cardi posted a gorgeous barefaced photo with her boo, Offset, at a doctor’s appointment. Although she always looks beautiful, she’s totally got that special new mama glow!

 

Chrissy Teigen

Speaking of that glow, Chrissy Teigen absolutely has it! Chrissy and husband John Legend welcomed their second child, baby boy Miles Theodore Stephens, to the world in May. Chrissy shared an adorable makeup-less photo with new baby Miles and her daughter, Luna, enjoying a day in the sand. Chrissy captioned the photo, “guess we’re really doing this kid thing!” Ugh – she’s funny AND gorgeous.

 

Sara Sampaio

A post shared by Sara Sampaio (@sarasampaio) on

Victoria’s Secret Angel and all-around bombshell Sara Sampaio often rocks the barefaced look – in fact, even when she has her makeup done, she often opts for a more natural look (except when she wears her signature red lip)! Sara’s big lips and bold brows perfectly frame her face. It would almost be a shame to cover all of that up.

 

Lindsay Lohan

A post shared by Lindsay Lohan (@lindsaylohan) on

Lindsay Lohan has always been a proponent of freckles and hers are often on full display in her makeup-free Instagram pictures when she’s not rocking her go-to old-Hollywood glam look. Lindsay looked especially fresh-faced in a recent selfie at her beach house in Mykonos.

 

Kylie Jenner

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on

While we’re on the topic of freckles, Kylie Jenner might just have the cutest ones ever. Also a new mom, Kylie has been opting for a more natural look as of late and she still looks as beautiful as ever – even more so, if that’s humanly possible. In June, Kylie shared a stunning no-makeup selfie featuring a peek of her baby girl, Stormi.

How to Pack Efficiently for Summer Vacation

Your flight and hotel are booked, you’ve pre-ordered your Uber, and you’ve checked the weather at your destination. There’s just one thing left to do… and it’s a biggie. It’s time to pack for your vacation. While some ladies relish this job, most of us mere mortals find it strikes fear into our hearts. It can so easily go wrong. Luckily, we’ve got your back. Want to learn how to pack a suitcase efficiently? Here are some killer tips to help you get the most out of your luggage.

How to Pack Efficiently

Choose Your Colors First

If you’re the kind of lady who sticks to one color palette (oh hello, monotone wardrobe!), you can go ahead and skip this tip. You’ve got it covered. However, if your wardrobe looks more like a festival of colors than a black parade, you’ve got some thinking to do.

Since you can’t take your entire closet of clothes, you need to pick out pieces that work with one another. Before you decide what you’re going to take, choose a color style that works for your trip. It may help to select three complementary tones you can weave throughout all the outfits you choose. Simple.

Select Your Vacation Staples

vacation outfit

Next, it’s time to select your vacation staples. These are the items you will rely on when you’re away. For example, you might choose one flattering pair of jeans, a jacket, a simple yet chic dress, and a decent pair of sneakers.

Having these in your case means you’re ready for almost any situation. Stick to clothes you tend to wear frequently as you’re sure to need them while you’re away.

Pick Out “Double Duty” Items

Clothing items that serve “double duty” are a blessing. For example, you might have a simple black dress that can be worn with flats and a sunhat in the day and dressed up with heels and accessories at night. When you’re choosing the pieces you want to take with you, consider what situations you can wear them in and whether they are versatile.

Take a Few Key Accessories

Accessorizing might be your secret weapon but taking a million necklaces on your next vacay isn’t the way to go. Keep things simple. Just as you chose clothing staples, you need to focus on key pieces that can be used in a variety of situations.

When it comes to your jewelry packing, you should take one necklace, one pair of earrings, and perhaps a bracelet. Sunglasses and a large hat are essential items whether you’re heading to the beach, the pool, or on an exciting city break. However, you only need one of each of these items in your suitcase.

woman wearing a hat

Be Lean When it Comes to Shoes

Love shoes? Sit down – we need to have a little chat. Yes, you might want to take 10 pairs of shoes so you have variety but that’s not a smart move. The main problem with shoes is they are likely to be the heaviest items you pack. Keeping things lean might sound like zero fun but it will open up a whole load of room in your case.

Let’s go through the basics. You need one pair of sneakers (for walking), one pair of heels (for style), and one pair of flats (for comfort). If you’re lucky, your sneakers and flats can be the same shoes, which means you only need to take two pairs in total. Wear your flats or sneakers on the flight and simply pack the heels.

Ditch 20% of Your Packing

By now, you should have gotten to a good stage with your packing. You’ve likely pulled a whole host of items out of your wardrobe and laid them out on your bed, ready to put in your suitcase. Now comes the hardest part. Take a deep breath. It’s time to edit down your luggage.

The sorry truth about packing is that the majority of us get it wrong. We over-pack. It’s only natural you’ve slipped in a few items a) you won’t wear on vacation or b) you might wear but you could do without. Get rid of them. Aim to ditch around 20% of the items you’ve picked so far. You’ll thank yourself later.

Fold it Up (the Right Way!)

stack of folded clothes

If you’ve already read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, you’re one step ahead of the game. While her folding advice is meant for your drawers, you can easily apply it to packing a suitcase. It’s pretty simple.

Fold your clothes up and – instead of laying them flat on top of one another – put them upright. The thin edge of the folded item is all you should be able to see in the case. This technique means your clothes will be compact and you can fit more in. When it comes to your socks, you can’t fold them, but you should roll them up into sushi-type shapes.

Leave No Space Unfilled

Finally, it’s the packing golden rule: leave no space unfilled. Before you zip up your case and slip on that padlock, you need to check out your luggage. There could be spaces inside you’re letting go to waste.

For instance, you should check the corners of the case to make sure they are full. Equally, the inside of your bras and shoes can be used to store smaller items like briefs and socks.

Ready, Set, Pack!

Now that you’ve read our tips, what are you waiting for? Packing doesn’t have to be a chore. When you follow this advice, it can be pain-free and quick. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can “switch off” and start looking forward to your trip.

Must-Have Beach Bags for the Summer

Summer is here and if you’re not spending every day at the beach, you’re doing it wrong. Check out our roundup of beach bags below, pack your favorite with all of your summer essentials, find the nearest body of water (even if that body of water is a kiddie pool in your backyard), and live your best life.

 

the silicone beach bag

One of the best things about silicone beach bags is they’re completely waterproof. What’s even better than that is silicone beach bags actually repel sand. Silicone as a material is super durable and is wipe-able and washable so you’re not tracking sand all over your car. These silicone beach bags are super affordable and come in several different neon colors.

 

the sneaky beach bag

Perhaps my favorite beach bag of the bunch, PortoVino has a collection of bags you can take from the office (sans alcohol) to the beach (obviously with alcohol). With the PortoVino bag, you can conceal and carry two bottles of wine (or 1.5 L of margaritas, if you’re like me) in its insulated pocket. The bag even comes with a pouring spout so you can pour your alcoholic beverage straight from it. If you’re not into breaking the law and drinking in public, the bag is fully usable to carry other boring things, like your sunscreen and your beach towel!

 

the clear beach bag

A post shared by 360designbox (@360_design_box) on

There’s nothing worse than digging through your beach bag to find your fav pair of sunnies when there’s sand all over your hands, the sun is in your eyes, and they’re buried somewhere in the bottom — that’s where clear beach bags come in handy. These clear beach bags come with a full zipper closure so all of your belongings are safe and sound. This bag works especially well if you’re attending a summer event that requires a bag check as security can see right inside it.

 

the cooler beach bag

A post shared by Satchel. (@satchelsavannah) on

If you plan on having a complete beach day, you’re going to need some refreshments, and that’s where a beach bag with a cooler compartment comes in handy (unless you like paying $14 for beach french fries). With a cooler compartment, you can pack an entire picnic with food and drink without anything overheating or going bad in the sun. We found this cooler bag, and the amazing thing about it is the cooler compartment is completely separated so you don’t have to worry about your sunscreen mixing with your sandwich.

 

the super cute beach bag

If you’re more concerned with fashion over function (guilty), you might want to pick up a beach bag that can easily be transitioned from the beach to the bar on those long summer days that quickly and unexpectedly turn into long summer nights. My favorite type of beach bag to transition from day to night is a straw beach bag with embroidery, pom poms, or tassels. These bags look perfect and can actually help to dress up a simple beach-y outfit.

9 Summer Hair Products Every Beach Babe Will Love

The good news? Summer has officially arrived! The bad news? Summer is so hard on your hair. From chlorine encounters to high-humidity frizz, there are countless ways for a bad hair day to turn into a bad hair season. But have no fear. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite summer hair products to turn those scorched strands into the mermaid waves of your dreams.

The Best Summer Hair Products Under the Sun

1. Hair & Scalp SPF

coola scalp and hair mistYou layer sunscreen underneath your makeup or wear an SPF-infused foundation religiously. Great – just don’t forget to protect your hair and scalp while you’re at it. Try an antioxidant-rich hair mist that blocks the sun’s harsh rays while also boosting your overall hair health. This organic option from COOLA actually locks in your hair color, diminishes dullness, and deeply moisturizes for glossy locks from root to tip. Even better? It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

COOLA Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, $26

2. A Detoxifying Shampoo

summer hair productsGoing for a dip in the pool is pure bliss, but dealing with chlorine buildup is anything but. Get your tresses squeaky clean with a color-safe shampoo formulated to remove buildup along the scalp. O&M’s Original Detox Shampoo is infused with vitamin C and smells like peppermint oil. (Ahhhh.)

O&M Original Detox™ Shampoo, $31.90

3. A Protective Oil

klorane summer hair productsDreaming of white sandy beaches, saltwater oceans, and plenty of sunshine? A beach getaway may sound heavenly, but salt, sand, chlorine, and UV rays can leave you with hair that’s dry and brittle. Fortunately, a lightweight oil treatment helps you nourish and protect your hair while still enjoying the tropics.

This waterproof option from Klorane harnesses the power of ylang-ylang wax to shield your strands against the elements.

Klorane Sun Radiance Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang Wax, $18

4. A Salt-Free Wave Spray

Ouai summer hair productsSalt-based sprays are known for creating perfectly tousled waves, but salt isn’t good for color-treated or keratin-treated hair. OUAI’s Wave Spray is formulated with rice protein instead, so it gives you the textured beach waves you love without those harsh salts.

OUAI Wave Spray, $26

5. A Color Life Preserver

DPhue hair care productNot only does chlorine strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more prone to breakage, but its drying effect can turn blonde hair green and cause brunette strands to look brassy. Purple-toned shampoos and conditioners keep blonde cool and bright, while blue-toned formulas like dpHUE’s Cool Brunette shampoo and conditioner help eliminate brass.

dpHUE Cool Brunette Conditioner, $24

6. A Refreshing Hair Rinse

apple cider vinegar hair care productIf product buildup has you down, try a hair rinse that deep-cleans your scalp and conditions your strands. This spa-like apple cider vinegar formula is made with color-locking technology, and it even strengthens your hair with continued use.

dpHUE Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse, $35

 

7. A Daily Detangler

prep rallyA lazy day at the beach can quickly turn into a tangled hot mess. Try a biotin-formulated spray to smooth, strengthen, and detangle your locks. Drybar’s Prep Rally spray is cruelty-free and smells like sandalwood.

Drybar Prep Rally Prime & Prep Detangler, $23

 

8. A Smooth Brush

pink flamingo brushWhen it comes to detangling your hair, you’ll also need a comb or brush with its own smooth moves. This palm-sized Tangle Teezer slides through wet or dry hair for ultra-glossy strands – and it comes in a limited-edition pink flamingo print.

Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Summer Edition, $16

 

9. An All-in-One Travel Companion

sephora summer hair care product colllectionDesperately want all of the above but short on cash? Score bombshell waves without blowing your budget with a giant set of summer hair products. This Sephora collection lets you try 12 different products that condition, nourish, and protect your hair all season long.

SEPHORA FAVORITES Summer Hair Saviors, $38

What are your go-to summer hair products? Let us know your favorites in the comments section below!

Nutrition for Healthy, Glowing Skin

It’s true, the skin is the biggest organ in the human body. It also plays a key role in detoxification. Dealing with skin problems, particularly as an adult, isn’t just frustrating; for many, it’s embarrassing and can have profound effects on our self-esteem and confidence.

Acne is a major problem, and not only for teenagers. I see an increasing number of adult clients complaining of skin issues and desperate to find solutions. Aside from acne, other common and troublesome issues include psoriasis, eczema, rashes and hives, and athletes foot. Unfortunately, the conventional mindset for addressing all of these skin problems is often missing the mark. While topicals, ointments, gels, lotions, and cleansers might be able to help with symptoms temporarily, the real goal must be getting to the root of the problem.

So what is at the root of poor skin health? It is important to understand that if you are experiencing a skin condition, this is a sure sign of another underlying problem.

Some common triggers of skin conditions:

  • Undiagnosed food allergies/sensitivities
  • Excessive past or current exposure to environmental toxins
  • Reactions to personal hygiene products
  • Excessive sugar in the diet
  • Dehydration
  • Lack of healthy gut flora

Here are seven essential steps to treating skin from the inside out.

Hydrate!

Simple hydration is not to be underestimated in both causing and treating skin conditions. Simply put, we cannot detox properly without adequate hydration. Water flushes toxins from our body, and if there isn’t enough of it, skin problems are far more common. Shoot for half of your body weight in ounces per day, and opt for clean, filtered water whenever possible. If you are a coffee/caffeine drinker, your quantity of water should be increased, as these beverages act as diuretics, which are substances that increase urine production in the body, which promotes dehydration.

girl drink water

Discover Hidden Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Acne is a very common symptom of a food allergy or sensitivity. The foods to which we most often react include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs and grains, although an individual can be allergic to just about anything. A food elimination diet is the best (and least expensive) way to begin uncovering potential sensitivities. This involves eliminating commonly allergenic foods for no less than one month, and systematically reintroducing them in order to pinpoint which might be problematic.

raw egg in plate

Eliminate Dairy

Particularly if you’re dealing with acne, eliminating dairy in the diet should be step number one. A 2005 study released by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found a positive correlation between dairy intake and teenage acne, but this goes for adults, too. Dairy includes primarily milk, cheese, and yogurt, and some may or may not do well with butter. (Ghee, a clarified butter, is a great alternative.) Eliminate dairy completely for at least one month, and see if you notice changes. If not, move on to the more extensive elimination diet described above.

Cut Out Sugar

A close runner-up to dairy, refined sugar is a major player in skin issues. The main reason for this has to do with hormones, as excessive sugar in the diet leads to blood sugar imbalance, which negatively affects our hormone levels. Instead of refined (table) sugar, opt for maple syrup, raw honey, and naturally sweet foods such as whole fruit.

honeydew

Focus on Fats

Fortunately, our society’s obsessive fear of fats is slowly but surely dissipating, which is great news for our skin. It is true that commonly used cooking fats such as canola, soy and corn oils, along with deep-fried foods, are oxidized (rancid) before even leaving the supermarket. These fats can wreak havoc on our body systems and skin, as they create free radicals that are damaging to cells and a leading cause of systemic inflammation. However, a focus on nutritious and skin-healthy fats such as coconut, olives, flax, walnut and avocado oils, avocado, grass-fed butter, ghee, and raw nuts and seeds can be very beneficial.

coconut oil

Go Easy on the Alcohol

This can be a tough one but is extremely important in order to achieve healthy skin. Since alcohol converts to sugar when consumed, it creates problems similar to those described above with refined sugar consumption. Furthermore, alcohol congests the liver, which is our primary detox organ. Proper detoxification is essential to clearing up skin problems.

Include Probiotic-Rich Fermented Foods

Every qualified nutrition professional knows that healthy digestion is at the root of most skin problems. If our digestion is impaired for any reason — leaky gut, undiagnosed food allergies, lack of digestive enzymes or sufficient stomach acid, or an improper balance of gut flora — this can have profound effects on our skin health. Including probiotic-rich fermented foods on a daily basis is a great place to start, and the best options are raw sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut kefir, and kombucha tea.

sauerkraut

While some skin conditions might not respond to these dietary changes and could require the guidance of a nutrition or integrative medicine professional, many of my clients find that their skin issues, especially acne, clear up after several months of these changes. Remember, skin issues are rooted in an underlying problem, and discovering which problems are affecting you is the key to achieving healthy, glowing skin.

2018 Swimwear Styles for Every Body

The greatest season of all is upon us – SUMMER! This means that it’s time to pull out your bikini collection and add some new swimsuits to your stash. Your swimsuit options are not limited to simple triangle bikinis and tie-side bottoms which aren’t always the best for every shape and size. Swimwear has evolved and now you can purchase several different styles that will flatter and accentuate your body type and best suit your personal style at the same time. Here’s a round-up of our favorite swimsuit styles of the summer!

The One-Piece


Beach style has evolved greatly from the teeny-bikini trend that used to occupy the waters. At that time the only people you’d see in a one-piece swimsuit were pregnant women and older ladies. Thankfully that’s all changed- so you no longer need to worry about skipping out on Taco Tuesday before heading to the beach to keep from bloating in your string bikini.

 

The Thong Bikini


We’re all about feeling confident in your body, this summer and always. If you’re feeling like showing off your booty, there’s a thong bikini for that!

 

The Bandeau Bikini

Perfect for tanning, this swimsuit keeps the dreaded tan lines at bay and will also flatter those with smaller chests. Another effect of the bandeau bikini is actually minimizing the chest, so it will even work for larger-chested women (just be careful of the dreaded nip slip).

 

The Halter Bikini

You may think that buying bikinis as a woman with a bigger bust would be super challenging, but the truth is that it becomes a lot easier when you know what will flatter your body the most and will keep ‘the girls’ in place. Halter bikinis are perfect for large-busted women as they tie around the neck and help to lift and support your breasts while the extra coverage keeps you feeling carefree and comfortable.

 

The Push Up Bikini

Where we’d rather be, in the Double Band Envy Push Up ☀ #vodaswim

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This sexy style speaks for itself and needs no explanation! You can never go wrong with a good push up bikini- whether you’re small or large-chested, or somewhere in between!

 

The High-Waisted Bikini

High-waisted pieces have recently become super popular, and bikinis are no exception. The great thing about these bikinis is that they suit and flatter just about every body type.

 

The ‘High Cut’ Swimsuit

Possibly the trendiest swimsuit of this summer is the Baywatch-esque swimsuits with high cut legs (insert Pamela Anderson slow-mo’ running down the beach visual). This style comes in one-piece and two-piece options and works to elongate your legs and slim your waist… who wouldn’t want that??

 

The Tan-Through Swimsuit

Hello Friday ! @alexacollins

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Did you know that there are swimsuits that you can tan through?? While I’m definitely all about protecting yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, I’m also about getting a little summer glow sans tan lines. These swimsuits are made with a fabric that basically works like a medium level SPF sunblock so you can achieve a seamless tan all summer long!

 

The Tankini

The tankini is the best option for those who like a little more coverage in their swimsuit options but might love the freedom of wearing two separate pieces. Those with longer torsos will also benefit from rocking a tankini because if you have a long torso and have ever worn a one-piece bikini, you know the struggle – no explanation necessary.