Mükemmel Bir Blucin

MODA
Blucinin iyisi, her gardırobun olmazsa olmaz bir parçasıdır, ama iyi bir blucin koleksiyonu edinmek sanıldığı kadar kolay olmayabilir.

Mükemmel Blucin, Bedeninize Tam Uyandır

Bunun için moralinizi bozmayın Dress Marie moda danışmanlığı şirketinin kurucusu, stilist Bridget Boggess’in önerilerine uyarak blucin gardıroplarının en iyisini oluşturabilirsiniz.Alış veriş yaparken de dolabınızdan blucin seçerken de ilk düşünmeniz gereken, bedeninize uyup uymadığı. Boggess’in temel kuralı şu: Size çok büyük gelen bir şeyi bedeninize uydurabilirsiniz, ama dar gelen bir kıyafet için yapacak bir şey yoktur. Blucinin dar olması, mutlaka kan dolaşımını engellemesi anlamına gelmez, herhangi bir yerinde çekme ya da büzüşme olmamasına dikkat edin. Streç blucin de giyebilirsiniz, ama fazla sıkı olmamasına dikkat edin, diyor Boggess.

Gardırobunuzda Olması Gereken 5 Blucin

1.Düz kesim blucin.
Size gerçekten yakışanından bulunca iki tane birden alın. Paçalarını, birini topuksuz, diğerini topuklu ayakkabılarla giyebileceğiniz şekilde düzelttirin,diyor Boggess. Renk seçiminde ise koyu tonların en güzel göründüğünü unutmayın, çünkü sizi ince ve uzun gösterir.

2.Dar blucin. 
En kullanışlı modellerden olan dar blucin, üç farklı şekilde giyilebilir.Bacaklarınızın uzun görünmesi için uzun topuklu ayakkabılarla, spor bir görüntü için düz ayakkabılarla, kışın da çizme ya da botlarınızın içine sokarak giyebilirsiniz,diyor Boggess. Eğer dar pantolona sığacak bacakların sizde olmadığını düşünüyorsanız, ince bacaklara kavuşmanız konusunda sizi motive etmesi için yine de gardırobunuzda dar blucin bulundurabilirsiniz.

3.Blucin pantolon etekler.
Keten ya da yün gibi resmi bir görüntüsü olan kumaşlardan ziyade, denimden yapılmış pantolon etekleri düşünün. Blucin pantolon eteklerinizi evde otururken giymektense, dışarıda yiyeceğiniz bir akşam yemeği ya da Cuma akşamına saklayın ve ütülü olmasına dikkat edin.

4.Trendy blucinler.
Yüksek belli, taşlanmış ve yamalı blucinlerden söz ediyoruz. Klasik kıyafetlerinizin yanına bu tür bir blucin ekleyerek gardırobunuzu mevsimsel olarak yenileyebilirsiniz,diyor Boggess. Ama sadece tek bir sezon giyip sonradan atacağınız moda kıyafetler için fazla masraf yapmaktan kaçının ayrıca sırf moda diye bunları giymeyin.Eğer sizi ifade ediyorsa tercih edin,diyor Boggess.Etmiyorsa, modaymış değilmiş umursamayın.

5.Mevsimlik blucinler.
Gardırobunuzu mavi blucinlerle sınırlandırmak yerine, beyaz, siyah ve hatta gri blucinler satın alın.Yazın beyaz blucinleri, kışınsa siyahları tercih edin,diyor Boggess.Kurtulmanız Gereken Blucinler.

1.Fazla dar. 
Eğer blucininizin fermuarını kapatmak için uzanmanız gerekiyorsa, o blucin size dar geliyor demektir.

2.Plili Pliler.
bulundukları bölgeyi kalçalarınızı- olduğundan büyük gösterir, kim bunu ister ki?

3.Kapriler.
Kapriler, bacaklarınızı sanki iki ayrı parçaymış gibi göstererek olduklarından daha kısa görünmelerine neden olur. Bu yüzden, ayak bileği uzunluğundaki pantolonları tercih edin.

4.Çok düşük belliler.
Çok düşük belli pantolonlar, sizi olduğunuzdan daha kısa göstermekle kalmaz, aynı zamanda göbeğinizin şişkin görünmesine de neden olur!

The Style Glossy: Beauty Counter

FASHİON

We all know the basic three rules of skin care: that you need to cleanse, nourish and protect your skin. But some skin care facts haven’t made it into conventional wisdom. Dermatologists share five ways to tweak your skin care regimen to get your most radiant complexion ever.

Moisturize Frequently   

To fight acne, don’t forget the moisturizer, which improves skin’s ability to keep bacteria out and water in. Why is water important? Flaky, dehydrated skin is irritated skin, which sends distress signals to our immune cells, distracting them from healing the inflammation that can accompany acne. Making things worse, the blemish-prone often over-cleanse to the point of dryness, which adds more dead skin cells to those already clogging the pores.To properly keep skin hydrated, wear a light, oil-free, water-based moisturizer. For extra oomph, choose one laced with a zit-fighting ingredient such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol (night-time use only) or azelaic acid.

Find the Right Retinoid

Vitamin A creams, known as retinoids, are scientifically proven to help unclog pores, smooth wrinkles, lighten brown spots and improve skin texture. The only hitch is that retinoids in prescription-strength form (which deliver the fastest results) can irritate the skin of first-time users and cause stinging, redness and peeling.  Acclimate your skin by using a retinoid just twice a week, with the eventual goal of applying it every night.  Or build tolerance by starting with a less potent, over-the-counter form of retinoid: look for the words retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde or retinyl palmitate on the label. Pumped into gels, serums and creams, these ingredients take a little longer to show benefits,up to six months.

Load up on Vitamins

Like an alphabet soup, vitamins A, B, C and E call out from the labels of skin care products. These antioxidant vitamins are naturally present in our skin, but they need replenishment to keep our collagen from being gobbled up by free radicals caused by UV light and pollution. Each excels at something: vitamin A builds collagen and quells enzymes that destroy it; vitamin B (which includes B12, B3 or niacinamide, and folic acid) reduces inflammation, water loss and uneven pigmentation; vitamin C protects against UV damage and improves skin texture; and vitamin E is an emollient that fights redness.To cover all the bases, make your products multitask by using a serum containing some of the vitamins and a moisturizer pumped with the others.

Look for Botanical Ingredients

By switching to cleansers and creams containing certain key botanicals, those of us with sensitive skin (a propensity to become blotched, red and irritated) might never have to reach for another tube of greasy hydrocortisone to calm an angry eruption. The top six botanical ingredients that get the nod from doctors because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-redness and anti-irritant properties are: colloidal oatmeal, feverfew, licorice, aloe vera, chamomile and turmeric. Not only are these safe for sensitive skin and sufferers of chronic conditions like rosacea, their daily use will help prevent future flare-ups.

Say Yes to Ceramides

A natural component of the top layer of our skin, ceramides are fats that act like mortar to the bricks (cells) that form a wall to keep water inside the skin. When this brick wall is well-preserved, the result is a glowing, well-hydrated complexion. During the winter and as we age, ceramide levels start to drop, shrinking the mortar and causing dry, inflamed skin. Fortunately, we can replenish lost ceramides with synthetic or natural forms, both of which are found in moisturizers. To get your money’s worth, look for ceramides in the top half of the ingredients list.

www.modablackk.com 

The Most Wearable Leggings

FASHİON

Leggings. The word sends shivers up the spines of women packing even an ounce of extra padding below the waist. But the clingy bottoms -- which traipsed back into style a few seasons back -- aren’t going anywhere. In fact, some of the edgiest names in fashion recently unveiled amped-up new versions of the body-hugging staple for spring 2010.Never fear. You don’t have to be a size 2 to rock the hosiery-inspired pants. With everyone from Marc Jacobs to Lindsay Lohan creating leggings collections, there’s an avalanche of fabrics, patterns and fits to choose from. And the best news is, leggings -- when they fit properly -- can feel as comfortable as a pair of flannel pajamas.Leila Baboi, the West Coast staff stylist for Women’s Wear Daily, contends that there’s a pair of stretchy, skintight leggings for every woman -- regardless of age or body shape. What’s the key to pulling off the look? “Pair them with a long and slouchy top,” says Baboi, who has dressed Scarlett Johansson and Ashlee Simpson. “A cropped top or a too-tight tank will throw the balance off.”Here are some of the stylist’s savvy tips on how to work the lean-and-mean look -- without adding extra pounds or delving into overly trendy territory:

Choose Long Over Cropped

Capri leggings are for spinning class -- not the office. They cut up the line of the body and can make your bottom half look shorter and chunkier. (We’ve yet to meet a woman who wants that!) Instead, get a long-and-lean look by choosing leggings that hit at, or even slightly below, the ankle. Skip the gimmicky stirrup legging: It’s an overly complicated style that’s likely to peter out soon.

Skip Prints

If you wouldn’t have stripes or polka dots on your regular pants, don’t try to pull them off in a legging. Cheetah-print or metallic leggings are strictly for fashion-forward 20-somethings -- and if worn with something simple and oversized on top, can be adorable. Over 35? Stick to solid black leggings or subdued prints, such as a gentle acid-wash or tone-on-tone all-over paisley. Designer David Lerner’s weighty, well-made versions have a marked slimming effect.

Opt for Big Tops

Avoid looking like you’re wearing a unitard, which means you’ll want to balance the tightness of a legging with a roomier style up top. That’s a cinch these days, since big is definitely huge in fashion right now. Boyfriend blazers, oversized tunics, slouchy button-down shirts and baggy sweaters are all perfect companions for leggings.

Look for Length

Pear-shaped figures aren’t exempt from wearing the look but look best with an even longer top. A fetching outfit: Leggings paired with a roomy tank or tunic underneath a knee-sweeping cashmere cardigan.

Legging Jeans

Denim leggings, coined the “legging jean,” are a sexy alternative to all-jersey leggings and offer a bit more thickness of fabric than all-knit varieties. Citizens of Humanity, J Brand and Goldsign all make chic legging jeans. Choose ones that have five-pocket styling on top to avoid the maternity-ish elastic waist.

Leather Legs

Leather and PVC leggings aren’t just for Rihanna and Lady Gaga. The decadent-looking drawers are a chic nighttime option when paired with towering stilettos and jackets and tops that are cut on the longer side. Nor is it a look solely for the young. Worn with a crisp white button-down shirt and statement earrings, leathery leggings are uber sophisticated. But be prepared to sweat -- your legs won’t be catching even the suggestion of a breeze all night.

Shoe-pairing Options

Leggings work with a bevy of different shoe styles. Ankle boots -- heeled or flat -- strappy sandals (again, high or low) and classic flats are all cute options. Just steer clear of ’80s-esque pumps that don’t have a covered vamp (the part of the shoe that covers the smooth, top side of your foot), which can turn a leggings ensemble from sassy to sour in seconds.

www.modablackk.com 

Turbocharged Hair in Minutes

Fashion

Haven't we all fantasized about long, luscious locks or a healthy, shiny head of hair worthy of being cast in a shampoo commercial?Good news! Gorgeous hair is achievable — on a daily basis. Your guide to a well-managed mane starts here.

Frizz Control

“It turns out that for hair, friction is a major issue,” says Bharat Bhushan, a professor who specializes in nanotibology (the measurement of very small things). He and his team of researchers conducted a comprehensive study of human hair on the nanometre level. They discovered that daily activities, such as brushing, washing and drying induce friction. Over time, this constant rubbing causes wear and tear on the tresses.“In healthy hair, the cuticle edges lay flat against the hair shaft. As hair gets damaged from chemical treatments or wear and tear, the cuticle edges begin to peel away from the shaft,” writes Pam Frost Gorder in the article on Bhushan’s findings, “Nanotechnology Confronts The ‘Bad Hair Day,’ Tests New Conditioner.” “When damaged hair is exposed to humidity, the hairs plump up and the cuticles stick out even further, leading to frizz.”Find the right conditioner: It will evenly coat strands from root to tip. This will definitely shave off styling minutes when you try to smoothen strands before heading out.

Custom Cleaning 

Well-conditioned wisps start in the shower. Depending on your hair type, shopping for the right shampoo also helps prepare locks for optimum styling. Steer clear of older formulas, which strip natural oils and leave strands extra-stringy. New good-for-you shampoos not only gently cleanse your hair, but are also non-toxic to the environment.In terms of choosing the right wash for your hair structure, pay attention to the shampoo labels. For fine, limp hair, go for a volumizing formula that gives extra bounce even with minimal styling. For curly locks, opt for a rich, conditioning formula that combats frizz and leaves ringlets (or waves) soft and shiny. If dandruff is a concern, switch to a specialized, medicated shampoo until flakes disappear or lessen noticeably and then start using any of the new gentle formulas mentioned above.

Tools Assessment

The brushes, hair dryer, rollers and other styling tools you use also contribute to how quickly you can get out of the house. Check your styling stash: Do you have the appropriate brushes and do they have to be cleaned? Is your dryer powerful enough? (Also check for a “cool boost” button.) How long have you had your flat iron? (The newer ceramic ones are gentler on hair.) Staying updated on the newest styling technology saves you time and effort when it comes to keeping your crowning glory in its best shape.

Styling 101

Salon pros dip into their styling bag of tricks, especially when entertaining multiple clients or working in fashion shows, where time is of the essence. Here are some of their strategies that you too can employ

Stand tall.

Some pros ask their clients to remain standing for the first few minutes when cutting hair to ensure straight lines and accurate angles. For at-home styling, standing up versus sitting down makes you work faster. You can also move around this way with ease and reach for styling products and brushes.

Go for the flip.

When blow-drying hair, bend forward and aim the nozzle toward roots while tousling hair with your hands. This is one of the fastest ways to achieve volume without having to meticulously divide hair and blow-dry in sections.

Mix and match. 

While you don’t need every product available, it’s good to be strategic with what you use. From shine serums and volumizing mousses to sculpting gels and mouldable waxes, find your perfect styling combo and enjoy fab-looking tresses.

Tell us about your big hair woes!

www.modablackk.com

How to Shop Vintage

FASHİION
When Sydneysider Beth Armstrong wore a black, high-necked embroidered cotton blouse to a party, her friends were surprised to hear that her Victorian-era top was close to 100 years old. Of course, her friends wanted one too -- and so Armstrong’s vintage business,  was born. “It gave me license to buy numerous beautiful pieces which otherwise seemed too extravagant or impractical,” says Armstrong.Meanwhile, Alyce Moschini of Perth would return from her lunch break laden with op-shop treasures. It was when a co-worker suggested she start a blog that her online shop,began to take shape. “To me, the attraction of vintage is the originality of the pieces you find. They all have a history and are a one-off piece that can’t be found in a store,” says Moschini.
We asked Armstrong and Moschini for tips on how to score a one-of-a-kind find when you’re shopping for vintage items

Keep an Open Mind
“Look for good fabrics and vibrant patterns,” says Moschini. “Don’t let an amazing piece go because it looks a little large, has shoulder pads or the length is too long. These are all things that can be altered.” If that dress is missing a belt, Armstrong suggests checking the hem to make a belt out of the fabric. She also advises doing alterations straight away; otherwise “it will sit in your cupboard for years.”

Check Again
Inspect zippers, pockets, buttons and necklines, and make sure the material isn’t stained or torn. “Underarm stains are the worst; they can be impossible to shift,” says Armstrong. “Check also for major thinning and weakness of the fabric -- especially silk.”

Look Beyond the Rack
A secondhand store is a treasure trove beyond the clothing sections. “Go into the fabric and lace racks,” says Moschini. “Sometimes they have a gold mine of vintage fabrics you can whip into a long bohemian skirt.”
Take Care Immediately
As soon as she’s home, Moschini washes all her vintage finds in cold water and dries them flat. For any marks that need a little more attention, she uses a mild detergent to ease out stains. Armstrong cautions against leaving clothes with metal hooks and eyes to soak overnight, as they can leak rust and add new stains. “I learnt this the hard way,” she notes.

Feel the Glory
“When I felt I’ve had nothing to wear or couldn’t afford to buy a new dress, vintage clothing has bailed me out on numerous occasions,” says Armstrong. So go forth with confidence and rummage.

www.modablackk.com