M A K E UP

Lower Lashes. lower lashes are getting just as much attention as their upper counterparts. Now is the time to give all of your lashes some extra oomph! While faux lower lashes are very difficult to do at home—and the results are usually over-the-top Twiggy-like—we definitely recommend giving them a little extra love via mascara.

Innocent lips. Tenderness and innocence of lips’ color palette range from slightly pink, violet, fuchsia to extremely pale, almost skin-fitting-hue. Steer clear of lip glosses. Your lips should be decorated with matte lipstick. This will allow laying more stress on the eyes.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Petite bags. We adore supersized day bags for toting our copious wares, but when it comes to party purses, we prefer to opt for more petite styles. This is especially true during nights out, as dinner and cocktail parties only call for a lipstick and a credit card.

Over-the-Knee Boots. The cutting edge, high heeled versions create a high-fashion look, while the more versatile, flat soled styles are great paired with skinny jeans for school, and dresses and opaque leggings for night. Try a pair in patent leather to incorporate another trend: shiny leggings.

S T Y L E

Pops of Colour. Keep your love of summer sunshine alive all year long by adding a pair of magenta heels or royal blue flats to an outfit featuring an otherwise neutral colour palette.

Demured. Pick a red dress with a demure fit. in theory, we love a red dress, but in practice it can be a bit tricky, as they can veer into overly fancy, prom territory quite quickly.

H O W T O ‘ S

Got curves?

Whether you got a little cushion for your tooshie or a little baggage for your package, you can make yourself look HOT! Sometimes, women think that being skinny is the ideal size; but truly, you can rock any body as long as you wear the right clothes. Here are some tips that will make this process easier for you:

Dos
· Wear dresses that has something that cinches at the waist like a belt or are fitted at the waist to accentuate you’re the tiniest part of your torso.
· Wear a well-fitted bra to give you lift.
· Wear platform stilettos to make your legs leaner, longer, creating a good body proportion.
· If you love stripes, wear vertical stripes as they will help you look taller.
· Wear some jewellery to bling out your outfit.

Don’ts
· Do not wear loose-fitting shapeless clothes.
· Do not wear horizontal stripes because they will make you look wider.
· Do not wear a dress size smaller than your actual dress size as it will accentuate other parts of the body and make you look wider and shorter than you really are.

M A K E U P

Matte skin. Skin paleness is welcomed as well as its natural tints. Let it be smooth and clear so that the make up could astonish with fashionable looks.

Blushing. Your blush should match either your eyes or your lips. But in any case the cheeks should be emphasized.

Delicate jewellery and a classic red lip. Keep embellished ensembles looking sophisticated by sticking with subtle accessories and accentuating only one facial feature with bold coloured makeup.

Rolling-in-purple-glimmer Eyes. Two extremes for the eyes: smoky-smoky and almost naked ones. Bright colors fit paleness. Emphasize more on the eye shadowing then on the long eyelashes.

Nude lips. Dramatic eyes take the spotlight with a subdued month. Create a base with concealer followed by clear/peach lip gloss for an effortless glamour effect.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Gold and Glam. The Holiday is calling.  Dress up your old has been dresses with excessive gold accessories and sparkly diamonds this season.  Belts, necklaces, and much more:  you can do it all.

Warm it Up. Wear your leg warmers over your hosiery and heels this weekend for a warm trendy look.  When wearing so much detail on your legs, opt for a simple mini dress for the top.

Dress up your Do. Add a little extra oomph to your outfit with a cute headband.  With bows, gems, and feathers, your options are endless!

Pop goes the pumps. Give your shining LBD (little black dress) a pop of colour with bold hued tootsies. Try red patent peep toes.

Thick bangles. The boho look of numerous multi-coloured bangles has transformed itself into just one large bangle. They carry a more modernized bohemian charm. Break the rules and wear more than one!

We love gloves. Long gloves aren’t just for the opera, try taking a pair out for dinner! Toughen up a pair of elegant elbow-lengthed gloves with a stud-sprayed vest and power platforms.

S T Y L E

Distressed. Love your old leggings?  Embrace those rips by adding some new ones.  Rips aren’t just for jeans this season.

Body conscious. Looking for a little more shape in your wardrobe than boyfriend jeans and loose-fit tanks can offer? Show off your curves in a “body con” dress. Short for “body conscious” , the name refers to skin-tight dresses and skirts designed to sculpt the body and..ahem*..enhance your femininity.

HOW TO’S

SCARVES

Perk up a neutral outfit with a bold scarf! Wear trendy, colourful, lightweight scarves with classic basics like a t-shirt dress or tee and jeans.

Use scarves to incorporate seasonal trends into your overall look like florals, ethnic prints or metallic without altering your wardrobe.

Square. Fold it in half from corner to corner, lay the triangle on your chest with the point facing the floor, and fold the other ends at the back of the neck.

Rectangular. Fold it in half the long way and pull I around the back of your neck using the hole in the folds to pull the ends through. Choose a lightweight scarf for this look so it’s not too bulky.

Bow. Tie it around your neck, make a bow and let the ends hang loosely towards to the floor.

M A K E  U P

Max minimalist. Barely there looks flooded the runways. Telltale signs of recession perhaps? Hardly. Wear this look with radiant skin, luxe shimmer and gloss.

Vamp infused. Eyes, lips, nails. Go for sophisticated blackened shades of blue, purple, silver.

Smokey eyes. Beyond last winter’s predilection for basic black, we’re now into navy, pewter and cocoa.

Classic liner. Don your easy to wear cat eyes layered with glitter for a nightclub effect. Rawr.

Red rules. For daytime wear, simply dab on lip colour and do away with lip pencil. Just bitten is the look to go for.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Top it off. When wearing dark colours on top, brighten up your face by putting your hair up and wearing bold earrings.

Bulk up. Thick scarves are a must-have for heading from cool to cold weather. Loosely wrapped, draped, or neatly tied and stuffed into a collar of a coat is an easy way to blend practicality and style for the upcoming cold weather.

Cutting edge. Give your outfit some edge by wearing chain necklaces. Wear it with your sweater dresses, plain tops, blouses, etc. Get creative and layer it up!

Minis to boot. Thigh-high boots shift the mini into fall. We mention this trend once again because it’s just so big and hot this season!

Get a convertible. No, not the car, the bag! As in the handles/straps and how the bag sits when you wear it. Add some effortless casual elegance for when you’re on the go and too busy to switch bags from day to night.

S T Y L E

Rhythm & blues. Yesterday’s blues are old news. Layer them with black accents to really make them sing. Be bold! Improvise and accessorize in blue.

His becomes hers. Clothes make the man, yet history is filled with famous females who have blurred the lines between what’s his and hers.

40’s silhouette. Honour evening wear’s conventional side with a draped LBD (little black dress) grounded by oversized extras.

Minis to tops. Wear your mini dresses as a long top/tunic by pairing them with leggings or jeans. Belt it to enhance your figure. Wear a chunky cardi over top to add some warmth.

Layers, layers, layers. The secret to layering is to layer thinner pieces underneath. Add bulk as you layer to avoid looking too frumpy. Keep your bottom slim with skinnies or leggings.

Military fashion. A close cousin of the bohemian luxe trend, the military jacket strikes back as a winter wardrobe staple. Whether feminized, rocked up or worn with sexy androgyny, it’s a winner.

H O W  T O ‘ S

Hosiery trend. No more impractical bare legs in the winter.

Patterned. Lively geometrics freshen up skirts and dresses. Choose those with a dark base and subdued patterns for a more classic take on the trend. Chunky patters/booties look best with thicker stockings.

Black sheer. Sexy dark sheers are back for day. Wear 24/7 with minis and fierce heels. Keep it modern with a slick bootie.

Embellished. Want to dish up a heavy dose of attitude? Go for bejeweled or textured tights with flecks of tiny stones. Avoid looking over-the-top by sticking to clean sculpted clothing and sleek heels.

Transformer shoes.

The Camileon Heel is just the shoe every city girl has ever dreamed of! These transforming shoes have adjustable heels so you can always be comfortable.

Their revolutionary heel technology makes it possible for a shoe to adjust from a high-heeled position of 3¼” down to a 1½” low-heeled, walking-friendly shoe. Their heel contains mechanisms that hold it into place for both the high heel and low heel positions and a stainless steel rod, which runs through the entire length of the heel. The portion of The heel that is stowed underneath the arch region of the shoe, when in the low heel position, is actually made out of aluminum.

Snag one of these and you’ll be a happy hopper!

F A L L  M A K E U P  T R E N D S

Grey matters. The hottest ticket this season is grey eye shadow and it really does look fabulous on all skin tones. Make sure the grey hue has a hint of purple in it so it’s more like a quartz color. This shade is considered the new neutral.

Indigo. Deep indigo blue eyeliner is a beautiful and modern look that is also really easy to pull off. Smudge it as close to the roots of your top lashes as possible to keep it looking subtle. Pair the look with fawn coloured blush and a glossy mocha lip.

Peach and pearls. Pearly pink and peach tinged nude lip shades have already started popping up this time of year. They look best when worn with an entire nude monochromatic look on both cheeks and eyes. For a little more drama, try the intense look of deep bordeaux or wine shades.

Nudey. Nude nails were great for spring, and you can carry them into fall as well. This gorgeous hue will actually make your fingers look longer if it is the right shade for your skin tone .

F A L L  A C C E S S O R I E S  T R E N D S

Booti-licious. Lace-up boots worn over skinny jeans makes a sleek outfit. Add an intricate necklace to elevate neutral pieces. This ensemble can go from casual to chic in a jiffy.

Tighten up. Wear skirts and shorts with leggings or tights for fall or winter. Don’t discount shorts for fall. A simple pair of opaque tights makes cropped styles wearable all winter long.

Over your knees. Over-the-knee boots are the must-have item for Fall. Those daring enough will find the tops of their boots creeping up even higher with thigh-high boots also making it mainstream. From elegant suedes to darkly futuristic wound-and-bound leathers.

Ripped. Our wartime female counterparts would never have imagined this day; where laddered stockings are not only acceptable, but fashionable . The ripped stocking trend is a close cousin of the ripped denim trend, a step towards a new era of neo-Grunge.

Reveal the prowess. Leopard print ensembles are all the rage this season! While you may not be able to go grocery shopping in a leopard print dress, there are a million ways to incorporate this fun print into your Fall wardrobe. Think ballet flats, high heels, handbags, scarves, etc.

Buckles and buttons. Embellishments and hardware aren’t just for handbags anymore. While it’s mostly boots with buckles and buttons, you’ll notice lots of flats, pumps and Mary Jane’s are adding these cute vintage details as well, just in smaller scale.

Leggings. Where previous seasons have brought us the Skinny Jean, Fall plants a stake firmly in the territory of the slimmest leg of all. Leggings cropped, long, or even stirrup are a wonderful foundation for an oversized sweater, long belted shirt, sweater dress, or tunic dress. But remember, stirrups are not meant to be seen; tuck them into boots!

Go retro. What to wear for Ladies night out?  A few pieces of retro jewels will go with just about anything!  We love the look of old stuff.  New stuff is just so.. shiny.. and.. well, new.

F A L L  S T Y L E  T R E N D S

Cool shorts. Autumnal shorts are a cool choice, especially with a statement blazer. Adding a bold blazer with fall’s coveted eighties-inspired shoulder also offers a new twist on the standard suit, making this outfit perfect for a fashion-forward day at work.

Get a stud on it. Try a diy at home with a Bedazzler you can easily get your hands on. A sprinkling of metalwork is enough to update a classic piece. Make a statement with this season’s edgiest studded flats, heels and boots. The look is a little bad ass but rocker chic. Pair studded footwear with an all black outfit or a flirty dress to give your feminine frocks a modern and unexpected edge.

More boyfriends. Boyfriend jackets with cuffed and rolled sleeves are a fall essential. A long and boxy shape is still in line with fall’s rampant eighties-inspired ensembles, while the color-contrasting cuffs make it look modern and fresh. Snag a few faves to last you all the way to spring and pair them with your cocktail frocks, t-shirt and jeans.

It’s all about layering. Pair a shirt and cardi together for an ultra chic girl next door look. Add a thin belt over the shirt to dress it up, or a thicker belt over the cardi for a trendier look.

Plain Jane. Plain pieces layered up can look very effective. Such as a plain sweater with a cardi. Neutral shades are great for colder seasons. Wear a scarf to add femininity and to look warm and cozy.

Trendy prep. The trendiest way to dress this fall is to accent preppy pieces with a grungy feel. For example, if you’re sporting a button down, make it plaid. Bold prints are of the moment.

Long-Sleeved Mini. We’re particularly wild about long-sleeved mini dresses. Huge for fall, but it’s also ideal for breezy summer nights, as it allows you to show off lots of leg and gives you a little extra coverage up top. Brilliant with a pair of tights for an early-autumn evening out.

Just a pose. A delicate, gauzy top adds femininity to a body-con skirt and boots. By juxtaposing a vintage-inspired romantic top with a body-con skirt and sturdy boots, you can create an outfit that’s both unique and all about balance.

Rockin’ the 80’s. There’s a whole lot of retro ferocity being dished up rockin’ 80’s fashions, like red leather gloves paired with a sweetheart-neck mini dresses, a military-inspired leather cap with a frilly skirt and a leather jacket accentuated with a metallic bow hair barrettes.

Capes. It’s been quite some time since the cape has been a major fashion staple. From cropped mini capelets to long cloaks and full capes, you’ll find this super-hero trend pretty fly.

Faux leather. The leather trend is extending far beyond just jackets and into pretty much every other type of clothing. Leather shorts, leather dresses, leather leggings… and more. Be sure to go faux!

See-through. Turn to the see-through clothing fashion trend to keep you cool, yet sexy. 2010’s sheer pieces are a mixture of the soft and feminine, to the opposite extremes of the hardcore sex-kitten.

One shouldered. From single-shouldered dresses to tops and bikinis, asymmetric shoulder-lines have made a huge return. Showing off one-shoulder in a dress can be subtly sexy and interesting. The possibilities for how to wear it are numerous.

Bright Colors. As a sophisticated, sumptuous counterpoint to the ubiquitous black, the selection of reds this fall is positively heady. The mere hint of this colour adds such panache to an all-black outfit: add a slim belt under (or over) a jacket. For those of you who aren’t red fans, regal hues like purple are also popping up all over.

H O W  T O ‘ S

Skirt Issues

With fall around the corner, it’s time to update your wardrobe with trendy transitional skirts. Thanks to the variety of styles available, from minis to, pencil , a skirt can easily complement your looks in every imaginable way. It’s chic and fun and more versatile than a pair of jeans.

Easily dressed up or dressed down, you can wear them over bare legs to show off that tan, or layered over a pair of tights when the weather gets cool. You can rock them to class with a tank and flats, or pull ‘em up a little higher with a tucked in beater and some heels for a night on the town.

The shorter the miniskirt, the simpler and more conservative the top. Wear heels for longer looking legs.

Balance the look of a full skirt with a fitted top.

Show off your feminine figure by adding a belt.

They can be easily be dressed up or dressed down.

M A K E  U P

Brow tint. Keep brows two shades deeper than your hair colour if you tend to lighten your hair in the summer.

Mane glaze. No matter what colour you tint your mane, adding a mega dose of shine will turn heads and create a dazzling effect. Try an at home hair glaze or shine serum.

Cupid’s bow. Accentuate your cupid’s bow with subtle lip liner. Draw light to the peaks of your cupid’s bow using a shimmery white pencil, or light shimmery lip gloss.

Highlight. No matter what neckline on your favourite summer dress, give your body a sexy glow by sweeping a golden powder (finely micronized) across your clavicles and shoulders. Highlighting any other areas may make you look sweaty!

Radiance. Add radiance and definition to your brow bone by sweeping a shimmery champagne coloured eye shadow along the lower edge of your brows. It draws light to that area and really make your eyes pop.

A C C E S S O R I E S

Summery sophisticate. A colourful clutch or oversized tote easily updates your look. Sexy sandals and oversized cuff bracelets can be the final sophisticated touch to your summer look.

Vested. A boxy denim vest is an interesting addition to any summer outfit. Throw one over a tee, fitted dress, flowy dress, you name it. It can easily dress you up or down.

Cuff it. Cuffed sleeves and cage heels elevate a simple black outfit. Cuff your pants too to show off killer shoes. Be sure to only cuff one item at a time.

Make curves. Ground the voluminous shape of your dress or top with a wide belt to get a more body-con silhouette.

Sexy bf. Style your boyfriend blazer with short shorts. It’s an inspired combo: the boxy cut of the blazer tones down the inherent sexiness of the short shorts, resulting in a great evening look.

S T Y L E

Summer brights. Give your ldb a rest and opt for a brightly coloured dress! Opt for natural or neutral toned shoes which will offset the bright colour. A perfect update for all your summer weddings!

Colour shy. If you’re apprehensive about wearing bright colors, go for striking accessories or footwear instead.

Girly tough. Team your floral dress with a thin belt that instantly adds an easy glamour to the boho-chic style. To not be tagged as overly-girly, accessorize with a pair of seriously tough, black boots and chunky jewellery.

Not so sweet. A ruffle dress is perfectly punctuated with dark thigh-highs. Works with boots or socks, or try both!

Vertical limit. Vertical lines such as v-necklines, open jackets and pants create an elongated silhouette.

H O W  T O

Short Story

Hot weather brings out every possible style and variation on the quintessential summer pieces. One of them being shorts. When properly coordinated, shorts can be an all-around piece that takes you from workplace chic to cocktail glam. Nothing says summer better than a pair of beyond-basic shorts.

Hot Shorts

All-Day Elegance

Patterns

‘Tis the season to don some patterns. Here’s how to wear them and have them help you at the same time by slimming you down. Pick the print that’s most proportional to your body type, or the area you plan to wear it.

Petite. Go for a small motif that won’t overwhelm.

Tall. Opt for a large-scale pattern.

Still in doubt? Use printed accessories to draw attention to your assets. Slip on a pair of pin-stripped hose if you love your legs.

TRAVEL TIPS

Summer holidays are the perfect excuse for dressing casually. Whatever the occasion, from family get-togethers to escaping to an exotic island, it’s all about mix ‘n matching the right pieces that are light, easy to pack and even easier to wear. On-the-go dressing means being prepared for any occasion yet still looking effortless and chic. Here are the essentials you should take along with you from clothes, shoes and accessories to skincare products and gadgets.

Packing 101

Plane Perfect

Unlimited Style on a Limited Wardrobe

Beauty Basics

• Exfoliate your body before going under the sun for an even tan.
• Sunscreen will be your best friend. Slather it on!
• The salty ocean water and chlorine in swimming pools can damage your hair. Make sure to shampoo and condition your locks to keep it healthy.
• Nail polish in natural or skin-tone shades go well with any coloured sandal.
• Try wearing your hair in a simple up-do with a dazzling hairpiece.

MAKE UP

Natural brows. Touch up eyebrows with eyebrow powder (eyeshadow works too!) which gives you a softer more natural finish than pencils. Unless you want them to look fake, well then that’s another story.

Colour contrast. Give smoky eyes a hit of spring colour with a dash of zesty lemon yellow. Add to crease for a pop of unexpected colour. Keep lips understated with a creamy nude lipstick.

Enhancing those peepers. A hint of white gold on the inner corner of your eyes is a lavish touch that enhances your eye shape. Apply where on the “v” near the tear ducts. Be sure to blend out harsh lines.

Goof-proof eyeliner application. Add definition and make even the smallest eyes appear larger. Here’s a great tip for steady surgeon hands! Hold skin of upper lid taut and draw short strokes along the lash line. For the most natural look, draw the line into the lash line rather than above it.

Brightening those sleepies. Use a skin-toned eyeliner (instead of stark white) to brighten up and widen sleepy eyes. Apply it on your waterline, then line your lashes as you would normally.

Fake out. To achieve the dramatic effect of fake lashes simply pinch the falsies with your thumb and index finger while applying the glue to the base. Let the glue dry until tacky (30 seconds), then use the iris of your eye to centre the false eyelash against your own eyelash line. Tweezers are a great alternative.

Bronzer. When using bronzer, brush a rosy blush over your bronzed cheekbones for a gorgeous natural finish. Sweep the remaining on your brush all over the areas that the sun would naturally hit. Forehead, bridge of nose, and chin.

Cheeky pep talk. A creamy bright-pink blush on the apples of your cheeks pep up your complexion. Blush is a must and can make you look brighter and more cheery.

Long lasting lips. A pink lipgloss layered over a base colour goes a long way, all day. Put your lipstick on, blot it, mush in the colour and then apply your lipgloss over it.

Highlighting. A little luminizer under your brow bone draws the eye upward, giving you a quickie face-lift effect. Add it anywhere you want to pop like the bridge of your nose, and just the tops of your cheeks.

Barbie lips. Pink lips are popping up on red carpets galore these days. We love these slightly chalky, pseudo-pastel semi-retro shades. Add a few coats of mascara for a fresh-faced early-sixties beauty look.

ACCESSORIES

Headwear. An ‘09 must-have, be it a hat, a headscarf or a fascinator for dressed-up dos. Great for those bad hair days, turns your day right side up by making you look fabulously chic.

Supersized earrings. Aside from finding a stunning, supersized set of earrings, to execute this trend perfectly, you also need thoughtfully styled hair. Though definitely dramatic, a combination of rockabilly pompadour and a half-ponytail certainly sets the stage for bold earrings.

The bib. Go ga-ga for a decidedly grown-up accessory: the bib necklace. It’s got a gorgeous old-world look and is the perfect piece to dress up a simple t-shirt or sheath.

Patent polished. A narrow patent belt adds polish to a layered look. By incorporating that bit of femininity and shine, it elevates your whole outfit in two seconds flat. Enhance your layered looks by trying it over your own tee-and-cardi combo.

Lots of luxe. Lots of luxurious accessories spice up simple pieces. Spice up your plain white fitted mini dress and black leggings with a very plush vest and some sophisticated gloves.

Fit contrast. A full miniskirt and a body-con top are a fresh combo. The unexpected silhouette is nothing but fun.

Bonded with gold. Bondage sandals and gold chains add texture and shine. Since we are devotees to fetish footwear and chains, we of course love the way bondage sandals and gold necklaces complement an outfit.

We LOVE leggings. Pair your simple leggings with tough ankle boots. We can’t stop wearing them. They’re great with dresses, tunics, all types of boots, pumps, the list goes on and on and on.

Add black leggings or slim pants under your party dresses. Just because, it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you must banish your best party dresses to the back of your closet! Get more wear out of bare frocks by pairing them with slim black pants. Whether you go for your favourite skinny black pants or pick up a pair of little leggings, you’re sure to add a little warmth and a lot of style to your outfit!

STYLE

Belt a body-skimming top over a fitted skirt. Belt a voluminous chemise, creating a more feminine, figure-flattering shape by giving your outfit a little more interest. Layer your top over a formfitting short skirt and black tights.

Belly baring. What comes around goes around ladies and it feels to me that belly baring tops are on the horizon. As one of CC 1827’s staples, it’s no wonder it never goes out of style here.

Menswear. The evolution of last fall’s grandpa cardigan, the topper du jour is the soft blazer. It falls to the low hip and goes perfectly over jeans, miniskirts, and cocktail dresses alike. Our favourite look is a fitted tank over a pleated skirt with an open jacket and flat sandals or a pair of platforms.

Floral. Big, floaty organza florals are everywhere. Adopt them for daytime with a soft chiffon blouse over jeans or leggings, or go for the whole garden in a delicate dress with a sweet belt and a cardigan.

Cinched. Go for dresses that have a focus on the waist, whether short or long. If you’re not confident that your waist needs highlighting, try an empire waistband: it enhances the bust, nips the midsection, floats over belly and hips (not that any of us have those!) and makes your legs look a mile long. What’s not to love?

Texture. Wrinkled, crinkled, ruffled, pleated, crisp and papery or silky and soft, texture is key. There are also endless prints in stripes, florals, or bold ethnic and block prints to pique your fancy.

Sporty. With dresses this casually-chic and comfortable, who needs pants and tees? Add a ballet flat for now, and top it with a nylon jacket or a soft cardigan. When the sun comes out in earnest, switch to a t-strap sandal with clean details and grab a soft hobo for your gear.

Boy-meets-girl. Feminine full skirts and boyish basics look modern together. Fortunately, there’s no need for outfit envy as this pleasantly surprising combo is easy to pull off on your own.

Bold black. An all-black outfit keeps the focus on a fashion-forward silhouette. Playing with color is always a bold choice, but sometimes the opposite is equally true. It turns the spotlight onto their interesting cut and shape. If you prefer to test out this trend without total commitment, you can always turn to your favourite leggings-and-tee.

Belted cardi. Bold belts and a long cardigan adds interest to a simple spring skirt. Trying to top the fashion charts in transitional wear is always a difficult endeavor. You can conquer this challenge by easing into a new season with a cardigan.

Polka dots. While the simple spots are typically associated with itsy bitsy bikinis and Minnie Mouse skirts, thanks to designers, the print is reenergized and feeling fresh again. The real world version of this trend is easy enough to achieve: just limit yourself to one polka-dotted piece at a time and you’ll be fine!

HELPFUL

Slimming necklace. You know that vertical stripes can make you look slimmer and taller. A long necklace that hangs down the front of your body is easier and creates a similar optical illusion. A long scarf or plunging v-neck has the same slenderizing effect!

HOW TO’S

Boots aren’t just for the fall/winter. They’re great for rainy days too! Here are some great tips on wear and care:

Get mile-long legs. Nothing makes your legs look longer than a pair of dramatic tall boots with vertical details, tapered heels pride even more lengthening.

Brave bad weather beautifully. Every woman needs a pair of attractive bad-weather boots! Choose a style made from durable waterproof materials and make sure to try them on with socks.

Long and lean. For the leanest looking legs, make sure that the colour of your pants, leggings, skirt or tights coordinates with your boots.

Be comfy and polished. Want to walk all day without sacrificing style? Pick a flat boot with textured or rubber soles.

CARE TIPS:

Prevent water damage. Always blot wet boots and allow to air-dry. Don’t stand near a heater (the hot air can warp the leather). Water proof them with oil-based products (for leather), special formulas (for synthetics).

Keep them looking great for years. Boots will look their best if stored upright. Stuff with crumpled newspaper to prevent creases.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Dress up last year’s styles. Boot add-ons can turn simple boots into ultra-trendy accessories. www.blingmyboots.com

Loosen up tight boots. If your boots feel too small, sprinkle baby powder on your socks to help your feet slide in more easily. Still a tight squeeze? Ask a cobbler to stretch the toe and heel areas.

Feel comfy in pointy toes. Pick up a gel toe separator designed to keep toes from over-lapping.

Make new boots slip-proof. Spray tacky hair spray on the bottom of new soles to keep from slipping.

*Note: Try to only wear one trend at a time and keep the rest simple or classic, you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard!

PROM EDITION

Get gorgeous with an oversized bauble that screams of vintage glam on your finger.

Get a cuff that oozes with jems, jewels and goodness.

Get pretty by hitting the bow trend bang-on with a bow necklace.

Get a flashy feminine clutch to bring out the fun side of any party dress.

Oversized antique-looking chandelier earrings add sophistication to any look.

An arm cuff is a must have for any boho princess. Wear it mid-forearm or high on your upper-arm for an effortless chic appeal.

If you’re going for basic black, toss a little caution to the wind with a bold statement necklace. It’s an easy way to have colour without the commitment.

A clutch with hardware adds some serious edge. Move over prom queen, there’s a rockstar on the dancefloorl

Give your prom look an angelic touch with a sweet headband with a halo of pearls that’s simply divine.

Dazzle your date with a glittery clutch.

Complete your romantic look with a pearl or floral necklace. Think Chanel-esque.

PROM MAKE UP

Looking gorgeous on prom night is a must, I must say. Dare to be different and beautiful with the season’s hottest makeup trends. Start by concealing any redness, acne, scars, etc. Apply foundation makeup if needed (make sure you blend well into below your chin and jawline), and set with powder.

Downtown hipster. Keep the skin simple and leave the focus on dramatic eyes. Line top and bottom lids with black eyeliner. For a bolder effect, rim your eyes a second time and slightly smudge the liner with the tip of your pinky finger. A few coats of dark mascara will add extra oomph. Finish the look with nude or light pink lips.

Boho chic. Play it natural by sticking with a palette that’s light and fresh. Use powder bronzer anywhere the sun naturally hits (forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin). Swipe a light pink or soft gold eyeshadow over entire eyelid and add mascara. A cherry-pink lipgloss or lip stain seals the deal.

Romantic glam. Get swept up in the romance with perfectly pretty cheeks and lips. Cover face with tinted moisturizer for a dewy glow, then lightly sweep on face powder to set. Perk up your cheeks with a pink blush. A pink lip stain will make your pout stand out, just be sure to blend the colour well with your finger. Add a coat of mascara to complete the look.

Preppy socialite. This look is centred on a vibrant red pout and full eyebrows. Groom eyebrows by brushing them straight up and outward, fill in any sparse areas with an eyebrow shadow. Apply one coat of mascara to top and bottom lashes. Swipe on a coat of rich poppy-red lipstick on moisturized un-chapped lips, blot with a tissue, and press lips together again to mush in the colour. Add a second coat of lipstick for lasting power.