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.