Little Black Dress

Four “Little Black Dresses”
Four Body Shapes!

The Triangle – Shapely hips and/or thighs
• Empire Waists help accent a thin ribcage and create the perfect drape on a triangular body shape.
• Avoid “pulling” in the hip area by choosing A-lines or circle skirts that skim your hips, but don’t create bulk.
• Horizontal necklines or details on top help to balance a larger bottom half.
Dress by Nine West-$159.
Available at Macy’s stores Nationwide.

The Circle and Rectangle – No defined waistline
• Ruching at waistline helps to “cinch” the waist and cover up bulges or imperfections on close fitting garments.
• Natural hourglass shape creates the illusion of a small waist.
• Double layers of thin fabric help to skim the body without creating bulk.
Dress by Arielle-$79.
Available at Rockabella Boutique of Saratoga Springs

The Inverted Triangle – Broad through shoulders or bust
• The V-neck of wrap dresses help to narrow shoulders and minimize busts.
• Exposure of skin around neck area draws attention to a woman’s beautiful décolletage.
• Look for wrap dresses in heavier jerseys to avoid unwanted clinging.
Dress by H&M-$35.
Available at H&M Stores Worldwide

The Boy Figure – Straight and Narrow from chest to hips
• Details around chest and hips help to create curves.
• Popular “Origami Folds” on top and bottom help to create an hourglass figure.
• This dress was featured in Lucky Magazine August 2007 issue.
Dress by Cynthia Steffe–$230.
Available at Couture 77 of Clifton Park.
Contributed by Allison M. Meyers of Seemless Clothing Consulting, a consulting service that helps women choose WHAT and WHAT NOT to wear according to their unique body shape. Find out more at www.flatterybattery.com.

TOP 5 “WEARABLE” TRENDS FOR FALL

1. Dark Denim – the combination of structure and color help to slim. Add a trouser leg and they are ULTRA flattering! Avoid the super trendy pleated trousers jeans, which create unwanted bulges!
2. Vibrant, Bold Colored Accessories – A great way to introduce a splash of color to your super-slimming monochromatic outfit! Look for enameled and wooden jewelry, colored leathers and bright satin shoes and clutches!
3. Textured Fabrics like Herringbone, Houndstooth and Plaids – Avoid fabrics that are too heavy in weight and create a “bulky” look.
4. Pencil Skirts – “Right below the knee” is the length of the season and is universally flattering! Be sure that the hemline doesn’t fall to mid-calf, which is universally UN-flattering!
5. Geometric Bold Patterns – You’ll find a lot of accessories and clothing options that incorporate geometric patterns. Avoid placing this type of pattern on body parts that you DON’T want to draw attention to!
Allison M. Meyers is owner of Seemless Clothing Consulting, a service that helps women choose WHAT and WHAT NOT to wear according to their unique body shape. Find out more at www.flatterybattery.com .

How to age gorgeously

Women may be programmed from an early age to believe the best way to avoid getting lines and wrinkles is to moisturize. But at some point, you may ask yourself, “should I do more?” As your fine lines start to deepen into creases, and those folds from your nose to the corners of your mouth begin to take over your face, it may be time to consider injectables.
If you are ready to move beyond cosmetic approaches to wrinkles, consider an injectable solution. One such injectable solution is Restylane. More than 4 million people in over 70 countries have experienced the safe, effective, and beautifully natural results it offers. Restylane is available only through a licensed practitioner. Complete product and safety information is available at www.RestylaneUSA.com. Log onto www.RestylaneUSA.com to find a doctor near you.
ARA Content

Buyer beware: make sure you’re not buying a “knock-off” purse

By Jill Vallecorsa
A “knock-off” bag is a term used for bags and purses that are made to look exactly like the original designer version. However, some are advertised as the real thing, making consumers think that they just scored a great bargain. With all these fake bags floating around the marketplace, how can you be sure that you’re investing your money in the real deal?
These replica bags are actually easier to spot than one would think. Be sure to know some of the clues before making your purchase.

• The first warning sign that a bag is not an original is the discounted price. Real designer wares are rare because of their high price. This expensive price is what gives the bag or purse its status. Be wary of sellers who claim that their bags are truly “designer” when they are selling them for $100 instead of $1,000.

• Another huge tip-off is the location of the purchase. Buying anywhere outside of the actual Louis Vuitton store will put you at risk of purchasing a knock-off. No matter how much you want to believe you just scored the deal of the century, if you buy a bag on a street corner or out of the trunk of a car, it is not a true designer bag. Same goes for flea market and fair booth finds.

• Inspect the item. There is no way a true designer bag would show poor quality or weak craftsmanship. The fabric and stitching should be near perfect. There should be no loose strings, uneven stitches or bumps in the fabric.

• The smallest features of a bag can often be the biggest hints, so it’s very important to do your research before shopping. Designers are very meticulous about where zippers, buckles, handles and buttons are placed on their bags. Many designers, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana, have a specific monogram that is etched into the bag and in a specific spot on the bag as well. A lot of designers have also become careful enough to have serial numbers on the inside of the bag.

• Be wary of buying online. Sites like e-Bay can be a great place to find a bag, but buyers can never be 100% sure that the product they receive is true to the seller’s word. Since you don’t get to touch or inspect the bags, the Internet can be a breeding ground for the sale of knock-offs. There are a few sites that sell discounted designer purses with the approval of the designer company. These are probably the best bet for purchasing designer goods via the Internet.

“BITTEN” by the fashion bug

Sarah Jessica Parker launches her own line

Known as the fashion icon of the times, it’s not surprising that Sarah Jessica Parker has launched her own line of clothing called BITTEN. What is surprising, however, is the price – nothing is over $19.98, making it an affordable line of clothing for everyone, hence the tagline: “Fashion is not a luxury, it’s a right”.
The line is sold exclusively at Steve & Barry’s stores nationwide. Capital Region shoppers can find the line at the Colonie Center location.
BITTEN will bring women’s casual sportswear into a store that had previously specialized in men’s casual wear. Between the summer line and the fall collection debuting this month, the clothing line is comprised of over 1,000 pieces ranging from jeans and t-shirts to sneakers and dresses to cashmere sweaters and lingerie.
The inspiration for her own clothing line came to the “Sex and the City” star from clothes in her own closet, as well as her desire to make fashionable, high-quality clothing for women without forcing them to empty their bank accounts. The name for the line came after Parker first entered the store and was “bitten by the Steve & Barry’s bug.”
For more information visit www.bittensjp.com or www.steveandbarrys.com .
—Jill Vallecorsa

Be a healthier you:

Make a change for the better

Setting and keeping personal goals can actually affect our levels of happiness. The only difference between those of us who achieve our goals and those who don’t is the way we live each day. With all the pressures and stressors we face, it’s important to arm ourselves with the necessary tools to make healthy changes and achieve our goals, but change can be uncomfortable and challenging for many — even if it’s for the better.

“Positive change is often necessary to live a long, healthy and happy life,” states Laura Lewis, nutritionist and author of the book 52 Ways to a Healthy You. “Changes can improve your health, help you live longer, look younger, feel better, boost your energy, get leaner and most importantly, be happier than you have in years.”
As based on her new book, Lewis offers readers 52 tips to get on track and live a happier, healthier life. Here are five of her favorites:

• Do It Right With D – Most people know that vitamin D plays an important role in the development of strong bones, but recent studies now show vitamin D can also help promote other areas of health such as muscle and joint protection, support for colon and prostate health, autoimmune protection, heart health, mood health, immune system strength, breast health and more. In her book, Lewis suggests a great way to incorporate vitamin D into your life is through a daily multivitamin, like Nature Made Multis — with 1000 IU of vitamin D, the level many experts recommend for optimal health.

• Create a Little Resistance – One of the easiest ways to keep our metabolism revved is to improve heart and lung health and keep bones strong through resistance exercise. Resistance exercise, or weight training, can increase energy levels and simultaneously increase lean muscle mass. Great examples of resistance exercise include incorporating elastic resistance bands or free weights into workouts two to three times weekly.

• Make Yourself Feel Good – Get yourself in that space of just plain feeling great. You could have all the tools before you, but if you don’t feel good about yourself, about life in general, you won’t be motivated to change. Watch funny videos, feed the ducks, or get rid of negative people and negative thoughts. Lewis says, “True change happens from the inside out … from the heart, then the mind and the result is a longer and happier life.”

• Get Those ZZZ’s – Short-lived bouts of insomnia are usually nothing to worry about, but chronic sleep loss can contribute to health problems. Not getting enough sleep can affect metabolism, mood, cardiovascular health and the body’s ability to learn and retain information. Bottom line — sleep is crucial. Trouble sleeping? Try avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bedtime and if you don’t fall asleep within 15 to 30 minutes after lying down, get up and do something relaxing.

• Be Balanced – If your goal is optimal health and longevity, it’s best to take things gradually. By balancing the addition of each new lifestyle habit, you can increase the chances of long-term life changes, and feel less overwhelmed in the process. As you take on each new change, focus on how great you look and feel as a result, not only a few weeks from now, but also years down the line.
For more information to help you make changes for the better visit the Nature Made Wellness Advisor at www.NatureMade.com/Multis . For more information about Laura Lewis and her new book, visit her website at www.LauraLewis.com .
–ARA Content

Mineral Makeup 411

By Genn Shaughnessy

Mineral makeup has been around since the mid-1970s, but it seems as if this beauty product has just recently exploded on the market.
You might be wondering, “What is mineral makeup?” Well, it’s an alternative to the somewhat damaging chemicals we have been slathering all over our faces for years. Often found in blushes, bronzers and eye shadows, a true mineral makeup is formulated with as few chemical processes as possible. It is free of Parabens, Talc, synthetic dyes or perfumes.

What was once only offered on infomercials or department store cosmetic counters can now be found in nearly every drug and discount store nationwide ranging from $10-$50. However, with the onslaught of mineral makeup on the market, it can be quite confusing to sift through the different brands to determine what really is true mineral makeup.

There are many competitors out there that are merely labeling themselves as such to gain profit off the hype. Below is a “Question, Answer, Product” which sifts through fact and phony of the mad mineral trend.

Q~ Question A~ Answer P~ Product

Q: What are Parabens and Talc and why are they, and dyes, bad for me?
A: Parabens are synthetic preservatives, Talc is a filler and chemically altered dyes and perfumes are just that, chemicals. Preliminary studies have been done that link all the above to cancer and reproductive issues with prolonged and excessive exposure. It is also very common for some people to have immediate reactions such as asthma and itchy, irritated skin, or worse. Even though a label says “Mineral” check the ingredients, it may just be an imposter.
P: Jane Iredale Absence Base SPF15.

Q: Why is it beneficial to me to wear mineral makeup?
A: There are many reasons to wear mineral makeup. It’s a skin protectant, is soothing to the skin and is safe enough for even baby soft skin, post-laser and post-surgery clients. Mineral makeup is water resistant and most are made with a sunscreen, so even in a humid climate like the Northeast, it lasts on the skin along with the SPF during sports and even swimming.
P: Jane Iredale Amazing Base SPF20 or Pure Pressed Base SPF18.

Q: Will mineral makeup clog my pores like other liquid foundation and powders do?
A: Not every foundation and powder will clog your pores. Along with a lot of high-end cosmetic lines, Minerals are non-comedogenic and will not block your pores, thus preventing pimples, breakouts and acne.
P: Glominerals gloProtective Satin Finish Liquid Foundation or Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation.

Q: How is the color pay-off in mineral makeup in comparison to department store brands?
A: All department store brands are in different classifications. While being higher-end in general than drugstore brands, they are still in tiers. In general, the more money you pay, the better color pay-off you get. Mineral makeup has better color pay-off than most of them. MAC Cosmetics is one exception, they are the least expensive of the department store brands and have the highest color pay-off of any company.
P: Glominerals gloEyeshadow, Jane Iredale 24KT Gold Dust & Pure Pressed Eyeshadow or Afterglow Cosmetics Mineral Eyeshadow.

Is your teenager ready to wear makeup?

By Ann Burek

Ahh… the transforming powers of makeup! Fairy princess or Goth goddess – either is possible with a sweep of shadow and lipstick. Wearing makeup is often a rite of passage for teen girls. She’s probably been in your makeup drawer since she was able to reach it. A little eye shadow, blush and lipstick and ‘I look just like mommy.’ But now, how do you convince her that it’s her face that is supposed to get noticed, not her makeup?

For a lot of girls, makeup is a way of improving the look of their skin. But, just as a great painting needs a properly prepared canvas, makeup needs properly maintained skin to be most effective. Many of us still deal with an occasional breakout and do our best to conceal it. However, it is best to address the problem rather than just cover it up.

While your teenager might not be able to eliminate every blemish, a simple daily routine will alleviate the major causes of her breakouts. The care she takes now will last well into adulthood.
The rule for anyone wearing makeup should be, “If you put it on, take it off.” Key ingredients to look for in products are the combination of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids which will keep the pores clean. The essentials for a lifetime of good skin are:
• A daily cleanser designed for her skin type
• An exfoliating scrub
• A moisturizer
• Getting into the habit of applying sunscreen daily will aid in the prevention of skin cancer and delay the appearance of fine wrinkles.

Shaping the face
A perfectly shaped eyebrow is one of the fastest ways a teen can polish her appearance. Many girls (and women as well) tend to over-tweeze their brows, which provides less than wonderful results. Take your teen to an experienced esthetician who can shape the brows to create the perfect frame for her eyes and face shape. With a little guidance, the brows can be maintained at home.
Now that the “canvas” is properly prepared, it’s time for the makeup. The key to any makeup approach is to create the most attractive you, to enhance your unique features. Does your daughter have amazing blue eyes? Rimming them in black eyeliner will not highlight them as effectively as a subtler palette of pinks, pewter or taupe. All those lessons in art class about color theory are incredibly useful when selecting makeup.

Cheryl Whitten, professional makeup artist, educator and creator of The 5 Minute Makeover, shared her tips for simple, yet beautiful makeup. Having the right tools makes applying it easy. She recommends the following essentials:

• A blush brush and powder brush (or substitute a kabuki for both)

• An eyebrow brush

• A dual tipped eye shadow brush with a rounded tip (to apply shadow) and a flat tip for lining

• An eyelash curler

• A concealer brush

Getting started
Start with a clean face with sunscreen already applied, spot conceal with a concealer and brush and blend (if you are covering a blemish, you don’t want to touch your fingers to it and transfer bacteria).

• Use a loose mineral powder (it provides sun protection, is water resistant, adds no oils to the skin, won’t clog the skin, is hypoallergenic and provides great coverage) with a kabuki brush and apply to your entire face. You can make your own concealer by blending the mineral powder with your moisturizer.

• Use the kabuki brush again to apply a light application of blush.

• Close your eyes and sweep the same brush over your eyelids to add a little color to your lids.

• Finish with a coat of black mascara and a pretty lip gloss.
If your daughter is an athlete, she should keep it simple with a tinted sunscreen and waterproof mascara. Be sure to have an eye makeup remover designed to remove waterproof makeup because it is gentler on the eyes and lashes.

The key to wearing makeup begins with proper skin care and ends with not looking too made up. It’s about looking natural and letting your best assets shine!
Ann Burek is the Spa Administrator at Kimberley’s …A Day Spa on Rt. 9 in Latham. For more information call 785.5868 or visit www.kimberleysadayspa.com.