The Fashion and Beauty Thread

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this is on going enjoy ladies

 

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If you played it safe with your style in 2008, it's a new year and time for a new set of rules! Or, more accurately, time to break some of those style codes (they're more like guidelines anyway) that may have been holding your sartorial side back. We've got five rules that it's high time for you to break.


Mixing prints
Houndstooth and stripes? Hells, yes! Mixing prints, when done correctly, can bring your style to new heights of bohemian chic and you're guaranteed to not look like every other girl on the street. That said, still use your better judgment: mixing two retro paisley prints will cast you as a prop on That '70s Show in no time. Stripes in particular are a great print to mix with; try stripes with polka dots, plaids, houndstooth, anything - the sky is the limit on this one!


Black and brown
Once considered a set-in stone fashion faux pas, the fashion world has warmed to and even embraced wearing black and brown together. If you haven't tried this color combo out yet, it's certainly high time! An all black ensemble with brown boots is almost guaranteed fabulous. Be careful with lighter shades of brown however. Black with brown that is more camel in color can come off as very cowboy western.


White after Labor Day
No white after Labor Day is a tale as old as time, and not one you should take stock in. A well-placed winter white piece is undeniably stylish. When it comes to wearing white after Labor Day, the fabric of the white item is key in determining whether it's appropriate. As a general rule, heavier fabrics such as wool are a go and lighter ones such as linen are a no no. And white shoes? Well those are universally taboo post early fall. Need more tips? Learn how to wear winter white.


Monochromatic
Don't let it get stuck in your head that wearing an outfit all of one color is necessarily boring and a bad thing. Believe it or not, some people only and always wear the same color! New York Magazine recently did a feature on this to learn about five New Yorkers who don the same shade day in and day out. While we don't advocate limiting your entire wardrobe to just one hue, it does go to show that it is possible to assemble a fabulous outfit that way. An all black ensemble, for example, can look goth or chic; it all depends on how you put it together. Uni-colored outfits also get a boost from creating a streamlined silhouette, which has a slimming effect.


Accessorize
How many times have you heard that it's the accessories that make the outfit? Well sometimes just the opposite is true. When you're wearing truly fantastic clothes, don't be afraid to let them speak for themselves and accessorize minimally or not at all. Particularly with more intricate pieces, accessories can overwhelm the overall ensemble and can actually be a disservice.

 

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ONLINE SAMPLE SALE WEBSITES

With the current economy, we are all looking to save money. Online sample sales are a great way to build your wardrobe without spending a fortune. You can find a variety of online sample sale websites that offer exclusive sales on top brand name fashions.

If you live in New York City, you probably know all about sample sales. Sample sales are usually invitation only and quantities are limited, but you can get designer fashions at bargain prices - oftentimes saving 70% or more off retail. Over the past few years, sample sales have gone online.
Most online sample sales last for a very short period of time (24-48 hours) and feature selected styles from a specific designer. To sign up, online sample sale websites normally require a referral from a current member. Once you are in, you receive emails to alert you of upcoming sales. Here are a few of our favorite online sample sale websites.


Hautelook
Hautelook organizes exclusive 12-48 hour online private sales from fashion and luxury lifestyle brands. Membership is free and prior to each sale, members are sent an email notice announcing the brand and start date/time of the sale. With discounts of up to 75% off on top brands, Hautelook is one of the most popular online sample sale sites.


Gilt Groupe
Gilt Groupe offers invitation only sales on men's, women's and children's fashions. Each Gilt sale starts at noon ET and lasts 36 hours and features specific selected styles from a single designer. You need an invite from a current member. Fortunately for you, I'm a member, so you can sign up with this Gilt Groupe link.


Regent's Secret
Regent's Secret holds several private sales each week. Each event features a well-known luxury brand and lasts 2-3 days only. Inventory is limited, so don't miss out on the beginning of each sale. Membership is free by invitation or a special code. Their "secret" code isn't really much of a secret anymore. Members can invite others to join and earn 5% off their referral's purchases.


Editors' Closet
Editors' Closet organizes online, confidential sample sales for their members which feature up and coming brands at 30%-75% off. Membership is free and you need to be referred. You can also get on their waiting list in case a spot opens up. Each sale last 2-3 days and members receive 48 hours notification about every sale. they offer apparel, accessories, jewelry, electronics and more.


Ideeli
Another sample sale website is Ideeli. It's easy to sign up and free to join for their 2nd Row membership. However, to get access to more exclusive sales and shop one hour earlier than other members, you can upgrade to a 1st Row membership for $6.99 a month (billed annually). They also offer giveaways and other fun stuff.


Gomatta Girls
You probably have heard of Woot, where they sell one item (usually electronics), one day until it sells out. Gomatta Girls is the same thing only for designer clothing and accessories. They sell one extremely low priced deal at a time for just one day. The discounts are no less than 65% off and up to 90% off. As soon as they sell out of the item, the sale is over. But don't worry, another one item will be on sale the next morning.


Other online sample sale websites

Catwalk to the Closet
Glam List
I Love Sample Sales
I Shop FEM
Luxe Club One
Planet Lulu
Rue La La
The Savvy
The Top Secret
If you are in New York City and love shopping the sample sales in person, check this annual calendar of sales from NY Mag to find out where to shop.

 

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You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive hair care products from the salon to get great looking hair. Some of the most nourishing beauty treatments for your hair can be made in your own kitchen. Here are four great homemade beauty treatments you can whip up in no time. These treatments will help restore moisture and body to your dull, dry hair -- making it beautiful once again!

During the winter, most of us experience bouts with dry, brittle hair. These homemade hair treatments will help restore luster and shine to even the most damaged hair.

Banana Blend Conditioner
You might want to drink this concoction, but don't! It's actually a terrific conditioner for your hair! Use this mixture once a week all year round to keep your hair soft and manageable.

Ingredients:
1/2 banana
1/4 cantaloupe
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp plain yogurt
Directions:

Blend all ingredients until well combined.
Apply mixture to freshly washed hair, saturating from roots to tips.
Leave set for 30 minutes.
Rinse with cool water.


Lemon Moisturizing Hair Treatment
This homemade treatment is great to help treat dry hair and scalp. Use as a shampoo twice a week throughout the winter to keep your hair looking and feeling fantastic.
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
Directions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth.
Add 3 Tbsp of shampoo to mixture.
Blend until combined.
Wet hair and use mixture to shampoo.
Rinse with warm water.
Refrigerate unused portion in airtight container for up to a week.

Honey & Apricot Deep Conditioner
This treatment works especially well on African-American hair. The ingredients will help tame the frizzies and hydrate dry hair. It's also great for the scalp. Use once a week throughout the winter for best results.
Ingredients:
1 small apricot
2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp apricot oil
Directions:

Remove pit from apricot.
Blend ingredients until smooth.
Apply mixture to freshly washed hair.
Wrap hair with plastic wrap.
Leave on for 30 minutes.
Rinse with cool water and style as usual.


Coconut Protein Hair Treatment
The protein from the eggs and the moisturizing qualities of the other ingredients will revive even the most damaged hair. Use once a week for a month, then monthly thereafter.
Ingredients:

2 eggs
3 Tbsp coconut milk
2 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Directions:

Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a fork until combined.
Apply to wet hair prior to shampooing.
Allow to set for 30 minutes.
Rinse well with warm water.
Shampoo as usual.
Try to avoid using blow dryers and other styling equipment.