The Fashion Statement

Blog that is quick to make a fashion statement. Follows sports stars, celebrities and the guy or gal next door.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Prom And Homecoming Dresses For The 2006 Season

Now is the time to start searching for prom and homecoming dresses for 2006. It’s nice to allow yourself plenty of time, so you can relax and enjoy checking out all those gorgeous dresses before you decide which one is going to be absolutely perfect. Before you begin searching for your prom or homecoming dress, you should have a clear idea in your mind of whether you’re looking for a full formal, semi-formal or dressy casual style.

Most high school proms are full formal, so it’s the perfect opportunity to wear that full length ball gown you’ve always dreamed of, or the kind of sophisticated formal dress you would reserve for the most glamorous occasions. A homecoming dance or event will usually be less formal, butthe dress code will depend on the event and on your particularschool’s tradition. The best way to get an idea of the kind ofoutfit which will be most appropriate is to just ask the seniorstudents, or graduates if you know any. Now is the time of year when the major trends are beginning to emerge for the coming season. There are a number of looks which are shaping up to be the big trends for 2006, so you have plenty of choice.

Prom and Homecoming Fashion Trends for 2006

  • Black is the new black. Of course, classic black never really goes out of style, but the sophisticated black dress will beone of the strongest trends for the 2006 prom season. Slinkyshapes with glamorous floor length skirts are the main focus. Bold, dramatic black and white will also be an important look,in particular the classic black and white paneled bodice with a solid white A-line skirt. We’ll also see solid black dresses with dramatic white detailing.
  • Winter white is still an important look, particularly with silvery beads and details. Colors for 2006 will be bold and dramatic.
  • Soft pastels have most definitely made way for striking rich reds, dazzling blues, sparkling golds, sunset yellows and even tangy citrus orange tones. If you like to be really daring with color, this will be the year for bold contrasts of two or more strong colors.
  • The sexy Grecian style gown is tipped to be a particularly hotlook for the 2006 season, after Kelly Clarkson really turnedheads with the stunning gold silk dress she wore at the VMAAwards in August. If you have a sensational figure, now is thetime to really show it off!Strapless ball gowns were the main attraction at the GoldenGlobe Awards in 2005, worn by everyone from Kim Cattrall of‘Sex and the City’ to ‘Friends’ favorite Lisa Kudrow, so we’llbe seeing a lot of this fabulous celebrity style in the upcoming prom season.
  • Fabrics will be shining, lustrous and glamorous, with satin and silk the main focus. We’ll also see lots of flowing chiffon,classic taffeta and gorgeous organza. Beads, sequins, rhinestones, glitter, embroidery and andspecialty detailing will also be a major trend, so if you love a little glamour it’s definitely going to be your year. Therewill be lots of beautifully beaded necklines and embroidered bodices. Extravagantly romantic lace, ribbons, tie-backs andbows will also be very much in vogue.There’s no single strong trend in hemlines; it’s really a caseof anything goes, be it a full floor length skirt, tea length,short or daringly short. We’ll also see everything from cheekyhandkerchief hems to classic A-line shapes, long skirts withtrains, funky asymmetrical hemlines, sexy slit dresses, andeven elegant ballerina skirts. It’s really a matter of choosingthe skirt shape and length which best suits your figure andshows off your assets.Prom and Homecoming AccessoriesBeads and embroidery will also be in very much in vogue forprom and homecoming accessories.
  • There will be lots of beautifully designed beaded and embroidered purses and shawls to complement the season’s gowns.
  • You can never go wrong with strappy mid to high-heel shoes to complement evening wear. Bear in mind when you’re choosing yourshoes that you not only want to look sensational, you also want to keep dancing all night, so look for evening shoes which arecomfortable as well as stylish. An alternative shoe style which will make a surprise appearance in 2006 will be ballet shoes. There will be lots of prom shoes in ballet styles, but there’s no reason why you can’t wear real ballet shoes, which are inexpensive and easy to find. With theright dress, they’ll look absolutely gorgeous.
  • And the hot tip for jewelry is chandelier earrings, which look great particularly worn with your hair up to show them off.This will be the year for bold, extravagant, sparkling jewelry,including brooches, necklaces, bracelets, rings and tiaras withevery kind of jewel, from dazzling rubies and emeralds to classic diamonds and pearls.

About The Author: Lynn Donn is the webmaster forhttp://www.1st-in-formal-dresses.com Her website offers tipsand information on all the latest trends in prom, homecomingdresses and formal dresses.

Monday, April 03, 2006

Thought of a Makeup Checkup?

No one wants to look older than they really are, so when you get to certain ages, be it late 20's, late 30's, late 40's or older, its time to do a makeup check up. You may not realize that your style of makeup is too young for you or too old depending on how you've been doing it.You may be over doing or under doing your makeup. As our face changes what we once did at one age can be the worst thing to do now. As with skin care there is a need to change your look to keep looking as beautiful as always but start working on those little issues that are coming up. No need to name them, we all know what they are.

We all can remember in our teens and twenties choosing makeup on a whim or enjoying bold, shiny eye shadows, (bright blue anyone?) Heavy or mismatched foundation, not blending it in at the chin or too thick concealer, giving you the opposite raccoon look. How about that obvious blush in neon pink? Be it on someone's else face or even your own, who else can remember their mother licking both her thumbs wetting down you cheeks trying to help make your blush less obvious? Remember how in the earlier years of drugstore brands of blush even that couldn't work, you needed to use major makeup remover?

Try changing from a cream or gel blush. It is better for your face as you get older,as dry blush doesn't blend well as your skin loses the ability to hold on to moisture, as little lines start to appear around the eyes. Don't forget those nasty smile lines. Keep the blush on your cheek bones to highlight them if they are one of your best features. Dry blush tends to cake on skin that is too dry.

How about those overly greasy or super glossy lipsticks, or a Kaleidoscopic array of eye shadows, often mismatched colors as forgetting certain shades of purple AND lime greendo not go together at the same time! We all can get confused on what really looks good on us, in most cases pastels draw attention to and refresh your eyes, brights make the eyes look vibrant and muted tones softly add color or shape to the eye while dark colors add dramatic impact. Start experimenting at home with what you have.

Do a checkup on the way you're doing your eye liners, heavy doe eyed look doesn't look good on any age! Heavy outlined eyes just makes look older, great for teenagers to try out but not someone who is trying to make a impression on a new boss.

It's high time you really should consider making adjustments to one's routine. Even more examples of what not to do-The a retro Marilyn Monroe look with the liquid-lined bedroom eyes, and pouty red lips, only she could really pull that look off. The Crayola Crayon-colored eyeshadows.Spikey mascara that been in countless fashion magazines and billboards with what looks like only 5 or 6 lashes. Over the years mascaras have changed from jumping out at you, fake lashes extremes to a more natural look, black-browns, even navy looks good if not overdone. There are some glitter mascaras that aren't as wild as you might think too so don't forget to at least look at them for night time use.

It's time to think about changing to a classic, well blended look where no one aspect of your makeup can be more important than the other. As you create you new look, start thinking of more natural shades of neutral colors just making sure that they work with your skin tone.Try wearing only two coats of mascara not three or more. If blonde try brown or brownish-black. As your hair color darkens, either by age or stopping coloring it, try changing your mascara color to bring out the natural beauty of your eyes. Not everyone should be wearing black mascara.

There will always be a time and place for all types of free-self expression but one should only leave the house looking as if one is on the way to a halloween party unless there is a halloween party!As much as you might not like it, overdone makeup or even the smoky eye look if not done correctly, just makes you look opposite of what you are going for. When we all are a certain age regardless of how many years add up, its time to discover a style that makes you feel beautiful, finding colors that enhances your appearance not take away from it. If you haven't started yet, look up beauty tips or make ups online or go to your local book store to see whats out there. Even fashion magazines of late are going towards a less is better.

Start practicing blending techniques that makes your eyes look natural not piled or painted on. Praticing to create one's own style and stop being a slave to whatever the latest look and think before pairing of colors. Even a teenager can have a basic but undone look that enhances not take away from their natural beauty. Check out what you have brought over the year and work on designing your own style, one you can call your own, need help try your girl friends, who better than to tell you what looks good? We all need to stop being a slave to today's "in" look start showingoff the real beauty that may of been hiding behind layers of the so called 'fashionable look'.

Starting with soft neutral colors, blending them, creating a signature look thats easy to put on in the morning for work, add glitter or more color to for nighttime fun.Then start throwing out all those colors that makes most teenagers daughters laugh at even the thought you might still be thinking of wearing it!Start today and tomorrow at work just smile and agree when asked "Have you lost weight?" You may never know even just a change in your makeup may change you into a whole new person.

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder Owner of Overallbeauty.com Great lover of beauty care and products, never happy without trying to make the world a little prettier for all. Visit Overallbeauty.com to see the latest in beauty products and skin care.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Restylane

Now this procedure is amazing but requires an ultrafine needle to fill in wrinkles. Restylane is a cosmetic filler made out of hyaluronic acid, a substance found in the body that cushions providing plumping of the skin. The most commonly reported side effects were temporary redness and swelling at the injection site. These effects typically resolve in less than seven days. It has been used by dermatologists and cosmetic physicians for the past 10 years. It is important not to go tanning after the procedure. Sensitivity can occur under these circumstances

Check out the before and after pictures at http://www.RestylaneUSA.com.

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Thermage better than a face lift

For those who are not ready for face lifts, there is a new procedure which is non-invasive, doesn’t require needles and is FDA approved. If you are not ready for a face lift then give Thermage a try. My friend who owns the spa had this procedure and she looked fabulous. All of her friends noticed immediately. She told me that one of her most popular procedures is Thermage. Thermage uses radiofrequency technology to renew the countours of the face and promote collagen growth. This radiofrequency technology is delivered by a tip which heats up the deep layers of collagen and then cools the upper protective outer layer. It is the deep synchronized heating and cooling which causes the face to immediately tighten. Over time, the skin becomes tighter, healthier and smooth. After a single treatment session you usually see results in two to six months. The results can last over a year. Best of all, it has an excellent safety record with minimal side effects such as redness or bumps which quickly disappear.

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Botox craze

Last night at dinner, I met up with my friend who owns a spa in Long Beach, California and a group of girls in the pharmaceutical business for a night out. One of the pharmaceutical representatives used to be a Miami Dolphins cheerleader. She told me how critical it was to keep up an image in the squad. In those days, the head of the cheerleading squad would point out flaws with a laser pointer and embarrass them in front of the other cheerleaders. Image is everything and now it carries to her everyday life as a pharmaceutical representative. She was curious about having Botox injections although she was in her early thirties. “I have a furrow on my forehead and I would love to have my eyebrows arched.”

The Botox craze continues, but there are many important facts to consider. Botox comes from the botulinum toxin. It works by releasing a neurochemical called acetylcholine signaling muscle contraction and interfering with the muscle’s ability to contract. Eventually, lines are smoothed out and in some cases they disappear within a period of a week’s time. There is some risk associated with Botox injections. If too much toxin is injected you might wind up with droopy eyelid muscles for weeks. It is important that a learned professional who is an expert in this area be able to inject them at the right dose.

“How about a Botox party?”

Monday, March 27, 2006

Hollywood Anti-Aging Secrets, Fashion or Fad?

Last night, I was talking to a friend who is a physician and owns a medical spa in southern California. We were talking about anti-aging therapies. She pointed out that here in California compared to the East Coast most people are obsessed with their image. Teachers spend a year’s salary on expensive surgeries to look better. Girls come to her office for breast implants without fully developing through adolescence.

“It is all about image.” But how much can anyone spend to keep up this image? Breast augmentation $8000, nose surgery $6000, and a tummy tuck $8000 and these are average prices not counting the operation room fee and anesthesia. Exorbitant prices everywhere and it seems that the anti-aging fad or fashion has extended everywhere else especially with television shows such as The Swan and Dr. 90210. Interestingly enough, despite a multitude of surgeries many celebrity pictures are still airbrushed for publishing.

I asked her if there was any cheaper way to actually achieve that look without breaking your life savings. She replied that there are many procedures out there that are not necessarily invasive. In this upcoming series of the week, you will learn more about these new procedures which are less expensive and provide fantastic results.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Confessions of a Stylist - Rodeo Drive


Cruising down Rodeo drive is a hobby of any girl living in California. On the cobblestone streets, the girls are dressed immaculately with their Chanel bags and high heeled shoes. You will always find them in tailored sportswear not in a Juicy Couture sweatsuit. Parking is a hassle on Rodeo that is why you see all the stars fined by the police as they come out of the shop. It really doesn’t matter how much they earn but many of them forget to place quarters in the meters or they have chauffers that fail to parallel park. The prices on Rodeo are always sky high and at times the selection lacks uniqueness. Maybe that is why you sometimes see the stars wearing the same thing. The best bet is to do your research from the celebrities themselves and then find similar items but with a different flair and a lower price. That’s the secret of the trade.

For Chanel handbags check out Bluefly. It is the only place I know that you can find an amazing 20 to 40% off on items!

Chanel beige canvas quilted tote
Chanel beige canvas quilted tote

Chanel beige canvas quilted tote
This tote embodies the traditional style and craftsmanship of Chanel and defines modern chic.