Rant: Snuggie Makes Fashion Week Debut

The fashion family tree got another black sheep this week—the Snuggie. Making its New York Fashion Week debut (yes, you read correctly), the couch-warming, blanket-bathrobe combo unveiled its new color and design palette, which includes exotic animal prints, tie-dye and camouflage for a triple threat of tacky. While the basic design remained largely unchanged (why mess with a winner?) the fabric got an upgrade to what the company calls its “luxury microplush”—two words that should never be paired together. Ever. Under any circumstance.

Didn’t we learn anything from leg warmers and parachute pants? As someone who survived the 80s, there are whole photo albums that I keep under lock and key (and some fad-clad moments that I plan on taking to the grave). Sure, everyone likes to kick back in the comfort of their own home, but when did it become ok—no—when did it become socially acceptable to traipse around in safari-print, “microplush” muumuus like modern-day Fred Flintstones? We’re not in Bedrock anymore, Toto.

I know, its cheesiness is part of its charm, and the whole Fashion Week debut was very tongue-in-cheek. But seriously, this is how bad fads get their start. And what’s worse: we should know better. I’m sure the legions of Flashdance wannabes circa 1983 had no idea that their leg wear would set off a national craze, but this is different. This time we can actually see the fashion train wreck in snuggly, slow motion. The only question is: do we move out of the way or jump onboard?

Matte Adore

Are No-Gloss Nails the Next Big Thing?

According to a handful of beauty boutiques (and even some big retailers)—including Essie, Knock Out and Zoya—the answer is a loud, flat “yes.” With sheen-free lines poised to take center stage this fall, these and other color makers are hoping the season’s darker, more provocative fashion palette will help the look gain mass appeal.

While matte polishes have been around for a few years now—Chanel launched its Black Satin polish in 2006—the trend has so far failed to break the megawatt mainstream. Instead, the look has gone underground, where flat charcoals, gunmetals and slates have gained an almost cult following in punk and indie rock scenes.

However, with more companies jumping on the bandwagon—not to mention celebrities from Miley Cyrus to Jennifer Garner donning no-gloss nails in photo shoots—fall 2009 could be the matte look’s time to—ironically enough—shine.

For those considering taking the road less polished, good first-time bets include satin blacks, charcoals and reds. These colors not only pair well with a wider range of fall/winter looks, but are also more forgiving to those not used to the shine-free look. Keep in mind when comparing colors that matte hues reflect light differently from glosses (and sometimes from each other). You can go from velvety slate to car primer gray pretty fast, so finding the right color is essential.

For those who want to try their hand at this new trend but don’t want invest in a whole new palette, InStyle magazine recommends using your regular base coat as a top coat to tone down the sheen. Dully noted.

Wearing White After Labor Day

While it’s been long said that you shouldn’t wear white after Labor Day, the origin of this fashion faux pas is shrouded in mystery. Originally intended only for dress shoes and pumps, at some point the “rule” was extended to include all white clothing. However, as newer generations of fashionistas continue to push the envelope, many are questioning the shelf life of this once summer-only color. Here’s the scoop on this white-hot topic:

White Shoes
With the exception of sneakers, most white footwear—especially open-toed shoes, sandals and flip-flops—should be retired after the first Monday in September. Besides clashing with the generally darker, heavier fall/winter wardrobe, these patently summer articles are often made of lighter material that’s simply unfit for the colder months.

White Tops
When it comes to white tops (and dresses), pretty much anything that can be described as strappy, stringy, beachy or breezy is out. (Same goes for anything linen.) However, heavier collared dress shirts and off-white sweaters (think oatmeals and creams) can lend a chic, smart contrast to darker bottoms. More often than not, the material—not the color—should decide what to save and what to stow away.

White Jeans
While some fashion experts insist that white denim is a summer-only trend, others claim it’s a year-round look—as long as it’s paired properly and worn in moderation. Matched with leather boots and a dark (read: black) sweater or blazer, white skinny or straight jeans (save the flares for summer) can create a sophisticated black-on-white look that even the strictest fall fashion police won’t question.

Fab Fall Hairstyles

What better way to complement your chic new fall wardrobe than with a fresh, new hairstyle for fall? Check out these fabulous ‘dos for a few quick, easy ways to give your locks a luscious makeover.

Center Part
Sleek center parts are the star of the season, seen on nearly every runway from the Gap to BCBG. The style is sexy and sophisticated with a hint of flower child thrown into the mix, but best of all—it’s practically effortless to achieve. Just be sure to keep your locks in tip-top shape if they’re long and flowing. Avoid blow dryer overkill to keep hair healthy; besides, a slight wave adds movement and life to this style.

Sculpted Up-Dos
Seriously sculpted up-dos are huge this season—literally—mostly due to the seemingly omnipresent 80s redux fashion trend. But don’t break out the Aquanet and spray your bangs into a three-foot wave just yet. This season, designers and stylists have reinterpreted “power hair” for the 21st century, presenting styles that are hip, modern and strong. Think high, voluminous buns and rounded, textured up-dos reminiscent of Princess Anne.

Side Chignons
The side chignon is both elegant and stylish—and a great look for day or night. Start by parting hair on the side and pulling your locks back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. Then, loosely twist the hair and loop it upward, winding into a doughnut shape. Secure with bobby pins and add a bejeweled clip (tortoise shell clips look great for less formal affairs). Finally, pull a few small strands of hair from the front to frame your face for a delicate, wispy finish. 

Pixie Crops
Cutting your hair short is a great way to get rid of summer’s UV-induced dead ends and revitalize your locks for the new season. More interesting and even lower maintenance than the standard bob, pixie cuts are ideal for everyone from young professionals to moms on the go. To mix things up, have your stylist add choppy layers for more texture and dimension. Use styling wax to enhance the layered pieces, pulling them forward to frame your face.

Fall 2009 Fashion Trends

Sky-High Boots
Boots have always been a staple for fall, but this season, designers are taking it to a whole new level with over-the-knee and thigh-high boots going mainstream. From stylish suede to luscious leather, this sexy trend is available in a variety of heel sizes and colors. Tip: Avoid chunky heels and patent finishes, which can look too over the top.

Cold Shoulder
A carry-over from spring, the one-shoulder trend is back with an edgy new twist for fall. In addition to the elegant, asymmetrical tops and gowns that graced the fall runways, this season brings slits, slashes and carefully constructed cutouts. Designed for a subtle allure, this fashion-forward style allows women to show some skin and still leave plenty to the imagination.

Military Style
We love a woman in uniform. This fall’s military fashion takes the cake as one of the season’s hippest, most innovative trends.  An offshoot of the bohenmian luxe trend, the look takes the form of vests, peacoats and cropped jacks with gold detailing and ornate trims for a rock n’ roll style with a feminine flair. Wear it with skinny pants or leggings over-the-knee boots or stilettos for a killer ensemble.

Sequins & Metallics
Think sequins are just for evening? Think again. This season, sequins and shimmering metallics are shining bright on both evening and daywear. Spotted adorning stylish tees as well as blazers, vests and sleek menswear-style suits, the look can be dressed up or dressed down to bring a bit of glam to the everyday.

Fall Fragrance Guide

The days of summer are winding down. That means it’s time to trade in your airy, summery fragrance for a fall scent with a little more edge. Here are our top picks for the season of romance and sophistication.

COCO MADEMOISELLE by Chanel
Modern and spirited, Coco Mademoiselle is the 21st century interpretation of Chanel’s popular Coco fragrance. The elegant blend of orange, bergamot, and jasmine is laced with deeper notes of patchouli and roots of vetiver. Why we love it: it reflects Coco Chanel’s love of the pure and simple.

GUCCI by Gucci
The perfect complement to your nude, matte lips and sultry, smoky eyes, this chic scent exudes confidence and beauty. It’s a chypre floral fragrance with citrusy notes of guava and pear, a heart of Tahitian tiare flower and a woodsy base note of musk and honey.  

ROMANCE by Ralph Lauren
The scent is rich and alluring with a crisp, timeless quality that’s undeniably Ralph Lauren. Infused with tangerine, chamomile and freesia, as well as ginger, violet and musk, the fragrance was designed to capture the essence of love. Warm, uplifting and romantic, it’s a fabulous fit for fall.

EUPHORIA by Calvin Klein
Nobody does drama like Calvin Klein. Euphoria combines unconventional fruits and florals with seductive, earthy notes. Fragrance highlights include black orchid, liquid amber, mahogany, and lotus blossom. It’s exotic without being overpowering, and the bottle is especially sleek.

THE BEAT by Burberry
One of Burberry’s newest fragrances, The Beat is vibrant and feminine, a floral scent with smoky undertones of musk and wood. Creative Director Christopher Bailey calls the fragrance a must-have fashion accessory for the woman that is “feminine, effortlessly cool and has a sense of mystery.”

Work Out While You Walk?

Imagine a shoe that could increase leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity, improve your posture, mimic the gait of barefoot walking but with more muscle load and improve muscle tone. If you think it sounds crazy, then get yourself to your nearest department store and check out FitFlops.

I was walking through my local Macy's looking for a new pair of fall boots (perhaps a little prematurely, but boot season is almost here) when I stumbled upon these biomechanically engineered “flip flops with a built-in gym.” The science behind the shoe basically boils down to the fact that the design of the shoe sole activates slow-twitch (fat-burning) muscles in the legs for a longer period of time, thus burning more fat.

In addition to making it easier for people to stay in shape, the company touts reduced lower back pain as a major benefit of the wellness-promoting shoes. First launched in London in 2007, these chunky sandals have been making huge waves here in the U.S. this spring and summer with celebrity fans including Jessica Biel, Oprah and Heidi Klum. They come in a variety of brights, pastels and metallics to suit your footwear fancy and start at about $45—not a bad price to pay for a virtually effortless leg workout.

Get a Whiter, Brighter, Beautiful Smile

So, you’ve got your favorite lipstick, liner and gloss all picked out—what’s not to smile about? Well, if those pearly whites aren’t as bright as you would like them to be, you might be less inclined to open up. Don’t let a spotty smile drag down your look. Read on for tips and tricks on how to get that sparkle back and keep stains at bay.

Cut Back on Dark, Sugary and Acidic Drinks
If a beverage can stain carpet there’s a good chance it can do the same to your teeth. Coffee, black tea, soft drinks and red wine can easily leave there mark if regularly consumed. Worse still, if highly acidic or loaded with sugar, such drinks can wreak havoc on tooth enamel. However, for those who enjoy green or white tea, there is a silver lining. These teas contain potent antioxidants called polyphenols which actually help prevent plaque build-up. Polyphenols also provide exceptional free radical protection to the skin.

Get More Vitamin C and Calcium
Vitamin C is as important to oral health as it is to skin health. While most of us think of collagen in terms of skin support, this essential protein is also the main component in bones and teeth. Vitamin C plays a critical role in the production of collagen, making it a necessity for both a sparkling smile and a radiant complexion.

Calcium is an essential mineral for bone growth and strength. In addition to preventing tooth decay and strengthening the bond between tooth and jawbone, regular calcium intake (the National Institute of Health recommends 1,000 mg a day for women 19 to 50 years old and 1,200 mg for those 51 and older) becomes increasing important as we age and osteoporosis becomes a bigger risk.

The Truth About Whitening Products
We’ve all seen them at the supermarket—gels, strips, mouthwashes promising snow-blinding white teeth—but do they work? It depends on how bright you want to be. Whitening toothpastes may be able to polish a smile a shade brighter, but don’t expect much more than that. Peroxide-based whitening strips and gels are a bit more intensive and can generally restore brilliance to superficially stained teeth. For a more deeply stained set, go with professional bleaching.

Fore more ways to show off your smile, shop the PurMinerals Lip Collection.

The Skinny on Body Conditions

When your skin looks good, you feel good about yourself. Skin conditions like stretch marks and cellulite are not only unsightly, but they can be disheartening as well. While there is no surefire remedy, there are several treatments on the market that can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. After all, dimples are for the cheeks on your face!

The most common concern regarding stretch marks and cellulite is that people simply want to get rid of them—permanently. The use of retinol can help keep these body conditions in check, improving the overall texture of the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. However, as with any cosmetic procedure or treatment, your expectations should be realistic. Also, the color of stretch marks and the size of cellulite pockets can change over time, so the earlier you begin treatment, the better the results.

Changing your lifestyle habits (i.e. diet, exercise and sleep patterns) have little impact on stretch marks, but when it comes to cellulite, quality of life is key.  Treating cellulite involves targeting the source, or often sources, of the subcutaneous irregularity. Topical body products that stimulate collagen production can provide relief by rebuilding the skin’s weakened support system, but exercise (that elevates the heart rate for 30 minutes a day) with a calorie-restricted diet (low-sugar, low-fat; high-fiber) is by far the best treatment. This not only helps firm the skin, but also increases blood flow to problem areas. Proper water intake (8-10 glasses a day) also helps by flushing toxins that can cause internal inflammation.

Body Conditions Defined

Stretch Marks – A form of scarring that occurs on the skin and has a white or reddish tint. When the dermis tears due to loss of elasticity and collagen, such scars can appear. Stretch marks also occur when the skin is stretched at a rapid pace (i.e. puberty, weight gain or pregnancy).

Cellulite – The accumulation of fat that presses against the connective tissues underneath a person’s skin, causing a bumpy or cottage cheese-like effect. Genetics, hormones and/or diet serve as the root of the problem.

Skin Pigmentation – Conditions that cause the skin to appear blotchy and lighter (hypopigmentation) or darker (hyperpigmentation) than normal due to an imbalance of melanin, the pigment that determines hair, skin and eye color. Skin pigmentation disorders are caused by varying factors, including sun exposure, allergic reactions and genetics.

Sun Damage – Often the price we pay for tanning, sun damage occurs when the skin is overly exposed to the sun’s intense UV rays. While some effects are immediately visible (i.e. sunburns and suntans), others appear over time in the form of unsightly wrinkles and liver spots. Excessive and repeated sun exposure can permanently damage skin cell DNA, resulting in skin cancer.

Keep your skin healthy and radiant with the Pür Minerals Skin Care Collection.

Haute Summer Hairstyles

Refresh your look for the new season and try a fresh, new hairstyle. This summer brings a wealth of fashionable ‘dos for every occasion, so ditch your signature look and show your locks some love with one of these simple, pretty new styles.

The Sleek Ponytail
This style is great for the office or an evening out, a perfect transitional day-to-night hairdo. Start by pulling dry hair back into a ponytail at medium height. Next, take a small chunk of hair from the bottom of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band. Secure with a bobby pin and finish off the look with a dab of smoothing serum to tame flyaways. To make things a little more interesting, add some curl to your ponytail. Separate hair into two sections. Spray the first section with hairspray and curl with a curling iron. Hold for 10 sections and repeat with the remaining section. Then, twirl both pieces together around your fingers so that they form one curl.

Milkmaid Braids
A carryover from spring’s hottest trends, the milkmaid look is still going strong. It’s practical and convenient like a ponytail—but with an extra fashion flair. To get the look, comb hair into two sections and braid each, securing with an elastic band (clear works best)at the bottom. Then, wrap the braids around the back of your head, crossing over one another. Bring them around the side and up to your crown and secure with bobby pins. The only stipulation to this super-stylish ‘do is that it requires extremely long hair. Those with shorter locks can try a single braid variation of the style. Part hair as you would normally and section off a fairly large chunk of hair closest to your forehead. Braid the hair and secure behind your ear with bobby pins. Wear hair down and flowing or pull back, along with the braid, into a ponytail.

Soft Waves
Loosely tousled waves capture the carefree, fun-loving vibe of summer, and the style itself is almost as effortless as it looks. This look can be achieved a couple different ways. For fine and straight hair, section your hair off and curl with hot rollers or curls. Separate the locks with your fingers—instead of a brush—and spritz lightly with hairspray to keep curls intact with a natural look. Those with a little more natural body can try textured waves. Apply a leave-in conditioner to clean, damp hair and scrunch in large sections. Let your hair air dry and you’re ready to go.