Summer Wardrobe Worries? - Not to Worry, We’ve Got You Covered (Part Two)

In part one we got you wardrobe ready for summer by picking out tank tops, capri pants, summer skirts, and empire dresses. We didn’t forget your feet either. For them, we featured slingbacks and slides. Here we look at some accessories that are as essential to your summer look as the clothing items you are wearing.

We begin with, everyone’s favorites, the beach flip-flop!   

 Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are not just meant for the beach anymore! They are fun, functional, cute, and a great way to show off your painted toenails. They look terrific with casual skirts, pants, and shorts. They are not proper footwear for the workplace however so only reach for them on your leisure time. Why they may be cheap and fun, flip-flops provide little support for your feet. With this in mind, wear them sparingly and only wear them when walking on soft surfaces.

The Summer Handbag

The choices are many when it comes to purses and handbags for the hot summer months!  Pick from straw, rattan, canvas, totes, clutches, or colorful plastic beach bags. Nothing says leisure or “I’m on vacation!” like a breezy summer handbag. The wonderful thing about them is that they are very affordable so you can own as many different styles and colors as your heart desires! After all, accessories are as important as the outfits that they complement. Have a different one for every day of the week or every occasion!  

Sunglasses

Never leave the house without “sunscreen for your eyes.” Sunglasses are a definite must-have that you should never be without. They come in all different brands, types, shades, colors, and styles. You could own a variety of pairs if you want to. They are as budget savvy or as expensive as you want to go. Just make sure before buying a pair that they are made with standard UV protection. Look for ones that block both UVA and UVB rays. An added plus of sunglasses is that they help to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Protect your eyes at all costs! 

The Hat

Don’t forget your head as you prepare for a day at the park, beach, campsite, or pool. Even if you are just going outside to your deck or balcony for a little while, put a hat on that head of yours! Don’t go bare when the sun is beating down on you! Hats are both utilitarian and fashionable. They come in a wide variety of materials, fabrics, colors, and styles. While they are not acceptable at dinners or social engagements, they are perfectly fine (and encouraged) at barbecues, beaches, patios, and for your outdoor shopping spree. Choose straw, rattan, or a cloth hat. The important thing is that you cover up your head so you don’t get burned! Ouch!

Now you are outfitted with everything you need to enjoy all that the season has to offer you! Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy every minute of your summer! 

Images: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Summer Wardrobe Worries? - Not to Worry, We’ve Got You Covered (Part One)

Ladies, you may think that you have all of the right apparel lined up for the upcoming summer season but if you don’t have the items listed here, you may not be as wardrobe ready as you think. Chase away those wardrobe worries by getting onboard with our summer checklist!

Tank Tops

Tank tops are cheap to buy and can be worn casual or dressed up. Wear a tank with shorts, jeans, capris, or skirts. There are so many options and they come in plenty of different colors and styles. Purchase them in every color of the rainbow! You can even layer them if you want to change up your look! Go wild!

Capri Pants

Capri pants (or simply just capris) are short summer pants that are so versatile. They come in many different lengths that you can take your pick. These are a summer staple no matter where you live. They are lightweight and look great with almost everything. They are summery enough to wear to work with a blouse or to head to the beach with a tank top or halter. Plus when summer rains begin to fall, there are no heavy pant legs or hems to drag through puddles or to drag around period.

Purchase a pair in black, navy blue, beige, and white (or cream if you prefer). If you like stripes or designs, try those too. The more you own, the more outfit options you will have! 

Summer Skirts

Summer skirts are feminine, flirty and always in style for the season of sun and fun. They come in various styles, colors, materials, patterns, lengths, and prices. They can easily be worn with different tops- try one with a tank, a halter, a blouse, or a t-shirt. Many summer skirts are cut on the bias (cut diagonally) which flatters all figures.

Empire Dresses

Empire dresses look so lively and upbeat! They are an instant pick-me-up to your confidence and energy levels. Every woman does not wear them so for the fashion trailblazer, this is part of their appeal. What many women do not know is that empire style dresses are flattering to most figures. The high waistline disguises many figure flaws such as bigger hips or a protruding tummy. Be a shrewd shopper and you will find the empire dress that is just so “you”! 

Slingbacks and Slides

No, these are not the same as that other summer staple, flip-flops (which we will discuss in part two). They are much more classic and carry an air of sophistication and charm with them. Slingbacks (which you can start wearing as early as April or May) and slides (let it warm up a little before you slip them on your feet) are some of the most flattering and stylish footwear around. Match them up with your dressy attire and you are out the door in the chicest manner possible!

We’re not finished yet! In part two we list the basic accessories you need to have a smashing summer! Keep reading …

Images: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Readying Your Beauty Routine for Fun Under the Sun: Helpful Tips for You (Part Two)

In part one we prepared your beauty routine for the summer months by thinking about esthetics (not exactly the fun stuff we know, but necessary for sure!) and the importance of wearing sunblock. Now it is time to delve into the fun stuff- it’s time to talk makeup and hair!

Find out what you should be thinking about to get the sexy summer look that you love! 

Nail Polish (Fingernails and Toenails)

This one is the perfect tribute to the season. Go without polish the rest of the year if you wish but do not dare to neglect to color up during the heat of summer. Go for splashy hot pink, racy red, brazen bronze, or whatever color tickles your fancy.  This is the time to get your fingernails and toenails noticed. Or for a change, do the opposite and go white, as in the French manicure. It is very clean looking not to mention ultra-chic. A definite winner in every way. Take your pick, or try various colors throughout the summer. Experiment with the entire color wheel if you want!

Lip Gloss

This is one of the most important cosmetic products for the summer season. It has a lot to offer. It is light and dewy; it complements a tanned face; and it plumps up even the thinnest of lips. There are so many varieties at so many prices that you can afford to try out as many colors as you like. Layer lip gloss over lipstick or wear it alone. It delivers a hint of color and that’s all you really need at this time of year. Plus the wet look of gloss makes it very sexy and kissable looking! You do not need lip liner like you do with lipstick and gloss can be applied without a mirror. You just glide it on and you are ready to go.

Bright Eye Shadow

Put those darker, smoky shades away for now, as it is time for the pearlized shadows of summer. In the makeup world, summer nights call for bolder and brighter colors. This is not the time to be shy makeup wise! Try one of the new hues available in green or blue. Experiment and find out what looks good on you. Applied properly and paired with a light swipe of mascara, the bright eye shadows of summer take away the need for eyeliner.

If you have not experimented with bright eye shadow in the past, it is best to ease into it slowly with a light application. Flip through beauty magazines to find a look that you want to emulate. Another option is to drop by the makeup counter at a local department store or drugstore and ask for a makeover or at the very least, some help in selecting shades that will suit your skin, hair, and eye color to a tee!  

Highlights for Your Hair

No need to try to blend into the crowd this time of the year. Try something new! Go a little wild and lighten up with some summer hair highlights. Highlights add volume to hair and who would say no to more volume?! They frame your face and throw a little more pizzazz into your summer look. Try it and see.

If you are not happy with the highlights, don’t worry, they will grow it. If you are happy with them, you have got yourself a new look for the season! Have the highlights done professionally at the salon or buy a do-it-yourself kit from the store and well, do it yourself in your bathroom!

Hairpins & Accessories

This is an especially important one for ladies with long or shoulder length locks. There are many different varieties of hair accessories to jazz up your do, keep your hair out of your face and keep your neck cool.  There are bejeweled hairpins, clamps, and barrettes, and that’s just the beginning. Experiment with different ones. Consider the many possibilities as there are many! If you do not tend to tie your hair up much the rest of the calendar year, here is your chance to do some hairpin experimentation!

So now you are all set beauty wise to take pleasure in wherever the path of your summer leads you! Have a wonderful season under the sun fellow beauty mavens!

Images: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

Readying Your Beauty Routine for Fun Under the Sun: Helpful Tips for You (Part One)

If you are one of those ladies who lives for the hot summer months of the year, the time is now to think about your beauty routine. To make it a season to remember, you need to get prepared! Ready, set, go!

Read on to find out how to do just that! 

Esthetics

Nothing says good bye winter, hello summer like a trip to the local esthetician. If it is time for you to get a waxing, do yourself a favor and make an appointment to have that done before you show up poolside with your bikini on! It will help you to not only look better but to feel better as well. It will also help you to enjoy the hot season to the fullest without worrying about, well, things you should not have to worry about when it comes to your appearance!  

If you are watching your money and the esthetician’s prices are too steep for you right now, buy your own waxing strips from the drug store or purchase a hair remover such as Neet or Nair and do the job yourself. Just remember to be gentle with your bikini area because it can become red, irritated, and oh so itchy very easily!

How about giving electrolysis a try if you have never before? While this procedure can be expensive and time consuming (it takes many appointments over a number of weeks, sometimes even months) it is worth it. However, if you have ever been told that is a permanent form of hair removal, well, that is sort of true but not exactly. It will permanently remove hair for a lengthy period of time but the potential for some new hair growth at the site in the future is possible.

It might be a good idea to consider getting your eyebrows done as well ladies. Once smoothed into the right arch, they perform a valuable face-framing function, which is particularly important when you are wearing a minimal amount of makeup. It also opens up the eye area which is exactly what you want! 

SPF

The most important essential you need in your beauty bag to enjoy your summer is sunscreen. Before you go outside, be it for an hour or for the better part of the day, slather it on all exposed parts of your body, as well as your face! Without it there is the risk of sunburn (ouch!), premature wrinkles, and the development of cancer cells in the skin. These are all things you could do without!

Nothing can kill a good time and ruin the summer season like a painfully, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, sunburn. Relax, have fun and be safe while wearing (and remembering to re-apply frequently) your sunscreen. Go with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimum protection. Now you are ready to have some fun!

More helpful summertime beauty tips for you in part two.   

Images: FreeDigitalPhotos.net