Eyebrow check

Nothing frames your face quite like your eyebrows. Whether they are thin or bushy, looking after them is an extremely important part of “perfect polish“.

The perfectly shaped eyebrow is always about accentuating your natural arch.

  • For thin brows – use eye shadow to add fullness and a pencil to add shape. A pencil will extend the length of your eyebrow and draw a stronger arch. Powdered eye shadow will fill in the areas where hair is sparse.
  • For bushy eyebrows – if your brows are very thick or the hair points outwards; brushing them upwards first and then trimming the hair with eyebrow scissors is a good idea. Once you’ve done this – you can shape and shade as necessary.
  • For blonde brows – dye your eyebrows a few shades darker then the colour of your hair. You won’t believe what a difference this can make. Shape and groom your brows after you’ve dyed them.
  • Use gel – eyebrow gel or wax will keep your eyebrows in place for most of the day. The product lasts forever and is available at most cosmetic counters.  

If you can’t manage shaping, dying and tweezing your brows on your own – have them done professionally until you feel confident enough yourself. Eyebrow kits complete with powder, pencil and gel are also available and a good investment. Steal the time for your brows – your entire face looks alive when your eyebrows are properly groomed.    

Chain reaction

Chunky chains are the hottest look in necklaces and bracelets this season. In keeping with the true revival of ‘80’s fashion, Gucci links are back in both metal and plastic. It’s not about quantity this time around (like it was with last season’s boho look) – it’s about quality. Instead of layering loads of necklaces or bracelets – choose a set of unique links and make a statement one piece at a time. They are sure to evoke a reaction.

 

Great examples from Nordstrom, Bebe and Arden B.

Now hair this

Most of us are pressed for time when it comes to getting ready in the morning. Realistically, we have up to half an hour and that includes fussing with our hair. One of the most reliable style shortcuts is an excellent hair stylist. I am the first to admit that fabulous hair stylists are not easy to find. It took me 3 bad haircuts at 3 different salons here in America before I stumbled across somebody who gave me a haircut that satisfied me completely.

Loyalty is often a problem when it comes to switching hair stylists. Even if we have never been happy with their work, we invariably feel awful leaving the people who have been cutting our hair for years. It’s hard. However, you deserve a decent haircut!

You need a hair stylist who will give you a cut that works best for your hair type. Opting for a time-intensive, sleek flat ironed layered hair style is a bad idea when you have wavy and wispy fine hair. It may look wonderful at the salon, but won’t after the 10 minutes that you have to spend on your hair each morning. Tying it back into a ponytail everyday is also not the solution. The answer is simply an excellent haircut that will last you at least 6 weeks.

If you don’t have one now, begin your search for a good hair stylist today. If you see someone walking down the street with a good haircut – ask them for the name of their hair stylist. Remember that there is no such thing as bad hair – only a bad haircut.

Roundups

Simpler Items

This week's list of top picks list is about basic pieces.

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Assorted Items

Items for Summer, both in and out of air conditioning.

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Casual Summer Vibes

This week's top picks are good for a casual Summer vibe.

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Summery Earth Tones

These items are for those who like to wear casual earth tones in warm and hot weather.

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Hints of Spring

Some tried-and-tested winning items to refresh your style for Spring.

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Dressier Items

An assortment of dressier top picks might be just what the doctor ordered.

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The dressy androgynous look

The androgynous look is a fun way to dress for work if your dress code forbids denim. You won’t need to go all out to pull the look off as single elements of the trend will be just as effective. Follow the steps below and put together a look that suits you:

  • Pants and walk shorts – wide legs or slim legs are the fashion forward cut for trousers and shorts. Choose a plain, pinstripe or micro check in black, grey or navy. Wide legs are best for pear shapes while slim legs are best apple shapes.
  • Shirts – white-collared shirts are an easy option and pinstriped versions a little more edgy. They need to be form fitting and can be left either hanging out, or tucked in and finished off with a skinny belt.
  • Waistcoat (vest) – wear them buttoned up over your collared shirt for shape.
  • Necktie – add a necktie if you dare!
  • Jacket – tailored and worn either as part of your pantsuit or as a separate item. They can be worn over your shirt and waistcoat combination, or just over a shirt and necktie combination. 
  • Knitwear – either a fitted V-neck pullover or cardigan can be worn over a shirt and tie combination instead of a waistcoat or jacket. A black turtleneck worn underneath a collared shirt makes for a very sleek, ‘70’s look.
  • Coat – a fitted trench or wool coat in any plain colour will work because the rest of your ensemble is neutral.
  • Shoes – ultra feminine shoes are the best option. Think high heels, patent leather and spectator styles.
  • Accessories – keep jewelry to a minimum as simplicity is essential. A patent clutch is a good feminine choice of handbag.

Get suited and booted after a summer season of flirtatious dresses – it is just as alluring.

Be inspired by these dressy androgynous looks from La Redoute, Ralph Lauren, Nordstrom and Macys.

Undergarment Ts for men

Undergarment T: a neat, form-fitting short or long sleeved t-shirt that’s found in the underwear area of a department or chain store.

It is not an outerwear garment and should not be confused with one. The T usually consists of combed cotton (richer and softer then normal cotton) and sometimes a percentage of lycra for added comfort. Its neckline is high, narrow and immaculate. It can have either a cru or V-neck and is available in a range of colours. White is the most popular and versatile colour; but black, grey and blue are close seconds.

It’s an essential item for men all year round because it is:

  • Practical – it soaks up perspiration and prevents unsightly underarm patches. It’s also an extra layer for warmth.
  • Comfortable – it’s nice to have a soft and stretchy knitted item close to your body before you add a shirt, pullover, sweater or outergarment T.
  • Pristine – it makes you look neat, well groomed and put together – it’s like a “finishing touch”.
  • Interesting – it adds an extra bit of interest to an ensemble as a layering garment.

Plain outerwear T’s bought in the clothing sections of stores do not do the same job. They aren’t as soft, fitted or pristine-looking which is precisely the point. Undergarment T’s should always be worn underneath collared shirts, styled knitted T’s, sweaters and other knitwear items. If you live in North America – Banana Republic has the best assortment.

  

Here are undergarment Ts from Banana Republic layered underneath shirts and knitwear. The neat, high neckline is an important part of the look.