“Skin streaming”, or cutting down your skincare routine to just the essentials, is having a moment on TikTok. In this article, dermatologists explain the benefits of this new trend, and name the three products they would recommend as essential.

In “#GetReadyWithMe — how social media came for our bathroom cabinets,” The Guardian charts 15 years of shelfies, sinks and skincare.

Allure asked 11 climate activists how they make their beauty routines more sustainable.

Fab Links from Our Members

Runcarla found this new-to-her vlogger, Ellena Hue, who does a lot with colour in a super instructive way. She adds: “I learned something from this video on how to work with monochromatics.”

Carol has been thinking about ironing: “How I’ve been meaning to do it for years, but really don’t. So I thought, what are the absolute essential items you need to iron, if not everything?” Here are some suggestions.

Giorgio Armani Spring Summer 2024 Women’s Show has brought forward all the graceful, distant, and slightly melancholic elegance of the late 1920s/early 1930s… and married it to 2024. The models look like they’ve stepped out of a Maxfield Parrish Edison Mazda calendar, and Mary Beth loves that all of the outfits look so wearable — and comfortable.

Helena liked this breakdown of different approaches to wardrobe management.

“5 Things Your Closet Needs That Aren’t New Clothes.” kkards loves how Alyssa Beltempo has laid these principles out. And how clearly she draws them together at the end. She says: As I was watching I was thinking about Angie’s style nuggets, and as Alyssa was getting to her last “item” — confidence — I was immediately drawn back to this blog post.”

We all sometimes think that we will never wear a particular style, trend, or vibe. But frequently, it’s only a question of time before we do wear it and thoroughly enjoy it. There’s often a version of something for everyone. Find the right one for you. 

We adjust to new looks over time, especially when there are inspiring examples of people wearing them. Sometimes we can’t imagine wearing something, right up to the point that we fall in love with it. Often leading to wonderful wild-card purchases.

Style journeys are full of surprises. Just when you have it figured out, your lifestyle, climate, budget or body changes, and your needs or preferences change along with it. Suddenly, you’re wearing something you never thought you would.

Dying hair is a common practice. Some go lighter, some go darker, and some sport a rainbow. Sometimes the goal is to create a more visually flattering effect, while other times it is to make a drastic change. Sometimes it is to cover grey, while others like the playful or edgy touch dyed hair brings to their style. Most of my clients, friends and family members have dyed their hair at some point.

Of course, there is no right or wrong here. It is a personal decision whether you keep your natural colour or invest the time and expense in dying your hair.

I started highlighting my blonde hair decades ago because the lack of sun in Seattle made my hair darker than it used to be. I happily highlighted back to the light blonde of my youth. At the end of 2021, I was desperate for change in many facets of my life, and my hair was one of them. Upon the suggestion of hubs Greg, I stopped dying my hair.

Two years later I haven’t looked back. It took some getting used to, but I’m loving the colour change. As a dark honey blonde that streaks lighter in the sun, I find I can wear a wider assortment of colours. I’ve welcomed that with a smile! Greg adores my natural hair colour and says it brings out my eyes. That can’t be bad!

For now, I’ll continue sporting my natural colour and adding some length. I haven’t seen grey hair come through yet. When it does, I wonder whether I will want to colour my hair again. Maybe. Maybe not.

Over to you. Do you sport dyed hair, or your natural hair colour? Feel free to share your hair colour journey in the comments section.

Over the decades we’ve seen neckties for womenswear waft in and out of fashion. Right now the trend remains fringe, and is quite the acquired taste. Gender is a fluid concept, and unisex clothing is gaining momentum. With this in mind, I think of neckties as an iconic classic look. 

For the last couple of years, black neckties and skinny ties have been experiencing a fashion moment. Most are worn with a solid shirt or blouse, and with just about any style of bottoms. The neckties are tied in a structured way, or loosely around the neck. Sometimes the tie is tied around the inside of a shirt collar. Or worn like a scarf over dresses, tees, knitted tops, and knitwear.

Here are some examples.

If you like to wear neckties, I vote wear any width, colour, pattern, and fabric in a way that tickles your fancy. If the accessory is signature to your style, milk it. If the look intrigues you, have fun experimenting. There is no need to adhere to a trend as it comes and goes. You are the boss. Do your own thing and wear the combination with ease and confidence at any time. And if the vibe is not your cup of tea, say no thank you.

I like neckties, and have worn them in many forms. As part of a Winter school uniform for twelve years. With an equestrian shirt and jacket at dressage competitions. And for fashion fun with a collared shirt, or over a dress when the mood strikes me.

Currently, I don’t think I’m in the mood for a necktie. That said, if I wake up one day and feel like adding one to my outfit, I’ll go to hubs Greg’s wardrobe and borrow one. Sorted.

Over to you. How do you feel about adding a necktie to your outfit? Do you like the look on others?