YouTube Styling How-To's

There is a wonderful site to go on the web for make up tips, product reviews, and hairstyling techniques, go to http://www.youtube.com/. Almost everyone know about YouTube, where people broadcast themselves. You can get tips from amateur gurus by simply typing in what you are looking for in the the search field. You have access to video tutorials on just about everything you can think of.

QUICK TIP: Remember to always use your own best judgement before trying anything you see someone else do.

Nanette Lepore

NANETTE LEPORE:

I finally have a new favorite ready-to-wear fashion designer. Once up on a time it used to be Ann Sui, then John Galiano, then Carl Lagerfeld for Chanel, then it was Carolina Herrera and Donna Karen then, for a season Fendi, now it is Nanette Lepore.

Nanette Lepores designs' are pretty, feminine, wearable with a tons of youthful glam. Her line is more affordable (compared to other high end designers, of course) if you wanted to treat yourself to a guilty pretty pleasure.

CLOSET SHOPPING, CLOTHES SWAPPING

A woman's gotta eat, a woman's gotta save money, but a woman's still gotta look good. What better way to revamp a wardrobe than to go shopping-in your own closets. Many of us are trying to save money. Go through your closet and find things you haven't worn in a while.

If you absolutely must buy a new outfit, set a budget before you start shopping. Some people go to thrift stores or consignment shops to buy clothes or accessories. That is great if you have the time to look through a bunch of racks to find that one special articles of clothes or accessory or if you have money to spend on vintage designer clothing. As an alternative, just go to discount stores like Marshalls and TJMaxx or even Target.

Even though you may not have the time to search the racks of a consignment shop, someone else might, so still look through your closet and donate clothing and shoes that you are not going to wear, or give them to a family member, they will appreciate that.

Why not have a clothes swap. Organize a party with a group of friends and bring all your clothes that still has the tags on them that you never intend to wear and trade clothes.

QUICK TIP: No matter what you give or who you give it to, make sure the item is in good condition.

UNDERAPPRECIATED STYLE DIVA, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS

Former Girlfriends sitcoms star and daughter of diva extraordinaire Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross has one of the fiercest sense of style. Tracee Ellis has big hair, big bright eyes and a big personality, that is reflected by the way she dresses. She is always on point style wise and takes fashion risks.

My only question is why is Tracee Ellis not on more "best dressed" lists? She is a hilariously funny actress. It is not that I am the president of the Tracee Ellis Ross fan club, it so disappointing that so many good actresses get over looked for their talent and true sense of style because the cameras are focused on celebrities who cause scandals simple because they like to see their names in headlines.

I will step off my soapbox and simply conclude that Tracee Ellis Ross is a fearless style diva.

Mani/Pedi Anyone?

For those who were bundled up all winter long. Manicure and pedicure season is fast approaching. Women and even men will be back to their monthly or bi monthly pedicures. This spring try different colors on you toes. Be carefree and try bright or neon colors, why not.

QUICK TIP: Remember to file, sand and scrub, leave no rough edges; do a paraffin wax if necessary.

THE SCENT OF IT ALL

Having a signature fragrance can be a good or a bad thing. Many people start with one scent and refuse to change. Scents have a huge impact on our senses, they conjure up memories. But, sometimes it is good to mix it up every once in a while and try a new scent.

Have an everyday work scent, something that is not too offensive to those around you. Get an after hour fragrance and a weekend fragrance, these scent can be stronger if you choose. For those that choose to go au naturale, make sure your scent or odor is not too offensive either

Alternatives to perfume atomizers: try pure parfumes, solid perfume sticks, or essential oils. Or use the items that come in a gift set by themselves, use the shower gel and body cremes without the spray.

QUICK TIP: When buying new perfume, try no more than three scents on. Walk around with the scents for about an hour or so before going back to buy it.

BACK TO BASICS

Go back to basics. There are certain article of clothing that everyone must have. Many of these pieces we may already have in our wardrobe. You can build the rest of your wardrobe around these basic items. Having these basic items makes packing for a trip a whole lot easier, no matter what part of the world you may be traveling to.

Basic essentials: khaki pants, black tee, white tee, black turtleneck sweater, button down poplin shirt, cami (black, white, nude), basic black skirt, black slacks, grey slacks, denim jean, solid color cardigan, jean jacket, lil black dress.

GOOD FOUNDATION

Start with a good foundation. Ladies, get properly fitted for a bra. No matter how perky you are, you still need good support. Finding the right bra can be a daunting task, remember to dress comfortably and be patient, you will have to try on a lot of bras. You will be happy when you find the perfect bra.

QUICK TIP: Essentials to have in your lingerie drawer: secure half bra, full slip, half slip, pastees, double sided tape, clear bra straps.