Now on the cusp of summer, our thoughts turn to sun, fun and all that goes with it. A tan invariably completes the picture. Many of us go to tanning salons, utilizing either a tanning bed/booth or spray tan, to get that perfect, sun-kissed look in a hurry.

It’s almost time to put in PTO requests and spend those hard-earned vacation days camped out on a beach blanket. If last year’s swimwear is looking a bit worn and dated, here are some of the most au courant swimwear trends for both men and women. 

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the groovy vibes of the 60s and 70s, then you’re going to love spring’s hottest hairstyles. According to Lensi White, master stylist at Signatures Salon in Lake Charles, some of the looks that recently went down the runway at New York Fashion Week would have looked right at home at Studio 54. Here are the hairstyles she’s anticipating seeing a lot more of this spring. 

Got a day at the beach planned? Start your adventure preparations by packing a beach bag with everything you’ll need to enjoy the surf, sand, and sun.

For years, bathing suit options were limited to tiny bikinis or matronly one-pieces, but this year, designers are finally offering up some more exciting options for all body types. The year’s best one-piece swimsuits are cute, yet practical, says Catina Coats, owner of Catina Couture in Lake Charles. 

We’ve all seen the ads and the displays at the local pharmacies -- dozens of brands, all claiming to do one thing: make your teeth whiter. Some advertise themselves as the easiest or fastest, while others claim to be as good as the service your dentist offers.

So what’s the truth? In short, there are two basic types of teeth whiteners: at-home, unsupervised methods, and methods either supervised by a dentist or done entirely in a dentist’s office. Deciding which is better for you depends on several factors.

The Kentucky Derby is known for two things: fast horses and fancy hats. But believe it or not, the nearly 150-year old race hasn’t always been the classy event we think of today. In the race’s first year, organizers worried that upper-class women wouldn’t want to be associated with racing, gambling and drinking, so to address fears that the derby would devolve into a day of debauchery, the first event required "full morning dress.” For men, the dress code meant waistcoats and trousers; for women, it often meant full on formalwear, complete with a hat to shield sensitive skin from the hot sun. Over the years, Derby hats have become a spectacle of their own, with women outdoing themselves to come up with the most creative headpieces.

It’s been a white winter, full of celebrities dying their hair platinum blonde, and the trend shows signs of powering ahead through spring. White blonde is a great look that works on a lot of different skin tones. It also lends a classic-Hollywood, Marilyn Monroe touch of femininity to any hairstyle, whether it’s long waves or a chopped pixie. But going platinum blonde takes a lot of effort and patience. Here’s what to know before taking the plunge.

Lake Charles native Jessika See grew up participating in the pageant scene and has always been interested in make-up, beauty, and style. Two years ago, her Aunt Val, nearing the end of her battle with cancer, asked Jessika for a special favor. She wanted a make-over . . . hair, make-up, a new outfit. Jessika was glad to grant her aunt’s final request. "She was so happy, it was like a breath of fresh air had been breathed into her ailing body,” says Jessika. "She smiled from ear to ear and had a blast posing in front of the camera. She told me I have a gift for making women feel beautiful.” Soon after, Jessika decided to make a career as a professional make-up artist and started her business, J.See Make-Up. She is in high demand and works on location, specializing in weddings. Her business calendar is booked most every weekend of the year. "My goal is to help women feel beautiful from the inside out.”