Wondering if your hair style or purse is still 'in'? Check out our Style & Beauty section each month for articles on the latest in fashion and beauty news.
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.
Why does it seem like boys always get the best eyelashes, and most women end up with shorter lashes that require multiple applications of mascara to even become visible? Although the universe has yet to answer this question, there is a temporary solution to stubby lashes—eyelash extensions.
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.
One of the best parts of warmer weather is saying so long to those cumbersome coats and jackets for another year. However, over the winter, many of us have gotten a little pasty under all those layers. As we settle into our shorts and sundresses it can be tempting to go a few rounds in a tanning bed or go without sunscreen until we build up a good "base tan.”
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.
Spring is a strange time for fashion. On one hand, the stores are packed with fun clothes best suited to a beach vacation, while outside, the weather can be chilly one day, dumping rain the next, and hot enough for shorts and tee shirts the day after that. The fluctuating temperatures, coupled with the fact that many of us put our warm weather clothes away for winter, can make getting dressed a daily conundrum.
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.
Southwest Louisiana has no shortage of amazing shopping, so it’s no wonder our numerous resale shops have style to spare. With so many local options for thrifty finds and savvy savings, you may not know where to begin. Check out these upscale resale options for your next fabulous fashion find.
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.
When it comes to trying new clothing trends, all too often, women get to have all the fun. But this spring, men are probably going to want to get in on the hottest looks showcased on runways in New York and Paris. This year saw the resurgence of some old favorites, and unlike years past, comfort seemed to take center stage.
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.”
From inch-long, filed-to-a-point talons to glittering, bejeweled tips, these days, nail art has become a major part of beauty culture, and the mani/pedi boom years also mean that professional manicures have become more affordable than ever. Whether you’re a devoted nail salon customer or an at-home polisher, trying out new nail trends is a fun way to explore your wild side.
Anyone who’s ever tried on a billion different shades and brands of foundation before finding a perfect match can tell you there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to cosmetics. But, weirdly enough, when it comes to skincare, many hope a single mask or treatment will solve all their facial woes.
Ever bought a lipstick that made you feel like Cinderella in the bright department store light but left you looking like the evil stepmother in daylight or in front of the bathroom mirror?
Planning the best outfit for every Christmas party, gift exchange, play, program, and dinner, not to mention finding a New Year’s Eve-worthy look, can leave many of us exhausted before we even step out the door. However, nothing levels up a holiday outfit like a great hairstyle. Here are a few tricks for hair-dos so fun they compete with even your sparkliest Christmas sweater.
Ever gotten the email or invitation for a work party that seemed to invent a new type of "casual”? The list seems endless: business casual, smart casual, festive casual. If you’re feeling like deciphering your office dress code during the holidays requires a degree in a second language, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are some clarifications to common businesswear terminology along with a few tips from etiquette experts for dressing to impress.
Learning how to tie a tie is a rite of passage for a young man. Oscar Wilde felt so strongly about it that he once stated that learning to tie a tie was the first serious step in life. However, even Oscar Wilde could not have foretold the twists and turns that men’s fashion would take in regards to neck-wear. Today, if the idea of wearing the classic tie drives you up the wall, or you are simply longing for some variety, you will be pleased to know there are some alternatives to the traditional tie.
Between buying the perfect gifts, basting the turkey and candying the yams, the holidays can seem more like an endurance marathon than a relaxing time to enjoy family. Add travel to the mix, and the holidays seem even more like a race. But packing for holiday travel does not have to be a chore. Here are some accessories to simplify shuttling from one city to the next. Plus, they make great gifts for the busy traveller in your life!
Razor burn, tiny cuts, ingrown hairs . . . mens shaving is an often overlooked pain point in many morning grooming rituals. Lately, scores of men have taken to combating shaving annoyances not by testing out the newest shaving technologies, but by embracing the shave of yesteryear and trying out hundred year old barbershop techniques.
When pumpkin spice starts hitting the shelves and school busses circle the block, it is time to consider getting those sweaters out of storage. A break in the heat means a perfect opportunity for updating cooler weather wardrobes. If last year sweaters are looking a little stretched and sad, here’s the hottest in cold weather wear to grace the runways for fall 2016.
The folks at the Pew Research Center say that the 2016 Presidential Election might be the last election in which seniors cast the most ballots, reports the Association of Mature American Citizens.
It has been said that style is a way to say who you are without having to utter a word, which is quite sensible when the person donning the fashion has not started talking yet. Gone are the days when parents put their sweet newborns in plain onesies or their toddlers in sweat suits to go out on the town.
Cooler weather comes with all kinds of perks: fun nights out bundled up to cheer local football, roaring bonfires, and a free for all on hot beverages, but all that outdoor fun comes at a cost: scaly winter skin leaves many of us wanting to hide our faces from more than just the wind. If redness and itching are already starting to bother you this fall, here are a few steps toward winterizing your routine.
People notice skin. Pockmarked or smooth, porcelain or freckled, skin condition is part of ones first impression. The curious thing about skin is that coddling it too much does not net good results. A simple routine is best with the emphasis on routine.
When we are young, looking older can sometimes be key to feeling sexier and more mature. When we are actually more mature, looking older starts to become less intriguing. Unfortunately, most of us learn to do our makeup during that more is more phase in our teens and twenties, sometimes getting set in looks that become too harsh as skin looses elasticity. But there are some simple tricks to getting back the brightness of youth without all the hassle of acne this time. Who says age does not have its benefits?
Wearing a seasonally appropriate outfit in Louisiana can be a bit of a challenge, as it can be difficult to predict whether it will be a shorts at Christmas year or a dig the coat out of storage season. All the unpredictability can get a bit confusing when trying to figure out the right time to start dressing for fall. Luckily, there are a few quick closet hacks that can extend your summer wardrobe into the cooler months.
Just a few years ago, hair color was pretty straightforward: natural, highlighted or colored, with lowlights available for the most daring among us. Fast forward to the Instagram age, and hair has gotten seriously complicated. Rainbow colors and foreign sounding techniques abound, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. While some of these newer color techniques, like ombre, balayage, and color melting sound confusing, they are actually great for subtle updates to hair color that are stylish without being over the top. Here is a rundown of the differences between the techniques.
It is Saturday afternoon the first game of the season. You crack open your closet and check out your options: a clingy polo, an old jersey, and a Tshirt that looks more brown than gold at this point. You find yourself wishing for just one good outfit to fit the occasion. Lucky for you, it is not too late. Game day clothing is fresh on the racks at area boutiques!
Fashion should really be simple: wear what makes you feel good. However, it seems like set in stone fashion rules are everywhere: from beauty magazines to fashion blogs to well meaning but old school friends and family members. For instance, many of us grew up watching the calendar come spring, terrified to pull out our white dresses until Easter Sunday.
Most people are only familiar with Retin A for teenagers, since dermatologists commonly prescribe the topical cream to treat acne. But even those of us who have moved beyond the days of excess oil and pimple woes can benefit from Retin A. Recent studies have shown that it fights wrinkles just as well as it eliminates acne.
Taylor Brown has always had a passion for fashion and retail. She worked in a western store in her hometown, West Monroe, when she was in high school. Six years ago, she moved to Lake Charles to attend McNeese State University and participate on their rodeo team (she is a barrel racer). During college and post graduation, she worked for Baskin s (now Boot Barn). I love dressing people, says this young enthusiastic entrepreneur.
Ever looked in the mirror after a day of summer fun to find your makeup melted like a crayon left in a hot car? You are not alone. Sticky summer days mean a face full of runny foundation and smeared mascara for many women. But just because the weather heats up does not mean you have to leave your cosmetics in the drawer. Here are a few tips for summer proofing your makeup routine.
There has never been a better time to wear glasses. Fashion designers and style icons now see eyewear as a must-have accessory that helps define a unique, personalized style.
When the temps shoot toward triple digits, most of us find ourselves reaching for hair elastics rather than fooling with hot styling tools that will make our hair look cute for about as long as it takes to walk to the car and have the humidity wreck all our hard work. But the good news is, ponytails do not have to look like an afterthought. Here are a few tips for having a perfect ponytail no matter how long the mane.
