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.
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.
Dr. Mark Crawford, facial cosmetic specialist with the Aesthetic Center in The Eye Clinic, is the first to offer the new FDA-approved Kybella, the first and only injectable treatment that safely and effectively reduces and improves the appearance of moderate to severe fat below the chin without surgery.
Fashion is like the weather; if you do not like it, wait a minute. That sentiment has been plenty evident in the sea change of both mens and womens fashion for spring/summer 2016. Past seasons have seen us buttoned into high-waist jeans and contoured to the nines with caked on makeup. 2016 is about loosening up in floral prints and even sweatpants as daywear. And men, the time has come to set those man buns free! Here are the top trends for warmer weather.
When they were children, both AnnaBeth Scarle and Sarabeth Price, each the youngest sibling in her family, couldn't wait to get their hands on their older sisters' makeup. Twenty-some years later, these budding businesswomen have opened Blush Blow-Dry and Beauty Bar.
Most women know how to spot a silver fox, as it has long been acceptable and stylish for men to go gray. But it hasn’t been the same for women until recently. Gray is no longer just for grannies, it is in and powerful.
Ah, bangs. No other word can strike fear and envy like they can. Often viewed as the holy grail of a hair style, the search for those elusive perfect bangs can seem never ending. There is always the hope that just the right style and stylist who can deliver it for you are just inside the next salon.
The allure of gemstones has captured hearts and imaginations for as long as we can remember. Whether it’s for a ring, necklace or bracelet, the gemstones you purchase essentially create part of a legacy to be admired by generations to come. The expense of a cherished heirloom makes it critical to ensure that the stone’s value coincides with the price, and that it’s of high enough quality to maintain and potentially exceed its value in the future.
This spring, one hairstyle has everyone from Vogue to hipster tastemaker Vice.com in agreement: braids are back on trend for spring 2016. After years of being relegated to elementary school picture day style, braids are popping up on runways at Louis Vuitton and Valentino as well has crowning the heads of celebrities like Taylor Swift.
A fine watch makes the man or woman. It is a definitive accessory that allows you to express who you are and make a statement in this digital era. However, with so many choices how do you find the one that ticks with your lifestyle?
Since the days of Cleopatra, the smart and sexy smoky eye has delivered many dazzling glances. This highly sought after, infamous look is well known for vamping up a night on the town whether you are in a cocktail dress or jeans.
Everyone loses hair. In fact, it’s normal to lose about 50-100 hairs every day – a loss most people typically do not even notice as it is quickly replaced with regrowth. But if you see bald patches or excessive thinning, you may be among the 80 million adults (50 million men and 30 million women) in the United States who struggle with the effects of hereditary hair loss. Other names for this type of hair loss are male-pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness and androgenetic alopecia. These numbers do not include the millions more who experience thinning hair because of pregnancy, menopause, stress and other health conditions.
Lately, make-up colors have been a little bit of a bummer. The vampy purple lips and sultry black kitten eyeliner that seemed super cool in spring 2014 have started to feel a bit…heavy. But lovers of color can rejoice! According to the runways at New York and Paris fashion weeks, bright blue shadows and liners are going to be the next big thing come spring.
Is there any color that causes more commotion than red? As striking as a woman in a red dress can be, the color also comes with a lot of caveats and little warnings for how to wear red the "right” way. But in the spirit of February, why not throw some of those red rules out the window and wear it your way?
Bangs are the opposite of the little black dress. They go in and out of fashion, the trendiest shapes and styles change constantly, and, let’s be real, not every style works for everyone.
A recent Washington Post article declared that "The end of gender is near” in response to many New York Fashion Week showings, which had men lumbering down the runway in lace floral prints and boldly floral patterned suits. Then, Harry Styles had the fashion world divided over his American Music Awards ensemble, which featured a bold black floral print over a cream colored tux.
Glitter has gotten a bad rap in the past year or so. For example, a website called Ship Your Enemies Glitter launched last year to much fanfare and offered to mail unsuspecting victims a huge mess for a small fee. All this glitter hate seems unfair because, hey, its supposed to be fun.
However, glitter is making a comeback from revenge kitsch to weird and wonderful fashion accessory. Here are a few of the ways that men and women alike are using glitter to make a sartorial statement.
Recent Google data shows that 2015 marks the first time in the search engines history that searches for mens hairstyles have outpaced searches for womens styles.
Over the past two decades the satirical Ugly Christmas Sweater Party has cemented its place as a modern tradition. It even claims its own holiday, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, on December 18.
There was something missing at New York Citys Fall Fashion Week 2015: the "skinny” silhouette. Sure, there were still pin-thin models sidling down the runways, but what was missing were the black skinny jeans, an industry staple since 2007. Instead, skin-tight denim had been replaced by more comfortable looking options.
As kids head back to school and shorts go back into storage, it’s pretty common to open the closet and wonder, "What on Earth did I wear last fall?” That mismatched collection of pilled sweaters and baggy leggings is probably not going to cut it this year, so if you’re thinking of updating your wardrobe for cooler weather, why not invest in a few pieces that feel fresh and fun (and therefore will probably stay on trend for a few years to come). Here are a few can’t miss pieces that felt completely fresh on Fall 2015 runways.
You can’t fight gravity, but you can make sure you have the facts on sagging facial skin and what you can do about it.
For many women, nothing makes you feel as sparkling, sexy or powerful as a killer pair of heels. Throughout the ages heels have meant prowess—even for men. Neither Marie Antoinette nor King Louis XLV would’ve been caught dead in Versailles without a glamorous pair. High heels are fashion artistry. Nothing else quite expresses your personality like the right pair. But if you’re not mindful of the pair you choose, your killer heels could kill your feet.
Not all hair colors are created equal. If you want to boost your look—whether it’s looking younger, lighter, bolder, or darker—it’s best to know which colors are a yes and which are a no. The first step is knowing your skin tone.
A-line, pencil, peplum, knee length, tea length. Just reading the descriptions for different types of skirts can be exhausting, and choosing the right one for your body can be a task that sends shoppers stumbling for sweatpants. But skirts don’t have to be tricky. Finding the perfect fit is about trial and error, along with knowing your body type. Check out our handy guide, or better yet, take it to the in the dressing room next time you go shopping.
Fashion designer Michael Kors recently Tweeted that "A white blazer in summer is everything.” If you’re wondering how Kors could possibly be suggesting you wrap yourself in fabric during the dog days of summer, you must not work in an office. In the summer, many business places crank up the air conditioning in the name of "comfort,” leaving employees sweating on the front steps and shivering at their desks.
Hey guys, how do you think about your socks? If the answer is never then you could be unintentionally committing some major sock faux pas. Maybe your are wondering why anyone would care what you are wearing on your feet; after all, the most folks normally see of your socks is about two inches between your pant cuff and the tip of your shoe.
Everyone should have the right to dress him or herself in a way that feels comfortable, but sometimes, our everyday style choices age us in ways we might not notice. There is nothing wrong with aging, and there is nothing wrong with looking your age. However, there are a few common fashion missteps that could actually be moving the clock forward, rather than showcasing timeless style.
Finding the right pair of jeans can be a real pain. Every season brings a new denim trend: skinny or slouchy, flared or straight legged. The dressing room can be a minefield for women trying to pick a pair that is flattering for their body types. The key to finding a killer pair of jeans, according to most style experts, is understanding your what looks best on your body and where to go from there. Turns out, you can wear more styles than you think!
If you associate cosmetic contouring with Kim Kardashians caked on make up, you probably think shading is something best left for the red carpet. But contouring does not have to look fake. Real women can absolutely hop on the contouring bandwagon to bring out their best features.
Looking for a safe and effective treatment that will improve the overall appearance of your skin during the warm weather season? Microneedling may be just what you are looking for.
As cosmetic surgeries become less stigmatized and more readily available, looking younger, more symmetrical, or just plain prettier has never been easier. In fact, last year saw more Americans flocking to plastic surgeons to have their derrieres plumped and wrinkles filled than ever before.
Super model Cara Delevingnes gorgeous, bold eyebrows have made some of us rethink our relationship with tweezers. But it can be intimidating to step back from the wax strips and just let our eyebrows grow wild. So if you are looking for a few ways to make your eyebrows more modern without going full on bushy, here are a few pointers.
Reducing wrinkles, fine lines and facial folds were good goals ten years ago; however, today you should be expecting more from injectables. You should be getting balance, proportion and symmetry according to Dr. Christopher Hubbell, board certified dermatologist, dermasurgeon and medical director of a Jeuné and Acadiana Dermatology.
You are probably more than ready to pack up your sweaters, boots and jackets and pull out your shorts, sandals and swimwear. But keep in mind that just as you adjust your wardrobe from winter to spring, skin habits also have to be altered to help you face the new season with healthy, beautiful skin.
Spring fashions are debuting. Designers ideas come to life on the runway models, showing us what is hot, what is not, and which trend we should follow next.
Looking for the secret to perfectly applied makeup? It’s all in the brush, according to Zina Green, local makeup artist.
You can blame the weather or the fact that you have been too busy to schedule a hair cut for your uncontrollable hair, but your hair care habits may actually be the source of those dreaded bad hair days.
This winter, the polar vortex might just strike again, making boots necessary, even in Southwest Louisiana. While boots are an important staple of the winter wardrobe, the options can be overwhelming. Do you want ankle boots or thigh high boots? Will you wear the stiletto heel more than once? And what kind of outfit to choose? We have a comprehensive list of the best winter styles with outfit suggestions, to keep you warm and fashionable all through the winter.
Pantones color of the year for 2015 is Marsala, a deep, earthy red with hints of brown, purple, and plum. Like a full bodied red wine, the color is elegant and rich. To avoid the potential to overpower, Marsala is best used in small doses to accent an outfit or a room.
The dress shirt has been an iconic symbol of style and sophistication since the turn of the century and is considered a closet staple by most men. Cary Grant had a knack for dressing with proportion and bringing attention to the face. Even gangster Al Capone had a style to match his unforgettable personality. From business meetings to intimate dinners, the dress shirt is one of the most important investments a man can make. For style success, follow these two simple rules when choosing this significant piece of your wardrobe.
The gift of jewelry is pretty much a sure thing to please most women. Seeing a small box wrapped under the tree is exciting; because chances are, whatever is found inside is breathtaking. However, men are often hesitant to buy jewelry, thinking they may not choose the right style.
Cosmetic injections such as Botox and facial fillers are not only among the most popular cosmetic procedures, a new study finds they are also very safe, and have a very low rate of minor side effects. The research results were published last month in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
