How to mix prints & patterns

This season there is no shortage of prints and patterns to choose from! Florals to bold stripes to geometric designs, I could go on and on. With all of the selection out there though, you may not want to limit yourself to wearing just one at a time. But how do you do it? How do you mix prints and patterns successfullly? Well, I found this great article on Redbook online that gives you some great tips and tricks on how to do it with ease. Enjoy!

How to Rock Leopard Print

It's one of those styles that is considered a classic, but at the same time (like now!) can be one of the season's hottest trends...leopard print.

I will admit I have always been a lover of this particular print, but as a Personal Stylist I know that not every woman is such a fan. Sometimes it's a flat out aversion, but for most it seems to be more about how to wear it the right way for them.

If that's you, check out this cool post I found that offers suggestions on different ways to wear leopard print. From roaring in your face animal print to the more subdued, there is bound to be a way for you to unleash your inner vixen and rock this style!

GLAM it up!

The Glam trend is hot for this season, but how do you do it without looking like you are overdressed, or worse, like you are still wearing your outfit from the night before???

Here how to go Glam for daytime...

1) Embellishments - More subtle, less Minelli. Something like this Silk bead-embellished tank dress would be so cute for date with a pair of simple metallic flats.

2) A little bit of shine goes a long way - Whether it's sheen or sparkly, just keep it to a minimum. A little sparkle in a neutral colour gives a menswear inspired suit a much needed feminine update.

3) Bling It Up - When in doubt, some seriously eye popping accessories (like a purse, shoes, or jewellery), are the easiest way to go GLAM in a flash.

Wedding Day Make Up

I am very excited to introduce you all to todays guest blogger Dimitri James. An International TV personality, author of Becoming Beauty, make up artist, and Founder of SKINN Cosmetics, Dimitri is respected in cosmetic circles for his innovative products and cutting-edge technology. And today, Dimitri is giving us his top make up tips for your wedding day.

• Use a mattifying gel before you apply your foundation to keep skin matte for photos.
• Do not choose any makeup or colors with frost or sparkle; these shades do not photograph well.
• Use waterproof mascara.
• Set your makeup by lightly spraying a mist of extra hold aerosol hairspray about 12 inches from your face.
• Avoid shiny or gloss lipsticks as they do not photograph well and they do not last.
• Layer a cream blush under a powder blush for longer wear.
• Choose a matte translucent powder lighter than your skin color because as you reapply it will darken.
• Do not apply a clay mask the morning of your wedding day because it will make your skin look shinier.
• Hold a cotton swab soaked in eye drops that relieve redness over any last minute blemishes for 15 minutes or until the redness disappears.
• Choose a matte flawless coverage foundation that is self-setting and transfer resistant.
• Use a lip stain under your lipstick for color that lasts all night long.
• Use real perfume behind your ears and your knees. Also apply perfume to the palms of your hands so that your fragrance lingers behind after you shake guests’ hands.
• Apply a dry body oil to any exposed skin on shoulders, arms, or legs.
• Apply a light brushing of matte bronzer to the décolletage area and in a circular motion over each breast if your gown is strapless or the décolletage area is exposed.
• Apply antiperspirant spray to your palms, underarms, and feet. If your face tends to perspire, apply antiperspirant to your clean skin before applying makeup. This trick is fine for special occasions, but do not do this every day or you might break out.

Dimitri James is a makeup, hair and beauty expert who regularly appears on the Shopping Channel throughout Canada and ShopNBC with his SKINN Cosmetics & Skin Care line (www.skinn.com).

Thrifty style to DYE for!

Tie dye is a hot trend again this year. But as we know, trends come and go, so why spend a ton of cash on them? Here's an idea to get in on the tie dye trend and it won't cost you anything (well, maybe a bit of bleach, some rubber bands, and a wash and dry, but that's it!).

Take a pair of coloured leggings (black, navy, grey...I have some purple ones I am going to try this out on). Scrunch the fabric of the leggings in random places, tie with rubber bands...and continue all over. Dip the tied off sections in bleach one at a time, let dry for a bit, removed the bands, and voila...tie dyed leggings (very hot right now)! Just make sure to wash them before wearing to avoid smelling like a recently chlorinated public pool. ;-)

By the way, if you wanted to spend a bit of money, and create a colourful tie dye legging...buy white leggings and fabric dye and repeat the above process.