The quickest way to perk up your summer fashions is with some bright, fun beaded jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, wear them all. Mix and match; pieces don’t have to be exact matches anymore in order to look great together. If you’re wearing beads, like in the photos above, they just have to relate to each other and have at least one color that’s the same in the two or three different pieces. [.....]

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How to update what’s already in your closet, without spending a boat-load? There are some simple tweaks that can give last year’s pieces an updated look. Here’s a simple floral shirtdress. It came with a matching sash that, last year, was tied just below the waist, so that the sash or belt hung on the hips, more or less. Also in previous years, the default accessories would have been a pair of black pumps and classic pearls.  It’s nice, but [.....]

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Here’s the solution to fine hair that won’t seem to hold a curl or stay full. So many of my clients have this problem and have expressed frustration over the fact that their fine hair won’t hold a curl and goes limp-straight soon after blow drying, even with a round brush. For years, I had the same problem; no volume, and the curl falls out after an hour. Now I’ve got the solution! Several hair stylists told me this, but for [.....]

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One of the most often asked questions from clients is “What can I do about The Gap at the top of my jeans?” It’s frustrating and confusing to want jeans, but every pair you try on has The Gap! You know what I’m talking about; the 2 or 3 inches that stick out at the back of your waistline on your jeans and other pants. It’s stupid, it’s gross. Here’s the answer; Hip Hugger. It’s a little piece of elastic [.....]

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  Second hand stores and I have a long history. My role as a “second hand rose” started when I was a little girl, the middle of five children, from a modest-means family in the Chicago area. My mom would take me to Saint Mary’s Thrift Shop in suburban Flossmoor. This second hand store carried everything from lady’s coats and dresses to household goods.  I never thought about where the merchandise came from, or why everything looked like it was hanging [.....]

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The Holidays are over, but it’s still snowy and cold. Some days it’s sunny and cold, and other days it’s kind of warm, and then cold. Light lingers a few more minutes each day, but it’s fair to say we are, right now, in the dead of winter. These conditions may lead to what’s commonly referred to as the winter blues.  If you’re lucky enough to jet away to warmer territory, take the brief respite. I always know that by [.....]

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These frames are nice, you see this style quite often. But they don’t really fit her face very well, do they? Two points: 1) Your eyes should be directly in the middle of the frame in order to get the most out of your prescription, and from the other person’s point of view, they just look best in that position. 2) The frame of your glasses should be either the same color as your hair, or the same tone (meaning [.....]

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It’s Party time, but it’s cold outside! I have never, ever seen a woman wear a skimpy, sleeveless cocktail dress to a Christmas or New Year’s Party. Why then, do catalogues and fashion magazines show pictures of dresses that are for a hot August night, in their Holiday issues? Who wears those dresses? Not real women.  Anyone I know who has ever gone to a Holiday party in Chicago, New York,  or Colorado, wears something warm. You gotta be warm, [.....]

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 So many gifts to buy, so little time!  What’s a shopper to do?  Here are seven ways to make your Holiday gift shopping go smoothly in a short amount of time. (And get the gift that they’ll love!) 1) Ask what they want ahead of time. Get several ideas. Know the recipient’s interests; hobbies, taste in music, clothes, stores, sizes, weekend activities.  2) Make a list. Write each recipient’s name along with several gift possibilities for each person.  3) Ask [.....]

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Want a big-time boost for your hair? Use velcro rollers! They can add volume and wave, swirl and curl, depending on the size of the roller you use. They are super easy to use because they stay in place on their own; no pins to mess with. Here’s how: blow dry hair 75% dry. Then grab a section of hair, comb through to smooth, and wrap, starting from the ends. Add a touch of hot air for 1-2 minutes to rolled hair, [.....]

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