The Quick-and-Easy Guide to Fall 2011 Trends

With Fashion Week around the corner, you're probably wondering what's in this season? Whether your glamorous, casual, sporty chic or Bohemian there are some exciting trends this Fall that can be incorporated into your own personal sense of style.

Lace is back... and it's everywhere! From the Runway all the way to Hollywood; celebrities like Emma Stone and Michelle Williams were recently spotted rocking this fabulous Fall trend. And, nothing says sexy like elegant little touches of black lace; make it your own! Add, a little lace to any outfit; it doesn't have to be overkill-- you can simply add a few touches of sophisticated sex-appeal with a lace clutch or a beautiful blouse like the Blouson Sheer Lace Top available at Bebe.com. It's perfect for the office or for after work drinks with coworkers. Going on a first date? No worries, you'll be sure to make an amazing first impression with this blouse! Just pair it with a sleek, pencil skirt and leather peep-toe pumps, and you'll be sure to shine.

Not a fan of lace? Well, the good thing is stripped pants are making a huge comeback this Fall. Tired of jeans? Give your style a mini-makeover with pants with vertical stripes. Not only will they make you look taller, but they also provide an incredible slimming effect.

Another trend that's popping up this season are collage-inspired prints, making their way on everything from graphic tees to leggings. Kick up your style by pairing solids with floral pants for a look that will help you seamlessly transition from Summer's African and Middle Eastern inspired pieces to Fall's more subtle vintage prints. And, whether you're looking for a hot Fall look for the office or for the weekend, you'll be sure to love the Inspired True Romance Pant available at Urban Outfitters.

This season, there's something for everyone; whether you're into prints, lace, stripes or the small details, you can always add a little flair to your unique personal style with tribal-inspired jewelry. Sometimes, it's about taking risks, other times it's about finding clothes or an accessory that make you feel great. Over 90% of the game is confidence, so remember to rock your hot, new Fall look with pride! 

Foundation 101: How to Choose the Right Foundation for Your Skin

Choosing the right foundation can be an absolute nightmare. And, while there are many great, affordable drugstore options, it's hard to pick the right color, especially, when sales associates are constantly asking you if "you need help," when in reality, all you need is damn tester. 

Light, Medium or Heavy Coverage

Some things to consider when purchasing foundation are: how much coverage do you want or need? Do you have relatively smooth skin, or do you have a couple of blemishes or pimples you're looking to coverup? If you don't fall into the "flawless skin" category, you have a couple of options; for instance, if you have a red undertone to your skin, you may want to invest in a green color corrector in addition to foundation (Physicians Formula, a drugstore brand makes a great and easy-to-blend corrector: Physicians Formula Conceal Rx Physicians Strength Concealer, Soft Green, $6-8). Using this type of color corrector, you can opt for a lighter-base foundation since green will help neutralize the redness of your skin; you won't have to cake on layers of heavy liquid foundation, concealer or loose powder. Apply (before foundation, and make sure the green fades to a soft white/green-- it should be very faint). Next, apply foundation over the green color corrector, and make sure to blend well (especially by your ears, jawbone and crown). Using this option, you can achieve a more natural look instead of an overdone, plastered matte finish. 

SPF:  The Anti-aging Solution 

 Another question to ask yourself: do I want a foundation with sunscreen protection? Sure, we're entering Fall, but the Sun's damaging rays are still affecting your skin even as the weather gets colder. You may want to invest in a long-wearing foundation with UV protection, but you have to be careful when making your decision, because there are two forms of UV radiation. For full-protection, you'll want to purchase a foundation with both UVA/UVB SPF protection; otherwise, you'll still be getting sun-damage. An excellent choice for natural, buildable medium-to-full coverage with both UVA/UVB protection is Smashbox's Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Foundation SPF 10 (priced at $42; available at Sephora). This incredible foundation is water-based, and oil-free, keeping your skin hydrated and shine-free. It's great for people with blemishes, slight-to-medium imperfections and discoloration, but I wouldn't recommend this foundation for people with heavy acne, and/or other more serious skin problems. 

Tinted Moisturizer

If you're anything like me, and you're into the quick, low-hassle solution, and have relatively clear skin, you may want to skip foundation, and opt for a tinted moisturizer. It's quick and easy-to-apply, and gives your skin a nice rosy or golden glow. As a licensed makeup artist, I'll admit that I'm the first one to detest wearing makeup outside of an event or demo, and I'll also admit that wearing foundation daily, is really bad for your pores (even if you're a zealot, when it comes to removing makeup). The reality is, your skin needs to breathe, and even the lightest or mineral-based foundations do not give your skin enough oxygen it needs, if you're plastering layers of heavy-based liquid foundation on a day-to-day basis. And, if you're one of those people that have to leave the house with makeup on, I'd recommend you use tinted moisturizer a few days out of the week as an alternative to foundation. You'll notice a dramatic improvement in the smoothness, color and hydration of your skin. 

My favorite tinted moisturizer is Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42; available at Sephora); it provides a sheer hint of color and gives my skin a healthy, natural-looking glow. If you don't feel like dropping $42 dollars on a tinted moisturizer, I'll share this affordable alternative. Buy a drugstore brand, hydrating, SPF Moisturizer, and take your existing foundation, or purchase a drugstore brand of your choice (I recommend Loreal; it's made by Lancome, and offers better coverage than other comparable brands). Take the moisturizer of your choice (about a quarter-sized dollop and add 2-3 small drops of foundation; mix well), and Voila! You've just created your very own custom tinted moisturizer at about quarter of the price of Sephora or other luxury brands. 

Choosing the Right Shade of Foundation

The hardest part about choosing foundation is determining which shade is right for your skin. Often, you'll pick up a bottle or use the color swatches against your skin, and you'll get home, apply your newly purchased foundation only to find that you look like a ghost or the newest cast member of The Jersey Shore. If you don't have a tester readily available (especially in a drugstore), I recommend keeping your receipt, and returning it immediately, if you find the color is an awful match. Most drugstores like CVS and Duane Reade have decent return policies, and I recommend that you do some research, and familiarize yourself with a store's return policy before making your purchase. 

A cardinal rule of thumb: when in doubt, always go lighter! Let's say your skin tone is Honey Beige, but you're looking at the bottle, and think it's too light; the shade above that color choice is a Classic Tan. Do not go for the Classic Tan because it will most likely be too dark. Even if you purchase the Honey Beige, you can apply this shade of foundation, and darken it up using, a darker shade of loose powder or bronzer, but you cannot lighten foundation using loose powder or bronzer of a lighter shade. In makeup, it's always wet before dry. So the guiding philosophy is: you can buy a foundation two shades lighter than your actual color, and still use powder/bronzer to achieve a desired look that's truest to your skin tone without making you look too unnatural, too dark, or worse-- too orange. 

Mascara 101: Hygiene & Application

Did You Know...

Mascara is a cosmetic that's used to thicken, lengthen and usually darken lashes. The word, 'Mascara' was first used in 1886, and most likely comes from the Italian word, 'maschera' (mask).  

I am a firm believer in investing in good eye makeup because a lot of the "cheaper brands" (Wet n' Wild or Discount Store Brands) do not use the best dyes or ingredients. Did you know that the average person blinks once every 5 seconds? That's 17,000 times per day! Now, think about how much of that mascara, eyeliner, or eye shadow is actually making it past your lashes; potentially causing irritation and infection. 

Air=Germs 

One thing you won't see too often in Beauty Mags, is how to actually use (not apply) mascara; most people simply tear open the mascara of their choice, and raise and dunk the wand into the bottle to saturate the brush with color. You should NEVER do this! Why?!? Saturating the wand with color this way, actually allows a lot more air (oxygen=bacateria) to enter the mascara bottle, both promoting the growth of bacteria and the drying, clumping and caking within your favorite tube. 

How to Extend the Life of Your Mascara

Instead of a clunky up and down motion, twist the wand (circular motions) out the bottle, and twist it back inside your tube, using the same circular motions. Doing this, will not only extend the life of your mascara by preventing too much air from entering the tube and drying it up, but most importantly, it will drastically reduce the potential for eye infections. 

Cleaning Your Wand (If Absolutely Necessary)

By the way, you should never really share your mascara (I do with my sister and few close friends, but I usually keep hand-sanitizer like Purell (or some other brand). Choose a sanitizer containing aloe vera (if possible); just apply a small drop of the hand sanitizer to a Kleenex (crumple to saturate), and give the wand a quick wipe over; (do not squeeze the Kleenex against the wand; surround the tip, and wipe gently, applying the least amount of pressure possible). This is great option, when you're not at home or do not have a mineral-based brush cleaner on hand. 

Invest in/"Borrow" Extra Applicators 

Another great alternative to help promote mascara-sharing hygiene, is buying or asking a M.A.C sales associate [they're usually nice] for an extra wand-applicator. If you're too shy to ask, Sephora has them available in store. Once you've gotten a hold of these extra wands, store them in a Ziploc bag. Doing this will prevent the wands from coming in contact with other potential contaminents; for instance, do not let the applicators sit at the bottom of your bag, and do not keep them loose in a cosmetic bag or drawer. 

Keep it or Toss It? 

While experts have varying opinions on how long you should keep mascara; the general consensus in 3 months maximum (yes, toss it, even if it's half-full). A good way to keep track of how long you've been using your mascara is by getting a permanent marker, and writing the date on the tube. If the tube color is dark, use a piece of masking tape or Avery-style label, and keep track of the date that way. 

The Morning Routine

Alright now that I've had my first cup of coffee and ritualistic cigarette (hey, you can't quit everything at once). I made myself a delicious smoothie, using one scoop of vanilla whey protein, 1/2 a banana, and 1 cup of skim milk, 1/2 a tablespoon of almond butter, frozen acai berries and about a handful bit of ice (unfortunately, I skipped the morning vodka, but it's all good-- I don't feel like sweating out a fifth of booze running). So, the game plan this morning, is 1 hour of running, and followed by a bit of weight training (working on arms). I like to switch it up day-by-day, this way you give your body a chance to recupe, and avoid painful lactic-acid build-up. I recommend eating something super light before your workout. Remember to drink plenty of H20, but don't OD and drink like a fucking desert camel during workout, you will feel lethargic and heavy if you overdo it.

Today, I will be doing weigh in, and have some skinny hot chick measure my hips, arms, thighs, and all of those neglected areas. As horrifying as the prospect of finding out these measurements may be... I also think sometimes, you loose inches, and you know you've "lost weight," but the scale is stubbornly stuck on the same number. So, measuring your body and keeping a  weekly or bi-weekly book of these numbers can help you see your progress, and will also help you target those fucking annoyingly stubborn areas. For me, it's my hips and ass (I'm part Armenian, we have Kim Kardashian asses, which is not a bad thing, but in the current state, I'm about to be applying for my own postal zip code), so that's an area, I know I have to work on.

Well, I'm off in a few, don't worry I'll update you on how horrible it was on the treadmill, running next the old lady, who was kicking my ass up an incline as she was yelling at her husband on her cell phone for purchasing the wrong kind of salmon. 

Ole: South of Border Huevos

Ingredients:

½ avocado 2 large eggs (I like to substitute this for egg whites, egg beaters are awesome if you're always in a rush, or are too 'Shaun of the Dead' to make breakfast) 1 ounce salsa (or a splash of Tabasco Sauce)

*Optional: 1/2- 1 oz of feta cheese, pepper jack, cheddar or whatever queso your heart desires)

Directions:

You can scramble or poach the eggs instead of frying, if preferred.  Add a dash of Tabasco sauce or 1 tbsp. of low-sugar/low sodium salsa. Sprinkle on cheese, if desired. 

1. Fry eggs in 1 teaspoon of virgin olive oil (I like using Pam Spray) in a small skillet over medium high heat until desired "doneness".  Flip, if desired.
2. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired.
3. Spread the avocado slices on a plate, top with eggs.

It Doesn't Have to Be Boring or Hell

Alright let's face it... the gym's not for every one of us, but that doesn't mean there aren't any fun ways to get into shape. I love to dance. Dancing is fun and it's a great way to get your heart rate going. I'm sure as many of you know, this white girl can't dance worth a shit, but it's okay-- I get my lame on anywhere I go. If you're not a fan of public embarrassment, I'm sure there's a living room, a basement, a bedroom, where you can plug in your iPod, turn on the radio, or put your headphones on, and get your booty shaking. Oh yeah, I like making playlists-- this way, I don't have to constantly switch song after song. My favorite genre to dance to falls under my "Dirty O" playlist, which is pretty much every cheesy/great rap/hip-hop song known to existence.

"From the windows... to the wall..." nothing gets me going like some dance floor ghetto classics. So, whatever it takes to get your money-maker moving, add it on, and have a blast being a total spaz. Britney is another favorite, and hey, not only will you get into better shape (do it for 30 minutes a day and you'll see a difference). If nothing else, you may pick up some awesome dance moves.

Another good one believe it or not, is housecleaning, the old school way. You know like your French or Eastern European grandmother used to clean. Hardcore. Get on your hands and knees (yes, I know you dirty minded folk-- that's another great workout, but we'll save that for another time). Your space is dirty, you're a lazy bastard, so why not knock out two birds with one stone?
Get a cloth rag, and get on the floor, vacuuming is another great one, bend down and clean house. Gardening or helping your neighbors, you know the cute little old Italian grandmas lifting groceries, etc. Mowing the lawn (if you have one, I realize we live in New York), but doing little things like this, will make a difference, if you're a busy guy or gal.

Walk more. Don't be a lazy fuck. Don't drive everywhere, take the stairs instead of the elevator (imagine getting stuck in one with someone who ate rancid Mexican food-- I'm sure that's a life experience, you'd be thankful to avoid, but then again, I don't know...) Well folks, that's my pep talk for all of us. Will be posting the menu, and workout tomorrow. Take care, sleep well. Kisses. "Yes WE CAN!" lolz 

Doing it the Healthy Way

For years I led an unhealthy lifestyle. I went from being overweight to being dangerously bulimic to eventually anorexic. At my thinnest, I weighed 82 lbs, which was the combination of starving myself, and a drug cocktail to keep me looking like a sickly waif. About a year ago, I got tired of maintaining this "balance" and seeing my body change from heroin chic to gradually heavier and worse, I began drinking heavily, and I still didn't eat, but the pounds were adding up. Yesterday, I got on a scale for the first time, and the number that I saw, was enough to give anyone a jolt. Add to that, chain-smoking, and drinking coffee like turnover at a dinner in the AM, I decided that I was tired of feeling and looking like shit. So, what does all this mean?

It means, there's this thing called eating that I'm supposed to do 4-6 times a day, and there's also this long list of things that you're supposed to eat in moderation, and other things that are awesome and good for you, antioxidant rich foods and whatnot. So, I'm starting this blog for myself and others, who are just tired of being tired, who have fallen off the horse, and don't have the motivation to get back on, or people who are just looking to feel better, look better, etc.

I am starting off slow. This is completely new territory for me. In high school and college, I used to work out a lot, I played tennis, I had a relatively healthy lifestyle, I was what you called a weekend social smoker. Everything was good, I was active, relatively in shape. Now, it's like I'm back at square one. I felt my lungs threatening to explode out of my chest, my heart was pumping and I could feel the blood surging through me body. Halfway through my first day of exercise, I already caught myself thinking, "FUCK THIS!" But... I didn't give up, I kept going, and I realized I was maybe overdoing a bit.

See, I'm a results whore. When it comes to my body image, I'm extremely vain and instant gratification about it, but as I've realized over the course of the years-- quick results don't mean dick, and just because you're anna doesn't mean you're in shape.

So, folks you're not alone. I will post embarrassing fatass pictures of my body, as an invitation for anyone who has reservations or thinks they can't do anything to change, or it's too hard, too much, whatever. I am doing this. If you want or need support, follow my blog. We can bitch about our workouts, share recipes, talk about clothes we know we're going to fit into. You're not alone. Take it from the ultimate stubborn vanity queen-- clearly what I did wasn't working, I wasn't happy, I felt tired and depressed, so if you're looking for a morale boost or really good smoothie recipes, hit up my blog. I will be posting tips and things I learn along the way.