It’s that time of year again. Break out the swimwear for all those hot days spent in the water. While you’re trying to find something that doesn’t reveal all, you will also want to consider these tips for body types.

Straight - Little definition between bust, hips and waist.
Detailing on the waist or hips such as a wrap style that will help with figure definition.

Pear - Smaller bust, rounded hips and defined waist.
Top detailing, such as an empire waist seam will draw eyes up away from hips and create a waist line definition that will be the most flattering. Texture also makes you appear more balanced, skirts or shorts are especially good.

Hourglass - Bust and hips in equal proportions, with defined waist.
Don’t be shy! All styles look great on you!

Spoon - Full bust, small hips and waist.
Look for swimsuits with wide straps, high backs and high cut necklines. A solid top with printed bottoms is your best bet to emphasize hips and create definition.

Apple - Full bust, narrow hips and average waist.
Boatneck and racerback swimsuits visibly create the illusion of broader shoulders for a more-balanced figure! Go for dark solids all around, and a detailed top with darker bottoms are an especially great choice!

And remember to check out our Classic Swimsuit designed by the one and only, Christa Taylor.

Hair is terrific because it is our natural fashion piece. It also reveals how you think of yourself as a person…sporty, feminine, extremely fashionable, etc. Here are some “in” styles for 2008. Which one fits you?

Soft Wedge Haircut
Since a lot of texturing and layering is used, your hairstyle looks soft and very smooth. Even people with thin hair can go in for this short cut, as it adds volume. It is suitable for almost every face cut and adds charm and confidence to the personality.

Razor Cuts with Layers
A razor cut with a lot of emphasis on layering is absolutely in. You may have short or long hair and the razor style can be implemented beautifully, without compromising on length. Try to get more layering around the ears and on hair that falls on the side of your cheeks. With a short razor cut, a messy look can also be adopted, especially if it suits your relaxed and carefree lifestyle! A long razor cut features steep, tapering layers for a light, airy look. This look can be created with naturally wavy hair by using a soft blow out with a round brush and finger styling with product for added definition, or by rolling straight hair using extra large tools for soft, curving waves.

Full Locks
Your hair can be cut long and heavily layered all over to create lots of texture and body as a whole. The bangs are brushed to the sides and go well with the rest of the layers.

Layered with Full Bangs
Having a hairstyle with bangs is becoming more and more popular due to the trend of waves in 2008. The key to this style is full, face-framing layers around the front which add shape and definition around the face and height to the top.

Long & Feminine
Long hair seems to make a comeback with really nice natural wave and a little bit of volume. The hair is very light, very understated, nothing too over-the-top—controlled and nice. You’re tresses should have lots of natural texture, feminine flips and long loose layers whether your hair is straight, wavy or curly. Still very chic, but also beautiful, are the chignons and ponytails on long or medium long styles. Try personalizing with partings and fringes, and soft pieces hanging out.

A woman’s most important accessory is a great bag. It’s important to remember that handbags are not just for transporting large amounts of stuff - or else we could just put all our things in plastic bags or suitcase!

A handbag can complete and should perfectly complement a woman’s look. Like everything it might take a bit of trial and error to discover what works for you and what doesn’t, but here are some easy to follow fashion tips to help you along.

Size:

• A big handbag is dramatic and makes you look instantly slimmer.
• Totes and other big bags look best with a casual outfit.
• Oversized clutches are perfect for some added trendiness anytime.

Shape:

• If you’re Spoon shaped go for a longer strap and a big bag to create more balance.
• If you’re Pear shaped, go for a shorter strap to shift focus away from the waist and hips.

Color:

• Use a brightly colored lemon drop bag as the focal point of your ensemble, and balance this with more subdued colors in your outfit.

Event:

• Satchels look great even with a business suit.
• Try a canvas bag for a day of fun.
• Clutches are perfect for evenings out

We all know what it is like to go through our wardrobes again in order to find out again that we have no idea what to wear to a wedding! Time, season and formality all play a role in how to pick your ensemble, but for the most part it is common sense. The later in the day the longer your hemline, the warmer the weather the lighter the material your clothes should be and if your invitation includes the words “black tie” or “white tie” get ready for some drama. Here are some tips for stress-free guest dressing.

Informal:
a chic little sun-dress.
a skirt and a sweater set with slingback shoes.
a suit (light colored for day, darker colors for evening)

Semi-formal:
a darker dress – nothing over the top but something fun to dance in
a sophisticated, dressy suit

Formal (daytime):
a shorter dress
a suit
hats and gloves optional

Black Tie:
long cocktail dress
add some glamor with beading, wrap, etc.

White Tie:
long gown
extra glitz such as furs, diamonds, etc.

DO
- take a clutch instead of a bag
- wear a smile!
- think ahead, most stress accumulates if you wait until last minute to pick your dress

DON’T
- wear white to a wedding. Ever. It’s seen as competing with the bride, so let’s stay away from that!
- wear black before 6 pm
- add sequins, fur and glitz unless black tie or white tie is specified

Remember
- for personal styling you should check out the posts on body type and coloring
- love your natural waist by looking for fun pieces that emphasize it and add pizazz, like belts, sashes, rouching, etc.

Pink Mist is a cool, crisp shade of lavender pink, very subtle and flattering. This delicate color with blue undertones pairs perfectly with any color in the palette for a happy-to-be-a-girl look. One designer described it with the words, “Traditional, Feminine, Happy.” Designer Erin Fetherston, comments that it is “warm and feminine and is a great contrast color with almost anything.” You have to love our Magdalene skirt and Pendleton Plaid Cami which both feature this lovely pink quite well.

DO
Curl your hair and grab some heels as you don your pink.
Add some gray, brown or navy.

DON’T
go all pink…it’s a subtle color, so be subtle.

Remember pink is for girls, enjoy it.

Make your skin glow by using an herbal steam to loosen debris or makeup that has embedded in you skin and clogged your pores. (I know it’s gross, but it happens to the best of us and needs to be taken care of!)

Boil a pan of water (approx. 2 cups) with herbs (approx. 1/8 cup) for 1 minute. Pour the boiling water into a bowl and steam your face (stick it close to the steam with a towel around your face and the bowl so the steam can’t escape) for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

For oily skin use thyme, peppermint or lemon
For sensitive and dry skin use chamomile or lime
For normal skin use rosemary or lavender

The best time to exfoliate is right after steaming since your pores are open! Be careful to not exfoliate over 3 minutes or it may irritate your skin!

Beauty Advice experts tell us to lather with lotion before bedtime and remind us to, again, “look for a product that contains more natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, honey, chamomile, almond oil, olive oil, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals and essential oils. In the morning cleanse your face with a mild facial cleanser and gently massage your face with light, circular motions to improve blood circulation and to make your skin glowing.” (hint:You can easily moisturize your hands at the same time, too!)

Avoid yellow-based makeup products as they can make your skin appear dull.
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and body hydrated.
Apply gloss in a shade brighter than your natural lip color.
Wear colors that enhance you beauty. Need tips, read more here.

We’ve all been waiting for it and it’s finally here, the full Christa-Taylor Spring Collection!
Many beautiful colors and styles seen on a variety of items, such as:

Stylish, colorful tunics.
Femininely flattering dresses.
Chic, silk polka dot blouses.
Lots of must-have cropped sweaters.
Adorable higher-waisted skirts.
Fabulous raincoats, blazers and jackets.
Fun, light bermuda shorts.
Great textures and materials including eyelet, jersey, corduroy, embroidery, cotton and silk.

Here’s a behind the scenes sneak peek of our latest shoot…

Check it out. Tell your friends.

Just like the flower, crocus is a treasure of spring, when we feel a bit cooped up from the cold winter, and long for color, they pop up so cheerful and bright! Designer David Rodriguez says, “I wanted to convey the same sense of optimism and joy I experienced growing up in sunny California.” With the deep pink undertones of flowery Spring Crocus, it becomes the prettiest, friendliest and most wearable of purples.

DO
ground it with earth tones

DON’T
put with oranges

Remember this color serves well as an accessory color, not a base.

Today, fashion scarves are commonly made from silk or another light weight material for fluid movement and a shimmering finish. A bold, beautiful scarf can add a splash of color to an otherwise severe-looking or plain garment, and adds softness and femininity. The variety of shapes, colors, patterns and fabrics mean that scarves are imminently versatile, and a style can be found to compliment any outfit.

Here are some examples of ways to wear scarves to accentuate your look, the shape of scarf you will need and how to secure them.

The Kelly
The method of wearing a scarf to protect the hair-style and still look glamorous while traveling is named after American actress-turned-Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. It looks fabulous with our raincoats!
Scarf Style Needed: Square Scarf

The Crown
This style is an elegant-looking wrap and is a good choice for bad hair days.
Scarf Style Needed: Rectangular (oblong) Scarf

The Belt
Sometimes you need something to dress-up that simple little dress or skirt you’re wearing, but you don’t want (or don’t have) a regular belt that would be appropriate. Put that scarf to use.
Scarf Style Needed: Rectangular (oblong) Scarf (80 cm long)

The Neck Wrap
This style looks best with a blouse bearing a high collar and is a simple accent to any clean cut outfit.
Scarf Style Needed: Rectangular (Oblong) Scarf (at least 80 cm long)

Pictures courtesy of Greatestlooks