a HEALTHY summer glow

Okay, so as the summer rays beg for adoration, I find myself cold to its misgivings. As I am more frequently faced with over-bronzed bodies and fine lines on young faces, I feel the need to take the myths that we 'believe' and set them ablaze.

1. I don't burn, I tan. Thus, I don't have to wear sunscreen.

Stop lying to yourself. Skin of all shades and tones can be damaged from the sun. Whether you tan or burn, both are your bodies reaction to radiation and bad 'stuff.' They are your body attempting to protect itself. Both damage. BOTH!

2. Tanning bed are safer than sun exposure.

Epidemic?

There is a strong correlation between ultraviolet exposure, whether those rays come from inside or outside tanning. Ultimately, in an overwhelming amount of studies, it has been shown that tanning before the age of 35 up your chances of melanoma by 75%.

3. Tan looks better.

This is not a myth that can be disputed by a study or fact. However, why don't we try embracing the way genetics made us. There are pros and cons to all skin tones, but if we all start looking like umpa lumpas, who will lead the factory? What looks the best? Uhm, looking like yourself.


According to The Skin Cancer Foundation's website, tanning is harmful:

"The sun's UV rays damage the DNA of the skin's epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage.  However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.  Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage."

I know I would rather prevent wrinkles and sagging skin than be tan. What is stylish this summer: SPF.

Can't bare the idea of not being tan, try bronzer, spray tans or tanning lotion.Take a look at all the marvelous and kink-free options at: http://www.sephora.com/browse/section.jhtml?categoryId=S2100

bonne chance!

xx

Texas Style

As my first week in Texas has come and gone, I have noticed the southern charms of style and beauty in the lone star. My best friend that I am staying with has introduced me to the method of the madness: big hair. Born with the thickest of thick, I never felt the need to tease and contort my locks. However, as if the heat has gone to my head, I have become obsessed with this Texas way!

Alex and I on our first night out. 

The teasing is truly a process.

Step 1: either straight or curl hair (with curlers preferably)
Step 2: take top sections in both the back and sides to tease
Step 3: hair spray the underside of each section
Step 4: use a comb to tease the heck out of each section
Step 5: more hair spray, duh!
Step 6: repeat on each side
Step 7: use fingers to manage the massive puff of hair, tame

Then, throughout the night, stick fingers in hair to revitalize the poof you created hours before.

*notice the teased portion in the back

I have a feeling I am really going to like it here. Whether I leave in July or decide to remain, I will take this Texan technique with me. xx

A Momentous Occasion

The heir to the royal thrown was married on April 29. Tuning in with billions, not millions, of viewers worldwide, I was absolutely enthralled with every detail spoken by the endless press coverage. Although many highlights are dieing to be discussed, this is a blog about style and beauty. Thus, it is necessary to comment on Kate Middleton's dress, reminisent of Grace Kelly's stunner so many years ago.

Kate's Sarah Burton creation

Kate's inspiration?

Designed by Sarah Burton, kept secret until the day itself, the dress was marvelous. Burton is the designer of Alexander McQueen. Kate has a lovely sense of style and her statuesque frame pulled off the look perfectly. I specifically loved the laced sleeves and cinched in waste. The look was traditional yet glam. For her makeup, Kate did it herself. She desired for William to recognize her. With her hair in soft waves, donned with a sparking tiara she borrowed from the Queen, Kate looked effortless.The tiara was made by Cartier.

With the bride looking stunning and the crowd sporting the traditional English hats, (shout-out to Philip Treacy) the event was a milestone of classic meeting modernity.

I am placing my bets: wedding dresses like this are going to fly off the shelves!

x

"Summer Lady"

By the end of this very week, final exams will be completed and summer will be simply alive. Focusing so much on the onset of spring, especially during that tragic winter, I lacked the proper preparation of the sweetness to the summer heat.

Thus, I have compiled a general list of tips for this season:

1. Wear statement earrings. Whether they be hoops or chandelier, slick your hair back and sport these gems.

2. Asymmetrical necklines. Not only are they incredibly flattering on many body types, but they were seen all over the runways.

3. Metallic fabric. Some of designers heaviest hitters took this look down the runway. If it is good enough for them, it is good enough for us. This look can be worn in demure ways or as the entire ensemble, as a pop of flash or compiling an entire dress.

4. Bold blocks of color. It's summer, so of course bright colors like electric blue are stamped all over the place. It's the geometric shapes of the colors on the fabric that takes the cake for originality this season.

5. Tribal or ethnic. These looks can be expressed in either prints or embellishments. What a great look for summer!

6. Fringe. Going out on the town? Try to sport this look! Donning it in either a long dress or short frock, this is the epitome of glamour.

7. Sheer. Not used as a peep-show technique. However, try layering a sheer colored fabric over an ensemble, preferably with a pattern, to enhance your fashion I.Q.

8.Platform wedges. Go back to days of the Spice Girls. Wedges are back, and the more 70s reminiscent they are, the better.

Now that I have explained the summer know-how, there is no need to fret! Study away! I got your summer trends covered.

xx