Shop With Style

It’s easy to get into a rut with wearing jewelry. Day in, day out, it’s sometimes just easier to keep the same pieces on…or off… whichever the case may be. Either way, your style can begin to suffer, and you can quickly get bored with accessorizing. That’s the last thing we want to happen! You’ve got so much fabulousness inside you ready to come out…and these suggestions will help to get your creative ideas flowing again!

• Geometric – Geometric shapes are huge right now, and there are lots of options out there. Triangles, pyramids, even a chunky plain band can look modern and geometrical. You can also arrange the rings by thinking geometrically, by keeping the larger rings to your pointer, thumb, and pinky finger, while wearing thinner rings on your middle and ring fingers. Think symmetry and balance.
• Colored stones – Not necessarily working off of colors in your outfit (although that would look fierce too) another fresh way to wear rings is to pile on the color. Think gemstones, pearls, even turquoise (which is another massive trend right now). Different sizes and shapes and hues of the same color. Talk about a statement!
• One color metal – This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make an impact with your accessories…but we’re not talking just one or two rings. No way! For this trick to wow you’ve got to wear multiple pieces, varying sizes and shapes, but all one color metal. Yellow gold, rose gold, copper, silver…your choice. And if you want to double up on the stylishness, pair yellow and rose gold or copper with clothes in warm, Fall hues (brown, rust, tan)…and pair cooler colored clothes (black, grey, white) with silver, gunmetal, or black tungsten or titanium.
• Mixed metal – In a similar idea as the above, this look involves mixing rings of varying shapes and sizes in differing finishes… shiny and brushed, silver, yellow and rose gold hues. Make sure you incorporate both thick and thin rings so that the difference in texture and finish can really stand out!
• Mad for midis – Yes, another definite trend are midi rings. Most midis are quite thin, but there are so many shapes and sizes, some open, some connected to another ring worn further up the finger. Layer them together, wear them on every finger, or every other finger. The more you wear, the bigger the statement.
• Stacked – Another one of the most flattering and fashionable ways to accessorize with rings is to stack them. You can even mix bold and modern with delicate and feminine designs. Also, wearing multiples of thin rings stacked together is a fab way to layer interest into your look without it being overpowering.

When the buzz about the uses and benefits of coconut oil first started up, lots of people just assumed it was either hype, or a bunch of nonsense from the “all-natural” advocates out there. Well, as it turns out, it’s neither. You can use it for everything from healthy cooking, to flavoring smoothies and coffee, to cleaning and conditioning wood! Coconut oil and what it can do really is remarkable. And in terms of its beauty uses? The possibilities are almost endless!

What to look for when buying coconut oil?

Once you decide to give this little miracle oil a try, you might be overwhelmed with your choices. To insure you’re using the best product for your skin, look for unrefined organic coconut oil. And also, you will want to get a large container of it, trust us. Not only will you be able to find more uses for it every day, but you’ll find that a little goes a long way.

So what are some of the ways coconut oil can be incorporated into your beauty routine?

• Body lotion – This one is probably the first use you’d suspect for using coconut oil as a beauty implement. Why not just use a regular store-bought lotion? Many, if not most, of them are petroleum or water-based. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is all natural and can moisturize your skin more effectively without any additives.
• Shaving cream – Constantly suffer from those tiny red bumps after shaving? Skin too sensitive to use with many shaving creams and lotions? Try coconut oil! Use it as you would any other shaving product. Wet the area, smooth on the oil, and shave. Your skin will be unbelievably soft and supple afterwards.
• Face mask – Coconut oil is naturally antiseptic, with many antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s also antioxidant rich, which works wonders for your skin. There loads of great face mask recipes online, all using coconut oil as the base. You are sure to find one or more that will address your skin concerns and skin type beautifully!
• Makeup remover – Many makeup removers use oils to breakdown the heavy-duty mascaras, shadows, and liners we use these days…but not all the oils they use are good for your skin. Coconut oil, though, being all natural, will remove all your eye makeup completely while not aggravating your skin. Simply apply a bit to a cotton pad, remove your eye makeup, and rinse the area clean of any remaining oil. Remove the rest of your makeup as usual.
• Makeup brush cleaner – You know that you risk a serious bacteria build-up by not cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a month. The good news is that by combining a little antibacterial soap with a little coconut oil, you can not only get your brushes clean and free from bacteria, but for those brushes made from natural hair, the oils will help to condition the bristles.

Nothing quite beats a drop-dead-sexy pair of stilettos, not only in terms of what they can do for an outfit, but also what they can do for your confidence! But, if you’ve ever tried to walk in a pair for any length of time, you also know they can be equal parts beauty and medieval torture device. The good news is, there are a few simple things you can do to make any high heels more comfortable.

• Gel insoles – Yes, those little gel inserts you’ve used in flats, boots, maybe even in sneakers can work wonders in a pair of heels. You can either cut down and shape an ordinary insert, or find those made especially for high heels. There full-shoe inserts, those made only for the heel area, or those made for the toe area, depending on where you feel the most pressure when you walk. If your shoes allow for that extra bit of room to add a comfy gel insert, do it!
• Opt for heels with straps or ties – It seems a small thing, but even well-fitting stilettos can annoy you with a bit of slip in the heel area, causing you to drag your feet while walking just to keep them on. And that on-and-off friction can also lead to blisters and chafing. Straps or ties help the heels to not only stay on, but are adjustable to add to your comfort throughout the day.
• Stretch ‘em – Even if you bought them in your correct size, even if they are of the highest quality, some heels just need to be stretched out a bit. There are wooden forms you can insert into them yourself, turning a dial to spread the form, which then stretches your shoe over a short period of time. You can also take them to a cobbler (yes, there are such people in your area), who can stretch them out for you.
• Tape ‘em – Okay…this is going to sound a bit odd…but it is said to work wonders. Tape your 3^rd and 4^th toes together (counting from your big toe). There is a nerve that runs the length of the leg and ends there, which can contribute to foot pain if it’s pinched in shoes. By taping those toes together, it alleviates the stress on the nerve.
• Shoe shop at the end of the day – As you walk through the day, your feel swell. That’s a fact. If you shoe shop at the beginning of the day, your feet are obviously not as “big” as they are going to get. Any shoe you buy, even if it’s in your correct size, will not feel or fit as they will after walking all day.
• Pick a shape that’s easier – No, this doesn’t mean you have to give up stilettos. However, you might find that platform stilettos will feel loads better on your feet. It’s a bonus that the platform pump is hugely popular now, and will no doubt be so for many years to come (some classics just never go out of style). Platforms cut down on the angle and pressure coming down on the ball of your feet, while still managing to give you height. A slightly rounder toe, or a toe that ends in a longer point, will also give you some wiggle room…literally…which will add to your comfort.