Wednesday, January 6, 2010

How to turn an old dress into a new skirt


Nearly all of you reading this have an old dress --and you can turn it into a skirt. Simple, eh? Here's how.

1Find your dress. The more material the better for this, so find something billowy. Loads of material = extra swishyness. Empire lines work well because you don't have to worry about a waist.

2 Cut the dress about 1 inch (or 3 cm) higher than you want it to sit. Mark where you want the waist to be and then cut higher than this.

3 Fold the top of the now-cut dress over so there's about an inch (3 cm) of material running all the way around the inside.

4Now sew sew sew! But not all the way around! Leave an inch (3cm) gap somewhere.

5 Get some thick-ish elastic (I usually use something just under an inch or 2.5cm in width) and cut it to fit around your waist. Make sure there's a bit of an overlap. If you use wider elastic make sure you allow for this when cutting the dress and folding over.

6 Thread this elastic through the channel you've sewn into the dress (that's what the gap's for). Attaching a big safety pin to one end of the elastic and pushing/pulling that through usually helps.

7 Once this is threaded through, get the two ends of the elastic and sew them together. Securely! I'm talking sewing and sewing until you're 100% sure it's not going to come undone.

8 Sew up the gap in the channel and even out the gathers in the material.

9 Voilà! One skirt. Now wear that baby with pride.


http://www.sheknows.com/articles/812438

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Winter boot trend: Go bold







For some of us, winter boots are our sole inspiration for getting out of our warm, cozy beds on cold winter mornings. This winter, it's all about embellishment and experimentation. Our hit list includes all of the hottest styles of the season but the real runway magic is in the detail.

Most of the styles below are offered both classically and kicked up a notch, adorned with buckles, studs, chains or sequins and in funky fabrics, such as faux fur, animal skin and colorful suede. Bottom line: 'Tis the season to be daring with your feet – flirt with fringe, fall in love with laces or bow down to a darling bow.

Giddy up

You don’t have to dress the cowgirl part to rock western boots – in fact, you shouldn’t. With this season’s modernized twist on the trend, cowboy boots or booties are an unexpected and adorable addition to a very urban LBD or a skinny jeans ensemble.

Take it higher

Leg-lengthening and ultra-daring over-the-knee boots are the showstopper pair of this season. To avoid a street corner-esque look, steer clear of pairing the boots with 80s clothes or anything too revealing. If you are really worried about the tramp factor, opt for a colored pair, a chunkier heel versus a stiletto, and a sleek, non-embellished look to ensure classiness.

Effortlessly chic

The slouch boot has a uniquely casual yet sophisticated look not attained by any other boot in the season’s collection. Able to instantly convert a nothing-special outfit into one to take notice of, the slouch boot is a must-have in winter’s shoe wardrobe and they look equally fabulous with a flat, kitten or platform heel.

Less is more

The most versatile of the season’s gallery of boot trends, the ankle boot can be worn with just about anything – dresses (knee-length or above), jumpers, leggings, skinny jeans – with socks, tights, knee highs or bare legged. These mini boots have the power to make anything look fiercer and more fun so make sure whatever you are wearing, including your attitude, can handle it.

Peek-a-boo

Peep-toes and cut-outs aren’t really boot structures on their own and can exist on any of the aforementioned styles. But because they are undeniably stunning and standout in this season’s suite of offerings, they warrant special mentioning. If there is one pair of boots that you don’t need this season but want to treat yourself to, this is the pair. And if cold climate practicality is deterring you from picking up a pair, they look equally gorgeous with tights. So what’s your excuse now?!

The new Ugg

Undeniably cute and cozy too, knit sweater boots are the most purposeful of all the hottest boots trends this winter. Part slipper, part boot, once you slip into this pair, you may never want to take them off. Make sure you look for a pair that has built-in sock liners to absorb moisture so your toes stay dry and snuggly.

Tristan lives a double LA life as a free-spirited beach bum and Hollywood know-it all. She is a trend forecaster who believes it is bad luck to wear the same toenail polish two weeks in a row and is also a dating expert who waxes poetic about falling in like, falling in love and falling into bed. Tristan is the author of MENu Dating: Taste-Test Your Way to the Main Course, out now.

http://www.sheknows.com/articles/812504
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How to Make Your Lips Appear Plumper


For many women, their lips are a source of disappointment. With all of the ads in magazines and on TV using models that have full, sexy lips -- those of us with thin lips feel that we have somehow got shortchanged. Not anymore!

Easy Tips for Fuller Lips

Here are some simple tips & tricks to make your lips appear fuller with cosmetics. Check out our tips below to fool the eye and you'll soon have lips that look luscious, plump and kissable.

Keep Your Lips Conditioned

Prevent dry, cracked lips with lip balm. Use lip balm with SPF when you are out in the daylight hours and before you go to bed at night to keep them in tip-top shape.

Prepare Your Base

For best results, start by applying foundation on your lips when you are putting on your make up. Set it with translucent loose or pressed powder. This will make a good base.

Make Your Lips Larger

Outline your lips with a lip liner that is closest to the color of your lips. Use the liner just beyond your lip line, increasing the size a little. Add some balance, shape and curves to the upper and lower lip if desired.

Fill Them In

Fill in your lips with a metallic lipstick (try Maybelline's Wet Shine) using a brush, including the area you extended with the lip liner.

Use Lip Gloss

Add a finishing touch with lip gloss. The gloss will add depth and give the appearance of plumper, fatter lips. Take it along in your purse for quick touch-ups.

Extra Kissable Lips

For a poufy pout, apply a glob of petroleum jelly onto lips and gently rub in with a soft toothbrush. Follow up with lip balm.

http://www.beautytipsonline.com/lip_plumper.htm


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How to Get The Best Haircut


Getting the best haircut is something every one of us desires. There are so many haircuts and hairstyles available to choose from it makes the choice even more difficult. The thing that scares most people and causes them to maintain the same hairstyle over a very long period of time is change. Changes don't necessarily mean the same thing, they can be good changes or they can be bad changes. This is why people are afraid, they don't want to make a bad choice.

Times have changed and the cosmetic industry has come a long way, being able to fix almost any hairstyle malfunctions. For example if you cut your hair too short and you don't like it you can put hair extensions on and your back to long hair in a matter of hours.

There are so many cutting techniques as well to mold the hairstyle according to your own personal style and face shape.

In order for a person to make the right choice when it comes to haircuts you need to look at the following:

  • make sure the haircut matches your face shape. There is no point is getting a hairstyle which is not flattering for you. You might like the haircut on someone else but that doesn't mean you will look the same with the haircut. People have different face shapes so the hairstyle will look differently on each person

  • make sure your hair type is appropriate for the haircut. People have different types of hair, from sleek straight to curly, from fine to thick. There are certain hairstyle which only look good on straight hair or on curly hair. Some haircuts make fine hair appear denser while other don't flatter fine hair. This is why it is important to choose the haircut according to your hair type as well.
  • incorporate layers into your haircut for best styling opportunities. Layers will add the right movement and volume to the hair. They will relive some weight off thick long hair, making it easier to style and maintain. There are a variety of layering techniques to choose from depending on the desired result

  • choose a hairstyle which appeals to you and don't let yourself be influenced by other peoples opinion. You know yourself better than anyone else so make your own choice because it is the only way you will love your new haircut. If you like your hair you will feel confident and that state of confidence will be felt by the people surrounding you

  • incorporate your own style into the haircut. If you choose a haircut that is going to suit you and emphasize your facial features and you add a little bit of your own personality int the hairstyle just by changing the hair color, the layering technique or any other thing that you might like. This will make the hairstyle suite you perfectly because there will be a little bit of you in it



  • Choose a hairstyle which you love and don't be afraid of changes. The worst thing that can happen is for you to hate it but there is always a solution. You can style it to your liking, or you can color it differently. Remember that hair grows back so there is no permanent damage. Only by taking risks and making changes you will be able to find the perfect hairstyle for you.

    http://www.hair.becomegorgeous.com/professional_tips/how_to_get_the_best_haircut-1061.html
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    How to Get the Best Haircut and Style



    Have you ever come home from the salon in tears because you feel that your hair was ruined, and worst of all -- you paid for it? It's probably happened to just about all of us at some time or another but you can prevent it in the future. On a quest to the most fabulous haircut and style just for you, here are important five steps to ensure you get just what you're looking for.

    Choose a Reputable Stylist

    Seek out others for referrals. Ask you friends with great-looking hair which salon they go to and the name of their stylist. More important, ask those who have similar hair texture, thickness and styles that you prefer. If you see a stranger whose hair you adore, don't be shy. Flatter that person with compliments and get the information you need. Most people are happy to share their stylist and can often get discounts for giving referrals.

    Take Along Pictures

    It's not always easy to describe what haircut and style you want. Your description may bring up something completely different in the stylist's mind, leading to a bad cut that can take months or even years to recover from.

    Salons are full of magazines and styling guides for a reason. If you bring along a picture from home or select one from an in-house pictorial, you're more likely to get just what you want. Be reasonable. Not all cuts and styles may work with your hair texture and some can accentuate facial flaws. The best insurance is to bring along a few pictures and ask the professional for advice.

    Be Precise

    If you want your long hair to stay long, say just that. If you just want a trim, tell him or her how much hair you want cut and make a show with your fingers. Don't be reluctant to interrupt while your hair is being cut. If you just sit there, knowing you're on the wrong track, you'll kick yourself later on. A stylist who asks plenty of questions about how you want your hair to look is one that wants to make sure that you walk out happy.

    Hair Styling - Watch Closely

    Don't get into heavy chatting and then discover that you have no idea how to achieve that fantastic look. A great hairstyle is one you'll want to replicate over and over so it's important to watch carefully and see how it's done. Again, ask questions and you can pick up some good tips for manipulating your hair into the style that's just perfect for you.

    Be Decisive

    There are times when you're just not happy with the cut. If you are aware of this before you leave the salon, make it known. If the salon is not busy, this may be able to be corrected then and there. If you feel rushed, tell the stylist and let him or her know that you may be in touch soon. If you discover that the haircut is not to your liking after you get home, make another appointment to follow up. After all, you wanted to look better, right? The best way to do this is communicate with the professional.

    http://www.beautytipsonline.com/best_haircut.htm


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    6 Tips on Hand Skin Care in Winter




    Wear gloves …

    The skin of our hands is thin, delicate, and often dry, this is why it is the first to suffer from cold winds, frost, and dry heated air inside our apartments. The most important hand protection from winter elements is as simple as just to wear gloves!

    Make it a good habit to wear warm gloves or mittens every time you go outside, even if it is just to check the mail or get into a car. This measure is especially important if your hand skin is dry and irritated.
    2. Humidify the air …

    Moisten the air inside your house by placing a plate of water near heaters. I usually use rose water that also fills the air with a delicate scent and works as aromatherapy. This simple measure will prevent your skin, including the skin of your hands, from over-drying.
    3. Wear rubber gloves when doing house work …

    Always wear rubber gloves while washing dishes, and especially so in the winter. Overexposure to both water and harsh chemicals in dishwashing liquids draws natural moisture and lubrication out of your hands. For the same reason, do not wash your hands too often, unless you work in a hospital. Nurses, who have to frequently wash their hands with soap, often develop extremely dry, cracked, and painful hand skin that is hard to cure.
    everal times a day, use a natural hand cream or, better yet, coconut oil, or shea butter, to nourish and moisturise the skin of your hands. To make a rich hand cream at home, mix some unsalted butter with a bit of honey and several beneficial herbs, such as coltsfoot or nettle. This rich, nourishing cream is the most effective for a winter time. Avoid using store-bought moisturisers if you are going to expose your hands to a cold weather. Never use any commercial hand creams that contain petroleum.

    http://www.she.com.pk/beauty-tips/6-tips-on-hand-skin-care-in-winter.php
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    Foot Care In Winter


    Without doubt, your feet are the most active part of your body, even more than your hands. In fact most of the time they are definitely overworked. Especially in today’s day and age, the big metros are so widespread that one has to cover long distances to get from one place to the next. Even if you have a car and are in the driver’s seat, you know how tiring driving can be. Life is just not easy anymore.
    definitely overworked. Especially in today’s day and age, the big metros are so widespread that one has to cover long distances to get from one place to the next. Even if you have a car and are in the driver’s seat, you know how tiring driving can be. Life is just not easy anymore.

    In this scenario, what do you do for your feet A pedicure once a month is not enough. You need to take care almost on a daily basis. E.g. simply relaxing your feet for ten minutes in a bucket of hot water can do wonders for that aching tired feeling. You may also add a little salt to the bucket for better results. Epsom salt is a good remedy for a strained ligament or a muscle pull. A footbath is also an excellent way to restore circulation in case you feel numb or cold.

    What do you do about those painful corns

    Do you have patches of hard skin, bunions or corns Just in case you do, here is a word of advice. Never, ever handle these problems by yourself. Because seemingly simple problems tend to worsen if handled in the wrong way. Always consult your doctor or a chiropodist and get the right advice.

    Until you get to the chiropodist, you can get some relief for a painful corn by using a cornpad or a cottonwool dressing to protect that area from pressure. It would also be a good idea to use a hand and body lotion on your feet regularly in order to prevent scaly skin or help heal small patches that have started forming.

    Do you have chilblains

    People in countries with very cold winters often face the problem of chilblains. So it is best to dress as warmly as possible in such cases. But you should avoid wearing very tight stockings, shoes or boots as these are extremely constricting. You could try using a good ointment that is available in the market for a little relief. But do consult your doctor or chiropodist for professional advice. It is quite possible that your body is lacking calcium or vitamin D. Whatever it is, your doctor is the best guide.

    Ingrown toenails, athlete’s foot or verrucas are other similar problems that require a doctor’s attention. So it would be worth taking an appointment at least once a year to keep your feet in the best of health. A simple tip to prevent ingrown toenails would be to cut them carefully. The right way is to cut them straight across without clipping off the corners and then bevel with an emery board.

    Take time to pick out the right shoes

    Are you ruled by what is in fashion or are you the type who emphasizes comfort. A good combination would be ideal. But it does not always happen that way. Sometimes shoes that look good are not always good to your feet. So choose your shoes carefully and pick only the best quality.

    Firstly, check out the fit around the heel. If it is not right, it will cause unnecessary strain and fatigue. Next see that there are no awkward inner seams that rub the foot the wrong way and cause calluses and corns. Comfort should be the priority. Make sure that the shoe is the right size. If it is a size bigger, you could get sloppy and cause your ankles to weaken.

    Always change your shoes as frequently as possible and vary the size of the heel. If you constantly live in high heels, you might strain your calves and your back in the long run. Also do not live in soft slippers continuously as they offer minimum support to your feet.

    If you like wearing stockings, always buy the correct size. Very tight ones would hurt your toes and be very constricting. Always change them daily and use foot powder or talcum powder between your toes to avoid any problems.

    Exercise is good for your feet

    You go for a walk every other day and you probably indulge in an exercise routine. It is time to include a few for your feet so that they remain flexible and carry you all your life.

    Remove your slippers and sit in a chair. Now press your toes down hard on the floor as if making knuckles with your toes. But do not let them curl under. Relax and repeat a few times.
    Sit on the edge of a chair with your heels resting on the floor. Spread the toes wide and then relax them. Repeat 10 times.

    Simple home remedies

    Soak feet for 10 minutes in warm water to which salt has been added. Remove and scrub dry, especially between the toes. This is the easiest way to relax tired feet. In the case of a sprain add Epsom salt to the water for best results.
    Alternatively add a shampoo to warm water and soak your feet for 10 minutes. This will also improve the texture of the toenails.
    Mix a few drops of lemon juice in vaseline and apply gently on cracked heels.
    Scrub heels with a pumice stone while bathing.
    Use a good hand and body lotion on your feet too.

    If you look after your feet, they will look out for you.


    http://www.she.com.pk/beauty-tips/foot-care-in-winter.php

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