Having a bad hair day, or feel the need to venture outside of the hum drum selection of accessories you stare at all the time?  Give a turban a try!  Yup you read it right, I wrote, turban, and no it’s not too extreme but definitely not for the fashionably feeble.

Turbans can be quite chic when worn correctly and with just the right stuff.  Since the turban truly does embody a certain gypsy-like look work your outfit around that concept wearing hair down, throwing on colossal hoops, a fabulous pair of bellbottom shaped jeans or trousers and of course a floaty dolman sleeved top that engulfs you perfectly without overtaking the entire look.  Keep yourself tall by donning a stacked-up platformboot or shoe and sling a fringed up satchel over your shoulder.

What’s the hue to DO now!?  Why scarlet of course!  Every season designers select at least one color that rules the runway and this fall is no different.  Luckily for all of us the chosen shade is one which compliments ANY skin tone – revitalizing the fairest of the fair and highlighting the beauty of darker skin.  Choose your red wisely though, in order to get the most tremendous Ta-DA — fair-skinned types should stick with blue-based reds, while darker tones will benefit from an orange tinge but could really get away with just about anything.

Wear your red however you like whether it be a frivolous frock, higher than high heels, a cuddled up coat, or even devestatingly daring denim.  No matter what piece you choose you will rock this color trend to the max!

Need inspiration?  I love a good ‘ole red dress to really up entrance drama.  No one would be able to miss you sauntering into a chi-chi soiree in a hug-a-me tight crimson number and love me tender stilettos.  I love the shape of this number featured right found on topshop.com due to it’s versatile and universally-flattering shape and interesting beaded detailing on the short sleeves.  Don this piece with black tights and a black suede bootie OR a flesh-toned open toe heel without hosiery.

If an all-red frock isn’t your speed try the on-trend menswear trouser in red as an alternative.  Keep the pants as the highlighted piece and pair with simple basics like a white blouse or tee, classic blazer or tailored wool coat, and a simple pump.  I like the deeper colored red pair featured left found on zara.com.

Accessories are another great way to incorporate color into your reportoire.  Whether you choose a bag or a pair of shoes you will jazz it up!  I am keen on this flat clutch that also converts into a crossover bag in supple suede or these fab-oosh wedge ankle booties in merlot.  Clutch available on topshop.com and booties at zara.com.

Great for Petites

I always say that it is very important to make sure that your outerwear is up to par since it’s your first style statement upon entering a room.  So, why not be super fashion gal and sport the season’s latest warm up wear the poncho/cape.  We began seeing this style emerge last fall with turtleneck topped sweater ponchos, however this year the trend is full force featuring sturdy woolen capes trimmed in hearty leather and finished with hoods and secure hardware.  What is wonderful about these pieces is that you can add instant depth (and warmth) to your ensemble by layering these fashionable must-haves over jackets, thick sweaters, etc, without looking like your stuffed yourself in.

Best for Tall Women

Since capes and ponchos are a but robust when it comes to size select yours to compliment your frame.  Petites choose one in a solid color void of extra doo-dads as well as hoods and keep the length shorter – it should hit about mid-thigh.

  If the cape is too big and cumbersome you will be missed and the clothing will take over – a definite fashion no.  Taller women can be a bit more creative in their selection process.  Tartan plaids or solid colors will work on your frame and you also have a bit more flexibility with length – your long gams and longer torso will help longer style capes fall perfectly enabling you to rock the trend easily.

Pair your poncho/cape with ANYHING.  Jeans, cords, leather pants, and leggings as well as skirts and dresses provided the proportions are correct and accessories are in place.  The most foolproof is a shorter length skirt as opposed to midi or maxi worn with textured tights or opaque tights and cable knit leg warmers  – the look is most luxe when layering is done properly, so pile it all on and you’lll look great. 

Perhaps you are in the process of moving some of your summer-like items to a less utilized closet these days… Be careful before you forget about some of your favorite warm weather favorites for a few months  as many items can be layered up for Fall fun.

1. Dressy shorts.  Shorts that are cuffed in materials like silk, wool, and corduroy are great warm and cold month staples.  Toss yours on with a pair of thick opaque tights, chunky legwarmers, and knee high stacked heel boots.  A chunky – and very on-trend cable-knit sweater will do the trick to tie it all together.

2. Maxi Dress.  Skirts are hot for Autumn – midi, maxi, and mini – so why not hold onto your favorite long summery staple and wear it under either a chubby sweater, fitted moto jacket, or over a second skin turtle neck.  Swathe a lovely scarf about your neck, and toss on some boots and it’s a done deal.

3. Floral or solid floaty skirt.  There’s nothing fresher (fashion-wise) than mixing two opposites.  A pretty femme floaty skirt worn with a textured sweater in a robust shade like espresso, black, plum, or whisky is eye-catching and a great way to get extra mileage out of something you may have previously thought of as a single season item.

So maybe the Disco Era styles didn’t goose ya… Don’t worry, there is another terrific, more classic trend that may just make your mouth water.  In line with last fall fur – faux or real- will get you cozy fast and will of course bring your look up to 2011 standards.

So what’s a “Must-Buy” for the season?  Large fur collars of course!  These versatile pieces are terrific because they can be worn with everything from your favorite turtleneck and jeans to your most beautiful evening gown or night-time frock (incidentally my favorite look.)  Another great option is to add a little sha-bam to your standard winter wool coats and jackets – you’ll not only add a bit more warmth for those super chilly days but you’ll love the look and the style accolades.

Fur vests are hot to trot this season as well, so if you invested in one in 2010 be sure to keep it in your peripheral.  Pair your fuzzy fave with your Seventies ensembles – platforms, bells, tie-collar blouse, etc.  OR just worn as your outwear finishing a stellar corduroy chunky woolen combo or even over your little fitted leather jacket – a terrific look that will earn your vest and jacket more mileage.

I began tucking away my favorite summery staples late last week due to the drop in Mercury and the robust fall flavors that were subtly scenting the winds.  While it’s sad to give up flimsy sun-wear for a while it’s fun looking forward to autumnal dressing and the great trends that are hot for 2011.

So many women over the past few years cringe when the glossies preach the solid gold goodness of the skinny jean craze – and while I am not here to tell you to toss ‘em I am telling you that it is a-ok to revive your denim collection with a pair of more figure-flattering bell-bottoms.  These beauties are a great way to instantly update your wardrobe this season to channel the Groovy 1970′s styles that are BIG right now.  Complete this fabulous decade’s look by pairing your new favorite jeans with a fitted-printed blouse (flowers, paisley, animal – whatever will do) buttoned to the top or tied (depending on the style) worn under a chunky oversized cardigan in a 70′s shade like carmel or mustard.  For the shoes.  Don’t mess around here – your bells will be a bit longer than your typical jeans (hems should hit at about mid-heel) so platforms are a must.  I am totally digging the wooden-soled styles that are on the style scene right now OR try the other popular wedge style for more sturdiness and balance.

If you don’t LOVE the idea of shimmy-ing into a pair of bells don’t worry you can still channel the 70′s groove by sporting the newest skirt length – the Midi.  The midi is exactly as it sounds – it hits at the mid point of the leg esentially at mid-shin.  The shape of the skirt should be A-line — no sheaths allowed and are best in wool, leather, or thick jersey.  I love this trend with a chunky turtleneck sweater that hits at the waist, knee-high boots (platform preferred) and a lovely hobo sachel thrown over the shoulder.  If you’re really into it finish it all off with a floppy over-sized felt hat.  Remember the look is 70′s so when selecting pieces to replicate the trend select appropriate retro colors like burnt orange, musty pea green, navy, plum, mustard (as mentioned above), and a large aray of brown and tan.

Savile Lane is known as one of Ohio’s best men’s boutiques for high-end ready to wear and custom-made tailored clothing, but they always out do themselves (and others) when they hold their Tailor Made Miracles event. Once a year, typically around Father’s Day, Savile Lane holds an event where men can come get custom made shirts for FREE with a donation to a charity.

This year, Savile Lane has chosen to support Boys Hope Girls Hope. Boys Hope Girls Hope helps academically capable and motivated children-in-need to meet their full potential and become men and women for others by providing value-centered, family-like homes, opportunities and education through college.

You receive a FREE custom made shirt with a $49 minimum donation to Boys Hope Girls Hope, but you can always donate more! Plus, you get 25% off of the rest of your custom made order (excluding your donation)!  Akronites & Clevelanders, these shirts START at $79 a piece, they’re measured specifically to your body, and you get to choose the fabric & style! There’s no doubt that this is how men’s clothing should be done for everybody. Stop on by the event!

Tailor Made Miracles
Friday, June 24th 10am-6pm
Saturday, June 25th, 10am-5pm

SAVILE LANE
117 Ghent Road
Akron, Ohio 44333
savilelane@att.net
330.864.8642

The most convenient part of Tailor Made Miracles this year?
You don’t have to stress if you can’t make it to the store this weekend! Simply call during the event hours on Friday or Saturday (June 24th & 25th) and donate over the phone. The Savile Lane stylists will send a free custom made shirt gift card right to you. Call them at 330.864.8642.

The 3rd annual NOTO fashion show, Fashion is a Choice, went down this past Saturday, June 18th, in Maiden Alley downtown Akron. The stage was set, the weather was perfect, and the style conscious of Akron were out for a good time!

NOTO, Akron’s sassy & adorable boutique located downtown next to Uncorked Wine Bar & Musica, held the event to showcase their summer styles as well as welcome their new brand, Sarah’s Laundry vintage clothing.

Drinks were served, seats were taken, and the show started with some funky beats. NOTO pieces were shown first, with some Sarah’s Laundry in the middle, and more NOTO pieces at the end. The NOTO looks were flirty summer dresses with tribal and floral prints. You could hear many “I want that!” comments every time a design came out. The Sarah’s Laundry line was sometimes sophisticated and sometimes sexy, creating conversation and sparking creativity throughout the crowd.

After the show, the crowd gathered around NOTO boutique where guests could purchase anything they liked in the store as well as all of the looks in the show. Snacking and socializing were taking place if the guests weren’t shopping!

The NOTO annual fashion show is a must-attend event for any Akron area fashionista! The fashionable people were out and looking amazing, and the looks in the fashion show could not have been better.

Mark your calendars for June 18th, it will be a night to remember!

It has never been this fun to be in fashion! NOTO, one of Akron’s most fabulous boutiques, is celebrating big with its third annual fashion show, Fashion is a Choice, on Saturday, June 18th, 2011 at 8 PM.

This year the NOTO fashion show will take place in the enchanting Maiden Lane alley in downtown Akron. Get ready to transport yourself to runway bliss, and view an array of fantastic styles from brands we love.

One of the brands presented at the NOTO fashion show will be Sarah’s Laundry, a vintage clothing line stemmed from a local fashion blog. The Sarah’s Laundry brand will be part of the staple inventory carried in NOTO throughout the year.

From the models to the hair and make-up (by the renowned salon MC Hair Consultants), it is safe to say this is the most fashionable event in OHIO! Oh, and the attendee’s. . . this group does not disappoint! And if that is not enough every attendee gets a gift that keeps on giving all year long!

In addition, Northeast Ohio’s stylish group of fashion bloggers will be out in full force snapping photos of runway looks and fashion savvy guests at the event. Will you be on their next post?

Select and shop your favorite runway looks immediately after the show at NOTO (including the Sarah’s Laundry debut).

NOTO 2011 Summer Fashion Show
Saturday, June 18th, 2011 8 PM.

Zelio NOTO
51 E Market Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Tickets cost $32. Order online at tickets.zelionoto.com or visit NOTO in person.
Included with ticket: Fashion show access, 2 Notini tokens, exclusive NOTO gift that keeps giving.

File this in the category of "Hey, why didn’t I think of that?!"

Elizabeth Grant’s latest creation, Light Up Your Lips, is not just a terrific lip gloss, but it also has some handy tools attached that you might not even know you need…until now.

The gentle flow of an LED light in the wand and a glam gold mirror attached to the tube helps ladies gloss on-the-go. Mirror + light = convenient application anytime, anywhere. Even in the dark!

It’s one of the coolest beauty products I’ve seen in a while, and the gloss itself is fabulous. It’s shiny, hydrating, has great color pigment and best of all — the consistency is smooth, NOT sticky.

Light Up Your Lips is available on elizabethgrant.com in a wide range of shades from subtle neutrals to fierce brights. BM’s favorite is Shimmering, a brilliant coral that imparts the perfect pop of color to lips. Not too intense of a hue, it’s great to wear alone or on top of lipstick for a high-gloss look.

Wondering how to light up your own lips? The Beauty Mark is giving away five tubes of Elizabeth Grant Light Up Your Lips gloss, valued at $20 each.

Here’s how to enter to win:

Send an email by May 26, 2011 (9am E.S.T.) to Alexis_Collado@parade.com. and tell me your favorite shade of lip color. Please be sure to include your mailing address. Five people will be randomly selected to win one tube of Elizabeth Grant Light Up Your Lips gloss.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, send an email to Alexis_Collado@parade.com. Starts at 10AM E.S.T., 05/23/11 and ends 9:00 AM E.S.T., 05/26/11. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 13 years and older, except employees of Sponsor, and affiliated partners and their immediate families and those living in the same household. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Winner will be notified by email. Void outside the 50 United States (D.C.) and where prohibited. A.R.V. of the grand prize is $20 each. Sponsor: Parade Publications, 711 Third Ave., NY, NY 10017.

On Saturday, May 7th, Fashion Week Cleveland hosted their annual Cleveland Fashion Show & Black Tie Gala at the Crawford Rotunda at the Western Reserve Historical Society. The event pleased over 500 fashion savvy guests who were satisfied not only by fashion, but by classic cars, too.

Fashion events are typically catered to women, but Fashion Week Cleveland took their event to a new level and catered to men as well. The Crawford Auto Aviation Museum displayed countless classic automobiles to entertain the men of the event, and they lived up to the hype! The automobiles were as beautiful as the fashions on this magical evening.

[Akron bloggers: Myself [sarah's laundry], Jessica & Anna from Dresses for Dinner, Lyndsey from A Lovely Little Blog]

Champagne, chocolates, and hors d’oeuvres were served as guests mingled through the museum before the show. When the designers, models, and production were ready and the time was right, the doors opened and the crowed poured into the runway room. The room was intimate and modern, designed with a criss cross runway to challenge the models. Cross runways are extremely functional in small spaces because they allow more guests to see the clothing up close & personal.

My entourage & myself were ready for a show in the front row. I brought my fiance, Jameson, as well as my friends Cindy (Savile Lane boutique owner), Danielle (Sarah’s Laundry guest blogger), and her boyfriend Chad. Also with us were fellow Akron bloggers Lyndsey (A Lovely Little Blog) and Jessica & Anna (Dresses For Dinner). A mix of old & new friends made the night even more exciting.

Below are photos from this lovely evening of fashion & friends, including a look backstage of the models & crew preparing for the show, my favorite looks, and then some. My advice to you? Attend Fashion Week Cleveland next year!

I found my dress a few months ago at a thrift store. The dress used to be full length, but I decided to hem it for a younger, more flirtacious look. It was paired with a black beaded Forever21 belt and black patent pumps. I wanted the focus to be on the upper half of the dress, where there was beautiful lacework and complementing ruffles.

Designers:

Corinne Brothers | Collegiate Collection

Pamela Truemper | Knitwear | Pamela A. Designs

Tracy Kiefer | Swim and Cruise

Michael Wilson | Menswear | Michael Wilson USA

Britini Brocker | Evening Wear | BBG Couture

Originally posted on www.sarahslaundry.com

A special thank you to Donald Shingler of Fashion Week Cleveland.

Guess what time it is, beauties? Time to shape up and get ready for summer! If you’re like me and loathe the gym, there are some follicle illusions that can help shave off the pounds — no excercise required. One of the simplest ways to look lighter is the way you wear your hair.

The very fabulous Ryan Nickulas, owner of Ryan Darius Salon and star of the reality show The A-List: New York on LOGO, shared some great pro hair tricks to help make any gal look ten pounds lighter in a flash.

Kim Kardashian’s Bangs
Ryan loves how Kim’s bangs accentuate her eyes and help draw your glance up and away from the body. When bangs are paired with long hair or extensions, the face tends to look longer and leaner. "Kim has a curvy body, so when she wants people to focus more on her face, she’ll use clip-in bangs," Ryan says.

Jessica Simpson’s "Hatchet Part"
This look really helps to cut face size in half and minimize any roundness. "Leaving your hair down with this severe middle part will also help disguise a double-chin. Jessica Simpson often has this hairstyle, as she has a rounder face," Ryan says.

Kirstie Alley’s Hair Extensions
Kirstie’s long and lightened locks give her a youthful, fresh look and can help hide a round face. "The natural highlights are subtle and flattering and mimic vertical stripes, which naturally tend to elongate the face," Ryan adds.

Kendra Wilkinson’s Side-swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs can help off-center any recent weight gain and hide a larger forehead. Plus, diagonal lines soften a round face and accentuate cheekbones. Ryan loves how Kendra’s side-swept bangs help her look slimmer and extra sexy on Dancing With The Stars.

Jennifer Aniston’s "Lob" (long bob)
The "lob" helps minimize rounder faces and bigger cheeks. It cuts puffiness and lessens a protruding jaw line, making the face appear softer and more feminine. Since this cut is longer than the everyday bob, it lengthens the face, naturally making it look leaner. "Jennifer Aniston recently got this ‘do, and she looks chic and extra lean — just in time for summer," Ryan says.

All eyes are on Kate Middleton today, from her Cartier tiara down to her ivory satin and lace Alexander McQueen shoes. Beneath the tiara borrowed from the Queen, Kate wore her gorgeous brunette locks in a classic half-up, half-down style with long, loose curls cascading down her neck. The regal look was created by her mainstay stylist James Pryce of the Richard Ward Salon and Metrospa.

Seeing as how the royal couple’s highly-anticipated nuptials have dominated the bridal world since news of their engagement broke, it’s likely that Kate’s classic style lent some inspiration to the Fall/Winter 2011 Bridal Fashion Week hairstyles, which really seemed to take a fresh approach to embrace a more modern, youthful bride.

Redken Session Stylist Giovanni Giuntoli created the distinct looks at several well-known bridal fashion houses, including Christos, Kenneth Pool, and Amsale. These fresh takes on waves reflected an edgier, younger bride and can serve as a great guide to achieve the perfect look for your big day or any formal event.

Check out these three terrific hairstyles and a step-by-step guide on how to get the looks. Whether it’s for your own wedding, prom, or any formal event, Giovanni has a little something for everyone.

End-of-Day Waves – Seen at Christos
"This season, the traditionally preppy Christos look evolved for the next generation, and the hair embraces this edgier attitude," Giovanni says. This is a youthful, casual style that’s flattering and flirty.

To achieve the look, prep hair to add texture and extra hold with a texturizing spray. Part the hair wherever it best reflects the face shape (left, right or center). Set the curls with a one-inch curling iron and pin in place. Let the curls out and pull until you have soft waves, finishing the style with hairspray to achieve a silky matte finish.

Cutting Edge Pleat -Seen at Kenneth Pool
"This up-do reflects the high-end Kenneth Pool look and so we created a striking, contemporary up-do that pushes the envelope," Giovanni says.

To create this look, prep the hair before blow drying by applying mousse at the roots and through the ends of hair for all-over body. Fold all of the hair except for the front section two inches from the crown into a pleat. Curl small sections of the front two inches with a one-inch barrel and pin each up in place atop the head. "The curls add a softer silhouette for height and a light, airy texture that you can almost see through," Giovanni says. For added shine and hold, finish off with Redken Pure Force 16 Non-Aerosol Fixing Spray.

Statment Pony – Seen at Amsale
For the Amsale collection, Giovanni created a natural, youthful ponytail with soft with volume at the crown for added glamour.

Get the look by first sectioning off the hair at the crown, misting with spray and then back brushing for height. "Play with the shape and height at the crown to keep it tailored to your face shape," Giovanni explains. Next, gather the hair into a pony and wrap a one-inch section around the elastic. Leave a natural wave in the ponytail and mist with a glistening mist for a glossy, polished look.

Photo credit: Charles Sykes for Redken

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It’s that time of the year when my fine lines and crows feet seem painfully more apparent than they did the day before. Yes, it’s my birthday. Another year down and, hopefully, many more to go. Now into my thirties, I’ve learned the importance of taking care of my skin, as well as adopting a regular anti-aging skincare routine.

Over the past few years, the single most important thing I have done to protect myself from aging is avoiding the sun. (According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, 90% of all premature aging and skin cancers are caused by sun exposure!) And for those times when you can’t avoid the sun entirely, make sure to lather up with SPF – everywhere.

When I’m outdoors in the summer months, I love Australian Gold SPF 30 Sheer Coverage Sunscreen. The water-resistant formula goes on without leaving behind a tacky residue and no matter where you are, the coconut scent transports you straight to the tropics! On a daily basis, I don’t leave my house without some form of SPF on my face. Slathering on a layer of facial moisturizer that contains sunscreen under my makeup has become as routine as brushing my teeth in the morning. And a very important tip — check the SPF expiration date! If it’s passed the date on the bottle, toss it.

Check out some more of the latest and greatest in anti-aging from head to toe! From eyes, lips, decolletage, and even hair, it’s never too late to reverse or combat the signs of aging and protect your skin and your health.

Click here for a top ten slideshow of anti-aging products >>