I have chosen 7 For All Mankind Cropped Skinny Jeans in Bright Yellow to come up with 2 totally different looks – 1 Day look for your weekend brunch with the girls and 1 Night time look for that special date or Friday night-out.

Look 1 – Day

You want to keep this look simple yet chic. Pairing the jeans with a loose white blouse keeps it effortlessly cool. Colored flats add another tone to the outfit and the neutral bag keeps the whole look grounded. The sunglasses – this season’s must have and a perfect way to finish this look!

• Seven For All Manking Cropped Skinny Jeans
• Elie Tahari Long-Sleeved Blouse
• Frye Women’s Emma Woven Ballet Flat
• Fossil Emilia Cross Body
• Gucci Women’s GUCCI 3157/S Oversized Square Sunglasses

Look 2 – Night

Since yellow is a very summery day color, the rest of the outfit needs to have deeper, more saturated colors for an evening look. The lace blouse, suede blazer lend classiness to the look while the killer heels (looks at those spikes!) and the crystal clutch make the look totally edgy – what more could you ask for?

• Seven For All Manking Cropped Skinny Jeans
• Tahari Arthur S. Levine Classics Lace Print Pleat Blouse
• Anne Klein Flyaway Faux Suede Jacket
• Sam Edelman Women’s Lorissa Pump
• BCBG Crystal CMV226EN Clutch

P.S.: If you have an item for which you would like me to create different looks, please share the link and I would definitely feature it in future articles. Also, if you have any ideas for 1 Item 2 Looks, feel free to share them with me.

How many of us buy brooches or use them frequently as a part of our outfits? Most of us have brooches handed over to us by our grandmothers and we associate them with either the matronly look or the Queen of England. But there are innumerable ways to incorporate a brooch for a contemporary chic look….

Why love

• Can dress up a casual look instantly
• Looks elegant no matter what your style is
• It’s a very intensive way to add glamour
• Pulls together my look – I use it as my statement piece.no matter what your style

Why loathe

• I work in a very casual setting. A brooch will be overkill
• I don’t know how to wear it and still be myself
• I am not that old –I don’t need brooch as an accessory
• I think it looks good on others but it’s just not me

My take on Brooch

I think brooch is the most underrated accessory. There is a ton of options but you need to be creative to be able to realize the full potential of this gem! I have listed a few easy options that would help play around and create interesting looks…

On Clothes

The most obvious way of wearing a brooch is to pin it on the lapel of your suit or dress. But that’s not a must. You can even pin it to a dress or blouse without a collar. It is a very polished look that is dressy and formal – just make sure there is not much going on already in the form of embellishments or loud prints.

To Create an Hourglass Figure

A not so obvious use of a brooch is to cinch your waist. Sometimes you feel like giving some shape to your dress or top without wearing a belt. Brooch comes in real handy and looks classy. Just pull some fabric at the back and pin it with a brooch. It not only adds interest to your back but also accentuates your shape.

On Accessories

A brooch can be easily attached to other accessories. You can pin it to a simple silk scarf to make it dressy and hold it in place. Pin it on a tie to give a very feminine touch to an otherwise androgynous look. You can use a flower-y brooch as a fun embellishment on your summer hat or make a simple clutch party ready by pinning a rhinestone studded brooch.

As (other) Accessories

A brooch works wonders in an unexpected way as a pendant or a bracelet. Just insert your regular chain or a satin ribbon through it and you are all set. If you want the brooch to stay in place, just pin it to the ribbon. You can tie it as a headband around your hair and if the ribbon is long enough you have got yourself a dressy belt!

The possibilities are endless. Give your grandma’s favorite piece of jewelry a shot, you will see why she loved it!

What is Spinning?

Spinning is a high intensity cardiovascular workout done on a special stationary bike to high energy music usually in a large group. The setting is like a disco – a dimly lit room with dancing colorful lights and lots of mirrors. Music is loud and fast paced. There is an instructor talking over a mic like a DJ motivating the group to push harder than they ever thought possible. The instructor plays a crucial role in the effectiveness and the fun-part of a spinning session.

How enjoyable is it?

You get the euphoria of having done an amazing workout at the end of a spinning session. Music plays as critical a role as the instructor. I know I push myself harder when I like the song and it’s fast paced. I have had my best spinning sessions with Shakira’s “Waka Waka”. A good instructor is cheerful, knows how to maintain the tempo of the class and has tons of energy which is truly motivating! The class setting also helps – you can compete with your friends or at least feel good about the fact that you are not sweating alone!

How effective  is it?

Spinning can help you burn anywhere between 600- 1200 calories in one 45 min session. Unlike a stationary bike which only works your lower body, spinning is a total body workout. Most of the time you are not sitting on the seat which provides a tremendous workout to your upper body including your abs. Also, you could use it for interval training which is an extremely effective way to lose weight and build lean muscles. For instance, I used to reduce resistance and spin really fast standing and then increase resistance and spin as hard as I could sitting. You could also do the other way round – reduce resistance and spin really fast sitting and then increase resistance and spin as hard as possible standing. The high speed part burns calories and the high resistance part builds muscles.

Risks and Caveats

I had a spinning accident that didn’t look too bad to begin with but it took over 3 months for the wound to fully heal. Here are some precautions that will help you avoid injuries.

Adjust the seat height

At the highest point on the pedal, your knee should be at the same level as your hip i.e., when you sit straight, you should form right angles at the hip joint and knee joint. At the lowest point on the pedal, your legs should comfortably stretch but not fully extend due to the risk of locking your knees.

Adjust the handle height

You should be able to hold the handles while pedaling without bending too much. You would bend but you should be able to keep your spine straight and elbows slightly bent so you don’t lock your elbows.

Wear comfortable shoes

You should wear covered shoes, preferably sneakers, with good non-skid soles. Since you will be resting the balls of your feet on the pedal, it becomes especially important when you are standing while spinning to have a firm grip on the pedal. There will be straps to secure your feet but it’s good to have sturdy shoes.

Strap your feet to the pedals properly

Make sure your feet are secured firmly to the pedals. Try pedaling standing and sitting before the session and adjust the straps if something doesn’t feel right. The straps should be tight but not overly constricting coz even that may cause accidents.

Water and Towel

You should always keep a bottle or water and a towel with you. You are going to need them both several times during this intensive workout. Keep sipping water at regular intervals or you might get dehydrated.

Be aware of the emergency stop

Every spinning bike has an emergency stop button since the hydraulic wheels spin on account of momentum and need to be explicitly stopped. This comes in very handy when you lose balance or are suddenly feeling unwell or have been injured. My foot slipped from the pedal and I took time to press the emergency stop. By then the edge of the pedal had sliced my ankle and gone over the same spot thrice leading to a very deep wound that took more than 3 months to heal. I still have a big scar on my ankle that I don’t think will ever go away.

Having said that, I immensely enjoy spinning as a workout – both the workout itself and its competitive yet fun environment!

Accessories are everything but your clothes – shoes, bags, belts, scarves, earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, sunglasses, hats…. you get the idea. These are the things that help you personalize your look. Not everyone can afford one-of-a-kind pieces. At the same time you don’t want to look like you are wearing the same mass produced stuff as everyone else. By being creative with accessories you can fashion completely new looks everytime with the same pieces of clothing. I have listed a few things that will help you look effortlessly chic every time you leave the house…

1. Complimentary Colors

Choose accessories that compliment the color of your outfit and your complexion.  Try not to be matchy matchy. If you are wearing a red dress with red shoes and red bag, you will look like one big blob of red. It’s visually more appealing to see more than one color that don’t clash with each other. One of the innumerable options for your red dress would be emerald earrings, brown snakeskin clutch and gold strappy sandals. Whenever you are unsure, metallic colors come in real handy. Brown, reds, purples and oranges can be paired with gold toned accessories. Grays, greens, blues and pinks can be paired with silver toned accessories. If you are worried about looking too dressy, bronze and gunmetal are you best metallic bets.

2. Size of the Accessories

The size of the accessories should be proportionate to your size. If you are a tiny person and you wear big clunky shoes, they will make you look very awkward. Likewise, if you are on the heavier side and you wear a skinny belt, it will make you look even bigger. You should choose accessories that compliment your stature. Even bags should be chosen carefully – A small person with a huge tote or a big person with a sleek crossbody, a big no-no. When in doubt, stick to the average sizes.

3. Age Appropriateness

Just like in clothes, even while choosing accessories you should be mindful of your real age. If you wear accessories that are too juvenile, people might not take you seriously. Similarly, if you dress too conservatively for your age, you are taking away the fun element that you are rightfully entitled too. It can be a tough decision at times. Till you naturally get the hang of wearing age appropriate accessories, try different styles – if you pick pearls one day, try junk jewelry the next; if you choose classic black pumps one day, go with leopard peep toes the next day. This way you are not typecasting yourself into one age bracket or personality type – keep everyone guessing

4. Occasion Appropriateness

You should always dress for the part and accessories really help transform your look from day to evening from casual to professional. You can set the mood by choosing the right accessories. A simple LBD can look professional with solitaire studs and classic pumps. Add a statement ring or necklace and swap the shoes for strappy sandals and you are all set to rock the party.

5. Less is More

There is so much you can play with that you can easily get carried away. The old saying of remove one thing before you step out of the house is always helpful. When in doubt stick to simple classic stuff – you can never go wrong. That’s why they are called classic.

Colored tights are something I don’t mind on others but I am very skeptical about trying one myself. I prefer to stay safe with the blacks and nudes. But, there are some people who just can’t seem to get enough of this trend. Read on to see how you can incorporate this trend without going overboard….

Why love

• When done tastefully, it adds visual interest to even my dullest outfit
• It can completely change the look of my outfit
• I am not a fan of accessorizing but colored tights are a good substitute

Why loathe

• I am afraid I will look like a macaw
• I see some women choose colors that are totally not age appropriate
• I don’t have the creativity or confidence to pull this look off

My take on Colored Tights

This is definitely a trend you can choose not to follow. Having said that, if you want to try it but are not sure where to begin, here are a few pointers that should help you get started.

Choose a color that compliments your skin tone

This is true for all colored tights that are not opaque. If your skin can be seen through the tights, you should make sure the color doesn’t clash with your skin tone.

Choose a color that goes with the rest of your outfit

This is true for all tights – opaque or not. You want to make sure the tights are the focus of your outfit. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and neutral.

Play with the accessories

You can experiment with colorful accessories like a belt, jewelry or handbag. But don’t go overboard. Choose within the same color family as your tights or a complimentary color and stick with it. If your accessories are too colorful, it takes away from the tights. Also, keep your shoes neutral or the same color as your tights for a long lean look.

Own the look

The bottom line is you should carry yourself with confidence. This is true for any look but it’s especially true when you are trying to do something unconventional. If you think you look good, you will feel confident. There are bound to be some nay-sayers but you shouldn’t get affected by them as long as you have taken note of these tips.

Color Tips

• Some interesting yet age appropriate colors for all women – forest green, eggplant, burgundy, teal
• Some fun colors for the younger lot – orange, fuchsia, sea green, cobalt blue.

If you are still not a fan of colored tights, you can always fall back on yours blacks, nudes and grays.

I have been using Turbo Jam for the past year and a half and I have nothing but positive things to say about this amazing workout technique created by Chalene Johnson. Here are the high level facts before we jump to the answers you have been waiting for…

• It’s a kickboxing workout that has a lot of dance-y moves.
• 5 Rockin’ Workouts set has 5 workouts on 2 DVDs that start with the basics and cover both cardio and strength training.
• Yes, there is a dedicated Ab workout.
• The music is good
• The instructor (Chalene) comes across as a friendly but demanding task master – not pretentious

Moving on…

Turbo Jam – Workout Details

Turbo Jam DVD 1 has

• Learn and Burn (30 min): It is the most basic workout that teaches the techniques for all the moves that will be used in the other workouts.
• 20 Minute Workout (20 min): This is for when you are really short of time. In 20 min you get a really good wand effective workout. You can combine it with ab jam if you feel like doing more.
• Turbo Sculpt (40 min): This is a slow controlled strength training workout. It is my favorite!

Turbo Jam DVD 2 has

• Ab Jam (20 min): It has 10 min standing ab work and 10 min on the floor. You can do it partially or fully as well as combine it with other workouts.
• Cardio Party (45 min): This is a fun cardio dance party. It is the longest workout but a whole lot of fun and time flies!

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Who can do the Turbo Jam workouts

For an absolute beginner, it can be a little intimidating but if you take your time to learn the moves, you will get a very effective workout even if you can’t keep pace with the rest of the team. It can be done by both men and women of all age groups – obviously modified to suit your level to fitness.

For those with injuries or who are really obese and are just starting out, you can follow the less intensive style demonstrated by Mindy and Anarita in the videos. Eventually as you lose weight or become more fit and feel confident enough to do the regular workout, go for it.

Why Turbo Jam (Turbo Jam vs. Other workouts)

Yes, I know I have put Turbo Jam on one side and every other workout there is on the other side… that’s how much I love Turbo Jam.

• Turbo Jam is not monotonous like a treadmill or a stationary bike.
• It is very challenging but you can choose the level of exertion based on your fitness level – you should always push yourself but not go overboard.
• There is hardly any risk of injury (unless you twist your ankle, of course) if you pay attention to the technique. I am really clumsy and have a big scar on my ankle from a spinning accident!
• You can do it at the convenience of your home or hotel room any time of the day or night, rain or snow! It’s like a aerobic class without actually having to go to one.
• It is a lot of fun and completely drains you out at the end. Swimming is another fun workout but not everyone has year round access to a pool!
• Chalene is very motivating, cheerful and REAL!. There are a lot of other home workouts that only concentrate on the workout and not the enjoyment aspect.

How often should I do these workouts

You can do these workouts daily though I would recommend 6 days a week if your goal is to lose weight and 3 days a week if you just need to maintain your weight. You can juggle the workouts such that you don’t do the same workout on two consecutive days especially the strength training one as you muscles need up to 48 hours to fully recover.

How effective is it

Personally, I have lost a ton of weight after I had my baby solely on Turbo Jam. Please don’t have the slightest illusion that post pregnancy weight is easy to lose. In fact, I had gained 10 pounds after my delivery in addition to the 50 lbs. I gained during my pregnancy. Just to give you a perspective, I went from a pre-pregnancy size 4 to a post delivery size 16. Now, after a year and a half, I am a size 6 and hope to soon be back in my skinniest of pre-pregnancy jeans!

I must say that I haven’t been very regular with the workouts nor have I been on a strict diet throughout. I have always believed in eating everything in moderation and my goal was slow but permanent reduction. I should also mention that my weight never yo-yoed. What I lost I never gained back – which also means you don’t have to continue doing this with the same intensity once you have attained your weight loss goal. But, you will come back to it every once in a while coz it’s so good!

Does the Turbo Jam quick fix (10 pounds/10 inches in 10 days) work?

I, for one, never believed in quick fixes especially when it came to weight loss. This idea didn’t appeal to me so I didn’t even give it a shot. People who have tried it have had some success, which has helped them kick start their weight loss journey but I am yet to come across someone who has lost 10 lbs. or 10 inches in 10 days. People have lost between 4 and 6 pounds which is also significant in such a short period of time. But, any extreme measure cannot be sustained for longer duration and I would always caution against it. Given this program definitely helps you achieve all your weight loss goals over time, I don’t think you should torment your body to quickly lose weight.

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Turbo Jam 5 Rockin’ Workouts Review – Verdict

Finally I just want to say – there are so many workouts to choose from but you would only stick to those that are enjoyable and Turbo Jam is definitely one that you would look forward to doing every single day.

We know that at-home manicures have a lot of advantages over salon manicures. The only thing most women worry about is the salon finish that’s hard to get when you do it yourself. Trust me, it’s a lot easier than you think and with a little practice, you can sport salon perfect nails all the time!

(Image by: Hanna)

Steps to follow when doing your own manicure

1. Remove Old Polish

The 1st step in any manicure is to remove old polish. Use a cotton ball or pad dipped in acetone polish remover to remove old polish completely. If it’s a darker shade or takes longer to remove, leave the acetone dipped cotton on the nails for a little while and then remove the polish. It comes off easily.

2. Cut and Shape Your Nails

Cut your nails to the desired length. For a professional look and convenience, keep your nails short. Cut them straight across and round the edges for a modern, sophisticated look. Use emery boards to file the nails and go in only one direction – from the edges to the center. This will keep your nails healthy and prevent uneven edges. Avoid metal nail files as they are really rough on nails.

3. Soak Your Hands in Warm Soapy Water

Take a small bowl with warm water and add your favorite soap. You can also add any scented oil for a spa like feeling. Dip your hands in this for about 5 – 10 min. This will clean your nails and leave your cuticles really soft. Pat your hands dry.

4. Remove / Push back Cuticles

If you like to have no cuticles, apply cuticle remover to all the nails and push the cuticles towards the base of the nails using an orangewood stick. Then, using cuticle clipper, clip the excess cuticles. You can also use a regular nail clipper but make sure you are clipping the cuticles, not pulling them. Be very careful not to clip your skin or flesh.

If you don’t want to remove cuticles and yet have that clean manicure look, apply cuticle oil to soften the cuticles and push the cuticles back with an orangewood stick. Wipe with a cotton ball and the cuticles that are loose will come off leaving the healthy ones in place.

5. Apply Moisturizer

Dab moisturizer on your hands and massage it in all the way to your elbow. This will leave your skin silky smooth.

6. Polish Your Nails

Before you apply polish, remove any oil or cream on your nails using acetone remover. Apply a base coat and let it dry for 2 min. Then apply 2 coats of your favorite color and give it about 30 min to dry completely. Apply the top coat only after the color has completely dried. This is the advantage of doing your own manicure – you are not in a hurry to finish the manicure.

Quick dry top coats can ideally be applied as soon as you are done with your polish – but you will have to give it sufficient time for all the coats to completely dry. Else, there is a good chance you will spoil your color and make it smudgy or uneven. So I prefer waiting before applying the top coat. This way the top coat dries in minutes and you are all set! After the top coat is dry, go over the sides of your nails with an acetone dipped cotton cloth wrapped around the orangewood stick to remove any extra polish on your skin.

Voila! You’re done!

A Quick Tip for those in a hurry

Spray Moisturizing Oil

If you cannot afford to wait till the polish has dried, spritz your nails with a moisturizing oil like SolarSpeed spray. This sets your polish, moisturizes your cuticles and gives your nails an amazing shiny look.

As someone who got her 1st Brazilian wax in Brazil (Rio De Janeiro to be precise), I am really excited about writing this article. Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved it! I always wanted to get one but could never muster the courage to try it…. when I was in Brazil, I couldn’t think of a better souvenir (if you will :-)) to take back home!

What’s a Brazilian Wax?

Brazilian wax removes hair completely from your bikini area, all the way from the front to the back and everything in between. Yes, this includes removing hair from labia and between the buttocks. It leaves your pubic region completely hairless. Variations to this include leaving a small landing strip in the front which will of course be covered by any bikini or undergarment you wear. Some women prefer this as they consider going completely hairless juvenile. But it’s entirely up to you.

(Image by: Stinkie Pinkie )

How is Brazilian Wax Different From Bikini Wax?

The difference between Brazilian wax and Bikini wax is that while Brazilian wax leaves you completely hairless (or with a landing strip) in the pubic region, Bikini wax only removes hair that would be visible if you are wearing a bikini. In other words, only the hair outside the bikini line is waxed – the hair covered by your bikini is left untouched.

How is a Brazilian Wax Done?

This is the general procedure for Brazilian wax. It might vary slightly from place to place.

– You will be taken to a private room and asked to strip waist down and lie down on a table covered with clean sheets or paper. You may ask for disposable panties if you feel awkward.

– You hair should be ¼ inch in length for best results with minimum pain. If it’s longer, the aesthetician will trim it to the appropriate length. If it’s too short, you will need to come back after it grows a little.

– Talcum powder is applied to the area to make sure the wax doesn’t stick to the skin. A disposable wooden stick will be dipped in hot wax and applied to a small region. A piece of cloth will be pressed over the wax to ensure hair and wax stick to each other. After the wax cools, the cloth will be pulled against the hair growth to remove hair. The aesthetician will work from front to back and your help might be needed in holding the skin taut.

– Some salons use a hard wax instead of the regular hot wax. This is thicker, peels off without a cloth and is less painful since it doesn’t stick to the skin.

– Once this is done, the technician will apply soothing lotion to the area to make sure there is no redness or bumps.

Where Should You Get a Brazilian Wax From?

Since this involves a very sensitive region of your body, hygiene is of utmost importance. The salon should be impeccable and should follow clean practices. Brazilian wax is bound to be a little expensive but this is not something where you want to compromise on quality. It’s ok to pay a little extra to make sure you are getting the best possible service.

The good news is that the effect of a Brazilian wax lasts for 4-6 weeks and over time your hair growth will reduce and the frequency of your visits will come down even further. So, though it may seem expensive at first, it’s totally worth the extra dollars. I have heard stories of people having suffered from terrible infections since they opted for a cheaper place.

Choose a place that specializes in hair removal instead of a salon that offers this on the side. Don’t hesitate to get your doubts clarified or ask for a tour of the facility before you decide to get your wax done – it’s your call after all!

Whom Should I Get Brazilian Wax From?

Make sure your aesthetician is skilled and has a lot of experience in Brazilian wax. Technicians can totally make or mar your whole experience. Some of them are so good that you don’t experience any pain – it’s unbelievable, isn’t it? And there are others that leave your screaming! I am sure you are wondering if everyone insists one experienced folks, how will the new ones gain any experience. Well, it’s their problem not yours. You are there to get a service and you have a right to insist it’s done by the best person they have. Ask your friends for recommendation or look up online reviews.

A good technician makes the whole thing virtually painless, is really quick, knows the hygienic practices and leaves no stray hair while keeping you feeling at ease and relaxed.

Is Brazilian Wax Painful?

I am sure you are wondering – my hair is being plucked from the roots – how painless can it get? Well, to be honest, my 1st experience was wonderful. There was some pain but nothing compared to what I had expected. And it was so quick, I never realized it was over! Having said that, it’s always better to go prepared coz it all depends on a lot of factors like your threshold for pain, your aestheticians skills, type of wax used, length of the hair and so on. Watch out for “How to Prepare for a Painless Brazilian Wax”.

Can You Give Yourself a Brazilian Wax?

This is not something I recommend trying at home. The region is tricky to begin with. You can’t see everywhere plus things can get pretty messy. It’s just a lot of hassle to do it yourself and the pain will also be considerably high. I also do not recommend using an epilator for this. The skin here is extremely sensitive and if it gets caught between the metal plates on the epilator head, you could seriously injure yourself. You can always use the shaver head but that won’t give you the same results as waxing! Sure, it’s not cheap but if you go for it, you ought to get it done right for best results!

Summary:

• Brazilian wax removes hair completely from the bikini region – front, back and everything between.
• Ideal hair length – ¼ inch; Hard wax is less painful; Lotion after waxing soothes the area
• Hygiene should be given the top priority here even if it means shelling out a few extra dollars.
• A good technician is quick, effective and makes the experience almost painless
• No matter how high your threshold for pain, this is not something I would recommend as a DIY project

Rings have been a rage this year and you can spot them everywhere from red carpets to your local club. They are definitely here to stay and even if you aren’t a sucker for trends, this fabulous statement piece is not something you want to resist.

What’s a Statement Jewelry?

These are one-of-a-kind ornaments that reflect your personality and get the right kind of attention. It could be anything – your necklace, earrings, bracelet. But, it has to be unique – not mass produced. It could be your grandmother’s broach or a handmade vintage bracelet or a necklace you created with pieces you already had. The idea is to make it look special such that it stands out – makes a statement. People should recognize that as being an important part of your appearance – something they associate you with. Having said that it should also be something that goes with your personality, your lifestyle and work environment. For instance, if you are always dressed in distressed jeans and casual tees and work in an advertising agency, a pearl broach would be totally inappropriate. An oxidized skull ring would be more in line with the overall look. I am not saying you should go for such a look – but you get the idea, right?

(Image by: Shetland Arts)

Why Ring?

Ring is probably the most effective yet often neglected statement piece. There is something unexpected about a ring that makes it stand out more than anything else.

Cost-effective

Even if you prefer the really exquisite pieces, a ring will hurt your pocket a lot less than other jewelry.

A ring never looks out of place

Whatever your style may be – casual, classic, bohemian, trendy, there is definitely a ring for you. You can wear rings with dresses, trousers, jeans, skirts, any kind of shirts or blouses. You will have to avoid heavy earrings, necklace or a broach if your neckline has embellishments or heavy detailing – but there is always room for a statement ring.

Easily dresses up an outfit

All of us have faced a situation where an unexpected event crops up and we feel terribly underdressed. No worries – just wear your fabulous statement ring to polish even the most ordinary outfit. A heavy necklace might make it seem like you are trying too hard. A ring, on the other hand, makes a powerful statement without being too out there.

What Kinds of Rings Qualify as Statement Pieces?

Depending on your personal style or the occasion you are dressed for, a wide range of rings can be called statement pieces. It could be something as simple as a hello kitty plastic ring that you pair with cropped jeans, white tee, a multi-colored scarf and ballet flats. Or, it could be a 65 carat Columbian emerald ring that Angelina Jolie wore to the Academy awards with her black gown. Of course there are ample choices in between to suit your budget like a turquoise ring or an oxidized silver ring with intricate work or a fancy enamel flower ring. I personally don’t like the rhinestone rings as some of them tend to look tacky but if the workmanship is good and you are confident you can pull it off, by all means do! No matter what your choice for the statement ring, the bottom-line is, it has to be oversized. Period.

How to Balance the Other Accessories?

The best way to draw attention to your accessories is by focusing on the key pieces. If you do big earrings, chunky necklace, bold bracelets and a statement ring, your accessories are just all over the place and it will only tend to confuse the onlooker. Not even one piece will get the attention it deserves. So don’t try to do too much at once. When you wear a statement ring, that should be the only jewelry on that hand. No other ring fighting for attention, no bracelet or watch. You can wear a watch on the other hand, if you really want to, but, not wearing anything else will keep all eyes on your ring. At the most, wear one other heavy piece – either earrings or necklace. Again, don’t do both.

What Kind of Makeup Looks Best?

All you have heard so far is – If you do sparkly earrings, then glittery eye shadow or bright glossy lipstick will be overkill. Keep the make-up simple – try to look as natural as possible and not made up. If you like heavy makeup, focus on one feature only and let the jewelry take a backseat. That means you have to choose between make up and jewelry. Well, not if your statement piece is a ring!

The best part about wearing a statement ring is that you you can experiment with some bold make-up – smoky eyes or red lips, for instance. Since the ring is so away from your face, both your face and ring will share the attention without competing with each other. Do pay attention to your nails though. Contrasting colors, bright neon polish or glittery lacquer are best avoided when you have your statement ring on. Natural or nude shades not only keep the look sophisticated but also elongate your fingers and make them look beautiful. What more can you ask for when you know everyone is watching your hand!!

Do let me know what kind of ring is your statement piece….

Summary

• Statement jewelry should be rare, exclusive pieces that reflect your style
• Ring is the most effortless statement piece you can do
• Statement rings can be casual, trendy or classic – but they have to be enormous to qualify
• To ensure your ring gets undivided attention, keep the other jewelry to a minimum
• You can easily do bold eyes or lips with rings but keep the nails neutral for a simple yet classic look

All of us have considered at some point of time in our lives of giving in to the temptation of losing weight quickly with minimum effort. Don’t beat yourself up if you have spent a lot of money on such products. It’s human nature to get carried away by tall claims and it just gets a lot easier to do so when it comes to touchy subjects like weight-loss. That’s what these companies hope to cash in on.

Weight Loss Pills / Supplements: Underlying Theory

The following are the assumptions that form the basis of their claim to fame:

• You are fat because you eat a lot
• You eat a lot because you are actually hungry all the time
• You will lose weight just by reducing your food intake
• To reduce your food intake you need to trick your mind and body to believe you are full even when you are not
• The only hope of that happening is by taking those pills coz you have no self-control whatsoever

(Image by: rodrigo senna)

How the Ads Con You

Most people who get sucked into these ads are desperate to lose weight and have tried numerous failed weight loss attempts to their credit. They are easy targets for these companies and all they have to do it talk about success stories of people who have supposedly benefited from their product.

They also show before and after pictures to make their claims seem believable. More often than not it’s camera-trick adding pounds to people who are already thin. Plus, they dress the fat version in frumpy, loose clothes with dull hair leading to an overall unappealing look. The thin person looks cheerful, wears clothes true to their size, has gorgeous hair and is definitely worthy of envy.

If it’s not photoshop to the rescue, they show pictures of people who have lost weight using realistic means but have agreed to sell their story to endorse these products for the money! I, myself, have been approached by so many companies asking if I would like to endorse their product or write positive reviews about them on my website. So, trust me, I know how these companies thrive!

Is Losing Weight as Simple as Popping a Pill?

Oh come on…. Who are we kidding? Suppressing hunger by artificial means is just as bad as starving. Hunger is an indication that your body needs fuel in the form of food for performing the day-to-day activities. There is a certain amount of calories everyone needs irrespective of how fat or thin she is. If you eat less than what is necessary for your body to function normally, you are depriving your body of the essentials; thereby causing harm to your body.

If lose weight was as easy as popping a pill, obesity wouldn’t be the worst known epidemic affecting even the kids. Whether you want to accept it or not – there are no shortcuts when it comes to weight loss. Miracles don’t work. Period.

How Long Will the Results Last?

Have you ever thought about what will happen once you stop taking these pills or supplements? How will you suppress hunger then? What’s the guarantee the weight will stay off? Well, there is no guarantee.

If you notice carefully, no ad talks about what happens when you stop resorting to these means of weight loss – what happens when you have attained your dream weight! That’s because these are just temporary means of deceiving your body and cannot lead to permanent results.

Obviously you can’t depend on them for life. It’s neither desirable nor doable. If nothing, you will get frustrated and give up at some point of time. And baam – you put on all the weight you lost and some more!

Side-Effects of These Artificial Means of Weight Loss

The best part about these products is they never talk about any side-effects. You might lose weight (you are starving, after all!) but along with the weight you will also lose energy, feel weak, look ill to name a few obvious side-effects.

As if just the pollution in the environment, preservatives in our food and chemicals in the products we use aren’t bad enough for our health, these companies advocate chemical food supplements – one more thing that will go against nature. What kinda havoc these chemicals will wreck to your internal systems in the long run, no one knows. Some side-effects may even be dangerous or damage your health irreversibly.

The bottom line is, it’s not worth experimenting. There are proven, healthy, long lasting alternatives that you should stick to. Even if these quick fixes seems to work at the moment for someone you know, they will lead to problems in the future – so just stay away from the temptation to lose weight quickly. And no matter how enticing these ads are, don’t fall prey to their false claims.

Losing weight is by no means difficult. But, if you are looking for permanent results, you need to follow the right techniques that will give you the body you want without jeopardizing your health. Since these techniques focus on lifestyle changes, they are easily sustainable in the long run and you will successfully keep the weight off. Watch out for Weight Loss Plan that Works for All.

Summary:

• The assumptions behind the weight loss products are totally baseless
• The stories and pictures of people don’t tell the true story
• If losing weight was so easy, no one will even be fat
• The results, if any, are only temporary and will disappear as soon as you discontinue using the product
• Side-effects can be very severe and sometimes permanent – so don’t ever take a chance