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Picking Out a New Fragrance Needn't Be Torture. Just Identify the Notes You Like and Do a 'Lil Spritzing & You'll Find The One. Advice Sister Alison Tells All. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG & PODCAST

Picking Out a New Fragrance Needn't Be Torture. Just Identify the Notes You Like and Do a 'Lil Spritzing & You'll Find The One. Advice Sister Alison Tells All. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG & PODCAST MP3 File

 

Whether you're in search of a new signature scent, or trying to pick one out for someone else, perfume shopping can be incredibly offputting. Being accosted by bottle-wielding spritzers on a mission is nothing short of frightening. Although finding a new scent will require you to go out and engage in some serious spritzing, the good news is that there are some shortcuts you can take to narrow your search - and interaction with bottle-wielders - signficantly.

The first step is to narrow down the possibilities. Identify the basic category of fragrance that you've liked, or has worked for you in the past, and you'll know what to look for. "Don’t judge by how a fragrance smells in the bottle," advises Alison Blackman Dunham of The Advice Sisters in a special podcast interview with Fashiontribes (above) - AdviceSisters.net. "A perfume has notes - top, middle, and bottom. When you open a bottle of perfume and get a first impression, it's likely to be something such as a floral, or spicy, or woodsy. But after you put it on the body, it creates something different."

CATEGORIES OF FRAGRANCE

1. Floral full-on flowers such as jasmine, sweet lily, lilac, lavender & rose
2. Fruity lighter & citrusy - think papaya, tangerine, lemons & limes
3. Chypre woody & earthy: sage, oakmoss, patchouli
4. Fougere  grassy, green & herbal: crisp & refreshing rosemary & pine
5. Oriental exotic & incense-like; suitable for evenings & extremely formal occasions
6. Oceanic Because this group is derived from synthetic rather than organic ingredients, it's not technically considered to be an official perfume category. However, it's an important & growing category, especially in men's fragrances, and summer scents (eg. Marc Jacobs Splash).

Once you've figured out which category of perfumes you like, narrow your search even further by doing some research into the ingredients & notes your favorite perfumes contain. "You'll not only understand what’s in them, but what works on you." If, say, pomegranate is this year's trendy ingredient - such as green tea and even chocolate have been in recent years - it may not suit you. However, if you simply must have some, try a scented candle or a room spray instead of wasting money on the wrong perfume.

TYPES OF FRAGRANCE

Part of what makes fragrance irresistable on someone is that it mimics pheromones - an invisible substance we naturally excrete which was discovered in 1959 by researchers looking into the reproductive behavior of silkworms - that trigger a response from anyone who is nearby.  Like pheromones, fragrance is meant to be experienced up close...not across the room. "Whatever you put on affects you and others around you. You have a responsibility to apply with a light enough hand that people only smell your perfume when they get close to you." Your body chemistry will affect a scent dramatically; if, for example, your skin happens to be particularly acidic, it can cause a very intense scent to turn, possibly making florals too sweet.

Some fragrance options:

• Perfume Because it contains the largest amount of distilled essential oils, it's extremely concentrated and commensurately expensive. Apply very, very sparingly.  Did we mention sparingly?
• Eau de Toilette (Toilet Water) Less potent & not as long-lasting, but a little still goes a long way.
• Body Splash Which Alison herself admits to "throwing on myself with wild abandon!"
• Solids
• Body Lotion
• Candles & Room Spray

DEVELOP A SCENT WARDROBE

If you're planning on having a barbeque & serving hamburgers, you'll probably choose a different vino than if a fine filet mignon is on the menu. The same thinking applies to perfume: match your scent to the occasion, and, in particular, the season. "Many people buy one fragrance and think they can wear it year round. When you're wearing heavy tweeds and layers, your body can carry more scent. But in summer, if you wear something like Shalimar or Agent Provocateur with shorts or a cotton spring dress to the beach, it probably would not go with the image you want to portray." In fact, sweat can cause a scent to turn, which is a bad, bad thing. So if you can't quit a particular perfume in the warmer months, at least opt for a lighter or alcohol-free version.

• Think Seasonally Alison advises having at least one fragrance per season, which means, at minimum, you should own four perfumes.
• It's a Fashion Accessory Unlike the days when our mothers kept a single treasured scent on the vanity table, dabbing a little behind her ears on special occasions, today fragrance - and its packaging - are fashion accessories. "I collect perfume bottles, and there is no more sensous experience than pulling out the stopper and applying a dab of scent."

MONEY MATTERS

While it's possible to find a decent bottle of perfume for $20, at least be aware of what you're giving up by opting for a budget pricepoint. "The art of blending makes the expensive perfumes expensive. Better perfumes have artists that blend ingredients together, and it's mysterious and a true art. The cheaper ones are less complex. Also, the ingredients [in the expensive perfumes] tend to be more rare, and not synthetic," explains Alison. "I keep coming back to wine: the perfumers who create these, it takes years to know how to do it, and you have to have the nose to know how to blend."

ALISON'S FRAGRANCE CHEAT SHEET:

1. Identify the Category & Ingredients Figure out which category of perfumes you like best & the notes you love.
2. Test it Spray it on and see how it smells after a few hours.
3. It's an Investment Costlier perfumes will be more complex & contain natural essential oils instead of synthetics. You get what you pay for.
4. His & Hers Think about trying a unisex scent like CK ONE. "It's something both men and women can share."
5. Store with Care Once you find a new fragrance, store it the way you would a fine wine: with love & care. "If you have an expensive perfume, put it in the fridge or some cool place for summer. Scents don’t last forever. Take care, as they can turn in the bottle."
6. Do unto Others If you're working in close quarters with others, avoid heavy or fruity fragrances. Perfumes are meant to attract, not make innocent bystanders nauseous - so don't overspray. Start sparingly as you can always add more. "If you're like Pigpen [from Charlie Brown] with a cloud of perfume around you, you've defeated your purpose to make yourself attractive."

TIPS ON SHOPPING FOR A NEW SCENT:

• Don’t overshop. Don't have more than three or four sprayed on you at any time or you'll lose your ability to evaluate.
• Get a sample. When you visit the fragrance counter, tell the salesperson you're looking for new signature scent. If you ask nicely, most will give you a sample. If not, test on your wrist.
• Take a test drive.  It's vitally important that you see how a new fragrance smells on you after a period of time. "You have to put it on your body and then let it dry down. Walk around in it for a few hours. Take it home and wear it there."
• Avoid big event impulse buying! Try not to succumb to any sudden urges to buy an untested fragrance right before a big event. If you absolutely must buy something this afternoon to wear this evening, Alison advises keeping it light - and less costly.
• Sensitive skin Relates back to test driving. You don't want to shell out cash for something that reacts with your skin and gives you a rash.
• Mix & match A fun thing to try if you know what you're doing. Many companies, like Jimmyjane, make different fragrances that are made to be layered and combined.

HOW TO BUY A GIFT OF FRAGRANCE FOR SOMEONE ELSE:

• Personality Assessment Buying fragrance is an intimate gift, so do some upfront sleuthing. "If they wear nothing but jeans and t-shirts, something ultrafeminine and super sweet might not be the best choice. If they're at work in suits all the time, take that into consideration." Instead of springing a surprise on them, find out what they like: florals? fruity? What about at home: do they use fragrance there?
• Do they even wear scent at all? If not, start a little cheaper with a less pricey cologne. That way, if they don't like it, you haven't needlessly spent oodles of cash. Alternatively, candles, incense, oils, scented soaps or aromatherapy products are an equally thoughtful way to give the gift of scent.
• Do they already have a fave fragrance? Consider enhancing it with a body lotion, powder, bath gel or other similar product.
• Grant a license to return. Once you choose something, explain that you bought it because you thought they would love it, but if they don't like it, you won't be offended. Explain that "this expressed you to them...but give them license to return it. Nothing is worse than receiving a $100 perfume...and then you loathe it."
• Office Grab Bag If you're shopping for the office party, don't waste your money on a cheap $10 scent. Instead, try a bath gel, body lotion, candle. "It’s just safer. The person who gets it won't be stressed & will enjoy it."
• Regifting 101 Alison is of the mind that it's kosher, provided the bottle is unopened and it hasn't been kicking around for years.

A CHANCE TO WIN STUFF!

To celebrate spring, Advice Sisters is giving away five different prizes - some worth hundreds of $$ - just for recounting how you celebrate spring. The contest runs from May 1 - July 4, and all the details are at AdviceSisters.net.

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Beauty Perfume Fragrance The Advice Sisters Fashion Advice Sister Alison How to Choose Fragrance Beauty Podcast Perfume Podcast Podcast Fashion Expert

STYLEHIVE BUZZ: To Celebrate the Launch of their New Shopping & Product-Lust Bookmarking Website, Cali-Based Stylehive is Giving away a Botkier Bag! Boy are We Happy to Join in the Festivities. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

And what a way to kick things off! The innovative Stylehive shopping community (Stylehive.com) - a collaborative effort of contributors all working together to share and discover the hottest stores, designers, trends, and must have products - will be fete'ing the birth of this new San Francisco-based site with a first-ever Celebration of Handbags (oh why didn't we think of that?!).

The community plans to spend the month of May building the world's largest collection of hot handbags. And the best part? 'Hivers can enter for a chance to win a $700 Botkier Large Fan Hobo in a delicious hazelnut hue from RevolveClothing.com, an online mecca of everything from emerging designers to the high-end & droolworthy.

The 411 on the Stylehive Celebration of Handbags:

• WHEN: the contest lasts from May 1 - 31, 2006
• HOW: To enter, email contests@stylehive.com
• BOOKMARK YOUR WAY TO THE GRAND PRIZE: Every time you bookmark a handbag to the Stylehive using the tags "handbag" and "contest1" - you'll receive one entry.
• EXTRA, EXTRA! Get even more bonus points by inviting friends to join the Stylehive.
• FOR MORE INFO Visit the Stylehive blog.

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Botkier Stylehive Celebration of Handbags Fashion Accessories Purses, Bags, Handbags Fashion Trend Fashion Expert

A Fashiontribes Scoop! Fashion Collectors, Get Ready: 100 Never-Been-Worn Versace - as in Gianni! - Dresses Are Going Up for Auction on eBay.com. Going, Going, Gone! FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG & PODCAST

A Fashiontribes Scoop! Fashion Collectors, Get Ready: On May 4th, 100 Never-Been-Worn Versace - as in Gianni! - Dresses Go Up for Auction on eBay.com. Going, Going, Gone! FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG & PODCAST - MP3 File

A treasure trove of Versace gowns - unworn! - have been unearthed and put back into circulation at Ricky's Exceptional Treasures, an eBay.com store, including a frock identical to one worn by Halle Berry at the London premier of Batman.  Many of the gowns date back to 1986 when Gianni himself was helping to create what we now consider that iconic 80s look."Gianni Versace was one of the most prominent and important designers for a particular era, so to find any of his designs of note is very important," explains Constance White, Style Director for eBay in a podcast interview with Fashiontribes (above), particularly in the context of fashion's current 80s obsession. "The fact that he's dead unfortunately makes them worth more; he doesn't design anymore, so whatever he did design is finite in supply."

Valerie Steele, Director of The Museum at F.I.T. concurs. "Versace is one of the most important modern fashion designers - any collection of his red carpet dresses is definitely newsworthy.  Both Donatella and Gianni are an important part of fashion history, and this auction will certainly be exciting for collectors. More and more people are collecting fashion now, collecting it to wear and because fashion, at its highest level, is like a work of art." 

The total value of the dresses is estimated at around $800,000, but many of the auctions are starting at between $999 & $1449...an unbelievable steal for a va-voom piece that not only boasts a name like Versace, but, typical of many topnotch Italian design houses, is beautifully made. "It's not only a piece of fashion history," says White, "but a great buy."

Get in on the action at eBay.com.

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes ebay.com Versace Fashion Fashion Expert

Fun + Educational + Vacation = a Combination that Doesn't Usually Go with the word "Family" - However at Wild Dunes Resort off the Coast of South Carolina, they Offer Oodles of Fam-Friendly Activities & Then Some. FASHIONTRIBES TRAVEL BLOG

Vacations that are fun and educational sound like a parent's dream; the dreaded "educational" component, however, tends to score less well with kids.

However Island Adventures® program at Wild Dunes Resort (WildDunes.com) near Charleston - off the coast of South Carolina - offers fam-friendly activities that please most-to-all family members. Ranked in Tennis magazine’s Top 10 children’s programs, Island Adventures provides a wide array of activities that showcase and explore the unique natural environment found only in the Lowcountry, including:

• for kids: Learn about marine biology in the Barrier Island Marine Bio-Camp where visitors are encouraged to see & touch interesting creatures living on the shores. Activities include pulling a seine net, throwing a cast net, crabbing, fishing, exploring the maritime forest, catching animals to put in our touch-tanks, making arts and crafts, and collecting shells.
• the family: Experience an Eco-Tour on a visit to nearby Capers Island, an undeveloped barrier island. Venture with naturalists through dolphin-filled waters to pristine beaches, lively interior freshwater ponds, and a wide variety of birds.
• teens: Navigate the Teen Kayaking Challenge which goes through pristine tidal estuaries - rich in history, geology & wildlife. Paddling through the winding tidal creeks, kayakers get to enjoy the natural habitat of dolphins, otters, herons, egrets, osprey, and the occasional loggerhead sea turtle and manatee.
• inner children: Play Capture the Flag
• for everyone: Sailing on one of the resort's two sailboats, or its recently launched sailing catamaran with 1700 square feet of deck space.

The 411 on Wild Dunes Resort:

• Accommodations: From AAA Four Diamond-rated Boardwalk Inn to Boardwalk Homes alongside oceanfront pools and pristine beaches, they offer an array comfortable family-friendly villas and luxury homes.
• What's included: Stays at any of their accommodations include exclusive access to amenities and services resort-wide.
• Visit WildDunes.com or call 1.877.221.0901 for more about Island Adventures®

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Wild Dunes Charleston, South Carolina Island Adventures Fashion Travel Fashion Expert

Few Things Rival the Luxury of Custom-Made. Why Not Splurge on a Made-to-Order Python Saddle Bag from Celeb Fave Andrea Brueckner. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Say what you will about Lindsay Lohan, the girl has impeccable taste in bags - such as her beloved brown Andrea Brueckner. Since you're equally deserving of the star treatment, why not have the designer whip(stitch) one up just for you? Available at BagTrends.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Andrea Brueckner Snakeskin Bag Python Fashion Accessories Bags Fashion Trend Fashion Expert

It's Easy to be Chic & Sleek in a Classy Print Sundress from J.Crew. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

The navy & white combo makes it a snap to try on the print trend without worrying that your clothes are louder than you. Available at JCrew.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes J.Crew Sundress Floral Print Fashion Fashion Trend Fashion Expert

Lavender, Swarovski Crystals, Skull Charms & a Gold-Plated Tinkerbell! An Adorable Bangle with an Extra Dose of Charm. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Yes, using the words Disney & couture in the same sentence might seem unlikely to completely improbable, but this recent image overhaul by the powers that be at the Magic Kingdom seem to have tapped into the right brand of fashion voodoo. Disney Couture available at FredFlare.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Fred Flare Disney Couture Tinkerbell Skull Bangle Jewelry Pop Culture Fashion Accessories Bracelet  Fashion Trend Fashion Expert

If You've Ever Wondered What Possessed You to Purchase Something, Maybe it's Not You - It's Diabolically Clever & Effective Marketing Which Engages Your Basic Instincts. FASHIONTRIBES POP CULTURE BLOG

Who hasn't instinctively reached for a magazine on the newstand with a svelte celeb or model & a headline promising “Lose 20 Pounds in 10Days!”?

Congrats, you’ve been the victim of marketing manipulation of your base senses – in this case, the desire to be desired. “Fear, sexual desire, rage and jealousy are among your most dominant base senses. These are subconscious to instinctual states of being. They don’t require you to think in order to produce them,” explains hard-sell insider turned snitch, Brian Vaszily. "As a big marketer, one of the most effective techniques I use to divert you away from what really matters in life and instead focus your worries, time and money on what will make my wallet fatter is jolting you into submission. Constantly," explains Vaszily. "We jolt you without your awareness in any direction we want you to go.

Because engaging the dominant base senses is the key to puppet-mastery, it’s no surprise that most commercial fare is saturated with violence and sex. “When the bad guy gets his head blown off or the oil tanker explodes and almost kills the good guy, you release infantile utterances like "Oooh" and "Aaaah" and you feel fright, rage or primitive satisfaction. You are certainly not in conscious thinking mode. You are not pondering man's inhumanity to man or the meaning of justice or fate or God. You are reacting.”

As we continue to crave the feeling of switching off and “being entertained” – the media obliges, producing more and more trite fare that caters to the base senses and gives wide berth to your thoughtful side. Additionally, the eroding firewall between editorial and advertising means that much of what’s on TV – from news to sports – is designed to sell the commercial space on either side of the program.

Vaszily’s advice on how to avoid becoming a marketing-manipulated zombie:

• Avoid excessive amounts of TV – which typically deliver an average of three or four violent acts per hour which “jolt” your base senses.   
• When you do flip through People or check out the Super Bowl ads, stay alert to the way in which they’re designed to lull you into that mindless state
• If you have kids, know that Saturday morning TV shows average about 20-25 violent acts per hour

All the gory details can be found at Vaszily’s website Sixwise.com.

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Brian Vaszily Sixwise Marketing Manipulation Pop Culture Fashion Fashion Expert

FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT: White Pants Are a Foolproof Warm Weather Staple. Stave Off Vanilla-Colored Boredom with Colorful Tops & Chocolate Hued Shoes & Bag. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG & PODCAST

PODCAST - FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT: White Pants Are a Foolproof Warm Weather Staple. Stave Off Vanilla-Colored Boredom with Colorful Tops & Chocolate Hued Shoes & Bag. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG & PODCAST - MP3 File

(pant from NeimanMarcus.com)

White pants are great for warm weather - and remember this fit rule-of thumb, especially with white jeans, don't go as tight as you do with dark jeans! - but always wearing them with the same white or black tee can get a touch dull. Instead, opt for a top with vibrant citrus hues & pair with medium to dark brown shoes & bag. It's a can't-lose combo.

What looks great with white pants:

Malo from Vivre.com

Nancy Gonzalez Croc Tote available at Vivre.com

Oscar de la Renta Cork Platform Pumps from Vivre.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes White Pants Fashiontribes Tidbit Fashion Podcast Colorful Top Brown Accessories Accessories Shoes Fashion Trend Fashion Fashion Expert

An Unusual Amber-Hued Votive Holder Decorated with the Face of Buddha. How Can You Resist? FASHIONTRIBES HOME DECOR BLOG

Creates a serene mood whether you're solo or entertaining...in which case amber-colored light makes everyone in attendance gorgeous. Available at ZGallerie.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Z Gallerie Buddha Tealight HolderPop Culture Fashion Home Decor Gift Parties + Entertaining Fashion Expert

"To Prime is Not a Crime!" - Napoleon Perdis...this from an Aussie Who Knows Wherefore he Speaks, especially when it Comes to his Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG

Creates smooth landing for whatever you're putting on top & helps create a gorgeous flawless finish - especially if mixed with bronzer for an undetectable no-makeup glowy look. Available at NapoleonPerdis.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Beauty Napoleon Perdis Foundation Primer Fashion Fashion Expert

Adorn Your Lobes with a Pair of Glass Enamel "Vine" Earrings from Mark Walsh Leslie Chin. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

But no need to wait around for them to ripen to peak perfection. Available at BrownsFashion.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Mark Walsh Leslie Chin Vine Earrings Fashion Accessories Fashion Expert

STYLEHIVE BUZZ: Are Stussy Sunglasses Starting to Catch on? FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Since it was bookmarked about 2 weeks ago, 5 people have subsequently bookmarked Stussy sunglasses. Is Stussy back? Find out at Stylehive.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Stylehive Stussy Sunglasses Stylehive Buzz Trend Accessories Fashion Trend Fashion JewelryFashion Expert

Serve Your Vino or Any Other Tasty Beverage in the Eyecatching "Vin Eau" Carafe & Matching Lipstick Red Cups FASHIONTRIBES HOME DECOR BLOG

Anything would taste better poured out of this chic carafe. Available at DesignMyWorld.net

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Design My World "Vin Eau" Carafe Fashion Home Decor Gift Parties + Entertaining Fashion Expert

Joyous, Dancing, Bathingsuit-Clad Balloons Make a Perfect Gift. Really. FASHIONTRIBES GIFT BLOG

Designed in 1969, this expressive hippie in a retro'ish bathing costume, or lingerie - your choice - is inexplicably delightful & charming. Measures about 3 feet x 2 feet. Available at MossOnline.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Moss Nana Balloon Pop Culture Fashion Home DecorGift Parties + Entertaining Fashion Expert

Overstock.com Watch: White Silk Short-Sleeve Jacket - Size 42/8 - from Dolce & Gabbana for 70% off. Yes Please. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Very of-the-moment, and the puffy sleeves are just plain fun. Available at Overstock.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Overstock.com Dolce & Gabbana Fashion Fashion Expert

GLAM SLAM: Glam Pairs up with Cosmopolitan, the World's #1 Young Women's Mag to Offer Fashionistas "Total Brand Immersion" - FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

 

The magazine's advertisers will now have access to a fully integrated editorial, shopping and social networking environment where fashionistas can browse through up-to-the-minute style content, interactive quizzes, video and many of the top fashion blogs (your trusty FT included!).  Combining the reach of Cosmo with an integrated online shopping & lifestyle portal, the pair are entering uncharted territory - that's potentially a goldmine & then some. "We are delighted that Cosmopolitan is the first woman's magazine to expose their advertisers to cutting-edge opportunities made possible by digital media technologies," said Samir Arora, Chairman and Founder of Glam Media. "Glam.com's innovative campaigns for brands like ABC, Nine West and Target are quickly becoming the standard for a new breed of brand immersion and engagement online advertising and this relationship puts Cosmopolitan at the forefront of the online revolution hitting the fashion industry."

Check it out at Glam.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Glam.com, Glam Network Cosmopolitan Fashion Fashion Expert

Florals Look Stunning When Done Right, Such as this Sleeveless Belted Top from Marni. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

The grey belt is an unexpected touch that works like an absolute charm - and paired with white jeans or skirt, could induce severe cases of fashion worship and/or envy in others. Available at BrownsFashion.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Marni Floral Print Fashion Fashion Trend Fashion Expert

Another Take on the White Bag Trend from Isabella Fiored: the Pearlized "Deadra" Zip Top Tote with Snazzy Braided Handles. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

A rock-with-any-outfit piece. Available at Zappos.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Bags & Purses Isabella Fiore <Fashion Accessories Fashion Expert

For a Black & White Ensemble, a Charming Black Daisy & Crystal Pendant from Gemstyle Adds a Sweet Finishing Touch. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

Made with Swarovski crystals on a 16" sterling silver snake chain; would look especially eyecatching with a white buttondown or wrap-blouse. Available at Gemstyle.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Gemstyle Black Daily Pendant Fashion Accessories Fashion Trend Jewelry Fashion Expert

Eco-Minded or Not, an Eyecatching Bag Crafted from a Recycled Movie Billboard Helps Secure a Stylish Top Billing. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

 

Earth- & Fashionista-friendly. Available at Ecoiste.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Ecoiste Recycled Bags Recycled Movie Billboards Pop Culture Fashion Accessories Shoes Fashion Trend Bags & Purses Fashion Expert

Step into Summer with a Stunning Open Toe Stacked "Bianca" Wedge by Gwendolyn Carrie. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION & SHOE BLOG

An amazingly versatile & flattering color. The heel is a bit vertiginous, but hey, that's what cabs & limos are for. Available as part of the Thalassa collection from GwendolynCarrie.com

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Gwendolyn Carrie Stacked Heel Bianca Fashion Shoes Fashion Trend Fashion Expert

The Blush Mystery Solved - at Long Last! - by Beauty Maven Elke Von Freudenberg. A Long Overdue "Applying Blush 101" Tutorial. FASHIONTRIBES BEAUTY BLOG

What blush is supposed to accomplish: a fresh-faced milkmaid'ishness that replicates the "youthful flush of baby's pink cheeks." What blush tends to accomplish in real life: clown-facedness that emphasizes all the wrong things and brings out your natural gray undertones. Yikes.

Elke von Freudenberg's not having it. She's broken down the tricks of the trade in a recent post Blush Application: Tutorial, demonstrating can't-miss tips including:

• picking the right color
• using the correct tools
• foolproof application

Your tutor awaits at The Beauty Newsletter.

- Lesley Scott

Fashiontribes Beauty Blush The Beauty Newsletter Fashion Fashion Expert

FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT: It's Easy to be Stylish on an Unlimited Budget. But If You're Counting Your Pennies, Opt for Neutrals - & Avoid Flash - for Budget-Friendly Style. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG & PODCAST

PODCAST - FASHIONTRIBES TIDBIT: It's Easy to be Stylish on an Unlimited Budget. But If You're Counting Your Pennies, Opt for Neutrals - & Avoid Flash - for Budget-Friendly Style. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG & PODCAST MP3 File

It ain't easy staying stylish on a shoestring. So what's the secret to chic on the cheap? When you're shopping more affordable price points, stick with neutral colors and silhouettes. Give wide, wide berth to anything too brightly hued or flashy as this is where cheapness makes itself known. Neutrals like black, white, navy and brown are hard to screw up, even at budget pricepoints, so this is the place to scrimp. If you absolutely must do a splashy print or have some fancy ruching/pleating/elaborate seaming in your life, it's worth the extra $$ you'll have to cough up for designer.

Some great affordable chic resources:

Available at OldNavy.com