7 Tips For Avoiding Winter Hat Hair

Speaking from a strictly fashion standpoint, one of the worst things about this snowy, cold  winter is, well, hat hair.  While we hate to be shallow – I mean there could be worse problems like, oh, say, unplowed streets and cars turned into ice sculptures – still, in the overall scheme of looking fabulous, cold weather definitely has it’s down side.

And nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to  that squished, squashed,  Bride-of-Frankenstein-electric hat hair look that can happen faster than it takes the bus to go from 65th and Madison to Times Square.

While there are a number of “hair tricks” you can try  - like reducing static cling by spraying your hair with  with leave-on conditioner  before putting on your hat -  one of the best  winter fashion tricks is to  look for head gear that is the least likely to cause problems.

To this end here are 7  winter hat  tricks and tips  that can help.

1. If you opt for a knitted beret, cloche or cuffed brim hat you’ll do decidedly better if you choose one made of an all natural fiber – such as cotton or wool . Synthetics, particularly nylon,  are not only more likely to cause static electricity that pulls hair into the most awkward positions and keeps it there,  they can also cause your head to perspire  more – and you know what happens when water and electricity combine!  It’s not a pretty sight.

2.  If you’re choosing what is called a “hard shell” hat – a fedora, cowboy hat, or wide floppy brim leather or suede  hat - make certain it’s a little larger rather than a little smaller.   The reason: The more air that you have circulating under your hat, the less likely you are to persprire, and the less likely it is that your hat will push  against your hair and flatten your style. 

3. If you just love the warmth of those faux fur hats – particularly the new Russian revolution style complete with ear flaps so popular in NYC this season -  be forewarned, they can be one of the worst hat-hair offenders around. The way around it: Gently rub the inside of the hat with a static-free laundry sheet before putting it on.  This will help reduce the static caused by the faux fur rubbing against your scalp and this in turn will help keep your hair from sticking together when the hat is removed.

4.Try a head wrap! Like a hat with no top, a head wrap keeps your head and ears warm without the flattening effects of a full hat.  Though they won't keep you quite as warm as a full hat, and do you no good in the snow or rain, if you're looking for a little warmth,  alot of style and no hat hair, this is the choice for you!

Continue reading on Examiner.com: 7 TIPS FOR AVOIDING WINTER HAT HAIR!

For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous! Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011 - All Rights Reserved.
Hat pictured above available at Bloomingdales.com

Trend Watch: The Soft Bangle!

By Colette Boudchez

for CountryDutchess.com

The Trend: Bhangra Bangles

What is it:  Fun and flirty Bollywood inspired bangle bracelets  that add an instant pop of hot color to any outfit.

What Makes It Special: Unlike hard-shell bangles which click and clang and bang against  your wrist – not to mention your laptop- while trying to work, the Bhangra bangle is a rubber core wrapped to perfection in  thousands of yards of smooth,shimmery silk threads in the most amazing colors! So it’s soft on the wrist, totally silent, yet looks amazing!

How To Wear It :  Pop a little black dress right now ; perfect for an all-white pantsuit for spring/summer;  dress up your favorite jeans and peasant blouse for a totally updated Bohemian look.

Other Accessories:  Try a pair of chandelier earrings in a matching color, or for an even dressier look, add a few rhinestone or gold wire bangles  in between the Bhangras.

To learn more, including where to buy at a discount, continue reading  Accessory Trend Watch: The soft bangle - National accessories | Examiner.com

The Gloved One: The Forgotten Accessory Makes A Comeback!

By Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com


When you think of gloves do you think of:
     
         A) What your mother wore to do the dishes.
        B) Michael Jackson.
        C) How to keep your hands from freezing.
        D)  Making a fashion statement.

Well unless you picked D, listen up:  Gloves are not just for hand warming anymore!   While the days of the prim and proper "little white glove" may have gone the way of tea parties,  by no means have we said goodbye to the sophisticated  look this accessory can provide.

In fact, that’s a lesson First Lady Michelle Obama seemed to learn well, when, earlier this week her bright red leather gloves - worn to greet the President of China -  outshone even her Steve McQueen red gown worn to the State Dinner later that night.

And yes, its likely  Mrs. Obama did have keeping her hands warm in mind, especially with the chilly DC temperatures. But skipping the traditional dark leather glove and going for that pop of red color – set against an otherwise monochromatic navy outfit - she  turned her gloves from utilitarian hand warmers into an iconic style statement !

But Mrs. Obama certainly isn’t alone in bringing attention to the glove!  This year designers like Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera gave a nod to this accessory by introducing the long, ‘opera glove’  into their collection.

In the past  these long, elbow-and-above length gloves were relegated to stuffy embassy parties and Cinderella ball gowns.  But in today's updated version  these - and other designers - showed them in suede and leather with edgy rock-star style embossing and cut outs - and  they paired them with everything from little print dresses to faux fur vests. Some long gloves – like those by  Fatima Lopes – were fingerless and studded,  and as edgy as any rocker could want! 

That said, not every glove is right for every occasion -  or even right for every woman.  Moreover, there are a few tricks necessary to take your  look from  utilitarian hand warmer to fashion statement .  Click the link below to find 5 fashion tips you don’t want to be without!

Continue reading on Examiner.com: The gloved one: The forgotten accessory makes a comeback - National accessories | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/accessories-in-national/the-gloved-one-the-forgotten-accessory-makes-a-comeback#ixzz1BhP0lVXT

For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous!

Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011 - All Rights Reserved. In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements. The creators of this blog may or may not benefit directly or indirectly from the materials presented herein.

Golden Globes 2011: 3 Top Style Trends To Watch This Year!

 Ruffles, color and shape from this year's Golden Globe Awards, will set the trend styles for the coming seasons!  Here's what you need to know!

 By Colette Bouchez

For CountryDutchess.com

As the celebs made their way down this year’s Golden Globe Red Carpet  we saw  the hottest new trends in color, style, and shape literally being made before our very eyes!

Indeed, from stars of the big screen to the little screen, from the worlds of music, movie and  television arts and sciences, there was certainly no shortage of brand new  glam looks  from this year’s presenters, nominees and winners alike – with many taking their cue from that old school Hollywood heyday when stars looked like, well stars!

So, what were the trends likely to  influence the way we will be dressing in the months to come?   Here’s what we saw as the three major fashion trends from the very first award show of 2011 - The  Golden Globes.

 Trend # 1 : Ruffles!  This age-old feminine touch was everywhere the eye could see – with ruffles on gowns from top to bottom –and sometimes in between. While  some  were a bit more traditional – like the ruffled gowns worn by Amy Adams, Kaley Cuoco ,  Lea Michelle  and Jennifer Lawrence ( who paired ruffles with the French corset look for a real Wow) there were also those who added a bit more edgy look and feel to their ruffles - like Julie Bowens  pale grey  grown with ruffles (shown above) that had that decidedly “torn parchment”  romantic appeal. As such we predict that ruffles will dominate the formal and cocktail party dress  scene throughout spring and summer 2011 - including weddings, proms and special events.

To discover the remaining Golden Globe style trends to watch for 2011, continue reading this article and the rest of my exclusive award show fashion coverage at Examiner.com -

For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous! Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2009 - All Rights Reserved. In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.

Make Your Own Golden Globe Red Carpet Entrance! Here's How!

Make Your Own Red Carpet Entrance!  Here's How!

From CountryDutchess.com 

You’ll see them on celebrities and super models alike – and they have the power to change the look of an outfit in an instant. What are they?  “statement earrings” – those  big bold and dazzling designs with the power to become the focal point of  your fashion statement.

On this week's Golden Globe Red Carpet expect to see statement earrings come front and center  with everything  from hoops to dangles, drops to chandeliers,  “making the outfit” for a number of  top stars!  In fact,  by Monday morning we may forget the gowns and the shoes, but it’s a sure bet that we’ll remember those fabulous statement earrings!

But before you run  out and try to duplicate the look, there are style tips you should know. Indeed, while your statement earring can positively get you noticed , you don’t want your statement to be “I’m fashion clueless”!

So to  help you cultivate your own personal Red Carpet look, and  keep you looking stylish, up-to-date and never over-the-top, here are a few guidelines for making your entrance and making sure your statement is “ I’ve arrived and aren’t I fabulous!”

How To Make A Fashion Statement 

1.Let the earrings do all the work. And by that it means keep your other jewelry to a minimum.  If you wear a necklace limit it to a thin chain and small pendant.  You can add a few bangles and maybe  ring – but remember,  statement earrings are  focal point  accessory  so don’t distract the eye with other large or showy pieces of jewelry.

2. KISS – Keep it simple sweetie!  Statement earrings look best with simple outfits – so think little black dress for nighttime and little black suit for day. If your outfit is laden with sequins or other embellishments you’ve just got too much going on for your statement earring to take center stage.
But here's a tip you won't want to miss:

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Make A Golden Globe Entrance

 where our very own Colette Bouchez is now the Accessories Reporter for stylish  New Yorkers!

Earrings pictured above available exclusively at CountryDutchess.com
 
For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous! Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011 - All Rights Reserved. In addition to US Copyright, the text of this CheapChicDiary article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License. All Formatting and style elements of this page are not available under this license and Colette Bouchez retains all rights in those elements.

OPRAH’S Bootights: Hot Style For Chilly Winter Weather

By Colette Bouchez 
Okay, so it’s freezing outside – and probably snowing too – and boots are pretty much the only logical footwear choice. But if you’re like most women, this smart fashion choice also presents a problem: How to keep your boot socks from sliding down, bunching up, and probably getting caught in your shoe zipper.

Enter Bootights – the brand ingenious fashion invention  of entrepreneur Shelby Mason,  making their official debut on OPRAH, January 13^th.

So what are “Bootights”? From the waist to just below the knee they are fashion tights. But attached just below the knee and running to the tips of your tootsies are a pair of fabulous warm and cozy boot socks that slip effortlessly inside your boots to combine function with fashion in a whole new way!

Mason says the “aha “ moment behind the invention came during an airport security check in a blustery cold Chicago airport. While making her way through the security line Mason had to remove her boots, revealing not only  her gray tights but a sloppy old pair of white tube socks she had worn for extra comfort and warmth. Worse yet, she says one sock slid down her ankle causing the zipper in the boot to stick and snag a brand new pair of tights. Her frustration – and some airport embarrassment – stayed with her throughout the trip and by the time her plane had landed the idea for Bootights had taken flight!

Bootights comes in ankle and mid-calf heights perfect for taller boots and ankle booties.   Fashion style tights ( with matching sock styles) include grey flannel pinstripe, classic argyle and sexy fishnet, and of course there are also core basis in black and brown.  Find Bootights for just $30 at Macy’s and other stores nationwise., Or visit Bootights.com . And be sure to check  them out on OPRAH on January 13^th but remember …you discovered it here first!

Reprinted with permission from Examiner.com/New-York

Visit them for even more fabulous accessories news by Colette Bouchez

For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous!
Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011 - All Rights Reserved.

In The Pink: New Accessories For Spring Go Girly And Bright!

 By Colette Bouchez for CountryDutchess.com

What could be better after a long, cold, dreary winter than a burst of spring flowers?   Well, how about a burst of pink!

And if a number of Spring 2011 sizzling runway shows are right, being Pretty In Girly Pink will be THE way to say  “bah bye winter” and “hello sassy spring!”  in 2011.

Indeed, this year saw a number of key designers grace their spring 2011 lines with pops of pink color  – often in the most unexpected ways.    Warm pink bags and belts added pops of color to spring and summer whites at Lowe & Giles runway show,  while pink  sequined sneakers ( yes SNEAKERS) took jeans to a whole new level!  Even Nike got in on the act with their upcoming HOT HOT HOT pink running shoe!

Meanwhile designers like Peter Som, Jil Sander, Valentino and Badgly Mischka, made pink the focus of a number of key pieces in their lines.

At CountryDutchess.com  pink earrings are everywhere! From dazzling chandeliers to sexy little dangles,  from antique rose to sizzling hot pink,  mix them with black leather and denim for an edgy look or more pastels for that true spring princess look!

And what kind of make up goes best with pink accessories ? Why pink of course! And Clinique is one of the first to jump on the girly bandwagon with an entire pink collection of coordinated lip glosses, blush and eye shadows. And, a great little pink bag to boot!

To make your pink look work remember these 3 key tips:

1. Pinks come in all shades and not all of them compliment one another.  Look for undertones of “cool”  ( think icy pink to magenta) or  “warm” (think salmon pink to desert rose)  and try to blend pinks from a similar color family.
2. Depending on the shade of pink you chose, it could dominate the look. The rule of fashion thumb: The brighter the shade of pink the more basic the rest of your palette should be. 
3. Use pink  in unexpected ways!  If the color is just too ‘girly’ for your look, then use it to shock and pop your look – such as wearing a hot pink lipstick with a black leather jacket or a  pair of pink chandelier earrings with a denim jacket.   Remember, pink doesn’t have to conjure up images of prom dates and bridesmaid dresses!

Reprinted with permission from Examiner.com/NY.  To see their fantastic slide slow of the hottest new pink accessories  click here.

 For round-the-clock fabulous time & money saving beauty and style advice visit CheapChicDiary.com - or visit us anytime at CountryDutchess.com - Your Source For Fabulous!

Copyright by Colette Bouchez 2011 - All Rights Reserved.