The Eyes Have it--It's all about the lashes!

Beauty trends are an ever revolving door. What is old is new again and even the fads we wish would stay buried in the past, tend to resurface!

Brows and lashes are two things that have had an interesting history of trends.  Going as far back as Ancient Egypt, men and women heavily darkened them with kohl. In the Middle Ages both were shaved to create the illusion of a higher forehead, and early versions of mascara and tinting have been around for centuries.

Lashes and brows are still a huge point of focus today. Thick brows and long, luscious lashes dominate social media beauty pages. They can greatly accentuate the shape and size of the eyes and make the rest of your makeup pop. Much the way lipstick highlights your lips, lashes and brows finish your look.

Over time however, just as your hair thins or changes, lashes and brows can befall the same fate and leave us looking for options. While after 50 it’s perhaps not as much about trendsetting, we still want to maintain the same finished and more youthful look.

False eyelashes in particular are all the rage at the moment and options abound!  Full, partial, demi, angled, straight, you name it and they exist. There are thick, thin, wispy and everything in between. They can be applied one lash at a time or all at once in strips. You can attempt to do them at home, or have them professionally done. Price of course varies as well, starting at just a few dollars for drugstore brands or $25 for a more expensive pair.

For those looking to start somewhere, my friend recently launched her own gorgeous line called Eyeris Beauty. They are not only extraordinary, but they are 100% cruelty free, which for me is a big thing! And they can be used up to 20 times allowing for some practice too!

False eyelashes certainly provide the most dramatic change, but you must be careful. Sometimes they can accidentally pull out your own lashes and the last thing you want to do is lose anymore!
And for simpler solutions, of course there is always mascara, all prices and all types. And again, while this is what I mostly use, you have to be careful as it can be drying and when it sticks to your natural lashes can cause further thinning. Last, there are prescription topicals you can ask your doctor about that promote growth. If this is of interest, just be sure to do some research of any possible downsides. The most important thing while enhancing any part of your look is not to cause further damage to anything you already have!

I have tried the false lashes and they were fun and quite dramatic. Personally they're something I would use for special occasions mostly. As I've shared before, I tend to be a bit lazy so anything that requires extra work probably isn't going to make my daily routine. So I suppose my drugstore Covergirl Lash Blast Volume mascara will have to do for now!

Brows are up next month!

Unique Halloween Ideas that Will Make You a Standout.

Have you been phoning in Halloween for years? We get it. Life is busy enough and then you add having to find a costume and the task seems insurmountable. Here’s what happens, though. You get to your costume party and see some amazing getups and you think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Costumes really do add to the fun of any party worth its salt. So if you’ve decided this is your year to make an impression, we can help. Below are some unique Halloween ideas that will make you a standout.

Go For the Play on Words

These can be a bit overdone but, if you choose a good one, you’re sure to get some laughs. And the best part about these costumes is they are typically low maintenance. The perfect example of this is black-eyed peas. Grab a friend, tape on a big white “P” to your black shirt, and then each you of you wears black makeup on one eye. Voila! You are the black-eyed peas! Another great one is the cat burglar. Get some cable, a flashlight, a black knit cap, and do your face in super creative cat makeup. Of course, party animals, one night stand, and Radiohead are easy and fun, too. Get your hair blown out at Drybar to bring a little bit of glam to these easy looks.

Make it With Makeup

Makeup is amazing, right, ladies? Of course, it helps us feel beautiful in our day-to-day lives, but an absolutely amazing Halloween costume can come from makeup alone. And, trust us, if you do a good job with it, people will be blown away. This is the time of year you get to be someone else, which can be extremely freeing. Bring out that bright, bold lipstick you’ve been hiding in your bottom drawer. As for costumes made with makeup, our favorites have to be the fairy, the deer, and this crazy pixilation makeup. You won’t believe your eyes! Of course, Sugar Skull makeup for the Day of the Dead never disappoints. Get yourself a good palette and your possibilities are endless.

Go for Comfort

Okay, okay, so this might not make you a true standout but trust us, you’ll thank us. Comfortable Halloween costumes make the whole night more enjoyable, and they also make it less likely that you’ll ditch your costume later on in the evening because it’s a pain in the you-know-what. You can buy unique Halloween costumes here that are also warm and cozy. Talk about a win/win!

Throw a Macabre Movie Party

Is there anything better than a good scary movie, especially if you have a significant other to cozy up to during the scary parts? Consider asking a bunch of your creepy-craving friends over for a marathon session of movies that’ll make your skin crawl. From The Exorcist and Amityville Horror to Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween, it’s hard to run out of fodder for this fun. Of course, you’ll want to keep the party in line with the theme. Think witches’ brew, dead man’s finger sandwiches, and blood red cupcakes for dessert. Of course, TV provides plenty of inspiration, too. You could go with a marathon session of Dexter, The Walking Dead, or American Horror Story on a streaming service like Hulu Plus. Whatever you choose, guests will surely be talking about this party for years to come.

Group Costumes For the Win

There’s something about a group costume that just goes above and beyond. It’s challenging enough to come up with a costume for one that’ll make you stand out, but if you can get a group of your buddies together and make it work, the result is astounding. Mashable shared some super fun ideas, including “Dress as your boss,” roller coaster riders (don’t ask us how they created this!), and Tetris (this year would likely be more geared towards Pokémon Go). It can be fairly complicated like Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum, Alice in Wonderland, and the Cheshire Cat or as simple as Rock, Papers, Scissors. Any which way you cut it, people are going to be impressed.

Follow these tips for unique ideas this Halloween, and you’ll surely stand out amongst the other witches and warlocks.

How to Improve your Man’s Style

By Kate Anderson

You’ve got the perfect guy; he opens your door, he’s attentive, and gets along with all of your friends.  His one flaw?  His personal style could best be described as one step away from homeless chic.  This is a conundrum many gals face, and if you’re looking for ways to help your man up his fashion ante, consider these easy tips and tricks and transform his style with runway-worthy duds.

Ask Questions
Before you can work on changing your style, you need to understand why he dresses the way he currently does. Is it just sheer laziness—he can’t be bothered to try any harder? Or does his style as it is indicate some underlying facets of his personality? Perhaps his baggy shirts and pants are used to disguise some physical trait he’s insecure about, or maybe he’s been told he can’t rock a certain style by a former girlfriend or some of his friends. Taking the time to understand his resistance to certain styles will help you streamline your efforts and ensure your newly chosen pieces are something he’ll actually like and wear.

Be Positive
You catch more flies with honey rather than vinegar, so remember to remain positive when he starts making changes that you appreciate. When he wears that new shirt you bought him recently, commend him, shower him with physical affection, and make note of how good he looks. You’d be amazed at what a casual “Those jeans look so good on you” or “Wow, that shirt is really working for you” can do. Positive reinforcement is sure to do you many favors, and he’ll be more apt to wear what you like when he sees the love and affection it gets him. Guys do want to look good too, and know that they’re attractive to you, so making sure he knows how much his efforts are appreciated can see you both happier with his fashion sense.

Start Small
Pulling him with you to the mall for a day of shopping may sound like fun to you, but if he’s not into style and fashion, guaranteed the prospect sounds like a punishment to him. The last thing you want is to make him more resistant to your efforts, so instead of planning to overhaul his entire wardrobe in a weekend, start small and work in great pieces over time. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to changing the fashion habits of a fellow who is stuck in his ways.

Pay Attention to Fit
Many guys are satisfied to throw on that classic t-shirt, buy a wholesale suit from a store like Firstsuit.com, and trust that their determined size is always the right fit. Unfortunately, forgoing a bit of tailoring can actually result in a sloppy mess. If you find he’s resistant to trying new clothes, instead consider tailoring what he already has. You’d be shocked at how much of a different proper fit can make, and he’ll be surprised at how much better his current style can look with a little bit of professional attention.

Don’t Forget Details
If you’re having a hard time convincing your guy to don that chambray button down, or he’s been resistant to your efforts on putting him in a straight leg jean, consider the small details that might be easier to encourage him to try. One fashion statement that’s become massive in men’s fashion? Socks. Believe it or not, this footwear has become a top way to show off personal style, and with so many designer companies offering awesome designs, you’re sure to find something he likes that will catapult his style from drab to debonair. Find some creative socks at a company like Stance.

Leave it to the Professionals
If you’re finding it tough to pick out items for your guy, leave it to the professionals. Companies like Trunk Club will assign the lucky fellow with a professional stylist. The stylist will take into account his preferences, then send along fashion forward pieces in all the right measurement. What your guy likes, he keeps, and what he doesn’t, he sends back for free, easy as that.
Overhauling your man’s style doesn’t have to cause undue stress. Keep these tips in mind and have him looking handsome as ever in no time. 

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About the Author:

"I’m Kate, an organization expert, and I would love to help you live your best, and most organized life. When I first became interested in organization I never could have imagined all the ways it would improve my life and I want you to have that experience too. I started my website, Kate’s Organized Life, and began writing to share my tips on decluttering, organizing, and planning to help other people tackle the task of organizing their lives and setting themselves up for success."

Legs are the Last To Go!

For those living in Vegas, the long, beautiful legs of dolled up showgirls appear everywhere from billboards to buses.  A great pair of legs is the epitome of sex appeal and often overlooked as years pass.  Many say that legs are the “last to go” when it comes to our looks.  And while there may be some truth in this, we should be sure to give them the proper attention they deserve - not only to stay healthy, but remain a showstopper!

As we get older some of the most common complaints with our legs can be knee and joint issues, swelling and varicose veins.  While many of us baby boomers are physically active, our knees often suffer. 

For women especially, things like wearing high heels are often no longer a comfortable option.  For the relief and health of our joints, abandoning a favorite pair of stilettos might be necessary, but every woman still loves the fashionable look of a heel.  Lucky for us, this season a chunky, wider heel is back in fashion!  And of course don’t forget wedges which have come a long way and offer options both casual and dressy!  For those like me that have worn heels for years and actually have a painful problem with wearing anything flat now, they also provide more stability and are my go-to for long hour days.  Both styles provide a compromise while protecting those knees and feet from further discomfort and they can still look sexy!

Another common issue for women over 40 can be varicose veins and swelling.  While many are concerned about the appearance, it can be a sign of a more serious condition.  Genetics often plays a factor, but also circulation problems should be evaluated by a doctor.  The good news from a cosmetics standpoint is that varicose veins can usually be treated with laser therapy.  Spider veins, while less noticeable can also be reduced with treatment, giving your legs a more youthful appearance.

If treatment seems too invasive or is out of your budget, luckily there are a few great options for coverage, other than pants!

During the summer, especially in places like Las Vegas where sun dresses and sandals are far more comfortable, those winter white legs may need a little help with the "sun kissed glow".  Fortunately, no sun time is needed these days!  There are some really nice products that provide the glow and some extra coverage without the risk of sun damage.  One of my favorites is Jergens Natural Glow for gradual color enhancement.  For those that need instant coverage, Sally Hansen’s Airbrush Legs is quick and also waterproof if you are going to be by the pool or beach.  And Laura Mercier’s Body Bronzing Makeup, while not waterproof, does provide a nice natural color, in one application, so it’s perfect for everyday use, or for your date night out in your fav dress.  For deeper coverage of veins, leg makeup is another option.  Dermablend is a personal favorite for that type of extra coverage!

In the winter, wearing nylons can cover a lot of things we'd rather not have noticed and can be sexy too!  A nice pair of thigh-highs from Victoria Secret can give legs a beautiful look and feel!  And any control top styles can help flatten that tummy and make your legs appear longer.

Bottom line ladies, don't take those legs for granted!  Make sure they are both healthy and look great!  A good check-up and a few tricks is all you need for those glam gams!

Looking Fashionably Stylish at the Office

By Holly Tomlinson

Impressions are everything, especially when it comes to the business world. Mixing your personal style with the appropriate business pieces can be a tricky process to finagle, but with a little perseverance and the perfect basics, every outfit can make a splash Monday through Friday. Everything from your hair to your feet makes an impression, and if you want to dress for success, keep these office style tips in mind.

The Power of the Pinstripe
You’ve seen men rocking pinstripe suits for years, and women are stepping up to the plate and rocking this fashion trend with the best of them. Pinstripes are an office staple, and power players have made this style a business must-have. Another fantastic aspect of the pinstripe? It’s extremely flattering, and does wonders to elongate the body for a sleek, professional look that will have heads turning in the office for all the right reasons.

Blazer Be Gone
Blazers can be the perfect addition to office wear, but let’s admit it, they can get boring really fast. Instead of rocking the same old black blazer you’ve had for years, you can switch out this outerwear for a chic biker jacket that encompasses the right amount of badass-ery and professionalism, all in one sleek look. You can find motorcycle jackets in all sorts of materials and styles. One of our favorite current looks is the mixture satin with thicker materials like cotton and polyester.

Rock Some Accessories
No outfit is complete without the right accessories. Accent your basics with gorgeous but understated jewelry pieces from MimiandLu.com. Each piece is handcrafted and made to order essentially, and the delicacy of each piece is something to marvel at. One thing to avoid is getting flashy; elegant, refined pieces are the perfect way to add a little bit of excitement to your outfit. Another accessory that’s a must-have? The perfect watch. While wristwatches have long been an office staple for the dapper dude, women have a plethora of statement watches to look at. Check out the amazing watches from Skagen. Their minimalist pieces are refined and sure to have you punctual to every important meeting that needs attending.

Your Office Essentials
Our world of connectivity means you’ll be hard-pressed to find an office employee not sporting an iPhone, iPad, or laptop at one point or another and often, all three at the same time. Remember that everything in your possession makes a statement. With this in mind, do what you can to ensure your technology essentials are just as polished as the rest of your outfit. Grab some iPhone cases from TouchofModern.com which are designed to, most importantly, protect your iPhone, but also to look suave. Their simplistic, modern aesthetic is perfect for the professional sector. If you’re a fan of handwritten notes and diligent with your planning, check out the gorgeous customized planners from ErinCondren.com.

Keep Your Hands Manicured
Many of us talk with our hands, and it’s important to keep them looking clean and well-kept. Weekly manicures sound luxurious, but it’s not always in the budget. Luckily, you can buy materials for the perfect at-home manicures and become your own nail stylist professional. Of course there are numerous types and brands to choose from, but a recent obsession of ours has been the offerings from Jenna Hipp. It goes on smooth without bubbling, and there are so many colors you’ll have a tough time trying to pick just one.  

The Right Bag
Take a spin on the briefcase of old and transport all of your office essentials in the right bag. Grab a satchel from a site like Gilt.com. You can find a variety of designer brands at a fraction of the cost. Look for options with tailored lines that holds its shape.  

Looking stylish in the office is all about the little details. With the right basics, well-chosen accessories, and grooming habits, your stylish ways will have you looking and feeling your best while commanding attention in the boardroom.

How to Wear Your Blazer Outside of the Office

By Sophie Cook

No matter what your personal style is, or whether you’re in your 20s or 50s, there are certain staples that every woman should own, one of them being a blazer. A tailored blazer is an absolute must-have.  As Allison Daniels shares on Forbes Style, “A well-made blazer is a transformative object.  It makes denim dressy, party dresses polished, and — with the right fit — can bestow a boyish figure with curves, or make those last five pounds disappear.”

And let’s not forget, the blazer is also crucial for 9 to 5 wear, as the experts at Lyst created a collection that shows the consumer that blazers, waistcoats, and smart jackets are the ideal office attire. But don’t be bogged down by the formality of its silhouette, which can be style to suit any occasion and keep you looking trendy, no matter how old you are.

Style Tip #1: Use your blazer to dress up distressed denim
The t-shirt and jeans combo is everyone’s go-to casual look that can be edited with a leather jacket or minimal gold jewelry. Another way to elevate the ensemble is by wearing your favorite blazer, in addition to a clutch and cute heels for a dinner date or a casual lunch meeting.

Style Tip #2 Wear it with sneakers
If men can wear it with their trainers, there’s no reason why you can’t do the same. Heels may be required at the office, but our feet don't need to experience the same pain over the weekend when our wardrobe is a little more relaxed. Your classic black blazer can be matched with black denim, sneakers and a tote for running errands, catching up with friends, or simply taking the kids out to the mall.

Style Tip #3: Pair it with mom shorts
Summer temperatures make it too hot to wear pants all the time, even in the evenings, so for the times you need a way to add a bit of finesse to a pair of cutoffs, channel the style of mommy blogger Camille DiPaola and finish your outfit with a blazer.

Style Tip #4: Layer your blazer over bold prints
Prints can be tough to work with at times, and one way to dial down the drama is with this workwear essential. If you're feeling brave, you can try matching statement jewelry, such as bold colored earrings.

How do you like to wear your blazer?

A special thanks to Sophie Cook for contributing this article.  xoxo Linda

Hair: Our Crowning Glory

Many of us have a love hate relationship with our hair. Gray, stray, and missing hair. Hair where you wish it was, and where you wish it wasn't! Our hairstyle is one of the most noticeable aspects of our look. It can show off our personalities and highlight our face.

In our youth, hair was often taken for granted. Most of us had thick locks yet wished for something different. The 60's and 70's rage was stick straight hair, some girls had it naturally, but most of us had to work for it, and without the use of flat irons! We tried everything from giant rollers and soup cans to irons and ironing boards, yikes!

Like with so many things, age and hormones changes all of that. Thinning hair isn't just a male problem, many women also face this battle. It's often not as noticeable because women cover the issue with hairpieces, hats, scarves, styles and products. Women may have more options, but also feel more compelled to hide the issue.

If you notice thinning hair, check with your doctor to make sure your hormones or medications aren't a factor. These both play a vital role in the health and maintenance of our bodies, yet they can affect other things, like our hair.

It’s important to prevent damage in our normal routine. Hair color, curling and straightening irons, blow dryers, and teasing, can all add to the problem. Things we do to create the illusion of full, youthful hair may be damaging.

When it comes to color, ask your hairdresser about options with less harsh chemicals, like hair color with no ammonia and/or no peroxide. Try going longer periods between treatments using less chemicals. If you're just starting to gray, consider Level 1 hair color, to allow more time before starting permanent color. It's more work but your hair may stay healthier longer. Highlights are also another option to ask about.

For hair tools, the less heat the better. When possible, consider letting your hair air dry and use lower heat settings. It can take longer, but your hair won’t be under near the stress. Be careful if you wear a bun or ponytail, don't pull it tight especially if the top front of your hairline is thinning. Use thick, soft cloth ties, as regular elastics can cause breakage.

If you tease your hair, try fluffing it with your fingers while still wet, let it air dry most of the way, then style. This creates natural fullness to minimize teasing and help prevent breakage. We forget how fragile our hair can be and how rough some styling attempts are.

If you need to cover bald spots there are many temporary products on the market, ask your hairdresser to suggest some good ones. There are many forms, from pigmented powders to authentic hair cover.

Also, check with your doctor for info on over-the-counter hair growth products vs. prescriptions, to make sure you know all of your options! He/she may also be able to recommend supplements that are good for hair health. We have lots of possibilities now, and every woman should love her ‘do!