Wishing You a Most Fashionably Merriest, Christmas!

Youth Arsenal wants to wish you and yours the Merriest Christmas, ever!  Don't forget to tell Santa Baby to leave all your material girl wishes under the tree this year.....just make sure your tree is as big as the one behind me!  We wouldn't want him to forget anything, now would we?

Merry Fashion Fixing,

~Youth Arsenal~!

USAna........the Next Generation in Health?

Supplements.........everyone is talking about what he/she can take to "supplement" a good diet and exercise in order to support a healthy lifestyle...........not after today!

Research has now introduced NUTRITIONALS.  Nutritionals and optimizers are possibly the future's pathway to robust health.  After speaking with Michaela Foulkes, representative for USANA Health Science, and then also recently experiencing the benefits of USANA for myself, I am convinced that supplements are so yesterday!  I always say, "to get where you are going, do you want to put gas in your car, or do you want to push it?"  If supplements are the gas for your car, then nutritionals and optimizers are not only the gas for your car, but they seem to ALSO run your engine, clean!

Traditionally, supplements (which include vitamins) were designed for two purposes:  to replace something in which our bodies have become deficient, or to do exactly what the name implies:  supplement (not replace) our diets, to improve/encourage better health and more energy.  

Michaela explained in detail to me how USANA has taken all that science (USANA conducts research in a strictly controlled, clinical environment on all its products) and nutrition have to offer, and elevated it several levels beyond many nutraceuticals.  

USANA began in 1992, founded by Dr. Myron Wentz, a biomedical scientist, with his distinguished vision:  a world free of pain, suffering, and disease.  I know, I know, all doctors approach their field with this same mission of passion.  However, Dr Wentz has found a way to demonstrate this not only in vitro (what is supposed to happen), but also in vivo (what we can SEE happen).    In 2007, Dr Wentz received the Albert Einstein Award for his achievement in Life Sciences, "which salutes leaders whose vision and commitment have contributed to the critical advancement of vital life-saving and life-enhancing technology to benefit mankind."  He received the award in recognition for his "many scientific and charitable endeavors."  Might I add, that all others that received such an award, did so, because of their work in pharmaceutical advancements.  Michaela presented to me, Dr Wentz's credentials and his published studies, but let's just cut it short here to say that I don't have enough space in this article to cite them all.  Feel free to visit Michaela's website at:   http://www.michaela.usana.com/ and also:  http://www.usana.com/media/File/mediaCenter/US/Press%20Releases/US-EN%20DRWentzEinsteinAward.pdf  for that.  

What makes USANA so different?  Without getting too technically detailed, let's start at the beginning (thank you, Michaela for so much of your time).  Dr Wentz discovered a formula to not only make healthy cells of each of our specific organs survive, but thrive, in live cultures.  As we would say in the fashion world, he "brought the heat," and then he employed his method to the human body, and guess what.........it worked!  It worked so well, that athletes are now endorsing USANA. 

USANA also stands by its ingredients, in carrying a potency guarantee.  USANA ensures that what is stated on the label, is actually contained in the product.  Usana's manufacturing facility adheres to the same GMPs (good manufacturing practice) that pharmaceutical companies do.  You see, the problem in the US is that the FDA does not require confections like these to be efficacious (meaning that they must work) nor that they contain the ingredients listed, like it sanctions with prescription medications and pharmaceutical agents.  The FDA only mandates that they be safe; not so with USANA.  This company ensures that you are getting exactly what you are paying for, AND the components are backed by science.  Additionally, USANA has a special section on its website where you can "Ask the Scientist"

anything on which you need clarity or direction.

Let's talk about a major subject that has imploded America.  Can someone please explain to me what all this hype about "colon cleansing" or "doing an occasional cleanse" is, and how it originated?  Bang bang, hero, kill that ballyhoo, please!!  According to USANA, detoxifying is a continuous process, and I agree!  Doing one of these "occasional cleanses" is like eating a horrible diet, baking in the sun, smoking cigarettes, and then going to the gym for one hour a week, thinking that you can reverse all that damage you've done in the past week!  Health is about your habits, not what you do "occasionally!"  One thing that impresses me about USANA's products, is that they encourage our organs to function better by protecting them from oxidative stress, and stimulating these organs to perform better, in general.  What exactly does this mean?  In layman's terms, it means that these products galvanize our own systems' ability to detoxify invaders and repair the resulting potential damage.  For example, our liver is one of the major organs in our bodies that filters toxins.  One of USANA's inventions, Hepasil DTX, contains substances that stimulate our own liver enzymes to do their jobs, and once again, "run our engines clean."  Hepasil DTX supports the liver by creating enough reserve in the organ to filter out harmful and excess substances that may lead to many cancers.    

Probiotics......medical doctors are advocating and praising the wondrous benefits of probiotics!  Probiotics are strains of microorganisms (live bacteria) that support the growth of healthy gut flora,  prevent yeast infections, promote digestion, and assist in providing relief for other disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.  Antibiotics, although beneficial short term, have the ability to kill off that essential healthy gut bacteria that we dearly need.  What makes USANA's probiotics exceptional?  First, they are live and active, yet USANA's formulation does not require refrigeration.  Since it is dairy-free and sugar-free, it will be stable at room temperature for over a year.  Also, it's suitable for vegans and of course, those that are lactose-intolerant.  The breed and number of strains contained in the formulation are proven to survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, therefore making it safely to the gut to function properly.  Other companies cannot attest to this the way that USANA can, again, since USANA has proven this in its documented experiments.   

Michaela introduced USANA to me, and thankfully, she was convincing enough for me to give the nutrionals and optimizers a chance.  Being the self-proclaimed scientist that I am, I decided to conduct my own little experiment.  If the results were less than surprising, however, I assure you, you would not be reading this article.  I'm here now, to share with you, the products that I took and my findings.  For one month, I took the Essentials, Proflavanol C, BiOmega, and Hepasil DTX.  On about the 3rd day or so, and every day thereafter, upon waking, I did not need to hit the snooze button......at all!!  Also, since I work overnight (11-12 hours per shift and 7 nights in a row, not the typical 8 hours like normal people), I usually experience my "mid- afternoon slump" around 3 or 4 am..........that didn't happen, either.  I was able to make it to the gym after work without the daily, sobering pep-talk, and additionally, to make it 6 days instead of the normal 4, without an effort.  As a sufferer of mild acne, I apply a nightly dose of topical benzoyl peroxide to affected areas.  Although I noticed no change in the oil production in my skin, my face cleared up by about the 10th day, and the blemishes were totally gone......GONE, did you read me????  I also noticed a little more fullness in my skin, with a somewhat healthy "glow."  My coworkers commented that I looked "refreshed,"  and wanted to know if I changed my makeup or skincare regimen.  Guess what I did next!  I decided to take a small hiatus from the products, just to make sure they were in fact, making a difference, and it wasn't my imagination. After 5 days of stopping USANA, I had trouble getting up for work as usual, my "mid-afternoon slump" returned, and I certainly noticed a decline in my energy level, making it once again a struggle for me to get to the gym after work.  As expected, a pimple surfaced, I swore a lot, and deduced that it was not my imagination.  Since I resumed taking USANA, the vibrancy in the color of my eyes is remarkable, and the whites are about as white can be...........I'm happy.

What else can I say?  There's my testimonial.  Please allow me to conclude with one last comment.  Although USANA has something for everyone, USANA believes in treating the body, specifically the immune system, as a whole.  When our organs are functioning like they should, the body's systems collectively act healthy, and therefore, immunity becomes a side effect to general health.  We all know that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.  The products are designed to improve and support the functionality of what nature has already provided to us.  Whether combating a vitamin deficiency (vitamin D deficiency is rampant these days even in the young), or just giving our organs that little boost to improve our energy, USANA has it all.  Lastly, I could not leave you without proudly bragging that USANA is born and bred in our great USA; what could be better than that!!  Aren't you happy that I saved the best for last?  

michaela@usana.com
and
www.michaela.usana.com

Michaela Foulkes is available to answer any specific questions you may have, and she can be reached at:  michaela@usana.com.  You may also place orders with USANA at:  http://www.michaela.usana.com/  On behalf of Youth Arsenal, thank you so much, Michaela for introducing these products to us all.  We look forward to a lifetime of "thriving."

As always, any and all nutritonals, optimizers, supplements, and the like are no replacement for diagnosis, treatment, and medication prescribed by your doctor.  Before trying anything, please first consult with your physician for his/her approval.

Yours in health and fashion,
~Youth Arsenal~!

*Please note that the author did not receive any payment for this article.  Each person experiences varying results with different products.  These are only the findings of the author's experience after taking the nutritionals/optimizers, and said findings are not intended to predict any factual outcomes for others. 

Do I REALLY need an Eye Cream?

I hate to be the anti aging fairy of bad news, but yes, you REALLY do!  Many skin care experts believe that an eye cream is not necessary.  In their eyes (no pun intended), it's just an incentive for a product line to make more money.

 I happen to be one of those that disagrees!  The only stipulation in which an eye cream is not mandatory,  is when one has EXTREMELY oily skin.  To begin with, these skin types that fall into this category with such overwhelming oil production, are usually also very young; as our skin tends to become drier with age.  When I say this, I am talking about such greasiness, where the eye shadow is smeared and collected in a line across the crease of the eyelid by early afternoon.  This is the ONLY time when an eye moisturizer is not essential.

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that I was one of those teenagers with excessively oily skin,  and this condition carried well into my thirties.  At 40, when my skin became less oily, I woke up one morning, and out of nowhere, it seemed like I was suddenly infected with the "creepies" around my eyes.  In retrospect, I wish I had invested in an eye cream much earlier than I did, despite my skin's prior chronic oleaginous disposition.

Another reason why we need an eye cream, is that the skin around our eyes is the first place to reveal our true age.  This area doesn't seem to capture, retain, and produce moisture the way the rest of our face does.  Furthermore, the lubricative properties of the sebaceous glands in the skin surrounding our eyes slows down dramatically with time.  What happens when we don't have enough moisture...........that horrible word becomes reality: wrinkles!  Just look at a smoker's complexion.  Research has proven that smoking ages us so much faster because smoking robs both oxygen and moisture from the skin.

I know exactly what you are thinking.........OK, so why can't I just use my regular facial moisturizer, and just apply it to the eye area as well?  I have two things to say about that.  First, you can!  Secondly, did you just read the above paragraphs?  The skin around our eye area needs EXTRA hydration.  The consistency in the leading eye creams is thicker than most facial moisturizers.  It makes sense, then, that one wouldn't want to put an eye cream all over the face, because it would be too heavy for the entire face.  Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the skin around our eyes needs more........just like that AT&T commercial.......more is better.  Let's not make it complicated!   Additionally, if your moisturizer contains sunscreen, it can be very, very irritating to your eyes.  Again, the area around the eyes is sensitive.  I have applied sunscreen too close to my eyes, and it is not pleasant, by any means!  In fact, it stings and it burns....enough said!

Thankfully, with the next generation of skincare, the products are becoming increasingly refined with ingredients that really work!  Originally, eye creams were nothing more than glorified moisturizers, containing only humectants (glycerin) and emollients (petrolatum).  Now, we have retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) which has demonstrated its effects in promoting collagen production.  Since retinol may be slightly irritating to sensitive skin, the latest alternative wonder ingredients that have surfaced, are peptides, or protein fragments.  Peptides seem to also increase collagen production, which have the ability to plump up the eye area nicely, without the irritation that retinol can sometimes induce.  Niacinamide, or better known as vitamin B3, is yet, another superhero that has entered the arsenal of anti aging eye creams.  Niacinamide not only addresses skin discolorations, but it also prevents water loss, allowing the area to retain moisture.  The last to mention here in the category of patron saint ingredients, are the silicones.  These are marvelous for extremely dry skin.  Silicones are very slippery.  They form a hydrating barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss, and somehow seem to "fill in"  and plump up those annoying lines on our face.  This is why silicones are usually the main ingredients in makeup primers.


Where do eye creams fit in, as far as order, in our routine?

We should always gently "tap" our eye creams onto the orbital skin of the eye after toners or serums, and before applying the moisturizer for our face, ESPECIALLY if the facial moisturizer contains sunscreen.  It stands to reason that we want the area of our skin in the most need of moisture, to receive it first, and certainly without barriers blocking its absorption.  Sunscreen is a barrier.  For this reason alone, never let your eye cream be the last step in your skincare regimen!

What else can we do?  Now you know, it would be impossible for La Puma to write an article without interrupting herself, somewhere, with a notion of fashion sense!  Hello...............SUNGLASSES!!!  I don't even care if they are ugly or too big/small for your face.  When you are outside, WEAR THEM!!  The two biggest offenders in causing wrinkles, are smoking, and the sun!  If you can, protect yourself from the sun, and as reiterated earlier, avoid smoking at all costs.  You have no idea how practicing these two habits, will save the health and appearance of your skin dramatically, especially around your peepers!!

If you need glasses or contacts to see better, wear them too!  Repeated squinting can certainly exacerbate the formation of those nasty fine lines!

Finally, never, if you can, go to sleep without removing your makeup first.  Once again, this can lead to not only dryness, but accumulation of bacteria (pimples), and itchy, blood-shot eyes, upon waking.  Just what you need, in addition to wrinkles, right?

What's left?  If you would like specific recommendations for some outstanding eye creams, feel free to email me, and I will be more than happy to help with your selection!  In the meantime, if you haven't done so already, I want you out there, rain or shine, sporting those hotty new shades!! As always, don't forget to take pictures and share!!

Happy Fashion Fixing,

~Youth Arsenal~!

The New Look for Fall and Winter 2013: SEXY REBEL!

With a cocktail mix of studded glam and a twist of feminine motorcycle momma, you have this season's seductive, sizzling new style:  Sexy Rebel!!  Cache started this trend with her new feminine installation to the biker look, and now other lines have infused their own flavor to spice up this manner of design....talk about hot!!

Here's why this look is so spectacular.....one word:  VERSATILE!  This new strain is for everyone from the girly girl gone bad on the weekend type, to the preppy learning how to work the twerk on the dance scene for the first time!

  How do we get to sexy rebel status?  It will surprise you to see how easy this one is........think Harley Davidson meets Scarlett Johansson.  We take a hard core edge and soften it with bling.  This is called studded glamour.  Complete the look with a fitted, quilted motorcycle-type jacket, pair of pants, or sweater and watch the thunder roar with immediate transformation!  Step out like this and men will be thinking just like INXS, "there's something about you girl, that makes me sweat!"  Let's take a peek at this trend in action:

Notice the feminine touch with the heels

See how easy?  We can hang safely with black and just bling it out:

  

Now let's switch gears into FIERCE mode by adding color:

Grey and Aubergine:

Now, really glam it up with blingy accessories:  

New York Style

Vintage

Let's see what colors you can come up with to rock your Sexy Rebel!!

Happy Fashion fixing,

~La Puma~!

I Wear Your Grandma's Clothes......I Look Incredible!!

Everyone is talking about trends that never go out of style and vintage pieces that are coming back........well, get ready for the new look that combines the two:  Millennium Retro Glam!!!  Follow La Puma's advice, and you will be looking spectacular with this new style. Mind you, this is no fad, because we have borrowed classic basics and then do what I call "install" key eccentric pieces, that have remained statement accessories throughout the decades.

The equation to achieve the Millennium Retro Glam look is fundamental:  one or more Classic pieces + one Vintage handbag + a pair of Modern Shoes!  Just so there is no guessing in designing your daily ensemble, let's characterize each element.  

Classic:  segments of a wardrobe that have remained as basic staples that never go out of style.  One example that immediately comes to mind is jeans!  Yves Saint Laurent once said about jeans, "I wish I had invented blue jeans:  the most spectacular, the most relaxed and nonchalant.  They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity- all I hope for in my clothes." 

 I always keep a pair of jeans, nude color pumps, and a white button up and down dress shirt in my trunk, just in case I am over OR under dressed, which brings me to the next prototypical piece that Lauren Hutton has made timeless:  the basic (men's) white button up and down shirt.  
Other classic tendrils would be:  the little black dress by Coco Chanel and

the cashmere turtleneck that Marilyn Monroe declared an abiding go-to luxury......."we're so rich in love, we're rollin' in cashemere" -Luxurious by Gwen Stefani.  

Priming Porelessly in Wonderful Nation of Foundation!

We all want flawless (or the appearance of flawless) skin.  Well, thank Goodness that art and science have now united, to grant this blessing to us, no matter what kind of skin we have!  Years ago, we would call our Avon lady or spackle on the closest color of pancake powder from the nearest drug store, and we didn't have many options back then.  

Now, we can have (the illusion of) a perfect complexion with today's makeup tools and anti aging arsenal.  However, there are many steps in order to create this seamless image, and I am here to help you achieve this look, while avoiding all pitfalls and mistakes along the way in getting you there!

First, let's discuss the different skin types, before we even get into priming!  There are several different skin conditions with different needs.  These are:  dry, combination, oily, acne (with or without oil), sensitive, and rosacea.  Always consult your dermatologist before applying any skin products and/or makeup; and make sure that you are using the correct skin care regimen to TREAT your skin, before applying primer and makeup.  Makeup is used to enhance and hopefully improve our appearance.  Today, there are foundations out there that will trustingly not aggravate our skin, but what we consider to be our daily washing, toning, and moisturizing routine, is what we depend on to protect and improve the texture, tone, and health of our skin.  

Dry Skin:  one word for you:  SUNSCREEN!  Somewhere in your age-fighting arsenal, you need to have a product that contains sunscreen.  Your skin type will unfortunately, be the first to start aging in the way of wrinkles, and the sun will exacerbate this.  Also, if you have dry skin, I suggest, even before primer, to apply a facial oil (email me for recommendations) over deep wrinkles.  This will plump up fine lines and make the skin look smoother.

Combination Skin:  talk about confused!  You have both dry and oily patches, mostly in the T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead).  If you have combination skin, make sure that you are not using products that are too emollient in that area, which will be causing the clogging in that T-zone.  You may have to use different moisturizers for different parts of your face.  

Oily Skin:  I would like to say you are the lucky ones, here, but it doesn't seem that way, now does it?  Research shows that your natural oil will slow down the aging process, and your makeup looks fabulous right after you apply it, but by noontime, all the color from your foundation is everywhere but on your face!  Again, there are oil absorbing lotions that provide just enough moisture to your face, so your skin doesn't freak out and produce more oil from the reaction of your stripping and robbing the natural moisture that your face would normally produce on its own.  

Acne:  this is a tricky one.  Some have acne with dry skin, and others have acne with oily skin.  The severity of your acne will dictate your needs.  The extreme form will warrant a prescription for Accutane.  Although there are side effects to consider, this is the next best thing to a cure, and will undoubtedly prevent disfiguring.  Of course this is all up to your dermatologist.  Without getting too in-depth, one thing to keep in mind with simple acne, is exfoliation!  Depending on your skin type, exfoliation with a glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid based product is the way to go.  This will keep the cells turning over, at a rate which makes it difficult for the bacteria to lodge itself in the pores and cause breakouts.    

Sensitive:  if you can, stay away from fragrances.  I have found, that those with sensitive skin do best with all natural products that contain chamomile and calendula, barring any allergies.

Rosacea:  those mysterious red, annoying patches that seem to come out of nowhere!  Drinking alcohol can worsen or trigger an outbreak of rosacea, so drink accordingly (or not at all if you can).  You most likely will need a prescription from your dermatologist for rosacea, but again, calming agents like those for sensitive skin seem to help.  Anything labeled "for couperose skin" is geared toward treating rosacea.

PRIMING:  Look at it this way:  your face is like a canvas, and priming the canvas before the (makeup) artist applies the "paint" is necessary in most cases.  I used to think priming my face was a wasted step.  This was because I was layering on the WRONG primer, which is worse than applying no primer at all.  Thankfully, there are myriad of primers out there from which to choose.  There are even salicylic acid based primers for acne-prone skin, now.  I suggest that very oily skin types stay away from silicone-based primers.  They work wonders for dry skin, however!  I have come to appreciate primers for their purpose of reducing the look of pore size, wrinkles, and creating that smooth, seamless look that we talked about earlier.  Trust me, with the right primer, your skin will look flawless after your foundation is applied!  See your favorite makeup artist for a consultation in recommending the appropriate one for you! 

Foundation:  Ahhhh, I could go on for pages and days about foundation.  Foundation phobes, fear not!  There are all kinds of textures, from lightweight powders, tinted moisturizers, and BB and CC creams, to heavy, full-coverage formulations!  Traditionally, the first thing we would decide when choosing the correct foundation, is the type of coverage we want, from minimal, to full....those times are gone!  This is where science has introduced itself, and with the latest invention that I am so excited to announce, the steps are now reorganized!  I have been to Sephora recently, and the store has a new device that matches your "color IQ."  The makeup artist will hold this gizmo up to your skin, on usually 3 areas (cheek, jawline and neck, or forehead), to obtain an accurate reading.  The screen magically shows an endless array of options for your coloring.  From there, you can choose the texture you want, from the available selections.  Let me tell you, my experience was marvelous!  Because I am so pale, I used to slap on a self-tanner all over my body, and attempt to match my face with the same color of foundation.  Much to my peril, I looked older in pictures!  When I am wearing the correct foundation, my skin looks younger and more vibrant.  I learned to add color with blush and bronzer, and this is THE way to go!  Add your finishing touches with or without powder.  Today's foundations don't always necessitate "setting" with powder, anymore, especially with dry skin, and most specifically around the eye area. 

I cannot tell you how overjoyed I am that art and science have allied to give us the look that ageless icons from only decades ago, would envy today.  Historically, one must have been born with perfect skin, or else shy away from the camera.  Don't you just love technology?  Not to mention, we have so many eco-friendly and planet-conscious options that actually work!  Please share your tips and results here, I'm waiting!  

                                   Happy Fashion Fixing,

                                                     ~La Puma~!

Traveling Light: How to Look Fantastical, While Still Being Practical!

Working the deal!

And the beat goes on.......summer isn't over, and we are still gallivanting!  Living out of a suitcase gets old very quickly, and lugging that thing around can be even more treacherous.  After reading this week's tutorial, however, you will have mastered the art of roving cloudlessly and looking radiant, so much so, that the gypsies will be envious!

When on the go, keep two things in mind:  versatility and comfort!  I see sooooo many women at the airport trying to look chic with their stiletto spikes and sky scraping wedges; and let me tell you, prima swankies, one word:  Desigual.....doesn't work!  They look uncomfortable and stupid, especially trying to drag their massive, overstuffed carry-ons!  It's totally impossible for a woman to look fashionable and fierce when she can't even walk in her shoes!


Of course you could do what I do, and bring the basics and one "emergency dress and heels" in an otherwise empty suitcase, and just buy whatever you need once you arrive at your destination.  However, this is not economical nor always feasible.  

Easy switch for fun at night!

There are three possible occasions for which to dress during your trip:  A.) Fun excursions (this includes casual visits with friends and family), B.)Dressy events (weddings or dinner engagements), and C.) Business meetings. The first thing to do, is make a list of the necessary nitty gritties, which I have already provided for you here......aren't I wonderful?

1.)  Jeans.......Glorious Jeans!!  If you are not a "jeans person," ok for you, but jeans are not only ambidextrous in the fashion world, but also wearable for a few episodes without having to wash them immediately, like you would, with other pants and shorts.  Who cares if they wrinkle?  Some already come that way.  Jeans are so wonderful because you can wear them casually during the day, and just magically transform your entire look into neatly social for the evening, with just the change of shirt and shoes!

2.)  Polo shirts and tank tops.......lightweight, lightweight, lightweight.........and YES more room in the suitcase for shopping later!!  Just hanging around or casual excursioining is your time to relax and be comfortable.  Stay away from T shirts unless you are using them as night shirts.  Or else T shirts are fitted, they are so boring!  Polo shirts still allow you to look regal, and today's tank will be tomorrow's workout shirt!

3.)  Black Pants (for business):  it may be hot, but most offices and meeting places are air conditioned.  Black trousers are fantastic because now, if you are meeting for dinner/drinks after, all you have to do, is take off your blazer, and voila, you have on one of your fancy tanks, and boom, done, let's go, where's the party!  

4.)  Shoes.........only 3......and one of those pair you will wear to the airport!  How do you like those apples?  You only need one pair of dress shoes, sneakers (if you work out), and flip flops:  if you are venturing to someplace warm, boots:  if you are going someplace cold.  If you never want to be caught off guard, I recommend flip flop wedges with a heel........yes, they make them now.  You can wear them anytime, including a dressy Caribbean dinner celebration, especially if you pick a metallic color!!

5.)  Handbags, including evening clutches:  one of each.......here, one size fits all!  All you have to do is sport a trendy tote during the day, and this will be one of your carry-ons to the plane!! At night, the evening clutch will match your elegant shoes, and they will go with every dress you have!  As an extra tip, I use my evening wristlet as my wallet in my daily handbag, so I don't need an extra one at night.  Besides, it saves time, because I only have to grab it and go, no transferring credit cards and lipstick!

6.)  Dresses:  one for each occasion.  I recommend wearing dresses at night, especially in hot weather.  They look nicer, are easier to store in luggage, and only one piece to match!

7.)  Makeup and skincare:  if you can,  ask your beauty consultant for travel samples or transfer all you can into FSA-approved containers.  Believe it or not, if you have a full Arsenal like I do, these products add up and can get amazingly heavy!  Store them in clear makeup bags and carry them on your person.  One thing I do not want the airlines to lose, is my skincare and makeup!  Depending on where you are going, you may not be able to find the lines that you use.  You can replace clothes and undergarments, but you will be in deep do-do if these items are gone!  Also, if you store them in clear makeup bags, you just reach into your tote and throw them on the airport x-ray conveyor.....tres facile!  To make things even easier, only bring what you know looks best on you!  Chances are, pictures will be taken, and we want to look spotlight-ready, as usual!  This means, again, one eye shadow palette, one blush, two eyeliners (one for the day, and one for the night for a more intense look).  You may bring different lipsticks, and that alone, will change up your presentation.  I suggest lipsticks from different color genres if you can wear them:  warm and cool.  You may be in the cool color family, but if you happen to get a tan, the warm family can look outstanding on you, come sunset!


Dressing for the airport:  If you plan to get some exercise on your trip, wear your sneakers!  Yes, you can still be a stunner in your "tennis."  I usually wear white jeans and a black turtleneck with sporty sunglasses, and let me tell you, this stylish diction is HAUGHT!  It's a sporty, functional look.  Remember, airports and planes are cold!!  If you tend to be going through menopause and/or are one of those lovelies that are always hot (yes we know you are by nature; I'm talking about your body temperature), again, this is where one of your tanks come in, and throw on a button-up or zip sweater.  You can always take the sweater off and tie it around your waist.  This stylish slant is true cooperation with sneakers.  Refer back to our essentials:  polos work with this outfit too.  You see how uncomplicated it is to pull this all together?  One last tip:  whatever you do, do NOT wear sweatpants.......not even nice ones.  Those are for the gym or bed!

 

From Business to Pleasure:

    TO:      

Just remove the blazer!!

Having a Bad Handbag Day?

No fretting allowed, starlets:  La Puma is here to cure all of your fashion ailments!!  For those of us who just don't want to look all put together before we leave the safe cavern of home, but NEED to look impeccably polished before stepping out to the scene, this article is for you! 

How many times have you gotten all decked out, shoes, earrings and all, only to find that you have not one handbag in that mound of accouterments, to match!!  Whatever you do, DO NOT go out and buy another expensive handbag......no no NO, bad fashionistas!!  Remember, true talent in style is all about improvising!  

Let's start by defining and discussing La Puma's three basic styles.  There is a time and a place for each one:

1.)  Too Matchy-Matchy:  when you have the same pattern on your shirt, trousers, and/or handbag.  The only time you ever want to be too matchy matchy, is a when you are scheduling a breakup date!  Too matchy-matchy is a big no no when taking pride in your appearance.  The reason for this is because you don't want to come off like you are trying too hard!  Do I need to remind you, bebe chicas, fashion is a talent that should come naturally, not "worked at."  When our attire looks like we put too much effort into it, it gives off the air that we are trying aimlessly to impress.  That is clearly NOT the image that we want to project.  We want to appear confident and KNOW that we look unstoppable!

2.)  Safe:  well, is just that!  It's ok to remain safe during any kind of interview or business meeting.  Overwhelming your potential boss or client may cost you the deal if he/she assumes your personality is just as intense as your suit!  You always know you are safe when you stick with the basics and the classics.  Solid colored dress shirts, black slacks, pearls, and cashmere are all examples of safe bets.

3.)  Fierce:  a look that OTHERS have to work at in order to duplicate.  A fierce look usually produces head-turning, eye bulging, neck craning responses from your audience!  As Ke$ha says, the party don't start until I walk in; and when you have a reputation of being fierce, everyone will be waiting in anticipation, to see what type of smashing getup you'll be adorned in for the evening!

Now, let's look at examples of each, below.  First let's start with the blouse:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Handbags that would be Too Matchy-Matchy:

GORGEOUS bags, but not an option with this shirt!

Here, we have a "Safe" representation: 

Now for the Demonstration (the fierce way):

Here's the shirt again:

Choose your handbag:  

CLEARLY, THIS DOES NOT MATCH!

Now for the MAGIC: add a cheap matching scarf:

SEE HOW EASY?

 

BOOM!

                                                                                                                                            

ALMOST DONE....

                                   

ADD SHOES

See how painless and fast that was?  Metallic goes with everything, and the silver shoes pick up the silver in the handbag ever so nicely!  My advice to you to make things even faster and accessible, is to phase out your "scarf drawer" if you have one.  Instead, hang all your scarves around the matching chosen attire in your closet.  This way, you won't need more time to have to go hunting for a shirt and then your scarf.  Besides, you probably won't be matching that handbag with the same scarf all the time, since the scarf doesn't match everything in your wardrobe.

Now you only have to look for one article, not two

Twine it through a belt loop
                                                                                   

  

    

It is much cheaper and stylish to go this route, rather than running out to buy yet, another expensive purse.  There are plenty of places to shop for inexpensive scarves.  Feel free to add sparkles and pendants too!  Use your imagination and you will surprise yourself as to how creative you can become!  Get really "fierce" and share your ideas!  

                                                                    HappyFashion Fixing!

                                                                         La Puma~!