Hydration

What it the best anti-aging formula (along with sunscreen)? How about the most energizing substance? What do the best dermatologists recommend?

Would you believe me if I said that the answer to these questions is water?

OK, we've all been lectured over and over about the importance of proper hydration and our health. But, I have learned a few new things for myself about water lately and i just really want to share it.

Just look at the ways water will benefit your looks:

1. Because water is in every part of your body, it affects your skin. Water will help keep your skin naturally moisturized, which will prevent it from becoming tired, ashy, and inflamed. Your skin will also retain elasticity, which could help prevent the effect of aging (wrinkles anyone?).
2. When you are dehydrated you may also look more tired. Dark circles and a sallow complexion just aren't flattering.
3. Being improperly hydrated on a daily basis leads to food cravings that will make you end up gaining a few extra pounds. If you are especially craving something greasy and salty, you are probably somewhat dehydrated.

Signs you need water NOW!:

1. Unexplainable headaches or migraines (I realize some people have disorders where they get migraines often, but if you don't have a disorder or large migraine history, you probably need some hydration)
2. Food cravings when you've eaten a good amount or when you are bored
3. Fatigue and overall tiredness

How to be hydrated:

1. Water is really the best way to stay properly hydrated. You see, even though sugary and carbonated drinks are liquid and probably contain water, they counteract one of the roles water takes in your body. Water helps keep your body clean, and putting in the dirt (such as sugar) with the water is just going to put you back at square one.
2. Some other drinks that can help you stay hydrated: 100% juice, skim milk, flavored water(with little or no sweetener) and herbal tea.
3. Avoid caffeine. I know, it's so great, but it is also a diuretic, which means it will drain the water out of your body. (pee anyone?) Not so good in the end. Alcohol is another dehydrating substance, so maybe drink a glass or two of water after the cocktail party?
4.When exercising, you should have a drink every 15 minutes or so. Also, drink a good amount of water right before and right after your workout. From the beginning to the end of your workout, you should have drunk around 24 oz. of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before a workout!
5. When you start a new exercise regimen, you need to drink more water for the first week or so to allow your body to adjust.
6. Is it hard for you to like water or remember to drink it? Slice up some cucumber or citrus fruits and keep it in a pitcher of pure water to make it a pleasant experience. Just remember to take to fruit out at the end of the day!
7. Depending on your size, routine, etc. you should have 7-11 8 oz. glasses of water every day.

In conclusion, some words from Dr. Perricone, world renowned dermatologist: "...If you do not drink water, your organs and cells cannot function. You don't have to overdo it, but if you don't drink water, you cannot metabolize fat, nor can you flush wastes out of the cells. A dehydrated body provokes the development of aging, inflammatory compounds. Water has great anti-inflammatory properties and will help your skin to be radiant, soft, and supple."

(The information in this post was taken from Seventeen Magazine, Sephora: the ultimate guide to skin, beauty, and hair from the beauty authority, The Body Book from Klutz Publishing, and my exercise class.)

Victorian-inspired

Every chic outfit needs some hidden humorous socks. :)

The Late 1890's

I have been lucky enough to take some good long looks at very old newspapers at my previous job. In doing so, I found quite a few clothing ads. Can there be a better fashion history resource? Here are a few photos of some beautiful turn-of-the-century fashion to inspire you. They are all from the same article, which was published in the spring of 1897

Walking Outfit

Dining Gown

Riding habit

Bathing Suit

Old Man Style

I love the style of old men. 3 reasons why:

1. They color coordinate thier socks, ties, sweaters and hats. Many older men have a good eye for color undertones.

2. They aren't afraid of texture. They often mix textures in thier vintage suits that I hardly ever see in modern suits.

3. They accessorize. I really like basic men's accessories, such as the hat above, or basic ties, or a neatly folded hankerchief in the front pocket.

Guess I am not the type to find gym shorts attractive...

Warm on the street.

Here is a reminder that there are many ways to be cute and warm.

That Skirt

Word in the magazines say it's great to wear ribbed tanks tucked into high-waisted skirts. I've seen pics of Amanda Bynes doing it. I think it looks good...on people that aren't me. (that's just how it goes, doesn't it?) I like how this young lady wore the look, because she added a cardigan to the ensemble. Without the cardigan the tank would be too sporty for the skirt she's wearing. It's amazing how cardigans can make an outfit look so much more pulled together. Speaking of the skirt, it's one of my favorite Jared Gold creations. The circus animals printed on the bottom and the ribbon suspenders are very unique. I love the idea of ribbon suspenders.

I wish Jared Gold still designed for black chandelier. Now I will have to find his stuff elsewhere. *sigh*

Well, here's a cheery outfit to console myself for not having bought that shirt when i could:

Cute!

Mascara!

I am one that can't live without mascara. It's the best thing to wake me up in the morning...when i don't put on mascara, I am sluggish all day! I have tried many different brands and types of mascara. here is the comparison of 3 that I have been trying for the past month. One is designer, one is high-end, and one is from Wal-Mart.


First: Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara, $24, Sephora stores and sephora.com

Pros: This mascara was very thick, dark, and dramatic. It made my eyelashes stand up tall for the doe-eyed look I try to achieve. It didn't clump easily, and it dried flexible so it was easy to fix mistakes (such as an eyelash pointing in the wrong direction) Also, it stayed on all day without flaking, but because of how flexible it was, it was really easy to take off with eye makeup remover.
Cons: The only thing I can complain about this mascara is the brush. The bristles were too soft and thick. It was hard to get used to putting it on, because I didn't feel like I was combing through my eyelashes. Once I got used to the brush my eyes looked amazing, but that didn't last for long. After a month or so the flexible bristles started sticking to each other. Now I can't even put the mascara on properly. Too bad, because the formula is so great.


Second: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara, $15, Mary Kay consultants



Pros: This mascara also made my eyelashes stand tall. The brush was easy to use, and it gave my eyelashes a little extra curl.
Cons: I don't think I have sensitive eyes, but something about this mascara made my eyes burn and water for a couple hours after using it. And if my eyes watered a little too much, this stuff RAN. And it burned my eyes even more when it ran. Also, it wasn't very easy to put on, because the formula was very wet and goopy, which made it dry hard. Which in turn made it very hard to fix any mistakes, because it was like my eyelashes were stuck togeth in plaster. So when I did a good job, it looked awesome, but if I made a mistake, I was stuck with it. The other thing is that it's hard to take off. Even with Mary Kay eyemakeup remover, which has always done a good job for me.

Last: Rimmel London LYCRA® Lash Extender Mascara, about $5, Wal-Mart


Pros: This mascara had a great look. It wasn't as dramatic as the dior mascara, but it came close. It didn't make my eyelashes stand quite as tall, but they looked long and thick enough to satisfy me for school. The brush was a pretty standard easy-to-use one. It didn't flake, and hardly ever clumped. My eyelashes didn't stick together! And when I applied too much in one spot, or made any mistake it was easy to fix.
Cons: I just wish it curled the base of my eyelashes better so they would stand taller. If it was as thick as the Dior mascara, it'd probably be perfect. Also, not much comes in the little bottle. Seems like I am running out fast.

The Verdict? Finish running out of the Rimmel mascara, then use the Rimmel brush with the Dior mascara. Oh, and give the Mary Kay to my sister that likes it more than I do.