Fall is among us and that means cooler temperatures and more FUN events throughout the area. In celebration of layered looks, less humidity and pumpkin everything, I have compiled a list of favorite Fall finds in DFW. From kid-friendly festivals and family fun to nightlife sips and scrumptious sweets, there is something to enjoy every day from now until the arrival of winter.

Pumpkin & Autumn-Inspired Eats & Treats

Hypnotic Donuts in East Dallas features a Pumpkin Pie Donut with a Spiced Pecan Glaze. [Ed. note: The one in Denton has "The Great Pumpkin" - pumpkin spice cake donut with cream cheese glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon.]
Pinkberry Dallas treats those looking to keep cool on sunny days to a Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt.
Parliament pours a Pumpkin Spice Latte-inspired cocktail to those 21 and up.
Café Modern, located within the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, has a full seasonal menu that includes a delish squash risotto.
The Ginger Man Pub serves up brown-sugar-sweetened Pumpkin Ale in Dallas.

​Rahr Brewery in Fort Worth has $10 tours and tastings year-long, and right now they have an award-winning Oktoberfest brew.

The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Pumpkin Festival

Hands down one of the nation’s most impressive pumpkin patches, adults and children alike can enjoy the wonder and beauty of Autumn at the Arboretum this time of year. Aside from the acres of gardens, fountains, floral lined pathways and historical home tours, through November 25th guests can even shop for their holiday pumpkin right outside of the Pumpkin Village. The award-winning village features over 75,000 pumpkins and gourds and offers many photo opportunity locations, including a straw horse drawn carriage, pumpkin huts and a watchful scarecrow. Foodies: Daily bratwurst tastings and Mon-Fri Harvest Tea are options to nosh in nature.

State Fair of Texas

Fall just isn’t complete without a trip to the fair. Especially if you live in the state that hosts elaborate and sprawling State Fair of Texas. Come down and visit Big Tex with only five days to spare and enjoy an array of classic fair games, contests, rides and traditional fair eats. Music headliners, the 2016 State Fair Auto Show and a an acclaimed Lone Star Horse Spectacular event at 3, 4 and 5p daily in the Pan Am Arena are among some of this year's most popular draws.

Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival & Chili Cook Off

Taking place in Farmer’s Branch at the Farmer’s Branch Historical Park is October’s Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival and Chili Cook Off. On October 16th and 17th, guests can enjoy live music from a long line-up of local and traveling musicians like LeeAnn Womack, as well as taste some of best chili in DFW, all for FREE! [Ed. note: Tastings are $3 per person, but entry, parking and concerts are free.] There will be an on-site arts & crafts market, too.

Fall is a season of celebration. A time where the weather cools and hearts warm up to the thoughts of family, good food and of course, FUN.

Out with the old and in with the new.

Such a powerful statement, one that, for some, brings a rush of excitement for new possibilities and an excuse to shop.  However, for others it is a paralyzing realization that things need to change.  That the things we’ve become attached to or accustomed to will no longer be a part of our lives.  You need to cut the ties and move on.

I am here to help. 

When the seasons change, transition is natural.  The leaves fall, the weather shifts, even our menus start to reflect the chillier weather with hearty stews and seasonal favorites.  These changes mean it is only natural for us to venture into the depths of our closets and remove what needn’t be there anymore.

I am not talking your basics.  There are going to be items that you will want to hold on to and we will get to those, but in any chaotic or overwhelming situation, we just need to take a deep breath and start somewhere.  So let us start with the winter wardrobe you already have.

For some of us, your current winter selection is still hanging in your closet.  Maybe it’s in the very back, deep behind all of your summer and fall dresses, light cardigans and capris.  Maybe it’s mixed in with various seasonal pieces, or maybe, like me, they are in labeled winter bins in a hall closet.  Let us open those, shall we?  There are pieces that will work from year to year.  Basic denim, vintage coats and black leggings are all pieces that can be kept and worn year after year.  However, prints that are no longer in style, old tattered pieces that don’t hold any specific sentimental value, anything that looks like it’s been worn for decades, or should have been worn decades ago, needs to go.  

For your spring, summer and fall pieces the same rules apply.  If they are styles you believe will still work in the following year, are vintage collection pieces, are simple pieces that mix well with new trends or can be layered upon, those you will want to hang on to.  The rest, you guessed it, needs to go.  I promise it gets better from here.  I can see you hesitating, clutching an old favorite, raggedy tee with a tear in your eye.  Take a deep breath and put it in the bag.  Like ripping off a band-aid.

Back to the basics.  As I touched on earlier, you will want to keep your denim, your basic solid tee’s, your leggings and other separates that can be layered upon when ushering in your new winter pieces.  It allows you to mix and match, create various outfits and stretch what you buy, so that you don’t end up maxing out your credit card on clothes, leaving you with no funds to go anywhere exciting to show them off.

Once your closet is organized and the old pieces have been donated or thrown away, it’s time to shop for the new.  I told you it gets better.  Just like the process of sorting through the old, you want to be mindful of what you are bringing home.  Impulse shopping, rushed mall trips or not taking the time to try on the clothing is not the way to mindfully grow your wardrobe.  To avoid having to throw away clothes every season, keep your eyes open for pieces that will work year-round, or at the very least, two seasons.  If your purging left you without a decent winter coat, this is where you will want to splurge.  A quality coat that presents both style and comfort is an important staple.  Another tip when choosing your winter coat: make sure it compliments your winter holiday event cocktail attire.  Scarves are a fun accessory item, but do look for basic prints or solids that will work with various outfits.  If you scored a great pair of boots for fall those can work in winter as well, so shoe purchases can be limited so that you can focus more on sweaters, jumpers, coats and pants to fill out your own personal winter collection.

Change doesn’t have to be a negative experience.  Just as you gave life to last year’s wardrobe, you can do so once again for 2015. Changing up your look can build confidence and allow you to utilize your creativity.  Two very important contributors to health and happiness.

And isn’t that what New Year’s Resolutions are all about? 

By Mandi Pimental

Romantic songs, sappy love stories and cinematic fairytale endings.  All of these items are the juiciest ingredients of what forms our ideas of love as children.  And while swooning over the leading man in the most recent Nicholas Spark’s movie may inspire you to find your own “true love”, there is much more that goes into lasting romance than the intention of happily ever after, or a well-written script.

If you break down the nitty-gritty, not so sexy, science-driven side of love, you can see that our brain is the one responsible for those butterflies, more so than our heart.  Before you write me off as a cynical anti-romantic, look at the facts.  I myself love, love.  Who doesn’t adore the fluttering of the butterflies or an exhilarating first kiss?  And although so much mystery lies in the beginning of a relationship, what is most interesting is how our bodies get past the feeling of ‘like’ to ‘infatuation’, and eventually, to love.

I Love You With My Whole… Brain.
There are primarily three sections of our brain that help us to interpret affection, to recognize reward and feel accepted.  These include the hippocampus, the medial insula and the anterior cingulate. Other parts of our brain that contribute to how we feel within a relationship include the pituitary gland, which regulates our hormones, the amygdala which moderates our fear and stress levels, and the hypothalamus that produces the happy chemicals that make it possible to “fall in love”.

The Drug That Is Love.
If we break down the chemicals released into the body, we can see how the process works.  The hypothalamus releases dopamine, and as dopamine increases, serotonin decreases.  Which is why being “lovesick” causes loss of appetite, improved mood or feelings of obsessive infatuation.  The body also produces a substance known as NGF, or Nerve Growth Factor.  The higher the amount of NGF, the more intense your feelings will be at the onset, and throughout, your relationship.  As couples move from the stages of puppy love into a deeper connection, the oxytocin and vasopressin take over.  Stored in the pituitary gland, these hormones, when present together in high amounts, have been proven to contribute to the success of long-term relationships.

Too Much Of A Good Thing
The intense feelings of falling in love is usually short-lived.  Rarely lasting longer than a year, most people’s brains cannot sustain this euphoric feeling because one’s brain can become overloaded in this blissful state.  As silly as that sounds, it is quite easy to explain.  When we are falling in love, activity in our frontal cortex decreases, making us not as sharp to make wise decisions.  The amygdala also shuts down when you’re head over heels, masking your fear.  This explains why couples are more adventurous when trying to impress their new partner, doing things they normally wouldn’t do, or making decisions they normally wouldn’t make.  Las Vegas impulse weddings are the first thing that comes to mind, followed by first dates that include daredevil activities such as skydiving or tattooing your significant others name to various body parts.  It is in the brain’s best interest not to remain in this state for too long, if only for self-preservation.

Love At First Sight… Fact or Fiction?
In a study conducted by Dr. Helen Fisher, PhD, only 11% of couples polled said they had found love at first sight.  With the rush of chemicals, and high levels of brain activity, it is possible to see why couples would feel as if it was instantaneous, soul-mate level love.   Especially if their relationship started out during an exciting event or time in their lives, as an adrenaline rush can create a bond between people. And although I am not ruling out that magical, cosmic possibility, it’s best advised that couples take the time to really get to know one another, to bond over similarities in life goals, their character traits and their priorities, more so than basing their relationship future solely on fleeting chemical reactions. 

By Mandi Pimental

When women are seeking to find their look for the new season, they look to the Hollywood trendsetters and what is hot on the runway.  Though it may feel that in doing so you are just following the latest “fad”,  it’s actually quite the opposite from the truth.  The top industry make-up artists and “in the know” stylists work hard to research what compliments the seasons changing wardrobe styles and color palette, giving us looks that are effortless, beautiful, and easily adaptable to any skin tone.  And that is not an easy feat.  By presenting their research on the prettiest A-List faces, we get to see a broader range of hairstyles, skin tones and looks to help us navigate through the endless options when creating our own makeup arsenal for the chillier months.

In make-up, trends for winter 2014 are seeing a drastic shift from the dewy finishes and rich hues of summer and pre-fall.  Muted lips are popular now.  Where we saw deep berry hues last year, we are seeing soft nudes.  To avoid the look of the undead, choose a nude lipstick two to three shades darker than your natural skin tone and brush a light gloss over top to reflect light.  Although the trend is to downplay the lip, you don’t want them disappearing entirely.  Star favorites include Lea Michele’s top pick in Clarins Rouge Prodige Lipstick in Nude, while JLO’s always-perfect pout prefers Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear in Knockout Nude.  Another popular hue that we saw plenty of during Fashion Week was ballerina pink.  If you aren’t a fan of the nude lip, or have a smaller pout that you would like to accentuate, try a light pink that best compliments your skin tone.  A couple of favorites include Dolce & Gabbana’s Cool Classic Pink or Dior Addict Lipstick in Sheer Bubblegum Pink.

The downplay of the lip brings us to winter’s highlighted feature, the eyes.  Played up eyes are making this seasons make-up looks fun and extremely versatile.  From thick, rich mascaras (try Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara) to metallic creamy lids that pop with color, the look is smoky, bold and sexy.  This season when smoking the eyes, line the bottom lid and finish with eye shadow below as well.  The look is more dramatic and opens up the eye.  Make-up artists this season aren’t just using black this year either, the trend of smoking eyes with rich browns and greys are becoming increasingly popular.  Try Bobbi Brown’s Dark Ash Brown or Dark Grey to play with different color options.

Ballerina pink isn’t just for the lips; the confectionary color is also showing up on eyelids.  Balance is always key when using bright colors on the eyes.  Keep the lips simple, this is where a light nude gloss would work to compliment and balance the more festive eye.  Light brows are also a big trend, and though this look doesn’t work for every occasion, or everyone, it is a fun look to experiment with.  To do so you will want to find a brow pencil that is a couple of shades lighter than your natural hair color, shape your brows and then fill in completely.  For a more subtle look, opt for a light eye shadow.

Remember in winter to keep the face matte with just a hint of highlight.  Winter weather tends to dry our skin, so opt for a good moisturizer in favor of your dewy foundations, save those for spring.  A complimentary blush is always a welcomed addition, unless the winter chill naturally gives you the coveted rosy pink cheeks, the skip the blush and go natural.  

For hair, this season is all about ease of style and no-fuss cuts.  With all of our holiday shopping, work parties and social engagements, we women like to look and feel great without having to take hours, or paying a professional, to do so.   It is more about how to simply style your chosen cut.  If you opt for the newly revived bob trend, like the adorable Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting or the always-trendy Jennifer Lawrence, a little styling product goes a long way to give it personality.  Opting for a side part can make the cut feel modern and sophisticated.  Side parts are popular for all lengths, as are sweeping fringe bangs.  Wearing your bangs long and swept to one side is an elegant look, as are the more voluminous bun styles that are a red carpet favorite now. 

To change up your look, opt for an occasional fishtail braid, a favorite of Modern Family’s Sarah Hyland.  Not your average kiddie braid, the fishtail style is refined and grown-up.  A glossy ponytail, high or low, is a look that can be worn casually or for cocktail hour.  Jennifer Lopez is the queen of making this look effortless and chic.

The beauty of the season lies in the simplicity of this years trends.   A little goes a long way if you utilize the right products and respect what styles will and won’t work for you.  Natural beauty is a foundation in which artists build upon, and this winter, the foundation is getting a chance to shine. 

BY Mandi Pimental

L.A. Fashion Week took place in mid-October in multiple locations throughout Los Angeles, California.  Numerous events hosted hundreds of designers, both established and aspiring, throughout the week.  One event in particular was the Art Hearts Foundation, hosting shows from October 10th-14th, benefitting AIDS research.  The Concept L.A. event also featured some of the hottest up and coming names in the fashion industry, as well as Runway’s Rock That Fashion event, Style Week LA and a handful of other various events throughout Los Angeles.

The fashion styles for S/S 2015 were quite diverse.  From lingerie and swimwear presentations to edgy street wear and elegant gown collections, there was something for everyone to fall in love with.

Design house Tumbler & Tipsy presented a street wear collection that was fun, feminine and flirty.  Tipsy logo hats accessorized cropped tops, short shorts and day dresses in a palette of neon hues and animal prints.  The dresses were more avant-garde than classic resort wear, embellished with items such as 3D lily pads, leaves and frogs to name a few.   Zhang JingJing presented a collection that was less street, more sleek.  The designer put forth, once again, a collection of gowns that stunned.  The palette was soft in nude, blush and icy blues while pearl and stone embellishments sparkled under the lights.  Open back draping and fitted bodices added tasteful sensuality.

Dance and musical performances broke up the shows throughout the city, adding a unique, and very Californian, vibe to fashion week.

Maya Hansen presented a collection that was futuristic and powerful.  Reminiscent of a female warrior, her designs included corsets, swimwear and gowns all accented with studded metal embellishments.  Facemasks also adorned a handful of models, and while the creations were innovative and colorful, they felt more Hollywood red carpet than every day wear.

Jun Escario’s gown collection, though red carpet ready, is very wearable.  The classic collection infused a modern edge through fabric choice, metallic accessories and drastic sweeping necklines and open backs.  The champagne and gold mermaid style gown was a favorite of attendees.

The cute and confident sleepwear brand by Crystal Hefner presented a wide range of loungewear and sleepwear items. The bra and pantie sets were sporty and comfortable in a palette of nudes and pale pink, and the sleepwear was fun and flirty.  A plum robe and nightgown both featured black lace edging, while a two-piece sleepwear ensemble in charcoal was accented with feminine ruffles and pale pink headwear.

The Pedram Couture SS2015 collection presented at Style Fashion Week in L.A. was breathtaking and ethereal.  Designer Pedram Pasha Taheri put forth a gown collection that was feminine, elegant and a little provocative.  A sheer, low-cut floor length gown in nude was a star in its simplicity, while other designs were more vibrant and strong, including a satin, strapless baby blue and floral print and a metallic gold painted pantsuit. 



From daring to the demure, Los Angeles Fashion Week had it all.  The weather was beautiful, the entertainers possessed true star power and the events are ones that will be remembered even after the stages have cleared and the champagne runs dry.

 

To see live footage from Rock That Fashion, visit http://www.RunwayTV.com
For more information on Art Hearts Fashion, visit: http://www.artheartsfashion.com/
For more information on Concept L.A., visit: http://conceptshows.com/losangeles

by Mandi Pimental

 
Adam Levine – Adam Levine
For the girl who likes to rock as well as be romanced,  this fragrance offers an intoxicating blend of woody, floral notes mixed with spicy Indian Jasmine, rose and creamy vanilla.  $59.00/3.4 oz.

 
Beyonce - Rise
A symphony of Italian bergamot, jasmine, cashmere musk and freesia.  A decadent scent that is perfect for evening.  $44.00/1.7 oz.


Britney Spears – Fantasy Twist
A mystical duo that offers two scents for girls who like to switch it up.  Midnight offers a blend of black cherry, plum, musk and vanilla for a darker, richer scent as opposed to Fantasy, which mixes feminine florals such as jasmine petals with sweet scents such as white chocolate and exotic kiwi.  $47.00/1.7 oz.

Katy Perry – Killer Queen
Sexy and sophisticated with top notes of dark plum and wild berry, opening to jasmine, plumeria and liquid praline. A playful and seductive scent fit for royalty.  $59.00/3.4 oz.

Lady GaGa - Fame
A dark and sensual mix of incense, honey, saffron, apricot and tiger orchid.  A scent that truly deserves our applause.  $49.00/1.7 oz.

Madonna – Truth or Dare
Creating a striking contrast of dark and light, the Queen of Pop herself designed a fragrance with notes of gardenia and tuberose.  She blends these feminine top notes with jasmine, white lily, vanilla and caramelized amber.  $59.00/3.4 oz.

Nicki Minaj – Nicki Minajasty
Fruity and fresh, a perfect scent to make any woman feel powerful on her throne.  Spring florals blend with vanilla and musk for a sensual feminine fragrance.  $59.50/3.4 oz.

One Direction – Our Moment
An ultra-feminine fragrance that opens with seasonal florals, pink grapefruit, wild berries and finishes with warm musk undertones and patchouli.  59.50/3.4 oz.

Rihanna - Nude
Inspired by her native Barbados, Rihanna creates a scent with layers of guava nectar, mandarin and pear, opening to orange blossoms, gardenia and hints of vanilla orchid.  The perfect fragrance for summertime by the water.  59.00/3.4 oz.

Selena Gomez – Selena Gomez
Top notes of raspberry, peach and pineapple.  A fruity bouquet that blends with hints of purple freesia and musk, finishing with chocolate and amber.  A scent as youthful and sweet as the starlet herself.  $59.00/3.4 oz.

Shakira - Elixir
A spicy and exotic blend of peony, freesia, white pepper and sugarcane, finishing with notes of white cedar and apricot.  A sizzling and enticing fragrance experience.  $36.00/1.7 oz.

 

Taylor Swift – Taylor
Swift tells another Love Story with this fresh and fruity blend of sparkling tangerine, apricot nectar, vanilla orchid and hydrangea.  $49.50/1.7 oz. 

Tips for studying effectively  
(and having a little fun too!)

By Mandi Pimental


With high school and college comes added responsibility, strict schedules to keep and seemingly endless hours of studying.  With early mornings and late nights, it seems impossible to keep the energy up and the mind open enough to absorb every single bit of information that you need to know.  So, I am here to help.  Implementing these easy, (and dare I say, fun?), tips into your routine will help you remain calmer and more focused throughout the school year.

Tools of the Trade
Using helpful study aids can help you feel more organized and in control.  Make sure you always have plenty of paper and pencils on hand so you will not miss jotting down vital information.  If your school allows smartphones in class, you can take photos of the board so you do not miss valuable information when watching slides or observing your teacher scribble out quick paced information.  Flash cards are a favorite for the visual learner, as they help greatly with memorization.  If you are a traditionalist, the physical flash card method may suit you.   However, for the techy who likes to have information readily available, you can download a free Flashcard App that will allow you to study on the go.  You can also use your calendar app to record important test dates and study sessions.  Having a dictionary and thesaurus app on your smartphone or tablet is also handy to have, as it is an easy go-to when you are stumped on vocabulary.



You’ve Got a Friend In Me
The tried and true buddy system can work wonders, not only outside of class when studying, but in class as well.  If you collaborate with a friend or classmate who compliments your study style, ask them to grab you a copy of the notes if you miss a class.  You can also ask them for tips on how they balance their workload.  Talking it out with someone else may give you a fresh perspective on the topic or insight on a strategy you have not tried.  When studying outside of class, having someone there to keep you accountable for time spent actually hitting the books, and not posting to Instagram, will help you keep a schedule. This brings me to…

 

Mixing It Up:
This is a technique I implement that works wonders for keeping me productive even when I do not have an accountability partner.  Endless hours of working on the same paper, or studying the same topic, can cause burnout that leads to procrastination and frustration.  Instead, employ the 30/30 rule I use for school, work, and keeping up my dorm.  The idea is to switch your focus every thirty minutes to keep your mind awake and alert and give you something to look forward too. (See, I said I would throw in some fun!)  Set a stopwatch or an alarm and study or work for thirty minutes, uninterrupted.  Once your alarm goes off, switch tasks for another thirty and so forth.  On days where I have a heavy workload, I will study for thirty minutes, and then clean my living space for thirty minutes.  It allows me to get up, move around, and although I am not doing schoolwork continuously, I still feel productive in what I am accomplishing.  The alternative is to work for thirty minutes, then relax or play for thirty if you do not have as much to get done in your day.  Play a game, do yoga, get outside, or any other activity that will switch your focus.  Then, once your time is up, get back to work and continue this cycle until your work is complete.

 

Find Inspiration:
As a writer, inspiration is my fuel. When I lack inspiration, being outside and getting out of my head usually tops off the tank.   Taking a walk, visiting a friend or doing yoga helps me disconnect while allowing my mind to wander towards new stories and new characters that would not have come to life if I had forced it. If you find yourself with a mental block, get out in the fresh air and clear your head.  You will usually find when you come back to what you were working on, that you are refreshed and in a clearer mindset to continue your task.  You can also look for inspiration on your specific topic. Have a research paper on Rome? Get off Wikipedia, put down the textbook and try a different angle.   Find and watch a documentary on your topic, such as Roman history.  Speak to people who have been to Rome and immerse yourself in the task.  It will enhance your appreciation for the topic and your work will reflect your newfound insight.

 

We all have the drive to be successful.  With that being said, that drive can turn to frustration when you are stuck.  By implementing these techniques, you can enhance your productivity while keeping your mind sharp and your nerves calm. 

By Mandi Pimental

 
If ever you find yourself roaming the charming streets of Berlin, Germany you will want to take this guide along.  Nestled throughout the city are hidden gems, such as boutiques and department stores, with some of the most fabulous fashion finds available. 


Individualism and innovation are nurtured here, which allows indie boutiques to bloom alongside mainstream shops and thrive.  Lala Berlin, a boutique that started as a knitwear and scarf producer, sells trendy separates, while Starstyling, a boutique that features photos of their clientele wearing their purchases, offers more artistic and eccentric pieces.  The Weinmeister Strasse shopping plaza is rich with fashion that would appeal to the retro hipster type, while Rosen Hoefe and KaDeWe cater more to the modern fashionistas, featuring stores such as MAC, Chanel and high end German designer Kilian Kerner.  In addition to new collections hitting the quaint storefronts, the vintage fashion movement has exploded in the European city.  Vintage stores such as Stiefelkombinat and Aladdin’s Cave are highly sought after by locals and tourists alike.

Aside from guiding you to the top shops, we also got a sneak peek during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at the trends that will be popular this year, so you can pack accordingly and arrive in style.  Highlights included new collections by Laurels, Dawid Tomaszewski and Malaikaraiss. Fashion in Berlin this season is very clean and features simplistic lines, a dominance of muted palettes and exquisite tailoring. 


Laurels chief designer, Elisabeth Schwaiger, brought forth a retro sixties vibe in her new line, incorporating black leather, biker boots and studs.  If you are wanting to incorporate this style into your personal wardrobe, opt for a blend of rocker chic accessories on delicate fabrics.  A soft t-shirt dress paired with a leather cuff, chain embellished handbag or black booties would be a good starting point.

 
Designer Malaika Raiss presented a line that was charming and delicate.  The designs were simplistic, yet did not bore.  The details and original layering allow the line to feel fresh and unique with off-the-shoulder maxi dresses, short-sleeved sweaters, and knits worn over satin dresses.  Inspired by the world of botany, Raiss said moss, algae and rocks inspired the palette of green and brown with an infusion of silvery blue nuances. It is a collection for the demure woman who favors youthful fashion.  


In contrast to Raiss’ ultra-feminine line, designer Dawid Tomaszewski showed pieces that presented a more masculine side.  Tomaszewski stated before the show, “The Tomaszewski woman is changing, she is more masculine (this season).”   Shying away from some of the playful designs we have seen in the past, he used more classic cuts, a darker palette and more traditional tailoring.  What we adore about this new collection is that, although we witnessed a new serious side in the assemblage of pantsuits, cardigans and wool coats, they were designed in lux fabrics upping their glam appeal.  Cashmere, silk and Swarovski stone embellishments allowed the line to feel luxurious and unique.  Highlights of the line included an embroidered black sheer blazer and grey cashmere trouser set, and a gray silk evening gown, worn with a black goatskin jacket that would be perfect for an after show gala.


Overall, the fashion was diverse and offered a multitude of options.  

By Mandi Pimental

Say goodbye to beachy waves and bed head, this summer it is all about hair straightened to perfection.  Runways around the world are featuring designers who are opting for this classic look for summer 2014, and with the tools and products available today, you no longer need to visit the salon to attain smooth strands.  Before we introduce you to the new must-haves in your beauty arsenal, there are a few tips to ensure hair health.

Straightening hair on a consistent basis can lead to damage, so we recommend only washing your hair every other day to leave some natural protective oils intact.  Using the recommended products below, along with the heating tools, will not only elongate the life of the tools, but of your hair as well.   Now, onto this quick and easy process with our new beauty BFF’s.


It all starts with a little lather.  Your shampoo and conditioner choices start the foundation for the perfect end result.  Using a smoothing shampoo that cleanses, while weightlessly smoothing frizzy hair, with help to improve texture and leave your hair manageable. A good choice is EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo. 


After your shower, towel dry your hair to ready it for your ultimate frizz fighter.  We recommend going one of two ways.  First, you can opt for a smoothing balm such as Hemp Straightening Balm.  When applied to problem areas throughout the hair, it helps tame frizz.  The alternative is an oil base serum such as Moroccan Oil’s Glimmer Shine Spray.  When applied to damp hair, this weather-resistant formula helps keep hair smooth and sleek in damp or dry environments.  It makes a great choice for when you are traveling and are unsure of weather conditions.


With both these products, you will want to apply a little at a time, so you do not weigh your hair down, and you will want to brush through your tamed, damp locks with a good brush.  Not all brushes are created equal, just as if you would use a round brush to create volume, you will want to opt for a good paddle brush for straight locks.  The TIGI Professional large paddle brush is a great choice.  Its tourmaline-infused pins emit ions that seal each cuticle for stronger, shiner and static-resistant hair.  Any product or tool that can cut down on static is crucial in hair straightening 101.


Next, you are ready to dry.  The CHI Air Pro Expert Ceramic Hair Dryer is a good choice with its infrared heat technology.  Again, this simply means that it produces negative ions to prevent humidity and the aforementioned dreaded static.  Its ceramic coils also keep the temperature regulated at all times for even styling.  Use your paddle brush, along with your blow dryer, to dry hair completely.


Before using your straightener, you need to prep and protect your hair from heat damage.  To do so, choose a flat iron spray that is made for extreme heat protection.  Our choice is the Giovanni 2Chic Brazilian Keratin & Argan Oil Flat Iron Styling Mist.  It is a dual-smoothing complex made from plant-sourced protein so it is gentle on your tresses.


Now that you are protected, it is time to straighten up!  Using a ceramic plated straightener piece out hair in small sections so that you are not raking over strands multiple times.  For fine hair, it is recommended to straighten one-inch sections, and for thicker hair, half-inch sections.  The TRESemme Salon Professional Ceramic Styler heats to over 200 degrees for salon quality performance and features three heat settings for various hair types.  It also features an auto shut off after 72 minutes, which is a great feature for any girl who is rushed in the mornings.


To top off the look, we recommend a good finishing spray.   A high-shine glossing mist will help keep fly-aways at bay, and will deliver a reflective, lightweight veil, boosting your shine factor.  You can apply by lightly misting over hair, or by spraying into palms and detail with your fingertips.  We love the shine factor of Bumble and Bumble’s BB Shine On Spray.


Last but not least, a good product to have on hand is a long-lasting hair masque.  Not for everyday use, this masque can be applied from time to time to help tame hair and control frizz.  The Keratase Relax Slim Masque reduces hair volume by 50%, eases detangling and provides nutrition and softness to hair.  It is a good investment for those who have thick, unruly hair and are seeking silky smooth straight locks for summer.  


Now that your beauty cabinet is stocked with the right tools, you can be confident in styling your hair, and saving time and money, without visiting the salon. 

By Mandi Pimental

 
During the scorching hot days of summer, our thoughts wander to the cool breeze and sparkling waters of the ocean.  Millions will flock to beaches around the world, laying out their towels to sunbathe, participate in a weekend game of sand volleyball or take on the surf on boards and water toys.  However, some will be partaking in all of these various activities… in the buff.

 
Whether you are comfortable baring all, or are just curious and want to cross something daring and new off your bucket list, the following list of nude beaches is the best of the best when it comes to privacy and breathtaking scenery.


Little Beach, Maui, Hawaii – Little Beach, located on the island of Maui, is deemed an “unofficial clothing-optional beach”.  Although sunbathing nude is illegal in Hawaii, the law has not been enforced on this isolated strand in years.  Surrounded by volcanic rock, high shrubbery and driftwood, it is secluded from the eyes of those in surrounding areas.  A beautiful beach to visit, it is also a great place for whale watching and body surfing.



Red Beach, Crete, Greece – The name originates from the red rust color of this beaches sand, which makes this a truly beautiful picturesque locale with the stunning cobalt blue water contrasting.  A naturist favorite, this beach, as well as the resort that sits upon it, allows nudity throughout (except for the dining room where clothing must be worn).  The sand is coarse so sunbathers are cautioned to lie on towels when sunbathing (ouch!). The beach also features ancient caves to check out if you’re feeling adventurous and a coffee bar.



Samurai Beach, Australia – Samurai, a half-mile stretch of white sand beach, is home to the annual naked beach Olympics and nudist picnic. You can participate in egg and spoon races, sack races, and body painting competitions, among other events.  The location itself is beautiful and private, but make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen.  Above Australia, you will find the thinnest areas of the ozone layer.

 
Praia do Pinho, Brazil – Rio may have made the skimpy G-string bikini popular, but if you head south you will be expected to cover even less, and by less, we mean nothing at all.  Known as the “clothing not optional’” locale, tourists from around the world flock to this private stretch of beach to bare all.  Unaccompanied males are not allowed on the beach without a female friend or a membership to the International Naturist Federation.  If you plan to make a weekend out of it, the beach has an inn and ocean view cabins nearby.  Just think of how light you would have to pack.


Saline Beach, St. Barts – One of the hottest of the hot spots, this sizzling beach is home to A-List stars and the rich and famous.  When stars want to bare all, secluded from the peering eyes of the paparazzi, they head to this long stretch of sand on the posh islands southern coast.  A word of caution, the winds here can get quite rough which can cause rough swimming conditions.  

 

While some may find the idea of hitting the beach au naturel embarrassing or too extreme, those that support the naturist movement express that they love to live life exactly how they were born.  Next time you want to hit the beach, you have got a choice to make… bathing suit or birthday suit?  A benefit to the latter, no tan lines.  Just something to think about.