Nailed it!

I am guilty of just painting my nails one color because I don't have a steady enough hand to do the traditional pink and white french manicure.


But now that the trend is moving towards using brighter or even darker colors, AND you're even allowed to flip it around, I'm more intrigued.


Have you tried a gold tip french manicure with a dark burgandy, black or navy blue? Perhaps pink and red is more your speed? (Try silver or sparkles even.)


Maybe your nails are short and you don't want to emphasize it with a wide stripe up top? Then mimic the half-moon at the base of your nail with color.


The key here is contrast. Why bother doing it, if you can't see it? Just think of two great colors that look stunning together.


Another thing I'm seeing now, and dying to try out myself, is magnetic nail polish. (I thought the crackle gel polish was cool but this really is neat!) The idea is just after you paint the nail, you hold  it over the cap which conveniently has a magnet built into it. After 30 seconds to a minute the rippled effect starts to set. 


I'd highly advise waiting another minute or two before adding a top coat to seal it -- or you might just drag the brush right through your trendy new look. Unless that's what you're going for, like the way a cake decorator pulls a toothpick through a stripe of icing to make it have a point.


Why not take it to the next level? Use a magnetic color as your primary, and then use a daring contrasting color as the tip -- once you've let the ripples set.


[I don't have permission to publish the photos I've seen (as I don't own them) but I hope the descriptions give you an idea what I'm seeing out there.]

Uggs – Warm, cute, but are they good for your feet?

Let me just say right off the bat, I don't wear Uggs or any other brand of sheepskin "boot." I think they're overdone slippers and they lack anything practical. They have no arch support, aren't waterproof, and because they don't have any way to vent the heat and moisture from your foot (socks or no socks) it's a prime home for bacteria and foot fungus.


That being said, much like slippers, they're comfy. My sister-in-law who (shall remain nameless to protect her identity) LOVES hers and has more than one pair in different colors/styles. Maybe it has more to do with the idea that the celebrities wear them, so why shouldn't the common folk?


Personally, being of the piscean persuasion, I truly believe as my zodiac sign reigns over the feet, that it's no surprise I have small feet to support a short, round person and constantly have foot troubles. (From foot and back pain to athletes foot -- if I don't wear supportive shoes or "air out" my feet respectively.) My problems aside, I've researched it and found that I'm not alone in my beliefs.


Podiatrists have also claimed that this boot design does not always provide the stability that some people need and the heel often rolls towards the inner edge of the boot. This can be a sign that the arches of the feet are weakening and may be at risk from a strain injury and discomfort and pain are often the result. Using UGG-like boots to keep your feet warm makes sense but walking longer distances in them may give you more than you bargained for. Sacrificing comfort for style can come at a price. (Much in the same way you wouldn't wear stilettos all day and night without a break, or to run a marathon.)


If you have healthy feet, and wear them for comfort not "walking" you'll probably be fine. But if you already have foot problems, such as myself, your best bet is to treat them as indoor shoes/slippers or not wear them at all.


(Well at least during the summer you have an alternative to the flip flop - which I feel is equally as bad as the Ugg-like boot. Maybe you'd be better off with a pair of Crocs! At least they've been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for helping to eliminate plantar pain and achy feet. Now if only they could come out with a winterized version...)

Chapped lips – what to do about them.

Signs and Symptoms of Chapped Lips


Chapped Lips are characterized by dry, cracked, flaky and sore lips that can affect people from time to time at any time of the year. Occasionally, chapped Lips can be can be painful, embarrassing, and uncomfortable because they can interfere with many daily activities, such as smiling, eating and talking. 


Common signs and symptoms include dryness, redness, tenderness and sensitivity, cracking, splitting, peeling, and pain. If dry lips are causing inflammation and bleeding, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor immediately since it can lead to severe infection.




Causes of Chapped Lips


Chapped lips can have several causes, including dry weather, overexposure to extreme temperatures, dehydration, lip biting, smoking, certain medications, deficiency of vitamins, iron or essential fatty acids, change in climate and ill-fitting dentures. 


Dry, swollen, or cracked lips can also be caused by allergies, infections, drugs, winter colds and flus, and a number of other medical problems. 




Treating/Chapped Lips


Lips are skin just like the rest of your body but they don't produce their own oils. So you have to provide them. Many lip balms have natural oils that are safe for your mouth.  Try to avoid colors, scents and flavors as they have additives that may not be so good for you. 


Along with drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, eating vitamin a rich foods like carrots, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables will help. 


You should exfoliate them periodically, and protect them from the environment. (Never ever lick of bite your lips, it will cause more chapping. Use a gentle lip mask or your toothbrush to get rid of the deposit of dead cells that will cause more drying and flaking.)

I'm cold, but I'm not thirsty!

Did you know that it's just as important to stay hydrated in the colder/drier winter months as it is in the hot/humid summer months? We generally sweat when we're hot which lets us know to drink more water, but we don't get those same cues when we're cold, because sweat evaporates quickly in cold, dry air, so you can still become dehydrated. 


You might be tempted to drink coffee or tea to warm up but they are diuretics and can cause you to actually lose water, so you have to compensate with water. Also, remember to keep your skin hydrated in the dry winter air, too. Skin is the body’s largest organ. Keep it healthy, and it will help to keep your entire body healthy.


When you sweat you loose fluids, and under normal circumstances, your body would register the loss, giving you the urge to drink and stopping the kidneys from getting rid of water. But in the cold, your body decreases blood flow to your extremities and pumps it into your core to hold all that heat in while you’re out in the cold. With all that blood rushing towards your vital organs and away from your extremities, your body and brain don’t register that you have lost significant amounts of fluid and might be dehydrated. When this is the case, the effects of dehydration can become severe before you even realize you’re dehydrated. That’s why it’s critically important to stay properly hydrated before and during cold weather activity, well in advance of the actual urge to drink fluids.


Also, when you’re cold, your blood viscosity increases. With hypothermia, for example, the blood can become as much as 200% more viscous. (Like motor oil, higher viscosity means it’s thicker, harder to pump.) The water content of your blood is another factor in viscosity—so, when you’re out in the cold, staying sufficiently hydrated becomes that much more important.



We tend not to think about being thirsty when it’s cold, neither when we’re just going about our lives nor when we’re working out, but that’s when it’s really important to pay attention to drinking enough. And it’s especially important in higher altitudes where the air tends to be dryer.


Just to be clear, dehydration can kill. Considering that our bodies are made up of 50% to 65% water, this element is critical to virtually all our physical functions. Every organ and system of the body depends on water, so a shortage of fluid can naturally lead to serious health consequences. 

The body's initial signs and symptoms of dehydration are: 

• Thirst
• Decreased urine output. The urine will become concentrated and more yellow in color.
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry nasal passages
• Dry, cracked lips dry mouth the eyes stop making tears sweating may stop muscle cramps nausea and vomiting lightheadedness (especially when standing). weakness will occur as the brain and other body organs receive less blood.
• Coma and organ failure will occur if the dehydration remains untreated.
• Irritability & confusion in the elderly should also be heeded immediately.

If an individual becomes confused or lethargic; if there is persistent, uncontrolled fever, vomiting, or diarrhea; or if there are any other specific concerns, then medical care should be accessed. Call 911 for any patient with altered mental status - confusion, lethargy, or coma.

Baby it's Cold Outside

Brrr, is it winter already? Recently my area (New England) fell into a cold spell. The first thin I reached for was a sweater (the next was hot cocoa.) 

Why does it always feel worse when it's windy out?

Wind chill (or wind chill factor) is the air temperature we feel on our exposed skin because of the wind blowing across it. You might notice when watching the weather that the wind chill temperature is always lower than the air temperature.

One of the ways our bodies loose heat is through "convection." The faster the wind speed, the more readily the skin/surface cools.

NOAA's National Weather service has a chart that helps you see this better. Also on this page is a neat little calculator that shows you what the temperature feels like on a given day based on wind speed:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/windchill/index.shtml

Note: Wet clothing and the duration of a person's exposure to wind also affect the felt air temperature. The wind chill formulas do not take account of the variation of clothing worn and how wet or dry a person is. The typical assumption is that a person will be properly dressed and dry.

Since hypothermia is no joke, I wanted to make sure everyone takes precautions this year.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a condition in which a person's body temperature has dropped significantly below normal. This occurs from inadequate protection against exposure to cold temperatures. The very young and elderly are the most susceptible to developing hypothermia when exposed to cold temperatures.

The risk and extent of hypothermia is directly influenced by presence of wet clothing, contact with metals, wind-chill, and extent of temperature gradient between the body and its surroundings. Vulnerability is increased when circulation is impaired by cardiovascular disease, alcohol intake, exhaustion, and/or hunger.

What are the symptoms of hypothermia?

• Uncontrolled shivering
• Slow or unclear speech
• Feeling extremely tired
• Stumbling when attempting to walk
• Confusion (person cannot think clearly)
• Semi-consciousness or unconsciousness

What should I do if someone has hypothermia?

• If a person becomes unconscious, get medical help immediately. If cardiac arrest (heart attack) has occurred, have someone call for medical assistance and then apply CPR.
• WARNING: Do not warm the person too fast.
• Bring the person indoors or to a dry place protected from the wind.
• Remove wet clothing and cover the person with dry blankets. Make sure to cover the head, hands, and feet.
• Put the person in a cot or bed next to a warm -- not hot -- heater.
• Lie under the covers next to the person to transfer your own body heat. If possible, have someone else lie on the other side.
• Give the person warm -- not hot -- broth or soup. Do not give alcohol to drink.
• Wrap an infant inside your own clothing against your skin.

How can I prevent hypothermia?

• Wear warm, multi-layered clothing with good hand and feet protection (avoid overly constricting wrist bands, socks, and shoes).
• Wear warm headgear. This is particularly important since significant heat is lost through an unprotected head.
• If possible, change into dry clothes whenever clothing becomes wet.
• Find appropriate shelter to stay warm. 

(Please note: If left untreated, a person can develop early frostbite, or frostnip; superficialfrostbite; or deep frostbite, or freezing. Frostbite usually affects the nose, ears, upper cheeks, hands and feet.)

All that and looks to Boot

I have problems with wearing tall boots because I'm shorter than average and have full curvy calves. But for the general populace:

Tall boots
Casual or dressy, flat or heeled, a pair of tall boots is one of the most versatile footwear items you can have in your wardrobe.

Tall boots, are about knee high, but most of the following tips will apply to styles that fall between a few inches below your knees to a few inches above your knees.

While many boot styles will work with the outfits listed below, simple, classic styles are far more flexible. A simple black knee-high boot will work with most jeans, as well as just about everything else in your closet.

Long Skirts

A skirt that is long enough to cover the top of your boots is one of the most flattering items you can pair with tall boots. While many women tend to think only of fuller skirts for pairing with knee high boots, narrow skirts can look fabulous with tall boots as well.

Skinny Jeans

They're really the only type of jeans that are good for tucking into tall boots: everything from dressy heeled boots to casual flat styles.

Gauchos

The absolute best footwear for below the knee gauchos is a pair of tall boots -- but beware of wearing this style of wide cropped pants with boots that are too casual or trendy. Opt instead for a simple heeled dress boot, or a flat boot that has a bit of polish to it.

Dresses

Many women don't think to wear tall boots with dresses. They should though, because the look is dynamite.

The dresses are your standard, everyday sort of dresses: wraps, sweater dresses, shifts, minis, tunics, a-lines and empire dresses.

Again, this look is best with simple, classic tall boots, and is not meant for overly-casual or super-trendy styles.

Outfits to Avoid with Tall Boots


·  Baggy or Pleated Jeans and Pants
·  Shorts

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although the technology to make the calf of a tall boot more forgiving is coming along, I generally prefer ankle boots, because I can create the illusion of a taller boot.

Ankle Boots with Long Skirts


Whether they're flat or heeled, ankle boots and long skirts are a classic combination.  Whatever your style, the key is to show no leg. If the skirt isn't long enough to cover the top of the ankle boot on its own, add a pair of tights.

Short Skirts and Ankle Boots


This look is definitely a little more difficult to pull off, because a lot of women don't like their legs. But it works well because instead of showing no leg, you're showing a lot of leg -- the real trouble comes in when you only show a little leg. Look for skirts that are a couple of inches above the knee or shorter and skip anything that's too full.

The Best Pants for Ankle Boots


This one is nearly a no-brainer -- ankle boots work with any kind of pants. The advantage to wearing them over shoes or taller boots is that you get ankle coverage without the bulk of a knee-high boot.

Ankle Boots with Leggings or Tights


Cropped leggings don't work well with ankle boots. Long leggings or tights however, look great -- assuming of course, that leggings look good on you in the first place. If they don't, pairing them with ankle boots isn't going to make the situation any better.

Clothes to Avoid Wearing with Ankle Boots


· Cropped Pants
· Cropped Tights
· Mid-Length Skirts with Bare Legs
· Pencil Skirts
· Shorts
· Capris

What comes around, goes around.

Is it just me, or does fashion tend to be cyclic? I'm not sure if it's because of "hand me downs" from family, or that we wax nostalgic for our younger years, but sometimes something is just such a good idea that you can't help but use it again.


There are two things to consider, frequency and duration. 


Frequency: One school of thought says that fashion cycles about every 20 years (or once per generation.)  More often then not they're just revamped, recycled looks with new names. Some designers take inspiration from other decades trying to improve upon what has already been done.


Duration: Nowadays the turn around time might run shorter as the internet has sped up how quickly looks get from the runway to our closets. Then we get bored and put them away for a few years. Generally speaking, most fashion trends stick around for at least a year. Some trends, usually the most understandable ones, last longer. So how do you know how long a trend will last? The answer: you don't.


Never fear though, buying power can keep a trend on life support. Sometimes consumers love a look so much they just won't let it die: capris, crops, tank tops and flip flops are all examples of former trends which actually became wardrobe staples.


The best defense however, against quickly changing trends is to have a wardrobe stocked with mostly classic looks: jeans, T-shirts, blazers, little black dresses. Use trendy items as an addition to a core wardrobe to give it some kick.