"Fun in the Sun"
(Put it down now...a look at boho fashion)
I was having an interesting conversation today with some close friends and of course the topic invariably turned to fashion. Somehow, we managed to start up a conversation about the “Boho” trend that began re-sweeping the nation last summer and has somehow managed to latch its claws into fashionistas everywhere for another summer. So, what is Boho, is it a look that is easily carried off by all body types, and how and when should it be attempted?
Well, for starters boho is short for a bohemian flavor that’s been infiltrating into every boutique or chain clothing store since last summer. It consists of all the flowing or “gypsy” inspired garb including long crinkled skirts, caftans, peasant tops, beaded shoes and large slouchy hats and bags. All of these can be great additions to one’s wardrobe, but when do we know that we’ve gone too far? Is it possible that somehow, we managed to allow all of these merchandisers and fashion buyers to fool us into thinking that boho is a style that can be easily recreated by all?
It was a great question, and it got me thinking about a good example of an item that rarely compliments any of the body types I’ve seen it on the cropped tie front jacket. Now, you know that many a chica has attempted to wear this little number to the office, a night out with friends or on a day just lounging around the city. But rarely does it give the desired effect that they think it does. I’ve seen this poor thing brought out of the closet in a multitude of creative ways, but few really compliment the person who decides to wear it.
The worst way to wear it, with nothing under it! I’ve seen this a couple of times and usually it’s definitely while the sun is very high in the sky and the likelihood that they’re coming from a predawn club party is highly unlikely. Besides the fact that it just looks out of place on an average day, it also requires you to have a slightly perfect physique in order to even attempt this twist. Unfortunately I can say that rarely has the person who’s been spotted in it been anything close to a slim waistline.
But besides the obvious fashion victims who just need to be arrested, these jackets have a tendency to make the individual who wears them look as if their body has been disconnected. Usually the bearer of this “jacket” is also wearing it with the bohemian skirt. So, this is what the passerby sees, a skirt that increases the leg line by its sheer length, a tank top or cute top and then a truncated body. Why, because that cute little jacket ties off right below the bust line. So, instead of allowing the body’s natural flow to continue, it cuts it off, making you (the unfortunate wearer) look disembodied. Along with that, it has a tendency to make even the smallest of bust lines look a little garish, as if you’re trying to lasso them into line.
Usually, beyond the jacket, most people have managed over the past year to master the boho look without going too far overboard. Our only other complaint would be to the person who has decided that maybe since they’ve somehow managed not to go overboard with the actual clothing, they can go all out with the jewelry. Need I remind you that nothing says annoying like 100 clanking bracelets on one arm? Sure, it’s great to layer up with about ten or so interesting and THIN bracelets, just to give yourself an interesting edge. But it is not cool to walk around looking like you’ve been attacked by a knight from the 13th century and you managed to walk away relatively unscathed except for that armor that you’re sporting.
Likewise, loading up on every metallic accessory that you could possibly find at your local boutique would also be considered going overboard! You don’t have to wear the strappy gold sandals with the matching golden boho bag, the five or so gold chains, a gold chain belt and of course the thousand and one gold bangles. Moderation is the key here. You want to look like a trendsetter rather than a fashion victim.
Basically, ride the fashion wave without becoming a gigantic wipe out. There’s no reason that you should avoid a trend, but at the same time, you shouldn’t look as if an entire trend movement managed to attack you and all that’s left of you is this over dressed (and might I add poorly dressed) shell of your former self. Keep in mind that trends come and go, don’t overload your closet with non essentials that are probably not going to last through out the season.
So, this leaves the question to be asked, what should I snag from the boho movement? Well, any of the fun flounced and crinkled skirts are a nice addition to add. They come in a variety of lengths and even if boho dies tomorrow, don’t worry it’ll be back in five years or so. Besides, they make great vacation gear. Cute peasant tops are always acceptable, along with the floppy hats and slouchy boho bags. And of course, shoes are always a must! So what are you waiting for, go out there and make the city streets your own personal runway!
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Creating A More Fashion Forward New York
Yup that's right, $1! No, we're not pulling your leg just to see if you run out of the house right now and tear down to your nearest drug store. Since I practically live for make up, it stands to reason that I have my fair share from the highly expensive brands to the more pocket book friendly lines. And I must admit that E.L.F Cosmetics is not only wallet friendly, but can actually compete with the expensive lines.
E.L.F. is a great "must have/essential" line whether you're a makeup pro or a beginner. Makeup aficionados will love the fact that the entire line has been approved by Scott Vincent Borba, a make up artist who has worked with such lines as Hard Candy and Shiseido. Novices will enjoy the understated and muted purple and pink eye shadows, making it safe to ease into color without the intimidation of creating the clown effect. Likewise, those same colors, along with the easy to use duo mascara, are appealing to the no frills chicas who want a bit of color and pop without feeling like they have to spend all day in front of a mirror.
The E.L.F. website allows you to create various kits by picking out a makeup bag of your choice and filling it with whichever items you desire. Considering the great low price of all their makeup, brushes, and tools, this is a great idea in comparison to the overpriced pre made kits from competitors; which may or may not have the right colors for you. Where should you go to get your fill of E.L.F. Cosmetics? Well, right now they are available in your local drugstores. But just incase you didn't spy them, E.L.F. is always available at 
This year, my New Year’s resolution was to be more health conscious by not only paying attention to what I ate, but also taking time to make exercise part of my daily routine. Of course, here we are at the end of January and my New Year’s resolution is still on the ground floor! I’ve been a little bit more aware of what and how much of an item I eat. But, about that exercise…let’s just say that I’ve had three free passes to Bally’s and New York Sports Club and all of them have either already expired or are set to expire and I haven’t set foot into any of those facilities.
The facial cream had a non greasy texture that was light enough so that it wouldn’t clog my pores but was heavy enough to last throughout the day. I no longer suffered from dry patches in my face, which was something I had experienced my whole life. The shower gel contained scrubbing beads that actually did slough off dead skin and evened out my complexion as well as minimizing my acne flare ups on my arms and legs. I could actually tell that my skin was becoming healthier the more that I used it! And that wonderful glow that I always write about to our readers…I was actually starting to see my skin have a healthy shine which normally can only be found in a bottle.