MY FAVORITE SPRINGS TRENDS

Springtime trends are the foreshadow for summer fashion. If these trends are any indicator of whats to come, it will be very exciting. The good thing about the new frocks and beauty products of the season, is that they can be quite affordable if you look in the right places. I have been scanning the internet to check out the styles of the season and they seem to be all over the map. It can be nice though if you are like me and you enjoy trying out new styles and vamping up your wardrobe every now and then. I have seen extreme looks like massive shoulder pads a la the 80's, bright statement shoes, new technology in nail polishes, tie-dyed apparel, lingerie as outerwear, shear pants, and chunky tribal stacked bangle bracelets. Some trends are better than others. Here are a few that I selected as my favorites.

This trend can be tricky. You don't want it to be too over the top, but when done right it can look really great. There are places that you can buy inexpensive lingerie and pair it with other spring trends like boyfriend jeans and a blazers. Forever 21 and H&M both carry lingerie that is cute and affordable.

Gladiators are still going strong this season and have been branching out with new embellishments such as beads, rhinestones and flowers. There are many different places you can find these styles. I have a really great pair from Target. If you want to spend a bit more cash you can check out Sam Edelman's line. I love this wedge leather gladiator with beaded detail called Dawson by S.E. You can get them at Bloomingdales for $129.oo.

Chanel has recently debuted there new lipstick called Coco Rouge inspired by their current muse Vanessa Paradis. This color is the perfect shade for spring. I also use it on my cheeks on as a cream blush. This color is a part of Chanel's hydrating creme lip color line. It is available for $30.00 at Barneys.

If you are anything like most people when you here the word "jeggings" uttered and you are confused, don't worry you are not alone. This is actually a hybrid of jeans and leggings, hence je-ggings. This is a great trend because it is stylish and comfortable. You can also bring them into fall with a boot so they can be worn all year long. Joe's jeans made them popular with their stylish advertising campaigns. Other companies have caught on the demands of more comfort wear. They are now available in different brands and at various prices. Levi's has a pair that runs for about $40.oo and Joe's brand has some that retail for up to $150.00.

Yellow nail polish has caught my eye lately. It might not be a new color but it definitely stands out. I get tired of the same old red and dark neutrals. Besides, it makes me happy when I look at my fingers. Essie has a great one available for $8.00.

THE BRAZILIAN BLOWOUT

The Brazilian blowout is one of the most popular and innovative straightening treatments to come along since the Yuko System. The primary ingredient used in this system is Keratin. Keratin is fibrous protein that can be found in hair, skin and nails. The other component used in the Brazilian blowout is aldehyde which is a derivative of formaldehyde. The aldehyde assists in the infusion of keratin into the hair. Unlike the Yuko System, the BB lasts for 3-5 months instead of it having to grow out. The BB is called a "conditioning treatment" because the keratin infuses the hair causing the cuticle to be smoothed without changing the internal structure of the hair. Frizz is eliminated while the hair shaft is straightened which creates shine and softness. Having straight and shiny hair can set you back a bit. The cost can range anywhere from $250-$350, not including tip. They also recommend that you buy their sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to maintain your straight locks.

THE BILLION DOLLAR BROW LIFT ON THE DOCTORS

A few weeks back I did a segment for the show The Doctors. I used the Nuface machine paired with a brow waxing on a client. The Nuface is a great device used for facial toning and stimulation. You can really notice the difference just after one use. Pairing the microcurrent technology of the Nuface with a brow waxing can really open up your eyes and give you a refreshed look. It is like botox without the chemicals and needles. It's a simple procedure that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg! Check out the video to see the before and after on Connie.

MY LATEST OBSESSION

Oh Creme de la Mer, how you intrigue me but cost so much. Why must this infamous facial product line cost so much you ask? Because of the extreme process in which it must go through before it is bottled up and sold at Neiman Marcus for upwards of $130. This coveted cream has a process that takes four months to harvest. It contains natural ingredients such as sea kelp, vitamins, and essential oils that are meticulously created in a research lab formulated by an aerospace physicist named Dr. Max Huber. His research started in an effort to heal his chemical burns. After 12 years of tests and analysis he finally created Creme de la Mer through a process called bio-fermentation. The cream that started a craze for the must-have skin care line amongst beauty addicts. They recently debuted their new Regenerating Serum that promises to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. I was lucky enough to get a sample from Neiman Marcus a week ago. I squeezed whatever I could get out of my tiny sample tube which managed to last me for a total of 4 days. I noticed a difference in my skin after day 2. My skin looked smoother, clearer, more hydrated and my blemishes cleared up. Now I am left wanting more and debating if I can bite the bullet and spend the $250 for just 1oz. Well my birthday is coming up, I might just have to treat myself.

THE POMEGRANATE

The Pomegranate is an orange sized fruit with a tough reddish outer skin and sweet red gelatinous flesh that contains many seeds. It knowingly dates back to 1000 BC. This fruit was thought of being so special that it was found buried in multiple ancient Egyptian tombs. In fact, many scholars thought that it was the pomegranate not the apple that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The pomegranate is said to have many significant health benefits such as fighting cancer, preventing osteoarthritis, lowering cholesterol, and preventing dental plaque. This antioxidant fruit has been used in many different products over the years. It has even been infused in some amazing cocktails I have tried. Trust me, a pomegranate martini is worth trying. Here are a few pomegranate beauty products you might want to check out.





BURT'S BEES VOLUMIZING POMEGRANATE AND SOY SHAMPOO-Available at Target for $7.99
Burt's Bees claims this shampoo will transform you lifeless and flat hair to thick and voluminous. The shampoo is blended with natural cleansers made from coconut and sunflower oils that aim to cleanse and remove build up. The soy amino acids adhere to the hair fibers to create full and shiny hair.



MURAD'S POMEGRANATE EXFOLIATING MASK-Available at Sephora for $22.50
This antioxidant-rich mask is supposed to be used weekly to restore, revitalize and balance the skin. It is ideal for combination skin types and each treatment contains 6 masks.

POMEGRANATE OVERNIGHT RECOVERY SERUM-Available at KOHLS FOR $32.50
This unique antioxidant blend of pomegranate, Himalayan goji berry, vitamin E and grape seed extract helps your skin fight against environmental aggressors, such as air pollutants, which can lead to the appearance of visible aging. The supercharged serum also contains soybean and bombycic root extract to help give your complexion the added benefits of firmness, brightness and visibly diminished fine lines and wrinkles.


MURAD'S ENERGIZING POMEGRANATE CLEANSER-Available at Sephora for $26.00
This is supposed to be a one stop shop for cleansing and toning. This foaming cleanser is supposed to wash away dirt and impurities while revitalizing the skin.

SPRINGTIME FRAGRANCES

Spring officially starts in March. It is one of the 4 temperate seasons. It's the transitional period between winter and summer. There are so many things that come to mind when thinking of spring. There are longer days, spring vacations, flowers are in bloom, open-toed shoes, and the weather is warmer. What's not to be excited about? I also start to modify my perfume choices according to the warmer weather. Yes, I am little crazy when it comes to perfume. In the winter and fall I generally wear heavier scents, in the spring I wear more floral scents, and in the summer I wear floral and musk scented perfumes and oils. Here are some of my favorite floral picks for springtime.

MICHAEL KORS BY MICHAEL KORS-Available at Sephora.com for $48.00 for 1oz
The notes are Dewy Fresia, Tamaind, Chinese Osanthus, Incense, Fresh Tuberose, Peony, Blue Orris, Lilies, Cashmere Woods, Musk, and Vetiver Haiti. I love this scent because it is feminine and it reminds me of summer. It is sophisticated and sensual and I am definitely going to buy a new one because I finished my first bottle.



MISS MARISA-Available at luckyscent.com for $60.00 for 30ml
Notes are Plum Blossom, Cassis, Fresh Mint and Waterlily. This scent is beautiful and fresh. I wear it day or night. It has a great roll stick and is an oil so it lasts all day and is easy to apply.



JUICY COUTURE PERFUME BY JUICY COUTURE-Available at fragrancenet.com for $52.00 for 1.7oz
Notes are Mandarin, Watermelon, Marigold, Hyacinth, Passion fruit, Creme Brulee, Vanilla, Patchouli, Lily, Caramel, Woods, Tuberose and Wild Rose. This scent makes a statement. It is feminine and great for a night on the town.





STELLA BY STELLA MCCARTNEY-Available at Sephora.com for $50.00 for 1oz
Notes are Rose, Peony Flower, Mandarin, Rose Absolute and Amber. This scent is delicate and sophisticated. This floral scent is reminiscent of peony and wears well at night.





SA MAJESTE LA ROSE BY SERGE LUTENS-Availble at Luckyscent.com for $120.00 for 50ml
Notes are Moroccan Rose Absolute, Gaiac Wood, Clove, White Honey and Musk.
To me, this is one of the best rose perfumes I have ever smelled. It smells like fresh red roses and can be worn both day and night.