And the thing is, your outfit plays a pretty big role.If you are ready to make a big impression in the office or at the nightclub, you are going to discover that you can do it just by picking up the right kind of accessories. When you have invested in good clothes that are simple classics, you can easily jazz them up a little by using of the right jewelry, scarves or hair accessories. Check out this list of stylish ways that you can enhance your current wardrobe.

Jewelry

Jewelry is a great way to add accents to your wardrobe. If you are headed to the office, keep it simple and small. A murano glass pendant is a great way to add a little bit of shine and color to your outfit. If you have a wide neckline, choose a broad pendent that takes up space and commands attention. Earrings are also a wonderful way to make an outfit more exciting. Use earrings to complement the color of your outfit, adding a delightful echo close to your face. You can also break up the lines of your arms and wrists with bangles and a discreet anklet lends your leg a subtle sparkle at the nightclub.

Belts

Belts are an easy way to change a look in a flash, instantly update an outfit, and add much more than a way to just hold up some pants. When choosing a belt, think about contrast. You can either have the belt blend in (IE black on black) or or provide deep contrast (think orange on pink) to your outfit. A low contrast belt is usually best suited for those with  waistlines which aren’t that defined, because then it will give you a flattering line.  A high contrast belt, on the other hand, automatically draws more attention to the waistline.

Scarves

Scarves are wonderful and when you take a look at them, they are good for so much more than just keeping your neck and your head warm in winter. For example, if you are headed out for a spring day, choose a very narrow, very long scarf that gets draped around your neck in several loops. This adds some gorgeous motion to your stride. A colorful silk scarf wrapped around your head and paired with dark sunglasses is ideal when you are looking for a 1950’s movie star aesthetic. When you want something more whimsical, you’ll discover that a very small, narrow scarf wrapped around the wrist gives a gorgeous flutter to your hand gestures. Scarves are inexpensive and they come in a wide range of colors and styles, so think about how you can get the results you want.

Hats

Choosing the right hat is a must-do when you’re looking for something to top off your style. You will want to pick one that complements your personality, wardrobe, and face shape to help you feel confident in your signature look. When you invest in a hat, you’ll want to choose ones that are simple and in timeless styles combined with versatile colors. Fedoras, newsboy hats, and winter beanies are safe options, chosen in beiges, white, black, brown, and navy.

Hair Accessories

Whether you have very short hair or very long hair, there are some gorgeous hair accessories out there for you. If you have short hair, consider the recent trend for fascinators. Fascinators are relic from the twenties, and they simply include a rigid headband which has some decorations glued to them at one temple. For example, brighten up a dull look with something like a cluster of feathers or silk flowers right behind your ear. A simple gold barrette is a striking way to keep longer hair back, while a barrette that is shaped in some way adds a visual appeal to your outfit that is both striking and subtle.

Shoes

The best pop of colour can come from a shoe, and having different ways to wear bright shoes is key. There are plenty of different ways to wear them, but the easiest way is to wear a matching top: a relatively timeless style statement. You can also go the accessory route and match the shoes to a handbag of the same colour, pulling together a whole outfit. Bright shoes look fabulous with a neutral ensemble, and can make a statement all on their own, packing that extra punch against neutrals like cream, navy or white.

Image

We’re looking forward to unleashing our spring style, but before we just slip on the flip flops, there are a few fashion rules we should keep in mind.

Here are our top spring fashion do’s and don’t's, especially for men.

Do: Find Lighter Fabrics

Yep, we tend to get a little cozy in the wintertime, looking for heavy fabrics, such as wool, corduroy, dark denim, and more. For the spring, look for lightened up fabrics, such as linen, cotton, hemp, and bamboo–all of which are supersoft and lightweight, to boot.

Do: Think of Lean Layers

While it’s still chilly in the spring weather, keep layers in mind, but just don’t make them heavy. Take simple fall favourites, such as cotton cardigans, lightweight coats, and denim jackets and add layers (upon layers, if necessary) to stay warm for the chillier days and, especially, during the evenings.

Do: Look for Lived-In Fabrics

Though clean and crisp is usually synonymous with spring, wrinkle-ready fabrics are even better. They deliver that lived-in look with a side of laid back. Just be careful not to spew into the lazy section. Crinkles do not mean finding them at the bottom of the hammer.

Do: Swap the Scent

When the seasons change, your scent should, too. The ones from the winter are too strong for the warm weather, and because sweating is inevitable, it makes it even stronger than ever. Choose fragrances and colognes that are rich with hints of musk, crisp citrus, and a cheek of freshness.

Don’t: Leave it for Loose

Even though we love the look of loose fitting wear, we also want to opt for an outfit that flatters us. Find chinos and slacks that have the same look we go for in our men’s wear and good fitting jeans: nothing saggy, slim-lined, lower rises, all that make your butt look great.

Don’t: Style In Sandals

Let’s face it, most men’s sandals, or mandals, aren’t very flattering. And often, men go for hike-worthy wear that’s super chunky and clunky and have no business being in any sort of remotely fashionable ensemble. Look for light-weight, simple versions, complete with pedicure, or lean-lined sneakers and flip flops.

Don’t: Wear Wraparounds

Bike ride or a run? Yes. Even playing sports? Sure. Lounging around, going for a ride, hitting the market? No way. Retire those wraparounds and get yourself to 2012 with aviators and other looks that definitely transcend time.

Don’t: Think Boardshorts are Cool

Here’s a secret. Boardshorts? Meant for teenagers and college-aged kids. Those knee-length billowy shorts are not for grown ups. When you’re looking for a bathing suit (and that’s what these are… not everyday shorts, mind you), pick one that sits just below the hip and ends about midthigh. Look for solids and basic prints; not Hawaiian hibiscus flowers.

A-line?

Dolman?

Bootleg?

Yeah, it’s a little hard to keep up. Here’s a quick and dirty fashion terminology cheat sheet for those who are making their way into the fashion scene.

A-Line

A-line describes a type of dress or skirt silhouette that is narrower at the top, then flares toward the bottom. It gets its name from resembling the letter A.

Batwing sleeve

Also known as a dolman sleeve, a batwing sleeve is cut very large at the armhole, then extends to close to the waist, and tapers at the wrist.

Bell sleeves
A bell sleeve is a long sleeve, sometimes three-quarter length, that flares out at the hem.

Bias cut
Bias cut is a term used when fabric is cut across the grain in a diagonal. This creates stretch and a curve-hugging look.

Bootleg or Boot cut
This duo term is used to describe a style of pants that is slim at the hips and knee, then has a very subtle flare.  It gets its name to accommodate wearing boots.

Capris
Capris are shortened pants that range from knee length to lower calf.

Cap sleeves
These sleeves are found on short sleeves; they cover the top of your shoulders.

Charmeuse
This polyester fabric has a glossy finish that looks similar to satin.

Circular skirt
A circular skirt creates a lot of volume by cutting a circle out of a piece of fabric.

Cropped pants
Not quite as short as capris, cropped pants are short pants that are generally around ankle length.

Cummerbund
A cumerbund is the waist band that is worn with the tuxedo. In standard dress, it is generally red or black. Cummerbunds come in many colors and can be dyeable for weddings. The pleats in a cummerband always face up.

Décolletage
This is the part of your body between your neck and bust line.

Duffel Coat
A duffel coat is a rugged style coat featuring toggle fasteners for extra warmth and protection. It was originally worn for seaman for cold weather.

Empire waist
An empire waist is separated by a high-waisted seam that sits directly underneath the bust line.

Funnel neck
A funnel neck, unlike a turtleneck, is a high neckline without seams for streamlined look.

Haute couture
Haute couture is a phrase meaning  high fashion, which is a perfectly acceptable term. Haute is also used on its own, in place of the word “hot”.

Knitted fabric
Knitted fabric is a type of fabric which is knitted using plain and pearl stitches. It has a stretch to it, and we know it in most basic clothes, such as t-shirts and fleece.

Kitten heel
A kitten heel is a short, dainty heel that is less than an inch high.

Notched lapel
This type of lapel has a V-shaped indentation.

Outré
Outre is a word that describes something that is overdone, excessive or exaggerated.

Pashmina
Pashmina is the finest grade of cashmere. It is from the short, thin inner layer hair from Himalayan goats. It is about 12 to 14 microns in thickness.

Passé
Passe indicates that something is no longer in style, faded, or in the past.

Pièce de résistance
This phrase is used as a term to describe the main piece of clothing or accessory that ties your fashion ensemble together.

Pinstripe
A pinstripe is a very fine vertical stripe, usually in white or gray, or tone-on-tone in clothing.

Pencil skirt
A pencil skirt is a straight skirt that can taper at the hem or go down in a straight line.

Piping
Piping is an often colorful fabric trim added along the seams or edges of a garment. It can also be in the same color or material.

Pleat
A pleat is a fold of fabric that is pressed flat and sometimes stitched down half the way while the rest is left open.

Raglan sleeve
A raglan sleeve is a sleeve that has a slanted seam from the neck to the underarm. There is no shoulder seam.

Rise
The rise of a pair of pants or shorts is the distance between the crotch and the waistband.

Ruching
Ruching is a type of fabric that gathered and stitched at a centre point. It creates a rippled appearance.

Shrug
Shrugs are generally made of sweater material and are of shrunken proportions. They are worn as a layering piece.

Thong sandal
A thong sandal is a term used to describe a sandal that has a strap between the wearer’s big and second toe.

Tiers
Tiers are layers of fabric that are placed one above the other.

Trumpet skirt
This type of skirt is a straight skirt with a hem flounce, which flares away from the body.

Tres chic
In other words, very fashionable.

Whiskers
We might not know the name but are probably familiar with whiskers, which are creases of fabric at the hip and upper thigh.

Woven fabric
Woven fabric is fabric that has been woven squarely on a loom. It does not stretch unless another fabric, such as Lycra or spandex, has been added.

The truth is, it’s really simple to get a barbershop-quality shave each morning by yourself.

Here are the ways — along with some tips — to make sure you get that great shave.

First: Prep.

The most important step in a great shave is the prep work. And often it’s overlooked. Good prep work will cleanse the skin, have the pores open and ready, and soften the skin for the best shave.

Because a hot shower naturally does some of these steps, it’s best to shave right after. This will soften the hairs and open the pores. If you don’t have time, use a hot towel instead.

Next, look for  good, high quality shave cream. Ones with glycerine are ideal, and stay away from any that might include menthol, which can actually constrict and close your pores and cause the hair to become stiff. If you have very sensitive skin or coarse hair, use a pre-shave oil for some extra softening.

To apply the shave cream, use a shaving brush, moving it in a circular motion. This will exfoliate the skin for the cleanest and most protected shave, and produce a better lather.

Next: Shave

Once you’re prepped, you’re ready to shave. To avoid the chances of ingrown hairs or razor burn, be sure that you have prepped properly and are using a good quality, new blade. Three blade razors that are used a total of about 3 to 5 times (depending on your hair) are the best choice.

With a free hand, hold the skin area that is about to be shaved nice and taut. Glide the razor over your face gently. Don’t apply pressure, and shave with the grain. Rinse the blade often, generally after one or two strokes. If you need a closer shave, you can re-lather and shave against the grain.

Finally: Finish

If you nick yourself while shaving, apply a moist alum block to control and stop the bleeding. Then, close the pores with a rinse of cool water, and use a soft cloth to gently pat the face dry. Apply a good aftershave balm, and make sure it doesn’t have alcohol, which will dry the skin.

Other Tips

If you’re strapped for time but do need a shower, you can shave right at the end, while still in the shower.

Pre-shave oils can be used even if you don’t have coarse hair or sensitive skin. When you apply any sort of oil or cream, make sure you leave it on for a few moments to plump up the hair and open those pores.

Before you shave, consider using a face scrub. This will help open the pores and get the hair and stubs ready for a closer shave. It also removes any form of dead cells and impurities that can lead to ingrown hairs, and acne. It also freshens your face and makes your skin feel great.

Anything that tingles, stings, or numbs your skin after shaving is not ideal. Just because it hurts doesn’t mean it is good. Earlier we mentioned to avoid alcohol, but even peppermint, citrus, or other strong herbs and scents can irritate the skin.

Be sure to sooth your skin after. Skipping step number three is not key!

But just like the holiday season is the best time for looking slick, it’s also that time of year where you definitely want to avoid a fashion disaster.

Unless, of course, you’re at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party.

With a little bit of preparation and a bit of know-how, you can easily learn how to avoid the common holiday fashion faux-pas’ when looking your best for the rest of 2011.

Ditch (some of) the Glitz

Okay, don’t ditch all of the glitz. After all, it is the holiday season and the perfect time for glitter and sparkles! But wearing too much glitz isn’t so great, either. Yes, any sort of shimmer, metallics, beading, and bright fabric are perfectly fine for the holidays. In fact, we bed for them! The glitziness is what makes the holidays what it is!

But keep in mind barring too much shine: no matter what, too much shine can overwhelm anyone, especially if you wear it on parts of your body that you don’t want to accentuate. Play up your features. If you have gorgeous hair, look for some holiday flair in your hair accessories. Or pick up a great little purse or shoes. Accessories is where its at for glitz, or play up parts of your body that are meant to be on the forefront.

Dress in Moderation

Yes, we all like to look a little slinkier in our holiday garb, but showing too much skin isn’t realistic. Super low dresses and super high skirts aren’t really in place at this type of event. In addition, most people can’t carry them off (yes, it is time to be honest with yourself). Think of winter-inspired sexy: leave lots to the imagination, and go with accentuating your best features. Lace, bling, glitz, and brights: those are the way to go. Leave sleazy at the door (okay, and maybe under the mistletoe).

Plan Ahead

A last minute party, or two, minute be imminent, so don’t get caught with nothing to wear. If you’re invited to a party and you’re hunting through your closet, it definitely shouldn’t be frustrating, but exciting instead. Keep a few dressy basics in your wardrobe so you’re always prepared for any last minute invites. Keep them basic so you can change them up by adding different pieces and accessories to bring it altogether.

Keep It Simple

Don’t worry about going over the top, and dressing to match and find viable separates. Keeping it simple makes you look elegant and, well, simple… in a sultry, sexy, sort of way. It’s true that the little black dress doesn’t go out of style, and you can add lots of glitz and glam to really make it your own.

Dress the Occasion

No matter where you end up heading, be sure that you are dressed for the occasion. Nothing is worse than showing up to a party and being completely over dressed or under dressed. Be sure to find out beforehand what the dress is: casual, formal, business. If you have trouble deciphering dress codes on a party invitation, here are the details:

Black Tie: Formal attire; tuxedos, cocktail dresses, little black dress.

Formal: Usually the same as black tie.

White Tie: Men in full dress, white tie, vest, shirt; women in long gowns.

Black Tip Optional: the option of a tux or formal dress, but really, then go for it or a dark suit.

Creative Black Tie: Black tie with trendy interpretation. Short evening gowns are okay.

Semi-Formal: Tuxes and formal dresses not required; dark suits and cocktail dresses.

Business Formal: Often same as semi-formal, but women should have more of a dressy suit. Nothing too sexy.

Cocktail Attire: dark suits and short, elegant dresses.

Informal: not casual! Instead, semi-formal.

Festive: Not necessarily the ugly sweater, but go for informal/semi-formal, with a bit of holiday glitz.

Dressy Casual: dressed up casual, such as trousers, sportcoats, and dressy pants.

Casual: anything goes!

A good skin care regime doesn’t have to cost you time or money, just a little TLC to keep your face and body fresh and smooth.

Here are our favourite natural solutions for women, for all types of skin.

Exfoliate

In the morning before getting the shower, do a quick dry brush exfoliation. This will help eliminate any dead skin cells and give it a fresh, clean start. It also helps improve blood circulation and decrease any puffiness that may have accrued over the course of the night. Use a soft, dry brush to gently brush the skin, in small circles, applying very light pressure.

Get Moving

If you have a desk job or a long commute, make sure you get up and move during your day. Getting moving not only helps your skin, it also helps your stress and overall health, both of which can lead to affecting the skin and body in general. If you lack activity, you may find yourself to feel more bloated, as well as more prone to acne and imbalances. Take the time to walk, stretch, and just move in general, and fit an exercise regime into your day.

Drink Water. Eat Fibre.

Good skin is due in part to getting the right nutrients in your body. Ever heard the old adage that eating poorly–like fried or sugary foods–causes or flares acne? Sources, such as the acne treatment review site know this to be true: good skin starts with a good diet. For optimal skin, drink enough water. This hydrates your cells and helps eliminate waste. Secondly, eat enough fibre, which helps keep things moving.

Nix the Sugar

Excess sugar causes premature aging, as well as a bevy of other health problems. The problem is, an overindulgence of sugar can damage protein molecules and mutate them into AGEs, also know as Advanced Glycation End-products. These AGEs damage collagen in skin, cartilage, and ligaments, as well as promote a loss of elasticity. The result? Wrinkles and saggy skin.

Opt for Quality

If you do need more than just a bar of soap for your skin, then opt for high-quality, organic, and natural skin products instead of mainstream ones. Saffron Rouge is online store loaded with organic, natural skin products. They carefully analyze every ingredient to make sure they are made without the plastics, silicones, petroleum, artificial fragrances, dyes, and other unsafe ingredients found in most beauty products.

Eat Fat

Though healthful fats are always touted these days, some of us can’t get out of the bad fat stigma. The thing is, essential fatty acids are fats are both can’t live without. They are used in our bodies for building cell membranes, moving nutrients, and helping with hormones. They also help our brain, heart, and fight inflammation, which can lead to cancer. Because they fight inflammation, they are also helpful for those with acne or eczema.

Investigate

According to the Environmental Working Group, about 90 percent of the 10,000+ skin care ingredients known to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not been evaluated for safety by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. So before you buy, take a moment to check out Skin Deep, the world’s largest personal care product safety guide. This database is filled with safety profiles for cosmetics and personal care products. Their staff scientists compare the ingredients on personal care product labels and websites to information in nearly 60 toxicity and regulatory databases.

When you’re building your wardrobe, you should focus on timeless classics that will never go out of style.

With these, you can take the current fads and trends, and round out your wardrobe each season.

Here are seven timeless classics that never go out of style–and must-haves for your fall wardrobe.

A Nice Fitted Jacket

Be sure to invest in a nice tailored jacket. Choose one that is fitted, which will show off your curves and accentuate your figure. Choose this over a baggy, masculine style.

A fitted jacket will look great with everything from work clothes to casual jeans, to over a nice dress. It’ll add structure and show off what you have, and, with the right fit, help create what you don’t.

Choose jackets in traditional fall fabrics such as tweed, corduroy, denim or menswear plaids–these are excellent choices. For something a little fancier, opt for velvet, leather, or brocade.

The White Oxford Dress Shirt

Yep, this basic is always in style, and a simple crisp, long-sleeve white shirt is a forever building block of your wardrobe, especially in the fall.

Invest in a nice one, but make sure it suits you as well. Choose between cotton with a bit of stretch, a simple but fitted silhouette, cuff and sleeve details (or lack thereof), and collar variations. Wear it on its own, under a pretty sweater, or paired with a vest.

Black Pant Suit

If you’re a business professional, this is a must, but even if not, it’s good to have one around. They’re a simple solution to any semi-formal event when paired with the right accessories, and are forever flattering on any figure.

Go for a solid black pantsuit, which is a flattering look on just about anyone.

Pearls

If you want some jewelry that always looks good, especially in the cooler months, opt for pearls. Pearls are the perfect accessory to complement fall wear. But you don’t have to stick to simple white. Grey pearls look great with black, bright colours add a bit of fun, and classic white keeps your look, well, class–perfect for that cocktail dress .

Neutral Winter Wear

When it gets a little chillier, you’ll want to dig into the closet for a nice winter coat. Choose on that is a neutral – you’ll always look great and it will go with just about anything. Camel is especially a great colour, perfect for fall, and matches with brights or darks.

A Big Bag

Bigger bags are great for  cooler weather because often we have other things in tow, and a space to cram in our wintery gear. Keep it simple or make it exciting – just pick something that will go with a lot of your wardrobe and reflect your accessories.

Knee-High Boots

Everyone looks great in knee-high boots, which make perfect sense for fall because of their style. They look great with skirts of all lengths, trousers, and skinny jeans, as well as leggings and opaque tights. A bonus? They keep you warm, too.

Look for a mid-heel height, which is great for any option, and walkable for everyday where. Go for a a nice brown boots for casual looks, or opt for black, which pairs with almost everything.

With the weather moving into fall, the air gets dryer… and our skin does, too.

Here are our top dos and don’ts for giving our face and body the proper treatment it deserves.

Hydrate plenty

Here are our top 5 hair emergencies, and how to solve them.

You’ve over-snipped your bangs

So you’ve decided your bangs need a trim and, alas, you’ve cut them far too short. In order to disguise the length of your bangs, change your style – at least for the time being. Instead of wearing them straight down, sweep them off to the side. Coat them with a bit of light gel, then use a blow-dryer to secure them in place. Option 2? Wear ‘em pinned back.

Your hair lacks body

Sure, not really an emergency, but for certain occasions (IE attending a wedding), you’ll want to look your best. Limp, stringy hair can be remedied with a few new bathroom essentials. First, wash with a volumizing shampoo, then condition only the ends. Blow it dry with a vent brush or your fingers, lifting at the roots, and keep the airflow close to your scalp. You can also invest in foam rollers, which will add body to clean hair, and using a 3/4-inch barrel curling iron will give you some more, too. Simply finish with a texturizing thickening spray ($25) and you’ll have fuller hair that’ll last the night.

It has that light socket look

Okay, so maybe you just have some dry, frizzy hair. So the biggest key is to keep it conditioned. Since hair is usually driest at the ends, focus there, and let it sit in your hair for at least five minutes before rinsing. Pat it dry with a towel. Next, try silicone-based products to keep the moisture in.

You’ve overbleached

Too many highlights can lead to an overbleached look. Try a demi-permanent color (a temporary dye that runs out in about 4 weeks), in a colour one shade deeper than your highlights.

You’re a bit of a greaseball

If it’s not just a lack of, well, keeping your hair clean, invest in a shampoo that contains zinc and shampoo daily. Avoid conditioning the roots and scalp. If you don’t have the time for a fresh wash, rub baby powder into the roots of dry hair to soak up excess oils. You can also keep oil-blotting face strips on hand for mid-day touch-ups: just blot on the go.

Ah, yes, our favourite fashionable time of year: the summer.

We know that less is always more, but in this case, we want more and more of what is to come. Here are our top fashion tips for the upcoming warmer weather.

Do it Up White

All white is making a statement. Think of loose, airy pants with a fitted blazer, the perfect white sundress, and short shorts with loose white tees.

Colour Blocking

One of our favourite trends from about 30 years ago, colour blocking is back with full force, pairing our super bright colours with more of the same. Think hot pink with bright orange, cerulean blue with lime green, and bold yellow with bolder reds.

Horizontal Headlines

Sailor-style inspired horizontal stripes are hot. Eighties, off-the-shoulder tee-shirts and polo dresses are donning the pattern, and they’re making their way into dress shirts, too.

Sexy Ballet

The romantic boudoir takes colours in pretty pastels, such as peaches, pinks, nudes, and greys, and brings them together with simple, feminine fabrics such as lace. This look is perfect for keeping it simple and pretty at the same time.

Keep it Skinny

Skinny jeans are still trendy, and they are looking great with tanks, tunics, and everything in between.

Go for Sheer

…But not too sheer. Slip a camisole under a sheer, flowy shirt, or look for sheer tees with a thin tank in a brighter colour. Sheer is hot for men, too.

Less is More

The biggest look, along with the whites and the simple fabrics, all comes together for the minimalist effect. No detail, basic tee-shirts, plain Jane.

On the Feet

Like last year, gladiator sandals are still popular… but have been overrun with espadrilles. Huge wedges are big, but you’ll find lots of flats, too. Lace-up boots, just like in the fall and winter, are still at it.