Remember Lady Gaga with the huge hair bow at the release of Poker Face in 2009? Guess what? It is making a comeback! Creating loops and bows out of really long hair isn’t anything new but it is getting more sophisticated since Lady Gaga.

Sky high topknots have been making the rounds on the red carpet and everywhere else from Kim Kardashian to Kelly Osbourne but it is a very sharp look that doesn’t work for everyone even on a normal day. A hair bow is a better way to upgrade from the bun and stay on trend without going to the salon.

 
Here’s how to create the hair bow in three easy steps. First, tie the hair into a high ponytail, pulling the last piece of hair only halfway through to make a loose bun. Second, tease the bun to fan it out and create a part in the center. Finally, take the remaining section of the hair and pull it through the centre of the parted bun, then fix in place with hair pins. Add a little finishing hairspray for a polished look.

And there you have it – a beautiful bow tie without the fuss of silly hairbands or scrunchies.

As far as trends go, Denim is one of the jeans trends that never go out of fashion and this time is no different. Double denim has literally made a comeback and the fashion savvy are falling for it.
To get on to this jean goodness, double denim must be done right or it could go horribly wrong and you wouldn’t like that. Here’s a few tips on how to do this trend justice.

Contrast is key. Never do identical shades for top and bottom. Choose dark denim for the bottom and go light at the top. 

Trendy Washes. It is imperative you wear denim that is trendy and fashionable at the moment that is distressed, dark washes or bleached not unfashionably outdated shades.

Pictures courtesy of style.com.

Headbands have made a fierce comeback on the fashion seen due to the show Gossip Girl. They were made popular by Leighton Meester’s character Blair Waldorf on the show whose signature hair accessory is the headband. Ever since the show’s premiere five years back; the hair band has proved to be the hair accessory of choice lately for so many celebrities and designers alike.
Headbands not only come in all sorts of colours, sizes and shapes; they are spot a few embellishments too from glitter to jewel encrusted ones with a variety of to choose from.
Try not to miss out on this hair accessory trend just because you don’t know what hair band suits you.

Here is a few tips on how to accessorize your hair with a headband.
Dress Up a Pixie
Having short hair rather a pixie cut is no excuse for not dressing up your hair by wearing a head band. Choose one that slims and lies flat against the head E.g. Michelle Williams, Evan Rachel Wood.

Floppy Bow
Take a ribbon from one of your favourite dresses and try this easy look: wrap it around your head twice. Position it at the base of your neck, pull the sides up behind your ears and tie in a loose bow. Twist the bow off to one side an irresistibly adorable look.

Ultra Thin
A skinny headband makes a really sophisticated statement. Take a tip from Ginnifer Goodwin and Busy Phillips and opt for one in neutral tones like gold, ivory or silver, and be sure to have a snug fit.

Go Big
The rules of a statement headband like Jamie King’s are no different than statement jewellery. Keep the rest of your look simple-avoid garish patterns or loud colours-and skip earrings and necklaces altogether.

Try the Low-Key Look
A stretchy jersey headband is perfect for edgy, down to earth girls. For a subtle take, try one that matches your hair colour exactly, or keep strands off your face with a knotted headband.

Some girls love shoes, bags, clothes etc but I love Jewellery. It is my poison. Give me a piece of good jewellery and I will love you for ever! I have a collection that is enough to fill a small boutique.
I have a vast collection of bangles in different material, shapes and sizes which I love to stack, layer, arrange or mix when it comes to wearing them. A lot of people commend me on the stacking or layering (whatever you want to call it) and it is in this vein that I am writing a How-To post on layering.
You can take your bangles from this;

From L-R Plastic floral bangles, Wooden Bangles, Black Metallic Bangles, Red and Yellow African Bangles.

To this;

L-R Floral & Black Metallic Bangles, Wooden & Black Metallic Bangles, Floral & African Bangles, Wooden & Floral Plastic Bangles.

What I love about layering is the volume it creates on the wrist. I am into big volume when the need or occasion calls for it and sometimes I take it down to a little subtle and sophisticated as a lady should be.
And…with layering, you end up having a little fun and bang for your buck when you get creative with your bangles.

Ps: You can check out more of my collection here and check out a few more stacking or layering ideas and with different metals on refinery29.

Bangles are one of the go-to accessories when it comes to arm candy jewellery. They come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, metals,  wood and in an assortment of colours availing you with a variety to choose from.
Bangles when worn go well on short sleeved or sleeveless tops like Tanks/Vests, shirts and dresses and dressy tops.
Dressed up or down they never fail to add a little pop to any outfit.
How To Wear Bangles.
Mix. You can mix small and big bangles together for a little or extra volume on the wrist.

Assorted Colours. I personally love a colourful display of bangles which you can also do by wearing multicoloured bangles together or mixing different colours and wearing them in one go.

Chaotic Arm candy. Chaos on the wrist is very fashionable today. Wear an assortment of different shapes, sizes, colours and metals at once and you will feel very fierce!

In one go. If you after making a fashion statement, it does not matter the arrangement, you can wear all you want in one go and make your mark on fashion.

Subtle and Sophisticated. If you are into the prim and proper look, a few bangles on the wrist will work for you.

The beauty about accessorizing with bangles is you do not have to match them to your outfit!

Belts are one of the quickest ways to transform an outfit. It is no wonder that they are one of the hottest accessories at the moment especially since they come in all sorts of colors, lengths and shape. Not only are they suitable for any outfit, belts also flatter all body shapes and sizes.
Here’s a few ways on how to cinch your waist with this hot accessory.
Hippy Chic
Take a leaf out of the book of hippies and wear a low slung belt right at the hips.

Vanessa Hudgens 

  
Greek Goddess
Be your own Greek Goddess and create an umpire waist by wearing a wide belt immediately under your bust line.

Show Off
Wear a skinny belt and wrap it the whole way round your waist to show off and also cinch that waist in.

Katie Holmes

Ps: The pictures used are courtesy of Google and not mine.

So many people are afraid of color especially when it comes to wearing colorful items. This is the season to embrace this trend because it is here to stay. From color-blocking to colorful miss-match, there is more than one way to rock this trend. It is guaranteed to make you pop out from the crowd in a good way.
Here’s a few ways on how you can incorporate color into your style and wardrobe.

Lips.
The bright lipstick color has taken over the beauty and makeup world. Don’t be left out on this colorful venture as a dash of bright lipstick from red to orange will give you that extra oomph of color. The good thing about wearing a bright lip is: the less makeup the better as minimal is key for you to rock this fabulous trend.

Scarves. 
These are accessory staples that never go out of fashion. Not only do they compliment every style and weather, they come in an assortment of colors that will surely add that pop to your outfit.

 
Nails.
Get creative with your manicure by wearing bright colored polish or have multicolored nails. This will make your nails stand out and make you love them every time you look at them.

  
Cocktail Rings.
Bright bold cocktail rings are exactly what your dainty fingers need. These are made for getting attention which you certainly won’t lose when you rock one of them.

Bright Denim.
Tired of the old sky blue, baby blue and black denim? Try out the new colored denim trend from orange to neon green  for a different look. The advantage of denim is that you can dress it up or down and can wear it with ballet flats, boots and pumps.

Printed Shoes.
Add a pop of color to an otherwise bland outfit by wearing printed shoes. These come in platform and ballet flats. They alone will make you stand out in the crowd.

Ps: Some of the pictures used are not mine they are courtesy of Google.

A bold colorful lip is the makeup and beauty trend of choice lately from celebrities to the fashion conscious in that it is no stranger on many faces. Here is a few ways to help you wear this fabulous lip color without shame.

• Make sure your lips are super soft and hydrated before laying down heavy pigment. You need to have a smooth canvas for your color.

• Block out the natural pigment in your lips by applying foundation or concealer directly to your pout.

• Blot with a tissue to pick up any left over foundation, which can end up diluting the lipstick pigment.

• Begin application in the center of the mouth-applying directly from the tube or with a lip brush-and then blend outwards to the corners of the lips. this technique allows you to slowly build up color and control its intensity.

• Once you've achieved your desired tone, blot and then reapply the lipstick to give it staying power.

For a precision look-finish your look by tracing the natural line with a lip pencil that matches your lipstick.

For a softer look, only a line from the corners of the mouth into the bow of the upper lip, and then use your finger to smudge inward; you'll end up with a perfect, airbrushed effect.

If blackheads are the bane of your life, raid the kitchen and try out these effective homemade recipes.

Egg-It 

Whip two egg whites until stiff and spread out on your face with your hands. let it dry completely then rinse off.

Peel Off 

Microwave 15ml gelatine and 20ml milk for 10 seconds. Apply to nose and chin. After drying for 10-15 minutes, peel off.

Scrub Away 

For an inexpensive pore cleanser, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Gently scrub the areas where the blackheads occur with the paste.

Sweet Remedy 

Mix 15ml of honey, 10ml of lemon juice and 5ml of sugar. Apply the mixture in circular motions for 5 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.

Tip: Whenever using a facial scrub, it is advisable to scrub in circular motions for 5 minutes or less. Do not let the scrub to dry off on your face, it does more harm than good.




Ps: The pictures used are not mine.

It is the festive season and there is no better trend to make you feel festive and love it than Glitter and Sequins. Glitter and sequins were all over the fashion week runway from designers like Armani and Versace. A lot of fashionable people have taken to the trend including celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie.

It is pretty hard to carry off as an everyday look but it being the festive season, you have a right to wear it to anything because its all about tinsel and bright colourful lights this time of year. What better way to blend in with the season than rocking glitter and sequins?

You can wear it through out the festive season without fear of standing out. Glitter and sequins can be worn to anything from a boyfriend shirt with a sequin skirt to a pair of jeans paired with a sequin short jacket depending on the occasion and the look you want to achieve.

The trend is glitzy enough that you do not need to accessorize at all. Minimal jewellery is a MUST when it comes to glitter and sequins. You don’t want to end up looking like an over decorated tree.

Here’s a few pieces to help you get in touch with your inner glamorous side.

I love sparkly nails at the moment. They make you feel girly and fabulous at the same time while putting you in a great mood. Who does not smile when they look at their nails with sparkles on them?
They are a great idea for the festive season because it all about; glitter, sequins and tinsel during this time of year. Whatever you do or wear to stand out goes a mile during the festive season- anything to put you in a great mood.

Sparkly Nails with Henna as a base

I did my nails awhile back and added sparkles on them as a finishing touch for a glam look.
I used Henna as a base color and then the sparkly nail polish with a variety of colors then finished up the look with a colourless nail polish for gloss.

Sparkly nails with no base color

 For the second look I did not use a base color just colorless nail polish as a base. Added a few swipes of the sparkly nail polish and then finished it off with colourless nail polish.
Remember to use sparkly nail polish with a variety of colours for a colourful look.
My nails in the second picture are fabulously colourful which makes me love them more.

Start looking slimmer right away by wearing clothes that flatter your figure using these optical tricks. 

No To Bulky  Clothes!

Wearing baggy clothes will make you look like a huge lump! fitting clothes are more flattering to the body. loose T-Shirts flatter no one unless worn with tight skinny jeans or cigarette pants.

Long Skirts.

 The length of a skirt is very important. It should stop right below the knee or below the calf. A calf length skirt will make you look short and your legs appear chunky especially for petite ladies.

Pencil skirts in different lengths.

Straight Posture.

A good posture does wonders for the body. It will make you look slimmer in any outfit which may not be the case in reality. Pull your shoulders back and suck in that tummy. This lengthens your spine and makes you look slimmer and taller. 

No To Triangle.

If you are wide with a pear shaped figure, wearing high heels and slim leg trousers can make you look like an over-turned triangle. Go for a straight leg when wearing trousers to get the best out of your figure.

Jumpsuits look good on pear-shaped women

PS: The Pictures used are not mine.

Sweaters and cardigans will always be closet staples no matter what. it is one item that will never go out of style because it is a necessity due to the weather.

Today’s sweater has been given an overhaul look making more stylish and absolutely fashionable to wear. You don’t need to look drab instead of the fabulous person that you are during cold weather anymore.

The unique additions to the sweater/cardigans makes them very appealing and pleasant to the eye and versatile. Not only can they be draped on the body, there is a waterfall cut that is very suitable to all shapes and sizes.

Drape sweaters come in both light weight and heavy material very suitable for all weather. You don’t have to sacrifice fashion for comfort and warmth because of the weather.

Here’s a few ways to rock this sweater trend on any outfit.

Scarves are usually worn to keep your neck warm especially on cold days but not anymore. This accessory has proved to be a trend for all seasons and is one of the biggest accessories today. As a trend, scarves are now made with brighter, lighter fabrics intended just for looks. You can get creative with your scarf by using it not only as a neck but hair accessory. This will change your entire look. Aside from being a hair accessory, here is a few more ways to tie the scarf.

Getting the look.

·         Bow-Tie

Knot the scarf as you would a ribbon to make a bow. Take both sides of the scarf, fold them  and make a knot. The result is a bow-tie effect.

·         Snood or one way:

Tie both ends of the scarf together and wear it around your neck. You can wrap it twice to make it look a little thick and chic.

·         Fold:

Fold the scarf in half, drape around the neck with the two ends on one side and the fold on the other.  Slip the ends through the fold and you're ready to go.

·         Drape:

drape the scarf around your neck and let it hang loosely to blend in with the outfit.

 

While you won't be able to alter the shape of your mouth completely, you can even up unbalanced lips or make them appear larger and smaller with the correct application of lipstick.


1. Full lips can be made to appear thinner by lightly covering them with foundation to blur the edges. Using a dark lip liner, outline lips just inside their natural edge, then brush on a lip color. Avoid pearly or glossy colors as these will make the lips look even fuller.
2. Thin lips can look fuller if accentuate their shape by outlining just outside their natural edge with a light lip liner. Brush on a lip color inside the line you have drawn. Avoid using matte colors as these can make them look thinner. Slightly glossy colors will make lips look fuller.
3. A thin upper lip is balanced by penciling just outside the top lip line and filling in. make sure you use a slightly lighter application on the bottom lip.
4. A thin bottom line can be corrected by outlining the bottom lip only, and then using a slightly thicker coat of color on the top lip.

One of the looks this season is glamorous, where the aim is to wear the deepest, boldest colors possible when it comes to lipstick.

The best thing about lipstick is that it lasts much longer than lip gloss. A good lipstick will take you right through lunch, whereas lip gloss usually disappears with your first cup of tea.

Lipstick is easy to apply, even if it requires a little more attention during application, and it is less likely to run.

Getting the look

• Apply lip balm and wait for it to absorb so that your lips are moisturized.
• Line your lips with lip liner that is the same shade as the lipstick you intend to wear.
• Use a lip brush to fill in your color of choice. Dark lip colors demand more precision application which is best achieved with a lip brush. Using a lip brush means you use less lipstick having control of how deep or lighter you want.
• Blot your lip stick with a layer of tissue paper.
• Re-apply the lip color.
• Skip the lip gloss but if you are attached to the high-shine look, use an opaque lip gloss rather than a clear, transparent one.
• Part of the beauty of this look is having a precisely shaped mouth. So take your time to outline your cupid's bow and define the lower lip with lip liner. The result is a sexy modern look for the new YOU.