Holidays are always hectic for everyone – traveling, hosting dinner parties, fighting through crowds at the mall.  So, instead of hosting a family gathering at your house, how about vacationing in an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico?  And if you are planning a wedding, this is also a fabulous destination wedding location.

Imagine a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea when you say “I do” and then kick off your heels and dance all night long on the beach?  You will never forget your magical day.

This year our family planned ahead, booked the flights early, and headed over to enjoy the warm weather and clear blue water at Cancun Mexico.  Why was it so incredible?  1. No one had to slave for days to prepare one dinner.  2. We dug up the bikinis and escaped the chilly weather.  3. All-inclusive means no headache on figuring out what to eat and alcohol was included.  It was all you can eat and all you can drink.  Even the mini bar in the room and room service were included.  Best of all?  It was only about $100 /person/day.  It was a steal.

Vintage Elegance | Anthropologie

What is a midi skirt?  We all know what a mini skirt is but designers this fall are re-introducing a new length.  I say “re-introduce” because nothing is really new in the fashion world.  All trends are recycled but might be re-interpreted.

Midi skirts are skirts that run anywhere from knee-length to mid-calf.  For those fashionistas out there, don’t jump too quickly into this trend.  It’s not for everyone.  If you are average to tall (5’5” and above) in height, you would not be intimidated by this style.  But for us gals who are less genetically gifted in the height department, you might want to choose the length carefully.

Petite girls should keep the length no longer than slightly below the knees.  The longer the length, the shorter you will look.  Who wants to look shorter when you’re already short?  Also, if you are going for prints, make sure the prints are not too big to overwhelm your small frame.  The last thing that you want is to look like the giant sunflowers are eating you alive.

Tall girls – you’re in luck because you can rock this trend beautifully.  You can choose any length and prints without having to worry whether it will look right on you.  It all goes down to personal preferences.

The best thing about midi skirt is that you can easily transition the skirt from summer to fall, especially if the material is lightweight.

What do you think?  Will you rock it?

Bohemian | Free People

Polished | Kelly Wearstler

Casual Chic | Marc By Marc Jacobs

]]> http://www.loveleestyle.com/2011/08/21/there-is-a-new-length-in-town-the-midi-skirt/feed/ 0 http://www.loveleestyle.com/2011/08/03/8-rules-of-blush-tips-from-beauty-expert/ http://www.loveleestyle.com/2011/08/03/8-rules-of-blush-tips-from-beauty-expert/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:51:05 +0000 judylee http://www.loveleestyle.com/?p=810

Make up and hair by Tiffany Chiang of Design Her Image for Ju.Lee / Iridescence Bridal Couture photo shoot.  Photos courtesy of Chyna Darner Photograpy and Karl Ko Photography.

How do you get the prettiest flush for your next big event?  Beauty Expert from Allure Magazines shares their secrets and I’m sharing them with you.

1. Keep it believable

Find the right shade for your skin type.  How should you go about doing this?  Makeup Artist Jillian Dempsey of Avon suggests that you gently pinch your cheeks and match the shade to your blush color.  I guess that makes sense but I haven’t pinched my cheeks since I was 5.

2. Find the right formula

Jillian Dempsey recommends cream or powder blush because they blend more easily for those who have normal to dry skin.  But if you have oily skin, gel blush is your best option.

3. Learn proper placement

Apply the blush at the top of the apple of your cheeks and blend outward toward the ears.  Not sure how to find the apples of your cheeks?  The best way is smile to lift the apples up.

4. Choose your tools wisely

If you are using a powder blush, use a fan or a big fluffy brush.  They are great at blending.  Avoid big brushes as they can be too dense for applying.  But if you are using a cream or gel blush, your weapon of choice should be your fingers.

5. Powder first

Layering translucent powder as primer will help evenly distribute the color and keep it on longer.

6. Layer if necessary

Follow this sequence to apply blush: cream blush > translucent powder > powder blush.  The cream and powder blush should closely match.  This is definitely something that I have never considered.  Never had it crossed my mind that I should use both cream and powder blush together.

7. Pick a Finish

Shimmer blushes work well with normal to dry skin while matte blushes are better for oily skins.  Totally agreed.  The shimmer brightens up my face.

8. Don’t overflush

If you have skin redness, apply an opaque foundation first.  For purplish tone rosacea, peachy or soft bronze blush is the best.  Rosy skin should use muted or peachy rose color blush.  For dark rosacea, brownish rose should be your choice.

Many people (men and women) are confused because fashion brands set their own measurement charts for their clothes.

As you can see, there is difference in size 6 from company A to company B.

What is even more confusing is when the advertised sizes resemble the waist measurement when it reality, it is not!  This is particularly true in the denim category.

In this example, a pair of size 27 jeans does not necessarily fit a 27” waist woman because she might not have a 37” hip.  Her hips might be between 34” – 35” so this company’s “size 25” jeans will be the right fit, but she does not have a true 25” waist.

For many years, companies have been using “vanity sizing” as a marketing tool to attract customers to buy their clothes.  Why?  Because research found that if you feel small, you will more likely buy their clothes.  As Americans have grown larger over the years, vanity sizing has become increasing important to appeal to their core customers.  In general, mass fashion brands use vanity sizing more than high end designer brands.

The problem with vanity sizing is that you no longer know your true numbers unless you know how to measure your body accurately.  But you might ask, “Why do I want to know?”  If you want to order clothing, whether it is custom-made, online, or internationally, these basic measurements will prevent you from ordering the wrong size.  Knowing the right numbers will save you time and money for unnecessary returns and alterations.

Want to find out if you have the right BWH?  Use our guide to help you know your numbers!

Questions?  Please leave your comments below.

The always gorgeous Jennifer Aniston.

Picture perfect Sarah Jessica Parker.

As I have never taken a professional photo shoot session before (unless you count my senior high school graduation picture), I figure that I owe it to myself to have it done.  After all, I am the face behind Iridescence Bridal Couture and my new line Ju.Lee and I should put my best face forward.  I always wonder if I can look a fraction as good as these celebrities.

Maybe you can be the judge.  Thumbs up or thumbs down?

Dress:  ”San Francisco” from the Ju.Lee collection in black silk double georgette.

Dress:  ”San Francisco” from the Ju.Lee collection in rose polyester double georgette.

Photographer:  Michael Soo, Soo Photography

Makeup / Hair:  Tiffany Chiang, DesignHerImage

Different takes on Orange by different celebrities.  Sarah Jessica Parker (left) went head to toe with the trend but Rachel Bilson (right) is just “working it” with one trend statement.  How BOLD will you go?

Or you might have already seen me in them lately.  I am so obsessed with these sisters that I have been wearing my two stripe Orange T-shirt hoodie and stripe Coral boat neck T-shirt for half of my weeks and painting my nails in Coral so I can see this color when I’m not wearing these shirts. 

A rather interesting conversation happened the other day with my husband…

HUSBAND: “Didn’t you wear this [Coral] shirt the other day?  I thought you don’t wear the same clothing more than once a week.”

ME:  “No, I don’t but you’re thinking of my ORANGE shirt.  They are NOT the same.” 

These shirts are SO NOT the same.  Goodness, one is Coral and the other is Orange! 

You might not be able to tell the shade difference based on the pictures but in general, Coral has more of a red tone than orange. 

But, if your male significant other actually noticed, this is how you know you have overdone it.  Ladies, you know they don’t notice what you wear unless you’re in lingerie.

You see, Orange and Coral are such warm, uplifting colors.  They get you noticed (in my case, the Husband) and flatter all skin tones.  There is always one shade of Orange or Coral that will work for you. 

Not sure how to work Orange and Coral?  Check out these outfit ideas.  Look for the “Boldness” icons and quickly find out if they’re at your comfort level.

Not sure if you want to go all the way?  Stay corporate with a LBD (little black dress) but pop your outfit with colorful accessories.  Drape knit dress by Express; nail polish by Essie; handbag by kate spade

This is Casual Chic but working the trend.  It is so easy to wear on any given spring / summer day.  Denim shirt by Banana Republic;  chino shorts by J.Crew; flip flops by Tory Burch

Feeling fearless and bold?  You can own this color trend with a coral long sleeve wrap dress by Bailey 44 and color-block platform sandals by Nine West, then neutralize the overall look by layering a twill blazer by LOFT.

Are you loving Orange and Coral like me?  Aren’t you?

The good news is that all the stores have after Christmas sales so you shouldn’t have any problem finding a new outfit for the New Year’s party.  Most Fall/Holiday clothing will be anywhere from 25% – 75% off.  Now is the time to gather your gift cards and have a little fun shopping.  If you are not sure where to begin or want some ideas and inspiration, I’m going to show you how to pull together an outfit that will make you shine. 

This is the final post to my “Looking Your Best for the Holidays” series and the last post for 2010.  For this post, I will suggest styling tips for a curvy girl.  When people hear “curvy,” they automatically think plus size.  That is not quite true.  Curvy really means that your bust and hip are prominent in proportion and as a result, you have a well-defined waist line and it creates an hourglass figure.  To look good in any outfits, it’s all about maintaining the right proportion.  You not only have to consider the basic bust/waist/hip measurements, but also your makeup and shoes.  Yes, you have to consider the overall look.  Whether you are a size 4 or size 16, if you have the right proportion, you will look gorgeous no matter what size you are.  It is no rocket science but there are a few principles that you need to understand to make it work. 

What:  New Year’s Party

Where:  Lounge XYZ

Body Shape:  Curvy

Attire

 Rebecca Taylor Sparkle Sweetheart Dress, Neiman Marcus, $495

This is perhaps one of the best strapless party dresses this holiday season.  Why?  First of all, the silhouette is super flattering.  The sweetheart neckline downplays your bust and the full flirty skirt glides graciously on your hip.  The color is neutral but with an unexpected surprise with rows of silver sequins on the bodice.  I have tried on this dress myself and it looked amazing!  The all-around boning in the bodice holds up the shape and you won’t have to worry about gravity while you party.  This dress is your focal point for your entire outfit. 

 Aqua Cashmere Raw-Edged Two-Button Blazer, Bloomingdales, $178

A blazer is a great sidekick to your wow dress but the classic style is too business-like to a New Year’s party.  Instead, I recommend a jersey blazer because the cut is classic but it’s more edgy.  It is uber comfortable and the button closure at the waist creates the perfect waist line. 

Accessories

Left:  Felix Fey Amour Clutch, ShopBop.com, $150  Right: Lauren by Ralph Lauren Faux Python Double Wrap, Bloomingdale’s, $38

To create a waist line while not wearing a blazer (you know that you want to show off your sexy shoulders at the party,) I suggest that you add a contrasting belt.  This gold double-wrapped skinny belt injects extra drama to your outfit.  Think of it as a necklace for your waist. 

Leaving your purse at home is not an option for most gals.  But heading off to a party with a large tote?  I don’t think that’s a good idea either.  You won’t want to worry about your purse while with party, after all.  The best solution is to carry a small clutch that is handy and attractive.  This Felix Rey clutch is eye-catching but won’t compete with your dress and you can slip it under your arm.  The adorable design is different and will hold your basic essentials like cash, credit card, ID, lip gloss, and mints. 

Shoes

Left:  Cole Haan Violet Air 90 Pump, Endless.com, $247.50; center:  Kate Spade New York Peep Toe Pumps, Endless.com, $345; Right:  Pour La Victorie Irina Platform Pumps, Endless.com, $254.95

Finding the perfect pair of shoes that will work with your dress is eventually the key to a pulled together look.  The good news is that there are many options for you to choose from and it depends on your personal taste.  Since it is a semi-formal party, I recommend that you wear some kind of heels (at least 2.5” to as high as your feet can tolerate) to elongate your legs and to enhance the “chic” factor.  With a sexy, romantic dress, it’s about showing off your legs in the best possible way.  All three styles suggested here will work well with your overall look and best of all, you can easily wear them with other outfits after the party. 

Another idea that I want to throw in is to wear a pair of sheer pantyhose.  Opaque tights have been stealing the spotlight for years now as the ultimate “leg friend” but sheer pantyhose are starting to gain momentum in the runways lately.  They are slowly making a fashion comeback!  If you’re tired of wearing opaque tights, consider their sheer cousins.  The bonus?  Control top pantyhose will tighten up your thighs and cinch in your waist so you can look fabulous in your dress.  Who said that you must hit the gym to look good?       

Beauty

Left:  Smashbox Master’s Class Style Files, Sephora, $59; right: OPI Merry Me! Nail Colour, Sephora, $9

Your makeup should complement your outfit and complete the style.  Assuming that you know how to do the basic foundation (moisturizer, foundation, powder, eye liner and mascara), all you need are the right colors.  If you need tips and suggestions on basic foundation, read my previous post.  I’m a big fan of color palettes because you don’t have to think which colors will go well together.  Let the experts do the hard work.  Color palettes are carefully edited by beauty experts so you can feel confident that they will work nicely together.  This Smashbox all-in-one palette is genius because practically all the essentials are together in one kit.  Talking about simplifying your life!

To take it up one final notch, you should try a festive nail color like red with sparkles.  Since your overall wardrobe color palette is neutral, red will be an unexpected color.  If you typically prefer dark color clothing, wearing bright nail polish is one way to introduce color to your look in a subtle way.  It is amazing what a little bit of color can do.  

Do you have any styling tips for your New Year’s party?

Did I make you nervous?  You don’t need to be if you know what to do.  Here is your complete “dress to impress” guide for your next work party if you have a busty frame. 

What:  Corporate / business holiday party

Where:  Restaurant

Body Shape: Busty

Attire & Shoes

Start with this workoutfit. 

Left: Guess one shoulder knit top $79;  Center: Robbi & Nikki Embellished Stretch Twill Jacket $295;  Right:  J.Crew Bi-Stretch Wool Minnie Pants $98

Let’s assume that you work at a corporate environment and your company holiday party is after work.  Most of us are probably tired to even consider going back home to change.  So, what is the easiest way to transition quickly to get ready for the party that night?  You should start with the right work outfit that day and build on it before heading out to the celebration.  A great outfit option is a dressy knit top with a blazer and a pair of black crop pants.  The knit top and black crop pants are comfortable for work but are great transitional pieces to night.  As a busty girl, the asymmetrical v-neck and pleated bodice top distract the eyes from your full chest.  The crop jacket is work appropriate but fashion at the same time and the black wool pants are simply a class piece.   

Quick easy transition for your party after work.  Left:  Trouve Crop Faux Fur Jacket $148;  Right:  Carlos Santana “Bossy” Booties $129

Rachel Eva Organic Link with Crystals Vermeil Necklace $105 @ Iridescence Bridal Couture 

At the end of your work day and before you head out to the party, change your blazer to a cropped faux-fur jacket and swap your basic black pumps to a pair of metallic bronze wedges with bows.  These key pieces will pump up your partying volume and instantly make you stand out from the crowd while maintaining the right level of sophistication.  Plus, they are so on trend right now.  Finally, add on a simple but daring gold necklace with crystals to add some sparkles to your outfit. 

Accessory

Tory Burch Vintage Lux-T Embossed Metallic Leather Foldover Wallet Clutch $250

If you want to enjoy your evening, you shouldn’t bring your large black tote with you.  You know that we’re all guilty of carrying huge bags to work!  Lock up the large tote at your desk and use a simple but chic wallet / clutch instead.  There are so many different types of wallet / clutches options but one of my favorites is the Tory Burch embossed leather wallet clutch.  It’s a folded wallet with a long detachable chain that you can fling over your shoulders so you can be hands free for ordering drinks.   You can use this as your regular wallet but is perfect to carry at an evening party without having to switch purses.

Makeup

Left:  Tarte Eye Couture Day-to-Night Eye Palette $44;  Right:  Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Pout $29

Last but not least, makeup will complete the final touch to your entire look.  This can be a tricky area because you don’t want to wear heavy makeup to work in the morning but your daytime look is simply too simple.  What is the best way to tackle this problem?  The solution is the compact but mighty color palettes like Tarte Eye Couture Day-to-Night Eye Palette and Smashbox Wish for Perfect Pout.  But before you decide which colors to use, make sure you that have set the right foundation.  See my previous post for foundation suggestions.  Use the lighter eye colors for day and the darker shades for night.  All you have to do is apply the darker eye shadow color like bronze or charcoal on the crease and outer lash lines.  Then, line your eyes with either a black or brown eyeliner (if you haven’t use it already in the morning or need to freshen up) that is part of the set.  You won’t have to remove your existing makeup.  And with 6 different colors to choose from, you’re bound to find the right lip gloss color that works with your eye colors and skin tone.  Remember this golden rule – if you are going for dark intense eyes, don’t use a rich lip color.  Pick one focus on your face (eyes or lips) and let them be the star.

Do you have any suggestion to effortlessly rock your company holiday party?

If you are stuck trying to figure what to wear or simply want some inspiration, then you might find the following options helpful to you.  From dress to makeup, these ideas will definitely make you look more than “OK.”  You know you deserve to look your best!

What:  Evening cocktail party

Where:  Friend’s house

Body Shape: Pear

Attire

Aqua Luxe Sleeveless Double V Stripe Party Dress $148

Everything starts with the perfect dress.  Because of your pear shape, the best silhouettes are A-line or full skirt dresses.  This dress is a great choice for your cocktail party.  The short full skirt hides your hips and elongates your legs.   The front V-neck is a universally flattering necklace and to top it off, the low deep V back yells sexy lady.  If you want to be more modest, you can certainly add a black cami to tone down the sex appeal or wear a jacket or blazer.   The combination of metallic stripes in black adds instant glam to this simple dress style.

Shoes & Accessories

Martinez Valero ‘Ursula’ Pumps $149.95 

Rebecca Minkoff Classic Boyfriend Leather Crossbody Bag $295

The black lace pumps in a 2.5″ heel with bows will give you a lady-like look while the leather crossbody bag with gold hardware will counter balance the girly feel.  The shoes are actually a knock-off of Valentino so you know that you’re only paying a fraction of the original designer style.  What a bang for your bucks.  Since you will be partying all night long with your friends, it’s actually a blessing that a cute pair of shoes like these comes in mid-height heels.  Your feet will thank you at the end of the night.

The red leather crossbody bag by Rebecca Minkoff is actually a great investment despite the price tag.  The style and quality will not only work for your party that night, but will be terrific for the weekends.  With a smaller bag like this, you really have to pack light which is ideal for partying and a walk around town.  Do you have to carry your life with you all the time?  No matter what outfit you wear, this bag will always stand out.  It is hip and is right on trend.  If your style is generally simple and classic, it will add the extra “umph” to your look without being too bold.     

Makeup

Makeup plays a critical part to complete your look so start with a great foundation.  The ones that I have tried and love are Laura Mercier Liquid Foundation and Stila One Step Makeup Foundation.  They both give you complete coverage without the “cakeyness” feel.  Be sure to use loose powder to “seal” your foundation and to absorb the extra oil on your face before moving on to colors.  Try Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil.   

Left: Stila One Step Makeup $44;  Center: Laura Mercier $42;  Right: Bare Escentual Mineral Veil $19

If you’re not a beauty expert, don’t sweat, because there are great makeup palettes that will guide you through the process.  One of my favorites is the Smashbox Eye Wish Palette.  There are mini cheat sheets to help you create the perfect eyes.  Isn’t it nice that you don’t have to figure out what to do?  Finally, add on Dior’s Addict Lipcolor, mascara, and blush to complete your masterpiece. 

Left: Smashbox Eye Wish Palette $45;  Right: Dior Addict Lipcolor $26

For mascara, I cannot get enough of L’Oreal’s “Voluminous” – value price but extremely effective.  I combine both the original with the waterproof formula.  Why?  Because although the original formula gives your lashes great volume, it has the tendency to weigh them down.  By adding the waterproof formula on top of the original, I get the softness effect along with the long-lasting benefit.  It’s the best of both worlds!  Finally, to give your face a vibrant look, brush on a pink to peachy tone blush like Lancome “Blush Subtil” shimmer delicate oil-free powder blush.

Right: L’Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara $7.49;  Left: Lancome Blush Subtil Shimmer $29.50

Do you have any suggestions to effortlessly rock an evening cocktail party?

The best holiday outfits are the ones that bring out your positive features (toned legs, voluptuous chests, etc.) with the right amount of sparkles and glam.  It’s that one time a year where you can play dress up and reward yourself for the hard work that you’ve done all year!  So, why not go a little out of your comfort zone to try something different while still be you? 

You don’t have to do a lot to look like a million buck and you certainly don’t have to spend a fortune either.  It’s about maintaining the right balance, knowing how to accentuate your body with the right clothing and accessories, and matching the appropriate outfit for the right occasion. 

Both Scarlett Johannson (left) and Taylor Swift (right) look stunning not only because they have the best designer clothing or perfect bodies, but because they know what to wear to flatter their body shapes and understand how to style for the right occasions (or at least they hired the right stylists.)

“Looking Your Best for Holidays” has 3 mixed scenarios, and I am offering some suggestions for stepping out in your best styles to match your body shape, the type of event, and location.  From outfits to shoes to makeup, there are some great ideas for you to surviving the holidays looking your absolute best.  Are you ready to party? 

Pear shape girl to an evening cocktail party

Busty girl to a corporate / business party

Curvy girl to a New Year’s Eve party 

Do you know how to create the right balance of holiday sparkles and glam?