Cannes Red Carpet

The prestigious and world famous French film festival is not only a film director aspiration but is also a career boost for any actor. As for us fashionistas, Cannes is the place to show and watch fashion happen! From the strolls around town to film premiers and after-parties the festival is a continuous red carpet event and a back drop to the latest designers' fashions.

The 2008 Cannes Film Festival just wrapped up, leaving us with some memorable fashions on and off the red carpet.

The talk of town was 'Brangelina', and Angelina's blossoming figure. Angelina Jolie looked absolutely stunning in her tailored pieces, customized around her growing figure (she is pregnant with twins, and looking more radiant than ever.)

Angelina Jolie's casual looks consisted in a very pretty and simple white floral Thomas Wylde dress, and a custom Dolce & Gabbana black suit and T-shirt.

Angelina Jolie's red carpet look was, as usual, very elegant and so was Brad Pitt's. The moss green form-fitting gown from Max Azria Atelier is framed by beautiful gold and diamond Bulgari jewelry. The gray custom Reem Acra craftan is also very chic and tastefully adorned, although less form-fitting.

Another hot mama around the streets of Cannes is Cate Blanchett, whose form is enviable! - as she gave birth to a baby boy only 5 weeks prior to the festival. Stunning and original as usual in her fashion choices, she remains loyal to her favourite designers.

In her casual look Cate Blanchett is still very elegant: a floral short Kimono dress with modern and funky wedge heels. On the red carpet, Cate was stunning in Armani Privé gowns and Chopard jewels. I love her tanzanite necklace and Roger Vivier accessories framing the steel gray strapless gown.

Keeping on with the post pregnancy looks, another actress who was stunning at Cannes was Salma Hayek.

Salma Hayek looked beautiful and fresh on the red carpet in a strapless navy YSL gown and in a jade color Balenciaga dress. I'm not crazy about the third peacock-blue Gucci gown- I find it a bit severe and matronly- but I love her choice of Chopard jewelry for all her looks.
Radiant in all her appearances was juror Natalie Portman, who showed up to a multitude of events, and movie premiers.

Natalie Portman's well put together semi-casual black suit is made of a Lanvin jacket, Jenny Kayne shorts, fuchsia Rotter and Friends T-shirt, Te Casan heels and Tiffany & Co. jewelry -which she picks as the jewelry house of choice for all her appearances. I absolutely love her in this look: she is elegant, classy and modern at the same time. Afterwards Natalie hits the red carpet in a ruffled purple Lanvin dress and a vintage black Chanel Haute Couture gown.

She also chooses a couple of similar looks to hit movie premiers, short ruffled cocktail dresses from Lanvin. The choice of color is vibrant and youthful and suits her well.

Newly-wed Eva Longoria Parker shows solo but stunning at the Cannes' events.

Eva Longoria Parker's first cocktail mini-dress is a Zang Toi peacock feathered number -which is a nice change from the "usual" animal prints of the season. She follows with a short metallic Ferragamo backless dress and Kara Ross anaconda clutch. The gold metallic color suits her olive complexion beautifully.

Mrs. Eva Longoria Parker strolls around town in a cute yellow and white 60's inspired dress, topped by oversized shades and see-through bangles. Later that evening, Eva is red carpet worthy in a Mediterranean blue Versace Couture gown and train and Van Clef & Arpels jewels. She is old-Hollywood glamorous in a frothy tulle white Versace Atelier gown.


Elegant and stylish both on and off the red carpet Gwyneth Paltrow is always exciting to watch. In her first look she is wearing a shorter Celine dress, Burberry jewelry and her signature golden gladiators heels (which work with this look because the dress is simple and not over accessorized). She attends the Chopard party in a white Grecian-inspired one shoulder Lanvin dress, gladiator sandals and Chopard jewels. On the red carpet Gwyneth Paltrow wears a navy Chanel gown with a peek-a-boo plunging neckline and Chopard diamonds.

Check the Fashion Community/Gallery/Fashion Events to see more picture of celebrities at the Cannes' events and read my comments on the best and worst dressed. Among other featured celebrities: Julianne Moore and her disastrous red carpet dress, Mischa Barton and her boho looks, Penelope Cruz and her gorgeous style, and many more.

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/
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Casual Style: Kate Moss

In the ever-changing world of fashion, trends come and go quickly and, so do the celebrities who adopt them. A few gifted cutting edge Fashionistas however, avoid what the industry dictates and remain true to their style. Coco Chanel, Twiggy, Katharine Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Madonna are some of the Fashion Icons who, not only survived the test of time but, also will go down in history as stylish trend-setters. They don't follow trends, they make trends (and in some cases, revive them).

"Fashion fades, style is eternal!" (Coco Chanel)

Among my favorite trend-setters is the über-stylish Kate Moss.

The 34 year old English supermodel, is credited for starting the Heroin chic style. With her controversial waifish figure and smaller stature, Kate Moss single handedly reshaped the fashion industry of the '90s.

Her personal style is highly influenced by Rock and Roll, and her mixed and matched favourite pieces have shaped the newest trends: black satin lapel Tuxedo jacket, thigh high black suede boots, vests and scarves. Lately she has also popularized trends such as: denim cutoff shorts, Ugg boots, ballet flats, pirates boots, skinny jeans, waistcoats, high-wasted styles and waist-cinching belts.

I admire her style, as she is always dressed very appropriately to the occasion. Kate can be extremely elegant in a designer gown on the red carpet, and the next day stroll around the streets of London in her fedora hat and ankle boots.

"The advice I now give: Never wear a designer look head to toe." (Kate Moss)

Kate's style is often demure, with monochromatic outfits and minimal jewelry, at the same time though, she plays with shapes and textures. Her clothes are curve hugging and her accessories oversized and texturized. She's often seen in gray or black skinny jeans tucked in her thigh-high suede boots, a skinny vest worn as a shirt, a big studded belt sitting low on her hips, a manly watch, a tote bag, big bold sunglasses (or Ray-Ban Aviators) and a large scarf wrapped around her neck. A true Rocker!

Kate rarely wears jewelry, makeup or coiffed locks, which makes her style seem natural and effortless.

Kate Moss' sense of style and trendsetting is highly appreciated in the world of fashion as she has become a muse to a multitude of designers and photographers. The admiration is not equally shared by the PETA group however, as she is a big fan of furs and leathers.

Aside from all the controversy, Kate Moss remains an inspiration and a strong influence to the world of fashion and is an international Iconic Figure who has written a chapter in fashion history.

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.

http://www.beautybyella.com/

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How To Dress For Body Type

Styling Rules are hardly generic! As a matter of fact, they should always be customized to the individual! Since everyone comes in different body size and shape, it's important to learn what to wear and what to avoid in order to best flatter our body type. Being compared to an object like an Hourglass or a Pear is not always flattering, especially when carrying a few extra pounds that we are trying to lose. It can be hurtful to stand in front of a mirror and examine each flaw in order to determine our body type, but it is a necessary step.
Remember: no one has the "perfect" body!
I have met numerous women who are ready to reveal exactly what they don't like about their bodies, including models and celebrities!
It is extremely important to determine the body type - first and foremost- as it helps to visualize a certain shape; then, we choose what to wear to best suit our body type, to create the illusion of a well balanced figure.

"Fashion is architecture: it is a matter of proportions. "

Coco Chanel

The most important thing to analyze first is the body type we currently have (not the one we want): keep in mind that it has nothing to do with size, it's all about proportions.

All body types come in a mix of fuller and slimmer shapes. The most flattering body shape on a woman is the hourglass, so that is the ideal goal we should try to achieve through clothing, regardless of our current body type. It consists of: Larger shoulders, smaller well-defined waist and, a curvy bottom.

Let's determine firstly, the most common body types, then subdivide them (decide where you fit in best) and finally follow the simple styling steps to better balance the body type.

TOP HEAVY BODY TYPE:

The LOLLIPOP body type: Big breasts, not too broad shoulders, short waist and long skinny legs.

The GOBLET body type: Heavy and square on the top, large breasts, a big tummy and broad back sitting on slender legs.

BOTTOM HEAVY BODY TYPE:

The SKITTLE body type: top half is long and slim and widens at the bottom with saddlebags and a big bum on short legs.

The BELL body type: petite woman with small shoulders and breasts and a large bottom and waist.

The PEAR body type: small at the top with small shoulders and breasts, tiny waist, big thighs (saddlebags), and the calves and ankles don't have much definition.

TOP and BOTTOM HEAVY BODY TYPE:

The APPLE body type: is all round; small shoulders, big breasts and waist, big hips and buttocks and no definition in the calves and ankles.

The HOURGLASS body type: Big shoulders and breasts, small short waist, big hips (bottom half and top half are equal in size).

The VASE body type: It's a stretched Hourglass, more length and a flatter bottom.

The CELLO body type: broad shoulders, large breasts, very big buttocks, hips and thighs (bigger than the top).

NO CURVES/ ATHLETIC BODY TYPE:

The BRICK body type: it's a masculine shape, broad shoulders, flat buttocks, no waist line, straight up and down short legs.

The CONE body type: triangular shape, it's an athletic build with broad shoulders, little breast, no waist line, small hips and buttocks.

The COLUMN body type: very tall, statuesque build. No curves, the top half and bottom half are equal in size.

STYLE SOLUTIONS for EACH BODY TYPE:

TOP Heavy body types:

Goal: Pick pieces that are shaped but not tight. Bring attention to the bottom half of the body.

Purchase a well fitting bra first -more than 85% of North American women (regardless of their body type or bust size) wear the wrong size bra! Most stores offer a fitting session and service for free. Get it right, it makes the world of a difference in how the clothes fit.

Don't wear tops with: ruffles or pastel shades, thin spaghetti straps, delicate camisole tops or complicated necklines. Avoid high neck lines, opt instead for wide v-neck halves, not in a bulky material. Dresses should have strategic gathers under the breast to direct all eyes to your waist. Skirts should be fitted at the top and flaring at the hemline (to balance the top and the bottom), a cute tulip skirt works here. Avoid high waisted "anythings" at all cost! Bell bottom trousers balance out the breasts so you look less top heavy. Shoes should be high and a medium to slim heel to complement the shapely legs. Structured jackets, with one or two buttons under the breast, work well for a bigger bust, make sure the jacket can be buttoned; if a size bigger is necessary, then bring the jacket to the tailor and get both sides (at the waist) taken in, so to achieve an hourglass shape!

Don't Wear: A lot of women who have larger busts try to camouflage it with boxy blazers. A blazer hides a double-D bust, but it makes a waist and the rest of the body look much bigger as well. Remember we are trying to achieve an hourglass body type (not a brick!).

Do Wear: A fitted, single-breasted fitted blazer, making sure it defines the waist but is roomy enough in the bust so that it doesn't pull. The overall effect is slimming and shape-defining.

BOTTOM Heavy body types:

Goal: bring attention to the top half of the body and away from problem areas.

Clingy skirts and tapered pants are a no-no as they highlight the hip, so trow them out of the closet; fuller leg trousers and flared skirts hide bulges. Wear any vertical pattern on the bottom half (to slim the appearance) even if it is in the seaming. Darker colors recede, so go dark on the bottom half of the body (no shiny fabrics) and wear lighter colors on top. To broaden shoulders and bring the attention up to the top half, wear big lapels, color and embellishment on the neckline, even a small shoulder pad will bring balance to a wider bottom.

Avoid side pockets, opt instead for a flat-front trouser. Super-slim jeans and pencil skirts are not a good choice. A defined waist, full skirt and strapless cut dress will bring all the focus to the smaller upper half. High-waisted, belted skirts draw attention to a slimmer waist line (hem it just above the knee), but wear them only if you have smaller breasts. Avoid Empire waist dresses that hide the waistline, choose instead a defined waist and an A-line skirt (wrap dress) to accentuate the upper half. Buy a full, pleated Knee-length skirt to conceal a wide hip. Full, wide-leg gauchos drape without clinging and are a fashionable choice. Avoid tapered cut pants that emphasize a wide middle area, try a boot-cut pant and jeans to create a straight, lean line. Pleats are dangerous and so are too-high waist lines on pants, a flat front trouser on a medium rise (1 inch below belly button) is more flattering on this body type.

A funnel shaped coat (buttons on the top half) is very flattering, also a coat with belt will bring attention to the waist, like a classy trench coat. In the summer wear a thigh-skimming Craftan over the bathing suit, it's a classy and fashionable way to cover up and balance a wider hip.

Cone heels on a dressy shoe will help balance out the bottom half of the body. Straight winter boots will look fashionable and also help cover shapeless calves and ankles. Don't do ankle straps, they brake the line of the leg.

Don't Wear: A straight button-dress that hugs the curves at the hips, making them appear larger, not to mention the pull on the buttons in curvy areas can draw unwanted attention.

Do Wear: A wrap dress to emphasize the smallest part of the body (the upper half), allowing the bottom to A-line over the rest, camouflaging large hips and thighs. A print, especially over a darker background is slimming and will diffuse the attention on the pattern, not on the curves.

"Highlight the positive and delete the negative." Donna Karan

TOP and BOTTOM Heavy body types:

Goal: The secret is not to hide any part of the body, but to show it off, nobody looks good in a straight oversized tent dress. The clothes must be fitted (not tight) and curve hugging.

Wear V-neck fitted cardigans, scooped necks and pencil skirts. Skirts should be fastened on the side and flat-fronted, to avoid extra bulk. Sewn down paneling on the top half of a bottom-pleated skirt holds the tummy at the front and cuts the buttocks in half. Asymmetric pleats on a tulip skirt will lift and bring out the bottom. Wear jackets with a single button (which will emphasize the narrowest area of the body). Traditional jeans don't always work, so choose a tailored, wide legged denim trouser. Avoid tight, wide-cut pants, which can make the bottom look wider; a straighter leg style (full but not flared), that doesn't pull at the hips, is more flattering. Avoid pleats around the hips and belly (they add bulk) or anything high-waisted. Wear waist defining pieces and empire-waist dresses. A fitted trench with belt is great as a coat. Pick chiffon dresses, with a corset. As for shoes, avoid stilettos, curvy girls need curvy shoes! Choose a small, shaped wedge sandal, and a rounded or peep toe shoe.


No CURVES body types:

Goal: Create curves and an ideal hourglass shape.

Draping dresses with patterns will create curves in all the right places (size the pattern to the body- small frame= small pattern, and vice versa). Don't assume any bra with padding will work; it must fit so the seams and padding can't be seen (P.S. Avoid deep Vee shirts with padded bras). Never go bra-less under flimsy fabrics, no matter how small the breast, it's not classy.

A feminine chiffon dress will soften the shape. Halter tops create soft curves. Gathering and pleating on a shirt (at the sleeves and waist) creates curves. Skinny jeans will hug the skinny shapeless hips, giving them more definition. Choose delicate heels to highlight slim ankles. Accessorize, to keep you looking very stylish and feminine (use lace, beads and other feminine detailing). Invest in some cute waist-defining belts to wear over shirts, cardigans, coats, etc.

"Accentuate your best features and disguise what you are not so happy with. Choose outfits that fit and make you look comfortable rather than those that are up-to-the-minute."

Giorgio Armani

Now that you know what to wear, a few last minute tid-bits of advice: Practice the art of camouflage. A well known fashion truth: darker colors minimize, while lighter or shiny ones highlight. To play down a large chest, avoid wearing bright metallic tops. Have a thicker waist? A dark brown belt is better than a white one. Horizontal stripes make anything look wider. To look taller and leaner wear monocromatic tops and bottoms (match shoes to trousers for a longer leg line). To do color safely, accessorize!

Everyone needs a Tailor: it's unrealistic to expect every size 12 dress to fit every size 12 woman in the bust, waist and hips perfectly. That means find a reliable tailor so that the clothes fit your body. Good tailoring can make a cheaper item look expensive.
Styling Dos and Don'ts have nothing to do with size. These days, flattering choices abound for women of all shapes. Love your body, be stylish and confident, it shows that you appreciate and respect yourself.

Celebrity Body types:

Bigger on top: Scarlett Johansson, Salma Hayek, Lindsay Lohan, Carmen Electra, Nikki Blonsky.

Bigger on bottom: Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Shakira, Rihanna.

Hourglass: Jordin Sparks, Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, America Ferrera, Tyra Banks.

Apple type: Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Osbourne, Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears.

No curves: Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Hilary Duff, Pink, Keira Knightley.

For the best swimsuit to flatter your body type, read the latest article!

Be fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities.
http://www.beautybyella.com/

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(most)Body types by: TV style gurus Trinny Woodall and Susannahtype Constantine.

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How to Care for Fabrics and Jewelry

When we purchase an expensive item, whether it's a jacket in a fancy fabric or a precious piece of jewelry, we want to keep them new and clean as long as possible. Here is a guide to how to care for these special items.

Suede: The best way to take care of suede is to spray it (when first purchased and then at least once a month with a protective spray). Yes, it's the spray that the sales' person is pushing you to buy... consider it like a scotch-guard for your jacket against the skin's natural oils. Make sure to spray the collar and the sleeves (on the wrists too) on a jacket. Then brush the suede piece after each wearing using a wire-bristled suede brush. This will keep the finish looking bright and clean.

Leather: Anything in leather (shoes, purses, jackets, etc.) can be a costly item and deserves careful attention. Take care of precious leather pieces by polishing them at least once a month. To maintain fine leather suppleness and shine, Meltonian Cream is recommended; it hides scuff marks and it will shine better than spay-on polishes. For hard-wearing leathers like boots and winter shoes, a wax polish is better (highly water resistant). For water resistance, mink oil works too, however be careful, since the oil darkens the look of the leather a few shades, as it gets absorbed. Before polishing any shoes, clean all dirt using a soft brush and a flannel cloth to dust them . Lightly sponge marks on metallic -or lightly colored- leather, with a damp cloth dipped in soapy water. Let the spots dry naturally (if shoes-preferably on a shoe tree), then work a small amount of cream polish in circular motion. To ensure an even distribution use a shoe tree or your hand inside the leather piece. After the polish, bring up the best shine rubbing a genuine chamois cloth on it.
Shoes- Don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row; they need a day to dry and air out. During the winter season, shoes and boots absorb a lot of moisture from the feet; keep them smelling fresh by wiping the inside using a cloth dipped in warm water and a few drops of Ammonia. Never, ever, place any leather or suede items near a radiator to dry, they will crack!

Crocodile and Lizard: these skins are tough and need very little care and maintanance, however they should be carefully dusted with a flannel cloth after each use. Never polish Lizard skin (shoes or purses), just wipe the item with a damp cloth when dirty. Crocodile requires an application of neutral cream occasionally.

Wool and Knits: Dry clean all items sporting a dry cleaning tag! Simple enough (right??) however, many people attempt a time/money-saving at-home care treatment, ruining their expensive item in the end. Trust the label, it will ensure the longevity of the wools and knits, especially Cashmere.
Do not Dry Clean any wool/knit gloves, scarves, socks, hats and shawls; the chemicals used to dry clean can actually weaken the fibers of these items, wearing them out prematurely. Hand Wash these wool and knits in cold water, then press the item between two clean towels to absorb most water. Never wring the water out, as it will stretch the fabric out of shape. Place the item on a dry towel - away from a heat source- and let air dry.

Pantyhose: Always wash pantyhose by hand and in a delicate soap and water solution. Rinse well and hang to dry; wringing the water out of the pantyhose will stretch the delicate material and ruin its shape. If a snag appears, use some clear nail polish to stop the run, and let dry; re-use the snagged pantyhose under a pair of pants or a long skirt.

Eyeglasses: Just like jewelry, eyeglasses can be an long time investment, if properly cared for.
Wash glasses at least once a day in some mild soap and water. wipe the glasses using with a microfiber cloth, or linen towel (reserved specifically for the glasses). On some oily skin, the glasses can get a little greasy by the end of the day, spray the glasses with an ammonia-based cleaner before washing them in soapy water. Always carry the glasses in a hard case to avoid minor shocks and scratches. Take care of the little maintanance, like tightening the screws, to make the glasses more comfortable and last longer.

Pearls: Real pearls are precious and therefore costly; it's impotant to take really good care of this piece of jewelry. Genuine pearls feel cooler to the touch than fake ones, to test their authenticity, rub a pearl over your teeth, if it grates, it's real, while if it's smooth, it's imitation.
Some of the best imitations out there are "Majorica" pearls.
Leave real, cultured pearls out to "breathe" when you are not wearing them. Airing the pearls will deepen the lustre. Pearls are porous, so they will absorb the skin's natural oils, making them grow more lustrous with every wear. Absolutely never spray perfume on the pearls, it will dull the surface.

Gold: Gold is a very popular precious metal (the higher the Karat the more pure it is and therefore softer), and with proper care it can last a long time. Always remove gold jewelry before exercising or prior to any kind of physical work. Polish the gold jewelry often using a jeweler's cloth (chemically treated especially for that purpose), which is available at most jewelry shops or craft stores. Store gold jewelry in a cotton-lined box or in a flannel bag to prevent it from tarnishing.

Silver: To keep the silver jewelry looking its brightest, care for it by polishing each piece often with silver polish and a flannel cloth (or a jeweler's cloth). Never use an abradant cleanser on silver jewelry, or it will scratch and dull the surface.

Be fabulous,

Ella

Picture: 'Green Crocodile' shoe designed for the Winter 1995 collection. © Manolo Blahnik.

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Weight Loss: How to Lose Weight and Keep it Off

It's an age-old question: How do you lose weight and keep it off?
With all the Diets, Special Foods and Weight Loss Systems out there, it's no wonder that most overweight people are so confused about weight loss. Losing those extra inches and pounds can be a frustrating experience, and since it requires a long term commitment and offers delayed results, most people give up easily, feeling like it's a lost cause. Well, I'm here -living proof- to tell you that losing weight and keeping it off can be done!
I am not a phisician, or an expert in the matter, however I lived through it; this article is a recommendation based on my weight loss success (and also my husband's, some family members' and friends'), and is also founded on the advice I received from a doctor.
Warning: please, contact your doctor -especially if suffering from any medical problem- before following any weight loss Diet or weight loss Exercise advice.

After a careless sweets-filled diet during pregnancy, I found myself 60 pounds overweight (a lot for a small frame), and not being able to breastfeed, I had a hard time getting back in shape. I wasn't willing to settle for the new heavy-set body, so I started a hard core search for the best weight loss program to shed the fat and keep it off, and researched many diet books and on-line weight loss sources. Being hard-headed finally worked for me, as I finally found answers from a doctor (friend of mine), who directed me to a 3 step program for weight loss: A Healthy Balanced Diet, Exercise and CLA.

DIET: It is important for our health to keep our body lean and fit, in the words of Arnold H. Glasgow:

"Your body is the baggage you must carry through life. The more excess the baggage, the shorter the trip"

So have a healthy diet. I cringe at that word, only because I've tried almost every "diet" under the sun! So you can imagine the 'excitement' as the doctor started talking. The best things about his weight loss diet: it's for every healthy member of the family, it is a long term habit and it doesn't require cooking tasteless foods or buying expensive special-cooked meals/foods.
The Doc told me: "the secret of a healthy balanced diet is in your hand! We have 5 fingers, that's the number of meals to eat during the day: 3 main ones and 2 snacks. Look at the palm of your hand, that is the size of 'protein' serving (beef, chicken, turkey, pork, fish)"; I know some of you are staring at your palm saying: "what? I will starve!" trust me on this one, you won't!
He continued: "Make a fist now, that is the size of Carbohydrates or Starch (pasta, bread, potatoes, rice...etc.) beside the 'meat', and accompany that by 2 fists of Vegetables (keep them colorful and dark greens)... and NO, fried french fries don't qualify! A great Snack is a handful of nuts".
The trick in a weight loss diet is finding a healthy balance between Carbohydrates and Proteins. The best ratio is 2:1, so for every 2 grams of Carbohydrates in a meal, have 1 gram of Protein. The doctor explained: "when the ratio is balanced, Insuline is not produced in the body and fat storage doesn't take place". So pair the morning toast (cereal, pancakes, cookies..any carbs) with a tall glass of milk, peanut butter or an egg (protein).

Learn to read the labels on the products we buy. Most products, have a "Nutrition Fact" label on the box; Calories are important, as the recommended amount of daily intake is limited:
Healthy women of average height/built have a limit of about 1500/day, and the average healthy male has a limit of 2200 calories/day (if smaller in size decrease the number of calories by about 200/300, if bigger increase the allowance).

Important: A woman should never eat less than 1200 and a man never less than 2000 calories to remain healthy: healthy weight loss= healthy eating.
During a pregnancy a healthy woman should add 300 extra calories and during lactating an extra 500 calories to her regular daily intake.

Figure out the RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate), the amount of calories the body burns without exercise:
In pounds and inches:

Men: RMR = (4.54 x Weight in pounds) + (2.44 x Height in inches) – (4.92 x Age) + 5
Women: RMR = (4.54 x Weight in pounds) + (2.44 x Height in inches) – (4.92 x Age) - 161

In kilograms and centimeters:

Men: RMR = (9.99 x Weight in kg) + (6.25 x Height in cm) + (4.92 x Age) + 5
Women: RMR = (9.99 x Weight in kg) + (6.25 x Height in cm) + (4.92 x Age) - 161

Next, multiply the RMR by an Activity Coefficient (AC). Here are the average ACs for men and women.
Sedentary Men: AC = 1.55 -Moderately Active Men: AC = 1.78 -Very Active Men: AC = 2.10
Sedentary Women: AC = 1.56 -Moderately Active Women: AC = 1.64 -Very Active Women: AC = 1.82
That's the number of calories the body burns per day -without extra exercise.

Next on the Nutrition Fact Label is the FAT, this figure should't exceed 6 grams, to be considered "healthy"; anything more will settle in, contributing to the 'extra' inches and resulting in time in an overweight body and fatty organs.
Be careful: not all fat is equal! Some fats are good, like Fish oils (Omega 3, Omega 6) and very healthy, while others (Trans-fats) are artery cloggers!
Keep the Sodium at or below 350 grams and the Salt at less than 2000 mg.
Helpful tip: For flavour without the added fat, marinate the meat, poultry and fish: Garlic, Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Lemon juice and a bit of olive oil before putting it on the Barbeque; the marinade will add flavour and counteract the formation of Carcinogens during the roasting (which can cause breast and colon cancer).
The best thing when dieting is to avoid most sugary/high calories drinks, like sodas, juices and beers, they are not a necessity in a daily meal and just contribute to chew up the calorie and sugar allowance for the day; but don't deprive yourself all the time. ONE glass of red wine, even though it contains sugars, is healthy for the heart and circulatory system. Drink a lot of water during the day, it will cleanse and purify the body from harmful toxins, resulting in clearer skin and well functioning organs.
Helpful tip: to remember to drink -especially during my weight loss program- I carried a small (hard plastic) water bottle with me all day.

Stay away from fancy sauces and fatty condiments like: mayonaise, heavy salad dressings, butters..etc. A healthy substitute is mustard. Avoid all fried foods; use the oven as a substitute to the frying pan (for fries, nuggets, cutlets, etc.), and the Grill/BBQ is a great friend to any diet. Grill the fish, meats, poultry and vegetables. After you grill (or steam the vegetables) keep them tasty the Mediterranean way: olive oil, herbs, herbs, more herbs, garlic and citrus! Try this: mix in a small bowl a bit of extra-vergin olive oil (quantity depends on the amount of food), add a few teaspoons of lemon juice, oregano, fresh parsley and basil, a clove of garlic (cut in very small dices), and a pinch of salt, then mix it up; drizzle the mix onto the grilled/steamed vegetables and fish/meat. It's so delicious, that it doesn' t feel like "diet" food! I love it on my salmon, shrimp, mushroom, eggplant, zucchini, etc.
Dessert is ok too, but in moderation though, and if it doesn't throw the whole daily calories and fat allowance out of balance.

EXERCISE: like the diet in a weight loss program, a crucial part to lose weight is based on consistent exercise and getting the blood flowing. Just reducing the amount of calories intake won't decrease the weight already accumulated, so get moving! The gym is not the only place to lose weight...why spend the money and waste the trip if you don't have to! Just set aside about 30 minutes a day to get moving -make it a priority, the time slot will "magically" appear! The daytime is the best time to get moving, don't leave exercising for the evening or it might disrupt the sleeping pattern.
Exercise will burn the calories, and in time it will help speed up the metabolism, which in turn will accelerate the weight loss.
If not an exercise expert (who is?), don't worry; just get moving: running on the spot (before getting into the shower), or going up and down the stairs a few times in a row (can be done at work). The best aerobic exercise for burning calories is alternating fast motions with slower ones, so running on the spot and walking, or rushing up the stairs and then slowing down.
To work the whole body, grab small weights for the arms (to just tone up, two small bottles of water will do). A personal favourite, on the weekend, is aerobic exercises to music: Spanish tunes always get the hips moving and the blood pumping.
It's important to stretch before and after the exercise regimen; try to get moving the day after too, especially if sore (moving again will make the sore-spots disappear).
Caution: When starting to exercise, weight loss might take place on any part of the body (like the hands or face...etc), that's why it takes time to see significant results -same with dieting- losing weight just takes time.

CLA: It was suggested by the Doc, in addition to the diet and exercise to add 2 capsules of 500mg of CLA to a daily routine, and I believe is that it is the best supplement for weight loss while exercising. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (from Safflower Oil) is a fatty acid that also occurs naturally, and in small quantities, in foods like meats and dairy products. CLA works by reducing body fat, supporting lean body muscle retention and making the most out of the workout. Pick one brand that carries at least 500mg of the CLA/capsule and is 100% Pure Safflower Oil; there are many brands out there (at every cost) but chose one with very little or no fillers. Botanic Choice offers a great quality CLA, a 1000mg/capsule -follow the link below and get the codes for a discount.
Attention: CLA works from the inside out, by first cleaning the fat around the organs and then melting the inches away, so it might not "show" results early on, will feel more energy however (since the organs work more efficiently).
NOTE: even skinny people could suffer from fatty organs!
Warning: Remember, even though CLA is natural and has no side effects, consult the Doctor before taking any diet supplements; CLA isn't recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The most important part of the journey in weight loss, and keeping the pounds off, is knowing that a healthy diet and exercise should be part of a lifestyle change, not a quick fix. Don't be obsessed with the scale and weighing yourself everyday, losing weight takes time! Learn how to dress your current body type to look great -it helps emotionally too. Celebrate every little progress, stay consistent and keep the spirit up...it works, I am living proof. I'm in my thirties now, and my body has never looked more trim and fit.
I wish you all the best, and please let me know about the Weight Loss progress...I will encourage you along the journey especially through the struggles and celebrations!

P.S. Thanks Doctor Wing Lim for the teaching, advice and support. It changed my life!


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Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities

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How to Apply False Eyelashes

This article was inspired by the incredible amount of requests (e-mails) from you readers on the topic, keep the questions coming by asking on the Forum.

One of the best kept secret (no longer so) of the Hollywood Movie Stars and glamorous sexy glares is false eyelashes. From syntetic, to real, to mink hair, and single strands to a full set, there are many kinds to choose from, and many movie stars (some of them men) swear by them and won't do without. Believe it or not, false eyelashes were invented by movie director D.W.Griffith to add drama to actress Seena Owen's eyes, in 1916!
I personally, have been blessed with long dark eyelashes from birth (good genes), but still can't help to apply my favourite set of "fake" eyelashes to give my eyes some more drama.

The first thing to do is decide what look you prefer; to get a glamorous stare choose a full set of eyelashes (not too long, stick with your regular lashes length or just a tad longer), to give just a bit of dept, opt instead for the small clasps or individual lashes. Choose the color, black lashes add more drama, while brown is more of a day time look and are more natural looking on people with lighter complexions and hair.

Buy the glue specifically designed for false eyelashes, no substitutes here, as you can damage the eyes with harsh chemicals or even pull the real eyelashes! Buy the dark glue (looks grey but dries black) for a more natural look and to avoid eyeliners.

The application of these beauty enhancers can, however, be a bit tricky and needs a bit of practice: have a set of wide tweezers to help and a flat-end toothpick to apply the glue.

Lay the dry false eyelashes against the real lash line to determine the perfect lenght. Clip a few strands at both end to make them look more natural and to avoid them pulling at the eyes.
Apply a thin line on glue on the base of the false lashes, let it sit for a few seconds, then in front of a mirror, lay the lashes on slowly, setting the middle part first then the sides, as close to the lash line as possible. This application is the tricky part and needs a bit of practice before mastering the technique. If you choose the cluster eyelashes, about 7 or 8 strands (1 to 2 millimiters apart) will give a full natural look.

After laying the false eyelashes, wait a few seconds, then push them up towards the eyelid, so that they will dry above the regular lashes; this trick will actually replace the use of eyelash curlers. Once they are dry (upwards), apply the mascara by wiggling the wand at the roots of the lashes ans pulling the wand up; Mascara will attach the real lashes to the false ones and will give it extra hold, do two coats of mascara if you prefer. Make sure to bring the little tube of eyelash glue and a flat-end toothpick out with you in case the (individual) eyelashes fall off or the strand comes off at the corners (natural skin oils might loosen the glue after a few hours), just dab a bit of eyelash glue with the toothpick on the false lashes and set them back by holding on to the ends for a few seconds. It has happened to me, where my individual lash was sitting on my cheek for most of the night (I opted for no mascara that night)...I noticed when I got home...sigh! So check from time to time!
To take them off at the end of the day, just pull on one end of the false eyelash gently, it should come off without struggles. Remove all excess glue from the false eyelashes, to keep them looking good, and remove the mascara as well by dabbing them with a cotton ball and eye makeup remover. Eye makeup remover should also get rid of any small bits of glue left on the real lashes gently (don't try to pull the glue off with fingers or tweezers, might pull real lashes as well). The life-span of your false eyelashes depends on the quality and care of the lashes...usually syntetic and real hair lashes will last about 2 weeks of use (looking newer), after a while they might loose their shape or have some built up glue and makeup. Replace when necessary to have the best results. My favourite false eyelashes that last the longest and resemble the very beautiful and expensive mink kind (which are the only choice for most celebrities) are the Shu Uemura which can be found at StrawberryNet (follow the link to access the site for incredible discounts).

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities
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Swimsuits for every Body Type

Shopping for a Swimsuit is dreaded by most women and can be a frustrating experience if not done properly. In Erma Bombeck's words: "People shop for a bathing suit with more care than they do a husband or wife. The rules are the same: Look for something you'll feel comfortable wearing. Allow for room to grow."
Just the thought of having to parade around a beach, exposing most of the body's flaws is nerve-racking especially when we log around a few extra pounds, and leaves the swimsuit shopping trip at the bottom of the list of things to do.

"I simply can't understand
Why swimsuits are in such demand
They're soggy and damp,
Bind like a clamp,
And hold about three pounds of sand!"
~D.R. Benson

The right swimsuit, however, just like clothing, with proper fit, pattern, color and detailing can do wanders!
Here are a few guidelines to the best swimsuit fit for each body type, don't forget though to experiment and try different styles on, in different colors and patterns.
Remember a few basics: Darker colors and matte fabrics swimsuit are great on areas you want to slim down. A bright color swimsuit with dark piping or side insets can have a slimming effect.
Carefully sized and placed prints on a dark background swimsuit can be slimming as well.

For Curvy body types: A full body bathing suit is most flattering; try wrap styles and all over pattern. To bring attention to a small waist, wear a swimsuit with a belt, chevron patterns, mesh insets or diagonal lines. For the best shape try halter neck line bathing suit and make sure there is enough support in the bust. High cut leg holes enlongate the legs and are slimming.

For Top Heavy body types: it is important to look for a swimsuit with support to the bust; try a two piece bathing suit, and choose a top with built in cups or underwire support and wider straps. Fabrics in high Lycra content are excellent for hold, look for densely woven fabrics. A halter neckline is the most flattering; avoid it however, if you have broad shoulders, opt instead for V-necks or scoop necklines. Buy a swimsuit that draws attention downwards, do details like ruffles and shirring. Dark solid colors on top and brighter on the bottom bring attention down and balance out the figure.

For Bottom Heavy body types: Bring attention upwards to the bust with a lighter color, a V-neck and detail on the top half. Keep the bottom half in dark matte colors to minimize. Strapless and empire waist bathing suits also work in balancing out the figure. Side shirring and darker side pannels sculpt by taking inches off and minimizing the bottom half. The skirted swimsuit is not a good option for this body type, as it adds bulk, brings attention down and (contrary to popular belief) doesn't cover problem areas. A higher cut leg hole bathing suit is a better choice as it gives the illusion of a longer leg and leaner bottom.

For Small Busts: String bikinis work best for this body type; push-up and small padding enhance the bust (avoid big obvoius padding). Look for lower necklines, bright colors and detailing to give the illusion of a bigger bust.

For Tummy control: Swimsuits with vertical lines, like piping, seaming and V-necks to bring the attention away from the tummy area and enlongate the figure. Keep the bright lighter color at the top and the darker matte color at the bottom. In a two piece bathing suit, look for a higher waistband bottom, and a high content of Lycra for added support. Avoid all horizontal prints and cuts on the swimsuit.

Get all the gorgeous swimsuits (in the pictures) at Swimsuitsforall, just follow the link below.

Check out pictures of celebrities in swimsuits in the Fashion Community's Gallery

Be Fabulous,

Ella

Personal beauty, fashion trends, style, glamour like celebrities- Best swimsuit for all body types. Most flattering bathing suits for each body shape.


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