Bold Prints and Boy-meets-Girl Imitations

Looks you’ll want this spring involve lush patterns and vivacious colors. They make a statement without saying a word. The look you’re going for: Bold Prints. Wallflowers need not apply. Oversize, lush garden prints and pop-art patterns in flowing silks and chiffons offer a sophisticated, fresh update on the graphic 60’s look of last season.

Wear it with boots and an understated bag, it’s a chic, urban look; with strappy sandals and a clutch, it adds an elegant evening twist. The only rule: keep it simple! The femininity of the fabrics and brazen patterns were made to be noticed. Make a grand entrance at the gallery opening, gala, or friend’s dinner party.

Another would be your trouser chic shorts. They are more playful than pants, this season’s crop has a sophisticated edge, especially when paired with structured pieces on top. The look imitates boy meets girl. This alternative to the skirt has all the style of traditional menswear pants but turns playful when worn with a pair of ladylike heels. Pair slimmer, knee-skimming cuts with fuller, blouson tops; a blazer or cardigan balances flirty, mid-thigh-length shorts.

You can wear them in more places than you think. Darker, more luxurious materials are an unexpected option for Saturday-night club-hopping, while daytime-friendly neutrals offer a charming alternative to the summer skirt suit.

Going for a Fake or a Splurge?

There might be items you like but they are way too pricey. You need not worry ‘coz you can fake a splurge. A fast way to make something look high-quality is to replace cheap buttons with great, unique ones. Or you can mix it up! Experiment with unexpected combinations by wearing pieces you wouldn’t normally put together, or by mixing inexpensive things with more expensive ones.

Tell-tale signs of a second-rate item include cheap fabric, an awkward outfit, a low-quality stitching. Clothes look expensive when careful attention is paid to details- think extras like printed linings and glass buttons.

Avoid anything with faded colors, or seams that are even the slightest bit crooked. Both are a dead give-away that what you’re wearing is low-end.

Don’t fake it when it comes to quality basics like a gorgeous cocktail dress or fabulous handbag. Having great core pieces ensures that you’ll be confident and ready to shine at anytime. And something that makes you feel incredibly sexy is always worth the splurge. It might be a certain material you love, a rich color, or even a sound it makes when you move in it. Basically, if it’s going to be a major splurge, it’s got to turn you on!

Hammer Down “nail” Issues for a Polished Look

It’s really a toughie when your nails tend to peel. Dry, peeling nails are like gray hair- an old-lady thing some people get long before they’re old! Resist the urge to get nail wraps, which can make things worse. Don’t be tricked in believing in oral supplements or special “strengthening” polishes, either.

So what works? Moisturizing. Rub on lotion after washing your hands. And use polish remover as little as possible (it’s drying to your nails). Just paint over chips instead of starting from bare nails.

Another thing girls would like to know about their nails is how to grow them faster. Yet again, moisturizing is the answer! Moisture, which keeps nails flexible and less apt to break, is the key to rapid growth. To maintain moisture year-round, when giving yourself a manicure at home, dip tips in warm lotion for a few minutes before applying polish. Next, layer on two base coats, a regular strengthener and a protein-enhanced formula. The protein seals in the strengthener, while allowing your nails to stay supple. Last, rub cuticle oil as it absorbs better than cream, into the base of each nail daily.

With all these, you’re sure to get a “polished” look every time!

The Way You Look Tonight

Have curves, don’t have curves- who cares? The newest after-dark stuff is cut in a way that’s about making the best of the body you’ve got right this minute. Sexy. And how do you exactly pull it off? What’s the newest way to dress up now? In clothes that show off your shape without over-revealing your skin, a short sparkly dress with tights. And fashion gurus mean matte, opaque tights; avoid nude hose when you’re wearing sequins they are tooo figure skater!

Don on black. Monochromatic but definitely not boring. For fun details: back cleavage and a dramatic fishtail! Another would be a skirt you can move in. It’s easier to feel sexy when you can breathe! And something that shows off your shoulders… they’re every woman’s sexy zone. That ….or your butt. A shapely suit for the women of the new millennium. If you’re not into baring skin, keep your clothes fitted- that way, you can cover up without the frump factor.

And a must: one little-bit-over-the-top piece. Cmon! It’s your big night out: try something special in a gorgeous fabric, like a printed velvet or a beaded print. Now, all eyes will be on you as you sashay your way in that hall!

“Out” in Style

If you think things of the past can’t make a big comeback, think again! Splashy, cool sixties stuff is in again. That means, short, sexy skirts, graphic-print knits and textured tights. Whether you like your going-out stuff fitted or loose and swingy, just make sure, your skirt is a mini. And the modern way to do mod is to wear one graphic black-and-white print piece with black on everything else. Keep in mind, mini skirts look best with knee-high boots.

The trick to doing bold prints all over: keep them in the same color family. Still not sold? Wear a bold dress with black tights. If your outfit is very loud, take note on monochromatic velvet flats. The LCJ (little cropped jacket) is big this season. Wear yours from a sheath dress to jeans. On the other hand, metallic knits are glitzy and comfortable. Show off your legs in sexy tights.

A cool girl classic: velvet and lace. A menswear-y suit looks extra special in velvet over a frilly top. What’s new about night-out coats this time? They’re short, and yup, you can wear them with your longer stuff, too. But pair it alone with white tights and you’re ready to go out in style.