Gulf Shores, AL (ARA) - The Internet is reinventing how we shop for fashion. Now, no matter where you live and whatever your budget, the best designer offerings are available to those in the know.

Whether shopping through your phone, sharing shopping secrets through social media, or gaining access to specialized online shopping sites, like members-only private sales, Internet shopping has never been more rewarding. Here's what you need to know about these exciting shopping trends, and how you can be part of the action:

Get in on the secret
By going online, in a matter of minutes you can compare prices, see availability, place an order or get on a waiting list. Some women use special members-only sales sites that offer great merchandise at incredible prices. The best sites are invitation only, so be on the lookout for email invitations, or friends with memberships that can get you in the virtual front door.

Boutique bonanza
Flash sales - exclusive sales that only last a limited time - make online shopping fun and exciting. For instance, Rue La La offers members today's top trends, brands and designers with six to eight new daily Boutiques that last 48 hours. The experience is truly appointment shopping - each day you receive an email at 11 a.m. EST letting you in on the new items, brands and designers available that day. These premium and luxury items are up to 70 percent off retail pricing. If the item sells out, members can often still request it and the concierge will work hard to try to find additional availability.

Hassle-free haven
Shopping online allows you to find the best deals on designer fashion without the hassle of driving to the mall and waiting in a long line. When shopping, look for websites that use models to show the clothing and accessories, this and special zoom and angle features will let you know just what it looks like on models - better photography means you can view the item from all angles so there will be no surprises when it arrives at your doorstep.

Shipping and returns made simple
With the increase of online shopping, many retailers offer free shipping or specials to make the value of shopping online even more attractive. Weigh out the options - attractive websites will provide great customer service including the best shipping and return options. Rue La La, for instance, offers the option of paying a single low, shipping fee that covers standard shipping for any additional orders for the next 30 days. As for easy returns, pre-addressed return labels simplify the returns process and make returning an online purchase easier than ever.

Think social for the inside scoop
Online shopping and social networking go hand in hand. Facebook and Twitter are popular social networks for engaging with your favorite brands and gaining unique backstage access to exclusive offers, special savings, and even sneak peeks on upcoming deals.

Coveted convenience
Today there are more ways than ever to shop your favorite top brands through the Internet. Many online stores have apps that you can download to your phone to make the shopping process even more convenient, no matter where you are.

Private sale "appointment shopping" is perfect for mobile devices. For example, Rue La La members can download apps for their iPhone, Android and iPad allowing them shop wherever they are and never miss accessing a Boutique.

Have it all with in-store pickup
Some retailers are now offering the ability to place your order online and pick it up at the physical store location - even on the same day. Now you can shop for your favorite fashion on your lunch break and pick it up on your drive home.

(Gulf Shores)

(ARA) - Setting aside a day of beauty for yourself could be your key to not only looking good, but keeping yourself safe and healthy for the rest of the year. Think of cooler weather as the essential season for good skin care. Go about it naturally by crafting your own toxic-free skin care products that feature the benefits of pure, plant-derived essential oils.

Step 1: Start your new yearly routine by examining and evaluating your skin. Everyone should periodically perform a thorough skin examination. First, get naked, and then use a handheld mirror in a well-lit room to look over your entire epidermis. Map out the location, size, color and form of any mole, scar, birthmark or discoloration. Make a note of any troubling changes that occur in any of these permanent skin features, such as blemishes, moles or lesions that are or become persistently itchy, bleeding, waxy, translucent, and hard or clustered together. Pay special attention to any blemish that increases in size and has an irregular edge. Make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist if you note anything out of the ordinary.

Step 2: Adjust your skin care routine. Now is the time to help your skin recover from summer sun and wind and look good throughout the winter months. To that end, the most effective approach isn't premium cosmetics - simply get adequate rest, good nutrition and hydration. Here are some lifestyle tips to promote great skin:

* Minimize caffeine.
* Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.
* Eat right - you already know what to avoid.
* Eat whole, fresh fruits and colorful vegetables. Beta carotene-rich carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes can even skin color and help prolong your summer glow.
* Drink pure, clean water instead of coffee, soda or sweetened juices.
* Get exercise and fresh air - 20 minutes every day is adequate and easy.

Expensive cleansers are mostly water with a small percentage of "active ingredients" thrown in, while high-end lotions and creams are mostly water emulsified with a bit of oil. Both of these types of formulations are inherently unstable and must be preserved and stabilized with a whole host of potentially toxic and irritating ingredients that have everything to do with maintaining the product on the store shelf and nothing to do with maintaining your healthy skin. Why pay for what you don't need or want?

Step 3: Create your own safe and natural skin care products. What's not in your skin care products is perhaps more important than what is in your skin care products. You can control what goes on your body by making and using a few essential skin care products yourself. Aura Cacia's aromatherapy expert, Tom Havran, offers cleanser, moisturizer, and hydrating mist recipes that call for lavender and geranium essential oils which are toning, calming and adaptable to all skin types.

Cleanser. A gentle, natural liquid soap created when an alkaline mineral salt is combined with a natural vegetable oil such as sweet almond is the cleanest clean you can use. Soap can be drying for sensitive individuals, so don't overdo it and make sure you follow up with a moisturizer.

Ingredients:
1 cup unscented liquid vegetable oil based soap
2 tablespoons water or unflavored green tea
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1/4 teaspoon geranium essential oil

Directions:
Combine soap, water (or tea) and essential oils in a small bottle. Apply about 1 tablespoon to a soft, wet washcloth and gently scrub damp skin in a circular buffing motion (not too long or with too much force). Rinse with warm water and follow with moisturizer below.

Moisturizer. We need a moisturizer to re-fat the skin after cleansing. Washing with soap lifts away dirt, make-up and dead skin and keeps skin bright and pores clear, but it also strips our skin of its natural, protective (and wrinkle-fighting) oil known as sebum. A light-bodied and absorbent, non-clogging oil such as grapeseed or jojoba applied to still-damp skin after rinsing away your liquid soap-based cleanser will perform the same function as costly lotions and creams - but at a fraction of the price.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
1/2 cup jojoba oil
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1/4 teaspoon geranium essential oil

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a small squeeze bottle, apply a teaspoon to the palm of hand, rub hands together and smooth over damp, freshly cleansed skin, pat dry any excess water or oil.

Toning and hydrating mist. As the day goes on, you'll inevitably lose that fresh glow of the morning. Some areas of your skin might become increasingly dry while others might be oily. A simple mixture of pure water and toning lavender and geranium essential oils can help diminish an oily appearance while moistening dry areas.

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon lavender essential oil
1/4 teaspoon geranium essential oil
Small spray mister bottle

Directions: Combine water and essential oils in a bottle. Shake vigorously and apply two to three spritzes of the mist to skin. Smooth over surface if needed.

For more information and valuable skin care tips, visit www.auracacia.com.

According to recent Gamecocks and Penn State accounts of the overall experience at Auburn University and the University of Alabama, respectively, Alabama residents are as easy on the eyes as they are hospitable. Of course, anyone who lives in our fair state knows this and swears by it. Alabama guys and girls tend to be sunkissed with divinity sweet smiles and throw around molasses-thick accented "yes m'ams" and "no sirs" as if they were footballs in the SEC. Still, for as often as we get it right, some people in our region are certainly getting it wrong upstairs. I'm talking embarrass-your-mama bad haircuts.

 

I'll start with the most obvious of the Alabama 'dos don'ts: the mullet. As much as I wish this were just a Southern stereotype, I've seen it far too many times to know that it is out there and it is ugly. I fail to grasp how this Billy Ray Cyrus phenom has managed to perpetuate something like two decades beyond "Achy Breaky Heart." Men and women alike dare to wear this business-in-the-front-party-in-the-back atrocity. And the dreaded mullet knows no age. Sure, you'll see the good ol' boys sporting the hair-don't, but it's also fairly common to come across some emo-tastic tween donning this tragic late 80s trend. It doesn't matter who you are (ahem, Scarlett Johannson, I'm talking to you), the mullet is just plain wrong. After all, do you really want your hairstyle to share the same name as a tossed fish?

 

Next up, we have a collegiate favorite that fails. The extreme side part is a disease as rampant on college campuses as alcoholism and meningitis. Whether you recognize it or not, you've definitely seen it. Girls guilty of the extreme side part take their hair and draw a straight part as far over to one side of the skull as humanly possible. Then, the hair is usually straightened to rigidity. I'm not sure who started this hair faux pas, but it looks good on absolutely no one. Why? Two reasons: 1) because the hair appears incredibly lifeless and flat and 2) because every ounce of individuality is sucked out of a woman's style when she looks identical to every other female at school. Everyone has a natural part, but this feminine version of the comb over isn't it. If you are at a total loss for a flattering hairstyle idea, consider simply going for a blow out and then running a smoothing serum over strands. Bouncy, free flowing locks are much more attractive than the sheep herd hair alternative.

 

Finally, I come to what can only be described as the Bieber Fever. Yep, that's right, a 16-year-old boy with a girl's voice has touched the hearts and hair of people all over our neck of the woods. Southern boys have been doing the hair-in-the-eyes thing since back when I was in high school (don't ask when that was, but know it's been awhile). However, Justin Bieber somehow manages to add a helmet-head element to an already shaggy aesthetic. This hairstyle proves problematic because it is distracting to both the wearer and the observer. You see, while rocking a Bieber, the hair will most certainly fall in the wearer's eyes obscuring vision. Sometimes one's hands are not free to push the hair back. The end result is a strange pony-stomp motion that involves the whole body to toss the head back in order to produce a clear line of sight. Obviously, when a passerby witnesses this strange equine convulsion, he or she is likely to become extremely amused. The end result can range from confusion to fits of laughter. Let's face it, if you don't dare listen to the Biebs, you definitely shouldn't emulate his little kid coif.

 

Thinking that any of these looks are attractive is as delusional as believing that an overgrown Florida reject Cam Newton can take the Tigers to a National Championship. Sorry, y'all. Let's all do our part to keep the South looking good by refraining from these especially awful hairstyles.

(ARA) - You can hear the wedding bells already. Friends and family gathered together to witness your big day. The limousine ride, the toasts, wedding cake and the first dance -- it’s all coming together for the perfect day. But wait! Before you say "I do," there are a number of important things that you and your future spouse must do to become officially married.

Many newlyweds overlook the fact that a marriage is a legal contract. Two individuals merge all they have into a new legal entity or partnership. While many couples often focus on the big day and all of the events surrounding the ceremony and reception, there are a number of legal steps that newlyweds must consider as part of the process, according to FindLaw.com, the world’s leading online source of legal information for consumers.

To help you and your partner have a worry-free wedding day, here’s a prenuptial checklist from FindLaw.com with legal items to consider as you merge your households into one.

Changing names

It’s often one of the first big dilemmas facing a new bride: Keep your maiden name, or take his last name? It’s a big decision, because if you decide to change your legal name, it means changing your name on everything from your driver’s license to stock certificates. While thinking this through, also think about the last names of children you may have in the future.

Marriage requirements

Each state has its own requirements for couples wishing to be married, some of which include: marriage licenses, blood tests or residency requirements. Make sure you and your future spouse know what the requirements are in your state, and have fulfilled all marriage requirements before the big day. If either you or your future spouse has been married before, make sure you have obtained all legal documents to ensure that your new marriage is valid and legal in the eyes of your state.

Marriage ceremonies

Most states have legal requirements pertaining to the marriage ceremony itself, including who may perform the marriage ceremony and whether witnesses are required. Check with your county or state government Web site about these requirements.

Prenuptial agreements

A prenuptial or pre-marriage agreement can help define the property and financial rights and obligations of marrying spouses, including what will happen if the marriage ends. If you are considering entering into a prenuptial agreement, you should be aware of the legal requirements that must be met in order for the agreement to be considered valid and enforceable.

Marriage, money and property

In a recent, national consumer survey by FindLaw.com, the topic of money came in second, tied with having and raising children, as the topic that most led to a fight among married 18- to 34 year-olds. When you get married, your property and finances will, to a certain extent, merge with those of your spouse. Based on the laws of the state in which you marry and/or intend to establish your permanent residence, you should become familiar with what is and is not considered marital or "community" property, and understand how to keep certain assets as separate property. You also should become familiar with your obligations as a new spouse in taking on the debts and tax liabilities of your partner, and agree on how you’re going to handle finances as a newly married couple.

Wedding day contracts

In preparing for your big day, you will sign a number of contracts for items such as wedding day photos, the reception hall and a honeymoon package. Now is a good time to start working together as a team to carefully identify credible wedding day vendors, to negotiate these contracts together, and to decide in advance how you will handle a problem if something goes wrong.

Will and health care directives

As you and your new spouse work together on merging your finances and assets, now is a good time to write a will together that also incorporates end-of-life health care directives. This is especially important for previously married individuals who may be merging families together.

For more information about preparing to get married, visit findlaw.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - You probably have some important women to shop for this season - maybe a wife or daughter, your mom or sister. Need some ideas? Think jewelry.

The wide variety of gem colors, shapes and sizes could make finding the perfect jewelry gift a little intimidating. But even if you procrastinated and now are looking for a last-minute gift, a little background information on jewelry will make your search easier.

Shopping online could be the best way to find a beautiful piece of jewelry and have it delivered in time for your holiday. For assistance in finding quality jewelers, try these tips:

1. Look for professionally-taken photographs of the jewelry, showing you details about the gems, the gold or silver and even the clasps.

2. Use a jeweler who has received Better Business Bureau high scores and is a member of industry associations such as The Jewelers Vigilance Committee and The Cultured Pearls Association of America.

3. Ask for liberal return policies. A 90-day return policy with free shipping is a good example.

When looking for jewelry, some of the more popular gems to consider include:

* Amethyst - There are many legends about this deep purple gem. The birthstone for February, amethyst is quartz, found all around the world, and has created an aura of mystery because of how heat and light can change the color of the stone. These stones look great in rings, drop necklaces and earrings.

While amethyst is hard and resistant to damage caused by wear, sunlight and black lights can affect the color of the stone.

* A bit more expensive, but still beautiful, the emerald with its deep green color is said to bring good luck and well-being to a wearer. Good quality emeralds are rarer than amethysts because the gem is easily flawed. Because of the strong color, emeralds work well in rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings and mix well with other colors.

Emeralds require a little extra care when wearing. Cleaning solvents can remove the seal usually applied to the stone to protect the fine pores of the gem's surface. Remove the jewelry before immersing in cleaning agents such as soapy water.

* Pearls are in a different category from the rest of the gem stones, partly because they come in so many different shapes and colors. Popular styles are freshwater pearls - ranging from pastel pinks and whites to a light purple color - and Akoya pearls  - also known as the classic pearls, known for their perfect round shape and hint of a pink overtone to the color.

"Cultured pearls are the perfect gift," says Fran Mastoloni, president of the Cultured Pearl Association of America. "Their versatility allows them to be worn with almost any outfit and they effortlessly transition from day to night adding instant fashion and elegance."

Pearls make a fabulous jewelry gift. A classic white strand of pearls around the neck, a simple pair of pearl earrings or a stunning bracelet of baroque pearls can reflect the luxury and good taste of the women you're shopping for.

"Pearls are affordable but elegant jewelry so you can show how much a woman means to you," says Jeremy Shepherd, CEO of PearlParadise.com. "They are also very versatile, allowing you to match the skin tone of the woman you're shopping for perfectly."

PearlParadise.com offers discounts off the retail price for freshwater and Akoya pearls. You will be able to find a range of colors and shapes of pearls placed in thousands of different jewelry designs and settings.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Mom, sister, daughter, wife - they're all special women in your life and you want to get them luxury gifts this holiday season. But your budget is limiting your spending. You can do luxury without spending the big bucks on beautiful gifts. All it takes is a little creativity and a good eye for quality.

Here are some luxurious gift ideas without the large price tags:

Spa package:
Women love to be pampered, but heading to a spa can be very expensive. Instead, create a beautiful gift basket of lotions, creams, gels, oils and exfoliating products for the bath. Make sure you schedule free time for her to relax in her spa and let the stress seep away. Add a calming CD or a manicure set to top off the package. To keep this gift extra special, look for products with a scent the recipient appreciates and enjoys.

If you are in an area where a spa training center is located, give the company a call and find out if you can schedule an appointment at a reduced price. This way you're still able to give the luxury spa getaway, without the extra cost.

Jewelry:
"Pearls bring elegance and beauty to any outfit and also are an affordable jewelry choice," says Jeremy Shepherd, CEO of PearlParadise.com. "Freshwater pearls are very versatile - they come in a variety of pastel colors so you can match an outfit or skin tone perfectly, and you can look for the perfectly round classic pearls or mix and match some of the more unique and creative shapes." PearlParadise.com offers pearls up to 80 percent off retail price, and freshwater pearl earrings to complete strands of freshwater pearls start at $22.

Another popular style of pearl is the Tahitian drop pearl - a pear-shaped pearl with no banding around the middle like circle pearls. Tahitian pearls come in darker colors including green and peacock. Every woman - no matter her age or style - should have a beautiful drop Tahitian pearl necklace or earring set to enhance the elegance of her wardrobe. To learn more about Tahitian pearls and see the huge variety of settings and designs, visit PearlParadise.com.

"Nothing says luxury and good taste as cultured pearls. Known as an icon of style for centuries, pearls take on a woman's personality, her distinct luster," says Kathy Grenier, director of Marketing and Communications with The Cultured Pearl Association of America Inc. "Today, cultured pearls of all shapes, colors and varieties are available making pearl jewelry options plentiful."

Afternoon out:
With children, work and extra activities, sometimes the best - and most luxurious gift - is an afternoon out on the town. Depending on your budget, you can expand this into an evening on the town or a mini getaway as well. The months of January and February are ideal for traveling because hotels, flights and tours are lowering their costs in an effort to fill vacancies.

If you plan on the afternoon out, special discounts are often available for lunch menus and afternoon matinees. Get dressed up, have a great lunch at a well-known restaurant and catch the latest theater production while keeping the cost affordable.

Shop off-season:
This tip will take a bit of extra work, but if you're willing to dig, you can find many summer clothing and accessory items for reduced prices during the winter months. If the recipient is big into purses, look for bags made from linens and light-weight fabrics. Search for some extra-stylish shades or a beautiful summer hat. For the professional female, look for a cool warm-weather suit made from flowing linens. If the clearance racks in the stores don't have anything, go online to find the great deals.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With the season of soirees upon us, the ultimate look is needed to stand out among the crowd of little black dresses. With a few simple steps, it's easy to have the appearance of professionally done makeup without emptying your wallet. Be your own makeup artist by trying these three looks from the pros to accent your best features.

Smokey eyes
International makeup artist, Jemma Kidd recommends a dramatic smoky eye to pump-up the glam.

Step 1 - Sweep a light highlighter shade over the whole lid to the browbone.

Step 2 - Apply a dark and intense shade along the lashline, blending up and smoking outwards to the socket line.

Step 3 - Smudge eyeliner across upper and lower lashline; use black for ultra intensity.

Step 4 - Finish off with dark, black mascara, and for a full on look, go for false eyelashes. For an ultra-modern take, add a touch of glitter to lower lids and lashes.

Tip: To finish off the face, use a nearly-naked base, with barely-there flush on cheeks and a nude color for the lips.

Natural perfection
Petra Strand, makeup artist and creator of Pixi, firmly believes that makeup should make a woman look like herself - only more gorgeous.

Step 1 - Prime the skin with a primer - skin will look youthful, glowing and hydrated.

Step 2 - Switch to a base that is sheer and use a concealer for those areas that need a little extra help. Your complexion will look naturally flawless.

Step 3 - Use a cheek gel instead of regular blush to give an instant "lift" with a transparent touch of color on the apples of the cheeks.

Step 4 - Switch from full coverage lipsticks to a tint of color that has both the moisture and treatment of a balm for a perfect pout.

Tip: The next generation of powders is here with a diffused matte finish that is truly perfect to "set your makeup" so that it goes the distance yet you look "fresh as a daisy."

Sophisticated glamour
For classic holiday glam, celebrity makeup artist Napoleon Perdis recommends being bold and brilliant.

Step 1 - Prime your skin for a flawless canvas for makeup application and follow with your perfect foundation match for full coverage and matte skin.

Step 2 - Make a lip statement. Red lips are the most glamorous trend of the season. Pick your favorite red and make sure to always apply lip liner to prevent bleeding. To give the illusion of fuller lips, dab some gloss only on the center of the pout, over lipstick.

Step 3 - To perfectly complement your bold lips, keep the eyes neutral. Use a neutral and easy palette of taupe eye shadows for a seductive eye. 

Tip: Complete the look with black mascara - always remember that three coats is the magic number, and a look is never complete without show-stopping lashes.

Don't have all that's needed for the ultimate glam look to show off your best assets? Relax, Target has you covered. Pick up premiere makeup products at budget-friendly prices from Pixi, JK Jemma Kidd and NP Set at Target stores nationwide and at target.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Looking for insight into what your college student wants to wear to school this fall? Want them to fit in with their peers, but still look respectable? Want to know the secrets to saving a buck?

The Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising students and instructors at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale offer some advice and insight on fall fashion trends.

"Global cultures influence the colorful mosaic of fall '09, creating a new universal attitude," says Chelsea Rousso, a fashion design instructor at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. "Through a mixture of motifs, layering occurs, allowing for uniqueness and individuality. Deep ethnic colors and patterns are appearing on scarves, skirts and knit dresses worn over leggings or textured tights. These 'boho' looks capture the relaxed approach to the easy-does-it mind-set."

Rousso, who is currently writing a book on fashion forecasting, has more than 20 years experience as a designer and design director in the New York fashion world, including Datiani. As business in the early '90s was changing, she developed the concept for an artisan-inspired collection called Earth Song, clothing with natural and earthy appeal that was sold to stores and catalogs throughout the United States. "I am now committed to 'giving back' through teaching," she says.

Recent graduates of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale Fashion programs have their own opinions on fall fashion. "College students think about finding themselves," says Karlee Smith, who received a bachelor's of science degree in fashion merchandising and immediately went to work at the VF Corporation in Atlanta, Ga., as Vassarette merchandiser. "In essence, they create their own trends. At least most do who care to be unique. Even if they are on a budget, college students can find affordable clothes and accessories at places like Forever 21, Zara and Express."

Smith's classmate Elana Bloom concurs with making your own fashion statements and that college students care about their clothes. "I do think college students still think about fashion when they dress for class. Although, I do not think fashion is what is determined in their mind when they are shopping for their class attire," she says. Comfort, convenience and chic are ideal for a college student who faces long days schelpping books, laptops, and other college necessities. Let's face it, can a girl walk up three flights of stairs in 4-inch platforms and make it without breaking a sweat or falling?

"Today less is more and being chic is not being bedazzled or wearing ultra tight clothing," Bloom adds. "It is about accessorizing your bamboo cotton sweat outfit. Attraction is all in the hair, makeup and the accessories. Who has time to put together a three-piece outfit at 6 a.m. for an 8 a.m. class? Throw on a comfy cute sweat suit by Pink Lotus or a cotton maxi dress by Lani, Havianas sandals, beaded bracelets, sunnies and a quick blow dry to the hair and you're ready to go."

Rousso agrees that when it comes to accessorizing, students are keen. "They are adding interest to their outfits by using bright pops of color to a neutral palette of black and grey," she says. "From shoes to sweaters or necklaces to handbags, the intense hues are adding color excitement. Crimson red, associated with strength, desire and power is being worn by girls and guys in jackets, bags and accessories."

Jeans - a college fashion staple - are also getting an updated look this season. Rousso continues, "The looks for denim this season include skinny jean silhouettes along with more relaxed shapes that are cinched at the ankle - often tucked into gladiator sandals or boots. Denim is light in color, distressed and embellished with studs and embroideries - a flashback to the '80s."

Bloom also suggests Nordstrom's B.P section and Target as places to find affordable accessories. "Wide headbands or scarves used as headbands, chunky beads and rings, and fun play jewelry embellish any outfit. I also think everyone should accessorize with a nice manicure and pedicure. This always gives a mini makeover."

Both Bloom and Smith share more than their fashionable interests. They were the first two high school teens to win full scholarships in The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition in 2006. They decided that Fort Lauderdale was the shared destination to pursue their design and merchandising goals. They met for the first time in New York at the scholarship presentation and have been making news ever since.

Smith is originally from Simi Valley, Calif., and a graduate of South Forsyth High School, in Cumming, Ga. Bloom, of Boca Raton, Fla., is a graduate of Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Fla.

To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz. Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu) is a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals.

The

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - In the sea of beauty lotions and potions, how do you know what really works and is worth your hard-earned dollar? It's best to trust the experts who test them all so you know what is fabulous, and what will flounder.

Polly Blitzer, founder and editor-in-chief of BeautyBlitz.com, has spent years immersed in the beauty industry. Today she offers her insider tips for getting the best style at an affordable price:

Tip 1: Utilize the Internet for beauty buzz and best buys

The Internet is a great place to research, find and buy beauty products. There are blogs, sites and forums devoted solely to helping you look good and they can even save you time and money by weeding through the fads and helping you cut through the beauty aisle clutter. Blitzer  recommends drugstore.com for their deals on top products. 

Tip 2: As weather cools, keep hair healthy and shiny

When looking at hair products, it's hard to tell if it's worth spending more for expensive treatments. What's the difference between pricey and less expensive products? There are a few things that could account for the price difference - packaging, exotic ingredients, small manufacturing facilities, etc. That doesn't mean, however, that products without those are any less effective. Look for hair care products that have won numerous awards by beauty and fashion magazines since they have expertise in the area. 

To get sexy locks at an affordable price, try Pantene Pro-V products. Experts agree that Pantene products provide damage protection that even the leading salon brands can't beat and the line was even recently awarded the "Good Housekeeping" Institute Seal.

Tip 3: Utilize household staples

When looking to save a buck and still look fabulous, see what you have around your house. Always stock up on cotton swabs because they can be used for virtually anything. Clear nail polish goes beyond nail use - fix a quick loose stitch on the bottom of your pants or stop an itching mosquito bite.  

Tip 4: Think quality skin care for less

You don't need to spend a lot of money to get a quality skin care product. Magazines and beauty editors say great things about - and give plenty of awards to - drugstore favorite Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream. Priced at $25, it recently outperformed pricier luxury creams costing as much as $350 in testing by the "Good Housekeeping" Institute. Its high quality ingredients and both immediate and long-term results make it a great buy.

Tip 5:  Focus on the beauty trends

Metallic nail polishes are in this season - everything from silvers to bronzes to golds. The red lip is still on-trend as is the smoky eye, although it's been freshened up by using soft grays instead of severe blacks. Finally, on cheeks, try a nice pink flush to give yourself an almost fairy or pixie look. Blitzer likes CoverGirl's Cheekers collection, also a regular winner in the beauty magazine competitions.   
 
Tip 6: Get the hair color to match the look

Want to find a way to extend the time between your salon visits without sacrificing great looking color? Current at-home dye kits are very easy to use. One that particularly stands out is Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy. It was the most awarded at-home hair color in 2008 by beauty editors at national beauty magazines because it's the first to offer high-gloss hair color that covers 100 percent of grays in just 10 minutes. Look for rich, shiny colors in shades of gold.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - American kids are learning from their parents this holiday season - about value, smart investing and getting the most for every dollar spent. Developing wise spending habits is a good thing for kids, but does it mean they have to sacrifice their sense of style as they attend school, extra-curricular activities and holiday happenings?

Not necessarily, says children's fashion expert, Jenny Cooper, head of J.Crew's children's line, called crewcuts, for ages 2 to 12.  Children of top celebrities from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., have been spotted wearing crewcuts. "It is possible to get great style, quality and durability at family-friendly prices," Cooper says. "Parents should look at their children's wardrobe as an affordable investment, and follow a few basic rules when shopping."

* Look for sophisticated, classic styles rather than trendy clothes that may have less enduring appeal. Because something is classic doesn't mean it lacks character and personality. Timeless style enables a wardrobe item to be usable and relevant for future seasons, whereas trendy togs are often "flash in the pan" items that may be cheaper and  less durable. "Your son may outgrow his crewcuts by this time next year, but you'll still be able to use the clothes next year to put his little brother in stylish, great-looking hand-me-downs," Cooper says.

* Look for quality.  Choose garments made of durable, quality materials that have great details. It's common for children to fall in love with certain articles of clothing that they wear over and over again, as any mom who's washed the same shirt five times in a week knows. "It's worth it to spend a little more on a few items that will look great no matter how much use and washing they get," Cooper says.  "We are obsessed with quality."

* Don't forget fit. How often have you bought your child a pair of pants or a shirt in a particular brand, loved the fit, and went back and bought several more pairs in different styles and sizes of the same brand … only to find out that not all styles fit the same across the brand. "Fit should be consistent," Cooper says, "so that items will look great and consistent across all ages. We want our jeans to look as amazing on a 10- or 12-year-old as they do on a 3- or 5-year-old."

*Build a wardrobe by mixing and matching key items.  Just as you purchase a piece for your own wardrobe keeping in mind what it will pair well with, do the same for children's clothes. A good pair of jeans, smart-looking skirt and classic shirt or blouse can be worn for a variety of occasions, from dress-up to casual. "Try to keep a core of neutral-colored items - pants for boys, skirts for girls - that will go with whatever fun, playful thing your children want to wear on top," Cooper suggests. "If you establish a good base, the rest of the choices they make will always look great."

* Remember, your children's clothes need to fit their personality, not just their body. "Our aim is to create styles that kids would create themselves if they were little fashion designers," Cooper says. "Styles should be fun, comfortable and unique."

* Accessorize for your kids, just as you do for your own wardrobe. For boys, a pop of color in the socks instantly gives a little guy a twist of personality. For girls, look for jewelry that looks like the real thing, rather than gumball jewelry, and don't forget hair accessories to really crown a look.

* Finally, don't underestimate the importance of good shoes, whether they are dress shoes, casual shoes or sneakers. You child's shoes should be durable enough to survive the season of tumble and fun, and good-looking so that your child wants to wear them again and again.

For more ideas on how to keep kids stylish, visit www.jcrew.com. of ARAcontent

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