paris fashion: The Shopping 101 and more...

Beauty Is Within Header

Most of us would like to think that we have refined the art of shopping to perfection. We've certainly had plenty of practice over the years. We read all the right magazines and scan the hottest fashion publications for news of new trends, fabrics, shapes and colours. We make an effort to update our wardrobes upon the arrival of each new season and we like to think we know how to take a great catwalk look and turn it into a easy to wear everyday style. But where do we still go wrong? We've compiled a quick list of the most common shopping errors, and how to avoid them.

Error #1 Money = Style

Top high street brands like Peacocks know exactly how to take a top catwalk trend and translate it into something that anyone of any size can wear. The truth is that in today's market there is very little need, and even less justification, to spend exorbitant amounts of money on looking good. Great fashion buys can be grabbed at bargain prices allowing you to save the splurges for investment pieces, such as a new winter coat or a last-a-lifetime pair of boots. If the high street is good enough for Kate Middleton, it's good enough for us.

Error #2 On Trend = Looking Hot

Not all trends will suit all fashionistas. The trick to great dressing is to know what suits you. This means finding out which clothing shapes best flatter your figure and which colours complement your complexion. From time to time, it's fun to embrace a new trend and inject something truly contemporary into your look. But it's far more fashionable to develop your own signature style, unique to you.

Error #3 I'm worth it.

There is a culture among all forms of fashion and beauty marketing campaigns that teaches us that if we deny ourselves something, we don't believe we deserve it. This is simply encouraging more and more of us to spend beyond our means. Whilst it is fun to treat yourself sometimes, if you are going to feel guilty about it, it probably isn't worth it. You'll miss out on half the fun of your new purchase anyway. Knowing your limits and spending within them leads to long term shopping harmony.

===========
Make sure to subscribe via RSS or follow Beauty Is Within on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated!

• Email to a friend • Article Search • View comments • Track comments •

•

5 Lingerie and Pajama Outfits to Get Out of the Nightwear Rut

In business circles they always advise people to "dress for success", but I think this mantra should also be applied to everyone and for every occasion - whether you're in the board room or the bed room!

Ladies, I truly understand how comfortable it is to wear that t-shirt and sweat pant combination to bed every night, but if you're in a relationship, get into the mind of your husband/boyfriend/partner and imagine having to look at you every night in your boring, albeit comfortable nightwear....Yes, you can still be comfortable, but why not bring a little sassiness to bed? Heck, even if you don't have someone beside you at night, you may just bring out that sassy energy just from wearing sexy nightwear, which just may attract that special someone...and if you're ever on the phone with that special someone and they ask you that question, "What are you wearing?", you'll actually have something interesting to say...

Here are 5 lingerie and pajama outfits I like that will hopefully inspire you to get out of that nightwear rut (click each picture for more information about the item):

This ELLOS short pajama set is romantic, yet still very comfortable - perfect to wear during the summer...

I love just about anything DKNY comes out with, including these bright pink patterned pajamas...

For something a little more simple, yet chic, here's a black teddy by Eberjey...

Babydolls are always fun and come in so many different fabrics and patterns. Animal print is sassy, though!

This chemise by Blush is for when you're feeling extra sassy at night...

=========================
Make sure to subscribe via RSS or follow Beauty Is Within on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated!

• Email to a friend • Article Search • View comments • Track comments •

•

List Building for Bloggers: Proven email stategies that build your audience, increase engagement and grow your income. Launch pricing available thru May 23, 2011.

Women Who Inspire: Petra, Pixi Creator

As an artist and jewelry designer, I am very attracted to color and find inspiration all around me. I especially like to read other artists' blogs to discover what inspires them. Recently I found out that Petra, the creator of the Pixi brand, just started a blog called Petra, Personally.

Right now Petra has one post up, "Summer Strawberry", that inspired me to try out the Succulent Lip Twin in Poppy Red that just so happened to be in my swag bag from the San Diego Fashion Bash I attended last Thursday. (Stay tuned for more on that event.) I love that it's a lip gloss, lipstick, and even a cheek stain all in one!

Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Poppy Red - Summer 2011

Pixi is one of those brands that speaks to my creative side. Just the packaging alone is eye catching. You may recall that I had chosen Pixi's Week of Wakeup Makeup as one of my favorite spring makeup products. Even if I don't use it, I just like to open it up to look at all the colors!

Looking forward to more of Petra's posts! Now I think I'll go make a bracelet using poppy red beads...

P.S. I'll be including a few Pixi products in my Ultimate Summer Beauty Giveaway! Stay tuned to the Facebook page!

============
Make sure to subscribe via RSS or follow Beauty Is Within on Twitter and Facebook to stay updated!