Author: Kimberly West

Style+Life+Fashion is the brainchild of Kimberly West, a consultant, and on-air lifestyle expert. Although Kim started blogging as a hobby due to her love for Fashion, she quickly gained a loyal following as a respected industry expert and contributor for numerous fashion websites. She seeks to provide the latest trends as well as educate consumers about all aspects of fashion. Kim has hosted television segments as a fashion and lifestyle expert with ABC 33/40, WBRC Fox6, ABC2 News, Fox 45 WBFF, The List Baltimore, and WBAL News. Her fashion interviews include well-known industry experts such as Tai Beauchamp, Tomima Edmark, Julie Weiss, Clinton Kelly, Gianni Rich, Darius Gibbs, Dean Banowetz, and Lilliana Vazquez. In addition, she’s interviewed reality star Queensly Felix and R&B Artist, Keyshia Cole. She has also collaborated with online features for Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and Macy’s, and worked to stream digital content and video for New York Fashion Week 2010.
Beauty /

Skincare Tips to Transition from Summer to Fall

As the sun-drenched days of summer gradually give way to the cooler, crisper air of fall, it’s time to recalibrate your skincare routine. The changing seasons bring about shifts in humidity, temperature, and environmental factors, all of which can impact your skin’s health and appearance. What worked during the sweltering summer months may not provide the same benefits in the fall. Adapting your skincare regimen to these changes is essential for maintaining a radiant complexion throughout the seasonal transition.

David Petrillo is a Nevada-based cosmetic chemist and founder of www.perfectimage.com. He provides tips on how to keep your skin healthy and glowing as the season changes.

Featured Photo from Instyle Magazine

Consider Retinol: Fall can be an excellent time to introduce retinol into your routine, as it helps with cell turnover and addressing fine lines.

Lip Care: Prevent chapped lips using a nourishing lip balm with shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil.

Eye Cream Emphasis: The delicate skin around your eyes can become drier. Use a hydrating eye cream to maintain elasticity and prevent fine lines.

Layer Skincare Products: Layer lighter serums and essences under richer moisturizers to provide a barrier against the dry, cold air while ensuring effective hydration.

Sunscreen Continuation: While the sun’s intensity might decrease, UV rays are still present and can cause damage to your skin. Continue using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect against harmful UV radiation.

Switch to a Heavier Night Cream: Use a richer night cream during the cooler months to nourish and repair your skin as you sleep.

Gentle Exfoliation: After months of sun exposure, exfoliation is essential to remove dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. Opt for gentle exfoliants to reveal a fresh layer of skin without irritating it.

Avoid Hot Showers: While hot showers might be tempting during the cooler months, they can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, use lukewarm water to prevent excessive dryness.

Introduce a Hydrating Serum: Invest in a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture and combat the drying effects of cooler weather.

Protect Your Hands and Feet: As the temperature drops, your hands and feet can become susceptible to dryness and cracking. Apply a moisturizing hand cream and foot cream regularly to keep them soft and well-nourished.

Adjust Cleansing: Consider switching to cream-based or oil-based cleansers during the fall. These cleansers are more hydrating and can help prevent stripping away too much moisture from your skin. Avoid using harsh cleansers that can further dry out your skin.

Introduce new actives: Autumn may be a good time to introduce new active ingredients into your skincare routine. Look for ingredients like vitamin C or retinol to address specific skincare concerns.

Stay Hydrated

Hydrating your skin from the inside out is just as important as using topical products. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Humidifier:

If you’re using indoor heating during the fall, it can lead to dry indoor air. Using a humidifier can help maintain a more comfortable level of moisture in the air, which benefits your skin’s hydration.

Soothing Ingredients:

If you experience any redness or irritation due to the changing weather, look for products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or centella asiatica (cica) to calm your skin.

David Petrillo

Reno, Nevada

https://perfectimage.com/

Beauty /

New York Fashion Week’s Must-Have Foundation + Concealer

One of the best parts of fashion week (aside from the fashion, of course) has to be the beauty! Fashion Week showcases many incredible trends with amazing products, it’s hard to pick which ones to test out! Looking good is only part of the story, models and consumers alike want their skin to feel as good as it looks! So when in doubt, use the tried and true foundation and concealer of Hollywood!
After a long history in Hollywood, Oxygenetix is proven to look good on camera and remain luminous under hot lights. This no-sweat foundation and concealer even hold up during the most active runways, making their look last. Its buildable coverage and pore-blurring capabilities make it a must for a great photo payoff and light-friendly appearance.
Accessories /

Ready to Wed? What To Know About Buying The Ring

If you are ready to get engaged, then you should be looking for the perfect diamond engagement ring. Perhaps you’re not looking for a diamond at all, but you’d like to use another gem of a different color that will stand out for your fiance. If you’re ready to get married, then this part is going to be one of the most memorable parts of the equation because buying a ring, getting down on one knee, and asking somebody to marry you is a big deal.

Featured Photo from Brides

There is so much that you’ll need to know about buying a ring, from this diamond clarity chart explained to the four C’s of diamond quality. You’ll also need to know about metal characteristics and the setting styles of the rings. Below, we’ve put together a list of what you need to know about buying the right ring for the right person at the right time in their lives.

Image source: Pexels

  1. Understand those forces in depth. You need to know the color of the diamond, the clarity, the cut of the diamond, and the weight of the carat. The color is graded on a D to Z scale, which means that the D is completely colorless and Z means that the diamond has a brown or a light yellow color. The diamonds with less color are rarer than the others. Our diamond clarity chart will explain this to you in more detail.

  2. Get to know the cut. When you start shopping for an engagement ring, you should understand what the differences are between a diamond shape and its cutting style. The shape describes the outline of the diamond when it’s viewed face up, but most people choose a round diamond. But there are other shapes such as the marquise, the pear, or the Oval to consider.

  3. Check out the diamond under different lighting. Daylight and spotlight are very different, which means that diamonds look different under various lighting conditions. Think about when you are planning to propose and what the lighting will be on that day, and then you can determine how your diamond is going to perform under that lighting. Fluorescent lighting brings out the brightness of a diamond but incandescent light brings out that fire on the inside.

  4. Choose your metal. Of course, you know that you have the classics with gold and silver but engagement rings also come in platinum and white gold, too. Choosing the right metal is important because you really want this ring to stand out. Gold and platinum jewelry have different characteristics and their colors are going to be different as well.

  5. Pick the right setting. With jewelry, diamonds are held in place by their setting, and there are different types when it comes to an engagement ring. A diamond can be held in place with four to six prongs, which is one of the types of settings, or the bezel, which is the most protective setting.

No matter what you do, this engagement ring is going to be beautiful.

Accessories /

Jovani Makes 2023 NYFW Debut

 Jovani, the formalwear brand known for glamour, elegance, and craftsmanship, made its New York Fashion Week debut with a runway show last night, Friday, September 8, 2023. The iconic show starred models Haley Kalil, Taylor Hale, Jen Selter, Jenn Lee, Camille Kostek, Jenna Bandy, Carson Roney, Xenia Tchoumi, Ari Chambers, Abby Baffoe, Sydney Zmrzel, Alison Bowles, and Ella Halikas.

Real Housewives’ Luanne de Lesseps, Rachel Fuda, Sutton Stracke & Cynthia Bailey were “Feeling Jovani” in the front row. Additional VIP guests included model Brooks Nader, dancers Allison Holker Boss, Kalani Hilliker, & Asia Monet Ray, Drew Afualo, The Bachelors’ Rachel Recchia, Indi Star, Victoria Garrick Browne, Carmella Rose, Baskin Champion, and more!

About Jovani: Jovani is a family-run company celebrating its 40th year in business. The brand synonymous with glamour, elegance, and craftsmanship creates works of art to empower women in their most magical moments. The brand has gained its fame through beloved celebrity fans, as a trusted brand to contestants and winners of Miss USA and Miss America pageants, and as a trusted brand for bridal, homecoming, prom, and more. Jovani’s trusted brand is now expanding further debuting their ready-to-wear and couture lines during their NYFW runway show.

Website: https://www.jovani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovanifashions/

Media Contact: Jovani@michelemariepr.com
Beauty /

Celestial Silk Labor Day Sale: 20% Off All Scrunchies

Labor Day is just around the corner, and we’re excited to announce a great deal to celebrate the occasion. From September 2 to 4, everyone can enjoy a 20% discount on all our stylish scrunchies. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on hair accessories and add a pop of color to the everyday look!

Scrunchie Inspired Hairstyles

Product Review:

Is anyone else excited to see that Scrunchies are the latest hair accessory?  In the midst of the heat, we need something that will provide ease and style.  Wearing a scrunchie is a simple way to instantly cool off without compromising your outfit. 

Personally, I like to keep a scrunchie in my handbag for future use and if you purchase one from Celestial Silk it won’t damage your hair like other accessories.  They also have a variety of colors to select from.  Girl, be carefree and cute! 

Visit my Instagram account to view, “how I styled” my Scrunchie.

Celebrity /

The Most Common Mental Health Disorders

1 in 8 people are believed to be currently living with a mental health disorder. While there are many different forms of mental health disorders, some are much more common than others. Below are some of the most common forms of mental health disorders, how to spot the symptoms and how to treat them.

Featured Photo from Worth

Generalised anxiety disorder

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is possibly the most common mental health disorder. It is a form of anxiety that is affected by lots of different triggers as opposed to just one thing. 

People with GAD tend to worry a lot, and these worries can end up becoming draining and debilitating. It’s possible that you have GAD if:

  • You get anxious about many different tasks and situations and feel constantly on edge
  • Anxious thoughts are keeping you up at night and distracting you from tasks during the day
  • Your worrying is having a negative impact on relationships, work or school

GAD symptoms can range in severity from mild persistent worrying to full-blown panic attacks. In all cases, it’s important to do something about it in order to stop it getting worse. It’s worth looking into professional treatment for anxiety if symptoms are severe. If symptoms are mild, you may be able to explore your own forms of anxiety relief such as breathing exercises, listening to music or taking herbal remedies. Do not turn to alcohol or drugs in order to treat GAD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

PTSD is another type of anxiety. It is triggered by a traumatic event which could range from childbirth to being a victim of a violent crime. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people who experience a traumatic event develop PTSD. 

Some of the symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Constant nightmares and flashbacks of the traumatic event that keep you up at night and distract you during the day
  • A fear of certain situations or places that is detrimental to everyday life (such as not wanting to get into a car after a road accident)
  • Feelings of isolation or guilt that cause you to become morose and irritable

There are many treatments for PTSD that you can explore. Some people are prescribed antidepressants, while therapy is recommended for others. PTSD is often at its worst when the event is still fresh in one’s mind, but will usually gradually fade over time. However, for some people it can get worse over time – this is when you know that you need to get professional support. Solutions like support groups can be very beneficial. 

Depression

Depression is not just sadness. It is a sense of resentment and hopelessness that lasts weeks or months. Depression is often triggered by certain events, however, those who have a history of it or family with depression may be prone to more random episodes. 

You may have depression if:

  • You are losing interest in things that once brought you joy and do not feel hopeful about anything
  • You feel constantly tired and have no urge to look after yourself
  • You have lost your appetite and your sex drive
  • You waste away the day sleeping or find it difficult to sleep at all due to depressed thoughts

Like other mental illnesses, depression can vary in severity. Some people just feel constantly dispirited, while others can feel there is no point in living at all – which can lead to suicidal thoughts. While you should seek treatment in all cases, it’s particularly important to reach out if you are thinking of harming yourself. There are many ways to overcome depression including lifestyle changes (such as developing a strict routine and exercising), antidepressants, therapy and socialising with people whose company you genuinely enjoy.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects many people and involves obsessive thoughts and behaviours that end up negatively affecting everyday life. Unlike GAD, people with OCD often carry out specific rituals that seem excessive or nonsensical to other people. This could include routinely cleaning things that are already clean, checking that a door is locked multiple times every night or avoiding stepping on cracks in the pavement.

Not all obsessive behaviours are a problem. However, OCD is worth treating if:

  • You find yourself missing appointments or are late to work/school due to lengthy OCD rituals
  • Your relationships become strained because of your obsessive thoughts and behaviours
  • Your physical health is being affected (for example, you’ve developed dermatitis from constantly cleaning your hands)

Therapy is the best way to treat OCD. Using professionally recommended techniques you can help to overcome obsessive thoughts and behaviours. 

Accessories /

2023 Style Overhaul: The 4 Key Accessories You Need To Know

You know, when it comes to looking your best, it’s not just about the clothes you wear. Sure, they are important, but it’s the accessories that truly have the power to make or break your overall look.

They are the missing links that turn an outfit from good to fabulous. So, whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just looking to spice up your everyday look, you have come to the right place.

We’ll dive into the incredible world of accessories to revamp your style in 2023.

Ready? Let’s get started!

Statement Bags

Imagine you are wearing a basic outfit like jeans and a top, and then you sling on a statement bag. Suddenly, your whole look becomes extraordinary.

Now, you might be curious about the kind of bag that’s stealing the show in 2023. Well, it’s all about welcoming the cross-body puffer bag trend but with a twist! They come in bold, eye-catching colors like vibrant orange or rich red and are conversation starters- Adding personality to your style.

So, whether you’re off to beat the day or hanging out with friends, let your bag do the talking and your style shine bright.

Silk Scarves

Silk scarves are like magical style changers. They’re versatile pieces that can be styled in different ways.

For a touch of sophistication, you can tie them around your neck. Alternatively, you can drape them over your shoulders for a boho vibe or even wrap them around your hair for a playful twist.

And guess what? In 2023, oversized silk scarves are the latest trend. They’re like wearable art, with bold prints and vibrant colors that can instantly jazz up your outfit.

Stylish Belts

Adding a stylish belt to your outfit can work wonders in transforming your look. It brings a balance to outfits that might need a little extra flair.

For instance, if you are wearing a long sweater or loose top, a well-placed belt can define your waist, creating a flattering silhouette.

What’s even more interesting? There are so many styles to choose from! A studded belt might be your go-to choice if you’re going for a bold vibe. Similarly, if you’re into some glitz, a belt decorated with sparkly gemstones can make your outfit pop.

And when it comes to colors, classic black or brown belts are great as they can go with different outfits all year round.

Layered Jewelry

Layered jewelry has a special charm that catches everyone’s attention. Think of it like wearing layers of elegance with each piece making you feel graceful and stylish.

When speaking of this accessory, there’s a trend that’s been getting a ton of love lately: stackable rings. You can wear these thin, stylish rings together on one finger. Apart from that, there are layered necklaces. You might wear a delicate pendant necklace alongside a bolder chain.

What makes this jewelry so special is its versatility. You can wear them to formal events like office meetings or a casual hangout with friends.

Final Words

With these four essential accessories, you can instantly transform a simple outfit into a fresh and trendy look. But remember, they aren’t just add-ons – they’re the special elements that can take your outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. So, don’t be afraid to mix and match and make them your own.

Accessories /

Simple Tips For Perfecting Accessories

Whether you consider yourself a fashionista or just treat clothes as a practical matter, looking and feeling your best is likely always on your radar when you’re rummaging through your wardrobe. After all, the ideal outfit can boost your confidence, comfort, and happiness throughout the day. But, what if we were to tell you that you’re also missing out on a crucial style factor that could make just as much of a difference?

Accessories are an often-forgotten fashion focus, but these little additions can make or break even the most functional outfits. From making things fun and sassy to helping you feel glam on even comfy days, accessories are a transformative power for fashion good, and they’re a style subsect well worth delving into.

Unfortunately, while most of us mess around with accessories at some point, a lot of us either forget or simply don’t care to wear accessories daily. And that’s a significant waste of style potential! 

Of course, we’re not saying that you need to wear as many rings as Beyonce at the Grammys, but playing around with at least a few accessories could transform your look. So, how do you achieve an a* look with your accessories?

Find the right accessories for you

Most of us spend significant amounts of time tailoring our wardrobes. Yet, when it comes to accessories, we’re often guilty of opting for easy, costume-style choices. And, then we wonder why we’re not getting along with them down the line!

Accessories deserve every bit as much of your attention as your clothes themselves. To start getting accessories right at last, you certainly need to step away from cheap plastic pieces that turn your fingers or neck green!

Instead, focus on curating a high-quality wardrobe of accessories. Throw out all of those flimsy cheap rings and replace them with a 5 carat diamond ring in a shade that you know you’ll be able to pair easily. Replace all of those tangled cheap necklaces with one or two quality pieces that are sleek and likely to last you for a long time to come. 

Put accessories where you can see them

It can be tough to change a lifetime of treating accessories as a secondary consideration. As such, you need to train yourself in the habit of wearing accessories at last by displaying them where you can see them.

Instead of dooming your earrings to that dark, dirty bag that you never even think to look in, invest in some decent accessory holders that can display either around your bedroom or, better, in your bathroom. That way, even if you don’t spare a thought for accessories as you’re getting ready, you’ll inevitably see your new, sleek accessory collection when you’re giving yourself a last touch-up. And, when they’re this easy to hand, you might find yourself reaching for a bracelet or something similar to complement your outfit a lot more often. 

Take inspiration from the best

We often look to celebs and other figures in the public eye for style inspiration. But few of us think to pay attention to accessories in the same way. In reality, though, there’s a whole load of great accessory inspo at our fingertips when we’re ready to use it.

Figures like Miley Cyrus are perhaps most worth paying attention to right now. That’s because Miley loves to layer a load of accessories with her outfits, and she looks great doing it! Equally, Beyonce has a thing for personalized jewelry, while Kim Kardashian has even been snapped making vintage accessories cool again.

As soon as you start paying attention, it’ll be far easier to see how great accessories can be when they’re done well, and also how you could start on your own accessory journey. It just takes a little research and a basic idea of what kind of styling you’re looking out for!

Have fun styling

Accessories can be even more fun to style than our outfits. After all, the whole purpose of accessories is to contrast or complement the rest of our style choices. By having fun, and not being afraid to play around with what accessories have to offer, it’s possible to get stuck in a habit that you can’t get enough of. 

Whether you use apps like Stylebook to test out accessories with potential outfits, or just get stuck in with dressing up like you did when you were younger, you’re sure to settle on some great accessory combos that you’ll likely soon struggle to leave the house without. 

Entertainment /

How To Find Your Ideal Type of Music

Music is something that many people find to be an incredibly important part of their lives. It’s something that makes them happy (even boosting their mood when they’re feeling down), it can help relax them, and it’s even something that can help with creativity or exercise. It’s motivating and, above all, it’s fun. 

Yet there are so many different styles of music in the world that it can be hard to work out what’s going to make you happiest and what’s going to be the most fun. Although it’s fine to like lots of different styles of music (and many people do), if you can work out what your favorite is – the ideal style for you – then you’ll always know precisely what to listen to when you need a boost. With that in mind, read on to find out more about how to find your ideal type of music. 

Photo by cottonbro studio

Think About Yourself 

One way to find your ideal type of music is to think about yourself and engage in some self-reflection. When you think about your particular personality, your emotions, and what you just like in general, you might be able to narrow down your music choices and listen to the things that really speak to you and mean a lot, rather than things that don’t do a lot to or for you, even if they’re pleasant enough to hear. Perhaps you’re an extroverted persona who’s energetic and loves dancing. In that case, you might like a different style of music compared with someone who is more introverted and likes to listen to music rather than move to it. 

When you understand more about how music makes you feel, and you know more about yourself, you’ll be able to match these two things up so that the music you listen to helps to give you the peace, happiness, and solace you’re looking for. 

Try Different Genres

Just because you’ve always listened to one particular type of music, that doesn’t mean it’s the one that’s going to be best for you. It can almost become a habit when you turn on the radio or download a song to ensure it’s in the genre that everything else in your collection is in.  

But what if you changed that? What if you decided that you would try an entirely different genre instead? You could search for the best music torrenting sites and find all kinds of new styles of music there with easy access. Pick one to begin with that you’ve never listened to before, and see what you can find. Not only will this be fun, but it will teach you a lot about music in general too. Of course, you might find that your old favourite genre is actually best, but equally, you might find something you like better that you would never have tried before if you didn’t specifically go exploring. 

Learn About Music History 

Understanding the origins of certain types of music and how that style has changed and evolved over the years can be fascinating, and it’s a great way to find new genres that might appeal to you. You can research the genres that you listen to most and then start to think about other types of music – you might even find they’re all linked in some way to help you determine what to look into next. Gaining this knowledge won’t just give you more appreciation for the music itself, but it will give you a good amount of insight into the emotions and themes you’ll find in the music too, and that can really mean a lot. 

Take classical music, for example. That has a long history that dates back many centuries, and there are some massively influential composers involved, like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, for example. Or what about jazz? Jazz has roots in African American history, and again, it goes back a long way, giving you a chance to understand more about all kinds of history from around the world and in various time periods. 

Go To Live Performances 

There’s something really special about live performances that can elevate any piece of music into something wonderful. That’s why it’s a good idea to go to as many concerts, musicals, and other events as you can. Not only will you hear the music, but you’ll see it performed, and that can give you a lot of information about how the piece has been created, and if the performer is putting energy and emotion into the song, it’s even better, and will stay with you for a long time. 

Try to see live events that encompass lots of genres, and go to small local gigs as well as big arena-based ones. You’ll be able to immerse yourself in the music, connect with the rest of the audience, and you might find a new style of music to love.

Accessories /

Tips for Finding Clothes Cheap!

Are you looking to update your wardrobe? Maybe your current clothing choices don’t reflect who you are, or perhaps you’ve lost yourself over the years and need a revamp. You might just be in need of some seasonal staples, or be in need of some new pieces following a weight loss journey. Either way, you’ll find that buying clothes is expensive especially if you’re after a whole new wardrobe! Here are some of the ways to keep those costs down.

Photo by Porapak Apichodilok

Shop second hand

Secondhand apps like Vinted have changed the ways that many of us shop for clothing, and how we think about ‘pre-loved’ items. These platforms give you the choice of masses of different items at a fraction of their original cost which is a great way to save money as well as the environment. When it comes to things like baby clothes especially you can get some real bargains, where most people over buy items and their baby grows out of them quickly. However, there are hidden gems in all categories and you can get unique pieces and even designer labels at hugely discounted prices. If you prefer to shop in person then charity shops are another gold mine for bargains. You can find all kinds of great items especially if you check in them on a regular basis, and as a bonus the money you spend in there goes to a charitable good cause so you’re doing good while you buy. 

Utilizing fast fashion in the right way

The trouble with fast fashion sites like Shein is that they’ve come under a lot of scrutiny for the environmental impact they have and that their labor can be exploitative.  If you do choose to shop at fast fashion sites, be mindful of the impact that they have and try to make sustainable choices where possible. Due to the cost of living crisis, many of us are short on money, and buying essentials like clothing has become unaffordable. Cheap fast fashion sites can be useful here as they mean you can get the things you need without breaking the bank, but try to shop as responsibly as you can. If you go for versatile and timeless pieces that can be worn across seasons then you’ll get the most amount of wear from each thing you buy. 

Shop the sales

Keep an eye on seasonal sales, holidays, and clearance events to snag discounts with your clothing- times like Black Friday can be a good time to refresh your wardrobe. Just be careful and avoid getting carried away and buying items solely because they’re on sale, and be wary of shops inflating prices before sales to make the discount seem bigger than it is when it comes to sale periods. Stick to your shopping list and only buy what you genuinely need or love.

Shop safely

When you’re shopping online it’s important to stay safe and protect your money. There are two common ways to pay electronically- ACH vs EFT. ACH covers different electronic transactions like direct deposits and bill payments while EFT is about transferring money between accounts, like online payments. Always make sure to use trusted websites with secure payment options like Paypal, and keep your financial information private to shop safely online too.

What are your tips for getting clothing cheap?