Ask Elyse: Lashing Out

Dear Elyse,

My lashes are short and sparse, and using a metal curler doesn’t seem to help. Is there any other way for me to get fuller, longer lashes?

-Caitlin

Dear Caitlin,

It’s a sad fact that not every woman is born with full, irresistible eyelashes without resorting to the torture device also known as the metal eyelash curler, but there are alternatives to this retro technique.

Metal eyelash curlers can pull and break your lashes, leaving you with shorter lashes than when you started. Instead, try a heated eyelash curler (like the ModelCo Lash Wand Heated Curler). The curler is warmed by a small metal coil, and all you have to do is put the lashes through the comb and then brush upward. The heat is so slight that it won’t cause a burn, but strong enough to curl. Another perk: with a heated curler you can put on mascara before or after curling, unlike the metal version that only allows you to put on mascara afterward.

Some mascaras bond to lashes more tightly than others, which works if you plan on jumping into a pool, but it’s not so great for keeping them healthy. To make sure your lashes don’t dry out (which can then lead to breaking), try using an eyelash conditioner like ModelCo’s Lash Boost before applying mascara. Once the conditioner is applied, try mascara that specializes in length and volume, such as Madame Beyond Mascara by Napoleon Perdis.

If you’re still frustrated with a lack of lashes, faux is the way to go. You'll want to choose hand knotted clusters with three or four hairs per section, like ModelCo’s Lash Out Single Lashes, rather than the false lashes that come in one strip. When applying, use three short clusters on the inside, three medium in the middle, and three long at the end. This pattern really opens up the eye by recreating the natural ascension of the lashes.

I hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: Stiletto Strain

Dear Elyse,

I love to wear high heels but I wear them so frequently that my feet are starting to complain. Is there anything I can do to make it easier to wear heels more often?

Thanks much,

Molly

Dear Molly,

I agree that while high heels are probably one of the most gorgeous staples a girl can have in her wardrobe, they can do some serious damage on her poor peds. In order to alleviate, and even prevent the damage, one has to first discover the problem. It could be a single element or a combination of them that’s causing your discomfort.

If the back of your shoes slides off your heel with every step you’ve purchased a pair that’s a little too big for you, and this motion is known to cause a jarring sensation as well as the feeling of your toes being squished like grapes when the shoe fails to balance your weight. The solution? I absolutely swear by Foot Petals, which offers a high performance pad that sits inside the heel area of a shoe to help grip and prevent the heel from slipping off. This nifty little necessity will also prevent snags in hosiery.

If your toes find themselves in the cramped conditions pointy or open toe shoes provide, Tip Toes, also by Foot Petals, grip and cushion in order to give your little piggies the air room they need.

If your issue is that you’re always on the move and your feet can’t take the strain, try Killer Kushionz. When placed beneath your arch, the Kushionz will work tirelessly toward preventing fatigue on feet, legs, and the lower back by absorbing shock and cushioning your every step.

An alternative to these ingenious devices is to retire your heels, if only for a day or so, every once and a while. Flats and low-lying wedges have just as much potential to be sexy.

Hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: Bling Blunder

Dear Elyse,

I'd like to work the recent rhinestone / sequin trend into my wardrobe but I'm not sure how to do it without looking a little tacky. Any tips?

Thanks,

Rina

Dear Rina,

The thing to always remember when it comes to accents like sequins and rhinestones is that they are accents. If you want something a bit sparkly as a focal point in your ensemble then I suggest some glitzy statement jewelry, but when it comes to clothing always make sure that you choose items that are only complemented by bling rather than dominated.

If you still feel like you're flying blind I recommend browsing these examples here:

Twisted Heart Glam Tank
E.Vil Angel Wing Tank
Bailey 44 Sorceress Top
Twisted Heart Fleur de Love Cardi
Fifteen Twenty Sequin Tank

Hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: A Problem with Heights

Dear Elyse,

I have a build that's long and slender to the point of looking a little awkward. What's the best way to balance out my frame?

Thank you,

Allison

Dear Allison,

Balancing out your build is as simple as creating a fashionable focal point to segment your shape into shorter lengths. A midsized belt at your natural waist will give you the best balance, but a chunky statement necklace like here will work just as well and they're so en mode this season.

An extra tip I would offer is to stay away from shorter length tops and high waisted jeans, which will only have you looking even more coltish.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Sky and Dry

Dear Elyse,

I'm a happy owner of one of your Sky brand tops and I just love the look of it! However, I'm new to the brand and though the care tag says that the top should be dry cleaned, I'm still concerned that the gems and metalwork might get damaged. Is there another way to clean my top without the worry?

Best,
Amber

I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your Sky top! It's proving to be a universal favorite and I can understand why you'd want to maintain it. On most items that recommend dry cleaning, you can trust that it's going to be a pretty safe option, but with Sky tops, a more delicate hand might be needed -- a hand washing, to be exact.

Almost all Sky tops have some sort of detailing around the belt, which you'll want to keep from getting wet. Fill a wash tub with tepid water, and a small bit of hand wash detergent.
Then soak one end of the top, keeping the center (where the detail is) out of the water while you work the fabric gently with your fingers. Reverse and repeat the process on the other side.

Once you're finished washing, lay the top flat on a dry towel and press the moisture out before hanging it to dry. Once dry, it's safe to steam out any wrinkles present.

Hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: In the Cards

Dear Elyse,

I'm looking for that clothing piece that will help shift my wardrobe from winter to spring without too much trouble. Can you offer any ideas?

Thanks,
Denise

Dear Denise,

The item you're looking for is hands-down the cardigan. Now before you assume that cardigans are just for women with older tastes, consider all the fun new styles coming out like the military, grandfather or collegiate style cardigans. There's a look for everybody these days. The cardigan is a great transitional piece - lightweight and easily layered, but substantial enough to keep the last patches of cold weather at bay.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Spring Glow

Dear Elyse,

My skin took a bit of a beating during a harsh winter season and I want a glowing look for spring. Is there any way to get a fresh spring face without tons of cosmetics?

Thank you,
Agnes

Dear Agnes,

If you haven't been hydrating already make it a priority. Not only is it good for your overall health but it can restore elasticity in the skin and clear out the contaminates which cause most skin problems. Also, eating citrus fruits with a high vitamin C content will help in maintaining the moisture balance in your skin and reduce blemishes.

A consistent skin regimen will keep your skin in balance. If nothing else, be sure to cleanse, moisturize, and protect daily while using a mild exfoliate every three days or so to clean out deep-set contaminates.

Choosing a cleanser will depend on your skin type, but the Napoleon Perdis Dream Cream is for all types. Apply it after cleansing as a moisturizer. Its light-diffusing technology will help to hide any blemishes. After that you'll want to apply a primer like NP's Pre-Foundation Skin Primer to lock moisturizer in and keep daily dirt out.

Adding a little color will enhance a girlish glow. A touch of pink on the apples of your cheeks using China Doll combined with a pale glossy pout from Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Coral will be sweet and subtle. Add a little white eye pencil to the inner corners of your eyes for a wider-looking gaze and you've got the perfect glowing look for spring.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Coming Up Short

Dear Elyse,

I'd love to get the Miss Me Belted Linen Shorts in Off White but I'm not sure how to wear them. Do you have any tips?

Thanks,
Christa

Dear Christa,

Some shorts can inspire some pretty cringe-worthy styles but these particular shorties are pure class and even offer a little wiggle room as far as what you can wear them with.

If you look at this Anna Sui ensemble or this Tommy Hilfiger version you'll see that the big spring trend is to go a little baggy up top. The shorts' fit will have a slender enough fit that you won't feel like you're swimming in fabric and looser cuts are always more forgiving to the female figure.

For a more collegiate air, choose something colorful and cropped close to your frame. This way you can tuck the top in for a cleaner lines. To avoid looking too buttoned-up, try layering it with a draped cardigan.

As far as colours go, that linen white will match with just about anything. Don't be afraid to mix and match!

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Bright Eyes

Dear Elyse,

I really love the colorful eye cosmetics that have been so popular lately, but every time I try them I look way overdone. How can I wear these shades without looking too painted?

Thanks,
Abigail

Dear Abigail,

When it comes to bright colors my motto is 'everything in moderation.' Not only will it save you from looking like you've just crossed over from the red light district, but setting an eye-popping shade against more modest hues will make the effect all the more dramatic.

If you're used to a medium- to heavy-coverage foundation, opt instead for a tinted moisturizer that will lighten your look immediately. Blush should be understated and lips doubly so. Pinkish nudes are the current mode.

As far as your actual eyes go, make sure that the lines of color are clean and crisp to avoid the night-after look. Otherwise, go nuts. This trend is all about showing your colors.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: In a Stitch

Dear Elyse,

I found some fab jeans with a great fit and I want to be able to wear them right away. The only problem is they're just a little bit too long and I can't get them tailored until next week. Is there something that will give my jeans a temporary lift.

Thanks,
Bridget

Dear Bridget,

I understand your enthusiasm! A good pair of jeans is a rare find. If you really want to wear them this minute, see if you can't wrestle up some heels to hide the height. Not only will it add those extra inches to fill the jean, it will make your legs look extra long and slender.

An alternative to consider is Hem Tape from Bristol Six. Hem Tape is an adhesive band built to hitch up your denim. It works well for too-long denim and also gives you the option to change up your jeans by making length options unlimited.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Concealer Crux

Dear Elyse,

I wear liquid foundation every day, and no matter how much I have on, it seems to disappear by the end of my lunch break. How can I keep my foundation from falling off?

Thanks,
Melissa

Dear Melissa,

Hopefully you're not heaping on the foundation in the hope that extra layers will keep you covered. Always remember that no make-up is better than too much.

In order to maintain that flawless foundation finish that lasts throughout the day, it's best to start at the beginning. Before the application of any cosmetics be sure that the surface of your skin is as clean and smooth as possible. After giving it a good scrub down, I recommend using a primer like Auto Pilot Primer from Napoleon Perdis. Not only will a primer level out any imperfections on the surface, but it will offer a protective barrier against pore-blocking dirt and help cosmetics cling to the skin.

Also, remember to keep your hands away from your face once the foundation is on. I know it sounds simple, but you'd be surprised by how often it happens throughout the day.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Downsizing

Dear Elyse,

I regret that I over-indulged a bit over the holidays so I'm looking to find a way to slim down my silhouette in time for New Year's. Any tips?

Thank you,

Breanne

Dear Breanne,

The holidays are all about going a little overboard, so you're not alone if you're still feeling that Christmas feast.

First off, I have to tell you that light colours are not your friend of the moment. Darker shades will always present a more slender silhouette. Also, opt for more forgiving (though not necessarily looser) fabrics with only a little extra stretch to them. This way your outfit will allow for a little wiggle room without letting it all hang out. I recommend ponte knit trousers like the 7 For All Mankind Bootcut in Double Knit Black or Tag's Stretch Knit Bootcut in Black.

The same rules apply for formal attire. Stay in the darker shades and avoid jersey knits. Dresses from Stop Staring! are cut in millenial fabric perfect for creating a sleek silhouette by sucking in all the right bits of your anatomy. If you're looking for something a little less clingy, opt for a dress in the empire style, which flatters the bust but makes sure your midsection only exists in imagination.

Lastly, heels always help. Not only will they encourage you to stand straighter (and slimmer), they will elongate your legs and give you a tighter appearance.

Hope this helps and happy holidays,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Haute Holiday

Dear Elyse,

I'm attending a ritzy holiday party and I want my make-up to match the occasion. Can you tell me how to get a classic holiday look?

Thanks,
Candace

Classic is just the way to go. Not only is it the latest hit with celebrity fashionistas, but it will save you from the worst of embarrassing holiday photos.

Eyes should be elegant with an underlying drama. First you'll want to sweep a light, shimmery shadow from lid to brow bone. On top of that, apply a darker shadow in the same colour family and then a stretch of eyeliner (any dark shade but black) at the base of the lid. Use an eye shadow brush to blend in color starting at your lash line, moving upward. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so that the liner is seamless with the shadow.

Rosy cheeks are always in for winter, but everything in moderation. You don't want your rouge giving you the red light look. Opt for a peachy pink like Napoleon Perdis' Barely Blushing in Rouge and apply one more layer than you're used to, starting light at the base of your cheekbone, deepening at the apple of your cheek, and then fading out again in the upward slant.

You won't want your lips fighting your eyes for attention, so a muted but rosy nude like Napoleon Perdis' DéVine Goddess Lipstick in Harmonia combined with the subtle Gloss Patrol in Tokyo will have the perfect hint of colour and shine.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: The Golden Rule

Dear Elyse,

I was hoping to keep my summer tan well into winter, but I've heard that tanning beds are very bad for your skin. Is there something I can use that will keep me tanned without damaging my skin?

Thanks,
Emma

Dear Emma,

You were right to think that tanning beds weren't worth the risk. The most recent studies show that exposure to this sort of radiation before the age of thirty increases the chances for skin cancer by a staggering 75 percent!

Luckily there's a safer (and much less expensive) way to go about it. ModelCo offers an entire collection devoted to keeping your skin golden and glowing.

For the best results, you'll want to start with a smooth, clean surface, which can be managed with the Polished Body Scrub. The tan will last longer when your skin in hydrated, so the Skin Drink Airbrush Moisturizer is recommended too.

The actual Tan in a Can is a brilliant formula which goes on as a mist, which eliminates the possibility of streaking or carrot fingers. After a good spraydown you'll immediately see a healthy glow, and the tan will develop gradually underneath in a matter of hours.

Apply at your own discretion according to your tint of choice, and for a little extra polish, look to the Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Denim Blues

Dear Elyse,

I found a great pair of dark denim in a rinse that I love, but I'm worried that if I wash it wrong I'll loose that color. What's the best way to maintain that perfect rinse?

Thanks,
Robin

Dear Robin,

The first thing you'll want to remember is to always wash your denim in cold water. This will keep the color constant best, as well as maintaining the shape and integrity of the jean. If you'd like a little shrinkage, the dryer at medium heat for twenty minutes is the non-damaging way to do it.

Further, you'll want to turn the jeans inside out while in the wash, especially if you use powdered detergent. Turning the jeans inside out keeps the powder from making unwanted whisker effects on the fabric.

If you're really intent on keeping your color, opt for a specified cold-water laundering detergent, and fold your jeans. Wire coat hangers can create an unwanted crease and clip hangers can prematurely distress the cuffs or waist of the denim.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Liquid Smooth

Dear Elyse,

I have an old pair of black Liquid pants, 97% cotton, 3% spandex. I was told by the salesperson that they were treated to remain permanently wrinkled, and the effect is attractive, but now I would like to smooth them out if possible. Ironing doesn't do it. Any advice?

Many thanks,
Martha

Dear Martha,

If you've ironed your pants, count yourself lucky that they came out alive. With the heat of the iron, the resin that maintains that wrinkled texture runs the risk of melting and disfiguring the jean.

Instead try removing the wrinkles via a steam treatment. This will relax away the wrinkles without harming the integrity of the jean itself, and depending on how strongly the pant has been treated, this should allow the texture to return should you want it back.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Strapped for Ideas

Dear Elyse,

I'd like to work more belts into my wardrobe, but I don't know the first thing about which belt belongs to what outfits. Could you give me some ideas?

- Corinne

Dear Corinne,

Though traditionally belts are used to hold up your pants, they can be used to add a bit of detailed style to just about whatever stocks your wardrobe.

More often than not, you'll want to wear your belt at your natural waist (that tapered point where your hips and ribs meet - not where the rise of your jeans ends), but sometimes you come across a belt that's meant to drape or dangle. These can be worn at the mid-hip and work best with a loose skirt or dress and a slim-fitting top in order to maintain definition at the waist.

With a shapeless dress a wider belt is recommended, lest you lose your figure in all that fabric. Skinny belts are best with slim-fitting frocks, providing a point of interest without pulling eyes away from the dress itself.

Slender girls can really work a skinny belt in their favor, wearing it high-waisted (about mid-ribs) over a button-up shirt or over a v-neck sweater or cardigan. Even a simple tailored tee can get an instant style update with a brightly coloured skinny.

With denim, belts can go both ways. If you want to go glam, grab something bright, or even metallic to lace into your look. An earthier style can be achieved with an understated leather belt that boasts a lot of texture, but stay away from big buckles that will widen the look of your hips.

Hope this helps,
Elyse

Ask Elyse: Long-lived Leather

Dear Elyse,

I was so excited to get a Lockheart bag to call my own, but already I've managed to get a few scuffs on the leather. What would you recommend as the best way to get my bag back to pristine condition?

-Bernadette

Dear Bernadette,

It's an unfortunate truth that handbags are the accessory more likely to get scratched and scuffed than any other. But since frequent trips to the cleaner's are bound to rack up a bill, I've got a home remedy to return your bag to its best face.

1. Place a small amount of a gentle, moisturizing soap such as Dove on a damp cloth and bring it to a light lather.
2. Rub the damp cloth on the leather without putting too much water on the leather.
3. Wipe away the lather with a fresh damp cloth. Don't rinse the leather in water.
4. Polish leather with a dry towel.
5. Treat leather with a leather conditioner after it has dried completely.

To avoid any further damage to your Lockheart, you may consider picking up a Hot Hang Up to keep your purse off the floor in public places.

Hope this helps,

Elyse

Ask Elyse: Peep Show Problem

Dear Elyse,

I finally found the perfect dress to wear to a friend’s wedding, but the back is so low that a bra would show. Is there something I can wear that has the same support without being seen?

-Marlene

Dear Marlene,

Yours is a dilemma suffered by formal-wearing women throughout time, but luckily the solution is an easy (and comfortable) one. I recommend giving Dimrs’ Adhesive Nipple Covers a go. They’re a reusable silicone cup that will keep you covered for the full event and beyond. The Dimrs are kept in place by your body heat, so you won’t have to worry about sticky adhesives either.

Hope this helps,
Elyse