Tricks of the Trade

Have you wondered how some girls can pull off a loose tops with out any spill-outs or wear their heels for hours without complaints? Though these gifts seem to be a natural blessing, these gifts often come with a little help. Everyone should be able to keep that sexy lace bra under your work wear a secret instead of being the water cooler gossip when the office AC comes on. These little tricks of the trade do more than keep a look pulled together. They keep you from focusing on the little things so you can enjoy yourself!

Bristol 6 Nippies

Not only great for coverage when you are hens bra, but also great to wear with thin lace bras for some additional coverage.

Gal Pal Travel Deodorant Remover

This little scrubber has saved my outfit many times. Not only does it work on deodorant marks, but it diminishes foundation smudges surprisingly well, all without water or detergent!

Foot Petal Tiptoes

A pair of killer heals can cause some pain after a night of dancing. These cute little pads will give you a few more hours on your feet.

Her Look Matchsticks

These double stick tape strips have so many uses. They keep straps in place, hold a him or cuff up, fix the gap on your button down, and hold a wrap top closed.

Her Look Commando Thong

This thong is a guaranteed no show! completely seamless and the nude color is perfectly hidden in light colored bottoms.

Her Look Takeouts

A boob job in a box! Sometimes we all need a little boost. They have a surprisingly natural look and feel. Plus the box makes them so fun to wear you wont care if they suspect.

Shop these tricks of the trade and more, at UrbanMinx.com

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

What's Best for Your Body Type?

Part of being a fashionista is being able to dress your shape to its fullest potential, but you'd be surprised how few women know how to do just that. Here are a few helpful hints for basic body shapes to use as a guide.

Apple

A woman with a round-shaped figure has a generous bust, wider rib cage, a fuller back, generous middle, narrow hips, and slender legs. You have the legs that the pear and diamond shaped women would kill for. So show them off with styles that accentuate your narrow hips, and skirts that show off your legs.

When choosing tops, necklines like the v-neck, help to elongate and slenderize your neck. Avoid tops that are fitted, as they will only accentuate your larger middle, and keep the collars or lapels of your jacket narrow so that they do not draw any extra attention to your fuller bust. When choosing a skirt stay with something that is more fitted, like a pencil skirt, as it will accentuate your legs.

Hourglass

You can tell a woman has an hourglass figure when she has a bust, small bone structure, defined waist, curved hips, shapely legs, and sometimes a protruding bottom. You definitely have curves, so why not show them off?

Because you have a defined waist, drawing attention to your waist by wearing pants with a contoured waistband, belts, or wrap tops that sit just at your waist, is a great way to accentuate your assets. Stick with clothing that is semi-fitted as opposed to too fitted or tight. Stay away from oversized or baggy styles since they will overpower your bone structure.

Pear

Pear shaped body types have a slender neck, narrow shoulders, small bust, as well as a shapely waist, generous lower hips and full thighs. With your waistline being small and feminine, you should embrace styles that accentuate your assets.

When wearing pants make sure you choose flowing fabrics to de-emphasize your hips. If you are more of a skirt person, then straight skirts are your friend. Your upper body is your best asset, so wear semi-fitted and tailored tops; necklines like cowl necks and square necklines will help broaden your shoulders.

Straight

The straight body type is distinguished by an upper and lower torso that are equal in width, an average bust, large rib cage, undefined waist, flat bottom, and slender legs.

When looking for a suit jacket, try a longer jacket, as it will help lengthen your upper torso. Necklines that fall below your collarbone will help elongate your neck. Try straight tailored skirts, or skirts with a dropped waist; both will slenderize. Avoid belts, and gathered or pleated fabric at the waist, as they will accentuate your thicker waist.

Ladies with any detailed question on how to dress their shapes are encouraged to direct their questions to resident UrbanMinx advice columnist Elyse. If your question is chosen you will receive a 10% off coupon toward your next UrbanMinx order!

Belt it Out

Ralph Lauren 2010 Fall RTW

When this trend was first recommended to me I'll admit I balked a little; I just couldn't picture it. But now seeing it in action I can't wait to try it.

Just picture that baggy old last resort at the back of your closet - a bulky, shapeless coat that has been hanging there for time unknown but somehow you just can't bring yourself to get rid of it. Little did you know it's been lurking with hidden potential.

All that's needed for a fashionable face-lift is a simple belt to cinch that coat back into shape. Et voila! You're left with a chic silhouette and one more active addition to your wardrobe.

Try it out and shop winter coats and belts at UrbanMinx.

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: 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: 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