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

Wide World

This Michael Stars cardi was featured in a recent edition of InStyle Magazine (you'll see Heidi Klum positively glowing on the cover) as something of a "what to wear" with wide leg trousers.

Any woman who's worn wide leg trousers will know it's a difficult look to master without giving the impression that stilts and a squeaky red nose are in order, but InStyle has it down with a trim, tucked in blouse and striped cardigan. The filigree ring and horn-rimmed glasses are downright fun and give a vintage flair just as suited for a boat venture as it is for business.

Would you wear this InStyle inspiration? Or are wide leg trousers your big "don't?" Let us know in the comments below.

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

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: 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: 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 Anton: Petite Predicament

Dear Anton,

I have a petite figure and would like to elongate my look. Do you have any tips to remedy my lack of height?

-Heidi

Dear Heidi,The first thing to look at is posture. The stance you’ll want to take is one with your shoulders back, tush tucked, head high, and tummy in. Maintaining good posture will not only give you a taller and slimmer appearance, it also takes a lot of strain from your spine that could cause health problems later on.

If you still want to add a few extra inches to your frame, pop on out to the mall and find a pair of medium height heels in nude or beige, or any colour to match your skin tone. Anything from a stiletto to a boot (reference Irregular Choice’s Button Up Boot in Beige) in this colour will create one long silhouette, thus creating the illusion of a taller you. Not to mention the hue goes with nearly everything.

Another item to try is the classic slim cut pinstripe pant. Wide leg trousers should be avoided, as should any sort baggy clothes. These will only work to make you look even shorter. A pair like the Cocktail Trouser in Brown from Georgie Pant will lengthen the look of your legs and, as a result, your entire silhouette.

I hope this helps,

Anton