GET GLAM FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Devon Nespica
December 2008
JUMP
TO:
Winter Fashion Trends || Holiday
Makeup 101 || Hair How-to
Billy's Do's
and Don'ts || Bonus Tips || Resources
Company party? Family function?
Friendly get-together? Whatever holiday festivities you have planned
this year, the fashion, makeup, and hair styles this season are sure
to make you sparkle. With help from the fashion experts at Saks
Fifth Avenue and makeup artist/hair stylist Billy
Mercer of Salon
U, we compiled the hottest trends for winter so you won't
be left in the cold.
PICTURED ABOVE: Chanel "Hobo Bag," $1,850. Armani Collezioni Tropical
Charmeuse Dress, $1,445. Belt by Linea Pelle, $245. Tights by Spanx,
$26. Prada "Vernice
Taffeta" shoes, $695. 18-Kt gold chain necklace by Roberto Coin, $14,200.
Blue topaz ring by Estate Jewelry, $28,000.
 WINTER FASHION TRENDS
PICTURED AT RIGHT: BCBG Maxazria Satin Mini Dress
in "Cranberry," $338.
Gold necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane, $250. Gold earrings and ring
by Gurhan, $2,500 and $3,500. Tights and shoes listed in caption
above.
Jewel Tones
Think royal hues this holiday season--deep blues, bold burgundies,
and emerald greens. Try incorporating these luxurious tones into
your outfit with some fun accessories like a bold purple pump,
chunky gold necklace, or a funky fuchsia scarf. This will keep
your wardrobe current, and give your look a sophisticated pop of
color. For added holiday glamour, choose a fabric with a little
bit of shine. "Shine is big for the holidays," says Kristi Marks,
Director of Special Events and Public Relations for Saks Fifth
Avenue in Santa Barbara. "A little sparkle will make your outfit
more festive."
Dark Leggings
The temperature may be dropping, but that doesn't
mean you have to ditch the dresses this winter. Tights provide
warmth, comfort, and style so you can wear your favorite party
dress even in the colder months. Make sure to choose thicker textures
and heavier fabrics, and have some fun experimenting with different
prints, colors, and patterns. Try pairing a chunky-knit sweater
or silky tunic-top with dark opaque tights for an instant style
update.
Booties
"Boots, boots, boots! Boots are everywhere this season," says
Marks. "You can wear boots everyday." Although all varieties of
boots are big right now--mid-calf, flat, over-the-knee--the real
kicker is the "shoe-bootie." These ankle-height booties are a versatile
fashion "must" that can be paired with skirts, pants, or dresses.
Throw on a jewel-toned tunic with some dark leggings, add a pair
of shoe-booties, and you've got every fashion covered. Look for
styles with added details like buckles, peep-toes, and oxford styling
for a unique twist on this popular trend.
Romantic Ruffles
"Another trend this year is the romantic blouse with ruffles," Marks
insists. "And they're bringing that style down into accessories
as well." Seen on dresses, purses, blouses, and even shoes, ruffles
add a much-desired element of femininity to your ensemble. Look
for ultra-feminine styles like billowing blouses with bows and
lace, or opt for a more modern, masculine look with tuxedo-style
ruffles on tailored dresses and jackets. And remember--ruffles add
volume, so avoid wearing them on any area of your figure that you
don't want to emphasize.
Hollywood Glamour
This winter is all about achieving the hourglass
figure of the forties and fifties. "We're seeing a return to retro with the forties-style
fashion that lends itself to the glamorous Hollywood era, which
is both flattering and feminine," Marks says. Slim lines, cinched
waists, and a focus on fine tailoring reemerge with pencil skirts,
cropped jackets, and tailored suits. For a svelte silhouette, try
adding a belt to define and accentuate your waistline. |
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HOLIDAY MAKEUP 101
For the newest looks in hair and makeup, we consulted makeup artist
and stylist Billy Mercer from Salon U in Santa Barbara. Here's
what he had to say about the latest beauty trends.
Bold Eyes and Lips
Dramatic colors are definitely
in vogue this winter. However, reserve darker colors for the eyes
and lips only, and "use a soft
pink blush to keep from looking 'clownish,'" Billy advises.
Liquid Liner
"A liquid liner is always in. For
a twist on this look, apply an eye shadow in a similar shade over
your liquid liner and smudge the line for a softer look."
A Polished Face
Keep your foundation, blush, and
powder simple this season and aim for a natural look with soft,
rosy cheeks, glossy lips, and dewy skin. "It's a very clean look," Billy
notes.
Brighter Colors
"This season, you're not seeing the typical golds and browns--it's
a lot of bright blues and pinks. They're not just for summer. Start
with a neutral eye and then grab a darker shade for a smoky effect." |
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HAIR
HOW-TO
Appropriate for any occasion, the sleek and simple ponytail is
an easy, yet elegant updo. Follow Billy's tips to recreate the
look:
1. With a rat-tail comb, section off the top portion of curled
hair (about the width of your forehead) and clip out of the way.
Pull the remaining hair into a tight ponytail about midway on the
back of your head. Secure using an elastic band.
2. Let the top section down. Start on one side of the head and
pull the entire section back and pin above the ponytail. Do the
same on the other side, being sure to pin the hair so it feels
secured.
3. Use the rat-tail comb to gently pull the hair upwards for more
volume. Feel free to leave any pieces around the face to complete
your look.
4. Finish with U Essentials workable spray to help control fly-aways,
and to ensure your do lasts as long as you. |
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BILLY'S MAKEUP DO'S AND DON'TS
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| DO'S |
DON'TS |
Do fill in your
brows
"Brows are the most important feature--especially
when you want to achieve a clean, polished look because the
focus is on the brows and cheeks. And if you have trouble matching
them up, remember, they are sisters, not twins."
Do try white eyeliner
"Using white eyeliner in the waterline
instead of a dark liner will help you look fresh, even after
a few cocktails."
Do wear a darker lipstick
"If you want to do a dark lip but
you are scared, skip the dark lip liner and use a neutral shade
instead to keep the lip color from turning too dark."
Do use individual false lashes
"Individual lashes give a more
subtle, yet noticeable, look [than strip lashes]. Pop a few
pieces on the end of the lash line for a quick lift." |
Don't think "smoky" means
black
"People think 'smoky
eyes' and they think black. Smoky is a technique, not a color.
Any shadow color can create a smoky effect by blending a darker
shade in a similar tone in the outer corners of the eye."
Don't over-draw your lips
"Blend lip liner with your finger
so it's not as harsh."
Don't over-powder
"Too much powder looks cakey, especially during winter because
of the drier weather. Powder once; you're done."
Don't match your eye shadow to your outfit
"You want your eye
shadow to work with your eye color and to complement your outfit.
Matchy-matchy days are gone." |
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BONUS FEATURES: GET THE LOOK
For Gorgeous Eyes:
To recreate
our cover girl look, first swipe on "Chantilly" as
a base color from the lid to the brow bone. Blend a few touches
of "Russett" into the crease for added depth and dimension.
Then apply "Nova" in the outer corners only, making a v-shape
(this is the secret to the "smoky eye" technique). Finally,
use "Ink" as your eyeliner by applying it to the upper and
lower lash-line with a small angled-brush. For an ultra-sultry
appeal, add "Ink" into the outer corners of the eyes for a
darker, more dramatic look.
On the Eyes: Billy Girl Eye Shadow in "Chantilly," "Russett," "Nova" and "Ink" ($14
each)
For Luscious Lips:
For a perfect pout, begin with a dry lip
and then trace the entire outer lip-line with Billy Girl "Heather" pencil. Use
the pencil to fill in the lip so the color is more blended,
and less defined. Apply one coat of #10 Lip Rouge to both upper
and lower lips. Press your lips to blend the color together.
Finish the look with a dab of "Super Strawberry Gloss" in the
center of your upper and lower lips. Do not blend.
On the Lips: Billy Girl Lip Pencil in "Heather" ($11), Billy Girl Lip Rouge #10
($16), Billy Girl Super Gloss in "Super Strawberry" ($14)
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RESOURCES:
Saks Fifth Avenue
1001 State St., Santa Barbara
(805) 884-9997
www.saksfifthavenue.com
Salon U
1719 State St., Santa Barbara
(805) 898-8962
www.salonu.info
Billy Mercer
Billy Girl Cosmetics
Get more exclusive fashion footage in our Behind the
Scenes gallery. |
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