Deal With The Peel : SUNBURN!

Woman in the sun
 
After a day in the sun, you may find yourself, like me 😦 , with an itchy, peeling sunburn. Peeling skin is not only unattractive, it can also be quite painful. Here are a few simple ways to deal with the peel.
 

Shower with cool water to treat sunburned skinCool it down

If you notice your skin start to peel, the first thing you should do is take a cold shower or bath. The cold water will help your skin cool down and slow the peeling process. When you are drying your skin, be sure to pat dry with a clean, soft towel and avoid rubbing. By rubbing your skin, you can actually speed up and spread the peeling of your skin.

Keep sunburned skin moisturizedMoisturize your skin

Once you get out of the shower and dry your skin, apply a moisturizing lotion. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically designed to work on sunburn or peeling skin. Generally, the lotion should contains aloe vera, which will cool your skin, reduce inflammation and slow the peeling. Aloe vera is a natural cactus extract that has long been hailed for its soothing properties. You can actually buy pure aloe vera gel (or break open the plant, if you have it) and apply it directly to the peeling skin to aid healing, fight pain and avoid infection.

Stay hydrated to treat sunburned skinDrink up

Now that you have cooled your skin from the outside, it’s time to start working on your skin from the inside. Truth be told, nothing helps your skin as much as a tall glass of water. Healthy skin needs to stay hydrated. When your skin is damaged – like after a sunburn – water becomes even more important. Drink a lot of water to give your skin all the fuel it needs to repair and revive itself. If you notice your skin beginning to peel, be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day. 

 

Avoid scratching sunburned skinStop the itch

At all costs, you should avoid scratching your skin when it’s peeling. You can actually do permanent damage to your skin in the form of scars. If you get the urge to scratch, the best thing to do is to use ice to dull the sensation. Put ice in a piece of soft cloth and gently place the cloth on top of the area of your skin that itches. The itch should subside once the ice begins to cool down the skin.

Peeling sunburn

Avoid peeling sunburned skinDon’t peel it

Flaky, peeling skin is more than just irritating and unattractive. It can also lead to an infection. Peeling skin can become infected if you scratch or try to forcefully peel the skin. If there is a segment of dead skin that is hanging off and you want to remove it, don’t pull on it – no matter how temping it is. Instead, get a small pair of scissors and carefully cut away just that section of skin. Be sure you are only cutting away dead skin and you don’t tear skin that is trying to heal. Once you cut away the dead skin, apply an antibacterial ointment (such as Neosporin) to the area.

Use sunscreen to protect skin from sunburnBe prepared

Prevention is the best cure for peeling. Plan ahead and don’t get sunburned in the first place. By the time your skin starts peeling, that means that the damage has already been done. Before you go out into the sun, always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. If you are going into the water, be sure to re-apply sunscreen each time you get out. When applying sunscreen don’t forget about hidden areas, such as behind your ears, which are often forgotten and end up burned.

Melanie Stark, Harrods Employee, Driven Out For Not Wearing Makeup !

Harrods sales assistant Melanie Stark was left with no choice but to quit her job after the luxury department store demanded that she wear makeup on the job, the Guardian reports.

The shop’s dress code includes the following rule: “Full makeup at all time: base, blusher, full eyes (not too heavy), lipstick, lip liner and gloss are worn at all time and maintained discreetly (please take into account the store display lighting which has a ‘washing out’ effect).”

Stark, 24, said she was sent home twice and once forced to work in the stockroom after opting for an all-natural look. She was also offered a beauty tutorial.

Stark told the newspaper, “I was appalled. It was insulting. Basically, it was implying it would be an improvement. I don’t understand how they think it is OK to say that. I know what I look like with makeup. I have used it, though never at work. But I just could not see how, in this day and age, Harrods could take away my right to choose whether to wear it or not.”

She added, “I just could not go through with it all again. I wasn’t going to compromise, but neither were they. And I felt it was time to move on.”

The Daily Mail weighed in on the issue in a perfectly-British-titled article, “If you’re too bolshy to put on some lippy, why should any firm give you a job?” Writer Liz Jones is in a tizzy over an apparently deeper issue at hand. Quoth Jones:

A recent survey of employers found the reason so many jobs are given to immigrant workers is simple: British workers don’t want to make an effort.

They think the world owes them a living, and that their ‘rights’ as an individual are all that matters.

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They have such enlarged egos, so much ‘sense of self’, that they cannot subjugate themselves to any one else any more. Not even the boss.

Why does a young woman think her desire to show us her open pores and ruddy complexion outweighs the wishes of her employer to present a polished face to the customer?

Yikes — a little harsh, no? We’re kind of thinking that Stark’s refusal to wear makeup means she probably has great pores and an excellent complexion. Oh, and knows how to stand her ground.

House of Harlow Launches Handbags for Fall 2011

Nicole Richie is adding handbags to her House of Harlow 1960 collection. Priced from $150 to $625, the new offering features clutches, hobos, and cross-body bags in a mix of materials like calfskin or vintage leather with detailing such as studs or fringe. “The collection is quite small in terms of the styles we are launching with. I wanted to make sure that each piece is special,” Richie explained of the 14-piece selection. “Handbags have always been a part of the equation since we first launched the House of Harlow 1960 brand. We just needed to make sure all of the components were aligned before setting foot into that category.” The pieces will be available starting mid-July at Bergdorf Goodman, Shopbop, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. Some are also currently available for pre-order at Singer22.

Jason Wu to Collaborate with Melissa Shoes for Spring

This upcoming Spring, Jason Wu and plastic shoe brand Melissa are teaming up to release two exclusive styles. Though both shoes are based on pre-existing Melissa bestsellers — the Ultragirl ballet flat and the Lady Dragon peep-toe slingback —  they’re injected with a strong dose of signature Wu: a Miss Wu owl logo bow tops the ballet flats, while a sunburst design culled directly from Wu’s Fall 2011 collection adorns the pumps. “It was really interesting for me to explore design possibilities with plastic,” said Wu of the collaboration. “I wanted to take advantage of the materials I was given, make it all completely functional and waterproof and yet still remain extremely sophisticated.” Both styles will be available in black, burgundy, nude, and transparent gray, and also feature lining printed with pink and black lace. Wu is the first American designer to collaborate with Melissa; Vivienne Westwood, Gareth Pugh, and Jean Paul Gaultier have all previously partnered with the Brazillian shoe brand.

BIKINIS TURN 65!

(Marilyn Monroe 1965)

While two-piece bathing suits may have existed since the Greco Romans, French car engineer Louis Réard created the modern bikini in May 1946. He named it after the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests, assuming people would be shocked by their revealing nature. Girls and women may flock to the beach in bikinis without much thought these days, but back then showing off your belly button was surprising and even scandalous. We all know how tricky it can be to find the perfect two-piece swimsuit (Bo Derek and Farrah Fawcett looked fab, but they rocked one-pieces!), so we’re paying tribute to the most iconic bikinis in history that got us bathing beauties where we are today. Happy 65th, birthday, bikini! May you retain your beauty and elasticity for many years to come. Marilyn Monroe flaunted her curves in a ruffle-trimmed polka-dot two-piece circa 1951. Who knew that this style would make a return?

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(Ursula Andress in “Dr. No,” 1962.)
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(Bridgette Bardot in “The Girl in the Bikini,” 1952)    
When the first Bond girl emerged from the ocean in a white bikini with a knife belt, men and women alike watched in awe.Also known as “Manina, la fille sans voiles” and “The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter,” this French film kick-started Bardot’s career and the popularity of two-piece swimsuits. 

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(Raquel Welch in ”One Million Years B.C.,” 1966)

This prehistoric, fur-trimmed bikini wasn’t designed to get wet, but it sure received a lot of attention. Also, how smoking is Welch’s body? Yowza.

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The first “Sports Illustrated” Swimsuit Issue, 1964

Editor Andre Laguerre came up with the concept of an annual issue of babes in bikinis to boost sales in the winter months, which have less sporting events on the calendar. Berlin-born model Babette March appeared on the first cover (and a five-page spread) and the issue is credited with legitimizing the bikini.

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Carrie Fisher in “Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi,” 1983

Princess Leia’s metal and leather bikini showed off her figure that was previously hidden under cloaks and tunics. But then again, anyone would look hot next to Jabba the Hutt.

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Annette Funicello in “Beach Party,” 1963

In the first of many beach party films, this bikini-clad girl partied in the sand with her on-screen boyfriend, Frankie Avalon. Before wearing a two-piece she was the star of the original “Mickey Mouse Club.”

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Elizabeth Taylor

The late screen queen looks picture perfect in her lovely silvery-blue one-piece. We know it’s not a bikini but it’s just too beautiful not to put in.

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Salma Hayek in ”From Dusk Till Dawn,” 1996

Pre-Britney Spears, this seductive club performer danced with a snake and snapped into vampire mode, a scene guys won’t soon forget.

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Sally Field as Gidget 1965

As ’60s surfer girl Gidget, Sally Field rocked the itsy bitsy teenie weenie stunning bikinis.

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Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft in ‘Tomb Raider’ 2011

As the buff and fearless beauty in Tomb Raider, Ms Jolie showed us how to explore the world in a just a bikini.

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Demi Moore in ”Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle,” 2003

While Cameron Diaz worked her white bikini on the surf, it was 41-year-old co-star Demi Moore clad in a black bikini that really turned heads and put the famous actress back on the map.

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Halle Berry in “Die Another Day,” 2002

The Oscar-winning actress paid tribute to Ursula Andress in a similar orange bikini with a knife belt. It wasn’t quite as awesome as the original, but still made an impression.

WeSC X Anna Sheffield Bing Bang Collection

 

I am obsessed with accessories and so its no surprise that would find out about this ;).I am super excited about the new collaboration between WeSC and Anna Sheffield! The Bing Bang was inspired by NYC’s surroundings and the rich culture of Sheffield’s upbringing in the Southwest, with a mix of Victorian and Punk references imbued with the nostalgia of keepsakes and modern heirlooms. Loving the headphones and the two-finger ring!

The collection will be available at the end of the month on wesc.com and prices range from $80 to $110.

4 New Ways To Show Your Stripes

With Bretons, seersucker, and all manners of horizontal lines dominating the racks this summer, it’s no understatement that stripes are starting get a little trite. But, that doesn’t mean that something fresh isn’t on the horizon–we’ve got some ideas on how to shop for stripes without falling back on nautical and French themes. This guide has got all the charm of the old ways, but with a couple of twists that are brand spankin’ new (just the way we like it!).

 All Cut Up—Patchwork stripes add movement and take normally stuffy styles to a new level that’s thoroughly eclectic. In this case, the busier the better—trust us.  Above, from left: Free People Lookbook July ’11, image via Free People; ASOS Twist & Tango Mix Stripe Drawstring Waist Dress, $65.51, available at ASOS; Style Stalker Stripe T Layer Dress, $83, available at Pixie Market.

 

Block Party—Exaggerated, elongated colorblock is a great way to sport stripes without getting lost in the crowd. Plus, you’ll find thick portions of bold, bright colors that stand out from the crowd of black, blue and white. 
Above, from left: Splendid Different Degrees Maxi Dress, $178, available at Anthropologie; Whistles Holly Linen Stripe Sweater, $137.91, available at ASOS; ADAM Colorblock Long Halter Dress, $395, available at Shopbop.

 Textural Healing—Never take a trend too literally. Stripes become subtle and understatedly chic when you go for a pattern that’s made of textures instead of varying colors. Plus, this fits in great with the latest monotone trend! 
Above, from left: MikkatMarket Lace Ruffle Top, $35, available at Mikkat Market; Topshop High Neck Stripe Tank, $30, available at Topshop; Rag & Bone Stretch-cotton Maxi Dress, $195, available at Net-A-Porter.

 

Go Long&mdash:Vertical stripes have long been the direction of choice for referees (and pretty much only them), but we have a feeling that the top-to-bottom stripe will make its return. Get in on the trend early with these three options.
Above, from left: Lark & Wolff by Steven Alan Vertical Stripe Dress $39.99, available at Urban Outfitters; Victoria’s Secret Oversized Tank Top, $44, available at Victoria’s Secret; 3.1 Phillip Lim Striped Roll Sleeve Dress, $279, available at Bird.

Freja Beha Erichsen Goes Feline in New Chanel Fall 2011 Ads

The tour de dress-up continues for Freja Beha Erichsen in a couple of newly-released Chanel Fall 2011 ads. The first leaked set of images showed Beha Erichsen in a Chanel eyemask or a lace veil and panties, but now the campaign goes more playful — Freja as cat, with Chanel’s signature camellias as her ears — definitely the mark of campaign stylist Carine Roitfeld on the brand.

Versace for H&M | What to Expect

Two weeks ago H&M announced their newest designer collaboration with Versace and by now you should of seen a sneak peek of the collection already.  I got more details of what to expect from the collection and took a few screenshots from the video where Donatella Versace was showing sketches. Hopefully this post gives you a better description of what to expect and get you more excited. I’m always excited about H&M’s designer collaborations so I can’t wait to see the collection in person!

From the video, we already know that Donatella Versace has opened the historic Versace archive for this H&M collaboration. It is the first time that Versace has looked back into the label’s past, making this collection both one of the year’s biggest fashion events and also an exciting chance for a whole new audience to wear Versace.

For women, there will be around 40 pieces of apparel in exclusive materials like leather and silk, and 20 accessories at fantastic H&M prices.
– Dresses are in focus, short shifts cut to floor length goddess gowns.
– Archive multi-color prints, Japanese patterns, Miami palms, wild animal prints, studs
– Classic Greek motifs, silver and gold metallic etc.
– There are also leather jackets decorated with gold studs and zips as well as leggings and jeans.
– High heeled lace boots, sandals, bags.

For men, there will be around 20 pieces of apparel and 10 accessories.
– Sharp tailoring and a playful use of the house’s iconic prints such as palm and optical patterns on T-shirts as well as on thin-knit cashmere sweaters.
– A bomber jacket in velvet and a quilted leather jacket together with leather trousers both with gold studs.
– Jeans optical or in crocodile prints.
– Shirts with metallic wing- tips on the collars.
– Hats, caps, belts, shoes, scarves and a backpack.

For the home collection it will be small, there will be two cushions, one bedspread in Versace iconography with multicolor floral Japanese fan print.

The US will release the collection on November 19th in select stores. The collection will be available in about 300 stores worldwide. In addition, Donatella Versace has also designed a pre-spring collection for H&M which will be exclusively available in countries with H&M on-line sales from January 19, 2012.