The Shorter Days of Fall: Wear Rising Hemlines as the Temperature Drops

As the days of summer quickly escape us, it’s far too easy to slip into our cold weather uniform of pants, sweaters, and boots. This year, shake things up with a new trend—shorts in the winter. The look can be tricky to pull off, but with this fool proof formula and smart tips, all eyes will be on you as you strut around town looking fashionably pulled together.

Cut offs are cute, but for the colder months it’s best to choose a pair that are slightly loose and cuffed. To keep the look seasonally appropriate, pick out something in a heavier fabric: herringbone, wool, and corduroy are all great picks. Once you’ve found the perfect pair of shorts, you might want to throw on tights underneath to keep goose bumps at bay. Keep the look clean with solid-color opaque tights, or mix it up by playing with prints and texture. Try pairing solid shorts with ribbed tights; they will hug your legs like a cozy sweater and keep them just as warm.

Shoes are another important detail when piecing together this trend. Pick a shoe that’s simple, yet relatively substantial. This is not the time to wear your favorite strappy, sky-high heels. Flat boots, ballet flats, booties, or a Mary Jane wedge would best compliment such an outfit. Top it off with a classic cardigan for laid-back polish or fitted blazer for chic sophistication. Shorts for fall and winter is a fresh alternative to the skirt with leggings combo, and a great way to break out of any fashion rut.

Best Bet for Your Body:

Curvy

In theory, the wider the hem, the slimmer your legs will appear. Go for shorts that hug your waist nicely but don’t wrap too tight around the thigh. The nipped waste will create a flattering hourglass shape. www.forever21.com

Athletic

Have fun with prints or texture when picking a pair of shorts. Flirty details on a back pocket can help create an illusion of curves. www.shopbop.com

Petite

Choose a pair of shorts that aren’t too long as not to overwhelm your frame. Those with shorter legs should pair the look with shoes that elongate your gams. This means anything without an ankle strap, or a monochromatic theme between your tights and shoes. www.jcrew.com

Pear

Look for a pair of shorts that emphasize your well-defined waist area (softly pleated or flat-fronted). Solid colors with minimal details are most flattering for pear-shapes figures. www.urbanoutfitters.com

What is Your Body Trying to Tell You? Every pop, ping, and pain has a meaning!

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, your body has clever little ways of letting you know it is in need of some TLC. However, in our crazy day to day routines it becomes easy to overlook these little signals—especially when you don’t feel any pain. That minor but frequent dull ache in your muscle or joints could mean you are in need of more than just a massage. If you are suffering from a vitamin shortage, are lacking some zzz’s, or making a habit of eating your favorite junk foods you’ve probably tuned out the signs your body is sending you. It isn’t easy to interpret these signals but once you make a habit of learning to truly listen to your body, not only will you feel better now but you may also help avoid any further health complications in the future.

Symptom: Muscle cramps in legs

Most likely causes: Sitting or standing for too long (especially in sky-scraper but oh-so-adorable heels) can strain calf muscles and lead to cramps. Dehydration can also cause leg spasms.

What to do: Drink plenty of fluids, and stock up on food rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium (think leafy greens, bananas, and beans). We would never suggest you retire your pumps for orthopedic clunkers, so just be sure to stretch your legs after sitting or walking for long periods of time in high heels.

Symptom: Cracking Joints

Most likely causes: Even though popping your knuckles can be oddly satisfying, when you crack a joint you are actually causing it to stretch. This causes gas bubbles to rapidly release, and this is why you hear that snap, crackle, or pop.

What to do: Unless you feel pain with a cracking joint, don’t stress over it. In the case you do feel pain, swelling, or the joint becomes red and has limited motion you should consult your doctor. It may be a sign of a joint/cartilage problem such as arthritis.

Symptom: Dry or Bloodshot Eyes

Most Likely Causes: Even though it is painless, dry/bloodshot eyes are not the most attractive. Staring at a computer for too long (hello facebook!), a long night with lots of alcohol and little sleep, or dry/windy weather can cause your peepers to look less than their best.

What to do: Reach for some over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate eyes after a long night to fake a well-rested sleep sesh. Use UV blocking sunglasses (preferably a wrap-around style) to shield eyes from harsh weather conditions. You should see your doctor if these symptoms are chronic, or severe.

Symptom: Cold Hands and Feet

Most likely causes: Stress can stir up the nervous system, which can lead blood vessels to become constricted. This slows down circulation and can make your tootsies feel like popsicles.

What to do: Try taking deep breaths to relax, and get your nervous system back on track. Keep your hands and feet warm if you are under pressure. If they have a habit of going cold for no apparent reason, ask your doc about Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Symptom: Bad breath or white film on tongue

Most likely causes: It’s not just those garlic fries that make your mouth smell. Not getting enough water, or poor dental hygiene habits (ahem, flossing!) can cause bad breath and even a white film to cover your tongue.

What to do: Even though you’ve heard it before, make sure you are drinking 8 glasses of water a day. Staying hydrated is an easy way to remedy this. Also, be sure to brush twice and day and floss (yes, everyday!) and keep routine visits with your dentist.

Fab Find: Me Char Handbags

Finding a fabulously sexy clutch while shopping radiates the feeling like all is right in the world. Fashionable yet functional bags are simply unforgettable. The right one can add just the right touch to any outfit, and Me Char leather clutches definitely fit the bill.

The designer, Charmaine Ho, was born in Hong Kong but raised in Macau. She studied abroad in Canada and Italy, and then narrowed her focus to fashion merchandising at the Parsons School of Design in New York. She entered herself into a contest for up-and-coming handbag designers and knocked out the competition, earning herself a spot in Cosmogirl! Magazine. Her design inspiration comes from her East meets West background, resulting in a standout collection of leather clutches that are the perfect update for your fall wardrobe.

There's something so refreshing about Me Char’s ultra-stylized options; with their new-wave colors and edgy details it’s a place where modern art meets sophistication. Totally brilliant.

Small enough to travel comfortably, but large enough to hold a girl’s essentials—cell phone, credit cards, and a tube of gloss make finding your go-to bag easy. Pair it with anything from a flowing chiffon dress to classic trousers or a leather miniskirt. Any way you rock it, you’re sure to stir up stares from across the room.

For more information, check out http://www.mecharhandbags.com/.

To purchase, go to intermix.com or mecharhandbags.com.

Oh girl I want to make you sweat..

They say the early bird gets the worm, I say let them have it. When the alarm goes off, the snooze button has a better chance of being put on than my gym shoes. However, there are certain payoffs that come with when you schedule your workout.

Some benefits of morning exercise include:
·A boost of energy! A morning jog can give you a feeling of physical energy for hours.
·A clear head. Your mental acuity improves, so you’re able to stay sharp on your feet for whatever is thrown your way.
·Burn more calories throughout the day. Kick start your day with a trip to the gym, and you’ll raise your heart rate and metabolism, which will stay revved up throughout the day.

Don’t let work stop you from squeezing in a midday workout. This way you can:
·Regulate the amount of food you eat for lunch. A brisk walk and healthy lunch will leave you feeling refreshed (and sans a guilty conscious had you scarfed another slice of pizza at your desk).
·Also, a workout in the middle of the day can help stop you from reaching for sugary snack in the late afternoon and beat that afternoon slump.
·Release any pent up tension, and improve blood flow so you can bring your focus (and sanity!) back to help you get through the rest of your day.

For you who really come alive at night, there are definite advantages to working out in the evening including:
·Your perceived exertion is at its lowest. This means, you may be able to work out harder or faster because you don’t feel yourself to be working as hard.
·Less chance of injury. Your muscles are already warmed up and flexible from the day.
·Great way to release stress from work, school, or home.

In the grand scheme of staying healthy, making your workout a consistent part of your day is more important than what time of day you choose to sweat.

Life Styled: Nicole Richie's New Maternity Line

Maternity boutique A Pea in the Pod, and stylish mom-to-be, Nicole Richie, unveiled a new collection of maternity wear at the Beverly Hills boutique on August 6th. The line ‘Nicole’ calls to Ms. Richie’s boho-chic style fluttered with peasant tops, maxidresses, layered tees, and braided details.

Combining basic colors, transparency, and lighter than air fabrics, pregnant women get the best of all worlds in ‘Nicole’ — comfort, luxury, and style. The look is simple, elegant, and oh so boho chic that will carry over nicely from end of summer to fall wardrobe.

At the launch party, Nicole looked gorgeously pregnant and put together in a LBD that actually is a sleeveless scoop neck tank top from the new line. Many other pregnant celebrities were also in attendance, including Judy Reyes, Golden Brooks, and Tisha Campbell-Martin.
This exclusive line will be sold at A Pea in the Pod stores, with prices ranging from $48 for basic tops to $148 for maxidresses.

Welcome back Project Runway

Thursday night FIDM, Provencho Restaurant and Remedy Lounge hosted Project Runway's Season 6 Premiere. Celebrities, designers, fashionistas, and fashion lovers gathered in the posh digs of downtown to catch a screening of everyone's favorite design show. The seamless reality series kicked off with 16 eager designers ready to show their talent off to the world. Despite the leap from Bravo to its new home on Lifetime, there were no major differences in the show aside from it now being show in Los Angeles. After the premiere, patrons celebrated at the VIP after party and reception featuring DJ Mark Lewis.

Celebrities in attendance included Gillis Marini, Julia Anderson, and Tanjareen Martin. Fashion designer, David Alexander, was also at the event. Alexander, who has dressed stars like Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears, arrived with his model Laura LaRue in a gold structured dress with a cut out back from his collection. Simply gorgeous.

Much of the evening's charm came shining through the edgy ensembles worn by guests. Walking down the hall, you would have thought Heidi Klum and Michael Kors were sitting off to the side commenting on their notecards. In case you missed last nights show, Lindsay Lohan made a surprise appearance as a guest judge. For their first challenge, designers were to create a look for a red carpet event. As always, there were hits and some major misses. Either way, we're excited to watch the ins and outs of fashion drama as it unfolds in this next season. In true Tim Gunn style: Make it work Project Runway.

Mad About Magnes

Some bags are simply wingmen in the world of handbags, meant only to support the rest of the ensemble. The Magnes Sisters had a different idea in mind when they joined creative forces to design their standout collection that demands the kind of attention a girl is more than happy to give. Be ready to share the spotlight once you add any one of these designs to your look.

As prophesied by their Russian grandmother, Dina, Yael, and Tamar Magnes came to the big city to create high-end hand bags, which reflect their “individuality and harmony as a trio.” Using luxurious materials such as Italian leather, natural canvas, vintage wool and silky linings, the bags not only look great slung under one arm, they also come playfully named. Dry Martini, Mr. Big, and Liberty are perfect for any girl with a New York heart.

The sisters have included a slew of colors like yellow, plum suede, and platinum to make sure you’re covered for any occasion. The bags are feminine, but cool and more than ready to handle adventures beyond a nine-to-five workday. For girls on the go, each piece comes equipped with a strap, but many of them cleverly double as a clutch–perfect for an after work cocktail date.