This holiday season, do not just bundle up and look as shapeless and plain as a snowman. Instead, play up your look with these holiday fashion trends named by People magazine, and look hot despite the freezing temperature.

Ribbons

Ribbons are a great way to play up a simple outfit or a plain dress. You can tie it around your waist to emphasize your curves, or string it through your belt loops for a more casual-yet-festive look. Ribbons reflect gifts and presents. It’s just so for this season.

Fur

Of course. You can’t avoid wearing fur during the holidays. Be it faux or real, you can’t go wrong with it. The trend, as noted by People, are fur accessories: fur stoles, fur capelets, or little fur jackets. Just wear them over what you’re already wearing. Remember, they are “fur accessories”, which means they won’t actually keep you that warm when you step out.

Colorful eyes

This one comes with a “procceed with caution” warning. Why? Because not a lot of people can pull it off. Eye makeup in jewel tones appears to be the trend. Just make sure to color only the eyes to liven up your face. Strong colored lips and cheeks will make you appear comical.

Red dresses

Red dresses are so sexy and so perfect for the holidays. It kind of makes a sexy Santa out of every woman. Plus, red is a very noticeable color. Wear it in shades and silhouettes that work for your color and figure.

Sequins

Sequins add a festive, holiday feel to any look. This year, the trend names sequined capelets and shrugs to add some holiday sparkel to your casual jeans-and-top look.

Satin dresses

Satin dresses are shiny and glamorous enough to get you noticed from right across the room. Satin is also shiny and glamorous enough to not require much accessories. Satin is a very buddy-hugging fabric, so show off your curves this holiday season.

Hair accessories

This season, the favored hair accessories are jeweled brooches. They draw attention to your face and add a festive air to your look. Don’t wear huge earrings when wearing hair accessories so as to not go overboard.

Velvet

Velvet is another shiny, luxuriou fabric that has gained favor this season. Glam up your casual getup with a velvet blazer. Or, opt for a lovely, elegant velvet dress to spice up your holidays.

Clutches

This season, the bag of choice is the clutch. Clutches can also add a bit of shine to your look. Go for more structured purses. Or if you prefer soft fabric clutches, choose jeweled, beaded or metallic ones.

Sparkly dresses

Another perfect dress for the season: sparkly cocktail dresses. If you’re a bit conservative when it comes to color, sparkly cocktail dresses are a great way to go glam in neutral shades. They are fun and festive without going overboard.

Image source: People

Vanessa Ann Hudgens

Disney made many young stars out of the their High School Musical franchise. One of them is Vanessa Ann Hudgens who plays the female lead role Gabriella. She has since then become a household name and a young style star.

Here’s how to get her look.

Do some research

There are a number of sites the feature her and her style. Browse through sites that provide details about her clothes, makeup and hair, and of course, where to buy them.

She has also been on the cover of or feature in several magazines. Pick up a few to get a range of ‘Vanessa’ looks. The thing about magazines is they usually provide details regarding clothes and make-up, where to buy them and even how much they cost.

Have realistic expectations

Remember that stars have professional stylists and photos are usually edited. Don’t worry if you can’t replicate the look exactly. What you can do is to incorporate some of her other style techniques and/or add something Vanessa -like to the look you’re going for.

Hair

Vanessa has commercial-worthy brunette hair. If you are not naturally dark, you can have them professionally dyed. Only try dyeing your hair at home if you’ve had experience. Vanessa’s hair usually sweeps to the side of her face. If you hair naturally parts in the middle, just comb one side of your hair to the opposite.

Eye color

Vanessa has dark brown eyes. If yours aren’t the same color, you can wear contacts if you’re comfortable wearing them. Or you can work your own eye color and just wear clothes that compliment them.

Good skin routine

Stars have access to the best skin care procedures and routines. Clear blackheads, whiteheads, acne and excessive oil. Cleanse and moisturize your skin daily, especially your face. Do them in the morning and at night before you go to sleep. Products such as Proactive can help you get clear skin. Choose a formula for your skin type.

Work on your tan

To get Vanessa’s lovely tan use a high quality tanner or visit a tanning salon. Or you can hit the beach to get a healthy looking tan. Before applying tanner exfoliate first so you’ll get an even tan. Never apply on a tanner just before an even, not unless you want to look like you’ve been living on carrots.

Get sparkling white teeth

Vanessa is always seen smiling, especially when working the red carpet. To get her pearly whites, use whitening toothpaste. Or get them professionally done by your dentist. Some celebs even get their teeth veneered for the whitest, most even, real-looking teeth ever. Don’t forget to floss and gargle with mouthwash.

Study

Look at Vanessa’s pictures to get ideas on how she dresses. You can have your photos printed and filed. That way, it’s easier for you to go over them. Copy her looks. Go to bargain stores and flea markets. If you see a piece that looks like something she had worn or something she would wear, add it to your wardrobe. Look for candid pictures to get a feel of her everyday style as well.

Be natural

If all else fails, be your naturally beautiful self. For instance, instead of putting heavy makeup on, go for a more natural look. Brush on a light bronzer on your nose, forehead and cheekbones. Hide the few annoying pimples that you have with concealer. Use that also for covering dark circles under your eyes. Apply a coat of mascara on your lashes. Line your lips with clear lip gloss. Finish the look with care-free tousled locks and a great smile, and you’re all set!

Zac Efron

Zac Efron made name for himself by playing high school jock Troy Bolton in Disney’s High School Musical Franchise. Zac also created a buzz when he was cast in Hairspray. Now, he’s one of Hollywood’s hottest young stars.

Here’s how to get Zac Efron’s look:

Nothing short of surgery can make you look like Zac Efron. Fortunately you can copy his style.

The hair

Zac Efron has brown hair. If your are not naturally chocolatey, you can have it dyed brown professionally. Don’t forget the most important facet of Zac’s hairstyle: the platinum tips. Get five tips, tops.

Don’t forget that stray lock that always seems to just pass the eyes. To get the “male bangs” opt for a layered cut

The teeth

Stars are called stars for one reason: they shine, all the way up to their teeth. So make sure your teeth are at their whitest. You can use whitening strips or you can have it done professionally.

Zac is often seen smiling, except when he’s being chased by the papparazzi. But when working the red carpet he’s always seen flashing his famous smile, so go ahead and practice yours.

The tan

No metrosexual in his right mind would go out looking pale and pasty, especially not one who plays a hot high school jock. To get Zac’s healthy, bronze tan, you can use tanning lotions, mystic tans or go to the tanning salon for a nice even dark color.

The body

Zac has grown a lot since the first High School Musical.to get his long, lean, muscular body, eat right and work out about 4-5 times a week.

Don’t forget to wax body hair except for the eyebrows and arms.

Don’t forget to pluck your eyebrows. Just get rid of stray strands. Maintain their original, manly shape.

The skin

Zac has nice healthy skin. To get that healthy glow, don’t forget to moisturize, especially on the face. Get regular facials and/or use facial masks to minimize pores.

The fashion

Zac fashion style is very young and modern. He looks hot in casual clothes. He looks dashing in suits. To get Zac’s style, do some research. He’s style is a bit metro so opt for clothes that are modern and manly yet stylish.

What’s a luxury fashion designer to do when you have the current environmental crisis on one hand, and adamant PETA members on the other? Why, design eco-friendly fur coats of course!

Japanese designer Chie Imai did just that during her 2008-2009 Royal Chie Collection fashion show. With the help of daughter Chiaki, Imai’s show held last October 28 was attended by some pretty heavy names including Spike Lee and Tonya Lee Lewis, Ivanka Trump and her brother Donald Trump with his wife Vanessa and daughter Kai Madison and model Irina Pantaeva.

Chie Imai has been designing fur coats for almost 16 years now. She combines only the finest chinchilla fur from Finland with a recycled fabric made from used polyester manufactured by Japanese chemical company Teijin Ltd.

2005 saw a partnership form between Teijin and Patagonia. They used polyester linings of their coats to make a recycled fabric for Patagonia’s line.

With Royal Chie, however, it is the first time that such a fabric is used to make a luxury product.

Imai’s vision was to create a luxury product that is innovative yet addresses her customers’ desire to join the “green” movement. She also wanted to showcase the fabric’s beauty and ingenuity - it is both breathable and waterproof.

The finished products are furs that attest to the designer’s creative and inventive spirit, both aesthetically and technologically. The collection features Teijin’s fabrics in bold jewel tones such as teal, crimson and mustard, intermingled with fur trims and embellishments.

Though fur coats still seem eco-unfriendly, the designer points out that they are investment pieces that are passed down from generation to generation. And with some recycled polyester included… well, perhaps the PETA people will go easy on you.

Image source: Fashion Wire Daily

Taking good care of your hair means that you have to use the right hair care products. It’s important to know which products work for your hair because it saves you time, money and effort.

Using the wrong haircare products are a waste of money because they do not provide good results, and worse, they may also damage your hair - and going to the salon for hair fixes costs a lot of money.
Here’s how to determine which haircare products are right for you.

Shampoo
Shampoo is used to clean your hair and scalp. You hair needs to shampooed as often as necessary. It’s not enough to use just any shampoo. Choose one that is appropriate for your hair type.

For instance, if you have oily hair, do not use a shampoo for dry hair. There are tons of different brands and types of shampoos in the market created specifically for various hair types.

The main ingredient of shampoo is water. It is named first in the list of ingredients which means it is the primary ingredient. Another main ingredient of shampoos are surfacants. Surfacants help remove oil. Some shampoos also contain some kind of conditioner.

Chemically, shampoos are either alkaline or acidic. The following are some of the common types of branded shampoo:
1.All-purpose shampoos - are low alkaline, very mild and do not strip your hair’s artificial color.

2.Acid-balanced shampoos - can be used for all hair types and won’t harm chemically-treated hair.

3.Medicated shampoos - are created specifically for certain hair and scalp types or conditions.

4.Clarifying shampoos - are designed to remove product residue or build up.

5.Anti-dandruff shampoos - as the names suggests, these shampoos are designed to get rid of or prevent dandruff. Anti-dandruff shampoos contain anti-fungus or germicide agents.

6.Conditioning shampoos - contain small amounts of various types of conditioners.

7.Color shampoos - contain color molecules that help maintain color treated hair.
8.Shampoos that enhance naturally curly hair.

9.Straightening shampoos - they do not necessarily make hair straight, but rather, keep your hair’s straight shape or form.

Choose one that suits you hair best.

Conditioners are Rinses

Conditioners are different from hair rinses. Naturally, each is used for a specific purpose.

Conditioners are mainly used for damaged or dry hair. They penetrate the hair more than rinses and remain on your hair longer. There are a number of conditioner types:

1.Instant conditioners - coat the hair and restore lost moisture and natural oils. Instant conditioners are usually left on the hair for a minute or two (depending on instructions) and then rinsed off.

2.Normalizing conditioners - are used after the chemical treatments to bring hair back to its normal ph level.

3.Body-building conditioners - are used for flat, fine or limp hair. Body-building conditioners contain protein and are left on the hair for about 10 minutes.

4.Moisturizing conditioners - are used for dry, brittle hair. Certain procedures such as blow drying, ironing, crimping or curling, chemically treating or coloring can make hair dry and brittle. Thus, it is important to keep hair moisturized. Moisturizing conditioners form a protective barrier to lock moisture in the hair. Follow instructions during application.

5.Leave-in conditioners - leave-in conditioners are applied after you step out of the shower. They are left on the hair until it is washed again. Leave-in conditioners help keep hair tangle-free and shiny. They also protect the hair when blow drying and help keep moisture.

6.Reconstructors - are more intense conditioning treatments. They are created for hair that are severely dry and/or damaged. Reconstructors help restore the hair’s lost protein and moisture. For best results, use a clarifying shampoo first to remove any buildup on your hair. This will enable the reconstructors to penetrate the hair better. Leave this conditioner on for 10-20 minutes.
Rinses or cream rinses on the other hand, affect mostly the hair’s surface. They usually just coat the hair and are rinsed off immediately. Cream rinses help manage tangles and make the hair shiny. The types of cream rinses include:

1.Vinegar and lemon rinses - simply make hair shine and remove product residue.

2.Cream rinses - cream rinses make hair softer, shinier and makes tangles easier to manage.

3.Medicated rinses - are designed for scalp conditions including dandruff. They are best used with a scalp massage.

Hairstyling products
There are hundreds of hairstyling products available in the market. Here are some of these products and what to watch out for in them.

1.Gels - gels are used to hold hair in certain style. They come in a range of strengths which basically translates to style-staying power. Make sure to choose one that is water-based and has low alcohol content. Alcohol can quickly dry hair.

2.Mousse - it’s like a soft foam that is dispensed in an aerosol spray can. A light weight styling product, mousse gives hair volume, support and movement. Best applied on wet hair.

3.Pomades or wax - pomades or waxes are very heavy and oily and can leave residue. These products however, give hair texture definition and shine. Pomades and waxes are best for thick, coarse hair.

4.Straightening gels - relax hair for a smoother, straighter look

5.Silicone shine - makes hair shiny and glossy. Choose one that is non-oily. Too much can make your hair look greasy.

6.Thermal styling - apply onto hair before blow drying to protect from dryness.

7.Root spray - is applied to the roots only. It adds volume and lift to your hairstyle.

8.Hairspray - comes in two kinds: aerosol and non-aerosol. Hairspray is applied after you’ve finished styling you hair. This is because once you apply it, it sets your hair in place and you won’t be able to make anymore changes.

9.Spray oils - gives hair shine and moisture. They are different from spray shines. Use sparingly as they are very oily. Make sure to choose one that is appropriate for your hair type.

Vogue names the classic wedge shoes as one of its favorite accessories.

Wedge shoes are funky yet elegant, and can make anyone appear taller and more slender.

Here are some of Vogue’s favorite brands and their take on the classic wedge.

Louis Vuitton

LV’s satin wedge sandal is a standout. With it’s slightly unusual shape and eye-catching color, it could be an instant classic that’s sure to warm up your holidays.

Available at Louis Vuitton stores and online for $680.

Miu Miu

Miu Miu’s patent leather wedge sandals are sexy enough to be worn casually yet also chic enough to be worn with something more stylish. Plus, the pinkish-purple color is a knockout.

Available at Miu Miu boutiques and Sak’s Fifth Avenue for $570.

Calvin Klein

Calvin Klein, best known for denim and sexy undergarments, is also well-known for their shoes. CK’s fun, funky orange patent buckle wedge is a hit this holiday season.

Available at Calvin Klein stores for $595.

Christian Louboutin

Probably the most famous name in high-fashion foot wear, Christian Louboutin’s Rocaille wedge is a sweet, sexy stunner in bright yellow.

Available at www.christianlouboutin.fr for $795.

DKNY

Donna Karan also did her take on the wedge and came up with this simple yet stylish feet accessory. The DKNY patent leather wedge with ankle-strap comes in, guess what, scarlet.

Available at DKNY stores and online for $235.

Images source: Vogue

These days it’s not enough to dabble in just one art form. Today, singers want to act; thespians want to sing. Reality TV people are celebrities. All of them want to be designers and launch their own brands.

Some of the additions to the celebrity/designer group include:

Pamela Anderson

The buxom former Baywatch Babe is now an accessories designer. From belt buckles to bracelets, she’s got her name stamped on it. Her accessories are very girlie and, being an avid PETA supporter, they are cruelty-free, with a percentage of the profits going to the organization.

Reba McIntyre

Country superstar Reba McIntyre was inspired by her former hand-me-downs and launched McEntire, putting a little of her own style into it.

Amanda Bynes

The former Nickelodeon kid has grown up and has launched her own line of age-appropriate and playful looks.

Eminem

The controversial rapper’s line is just as controversial. However, his pieces can still be found nationwide, which include shirts, denim, jackets and hoodies.

Jay Z and Damon Dash

Just like his wife Beyoncé, Jay Z is also launching his own clothing line with pal Damon Dash. The name of of their label is Rocawear which has gone to the forefront of hip-hop wear ranging from Men’s, Women’s and Kids.

Bono

Rockstar and activist, Bono (U2’s frontman) has also created a line with denim label Rogan. His brand name: Edun. All clothes from Bono’s clothing line are earthy and made from organic materials.

Image Source: Edun

Asian men have versatile sets of locks. Their hair is characteristically thick and has ultra-straight texture, lending itself to stylish haircuts. If you’re Asian or have Asian roots and are not totally happy with how your hair looks, then you’re not making the most out of a great hair.

So, to make you in tune with the modern look that perfectly suits your personality and lifestyle, here’s a list of four super-trendy haircuts that will definitely play to your advantage.

Messy faux hawk

The messy faux hawk screams “style icon.” This look is worn largely by younger Asian guys who make and follow their own rules. A messy faux hawk haircut reflects big-city influence - total attitude and downtown style. Actor Aaron Yoo wears this style like a true star. His hairstyle is meticulously disheveled and celebrates his individuality. The messy faux hawk makes an over-the-top statement, showing your nonconformity to the traditional style

Razored shag

The razored shag is a modern spin on the out-of-style bowl cut. Just because this hairstyle is based on old-school hairstyling, doesn’t mean that it’s lame. In fact, this cut speaks irreverence. Take Jason Tobin, for example. The British-Chinese actor carries the tapered-down crop and uneven edges like a real badass.

The razored shag style is characterized by edgy sophistication and cool demeanor. It’s very daring, urban, and borderline defiant. This haircut is absolutely a suave look for young Asian guys, but it also works very well for bolder professional guys who maintain a dapper fashion.

Textured short

Short hair can be a real ho-hum, but adding some texture makes it stylish. Sporting this ‘do shows that you have a sharp, professional image to maintain. Also, with its timeless and sophisticated effect, this haircut makes you trendy without going overboard. Lost’s star Daniel Dae Kim proves this point. His textured short coif affirms his urban, savvy disposition toward style.

Textured medium length

The versatile and casual textured medium length hairstyle works for anyone. A haircut like actor John Cho’s, which shows subtle sophistication, is ideal for the modest modern man. The textured medium length haircut shows that you’re serious about looking great, yet it appears so refined that you look unassuming. It transcends style boundaries and works well for Asian guys who want to come across as intelligent men, regular guys, and charming individuals all at once.

Hairstyling is a big challenge for many black men whose naturally coarse mane doesn’t seem to cooperate with the style they want. The good news is that you can find a way to don your tresses with sheer sophistication and complete style.

Here are some urban hairstyles perfect for black men modeled by four of today’s most stylish black men. Choose from among these and you’ll be amazed how that mop can transform into an impressive coif in no time.

The close shave

If you want to get rid of your uncooperative hair without going bald, then you have to ask your stylist for a close shave. Jamie Foxx best sports this black man’s buzz cut. This style gives him a laidback look in his daily street wear and a refined appearance in all his red-carpet getups. Overall, the close shave is a perfect choice for you if you have a varied lifestyle as it complements any look you try to project.

The total shave

Many men are terrified about the idea of going totally bald up top. While it might seem like a scary territory, the black men who choose to go to this terrain show that going bald is something not to be afraid of. The singer/actor/model Tyrese Gibson displays his shiny noggin, reflecting a true style and sense of refined class.

Total shaving is great because there’s no hair to fuss over. This allows you to spend more time to perfect that dapper getup. Donning this style shows that you’re a very sophisticated guy and loaded with sleek sex appeal and confidence.

Well-coiffed Afro

Mother nature gave black men a unique hairstyle. So why don’t you work with it? For the stylish urban man, the well-coiffed ‘fro is a modern twist on a vintage style. Lenny Kravitz rocks this style best, mixing his trendy rock-star hairstyle with an uptown ‘do.

You don’t have to be a rockstar or a guitar god to pull off this mini ‘fro. Men from different walks of life can also make this hip style work, as long as their wardrobes are as trendy as their hair. A well-coiffed ‘fro tells that the wearer is a stylish and uptown man who’s a risk-taker regarding his look and his professional life.

Short dreads

The long and unkempt dreadlocks have been out of fashion for quite some time. But there’s a trendier and sharper way to sport this hairstyle. Just look at Kele Okereke, singer and guitarist of the Brit group Bloc Party who knows absolutely how to rock the organized chaos of the short dreads.

The Mercedes-Benz Los Angeles Fashion Week ended last Thursday night with on an eco-friendly note: “Humanitarian Fashion Show.”

An eco-friendly consortium led by activist Mikey Koffman put together a show of five segments - each designer showing a collection at Culver’s City’s Smashbox Studios.

Emily Factor kickstarted things with models wearing mismatched patterns and chopped-up swingy skirts in various shades of blue.

Next, Simplicio Michael Luis‘ of M the Movement, created a likeable collection of menswear made out of soybean, bamboo and charcoal materials. The collection featured well-cut jeans, shirts and jackets. The looks were completed by silly chopped-short ties.

Sandy Skinner of EcoSkin came next with her collection of plain, single-hued organic cotton jersey dresses. Some of her dresses such as the ‘primrose’ dress, a graphic patterned, boat-necked minidress was quite pretty, except for their animal prints.

The last LA Fashion Week show displayed really fun collections. Barbara Boswell’s ethical and sustainable brand Lilikoi, showed off soft cotton dresses with silk-screen designs in wonderful colors, creating a more interesting look than plain jerseys.

Lastly, finishing it off is Kathleen Plate. Katherine Plate created the SmartGlass Recycled Jewelry. As you might have guessed, Plate fashions jewelry and accessories from recycled glass bottles, making circular motifs in various sizes. Models sported Plate’s jewelry throughout the evening. As a finale, she sent models down the runway wearing bathing suits underneath swingy dresses made of her glass circles.

Image source: Yahoo News