Have you been eying your best friend’s outfit? Ready to get rid of some of that clutter in your closet? Check out this article on how to host a great clothing swap to reinvent your wardrobe!

What could be better than clearing the unwanted clutter from your closets, refreshing your wardrobe and saving big bucks all at the same time? Enter the clothing swap—the perfect antidote for those recession-savvy shoppers who still have the urge, but not the budget, to buy, buy, buy. Start by filling a bag with clean, hardly worn tops, skirts, pants, sweaters and jackets that you no longer want (or fit into), then read on to find out what you need for a successful swap where everyone finds something that’s new to them…without it costing a penny.

1. Give Advance Notice

Send electronic invites to potential swappers at least a month in advance so people have time to clean out their closets. A perfect size group for swapping is 10 to 15 people, although some believe the bigger, the better.

2. One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Be sure to invite women in a wide range of shapes and sizes. It’s no fun to swap clothes if you’re the one size 10 in a roomful of petite 2s and 4s.

3. Make Sure You Have Enough Space

All you really need is a large room or backyard. If you don’t have enough room at home, see if your local community center, school, church or synagogue will host the event if you open it up to the wider community. Make it more social by asking everyone to bring a potluck dish or a bottle of wine to make it a fun ladies’ day or night out.

4. Set Some Rules

“Our motto is don’t bring anything you wouldn’t give to a good, picky friend,” says Loren Silber, who runs the Five Boroughs Clothing Swap, a Meetup Group that holds swaps every other month in New York City. In other words, no stained, ripped or outdated clothing. She also suggests, “No swapping until everyone puts their stuff out so it’s not a mad free-for-all.”

5. Organize the Offerings

Have a system planned so everyone doesn’t just dump their stuff on the floor, says Lauren Weber, a regular swapper and author of In Cheap We Trust: The Story of a Misunderstood American Virtue. Have guests pre-sort their own items either by size or category. Supply boxes, tables, hangers and clothing racks labeled Tops, Pants, Dresses, etc. Weber has also been to swaps where the women “present” their offerings to a more intimate group, telling the story behind each item and then putting it up for grabs.

6. Don’t Forget the Mirrors

The key to a successful swap is good lighting and a few full-length mirrors so people can try on what they’re thinking of taking. Create a semi-private dressing area with a screen or by hanging a sheet to ensure a little bit of privacy. And, just in case, Weber suggests you wear your best undies. “It’s inevitable that you’ll be stripping down in front of total strangers to try things on.

7. Swap All Sorts of Stuff

Don’t limit your swaps to clothing, accessories and shoes. Broaden the offerings by having everyone bring household knickknacks, unopened cosmetics, books and unwanted holiday gifts to trade. Or hold a themed swap that features only dressy or vintage attire, or even kids clothing and toys.

8. Try Something New

If you’re usually a preppy dresser, don’t come home with a bagful of crewneck sweaters and khakis. It’s a great opportunity to let loose and try a whole new look. Hey, it’s all free, so what do you have to lose? asks Silber. If you’re unsure about whether something looks good on you, just hold an impromptu fashion show where everyone tries on their “iffy” finds. The group’s reaction will let you know if something is a keeper. And there’s no need to worry if you don’t wear that sexy hot-pink camisole you took home; you can always donate it next time.

9. Avoid Fights

So what do you do if two women each have hold of one sleeve of a designer sweater and no one is letting go? Or each claims ownership to a single shoe from the same pair? Keep the peace by having them take turns modeling the item and “let the group decide who wears it best,” says Weber.

10. Make a Charitable Donation

Arrange in advance to have a charity pick up any unclaimed items afterward, or contact a homeless shelter, thrift shop or similar nonprofit organization to make sure they accept drop-off donations. You can also plan for your next swap or charitable donation by making it a habit to keep a shopping bag right next to your closet for any clothes you try on that don’t make the cut, says Weber. “That way, you’re always ready for a last-minute swap.”

Summertime is almost here. Time to shed those winter pounds and show off a little skin. But what do you do during the “in between time”…we fake it until we make it. Use these style secrets to camouflage your trouble spots while working them out.

Muffin tops … Jiggly arms … Buddha belly … Lovely Mother Nature did bless many of us with beautiful angles and curves, but sometimes, in some lighting and in some garments, these gifts can look a bit, well, exaggerated.

Nationally regarded style expert Charla Krupp has 1,000 tricks up her sleeve to looking slimmer — without dieting. From undergarments and dresses to nail polishes and high heels, Charla shares her time-tested secrets in her latest guide book, How to Never Look Fat Again (Springboard Press). When it comes to our bodies, Charla says, “It’s not you; it’s your clothes.”

If you have a thick neck and broad shoulders:Give away your turtlenecks and donate those dangly earrings. Make the V-neck your neckline of choice, and most importantly, stand up straight and don’t you dare hunch those shoulders!

If you have arm flap: The quickest, easiest fix here is to NEVER go sleeveless while wearing pants or jeans. When baring arms, it’s always better to wear a skirt or a dress; that way, everyone will be looking at your legs! (And if your legs are a problem, just click through a few more slides for solutions.)

If you have heavy calves: Stay away from leggings and short boots (and don’t even think about wearing these two items together!) The best trick here is a new pair of shoes (that’s right, I just gave you an excuse to go shoe shopping)! A pointy toe and some three-inch-plus stilettos and you’ll be strutting those seemingly slim shins.

If you have a big booty:Stick to dark denim and preferably those with some stretch. Steer clear of anything too flashy like decorative pockets and bold white stitching. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of shapewear; even Beyonce wears it.

If you have a Buddha belly: Stay away from elastic- or drawstring-waist pants and skirts. For a special occasion always reach for A-line or sheath dresses. And a tailored single-breasted jacket will look sharp, sexy and sophisticated over almost anything.

If you have wide feet and ankles: Stay away from ankle straps and flats of any kind. Keep your ankles bare in a high heel the same shade as your leg and you’ll look taller, thinner and better!

If you have a back fat and a muffin top: Go out right now and buy a pair of jeans that fit! Nothing low-riding, nothing hip-hugging and nothing that you hope will fit in a month. And please keep your new jeans away from the dreaded dryer too.

If you have wide hips and thighs: Can everyone say pencil skirt? Wear dark colors and straight lines on your bottom half. Stay away from pleats and side pockets and remember: micro-minis and shorts are only OK under the age of 25.

If you have a wide face: Add some body to your hair by never parting it down the middle. Then add some bangs and make sure to shape and groom those brows. You’ll look thinner in minutes!

If you have a big bust: No. 1: Get the right bra. You should be fitted at least once a year and you should throw out any bras that are stretched out. A rule of thumb: only 100 washings — and that means by hand. Keep away from the washer and — worst of all — the dreaded dryer.

source: wowowow.com

Red Lips
Yes, you can wear red lipstick when it’s 70 degrees outside. Just pick one with a tinge of orange to brighten things up, and choose a satin or creamy formula (matte is too serious for spring). Apply with a brush—or, to tone it down for daytime, makeup artist Dick Page suggests tissue-blotting the lipstick away almost entirely, so all that’s left is a soft stain.
1. Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Poppy Love, $6
2. Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Velvet, $30

Khaki Eye Shadow
Livelier than brown, khaki shadow is one of the easiest colors to wear. To keep it fresh, Page likes a shimmery powder—”a matte khaki can look muddy,” he says—brushed on lids to above the creases (make sure to blend the edges well). For a smoky evening look, sweep a little along your bottom lash line, too.
1. Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Khaki, $28.50
2. Maybelline New York Eye Studio Eyeshadow in Khaki Craze, $5.94

Pink Cheeks and Lips
There’s no reason to be intimidated by hot pink. When you choose the right texture, it’s actually quite flattering. For blush, pick a shimmer-free formula in “a strong, almost fuchsia color,” says Page, and dust it on the apples of your cheeks for that you-know-what type of glow. For lips, choose a sheer, luminous gloss so the color isn’t too heavy. And if you really want to stand out, wear bright pink on both cheeks and lips.
1. Smashbox Blush Rush in Radiance, $24
2. Cover Girl ShineBlast Lip Gloss in Radiate, $8.49

Click here for more from Yahoo Shine

Though the prices of certain designer items may seem higher and more ridiculous than ever, we have some surprising news for you: clothing is cheaper than ever before. In addition to that, Americans are spending far less of their disposable income on clothing and shoes than they have in the past.

Dr. Mark J. Perry, professor of economics and finance at the University of Michigan, found that Americans spent almost $326 billion on their wardrobes in 2009. Sounds like a ton of money, but that only made up 2.98% of their disposable incomes. That’s the lowest amount in U.S. history! In comparison, the average American spent 9% of their income on clothing and shoes back in 1950.

So does this mean we are shopping less? By the looks of our overstuffed closets we’d have to say no. With a far greater selection of garments and footwear to choose from than in the past, constantly fluctuating trends, increased materialism, and the advent of online shopping, we’re definitely greater consumers than previous generations. But since 1992, the price of clothing has dropped 8.5% even taking inflation into account. Isn’t that incredible? It’s nice to know, especially during a recession, that we are in fact spending less of our hard earned money.

Source: Yahoo Shine

A mother of four with a busy schedule of working, charities and events, actress Holly Robinson Peete knows a little something about keeping yourself looking fabulous even when she’s short on time. And even though she lives among the rich and famous, Peete knows how to save a buck as well. She was kind enough to share some of her beauty and style secrets. Read and learn!

Holly on Beauty

· Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! I never leave the house (or let my kids leave the house!) without making sure every last inch of skin has been moisturized. One of my favorites is Suave’s Advanced Therapy Body Lotion. It only costs a little but leaves my skin soft, smooth and moisturized

· Look to your local drugstore for mascara and lip gloss. There’s no need to break the bank on these products. Also, bend the tip of your drugstore mascara to help give that extra length and curl you’re looking for

· Wear sunscreen and apply often. No matter your skin tone, we all need a healthy dose of sunscreen to keep our skin healthy

· No matter what your crazy summer schedule holds, take a break to enjoy life’s small indulgences! One of my favorite ways to indulge is to slip into a delicious fragrance. Since perfume can feel heavy on skin during the hot summer months, I get my fragrance from a body wash. I’m currently obsessed with Suave Naturals Wild Cherry Blossom Indulgent Body Wash – it has an alluring, fresh scent, plus it leaves my skin moisturized. My daughter loves it too!

· Drink plenty of water. Not only is it important to stay hydrated during the hot summer months, but drinking water will help skin stay clear and looking youthful

· No matter how tired you are, always wash your face before heading to bed – it’s important to wash away the day’s germs and impurities from your face to keep skin looking healthy. This is a beauty lesson I am currently passing on to my 11-year-old daughter!.

Holly Robinson PeeHolly on Style

· You don’t need to spend a lot of money to look like a million bucks this summer. Working moms can stretch their dollars by updating their preexisting summer wardrobe with some new trendy touches.

· A colorful kitten heel is the perfect summer shoe to wear with a sundress or swimsuit. It will slightly elongate your legs and add a flirty touch to your wardrobe. Or, if you’re afraid of heights, opt for a flat bedazzled sandal that will dress up your jeans.

· Invest in a summer-inspired wrap that can be worn a few different ways – as a skirt, beach wrap or scarf.

· When it comes to the office, working moms can update their 9-to-5 wear with summery touches like a brightly colored cardigan or statement necklace.

·Don’t spend a lot on sunglasses. I’m a busy mom, and I’m constantly misplacing and losing my sunglasses while chasing around the kids all summer. Look for designer-inspired shades at mass outlet stores so you won’t be heartbroken if you leave them at the pool.

Source: Blackvoices

Airplanes present special beauty conundrums found no place else on earth: Averaging 20% humidity, cabin air is dryer than the Shara Desert, and acts like a moisture-sucking vacuum cleaner on the skin, leaching precious skin-plumping moisture faster than you can say “wrinkle.”

There’s also the fact that we’re only allowed to bring 3 oz bottles of most skincare products aboard planes, and many of us and too fickle — and too lazy — to deal with transferring our pricey skin creams to clunky travel bottles.

So on board a plane our skincare options are just that — plain.

We turned to Ulta Beauty Expert Stella Nichols for easy tips to keep our skin healthy while traveling. With a little tender love and care (and some amazing products, of course!) we can keep ourselves looking glowing, healthy and refreshed, no matter how many miles we log in a year.

Use A Primer: To avoid the caked-on look that happens when makeup meets moisture-less cabin, prepping the skin with a hydrating primer prior to slicking on foundation. It’s one of the most effective ways to enhance the durability and overall quality of your foundation, says Nichols. She recommends Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, $36, to smooth fine lines and pores, allowing your foundation to glide on beautifully and better withstand harsh elements.

Make it Last: When you have to go straight from the airport to a big meeting, it’s essential that your makeup stays put through the flight. Nichols suggests eyelid primer: “Once you apply a small amount before your eye shadow, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it,” Nichols says. A good eyelid primer, (try Too Faced Shadow Insurance, $17) will keep your eye shadow from creasing, fading, and greatly intensify the pigment payoff. But remember — eyelid primer and foundation primer are not substitutes for one another, so don’t try to use the same product for the face and lids. Foundation primer smooths and protects while eyelid primer serves as a sticker for your shadow pigment.

Good Hydrations: It may seem like a daunting task, but its important to add moisture to the skin when you are 30,000 feet above ground. As your last step, Nichols recommends lightly spraying the face with a hydrating mist (try H20 Oasis Mist, $16.50) after you have completed your makeup application. They’ll soak skin with vitamins and minerals, while setting your makeup with a dewy finish.

Reapply, Often: Flying leaves skin thirsting for moisture. Keeping the hydrating mist with you at all times makes reapplying often a simple task. “Keep it in your purse and spray anytime throughout the day when you feel you need replenish tired, weathered skin,” she says.

Source: Style List

1) Start with Healthy, Hydrated Skin

Makeup applied on top of dry skin will flake right off, so exfoliate first. Then, prep your face with a silicone-based moisturizing primer. This will plump up your skin and give your makeup an even base to glide onto for a flawless finish.

2) Nix Heavy Foundation

A full face of base can look cakey and blotchy as the night goes on. Plus, dim lighting is really forgiving so you don’t need that much coverage. (Don’t worry: We found foundation that he won’t kiss off.) Just hide imperfections like under-eye circles, zits, and any redness around your nose with concealer.

3) Pick Powder Over Cream

Cream blushes and bronzers tend to slide off, especially in a warm, crowded room or if you’ve been dancing. A matte powder formula, on the other hand, will stay put even if you work up a sweat.

4) Lock Down Your Lip Look

One sip of champagne and you can kiss your lip gloss good-bye. A better option: Apply one coat of a creamy matte lipstick, then blot with a tissue to lift off the excess pigment. This will leave a lasting stain on your mouth. Do another layer for a deeper color, and try not to rub your lips together afterward. Otherwise, the color will smear.

Source: Cosmopolitan.com

She handles it all with grace, motherhood, acting, producing and living life to the fullest.  She is revered as one of the most beautiful and sexiest people on the planet. We have been mocking Halle’s hustle for years…from her signature short hair to her style.

Want to peak behind the velvet rope on her beauty secrets? She reveals them to OK Magazine…and now…to us.

Halle’s on Beauty…

What’s your beauty mantra?
I’m not one of those people who opts for plastic surgery, so my philosophy is to take care of what you have. I’m really serious about my skin-care regimen at night. I never ever go to bed — or even nap — with makeup on.

Are you high or low maintenance when it comes to your beauty routine?
I’m a fanatic about skin care, but when it comes to makeup, I’m not. Some days I’ll go out with no makeup on and not even care, because I don’t have the time to be that concerned about it.

Can you share some of the top beauty tips you’ve picked up along the way?
Don’t wear too much makeup, because you can ened up looking like a man in drag! And learn how to line your lips.

Halle Berry’s Morning Regime: Cleanse and moisturize twice a day. Use triple fruit acid cleaners as they work great to exfoliate the skin. In the morning, cleanse and rub pure vitamin C on your face. Lastly, apply moisturizer. Use a light moisturizer in the summer and a heavier cream in the winter.

Halle on her new fragrance…

How is the fragrance an extension of your personality?
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more in touch with my sexuality. I feel more free, and I like expressing it. I love this fragrance because it’s very sensual, sexy and playful, on top of being exotic and fruity.

Are you planning a follow-up fragrance?
I’m a big orchid lover, so I’d love to do something tied to my favorite flower. If you walk into my house any day of the week you’re guaranteed to find orchids somewhere.

With the joblessness rate at 9.5%, a 26-year high, a share of that percentage are women who are either not working or hoping they don’t end up on the “redundancy list.”

These savvy shoppers are seeking interview outfits that will impress prospective (and current) employers and ensembles that set them apart from the throngs of others in search of new jobs.

In Pictures: Interview Outfits For The Right Price

Carefully constructing the perfect interview outfit is worth the effort: It can be a deciding factor in whether or not you pass muster with an interviewer.

“That first impression on an interview counts so much, and you don’t want to be out of the race before the interview even begins,” says Sherry Maysonave, who runs Empowerment Enterprises, an Austin, Texas, image consulting firm. “That [first impression] happens in less than 30 seconds and is based entirely upon your attire.”

An interview means business

There are some fashion no-no’s that should always be followed. Don’t show too much skin (particularly cleavage), wear closed toe shoes and avoid sleeveless tops and dresses. Job hunters also shouldn’t look too trendy or wear in-your-face designer labels.

Aside from these basic rules, Lauren Solomon, a New York corporate image adviser, says, “For the interview, tone down but don’t hold back. Women should show an element of their personal style.”

Your homework counts

All women should follow a basic checklist when preparing an interview outfit. Solomon suggests doing research on the company where you are interviewing. “You really need to know what the company stands for, what the company’s dress policy is and how the current employees are presenting themselves,” she says. This research should help you to find an outfit that fits with the company’s culture.

But even if you learn that many employees dress casually, stay on the conservative side. You want to communicate that you respect the interview process and are eager to land the job you’re applying for.

A polished look matters

Avoid looking frumpy. Make sure your attire fits well and is pressed. Adding a pop of color to your outfit–say, a scarf or earrings–will help you appear cheerful and positive to prospective employers. Remember, also, to wear minimal makeup and groom your hair neatly.

What you wear to a job interview can have a lasting impact, even if you end up with the job. “Your interview attire indicates your socioeconomic status and it can actually impact your salary offer,” Maysonave says. “If someone looks like they need a job they are probably not going to get it. And they are definitely not going to get the same offer that someone with a polished look will.”

Finding that perfect interview outfit that is put together and sophisticated doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are few tips for dressing for an interview on a budget.

Under $100 dollars

Finding an attractive interview outfit for under $100 isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The best strategy is to shop at several low-priced retailers to find chic basics that mix and match with more expensive signature pieces. It’s worth the extra effort and you’re savings account will thank you. Uniqlo carries stylish sweaters and tops, Forever 21 is a great place to pick up chic and inexpensive skirts and head to H&M for designer-inspired blazers ripped from the runways.

Under $250 dollars

If you have a bit more money to spend on an interview outfit, find a chic dress that you will be able to dress up or down to get the best bang for your buck. Pair it with a basic cardigan or blazer to complete your professional look. Not only will you score points with your prospective employer, you will have a cocktail outfit waiting in the wings. Stores like Banana Republic and J.Crew are great stores to start your search for a power dress, but don’t forget to check out designer diffusion lines like Rachel Roy’s collection for Macy’s, which is debuting this fall, and Vera Wang’s line for Kohl’s, Simply Vera.

Under $500 dollars

Those who have even more to spend on that perfect interview outfit should avoid buying a suit and instead invest in a luxurious but understated accessory, like a bag or a pair of shoes–two of the hardest items to buy on a strict budget. Not only would either item jazz up a basic interview outfit, but both can be worn in numerous ways long after the interview is over. Slip on the same heels you wore in the afternoon with dress pants and pair them with jeans for a night out. Stuart Weitzman and Via Spiga are known for interview shoes with a trendy edge. And for bags look to designers Rebecca Minkoff, Botkier and Foley & Corinna.

In Pictures: Interview Outfits For The Right Price

Source: Forbes Woman

Ladies before you head to the mirror and pull out your make-up bag to glam up….read this article from the New York Times about the alleged toxic lead in lipstick.

This lipstick/lead debate seems to resurface every few years. Do some lipsticks contain lead? If so, is the amount so negligible that consumers have nothing to be concerned about? Or will all those years of applying lipstick several times a day add up to a worrisome accumulation of a dangerous substance?

In February, the debate reared its head again when the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of health and environmental groups, issued a plea to the F.D.A. to release information the agency had accumulated on the amount of lead in lipstick. The study was conducted in response to an independent analysis in 2007, paid for by the safe cosmetics group, which found that one-third of 33 lipsticks had lead in excess of 0.1 parts per million, the federal limit for candy.

Among the worst offenders were L’Oreal Colour Riche “True Red” lipstick (with a lead content of 0.65 parts per million) and Cover Girl’s Incredifull Lipcolor “Maximum Red” (0.56 p.p.m.). Price had nothing to do with lead levels: less expensive brands, like a $1.99 tube of Wet and Wild Mega Colors “Cherry Blossom,” contained no lead, whereas a $24 tube of Dior Addict “Positive Red” contained 0.21 p.p.m.

Can you believe it….read more at The New York Times.

Will this story make you change the lipstick brands you use?