In Fashion's Pace

While trends come and go, style is eternal. The ever changing, ever evolving fashioniser - the one who is always ahead of the pack - is the most stylish of all. We all have that girl around the corner we know who has everything in place each day or that celebrity who is always on point on the red carpet right? Now being them is practically impossible but one thing you can do is get in touch with your fashion sense and put an effort towards that.

Style comes in a number of ways. There is the trend setter-one who is always creating their own and moving forward to allow people to take up the style. This kind of person usually has a creative or artistic trait. Who do you think invents the color or material of the year? One thing I have realized about colors and blends is that they do not just come up. If you know the previous year color, find something that blends closest with it and it will pick up the next year. Some fashionisers find that in the color contrast. You too can start a color revolution that will create a huge following.

And then, there is the trend follower who sees what everybody is wearing and vows to buy the same thing. There is nothing wrong with that. The majority of us fall under the trend follower category anyway. I would say it is a good way to keep in style and stay ahead or in tune with fashion. There are some who buy fashion and beauty magazines and do the trend way before it has become something everybody is seen with. You could consider them fashionistas and follow suit.

So, how does one get ahead of the pack? There are So many easy ways to get the look and come ahead if you please. However, the easy way may bring your face first on the ground. Patience is what rules here. Imagine a world of ever changing trends being rushed as it unfolds, never ending in its show.

The secret by Rhonda Byrnes talks of asking and you will receive. Something of the sorts, you know-the law of attraction? I would say asking could be the first move. Consider asking for a bit of creativity and insight into the world of fashion. You have to tap into your creativity and live by Spirit because it takes a lot of energy to stay at the top of your game. We all know how fashion can be fickle. This means having a sixth sense on fashion. Any artist or creative person will tell you that. Although you may predict the older fashions that were in the industry and try to modernize them, you still have to be very keen on everyday trends.

A number of things that have been taken in as a trend; from our hair to the shoes that grace our feet, all keep revolving and must all complement each other in one form or the other.

Let’s take a look at how all these components are interrelated.

Hair styles say a lot about a person. It could range from simplicity to sophistication. Hair and fashion should always collide and be in tune. For example, the latest trend is the Lace Front wig, something new on the market .it and other new hair do’s match the latest trends in clothing and shoes. So create a statement look starting from your hair.

Accessorizing is another plus. Many clothes become even more glamorous when accessorized. There are various ways of doing this which include using scarves, belts, hats, pantyhose, bags and porches, shoes and many more additional ways of having a chic or sexy look. With accessories matching an outfit and the right hair, one is meant to make a huge fashion statement.

It is easy for a trendy person to choose the clothes, however, mixing and matching the accessories and the hairstyle should be done with caution as this can make or break an entire look.

Perfect finish always makes the difference. And that is what it means to look smashing from head to toe. Bringing your face to life with fresh and attractive effects such as lipgloss, blush, lip stick, eyeshadows and foundations create the perfect finish.

A Bridal Experience

Have you received a marriage proposal lately and do not know how to plan your next move? Well, you will be way too busy to prepare on your own so you need to get a team together so that everything moves smoothly for that special day. Most probably, the wedding planner will come in handy. But again, you do not want the wedding planner to follow their heart; you want your desires to be met for the occasion. In our African society, the wedding planners come in form of sisters, aunts and any female friends close by. For this article, we will refer to them as “friend”. Sometimes they can be a nuisance and yet the best thing that ever happened to you. But the best thing for you to do is to put your foot down and assign each one of them their special duties they should stick to for this is your special day.

Here are a few things they should be able to handle.

• Saving for your wedding. After you have been proposed to and are making a plan, you don’t need to beg for money from friends around. Do not rely on parents or relatives to fund the wedding either, it wears them down. Allow people to bring in what they can and work the rest. This means if you have a job, save enough for that day and share the bills with your spouse to be. It is also encouraged to get this special friend who will keep you in check with your finances. They could also help to host a few meetings and plan the dates if you plan on having a few of them.


• Planning the wedding. You need a site to get married. A location could range from a home to a hired venue. Most traditional marriages take place at home but if you feel like hosting an after party or having more liberal views on the venue and more creativity, you need to find places that are not too expensive. Finding the right site can save you a lot of money and this friend should help you plan for that and minimize the costs. This person should also make sure you detail your dream wedding so that it can turn out exactly how you have visualized it before. Arrangements for flowers and music should also be taken care of by them.


• Getting the clothes ready and well fitting. To avoid last minute cramming into a dress or having to reduce the dress, you need to keep fitting into the clothes and that should go on continuously. This friend should monitor your diet and regimes to keep you fit for the day. If you want to lose some weight, this friend will be there for you. Remember to have someone who is honest and whose opinions you truly trust in order to get through the process.


• Food preparations. Food is expensive and you have to put together a plan that would suit everybody who will attend your wedding. Make sure to include the drinks therein. This friend should look out to see whether you can find yourself cheaper offers in order to cut the cost. Without the right food, you will have grumpy guests who would not appreciate the entire wedding. The friend should also take care of your needs before the wedding say; help you with feeding schedules before the wedding in order to achieve a perfect skin and figure for the special day.


• The minister or Imam or the person in charge of carrying out the wedding ceremony should be taken care of by someone in charge. Make sure you have booked him for the right time. Get someone to keep in check with him, paying the fee or taking care of the banns.


• Ending notes. Don’t forget to say your thank you to the people who have been there for you all through the arrangements and to the people, who attended, say thank you to them after the wedding. The friend in charge should be able to send out those notes on time.
  
  I bet you’ll have a fabulous wedding if you keep up with the friends on these matters. But what matters most is you. So give it your all and look your best for this.

In abundance this Season!

Love is around the corner, but can you turn around and look it straight in the eye? Some can but if you are facing difficulty knowing what to do in boosting your own self esteem, the most important thing is to be aware that first, one needs to love themselves as they are. Loving yourself means you need to take good care of your mind, body and spirit-these are the three components human beings are made of. The best way you should call this is to indulge!

To indulge means to take time off for yourself and treat your body extravagantly because everybody deserves this, you know. And during this season of giving and receiving love, you don’t have to wait for someone else to shower you with it. Ah ah! The first person to love you is you. Let the gifts from the loved ones and friends come as additional love. So if you are looking for ways to indulge, look no further. Shear Advice is here to lead you through. We want the best for you and are ensuring that you don’t have to rob a bank to enjoy yourself; we went for the affordable treats.

• Fall in love with yourself. Think about what makes you you and concentrate on that. This starts from within but reflects on the outside. For example, you need to give yourself more attention. Wear your hair however it defines you and if you feel like adding extensions for a sexy treat, go the extra mile. There are a variety of hair pieces and wigs that give instant glamour to ones look, so next time you want to spoil yourself and boost your confidence, try changing your look with your favorite color hair piece and make heads turn.


• Eliminate self criticism. If you don’t love yourself, it will block the energy of passion and in the end a purpose to live so my take is, why not use that same weapon against you to achieve what you are looking for. For example, if your hate your chapped extra full lips and can’t do anything about it, why not invest in the best lip gloss or lip stick? Way to go; you can’t expect to fight nature and win the battle.
  

• Let go of worry-go ahead and gratify your wishes for whatever you are seeking. For example, if you want to lose weight, go ahead and do that gradually and stick to the plan. If it is a makeover you need, take your time and concentrate on changing your look slowly yet, enjoying every bit of it. Never give up. Worry will only make you lose focus and miss the mark.


• Learn to see beauty by learning to be beautiful. This means that one should try to create an environment of good things that make them happy. It will also mean investing in beautiful things which make you feel beautiful but hey, that’s the beauty in life. You can buy yourself flowers or that pretty gold necklace, anything which is going to make you appreciate beauty more.




• Look after your body. It starts with the skin. The best way to look after your body is having a great bath, the right moisturizer that fits your skin tone and freshness about you. You don’t want to go a place and everyone is running away from that foul smell, do you. If you have naturally bad odour, you’ll need a good spray to keep you fresh all day. Try Nivea spray or go for the expensive perfume, there’s a variety.

• Relax-take time off things. Sit and watch your favorite movies once in a while. Better yet, grab a copy of your favorite magazine and get some info to keep you going. Tanzania has been blessed with Shear Hair and Beauty magazine. This is a hair Bible that gives clues on whatever one is looking for in regard to hair and beauty so learn more from the experts.
  

You can only gain meaningful friendships by loving you. I guarantee you if you follow the above tips, your self esteem will be boosted and taken to another level. Enjoy yourselves!

Valentine's Day 2010 - Stepping Out in Style!

It has recently become a tradition in Tanzania to celebrate Valentine's Day which is an occasion where one can openly express love to your beloved. The most romantic Valentine is when a lady receives a bunch of red Roses. The red Rose is a flower traditionally recognized as the symbol of love and passion. On the contrary, Valentines is all about looks, style and painting the town red.

For most ladies, it’s the day we show off our good looks with garments that make us stand out from the crowd. With good reason, on the most romantic day of the year it is important to have everything in the right place. However, most people go wrong when it comes to matching the perfect outfits with the perfect make over - hair and make-up. Yes you want to look attractive and yes you want to make a huge impression but if you overdo it, the result is as bad as failing to live up to the day’s expectations.

To look half as good as you want on this day, you need to know what you will be doing, and either you may have plans for the whole day with your sweetie or that candle light dinner. Depending on where you will be, plan your hairstyle in advance. You can start to plan if you are getting a weave sewn in on the day before or on the same day, or wear a sexy wig or if you will treat your natural hair all depend on your choice.

If you have an oval face, a bob cut that accentuates off your high cheek bones, with slight foundation and a touch of powder blush and lashes thickened with mascara would be perfect if you plan to have dinner and stare at each other for hours. Apply black eye-liner to the top eyelash line to give your eyes depth.

You don’t have to wait until Valentine’s Day morning or evening to get your nails done because you will definitely be late. The salons are really packed on these days. So make an early appointment and make sure you keep time and meet your appointment. Men love pretty toes but they dislike waiting on that special night and might spoil the mood before you even get started with your romantic dinner for two. Get that pedicure and manicure done in advance. If you plan to wear shoes that reveal your toes, get the nails to match the colour of the chosen attire or your purse.

It is a night that will be sealed with a kiss. Keep your lips kissable by ensuring that they are soft and subtle. Apply our Sedell Vitamin E lipstick or lip gloss and make sure you leave the stain on your glass of wine or coffee cup. Most men love to see the lipstick stain because it brings back afresh the memories of the previous night or time you spent together.

Don’t forget that this is a lover’s day, it is not a day to look flashy but a day that you accentuate your looks by the right make up and compliment that with the perfect outfit.

Have a lovely Valentine’s Day!

Hair Gallery

By Shear writer

A polished look is all one needs to have a great day and what better way is there to look so than with great hair? Make a statement with a lace wig or simply get that relaxed look with cornrows or braids-the choice is yours. It is quite simple to look your best. However, choosing the right style that suits is another thing all together in achieving that creatively stylish finish


Lace wigs - it is the era of wearing lace wigs and everybody is going for it. Do not miss out on the fun of wearing it yourself .it helps people with thinning hair at the front and is also daily fashionable attire. Although they need expertise in wearing, lace- wigs are easy to manage and give an instant transformed look when worn.


Cornrows - cornrows are not just a fashion statement but also one of the ancient African hairstyles that has maintained status on the fashion scene by simply evolving. There is a variety of ways cornrows can be worn lately.


Braids - Hair extensions are a must for any African woman, or at least the majority. Braids are the most used of the extensions and should be wearable, comfortable and with a relaxed look. The look is not as severe as wearing a wig but can also be upped for special occasions. The goodness of braiding is, there is a variety of ways it can be done say twists, knots or loops. The other advantage of braids is that it provides you with a vast range of versatility in terms of hairstyles.So, go with the range.

Product Review

Olive oil hair products

Organic hair stimulators are products formulated to serve a woman’s beauty by restoring the hair natural moisture balance. They leave the hair feeling clean and looking healthy.

Today, we look at Olive oil products for hair repair and maintenance.

HAIR MAYONNAISE

• An Intensive conditioning treat that bathes the hair in egg proteins and olive oil to moisturize and strengthen, maintain healthy vibrant hair.
• After shampooing, apply a generous amount of mayo into the hair and distribute from roots to end.

CARROT OIL

• Part hair dry and apply a small size amount of carrot oil into scalp and massage vigorously

OLIVE OIL LOTION

• This product is quite good for the restoration of moisture to dry, thirsty hair. It also conditions and protects the hair from high heat. It is non greasy.
• It can also be used for roller setting hair before drying to increase shine or before blow drying for a silky feel and look.

OLIVE OIL SHEEN SPRAY

• This spray is to be used lightly. Use daily to add luxurious shine without build up.
• These products are good for hair and scalp damaged by medication, hereditary conditions and health problems and damage caused by perms, blow drying and braids.
• Provides long lasting shine.

What's Hot in Hair this Festive Season?

Do you know those people who seamlessly transition from season to season wearing the latest trends and always looking fabulous? Yes, that’s right. When it comes to hair and fashion, the luckiest people in the world are celebrities but you can be one of them too, this season. It is quite simple to achieve a certain look, if you put yourself up to it and add a pinch of creativity into it.

The parties are rolling in, so you have the opportunity to dress your hair in a more glamorous tone. Up dos is what we are speaking of. The ultimate dance floor makeover is trading one’s desk look for a slick, high ponytail style for an end of year office party. Attain that classy look and make a few heads turn.

Alternatively, you could opt for a less extravagant yet sexy look. Retro is what we are speaking of here. A lot of hair trends are actually a re- run of old hair fashion. You could go edgy on the hairstyle for a night party as retro hairstyles can be as elegant as any other.

Better yet, you could pass with braiding since it is an easy technique to achieving a neat look. Braids also provide a whole lot of alternative styles for a party look. So if you feel like braiding your hair this festive season, go ahead. You could opt for the classy look, create a retro look or play with your hair any way you please. You’ll have a lot of alternatives to step out into.

Remember, a woman’s hair is her crowning glory, so I bet you will be best comfortable knowing that your hair is glossy enough and in place.

Salon tip

It’s important to familiarize yourself with a salon before you go for your best hairstyle. You would feel more comfortable with a place you have been to before. It is equally important to know your hairdresser personally so that you two can communicate freely. You can easily criticize or praise their work.

It also feels more at ease to get your hair done from someone who has done that hairstyle before. Referrals are quite good, leaving one with a feeling of content, knowing that all will be.

Happy Holidays!