Lounge Around In Easy Breezy Linen Pants: Classic Summer Trend

If you don't already have a pair of khaki linen drawstring pants hanging in your closet, then get out and pick up some!

Linen drawstring pants are a classic summer trend, and very popular for 2011.

What's there not to love about easy, breezy linen?

It's a wonderful fabric that 'breathes,' is comfortable, cool, and is flattering to all women. And linen drawstring pants aren't just for lounging by the pool or at the beach. Linen can go many places and travels well. And when you get a pair in khaki, the classic style looks even richer.

You can find khaki linen pants in just about every boutique and department store around. We found 3 pairs in just minutes online:

1. Venus Linen Drawstring Pant-(on Sale now for $22, at venus.com).
Functional and fashionable.
Drawstring waist and two front pockets.
Available in three inseams for just the right length.
100% Linen.

2. Michael Stars Linen Drawstring Pants ($98, at willowst.com).

Lightweight linen pant.
Full pant legs.
Twill draw cord.
Side angled slit pockets.
Back square patch flap pockets with button closures.
Slight elasticized back waistband.
8.5 inch front rise.

3. Body Central Fold-over Linen Blend Pant ($19.80, at bodyc.com).
33” inseam.
Pull on.
Domestic rayon/linen.
Sizes S(2-4), M(6-8), L(10-12).
Khaki (KH).

New Nair Cool Gel Hair Remover: This Ain't Your Mama's Stinky Depilatory

As the temperatures rise, more skin is bared. And that means, more hair to remove.

Let's be honest, shaving is the quickest and cheapest method for removing unwanted hair. And then there's waxing, a much more expensive way to melt away growth and keep you stubble-free for longer.

Then there's the depilatory. Apply, wait for 5-10 minutes and rinse away. Maybe you watched your mom use Nair or Neet back in the day. More likely, maybe you 'smelled' these depilatories and came rushing into the bathroom to see what the offensive, strong odor was all about.

Sure, Nair, Neet, and all the others, have always had a foul odor, but when the depilatory worked, your legs and underarms felt like silk---so smooth to the touch.

Now, Nair has come out with Cool Gel Hair Remover (7.5 oz. $6.99, at drugstores). The scent is supposed to be a fresh, clean scent, well, you decide. We like the idea of a gel, because it glides on easily, and does feel cool to the touch. And this new Nair is supposed to remove all the hair you don't want, in a matter of minutes.

The good news----it's wonderful to see a product with a hydrating, cooling texture for those hot spring/summer days ahead.

This Nair is a must try.

Feet Need TLC In Those Warmer Days Ahead: Limit Flip-Flop Wear

Warmer days ahead, mean time to bare your feet, ladies! And for many of us, that means slipping into a pair of faithful flip-flops.

You've heard the arguments before, that flip-flops or thong-style flat sandals, are NOT the best summer footwear. The American Podiatric Medical Association, along with plenty of studies out there, caution that flip-flop wearing time should be limited.

When you're walking in a pair, your gait changes in a way that affects your feet, ankles, and legs. And believe it or not, these go-to-casual sandals can cause substantial pain.

If you cannot give up wearing flip-flops, at least slip into a pair that have good arch support and cushioning. As the experts say......"If your flip-flops can fold in half, then they are NOT sturdy enough."

And while we're discussing feet, remember this part of your body also needs sunscreen. How many of you are guilty of applying the SPF everywhere BUT your feet and ankles? You are not alone.

Melanoma can attack any unprotected parts of your body, so please don't skimp on the sunscreen there.

And the foot experts also suggest keeping your precious feet dry. Wash them every day with soap and water, and do clean between the toes. And also, rub a little deodorant on your soles to keep feet sweat-free and smelling fresh.

Overprocessed Hair? Try Redken Anti-Snap To Tame Dry Brittle Locks

It's becoming that time of year again........summer. Out with the old hair color, and in with the new!

Maybe you want to give your tired, blonde locks a major peroxide boost, just like Jennifer Aniston did about a month ago. Or maybe you want to try being a chocolate brown-haired beauty. Whatever the case, every time you mess with hair color chemicals, you're going to pay for it in the end. And that means damage of all sorts.

Of course, that doesn't stop any of us from also, straightening, perming, double-processing, blow-drying, flat-ironing, curling, etc. We all love our hair to look just right. But when the dry, brittle locks appear, then it's hair S.O.S.!!

We found a cult fave by the good folks at Redken. It's called, Extreme Anti-Snap Treatment, and we found it for $18.50 at Target.

No, it isn't cheap, but you are getting a bottle of 8.5 oz. We like this, because it's a leave-in conditioner. And it performs beautifully:

Improves hair strength.
Smoothes the cuticle surface.
Reduces clash from brushing & prevents further damage.
Leaves hair healthy, bright & flexible.

Why is Redken's Anti-Snap Treatment worth the price? Because it's formula is so good. "A protein rich formula that fortifies the damaged area of hair and helps reduce breakage. Contains ceramides and fruit acids for added strength and shine."

Have You Noticed All The Celebrity Un-Natural Redheads This Spring?

Are you a real redhead?

Chances are, you are probably NOT.

We did a little research and found, that only about 2% of the population are natural redheads.

Wow. We didn't think the percentage were that tiny. But what we will say, is that there's nothing tiny about having a glorious head of red hair. It's such a 'notice me' hue, and when a redhead enters a room, all eyes follow.

Maybe that's why gorgeous celebrities are turning red-headed these days. Of course, Rihanna has been absolutely delighted getting a lot of attention for her Raggedy-Ann red locks. And the sexy singerknows how to her rock a cherry red do like no one else. And it doesn't appear that she wants to switch hair shades anytime soon.

Then we have movie stars like Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, and Emma Stone dipping their hair into a bottle of red color recently. And so, too, have Blake Lively and Hayley Williams, gone over to the fiery shades of auburn and copper.

It's easy becoming a redhead, but staying that way, is the ultimate hair test. It's not easy being red.

Celebrity master colorist, Kim Vo, probably said it best, about maintaining that fiery mane of bottled hair color:

"The biggest challenge are reds. The red color molecule is the smallest of all colors. It's like a tropical rainstorm. It's tempest and dramatic at first and then quickly fades."

We can give you a bit more red hair beauty advice----If you wish to keep those red lockslooking new, then do NOT use hair products with sulfates, which can strip pigment.

Meantime, enjoy your redness and all the attention that goes with it.

Foundation Too Heavy For Spring/Summer Days: Switch Over To Tinted Moisturizer

Foundation. It's a very important step in your beauty/makeup routine. But there comes a time, when the unbearing heat and humidity makes your skin feel uncomfortable with the extra layer of coverage on top of it.

What's the solution?

You know you SHOULD be wearing some type of foundation daily, be it in powder, liquid, or cream form. This layer provides protection from the elements, balances skin tone, and creates a base for blush, shadows, and more.

But when the temperature is soaring to 93 degrees and your face feels hot and damp, foundation can 'melt away,' or just look un-fresh, and heavy. That's why a lot of women switch over to tinted moisturizers during spring and summer days.

And we've found a super one for you to try: Philosophy Hope in a Tinted Moisturizer ($38, at philosophy.com).

Here are Hope's plusses:

1. Provides 20SPF.

2. Lightweight texture.

3. Sheer coverage.

4. Dries to a matte finish.

5. Available in 8 shades.

6. Full of protective anti-oxidants.

7. Airless pump for the perfect dose.

Try a tinted moisturizer, add a little concealer, and a bit of powder during the day, and you're good to go.

Truly Turned On By Turquoise Jewelry: Ralph Lauren Americana Collection

We really, really LOVE turquoise----on earrings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, and everything else, in between. And no one does turquoise accents better than Ralph Lauren.

Of course, turquoise is dreamy on those long, hot summer days, so if you can add a pretty piece to your style this season, then you're on your way.

We happen to get weak in the knees for Ralph Lauren's Americana fashion. We like the whole concept----the western feel and the Native American flair. And this time, the master, himself, has brought back the Western wear he does so beautifully, with accents on bold belt buckles, wide braided leather belts, fringe, ruffles, and wooden bangle bracelets. He's softened the look with lots of lace and creamy blouses with puffed sleeves, and his signature turquoise pieces.

The ones we show here in the photos, are from Ralph Lauren's Americana collection. These are classic beauties, timeless jewelry that you can wear, year after year:

1. Zuni Three Tier Turquoise Chandelier Earrings
$3,000
Zuni three tier turquoise chandelier earrings with squash blossom dangles.

2. Dishta Silver and Turquoise Cuff
$1,295.
Dishta silver and turquoise cuff with channel inlay, circa 1940.

All you need is a simple, white tee/blouse/shirt and a gorgeous piece of turquoise to make a fashion statement.

Granted, Ralph Lauren turquoise jewelry is not cheap, but we like to think of it, as a priceless investment.

Of course, you don't just have to buy Ralph Lauren's signature turquoise designs. But you can learn from this fashion icon and imitate the Ralph Lauren look.
To take a further look at RL's Americana collection, click here.