Maxi Dresses You Can Still Wear In The Fall

Fall!!! I just love this season.  I can't say it enough! One thing I love so much about this season is the fact that I can incorporate some of my summer stuff into fall but just adding a blazer, or jean jacket, cardigan, or sweater! The options are endless! So if you are not quite ready to let go of the summer just yet, no worries! Cover it with some of the examples I gave.   Maybe even add a scarf.  What are some of the things you do to transition some of your summer things into fall?

The Cobalt Blues!

Since I have been in the fashion business 6 years now....Wow time flies! I have taken an interest in becoming a fashion stylist.  I find that when I'm in the store shopping it never fails someone will ask me "How Does this Look?" Or "What goes with this?" And of course I give my advice and tips every time.  I've always loved fashion and trying out different ways to wear things.  Anyway I'm going on a rabbit chase as my pastor always says.  When I began to read fashion books, I realized it seemed my whole wardrobe was black! Cute stuff but all black! Lol! So on my recent trip to the stores I purchased some color.  It's true that colors make you feel more vibrant!  Cobalt Blue is definitely the color this season.  I went downtown a few weeks ago to take some pics just to show you guys what to wear with your cobalt blue.  The Cobalt Blue Peplum is from Body Central.   It was around $11.00.  The infinity scarf comes from Walmart $2.50.  The pants come from New York & Company and they were $29 and the shoes come from Payless $19.99.  This is one of those universal outfits.  I wore this to work, church and you can wear this out with your friends!   I also had a black blazer and that was $7.99 at CitiTrends.  I got so many compliments on this outfit and it was about $75 for the whole outfit.   You don't have to pay a lot of money to be classy.  Work with what you have and build from there.   Classyness has no price it just comes natural!~PhoniciaPKeller

The Peplum!

Peplum is still in this fall! We still have temperatures in the 80's here in Louisiana so I couldn't really make it look fallish.   Target had this lovely black and Gray Striped Peplum that I just could not pass up.  It was $27.99 which is very reasonable.  I paired it with my ankle strapped heels found at Shoe Station for $29.99.  The purse comes from CitiTrends and it was $24.99.  Earrings are from CitiTrends as well and they were $4.99 and the necklace from a Dollar Store here that sells all jewelry for $1.  This is a snazzy little outfit for a little under $100! I'd say that was a deal! Thanks for checking it out! Don't forget to follow this blog!

How to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

1. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and some baby shampoo.  You can also use dishwashing liquid.  
2. Swirl your brushes in the bowl.  If your brushes have metal handles be very careful that it does not sit in the water in the bowl for too long.  You know that water and metal causes rust.  Fill the bowl up to the metal part.  
3. Rinse the brush tip under running water.  Repeat steps 2 an 3 until clean.
4. Gently squeeze out the excess water with a paper towel and reshape brush head.
5. To prevent mildew, let your brushes air dry by hanging off the edge of the counter.  

These are quick, easy and simple steps.  For more beauty, fashion, and style tips subscribe to the PKFASHIONS blog and visit the website for lots of informative information at www.pkfashions.net.  Video will be on YouTube soon at ThePkFashions Channel.  

Are Your Makeup Brushes Ruining Your Look?

We all love our makeup brushes!  For the last few weeks, I have been going to Walmart and I could just be going for one thing and somehow I end up in the Beauty Department looking at the aisles of makeup from brands like Elf, Covergirl, Mabelline and so on.  Anyway, I have become fascinated with the different brushes and how they glide on and how much of a difference using a brush rather then a sponge makes.


So with that in mind, considering the cost of brushes and given the fact that they are not disposable, you should wash your brushes often.  If you are not cleaning them regularly, you can wind up spending lots more money having to go to the doctor because of a skin infection that you don't know where it came from.

You should clean your brushes at least once every 2 weeks.  Once a week if you have more oily skin.  When dirt and bacteria enters your face, it can block pores and cause acne breakouts.  Also bacteria around the eyes will cause stys and eyelash shedding.  This is definitely not the look you are going for!


Want to know how to clean your makeup brushes???  Read the next blog.

Thanks for reading!!  Visit the PKFASHIONS website at www.pkfashions.net for more information on style, beauty and fashion.  Videos, blogs, pics, how to's and much more!  

10 Beauty Tips to Make Your Life Easier

1. If you have sweaty arm pits, rub a nice smelling  hand sanitizer on your underarms if you start to sweat though your deodorant.
2. For super wet hair in the morning.  Use paper towels.  They absorb water more than towels.  And an added bonus:  It's great for curly and frizzy hair because it creates less friction than a bath towel.  
3. Sprinkle baby powder on your "sandy" skin when on the beach for an easy cleaning.
4. Make up tip.  Brush a thick layer of powder underneath your eyes before putting on glitter eye makeup.  It will catch the glitter and it's easy to sweep away.
5. Sweaty feet in those ballet flats.  Use spray dry shampoo on your feet to keep them dry.  
6. If you have dull looking legs.  Mix a highlighter to your body lotion for a shimmery glow.  
7. Frizzy Hair.  Use hand lotion as a stand in for a more soothing serum.
8. Static Hair.  Rub a dryer sheet over your static hair to tame it.
9. For that afternoon shiny face.  Use a hand sanitizer to combat that oily face.
10. To prevent blisters.  Apply deodorant to places you know your shoes will rub.   

Surprising Beauty Habits that Can Ruin Your Skin

If you use your favorite beauty products faithfully but still see some things you do not like such as dry skin, dry and itchy skin, your beauty habits may be to blame.

1. Taking long hot showers.  Hot water strips your skin of the natural lipids.  Lipids is basically a storage for your cells to hold moisture, energy, and all this special stuff.  Hot water actually makes it evaporate from your skin leaving it feeling and looking dry.  
2. Using deodorant soaps.  Because deodorant soaps and face washes contain detergents like hot water they remove lipids from the skin and damage the barrier.  Not only does this allow water to evaporate from the skin, it lets irritants enter your skin cells which causes inflammation.  We all know what those scented bubble baths and soaps can do.  Can we say yeast infection!  It is said that shampoo contains this irritating ingredient so it is best to shampoo first, wash your face, then your body.  This irritant is called sodium lauryl sulfate. Alcohol is another harmful product to your skin as well as water based cleansers.  More options of oil based, unscented mild soaps and body washes are more soothing.  
3. Aggressively Drying after shower.  It is best to pat dry.  Apply your favorite moisturizer while your skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
4. Using a facial peel aggressively.  Using a good peel whether at home or as a spa treatment is definitely a great idea because it removes the top layer of your skin which allows moisturizers to penetrate more readily, however using a peel that is too potent on your skin when it is already irritated by wind or the cold.  You should choose a more soothing oxygen facial or try a moisturizing mask in colder months.  
5. Wearing Sunscreen in the winter.  The sun's rays are more intense at higher altitudes in the winter.  A SPF 15 lotion is fine to use in the winter.  Also, when choosing sunscreen, make sure the label contains UVA/UVB protection or is a broad spectrum sunscreen.

In addition to the products mentions, certain medical conditions can case dry skin such as diabetes.  

This concludes my blog.  I hope this article was very informative.  As always, consult with your physician/dermatologist with any concerns health wise you may have.  You can visit my website for more fashion, style, and beauty questions at www.pkfashions.net

Best Scarves of the Season

It is now fall and of course, with the fall season the colors are blacks, grays, browns, reds, oranges, etc.  And what better way to stand out in the crowd then to have that fabulous outfit and beautiful scarf and feel warm wearing it.

1. The Infinity Scarf--You know that scarf that looks like 1 big "O" but folded in half.  Infinity scarves are very popular because they come already ready to go sort of speak.  There are no worries about how to tie it, just put it over your head and you are out the door.  

2.  The Leopard Print Scarf--Of course the classic leopard print will always be in with every season.  Leopard goes great with solid colors and it goes great with loud colors too.  

3.  The Floral Scarf--for those who wear all black or brown; this scarf is great to add that pop of color you need so you will not look so blah.

4.  The Stud Scarf--These scarves would look great with an evening out with that formal dress on when it's a little bit cold or chilly outside.  

5.  The Daisy Scarf--These scarves show your feminine side.  They would look great with your favorite cardigan and jeans.

6.  The Abstract Scarf--These scarves look great with solid colored clothes underneath them.  These scarves are good for adding that pop of color to a dull outfit as well.

7.  The Chevron Scarf--Like the abstract scarf, these scarves should be worn with plain/solid colors underneath.  These scarves tend to be more busy, and they have their own attention getter look.  

8.  Men's Scarf--Of course I saved the best for last and that is the men's scarf!  Men scarves look sexy and striking!  I feel like a man with a nice suit or sweater like the one shown above looks very attractive and stylish.

For more fashion related questions, videos, news, follow this blog.  Visit my website at www.pkfashions.net and also subscribe to the PKFASHIONS channel on YouTube @ThePkFashions Channel!  As always thanks for reading!!

10 Must Have Colors This Fall

You know each year, some colors change with the season.  If you want the inside scoop of what colors to wear this fall, take a look at these samples, so the next time you go shopping, I got you covered!


1.  Sangria 

2.   Aurora Red 

3.  Radiant Orchid  

4.  Mauve Mist 

5.  Cypress   

6.  Bright Cobalt 

7.  Royal Blue  

8.  Aluminum 

9. Cognac 

10.  Misted Yellow   

What's Growing in your Makeup

We are known for saving our beauty products for so long because it's our favorite product or maybe they discontinued it.  Or maybe we're just to lazy to buy another product.  Or we only wear this for special times like going on a date or for a wedding or something.

Rule of thumb--Most solid products last longer than liquid products.  What I mean by that is your eyebrow pencil over your liquid eyeliner will last longer giving you more time between replacements.

To give you a sense of what to keep and what to toss, I have created a small list of the main beauty products the everyday woman has in their collection.

Another rule of thumb--Bathrooms hold heat and moisture which in turn can get in your makeup causing unwanted bacteria.

Here is the List:

1. Mascara.  Most mascaras will not have an expiration date.  So when you purchase one use a marker and write the date on the tube and place tape on it so it will not disappear.  After about 3 months, mascara tends to dry out and become clumpy.  Even if it doesn't 3 months is long enough.  You do not want an eye infection.
2. Liquid Eye Liner.  Two months.  Solid eyeliners last longer (about a year).
3. Nail Polish.  Most nail polishes will keep color for a year before drying or fading starts to occur.
4. Eyeshadow.  This is one product women will keep for 100 years if they could.  However, I know I will break some hearts but 1 year is long enough.  The reason I say this is because the eye area is so sensitive and with the weather more humid and allergies like never before, we tend to rub our eyes a lot.  If you have creamy eyeshadows, toss after 9 months. 
5. Powder, Foundation, or Blush.  2 years.  Keep an eye out for texture and cacky feeling.  Liquid Foundation (6 months).
6. Lipstick.  12-18 months.  Pay attention to color and texture as well.  After they are not as creamy or the color changes it's time to toss.
7. Sunscreen.  Usually has an expiration date.  Some dermatologist suggest you can use up to a year or 2 after the expiration date.  The date reflects the length of time the manufacturer tested the product but actually for weeks, months, or even years after the expiration date, you can still use that sunscreen and it will work just as good as when you first purchased.  
8. Face Cream.  Creams with a pump limit the amount of bacteria.  You can keep face creams up to a year.  If it is a pump, 6 months is fine.  The same time applies to serums as well.  

Forming An Outfit

• Keep it Simple

Use a limited number of clothing and accessory pieces.  For example, don't wear a scarf, bangles, big earrings and a hat.  Try to limit yourself to 2 noticeable/accent pieces.

• Choose an outfit appropriate for the occasion.  

Overdressing can show you put way to much time, thought and effort into how you're dressed.  Don't wear a fancy dress for grocery shopping, and don't wear a long gown, when a simple cocktail dress will do.

• Emphasize the accessories.

Since your clothes should be muted, (neutral colors), your accessories should be your accent pieces.  This will draw attention and will make you look swagalicious and extra cool.  For example, floppy hat, fashion scarf, brown jacket, blue tee, white skinny jeans, brown boots.  Another example, black dress, red earrings, red bracelet.  make sure you keep the color palette across the whole outfit.  Accent accessories should be the same or compliment each other.

• The hair.

This is always something that bothers me.  When a woman or man is dressed very nice but their hair is hideous.  You want your hair to be stylish too.  If you can not do your hair a simple pony tail or shirley temple curl style will do.  Those are classic looks that will never get old.  OAN:  A simple classic hairstyle does not involve gel or hairspray.

• Use minimal makeup.

Keep the colors natural.  You should apply makeup so that it is as close to looking like you don't have makeup on at all.  Still emphasize your best features and hide flaws but don't get carried away.

• Keep lines and texture to a minimum.  It is ok to have one pattern but keep it to just 

• Avoid bulk. 

Keep layers to a minimum and avoid chunky items or items that add bulk.  Oversized sweaters for example have a tendency to go in and out of style so be cautious.

How to Calculate Your BMI...

Let's face it, more than 60% adults in the US are either overweight or obese.  Being overweight and obesity can cause other major health issues such as heart disease, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, various types of cancer, and even varicose veins!

So today, I wanted to take a break from fashion and focus on health.  You can't feel beautiful on the outside and forget about the inside.  I am going to show you how to calculate your BMI which means Body Mass Index.  This is just a quick and simply way to see if your weight is under, normal, or over the average weight scale.

1. Measure your height first.  For example if you are 6'2 that equals 74".
2. Weigh yourself.
3. Multiply your weight by 703.
4. Take that number and divide by the number of inches in #1.
5. Divide that number again by the height in inches.  
6. This is your BMI.

If your BMI is:

Less than 18.5-you are underweight

Between 18.5-24.9-this is considered normal

Between 25-29.9-you are overweight

Between 30-39.9-you are obese 

Over 40-you are dangerously obese

Let's take our health seriously by eating the proper foods, getting the proper rest and going to get the proper attention we need to our bodies because we only have one life!  Thanks for reading!  For more articles like these and much more, hit the SUBSCRIBE button and visit my website at http://www.pkfashions.net