HOW TO USE SHAPEWEAR TO SLIM YOUR BODY

Back in the day in order for a woman to look slimmer, she had to wear a girdle or corset.  Those were basically the only two options women had during that time.  They were so uncomfortable to wear, it was hard to sit down, hard to bend over or to even move!  If you are familiar with that time then you know what I mean.  There are times where you just had to sit down and don't move looking like the Statue of Liberty.  O I don't miss those times!  Well of course times have changed and the invention of shapewear came along, it was like a miracle!  Built in girdles and "suck me ups"! Ahhh!  What a releif!  Now you can buy clothes with a built in spanx.  Most of the time back in the day, most women just wore their girdles on special occassions because of the discomfort.  I mean who could stand like a statue all day everyday! 

Before you go overboard when purchasing your shapewear, because I know you are excited, there are things that you should know when buying.  Don't over do it!  Try to focus on two areas.  For most women it is the stomach and the thighs.  You do not want to focus on thighs, stomach, bust, butt, legs, and so forth!  You will like like a #2 pencil! 

Size it Right.  Shapewear is designed to disguise your bumps not show them.  Go one size smaller than the size you wear.  Picking the right size matters.  You do not want to be uncomfortable.  Try on before you buy if you can and see if it is comfortable for you.  You also do not want to go to big either.

Go for Seamless.  Like I stated in the last paragraph, Shapewear is designed to disguise your bumps.  You also do not want everyone to notice that you have a girdle or "suck me up" on!  If you are wearing shapers that show do not wear see through clothing such as lace.  No one wants to know you have a girdle on.

Handwash for Longer Use.  If you want to maintain the shape of your Shapewear, I suggest you handwash instead of putting in the washing machine.  Handwashing not only maintains the shape of your shapewear, it tends to last a little longer than normal. 

Thanks for reading this article.  These are the views of the staff at PK FASHIONS only. 

Author, Editor, Owner-Phonicia P Keller
http://www.pkfashions.net/

13 TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD YOUR WARDROBE

1. Thrift Shopping is definetely a way to build your wardrobe.  Well for one, you can get a variety of clothing for a resonable price.  It is convient and they receive new items daily compared to stores where shipments come every week or more.
2. Sales/Clearance Nothing like those bargins!  Red dots, blue dots, yellow tags, etc.  Always shop the clearance rack first, then move to other departments.  Most sale racks are in the back of the store. I wonder why is that????  Maybe because retailers want you too tired to look in the back because you looked through the new stuff long enough...That is why you should go to the back first!
3. Find Classic Pieces that go with Everything Find that black classic blazer or jeans or black dress.  You can spend a little more on these items because you want those to last longer.  You usually tend to need only one classic piece and with that one classic piece you can wear it with a variety of things and in a variety of ways.  Ex. black slacks.
4. Clothing Swap Swap clothing with your friends or you can do a big clothing swap where several people gather together and swap clothing.  Good idea to meet new people or to network.
5. Make your own Clothing Invest in a good sewing machine. Purchase some fabric of your liking and make your own unique style. 
6. Change Accessories Change your accessories with your outfits.  For example, you can wear a red belt with an outfit then a black belt next time.  Switch your earrings, handbags, shoes, etc and it will look like you have on a totally different outfit.
7. Mix Materials Buy some expensive things such as coats, boots, etc.  Those will last a couple of years if well kept. 
8. Mix Outfits Match and mix your tops.  Wear jeans with a shirt then wear a different bottom with that shirt next.  Then wear a different shirt with those jeans next.  To sum it all up you will have made three outfits with 3 different pieces of clothing!
9. Buy "Out of Season" Clothing  For instance now "winter" would be the best time to get any fall or summer clothes.  Only downfall with this is that you hope that particular trend that you are buying is around next summer or whatever season you are buying out of.  Sometimes trends change often.
10. Buy Bulk Sometimes when you buy things in bulk you get it for cheaper.  Then you have lots to choose from.
11. Shop Ebay People put their unwanted items on ebay and try to sell for reasons such as they can no longer fit, or they may have had a baby, etc.  Or they just want to get rid of some stuff to make room or maybe they are moving.  Either way, the seller puts their items on ebay ready for you to purchase sometimes for little or nothing.  You are also given the option to outbid others for things so you will pay the price you feel the item is worth.  Shopping on Ebay is just like a garage sale but you are not leaving the house and you can just click a button.
12. Garage Sales Go looking for bargins in your local neighborhoods or different areas.  Most garage sales are on Saturday mornings.
13. Uniforms Find a job where you can purchase uniforms and save a whole lot of money.  Majority of the clothes you will have to purchase will be just for the weekend and lounging wear.

Thanks for reading these tips.  Feel free to read my other blogs and fashion tips and ideas from all angles.

Phonicia P Keller-author, publisher, editor
http://www.pkfashions.net/

4 TIPS TO HELP YOU LOOK BETTER

Dressing with confidence can take years off your looks regardless of your size.  People often say, mainly women, "Oh, I will wait till I drop this weight off before I really start to dress sexy!"  WELL....you could be waiting for years for that to happen! Now is the perfect time to dress to impress.  Here are just a few tips on how to achieve the look that you have been putting off:

1. Get Fit.  Know your proper measurements.  This can be done at home by simply taking off your clothes and measuring your chest/bust area, stomach/waist area, length of legs and arms.  Also, take a day and go shopping.  Make it a fun thing with the girls and go to different stores and you all measure yourselves and take pictures.  Try on, try on, try on!  Find that best fitting jean, dress, shirt, etc.
2. Pick Color.  Pick colors that give you the most confidence.  Hint:  Most people who wear vibrant and bright colors are outgoing and have vibrant personalities.
3. Accessorize.  Accessories do not have to be expensive.  If you are not an accessory type of person, a simple watch and pearl earrings will do.
4. Finish the Look.  Natural makeup, a fresh mani and pani, flattering haircut, and well cared for skin all make up the finished look as well as a wonderful scent. 

Beauty Tip:
Lighten lip color by massaging the lip using glycerin, lemon juice, and castor oil.  Exfoliation also helps to glow lip color.


Phonicia P Keller-author, publisher, editor
http://www.pkfashions.net/

9 TIPS FOR THRIFT STORE SHOPPING

Due to these economic times, Thrift Stores are becoming very popular these days.  Basically, thrift stores resell used items at a discounted price, whether it be toys, clothing, household items, electronics, furniture, or any unwanted item someone does not want anymore for various reasons.  It could be that the customer no longer needs the item, for tax purposes, or a number of other reasons.  To make your thrift store adventure more exciting, I have compiled 9 simple tips to keep in mind when you thrift shop.

1. Take Your Time.  Thrift stores have a wide variety of items to choose from.  Not all thrift stores have items placed in the correct areas.  You may have to do some digging.  Reasons for misplacement may be washed off tags, tagless items, etc.
2. Look For Brand Names.   They may have a special area for brand names or maybe not.  Some thrift stores may charge a higher price for name brands, however you are still getting a discount.
3. Look For New Items.  If the item is new, most likely you will see a tag.  The amazing thing about thrift stores is that they will most likely sell it for cheaper than the price tag. 
4. Carry Cash.   At one time, this would have been the number 1 tip, but most businesses have a credit/debit card machine available.  More than likely a thrift store may not carry checks, but will accept credit cards.
5. Shop Often.   Thrift stores receive items daily.  Visit often to find out what is new.
6. Shop On Discount Days.   Most thrift stores have certain days discounts are available on their merchandise.  Go on those days to get the most out of your money.
7. Look For Sales.   Look for items that are on clearance racks, often times thrift stores have discounts on clothes or items with a specific tag color for that day.
8. Sell Stuff For Credit.   Some thrift stores will allow you to turn in your old items and give you money for your items or let you exchange for something in the store.  Stores such as Plato's Closet is just one of many.
9. Examine Items Carefully.  Examine all your items making sure that there are not any holes, unstitching of any sort, tearing, etc.  If your thrift store has a dressing room, you should try on these items, therefore examining the merchandise as well.

Phonicia P Keller-Owner,  PK FASHIONS
author, editor, publisher
http://www.pkfashions.net/

"A LOOK AT MASCARA BRUSHES AND WHAT THEY CAN DO TO YOUR LASHES"

1. VOLUM EXPRESS-MAYBELLINE NEW YORK coats and declumps every lash.  Gives volume from root to tip.
2. LASH BLAST LUXE-COVER GIRL provides volumized lashes.  Covergirl's biggest mascara brush when used with volume boosting mascara formula.  The end result is big and bold lashes.
3. HEALTHY VOLUME-NEUTROGENA clump free and fuller lashes.  Helps build volume.  The visible volume brush helps build and create volume even to the smallest lashes.  This mascara also has a patent pending formula that penetrates to help plump the core of every lash.
4. GREAT LASH BIG-MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Classic mascara with big brush plus volume building formula to create big lashes.  The volume builds with each coat without clumps.
5. FABULASH-REVLON Revlon's exclusive lash perfecting brush with long and short bristles.  The shorter bristles help build volume and the longer bristles help seperate the lashes.
6. CUSTOM EYES-REVLON This bristle brush is adjustable helping to create 2 looks in 1.  Setting 1 (The bristles align.  This setting helps to create long and dramatic lashes.) Setting 2 (Staggers the bristles which makes it easy to use and create long defined lashes.)
7. LASH STILLETO-MAYBELLINE NEW YORK Brush is easy to seep and extend upwards from root to tip.  The brush grasps each lash and coats from every angle to help achieve extreme length. Brush is easy to use on lower lash line.
8. SEXY CURVES-RIMMEL LONDON gives curlier lashes while adding volume.  Curves in for volume and curves out for maximum curl. 
9. LAST BLASH LENGTH-COVER GIRL gives lashes lots of length.
10. THE COLOSSAL VOLUM EXPRESS-MAYBELLINE NEW YORK The mega brush allows the application of more mascara which instantly adds more volume to lashes.  This combination gives 9x the volume without the clumps.
11. TELESCOPIC EXPLOSION-LOREAL Small brush.  Used to define lashes from any angle.  The unique spherical brush will help to lengthen, seperate, and add volume.  Perfect for getting in the corner of your eye to reach the tiny lower lashes.

This blog just gives a brief overview of 11 different mascara brushes and their uses.  These descriptions were from my own opinion only!  Thanks for reading!


Author, Publisher, and Editor
Phonicia P Keller, "The PkFashionsista"
http://www.pkfashions.net/

TIPS ON FINDING THE RIGHT TYPE OF MASCARA AND WAYS TO APPLY

Tip 1:  Start with outer lashes and sweep from root to tip.  Go back and forth like you are brushing your teeth.  Continue building until your desired look.  Do not let your mascara dry between coats.

Tip 2:  Curl your lashes before applying mascara.  Put the lash into the curler, push down on the curler, count to 10 slowly and release.  Do not tug or contine to open and close curler while curling your lashes.  Never curl lashes after you applied mascara. This could cause the lashes to get stuck on the curler pad and when you pull off the lashes, some will be removed.  Can someone say "OUCH!"

Tip 3:  In order to create thick lashes it is neccessary to do 2-3 coats.

Tip 4:  If you get mascara on your skin, wipe the tips of your lashes with your finger.

Tip 5:  For a more casual look, wear mascara on your bottom lashes.

Tip 6:  Use one coat of a lengthening mascara and top it with a coat of thickening mascara for an added effect. 

Tip 7:  The bigger and thicker mascara application brushes are good when you want to create volume.  If you are looking to go for length and to get the lower and/or outer lashes,  go with a smaller brush. 

Tip 8:  Do not pump the applicator.  It causes air to get into the tube which may cause mascara to dry out.  You should replace mascara every 6 months. 


I hope these tips were helpful!  Stay Fabulous!

Author, Publisher, and Editor
Phonicia P Keller-"The PkFashionsista"
http://www.pkfashions.net/

REMEMBER BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN!

NATURAL MAKEUP

Now in days, it is all about defining your features in a soft way.  You want people to say, "You look great! Not, Your makeup looks great." 

Finding your perfect shade or shades, does not have to be hard!  Choose colors that come close to matching your skin tone.  Use a shadow quad so you can blend colors, and a cream blush that mimics your natural flush.  For example, for fair skin, use light pink.  For peach or medium skin and on darker skin, use a brick red and brown combo.  When choosing lipsticks, choose colors that are close to your own lip color. 

Applying like a pro.  Use a brush to apply nude shadow to lids and blend well.  Add a slightly darker shade to your eye creases.  Apply the lightest shadow in your quad to the innder corners of the eyes and brow bones.  Finish with a gloss or creamy lipstick and blush on the cheeks. 

Wear it with.  Use a satin finish or mattifying foundation where needed.  Add mascara for definition and volume and brown liner around the lash line. 

Tip:  Shaggy brows on a unibrow can overpower your eyes and make them seem smaller.  The inner edge of your brow should start directly above your nostrils.  Comb brows out on a slant and fix with brown gel or a dab of hair gel.  This plumps out skinny brows and makes thick brows look more polished.

Look Into My Eyes

The focal point of your makeup this season is your eyes.  Although it is a classic, the smokey eye is out and in full force.  This is partly because there are many new pencils that have the intensity and staying power of liquid with the ease and blending ability of a pencil.  Many of the new eyeshadows are quads instead of the traditional trio, which helps give an extra punch to colorful eyes with shades of purple, blue, and green.  Here is an my guide or overview of the best shade for your skin tone, how to apply, and what to wear it with.  I hope that this guide will help you chose the right colors to make you look even more fabulous!

Purple

Color Choices

Fair tones look best in soft purple.  For medium or olive skin, go for shimmery lavender or pink colors.  For darker skin tones, look for bolder, brighter shades.

Applying like a Pro

Use a creamy purple pencil along the eyes inner rims for a really sexy effect.  For a cool wash of color, use a a damp brush.  To apply shadow to upper lash lines blend up to the eye's crease.

Wear it With

Go for creamy nude lipstick and natural looking blush.

Green

Color Choices

Deeper shades like forest look great on fair complexions, while medium skin tones look best in olive.  If you have darker skin, try neon or acid greens.

Applying like a Pro

Smudge a creamy pencil along your upper and lower lash lines.  For more intensity, brush green shadow on top of the liner. 

Wear it With

For fair skin, try peach lip color and blush.  For medium or darker skin, go with caramel colored lip gloss and blush.

Blue

Color Choices

Find your perfect shade by matching your skin tone to the intensity of the blue.  For fair skin, use pastel blue, sapphire, if you have medium or olive skin, and navy and indigo shades if you have darker skin.

Applying like a Pro

Wear your blue eyeshadows close to the lashlines.  The brightness of the color will create a nice contrast to dark mascara or liner.

Wear it With

Bronzer and soft beige or pink lip color for a fresh fun look.

This concludes my blog on choosing the right eyeshadows for your skin tone.  I hope this helps!  Stay Fabulous!!!

  Remember beauty comes from within!

Author, Publisher, and Editor

Phonicia P Keller- "The PkFashionsista"

http://www.pkfashions.net/

BEAUTY Q & A

This is just a couple of questions that I was asked about beauty and makeup.  I hope that this blog will benefit you. 

1.  Q.  HOW CAN I AVOID STAINED TEETH?

• ANSWER:  There are alot of foods and drinks that stain our teeth.  Too many to name.  However, studies show that it is a must you get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year or use the whitening kits available at your local drugstore.  Another suggestion is to floss and brush immediately after eating.  The last suggestion would be to drink from a straw.  Drinks have a great impact on staining your teeth, so drinking from a straw will decrease the chances of the drink touching your teeth and will go through the mouth where it should go.

2.  Q.  WHICH IS BETTER TO USE, A LIQUID EYELINER OR PENCIL EYELINER?

• ANSWER:  Liquid eyeliner causes for a very steady or sturdy hand.  I personally like the retractable pencil rather than the traditional pencil.  The retractable pencil has a much smoother tip to glide across the eye.  Liquid eyeliner tends to get hard, in my opinion, and will eventually flakes.  It is your own personal reason for using the retractable eyeliner.  I believe that your makeup is incomplete without some sort of eyeliner.  Afterall....WHEN MOST PEOPLE LOOK AT YOU OR MEET YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE EYES ARE WHAT IS LOOKED AT FIRST.  THE EYES ARE A FOCAL POINT AND MUST BE ON POINT!!! 

Thanks for reading my blog.  Email your questions about makeup, fashion, style, and anything beauty to tipadvisor101@gmail.com

GENERAL FASHION QUESTIONS

I am starting a new thing now where you can post fashion questions, beauty questions, makeup questions, etc. and I will do my best to give you my opinion of my answer or do thorough research to get you the answer.  Feel free to email your questions if you do not want to comment below at tipadvisor101@gmail.com and I will be happy to respond to your questions within 24 hours.  I will not reveal who the question came from unless you state so in your email. 

Now that I got that out the way, here is the first question I was asked: 

Question:  "Can I wear a silk top with white linen pants?"

My Answer:  "Well, to be honest when I envisioned this look in my head, I was like NO!  At first I said to myself linen only goes with linen.  I don't think we should mix those materials together.  I mean what kind of shoes would I wear with this outfit?  Maybe some gold shoes or silver ones depending on the color of the silk shirt.  Well of course, I had to do my research, so I googled silk shirt with linen pants.  I mean just because I envisioned that this would not look cute, I had to do some digging a little deeper.  So I came across this website http://lookbook.nu/look/2185225-Tangerine and VIOLA!  I think that this look is very hot and comfortable.  It looks very great on the model.  So I said all this to say YES!  Yes you can wear a silk top with white linen pants.  I absolutely love the look and would like to try it myself!"

That is it for the fashion question of the day.  I hope this article and picture helped you with your dilema. 

Again if you would like to ask any fashion question, either comment below or email me at tipadvisor101@gmail.com and I will be happy to answer your questions!

BASIC MAKEUP TIPS

1. Foundation:  Your makeup foundation should always match your skin tone.  One way to test this out is to try a small amount of yellow based foundation and a small amount of pink foundation to see which one stays on longer and stays natural.  Another way to test and see which colors match your skin tone, is to try a cheaper brand.  Stores such as the Dollar Store and drugstores carry cheaper brands that will not break your  pocket, especially when you are just testing products.  For oily skin, you should use an oil free foundation.  If you have dry or normal skin, try using a creamy moisturizing formula.
2. Covering Up Dark Circles:  When trying to cover dark circles, use a concealer a shade slightly lighter than your foundation.  you need to apply foundation first and then concealer under the eyes and then the inner area.
3. Eyeshadow:  Before applying, put a little foundation or powder under the eye lid.  I personally use concealer as a base.
4. Mascara:  Roll brush upwards when you apply mascara.  Let dry before adding a second coat. 
5. Lips:  Use a lip liner or pencil and that matches your lipstick/lipgloss.  Do not go outside the lines of your lips.