Wow, I can’t believe I’m at the age (or I guess stage) where I actually need a girdle. I’m glad nowadays they refer to these sausage-casing-like garments as “shapewear.” Sounds so much more appealing. And shapewear is available in a wide array of options and styles depending on where your extra fat has landed.

I’ve always been thin and in pretty good shape, and for the most part I’ve gotten my body back, but it still looks like I’m wearing a fanny pack–on the front! So I’ve been looking into different options for smoothing out my style, and here’s one of the best for the money that I’ve come across: The Sensational Shaper by Assets, for $20.

Reviews say it “trims a full inch off waist and hips, and its comfy fit got raves.” It also supposedly eliminates that unflattering “muffin top” at the top of your waist.

Until I can get to the gym more often, I’m going to try it. I’ll let you know if you should buy it.

If you haven’t seen this show, no matter who you are, I’m sure you’ll recognize a little bit of yourself in each and every episode.

We’ve all fallen victim to many of the fashion faux pas that the hosts make fun of (and help remedy, thankfully!), from those tapered jeans you just can’t seem to toss…to thinking you’re still young enough to squeeze into the same styles your friends’ daughters are sporting (I know my instinct is still to head straight for the juniors dept, even though I’m now in my forties!).

I’ve gotten lots of great tips from this show, and if you don’t have time to keep up with what’s current, tune in once in awhile for easy ways to make a better first impression.

I was browsing Bazzar for some new spring styles. Despite the weather (-29′c with windchill), I’m excited for soft colours, silky fabrics and skirts! I’m so over bulky sweaters and wintercoats already.

This is what we are gonna see this season.

1. Being peachy

“This season is more about peach,” says makeup artist Tom Pécheux, who used the soft color at Hermès and Derek Lam. “It gives you the appearance of being a bit made-up without looking too girly or bronzy.” Because peach powder contains strong pigments, Pécheux suggests using a light hand to apply one swipe of blush a little below your apples so it doesn’t look too doll-like. Try Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect in Tweed Corail ($45).

2. Bright eyes with a touch of metallic

After several seasons of dark, heavy shadows, eyes are lightening up. “The eye is still dramatic,” says makeup artist Diane Kendal, who created the look at Carolina Herrera, “but the colors are softer.” At Dsquared2, makeup artist Val Garland blended a combination of gold shadows over M.A.C. Eye Kohl in Teddy ($14.50) for a metallic smoky eye. Get the look with L’Oréal Paris HIP Metallic Shadow Duo in Gilded ($7). Shimmery gold, silver, and bronze are the winning eye-shadow colors for spring.

3. Full brows are back!! put away the twizzers(well maybe not..)

Strong and defined brows made their way back to the runway this season. “It’s a fresh but handsome look,” notes Tilbury, who created thick, luscious eyebrows à la Brooke Shields at DKNY. Tame full brows with a gel like Laura Mercier Eye Brow Gel ($19). If your brows are uneven or sparse, fill them in with Revlon Brow Fantasy pencil and set them with its tinted gel ($7.50).

4. Flaunt your arms because winter’s gone!!

Stock up on these lacquer bracelets because they’re back!

Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co. bangles, $1,400. 800-526-0649.

5. New Shades

Round lenses have resurfaced as the must-have shades for warmer days.

Proenza Schouler sunglasses, $310. Barneys New York; 888-8-BARNEYS.

Fabulous!!!

Designers around the world is kicking off another new year with refreshing new ideas and trends. I would love to go to these shows and see them for myself! However, travelling isn’t in my immediate agenda unfortunately, so I will share some info on the shows with you and if you happen to be in the area you can check them out for me and maybe take some pictures!

Here you have the list of events that I find interesting and perhaps, worth going. Since Couture Fashion Week is right in New York, hopefully I can make it to that. For more information on these events, check out my profile on ShesConnected.

http://www.shesconnected.com/members/profile/beautyandfashionista

Create a profile on ShesConnected and join my group so that you can stay in touch with my latest fashion and makeup tips! http://www.shesconnected.com/groups/view/beautyandthefashioni
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Someone I work with just surprised me with a $50 gift certificate to the spa of my choice (or towards beauty products) redeemable at spa-wish.com.

Maybe she noticed my ratty fingernails, fading highlights or the fact that I haven’t plucked my eyebrows in weeks (let’s hope not)! But either way, this is such a great idea–you go online, find a spa or beauty salon near you, and then call to make an appointment and bring your gift card w/you.

It’s a great idea for gift-giving or gift-hinting (who doesn’t want beautiful hair, nails, skin or a nice, relaxing massage?), but I also like that you can recommend your favorite spa if it’s not on the list, and if they join spawish, you get a voucher towards another visit.

BTW, my birthday is coming up in just 8 short weeks!

My hair stylist just told me about this–now why didn’t I ever think of it?

To save time (and if you ever have to blow-dry your hair in a hurry), blot it first with a paper towel. It absorbs way more moisture than a regular towel, and shaves a good 10 minutes off of your drying time. That’s 10 more minutes you now have for other getting-ready tasks, like shaving!

I used to be really turned off by Mary Kay products–back in the eighties my college buddies decided they’d become instantly rich by selling them, and stocked our entire kitchen with pink boxes of makeup and skincare potions that would come tumbling out every time I’d open a cabinet. And the pink cadillacs the “consultants” drove turned me off.

But last March I went to a Mary Kay party just to get out of the house and hang out with other women (I was home with a two-month-old infant), and it turns out the stuff is really good. It’s really changed since the pink cadillac days–it’s high quality, and even the packaging is appealing.

I bought an entire line of makeup, from concealer to eyeliner, and am really happy with it (maybe because the other girls at the party told me I looked like Heather Locklear after my makeover). The anti-aging line, which includes cleanser and moisturizer, works great–and I’ve actually gotten compliments on how good my skin looks since wearing it. The eyeliner doesn’t smudge, which is my complaint about most other brands.

So I think it’s really worth checking out if you’re looking for a change and something new to try for spring.