October 4, 2022

Retro Crochet: Vibrant Vintage-Inspired Looks from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s

If you’ve scrolled through the latest fashions on Instagram and TikTok lately you’ve noticed nostalgia has taken over. Styles from the 1970s through the late ’90s are hot, and crocheting vintage-inspired designs is taking off in a big way.

Designer, model, and photographer Ashlee Elle has built up a passionate following through her Dream Crochet shop and Instagram, where she shares her colorful, one-of-a-kind throwback outfits.

In her debut book Retro Crochet: Vibrant Vintage-Inspired Looks from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s [9781681987989; $22.95; Rocky Nook; August 2022], Ashlee Elle teaches you how to create your own fun pieces, including neon off-the-shoulder tops and flirty patterned skirts.

Bringing original and timeless crochet designs forward with a fashionable modern twist, this comprehensive guide will show you how to create handmade accessories and clothing that’ll make you stand out in the crowd.

“Crocheting started as a fun activity I did with my family,” Elle says. “I’d gather around with my aunts on Fridays for craft night. We’d eat, talk, and laugh, and I learned the joys that came from a hook, yarn, and my own imagination. I fell in love with the endless possibilities and hoped that I’d get to a point where I could bring all the creations that dwelled in my mind to life. This craft has grown beyond my wildest imaginations, and now I get to present The Dream Crochet’s Retro Crochet. This book will show how the past can be reimagined and brought into the modern era with wearable and stylish looks. It will be your guide to create handmade accessories and clothing influenced by generations of iconic staples we know and love with a fresh twist. My greatest dream is that these designs will spark your own dream creations.”             $22.95; 8×10; 112 pages

About the Author
Ashlee Elle is a crochet designer and creator, model, and photographer. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including Simply Crochet Magazine, WeCrochet, and CrochetNow. She acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and utilized her artistic education to create a small handmade business online. Her creative work strives to push the boundaries within the fiber art world by introducing whimsical photos to feature the designs as well as celebrating experimental one-of-kind creations. Her unique and original crochet patterns that can be found in her Etsy Shoppe: The Dream Crochet Shoppe. Connect with Ashlee Elle on Instagram (@thedreamcrochet). She lives in Houston, TX.

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October 4, 2022

How to Clean and Polish Leather Shoes

Leather shoes can make all the difference to any man’s outfit. All too often, you can make all the right choices when it comes to putting your outfit together, but if your shoes are scruffy or even worse, dirty, it can bring the entire look down. Polishing your leather shoes will not only make your outfits look amazingly finished off, but it’s also a great way to keep them in better condition and make sure that they last for as long as possible. 

Why Shine Your Leather Shoes?

Leather shoes are a stylish addition to any outfit and every man should own at least one or two pairs of them. Another reason to go for leather shoes is that with the right care and maintenance, they can last a really long time. Cleaning and polishing your shoes will keep them in perfect condition for longer and make sure that they are always looking fantastic, no matter what you decide to wear them with. 

What Do You Need to Clean and Shine Leather Shoes?

To get started with cleaning and shining your shoes, you’re going to need some essentials. These are:

  • Small brush: You can get a specially designed brush or use an old toothbrush to remove dirt from the edge strip of the shoe and apply polish in those harder-to-reach places. 
  • Horsehair brush: These are used to brush the surface of the skin. Horsehair is soft, allowing you to clean the shoe without damaging or scratching it. 
  • Polishing Cloth: A flannel is a good option, or you can use an old T-shirt if you prefer. 
  • Clean Cloth or Rag: Use this to clean dirt off the shoe and wipe any excess polish away. 
  • Shoe Polish: You can either use a clear polish or a coloured polish on your shoes. Saphir shoe polish is a great option to go with. A coloured polish will not only shine the shoe but also help to fix any minor damage to the leather.  

Cleaning and Polishing

To start with, remove the laces and insert supports into the shoe to keep their shape and prevent wrinkles. Use your horsehair brush to sweep away any dirt on the surface, especially on the seams. Then, apply a small amount of polish to your cloth and use a circular motion to wipe it on the surface of the shoe until it begins shining. It’s best to apply the polish in multiple thin layers to restore the moisture of the folds, rather than applying a lot of polish in one go. Finally, apply the polish with a small brush to the heel and piping. Allow it to dry for around ten minutes. To finish, use a small amount of clean water to make the fabric slightly moist, and apply a thin, even layer of shoe wax before polishing and shining the shoes in a circular motion. Let your shoes dry, then put the laces back on. 

With regular cleaning and polishing, you can achieve a suave, shiny look for your leather shoes and keep them in great condition for longer.

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October 1, 2022

Clear Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Skincare Routine

A really good skincare routine is a must if you want to make sure that your face and your skin feel bright and hydrated. Skincare routines are becoming more popular than ever and you will always see the adverts for new products detailing amazing ways to make sure that your skin looks and feels great. There are still people out there, however, with a complexion that they are not happy with, but often it’s not the skin that’s the problem – it’s the routine behind it.

Are you using the right face serum? Are you helping your skin routine with vitamins or cannabinoid capsules? There are so many signs that you need to change your skin care routine and upgrade your products, because the reason behind your issues could be the products that you are using right now. Let’s take a look at the signs that you need to upgrade your skincare routine.

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  • You are dealing with breakouts. If you are getting repeated patterns of stubborn spots but you are not able to get rid of them, it’s because these are often caused by skin-care with too much oil in it. Check the ingredients in your current moisturizer and check the face serum that you are currently using. It might be time to change to something a little bit lighter, so cut out the creepy face washes or night oils and see if you noticed an improvement first.
  • Your skin is drying out and beginning to flake. Dry, flaky skin can be caused by lack of moisture. It’s not just a lack of oil that could be the problem and it’s usually what people will assume. With a good hydrating serum, ensuring you are hydrating your body through the day, and stopping over cleansing, you need to make sure that you will be able to fix the dry and flaky skin issue that you are dealing with. Check out the cleansers that you are using, and switch to something creamy or more of a bomb if the foaming cleanser you are using is drying you out.
  • You are dealing with blackheads. Nobody should have to continue to deal with blocked pores, and that’s the cause of blackheads. Blackheads can be caused by using products that contain too much oil, but it also could be caused by a lack of exfoliation. Check the ingredients of your products to ensure that they are not too oily, and make sure that you are keeping up a regular exfoliation routine. If you want to get rid of blackheads, consider micro dermabrasion as an option.
  • Your skin is sensitive. Any products that are harsh or irritating can cause sensitivity and reactive skin. A strong cleanser, a powerful preservative, essential oils and even products with too many ingredients are all known to cause sensitivity in your skin. If you swap over to a gentle brand, the sensitivity in your skin should reduce and you should feel the effects pretty much straight away.
  • Your skin is looking dull and feeling rough. In effective exfoliators can result in lackluster skin. If you don’t exfoliate enough, the buildup of that skin makes your face look dull.

 

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September 23, 2022

Enjoy these two new beauty product launches from CHI & Vitabrid C12

We love to share news about new product launches, so check these out from CHI & Vitabrid C12…

Vitabrid C12 Scalp+ Shampoo

Vitabrid c 12

Promoting the “skinification” of hair care, this upgraded shampoo utilizes collagen boosting peptides that nourish hair follicles and strengthen the scalp to promote fuller, voluminous hair at the roots. It is powered by its unique formula Secret Code P-151™ = Peptibrid (a proprietary form of peptide) + Peptide Complex + Vitabrid CG (patented 12-hour active vitamin C).

Together, this perfectly blended combination has unlocked the skin’s ability to effectively absorb its novel peptides to further promote collagen, improve overall scalp firmness and elasticity and strengthen the roots to prevent hair loss. One of the shampoo’s key ingredients also includes a DHT blocker.

It effectively yet gently cleanses the scalp, clogged hair follicles and hair while helping to protect the scalp from aging, maintaining healthy, fuller hair. It infuses 97% naturally derived ingredients to help cleanse while encouraging the perfect environment for optimal scalp health, leaving hair roots stronger and volumized.

Chi

Combining the technology of both a curling iron and flat iron into one, this easy- to-use tool is ideal for consumers looking to ease the struggle of curling with a flat iron, while giving hair more body, bounce and staying power. CHI’s Ion Technology emits negative ions to reduce frizz and increase shine, while our Cool Air Technology and Dual Floating Plates help to instantly set your curls and lock-in shine and natural moisture with every twist! Together, this helps create smoother creaseless curls that last. With the CHI AirTwist™ Curling Wand, you can create loose beachy waves, tight ringlets, or voluminous bouncy curls all with one convenient tool.

$108.98 from https://chi.com/chi-products/curling-irons-and-wands/chi-airtwist-curling-wand/

 

 

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September 16, 2022

Is It Possible To Look Much Younger Than You Are

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How we look is often a balance determined between several lifestyle factors and our genetics. Some people just age better than others, and that’s okay. Plus, ‘looking old,’ is not necessarily a bad thing, there are many people who grow old gracefully and aren’t afraid to show their age.

But what if you hope to look younger than you are, more representative of your youthful spirit rather than how many times you’ve rotated around the sun? Well, it’s possible to achieve that, of course. There’s nothing wrong with this goal either, as most people agree that crowns or dentures can help those who lose their teeth, while procedures like dermal fillers can be suitable for some too.

But what other measures may be worth your time? In this post, we’ll discuss a few practical tips to help you get started:

Worthwhile Skincare

Skincare is a great way of securing your youthful looks over the years, because we tend to look better when our skin is healthy and well-kept. This can mean avoiding constant exposure to the sun if possible or using protective sunscreen, avoiding too many vices like smoking or drinking too much alcohol, and eating a healthy diet.

Sometimes, worthwhile treatments like dermal fillers can be appropriate too – or the treatment of more pressing skin conditions like eczema or acne, which you should never feel embarrassed about as both are quite common. Skincare that remains sustainable should be appreciated above all because they’re most likely to have a pressing effect.

Fitted Age-Appropriate Clothes

It may seem as though ‘dressing younger’ is something that helps you look younger, but actually, that’s not always the case. There’s no limit to what you ‘should’ be wearing so don’t feel as if this is a judgement, but it could be that once you enter your thirties, dressing in smarter wear, fitted garments, and higher quality materials can help you look younger and more present than graphic tees and a range of other explosive colors and logos. As ironic as it sounds, dressing for the tastes you have now rather than trying to fit a youthful standard helps you look younger, because it shows you’re more sure in yourself – even when you dress to impress.

Natural Confidence

Rock what you have to work with. This is a simple rule, but it works. When you’re unashamed in who you are, you walk with confidence, you’re not afraid to hold your head up and you don’t shy away from people, you naturally look younger and full of vigor. Someone can quite literally determine how old they look by how they carry themselves, even if they’re wearing an identical outfit. So – focus on your posture, on how you greet people, and the practices that help you feel most yourself – even if that means using a few confidence affirmations each morning to get you in the right headspace. After a little while this becomes natural and simply part of who you are.

With this advice, you’re sure to see how looking younger than you are isn’t a science experiment, but in caring for yourself and remaining young at heart.

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September 16, 2022

The Best Treatment Options For Getting The Skin You Desire

There are many different treatment options available when it comes to getting the skin you desire. Therefore, it is essential to do your research and find the best option for you. The following blog post will discuss the various treatment options available and what each one can offer you.

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#1 Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a popular treatment option for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin. The laser is used to remove the outer layer of skin, which can help to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and scars. It can also help to even out the skin tone and texture.

Laser resurfacing can be done in two different ways: ablative and non-ablative. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work below the surface of the skin. Both types of laser resurfacing can effectively improve your skin’s appearance.

Laser resurfacing is typically done in a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. The number of treatments you will need will depend on your goals and your skin condition. Laser resurfacing has some risks, such as infection and scarring. Talking to your doctor about these risks before undergoing the procedure is essential.

#2 Thread Lift

Thread lifts are a minimally invasive option to tighten sagging skin on the face and neck. A thread lift is performed by using thin needles to insert threads made of biocompatible material under the skin. The threads are then pulled tight and tied in place to lift the skin.

Thread lifts can be performed in a doctor’s office with local anesthesia and usually take less than an hour. There is minimal downtime after a thread lift, and patients can typically return to their normal activities within a few days. However, be sure to take some time and do research on thread lift before and after to ensure you make an informed decision.

Thread lifts provide immediate results that continue to improve over time as the skin adjusts to the lifted position. Results from a thread lift can last for several years, but they are not permanent.

#3 Fillers

Fillers are a great option if you want to add volume to your skin. Fillers can be injected into the skin to plump it up and give it a youthful appearance. There are many different types of fillers available, so be sure to ask your doctor which one is right for you.

Fillers can be a great way to get the skin you desire without surgery. They are relatively affordable and have little-to-no downtime. However, results from fillers typically only last for six months to a year before they need to be injected again.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, other treatment options can help you achieve the skin you desire. Talk to your doctor to see which option is right for you.

In conclusion, many different treatment options are available for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin. It is essential to do your research and talk to your doctor to find the best option for you. With so many options available, there is sure to be a treatment that can help you achieve the skin you desire.

(Image Credit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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September 15, 2022

Making a Statement on the Beach

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sand between your toes and the sun on your skin. The sound of waves crashing against the shore is soothing, and the smell of salt water is refreshing. So many people have no better place to relax than on a beach. But beaches aren’t just for relaxation–they’re also a great place to show off your style! This blog post will talk about how to make a statement on the beach and discuss everything from clothes to accessories to hair and makeup. So whether you’re hitting the beach this summer or just dreaming about it, read on for some fashion tips that will help you look your best!

1) Clothing:

When it comes to clothes, less is definitely more on the beach. You want to be able to move freely and not have to worry about your clothing constricting you in any way. That being said, there are still plenty of ways to show off your style with what you wear. For example, opt for a printed bikini or swimsuit if you’re a fan of prints and patterns. Or, if you prefer solid colors, try a bright hue like orange or yellow. And don’t forget about cover-ups! A cute sundress, beach graphic tees or pair of shorts can go a long way in making sure you’re both comfortable and stylish.

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2) Accessories:

The right accessories can take your beach look from ordinary to extraordinary.

  •  First, a wide-brimmed sun hat is a must for protecting your face from the sun and is also very chic.
  • Second, sunglasses are another essential–not only do they protect your eyes, but they can also help you make a statement.
  • Third, if you want to add a pop of color, try choosing a pair with brightly colored frames.
  • And finally, don’t forget about jewellery! A delicate necklace or bracelet can add just the right amount of sparkle to your outfit.

3) Hair and Makeup:

When it comes to hair and makeup, less is definitely more on the beach. You don’t want your makeup to melt off in the heat, and you don’t want your hair to get frizzy from the humidity. That being said, there are still some ways to add a bit of polish to your look. For example, try wearing it in a loose braid or ponytail if you have long hair. And if you have short hair, consider adding a cute headband or barrette. As for makeup, a little bit of mascara and lip balm can go a long way. Just remember–the goal is to look natural, so don’t overdo it!

4) Having fun:

Of course, the most important thing to remember when hitting the beach is to have fun! So whether you’re going for a swim, sunbathing, or just taking a walk along the shore, make sure to enjoy yourself. After all, that’s what vacations are all about!

In conclusion, making a statement on the beach is all about finding the right balance between comfort and style. By choosing the right clothes, accessories, and hair and makeup, you can look great and feel confident no matter what you’re doing. So go ahead and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf–make sure you do it in style!

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September 15, 2022

3 Quick Ways To Look After Your Appearance

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Everyone needs to look after their appearance. If they don’t, they’ll end up suffering from acne breakouts and similar issues. They’ll look increasingly worse and worse. Figuring out how to look after your appearance the right way can be complicated, however.

Over time, you may need to change things, as your body ages and needs different care. It doesn’t need to be as time-consuming and confusing as you’d first think, however. While there are multiple ways to look after your appearance, three options stand out.

They’ll take relatively little effort, but help you look as amazing as you want.

How To Look After Your Appearance: 3 Top Picks

1. Have A Skincare Routine

One of the more obvious ways to look after your appearance is to have a high-quality skincare routine. Even saying that could make you cringe at the amount of time and effort you think it’ll take. It doesn’t need to be as complicated as you’d think.

A great skincare routine could only take a  few minutes to get done every morning. Even something as little as using the right moisturizer could be more than enough to help you start looking better.

With the wealth of options on the market, you shouldn’t have a problem finding the right one for you.

2. Get The Right Treatments

No matter how much effort you put into your skincare routine, sometimes it doesn’t take care of everything. You could need to consider getting some additional treatments. Everything from mole removal to anti aging treatments could benefit you in various ways.

If you’re considering this, you should make sure you get the right ones for you. Focus on the ones that’ll benefit you the most and that tackle issues you might have with your appearance.

3. Take Care Of Your Scalp

When many people think of an unhealthy scalp and hair, they assume it comes out in split ends and similar issues. While these can often be a sign you need to look after your hair more, they’re far from the only thing you’ll need to look at.

You’ll also need to consider the scalp itself. It needs just as much care as your hair, if not more. You should put in the time and effort to look after it, as problems with your scalp naturally end up in problems with the rest of your hair.

That could be as simple as getting a shampoo and condition that looks after your scalp, but it might also be worth considering additional treatments.

How To Look After Your Appearance: Wrapping Up

Not knowing how to look after your appearance could mean you end up looking worse than you’d want to. Everyone wants to avoid that, and look amazing. It doesn’t need to involve nearly as much effort as you’d think, however.

Quite a few ways to look after your appearance can be customized to your lifestyle and shouldn’t take up much time or effort. Getting the right treatments, taking care of your scalp, and having a high-quality skincare routine could be all you’d need.

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September 15, 2022

4 Of The Major Keys To Confidence

Confidence is something that all of us would agree to wanting more of in life. Of course, it’s not always that easy to come across, and it’s the kind of thing that you might find needs a little development before you can really expect it to be there fully in your life. However, there are a few keys in particular which are definitely worth looking into here. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of these specifically, so you can hope to have a much better approach to your own innate confidence soon enough.

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Recognizing It As Innate

We have just said that confidence is an innate thing, and this really is true – it’s something that you already have and which you just need to develop a little if you are going to be able to feel more confident in yourself in general. Confidence is merely the feeling you already have inside of being you, and the more you can tune into this, the more confident you are going to feel and naturally be outwardly as well. So if you can remember that, this is already going to be a good start for helping you to feel a lot better in yourself.

Smiling

A lot can be said for a simple smile. If you are enjoying life, and who you are, then you are going to find yourself smiling a lot more, quite naturally. This is something that you can always look into, as it happens, if you want to make sure that you feel confident in your daily life. A good smile can be the difference between confidence and its opposite. So you might want to look into getting a smile makeover if you feel that is necessary, or simply trying to enjoy your own smile a little more. That can really go a long way.

Playing To Your Strengths

Confident people still have flaws, it’s just that they don’t really focus on them as much. If you want to feel confident, it’s important to play to your strengths in whatever way you can. Just doing that is often enough to feel much better in yourself, and it’s the kind of thing that you can easily do if you want to, right now. Just think about what your strengths are and how you might be able to make the best use of them, and that should make a huge difference.

Treating Others Right

People often overlook this, and yet it is one of the most important elements of all to feeling confident. If you want to be as confident as possible, you need to make sure that you are treating other people how you would like to be treated. Just doing that will ensure that you feel a lot better in yourself, and that is going to help you to get in touch with your own confidence much more easily, so it’s definitely something that you will want to think about. It’s going to make a huge difference.

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September 7, 2022

The “Retinol Coupling” Skincare Trend

Retinol Coupling results

Gorgeous Retinol Coupling results

The A Method®’s licensed esthetician Madelyn Cusimano shares how Retinol Coupling promotes healthy collagen production while visibly reducing the look of dark spots, uneven texture and signs of aging and discoloration caused by the sun and other factors.

How do I try the Retinol Coupling trend?

Start with clean dry skin and apply The A Method®’s Skin Perfecting Serum first. You do not need to wait long. Skin Perfecting Serum absorbs quickly into the skin, so just wait until it has absorbed into the skin. Then, apply Retinol of Pearls.

What does the Skin Perfecting Serum do?

This serum is a 6-acid blend that is going to target fine/lines, pigmentation, skin texture, decongestion of pores, and it’s also a skin brightener with the 10% tranexamic acid. It also has a pH of 1.5, so we know the product is definitely absorbing into the skin as well as balancing the skin closer to that perfect 4.5-5.5 pH range. Our skin naturally fluctuates in pH from topical agents, free radical damage, acne, taking medications, etc. When our skin is too alkaline, it’s in an agitated state and needs something to help balance its pH out so that it’s not in a constant state of irritation and inflammation. Most acne lies in the 7.5-8.5 pH range making it very difficult for the skin to take in any products without becoming more irritated because the skin is in an already irritated state at that pH. Skin Perfecting Serum is going to be a great product to use before Pearls of Retinol because it sets up the perfect environment for maximum product penetration. Allowing the skin to get the most out of the product.

How does the Pearls of Retinol work?

The pearls hold micro-encapsulated All-Trans retinol stable until mixing with the hydrating serum base when pumped through the dispenser. This also creates the perfect micro-dosing scenario that is supported by hydrating ingredients to avoid dryness, redness and irritation. You’ll see in the retinol world; people’s skin becomes very dry when using retinol alone with no follow up products on the skin. With Pearls of Retinol, you’ll experience the anti-aging, skin balancing benefits of All-Tans Retinol with less irritation, and better moisture balance for improved results after consistent nightly use.

The serum base features a unique mixture of ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol, 24K Gold and several natural extracts that aid in moisture retention all of which are mixed with water. Water is the driver for retinol to absorb properly into the skin.

What makes this magic happen?

The magic happens when the low molecular weight of the Skin Perfecting Serum is able to dive deep within the skin, setting up the perfect environment for the Pearls of Retinol to distribute or as we like to say “micro-dose” the retinol within the deeper layers of the epidermis. At the same time the Pearls of Retinol provides hydration to the skin to avoid that itchy, red skin that happens while using retinol.

How often do you use both? daily?

Begin by using this combo 2-3X a week. On the days you aren’t using the combo, use only the Pearl of Retinol. This will help to build your skin’s tolerance, leading up to using the combo 7X days a week. If you have never used a retinol before, then I would use the combo 1-2X a week and then pick another day of that week to use only the Pearls of Retinol by itself. You can build your skin tolerance from there based on how your skin is responding.

How soon would you see results? 

If you’re using it consistently 6-8 weeks you should start seeing results.

The A Method® Pearls of Retinol – 0.5% – $104 & 1% – $124 via https://theamethod.com/product/pearls-of-retinol/

The A Method® Skin Perfecting Serum – $100 via https://theamethod.com/product/skin-perfecting-serum/

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