The 6 Best Holiday Dresses

With these holiday dresses in your closet, you'll be ready for any party, from cocktails with your co-workers, to dinner with the family to hosting your own bash.

1. Day to Night Holiday Dress

Pair this Aqua combo dress with a black blazer and tights for your work day. When it's time to party, lose the jacket, pile on the pearls and trade the tights for a black lacy pair. While this looks like it's two pieces, it's actually a dress, so no worrying about your top coming untucked. The scoop neck is flirty without crossing the line into office inappropriate.

2. Dinner With the Family

When you're headed to dinner with the 'rents (yours or his), this classic Banana Republic sheath dress is a timeless choice. The red satin couldn't be more festive and the pleats at the waist flatter nearly every figure. You'll be wearing this dress for years to come.

3. Hostess Dress

Zip up this silk and metallic Jones New York jacquard dress when you're the one throwing the party. The pattern will help hide any cooking or drink spills, while the longer length lets you bend to remove the cookies from the oven or greet the little ones and stretch to reach the pitcher on a high shelf without putting on a show.

4. Little Black Holiday Party Dress

A LBD is always an easy choice — for the holidays, step it up a notch with festive layers and pleats like this J. Crew crinkle cascade dress. For added flair, remove the sash and replace with a brightly colored belt. Bonus: the crinkled fabric will hid wrinkles, so no need to iron this baby.

5. New Year's Eve Dress

If there's ever a night to sparkle, it's New Year's Eve. This Rachel Rachel Roy dress has vertical crinkles that will elongate and slenderize your figure and the racerback will show off toned shoulders. Like the J. Crew option, it will never need to be ironed.

6. Trendy Holiday Party Dress

If you're looking to make a bold statement, look no further than this Cynthia Rowley number. It has a number of trends in one: the bright pink is '80s inspired and the one shoulder couldn't be more in vogue this holiday season. You won't need to accessorize much, just slip on your fave black pumps and you're ready for anything.

Best Multi-Purpose Concealer

By Anne Fritz, About.com Guide

recently read that concealer is the beauty equivalent of a power nap. So true! There's no quicker way to fake a good night's sleep or cover up a blemish than with a good concealer. We all need a go-to one in our beauty arsenal. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector is mine. Read on to see if it's right for you.
How Does the Concealer Work?
The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector is actually a highlighter and concealer in one handy tube. The light reflecting highlighter end has a brush for easy application, while the concealer end has a wand for spot coverage.
How Do I Use It?

Apply the highlighter under your eyes to cover dark circles or in the corner of eyes, along the brow bone, in the cupid's bow of your lip and along the sides of your nose to add luminous touches to your face. Blend with your fingers or a makeup sponge.

Dot the concealer on blemishes, age spots, broken capillaries or other areas you want to cover. Don't overblend, because you'll lose too much coverage. Let is set for 10 seconds before applying foundation or powder on top.
How Did it Perform?
I used the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector under my foundation and powder. The concealer didn't budge the entire day. I added a touch more highlighter in the afternoon to brighten up the dark circles under my eye. Even on a second application, it didn't settle into my fine lines, like other concealers I've used. The tube slipped easily into my purse for on the go touch ups.
Is It Right for You?
If both concealing and highlighting are part of your makeup routine, you can't beat Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector. It's unbelievably handy to have both in a single product. I particularly like the highlighter as it's similar to the far pricier cult favorites YSL Touche Eclat. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector comes in four shades from light to dark.

Easy Eyebrow Shaping

he first time I ever had my eyebrows professionally shaped, my mom took one look at me and said it was the best money I had ever spent. A well-groomed eyebrow is a shortcut to a pulled together look: it can balance out your features and make you look more polished and awake.

Finding the right shape for you, however, can be a little tricky. I checked in with the experts at the Shobha Salon in New York for advice:

* If you have a round face, a high-arched, angular brow will make your face look thinner.
* Conversely, if you have a long face, a more horizontal eyebrow with an arch that is further out towards your hair line will make your face appear fuller.
* A heart-shaped or square face is balanced out by round eyebrows.
* To minimize a large nose, aim for highly arched, dark or thick eyebrows.
* Eyes will look larger with thin, angled brows.
* Rounder brows will soften a sharp or pointy chin.
* Large eyes are more proportional with thicker, dark colored brows.
* If you wear glasses, pick a pair that matches the shape of your brow, instead of attempting to make your brow match the frames.

How to Make Nail Polish Dry Faster

Love the look of manicured nails, but hate waiting for nail polish to dry? Celebrity manicurist Erica Marton shares her advice.



Q. How do I get nail polish to dry faster?

A. The best tricks are: 1. Even coats of polish. 2. Wait at least a minute in between coats if you are doing multiples, including a base and top coat.

Q. Do you always recommend two coats of color?

A. It all depends on the person. If a client comes in and straight out asks me what will last longer I always go for one coat, plus it dries super fast. But some people love two coats because it last longer for them.

Q. What’s an option to nail polish?

A. For my clients who hate to wait for nail polish to dry, I always do a buff shine. It last for a month on toes and two weeks on fingernails. I use a buffer to “shine” the nails.

Q. How thick or thin should the layer of nail polish be?

A. A layer of polish should ALWAYS be even and thin and never. thick.

Q. Does drying nails with a fan work?

A. I prefer for my clients to wait and let nails air dry on their own. For the purple light fans to work, a nail technician has to use a special top coat that hardens to polish, butmost manicurist don’t use that top coat because its very expensive. If the salon isn’t the right temperature the fan can cause bubbles in the polish.

Q. Do you have any quick drying top coats or oils that you like?

A. My favorite quick dry in the world is Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. It’s amazing! I also have another favorite quick dry helper, I feel I would be lost without, QTICA Half Time Polish Drying Accelerator. It dries polish rock hard in 5 to 7 minutes. It’s a little pricey though. The closest thing to it is Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops.

5-Minute Face

smile :-)

I know, I know. You barely have time to eat breakfast in the morning, much less apply makeup. But these five key products are easy to apply, longwearing and will have you glowing and gorgeous in 5 minutes flat.


1. Best Concealer
I recently read that concealer is the beauty equivalent of a power nap. So true! There's no quicker way to fake a good night's sleep or cover up a blemish than with a good concealer. We all need a go-to one in our beauty arsenal.


2. Best Tinted Moisturizer
Whether your skin is uneven, blotchy or dull looking, we all can use a little help from time to time. A good tinted moisturizer or foundation can be an easy shortcut to looking rested and beautiful. Does the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 live up to the hype?


3. Best Cream Blush
You may have seen those new ads with Ellen DeGeneres touting the benefits of the new CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush. I put it to the longwearing test.


4. Best Longwearing Mascara
No woman's cosmetic bag can be complete without a longwearing mascara that doesn’t smudge. When I’m in a huge rush, as compared to just my usual, I’ll skip everything except mascara and gloss. I feel naked without it. How does Kiehl's Marvelous Mineral Mascara perform?


5. Best Long-Lasting Lip Gloss
I’m always on the lookout for a long-lasting lip gloss. I love the shine of gloss—it’s an instant way to make lips look plumper—but so many brands wear off before I’ve even finished my first cup of coffee. On the other end of the gloss spectrum, I find many so-call long-wearing glosses are overly sticky or end up forming unattractive lip crusties after a few hours. With that in mind, I put Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 to the test.

Smart Packing Tips

You’ll never have to check your luggage for a weekend trip again with these smart packing tips:

* Lay your clothes out on your bed to go over your selections. Select one outfit per day and one outfit per night out. Always bring a sweater, even if you’re headed to the beach, because the weather can be unpredictable, as can air conditioning levels.
* Limit the number of shoes you bring. Shoes are heavy and take up a lot of room in your suitcase. Try to keep it to no more than three pairs of shoes (daytime, evening and sneakers).
* Take the biggest bag you can carry on, currently that’s 24” x 16” x 10” for most domestic flights, like this Alpha bag from Tumi. You may not think you’ll need all the room, but you never know. You may end up shopping, have work folders to carry home or may even be in a rush when you repack to come home. If your bag is bigger, you can toss everything in easier.
* Roll your clothes first, before you pack anything, except for items that will wrinkle. Stuff smaller items like tanks, panties and socks in your shoes. Pack the shoes with the clothing in them at the bottom of your bag. This keeps your bag balanced. Fill in the space with the rolled clothes, making sure to fill every nook and cranny of the bag.
* Once you have all the rolled items in, place the items you don’t want to get wrinkled in a dry cleaning bag. Fold them carefully across the top.
* Pack all liquids and other toiletries in your purse, where you can easily retrieve them at the security line.

Little Black Dressses For Every Figure

There’s nothing easier for a cocktail party, special dinner out or wedding than a little black dress. All you need is a trusty pair of heels, a cocktail bag and a piece or two of your favorite jewelry and you're all set for any last minute invites that come your way. Find the perfect little black dress for your figure.


1. Balance a Pear Shape
A little black dress that's fitted on top with a fuller skirt or slimmer A-line will show off your narrow waist, while hiding a bigger bottom. Add a skinny belt or brightly colored sash to this dress for a stylish twist. This dress from Shopbop is a bargain, too.


2. Hide a Big Bust
A sleeveless sheath will help minimize your assets. The funnel neck on this Ann Taylor little black dress helps distract the eye upwards, visually slimming your bust. Skip the necklace and wear with a pair of chandelier earrings.


3. Enhance a Small Chest
The crisscrossed bodice on this dress creates the illusion of a larger chest. Pair it with your favorite push up bra for added cleavage. The Adrianna Papell dress also comes in blue and green.


4. Camouflage a Belly
Similar to a dress that while hide a large chest, look for a loose unstructured dress. Chances are, you have fab legs, so opt for a dress that hits at the knees or shorter. This Milly little black dress has a flattering key hole back. Wear it with a stack of bangles on one arm.


5. Show Off Your Shoulders
Hey—you spend hours at the gym getting those Michelle Obama-worthy arms, shoulders and back, so why not show your physique off? The halter neckline and open back on this La Femme dress sets off shoulders and backs sexily. Tone down the accessories, because this dress is a statement of its own!
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6. Best All Around
The Black Halo Jackie O little black dress magically transforms every woman who puts it on into an Audrey Hepburn ingenue. Something about the cut, the drape of the fabric and the skinny belt just works.

Best Flats for Fall

In opinion from Anne Fritz from About.com

I was inspired by a recent conversation with Lloyd Boston, host of The Fine Living Network's "Closet Cases", author of Before You Buy That and Jones of New York "Style Guy," to reconsider my collection of flats. He suggests breaking away from the tried and true black and instead opting for a bright, metallic or patterned pair of flats. “It spices up a conservative outfit and makes it younger and more stylish and fun.” Not to mention flats are super-comfy!

Here’s a selection of colorful, patterned and fashionable flats to add to your fall closet.

1. Gold Flats
Photo © Piperlime
Gold goes with everything and adds a fun touch of glam to your daytime outfits. Try these Cynthia Vincent Belle Flats with skinny jeans, A-line skirts, even your favorite little black dress.


2. Red and Black Plaid Flats
Photo © DSW
Plaid is the pattern for fall. While a plaid flannel probably isn’t appropriate for your office and you may be past the age where you can get away with a plaid school girl jumper, these Rocket Dog flats are an easy way to wear the trend.


3. Leopard Print Flats
Photo © Steve Madden
These shoes are the right way to wear leopard print: the sexy pattern is used on a traditional style of shoe, it’s unexpected and sexy, without crossing the line to overly risqué. Try these Steve Madden Snipp pony hair shoes with jeans, black leggings or anything red.


4. Embellished Gray Flats
Photo © Piperlime
Snake-embossed flats with grommets have a punk-rock edge but are still totally work-appropriate in gray. Wear them with suits, red, navy, even black. These Coconuts Eddie flats are vegan, so they’re eco-conscious to boot.


5. Classic Croc Print Flats
Photo © Aerosoles
If you work in a very conservative office, try these brown crocodile print flats with your suit. They’re ultra-comfy Aerosoles so you can wear them on the subway or race around the office without getting blisters.


6. Pink Tweed Flats
Photo © Kate Spade
These Kate Spade Newbury flats are the classic Chanel jacket reinterpreted for your feet. Wear them with jeans and a blazer, gray slacks or a simple shirt dress.


7. Yellow Jeweled Flats
Photo ©: Zappos
You’ll be surprised about how much use you get out of these Juicy Couture Annette yellow patent shoes. When you wear them, just go easy on the rest of your accessories: Pair with a winter white or tan handbag.


8. Black Patent Flats
Photo © Zappos
If you can’t bear to part with basic black, opt for a patent pair of flats; the shine is more elegant than regular leather. The turn lock adds an element of sophistication.