REPOST: A global accent on the L.A. runways

Different designers from other countries have been given a chance to showcase their collections on the L.A. runways.  Read more from this LATimes.com article.

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Designers came from as far away as Istanbul and as nearby as Santa Monica to show their collections during the handful of disparate events that make up Los Angeles Fashion Week.

Image Source: digmagonline.com

But the one thing they had in common was an admiration for L.A. as a global style mecca, from the skateboard culture that inspired L.A. designer Mike Vensel's grungy nod to his '80s and '90s youth to the Hollywood red carpet that is the holy grail for Turkish designer Özgür Masur, who is already well known for dressing film and TV stars in his intricately beaded gowns in Turkey and now hopes to make it here.

Masur was one of several haute carpetbaggers to bring their collections to Los Angeles during the market "week" that ran from March 9-18. His show at the event called Concept Los Angeles was part of a new effort to showcase Turkish designers. His gowns — draped goddess styles with cowl backs or fronts, scarf-like details, illusion mesh and intricate beading climbing over a shoulder or down a sleeve — were beautifully made and sophisticated enough for an A-lister.

Another highlight of Concept was Camelia Skikos, a Romanian from the Bay Area who launched her own fashion label after a stint as head of customization at Levi's. Her electric-hued, graphic mini-dresses, asymmetrical tops and pants were inspired by a San Francisco street map. Emily Daccarett, who is from Madera, Calif., showed a collection of sexy, '60s looks inspired by B-movie sirens. (Think "Barbarella"-like mini-dresses, swingy tops and hot pants.)

Vensel, who is both a Santa Monica-based designer and the organizer of Concept Los Angeles, titled his collection "Nothing," though it was hardly that. He showed 22 looks, including wrap dresses and drapey skirts, vests and capes in soft plaid flannels, denim and twill, with a grunge girl glam.

At the event called Style Fashion Week, New York-based Betsey Johnson was one of the star attractions. Her collection, a reprise of the one she showed just weeks ago in New York, was called "Hot." It was a cacophony of bright color, a zoo's worth of animal prints, a mother lode of metallics, acres of sparkly sequins and yards of thigh-high striped stockings — sometimes all in the same look. This was Johnson doing what she's been doing for years: crayon box color lace bodysuits, shaggy vests, crystal-studded leggings, skirts and dresses festooned with rose prints or cherries. And the audience ate it up. So, too, may viewers at home, since the show was taped for potential broadcast on "America's Next Top Model."

Image Source: laweekly.com

From closer to home, there was L.A.-based Michael Costello, who made fashion headlines when he dressed Beyoncé in a white lace gown at the Grammy Awards. His MT Costello ready-to-wear range included burgundy gowns in stretch satin, va-va-voom curve-hugging strapless gowns in red velvet, black lace gowns, black beaded dresses with an Art Deco vibe and a handful of leather pieces, some with all-over perforations, others with laser-cut designs. The Michael Costello made-to-order collection was dominated by icy white, body-conscious dresses in lace, beading and chiffon. The standout silhouette, whether in peekaboo lace, mesh or both, was the curve-hugging hourglass that flared out at the bottom to fishtail effect, just like the one Beyoncé wore.

There were a couple of showcase events worth noting. The Council of Fashion Designers of America brought its up-and-coming CFDA Incubator designers to town to meet L.A. stylists, buyers and media at an event at the W Hotel in Hollywood. Among the highlights? Timo Weiland's graphic double knit dresses, metallic leather separates and tux dresses; Ari Dein's sleepwear with a luxe-bohemian vibe and Jonathan Simkhai's sport-inspired Neoprene-backed pinstripe jersey and shorts, and crocodile cutout dress. "We see the value in showing these designers in L.A.," said CFDA deputy director Kelly McCauley. "There is a hunger for fashion here."

And the Los Angeles Fashion Council swapped its usual runway for a rooftop downtown. Among the collections on display was Linden, inspired by a visit to LACMA's James Turrell retrospective. The result was garments that, much like Turrell's work, reveal themselves the more intently you study them, including a gray sweater flecked nearly imperceptibly with gold Lurex and another top that, at first glance, appeared to be a gauzy black fabric layered over a white shirt but in reality was a sweater that achieved that effect thanks to subtle swirls of gray fiber mixed among the black.

Another one to watch? Together, which is the name of a colorful new line designed and sewn by Lily Chehrazi featuring dye sublimation prints adapted from nature photos taken by her photographer boyfriend, Benedict Barrett.

                                                              Image Source: willdomedia.com

"It's high-tech active glamwear," said Chehrazi, "and it's super sustainable."

The designer pointed to a sleeveless crop top and knee-length skirt in a print that included green lily pads and purple flowers. "For example, that skirt and top are made of recycled water bottles ... with just a little bit of Spandex."

Follow this Lou Habash Twitter page for more articles and ideas about latest fashion trends.

REPOST: 8 Surprising Habits That Make You Look Older

What habits can make you look older? Know and avoid them by reading this article from Oprah.com.

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Your Book-Club-Night Snacks

The habit: Bingeing on hors d'oeuvres like crackers, flatbreads and cookies. 

Why it's making you look older: Consuming refined carbohydrates and sugar results in a rapid spike in blood sugar, explains Whitney Bowe, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York. The sugar molecules travel through the blood to all the cells in our body, linking up with fats and proteins. When that sugar links to collagen (the protein that gives skin its elasticity) without the presence of an enzyme, a process called glycation occurs, Bowe explains. The resulting collagen-sugar combo is stiffer, and that can lead to wrinkles and compromised circulation to the skin. 

The fix: Snack on nuts, yogurt, edamame—all low-glycemic foods that are better for you skin (and the rest of you, too).

Image Source: doctorwhocrafts.com

Your Workout

The habit: Wincing, squinting, groaning and straining your facial muscles while lifting weights. 

Why it's making you look older: You know that squinting can cause wrinkles, and that's why you invested in those broad-spectrum UV sunglasses. But bright sunlight isn't the only thing that makes you squint. Bowe says straining your facial muscles while doing exercise can have the same affect. 

The fix: Do a few reps in front of a mirror to see if you're practicing incorrect "face form." If you are, try to focus on your breathing during reps: It's hard to scrunch up your face while inhaling and exhaling.

Your Sleek, Sexy Ponytail or Chignon

The habit: Wearing your hair like a Robert Palmer backup singer. 

Why it's making you look older: Repeated tugging on the root of the hair can lead to traction alopecia, or a receding hairline, Bowe says. 

The fix: Bowe reassures us that this type of hair loss is easily reversible—if caught early. Instead of pulling your hair into a tight ponytail, she suggests getting it off your face with a messy off-duty-model bun.

Your Healthy-Eating Resolution

The habit: Avoiding fat. 

Why it's making you look older: Healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids, calm inflammation throughout the body, says Bowe, making your skin less likely to break out in acne, rosacea and other conditions that result in redness. Omega-3s also prevent the breakdown of plumping collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. 

The fix: While no one's stopping you from limiting your saturated-fat intake, make sure you're still eating food with healthy, unsaturated fats—like avocados, salmon, olive oil and flaxseeds.

Image Source: urogynics.org

Your Beauty Regimen

The habit: Overdoing it with supplements. 

Why it's making you look older: While oral supplements like vitamin E and CoQ10 may have antiaging benefits, it's possible to have too much of a good thing. Taking several antiaging beauty products at the same time can make the skin more delicate and vulnerable to bruising, says Melanie Grossman, MD, a clinical dermatologist based in Manhattan. Patients will come in and say that they're worried their skin is becoming more fragile with age, says Grossman, but it's really due to their overzealous efforts to keep their skin looking young. 

The fix: Ask your dermatologist to help you come up with a regimen that works for your skin.

Your Late-Afternoon Tic

The habit: Rubbing your eyes. 

Why it's making you look older: Not only can aggressive rubbing break your eyelashes and cause them to fall out, but it can also cause trauma to the under-eye area, turning the skin red and making you look extra-fatigued, Grossman says. It will go away, but not until you're able to keep your hands off your eyes. 

The fix: Develop a new habit that saves your vision and your youthful good looks: The 20-20-20 rule of looking at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Image Source: andreadrugay.wordpress.com

Your Get-Up-and-Go Breakfast

The habit: Drinking mango-pineapple smoothies. 

Why it's making you look older: We know what you're thinking: Fresh fruits and vegetables are supposed to be packed with antioxidants that fight the free radicals that damage skin cells. And they sure are, Bowe says, but juices that contain lots of fruit—and only fruit—tend to have sky-high levels of fructose. Even though fructose is a natural sugar, it can still lead to the glycation process (again!), which makes your skin look weary. 

The fix: Throw some kale into your blender. Bowe says that dark green, leafy greens have the highest amounts of those skin-saving antioxidants—including zinc, which helps to break down old collagen, build new collagen and prevent wrinkle formation.

Your Anti-Aging Skin Regime

The habit: Applying sunscreen daily—to your face only. 

Why it's making you look older: Although women have finally taken the sunscreen message to heart, far too many of us are still neglecting our hands, Bowe says (and she's not the only dermatologist who's shared this with us). Hands are already susceptible to indignities of aging, like a loss of fat that makes veins more prominent, and UV rays add insult to injury in the form of sunspots and wrinkles. 

The fix: Always remember to put sunscreen on the backs of your hands, especially when you're driving. UVA rays, which play a major part in skin aging, can penetrate glass. 

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As an image consultant, Lou Habash not only checks her clients' wardrobe, but she also evaluates her clients' lifestyle. More tips on how to improve yourself can be read on this blog site.

REPOST: GQ's Spring Preview 2014: Do the Continental

What's in for the gents this 2014? Read some style tips from GQ.com: 

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Every few years, men's style makes a dramatic shift, and right now a new breed of more worldly clothes is taking over. The new direction is less all-American prep and more European-refined—and very global in spirit. Which is why we tapped Bradley Cooper to lead our annual spring preview. You know the guy who once made playing jerks look too easy? Well, he's now an international box-office draw and Oscar nominee. (Speaks French, too!) Here, he kicks off our journey through the new world of international style
1. The Olive Suit: Italy's Answer to America's Khaki Fixation
Spring will be here faster than you can say "God, winter blows." And getting your head around how you want to dress in 2014 is the best way to avoid looking the same as last year. For inspiration, let's put down The Official Preppy Handbook and look across the pond. Take this cotton suit: It's got all the advantages of that old American standby, khaki (versatile, lightweight, totally not gray), but with a molto Italiano twist. If khaki is the Budweiser of suits, this is the Barolo.


2. White Jeans: Don't Let an Espresso Stain Stop You 
When we say Continental style, we don't mean Euro dudes in rhinestone tees and acid-washed jeans—we mean Europeans who have shown us how to wear jeans and T-shirts smarter and sharper than we ever imagined. How? They start with white jeans, then class them up with buttery loafers and expertly tailored blazers. This is the year we admit that sometimes the Old World does denim better, and rethink our approach.

3. The Polo That Says "My Country Club's in a Whole other Country" 
If you're still wearing polo shirts that look like glorified T-shirts with collars, you're missing out. Designers all over the world have taken the easy-to-wear concept, recut it so that aging golf duffers wouldn't recognize it, and refashioned it in slim-fitting cashmere or gradient colors. Other instant upgrades of the "Do the Continental" variety: Swap your chinos for slim slacks and slip into a pair of tassel loafers.

4. The Hottest Trend from Japan Since Sushi
Yes, we're calling this global style moment "Do the Continental," but inspiration is also coming from outside Europe—like the indigo trend from Japan. So what the hell is indigo? It's a warm navy color that looks like somebody spilled a little purple in the dye. The Japanese are addicted to it, dipping jeans and sweaters and bandannas in the stuff. But in the global era, regional trends don't stay regional for long, thanks to the World Wide Web and the time-honored tradition of designers jacking one another's shit. That's why indigo is suddenly in stores around the globe—and why regular ol' blue looks a little flat.


5. This Spring Your Sneakers Have a Higher Calling
In Milan, wearing a jacket and knit tie isn't "dressing up"—it's just getting dressed. So try this: Before going out one night, throw on a shirt, tie, and patterned jacket, but then add a pair of logoless canvas or leather sneakers. You'll be surprised where the look will take you, but we guarantee you'll be appropriately dressed regardless. Hey, any bon vivant worth his passport stamps is ready for anything, anytime—and this look does it all.


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Read more tips on fashion's ins and outs over at my other blog, LouHabash01.livejournal.com.

REPOST: The 10 Winter Layering Fashion Essentials Every Woman Should Own

Winter is the best time to experiment on layering. Take advantage of the cold months by knowing how to do it stylishly by following some tips from Glamour.com.

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These layer-friendly fashion essentials are the building blocks of a solid, stylish wardrobe—10 gotta-have-'em pieces that will get you through even the coldest of cold-weather seasons. Read on for more outfit ideas than you could imagine.

Must-Have Layering Piece: Skinny Jeans
Choose a pair of skinny jeans in a goes-with-anything color like black or dark blue and you'll be in the clear. Running errands? Tuck them into a pair of boots. Lunch with the girls? Borrow a page from Ashley Madekwe's style playbook and wear them with ballet flats and a leather jacket. And if you're heading out for a night on the town, pointy-toe heels and a drapey top will be your go-to look.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Cashmere Sweater
Nothing says off-duty prep like Kristen Stewart's crewneck cashmere sweater and blue oxford combination. Not your cup of tea? The wardrobe mainstay also goes with everything from skirts and printed trousers to leather pants and shorts.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Tissue-Thin Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
This easy-to-style shirt is not only the ideal layering piece, it also works almost any time of year. Beyoncé wears a hot pink tee on its own with wide-leg pants, but as the temperature drops, you can wear it as base under a chunky sweater.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Chambray Button-Down
Sick of the same old white button-down? Sub in a chambray blouse and spice things up! Make like Emma Stone and do denim on denim with a pop of color for a modern version of the Texas tuxedo.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Bright-Color Coat
From October to March, your outerwear is the first thing that everyone sees, so why not make a statement? Olivia Palermo's jacket adds a pop of color to an otherwise neutral-hue outfit.

Must-Have Layering Piece: Knee-High Boots
Warm and chic—two qualities we look for in cold-weather footwear—come together with the perfect pair of knee-high boots. Pippa Middleton's style is excellent for trolling the weekend farmers' market, while stacked-heel versions are appropriate for dressy occasions.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Knit Sweaterdress
For those days when you simply cannot imagine pulling on another pair of pants, go for a sweaterdress. Choose a formfitting one, or rock a more relaxed version like Ashley Tisdale's with the aforementioned layering essential knee-high boots.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Printed Scarf
Whether you choose a zigzag pattern similar to Jessica Chastain's or a classic leopard print, a printed scarf is sure to function as your windy-day BFF.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Sleeveless Shift Dress
Naya Rivera's flawlessly tailored version of this closet workhorse fits in at both the office and a cocktail party after work. Pair a shift dress with a bright bag and look-at-me pumps to complete the sophisticated outfit.

Must-Have Layering Piece: A Tuxedo Blazer
Less masculine than a boyfriend blazer and more polished than a leather jacket, a tuxedo jacket can be layered over a gown, worn with a blouse and shorts, or paired with matching pants to make a killer suit, like Janelle Monae's.

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Fashion is not just about clothes, but also about attitude. Learn it from the pro, Lou Habash, by following her on Google Plus.

REPOST: How To Dress For Winter Weather

What things should one remember when dressing up for winter? Read the details from this Weather.com article:

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What a difference the right clothing can make. The weather may be cold, windy and wet, but you're warm and dry because you're wearing authentic winter apparel. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or just running errands, versatile winter apparel is worth the investment.

Shopping for winter clothing can seem a bit overwhelming. New fabrics and insulations are constantly making apparel warmer, more breathable and more waterproof. Fashions seem to change by the season. But don't worry. This guide is designed to give you some basic information about dressing for winter and will make your next shopping trip a lot easier.

Skip to...

• Layer Up: Proper winter dressing means three layers # wicking, insulating and protection. Find out what kind of clothing is best for each.
• Accessorize: What to wear on your head, eyes, hands and feet
• Fashion Tips: How to get the best clothing fit, and what not to wear in the snow

Layer Up 
The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity. In general,the three main layers are wicking, insulating and weather protection.

Wicking layer: This is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear.

• Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic # usually polyester # fiber that has "wicking" power. This means the fibers will wick (move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric so it will evaporate. This keeps you warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.
• Even though it's cold, you will sweat # especially if you are cross country skiing or snowshoeing.

Insulating layer: This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests and pullovers. The purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibers. Popular insulation materials include:

• Fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture out so it dries quickly.
• Wool, which naturally wicks away moisture.

Protection layer: The exterior layer, generally a shell and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It should repel water from snow,sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.

• Most genuine winter shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable to some extent by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Depending on the weather and type of winter activity you will be doing, you may be interested in uninsulated pants and jackets/shells, or garments with increasing amounts of insulation.
• One-piece suits, which combine a jacket and pants, are popular with many alpine skiers, especially on cold days and days where there is a lot of fresh powder snow.
• Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers # details that truly make garments comfortable in a snowstorm.
• Although less baggy than in previous years, most snowboard clothing is still designed to fit looser than alpine skiwear, giving snowboarders freedom of movement. In addition, many snowboard pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.

Accessorize 
Headwear: Up to 60 percent of your body's heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a hat, headband or helmet is essential when it's cold. (Tip: If you wear a hat, you may be able to wear one less layer on your body.) There are thousands of styles of hats and headbands, usually made from fleece or wool. Many have non-itch liners. Helmets are becoming very popular. Not only do they protect your head from bumps, but they also keep your head warm. A fleece neck gaiter (like a collar) or face mask is a must on cold days.

Sunglasses and goggles: Sunglasses do much more than make you look cool. They also protect your eyes from damaging solar radiation. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes ultraviolet (UV) rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger. On flat-light days or when it's snowing, goggles are vital. They protect your eyes and special lens colors increase the contrast so you can properly discern terrain features.

Gloves and mittens: Look for gloves and mittens that use waterproof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general, are warmer than gloves, but offer you less dexterity. Consider the type of activity you'll be doing. Snowboarding gloves and mittens often have a reinforced palm because of extra wear from adjusting bindings and balancing on the snow. Some snowboarding gloves and mittens also have built-in wrist guards, which are excellent for novice snowboarders. Cross country skiing gloves tend to be lighter-weight for extra movement and because you perspire more.

Socks: One pair of light-weight or medium-weight socks works best for skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing. Socks are made from a variety of materials, including polyester, silk, wool and nylon. Some socks have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning your feet will stay dry and comfortable.

Fashion Tips

• The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in order to effectively wick moisture. Comfort is key for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers, but not so bulky that it restricts movement. Whether you are a skier, snowshoer or snowboarder, your protection layer should fit comfortably, offering you maximum range of motion.
• Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. Make sure the glasses fit snugly behind your ears and rest gently on the bridge of your nose.
• Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending above your eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Watch for gaps, especially around your nose.
• Don't buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as additional insulation.
• Don't wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak through and you'll end up cold, wet and miserable.
• Cotton is a no-no. Cotton is great for towels, because cotton soaks up and retains moisture. That's precisely why cotton is all wrong for on-slope apparel. It absorbs moisture (sweat and snow), and retains it. When the wind blows, you will get very, very cold. Don't wear cotton athletic socks, cotton jeans, cotton sweatshirts, or cotton T-shirts.
• Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks. You'll restrict circulation and actually cause your feet to get colder.
  
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Dress up appropriately all the time. Learn how by following Lou Habash on Facebook.

REPOST: 3 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR CREDIBILITY

How to become credible and what is its significance to your brand identity? Read the details from this John Morgan article.

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Credibility is under-rated. Yet, your brand identity is greatly defined by it. The marketplace is crowded and the vast majority of people taking up oxygen have no credibility whatsoever. There’s a blogger in my town for example, who writes about ‘how to make a living blogging’. He has a 9-5 day job and should be arrested for lack of credibility.

Sadly, even the most credible entrepreneurs in the world do a poor job of showcasing that credibility. You deserve better and so do your prospects.

Your audience wants to know that you practice what you preach. It gives them confidence in doing business with you. Remember the Hair Club For Men ads where the dude says “I’m not just the president, I’m also a client”? As much fun as it is to laugh at that, it was also brilliant. If you’re not willing to use your product, then how can anyone confidently do business with you?

On the flip side, you can’t try to increase your credibility by making a big claim and not being able to back it up. Todd Davis, the CEO of Lifelock a company designed to protect your identity, decided to make a huge statement of credibility by running ads where he displayed his social security number. His identity has been stolen 13 times. I can hardly type this for laughing.

So, how do you showcase your credibility? Here’s 3 quick and easy ways to do just that:

Share Your Results. This is especially important for those of you selling information (authors, bloggers, speakers, coaches, consultants, etc) Prove that you know what you’re doing and that you walk the talk. The reason it’s a joke to be considered a social media consultant is because so many of them are taking money for social media advice when they barely use social media themselves. Showcase your results! The fact that I’ve worked with some of the largest brands in the world adds a certain level of credibility to my business BUT the fact that I’ve owned multiple businesses, sold successful businesses, and actually use the strategies I teach, adds a HUGE element of credibility. Don’t keep your results to yourself.

Where have you been featured? Have you been in a magazine or on TV? Let your audience know! It’s like having a third-party endorsement for your business. If you haven’t been featured anywhere then don’t panic. It’s really easy to get PR when you try, especially in your local media outlets. It just takes a little effort. Do something worth talking about and people will talk about you.

Testimonials & Praise I’ve written about this before (click here to read). Don’t collect testimonials and then do nothing with them. Use them anywhere and everywhere you can. Testimonials are ALWAYS effective. The other day I was humbled by some praise I received from Chris Brogan and Jason Falls on Chris’s show Kitchen Table Talks…

This is great because A. it was nice of them to say, especially since I didn’t pay them to say it. B. It adds credibility to my brand. and C. I was able to use it in this post as an “example” so you’d watch it and now think I’m more credible. Aren’t I sneaky? 

These are 3 easy ways to boost your credibility. But I’ve actually got a BONUS method for you! I know what you’re thinking: “Sweet mother of mercy John! You just smacked me in the face with 3 doses of awesome and now you’re giving me a bonus shot!”. Yep. Consider it an early…or late birthday present.

Your Current Paying Clients Your past may be full of credible things you’ve accomplished. But the world thinks in a what-have-you-done-lately mentality. Show your audience you’re making things happen by showcasing your current clients. This works especially well when your current clients are credible in their own right. But even if your client list is fairly unknown, they still add to your credibility. Plus they love it when you give them attention in public.

Of course, this entire post assumes you have some level of credibility. If you don’t, then you need to focus on establishing some! But if you are credible then it’s up to you to showcase it for the world. Don’t assume people will see it for themselves.

Credibility makes it easier for people to trust you and your brand.

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Get more tips on how to build a better brand identity from this Lou Habash blog site.