The ideal height to hang your chandelier is 36 inches (91.44 cm) from the top of your dining table to the bottom of the fixture. However if you're challenged with low ceiling that won't allow you a 36" clearance, but would still like to create a sense of importance to your room by incorporating a dramatic ceiling fixture, a clear glass chandelier can do the trick.
Shown above: Tulip Chandelier, Gatsby Dining Table, Laurier Side Chair
Once we get past this June gloom, Summer will be upon us. Sunscreen, cute hat, glamorous sandals, and...bathing suits. If your name is Elsa Benitez no need to read further because you can pretty wear whatever you want. But for the rest of us mortals I thought you might find this bathing suit guide helpful: No, it's not an oxymoron; you really can find the perfect suit to flatter your figure if you just understand a few things. The very first thing to know is that there are very few perfect bodies out there. Everyone has something they are trying to deal with.
One-Piece or Two-Piece Swimsuit?
Some of the most beautiful, sexiest women seen on the beach wear one-piece suits. They do not reveal it ALL, just enough to keep things interesting.
Many one-piece suits will show more back and less tummy, others show a bit more cleavage or thigh. Show off your best assets and conceal the others. Always remember that you are aiming for a balanced silhouette.
Swimsuit for Swimming
If you're into swimming, definitely get a one-piece. Find one that doesn't cut into the shoulders, has comfortable, stretchy fabric and doesn't creep up the backside. Forget bikini strings. You just don't want anything to come undone while you're doing laps or snorkeling off a crowded beach.
Small on Top
If you're small on top, you may want to try the newest, little swimsuits from Brazil. The Brazilian woman is generally smaller on top than the American girl, and their swimsuits are cut accordingly.
Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wire, demi-bra style that makes the most of a beautiful, dainty, bust line. Try to find a top with adjustable straps at shoulders and around back so that you can tighten and adjust things, to help fill out the top line.
You are very lucky that you have the body to wear those cute, ruffled tops that are so hot right now, so go for it. And as for bandeau tops, only you can wear those well. You can also show off in those tiny, tri-tops that the big busted girls only dream about.
Avoid tops with too much fabric or have a poor fit. Opt for separates, where you can choose your top and bottom separately.
Big on Top
You may need some extra support; underwire tops can work well and look great.
Halter-top bikinis can be a good choice by offering support, while providing some sexy cleavage too. Look for styles that are banded around the midriff and can be tied in back and around the neck. This style will give you some lift and will allow you to make adjustments for a personal fit.
Look for one-piece swimsuits with some structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or at least, a shelf bra. Straight cut bust styles such as a classic tank can look clean and sporty. Wide shoulder straps will also be much more comfortable than thin, spaghetti straps.
Avoid strapless bandeau tops and those tiny, tri-tops that offer minimal coverage. Again, make sure to get a suit where you can order the top and bottom sizes separately.
Short Legs or Torso
Play up your figure by finding a suit that is cut high on the thigh. This will make your leg look much longer. If you have curvy hips, then all the better. This cut will accentuate your smaller waist and give you a flirty look.
You’ve probably already heard that vertical stripes can visually lengthen the body. Well, here’s another trick. Wear a solid bottom bikini with a printed top. This will draw the eye upward and give you a longer look.
A solid, one-piece suit with a plunging neckline creates a continual, long appearance and is absolutely, drop dead sexy to boot!
Avoid boy shorts and skirted bikinis as they draw the eye downward and can make you look shorter.
Long Body Shape
Clothes drape beautifully on you and your legs go on and on. But, you do need to make sure that you do not look like a bean pole at the beach in your swimsuit.
You can go wild with the embellishments at the hips and bust line. Rings, jewels, ties and bows are all good things for you.
Try horizontal stripes and nappy fabrics, such as stretch terry and velvet.
You’ll look smashing in those super bright colors that are so, “in,” right now.
If you want a one-piece swimsuit, try one of the latest, cut-out suits. It will break up your long torso, just like a bikini does.
Boy shorts are just the thing for your slim hips. Oh, and those cute, ruffled skirts and cover-ups? They’re made just for you!
Avoid up and down stripes, high necklines and dark, solid colors.
No Waist
No problem. It’s not that you don’t have a waist, it’s that you hips are slim.
If you don't have many curves, create some by wearing one-piece suit with a high-on-the-thigh cut. A belted waistline on a one-piece suit will give the appearance of a whittled middle. So will a draped, surplice detail that pinches in at the waist, or a curvy seam line that runs down each side of the torso.
Bikinis are good for you. Add some illusion at the hips with rings, ruffles and bows. If you’re small on top, go for a strapless bandeau. Go for a dark, solid bottom and a wildly printed or embellished top.
Avoid solid-colored or horizontal striped one-pieces.
Wide shoulders
You’re strong, confident and statuesque…a goddess.
Balance is the key word here. You will want to play up the bottom of your torso and minimize the top.
Wear bikini bottoms that have lots of color and print and also sport accents at the hips such as ties, belts and sashes. The new, moderate cut bottom was made for you. Also, wide shoulder straps and square necklines can make you look fabulous.
Avoid the “V” silhouette by staying away from those plunging neck lines or teeny, tiny bikini bottoms.
Plus size figure
Show a little skin in just the right places and you will look seductively svelte and super sexy!
Look for one-piece swimsuits with lace or mesh inserts. A strategically placed cut-out, or a deep V neckline, can really change your visual image.
Lengthen your thigh with an adjustable ruching detail at the hip. A sheer sarong can give you a little confidence and still look totally glamorous.
Dark, cool colors are always good. So are swirling, or V patterns. Try a swimsuit with dark, solid panels down each side of the torso and a floral printed middle.
Avoid too much fabric. Modesty is certainly OK, but too much coverage is not necessarily a better option. Also, stay away from white, as well as bright, neon fabrics and those nappy textiles.
If you’re going for a two-piece swimsuit, then checkout the, “meet-and-greet,”tankinis”. They cover just enough, but you still have the freedom and hip factor of a bikini.
A one-piece with some draping around the waist or hips can also help to conceal.
Avoid itsy bitsy bikinis and blah, solid colored, one-pieces.
You could also go for a moderate, bottom bikini that has a 3 inch side...very chic! Make that a solid bottom and print top for a super effect.
Try a maillot one piece. Something with wide straps, or a strong horizontal neckline, will balance out your silhouette. Remember, playing up your top side will de-emphasize your bottom side.
Avoid boy shorts, too skimpy bottoms, or lots of ruffles and details at the hips.
Big on bottom The newest, mini-skirted bikinis are too cute and made just for you! Don’t go for a super frilly one, though. Instead, pick a smooth, skimming skirt that is short and sweet, but covers what it needs to. A ruffled or highly decorated top is OK though. The details will draw attention to your top half.
If you are self conscious about your tummy try one of those fabulous, tummy, control panel, swimsuits: they really work wonders.
Pregnant
Do you know how beautiful you are right now? Enjoy your day in the sun! Some moms-to-be choose to go with a regular bikini because they don’t have to worry about the middle part getting in the way. However, as the day draws closer, you will probably want a one-piece. Pick one that you can let out and adjust as your tummy and hips expand. You will probably want some support in the bust as well.
Avoid buying a cheapy swimsuit. You will be better off with one or two higher quality swimsuits that are sympathetic to your condition and will last the season.
The Perfect Body
If you've got it go for it! Let's face it; you work hard to keep your body in perfect shape.
A tiny, designer bikini looks good on so few people, you should consider it your solemn duty to beautify the beach and make a few heads turn.
Bathing suit tips by Cindy Alpers
Are you tired of untagging yourself from unflattering Facebook photos? I am. I know that models get a bad wrap for having an "easy" job -- but if you're like me, you'll agree that it's not entirely that easy to look comfortable in a photograph.
Here are some of my go-to photo tips that I thought might be helpful:
1 - TONGUE UP: When posing try to keep your tongue firmly pressed against the roof of your mouth. This will help make your face slimmer and cut down the double chin action.
2 - ANGLE, STRETCH, AND REST: Turn your head at an angle so that 3/4 of your face is exposed to the camera and then lift your neck and slightly tilt your head down (as if you were putting your chin on a shelf). This improves facial definition and helps stretch out the wrinkled and flabby areas of your neck.
"Rita Hayworth gave good face" - Madonna, Vogue.
3 - BE SHORTER THAN THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Position yourself so that the camera is slightly above your eye level. This will hide a double chin fairly effectively. If someone tries to shoot a closeup of you from a lower angle...kick them.
4 - STRAIGHTEN UP: Sitting or standing up straight will make you look healthier - just remember to breath naturally (holding your breath for a photo is a sure fire way to make you look like a weird mannequin) and relax your shoulders.
5 - GET INTO CHARACTER: The eyes are truly the windows to our souls. They don't lie - so if you're feeling uncomfortable or bored or hesitant, it will show in the photo. Try imagining you have a "secret". Thinking of a "secret" will give you a subtlety alluring look.
6 - DON'T TALK: If you're in a public setting (entering an event, walking red carpet, etc...) where you know your picture will be taken by lots of people in a short period of time...don't walk and talk unless you want to go out of your way to look awkward in the photos...and obviously don't chew gum. 7 - HOLD THE CAMERA: My personal favorite. If you're not in the mood for a group photo, be the one to take it.
Thomas Keller Raynoud China & Erquis Silver Chargers atop Plush Home Tulip Dining Table, Laurier Side Chairs, Gatsby Serving Table, and Sofia Lamps
Food taste better when it is served with great presentation. This is not a theory - it's a psychological fact. All our senses come into play when we enjoy a meal - not just our taste buds. What we see (garnish and presentation), what we feel (quality and varying textures of silverware, and china), and what we sense (gracious presentation), is just as important as what we are eating and smelling.
So for this Tuesday's tip, I thought it would be helpful for your next dinner party to show a proper table setting for an informal three-course dinner:
Table Setting Guide, per Emily Post
The illustration above shows how a table would be set for the following menu:
Soup course Salad or first course Entrée Dessert
Irrespective of your skin tone, your makeup choice should be luminous and fresh. I don't normally wear this much eye shadow, but on certain evening occasions I do like to lace vibrant colors around my eyes to add some drama. I really like the look and feel of YSL's Indigo Mood for this Spring/Summer 2010. The products mentioned in the vid are fantastic, but there are certainly other cost-efficient and alternate brands that you can find to attain this same look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtPP94xUk-4&feature=related
Is it me or are shorts considerably shorter this Season? This season first embraced lingerie as outerwear and now it seems like short shorts (boy shorts, hot pants, tap pants, daisy dukes) are trending in a big way. So my first question is..."How many people can actually pull this off?" .... and my second question is "How old is too old to wear short shorts?"
Answer #1 - How many people can actually pull this off?: Apparently not many because I see the supermodels rockin' the look on the runway and in magazines, but haven't seen that many out at The Grove on a Sunday pushing baby strollers. After all, unless you are an Uber Fashionista these things are difficult to pull off as "classy". You'll definitely get attention - but it might not be the kind you were looking for.
Answer #2 - How old is too old to wear short shorts?: Beachwear, working out gear, and maybe casual weekend gardening attire is one thing. But personally I feel that once you graduate college, you should un-tag all your Facebook party photos, get a job, and leave your hot pants and school girl plaid skirts behind in your dorm room.
But I do concede that for every rule, there are always exceptions - Giselle Bundchen for one. After all, I think that hot pants are as much "leg appropriate" as they are "age appropriate". So I have absolutely no problem with them at any age if you have the right legs, taste, accompanying job, accompany wardrobe, and appropriate booty to pull off hot pants as "sophisticated"....and as a general side note: if you're going to show a lot of skin below, it's best to look elegant on top. But for most of us over 22, I would suggest perfectly cut (right above the knee cap) city shorts for everyday and professional use.
In most cases for most of us over 22, I would suggest perfectly cut city shorts for everyday use.
The purpose of drapery in interior design is not necessarily just to create privacy. In most projects I use them to "frame" the windows, enhance a view, and "complete" a look. Many people feel that draperies are unnecessary in areas where they may have an amazing view and don't require privacy. But unless you have spectacular and groundbreaking architecture that would be compromised, draperies will actually bring more attention to your view -- similar to framing artwork.
I will often use black-out woven woods for privacy, and leave the drapery panels stationary.
See you next Tuesday for another Design Tip. You can also view previous Tuesday's Tips here.
I grew up with Carole King vinyls playing on my parent's record player, so it was a treat to see the two iconic singer-songwriters at their Troubadour Reunion Tour last night at the Hollywood Bowl - the title of the tour refers to the first time the pair appeared onstage together, at the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood in November 1970.
I've always been a fan of Carole's raw and resonant vocals and found it completely inspiring seeing her and James dance and sing with the passion and vigor of performers at any age.Here's a Blackberry clip from last night - Thanks to Pete and Myrian for sharing their amazing box with us.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 HAIR & MAKEUP TIPS that will make it look like you came straight from your personal stylist.
Make Waves
1 - Make Waves. Apply Pantene Pro-V Ice Shine Mousse to wet strands and blow-dry your hair, scrunching it with your hands. Wrap pieces around your finger and pin them close to your scalp. "They key is making the twists random," says hairstylist Recine. Let curls set, and as you take them down, spritz hair with Nexxus Comb Thru Mist, brushing it with your fingers to finish the look.
Do the Twist
2- Do the Twist. "Create a ponytail at the nape of your neck and pin it into a loose bun," says Hollywood hairstylist Léa Journo. Keep it smooth with her Mirroir Glossing Cream ($28).
Style Hair Straight
3- Style Hair Straight. Recine's secret to sleek locks? The Mason Pearson Popular Brush. "It gives a beautiful blowout."
Embellish it
4- Embellish it. Part hair to the side and add a sparkly headband for instant glamour. Try Goody All Dressed Up Headband ($5.99).
Go Smokey
5- Go Smokey. Chantecaille Sylvie's Personal Palette ($72) has all you need for a sultry eye. Trace your lash line with the brown and follow with the darker gold, applying it over the line and up to the crease. Use the lighter gold to highlight your brow bone.
Rock some Red
6- Rock some Red. "Apply lipstick on your bottom lip and blot your lips together," says makeup artist Frank B. "This keeps the look soft." We like Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in RD185 ($25).
Look Luminous
7- Look Luminous. Highlight cheekbones and décolletage with Guerlain Sublime Radiant Powder Face & Body.
Try Silver
8- Try Silver. The Body Shop Define & Sparkle Liner and Mascara in Silver ($18) quickly takes you from day to night. "Sweep the liner on the top lash line and brush the mascara on the tips of your lashes," instructs Chase Aston, Body Shop celebrity makeup artist.
Stay Polished
9- Stay Polished. Wearing last year's LBD? Make it new again with a chic accessory. Try OPI Nail Lacquer in Meet & Jingle ($8.50).
From Harper's Bazaar
That heaving décolleté, those nipped waists, the skirts that swished and swirled and swayed: Miuccia Prada’s fall 2010 collection evoked the captivating look of the Mad Men era without, thankfully, returning us to its accompanying rampant sexism and the reek of cigarettes in the office, the subway car, and just about everywhere else. As a taste of her look for later this year, Prada has just launched a print collection called The Print Collection. Thankfully, more imagination went into the look of the clothes and the accessories, which utilizes some Prada prints we’ve seen and loved before (the lips and lipsticks of spring 2000, for instance). The price of one of the button-through, full-skirted dresses (above) doesn’t quite hurtle you back to the days of Eisenhower but cost is in the region of a not-unreasonable $760 to $855.
Photos courtesy of Prada | by Mark Holgate for vogue.comIntrigued by Prada’s new “Print Collection,” inspired by a single outfit in the 1950s, the collection encompasses beautiful prints in an array of fabrics that range from cottons to silks.
