What is your Body Type? Body Types are determined by your underlying geometry, for instance I am considered a Full Hourglass. Due to my fuller bust and wider hips I need to wear fitted but not tight, body skimming silhouettes that create balance without adding volume.

Once you determine your own body type, apply the following principles in selecting looks that will create balance and the most flattering silhouettes for you.

General Body Types:

Inverted Triangle: If you have broader shoulders, a narrow waist and smaller legs you are an Inverted Triangle Body Type. The key to dressing to flatter your shape is to balance your broader shoulders, chest and back with your narrower lower body to create more of an hourglass effect. This is achieved by choosing clothes that add curves to your hips and bottom while creating a more defined waist.

• Look for tops with narrow v-necks and nipped in waists that flare slightly at the hip.
• Shirts with deep scoop or V-necks narrow your upper body, if you are small breasted or conservative, make the look more modest with a contrast colored cami.
• Look for deep V-neck wrap style tops. A little flare below the waist will help add curves to your hips.
• Wear deep shawl collared or lightly cowled tops, particularly in dark colors with a light shell underneath.
• Look for shirts with vertical details on the upper body. A nipped-in waist and flared bottom will add curves to your hips.
• Look for jackets with deep V-necklines, a nipped-in waist and flared bottom or hip pocket details.

Rectangle, Straight or Column: If your shoulders, waist and hips have a similar width with no discernible waist, you are a Rectangle Body Type. The key to dressing a Straight body type is to proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while enhancing your waist. If you are comfortable doing so, you can wear form fitting clothing and create a waist by adding a wide, dark belt. To create a more curvaceous effect add volume (or the illusion of volume) proportionally to your upper and lower body by wearing an A-line silhouette or flared trousers.

• Tops with nipped or belted waists.
• Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
• Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
• Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
• Tops that are full, ruched or flowing around the bust.

Round or Apple: If your shoulder and hips are narrower than your midsection you are a Round Body Type. Best practices for dressing the Round body type are to de-emphasize your midsection and create a more defined waist. This is achieved by choosing clothing that adds curves and fullness to your lower body and tops that taper to create a waist. If you have amazing legs feel free to play with skirt lengths, but don’t go too short otherwise you will create a top-heavy look.

• Tops with nipped or belted waists.
• Square, wide V or U necks.
• Wrap style tops and jackets.
• Tops with vertical details.
• Tops that flare at the hip.

Triangle: If your shoulders and upper body are narrower than your waist and hips you are a Triangle Body Type. When dressing a Triangle body type try to draw attention to your upper body while de-emphasizing your tummy and hips to give a more balanced appearance and create the illusion of an hourglass figure. If your legs are one of your best assets, feel free to play with skirt lengths and show them off!

• Tops with nipped or fitted waists.
• Off the shoulder, boat-neck tops, wide V or U necks.
• Structured shoulders, princess or flutter sleeves.
• Embellishments around the bust and shoulders.
• Bright colors and bold patterns.

Neat Hourglass: If your shoulders and hips are the same width with a smaller waist then you are an Hourglass Body Type. Balance is the goal when dressing the Hourglass body type, you want proportionally dress the top and bottom of your body while accentuating your waist. Wide belts over shirts and dresses are a great way to show off your waist. You can create an even more curvaceous effect by adding a bit of volume to your upper and lower body, but always try to maintain balance since it is your best asset. If you have great legs feel free to play with skirt lengths.

• Belted tops.
• Tops with banding or nipping at the waist.
• Form-fitting tops.
• Wrap-style tops.
• Tailored shirts and jackets.

Full Hour Glass (Plus): If your shoulders and bust are larger than your hips and your waist is the most narrow part of your body you are a Full Hour Glass Body Type. The key to dressing a Top Heavy Hourglass body type is to balance your lower body with your ample bust while accentuating your waist. This is achieved by selecting clothing cuts that will fill out your lower half. If you have great legs, feel free to play with skirt lengths. 

• Look for tops with narrow v-necks. This will help to visually narrow your bust. Stay away from tight tops with high or wide necklines.
• Fly-away cardigans with draping down the front minimizes your bust. A dark cardigan with a light-colored shell is particularly flattering.
• Narrow shawl collars draw attention towards the center of your body making your bust appear smaller. Look for fitted or tailored bodies to show off your waist.
• Dress shirts with deep-V collars visually narrows your bust. Choose tops with tailored waists that show off your hourglass figure.
• Wrap tops with deep V-necks and simple sleeves create a bust minimizing effect while showing off your hourglass shape. Tops should wrap at your natural waistline.
• Jackets with deep V-necklines, a nipped-in waist and slightly flared bottom help balance your upper and lower body. Jackets that hit at the hip bone are most flattering.

I hope this information assists you in learning how to best dress for your Body Type, please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!

So I launched Style By Raina a couple days ago and this morning I got my very 1st question!!  In answering my friends inquiry it dawned on me that some of you might benefit from this information and… We Want Wednesday’s was born. Going forward, send me your questions on Facebook at Style By Raina, Tweet me at https://twitter.com/StylebyRaina #wewantwednesday or post them in the comments below and each week I will select one to answer on the blog.

The Question:

Hey gurrll, wut up?! Hope all is well with you and yours. I look forward to some great things coming out of Style by Raina and to enlist your services. I do have a question or rather free advice you can offer- I have some white jeans that I’d like to get that shredded-ripped look- you know a place or person who could do? I’ve looked for ones that are already ripped in the right places but didn’t like how they looked or fit. I also looked on YouTube at some self-proclaimed gurus in this arena but I ain’t try to F it up & ruin my pantelones. Any advice will surely be appreciated. BTW how’s the backyard oasis coming along?

The Answer:

Style by Raina

Sent by Raina Munson

Jun 24th, 9:52am

Good Morning! Yes, I know how to distress jeans, but you can totally do it yourself . Do you mind if I post your question to my page? Tools you’ll need: An exacto knife or sharp fabric scissors A shaving razor or tweezers You’re going to put the pants on and mark where you want the distressing, with fabric chalk or a pencil if you don’t have chalk. Typical areas for distressing are the knees, pockets, hem line, and pretty much anywhere else you want. Take the pants off and put a barrier like a magazine or cardboard inside the area you’re going to work on to protect the back of the pants when you make the cuts. Using either the scissors or blade you’re going to make horizontal cuts about 1/2″ apart inside the area you marked for distress (closer together if you want to start with a smaller area). Try to keep your cuts straight and uniform, this will help for the later steps. Next, you’re going to choose the razor or the tweezer method, to create the “stringy” look. The easiest thing to do is use a razor and simply “shave” back and forth over the cut areas to remove the surface cotton of the denim weave and expose the binding threads, being careful not to shave all the way through, then wash and dry the jeans TWICE. Or you can use the tweezers to pull the vertical threads from horizontal cuts you made in the weave. Start by 1st pulling 1 or 2 of the horizontal threads from the outer edge of the cut so you expose the weave, next starting in the center of the section pull 1 or 2 of the vertical threads, as the weave loosens it will get easier and you can pull 5-6 fibers, wash and dry them and VOILA perfectly distressed jeans! Please take a before and after pic and let me know how this works for you!

The Reply:

Sorry late reply. Yes, you can post my question as long as I don’t look too dumb asking it Umm them instructions tho?! while comprehensive, way overwhelming. I’m gonna F it up. I know me. Perhaps I should’ve asked, where could I go to them done or can you do them? Willing to pay.

The Inspiration:

Style by Raina

Sent by Raina Munson

Jun 24th, 8:29pm

I’ll do you one better, I made a quick video when I got home. I’m about to post it now. lol

I am a professional Hair and Wardrobe Stylist and Personal Shopper. I love accessories and tend toward bold colors, statement jewelry, funky bags and I have a bit of a shoe problem, like seriously I need rehab. I get a lot of “where’d you get that” and styling questions so I finally decided to start a fashion blog. This blog is for anyone who is interested in great deals, unique pieces and a new take on what’s “hot”. The theme of the blog is loving yourself, and feeling your best at any age, size or budget. I love to shop but I am terminally frugal (my husband would say cheap, but I am definitely not cheap). I like nice things, I just refuse to pay retail so a lot of my looks will incorporate a healthy mix of price points, in other words, there will be something for every budget, age and size.

Stats: I am 40 years old, 5’10” and plus sized, I range from a 12-16 depending on the manufacturer/ cut…sigh. lol

With that out of the way, I’d like to share how I make trends work for me now that I am “of a certain age” (not to mention size).  I hope it inspires other women who love fashion, and maybe feel they are outside the age/size demographic that most trends are aimed at, to try new things.

DaStylist tips for creating the look you want:

SHOP YOUR CLOSET: You probably have the basis of a great wardrobe hidden under all the stuff you’ve purchased but never worn (Law of Five: see this post on basic wardrobe staples if you’re in need of a refresh).

SPLURGE ON BASICS, SAVE ON TRENDS: If you buy great basics they will translate from season to season and you can update/style your looks with great on trend pieces and accessories. I typically buy my accessories off season, or when they’re on sale, because there’s nothing worse than spending a ton of money on something that you only wear a few times before it’s obsolete.

NEVER PAY RETAIL: I. Don’t. Do. Full Price, unless it’s something unbelievably amazing and I’m afraid they’ll sell out. Unless I am looking for something specific (and sometimes even then), I always start my shopping trips at the clearance rack. You’ll never know what great deals you’re missing out on if you bypass sale racks. In fact, some of my best, most expensive finds have come for 70% off. If you are a brand loyalist, make sure you sign up for FREE rewards programs and coupons, and if you shop in a particular store frequently make it a point to become acquainted with the staff for discretionary discounts and advance notice on sales.

Last thing about me, while I LOVE styling, I HATE to be in front of the camera so this blog has been a challenge… bear with me. #imnotamodel

Khaki

Jacket: Free People, Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren , Clutch: Target, Tank, Belt and Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Bohemian 

Crop Top: H&M, Double Split Maxi Skirt: BCBG, Clutch: BCBG, Wedges: Steve Madden

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuit: Lily Pulitzer for Target, Bag: Target, Sandals: Nine West

70’s Inspired Denim

Tunic: H&M, Flared Trouser Jeans: Banana Republic, Clutch: Coach, Platforms: DV8 Dolce Vita

Romantic 

Lace Shift Dress: Nicole Miller, Espadrilles: Merona, Clutch: Coach

Nautical

Cropped Boatneck: H&M, High Waisted Pant: H&M, Handbag: orYany, Mules: Sam Edelman

Ballerina

Camisole: H&M, Midi Skirt: H&M, Clutch: Banana Republic, Sandals: Jessica Simpson

Mix and Match

Maxi Shirt: H&M, White Tank and Cropped Pants: JC Penney’s, Tote: Kate Spade, Sandals: Jessica Simpson

Sheer

Kimono: Free People, Cigarette Pant: BCBG, Handbag: Kate Spade, Sandals: Charlotte Russe

Vintage

Shift Dress: Target, Handbag: Kate Spade, Espadrilles: UGG

Pop Art

Printed Tank and Palazzo Pant: Bisou Bisou, Clutch: Lulu Giunness, Sandals: Nine West

Mesh

Mesh Tee: Liz Claiborne, Laser Cut Faux Leather Skirt: Piperlime (RIP), Corset Belt: BCBG, Clutch: Urban Expressions

These looks were inspired by the Vogue Top 20 Trends for Spring/ Summer 2015. I hope you got some fun ideas on how to “shop your closet”, and add a few seasonal items to create something new and fresh!

Peace and Blessings!

The perfect wardrobe is a topic so subjective that no one can offer the definitive list, but I have created a system of 5 categories for my styling clients that I’d love to share with you. This is just a guideline, in order to have a complete wardrobe you will need to reduce or expand some categories based on your lifestyle.  Remember, no one can dictate YOUR personal style but this is a resource you can reference when you’re editing your closet, shopping for seasonal pieces or want to update/refresh your look.

1.Tops:

Tees and Layering Tanks: Make sure you invest in some great basic knits in several colors, I recommend white, black, and grey to start. I would also get multiple styles of these relatively inexpensive pieces in different cuts, finishes and fabrics, for example: a silk knit fitted tee has a totally different look and feel from a slouchy, slub knit boyfriend tee, try on several styles to know what’s most flattering for your body type.

White Button Up: When you find a great oxford I recommend buying at least 2, because it’s an essential, 4 season, wear with anything look you’ll reach for again and again and nothing is worse than a dingy white shirt. If you have a larger bust, and can’t ever find shirts that fit without pulling across the bust there are several designers addressing that issue, but with prices up to $195.00 a shirt they can be a bit too rich for my blood.

DaStylist Tip: If you have a large bust, but want to try this look for less, buy a shirt large enough for your bust and have it altered to fit your torso at your local dry cleaners/ tailor.

Silk blouse: Whether printed or solid, a classic silk blouse is timeless and versatile enough to be worn with a suit, skirt or jeans.

Cashmere or Fine Gauge Knit Sweater or Cardigan: Depending on your location a finely woven sweater can be worn year round, they’re perfect for layering in cold temps and can be casually draped over your shoulders to fight the evening chill in warmer months.

Black Dress: A black dress, whether it’s a structured sheath or flowing silk slip is a quintessential part of any well dressed woman’s wardrobe. With the correct styling a LDB is appropriate for virtually any occasion. 

2. Bottoms

Tailored Black Pant: A great fitting black pant is the basis for so many looks whether you style them up with heels and a great blouse or down with flats and a tee.

Pencil or A-line skirt: Although, skirt hemlines can run the gamut from micro mini, to floor grazing maxi the most universally flattering lengths hit just above or below the knee.

Skinny, trouser or bootcut jeans: Most women know a great pair of jeans can be worn anywhere from the office to Date Night, just make sure you are mindful of your employers dress code and/or the appropriate dress for the occasion. A great rule of thumb for work is to stick to darker denim with no distressing, outside of that choose the hue and cut that works best for your body type.

Casual Pant: Casual pants can be any length from capri, cropped ankle, to full length. Since they are casual they can be any color, print or fabrication, but keep in mind your proportions when choosing the right pair or you.

Black or khaki shorts: Shorts are not essential but they can be a great addition to your wardrobe. They come in varying lengths to suit almost any taste and can be dressed up or down.

Jackets: 

Black suit jacket or blazer: A black blazer can be paired with black pants or a skirt to create a suit, layered over a dress, or be worn to dress up jeans and a tee.

Fitted Leather Moto Jacket: A newer but widely embraced essential that’s appropriate as a layering piece for work in a business casual environment, and can be worn with just about any other silhouette to bring some edge to a dressy look or elevate a casual look.

Denim Jacket: A great casual layering piece that can be worn year round, in some climates.

Trench Coat: This classic wardrobe staple is perfect for dressy or casual looks, and can be found in an array or colors and fabrications.

Seasonal Coat: For colder climes a seasonal or winter coat is essential, everywhere else it’s a statement. From wool coats to down parkas your seasonal coat can be as diverse as your tastes, just make sure it provides appropriate protection for your climate.

Shoes:

Classic Pump or Stiletto: A black or brown pump will carry just about any look, and now nude is considered the new neutral.

Tall Shaft Leather Boot: A great pair of boots can be worn with dresses, skirts, jeans or even shorts.

Flats: From classic ballet styles to pointed toes to jewel encrusted or velvet slippers, flats are having a resurgence and showing women that they don’t have to wear heels to be sexy or stylish.

Summer Sandals: A great leather sandal, wedge or espadrille is the perfect accompaniment to your warm weather looks.

Sneakers: Whether you work out religiously or are a certified sneaker freak, every woman should own at least one pair of sneakers.

Accessories:

Leather Everyday Handbag: This is where you should splurge, that doesn’t mean break the bank, but a well made, genuine leather handbag is an investment that will pay for itself over the life of the piece.

Evening Clutch: A great clutch is perfect for dressing up on nights out or traveling light. Choose a neutral style and color to get the most use.

Diamond Stud earrings: Diamonds are indeed a Girl’s Best Friend! Even if you don’t wear another single piece of jewelry, a classic diamond (or budget friendly crystal) stud will lend some sparkle to your face and is appropriate with any look.

Watch: A Leather, silver or gold tone watch is a fashionable and functional accessory you should incorporate into your wardrobe.

Silk Scarf: If you are not a jewelry wearer, but you want to add some color or interest to a look, add an artfully tied scarf, it’s classic, chic, and trendy all at the same time.

DaStylist Tip! Always create (and stick to) a budget, whether it’s a monthly, quarterly or seasonal budget, adhering to a predetermined spending amount will keep you from overspending and impulse buys.

Plan for large purchases, if you need a coat, new handbag, or wardrobe overhaul try to time your purchase around your favorite retailers friends and family, rewards, seasonal, semi or annual sales. #neverpayretail

Be YOURSELF, no matter what trend is popular, or what any magazine says, the best looks are always the ones that flatter your body type and make you feel great!

June 21 marks the official start of my favorite season… summer!!  Along with summer’s awesome weather, outdoor activities, leisure travel, and trips to the beach or pool can come bad hair days. Before you invest in 3 months worth of hats, perhaps some of these tips will help.

The most important step in any summer haircare routine is determining the environment. If you live in a hot, humid climate, you may encounter different issues, such as swelling and frizz requiring anti-humidity products, from someone who resides in a hot, arid climate where combating dryness is the prime concern requiring highly moisturizing products. Environment aside, there are some universal habits the will help protect your hair from extreme heat and sun exposure regardless of your location; like deep conditioning frequently, layering conditioning and/or SPF enriched products and reducing heat styling. This is also the perfect time of year to try out some heatless, textured styles from soft beachy waves to a full on afro. This season there are lots of chic and adventurous looks to experiment with, from top knots and buns, bohemian braids and twists, to the classic high or low ponytail, there are a ton of great go to looks you can add to your arsenal of no stress styles to try throughout the season.

One of the main culprits in hair damage during summer can be extended periods of exposure to pool water or visits to the beach, below I’ve compiled some tips to prepare your hair for a day of water fun both before and after you take a dip.

Things To Know Before You Go In The Water:

Ocean water – The main risk with ocean water is salt water drying on hair. The salt residue can withdraw hair’s moisture and make it feel dry and brittle. For this reason I HIGHLY recommend always rinsing hair and body immediately post swim.

Swimming Pool water– The general risk with swimming pools is the chlorine content, chlorine can affect hair by dissolving the sebum or oil that keeps the cuticle layers together giving your hair that “fried” look. The other concern is the higher acidity of pool water which for a well maintained pool is typically ph level 7 while your hairs ideal ph is 4.5-5.5.

1. Protect your hair before swimming by aiming to minimize the amount of salt or chlorinated water being absorbed by your hair. One of the simplest and most commonly used techniques includes thoroughly wetting your hair before you get into he pool (give it 15 minutes to fully absorb), because once hair reaches it’s full saturation point it limits the amount of additional absorption, note that this technique requires you to rinse and repeat frequently throughout the day. You can also create a “barrier” by wetting and then liberally coating the hair with a penetrating or heavy oil; such as coconut oil, shea butter, Jamaican Black castor oil, mineral oil, or a silicone based serum. Some swimmers also like to apply hair conditioner but in my opinion, this is not an effective barrier as most hair conditioners are highly soluble in water and will rinse out shortly after exposure, read all the tips for a more effective use for conditioner post-swim.

2. Further Minimize Damage by preparing your hair before swimming; if you have straight or loosely waved hair you can generally swim with your hair loose, for those with highly textured hair, consider braiding or bunning your hair so your strands don’t become tangled during your swim.

3. Wear a swim cap. While swim caps, in general, cannot keep all water away from hair, they do protect hair from becoming fully saturated. Note: For swimmers wearing extensions or with locs, try “My Swim Cap” it is a larger cap that will accommodate more voluminous styles http://myswimstuff.com/products/my-swim-cap. 

4. Take care of your hair immediately post swim. Take the time to really rinse your hair after swimming. Rinsing is underestimated but I can’t emphasize enough how much it helps get rid of a lot of chlorine/salt water before it has a chance to dry or bind to your hair. If there is no “shower” or water source available, bring along a jug of water specifically for the purpose of rinsing your hair. I also recommend preparing a spray bottle with a 50/50 or 30/70 conditioner and water mix to spray liberally into the hair until you can properly shampoo and condition it.

5. Post swim, thoroughly shampoo and condition your hair with the best product you have. Aim to use gentle products if you are a regular swimmer and regularly clarify (once every month) if you use heavy oils to protect your hair. It’s important to use a shampoo that gets rid of chlorine and mineral build up. If your regular shampoo contains EDTA or Phytic Acid it will provide thorough enough cleansing. If your regular shampoo doesn’t contain EDTA or Phytic Acid, try this:

Surfs up! Have a great summer!

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and color your hair. Yay, for you not being afraid of change! Hair color is an awesome way to update or refresh your look whether it’s to cover unwanted gray or create a complete style transformation. Consult with your stylist to create the best course of action to obtain your desired result. Whether you want all over color, ombre, balayage or highlights, remember that there is a safe way to achieve any look, and a licensed hairstylist can help you determine the proper course of action for your hair type.

After you get your hair done, here are some tips for things you can do at home to maintain your new do!

1. Shampoo your hair less frequently: Shampooing too frequently can leach the color from your hair making it appear dull and dry. Most stylists agree it is not necessary to shampoo your hair everyday, and once you’re used to skipping a shampoo most people realize that 2nd day hair can be great to work with. If you have straight or very loosely waved hair shampoo 2-3 times a week and if necessary refresh on your off days by flipping hair over and spraying a dry shampoo at the roots to soak up oil.  Most ethnic or highly textured hair, naturally, tends toward the drier end of the spectrum due to the inability of the scalp’s sebum to travel the length of the curls and coils from root to tip. This dryness can be exacerbated by any chemical treatment so when extremely curly hair is colored it should be shampooed no more than once a week, unless you are swimming or engaging in high impact activities that require more frequent shampooing. If you can’t go a full week in between shampoos, you can opt to switch between co-washing (cleansing hair with conditioner, or a conditioning cleanser like Wen) and shampooing followed by a deep conditioning treatment.

2. Use a sulfate free or color-protecting shampoo: These shampoos are specifically formulated to be both gentle and protective of your color. Steer clear of clarifying shampoos, which can be harsh and stripping, except on the day before your color appointment when they can be used to remove heavy oils and product buildup, silicones, waxes, and hairspray resins. If your hair is excessively coated in product when the color is applied, instead of penetrating the hair shaft, some of the dye may attach itself to those coatings and then wash out, making your color fade faster.”

3. Stick to lukewarm or cooler water and avoid excessive rinsing in the shower: Heat makes haircolor leach faster, so the hotter the water, the quicker the color loss. I recommend room temperature water and a cold water rinse to close the cuticle and add shine. Also, once you’ve shampooed and conditioned, don’t tilt your head back and let the water just run over it for several minutes as this will also rinse away and dull your color over time.

4. Protect blonde hues and highlights with a purple toning shampoo: Strange as it may sound, purple shampoo keeps your hair color from turning brassy, which can happen with other shampoos that aren’t specifically formulated for blonde hair.

5. Think twice about becoming a redhead: Although, red shades are frequently chosen for their beautiful vibrancy, red dye’s large-size molecules leach out more quickly than those of any other hue. I don’t want to dissuade you from choosing that beautiful auburn, deep scarlet or coppery highlight, but keep in mind that reds require more frequent touch ups in order to maintain their vibrancy.

How do I know if my hair is “healthy”?  This is a question everyone, including your stylist, may answer differently.  In my opinion, healthy hair is most easily achieved by having a balanced diet and a good maintenance regimen.  There is no specific prescription for healthy hair, but I help my clientele to maintain their beautiful natural, relaxed, weaved, and/ or color treated styles by regularly trimming their ends, educating them about the correct products to use to keep their hair and scalp cleansed, moisturized and free from negative buildup, and having regular consultations to improve their personal knowledge of their own hair type and maintenance requirements.  If you are not sure about your level of hair health, I have devised a few short “tests” that will help you identify any issues and help address them:

1. Does your hair shed excessively? Through natural renewal, we all lose 50-100 hairs a day, if you are seeing more than that in your comb, brush or down your drain your hair may be reacting to stress from any number of factors ranging from improper combing/ detangling techniques, extreme heat or even exposure to certain medications or medical issues.  The good news is most causes of shedding can be treated without resulting to an extreme haircut when handled as soon as the issue arises.

2.  When you examine a single hair from root to ends, does it feather, divide or split at any point and if pulled gently does it break or chip?  A healthy strand of hair should be strong, smooth and uniform in size from root to end, curly or ethnic hair differs because it may be slightly thinner along the shaft where it coils and/or bends, but if you see breaks or splits in the hair you may need a trim or strengthening/ conditioning treatment.

3. Does your hair appear or feel dry after you’ve shampooed, conditioned and applied styling aids?  If your hair is excessively dry you may be using the wrong type of products or too much heat and you may require treatment to correct a moisture imbalance issue. In addition to proper products and styling, you can hydrate your strands by eating foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron. Choose salmon, sardines, nuts, avocados, and flaxseeds for healthy shiny hair. Drink plenty of water, staying hydrated prevents your hair from drying out. Avoid smoking, the smoke from cigarettes can end up damaging and drying out your hair.

4. I’ve done EVERYTHING I can, including getting a trim and my hair still looks/ feels damaged?!?! This may be an indication that you have an issue with porosity. Porosity is an indicator of how damaged your hair is. The “pores” are really tiny cracks in the protein structure that weaken hair’s natural defenses. Porous hair has increased moisture loss, lower natural lipid content, and is more prone to breakage and split ends. Porosity is dramatically increased by chemical processing such as perming, relaxing, coloring, or bleaching the hair. A 2008 study showed that even just one minute exposure to hair bleach caused a significant number of pores to open in the hair.

Porosity Test: Fill a glass or bowl with room temperature water.Take a couple strands of your clean hair and put them in the water. Clean hair is important. If you have oils or products on your hair, it will alter your results. Watch it for 2-4 minutes. If your hair sinks immediately, it has high porosity.

Unfortunately, once hair becomes porous, there’s not much you can do to physically reverse the damage. However, using a good conditioner and frequent deep conditioning treatments can provide temporary relief. Deep conditioning using the indirect heat of a hooded dryer or steamer to open the cuticles will allow the moisture to penetrate the hair shaft and reinforce some of the fissures. If you are at home and don’t have a hooded dryer, you can apply your conditioner and processing cap then use a blow dryer to heat your conditioner while it is on your hair. Use lighter styling products, because reducing build up is key. I also like to recommend following a deep conditioning with dimethicone containing leave in conditioners because they’re effective at trapping the moisture inside the hair.

5. Does your hair appear dull, dry, lank or lifeless? If your hair is straight or loosely waved, consider a deep conditioner after every wash for a while. The same is suggested for curly or kinky hair types, but you can also try use heavier butters and oils like shea butter and olive oil to seal in moisture. Also consider your hair’s pH balance. You want to incorporate products with low pH, which means ones that are acidic. This will help flatten the cuticle and also seal in moisture, when your cuticle is closed it will reflect light hence making hair appear shiny. Other things to try are adding aloe vera gel or juice to your leave-in conditioner or spray bottle mixtures. You can also add 1/3 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to 1 liter of water as a rinse after washing your hair. This mixture will detoxify any pollution in the hair and seal the cuticle making your hair appear smooth, shiny and full.

DaStylist Tip:  As with anything, patience and good everyday practices will always be your best route back to a healthy head of hair, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! However, if you’ve run the gamut of home remedies and your hair is not responding, it may be time to visit a professional for further assistance. The longer a hair issue is allowed to go unaddressed the greater the likelihood of having long term damage.

Much like beautiful architecture, every flawlessly finished outfit starts with a strong foundation, and the proper bra is the cornerstone of that foundation. Unlike underwear, which most have in abundance (albeit in various stages of wearability… period panties anyone) a great fitting bra can be as elusive as a unicorn. Most of us have a drawer full of bras, but closer examination might reveal that although you have a plethora of options, you never grab the ones in the back and you are constantly wearing the same 3-4 bra styles/ types. I recommend that women have at least 7-10 properly fitted bras in their rotation, this allows for 2 weeks of wear with daily swaps and the occasional laundry day lapse. Body heat and other factors like perspiration can cause your bra to stretch so it’s recommended that you alternate daily, this allows the bra to return to it’s normal shape and air out so it’s fresh for the next wear. After wearing twice, launder bras by handwashing or use the delicate cycle and line dry, as excessive dryer temps can break down the delicate fabric.

I’ve compiled a list of the most commonly needed styles here:

T-shirt Bra: This workhorse style typically has a smooth finish that can be padded or unpadded and looks great with tees, knits, fitted silhouettes and sweaters.

Save!

Splurge!

Plus!

Strapless Bra: A supportive strapless bra is a necessary addition to any lingerie wardrobe. This bra is essential for strapless styles, spaghetti straps and off the shoulder looks.

Save!

Splurge!

Plus!

Multi Way: Perfect for every top from halters, and asymmetrical/ one shoulder looks, to racerback or criss cross back styles.

Save! 

Splurge!

Plus!

Deep Plunge, Demi or Push Up: Most guys favorite, these bras are perfect for sexy silhouettes, plunging necklines and showcasing your décolletage.

Save! 

Splurge!

Plus!

Sports Bra: With today’s healthy lifestyles it’s imperative that you have a well-made, supportive sports bra for working out, or high impact activities.

Save! 

Splurge!

Plus!

Honorable Mentions:

Minimizer: Perfect for larger busted ladies, these full coverage bras will take 1-2 inches off your bust line.

Deal!

Long line bras or corsets: Great for full bust and torso support and overall slimming in the midsection, perfect for bridal and formal looks.

Deal! 

Backless Bra or Breast Petals: Perfect for plunging and backless looks.

Deal! 

Bralette: A great option for the peekaboo bra trend that’s picking up steam, especially great with summer’s delicate tanks and summer dresses.

Deal!

Stylist Tip! The BEST way to ensure a great fit with any bra is to get a professional bra fitting. Most lingerie or major department stores offer this service for free in their Intimates Department, or you can measure yourself. Take a look at this YouTube tutorial for an informative, visual lesson on bra fitting.

Peace and Blessings!