Lifestyles

Make smart fitness choices with post-workout recovery and hydration

During warm-weather months, fitness enthusiasts often take their exercise routines to the great outdoors. The spike in summer temperatures can make those tough workouts even more challenging.

Even after your workout is complete, your body does not stop – after a tough sweat session in the summer heat, you need to replenish what you lost to rebuild and refuel muscles. A tall glass of chocolate milk may not be the first thing you think to reach for after a long run, but recovering from each intense workout with the nutrients in low-fat chocolate milk allows you to get the most out of your fitness routine.

Before gearing up for your summer workout routine, make sure you are taking care of your body with these tips.

Be Mindful of High Temperatures
High temperatures don’t have to get in the way of your workout plan, but it’s important to consider the heat index and time of day when exercising. Temperatures typically peak during the middle of the day, so aim to work out in the morning or once the sun starts to set.

The body loses a lot of important nutrients through sweat. Learn your sweat rate by weighing yourself with minimal clothing before and after one hour of sweaty exercise. One pound of sweat loss equals 16 ounces of fluid loss. This can guide your fluid intake during your next workout.

Replenish What You Lose in Sweat
After putting in real work this summer, your body needs real recovery. Recovery after strenuous exercise can make a difference in how well you can perform during your next workout. For example, low-fat chocolate milk helps replenish fluids and electrolytes lost in sweat. In fact, drinking low-fat or fat-free milk after exercise could restore hydration better than other popular post-exercise beverages, including water or sports drinks, according to a study published in the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.” Plus, chocolate milk has a 3-to-1 carb-to-protein ratio scientifically shown to refuel and rebuild muscles quickly.

Shield Yourself from the Sun’s Rays
Just because your fitness routine includes strenuous laps in a pool or a run through shady trails doesn’t mean you are protected from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to your face, neck, ears and body before exercising outdoors. If you’re going back out for another round of laps in the pool or around the track, reapply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before getting back to work.

While summer weather provides many opportunities for fresh air and fitness, it’s important to remember these tips and more for healthy hydration. Find more information at builtwithchocolatemilk.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

6 gracious Father’s Day gift ideas

Whether dad wants to spend his day on the patio, in the garage, on the couch or at a ballgame, Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything that makes him special to you and your family.

Since each dad is a little different, it’s sometimes tough finding just the right gift to put a smile on his face. Whether he’s into a grilled meal, a clean deck or a quality shave, these products are ideal for all types of fathers.

Find more gift ideas to put this dad’s day on his highlight reel at eLivingToday.com.

Grilling Favorites for Father’s Day
Celebrate dad by gathering the family for a cookout to remember featuring Omaha Steaks. This year’s Father’s Day package includes two buttery-rich ribeyes; two tender, juicy filet mignons; four 1/4-pound burgers; Omaha Steaks signature steak seasoning blend; a pound of steakhouse fries and four caramel apple tartlets for dessert. Find more dad-pleasing steaks and easy-to-prepare side dishes at omahasteaks.com.

Bring the Barbershop to Dad
Instead of dad having to head out the door for his next quality shave, you can bring the barbershop to him with KC Shave Co, which allows members to experience an enjoyable shave every day. For Father’s Day, pamper your dad with a relaxing shave with services that include timely delivery coupled with all-natural products, leaving skin fresh and without irritation. Find more gift ideas for dad at kcshaveco.com.

Perfect for His Projects
For the father who always seems to have a project in motion, you can make his day (and every day) a little easier with a Briggs & Stratton S1800 electric pressure washer. Featuring a turbo nozzle with the ability to blast away grime 40 percent faster than a standard spray tip, he can clean a wide range of surfaces from patios, decks and sidewalks to siding, windows, screens and tables. Find more cleaning solutions and a limited-time discount code for the power washer at Briggsandstratton.com/OutdoorCleaning.

A Guy and His Garage
Many dads can never seem to have enough tools. This package, the 111-piece Husky Mechanics Tool Set, gives him just about everything he needs to work on his car and tackle household projects. It offers two ratchets, 70 sockets, 22 bits and 14 hex keys. The case makes it perfect for storing in the shed, tossing it in the back of the truck or tucking away in a closet. Find more information and tools for dad at homedepot.com/husky.

Apparel for the Active Dad
Inspired by modern athletic gear, Mizzen+Main’s dress shirts use a unique fabric blend to wick away moisture, eliminating sweat from showing through the shirt. Ideal for dad to look and feel his best, the shirts feature four-way stretch for a custom fit and do not require dry cleaning – simply machine wash and hang dry. Offering moisture-wicking, wrinkle-free fabrics, they’re designed to blend class and comfort for active dads. Visit mizzenandmain.com for more.

For the Music Man
Help dad listen to his favorite tunes on Father’s Day with Samsung’s Shape Wireless Audio-Multiroom Speakers, which allow music lovers to listen throughout their home with an easy plug-and-play design. The speaker’s design is versatile and can be used alone as a speaker or combined with other Shape speakers to create a multiroom ecosystem. A free app, Samsung Multiroom, enables listeners to seamlessly stream music via WiFi or Bluetooth from a variety of music sources. For more tech solutions, visit Samsung.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Children hugging dad)

Having “it all” is a concept women have discussed and aspired to attain for nearly 40 years. Still, the conversation continues because no one has determined what having it all actually means.

A first-of-its-kind social experiment dug deeper into the choices women make in life and uncovered that female relationships often play a significant role. In collaboration with Dr. Emily Balcetis, Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University, Lean Cuisine asked women to define their “ideal life,” as part of the ItAll social experiment.

The experience explored how women answered questions alone versus in the presence of other women in their lives. The results showed that women help each other set a higher bar for themselves. In fact, 89 percent of women set more ambitious goals in the presence of other women.

Despite societal stereotypes that suggest female relationships encourage anxiety, pressure and judgment, this experiment determined that women have a positive impact on other women as an engine for ambition.

“We rarely talk about the positive power of female relationships that we saw firsthand in the ItAll experiment,” Balcetis said. “Women can encourage each other to shoot for more where it matters most, rather than working to accomplish something less fulfilling only because society says they should. Women have a truly unique way of inspiring each other to reach their own greatest potential.”

Balcetis offers these tips, which were observed during the ItAll social experiment, to support women aspiring to be the best versions of themselves:

Be a Role Model
Allowing a woman to observe and model your performance, whether in your personal or professional life, is an opportunity to give someone the courage and confidence to excel in her own right. A role model can set standards for an aspiring woman to work toward, while proving that certain goals are, in fact, attainable.

Provide Encouragement
Take stock of the women in your life, including family, friends and social and professional acquaintances. Consider where you may be able to lend support or nudge someone into higher aspirations. It might mean encouraging someone to set or achieve a certain goal, or it may mean challenging someone to take a leap, like applying for a challenging new position.

For example, the ItAll experiment first surveyed female participants individually then allowed them to express their aspirations in the presence of familiar, influential women in their lives. Life choices became less conservative when others were involved. For example, participants declared a desire for higher salaries, chose to work more hours, wanted to spend more time with friends and be more involved with children.

Start a Conversation
It’s been said that variety is the spice of life, and no place is that truer than among women working to define their own ambitions. Engage with women from different backgrounds and start important conversations that may open your eyes to unique experiences or viewpoints you hadn’t previously considered. Arming yourself with that kind of knowledge can help make your own path clearer and encourage others to be a positive force for change.

Learn more about the social experiment and discover ideas to spur ambition for your own life at youtube.com/leancuisine.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (women talking)

IN FASHION
BY SHARON MOSLEY

Sometimes it only takes one dress — but just the right one — to make the occasion. And spring is full of those special occasions, from graduations to weddings to fundraisers. Having one go-to dress is always a good idea. Here are some of the best ways to dress the part this year so that when those invitations arrive, you’ll be ready — because you never want to wait till the last minute to find the perfect thing to wear to that big event.

–Address color. It’s the fastest way to update your dress wardrobe this year. Though those little black dresses are always in style and always great to have hanging out in your closet, you never want to underestimate the power of color. This spring and summer, that color may be the brightest yellow or the palest lilac. Pick your palette, but do consider wearing a new hue to the party. You’ll feel like a whole new you.

–Address hemlines. There’s a dress length for everyone this season, from short minis to long maxis. Of course, the occasion may determine what hemline you choose; a micro miniskirt might not be the most appropriate way to impress your boyfriend’s parents at his college graduation. But you’ll also want to consider what style of dress is most flattering to your own body shape. If a floor-sweeping maxi overwhelms your petite frame, then consider sticking to more of a ruffled tea dress with a midi hemline or a body-conscious fringed shift dress that hits right below the knees.

–Address prints. The flower power is fierce this year — and these are not just any itsy-bitsy-ditsy floral prints. The new floral prints are statement-making prints reminiscent of artistic designs mixed and matched in a fresh way, giving them a modern twist. Daisies are one of the most popular fashion bloomers this spring, but polka dots are also vying for attention. Look for prints in vintage-inspired silhouettes, such as fit-and-flare ’50s dresses or ’90s slip dresses.

–Address shine. If you really want to step up your dress game, then you’ll love the new way to sparkle in a dress. Sequins are shimmering for day and night. There’s a little disco diva that’s dancing into fashion this year, and it’s time to have some fun. In gold, silver or even pastels, sequins shine. The newest way to do a cool party look: a denim jacket over a sequin slip dress. So don’t be afraid to glimmer and glow as that stylish wedding guest. Just be careful not to outshine the bride.

–Address the non-dress. Yes, if you’re not a dress person — and some of us just aren’t — there are plenty of other options for special occasions. The jumpsuit is a great alternative and a major trend this year. The trouser suit is another way to up the glam factor; in white, it’s a warm-weather winner. And a flowing pleated skirt or silky palazzo pants paired with an elegant blouse are always appropriate. The best way to address the dress — during any time of the year — is to wear what you feel the most comfortable in. That’s always the way to dress for success.

From every skinned-up knee when you were small to nearly every celebration throughout life, she is always there. Mothers are consistently there cheering you on and supporting you. Mothers are strong, fearless and kind, and Mother’s Day is your day to give back to them for all they’ve done and show them how much those moments mean to you.

This year, make her day special by choosing a gift that is not only functional but also charming. Use this gift guide to help find a Mother’s Day gift she can love and cherish for years to come.

Find more gift ideas perfect for any type of mom at eLivingToday.com.

For Her Thrilling Side
Celebrate Mother’s Day with the No. 1 New York Times’ best-seller, “The Woman In The Window” by A.J. Finn, hailed as the next “The Girl on the Train.” With more than 1 million copies sold worldwide, readers can enjoy this twisty, powerful novel of psychological suspense that is soon to be a major motion picture from Fox 2000. Anna Fox is a recluse, unable to venture outside her New York City home. She spends her days drinking wine, watching old movies and spying on her neighbors. When she sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and she finds out that things are never really what they seem. Learn more at harpercollins.com.

Something Soft for Her
Give mom a warm and snuggly gift she can use all day, every day. No matter if she is watching her favorite shows or tucked in for a nice weekend nap, a soft and luscious blanket is the perfect companion. With various styles and sizes available, there’s almost certain to be an option perfect to fit your mom’s lifestyle.

Add to Her Style
Nearly every woman needs a good, solid purse to hold all her belongings and show off her personality, too. From makeup to money, the kids’ snacks and her keys, a stylish purse can hold it all while also allowing her to express herself. For Mother’s Day, give her something that not only helps her day after day but gives her the satisfaction of style.

For Her Inner Chef
For every mom that loves to cook, and every mom who doesn’t, a pressure cooker can be the perfect gift. Throw your favorite ingredients, like spicy chicken or savory pork, into the pressure cooker and let it work its magic. Set the timer to the correct time, give it a few stirs throughout and you’re done. She can get creative with what to make and have dinner on the table quickly with minimal prep time.

For Her to Relax
Almost nothing beats the few minutes moms get to relax during the day. This Mother’s Day, give your mom something that can help her find her inner-Zen like a diffuser, which can help her escape to her own oasis. With quiet, portable options that feature adjustable lighting, this gift can leave a fresh garden mist in any room.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
(Mom and daughter, Blankets, Purse, Pressure cooker, Air diffuser)

When it comes to becoming an elite athlete, there are differing opinions on what it takes to win gold.

Sports analysts and commentators often reference sprint times, body weight, height or age as differentiating factors, but Dr. Steven Stein, CEO of Multi-Health Systems and emotional intelligence expert, has a different idea.

Emotional intelligence is a set of emotional and social skills that influence the way people perceive and express themselves, develop and maintain social relationships, cope with challenges and use emotional information in an effective and meaningful way.

Using The Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 model to test emotional intelligence, Multi-Health Systems found athletes around the world often score high in self-regard: the ability to know their strengths and weaknesses; self-actualization: doing what they love and continually trying to improve; and flexibility: their ability to learn, change and take direction.

Self-Regard
Self-regard is the ability of an athlete to know his or her strengths and weaknesses. For elite athletes, it can also translate into confidence.

“Confidence, as part of self-regard, can be a key differentiator among medal winners,” Stein said. “At the highest level of many sports you have a number of athletes with near-equal skills and talent. Often, having the right mental toughness can make that millisecond or single point difference among judges.”

Self-Actualization
Self-actualization reflects comfort with who you are and what you are doing. For example, competition at the international level takes years of preparation and practice, and may require personal, social and familial sacrifices.

“Self-actualization allows an athlete to continue to learn and improve, as many athletes start out with a vision that helps define their passion,” Stein said. “For example, you frequently hear stories of athletes who come from challenging childhoods – deaths of parents, early injuries or difficulties with school – who commit fully to their sports, find success and go on to become role models for others in both athletics and overcoming adversity.”

Flexibility
Flexibility is a person’s ability to change and take direction, and for an elite athlete, it means learning from a bad performance instead of getting frustrated. It is one of the better predictors of the ability to be coached and succeed, and Multi-Health Systems found that it is especially important in both professional and amateur athletes.

“Sometimes, high-level draft picks in various sports who have difficulty taking instruction don’t make it as professional players,” Stein said. “Great athletes are often great learners, and when athletes think they already know what’s best or don’t listen to coaching, it can derail their performance.”

Learn more about emotional intelligence and the role the mental side plays in becoming an elite athlete at mhs.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

BY: SHARON MOSLEY

If dreary weather has you singing the blues, then change your tune and double up on denim.
A basic in many wardrobes, denim promises to make a fashion comeback this spring and summer. Wearing denim from head to toe is just one of the ways to rock a new look this year. Express your inner “jean-ius” with these denim style trends:
–Do the Canadian Tuxedo. Quick translation: wearing a jean jacket with jeans. Levi Strauss is credited with coming up with the “Canadian Tuxedo,” when it designed a denim tuxedo jacket for Bing Crosby, who was barred from a Vancouver hotel in 1951 for donning head-to-toe denim. Through the years, the double denim has received mixed reviews, but this year, designers and celebrities alike are embracing the trend once again. So, get out those denim jackets, pull on your favorite jeans and head out the door. Check out the Universal Thread collection at Target for inspiration of casual trucker jackets and distressed jeans. Or do double denim for work with Tom Ford’s sleek inky denim tailored jacket and boyfriend jeans.
–Get down to business. Tailored denim is receiving rave reviews this year, too. And the darker indigo washes are working hard to give denim a professional edge that can easily be worn to the office in suit-like separates. Think tailored, fitted jackets paired with high-waisted, straight-leg jeans or structured skirts. The shirt-dress is another classic for dressier occasions.
–Do the mom and pop thing. Another trend coming on strong, believe it or not, is the return of the mom jean and the dad jean. Rumors have been floating around for a few seasons that these relaxed looks are resurfacing, but now it’s official. When these jeans start hitting the fashion street scene, then the trend goes mainstream. Just take a peek at Levi’s website. Inspired by vintage high-waist jeans with relaxed waists and straight legs, these classics are back once again. Ditto for high-waisted Bermuda shorts. Expect to see them at a music festival near you.
–Get grungy. Remember the ’90s? Denim was washed with acid, flared and cropped, ripped and distressed. This season, grunge grows up…but not too much. The vintage flavor still lingers with flannel shirts and Doc Martens adding even more authenticity. With summer approaching, the fringed cut-off Daisy Dukes will be kicking up some fun. Ditto for miniskirts. Watch super-washed faded denim to be a warm-weather fashion favorite. (paige.com)
–Do get colorful. White jeans aren’t the only go-to option for spring and summer days anymore. There’s a rainbow of colors in denim collections this year. From candy-colored pastels to bolder, sunset hues, there’s no excuse for sticking to the “usual” jeans you’ve worn for years. Blast out of the blue zone and double up on a juicy color like the dark lemon jean jacket and matching jeans. (cottoncitizen.com)
–Do pay attention to the details. Get out of a blue jean “rut” and have some fun with your denim wardrobe. It’s easy to buy the same jeans over and over, year after year. This year, look for trendy extras to add a special touch to denim: bedazzled with crystals and beads; lace-trimmed hems or patchworked pieces. Side slits and frayed seams are other ways to dress up jeans. Double up on the details and you’ll double your summer fun.

IN FASHION
BY: SHARON MOSLEY

When you wake up on March 20 and think “first day of spring,” then get up, put your tiara on and start celebrating…then think about what you’re going to wear! (Well, have your coffee first!) Here are a few ways to put some spring in your fashion step.
–Get organized. Spring cleaning is an annual rite in many homes, when the windows are thrown open and the fresh air blows away the winter blahs. And it’s a great time to think about cleaning out the closets, too. Even though you would rather be enjoying a cocktail on the beach, you can still put in a few minutes to rethink your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn that long wool coat in years, chances are you’re not going to wear it next fall. Give those oldies but goodies you rarely wear anymore away. If you do this every time the seasons change, you’ll stay ahead of the style game and you won’t find yourself totally overwhelmed.
–Then assess the situation. If you’re bored with your clothes and you find yourself in a fashion rut, then take a break and do a little reflection — meditate on what is missing from your closet. Do you need more dresses for special occasions? A comfortable outfit for work? Or a pair of killer heels? If you need help, peruse the blogosphere, scour retail sites on the internet or download a few style magazines. You’ll get plenty of inspiration right at the tips of your fingers.
–Make the transition. While the calendar may say spring has officially sprung, we all know that Mother Nature has a mind of her own. In other words, a blizzard may blow in at any minute after we’ve made the big closet switch from one season to another. That’s when layering comes in handy and we grab the boots again. The tank tops may not work on their own, but layered underneath sweaters and vests, they provide extra warmth. The latest anoraks, one of spring’s biggest outerwear trends, is another way to add a stylish layer to chase away the chills.
–Update with a surprise. After all, it’s a new season, and most of us are a little tired of the heavy coats and furry scarves we’ve been wrapped up in for the last few months. Concentrate on uncovering the tiara-wearing diva inside. Celebrate with eye-catching accessories, embellished sandals or a dress in a bold print. Bright colors are another way to update a drab winter wardrobe and take a spring break. Add a luscious lavender top, a turquoise blue bucket bag or a juicy orange trench coat.
–Go shopping. Think ahead to the spring and summer months. Do you plan on attending a wedding or graduation soon? Or do you need new beachwear for your summer travel wardrobe? Pick a trend that will fill in the missing blanks to the closet that you’ve just cleaned out, and see your attitude get a whole new lease on your fashion life. You may just need to replace those white jeans that aren’t so white anymore or that puffy coat that’s not so fluffy anymore…and you may find them on sale right now…now that’s a real spring fashion break.

While heart health and how to prevent heart disease are important topics, many people in the United States – African Americans, in particular – remain at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African Americans ages 18-49 are almost twice as likely as Caucasians to die from heart disease. Additionally, about 33 percent of African Americans ages 35-49 and 61 percent ages 50-64 have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

However, there are many ways for you to lower your risk for heart disease, and one of the most important is by becoming physically active. National guidelines recommend at least 2 hours, 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults, like brisk walking where your blood gets pumping and you are a little breathless. If you find yourself short of time, you can incorporate physical activity in small chunks, such as three 10-minute intervals per day, and still achieve some heart health benefits.

How Moving More Helps
When done regularly, physical activity can give your entire body – not just your heart – a boost. Getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat can:
* Strengthen heart muscles
* Improve blood flow
* Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
* Help control weight

Ways to Become More Active Every Day
In addition to working toward at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, it’s important to avoid being sedentary, when possible. You can do that by making choices that build activity in your day. Some examples include:
* Taking the stairs
* Printing at the printer farthest from your desk at work.
* Getting off the bus one stop early
* Parking in the farthest space from the door
* Walking around while you are on the phone or having walking meetings
* Being active with your children, including playing outdoors
* Planning a vacation that includes physical activities
* Playing basketball or taking a yoga class with friends instead of meeting up for drinks or a meal
* Putting on some music and dancing

Check with Your Doctor
Certain physical activities are safe for most people. However, if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis or diabetes, talk with your doctor about the type and amount of physical activity that is right for your health.

Incorporating regular physical activity into your life can help your health in many ways, but it can be especially helpful for your heart. Find more heart-healthy facts and tips from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at nhlbi.nih.gov.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The holiday season can get expensive, especially when purchasing thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The last thing you want to spend money on is generic holiday decorations that don’t make your home stand out from the rest.

Creating unique, do-it-yourself decorations is an activity that can help you bond with family and friends, but also give your home decor a fun, seasonal twist.

The experts at Krazy Glue suggest these festive DIY crafts that can get your home prepped for the holiday season without breaking the bank.

Statement Centerpiece: A staple of holiday home decor is selecting the perfect centerpiece for your table. Most people defer to flowers or generic baubles that can be overlooked, but you can make your table stand out with a festive tree made of common utensils. Grab some silver spoons, metallic spray paint, a plastic foam cone and an adhesive to create a DIY centerpiece.

Festive Front Door: When guests arrive at your home for the holidays, one of the first things they see is the front door. While it’s easy to go out and buy a pre-made wreath at the store, creating a unique, holiday-themed option is simple, budget-friendly and fun.

If you have clothespins lying around the house, repurpose them into something creative and beautiful this year. Create this one of a kind Metallic Clothespin Wreath with metallic spray paint, mini clothespins, a flat wooden wreath form and a strong adhesive. Simply spray-paint the clothespins different metallic shades and glue them to the wooden wreath frame in different layers once dry.

To help make the wreath and other DIY projects shine, it’s important to have a strong adhesive that can withstand the test of time. Just a single drop of Krazy Glue can hold up to 2,000 pounds and only takes 30 seconds to dry. It’s a perfect tool to have in your home for any holiday DIY projects or quick fixes that may arise.

Deck the Walls: There’s no need to stop the holiday decorations at your table and front door. Keep your walls festive by hanging some holiday themed decorations such as homemade snowflakes. All you need is plywood molding and pieces of thin balsa wood, a circular medallion, spray paint in your colors of choice and a strong adhesive.

Find more holiday DIY projects at krazyglue.com.

Metallic Clothespin Wreath

Supplies and Tools:
350-375 mini clothespins
Gold spray paint
Silver spray paint
Flat wood wreath form
Krazy Glue Maximum Bond

Divide clothespins into two sections. Spray-paint one section gold and one section silver; let dry.

Turn clothespins over and spray-paint other sides. Spray-paint wood wreath form silver; let dry.

Beginning in center of wreath form, glue circle of gold clothespins to wood wreath form; let glue dry.

Add layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath. Attach pins by clipping onto first row of gold clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry.

Add another layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath. Attach pins by clipping onto first row of silver clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images
#14076
Source: Krazy Glue

Get your glow on. The holidays are time to shine with sparkling fashion that lights up the party scene. So, get ready to put on the glitz. Here are the season’s top favorite ways to brighten up your festive wardrobe in a flash.
–Seek out the sequins. Of course, these little shiny decorative danglers have come a long way from their original Indian origins 3000 years ago. But today, metal sequins have morphed into all kinds of innovative plastic disks that swing and sway on everything from sweatshirts to evening gowns. The popularity of all this shimmer never seems to dim. At the recent American Music Awards show, stars rocked the shiny stuff…from Tracie Ellis Ross’s sequined jumpsuit and boots (borrowed from her Mom Diana Ross’s closet) to Heidi Klum’s floor-length rainbow striped sequined evening gown.
–Apply for your patents. Sequins may only be one way to shine this holiday season, but they are not the only way to get your glow on. Glossy patent leathers are finding their way into our party wardrobes in everything from trench coats to knee-high boots. These coated leathers turn up in fashionese as “liquid” leather, “lacquered” leather and the imitation plastic leather, “pleather.” The perfect holiday coverup? How about a red lacquered coated anorak from 3.1Phillip Lim?
–Make a foil of yourself. There’s a new denim game in town, and it’s “foiled” jeans. Shiny leather gold or silver gets transferred right onto denim to instantly update basic jeans or jeggings…perfect for glamming up a holiday outfit. Jean jackets that get the foil treatment are also a new way to give your casual party clothes a new lease on life. Check them out at your favorite retailers from Lane Bryant to Gap to Versace, where even the guys will find gold-foiled floral print T-shirts.
–Weave it in. Another way to shine for the holidays is to wear knits with metallic yarns woven in. The “Lurex,” the brand name of The Lurex Company, Ltd., has been known for over 60 years for its glittering fibers of glittering plasticized yarns that weave their way through all kinds of stylish clothes and accessories for the whole family. Designers regularly use Lurex in their collections, and it crops up especially at holiday time in sweaters, dresses and even blazers. This season, check it out in glittery boot socks from Hunter Boots — a great gift item.
–Sparkle with jewels. Of course, this one’s a no-brainer! But it may be one of the easiest ways to get your holiday glow on. Pearls are one of the season’s most subtle ways to add a little shimmer — in choker necklaces, long pendants or stitched right onto collars and cuffs. Crystals are always party poppers…this season in giant chandelier earrings or rock size rings. The celestial themes are playing starring roles this year. Check out all the fun constellation pieces at Bauble Bar.
–Sprinkle some glitter on your face. Gloss is boss, and not just in your clothes, but on your face, too. Put your best party face forward with shimmer and shine in swooshes of highlighter on your cheeks. Add some pink gloss to your lips and finish off your eyes with a surprise dash of glitter. It’s all at Topshop, even the “Disco Ball” eyeshadow. Now that’s a holiday party!

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