Beauty Beat

Top five fashion resolutions: Embrace color, look for sales, clean out yourcloset & more

Embrace color for spring: Orange is the season's hottest shade; this gown is byBibhu Mohapatra
Photo by Dario Cantator for Getty Images/Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
Dresses are so much cooler in the Houston heat; this yellow shift is fromBarbara Tfank's spring collection.
Look for sales — Fashion on Sale continues through Sunday.

While everyone else is busy wallowing in their post-holiday calorie-fest guilt, I'm busy making some resolutions. I’ve got a whole list of resolutions related to my health, lifestyle and overall life goals, but the list I’m most excited to share is my top five fashion and beauty resolutions. Last week I listed my beauty goals; here are my top fashion resolutions.

Embrace Color

Brights will be huge this spring and summer so get on board and start adding pops of color to your outfits. Whether it’s a bold, brightly colored statement necklace, a cheery-colored handbag or spring’s colored denim, don’t be afraid to get noticed! To gradually add color to your wardrobe, pair brights with neutrals like black, cream, navy and camel.

Best Dress

Houston's steamy summers are the perfect time to explore feminine dresses and skirts, especially if you favor pants. Not only will you keep cool in the sweltering heat, but you’ll feel so feminine and pretty that you may just develop a preference for dresses and skirts. Just keep hemlines appropriate for the workplace and choose breathable fabrics for comfort.

Ticket Price

You know what’s better than paying $50 for a top you love? Paying $25 for it. Some things are worth the investment, but in this economy, it’s also worth your time to investigate sales and coupons to get the best deal.

From Nordstroms’ Anniversary sale to regularly occurring 40-50% off sales at popular retailers like Ann Taylor and Banana Republic, it’s worthwhile to plan your retail therapy sessions during these major sales. Sign up for your favorite retailer’s email blasts and watch out for coupons in the mail (they often have an expiration date). Make a commitment this year to grow your closet — and your savings too!

Master Cleanse

No, I’m not talking about a fad diet. 2012’s master cleanse is all about your closet. If it doesn’t fit, it’s not flattering or you haven’t worn it in a year or more (or even forgot you had it) it’s time to let go.

Donate, sell or toss items depending on their conditions. Plenty of places like Goodwill or the Salvation Army appreciate the donation of gently worn items and organizations like Dress for Success provide underserved women with new and gently used suits for job interviews.

Think of your closet as valuable real estate. You want to make sure every bit of space is used to store items you love and wear. If you’re looking to give and receive, plan a clothing swap party for your girlfriends — everyone brings items they no longer want or that don’t fit and you have a clothing exchange over wine and cheese — what could be better!?

Investment Pieces

I’ve never been one to splurge on trendy items, especially when they’ll likely be the victim of a closet purge one day. The best fashion investments are for items that are used frequently — think jewelry, watches, handbags, shoes and sunglasses. Give some thought to the items you wear and use daily and allot a larger part of your budget for those staples.

We all know accessories make the outfit and it’s worth it to have quality pieces that will stand the test of time. Commit to investing in a few classic staples this year to build your closet for the long-term.

Veronika Javor Romeis writes a style and beauty blog, VeronikasBlushing.com

unspecified

texans helping texans

8 Houston stores and creators raising money for Hill Country flood relief

Christina Greene Texas Hill Country jewelry

Courtesy of Christina Greene

Christina Greene has five jewelry pieces in the Support Texas Hill Country collection.

The devastating Independence Day floods that tore through the Texas Hill Country have had fellow Texans scrambling to support Kerr County and the surrounding areas. Texans have already shown up in a big way, but, as the Hill Country recovers, our neighbors need continuous support.

These local Houston businesses are offering generous donations through customized items, Texas memorabilia, and bespoke events to raise much-needed relief funding for those most affected by the floods.

Events

La Fête presents In Bloom, We Give: A Benefit for TEXSAR Floral Class
Each ticket ($175) includes a hands-on floral design class led by La Fête HTX, all materials and fresh seasonal blooms to create your own custom arrangement, and a beautifully-styled floral piece to take home. This special evening is designed to inspire creativity and community, all while giving back. The florist will donate 100 percent of profits to Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) to support their on-going flood relief efforts across the state. The event will be held at the Montrose Country Club on Wednesday, July 23 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

The Plant Project presents Sunshine and Succulent Bar
Presented by the dynamic Bree Clarke of The Plant Project, this three-day event will donate 100 percent of its proceeds to Blueberry Hill Farm & Rescue in honor of Eloise “Lulu” Peck, an 8-year old girl who died in the flood. For $65, participants will create a garden from succulents, plants, and blooms that celebrate Lulu’s wonderful life and the deep, unwavering love she had for animals. The event takes place at M-K-T Heights (600 N Shepherd Dr, Ste 117) from July 18-20.

“We love the memorial fund that Blueberry Hill Farm & Rescue has created,” Clarke tells CultureMap.

Stacy Snyder hosts Pilates With Purpose
Join the Love Is Blind star for a 45-minute, all-levels mat Pilates class, then stay for a community raffle and social hour. (Bring your own mat.) Priced at $35, the event takes place at Moonshine Deck (1239 W 19th St.) on Tuesday, July 29 at 6 pm.

“Every moment helps support our shared cause! Come together in community and support our neighbors in need,” says Snyder. “100 percent of ticket proceeds will be donated to Central Texas Flood recovery. We'll also have an exciting raffle preceding the class with items generously donated by local vendors. Every dollar spent on raffle tickets will go directly to support our chosen charity.”

Shopping

The Antiquarium
This River Oaks institution will be donating a percentage of all sales from Tuesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 19 to benefit Kerr County Flood Relief. Find antique maps, books, prints, and paintings of native Texas plants and wildlife to add to your collection, for a cause. (1976 W Gray St.)

Christina Greene
The Houston-based jewelry designer has created the five-item, Support Texas Hill Country collection. Choose from three necklaces, stud earrings, and a Texas-shaped charm — or collect all five! The store will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from the collection to the Kerr County Relief Fund. (1317 S Voss Rd.)

Golden
This Memorial-area boutique will donate 100 percent of profits from the sale of its Finch fish gemstone necklace — a customer favorite — in Camp Mystic green. Available to order online or purchase in store for $58. (12462 Memorial Dr.)

Zadok Jewelers
The Galleria-area jewelry store will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from its “Heart in the Hill Country Bracelet” to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. In addition, Zadok will match all proceeds up to $10,000 with an additional donation.

“As a family-owned jeweler with deep Texas roots, Zadok stands firmly with our neighbors when they need us most,” the store said in a statement. “That’s why we custom designed the Heart in the Hill Country Bracelet to support the community affected by the devastating flood in Central Texas.”

Honorable Mention

The Hotel Saint Augustine’s very Texan “I love the Hill Country so much” T-shirt sold out almost immediately, but owner Bunkhouse Hotels is hoping to release more soon. Keep an eye out on Instagram!

Courtesy of Christina Greene

Christina Greene has five jewelry pieces in the Support Texas Hill Country collection.

flood relief shopping exercise home-design