Friday, October 16, 2009

Thumbs Up to the Cold Shoulder

One of my absolute favorite dress styles (and a soon-to-be Monika Roy staple) is the one-shoulder dress.



If you’re not quite in the mood for the strapless look and you’re ready to move beyond cap sleeves, a one-shoulder design is the answer. The one-shoulder look is confident and sexy. It’s also a great option for cooler weather since it’s slightly less revealing than a strapless dress and still makes a bold statement.

When wearing a one shoulder dress it’s best to reduce jewelry to earrings (chandeliers work great with this look), a bracelet or nothing at all. Necklaces obstruct the fundamental form of the look. Wearing your hair pulled-back looks great with a one-shoulder and emphasizes your neck and shoulders.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Being Fit: Always in Fashion

It’s easier to feel great about what you’re wearing when you’re confident about the shape you’re in.  With all of the exercise options available, it’s difficult to choose an optimal routine and stick to it.  The question is, should you try a little of everything or choose one approach and be consistent? 



There’s obviously not an approach that works for everyone. One of my favorites is Pilates, which is an excellent way to strengthen and tone your core - an area that’s challenging for most of us to impact.  It also improves posture, back strength, flexibility and overall muscle tone.   There are various types of Pilates, including reformer classes (using a machine), Piloga (mix of Pilates and yoga on a ball) and the standard Mat Pilates class.

Yoga is another great way to stretch and tone your muscles.  Yoga focuses on making a connection between your body and mind and can help clear your head and recharge your spirit.  There are also a number of varieties of yoga.  My personal favorite is Bikram, which is performed in a 105 degree room.  It sounds crazy, but all of the sweating cleanses your body and leaves you feeling refreshed – at least once you cool down.

The best thing about Pilates and Yoga is that they are life-long fitness routines.  Unlike higher impact exercises, that may damage your body in the long run, they improve your body over time.

What’s your favorite routine?