By Anna Leef, Marketing Director, Holobi

After trying many different brands of makeup over the years, I can write a book on what I don't like about each one. Lets start with how confusing all the labeling is. That is intentional. Follow that up with how clueless the sales people are at most cosmetic counters. Do I really need a 22 year old discussing the anti-aging properities of a particular foundation with me? I don't think so. That is why I am so excited to share with you what I think is my favorite makeup line so far. That is saying a lot since I have been using makeup for over 30 years!

The name of the line is Jane Iredale. You can find it at http://www.janeiredale.com/. They also have spa locations in each state that carry the line. That way you can go and get color matched and try on different products. This line is called the skin care makeup with good reason. I never went for the mineral makeup fad because I just did not understand what was in that stuff. Now I understand that most mineral products contain very little minerals and lots of fillers. Jane Iredale is pure minerals and that makes a big difference.

Let me tell you what I love about the products. I have an oily t-zone and nothing I've tried minimized that problem. I wore primers under a foundation and then a pressed powder over the foundation. I also used blotting papers during the day. So that is 4 different products and the problem was still there. With their mineral pressed powder foundation, I just use that and have no need for anything else. It looks amazing and has oil control. It also doesn't come off when you go to hug someone (another problem I had). You may think I am getting paid by this company, but I am not. For those that know me, this type of enthusiastic endorsement is very rare so when it does happen, it is because I am genuinely impressed.

Try it and let me know what you think!

By Jinger Rausch, Certified DRES Stylist

As the fall season makes its yearly debut, the brilliant colors found in nature are featured in runway fashion. Alongwith the rich fall colors of distinctive reds, mustard yellows and jade greens, there is another color, cobalt blue, making a strong showing in clothing and accessories.

Blue is known to be America’s favorite color, preferred by 80% of the population. A medium to dark blue is great for job interviews and meetings with management and current employers. It also serves well for networking events and leading meetings.

Deep, rich, oceanic blue hues have the ability to invigorate everything in the closet. A jeweled blue garment is fashion forward elegance and a great alternative to black. Mixing a deep or cobalt blue and black together create a modern executive wardrobe without losing power.

There's nowhere to run
Got nowhere to hide
I can't forget you and I've tried, but...
I'm a deeper shade of blue

Lyrics from “Deeper Shade of Blue”

By Anna Leef, Marketing Director, Holobi 

I wanted to share my favorite handbag brand/designer with you. I have a lot of needs when it comes to handbags. It has to be a certain size (not too big, not too small), have compartments, have a magnet instead of a zipper because I am lazy, be elegant and timeless, and above all functional.

If you have similar desires, I have the handbag brand for you-B. Makowsky. That stands for Bruce Makowsky and his creations can be found in stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls. Reasonably priced, extremely well made, beautiful colors and designs, and his signature liner is a silky animal print design! I could go on and on. Instead, go and find your own favorite and let me know if you agree. I am including pictures of some of my recent favorites.

By Erika Nola, Certified DRES Stylist

It all started as a mistake.  Isn't it true that out of something bad comes something good?  I have learned that lesson one too many times in my life but my latest accident was on a more superficial fashion level but none the less celebratory.

Cleaning one day, I spilled bleach on one of my most comfortable cotton maxi dresses.  I kept wearing it trying to cover up the blemish with a jean jacket but it just never worked.  As usual my three boys, husband included, like to provide support or advice.  I thought maybe I could bleach the whole dress?  Then someone suggested tie-dying it?  So I combined the two efforts and decided to use a tie-dye process with diluted bleach.  My handy helpers went on line to find out the best technique to get a real tie-dye look. 

The key was to lay the dress flat, wet it and then carefully spin spirals creating a wheel type shape.  I tried to secure it with rubber bands and then carefully placed it in a flat bucket partially filled with the water and bleach mixture.  It did not take long for the grey color to turn pinkish white.  As always, our DIY projects become a great learning experience for the boys.  It is almost as if they could see the color disappearing right before their eyes.  Once we thought it had spent enough time soaking in the liquid, I took it out and laid it flat on the sidewalk to rinse it out with the hose.  The key is getting out the bleach before it destroys the fabric. 

Unraveling the bunched up cotton dress was like opening up a present.  The amazing shades of grey and pink swirls were fantastic.  I let it dry in the sunshine, ran it through the washer on its own and voila!  My new favorite maxi dress was born.  Now I wear it to the beach with my head wrap or with my flip flops out on the town with the kids.  I get compliments every time I have it on, but don't always feel the need to tell them our DIY success story. But it is true, with a little ingenuity and inspiration an ordinary mistake can become something special. Now I have an original "Nolan" design!

By Margaret Spencer, Founder and CEO

A few years ago I told my close friend and DRES Stylist, Anna Leef, that if I designed a bra, it would have wider straps and a larger back area to give more support without cutting into your back and creating back fat.

The only reason that women have back fat is because of the tight bands of a bra that squeeze us like sausage links. This makes for the most unflattering look from behind. There is nothing wrong with our backs. The problem lies with the way most bras are designed.

Just a month ago, Anna called me and told me she found the bra I had hoped would be designed, one that would solve the back fat problem.

We are thrilled that Staci Berner has created the Unbelievabra! It truly is amazing, completely eliminating back fat. You get a smooth back and a lifted, supported front. It feels like you are wearing an invisible bra! An added bonus is that it slims your waist with its elastic camisole design. 

While before I would hesitate or otherwise wear layers out of concern for unflattering back fat, I now feel comfortable and confident. Especially with summer here, I feel like I can wear some of my tighter fitting tops without worry.

This is my go-to bra for solving the back fat dilemma for good!
http://www.unbelievabra.com/styles.html