trendupdate

Choose silks & chiffons, fabrics that flow...Or choose cashmeres and velvets, fabrics that just feel good... Just keep warm this winter in style. One "must-have" piece of outer wear is a washable suede jacket in a solid or tone-on-tone jaquard. And for goodness sake...get a pair of jeans that fit! No more baggy, saggy, bottoms. Keep the lines "classic" and go for a more tailored fit. Long, simple necklaces are making their way in...at least until 'east-meets-west'. Rumor has it that by next fall, the return of big, bulky pieces will be hot on the streets of New York and will make great layering pieces to the tasteful, simple pieces of this season.

For Women: Think length times two. Soft swept waves kept down or softly pulled back. No 70's feather, and not the tattered look of the 60's either. If the hair is pulled back, loose pieces still dangle and frame the face. Just remember that with length comes extra care to protect the ends. Keep applied heat to a minimum, and moisture protection to a maximum. Deep-Conditioning treatments (both in-salon and at home) should not be forgotten this time of year.

For men: Cuts from short to shoulder length, finished with products that give softer smoothing results.

If you purchase a lipstick this season, pick one with a hue of coral. This will bring you up to the minute, and lead you right into upcoming shades for fashion trends this spring. Go light on the eye shadows and keep those cheeks pink. Play up the natural look by painting your nails a nice shade of nude, blush, or coral.

For Women: Longer, side swept bangs, and subtle curls are making waves. The addition of highlights are in, as long as you follow up with a conditioning treatment to put back the natural shine to your do! Also, don't leave a salon without a "Shine Spray". Check out our versions from Goldwell and KMS. The great thing about these products are they are weightless...so you can layer the product for a light shine during the day, or a full on glow for night time. Let your hair shine ALL DAY LONG!

For Men: Look back to the 70's for longer styles with layers.

Mini dresses, with bold and geometric patterns, and the combination of Black/White/Yellow are HOT! The skinny pant and crop jacket are must have layering pieces. Silver jewelry, bold statements in Tourquoise, and Tiger's Eye, and fabric must-haves are anything metalic or satin. Contradicting the clothing trends, accessories are being seen in wicker, linen and other natural fibers, wood (natural and stained) and all are mixed with the metal of choice...SILVER! Shoes are taking on the trend as well, with "cork" heels making a statement on the runways, and metalic sandals are here for a few seasons.

Voluminous waves and curls are HOT! Whether the hair is soft or "teased", be sure to use an anti-frizz product if you want your curls to be more defined. Try KMS "Smoothing Serum" if your hair is thick and coarse. Kerasilk "Anti-Frizz" Serum is great for all other hair types. If your hair isn't naturally curly...DON'T PANIC! You can add curls by using a jumbo-curling iron, or go the distance and try a texturizing service with large rods.

Consider "unusual" geometric prints in unlikely color combinations in summer mini's and bathing suits. Sleeveless white ruffle shirts are the hottest non-color items (not that it's the only thing you should have in white-keep reading...). Pair them with a basic walking short. Try vertical or diagonal (thinner) stripes in a longer tank or dress. They will keep you in style and cool for the hot months ahead. Pink, red, and yellow shoes are HOT, "Gladiator Sandals" in any color,and if you don't have basic white sandals...GET A PAIR!

Pendant jewelry on a long chain alone, or layered with a longer circle link is a great look. Also popular is Lucite. Belts, bangles, and jewelry pieces...They make a great addition to any jewelry wardrobe- plus, being clear, they go with anything!

Peach lips, cheeks, and shadows. Fresh and new, a little less bronze tones.

Peach will give you a "sun-kissed" and healthy look. The "French Manicure" is IN, IN, IN! Some nail companies have 36 different shades to cover the luxurious white tips -or choose to use them without the white tips. Many are made for natural nails. Another fun idea popping up in trade magazines are not-so-traditional "French Manicures". The tips, instead of being white, are being shown in pinks, corals, and even gold for a fun twist.

Go bold with your color. Vibrant Reds, radiant browns, shimmer in hues of gold. Foil in a "pop" of these shades, or go for an all-over look. Goldwell has hundreds of combinations to choose from. Schedule a complimentary consultation with a color specialist TODAY! Finish your style with the "PONY TAIL"! Up high, pulled low, sleek, messy, anyway you put it, it is the "in" style of the season.

No natural tones here! Shimmer with the look of metallic in both make-up and nails. If you don't have "greys" in your make-up drawer...GET SOME! Smokey eyes are something every woman must know how to do. Some make-up artists are simply layering different shades from your summer palette to add depth, and drama to your new fall style.

If you take note of make-up trends, and shades for the hair...then you will have this years' fall wardrobe in check. One specific look is being driven from Russia. Large furs, bold cross-type pendants, and layers of metallic with grays and whites. Solid bright's are also looks being seen on the runways. Textured, over-sized sweaters layered with the "pencil skirt" or leggings in shades of black and grays will blend in with the "smokey eyes". Black pumps with thicker heels, and tall ones we might add, should be a staple for the season. Many of the top jewelry designers are adding rich brown/copper metal accents to time pieces, necklaces, and earrings. These are gorgeous alone, or layered with silver, or gold.

Did you know Illusions colorists perform over 4000 color services a year? Each year we see many changes to the availability and abundance of color possibilities. 2008 is no exception! We are seeing many changes to color choices...they're becoming even greater!!! The sheer beauty of an all-over color is becoming more customized due to the multiple color choices within hues. If you've remained safe when choosing a single all-over color before, why not try bumping the color up a notch and add a bit more of a richer hue to the formula. With millions of color possibilities...the looks are limitless!

We've been there before, and shades of blue eyeshadows will be seen this year...not quite as bad as you think though. As we look into late spring, shades of peach will also be predominant, especially because it can create a more natural glow. With sun-kissed skin still in, be sure to look for "bronzers" to be readily available again for that "pre-summer" tan. Stay away from those with an orange hue though...those just aren't yet attractive.

Shades of blues mixed with browns will be the color combination to look toward this spring. Accompany your look with a bold necklace, and a metalic handbag and pumps and you've got the complete ensemble of the season. When shopping for a dress, bolder florals and geometrics in, (believe it or not), new polyester blends will be all the rage. As true fashionistas will be eager to try something new, just remember that large department stores perform inventory at the end of January, so if you're eager to find these new looks, you may have to wait until early February, or shop online. As gold prices stay high, sterling jewelry remains the more affordable choice; however, as the rise in the new *CHOCOLATE GOLD* looks become increasingly more readily available, look for faux pieces with that same color scheme to break out into 2008.

Razor Cuts...Many haircuts can be done by using a "razor" and not the traditional haircutting scissors. Shattered edges, texturizing, an whispy bangs can also be achieved using this method. The latest trends were unveilled at this years' TRENDZOOM in Nashville from GOLDWELL and their treatments and ideas for color are AMAZING! Hidden "pops" of color are peeking through more and more, and making their way onto the outer layers of the hair. Color placement options are endless. Adding a skillfully placed "Sparklight" to your Tint or Gloss color service in light and dark shades can add mystical results to your look. Also new, rich caramels and golden highlights are being blended into all-over colors of blondes and browns.

As the sun makes its way overhead...take care of your hair by using products with active UV protectants. "Inner Effects" and the NEW "Color Glow IQ" products from GOLDWELL are wonderful options to protect your hair this time of year...and beyond.

Black and white patterns and basics are shown alone, and mixed with PINK, GREEN, and YELLOW. You will see these colors reflected in accessories too. Basic styles are being re-made into these bright colors...notice the large handbags, belts, and shoes! Taking off with the "green" trend in home decor, remodelling supplies, and other "green" items, look for natural products in accessories too. Bamboo, grass, rocks, etc., are being added into jewelry, belts, and bags. Also look for natural hues of "flip-flops", and shoes with cork heels mixed with patent black that will help to complete the looks for summer.

The "French Maincure" is hot. Many companies are selling retail kits to help you achieve this look at home. It has been, and will always be a classic way to show off your nails. Lighter corals, and pinks are very subtle and natural hues to look for if going for an all-over color. Make-up companies are promoting longer, separated lashes, and the color "white" in shadow. Showcase your eyes with a touch of white on the inner corner of the eye, and create longer lashes with no-clump mascaras to draw attention to them.

"Fringe"...Whispy, Longer, Side Swept. Movement at the ends...not curls, but subtle waves. Red highlights...with the intensities varying. Inverted "bobs" with lighter tones foiled on top, and richer hues glossed underneath. And with longer styles, we're seeing rich hues of browns with caramel highlights that are covering up lighter summer tones.

A time saver - Permanent eyeliner...for women on the go. Rich hues of purple nail polish. Vibrant eyes, in rich coppers, browns, greens and greys. Don't forget...Rich moisturizing lotions will keep your sun-tanned skin happy moving into colder weather.

Dark Denim. Ankle Boots. Tunic Length Tops. Basic black slacks, that go with everything, are being shown with crisp white shirts, layered with ties (yes for women too), and light-weight tunic sweaters. Jewelry in...Colors of gold...QVC introduced "Purple Gold" this August, and every peice sold out! What does that mean for trends? Well, you will be seeing a lot more accessories in "purple". Bags, belts, shoes, etc...They also offered "Green Gold". It too is a popular must have for colored accessories. "Loden" green, which is a lighter shade than "forest", but still rich, is also a hot trend in bags & shoes.