Look Like A Million For A Fraction Of The Cost!

This segment aired on Houston's Channel 11 News at 5 on December 17, 2008 (watch it).

Resale is the new retail! Resale shops are clean, organized, have unique fashionable pieces, and give you lots of bang for your buck. The merchandise is in good condition (sometimes it's even brand new) and is current and fashionable. They are great places for unique and inexpensive holiday gifts (no one needs to know how much you spent or where you got it). Think of the staff as resale stylists - they can help pick the right piece for that special someone and have creative ideas for mixing resale pieces with your existing clothing.

Sarah Shah took Channel 11 News viewers on a field trip to some of Houston's hottest resale shops. Here is a list of the stores we visited, the items pictured on TV, plus some extra gift ideas and tips to make your resale shopping spree a positive experience.

Taxi Taxi
1657 Westheimer Rd (east of Dunlavy), Houston - (713) 528-5500

Taxi Taxi specializes in contemporary young clothing and accessories. This is a great place for the trendy young men and women on your gift list. Look for Vintage Members Only jackets (yes, right out of the 80's) for $25, graphic t-shirts starting at $7, skinny jeans for $25 (women) $35 (men), and "bang on" t shirts (you pring the picture, they "bang it on" the shirt for you) $30, "fly kicks" (the coolest sneakers) $40. Bring cash, credit, or your own clothes to trade. Here are pics of the outfits that were on TV.





Leopard Lounge
1657 Westheimer Rd (inside Taxi Taxi), (713) 528-5500

Leopard Lounge specializes in fashionable vintage clothing and accessories. Manager Brandon West has impeccable taste and hand selects every piece in the store. This is a great place to buy for fashionable young women and men on your gift list. Look for vintage western shirts from the 1930-40's ($80+), contemporary western shirts ($10+), vests ($17+), dresses ($10+), and western boots ($50). Here are pics of the outfits that didn't make it on TV.





More Than You Can Imagine
2817 Westheimer Rd (at Kirby), (713) 668-8811

More Than You Can Imagine is a resale Boutique. There is nothing resale about it except for the prices. They specialize in Designer pieces (think Gucci, Prada, Channel, Zac Posen, Monolo, Jimmy Choo, Hermes) at Department Store prices. This is not the place to come with $5, but if you come with $200, you're leaving with something FABULOUS for a party!!! They also have brand new gifts and accessories starting at $20. Look for designer handbags, shoes, party dresses, tops, etc. Clothing sizes from 0 to 16 and shoe sizes from 6 to 11. And swing by the last chance sale rack....saw a pair of size 6-1/2 red satin Gucci shoes for $105!! I almost cut my toes off to fit into these shoes. On second thought, they'd be beautiful displayed on a bookshelf in my office!

Shopping Tips (thanks Dardan, resale shopper extraordinaire)

Bring cash or credit cards (many stores don't take checks). Check the pricing schedule (it's usually posted), the item you want might be ready for another mark down. Check the return policy so you know whether items can be returned for the same value. Bring along any items you want to match so you can tell right away if they work together. Size labels may not be accurate - items may have shrunk, stretched, been mislabeled, or the brand can run small/large. Hold it up to you, try it on, use a tape measure or ask the staff for assistance. Buy the item because you love it rather than because it’s a great deal. Then you'll enjoy it and actually wear it.

Other Favorite Resale Shops

Marry-Go-Round 719 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019(713) 874-0688 (http://www.marrygoroundinc.com/) Wedding gowns sizes 0 to 24, viels, and new accessories. Get a fab dress for your wedding or sell the fab dress you already wore.

The Guild Shop 2009 Dunlavy St, Houston, TX 77006(713) 528-5095 (http://www.theguildshop.org/)
A Fantastic variety of jewelry (real, costume, vintage) and home accessories.

What's Sarah Wearing?
Donna Ricco red cross-over top (Macy's http://www.macys.com/), Isabel denim flat-front trousers (Dillards, http://www.dillards.com/), gold potmetal pendant (Harwin St.), black stiletto leather knee boots (http://www.ninewest.com/).


Here's the link to the segment: http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=314277
Thanks for watching!

Stay Connected At For The Holidays Using Video Chatting

This segment aired Dec 11, 2008 on Channel 10 News at 4 on WLCY in Tampa. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

Lots of us aren't traveling for the holidays to see the people we love...but still want a way to stay connected. Video chatting Skype, Oovoo, and iChat video conferencing make that possible. Families can sit around their computers and have face to face conversations and open gifts together. You could even set the equipment up at the end of each of your dinner tables and actually have a family dinner together even though you're miles apart.

Video Chat programs are free, easy to use and just need a couple of accessories to really make your "calls" go smoothly.

The Programs

Most programs are free. Just go to the website and follow instructions to download to your computers. Some of the many - Skype (http://www.skype.com/ maybe you have seen it used on Oprah), ooVoo (http://www.oovoo.com/ has really cool visual effects), iChat (http://www.ichat.com/ a fav of MAC users), etc. Some even allow you to include people from up to 6 locations for free.

Sounding Good

Most computers are equiped with a microphone and speakers, but these don't work so well with video chatting programs because the person you're talking to will here your voice and their voice at the same time. So, you need is a microphone that can’t “hear” your speakers.
A headset is a great inexpensive option and good for privae conversations (start at $10). The only draw backs: 1) you’re tied to your computer by the wires so you can't step away for a minute, 2) only one person at each computer can be involved in the conversation, 3) it messes up your hair.

Another option is a non-interfearance speakerphone. My fav is the IPEVO version (TR-10i Speakerphone for iChat for MAC users http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=50, TR-10 Portable Conference Phone for PC users http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=14 $79). I like it because it has echo cancellation (so you can have a natural conversation), you can move around freely (because you’re not attached to your computer), you can switch to handset mode for private conversations, you don’t have to wear it (so your hair stays perfect). This is especially great at the holidays when you're including a whole group in the conversation, opening presents together, eating dinner together, etc.

Looking Good

Some computers come with built-in webcams. These can be weird to use because you never have an eye-to-eye conversation because it’s difficult to look into the camera and watch the other caller on your computer screen at the same time. It’s better to have a stand-alone camera that you can mount at eye-level next to your screen. With this configuration, you can naturally look back and forth between the camera and screen the way you would in natural conversation.

My fav is the IPEVO Pointer Cam because it's independent, so you can mount it where you want. You can also pick it up to show the caller something in another direction, give a close up of details, or even play with unusual camera angles. http://us.ipevo.com/products/pro_detail.php?id=12

Watch the segment http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=95878

Favorite Things For The Holidays

This segment aired on Great Day Houston on December 8, 2008.

As we've scoured the beauty and fashion scene for cool trends and products this season, we've found some things that make great gifts. Lucky audience members got to take some gifts and goodies home. A big thank-you to these generous companies!

Ed Hardy Scarves - Do you love tattoos, but don’t want to make the life time commitment? Here is the perfect solution. Ed Hardy Scarves combine the best of tatto art with fashion-forward design. There are so many ways to wear them - as a dress, wrap, top, headband. ($50 - $150) Lady Elle Boutique in Uptown Park and http://edhardyscarf.com/ Audience members got an Ed Hardy "Love Kills Slowly" bandana. And several lucky audience members got a fashion scarf too!

Jennifer Meyer jewelry has been spotted on Jennifer Aniston, Christina Applegate. The Star Necklace was designed by Jennifer Meyer exclusive for Stand Up To Cancer. All net proceeds will go to cancer research. Choose Silver, Gold, or Diamonds. https://su2c.thegivingbridge.com/necklace.asp
One member of the audience got a pendant made of sterling silver!

Red Envelope is one of my favorite sources for gifts. They do all the work, even wrap it and add a card with a personal message. They have unusual gifts and beautiful jewelry that looks more expensive than it is. Displyed - twin pearl earrings $29, gold and peridot earrings $49, friendship necklace $99. 100% Soy Chalkboard Candle, $24.95. http://www.redenvelope.com/ Audience members each received the candle!

Mommy Tags creates unique, personalized jewelry. Turn your art work or childrens’ doodles into jewelry with doodle tags ($95). This unique jewelry is made from recalimed silver. http://www.mommytags.com/ Use coupon code "Houston" for free shipping and silver polishing cloth when you order online.

The cutest stocking stuffers! Guiltless sugar-free mints plus a mirror for your purse! Each box is personality-personalized. $3, Rice Epicurean & Hot Pink Sugar Boutique. Audience members each got a box of personality mints! www.littlei.com/products/personality/personality_cute/products.html

Here’s another great stocking stuffer from Baxter of California. The unisex lip balm is glossy enough for women and neutral enough for men. Gotta love the Mojito favor! Sloan Hall, $8 Each Audience members got one to take home!

Skinn Wet Lips Super Shine Lipgloss – This lipgloss feels great and is super and it’s made from all natural ingredients. $12.50 available at http://www.skinn.com/ Audience members each took one home!

Here’s a stylish way to carry your lipgloss and cell phone. It’s the

perfect evening bag – it’s small, holds everything you need, and so elegant! $70, Paula Fridkin Designs, http://www.cellkeeper.com/

The Lipstick Case of Lipstick Cases by Judith Leiber. This one is the you saw Brooke Sheilds use on Lipstick Jungle. $495, Judithleiber.com A really luck member of the audience got one for herself!

GiiNii Digital Frames are so

easy to use. Just pop your digital card out of your camera and into the back of the frame and voila, you’re viewing your pictures. Selection of frames from 3.5" – 8" Prices range from $39 - $100
Available at http://www.walmart.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.walgreens.com/ and http://www.zbezt.com/.

Viva Terra specializes in stylish & eco friendly gifts -
Handbags made from vintage fabrics, necklaces and home accessories made of recycled glass beads, recycled glass stones with inspiring words, tea light holders from semiprescious crystals, and the list goes on! Check them out at http://www.vivaterra.com/

What's Sarah Wearing?

Inc. magenta sheath dress (http://www.macys.com/), Ed Hardy scarf (http://edhardyscarf.com/), Enzo brown suede platform boots (www.macys.com), Hue brown tights (http://www.dillards.com/)

Gifts Under $50 From Houston's Best-Kept Shopping Secrets

This segment aired on Channel 11 News At 5 on KHOU on Dec 4, 5 and 6, 2008. A link to watch is at the bottom of this post.

Looking for special gifts without a big price-tag? Here are three of my favorite secret sources for unique gifts on a budget.

Spec's Liquor Warehouse, 2410 Smith, Houston, 713-526-8787 www.spcsonline.com

Spec's is known for specialty liquors, wines and foods, but they also have unique gifts starting at $3. Glassware, bar baubles, cookies, cheeses, caviar, cigars...the list goes on and on. You can even select a bunch of goodies and they'll put them all in a gift basket.

If you're shopping for liquor, look for gift sets. Gift sets sell for the same price as the liquor in the set, plus you get some cool accessories like glassware, flasks, and shakers. Spec's has a huge selection of gift sets for almost every liquor. In the segment, we showed Mount Gay Rum paired with a mojito muddler & muddling glass ($15) and Jack Daniels with a logo flask ($32).

Spec's humidor is filled with cigars. In the segment we showed a box of 8 assorted Cubanos for $25 ... and even comes gift-wrapped. There's also a selection of cool lighters, cigar cutters, and humidors to make a gift for any budget.

The specialty food area holds caviars, teas, cookies, cheeses, candies, and sauces from around the world. American sturgeon caviar is about $35 an ounce...add belinis and creme fraiche for a real treat, all for less than $50. Something as simple and deliscious as Swiss and German jams can be a wonderful gift. In the segment we showed peach and appricot jam for $3 - $6. Don't worry, the recipient of these gifts won't know how much you spent because these foods aren't available in local grocery stores.

JS Collections, 9700 Harwin Street (inside the Central Mart) #156. Houston, TX 77036, ( 713) 244-0397

If you've never been to Harwin Street, this is a great place to start. The store is organized, well lit, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's everything you love about retail shopping with a wholesale price. You'll find necklaces for days, earrings, embellished reading glasses, purse hooks, jeweled ID holders, enamel & crystal frames, and evening bags. Most items are priced between $4 - $20.

Palmer Packaging, 1613 Richmond AveHouston, TX 77006(713) 524-5413 www.palmerpkg.com

Palmer packaging is one of Houston's best-kept secrets. The shop is overflowing with tissue, ribbon, gift boxes in every size and shape, organza drawstring bags, shoppng bags, shred, and more. Great wrapping is the secret to making an inexpensive item look special. Go for luxiourous ribbons and wrapping that adds volume to the item.

Turn a tin of tea into a beautiful hostess gift with some printed cellophane and pretty ribbon. A $6 decorative wine stopper looks like a $20 gift when presented in a gift box overflowing in crinkled shred and a big organza bow. Peach jam for $3 looks like a European treasure nestled in shred inside a big pretty box.

In the segment, we spent $2-$3 in packaging for each gift. In some cases, we even we spent more in packaging than we did on the actual present. This might seem silly, but when we added the cost of gift and packaging, the end result looked like much more.

What's Sarah Wearing?
Grifflen purple cotton ruffle top (Em & Lee http://www.emandlee.com/), Isabel denim flat-front trousers (http://www.dillards.com/), teal glass drop earrings (JS Collections, 9700 Herwin St. suite 156), teal plastic bangle (http://www.charmingcharlie.com/), Vaneli leopard print pony sling-back shoes (http://www.dillards.com/).

Here's the link to the segment
http://www.khou.com/video/index.html?nvid=310505&shu=1
Thanks so much for watching!

High-End Looks On Any Budget

This TV segment aired on Great Day Houston on November 28, 2008. Link to watch the segment is at the bottom of this post.

The easiest way to creat a new look for the holidays is to combine classic clothing from your closet with on-trend accessories. The trick to making this work is to choose simple clothing, hair, and makeup and let you and the accessories take center stage.

We picked five high-end looks from the Neimann Marcus Holiday Book for inspiration. We recreated them with accessories from Creme de la Gem Jewelry (Owner/Designer Gretchen Rapp (281) 728-6998, http://www.creme-dela-gem.com/) and SW Tading (8000 Harwin St. in Houston). Creme de la Gem Jewelry specializes in custom real stone and costume jewelry at affordalble prices. SW Trading has a huge selection of costume jewelry and accessories. You can also create similar looks with accessories from your local department or discount store.

Statement Pearls

Create this look by layering at least six strands of pearls of different sizes and lengths. You can use all white pearls or combine different colors to create your own look. These faux pearls from Niemann Marcus are over $2000 for the collection ...that's right, it's $2000 worth of fake!

We created the look with REAl freshwater pearls for less than $100. Below, these multi-strand necklaces from Creme de la Gem Jewelry are all REAL freshwater pearls. The triple strand necklaces of white or gold freshwater pearls are $34, the larger round freshwater pearl necklace with crystals is $39, and the triple-strand citrine necklace with white freshwater pearls is $109.

Black Pearls with Crystal Pendant

Create this look with black beads and pearls mixed with a crystal pendant. To keep the look current, coordinate rings and bracelets with the pendant. The look from Neimann Marcus has a retail price of over $7800. We recreated the look for $82 with a black and white glass pearl necklace from Creme de la Gem Jewelry ($49) combined with a crystal serpent pin from SW Trading ($18). The stretch bracelet ($10) and ring ($5) from SW Trading coordinate with both pieces without being too matchy-matchy. You could also choose a pendant, ring, and bracelets with colored stones like the second option in the TV segment.

A Touch Of Sparkle

A sparkly pendant on a thin chain is the perfect thing to dress up any casual outfit without taking in over the top. These gold and diamond pendants (below) from Neimann Marcus range from $2200 to $2400 each. We recreated the look with rhinestone pendants on metal chains from SW Trading for $4 to $12.

Elegant Bling

An armful of gold bangles with diamonds and semi-prescious stones with matching rings (above) are the perfect thing to turn casual clothing into a party outfit. These examples from Neimann Marcus range from $750 to $5000 EACH. Our silver and gold colored metal bangles with crystals from SW Trading are $5 each. The rings from Creme de la Gem Jewelry are real sterling silver with semi-prescious stones for $19.

Delicate Diamonds

The key to creating this look is choosing very delicate pieces with pave settings. The accessories in the set should be similar in color, setting, and thickness. The pave diamond heart pendant, bangles, and hoop earrings from Neimann Marcus total over $10,000. We found a beautiful sterling silver heart pendant with pave crystals at Creme de la Gem jewelry for $29. We found a similar pendant of silver-colored metal and rhinestones from SW Trading for $6. The bangles ($7 each) and hoop earrings ($8) also came from SW Trading.

With a little creativity and leg-work you can create any style or trend within your budget. Feel free to call us if you have questions about how to put the elements together.

Here are the sources for the accessories included in the segment:

- Creme de la Gem Jewelry (Owner/Designer Gretchen Rapp (281) 728-6998, http://www.creme-dela-gem.com/) and

- SW Tading (8000 Harwin St. in Houston).

To Watch The Segment, please click the link below.

(link will be provided as soon as it is available)

Thanks for watching!

Easy Last Minute Halloween Costumes

This segment aired on Great Day Houston, October 31 at 9:00 am. A link to watch it live will be at the bottom of this post.

It's Halloween and you need a last minute costume? Here are some quick and easy ideas made from things we found around the house.

Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is the most popular costume this year. All you need is a suit (preferable red) or blouse and pencil skirt, boots, pearls, and "Sarah Palin" look-alike glasses. For the real thing, check out the Lightech collection from http://www.morel-france.com/. Or for something local, try low power readers from your local drugstore. Pinkie the Pit Bull is the ultimate accessory to take this look over the top!

Beauty Queen or Award-Winning Actress
Break out an old bride's maid or prom dress (what else are you going to do with it??), add your favorite sparkly shoes, make a sash out of ribbon and glitter paint, and add a tiara from the dollar store. Or carry a trophy with your dress and pretend you're walking the red carpet. Isn't Haley (@envogueevents on twitter) stunning??

Dress Up Your Dog

Can't leave out the dogs! The GreyHounds were were the hit of the greenroom! They were both adopted from Greyhound Pets of America (http://www.gpahouston.org/). To make shoes for a dog, cut the soles out of a pair of kids shoes and slip them around the dog's ankles. Add a vest, star, and bandana for the Sherrif costume (Bull takes his job so seriously!). Or come up with something of your own with clothes from around the house.

The Coastliners were the musical guests on the show today. They're playing at Moody Gardens tomorrow (Saturday, Nov 1, 2008). For more info, check them out at www.thecoastliners.net . Here they are with VP Candidate Sarah!

Here's the link to watch the segment.
http://www.khou.com/greatday/video/?nvid=298698&shu=1

The Hottest Thing In Workout Wear - The Athletic Skirt!

This segment aired on Good Day Austin, KTBC, Channel 7 (Oct. 10, 2008). To watch it, click the link at the bottom of this post.

For average women, the worst thing about working out is the way we feel and look in most athletic wear. It just isn’t flattering.

This is the typical outfit we wear to work out – see how it makes the tummy, hips, and thighs look like the biggest part of us? Feeling self-conscious about our bodies can even stop us from working out.

There is hope! Over the past couple of years, athletic skirts have become the hottest thing in workout wear because they make us look good! Since I got my walking skirt last spring, I’ve started walking more just because I feel cute in it.

Skirts are so popular, there’s even a 5K race called “Skirt Chasers” to celebrate the skirt. The next Shirt Chaser race is in Austin on Saturday, Oct 11. (www.skirtsports.com)

Here are some examples of skirts for different bodies, sports, and budgets so you can see which ones work best for you.

Tough Girl Skirt – works great for a tummy because it has a flat waist band and a slimming panel hidden inside. It's cute enough for running running around town. This brand has built-in pockets for keys, ipods, etc. They're even made to accomodate your head-phone cords. (SkirtSports, from Rogue Equiment, $90).

Race Skirt – If you enter the Skirt Chaser 5K tomorrow, this is the skirt you’ll get at registration. The pearl buttons are a fun detail and hold your race number so you don’t need an extra race belt. It also has built in shorts so you don’t flash anyone as you speed (or stroll) by. (SkirtSports, Rogue Equipment, $70) Check out the whole outfit at http://www.skirtsports.com/shop/skirt-chaser-race-collection.cfm

Sweetest Thing Skirt – works great if you’re self conscious about your thighs because the built-in capri pants give you great coverage. Great for the gym, working out near the office, or anytime you're feeling modest. (Skirt Sports, Rogue Equipment, $75)

Gym Girl Skirt – works great if you have full hips because it has a side slits so you can adjust the fit around your hips. And the slits make it fun to wear. It has built in shorts so you’re always covered in aerobics class or on the rowing maching. (Skirt Sports, Rogue Equipment, $64)

City Girl Skirt - Great all around skirt for walking or shopping. (SkirtSports, Rogue Sports, $58)

Skirt Sports created the original athletic skirt. And now, lots of brands offer skirts for everyone's budget. If you're looking for a great budget option, Champion makes a zip-slit fitness skirt for $20 (target.com).

For more information about ...
The Skirt Chasers Race, go to http://www.skirtsports.com/
The skirts and technical footwear in the segment, go to http://www.roguerunning.com/

To Watch The Segment...

click here (after 9:00 am on October 10)

http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/GoodDay?pageId=5.2

Thanks for watching!

Hot Shoes For Fall!

Segment aired September 10, 2008 on The San Antonio Living Show on WOAI, Channel 4, San Antonio, Texas. To see it "live," click on the link at the bottom of this post.

Men always want to know why women love shoes. Here’s the secret – shoes are a mood enhancer. Shoes make women feel sexy, powerful, and feminine – and NEVER make us feel fat. It’s the perfect addiction!

This season, women's shoes are a mix of retro styles updated with modern materials and masculine styles softened with feminine details. The hottest colors are metallics, reds, purples, black & gold combinationss, and bold colors. The dominant materials are patent leather, metallic finishes, crackled leather, satin, animal skins and suede.

The shoe styles shown on San Antonio Living are fall styles that work in our hot climate. They work with bare legs while it’s hot and with tights when the weather cools down.

Oxfords
This style has the look of a man’s oxford shoe with feminine details like peep toes, cut outs, and bright colors. Wear them with men’s wear or with feminine trousers, pencil skirts, or ruffly blouses. Here is a list of the shoes that were shown:
Taryn Rose – Cheval (gray suede, cut outs, peep toe) - $495 – http://www.tarynrose.com/
Franco Sarto – Embrace (red mary jane) - $89 – department stores
Payless Shoes – Koko (purple suede, cut outs, peep toe) - $24.99 – Payless Shoe Stores

Cap-Toes
This season you'll see cap toes on classic shoe styles like pumps, mary janes, flats, and sling backs. The toe is covered with a different material or color. Wear these styles the same way as oxfords, above.
Via Spiga – Robin (black & white mary jane) - $275 – department stores

Feminine Glamour
Shoes of many styles are made from satin and embellished with bows, lace, crystals, or baubles. Wears them to dress up jeans or with tailored clothing to soften the look at work.
Nina – Genzia (silver satin sandal, bow & crystals) - $99.95 – http://www.ninashoes.com/
Nina – Kyleen (taupe satin pump, peep toe) - $89.95
Delman – Fiji (black satin pump, bow & crystal) - $325 – shoes.com

Wedge Heels

The wedge heel lives on in all forms, tough, feminine, elegant. These are all purpose shoes and can update any look.
Carlos Santana – Heart Breaker (gray suede, peep toe) - $110 – department stores
Taryn Rose – Gloss (purple patent, peep toe), $245
Taryn Rose – Diya (orange & maroon, wedge heel) - $555

Platforms/Chunky Heels
This season, platforms are embellished with metallic details for a tougher look and feminine details for a softer look. Wear them with feminine skirts, dresses, pants to add some power or toughen up a look.
Carlos Santana - Pompous (black & python, peep toe) - $110 - department stores
Taryn Rose – Fling (silver metallic, sandal, chunky heel) - $235
Nina - Elke (red satin with bow and crystals) - $99.95
Payless – Halden Hidden Platform (red patent leather, sling back, peep toe) - $22.99

Flats
Flats are just so practical. There are lots of styles with little to no heel. Wear them when you’re on the move instead of sporty shoes, or when your feet just need a break from heels.
Franco Sarto – Era – (gray quilted suede w/metallic trim) - $89
Delman – Cece (gray suede with bow) - $295
Delman – Zelena (wine suede, peep toe) - $325

Watch "Hot Shoes For Fall"
To watch the segment, click this link and select "Shoes For Fall" from the list on the left. http://www.woai.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=593755@video.woai.com&navCatId=13

Sun Protection With Style

Segment appeared on Good Day Austin (July 1, 2008) and Great Day Houston (June 30, 2008). Want to watch the live segments? Click the links at the bottom of this post.

Protecting our skin is widely recognized as one of the most important and least expensive measures that we can take to preserve our youth, beauty, and the health of our skin. Here are some strategies to protect your skin so you’re cute today and still beautiful tomorrow!

Sunless Tanner

We know we should stay out of the sun (and the tanning bed), but we still love that golden glow of a tan. So what do we do? Sunless tanner is a great answer. There are lots to choose from lotions that darken the skin over night, subtle tanning lotions that darken the skin slowly over the course of a week, and lotions that dye the skin. For best results with sunless tanners, exfoliate first and apply to completely dry skin.

The Solerra Sunless Tanning Mitt is the best sunless tanner I’ve ever used. The single-use plastic lined mitt makes application so easy, without the mess. Just slide your hand into the mitt and smooth the sunless tanner on your skin. The sunless tanner is on both sides of the mitt, so you can switch hands to get your whole body. You can even "pretzel" and reach your back all by yourself! It doesn’t contain any dyes, so it goes on clear and dries fast for a natural-looking tan. And the mitt protects your palms. No freaky-streaky or day-glo orange on your skin or your towels. Just deep, dark, and delicious Baby!

Sarah’s tips for getting the best results - First exfoliate your body with the Exmitt. Then rinse and dry your skin. When your skin is completely dry, cut open the Solerra Sunless Tanning Mitt on the "cut here line" with scissors. Slip your hand into the plastic liner built in to the mitt and apply to the face arms and legs first, being careful to apply over the entire skin area. Then apply to torso, tops of hands and feet, then elbows and knees. Keep going over the skin on your body again and again until the mitt begins to disintegrate to ensure even coverage. Don’t worry, multiple layers of the lotion won’t make the "tan" get darker.

You can get the Solerra Sunless Tanning Mitt and Exmitt at Beauty Brands or online at http://www.solerra.com/. Box of 5 mitts for $25

Protective Clothing

Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is the term used to define the level of UV protection in clothing. The white t-shirt we usually wear as a cover up has a UPF of 7 and drops to 3 when it’s wet. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF of at least 30.

All clothing is not created equal. The tightness of the weave, the weight, type of fiber, color and amount of skin covered all affect the amount of protection they provide. Look for:

• Synthetic materials with a tight weave. If you can see through the fabric, then UV radiation can penetrate it – and get to your skin.
• Clothing with a UPF rating of at least 30. A UPF of 50 is excellent and blocks 99% of the sun’s UV rays.
• Dark or bright color fabrics because the dyes absorb some of the UV radiation.
  UPF clothing is available in most sporting goods stores and online. Here are some cute examples with a UPF of 50.

Examples:

• Tunic with long sleeves and zip neck is light-weight and gives great coverage. (ruched guard, wisteria, $69, http://www.athleta.com/)
• Long-sleeved T-shirt style top with a high neck gives you great coverage. (sun stopper top, geranium, $49, http://www.athleta.com/)
• Light-weight pants are water resistant with lots of pockets, (dipper pants, almond, $79, http://www.athleta.com/)

Hats

Hats can protect our face and shoulders from the sun. The typical straw hat has a loose weave and lets a lot of sun through the little holes between the strands of straw. Look for hats with a tight weave, wide brim of atleast 3-inches, and UPF of at least 30. The bigger the brim, the more protection.

Examples of three pretty hats that have a UPF of at least 40.

• Classic "straw" hat (Coolibar Seaside hat 5" brim, $29.95, http://www.coolibar.com/,)
• Squashable cotton reversible print hat is easy to pack. (Betmar Plenty SunBrim, 4½" brim, $28, Dillards)
• Elegant "straw" hat made from natural fibers with a big beautiful bow. (Betmar, 4" brim, $52, Dillards)

Sunglasses

When we’re in the sun, the pupils in our eyes contract to reduce the light that enters our eye. Sunglasses shade our eyes, so the pupil opens wide and over-rides our body’s natural defenses against the damage of UV rays. If the sunglasses don’t have 100% UV-protection we actually allow more damage to our eyes by wearing sunglasses.

Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Look for a label on the lenses of the glasses. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the protection. Examples of 4 pairs of sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection(Target, between $13 and $17).

Watch The Live Demonstrations

Good Day Austin (July 1, 2008) http://www.myfoxaustin.com/myfox/pages/InsideFox/Detail?contentId=6887221&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=5.2.1

Great Day Houston (June 30, 2008)

(fast forward to the 5:00 minute mark to see the Solerra Sunless Tanning Mitt) http://www.khou.com/greatday/beauty/?nvid=259081 and here's the link to UPF hats, clothing, and sunglasses http://www.khou.com/greatday/beauty/?nvid=259082