A glowing complexion
The season of basking in the sun (with sunscreen, of course) is just around the corner but that doesn’t mean your skin can’t have that summer sheen now with “take a picture … it lasts longer …” from Benefit Cosmetics, www.benefitcosmetics.com. The flirty, rose-scented body buff leaves a golden-pink sheen on your skin, which is perfect for that awkward transition between the dry, terrorized winter skin and that sun-kissed summer glow. “take a picture … it lasts longer …” is available for $28.
Grab your dancing shoes
Whether or not you know how to waltz, fox trot or tango, grab your favorite dancing partner and join six Chicago celebrities for an evening of dancing and a little competition, all in the name of breast cancer. The March 12 event, held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago’s Crystal Ballroom, marks the fifth year for the Dancing with Chicago Celebrities fundraiser.
“It’s a gala-like event but that whole entertainment part of it is really interesting with these celebrities from in and around Chicago,” says Karen Kliebhan, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor, mom of two and development manager of the Chicago area affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure.
After two months of training with Arthur Murray dance instructors, radio host Erich “Mancow” Muller, Valerie Warner from WGN, Mai Martinez from CBS, Miss Illinois Erin O’Connor and NBC’s Matt Rodewald will take the dance floor in an attempt to win this year’s title. The show also hosts an alumni dance, set to include Chef Rick Bayless and NBC’s Ginger Zee. A live auction and plenty of dancing round out the event, hosted by Gale Sayers.
In five years of holding the event, Komen has raised more than $100,000. “Everybody is affected in some way or another,” Kliebhan says about breast cancer.
Tickets to Dancing with Chicago Celebrities are $175. For information, visit the Web site.
Curves in all the right places
Your body is beautiful. But let’s be honest, sometimes your curves need a little help-especially after having a baby.
After the birth of her first baby, Jax, now 5, fashion designer and celebrity stylist Heather Thomson found herself longing for fabulous shape wear. “I went into the shape wear department as a consumer .… I wanted to feel good going back to the office (working for Beyoncé) and I didn’t feel so great about myself.”
With a “deflated inner tube” around her stomach, the mom now of two was looking for instant gratification. “I was really horrified by what our options were,” Thomson says. “This department is frozen in time, it’s like antiquated.”
Coming up short, she took matters into her own hands, developing Yummie Tummie. “It was really a selfish initiative,” she says.
Using a three-panel design, Yummie Tummie smooths, slims and sucks in your stomach, without being uncomfortable. And unlike other products, this one actually stays in place. But one of the best features of the slim wear, it reminds you to engage your core muscles.
Yummie Tummie comes in a variety of designs that include original and nursing tanks to camis and bottoms ranging in price from $62-$108. Finally, shape wear you don’t have to hide. You’ll look fabulous.
Locks you’ll love
With spring comes the opportunity for fresh styles and fabulous hair. But what style is best for you and how exactly do you communicate that to your stylist? Fab Mama took some time to discuss hair and what’s in this season with New York stylist, Christo.
“One of my things I always say is hair is your number one accessory,” Christo says. “If your hair doesn’t look good, the puzzle doesn’t come together.”
This spring, don’t look for the crazy styles of the past, the Greek native says. “It’s all about natural hair and embracing the lovely locks you’ve already got.” When it comes time to visit your stylist, Christo suggests making two appointments to discuss your options.
“Just go in to see them, don’t get it cut,” he says of the first appointment. “Explain you’re ready for a change.” Your end goal should be something that is going to be easy. Picking a style out of a magazine isn’t a wise option and going for something that doesn’t work for your hair may turn you into a fashion victim.
"The trend is what looks good on you … not what's in the magazine." Christo recently launched his own product line, Curlisto, available at www.Curlisto.com.
