trends

ISLAMORADA, Fla. -- It's easy to see why bookkeeper Linda Mortimer moved to the Florida Keys 20 years ago: the impossibly blue water, the year-round sunshine, a lifestyle so laid-back that every day is like a Jimmy Buffett lyric. What Mortimer didn't anticipate was falling in love -- and then getting divorced less than two years after taking her wedding vows. "I discovered after we Read more...

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. -- Kellie Bishop had to decide: her face or her leg? The 43-year-old Dundee, Ore., resident wanted both Botox to smooth out a few frown lines on her forehead and sclerotherapy to reduce the appearance of veins on the side of her leg. In headier economic times, she might have gotten both, but the tanking economy forced her to prioritize. "I can always wear pants, but Read more...

There's nothing like a little color to brighten a woman's spirits when the weather is bad or the economy takes a downturn. And color is popping up everywhere from hair to nails to lips and eyes. It's a dramatic yet natural look for the new year. "We're seeing a lot of very warm tones this year," said Carolyn Salvaggio, owner of Star Tresses in Pittston, Pa. Think reds, Read more...

You were expecting black? Designers tried to lighten a dour national mood for their spring collections with a sunny evolution of the popular fall colors of eggplant, mustard and midnight blue. For spring, they're relying on lighter lilac, marigold and teal. Carolina Herrera added a dash of persimmon (reddish orange) mixed with graphic black and white, pairing a soft, ethereal look Read more...

NEW YORK--Once upon a time, Halloween was a one-day event. Then the pumpkins and parties started moving back to the weeks between Columbus Day and Oct. 31. Now the holiday is morphing into an entire season, at least in the tourism industry, with haunted walks, costume balls and pumpkin-carving events held throughout October. Some even start in early September, like Mickey's Not So Scary Read more...

If you needed any more evidence that we're in an economic slowdown, search no more. Hemlines are falling and hair styles are softening -- both bellwethers of declining economic fortunes, according to Barbara Middleton, one of Wine Country's leading hair and fashion experts. "Tradition is that when the economy goes south, so do women's hemlines. Longer hemlines demand more glamorous Read more...

NEW YORK -- Color -- big, bold, bright color -- is one of the easiest trends to spot this fashion season. That makes the first order of business finding a shade that works for you and your wardrobe. Next, you have to find the makeup that complements it. Your inclination might be tone down your cosmetics, says Rick DiCecca, global makeup stylist for Estee Lauder, but it could be the time Read more...