Posts tagged holiday season

Second Day of Style – Get a Holiday Glow

Are you vacationing in Bali this holiday season? Me either. However, if you’d like to fool people into thinking you just got back from an exotic location, or if you just want a little extra color, stay tuned. Today is the second day of style, and it’s all about completing your look by achieving the perfect faux-glow…just in time to take on every end of the year event you’ve got scheduled.

The safest option for tanning is always UV-free, whether it’s a spray, lotion or just an excessive amount of bronzer. (Think you can’t bronzer your entire body? Think again.) If you have the time and the resources, getting a custom airbrush tan is the best way to achieve a flawless glow. This can take a little research, and if you can’t find the right airbrush place, a spray-tanning booth works great too. Before any appointment, make sure to exfoliate and moisturize with a water-based lotion for the best results. I have found that if I have an event, it’s best to get an airbrush tan two days prior or go to a spray tan booth 24 hours before the event.

There’s always the do-it-at-home option, which wins the most convenient category. If you’ve never done it before, it might be a little much to use a self-tanner right away. You can start slow with a gradual tanning lotion, I like L’Oreal Sublime Glow, and go with a shade category slightly darker than your natural color. So if you have fair skin, go with the Medium skin tone option for a better result.
If you’re ready for self-tanner, cream is the way to go over mousse, which can leave you with very little color. I like Clarins Delicious Self Tanning Cream since the bronzing agent in it allows you to see where you’ve already applied it. I’ve found that applying it in straight lines – rather than a circular motion – creates a more even application. You can also try an at-home spray, which usually works best on isolated body parts like your legs unless you happen to have a steady hand and a lot of practice. Sephora has great options for you brave tanners, and enough choices to match any desired skin tone. If you have a willing friend, he or she can be your best secret weapon when spraying yourself, making sure that it’s applied evenly. With the right product, this can also be a great last-minute option. I’ve seen Sally Hansen’s Perfect Legs work a miracle at the eleventh hour, since it’s an instant spray and not one that you have to let sink in.


If you don’t want to deal with sprays or lotions, there are little things you can do to flatter any complexion. Wearing navy or purple hues will complement a fairer skin tone, while sporting something in an orchid shade will actually give you a slightly tanner appearance. You can also apply a subtle amount of bronzer for just a little color boost to your face and shoulders. Take any bronzing brush, blow off any excess bronzer, then sweep it across your face in what I like to call a 3-pattern. Start in the middle of your forehead, and sweep the brush over your brow bone and to your temple, creating a “3” shape over the side of your face. Repeat on the other side and you will look naturally sun-kissed just in time for your event arrival.

Just like the perfect blow-out (which is another post coming soon), a tan is just another finishing touch on top of your perfect party outfit. Let us know what your faux-glow secret is on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or sound-off on Twitter (@STAconsignment). Until tomorrow, party fashioniSTAs!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

8 Days of Style to Celebrate the Season

In honor of Hanukkah, we at STA bring you the 8 days of style! Each day we will outfit you (hardy har) with a style survival tip to get you through the busy holiday/New Year’s season. From bronzer to bowties, we’ll help you create memorable entrances and festive ensembles people remember even after the New Year’s champagne has worn off.

First Day of Style – Silver Belles
Gold may be the signature metallic of the season, but for a slightly different spin on sparkle, opt for silver this holiday. One of the best things about silver is that you can pair it with bright cranberry for a fresh, festive look, or style it with black for a classic NYE ensemble. A silver dress will always be a refreshing change from the sea of normal holiday red and basic black dresses at events. For an everyday look, pair silver with winter white for a stunning professional palette. Go with a silver skirt and a white cashmere turtleneck, or try a silver blouse with winter white wool pants to channel a stylish ice queen. To try a darker approach, pair darker silver with black for a twist on a classic color scheme.

Don’t stop when it comes to makeup either. Using a gray and silver palette, you can create a smoky eye, adding subtle silver sparkle over the lids. If smoky isn’t your thing, colored eyeliner has made a comeback, so grab your silver pencil and go to town. Try top only, bottom only, or both to make your look fashion-forward at your own pace. Should you be completely fearless, go all out with the silver lip trend that has hit the runway. Make sure to add extra gloss on top for a shiny finish so people know it’s high fashion and not hypothermia.

Looking to mix your metals? Weaving together silver and gold is not the fashion taboo it once was, and it’s all about the shades that you have to work with. I’m not a huge fan of mixed metal jewelry because I think the contrast between the two tones tends to be too stark. Start with softer shades of silver and gold, making sure that you’re leaning more towards light slate and champagne tones. Try a few soft gold bangles and alternate them on your arm with lighter silver bracelets. Or cinch a champagne matte dress with a pale silver belt. Stay small to avoid looking like you got dressed in the dark.


You can also use this trend to update your beauty routine. Want to try something just a little different for a night out? Grab a two bottles of round glitter nail polish, like these at Sephora, one in gold and one in silver, and paint your ring finger nails silver and the rest gold. Layer on the coats for full-on glitter and prepare to bring on the holiday sparkle!

Tell us your take on silver on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or Twitter (@STAconsignment). Until tomorrow, fashioniSTAs!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

The STA Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide

Stumped as to how to be the best Santa this year? We’ve compiled a list of our stores’ best gifts, all sure to put you on the nice list for years to come. From small accessories to designer finds (new with tags, of course), all of these items have been fashioniSTA-approved and are available to purchase over the phone just in time to slip under the tree! Check out http://www.secondtimearound.net/locations.aspx for a list of all the stores and their phone numbers!

STA Stocking Stuffers
Stick any of these items into someone’s stocking and you’ll know the true meaning of holiday cheer.

New Marc Jacobs Mini Wallet $99 at Lexington Ave NYC store

Longchamp change purse $25, makeup case $29 at Atrium Mall store

Diane von Furstenberg headband $59, at Lexington Ave NYC store

Yellow ostrich-emossed wallet $19, at Brookline store

New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store

New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store

It Only Looks Like You Spent A Lot…
Want the glory but none of the expense? Here are some items that will gain you ooohhh’s and aaaahhhh’s without the hefty bill that’s usually attached!

Burberry scarf $99, at 219 Newbury Street Boston store

New Ugg shearling boots $49, at Hoboken store

Cejon rabbit fur scarf $59, at Brookline store

Miu Miu handbag $199, at Upper West Side NYC store

Tory Burch python Reva flats size 7 $149, at Englewood NJ store

TSE cashmere sweater with fur trim $183, at 324 Newbury St Boston store

Tom Ford sunglasses $129, at Philadelphia store

Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store

Givenchy bracelet $69, at Newton store

Big Spender Santa
You cannot get your mother a vacuum for Christmas and have her not take it the wrong way. Are you now without a gift to give her? Go the extra mile with these suggestions, just don’t tell her they were a third of their retail value!

Burberry down coat XS $329, at Charles Street Boston store

Hermes cuff $499, at Thompson Street NYC store

Bottega Veneta ostrich woven handbag $1479, at Englewood NJ store

David Yurman diamond bracelet $2500, at Chicago store

Hermes scarf $239, at Englewood NJ store

Louis Vuitton Papillon $399, at Englewood NJ store

To: Me, Love: Me
Whoever said it was wrong to shop for yourself during the holiday season clearly never saw these.

New Christian Louboutin shoes sizes 36-41, at Thompson Street NYC store