Ways to Improve Hyperpigmentation

From Flickr by ValentinaMA couple of weeks ago, I posted a short list of tips on how to keep your skin looking its best during the summer. Since then, I’ve been thinking about my past skin struggles. Having battled my pubescent and post-pubescent acne to an uneasy draw (I still have the occasional, ahem, hormone-related blemish), I am now working to clear up the scarring left behind. I’ve tried a lot of stuff. This is what works for me.From Flickr by pabadoo

1. Manual Exfoliation. Exfoliating the old-fashioned way is pretty great. It’s cheap, easy to do and effective. You can scrub your face with your favorite cleanser and a face brush or a wash cloth. For the body, I like natural soaps with exfoliating particles embedded in them. The abrasive surface helps remove old, dead skin cells and leaves your face looking fresher and feeling softer. Exfoliating also makes it easier for your skin to absorb any creams or serums you may want to apply (see next step), and makes whatever makeup you use go on smoother.
2. Serums and creams. Not all serums are created equal, and it can be very difficult to figure out which have ingredients that will actually work, and which are just a waste of time (and money). I prefer creams that contain retinol, which speeds up skin cell turnover. Kojic acid or glycolic acid are both good for lightening hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is also popular for chemical peels, but any serum containing it will use a much weaker percentage. Right now I’m using a lightening serum by glotherapeutics, which also has hydroquinone, the most widely-used ingredient for skin lightening products. Whatever serum or cream you decide on, read the directions carefully before you start using it. Some creams can only be applied to the spot and can bleach the surrounding unblemished skin if you aren’t careful.By MyTudut on Flickr
3. Microdermabrasion. This method was first popularized for its anti-aging benefits (primarily lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), but gained popularity with younger women because its deep exfoliation is great for evening out skin tone as well. Its rapidly lowering cost has made microdermabrasion more accessible than chemical peels (it usually costs as much as a regular facial), and there are now at home-microdermabrasion machines that make it even more affordable. I have a machine by NuBrilliance, which I like a lot, but I’ve also heard good things about Personal Microderm, which is smaller and less expensive.
4. Chemical Peels. Chemical peels may sound scary, but they can be very effective at stripping off old skin, and over time, can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. There are many different formulations and strengths, so selecting the right one can be tricky. I’d recommend talking to your dermatologist or a trusted licensed esthetician before deciding on a chemical peel. Incorrectly done, the chemicals used can lead to burns and scarring, which is the exact opposite of what you want. Peels are the most expensive of these options, so you may well decide it’s not worth the expense. Ultimately, I did.

7 Heavenly Trends... for Summer 2013!

This past Saturday marked the first official day of summer. You know what that means- a new excuse to shop for summer trends! We've compiled a list of hot fashion styles that you'll definitely want to attempt rocking. We've already spotted some of the looks in our Fashion Spreads! Although some of these trends may be on the daring side for the more conservative fashionistas, they all can be incorporated into daily style in a tasteful way to add playful elements to your look. Keep checking back, we'll be breaking down some of these in further details with "How to Rock..." posts. And for you fashionistas who are already wearing these trends, submit your pics to thegatheredlady@gmail or tag us on facebook, twitter, or instagram @TheGatheredLady #getgathered and if we like it, we'll share it! 

1. Graphic Prints

These bold prints take the work out of spicing up outfits. Choose your level of commitment to style-boldness with low-risk simple accessories like purses and tops or take more risks with dresses and pants. Also, graphic print shorts are guaranteed hot-ticket items this summer.

2. Leather

I'm sure you're thinking "Leather?! Ain't nobody got time for that in this heat!!". Don't worry, this trend is reasonable in that it's mainly skirts, shorts, and panels of leather that are being incorporated into clothing. Very temperature friendly. If you're still nervous, may we suggest wearing looser fitting leather, cool and roomy tops, and open toe shoes to make this style most practical. Check out how these ladies from The Gathered Fashion Spread & Nordic Poetry rock it for summer.

3. Neon

Poor Neon colors. Despite there attention seeking presence, they're only welcome in small doses and in trend cycles unlike their relatives Primary and Pastels. But seriously, neon colors can really add an amazing pop of color to your outfit. I opt for neon shoes, thin waist belts, finger nail accents, clutches and necklaces as my top choices to wear neon. I'm especially in love with my neon flats in citron color! Amazing! My neon fashion attempts with flats and belt4. Plastic & Lucite Accessories

Something about Plastic and Lucite that feels futuristic and metropolitan. Which is pretty cool, however this style is one to purchase in small doses. This look has been popping up since Spring, and recently was heavily featured in the Robin Thicke and Pharell music video 'Blurred Lines' by the models. Most women however don't look like 5'10 models with minimal body fat. Medium and fuller figured fashionistas may fare better with accessories rather than the plastic shirts and jackets. I've already purchase some lucite single strap sandals and am plotting when I can appropriately wear them!

5. Braids

Braids have made a serious comeback with celebrities like Beyonce and Amy Adams making them sophisticated and stylish again. Not just a hairstyle, braiding in clothing and accessories fits nicely with the tribal and graphic prints that have been a hit on the runways and in street style. I've been playing with the idea of box braids, but I may settle for braids in my sandals which is just as cool!

6.  American Rugged Charm

We won't go so far as to start singing "I'm proud to be an American", but we will give props to the American flag and this daring fashion trend of incorporating it and what I've deemed "rugged American charm" into outfits. This style can be seen in Native American print work, eagle themed shirts, as well as cut off denim shorts, summer cowboy & ankle boots, motorcycle tees and American flag prints. If part of you has a hard time wearing this fashion because you're worried about the underlying narcissism of American-pride  propaganda, just remember years back when Brazil flag shirts were all the rage. This isn't the first nation's flag theme to become a trend, so you might as well live it up while you have a pass and it won't be associated with any Larry the Cable Guy type fashion! LOL.

7. Nail Art

If you haven't noticed the hugely popular nail art trend, you're either a toddler, in a nursing home, or an alien. Even though you've seen it-- have you tried it? We've picked out what's popular this season, and coincidently it mimics some of the other trends like neon, graphic prints, and American. If you're too conservative to go all 10 fingernails, opt for a spicy pedicure or try the trend of painting your ring fingers a different color or design that the others. I personally love the attention to finger and toenails and have been sporting the cat and oval nails for over a year. I'm dying to try more graphic prints and neon colors, but only on my ring fingers for now!

Happy Monday! See you Wednesday. Now go get gathered with these trends!

The Gathered Fashion Spread (June 22, 2013)

This week we got wind of the fabulously chic Running In Heels  event in Atlanta from our GL staffer Queen Aftan.  Here's a quick Recap by The Garner Circle PR: Author Nicole K. Garner, founder of The Garner Circle PR, celebrated the book launch for "Are You In Inc: PR's Alter Ego" and the kick off for the "Running In Heels" Multi-Market Tour at TAGS boutique (owned by Bravo TV's Kandi Burress). This ultimate guide focuses on niche Public Relations and publicity disciplines of fashion, music, entertainment and film.  This complete manual is filled with everything one needs to know about the fabulous world of PR equipped with very sepcific tools of the trade. To celebrate the book, Amazon Publishing joined forces with Garner to create a multi-market tour titled "Running In Heels" The Diary Of A Publicist. The cocktails and conversation themed event, hosted by Stacii J. (Black Girls Radio, )featured top PR and media mavens - including Tammie Reed (TalkingWithTami.com, Mattie James (www.Mattieologie.com), Kimberly Walker (journalist, content specialist), Tahira Wright (Branded PR), and insight on the book by Nicole Garner (The Garner Circle PR). 

 

For more information on upcoming tour dates, hosts and to RSVP visit  http://runninginheelstour.blogspot.com/ and to purchase the book visit www.AreYouInInc.com . To join the conversation the twitter / instagram is @thegarnercircle and the hashtag is #AreYouInInc

Now, back to what we love the most: FASHION! We adore Nicole Garner's stand out colorful dress that truly shows how to be in the spotlight and hold attention. Several other guests definitely made the gathered cut! Check out the fab pictures

 

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Robin Lori & Power Circle Photography

Kimberly Walker, Tahira Wright, Talking with Tami, Stacii J, Mattie James and Nicole Garner

Fashion Bloggers Mattie James and McKenzie Renae, Nicole & Host Stacii J, Black Girls Radio "Are You In Inc: PR's Alter Ego" Author Nicole K. Garner

Do you have a gathered event you would love for us to attend and share the fashionable experience in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, or New Orleans? If so, send us an email to thegatheredlady@gmail.com or invite us via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram @ TheGatheredLady!

A Peek Behind the Scenes at Full Figured Fashion Week 2013!

From June 17th to the 20th, New York City has been abuzz with fierce, gathered, and curvy fashionistas on fire for Full Figured Fashion Week 2013. The Gathered Lady couldn't be there in person, but we planted a spy networked and got a sneak peek into one of their expo events. It just so happens that close personal friend, avowed oenophile, and award winning, wine-making genius Mikael Wargin of Wargin Winery was on the scene as an official sponsor of FFF week. Mikael's award winning winery is located near Santa Cruz, CA, but he flew across the country to attend the events bearing cases and cases of his Big & Beautiful wine label, complete with a very whimsical curvy fashionista logo. In the process of being a man about town, he snapped some pics of us of some of the looks on the scene this week. Thanks Mikael! 

Enough about wine (um, did I just really say that?)... more about FASHION! Here goes: 

(left to right) Rue 115, Youtheary Khmer, Evans (bottom)

(left to right) Live Unlimited, Aiimee, T Tyme Lady Couture

(left to right) OnOz, Big & Beautiful Official Wine Sponsor, Ashley Dean (Memphis, TN), Fitzgerald Ballroom, Dean of Fashion (bottom)

(left to right) Huudaverti, Curvy Couture, Tru Diva Designs

(top left, clockwise Swimsuits for All, Kaylene Designs (Singapore), Lane Bryant, ZMJ Denim

Had enough? Us either. But we're out of pics to share for now...

Do you have full-figured fashion pics to share? Facebook or email us and if we like, we'll share! 

Staying Cute, Cool & Comfortable During Festival Season

By In this fleeting moment on Flickr

Now that we’re rolling into the heart of summer (yes, I mixed my metaphors, but it’s OK since I’m being shameless about it), festival season is here. Festivals and fairs are great social outings for the community- (and fun-) minded fashionista, but they are also a fashion tragedy waiting to happen. I’ve assembled a quick list of ideas to ensure your next outing is a success. Because I care.

By BeautifullyPure on FlickrFind sensible shoes. Let’s get the most obvious piece advice out of the way first: wear a good flat. It can (and should!) be cute, but it should also be comfortable. Which means staying away from thin-soled ballerina slippers with no support. I can pretty confidently guarantee that your feet will hurt after walking on uneven grass or hard pavement in these types of shoes for four or five hours. Remember, most fairs and festivals are short on seating, so you won’t have much opportunity for reprieve if you’re in an impractical shoe.

Wear fresh-faced makeup. The last thing you want is for your makeup to slowly melt off your face and run onto your cute top. Yes, it does, in fact, look as gross as it sounds (speaking from personal experience). Select a mineral makeup or tinted moisturizer with a built in SPF. If you tend to get oily, it will be exacerbated by the weather, so remember to use a mattifying foundation primer and toss some blotting papers into your purse.

Carry a small cross-body purse. Speaking of purses, a festival is no place for a hobo large enough to carry a small child. Smaller purses have been enjoying a bit of a resurgence lately, so it’s quite convenient that this particular trend also happens to be practical. Your hands will be free to hold a teddy bear or perhaps a turkey leg, and you don’t have to experience the buzz-killing anxiety of not knowing where to stash your purse before you get on a ride.

Choose natural, breathable fabrics. I know I’m stating the obvious right now, but I feel like it has to be said—it’s really hot outside guys. And nobody wants to overheat because their wearing a portable, personal sauna. Scary and embarrassing. Stick to light natural fabrics like cotton and linen, which will breathe and wick away moisture.

Avoid short-sleeved tees. Because Farmer’s Tan. That is all.

By BeautifullyPure on FlickrGo retro. Retro is always in and the fashion mavens of the past are great inspiration for sensible, stylish attire. If you’re looking for a new look, try your favorite thrift store or Mod Cloth, which has a lot of great retro-inspired pieces.

Select smart, stylish accessories. If you're a hat person, think about incorporating a sun or cowboy hat into your look. If you're doing the retro look, try a head-band, round shades and a brightly-colored lipstick!