Arianne Cohen, 6’3” author of The Tall Book: A Celebration of Life from on High, has struggled with finding clothes that fit properly for most of her teenage and adult life. Here, Cohen offers the five top tips for tall women when it comes to shopping.

1. If it doesn’t fit perfectly, skip it.
On tall bodies, fitting errors are obvious – and the truth is that how your clothes fit is often more important than what you wear. If a tailor visit can’t make it perfect, leave it on the rack.

2. Avoid cute.
Walk right by frills, ruffles, and anything that could be described as puffy or girlish – these are not for tall women. Tall women can do elegant, sexy, well-dressed, and jaw-droppingly hot. Not girlish. Every year, 20-30% of the clothes that come down the catwalks are cute. Avoid.

3. Do a “Waist Check.”
All outfits should clearly define where your waist falls. Without definition, tall abdomens can look like a wall of body. This means buying t-shirts, blouses, jackets and dresses that come in at your waist (and not where a 5’4″ woman’s waist would be); even loose dresses and tops should give a sense of your natural curves. This is the number one mistake of tall women everywhere.

4. When in doubt, err dark. Tall women often look best in solid, darker colors, simply because bright colors sometimes make bodies look bigger than they are, as can busy prints. Splashes of color can come from your bag or accessories; lean toward subdued, tonal or black-and-white prints.

5. If you don’t feel amazing, tall and beautiful in it, don’t buy it. Really. Even if your shopping buddy tells you that you look amazing. Feel good, look good, do good.

By Arianne Cohen

Spring is in full swing and fashionable ladies everywhere are donning the latest warm-weather trends. Though we all covet SoHo style and Upper East Side budgets, not everyone can afford designer duds to showcase their spring spirit. Thankfully, there are many ways to embrace the latest trends without emptying your purse. Strut your frugal stuff with the following tips.

1. Bright Denim
Nothing beats a fashion trend that transcends seasons. Fall’s bright denim trend is still hot this spring with pastel and neon options. If you already have a pair or two in your closet, you’re set. If not, consider shopping inexpensive retailers like Kohl’s or Target for your first pair, as this fad will likely disappear within a few seasons.

2. Pastels
Just in time for Easter, pastels are hot this season in their typical subtle, subdued manner. A statement piece — like a blazer or sheath — will go a long way without overwhelming your wardrobe or your budget. H&M offers several great styles for less, or you can grab a Nordstrom coupon before investing in a high-quality alternative. The luxury retailer offers free shipping both ways, so you can order multiple sizes and send back what doesn’t fit.

3. Metallic
Fall saw its share of sparkly, shimmery fashion, and spring continues the trend with emphasis on metallic style. It’s easy to incorporate this look on the cheap with shiny accessories, including bangles, statement necklaces and even shoes. If this look really speaks to you, go ahead and invest in a shimmery tank or statement pants to enjoy the trend while it lasts.

4. Sporty
Runway models looked mighty fit on spring runways with pieces inspired by workout attire. This doesn’t give you permission to live in hoodies and sneakers all season, however. Look for sport-inspired pieces like this racerback dress from Athleta, or find a mesh, off-the-shoulder sweater to pair with skinny jeans.

5.  Floral
The fashion world is so happy to see spring again that designers are incorporating its signature icon into their art. If your style tends toward the bold, look for a bright spring dress or floral capris. If you want the more subtle approach, wear a flowery graphic tee under a blazer or opt for floral shoes.

6. Tangerine Tango
The official color of 2012 offers a bold and altogether crisp accent to any outfit. Again, head-to-toe tangerine is a great option for those with bright style (think maxi dress). You can also find inexpensive accessories in this versatile color at such places as Charming Charlie.

7. Peplum Skirts
Nothing says feminine like a flirty skirt, and the resurgence of the 20s-era peplum skirt this season is no exception. Opt for a classic color like black or navy to extend its trendiness into subsequent seasons. Embrace the look fully with classic pumps, a fitted blouse and cat-eye liner. Add a pop of this season’s “it” lip colors – red or hot pink – and strut your stylish stuff during a glamorous night out on the town.

By Kendal Perez

Coming from a girl who spent her afternoons shopping at Barneys and tanning on her terrace, even I realized there was time for change. I wanted to become a person I could be proud of, not just make my parents proud, but myself. After 10 years of running my first line of jewelry, and after a tragedy too painful to discuss, I felt as if my life was slipping away from me. I decided it was time to change grow up, and take a new outlook on life.

After dabbling with marketing jobs, I returned to my true passion of design.  Launching a line of bracelets with my friend was what motivated me.  Its not about being selfish in life, but about putting yourself first sometimes, and making YOURSELF a priority again.  When did it become ok we should ask to let others needs always come before ours.  Whether it be a boyfriend, a best friend even family.  Letting go of ones hopes and dreams is a sad reality many people face as they get older.

I joined the gym, workouts begin at 6:00 am, sometimes earlier.  I closed the door to the terrace and opened the door to my future.  A truly motivated person at heart, dragging myself out of bed came easily. Setting goals isn’t always easy and dreams can be hard to follow. Giving yourself a daily routine can be rigid at times, but you to begin to create a balance in your life. A true sense of self comes through hard work and determination.  The gym was a good start, that leads to a road of happiness.

As the weight came off, my tune of life changed.  I felt confident again.  Newly single a sense of worth began to wash over me, and I was ready to reemerge myself into the jungle we all know as dating.  Not easy to say the least, (where did the time go)?  It was all so much easier just a few years ago!  But with the support of friends and time I began to set the goals for myself I had always wanted.  It takes a lot of time and work, but dreams can still be followed.

Forming a support team of friends who want the best for you is key.  The ones that tell you that black dress is too tight and that maybe you could try accessorizing just a tiny bit more.  The ones who tell you to wipe off the red lipstick, and hit the gym.  If there not telling you how it really is, they should probably hit the road. Everyone makes mistakes in life, but learning and growing from them is all we humans can do.

Picking up that great book again, and letting go of the drama.  Reducing stress and enjoy being a woman again.  The power of change comes from within.  Hard work never goes un noticed.

By Andrea Barna

You’ve paid for that warehouse club membership but find yourself lost in an overwhelming assemblage of sale items. It’s hard to believe everything is really on sale. The truth is, sometimes those warehouse deals aren’t all there cracked up to be, even if you buy in bulk. Take it from an experienced warehouse shopper; there are a few do’s and don’ts that might help you make the most of that membership.

1. Don’t Buy Too Much
Sure you can stock up on toothpaste until it’s piled to the rafters, but you might want to keep your acquisitive nature under control when purchasing perishable items. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans toss about 34 million tons of food every year and the average family throws out 880 pounds a year. That’s roughly the weight of an adult cow!

2. Do Resist That Impulse
Just like traditional stores, warehouses create displays designed to entice you into making impulse purchases. Make a list before you leave home and stick to it, with the exception of truly special deals.

3. Don’t Assume
We tend to make the assumption that paper products, diapers and the like are cheaper at warehouse stores. The fact is you can actually find reasonable or better prices at your local supermarket by using coupons. It helps to keep a notebook comparing prices on the major products you usually buy. Even for online warehouse purchases, compare deals with other e-Retailers using sites like PriceGrabber and review discounts applied with online coupons to Sears or other retailers to see if there are any other better deals available.

4. Do Identify the Final Markdown Location
Most warehouses shove all final-markdown items into one shelving unit or area of the store. Before you start shopping, head over there to scope out any exceptional deals. The same is true for meat, poultry and fish.

5. Don’t Assume They Don’t Take Coupons
Many of these warehouse club distribute store-wide coupons like BJs and Costoc. In fact, BJs accepts manufacturers coupons along with store-issued vouchers for deeper discounts. Look for coupon policies online before heading to the store.

6. Do Weigh Bulk Produce
Federal law requires each bag of oranges, potatoes and other produce must contain at least the advertised weight. What most people don’t know is that, to avoid underweight errors, grocers sometimes toss in extra food, making bulk purchases an even better deal. Weigh the bags and pick the heaviest.

By Andrea Woroch

So you’re an established graphic artist. You have an awesome portfolio and your own business. Does still matter how you dress?

How many times did you hear that one should not judge a book by its cover? Do you?

If book covers didn’t matter, why does every book have one? Why not just write out the title and author all in the same font? Hemingway’s books might get away with that…

The truth is that we are highly visual creatures. We judge things by their appearance, whether we want to or not. Let’s face it – if how things look didn’t matter, we’d be out of business!

If a book has a poor cover, who’s going to care what’s inside?

The first thing people see is what matters the most. It influences how they judge all that follows.

Will clients judge you by how you’re dressed or by your portfolio?

How you’re dressed IS part of your portfolio!

Because of our profession we have a little bit of lenience. You don’t have to stuff yourself in a business suit. In fact I would not recommend that. Show off that you’re a creative spirit!

There is a lot of advice out there on how to put together a portfolio. And how the first item should be the very best, as it sets the tone. Well, I believe that, in reality, how you look is your first portfolio piece. Treat is as such.

And one word of the wise; this is an advice I heard a long time ago but it makes a lot of sense: “Never drive a more expensive car than your client.” I believe the same rule would apply to wardrobe also.

Consumers tend to make straightforward New Year resolutions: Spend less, save more and pay down debt. This year, it appears retailers want to change just one thing…their bottom line. The tried-and-true methods aren’t working anymore as consumers learn to resist the urge to buy, so merchants are starting their own trends. According to Bloomberg, consumer spending stalled in December, with a rise of just 0.1 percent, as Americans took advantage of last year’s slight jump in income to restore depleted savings. So what are retailers doing to change this trend? Here are a few examples.

1. JCPenney Ditches Sales
Shoppers have caught onto false savings, in which stores boost prices just before dropping them again for supposed sales. In an announcement last month, JCPenney basically admitted to this practice and said they were launching an everyday-low-prices campaign. For example, jeans that used to retail for $25 — but typically ended up selling for $15 — will just start off at $15.

2. The Shops at Target
Apple addicts usually have to hit Apple brand stores to buy some of their new equipment. Such outlets are pretty few and far between, so imagine the thrill they must be experiencing, now that Target is testing a partnership to sell a wider variety of Apple produce in 25 of their stores.

Other partnerships are moving forward in Target’s store-within-a-store campaign, a trend long seen at department stores and in the Sephora outlets in JCPenney stores.

3. Wal-Mart Small Business Competition
Can’t you hear Ryan Seacrest proclaiming “This…is…the Wal-Mart Contest!” In a PR-savvy replication of the “American Idol” competition format, Wal-Mart will winnow down inventor/small business contestants until they select one lucky product for country-wide promotion on their shelves.

4. Luxury Retailers Up Free Shipping Game
Popular shoe e-retailers like Endless and Zappos made a splash with free return shipping, and some luxury shops are following suit. Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue offer free shipping both ways, with other companies expected to jump on the bandwagon in 2012, according to USA Today. For a comprehensive list of retailers who are ahead of this trend, go to the free return shipping page on FreeShipping.org.

5. Bye-bye Amazon Mom Benefits
Amazon is backing away from the discounts it has long offered moms, including a revocation of their popular two-day free shipping program. Diaper savings also have dropped from a high of 30 percent to a maximum of 20 percent.

6. Taco Bell Breakfast Burritos
“Yo quiero breakfast burritos!” The Mexican fast-food chain has finally figured out Americans like breakfast burritos, so it’s expanding its offerings to three meals per day. Perhaps Taco Bell is taking its own advice to “Think outside the bun.”

7. Booze It Up at Starbucks
The coffee chain sees plenty of business early in the day, but sales fall off later in the day, when even diehard caffeine addicts cut back on the java. To boost their sales during slow periods, Starbucks will soon begin serving beer, wine and hard liquor after 2 p.m. at select Southern California locations, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Remember all those tips saying you should cook rather than eat out? Well the USDA says we might just be wrong about that in the near future. A recent study by the government agency estimated the price gap between eating at home and dining out will narrow even further in 2012. Grocery prices are expected to rise 3 percent to 4 percent, while menu prices will likely go up 2 percent to 3 percent.

That doesn’t mean you have to resort to the McDonald’s Dollar Menu, however. It’s still cheaper to eat at home, but amateur chefs will have to cut even more corners this year. Here are a few tips on dining at home frugally in a dine-out world.

1. Shop on Tuesdays

Wednesdays are the heaviest shopping day for supermarkets as that’s when they publish their weekly newspaper ads. (Manufacturer ads are usually distributed with the Sunday paper.) That means grocery stores are interested in ditching last week’s produce and meats on Tuesday night. Talk to the butcher and produce clerks about slapping a better price on those products they’re about to toss.

2. Use Mobile Coupons

Shopping on Tuesday means you can’t take advantage of Wednesday coupons. Happily, you can access mobile coupons right there in the store from the Coupon Sherpa app. This fab app allows you to search for your favorite local store, access desirable coupons, then download them to your store loyalty card.

3. Plan Your Meals Around Ads

If you plan on shopping after newspaper inserts are printed, plan your menu around featured items and build a list before you hit the store. You can use apps like Grocery Gadget (Apple) and Grocery IQ (Android) to create lists based on your supermarket’s layout.

4. Shop Stores That Double Coupons

Not all supermarkets are willing to double-up on coupons, and not all maintain such a policy continuously. The acceptance rate has gone down since the advent of “Extreme Couponers,” so check before you start clipping. This practice is usually limited to specific days and allows you to double the face value of a coupon, up to a certain amount.

5. Don’t Overbuy Bulk

It may be tempting to buy the super-sized box of Cheerios, but you have to consider whether you’ll actually eat all those little oat donuts before they turn into rocks. Buy just enough to last until the next sale.

6. Limit Produce Purchases

Americans throw away roughly one quarter of the food we buy. For a family of four, that figures out to $2,200 a year in food, according to “American Wasteland” author Jonathan Bloom. Rather than grab fruits and vegetables that look appealing, stick to your list and avoid spoilage. You’re also more likely to use produce if you don’t hide it away in your refrigerator’s bins. Keep it in plain site or make a list of contents that you stick on the fridge drawer as a reminder.

7. Avoid Temptation

King Soopers (owned by Krogers) has launched new “Marketplace” stores in the west, with layouts similar to Whole Foods. Walk in the door and you’re immediately assaulted by the smell of stunning flower arrangements, fresh deli items, and beautifully arranged produce. It’s tempting to fill your cart in this section, so be on your guard. Also beware of the non-food items for sale, including everything from furniture to high-end jewelry.

8. Don’t Use a Cart

Ditch the carry-all cart and carry a basket for quick trips. The less room you have to fill, the less likely you are to make impulse purchases.

Through the ages, women have never had a lack of complaints about the inequalities between men and women. Particularly when it comes to romance, dating and age, there’s always been a lot to complain about. I wish I could say that I am not about to contribute to that litany of gripes, but oh no, I’m about to jump right in.

So, this whole “Cougar” thing. I wouldn’t mind if that term got lost in the Bronx Zoo and was never heard from again. Or was shot with a dart gun and left to die on the Serengeti. You get my drift. I loathe it. It is the word that is now used categorically for any woman who dates younger men. When you hear the word “cougar” what comes to mind? Sharp claws, bared-teeth, pouncing on an unsuspecting zebra to make a kill.

When sometimes, a guy just asks an older woman out and she says yes.

Sometimes the younger guy even falls in love with an older woman, sometimes even marries her, and it was actually all by his own free will. Can you imagine? He wasn’t seduced, tricked, pounced upon, hunted down. He just found her attractive and decided he wanted to be with her. I wish we had a name for that. Oh right, we do. It’s called dating. The very word we would use if an older man dated a woman half his age. Oh, what a fuss everyone made about Demi and Ashton and their 15-year age difference. Isn’t she worried he’s going to leave her? Or cheat? It will never last! She’s so much older than him! Did you know Bruce Willis married someone 24 years younger than himself? Probably not. Because no one was calling him a lion or a panther or even a dirty old man.

In fairness, I am assuming the term “cougar” was meant to be used regarding women who repeatedly go after younger men. It is also meant as a compliment, I am sure. But my friend, who is sexy and in her forties, hears that term used about her in general, even when there’s no younger man in sight. I am sure it is meant to infer that she’s (still!) sexy and (still!) attractive to men. But it also infers she’s a predator, up for hunting down a young man in his prime and making a kill.

So what’s to be done? Probably nothing but complain. And I guess we could be more philosophical about it. If “cougar” has replaced “spinster” and “old maid” as the word to describe over-forty women, then at least we’re headed in the right direction.

If Kate Middleton hadn’t already used bad girl secrets to hook Prince William, I would swear that she’d read my new book – Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets! Kate is the quintessential illustration of how these secrets work their magic, trapping a man before he realizes he’s been put under her spell. And undoubtedly, the best example is her parading in the now infamous peek-a-boo skirt that she wore as a dress over a bikini, in their college fashion show. Before this, Prince William had barely looked at her, but now that her outfit was ‘barely’ there, he couldn’t take his eyes away. In one breathless moment, she jumped from the “platonic friend” file of his psyche to the “hot potential lover” file.

In Bad Girls, I define the Dozen Dangerous Damsels – all women who have been made to feel unlovable – from the dysfunctional relationship they had with their dad, to the bad boys who broke their heart. To avoid more pain, they have taken their heart off their sleeve and hardened it, deciding to go after something else from a man, if they can’t get love. Bad Girls analyzes these 12 types of women and why men fall head over heels for them. It includes profiles of the fabulous women from “Sex and The City”: Carrie as a Commitment-Phobe, Charlotte as a Husband Hunter and Trapper, Samantha as a Sex Siren, and Miranda as a Ball-Buster.

I interviewed over 100 men who shared intimate details of their bad girl stories, and from these I distilled the “Six Secret Spells of Seduction”. Kate’s fashion choice fit under the “Dress” category of spells, and she went on to use more secrets, ultimately landing in the “Princess-to-be” file of Prince William’s psyche.

www.badgirlsbook.com

Nora Ephron, writer and author of When Harry met Sally, may have written one of the most famed quotes amongst modern day couples; “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”In my experience many couples do indeed want to “start as soon as possible.” Planning the day that is going to “start the rest of your life,” can be grueling, however with the help of a wedding professional it does not have to be. Your wedding should be the happiest day of your life, not the most stressful. You should have unforgettable moments, not moments you wish you could forget. The addition of a wedding planner and/or day of coordinator could be of paramount benefit to the quality of your wedding day. At Luxe Life Events, we say, “Deciding on a wedding planner is one of the richest responsibilities you have as a bride,” and we truly believe it.

The day of your wedding is going to bring about enough nerves, and jitters; the last thing that you should be worried about is the set up of your ceremony and reception, or if the vendors are on time and doing everything set fourth in your contracts. It is reasons such as these that a coordinator and/or planner can be the wisest choice of all your wedding day decisions. After all, is it smarter to plan the day with a professional who has done it more than once, (who can forecast things that may go wrong and keep them from happening), or embark on such a huge day with a “what if” frame of mind? Your wedding day should be about enjoying the idea of the journey you are about to embark on. Spending those last few moments before your first steps down the aisle in bliss with your best friends and wedding party.

In addition to ensuring that the “day of” logistics run smoothly, designing a cohesive theme and décor for your reception can also be nerve racking. This is another largely important part of your day that a coordinator could help make amazing. At Luxe Life our theory of design and wedding themes is similar in thought to the words of George Bernard Shaw; “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?'” We seek to involve this kind of thinking as we plan each and every one of our events; turning exquisite thoughts and dreams into event “paradise” unfamiliar to most, but extravagant to all.