THINGS to consider when buying a DRESS for SUMMER

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Finding the perfect dress for summer can be tricky! There are a few things to consider before purchasing which will ensure you make a great buy.

Event

When deciding on what dresses to add to your collection you should always plan ahead. Think about the types of events you plan to attend this summer and buy accordingly. I hate when I wait until the last minute to look for a dress. I always end up with something that I don’t really like or with nothing at all. Planning ahead helps me keep my eyes open for dresses ideally suited for each event I have coming up, and for dresses that I can wear multiple times. If you are going to a wedding or special event, always double check the invitation to see if they listed a dress code. If they took the time to put it on the invitation, you want to make sure you show up dressed appropriately.

Color

When picking a color for my dress I always consider how many times I plan on wearing it. When you pick a bold color or pattern, the dress becomes more memorable and you may end up wearing it fewer times than you had planned. One of my favorite dresses is a floral shift dress. It is a bold print so I have to keep track of what I wear it to. Also, follow proper etiquette. If you are wearing the dress to a wedding, do not pick a white dress! Another factor that should guide your color choice is your skin and hair color. There are certain dresses that will complement your skin tones better than others.

Shape

When choosing the shape of your dress, think about your own body shape. Depending on your figure, some shapes will complement you better than others. There are times that I have picked a shape just because it’s the trendy look for that season and later regretted it because it wasn’t right for me. Wear what makes you look and feel good. If you don’t feel good in it then don’t buy it!

Length

Whether you find your dress online or in store, try it on with the shoes you plan to wear with your dress. You always want to make sure you feel comfortable in what you are wearing. I have made the mistake of buying a dress too short and then never wanting to wear it. Spending the whole event pulling your dress down can be bothersome and look downright silly. However, if you decide to go with a dress which is intended to be mid-length (hitting your leg mid-calf) and it’s too long, you have missed the style altogether. Sometimes you’ll find the perfect dress but the length isn’t quite right. One solution I’ve found is to take it to my favorite tailor and get it altered to be the length that I prefer. You will feel much more confident wearing a dress that is the proper length.

Style

Sometimes, when picking out a dress, I want my look to take on a specific feel. If I am going to a wedding, I may want it to have a more romantic vibe. One of my favorite wedding looks is a blush lace dress. I curl my hair and wear a nude pump paired with a neutral purse. Occasionally I’ll go for more of a rocker chic and pair my look with my leather jacket. Finding a dress with a unique accent, like one with a big bow or with tassels hanging down the back, can add something fun and unexpected. However, if you’re searching for a dress to wear to work, you may want a more structured look.

visit pinkandnavystripes.com for detailed guidance in navigating each of these factors for finding the perfect summer dress. [ aw ] words by MARY D. KLABO photography by DENNIS KRULL, 5FOOT20 DESIGN LOUNGE before and after photography submitted by TAMMY BORK, SOLA SALON

Hair extensions are fun way to change your look within a few hours. If you want your summer cut turned into long locks, or want to add a bright accent color to your every-day look, or simply want to add fullness to thinning hair, the choices are endless.

TAMMY BORK at SOLA SALON in Fargo has been placing hair extensions for over six years and is a certified hair extension consultant. She has trained under several experts in the industry and has tried many different systems. Her recommendation: Before you decide to glue, weave or tape something onto your scalp, evaluate the options.

1 DON’T MAKE an IMPULSE BUY. The highest quality extensions are made of real human hair and are reusable. Although the most affordable, synthetic extensions (or extensions with a mixture of human and synthetic hair) can melt with use of blow-dryer or curling iron. Research the options on the Internet. When you determine what you can afford, consider the number of visits to a hair salon for placing and replacing, and the time each visit will involve. If you want an extension for more than a few weeks, splurge on quality.

2 GET A CONSULTATION. Find a hair stylist or certified hair extension consultant who will give you a free consultation where you can determine a method that fits you and your lifestyle. When you find the product you like, have the extensions placed by a certified hair extension consult. Bork will gladly meet and discuss the options with any new customer.

3 HELP for MEDICAL HAIR LOSS. Although extensions can be considered an extravagance, they can bring a sense of normalcy to men and women with medical conditions that cause hair loss. Bork has applied extensions to many who have lost hair due to medical problems and appreciates the opportunity to help rebuild someone’s confidence and self-esteem with extensions.

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BONDED EXTENSIONS. Through research and training with the experts, Bork’s preferred method is the “Evolve System” It is the latest in technology that bonds the extensions. The result is a very natural look and easy maintenance. The machine, the Hair Dreams Nano System, bonds the extensions quickly with a solid hold for 4–6 months. They are reusable.

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TAPE EXTENSIONS. If you like to change your hair color often, or have fine hair, tapes might be the best option. The tape is sandwiched between the strands of your natural hair and your stylist can place and replace quickly and easily, and as often as you prefer. Temporary extensions are another reasonably-priced option for short term use.

6 GET the RIGHT COLOR COMBINATION. Strands of a different shade are a telltale sign of an extension. Bork suggests you match the extension to the ends of your hair, instead of the roots, and choose the color most prominent in your natural tresses.

Thanks to advancements in the industry, those with thinning hair no longer have to rely on wiglets and toupee’s to cover up what Mother Nature chose to expose. Hair extensions are an attractive and affordable option for nearly everyone.

For more information, call 701-799-5058