Fashion

Makeup artist says guard against using too much

Los Angeles makeup artist Brett Freedman says "making up a face and nailing it the first time is like hitting a hole in one on the moon."

Red-hot fashions

Valentine's Day is coming and whether you have a special someone or not, it's a great day to wear red. After all, the color red is a stimulant that's supposed to stir up emotions. It's the hottest of the "warm" colors, and can mean danger, anger and passionate love. Red denotes joy and celebration and even purity in some cultures. It's the color of happiness and prosperity in China and is believed to attract good luck.

Past all the fashion

Fashion photographs taken by famous Kansan Gordon Parks remind us that while fashion is cyclical, the sheer abundance of it today means we can find styles from practically any era.

Sorority hopes Ebony Fashion Fair will return

This has been a great holiday season, but if you sensed that something was missing from the usual schedule of events, you were right.

Need a gift idea?

If you're looking for a gift or two to complete your holiday shopping, local retailers are happy to offer suggestions — many of them for items $30 or less. What's been popular? Cold- weather items, says Corey Smith, customer engagement specialist at Dick's Sporting Goods on Rock Road.

Bare legs are out, covered legs in

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —Susu Bear has seen it with her own eyes. The founder of scoopcharlotte.com, a site that tracks what's new, what's on sale, and what's happening on the Queen City's style scene, says that as she's been out and about, she's seen evidence of one of the season's strongest trends.

Here are some tips from local stylists to help you get ready for a big night on the town:

Hair for the holidays

Now that invitations are arriving for holiday parties, it's time to think about your overall look for the coming festivities. There's more to it than clothes. Once you know what you're wearing, top off the look with a great hairstyle. Even the best dress won't hit the mark unless your hair and makeup are just as special.

Plenty of good salesclerks out there in stores

Many of those experienced in the art of shopping called after reading last week's column dealing with getting help finding or buying merchandise.

Not as quiet, please

More and more, university libraries are ditching their quiet-please personas to embrace the art of noise. It's not a complete transformation — libraries still stake out quiet study areas — but a clear nod to a generation that loves caffeine, cell phones, laptops and Facebook.

Neck time

Want to punch up a fall outfit that seems drab? Or add something to your wardrobe that will not only provide color, but will also start a conversation? Go for the neck. Necklaces this season are big and bold, colorful, rich in texture, and made with a wide variety of materials.

Fashion show provides wows at ArtAID event

ArtAID. You have to see it to believe it. Every year I go to many local events, but some of them are standouts. ArtAID, a benefit for Positive Directions, tops the "wow" category. This year it was Oct. 10 at the Cotillion.

Beyond beauty: Models need more than just beauty, scouts agree

Modeling scouts from around the country told aspiring models in Wichita that if they want to hit the big time they'll need more than just beauty to take them there.

Bounty of boots and bags

Two items you'll want to consider having this winter as part of a fashionable wardrobe: a great handbag and a pair of boots.