About six months before my wedding, I had an “ah-ha” moment. If I wanted my skin to be in its best possible shape, it was time to start thinking about the timeline it was going to take to get glowing skin before my wedding. Considering some treatments have a longer recovery, I needed to get started. But which treatments should I even have done? And how many months out is too many? Too few?

And then, of course, there’s the month-of crunch. How far out do I get my last facial so I’m clean and clear for the big day, but not still recovering from extractions? What treatments do I get the week of the wedding? With so many questions swirling, I thought it would be best to speak to a professional. I enlisted Dr. Jennifer Chwalek of Union Square Dermatology and Dr. Carolyn Jacobs, founder and medical director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. LINK TO THESE These derms have seen it all and had some sage advice for me when it came to putting together my wedding skincare timeline.

When it comes to preparing your skin for the big day, you can never start too soon, especially if you have breakouts or issues with acne scarring or pigmentation.

“When it comes to preparing your skin for the big day, you can never start too soon, especially if you have breakouts or issues with acne scarring or pigmentation,” says Dr. Chwalek. She recommends visiting a dermatologist and coming up with a treatment plan at least one year out.

Dr. Jacobs, on the other hand, got specific with me about what treatments I should focus on. “In the months leading up to a big event like a wedding, having peels performed monthly will help the skin be its best by the big day,” she suggests. Keep reading for more of what I learned.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

One Year Out

Courtesy of Supergoop.

If you’re looking to treat acne scarring or pigmentation, starting early is key. Both Dr. Chwalek and Dr. Jones swear by consistent peels to get your skin in tip-top shape. “Now is also the time to start treatments like Fraxel/laser resurfacing or microneedling if you have acne scarring or if you are trying to improve the texture of your skin,” says Dr. Chwalek. “If you have pigmentation issues like melasma, starting a good skincare routine is vital in combination with laser or peels.”

And of course, starting up (or maintaining) a consistent skincare routine is key to looking your best. And don’t forget your SPF. Every. Single. Day.

Six-to-Nine Months Out

Courtesy of PCAskin.

This is the key time to try out any new products or treatments you think you might want to add to your routine before the wedding. With enough time, any reactions you have or results you don’t like will have worn off before the big day.

Dr. Chwalek recommends using this time to test out Botox or fillers, treatments for redness, skin tightening treatments, and even body contouring treatments like cool sculpting if you’re looking to go all out. That is, if you think you need them! It’s all about your personal preference.

This is also the time to start working chemical peels into your routine. “Having peels performed monthly will help the skin be its best by the big day,” says Dr. Jones. She recommends monthly professionally applied peels like the Sensi Peel or Ultra Peel by PCA Skin, starting at least six months prior.

Two-to-Four Months Out

As you get closer to the big day, you want to make sure you’re not doing any treatments with long recovery times. “Any aggressive treatment that has significant downtime should be avoided,” recommends Dr. Jones. This is also the time to touch up any filler and to continue any long-term treatments you started a year out from the wedding.

Six Weeks Out

Courtesy of SkinCeuticals.

“This is a good time to start switching to lighter treatments as you near the four-week mark,” says Dr. Chwalek. “If you struggle with acne then sometimes I will give patients a low dose oral antibiotic to cover them against any breakouts for the month prior to the wedding.” No breakouts on the big day!

Don’t try any new treatments during this time, and just focus on maintaining the gorgeous skin you worked so hard for in the months prior.”“I would also really focus on hydration/moisturization and good, regular sleep,” adds Dr. Chwalek. “Nothing does more for the skin than these.”

One Week Out

Courtesy of SkinCeuticals.

Again, now is not the time to try any new products. Stick with your trusted faves. “Treatment [at this point] is something more gentle, and also something you’ve already experienced in the past and tolerated well, like an enzyme treatment,” says Dr. Jones, who recommends the PCA Skin Revitalizing Mask with papaya enzyme or the brand’s Micro Peel At Home kit. CAN YOU LINK TO THESE? OR include above instead of Skinceuticals?

The Night Of

Courtesy of SkinCeuticals.

“Doing a gentle hydrating face mask the night before or a red LED light treatment can ensure your skin is glowy for the special day,” says Dr. Chwalek, who recommends the Skinceuticals bio-cellulose mask. Drink plenty of water and don’t go too crazy at your rehearsal dinner! Avoid any alcohol and make sure you get a good night’s rest. You’re going to need it for the big day. A quick morning meditation will help you feel calm, collected, and ready to commit yourself to the love of your life.

Congratulations, you made it!

Eboni K. Williams’ White Button Detail Dress at Black Shabbat

Real Housewives of New York Season 13 Episode 14 Fashion

Shabbat Shalom! Although Eboni K. Williams decided to wear white to her “Black Shabbat” dinner on tonight’s episode of RHONY, we very much approve of her choice. And have of course linked it down below for you to shop (along with some more affordable Style Stealers), which in Judaism we like to call a true “mitzvah.”

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Balmain Dress on Sale

Originally posted at: Eboni K. Williams’ White Button Detail Dress

Kyle Richards’ Floral Maxi Dress on Instagram

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Instagram Fashion 2021

Howdy partner! Although it’s not the way I would think to wear it, I totally love the way Kyle Richards cowgirl-ed up this floral maxi dress for a cute pre-fall lewk during a recent trip to Aspen. And what’s great is that if she wants to wear it back in the BH, all she needs to do is trade in the bolo tie for a diamond necklace and the boots for some Amina Muaddi’s and she’s ready to go. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her MISA Los Angeles Dress

Click Here For Additional Stock

And Here For More Stock

Click Here to Shop Her Dior Saddle Bag

Photo: @KyleRichards18

Originally posted at: Kyle Richards’ Floral Maxi Dress

There’s something about fall’s fresh, crisp air that evokes not only a change of season, but also maybe even a change in yourself. Right at the top of that autumn-ready list could be a go-to warm beverage and even a new ‘do. These new wig styles for fall 2021 can help satisfy that sudden urge to switch up your look, particularly with extensions that don’t require any commitment. (Even easier!)

We chatted with the pros to find out the hottest hairstyles and most anticipated fall looks. They can be achieved just with hair extensions—some even by yourself at home. Wigs have been a moment, but other hair enhancements are swooping in, too. Keep reading to learn more about the (faux) fall hair trends you’ll catch us rocking in the coming months.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Nadula.

Rich-Colored Wigs With Bangs

If you’re in the mood to play around with color this fall, particularly shades of red, good news. Red hair is in the forecast, says Tamika Gibson, celebrity stylist and founder of Bold Hold products. Plus, she says, bangs are becoming popular again and can quickly transform a person’s vibe. “With a dark-colored wig in mahogany or red and a bang, a person can create a whole new look for the cooler months,” she says.

Mayvenn.

Sleek, Straight Sew-Ins

If you haven’t considered a sew-in weave since 2010, we get it. The style takes quite some time to achieve, and finding the perfect stylist to help can be like dating after a dry spell. However, sew-ins are a great protective style that you can wear for 4-to-6 weeks while your hair rests. Whether you opt for closure with your sew-in or prefer to go laceless with a leave-out, consider a sleek, straight sew-in for fall.

Mayvenn.

Clip-In Extensions

Hairstylist Brittany Johnson, who works for Mayvenn, wants clip-in extensions to be on your radar for the fall. You can install them easily whenever you feel like it, making them great for those who prefer a temporary enhancement. But there are some things you need to know first.

“The best way to blend clip-ins with your natural hair depends on the texture of the clip-ins as well as how they’re manufactured,” explains Johnson. “Clip-Ins with a seamless weft are easier to blend at your root because they tend to lay flatter.”

If your clip-ins are straighter than your natural hair, you’ll either need to straighten your hair or curl your clip-ins, depending on your desired end result. “For curly hair with curly clip-ins, doing a twist or braid-out while your clip-ins are already installed is a great way to make both natural textures blend,” she adds. And be sure to wash your clip-ins after every second or third wear and to take them out when sleeping.

Source: Instagram

Crimped Hair

Much like many early-2000s fashion trends, Y2K-inspired hair is making a solid comeback. Next on the radar for fall is a resurgence of crimped hair. One celebrity fan of this style is none other than Queen Nicki Minaj. You can buy a crimped wig or extensions, or do the crimping yourself with a tool like the Revlon 3Barrel Ceramic Jumbo Hair Waver ($22.65 at Amazon). Don’t forget to add subtle baby hair to get all of the retro vibes out of this look. We like The Hair Diagram Bold Hold Lace Jelly to get the perfect swirls and swoops to enhance the style.

Source: Instagram

Short, Bold Cuts

Short hair, do care. If quarantine put your dreams of rocking a short wig on hold, Ngozi Opara, founder of Heat Free Hair, assures us that showing out this fall with a short haircut is something to add to your fall beauty bucket list.

“After [more than a] year of quarantine and now having to adjust to this new ‘normal,’ I think people are going to be excited to experience fall this year and show up and show out!” she says. “It’s the perfect time of year for edgy, short cuts, bobs and pixies.”

Naturally, if you are looking to spend your retirement in place, you want your yard to be comfortable, safe, and conducive to aging as well as for it to look beautiful. Thankfully, there are yard solutions out there that will ensure age never becomes a problem.

Low Maintenance Landscaping

A landscape that requires a lot of work is the last thing you want as you age. You want a landscape that is easily kept looking its best, even if you decide to have it professionally maintained.

The good news is that you can have a lush yard without putting in too much effort. It’s simple: use native plants as much as possible.

Compared to non-native varieties, native plants require less watering and care. You can use the “Native Plant Finder Tool” from the National Wildlife Federation if you are not sure what plants are local to your region and climate.

Alternatively, you can visit a local native plant nursery to find which plants will grow best in your yard. Chances are, they’ll offer you some professional guidance as well as a wide selection of natives.

Another option is to invest in planned xeriscaping. This is a low-maintenance and energy-efficient landscaping practice that reduces the need for irrigation.

It is the best solution if you live in an area that is extremely sunny and drought-prone. The easiest way to enter the world of xeriscaping is to use succulents, cacti, and palm trees to replace grass and other water-hungry plants.

Setting Up an Aging-Friendly Garden

Now that many of us are cooking three meals a day from our homes, creating an herb and vegetable garden is also a good idea.

No matter your age, eating healthy foods and exercising can immensely improve your quality of life. Gardening offers you an opportunity to do both.

But the body gets a bit stiff and uncooperative as we age, even with healthy lifestyle habits. Still, you can garden at any age, as long as you have an aging-friendly garden.

To prevent stiffness or pain in your muscles or joints, go with elevated gardens in vertical planters or containers.

It’s much easier to tend to plants that grow on trellises or poles. Not sure what to plant in your vertical garden? Here are a few ideas:

• Veggies: Tomatoes, peppers (compact varieties), onions (miniature), garlic, eggplant (miniature), cucumbers (miniature), carrots, beans.
• Greens: Swiss chard, spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, leaf lettuce, kale, cabbage.
• Fruits: Strawberries, muskmelon (midget).
• Herbs for sunny walls: Wheatgrass, thyme, stevia, savory, sage, rosemary, parsley, oregano, nasturtium, mint, borage, bee balm, basil, marjoram, lemongrass, lemon balm, dill, cumin, cilantro, chives.

In case you have or develop mobility problems in the future, a vertical garden will eliminate some of the bending and kneeling usually involved in gardening.

You can buy raised beds or vertical garden systems or you can go the DIY route. For instance, you can build your own leaning ladder garden.

Gardening is much easier with the right tools and equipment. Using lightweight pruners, good gloves, and kneeling stools is a great way to prevent injuries and make gardening more fun.

Buy ergonomic tools for your garden. Avoid using tools that have very short handles. If you need help picking out the right tools, this list of “ease-of-use” gardening tools from the Arthritis Foundation should come in handy.

In addition to getting the right tools, you also need to install a proper irrigation system. Irrigation systems can be pricey, but they are key for senior-friendly gardening. Dragging a heavy garden hose or carrying a big watering pot can be tiresome.

Lighting

Landscaping with evening ambiance is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners. If you want to ensure that your yard will remain secure and safe even as you age, invest in proper landscape lighting.

Thanks to the advancements of budget-friendly solar-powered and LED garden lights, making sure your property is well-lit is easier than ever.

To make the space more inviting, you can add well-placed string lights and lanterns. Pay special attention to the steps in your yard and other areas that pose trip and fall hazards.

Sensor lighting is also a good idea. Motion sensor-based lighting can help prevent accidents when you go outside the house at night. As you move about your property, it will automatically light up areas of your yard.

Shade

Having a chance to spend a lot of time outside, in your beautiful yard, is great. But baking in the sun all day long isn’t good for your health.

If you want to have a peaceful place of respite in your yard, make sure your landscape design includes lots of shade. A strategically placed pavilion, pergola, or tree can provide a good amount of shade.

Adding garden rooms may be an even better idea. A garden room with well-designed roof eaves will offer shade in the summer but won’t prevent the sunlight from entering the garden room in the winter.

So, you will have a year-round quiet spot in your garden where you can read, relax, or entertain guests. This brings us to our next point:

Ample Seating Areas

If you want your outdoor living space to be suitable for all ages, it should have a few strategically placed benches and seats.

It might be important to have outdoor seating space to accommodate family members coming over to visit or a social space for card parties.

Even if you don’t plan on having many visitors, ample outdoor seating is important for the aging homeowner.

You will always have a convenient place to rest while gardening and admire the fruits of your labor if you add comfortable outdoor chairs or benches in several areas of your yard.

Walkways

So that you can easily move around your yard, add plenty of flat walkways. Moreover: wide, curving, gently sloping paths are a great alternative to outdoor steps.

These paths should be at least 4 feet wide. If you develop mobility issues, the walkways will be easier to navigate.

Instead of using river rocks or wood chips, it’s best to use fine gravel or pavers to line these paths.

How do you maintain your yard? Have you installed adequate lighting? Do you live in a drought-prone area? If so, what do you grow in your yard? What is your favorite spot in your garden?