The 'Look Good, feel good' summer challenge

CEBU, Philippines - School is off and the ambient temperatures are rising. For sure, the young already have trips being planned, either to some nearby province or to some beach town. And, well, for now there may be that itch to go shopping.

The shopping part may be very much connected with the planned trips, which of course require cute new outfits. The challenge is to find something stylish but comfortable. Even the most stylish outfit would look ugly if the one wearing it mopes in utter discomfort.

It’s summer, right? How can one keep that good face on amid the heat? What to wear to make one look good – and, most importantly, feel good as well?

Pierre Samotin, at http://stylecaster.com, presents ideas to keep in mind before heading to the mall. These small pieces of advice will help one get the most bang for her money and be as comfortable as she can be during the hot days. Interestingly, Samotin has only four summer fashion tips to cover the equation of ‘looking good and feeling good’!

Buy summer shoes a half-size or a full-size larger than you normally would. It’s not the most pleasant of facts, but your feet swell during the summer. That’s why it’s key, when shopping for new shoes this time of the year, to buy shoes a bit larger than you would in colder months.

Natural materials like leather, canvas, and suede will definitely stretch, so going up half a size should be fine. For inexpensive trendy shoes made from faux leather, plastic, or any other man-made material, go a full size up.

Mind your fabrics. We love fast fashion as much as the next shopper, but a great deal of merchandise from high-street stores are made from poly-blends that simply aren’t breathable, and will often hold on to sweat stains. To stay cool in these steamy days, it’s best seek out materials like cotton – pima or supima is best, but any variety will do – as the fibers are hollow in the center, allowing them to absorb perspiration and release it quickly.

Linen also is a solid summer material; it’s stronger than cotton and a better conductor of heat, making it the most breathable fabric out there. Contrary to popular belief, silk is a good choice for summer as well, since it’s natural, breathable, and cooling. The only downside: It has to be cleaned frequently if you sweat. Super-thin denim is also a great choice.

Reinvent your clothes. It’s a good time to tap the tailors in the neighborhood, especially if you’re contemplating whether to get rid of certain items. A tailor can cheaply transform garments, making them look totally different. A few examples: A floor-grazing skirt or dress can be made into a cute mini; pants can be turned into nice shorts; and long blazers can be made into cute cropped jackets to wear over summer dresses.

Another great tailor tip for those looking to try out the crop top trend without looking like a slave to fashion: Bring  to your tailor an old T-shirt and tank top you don’t wear anymore and have him or her hem it to show a sliver of skin. Then pair it with super high-waist pants, skirts or shorts. The result: an easy-breezy crop that’s not too tight, too trendy, or too revealing – and can be worn comfortably all summer!

Keep your actual makeup from melting. We’re always hearing about ways to keep the makeup on a girl’s face from melting, but how about the products we tote around with us in our bags? Didn’t think of that, did you?

Try this trick: Freeze a Zip-Loc freezer bag overnight, and before you leave for work, toss in the cosmetics you normally take for the day (a lipstick, a foundation, etc.) While it’s not a long-term fix, it will keep your products cool until you get to work, or whichever air-conditioned place you’re headed.

If you know you’ll be outside all day and want to tote along your makeup, check out Cool-It Caddy, makeup bags and cases that feature a fully insulated interior and integrated coolant system.  (FREEMAN)