I've just returned from a lovely long weekend in Calgary and in light of upcoming travel for us all (they say Thanksgiving is busier than Christmas), I thought I would share a few pointers for how to dress for the flight.

Beauty trends can be tricky to follow. Colour schemes aren't exactly universal and depending on your skin, 'au natural' may not be an option. Luckily this season there are a few major stories that flatter across the board, like bold red lips, full brows, and tons of blush. The trick to making them oh-so-fall-2011 is in the application.

Celebrity makeup artist Diana Carreiro shares a few of the techniques:

Hot enough for you? Apparently global warming decided to kick it into high gear this summer and as a result I've been pumping the AC, which I normally detest. This weekend, however, I couldn't very well hang indoors - I mean sure, it's sticky, but it's also sunny and I loooove me some sun. So I hit up a patio with some friends in the coolest tube top and skirt combo I could come up with.

Turns out another lovely lady had the same idea—in fact she even had the same tube top. The big difference? While I sweat through my strapless bra, there she sat, nipples out, livin' it up in.

Now before I come off like a prude, I'm really not. I often skip out on a bra and there's no day like a scorcher to do it, but there are a few key rules I always obey:

I'm turning 30 soon – like, really soon – and for me, 30 is a big deal. I've already had my life freak out in sheer anticipation. Quit my steady 9-5? Check. Moved to the other side of the city to avoid former work surroundings? Check. Money permitting I would have taken the summer to travel South America for one final push at outrunning 30, but alas my broke self has no choice other than to face this impending doom.

It's not the number that scares me so much as the reality of it. Thirty looks and feels much different than 29. Just ask my hangover. And then there's my general lack of energy, my slowing metabolism, and - worst of all - my aging skin. My mom used to tell a story about receiving Oil of Olay for her thirtieth birthday and weeping in response. I, on the other hand, have an open door policy on anything and everything that can help my skin stay bright and taut.

I recently spoke to Dr. Cory Goldberg about just this and asked him about the best ways to start preventing aging now. Here's what the good doctor had to say:

Forget the new princess—it's all about Pippa Middleton these days. Ever since Kate and William wed it seems her lil' sis has stolen the spotlight. First there was Pippa's coveted behind, then a rumoured tryst with William's baby bro Harry. What's had me admiring the new Brit It girl all this time, however, is her gorgeous glow.

All this talk of Pippa is proof that au naturale is still the chicest way to roll and there's no better time to sport it than summer. I spoke with M.A.C Senior Artist Melissa Gibson for a step-by-step guide to Pippa's girl next door beauty:

American Apparel's Scoop Back Tank Pencil Dress, available at American Apparel stores across Canada.

Last summer I bought an adorable printed skirt. It's short and flimsy, but it also cost $20, so who am I to complain? Even when it flew up under my armpits the first time I wore it out on a barely-breezy day, I still figured it was my own fault for cheaping out on lining. After the second, third, and fourth showing of my panties, however, I decided to give the skimpy skirt a permanent holiday in my bottom drawer.

But as the weather started to perk up again this season and the bright neon print of my poor little skirt became trendier than ever, I decided to give it another go. Only this time, not without protection.

Gwen Stefani with her bra straps in full-effect—a look best suited to pop stars.

With the change of season comes a change in wardrobe—hemlines are up and skin is seein' sun. When weather rules, it's tough to remember fashion etiquette, but there are ways to keep cool with your style intact.

Here are the top 3 summer fashion mistakes and how to avoid them:

My mom and I prepping for a wedding side by side years later in my childhood bathroom...
except the hairspray is in my hand these days.

I used to watch my mom get ready for work every day. I would crawl out of bed with sleepy eyes and sit on the bathroom grate with my nightgown wrapped tightly over my legs to capture the incoming heat. The grate was luckily located directly below where she blew her hair dry, so I got a double hit of hot air (I'm constantly cold to this day).

In addition to the blow dryer heat, I also got a mouthful of hairspray. Sebastian Shaper Plus to be exact. While that part wasn't my fave, I loved our morning ritual and I look back upon it fondly as one of many style moments I've shared with my mom.

The royal wedding is just one day away and with all the surrounding hoopla, we decided to join in on the fun and look at a few updo ideas for the big day. Now I can't say I have gone wedding-crazy and won't be setting my alarm for 6am on Friday, but I will be tuning in for the recap to catch all the amazing fashion, hairdos and wedding style. Will you be watching? Follow the jump for the looks we pulled for you to copy for your wedding, prom or formal event.

I remember finding my dream wedding dress and not being able to stomach the $3000 price tag. It may not seem like a lot of money to some people, but as a newly engaged and broke University grad, $3000 was almost the price of my last tuition bill. With a wedding to pay for, honeymoon costs looming and the possibility of buying our first home – I just couldn’t do it. So I decided to get a little creative and find a good compromise. Once you get your heart set on a dress and a style, it’s hard to get that idea out of your head. So what did I do?