Two words: Free samples. That's all it takes to convince me to buy something. Why these two little words have such power over me, I have no idea, but that is what initially drove me to the opening of the Kiehl's counter in our Dillard's this weekend. That and the really, really dark circles under my eyes that I have tried for years to get rid of.

While I love, love, LOVE makeup and change my nail color as often as I change my clothes, I know nothing about skin care. I'm pretty much a guinea pig willing to try or buy anything once at the promise of a wrinkle-free face 10 years down the road, even though I know I will inevitably revert back to my comfortable, washing-my-face-with-soap-and-water ways.

I'm not going to lie, I was a little overwhelmed when I first approached the counter. My senses were pulling me in all different directions towards things I didn't need. I somehow managed to talk myself into buying a new lip gloss. But with a little steering from the sweet and attentive sales staff, I was able to find the beauty elixir I had been searching for: Eye Alert. A miracle 0.5-fluid-ounce tube is supposed to de-puff your eyes and eliminate dark circles.

With ingredients like Vitamin D and caffeine, I was anxious to try the remedy. Plus, if the free hand massage I was given earlier was any indicator, it just might do the trick. The lotions they used made my hands feel soft as a baby's bottom all day long.

That night, after I washed my face, I stood armed at the mirror with my weapon, ready for battle against my dark circles. After one day, I've seen a slight improvement. My eyes are less puffy, but the circles are still pretty dark. But I'm crossing my fingers that if I keep using the stuff, the issue that has been plaguing me for years thanks to heredity and lack of sleep will finally be gone. We'll see.

by Mallory Boykin

This past year, I was a freshman at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. Having relatives in Kansas City, I was already well aware that Midwest customs are not exactly the same as the South. I expected my frequent usage of "y'all," might turn a few heads. Also, the sports fanatics would not be raving about college football, instead talk of the St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball team would wag on tongues. One difference I didn't expect was how varied fashion seems to be just 14 hours away.

On my way to one of my freshman classes, I noticed a majority of boys and girls sporting Adidas flip-flops. Before moving to Missouri, I'd seen this footwear was at swim practice in elementary school, but that was the last time. Where were the Sperry Top-Siders (boat shoes) and cowboy boots?

It was not the 14-hour drive or the fact I didn't know a soul that really brought home that I wasn't at home anymore. Honestly, as sad it is to admit, the local fashion was what really showed that I wasn’t in the South anymore. In Missouri, I once went downtown with friends to a local coffee shop for a concert fundraiser. One guy mentioned that his friend from Alabama was in town and had come to meet up. I immediately scanned the room looking for this kindred spirit from the South. My friend and roommate for this year, Jenn, leaned over and told me she thought he had pointed to "that guy with the fish on his t-shirt." I began to laugh.

At that moment I saw the familiar Guy Harvey t-shirt before me and knew this was the Alabamian. The next time you see cowboy boots, Columbia fishing shirts and rainbow flip flops realize that those are just another a few more ways of knowing the South is like no other, and a few more items to add to the long list of Southern comforts.

by Isabelle Shaw

Q:Where are the best places for swimwear? Everything I seem to come across is either too skimpy or too old fashioned. Where's the in between?

A: Whether beachside, Bayside or poolside, a great bathing suit totally depends on your body type and fit. Each swim season the hunting season for swimsuits gets increasingly difficult. Don't get frustrated! There are suits out there, just for you.

First, I love Old Navy bathing suits!  They are lined and inexpensive. JCREW is good when you want a simple, clean-line swimsuit.  They also work best for women who are different sized on top and bottom. Plus, since the Bay area doesn't have a JCREW store, trying the suits on in the comfort of your home is a definite bonus.

Locally, one of my favorite stores for swimsuits is H2O at The Wharf in Orange Beach.  This boutique has every imaginable style suit you can think of - bikinis strapless, halters, one pieces and more. If you're looking for it, more likely than not H2O has it.

Beyond styles, which are personal to each body type, I love vibrant colors for the season.  Why not? It's a swimsuit! Plus bold shades create the illusion of a deeper tan, which is what I'm always looking for. Don't be afraid to branch out. Try a color out of your comfort zone, or try a one-piece if you never have. One-pieces can absolutely be sexy with their sweetheart necklines, ruching, and styles that are throwbacks to Hollywood pinups. A look I love is a one-piece suit with big sunglasses and/or a headband.

Just remember the most important aspect of bathing suit shopping: Patience. Be patient, because it may take a while to find the perfect one.

Find your suit and be fabulous!  Love yourself because you are beautiful in whatever you wear.

Local fashionista Garland Sanders shares advice geared toward the fashion savvy, and the fashion challenged, in the Mobile Bay area.