As we worked through the various guides, dictionaries and other sources we're using to form our guide, we've had some questions and thoughts. Check 'em out.

am/pm - Lowercase without periods; avoid redundancy. Example: 10am in the morning

air-dry [v.] - When used as a verb (to air-dry), use hyphen.

aka - No periods or spaces between the letters.

alpha hydroxy acid - Three words, no hyphen.

air dryer - Two words, no hyphen.

art deco - Lowercase, two words, no hyphen.

art nouveau - Lowercase, two words, no hyphen.

baby boomer - Lowercase without hyphen.

baby-doll dress - Use hyphen for "baby-doll", but not for dress.

backseat - One word, no hyphen.

backward - Not backwards.

baloney/bologna - Baloney: foolish or exaggerated talk; bologna: luncheon meat.

Band-aid - Trademark for adhesive bandage.

bandanna - Preferred spelling.

bestseller, bestselling - One word, no hyphen.

blond/blonde - "Blonde" should be used in reference to a woman; "Blond" is used in reference to a man, or when referring to the color of hair.

blow-dry (v.) - When used as a verb (to blow-dry), use hyphen.

blow dryer - Two words, no hyphen.

bra sizes - Use capital letter, followed by a hyphen, then "cup" with a lowercase "c". Example: A-cup, B-cup, etc.

brand name or brand-name - Both are acceptable, but never one word.

brand names - Casing, treatment and markings.

adidas

AG Jeans

AHAVA

AJ. Valenci

aMENity

Antthony Design Originals

alchemiSPORT by Jeffrey Grubb

CAMiLEON Heels

CLARINS

Cosmedicine

dannyjams

DivaDeva

Designs by Veronica™

Endulgence Diamonds

euroWellness

FusionBeauty

g Signature

GoSMILE

KS Studio by Kendra Scott

LUKASTYLE

M. Asam

Method®

tantowel

Technibond®

IMAN Global Chic

John Edward

R.J. Graziano

theBalm

SCOOP STYLE

Slinky® Brand

Tatami®

TINte Cosmetics

brand-new - Use hyphen.

brunette - Not brunet.

boot-cut [adj.] - When used as an adjective, use hyphen. Example: These boot-cut jeans are on sale.

boot cut [n.] - When used as a noun, do not use hyphen. Example: Style of jean: boot cut.

boy-brief, boy-short - Two words, use hyphen.

boy's-style - Two words, use hyphen, use apostrophe with "boy's".

brick-and-mortar - Three words, use hyphens between each.

browbone - One word, no hyphen.

bubble-wrap - Two Words, use hyphen.

businesswoman - One word, no hyphen.

bull's-eye - Hyphenated.

cable knit (n.) - No hyphen when used as a noun. Example: My favorite type of sweater is a cable knit.

cable-knit (adj.) - Hyphenated when used as an adjective. Example: I bought the black cable-knit sweater.

Caesar salad - Capitalize Caesar as a proper name, but not salad.

caliber - Not calibre.

capital/capitol - "Capitol" refers to building.

carat/caret/karat - Carat: the weight of precious stones, especially diamonds; Caret: a writer's and proofreader's mark (^); Karat: the proportion of pure gold.

carry-on - Use hyphen.

catalog - Not "catalogue".

cellphone - One word.

century - Lowercase.

chat room - Two words, no hyphen.

clam-diggers - Two words, use hyphen.

clear-cut - Use hyphen.

close-up - Use hyphen.

co-author/co-founder/co-owner - Use hyphen when describing occupation or status.

collective -

collectors' -

color-block/color-blocking - Two words, use hyphen.

compliment/complement - "Compliment" is used as an expression of praise. Example: You will receive many compliments on this ring. "Complement" is used to describe something that completes or enhances. Example: This purse will complement any outfit.

composition titles -

cover-up (n.) - Two words, use hyphen when used as a noun. Example: This shirt can be used as a beach cover-up.

cowlneck - One word, no hyphen.

crewneck - One word, no hyphen.

criterion/criteria - "Criteria" is plural version, "criterion" is the acceptable singular use of the noun.

crop top - Two words, no hyphen.

cross-train/cross-training - Two words, use hyphen.

crow's-feet - Two words, use hyphen and use apostrophe with "crow's".

cubic zirconia - Two words, no hyphen. Do not use "zirconium".

custom-blend - Two words, use hyphen.

cutout (n., adj.) - One word, no hyphen, regardless of usage.

datelines -

dates -

daylong - One word.

deep-clean - Two words, use hyphen.

definitely -

defuzz - One word, no hyphen.

depuff - One word, no hyphen.

de-stress - Use hyphen when using as generic term.

DeStress - Proper name brand.

dictionaries -

different - Use with "from", not "than". Example: The GreenPan with Thermolon is different from traditional nonstick pans.

dimensions -

directions/regions -

directions and regions (AP 73) - In general, directions north, south, east, west are lowercased when referencing a compass direction. Capitalize these words when they refer to a region.

Example: He graduated from a prestigious engineering school in the Midwest.

disc, disk (AP 75) - Use the disc spelling for musical recordings (disc jockey) and use disk for computer-related references (floppy disk).

dissociate and not disassociate - can’t imagine it’ll apply HSN writing, so this won’t be included in the HSN Style Guide, but it’s interesting, especially to a couple of word nerds.

dive, dived, diving (AP 75) - Dove is not acceptable for past tense, but is highly appropriate for white birds symbolizing peace.

dollars (AP 76) - Always lowercase. Use figures and the $ sign in all except casual references or amounts without a figure.

Example: He paid $24,000 for the car.

dot-com (AP 77) - An adjective describing internet-based companies. Always refer to hsn.com as such.

double-click (AP 77) - Always use as two words, with a hyphen.

Down Under (AP 77) - When referring to Australia and New Zealand.

drawstring - One word, no hyphen.

dressing room - Two words, no hyphen.

drop-shoulder - Two words, use hyphen.

dropwaist - One word, no hyphen.

duffel bag - Not duffle bag.

dulce de leche - Three words, no hyphen.

dye/dyeing - Not "dying". Example: The dyeing process for this garment includes several steps to achieve this color.

e-commerce - Use hyphen between "e" and "commerce".

easygoing - One word, no hyphen.

editor-in-chief - Use hyphens and only uppercase when used as a formal title before a name.

Example: Shop the hottest spring accessories, chosen by Lucky editor-in-chief Kim France.

eelskin - One word, no hyphen.

email - Contrary to all three sources.

empire waist (n.) - Two words, no hyphen when used as a noun. Example: This dress is made with an empire waist.

empire-waist (adj.) - Two words, use hyphen when used as an adjective. Example: Empire-waist dresses look good on your body type.

every day [adv.], everyday [adj.] - Examples: She shopped the site every day, looking for the ideal pair of everyday shoes.

every one, everyone - Every one of the gemstone globes sold out, because everyone wanted a set.

extra- - Hyphenate before a noun, open after.

Example: She wore extra-long boots, and her skirt was extra short.

eye pencil -

eyecolor - One word, no hyphen.

eyeshadow - One word, no hyphen.

FAQ and FAQs - Capitalize all letters.

Father’s Day - Use apostrophe with "Father".

faux leather [n.] - Two words, no hyphen when used as a noun. Example: These shoes are made of a faux leather.

faux-leather [adj.] - Two words, use hyphen when used as an adjective. Example: This faux-leather handbag looks just like the real thing.

featherbed - One word, no hyphen.

flat iron [n.] - Two words, no hyphen when used as a noun. Example: This flat iron has ceramic plates.

flat-iron [v.] - Two words, use hyphen when used as a verb. Example: If you flat-iron your hair, you'll want to use this spray to protect it from the heat.

flip-flop - Two words, use hyphen.

footcare - One word, no hyphen.

frequent flier - Two words, no hyphen.

gauzy

girly - Not "girl-y"

gold-tone - Two words, use hyphen.

goodbye - One word, no hyphen.

gray - Not "grey".

hair- - "Hair" with suffix: one word, no hyphen. Example: haircare, haircolor, hairdryer, hairstyle, etc.

halter dress, halter top - Two words, no hyphen.

hand- - "Hand" with suffix: one word, no hyphen. Example: handknit, handmade, handbag, handbook, handcraft, etc.

high-heeled - Two words, use hyphen.

hip-huggers - Two words, use hyphen.

hot pants - Two words, no hyphen.

hourlong - One word, no hyphen.

hypoallergenic - One word, no hyphen.

iced tea - Two words, no hyphen.

I.D. bracelet - Capital "I" and "D", use periods.

internet - Lowercase.

jump-start - Two words, use hyphen.

kick pleat - Two words, no hyphen.

kick-start - Two words, use hyphen.

kitten-heel, kitten-heeled - Two words, use hyphen.

kneesock - One word, no hyphen.

Los Angeles - L.A. is acceptable abbreviation, use capital "L" and "A" and periods.

lambswool - One word, no hyphen.

lawnmower - One word, no hyphen.

-leg - Two words, use hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: wide-leg, straight-leg, etc.

life-size - Two words, no hyphen; not "life-sized".

-line - One word, no hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: bodyline, browline, hipline, lashline, etc.

lip balm, lip gloss, lip liner - Two words, no hyphen.

lipcolor, lipstick - One word, no hyphen.

low-rider, low-rise - Two words, use hyphen.

Lucite - Capitalize proper name.

Lurex - Capitalize proper name.

Lycra - Capitalize proper name.

Mary Janes - Two words, no hyphen; capitalize.

nailcare - One word, no hyphen.

nailcolor - One word, no hyphen.

nail polish - Two words, no hyphen.

nonstick - One word, no hyphen.

okay - Spell out, not OK or ok.

one of a kind [adv.] - No hyphens when used as an adverb.

one-of-a-kind [adj.] - Use hyphens when used as an adjective. Example: This handbag is one-of-a-kind.

onscreen - One word, no hyphen.

open-toe shoe - Three words, use hyphen between "open" and "toe" (not "toed").

oversize - One word, no hyphen. Not "oversized".

panties - Always plural, not "a panty".

panty line - Two words, no hyphen.

pantyhose - One word, no hyphen.

pilates - Lowercase unless referring to a proper name. Example: The physical fitness system pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in 1928.

place cards - Two words, no hyphen.

placemat - One word, no hyphen.

-plated - Two words, use hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: gold-plated, silver-plated, brass-plated, etc.

pom-pom - Two words, no hyphen. Not "pompon".

peacoat - One word, no hyphen.

peep-toe - Two words, use hyphen.

Ph.D. - Capital "P" and "D", no spaces between any of the characters or punctuation.

pinstriped [adj.] - One word, no hyphen.

pintucked - One word, no hyphen.

pj's - Lowercase, no periods.

polka dot [n.] - Two words, no hyphen when used as a noun. Example: The polka dots on this dress are black.

polka-dot [adj.] - Two words, use hyphen when used as an adjective. Example: Your polka-dot shoes would look great with this outfit.

premier - Spelled without an "e" at the end when used to mean "first" or "best. Example: The premier performance of the play sold out quickly. or This is our premier skincare line, so it costs more than some of our other products.

premiere - Spelled with an "e" at the end when used to mean "debut". Example: Her new line will premiere here before it is available from other retailers.

R&B - Use capital letters and an ampersand.

R&R - Use capital letters and an ampersand.

racerback - One word, no hyphen.

rain gear - Two words, no hyphen.

rainforest - One word, no hyphen.

rock and roll [n.] - Three words, no hyphen when used as a noun. Example: Rock and roll is my favorite type of music.

rock-and-roll [adj.] - Three words, use hyphen when used as an adjective. Example: rock-and-roll band

RSVP - Use all capital letters, no punctuation.

scoopneck - One word, no hyphen.

-shaped - Use hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: pear-shaped, oval-shaped, etc.

shift dress - Two words, no hyphen.

shirtdress - One word, no hyphen.

short-shorts - Two words, use hyphen.

-sized - Use hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: dime-sized. Exception: oversized.

skincare - One word, no hyphen.

sleeve [n.]- No hyphen when used as a noun. Example: I'm looking for a dress with short sleeves.

-sleeve, sleeved [adj.]- Use hyphen when used as an adjective. Example: I have too many long-sleeved dresses.

slipdress - One word, no hyphen.

SPF - Use all capital letters, and numerals with no spaces. Example: SPF15, SPF45.

stainless steel - No hyphen when used as an adjective.

sterling silver - No hyphen when used as an adjective.

stripy - Preferred spelling. Use example: This shirt has a stripy pattern.

super- - Use hyphen when used as prefix. Examples: super-hydrating, super-moisturizing.

supermodel - One word, no hyphen.

sweat- - No hyphen when used as prefix. Examples: sweatpants, sweatsuit, sweatshirt.

tealight - One word, no hyphen.

terry cloth [n.] - Two words, no hyphen when used as a noun. Example: This robe is made out of terry cloth.

terry-cloth [adj.] - Two words, use hyphen when used as an adjective. Example: These terry-cloth towels are very plush.

-toe - Use hyphen when used as prefix. Example: square-toe, open-toe (not square-toed, open-toed).

top coat - Two words, no hyphen.

toward - not towards

trench coat - Two words, no hyphen.

T-shirt - Use capital "T" and hyphen. Can be abbreviated as "tee", spelled out.

ultra- - Use hyphen when used as a prefix. Example: ultra-luxe, ultra-soft, ultra-glam.

Ultrasuede - One word, no hyphen, capitalize brand name.

Ultravelvet - One word, no hyphen, capitalize brand name.

under- - No hyphen when used as a prefix. Example: undereye.

updo - One word, no hyphen.

U.S. - United States abbreviated with capital letters and periods.

UK - United Kingdom abbreviated with capital letters and no periods.

UVA, UVB - Ultraviolet types abbreviated with capital letters and no periods.

VIP - All capital letters, no periods.

V-neck - Capital "V", use hyphen.

-waisted - Use hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: high-waisted, low-waisted. Exception: dropwaist.

-wear - No hyphen when used as a suffix. Example: activewear, menswear, etc.

the Web - Capitalize when used as a proper noun.

website - One word, no hyphen. Do not capitalize when referring to generic websites.

wrap skirt - Two words, no hyphen.

zirconia - Not zirconium.