Tools For Every Wardrobe

So you have the clothes, but how to you keep them their best to last you for years, look fresh each wearing, and maintain their quality? A few tools need to be purchased by each woman - these are low in cost but high in return. A few dollars spent at the local grocery or Bed Bath and Beyond will make your clothes last for years.

1. Woolite. Any wool sweater, any trousers with lycra, any item that says it needs to be hand washed can be tossed in the machine on the gentle cycle with Woolite. This will save you lots of time and money when it comes to the dry cleaner.

Pants with lining, suits, winter coats and linen should still go to the dry cleaner to maintain their shape and quality. However most sweaters, oxfords, cardigans and pants can handle multiple rides of the gentle cycle. Make sure to not overstuff the washer and only use Woolite. They even carry a Wollite Dark for a load of completely black and dark clothing (do not slip in anything light in color or it will be permanently stained purple - only black, navy, purple and charcoal clothes). The Woolite Dark will prevent your black clothing from turning gray or greenish as quickly.

Lingerie (bras, fancy slips and panties) can also be washed in Woolite and then hung to dry. This will maintain the elasticity and shape of these delicates.

Woolite can be found at any grocery store in the laundry aisle.

2. Lingerie Bag. This is a mesh bag with a zipper, about the size of a pillowcase. These bags protect bras and delicates by letting them be cleaned without them twisting around washer parts or other garments, causing them to stretch or to snag another item.

Bras should be clasped shut before being put int he bag. Make sure not to overstuff so that they can get fully washed and rinsed.

Lingerie should only be washed in cold, in the gentle cycle and then hung to dry. Warmer water, more forceful washer cycles and dryer heat will break down elasic and lace and cause underwires to poke out and bend.

Lingerie bags can be found in department stores, lingerie boutiques, homeware stores like Bed, bath and beyond and at your local grocery store in the aisle that carries mops and ironing board covers. No bag seems to be better than another, I got mine from the grocery store for a few bucks about 8 years ago and it has held up nicely. I hang it up near the washer for it to dry between uses.

3. High Quality Hangers.


No, I don't expect you to replace all your closet with cedar or satin covered padded hangers. The best hangers for your closet are the plastic ones used at many chain stores in the mall. Black, white or clear, these hangers have rotating metal hooks, rubber "grippers" slung over the arms to keep clothing in place, notches in the shoulder to hold tanks, notches in the bottom of the arms to hold the hooks for skirts and such. The bottom hangers have two plastic clips that don't grip the clothing too tightly as to cause dents, but hold it securely enough to flip through clothes in your closet at a frantic pace.

I found the above pictures from Hangers Direct. My closet is full of clear, white, black and logoed hangers that I either got from previous retail jobs, or from stores. Every time I make a purchase, I ask to have the pieces hung, placed in a garment bag and then a shopper. This way your purchases are kept wrinkle-free, easy to carry in the mall, and you have hangers for your collection.

These are grippers. They are removable, keep tops from slipping off of hangers while being gentle to fabrics. I was able to find grippers at Hangers.com.

Plastic hangers are best because you can use them to dry delicate clothing without them warping or getting gross. These hangers are also great because you can "monkey hang" them. This is a term used in retail. You can stick the hool of one hanger in the little hole at the neck of the first hanger, and can stack multiple pieces together. This is great for out of season clothing in the back of the closet, suits with multiple pieces, or cramped quarters. Retailers use this system for backstock to save space.

Combination hangers are sold where you can have a top and bottom on the same piece. I do not recommend these. Often you forget about the bottom under that jacket or top. Suits and coordinates can be "monkey hung" together, this way both pieces are visible. Often a pair of pants with a suit can make a separate outfit, same with a top from a coordinated outfit. Get creative, it opens up your wardrobe greatly when you keep pieces separate. Toss those molded, rounded hangers from Kmart that leave dents in your sweaters. Everything falls off them anyway.

4. Febreeze and/or Dryel. Sometimes your clothes are not dirty, they just smell gross. Father in Law smokes cigars at Thanksgiving dinner, night out with the girls to a trendy new club full of smoke and stale beer, dinner at a barbecue joint, trip through the perfume department of Macy's... all these can make your clothes smell disgusting.

The more you wash or dry clean your clothes, the more you break down the fibers, causing them to fade, wear, fall apart. If you clothes are clean, and all that is the problem is a bit of smell, it's better to treat only that symptom. It's better for your clothes.

I am not a gigantic fan of Dryel - maybe it's years of college bars and working retail where I would Dryel pieces over and over to remove the stench of cheap perfume, Christmas-scented candles or Beast Light. I don't know, it does remove stinky odors, but has it's own very distinct "Dryel" scent. If this doesn't bother you, the product is good. It comes with a zipper bag. You throw a few pieces in, throw in a pre-moistened mesh cloth, zip it up and run it for 30 minutes. Very easy, no mess. Clothes come out ready to be slapped on your back.

I am a bigger fan of Febreeze. I find it easy, I like the variety of scents, and find the fragrance more subtle. I have a bottle in my car, I spray my sweater after a night out, or the car after leaving the window open on a rainy day. It's a product that's easily found at every Big Box retailer and local grocery, and it can be used on more than clothing.

5. Invisible Solid Deodorant and a Black Washcloth. Nothing looks grosser than white streaks under your arms on a black dress. There are many new deodorants out there that help prevent this mess, or at least reduce the appearance of it. I am a huge fan of Ban's new formula in a lime green package. The scents are subtle, and they are kind to my clothing.

For those moments when the dreaded white does appear, a black washcloth on dark clothing often can remedy the situation. Quick, brisk swipes to the fabric should get it gone without ruining the fabric's nap or sheen. When it's away from home, rubbing the fabric against itself does a decent job.

No need to buy a fancy product for removing deodorant streaks. Many are just sponges made of the foam on dry cleaner hangers - that foam that keeps the garment in place. I actually have removed some of that foam and have a piece in every evening purse I own. Free and easy to cart around!

6. Shout Wipes. These suckers really work! I have used them on a silk wedding gown, chiffon layered skirt, wool, satin, cotton... you name it. I never get a stain from the solvent, and it usually removes the entire stain on the spot - or at least makes it remove come time to wash the garment. I have three in every purse I own, a few in my glove compartment, some in the junk drawer in my kitchen. They are a lifesaver, and a garment saver!

With these few pieces added to your home, you can ensure a longer and happier life for your wardrobe!

The Beauty of Merino Wool

Merino wool is a very fine, high quality wool. It's thin yet warm, it holds color beautifully, it stretches, it dresses up or down. And best of all? It holds up nicely to multiple washings on the gentle cycle with Woolite, and can dry overnight if hung in a doorway or shower stall.

Merino sweaters can be found everywhere. It comes ribbed, it comes smooth, in cardigans, shells, wraps, and sweaters with every neckline imaginable. I wear merino sweaters I bought in college and find them still stylish, still current, still looking new.

If you are large busted like I am, you dread the winter. The extra bulk of sweaters, fleeces and parkas quickly make us look like the Michelin Man. In comes merino wool, a fabric that can layer nicely without making one look like a line backer.

I recently found a chocolate brown merino v-neck in the Gap clearance rack. It was originally about $50, but on sale for $30. It has bracelet sleeves (sleeves that are short enough to show off your wrist and bracelet, but below the elbow), a v-neck that is not too deep, and a solid smooth color that is very popular this season. This sweater is lightweight enough to wear under a jacket or blazer, can be worn with jeans, suiting trousers or a wool skirt. The color is so classic, I can see myself wearing this sweater eight years from now.

L.L. Bean is a wonderful place to find sweaters. They have generous cuts, classic colors and necklines, excellent quality and a great price. I recently purchased a merino wool crewneck sweater from here for $39.00.

Washing instructions say to hand wash and dry flat, but a spin in the washer with Woolite and a hanging on a large hanger (think the molded ones that come with coats or suits - this will prevent little funny bumps in the shoulders post-drying) will do just fine.

Merino is more forgiving of little hands that pull on the fabric, sleeves that get caught on the edges of drawers, and jelly that is spilled on the front than silk/cashmere, cashmere and fine gauge cotton counterparts. A Shout Wipe usually keeps most stains at bay until a toss in the washer is possible. The weave is tight enough that most snags are prevented.

The tight weave gives a dressier finish as well. I have worn a merino twinset to a wedding with a brocade skirt, and then worn the same twinset to the mall with jeans the following weekend. I wore a merino shell with beaded pants to a company holiday party, and am wearing a merino right now to work with boots and cords.

A v-neck style with full length sleeves is the most classic, and the most uiversally flattering. I always have one black, one neutral (brown, gray, taupe) and one fun (candy pink, emerald green, pumpkin orange) on hand each fall and winter. I then add to my merino collection usually with a versatile twinset (wearing a merino twinset to yet another wedding in two weeks with a shantung circle skirt and strappy heels and a brooch). The shell goes under suits, the cardigan can be thrown over oxfords and sheath dresses. Turtlenecks are classic and cozy in the colder months, but not the best option for those with short necks, large busts or large shoulders. A drapey cowl neck is a better option.

If you are looking for versatility, value, durability and style, I would add at least one merino sweater to your shopping list this year!

Another Theme Day!

Today it is College Sweatshirt Day.

And I don't own a single college sweatshirt! No jersey, no tee with my college's logo on it! How can it be?

I wore a sorority sweatshirt. I have plenty of those with my five years managing a fraternity store. I whipped out that Champion sweatshirt with the billboard letters that I haven't worn since 1997:



(gotta love those driving to work photos - I really must remember to take my pictures in my home before my daily commute!)

With it I wore full college regalia. Vintage jeans, New Balance trainers, white ankle socks. I straightened my hair, tucked it behind my ears. very simple makeup and the lightest baby pink gloss I own. The perfect sorority girl!

Trick or Treat!

So today we have to dress in costume. Well for most, it is suggested to dress in costume. For management, we are strongly urged to dress up. I am not going to spend money on a costume so...

I had bright green horns. I got them at a Renaissance Festival once. I have bright green eyeliner and shadow from my crazy makeup days. I have a green bracelet, a green ring, a green silk shawl. I wore a black off the shoulder dolman sleeved top, black trosers of a fluid fabric, black stilletto heels. I tied the green shawl around my waist like an obi or sash. Hair a bit teased, plenty of shadow and juicy reddish pink gloss. And the horns.

I'm Baaaack!

So I have been a fashion zero as of late, and I HATE that. If I don't feel sassy, I don't have the same energy and spunk in my day.

I have been feeling sick for far too long. Last night I CRASHED after class, came home and passed out, makeup and all. I fell asleep with socks, a tee shirt, two blankets and a comforter. Didn't even have the strength to turn off the bedside lamp.

Woke up with the alarm in a pool of sweat. I was DYING, I was so hot. But I think the sweating got rid of a huge portion of my cold. And it made my hair look terrific! i took a shower, carefully keeping my hair dry. I hit the edges with a straightening iron and I looked haute.

White Wrinkle-Free oxford bought at Eddie Bauer, tucked into my favorite vintage Gap jeans. Black merino of my husband's tied around my neck (it's bigger so it drapes better). Black stilletto boots with a pointy toe. Silver necklace made of multiple silver discs. Super big but thin silver hoops. Silver cuff. Makeup is a dramatic liquid liner, put on a bit more intensely, and several coats of mascara. i.d. Bare Escentuals face, pale pink gloss. Sort of a porcelin doll effect. I look good. I click clack on the marble floor of the office building foyer and i caught a glance of my reflection - I am sassy.

I Need To Go In The Attic Pronto!

I KNOW I own more winter clothes, I just don't have them in my bedroom. I know all the pants are out, as that I only buy seasonless pants, but sweaters.... there must be a few merinos up in the attic waiting to be Dryeled and worn.

So today I am wearing cristp creased, cuffed trousers in the color of French vanilla ice cream. Black merino v-neck that is a bit too snug. Black pointy leather pumps. Silver hoops, silver cuff, and a sivler necklace of three chains ranging from top-of-boob to bottom-of-rib length. Little tubes of silver interspersed between the chain.

Hair is looking quite rocker shaggy today, which I dig. Basic makeup - still wearing the i.d. Bare Escentuals, a fawn shadow, liquid liner and mascara in black, pale coral gloss, Nars orgasm on the cheeks. I am not feeling as much of a sicky poo, but I still feel pretty grody.

I really need to start taking pictures of my outfits. I visited a blog of a girl in college in New Hampshire who does that every day. I always forget and end up taking head shots in my car or office with the door closed. i will try to take full shots from now on.

What NO WOMAN Needs in Her Wardrobe

I do not care if you are a size 2 or a size 22, some fashion is just WRONG WRONG WRONG. It may look lovely on the Marc Jacobs runway, but in reality - just pass Go. You will find that same article of clothing on the clearance rack in three weeks.

In general, if something is super hot haute, it's not worth your money. Those of us reading (and writing!) this blog are not billionares, we need pieces that can last more than one wear, that can blend with our current wardrobe, that do make us look like fashion victims.

It's Fall 2005. The magazines and fashion shows have brought us gorgeous colors, luxe fabrics and adorable shoes. They have also brought us several no-nos. I have accumulated a few "trendy" and "classic" fashion don'ts.

1. Leggings.
Micha Barton and Sienna Miller may be wearing them under dresses and denim cutoffs, but that doesn't mean they translate to every day wear in suburbia. Honestly, look at these girls. Do they really look better in those leggings than say, a bias cut crepe cocktail dress or even a pair of low-rise jeans? Leggings look worse alone. They may be comfy, they may be easy, but they are far from flattering. They hug to your not so pretty curves and make you look like an ice cream cone. The only thing they are making look slim are your ankles. Skinny ankles makes any middle look larger. Tight fabric on a rear makes one's backview bigger. Leggings are a no-no. Even at the gym - go with yoga pants. You'll be more comfortable and look better too.

2. Classic Fit Jeans.
These are the jeans that start at your belly button or a smidge above. Relatively slim fit, though sometimes a bit more relaxed in the hip/thigh/seat area. Finishing to a slim fit right at the top of the shoe. Back in the late 80's, early 90's these jeans often had a zipper at the ankle to ensure the slim fit on the leg. In the mid-90's these jeans often came with slits on the ankle. Runways may show higher waistbands or slimmer legs, but these jeans will never be fashionable or flattering. Jeans at the belly button or higher may make the waist look small, but will make the area between there and your crotch look - inflated. Normal women usually carry a bit of padding in that area already - why wear jeans that draw attention to that? As for the slim leg - see my comment on leggings. Skinny legs make what is perched on those legs seem larger. No one wants to make their butt, thighs, hips AND belly look bigger!

3. Tunic Sweaters.
But they go so well with leggings! If you think this, please return to #1. One may think that tunic sweaters cover a multitude of sins. They are cozy. They cover the ass. They're comfortable. Yes to all of them, but you can find comfort and ass coverage other ways. Sweaters are bulky. They hit the breasts and head straight down. They bunch up on the butt. They make everything look bigger and more... vague. Is that a firm bust or a sack of potatoes under that tent? Who knows with all that yarn. Tunics make a person look shorter. They make the top part look unusually large and stocky. Often said tunics come with turtlenecks which make you look as though you have a shrunken head and huge body. No, they are not acceptable with leggings, with jeans, with a mini skirt (though that lookw as hot in the 80's) or with anything else. Find comfort in a sweater that does not go past your hips and does not dwarf you in fabric. By having less fabric, you look smaller.

4. Athletic Style Clothing for Non-Athletic Events. this is not attire for the mall, for the movies, for the grocery store. Why is it that women feel the need to wrap their body in noisy plastic material that can double as a Halloween costume of the Michelin man? I think these pieces are popular for the same reason tunic sweaters are popular. They are big, they are comfortable, they cover. Yes they cover, like a tarp covers up a pile of firewood. It's about as attractive as well. Not to be mean, but it seems that the heavier we women (and men!) are, the more we migrate toward athletic wear. it doesn't make much sense, and it looks ridiculous. Anyway,. who wants to make swish swish sounds as they walk anyway? If you want comfort, try a knit zip-up hoodie with yoga pants. You can still have comfort, but you wills till have your figure and your self respect.

5. Dressing Like a Child.
This seems to happen first to new moms. I understand you want to bond with your child, but that does not mean you have to dress like him. Yes, you like Mickey Mouse or the Tazmanian Devil. That does not mean it has to be appliqued on your back. I like Barbies, I have a collection, yet I do not own a single piece of clothing with Barbie on it. Why? Because I am an adult. I can show my whimsy and fun through my actions, not though poorly fitting clothing with silkscreening. If you are old enough to have sex with your Significant Other and produce a child, you are too old to dress like a preschooler.

6. Fake Designer Duds From Last Season. But you don't read the fashion mags, you have no clue what is hip and what is passe. Then why are yousporting those pink shearling boots, a white pleather purse with rainbow logos and a fake lock hanging from the zipper, a newsboy cap in an itchy tweed, a terrycloth smoked top tube dress/tunic over torn jeans? If you can't stay current, if you don't have an unending wardrobe budget, don't try to fool others with knock-offs. They rarely ever look legit, and usually by time the knock-off hits the stores, the fashionistas have discarded the original. A hint - if they are selling a version in Wal Mart or Payless Shoes, it's probably passe. The way to show money is to use it wisely. Watch TV and the Internet. Read magazines. If the hot color of the season is purple, buy something purple, but something that if worn next season doesn't scream "LAST YEAR!!!" The hot thing is turquoise jewelry? Buy a necklace, not a purse, belt, cowboy boots and tiara of turquoise. If it seems extreme and is in a discount store, it's usually because it has had it's fifteen minutes of fame and needs to be retired. If it's in every single department store in every department and on every shopper, it means it will be at Goodwill in a year. So take your ponchos, faux Ugg boots, "I've Got The Golden Ticket" tee shirts, sunglasses with the rhinestone heart on the lens, anything Dukes of Hazzard, green pleather shoes/belt/purse/headband combo and donate or discard. You will look much more trendy without these "fashion victim" pieces.

A tip is if you are uncomfortable with fashion and fads, go basic. Pants in solid neutrals like black, khaki, camel, gray and brown. Tops in basic styles and solid colors you like looking at on a regular basis. Coats and blazers should be simple, clean lines. I have a wool coat I bought in 1998 and still wear and get compliments on. I have sweaters I wear that I bought in college. The reason I can achieve this is because I bought basics. I didn't fall to the trends of shoulder pads, applique, tassels or bows.

Shoes need to be updated regularly - rarely does a pair of boots from 1995 look current now. Same with purses. Unless you go high-end and baby them, these two pieces will show wear and show their fashion season after a year or two. Every year you should reassess your shoe and bag collection. What needs to go to the cobbler? What needs to be tossed? You can wear cheaper clothes if your shoes and bag look smart. Get them reheeled, keep them polished. Watch the trends for heel and toe boxes. If you can't afford every trend, go with clean, simple lines. 1-2" heel, not chunky, not skinny. A toe box that is neither terribly round or pointy. Forego the platforms, the embellishments, the funky fabrics. Leather for day, crepe for night and you'll be safe for a few seasons.

"What's up With Your Hair?"

"I mean, usually you look so... together. Your hair looks...."

"What?"

"Bad. Your hair doesn't look very good."

"Damnit, I am sick. SICK! I don't feel like coughing under the dryer. Fuggit."

"Okay.... are you going to see any clients today? You dort of look like Jesus."

No, I am not seeing any clients today, and when I looked at my reflection in the office restroom mirror, I agreed with my husband. my hair looks BAD. I have fine hair, but a lot of it. My hair isn't quite curly, isn't quite straight. Tends to part in the middle a la Valerie Bertenilli. Today i started styraightening my bangs and then gave up. So my bangs are straight and relatively product free, the rest of my hair is sort of wavy/curly/crunchy. from the back I look like a member of the band Winger.

I spent the majority of the weekend sleeping, consuming fluids and watching bad TV. Not much laundry, not much wardrobe planning.

Today I am wearing olive sateen military pants. Black cotton scoop neck sweater with 3/4 sleeves. Planned on wearing my black boots with this for a chic Military meets City look. Yeah, when you're sick your whole body hurts - the idea of heels just sounded painful. Though I despise the idea, I put sneakers on. I'm not well enough to wear heels. boy you know I must be sick if I don't feel like wearing heels!

Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer (covers sallow skin, bags under eyes and redness around nose so well!), two coats of M.A.C's Zoom Last and a dusting of Nars Orgasm blush. No point in shadow, I'll be rubbing my eyes. Same with lipcolor. Not looking terribly hot today, but at least I'm at work.

Redemption

Though I realized I am wearing a dark orange-red two days in a row.... hey call it my signature color!

Dark gray suiting trousers from Ann Taylor. The ones I wore last Friday. Not loving them as I was, they are still too long and fit a bit like men's trousers..

With it is an orange-red silk knit scoop tank from Banana Republic. BR calles it "Chinese Red." I have a vintage necklace, overlapping discs of an orange-red stone with black and tan flecks in it. About 20" long, a smidge higher than the scoop neck. A good match.

With this, a black tailored suit jacket, also from Ann Taylor. Black pointy toed pumps. Same copper/bronze Origins lip balm as yesterday, eyes with a more coppery shadow and did the black liquid eyeliner look.

hair is very piecey and funky today, sideswept bangs. Lots of texture with the smooth bangs - I like the constrast. I feel sassy.

Soccer Mom!

I walked downt he stairs and my husband said "you look like your office mate."

He has never met my office mate. It is purely from my descriptions. My husband is a tee shirts and jeans kind of guy, but my fashion consultant. I keep my shoes in a rack in the kitchen pantry (the bedroom closet is just too full of out of season shoes! I keep the in-season shoes near the door!) and before I go out I do a shoe fashion show for him. He always picks the best option.

So when he said I looked like my office mate, I knew I probably looked like a soccer mom. my office mate is younger than I, single and childless. Cute girl, curte figure, but has a very specific style. Wears a lot of knit tops or lightweight easy-care sweaters, a tank or camisole underneath and chino bootcut pants. Shades of cream, blush pink, sage green, white and khaki.

Today I am wearing my orange tissue weight cotton sweater from J. Crew that I wore in Monterey. I have a nude bra that is invisible under this sweater, but it was worn to a concert on Saturday and still smells of cigarettes and stale beer. Every other bra shows. So I slipped a white wifebeater (also from J. Crew) underneath.

I know, I know. I despise the look of camisoles under v-neck tops. It makes me think that adults are ashamed of their cleavage. It's what pre-teen girls do to wear the hip fashions while letting their mothers feel secure about having their babies leave the house. When I worked for Express I used to sell a tank with every v-neck tee to any girl under 16. When I see adult women following suit, I find it ridiculous. Pre-teens are deciding the fashion trends for their mothers, who dictated this fashion trend in the first place.... I think it's weird how my office mate has pictures of herself in tube tops with her boyfriend. She has two tattoos that I know of, yet she wears often two separate tanks or camisoles under each shirt.

Anyway, back to that's important - my outfit! With this I wore my olive sateen chinos from Ann Taylor that I got for a steal. Silver hoops, silver cuff. Dark brown/bronze shadow brushed on very lightly, black liner, black mascara and some bronzer. On the lips is a balm I got from Origins that has a bronze tint to it.

So the outfit is far more casual than what I usually wear to work, but today they were giving us a free CPR lesson. I decided to stay int he comfort zone and slipped on a pair of New Balances I got at the the REI sale - they're a light blue with orange accents. Picks up the sweater.

So I was a soccer mom, a replica of my office mate though in brights. Aw screw it, I was fine crawling on the floor around Resussa Annie. Don't figure I will be wearing this outfit again any time soon... not until i have a station wagon!

Dressing For Winter on 80 Degree Day

So it's hot today... I don't think it justifies bringing out the sandals. I say it's all about layering.

My lavendar silk knit scoop neck shell from Ann Taylor Loft. My brown wool/cashmere cuffed trousers from Ann Taylor. Dark denim stretch blazer from Ann Talylor. Wood and amber beaded necklace. Brown croco pointy heels. Hair wavy with sideswept bangs. No earrings, thin gold bangle.

And my makeup is spectacular. I got this little quad of shadows from The Body Shop. Usually I don't buy into these promos, and I am not a big fan of shimmery shadow for day. however this one is a MUST HAVE! Don't know how to apply makeup? Not a problem, this will do the work for you.

I have two brushes from Trish mcEvoy that are essential in shadow application. Can get a cheaper one from somewhere like Target, but the shape of the bristles is what's important.

this is the #45 sheer shadow brush. It puts just the right amount of shadow on the lids - a nice sheer even wash. Take this brush and dip it in the lightest color of the pallette. It's like a pale peachy beige. Wash it over the lids. the brush is the right size - it will wash from lashes to a bit above teh crease.

this is the #29 crease brush. $29 may seem like a lot for a brush, but considering I bought this brush in 1998 and it's still going strong, I think expensive brushes are an investment. Take this brush and swirl it either in the grayish brown or the dark brown, depending on how dramatic you wish to look. Close your eyes and swish it back and forth in the crease. Don't press hard, just go side to side. You will open your eye and have the perfect shadow in the perfect location.

Now, I take a slanted brush or an eyeliner brush and dip it in the same dark color used and run it along the top and bottom lash lines. I get a bit thicker near the outside corners. it can be messy, it does not have to be precise. After, run over it with a Q-Tip or a clean bush to smudge it and clean it up. Curl your lashes, apply a coat of black mascara and you have amazing eyes that people will wow about!

When I sold The Body Shop makeup, I really didn't like the majority of the line or the majority of the tools. I found most of it cheap and sort of chalky. very little worked on non-White people. Working for an international company, I found that frustrating and very narrow-minded. However, this shadow cube looked good on Asian clients, Latina clients, African American clients, tan and pale, olive and pink. If used with a wet brush, it created more impact. For $15.50 I say get thee to the Body Shop or to their website and pick it up!!!

So with it, black mascara, Orgasm blush from Nars, and nude Juicy Tubes gloss from Lancome. Good makeup day.

Sorta hot in the office, so I haven't worn the jacket. Still look sassy!

Gotta Wear the New Shoes!

The new blue merino v-neck from J. Crew. I have a piece of blown Murano glass I got in Italy. It's a little smaller than a hockey puck, and much thinner. I hand it from an 18" white gold chain. It's almost the same color as my new suede wedges.

I have a light gray suiting fabic skirt from Banana Republic. Decided to wear that. No hose - hose is for interviews and little children. Plenty of Botter Butter to look moisturized.

Hair yesterday was washed and allowed to air dry. Today I took the straightening iron to it, and used a huge barrel curling iron to lip the ends a bit, curve in the bangs and feather out the sides a smidge. A bit of molding paste flicked in for cool definition.

Been really into the black liquid liner look, so sporting that today as well.

Three Hits, Three Misses

So I received one package from Ann Taylor on yesterday, and three packages today - Nordstrom, Local Celebrity and J. Crew.

Local Celebrity was presents. A tee shirt for my sexy hubby, and a tee shirt for my friend who is turning 30 next weekend and says things like "golly," "good gravy," and "he's a keeper." Appropriate.

So Ann Taylor arrived. An angora cardigan in a leopard pattern. Not sure what drugs I was on when I ordered it. First I ordered Petite. I am petite in trousers and suit jackets, but not in sweaters or tops. Why I have no clue, but this sweater barely hit my waistband, it was so short. Also, I don't wear many prints for a reason. I look foolish and brawny in them. RETURN.

Then I got a pair of trousers. Nothing spectacular about them except that they are on sale and that lovely all-season suiting fabric. Perfect for work. A little annoying that they are petite and still dragging on the ground unless I wear my 3 1.2" heels, but hey, a quick hem will fix that. I wore them to work today and looked very nice. KEEP.

Then today came the two merinos from J. Crew. Can I say I didn't remember the colors I ordered? I think on here I said burgundy v-neck and blue scoop. Ah no, it's a blue v-neck and brown scoop.

The brown scoop has a rolled hem. Ew. Also it's so long it is like a tunic. A fitted stretch merino tunic. Ew. Nice neckline but the rest was goofy. RETURN.

Then the other merino.
The same as the pink one, but in a nice blue. Less robin's egg, more late in the day come summer. Very pretty, flattering, nice. KEEP.

And the box from Nordstrom. SHOES!!!!! In this box was a pair of wine leather heeled loafer type shoes for work.
Um, they are heinous. Yes they were on sale for like $30 but they look as though they are of pleather, they come up too high on the foot, they are dorky. I see why they are on sale. Oh, and they hurt. RETURN.

The second shoe I ordered on a whim. Total whim. Don't need them, have nothing that color in my wardrobe.
I mean, I don't wear teal, I don't usually wear suede, I haven't owned wedges since my Steve Madden slides of 1998. But something called out to me.

That something was SOOOO SMART! These shoes are AMAZING. I mean like everyone must buy them amazing. I wore shoes today that hurt, I put these on and my feet feel soothed. The wedge is out of rubber, covered with suede so they look hip but feel fabu. The width is perfect, the size is perfect, the color is cute (nice compliment to the new blue sweater!) and they look good with the new gray trousers, with my jeans, with a black dress! LOVE LOVE LOVE! KEEP KEEP KEEP!

So three out of six ain't bad. Going for sushi with a girl friend tonight, wearing the blue sweater, my dark denim Gap jeans and my new teal suede shoes, silver hoops and cuff! Have a nice night!

Unintentional Goth

"You look like Katie next door."

This is what my neighbor told me as I walked to my car. Katie is 15, she adores Marilyn Manson and H.I.M. and My Chemical Romance. She buys her clothes at Hot Topic. her boyfriend wears a black hat a la Croccodile Dundee and a trench coat. She's an MTV goth.

I look like her? Well, I guess it turned out that way today.

Dark heathered gray suiting trousers, almost black. Black scoop neck fine gauge sweater. Smoky eyes, nude lips. hair very full today because I tried a new gel. Sorta piecey/funky. Black pointy mules with a very high heel. Silver cuff, silver hoops and a silver necklace, sort of like a collar made from multiple hooked rings (from Chico's). So maybe I do look like a commerical goth... probably more VH1 than MTV....

Returning My Boots

I have big calves. Yes, I am not a twig in weight, but I have always had very muscular, large legs. As a child I walked on my toes, resulting in big ankles and bigger calves. I used to be able to press more than the guys on my football team back in high school. Yeah, they're big. Too big for the wider calf boots from J. Crew or Naturalizer.

So I Googled large calves boots and came up with a few cheesy sites, but a few helpful message boards. Seems like most of the big legged women of the world are in England and New Zealand. Well I was able to find some US companies and ordered a pair of black leather knee-high boots.

There is a reason why they don't make large calved boots. They just don't look very good. Or maybe it's these boots. I got them, they fit perfectly. I thought they looked a bit weird though. Maybe too much leather on the leg? the heel maybe a bit too low? The toe seems a bit like a hoof more than a nice piece of footwear.

I kept them in the closet. Maybe they would be more appealling in a month when the weather was colder.

Today was a month. It's about 55 degrees out - perfect knee high boot weather. I put on my zebra print courdoroy skirt, a black cowl neck merino sweater and the boots.

Still look stupid.

I tried standing on my toes. Looked much better - I think it's the foot part of the boot. It's too rounded, too flat. Too dated and matronly.

The boots were mailed back today, I switched to pumps, an electric blue silk/ramie square neck cap sleeve shell and dark denim blazer.

And then looking at the site for a link to the ugly boots I found these for only $49. Fun colors, but will these look just as lameola once on? Could I really carry off wine or purple suede boots?

I have the brown and the black in my "shopping bag." Haven't completed the order yet.... maybe I'll buy them with my next paycheck???

It May Not be Friday...

But I am wearing jeans. I really am at a point of desperation. It is the middle of October, and I have no closed toe shoes, no boots, no winter attire.

I have this fabu sweater. it's black with this big cowl-like neck with a lettuce edge. it hangs off one shoulder. The sleeves are bell witht he same lettuce edge and flounce out with a slit up to mid-forearm. Slim fit to the hips. Lettuce edge may not be the proper term, more like the edge of a piecrust - ridged and ruffled and about 1.5" thick.

With it, dark crosshatch jeans fromt he Gap - thin denim, patch front pockets, bootcut, great fit and length. With it I have my pointy black boots that are in their third winter and past the point of repair.

Okay, I'll admit it. I got them at Payless. Best toe, best heel, great look, many compliments, look super expensive but they are pleather and cannot be repaired, reheeled, nothing.

Hair is straight and shaggy in the face, very Chrissy Hynde. Did the black liquid liner look again today. Silver cuff, large silver hoops.

Awaiting My Puchases

So I have done a bit of online shopping recently. I ordered some goodies from Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Nordstrom, and some smaller companies. I have been a bad, bad girl.

I can't help it. I hate my wardrobe right now. my clothes from last season are overworn, look old and unfashionable. Also I am not the same size I was last Fall.

So today i am wearing a basic black merino v-neck sweater from Ann Taylor, heather gray cuffed trousers from Tahari, black pointy pumps from Nordstrom. I have tied my Libery scarf around my neck - it's an hibiscus color with a pattern of black, gray, ivory and candy pink ovals.

my hair is swept to the side and then placed in a low ponytail. Ecru shadow, thick application of black liquid eyeliner and mascara. Blush is orgasm by Nars. Daquiri Juicy Tubes lipgloss by Lancome. I think I look either very smart and sassy or like a flight attendant. I always feel flight attendant-like when I wear a scarf.

So what I have ordered:
1. Gray tweed trousers
2. Camel wool/cashmerer trousers
3. Black sassy slim heel leather ankle boots
4. Corporate with a sassy feel brown croco heeled dress loafers
5. Black leather cute pumps with tassel adn loafer detail in front
6. A pair of sneakers
7. A pretty robin's egg blue merino scoopneck sweater
8. Burgundy merino v-neck sweater
9. Dark creased jeans that are more work appropriate

We'll see if these wardrobe additions may tide me over until I get to a mall or more creative!

That Darn Pink Sweater Again

So I washed my delicates last night. Two loads in Woolite, and hangers in every doorway of the upstairs. Bras in mesh bags, pants inside out, full load water, half load clothing. I have this routine down pat. I despise the dry cleaners - the price, the smell, the wait. I wash things I probably shouldn't. Pretty much the only things I get dry cleaned are suits, dresses and thingies with crazy embellishments. Oh, and coats and leather. Gosh, I wash my nice trousers that say "Dry Clean" on the tag. They usually turn out quite nicely! Have only ruined one item from Woolite.

Anyway, I go to get dressed this morning. Really want to wear my new chocolate wool/cashmere cuffed trousers from Ann Taylor because the fit is divine, they make my butt look fabu, and they still have the tags on. I know I am not the only one who gets an adreneline rush from yanking the tags off a new piece of clothing!

So I have on the lovely trousers, my hair is freshly cut and styled nicely. Makeup is done, and I am topless. Damn, what am I going to wear? My stupid tissue weight cotton sweater from J. Crew that I recently bought got stretched out and misshapen from air drying, so I washed and dryed it halfway and now it fits the pre-teen next door. everything seems so summery and I can see my breath outside. Can't really wear a summer top with cashmere/wool trousers. Ooh, my plum sweater would be nice BUT IT'S WET!!!!! MY WHOLE WARDROBE IS HANGING IN THE DOORWAY SOPPING WET!!!!

Why do I care? I work with techies where they wear computer logoed golf shirts and faded too-short chinos. It doesn't matter to them.

But it matters to me. And I cannot disrespect my lovely new pants with an inappropriate top.

Pink and brown look nice together.... and I could wear my brown bead necklace and my brown croco pumps... ooh and that new pink lipstick I picked up would be so pretty....

But I wore the sweater Saturday. I wore it to work last week. I even threw it on yesterday for the quick jaunt to the hairdressers.

Slap it in the dryer with Dryel to freshen it. It will be just fine.....

But isn't that... ghetto? Wearing a sweater four times in seven days? I will look like a freak, a bag lady, a fashion misfit! I can't I can't I CAN'T!!!!!

But I do.



And I look pretty cute, I must say. A lady in HR walks by and compliments me on my outfit. Hey you never know, I just may own two candy pink merino v-necks, right?

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

Lunch With the Yuppies

It's okay, we call them that to their face. They call us the hippies, and we are great freinds.

We are good friends with a couple. The husband used to work with my husband and since then they have been training buddies, preparing for marathons, adventure races or even knife throwing at the Fall Resnaissance Festival. The wife and I became closer while wedding planning - we married jsut a few months apart from one another and used the same caterer. We also are members of a message board together. As couples, we have gone on trips together and when they lived close, would double date quite frequently. Needless to say, each time we get together we are never at a loss for conversation and laughs.

This couple moved about two months ago, and we hadn't seen their house until today. They moved over an hour away from us in a different state. I was looking forward to seeing their house and them. I saw "before"pictures of their home, but couldn't wait to see the touches that the wife would put on the house - I have always liked her sense of style and her play with color.

So we went over and saw their home - it's quite charming and makes me want to redecorate and paint my entire place (much to my husband's wallet's fear). It was great to see them - made me realize it has been far too long since the last time we hung out as a group of four... I think it was Winter/Spring! We went to lunch at a local brewing company and had a nice time catching up. Had Sauerkraut Balls. Sounds hideous - sauerkrat and cheese rolled into balls, breaded, fried and served with a beer cheese sauce. Ew, huh? Nope, these were fantastic! And I don't like sauerkraut!

Anyway. It's all bout my attire, right? Well I wore my new olive chinos that I got for a steal from Ann Taylor's sale rack. With it, my candy pink merino v-neck from J. Crew. It was raining, but I wore my black thing sandals because I didn't want to deal with boots and socks and all that. Silver cuff, silver hoops. Hair straightened, but then pomade in it to make it look piecey. Since it was raining, I knew the rain would do the same thing to my hair, so better that I coaxed it along than look like a drowned rat. Simple makeup, pink blush and gloss to play up the sweater.

It rained cats and dogs and my hair was looking hideous - good thing I have a hair appointment today! The pants were nice, didn't crease or stretch out like most sateen chinos do on me. After putting on the sweater, I realized how beat up the sweater was from wearing it to fly to California. Where did this snag come from? Oh yes, trying to put my suitcase on the metal detector and that lady bumped into me, getting myself caught on the handle. Why is it fuzzy on the arm? Oh yes, sitting in my seat and someone coming up the aisle and the velcro from his fleece over his arm caught on my sleeve.

Remind me next time I fly to wear cotton or matte jersey or soemthing more... durable!

Dinner Club

Have I mentioned this phenomenon before? I cannot recall...

Well about two years ago for Valentine's Day, my husband and I went to dinner with two other couples. We went to an Irish restaurant with attached pub that we had never visited before. The food was good, the atmosphere fun, the staff friendly. We decided to make a pact to meet once a month and try out restaurants together that we have never ventured to before.

Sounds like a great idea, huh? Six adventurous types, checking out the dining establishments in the area.

Somehow Dinner Club became Stouffers Lazagne at one of our Houses While the Kiddies Crawl Around Night. We went to maybe one or two restaurants after that first night, but then one couple was renovating their house and we would go over and spackle drywall and munch on delivery pizza and it went downhill from there.

One of the couples we have known for eons and the husband was in our wedding. The other couple we met through this long-time friend couple. They are really nice and really interesting and the husband is so funny. The wife is really sweet but.. weird. She only speaks French to her children, the husband only knows Bonjour. She breast feeds mid-Scrabble game with 15 people at the table. She always is in some stage of undress, be it a tiny tank in the winter, a skirt that hikes up or slips down, something exposing a large portion of navel, thigh or bosom. She says all Europeans are like this. She likes to loudly correct me when I mispronounce a French word. It was not fun when we went to La Bergerie.

Anyhoo.....

So tonight was Dinner Club at the Old Friends house. Steamed broccoli, Stouffer's lazagne, Texas Toast and apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. I brought the bottle of Cabernet I picked up in Monterey. Only my husband and I drank it. The Old Friends had a friend drop off her daughter for the night, and the French couple brought their youngest since he is still breast feeding. I entertained the six year old, we played the DVD version of Trivial Pursuit Pop Culture and I fell asleep.

I wore the same jeans and boots I wore to Theme Day, but jsut switched to an old black merino v-neck from Ann Taylor. Blew dry the bangs so that they were straight again, applied some powder and lip gloss. There was no need to get spiffy. The other women were in tee shirts from a museum exhibit, skinny tanks with breasts everywhere and seasons old jeans. It was a night of comfort.

I may talk trash about Dinner Club, but I do enjoy the evening. The group of people is diverse and caring and interesting. There is never a lack of conversation, and we do have common interests in film, theater, books and travel. The meal wasn't really unique or diet friendly, but it was comfort food on an icky rainy day. After drinking 75% of the bottle of wine myself, I was feeling no pain and having a lovely time.

My husband is a hero - he suggested a cheap but clean and fun sushi bar near our home for next month's installment of Dinner Club. Yay!

Another Theme Day!

Yuck. THIS is a morale booster? Today is "Logo Day."

What the heck does that mean?

Wear a shirt with a logo! Any logo! Make it fun! Fun, but clean.

Oh gawd. I don't wear logos. I reach into my bottom drawer of my bureau - this is where I keep my casual clothes - yoga pants, tee shirts, fleeces. the husband offers suggestions.

"What about that tee? It's funny, it has a logo"

"Babe, that from the Good Vibrations store, it says 'if you want something done right, do it yourself.' That's not clean."

"Well if you wash the dildo after each use...."

"Not appropriate."

"Well how about one of your soroity tee shirts from college? Ooh, here is a tee shirt from that conference you went to when you worked for The Body Shop. How about that Verizon sweatshirt I borrowed from Mike?"

"Sorority - lame to wear when 30. Body Shop tee? It has purple stains on it - I wear it when I dye my hair. Verizon? That's a 3X sweathirt and a hoodie at that! No thank you.

So I am wearing my trusty CBGB tee shirt, my vintage Levi's, my black pointy boots from nine West, my silver cuff, and silver chain earrings that dangle to my shoulders. Smoky eyes, straight but rumpled hair.

And about three other people dressed up. I look like a bum for no reason.

I am boycotting Theme Days from now on.

Team Meeting With the Bigwigs

From 9-4 in the board room - me and heads of different departments and my boss and senior VPs of whatnot. Discussing the plan of action for the upcoming year.

Turquoise silk v-neck sweater shell. Cuffed trousers from Ann Taylor of a color similar to french vanilla ice cream. My denim blazer in case it got cold. A necklace made of silver wire and blue shades of sea glass. Tan thong heels. Hair curly.

Well not curly in a good way. Curly in a got out of bed and it looked semi decent and then I got rained on and my hair dryed while waiting for the elevator since one was broken and the stairs were locked sort of way. That means not so good.

Went to the mall last night with all aspirations to spend. Got a pair of olive refined chinos with a nice leg cut, and a pair of lightweight chocolate brown cuffed stretch wool trousers that make my ass look fantastic. Oh, and some crap from The Body Shop. And that's all I got. The wallet is happy but I feel hallow. I have spent the past 45 minutes internet window shopping, not quite finding anything that really impresses me, leaving each site empty handed.

I don't like the hodge podge style of this season. Studs and grommets like biker punk. Fur trim and teeds like early 20th century proper lady. Romanian brocade and jewels. Still some embroidered pieces, tunics and funky flats for the boho look. Lots of simple pieces. Lots of mallard blue and plum - both colors you would think to be flattering on me but are not. I don't look good in plum, mallard blue, olive or forest green, pumpkin, any color of gold or honey or camel, pure white or cream. Sort of screws me for Fall 2005.
Maybe I should go to bed early and hit the gym.

Lack of Fashion Motivation

I am going to the mall tomorrow.

Thank you Jesus!

I am sick of my wardrobe. Things are starting to look worn, stained, mishapen, out of fashion. I look in my closet every morning and sigh. Open the drawers, already knowing everything in there is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Today i am wearing gray cuffed trousers, part of a Tahari suit. With it is a light blue silk v-neck sweater I got at Ann Taylor last year. Well this past windter/spring. I wore it my first day of work here, and I started in March 2005.

No jewelery looks right with this outfit. Pearls makes it look matronly. Silver necklace makes me look as though I am trying to hard. Just wearing the silver cuff and hoops.

BORING

Black leather pumps. Hair wavy. Simple makeup. I feel like a dud. the sweater is too big and mishapen from too many hangings in the bathroom after a bath in Woolite. The trousers are nice, but better with the suit jacket. I fear wearing these trousers too much without the jacket - it's a nice suit and I don't want it to be a missmatch.

Oh well, I'll just hide out in my office until the day is through. Not like I work with fashion mavens, I just feel lameola when I know I didn't try.

Waah.

Marital Relations

I went to work late because I snogged my husband.

I emailed work and said I would be late because I was in a car accident and my husband had to assess the damages and I needed to call insurance.

They don't need to know the accident happened the night prior.

So the hair was touseled in a "I had sex" way, and my outfit was hastily chosen.

I wore the same thing I wore to brunch on Sunday. It was clean....

I hate it when I don't wear eye makeup and people say "you look tired" or "have you been crying?" But I guess this is why women do wear makeup - it really does make us look better!

Work, then Stones!

My friend got tickets to see the Rolling Stones. If I leave work 15 minutes early, we will get to the concert on time.

This leaves me about 3 minutes to get ready. Attire for a concert - a little different than that for work.

Screw jeans on Fridays. I am wearing them today with a pair of pointy black heeled boots from Nine West. On top I am wearing a plum v-neck sweater shell and a pink stretch courdoroy slightly shrunken style blazer and a pink brooch. Hair is straight, makeup is a bit more intense, but not frightening.


Plan of Action come 4:55 PM: Switch to strapless bra, black off the shoulder dolman sleeve sweater. Big black and silver chandelier earrings I got at the beach. A bit of bacc combing and hairspray will make hair fun. Brought gray shadow and mascara to oomph up eyes, and a reapplication of gloss and I am ready to rock!


never saw the Stones in concert before... should be a good time!

Birthday Brunch/Errands and Crafts

So the 'rents wanted to celebrate The Husband's birthday. Sci Fi movies not their thing, we went to brunch at a very lovely place (the place of our rehearsal dinner).

I wore pale camel cuffed trousers from Ann Taylor, tan leather mules from Nine West, a salmon pink silk knit scoop neck shell from Ann Taylor Loft, and my beloved dark denim blazer. Comfortable, appropriate and my mom said I looked as though I lost weight.

Got home, and changed into a lilac wifebeater, olive yoga pants and pullover from J. Crew and ran a few loads of laundry, a load of dishes, completed two hours of stained glass, and went to Home Depot to get a tool box for all my hobby supplies. Got home to make a yummy dinner (grilled salmon with a butter/lemon/basil marinade, brown rice, fresh green beans, the last of our fun bottle Pinot Grigio). We watched The Terminal and The Husband headed to work and I headed to my Sunday ritual of Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy while doing crunches, chatting on the phone, writing in my journal and surfing the internet for new patio furniture. Talk about multi-tasking!

Laid Back Cookout on the Shore

We decided to visit our friends on the Shore. The Husband is the best man in their wedding this month, we wanted to go and see if we can help in any way. Really all we did was play volleyball, eat and drink and have a nice jam session with all the musicians in the group (there were nine of us). Just bummed around.

Proper bumming around attire - my retro converse sneakers, vintage jeans from The Gap, a gray vintage tee from CBGB, slightly smoky eye, hair straight and carefree.

Later in the evening I donned a cream cable knit hooded sweater jacket. It gets cold by the water.

Dinner and Dorkfest

It's okay, I can call the night a Dorkfest because I was a willing participant.

Today is the Husband's birthday. I tried to plan a party, he didn't want it. I tried reservations at a fun and fabu restaurant. He didn't want such concrete plans. All he wanted was dinner with friends somewhere reasonable and close tot he movie theater so he could be there the opening night for Serenity.

Yeah. My husband is a closet sci fi freak. I have watched Firefly, the series that prompted the movie, so I knew the backstory.

So nine of us in total went for dinner. Tried Thai, it was full. Mexican? 45 minute wait. We ented up with Vietnamese, a nice restaurant with a private room just for us and low prices and good pho.

I wore dark cotton jeans from the Gap, black stacked flops from J.Crew (bad move, it was COLD!), a thin white wifebeater from J. Crew and a gray off the shoulder tissue weight 3/4 sleeve tunic tee from target over it. Leftover smoky eye from work, hair a bit disheveled, an application of pink lipgloss. A very casual night.