Thank you, Fashion Gods, for shining down on us so brightly this season. After seasons and seasons, years and years of jeans being the wardrobe staple, pants have come back as a wardrobe must-have. Slim fit, wide leg, men’s style, cropped, long, even Bermuda shorts are all over the runways, in the magazines and on the racks at the local mall. I couldn’t be happier, and you should be too.
But why, you ask. Jeans are great – they are comfortable, they are easy and with the way fashion has been of late, they can go from Wal-Mart to work to an upscale night club all with the change of shoes and bag. Well, that is true if you have a model’s body and a celebrity’s budget. But for the rest of America, the jeans look has not been pretty.
Jeans are NOT comfortable. How can a stiff, stitched double layer of heavy cotton punched with metal buttons and closures feel good on your belly while you sit? How many gyrations, squats and shakes do you do every morning to get your jeans over your thighs, hips and rear? Those who do not partake in The Denim Dance – do you have a full-length mirror and a hand mirror? Take a look at your rear view – how saggy is the denim below the pockets? Are the pockets even located on your bum any more? Jeans that look hip and fashionable are rarely comfortable, and those that are comfortable are far from flattering.
Denim does have it’s perks – it hides stains, it’s heavy so it hides cellulite and other body sins, it doesn’t wrinkle and goes with most colors. However, walk through your local mall or sports arena – you will see that most women just do not look good in their jeans. They are the wrong color, wrong length, wrong cut, wrong fit, wrong brand. Unlike a pair of black trousers, you cannot get away with cheap jeans looking expensive. We are fully aware that those jeans are not designer, even with the gaudy Bedazzling on your rear. Like a designer purse, the money is in the details. You cannot find those details in a pair of LEI’s, Mudds or Arizona jeans, try as you might.
SO keep your jeans for weekends and return to the trouser for other aspects of your life – your body will thank you.
Pants are elegant. This season they are shown in a multitude of styles, so there truly is a cut for every body type. The lighter weight fabric and lining glides over the body like an expensive silk slip. Rolls and bumps become feminine curves in trousers. Legs are lengthened, bellies are minimized, and your old twinset is revitalized.
The most universally flattering style is a flat front, straight leg. The pants should skim, not hug your curves. A tab waist is very comfortable and minimizes a belly. I recommend staying away from slash front pockets – they bow out on most feminine shapes and ruin the line of the pants. For back pockets, coin or flap ones are good at hiding the rear, lack of pockets makes a rear look more shapely. Stay away from patch pockets – they cheapen the look of the pants.
Think Katherine Hepburn, Rita Hayworth. Would you ever see these women schlepping around in jeans? Pants made them elegant, feminine yet strong. Pants defined their look and people covet that look decades later. A well fitting pair of pants will make everything in your wardrobe look upscale. A pair of white pants with a fitted tee in a jewel tone and some strappy heels looks appropriate for lunch. Take that same tee with jeans, and you look dressed to wash your car. A white shirt with jeans can often look hokey, but a white shirt with black trousers and a necklace looks elegant, crisp and classic. Your cozy black turtleneck with jeans is homey and basic; your cozy black turtleneck with cream cuffed trousers is chic and perfect for work.
Switching from jeans to pants will suddenly make you look five pounds slimmer. Denim may hide a multitude of sins, but it also adds a thick layer to what you already carry on your frame. Rears look larger under patch pockets, wasitlines look thicker, hipps look wider. In a pair of men’s style trousers with a lining, suddenly dumpy looks zaftig, bumpy looks feminine, and curves are apprecieated for their feminine beauty. Like jeans, you are still able to cover up all that you wish to hide from the light of day, but unlike jeans, you are able to celebrate the rest of you.
The Pants to Buy for This Season (and for the rest of your life):
White Trousers - Just below the belly button, flat front, minimal back pocket, preferably no front pockets. A clean line, straight, possibly wider at the bottom. Preferably no cuff – it will make the trousers more classic. These pants should be lined and of a heavy fabric – cotton, twill, sateen. Look for a fabric with a hint of lycra – this will prevent wrinkles. You want a crisp look – a crease down the front of the leg will elongate. Put your hand in the pants and hold them up to the light – if you can see your hand, put the pants back on the rack. You should not be able to see your underwear, the seams of the lining, anything but crisp, clean white. The length should be long – they should all but cover the heel of your average height of shoe. Once you find these perfect pants, buy a second pair if possible. Somehow the days you wear white pants your kids will do finger-painting in daycare. Also, follow the washing instructions to the letter – sometimes bleach yellows fabrics and dry cleaning can make it gray.
What to wear them with: Blazer and shells or twinsets for work, fitted tees for weekends, optic-print or jewel toned halters and tanks for play. Peep-toes, heeled sandals, wedges, thongs and even retro sneakers look great with white trousers. White lets you be creative with your footwear – pair a black button-down shirt with white pants and coral snakeskin pumps or gold strappy wedges.
Chinos – Not your everyday Dockers, these chinos are hip, flattering and can go from work to picnic. Same as the white trousers, you want a slightly lower rise, a straight or fuller leg, minimal pockets. The best colors are traditional khaki or stone. Anything darker or lighter will not transfer from year to year as easily. Again, the length should be long – almost skimming the ground in flat shoes, and covering most of the heel in higher footwear.
What to wear them with: Chinos are the Skipper if white trousers are Barbie. They look great with a shell and blazer too, but the blazer would be of a more casual fabric like twill or denim. Instead of silk halters, pair chinos with a tube or tank top in jersey or cotton. Chinos are the more spunky and casual relative to your white lined trousers. They will take up many of the roles that your jeans had, but will look far more flattering and chic.
Neutral Cropped Pants - These are not the skin-tight pedal pushers of a few seasons ago, nor are these the pleated baggy capris in the J. Jill catalog. The cropped pant this season is straight, crisp, not tight but not baggy. There are many styles in the store, but unless you have a perfect figure, I recommend investing in a pair with tab front or jeans-style closure, only coin pockets in the front, any pockets in the back, hit at calf-length, skim the hips and then fall straight down. A sturdy fabric like chino or stretch twill will get you the most mileage. Black is a great color that will dress up or down, but olive green is a popular neutral this season that really makes bright colors pop (and gives you more versatility in what color shoes to wear).
What to wear them with: Again, they can be dressed up for work with a blazer, twinset or a button-down shirt. They can be made casual with a tank or tee in a bright color. For play, pair the pants with a baby-doll style strapless top or a classic halter in jersey, or get bold with a beaded chiffon camisole. Cropped pants look great with anything from ballet flats to leather thongs to the stacked wood sandals this season to gladiator sandals. Keep it clean, crisp and classic to make the cropped pants look less Soccer mom and more Fashion Plate.
Black Pants – This should be a year-round staple. You want a seasonless fabric like gabardine, crepe or triacetate. The pants should be lined so they fall gracefully from your curves. No pleats, slash pockets or adornments – these pants need to be basic, elegant and timeless. Like the white pants, you want these to be long – they should all but cover the heel of your average height of shoe.
What to wear them with: Gosh darned everything in your wardrobe! A crisp white oxford, a candy colored blazer with a shell, a twinset, a silk knit tee in your favorite color, a black and white optic-print tank, a matching blazer for a classic suit, any sweater or knit. As for shoes, you can go from classic black pumps to snakeskin mules to strappy gold heels. Like white pants, these trousers will showcase your footwear, but unlike white trousers, you can let your outfit shine with a pair of classic black shoes to blend in with the bottom half.
Some Trouser Don’ts
Even though you love your white pants, that does not mean you should go out and buy a pair of white shoes. White shoes are to be left to nurses and the very skilled and trained fashionistas. If you are like most of America, step away from the white leather sandals and head toward an unexpected neutral like silver or bronze.
Don’t treat your trousers the way you treated your jeans. If the label says to dry clean, I recommend that you do. They may go through a spin in the washer with Woolite just fine the first time, but too many cleanings like this will disintegrate the seams and lining, remove the crisp creases and make the entire pant misshapen. I have also washed a pair of pants and ended up with the pant shorter than the lining – not a stylish look. With quick and cheap dry cleaners on almost every street corner, leave the cleaning to the pros (though you can spot clean with Shout Wipes and Dryel).
As with any garment, make sure the top compliments the bottom. Don’t wear a baggy top with full pants unless it’s Halloween and you are dressing up as the Michelin man. On the other side of the coin, do not pair slim pants with a fitted top – it is not stylish to look like a tramp.
Make sure you have the right length. One should not see your ankle bone unless the pants are purposely cropped. You should not be stepping on your pants either. That may have worked for jeans, but pants are made to look clean and crisp. If they are too long, take them to the cleaners or a tailor – they can hem them for a very reasonable price. Also look at the websites I have posted on the side – there are companies that specialize in petite, long AND fashionable clothing.
Don’t wear pleats, don’t wear faded clothing, don’t wear hems held up with safety pins or staples, don’t wear winter fabric in the spring (wool, tweed, velvet). Don’t have VPL (visible panty line – invest in some seamless, skin- colored undergarments). Don’t be afraid to go up a size for a good fit – unlike jeans, pants do not always “grow” throughout the day, and the seams are more delicate. If you are squeexing yourself into a 10 for vanity’s sake, try the 12 and just cut out the tag when you get home. As tailors can easily hem a pair of pants that are too long, they can take in a waistband that is too wide. Buy pants to fit your largest part and the rest can be let in. If you invest in good fabric, good cut and if necessary, good tailoring you will have trousers that you can wear year after year and always look smart and chic.
March 28, 2006
March 27, 2006
Monday
Today all my clothes were hanging in the doorways of my upstairs - I did my Woolite loads the night before and sent the non-washables to the cleaners. This left slim pickings to look sassy.
Ivory sueded cotton bootcut trousers from Ann Taylor. Black merino v-neck from Ann Taylor. Strand of pearls from The Limited knotted at the neck so that it hung like a necktie. Black Enzo boots. Pearl studs and a three-strand pearl bracelet (both from The Limited).
Hair was beachy-wavy thanks to a diffuser, Marc Anthony Strictly Curls gel mixed with some Lubriderm, and a touch of Bio Silk. Those unruly pieces were tamed with a large-barreled curling iron.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. BeneFit's f..y..eye! was applied to my lids, and a light dusting of ivory shadow from Stila over it. Lashes were curled and several applications of mascara put on them. Then a decent-sized line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. On the lips was Golide's lipgloss in Blossom.
Ivory sueded cotton bootcut trousers from Ann Taylor. Black merino v-neck from Ann Taylor. Strand of pearls from The Limited knotted at the neck so that it hung like a necktie. Black Enzo boots. Pearl studs and a three-strand pearl bracelet (both from The Limited).
Hair was beachy-wavy thanks to a diffuser, Marc Anthony Strictly Curls gel mixed with some Lubriderm, and a touch of Bio Silk. Those unruly pieces were tamed with a large-barreled curling iron.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. BeneFit's f..y..eye! was applied to my lids, and a light dusting of ivory shadow from Stila over it. Lashes were curled and several applications of mascara put on them. Then a decent-sized line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. On the lips was Golide's lipgloss in Blossom.
Sunday
Sunday is my day to get the house in order, but I started off the day with breakfast with my mom at our favorite Greek Diner. I wore the same distressed chinos, a pair of New Balance trainers, a black hooded v-neck tee from Old Navy with a white ribbed tank from J. Crew underneath. Hair was wild from sleep and partying, but it worked. Just a touch of Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Pink and some MAC X mascara in black on curled lashes.
The rest of the day was spent doing laundry, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, cooking and doing work. I wore the outfit the rest of the time, jsut sans sneakers.
The rest of the day was spent doing laundry, cleaning the bathroom and kitchen, cooking and doing work. I wore the outfit the rest of the time, jsut sans sneakers.
Saturday
Saturday I started off working my part time job - I sell The Body Shop at Home. Anyway, I had an event, so I wanted to look simple but tasteful. I chose to wear my black merino cowl neck from Ann Taylor with my Ann Taylor suiting trousers in charcoal. Black Enzo boots, silver cuff and silver hoops.
Hair was second-day (washed before bed and allowed to air dry with some Marc Anthony Strictly Curls gel mixed with a touch of Lubriderm), so piecey and wavy. I accentuated the wave with a large-barreled curling iron and a bit of Sebastian Mud on the tips.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Almay bronzer all voer and a touch of Nars Orgasm on the cheeks. Eyes were done with the Cool Simmer Cubes from The Body Shop - smokey look with the purple color and a touch of the silvery color on the lids. Much mascara - MAC's X in black. On lips was The Body Shop's Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Pink.
After working, my husband and I went to visit our friends who live in a resort town. I switched from the suiting trousers to a pair of distressed chinos in stone from Old Navy.
Hair was second-day (washed before bed and allowed to air dry with some Marc Anthony Strictly Curls gel mixed with a touch of Lubriderm), so piecey and wavy. I accentuated the wave with a large-barreled curling iron and a bit of Sebastian Mud on the tips.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Almay bronzer all voer and a touch of Nars Orgasm on the cheeks. Eyes were done with the Cool Simmer Cubes from The Body Shop - smokey look with the purple color and a touch of the silvery color on the lids. Much mascara - MAC's X in black. On lips was The Body Shop's Sheer Lip Color in Sheer Pink.
After working, my husband and I went to visit our friends who live in a resort town. I switched from the suiting trousers to a pair of distressed chinos in stone from Old Navy.
March 25, 2006
Friday
Work:
Black cashmere crewneck sweater from Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Black ribbed tank from J. Crew underneath for opacity. Straight Bootcut jeans from The Gap. Black boots from Enzo. Silver french hook drop earrings from Taxco and silver cuff.
Hair was made into piecey waves by applying Pantene volumizing spray to the whole head and a lightweight body lotion just from the ears down. Hair was blown dry then waves made with two different barrel sizes of curling irons. Held in place with Marc Anthony Strictly Curls humidity spray.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, a bit of Almay bronzer for color, and Nars Orgasm on the apples of the cheeks. For the eyes, I put Clinique Snow in the corners, a touch of The Body SHop's Fawn Pearl on the lid, and then The Body Shop's Damson on the crease and along the lash lines. Lashes curled and a heavy application of MAC X mascara applied to both sets of lashes. Lips had The Body Shop's sheer lipcolor in Sheer Pink (about my natural lip color but creamy and slightly glossy - good contrast to the sorta smoky eye).
Evening:
Switched to a nwhite ribbed tank from J. Crew, a black dolman shrug in a heavy cotton knit from Target. Three long silver chains around the neck, same jeans and boots. Makeup was freshened, and a touch of Slate shadow from The Body Shop was blended with the Damson for a more smoky eye and night look.
Black cashmere crewneck sweater from Isaac Mizrahi for Target. Black ribbed tank from J. Crew underneath for opacity. Straight Bootcut jeans from The Gap. Black boots from Enzo. Silver french hook drop earrings from Taxco and silver cuff.
Hair was made into piecey waves by applying Pantene volumizing spray to the whole head and a lightweight body lotion just from the ears down. Hair was blown dry then waves made with two different barrel sizes of curling irons. Held in place with Marc Anthony Strictly Curls humidity spray.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, a bit of Almay bronzer for color, and Nars Orgasm on the apples of the cheeks. For the eyes, I put Clinique Snow in the corners, a touch of The Body SHop's Fawn Pearl on the lid, and then The Body Shop's Damson on the crease and along the lash lines. Lashes curled and a heavy application of MAC X mascara applied to both sets of lashes. Lips had The Body Shop's sheer lipcolor in Sheer Pink (about my natural lip color but creamy and slightly glossy - good contrast to the sorta smoky eye).
Evening:
Switched to a nwhite ribbed tank from J. Crew, a black dolman shrug in a heavy cotton knit from Target. Three long silver chains around the neck, same jeans and boots. Makeup was freshened, and a touch of Slate shadow from The Body Shop was blended with the Damson for a more smoky eye and night look.
March 23, 2006
Thursday
Brown wood cuffed trousers from Ann Taylor. Blood orange silk knit scoop tank from Banana Republic. Denim blazer from Ann Taylor. Two orange glass chip strands of beads from beachside boutique. Brown snakeskin pumps from Ann Taylor.
Hair is second-day dirty, large barreled curling iron applied in places for piecey/wavy look. No additional product.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer. Nars Orgasm blush. Light dusting of Damson shadow from The Body Shop on the lids and under the lash line. lashes curled, lots of MAC X mascara. Thin layer of black Maybelline Ultra Liner liquid liner. Aveda tinted balm in a spicy bronze color on the lips.
Today I am wearing my glasses - dark purple plastic frames from Gucci, a la Lisa Loeb.
Hair is second-day dirty, large barreled curling iron applied in places for piecey/wavy look. No additional product.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer. Nars Orgasm blush. Light dusting of Damson shadow from The Body Shop on the lids and under the lash line. lashes curled, lots of MAC X mascara. Thin layer of black Maybelline Ultra Liner liquid liner. Aveda tinted balm in a spicy bronze color on the lips.
Today I am wearing my glasses - dark purple plastic frames from Gucci, a la Lisa Loeb.
March 22, 2006
Wednesday
Gray suiting fabric trousers from Ann Taylor, nicely pressed with a lovely crease down the front. Black cotton scoop neck 3/4 sleeved sweater from Caslon. Black, white, blue and gray printed scarf from Liberty wrapped around neck and pinned at right shoulder. Pin is gray, clear and black brooch from Ann Taylor. Black Enzo boots.
Hair is straightened, and then a large barreled iron run through it for a bit of body and curl. Washed night before so no products.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. On lips is The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Pink. On eyes is just Clinique Snow int he tear ducts, lashes curled and several coats of MAC X mascara, and a line of black Ultra Liner liquid liner by Maybelline.
Hair is straightened, and then a large barreled iron run through it for a bit of body and curl. Washed night before so no products.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. On lips is The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Pink. On eyes is just Clinique Snow int he tear ducts, lashes curled and several coats of MAC X mascara, and a line of black Ultra Liner liquid liner by Maybelline.
March 21, 2006
Tuesday
It sucks to be without a camera, especially when I have such a darn patooting cute outfit on!
White gauze dress from Gibson - empire waist, crocheted lace trim at hems and neck. Under it, dirty vintage washed lowrise bootcut long jeans from The Gap. On the feet are my tan snakekin pumps from Nine West. Around neck are several skinny strands of beads - wood, glass, stone. Brushed gold dangle earrings from Express and four brushed gold skinny bangles.
Hair is second-day dirty, the curling iron ran through it for some body and wave.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Almay bronzer and a touch of Nars Orgasm blush. Eyes have some Clinique Snow int he corners, The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl over the lid. Two coats of MAC X Mascara to curled lashes and a very fine line of liquid liner. Goldie lipgloss in Blossom on the lips.
White gauze dress from Gibson - empire waist, crocheted lace trim at hems and neck. Under it, dirty vintage washed lowrise bootcut long jeans from The Gap. On the feet are my tan snakekin pumps from Nine West. Around neck are several skinny strands of beads - wood, glass, stone. Brushed gold dangle earrings from Express and four brushed gold skinny bangles.
Hair is second-day dirty, the curling iron ran through it for some body and wave.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Almay bronzer and a touch of Nars Orgasm blush. Eyes have some Clinique Snow int he corners, The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl over the lid. Two coats of MAC X Mascara to curled lashes and a very fine line of liquid liner. Goldie lipgloss in Blossom on the lips.
March 20, 2006
Monday
Black merino cowl neck from Banana Republic. Black trousers from Ann Taylor with a seam down the front of the legs. Black pumps from B.P./Nordstrom. Jet and anthracite dangly earrings.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. On the eyes, I put Clinique Snow in the inner corners, The Body Shop’s gray on the lids and along the lash line. Then I curled the lashes and applied several coats of MAC X mascara. On the lips was The Body Shop’s Lippy Balm in cranberry with some Lancome Juicy Tubes in Daiquiri over it.
The day has only a slight chill, so to add color to my outfit I wore a bright aquamarine pashmina slung over my shoulders. So pashminas are passe... I adore them, have several. I wear them as a shawl, an outfit accent, a winter scarf. I keep one at my office for those days where the a/c is on too strong. Whether they are considered "in" or "out," pashminas are always a wardrobe staple for me. Like a black pencil skirt, brown croco pumps, a crisp white shirt... I think they are always classic.
Sunday
Sunday was the day to take care of the house - laundry, dishes, scrubbing the bathrooma nd vacuuming everywhere. I put on some black toga pants from Land's End, a berry colored crewneck tee from Mossimo/Target and a dark purple v-neck lightweight fleece from North Face. I wore this to the grovcery store when I realized my husband threw away the sponge but didn't have a replacement one. I wore it when I went to scoop up all the dog poo in the back yard. I wore it as I made my 5th trek up the stairs with a load of fresh laundry.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, touch of Nars Orgasm blush, a coat of mascara and Burt's Bees tinted lip balm in berry.
Hair was allowed to air dry and was held back with an accordion headband. Nothing fashionable, but not atrocious.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, touch of Nars Orgasm blush, a coat of mascara and Burt's Bees tinted lip balm in berry.
Hair was allowed to air dry and was held back with an accordion headband. Nothing fashionable, but not atrocious.
Saturday
Saturday I did a whole lot of nothing. I wore a pair of black lounge pants from Old Navy, a white scoop necked tee from the Gap and a blue zip-up yoga jacket from Old Navy. White socks from Target. The majority of the day was spent napping, watching TV and surfing the Internet. That evening we had a few friends over, made pizzas and drank wine. Very low-key. Wore the same outfit the entire time.
Hair was allowed to air dry and was put up in a messy ponytail, teasing a touch of volume at the front. Makeup was only Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and one coat of mascara to curled lashes.
Hair was allowed to air dry and was put up in a messy ponytail, teasing a touch of volume at the front. Makeup was only Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and one coat of mascara to curled lashes.
Friday
St. Patrick's Day! How does one look festive and still professional?? I chose to wear a pair of chino colored sueded cotton trousers from Ann Taylor, an emerald green fitted crewneck tee shirt from Old Navy, and my denim blazer from Ann Taylor. Camel pumps from B.P./Nordstrom and a pair of pearls around the neck, looped twice.
Hair was straight thansk to Sexy Straight Hair balm and my iron, then BioSilk.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. On the eyes I had Clinique Snow in ther inner corners, a light wash of pale celadon shadow from L'Oreal on the lids. Lashes curled and two coats of MAX X mascara and a fine line of Black liquid liner from Maybelline.
Hair was straight thansk to Sexy Straight Hair balm and my iron, then BioSilk.
Makeup was i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. On the eyes I had Clinique Snow in ther inner corners, a light wash of pale celadon shadow from L'Oreal on the lids. Lashes curled and two coats of MAX X mascara and a fine line of Black liquid liner from Maybelline.
March 17, 2006
How to Update Your Look and Not Spend a Fortune
There are a few things you can do that will totally transform and update your daily look and style without breaking the bank. Makeovers are not just for celebrities and reality show stars, and you don’t need a $5,000 budget and society stylists to get the look.
Get Rid of Your Pantyhose
Unless you have a very conservative job, stockings/pantyhose are optional in the workplace and at formal events. I know this may seem blasphemous and totally against what your Mother told you, but pantyhose is dated./ And really, a sheer layer of synthetic fabric is not going to keep you that much warmer or a winter day.
Watch celebrities, anyone from Mischa Barton to Barbara Walters. Are they wearing stockings? The only pantyhose I have seen on Barbara Walters when she has been on The View are fishnets and patterned hose. But nude stockings? Those date you and your outfit.
Get a Haircut
You don’t need to fly to New York to have Sally Hershberger give you the new version of the Meg Ryan shag – a great haircut can be found in your nearby strip mall (or cosmetology school!) for less than $20. This is a great way to get a fresh new look with little cost. Unlike a new sweater, a haircut updates every outfit every day!
If you don’t have bangs, consider getting some angled ones that sweep to the side and easily blend into the rest of your hair. If you have had the same one-layered look for ages, consider some long layers. It doesn’t have to be a total new look, just some modification will make you and your style look new and fresh.
Bring photographs with you to the salon – cuts you like (though be realistic and look for models with similar hair texture) and looks that you don’t. have the stylist talk to you before you go under the sink so s/he can see your hair texture, the way it falls and see if your vision is realistic.
Wax Your Eyebrows
Eyebrows – we try to save money by plucking them ourselves. Then life happens – the kids need us, we’re late to work or we just forget and suddenly we have two (or God forbid – one!) caterpillars above our eyes.
For this first waxing, go somewhere reputable. It can be a local Merle Norman or a day spa. After that, you can maintain with the local nail salon or with your tweezers at home. But every six to eight months, invest in a professional to keep you on track. Well groomed brows will open up your face and remove five years from your appearance.
Wash Your Face at Night
Every time you go to bed without washing your face, you age your skin ten days. You are leaving the makeup, impurities and pollution of the day on your skin to sit, fester and be absorbed. When you wash your face and apply a moisturizer with antioxidants (Vitamin E and Vitamin C are two or many examples) you create a shield to defend against aging and dirt. In the five minutes it takes to wash and moisturize, you can save your skin from years of damage. Not only that, clean skin is radiant skin – people will think you have taken a lover with your new rosy complexion!
Get a New pair of Dress Shoes
We all have that trusty pair of black shoes – be it pumps, strappy heels, slingbacks that are worn to every wedding, funeral and religious occasion. They are comfortable, they are basic, they work. So they may be a bit scuffed, the heel a bit worn down, a strap starting to fray. Maybe the heel is the chunky style popular in the mid-nineties. Maybe the toe is that squared-round look that is comfortable but a bit matronly. No one notices, right?
Wrong. Have you ever worn a new pair of shoes to work or to a party? You could be wearing the same jeans, the same Little Black Dress but everyone will notice the shoes and comment to you on your shoes.
I understand comfort is key – it is possible to find a new pair of shoes that is still comfortable. Take a day to just look for shoes, prepare yourself for a day of it and it won’t be so bad. Also look at stores geared toward comfort – shops like Aerosoles and Easy Spirit have some great styles and hip looks without sacrificing comfort.
As for the basic black – they are great but consider a color. I have a pair of black and silver printed heels that I wear with my black dresses and it’s a fun way to spice up a wardrobe staple. My friend is known for her purple silk slingbacks – she has worn them with black, navy, gray, taupe and prints all with success.
Buy New Foundation
Most women wear the wrong foundation – be it too heavy, too oily, or the wrong shade. These days, the look is not to be a flawless mannequin but to be real. Tinted moisturizers and sheer foundation with concealer on the bad spots is the best look. Surprisingly, sheer foundations will make you look younger, not older. The makeup won’t sink into lines and wrinkles, and you will look less Dynasty and more Sex in the City.
It’s hard to find the right color in the drugstore. For something worn as much as your foundation, it is worth it to invest in a good color and good ingredients. Stop by a drugstore makeup counter, or a store like Ulta or Sephora. There you can try to colors on your skin, walk out into the mall and see how it looks in different lights. Also, you will have salespeople who can suggest products to match your skin type and lifestyle.
Lighter foundation may be hard to get used to, but once you get your first compliment saying how young or awake you look, you will agree it is a worthwhile switch.
Buy a New Purse
Like shoes, a new purse can transform your whole outfit. Often times we stick with a purse for too long for the same reason we hold on to the scuffed black dress shoes – comfort and ease. The purse holds everything you need, it’s convenient, it is basic. Probably in black or some other neutral color, it blends into your outfit and you forget it even exists except when you can’t find it.
A purse is worn more than any other item in your wardrobe. For most women, the same purse is carried every day, no matter what color or style you are wearing. It is proven that accessories make the look and people are judged by their accessories. What does your purse say about you? If your purse isn’t saying things you like to hear, it may be time for a change.
This time, go for a color. Sometimes a red or green is more basic than black. It will never clash with your shoes because it is guaranteed to not match your shoes. It is an accent, like a scarf or a flash of colorful lipstick. This past spring and summer I sported a lime green tumbled-leather shopper and received tons of compliments. I do not own a single lime green thing in my wardrobe, yet this purse always looked right. My mom carries a cherry-red microfiber hobo bag and it looks great with her wardrobe of blacks, blues, purples and grays. She looks younger, hipper and more fun with a splash of color. She also never has to worry that it is clashing with her brown loafers!
Toss the Lipstick
Along with heavy foundation, heavily colored lipstick is dated. It accentuates fine lines and small lips and looks very severe. If you notice the makeup counters and displays in drug stores, the trend is going from lipsticks and liners to sheer lipcolor and glosses.
Glosses can be difficult to get used to and aren’t always the best look for all ages and faces. However a sheer lipcolor is a great option for the lipstick-addicted. It is packaged similar to lipstick, is applied the same way, but instead of a heavy opaque product, you will find the product is more translucent and often more moisturizing. A sheer color will make your lips look plumper and healthier. Buy one close to your favorite lipstick and try it out – after a few days you will see the look is more flattering and more fresh.
With just a few changes to your daily look, it is easy to update your look, be current and be fabulous!
Get Rid of Your Pantyhose
Unless you have a very conservative job, stockings/pantyhose are optional in the workplace and at formal events. I know this may seem blasphemous and totally against what your Mother told you, but pantyhose is dated./ And really, a sheer layer of synthetic fabric is not going to keep you that much warmer or a winter day.
Watch celebrities, anyone from Mischa Barton to Barbara Walters. Are they wearing stockings? The only pantyhose I have seen on Barbara Walters when she has been on The View are fishnets and patterned hose. But nude stockings? Those date you and your outfit.
Get a Haircut
You don’t need to fly to New York to have Sally Hershberger give you the new version of the Meg Ryan shag – a great haircut can be found in your nearby strip mall (or cosmetology school!) for less than $20. This is a great way to get a fresh new look with little cost. Unlike a new sweater, a haircut updates every outfit every day!
If you don’t have bangs, consider getting some angled ones that sweep to the side and easily blend into the rest of your hair. If you have had the same one-layered look for ages, consider some long layers. It doesn’t have to be a total new look, just some modification will make you and your style look new and fresh.
Bring photographs with you to the salon – cuts you like (though be realistic and look for models with similar hair texture) and looks that you don’t. have the stylist talk to you before you go under the sink so s/he can see your hair texture, the way it falls and see if your vision is realistic.
Wax Your Eyebrows
Eyebrows – we try to save money by plucking them ourselves. Then life happens – the kids need us, we’re late to work or we just forget and suddenly we have two (or God forbid – one!) caterpillars above our eyes.
For this first waxing, go somewhere reputable. It can be a local Merle Norman or a day spa. After that, you can maintain with the local nail salon or with your tweezers at home. But every six to eight months, invest in a professional to keep you on track. Well groomed brows will open up your face and remove five years from your appearance.
Wash Your Face at Night
Every time you go to bed without washing your face, you age your skin ten days. You are leaving the makeup, impurities and pollution of the day on your skin to sit, fester and be absorbed. When you wash your face and apply a moisturizer with antioxidants (Vitamin E and Vitamin C are two or many examples) you create a shield to defend against aging and dirt. In the five minutes it takes to wash and moisturize, you can save your skin from years of damage. Not only that, clean skin is radiant skin – people will think you have taken a lover with your new rosy complexion!
Get a New pair of Dress Shoes
We all have that trusty pair of black shoes – be it pumps, strappy heels, slingbacks that are worn to every wedding, funeral and religious occasion. They are comfortable, they are basic, they work. So they may be a bit scuffed, the heel a bit worn down, a strap starting to fray. Maybe the heel is the chunky style popular in the mid-nineties. Maybe the toe is that squared-round look that is comfortable but a bit matronly. No one notices, right?
Wrong. Have you ever worn a new pair of shoes to work or to a party? You could be wearing the same jeans, the same Little Black Dress but everyone will notice the shoes and comment to you on your shoes.
I understand comfort is key – it is possible to find a new pair of shoes that is still comfortable. Take a day to just look for shoes, prepare yourself for a day of it and it won’t be so bad. Also look at stores geared toward comfort – shops like Aerosoles and Easy Spirit have some great styles and hip looks without sacrificing comfort.
As for the basic black – they are great but consider a color. I have a pair of black and silver printed heels that I wear with my black dresses and it’s a fun way to spice up a wardrobe staple. My friend is known for her purple silk slingbacks – she has worn them with black, navy, gray, taupe and prints all with success.
Buy New Foundation
Most women wear the wrong foundation – be it too heavy, too oily, or the wrong shade. These days, the look is not to be a flawless mannequin but to be real. Tinted moisturizers and sheer foundation with concealer on the bad spots is the best look. Surprisingly, sheer foundations will make you look younger, not older. The makeup won’t sink into lines and wrinkles, and you will look less Dynasty and more Sex in the City.
It’s hard to find the right color in the drugstore. For something worn as much as your foundation, it is worth it to invest in a good color and good ingredients. Stop by a drugstore makeup counter, or a store like Ulta or Sephora. There you can try to colors on your skin, walk out into the mall and see how it looks in different lights. Also, you will have salespeople who can suggest products to match your skin type and lifestyle.
Lighter foundation may be hard to get used to, but once you get your first compliment saying how young or awake you look, you will agree it is a worthwhile switch.
Buy a New Purse
Like shoes, a new purse can transform your whole outfit. Often times we stick with a purse for too long for the same reason we hold on to the scuffed black dress shoes – comfort and ease. The purse holds everything you need, it’s convenient, it is basic. Probably in black or some other neutral color, it blends into your outfit and you forget it even exists except when you can’t find it.
A purse is worn more than any other item in your wardrobe. For most women, the same purse is carried every day, no matter what color or style you are wearing. It is proven that accessories make the look and people are judged by their accessories. What does your purse say about you? If your purse isn’t saying things you like to hear, it may be time for a change.
This time, go for a color. Sometimes a red or green is more basic than black. It will never clash with your shoes because it is guaranteed to not match your shoes. It is an accent, like a scarf or a flash of colorful lipstick. This past spring and summer I sported a lime green tumbled-leather shopper and received tons of compliments. I do not own a single lime green thing in my wardrobe, yet this purse always looked right. My mom carries a cherry-red microfiber hobo bag and it looks great with her wardrobe of blacks, blues, purples and grays. She looks younger, hipper and more fun with a splash of color. She also never has to worry that it is clashing with her brown loafers!
Toss the Lipstick
Along with heavy foundation, heavily colored lipstick is dated. It accentuates fine lines and small lips and looks very severe. If you notice the makeup counters and displays in drug stores, the trend is going from lipsticks and liners to sheer lipcolor and glosses.
Glosses can be difficult to get used to and aren’t always the best look for all ages and faces. However a sheer lipcolor is a great option for the lipstick-addicted. It is packaged similar to lipstick, is applied the same way, but instead of a heavy opaque product, you will find the product is more translucent and often more moisturizing. A sheer color will make your lips look plumper and healthier. Buy one close to your favorite lipstick and try it out – after a few days you will see the look is more flattering and more fresh.
With just a few changes to your daily look, it is easy to update your look, be current and be fabulous!
Dressing for the Holidays
I have never understood the desire to look like a total fool on a holiday. Tunic sweaters with appliqué bunnies for Easter, American flag shorts, socks and scrunchies for Independence Day, light-up pumpkin earrings for Halloween, tacky theme ties for Christmas, green everything under the sun for St. Patrick’s Day.
Why America, why? Do you see other countries sporting Quacker Factory sweaters, battery operated jewelry or unnatural hair and lipstick shades for their holidays? Do they decorate their person as much as their tree? I think not.
It is possible to look festive, have fun and not portray yourself as missing a few chromosomes.
For Work:
Do Wear:
Do NOT Wear:
Theme clothing – sweaters with crocheted Easter eggs, “Kiss me, I’m Irish” tee shirts (or any other message or logo-ed tee shirt), overly casual clothing just because it fits the holiday, holiday themed makeup (emerald green eyeliner, sparkles, holiday colored lipstick) or visible theme socks (if your socks can be seen while standing or walking, your pants are too short. If your socks are neon orange or red or candy pink – wear them with boots or at home, not the workplace).
I understand that when one goes out to celebrate a holiday, the outfit may get to be more… festive. Festive is great, as long as it does not ruin your reputation or image.
For Play:
Do Wear:
Again, holiday colors. Orange top in place of a Halloween costume (for those of you who don’t like to dress up), a cute green chino skirt with a top for St. Patty’s Day, a sparkly red shell at Christmas. This is where theme and logo-ed tee shirts fit into the wardrobe – they look great with chinos or jeans as long as they fit well and are clean. This is where costumes can be appropriate – leprechauns, elves, Mrs. or Santa Claus, Halloween costumes that are flattering, well constructed and tasteful.
Do NOT Wear:
Holiday color from head to toe – just because it’s St. Patrick’s Day does not mean you should wear olive cargo pants, an apple green tee shirt and a forest green vest with green sneakers. If you wouldn’t be caught dead in it on a non-holiday day, then don’t wear it on the holiday. Don’t wear ill-fitting or old/stained/dated clothing just because it is holiday-appropriate. Again, if you would not wear it on a non-holiday day… Do not wear costumes that are not age-appropriate. Yes you may have great gams for a 50 year old women, that does not give you license to dress as a French maid (and Madonna, I saw your Purim costume, I am including you in this!). Think about the crowd you will be in when planning your costume – a crowded bar is not the best place for wings, balloon “grapes” or other large pieces on a costume. If it’s cold, plan to have an appropriate cover or tights so you don’t freeze or hide your costume under a coat. On the other hand, do not wear heavy wigs, longs capes and tons of makeup if you will be in a hot or humid location – your hard work will be ruined in just a few sweaty minutes. Do not wear a garment or outfit that makes you look foolish – why wear green lipstick or a giant foam hat or a belly shirt or antenna when you normally wouldn’t – remember when there’s holidays, there are cameras. Your outfit will be forever immortalized, and often you don’t have the time to strike that small tummy/small hips pose before the flash goes off.
So after all these don’ts, how does one know what to buy? What are safe bets?
For Work:
For Play:
Why America, why? Do you see other countries sporting Quacker Factory sweaters, battery operated jewelry or unnatural hair and lipstick shades for their holidays? Do they decorate their person as much as their tree? I think not.
It is possible to look festive, have fun and not portray yourself as missing a few chromosomes.
For Work:
Do Wear:
Holiday colors. Nothing wrong with a green sweater on St. Patty’s Day or a red dress to your holiday party. Today on St. Patrick’s Day I am wearing a bright green refined tee under a denim blazer with chinos, with a green beaded bracelet. I look festive, but I still look appropriate for work. For men, a subtle holiday tie is appropriate if you have children – if you are young or single, these ties look pitiful and corny.
Do NOT Wear:
Theme clothing – sweaters with crocheted Easter eggs, “Kiss me, I’m Irish” tee shirts (or any other message or logo-ed tee shirt), overly casual clothing just because it fits the holiday, holiday themed makeup (emerald green eyeliner, sparkles, holiday colored lipstick) or visible theme socks (if your socks can be seen while standing or walking, your pants are too short. If your socks are neon orange or red or candy pink – wear them with boots or at home, not the workplace).
I understand that when one goes out to celebrate a holiday, the outfit may get to be more… festive. Festive is great, as long as it does not ruin your reputation or image.
For Play:
Do Wear:
Again, holiday colors. Orange top in place of a Halloween costume (for those of you who don’t like to dress up), a cute green chino skirt with a top for St. Patty’s Day, a sparkly red shell at Christmas. This is where theme and logo-ed tee shirts fit into the wardrobe – they look great with chinos or jeans as long as they fit well and are clean. This is where costumes can be appropriate – leprechauns, elves, Mrs. or Santa Claus, Halloween costumes that are flattering, well constructed and tasteful.Do NOT Wear:
Holiday color from head to toe – just because it’s St. Patrick’s Day does not mean you should wear olive cargo pants, an apple green tee shirt and a forest green vest with green sneakers. If you wouldn’t be caught dead in it on a non-holiday day, then don’t wear it on the holiday. Don’t wear ill-fitting or old/stained/dated clothing just because it is holiday-appropriate. Again, if you would not wear it on a non-holiday day… Do not wear costumes that are not age-appropriate. Yes you may have great gams for a 50 year old women, that does not give you license to dress as a French maid (and Madonna, I saw your Purim costume, I am including you in this!). Think about the crowd you will be in when planning your costume – a crowded bar is not the best place for wings, balloon “grapes” or other large pieces on a costume. If it’s cold, plan to have an appropriate cover or tights so you don’t freeze or hide your costume under a coat. On the other hand, do not wear heavy wigs, longs capes and tons of makeup if you will be in a hot or humid location – your hard work will be ruined in just a few sweaty minutes. Do not wear a garment or outfit that makes you look foolish – why wear green lipstick or a giant foam hat or a belly shirt or antenna when you normally wouldn’t – remember when there’s holidays, there are cameras. Your outfit will be forever immortalized, and often you don’t have the time to strike that small tummy/small hips pose before the flash goes off.
So after all these don’ts, how does one know what to buy? What are safe bets?
For Work:
- Sweater, blouse, twinset or shoes in a holiday color
- Sheer red lipstick for Valentine’s Day or Christmas
- If you are of the appropriate elegant age, a brooch (not plastic chicken pin ) can be lovely on the label of your suit
- Costumes only come out when you know it's a popular act of your coworkers - then make sure they are tasteful.
For Play:
- A dress or one piece of clothing in a holiday color
- A costume that is well fitting, tasteful and age appropriate – if unsure, leave your costumes to Halloween.
- Mardi Gras beads are a safe way to make your outfit more festive – they are always being passed out, and now at every holiday
- Festive makeup – red lipstick, green eyeliner, smoky eyes. Just don’t do all of them at once.
- Fun tee shirts – bring out the “kiss me I’m Irish” and silly references to mistletoe – these are appropriate at bars, casual parties and festivals.
March 16, 2006
Thursday
Yesterday I worked from home, so my fashion was an old tee-shirt of my husband's with a pair of black lounge pants from Old Navy.
Today, I cleaned up my act. Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor, ivory sueded cotton low-slung bootcut trousers from Ann Taylor as well. My black city boots from Enzo. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet.
Hair is straightened, swept to the side and placed in a low ponytail behind my left ear. Hair wrapped around the elastic.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals for foundation and concealer, touch of Nars Orgasm blush on the cheeks. F...Y...Eye! from Benefit on the lids, two coats of MAC X mascara on curled lashes and a touch of black kohl liner around lashes, smudged with a Q-tip. On lips is Blossom lip gloss by Goldie. Very subtle look.
Today, I cleaned up my act. Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor, ivory sueded cotton low-slung bootcut trousers from Ann Taylor as well. My black city boots from Enzo. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet.
Hair is straightened, swept to the side and placed in a low ponytail behind my left ear. Hair wrapped around the elastic.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals for foundation and concealer, touch of Nars Orgasm blush on the cheeks. F...Y...Eye! from Benefit on the lids, two coats of MAC X mascara on curled lashes and a touch of black kohl liner around lashes, smudged with a Q-tip. On lips is Blossom lip gloss by Goldie. Very subtle look.
March 14, 2006
Tuesday
Straight bootcut jeans from The Gap in a vintage wash. Ivory lace cap-sleeve jewel split-neck top with hook and eye closure and black grosgrain ribbon belt. Top is from the Banana Republic Outlet Store. Underneath I have a nude colored Body By Victoria camisole from V.S. On feet are black leather peep-toe scrollwork heels from Steve Madden. Brushed gold dangle earrings from Express and two matching skinny bangles.Hair had Sexy Straight Hair balm and Pantene volumizing spray added when damp, then dried with a paddle brush. A touch of Sexy Short Hair spray wax to add separation.
Makeup is i.d. Bare Escentuals foundation and concealer, Nars Orgasm blush, The Body Shop's Sheer Lipstick in pink. On eyes is The Body Shop's gray shadow on lids and along lower lash line, black kohl liner on upper an dlower lash lines, and tons of MAC X mascara.
Weather is the 60's but windy. Sometimes sun, sometimes clouds. This top is so girly and cheery, I think it compliments the positive aspects of the weather!
March 13, 2006
Friday Through Monday
Monday
It's eighty degrees outside – EIGHTY FRIGGIN DEGREES! I had NO CLUE what to wear. I knew it would be positively frigid inside the office, but outside I would be warm.
Brown stretch twill trousers from Ann Taylor with fine pinstripes in cherry, salmon and ivory. Salmon pink silk knit cap-sleeved scoop neck shell (from Ann Taylor Loft) and my trusty denim blazer from Ann Taylor. On my feet are camel leather pumps from B.P./Nordstrom.
I didn't wash my hair, just dried it with a round brush to get rid of the humidity-frizz from the shower. It ended up being beachy sort of waves.
Makeup is subtle – I didn't feel like color. L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and liquid concealer, Almay bronzer as blush and a touch of Nars Orgasm on the apples of my cheeks (same color as my top!), Clinique Snow shadow in the inner corners of the eyes, The Body Shop’s Fawn pearl on the lids, and two coats of MAC's X mascara in black. On the lips is Goldie lip gloss in Blossom.
Sunday
Today was my launch for The Body Shop. I am now an at-home consultant. They say to dress professionally, but subtle. No suits or anything. Well all my trousers are at the cleaners so I decided to dress the way I did when I worked in the stores - black ribbed crewneck sweater from Chicos and black triacetate full legged trousers from Ann Taylor. Black Aldo boots on my feet. Silver hoops, silver cuff bracelet and white gold chain with diamond drop that Hubby gave me for Christmas a few years back.
Hair was blown straight with a paddle brush, and a 2" barrel used on the bangs and tips to give a touch of bounce and shape. Use Straight Sexy Hair straightening balm and Pantene volumizing spray on damp hair.
Makeup was a bit more extreme. L'Oreal True Match foundation, The Body Shop stick concealer and powder. I used The Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes in Warmth on my eyes (beige on lid, darkest brown on crease and along lash line). Lots of MAX X mascara and some Sally Hansen lipgloss in the brownish/bronze color.
Saturday
We went to a St. Patrick's Day festival. Emerald green lightweight stretch v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. Dirty vintage washed Gap Lowrise Bootcut jeans. Black Enzo boots. Silver cuff bracelet and hoops.
Hair has Straight Sexy Hair balm and Pantene volumizing spray on damp hair, then dried with a paddle brush. Straighteining iron put to the unruly pieces and a touch of Sexy Short Hair spray wax on the tips.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation of Smashbox primer, Chanel concealer and powder. Touch of Almay bronzer on the cheeks. Goldie lip gloss in Blossom. Clinique's Snow shadow on the inner corners of the eyes, The Body Shop’s Fawn Pearl on the lid. Lots of MAC X mascara and a thin line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner liquid liner in black.
Friday
Friday was very warm, about 65. I had no clue what to wear that would be appropriate. I put on a short sleeved cotton wrap top from the Gap. The wrap ties on the rib cage - a touch below an empire waist. The top is predominately green with some purple and gold - a batik print. Sort of kimono-like sleeves. With it I wore my vintage wash lowrise bootcut jeans from the Gap. On my feet I wore my tan and brown snakeskin pumps from Nine West. Brushed gold dangly earrings from Express and eight skinny brushed gold bangle bracelets from Target.
Hair was air-dried. I had an early dentist appointment to get my mouthguard resized and I just didn't have enough time. So it was sort of parted in the middle, wavy, and rough. Nothing great, but not hideous.
Makeup was minimal - L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel concealer, touch of Almay bronzer as powder/blush. Lashes curled and plenty of mascara. Burt's Bees tinted lip balm in a berry color.
Thursday
Brown merino v-neck from The Gap, salmon/brown/ivory tweed trousers from Ann Taylor, brown snakeskin pumps from Nine West.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and concealer, Almay bronzer as blush. Warm Shimmer Cubes from The Body Shop on the lids, and several coats of MAC X mascara.
Hair had Pantene volumizing spray and Marc Anthony Strictly Curls applied when damp, blown dry on a low setting and a curling iron hit to the unruly sections.
It's eighty degrees outside – EIGHTY FRIGGIN DEGREES! I had NO CLUE what to wear. I knew it would be positively frigid inside the office, but outside I would be warm.
Brown stretch twill trousers from Ann Taylor with fine pinstripes in cherry, salmon and ivory. Salmon pink silk knit cap-sleeved scoop neck shell (from Ann Taylor Loft) and my trusty denim blazer from Ann Taylor. On my feet are camel leather pumps from B.P./Nordstrom.
I didn't wash my hair, just dried it with a round brush to get rid of the humidity-frizz from the shower. It ended up being beachy sort of waves.
Makeup is subtle – I didn't feel like color. L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and liquid concealer, Almay bronzer as blush and a touch of Nars Orgasm on the apples of my cheeks (same color as my top!), Clinique Snow shadow in the inner corners of the eyes, The Body Shop’s Fawn pearl on the lids, and two coats of MAC's X mascara in black. On the lips is Goldie lip gloss in Blossom.
Sunday
Today was my launch for The Body Shop. I am now an at-home consultant. They say to dress professionally, but subtle. No suits or anything. Well all my trousers are at the cleaners so I decided to dress the way I did when I worked in the stores - black ribbed crewneck sweater from Chicos and black triacetate full legged trousers from Ann Taylor. Black Aldo boots on my feet. Silver hoops, silver cuff bracelet and white gold chain with diamond drop that Hubby gave me for Christmas a few years back.
Hair was blown straight with a paddle brush, and a 2" barrel used on the bangs and tips to give a touch of bounce and shape. Use Straight Sexy Hair straightening balm and Pantene volumizing spray on damp hair.
Makeup was a bit more extreme. L'Oreal True Match foundation, The Body Shop stick concealer and powder. I used The Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes in Warmth on my eyes (beige on lid, darkest brown on crease and along lash line). Lots of MAX X mascara and some Sally Hansen lipgloss in the brownish/bronze color.
Saturday
We went to a St. Patrick's Day festival. Emerald green lightweight stretch v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. Dirty vintage washed Gap Lowrise Bootcut jeans. Black Enzo boots. Silver cuff bracelet and hoops.Hair has Straight Sexy Hair balm and Pantene volumizing spray on damp hair, then dried with a paddle brush. Straighteining iron put to the unruly pieces and a touch of Sexy Short Hair spray wax on the tips.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation of Smashbox primer, Chanel concealer and powder. Touch of Almay bronzer on the cheeks. Goldie lip gloss in Blossom. Clinique's Snow shadow on the inner corners of the eyes, The Body Shop’s Fawn Pearl on the lid. Lots of MAC X mascara and a thin line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner liquid liner in black.
Friday
Friday was very warm, about 65. I had no clue what to wear that would be appropriate. I put on a short sleeved cotton wrap top from the Gap. The wrap ties on the rib cage - a touch below an empire waist. The top is predominately green with some purple and gold - a batik print. Sort of kimono-like sleeves. With it I wore my vintage wash lowrise bootcut jeans from the Gap. On my feet I wore my tan and brown snakeskin pumps from Nine West. Brushed gold dangly earrings from Express and eight skinny brushed gold bangle bracelets from Target.Hair was air-dried. I had an early dentist appointment to get my mouthguard resized and I just didn't have enough time. So it was sort of parted in the middle, wavy, and rough. Nothing great, but not hideous.
Makeup was minimal - L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel concealer, touch of Almay bronzer as powder/blush. Lashes curled and plenty of mascara. Burt's Bees tinted lip balm in a berry color.
Thursday
Brown merino v-neck from The Gap, salmon/brown/ivory tweed trousers from Ann Taylor, brown snakeskin pumps from Nine West.Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and concealer, Almay bronzer as blush. Warm Shimmer Cubes from The Body Shop on the lids, and several coats of MAC X mascara.
Hair had Pantene volumizing spray and Marc Anthony Strictly Curls applied when damp, blown dry on a low setting and a curling iron hit to the unruly sections.
March 9, 2006
Quick Recap...
I hope to pick up some batteries soon, my camera is sitting waiting to be used, to have the current pictures uploaded, but I have been a slacker. I have been to Target and Staples and the grocery and the gas station all in the past few days yet no batteries. For some reason I keep forgetting! So this is what I have worn the past week. I must say I have been less creative knowing I don't have an audience. Bad Dilly!
Wednesday:
Olive green distressed drawstring chinos from Old Navy, heathered brown merino v-neck sweater from The Gap, brown city boots from Nine West, long glass and wood bead necklace from Claire's wrapped around neck twice. Brushed gold dangly earrings from Express, multiple hammered gold skinny bangles from Claire's.
Hair is second-day, straightened and a bit of spray-wax applied for some body and separation.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel concealer and powder, Almay bronzer AND a bit of Nars Orgasm on the cheeks. Touch of Clinique Snow shadow in the inner corners of the eyes, The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl on the lids. Lashes curled and a thick layer of MAC X mascara in black is put on. On lips is a clear gloss – it goes with one of the L’Oreal lasting lipsticks… it’s in a tube like Lancome's Juicy Tubes and it's thick, balmy and gives a great high-shine but not sparkly/goopy look.
Tuesday:
Emerald green silk/cotton/acrylic/spandex v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. Denim, trousers from Ann Taylor. Brown and tan snakeskin pumps from Nine West. Brushed gold chunky bead necklace and dangle earrings from Express. Multiple hammered gold skinny bangles from Claire's.
Hair has Straight Sexy Hair balm and Pantene Volumizing Spray in it damp, blown dry with a paddle brush and a round boar bristle brush, then the ends hit with the straightening iron. Touch of Sebastian Mud on the tips.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, no concealer, and Almay bronzing powder only on the cheeks and nose and chin. Sort of a dewy look. The Body Shop's gray shadow around both lash lines and lightly in the crease, and the same company's Fawn Pearl on the lid over the gray. Lashes curled and MAC's X black mascara applied. On lips is Lancome's Juicy Tubes in Daiquiri.
Monday:
Monday I woke up late. Dark red ribbed cowl-neck merino sweater from Ann Taylor. It's sorta oversized and comfy. With it I had The Gap's Straight Bootcut jeans in a dark vintage wash. Black Enzo boots. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet.
Hair is washed, a bit of Volumizing Spray from Pantene and was dried with a paddle brush while reading a magazine and washing the gross sink (my hubby shaved off his scruff/beard and it was EVERYWHERE!). I took a straightening iron to the front which wanted to part in the middle a la Marcia Brady.
Makeup? L'Oreal True Match foundation, touch of powder, brows filled in and mascara. As I said, I was running late, but never too late to have features!
Sunday:
I didn’t leave the house on Sunday. I roamed around in black lounge pants from Old Navy and a tee shirt from my sorority days. Tad hungover.
Saturday:
Started the day with breakfast and a pedicure with a good friend I haven't seen in a while. Lightweight cotton jeans in a dark wash from The Gap Outlet. I knew they would roll up nicely for the foot soak. Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor. Black Enzo boots.
Hair was just hit with the straightening iron, it was early and I knew I would be washing it later in the day.
Makeup was light since we met at 7:00 a.m. L'Oreal True Match foundation, touch of Chanel concealer and powder, brows filled in, touch of The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl shadow and mascara. A bit of lip balm and I was good to go.
That evening we attended a wedding. My husband was photographing, but he was related to the bride, so I was a welcome guest.
Black slink-knit sleeveless dress with rouched waist and handkerchief hemline. Same dress I wore to my company holiday party and to a wedding in November. Black and silver Pucci-inspired strappy heels with a rhinestone buckle - from Nine West. Silver leather clutch from Aldo. Earrings of a long silver chain from the post ending in a silver ball - from a random silver store in the mall. Emerald green silk shawl from Banana Republic to ward off chill and my grandmother's bracelet-sleeved vintage wol. Coat in black to wear outside.
Hair was done curly/wavy. Marc Anthony's Strictly Curls balm, scrunched dry. Hit with the Humididty Spray and then I took a curling iron to all the not-so-curly pieces. Then I lightly brushed the whole thing with a wood-bristled brush to make it softer.
Makeup was L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and concealer. Touch of Almay bronzer and some Nars Orgasm on the cheeks. On the lips was a berry colored Burts Bees tinted lip balm, touch of Goldie lip gloss over it in Blossom for shimmer. Eyes were lightly smoky. The Body Shop’s gray shadow around lash line and lightly on lid. Their Soft Black in the crease, and a touch of black kohl liner in the corners of the eyes. Lashes curled and two coats of MAC's X mascara in black.
Friday:
For the life of me, I can't recall what I wore on Friday!! I remember we had a team meeting at work, I remember what was discussed, but I cannot recall the rest of the day! Oh wait, NOW I remember!!! I wore a cherry red ribbed crew-neck sweater in a silk knit from Chicos. Dark vintage wash Gap Straight Bootcut jeans. Black Enzo boots. I remember because I met my friend for sushi after work and she was wearing a red ribbed sweater and same wash of jeans. We looked like twins.
My hair was worn curly, thanks to the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls line. Makeup was subtle – L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and concealer, Nars Orgasm on the cheeks, Sally Hansen's Champagne Toast gloss on the lips, The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl on the lids, two coats of MAC X mascara in black. Casual Friday through and through.
Wednesday:
Olive green distressed drawstring chinos from Old Navy, heathered brown merino v-neck sweater from The Gap, brown city boots from Nine West, long glass and wood bead necklace from Claire's wrapped around neck twice. Brushed gold dangly earrings from Express, multiple hammered gold skinny bangles from Claire's.
Hair is second-day, straightened and a bit of spray-wax applied for some body and separation.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel concealer and powder, Almay bronzer AND a bit of Nars Orgasm on the cheeks. Touch of Clinique Snow shadow in the inner corners of the eyes, The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl on the lids. Lashes curled and a thick layer of MAC X mascara in black is put on. On lips is a clear gloss – it goes with one of the L’Oreal lasting lipsticks… it’s in a tube like Lancome's Juicy Tubes and it's thick, balmy and gives a great high-shine but not sparkly/goopy look.
Tuesday:
Emerald green silk/cotton/acrylic/spandex v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. Denim, trousers from Ann Taylor. Brown and tan snakeskin pumps from Nine West. Brushed gold chunky bead necklace and dangle earrings from Express. Multiple hammered gold skinny bangles from Claire's.
Hair has Straight Sexy Hair balm and Pantene Volumizing Spray in it damp, blown dry with a paddle brush and a round boar bristle brush, then the ends hit with the straightening iron. Touch of Sebastian Mud on the tips.
Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, no concealer, and Almay bronzing powder only on the cheeks and nose and chin. Sort of a dewy look. The Body Shop's gray shadow around both lash lines and lightly in the crease, and the same company's Fawn Pearl on the lid over the gray. Lashes curled and MAC's X black mascara applied. On lips is Lancome's Juicy Tubes in Daiquiri.
Monday:
Monday I woke up late. Dark red ribbed cowl-neck merino sweater from Ann Taylor. It's sorta oversized and comfy. With it I had The Gap's Straight Bootcut jeans in a dark vintage wash. Black Enzo boots. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet.
Hair is washed, a bit of Volumizing Spray from Pantene and was dried with a paddle brush while reading a magazine and washing the gross sink (my hubby shaved off his scruff/beard and it was EVERYWHERE!). I took a straightening iron to the front which wanted to part in the middle a la Marcia Brady.
Makeup? L'Oreal True Match foundation, touch of powder, brows filled in and mascara. As I said, I was running late, but never too late to have features!
Sunday:
I didn’t leave the house on Sunday. I roamed around in black lounge pants from Old Navy and a tee shirt from my sorority days. Tad hungover.
Saturday:
Started the day with breakfast and a pedicure with a good friend I haven't seen in a while. Lightweight cotton jeans in a dark wash from The Gap Outlet. I knew they would roll up nicely for the foot soak. Black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor. Black Enzo boots.
Hair was just hit with the straightening iron, it was early and I knew I would be washing it later in the day.
Makeup was light since we met at 7:00 a.m. L'Oreal True Match foundation, touch of Chanel concealer and powder, brows filled in, touch of The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl shadow and mascara. A bit of lip balm and I was good to go.
That evening we attended a wedding. My husband was photographing, but he was related to the bride, so I was a welcome guest.
Black slink-knit sleeveless dress with rouched waist and handkerchief hemline. Same dress I wore to my company holiday party and to a wedding in November. Black and silver Pucci-inspired strappy heels with a rhinestone buckle - from Nine West. Silver leather clutch from Aldo. Earrings of a long silver chain from the post ending in a silver ball - from a random silver store in the mall. Emerald green silk shawl from Banana Republic to ward off chill and my grandmother's bracelet-sleeved vintage wol. Coat in black to wear outside.
Hair was done curly/wavy. Marc Anthony's Strictly Curls balm, scrunched dry. Hit with the Humididty Spray and then I took a curling iron to all the not-so-curly pieces. Then I lightly brushed the whole thing with a wood-bristled brush to make it softer.
Makeup was L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and concealer. Touch of Almay bronzer and some Nars Orgasm on the cheeks. On the lips was a berry colored Burts Bees tinted lip balm, touch of Goldie lip gloss over it in Blossom for shimmer. Eyes were lightly smoky. The Body Shop’s gray shadow around lash line and lightly on lid. Their Soft Black in the crease, and a touch of black kohl liner in the corners of the eyes. Lashes curled and two coats of MAC's X mascara in black.
Friday:
For the life of me, I can't recall what I wore on Friday!! I remember we had a team meeting at work, I remember what was discussed, but I cannot recall the rest of the day! Oh wait, NOW I remember!!! I wore a cherry red ribbed crew-neck sweater in a silk knit from Chicos. Dark vintage wash Gap Straight Bootcut jeans. Black Enzo boots. I remember because I met my friend for sushi after work and she was wearing a red ribbed sweater and same wash of jeans. We looked like twins.
My hair was worn curly, thanks to the Marc Anthony Strictly Curls line. Makeup was subtle – L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel powder and concealer, Nars Orgasm on the cheeks, Sally Hansen's Champagne Toast gloss on the lips, The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl on the lids, two coats of MAC X mascara in black. Casual Friday through and through.
March 1, 2006
I Get To Leave Early!
I got up very early, so had time to dig through old accessories. Ladies, never toss your scarves and jewelry if they are in good condition - you may have tired of them or they may have fallen out of fashion but they WILL come back. And anyway, they take up so little space, it's worth your while!This scarf I bought when I worked for Express. I believe it was 1999. I had 55% off everything in the store and the scarves were 30% off. I was also expected to wear at least two Express brand accessories with every outfit as that my job required me to travel and tell employees how to dress and merchandise the stores. So when I had this discount, I bought a crapload of scarves, many that never were worn more than once.
Black and white scarf from Express. Raspberry merino v-neck sweater from Ann Taylor Loft. Black trousers from Ann Taylor. Black Enzo boots. Must add that I am taking my black leather J. Crew business tote as a purse, it matches so nicely.
Hair was straightened and was just too... straight. I tried to add waves with a large barreled iron and it looked flat. So I tried feathering it. I don't know, it doesn't quite match the outfit but I am in need of a cut and I am struggling. A bit of Sebastian Mud ont he tips for a piecey look.
Makeup? Well let me say that I did my hair and makeup before I knew what I was wearing and I was feeling very... Girls Night Out. So L'Oreal True Match foundation, Chanel concealer and powder, Almay bronzer as blush. On the eyes, I have Clinique Snow in the corners, The Body Shop's Gray on the lid and along lash line, Soft Black in the crease. Lashes curled and MAC's X mascara applied.
Lips, I lined and completely filled with The Body Shop's Beech liner. Victoria's Secret French Kiss lip gloss over it.
Today I leave work just before 3:00 to pick my Mom up from the airport. love leaving work early!!!
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