Thursday

So I bought this skirt and top on my Tuesday night shopping excursion. I said I was not going to wear it to work, I have a Bat Mitzvah this Sunday and a wedding in two weeks that is int he daytime and I wanted to save it. Also the price of this skirt made me throw up a little in my mouth until I worked voodoo magic on my brain and justified it by saying I would spend that much on a dress, and this is more versitile, work-appropriate, yadda. Did such magic on myself, I ended up wearing it to work before any of the events. Please do NOT let me spill on this skirt!!!! I already got some banana (empty peel rubbed against me as I was getting out of the car) on my breast, but I could rub that out.

Off-white and black print silk skirt from Ann Taylor. Black tape-yarn scoop necked, capped sleeve shell from Ann Taylor. Black metal and bead dangly earrings from the Limited. Black thong heels from Mossimo.

Hair is clean and straightened. Sexy Straight Hair balm, Pantene thickening spray, my round brush and an ionic hair dryer, then touches smoothed with a straighteing iron.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, MAC stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, Physician's Formula Magic Mosaics bronzer. Eyes is Clinique Snow shadow on the inner corners, two coats of L'Oreal Voluminious mascara on curled lashes and a bit of black kohl liner from the Body Shop in the outer corners of the eyes. Lips is Sheer Caramel lipcolor from The Body Shop with Goldie's lipgloss in Blossom over it.

Wednesday

So Tuesday night I went to the mall. The trip was more geared toward my friend who was in search of business-casual attire for her job, but I just happened to pick up a few steals, such as this top ($20.99 for silk/cashmere! Love it!)

Black sleeveless sweater from Banana Republic, gray suiting trousers from Tahari, black peeptoe pumps from Steve Madden, oversized pearl necklace from Ross (another steal at $7.99!).

Hair looks like crap, to put it mildly. To maintain my highlights I am trying to wash every other day. Works when it's curly, gets gross when I straighten it. I tried adding loose waves with a large-barreled curling iron but it looked horrible. Honestly, it was a bad look day and I spent the majority of my time with a turquoise pashmina slung over my shoulders to cover up the icky look.

Makeup? Same foundation, same concealer, same powder, touch of Nars Orgasm blush, eyes were mainly mascara and some Fawn Pearl shadow from The Body Shop. Lips were Sheer Caramel lipcolor from the Body Shop topped with Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Lets forget this day.

Tuesday

None too impressive. A bit of a hodge-podge if I do say so myself. I am bored with my wardrobe and in desperate need of a vacation.

Berry colored spaghetti strap tank from Torrid. Denim blazer from Ann Taylor. Putty colored cotton cropped trousers from Banana Republic. My beaded thong sandals from Seychelles. Skinny beaded necklace made from wood and glass beads from Claire's - looped twice around neck. Three skinny gold bangles from Claire's.

Hair was straight - it's the easiest. Suave/wannabe Biolage shampoo and conditioner for colored hair, Sexy Straight Hair balm, hair straightened with an ionic dryer and a boar bristle round brush. Finishing touch with a straighteining iron and a touch of BioSilk.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, MAC stick concealer, Physician's Formula bronzer for powder and color. Eyes are done with The Body Shop's Fawn Pearl ont he lids and a touch of Clinique Snow in the inner corners, two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. Lips is Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Monday

Monday was a tough day, my husband stayed home from work and I really wanted to do the same. I really threw my outfit together.

Black ribbed crewneck sweater from Chico's. Gray suiting fabric straight skirt from Banana Republic. Black peep toe pumps from Steve Madden. Necklace is a long chain of sea green and pale gray-blue beads with silver from Target. Silver cuff bracelet.

I washed my hair the night before, let it air dry with Frizz Ease's curling spray on it. Int he AM I hit it with Marc Anthony's Strictly Curls Humidity Spray and then curled raggedy bits with the iron.

Makeup was the same as at the weekend wedding.

The Weekend

Saturday we shot our first paying gig for the photography business. I was more of a consultant, I don't shoot, I tell the photographers what to do and assist the bride with coordination.

I wore my black slink-knit surplice-front dress from Roni Nicole (see my holiday party dress). To make it more conservative I wore a black Body By Victoria camisole from Victoria's Secret underneath. As that it was an outdoor wedding in a field, I wore beaded flat sandals from Seychelles, six skinny gold bangles from Claire's and gold chandelier earrings from Target. Hair was done curly - second day dirty and assisted with a curling iron. Black large plastic sunglasses from Target. Makeup was L'Oreal True Match foundation, MAC stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, The Body Shop's Granite and Soft Black shadows on the eyes to create a soft smokey look, two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black, Physician's Formula bronzer for face color and Goldie lipgloss in Blossom.

Sunday.... what in the world did I do on Sunday? If I recall correctly, I didn't leave the house but to go hiking. Wore black yoga pants from Old Navy, a light aqua cre-neck tee from Target and New Balance trainers.

A View From The Top

Just because you may be classified as White does not mean a white bra under your white top is invisible. A white bra under a white top is just as bad as a red bra under a white shirt - it stands out!

Same thing, if you have brown skin and may be categorized as Black on a survey does not mean a black bra is invisible under a light top. I just watched a Caucasian woman walk into my building in a white button-down and a gleaming white bra underneath. She seems to have just come back from lunch with an African American woman wearing a pink tee shirt with a black lacy bra underneath.

I am viewing them from a third-story window, sans binoculars. Please please PLEASE ladies! Invest in some skin-colored bras. There are no white or black people on this earth, that is why bras are made in colors such as mocha, french nude, chocolate, apricot, peach, beige, candle, taupe and caramel. We are more the colors of drinks from Starbucks than the shades of a dalmatian's coat!

Tuesday Tip: The Skin You’re In

Often women change their skincare routine with the weather. It is true that the heated air in buildings in the winter cause our skin to be dryer, as does the cold winds that slap our skin as we scurry from car to office. Summer usually comes with humidity, offering constant moisture to our skin. Even with these changes, it isn’t always necessary to be so drastic in changing your regimen.

Sweat does not equal moisture. We often switch to stronger cleansers and moisturizers geared toward oily skin to keep moisture at bay and prevent our makeup from slipping. Often women go without moisturizer all together, finding it the culprit for shiny summer skin.

Everyone needs a moisturizer, be your skin an oil slick or the Sahara. Moisturizer is a protective barrier for your skin to fight against the elements, also known as free radicals. Free radicals come from environmental pollutants, the sun, makeup, most anything that touches your face. Moisturizers with antioxidants (Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Kinetin, White Tea, etc.) will create a shield to prevent free radicals from attacking your face, reducing elasticity, fine texture and health.

Another reason moisturizer is needed is that when the skin feels over-dry, it fights back by producing oil. The body creates oil as a natural protectant. The more detergent-like cleansers, alcohol-based toners and harsh exfoliants you use on your skin to fight oil and acne, the more your skin will produce oil. Try a week using a vary lightweight gel or oil-free moisturizer and see how much happier your skin will be.

In summer we still need moisture and to protect our skin. If you have very dry skin in the winter, it is pretty likely that come summer your skin is not oily, just sweaty. Try switching your moisturizer for a lighter consistency, but don’t change anything else for a week. Often times all that is needed is a small change to have your skin adjust to the changing seasons. Also consider a makeup primer (I have used and loved ones by Smashbox and Paula Dorf – both available at Sephora). Primers will help your makeup adhere to the skin in the most humid and steamy of days, without yanking precious moisture from your skin.

And finally, EVERYONE needs sunscreen. No matter your skin color, your age, how well you tan. You can get sun damage in the short trip from your house to your car. A minimum of SPF 15 is required for all faces to keep them healthy, elastic and glowing. If you are fair, consider a moisturizer with a higher SPF and look into foundations and powders with sunscreen (Bare Minerals cosmetics have a natural SPF of 20,Almay carries SPF 15 foundations, Guerlain has a foundation with SPF 30). The SPF in your foundation will not replace your moisturizer, but provide an added barrier against the environment.

Here’s a test to show how skin is affected by free radicals. Cut an apple in half. Leave one side bare, on the other side put a coating of your favorite antioxidant-rich facial moisturizer. Let it sit for 30 minutes. You’ll see that the moisturized side stayed the same color and texture, while the uncovered side turned brown and mushy. Think about your day – walking the dog, gardening, walking from the parking lot to the grocery store or your office building, the recycled air in your office or on a plane… so many opportunities to wreak havoc on your skin. Our hands and our faces show our age first because those are the two parts of the body that are exposed to the elements on the most regular basis. Women who regularly moisturize their face and wear sunscreen look younger than their non-protecting peers.

Obviously tanning isn’t good for your skin. If you must have that “healthy” glow, consider some of the new self-tanners on the market. Jergens has one that is a gradual tan – less likely to get streaks and orange palms and builds up to a great tan. In small doses Mystic Tan and the other spray tans can offer a natural looking glow and color to your face and body. And if you must be a sun worshipper, toss the baby oil and grab some SPF 15 sunblock – you will still get color while out on the beach, you just won’t be basting like a Thanksgiving turkey. Reapply often – a tan may look great, but nothing looks better than healthy skin. Sun damage may cause loss of elasticity and moisture to the face, it can also exasperbate stretch marks, increase the number of freckles and moles on the skin, increase wrinkling, cause loss of elasticity to other body parts too (who wants to encourage sagging breasts?) and make you look older than your years. For suggestions on great products with sunscreen in them, check out this link provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation: http://www.skincancer.org/aboutus/documents/SealList.pdf

When you consider what makes you beautiful, consider if that beauty trick or regimen will help you stay beautiful ten years down the line. Proper care of your skin will help you feel great, look your best and keep yourself healthy. Trust your skin – if it’s dry in winter, it can still be thirsty in summer, even if it causing your makeup to dribble off your chin. Even if you seem to have great healthy skin now, invest in a daily sunscreen to keep that skin looking healthy. You only get one body, treat it well. It will outlast your favorite books or handbag and even your dearest friend. Give it the respect and pampering that it deserves.


Protect your skin with organic skin care products from Melvita

Friday

Oooh, I am having SUCH the good hair day! Yay team! I wore my hair curly yesterday, slept on it, balled it up with an old-school fabric scrunchie and took a shower trying to keep my hair dry. Let the damp pieces air dry, and then hit a few pieces with the curling iron. Then used Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Humidity Spray for fullness and setting.

So my outfit. I had a different top on, but it had a phrase on it that my husband said may been seen as offensive to some, so I changed last minute. Black stretch v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. Distressed denim gaucho-like cropped jeans from The Gap. Pink pointy leather pumps from NYLA. Silver triple-strand necklace purchased at a Renaissance Fair. Silver cuff bracelet.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, MAC stick concealer, Physician's Formula Bronzer for powder and color. Eyes are The Body Shop's Granite on the lids, Soft Black in the crease and along the lash lines. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on Shu Eumura curled lashes. On lips is Maybelline's Wet Shine Diamonds in Glowing Glimmer.

Thursday

I forgot my camera at work last night. I guess that happens, I am a creature of habit, yet I lost the habit of toting my camera everywhere. Therefore there are no pictures of my outfit today, nor my good Curly Hair Day.

Brown merino ¾ sleeve v-neck sweater from The Gap. Ivory sueded trousers from Ann Taylor. Tan Mossimo leather thong sandals (and my office mate is wearing the same exact ones). Two chunky turquoise necklaces from Target (that a new fashionista in another department complimented me on when I passed her at the copy room).

Hair as mentioned is curly. Suave/Redken wannabe curling mousse, scrunched hair with a diffuser. Then a coating of Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Humidity Spray and the unruly pieces tamed with a curling iron.

Makeup is Smashbox primer, L’Oreal true Match foundation over it. MAC stick concealer, a touch of Chanel pressed powder on the forehead and nose. Physician’s Formula Magical Mosaics Bronzer for color. The eyes are done with The Body Shop’s Shimmer Cubes in Warmth (beige on the lid and inner corners, the dark brown in the crease and along the lash lines). Lashes curled via Shu Eumura and two coats of L’Oreal’s Voluminous mascara in black applied. On the lips is The Body Shop’s Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Caramel topped by Sally Hansen’s Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Wednesday

What happened to Tuesday? I thought I wrote about it. I'll write it at the end of this post. Wednesday has to come first because IT COMES WITH PICTURES! yes my lovelies, my camera arrived and I couldn't be more thrilled!

So it does a craptastic job of shooting without a flash. And well, a flash doesn't work too well when you're taking a picture in a mirror. hence the tired face in the second shot. the yellow full-body shot was the best I could get - most on ANY setting were blurry, more yellow, just dreadful. Hey I'll stop complaining, the darn thing was FREE!

So what am I wearing? Navy twill blazer from Talbots (now you can see the cool button detail on the sleeves). Dark red scoop necked tee from American Apparel. Denim trousers from Ann Taylor. Gold wire-bead necklace from Express. Two thin gold bangles from Claire's. Beaded thong sandals with short wood wedge heel from Seychelles.

Hair was washed with Suave/wannabe Biolage shampoo and conditioner. I didn't put any product in it because I was so busy looking at my new W magazine (50+ page spread of Madonna, horses and he insane back muscles) and started drying without it. this made my hair not completely straight, not completely frizz-free and not completely behaving. I tried straightening it post-dryer and round brush with and iron but it didn't get all the fuzzies.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match Foundation (C3), The Body Shop Stick Concealer (03), Chanel Pressed Powder (not sure the name or color code). I used the Physicians' Formula Magial Mosaic bronzer for color on the face. Eyes are The Body Shop's Pearl Gray on the lids, Granite on the crease and along the lash line. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Very Black on Shu Eumura curled lashes. On lips is The Body Shop's Coconut Lip Butter with L'Oreal's long-last lipcolor (it's in a matte gold tube) in Real Raisin over it.

As for yesterday, sorta like today's outfit. Denim blazer from Ann Taylor, Putty colored chinos from Victoria's Secret (Bridget Fit), Black silk/cashmere tank from Banana Republic, long necklace of tiny silver, larger seafoam green and pale blue-grey glass beads, tan leather thong sandals from Mossino. Straight hair, same makeup as today, but instead the lips were The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Caramel and Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast over it.

See you tomorrow!

Tuesday Tip: Getting the Brush Off

So your hair is not looking it’s best. Split ends? Lackluster locks? Breakage? Hard to manage? Well take a look at your brush. Does it look like what your hair feels like? Most times than not we are using either the wrong type of styling tool or one that is way past it’s prime.

The past couple of days my hair has been really nice to me. It has been doing what I want, has felt so silky and looks very shiny. Was it the new shampoo? Was it my diet? No, it was that I replaced my brush. I have hair just past my shoulders that is wavy. Like many, I use a round brush with my hair dryer to straighten my hair and give it fullness. Like many, I have tried almost every type of brush on the market to get the best results – vented, ceramic, metal, plastic bristles, rubber-tipped bristles, boar bristles, paddle… you get my drift. I have found the best results, the least amount of frizziness and the most shine from a boar bristle brush. Boar bristles are softer than plastic, help impart a sheen to the hair strand and are less likely to break the hair. However like human hair, boar bristles react to the heat of the dryer. They melt, curl, split and frizz over time. Eventually they barely run through your hair, but work almost as a Velcro roller sitting under the hair as the dryer passed over it. This causes frizziness, lack of tension causing less straightening power.

You don’t need to break the bank and buy a Mason Pearson, I buy the $9.99 Goody brushes at Target. I find that if I replace it every three months, I maintain healthy hair.

I was shopping with my mom and she was complaining about flyaways, little hairs that stick up in the humidity and wind and ruin the polish of her French Bob. I asked her what kind of brush she uses to dry her hair, “Oh I have this round metal brush. It gets the hair dry really quickly.” She admitted that said metal brush also had sharp plastic bristles that scratched her scalp if she got too close to the skin. Well gee, let’s make your dryer even hotter and more damaging, and let’s use sharp little tools to scrape through your hair. Might as well use a Brillo pad on your ‘do. I suggested she switch to a boar bristle. A week later, I asked if she had gotten a new cut – her hair looked amazing. Nope, it was all in the brush.

Before you invest in yet another heavy-duty conditioner or shine serum, consider your styling tools. They may be the culprit to less than stellar hair. A few tips:

• Curly hair doesn’t necessarily need to be brushed, even when wet. A brush will separate curls, causing frizziness. If you do have tangles that cannot be removed by your hands in the shower during the conditioning rinse, invest in a very wide-toothed comb. I find wood combs to be more gentle to the hair shaft.

• If you are using a metal brush to have your hair dry faster, invest instead in an ionic hair dryer. Don’t know why, but the ionic dryers get the hair dry faster and are less damaging than more heat.

• If you have straight hair and want to brush it when dry, invest in a brush with a padded base for the bristles. Your scalp will thank you, and you will be less forceful when brushing, reducing split ends.

• If you are straightening wavy hair, consider a boar bristle brush. You may find your hair to be shinier, softer and have more body.

• The 100-strokes every night rule for brushing is proven to be bad advice. The more you brush your hair, the more you damage it. Try to brush and comb your hair as little as possible, and on lazy days, let your hair air-dry. You get vacations, your hair deserves one as well!

Monday

Today I am boring. I am sorry readers, but I am in desperate need to some new clothes! I just am tired of it all. I need a nice little shopping trip where I can get all the things that I desire:

• A pair of dark yet blasted cropped cuffed jeans

• A cute blazer in a stretch twill – maybe white, maybe ivory eyelet, maybe an olive one in a safari style

• A shirtdress in a color that would be great out with gold necklaces and heels or good for work with some pumps

• A great pair of wedges with a cork or wood heel and a peep toe

• Strappy heels that will go with my brown and ivory print dress for that June wedding. Bronze? Brown?

• A fun top that could dress up or go out. Something in a fine jersey or silk jersey, wrap style possibly in an aqua, white, mallard blue….

• Wide leg chinos in white and stone. Thought I found them at Victoria’s Secret but they are so high-waisted I feel as though I am wearing a diaper

• An a-line skirt with the colors of black, white, brown and dark red in it. I know specific, but then I would have variety of tops already in my wardrobe and variety of shoes

• Some new bras – a good strapless in nude, a nice nude push-up bra and a comfortable one for hot weather.

• A pair of black strappy slides with heels to replace my Mossimo ones that are falling apart.

Anyway, I don’t have any of that right now so I will tell you what I wore today. Black ribbed crew sweater from Chico’s. Ivory trousers with a slight herringbone texture from Ann Taylor. My falling apart black heels from Mossimo (though they don’t look broken so they are still acceptable. I just need to be careful in walking down stairs and things like that). Black leather and silver necklace from Chico’s, silver cuff bracelet.

Hair is very straight. I used the Suave shampoo and conditioner that is like Biolage’s for color protection. Cannot beat $1.57 for a bottle of shampoo! It smells nice and made my hair feel really silky. I added Sexy Straight hair balm and some Pantene thickening spray, dried with a brand new boar bristle round brush. Then I used the straightening iron on the ends and finished it off with a touch of BioSilk. My hair feels amazing and looks really healthy!

For makeup, I used L’Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop stick concealer, and Physician’s Formula bronzer (little disks of different color all in one compact). On the eyes, a bit of Clinique Snow in the inner corners, lashes curled and two coats of L’Oreal Voluminous mascara in black applied. On the lips is The Body Shop Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Caramel topped with Sally Hansen’s Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Weekend Recap

Saturday
Saturday I had a Body Shop at Home party. I am not the type of consultant who comes out all rah-rah in a logoed polo and apron. I think people believe you more when you look like a regular person. I often sit on the floor, honestly tell them which products I don’t like and tell them which products I can’t live without.

I wore my denim trousers from Ann Taylor, a brown scoop-neck tee from American Apparel, a beige canvas motocross-inspired jacket with brown stitching from Mossimo. Large chunky tortoise shell necklace from Target, brown snakeskin pointy pumps from nine West (because I am in desperate need of a pedicure and can’t wear open-toed shoes with gnarly feet selling foot stuff!).

Hair was curly – second day dirty, recharged with FrizzEase curling spray and a bit of the curling iron.

Makeup was predominately Body Shop, for obvious reasons. L’Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop’s stick concealer, The Body Shop’s Brush on Bronze as powder and color for the face. On the eyes, I used Golden Paprika shadow on the lids, a touch of Copper Shimmer over it for punch, Burnished Brown in the crease and along the lash line. Lashes curled and two coats of MAC X mascara in black. On the lips was The Body Shop’s Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Caramel with their Liquid Lipcolor in Natural over it for shine.

Sunday
Mother’s Day! We took our Mommy to a chi chi restaurant for a lovely brunch accompanied by a few lovely Kir de Luxes. Then we went to a nearby private collection museum for some culture.

Black stretchy knit v-neck sweater from Banana Republic. White tonal stripe trousers, part of a Tahari suit. Black pointy-toed pumps from B.P./Nordstrom. Black leather and silver necklace from Chico’s. Silver cuff bracelet.

Hair was curly, I showered Saturday afternoon and did my hair, so I was able to do next-day-dirty curls.

Makeup was L’Oreal true Match foundation, The Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, Bare Minerals Warmth for bronzer. Lips had The Body Shop’s Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Caramel with Sally Hansen’s Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast. For eyes, I did The Body Shop’s Golden Paprika on the lids and Clinique’s Snow on the inner corners. Two coats of MAC X mascara in black on curled lashes.

Summer Lovin’ Friday

It was Casual Friday, I didn’t really care about my outfit. It was a long week and I am tired of my between-weather wardrobe. I dressed more for the beach than for the office, but it kept me cheerful all day!

Black scoop neck knit tee from American Apparel, olive cotton cargo skirt from J. Crew, Ivory cable-knit hooded belted longer cardigan from Express circa 2000 I believe. Skinny necklace of wood and glass beads, looped twice around the neck – from Claire’s. Beaded thong sandals with tiny wedge wood heel from Seychelles.

Hair was curly and very cute. I used my Suave goodies and my new Frizz-Ease curl spray that gives lovely soft ringlets. Makeup was L’Oreal True Match foundation, The Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, The Body Shop’s Brush on Bronze for color. On eyes I used the Warm Shimmer Cubes from The Body Shop – the peach on my lids. I then took the matte brown brow powder from Maybelline and used it as a shadow in the crease and along the lash lines. Two coats of MAC X mascara on curled lashes and a touch of Lancome’s Juicy Tubes in Exposure on the lips.

Thursday

My denim blazer is at the cleaners. Now it’s ready to be picked up, I have money to pay for it, but I haven’t had the time. It’s the cleaners a block from my office, but again, no time. After a long day I do not want to stand in line in that hot little store, I just want to race home. I hope to get it today.

I forgot the fact that my blazer was at the cleaners when I got dressed in the morning. I put on lightweight black suiting trousers from Ann Taylor, a black sweater tank from Ann Taylor Loft and my two chunky turquoise necklaces from Target. Then I reached into my closet to feel for my blazer (I have a weirdly angled small closet with no light that often times leaves me to feel for a garment or get lost in the abyss) and couldn’t find it. Oh yeah! It’s at the cleaners with my pink tweed pants! So I grabbed the white blazer from my newest Tahari suit – white tonal stripes on it, single breasted. It’s a beautiful jacket but suddenly I went from work-appropriate to almost interview-appropriate. Gosh, will they think I have a meeting with another company at lunch? Will they see this outfit and run to make me sign a NDA? I looked at the clock – five minutes late already sweating over a simple white suit jacket. Oh well, I’m wearing it to work.

And no one said anything except “such a nice bright jacket on such a dreary day!” and “boy you wear balck and white well!” Whew!

As for the rest of my outfit, I donned my silver cuff and my black thong heels from Mossimo. The heels have started to pull away and I walk as though I have a limp to keep the heel from breaking off. I tried Super Gluing it back in place but it didn’t work. I realize I need a replacement pair, but I hate to part with them, they are such perfect shoes!

Hair was washed with Halo Volumizing shampoo and conditioner, Pantene thickening spray and Sexy Straight Hair balm applied while wet, then straightened with a large round boar bristle brush and my iron. I then used a bit of Sebastian Mud on the edges for a piecey look.

Makeup was L’Oreal True Match foundation, The Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, The Body Shop’s Brush on Bronze for color. On the eyes I put Benefit’s f..y..eye! on the lids for an even look, Clinique’s Snow on the inner corners of the eyes, two coats of MAC X mascara in black on curled lashes, and a fine line of Maybelline’s Ultra Liner on my top lash line. On lips I put Maybelline’s lipstick that is in a square pink case – Forever Metallics? In Ripe Plum.

I went to a Chinese restaurant after work for a take-out dinner for me and my hubby. While I was waiting I walked to the grocery store to pick up contact lens solution and some raspberries for dessert. A few skater boys were hanging outside a coffee shop/café. When I walked by one whistled at me. Me! The hobbling old chubby lady! I think it was the white jacket…..

Recap!

Wednesday
Today I am wearing a brown short sleeved scoop neck cotton tee from American Apparel, white wide leg chinos from Victoria’s Secret (the Bridget fit), tan thong heels from Mossimo, a large chunky tortoise shell necklace from Target (that a lady at the gas station complimented me on today). Three skinny hammered gold bangles from Claire’s on left wrist.

Today I am wearing my dark purple Gucci glasses.

Hair is straightened thanks to Straight Sexy Hair balm, Pantene’s thickening spray and Sebastian Mud on the ends.

Makeup is L’Oreal true Match foundation, The Body Shop’s stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, Bare Minerals Warmth on the cheeks, face and neck as bronzer. On eyes I have Garden Botanika’s Bronze on the lids and in the inner corners, my Maybelline brow powder (nice dark true brown) in the crease and along the lash line (and of course on my brows!). two coats of MAC X in black on curled lashes. On the lips I have a little lipgloss in a shimmery sheer bronze that I got in my stocking from Target. I think it’s their own brand, it says ‘TEN” on the side.

Tuesday
Yesterday was a blah day. So blah I am ashamed to post my outfit. This outfit reminds me of when I worked for the Body Shop – sometimes I dreaded going to work so much I would slap on a black slim tee and old black pants and old black flats and call it a day. I would put on makeup from the stand while I opened the registers and stick my hair in a scrunchie to hide the bed head. Hot, no?

Wore a red fitted crewneck tee from Banana Republic. Charcoal suiting trousers from Ann Taylor. Black pointy pumps from B.P./Nordstrom. Silver cuff bracelet and silver link short necklace from Chico’s.

Hair was second day dirty, bedhead and old curl removed with a straightening iron. Looked a bit gross, well not gross but not style-rific. Makeup was L’oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, touch of Warmth from Bare Minerals. Brows were filled in, two coats of mascara on curled lashes and some Body Shop Lip Butter on the lips for a hint of shine. Sad, huh?

Monday
I had no clue what to wear. I was meeting my high school boyfriend for dinner and haven’t seen him since my wedding in 2004. I didn’t want to look like I was trying hard, and I wore all my cute clothes the week before and didn’t want to repeat at work.

My coral baby-doll gauze tunic from Ashley B, two matching long necklaces of glass chips from a beach boutique, denim trousers from Ann Taylor, tan thong heels from Mossimo, silver cuff bracelet.

I made my hair curly since people seem to compliment me on curly hair. Also it was rainy and I figured better to have frizzy curly hair than frizzy straight. I used Frizz-Ease’s Curling spray on wet hair and that stuff ROCKS! It gave soft ringlets and I needed to use less of my curling iron once dry. I also then used it on dry hair to help spring up the curls through the day and keep frizz at bay.

Makeup was L’Oreal true Match foundation, The Body Shop’s stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, The Body Shop’s Brush on Bronze on the cheeks and collarbone. On eyes I used the Body Shop’s Simmer Cubes in Warmth – the peach on the lids and the chocolate on the crease and along the lash line. Two coats of MAC X mascara in black on curled lashes. On the lips was The Body Shop’s Sheer Lipcolor in sheer Caramel with Sally Hansen’s lipgloss in Champagne Toast over it.

Sunday
Sunday all I did was garden and go on errands to get gardening necessities. I wore a light blue crewneck tee from Mossimo and black lounge pants from Old Navy. Adidas trainers on my feet, my hair in two pigtails and a black knit hoodie from Old Navy on or around waist dependant on the temperature. Black large sunglasses from target on face or perched on head. On face was The Body Shop’s Kinetin tinted moisturizer and MAC X mascara on curled lashes and a bit of The Body Shop’s Lip Butter for shine and moisture.

Saturday
During the day I wore olive cropped cargo pants from The Limited and a coral spaghetti strap cotton camisole from the Gap. I sat out on the deck, had some Coronas with my friends and enjoyed the sunshine. That night I went to a baseball game with my mom and sister. I changed to my beloved vintage-look lowrise bootcut jeans from the Gap, my beaded thong sandals from Seychelles, a black silk/cashmere tank from Banana Republic and two chunky turquoise necklaces from Target. Oh, my silver cuff and a black knit hoodie from old Navy to ward off after-sunset chill.

Hair was curly thanks to Suave/Matrix Wannabe products. Makeup was L’Oreal true Match foundation over Smashbox primer, Chanel liquid concealer, Chanel pressed powder, The Body Shop’s Brush on Bronze on cheeks and collarbone. The Body Shop’s shadow in Pearl gray on the lids, a touch of Granite in the crease and along the lash line. Two coats of MAC X mascara in black on curled lashes. On lips was The Body Shop’s lipliner in Beech with Victoria’s Secret lipgloss in French Kiss over it.

Friday
I cannot remember for the life of me what I wore on Friday. I know I went for Thai with coworkers at lunch, I know I went to the grocery after work… How sad is that? I think I may have worn my favorite Gap jeans and my green v-neck stretchy sweater from Banana Republic…

Thursday
I do remember Thursday because it was supposed to be the night I was meeting my ex for drinks (purely platonic). Black ribbed crewneck sweater from Chico’s. White tonal stripe trousers from Tahari (part of a suit). Black thong heels from Mossimo. Black leather and silver short pendant necklace from Chico’s, silver cuff bracelet.

Hair was really straight and shiny thanks to Sexy Straight Hair balm, Pantene thickening spray and Sebastian Mud. I wore my large black plastic sunglasses on my head all day for a mod look.

To continue the mod look, I wore L’Oreal True Match foundation, The Body Shop’s stick concealer and Chanel pressed powder. Nars Orgasm blush on the cheeks. For the eyes I did a Stila shadow in ivory lightly on the lids and darker in the inner corners of the eyes, a line of black Maybelline Ultra Liner on the top lashes, three coats of MAC X mascara in black on curled lashes. On lips was Sally Hansen’s lipgloss in a light pink color.

Ways to Ruin a Wardrobe

So you have the flattering pants, the well-constructed tops that fit your personality. You have bought the list of must-haves and have brought color and style to your closet. Even with all this transformation, there are ways to totally ruin your new look, practically bringing you back to square one:

The Black Shoe Syndrome

A soft floaty floral sundress. The breeze running through your hair, a warm day on the shore. A delicate pearl bracelet accents your wrist, a simple clutch in your hand, black leather loafers with a chunky heel on your foot. Halt! The wrong shoe can totally destroy your image.

We often get lazy with our footwear. We have favorites that are comfortable, nondescript, seem to go with everything. Time and time again I see a woman’s outfit completely destroyed by accessorizing with the wrong shoes. Chunky boots with a feminine dress, sneakers with nice jeans and a sweater, scuffed white sandals with a dress, rubber flip flops with a polished outfit. Take all of your Beyond Hope shoes (you know which ones – the ones that are torn, smelly, scuffed beyond repair, completely dated and disgusting) and toss them. Goodwill won’t even want these puppies, why are you still wearing them? Then the Semi Shoes – the jelly shoes, the ratty Keds, the flops from the drug store and those Chinese slippers – if you must keep them, they are not allowed to leave your property. Nothing looks trashier than a pair of cheap and tattered Semi Shoes. Then take all your Great But Shoes and take care of them – pull out the shoe polish kit (or invest in one), get the shoes resoled, reheeled, put in new inserts and then get some shoe trees to help them stay properly shaped, aired out and fresh.

Next, plan outfits down to the footwear. Often we buy a new dress or outfit but do not consider the shoes. Come time to don the new outfit, we are left to scrounge up some foot covering that will pass for appropriate. I do not own a single pair of navy pants in my closet. Why, I look great in navy and it’s a hot color this season. The reason is I don’t own any shoes that look right with navy, and I wear it so rarely I cannot justify buying a pair of shoes for one pair of pants. To remind yourself, make a list of your shoes and take it with you when you go clothing shopping. If the outfit is for a special occasion (wedding, party, dance), take the shoes you plan on wearing with you to the mall. This will help you shop for what you have and not leave you in a pinch trying to look chic in black loafers. I have a fantastic pair of strappy black heels – they look and feel great. I usually buy dresses that are complimented by black strappy shoes so that I don’t get stuck at the last minute.

A few shoes to have in your closet just in case

• Black ankle or calf-high boots with a 2” heel (great for suits, jeans and trousers)
• Tan or beige colored strappy heels in a neutral fabric like silk or crepe (for dressy pants, most dresses and skirts and linen and summer weight trousers in the warmer months)
• A classic black leather pump (for suits, pants and dark dresses)
• A pump, t-strap or wedge in tan or a light neutral (for pants, dresses, skirts, non-black dresses)
• A pair of delicate heels in a muted metallic – soft gold, pewter or bronze are great (for nights out on the town or a floaty sundress that doesn’t seem to match anything. Also great way to take a suit from career-friendly to cocktail party appropriate)
• A pair of flats in a cheery color or print (for those days you can’t stand to wear heels – cute with capris, skirts, trousers, peeping out from a jean hem)
• A thong or slide-style of heeled sandal in a neutral color like brown, beige or cream. A wood heel will help it transform from day to night with ease (for most everything in your wardrobe come the warmer months)

If you have the right footwear, you can get away with a simpler outfit. Your outfit will go from okay to amazing if you ensure your footwear compliments your clothes.

That Darn Coat
Picture it – a wedding at an historical mansion overlooking the country side. You walk in to a room full of beautifully dressed people. A butler in a crisp tuxedo asks to take your coat and you gracefully shimmy out of your orange parka, making sure not to rumple your silk dupioni gown. What’s wrong with this picture? It’s the coat. We are so worried about being well dressed, but we ruin the whole look with a warm but trusty friend.

Easy way to fix that – in vest in a ¾ or 7/8 length wool coat. These coats go from thigh to calf length. Single or double breasted, robin’s egg blue or safe and secure black, this coat can be worn to work, the grocery or a formal affair without ruining your image.

End of every season, have your coat professional dry cleaned and kept in a closet covered with an old sheet or a garment bag to prevent dust attaching to it. This way your coat is ready to wear come next season. If you buy the right coat, it will be a wardrobe staple for many years.

I See London…
Nothing is tackier than seeing a woman’s undergarments. There may be women gallivanting all over this country purposely showing bra straps and g-strings, but that does not mean it is okay. A beautiful dress can look like a garbage bag if the wrong underpinnings are chosen or visible. Nothing makes a rear look less desirable than having VPL (visible panty lines) and even though your bra straps are the same color pink as your halter top, it doesn’t make it okay to have them on full display.

Invest in some thongs. Mesh ones in a skin tone to wear under white and light bottoms, cotton ones under jeans and skirts, frilly ones for special occasions. If you are uncomfortable with thongs, many companies have made no-show briefs and boyshorts in great disappearing fabrics like microfiber. As for the little bits peeking out over your jeans, well many companies have created “lowrise” undergarments specifically for this problem. Do invest in several pairs, and while you are at it toss all the ratty, stained and stretched out pairs in your drawer. What would your mother think if you were in a car accident wearing them?

As for bras, first go get a fitting. You may be surprised at what size you truly are. Then invest in some “specialty bras” – a strapless (I have one that has detachable clear straps that is great under sheer tops), a convertible (can go from regular to halter or racerback) and a skin colored bra (your white bra under your white tee shirt is NOT invisible). You would never see a fashionista with a bra strap showing… EVER. Unless you have the body, the budget and the wardrobe of Britney Spears, you should not be attempting to dress like her.

Bag Lady
How do men survive on this planet without purses? We women stuff our bags with wallets, planners, tissues, cosmetics, pens, snacks and reading material. Men sit on a piece of leather and seem to handle things just fine. It seems that the larger our purse, the more we “need” to cram into it. Our purses are overflowing, marred with ink, stretched beyond capacity, misshapen and have a coating of crumbs and goo at the bottom of the lining. Zippers are busted from stretching over junk, straps fraying from the weight. Yet we tote them around with our elegant outfits, always at the ready come a spill or a sneeze.

Let’s take a lesson from the hairier, Adam’s apple sporting sex. We do not have to have the whole world in our hands, or our purse for that matter. If you need to carry books, computers or snacks for the kids then a separate bag is appropriate. Invest in a messenger bag out of microfiber that cleans easily and holds all your possessions without making you look like a vagabond. As for your daily purse, invest in one that is simple, has a sturdy shape and is large enough for your necessities, but small enough to force you to find other homes for your junk mail and baggie of Cheerios.

To not have to change your back with every outfit, invest in a classic shopper-style bag that looks great slung over a shoulder or being held in your grip by it’s handles. It should have a zipper or flap to keep it closed, and a few inside pockets to help organize your stuff. This is a bag that can be your day-to-day carry-all, should look crisp enough for work but hold everything for a day at the mall. For special occasions, invest in a black silk or crepe clutch and another clutch or small bag with an orate pattern, design or embroidery. The black will go with most outfits, the funky/creative one will spice up all-black outfits and be more festive. Also consider one in a light colored glazed leather or pretty embroidered fabric – this will work with your lighter colored pieces.

The Dreaded Scrunchie
Why have a full head of hair if all you are going to do is throw it up in a clip or elastic? It may seem carefree and easy, but a messy updo only makes you look lazy and fearful of fashion. With a proper haircut, you can keep your hair out of your eyes, stay cool but look polished. Most often women wear their hair up like this because they don’t have the time to properly style their hair. Again with a good cut you can get away with less prep time. For summer I asked my stylist to cut my hair to accommodate wave. In a pinch I can wash my hair in the evening, spray it with a curling mist and let it air dry as I sleep. When I wake I have relatively pretty curls and waves that only need three minutes with a curling iron to get them acceptable.

There is no point in having a head of hair if you are going to constantly put it up. Pony tails are for teens and the gym and butterfly clips should be left to separating hair for a good blow-out. Invest in a good cut, and be brave enough to let your hair down!

Outlet Mall Shopping

Yesterday I visited a major outlet mall in my area. Over a mile of stores – some with great bargains, some with great piles of crap. There have been many stories about discount stores – how some of the product is not on sale, the clothes are made specifically for the outlet and are not the same quality that the brand name usually delivers, etc. After all that, you find designer duds for less, when is it worthwhile to spend, when should a bargain be passed by?

Fit
If it doesn’t fit well for $300, still doesn’t fit well for $150 and even for $65, don’t buy it. Just because it’s a great bargain does not make the fit any better. Shoes that are too tight or too big, jackets that pull at the back, pants that would be lovely if you just lost 15 lbs., no matter the bargain these items should just stay on the rack.

If the jacket’s sleeves are too long, the skirt’s hem at an awkward length, the shoulders a bit too big, these things can be altered easily by a tailor. You must be in love with the piece and find multiple places and ways to wear it to justify the tailor expense. I found a cream silk linen suit at a discount store – the suit fit perfectly except for a broken zipper and too long of sleeves and legs. I bought the suit for $65, regularly $350, and for $40 had the zipper and hems all modified. I have worn the suit to work, to religious events and as separates for three years. That purchase was worth the added tailoring expense.

Style
Often times the items at the discount store are there because they are leftover from last season. When it comes to classic pieces like suits, dresses and knits, this is not a problem. A blue merino v-neck is lovely almost every year, and more lovely when 50% off. The problem comes with the trendy p[pieces.

If Lindsay, Mischa, Nicole or Chloe was wearing it last spring, it’s a good chance that piece is passé now. Pass on the embellished jeans, the metallic leather bags, the rainbow-hued sunglasses and most other accessories. Just because it’s on sale does not mean it is a good buy. When it comes to scouring outlets, your best deals are the ones that will last through more than one season. Sweaters, suits, outerwear, cocktail dresses, leather goods and most shoes are great bargains if you find quality and value in the same item.

Name Brands
Just because you found a pair of Manolo Blahniks for $100 at the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet does not mean they need to be purchased. Do they fit your current style? Are they comfortable? Are they current or classic?

We have all seen the label whores – those women with a Coach purse, Jimmy Choo shoes that JLo wore last year, Baby Phat jeans, a Bebe tee with the rhinestone logo, Chanel sunglasses and a Pucci scarf in her hair. These items weren’t bought for the quality or the style. They were bought because a stranger could spot the brand a mile away. She looks trashy, obvious and victimized by fashion. None of these are appealing. Labels do not suddenly make you well dressed or well liked.

If you can find a Furla bag for 40% off and it suits your style as well as lifestyle – then go for it. If you are buying a bag purely because it’s Prada and you don’t like the style, size or fabric... well you have become a label whore.

Don’t buy that jacket just because it’s designer. Pretend that it is an unknown label – do you still like it? Do you still find it attractive and necessary? If not, put it back on the rack. That goes for ill-fitting designer duds, last season’s “It Bag,” obvious logo advertising (if it’s that obvious, it will be that obvious from last season – not worth your time or money) and damaged designer goods.

Damaged Goods
Many discount retailers sell the irregulars from a label. Some irregulars can barely be seen by the naked eye – may be an incorrect dye lot or the wrong buttons sewn on a jacket. Some may work in your favor – pants cut too short or sleeves that are too long or too narrow. Often times these stores received the garments that were damaged in production, transit or through many jaunts to the fitting room. Broken zippers, missing buttons, fabric snags are all defects that can easily be repaired or covered up if the price and style is right. However there are other defects that are not worth the purchase, no matter how low the price. Runs in nylon, stains, button holes at the wrong height, linings that do not align with the trouser, two pieces stitched together from two different dye lots. Even if it is Versace, it will look like Gallo Clothing on you if it is this defective.

Buying in Bulk
I used to be a huge fan of buying in bulk – find a tee shirt you love, buy it in eight colors and three of white and black. Flattering trousers? Buy one in every color. I then found that my wardrobe was like one big uniform… one big boring uniform. Mixing basics with fun pieces offers versatility, ease but individual style.

At outlet malls, buying in bulk is a good idea. Yesterday I was at the Banana Republic outlet and found high quality stretchy tees in tons of colors - $9.99 each. I bought one in black, one in white, one in gray and one in red. These shirts can be worn with jeans on weekends, with a little skirt for happy hour with the girls or under a suit for work. I found a great pair of wool trousers at Off Fifth, bought them in brown, gray and black. They were so standard and fit so amazingly well (and were only $39.99 each) that it was worthwhile to buy every color I liked. I knew with my work and lifestyle I would find regular use for such trousers. Another time I found a pair of really cute studded pointy heels from NYLA. They were 75% off and tres cute. I decided to buy them in hot pink, ivory and black, thinking that if they fit well, they would get much use. I was imagining sparkly tops and designer jeans with the ivory, a sexy power suit with the black, and envisioned an outfit a la Carrie Bradshaw for the pink. I took them all home, have worn the pink ones multiple times, and have barely touched the other two. I don’t wear designer jeans with sparkly tops on a regular basis, and don’t own a single chic black power suit. Those two shoes have barely seen the light of day. Consider your current lifestyle when considering to buy in bulk – items that look too familiar may not be worn and too many of the same thing may make them all too boring to regularly wear. Also, if you don’t wear red patent stilettos now, you probably won’t after purchasing a pair.

In conclusion, don’t buy just because of a label, or just because of an amazing price. Less money for an item is still money, and money should be spent carefully. Be willing to take the time to find quality purchases, not pick up every shiny bauble that sort of resembles what Gwen or Jessica wore last Spring. Fashion is not about the specific item, but the allover look. A Louis Vuitton bag or a pair of Chanel sunglasses will not make you a fashionista, the pairing with appropriate and complimentary pieces is what takes you from being a label whore or a fashion victim to fashionista status.

The Past Two Days

Yesterday I played hookey. My friend Sandy did too. We went to the mall, had a lovely lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and jsut lazied the day away. It was glorious.

I wore a brown lightweight merino v-neck 3/4 sleeve sweater from The Gap. My favorite vintage looking perfectly frayed-bottom lowrise bootcut jeans from The Gap. two chunky turquoise necklaces from Target, brown nad some color beaded thongs with wood low heel from Seychelles.

I used my regular arsenal of products to make my hair straight (Straight Sexy Hair balm, Pantene Thickening Spray, Round Brush, Iron). It looked sooo good. I wore a pair of large black sunglasses that I got from Target and in the mall I wore them on my head just perched int he hair, not holding it back like a headband.

My makeup was simple - L'oreal True Match foundation, MAC stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, Bare Minerals Warmth as a bronzer. On lips was Victoria's Secret lip gloss in French Kiss. Eyes had only two coats of mascara on curled lashes.

Today it's back to work. I am wearing a black stretch cotton v-neck sweater from J. Crew, putty colored cropped chino pants from Banana republic, a long strand necklace of pale green, pale gray-blue and silver beads and my black leather thong heeled sandals. Oh, and my silver cuff.

Hair today is curly thanks to my Suave/matrix wanna be collection for curly hair (shampoo, conditioner, mousse). Hair then got a blast of Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Humidity Spray after being dried with a diffuser and unruly pieces were curled with a curling iron.

Makeup is simple - L'Oreal True Match foundation, The Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder, Bare Minerals in Warmth as a bronzer. On lips is French Kiss lip gloss from Victoria's Secret. on eyes I have The Body Shop's Granite along lash line and softly on the lids, two coats of MAC X mascara on lashes curled by Shu Eumura.

Hippie Monday

I have owned a top from Banana Republic for years. Looks liek denim, lightweight like cotton. Think Tencel, that look. it's a tunic style with the notched neck, slitted cuffs, hip length. Well I ordered a size Large and an XL... boy this was like five years ago. Got matching pants too that were horrid.

Well the pants are int he attic, the size Large shirt was given to a friend (cut very straight, no room for my boobies) and the large was like a maternity shirt on me so it sat in my closet wasting space. this weekend I thought - hey, haven't ever worn the shirt, might as well try washing and drying it and see if it shrinks.

Eureka! It shrank, got a bit softer and not fits much better. Still a relaxed fit, but in a cute Boho sort of way. I am wearing it with another of my pairs of ivory sueded bootcut trouers from Ann Taylor - the looser, mroe relaxed version. A long strand necklace from Target - beads of silver, pale seaglass green and sky blue around my neck. Silver cuff bracelet. On my feet are beaded thong salndals from Seychelles. The whole top is beaded in brown, silver, copper, some red and teal. Low wedge-like wood heel.

Hair is second-day dirty, straightened with an iron, touch of Sebastian Mud for definition.

Makeup is Smashbox primer, L'Oreal True Match foundation, MAC Stick concealer, Benefit's f..y..eye!, Chanel pressed powder. Bare Minderals' Warmth on my cheeks. On my lids I have Clinique Snow in the inner corners and Body Shop's Fawn Pearl on the lids. Lashes curled thanks to Shu Eumura and two coats of MAC X mascara in black. On lips is one of those L'Oreal anti-feathering lipcolors that Andie MacDowell pimps, it's a soft plummy-nude color with a hint of shimmer.