Tuesday

Black stretchy v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, black denim pencil skirt (that I got for $4!) from Old Navy, gold chain necklace from Express, gold bangles from Claire's, black round toe pumps from Target.

Hair is second day, blown straight with round brush.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder applied with a brush, Nars Orgasm blush, ivory eyeshadow from Revlon, black Volume Shocking mascara from L'Oreal, black Maybelline Ultra Liner on the top lash line. On lips in the first picture is a sheer brown lipgloss from the Body Shop.

Budget Savvy

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to look good, smell good, decorate your house nicely or have style in your life. Often those who have money do not have style, they get caught up in the “It” beg, the brand names, what the celebs are wearing. When I see a stylish woman in the airport or on the street and compliment her on her boots, her coat, her dress I am often told that the garment or accessory was inherited from a mom, bought on sale, found at a thrift store. Women of style know that quality is far more important then quantity, and a high-dollar price tag does not equate quality.

I am happy to know I am not alone in these beliefs, and there is a new eMagazine that is all about this concept. Budget Savvy is a magazine created by Melissa Tosetti; it is about living a fabulous life without breaking the bank. Food, entertainment, home, beauty and fashion can all be achieved beautifully and at a reasonable price. This magazine has articles, links and tidbits to help you achieve a gorgeous, budget-savvy existence. Enjoy!

Monday

Teal knit kimono dress from Target, pale aqua ribbed tank from Caslon underneath. Teal suede wedges from Seychelles. Silver, green and aqua earrings from Express.

Hair was washed, conditioned, then a bit of Sebastian Mud applied to it wet. Blown dry while twisting sections and a bit of scrunching. Blew the bangs straight. Then took some Jonathan Dirt to the hair and twisted pieces and finger separated.

Makeup is L'oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop concealer, Chanel pressed powder applied with a bronzer brush. Lips is The Body Shop's lip liner in Beech applied to the whole lip, Victoria's Secret lipgloss in Frenchy Kiss. Nars Orgasm blush. On eyes, I took a blue sparkly eye crayon from Sephora and lined the upper and lower lids. then I curled the lashes and applied Volume Shocking mascara from L'Oreal in black.

Saturday

Saturday morning for some reason, my husband I woke up super early. We couldn't get back to bed, so we went to our favorite Greek diner for breakfast. All I did was push my hair from my eyes, use Body Shop Aloe toner to wipe my face (washed the night before) and got dressed.

Gray-blue fitted tee from Mossimo, red shetland cardigan from a thrift store, denim trousers from Ann Taylor, teal suede wedges from Seychelles. Silver medium hoops and cuff bracelet. Didn't need to be too fancy, it's only a Chicken Souvlaki salad with extra pita, hold the olives, extra pepperoncini... boy I could eat this every meal of the day!


That afternoon I had a baby shower for a good friend. I showered, used a bit of VO5 mousse in my hair and blew it straight, then added Jonathan Dirt for a piecey look.

Black tape yarn scoop tee from Ann Taylor Loft, black and ivory print knit circle skirt from Rachel Palley, black round toe pumps from Target, large silver hoops and silver cuff.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop stick concealer, Chanel pressed powder applied with brush. Nars Orgasm blush applied heavily on cheeks. On lips is the Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Strawberry. On eyes I used an ivory shadow from Revlon on the lid from lash to brow and in the inner corners, then applied a thick line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. Volume Shocking mascara by L'Oreal in black.

That night my husband and I went to see Cirque du Soleil. It was cold out and we tookm the metro into the city, so I changed to black tights from Target and a black merino turtleneck from Ann Taylor.

Dress for Respect

Clothing may cover the body, it m ay express one’s personality, but the main reason we have skirts and pants, jeans and gowns is for respect.

Respect?

Why do we wear a suit for an interview, black for a funeral, a dress for a wedding, conservative clothing in a house of worship? We do it out of respect. We SHOULD do it out of respect. Respect for religion, culture, loved ones and human kind in general. This is the difference between now and a few decades ago. Clothing was not as much of a problem for women because there were rules and expectations for attire. Less options, and more of an understanding that clothing was for respect.

And now we have casual Fridays and jeans at Broadway shows. Fur coats on teens and socialites in torn denim. There are no rules when it comes to fashion, and I see that as a shame.

A woman of style, a TRUE woman of style understands fashion etiquette and no matter what her peers may do, she adheres to them. A woman of style respects herself, and respects the world around her. She doesn’t litter, she doesn’t cut people off on the highway, and she would never upstage a bride or belittle a cultural tradition.

Weddings
Weddings are times of celebration. A couple has decided to proclaim to their family, friends, loved ones, the world and possibly their religion that they wish to unite in love. The couple will decide how they want their day to be celebrated, and through subtle clues (or a call to the family or wedding party member) you will know how to dress. A few common clues for respectful attire:

1. After 5:00 PM. The rule is that if the ceremony starts after 5:00, the attire is semi-formal to formal. A safe bet is a dress around knee length, sleeveless, in a classic fabric like crepe, silk or chiffon. These days most colors, even black are acceptable to be worn. As a sign of respect, bright red and white should not be chosen (dark reds like burgundy are totally acceptable). Your dress should be flattering to your figure, but not too sexy or revealing. This is the bride’s day. No one should look better or more… eye-catching than she. Be she wear a classic white gown or a bright red mini, this does not give you the right to dress in a matching way. Like the flowers and the linens, you are an accessory on the wedding day, you make the day better, you don’t MAKE the day.
2. Traditional invitations. Ivory paper, black script, several enveloped, professional calligraphy for your address. These clues also help you to assume the event is more formal, and also more classic. Leave your hot pink snakeskin stilettos and your orange marabou bomber jacket at home. This event probably will be held at a country club or historic site. Show respect to those who are paying for your filet mignon and champagne toast – be appropriate. Dress in a manner mentioned above.
3. A theme wedding. Your cousin is marrying at the beach and wants everyone in tropical attire. You hate themes, but you love your cousin. Do not show up in a black pantsuit. This is not respecting the event or the couple. If you do not own a single piece of clothing in a Hawaiian print, consider a cheerful color of dress and maybe a flower behind your ear.
4. The ceremony is in a house of worship. Do your research. How religious is the couple? Is a head covering expected? How do they feel about women in pants? Again, this is not your day. If your friend is an orthodox Jew, do not wear a halter top and cigarette pants. It is possible to be true to your self, and be respectful to the situation.
5. The casual wedding. So the ceremony is at the courthouse and the reception is a backyard barbecue? That doesn’t mean it’s okay to wear a sweatshirt and jeans. Clothing shows your feelings about a situation. Wear flat shoes so you don’t sink into the grass. In place of jeans consider capris or nice pants or a casual dress. It is possible to be comfortable, casual and still respectful of the couple and their union.

Work
You may be an administrative assistant, a paper pusher, or a CEO. No matter your position, and no matter your feelings about the job or the company, you should always dress to show respect to the firm and the role. Business casual does not mean faded ill-fitting sweaters, jeans and sneakers. A casual environment does not mean you can waltz around in tanks and flip flops and belly tees advertising beer companies. This look gives off the impression that you don’t care about your job, or yourself. I am not saying that you should wear a suit every day, but think carefully about the image you are portraying in your work environment.

1. Business casual. Read my post about it. Business casual is not a license for slovenliness. It is the ability to still look polished, respectful while being comfortable.
2. Casual Fridays. A bit more casual than traditional business casual, this again is not a license for dressing like a bum. This look does not include college sweatshirts, beat-up comfy jeans, sneakers, or tee shirts with pictures or logos on them. Hair should be styled and face should be clean and as made up as you do on a regular day.
3. Client meetings. Research your client. Are they a creative computer company or a conservative government agency? Dress the part. If you are unsure, it is always to dress more conservatively. For first meetings, it is safe to wear a suit. Feel free to show your sense of style in the color of your shirt or the style of your jewelry. Again, if you are unsure be safe and wear closed-toe shoes. IF your client is more liberal or creative, consider peep-toe or fun shoes, and creative colors in the suit. For more casual meetings, still dress better than you usually do in the office. Tailored shirts, knee-length skirts, dresses and lined trousers give a look that says you care for and respect your client.
4. Holiday parties. The liquor is flowing and the dance floor is packed with cubicle mates. This does not mean you can act as you do on a night out with the girls. Your dress should be festive but not provocative. Keep the cleavage and the clinginess to a minimum, your hair and makeup tasteful, and your alcohol consumption to a reasonable level (I have a three-drink maximum at these events so I don’t wake up the next day with regrets and the worry of having a job come Monday).
5. Job interviews. Now is the time to polish those shoes, dry clean your best suit, tweeze those brows and press your shirt. You should look your absolute best. Better conservative than not. If it is a creative company, you may add flashes of color in a nice jacket, a scarf or blouse. If you are unsure, it is best to stay with a neutral subtle color for the suit (navy, black, gray, dark brown or dark green) and a complimentary but not shocking color for your shirt. Shoes should be closed toed, makeup and hair should be subtle and classic. Nails should be trimmed, clean and nude or a light color. Make sure your bag is in good condition – borrow one if you have to. This meeting is all about your first impression.
   

Baby and Bridal Showers
It’s your best friend, your neighbor, your sister. The two of you are thick as thieves and spend many nights hanging out in sweats, eating popcorn and watching reruns of Sex and the City. That doesn’t mean you should dress the same for her party. Be the event at a restaurant, a hall or her living room, this is a celebration of a momentous occasion in your friend’s life and should be honored as such. Switch the shorts for capris, sweatshirts for twinsets, sneaks for shoes and jeans for trousers. No need to wear a dress and hose, but look clean, look festive and look respectful. A good rule of thumb is wear only that you would wear to a nice restaurant or a business casual work environment.

Houses of Worship
I grew up attending a very laid-back and liberal church. Members of the congregation would show up in jeans and sweats, girls in Sunday School with me would often arrive in the flannel pajama pants they wore to bed the night before. My mother ensured that we were always dressed nicely to show respect to the minister who worked so hard on his sermon, to the choir who practiced all week for their performance, to the congregation who cares about us and to the religion as a whole. We wore sweaters and pants in the winter, casual skirts and capris with polos and shells in the summer. On religious holidays, we always wore dresses, my father wore a suit and when we were little, my mom would curl our hair. Dressing in this manner made the weekly family tradition of church and then lunch a special occasion, and a tradition to be respected.

My father was one religion, my mother another, they converted to a third for a happy medium. I grew up attending religious services and special events for a multitude of religious, and levels of worship. Some synagogues I had to cover my head, elbows and shoulders and only wear skirts. Some churches I could wear a spaghetti strap tank and sandals. I always asked first what was acceptable so that I dressed in a manner that respected the attendees of that house of worship. More than any other event in your life, attending a house of worship is not about you and creating a lasting impression. Like anywhere else in life, it is a fashion show where people will judge what you wear, but it not the place to make a flashy statement in dress, hair, makeup or amount of skin exposed.

Dates and Evenings Out

1. Dinner at a nice restaurant. So you saw a celebrity come out of Nobu in jeans and a Jack Daniel’s Whiskey tee shirt. That does not mean it is acceptable. Most restaurants have websites where they either mention the dress code or show photographs of guests dining there. Show respect to the establishment and show respect to yourself and dress appropriately. If you are unsure where you are going, you can’t go wrong in black trousers, black closed toed shoes and a merino sweater or tailored shirt and pearls. This simple outfit will work at Applebee’s or a five-star establishment in the city. As with most situations, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
2. First date. So you don’t know the date well, and you don’t know where you are going. You want to make a great first impression, you want to look good and you want your date to ask you out again. This does not mean pull out the pleather mini and thigh-high boots. Your date may find you attractive in that look, but may not be thinking you want more than a good time. You can look feminine and alluring without showing every part of your body. A skirt that hits above the knees with a sweater and pumps can look sexy while having class. A pair of black pants with a dressy top and heels is nice if you believe you may be going to a nice restaurant and dancing afterwards. For a casual meeting, consider nice jeans (clean, darker, no holes, covers the rear, not too tight) with a camisole and cute jacket or blazer. For summer you can’t go wrong with a sundress or chino skirt and fitted top with sandals.
3. Night out with the girls. Yes you plan on having a good time, and you ladies may be out on the prowl for dates, but that does not mean you need to dress like you belong in a Red Light district. You can look sexy and flirtatious without exposing all of your skin. Wear a drapey halter top with black tailored trousers. Skinny jeans can be balanced out with a kimono-style or a blouson-sleeved silk top. A low-cut top looks stylish, not sleazy if not skin tight everywhere else and with full-length pants. A short skirt is sassy with tall boots and tights. As with any other situation, dress in a manner that shows that you respect yourself. Looking sleazy, messy or tacky gives off the impression that you don’t think too much of yourself. If you are giving off that manner, what type of partner are you going to attract?

Travel
Planes are not an enjoyable place to be, especially for an extended period of time. I am the first to say dress and pack for the occasion. By all means, dress comfortably. Comfort does not equal sloppiness.

1. Pack the essentials. You have dry skin? TSA now allows containers 4 ounces and less in carry-on luggage, as long as in a Ziploc baggy. Take your tinted lip balm, your moisturizer, your contact lens rewetting drops. Pack a brush or comb – plane hair can cause static and frizziness. Consider an elastic to pull your hair in a low ponytail if you get bedhead from sleeping in your seat.
2. Carry your creature comforts. I never travel without a pashmina. I wrap it around my neck like a scarf, then once on the plane I use it for a blanket or roll it up for a neck or lower-back bolster. My friend has an inflatable neck pillow. Deflated it is small enough to fit in her purse, but it reduced neck strain on long flights, leaving her looking rested and refreshed after the most turbulent red-eye.
3. Dress for comfort, and your destination. It may be balmy in Los Angeles, but it’s 27 degrees in Indiana. Have layers so you feel great no matter where you land and no matter the climate on the plane. Have comfortable layers with stretch. I always wear either my stretchy denim trousers or a great pair of heavy black Ponte de Roma knit bootcut trousers when I fly. Both have waistbands with give and do not wrinkle, even if I sit for six hours straight. On top, I wear a shell in a soft knit and a sweater or jacket over it. If it is hot, I can remove a layer but still look polished and together. As for shoes, wear ones that slip on and off easily. This is nice for long flights to maintain good circulation, and it will prove far simpler when going through airport security checkpoints.
4. Look better than you feel. How are you going to be upgraded to First Class, treated with respect by a flight attendant, or assisted by airport staff if you look as though you just crawled out of a garbage can? It may be a long flight, an early departure time, or the end of a horrific trip. That does not give you the right to go without brushing your hair, washing your face or donning appropriate clothing. Bedtime attire is not acceptable for planes, and flights do not give you a license to wear gaudy neon-colored velour track suits. You will feel better and be treated better if you dress with respect – polished knits, comfortable sweaters and real shoes (that means no rubber flops, Crocs or bunny slippers!).
   

Friday

Black merino turtle from Ann Taylor, my summer denim skirt I distressed that's from Old Navy, but 2" cut off by me the other day. Black footless tights from Old Navy. Black round-toe pumps with conical heels from Target. Silver cuff and silver hoops.

Hair is second-day, a few unruly pieces straightened with a ceramic iron. Then Sebastian Dirt applied to some pieces to break it up. I tried the part and the bangs on the opposite side and like it.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop stick concealer, and Chanel pressed powder applied with a bronzer brush from Sephora. Light gray and soft black shadows from Body Shop, black liquid liner/Ultra Liner from Maybelline, L'Oreal Volume Shocking mascara in black. On lips is Sally Hansen's diamond lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Wednesday

Was supposed to work from home, but then had to put out fires at work. Same Straight Bootcut jeans from the flight, not yet washed. Pink merino v-neck from J. Crew, white scoop tee from American Apparel, black boots from Aldo.

Hair is just combed and a bit of Jonathan Dirt applied.

Makeup is L'Oreal Bare Naturale, Body Shop concealer, Nars Orgasm blush, Body Shop lip and cheek tint on the lips and covered with Sally Hansen Diamond lipgloss in Champagne Toast, on eyes is Body Shop shadows - a gray on the lids, a dark greenish black int he crease and along lash line, L'Oreal Voluminous mascara.

Still sick, still miserable, and once I type this, I am going home.

Tuesday

Met with the client. Drugged up so that I am a live, functioning and not coughing all over them. Black triacetate jacket and full-legged trousers from Ann Taylor. Turquoise silk-knit v-neck tank from Ann Taylor, black boots from Enzo. White gold chain with green glass orb from Italy. Silver hoops and cuff bracelet. Laptop and materials carried in black microfiber laptop tote fromt he Michael Graves collection at Target.

Hair was washed and conditioned with the hotel's Neutrogena stuff. Sexy Straight Hair balm applied, hair dryed with the crappy hotel dryer and my round boar bristle brush. Bit of Jonathan Dirt applied.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop concealer, Chanel pressed powder, Nars Orgasm blush, Revlon ColorStay quad shadow in neutral - khaki on lid and loive in crease and along lash line. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, Sally Hansen Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

For the trip home, I slipped a black merino crew from Banana Republic over the tank and packed the jacket. Carried the pashmina in my bag for the flight.

Monday

These pictures are at the end of the day. It was a rough day. I am still sick, and I had to fly out to visit a client in another state. Worked six hours, then flew, then finally got to my hotel. Had a fever. Didn't want to look pretty. Didn't care. JUST. WANTED. SLEEP.

Gray CBGB tee shirt covered by charcoal shetland v-neck sweater from L.L. Bean that originally belonged to my father. Straight bootcut jeans from Gap that are a bit too big. Black boots from Enzo, silver medium hoops and cuff, turquoise pashmina as scarf/airplane blanket. Hair was finger combed, but not touched otherwise. No makeup. My face hurts, my scalp hurts and I just need to sleep and heal.

Saturday Night

Friend's birthday. We went to a neighboring town for dinner, and then a few clubs for drinking and dancing. Nothing too fancy, more of a relaxed girls night with good food, good wine and good company.

White button-down from Ann Taylor, same Curvy Lowrise Bootcut jeans from Gap that I wore on Friday, tortoiseshell necklace from Target, black city boots from Aldo.

Makeup was Smashbox primer (added to keep the foundation on better while dancing and sweating), L'Oreal Bare Naturale mineral foundation, Physician's Formula mosaic bronzer in light, Nars Orgasm blush, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad - ivory in inner corners and along brow bone, khaki on the lids, chocolate in the crease, along lower lash line, and then wetted and applied like liner on top lash line. Plenty of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black on curled lashes. Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

Hair was washed and conditioned, allowed to partially air dry. Sexy Straight Balm added and dried with round boar bristle brush. Jonathan Dirt applied for texture, then sprayed with Sebastian Shaper to keep the volume and the bangs in place. Love this new cut, my hair still looked good after plenty of dancing, sweating and running around that evening!

Friday

So my office tries to get into spirit with theme days. Every other Friday in the fall and winter is Team Football Jersey day. I am not a huge football follower. Don't get me wrong, invite me to a Redskins game and I will dress in burgundy and gold and cheer like mad, but I don't follow stats and I just am not a football fanatic like the majority of people I work with. I do not own a single piece of sports paraphenelia.

But I have felt like a wet blanket at work lately, so decided to take part in the festivites. My husband is a soccer fan, and owns a DC United jersey. Hey, soccer is also known as football. Counts as a team jersey, right?

DC United jersey over a white scoop-necked tee from American Apparel. Curvy Lowrise Bootcut jeans from Gap, black city boots from Enzo, silver cuff bracelet and big silver hoops.

Hair was washed and conditioned with the L'oreal Professionals Kiwi color protecting products, then a bit of Sexy Straight Hair balm applied and blown dry partially with a paddle brush, partially with a round brush. I then emulsified some Jonathan Dirt in my hands and twisted pieces to create separation and some chunkiness.

Makeup is Bare Naturale moneral foundation from L'Oreal, Nars Orgasm blush, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in neutral - khaki on the lid, olive in the crease and along the lashline. On lips is Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black.

Enjoy the one and only time you will see me in sports-related clothing!

Thursday

I'm sick. I may not be coughing or have a fever, but I feel miserable. My whole body aches, my hair hurts. My eyes are hot and dry, as is my nose. When I sneeze I feel that I am tearing a lining off my internal organs. Waaah.

I may feel like crap, but I will NOT allow myself to LOOK like crap. So I don't look my very best, but I look presentable. Ladies, how much would it suck to feel icky, not care for dressing, look as icky as you feel and then randomly bump into your high school boyfriend who dumped you for the captain of the cheerleaders. You would wish you were dead. I always think that. I never know if I may bump into an old flame, a potential new boss offering me the job of my dreams, all kinds of things. So have a few things in your wardrobe that you can throw on blindly and know you won't look horrific. I actually was walking to the kitchen at work and a coworker today said "you always have the cutest clothes!" She said this to me TODAY in my clearance sweater, old pants and sick feeling self.

Hair was washed and conditioned with the Kiwi color protectant shampoo from L'Oreal professional that my stylist (hi Kathleen) recommended to maintain this new color. Smell is subtle but pleasant, the conditioner is SO THICK! I loved it! It glopped out in a consistency closer to mashed potatoes than yogurt. I then put in some Sexy Straight Hair balm, and dried it with a round boar bristle brush. I then put a bit of Jonathan Dirt in it, grabbing a few tips so they would be piecey.

Ann Taylor Loft sweater in raspberry, my Ann Taylor denim trousers that are still a bit too big, but comfy on an icky day. Brown peep toe pumps with wood heel from Maripe. Medium silver hoops and silver cuff bracelet.

Foudation is Bare Naturale from L'Oreal. Bit of Nars Orgasm blush. On eyes is the Revlon ColorStay quad in neutral - khaki on the lid and olive along the lash line. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara. On lips is Sally Hansen Diamond Lipgloss in Champagne Toast.

I think I may go home after my conference call, drink more tea and sleep until tomorrow morning.

Wednesday

I now know why i don't wear dark lipstick often. It ages me. I don't realize until I leave my house and catch a glimpse in a window or see a photograph after the fact. I look as though I am in costume, and my nose looks larger than usual. Really shows you can't believe the mirror. Grab your digital camera, take a bunch of pics and pull them up on your computer. Save them to a private album on Snapfish or Shutterfly and use them for reference. I see this and don't think I will do matte dark red lipstick again unless it is Halloween.

Hair is a bit wacky since I can't wash it yet. It got all wavy from the shower steam, rain the day before and sleeping on it. I coaxed a few more tidy waves with my curling iron. I blew the bangs straight. They didn't look so greasy in real life, the pictures were taken after runnng around after the dog and rushing. It's very warm and humid today and I got a tad... well my grandmother would have said "I was glistening."

Makeup is the L'Oreal Bare Naturale foundation, Body Shop stick concealer, Nars Orgasm blush. On lips is L'Oreal Endless lipstick in Real Raisin. On eyes, I used the ivory from the Revlon ColorStay Quad in Neutral on the inner corners and on upper lid. heavy line of Maybelline Ultra liner in black, cat-eyed on the sides. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black.

White men's shirt stolen from my husband. Dark Ultra Lowrise Flare jeans from Gap. Black city boots from Aldo. Silver medium sized hoops and silver cuff. Don't plan on wearing this ensemble and makeup combo EVER again. We all make mistakes.

Sincerely,
Morticia.

Tuesday

So what do you think of my new 'do? Please keep in mind that I couldn't wash it due to the color, and I styled it differently from my stylist. She did kinda straight sideswept bangs and the rest wavy/curly. I woke up to a Joan Jett song and a terrible case of bedhead so I straightened it with a round brush and ionic dryer on dry hair, then hit the back that got especially bedheaded with my ceramic straightener. Then I hit it with a bit of Sexy Hair Spray Wax. I can't wait until I wash it and can really play with it, because I think the edgy layers and thicker bangs will do a multitude of fun things, both straight and wavy. The color was changed as well, red highlights, chocolate and dark brown lowlights. Fun and a bit funky without being so weird as to scare away my work clients.

Ivory lace top from Banana Republic, replaced the white ribbon belt with black grosgrain fromt he craft store. Ivory synthetic camisole from Express. Denim trousers from Gap. Black city boots from Enzo. Strand of jet beads from Limited.

Makeup is L'Oreal Bare Naturale, Nars Orgasm blush, The Body Shop's shadow in gray, black kohl liner from The Body Shop around whole eye, and thin line of Maybelline Ultra Liner in black on top lash line. Plenty of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. On lips is The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Stain covered with a bit of Lancome Juicy Tubes in Exposure.

Monday

I know it's hair appointment day when my hair looks like a flat boring mess when straight and tres Medusa when curly. Good to know I get to go tonight for a trim and color touchup. I plan to do something different, though not sure what. Think I want to go darker for the colder weather. I am jonesing to wear darker lipcolors and play up my pale skin and I think a darker brown will compliment that.

Black merino crewneck from Banana Republic. Black and ivory print heavy knit skirt from Rachel Palley. Red pointy-toed pumps from Steven. Silver cuff and large hoops.

hair was washed and moussed up with the Suave Professionals Healthy Curls products. Dried with diffuser, a few pieces curled with iron, then held in place with Sebastian Shaper hairspray.

Makeup is the new L'Oreal Bare Naturale powder mineral foundation. I went to my local grocery to pick up a replacement bottle of True Match foundation, and was lured by this stuff. People on message boards I subscribe to have been raving about it, saying it is better than Bare Escentuals. I started getting a bit of a reaction from BE and felt it looked a bit white and ashy on my skin, so I was willing to try an alternative. I bought Nude Beige, the packaging made it look as though it was a close match to True Match's C3, the color I wear.

I LIKE it! Like BE, it lasts a long time, but unlike BE, it doesn't itch, and it doesn't look powdery and ashy. My skin gets terribly dry as soon as the leaves begin to change, and I especially get dry, itchy and red around my nose. BE made that even worse, but I was able to wear Bare Naturale without any excess itching or drying. I think the color is a good match for my skin too. I layered with a powder blush and powder shadows and it didn't get too powdery or cakey looking. I too have become a convert, though I believe I will switch it up with True Match on occasion. True Match is a more natural look, while Bare naturale is a more "finished" look on me, good for work and dates, but not soccer games and grocery runs.

Anyhoo, the Bare Naturale, Body Shop stick concealer, NARS Orgasm blush. On eyes is a gray shadow from the Body Shop, a bit of slate pencil from Body Shop, and a faint line of Maybelline's Ultra Liner in black on the top lash line. And of course L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black. On lips is The Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Stain and then a bit of Sally Hansen's Diamond Lipcolor in Champagne Toast.

Friday

Teal knit kimono-style dress from Target, black Body By Victoria camisole from Victoria's Secret, heavy black knit tights from Target, black "Pilgrim" shoes from Nine West.

I bought these shoes probably in 2000. I got a great black and white houndstooth wool skirt from Express and needed shoes to go with. I wanted more of a Mary Jane style, but figured these would do. Most uncomfortable shoes on the planet for standing all day in retail. But the shoes were so darn patootin' cute with the square toe and strap and dark nickel buckle, i couldn't let them go. They have traveled with me to different residences. I think I wore them once as part of a Halloween costume. Today I pulled them out - I have yet to find a pair of round toe black pumps for this season that I like on me, and it's chilly and tights-weather. With tights, the shoes are not too bad, relatively comfortable. And now that I have a desk job, I can handle them. Too funny, when I pulled them out of the shoe box, there was a dust bunny/cobweb int he shoe.

Anyway, hair is on it's second day, blown dry, a bit of Jonathan Dirt.

Makeup is L'oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop concealer, Chanel powder, a large dose of Nars Orgasm blush. On lips is Sally Hansen's diamond lipcolor in Champagne Toast. Eyes is Revlon Colorstay quad - the khaki and the ivory, with black kohl liner along the lash lines and smudged. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black.

Thursday

Black merino crewneck from Banana Republic, dark denim skirt from Gap, dark red pointy flats from Bronx, large silver hoops and silver cuff bracelet.

Hair was washed and dried in a jiffy, then a bit of Jonathan Dirt and leftover face lotion applied to it.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop concealer and Chanel pressed powder. Nars Orgasm blush. On lips is The Body Shop's liquid lip color in a very sheer sparkly beigey pink. On eyes I have a gray shadow from the Body Shop, a soft black in the crease and along lash line, and their black kohl pencil around lash lines. Two coats of L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black.

Wednesday

Back home and back to the home office!

The green and white knit dress from H&M, same pink pointy toed pumps. Wore it with my large silver hoops and silver cuff bracelet.

Hair was washed the night before, allowed to air dry. In the morning I blew a few pieces straight, then added Jonathan Dirt for piecey texture.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match foundation ( I have decided that MAC's MoistureBlend is too heavy and obvious for my skin, requires water, sponge and brush to make it pretty), Body Shop stick concealer and Chanel pressed powder. Nars Orgasm Blush, the Maybelline lipstick in the hot pink tube in a matchign hot pink shade. Eyes, the Revlon ColorStay quad's ivory on the corners and brow bone, khaki on the lids, Maybelline Ultra Liner in black on top lash line and L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black.

Tuesday

Meeting with client, first time to emet them and to kickoff the project. Gray suit from Tahari, salmon silk-knit scoop neck cap sleeved shell from Ann Taylor, black city boots from Enzo.

Hair was dried straight with the craptastic hotel room dryer and a round brush - I was packing light. I then added a bit of Jonathan Dirt for texture (my new play toy).

Makeup was L'Oreal True Match foundation, Body Shop concealer, Chanel pressed powder, NARS Orgasm blush, Revlon ColorStay quad in neutral - ivory and khaki. L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black and Goldie lipgloss in Blossom.

Yep, don't expect to see this lipgloss mentioned again. Forgot I had it in my purse and went through the airport x-ray and they confiscated it. Waaaah! They took my almost empty Tide to Go pen too, which got through at three airports in the past month. Grrrrr.

Monday

No pictures because it was terrible. Bout with insomnia the night before, then the husband got home at 4am from work and accidently woke me up. So I just stayed up. I packed for my business trip, took care of some work for my husband's side business and went to work early to recover from a week out of the office.

Black sweater tank from Ann Taylor Loft, black wrap cardigan of the same lightweight sweater knit from Ann Taylor, my dark blue-black long and lean jeans from Gap, black city boots from Enzo, silver hoops and cuff bracelet.

Hair was allowed to air dry, and was held back with a black knit Alice band.

Makeup was L'Oreal True Match foundation, a touch of Nars Orgasm blush, L'Oreal Voluminous mascara in black and The Body Shop's Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Strawberry.

Left work at 2 to hop a flight to Indianapolis for work. All I saw of the city were the various sports complexes as we walked to work. The rest went to a bar afterwards, I headed back to the hotel and was in bed by 10.

Sunday

Met friend and new mom at mall for lunch and a bit of shopping. She got a new job and we were looking for some separates that would blend into her current wardrobe, but make it more professional and appropriate for her new figure. We were at a major outlet mall, and found some great jackets at Jones New York and two nice pairs of trousers at Burlington Coat Factory.

Brown silkscreened tee from Target, Curvy Flare jeans from Gap, teal sueded wedges from Seychelles.

Hair was dirty, but I added some Jonathan Dirt to it, hit a few pieces with a curling iron, and I looked fairly decent.

Back from Vacation!

After happy hour, I went home and did laundry. Hubby came home from a hockey game, we watched a movie and fell asleep on the couch.

Saturday - It was my husband's birthday. We started the day off with breakfast with the parents, then the two of us took a short hike, then he went to see Tool in concert in the city with three of his best friends and I went to dinner in the city at a soul food restaurant with my sister and then to see a trumpeter at a jazz club. I wore the white shirt from Ann Taylor again with my denim pencil skirt from Gap and brown peep toe heels from Maripe. You can see I wore my Target tortise-shell necklace to complete the outfitt. No full-body picture as that I was running terribly late. I did take my black cherry merino v-neck to slip on if it got cool. I did wear it on the subway ride home. Hair was curly, in this picture my lipstick had worn off on my wine glass but I did the typical Revlon ColorStay shadow, a soft lipgloss shade on the lips.

Sunday - Some of our best friends are pregnant and are doing a lot of home renovations before the baby arrives. We spent the day at their house painting, moving furniture and such. Nothing exciting, old pair of Gap jeans that aren't that flattering and a navy tee shirt that says Property of NASA that I got on one of my trips to Kennedy SFC.

Monday - We left for vacation. We had to be home by 3pm on Thursday so we just went o a road trip to a town 3 hours away. I packed:

• Teal knit kimono dress from Target
• teal suede wedges from Seychelles
• denim trousers from Gap
• white ribbed tank from J. Crew
• Brown on brown striped kimono sleeve v-neck top from Old Navy
• dark denim pencil skirt from Gap
• black cherry merino v-neck from J. Crew
• dark red scoop necked tee from American Apparel
• sneakers from New Balance
• black quick-dry activity pants from Target
• light aqua tee from Mossimo
• Black cashmere shell from Banana Republic
• Large silver hoops and silver cuff
• Hairdryer with diffuser and curling iron

On our trip we went to see some historical sites, hiked a bit, walked around town, went to dinner, went for drinks, went to a party, looked at possible vacation homes (decided against it). The wardrobe was easy to switch around and I felt appropriately dressed for every situation.

Thursday - after we got home we went to see a concert with the parents. Black tape yarn scoop top from Ann Taylor Loft, black and white print sequined-trim circle skirt from Marshall's, black peep toe heels from Steve Madden and hair curly.

Friday - I was filmed for a video about bloggers. Yes readers, it's a video for the FTC about bloggers, how they are affecting marketing and buying and online security and safety. We concentrated mainly on THIS BLOG! and it's readers and how long I have done it and why I do it. A pretty interesting experience!

I wore an orange-red silk-knit tank from Banana Republic, navy twill blazer from Talbots, two coral glass chip necklaces, new Gap Curvy Flare jeans, my teal suede wedges, and my hair messy wavy. I do not have any pictures because we were moving furniture around in our house and the table from the foyer was blocking the mirror.

That night we had a wedding reception for friends who eloped. B y that time we had moved the furniture to it's correct places and I could take a picture. Wore a green and white print knit wrap dress from H&M, my pink pumps, matching pink lipstick (Maybelline) and my hair in messy waves (raining all day and no point in trying to do my hair). Large silver hoops and silver cuff bracelet. A little girl at the reception said my shoes were "Glenda the Good Witch Shoes." I bought this dress the day at the mall during the interview, but didn't consider that I didn't have any shoes to match it! I liked the pink as the contrast, though I think this dress deserves a wedge or a round toe... something more quirky and not so Mankiller. But it worked.

This was my first successful shopping trip at H&M. Every time I have gone I have been overwhelmed by the mess, haven't been able to find my size, or find it but it looks horrible on the body. This time I found this and loved the $34.90 price! I also found a cotton kimono-inspired top, but they had my size in the color I didn't like, and didn't have my size in the color I wanted. I may consider visiting a different H&M for that top. This H&M I had never visited before, it is actually in the same spot as the 2nd Express store I ever worked in. So weird, I worked in that Express for a year. It was my first full-time managing position with the company so that store was like my home. To see it shaped the same, but menswear where fitting rooms once were and fitting rooms where the backroom used to be was a trippy experience. The store was well merchandised and organized and I had a pretty easy time shopping it. I didn't find a lot that I would wear though. There are a few bargains, but a lot of their stuff is pure junk. Itchy shedding sweaters, see-through knits, poorly cut dresses... I just feel that I am too old to purchase such disposable clothing. But this dress... well I do love green, I do love wrap dresses, and I do love dresses that are cheap so I couldn't pass it up!