Random Post - Thursday Night Television Recap

Did anyone catch So You Think You Can Dance last night?

I didn’t see most of it, but I did catch a portion of Fergie’s performance of Glamorous and almost lost my dinner in regard to her outfit.

Who is her stylist? And really does one need a stylist to know that the combination of bright yellow high-waisted jeans, a pink body suit, gray cropped jacket, bunch of ugly ginormous gold jewelry and some black hooker shoes is a bad combination? I just don’t get it.



KIDS, DO NOT TRY THIS OUTFIT AT HOME….or anywhere else on earth for that matter. As I said to my sister today, it looks as though she dressed in the dark in the year of 1987. And I lived through the 80s look of colored denim and it was done far better than this.

My husband and I flipped to Bravo TV afterwards to catch Hey Paula, the reality show featuring the life of Paula Abdul. Now I love me some Paula Abdul, and my husband will admit (while adjusting his manly parts and crushing a beer on his forehead) that he saw Paula in concert in high school and still thinks it is one of the best shows he has attended (right under Tool and Beastie Boys, I guess) and finds her very cute and charming in an off-kilter sort of way.

They showed two episodes in a row, and then the two episodes again in a row (how do I know? Because in the middle of the first set of showings the batteries in the remote died and for a good 20 minutes into the second showing we sat and watched again because we were too lazy to manually change the channel or turn off the tube). This show is… strange. I watch Paula, and I like her even more. She is very witty, especially when off the cuff (“the last time I had a hit record, Bill and Hillary were still having sex”), she honestly seems to be a loving person who is lost in the media spotlight. She seems to have a staff full of idiots (her wardrobe stylist should be SHOT, her hair stylist seems to be missing the mark but stays on board because he’s a friend, and the brunette who seemed to be an assistant stylist was bitter and boring and just plain dumb) and has management/agents/whathaveyou that are milking the Paula train for all it’s worth and burning her to the ground.

After the Grammy Awards, Paula’s entourage can’t seem to find her to take her to the airport. The finally find her, after she walked alone around the streets of LA in the dark in a Valentino gown in an attempt to find the limo. She stops in Starbucks for a caffeine fix, against the advice of her manager and appears to be drunk or drugged (or possibly dog tired and just a goofy girl). She trips and stumbles getting back to the limo. There are other times where she just seems utterly loony (such as when she is in the lab making her custom fragrance) that I wonder if it is really days upon days on end without sleep (which is what she claims in the post-filming narratives), or something else making her crazy.

In one scene, Paula is changing from her Grammy gown to an outfit more appropriate for a cross-country red eye flight to host a 1AM QVC spot selling her jewelery line. Her craptastic wardrobe stylist packed her an outfit of skin-tight jeans and I believe heels to wear on the flight and Paula gets quite angry. As I feared, articles in various news publications are taking this scene as Paula being bitchy, demanding and a bit crazy. I as a woman who have endured red eye flights in uncomfortable garments feel for Paula. Her stylist is paid to dress her well, and appropriately. Paula has not slept in about 48 hours, and the only chance to get rest before being on TV is on this flight. To sit in a plane seat for six hours or so in heavy stiff denim sticking into your intestines is darn near torture. She won’t get good sleep, and unlike us mere mortals who would maybe unbutton the pants and hide under an airplane blanket, Paula needs to be always “on” and literally cannot be caught with her pants down. I believe her anger to be warranted, and her staff to be thoughtless and useless.

As we continued through this hour of a train wreck, I got more and more confused. I do k now when I have been sleep deprived, I have acted a bit goofy, sluggish, almost drunk but the actions of Paula are textbook lush. Would I act in the same manner if I were hopped up on caffeine and breaking down due to no sleep? It makes me think of these celebs who are thought to be having tantrums, canceling shows and beating up paparazzi. Celebs may be rich and fabulous, but they are still human. Take a week of flying, presenting, being “on” 24/7. Give yourself maybe three hours of sleep at most, hours of flashbulbs in your face, incapable staff giving you bad speeches to read, uncomfortable outfits to wear, schedules that only a robot can handle, people fussing over your hair and face, critics calling you an idiot, a fashion disaster, a hack. See how long it takes for you to crack. I watched this show and my blood pressure raised. I wanted to jump through the television and save this poor woman. It took me back to Valley of the Dolls and the sad stories of Marilyn, Judy and Elvis and how their management doped them up to keep them making money and fame. Paula wasn’t a person to her staff, to the press, to anyone. She was a walking dollar sign and they were abusing the crap out of her, and she out of herself all to achieve some warped ideal of success.

I looked around my little shoebox of a home, our nicked coffee table covered with dog hair, our takeout and cheep beer dinner and felt so utterly utterly grateful and lucky. It seems my husband felt the same thing, and he tightened his grip around my shoulders as we snuggled on the old couch. I’d rather be porr and happy, then rich and living a life like Paula’s. Paula, you can come over any time for veggie burgers and bad TV. I won’t gawk too long, and we’ll let you hide out and be normal and take a nap on the couch with our dog.

Friday

White stretch cotton v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, Joe's Jeans in Provocateur, silver hoops from The Icing, silver cuff, black leather thong heels from Mossimo.

Hair was allowed to air dry last night, hit with the curling iron in a few places this morning and a small amount of BioSilk on the ends.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, Body Shop bronzing powder in light as powder, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on apples of the cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lids, chocolate in crease and and along lash lines. Max Factor's Lash Perfection in black on curled lashes. Small amount of Body Shop's Lip and Cheek Tint on lips, covered by Body Shop's Liquid Lip Color in Sparkling Pink.

So last night I met Toya from here). Woah, just checked this post and half of what I wrote got deleted somehow! Well what I originally said is that Toya is even more gorgeous in person. We chatted forever, and I fell in love with her utterly adorable daughter who tells the best stories and partners the stores with even cuter facial expressions and hand gestures. Toya's makeup was of COURSE perfect - she glowed. I look forward to seeing her again soon!

And here was a blurb about my bathroom... I guess it was the reaction of the husband with a wall of zebra in his bathroom....he also feels that the black bathmat and curtain accentuate the stained grout on the white floor (we have tried everything, I think it was installed dingy beige with flecks and brown stains). but he said other than that he didn't care... which in Husband Speak means "might as well keep it, I hate the floor no matter what we do." Again, no pictures but will try to get around to it this weekend.

If I Could Change the World...

I do believe many rules are meant to be broken. I am the one to wear turquoise in an office full of gray, to have my hair longer instead of shorter as I age, to wear what is me, not what is en vogue. I am often asked what should never be worn, and it’s a hard thing to answer, because each body and personality is different; what works for one may be atrocious for another and vice versa. However if I were able to create fashion rules that the world had to live by there would be them:

1. Never wear writing on your bum. PINK, JUICY, BOOTILICIOUS, LIFEGUARD… you see them on teeny tiny pre-teens and larger adult women alike. When I was in college I worked at a fraternity merchandise store and was often asked to sew a woman’s sorority letters on the rear of a pair of sweatpants. Even back then, as Social Director and Personal Development Chairwoman for my own house, I stood up in a meeting and begged my sisters to not take part int his fashion.

In this day and age, a round bum is just as sexy as an ample bosom. Fashion realizes this, and has created styles such as heavily embroidered jeans pockets, and wording on the rear to jump on this trend. That doesn’t mean it is stylish or attractive.

If you are under 18, this look could be seen as cute but I find it a bit inappropriate. All it is doing is calling attention to your backside, and really, drawing attention to the rear in such a blatant manner seems a bit too… suggestive. If you are older, this look is still quite suggestive and tacky, and often is drawing attention to one of the trouble spots on a woman’s frame. Let’s add that these letters are usually on baggy sweats or shapeless knit shorts, both garments remove any firmness and shape to the rear and make everything underneath look lumpy.

2. The only color bra you can wear under white is a bra close to the color of your skin. I may be called a White person, and I am extremely pale in the winter, but I am not white. No one is white, nor is anyone black. We are all shades of ivory, beige, tan and brown. When you wear a white bra under a white shirt, it glows against your non-white skin. For darker skintones, a black bra is not a good selection either – it is an obvious contrast to both your shirt and your skin and looks tacky. Invest in a bra or two that are close to your skintone, and low on adornments and texture so they disappear under light colors and fabrics. A visible bra is NEVER stylish, even if the celebs are sporting it.

3. Velour sweatsuits are not allowed outside of the home. They are comfy, they come in pretty colors and you may have paid a pretty penny for the brand name, but that doesn’t make your suit stylish or appropriate for public wear. To top that, the heyday of the velour set is long gone and walking down the street in your fuzzy pink Juicy outfit makes you look like a fashion victim.

Just because your hoodie and pants are the same fabric, does not make it an outfit. It does not make it appropriate for the mall or the market. These suits are great for hanging around the home, curling up in front of a fire, throwing on over a bathing suit at the beach house and drinking a cold one, but no where else. Velour and terry are not forgiving fabrics to a woman’s curves, and often adds bulk to your frame. They are tacky, glorified versions of pajamas and do not belong in any stylish woman’s wardrobe.

4. One should not provide free advertising on their chest. When you wear those brand names emblazoned on your bust, do you realize you are paying a company to advertise for them? Logoed clothing may be fashionable, and may prove to the world that you can afford brand names, but it is never ever stylish. A stylish woman never shows off her income, she does not buy clothing to prove her worth, she wears clothing to show her personality, her sense of style and to flatter her frame. To spend quintuple the amount of a Hanes tee shirt to get one with a “cool” name ironed on the front (or Bedazzled instead) makes no sense financially or fashion-wise.

5. Every woman should get re-measured for a bra every year. Age happens, gravity happens, weight fluctuates with the seasons and your breasts change. Do yourself a favor – nothing makes your shape look better than a supportive and well-fitting bra. Get measured by a qualified person (the girls in Victoria’s Secret are not as skilled as though in high-end department stores), buy bras that cover enough of the breast to give smooth lines (no quad-boob) and baby your bras so they last and stay in great condition (hand wash or wash on the gentle cycle in a lingerie bag, allow to air dry). Who cares what you’re wearing if your breasts are sagging, misshaped, dented and you have dents in your shoulders and back from a poorly-fitting bra?

6. You must control your roots. This is being written with a woman who currently needs a touchup and has a good ¾” worth of roots on her head. I am not talking about the month-late salon visit, I am talking about those of you who decide to grow out highlights or dye jobs just by letting your hair, and your roots grow longer and longer. Your hair is brown to your ears, where it suddenly becomes platinum or auburn or cherry red. The first half of your hair is soft and shiny, the bottom is fried and dry.

I used to be a blonde, and then I decided the upkeep wasn’t worth it and I looked better as a brunette. The last thing I wanted to do with my delicate bleached tresses was to add more ammonia and peroxide to them with brown dye, but I didn’t want to look like a skunk. To get the natural hair to grow out, I started with a shorter ‘do, ridding myself of the fried ends, and found a very gentle hair dye close to my natural color to cover the blonde. Back in the 90s I could find a wash-out color that didn’t strip the already stressed-out strands and gave an even tone until I could rid myself of all the blonde. In this millennium, there were far more options for gentle haircolor, and I found a couple different products to do good coverage until my regular trims rid me of the old hair.

Long hair isn’t pretty when it’s striped, stripped and fried. You don’t feel feminine with shorter hair? Well you don’t look too feminine with that trashy rats nest either. Healthy and shorter is better than long and grody.

7. Silver eyeshadow is banned for non-theatrical situations. Night club? Fabulous. You’re a dancer? Great. You work at MAC? Awesome. Silver shadow is great for a dramatic effect. You’re going to work? Nononononono. This also goes for that metallic white shadow too, ladies.

Silver or shimmery white shadow on your brow bone does not make you look as though you have whiter eyes, better bone structure, or a better talent with the shadow brush. It makes you look like a drag queen. Again, if you are going for the dramatic, then this is a great choice. If you are going to the mall, this isn’t the right choice.

I know many of you think your soft white shadow with the hint of healthy shimmer is a great highlighter – all the magazines have told you. You apply it with your sponge applicator in your bathroom or dimly-lit bedroom mirror and love the effect. Then you are hit with sunlight, fluorescent bulbs and every day normal lighting that looks as though you have gilded eyebrows. It is not natural or flattering in any way, shape or form. It’s about as flattering as dark lip liner with light lip gloss.

8. Tanning beds should be illegal. I have used my fair share of tanning beds. In college I applied to three different tanning salons hoping to get a job there and a discount for my addiction. I went tanning several times a week; I found it relaxing and I loved how I didn’t need to wear foundation. I felt that being tan made me look slimmer and sexy.

As mentioned before, I worked in a shop that sold sweatshirts and beer mugs for frat boys and sorority girls (maybe I wasn’t tan enough to work at the salons for they never called me back). My boss was like a second father to me, and we discussed how someday after I graduate I could buy him out so he could retire on his boat. He loved the outdoors, fishing and boating and weekends at the beach and loved sharing these experiences with his kids and friends. He died of melanoma my graduation year.

Studies have proven that the rays in tanning beds are addictive. They have made tanning beds without those addictive rays and had people visit them, not informing of the difference. These people went through similar withdrawal symptoms to those on drugs. Kinda scary, huh?

Super dark tans are not sexy, and they are not stylish. Bed tans look different from sunshine tans (that are also dangerous); they are a bit too even, unless you don’t change positions and then you get the tell-tale white streaks under the arms and between the legs. Your nails turn yellow, your eyes get damage, you turn an unnatural shade of terracotta. Oh, and you put yourself at super scary risk for cancer.

I love the sun, I love the beach, and though I know it’s bad, I love the look of some color on my skin. Nothing is more enjoyable than 30 minutes in that glowing coffin after a hard day at work, listening to great music and having a short moment where I don’t think, I don’t work, I don’t do anything but relax. I have been there, and I understand but the long term effects – wrinkled skin, loss of elasticity, age spots, pronounced stretch marks, and the chance of cancer and death makes that bit of brown now seem a bit of a bad beauty decision.

9. Crunchy hair is a thing of the past. In my senior yearbook photo, I have auburn curls that catch the light… due to the immense amount of gel on them. I would take an egg-size glob of pink goo and distribute it through my hair, scrunching with a diffuser until I ended up with a head full of crispy plastic waves and ringlets. I would then spray up the front of my head for a beautiful waterfall that I would hold in place with several minutes of misting from my aerosol can of hairspray. I had great hair… for the early 90s.

If you hair looks wet but it really isn’t, you’re using the wrong products. If your hair cracks when you squeeze a handful, you’re using the wrong products. If a passer-by is blinding from light bouncing off your mane, you’re using the wrong products.

Modern technology has brought us the iPhone, and also a whole slew of amazing products to add volume, tame frizz, separate curls and add shape and texture to your hair without looking fake. Companies like Naturally Curly (http://www.naturallycurly.com/) and Ouidad (http://www.ouidad.com/) are geared toward helping women manage their curls in a sexy, healthy way. Shelves in drug stores and salons are lined with lotions, pastes and liquids that help control hair while keeping it soft. Google your hair type and issues, and you will find a bevy of websites and message boards with women having the same plight and offering suggestions and reviews on what worked for them.

10. A ban would be placed on visible undergarments. I know I mentioned wrong bra colors above, but this is for the actual bra (or underwear) showing outside of the clothing. Regular bras with racerback tanks, lowrise jeans with visible thongs, spaghetti strap tops with normal bras, purposeful strap visibility (the strap may be clear, pink, lace, beaded or jeweled… it is still a bra strap) would all be illegal.

There is a difference between being trendy and being stylish. Celebs may show their bra straps, but fashonistas would not. It may be trendy to buy decorative bra straps for your convertible bras to make that pesky strap seem purposeful or fun. It’s neither, it’s tacky. If your bra is showing, either change your shirt or change your bra. Pin the straps to the inside of the garment if they slip out the armholes. Invest in those little bands for the back of the bra that make a traditional bra more racerback and hidden under cut-out tops. Have in your collection strapless and convertible bras to work with the more creatively designed items in your wardrobe. There are ways to wear current styles and not have your undergarments on display. What would Jackie or Audrey or Grace do if they were around today? Whatever they would be doing, it wouldn’t be with visible undergarments, that’s for sure.

Now, as I said in the beginning, rules are often meant to be broken. If you have great short hair that you like to wear in a wet-look fingerwave, then a gallon of Dippidy-Do is a wise choice for your wish list. You have a flair for the dramatic, silver eyeshadow may be your signature look. You love rock and roll so put another dime in the jukebox baby? White tanks with black bras can be a fabulous look for your lifestyle. But most likely if you have this defined look, you aren’t reading this blog for advice. You are already a fashionista in your own right, confident about your personal style. But for those who are confused, seeing all sorts of crazy fashion on celebs and in magazines and not sure how to translate them into real life on real bodies with real budgets, then this is to you, my dears. Fashion does not equal style. What is worn by a rich or famous person is not always attractive, smart or stylish. Style is considering your body, your style and your life and expressing it through appropriately chosen garments and accessories. Look at yourself in the mirror… does your reflection represent you appropriately?

Thursday

Teal jersey dress from Proenza Schouler for Target, silver hoops from the Icing, silver cuff, leopard print peep toe heels from BCBGirls.

Hair is washed and conditioned, Sexy Curly Hair's Curl Power added while damp and dried with a diffuser halfway, and allowed to air dry the rest of the way. Unruly pieces hit with a curling iron, and then set with Sebastian Shaper Spray.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match in W4-5, Body Shop bronzing powder in light as powder, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on apples of the cheeks. Eyes is Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, chocolate in crease and along both lash lines. Lashes curled thanks to Shu Eumura and two coats of Lash Factor's Lash Perfection in black applied. On lips is Body Shop's Liquid Lip Color in Sparkling Pink.

As for the bathroom, hopefully pictures on tomorrow as that I returned the hand towels and bathmat for replacements. Decided hand towels in the wall color were a better choice, and got a bath mat with a rubber backing. But I think I like it, if the curtain isn't completely shut. Completely shut, it is a wall of zebra and a bit intense in such a small space. But the room looks revived and fresh and bright!

Feeling Semi-Rich

I hate making online returns. Even though I have a UPS store a block from my office and these days almost all retailers have postage-paid sticky return labels in their packaging, I still put it off, and put it off and put it off.

A couple of weeks ago when my tire blew out on 95, I had to dig through my trunk to get to the spare, and then take out all personal effects to leave my car at the auto body place for the weekend. I ended up filing my husband's entire back seat of his car with returns I have been carting around, meaning to send back.

my husband is out of town the majority of this week for a photo shoot, which gives me some quiet time to get things done around the house. This morning before work I tackled these returns that moved from his car to a corner of my home office.

You know my wardrobe, and you know that I love Nordstrom. Nine times out of ten, if I mention a brand that doesn't have it's own store in a mall, it's a brand I got at Nordstrom online. they carry petites, they carry lots of sizes, they have a great return policy and some killer sales once and again. Well I went through this pile and found a lot of Nordstrom items, but not a lot of Nordstrom packing slips. I went to the website, and they have an Order history going back to early 2005 of what I have purchased, the original price, the Order Number, and whether it had been returned, etc.

I decided to write a letter to Nordstrom returns, and in it made a chart of what I was returning - the Description, Price, Status (if there is an enclosed packing slip, or if it was on my Nordstrom Card and the Order Number), and the Reason for Return. I had a concealer brush from Bobbi Brown that I mistakenly got when trying to order TooFaced mascara, the calf-length dress I wore last week - originally bought the XL which was too big and didn't return, ordered the L which fit but end of the day noticed that a seam was completely unraveled on the bottom layer of the skirt. I returned my Velvet torch dress that when washed according to the instructions, got weird hard fuzz balls on it and faded insanely so. Royal blue patent peep toes that seemed so awesome, but as that I have hardly worn my red ones, don't really need. Two different Spanx that I bought with good intentions, but love my digestive system too much to wear, a bra that claims to be 36D but fits more like a 32B, a suit that I had kicking around still in plastic and the box at the bottom of my closet for far too long... next thing I know I have a dozen items listed and it totaled at almost $1,000.00!

OH

MY

GOSH

I have had that much money sitting in my house collecting dust? Are you KIDDING ME? It almost made me ill, but then it made me giddy with excitement. that total will pay off my Nordstrom card AND send me a refund check for a nice amount! I then collected up the total misses I ordered from Victoria's Secret (why why WHY do I torture myself with that crappy place?) and that was another $120 going back to my checking account. Both were shipped out today. I still have a thing or two to send back to J. Crew and then I will be FREE!

So I went shopping.

Nope, no clothes this time. For the house. I am hosting a cookout at my house next week for the 4th of July. I decided to invite almost everyone I know. I have a very very small home (we're talking 600 SF of cute Historic living space) but I have a deck and a decent sized yard and some common space outside my front yard that is welcome to be used (my neighbors borrow picnic tables from the town and host monthly Senior Socials there). So I figure, why not? I send an Evite to about 60 people, many who have never been to my house, many I have not seen in a long time and then I go into a panic. I start doing things like sending out the pile of returns, washing ceiling fans, touching up chipped paint and going bonkers with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Then I look at the bathroom.

My house was built in the 30s; the kitchen looks as though it was remodeled in the early 90s (think white laminate with oak trim, white ceramic tile floor), but the bathroom hasn't seen much in regard to remodel. There is almost-white tile up to chest-height in the main area, and 2' from the ceiling in the shower surround (I say almost-white because it has a weird pinkish-purpely tinge to it). Tub has a curved side, regular rod, pretty basic though in major need of a reglaze. Sink reminds me of a school bathroom - sticking out from the wall, no cabinet or pedestal below, exposed pipes. Standard medicine cabinet that is stained yellow inside from age. Standard toilet, with a seat with cool silver hardware, but scuffed and chipped from time. Cute little cabinet hanging above toilet we put in last year, boring light fixture over crappy medicine cabinet. And the walls? Textured like stucco that we planned to paint a washed-out aqua like the ocean but ended up glossy bright turquoise. We tried to work with the turquoise with a white shower curtain sporting circles in the same shade, a hint lighter, brown and lime. Complimenting striped bathmat and some lime green hand towels.

It has been several months and I HATE the shower curtain. I feel as though I am peeing in a circus tent.

A couple months ago I am trollign through Target and I see a zebra-printed shower curtain. How utterly cute! With the turquoise walls and the white tile everywhere, it could be a fun contrast. i tell my husband, he tells me I am on crack for I have a very lovely curtain from Linens N things that still has the packing creases in it. I sadly agree and leave the shower curtain at Target.

then with this party panic, I remember that shower curtain. THIS CURTAIN will take my bathroom from gaudy to ironic, cheesy to hip. I go to Target yesterday on a mission for that shower curtain (and an album frame to replace the one my husband knocked off the wall last month, shattering the glass, but luckily not the album that sports my dad and ex-wife as the models circa 1968 as gypsies). No curtain, no frame, but I do get a new kitchen trash can and toilet seat and shower curtain liner.

I go home that night, thinking Fate has stepped in and decided I really do not need the shower curtain. People love me for me, not my bathroom. If it's clean, that's all that matters.

Then today I am sitting at my desk and I start feeming for that shower curtain again. there's another Target just a few miles from work, it wouldn't hurt to pop in at lunch. I still need to replace that frame...

They have the curtain,a dn it's the LAST ONE LEFT. It is meant to be, that shower curtain! I grab it and throw it in my basket.

Hmmm... now I need a new bathmat. I think another bright would be cool, like a cobalt blue. I search the aisles, but only find mats in white, muted hues and soft pastels. None are right. I leave Target with the shower curtain, some cups and plates for the cookout and head straight to Linens and Things next door.

what is it with bath mats, anyway? I can find towels in orange, hot pink, turquoise and neon green, but can find bathmats only in colors they paint insane asylums. I end up grabbing one in black because I figure it won't show too much dirt, and it at least matches. Grab two bright blue hand towels and find that though target no longer carries album frames, Linens N Things does and I leave feeling complete.

And guilty.

Do I REALLY need this stuff?

I am glad my husband is away tonight. My plan is to switch out the bathroom stuff, see if I fall utterly in love, and if not, will return it all tomorrow. In my head, it looks awesome. I switch out the photos in the frames on the wall that my husband took in Mexico with stark black and white shots he has taken around town. The black and white of the prints, the frames and mattes, the curtain against the cool brights of the towels and walls will be so awesome.

If it is actually awesome, I will share photos of my little old bathroom. If it is not, well then I will feel even more rich when I return it all tomorrow!

Wednesday

Olive linen puff sleeved shift dress from Old Navy, silver hoops from The Icing, silver cuff bracelet, leopard print peeptoe heels from BCBGirls.

Hair is second day, hit with a curling iron in a few places, hand-combed and then a bit of BioSilk added to it.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint applied to cheeks and lightly to nose and forehead, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lids, olive in crease and along lash lines. Max factor's Lash Perfection in black applied to curled lashes, on lips is Body Shop's Liquid Lip Color in Sparkling Pink.

Just have to share that I am going to meet Toya from the Life of a Ladybug on tomorrow! I adore her blog, and though we have lived relatively near one another all this time, have never had the chance to meet. You KNOW I will be posting pictures of our encounter! Yay, so excited!

Tuesday

Teal cotton babydoll top from Old Navy, black "drew" trousers from the Limited, black leather thong heels from Mossimo, silver hoops from The Icing, silver necklace from Ann Taylor Loft, silver cuff bracelet.

Hair washed and allowed to air dry with a bit of Sexy Curly Hair's Curl Power sprayed into it. Still damp when the picture was taken. After work, i hit it in a few frizzy places with a curling iron before I went out to dinner.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in neutral khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lids, and then body Shop's eye color in peacock green in crease and along lash lines. Max Factor's Lash Perfection in black on curled lashes. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in pink Afterglow.

Adjusting the Uniform

Tastes change. Suddenly you like Thai food, when a couple years ago you didn’t like it. You used to love soda, but now you find it too sweet. The pink bathroom you adored is now irritating you and you are considering repainting it taupe.

It happens. Life happens, and with it experiences. You grow, you change with each event in your life. It makes you a fuller and more experienced person, and your wardrobe should adapt accordingly.

The staples I have should be basic enough that they can work year after year, no matter how your interests lie. However the rest of your wardrobe – the pieces and accessories that complete your wardrobe and add your personal spin on the clothes… they will change. They SHOULD change.

Yesterday I was putting away clean laundry and I realized my pant/jeans drawer seemed unusually full. I pulled everything out and realized under my regular worn trousers and denim were a couple denim skirts. I have a dark one with a hint of stretch, an ivory one with tan stitching, a black one I got for $4 at Old Navy and a “vintage” one that I distressed myself. Last summer these were wardrobe staples for me; worn to work with a blazer and tank, to run errands with a tee and sandals, out with friends with a fun top and heels. No matter the season, I wore a denim skirt at least once a week. Now? Now they are getting creased from the weight of other regularly worn items in their place.

What changed my taste? Denim skirts are still popular and versatile. My body shape hasn’t changed drastically, I have the same job and the same social life. However something in the past couple of months has made me less of a denim skirt person. Now I favor lightweight trousers and flowing skirts to rigid denim lines. Not sure why, but it happened. Two years ago I lived in blazers and now you only see me in one for a client meeting. Now I am wearing fuller skirts that were practically collecting dust in the back of my closet the past couple of years. I used to be known for my fingers full of chunky silver and stone rings, but once I got engaged, I felt only the need for my wedding set on my hands.

Tastes change – one year you believe your signature look is red lipstick, a year later you find it too harsh. You have worn blonde highlights for a decade, but now crave something warmer and more subtle. You get married, you move, you have a baby, you get a new job. As with all other aspects of your life, it is important to adjust to change, let your life experiences help mold you.

So what do you do with the blazers, jade earrings and denim skirts in your wardrobe?

1. Keep Them. If they are in great condition, you still find them attractive, but they don’t seem to be “you” right now, then pack them away for a bit. Hang them at the back of the closet or put in the attic for a season. Often you will fall for them again. I had a large green stone ring I bought in the late 90s and used to wear daily. Once I got engaged I didn’t think it looked good near my “good” rings and it ended up taking up regular real estate in my jewelry box. Suddenly this past winter, I desired a ring on my right hand. I had a lot of green clothing, and this ring seemed to complete my looks. Out came the ring into regular rotation. I recently did this with a navy blazer – it fit, it looked great but didn’t seem to fit my style for a while. I hung it in the back of the closet and one day when I was feeling a bit more preppy, pulled it out to make a great outfit. However if it comes to be a year and you still don’t “feel” the item, consider giving it a better home.
2. Donate. Sure, there are Goodwills and Value Villages in many towns, but sometimes it’s nice to give to lesser-known charities that may need your garments more. Dress for Success (http://www.dressforsuccess.org/supportdfs.aspx) is a charity that helps disadvantaged women get the right wardrobe to help them find jobs and take charge of their lives. Organizations such as The Princess Project (http://www.princessproject.org/princess/) and Operation Fairy Dust (http://www.operationfairydust.org/) will take your old bridesmaid and formal dresses and give them a new life to a young girl who may not be able to enjoy her prom without it. My friend donated a few Little Black Dresses and her first wedding’s gown to the local high school’s theater department and saw two different performances where the garments were put to good use.
3. Hold a Garment Swap Party. A pitcher of mojitos, a little bit of finger food, and a garment rack is all you need. Invite your girlfriends over, and ask everyone to bring five items that are in stellar condition but just don’t seem right for them anymore. It could be clothing, also could be purses and other accessories. One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure! One night with your friends can end up transforming your wardrobe for the better!
4. Visit your Tailor. This summer, I have been shortening a ton of my dresses. I get sick of something, I have a few inches hacked off. Suddenly a conservative work dress has a second life as a flirty sundress for weekend outings. I have made ¾ sleeved pieces sleeveless and taken boring pieces and put them back into regular rotation with a slight adjustment. Add a grosgrain ribbon to the outside seam of black trousers for a tuxedo look, have some ornate black lace peeking out of the sleeve hems and the back of the collar of an old ivory blazer and switch up the buttons with something glitzy. Cuff your boring old jeans and pair them with some red heels for a pin-up look, use contrast stitching and crop an old jacket and shorten the sleeves. Amazing how some bric-a-brac and thread can make old things look new (and often times more expensive!).
5. Don’t Freak Out. Losing one item temporarily from your wardrobe will not cost you a bundle. Adjusting your wardrobe to your personality will not put you in the poor house if you go about it the right way. We all get sick of black pants, the same boots, the same coat but often our desire for new is not about the garment, but something else in your life. Do you NEED new clothes, or do you just desire change in your life? We often use clothing as a reason to hate ourselves, and berate ourselves. Yes, people do see what you are wear and whether we like it or not, judge you by your appearance. However the only one who knows those black pants are three years old and worn twice a week is YOU. If you are “over” a certain garment, then give it a mini vacation. Put it in the back of your closet and give it a couple weeks of rest. Then try it again. You may be amazed at how differently you will feel when you try it on again with a different perspective.

Now, if you still feel it is wrong, then consider removing it from the collection or replacing it. This does not mean you have a Fashion Emergency and need to rush immediately to the mall – take your time in finding a worthy replacement. The world will not end if you wear the same pants three days in a row, a faded sweater with a hole in the hem, or shoes that just don’t have a “now” heel. It is far worse to spend your money thoughtlessly and end up with more wardrobe mistakes.

You know how sometimes you go in people’s houses and it seems they are stuck in the 1970s? Cheap wood paneling, shag carpet, avocado-colored appliances and mirror tiles with gold veins through them. You wonder why they haven’t made small adjustments over the years to keep up with the times. Well your wardrobe will need occasional updates as well. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and grab the same exact thing that Victoria Beckham is sporting (please, no) but to be aware of your surroundings, your life, your feelings and interests and as your mind and outlook adapts to them, so should your wardrobe. And like a home from the 70s, it is far easier to make tiny modifications over time as things catch your eye, then to do a major overhaul all at once.

Monday

Navy stretch cotton v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, white stretch poplin trousers from Caslon (asked the dry cleaner to put a crease down the front to elongate the leg), white bead necklace from my Mom, silver cuff bracelet. Brown croco peep-toe heels from BCBGirls.

Hair is second day, blown straight with a round brush while dry. Small amount of Brilliant brunette's Shine Shock to the ends since today is chance of rain and terribly humid.

Makeup is L'Oreal true Match concealer in W4-5, Body Shop bronzing powder in Light as powder, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the apples of the cheeks. Body Shop lip color in Clover Pink. Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lids. Lashes curled, Max Factor Lash Perfection mascara in black applied twice. Later in the day I added Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow over the lipstick.

Sunday

Took my father-in-law to lunch to celebrate a belated Father's Day. We went to a casual barbecue joint that is a favorite of his. After we ran a few errands and then watched the US/Mexico soccer game on TV with him.

Green and white jersey dress from H&M (recently shortened), silver cuff, silver hoops from The Icing, black "Sandy" flops from Reef.

Hair was washed, conditioned and allowed to air dry.

Makeup is Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Smashbox Softlights in Tint, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - khaki on lids. Lashes curled, Max Factor Lash Perfection in black. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow.

Saturday

Music festival in Annapolis with friends.

Black tee shirt dress by Jones New York, silver cuff, jade and turquoise necklace from Mexico, black Reef "Sandy" flip flops, cheap aviator sunglasses from a mall kiosk. When it got hot, I pushed up the dress sleeves.

Hair washed, conditioned and allowed to air dry. Small amount of Brilliant Brunette Shine Shock on the ends.

Makeup is Body Shop Bronzing Powder in Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - khaki on lids. Lashes curled, Max Factor Lash Perfect in black. Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow.

My friend came back from the beer stand and told me that Matthew Matthew McConaughey was seen at the festival. Well he has been seen in Annapolis before, so I believed he was correct and got excited. We decided to go find him and get our picture taken with him. After searching for 15 minutes we find "Matthew," a guy that was NOT the actor and didn't even look much like him at all. My friend apologized about the mistake and we had a good laugh. Later in the day, we saw him sitting at a picnic table and I felt it would be funny to get my photo with "Matthew."

Friday

Coral gauzy peasant top by Lily, Provocateur jeans by Joe's Jeans, black leather thong heels by Mossimo, two coral glass chip necklaces.

Hair washed, conditioned and then a bit of Sexy Curly Hair's Curl Power applied while damp. Allowed to air dry.

Makeup is Body Shop Bronzing Powder in Light as powder, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - the khaki light on the lids. Lashes curled, Max Factor Lash Perfection in black applied. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow.

Thursday

Black fine jersey (very sheer, double layer) surplice-neck 3/4 sleeve dress from Lily (on sale at Nordstrom), black snakeskin peep toe heels from BCBGirls, long gold chain from Express.

Hair was washed, conditioned, a bit of Sexy Curly Hair's Curl Power added while damp, dried with a diffuser and crunchy and straight pieces hit with a curling iron.

Makeup is Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Body Shop Lip and Cheek Tint on the lips with Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Shine that Pink over it. On cheeks is Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint. Eyes, no shadow, just lashes curled and two coats of Max Factor Lash Perfection in black and a thick line of Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line.

Wednesday

Black tee shirt dress from Jones New York, shell and wood necklaces from my mom, black leather thong heels from Mossimo, gold hoops and bangles from The Icing.

Hair is second day, brushed out.

Makeup is Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on the cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral khakis - khaki on the lids. lashes curled and Max Factor Lash Perfection in Black added twice. Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line. On lips is Victoria's Secret lipgloss in Strawberry Fizz.

Tuesday

What a difference a day makes! Look, I am HUMAN again! A bit browner, a bit slimmer (thank you Bonnaroo for making me walk so much!), tons more freckles, but back to Corporate Allie.

When I got home last night I saw the retail gods were shining down on me, leaving a package of $14.99 cotton sweaters from the Banana Republic sale, and jeans and fabu shoes from the Nordstrom sale. Good thing since I didn't feel like doing laundry!

Black cotton v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, stretch "Provocateur" jeans from Joe's Jeans, black snakeskin peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, silver hoops from The Icing, silver bracelet.

Hair was washed and conditioned the night before, a bit of BioSilk added while wet and allowed to air dry while sleeping. This morning a few bed-head pieces were tamed with a curling iron.

Makeup is Body Shop bronzing powder in Light at a powder, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on the apples of my cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - khaki on lid, olive in crease and along lash lines. lashes curled and Max Factor's Lash Perfection in black applied. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Shine That Pink. Few spritzes of Burberry London so I feel more like a girly girl and less like the dirty hippie I was 24 hours prior.

Thursday through Monday

Wednesday we drove from DC to Bristol, TN to stay overnight with relatives of my friend.

Thursday we arrived at Bonnaroo, a four-day music festival where we camped.

No running water except well water in troughs.
Porta-potties
No A/C
No electricity
Drought situation in Tennessee creating an INSANE amount of dust
Every day hot and dry and no shade to be had

This does not make for a fashionable time, though i saw many women attempting to sport heels, foundation, hair styles and cute looks.

Not me, I didn't look at my reflection until we stopped at a Cracker Barrel for late breakfast on the drive home on Monday.

Anyway, in regard to what I wore:
Wednesday - on the ride down I sported my camo cargo shorts from Old Navy, a white ribbed tank from Old Navy and an aqua tissue-weight long-sleeved hoodie tee also from Old Navy. On my feet were Reef Sandy flops in black. Hair was allowed to air dry, just a bit of lip gloss and mascara. On neck the whole trip is a jade and other stone necklace my husband got me when he was in Mexico.

Thursday - The ride down. We planned to arrive around noon, but got stuck in line until dinner time. Wore a green surplice-top tank from Victoria's Secret, denim cutoffs that were Gap gauchos last summer, Reef Sandy flops, hair air-dried, mascara and lip gloss. That night I slipped on a hoodie from Gap in the shade of hibiscus.

Here is a picture of our awesome campsite after being set up. Thanks to a message board I found about Bonnaroo, we were well prepared with tarps, coolers, ice and chairs. Our neighbors (yellow tent beyond our camp) didn't have shade or ice and ended up being camp mates most of the trip.

Friday - Brown cotton babydoll sundress from Old Navy with an ivory and orange floral pattern. Under it I wore a bikini top and wicking bike shorts from KMart (whoever recommended these is WONDERFUL! These were short enough to hide under short dresses, they made chafing a thing of the past, they weren't sweaty, I could sit cross-legged without embarrassment... they ROCK! I will be wearing them all summer). on feet were purple Crocs. I wore my hair down after washing it at a trough of well-water but it was too hot so it went up in two pigtails and I protected my scalp with a white bandanna. The cherry on top were my cheap aviator sunglasses and my yellow Camelbak. Stylin' and profilin'!

Friday night got cool, I hung out at the campsite with black yoga pants under my dress and the same hoodie over it.

Saturday - Another hot day. Navy jersey babydoll dress (or is it supposed to be a beach coverup?) from Old Navy, same Crocs, and fresh pair of bike shorts. my hair was held up with a turquoise and royal gauzy print shawl/scarf with mirrors that I got many moons ago in some boutique. later in the day it was used as a sun protector, and when it got cool at the campsite, became a shawl. When it got too hot, I wet the scarf and wrapped around my head or over my legs while sitting, and used a cotton... something that my mom got me in Africa as a sun shade (the Africa blanket also worked as a nice ground cover, sun shade at camp and probably would have been a cute sarong).

That night got cool, I put on a vintage tee I got from some guy, and some camo cargo cropped pants with embroidery on the leg from Express circa like 2000.

Sunday - Last day of music. My camo cargo shorts from the ride down, coral ribbed tank from Old Navy, berry ribbed tank from Old Navy, Crocs and bandannas. This day the bandanna was mainly over my face to prevent inhaling any more dust. When it wasn't there it was protecting the weird fist-sized spot of sunburn I got on my neck the day prior. We slathered ourselves in SPF 50 and then SPF 30 the whole time and none of us got a bad burn. Funny thing - spray sunscreen ate away our plastic wristband for the festival. The writing went from white to tan and then the glitter started coming off onto my arm.

That night, I just slipped on my hoodie to stay warm.

Must say the Crocs were PERFECT. They didn't cause blisters, my feet didn't royally hurt until Sunday, sprinkle a bit of Gold Bond powder overnight and they didn't get wet or sticky. Also easy to slip off an dance around during performances!

Monday - Ride home. Had outfits, but put on the vintage tee and camo pants because it's as comfy as pajamas and we had a long car ride in front of us. Again washed my hair via trough and let it air-dry. this was the beautiful result. I thought it looked beachy, and then caught my reflection and saw it looked more like greasy dreads. Nice.

When I got home I took an hour-long shower. I shaved everywhere, washed twice and exfoliated head to toe. Boy that was the best shower EVER! I realized I wasn't as tan as I thought, it was all dirt!

What I learned:

• There is no "right" outfit unless it's comfortable, can handle being dirty and sweaty.
• Cotton is my best friend. And this is not cotton jersey, but the stiff traditional type. That non-flattering brown babydoll was the BEST outfit I took the whole trip.
• After 24 hours in this situation, anyone who still cares about their appearance is NOT having fun.
• You can never have enough bandannas - for your head to cover dirty hair or protect your scalp, as a dust mask, wet it to cool your brown or neck, tie around neck to prevent sunburn, even tie things together and use it to find people in a crowd.
• I overpack, even when I am camping.

Product Reviews:

• Certain Dri - if you have a sweating issue, BUY THIS STUFF. I sweat like a pig all year round and bought this stuff for my wedding day, but stopped using it when the bottle ran out. I started using this again about a month ago and it's wonderful. No fear of sweat marks, smelling, feeling sticky or icky. you can find it at Target or CVS, usually on the bottom shelf of the deodorants. After four days with only quick washing at a trough, I didn't stink of BO thanks to Certain Dri.
• Victoria's Secret Too Sexy Nourishing Shampoo - I got a sample with a gift set this year and took it as my shampoo because it was small, smelled nice and had a sturdy bottle that wouldn't pop open all over my luggage. It smelled a bit too nice - I felt like a walking Victoria's Secret store, all their perfumes jumbled into one. the smell actually made me a bit ill in the heat. I didn't use a conditioner because of the circumstances, it did a decent job of detangling on it's own. However, this should be left to long flowing sun-kissed Gisele tresses, not greasy dreads of Bonnaroo.
• Body Shop's Tea Tree Cleansing Wipes - Gosh these were awesome. Tea Tree is an antiseptic and deodorizer and not too drying, so these were a perfect choice for quick cleaning. In the nether regions they kept things fresh, they cleansed my face without overdrying, I rubbed them on mosquito bites to soothe the itch, and used them to wash my hands and even feet throughout the trip. No rinsing necessary, these are a great go-to item!

Tuesday

Last day of work before vacation! I have dry cleaning to pick up but have put off because I need the $ for the trip, and all my casual stuff is packed and ready to go so it's slim pickings. Let's add I spent the whole AM playing with my iPod...

Navy linen blend camp shirt from Merona for Target, tan stretch poplin trousers from Caslon, gold bracelet and hoops from The Icing, gold necklace from Express (shortened a bit with the clasp), leather thong heels from Mossimo for Target.

Hair was washed, conditioned and allowed to air dry, with a small amount of BioSilk. Trying to prep it for several says without hair tools.

Makeup is Bare Escentuals mineral foundation in Fairly Light, Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on apples of cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, olive in crease and along lash lines. Max Factor's Lash Fabulous in black on lashes, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow.

Monday

Teal jersey dress by Proenza Schouler for Target, leopard peep toe heels from BCBGirls, gold bracelets and hoops from the Icing.

Hair is second day, a few pieces curled and touched up with Brilliant Brunette Finishing Cream.

Makeup is Bare Escentuals mineral foundation in Fairly Light, Body Shop bronzing powder in Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in tint on apples of the cheeks. Eyes is Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, and then the Body Shop's Peacock Green shadow in crease and along lash lines. Lashes curled, Max Factor's Lash Perfection in black added, lips is Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Strawberry Fizz.

Friday

I think the reason I am flustered is because my mind is elsewhere - on my trip next week (I will be gone Wednesday - Monday but do know I will return with plenty of photos!). I am going to Bonnaroo, a four-day music festival in Tennessee where you are camping, there are no regular showers and toilets and it's a 12-hour drive just to get there. It's managing proper clothing, toiletries, food, frozen bottles of water, tents, dogsitters, sunscreen, road maps and playlists on my iPod (priorities! a road trip isn't a road trip without great music!).

So each morning I wake up and try to accomplish one Bonnaroo-specific task. It may be going in the attic to get camping gear, or collecting my Roo-worthy clothing to pack. This morning I did laundry (and last night) ensuring everything except delicates are clean. I then worked on getting all my music in order (it's a paid, my iTunes was on my work laptop and then it crashed so I had to get my music from my iPod to my home computer and then all the stuff I had collected on my husband's laptop and still had in my email... now I am music-obsessed and cannot wait for the trip!

Anyway, the completion of the laundry last night and this morning let me breathe a bit easier.

Yesterday I walked at lunch - 2.2 miles and realized I got some color. Due to bare Escentuals it was predominately on my chest and arms, but the cheeks have a bit of a flush. it made me ready for the TN hot sun, and today I wanted to wear something breezy (and try out the boy's boxer briefs I bought for the festival to wear under skirts to prevent chafing).

Royal blue ribbed scoop-neck tee from American Apparel, black and ivory print knit skirt from Rachel Palley, gold hoops from the Icing, and gold bangles from there as well. I am wearing my black Target leather thong heels, but had left them at work (accidentally left my tennies on post-walk for the rest of the work day and went home in them instead of my heels) so in the pic I am wearing Reef flip flops.

Hair is rinsed with conditioner, dried with a paddle brush and a bit of Brilliant Brunette finishing cream added when dry.

makeup is Bare Escentuals mineral foundation in Fairly Light, Smashbox Soft Lights in Tint on the apples of the cheeks, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral khakis - ivory in inner corners and along brow bone, khaki light on the lids. Lashes curled and Max factor's Lash Perfection in black applied. Thin line of Maybelline Ultra Liner in black to top lash line. on lips is the Body Shop's Lip Color in Plum.

Obviously, I left my camera in the car, hence the headshot in the driver's seat and the body shot in the elevator (snapped it fast between floors so no one saw me).

Beating the Heat and Still Looking Chic

It’s hard to look your best when the elements are battling against you. Summer is here, whether or not the calendar admits it. Tomorrow in the Nation’s Capital it is supposed to be more than 90 degrees out, and the humidity just adds to the hot mess.

Hot or cold, arid or humid, we can look our best. Here’s a few tidbits to beat the heat and still be calm, cool and collected:

Change your hair, not your life
Nothing is more awful than lots of hair products on a hot sweaty day. The loveliest of coifs become a gummy mess with just a bit of sunshine, and the feeling is heavy and yucky on your scalp and neck. It’s really hard to fight nature, especially this time of year so consider altering your look for the summer months.

My hair is neither curly nor wavy – it requires hot tools to get it one way or another. In the winter, I can have a great straight shaggy cut or a head of ringlets with no problem. When it’s hot out, it’s near impossible to maintain either look. The warmer months encourage everyone to be more relaxed, let your hair relax as well. If your hair naturally wants to part in the middle, let your layers grow and let it part where it desires. Intricate bangs can look awful once damp with sweat, so consider growing them out a bit so they can either tuck behind one ear or get off the brow with a little barrette or a headband. As for the products, try to use as little as possible – people expect flyaways and frizz in the heat – make them work for you by creating a more “beachy” ‘do. My shoulder-length hair is not as hip or polished as I usually like, but I am accepting nature and letting my hair part where it desires, having casual waves accentuated by a bit of styling lotion, and letting the bangs grow so they are shaggy and easily blended with the rest of the head if they get too crazy.

Consider accessories if your hair is beyond control. This season headbands are huge – you can find tons of styles in a multitude of materials; there’s going to be one that fits your personal style and hair. Ponytails can look polished if done correctly; use a comb to ensure the scalp is smooth, and choose simple hair-colored elastics (or wrap the elastic with a bit of your hair) to make it less childish. Barrettes can be kiddie, or they can be chic. As with elastics, consider subtle types to hold back bangs, assist in perfecting the ponytail and adding interest to weather-limp locks.

Modify your makeup routine
Primer, concealer, foundation, powder, blush, highlighter, shadow, mascara, liner, lipstick, gloss… just writing them all down make me weary. Once you hit the blast of heat outside your home, your face will be tired too. Sweat makes most makeup slip and slide and the feeling of makeup on your skin is just as awful come summer as the feeling of styling products on your scalp.

To have great coverage and long-wearing color, consider mineral-based foundations. Bare Escentuals is a well-known line that is practically budge-proof even in the most humid conditions, and still looks and feels natural. There are a multitude of colors to match most skintones, and often the coverage of the foundation is enough that a separate concealer or primer is unnecessary. A great mineral foundation should be able to replace three products in your regular arsenal.

For those who have fresh skin, consider switching to tinted moisturizer or just spot-treatment with concealer to let your skin breathe. This gives a naturally dewy finish that is summer-appropriate.

Dress up in dresses
Nothing is simpler in the summer than to throw on a dress. We are lucky this season because there seems to be a million styles that are popular and flattering to women’s bodies.

The tee-shirt dress has returned and I couldn’t be happier. With heeled sandals and a necklace, it is Business Casual; paired with flip flops it looks right at a cookout or the beach. I have seen great versions at Nordstrom, Lands End and Banana Republic. Since these garments cover your whole body, I recommend babying them more than your favorite tee shirt so they maintain their shape – gentle cycle and line drying should do the trick and consider Woolite Dark or a similar product to keep your black knits dark all summer long.

The wrap dress is still going strong. For summer I have seen them with spaghetti straps, sleeveless, puff sleeves and all sorts of lengths down the arm. Matte jersey is a year-round choice because it dresses up and down, doesn’t wrinkle and doesn’t cling like knits when it’s muggy. Jersey is comfy, and crisp cotton or linen are always classic.

The shift is back en vogue, and it’s a cute style on many figures. An interesting neckline is a must if you are top-heavy so it doesn’t look like a potato sack, and go a bit shorter than usual so the volume doesn’t take over your shape. Stiffer fabrics like linen, canvas, cotton and silk blends will be more breezy in the heat and are more in line with the current fashion.


Less isn’t always more
With the temperature rising, it is tempting to strip down to the bare minimum to beat the heat. I encourage you not to. In regard to practicality, less fabric is not always cooler. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton can add a protective barrier and help keep the skin cool when the rays are on you (think of the clothing worn by those in the Middle east and parts of Africa – they (men and women) are usually wearing garments covering the majority of their body. In regard to looks, no matter how beautiful your body may be, it won’t look chic if it’s scantily clad.

Spaghetti straps are only appropriate for the beach, the cookout or a formal affair. In silk, it’s lovely for a wedding. In jersey, it’s great with a cargo skirt for a party on the back deck. It is never good for work or any other similar setting. A sleeveless shell will keep you just as cool without exposing your entire top-half.

This also goes for strapless, belly-baring tops, short shorts, overly tight pieces, anything that shows more than an eek of cleavage and anything that shows a bra. It doesn’t matter if Carrie Underwood is sporting red straps in her music video, baring your undergarments is NEVER chic. If you don’t own a bra in your wardrobe that will hide under a top, either buy the right bra or don’t buy the top. Panty lines, too-tight garments and visible undergarments are the three things that can take the most stylish and couture item and make it trashy.

Want to feel easy and breezy? Consider flowing pieces. A gauzy kimono-inspired top with capris, a linen shell with matching trousers, a cotton shift in a cheerful color, a sleeveless cotton shirt with crisp twill Bermuda shorts. All of these options can be just as comfortable as a spaghetti-strap tank with a shelf bra and a pair of denim cutoffs.

Accessorize
It’s too hot for a cardigan, a blazer or even a belt, how do you jazz up these simple dresses, linen separates and other summer basics?

With the pants and skirts being shorter, your feet are even more on display. Show your personality with your footwear. A brightly colored sandal will match your wardrobe more than you think – nothing like apple green, canary yellow or classic red to jazz up a black dress, basic khaki shorts or white capris. These bright colors also look great with other colors – pink heels with a green sundress, royal blue flats with a teal babydoll top and jeans, red sandals with a black top and white cotton skirt.

As for the top half, nothing jazzes up simple pieces more than necklaces. Summer is a time to try out the bold beads you shy from the other times of the year. A simple ribbed tank and Bermuda shorts look fun and festive with a red beaded long necklace. Dress up a linen shift with a chunky pendant and coordinating bangle bracelet. Try the wood and plastic baubles – they may seem cheap and cheesy in the cooler months, but seem fun and sunny come this time of year.

Accept your body
So you have knock-knees, heavy arms, no bust, big thighs. That doesn’t mean you have to live in black muumuus all season long. Covering your arms won’t make them disappear, and voluminous long dresses won’t make your thighs disappear and no matter what the books tell you, dressing in all black can often make you look just as large, just in black instead of another hue. By overcompensating for your body with your wardrobe, you spend the summer feeling bad about yourself and looking the way you feel. This doesn’t mean it’s okay to run around town in spandex (see above), but you deserve to feel comfortable and look stylish, no matter what body you live in.

Monochromatic outfits are always chic – a great way to look polished in the summer is to get your tops to match your bottoms. Many stores will sell same-color coordinates in the warmer months because it’s such a great look. A navy tank with a navy linen short-sleeved shirt jacket and pants is breezy and still office-appropriate. Dark red silk-knit shell with the same shade of Bermuda shorts is chic. An olive cotton sleeveless shirt with same shade of cuffed capris can be smashing. Khaki is classic when a feminine-cut of tee is matched with the same shade in a cotton skirt. By making the outfit monochromatic, you can often get away with simpler of pieces, and the eye sees the color, not your waistline or your legs.

Also don’t shy away from white. White can be a very powerful color in the summer. White tops are hard to wear for many skintones, and if a bit too small or sheer, it can make the most expensive top suddenly seem bargain-basement. However a white tank under a jacket or cardigan can add a crispness, and white bottoms (capris, pants, Bermuda shorts and some styles of skirts) take black and brights to a whole new level of chic. Many women feel that white pants will accentuate the negative parts of a lower-half, but if the fabric is sturdy, crisp and the garment’s cut is flattering, white can be surprisingly attractive. Keep the white crisp – twill, cotton, denim are all sturdy enough to prevent show-through and won’t bag and bunch throughout the day. If the style permits, consider ironing a crease down the front of the legs to elongate the body and add a level of sophistication to the look.

If you love your face, play it up with fun hair, a bright pink lipgloss, a great necklace. If your legs are your best feature, take advantage of summer fashion and wear all the skirts, capris and Bermuda shorts your heart desires and jazz them up with fun shoes. You have womanly curves? Don’t fight against them with crisp poplin shorts and shorts. Embrace them with soft knits that float around your frame.

As for swimwear… wear it! I remember one summer a bunch of us girls went to the beach and a friend brought her cousin. This woman was no rail-thin supermodel, but she had a natural and feminine shape. While we all laid out on the beach and frolicked in the surf she sat it out in shorts and a tee shirt, claiming her body was too ugly for swimwear. Do not be imprisoned by your body. Do you stare at people on the beach? You probably give them a glance and then keep going about your business. I know myself that I notice color more than shape. If you hate putting on a swimsuit, then at least make it in your favorite color. A glorious blue or red is perfect for the pool or beach, and you won’t look like the unhappy imperfect woman who hates her body, but a fun-loving lady who is enjoying her day. Either way you look at it, you have the same body. Let your body have fun, people will notice your smile much faster than they will your hips.

Do your homework
Obviously you have internet-access if you are reading this. After reading this get on Google (or the wonderful Good Search) and check out shops online. If you are plus-sized, you are not limited to Wal-Mart and Lane Bryant. There are amazing stores and online boutiques that carry tons of great styles and one that will look perfect on you. If you are very petite, do not walk past the Girls and Boys sections. You will be amazed at what simple pieces you can find there that will fit your frame and cost half the price in the women’s department.

Low on cash? That doesn’t mean you can’t afford quality. Quality can be found at Target, and reasonable prices can be found at the ritziest of boutiques. Look at the stitching, try on a garment before you buy it (or do a fashion show in your home in front of your full length mirror), stay away from the extra embellishments, accessories and prints they seem to feel are musts on plus-sized and many lower brands of clothing. Extra frou-frou makes an item look cheap and dated. Take your time, get reviews from your friends who always seem well dressed and don’t be afraid to return things that seem wrong once home.

Look around you, people watch. Nothing is better than sitting in a mall or at an outdoor café on a busy thoroughfare and watch what people wear and how it looks on them. You learn a lot about yourself and pre-conceived notions about fashion. Think shorts are great? Really look at people in shorts – walking and sitting and standing. Look at people bigger and smaller than you and you will see that shorts (except well-made Bermudas) rarely look good on people. Notice that a woman with your similar build looks cute in a wrap dress, and a woman with your similar build looks awful in a sleeveless poplin shirt tucked into capris. If someone has a to-die for outfit or item, tell her. It will make her day and provide you with information to make your next purchase. Yesterday I was stopped three times about my dress, and every person was thrilled to find out it was less than $30 and from Old Navy. Don’t be afraid to pass out compliments, it may help you hit fashion jackpot!

Dresses by IGIGI and Banana Republic, swimwear by Swimsuits for All, black and white outfit from Talbots.