No White After Labor Day!

So ladies, it’s that time of year. The time where you are expected to stash away those sandals and shorts and suddenly don cable-knit sweaters and cords. Here in the Nation’s Capital it’s around 95 degrees and I have a feeling that come Tuesday the weather wills till be as hot. I can recall Halloweens as a child, sweating to death in my faux-fur cat costume. So of course you aren’t expected to suddenly change to woolens come September 4th, but with the change in the seasons should be a certain change in your fashion outlook. What About White? Many of us were raised with the rule that you never wear white after Labor Day or before Memorial Day. Is this still gospel? Well… it’s kind of hard to answer. A few seasons ago Balenciaga featured white patent shoes for December and many a fashionista has been photographed in a black cashmere turtle with white jeans in the cooler months. This doesn’t mean all white is acceptable. Magazines may show that you can take your gauzy white sundress and make it fall-worthy with dark tights and a turtleneck but we all know that look RARELY works in real life. Take your linen, eyelet and gauze and pack them away until next year. Same with all-white dresses, belts and handbags. The weather may still be sweltering, but the tone has changed. Get through the last few hot weeks of the year with more subdued of colors. As for white shoes, I say unless you can afford the Balenciagas, put them away. Personally, I think the only people who should own a pair of white shoes are nurses, graduates and brides. Tan is a far better color for your summer styles and they don’t have an expiration date. White can easily look cheap or tacky and if you get a scuff, they suddenly go from summery to fugly. So what white can you keep? White tops are okay, as long as they are not strapless, gauzy beachy styles. I think white jeans can work if they aren’t Clorox-pure. A winter white hue, white with tan stitching, these sorts of details make them look seasonless and not a summer leftover. The fashionistas are right – they look chic with a black cashmere turtleneck and boots. White blazers can last another month or so when paired with black or dark denim. A white suit can work in some circles if paired say with a black top and black or printed shoes. White bags are acceptable if they follow the rules of the white jeans – have black or tan stitching and accents or are more ivory or winter white. What is a Summer-Only Dress? Today at lunch I saw a woman enter the restaurant wearing the same Old Navy sundress that I own. It’s cotton with a v-neck, empire waist and full babydoll-inspired skirt. The dress hits both she and me a couple inches above the knee. For me, this dress was worn on weekends with flip flops to barbecues and over a swimsuit at the beach or pool. This woman decided to Fall-erize it with a brown spandex ballet tee and brown leggings under it and russet-hued peeptoe flats. Great shoes and I would love to know who makes that tee, but the outfit was pathetic. She didn’t make that dress appropriate for the shorter and cooler days, she just looked as though she put fall accessories with a very summer dress. Now some summer dresses can transition to fall quite easily. Pieces in black, brown and other dark shades carry over nicely. A pattern can go well, if it is a subtle hue. It’s pretty hard to make aqua, coral or candy pink look right in September. However a print in olive, terracotta or indigo can look quite cute with a pair of brown t-strap pumps in place of your tan sandals. Heavier fabrics like twill, ponte de roma and denim will work well with tights and Mary Janes or a white collared shirt or turtleneck underneath come October. No matter what Lucky magazine may say, unless you are a creative genius, pack up the flippy summery gauzy pieces and don’t try to marry them with dark underpinnings. What is a Summer-Only Shoe? Flip-flops. These should be retired except for padding around your house and yard. This includes the leather, patent and beaded variations. The gladiator sandal. I love this look for the warmer months, but it’s just not a right look in September. Shoes out of summer fabrics or in summer colors and patterns. This means candy pink, tangerine, aqua, lime, celadon, pale blue, white and cream. No Swiss dot, no eyelet, no linen, no madras, no gingham, no seersucker. I don’t care if you pair them with darker jeans and a blazer, these are summer shoes, these trends have retired for the year and therefore should retire from your closet. What Else Should I Pack Away? Clear, straw or mesh bags, anything with rope detail, any shorts that are not City shorts, your distressed denim minis, anything that shows your navel (another thing I am wondering why it even exists in your wardrobe), capris and cotton or cargo skirts that are not a neutral color (the neutrals can last a couple more weeks). A good rule of thumb is that if your summer piece has classic or fall trend inspiration (black, darker hues or a neutral, 40s styling, darker prints, simple cuts, classic pieces like white shirts, sweater shells and pencil skirts) it can carry over until the weather cools. Switching the pants from white to black often does the trick in making a top fall-appropriate, as does switching sandals for a shoe with more coverage. Switching out your bag for a more substantial piece and putting away your bronzer can also get the job done. The weather may not change, but the season has. A few modifications can make your transition into the new season quite simple!

Are Bootcut Jeans “Momtastic?”

Reader Laurie emailed me recently after reading “Talking Fashion” on Washington Post’s website about fall’s trends. Suzanne D’Amato and Janet Bennett lead this chat and are very intelligent and stylish women, but mentioned in this certain chat that bootcut jeans are “Momtastic” and to be stylish one should choose a skinny leg, high-waisted style, or maybe a straight leg in a very dark hue. Laurie wanted to know if this was in fact true, and if her beloved denim was now passé. I doubt you will see Kate Moss or Sienna Miller tromping around town in a pair of bootcut jeans this fall, but that does not mean they are a fashion don’t. The thing is, trends come and go, and some styles seem to stay longer because unlike most of the garments going down the runway, they work with real women’s bodies. I love the look of the skinny jean. Paired with boots, booties, flats or heels it is a sharp look. A sharp look I personally will not be wearing. I am short. I have thick legs. I have a booty, a tummy, and thick ankles. If you put a pair of stovepipes on my gams, I would look like a walking Tootsie-Pop. I don’t care how utterly stylish and popular they are, I will never be a slave to fashion and adorn my bod with things that make me look bad. Same with the high-waisted style. I can see this working if you are slim, leggy and long. Have some curves in the middle, and the high waist will make you look short, squat and heavy. A straight-leg style is a classic look that works on many figures. I agree, this is a nice style, especially in dark denim. It can be worn with flats, heels, boots with ease and don’t look costumey or obviously trendy. However, the bootcut is always going to the be popular favorite because the slightly larger leg opening balances out the curves that most women carry in the middle of their body. A bootcut (NOT flare. Unless you are a leftover hippie, do donate those flare jeans or put into the attic until the next 70s theme party) balances out hips, thighs, tummy and bum. It prevents the dreaded lollypop look of the 80s. Remember all those women with oversized tops and leggings? They looked ridiculous and there is a good chance that this season’s slimmer denim will give a similar effect. As for your bootcuts, there is a chance some of your pairs are starting to look a bit dated. If they are faded or a traditional “stonewash” color, they are a bit long in the tooth. The color now is dark and crisp, which is a good thing. A dark structured pair of jeans is far more flattering to a women’s shape than the old faded pairs of a few years ago. Dark sturdy denim will elongate your body, be appropriate for casual as well as festive occasions, and look more polished (and expensive). The cut of your bootcut may be a bit dated as well. Yes, you will still find bootcut jeans in all your favorite haunts, they just will be a bit slimmer than before. The leg opening will be a true bootcut – a slightly larger size than a straight leg – just that inch or two needed to get over a boot. At first glance, you may not even notice they are bootcut, but when on the body you will see the difference. The leg itself will also be slimmer – gone are the relaxed styles that you could probably pull up without unbuttoning. If you purchase some jeans, these jeans should have the tailored, polished look of almost being denim trousers. A dark color is what is hot and flattering, a more streamlined cut, quality refined denim. Stretch is still out there, just don’t have the jeans look like leggings on your legs. Stretch should add comfort, not the ability to think you can go down a size. It still is a nice look to have a slight crease down the front – this adds elegance and elongates. To keep your denim looking great, wash it inside-out, consider hanging them to dry on occasion, and add a capful of vinegar to your cold-water wash for colorfastness. So are bootcut jeans “Momtastic?” Well, it depends. I don’t believe any one style right now is “THE” look, nor any one style is completely out of style (excluding anything with pleats, tapered legs or lace inserts). It’s all about making slight changes to move with the times. No need to burn all your current denim, just reassess them. Try them on with your current fall tops, get a good look in a full length mirror, then use a hand mirror to get a look from behind. How do they make you look? Do they give off the image you wish to portray? Are they super comfy but sag at your backside and are just a hair too short? Are they a color that for some reason only seems to compliment black or white (this is a good test to see if your denim is an out of style color – stonewash doesn’t look good with much else)? Be real with your wardrobe and your body and if you are in need for new jeans, don’t fear. Bootcut is still out there and great to wear! Featured: Levi's "Star" Slim Bootcut, and Citizens of Humanity "Electric Guitar" Stretch Bootcut, both available at Nordstrom.

Dressing for Your Interview

Job interview… those two words can create all sorts of fear and loathing in people. Having to sell yourself, but not too hard. Make a good impression, try not to have sweaty palms, fidgety hands, spinach in your teeth. And then of course, what on earth are you to wear??? Job interview attire used to be as predictable as a military uniform: a suit, preferably navy. For women, a skirt that came to a conservative length, sheer hose, sensible pumps. Little makeup, simple hair, one small accessory, no perfume. You are to show class, intelligence, sensibility and are of course selling your brain and skills, not your sense of style. In this day and age, interviews are not so cut and dry. Yes, there are interviews that take place in a conference room where you are surrounded by bigwigs who are trying to stump you while seeing if you are a good fit for their company. Some interviews are still conducted on opposite sides of a large mahogany desk, but many are far different. Sitting in a Starbucks yesterday, I saw three separate interviews taking place. Went into the neighboring Barnes and Noble and saw a fourth. When I worked in retail we often had interviews as auditions – have the potential employee spend an hour on the floor and see how she interacted with clients and worked under pressure. When recruiting management, interviews often took place over a salad at California Pizza Kitchen or a latte at the Nordstrom Espresso Bar. With the variety of job and interview styles, so is there a variety of interview attire. Just as with a wedding or any other special event, you often get fashion clues by the locale. You wouldn’t wear the same thing to an evening wedding at an historic mansion that you would for a daytime wedding at a strawberry farm, you shouldn’t wear the same thing for an interview at Starbucks for a start-up ad company that you would for an IT job with the government at the CIO’s office. A few basics, no matter the type of interview… Shoes: Unless you are applying for a very creative field, shoes should be sensible – no spiky heels, straps, funky wedges or adornments. Unless you know the culture of this company, I suggest being safe and wearing a closed-toe shoe. I mention a classic pair of black leather pumps in my staples – these are the perfect shoe to wear on most any interview with any style of dress. If you are not a pumps person, a heeled loafer, a sleek boot with at least a kitten heel, or a closed-toe t-strap heel can look stylish and sophisticated. I would shy away from wearing flats with your suit – this is a time where you want to look confident and have great posture. Heels, even a slight one can provide that bit of lift that will add to your overall appeal. Bag: As for your bag, your best bet is a sleek and simple tote – large enough to hold your resume, planner, cell and lipstick for a touchup, but nothing so bulky that you look as though you plan on staying for the weekend. I have a black leather tote I bought on sale at J. Crew over five years ago – the straps are stiff and work well over the shoulder or held in the hand. It is an open-top style with a zippered center dividing compartment. It looks professional enough to double as a briefcase, but stylish enough to work as a regular purse and compliment my attire. Make sure your bag as well as your shoes are polished and in the best of shape – people do judge one on her shoes and bag. If you don’t have this sort of bag, consider borrowing one from a friend for the day. If you require a laptop for your interview, try to attend the interview with just your laptop bag (tuck your necessities in the side pockets and leave your purse at home or in the car) so you give off an efficient and low-maintenance vibe. Hair: Keep it simple, and keep it fitting with your personality. If you are a long layered lady, there’s no need to pull it into a severe bun. I have been the one to interview ISDs and Sr. Project Managers for the military and government agencies, and the one to hire a makeup artist or personal shopper. In every field, it is good to see you have a bit of personality and a human touch. Stay away from accessories like clips and headbands and bows, if you want to hold your hair back do so with a hair-colored elastic or very subtle barrette. Keep it soft – no severe slicked back styles, fancy bangs, super-gelled curls. You want to be attractive, but not look as though you’re trying to attract attention. Cosmetics: A bit of makeup finishes a polished look. If you are not one to usually wear makeup, consider a touch of concealer and a tinted lip balm just to look finished. If you are a cosmetic-holic like moi, tone it down a bit for the big day. Stay away from shimmers, sheens and metallics. Eye shadows should be subtle, and neutral shades like taupe and khaki. Blush should look like a natural flush and no more, mascara should darken and lengthen but not be obvious, and lips should be a natural hue – a pinky brown works on most every skintone and in a subtle gloss or dewy lipstick will be pretty yet professional. As for perfume, I do agree it can be distracting and unprofessional. If you feel naked without your fragrance, consider a light body spray or only half the application of your usual fragrance. Nothing is worse than a stuffy conference room with the smell of dry-erase markers, coffee, carpet cleaner and Chanel no. 5. When I have had been interviewed or interviewed others, I have switched out my signature Burberry London for Bath and Body Works’ Breathe Energy body spray, applied only to my collarbone and upper arms. This gives enough so that there is a fresh, attractive scent but cannot be smelled unless in very close proximity to me. Your hands will be on display, shaken multiple times, at rest on the desk or table and often times will be in motion as you speak. Keep them cared for – moisturize a few hours beforehand so they are soft but not greasy. Give yourself a mini-manicure but keep your polish colors very subtle. A soft pink is always a safe bet – your natural color, only prettier. The Americanized version of the French Manicure (stark white tips, pink or tan opaque nail) is not sophisticated. I have often wondered about a woman’s true personality when I see the long thick acrylic tips with the chalk-white tips and have heard supervisors snark on interviewees who have had such nails. It is considered the equivalent of a dark orange Mystic Tan, an anklet or frosted hair in many circles. Consider what impression you are giving the next time you go for your bi-weekly fill in and polish touchup. Sometimes natural is better. Accessories: Remember that what you are selling at an interview is you, not your outfit. Accessories should be kept to a minimum, having at most one piece that is strong. A necklace that compliments the colors of your outfit, a brooch, a solitary bangle, an elegant watch. For the interview, consider leaving at home your jingly charm bracelet, your multiple small necklaces you have received as gifts, your many rings, your toe rings, anklets and any timepieces that are very trendy or athletic-inspired. What to Bring: Bring your planner or Blackberry so you can schedule a possible second interview (or even your start date!) on the spot. Have a nice looking pen (no chewed ends or logos from your local Curves or Realtor) to use, and have a notepad either in the planner or separate to take notes and jot down dates and numbers. Bring a copy of your resume – the resume they may have received via Monster or another job search website will be covered with ads and weird graphics and it is always nice to receive a fresh copy (on nice resume paper) to review during the meeting. I place mine in a blank envelope to keep it protected. Bring your cell or Blackberry, but put it on vibrate or turn it off during the interview. Have powder and lipstick for a quick touchup in the car or lobby before entering the establishment. If you are asked to bring a portfolio, ensure it is in top-notch condition, current and professional. References aren’t asked for as often as they were in the past, but it’s good to have a second envelope ready with references if you are asked to submit them. A few ideas for a few different fields and interview styles… Interview at the Corporate Office: This is the time for the true “interview suit”. Unlike the past where only certain suits were apropos, there is more leniency in what colors and styles are acceptable. A skirt seemed to be standard and proper, but now women are able to express power in trousers as well. Do not feel that you need to wear a skirt; however if you prefer a skirt hose is a necessity. A sheer pair is a good choice year-round. Black hose can seem either tartish or dowdy - they are not as basic as they were a few years ago. If you wear black hose, I recommend that they are very sheer, with a gray or black suit and gray shoes. As for tights, they often look a bit too trendy or childish and think should be reserved for once you have the job and can dress more casually. As for suit colors, a neutral like gray, black, navy, dark brown are always good. If your coloring allows it, a taupe or camel can be quite lovely as well. If you are interviewing for a creative job (arts, advertising, marketing, entertainment) you can often be a bit bolder with colors – an ivory suit with black accessories will be well remembered, colors like olive and red can look professional while still showing your personality. Keep the suits solid and simple – no funky contrasting-color lapels, decorative embellishments or couture details. Think Tahari, Ann Taylor, Theory, Jones New York. It can come from somewhere else, but it should have that classic, simple yet elegant style. The shell or shirt under the suit is a great place to show your personality. Don’t stick with basic white or ivory, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of color, even in the most conservative of companies. I remember when I interviewed for a very serious government contractor, the woman who interviewed me wore a black suit with very faint pinstripes in white and teal. She wore under the suit a beautiful teal silk knit tee and a necklace of glass beads in the same teal shade. She looked very serious, professional, yet had a sense of style. I used to have a very dark olive suit that almost looked gray and would spice it up with a salmon-pink sleeveless tailored shirt underneath. A navy suit can still look serious when you replace the white shirt with one in a pale lilac or French blue. Casual Interview or Interview at Coffee Shop or Café: Are you meeting here because it is a virtual office, or because the interviewer wanted a convenient and casual environment? If it is the former, I would suggest you dress a bit more professionally (suit) to show that you can be trusted to meet with clients and give the correct image of the company. These days many more companies are having their employees telecommute 100% with the corporate office hundreds of miles away. You want to show that you are professional, sophisticated and can sell the company perfectly. Often interviewers decide to have a more casual environment to see a potential employee’s “true colors”. The concept of chatting over coffee sounds far more appealing and will often let one’s guard down to be more candid with her responses. For this type of interview, you still should maintain a level of professionalism, but can take it down a slight notch. A tailored shirtdress with closed-toe pumps, tailored oxford with suiting trousers and heels, a blazer with a shell and trousers; these would all be fine alternatives. Think of the level between true business casual and business attire. No need for the pinstripe suit and attaché, but leave your jeans, chinos and kicky sandals at home. Also consider solids and very subtle patterns (pinstripes, tweeds, subtle plaids) so you are not lost in the design. As for accessories, you can kick them up a notch… but a very small notch. Maybe a beaded necklace that hits your collarbone, an artsy brooch on your lapel, a silver and turquoise ring you bought on your last trip to Santa Fe. Only one accessory should be strong, and it shouldn’t be so strong that it is the focal point of your whole look. With an interview, the focal point should be you and your face. Interview at Fine Dining Establishment: Be it lunch or dinner, some interviews will take place at an elegant restaurant. For day, I think it is safe to say the same attire for a corporate office interview will be appropriate; for an evening meal consider a more elegant version of your suit. Take your black suit and pair it with a solid-colored shell in maybe silk, or with a more dressy neckline (u-neck, surplice, etc.). Accessories should be simple but have a bit more glitz – a strand of pearls, diamond studs, a simple amber pendant on a delicate gold chain. Other than that, you should still exude professionalism before panache – don’t go overboard with shine, sparkle or strappy heels. Makeup should still stay subtle – this is a dinner, not a cocktail party. Interview with a Creative Company: Yes you want to look innovative and hip and current, but you also want to look reliable and driven and professional. You are able to marry the two in the workplace, not it is time to marry the two in your wardrobe. Cargos and witty tee-shirts may be commonplace in the office once you’re hired, but isn’t what you should wear to sell yourself. Instead of the classic suit, consider a more adventurous jacket with classic trousers – a white jacket with black piping and a funky button closure, maybe a wide belt over the jacket, pairing a great skirt with a wrap top instead of a traditional blazer. Even if it’s creative, I suggest keeping at least one thing traditional – have a funky top with classic skirt or pants, a simple top with an animal-print pencil skirt. Then you are safe if the interviewer is a tad more conservative. Creative does NOT mean sexy. Sexy never fits into the workplace unless you work at Agent Provocateur or Hooters. Keep cleavage to a minimum, trousers and skirts at a comfortable non-tight level, hemlines near the knee and absolutely no strappy tops (personally, I think sleeveless is inappropriate as well). But feel free to wear the bracelet you made, your signature necklace, carry your metallic blue leather motorcycle bag… just don’t be artsy overkill so that you are a creative mess. Keep it simple. A Few Non-Fashion Tips: 1. Firm handshake, eye contact, don’t fidget. 2. Always have a question or two ready because they ALWAYS ask, “do you have any questions?” A good stand-by is, “why do you like working for this company?” I know I liked being asked that because I can sell a different level of the corporation and I can read the interviewee, when her eyes light up, when she seems bored by what I am telling her. 3. You probably will be Googled. I highly recommend on a monthly basis to Google yourself and see if anything pops up that would embarrass you. If your Facebook/Friendster/MySpace pages are searchable by your name, consider making them private and the profile picture very innocent. Along these lines, I know my company loves it when they find a person on LinkedIn. It confirms that what you have on your resume is accurate, and being networked with current and past employees makes it seem that you are liked and respected in the workplace. 4. Don’t tell too much about yourself. The interviewer may be very personable and friendly and you may find out you have the same alma mater, grew up in neighboring towns and both did a semester abroad in Spain, but that does not mean you should tell about your partying ways in Madrid, how you despised your Econ teacher or what church you attended in your childhood. Feel free to tell them you are married, that you have children but don’t go into detail. Sounds terrible, but even a mother and wife when deciding between two people of equal caliber would choose the person who has a more flexible schedule and time to dedicate to the company. Unless asked, do not tell them if you are in school, never tell them your ethnicity or religion or political affiliation. 5. It’s not always the best idea to put your sorority on your resume. Now if in conversation you find that your interviewer was in ABC and you are in ABC, then by all means let her know. However, unless this is your first job out of college and while in school you were the chapter president while maintaining a 3.8 and being in a few academic organizations, it doesn’t have to be part of the interview. Those who didn’t partake in a Greek organization in college will often see those who did as more like the cast of Animal House than a respectable woman who worked hard in classes and in bettering her chapter. If you know your audience is one who would respect the philanthropy and dedication of being in a Greek organization, by all means include it. As a member of a sorority, I know that we aren't all ditzy drinkers; my sorority experience made me the hard-working, multi-tasking personable employee I am today. If you do include it, also include all the community service, volunteerism and leadership roles you have taken so it helps explain why you feel it an important part of your experience. 6. When asked what you do outside of work (and this is a very popular question) be ready with intelligent and interesting responses. Shopping, hanging out with friends, spending time with your children and “I don’t know, I work so much!” are not good responses. If you scrapbook, then you dabble in various arts and crafts. If you blog, tell them you love to write and read. If you love to putter around your yard, nothing sounds more virtuous than weekend gardening. If you are active in your church or temple community, don’t talk about the church itself but what you do (work at a soup kitchen, mentor inner city children, fund raise for a local women’s shelter). If you have nothing to say… maybe you need to do something about it. Do you volunteer in your community? Even one night a month attending city hall meetings or supporting the Neighborhood Watch shows you can multi-task, you’re interesting and you’re eager to make a difference in this world and possibly in their corporation.

The Fashionista Part of My Brain is a Painin'

Tonight my husband and I had a date night - a bottle of wine, some take-out sushi (of course vegetarian), a few flicks off Netflix (I highly recommend both that showed up on our doorstep - Dirty Pretty Things and Children of Heaven). We have had a few hectic weeks and needed a night to decompress. The husband works early hours and went to bed at 9pm. I stayed up to watch the end of Dirty Pretty Things (and yes, a few tears were shed - love me some Audrey Tatou!) and then flipped off the DVD player and on the cable. Not sure how or why, but HSN was on (dear husband what WERE you doing before I got home from work?) ELLE Fashion is on, and in the words of Oprah, "my [fashionista part of my brain] is a painin'!" The theme for this fashion is "The Translucent Trend." I am seeing a sheer scarf/coverup with a ruffled hem, spandex pants with a sheer overlay, a sleeveless mock turtleneck with satin stripes and a sheer section, and a lucite handbag with a faux gold chain handle and a fabric inset made to match your outfit. Oh and a few lucite shoes with faux rhinestone accents. If you were here in the living room with me, you would see my shivers from the horrific audacity of this collection. Every single accessory and garment that graced my widescreen TV has been ugly, cheap and NOT stylish. THERE IS NO TRANSLUCENT TREND! Lloyd Boston and HSN have created this in some board room to sell utterly ugly confections. It is not a real trend, and this trend hasn't existed since the 80s, unless you find your LBDs at Fredericks of Hollywood and find Pamela Anderson as your style icon. "Style begins where the rules end," Lloyd Boston, the guest host's mom used to say to him. I know Boston from his "Look for Less, " The Today Show and various other Style Network jobs, and wonder how his career is faring that he is promoting utterly ugly crap at 10:30 PM EST on HSN. Really Lloyd, you did some cute makeovers on chicks in the early days of The Look For Less, but this collection is made for the leathered brown ladies of Miami who have acrylic French pedicures to match their manicures and have tattooed eyebrows and eyeliner. Oh My Goodness The spandex pants with the sheer chiffon overlay just sold out. Ladies, what are you doing? I mean, HSN and QVC have some great deals - I have purchased a nice DVF from Diane von Furstenberg top, I own Smashbox and Bare Escentuals cosmetics that were not purchased at Sephora... I know a good deal when I see it and these home shopping channels often have them. However just like the soul-selling bloggers I mentioned in a recent post, DO NOT BELIEVE ALL YOUR READ OR HEAR! If it is not shown in Lucky, Bazaar or Marie Claire, it's not a current trend (I exclude Vogue because their fashion is more art than ready-to-wear). If it hasn't trickled down to a user-friendly version in Express, Bebe, Arden B and H&M, it doesn't exist. And my personal style mantra? If it makes you sweat uncontrollably, it doesn't belong in your wardrobe. This includes pleather pants, lucite shoes, suede boots with see-through detail (on right now for almost $100, gag me with a spoon), or any garments with plastic, vinyl or lucite sections. I don't care if next spring Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, Zac Posen and Marc Jacobs all show up with liquid latex turtlenecks, it ain't gonna be in my wardrobe (or the wardrobe of any true style icon). It is never stylish to be cheesy, campy, slutty or awkward. It is never chic to wear something that could double as a Halloween costume, and it is never fashionable to wear an entire outfit from polyester-based synthetic materials. This means false eyelashes for day wear, spandex sets, poly-blend chiffon layers, and the dreaded lucite shoe. Be you a bride, a club hopper, a cocktail party attender, shoes out of clear plastic are never chic. A wedge heel that is see-through is gaudy, and really... these shoes make you sweat like the dickens. Before you remodel your home, you usually look to see current trends and choose the ones you like for what you purchase. Do your homework before you go shopping. Book stores like Borders and Barnes & Noble won't give you a hard time if you plop down in a chair or their cafe with a stack of fashion magazines. Bring a notepad and write down what you see that inspires you. Do your homework. Surf the 'net Googling trends for Fall 2007, visit websites of stores your enjoy to see what silhouettes and colors they are showcasing. With this research, then you can shop. Be your purchases come from Barneys, Goodwill, HSN or Forever 21, they should be pieces that are flattering, stylish and appropriate. Do not take the words of a "stylist," blogger or editor as gospel and always always ALWAYS trust your personal judgment. But if you are unsure, DO NOT BUY THE SHEER LAYERED PANTS! all photos are from the HSN "Translucent Trend" collection

From Allie's Mailbag...

A few emails I have received recently and some Google searches that have brought people to this page. I always think if one woman has this question, very well many more of you do too! What Should be in a Woman’s Wardrobe? Well this obviously varies dependent on your lifestyle and where you live, but I hope to have a basis here with my staples. I do feel that everything in your closet should feel right on you. This does not equal comfortable. Often comfortable goes the way of stretched out elastic, baggy knits and clothes that are decades past their prime. Well-made clothing often assists you in standing up straighter and feeling more feminine and attractive. Knits can do this too, but sweatpants cannot. Have clothes that fit you, match your personality and don’t make you scratch and itch and adjust all day. Where Can I Find Extended Calf Boots? Lots of companies like J. Crew and Naturalizer are offering extended calf, but if you wear heels or play sports these may end up feeling like the regular-calf size. I have found fashion-forward styles in wider widths at Torrid and Silhouettes, though do know most are not actual leather. Wide Widths is an awesome site that takes many of the brands of extended calf boots and puts them in one place. Not only that, they tell you the circumference in inches so before ordering, you can know if they will be the right fit. I have very large calves and found styles that were too large for my sturdy legs! This site has great selection AND great customer service. When I had to return a pair that wasn’t quite right, I called their toll-free number and spoke to a wonderful, knowledgeable woman who helped me with returning the boots and suggested alternative styles without pressuring me to buy. Love this company! When is the Best Time to go on a Cruise to the Bahamas? Loved seeing this on my stat counter! I think it’s because I went on one in January and it showed up on Google. I can tell you, January was perfect. The weather was delightful, and it was a nice break from the dreary weather of the East Coast. No hurricanes, no sweltering temperatures… I would definitely do it again at that time of the year. And if you want to know what to wear you can visit my cruise post here, or my post about a beach holiday or traveling. What is a Good Eyeshadow Primer? I have been looking for this for years. I read to put your foundation on your lids, don’t put your foundation on your lids. Use concealer, don’t use concealer. I have tried a few products finding them irritating, greasy, drying, ineffective. Then I tried Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Amazing stuff, makes me shadow last through boogying on the dance floor, sweating through a Washington DC summer, crying at a wedding and I even went to sleep one night with my makeup still on and woke with perfect eyes. How amazing is that? Worth the money in my opinion. Where Can I Find Plus Sized Belts? Belts were hot the past couple of seasons and this trend is not going anywhere any time soon. Belts look great on women with curves – they add definition and a waist and jazz up your basic knits and solids already residing in your closet. For accessories like belts, I adore Torrid – they may seem a bit young or trendy at first glance, but often have basics built for curvy women, not linebackers. Each season they have an extensive collection of belts – solids, prints, hip belts, ones with stretch. Don’t expect high-grade leather, but do expect to find your size and an accessory that will update your wardrobe. What’s the Must-have Accessory for Fall? I am the worst person to ask this, for I believe there is no “must-have” item if you are over the age of 18. One could say this is the year of the flat, but if you have thick legs, you would look far more chic with a bit of a heel. Belts are all the rage, but if you carry the majority of your weight in your midsection, a belt may accentuate the negative, not add curves and create a positive. Clutches are hot, but not when you’re trying to carry books, a laptop, snacks for the little ones, a water bottle or other necessities of many women. One thing that could be a good thing to buy this year if you are in need is a new winter coat. This season is full of great colors, textures, details like puff sleeves, unique collars and beautiful buttons. Many seasons show boring basics, so when a season features great pieces like this year, it’s a good time to invest in the perfect coat. I think wool coats that hit between the hip and knee are the most versatile and elegant – save the parkas and anoraks for the ski slope. Where Can I Find Stylish Sunglasses at Reasonable Prices? Now, if you can afford a pair of Chanel shades, then by all means indulge. My mom has Fendi sunglasses because they are prescription and her insurance made them the same price as the generic brands. However if you aren’t this rich or lucky, you can still be chic. I think sometimes the best sunglasses are the ones found in the most random of locations. This summer I sported traditional silver aviator sunglasses that were picked up at a mall kiosk for less than $10. This spring I had some cute pink metal and lens oversized aviators that were $16.99 and last summer had a great pair found on clearance at Target for $9.40. My friend has sunglasses that people think are designer that she found at White House/Black Market and my sister always grabs a pair of big black plastic frames at end of the year sales in shops like Ann Taylor Loft. Sunglasses do not have to be purchased in a sunglasses shop – these days almost every place in the mall has a few pairs. Try a few on, ask strangers for their honest opinion, and if you are in need go shopping now for all stores are putting their summer items on sale!

Thursday Rant

I guess I am setting myself up for blogging failure. Yes, I have great readership, but my blogs are not considered “successful” in many people’s eyes because I hardly make a cent off of them. I don’t get weekly freebies from retailers, I don’t bring in the big bucks from my minimal ads, I blog for… you, and not for me. Well I guess in all honesty it is for me. I do love to write, I love to shop, and I love to tell people my opinion. I love to make fellow women feel good about themselves, and I love it when I get a comment or email that tells me I made a difference in a person’s life. But unlike many blogs that have been around less time than I, I am not profitable. I know fellow bloggers who have been able to go to part-time or quit their job all together from the success of their blogs. Ads alone bring in a huge portion of their income, and affiliates help even more. Retailers contact them, offering free goods and money in return for praise on their blog. They promote products they have never used, $1,200 purses they can never afford, fashions that fit a very small minority of the population. They have fancy banners and avatars and glossy ads for Sephora and Nieman Marcus and Strawberry Net all over their page, receiving profits per click. They offer links for that designer bag, receiving a percentage from each bag sold to that online boutique. Now I would love nothing more than to be able to quit my job and write. I would love to write a book based on this blog, and have always dreamed of being a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. However I am an adult with a mortgage, a car payment, student loans and yes… a conscience. I cannot and will not ever promote something I do not believe in. Retailers, feel free to send me samples of your stuff, and if I like it, I will be more than happy to review it on here. I will offer links to your website, may show myself wearing your product. But if your product is sub par or inappropriate for my audience, I will not write about it. Or, I may warn you readers to stay away from these vendors. I have no fear. I also can’t advertise that which I think is just wrong, like a $1,200 purse. A lipgloss that costs $40 and is nothing better than Revlon’s Super Lustrous line. Clothing that does not go over a size 10. If I can’t afford or fit it, I’m betting the majority of you can’t either. Reports have shown that there is an influx in purchasing of designer goods and experts believe it is linked to the influx of bloggers writing about said products. I know when I was in middle school I just HAD to have a Liz Claiborne purse and a Forenza roll-neck sweater because everyone else had it. Gosh, Betsy and Heather had both and look at how pretty and popular and blonde they were? Maybe if my stubby, brunette self had both I would be just as popular and glamorous. I saved up for both because my parents couldn’t afford those sorts of things. I sported my white Forenza roll-neck sweater with my navy Liz Claiborne purse with the navy trim, and that day at lunch, my friend tripped and spilled chocolate milk all over me, permanently staining that beloved sweater. Soon, I realized people liked me whether or not I wore designer duds. Instead of worrying about the label, I worried about the fit and how it expressed my personality. To the 8th grade school dance when the rest of the girls wore ruffled dresses, I wore a black mock turtleneck, black harem pants, black suede booties and my brightly-printed bedroom curtain pinned around my waist like a cummerbund. That was the first time a “cool boy” asked me to dance. And that was when I realized money does not equal style, labels do not equal fashion, and I will never be a slave to them. And I hope none of you ever will either. Decades later I am the author of this blog. I am still stubby, I am still a brunette, and I am still lacking designer duds in my closet. Yes, it feels amazing to own a designer garment or a coveted beauty item – I’m not going to say I don’t enjoy my DiorShow mascara, my Joe’s jeans, or would love nothing more than to strut around town in a pair of Jimmy Choos. But you know what? I am happy in my skin, happy in my heart and still getting looks from the “cool boys.” I may not be a financially successful blogger, but when I get an email from you guys that says you’re happier as a woman because of some of my advice… I feel like the richest blogger in the world!

How to Update your Wardrobe for Fall 2007

I know I seem a bit late with this, but with 100 degree days here in the Nation's Capital it is hard to think of sweaters and tights! However as the catalogs and magazines hit my mailbox and I surf the 'net I see all these GORGEOUS new looks for the upcoming season and I just HAD to post about them. Now there are tons of new looks for fall, I have just listed those that I think can easily work into most people's wardrobes to make them fresh and new, without being a slave to fashion. Gray, Gray and More Gray. Gray is THE neutral color for this season and I couldn’t be happier. Softer than black and easier to blend into your wardrobe than brown and camel, gray is the feminine neutral that will make your brights pop, your pastels glow, your other neutrals look very current. Consider a pair of gray trousers with a wide leg (think Katherine Hepburn), a gray pencil skirt or a 40s inspired jacket with bracelet-length sleeves to jazz up your current office basics. Instead of standard black pants for a night on the town, try some gray slouchy menwear-inspired trousers with your cami or beaded top. As for knits, nothing is more cozy than a kitteny soft gray cashmere crewneck with everything from ivory wool trousers to your favorite jeans. The New Brights. Red is always a popular accent, but this season try a bright cobalt or a regal purple. These cooler jewel tones are being shown with black accents to really make the colors pop in a modern way, but will also look great with other basics (gray, camel, ivory). Consider a basic merino sweater in royal, or possibly a bright plum croco-embossed pump to spice up your basic work attire. I have seen a ton of these new hues everywhere from the local department store to J. Crew. If you are a “Winter” a la Color Me Beautiful, then this is your season to stock up on those hues that make you glow. For warmer complexions, consider plums, berries and indigo shades that may be more flattering and still quite current. For evening, get out of the black routine with frocks in magenta, cherry and bright reddish-purples. These colors look amazing in satin and silk because they really have the hue look saturated and modern. Unlike a few years ago when these shades were combined with lace and other details, this season is more about simple solids – let the color be the star of the show. Patent Accents. Patent leather is no longer just for summer days; this fabric is a huge accessory must-have for the fall. A black patent belt around your favorite white shirt, a pair of bottle green patent round-toe pumps with your standard brown suit, this will add some stylish shine to your wardrobe without being too outlandish. I personally bought a pair of black patent pumps as go-to footwear for the next wedding or special occasion and have gotten a surprising amount of use from my red patent croco-embossed peeptoe heels. A great idea – if your wool winter coat has belt loops for a self-belt, consider switching it out for a patent number this season and give your outerwear new life! Suiting Up in a Ladylike Fashion. From Katherine Hepburn to Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, suiting is front an center for fall and it's all shown with a touch of femininity. Retro 40s feminine shapes are seen in bracelet-sleeved jackets and pencil skirts; wide-legged trousers evoke Kate, and vests with slouchy pants have a 2007 spin on the 70s menswear look. Tweeds, glen plaids and traditional suiting fabrics take center focus; gray is obviously the most popular color this season. The suiting is softer, sweeter, more ladylike no matter which style icon it is emulating. Even the "power" pieces on the runway have softened edges that are not nearly as tough as their 1980s counterparts. Knitwear Everywhere. If you love knits and sweaters, then this season is the time for you to stock up! Knitwear is everywhere from traditional sweaters to jackets, dresses and coats. I am loving the fall’s version of a tee shirt dress in merino wool or a more substantial knit. Simple crewneck and v-neck sweaters lend themselves to the menswear trend for trousers, keeping it slim and simple on top to let the bottom half get the limelight. Jackets are softened by being in substantial knits with vintage details. Knits have a feminine touch with waist detail – long sweater coats come with a self-belt or take your favorite crewneck and put a belt over it to accentuate your curves. Children’s Shoes for Adults. Those black patent leather babies from your childhood have grown up and are a must-have for fall. Seen now with a slim heel, slight platforms, peeptoes, colors along with basic black and other feminine details, these shoes are a stylish replacement to your daily choice of black pumps. Peeking out of a pair of pants, paired with a dress (with or without hose or tights), they are whimsical AND fashionable! Your old-school oxfords have grown up too. Now with a tall and slim wood heel, possibly with an open toe, in a bevy of colors and fabrics, this style of shoe hasn’t gotten play in almost a decade. Paired with jeans to suits to flirty dresses, they are a smart choice for the cooler months and quite versatile. I love the look of a contrasting color of tights – pair your solid dark dress from last fall with burgundy tights and black oxfords, or spice up a simple black outfit and tights with oxfords in cordovan or dark cherry. The Return of The Clutch. I have always said a clutch is a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe for evening affairs. If you have had trouble finding The One, you won’t this season. Not only is the clutch great for evening, it is also being shown as a choice for daytime (works so well with those 40s inspired fashions). Leather, satin, or any other fabric; whatever size works well for you. Pack away those wristlets for now and invest in an elegant clutch (if it has a hidden strap inside, it will be just as convenient at the club or bar).

Product Reviews that No One Admits to Using

We are women, we are delicate flowers who always look perfect, smell perfect. We never go to the bathroom, we never sweat, we never menstruate. Right? WRONG. No one wants to admit that they are human, especially when they are fledgling or full-scale fashionistas. However, to appear to the outside world that we are delicate flowers, we need certain tools in our life to accomplish that feat. It’s hard to find reviews without deep internet searching, so I decided to offer a few reviews of products my friend and I use and have used. Go ahead and buy them online, not even the shopkeeper at the drugstore will know your secret to being so calm, cool and collected! Sweat We sweat, and often our sweat smells. We deal with stained shirts, white residue, ruined hairstyles, smelly shoes and obvious wet marks on clothing. There are a few items on the market sold specifically for this case. I am a woman who sweats… a LOT and these are some products I have tried: Secret Clinical Strength: From what I have seen in the stores, they seem to only sell a Powder and a Light and Fresh scent. I personally wish to smell like clean skin and Burberry London, and not baby bums, so I figured the Light and Fresh scent was the lesser of two evils. The product is a dial-up cream consistency like many of the harder-working deodorant/antiperspirant products. Two clicks of the dial gives way more than needed for one underarm, and one click is too little (I have experienced this with other products in this format). The scent is very mild, and the formula goes on dry and comfortable. I applied it on freshly shaved armpits and didn’t have any irritation. The product does leave white marks on clothing, but so do most deodorants (even “little black dress approved” ones do at times). Throughout the day I did feel dryer than I do with regular deodorants (Dove, Degree, etc.) and I didn’t smell (which happens on hot days with traditional products). As my body warmed up, the fragrance did get stronger, but never overwhelming. This is one of the best heavy-duty deodorants I have tried in a long while. CertainDri: This is a must-have for any woman who has a problem with wetness and/or odor. CertainDri is a roll-on product that you apply in the evening. It blocks the pores that release sweat, and sweat is what causes the odor. This product does itch or irritate on broken skin, sensitive skin and after prolonged use; I never use it after a shower and take short breaks from using the product. It seems that it builds up in your system so after a couple weeks of use, you can go a week or two without use quite fine. This product keeps you dry without feeling uncomfortable, and odor free. I do use it along with a morning antiperspirant/deodorant because I am extra careful, but I could easily go a day without the daytime product and be fine and fresh. CertainDri can be found at most drug stores and big box retailers – it is usually found on the bottom shelf and is sold in a cardboard box. CertainDri has an AM version, I have yet to try it because it is fragranced and I prefer my underarm products to be as fragrance-free as possible. Crystal Deodorants (various brands): This product is a naturally occurring crystal that can be moistened and applied to the body to ward off odor (not sweat). This product is not full of chemicals and aluminum and is approved by the National Cancer Society. Over the years I have tried to use this product as that I have had issues with underarm and foot odor. Under the arms, I often find this product to be sticky, and not as effective as traditional deodorants. I know some who use it in conjunction with traditional underarm products, but I think the products above work better alone than a crystal deodorant with another product. On the feet, I haven’t seen much difference but it’s hard to tell. I liked the idea, for I believe feet need to sweat a bit to cool the body and rid oneself of toxins. This seemed like a perfect choice for my tootsies. However I haven’t seen a great difference, and I am often placing clean feet in worn shoes so it’s hard to see if it’s the shoe or the foot. Again, I find it a bit sticky so it’s not the most comfortable feel for the feet. The product doesn’t say it’s for the feet, but it doesn’t seem to hurt to try it. Panty Liners: These are good dress shields in a pinch, and far cheaper than the disposable dress shields found online. They don’t stick well, but they stick just as well as the disposable shields so consider some additional double-sided tape or even a safety pin to keep these in place inside jackets and sturdier tops. Do not try this with blouses, short sleeves (raise your hand and your secret is out) or any delicate fabrics, but this is great in a pinch under heavy items to feel a bit more protected. Foot Petals: Nothing is worse than having your foot so sweaty, you slide to the front of your heels, mashing your toes or even stretching out the shoe’s toebox. Slipping and sliding does not help a woman look chic and stylish. Foot Petals are a great invention – they are thin enough to slip into your chicest heels without altering the fit, they offer a bit of cushioning, are spongy to keep your foot in place, don’t peel away or pill over time and when you remove your shoe, they still look pretty. Foot petals also carries pads for the back of the shoe, straps of sandals, and just for the toebox. I love the variety of colors, I can get them to compliment my shoe. And I can stand all day in the sweltering sun and not have my tootsies slip out the front of my sandal! Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: My sister tipped me off to this product. After years of trying mattifying lotion, potions and foundations, this is the only thing that seems to really keep a matte yet natural face through the heat, and keep my liquid foundation in place. The product is light, dries quickly, isn’t tight or drying and even is great sans foundation. I put it high on my brow at the hairline to help prevent the sweaty bangs that often happen in the summer. It comes in colors, but I have used the clear for years with much success. Bare Escentuals Mineral Foundation: This lasts through tears, sweat, hugs, even sports. It does wear off (pat your face with a towel and you will blot off product) but it keeps a finish better than most any other product I have tried without looking cakey or false. I bet other mineral foundations would work well, but I have found this brand has had better staying powder than the only other mineral foundation I have tried (L’Oreal Bare Naturale). Always DriWeave Pantyliners: We sweat in many places on our body, and those dark and warm spots can end up being the most uncomfortable with extra moisture. These pantyliners keep you feeling fresh throughout the most humid days, and also keep your trousers one wear longer from having to go to the dry cleaner. The DriWeave top really does work, and these are thin enough to not make you feel as though you are wearing a diaper. Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Powder with Lavender & Chamomile: Sprinkle all over after a shower to stay feeling dry on the ickiest days. Add to hair between shampoos (lightly) to absorb oil. Nothing is nicer than fresh cotton sheets and a dusting of powder on your skin before bed. The lavender scent makes you smell like a lady, not an infant. Oh, and the price is quite nice. This is another product recommendation from my sister who is always the calm, cool and collected lady. I have also used Shower to Shower with similar effects, though it seems to get clumpy and pasty faster than traditional baby powder. BodyGlide: Women have curves, and sometimes these curves rub against one another and on warm days, this can cause chafing. This product was created for runners to protect their nipples and ankles from chafing, but it also works pretty well on inner things and other womanly curves. Nice thing is it is a formula that lasts throughout the day and doesn’t absorb into the skin. It is also far cheaper than the Monistat and other brands made for women, and isn’t as embarrassing in your medicine cabinet. We all have curves, it just isn’t something we always wish to admit! Bike Shorts: Get them short, get them in a moisture-wicking fabric, and preferably with a cotton crotch. Ensure the legs aren’t so tight they leave red marks on your thighs and wear them under your sundresses and skirts. They should be long enough to hit the largest part of your thigh, but short enough that you can cross your legs and not show. I wear them often, as do many of my friends. I know many women wear divided slips, but I find these to usually be too long, too full for many styles, and very hard to find. The bike shorts I have are from Kmart and cost $9.99. Roll On Deodorant: Applied to the fingers, and then applied to the face under your makeup, it can work to lessen the chance of a beaded upper lip and hairline. It does make your face feel a bit tight and as though you are wearing a mask, so use in moderation. Elimination We eat and drink, and we do eliminate. A true lady doesn’t discuss this, but she does it nonetheless. Here are some things I have found to help with this bodily function: pStyle: This is the coolest thing EVER! This is a hard plastic device that looks like something to scoop flour out of a sack, but is created to allow women to urinate standing up. Not something we consider often, until you think of outdoor festivals, camping trips, jumpsuits and other things that make undressing completely and hovering over a very disgusting bowl less awful. The pStyle is small and comes in a bevy of colors so it can easily slip into a bag without looking like a scary contraption. It is created so you can slip it in your fly, move your undergarments to the side and urinate standing up, and even wipe clean. I recently went to a four-day music festival where we camped and only had porta potties for facilities. There was a booth selling these contraptions and I bought one on a whim and ended up using it all weekend long, reducing my time in the facilities, and reducing my chance of touching something I wouldn’t want to. I carry a baggy of sanitizing wipes with me to clean it off between uses, and keep it in its own separate baggy. This may not be something that all women could use in their life, but if you are someone like me who enjoys the outdoors, but not the facilities available to women for outdoors occasions, you may wish to have one of these in your backpack (and yes, that testimonial by Allison on their website is from me, I was so impressed I had to send them a letter!). Immodium AD: Even if you aren’t having that loose feeling, this product is an anti-spasmodic and will prevent the churning tummy, the sweating tongue, and all the other things that may ruin a perfectly happy social affair. My doctor has recommended it for vomiting and even for nerve-related sharp stomach pains I used to have back in school. Don’t abuse it – the only way to get a bug out of your system is to allow it to run its course; but I always carry a few of these in my purse and bottle for all vacations to make sure my diet or illness doesn’t ruin a good time. Best thing? They usually start working in about a half hour, and you don’t need to take many more pills to keep the effects. Scott Moist Wipes: I bought these for a camping trip for cleansing of my entire body when away from a shower. They did a good job of freshening without making me sticky or feeling perfumed. They were also soothing and much appreciated when I got food poisoning on said camping trip. Since then, the little blue box has held a spot in my bathroom and I run out of them almost as fast as I do traditional toilet paper. I use them during my monthly cycle to feel clean between showers, they are great for other types of elimination, and now that they are in the bathroom, they are used by my husband (and his friends) quite often! I like using them on my neck and collarbone if I am going straight from work to dinner or have a long day on the road in airports to feel freshened. They are moist enough to wipe comfortably, but not so moist you feel damp. Why Scott and not another brand? Because unlike their toilet paper, these are just as good as the more expensive brands. They are soft, scented enough that they don’t seem medicinal but not so much that it’s obvious, they flush easily, they are not obviously female or made for that time of the month, the box is blue and closes well (other brands, the box often doesn’t latch well and the cloths dry out). Instead of spending money (and adding to landfills) with the individually-wrapped cleansing cloths, store a few in a snack-sized baggy in your purse… and be sure to take a few on your next camping trip! Cottonelle Moist Wipes: My friend asked me to add these because she likes the convenience of a pop-up container, and finds they are thicker and larger than Scott wipes. I have not tried them yet, but am intrigued as that she says they are far better than the other brands and reviews online say the same. Body Hair It’s lovely on our head, a small amount on our brows and other places can be appropriate, yet when it appears on other parts of our face and body, ladies run for a way to find a safe, gentle and long-lasting way to get it GONE. Being from Russian/Jewish heritage on one side, I have been plagued with dark hair all my life and have tried a variety of products: Sally Hansen Crème Hair Remover for Face: Doesn’t smell like bleach, doesn’t burn like bleach and the results last for about 2-4 weeks on my lip. It is far gentler than any other product I have tried, and one box lasts MONTHS. Jolen Creme Bleach: As I have mentioned in other posts, bleaching your mustache doesn’t make it invisible, it just makes it blonde. Sun shines on it, and it is just as obvious if it were black. However, there are other parts of your body that can benefit from lighter hair (belly, arms, lower back). Jolen Crème Bleach is an excellent choice. It is very gentle, easy to mix, and gives natural (not orange) results. Makeup artists find it’s their product of choice to lighten eyebrows, and I have even used it to make blonde streaks in my hair (I learned that trick from Kirstie Alley back in her Veronica’s Closet days). Bikini Zone: Seems to be a love/hate relationship amongst most women I know. Some swear by this product to keep bumps at bay, others find it overpriced and pointless (and painful to boot!). If you have very sensitive skin in this area, I say try cortisone instead and pass on Bikini Zone. However if this is something important to you (spend a lot of time in swimwear), you may wish to try this product. 10% Cortisone: Cheaper and more versatile than many of those products on the shelf to reduce razor burn and bumps, this will also heal, not sting the skin. Great product for summer – use after shaving, on bug bites and any other rashes from being outside. Also a great product to have on hand if you do end up with chafing. Roll-On Deodorant: Another cheap and versatile product for razor burn. Tweezerman Slant Tweezers: The best for getting the pesky little hairs at the brow, the little ones that peek out of your nose, the randoms that show up around your nipple, and those left behind after a bikini wax. The best thing is they will resharpen these puppies for free for the rest of the time you have them. A really good buy and worth the money. Menstruation: Not the most pleasant experience, but unless you are on one of the new versions of birth control or have gone through menopause, you are most likely dealing with this on a monthly basis. There are some amazing products available to make this week or so less painful, messy and comfortable; these products are the lesser-thought of tools on the market... o.b. Tampons: Once you get past the fact that your hand has to go THERE, these are really great tampons. They fit well, they are completely flushable, and you don’t feel guilty filling up landfills with your feminine products. Honestly, you should know your body inside and out and your body should be more familiar to you than your doctor. These aren’t the best if you are dry, but they fit in the tiniest of purses and I feel utterly confident in them, willing to wear white pants and swimsuits in a second. Diva Cup: Again, this isn’t for the faint of heart, but this is a wonderful product for your time of the month. No waste, no chance for Toxic Shock Syndrome, and the ability to safely go up to 12 hours without worrying about your period. Unlike many similar products that are disposable, this one is reusable. It is also made of medical-grade silicone, so no fear of latex or rubber reactions. This is not the most tidy thing when you remove it, but when you think how much you will save in not buying sanitary products, the ease of going all day without worrying about a changing, and the good you are doing for the environment, it is a good choice. And heck, that’s what hand soap is for, right? Scott Wipes: See above. This of course is not a be-all to end-all list, but a beginning. Reviews were not from retailers, but from me and women in my life - family, friends and readers that have given me their candid opinions. Now it's your turn, what's your secret beauty trick to stay soft, dry and smelling like a rose?

Fight for Your Right to be Fashionable!

Two conversations this weekend led me to the same conclusion – most clothing made for women over a size 14 is CRAP. Why do plus-size designers believe that anyone who wears their clothes are the size of a typical size 8, just stretched in every direction? Not all size 18 women are 6’ tall with shoulders like a linebacker. Not every size 20 woman has size F breasts, and just because someone wears a larger size in jeans does not mean she also has a higher rise. The average size of an American woman’s dress may be growing, but that does not mean the height of an American woman is growing at the same speed. More often than not, that plus sized shopper has the same bone structure as her size 8 counterpart, just more curves and padding over those bones. And another thing, why is it that the only choices for a plus sized woman is to look like a tramp, a dowager or blob? No matter our size, we should be able to easily express ourselves – our sophisticated, creative, feminine, chic self. Walking through the mall, a woman over a size 12 has minimal options. Good old Lane Bryant may have some great pieces, but they are stuffed on overcrowded racks and rounders with utterly hideous polyester confections, gaudy prints and muumuu-like frocks. Avenue and Ashley Stewart rarely have the quality and current style of say, Bebe or Ann Taylor and I don’t even want to mention the majority of crap on the racks of Fashion Bug and Deb. Hit J. Jill, Coldwater Creek and Eileen Fisher, and if you are under 40 (or over 40) you may feel as though everything is wrong wrong wrong for your lifestyle and personality. The local department store may have a Women’s section, but it’s often small, limited and usually the worst maintained section of the whole store. Why do we allow this? Why are we accepting this crap for our beautiful bodies? Just because we aren’t a size 6 doesn’t mean that we don’t deserve style, quality and proper service. We are professionals, fashionistas, women with just as much money (and money equals power) as our slimmer counterparts. As I said in my Target article, vote with your pocketbooks! Write letters and emails and fill out comment cards at shops. Tell retailers when they get it right, and when they get it deathly wrong. If a company sees something sells, they will make more of the same. If it doesn’t sell, they will discontinue it. If you feel that the basic tees and tanks in a retailer are of sub par quality, let them know. If you feel that the sizing is all off (hello Lane Bryant and your new jeans sizing!) SAY SOMETHING! Get on message boards, write to plus-size magazines and forums. The problem is that many plus-sized designers are not plus-sized, and are often not women. They don’t understand how weight is distributed, that we don’t want to hide under a swath of paisley chiffon, don’t always want to wear high-waist jeans and ponchos, that we may actually find our body beautiful and ourselves worthy of great style. They make great shoes in larger sizes, they make fabulous jeans in long lengths, women with curves deserve and should demand the same luxury. Retailers see the success of Lane Bryant and make carbon copies of it, hoping to jump on the plus-sized fashion bandwagon. If Lane Bryant does it for you – style and figure-wise then I am happy for you. However if you are like most women I know who are in double-digit dress sizes, you wish there was more Torrid and IGIGI and Marina Rinaldi in the world, and less of this discount crap that is unflattering and unworthy our hard-earned cash. As I always say, do not settle. You are better off with the same black pants worn over and over for now, than to buy crap and encourage these designers to purchase more crap. No matter your dress size, you should be a discerning shopper, hitting the fitting rooms and the internet to find the right fit, the right quality, the right style, the right price. High-end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus are getting progressively more diverse departments for sizes over 14 and the lower-end market is being saturated with plus-size crapola shops. What about the middle? We need more mall shops that are the same caliber as J. Crew, as Banana Republic, as The Limited. Let your opinion be heard. Women often stay mute for seeming bitchy, pushy or rude. We feel we maybe don’t deserve it because of our shape. I say NONSENSE, every person on this planet is special and beautiful. Beauty is in all shapes and colors and maybe it’s the crap we are forced to purchase that makes us feel less than utterly gorgeous. So to my sisters who are in the double digits, I will share with you a few beauts I have found online… to show you what you deserve for your fabulous body. If you want to see more of this… then you know what you need to do… (and tell them you want to see plus size women model those fashions too!) Charcoal Shirt Dress from IGIGI - Shirt dresses are a stylish way to be dressed for work OR play. I love this one because it nips in the waist and has all the current details seen on other brands. Purple Wrap Dress from IGIGI - Purple is a hot season for fall, and IGIGI seems to know how to make a wrap dress that works on many shapes without showing off too much in front. Hot Orange Dress from IGIGI - Don't hide behind drab colors; this dress will light up a room and your face! White Tailored Shirt from Nexx - The tie detail and the French cuffs are elegant, not cheesy. Denim Trousers from Kiyonna - I swear by my denim trousers - they work for business casual, dress up a simple top to make it work for a night out on the town, and the dark color is current and flattering. Embossed Leather Jacket by Berek - How fun and daring is this jacket? with a white tank and jeans, or even with a shell and trousers for a night out or to work! Mandeville Canyon Jeans from Paige Premium Denim - Paige cuts all their jeans for a real woman's shape, and the quality is awesome. Plus, it's always fun to sport some sassy designer jeans! Freestyle Revolution Skinny Jeans in Smoke - the skinny jeans are still hot this fall, and this smoke color is fun and will look great with the fall's brights as well as the darker colors of the season. Giraffe Print Dress from Kiyonna - Utterly gorgeous and elegant, and a cut to flatter, not fight against your curves. Dana Buchman Silk Charmeuse Wrap Top - Gorgeous color, gorgeous fabric - wear with denim trousers for a night out, with crepe trousers or a skirt for a party, and even with suiting pieces for work. Royal Blue Jersey Cocktail dress by Tadashi - Gorgeous color, elegant draping, and perfect for all your seasonal holiday parties!