Wednesday

Happy Halloween everyone! Glad that here in the Nation's Capital we have good weather for the kiddies to go Trick or Treating tonight (and for my party-hearty friends to go bar hopping this eve). I will be celebrating the holiday by passing out candy at my house - my husband and I are toying with getting dressed up for the kids, but there is never a constant as to how many people actually show up at our door. One year could be 5 kids, the next year 50. We'll see what mood we are in.

So on to the outfit. Black tape yarn scoop necked empire waist sweater tee from Old Navy, ivory woll blend trousers from Ann Taylor, silver and black stone pendant from Brass Plum for Nordstrom, silver hoops and cuff, black city boots with kitten heel from Impo.

Hair is second day, though I did blast it with the dryer and a round brush to smooth it and add some volume to the top. Then I went at the bangs with my cuticle scissors - they have gotten pretty long and I don't have time right now for a trim...

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid. Lahses curled, DiorShow mascara in black and a thin line of Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose.

Today is Food Fest in my department - we signed up to bring breakfast, snacks and lunch treats. Even drinks! I made muffins - old-school Bisquick but added browned soy sausage, chopped chilis and Kraft crumbles - three cheese. Soy milk, soy sausage and lowfat cheese and no one the wiser! They were far better right out of the oven but I think I'll make this recipe again but maybe with some salsa added to the batter for kick and moisture.

A Reminder: More Isn't Better

Last night I was watching one of my guilty pleasures, How I Met Your Mother (if you haven’t seen it, it is a pretty witty show). Lily, the character played by Alyson Hannigan admitted she was severely in debt because every time she was unhappy (even being unhappy over a large credit card bill) she would go shopping. This is not just sit-com fodder, but a true situation happening with many women I know. We feel sad, or fat; we got dumped or passed on for a promotion; we shop. We feel that maybe a pair of new boots, a haircut with highlights, a dress even though we are more comfortable with pants will somehow fix us. That transforming the outside will in turn transform our inside.

No one has been a guest on Oprah because her new wrap dress helped her lose weight. I have never met a person who can claim she married her soul mate because a pair of leather boots, and though I do agree with the belief that you should dress for the work position you desire and not the one you have, unless you work in the fashion industry rarely will you be chosen for a position over another because your new suit for the interview was inspired by Karl’s recent collection for Chanel.

Having a wardrobe that fits not just your body but also your lifestyle and personality CAN transform you from the outside in. Wearing what makes you feel and look good helps boost your confidence, helps others see the real you and gives you respect in social situations. It very well could help you land that job, meet the love of your life or encourage you to lose those last few pounds because you have one less thing to worry about and stress over.

But the confusing thing about a great wardrobe is more isn’t better. Three bits of cheesecake is delicious, three slices of cheesecake is nauseating. A larger wardrobe can often make the owner sick with confusion. We buy more to make ourselves feel better, but instead make ourselves feel worse because our wardrobe no longer works for us.

French women are known for being very chic and stylish. They are also known for having the smallest of wardrobes. Many French stylists and authors will admit they have no more than 20-60 garments in their collection (including shoes, outerwear, and athletic gear). How do they look so chic and polished on such a tiny collection?

They purchase that which they need, nothing more. Additions to the collection are made to replace something that has worn out, or if a new aspect in life (job, activity) takes place. They buy the very best quality they can afford, don’t succumb to trends, and baby the garments they own with proper cleaning and storage. They don’t self-medicate with throwaway garments and don’t try to reinvent themselves every fashion season.

A couple of months ago, I provided a list of questions to ask yourself to define your personal style. That, along with classic staples should help you get started. As the leaves are turning and the weather is getting cooler in most parts of the world, now is a good time to reassess your wardrobe. Look at that list, and look at yourself in the mirror and go through your closet. Hopefully by now you have gotten rid of anything that does not fit, is in awful condition or harbors bad memories (so many women I meet have the back of their closet full of wedding gowns from previous marriages, dresses worn the night they broke up with their ex, suits they wore for their last job they hated, bridesmaid dresses with bows on the rear and clothes several sizes larger than their current size “just in case” they go back to that size). Now it’s time to look at the rest of the collection and see if it fits you here and now.

Does yellow make you anxious? Then why are you holding onto that canary cashmere sweater? It may be great quality and even fit nicely, but it doesn’t make you feel good. How about that conservative tailored pantsuit? You work in a creative field and haven’t had to don a suit in years… why are you still holding on to it? And that frilly dress you bought when you were feeling insecure in your relationship. You’re not lace and bows no matter how hard you tried – get rid of it.

Again, this should be done after getting your feel of your personal style, your interests, likes and dislikes. If so, you’ll find that the items you are removing are either gifts or items purchased on a whim or in an emotional state. The items forced upon you, or the items you purchased to subconsciously self-medicate for another situation in your life.

You’ll also find that the removal of these items will not make it harder to get dressed every morning, but easier. Less decisions – an arsenal of go-to pieces that make you happy, fit you well and work for you occasion. Don’t think of it as losing your collection – think of it as becoming chic and polished like the French. As you work with this simplified wardrobe, you will start to see what you really do need to add to your collection, and start shopping for needs, not wants. Find joy in texture and colors and the beauty of knowing that new garment will add life to many other pieces already at home and work with the true you, not the sad/bored/frustrated temporary you.

Tuesday

Purple merino dress from Goodwill, tan Bern boots from Duo, silver cuff and hoops, silver pocketwatch necklace (extended with silver choaker necklace) from Ann Taylor Loft, silver chain with amber pendant from Bermuda, silver chain from Rennaisance Festival.

Hair is washed and conditioned, a bit of Sexy Straight Hair's Shine On! added while damp. Blown straight with paddle brush and then a round brush to the edges and a touch of Jonathan Silky Dirt added for separation and shine.

Makeup is L'Oreal true Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, chocolate in crease and along lash lines. Lashes curled, two coats of DiorShow mascara in black. On lips is Body Shop lip color in #12, which I believe is Damson.

For the morning I also wore my avocado green pashmina looped around my neck - hid the belly pudge and with my tan leather hobo purse from Banana Republic felt very bohemian. But jsut got back from lunch and it's like 75 degrees out now so the scarf is now thrown over a chair in my cube.

Monday

Sorry, sorta blurry pics taken in haste.

Navy cotton stretchy v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, teal scoop tee from Gap, purple faux pashmina from Burlington Coat Factory (found in closet, bought years ago for a certain dress I no longer own, but still own the purple strappy heels with silk rosettes on the toe), dark denim skirt from Gap, tan Bern boots from Duo, solitaire necklace and studs from Nexus Diamond Labs, silver cuff.

Hair is second day and just unhappy. Straightened the bangs and brushed it and twired it some and gave up. Right now at 3pm it is in an elasticf piled on top of my head. Hey Kathleen, I am in major need of a trim! Will be calling Bananas this week!

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy The Supernatural in Beige, Nars blush in Orgasm, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid. Lahses curled, two coats DiorShow in black, Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line and Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Glossy Rose.

Not much exciting this weekend - lots of picture taking with my photographer husband. On Saturday I wore my Flirt jeans and city boots with a whie scoop tee from Gap and a white hoodie from Neighborhoodies with my town's name on the front (thanks Sis, a very cool Christmas gift and great for town events!). Sunday I wore my red Maggy London dress, black flats from Naturalizer.

Friday

Black cotton wrap shirt from Ann Taylor, cream synthetic camisole from New York and Company, black pencil skirt from Old Navy, black croco peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, silver hoops and cuff, solitaire necklace from Nexus Diamond Labs.

Washed and conditioned hair, added some Jonathan Silky Dirt and used diffuser to dry, then a curling iron to smooth out the frizzy curls and to straighten the bangs. Then a bit more Jonathan Silky Dirt twirled around dry curls for definition. Today was a VERY rainy day so I knew I wouldn't have super fabu hair, but the Jonathan Silky Dirt does keep the hair looking pretty tame in such weather.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay Shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inenr corners, khaki on lid, chocolate in crease and along lash lines. Two coats of DiorShow in black on curled lashes. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Glossy Rose.

Thursday

Teal blue merino bateau-neck sweater from Banana Republic, tan tweed trousers from Ann Taylor, brown croco peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, silver hoops and cuff.

Hair is second day - the rain and bedhead-mussed areas fixed with a curling iron, and a bit more Jonathan Silky dirt added to ends and around loopy curls.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, chocolate along lash lines. Lashes curled, DiorShow mascara in black. On lips is The Body Shop Lipcolor in 11.

Wednesday Night

So last night after work I did something I have wanted to do since high school - I saw Sinead O'Connor in concert. Sinead was one of my favorites as a teen - her music really struck me. One year my parents got me a Beta video of her in concert but I hoped someday to hear her amazing voice in person.

Last night she performed at The Strathmore with Damien Dempsey and I splurged on tickets. Even though I purchased them only a week before the performance, I was able to get box seats in a primo location. I got home and quickly fed the dog and changed to get back on the Washington Beltway and battle rush-hour traffic to the venue.

Can I just say how funny the crowd was? I felt as though I was at a casting call for Reality Bites - Midlife Crisis. As you see, I changed into my black merino shift from Banana Republic, my green pashmina and my tan boots from Duo. I didn't change hair or makeup. The rest of the crowd looked just like me - all these women in their early to mid 30s with layered hair in various shades, dresses, many with tights and either Mary jane shoes or boots. We all had slouchy hobo-style purses in leather and suede and were all sipping glasses of wine in the lobby. Our male dates also all looked the same - merino or cotton sweaters with a white tee underneath or a striped wrinkled shirt with the white tee, rumpled khakis or jeans with either Pumas or Chucks. It was crazy, and very scary. This is what happened to all the alterna-chicks of the late 80s/early 90s who had to finally wash out the Manic Panic and toss the Doc Martens for a pair of sensible pumps. Needless to say, I felt like a Stepford Wife, but was confident in knowing I was approrpiately dressed...

Anyway, back to the show. It was AMAZING! Damien Dempsey was charming and talented, but Sinead O'Connor truely stole the show. She came out on stage in a men's suit and Doc Martens and her nearly-bald 'do and seemed shy, nervous and a bit anal. However with the songs, she warmed up, became chatty, danced a bit and her voice really built with passion and strength. She did 70% of her old stuff, 30% of her new, including the song she wrote for the movie Water Horses - an anti-war movie coming out on Christmas Day. I liked her new as well as her old - it was beautiful, spiritual, emotional. And I have to say, there was nothing cooler than singing along with my husband - both of knowing all the words though we weren't together at the time of finding out about her as an artist. It made me wonder if he, like me, spent many days in his bedroom listening to that tape over and over on a boom box attempting to write poetry and not suceeding. To see all these couples and gaggles of friends all singing in unison and swaying with such joy - it was a really cool experience.

Wednesday

It's raining. I mean, I am glad for it because everything has been so darn dry but that plus the dark mornings already taking place... it's hard to be lively in the AM.

Olive linen puff-sleeved shift dress from Old Navy, dark "The Flirt" bootcut jeans from Old Navy, black city boots from Impo, silver hoops and cuff, silver necklace fromt he Ren Fest, silver pocketwatch necklace from Ann Taylor Loft.

Hair washed and conditioned, a bit of Jonathan Silky Dirt and obviously headed to work with my hair still wet. With the rain, it didn't look like Kip Winger, more like beachy hippie waves. I think it fits and looks pretty good.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, olive on lid and along lash lines. Lashes curled, two coats of DiorShow in black. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in glossy Rose.

I was supposed to dress up in costume today - this afternoon the employees are invited to bring their kids to trick or treat from desk to desk. I signed up - ended up being the only one outside of the corporate services side (I work in the corporate office of my company, but am in professional services/shmoozing the client). Feel a bit goofy so I stopped by Giant last night to get some Halloween garland to decorate my cube and one of those old-school plastic jack-o-lanterns to hold the candy I will be doling out. It's weird - the corporate services sides is all jazzed up with fake cobwebs and orange lights and witch decals on the windows. My department did get festive over near the copier - some lights and garland but my cube is a bit away from the rest and therefore needed some festivity.

But I didn't dress up. I knew no one in my office would and then it rained and I didn't want to wear baggy coveralls and slosh around in puddles. So I copped out. I guess it's for the best - I have seen one woman in a Halloween-themed sweater (Just say NO to Quacker Factory!) and one guy in my old department is wearing a kilt but not sure what the whole costume is supposed to be and they are the only two dressed up. So I guess it's for the best, though I wish I had some cat ears or something for the kiddies when they come this afternoon.

Tuesday

No pics from Monday, I didn't have a camera and well... I didn't even look too cute. My teal Proenza Schouler dress and black ballet flats.

Today - black cotton stretchy v-neck sweater from Banana Republic, dark denim skirt from Gap, avocado pashmina from Nordstrom, tan Bern boots from Duo, silver cuff and hoops.

Hair is second day, blown straight with round brush and dryer on dry hair, then used the curling iron to smooth bangs and some fuzzy places. Itsy bit of BioSilk to ends.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners of eyes, khaki and olive blended and on lid and along lash lines. Lahses curled, DiorShow mascara in Black.

Vendor Review - Duo

I am always on the look for a pair of boots that fit my large calves, yet still have great style. Like plus-sized clothing, this combination is hard to find. Seems that all boots for larger calves are boring styles or totally tacky and/or dated.

A reader told me about Duo, a UK-based company that prides themselves on having an extensive selection of boots for almost every size calf. I headed over to their site and was utterly amazed at the selection. Yes, like other companies they have the standard tall boot in black and brown and a few selections I wouldn't get caught dead wearing, but so many choices that were current and stylish, I had a hard time choosing which style to try.

I ended up choosing the Bern in caramel brown (photo from site), which I felt most closely replicated the classic Frye Harness boot that I covet but can't pull up over my ankle. With the ability to size the boot shaft in centimeters, I was able to get a more custom fit than with inches. Converted into American fundage, the boots ended up being $238 with shipping - not cheap but equivalent to high-quality brands in the states that do not cater to my leg shape (and cheaper than Frye!). If these boots were as great as I had read, the price will be nothing for years and years of happy wear.

The boots arrived in less than two weeks, but were sent registered post and required a signature from me (not the husband) to pick up. Since the post office is open only when I am at work, it took a bit longer to get my purchase. No worries, better than leaving them out in the rain on my front porch.

Do note - the return policy is only ten days from receiving and the shoes need to be in mint condition if you do plan to send back. Be sure to wear them on carpeting to try them out at first.

The packaging is excellent - heavy plastic shipping bag that can easily be reused for returns. The box was sturdy and the boots carefully wrapped and protected. And the leather... these are GORGEOUS boots. The color was called Caramel Brown, but the shade is more of a tan - almost the same color as my legs (photo taken by moi). At first I feared this color would look strange and not match anything, but I think the lighter color was actually more flattering with large calves - not drawing attention to the size of the leg but the style of the boot. Like the Frye Harness boot, these boots look cool out of the box, and will look awesome in a couple years after some wear and tear.

The shaft is fleece-lined, and the footbed is leather. The stitching is well-done and high quality. The zipper is sturdy and has an elegant zipper pull. There are elasticized gussets at the back of the shaft for flexibility - if I had recalled this feature, I could have gone a centimeter or two smaller (one should already go a centimeter or two smaller than your measurement as that leather does stretch over time). However, I wanted a casual look and the looser fit seems to work.

Friday night I wore the boots around the house for movies and pizza and unlike previous "wide-calf" boots, these didn't dig into my legs, leaving track marks from the zippers cutting into flesh. Not only that, they were comfy on the feet - good support and decent cushioning. I gave the boots the true test the rest of the weekend - wore them to tailgate for my college homecoming football game (five hours on my feet on concrete) and then Sunday at a luncheon and then a general-admission concert (five more hours standing on concrete). After all that, my feet felt great, my calves were happy and the boots still looked beautiful. The only problem was that the insole/footbed had pulled up a bit and the adhesive stuck to itself, making it lump under my heel. I was planning on replacing the insoles with more supportive ones anyway, so I just unstuck, put back in place and was fine. This happens often with me and boots - I will not judge the quality on this one teeny snafu.

Final verdict? I am a Duo fan and plan on shopping from them again in the future. The international shopping, high ticket price and the strict return policy may seem daunting but the quality and fit make it all worthwhile!

This Weekend

Hey everyone! Sorry I have been MIA, I had training at work yesterday and no computer time.

So this weekend was pretty great - fun events and gorgeous weather. Saturday started with yoga as usual (no pic, black knit herum pants from C.enne C. Couture, white scoop tee from Gap), then ran a few errands to get ready for the evening (grocery store, liquor store, sports attire store, etc.).

Saturday was the University of Maryland's homecoming and my 10-year reunion of sorts (I graduated from my sorority in 1997 but took a couple classes after that date). I got a Terps shirt from Modell's and of course had to do a bit of DIY to make it look Allie. The plan was to pair it with my dark Flirt jeans from Old Navy and then my Chucks, but even though the jeans shrunk with washing, they were still far too long to wear with flat shoes. My Joe's jeans were too light and my old Curvy bootcut from Gap is just a weird dated color and I didn't like the look. Friends were downstairs waiting so I just slapped on my dark denim skirt from Gap and my new boots from Duo and raced out.

Hair was washed and conditioned in the morning, a bit of Jonathan Silky Dirt applied while damp, and then allowed to air dry during sun salutations. I used a curling iron to straighten the bangs and to smooth out a few frizzy spots, then a bit more Jonathan Silky Dirt twirled around locks for separation.

Makeup was L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - the ivory in inner corners, bit of khaki on lid. Lashes curled, coat of DiorShow with coat of Maybelline Great Lash waterproof over it. Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line, and a bit of Body Shop Eye Definer in black around both lash lines of a smoky look.

The boots were so comfortable! I tromped all over the lots near the stadium, saw good friends and did a TON of People Watching. You know you're old when you roam the lots with your sister and friend to see what's going on and end up having the longest conversation with two cops reminiscing about the 90s and comparing what high schools we attended. But it was a ton of fun, here's a pic with my sister and two of my best friends.

Unfortunately, coming home I had the camera on to take a picture of my husband making a silly face and I entered the door and tripped over the welcome mat and landed camera-first in my entryway, smashing in the zoom and making the camera inoperable. I almost cried.

So Sunday, no pictures. Probably a good thing. I drank an energy drink at tailgate to stay awake and ended up waking with a start at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep. My plan was to go to my friend's baby shower but we had some miscommunication in the family and found out that it was my father in law's birthday party that day (yeah, no one told me about it and the husband thought I knew). So unfortunately I couldn't go to Sarah's shower, but instead hung out with the fam at a luncheon (which was not bad at all, I just felt awful that I double-booked).

Hair was washed and conditioned, bit of Jonathan Silky Dirt and the plan was to do a repeat of Saturday's hair but with the schedule change, I didn't have the time to let it air dry so I dried it fast with the dryer and paddle brush, and then straightened it with the clothing iron.

Black merino shift dress from Banana Republic, the same boots from Duo, my silver cuff and hoops.

Makeup was L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernautral in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Glossy Rose, a bit of ivory shadow from the Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis, several coats of DiorShow mascara and Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line. Really wish I had my camera because I thought it was a cute total look.

After the luncheon, we had dinner at an Irish pub with friends and then saw Rodrigo y Gabriela in concert at the 9:30 Club. Oh my GOODNESS, if you have not heard Rodrigo y Gabriela I highly recommend you check them out (this last link is thier MySpace page where you can hear a few songs). They are two guitarists, no singing but the things they can do with a guitar! They were at Bonnaroo but I missed their performance. A friend asked if I wanted to see this show and I jumped at the chance. One of the best shows I have seen in a long time. Too bad I was running on empty by this time with only about four hours of fitful sleep...

On a good note, figured out the issue with my hands. Body Shop's Moisture White face cleanser. I don't use it every time I clean my face, but I finally figured out this weekend that when I do use it, my skin gets itchy and if I use it two days in a row, I end up with the welts. Sort of scary, huh?

Friday

Ultraviolet knit top from Old Navy (thanks to My Fashion Evolution for letting me know about this steal of a top!), dark "The Flirt" jeans from Old Navy, black city boots from Impo, silver cuff and hoops.

Hair was washed and conditioned the night before, a bit of Jonathan Silky Dirt while damp and air dried. This morning was humid and icky and my hair looked tres Kip Winger so I used the clothing iron on it. Helped a bit, but I just knew it wasn't going to be a good hair day.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Nars blush in Orgasm, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow, Body Shop eye color in Slate on lid, Peacock in crease and along lash lines. Lashes curled, two coats of DiorShow mascara in black.

So an update on my hands. As the day progressed, the redness started to form lumps/welts on the outer part of my palms that were sort of hard and hot. I took Benadryl, which knowcked me out on the couch before Jeopardy even started, but I still woke up several times in shocking pain and now itching on the inside of my forearms (though no redness with it).

Today I had an appointment at 10:30. Got to work over an hour early so I could take a 2 hour lunch to have the appointment and the commute to get back home to my doctor. Got to the doctor to find out... surprise they no longer take my insurance. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I work for a great company, but the insurance is not so great. The only thing I miss about my husband's old job was the kick-butt insurance.

So I hit the post office where new boots from Duo were waiting for me. Since I had a bit of extra time and the doc is only a half mile from my house, I headed home with my new boots that are big enough to fit my monster calves (don't worry, there will be a review on Wardrobe Oxygen within a week). Not sure if they are right, will need a second opinion. But the dog ate a dryer sheet and puked all over the floor and a rug so I cleaned that up. And my hands were killing me and it's like 100 degrees with 250% humidity in Maryland today and I was so frustrated with the doctor experience and then weird crazy heavy traffic getting home that... well this is me at noon today. Sweaty, hair piled up, tear-streaked makeup and sad face.

But you know what, it's Friday! Tomorrow is my college homecoming and I look forward to tailgating and hanging with all my current and old friends. So the pout (that I didn't even realize I had until I caught glance in the rearview mirror and then just HAD to take a picture of) is already gone!

You Usually Get What You Pay For

I am all about searching for a bargain. I have found high quality items at big box retailers, discount stores, thrift stores and eBay. Thing is, nine times out of ten if you buy from a company that prides itself on low prices, you’ll often get quality comparative to that price.

Case in point, Newport News. I know, I have been burned by them before. However, I recently won a dark denim pencil skirt (see photo) from them via another blog. It arrived, the fabric seemed good, the seaming was sassy, and other than not coming in petite sizes and being a tad too long, it fit well.

Through the day, the skirt grew. Nothing shocking, all stretch denim seems to grow a size throughout a day of wearing. By the end of the day the skirt could be a tube dress, it had stretched out so much. I washed it on the gentle cycle on its own (the skirt bled like crazy – would have ruined anything else with it) and hung it to dry and it shrunk back to almost its original size. A quick sweep of the iron and the fabric looked brand new.

Almost… the skirt was now a good half size bigger than it was when I received it. Sort of unfortunate considering I am a 12/14, ordered a 12 and even brand new it seemed a bit big. I really hate the inconsistencies of sizing these days and it seems the cheaper the garment the greater the vanity sizing.

So today I decide to wear the skirt. I wear a fitted top with it to counteract the not-so-pencil shape the skirt now has. Thought it looked pretty good. Zipped up the back and headed to work. Got out of the car, and felt something metallic on my back under my shirt. Felt around while walking to the office and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Walked to my desk and felt it again. This time I realized my skirt was unzipped. I went to zip it up and surprise surprise, it won’t stay zipped. The zipper seemed to lose its grip, the pull didn’t lock flat and was acting like a 40-year old garment put against extreme strain, not a twice-worn skirt that is too large for its owner.

Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal

This skirt is cute, its $29.50 price tag is appealing. However like almost everything else from this company, it’s crap. Ladies, it is far better to wear the same black pencil skirt every week for five years, than to buy five skirts at the same price and end up tossing them in the trash or the donation bag after a season (or less) of wear.

Recently I found an adorable jade green sweater at Target. Scoop neck, puffed cap sleeves and a delightful bright color. Best thing, it was on sale for $10. I tried it on and it looked cute enough to purchase, even though I know garments of that synthetic knit have done me wrong in the past (getting runs, pills, not washing well). Heck, it was only $10, right?

After one day at work, the skinny seam around both armholes had given so that the hem separated from the top. No worries, I have a sewing kit at home and fixed it while watching America’s Next Top Model. Then the button fell off. No worries, I had an extra button that would work just fine. Then the hem gave way near the bottom of the top. Come to find out, that $10 bargain is costing me more time and stress than the most delicate and expensive dress in my closet.

Point is, just a reminder to really put thought and care into what you purchase. There is a chance that a $10 sweater could be a great addition to your wardrobe, but before you take the plunge, check the garment carefully and analyze how it will fit with the rest of your collection. Do you need it? Is it perfect for you? Would it better to use that $10 toward a more expensive sweater that will be more versatile and possibly last longer in your closet? Style comes from quality, not quantity.

Now I am off to hunt down a safety pin…

Thursday

Another terribly foggy day in the Nation's Capital. Heading north on 295 traffic was stop and go - not because of any issues - just people rubbernecking at fog. I then treated myself to a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks after my ridiculous commute.

Black cotton wrap shirt from Ann Taylor, dark denim pencil skirt from Newport News (that I will be writing about at Wardrobe Oxygen later today because as all Newport News stuff - it is CRAP), leopard peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, gold bangles from Ralph Lauren, gold necklace from a beach boutique.

Hair is second day. Brushed it out with my Body Shop wood-bristled brush, then hit the right side with a curling iron (was a bit flat and the left side looked awesome), then a bit more Jonathan Silky Dirt to the bangs and twirled around locks.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W405, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lids. Lahses curled, two coats of DiorShow in black and on lips is Revlon ColorStay Lipcolor in Rich Raisin.

I know a few of you long-time readers remember my skin allergy in January - thinking it was due to mold and mildew but found out I was actually allergic to blue cheese. Well I have stayed blue cheese-free ever since with no issues, but in the past week or two my hands - just the palms and not the top have been extremely itchy to the point of waking me at night. Cortisone, Benadryl and regular moisturizers do not help.

As you can see from the picture, the hand is a bit swollen and red in places (swollen and itchy enough that I can no longer wear my wedding set) but not anything supern out of the ordinary. The top of my hands are normal - hydrated and happy. The skin doesn't lok or feel dry, just so itchy, almost like after a sunburn. Doing some internet searching, it seems it too could be an allergic reaction, or something bigger like hypothyroidism. I'm guessing it's an allergic reaction, but not sure what as that there haven't been any changes really in my handwash or body care products and my diet really hasn't changed either. I know if I go to the doctor they will tell me to go to fragrance-free everything to guess what it may be. I figure I'll start on my own - first switching out my beloved Body Shop Coconut Hand Wash since it seems to only be my hands. If I end up allergic to coconut, I will just cry. Blue cheese AND coconut? What next, red wine, sushi and cheese?

And I apologize for any typos - I used to post in Firefox which has a built-in spellcheck. With my new laptop, something is on it where Firefox won't store cookies but IE will (the company pushes us to stick to IE) so I'm back to spellcheck/theme/add-on free IE. :-(

Wednesday

Ruckus says hello. Ruckus can NOT handle me closing the office door on him when I take my picture (I swear it's like 10 seconds, hence strange angles and occasional blurry shots) so he usually comes in and makes himself at home on an old blanket I threw ont he floor as a makeshift second bed. Today he jsut wanted in on the action.
Not really a problem though, since he is so utterly cutie patootie (yes, slightly biased but others say the same about my baby).

Ivory and black print synthetic wrap dress from Ann Taylor, black openwork peeptoe heels from Steve Madden (not current), silver cuff and heels.

Hair was washed and conditioned, a chickpea-size of Jonathan Silky Dirt (more than recently, same amount from when I first got this cut and color) added while damp. Hair twirled and laid inside dryer's diffuser while I read the most recent Rolling Stone. When dry, I took large sectons randomly and twirled around the curling iron, used the iron to straighten my bangs and twired a bit around fingers for a rumpled look.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5 (which is starting to get too dark for my fall skintone), philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Nars blush in Orgasm, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, chocolate in crease and along lash lines. Lashes curled, a few coats of DiorShow mascara in Black and on lips is Nars lipstick in Dolce Vita.

Oh, and can I just rave rave rave about yesterday's dress? I am really resisting the urge to buy it in the cranberry shade as well (currently on the site and in stores). I do have a $40 savings coupon for BR, but want to hold on for a bit for something utterly drool-worthy. But yesterday i got to work around 8am, worked until 5, went to dinner and a movie with girlfriends (Jane Austen Book Club - very cute in a go to the movies with your fave girlfriends sort of way), commute home and at 11pm this dress still looked super cute and was super comfy. So were the now-discontinued BCBGril heels (believe me, I have looked. A few leopard pairs at an ungodly high price at Zappos but otherwise NADA anywhere). Feet didn't hurt all day!

Tuesday

Hi all, writing to you from my new laptop. The other one I have had for almost three years and even the IT guys have decided it was possessed and had to be replaced and stop trying to fix it's weirdness. New laptop means a busy day - same load of work, but no cookies, no preferences set up - amazing how little shortcuts and prefs really do speed up your processes.

Anyway, on to what is important around here - my outfit! Black merino sweater dress from Banana Republic, black croco peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, silver cuff and hoops.

Hair is second day. A few pieces around the curling iron, some finger combing and that's about it.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Nars blush in Orgasm, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid. DiorShow mascara in black on curled lashes, thin line of Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line. On lips is Revlon ColorGlide in Rum Radiance.

Sustainability is Stylish

It’s amazing how little decisions – ones that won’t cost more time or money can make a big difference in regard to the environment. On behalf of Blog Action Day, a few ideas that will make tiny changes in your life but big changes for our future…

1. Bring Your Mug to Work Day. Many workplaces have coffee, tea and filtered water available for their employees, and stacks of Styrofoam cups ready for these drinks. Look chic and be green by bringing your own cup or mug. If your office doesn’t provide soap and a sponge to wash your cup, donate some and encourage others to follow your lead. A graceful porcelain teacup or a hearty mug that represents your personal style is far more fashionable on your desk than a generic disposable one. This small change by you may not seem like much, but if everyone switched to a reusable cup, image the difference in the landfills!

2. Shop Your Closet, or Your Friend’s. Before heading to the mall, take a second gander at your own wardrobe. That skirt that is part of your dust-covered interview suit may work as a very chic pencil skirt this season. That too-short dress may work as a hip tunic over jeans or trousers, and those slightly-short and slightly-tight jeans may look fabulous tucked into some great tall boots and paired with a slouchy sweater.

Before you toss those Just Wrong pieces from your closet, call up your girlfriends. Your trash may be your best friend’s treasure and vice versa. Serve up some cocktails and make a swap party out of the event!

3. BYOB. Bring your own... bag! All those plastic bags take up space in your house and in landfills as well. Keep a tote in your bag or next to your door so it’s ready for your next trip to the market. But totes are not just for the grocery store – bring your bag to the mall, Target, even Home Depot. Show your style and encourage shoppers around you with your sassy reusable bag.

And if you are only buying one item and don’t have your tote, say “thanks, but no thanks” and carry your purchase in your hand. Who needs another plastic bag floating around?

Want the bag featured? Visit this site!

4. Think Before You Shop. Wow, those tee shirts at Wal-Mart are only $5 but do you REALLY need another tee shirt? Stop and think about the future of this purchase – a few washings and you will either tire of it or it will fall apart. You’ll toss it in a bag for Goodwill a year from now even though it’s torn, threadbare and stained. What do you think happens to that rag with sleeves? I’ll tell you, it’s not going to be on the back of the homeless and it won’t end up on a hanger at the local thrift store. You donate trash, that’s what it becomes. Think before you drop a few bucks on crap because a year from now it will just be adding to your local landfill. Save your money for quality garments, and you’ll not only help your sense of style but the environment as well.

5. Vote With Your Pocketbook. Do your homework before you swipe that credit card. What type of ethics does that company have? What do they do to help the environment? Good chance, you can find a very similar item for a similar price from a more ethical company. The beauty of the Internet is that with a few moments with Google (or Goodsearch) you can find out everything you would ever want to know about a company and their more green competitors.

6. Break the Habit. The water bottle habit that is. Tap water is not a bad thing, and a Brita or Pur filter on the faucet is far cheaper than buying all those silly (and tacky) bottles. And you know waters like Aquafina are nothing more than purified tap water. How much did you spend for that bottle?

Yes you recycle your bottles (sometimes) but water bottles are not recycled to make more... the more bottles you consume the more bottles are made at factories that emit all kinds of nice stuff into the air. Then those water bottles are wrapped up in bleached and laminated cardboard and more plastic, shipped on big trucks that use big amounts of gas to your store. All that fuel, all that waste when there is healthier stuff practically for free from your kitchen sink. Gosh, a reusable bottle is sooo much more chic.

This cutie is available here.

7. Stay Slim. Keep your elegant wallet looking slim and crisp and Just Say No to receipts and the gas station or ATM.Often we request the receipt and then promptly crumple it and toss it on the floor of our car or into a trash can. Carry a check register to log your transactions, or even write it down on a different receipt in your wallet for later confirmation. As for checking your balance, most banks offer phone and web options to do that in a jiffy, completely paper-free. Think about it, there are more than 8 billion ATM machines in the USA alone. Imagine how many receipts are being printed and then added to landfills?

8. Reading and Recycling. Catalogs are fun to find in your mailbox; magazines are even more fabulous. But what do you do with these glossies after oohing, aahing and getting your fill? Grab yourself a paper bag - one of those sturdy ones from the grocery store with the handles that sits open on its own. Open it up and stick it near your front door. Now every time you go through the mail, dump in there all the catalogs you wouldn’t be caught dead shopping from, pamphlets from car dealerships, Pennysavers and paper products that you don't want. While you're at it, bend down those cardboard holders and boxes for cans and bottles of soda and beer and tuck them in there as well. After ogling over Vogue and Pottery Barn, toss them in there as well.

Then when this bag is full, take it to be recycled. In my town we have recycling bins near the Public Works building. If you do not know where paper products can be recycled in your area, call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit this site.

Why bother with recycling this measly amount of paper?
-Making new paper from old paper uses 30% to 55% less energy than making paper from trees and reduces related air pollution by 95%.
-Recycling one ton of paper typically saves about 6.7 cubic yards of landfill space. A cubic yard of stacked office paper for example weighs about 380 pounds. Cost savings may be estimated by multiplying the tons recycled by 6.7 times the cost per cubic yard for waste disposal (if by volume) of by cost per ton (if by weight).
-Commercial and residential paper waste accounts for more than 40% of waste going to the landfill. Eliminating this paper from our waste would nearly double the lives of current landfills.
-Newspaper is recycled into newspaper, game boards, egg cartons, gift boxes, animal bedding, insulation, and packaging material.
-Office paper is recycled into office paper, tissue paper, paper towels, and toilet paper.
-Corrugated cardboard is recycled into new cardboard and cereal boxes.

If this seems like a lot, try adapting just one of these tips a week. It only takes a month to make a habit – in a few months all of this will seem like old hat and you will be a very important drop in the ocean of people making a difference to protect our planet.

Little steps can make a big impact!

Monday

Black and white cotton kimono-inspired top from H&M, black synthetic camisole from Victoria's Secret, dark "The Flirt" bootcut jeans from Old Navy, black city boots from Impo, silver hoops and cuff bracelet.

Hair was washed and conditioned, a bit of PureOlogy's Root Lift at roots, Jonathan Silky Dirt at ends and dried fast with a paddle brush and hands. Used a curling iron afterwards to smooth bangs and a bit of Jonathan Silky Dirt twirled around pieces for separation, shine and de-frizz.

Makeup is L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners, khaki on lid, chocolate in crease and along lash lines. Lashes curled, two coats of DiorShow mascara in black. On lips is Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose.

Product Reviews:
PureOlogy Root Lift - I got it because it was 50% off at my local grocery. I can usually create volume in my hair no problem, but the roots often are a bit flat. This is not the first root lift I have used - I purchase, I follow the instructions, and my hair looks exactly the same as without it - just maybe greasier looking a bit faster. However, I have adored PureOlogy and my stylist swears by the line and uses it on me when I visit, so I decided to give a root lifter another chance.

Not impressed. Does the same thing as the Suave Professionals root lifter, the BedHead lifter, the Redken lifter, all the others. Guess this one will keep my color longer by not having alcohol and other stripping ingredients, but I didn't see much difference in the volume of my hair. Maybe it's just my hair - it has never been a head of hair to warm up to styling products - everything either makes it limp or slimy.

Old Navy's "The Flirt" Bootcut Jeans - Okay, this is pretty close to $29.50 Nirvana. They fit very well, the denim has a touch of stretch to keep its shape, but little enough that the denim still looks expensive. It has that dark premium wash I adore that shows the white threads and looks heavier and more expensive than it really is. The leg opening is slim enough that the cut isn't dated, but wide enough to balance out my midsection. they are tight in the thigh, but I have big thighs and they stretched out nicely without getting weird in the crotch area. And speaking of the crotch area - no looking like a diaper, no "camel-toe" or other weird things that often happen with cheaper jeans.

Best thing? Waistband doesn't cut into my belly AND when I sit and bend over, my underwear is still covered. All that AND a cool below-the-belly button rise.

Now, on to the negatives. The back pockets are ugly. They look as though the jeans are standard-issue from a surplus store. Not are they just plain, they have reinforced stitching that make them look as though they are meant for heavy duty, not day wear. I despise the pockets. Even one little stitch across would help but no, just a big expanse of navy with reinforced seams. Very unhip and unflattering and an easy way to proclaim to the world, "yo, I have cheap jeans on." Almost as bad as overly embellished pockets. Luckily, they are partially covered with my longer tops.

Second negative? Like most jeans, come the end of the day there is a bit of bagging under the rear. Enough that my husband said the other night, "Beeb, your jeans look too big." The waistband was still tailored to my shape, the kneees hadn't gotten baggy, it was jsut the bum. However, most jeans do this sop it's far nicer to have it happen with cheaper denim.

Finally, they do shrink. Not really in width, but after washing and drying once, they shortened almost an inch. Second washing and drying, it made a complete inch shortage. Good for me because when I purchased them I knew I could pair them only with my highest heels, but something to keep in mind when shopping (my location did not have lengths available but they are available online).

There is a huge variety of denim colors, weights and of course inconsistent sizing with these jeans. This was the second darkest pair I could find without being a solid indigo, and the darker pair was impossible to even pull up in a 12 and I could have fit two of me in a 14. With a different shade, I was able to be utterly comfortable in a 10 and another pair, wondered if I could have fit in an 8. Keep in mind, I am a pretty straight 12 petite in Ann Taylor, Gap, Caslon, Joe's Jeans, David Khan, Tahari, Ann Taylor Loft and a 14 petite in J. Crew and Banana Republic and higher end brands. Allie is NOT an 8 nor has been since 1997.

So, I think these jeans are in general worth a shot but I recommend to save your shipping fees and try them on in the store. And right now they are on sale for $25!

This Weekend

Saturday started with yoga as usual. Black scoop tee from Gap, olive ribbed tank from J. Crew, black yoga pants from ProSpirit.

Hair was washed, a bit of PureOlogy's Root Lift added while damp and dried with a paddle brush. Then used the clothing iron to get straight.

No makeup except a bit of Imju Fiberwig mascara.

The rest of the day we ran errands (Party City, grocery, yadda yadda) and then cleaned the house. Terribly glamorous. All I did was change from my yoga pants to my Old Navy jeans and put on some concealer and lip gloss.





That evening I went out with friends in NoVA - Indian restaurant, appletinis and hanging out catching up with everyone back at the pad. Green puff-sleeved sweater from Mossimo, dark "Flirt" jeans from Old Navy, leopard peeptoe heels from BCBGirls, silver cuff and hoops and to ward off chill I brought my Banana Republic Outlet black ponte jacket.

Hair didn't change from earlier that day, just brushed.

Makeup was Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer, L'Oreal True Match concealer in W4-5, philosophy's The Supernatural in Beige, Cargo Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife, Sephora chunky eye pencil in Gray around both lash lines and placed on lid and blended with a Q-tip. Then a limited edition of Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes from last year was used over it - it has a blue-silver shade almsot the same as the pencil and that was lightly applied from lash line up to brow bone. DiorShow mascara on curled lashes and a very very fine line of Maybelline UltraLiner in black on top lash line. On lips was Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow.

Sunday was my husband's godson's 1st birthday and due to the upcoming holiday, it was a costume party. I went as Rosie the Riveter (photo courtesy of my husband). Navy coveralls from JC Penney online (cheaper than other places! Had to cut off a good 16" though), red bandanna, and my trusty "Chucks" on my feet.

Hair was second day, I pinned it up under the bandanna, tied the bandanna and then held in place with two Bobby pins in front of the ears.

Makeup was Smashbox Photo Finish foundation primer, Bare Escentuals mineral foundation in Fairly Light, Nars blush in Orgasm, Revlon ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - the ivory in inner corners of eyes and on entire lid. Lahses curled, several coats of DiorShow in black, a very hefty line of Maybelline UltraLiner in black and on lips is the Revlon ColorStay lip color in Burgundy. No red smeary mishap this time - I was very careful, kept it in my pocket for touchups and with only two touchups looked polished all day - through breakfast (oh yes, my husband and I were in costume at Panerra Bread), a photo shoot (dog pictures for a client/friend), and then a party where I took part in a costume parade and crawled around on the ground with little William and all his tyke-friends.

The Tights Dilemma

Cold weather is approaching (and already has landed in the more northern parts of the planet) and with all the cute dresses and skirts in the stores this season, what’s a girl supposed to do to prevent frostbite on her knees?

You know by now my opinion on pantyhose (hate it, only approve when an interview, your religion supports it, your job demands it or it’s funky/cool and you are a True Fashionista who can pull it off). But tights, tights are a different story. Tights actually DO keep your legs a bit warm (sorry ladies, I have worn hose in Maine and think I was warmer bare legged than having the cold cling to that polyester), they are very much in style and far less difficult to mess up style-wise.

What color? What texture? When are they appropriate?

Color
Black is a great option. If they are well-made and very opaque, they can go with so many things. The past few seasons has paired black with every color under the planet (yes even brown and navy) so this is a great first choice for a tights wardrobe. I recommend a matte pair so they are more versatile and less looking like part of a Rockette’s ensemble.

This season they are showing black tights with colored shoes and dress (think purple dress and burgundy shoes), black tights with black shoes and a colored dress or skirt so there is much variety. I love the heeled oxfords and mature spin on heeled Mary Janes this season – they are a perfect pair with tights to look adult and sophisticated, but with a touch of feminine whimsy.

Brown is a good second if you do wear brown. Spanx actually has a reversible pair of tights that are black on one side and gray or brown on the other. This makes them doubly warm, strong and useful. Brown is great with lighter colors (camel, ivory) and can be less harsh. Make sure your brown has a nice chocolate tone and isn’t yellow-tinged like children’s tights.

As for other colors, well it depends on your personal style. Burgundy is a nice choice this season – really makes black, dark gray and dark brown pop and be less ordinary. Purple is another popular shade this season and cute in legwear – again keep the color dark and cool-hued so you don’t look like a Strawberry Shortcake doll (Sour Grapes anyone?). Other darker jewel tones (dark amber, forest green, navy and even dove gray) can also look great but aren’t the hot colors for legwear this season – proceed only if these are signature colors in your wardrobe. But imagine your little black sheath, a pair of black heeled Mary Janes and then a pair of tights in a rich indigo hue. How about your ivory fisherman sweater, dark denim skirt, some brown boots and maroon tights… not traditional, but a cheap way to add color and a current trend to your wardrobe basics.

Unless you are a real creative with your style, I suggest avoiding white, cream and ivory tights. One false move, and you look like a 6-year old on her first day of school.

Texture
If you are new to tights, I recommend going for a smooth, matte finish. This is a basic that works from season to season, doesn’t add unflattering sheen to the larger parts of the leg, won’t be as likely to show through when stretched and will go with a multitude of skirt and dress fabrics.

If you are considering other textures (ornate lace styles, cable-knit, etc.) I say proceed with caution and pair with heavier fabrics on top. Textured tights can work with denim and wool, very rarely with silk and crepe. If you are doing textured legs, keep everything else simple – pattern and texture-free dresses, simple shoes, minimal jewelry and accessories.

Location
Tights are great for work – they keep you warm, they aren’t too flashy and keep you under wraps while still looking professional. Pair with boots (tall classic styles, calf and ankle booties), heels (the new heeled oxfords, t-strap and round toe retro-inspired pumps, Mary Janes) and ballet flats (only if you already wear ballet flats, and I recommend printed flats with colored tights, black flats with black tights for a streamlined look).

Tights can take your favorite denim skirts and make them winter-appropriate. Instead of little tees and camis with sandals in the summer, pair your denim skirt with a chunky sweater or slim knit turtleneck, tights and a pair of boots.

Tights are great for nights out on the town – keeps your legs warm while in line or dashing from the car, and look very current. The short-sleeved shifts of this season are perfect matches with tights and boots or heels. This fall has shown a ton of optic prints and bright jewel-toned solids which both are showcased but a solid black leg.

Tights are also being shown for more formal occasions, but here I also request that you proceed with caution. Black tights could be worn at an evening affair, if the heel is high and feminine and the dress is short and of a strong color. Banana Republic has a short emerald-green satin shift that I think could be worn to a holiday party or evening wedding with black tights and heels. My friend has a dark red taffeta strapless a-line dress that she has paired with black tights and heels and has looked very cute. Do know that black may be slimming, but it also cuts your body so you will look shorter. Shorter skirts (above knee) and higher heels on your shoes will help balance the look out.

Other
A great thing about tights is that they hide a multitude of sins – cellulite, spider veins, pale legs, even a week without shaving! They can also assist with small bulges at the tummy and hips with all varieties of control tops. I do recommend that if you are heavier and softer in the middle to either go with a high-waisted style that hits under your bra (gives a smooth line) or forego the control so you don’t look cut in the middle.

As for footless tights and leggings – I must admit I sported them quite a lot last season to mixed reviews (by others, and by me each time I looked at myself in the mirror). If you are here for basic fashion advice, then I am telling you to NOT buy footless tights unless you plan to pair them with boots (sometimes is more comfortable and no one is the wiser). Footless tights can look very cool, or terribly terrible. They cut the line of the body, they can make you look like a fashion victim, and they pair with very few classic OR current styles.