Product Review - Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit - I bought this kit completely on a whim. I had used the Laura Mercier tinted foundation a couple of years ago and didn't like it. I found it to be a bit greasy and not really do much to change my skintone or complexion. The thing is, for years I have looked for products that would give me a truly flawless face - hide the circles, the bags, the zits, the redness, and pretty much give me a mask of perfection.

Funny how the older I have gotten the less I want to cover. Maybe it's the pregnancy, maybe it's taking better care of my skin, but I now find the heavy foundations to be fake and uncomfortable. I wanted instead to get a natural, healthy look. Laura Mercier always receives rave reviews so I figured I might as well try the kit...

The kit includes:
1.0 oz Foundation Primer (Step 1)
1.0 oz Tinted Moisturizer (Step 2)
Translucent Loose Setting Powder (Step 3 and 4)
0.21 oz Undercover Pot Shade #3
Secret Camouflage Brush
Camouflage Powder Brush
Velour Puff
Egg-shaped Sponge

This seemed super fancy to me, who usually works with foundation, one concealer and her ring finger. However I was in need of a change, and was loving the small sizes and good deal ($159 value, for $65).

The kit comes with instructions, telling you how to apply each product, in what order, when to use the tools. The first few times I used the kit I followed the instructions to the letter. Once I got the hang of the line, I modified the routine to fit my time and needs. I have occasionally switched out products with non-Laura Mercier ones (L'Oreal foundation, Make Up Forever powder) and have had success.

So I guess you guys can tell by me wearing this kit almost every single day exclusively that I LOVE IT!!! No, I do not get a flawless face from this kit, but my goal (and I think the kit's goal) is to give healthy, natural skin.

The Foundation Primer is not drying, gummy or greasy. I currently apply it with my fingers all over the face. It does seem to help the rest of the products lay better, and last a bit longer through the day. The Tinted Moisturizer has grown on me - it does give more color and coverage than the Cover Girl tinted moisturizer I used this summer, and doesn't feel greasy when combined with the primer.

The concealers are great colors for me - the darker one is a bit more yellow than my skin and almost the same tone I am (L'Oreal C3, Bare Escentuals Fairly Light). It is creamy, but not oily or too thin - blends great with a brush or finger (yes, I have returned to using the ring finger to dab on concealer). The darker concealer is used under the nose to hide redness, and around the mouth where I get occasional acne and have a bit of discoloration. The lighter color is perfect for the eye area - it's a bit more dry than the darker one, but still quite easy to blend without tugging the skin. It's a shade lighter than my skin, provides a very matte finish and can go on sheer or layer nicely for true coverage.

The powder is quite nice. I usually hate powders and find loose powders a mess. This one has a shaker container (just like Bare Escentuals); I tap it once on the included powder puff and it's enough to set the concealers and mattify half my face. Second tap, the rest of the face is set. I am not matte, powdery or ashy looking - the powder just makes it all seem satiny and finished.

No shock, the brushes are nice quality. I just am far better with my hands than with brushes. The sponge is egg shaped but flat, which helps with getting around eyes and noses. Other than that, it's nothing to write home about. The puff is soft and fluffy and gets the job done; I actually prefer the puff to a powder brush (my usual tool for applying loose powder).

I have been using this kit almost daily for a couple of months and I am not even halfway through any of the containers. I am tempted to order another one to have on hand for travel, but it doesn't seem as though this kit is a Limited Edition. All the products are small enough to be able to go on your airplane carry on bag, which I LOVE. The bag it comes with is big enough to hold the whole kit, plus your lipstick, shadows, mascara and pencils. It's also a well-made bag with a sturdy zipper and constructed of heavy plastic (no cheesy just-for-show bag here!).

The only con? It's not cheap. However I think the finish, the look, and the quantity makes it worth the price tag. I chose the kit in Sand and found it perfect for my skin (though almost getting a touch dark since I have almost completely lost the bit of tan I picked up this summer). But really, this kit is pretty fab. It makes makeup application understandable, the products have not caused any irritation or breakouts, it's travel friendly and gives my face a healthy look for many hours.

Tuesday

Attire:
Ann Taylor Loft Maternity - Black and green print matte jersey dress
Liz Lange for Target - Black leggings
Naturalizer - Creston flats in Black
Pashmina International - Oyster Pashmina
Silver Cuff

Hair: Washed and Conditioned (Pureology), Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk, air dry

Beauty: Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand, Nars - Blush in Orgasm, Clinique - Shadow in Like Mink (lighter shade), Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black, Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black, Benefit - Her Glossiness in Next Question Please


Pashmina International - I just received this oyster colored pashmina from Pashmina International yesterday and HAD to wear it today! You all know how much I love scarves, especially pashminas. This is 70% cashmere and 30% silk; it is lighter weight than the 100% cashmere pashminas I have from Nordstrom, yet still has good weight.

The pashmina drapes really nicely (as you can see from the pictures), and has a flat weave that catches the light, showing the beauty of the fabric. The color is called oyster, it looks to me like a light version of French Vanilla ice cream (a pale crisp ivory). The price is really great, and regularly (like today) the site offers free shipping. They also have 100% cashmere pashmina shawls that are cheaper than I usually see in department stores and luxe merino wool shawls.

Pashmina International also supports the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer fund, and donates 5% of every sale that includes a pink pashmina to the International Breast Cancer Research Foundation. How cool is that?

Ask Allie - Winter Wool Coats

Hey Allie, I am from the warm south but will soon be moving north. I am also very petite. I know nothing about wool coats. Do you have any suggestions for good retailers? Or a list of characteristics to look for?  

Thanks, Carrie

Hi Carrie:
I think a wool coat is a great investment. Coat trends do not vary as much as other wardrobe pieces; so a well-made wool coat can really last you for several years (even decades) of stylish wear.

Finding a Wool Coat
First, look at fabric. Often times cheaper wool coats will be a wool blend, mixing this natural fabric with a synthetic like polyester or nylon. Polyester may help with durability, but it won’t help with finish or warmth. Wool blend coats are more likely to collect lint and fuzz, and won’t keep you as cozy on a blustery day. If you want a very warm wool coat, I recommend you find one that is 100% wool.

Second, check out the lining. Your lining is dependant on your locale. Here in the Nation’s Capital I find a basic silk acetate lining is enough for car commuter wear (dashing from house to car and car to building), but a lining with Thinsulate or some other thin warm fabric is better for city commuters (those who spend more time outside). Companies like Lands End and J. Crew often offer varying linings for one style of coat so you can get the combination that is perfect for your lifestyle and environment.

Third, consider your lifestyle before picking out a silhouette. Are you looking for a coat for running errands around town? For work? For evening? One that can do double (or triple) duty? I have found the most flattering and versatile style of wool coat is one that is single breasted, nips in at the waist a bit to follow your shape, and hits between low hips and above the knee. This style of coat can work with jeans, pants and skirts and is long enough to keep a good amount of you protected from the chill. A shorter jacket like a peacoat is great for day errands as that it’s a boxier style that goes on with ease over chunky sweaters and winter layers. A winter coat may have a faux fur collar, belt, decorative buttons or a longer length to create a sense of drama.

Now consider color. Black is always a safe bet – it works day or night, is eternally stylish and easy to find accessories to compliment it. However black can be boring and dreary on gray winter days. Colors can often times be just as versatile as black and far more exciting and true to your personality. Mallard blue, plum, dark red, camel, mustard, pumpkin, brown, berry, hunter green are all great colors that won’t look dated by next snowfall. Ivory is always elegant but do keep in mind that lighter colors are more likely to show dirt.

What About Accessories?
Accessories make the outfit and they also make the winter coat. Find a color that brings you happiness on a gloomy day and don’t be afraid to mix up colors. Make your navy coat pop with apple green, your camel coat stand out with turquoise, your plum coat with candy pink. I love replacing classic scarves with pashminas – they completely cover the neck opening, can be wrapped across the body for additional warmth, and can be used as a shawl once inside if there is a draft.

As for gloves, be they knit, leather or suede, make sure they are in good condition and compliment the whole ensemble. Unless you are shoveling snow, you don’t need giant padded ski mittens; purchase some well-fitting gloves that let you drive, hold handrails and pull your wallet out of your bag with ease.

When it comes to hats, this winter is the perfect time to find a favorite. All sorts of hats are in style, and everywhere from chic boutiques to big box retailers have a great selection. As with gloves, there is no need for a pom-pom topped ski cap that envelopes your entire head; you can gain just as much warmth from a tam, beret, sleek cap or even a wool fedora or other structured style.

Accessories can be useful as well as elegant. You are not 14 any more, and those ear flaps, Freaky Freezies, and rainbow scarves are not doing you any favors. You can have cheer and fun in your winter wardrobe through color and small details. I saw a woman on the train in a bright pink crocheted cloche with a crocheted flower on the side, same color scarf and gloves. The flower was so sweet and unexpected, and the happy color really brightened up her gray coat. Though my husband calls me Monica Lewinsky, I have been sporting a fun wool beret with my apple green pashmina, black leather gloves and black wool peacoat. My coworker has a simple black wool coat, but unexpected electric blue leather gloves and a blue and black scarf that really adds her flair to the ensemble. Take the time to find warm accessories that maintain style but show your personality – they can be find at any price range.

Camel coat by Lands End, ivory coat by J. Crew, green coat by Boden, red coat by Larry Levine. Click on links or images to be sent directly to the shopping page.

Monday

Attire:
Gap Maternity - Gray silky jersey tunic
Old Navy Maternity - Black ponte trousers
Ann Taylor Loft - Silver and crystal necklace
Naturalizer - Black "Creston" flats
Silver cuff

Hair:
Day 3 (Had it recolored Saturday afternoon and waiting to wash it)
Bangs smoothed with curling iron, a few waves put in with curling iron, finger comb

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand, Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black, Shine Seduction lip gloss in Blushed Bass, Benefit - That Gal, Clinique - Shadow in Like Mink (lighter shade), Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Saturday I went and got my hair recolored - the purple and red had faded and the blonde was just not me. My stylist Kathleen added dark browns and a touch of red and when i saw the final product I breathed a sigh of relief - now I look like myself!!!

Saturday night, we went to the 9:30 Club to see Umphrey's McGee. My husband's friend is friends with the band, so we got VIP access (which meant pregnant lady was not shoved around and had a bar stool to sit on all evening!). The show was phenomenal. I wore my black wrap long-sleeved tee from Gap with my black Old Navy ponte trousers and black Naturalizer flats. I kept my green pashmina around my neck and wore my silver cuff. Smokey eyes and lip gloss for face.

Sunday, my husband woke up ill and had some sort of stomach bug attack him all day long. The plan was to go to his aunt's house to celebrate his grandfather's birthday but he couldn't make it. I saw it as a blessing - I adore his family but we have been rushing rushing for weeks and never have a chance to chill out. Granted, he spent most of his time on the bathroom floor or in bed, but I got to hit the grocery store, organize some of our stuff (the remodel is pretty much moving our belongings from place to place so they are out of the way of construction), scrub the bathroom once he was sleeping, and catch up on some TV and doggy-bonding time. Last night was the first time in so long that I slept more than four hours uninterrupted. Not sure what caused my husband to get sick, we even wonder if it may have been psychological. The past month has been so stressful and sad and exhausting; possibly his body is smarter than his brain and forced him to stop and stay home and get some sleep.

By the way, took some clothes on Saturday to my mom's to get them washed (since still without washer and dryer) and got the two pairs of these black pants cleaned. Expect to see quite a lot of them the next few weeks - they are pretty much the only thing that is warm enough for the weather and don't itch, hurt or fall down! :)

Picture-Free Friday

And it's too bad because I think I look cute AND it took forever and a day to get dressed.

I forgot my camera at work.

I am wearing my fuzzy gray shrug-like cardigan from Kenzie, my black scoop tee from Gap, Old Navy maternity jeans that reader Martha hooked me up with, my long ivory and wood bead necklaces from Limited, my black Chucks and silver cuff.

Hair is second day, sorta messy/shaggy/cute.

Makeup is pretty much exactly what I did yesterday.

Well on to the pregnant woman fashion drama...

Nothing fits you in the last month or so. These jeans are the type with the egg-shaped jersey part in front for the belly, plus stretchiness all the way around the waistband. Well the stretchy parts are not the same shape as my belly, so the seam digs in about an inch above my pubic area... where my very tender stretch marks are located. If I pull down the jeans to have the seam in the right place, the navy stretchy part peeks out under my shirt. I go to pull it back up... and tear out the side of the stretchy stuff. Excellent. This is the best pair I own right now. Secret Fit Belly jeans slide right down just from walking to the front door, Low-rise Belly is more painful than this seam on my stretch marks, Roll Panel is pretty useless without a Bella Band over it to hold it up (and wearing that much crap is just not comfortable), and Below Belly is NOT below belly on a petite woman.

So I have on clothing. Now I need to put on shoes.

The Creston flats from Naturalizer are comfortable, except that I have very thick ankles and no curvature near the Achilles' tendon so they slide right off with socks or else rub and cause blisters with bare feet. Murphy's Law - the brown Mary Janes from Sofft - I lost a heel cap yesterday. So it's either gold Crocs with Jibbitz or Chucks. Neither are work-appropriate, but at least it's Casual Friday. So I put on a pair of my thinnest trouser socks and try the Chucks.

For those who have not been pregnant, let me tell you what it's like to put on shoes when you are just a few weeks from your due date...

Take the shoes, and knot the laces right at the very end where the plastic ends are. This makes it easier so you don't have to try to tie your own shoes, and they are already sent to maximum width.

Sit down on the toilet (seat Closed). This is a good seat because you can sit with your legs wide apart, and it's not too high for petite legs. Breathe, because just getting to the bathroom with the shoes was a bit exhausting. Look down at the shoes, and will them to be cooperative.

Pick up one shoe and rest it on the side of the sink. Then grab the inside of your right pant leg and use it to hoist up your right leg. Rest your right ankle on your left knee and marvel at how puffy and enormous it is. Stretch out the shoe and try to wiggle it on your foot without having your foot slip from your knee and fall back to the floor (those never pregnant, image doing this if your leg had fallen asleep). When the foot does fall, pick up shoe, catch your breath, pick up foot and try again. When shoe is 95% on the foot, then stand up, put foot on top of toilet and bend down, trying to reach foot to get the last of the heel in and the shoe tongue straight. When finished, stand up, feel proud of yourself, catch your breath, take a sip of water and prepare to do the second foot.

Total time to put on two shoes - 17 minutes. Tears shed in frustration - several (thank you Maybelline UltraLiner for being waterproof!). Lady on Metro saying I am the cutest pregnant woman she has ever seen?

Priceless!

Thursday

Attire:
Proenza Schouler for Target - Teal jersey dress
Nordstrom - Green pashmina
Sofft - Brown suede Mary Janes

Hair:
Washed and conditioned the night before; air dry
Hit bedhead with curling iron
Jonathan Dirt to smooth and separate

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in orgasm
Victoria's Secret - Lipstick in V.I.P.
Clinique - Shadow in Like Mink (lighter color)
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black (new tube)

Yesterday I worked from home which meant I rocked out in a black tank, black hoodie and black yoga pants and my sister's Crocs. Gorgeous. We did go out for Chinese for dinner and I switched to my trusty Old Navy maternity ponte pants, a red v-neck maternity sweater from Gap and my Chucks (can't find my flats - darn house remodel has everything topsy-turvy).

We had to disconnect our washer and dryer for the remodel so I am glad it is nearing the end of the week. I have already packed up laundry to take to my mom's this weekend so I have clean clothes. The house is covered in a fine layer of dust from drywall, plaster and wood. The whole living/dining room is smooshed into about 6' and covered with dropcloths and sheets. We pretty much hide out in our bedroom and the junk room where I take my pictures (future nursery) while the house is under attack below us. It's cold, it's dirty, it's frustrating but gosh is it going to be beautiful when it's finished!!!

Tuesday

Attire:
Old Navy Maternity - Olive wrap tee, black ponte trousers
Naturalizer - Creston flats in black
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Next day
Brushed, bangs parted on opposite side

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm, lipstick in Dolce Vita
Pop Beauty - Shadow palette for brown eyes - The greenish brown on lids and along lash line, the chocolate wetted and applied along top lash line
Avon - Luxury eye liner in Eggplant
Cover Girl - Lash Blast mascara in Rich Black

Down to two pairs of shoes that fit - these old flats (not on in picture, they were downstairs so you get to see my Christmas socks), and the brown pumps from yesterday. The flats are a bit too low for proper comfort or a good line with my trousers, but afraid to do any hemming because my belly may use up this extra pant length in the next couple of weeks. I will admit, I have been wearing Crocs around the house - I grew out of the pair I got for Bonnaroo, but my sister has larger feet and loaned me hers. My Chucks kinda work if I barely tie them and wear them with trouser socks, but the super flat bottom and lack of arch support does a number on my if worn for too long. I found my brown suede mary jane pumps on sale in black leather online, they should arrive this week and I am hoping that they will be equally as comfortable...

Monday

Attire:
Olian Maternity - Brown print jersey dress
Sofft - Brown suede Mary Janes
J. Crew - Gold necklace
Ann Taylor - Gold hoops
Ralph Lauren - Gold Bangles

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Pureology Bow Dry Amplify
Bry with dryer and paddle brush, hit random sections with curling iron

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Body Shop - Shimmer Cubes in Warmth
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Avon - Glazewear Lipstick in Juicy Apricot
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Quite a hectic weekend as that the contractors worked on the house Saturday AND Sunday. Saturday I went to Target to get a couple plastic boxes to store things during the remodel and to organize and protect baby stuff. They already had up the wall for the new front of the house and they tore down the old wall, which meant part of the kitchen and all of the laundry closet had to be boxed up (no dryer for a week or two). Saturday night my sister and I went to a local performance of the Rocky Horror Show which was a ton of fun and brought back many high school memories of me and friends catching midnight showings of the movie at a mall near Baltimore.

Sunday, went to breakfast with my husband and sister, and then we just pretty much hung around the house. My husband and the contractors installed all the wiring for cable, speakers, electrical stuff I don't really get too amped up about and my sister and I watched goofy movies and huddled on the couch (cold day and partially uninsulated house = many blankets and snuggling with loved ones). We went to dinner at my mom's house and went to bed early.

Friday

Attire:
Motherhood Maternity - Soft black turtleneck sweater
Ann Taylor Loft - Bootcut jeans
Naturalizer - "Creston" flats in black
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned night before; air dry
Fixed bedhead with curling iron

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3
Laura Mercier - Loose translucent powder
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - The light shadow from the Like Mink eye shadow duo
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black, Shine Seduction lip gloss in Blushed Bass
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Pregnant women - do NOT hem or alter any clothes until they are the size you fit into. These jeans were waaaayyy too long and I had them hemmed. They were still too long as 12 weeks. Now they are highwaters and I hardly have any other jeans that still fit in the hits/are comfortable in the tummy. Learn from my mistake.

Hope you all have a great weekend! We plan to have lots of house stuff take place and I may be going to the theater with my sister tomorrow night!

Thursday

Attire:
Gap Maternity - Dark gray jersey top
Old Navy Maternity - Black ponte trousers
Naturalizer - Black "Creston" flats
H&M - Silver necklaces
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Next day - alarm didn't go off (power failure) so I got ready in like 5 minutes.

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - Shadow in Think Mink (the light color), Longwear Lipstick in Beauty
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black

Tuesday

Attire:
Boob Maternity - Black jersey dress
Duo - "Bern" boots in tan
Limited - Bead necklaces
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Air dried sans product
Straightened bangs with round brush and dryer
Small amount Jonathan Dirt to smooth and finish

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Benefit - Lipstick in Bouquet Dive
Clinique - Shadow duo in Like Mink
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black (very thin line top lash line)
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black


Product Review - Mario Badescu Drying Cream
I have been on the search for some product to replace Clean & Clear Acne Spot Treatment. Clean & Clear WORKS - man, I have any sort of zit - under the skin, whitehead, blackhead, angry red bump... I put some Acne Spot Treatment on it, go to bed, wake up with clear skin. Too bad it's made with Salicylic Acid which I found out causes hives. So anyway for a year I have been looking for a worthy alternative. I have tried a few products with benzoyl peroxide but they have hardly made a dent in my occasional acne. I wonder if it's time, or the product that finally helps the zit disappear.

Well I decided to splurge and bought the Mario Badescu Drying Cream. His Drying Lotion is far more famous, but that is for whiteheads and really angry zits. What I get are usually the under-the-skin bumps that linger for weeks. Reading online, it seems that the Drying Cream is better suited for that type of acne. The descriptions also said this stuff can work as a concealer too. Sweet!

Um yeah, this stuff will nicely conceal if your skintone is the color of a dirty concrete sidewalk. Seriously, the product is the color of mortar, it's dry and ashy looking and no human being on this planet is that color. It does NOT rub in, so you have ashy grayish-brownish-white stuff like calamine lotion on your face. This makes it something you really only want to put on at night, and after your husband has turned off the light. Because of this, I haven't really gotten the chance to properly try it out.

Well thanks to work stress, personal stress, pregnancy and falling off the vegetarian wagon and consuming a cheeseburger the other day, my skin is really unhappy and I am getting red bumps all over my chin, around my mouth and a few near my eyebrows. I gave up on looking cute last night and slathered the problem areas with the Drying Cream. On the bigger bumps, I added cream to make a peak of product; in places that just were slightly bumpy, I smeared a light layer of product. Even with so much application, I hardly made a dent in the tub. I can totally see this same tub of product lasting me for a year or two.

I woke... to almost perfect skin! Most of the bumps were completely gone and the bigger angry ones were just little red mini-bumps. The skin where the product was placed was very dry, but not irritated or flaky. This is great because my skin in the colder months can be very sensitive and temperamental.

So far... this product is worth the cost and is the front runner in regard to being a replacement product for Clean & Clear. Will let you know if it stops working or I get any reactions (other than my husband saying, "what the heck is all over your face?").

Ask Allie – Weekend Shoes

Reader Laurie asks:

When I wear jeans, I quite often reach for the athletic shoes simply because they are so comfortable. I know this is not the most stylish choice, but I'm not quite sure what to substitute. My standby ankle high boots look great with the jeans, but are really not comfortable enough for me. Any shoe suggestions (need to be comfortable enough for walking) for a casual jeans/sweater outing?

Hey Laurie:
For years I have gotten by with my black ankle boots for this situation, but lately (especially with this extra baby weight on my knees and feet) I desire an alternative. Like you, I need what I call a “weekend shoe”, footwear that is more stylish than sneakers, but can be worn all day.

Flats seem like a likely choice, but are often more uncomfortable than heels. Flats force your foot into an unnatural position – a foot will be most comfortable with arch support and a tiny bit of lift at the heel. To have comfort while walking, it’s nice to have decent structure around the foot and padding on the foot bed. Flats rarely have all of this.

Flats like this one from Privo take athletic styling and support and add it to the trendy silhouette of a flat. The perforated leather keeps your foot comfortable all day, and this styling could be worn with “no-see-um” socks, trousers socks or with bare feet and still look polished. I love the purple color – it is an unexpected neutral that can go with denim, neutrals, warm as well as cool tones. Pair with pumpkin, green, red or teal for a beautiful contrast. $84.95 at Nordstrom.


A loafer-style shoe is great with jeans and cords – easy to slip on and off, more refined than a sneaker but often just as comfortable. Having a wedge or athletic-inspired sole will make it far more wearable for long days than one that has a separate heel.

This loafer from Naturalizer has been rated often as being comfortable for walking and standing all day. The contrast stitching and athletic sole makes it a bit funky and artsy, and the blue color is another one of those unexpected neutrals. $59.98 at Macy’s.


A boot is far more comfortable if it has a wedge heel. The wedge helps disperse the weight, and if the wedge is of rubber you have extra cushioning and shock absorption.

This ankle boot by Rockport is sleek, stylish but far kinder to your tootsies than a classic ankle boot. Rockport has been creating innovative and comfortable footwear for men and women since 1971 and I have always had luck finding great walking shoes from this brand. $119.95 from Endless.

Hope that helps!

This Weekend and Monday

This Weekend:
Saturday was an errand day - we pretty much were moving from 8am until 8pm. House cleaned, laundry completed, headed to every store and bank necessary... it was exhausting but really productive and necessary. I ended up crashing around 9pm. I wore a pair of Motherhood Maternity jeans with the Secret Fit Belly that I got on eBay for $6, an olive knit top with a twisted/knot look in front that was donated from a friend, and a black cami underneath.

Sunday was my baby shower. It was scheduled for last weekend but had to be postponed because of my father-in-law. Still there were 30 loved ones who could still come and it was an amazing event. My sister, mom and dear friend Shelly did a beautiful job - fresh flowers in every room, the most delicious food and punches (heard the alcohol one was divine - just know the virgin one was tres yummy with raspberries and blackberries floating in it!). The coolest thing was a baby onesie painting station. They hung a clothesline across the dining room and had blank baby onesies, hats and tee shirts and a bunch of sponges, brushes, paint pens, puffy paint and fabric paint to get creative. Some of the most ADORABLE pieces were creative - I didn't know I had such crafty friends! :) Here's a pic of me making one, and the final results!

I feel so blessed to have so many generous and loving friends and family - we feel well prepared for the baby with everything received. And of COURSE she got some fabu outfits! We got many necessary things, fun things, items moms said are "must-haves," and some homemade and personal pieces. My husband's cousin made a gorgeous quilt of the prettiest colors and had a patch on it that made mention of my husband's deceased father as being the baby's grandfather. So sweet, I just couldn't keep in the tears at that point.

As for me, I wore the same thing I wore on Wednesday, but did it with a smokey eye. Since those are the only shoes that really fit, I didn't have much choice! :) BTW thank you all for the Marshall's suggestion for another pair of those shoes. I went to one Marshall's and they didn't have that shoe but they did have a few other pairs by Sofft for around $39.99. None that fit, but I will go to another location this week!

Monday:
And then today - wearing shoes I should really give up but can't until I find another black pair with at least a teensy bit of a heel (don't want to spend to hem all the pants I own).

Attire:
Old Navy Maternity - Gray jersey top, black ponte trousers
Sudini - Black leather booties
H&M - Silver necklaces
Silver cuff

Hair:
Next day, dryer and round brush to smooth

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Maybelline - Shadow quad in Mocha Motion
Body Shop - Eye Color in Soft Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Bare Escentuals - Buxom Lip Gloss in Dolly

Friday

Attire:
Olian Maternity - Brown print jersey dress
Sofft - Black suede Mary Janes
Ann Taylor - Gold hoops
Ralph Lauren - Gold bangles

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Matric Curl.Life Contouring Milk
Hair scrunched and let air dry 80%
Used diffuser on dryer to dry the rest of the way

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Cargo - Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop - Shimmer Cubes in Warmth: peach on lids, chocolate in crease and along lash lines
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Benefit - Lipstick in Bouquet Dive

Had my 32-week appointment with the midwife today and all is well. Good blood tests, no gestational diabetes, good blood pressure, all progressing nicely.

Last night we had our Hypnobirthing class and it was pretty cool. There's only four couples in the class. We did a few self-hypnosis practices - we closed our eyes and imagined a bunch of helium balloons on one wrist and a bucket of wet sand on the other. We learned to create total relaxation by having our spouse grasp our shoulder. We did some positions on the floor with pillows to be very comfortable and have the baby supported. We practiced different types of breathing for surges, birth, etc. It was pretty cool, though after a long day at work I think I fell asleep dyuring one of the floor meditations! We saw two videos of women using the method during birth and it was pretty inspirational. Seriously, these women were almost silent the entire labor and the babies just slid out!!! I know that won't happen for all but it was very cool to see.l All in all my husband and I really enjoyed it, look forward to our homework and the next class!

Thursday

Attire:
Olian Maternity - Pink jersey top
Old Navy Maternity - Black ponte trousers
Banana Republic - Silver necklace
Silver cuff and hoops
Sudini - Black leather booties

Hair:
Next day
Just brushed

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm, Lipcolor in Dolce Vita
Maybelline - Shadow quad in Mocha Motion
Body Shop - Eye Color in Soft Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

I really want to recolor my hair - I had an appointment but it was last Wednesday so of course i had to cancel it. Just want to put a color over what is now blonde to make it more autumnal. Maybe next week...

Tonight is our first childbirth class. The first one was last Thursday but of course we had to miss it. We are doing Hypnobirthing and are both pretty excited for it!

Wednesday

Attire:
Merona for Target - Gray heavy knit dress (not maternity, just a size larger)
Sofft - Brown suede Mary Janes with flower detail
Ann Taylor - Gold necklace and hoops
Twisted Silver - Gold bracelet

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Pureology Bow-dry amplifier
Dried with round brush

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Body Shop - Shimmer Cubes in Warmth: Peach on lid, Chocolate in crease and along lash line
Victoria's Secret - Lip gloss in French Kiss
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Well I am back to work, and actually glad about it. It felt good to get back into a routine and care about what I look like, etc.

I bought this dress on Sunday; I am trying to not buy any more maternity clothes but this dress was super cheap and I think would work post-maternity if I shortened the hem. I also think it could look cute in colder months with a black turtleneck and tights.

These shoes are AMAZING - I have been on the hunt for comfortable shoes and these have really fit the bill. I wore them all day on Monday - we went to visit my husband's grandparents, did a lot of walking in town and at the cemetery, was away from home about ten hours and my feet never hurt and I never got a blister or any chafing. The heel is higher than I would think would be comfortable, but I think the heel puts my back more in alignment, and the chunkiness of the heel makes me feel very stable. The strap has elastic hidden behind the flower so it doesn't cut the circulation off on my swollen feet. They also have a super padded footbed that doesn't make me sweat or slip around. They aren't cheap... but man are they heaven for the tootsies!

I also want to thank all of you for your well wishes and prayers. It has been a very tough week - my father-in-law's death was completely unexpected and you may have realized from my stories that he lived very close by (a block away), worked with my husband and was one of my husband's best friends too. I have been with my husband for 15 years, so I have known his dad that long. We have gone on road trips together, vacations, in college I stayed at his house any weekend my husband (then boyfriend) had leave from the military, he was over a couple times a week and was my friend as well. We are getting through things, my husband is coping ad your positive thoughts have really assisted with us healing. Thank you!


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Why I Care

It’s Saturday morning, and I am having a mild panic attack. My father-in-law’s memorial service is in less than two hours and I am the officiant for the service. The idea of speaking in front of hundreds of people while trying not to sob was not causing my anxiety… my wardrobe was.

I couldn’t find my black dress. Okay I could find one black dress - the matte jersey one with the tie-belt and the polo collar, but I couldn’t find THE dress, the one I imagined wearing. Lightweight black jersey, surplice neckline, empire waistband, blouson sleeves. Appropriate for an outdoor memorial service, but still stylish and flattering to my 32-week pregnant frame.

“Who cares what you’re wearing,” my husband said. “People won’t expect you to be stylish, you’re in mourning.”

But it’s not about what other people think, it is about what I think, and how I feel.

I put on the dress with the polo collar, tied the belt in a bow, untied it and did it in a knot. I hated it. The collar was limp, the belt hokey, my breasts looked strange, and the hem was now a bit too short this late in my pregnancy. I did my hair and makeup, hoping it would improve my reflection in the full-length mirror. I felt tacky, I felt awkward, and I felt wrong. I added black hose and the only black shoes that fit at 32 weeks – my Naturalizer flats. I didn’t look like myself. My husband came by the door, “you look beautiful Alison.” I knew he meant it, but I didn’t feel it. I got on my hands and knees and dug through the closet, hoping THE dress fell off a hanger and was hiding behind some shoe boxes or suitcases. No such luck.

Time was running out, so I wore the dress with the polo collar. I jazzed it up with a skinny croco belt with a pave buckle and my large silver cuff bracelet. A feeble attempt to make it more “Allie” of a look. I arrived at the service where friends and relatives greeted me, telling me I looked so lovely, and they were so sorry for my loss. I tugged at my hem, wishing it was closer to my knees and looked down at the swollen masses that used to be very cute feet.

I attended my 15-year high school reunion this summer. At the restaurant, I went to greet a fellow classmate who I hadn’t seen since graduation. I asked her how she was and how her life had been the past decade and a half. She told me about her travels and job and then said, “Well I already know how YOU have been doing.” I asked her how; she replied, “[Fellow classmate] sent me your blogs. Some days your hair is curly, some days your hair is straight. Not much else going on, huh?” She smiled and walked away. My first feeling was embarrassment. Then I stopped and thought, why should I be embarrassed? The only difference between me and she is that I put my daily look on the Internet. I looked at her sculpted hair, her lined lips and bold earrings – she had to spend at least as much time as I did this evening to look good for the reunion. How dare she belittle me for doing the same darn thing she does? I then felt pity for her – for someone to be so snarky to a person she hardly knew in high school and hadn’t seen in 15 years… well she must have some issues with her self worth, her self esteem or her placement in this world.

I am often teased for caring about how I look, and I get more emails and comments than I can count where people blast me for being superficial, for being clueless, and as one email said, “for killing everything women have fought for the past few decades.”

I don’t do these blogs to gain fame, to force my views on others, or to try to make Allie clones. I do these blogs because for me, clothing is armor. When I feel good in my skin and in my attire, I gain strength. I can stand in front of large crowds and officiate my father-in-law’s memorial service. I can feel pity, not fear for the classmate who teases me after all these years for caring about my hair. I can work harder, care more, and do more because my appearance is one thing that I know I have control over. I cannot control the weather, I cannot control other people’s actions, but I can control the armor I put on each day. I can walk, can talk, can smile and feel good about myself and concentrate on other things such as my thoughts, my beliefs, and how I interact with the world.

I cared about what I wore this Saturday because I didn’t feel confident I could get through that service. I loved my father-in-law terribly so, and it hurt so much to see my beloved husband hurting so much. I knew I would be surrounded by people hugging me, kissing me, feeling for me and I needed that armor to get through it all, to present a service, to present a strong face for my husband and his family. Some drink, some smoke, some get angry, some withdraw, some make jokes. I find it far more healthy and intelligent to spend a little more time smoothing my skirt and fluffing my hair to gain that strength to get through it.

Women are amazing creatures. We are often portrayed as the softer sex, but studies have proven that we have a higher pain tolerance than men, we live longer than men, we are able to create human beings, feed them from our bodies, care for our loved ones while being able to manage multi-million dollar companies and even countries. Women are beautiful, and work so hard, they deserve to feel beautiful, know their beauty on a daily basis.

Beauty doesn’t come from having the perfect little black dress or pair of pumps. It doesn’t come from finding that perfect foundation that hides imperfections and is invisible on your jawline. Beauty comes from loving yourself, being proud of whom you are, and having comfort in your own skin. It’s finally falling in love with your crazy curls, getting off the diet train and understanding that maybe you are most wonderful at a size 14 instead of 4, respecting the heritage that gave your porcelain skin, and knowing that nurturing your body and it’s appearance is just as important as nurturing your soul and your mind.

And what’s wrong with a little armor to fight through the battle which is Daily Life? My goal with these blogs is to help every woman realize her immense beauty, and help provide her with a little armor to maintain that confidence and self-love. I blog because I care. I care about women, I believe in our worth, our strength, and that we are capable of anything we set our minds to.

Today I did a deep cleaning of my bedroom, and did all the laundry. It felt good, to wash away all the stress and anxiety and sadness of this week; to prepare my armor for the upcoming week where I have to return to the Real World, still mourning the loss of a very special man. I already feel the confidence as I look as my organized closet and neatly folded drawers; knowing I have what I need to go into Monday’s battle.

However I still can’t find that darn dress…