Monthly Archives: March 2010
Monthly Archives: March 2010
March Fashion Favs
My Favs Gentlemen Love em’ or hate em’ but Sebago boat shoes are sticking around for a little bit longer. And these are my favorites. For the Ladies ★ One of my favorite jewelry designers is Poupette. Her bracelets are dainty and feminine designs that you can wear alone or combine with a hefty bangle. ★ Lizzie Fortunato Jewels draws on the principle that high-end jewelry is not limited to diamonds. Ranging in price from $28 to $120 for affordable pieces and then $200 to $950. Fortunato necklaces, earrings, and bracelets feature industrial and reclaimed materials. ★ Did someone say shoes? Check out Violet Tash’s new line.The collection named after the creator is a fun, artsy collection of wooden wedges and heels under $200. They will provide the perfect statement look for summer. And this is my personal favorite. ★ Harem Pants… HS memories of my red ones handed down from my mom came to mind. Harem pants are hard to wear and even me who tries to wear everything won’t go here again. They look best on women who are tall and sinewy. The rest of us will end up looking short and not really cute. But if you must, pair with a fitted embellished top or blazer to offset all of the fabric down below. ★ Ruffles are great for everyone. Keep them simple like the example below. If the girls are voluptuous, be sure to wear a v-neck to avoid the blob effect. ★ The bedazzled look is still fashionable and can spruce up any look. Be careful though with less is more. If your T-shirt has a lot of bling, minimal or no jewelry around the face that will compete. Belt can have hardware but keep it simple.
Black isn’t Always the Solution
Why do we wear so much black? The reasons are endless. We feel fat. We don’t want to be noticed. We do want to be noticed. It is more cost efficient to buy all black. Black makes us feel sexy. It is easier to mix and match solids than patterns. Black hides the problem areas. Some of these reasons are completely valid. Darker colors tend to make us feel sexy, bold and mysterious. It is easier to match black with black and yes, I could make a cause for being budget conscious. But let’s be honest. But there is one important reason why we wear black. We wear black when we aren’t feeling great – physically or mentally – and we gravitate towards black. But what happens? We are advertising we feel like crap and telling the whole world to leave us alone. And do I need to tell you that wearing all black only makes most of us look bigger? A black blob with no shape is the end result. So here we are- unapproachable, alone, feeling low and not looking all that fabulous either. I am not saying give up black. As a born and bred New Yorker, that would be utter blasphemy. I would lying if I said I don’t love my black jeans, black turtlenecks, and dark lipstick. But I know now that color and hues are more flattering on me. Not only do I do feel better in them but I am more approachable. For the beginners… try mixing grays, navy or browns with your black. Better yet, try navy as your foundation color and mix in the other colors with it. If you are feeling really adventurous, incorporate some muted patterns. You never know…. Good luck! JC
What Sets You Apart from the Pack
What look or item do you consistently wear that sets you apart? This is important because this is one way to ensure that you are forever embedded in someone’s memory. “You know that woman, Sarah, the one that always wear the cool glasses.” “Oh yeah, I remember him. I love that Jack Spade bag he has.” “Does she wear those rings all of the time? I wonder if she ever takes them off.” “She always has the coolest shoes. I wonder where she shops.” “He always looks so put together.” To put it a different way… Johnny Depp always rocks the bohemian look. Jennifer Aniston has the classic all American look and rarely deviates. James Dean was never seen in anything but a t-shirt, jeans and leather jacket. Chanel was known for her layered jewelry. Carrie Donovan wore those huge black glasses all of the time. Rihanna can always be counted on to wear something awesome and jaw dropping. Lady Gaga, Betsey Johnson, Cyndi Lauper? Extremes yes but you get where I am headed. So, what makes you stand out?
Follow Your Instincts…
Do you know where your instincts are? How many times have you gotten dressed only to change 5 more times? You are trying too hard. Go with your instincts. What about standing in the dressing room twirling round and round trying to convince yourself the flouncy number really does look good? It sure is pretty but deep down you know it doesn’t REALLY look good. Go with your instincts. You are out shopping with the girls and they absolutely love the gorgeous heels adorning your feet. But will you really get the most of this $150 pair of shoes when they are already pinching your toes? Go with your instincts. You try on a black dress that is size smaller than you normally wear. The saleslady says it is fine but the ruching at the waist is not as loose as you know it should be. Is it going home with you or are you going to follow your instincts? Skinny jeans continue to dominate.. You have tried every brand under the sun yet they all seem to make your rear look like it was stuffed with Cinnabons. How can you possibly live without the low rise super skinny cigarette cut off your circulation jeans? Are you going to walk around looking like our next dessert or follow your instincts? I am not going to beat a dead horse. You get the picture. All too often we succumb to peer pressure of the latest trends, our friends’ advice, or the sales person who doesn’t know didley about style. Hey look, I found your instincts. Listen to them! If it isn’t love at first sight, don’t buy it. If you are trying too hard to make the outfit work, let it go. It’s not gonna happen. If it was too small or too big yesterday, then it is still too small or too big today. Don’t talk yourself into buying “it” because it fits right. You already know you will not wear it. Don’t shop when you are bored. Just because it is on sale doesn’t mean you should buy it. Just because your size 2 best friend is wearing it doesn’t mean you should too.
Trendy Versus Fashionable
Speaking as a curvy average size woman, I know how difficult it is to wear some of the styles out there. Mini skirts? Yeah, right. Flair jeans? Not so much. Second skin cotton dresses? My rear is whining hell no just thinking about it. Bubble dress? I think not. Short shorts? Not since I was 2. When I see teens, young adult and grown women walking down the street (ahem every day) in an outfit that they really shouldn’t be wearing, it gets me thinking. When they consulted the mirror, did they really see an image that was attractive? Can I have their mirror? Is the back fat hanging out of their jeans really not a problem? When their leggings are so tight and almost sheer, this is ok? I get concerned for their body’s circulation. The slacks that are two sizes too small and splitting at the inner crotch seams is acceptable to them? I could on but I will spare you. I guess that is the rub with trendy versus fashionable. We can’t wear all of the trends that are out there and we shouldn’t try. However we should wear what is flattering because that will make heads turns, generate compliments and ultimately have us feeling sexy and confident (that goes for guys and gals). And now I am wondering if women really know what looks good on them… well I will chew on that another day.
The Skincare Regimen
I am often asked how I get my skin to look so good. It is incredibly flattering and people are often disappointed when I reference genetics. Well, I admit I do help things along since those uninvited lines are not coming without a fight. Without further adieu, here is the regimen that I follow religiously. AM Step 1. After the shower, I use Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Toner ($30) on my face and neck. My skins loves this stuff because it cleans, tones and instantly feels fresh. Step 2. I use a dime size of Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster ($48). This anti-aging serum makes my skin feel fresh with the help of vitamin C. Step 3. For creme, also from the Ole Henriksen line, Sheer Transformation ($45) is great for my color spots. Step 4. For the eyes, Kinerase Under Eye Rescue ($78) is just great. It isn’t cheap but a little bit goes a long long way. Early Afternoon We all get a bit tired and peaked looking in the afternoon. So I apply a little bit of Kinerase again and it freshens me up. PM Step 1. To clean my face Boots 4in1 wipes ($7) takes off all of my makeup, tones and moisturizers my skin. Step 2. Follow up with a dime size of Enlighten Me Pigment Lightening Serum ($48) which also helps with the pigments on my face. Step 3. I use Sheer Transformation again but I have used Pure Perfection night cream ($48) for years before recently switching. Step 4. I close out with Kinerase. For this and all of the other steps, there is no need to slather on product. A little bit goes a long way. Regardless of what products you use, here are must-follow tips: 1. Make sure the products you are using are age-appropriate. If you are using 22 and using collagen filler meant for my 37 year old face, then you are using the wrong products. You can get a free analysis from Sephora to ensure you are using the right products. 2. Be consistent with your skincare regimen. If you don’t regularly clean, moisturize and take care of your skin, then don’t complain when the crows feet start squawking. 3. Don’t forget your neck and chest. 4. Apply sunblock. 5. DO NOT GO TO BED WITH MAKE UP ON. ‘Nuff said. 6. If your skin is sensitive, get samples before buying. 7. Pat your face dry after washing. 8. Wear a sleeping mask. You will sleep better which will visibly benefit your eyes and skin. 9. Read tips 1-8 again. Share Share with your friends.
