Monthly Archives: July 2010
Monthly Archives: July 2010
Boutiques Don’t Bite
Where do you shop? Probably standard fare stores – Macy*s, Nordstrom (no s), Bloomingdales – for basics. And then you peruse Zara and H&M for some trendy pieces. That’s about it right? Why don’t you shop anywhere else? I won’t presume to know all of the answers but let me take a stab at some. You don’t love shopping and the frustration that often accompanies it. So you frequent the department stores that have the brands you know and like. They typically have your size and you can buy everything in multiple colors. And of course, H&M-type stores satisfy the cheap thrill of taking home the $19.99 knock off. Sounds kind of boring if you ask me. Ever feel the thrill of finding something that no one else has? Probably not at Nordstrom. Well what about the local shops? Do you ever pop into the boutiques you read about in your local magazines or the ones in your neighborhood? I am thinking no. Think the women (or men) will not be too keen on you? Won’t have your size? Oh wait, they are too expensive. Yes, some boutiques are pricey. Some sell designers that you never heard of with blouses over $300 and t-shirts for $100. Just talking about it makes you uncomfortable. Well focus on the surreal feeling you get when that pair of jeans hugs you just right as we discuss this. Boutiques have great sales on designers you want to be wearing. Local stores showcase up and coming designers that are not always too expensive when they first start out. And boutiques often have sample sales or trunk shows that you can snag a one of a kind piece. More often than not, you will encounter small store owners that are genuinely interested in helping you look great. If you build relationships with them and their staff, they will call you for an upcoming sale or when something arrives they know you will like. And if they don’t have your size in THE blouse, these people will be more inclined to find it for you. And don’t forget to sign up for their email lists and like their Facebook pages. It is a bit of work but the time and investment is well worth it. Boutiques may not be in your comfort zone but put on your big girl pants and get over it.
Belles and Bows
Everywhere I look, I see bows. Sexy beautiful bows languishing on shoes and bags. Small delicate ones hanging on necklaces and headbands. Intimates with little pink bows that are meant to look sweet but we know better. See any you like lately?
Slouchy Yet Stylish.
The slouchy look can be a bit difficult to pull off. It can result in effortlessly chic or plain old sloppy. Here is how to wear the boyfriend jean and keep you off the shoddy road. The boyfriend jean sits on the waist with back pockets that are low and flattering to the rear. You can buy them really baggy or somewhat fitted. The latter is still loose but should fit as though they are a size bigger than you normally wear. If you are petite or have a boyish figure, the fitted style will highlight your figure without dominating you with denim. The baggier style will actually make you look weighted down and shorter. If you are tall, both styles will look good. The baggier version will is flattering if you are of average height and curvy. The low waist will highlight your curves and not hug your problem areas. Because the boyfriend jean is a bit masculine, you want to pair with a top and/or accessory that brings out your feminine side. Some options include a white button down and a clunky necklace, lightweight fitted top or an off the shoulder blouse. Most shoe styles will fare well here especially open-toed sandals and clogs. If you are a plus-size woman, this look won’t do too much for you. Instead, try boot leg jeans that will give you a longer silhouette and the appearance of lean legs. The slouchy style lends itself to trousers as well. Same rules apply.
Tick Tock Tick Tock
With cell phones always available to check the time, I stopped wearing a timepiece. Checking my phone has become a nuisance because I feel obligated to check my email. If you are feeling the same way, try on an oversized style that couples as a sassy accessory and timepiece.
More Products Please.
It’s that time again. More product recommendations from yours truly. Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub ($36) – I love body scrubs, especially the Bliss line which has about 4 different kinds. While I have used all of them depending on what I needed at the time, this is my all time favorite. Besides having no odor, it doesn’t hurt like other scrubs and doesn’t leave my skin red or raw. Dior SkinFlash ($36) – If you prefer minimal make up, this is the product for you. I carry this (and my Tide stick) around with me at all times. With a light swab under eyes and on smile lines, my face is instantly brighter. Not in an alarming unnatural way but just enough for me to need nothing else. It doesn’t crack like concealer or absorb my eye makeup during the day. Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner ($19) I love cream eye shadows all year around but summer is the best time since they are light and low maintenance. While I am a loyal fan of Laura Mercier and Fresh, Benefit makes a great shadow too. Apply over a primer and it lasts all day. Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious ($27) – Finally a product that brings out the waves I have spent my entire adult life dreaming about. I have tried a lot (and I mean a lot) of products to control and even out my very particular curls. I apply a good amount of this cream, twist my hair and diffuse for about five minutes. I get dressed and then diffuse a bit more. LOVE! Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray ($23) – I have to say that I didn’t voluntarily leave my hair curly until I discovered this product. I started using it on my own hair for that “I just rolled out of bed I am so cool” look. I spray and my hair develops a thicker texture that is a bit mussed and hot. Well, I thought so anyway. Coupled with the Curl Conscious detailed above, and my hair is happy and cooperative. Tigi Rockaholic Dry Shampoo ($21) Curly hair is best after a day or two so dry shampoo is a very close friend of mine. I have tried many brands but Rockaholic is by far my favorite. It freshens up my hair with a light lemon scent and is long last lasting without powdery residue. I have also found I don’t need as much product as with other lines. And now onto skincare. I have used the same skincare line for several years and recently switched completely over to Kinerase. I have always been a fan of the eye creme and now I am equally happy with the line’s other products too. Note that these are a little pricey but a little bit goes a long way. In general, I restock my facial products twice a year. Kinerase PhotoFacials Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($40) Unlike most exfoliants, I use this every morning and night. My skin feels clean and fresh without looking red or raw. I hate washing my face but I don’t mind this cleanser at all. Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment ($98) Similar to other serums, my skin just sucks this product up. Within moments, it always feels and looks better. I am not saying my skin has no lines left but my skin is softer and supple looking with the lines not as obvious. I use the Day ($67) and Night ($67) moisturizers over it. Kinerase C8 Peptide Under Eye Treatment ($68) Ok I admit it. I am obsessed with my crow’s feet and am in a daily battle with preventing more feet arriving to gleefully prance. Similar to the serum, I see the fine lines reduced and not as harsh. I use morning and night with Restructure Eye Cream ($55). So there you have it. Hopefully you will have the same great experience as I have if you pick up any of these goodies. If you do decide to purchase any, make sure you are considering your hair or skin type. And try to buy as much as possible from Sephora. They have a great rewards program and accept returns without attitude.
Your Fullest Self
Guest Author: Mary Kunkel Fox Yoga Instructor When I went through yoga teacher training I did a lot of reading and research. I made a practice of writing down quotes that I liked, or that spoke to me even if I wasn’t sure why. While I wasn’t always detailed about recording who said what, I gained a nice collection of quick bits of inspiration that are there for me whenever I need it. Recently, after being fearful that I would fall out of a handstand, I came across one of my favorites: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” It takes work and focus to be your fullest self. It doesn’t just happen without effort. Letting yourself risk failure could be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Letting your inner critic take over, or believing someone else’s negativity versus what rings true in your own heart is the easy path. But if you really have the courage to address your fears – whether it’s pushing your body to the next level, or taking a good long look at your relationships – your own light will begin to shine through. Others will notice it and you will begin to experience your own strength. And that’s more beautiful than anything you can buy. About Mary Fox Mary came to yoga nearly 10 years ago after a lifetime of running resulted in total hip replacement. Seeking a strong recovery from surgery, she was immediately drawn to the discipline of the Ashtanga Vinyasa practice and began studying with Larry and Marie Schultz of It’s Yoga in San Francisco. Through her practice, Mary has learned to respect her physical limitations as gifts and opportunities for greater strength, self-knowledge and awareness. In her classes, Mary encourages each student to develop their own practice according to their life experience and to tune into their inner intelligence. She is honored to share and explore creative modifications both to the Ashtanga Primary Series and to Larry Schultz’s famous Rocket Vinyasa, with the intention of cultivating a vigorous and challenging practice that is accessible to anyone at any level.
