Truly Styled

Officially a makeup junkie...

I ran out of bobbie brown corrector/concealer and could not go another day without it.  I had a facial last night and had my face mapped, which was very educational (but full of bad news).  Anyway, the estician told me that whatever concealer I was using was creating problems and I should try to find something more botanically based.  Since I needed to refill my concealer I thought I'd see what I could find before buying Bobbie Brown.  As you know I love Bare Essentials so I thought I'd start there.  The makeup artist at Sephora (who I love) tried their concealer on me and it looked awful.  He then said, "Screw it!  I'm getting my favorite and I'm certain it will be perfect!"  Who am I to argue with a professional.  He brought back Amazing Cosmetics concealer and tried on two different shades.  It was amazing alright!!  He did one eye and left the other eye untouched and had to leave me to attend to someone else.  This complete stranger walked up to me and asked me what he did?  She said the difference between the two eye areas was unbelievable (so, my under-eye circles and bags are as bad as I think they are).  She said that over and over again (ok, got it, my eyes look bad with out it).  He came back and finished my eye and then started on her.  I should get some of his commission.  Anyway, the key to this was using an eyeshadow brush not the concealer brush every makeup counter says you must have.  It's all about the blending.

So, for now (wonder how long this will last) this is the best concealer (for me anyway.)

An experiement at the Outlet Mall...

A friend of mine asked if I'd like to hit the outlet mall with her.  I said yes because I thought it would be fun to hang out with her, not because I thought I'd get any great deals.  In the past outlet malls were a false premise.  They claimed great savings when what I actually found was last year's items a bit less than you'd find at the normal store or items that are made specifically for the outlet and not in their mainstream store.  I've never been a huge fan and frankly they take so long to get through who has time to shop that long and not save that much money.

Well, I had a great time!!!  We left Chicago around 9am, hit a coffee shop and headed to Pleasant Prairie, WI, which took about an hour.  The timing was perfect because we didn't hit any traffic and got there at 10am, when the stores opened up. 

The key to effective shopping is to have a very good idea of what it is you are looking for.  If you go to a mall that large with no plan you will most likely end up one of two ways.  Coming home empty handed because you didn't know what to buy and got overwhelmed with all of your options or you come home with a lot of items that you didn't necessarily need and have to keep because you won't be making an hour trip to go shopping anytime soon.  Not to mention, some of these stores have return policies of "store credit" only. 

We started on the far end of the mall at JCrew.  I am a huge fan of JCrew and had plans of adding a few staples from them for my spring wardrobe.  I didn't think I'd find any of that but was I wrong!!  I wanted a pair of white and a pair of gray light weight khakis (they call them the summer weight khaki at the JCrew store).  I found both for $39.99/each (reg. $49.50).  There was also a silk halter top that was so similiar to the one I've been eying on-line for awhile ($39.99, originally $59.50).  I also needed spring/summer pieces for the kids (we are going to FL in March) and this outlet has Crewcuts which is sooo cute!   I ended up with a large shopping bag filled with 2 pairs of pants, a stripped scoop neck tee (stripes are everywhere this spring and a great addition to your wardrobe), a cute tank, the halter top, a cotton tank, a tunic to wear with capris or as a cover up. The kids got 6 tees, 2 cardigans and a pair of the cutest bermudas I've ever seen all for $376.79 with a savings of $141.14.  I also forgot to mention that the sales tax in Chicago is 10.25% and the sales tax in WI was 5.5% (wow!!!).  So in addition to the $141.14 I saved, I also saved $17.90 on tax alone.

The next stop was the Banana Republic Outlet.  I got a yellow and gray stripped polo sweater that was $49.99 at 50% off.  They had super cute ballet flats that my friend got for 50% off and I picked up some boxers for my husband at 4 for $20.  Total $47.46, a savings of $44.96 (not including sales tax).

Then we hit Bath and Body Works, I needed hand soap.  Found that and a great skincare travel bag for $9.  My friend got 2 great totes for $4/each and a cute basket.

Ralph Lauren was a hit for my friend who was looking for button downs for her boys.  If you have a baby their baby clothes are to-die for!

I hit the Bass outlet for shoes for my husband.  50% off!  2 pairs of shoes for $100 and they are beautiful!!

Lunch was quick and nice.  The eatery we went to didn't have a deli but got something borderline healthy.  Gobbled up and were on our way to another section of the mall.

I needed a clutch that was neutral and nice for going out.  I love my cheap target bags but thought it was time to get something a bit more sophisticated  that could last for a long time.  We checked out the Coach outlet for that.  There was way too much in the store with their logo on it.  I can't stand things that scream a brand name, and coach does it as good as anyone else.  I can't tell you how many closets I've been in that the "going out" purse is a small coach bag with the logo all over it.  Not my style.  I did, however, find a metallic clutch that was $99.00, a savings of $66.00.  There was beautiful wallets that I considered but I had to stay focused.  My friend got the coolest blue bag that was very vintage looking for her daughter.  She also found a wrist-let that was perfect for evenings out.

Restoration Hardware was awesome!  We needed a medicine cabinet for our bathroom and I have been eying one on-line that was on sale, but I wasn't in love with it.  It would do but it wasn't perfect.  I found the perfect one for $115.00!  They normally run $350-$450.

BCBG was tons of fun.  Tried on a lot and ended up with a few pieces but could've left with more.  I wanted to add a fun sundress and skirts and found both.  I also got a great pair of aviator sunglasses all totaling $109.19.  (you have to love what you get here, all sales are final!).

My friend went into Black House/White Market and got a cute top while I hit the converse outlet for my little guy and got him navy blue Chuck Taylor high-tops for $20.

We only covered a little more than half the mall and were there from 10-3ish.  All in all, worth the trip.    I had a great time with a friend that I don't get to see that often, added some must have's for the season and got some great deals.  What more do you want for a shopping trip!!  Maybe more money.

Guys need "essentials" too...

   They do...every closet. You could be a male or female and there must be certain elements to it to be complete.  Everyone needs to be able to walk in to their closet and be prepared for any event that comes your way.  You must have the right essentials and that goes for men too.  The key to the classics for both male and female is that the fit be perfect!  So, both sexes need to find a great tailor (I've done enough blogging on this but apparently no one is reading them).  Another important key to this is that it must be some what up to date.  "Dark wash Jeans" should have been purchased within the last 2 years for example. 

Here is my list for men.  This is not a complete list of every item he needs in his closet but I guarantee you that if he has these, he is ready for anything (as long as it fits, if not, he's on his own)

• An overcoat that can be worn with a suit or make jeans look dressy.
• A single-breasted navy blue suit and gray suit, both in a weight that can be worn year-round.
• A navy blazer.
• Two pairs of great shoes (dress/suit) in black and dark brown.
• A slim dark-colored tie.
• A pair of basic straight-leg, dark wash jeans.
• Khakis (flat front prefered).
• Two white shirts.
• One blue shirt.
• One stripped shirt.
• Two polo shirts.
• One light-weight, dark, v-neck sweater.
• A simple black belt.

My Favorite Magazines...

There are so many magazines to consider when thinking about fashion, beauty and just plain fun I thought I'd share my top 5.

1.  More Magazine is my pick!!  I used to think it was for "old women" but then I became one of those so called "old women" and thought I should give it a try.  It's for the fabulous and over 40 woman and I've been reading it a couple of years before my big 4-0 to better understand some of my clients.  What they were facing with fashion, beauty and self-esteem.  Reading this  before my 40th made turning 40 that much more exciting!  This magaizine is about being amazing in your 40's and beyond.  Embracing your age, dressing sexy, being sexy, taking care of yourself and so much more.  This is the magazine that the first moment I take it out of the mailbox I'm flipping through it.  It is now my gift to friends turning 40.  It's embowering with great information.

2.  Real Simple.  Love everything about this magazine.  I feel like it covers everything.  Fashion, food, health, beauty, and household ideas.

3.  InStyle.  A good stand-by.  I like the section where they break down a style trend into your 20's, 40's, 60's.  I think their beauty advice is great and the style section's good too.  Different price points for everyone and not overly trendy.

4.  Harper's Bazaar.   You have to look at it with a skewed eye.  Most of us can't afford $1,000 for a t-shirt but I like to know what's in and out and this is a great magazine to do that.

5.  Us Magazine.  I love magazines about celebrities.  Ok, I've said it.  I love reading about other people's lives (which may be why I'm addicted to anything on Bravo with the title "Housewives of ...").  Just a fun, quick, mindless read.  Used to love People Magazine, but too many "feel good" stories and when you want to read about the celebrity world you don't want to read about ordinary people doing great things.  Well, I don't anyway.

Another favorite jean...

I have a new favorite jean that you must check out!  Hudson jean.  It's in the "investment" category but worth every single penny.    They make short legs look long, thick legs look lean and butts look amazing!  What more could you want in a jean!!

Another favorite for the "reasonable" category is still Express.  The Stella or Mia fits seem to fit everyone really well.  Full figures to thin, it just seems to be a great fitting jeans for a slight investment. 

If you are not ready to make the leap to the over $150/jean level than go to Express.  However,  for an article of clothing that we wear almost as much as we do a bra, it is well worth an investment.

A few other jean tips:

• When trying on your jeans for purchase, they should be pretty snug.  They will stretch out at least 1/2 a size upon wearing.

• Wash your jeans before hemming.

• Never dry your jeans.

• Have a pair of jeans to wear with heels and one with flats.

Have fun jean shopping!!

Q. It's soooo cold!!! Can I look cute in the cold?

A.  Yes!!!  It feels impossible when we are looking at negative digits for tomorrow in Chicago, but it can be done!  For starters, the girl on the left is a don't!  On the right, a do.  You have to start with a hat.  Try to get many different styles.  I love the one on the blond and it can be worn to cover your ears (so important!).  I also love a great skull camp pulled down tight and the page boy hats are cute too (but not very practical).

The second thing you have to think about is a cute coat.  But in super cold weather, warm is more important that cute (yes, I said that.  I, who usually says "fashion over function always!").  There are a ton of great, puffy, warm coats out there.  Black is always good but take a look at white or silver.  Belted is great, will give you the look of a waist even though you are wearing a puffy coat.  When it's not that cold out a wool, belted pea coat is darling.  Layer if you think you need to for more warmth and always add a cute scart.  Pull colors from the coat and hat.

And a boot!!!  Not easy to find cute and practical but in super cold, super snowy days go with waterproof!!!  I love my Uggs.  No one makes a warmer boot.  Except when they get wet.  I've been told to spray them with a weather protectant at least once a month.  Mine leak and it drives me crazy.  Try to find something comfortable and dry and warm.  I looked on www.piperlime.com (one of my favorite shoe/bag sites) and found a cute silver quilted below the knee boot with a fur trim.  Not super warm, not 100% water resistant but I feel like I'm not an 80 year old woman in them or a grizzley guy.   Another option is a lined rubber boot.  Tons of cute ones out there. 

Don't despair fellow crabby winterites!  We will prevail!  We will look cute, stay warm and be dry. 

Hot Shoes for Spring 2009

Happy New Year!

I have a resolution (and I never make resolutions).  I think resolutions are silly.  We have goals daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, right?  We are always wanting to be better, do better.  I have realized, however, that my blogging has been non-existent and I've heard from  fans that I must come back!  I love that people were actually reading my blogs and making smarter decisions on fashion, beauty and just every day stuff because of what I've seen and done.  So, my resolution is that I get back to this.  I really do love it.  I just got busy and let it slip.  No more! 

What you can look for in the next month or so? 

• What to do with this new economy

• Tips for resort wear

• What is hot for spring

• My experience with the big 4-0.

• Overall great tips for styling yourself

• and much, much, more...

Thank you for your patience.  Here's to a great 2009!!

The Driving Moc

At first sight it can seem dowdy, old-fashioned, comfortable.  But what it really is is cute, practical, comfortable and now!  The driving moccasin comes in every color, pattern, heel height, you can find whatever you want.  My favorite is the true moc with no heel.

JCrew has beautiful ones in metallic, so does Target (but it can have a funny fit if your feet aren't perfect, which mine are not).  The one pictured is $55.  Not bad for a cute shoe. 

So, if you are tired of ballet flats or wondering how you will get from the mild fall to the cooler weather you may want to visit some shoe stores and check out your options.  A classic look you can't go wrong with.

The Statement Coat

Everyone is asking "What do I HAVE to have this season?".  Well, the statement coat is practical and fun.  How many of you are sick of wearing heavy coats that make you sweat in the car, in your destination and then again back in the car?  Most of us need something to get us from A to B not something to wear when standing in zero degree weather, right?

Here's your answer.  A hip length or mid length coat.  If you want to be bold do a fun color like the one pictured.  You can add the must needed belt too (black patent wide would look amazing).  Add a scarf for fun.  If you want to stay safe go with gray, black or brown just  make sure the coat is fitted.  You don't need it to fit over a blazer.  That's a whole different look.  This coat is more about your actual outfit, as if you won't really take it off, so make sure it's fitted but comfortable (you will have to be able to drive or at least get on the train or bus). 

I found great, inexpensive ones in all colors and lengths at Colors of Benetton.  You would not believe the quality of the coats and the price.  Check it out and make a statement!