Truly Styled

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!!