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.)

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.

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!!

Hot Shoes for Spring 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" Shoes for Fall

We've tackled trends for fall but what about shoes you ask?  It's back to the 80's and the 40's.  I'll list what I've seen so far and in a future blog I'll give you tips on how to add these trendy pieces without going broke.  I'm always a fan of staying classic.  The classic pump, a great pair of knee high boots with a pointy toe, a ballet flat.  But it is fun to see what's new this season and see how to incorporate it into your current wardrobe.

• Shootie-see above.  It's a mix between a shoe and boot, not quite an ankle boot.  Seen with dresses and tights.

• Moccasins's-yes, Mom, this one is for you.  Every year we would go to Eagle River, WI as a kid my mom would always purchase at least one new pair of moccasins.  She really was cool!  I was just there, I should have picked up a pair.

• T-Straps-Great look for those of us with short legs, it elongates the look of the leg.  It's a very vintage look and great with opaque tights.

• Boots- All types.  Some with fringe, some with fur, heels (especially wood), flat (like a riding boot).  Great look for fall!

• Mary Janes - I'm not talking about the ones I got for my daughter to go with her school uniform.  These are with heels.

• Purple - In every type of shoe and goes with so much.   

More to come on how to make due with what you have, find some great deals and how to be trendy without looking ridicolous.

Tips to Fall for

  Fall?  Really?  Do we have to go there already?  It feels like summer has just begun!   If you have been to the stores in the last week or so you have already seen some of the new fall fashions.  It is exciting!  The August issue of fashion magazines will be filled with what is hot for fall.  As I look out my window it is sunny and 94 degrees, hardly fall, but I'm already thinking of what pieces I have that will transition well into the cooler months.  What I can use from last year and what I will need to add to punch things up a bit.  I know I'll need something purple or blue (which is so hot this fall!) and the perfect chunky sweater. Here are a few must haves this fall.  The trick is making it work for your style, figure and age. 

• Bows-really cute on a blouse worn under a vest or on it's own with a classic skirt.
• Statement necklace-long and bold.  Great over a chunky knit or sweater dress.
• Men's Wear-Classic tailored look, vests, tweed.  Just make sure you still look like a woman.
• Plaid-you will see this everywhere!  Find the best way to do this, in a scarf, skirt, shirt, whatever works with your figure and style.
• Sweater dressing-so comfortable and can be dressed up or down.  Add a belt or statement necklace.
• Color for fall-blue, from slate to electric blue.  Make sure you know what color blue looks best with your skin tone.  Purple will also be everywhere.  Shoes, sweaters, blouses, accessories.
• Boots-from shoeboots, to ankle to knee.  They are everywhere (more on shoes later)

Don't let fall sneak up on you.  You'll want to be fabulous for fall!

Commandment II

Commandment II:  Do Not Force Your Figure into the "It" Style of the Moment

All styles do not work for all women.  It's a hard fact to accept.  Think skinny jeans if you're wondering how true this commandment is.  They are certainly not for everyone, right? 

You need to completely understand your figure to know what will work and what will not.  Are your hips wider than your shoulders?  If so, maybe you skip low-rise skinny jeans.  Are you petite?  You should probably ignore the new hot look of long dresses.  Color is important too.  Yellow is such a hot color this season but there are so many different yellows out there and not all are right for everyone.

So, understand what is most flattering on you so when you get hit with all the  "must haves" for the season you won't get suckered into buying something that will look horrible on you.

Why can't I be 5'6?

I don't really ask for much.  I'm not asking for 5-9.  I'd even take 5'5.  But at 5'3 and nearing 40 I think my chances of adding a few inches are over.  Actually, aren't I suppose to start shrinking at some point?

That's why I better figure out the best way to make myself appear taller than I am.  There are many advantages to that.  I will not only look taller, I can look leaner and my posture may be better too. 

Here are a few general tips I've learned.  There are many more specific tips based on your exact silhouette (shorter legs, short -waisted, etc...) but these are great general rules to follow.  I will have more about specific figures in later entries.  If those of you who are petite follow these few tips I promise you people will swear you are 2 inches taller than you are (which gets me to 5'5, yeah!)

You must start with a great tailor!!!  See previous blog for more information on tailoring.

1.  Pants.  You need to keep them as long as possible without having them drag on the ground.  They should also be straight-leg.  If there's too much of a boot-cut it could make you look shorter.  Wide-leg can be OK but you have to promise to only do it with heels, and wedges would be best.  I find the best petite jeans at Ann Taylor Loft.  Banana Republic also has a great petite selection, but some stores have a very small selection.  You will have to go on-line to check them out.  Joes Jeans have just come out with a shorter jean selection as well.  I love these jeans.  You can find them at major department stores like Nordstroms, Macy's and specialty jean boutiques.  If you need to have your pants tailored you will need the original hem on the jean.  Otherwise you will look like your jeans have been hemmed and that can look bad.  For those of you who love capris (which I'm not a fan of, especially for petites) the best look for you will be at ankle length and a straight-leg cut.  FYI, as a fellow petite woman, I rarely buy petite pants.  At 5'3 I can get a regular pant tailored and not loose too much of the look of the leg if I'm having them tailored for heels.

2.  Skirt length.  The best overall length for most people is at the knee or a couple of inches above the knee.  Look at the bend in your knee and go up an inch or two.  This will elongate your legs.  If your skirts are too short and you are over 35 you will look ridiculous.  Mini-skirts are for the young.  We've had our time and it has passed.  Let them go.   

3.  Shoes.  This may be as important as the right pant.  If you are wearing a square or very round-toe shoe get rid of them!  They will immediately make you look shorter.  A pointy-toe shoe will elongate the leg thus making you appear taller.  Ballet flats are big now, petites should focus on a less rounded-toe and you'll do fine.  I always feel better in heels, but as a stay-at-home mom of two little ones I would look very foolish running around the park in my platforms.  So, I always look for a cute ballet flat or pointy-toed casual shoe.

Did I mention a good tailor : ).  I'm not kidding!  Super, super important!!!

 

The Other Woman

I don't even know her name, which makes me sad.  I feel like I may be seeing her more than my husband.  She has a small space with a view of the street.  She watches TV in a language I can't understand.  I actually don't think we've ever spoken, this other woman in my life. 

She is my tailor.  She makes everything I buy look like it was made for me.  I am 5'3 with muscular legs, so needless to say most everything I buy needs to be tailored.  Every short, skirt, dress or pant I buy needs to be taken up in length and most everything taken in at the waist.  It can be expensive, but there is nothing more worth it that having your clothes fit you well.  I don't care if it's from Target or the most expensive boutique in your town.  If it's a party dress or a pair of workout pants.  If it doesn't fit right in some areas but fits in you well in your trouble areas, then you must get it tailored. 

Here's a story some of you may relate to.  My sister, who is built like I am, used to call me almost in tears every time she would go jean or pant shopping.  She'd say "Nothing fits!  I am leaving another store with a white tee and no pants".  Over time I've told her again and again the importance of a good tailor.  She would ignore me and just keep saying that nothing fits her.  She finally took my advice (always hard from an older sister I guess) and found a pair of jeans that fit her thighs and made her feel great.  They were, however, too long and too big in the waist.  She took them to a tailor and had them altered and said that she is now mad that she waited that long to have things fitted for her body.

If you don't know of a great tailor than ask around your neighborhood.  You will want someone that can put the original hem back on the jean. 

Most clothing are not meant to fit off the rack for our figures.  Don't be discouraged.  Find the right fit in your toughest area and know that the rest can be fitted for you!  You will never look back, I promise.