Thursday, October 25, 2007

Foot Patrol

Have you ever found that ultimate pair of shoes that you've just got to have? Only to find out they don't carry the coveted goods in your particular size? Before you completely freak out, take a deep breath, pull the paper bag off your head and quit hyperventilating. Find out if the lovely salesperson would check to see if they have them in a half size larger.

I'm a "tweener" myself, depending on the type of shoe. My tootsies are somewhere between a 9 1/2 and 10, so I often find myself in this predicament. However, heel liners will take care of that extra roominess in the shoes that are now completing that perfect ensemble you'll soon be rockin'. One word of caution; if you use them in shoes that fit WELL or are a tad on the snug side, the inserts will make the shoes too small for you.

So fear not! Any shoe you could ever want will be yours!

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Matte Attack

When it comes to fashion, all things make a comeback; they just get tweaked and "modernized" a bit. Currently leggings, tunics, and cowl necked sweaters have returned...fortunately shoulder-ma-pads didn't make the cut. Whew! Truth be told, if you'd just held on to some of your high school wardrobe, you could get away with wearing it today. Well, matte is back and I've never been a fan of matte. I am digging in my heels and protesting by sticking to my tried and true lip gloss. One of my favorite drug store finds is Cover Girl Wet Slicks lip gloss in Iced Berry (nude with a slight hint of mauve) and Wine Shine...the best nude evahhhh...don't let the dark shade in the tube fool you. They're long lasting and have just a hint of shimmer; not so much that it looks like you ate a glitter sandwich for lunch. Cheap, attractive, and decidedly anti-matte.

Friday, October 19, 2007

All About the Hair

Your hair can make or break your day. If it won't behave it's time to cancel plans, phone in sick, throw it in a ponytail and call it a day. But if you're rockin' your do it's a whole new world. Unlike many women, I love my hair. Love, love, LOVE it! It's thick, wavy, and does just about whatever I want it too. Short hair does not work for me, however, because of the thickness and I end up more or less looking like I'm running for the senate (i.e. too matronly). I'm a drugstore junkie and should not be allowed in one if my wallet is in tow. I love the colors, the pallets, the wands, the tubes...ooooh I'm starting to sweat just thinking about it! But when it comes to my hair I'm a bone fide product snob. Hair has a shelf life and I ain't about to do it any harm. Ever since I was 18 and a true friend came to my rescue and convinced me that SuperCuts was not a professional salon and escorted me into a fabulous shop on Ventura Boulevard, I've never looked back...and am forever in her debt.

I've had only three different hairdressers in my adult life. I'm loyal. The changes only came about because of circumstances beyond my control. I literally cried when the second relationship had to end. No one does blonde like her. She's magic and now living 3000 miles away from my head. Sob. If hair care products are your "thing" and beauty supply stores your source of climbing debt; talk to your hairdresser. Hairdressers have this wonderful little "club card" with which they receive discounts on all of the best products beauty supply chains have to offer. If you've been a loyal client don't be afraid to ask your tress tamer if they wouldn't mind picking up a bottle, a tube, a jug or two of what it is you covet...at a discount. Chances are, they won't mind. If directly asking for a favor makes you uncomfortable...drop subtle hints. But seriously, they don't mind.

Trust me. xoxo

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Rawrrr

I'm not usually a huge fan of animal print when it comes to clothing. I *get* that it is IN right now, and I do appreciate that just the right piece can pull together the perfect ensemble...I do have my own leopard print flats en route from Victoria's Secret as I speak, thankyouverymuch. But ladies, keep it to one item per outfit, otherwise you run the risk of looking like an ad for an exotic trip around the world. I'm not an avid watcher of "The View", but I do admire Elizabeth Hasselbeck's style sense. However, yesterday she wore a leopard print headband AND leopard print pumps (at least I think it was leopard because it looked a little like "giraffe"). It was too much matchy-matchy. And for godsakes don't wear a hunter-prey combo. Leopard eats giraffe. Nuff said.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Scent Sense

For those of you women who think that it's alluring to leave a trail of your overly-perfumed self in your wake...it's not. Whomever recommended that you take a bath in your favorite eu de toilet should be properly reprimanded; and if this is a tactic that you've taken on solely, please stop immediately! You only want to leave a hint of your scent, not in your wake, but to those who are in your immediate personal space. If you're unsure of what constitutes "personal space", hold your arms out at shoulder height and spin around. That is your radius/circumference. Keep your smelly smells there, please.

I, along with others, are not impressed with your choice of cologne. We are equally unimpressed with the brand or the cost. The only thing we do notice is that we're still gasping for fresh air long after you've left the elevator, office, supermarket check out line, _________fill in the blank, etc. Just because you believe you have good taste in scent selection, word to the wise, everyone does. Just as everyone thinks they have good taste and a sense of humor. We do not all possess these attributes. Your overpowering scent takes on a life of its own, clinging to any fabric your fellow members of society are wearing, or the piece of furniture you've resided on.

Do yourself and the rest of us a favor...after showering and moisturizing, spritz one, I REPEAT *ONE* mist of perfume into the air directly in front of you and proceed to walk through it. That is the proper amount needed. That's it. No more, no less. Please help stop the madness!

Peace.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Old Navy...the Go To Store

There are probably more Old Navy articles of clothing folded, stuffed, and hung in closets and dresser drawers of my house than from any other store. I almost always find something there that pulls together that perfect outfit. For myself and the kids. I do have those days where I mosey in there and leave defeated and empty handed...finding absolutely nothing and wondering "what were they thinking with THAT?". Then there are days like today where I have to decide which items to keep and which to begrudgingly put back on the rack. Old Navy was having an amazing clearance sale today, I spent less than $80 and SCORED!! I bought 11 items including tops for myself and dresses for my daughter...some of these pieces were marked as low as $3.97 (for my stuff not the kid!). You read that right.

I love Old Navy. What's your "go-to" store?

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

After Dinner Treats

If you're a freak like me about keeping sugar out of your diet, I'll share a couple of my favorite desserts with you...becuase Lord knows I've got a sweet tooth! I'm in love with Dryer's brand sugar free ice cream! Go ahead and indulge! My second favorite go-to dessert is the following:

1 cup frozen mixed (unsweetened) berries
2 Tbls. Cool Whip Lite

Toss the berries into the microwave for about 20 seconds to defrost them but so they still remain very cold. Top it with the Cool Whip and ....OMG!! Soooo good! And guilt free!

Monday, October 8, 2007

What's In Your Closet?

Fall! My favorite time of year for fashion! I'm typically a jeans and sweater kinda gal but I always have a few items in my closet that keep the look up to date. A new pair of boots are essential for the start of any fall season. My black Calvin Klein peacoat that I received for Christmas is, thankfully, still in. Scarves are a great way to throw in some color and texture to your ensemble. This season, it would appear that I'll have to invest in some flats; but hey, if it gets me shopping, I'll make the sacrifice.

What's in your closet?

xoxo

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Second Day Hair

If you're an every other day hair washer-er like I am, here's a cute way to style that second day hair. Give your dry hair a blast with the hair dryer to wake it up and give it some body; personally, I don't even brush my hair on these days. Then take a 1 1/2" or 2" barrel curling iron to it and give it some "beachy" waves. Shake it out with your fingers and give it a few mists with a dandy hairspray like Sleek Look from Matrix. Make sure the spray is dry and then pull the hair back into a messy bun with a strong, fabric covered rubber band; do this as if you were pulling it into a pony tail but don't pull the pieces all the way through. Finally pull your bangs back (away from your face as if they were teased back, not slicked)so that there is some lift, and secure them with a stylish headband. VOILA! So cute! And you don't have to look lazy to be lazy.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Smooth as a Baby's....

About two weeks ago I ran out of my anti-wrinkle cream and the store I happened to be shopping in was out of it as well. So I took a chance on a different one and I gotta say...I'm LOVING it! L'OREAL Wrinkle De-Crease(night) is a miracle in a jar. I now wish I'd taken before and after pictures because I can see a noticeable difference. After pictures now would just be meaningless, so you'll have to take my word for it. Another magic potion that I use daily is Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift Anti-Wrinkle Firming Eye Cream.

While I use both as part of my nightly cleansing ritual, I've discovered that if a little of each is applied on a clean face (aka after showering) before putting my makeup on for the day; my foundation glides across my skin in a more uniform fashion, AND less is needed because my face is properly moisturized and I achieve that sought after "dewey" look! I discovered this BECAUSE I love the L'OREAL so much that I just had to put it on after my shower one morning...and VOILA! Happy face. And just to be honest, it is a smidgen on the greasy side, so a little goes a long way.

Get out and glow!