Link Love

Thank you Angie from You Look Fab for the detailed explanation on wearing accessories:
http://youlookfab.com/2013/04/19/the-role-of-accessories-in-your-outfits/

Already Pretty blogger Sally writes about aging gracefully:
http://www.adiosbarbie.com/2013/03/aging-gracefully-in-a-world-of-anti-aging/

Real Simple magazine lists some makeup mistakes that can age us:
http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/makeup/makeup-mistakes-00100000074111/page2.html#2

I organize the many blogs I read on this great site:
https://beta.bloglovin.com

SHOPPING BUDDYS

Do you like to shop alone or with a friend(s)?  I am generally a person who enjoys shopping by myself.  When alone, I can look at new lip gloss colors or try on 20 pairs of shoes without feeling like I am wasting someone else's time.  The only exception to this is if it is someone I consider a TRUE SHOPPING BUDDY.  My guidelines for granting this title depends on several factors:

1.  ENDURANCE-To shop with me you have to be willing to go and go and go...8 hours, 10 hours, now that is a shopping trip.  Also there is no time to be wasted over a long leisurely lunch, that is detracting from the purpose of our mission.  Yes we will eat but it will be quick and inexpensive (that extra $10.00 spent on a sandwich could be used towards treating yourself to something new).  Besides most of us don't need the extra carbs anyway.

2.  VISIONARY-I want my shopping buddy to be able to consider the entire picture..how will this simple navy dress look when paired with a statement necklace, cute clutch and new shoes?  Can she/he help you rationalize the purchase by quoting the latest style trends and colors and/or how it will be a foundation piece of your closet?

3.  FLEXIBILITY- This quality goes along with endurance.  No store should be unshopped (look, I just made up a new word).  We will venture into high end retailers like Saks and Neiman Marcus as well as lower end H & M and TopShop.  Wait...you say...how does a shopper over 45 i.e. justify going into H & M or someone whose clothing budget is not unlimited go into a designer store?  You go to look, to feel the fabric, to see color combinations, new ways to tie the scarf you already have, etc etc.  

4.  HONESTY-This is a VERY VERY important attribute.  Please do not say something is ok when you know it is not.  I didn't say you cannot be tactful in your comments but if something does not flatter, then tell me and I promise to do the same.  As someone who loves fashion and shops a lot (reminder this is different than buying) I may need you to tell me I deserve to splurge because it is such a great choice or maybe the opposite that something better awaits at our next destination.

There you have it, my thoughts on the characteristics I covet in a shopping buddy.  I have to tell you these special people are few and far between.  If you think you might be "the one" and willing to head out with me sometime soon, I am always ready to go. 

FRIDAY FANCIES

A few new products to recommend

A specialist at Sephora recommended Alterna Caviar Moisture Conditioner. It has made a real difference in the way my hair looks:

I have been in the market for a new foundation  Wanted something to cover the redness on my cheeks and chin, brighten me up and last all day.  Stila's Illuminating Foundation meets all my criteria:

Do you use a product on your brow?  Once a makeup artist showed me what a difference it makes, there was no going back.  After trying several brands I discovered this one, Anastasia in a color named Carmel:

I have never gone to a tanning salon and have no plans to ever do so  However I still would like a little color, especially on my white legs.  St Tropez mousse is easy to apply, has a nice color and good staying power:

THE HIGH COST OF BARGAINS

Are you a serial shopper like me?  Shopping is basically my hobby as well as a stress reliever.  I differentiate  between buying and shopping.  I am a person who can spend 8 hours looking around, come home with nothing and still have had a fun and worthwhile day.  How is this possible you ask?  I love clothes, handbags, jewelry, makeup, shoes and pretty much anything and everything  you find in a department store or boutique.  While looking and trying items on I get ideas for what I want to buy or new ways to wear clothing and accessories I already own.   Seems pretty harmless doesn't it?   The danger in this for me comes when I find an amazing sale and can talk myself into something because it is such a good deal.  Those items often are worn once. They then either take up space in my closet or are donated immediately because they are not flattering due to color/size/style and often a combination of all 3.  When you actually begin to add up the $20.00 blouses, the $30.00 sweaters etc over a period of time I/we can end up wasting ALOT of money.  I have made a promise to myself I will no longer do this.  I plan to begin a shopping list of what I want, what I need and prioritize it. Right now on my list is a beautiful spring/summer handbag in a neutral color.  I love Tory Burch bags and own 2;  a leather cross body and a nylon tote.  Individually these bags cost more than I had spent in the past on handbags.  That said, I have owned each for over a year and love and appreciate them more every time I use one.  Can I say that for the bargain faux leather bags sitting on my closet shelf???  Big NO to that question.  Last weekend while out looking at  new spring merchandise in stores I purchased a pretty summer dress to wear on Easter Sunday.  Unfortunately the temperature on Easter was 25 degrees and a lightweight summer dress was not warm enough nor did it look appropriate under my winter coat.  I am fortunate enough to work in a university setting where I get the summers off.  Therefore I do not need a lot of work appropriate spring and summer clothing.  The dress was returned on Monday and my bank acct was quite a bit richer for this good decision.  I believe the lesson I learned from this is not to even go into stores that do not carry quality clothing.  I will not be tempted to buy items based on price. I will carry a list with me of my needs and wants and to learn a bit of self control.  I think in the long run reminding myself that  having less quantity but better quality clothing that flatters me, works with items I already own and that I feel good in is a wise decision.  What are your thoughts on this?

LINK LOVE

Just discovered Ted Talks, short audio presentations by experts in a multitude of fields:

http://www.ted.com/talks

Hopefully we can soon put away our winter clothes and think of spring.  Wonder what you and your closet need to stay stylish? Angie from You Look Fab shares her thoughts:

http://youlookfab.com/2013/03/25/10-must-haves-for-spring-and-summer-2013/

Interesting article on how compassion and forgiveness can help release us from past hurt and pain:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/linda-joy-myers-ph-d/parenthood-full-circle_b_2918269.html

A woman's thoughts on leaving her job to be at home full time with her children:

http://nymag.com/news/features/retro-wife-2013-3/

Big food news in the South Bend/Mishawaka/Granger area, Indulgence Bakery is opening a cupcake kiosk at UP Mall in May.

MAKING FASHION WORK FOR YOU

As I prepared for work this morning, I reached for the top above that I recently purchased from Anthropologie.  As you can see, it buttons down the back and has  a very pretty eyelet hem .  I liked the look of the eyelet showing in front and that is how I intend to wear it.  In other words, I am making my own fashion rules and wearing it in a manner that works for me.  Another example that comes to mind is that many dresses are cut on the shorter side and certainly not appropriate for me or anyone else over age 30 (WAY WAY over but...we don't need to go there right now).  My solution is to pick dresses that have the lines of a tunic or sheath and pair them with leggings or skinny jeans.

Fashion should be fun and individualized. There are no steadfast rules (except maybe appropriate and tasteful in my opinion). Style is always evolving and changing depending on the season, the fit and so many many other things.  I think style blogs as well as fashion magazines can help open up our vision in this area.  It is so easy to fall into a rut and always wear the same sweater and skirt together, never trying a new pattern mix or color combination. Enjoy your closet, have fun mixing it up and take a fashion risk now and then.

FRIDAY FANCIES

How cute and funny is this?

Kate Spade-always adorable

Thank you Anthropologie for another beautiful dress:

Perfect for an afternoon wedding or garden party.

These cupcakes mixes are fabulous:

SPRINKLES