Thursday, August 29, 2013

LINK LOVE

Some thoughts on how to avoid the dreaded "frump" look:
http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2013/08/how-to-avoid-looking-frumpy-or-matronly.html

You know how much I love the September issues of fashion magazines.  This article explains how Glamour Magazine comes together:
http://fashionista.com/2013/07/how-a-september-issue-gets-made/

I know I have already mentioned this DVD which was released on 8/27/13.  I just read the book, ABSOLUTELY LOVED it:



Happy people share this common outlook and something we all need embrace (in my opinion):

This was written as a commencement speech but I think it is Life Speech (not sure there is such a thing but since this is my personal blog I am allowed to make up words I think/I hope)

Sunday, August 25, 2013

FALL TRENDS

Hello.  I apologize for not posting last week.  Our son was married on 8/17.  It was  a joyful and beautiful celebration.  We feel beyond lucky to welcome such a fabulous young woman into our lives (she has been in our hearts since we first met her and now officially our daughter in law).  We also  have become close to her wonderful family and look forward to seeing them often in the future.

Now on to some of the fall fashion trends I have observed so far:

Moto Jackets are everywhere in all kinds of fabrics.  If this is something that fits into your lifestyle and closet then go for a beautiful leather jacket:
Nordstorms: Marc New York


If not, then go for a lightweight knit one:
Anthropologie Tavi jacket


Mixed Media clothing is an import component in fall collections.  Again leather shows up often:
JCrew tunic

Boots as always are everywhere, both high and low styles.

Scallops?? Bows?? YES please!

Anthropologie Booties

Finally I will say I love the return to the classic color schemes of maroon, camel, green and pumpkin.  So easy to mix and match with items we already have in our closets.

I will have lots more trends to share with you in the coming weeks.  What "must haves" are on your fall shopping list? Are there trends you love or those you cannot imagine ever wearing?  Please share in the comments section below:



Tuesday, August 13, 2013

LINK LOVE

Its WEDDING WEEK so will only be posting once this week as there is lots to do.



Good Housekeeping magazine has determined its top anti-aging skin care winners:
http://www.today.com/style/best-buys-good-housekeepings-anti-aging-awards-6C10902054

Did you know Anthropologie has a blog?
http://blog.anthropologie.com

Another article on women who opt out of the workforce after having children:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/11/magazine/the-opt-out-generation-wants-back-in.html?pagewanted=all

Have you seen this pinterest board?





Thursday, August 8, 2013

FRIDAY FANCIES

Time for the big thick Fall fashion magazines.  Love looking through Vogue, Lucky, In Style and any other ones I can get my hands on:


I love love love Tory Burch bags, especially the Amanda collection.  Last week I lucked out big time and found this bag in a fabulous mustard color at a consignment shop.  Yes the bag has some wear and tear but I could care less, its MINE!



I was at Sephora earlier this week and happened to spritz on this Jimmy Choo perfume, absolutely fabulous:

Have you tried this amazing mascara from Benefit?


How big is your smile looking at this?



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

LINK LOVE

I recently discovered  Daily Plate of Crazy (http://dailyplateofcrazy.com).  It has many thought provoking articles from a variety of authors.  Here are several I recently read:

Love pretty much everything that Nora Epron wrote and as soon as I saw a reference to he in the beginning of this column, knew it would be worth my time to read.  I believe the thoughts in the link can relate to many relationships in our life; friends and family.
http://dailyplateofcrazy.com/2013/08/02/when-relationships-change-i-promise-i-will-be-the-way-i-was/

I will soon return to work when the fall semester begins at the end of August.  I work with college students and have many fascinating discussions with them on a variety of topics.  This article about trying to balance work and family and personal goals/ambitions is an interesting read:
http://dailyplateofcrazy.com/2013/06/20/weaning-off-wanting-it-all-can-women-have-it-all/

My husband and I are proud parents of two independent and successful sons.  We miss them every single day but are also very happy they have grown to have a full and happy life separate from us.  They are adults and need to live a life that reflects that, always knowing how much we love them and are so very proud of the men they have become:
http://dailyplateofcrazy.com/2013/07/07/parenting-through-a-peep-hole-parenting-young-adults/

Another new blog I started reading.  The blog is written by an Anthropologie employee who shares lots of interesting tidbits:
http://behindthebreakroomdoor.blogspot.com

Anyone who knows me knows how important female friends are in my life.  Here is another favorite column from Sharon Randall:
http://sharonrandall.com/2012/03/forever-friends-column-for-march-20-2012/#more-555

Fun thought to leave you with:





Tuesday, August 6, 2013

TIPS FROM A MAKEUP ARTIST

I had a fun and extremely informative appointment today with a local makeup artist, Peggie O'Neill (http://www.peggieoneillmakeup.com/).  I was referred to Ms. O'Neill by the stylists at Salon 301 when I mentioned my frustration in trying to cover some dark areas under my eyes.  I have tried a number of concealers and foundations and nothing gave me the results I was seeking.  In addition I wanted to see what colors of shadow/lipstick/blush would be recommended.  We have a fabulous Sephora in our local mall but its always nice to get a new perspective.

I thought her consultation fee was very reasonable (see link for pricing).  Ms. O'Neill approaches makeup application much like an artist approaches painting a picture; she emphasizes using dark and light shading.  In applying makeup we need to use light colors to bring into focus areas we want to emphasize (cheekbones, inner corners of eye)  and dark colors to minimize ( outer corner of eyes, hollows of cheeks).    I also learned I do not have to be afraid of a translucent powder to "set" my makeup; it will not call attention to wrinkles.  Ms. O'Neill explained that altho initially the powder may show it will very quickly merge with the skin oils and will not be visible.  This type of powder helps set helps our makeup last all day.  To cover dark areas under my eyes she advised using a concealer that is heavy duty and highly pigmented.  It can be applied with a sponge and blended under your eye on top of cheekbones and back to hairline.  In addition she advised me that I can and should use eye shadow that has some shimmer..  She feels that it can light up one's face; in the inner half of my lid she applied a light shimmery champagne color and in the outer area of the lid she applied a sable brown (blending well of course so not visible distinction between the 2 colors).  Even with my glasses she assured me I would be able to wear false eyelashes for the upcoming family wedding.   I also loved and purchased a beautiful pink/coral lip gloss she applied as a finishing touch. Again the shimmer was light and she assured me the effect was flattering.

At the end of our makeup lesson I explained our Fashion Club and she is enthusiastic about hosting us, hopefully at our September meeting.

I urge each of you to consider meeting with a makeup artist be it Ms. O'Neill or a consultant at your local department or speciality store.  We all need to refresh our look, try new products and be open to updating our makeup.  It doesn't have to be time consuming or costly, 30 minutes of your time can result in a fun new fall look for little to no cost.

 

Thursday, August 1, 2013

LINK LOVE

While we can't always afford the clothes we love, lets try and make the ones we do buy look as nice as possible:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/31/clothes-look-more-expensive_n_3677957.html?utm_hp_ref=style&ir=Style

One more thought on budget friendly shopping:
http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2013/07/how-to-be-stylish-on-budget.html

As much as I hate to admit it, summer is winding down and with that thought, a favorite column from one of my favorite columnists (who will be speaking in Elkhart IN in October and I will definitely be in attendance):
http://sharonrandall.com/2012/08/what-kids-really-need-for-going-back-to-school-column-aug-28-2012/

I will end my post today with something that I hope makes you smile too: