LINK LOVE

It seems only fitting that today's links will be ideas for special women in your life:

My favorite gift is time with people I love:

 Second on my list are items that I can keep forever, a beautiful watch or bracelet (thank you Evan and Colin for giving me both of those) that I can wear every day and think of the person(s) who gave it to me:

I love to give and receive items that I would not purchase for myself such as a beautiful pashmina that will  keep wear all year long as a wrap or a scarf:

I love to read and a magazine subscription or a book that someone thinks I will enjoy is always special:

What are some of your favorite gifts you have given and received?

SUMMER STAPLES

Its May and FINALLY the temperature has started to creep above 60 degrees.  I switched my closet over from winter to summer clothing several weeks ago but found myself creeping back into the "winter closet" many mornings.  I think I prefer the coverage that items like sweaters, jackets and tights provide.  So how does one still get some coverage without passing out from heat stroke on a 90 degree July day?  I have some recommendations for summer staples:

1.  Leggings - Several years ago I spent some time debating whether or not I could actually embrace this trend.  The women in the hosiery department at Nordstroms who were in my age range, urged me to give simple black leggings a try.  You know what finally swayed me?  I looked down at my pasty white legs with varicose veins and thought how could leggings not look better?  hahaha...that is honestly how I decided to try them.  I am not a big capri fan nor do I ever wear shorts so a skirt or dress with leggings (no embellishments, just plain black or chocolate brown ones) is a cool and comfortable summer option for me.  I like both Vince Camuto and Spanx brands as they are opaque and extremely sturdy. 

2.  Gap 1969 boyfriend jeans in City Blue Wash- These jeans are highly recommended on many fashion blogs.  I ordered a pair a few weeks ago and am in love with them.  The fabric weight is PERFECT; not stiff but definitely offers structure.  The dark wash is flattering.  I tend to prefer as dark a color as possible on my lower half for obvious reasons. They can be rolled up to show off your cute shoes or left unrolled for a straight leg look.

3. Light weight cardigans-I prefer cotton ones as they "breathe".  I also prefer bright colored ones that offer some fun color pairings.  Let me be honest here, it is a  favorite summer "cover up my arms" option.

4. Statement jewelry-Pretty much always a staple for me, summer, fall, winter and spring.

Notice that I have not mentioned footwear?  On safari right now for shoe options AS ALWAYS and will share when I find some worthy of a blog recommendation.

FRIDAY FANCIES

I am almost afraid to put this in print but...I might have...maybe....perhaps.....could have.....found a brand of shoes that I can wear.  Of course they cost more than any shoe I have ever purchased (which isn't saying much since cheap shoes are how I ended up in this foot mess).  A friend of mine was in San Diego CA and happened to enter a comfort shoe store.  She called me to say they had a brand named Ziera and there were some cute styles.  I promptly looked them up on line and ended up ordering these for our son's wedding (Ziera Jade):

Tried on these Kate Spade earrings at Nordstroms (Thanks Laura for finding them).  They are absolutely beautiful and match my dress for the wedding:

Just reserved this book at the library.  Looks like a great summer read:

My hair gets frizzy in the heat and humidity.  My hair stylist recommended Aveda Smooth Infusion and so far, it seems to really help tame the frizz:

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?