Last week I saw a sister, God bless her soul, dying for her beauty in 3-1/2 inch heels. She was minding her business catching the city bus. Sister was bending at the knees and breaking at the ankles. Working her skinny-jeans like a job and looking like an urban statue until she had to fall into stride. Then she looked like “Bronco Billy”.
I remember 3-inch heel days and the struggle of getting them across the city on public transportation. Wearing them because I wanted to look exceptionally cute. In return for my efforts I received the mind numbing pain of hurting feet. I wished I could fly. I contemplated skipping. I would have even scooted home if possible, anything to end the torture.
I now understand no matter how slightly small or a little too big some shoes are incompatible with a whole lot of walking. Some shoes, which I call 2-steppers are not too great for cars. These shoes are for church; walk into building, sit down, enjoy the service, walk back to the car, go home, and take them off.
Enjoy extravagant shoes, but before taking them out to visit, find out if they are 2-steppers. They can turn you into a woman who can walk on glass through fire. I like to say “beauty is pain”. Truth is, “beauty can be torture”….
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Unexpected Precision
Many people have a hidden treasure of fur coats, diamond rings, expensive leather goods, vintage jewelry and classic designer pieces. They save them for annual gala events and who knows when. I suggest adding these classic pieces to your daily wardrobe as personal signature items. This could be the inspiration your daily fashion has been missing. Warning, if you are not willing to provide extra security leave the fur and diamonds at home.
Women over forty can wear classic and vintage pieces for 2 reasons their age has afforded them financial blessings and increased taste level. (Remember the days when we didn’t want a garment unless we had seen someone else in it?). I believe the older you get the more attracted you become to looking good as oppose to looking trendy. Classic pieces look intelligent. Imagine a leather pencil skirt; notched-collared white shirt, trench coat or jacket and a pair of animal print shoes. What makes this look modern, the mix?
The look is working the modern elements of silhouette; clean shirt (new), and trendy shoes mixed with classic pieces the coat; skirt, and shirt. Mixing modern pieces with classic ones can add sophistication to your look. Others want to see what you will wear next, “ You are the new eye candy”. Now thats what I call unexpected precision?
Women over forty can wear classic and vintage pieces for 2 reasons their age has afforded them financial blessings and increased taste level. (Remember the days when we didn’t want a garment unless we had seen someone else in it?). I believe the older you get the more attracted you become to looking good as oppose to looking trendy. Classic pieces look intelligent. Imagine a leather pencil skirt; notched-collared white shirt, trench coat or jacket and a pair of animal print shoes. What makes this look modern, the mix?
The look is working the modern elements of silhouette; clean shirt (new), and trendy shoes mixed with classic pieces the coat; skirt, and shirt. Mixing modern pieces with classic ones can add sophistication to your look. Others want to see what you will wear next, “ You are the new eye candy”. Now thats what I call unexpected precision?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fashion Emergency – Happy Diva Day
If image is everything your fashion emergencies set the pace. An emergency look is the go to outfit you grab, when you wake up with an hour or less to leave the house. Ask yourself is it flattering? Is the silhouette comparable to a marshmallow? Are you saying, “Yeah but it’s comfortable? It may be too comfortable. Is it stained with bleach, food, oil, or ink? Is the color faded? If you answered yes, to any of these questions throw the whole outfit away.
Comfortable clothes are great in a pinch. They can undermine your fashion and make you look dull, tired, or depressed. When a professional is wearing clothing that is too relaxed customers question their intelligence and authority. Leaving you asking, "Why you had a bad day from the time you woke up this morning”? Guess what, bad fashion can sabotaged a day.
Throw, old sad clothing away and replace it immediately. Try some yoga pants with a fitted knit jacket, layer it with a denim or khaki jacket add a t-shirt for color. If you really want to step it up add some cool shoes (the ugly brown shoes). The benefit is comfort and style. You look put together and happy in vibrant colors. This outfit is classic and current simultaneously, the look says,
“It’s 2010, What?”
Women over forty can’t help but shift to conservative pieces. We like being comfortable and confident, clothing can assist us. First impressions are lasting ones and everyday is an opportunity to make a new first impression. Happy Diva Day.
Comfortable clothes are great in a pinch. They can undermine your fashion and make you look dull, tired, or depressed. When a professional is wearing clothing that is too relaxed customers question their intelligence and authority. Leaving you asking, "Why you had a bad day from the time you woke up this morning”? Guess what, bad fashion can sabotaged a day.
Throw, old sad clothing away and replace it immediately. Try some yoga pants with a fitted knit jacket, layer it with a denim or khaki jacket add a t-shirt for color. If you really want to step it up add some cool shoes (the ugly brown shoes). The benefit is comfort and style. You look put together and happy in vibrant colors. This outfit is classic and current simultaneously, the look says,
“It’s 2010, What?”
Women over forty can’t help but shift to conservative pieces. We like being comfortable and confident, clothing can assist us. First impressions are lasting ones and everyday is an opportunity to make a new first impression. Happy Diva Day.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Your Silhouette is Bangin’
Silhouette is everything. Acquaintances, long lost friends, strangers, look at yours and judge whether you are smart, current, and healthy based on it. The fashion silhouette is the overall shape of your body with clothing. It is fashion’s main ingredient. Modern silhouettes change like revolving doors. Many people think fashion is about weight, not true a change in silhouette can give the appearance of weight loss.
Modern silhouettes start off as trends and some become fashion “must haves”. Avoid looking like a clone by copying the shape (only) and adding accessories. One popular silhouette is the form-fitting pant, tall heals (flats, wedges, boots) and a tunic top that falls about mid to lower thigh. Once you know this you are ready to make the look your own. Grab some magazines and get to work, find 3 or 4 looks with matching silhouettes and you are on your way. Shop and try-on clothing until you get it right.
Fashionista’s are always ahead of the pack, wearing the latest trend by the time it becomes popular, she's moved on. But a fashion sage like me waits to see a trend translated for me. I ask myself does this style express my sensibility - of covering up the goodies? Does this look say I am too smart to be uncomfortable in my clothing? I don’t want my clothing saying “ Poor Old Cookie she don’t know she too old for this”. Updating your fashion is like updating your car. It allows you to run better and take advantage of the technology (lycra)and look modern. I encourage you to upgrade and drive a bangin’ silhouette.
Modern silhouettes start off as trends and some become fashion “must haves”. Avoid looking like a clone by copying the shape (only) and adding accessories. One popular silhouette is the form-fitting pant, tall heals (flats, wedges, boots) and a tunic top that falls about mid to lower thigh. Once you know this you are ready to make the look your own. Grab some magazines and get to work, find 3 or 4 looks with matching silhouettes and you are on your way. Shop and try-on clothing until you get it right.
Fashionista’s are always ahead of the pack, wearing the latest trend by the time it becomes popular, she's moved on. But a fashion sage like me waits to see a trend translated for me. I ask myself does this style express my sensibility - of covering up the goodies? Does this look say I am too smart to be uncomfortable in my clothing? I don’t want my clothing saying “ Poor Old Cookie she don’t know she too old for this”. Updating your fashion is like updating your car. It allows you to run better and take advantage of the technology (lycra)and look modern. I encourage you to upgrade and drive a bangin’ silhouette.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Style Icon
I am not a star chaser I could care less about celebrity gossip. But I admit I have offered up a prayer for a few of the tormented. For me celebrities are “style icons”. The irony is they don’t pick their own clothes they have stylist who spend hours shopping for clothing, shoes and accessories. They are shopping for a “look” which will be worn to a specific event such as the Emmy’s, Grammy’s etc… Fashion is serious business it is the livelihood the celebrities, stylist, designers, hairdressers, manicurist etc. It is an industry where looks translate into cold hard cash.
That’s why magazines are gold mines. They contain the hard work of a fashion design team. Use magazines to their fullest potential and create your own look book. Rip out things that catch your eye, clothing, shoes, accessories and even fragrances you want to try. Keep your book updated and look at it before you shop. Take a tip from Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist and author of “ Style from A to Zoe”, who warns, “ You never want to actually mimic a celebrity”. Get the spirit of the look (and keep it moving).
Collect photographs of two style icons, you are more likely to be attracted to more than one. The look you create will be unique, a combination of both icons. I like Rihanna. I like her punk, unpredictable, 80’s vibe. Her style solves my fashion dilemma - modern woman who wants to cover up and still have fun with fashion. 2nd is Jennifer Aniston her style is clean, classic, with a modern twist. Her secret is proportion and fit.
Take a tip from me and fix your fashion dilemma's with the help of couple good style icons.
That’s why magazines are gold mines. They contain the hard work of a fashion design team. Use magazines to their fullest potential and create your own look book. Rip out things that catch your eye, clothing, shoes, accessories and even fragrances you want to try. Keep your book updated and look at it before you shop. Take a tip from Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist and author of “ Style from A to Zoe”, who warns, “ You never want to actually mimic a celebrity”. Get the spirit of the look (and keep it moving).
Collect photographs of two style icons, you are more likely to be attracted to more than one. The look you create will be unique, a combination of both icons. I like Rihanna. I like her punk, unpredictable, 80’s vibe. Her style solves my fashion dilemma - modern woman who wants to cover up and still have fun with fashion. 2nd is Jennifer Aniston her style is clean, classic, with a modern twist. Her secret is proportion and fit.
Take a tip from me and fix your fashion dilemma's with the help of couple good style icons.
Monday, October 11, 2010
2 for 1
Exercise is one of the foundations of beauty. The best exercise is also functional for example cleaning the house, walking the dog or raking leaves. The other day when I was doing some functional exercise I noticed something that caused alarmed. There were an inordinate number of men leisurely hanging out at the same time children were walking home from the bus stop. I am aware that the economy is bad and more people are out of work but what I saw was strange.
The men seemed to be girl watching… young girl watching. As we all know young girls are fun, friendly, easy to meet and unfortunately easily deceived. They were walking not sensing any danger and being checked out by vultures. I saw one man leaning forward watching the girls with his undivided attention and when he saw me relaxed into his chair.
I am not a soothsayer or an old wife but I do pay attention to my surroundings. Women are sometimes too hard on young women and girls saying that they are too fast and headed for trouble. Sometimes girls are itching for the good stuff, GOD knows what that is… but many times they are victims of cleaver opportunist and people who seek their harm.
The world is made up of all kinds of people. Beautiful people should take the opportunity to show it by giving good advice, lending a helping hand and being a chaperon or supervisor to ward off danger. Have one on me, get some functional exercise and show your beautiful insides by walking the neighborhood kids to the bus stop or meeting the bus and escorting them home. It’s a 2 for 1.
The men seemed to be girl watching… young girl watching. As we all know young girls are fun, friendly, easy to meet and unfortunately easily deceived. They were walking not sensing any danger and being checked out by vultures. I saw one man leaning forward watching the girls with his undivided attention and when he saw me relaxed into his chair.
I am not a soothsayer or an old wife but I do pay attention to my surroundings. Women are sometimes too hard on young women and girls saying that they are too fast and headed for trouble. Sometimes girls are itching for the good stuff, GOD knows what that is… but many times they are victims of cleaver opportunist and people who seek their harm.
The world is made up of all kinds of people. Beautiful people should take the opportunity to show it by giving good advice, lending a helping hand and being a chaperon or supervisor to ward off danger. Have one on me, get some functional exercise and show your beautiful insides by walking the neighborhood kids to the bus stop or meeting the bus and escorting them home. It’s a 2 for 1.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A Fresh Outlook
When I was in junior high red lipstick was “scarlet gold”. If you got a tube you would use every last smear. We would use it as lipstick, blush, and eye shadow. No wonder people called it war paint. When the tube was finally lost (it would have never been voluntarily thrown away) someone had dug her finger down into the crevice and mined out the last smug.
Today red lipstick still exists but it plays a different role. It is a red-hot topper on a stark white model in a magazine or a stable of a little old lady. Red lipstick is perfect for formal occasions and formal attire. If like me, you are striving for an 8 on a 10- point beauty scale the nude shades are wonderful but be cautious. Use lip liner and choose shades carefully. Nude shades lean toward tan, pink, or orange; they test well on the back of your hand. Look for a glossy effect as oppose to a mat dull finish (they make you look dead).
My technique is; first line lips top and bottom with brown lip liner then I apply the color to my lower lip only, blot and add a little gloss (in the crevice of my lower lip, only), press my lips together and viola!
Lip color is an easy way to update. Shop the clearance shelf were the selection is ample, you can test freely and if you make a mistake the expense is minimal. Remember look for light and natural. The days of heavy black and blackberry are over. Take a tip from the latest celebrity weight loss success story Jennifer Hudson or Valerie Bertinelli and go light. The look says, “I’m new and I have a fresh outlook”.
Today red lipstick still exists but it plays a different role. It is a red-hot topper on a stark white model in a magazine or a stable of a little old lady. Red lipstick is perfect for formal occasions and formal attire. If like me, you are striving for an 8 on a 10- point beauty scale the nude shades are wonderful but be cautious. Use lip liner and choose shades carefully. Nude shades lean toward tan, pink, or orange; they test well on the back of your hand. Look for a glossy effect as oppose to a mat dull finish (they make you look dead).
My technique is; first line lips top and bottom with brown lip liner then I apply the color to my lower lip only, blot and add a little gloss (in the crevice of my lower lip, only), press my lips together and viola!
Lip color is an easy way to update. Shop the clearance shelf were the selection is ample, you can test freely and if you make a mistake the expense is minimal. Remember look for light and natural. The days of heavy black and blackberry are over. Take a tip from the latest celebrity weight loss success story Jennifer Hudson or Valerie Bertinelli and go light. The look says, “I’m new and I have a fresh outlook”.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Pajama Party 2
The party is not over… After interviewing more people I realized people wearing pajamas on the street really, really brings out negative vibes. A teenager I interviewed said, “people who wear their pajamas’ outside are just plain nasty”. Many college campuses have drafted dress codes to derail the problem.
Every year, high school seniors engage in a variety of planned events where they go to school in costume, one such day is pajama day. It is a “rebel-day”. The look says, “I am too laid back to be acceptable to society”. Simply put, “I don’t give a f**$”.
If a person is too otherwise involved to throw on some jeans and wash his face and brush his teeth it is not unreasonable to assume he or she her did not wash anything down below. That is why people wearing pajamas look like they stink.
There are times when I am driving and people dangerously cross the street into traffic. I think to myself that person must be suicidal. In my option if a person has an awesome outfit they would never chose to wear ratty pajamas instead. But if that same person was really angry or depressed… maybe they would.
Every year, high school seniors engage in a variety of planned events where they go to school in costume, one such day is pajama day. It is a “rebel-day”. The look says, “I am too laid back to be acceptable to society”. Simply put, “I don’t give a f**$”.
If a person is too otherwise involved to throw on some jeans and wash his face and brush his teeth it is not unreasonable to assume he or she her did not wash anything down below. That is why people wearing pajamas look like they stink.
There are times when I am driving and people dangerously cross the street into traffic. I think to myself that person must be suicidal. In my option if a person has an awesome outfit they would never chose to wear ratty pajamas instead. But if that same person was really angry or depressed… maybe they would.
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