And One More

I also could wrap myself in this big sweater-blanket.  From Pottery Barn.  (ps. lots of their throws are on sale now)

A Blanket of Snow

Makes me crave of a blanket of, well, blankets.  As much as I love my bed with it's down and memory foam (high maintenance?), I would love to have throw blankets for the couch to cozy up in.  I am currently wrapped in a blanket that used to be on my bed, but it's queen-sized... And my dog takes over it when I am not in it.  Or even when I am in it. 

Anyway, here are some blankets that would make the season bright.

Love this take on classic plaid at World Market.

I personally think it looks better in the store.

The blanket my dog is loving is a microplush style.  You can get those almost anywhere these days.  This one's from Amazon.

And, finally, remember how last year I was totally obsessed with Pottery Barn's faux fur throws?  Well, those are all over the place this year (including both World Market and Amazon).  I could easily settle for one of Target's faux furs.

Any and all of these would look so much better than the blue fleece one I currently have from my college days.

Good Enough to Eat Beauty Products

My husband makes fun of me for making all kinds of "potions" and trying out beauty theories I read.  I have several items that normally belong in the kitchen that have found their way to the bathroom.  It's usually quite economical and natural to use "foody" products in your beauty routine.  A run down of the items I get double and triple duty out of:

Baking soda:  Most people probably know several ways to use this for baking and cleaning.  I use it to exfoliate my face because it is not so abrasive.  I also make a baking soda and water solution that I pour in my hair after I rinse out the shampoo.  I feel like it helps remove any harsh shampoo chemicals.

Olive oil:  We know it is a "heart healthy" fat and gives great flavor to many dishes, but I also use it mixed with salt as a body scrub in the shower.  It exfoliates and moisturizes better than anything.  I find that I can't use it every time I shower because it can be drying to exfoliate with salt daily or even every other day.  I do it once or twice a week.

Salt:  See above.  I use it with olive oil to exfoliate.  I used it (with olive oil) just on my hands today and it was just what I needed after months without a decent manicure.

Vinegar:  Sounds pretty harsh, but I use it on my hair.  I used to use it straight up, but now since I have a cup in the shower for my baking soda rinse, I use the same cup to mix vinegar with water and rinse it through my hair after shampooing.  Many times I do it before conditioner, but sometimes after.  It really helps get product build-up out and keeps my hair shiny.

That's about it at the moment, but I am usually willing to try home remedies of any kind - beauty or otherwise.

Make up Wardrobe

Ah, make up. So many different formulas, brands, price points, gimmicks . . . It is so easy to get carried away, I find, and forget that what I am really after is "me, but better". When I see little girls with their make up free faces, naturally rosy cheeks and long, un-chemically altered eyelashes, I remember. This is what women want, right? I know there are times when more drama is what we are looking for, but some women seem to want drama all the time. It isn't necessary, in my opinion, and I think all of us need to remember when to quit.

I think I wear plenty of make up and I don't completely subscribe to the natural look. But I still want to look like myself and the media can sometimes make me insecure. Fake tans, fake eyelashes, fake hair color, fake brows - it can be easy to think you need more more more and that you have all these imperfections you need to correct. You DON'T.

Anyway, I didn't mean to sound "soap-box-y". I really meant to share what works for me and the products I have found success with.

I have been really happy with L'Oreal's True Match Foundation. I have used it both straight from the bottle and mixed with my moisturizer and it really is blendable and matchable with your skin tone. Plus, they have an extraordinarily wide color range and they make a distinction between warm, cool, and neutral skin undertones. Genius!

I currently use Max Factor Erace Concealer. I like it, as far as drugstore concealers go, but I would like to try Benefit's Erase Paste. Max Factor Erace covers my dark circles well and blends well, but it does have a tendency to crease on me after awhile.

I love love love this blush. I use Revlon's cream blush, which is not in every store, but worth a little searching, in my mind. There aren't many drugstore brands that make cream or gel blush and I will not go back to powder. Berry Flirtatious looks really bright in the store, but goes on just right for me.

A little secret of mine - After I do concealer, foundation, and blush, I take a fluffy face brush and brush cornstarch all over my face. Sound crazy? For me it's the perfect (and cheap! and natural!) translucent finishing powder. Keeps everything in place and helps absorb oil - of which I have a lot.

Next is eyes. I use L'Oreal's eyeshadow quad in Subtle Berries. Eye shadow is probably the hardest for me to choose. I try different ones all the time and they don't always look quite right. I like variations on a purple theme, but I don't want to look bruised. So far, I've been quite happy with this one.

For eyeliner, I am loving L'Oreal's High Intensity Pigments duo - Sculpted. I only use the dark shade with an angle brush on my upper lash line. It doesn't look too purple or too sparkly.
For my lower lash line, I line with Almay's black pearl liquid liner. Just about a third of the way in and then blend with a q-tip.

I've always used drugstore mascara unless I had a sample gift one from a department store. I used to be devoted to Max Factor 2000 Calorie but I now use L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black. I always choose volumizing rather than lengthening or curling mascaras. More impact for less product. And I always scrape off a bunch on the side of the tube before I apply it to avoid clumps.

Lips are another thing that give me trouble. I am hard to match. I really wanted that elusive lip color that could be applied without a mirror and without having to "dilute" it with gloss or balm. Frankly, I've kind of given up on that because I don't think it exists for me. For now, I am pretty pleased with something I picked up on a whim because it was so cheap and everything else was failing me. Wet n Wild Wild Shine Lip Lacquer. I chose the color "Risque" and I put it over chap stick or Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream (my long-time favorite lip moisturizer). I can put it on without a mirror when it's going over balm, but I haven't been brave enough to try it bare lipped. Plus my lips are so dry that traditional lipsticks just don't feel good without some extra moisture. This color miraculously looks pretty natural without turning too orange or brown on me!

This all sounds like a lot of make up, but it really takes me only about 10-15 minutes from start to finish.

And what a difference it makes, right?
"Me But Better"

Another Lovely and Affordable Dress

I really like this one...  I have been on a little search to find a sort of "abstract art" dress.  Something printed... to wear over tights that makes me look artsy and 20-something-cool.  Because that's what I am, right? 

From New York and Company.  They often have some great budget friendly finds.  

This Just In

There is, in my opinion, a serious shortage of green pumps.  Are they un-chic or something?  I'm just having a little obsession with them, for some reason.  Ever since last year when I saw this picture in the October 2008 InStyle magazine. 

They are by Pura Lopez, are over $300, and currently seem to be unavailable.  So, I don't want that exact shoe, but something similar.  In the magazine, the color was a little brighter, but certainly not obnoxiously so.  Just a nice forest green. 

I have found a pair of teal green pumps at Target's website and I am really trying to decide.  Some would say that for the price, it's a no-brainer.  However, it's not something I need.  Also, they aren't quite the color that I had originally wanted.  And would they really be versatile?  I can't justify something that I will only wear with a few outfits.  I'm also not sure how I feel about the t-strap (interrupting the line of the leg, ya know).

They are pretty, though. 

Make up Overhaul

I really would like to have a simple make up routine and I am going through a process of refreshing and organizing my make up repetoire.  I was using Laura Gellar's Tint Hint, which I liked.  But as it got near the end, I thought I wanted to try something new.  Can't put my finger on why exactly, but the desire for something else was there.  I decided to be budget friendly and give a drugstore brand a try.  Now, don't get me wrong - I use grocery/drug store products all the time, but I do not wish to go back to the land of powder blush and there just isn't much else at the grocery store. 

Anyway, I gave Almay's Smart Shade Blush a whirl.  When I first put it on, I laughed out loud with glee because I truly felt it was amazing!  It blends easily and really does seem to sense your perfect shade. However - After a week or two my love began to wane.  I am, as I have mentioned before, oh so very pale.  It is not pigmented enough for me and I didn't find it very buildable either.  My porcelain cheeks need more help. 

I am dying to try Bobbi Brown's new cheek tint.  I really want to get to my local Nordstrom so I can see them in person and perhaps try them on.  I have actually never tried Bobbi Brown cosmetics because yes, I used to live under a rock, apparently.  When I was growing up with my mom, anytime we needed make up it was either Merle Norman or Mary Kay.  Or the grocery store.  Bobbi Brown is much more.... I don't know.... "pink" than I imagined.  The stuff I saw and heard about the line in the past made me think it was only for a granola, natural, earthy look.  But there's actually a surprisingly wide range of colors and pinks!  (Maybe kind of dying to try the creamy lip color too, but that's another post)

Oh my...  I love this dress.  It's gray.  I am trying to get myself into more a-lines but this is really adorable.  I do worry about the fit - Target is hit and miss for me. 

 

I'm kind of trying to include more chic neutrals into my wardrobe.  Occasionally I think I am drawn to bright colors too often.

Some musings on style

I'm feeling like I don't take enough fashion risks.  I don't know exactly how to remedy that, but I everything I am into or buying seems to be very... "safe", if you know what I mean.  Maybe too much "What Not to Wear".
Another reason could simply be that I haven't really found "my style".  I am still relatively young and new to the world of dressing well and caring about fashion.  I tend to like "tailored chic", and lady-like construction.  I like to think I appreciate and buy classic things, too.  See what I mean?  Very safe.  I try to tell myself I am young enough to get away with trying out trends and being a little more daring but it's hard to put that into practice.  A week or so ago I went into Forever 21 (first time in a few years) and immediately thought to myself, "What am I doing here?".  Full of "fast fashion" (similar to fast food).  Brightly colored polyester, rayon, and plastic.  
I can appreciate vintage (or vintage inspired) things, but normally I'm afraid of looking too "granny".  I just don't like things that look unflattering on.  I do love 50s and 60s couture-inspired styles. 

I don't know where exactly I am going with this post, just wanted to think out loud, sort of. 

Fall Accessories Report, 2009

More more more. Just some more stuff I love.  And may be obsessed with. 

 1) I have wanted some fingerless gloves since fall of 2005.  How is it possible that I have never gotten any?  I don't know.  Also, when searching on Etsy, I saw a lot of people referring to them as "Bella Swan gloves", which peeved me and made me wish I weren't shopping for them. 

2) I can't remember when I started wanting a slouchy beret.  I think it was last year, so I may be slow to that trend.  I want it mainly because I have curly hair and a regular beanie will smash my curls and leave them frizzy once removed.  See - fashion can be practical!

3) I am also loving green accessories.  I wear a lot of pinks and purples (which sounds utterly horrible when I say it like that - I swear I don't look 5).  Green would be a good compliment to those colors and I am starting to embrace the idea of wearing accessories in colors that may be less flattering to me when worn in large quantities. 
Also, I would love love LOVE to find the perfect green pump to throw a punch to fall/winter neutrals. 

4) Again, embracing a color (mustard yellow) that I think is great, but not so great on my skin as a sweater or coat.  I love it on some people and love it for fall, but I think if I were going to do it, it would have to be in the form of a fabulous bag. 

In all honesty, the only things on this list that I can really see myself ending up with by the end of the season are the gloves and hat.  And the necklace if I make it.  The rest just aren't in the budget right now. 

Fall 2009 Report: What I am Craving

We have had some cold weather recently in my neck of the woods.  Just a few rain storms and hail once, for a few minutes. But either way, I have a hankering for fall in a bad way.  Although, because of this premature cold weather (and husband going back to school), I am a little sad that summer is ending.

Anyway, onto my favorites this fall.  Some of these are things I already own and some are things I feel I NEED.

1) I need a few more sweaters.  I put a bunch to rest last season (partly because we were moving and the easiest thing for me to do when prepping for a move is get rid of clothing).

2)  I no longer have a white button down.  Essential wardrobe piece, if you ask me.  Or anyone. 

3) I have an aubergine corduroy blazer I bought near the beginning of my style transformation and I love it.

4) I recently bought this black and white tweed skirt from Victoria's Secret (I never buy their lingerie, oddly enough, but love their clothes online!) and it is so perfect.  Another classic wardrobe staple, I think.  Also, you can't tell in the picture, but, the b/w tweed is woven with a few multi colored threads, which I think is an interesting twist on a classic. 

5) I am (fairly) determined to find a pair of skinny (or straight that look skinny) jeans that work for my body.  So far, I have tried on countless pairs with no luck.  I am a skinny person!  I don't understand this!  I just want them to tuck into boots, so maybe they won't look as weird on me that way. 

6) Wanting a grey dress.  Actually, I am kind of on a dress kick lately.

7)  I only have the brown suede boots.  Bought before I was obsessed with being cute and girly, so they are very comfortable and practical.  But I have mostly a wardrobe that goes with black, so I need some black ones, this time with perhaps a bit more femininity.

8) And I am dying, DYING, for a pair of grey slouchy flat boots. 

Big Plans

It has been awhile.  I have taken a massive blogging break in general.  I'm not even as addicted to my feed reader as I once was.  Anyway, I don't want to abandon bloggin completely, forever.  Let's see if I can get back into a routine. 

My husband and I have moved again and are hoping to stay in one place for at least a year. Which is long for us.  We moved somewhere for the summer and took practically nothing with us, so I'm happy to be back "home" with all of our stuff.  I feel safe buying normal sized bottles of condiments and bulk pasta and rice again! 

This fall I intend to get a job . . . of some sort.  I still don't really know what I want to do, but I am forgetting what it's like to be busy and feel productive.  I really need employment.  And I need to remember that whatever job I get, I don't have to love it or feel married to it as a career. 
Also this fall - big plans for hobbies.  I need a job to support my hobbies.  Oh, and to put towards law school debt, right?  But definitely I want to do some major "hobbying".  Making jewelry, sewing, embroidery, photography!  I am excited.  I may even cook my way through Julia Child's cookbook.  Who needs a job you love when you can have hobbies? 

Dear Young Hollywood,

Just because "40 is the new 20", that doesn't mean that if you are 20 you should try to look 40. 

20 year old Alyson Michalka at the premiere of Bandslam.

 

image via imdb, courtesy of Wire Image. 

I am not sure what it is exactly, but she just looks... mature.  More than she is supposed to, in my opinion.

Already Thinking of Cold Weather

I don't know why, maybe it's because some designers have already released fall collections.  I have suddenly gotten obsessed with getting a new wool coat.  I kind of don't think it will happen this year... especially since I got a new down jacket last year.  

Anyway, I have been wanting a bright color coat for a while but perhaps a neutral makes more sense. 
Here are a few I've been loving lately.

This one really might be the most perfect coat for me.  Unfortunately, I can't find it in my size.  Black/White/Gray herringbone... I just can't get over it.

I also really like this plaid one, although I have never before considered plaid. 

Can you tell I love me some charcoal gray?  And a belted waist? 

And here is this year's color choice....  Although I still remember last year's with fondness.  Oh how I love it...

I'm really not sure I could pull off this kind of pink... in this large quantity.  This color might be a bit more flattering on me than my color-love last year.  Pink-y purple would bring out the pink in my skin, rather than the blue, which a teal one might emphasize. 

Thinking of the Future, Again

Seriously?  I found my outfit for my future baby shower.  For when I am pregnant in the future.  Which isn't right now. . .

I am actually tempted to buy it right now and save it for. . . someday. 

Shoes 101

I've been thinking about shoes lately.  Shoes I have, shoes I should have, etc.  I know it is sensible to have a good shoe wardrobe.  I used to think I should just get by with one or two pairs that are versatile and comfortable.  My husband has like three or four pairs of shoes.  A brown pair and a black pair for everyday, cordovan dress shoes, and black dress shoes.  Oh, and road biking shoes.  I used to think I should be like that and struggled for months and months, with several different purchases and returns trying to find a perfect casual pair for everything.

I have since realized that that is just not possible.  So, I've come up with a shoe wardrobe.  I am trying not to waste any more money on shoes that aren't comfortable even if they are a good deal.  And I'm also trying to be simple.  I took an informal poll of my friends to find out if my (approx) 12 pairs of shoes that I currently own is unusual or excessive.  It seems everyone had at least as many as I had, with 15-18 being pretty common.

Here's my ideal, basic shoe wardrobe.

This suits my lifestyle right now.  Maybe I don't need all those boots... hmmm.  I do live in a place that gets quite a bit of snow in the winter.  But other than that I have pretty justifiable choices.  Basic, yet sexy black pumps, versatile and comfortable flats, a sexy summer sandal, a flat sandal, and sneakers because I can't rule out camping, exercising, and amusement parks from my lifestyle. 

Ear Decor

I don't have pierced ears and I never wear earrings.  I think I have somewhat large ears and I just don't like the way earrings look on me.  Why draw attention, right?

I have talked about Francesca's Collections before, but just recently I noticed that they do have some clip on earrings.  I guess I never shop for earrings, but I thought they were rare.  I keep thinking about them because some of them look kind of cool. 

I've never tried dangly or "chandelier" earrings but maybe they wouldn't look so bad on me.  I could still wear my hair down to cover my ears, while not hiding the earrings.  Hmmm.  I am really thinking about this pair. 

And the gold version for my sister (also unpierced)!

So Girly

There is no denying it.  It seems to be in my essence.  Although, I am not sure how I got this way.  I think I liked being feminine sometimes but now it seems I hardly have any desire to be anything else.  A few items I am craving as of late:

 

You may also notice that I am feeling the summer vibe (or wishing I were feeling it).  We are supposed to get more snow this week.  Yes, nearing the middle of April. 

The Cure for What Ails Me

Today I did some shopping. No, probably not what you're thinking. I went to craft and fabric stores. It was so inspiring! It made me think that I could make several of the things I want! I am going to attempt to make a dress. I know it sounds crazy (I have sewn maybe three things with a machine in my life), but I really want to try. And the fabric was on sale. I also got some beads to make a few fun necklaces. I am really excited to get started.

Sometimes I Forget

I was just reminded about Boden. Lovely UK clothing store. I discovered it probably less than a year ago, but I had forgotten about it. I browsed around and loved almost everything I saw. Of course, that could be partly because it was spring time and lovely there. Unlike where I am. I scraped ice and snow off my car this morning.

So ready for these kinds of things.

Fool's Diamonds

I wrote a post recently where I said I was a little tired of my wedding ring. Which still sounds so horrible to me. But I am such a different person now, style-wise, than I was then. Almost three years ago when I chose my bridal setting. I was young and didn't care at all about personal style. I bought a ring that was very reminiscent of my mother's wedding set. And now it just looks dated. Old lady-ish (no offense, mom - in fact, yours probably isn't as old-lady as mine). It's not so much that it's yellow gold. There's nothing wrong with that. But the setting is just so old-fashioned, and not in a cool retro or vintage way. Yellow gold also isn't the best choice for my cool skin tone (looks great on mother dear!).

Anyway, I am getting obsessed with Herkimer Diamonds in a big way. It would be a cheap way to update my wedding ring. Since I already have a real one, an expensive one. I haven't really told my husband how much I've been thinking of it, though. It seems like something that he might take personally or think is weird. I admitted once that if I were to choose now, I'd choose a different ring. He seemed surprised enough by that.

Etsy has some great options. No surprise there. It's funny that I like these so much because it seems like I have for a long time. Several years ago, I loved a raw diamond necklace that Nicole Kidman wore to the Oscars. Then last fall, I fell for a Swarovski cocktail ring. I didn't buy it, because it was/is way out of my price range. And perhaps a little too big for me.

Then I started looking at other cocktail ring options on Etsy, without buying. But now I think I have found my match in the form of a Herkimer Diamond. I want one bad. *Sigh* What to do?

Packing Light

I am not going to claim to be an expert on packing and traveling light, butI just got back from a quick trip to my parents' house and I managed to make this trip (from Saturday to Wednesday) with only one pair of shoes. Now, this wasn't a very long trip and it was a trip to Arizona so I could be pretty sure about the meteorological conditions. But I considered it quite a feat for me to get by with one pair of shoes. Over Christmas vacation, I took three pairs. My husband actually had to pack one of my pairs of shoes because I was out of space. Granted, we were gone almost two whole weeks and had church, family pictures, holiday parties, and Magic Mountain on the itinerary.

I didn't want to do that again, if possible. So this time, I started my packing with a pair of shoes in mind. Then I picked outfits accordingly. Sounds simple enough, but somehow it isn't always. I did have to borrow a pair of flip flops from my sister when we got pedicures, but otherwise I was fine. The shoes I took were some pink flats I bought early last fall. It was sort of a whim purchase and I wondered if I would have that much I could wear them with, but it turns out there isn't much I wouldn't wear them with.

These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They are supremely comfortable and versatile. I don't often think ballet flats are that comfortable. They just are too flat. Too thin for all day comfort - no shock absorption. But these ones are great. They do come in other colors, but I only have them in pink. Here is a mock up of the outfits I took with me. I don't believe shoes have to be "matchy-matchy" with your outfit, by the way.

The Great Jean Debate

I know, another post about jeans. This is part venting too.
Anyway, I have been searching for jeans lately. I have two pairs that fit, one of which is a little short. I have another pair that is a size too big, but still fairly new and in good shape so I wear it about as often as the other two. So, in essence 3 pairs, with only one being close to perfect. Not counting, the old, faded, ripped, 2 or 3 sizes too big jeans that I bought in high school and college (which I usually wear to my nanny job, to save my nicer ones from the filth that can sometimes be childcare).

That's not enough jeans, right? I feel like if I had more, I would wash each pair fewer times and they would in turn last longer. Right?

OK, so, I've been on the hunt for new ones but my problem has been that I want them to be cheap. And I mean cheap. Long story short, I have discovered that cheap jeans just don't fit well.

I have in the past been of the mindset that paying over $90 for jeans is ridiculous. I know, every fashionista would probably laugh at me, but you have to remember that I was the anti-fashion for a long time. So now I am thinking that someday (someday) designer jeans just may be a worthwhile investment. Because I am really, really, really tired of striking out on jeans and buying jeans that don't fit well. And seriously, jeans should be comfortable and I/we wear jeans all the time. They are a wardrobe staple, a go-to item, can these days be dressed up or down. It makes sense to invest in a great pair (or two or three).

So that's my goal. Someday I will have designer jeans.

What is the point of this?

Not as cute as a heel, not as comfortable as a normal sneaker, I'm assuming. Reviewers seem to like it, though.

Skinny Jeans

I have mentioned before that I am a thin person but I don't think I mentioned that I really can't wear skinny jeans. I know, it doesn't exactly make sense. But with skinny jeans, it's not just about what size you are, but also what shape you are. I know some people just plain hate them and think they are unflattering on anyone (I kind of sort of used to feel a tad like that). I don't think that is true, though. I do hate them on men and boys. I like them for the "gamine" look, with black ballet flats and a sort of indie-chic look, short hair and such but also on people like Heidi Klum in a more fashion-y, trendy context. But even Beyonce can wear them.

Here's the deal: I think if your hips are proportionate with the rest of your legs, skinny jeans may work. I, however, have a badonkadonk like you wouldn't believe if you only saw my twiggy legs and tiny ankles. I am just so round around the hip area that I just think the skinny jeans taper too much on me. Beyonce is more proportionate than I am.

Anyway, I decided to try straight leg jeans because I had a feelin they would actually look like skinny jeans on me, because of my wide hips. This is a great option to try for anyone who thinks they can't pull off skinny jeans, but would like to try them. Also, all skinny jeans are not created equal, so try a few different styles on and you may just be able to work it.
I tried these on today at the Gap (on sale):I know - light jeans? I never buy jeans in a light wash. These are more gray-looking in person and for some reason I was drawn to them (perhaps because they were the only straight-legged jeans on the sale rack in my size). I actually kind of liked them, but they were low-rise and I am so over low-rise jeans. Also, I even went up a size, but they were tighter in the hips than I could tolerate. Back to the "curvy" jeans for me. I ended up walking out with another pair of wide leg jeans. Probably still my favorite jean ever.

How Bad is It?

I am married. I have a lovely ring from a family-owned jewelry store but I sometimes think that if I were to choose a ring now, I would choose something totally different than the style I have. I have changed so much since then and I didn't really know what my style was. I love Joanna's link from Friday about unique engagement rings.

I really like this one. :)For only $100, could I justify it to the husband? Probably not until our ten-year, at least...

First Paycheck

Isn't that first paycheck at a job always so exciting? I bought some shoes with mine. I needed some black flats, sort of an everyday shoe. "Dress up or down" type. I always obsess over these things - finding the perfect shoe (or coat, hat, blouse, blazer, etc.) for my needs. I settled on this one.

I love flats with a low wedge heel. It makes it so much more comfortable for me - more shock absorption. Anyway, these came on Thursday and I really like them, but they are the wrong size. It seems weird to me that shoes can vary so much. I thought I wore 8.5. Although, the pair of heels I have is an 8 and I thought that was mainly because my foot slides forward because of the angle of the shoe. In Etnies skate shoes (that I used to be hopelessly devoted to) I think I wear a 9 (lots of padding in there, you know).

I know that the best way to buy shoes is often to go to stores and try stuff on, but online shopping is so much easier for me to find just what I'm looking for.

Long wear

I just bought this lip color.

I had a lipstick in a color that was good for me, but a little dark so I always wore it over balm. I wanted something that I could put on and not have to "dilute". Also, that other lipstick (which was a fancy department store brand) did not last very long at all. Perhaps it would have lasted longer if I wasn't always pairing it with Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream (my balm of choice, but another post for another day).

I have never bought a "long wearing" lip color. I was curious and interested in finding something sort of subtle, but that would bring a bit of color to my (pale) face. My lips have almost no natural coloring and as much as I like the nude lip look on others, I still can't get it to look right on me. I just look washed out and unfinished.

Anyway, I had been eying this L'Oreal Infallible stuff at the grocery store for a while and decided on Thistle. Something that looked sort of light but that wouldn't turn orange or too peachy on me, as so many lipsticks do. I have cool undertones to my skin. Peachy looks great on warm skin.

I have used this only twice now, but so far it is doing what it promised to do. It lasted a good 4-6 hours both times. I have some strange issues with lipstick. If I am conscious that I am wearing it, I will usually end up wiping it off or licking/biting it off my lips for some reason. I get sort of paranoid that it doesn't look right or something. This stuff lasts through eating, talking, drinking, napkin wiping, sitting around after dinner playing games, etc (we had a fairly social weekend). It does get a little dry, but I am a compulsive lip balm applier anyway, so it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. There is a moisturizing top coat you put on after the color, but that doesn't provide enough smoothness for my standards. I hate smiling and having my lips feel tight.

I like this color for me (maybe a little too pink, but if I had gone in any other direction it would have been too peach or too dark, I fear), but it does always look like I'm wearing lipstick, which is not always the look I want. But it is nice that it doesn't fade, even after several hours.
I will continue to use it but the jury is still out on whether I would buy this again (product and color).

A New Start

I got a job! I am a nanny. I sort of can't believe it because this is something I never thought I would do. I have never been much of a kid person. I never liked babysitting. I know this lady (just had her 4th!), and she knew that I had been struggling to find a job, so that's kind of how it came about. No big deal if I find an awesome job and need to tell her that I can't help her anymore. But in the meantime, it will be good to have a little extra cash. I do feel like I am better at this type of thing than when I was a teenage babysitter. I feel like more of an authority and a little more comfortable with kids. I came home exhausted last night (my first day) and relieved to see my dog, happily waiting for me and suddenly seeming like so much less maintenance than ever before.

If I ever sound like I think it's an OK idea to have my kids a year apart, remind me not to.

Getting Back to Homes

Sometimes I think about baby rooms. I do not have a child and I am not pregnant, but you know... who doesn't think about the future, right? Especially if it involves pretty things.

Today I had the idea that if I have a little boy someday I would really love to find a poster or movie still from The Red Balloon. So perfect.

When I first searched, I found this beautiful image, but it's actually not from the 1956 classic. It's from a newer movie called Flight of the Red Balloon.

A lovely image, but I don't know if I would have permission to make a poster out of it. (from allmoviephoto.com)

This is mostly what I could find in the way of posters. Not exactly what I was imagining, but it might do.
I've also considered getting the book and framing a page (or a few) from that.

I like this as something fun and whimsical, but not too baby-ish. Well, maybe it is... I can't really picture a teenage boy with a red balloon poster in his room...

Before I even got to know you...

Domino magazine is closing. I am not as heartbroken as many other female bloggers out there, because I've actually never read the magazine. Magazines are something I rarely indulge in with our budget. I have my blogs, so I know enough about Domino to say that I really did want to get into that magazine eventually. I liked what I saw online, shared by others.

So yesterday I bought the January issue. I've thumbed through it a bit, but not enough to give my opinion. Pretty colors, promising headlines (especially the one about organization), it does seem like my kind of magazine.

A few thoughts:
I kind of wonder if, as someone commenting on Design*Sponge said, "I guess websites just make more sense in the 21st century, but I still like being able to look at the visuals and read articles in magazines… at least some of the time."

However, an article I read said this," In this group, the competition is always keen to see who could be the first to get the next issue of Domino and post photos from the edition."

So, could it have been cursed by the internet and readers posting pictures and ideas from it, so people like me didn't have to ever buy the magazine, but could get a taste of it? Obviously, people are not posting everything from Domino online, and the economy is not helping anyone (hello temp agency for me). Just a thought I had. Oh well, at least we have the book. I sure hope that doesn't go out of print. Also, the magazine will be published through March.

Sunless

OK, so now that I got that little pale rant out of the way, here is a website I found. Full of great information about skin types and what products will work best for those. Also a list of the ten best drugstore sunless tanners (I'm sure that's all I'll buy).

Yay for sunless.com. For all your "healthy glow" needs.

Winter White

I am a pale person. I used to tan easily as a child. My parents took us to the beach often (I lived for half of my childhood in southern California) and when we moved to Arizona, the rest of my siblings and I begged my parents to buy a house with a pool.
My dad is Mexican, but currently, from looking at me, one would NEVER guess that. I am not sure where my veritable fear of the sun started but I am serious about sun protection. I always remind myself that it causes wrinkles and ages your skin - because seriously, that probably motivates me more than cancer. Well, ok, not really. But I think that is what stops me from letting myself get even a little bit of color.

Anyway, right now most people are somewhat pale. It is winter after all. But I am starting to think that I am too pale. I left the house yesterday feeling pretty confident about my make up and the way I looked. But when I was in Wal-Mart and I caught a few glimpses of myself - wow. Pale and just unhealthy-looking. Let me just say that I hate that. People saying I should get a little "healthy color". Tan is not healthy. Pale skin is more healthy, as long as the rest of your health is fine, that is. But yesterday at the store, I saw what they meant. I am not just pale. I am translucent, absence of color. And I don't think it is working for me. I have mousy brown hair (I don't color it - can't justify it to the husband), and sort of hazel eyes. So no strong, striking feature to take away from the sheer whiteness of my face. I'm talking Tilda Swinton (or even more pale, if that's possible) but I do not have her striking red hair. And I don't think I look good with red lipstick.

I have some of that "gradual glow" lotion, but I don't think that is going to cut it. I think I decided that I don't really like that stuff. I mean, I like the results when I use it several times and to enhance the slight tint I get in the summer, but I don't like using it as my everyday moisturizer because I don't think it moisturizes enough. So most of the time, I just use regular lotion (therefore, not having time to build a gradual, subtle glow with the other stuff). I need to find a good, natural looking bronzer that will give me results right away.

Still Winter

It's funny how I kept talking about spring and summer coming. I think it was because we had a little heatwave here - temperatures in the 60s! That certainly felt like spring and summer some days with the sun shining and everything. My dog relished going on walks again (she's a little one, so she doesn't handle anything below 50 very well).

Anyway, yesterday the high was about 13* F with snow flurries throughout the day. Talk about a wake up call. Yep, still January. Winter was just on a little vacation.
I have enjoyed the winter more here than I have in the past (this is my first winter in this particular state).

Maybe I'll be back on track with my clothing mindset.

So ... I did it.

I bought the dress. The one I posted on November 18. I kept looking at it online and watching the price go down and a few days ago I tried it on in store. I hadn't fully decided until yesterday afternoon that I really had to have it. After text messaging back and forth to my mom and sister.

Here are some of the things we said:
I sent my mom a picture of me in the dressing room, wearing the dress and she said
"OMG! You look just like the model. It is beautiful!"

Then later she said, "I keep looking at this. It is so pretty!"

I told her that my husband and I decided that I could either have the dress or a new pair of jeans, to which she responded,
"Get the dress! Have him take you out to a nice dinner!"
"Dad just saw the dress. He said "It's a no brainer" between that and jeans! You look fabulous!"

Then my sister: "I saw a picture of you in that dress! So cute! You got it, I hope. It's like the most perfect dress for you!"

So, as you can see - I needed that dress. And it was discounted even further by the time I got to the store today to buy it (after calling last night to have them hold it).

Here I am - the proud owner of a silk dress. Was $150. Marked down to $23.99.
I really hope this dress lasts me a while and becomes a classic in my wardrobe (and really hoping that I can get back to this size someday after I have children).

Spring and Summer, Cont.

OK, I think I need help. Do these shoes look at all old-ladyish? I think after the purse thing, I just have a strong desire to not resemble my, or anyone else's, mother.

In the collage of sandals on the previous post, I like the top two the most, I think. The top left corner one is pretty much nowhere to be found unless you are a size 6 foot, which I am absolutely not. The top right corner is hard to find in that color. The bronze version is easier to find right now. I think I would prefer a light colored shoe for the summer, but since they are all essentially sandals, I suppose it doesn't matter.

Anyway, onto my latest pick:
The price is right, they look fairly comfortable, and they have a little sparkle. I'm just not sure about that wide top strap. And perhaps the heel/sole are a little too comfortable-looking. Do they look young and fresh and befitting a recent college grad?

Spring and Summer are Coming

I know it's still January, but I am trying to be in transition mode. I am trying to ease myself out of the outerwear/sweater obsession.
So lately I have been thinking about summer footwear. I don't really have any summery shoes. Well, I have a pair of low-top sneakers and a couple pairs of ballet flats. But I don't have any open-toed shoes. I need some, right? After all, I threw away my crocs, remember?

Here are some of the ones I have been looking at. I obviously am a sucker for sparkly things.
Hmm, I wonder if I will "grow out of" this sparkly embellishment fondness. I better start trying stuff on if I am going to find something that doesn't itch and drive me nuts on the top of my foot.


Notice how none of these sandals have those paper thin soles? I seriously don't know how people stand to walk around in those. So, I haven't completely given up on comfort in favor of fashion...

One Easy Step

I am starting to wish I had some decent dresses. They are so easy to put on and look put together. Well, that is, easy if they fit and are cut well. I have two dresses but one just isn't very good quality and the fit leaves something to be desired. I am finding that being thin is somewhat harder to dress than everyone normally thinks (including myself). I don't have much shape and many stores just don't go small enough.

Anyway, I wish I had a couple of decent dresses.

Exhibit A - From Francesca's Collections
I would love to wear this one if/when I go back to France to visit my host family, if it's in the spring or summer.

Exhibit B - From Shabby Apple
I don't have that elusive, perfect black dress. I really like the style of this one.

Exhibit C - Also from Shabby Apple
I'm not entirely sure what this one would be, but I love it. A lot. Something sort of fancy, but different from the typical black. I love gray. This one looked so good on the model, who seemed to have a similar body type to me.

Of course, I still love those ones from Banana Republic, but they are very fancy, holiday party type dresses. Not anything I really need (despite being on clearance *sigh*).

It's Official

Sorry for the grossness of this picture, but I am making a statement.

I threw away the crocs. Well, actually they are not even the Croc brand. Some grocery store knock-off that I had to buy for a job in Hawaii once (don't ask). I didn't mind them too much - hey, they really were comfortable - so I kept them (my roommate threw them away as soon as we quit that job). They are now about 2 and a half years old.

My husband saw them in the trash when he went to throw something away and he said "Oh. Crocs in the trash? Are they getting worn out or you just don't like them anymore?"

I said, "Um yeah. They are kind of old now. . . *pause* You know I can't wear those anymore!"

Yes, he knows as well as I do that with the new knowledge I have of style and taste, I cannot wear those anymore. I just can't. My tastes have changed, I suppose. I just can't see me wearing those anymore. I don't think I judge people who do wear them, but they aren't really me anymore. So I decided to make certain that I would not revert to my old ways.

Timeless

I need a trench coat. That should probably be the next thing I invest in. I don't know when that will be, but I like to keep things in mind. I also like to think about the styles I like, because even though a trench is a trench, there are a lot of different styles to choose from. I love this one I found on a blog. She says the photo is from a 1974 Burberry advertisement. I am kind of on a 60s-70s kick right now, but I think this style stands the test of time.


I also like this one, by Tahari ( I found it a long time ago on Overstock, but I think it sold out).
I like this color for me and my needs. I also like this lapel style. I have a small upper body, so I like the big lapels. As always, wear what is best on your body type and coloring.

Packages

I got my purse the other day and I love it. LOVE it. Every time I see it slung over the back of a chair I am happy that I bought it and that it's mine. I am a little obsessed with gray right now. I think it might be the perfect neutral. This purse makes me feel young and chic, even though it is practical and versatile. And I no longer match my MIL or grandma.

Post-holiday sales may be the death of my budget

I really like these shoes. They come in black and brown. And gray and purple! I love colorful shoes, but I should probably get some versatile ones before I start buying all the colorful flats and pumps that I see.
Here is a side view of the brown. I love heels like this. (steve madden women's bleekerr low wedge flat)

Let Me Tell You About the Very Rich

If I ever am someday rich, I would love love love to invest in some boots from Duo. They custom fit the knee-high boots to fit any size calf. I can never find boots that fit my (too thin) calves. Most clothing stores have petites, some even sell things for taller gals. Why can't they do that for knee-high boots? Regular, large, small? They make wide-width shoes! I think it is equally frustrating for thin-calved ladies as it is for those of a slightly larger calf size.

Multi Bags for Multi Purposes

I wrote about my need for a new handbag recently. After the holidays spent with families, I got even more serious about it (maybe it had something to do with staying at my in-laws house and seeing, once again, that my MIL's purse is a little too similar for comfort).
After we got back home, I went ahead and ordered the bag I wanted from Handbag Heaven. I really love this site. Just dedicated to handbags. Free shipping. Copious options in color, style, size, shape, print, embellishments... Etc. My bag is scheduled to come on Wednesday (and I can't find it there anymore, so it must have sold out). But looking around on the website, I can't help but be inspired and picture myself having the perfect bag for all occasions.

When traveling for the holidays, sometimes I wish I had a larger bag. Something to accommodate all my in-flight needs. A magazine, a book, a water bottle, snacks of some sort (I am not a fan of peanuts or most other airline snacks), all my everyday purse essentials and maybe even a laptop or other junk that I don't want to check. A lot to demand of a purse, I know.
But this one at Handbag Heaven looks like it might just do the job. It reminds me of a Birkin Bag (which is probably the idea) and I know I will never own one of those (really don't need to, either). But I like the size and structure of this bag. My only wish is that they would make it in more colors (all they offer is creamy white, gray and black).
As much as I love real leather, I do like the idea of wipe-clean leatherette. And I love the inexpensiveness of it as well, as I tend to tire of my purses after awhile. I think that faux leather has come a long way, so hopefully no one will judge me for having it.

I also like this one, for different purposes. It works as an overnight bag, gym bag, perhaps a baby bag. It definitely is not sleek or streamlined, but I like the print and shape of it. I've never been a leopard print person (don't know why), but this is an animal print I can see me doing.

Honestly, when I travel I usually take a separate bag for toiletries. This one would be a cute option for that kind of thing. Shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, face wash, moisturizer, contact solution, etc etc... I'm not very good at going without these things (high-maintenance?). I tried to do without a few of my bathroom staples on our last trip and it was not pretty. My skin was really irritated, dry, flaking, etc. I just need my own stuff.

Maybe I Think About the Future Too Much

Since my style has been evolving, I have been looking down at my everyday casual shoes and not liking them as much. They're ok, I just don't see them as me very much anymore. I have had several pairs of these shoes and have always loved their comfort - it is truly second to none (that I have tried). And while comfort is still important, I think I would like something a little more grown up and something that didn't make my pants bunch up funny because of how big the shoes are.
I have also been thinking about the "mom shoe". Someday I do plan on having kids. Comfort will take on a whole new level of importance, I am sure. But I also think that looking halfway decent will take on a new level of importance because when you think you look good, you feel good and confidence is half the battle.
I have found a few options that I want to file away for someday when I am in the market for new shoes and also when I am a mom and I might forget that comfort can be cute also.

Here is the first option I found.

And another one, similar to the first.



Keen has some cool options too.