Get your boobs out of your pockets, etc...

The female form is amazing. As straight as I am, I truly, madly, and deeply appreciate the beauty of a woman. Please appreciate yourselves, too. There are few, if any, fashion, hygiene, or maintenance issues we cannot fix, or have fixed.
So here I am on my soap box bitching about all the things I can't stand.
1. Get your boobs out of your pockets. One of our "largest" female assets are our breasts. And if propping them up appears to tighten my waist and add sexy to my curves, I'm all in! Because when you let your boobs hang in the wrong, loose, bras it does you no favors. It ruins your posture and sickens your appearance. Or, sickens me when I see you appear. Sorry.
If you are part of the more than 80% of women that are wearing the wrong bra size, you obviously aren't alone. But, there's help. Most lingerie stores offer complimentary bra fittings. Take advantage of this. Everyone, take advantage of this. Life changes your boobs. Whether it's weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, hormones, or time your boobs WILL change. Commit to a yearly bra fitting. It's free!
2. Facial hair bothers me too. I've seen women that maintain a well manicured mustache, and maybe they think I should cut them a break. Nope! My blog. My opinion. Unless you are making good money in a travelling circus it's totally unnecessary and masculine, in my opinion. Spas and most nail salons offer facial waxing for less than $20 per area. There are creams and at home kits too. There are threading kiosks in malls. You even have the option of braving it through electrolysis, the practice of electrical epliation to permanently remove hair. You have options, other than to be satisfied going through life with a handle bar mustache, goatee, full beard, and/or caterpillars for eyebrows.
Facial hair is not the end of the world. Every woman has a little lip fuzz, a few crazy chin hairs, or insane eyebrows. We all have to manage this. Manage it!
3. Hygiene. Practice good hygiene especially in the key area. Again there are products marketed specifically for the cleansing, freshening, and/or managing of the female hot zone. This is so important. You can be the prettiest and best dressed, driving the perfect car to the most fabulous house, but none of that matter is your body isn't well taken care of. Most people will never tell you this, but they will tell others about you.
If you have tried and failed at this, there's probably a bigger problem at hand. You should make an appointment with your doctor, immediately.

Does your outfit make sense?

Recently, I was at a casual function when I was approached by a young lady in a striped navy and white cotton tank, gray faded skinny jeans, and suede taupe round toe wedges. Huh? I get the tank and jeans, it's casual, but suede wedges? You make no sense. And, you topped it off with plastic faux pearl kiddie jewels in yellow and on stretch cord. I can't handle it. It makes me want to push you down and roll you under a table. Not to hurt you, but to get rid of you and your ensemble.
I understand quirky. I love quirky, oddity, and individualism to a point. But, it's a clearly defined point that is summed up by saying no ridiculousness...please.
I got this book called What to Wear When by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power. It was a gift with a purchase from their shoe line on JustFab.com. The beautiful Ms. Parker. And, it took my current fashion faux pas annoyance up another 10K levels. This book exists because it's frighteningly relevant. Because, for whatever reason people have a difficult time piecing together a sensible outfit. It's time to fix that once and for all!
Ask yourself some key questions as you make wardrobe decisions. This will help you make appropriate choices.
1. Where are you going?
2. Is this an indoor or outdoor function?
3. Is there a stated or implied dress code?
4. What time of year is it?
5. What's the weather like?
6. What are your responsibilities?
7. Who's going to be there?
8. Do these pieces make a sensible outfit?
I run these questions through my head at every wardrobe change, with the weather channel blaring in the background.
Fashion is not easy. It is intentional. Proceed with caution.

COLORS

I found this interesting and wanted to share. It makes me wonder if the color I wear will influence my mood.
Red...
is the warmest of all colors.
is the color most chosen by extroverts.
symbolizes passion and love.
is associated with warmth.
means life and energy.
Orange...
is a power color.
is one of the healing colors.
is said to increase food cravings.
stimulates enthusiasm and creativity.
means vitality with endurance.
represents thoughtfulness and sincerity.
driving characteristic is curiousity.
symbolizes exploration of new things.
means creativity and spice for life.
Yellow...
is bright and sunny.
is creative and intellectual energy.
symbolizes wisdom.
means joy and happiness.
brings clarity and awareness.
comes with a sense of establishment.
can clear the mind, making it active and alert.
can relieve panic, nervousness, and exhaustion.
Green...
is the color of nature, fertility, and life.
is the most restful color.
symbolizes self-respect and well being.
is the color of balance.
means learning, growth, and harmony.
is safe.
is favored by well balanced people.
symbolizes healing.
stands for good health and growth.
Blue...
is the coolest color.
is the color of inspiration, sincerity, and spirituality.
is often the chosen color by conservative people.
is the calming color.
is soothing and the color of truth and moderation.
stands for good friendships.
symbolizes calm and relaxation.
stands for good communication.
means solitude and peace.
Purple...
is the color of good judgment.
gives peace of mind and spiritual fulfillment.
is good for mediation.
has been used to symbolize magic and mystery.
represents royalty.
is the color of purpose.
symbolizes imagination and balance.
Pink...
is the color of universal love.
is a quiet color.
represents beauty.
helps neutalize stress and violence.
symbolizes caring, tenderness, and acceptance.
means love.
represents self-worth.
is relaxing.
represents women's health and beauty.
White...
is the color of purity.
means kindness.
is complete energy of light.
stands for wholeness and completion.
stands for openness and truth.
can move towards every color.
means new beginnings.
clears clutter and obstacles.
brings mental clarity.

LEGGINGS or tights?!

She was in line ahead of me at McAlisters, the eatery. She was with a friend. They were talking about something irrelevant, and I was annoyed with their chatter. Then I looked down and notice that she, like many, had confused tights with leggings. Her petite shape and tunic kept it from being vulgar or offensive, but not ridiculous.

This has been a problem every since the return of the leggings. Outside of the fact that leggings shouldn't be worn by just everyone. They aren't forgiving, and the tunic and the dress need to be legging staples. Outside of those VERY important things, leggings and tights are two different things. No matter if they are cropped, colored, or embellished, if you can see through them...AT ALL...they aren't appropriate as leggings.

I could clearly see her legs through her tights, and when she dropped her straw I held my breathe and looked away. Thank God she'd learned to bend at the knee and not at the waist. I'm sure the midlife crisis in line behind me almost shit himself in anticipation though.

So if not for yourself, for me, don't be confused between leggings and tights. Don't just trust the packaging. Use common sense to be sure that I can't see straight though your faux leggings, AKA tights.

Happy New Year

As we embark on a new year, many people are making their resolutions, what they plan to do new or different this year.

The gym will probably be packed and banks will probably see less overdraft charges. Bills will be paid on time, and everyone will hold on to their merriness and holiday patience and love. This will last until the end of January, or maybe longer depending on how long it takes for the tax refunds to run out.

January is the honeymoon period. It's that time when everyone is on their very best behavior. But, it's typically downhill after this.

So I propose that before you change everything about yourself for just 31 days, you forgo the resolutions. Crumple up the paper you've written them on today, instead of later this year, and throw it away, instead of later this year. DO NOT make any more resolutions; instead, make decisions. Have goals. Establish a plan. This year, make changes in your life or plans for your life that are challenging, but attainable. Don't give yourself a 12 month, or 31 day, due by date. Take all the time you need to be who you feel you need to be, accomplish what you want to accomplish, or tackle what you want to tackle.

Happy New Years! CHEERS!!!

"these are a few of my favorite things..."

Fashion trends change constantly, but there's always something I'm obsessing over. So today, because tomorrow could be totally different, I am obsessed with skinny belts and ruffles.
My love of skinny belts is simple. They are ALMOST ALWAYS appropriate. They define the waist, add some elegance, and provide an opportunity for creativity. I belt dresses, dress shirts, cardigans, blouses, and tunics. Any top that's not gathered at the hem, dress that doesn't have a defined waist showing outside of the belted area, or item that's not overly bulky can probably be belted. Those are general rules, but let your fashion eye be your guide.
Ruffles are new in my adult life. I'd put them on my children only list below white patent leather shoes and bubble jackets. But, I was wrong. When done correctly, in moderation, they are flawless! I love tuxedo ruffles whether they're simple or exaggerated. Just remember to make ruffles the, or a major, star in the show. When ruffles have to compete with over the top other looks, everything loses.
As trends recycle, or up cycle, themselves, the classics remain the same even with accessories. Staples will out live the pierced lip and have long since killed the ankle bracelet. My constant favorites are big bangle bracelets and dangle earrings...WOWZA!
Bracelets, an old fashion faithful! I adore all bracelets, but bangles have changed my life! I feel naked without bangles up to my armpits. But you can't just put on every bangle you own and call it fashionable, you have to have a plan. I am careful to coordinate color, pattern, metals, sizes, and shapes. I only wear them on my left wrist, always my left wrist. I'm right handed and the bulk can impair the 1000 times I have to put pen to paper in a day. I make sure to separate my metals with wood or a ribbon wrapped bracelet in the office. Noise HAS to be a deciding factor in bracelet wearing!
And the earrings, may God bless a bold earring! They are just...necessary. There's no bigger opportunity for a subtle statement. Earrings, for me, are the most feminine and expressive accessories you can wear. They make my day. You should never, NEVER, leave home without earrings! NEVER!

Fit, Flaw, Flattering

I am curvy. Voluptuous. I'm kinda pear-ish. I have broad shoulders, and I'm busty. My figure is okay, but I need toning. I need lots of toning. Lord knows!
I am sure of my body. Knowing the best fit and the flaws of your shape are essential in knowing how to dress yourself. But it's only part of the process. I'm certain there's nothing skinny about a skinny jean when they're on me, but if not skinny jeans then what?
1. I like a heavier weight denim. Light weight denim can be like wearing blue t-shirts for pants when not done correctly. Every flaw could be displayed.
2. My hips and thighs need balance. I need volume on the lower half of my legs.
Now as easy as this may now seem to figure out, all together they create a new set of hard to figure out restrictions. Heavy weight denim isn't difficult, but it doesn't mean the hard just shy of black denim favored by some laborers. I want the medium weight, I guess, carried in most retail shops.
Balancing my leg is best done in boot cut jeans. Flare leg jeans are confusing and awkward on my short stems. Wide leg jeans tend to make my legs look shorter and wider than what they really are. I need something that follows my leg comfortably to the knee, then with a slight flare goes on to the floor. I need boot cut jeans. Trouser jeans follow a similar route without the slight flare. They are a more fitted version of the wide leg. Trouser jeans can work for me, but my heart belongs to boot cut.
Generally speaking, I focus on my waist a lot. Showing that my waist is slimmer helps define an hour glass shape with my curvy lower half and voluptuous bust line. This makes me feel more feminine. *Side note: I love the word voluptuous!
I also am famous for using accessories to manipulate the eye. *Rule: Add color, sparkle, or oddity where you want peoples eyes to fall on you.
I need v neck tees. Although I wear the occasional crew neck t-shirt, it's not often. They add emphasis to my already broad shoulders. I'm more balanced in a v neck. But with t-shirts it doesn't end there. I go for a soft cotton tee with a cut that's flattering to the female form. Because, boxy is only appropriate when it's an impeccably styled Chanel tweed jacket.

Cartoon Clothing

Adults should never wear cartoon themed clothing. I cannot express my disgust at an adult in an over sized Winnie the Pooh t-shirt. It's no longer cute and classic. It's ridiculous and tacky. I think companies produce these items as a joke on the unsuspecting, and poorly dressed, consumer. Don't let the joke be on you...literally.

I did some research for the character die hards. I understand that some piece of animation may tickle that warm and fuzzy place in your soul. But you CAN and MUST satisfy that warm and fuzzy without themed apparel. Thank God for accessories, and in his situation, specifically jewels. I'm speaking of gold, sterling silver, crystals, and gemstones. I'm not including the battery operated necklace that glows, sings, and dances.

So for me, trash the tees and get the pave' crystal Mickey Mouse ears necklace at disneystore.com. Please? Thanks!

The Shoe Box

So today I, again, found myself in a little boutique in Magnolia, AR called the Shoe Box. It's the temporary home to tons of fabulous shoes and accessories. I love that store! Every imaginable trend lines their walls just waiting to be obsessed over by someone like me. And, I never disappoint!

accessories

Accessories are my thing! I have a "moment" over beautiful bangles and extraordinary earrings. I sometimes salivate over superior shoes, but accessories amaze me. They are my everything and hold a high spot on my priority list. The very loves of my life...*sigh.* Well, they are 2nd - infinity behind Blaise.
XOXO

Spent

Spent the weekend in Dallas. Spent tons of money on jewels. Spent nothing on clothes. Spent the mornings trying to figure out what to wear. Spent that time with bracelets and earrings already on.
My priorities may need some work.

Understanding the boob line

I love clothing items that define certain areas on the body like a slim waist or toned arms. They are typically incredibly flattering pieces. But, by looking at some women around me, the boob line can be difficult to understand.
The boob line, as I've defined it, is the stitch on a top separating the bust area from the mid-section. It may be accented with decorative trim or underneath a faux wrap.
It is very important that the boob line be UNDERNEATH the breasts. It can't be above the breasts or resting on them. That line MUST be UNDER the breasts. If you can't follow this rule DO NOT purchase the this style of top. Going out with oddly placed boob line makes you look like a crazy sausage stuffed into a too little shirt.

Who are you wearing?

So for me, the fashion whore, "who are you wearing?" is a reasonable question. I want to know! But, is it really THAT important? Although I've always known that a lot of products charge you to wear their name, I didn't realize just how much. I mean I grew up in the days of the TH and RL Polo shirt and shirt dress. Target made the very same product! But, when you covet a pair of red soled Louboutins or a Birkin could you really be set up to pay a 500% or 1000% mark up? Wowza!

That's devestating, and I really just want to ignore it! I would like to think that I'm paying for expertise and creativity. But, how true can that be "off-the-rack?" I'm in a big named department store paying for the mass produced item. Revelation: I'm wasting my damn money!

I don't make a lot of big ticket item purchases. I'm a single mother to a young son. I have to manage money with some sense and sensibility. I know the beauty of the Gap and Target, Kohls, and TJMaxx. I do have random moments of falling in love with a label though. Don't we all?!

Haircut???

I was watching HGTV the other day and there was a girl with the best haircut ever. She was just a supporting character, but her hair stole the show. Her friend was buying a condo, a house, a garden, or something. Who cares?! Whatever she was buying kept taking the camera away from the best haircut ever!

So, it's looking like I'm getting a haircut. I'm tired of growing it out. I'm tired of dealing with the length. I'm ready for a change! The change is looking to be a replica of the best haircut ever! This hair cut was a little longer than a pixie cut. It was a boyish style with long bangs and cut just at the hairline.

Something like this beautiful picture of Michelle Williams. I'll be making this the black girl version though.

Design

So I've recently become obsessed with HGTV. I watch shows multiple times. I develop amazing design ideas. I mourn my own space.

I feel that design is design. It doesn't matter if it's apparel, accessories, or rooms. I'm in love with it. There's just something wonderful about the marriage of color, ideas, and interests. It is so motivating to watch concepts take shape.

Yellow

I have a new love, and it's mustard yellow or, more professionally speaking, golden rod. I crowned it the best color for fall, in my life. It speaks to me! But, it speaks to me in reasonable doses. Doses like a clutch bag, blouse, or dress with a print. Maybe even in a scarf, piece of resin jewelry, or a shoe accent. Just remember it's bold and could easily be overwhelming if over done. That's really just the general rule of color.

Gone are the days of matching all your colors and outrageous color pairing. Today understated is best with pattern and texture. Fashion should be quirky, a tad risky, and crazy creative. When it's true it has incredible character.

Moral of this story is... golden rod.

Ideas for fashion on a dime

So as I've said many times in many ways, I am a fashionista on a budget. My budget is small, limited, and restricted. Thank God for unlimited creativity!

I shop in the past. Meaning, I hit the sales racks hard when the retail floor changes seasons. Remember retail changes seasons far before Mother Nature. I get at least 30 extra days out of my new items and a barely worn new wardrobe next season.

I am a laundry queen. I hang, or lay flat, about 80% of my clothes when drying. Over time the dryer can fade and distort clothing. And hanging typically makes ironing easier and cuts the use of electricity. So hang all those favorite cotton items, dry clean optional, and beautiful undies. You'll quickly notice a difference in your clothes. And, you'll spend less replacing ruined items.

Along those laundry lines, purchase and use a spot lifter. Adults make messes too, and why would you trash something a couple quick sprays of Spray-n-Wash could have fixed?

The key is, don't forget about your accessories! The best way to alter pieces in your wardrobe is by changing your shoes and accessories. You can go day to evening by switching out ONLY your jewels to bold pieces with bold colors and bold statements. Then add a shoe with a wild design, sky high platform, nail heads, 6000 straps, or other kooky statement to change even the most plain pencil skirt and blouse to a hot outfit. And, a clutch bag with pattern, in a metallic, or some over-the-top "something" will ice the cake.

Do NOT buy a new ensemble on your lunch break or waste gas rushing home to change. Instead pack your fashion modifications in an over sized handbag or one of the many bags you're sure to have hanging in your closet, change in the car, and voila!

I challenge you all to explore your own creativity. Tell me how you make fashion work when your resources may be short. Or for those sailing through these rough economic times, how could you cut a corner or a cost?

Weight Loss v. Fashion

It's true that you should dress the body you're in, unless you actively involved in a weight changing regimen.
So what do you do?
First, save up at least 80% of your shopping money to invest in a new wardrobe once you've hit your goal. This way you can reward yourself, and your fans, by stepping out in a new body adorned with new clothes.
Second, do an inventory of your current most comfortable pieces. The pieces that you wear to work, out with friends, and to casual activities. What are those pieces? Instead of looking at an item as your favorite designer dress, look at it as a light weight cotton blend dress. Make note of all the details that make it your favorite piece. Then shop for those specific items discounted as your weight changes. The important part of this is you remain nicely dressed and comfortable as your body changes, but you aren't breaking the bank on clothing you won't be in for too long. I spend extra time in Old Navy and Target during this time. You can find beautiful pieces for super cheap!
Third, go accessories insane! The only thing that won't change sizes are accessories.
I have invested in belts of every type and color, because they are adjustable and can create a waist even on an item a little too large. Belt a top outside of your pants, blouse your top just a smidge, and look how tiny you waist instantly is.
Invest in scarves, because they can be paired with anything during the spring and fall and pull attention up towards your face. You can tie some scouts knot or just wear them hanging long and open. It's a great way to jazz up a cheap tee or tank too.
I BELIEVE in jewelry for the same reason. Jewelry demands attention. You can dress in denim and a white t-shirt, but with jewels you will immediately look more pulled together and expensive. Jewels will draw the eye where ever they are. It's a well known fact! Ask anyone.
Fourth, and my fav, get creative.
I have a friend who added 1000, elaborating, colorful safety pins to the neck line of a v-neck tee from Target. Wowza! It is adorable and cost her less than $5. Plus when her size changes again, and she has lots of time on her hands, she can just switch the pins to another tee. I don't recommend you go crafty on your entire wardrobe if it's not in your blood though. Just look for different ways to cut cost and sizes with your changing body.
Buy every color of slinky t-shirt at your favorite store. As long as it doesn't have a pocket you can pull it off even in the office. Just go back to step 3.
Purchase dresses. Dresses can last longer than pants with body changes. They don't show change as quickly and obviously as pants tend to.
In general, be creative.
Play up your favorite features, and play down your imperfections.

Evolution

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These are a few of my favorite things!

I really like these Christian Louboutin Hidden-Platform Pumps. I really want a nude pump, but I think that before I try to fake a tan shoe on my brown skin I need to think long and hard. These shoes are just above beige. I love that I get to do "nude" without looking like I'm really expecting my nude and that nude to be the same nude. Because I know that nude, when not describing nakedness is simply a light grayish-yellow brown to brownish-pink color. Thank you dictionary.com.

And, I remember my mom wearing "taupe" pumps back in the 80's when I was a child. I loved those taupe pumps and how super fly she looked in them. They were patent leather too. I love when fashion just keeps repeating itself. I may add these to my wish list to wear on the many days I carry her vintage LV attache case. XOXO