March 02, 2008

Live Better

So I was poking around the Web the other day, and I kept arriving at sites that were encouraging me to improve my life through a variety of methods. A message from the universe? Coincidence? Who knows. But since, for some reason, my attention has been drawn to these handy ideas, I thought I'd repay the universe by sharing them:

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | General 40ish

February 21, 2008

Little Women

The other day, after getting yet another pair of pants altered (taken up about four inches) and my new blazer's arms shortened (only about 2 inches), I started to think about how many times I have trekked to my alterations shop over the years. Oh sure, I can find petites now and then. But the truth is, much of the clothing I want just isn't available in petite sizes. So what's a girl to do?

Anyway, although I may not always find what I like in the right size in the stores, I was poking around the other day and found some sites dedicated to fashion and petite women like me. Check them out:

  • Petite Fashion Monthly: Features fashion news, a style guide, small shoes news, and even a forum for petite women.
  • serafina: A shopping reference blog for the uber-fashionable petite woman.
  • Petite Fashionista: A frequently updated blog by a petite fashionista who really knows her stuff.
  • Shorty Stories: This site celebrates being petite, and carries some interesting posts, such as recent ones covering height and award-winning actors.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion

January 31, 2008

Weekly Fashion Tip #3

Shake Things Up With Ethnic Style

Tired of what's in your closet? Add a few ethnic-inspired pieces to wake up your wardrobe.

Last year, I bought two kurtis (Indian tops) to pair with jeans and heels, and I can't even count the number of compliments I have received when I wear them. Also consider adding a bold piece of ethnic jewelry to a simple outfit. I purchased a large silver, coral, and turquoise cross necklace in Cozumel, Mexico about five years ago. I wear it with plain, white button-ups or a black turtleneck to add unexpected life to a simple, classic look.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping | Weekly Fashion Tip

January 22, 2008

Fab Fashion for Winter

When I get really cold in the dead of winter, I start thinking a lot about two things: hazelnut lattes and cozy new sweaters, in that order. The coffee shop down the street takes care of the coffee fix, so that frees me up to concentrate on finding all those wonderful sweaters.

I've been a turtleneck-kinda girl for the last few years, because my neck is my least favorite body part. But I have started to cut myself some slack and hate it slightly less these days, so I have been looking for some cute crewnecks and v-necks. I have noticed the new A-line, trapeze-style sweaters this year on some of my friends and women I see out shopping. I first found them at the Gap (this one actually is turtleneck though), then I saw a cute, affordable one in cashmere and silk at Victoria's Secret, a colorful one with an interesting collar at Goody's, and one in print from Macy's. Best of all, Target's Mossimo line has one too! Doesn't get much better than that.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping

December 18, 2007

Holiday Fashion

I was beginning to feel a little unpopular, like the last kid left when everyone was picking their teams at school. I am usually fairly confident, but I have been wondering lately if maybe my charm has been wearing off. All because I hadn't gotten a single invitation to a holiday party.

Then, finally, I started to feel a little better. First came an invitation to my SIL's father's surprise birthday party. Then yesterday, I got an invitation to a New Year's Eve party, and the party thrower even said kids are welcome! (Yeah, like my teens really want to spend New Year's Eve with me...) Then when dh came home from work yesterday, he let me know that his friend--who turns thirty-something on New Year's Eve--asked if he and his wife can come over and celebrate at our house, since they had so much fun with us last New Year's Eve. That's right ladies and gentlemen, it appears that I still have it. A little of it, anyway.

Then it dawned on me that I need something to wear, not only to the above mentioned events, but also to midnight service at church on Christmas Eve. Luckily, I found some pretty great ideas on the Web for holidays outfits, and here they are:

For my casual holiday attire, I think I may go with the Sakura Kimono top I got recently on clearance at White Houise Black Market, with these Flared Curvy Low Rise Pants from the Gap, with high-heeled black booties and a black cardigan. And for Christmas Day, when my family gathers for chilli and casual fun at my house, I'm topping jeans and a long-sleeved white t-shirt with a hand-knit capelet I picked up at etsy.com (from haute.hooked.designs), and my new Handbags by Daphne tote (also from etsy) looks fabulous with it. I'm not sure what my dressier holiday outfit will be, yet, but I'm on a mission to find a fabulous one!

Happy Holidays everyone!

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping

October 31, 2007

Best Jeans Roundup

Looking for the perfect pair of jeans for your needs, like work or weekend-wear? Check out More magazine's 30 Best Jeans for Women. Some of them are a bit pricey, though. If you ask me, I still say Old Navy's Classic Rise Sweetheart Jeans can't be beat for $29.50.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion

October 25, 2007

I May Never Hem Again

You know how it goes. You find a great pair of pants while you're shopping, you snatch them up, then you wear them with either your high heels, medium-heeled shoes, or flats. But what happens when you want to wear them with all three? Are you out of luck? Not anymore.

The answer is zakkerz.com. This long-overdue solution to temporary hemming is so cool, I'm getting some for myself, my daughter, and maybe even my friends. Check out how they work:

rings

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October 15, 2007

Just A Few Closet Necessities

Now that my soul-cleansing closet cleanout is complete, I felt the urge to go shopping. Now, I know what you're thinking. "How could she go on and on about purging herself of that stuff, then go get more stuff?" Well, it's like this: I decided it was time to shop smart. I decided that unless I start doing this, I'll have to stage those closet cleanouts often in the future, and I'll never really get to the point where I have good, classic, necessary pieces in my wardrobe. I like clothes, and, my goal was not just a less-cluttered closet. My goal is to make a habit of making good purchases, build a truly usable wardrobe, and avoid the unnecessary crap that fills my closet and fills my life when I'm not paying attention and just snatching up whatever catches my eye.

To that end, I thought about what I really need, and managed to find a pair of ribbed knit pants and a hoodie at Ann Taylor Loft. In the mornings, I often drive my son to school, instead of letting him take the bus, because he's in a before-school sports program. I rarely shower beforehand, and I usually just throw on sweats. But let me tell you, I usually look like one hot mess when I pull up to the middle school.

For the days when I work at the home decor store, I was looking for casual but polished-looking separates. I found this Elbow Sleeve Point Collar Wrap, also at Ann Taylor Loft, and I have already paired it with a clean, tailored denim pencil skirt from the Gap. And when my comfy black sandals literally split in half last month, I scooted over to zappos.com to pick up these wedge sandals that I can stand in comfortably for my eight-hour shifts.

With the holiday season coming up, I thought I'd better find one dressy, festive top to wear with a black skirt or skinny pants for all those parties I am sure I will be invited to. I found this Sakura Kimono at White House Black Market, and it was on sale!

Last but not least, I knew I really needed a new handbag. I have several cute, small handbags, but it's becoming clear that I really need something large enough to fit my leather organizer, since my entire life is contained on those pages. I wanted something very classic, very sturdy, and I have alway lusted over Dooney & Bourke bags. They just weren't in the budget, though. So I scanned eBay and managed to find a large tote that was available for a great price and got it. I'm now the proud owner of new-with-tags tote, and I saved about $100 off the retail price.

That's my fashion update for now. Stay tuned.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping

September 28, 2007

Free Your Closet, Free Your Soul

ringsI kept hearing the words of What Not to Wear hosts Stacy London and Clinton Kelly ringing through my head the other day: "Have fewer pieces of better quality." I wanted to make it my mantra, I wanted to embrace it and live and feel what it would be like, because it seemed like such a fabulous philosophy. But there I stood, in front of a closet at least half-full of, well, crappy clothes.

So I began what I thought would be simply an exercise in decluttering. I got the family involved, and announced to dh and the kids: "It's time to go through our closets and get rid of stuff." My announcement was met with eye-rolling and moaning, but all reluctantly agreed to at least give it a try.

I began in my almost-13-year-old son's closet, and I managed to fill two large bags with clothing and shoes that no longer fit him. (And we just cleared his closet out this summer!) My 17-year-old daughter doesn't outgrow things anymore, but managed to fill a small bag with a few stained t-shirts and a few jeans too ripped to wear. My husband found a few sweaters from, I think, the early 1990s, and swore that everything that remained in his closet were items he was definitely going to wear. Soon. Really soon.

Then it was my turn. I finally tossed out some old painting clothes because, to be honest, I really don't paint much anymore. I moved on to the shoes, and threw out several pairs of fabulously-cute-but-overly-scuffed pairs, a pair of uncomfortable pumps that I've always hated, and even placed a pair of Kate Spade sandals (bought on eBay) that I hate to admit wear just too darned small for me in the charity pile. (I hope the charity I donate them to will find them a good home.) My closet felt neat and tidy after about 45 minutes, so it was time to move on to the dreaded basement closet. Although I don't consider myself a packrat, there are just some items of clothing I hold on to for way too long. And the basement closet is were they can all be found.

I began by surveying my winter wardrobe (housed there until I need it). I decided not to just keep the jackets, sweaters, and blazers that fit. I decided to be really ruthless and purge like a demon. I started off slowly, timidly tossing sweaters that were itchy or weird colors into a pile. Then, some sort of decluttering momentum kicked in. Out went the "I never really liked you because you make me look short" jacket, and the turtleneck that reminded me of a horrible boss from the job I hated more than any other I've had. A few more pairs of dress pants from that horrible job fell into the charity pile as well. Gone, gone, gone. By the time I was done, the closet was nearly empty, and I had filled five large bags with clothing and shoes. I even tossed out my "one size up" fat jeans and my "one size down" skinny jeans. It's time to admit I've been the same size for four or five years. And if I gain or lose weight, Old Navy and The Gap are just a few miles away.

So..how do I feel, you may be wondering? (Or not, but I'm going to tell you anyway.) I have to tell you, I feel light and relieved. I never thought a dark closet in the corner of my basement was weighing me down, but it was. It was filled with items that were, quite simply, no longer a part of my life--or at least, they didn't need to be part of my life. Then, I started to remember something, and it helped shed a little light on my habits, and how I was feeling now: I grew up with a messy, packrat Mom, and the chaotic state of our home always seemed to weigh heavily on me. Particularly in my teens years, I can remember, at times, feeling almost suffocated by the "stuff" in our house. Was this something that contributed to the thick air of unhappiness there? Was my mother's OCD and depression why she couldn't let go of so many things we didn't need or even want? I wished I could go back and clear out my childhood home. Perhaps it would have lifted some of the unhappiness from that place. I can't, of course, butI can do it now and make sure my family and I don't feel that same cluttered weight I felt as a child.

I lined up nine bags in the garage and set an appointment for a charity pickup for the usable items, and I let out a big sigh of relief. It's great to look back on your past, even the not-so-happy parts, and feel that although you can't change it, you can at least learn from it.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | General 40ish

April 18, 2007

Fun Fashiony Blogs

Looking for some fun fashion-related blogs? Here are a few I like:

  • The Perfect Closet: Cool fashion finds and some nice travel photos as well. Be sure to check out her Frugal Friday posts.
  • Into the Fray: It's funny and smart, and it's one of my new faves.
  • SheFinds Weblog: Reviews of cool stuff and where to get it all. Be sure to sign up for their mailing list--it's Fab.
  • coolchiq: With a subtitle like Style is Everything, Comfort is Nothing, what's not to love?
  • Now Smell This: This blog with the uber-cool name offers up "perfume reviews and fragrance news".
  • Frugal-Fashionista: I like this blog because it shows pics, the price, and where to get the clothing they feature.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Reviews | Shopping

April 05, 2007

Stuff I Want

I've been making my list (checkin' it twice) of some cool new things I want, all available online and all uber-cute. Here they are, in no particular order:

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December 05, 2006

How to Get Gorgeous For Holiday Parties

With the holiday season upon on, many of us will be attending parties soon. If you're like me, you totally dig the grown-up party scene, but can experience a bit of stress when it comes to selecting the right outfit for each event. I'll admit I have a tendency to overdress a bit, but some of my friends complain that they always seem to get it wrong and underdress for such events.

More magazine has some tips for holiday dressing this month, and I especially like the advice offered in Knockout Dresses That Flatter Your Body. And if you're worried about towing the line between "sexy" and "skanky", check out this other More feature, "Sexy" for Grown-Ups.

For makeup tips this season, check out Holiday Party Makeup Ideas from IndioIndians.com, Makeup Junkie: Holiday Style, from khou.com, and Holiday Beauty Tricks and Tips from about.com.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion

November 27, 2006

If The Sweater Fits...

Okay, so I needed some inexpensive, basic pieces for my wardrobe, and didn't want to spend a lot of money. You know I love Banana Republic and Ann Taylor Loft and White House Black Market, but I can't afford to buy all my clothing at these places. So I go over to Chadwicks.com and buy a jogging suit (no, I don't jog), a blazer, a pair of pumps, and two sweaters. And guess what? ONLY ONE ITEM FIT! I went on a freaking shopping spree because I had a coupon and all I ended up with was ONE SWEATER?

I mean really, I am sooooo ready to give up. The jogging suit pants were a petite small, and they were like five inches too long. I'm 5' 1" which means if I were only 5' 6" they would have fit perfectly. But if I were 5' 6" I wouldn't be wearing petites. And the blazer was huge and a very strange color and it made me look like I was a movie theatre usher. The shoes were also too big, and the other sweater was just plain weird. So I hope everyone just loves my new Banana Republic jeans and Ann Taylor sweater, because that may be all I will be wearing this winter.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion

November 10, 2006

Fall Fashion for the Over 40

styleFor a few weeks in October, it seemed that we'd gone from summer to winter here in the South. And I kept wondering, "Where's my fall?" Well, fall arrived this week, as the weather turned from unseasonably cold to just the right mixture of cool, dry, and breezy. Since I have a tiny closet that only holds a season's worth of clothes at a time, I decided to tackle the job of shifting out my warm-weather clothing to make room for my fall clothes, and of course, all the stuff I plan to buy soon.

So far this fall, I've only made two purchases. I was so thrilled to see that a Banana Republic opened a mile from my home that I rushed in last week to check it out. I was a little broke at the time, so I only purchased one thing, because Banana Republic has the most fabulous petite jeans in the world and no sane woman under 5' 3" can resist them. (Okay probably a few can. But I'm not one of them.) So I snatched up these super-dark rinse boot-cut babies that I do believe were made specifically for me.

Then I skipped down to Ann Taylor Loft in search of a much-needed cardigan (most of mine are getting a bit ratty, since I wear them almost daily) and picked up this little beauty (featuring a velvet tie belt) in oatmeal to go with my new jeans. That was it for me for the day, but I'll be on the lookout for more fall clothing soon when my financial capability catches up with my fashion desires. And my first purchase will probably be these Justin cowboy boots, since I need to replace the pair I threw out at the end of last winter because I'd beat them to hell and they literally ripped apart on the inside.

I also wanted to note that More magazine has a new column about style and fashion, and it looks like its going to be pretty fab. Check out this online feature about a More editor's experiences with a , and especially these Top Ten Wardrobing Tips from a wardrobe consultant.

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September 04, 2006

Homecoming Dress Stress

gownDear daughter (a.k.a. DD) and I spent several days last week looking for a homecoming dance dress. Well, not just a homecoming dress. No, that simply won't do. We had to find the homecoming dress.

DD wanted to stick to some rules, if possible, in our quest for formal gown perfection. They were:

1. It must be short (not super short, but no longer than at the knee).
2. It should be red. If not red, then it definitely must not be black, because too many people wear black dresses to the dance, and she wore black two years ago.
3. It should be different (so no one else is in the same dress) but not too different (so she would not feel awkward).

So of course, we did not end up finding a short, red dress. We did however purchase a long, strapless, black gown with a slight pattern (gray swirls), made from a glittery, stretchy fabric. A long, strapless, purple sequined gown was a close second.

Lessons learned this week:

1. You must take along a friend (your daughter's best friend, preferrably) because mom's opinion means absolutely nothing when it comes to dress shopping.
2. Very few dresses will fit perfectly. When figuring your budget, make sure to budget for alterations as well (unless you can do those yourself).
3. Salewomen will tell your daugher everything looks great. Especially the more expensive gowns.
4. Once you find your gown, check the Internet before you buy. I found the purple gown (a.k.a., our second runner-up) online for $100 less than it was at the formal dress shop. But be careful--some online stores, especially those selling with formalwear, do not take returns.
5. All the arguments, exhaustion, and disappointment will melt away, when your darling daughter steps out of the fitting room looking like a beautiful, elegant woman, and you both realize and say in unison: "Oh my gosh. This is it. This it the one."

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Parenting | Shopping

July 23, 2006

End of Summer Clothing Finds

There's just something about the warm weather that makes me want to reinvent my look, and I was lucky enough to find some really cute clothing and accessories over the past few months. One of my favorite summer shoe finds was a perfect pair of black, lace-up espadrilles, which I nabbed on sale at Off Broadway Shoes. After wearing them almost everyday for a week, I decided to go back to the store to try to find the same pair in other colors. But as luck would have it, there was not a single pair of size 6s remaining in any color. I tried a few other places, but couldn't find another pair anywhere in my area. It seems that I'd discovered how comfortable and versatile espadrilles are just a bit too late.

With summer winding down and fall shoes beginning to appear, I'd just about given up hope. Then I took a quick look at Zappos.com and found this adorable pair from Tommy Bahama. I'd been looking for a cream-colored pair, and when I saw those nifty purple polka dots, I was beside myself with joy. I also stopped by Solestruck.com and found these Floral Espadrille Wedges in magenta, and knew that these bright and fun slip-ons would be perfect for my upcoming beach vacation.

I decided to ride the momentum of my fabulous summer finds and keep looking, in hopes that I'd find some cute, light-weight tops that I can wear for at least another month or two, since I live in the South and we'll have warm weather through September. I was thrilled to find Soft Surroundings, a nifty women's clothing and accessories store, and I went gaga for this Lotus Flower Tank and Petite Good Karma Tunic. But it was these Jack Rogers Navajo Thongs that I couldn't stop thinking about, because when I was a teenager back in South Florida in the 1980s, I lived in Jack Rogers thongs. What a trip down memory lane! And now, of course, I simply must own a pair.

That's it for my summer finds, and soon I will start hunting for fall fashions. But for now, I'm off to the beach for some R&R! Back soon!

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping

July 18, 2006

Blouse Bonanza

It was one of those days. I stood in my closet, looking at all the clothing I have to choose from, and nothing seemed quite right. Then it dawned on me why I might be feeling this way: while I do have nice things to wear when I want to dress up a bit, my everyday clothing selection consists of jeans, t-shirts, and polos. Not that there's anything wrong with any of those items. But here's the thing: I am going to be 42 years old in a couple of weeks, and my closet looks an awful lot like my 16-year-old daughter's closet.

I was standing there, trying to figure out which pair of jeans and which t-shirt I would wear that day, and I thought about a couple of women I know and how they always seem to look great, even when they are casually dressed. Then it occurred to me why: they look like women--real, grown up, sophisticated women, even when they are very casually dressed. Because while they wear jeans often, like I do, they don't usually wear t-shirts: they wear blouses. Yes, that's what I need! I decided that my current disappointment in my wardrobe lies in the fact that I don't own enough cute blouses. So today I began to search the Web for blouses that won't make me look older or more conservative than I am, but will help get me out of my I'm-over-40-but-trying-to-look-younger rut. And this is what I found:

I can't afford to buy all of these tops at once, but I just wanted to send this out there, into the world, and make a sort of cyber commitment. I want to start dressing like a grown up. And finding some cute tops on the Web is one little baby step toward that goal.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping

June 07, 2006

Summer Fun & Teen Fashion

Well I'm feeling feeling almost normal again. It's been quite a week. First of all, I was sick sick sick and just couldn't shake it. And also, dear daughter broke up with her boyfriend, so it's been an emotional roller coaster around here. We're really glad she is moving on, but it's painful to see your child go through these difficult life lessons, even if they are supposed to be pretty grown up. She's doing great and has a date on Friday night with, what I am told, is one of the "hottest boys at school." He better watch out. Mama don't take no crap when it comes to her little girl. Not anymore.

So we went shopping and bought her some cute clothes, for what she calls "her new single life." Picked up this very cute top at Forever 21, to be paired with a pair of white shorts from Hollister. Also found a denim skirt that looks a bit like this one at Forever 21, to be paired with a black tank from The Limited. Did she plan it this way, to need new clothes just in time for her fun, fabulous new life? Who knows. But I was telling her the other day, "This should be the most exciting summer of your life." Aside from ditching the boy, she is 16, driving and has her own car, and surrounded by some really great friends. Until she finds a job, her days consist of tanning by her friend's pool, sleeping late, and talking on the phone with friends. Talk about lucky. All the silly boys in the world can't take away the feeling of being young and beautiful and smart, with summer unfolding before you. She's got parents who love her and a little brother who adores her. Okay, so when she reads this, I am dead meat. Don't worry honey, mommy loves you and is proud of you. And I did buy you new clothes this week, so you can't be too mad at me ; )

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Parenting | Shopping

May 12, 2006

Fab Five Friday--Clothing Every Woman Needs

In light of my wardrobe difficulties this week, I decided to put together a list of five articles of clothing women should have in their closets. These items can get you through many a fashion emergency:

1. At least one pair of jeans you look fabulous in--Mine are mid-rise, dark, with a slight flare. I hear this style looks good on most women. Watch TLC's "What Not to Wear" for the best fashion tips.

2. One great dress or pant suit--If you make it a classic, like something from Talbots, it can work for job interviews, weddings, funerals, and other events you will likely have to attend at some point.

3. A fun skirt--For weekend shopping sprees, company picnics, vacation excursions, and other casual events, a cute skirt can't be beat. One fun, flirty skirt can turn you into a brand new woman the minute you put it on. Try a just-above-the-knee a-line, for a look that flatters many body types.

4. A nice pair of heels--Good shoes are always worth the splurge. I have some pairs that I have been wearing for years because they have a wonderful, classic style, and are well-made. Black pumps are a great choice for almost any woman, and you can wear them with jeans, dresses, and suits.

5. A crisp, white, button-up--Wear it with the jeans, suits, and skirts, by itself or with a cardigan, leather jacket, or wool vest. A white button-up never goes out of style. Add bold jewelry, a belt, or other accessories to create a new look every time you wear it. Just make sure to the shirt keep it really white, and replace it when it starts getting dingy.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Friday Fab Five | Meaningless Gab

May 11, 2006

Wanna Be a Model? Here's Your Chance!

What images pop into your head when you think of models? Anorexic pixie-doll looking teenagers? Well, get ready, because More magazine--a fabulous publication for women over 40--is about to change your mind. The magazine has just announced that the More/Wilhelmina 40+ Model Search kicks off this August. Visit the link to read about past finalists and winners, and details of this year's contest. You might just come away thinking there's hope for the modeling industy yet.

Technorati :

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion

May 05, 2006

Help Me Select a Party Dress--Please!!!

So dh comes home yesterday and says "we're going to a big association dinner and party in two weeks." And I'm like "woohoo! I get a new dress!" Then it hit me: I have to go find a new dress. As in, I have to either drive around and hit a bunch of stores and try stuff on, hoping that something fits and that I can afford what I want. Or I have to sit at my computer, find something that looks absolutely fabulous on my screen, and cross my fingers (hope, pray) that it fits and looks good when it arrives a week later.

Working from home has tons of benefits, and that's probably why I have done it for most of the past 16 years, except for two years in the middle when I went to work for my biggest corporate client. But one of the pitfalls is that I don't really have the need for nice clothing. I live in jeans, and while I do have some khakis and casual skirts for stuff like going to church, my closet looks more like the Gap than Nordstrom. This suits me just fine on most days, but when I need something very professional or even kind of dressy, I have to go buy it because I just don't own that kind of stuff.

So I found some dresses online and I need your help. Take a look at my list of links and tell me which one you like best. I know this is not fair because most of you don't know what would look good on me since you've never seen me. But hey, just tell me what you think is cute, okay? Some cost a bit more than I would normally spend on a dress, but I figure Mother's Day is coming, and I am prepared to plead my case to dh ("but this is your career honey"..."this is a very important event, don't you want me to look nice"...)

Okay, so here's the list:

A million thanks for your help!

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion | Shopping

April 27, 2006

Fun Shoe Quiz

shoe
Wanna have some mindless, girly fun? Check out the Fashion Matchmaker Designer Shoes game at ivillage. Just match up the shoes with the designer. It's much harder than it sounds, unless you're a true, shoe-obsessed fashionista.

If you're still looking for ways to waste time after that one, check out Gagirl.com's quiz section. She has lots of fun and fast stuff, like the Lipstick Personality Quiz and the Ice Cream Quiz.

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Filed under: Beauty/Fashion

March 18, 2006

Spring Fever Fashion Update

styleFor about a week, Spring has been teasing us down here in the South. We reached 80 degrees one day, then two days later, it was in the 30s when I drove my kids to school. I'm pretty much used to it, since this is what March and April typically bring to my part of the country. But as I speak with friends about the unpredictable weather we face each morning, this weather talk always seems to lead to this statement: "What the heck am I supposed to wear now?"

For me, the problem is even larger than that. Although with a bit of planning (as in, checking Weather.com the night before and selecting clothes for the next day) I could be appropriately dressed each day, my dilemma lies in closet space. Two years ago, I purchased an older home because of character, property (almost four acres), and location. I definitely did not purchase this home for the closet space, because it has almost none. So at the end of each season, I fill a bunch of big, plastic tubs with clothing I won't need for a while, then I stack the tubs in my basement. Yet whenever I rotate my wardrobe, it's inevitable that the weather will completely change the next day, and I'm in the basement digging through the tubs for clothes.

Regardless of the weird weather over these next few weeks, though, spring is definitely coming, and I NEED NEW CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES! I should blame this ivillage article for my sudden, desperate need for a new spring wardrobe. I have been thinking about the wedge sandals and handbag they feature in that article for a week. But as much as I want to shop for new stuff as spring arrives, I just can't bear the thought of doing it. Oh don't get me wrong, I love getting new stuff. It's the actual driving to the store, fighting for the parking space, eating gross food court lunches, digging for my size part that make me crazy. Luckily, I can do at least some of my shopping online.

Today I decided to go looking for some spring and summery stuff on Spiegel, and found this adorable mother-of-pearl handbag, this linen loafer, this linen blazer, and this buttoned tee.

I also stopped by Newport News, and by that time, I was bored with neutrals and wanted something a little different. These brocade pumps almost made me drool, and the $29 price tag and availability of size 5 1/2 mean mama's getting new shoes today! Also a great bargain for nights out on the town with dh or girlfriends: this beaded handbag with a chain strap. Someone also pointed me to the Scarlet Beautiful site and I don't think I can resist the adorable retro-style tees. They'll be perfect with capris and sandals this summer.

Finally, I had to stop by the Ann Taylor Loft site, since about half of my wardrobe comes from the store, thanks to their fabulous petite offerings. I've been dying for a pair of the longer-style walking shorts, and this entire outfit really caught my eye. I'm also attending a beach wedding in June, and this dress might just be perfect for that event.

If you know have any online spring fashion finds, share them in the comments area!

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February 27, 2006

Jeans Over 40--Is Low-rise Too Low?

jeans


My teenage daughter keeps trying to get me to wear low-rise jeans. Okay, I understand that the waist-almost-up-to-my-boobs jeans are not flattering. And I'm completely over the need to wear pleated pants. (Thank you, What Not to Wear, for saving me from my bad style choices.) But I still can't go with the whole, super-low rise thing. I just think I look silly in them. I am, however, completely hooked on mid-rise (just-below-the-belly-button) jeans, mostly in dark washes, with a slight flare leg. Try them, they look good on anyone. Trust me. They do.

If you're over 40 and looking for some fashion tips, check out this About.com article: Fashion Over 40, by Cynthia Nellis, with Style Expert Kim Johnson Gross.

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February 04, 2006

My Closet Update

I've been very anxious about my closet lately. Not just because it's too small and oddly designed, which on most days, drives me absolutely nuts. But my latest closet anxiety is because I've had too many I-have-nothing-to-wear days. And you know what that means, don't you? Oh yeah. It's time for a little wardrobe updating. So that's what I did last month.

First, I found the most fabulous winter vest of all time. I'd been looking for a faux fur, black vest for months. I'd fallen in love with one at White House Black Market, but it was winter white, not black. I considered getting it anyway, but I have two black dogs that shed 10 pounds of hair per day. Each. So I tried to focus and not get distracted. I knew it was out there--I could just feel it. Then I finally found this one on HSN.com. I'd never bought anything from HSN before, and I must say, I was quite pleased. It's a perfect fit, and the faux fur feels like absolute heaven.

I also needed a good pair of flat loafers, and for some reason, I started pining for a pair of Bass weejuns. (The kind I worn back in high school.) I ordered this pair of patent leather penny loafers from Bass Shoes, and I've have hardly worn any other shoe since.

I picked up this wool pencil skirt (in black and white houndstooth) from Chadwicks of Boston for a steal, and I'm pairing it up with this a simple, 3/4 sleeve, black turtleneck from Ann Taylor Loft and high-heeled, black boots for a dinner and auction I'm attending next weekend. I also got this ribbed knit turtleneck in cream on sale at OldNavy.com, and I wear it with new faux fur vest and jeans.

Speaking of jeans--I finally found a pair of jeans (from Ann Taylor Loft) that I'm really happy with, after trying on about 357 pairs over the past few months. They're the perfect length for my highest heals, and they have a very cool texture.

For accessories, I didn't have to go very far. My mother-in-law knitted me a few fun-an-funky scarves for Christmas (with matching handbags!), and I created some new beaded jewelry myself. I like to get my jewelry-making supplies at Artbeads.

That's it for my wardrobe update. I'm still on the lookout for more jeans (dark wash, mid-rise, boot-cut), some peep-toe pumps, the perfect black handbag, and a good blazer that fits my extra-small frame yet isn't too short or too long. I'll let you know what I find.

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