Fashion's Spring Flings

Spring is coming! I feel it in the air as we are teased by temperatures reaching upwards of 45 degrees. A few days here and a few days there get me pumped and ready to bring out some of those items in my closet that have been laying dormant the last few months, just waiting to be paired with the lush greens and pastels of budding spring.

I recently received my latest issue of People StyleWatch, which included a list of "10 Spring Must-Haves!" I thought it may prove fun and beneficial to share it with my readers along with my reactions and comments. So, let's dive right in!

#1 on the list is Bright Colors! At first, I was slightly taken aback by the vivid hues of orange and fuchsia that invaded my retinas as I turned the page of my magazine. I scanned the pages, hoping to find something that struck me or could complement my color palette. I initially came up empty handed, but breathed a sigh of relief when I turned the page and was greeted by deep (yet still vibrant) greens and blues. Such colors are much more personally palatable. Nevertheless, if you are a bit wary of donning an outstanding top or an eyepopping shirt dress, have no fear. Amy Salinger, a fashion expert whom I fancy and who's blog I follow, says, "If you are overwhelmed by the shade or feel that it washes you out, choose accent pieces like a purse or jewelry to stay on trend." Accessorizing boldly is easy and oftentimes more comfortable for those who's tastes are otherwise not quite as loud.

Secondly, spring is asking for Thick Heels. They maintain the polished look while adding a bit more stability. Consequently, while increasing the shoe's versatility, People StyleWatch says they "can go to the office or out to a party."  I have no complaints here!




Stripes make the list next, but in so doing widens its traditionally understood scope by mixing unexpected colors, direction, and styling. Generally, I try to stay away from stripes. My boxy/pear-like shape does not lend itself well to them, especially not wide ones. Nevertheless, a few striped pieces have infiltrated my wardrobe, but of the narrow, tightly stacked or vertical variety. The big appeal this spring is that you can incorporate the aforementioned bright colors with this style option and kill two birds with one stone. Admittedly, it is rather difficult for your mood to remain unaffected when wearing bright coral stripes paired with pink ones or a flirty multicolored skirt.

Up next, Envelope Bags! Now, I am torn about this trend. I think envelope bags are exceedingly chic and fun. However, I am a resourceful woman, and an envelope bag just won't carry what I deem necessary to cart around with me on a daily basis. So, I could see how they would be great for an outing, but on a daily basis, they're not practical for me. Nevertheless, being that they are in and of themselves an accessory, they do offer one the opportunity to incorporate other popular trends in a more understated way, such as bright colors and/or animal prints. Take this silvery reptiled-skinned bag! It would complement just about any outfit and lend it something a little extra due to its exotic nature. Another great feature of many of the envelope bags on the market is that they are not just clutches. They often have a chain strap concealed inside of them that you can implement if you should so desire, which I think just adds to their great appeal. 

I cannot tell you how happy I was when I got to #5, Sleeveless Jackets. If you remember, in "Last Week in Review," I gushed about a fantastic purchase I made with my mother-in-law at Dress Barn. And what did it include? A sleeveless jacket! I cannot wait for warmer weather so I can give mine a go. They can be rather feminine and versatile; they can dress something up or bring it down a notch. They can give off a flirty vibe or a "Let's get down to business," one. Pictured here, Nicole Richie wears a Winter Kate sleeveless jacket. I think she looks great! Due to the military styling, black color, and complementary accessories (bag & sunglasses), her look is well put together. She looks cool and comfortable. I like it!

Somewhat eluded to previously when discussing envelope bags, Snakeskin is being heralded as a popular trend for spring. You can prepare to see it on bags, dresses, scarves, and tops - even on shoes. It adds a unique texture to one's overall look. And, in an "easy, light-weight fabric, a snake print is extra flattering," says People StyleWatch. Just today, I ran into a woman with a fabulous snakeskin printed scarf; indeed, I was envious. I personally do not own anything in this category, but I am more than willing to look. :)

Also hugely popular as we head into a slightly warmer climate is the color White. Celebrities are flocking to this trend and igniting the red carpet while doing so. Like snakeskin and bright colors, you can incorporate whites however you desire.Thankfully, it effortlessly goes with everything, so being fashionable in this way is a no-brainer.

There are two trends that can stand independently or simultaneously if you wish - Peasant Blouses & Floral Prints. Now, I have noticed these two styles creeping in ever so steadily within the last year or so. Peasant blouses are so complimentary to spring due to their airy, comfortable nature. Similarly, floral prints only make sense to couple with spring as mother nature is itself budding with new life. I can certainly see their appeal, but peasant blouses typically do not work with my frame, nor do florals particularly tickle my fancy. But that's what great about popular fashion. You can take it or leave it! If you can rock it, by all means, go for it!

And finally, we end our journey through fashion's spring flings with Bright Gold. Apparently, bold, yellow gold chains are all the rage, "a key accent piece - and they go with everything!" (People StyleWatch). Typically worn as a bracelet or necklace, this trend seeks to bring a bit of luxe or glamor to an otherwise ordinary outfit. As with other styling options, you can't really mess this one up. Either you wear it, or you don't! Personally, I don't have the propensity to wear much yellow gold; I prefer white gold, in which my engagement and wedding bands are cast. It correlates with my previous post, "What Colors to Wear," and the silver and gold test. My natural features pair better with silver than with yellow gold. Nevertheless, yellow gold certainly retains its merit, and I will don a piece or two once in a while. 

So, there you have it! "10 Spring Must-Haves!" Have I inspired you to go shopping? I'd love to see what you buy. I smiled last night as a dear friend showed off her brand new Abercrombie blazer. And last week, I forcibly photoed my brother in his Sunday best, praising him for how great he looked in his ensemble. He told me the only way I can post the picture is if I block out his face. So, Tim, this is me holding up my part of the bargain. I hope you like the alterations.

Readers, I hope springtime treats you well no matter you are wearing. Every year, along with its arrival, it as if everyone gets a sense of re-creation and new birth. So, I wish you all a wonderful season of personal growth in whatever mode you choose to ascend. As my boss has been frequently heard saying recently, "The sky is the limit!"

The 5 W's of Makeup

A few weeks back as I was staring into the mirror, about to add some pizzazz to my natural look, I stopped and thought, "I know why I wear makeup. But I wonder why others do, too." In my experience, if you ask guys what their opinion of makeup on women is, I have found that the general consensus thinks less is more. One guy on girlsaskguys.com put it this way, "It's fine if you use makeup, just don't slather it on. I think the thing you should realize is that, while makeup may make you feel more confident in your looks and can help to hide blemishes or whatever, you look great without makeup. Personally I like girls who don't really wear makeup, but the fact that they wear makeup doesn't change my opinion on them." I thought that was a pretty sound take on the situation.

Nevertheless, I created a poll via some friends on facebook (thank you, ladies) and asked them several simple questions:

1. Do you wear makeup?
2. How often?
3. If infrequently, what prompts you to put it on? (Special occasion, going out, etc.)
4. What do you wear for makeup? (the works - primer, foundation, eye liner, eye shadow, mascara, blush, and lip color; or just ____; or a combo of a few things, but not all).
5. Why do you wear it? (both practically and "impractically" speaking)
6. What makeup brand do you like best?
7. What makeup item do you always use/use most?

I received a decent response, and here is a summary of the results that came from my inferences:

• 2 out of the 17 who responded said they did not wear makeup at all. One simply stated, "I don't wear makeup. Don't have time for it nor do I feel I need it." The other confessed to occasionally using lip gloss, but more often than not just uses ChapStick. Kudos to you, ladies!
• 8 out of the 15 who do use makeup do so daily. The other 7 use it a few times per week, for work, when going out, or depending on the occasion. Minimalists will kick it up a notch for a special occasion or event, adding bolder eye liner or eye shadow.
• The primary reason most women wear makeup is to cover blemishes or "correct" what happens to be less flattering that day. Essentially, they use it to cover problem areas. Half of those polled used foundation regularly. Similarly, concealer ranked high on the list of frequent uses. 

• The one feature that seemed to get the most attention from makeup is the eyes. All but 2 of the 15 usually do something with their eyes, which ranges from just mascara to a combination of eye liner, eye shadow, and mascara. 
• The other main reason given for makeup application is to enhance one's features. Some wear makeup to make themselves appear more "awake" or "alive." Others are looking to make their self-described understated features more "dramatic," for instance drawing attention to smaller eyes to make them seem a bit more bold. One specifically stated that she uses makeup to "enhance my natural beauty." Another remarked that it is simply fun to play with colors as they compliment her natural features and/or outfit.

• Lips seemingly get great care. There were not a lot of responders who use lipstick; however, most use ChapStick, lip balm, and/or lip gloss. 
• Mascara was another beloved product by 13 out of the 15 who wear makeup.
• No one was really a purist. Most everyone used an array of products from different brands. Sure, there were a few that were marked as favorites by their users, but as expected, CoverGirl, Maybelline, Clinique, and Urban Decay appeared semi-frequently. Others mentioned were Almay, Mary Kay, Garden Botanika, Lancome, Coastal Scents, Victoria's Secret, Too Faced, Stila, Exuviance by Ulta, and Bare Minerals.

It was interesting to read through all of the responses. I enjoyed everyone's take on the questions. Yet, no one ever had the opportunity to read my answers, so here they are:

1. Do you wear makeup? Yes
2. How often? Not often during the work week. Usually, I do wear it on the weekends.
3. If infrequently, what prompts you to put it on? (Special occasion, going out, etc.) See #5
4. What do you wear for makeup? (the works - primer, foundation, eye liner, eye shadow, mascara, blush, and lip color; or just ____; or a combo of a few things, but not all). My go-to's are eye liner, eye shadow, and mascara. Depending on how my skin appears that day, I may wear CoverGirl's mineral foundation. I don't use foundation more than I do; I was blessed with pretty nice skin, so I don't feel that I require much there. The one feature I dislike is my dark under eyes. I don't generally get bags under my eyes, but they are always rather dark and appear darker if I happen to be sick. Thus, I use concealer to help rectify this. I am a frequent ChapStick user, but sometimes add some color. I own exactly one lipstick, but a few glosses.  
5.     Why do you wear it? (both practically and "impractically" speaking) I have a quick answer, and a bit more explained one. In short, I wear makeup to enhance my favorite features - my eyes. And, I find it fun to use different combinations of products and colors to do so. Now, delving a bit deeper, because my job is highly active and I'm an athletically built individual, I feel as if there is a more girly side of me that people do not always see. Usually, they see the beast of a woman who pushes equipment around all day and holds a 3rd degree black belt. I love that side of me! I do. I am strong both mentally and physically. But I have a softer, more feminine side, too. I sometimes feel as if when I am able to don "real people clothes" and a little bit of makeup, my "alter-ego" appears - the woman who can still kick butt but look amazingly stunning as well. Metaphorically speaking, I am akin to Xena, the warrior princess.Nnote that following the "warrior," she is still a princess, so don't forget that about me, either. :)  
6. What makeup brand do you like best? Most of the products in my makeup bag are CoverGirl. Avon also has some great eye shadows and eye liners. 
7. What makeup item do you always use/use most? ChapStick daily. Eye liner, eye shadow, and mascara. 

Whatever the reason to use or not use makeup, I hope that all women can ultimately be able to look in the mirror and love what they see, both inside and out. Sure, there is always room for improvement (talking more about the inside here), but you are who are you, unique and one of a kind. You are spectacular because there is no one else like you on the planet. The more you are able to love yourself for who you are, the more others around you will too because self-confidence is beautiful in and of itself (not to mention highly attractive to members of the opposite sex). The key to great fashion and makeup application is to work with what your momma gave ya, and I think that all of the ladies who responded to my poll are doing just that. Thank you again, ladies, and keep it up!

A Mother's Perspective

I received this post in the mail today. No, not my e-mail, my steel mailbox. It is written by my mother, Judy, who had me laughing out loud as I read. My mother has always been an amazing and fantastic writer; I get my writing genes from her. So, when I received her letter I raced to blogger to share it with you all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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My mother's post comes as a rebuttal to an article she read in her local newspaper that had been scooped up from the St. Petersburg Times. Written by Susan Thurston, it goes as follows:
 

Good moms are kind, patient -- and fashionable

Good moms are known for being kind, nurturing and patient. But fashionable? Not so much. Some days, just getting out of the house with matching socks can seem like an accomplishment. But a little planning and attention to details can go a long ways in preparing you for the stylish, adult world. 

Here are some of my fashion tips for looking good or, at least, presentable.

Limit gym clothes to the gym. Sure, sporting sweats and a T-shirt around Target is comfortable, but it's also frumpy and screams mom. If you must, trade the T-shirt for something form-fitting with a lower neckline and couple it with a zip-up jacket. Save the XL "2004 Walk Against Alzheimer's'' T-shirt for when you have a headache and aren't in the mood for you-know-what.

Lose the baseball cap. While Faith Hill looks sexy strutting around with her three daughters in a ball cap, the majority of us don't. Your greasy hair isn't really that noticeable, especially from a distance. And if you're really concerned about your mange-y mane, try a ponytail with a headband or big sunglasses.

Accessorize. Spruce up outfits with scarves, belts and jewelry. (Wedding bands and diamond studs earrings you got for high school graduation don't count.) Don't leave the house without cute earrings, even if it means no time for mascara. Accessories are cheap and interchangeable. And they always fit.

Avoid high-maintenance clothes. That silk blouse looks great fresh from the dry cleaners but goes downhill fast. And who has time to iron? Rather than banish wrinkly clothes to the Siberia of your closet, buy stuff that looks good after multiple wearings.

Ditch the mom jeans. If your jeans cover your belly button, call a sitter and get to the store. Quick. Because, let's face it. If Jessica Simpson looks bad in mom jeans, so will the rest of us.

Go for some heel. Nothing says frumpy like a dirty pair of sneakers or banged-up Aerosoles. A little heel dresses up any outfit and adds confidence to your step.

Mimic good style. Grab a People magazine when the kids are asleep and take some fashion tips from the celebs. Even if you can't dress like the stars, at least you'll know not to wear that peasant skirt in your closet.

Invest in a few good pieces. We all wish the sales clerks at Nordstrom's knew us by name, but who has the budget? Instead, spend a little extra on clothes you wear a lot — jeans, slacks and jackets — and go cheap on the trendy stuff, which won't last many fashion cycles anyway. Be cautious about buying too much at Target and Walmart and don't pooh-pooh places like JCPenney and even Sears, which have decent quality clothes and great sales.

My mother's rebuttal, entitled:

 I AM NOT FRUMPY!!

First, let me say I am not a follower of fashion. No one would call me a fashionista. When I read the above article, I found the writer left out those of us who consider ourselves trailblazers of our "own" fashions. To Ms. Thurston, I would admonish -- "Never judge a women by her lack of apparent apparel judgment." There may be more to it than meets the eye.

First: There are plenty of moms who would like to be fashionable, but when Baby spits up all over your $200 silk blouse - your day and blouse are ruined. I do agree with Ms. Thurston's observation, "some days, just getting out of the house with matching socks can seem like an accomplishment." To that I say, "It is!" To some of us, just bending over to put on socks is an accomplishment. So I applaud any women wearing socks - matched or otherwise. I suppose the "planning and attention to detail" idea is a good one, but to those of us who wear the same thing every day (jeans & t-shirts), our stress level is low. There is no need to think about detail other than "What color shirt do I wear today?" I can be dressed and out the door in 15 minutes, no fuss, no muss.

Concerning the fashion tips:

Limit gym clothes to the gym. How can something comfortable be frumpy? Now granted, it is not a pretty sight if the t-shirt and sweatpants are soaked in sweat, but maybe "Mom" had to stop at Target to pick up infant Tylenol for her sniffling, fevered child after gym class. Obviously, Ms. Thurston has never worn an 18 hour girdle or jammed herself into one of those body contour things to be thin and svelte. Maybe the "Mom" was heading for the contortion girdle aisle because her gym classes weren't producing the desired effects. And what's wrong with the XL "2004 Walk Against Alzheimer's" T-shirt? It shows others you may not embrace fashion but you do have a commitment to something worthwhile. I say, "Wear your Alzheimer's shirt proudly." Did I put on socks this morning?

Lose the baseball cap. What!? I don't wear baseball caps to cover my greasy, mangy hair. I wouldn't want to mess them up. I wear them because they are great alternatives to wearing a headband or sunglasses. In a hurry, just plop the ball cap on your head, pull your hair through the hole in the back, and off you go. If the sun is in your eyes, pull the brim of your cap down low (over your eyebrows) for protection from UV rays or a sinister lurking character glancing at your socks. After looking at my baseball cap collection (of 3), I realize none promote baseball - just death and alternative housing. Hmmm! My ball cap advertising is a bit gloomy; Rock of Ages Memorials, Knock 'em Dead (from a local funeral home) and Yellowstone Log Homes. How can I accessorize my ball caps if not wearing black?

Accessorize. Cute earrings?! What are cute earrings? Am I allowed to wear mismatched cute earrings to utilize the onesies in my jewelry box? And what about those of us without pierced ears? We have to "clamp" our cute earrings on our earlobes and hope they stay on. Have you ever had one fall off, down the front of your dress while teaching a class? It is an example of contortionism watching Teacher fish it out!

Avoid high-maintenance clothes. "And who has time to iron?" Extreme Ironers do! They will iron clothes - anything, anywhere.

Ditch the Mom Jeans. This point is where I become indignant! First, I am too old to look like Jessica Simpson nor do I care to look like her. And why wouldn't my jeans cover my belly button? My underwear does! See, when you get older it goes like this: one old belly button (possibly flabby) - one underwear that goes over the old flabby belly button - one pair of "relaxed" jeans that covers all of the one underwear that goes over the flabby belly button. I have no need to call a sitter. My children are all old enough now to make their own belly button decisions.

Go for some heel. What's wrong with my dirty pair of sneakers? They are badges of my hard work. When I see a woman with dirty sneakers I know she has spent the day chasing Johnny down the street pedaling his trike in his underwear, mowed the lawn (alas the green stains), juggled 3 bags of groceries while trying to rummage through her purse for the house key, had lemonade spilled on them (alas the yellow, sticky stain), and finished her day by throwing them in the dryer. Could high heels do so much? I am past high heels. I would love to wear them but practicality has set in. When your feet start sprouting bunions and your ankles wobble, the last thing you want to be supported by is tight leather on stilts.

Mimic good style. What's the matter with peasant skirts? I like peasant skirts! They are light, airy, and cover a multitude of "summer annoyances." I could wear something cool and comfortable like summer shorts, but then you would be subjected to viewing my purple varicose veins, knobby knees, and (perish the thought) unshaven legs. Broom skirts are even better because they can be wrinkled and still look good. The one drawback to peasant and broom skirts is that they can make you look quite "hippie" if you are one who carries some extra girth below that "old belly button."

Invest in a few good pieces. When discussing this aspect with Dad, his comment was, "Well cut back on Snapfish and you can afford to buy a few pieces." [My mother is an avid photographer]. Men don't have a "sense" of fashion, all they see are dollars and "cents." In defense of Target [she worked there], they did try to incorporate name designers into their wardrobe selection, Isaac Mizrahi for one. Haven't heard from him of late (not that we are on speaking terms). Where are you Isaac? At least I know Target fills all my wardrobe needs - jeans, t-shirts, and socks!

So to the fashion world I would advise "don't pooh-pooh" the seemingly fashion-less. I am comfortable. I AM NOT FRUMPY!

My Beloved Mother