Breaking Free From The Herd

Lately, I haven't been 'feeling' skirts or dresses but this day I broke out of my rut. In my office Casual is usually King as we are allowed to wear jeans every day. I am trying not to let my surroundings influence my style overly much but it is hard when you work with 90% men. They are definitely not accustomed to girls(women) in dresses and heels. Our first team lunch they trekked me 9 blocks one way. It was an impromptu lunch and they did not account for my 5 inch heels! I made it there and back without complaint or breaking an ankle/heel/leg on the city streets. Now, however, they make a point to ask if I am wearing heels. My reply> "Am I breathing?"  Because you, dear faithful reader, know I am wearing heels! 

 So to break my recent tendency to wear pants, I looked myself in the eye, gave my style a good shake and a stern lecture. This is the result. 

Monday Mashup: Hurricane Irene, Hair and Project Style Preparation

Last week whenever I sat down to compose a post the network would go down or the power would blip knocking my router offline and it was very frustrating. So I missed a couple posts last week. Hopefully this week I will have better luck. 
I know I have been kinda hair crazy lately but I just can't help it> I am obsessed. I am really getting sick of dying my hair and I don't really want my grey to be that evident. Dying really takes a toll on my hair health. In fact, it is sorta killing it. I concocted this idea that I could add some highlights along my part and around my face and not worry about the rest of it so I made a Friday appointment to talk with my stylist Jo Brandon. She did a strand test and recommended this awesome hair mask. I am supposed to go back to her on Wednesday for a mini-highlight and she wanted me to be extra nice to my hair so it could withstand the color lifting needed for highlights. 

This stuff is fantastic. My hair is so soft and not frizzed. Wow! Curled right up. 

Monday Mashup: Pictures, Pizza and More

Happy Monday! How was your weekend? Mine was fairly laid-back and fun> translated "lazy, and I accomplished very little."
Friday night I met up with my friend Ruta at Short Pump Town Center Mall. Last week I read a great post about tea written by fellow blogger Franca and it inspired me to go out and try some myself. I do love hot tea and so does Ruta. We thought we could get some tea and maybe a sweet treat at Teavana, a tea store in the mall. We got there and discovered that they are not the Starbucks of tea. They sell loose tea that you can make yourself at home and they will brew you some to try before you buy, but that wasn't what we had in mind. 

So we decided to take some pictures instead. 

7 Jeans: Why I Love Them

The dress code at my new job allows us to wear jeans every day of the week. Jeans everyday is certainly not my style but I do like the idea that I don't need to wait until Friday to go casual. Previously, Friday was the ONLY day I could wear jeans to work, so I didn't bother to buy jeans often. Now however I am inspired to get a few more pair. My most favorite brand of jean is 7 for All Mankind.

 My latest acquisition.

Misikko: A Hanna Flatiron Review

Recently, I was contacted by Brian Hunt from Misikko Products to do a review of the Hana 1.5" Professional Flatiron. Once I received it, I recruited some help to give it a proper trial. My daughter wanted to have a sleepover with three of her friends and they love beauty products> kismet. Kelsey, MorganT and Rachel came over to spend the night and play with the flat iron. They were excited to try it out and provide me with their opinions. My opinions and impressions are included in this review too, of course.

Upon receipt of the box, this is what I discovered when I opened it. 

Monday Mashup: Hair, Nails and Fashion Inspiration

I have been reflecting on this blog as of late and I have decided to make some small changes. On Mondays I will be doing a wrap-up of the weekend. This will include beauty products I have discovered and tried, shopping excursions, personal style and whatever else related to fashion or beauty I find to share with you. I will also have at least one post each week dedicated to personal style or outfit of the day and one post each week will be fashion blog community involvement. I may add an additional post here or there as time or interest permit. 
So let's get this party started! Welcome to the first Monday Mashup. 
Saturday I was hating my hair. I was hating the frizz, hating the curl, hating the fact that it is not reaching the length I want. Complete hate-fest. While I was out in the grocery with my hubby, I wandered down the hair care aisle while he gathered the food he wanted. I happened to spy the L'Oreal line of products and noticed they are now putting out a sulfate free, silicone free grouping. Sulfates and silicone are two ingredients I began to avoid when I started my "grow long hair" journey in 2008. Also, I typically only use conditioner to clean my hair and avoid regularly shampooing. On a whim, I bought a shampoo and conditioner to try out. Trying a new product helps resist the urge to shave my head when I am in hair-hate mode. 

L'Oreal EverSleek 

Guest Post: Clari Farkash of Clarisse Dresses

Today I am featuring a Guest Post by Clari Farkash. Clari is the designer of the Clarisse line of prom dresses, short dresses and homecoming dresses for promgirl.net. Clarisse dresses have been worn by such celebrities as Miss Galaxy International and Miss Teen Galaxy UK. Promgirl.net has been selling prom dresses and formal gowns from America's top designers for over 25 years.


My Grandmother's Closet: Three Timeless Looks for the Modern Woman


The old adage tells us that there ain't nothin' new under the sun. Modern-day fashionistas like to think that they are cat-walking the newest trends, but our grandmother's know better: what looks hot today, looked hot twenty, fifty, even seventy years ago, and most of them have had the closets to prove it. If you are fortunate enough to come from a legacy of good taste and pack-ratting, you can go straight to the source for some authentic vintage pieces. But even if Grandma let all of her Jackie O clutches and Hepburn A-lines go to the moths and Mom sold her retro pantaloons and psychedelic scarves at a church yard sale, you can still seek the inspiration of their era.


Vintage pieces add elegant longevity to any wardrobe, no matter what your age. The key is keeping an eye out for timeless pieces that compliment your personal style. Here is a basic guideline for creating chic vintage looks in your twenties, thirties, and forties.


Twenties


They say that the twenty-somethings can get away with wearing anything. Of course, we know that isn't always true, but youthfulness does give you some experimental leverage. Match a few of these classic pieces with things you already have to create a timeless, modern look.


High-waisted shorts


Audrey Hepburn rocked high waisted shorty-shorts in the early 1950's, and their wow-factor lives on. Go for a pair that fits well around the waist with a cleanly tailored inseam and enough length to fully cover your rear. You don't want stretchy lines on your front or back. Balance the shorts with a blouse-y top, tucked in to show off the high waist and a pair of flat strappy sandals.


Audrey Hepburn, high waisted shorts:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/ksWyCnK8NQ/TcAz6CSU0I/AAAAAAAAAGc/0rZk_4BL7YA/s640/audrey.jpg

Straight shift dresses


There are two decades that really got the straight shift dress right: the 20's and the 60's. If you prefer the long flapper hemlines of the 20's, look for drop waist dresses in soft colors like cream, grey, and cobalt blue. See how Clara Bow, silver screen It-Girl of the 20's sets off the dress' straight lines with low-heeled ankle booties.

Clara Bow: http://www.style.com/images/beauty/icon/011404/main_img.jpg.


If you are more into 60's mini-dress mod, look for short shifts in bold, graphic colors and prints. You want to find one that is just long enough, hitting mind-thigh, and well tailored to your shape. Show off those legs!


Thirties


Just because you are over thirty doesn't mean the vintage rules change. If anything, your style is more established and will be able to spot the pieces that are oh-so you.


Wrap headbands


In the 20's, women paired their chin-length bobs with sleek, turban-like head wraps. This accessory, when paired with an evening look, has a beautiful, dramatic effect. Look for sheer, long scarves to create your own wrap. You can pair this accessory with just about anything, but keep in mind that you don't want to compete with its drama.
Louise Brooks, wrap headband: 

http://amadeo.blog.com/repository/00/01/70/87/1708751/3679195.jpg


Folk Embroidery


Folk embroidery can be visually interesting and old-world classic when adorned in vintage patterns. Look for soft cotton blouses inspired by the 60s and 70s that are beautifully embellished with bright flower designs. Pair them with jeans or khakis and brown leather boots or shoes.


Forties


Even in your forties, there is no need to be conservative with vintage threads. Remember, you are rocking styles that have already stood the test of time. Be on the lookout for eye-catching vintage accessories and flattering silhouettes that have been tried and true.


Funky Retro Sunglasses


No need to be conservative with occasional eyewear! The 50s, 60s, and 70s were all eras of fabulous sunglasses that could add a chic, quirky edge to a modern look. Be on the look out for old-style cat-eyes, aviators, and round frames like Jackie O's to add a punch of vintage flair to your outfit.

Jackie O sunglasses: http://thehautelist.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/jackie-o2.jpg



Elegant A-lines


Grace Kelly, queen of elegance, knew how to show off her waist with a clean-cut A-line skirt. The streamlined design accentuates a womanly figure and forgives any faults underneath. The result a very flattering, feminine look.

Grace Kelly, classic A-line: http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/08_01/gracekellyBW_468x831.jpg


Thank you to Clari for offering to guest post for me.


**All images used in this post and their links were submitted with the post.** 

Beauty Day: Natural Hair Care and Chanel Nails

I love using natural beauty products. You have to figure women have been trying to beautify themselves since ancient times (think Cleopatra) when L'Oreal and Clairol didn't exist. As there was no such thing as a pre-packaged product, women turned to their kitchens and the herb garden. Think of the money you can save! 

Have you ever heard of using henna on your hair? How about henna and yogurt? Notice in the above photo, the bag of body art quality henna costs $1.49! You can find this type of henna in Indian grocery stores typically and is what is safest to use on your hair. Avoid most boxed pre-mixed henna products as they often have chemical additives. 

DIY Project: Shoe Slippage? No Sweat!

Ok > I have a confession. My feet sweat. Especially in the summertime and even in sandals. This has been causing me some problems with a couple pairs of shoes. My feet have shrunk a little bit over the last few months too so that is contributing to my feet moving around in my shoes. Particularly when the insole is smooth and the heel is mega-high, which is always the case for me. 
Last week I decided to wear a favorite pair of sandals that I have recently been avoiding due to feet shrinkage and slippage. I thought I would see if I could just deal with it since I love these Aldo shoes. It turned out not-so-good.