Spaaaaaaanx And Other Shapewear

No, but seriously. Spanx. Or really any shapewear for that matter. I support it. 

A few months ago, my sweet, little grandma and I went shopping for some party dresses. Some of you may know, even though I've clearly not a dedicated blogger (full time job, family, social life, experimental cooking - stuff gets in my way) that the Viking & I opted to no longer "live in sin". But that's another story, for another time. Today, we're discussing shopping with Grandma!

My grandma had mentioned to me that she wanted to go shopping for something to wear for my wedding and the surrounding festivities (Mmm hmm, festivities, again, another story). So, my grandma, like any living, breathing woman on earth wants to feel great, but has parts of her body she doesn't feel great about. (Good to know that doesn't change, even when you're an 85 year-old Grandma? Nope. Not good.) She and I have been having discussions about healthy eating (lean protein & green veggies!) and positive body image, etc. 

The thing that was really getting her down was that, not only does she not care for the current trends (mind you, my grandma is sassy - red nails, sporty little outfits, and always a nice blazer when going out to eat) but they stuff she does like, is not made for someone with her body type. She is the very definition of petite, with her spiked hair she might juuuuust graze 5 feet. After moving to Florida when I was a kid, she did a radical transformation and lost a ton of weight. Obviously you can see where I'm going with this. When you lose weight, there is always excess skin. And at eighty-something, stuff just doesn't quite sit where it used to. 

Our discussion from food and body image took a path to discussing clothing choices - personally, the older I get, the more traditional my taste gets. Don't get my wrong, I lurv an avant garde statement necklace... But give me a pair of cropped skinnies and some ballet flats, and I feel like Ms. Audrey. 

For grandma, we decided an A line with an empasisized natural waist was the way to go. That way, she could still feel like she was keeping up with the times, but still keep a shape she was used I, but more importantly, was most flattering on her. Everything we picked out, fit into those strict guidelines. As she tried things on, dresses were good - but I knew they could look better. 

Then came the discussion of shapewear. Now, I realize that most people only wear them for special occations - and unless you are a movie star, you don't always have those occations. 

Did you know that in the 1950's, everyone wore shapewear, even men? How else do you think Dior made such gorgeous flower inspired dresses with such tiny waists? (It surely wasn't their diet - sugar was being advertised as a health food!)

Now, I'm happy to write a little disclaimer that having to fit into societies' perceived, yet near unobtainable attractiveness norms for our body shapes and sizes is sexist, chauvinistic bullshit - because it is. Unfortunately, I A) really love how a frilly tutu party press makes me feel inside (like a 4 year old with a spinning dress) and B) Have a job where I have to look professional and see other people - so I can't wear shapeless frocks the color of oatmeal (I mean, I could, but they don't elicit the same spinning response.)

Whew. That was nagging me a little bit. 

The next step in my adventure with Grandma was to approach the topic of shapewear. Was she interested, has she tried it, would she what it? Thankfully, one of the lovely associates in the department store we were patronizing brought us a pair of Spanx to try. 

We wiggled her into those things, little by little. We then picked a wrap dress for her to try. She looked at the mirror and barely even recognized herself. Her posture was improved (her head easily reached the 5 foot mark this time!), the dress skimmed her body, and most importantly, she was comfortable! She told me she felt like she could do anything. It's pretty magical when a woman you love so dearly, who hasn't been feeling that great about herself lately has that ah-ha moment.

Grandma got three new dresses that day. And a body shaper. It was a complete success. 

Now she wants a leather jacket to go with her wrap dress...

Leopard Print

By now you may or may not have noticed that it is incredibly important to me to embrace who you are and what you love. Especially if it's an archaic social norm. If you're into it (and it doesn't harm others), go for it. We all need hobbies and interests.

I could, quite obviously go on ad nauseum, but that's for another day. Today, my though it about leopard print. Leopard print can be wonderful but can get so tacky, so quickly. And thanks to the tween stores of the universe and their love of neon green leopard spots, my beloved leopard print has received a bad rap.

Eff that noise. I love leopard print. I love how I feel when I wear it. It's this blend of sassy, chic, and less tightly wound, as my job makes me a little tense some days. But the key to leopard, only one piece at a time. If you wear more than one piece at a time you're going to look like a lunatic.

Here are the best pieces that you can get, that would work with just about any favorite print or graphic color as a pop:

- Shoes. I always have at least two pairs of leopard print shoes. One flat and one heel, so work and play are both covered. And believe me, any time I need a little bit of funk or sass in an outfit, leopard shoes are my go to.

- Cardigan or Coat. I love adding on a little sassy cover that might not stay on the whole time I have an outfit. Just a little ump.

- Purse or Clutch. I have seen a lot of terrible leopard print adds in my day. But a really good one can make all the difference in the world. If you're not really to take the plunge with a purse, a little make up bag or wallet is a nice addition to your normal purse gear, to brighten up your day.

- Scarf. This is an easy way to try something new or embrace something you love with a big impact for a little price. Just remember, only one piece at a time.

I'll leave you with this, what's your leopard print? What makes you feel chic, yet care free, with only one piece?

Maxi Dresses: No Longer a foe

This spring, I finally gave into the maxi dress. Though I'm not a short person, I am by no means tall. As we know, from the rules of fashion: a solid color with no discernible shape can make you look short. Thanks dress, but I don't need any help with that.

Naturally, I have always leaned towards minis, because not only do short hemlines give the appearance of longer legs (thus making you seem taller), I also live in Florida. And it gets super hot here. But there comes a time in one's life when you need to start considering the appropriateness of your hem lengths. If you aren't at the height of your fitness or if you're over the age of 23, you might want to consider a mid length short or a dress that hits just above the knee.

But maxis are the focus here. How do you wear a maxi!? If you're over 5'7, don't even worry. Maxis are meant for you and look great.  For the rest of us who aren't build like super models, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- If you're petite, don't opt for an overly large pattern. They can overwhelm your body and make the dress look like it got hungry and ate you as a snack. 

- If you're busty, try not to go strapless - the ladies need support. 

- Alternatively, if you aren't as well endowed, feel free to look for ruffles or sweetheart necklines. 

- Consider your body type, what necklines work best on you? What about pencil, A-line, or full skirts? Same goes for your dresses, right? The rules still apply with a maxi. 

- Structure is key. Maxis are generally thought of as flowing summer dresses. So, look for ruching, darts, pleats, or my personal favorite anything you can belt.

If all else fails: buy a solid color, wear it with tall wedges and a few layered necklaces. Boho chic is here to stay.

Rainy Season

The weather here in Florida FINALLY broke and our summer rains have begun (did the storms wake anyone else up last night?) With that in mind and being a planner by nature, here are a few handy tips to make sure your day doesn't get screwed up my the rain. 

- Buy a rain coat. I'm someone who usually has my hands full, so when it rains, I don't always have time to carry an umbrella (Also, my manfriend is about a foot taller than me - which makes it hard to share an umbrella) So I bring my rain coat. I prefer a classic trench coat, it instantly adds a certain chicness to any outfit. Stay try to your style. If you have a tougher style, get a moto cut jacket. If you live in colder climates, it would be wise to get a convertible rain coat with a warm insert. Whatever you do, make sure it repels rain.

- Bring your umbrella!! I keep one in my car and one on the door handle going out to my garage. That way, I know I've always got one easily accessible to me... and see when right before i leave. So I never forget it. If you live in a place without a garage, consider a chic umbrella holder (with an umbrella in it) or placing your umbrella near where you keep your bag. 

- I carry a foldable bag with me, for instances that I need a bag at the farmer's market or if I'm on a trip and end up coming home with more than I came with. This bag, I have learned is also waterproof.  I was coming home last night with some important stuff in my purse and was going to have to make a made dash through the rain. Thankfully I had my foldable tote, threw my purse in it, and nothing got wet. 

- Rain boots!!! Hunters are classic (ah hem, Hunter Green... where did you think it came from?). But keep in mind there are tons of colors and styles, so get what fits your style and personality.  I have a pair of black riding boot cut (knee high with an angled top) that go with everything and get worn all the time. 

- Keep a little microfiber towel in the glove box of your car. It's so helpful when you were rained on and you need to get the rain off of you fast. 

With these tips, you can quickly get yourself out of a bind and stay dry. Prepare yourself now, and you won't have to worry about it later.

Khaki vs. Berry

My platonic life partner posed this question to me a few days ago while shopping for an impending trip. Obviously, I knew Nattily Natalie would have to chime in. I love to help other people shop and am floored every time someone bothers to ask my opinion I try to give the most truthful opinion I can, focusing on all the good points (though I am not afraid to point out the not so flattering as justification for you to burn something. Pryo much? Yeah, apparently so.)

Though, the more I considered the arguments for berry vs. khaki, it became clear this was much larger than what color coat she should choose. It's time for a discussion about classic vs. trend.

9 times out of 10, I will opt for the classic. I have tons of LBDs, white oxfords, gray cardis, a trench, and more plain black heels that I can to admit. There are few things I dislike more that buying a new article of clothing, and not having any basics to go with it. And basics are classic. You will always look awesome running around on weekends in your favorite jeans, a white t-shirt, a trench, and loafers.

The problem with classics, they can be dated. Collars change. Hem lines change. Fit changes. You may have had the perfect suit 10 years ago, and you thought you'd wear it forever... I bet it's not the first thing you grab, is it? Realistically, what do you own from more than five years ago that still fits? And that you LIKE how it fits? For me, I weight about 10 lbs less and loved shirts that were slightly midriff bearing. So anything from then doesn't fit... And if it did, I wouldn't like the fit of the item.

If you don't participate in some trends (a nod to animal print here, a pair of colorful flats there) your wardrobe would be the kind of bland that mayonnaise rolls its' eyes at. But what happens if you overly participate in trends? 1) you'll look like a fashion victim 2) you'll look cheap and 3) you could fall into the dreaded trend time warp (I'm talking to you with the big ass hair and blue eye shadow - also to your daughter with the overly straightened hair and bedazzled t-shirt)

Trend can turn into classic. Otherwise how would we gain classics? But be wary of falling to either side. Too bland or too much, no thanks. A nod to the trend, a nod to the classic, all blended with your personal style. My advice to her (after mentioning that her pets would willingly destroy a majority of her clothes), go for the pop of color. Wear classics with it. And then, when the time comes to retire said coat, know you wore the hell out if it.

White. Wear it Now.

Don't wait until memorial day. And don't worry about wearing it after labor day. If it feels right, go for it!

I have a pair of white jeans from my friend and yours, Michael Kors. It's a safe bet to assume I have been wearing them for a few weeks now! But also great white things to consider:
- A white dress (maybe with some turquoise or red coral jewelry)
- A white blazer over a bold sheath dress.
- A white oxford shirt... with everything!
- A white chunky knitted cardi over your bathing suit.


White is a color that should be in every wardrobe, regardless of the season. Make sure they aren't too sheer and wear nude supportive undergarments, and you'll be set for summer. And as a side note... white sets your skin off to give you a bit of a tan.

White Jeans... Let's Discuss

A summer staple for some, yet the bane of others' existence. 

Where do you stand on the issue?

Personally, I love a good pair of jeans in a modern cut (loved my white flairs in college). Currently I have a pair of white skinny jeans from your friend and yours, Michael Kors, which will be making an appearance all summer long. So, get excited. I'm a huge fan of pairing my white jeans with a draped top with a pop of color. Or with a black top and tons of turquoise jewelry. 

With white jeans, if they are poorly cut, they only accentuate your flaws. Also, as we know, lighter colors highlight, while dark tend to minimize things. From that, naturally you can conclude, unless your jeans fit well, they will not be attractive.Another thing to keep in mind, the thickness of the denim. White can be see through, so a thicker denim is obviously a wise choice. 

Don't settle for the first pair you find, chances are they won't fit perfectly and they will be too sheer.  But when you do find the perfect pair, and you are a white jeans fan, go for it.

What to Wear on a Date

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must date. We date, in hopes of one day, finding the right person. A partner, a companion, and who knows maybe even the parent of your child (if you so choose). No pressure, right? Actually, there isn't! A date is similar to an interview... but here's the thing, you are both interviewing each other. If you like each other, go out again. If you don't... don't. Simple as that. 

Since appearances are important, whether we like it or not... here are a few ideas of what you might want to wear on your date. 

Casual - The first few dates you will go on, will probably be casual, 'get to know you" sort of places. As you may or may not have guessed by now, I'm a fan of dresses. I think they are cute, flirty, and are appropriate for most every situation (plus that added air conditioning in the summer helps!) What's even better, dresses can be dressed up or down - so if you're going somewhere new and you're not sure how fancy you need to be, grab your "go to" dress. Add some fun accessories and heels or a statement necklace and some great flats. That way, regardless of the place you go, you'll be comfortable (and not too over or under dressed.) Other options, jeans and a fancy top - depending on your build, wear whatever is best suited for your body type. Obviously, you want to look your best, but also like you're not trying too hard. For guys, wear your favorite jeans and a cool concert t-shirt or a button down with the sleeves rolled-up. Flip flops or loafers, depending on what kind of guy you are. 

Dressy - Chances are, getting dressed up won't be your first date (unless you're in high school and you're going to homecoming together... but none of you are in high school... that I know of.) You're getting a little more into dates... and it's time to make sure the person you're dating isn't a total farm animal. You'll go to a nicer restaurant and maybe a special event - what then? Obviously, you're not going to wear what you once considered perfect during your single days. Granted, you're still single, just not exactly the same way as you were before. This is a great time to pull out some of your favorite dresses, heels, and accessories. For guys, don't be afraid to wear a well fitting suit! If that's too much for you... a button down and dress pants will always be fine. Also, consider investing in a nice pair of loafers or driving shoes. You'd be surprised how quickly they dress an outfit up. 

Night Out - The trickiest date of them all when you are starting to date someone. Here are some questions to help you figure out what to wear. What kind of night out will it be? Have you been to this place before? Have any of your friends ever been there? The best thing to do, if you've never been to this place before is ask your date (if they suggested it.) Is it a dive bar or more of a lounge? For ladies: this is a great time to pull out your hot skinny jeans and a funky top that may or may not have been purchased at Urban Outfitters (or some place equally as "trendy" and possibly a little younger than how you might need to dress). If you are a dress kind of girl, don't wear your littlest "single girl" dress, but wear the one you like the best and feel awesome. (Hey, if the date doesn't work out... you might meet someone else! But hopefully it works.) If you're a guy, go for jeans or my personal favorite denim cut non-jeans - a vital addition to any closet.

With these suggestions in mind, you're on the right track. The most important thing, be comfortable. If you're uncomfortable, your fidgeting and discomfort will only rub off on your date and make them perceive that you make them uncomfortable... not exactly the best feeling to give a date, huh? Relax, be comfortable, and most importantly, have fun!

Denim Cut - Non Jeans

Do you have a pair or two? No? We're in a fight until you do. 

I, like everyone else, love jeans. They are comfy, they look great, go well with everything... and are so ubiquitous. Have you ever noticed when packing for a trip you want to feel like you have too many outfits that revolve around your jeans? Here is a great time for denim cut - non jeans to take come to the rescue. They fit as well as jeans and go with just as much. 

It doesn't matter if they are brushed cotton, khaki, twill, whatever... they can be any fabric. And they can be found at almost any store at almost any price point. It's a great alternative to the everyday monotony of looking like everyone else.

Letter to the Editor: Floral Shoes

Dear NattilyNatalie,

I've just purchased a pair of floral heels that I love! However, I would love some dos and don'ts on how to wear them. Is it okay to wear one of the colors in the print as a solid dress to pair with, or is that too matchy-matchy? If wearing with jeans, how to drew attention to them and what kind of top/accessories will help them pop?

Sincerely, 

Your Loyal Reader

Hey LR!

I LOVE floral shoes. Really, I love any shoe with a print. I love the challenge and then once you figure out your challenge, they suddenly become a vital part of your wardrobe.

With floral printed shoes (and other colorful patterns) squint your eyes. What is the color that pops out? Whatever that may be, that is the color is goes with best. You can wear it with a dress of that color and then a cardigan or little blazer of a very opposite color that "goes with it" Aim for bright -it's Spring, after all! The pops of color would be a great way to make sure it's not too matchy-matchy.

Here's the thing with floral printed shoes, they are so uber-girly, that you immediately need to toughen them up, so that they don't look like frilly fuss shoes.

For work: A pencil skirt, bright cardigan (maybe kelly green) buttoned and belted, some classic silver jewelry and your hair in a knotted funky bun. 40's sex kitten secretary is a great way to have fun with these shoes. 

For play: Skinny jeans or black pants (to keep the focus), a bright top (maybe neon yellow?), and a long strand (at least 22") of pearls, and a leather jacket. Lady like dressy, with some edge. 

Other outfit options to consider: A leather shift dress (get the juxtaposition between the sexy and tough of the leather and the sweet of the shoes); a black or navy romper with a stack of enameled bangles (dressy, yet playful); or a solid A-line skirt and a chambray button down, knotted at the waist (modern, classic Americana). 

Hope this gives you a few ideas to start with. With fun shoes, especially prints, the options are endless!

xoxo
N

Age Approproate, Part 2: Baby Prostitutes

Okay, I'll admit it, I don't totally get kids these days. 

And yes, I realize that statement alone makes me "out of touch" and roughly about 8,000 years old. But fine, whatever. That's just how it's going to be.

Over the weekend, I was at an event with a few girlfriends and we couldn't help but stare at a poor, misguided child wearing a Barbie pink Herve Leger style bondage dress.  With patent leather white platforms. She was... maybe, MAYBE 14. Did I forget to mention the frosted light pink. I guess I did. From reading by now, I'm sure you know the bigger the "O", the bigger the hoe. It was painful. And I promise I wasn't being a giant bully, nor was I the only one who was shocked. It was the WHOLE crowd. 

Then... I saw her mother. And I understand why she was dressed the way she was. Her mother was severely inappropriate, especially for a daytime, kid friendly event.

As I've said before, the way you look is the first thing people see, something they remember, and the thing they immediately judge you on. Regardless of if their opinion is correct, it happens. As your child's parent/mentor/guardian/protector/common sense, make sure they are giving off the right appearance, as well. 

It makes me wonder, when did it become okay for children to dress overly sexy? I mean, I realize that it happens all the time - just go to any shopping mall in America, or heck, any high school, or middle school for that matter. There will be things that shock and appall all of us. 

Here's my take on the whole thing: My children will look like children. Not mini hookers. They will not wear overly suggestive clothing, too baggy pants, lewd t-shirts, or giant hooker heels. Even if it seems like too big of a fight. But I also don't want them to look like the Brady Bunch or in odd, formal clothing. There are few things that make me more uncomfortable than a little boy at a wedding in shorts, a peter pan collar, and leather buckled t-straps at a wedding. Too formal. Too old fashioned. No thanks. 

Maybe it's because I'm not yet a parent - maybe I have the idea wrong. Though I'm fairly certain this is a battle I won't bend on. Let's make a pact right here, friends. Let's let our kids be kids. Let's allow them to express themselves with tutus, Mohawks, colorful band-aids, and t-shirts that say things like "I do all my own stunts!" I would much rather have the tween child wearing a Justin Beiber t-shirt, than a skin tight leopard print party dress. Wouldn't you? Normal children (regardless of however lame their current teen idol may be) are way better than baby prostitutes.

Earrings... Let's Discuss

Here's the thing, everyone loves a little adornment. Earrings are a spectacular way to make everything you wear brighten up with a little flair. (No, I didn't mean to rhyme there... but when it's so fabulous it works, I embrace it.) There are a ton of different style of earrings, obviously - each with great times to wear them. Today, we'll review the basics.

Studs:

     These pups come in all shapes and sizes. They are identifiable by the post and backing. They are the most versatile and classic. Diamonds, pearls, platinum and gold balls. All classics... all great gifts any girl would love to have. They dress up any outfit with a touch of effortless class. When looking at your collection, I recommend having a basic pair of diamonds (square or round cut) anywhere from 1/4 caret to 2 carets. Any larger and they would be too heavy on your ear (and stretch out your lobe) and look fake! And if you have diamonds, that are real... you don't want people to think they're fake. As for pearls or metal balls, I generally stick to 7 to 8 mm for the size of my head. Obviously, you can rock smaller or larger... whatever you prefer. I have a pair of square platinum studs )they look like I tore them from a punky leather jacket) that I love to wear when I'm a little frilly and need some umph. 

Dangling/Chandelier:

     These are anything that hang from your ear in a dangling fashion... but come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These are great to dress up any outfit or give an eclectic boho flair. With art deco always coming back in fashion, some of the best danglers are made. Great places to find there are when traveling abroad, at street fairs, and at Forever21 (because who doesn't love a pair of earrings for $3.80?) Mixed media is also something to keep in mind for something fun. Wood, metal, gems, anything lacquered... you get the picture. Dangling in fun colors are sure to add a bit of pop. 

Hoops:

     Tricky tricky tricky. Here's the thing: a nice white gold hoop can be so classy. But as they say, "The bigger the 'O', the bigger the hoe." (Or the bigger the hoop, the bigger the hoe... depending on where you get your colloquialisms... though as we know, I like myself a good rhyme.) If you are going to wear hoops, make sure they are of an appropriate size. Nothing hitting your shoulders or anything I could fit my child size wrist through, while you're not looking at me in a bar... which incidentally happens to be one of my favorite drinking games. Let's try to keep those hoops smaller than an inch in a half for the big ones. But small gold hoops at a party, add just the right amount of sass. It's something to consider. 

Okay, so there you go, earrings in a nutshell. Boys, not to hard or confusing, huh? Ladies, maybe you'll add something in you haven't tried in a while!

Letter to the Editor: Movie Premiere

Dear Nattily Natalie,

I'm going to a movie premiere in London! What should I wear?

Sincerely,

Your Devoted Reader, Dana 

Hey Dana!

What an exciting moment in your life! Especially when it is for an amazing cause! Movie premiers are so fun! You get a chance to dress up, see a great movie, and rub elbows with celebrities (and since you don't get to do that every day... who doesn't love a little sparkle in their lives?) 


Here's the plan for you, my lovely friend!! 

Dress: I suggest long. Truthfully. I know you dig the idea of a shorter dress, but if it's going to be cold. Thicker fabrics, maybe a silk crepe will wrinkle less and be more forgiving in any pictures. Here's my thought, if you want to go shorter cocktail length is fine - you want to look your best. But you also don't want to be that crazy girl who is trying to show up the celebrities on the red carpet (because that's what I would do). For you... I love the idea of a sweetheart neckline (classic glamor) straps are your choice. Nipped in a bit at the waist with a broad waist band to show off your curves. Colorwise, I would either stick with jewel tones (because they look incredible on you) or else a simple dark, bold color. Whatever you do... don't wear satin! It wrinkles and looks awful!! Another tip of advice: if you are taking a car to the premiere, take a towel from your hotel room and steam it while you finish getting ready. Take the towel and wrap it around your waist. The stream and dampness will actually cause your dress not wrinkle when you sit (or at least wrinkle less.)


Jewelry: Depending on the dress, my suggestion is go for a cocktail ring and great earrings. Bring the sparkle to your face and a little fun to your hand.


Make Up: For you, I'm seeing classic black, liquid eyeliner, perfect skin, and a bold lip. Maybe not red - but a deep berry! Something exciting and unexpected. Don't forget shimmer on your cheek bones, in the inside of your eyes, and right under your eye brows. Trust me - you'll like it.

Hair: What you want is an effortless half up, half down look with waves. Consider a 2 inch barrel to create waves (and don't forget your electrical converter!), pin your hair back with a few bobbies (but don't be afraid to let a few pieces fall out and not be perfect), and then spay the heck of our your hair!

In Your Bag: Consider a black clutch or a solid bag that "goes with" but doesn't match your dress. Make sure you have lipstick, mascara, pins, hair spray, and an elastic with you. Just in case you have any incidents. 


Good luck! Have fun! And don't forget your Spanx! I swear by them, anytime I get dressed up!!


xoxo,
Nattily Natalie

Age Appropriate

Over the past few weeks, I've had multiple conversations with friends about women dressing their age. This seems to have become a bit of an issue for people. I for one, though in my late-ish 20s, have been known to wear cardigans and pearls, and I realize it can learn towards the dowdy side.

Alternatively, we live in a world where women of a certain age are rewarded for looking much younger than their actual age. Botox, augmentations, fillers, lypo. It can get extreme. If that's what you need to feel better about yourself, go for it. But really a healthy diet, some exercise, and really good moisturizer will make a HUGE difference.

As they say, 50 is the new 30. Wrong. 30 is still 30 and 50 is still 50. With that in mind, here are a few tips to think about, the next time you are shopping or getting dressed.

- If your clothes are in odd sizes (5,7,9) chances are the don't fit correctly. Why, you ask? Because clearly you purchased those in the junior's section. Juniors is for teenage girls - not adults. Sure the clothes may be cheaper, and we know how I love a good bargain. But really, the cut is completely wrong for any sort of curve and the quality is frightening. Seriously, you would have to purchase 3 pairs of pants in juniors to get the wear out of one pair of pants from an adult store. 

- Cover yourself. If you have lots of tattoos or lacy things, consider the environment you're in. I'm all for self expression - if you've got tattoos and love them, show them off. But obviously you're not going to show your whole sleeve while you're at work in your corporate office. Or say you've decided to wear your new lacy bra... I'm not entirely sure why you'd want to expose it - though I've seen it twice in the past month. Here's the best way to expose your lacy bra, and not look like trash. Wear a deep v sweater or cardigan and pants (please wear pants with this!) and let a tiny bit peak out. A little sexy, a little trashy. But if you're uncomfortable or if you're anything other than a 0, like the rest of us, you might want to consider buying a top with lace details and just giving a nod at the trend.

- If you're going to make a terrible fashion decision, like overalls (terribly unflattering to ALL body shapes), don't try to sexy it up.  Embrace your decision and wear some camo with it. Or better yet, burn, sell, or give away your overalls.

- A really good rule of thumb to work by, when getting dressed to go out, if you're going short on the bottom (and I implore you to consider what length of short is appropriate) cover up on top. If you are being a little revealing on top, cover more on the bottom, say... with pants. Novel, yes. It will also get you the type of attention you desire, rather than attention from bikers and creeper that wear Ed Hardy.

- What it comes to accessories, your mother was right, less is more. A few classy accessories will make any outfit, while piles of cheap mall accessories will make you look just that - cheap.

- If your dress is a tube dress, gold, skin tight, with cut outs - You look like a whore. I don't care if you are 15 or 50. This dress is entirely too over the top and has too many trashy elements going on. Even if it's a planned party where everyone is dressing like complete hookers - you don't HAVE to win this round, dignity will be better to have in the end.

The key to dressing your age is to embrace your body, no matter the size, accessorize with pieces you love, be proud to be you, and most importantly, when in doubt, cover up. Dressing age appropriately will make people take you more seriously and will ultimately help you out in life. Why not try it?

Did you know...

Did you know Coco Chanel is the reason we have handbags that have straps that can go on your shoulders? She was sick of having her hands full and was inspired by soldiers' bags. Thus the shoulder strap was born. 

After the revival of her fashion house (headed by her, naturally) the quilted bag we all know and love (and drool over), the 2.55 was born. Why is it called the 2.55? Because it was created in February of 1955, of course.

What, you didn't know handbags have names? They do! As well as shoes. They are created with great respect and should be treated as such!

Did You Know...?

Did you know that women's shirts which have buttons, have the right side over the left, while men's are left over right. 

The reason being: When men began wearing button down shirts, butlers and maids would help you get dressed. With left over right, it is made for someone who is right handed to more easily manipulate the buttons. When button down shirt came into fashion for women, the were part of the work place, and long were the days of butlers and maids. Right over left makes it much easiter for someone to dress themselves.

So, next time you get on that guy about buttoning his shirt wrong - it's actually harder for him than you. A polite whisper "Hey, you might want to pop into the restroom to fix your shirt" should do the trick.

Heel Caps

Do you have a favorite pair of heels that you wear all the time? But they are starting to wear down and are actually a little less comfortable that they used to be - and now you've noticed the nail head peeking out of the heel. At this point, you're almost afraid to wear them, because you love them so much, but they are starting to die a slow death.

This happens to me ALL the time. But! You can fix this! Well, not you, but your local cobbler. Your cobbler will take off the worn down heel cap and replace it with a rubber car. Here's what's so awesome about the rubber cap: it wears slower than plastic and being that it's rubber, it takes the brunt of the shock when you walk. So, it's actually more comfortable on you foot. Here's the very best part: rubber heel caps cost less that $10.00!!!

Save your shoes. You'll be so happy you did!

Mascara Application

I have long eyelashes. I realize I'm very lucky to have these, but from years of wearing make up and an overly practiced hand - here's what I've learned. 

- Without mascara, my eye lashes are blonde on the end and are pretty extraordinary. With mascara, I've actually had people ask if my eyelashes are fake.

- Black mascara, always. ALWAYS. It's so important! My eyelashes, just like my hair, gets lighter in the sun. Black mascara makes your eyelashes pop.

- If you are naturally blonde, or not so naturally blonde, black mascara may seem harsh. It's not. You'll probably have on eyeliner and some shadow, as well - so it actually won't be so harsh. (Though if you're going to fight me, wear dark brown. But don't think I won't notice. Or suggest black as we check our lip gloss in the bathroom mirror).

- Clear mascara is a joke. It's supposed to magnify. It doesn't. Don't waste your money.

- DO NOT PUMP YOUR MASCARA. I'm not even going to go in the the reasons why. You should know better. And if you don't. Shame on you. Your mascara deserves better treatment.

- The most important step of application: at the root, wiggle your wand a little. This will separate the lashes, and make them look fuller. 

- To apply your mascara take the wand and from the root swipe up. A few times. And maybe just once over the top too. For your bottom set, just once will do the trick.

- Waterproof is awesome. Just check it out to make sure it really is waterproof, before your time of need (rain, sad movie, etc.) Raccoon eyes are something I've had many times in my life. I wouldn't wish that on any of my friends or lovely readers (maybe on my enemies...)

- Don't keep your mascara more than 6 to 9 months. Why you ask? Because this wand touches your eyes, which have been out in the elements and then goes back into the tube. Where the rest of the mascara is. To swirl together and then go back on your eye for later use. Eww. That could make anyone a germaphobe.

Go forth and mascara!

Renting Dresses

Spring is approaching, and I don't know about you, but for me, that means wedding season! I got this particular idea from one of my very favorite people. She has fabulous style, and frankly was half of my wardrobe in college. After a bit of Facebook stalking, I noticed that she had the most fabulous dresses. I wanted them! I needed them! So I asked where she got them... And low and behold, she rents them! Really???

I've heard of clothing rental sites, but never put any stock in them. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized, we only wear our formal/fancy dresses once or twice (you can only be photographed wearing the same dress so many times) and they cost way more money than even the nicest jeans - which are expensive, but worn to death so the cost to wear ratio drops. So, why not rent?

Renttheyrunway.com is the site that way recommended - but after a quick search online, there are dozens on rental sites! Depending on what you want to rent - that should help you choose your online service. I've seen designer handbags, jewelry, dresses, jeans, scarves, etc. Almost anything you want, from a litany of designers - all available to rent!

Done and done!

Eyeliner

It's a beautiful thing. History shows that Cleopatra (and women and men presumably before her) worn eyeliner smudged on their lids. And as we know, when worn, it makes the roots of our eyelashes look thick - added with good black mascara (yes, black and only black - but that's for another time) out eyelashes themselves look thicker and longer. Which we, as a society, have long since decided, thicker eyelashes make you pretty. Or at least gives you that certain "je nes sa qua". Why? I don't know, I wasn't there for that meeting (though I would have enjoyed an invite), trite but true, it just is what it is.

Back to the topic at hand: eyeliner, and how, my friends, to apply it.

I rarely wear black. Though I have dark hair, dark eyes, and dark lashes, black eyeliner just seems so severe. So, I wear dark brown, dark green, or even dark plum (when feeling festive). If I had blue, like all the other women in my family, I'd probably rock navy. Obviously, there is a theme. Dark, saturated colors - that's aren't intense. Subtle. Black, for me is only worn on nights our when I need to look, let's be frank, a little trashy (you know those nights).

When applying, there are a few schools of thought on how to get the perfect line. Some pull their eyelid down or to the side, some make a big, fat line, while others make tiny little strokes to create a perfectly imperfect line.

To get the most out of your wear, I use the less is more approach during the day, using a mix of stabilizing my eyelid (but not pulling in any direction) and getting the pencil as close to the lash as possible. I make a line, and fill in any lower parts I missed, but keeping it thin. At night, that's a different story. I gladly wear a little extra. But my rule, I NEVER put eyeliner on the bottom. It's never thin enough, and no one's natural eye looks like that. And what's more, the liner will eventually smudge and you'll look like a crazy raccoon hooker.

Raccoon hookers are not attractive.

But I hope you knew that. Yes, I understand the lovely Middleton sisters line their bottom lashes, but let's be honest, their make up looks a little heavy. And the key to good makeup is subtlety and enhancing you natural beauty and good features.