Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Monday, October 7, 2013
Friday, March 15, 2013
Spring Wardrobe Cleanup and Rant
I was wearing one of my all-time favorite black cotton v-neck sweaters yesterday when it dawned on me that I've owned it for more than five years and that it was showing its age. That's kind of an embarrassing realization in the middle of the office kitchenette one fine, workday morning. So I decided to begin a cleanup of those items in my closet which have, by now, run out of their nine lives.
There are a number of twill pants that don't and never have looked good on me. There's a couple of sweaters and cardis that look faded. I want to stock up on colorful long-sleeve tees but it's almost impossible finding any during the spring-break fashion rush. What's a gal to do?
I can always check online, and look at brick and mortar's online realms before heading there in person to check items out. I can also check on YouTube and blogs for updated trends that I can synthesize by color or accessory to keep my style updated without breaking the bank. Accessories surely make an outfit much more ka-pow than expensive, short-term trendy clothing pieces.
I began looking for potential replacements or new wardrobe additions at JC Penney and Target, earlier today, but the clothes they carry right now are at the wrong price point for the quality and selection. I was a little upset when I walked away after a 40-minute shopping expedition without a bag or hanger on my arm. I didn't find one single thing I liked. Am I really that picky? Well, let's see...
Bright, trendy colors and shapes are best bought economically, since their residence in my closet are at best short-term. Also, the quality of the clothes these days doesn't say much for cost-savvy off-shoring enterprises that manufacture them. Cotton tees and sweaters are see-through and flimsy, when the style is fitted, wearing a cami underneath becomes impractical. The tee shirts I saw at Target and JC Penney hardly hold their shape on a thin hanger, so what on earth will they look like on me while I fill it out?
Another concern is poorly sewn buttons, zippers, and linings. Speaking of linings, what happened to blazer and jacket linings? Is it really that economical to skip out on the lining? Because I personally prefer well-lined apparel that can take some wearing and keep on ticking. I also like my buttons to stick onto my apparel for longer than it takes me to walk the bag out to my car. Zippers should be solidly built so there's no snags and the pull stays in place after several dozen wears and washes.
Jeans these days come in a variety of trendy colors. This is great to add a playful touch to your wardrobe and to stay away from the more dramatic colors we wore over the fall and winter. However, when you launder your own clothes is there going to be a lot of color leaking out in the wash? Will these pants fade severely on the first try? By just running my hand over some pants I can feel the thick color wash. Thick color affects the quality of the weave and any stretchiness the product might boast. How will my other, similarly-colored apparel fare in the same washer tub? I hate color carryover.
I am almost giving up on shopping at my old standby stores: Kohls, JC Penney, Target, etc. because I just can't find the apparel I'm looking for, in the right the price point, with the right quality standards applied to the design, shape and manufacture, and that will suit my physical shape. I can't really afford to get every single item tailored, and I'm not good enough of a seamstress (puhleeze, don't even go there!) to try my hand at it.
If all I had was disposable income and a rail thin body, I'm sure purchasing a see-through mis-shaped tee shirt, a cami to go under it, and a pair of jeans that will lose the vibrant spring color in the wash wouldn't really make me bat an eyelash. Then again, I live in the realm of tight budgets and curvy proportions, so I'm probably the wrong target audience for these products to begin with...
There are a number of twill pants that don't and never have looked good on me. There's a couple of sweaters and cardis that look faded. I want to stock up on colorful long-sleeve tees but it's almost impossible finding any during the spring-break fashion rush. What's a gal to do?
I can always check online, and look at brick and mortar's online realms before heading there in person to check items out. I can also check on YouTube and blogs for updated trends that I can synthesize by color or accessory to keep my style updated without breaking the bank. Accessories surely make an outfit much more ka-pow than expensive, short-term trendy clothing pieces.
I began looking for potential replacements or new wardrobe additions at JC Penney and Target, earlier today, but the clothes they carry right now are at the wrong price point for the quality and selection. I was a little upset when I walked away after a 40-minute shopping expedition without a bag or hanger on my arm. I didn't find one single thing I liked. Am I really that picky? Well, let's see...
Bright, trendy colors and shapes are best bought economically, since their residence in my closet are at best short-term. Also, the quality of the clothes these days doesn't say much for cost-savvy off-shoring enterprises that manufacture them. Cotton tees and sweaters are see-through and flimsy, when the style is fitted, wearing a cami underneath becomes impractical. The tee shirts I saw at Target and JC Penney hardly hold their shape on a thin hanger, so what on earth will they look like on me while I fill it out?
Another concern is poorly sewn buttons, zippers, and linings. Speaking of linings, what happened to blazer and jacket linings? Is it really that economical to skip out on the lining? Because I personally prefer well-lined apparel that can take some wearing and keep on ticking. I also like my buttons to stick onto my apparel for longer than it takes me to walk the bag out to my car. Zippers should be solidly built so there's no snags and the pull stays in place after several dozen wears and washes.
Jeans these days come in a variety of trendy colors. This is great to add a playful touch to your wardrobe and to stay away from the more dramatic colors we wore over the fall and winter. However, when you launder your own clothes is there going to be a lot of color leaking out in the wash? Will these pants fade severely on the first try? By just running my hand over some pants I can feel the thick color wash. Thick color affects the quality of the weave and any stretchiness the product might boast. How will my other, similarly-colored apparel fare in the same washer tub? I hate color carryover.
I am almost giving up on shopping at my old standby stores: Kohls, JC Penney, Target, etc. because I just can't find the apparel I'm looking for, in the right the price point, with the right quality standards applied to the design, shape and manufacture, and that will suit my physical shape. I can't really afford to get every single item tailored, and I'm not good enough of a seamstress (puhleeze, don't even go there!) to try my hand at it.
If all I had was disposable income and a rail thin body, I'm sure purchasing a see-through mis-shaped tee shirt, a cami to go under it, and a pair of jeans that will lose the vibrant spring color in the wash wouldn't really make me bat an eyelash. Then again, I live in the realm of tight budgets and curvy proportions, so I'm probably the wrong target audience for these products to begin with...
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Great Find: Pinstripe Lined Skirt Suit
I was shopping at JC Penney's revamped Liz Claiborne section at Yorktown Shopping Center (Lombard, IL) and discovered an amazingly cheap but gorgeous lined, skirt suit.
The lined, one-button suit jacket in black pinstripe is as elegant as it is affordable at $40 (plus tax). It comes in petites, misses, plus, and talls.
Matched with its lined, essential pinstripe skirt, it's a perfect interview, business meeting, or career suit.
I loved the skirt because it's only $25 (plus tax), matches the jacket perfectly, and because its pencil-skirt-like shape falls at the knee, which is hard to find these days.
This suit creates a classic shape and can go from very formal offices to daily business environments.
These two pieces can be great to mix and match as separates with other wardrobe staples. For example, the skirt can be teamed up with a pretty blouse and cardi, a cardi and tank set, or just a sweater. Meanwhile, the jacket can go casual with jeans for Casual Fridays, or can top another skirt or pants.
You have a lot of mileage potential right here. Bonus points if you can use your JC Penney rewards to get a little money off.
 |
| pic borrowed from JC Penney's |
The lined, one-button suit jacket in black pinstripe is as elegant as it is affordable at $40 (plus tax). It comes in petites, misses, plus, and talls.
 |
| pic borrowed from JCPenney's |
I loved the skirt because it's only $25 (plus tax), matches the jacket perfectly, and because its pencil-skirt-like shape falls at the knee, which is hard to find these days.
This suit creates a classic shape and can go from very formal offices to daily business environments.
These two pieces can be great to mix and match as separates with other wardrobe staples. For example, the skirt can be teamed up with a pretty blouse and cardi, a cardi and tank set, or just a sweater. Meanwhile, the jacket can go casual with jeans for Casual Fridays, or can top another skirt or pants.
You have a lot of mileage potential right here. Bonus points if you can use your JC Penney rewards to get a little money off.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Dana Buchman at Kohls
Today was a special discount day at Kohls so I stepped in to see if there were any last minute items I could grab to take to a conference I am working this weekend and into next week.
I happened on the Dana Buchman's line of apparel. There were work appropriate, casual, and night out kinds of pieces. The quality seemed nice, the tailoring adequate for the price. Several of the pieces in the line seemed to possibly color coordinate, if that particular location I was in had the inventory in my size/color selection.
I ended up getting a black and white houndstooth dress (a preternatural classic, the red was out in my size) and a camel surplice sweater. I see that online there are several more pieces in the collection, which I may want to look into.
If you're looking for career separates and suits, Kohls can be a great place to shop during sales. A large majority of their apparel lasts past the first washing/laundering--which, regrettably, is almost a godsend anymore.
I happened on the Dana Buchman's line of apparel. There were work appropriate, casual, and night out kinds of pieces. The quality seemed nice, the tailoring adequate for the price. Several of the pieces in the line seemed to possibly color coordinate, if that particular location I was in had the inventory in my size/color selection.
I ended up getting a black and white houndstooth dress (a preternatural classic, the red was out in my size) and a camel surplice sweater. I see that online there are several more pieces in the collection, which I may want to look into.
If you're looking for career separates and suits, Kohls can be a great place to shop during sales. A large majority of their apparel lasts past the first washing/laundering--which, regrettably, is almost a godsend anymore.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Buy: Denim Jacket
I haven't owned a denim/jeans jacket in over a decade. It might even be fifteen years if not twenty. But I finally threw in the towel in and invested in one.
I figured I'd go to the Goodwill store and check whether they had any, but on a whim I went to the neary Eddie Bauer store on my workday lunch hour. Although they didn't have it they checked the store by our house and they held one for me that afternoon. Easy breezy! Just how I like it.
I loved the idea of having a jeans jacket for summer and into fall. To add to my wardrobe to dress down fancier clothes, or sassy-up casual clothes. It's just so versatile. Great with light scarves or chunky necklaces or large earrings for that feminine touch.
The jacket I purchased was the Eddie Bauer Classic Jean Jacket ($79.95) in ocean. Although it isn't exactly cheap, it's an investment piece I know will be with me for quite a while. The size ran a little small, especially since I plan on layering, so I went one size up.
I'm so enamored of the look and feel of this jacket. I've already worn it quite a few times since I bought it. It's just perfect for chilly air-conditioned hangouts this summer.
I can't imagine how I've been able to live without such a practical and fun piece for so long!
I figured I'd go to the Goodwill store and check whether they had any, but on a whim I went to the neary Eddie Bauer store on my workday lunch hour. Although they didn't have it they checked the store by our house and they held one for me that afternoon. Easy breezy! Just how I like it.
I loved the idea of having a jeans jacket for summer and into fall. To add to my wardrobe to dress down fancier clothes, or sassy-up casual clothes. It's just so versatile. Great with light scarves or chunky necklaces or large earrings for that feminine touch.
The jacket I purchased was the Eddie Bauer Classic Jean Jacket ($79.95) in ocean. Although it isn't exactly cheap, it's an investment piece I know will be with me for quite a while. The size ran a little small, especially since I plan on layering, so I went one size up.
I'm so enamored of the look and feel of this jacket. I've already worn it quite a few times since I bought it. It's just perfect for chilly air-conditioned hangouts this summer.
I can't imagine how I've been able to live without such a practical and fun piece for so long!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Learn: Polyvore
I've been following some more fashion blogs lately, and gotten so much in the spirit of mix and matching accessories and apparel...that I ended up signing up for a Polyvore account and playing around with some outfits.
Polyvore not only serves as a great way to see color combination and outfit drafts prior to actually wearing them, but it's a helpful exercise to begin noticing what kinds of things go well together and getting better at matching good choices up.
I've already posted three outfits: Summer Photographer, Bohemian Chic and Turquoise Up n Go on this blog, and am enjoying keeping track of trends and putting them together in a way that makes sense to me--or at least, into the types of outfits I'd actually wear out.
This is becoming a little addictive ;o)
Polyvore not only serves as a great way to see color combination and outfit drafts prior to actually wearing them, but it's a helpful exercise to begin noticing what kinds of things go well together and getting better at matching good choices up.
I've already posted three outfits: Summer Photographer, Bohemian Chic and Turquoise Up n Go on this blog, and am enjoying keeping track of trends and putting them together in a way that makes sense to me--or at least, into the types of outfits I'd actually wear out.
This is becoming a little addictive ;o)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Trouble Finding Your Size? You're Not Alone.
Over the past year I've experienced great difficulty identifying what size I am. Often believing I actually fall between two sizes.
Most times, I face difficulty purchasing tops that end up being too huge, and bottoms that have a large hips/crotch area that falls down while the hip and thigh area is suited perfectly.
Why can't women's bottoms come in inseam and waist measurements like men's? At Gap recently, I tried on a jean that only comes in inseam 33" for women, but noticed nearby that men's come in a variety of inseams. Why? I have to get my jeans and other pants from Gap altered all the time after purchase, or risk tripping in about three to four inches of extra fabric at the bottom. It's an excruciating source of frustration for me.
Apparently, I'm not alone. Due to diversification in cuts and country of origin, clothing is now as inprecise in its general size ranges as it's ever been.
There was a great article on the New York Times website today (One Size Fits Nobody: Seeking a Steady 4 or a 10 by Stephanie Clifford).
I would be over the moon if they installed a MyBodyFit machine in local area shopping centers! Sadly, it looks like it's the old East Coast and West Coast first syndrome. Oh well, I can wait to purchase new clothing till then (evil laugh).
Most times, I face difficulty purchasing tops that end up being too huge, and bottoms that have a large hips/crotch area that falls down while the hip and thigh area is suited perfectly.
Why can't women's bottoms come in inseam and waist measurements like men's? At Gap recently, I tried on a jean that only comes in inseam 33" for women, but noticed nearby that men's come in a variety of inseams. Why? I have to get my jeans and other pants from Gap altered all the time after purchase, or risk tripping in about three to four inches of extra fabric at the bottom. It's an excruciating source of frustration for me.
Apparently, I'm not alone. Due to diversification in cuts and country of origin, clothing is now as inprecise in its general size ranges as it's ever been.
There was a great article on the New York Times website today (One Size Fits Nobody: Seeking a Steady 4 or a 10 by Stephanie Clifford).
I would be over the moon if they installed a MyBodyFit machine in local area shopping centers! Sadly, it looks like it's the old East Coast and West Coast first syndrome. Oh well, I can wait to purchase new clothing till then (evil laugh).
Friday, April 15, 2011
New Trend: Crystal Pavé Beads
With the emergence of Pandora and other similar tchotchke-style bracelet and jewelry trends, there's been a return to classics like crystal pavé beads in bracelets and earrings.
I've now come across a number of these little beads in "custom" jewelry pieces at expensive and not-so-expensive stores.
At Naperville's Twist boutique, I got a great adjustable bracelet as a birthday gift. It's black threading to look like leather, featuring large crystal-pavé beads interwoven in the threading, and features gold beads at the end. I decided to look this bracelet up online, and amazingly, found it on Overstock.com. It's called the Celeste Goldtone Clear Crystal Beaded Black Cord Macrame Bracelet -- it's a mouthful, but it has great presence for dressing up tomboy casuals such as cargo pants and Pumas for the weekend. It's a spunky look.
There's also more classic styles, such as mini pavé encrustments in earrings that make it more of an evening look. Some of the dangle-y earrings would look great for a date or Saturday night.
Check out this new trend and see if it can work for and with your wardrobe.
I've now come across a number of these little beads in "custom" jewelry pieces at expensive and not-so-expensive stores.
At Naperville's Twist boutique, I got a great adjustable bracelet as a birthday gift. It's black threading to look like leather, featuring large crystal-pavé beads interwoven in the threading, and features gold beads at the end. I decided to look this bracelet up online, and amazingly, found it on Overstock.com. It's called the Celeste Goldtone Clear Crystal Beaded Black Cord Macrame Bracelet -- it's a mouthful, but it has great presence for dressing up tomboy casuals such as cargo pants and Pumas for the weekend. It's a spunky look.
There's also more classic styles, such as mini pavé encrustments in earrings that make it more of an evening look. Some of the dangle-y earrings would look great for a date or Saturday night.
Check out this new trend and see if it can work for and with your wardrobe.
New Favorite: Converse One Star Satchel
In high school I had a black, uber-soft satchel that I carried with me EVERYWHERE. It was even big enough to fit a couple of notebooks on the diagonal if I left the bag open.
A girl that I was sure modeled on the side once asked me in History class where I got it, when I answered Venture (it was a Gitano brand I believe) she just about snuffed and turned her glossy mane of blonde hair away in disgust. She must have thought I was either very poor or lying to her. All I knew is that I grabbed my bag (which had a small scuff only I could see) from the sales rack and there weren't any more like it. Mwahahaha.
I almost cried when I finally wore out the poor satchel, and the lining ripped and the handles started pulling apart. That's around the time I switched to a colorful, hand-crocheted bag that a cool friend of mine made me. I also remember getting a red Esprit bag around the same time, from my maternal grandmother. Good times.
I have been intensely missing that black satchel from Venture recently, and so I decided I would begin searching for something as similar as possible and take my time to make the right decision. I preferred it be some sort of a brand (Franco Sarto, etc.) but not something that's ubiquitous. It irks me when folks don't mind wearing a "uniform" when something's hot in the fashion industry!
So I started looking about a week and a half ago. I started online because it was easy. I then looked at a local Marshalls/Homegoods. I even looked at independent boutiques in Naperville. I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for yet, so I wasn't really doing a total military-style search yet.
Then, the skies parted and a beam of sunlight hit a purse as I was at Target yesterday. It was -- like most great things in life -- during an unexpected scamper around.
The Converse One Star Satchel in brown actually looks like a taupe-y gray that I'm obsessed with lately. It was a little pricey at $34.99 plus tax--since Target's making you pay for the honor of purchasing a Converse branded product--but OMG I just fell in love with it at first glance.
This is the perfect satchel for me. It's softer than butter, it's faux so it won't suffer much from abuse, its incredibly lightweight (a major concern since I suffer from shoulder/neck issues), and it has a cell phone pocket that'll fit my iPhone.
I love it when a great find and my wallet get together!..Now, speaking of my wallet, if I could only find it inside my bag, it's got so much room stuff can get lost in there LOL ^^;
A girl that I was sure modeled on the side once asked me in History class where I got it, when I answered Venture (it was a Gitano brand I believe) she just about snuffed and turned her glossy mane of blonde hair away in disgust. She must have thought I was either very poor or lying to her. All I knew is that I grabbed my bag (which had a small scuff only I could see) from the sales rack and there weren't any more like it. Mwahahaha.
I almost cried when I finally wore out the poor satchel, and the lining ripped and the handles started pulling apart. That's around the time I switched to a colorful, hand-crocheted bag that a cool friend of mine made me. I also remember getting a red Esprit bag around the same time, from my maternal grandmother. Good times.
I have been intensely missing that black satchel from Venture recently, and so I decided I would begin searching for something as similar as possible and take my time to make the right decision. I preferred it be some sort of a brand (Franco Sarto, etc.) but not something that's ubiquitous. It irks me when folks don't mind wearing a "uniform" when something's hot in the fashion industry!
So I started looking about a week and a half ago. I started online because it was easy. I then looked at a local Marshalls/Homegoods. I even looked at independent boutiques in Naperville. I wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for yet, so I wasn't really doing a total military-style search yet.
Then, the skies parted and a beam of sunlight hit a purse as I was at Target yesterday. It was -- like most great things in life -- during an unexpected scamper around.
The Converse One Star Satchel in brown actually looks like a taupe-y gray that I'm obsessed with lately. It was a little pricey at $34.99 plus tax--since Target's making you pay for the honor of purchasing a Converse branded product--but OMG I just fell in love with it at first glance.
This is the perfect satchel for me. It's softer than butter, it's faux so it won't suffer much from abuse, its incredibly lightweight (a major concern since I suffer from shoulder/neck issues), and it has a cell phone pocket that'll fit my iPhone.
I love it when a great find and my wallet get together!..Now, speaking of my wallet, if I could only find it inside my bag, it's got so much room stuff can get lost in there LOL ^^;
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Intersection of Comfort and Work-Appropriate
So I'm reading this hilarious article on the New York Times today, which ponders "Is It O.K. to Wear Yoga Pants to Work?"
Then I stop laughing in my tracks. I guess some folks believe this is perfectly acceptable. Just look at one of the women being discussed in the article, Ms. Greenky Herz. I definitely couldn't take my eyes away from her figure trying to pinpoint ripples and soft spots.
There's tights and leggings, and then there's Yoga pants, people. Seriously. There's a huge difference.
It just comes down to yoga pants being too skin tight of an apparel choice for the workplace. I have been guilty myself, of wearing J Jill's WearEver wide leg pants at work, on occasion. But not without the accompanying guilt. I always feel way more casual than I should when I do don them. So I guess I'm one to talk, right?
But this yoga pants at work thing, it's just another reincarnation of that old sweatpants argument. Why are Americans so comfort-driven (obsessed even) that they lose all dignity and style on their way out the door?
Remember those girls who never take off their flip flops, or more likely these days, their Ugg boots? *shiver*
Why don't we demand more out of apparel designers and textile manufacturers if properly tailored clothes are that uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear? Or why don't we just adjust our attitude and dress up more, like they do in Europe? Why, why, why.
All I know is, I'm going to be more judicious when I chose to wear my J Jill WearEver pants. And...oh, yeah. There's still no way in hell you'll ever catch me in Pink-branded sweats. Or Juicy leisure suits. No siree.
Then I stop laughing in my tracks. I guess some folks believe this is perfectly acceptable. Just look at one of the women being discussed in the article, Ms. Greenky Herz. I definitely couldn't take my eyes away from her figure trying to pinpoint ripples and soft spots.
There's tights and leggings, and then there's Yoga pants, people. Seriously. There's a huge difference.
It just comes down to yoga pants being too skin tight of an apparel choice for the workplace. I have been guilty myself, of wearing J Jill's WearEver wide leg pants at work, on occasion. But not without the accompanying guilt. I always feel way more casual than I should when I do don them. So I guess I'm one to talk, right?
But this yoga pants at work thing, it's just another reincarnation of that old sweatpants argument. Why are Americans so comfort-driven (obsessed even) that they lose all dignity and style on their way out the door?
Remember those girls who never take off their flip flops, or more likely these days, their Ugg boots? *shiver*
Why don't we demand more out of apparel designers and textile manufacturers if properly tailored clothes are that uncomfortable or inconvenient to wear? Or why don't we just adjust our attitude and dress up more, like they do in Europe? Why, why, why.
All I know is, I'm going to be more judicious when I chose to wear my J Jill WearEver pants. And...oh, yeah. There's still no way in hell you'll ever catch me in Pink-branded sweats. Or Juicy leisure suits. No siree.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Find Your Style!
Ever heard of a lookbook? It's a collection of photos pulled together to showcase a model, a photographer, a stylist, or just a "look" or theme. Style lookbooks help you develop a 360 degree view of a style you like or would like to learn.
If you identify with a particular artist or actor/actress--because of skin tone, skin type, hair type, or just because you really love their style--a lookbook based on that person's best looks is a great resource for you to refer back to and copy from.
I don't know about you, but when I want to try a new look--either a new hairstyle, haircut, or makeup trend--I usually try to find images online first, that I can collect and save as reference.
These days, there are many resources we can tap into while searching for material to add or to create your own lookbook(s).
No need to look through dozens of magazines ripping ads and articles out anymore! Guilty. Been there and done that. It's so much easier to bookmark sites and pages, or to copy images and save them on your computer or in a document.
Style Lookbooks
Google's own Boutiques website is a haven, though I've yet to find any lookbooks that are typically "me." Mostly, I go there to see what's trending and avant garde.
Other sources of great looks are sites such as: Fashionista, the Working Wardrobe blog, Speaking of Style blog, and more.
What about your favorite fashion magazine? Or a favorite store? Stores like Ann Taylor and JJill have great "what's hot" and "just in" pages where you can find great outfits already pulled together for you.
Hair Lookbooks
When I want to study hair styles, I always pore through hundreds of photos on Google Images. I used to purchase expensive hairstyle magazines, but no more!
I typically find there's one photo that has the just-right bangs, while another may have the just-right rear view of the hairstyle I want. Printouts of these photos together, usually in a MS Word document, help me communicate my idea/concept to the hairstylist when I'm getting my next hair cut.
Websites such as Aveda's hair style gallery, Bumble and Bumble's style book, and Redken's The Hair Files and Style Gallery have some great hair trends pages that are worth checking out periodically.
Local hair salons also typically have some sort of gallery that showcases their talent's projects and style. Check out Aveda, Redken, or Bumble and Bumble affiliated salons. They're usually best bets for great galleries--and best of all, you may find a great stylist there that you want to try out, not just a great hairstyle or hair cut for your lookbook.
Beauty Lookbooks
For makeup lookbooks, usually Sephora's Beauty Talk or a favorite makeup brand are the best resources.
I check periodically Chanel Makeup Confidential and Clinique's What's New to make sure I'm aware of hot new colors and eyemakeup trends.
YouTube can also be a great resource for application or styling techniques. I became obsessed with various gurus' channels on YouTube in 2007, and I still check out their latest looks and tutorials a couple of times a year.
One of my favorite ways to search is by putting in particular keywords (style, work appropriate, etc.) on Google Blog Search. I've found countless favorite sites this way, that I've added to my Google Reader.
So where are reliable sources of information? Everywhere. Just pick a look or style (or key word!) and explore away.
:o)
If you identify with a particular artist or actor/actress--because of skin tone, skin type, hair type, or just because you really love their style--a lookbook based on that person's best looks is a great resource for you to refer back to and copy from.
I don't know about you, but when I want to try a new look--either a new hairstyle, haircut, or makeup trend--I usually try to find images online first, that I can collect and save as reference.
These days, there are many resources we can tap into while searching for material to add or to create your own lookbook(s).
No need to look through dozens of magazines ripping ads and articles out anymore! Guilty. Been there and done that. It's so much easier to bookmark sites and pages, or to copy images and save them on your computer or in a document.
Style Lookbooks
Google's own Boutiques website is a haven, though I've yet to find any lookbooks that are typically "me." Mostly, I go there to see what's trending and avant garde.
Other sources of great looks are sites such as: Fashionista, the Working Wardrobe blog, Speaking of Style blog, and more.
What about your favorite fashion magazine? Or a favorite store? Stores like Ann Taylor and JJill have great "what's hot" and "just in" pages where you can find great outfits already pulled together for you.
Hair Lookbooks
When I want to study hair styles, I always pore through hundreds of photos on Google Images. I used to purchase expensive hairstyle magazines, but no more!
I typically find there's one photo that has the just-right bangs, while another may have the just-right rear view of the hairstyle I want. Printouts of these photos together, usually in a MS Word document, help me communicate my idea/concept to the hairstylist when I'm getting my next hair cut.
Websites such as Aveda's hair style gallery, Bumble and Bumble's style book, and Redken's The Hair Files and Style Gallery have some great hair trends pages that are worth checking out periodically.
Local hair salons also typically have some sort of gallery that showcases their talent's projects and style. Check out Aveda, Redken, or Bumble and Bumble affiliated salons. They're usually best bets for great galleries--and best of all, you may find a great stylist there that you want to try out, not just a great hairstyle or hair cut for your lookbook.
Beauty Lookbooks
For makeup lookbooks, usually Sephora's Beauty Talk or a favorite makeup brand are the best resources.
I check periodically Chanel Makeup Confidential and Clinique's What's New to make sure I'm aware of hot new colors and eyemakeup trends.
YouTube can also be a great resource for application or styling techniques. I became obsessed with various gurus' channels on YouTube in 2007, and I still check out their latest looks and tutorials a couple of times a year.
One of my favorite ways to search is by putting in particular keywords (style, work appropriate, etc.) on Google Blog Search. I've found countless favorite sites this way, that I've added to my Google Reader.
So where are reliable sources of information? Everywhere. Just pick a look or style (or key word!) and explore away.
:o)
Friday, January 21, 2011
To Dress Well, Shop Like a Man
Well, at least learn from how they shop for their clothes and adapt. That's today's Wall Street Journal's (To Dress Well, a Woman Should Shop Like a Man) advice for women who need good-fitting apparel for work and other commitments. Beware, however, as this stuff's going to be pricey.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
When Stretch Can Only Go So Far
I was reading up on one of my my favorite work fashion and style blogs, when I must admit, I was left open-mouthed at the question they were addressing: weight gain and the professional wardrobe (When Should She Give Up and Buy A Larger Size?).
I really appreciated the open and non-judgemental approach the blogger used in answering the question. She gave very appropriate, short and long term answers. Watch your immediate intake, learn about shapes and cuts that flatter, and work in the little things that can salvage your existing clothes, before purchasing brand new, larger items.
My only problem with recommending Spanx is that I, myself, can't really fit into that type of product. I need to buy a larger size of even the mildest "massaging" pantyhose in order to just fit into it. And then it's torture. I don't believe that Spanx is always a solution, but a slinky, and tummy/butt/thigh-holding type of product can be very, very helpful in these sorts of emergencies. That fact can't be denied. And it's a great opportunity to objectively study and learn about the different types of undergarments available out there. Even if you don't decide to pick some up for yourself at this juncture.
I've been falling for this little stress trap myself, over the past several months. Clothes that were fine on me a month before the holidays had become completely unusable in the new year.
This stressed me out in all sorts of ways. What kind of crap had I been eating? Why did I stop watching my sodium? Why did I say yes to the dessert menu so many times? Why, Why, Why.
I'm not good with possible, hysteria-inducing situations, however, so I resolved to do three things:
I really appreciated the open and non-judgemental approach the blogger used in answering the question. She gave very appropriate, short and long term answers. Watch your immediate intake, learn about shapes and cuts that flatter, and work in the little things that can salvage your existing clothes, before purchasing brand new, larger items.
My only problem with recommending Spanx is that I, myself, can't really fit into that type of product. I need to buy a larger size of even the mildest "massaging" pantyhose in order to just fit into it. And then it's torture. I don't believe that Spanx is always a solution, but a slinky, and tummy/butt/thigh-holding type of product can be very, very helpful in these sorts of emergencies. That fact can't be denied. And it's a great opportunity to objectively study and learn about the different types of undergarments available out there. Even if you don't decide to pick some up for yourself at this juncture.
I've been falling for this little stress trap myself, over the past several months. Clothes that were fine on me a month before the holidays had become completely unusable in the new year.
This stressed me out in all sorts of ways. What kind of crap had I been eating? Why did I stop watching my sodium? Why did I say yes to the dessert menu so many times? Why, Why, Why.
I'm not good with possible, hysteria-inducing situations, however, so I resolved to do three things:
- Purchase larger sized staples, even though going up one more size would leave me plainly in the middle of a limbo when you don't fit regular sizes and neither do you fit into plus sizes.
- Be more watchful of what I ate from that second forward, picking healthier fruits and vegetable options whenever available. Even if it's a side. And skipping the sugary coffee shop stuff, instead opting for loose leaf tea in a world of flavors that I steep myself.
- Also, stretch and walk as much as possible. Everywhere and anytime. Since I'm averse to the treadmill as a daily source of exercise, that's my only hope to stay mobile and flexible. However, I do realize the treadmill is the only, true way to keep healthy, so I have to reconsider it. Or at least my initial stubbornness to it.
I think that the most important thing to do at a time like this is to not lose one's patience, nor get stuck in a downward spiral. Stop it as it's just about to start.
Just look at it like an all-hands on deck emergency. There's no time for exclamation points. There's only possible solutions and suggestions, not added criticism and negativity.
The fact is, weight gain is nothing to be stigmatized--and NOT unusual around the holiday time and as the new year kicks off.
You can have an effect on specific areas that can lead into it, and if it's a medical issue, your regular checkups (make them regular if they're not) with your favorite medic should help rule out and/or treat any serious issues.
Above all, try hard to not be lazy with your mobility and exercise. We are always overworked, overstressed, and over-rat raced...but nothing should come in the way between you and your well-being. Nothing. It's a priority. Who wants to be down? Not us!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Can Companies Tell You How To Look?
According to an article from the WSJ, USB apparently thinks it can. And does!
Their 43-page (yeah, you read that right!) guidelines for staff aim to assure employees dress to impress clients.
"As if taking a cue from style manuals, which often stress the importance of well-cut basic outfits in neutral colors, the bank expects its retail banking staff to wear suits in dark grey, black or navy blue, since these colors 'symbolize competence, formalism and sobriety.'"
You can have a look at the dress code for yourself, here.
Their 43-page (yeah, you read that right!) guidelines for staff aim to assure employees dress to impress clients.
"As if taking a cue from style manuals, which often stress the importance of well-cut basic outfits in neutral colors, the bank expects its retail banking staff to wear suits in dark grey, black or navy blue, since these colors 'symbolize competence, formalism and sobriety.'"
You can have a look at the dress code for yourself, here.
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