-
Accessorizing
You asked so I’m answering! Accessorizing your look can really bring it to another level. You know when you see in magazine’s those “Who Wore It Best” comparisons…? Accessories – without over doing it – are usually the deciding factor. Previous Next Jewelry Adding interesting jewelry pieces to your outfit is a fun way to kick it up a notch! And it can be very affordable. Personally, I like costume jewelry, especially statement earrings, but I also have pretty, dainty pieces. Depends on the outfit – and my mood! Coco Chanel said that once you’re dressed, to look in the mirror and remove one piece of jewelry. While Madame Chanel…
-
Decade in Review
Hi Fashion Friends! I decided that in addition to setting goals for 2020+, I would reflect on the last decade of my life. Long time, 10 years… 2010 The decade started off with new adventures. I changed jobs in November 2010. I left the accounting firm after 5 years filled with lots of learning but a heck of a lot of hours and too much travel (I was on a plane almost every week for most of 2010 – it was overwhelming). That summer my younger sister got married… a little bittersweet for me. Of course, I was happy for her but I was also thinking about not…
-
Underwear & Shapewear
This is an area of wardrobe that is often neglected. I’m guilty of it too. So in 2018, I made the conscious decision to improve my under garment collection. Like outerwear, underwear needs to be functional as well as fashionable (even if only few people see it). Panties Thong: I would venture to say essential. There are few things I dislike more than panty lines especially with pants. I wear thongs with pretty much everything, except maybe flowy skirts & dresses in the summer (just in case there’s a gust of wind – you don’t want to have a Marilyn moment). Full back: For the ladies who don’t like thongs,…
-
Skin Care
In my mid-20s I decided that I needed to start a skin care routine in order to fend off crows’ feet and forehead lines. Because Botox is expensive – and yes, I’ve had a limited amount of Botox a few times in the past couple of years. I’m Italian so I’m expressive with my face (and my hands) More on this later. Before I get into it, I would like to point out that genetics also plays a key role here. I’m no expert in the matter but I’m observant. Cindy Crawford hasn’t aged in 30 years! Why? Certainly her skin care line has a lot to do with it,…
-
Body Image
Body Image Pretty much every woman – and even some men – I know struggles with their body image. By this I mean having a positive body image. Women (and men) of all shapes and sizes, even those who are fit or thin as defined by societal “norms”, deal with body positivity. And I am certainly no different. I have mostly positive days, but those rough days drop in from time to time. You know which ones I mean? Those “I feel fat and nothing in my closet looks good on me and I’m never going out again” days… This is especially difficult in the digital age where we are…
-
Shoe Care
Shoe Care Previous Next Shoes are a topic on which I am well versed. Afterall I have 100+ pairs, some of which I have had for many many years and are still in good shape. Why? Because I take care of my shoes – something I learned from my mother. My shoes range in cost and brand from $40 to $300 (most of them ~$150 or so). Regardless, I maintain them all equally. I live in a climate that changes considerably with the seasons, which can wreak havoc on shoes – rain, snow, salt stains, etc. So here are a few tips in keeping your shoes looking like new.…
-
Garment Care
Garment Care & Maintenance Washing, Drying & Ironing Like prescription drugs, always read and follow the label. More than once I have ruined a garment by not following the washing instructions correctly, and one time I ruined a white t-shirt by accidently washing it with colours that were not colour-fast (see Definitions). I had to replace the t-shirt – thank goodness it wasn’t pricey. Beware of reds! Not every garment of the same fabric has the same care instructions. Usually silk – a natural fibre – is dry clean only, but many brands now make washable silk. On the opposite side, polyester, which is a man-made material, is usually wash…
-
Outer Wear
Outer Wear Outerwear is not only intended to keep you warm. I mean, yes that’s the primary purpose but it can be fashionable as well as functional. Remember that sequence in The Devil Wears Prada when Miranda tosses fabulous coat after fabulous coat on Andrea’s desk as she walks in every morning? I mean HELLO! Outerwear is an important part of the wardrobe. At the start of 2018, I decided I needed to upgrade my outerwear wardrobe and so I did. I have accumulated a few coats and jackets now, including items for transitioning between seasons. I have included some colour here too. Take note: they don’t all have to…
-
Online Shopping
Online Shopping So we have all become familiar with online shopping, right? Over the past number of years, this has become a very popular way to shop, especially with millennials and Gen Z. And the trend will only continue. Will shopping malls and outdoor shopping centres continue to exist? Yes of course, at least for the foreseeable future, but store sizes will certainly be reduced (something we’ve already started to see). I don’t shop online as often as I used to during my heavier days, mostly for lack of stylish options in stores for plus sizes that didn’t also break the bank. Now, however, I would say the majority of…
-
Holiday Gift Guide
Yep it’s that time of year again! Most wonderful? Depends who you ask. Personally, I think it all starts too soon. I mean, holiday cups at the coffee shops on November 1st – really?! What’s the rush…? Already the malls are getting crazy! Anyway, I’ve gone on a tangent. Back to the matter at hand. How to get through the season without blowing up your credit card? Are there certain people you’re going to splurge on? Yes, sure. For me, it’s my niece and nephews. But otherwise I try to stick to a budget of $50-$100 per person. My friends and family agree on a limit in advance. Personally, I…