Spring/Summer 2012 Trends: Motion in the Ocean!

A huge trend for Spring/Summer 2012 is a futuristic water world. This look started in Paris for fashion week and trickled down to many designers and I am starting to see these looks even in stores. CLICK HERE to read the full article and see photos on my new blog.

Are you too OLD to model?

One of my viewers wrote in to ask if she’s too old to model. She’s over 40. I took some time to record a video to answer her question – WATCH THE VIDEO ON MY NEW BLOG HERE and let me know YOUR thoughts!

WE’VE MOVED THIS BLOG!

Hi ladies!  MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT HERE – we’ve MOVED THIS BLOG to a new address! Please make a note of the new URL:

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We’re working to make it more user-friendly and filled with more content, so PLEASE bookmark the new address in your browsers now:

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If you’re “following” my blog here, please visit the new blog and enter your email in the “Subscribe to my blog” box to keep up to date with my latest posts!

There will not be ANY MORE posts at this current location effective immediately – so be sure to jump over to

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Thank you, and sorry for the inconvenience

Adele… TOO FAT???

So I am not sure if many of you ladies keep up with designer news as much as I do but I came across something that is definitely worth being blogged about! The famous designer Karl Lagerfeld who is known for designing haute couture and the newest line at Macy’s has definitely inserted his foot in his mouth this time. He has always been known for outlandish behavior and cynical comments but this really pissed me off!

He was interviewed by the free Metro Newspaper and he said that Adele is the new hot thing right now, she’s beautiful and has a pretty face but, she is “too fat”.

Now, we all know the fashion industry is nothing short of anorexic and that has not changed much over the years but COME ON! I think the reason I was so shocked upon hearing this is because Karl is one of few designers that is trying to lead a frontier in plus size fashion. This only leads me to think that he is merely doing it for money and no other reasons.

Adele, to me, symbolizes ¾ of women in this world. The size 2 and size 4 population is in short supply. Now I am not saying that it is good to be unhealthy and promote obesity but you should focus on what a person stands for and who they are, not what you THINK they should look like.

The rest of the article goes on to say that many companies and groups of people are lashing out at Lagerfeld and even boycotting his threads! He offered a public apology but then again, don’t they always if it’s going to jeopardize their cash flow?

Adele commented in response and said she is proud of who she is and no one, even of his stature, will change how she views herself.

How to Get Younger Looking Eyes with Makeup

I think that my favorite part of the human body is the eyes. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and I absolutely believe that. If you want to catch someone’s attention, you do it with eye contact. So for this entry I really wanted to focus on applying makeup to the eyes. I think this is a topic that for older women isn’t talked about enough. We see plenty of products and tutorials geared towards the younger generations but I sit back and wonder, what about us? I have experimented and tried many different makeup brands and techniques and I found some that I think will really help women bring out not only natural beauty but also keep your eyes healthy and skin firm.

First let’s think about all of the latest trends out there….

You have the smokey eye, the cat eye, the natural eye, the sunkissed eye, the dramatic eye, yadda yadda yadda.

Jennifer Anniston

These looks are fabulous but the trend in makeup is really shifting towards a healthier, natural look. Now if you are like me you are into more coverage. I love the natural appearance, but I don’t want to feel like I have no makeup on what so ever.  Whatever your preference, you always want to start with a great foundation that is long lasting, you don’t want to get through half the day and have to reapply your makeup. Now that we are focusing on the eyes, you want to use a subtle blush that has a light pink tone to it. Something that shows up but isn’t going to overpower the eyes.

Next, you are going to start on your eyes. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART.

EYEBROWS: Make sure you have waxed, plucked, or trimmed eyebrows to the shape that you want. The eyebrows frame the face so go with a natural arch.

EYE SHADOW: Now you want to pick a very subtle brown shade and place in the crease of your eye. Blend the color in so it starts to fade to a lighter, more natural tone.

EYELINER: Use either a brown or black eyeliner but remember to use lightly.

The most important step in your eyes is the mascara. You want to use lengthening, NOT PLUMPING, mascara. Apply 2-3 coats of mascara and allow each coat to dry halfway before starting a new coat.

Finish off this look with either a nude or soft pink lip and you are natural and fabulous!

How to Wear the Maxi-Dress

So as Spring 2012 quickly approaches, we are seeing more and more skirts and dresses and very flowy, sexy material. I think one of the greatest styles that is really going to hit this Spring is the maxi dress. Now I know most of the models that you see wearing these dresses appear younger, but you can really utilize them for trips you may be taking or even dates you will have!

To dress up the Maxi Dress: you want to look for a simple print maxi dress for this. Nothing too paisley or crazy, something simple. The most popular and effective ones I have seen are the basic color maxi dresses or the striped maxi dresses. Then pair your dress with a structured blazer, wedge shoes or heels, and a statement necklace that compliments (but DOES NOT take away from) the outfit.

To dress down the Maxi Dress: find any maxi dress that you like. This can be a printed maxi, tribal, striped, racer-back, etc. Then add a cute pair of sandals and you can wear this look pretty much anywhere.

What I love about the maxi dress is how effortless it is and how simple it is to create a very fashion-forward look in seconds. Have fun with this look and try all different styles of dresses to see what hits you!

Edward Scissorhands Chic: Studs and Spikes!

This is one of my favorite looks that transitions throughout the year, and you can wear it anytime. The best way I can describe this look is “Edward Scissorhands Chic”. That probably sounds really odd but that’s exactly what inspired this look. The idea of real hardware mixed with black and leather is such an iconic look that a woman at any age can pull it off. Here’s how we do it:

Pick one item that you want to stand out in your outfit. This can be a bracelet or a shoe or even a handbag. Look for styles that have studs or spikes on it that you can really see yourself wearing. Here is a pair of Louboutin heels that have studs all over them that really give any outfit a pop of sexy! With studs and spikes you really do not need to add to many accessories because the studs and spikes take on that role of an accessory.

Here I also wanted to show you a handbag. It is a Burkin Knockoff but I love the spikes on this. This handbag would dress up any look and really stand out as a statement in your wardrobe. Spikes and studs will be around for a while so feel free to INVEST in this look because it will be around for a while!

Remember ladies, be daring! This look is for a CONFIDENT woman so when you wear it, own it!!!!!

The Changing Landscape of Fashion

David Wolfe

So over the years I have really been studying the fashion industry as a whole and what styles will be predominant and stick around and what styles will fade out. I have had the pleasure of hearing David Wolfe, a fashion forecaster from New York, discuss where fashion is headed and I am here to tell you that we are really headed in a great direction. I really think that fashion is going to become very innovative and very AFFORDABLE.

I think these big name designers such as Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Monique Lhuillier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. will be coming out with lower priced lines of clothing or even a store that carries the same lines of clothing at cheaper prices—think outlet mall. We are already seeing a HUGE shift in fashion headed in this direction. Look at Michael Kors who has the MICHAEL by Michael Kors line which is cheaper. Look at Betseyville by Betsey Johnson. Look at Simply Vera by Vera Wang. Fashion is really going to shift in this direction and I think it is going to fit our lifestyles better and really make fashion fun again.

Our lives just aren’t like they used to be. Back in the good ‘ol days we used to go out to fine dining, when’s the last time you really did that? We used to fly and it used to be a real luxury experience, remember the Pan-am days? Our world has just changed so much that we are rushed at everything we do, worrying about how fast can we get from A to B and not really leaving much time for luxury and enjoyment. Back then, we needed luxurious fashion and expensive looks because we really had a different lifestyle - now that has shifted, so I think fashion has to do the same thing. And I think designers, as a whole, really see that need for the shift as well and they are answering that need. All in all fashion is going to take an amazing turn and I really look forward to seeing what comes, even within the next year. Keep a look out ladies!

Wrap THIS around your neck…

STATEMENT NECKLACES

We all have those days when we want to put minimal effort into getting dressed but look like we put forth a lot of effort. Often times we are getting ready for work or going out with friends and running late or taking care of a million things at once and taking 2 hours to get ready like we did when we were teenagers just isn’t ideal anymore.

Well I have the trick to take a simple outfit from “almost there” to “THERE!” Add a statement necklace! Take any simple outfit and put on a large, chunky, bold necklace. Make sure you are complementing the outfit and not overpowering it and keep the colors in the same range.  Here are some examples of how to wear a statement necklace:

Statement necklaces should add to the outfit, not take away from it. Remember, it’s all about bringing life to the outfit!

Menswear – for Women?!

This is my favorite look for Fall and Spring!!!! I know many of you have seen the Menswear looks that are out there right now and you are thinking, “I could never wear that.” Well you can!!! Follow these guidelines and you will be sure to pull off this look!

• It’s all about the lines: When shopping to create this look, make sure you try on everything and pay close attention to the tailoring of the item.  The blazer should have a nice princess cut that accentuates your waist and has broad shoulders to give you the appearance of a slender sillohuette.
• Pants: When shopping for the bottoms to this look, you want to find a high waisted wide leg pant or a straight leg pant.
• Details, ladies: Pairing both the tailored jacket and pants with a stiff collared top will create a gorgeous look that is sure to bring looks. Add a simple necklace and flats or a heel and you will knock em dead ladies!

If you need any more help with this look, Diane Keaton is a fashion icon for the menswear look.