Friday, February 21, 2014

Street Style: What You Can Learn From It

street style
 So many women think that so-called "street style" is only for the young, avant-garde, artsy-looking New Yorkers who are looking to stand out and turn heads on a busy street.  However, street style is interesting because it shows us fresh ways to style our clothing, not replicate a complete look.
If you look at the street style photos on this page, you will find that there is a fashion tip, or fashion lesson in each one of them, sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle.
For instance, the photo above may not look particularly daring, but note the way her scarf is tied (perfect!), the way the 3/4 length sleeved coat works in colder temperatures when paired with a heavy sweater, and ow that bright pink cheers up an otherwise somber outfit.  In fact, if nothing else, street style photos can convince you that a pop of bright color that is not necessarily found already in your outfit will make a real difference in its fashion quotient. Below, just jeans, but that bright red mini-bag and bright red nail polish makes a huge difference.
street style
 Below, if you are over 40, lose those too short wide pants and opt for black pants that are straight-legged or skinny. Keep the cream layered on top and add a wonderful fringed shawl in a print on a cream background. Perfectly elegant. Skip those shoes, too.
street fashion
 The power of color really shows on a rainy day.  There ought to be a law that umbrellas can only be made in the brightest colors possible.
street style
 Below, forget the outfit on the left with the weird ripped-hem peplum (or whatever that is) and look at the classic outfit on the right.  When is the last time you wore a simple white shirt with jeans and then put a great red coat or blazer over them? So fresh looking!
street style
 This look will work for anyone over 40; layer the tops, grey over bright (hot pink would look good), skinny jeans, and instead of boots with sky-high heels, go for flat boots and still tuck in your jeans.  Lose the white purse; try one in another bright color.
street fashion
 Below, a wonderful look for almost anyone.  Black shoes and tights lengthen your legs forever.  A skirt a bit longer (if you aren't in love with your thighs) would work just as well. The lady-like bag gives the whole outfit a polished look even though it's just a sweater over a skirt!
fashion tips

fashion tips
 Above, the lesson here is mixing navy blue with sky blue and black.  Try this look with a longer skirt, tights and medium heeled black pumps. Gorgeous.
Below, the pink coat is beautiful; the color-blocked bag updates the classic outfit.
street style

fashion tips
 Above, the lesson: black jeans with a black jacket, black boots, black bag and a light shirt or sweater. Make sure your black jeans have no holes if you are over 40.  
Below, a bright jacket over all-black is gorgeous! Make those shorts a pencil skirt or a pair of black jeans and you have a winner. If you are over 40, use self-tanner on your bare legs or wear a pair of thin tights and forego the peep-toes (which usually aren't very comfortable anyway).

street style

Street style is exciting, eccentric, and fun! Add those qualities to your own wardrobe by studying the latest photos. Two great street style blogs are Streetpeeper and also Caroline's Mode.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Aging Gracefully

Pictures of me today! Why? Because at age 62, I have been trying for the first time all the creams and serums that so many people swear by.  While I don't think that any of these will keep me from aging, I am hoping that they will give me soft, smooth skin and help me age, well, gracefully.  Plus, I am having a ball trying different things!  A funny switch for someone who until the age of 59+ used only Purpose soap and Aveeno lotion on her face!
   Now, my routine has changed. No more sleeping in make-up (my huge vice - I'm so often lazy); if I don't shower before I go to bed (with my Purpose soap), I use either Neutrogena facial wipes (it takes me 2 to clean my face, then I splash with lukewarm water) or Estee Lauder's Re-Nutriv cleanser (always splashing water afterward).
   Currently, at night I am using a firming serum called Acure Organics Seriously Firming Facial Serum; afterward I apply L'Oreal's Revitalift (a drugstore, yes, drugstore purchase!).
   In the morning, I may experiment with some sort of serum, but usually I just use Estee Lauder's Daywear. It's very moisturizing, has a sunscreen, and I love the cucumber scent.  When I remember, I may use their foundation primer, but usually I just use Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Creme make-up. It  has an SPF 15 rating so I am doubling up on the sunscreen. If I do decide to go sans foundation, I always put a sunscreen on!


   I've been very happy with the results, best seen in the first picture: no retouching, no photo-shopping. I don't know how firm my skin is, but it is certainly smooth and soft!
By the way, my skin is extremely sensitive, but so far nothing has caused a break-out during experimentation except for Lauder's Swiss Performing Extract. 
   Next experiments will be with lash enhancers!

Saturday, February 01, 2014

What To Buy Now

Ahh, January, one of the coldest months of the year (in many places in the US, certainly here in the Washington, D.C. area) when our thoughts turn to self-improvement although grey days cast a dismal light over complexions and wardrobes. But cheer up! This is a great time to go shopping, in stores and online.
One thing we can do is think ahead to next year's winter and search out good quality merchandise at low, low prices now, and also find pretty accents to cheer up our current wardrobe.
What to buy now?

Something in Orchid, this year's newest color.
 Your best bet is a purse! But even small doses of this pretty color will update your wardrobe. Try a cashmere scarf or orchid leather gloves for a great pop of color during these cold, grey days.  Orchid will add a feminine touch to anything!
 
A winter coat that you will wear for years.  
 Most stores are having sales with prices slashed to ridiculous lows. You may not find your dream coat, but it is worth a look. Best bets are cashmere and camel hair in camel or black although a bright red or crisp navy would be great, too.



Great equestrian style boots. 
There's still plenty of time to wear them this year and you may be able to score a pair on sale.  Look for flat boots with buckles or a two-toned leather so that they are chic and extremely wearable.


Shopping in February not only gives you a chance to find some great deals, but you can also scout the early Spring arrivals and decide what is going to be worth adding to your basic wardrobe in the coming season.