Designer Sunglasses!

As you should wear sunglasses all year round, it is that wonderful time of year when sunglasses are a must! They are such a fun accessory! I personally don't tend to gravitate to cheap things! I definitely think there is a huge benefit to a good pair of sunglasses! I know they can get pretty pricey, so I suggest doing a little research or waiting for that special pair to pop up at a local discount store. Something worth doing, is going to your local designer shop, finding the pair that you like, and searching for the discounted version online. While a great pair of sunglasses is sure to turn heads, you don't have to spend $400 on the absolute latest pair. They just need to look great on you and be very comfortable on your face!

Here is a list of some things to keep in mind to know that you are choosing a great shape for your face and skin color. 

First of all make sure you know your face shape: 

• Diamond-shaped faces: rimless frames, frames with distinctive brow-lines, or oval frames

• Square faces: softer edged frames; round, oval, even cat-eyed, also thinner frames

• Triangle shaped face: colorful frames or cat eye sunglasses, also frames with straight top lines

• Inverted triangle shaped face: rimless frames, light colors and materials

• Oblong face: frames that are as wide or wider than the broadest part of the face

• Round faces: rectangular or squarish frames, thicker frames

• Oval faces: most frames will look good, but especially square and wrap-around

God blessed me with an oval face so I get to have tons of fun with all shaped spectacles!

Now, onto skin color, pay close attention to your skin tone and hair color and check and see if you have warm undertones or cool. 

Cool skin tones and hair colors - pink or blue undertones-Blond, blue-black, white, and light brown hair

Cool tones look best in black, rosy brown, plum, magenta, blue, and darker tortoise shade frames.

Warm skin tones and hair colors-yellow cast - golden blond, flat black, brown-gold, red, and gray are cool.Warm colored people look best in frames that come in camel, khaki, gold, copper, peach, off-white, or bright red. 

I have selected Oliver Peoples shades only because I believe they are the best of the best as far as Designer shades go. I know this because I attended a conference about the brand while working at NM and they stole my heart! I love how they scientifically care about each lens and put more time into the science and functionality over producing a highly visible logo. They want to be known for the perfect product rather than simply the logo. So, here's my shout to the brand and amazing shades they make! 

I wish you all happy sunglass shopping and fun in the sun!

Expensive Clothes

I realize that I sometimes post about Coutre Designer clothing that can be sinfully expensive. I usually don't purchase clothing that pricey on a regular basis. I found myself perusing on Amazon not too long ago and as I searched, I felt myself asking the question "Why are clothes so expensive?" If you think about the average price of a shirt, lets use a men's shirt like the one shown below, for example.

Does this shirt look like it should be $40 shirt!? I don't think so, its just your average shirt. I think an average shirt should be $20. I mean, there is NO WAY it cost even close to $40 to make this item! This isn't even a huge brand name, who has ever heard of Company 81??

Even the white version looks slightly see through, if I paid $40 for a shirt I would want it to be flawless!

I mean, when you take into account most average incomes and average bills, $40 is a lot of money! You can buy a piece of furniture from Ikea for that much! Seriously, why are clothes so expensive? Is it because we will pay it? It is obviously, one of the basic human needs, but most of us have enough clothes to clothe an entire community of people!

So, what do we do about this problem? Shop at discount stores, wait for sales to come around, shop at consignment shops? 

There is my rant, it is not so often, I bring up clothes in a negative sense, but every once in a while, it has to be done! 

true beauty

I know I post many posts with beauty tips, fashion finds, and the latest trends. Once in a while I like to take  a step back and draw the focus to what true beauty is.

True beauty, is not really in the make up on your face or about that new great pair of denim. It is about the heart.

When I think of a beautiful woman I think of my best friend, Jenn. She is created masterfully on the outside, yes. But what makes her radiate is the beauty that shines through from her character. She is humble and so patient, easy going. She is not envious and is one of those types of people that is truly happy for good things happening to others, with no thought of herself. She doesn't compare herself to others. She showers compliments on others freely and points out the positives. She is hopeful. She is a hard worker and does not easily give up. She is happy! and laughs a lot! She is a dedicated mother and friend and wife. She is a cheerleader for everyone she knows.

She is my best friend and I can't wait to celebrate her 30th birthday this weekend!

Marc by Marc Jacobs

After my recent shopping trip in Dallas, and my personal experience at Nordstrom, its my current obsession! They have got great brands and even affordable items! As I came home to peruse the website, of course, my first stop was Marc. Here are my top coveted items and what my vision for each work of beauty is. 

Love this messenger style bag! Its so different from the handbags I tend to go for. It is nice and structured. Its got the best of both worlds as far as color goes, got lots of neutrals and a pop of color. Its nice a roomy, just a must have!!

This cuff is stunning! With all the color that is out right now, a nice subtle color like this is great to balance out the brights. I see it paired with a neon yellow, pink or salmon. 

This turnlock gold bracelet is a must have for me! It will pair perfectly with my new Michele watch!

Who doesn't love this new peplum comeback! Oh the good ol' times when women wore peplum dresses in the fifties and those full feminine silhouettes in their heels, in the kitchen or while vacuuming!  This skirt is a wow factor, both the color and the cut. For me, it screams "Grad Student", therefore I must have it!

Speaking of feminine, this one is quite the opposite. But isn't this just an unforgettable piece! I love it paired with this orange color below. It helps to lighten the look and it feels very whimsy. 

I tend to stay away from this neutral tone close to my face, since I have fair skin. But since this is an overcoat, it will work! It seems to be comfortable and great to sharpen your look! 

Rules for Shopping

I must confess, I have done an insane amount of shopping in the past two weeks, mostly due to my daring sister in law, whom I love dearly! During these long day adventures I have mentally made a list of shopping rules to keep in mind.

1. Bring a water bottle! - Its much better than getting an iced beverage because the water bottle can easily slide in your purse and leave you a free hand.

2. Make sure you wear shoes and clothes that you can easily slip on and off for easy trying on.

3. Always ask for a shopping bag to carry around your jacket or sweater, also to reduce carrying around something in your hand. I learned this from the traumatizing experience where I set down my Elie Tahari jacket in H&M (of all crazy stores!) and walked off without it! After mourning it and grieving for two hours, my brother found it on the second floor! Hallelujah! 

4. Make sure you know how much  money you have in the bank! Or know your credit card limit.

5. One thing I always do is make a "mission list" before shopping so I know what my top priorities are. For example, flats, jeans, cardigan, etc.

6. Use a shoulder bag, not a clutch!

7. Make a special place for receipts in your wallet or bags in case you have returns.

8. Remember where you parked, so you're not walking back to your car exhausted and get lost!

9. Pace yourself, always stop for a lunch break.

10. Sign up ahead of time for emails, discounts, or facebook promos, so you know about the sales.

11. Remember to bring and take advantage of coupons you have accumulated.

12. Make sure you are with people that will give you real and honest feedback!

13. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!! That's what its all about!

The art of color blocking

A hot Spring trend for 2012 is Color blocking! I'm dying for it! Who doesn't feel great wearing bold bright colors from head to toe! Its what the sunshine is all about! I have had a couple friends ask me about it and exactly how to make it work. Its hard to look at the runway models and then stare at your closet and know how it translates. Here is my suggestion....lets go back to the basics of art and color.

Take the above color wheel. Color families, would be colors that are next to each other on the wheel. Complimentary colors are opposite to each other on the wheel. There are a few ways to do color blocking. You can start very basic, with a bright color and a neutral. 

You can also color block with two colors. Either monochromatically or color families such as pink and red or violet and pink. Or also, complimentary colors such as orange and blue. 

If you want to do three colors stick to two in a color family and one compliment. Or three compliments. 

Overall, just have fun! Remember accessories are key! If you're wearing color from head to toe, keep accessories neutral. Try to keep a good balance. Color blocking is easy to do with what you have in your closet, but if you want to go out and buy new pieces just have fun with it, be bold and go bright! You can't really go too wrong unless you're wearing Christmas colors. 

skimp or splurge on beauty products

Seeing as how the Neiman Marcus beauty event is going on right now and I dropped about $200 on product! Before you freak out, let me remind you that I received this free tote full of free goodies and the below Bobbi Brown free gift! I'm thrilled with all my purchases. But it lead me to make this post. 

I have been buying beauty products for years and have tried 'em all! I know I can't ALWAYS afford the best of the best. So I like to balance out the quality. Here is a list of items you can skimp on and items you might want to splurge on.

SPLURGE:

• Moisturizer! It can make or break your skin.
• Bronzer--you do not want to look orange!
• Hair Spray and other styling products
• Concealer- this is a problem area for me, so thats why I splurge on it.
• Foundation- get the good stuff!But even more importantly, buy the right shade. So that means going to a make up counter and getting a consultation. 
• Nail Polish!
• Make up brushes and applicators.

SKIMP: 

• Shampoo and Conditioner-better yet use a leave in conditioner. And train your hair to be washed every other day...but thats another post! 
• Face wash. wash is wash, just keep it clean! And use the right kind for your skin type (oily/normal or dry)
• Eye lash curler
• Blush-Don't go too dark.
• Mascara
• Hair dye- do it yourself! Unless you're going for an unnatural look. You'll save loads of money! And always make sure to use the color treated shampoo. 

Well, here is just a few for you to think about. Let me know if you have any questions.