Warm Weather Violations

So for the past couple of days we have been experiencing some really stunning, outrageously beautiful days in the DMV.  Not officially out of the winter season (which was a little milder than expected), it goes without saying that the warmth is more than welcome.  It also goes without saying that because the weather has been unseasonably warm, many unscrupulous individuals have had the audacity to walk out their homes wearing questionable attire and have committed various heinous beauty acts which are in extreme violation of what is sound and reasonable.  Following is a list of my top three pet peeves and if you fall into one of these categories, it’s ok.  Just be mindful and make some changes.

Crocadile feet.  Yes I said crocodile feet.  Jagged toe nails that haven’t seen a file, emory board or jack hammer in forever. Crusty (crust + rust = crusty) feet that haven’t seen a pumice stone or lotion in who knows how long.  Chipped toenail polish – is it on or off?  Make a decision.  Please care for yourself enough to care for your feet – go get yourself a pedicure or do one at home.

Ill fitting shoes.  Just in case you didn’t know, your shoes should actually fit.  Your toes should not hang off the front of your open toe shoe/sandal, looking like bird claws on a perch nor should your big heel hang off the back of your shoe like a car hanging off a cliff in a movie.  It is also not acceptable to wear shoes that you have to tip in (yes tip).  You have seen her before (or maybe it’s you).  She is wearing a great outfit and really nice shoes that she can’t walk gracefully in.  Instead she looks like she is taking shorter, stifled steps, perhaps like she is walking a tightrope because her feet are balled up like fists inside of a shoe that doesn’t fit.  Just because the shoe is cute doesn’t mean it will work for you.  Go shopping in the latter part of the day when your foot is a little bigger and you can get a more accurate fit for your foot.  Also when we are older we pretty much know what our shoe size is but our feet do change over time and it is a good idea to have someone measure your foot. This way you won’t have to be a tipper.

Kymaro Body Shaper Kymaro.com

Ill fitting undergarments or lack thereof.  With warm weather people tend to wear more sheer fabrics.  Nothing wrong with that per se but please make sure you have (and actually wear) a slip and/or tank top with your outfits.  No one needs to see your private parts while you are picking up eggs at the grocery store.  And please, to the more – let’s just say voluptuous folk out there,  body shapers are your friend.

Rosie Perez Working It (Trendy Elegance)

I had the opportunity this morning on my day “off” to catch up on the Wendy Williams Show (i believe this show was a repeat but anywho) and to my delight, Rosie Perez was on the show.  After all these years, she looks absolutely amazing. She rocked long full loose chocolate brown waves that framed her beautiful face, and a clean, fresh barely there makeup look.  I especially liked the red deep v-neck dress paired with nude platform pumps that she wore which complemented her small yet buxom (yes I said buxom) frame.  Overall, what I love most is that, in the words of WW, Rosie is a woman of a particular age and she working it, giving some of these young girls a run for their money.  No shrinking violet here.  Get it Rosie!!!!!

Trendy Elegance by khasin featuring mixed metal jewelry

Hervé Léger body con dress
€998 - jades24.com

Miu Miu platform pumps
$645 - net-a-porter.com

BCBGeneration mixed metal jewelry
$65 - macys.com

What Im Loving: Cole Haan and More

What Im Loving

Had a chance the other day to take a stroll to some of my favorite stores to check out what was hot, exciting and enticing…

Cole Haan - Air Franklin Wing Tip Oxford $178

Oh how I love a well groomed man who wears nice shoes.  I love the unexpected color combination for what I consider to be an otherwise conservative shoe.  With a little imagination, these shoes are still very versatile. Worn with a multitude of items such as jeans, chinos, or suit/tie, these shoes add that unexpected flair, class and sophistication to what can be a boring outfit.

Anthropologie Leighton Tuxedo Jacket $288

I absolutely love women’s apparel that is inspired by menswear because it balances some of that nauseating silly frilliness that is sometimes found in women’s apparel.  I like a little edge and snarl to what I wear and this jacket does just that – enough femininity to remind you that I am a woman (soft, delicate) with a little kick a$$ toughness = super sexy.  Pair with a silky little camisole (maybe with a little sparkle) and a pencil skirt, cigarette pants or jeans and be on your way.

Bloomingdales -Borghese Fango Mineral Enriched Active Mud for Face and Body $66

I remember my mum using this when I was a little girl.  Once a week she would apply this mud to her face and body and let it sit.    I thought she was weird.  Well now Im grown and have discovered the benefits she enjoyed when she used this product.  Used once a week, the active mud which is sourced from Tuscany’s volcanic hills, detoxifies, tightens pores and energizes the skin.  Excellent for oily skin.  Who’s weird now?

White House/Black Market - Crepe Pant $98

I usually don’t wear a lot of color but these pants caught my eye.  I love the lightweight feel of these pants which button up on the side as well as the bright splash of color (tomato red) for the spring/summer.

BCBG - Elite Sport Watch $195

Umm I will take one of everything that BCBG has to offer.  But anyway about this super cute watch (and I’m not into watches) I love the rich colors this watch comes in.  With a rubber link bracelet and a rhinestone pave dial, this time piece is sure to dazzle.  I wouldn’t even wait for people to ask me what time it is.  I would just offer the time to people so I can have an excuse to look at the watch.

Stay tuned for more of what Im loving…

Beauty and Fashion Survival Kit

If you are anything like me, you carry a large purse (super cute of course) with everything in it – I mean EVERYTHING:  a book, a magazine, makeup, snacks, defibrillator, wallet, (only kidding about that defibrillator).  In addition to that, I like to carry other personal items such as deodorant, oral care, etc.  and, of course,  I want a really cute way to carry all of those items.  Well check out one of the best inventions ever called MINIMERGENCY KIT FOR HER by Ms. & Mrs.  This cute little pouch (measuring 3.5″x 2″ x 2″) holds the tiniest of personal care/fashion/beauty emergency products for on the go.  Available in a variety of colors, the pouch holds items such as  nail polish, double sided tape, mouthwash, earring backs, tampon, etc.  It’s perfect to keep in your purse, glove compartment, or desk.  Also available are kits for him, special occassions such as weddings, and for school.  Kits start at $12.  Available at Sephora as well as sephora.com and msandmrs.com

 

 

Multitasking Trench Coat

Ok so I was reading my latest issue of “O” and came across the most fabulous trench coat I have ever seen.  Anyone who knows me know that not only am I a DIYer, but  i am also a multitasker and I love items that multitask and can be used in different ways – everything – from jewelry to makeup and clothing.  Anywho…imagine my excitement when I came across this Tommy Hilfiger trench coat ($160)  (Macy’s: 800-622-9748) which can be worn not only as a trenchcoat but can also be worn as  a dress and a  bolero jacket.

Talk about getting the biggest bang for your buck!!!!

*please note that I was not able to find this trench coat on Tommy Hilfiger’s website and that two of the comments on oprah.com said that they also called the Macy’s number and they couldnt find it either so keep trying.*

DC Fashion’s Night Out

last night  M Street in Georgetown DC was abuzz with gorgeous people, music, live performances and food to say the least.  Georgetown, DC, which has joined the ranks of fashion hubs such as New York and London,  participated as regional host in an event called DC Fashion’s Night Out.  unlike some of the fashion events that are going on around the country where you need to know someone or be in the industry to participate, fashion night out was free so any and everyone could enjoy an evening in one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in DC.   DC’s Fashion Night Out was presented by the Georgetown Business Improvement District along with the 2010 Fashion’s Night Out Host Committee which included some of the most saavy stylists and media professionals in the industry:

Mary Amons – Labels for Love

Jennifer Barger – The Washington Post

Annie Lou Bayly – Daily Candy

Rachel Cothran – Project Beltway

Jeff Dufour – UrbanDaddy

Lynda Erkiletian – T.H.E. Artist Agency

Kelly Collis Fredrick – CityShopGirl

Angie Goff – WUSA-9 TV

Lana Orloff – Washington Life Magazine

Janice Wallace – The Capitol Fashionista

Paul Wharton – Evolution Look

from 6-11 pm, fashionistas were able to enjoy giveaways, fashion and trunk shows, delicious free treats from world renown Georgetown Cupcake, complementary vitaminwater zero at Dean & Deluca, free pedicab rides so you wouldn’t have to hobble around the streets of Georgetown in your stilettos, and OVO by Cirque Du Soleil’s bug dance squad which taught and performed the OVO bug dance throughout the evening.

what is even nicer is that in addition to shopping  and having fun, everyone had the opportunity to give back.  participating merchants and retailers sold totebags with the Georgetown DC Fashion’s Night Out logo for $10 and the proceeds went to Labels of Love which is a local DC based charity that raises funds and brings awareness to women’s and children’s charities.

and now, some of my favorites…

the bangle bar at Cusp

stylists of Betsey Johnson in their cute hot pink car

live models at Sangaree

just wondering

i have been trying to figure out when it became acceptable to

• wear skirts and dresses so short that your secret place is almost exposed.  i thought private parts were just that – private.  i was at work one day and i had to tell a client who was bending down exposing everything that she needed to stand up because she was offending everyone, including myself.  you know what she says to me? “oh that happens all the time.”  im thinking if it happens so much, maybe you should reconsider what you are wearing.
• wear pants/jeans sagging, exposing color coordinated boxers.  even worse to walk in such a way while wearing your sagging jeans to hold them up.  i mean these fools have perfected that slow dip walk to prevent their pants from completely falling off.  come on.  this pant sagging trend started in prison because inmates were not allowed to wear belts with their prison uniforms because the belt would enable them to hang themselves, other inmates, or use as weapons.  why would anyone want to emulate such a thing?  and why should a law be passed to tell your foolish behind to keep your pants pulled up? oh and dont let me start on sagging skinny jeans!
• to wear sunglasses and hats indoors.  there was a time (back when we had more manners) that when you entered a building you would take off your hat.  it was a sign of respect.  now not only is it hats it’s sunglasses as well.
• to walk into a store/transact business while checking out on a cell phone
• to not wear the proper undergarments under your clothing.  ladies come on.  you need to make sure you are wearing the right type of bra for your outfit and the size of your bust.  i know it can be hard for those that have fuller bust lines – you want to wear the cute little halter tops, strapless tops and whatever else is out there that isnt big bust friendly.  dont push you luck.  minimal cleavage is acceptable in certain settings (not while looking for a job but i will talk about that later) but your areola is showing.  thongs should not be seen peeking out of your pants, skirts, etc.  and when you bend down, even if it is at your knees, you need to ensure that you are not flashing everyone.  crack kills.  visible panty lines are never acceptable.  they make seamless panties, thongs, etc.  and do you remember slips?  they go under your skirts.  and for those of you with big thighs and large posteriors, you need to invest in some undergarments with some built in control like spanx.  you might think it’s attractive to have all your stuff jingling all over the place but actually it isnt.  and just because something comes in your size doesnt mean you should be wearing it. just thought i would throw that out there as well.

im just saying