Feel Good Beauty

Here is the next challenge for the Lucky Magazine Lifestyle Editor. It's all about my go-to beauty and how to go "Glam"

http://contribute.luckymag.com/blog/my_go_to_beauty-134/feel_good_beauty-372

VOTE for me...please!!





I like to feel good walking out the door, but function usually prevails since I’m more in my going Mom phase than going glam phase of my life. I do jump at the chance to get back into a cute dress and heels, or wear drippy earrings without the fear of them disappearing and ending up in Barbie’s hair. By accepting what I have (Ahh yes, imperfect skin and stick straight hair that does almost nothing I ask it to!) I’m determined to highlight what works and constantly dig around for confidence to wear what I want. It’s an everyday challenge but it goes like this:

Start With a Good Morning Routine

Great facial cleanser (something that smells just perfect), always sunscreen (making up for lost time on this one), a good tinted moisturizer or mineral powder (I’m usually on team tinted moisturizer but either one wins). Add some blush and the best mascara I can buy. I finish with simple tinted chapstick or shiny lip stain in some kind of cute container that I carry with me. For some reason those cutesey containers make me happy, and I’m never without.

I Have “Safe Hair”

Having long hair, I just do the long hair – change my part - thing, and often end up with a somehow-it-works mess or low pony tail by the afternoon. About twice a year, usually seasonal, I have a hair crisis and threaten to go drastic. I don’t, and go back to my fresh cut version of layered “safe hair” and convince myself it’s better this way. I usually leave the house in jeans and a flowy top or layered t’s, a dress and flats, or gym clothes that guarantee a faster mile. When I’m craving change I spring for new shoes, change the polish, pick up a new lip stain, or my fave, try a new scent.

Let’s Redefine “Glam”

So how do we go “glam” from here? When I hear the word “glam” I picture my Grandmother who wouldn’t dare leave the house (day or night) without red lipstick or perfectly styled jet black hair. But “Glam” is owned by a new generation that has changed those rules and redefined style, thank-you-very-much. Glam can be your favorite jeans with a knockout top and new shoes that give you a sweet new hop in your step, simple yet glow-y makeup perfectly highlighting your best features, or simply letting your hair down. “Glam” is an individual, and stylish state of mind.

Let’s Do This!

Whether it’s a last minute dinner date or special event, here is a few easy ways to change it up: take the eyes a bit darker (nothing too drastic, just highlighting a little more), Fresh bronzer or blush (I love these makeup sisters!), punchy lip color or shiny stain, and always a few shoe options with great accessories to change up an outfit. Find great basics that you can build on, like a couple of simple dress shapes that love your figure, great stash of good fitting denim, and a few dressy, swing-y tops. From there you add layers or a jacket, killer earrings, and grab a clutch that works with just about anything. Going “glam” does not have to involve red lipstick or perfectly done hair (and if you happen to be a member of the red lipstick club, seriously, my hat is off to you!) Your “Glam” is the sleek and stylish version of you. Highlight what you have, devour those fashion magazines until you get it down and own that confidence you find in your own “Glam”.

Thank you TOMS

FINALLY! These ultra cool TOMS shoes have surfaced in a palatable mix of relaxed wedge, and chic-ness (maybe), yes...I said TOMS. I refused to wear the TOMS canvas slip ons. There I said it. I know he's this ultra cool designer/philanthropist, but seriously? Just so not me. I couldn't stomach those throwback canvas kicks, the modern version of my 5th grade Keds. Nope. Not me. But these. Me like:These I can do. I'm all about this retro nod and camel colored cord success! They scream fall here in the south because we are not feelin' the super cold weather anytime soon. Good news! The cords come in two other colors: black and mustard (So which color did you pick?!?)
Here are some more...wow these are great!

Romper Room

I confess, I have made fun of the romper and purposely avoided her for...ummmm...since probably 1st grade. I would NEVER entertain the thought of this entire piece of fabric continuously on me like a grown up onesie. Ever. But for some reason, I have come around - maybe it's this new fancy town. I've considered, stopped to look at them, imagined myself in the bathroom pulling the entire thing down to my ankles just to go, and yeah even with all that doubt, I have officially bought one. Thanks to JPaige here in Savannah on the island, I managed to find my soulmate in the form of one continuous piece of fabric. Something about this thing made me stop. I rarely do prints either. What happened? So I tried it on and didn't want to take it off. Ohhh so many ideas for accessories ran through me, and shoes! Did I mention shoes?? Enough of my dressing room drama.
If you are looking for a romper, this is where to start. Charlie Jade does it right. They take this amazing shape and give you some great solids and ultra flattering prints. I'm upset with myself for not getting the black one now.
And if you are staring at some super hot weather and need something super fab. Go for this one...

Fallin' for Jeans Right Now

It's August and probably around 104 degrees and darn! if I don't get the itch for some new jeans and find myself staring and serious boot contenders. Am I the only one that chemically changes when I hear the word "August" into fall-ish behavior even though it's too hot outside to be wearing anything? Either way, I'm on the hunt. I know where my jeans left off last year and I'm on the lookout for 2 things:

(1) Good Dark skinnys tapered perfectly for boots, you know the good ones you regret not buying a second pair of annnnnnd
(2) Loosey, slouchy but fit jeans I can roll up and wear just about anything with

I think I may have found my match in a few of these at Loft with a great price point. Now for finding time to try them on...really?
Here are some more:

These just scream meeeeeee! Thank You Lucky Brand Jeans!

Splurge on these. AG is a great fit...

And now my favorite brand of jeans (and have been for years!) JAMES jeans. I swear they are magic! You will not be disappointed with these works of art.

Happy Jean Shopping!

From Here On Down

I switched back to blogger, so from here on down was the original "Style Me In" on another host. Still the same goods, I just felt the need to come back to blogger. Hope you like what you read! xoxo

My Career, My Way - For Lucky Magazine

VOTE...FOR...ME!!! (please) I will repost the entire article and keep you posted with my progress! It's an easy login and you don't have to give them a lot of info. THEN go back and vote at the bottom of the page. Mercí!


http://contribute.luckymag.com/blog/my_career_my_way-133/inspiring_style-292

Here's what I had to answer:

Challenge 1: My Career, My Way

The first challenge is all about your work style:

1. Share your style tips for the office, school, or working at home.
2. Tell us how you dress for success yet maintain personal style.
3. How do your most stylish peers create their own look?
4. Describe a hilarious bad-style day at work/home/school.

Now that you have voted...you can read it over and over here:

Inspiring Style

07/28/2011

My job is a Mom and my style is effortlessly clean, casual, and creative. I "retired" from my office job at an advertising agency to be a Mom, but before that I was a buyer, a rep, and fashion retail manager. Now a great office wardrobe sits in my closet and shows up on ebay from when I really get antsy. My goal is to help raise creative, open-minded, intelligent kids, in between sippy cup refills and Cinderella dress up - but that doesn't excuse a bad outfit or outdated jeans either! This is my time to shine. Rock some skinny jeans and boxy shirt - because I'm the icon in the house, and the style guide to my little girls’ worlds. I make the effort to get ready. I have to find the time, it’s not a lot but my makeup is understated and ready for big sunglasses. I channel my inner Kardashian with my hair parted and long beachy waves and max out my 5 minutes of confidence before the day begins.

Who better to show them creativity and fashion than the one that teaches them to tie their shoes and eat their vegetables? My mission is to help build confidence in their own skin…and what they are wearing. Then inspire them to go out and change the world! Sure, I've evolved into ballet flats and thong sandals, instead of patent heels and to-die-for wedges - that just makes it easier for me to have style...and keep it!

I'm curious and totally fascinated with fashion and culture. Our fashion style changes through trends and our many career hats. What’s the story of my closet? Well, she has stopped climbing the corporate ladder for a while. I happen to live in the South, I’m a Mom and aspiring writer. I’m constantly trying to come up with new ways to wear the same thing. I'm inspired by antique-y - vintage, yet crave the security of modernity. My style identity? It comes in waves, often mixing vintage- modern and organic textures out of pure frustration to land a perfect look. I love spotting trends and seeing people rock them with roaring confidence. Don’t we all devour the fashion magazines just to nab a great look or two? That inspires me and pushes us all to the next fashion high.

My Style advice: Try to reinvent you. Take your favorite go-to outfits to the trend, including your hair and makeup. For example: that jeans and white shirt we love so much. Yes, she’s your best friend but she needs an update. Start with some loose jeans and give them a slouchy roll past the ankle. Try an off the shoulder lightweight tee, deep-v, or wide neck. Now add a scarf in any color (google “scarf knots” for tons of ideas). Throw on girly delicate earrings (think Grandma’s Sunday best) and resist the urge to put on those flops – go for your best ballet flats - now do a deep plié…not really. Viola! This is how you update! Build a stash of great accessories and unexpected shoes. Let your creativity take over and get inspired by what is around you! Start building and play around with some of your favorite pieces in your closet.

Rolled up jeans (please stay in fashion forever!), bootcuts or skinnys – just try to transition and don’t give up! Hi, I’m your new white shirt, nice to meet you. Bold and old looking earrings - you won’t regret these leafy little gems. Truly an “everyday” standout bracelet. Ballet flats in shimmery ballet pink – I can hardly pass up a peep toe, and these are just so neutral perfect.

Some of my favorite understated looks – here is where you add great accessories!

Slouchy, boyish mix and totally Mom proof. Date night dress - cool hemline with super feminine fabric – the belt and nude heels “makes” it – I would go dainty gold jewelry on this one or chunky cuff. Must. Have. Fitted. Blazer. (Sigh!)- add a GREAT pair of girlie earrings to this boyish look and snakeskin shoes – Yes!. I’m pretty sure me and lace will never breakup…pair with jeans or black pants, boots or wedges, I could go on and on. Emma Stine earrings add a creative and delicate touch, great price too.

Step out in stripes done right, they change up your look (and shape)!

Summer loves STRIPES in every way (and Milly shorts that belong in a museum) – gorgeous! Simple summer accessory: anything white. Hesitant to take the plunge into gladiator sandals? These Steve Madden sandals ease you in with tons of style, less fuss. I love the look of pairing leather and stripes. Do your figure a favor and get a maxi dress like this and add a standout belt and some sleek wedges.

Just remember to be yourself and find confidence in the fashion that fits you and your lifestyle. Be intentional and inspire someone else by your look. So much of the time it's how you wear it (honor that figure!) and what you wear it with (queue the new accessories!) that is what makes us turn our heads and tip our hats!

One person that inspires me and has the most fabulous closet in the South, is my friend Kenlea. She’s a real estate investor, recent student, and quite the Savannah socialite. Her style is classy and exactly on trend. She’s yacht club chic yet relaxed old Savannah casual all in one. Doesn’t matter if it’s black tie or fish fry, she knows what to wear...

My bad style day – Well, showing up to the ad agency office with half my makeup done (yeah, I guess I got side tracked that morning and forgot to finish) it affected me all day! I was so not confident and felt unfinished. I doubt anyone really noticed my pasty face with no color, but seriously, don’t do this! It’s just so unproductive.

Savannah Farmers Market

Savannah Summers are full of all the good southern things you dream of, you know, ice cream, downtown splash pads with kids bursting through them, and the most mouth watering food at the weekly Forsyth Park Farmers Market. Did I mention how hot it really is...yeah it's hot. No excuses! I must go for the local peaches and a sweet locally brewed bag of coffee...annnnd have to go for just pure people watching with my daughter. Seriously, some of the most stylish people effortlessly sashay down the gigantic football field long sidewalk that pulses with fashion. It doesn't hurt to have a standout art school just blocks away...you can feel the creativeness in the air. Here's what you wear:

This girl KNOWS rolled up shorts. I mean...this is the perfect rise for her shape and length for her height and so on trend! So young and summery, this just screams "Follow me down the Forsyth runway!" I love her funky casual sandals and give a nod right back to the perfectly distressed spots on her shorts. Ugh! And a super subtle little white top...thank you! I'm inspired and need this sweet little update to my summer look and I'm headed home to cut some old jeans.

Go ahead and enjoy these huge artsy lanterns compliment of SCAD.

I have way too many pictures of these. I kept trying to burn the image in my head of just how amazing these are so I could replicate them in my daughter's room!

Pull this look together and add a cute skinny belt around the sweater or rugged slouchy would be fun too. Now your turning heads! Skinny, rolled up capris...how did you know?? Just so perfectly worn. Enjoy your sweet farmer's market finds, darling!

Savannah Does Spring

Of course it's spring in Savannah. It is perfectly acceptable to dive into that spring color change while flirting with winter relapse every once in a while. Boots still worked through March because the weather gave us the nod. But Easter gave me what I was looking for. Endless seersucker. And I'm talking about the gents. These men fearlessly arrive on Easter Sunday in the most proper vertical stripes. Ladies know how to rock seersucker all summer long, but on this day, the guys go all out. All of them. First sign of Spring Yacht club chic is exactly what you envision in Savannah. Perfectly handsome men, old and young in the most prominent pastels sporting their best seersucker. Arm and arm with a feminine burst of clean Lilly color we have been waiting months for. The perfect seersucker accessory, as well as a must-have bow tie...of course. And if you are going to do "Lilly", please ease into this sport...here's what I recommend:This can go preppy or bohemian (both wildly acceptable in Savannah). I would add a great leather belt to the mix. Stop by the store Satchel downtown, they will hook you up with some fantastic leather! Now, walk around and take some good pictures and make sure you and that dress are in them!

Ohhhhh Savannah!

When I say I live in Savannah, the response is always "Ooohhh Savannah..." I think you just did that in your head too. It's old, charming, romantic, and gorgeous indeed. I am not native and wouldn't dare make that claim for fear of my life. I'm just all over this southern simplicity and feverish style oozing from this town. Why do I love you so? The rules apply but are gracefully bucked. If you're a local you play by the rules. Lilly rules...and pearls are perfectly acceptable any time of day. So the ones that mix it all up...you know who you are (thank you SCAD). You're inspired by this nature of art, history, youthful culture, and the freedom to walk these streets with soul - you can rock a look, start the trend and I'm totally inspired by you! If you walk around Savannah, you will see some of these looks. Take good notes and buy some good walking shoes. You are about to hit some streets with soul...

As In..."Dial Me In"

Show me the style Here's what it's all about: I want to know all about you and that raw style that makes you and your city the pieces that build it's style power it so famously upholds. What makes Savannah the sultry style of the south, and Chicago the midwest mecca of good taste, and New York...well, the fashion melting pot that just works. Let's get to know the real people, the ones that walk the streets of Austin and can rock a look making us all turn our heads and tip our hats. That style we want to borrow so bad we forever burn an image of it in our brains, hoping we can pull that off somehow in our own "runway" moment. Atlanta, Dallas, L.A. stylistas - show me how it works, where are you? We are SO curious and need to see your style to fuel our own. How are you on trend? What's influencing you? Who shops where?

So here is where I come in. I will write, show pictures, interviews, and bring you some serious fashion and straight up style candy. I'm crazy about Savannah style right now so that is where I will start. We will venture out from there hitting any city I can sink my teeth into. Want to visit? Check here first. Eventually I will be your go-to for fashion in any city...before and after you travel there!