STYLE TALK
chimichanga
POSTED: Thu, 06/04/2009 - 12:22pm
Finding your style
Hello folks. I started reading these books a few years ago while I was pregnant, so my clothes buying has been very challenged. During pregnancy, I bought cheap disposable clothing since we only plan on having that one pregnancy. Then post partum I bought cheap disposable (but fitted) clothing because I was going to fluctuate size and didn't want to fall into the sweatpants/t-shirt-new-mom trap. Anyway, I've been reading lots of style books and sites trying to figure out how to figure out what's "me" and I'm having a hard time. I've never had good style, I bought what I liked on the rack and never looked at myself in the mirror. At the time I thought they went together, but ick. I've recently purcahsed a few seasonless wool pants in black, charcoal and grey. A white button down, a blue button down, (the nice one from Brooks brothers) and a few cashmere/cotton solid v-neck sweaters as basics. I'm just trying to figure out how to snazz up my look without breaking the bank since my body is still changing. For instance, I'm going for a classic look, but I have enough neutral pieces now. Where do I introduce color besides a scarf? What about finding a style role model, any tips on picture books or something along those lines? My most recent dilemma is trying to figure out how to wear linen and still look classy and put together.MIREILLE'S CALENDAR
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bren67
POSTED: Sat, 03/17/2012 - 11:09am
I have to discuse this.......makeup
I have been on a journey,to find what works,and what does not.So,i did find out,i am over 60,and anything frosted,shimmery.or glitter,just looks bad bad bad!!!! So,i am learning the creams,and matte work out so much better for me..i want to look healthy,and groomed,but not a neon sign! I am liking Loreal right now,and like the fact they have come out with a brem or mousse blush i want to try,and new eyeshadows that are matte too,so i am happy about this... Less is more,is so so true!!! BrenKimberly
POSTED: Sat, 03/17/2012 - 1:09pm
Thanks for sharing Bren....
I am 38 but also not someone who can wear shiny makeup. I also have discoloration in my skin from some sun damage in the past. I need coverage for my reddish areas but want to look natural and as flawless as possible. Recently I had been having some issues with breakouts too (something that only started happening in my 30s). I also have sensitive skin and some oily skin in my t-zone. For my skincare routin I used the Roc Resurfacing Discs and at night Roc sensitive skin retinol treatment. In the day I use an oil free Nutregena moisturizer. Unfortunately I am allergic to anything with an SPF. Roc is the best I have ever used for my skin. As for makeup, I had once bought some Bare Minerals but only tried it once or twice and put it in a drawer. I have had the worst luck with liquid makeup. I was desperate so I pulled out the Bare Minerals and over two weeks my face has improved dramatically. My pores look smaller, the redness is subdued and my breakouts are essentially non-existent. I cannot tell you the last time this has been the case. I feel some of it has to do with the makeup and some die to the use of brushes to apply the makeup. I have always heard that using your fingers were very bad because of the oils. Also using the brushes are gentler than pressing on the skin. One other tip I read was to use your ring finger (second from the last on either finger) to apply moisturizer as this is your weakest finger and will help to not be so aggressive on the skin. Bren, once you try the matte blush and eyeshadows, give us an update on how you like it.bren67
POSTED: Sat, 03/17/2012 - 3:48pm
Bare minerals....
I have tried those a few years back,when it was all the rage out there,and at that time i did wear it for over 2 years,but i have such dry skin now that iam older,i need something with moisture in it... Today,i decided to go back to the Clenigue counter,and get the supermoist foundation that i have used many times,gives my skin a dewy kind of look..i also got one of those lip balms in melon to try,so ill see..but i hate anything thats to much or way out there in color on my face...this foundation comes in a tube,and its more like a teinted moisturizer.. BrenMarilyn
POSTED: Mon, 03/12/2012 - 8:54am
Big clear out today
As I have an awful cold and have cancelled all arrangements for today so that I do not spread the germs I decided to have a declutter of my wardrobe. What a lot of items, mainly T shirts and blouses, I had that I will never wear again. When I tried them on I couldn't imagine ever wearing them though some were quite a few years old so perhaps they suited the younger me!! The bag of scarves and the shoe boxes are the next places to tackle. Then to make a list of what I NEED not what I want. I MUST remember that now I am retired I do not need suits etc but try for a more relaxed look but avoid the sweatpants mode that some retired ladies fall into. A quick reread of Ines de la Fressange's 'Parisian Chic' I think will keep me on track. I have already asked my dress shop friend to see if she has a pair of smart white jeans in her 'keep for friends' assortment. Then I think a pair of straight legged black linen or very fine wool trousers to wear with ballet flats or flat sandals. While doing this I must remember to be reasonably frugal and not buy just for the sake of buying. I DO NOT need any more T shirts!!!Kimberly
POSTED: Tue, 03/13/2012 - 1:08pm
I can relate....
I recently took a cue from my French reading and cleaned out my closet. Although I could not get the ten item wardrobe, I really made progress in my closet. I ended up with 6 large garbage bags of clothes. Now I must go through my shoes. I realized I had too many flip flops and as they are not really attractive at all, I decided to do away with most of them. I am trying for more classic pieces and transitional pieces which I can carry from season to season. I think I will read that Parisian Chic as well to keep me motivated. Frugality is my life at the moment as I recently quit work to pursue working from home again. I had taken my niece ( I do not have any children of my own) into the shoe shop. I ended up buying her two pair of shoes and I ended up finding a pair of adorable flats, with only two boxes left on the shelf, for $4.99. They were black cloth with small lines of white and coral but mostly black. They are so comfortable and can be worn with almost anything I have. I approach shopping with a whole different mindset now. I loved reading your post. Cleaning out a closet is real therapy :)Marilyn
POSTED: Tue, 03/13/2012 - 4:50pm
Still more to do
I will have another go next week as I know I kept somethings out of sentimentality. I know which ones they are and they will go when I declutter the shoes and boots and scarves and handbags. In our North of England climate I could never manage on a 10 item wardrobe, Kim, as we always have the 4 seasons. Those shoes sound lovely and such a bargain, beautiful for summer.Good luck with the new working challenge. What are you doing these days? I hope life is treating you well.
Kimberly
POSTED: Tue, 03/13/2012 - 10:13pm
me too....
I definitely have more cleaning out to do. I am working through oDesk. People post job openings and you apply. Right now I am scheduling for an insurance auditor. I am in Alabama and he is in California. I may alsovbe scheduling for a colleague of his in the near future. It will take some time but I feel better about it this time. I love setting my own hours. Its a good feeling. You are so sweet to inquirer about me. Thanks!Kimberly
POSTED: Tue, 03/13/2012 - 10:15pm
sorry for my typos
I am on my kindlesnorklee
POSTED: Mon, 03/12/2012 - 8:32pm
Inspiration!
Marilyn, it is the perfect time for a big unclutter! I've discovered I have almost 10 black tank tops! I do not need another one for quite some time. My problem is that I have recently gained some weight and many of my clothes do not fit right now. I hold hope that I will get this weight gain under control and return to my previous weight... so I'm hanging on to clothes that used to fit, but don't right now. And... I refuse to bring in anything new in a larger size, hoping that this will be the motivation I need to return to a better weight.Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:43am
Good job!!
And isn't it good to know you can bring in new essentials.Hope the cold is better fast.OXObren67
POSTED: Fri, 02/10/2012 - 3:22pm
Shoes today!
I seen a sale today,and i had some coupons from this store,so i wanted to get some flats,and wedges..so i did get the flats,with jewels on the toe of the shoe,,cute! Then i seen the wedges..oh my..they were a grey,with a flower on the toe of the shoe..had to have them,matches my new suit! Anyway..both pair were under 50 dollors with coupons!!! Brenmiamoki
POSTED: Sat, 02/11/2012 - 1:39pm
Question about flats
Since I've read FWDGF I've been trying to wear more flats, instead of my usual flip flops or sneakers. The problem is I live in a warm climate so I don't wear socks. I have tried peds but they don't stay on my feet. The flats I have are very comfy but without any type of sock they usually give me blisters on the top back part of my foot if I walk in them for a long time. Do you know of any brand named peds that stay on?bren67
POSTED: Sun, 02/12/2012 - 9:21am
Flats
I wore my new flats yesterday..they were great! My personal problem,most flats are to flat for my feet,as i had foot surgery years ago,but i found that if i get them with a slight wedge,,they work for me..i got stone mountian flats that have good padding sole,it makes such a Big differance to my feet! BrenVintage1944
POSTED: Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:35pm
Hi Linda
Don't know a particular brand,but likely ones that come up well over your toes.Good luck.OXOmiamoki
POSTED: Mon, 02/13/2012 - 12:56am
Hi Jean
Yes - I don't usually wear them like I said - I know that may seem unusual to most but trust me - you have lived here so you know - you usually wear sandals almost all year! I will check out the ones in Macy's and try them out before I go. They seem to be better quality than the ones I buy in the grocery store. I think the issue is the elastic in the ped itself.Vintage1944
POSTED: Mon, 02/13/2012 - 8:42pm
Comfortable feet
If your feet hurt or are blistered ,your good time will be ruined.Before you go you can spend some time testing pedis.I plan to take My MBT sandals with me and a pair of flats,with orthopedic inserts,for support.And I will have a good pedicure just before I go.Can't wait!OXOjas
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 10:26am
fun to read
hello, it was fun to read about your purchases bren and clothes ideas of everyone...bren67
POSTED: Tue, 02/07/2012 - 4:42pm
Starting over with clothing ....
Today...i went shopping,as i need so badly new pajamas,and bra and underwear too..so,i found a new bra,that said NO MORE BACK FAT! Now that intreged me,so i bought a black one and a beige one..and matching underwear too,then went to pick out my pjs,as i get them at walmart,and got 2 sets,and some sock slippers to match,while there,i bought a new lip butter from revlon called cherry tart,a soft red! I love my new finds,and came home and cleaned out some old bras,and underwear,and old pjs that needed to go! I have decided..tomarrow,i may go start my new wardrobe with a suit,jacket,pants and skirt..then a blouse to start..now to decide what color???? Black or grey? Brensnorklee
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 12:32am
Hi Bren!
My life got easier the minute I picked black as my basic. Black purse, black shoes or boots. It simplified everything. I spice up my wardrobe with separates, like maroon, olive green, gray, white and light or medium blue, which all go with black. And in the winter, I love my pashmina scarves which can be had for $5.00 on the streets of NY or in some stores in malls. I have them in every color of the rainbow. I don't like fussing over my wardrobe, I want to walk to my closet and know that whatever I pull out will go with everything else. So, black is my basic. Now that I have salt and pepper hair, the black and gray look great. For the first time in my life... I match. :)bren67
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 6:17pm
Done more shopping today!
You are so right about the color..i went today,got a charcoal grey suit,3 camisoles,beige,white,black..one button down sweater in black,with white polka dots,one blouse,in grey and tan..and one beautiful pair of red open toe pumps!!!! I too am leaning how to pop color onto,grey/black,and make it look so classic! After reading all there is about dressing from all my french sisters..it was time to take the plunge! Iam so happy i did too! By the way..about coloring..iam a summer..Vintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 10:46pm
Bren
Wow what a stylish wardrobe and red pumps....gorgeous.oxosnorklee
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 9:13pm
Red Pumps!
Bren, I am loving the idea of red pumps. What a great fashion statement. And, I love beige and grey together. Nice job! Your new wardrobe sounds great.bren67
POSTED: Thu, 02/09/2012 - 9:16am
Thank you!
I have to admit...i love those red pumps too!Marilyn
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 9:18am
Me too
My basics are black and grey in winter with navy blue thrown in for spring and summer. I do have a couple of coloured dresses but usually add my colour with jackets and/or scarves. I'm another with silver grey hair so can do black, grey and navy,bren67
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 6:19pm
Your right on..
Could not agree more Marilyn...I like light navy too in sprintime!MrsHonniB
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 4:40am
Basic colour
I did the same....but my colour is brown because black makes me pale. So brown is my basic and most of my clothes or one colour, no stripes, flowers or whatever. My type is Autumn and I have a colourscheme in my wallet so I always buy those colours and everything matches too! I spice things up with nice skarfs and jewelry.malkan
POSTED: Wed, 02/08/2012 - 11:34am
Mrs HonniB - Autumn
Thank you for reminding us about how important it is to wear the seasonal colors that are uniquely best or right for us -- based on our natural complexion & hair color etc! Knowing that I am also an autumn took so much confusion out of shopping for clothes that flattered me, and over time putting together a wardrobe where everything works with everything eles. It was a godsend. Since Autumns are only 18% of general population, sticking to color choices in my autumn palette doing so has forced me to do what is best or right for me. ..An important life changing lesson. A lesson I need to remind myself especially now about as spring cleaning season comes. Did you ever have your style analyzed?bren67
POSTED: Tue, 01/31/2012 - 7:14pm
Outfit or one thing?
When going shopping...is it better to buy an complete outfit,meaning,,pair of slacks,shirt,jewelery to go with it,shoes ext..or is it better to buy a few tops to go with anything you have at home? Someone told me a long time ago...go and buy just one outfit,and build around it... I have learned i look good in certian things,if i can find them as iam 5ft,so its not easy for me...but,i do look good in classics,,i was told i am a spring/summer in coloring,so i can not do deep colors..but midtone are fine on me... I want to shop for some spring items,but...should i go with buying an outfit..then add to it? How do you shop? BrenVintage1944
POSTED: Tue, 01/31/2012 - 9:05pm
Good question
I like to buy one thing and build around it.I often think that a piece of jewellery I own will look well with what I am buying.Finding the proper fit is a challenge for me as I am 5ft.tall.and have a fair amount of weight to shift.Pants are really hard to fit.The idea of buying one outfit and adding to it,is intriguing.Perhaps one of these days I'll donate my entire wardrobe and try that.I may do that for the cruise.Have you seen Mat Tai's Picture Book? It's a Blog and she does Capsule Wardrobes and colour combinations.It is really helpful and she has many ways to tie scarves.Her wardrobe is very high end.One can adapt:-)) oxoVintage1944
POSTED: Wed, 02/01/2012 - 10:34am
Correction
IT is Mai Tai not Mat Tai.