For The Love Of Pan Am

As many of you may know, I am a huge fan of anything vintage. The trouble with genuine vintage clothing is it can be very difficult to find still in good condition and at a price that won't make your pocket book cry a little inside. My newest obsession is the clothing worn in the new television show Pan Am, especially the wardrobe of Christina Ricci's character Maggie. Every time I watch the show, I try to find an element of an outfit I love and create it in today's clothing, and at a price I can afford!

  

( If only women still looked like this everyday!)

So for just a little inspiration, I've put together a few outfits to help guide you in how to have that beautiful vintage style and still look up to date!

focus on basics when it comes to clothing choices, but have fun with your accessories!

play with mostly neutrals, and use a contrast color to add a little pop

(such as black, grey, and pink)

tiny details such as buttons down the front of a pencil skirt add a little retro feel to a classic piece

so find someone or something that catches your eye and see what new looks you can create!

The Power Of Red

Sometimes, the best way to react to rough day is a little retail therapy. But what happens on the days when your bank account isn't in support of your need for that new pair of heels after not getting that job promotion? The trick is a good red lipstick.

During The Great Depression, cosmetic sales rose 25 percent and it was more likely for a household to own a tube of lipstick than a jar of mustard. If a lady couldn't afford a new dress, she could easily freshen up her look and pick up her mood with her lipstick of choice.

During WWII, lipstick was considered part of the war effort, promoting femininity and boosting morale for the women wearing it and the men looking at them. The Marines even had Estee Lauder's "Montezuma Red" and Revlon's "Certainly Red" as part of women's uniforms.

Although most of us don't consider lipstick a part of our uniform and probably have mustard in our refrigerator, there is something we can take from women of both The Great Depression and World War II. 

When times are hard, glam it up!

Because nothing says confident,

classy,

and sexy

like a well done pair of red lips.

Tips For Your Lips

1. When wearing red, tone down the rest of your look.

Keep your eyes light and wear a touch of blush to keep your face from looking too harsh.

2. Choose the right color.

If your complexion is a pink tone, go with plum based reds. If you are more of a yellow undertone, warmer reds with brown undertones will be the most flattering.

3. Line your lips.

Reds tend to feather out and bleed, so line your lips to avoid a faded look.

I often use my liner on all of my lips as a base to keep the color vibrant.

4. Avoid getting lipstick on your teeth.

The best way I've found is to stick my index finger in my mouth, close lips around it, and then pull out your finger. Excess lipstick will be on your finger instead of the inside of your lips.

5. The older, the lighter.

As you start to age, it's important to lighten your lipstick shades. Our lips start to become smaller over time, and wearing dark colors accentuate lines and create a harsh look.

so just like the ladies before us, when in doubt, go red!

The Men I've Dated (And the Clothing They Remind Me Of)

The older I've become, naturally, the more relationships I have been in. And as most of them have not exactly been your average 'run of the mill' kind of situations, I have realized that the best way to explain almost everyone I've dated was to compare them to an article of clothing. Now, this could be because I relate nearly everything to clothing, or I may really be on to something here. Either way, I'd pick clothes over men any day, anyway.

The Uggs

I've never been a big Ugg fan to be quite honest, and although I've never actually owned a pair they do remind me of a certain boyfriend type. Even when you know you can do better, they're comfortable and always a strong go to when you aren't ready to go out of your comfort zone. The sad thing about Uggs are you're not really fooling anybody. We can all tell you're just doing what takes the least amount of effort, and that's about the worst thing you can do to yourself. Just to make myself clear, we should all move on from Uggs, both the boyfriends and the shoes.

The Poncho

The Poncho is kind of like the wet blanket of boyfriends. He has no structure, no backbone, and does nothing for you, or anyone else really. No one should waste their time trying to make things work with a poncho, because really all it's going to want to do is hang there.

The Skinny Jeans

These Skinny Jeans is not so much the cut as it the size. He's usually more of a good memory than anything else, and you like to keep him because you're reminiscent of who you were then and hope you'll fit back into that pair of jeans again someday.

The Turtleneck

I tend to date a lot of Turtlenecks. They are usually best described as 'clingers' and are often emotionally needy. The thing with Turtlenecks is everyone else usually loves them, but that's because they're not wearing one. No matter how much everyone tells you how cute it is and how perfect it is for you, every time you give a chance you find yourself suffocated, overwhelmed, and asking yourself why the hell you put yourself through this again.

The Little Black Dress

And finally, there is the "Mr. Right" of clothing, the Little Black Dress. The great thing about the perfect black dress is it compliments you in everyway and is perfect for every occasion. In all reality, you probably can't imagine life before you found your LBD and in the end you wonder why you wasted so much time on Ugg boots and turtlenecks.

Siblings

One of the most important things my dad ever taught my brother and I was to stick together, because no matter what happened we would always have each other.

 I know this blog may seem a little random, but the relationship I have with my brother is a lot of what has made me who I am today.

  

Today I was at my company picnic and Nathaniel came with me. A lady I worked with said she wanted her kids to follow us around for the day so that we could teach them "how to love each other." There really aren't any secrets, but I thought I'd share what has always worked for us.

First, it wasn't always this easy. We always have been friends, but growing up and moving out definitely helped us more than hurt us. 

Second, doing things separate from each other but in support of one another always helps. Defining both your similarities and your differences can help strengthen your friendship.

Third, my dad was right. Friends and partners will come and go, but your brother will always be your brother. (and same for sisters I assume, I just don't have one) So always cherish the family you have, because sometimes they're all we have!

You'll always feel more accomplished when you have a strong support system behind you!

They're Hair Stylists..Not Hair Genies

As a woman, I can tell you exactly what and who I want to look like when it comes to my hair. But, as a hair stylist, I can also tell you what is just never going to happen. When picking a new style for yourself, it is crucial to understand the kind of hair you have. As wonderful as your stylist may be, they usually only have so much to work with, so realistic expectations for your hair and your stylist are key.

When it comes to your haircut, pictures are always a good way to explain the change you are looking for.  In order for pictures to be useful, look for models and celebrities who have similar hair types to your own.

For example:

[if your hair looks like]

[Don't bring in a picture of]

If you have thin, finer hair like Cameron Diaz, bringing in a picture of long, thick, full hair and praying for a miracle is going to let you down every time. So find a picture of Cameron, or Michelle Williams, with hair that you love and you'll have a much better chance of walking out with what you were expecting.  Even the Kardashians don't have Kardashian hair, so don't let that discourage you.

[if you really wanted to know]

The next step to planning your big hair change is color. Color is the same as cuts in the sense that you have to sometimes give yourself a little reality check. Some hair colors 1. are not flattering for everyone and 2. are not even possible on everyone. If you have an idea that you are unsure of, consult with your stylist! Be open to their suggestions and concerns for your hair. They may be able to get you to Lady Gaga blonde but if it means half of your hair is in the sink at the end it's going to be hard to get that hair bow to work next time.

If you do decide to go lighter, you also have to be willing to invest in the right products to help heal and protect your hair. Paying over $100 for a new style and then washing with Suave and never conditioning does nothing for you. In three months when you can't get a comb through your own hair, you're going to be wishing you had bought the mask they suggested. If you can't afford the products recommended (and you are wanting to make a drastic change) you really can't afford to get your hair done yet. Save until you can spend the money on both the service and the products. Once your hair is in bad condtion, you will be fighting an uphill battle for months if not years to fix it.

[because let's be honest, no one should look like this]

So if you're wanting to lighten up your hair a little

[and your natural color is something like]

instead of taking it too light, opt for something like this:

If you're not willing to come into the salon every four to eight weeks but want the color to last a long time,

[don't come with high hopes for]

Because bright, unnatural colors (especially reds) fade fast and require a lot of upkeep.

The last thing about understanding your hair and it's capabilities partially ties in with the product we just discussed. If you are a 'wash and go' kind of girl, don't bring in this picture:

[and wonder what your stylist did to your hair because it never works the same once you get home]

Remember, it is always okay to ask your stylist for help. If you're not sure what your hair qualifies as or who it resembles, they can usually help you identify with someone fairly easily. Once you have an understanding of what your hair is willing to do, think about what you are willing to do as well. Ask what you would need to do each morning in order to achieve the look you are going for and what products would help you reach this goal. Don't be afraid to ask too many questions, because once you are out of their chair, it is in your hands. And, of course, always remember that your stylists are people too, not Hair Genies!

Little Things Every Girl Should Own

There are a few simple items that can always pull an outfit together and give it a little more style. It's always a good idea to have a few of each of these items in your closet because as soon as you get used to working them into your wardrobe, they'll become a staple in your everyday attire.

1. Black Tights

[add sophistication, elongate your legs]

2. Skinny Belts

[enhance your waist, bring outfit together] 

3. Lightweight Scarves

[add color, dress up summer clothing]

4. Statement Glasses

[add class]

  

5. Hair Accessories

[add flare]

Now that we've covered five fun, easy additions to your wardrobe, there are also a few things that every girl should have on hand on a daily basis.

1. Rose Salve

Of my recent discoveries, rose salve is by far my favorite. It can be used for your lips, cuticles and any other dry skin. It usually comes in a small tin and can be found towards the front counters of any beauty supplier such a Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, Sephora, etc.

2. Blotting Papers

Blotting papers are always important to keep on you, especially if your skin tends to get oily throughout the day. A good blotting paper removes excess oil from your face without ruining your makeup.

 3. Compact

As obvious as this one seems it should be, most girls don't actually carry compacts in their purses but always find a reason to need one.

4. Studs

Another problem I find often is either losing an earring, the back, or changing into an outfit and not having a pair of earrings to match. A good way to avoid this problem is to always keep a pair of studs in your handbag (either diamond or pearls) just in case. Usually a pair of simple posts go with any outfit and it's always nice to be prepared.

5. Fragrance

Last but not least, it's always a good idea to have some sort of body mist or perfume with you. I prefer to pack roll on scents (either liquid or hard) because they usually take up less room and don't spill as easily.

Hopefully these 10 staples in my fashion life will soon become necessities for you as well.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Summer Essentials (Makeup Edition)

The key for this summer's all over look, as we talked about in the Hair Edition, is simplicity. If you cut your makeup routine down to a few key products over the next few months you not only create a more natural look, but you save yourself time and packing room on all those three day weekend plans.

First, replace your heavy foundation with a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizer will help even out your skin tone while keeping your skin light. Be sure to get one with a built in sunscreen, because protecting your skin is the first step to a beautiful complexion.

Next, stay away from intense blushes and lip colors and go with a stain. Lip and cheek stains emphasize the natural color in your skin and avoid the caked on look. Also look for good highlighters to use around the eyes and cheek bones to add a youthful glow.

For eyes, keep shadows nude and light. Look for peaches and creams with light shimmer. For a little more definition add a soft brown to the crease of your eyelid. For this season, be sure to stick with waterproof mascara or a clear mascara for an even more natural look.

And the last key to a beautiful, natural summer look is a good sunless tanner. As I mentioned before, protecting your skin should be one of your top beauty concerns, but every woman likes to look as if she has a little sun kissed glow. Be sure to avoid lotions that create an orange tone. Faux Tan (by Bare Minerals, $21) gives a nice bronze look and comes out of the bottle an olive color so you can be sure of where you have already put and the places you have missed.

Now that you have your hair and makeup ready for any sunny day,

ready

set

GO!