These are from two sites that I frequent - Polyvore.com [user:petitepaula] I love this site for fashion inspiration and outfit ideas. The second site is Pinterest - basically photo eye candy!
Outfit ideas that are inspiring my closet:
Source: polyvore.com via Paula on Pinterest
Source: iamagreedygirl.com via Paula on Pinterest
Source: polyvore.com via Paula on Pinterest
Source: anthropologie.com via Paula on Pinterest
In a few months I will be completing my first year in my forties! While I have enjoyed all of it I have noticed some REAL physical changes. Yes, it's true the extra weight lingers, my energy at times seems to be sapped, my hair is changing colors...but most of all I have noticed drastic changes in my skin. In particular my face. So in keeping with the spirit of this blog I want to share what I am doing now, the product that I have been testing out for the last two months and what has stayed constant in my daily regimen.
If you don't remember or you are new to the blog be sure to check out my maintenance post v1.0. The tips and schedule remain the same. What has changed are the products I am using - as I mentioned in that post I have dry skin, it's even dryer now and I am showing some age spots. I also mentioned last time that I was going to cut back on facials to save money. Because of the product I am using I can now cut back to once a quarter. Keep in mind that could all change if I start traveling again - traveling is very hard on my skin [or anyone's] and always needs extra care.
In making all of these changes I had to find an esthetician that would analyze my skin at my quarterly visits and make necessary changes to my regimen, based on my skin and the time of year.
This is where Midori comes in! Midori has been my lash extension gal for about three years. I knew that she was also an esthetician but until she opened up her new shop I didn't have a chance to check out her services. Midori has done a wonderful job really looking at my skin, taking into consideration my lifestyle and the changes I want to make. If you are in the Portland area I would definitely give Midori a ring!
Night-time & morning regimen:
I rarely miss a night - even if we are getting in late. Drag yourself into that bathroom and wash! Night is when your skin is repairing so get a goods night's sleep for healthy skin. For my lips I put on some Burts Bees or Nivea lip balm and then I take a baby toothbrush (you know the ones that you get for babies) and actually brush my lips. This takes off any dry skin and then I reapply the lip balm. Done in less than five minutes. Once you have a professional determine what type of skin you have there are some great over the counter products you can buy. Some of my favorites are: Cetaphil (great cleanser), Philosophy (I sometimes use the Purity cleanser) and Neutragena (love their sunblock line and moisturizer).
I am also still using the Clarsonic facial brush about once or twice a week. I have to be careful not to over exfoliate because of my dry skin.
And because you have read this entire blog post... Midori has graciously given me FIVE sample sets of Bio Organique to giveaway! This is how the contest is going to work:
Who doesn't LOVE Target?!!
Stickers & patterned paper Luxe, foam letters & felt heart American Crafts
I really love that Target it partnering with top name designers. I miss Issac Mizarahi's Target line - I feel pretty lucky that I have two of his blue and white seer sucker suits. I wear these in the summer and get compliments all the time - when I tell them it's a Target suit they are amazed!
Merona has come out with some great basics and dress pieces for the fall. I may need to go back and get that lace skirt that will be great for some holiday dinners this year. And who wouldn't love a elastic waist band during the holidays?? Hello! I have the perfect gold silk top that will go with this along with some kick ass gold heels...
These pictures were taken with my iPhone using the Polarize app - it's addicting!
Trendy and chic fashion is hard - at least that is my opinion. You can either pull it off or you can't - there is really no in between. Plus you run the risk of dressing to young. Yes, I think there is a time where you need to give up the belly button shirts, big hair and/or striped hair - don't live back in the days, remember those 'days' as fond memories.
I try to do urban chic in statement pieces. My rule is one statement piece in each outfit - pick out the basics and look for the wow piece or the other way around. For my taste and body type I can only handle one statement piece. I know some other friends and my husband that can work it from head to toe and look great. Most of the time its all in the attitude. If you love it and feel confident in it then you will be able to carry it off.
Some of my favorite urban chic brands are:
I had fun with this layout! I love using all of the marketing materials that I have collected over the years - in fact I just received the Nordstrom catalog and they have the cutest gift tags with birdhouse art work on them. And if you love the birdhouses you can go here to print out 2d or 3d paper birdhouse! They have a download of the gift tags too.
Enjoy life!
I am on a roll with prompt #3 still! All from this online class with Shimelle. My comfort clothes - ones that I wear 90% of the time when I am working out, at home or running errands around town.
Nothing is easier than throwing on a pair of yoga pants, top and jacket (in black, of course) it's not confining or cutting into my 'muffin top'!
Patterned paper and felt letter stickers American Crafts. White gel pen uniball Signo. Clothing tags.
My favorite comfort clothing lines:
Here is my classic list - my go to pieces in my closet every single time. They are like your trusted friends!
The purple/blue patterned paper is a marketing piece from Nordstrom that I cut apart. Patterned paper in middle is Basic Grey Marrakech. White rub ons American Crafts, Black rub ons Luxe. White gel pen Uni-ball Signo (love this pen) and clothing tags.
Classic pieces in my closet:
My favorite designers/lines for these classics:
This class continues to inspire me - yesterdays post was about lists and I am on a roll this weekend! Trying to work through my collection of clothing hang tags I noticed that I had categories of clothes: Investment (yesterday's page) and today the denim that I love.
Finding the right jeans is difficult and when you do find the perfect pair you better buy at least two pairs. One to hem long (high heels) and one to hem short (flip flops). Then remember the designer and style name or number. What I find frustrating is when companies like the GAP discontinue styles every season!
I think every woman should have a basic collection of denim:
Tip fit for jeans:
My favorite denim designers:
The third prompt of this class was perfect for this weeks Fun Friday Finds! I have quite a collection of clothes hang tags - as new items come into my closet I take the tags off and slip them into a small plastic bag in my closet. Most of the time I am saving things like this because they have buttons or thread for mending. I also started to notice that designers started to get very creative with their hang tags and I knew someday I would use them for scrapbooking. I just didn't know how...
I also integrated marketing pieces that Nordstrom sends in the mail. Have you seen these? Gorgeous colors and art work. The only supplies I used from traditional scrapbooking was the cardstock! The rest of the supplies were tags and cutting up the pieces from Nordstrom.
My grandmothers was a huge fashion inspiration - she taught me the value o buying good quality, well made clothing. "investment" pieces is what she called them. Today I am fortunate enough to have the help of a stylist. She helped me find the best designer for my body type. It's more important to have clothes that fit right over having the 'label' in your closet. Even if it's a Chanel suit it's not going to make you look 20 pounds skinnier - it could potentially do the exact opposite! (layout will go in my 'me' album)
I will be posting some more fashion layouts over the weekend! Remember you can use these designers for color inspiration - you don't have to be into haute couture, to be inspired.
Happy Friday - enjoy life!
Okay before you get all worked up about Neiman & Marcus, let me first say that it is one of my favorite stores. WHY?? It's not because of the expensive clothes, or the reputation - it's because they are constantly pushing the edge in retail design. Next time you have the chance to go into NM go! Be inspired by their displays, colors... there isn't a sign anywhere that says that you have to buy something or that you need to make $$$,$$$ to even step over the threshold. GO in, but promise me you won't look at price tags and remark about how expensive something is (we will save that for another post) you are not there to shop - just observe.
One of my favorite times of year for NM is Christmas. They come out with what is called the infamous "The Christmas Book" I get giddy with excitement when this baby comes in the mail! First look at the paper crafting design on the front cover?! And in the Fantasy Gift video it all comes to life.
As I watched the video here was one exclusive item, that someone (not sure who in this economy right now) could buy that stood out. Let me also say kudos to the NM team this year - it is A LOT of work putting together exclusive deals.
Algonquin Round Table Experience...being the host of Malcom Gladwell, Nora Ephron, John Lithgow, and many more - what an evening to remember! Plus the $200,000 price tag is donated to First Book. What a great idea - couldn't you do something similar with a group of friends? Or this idea might give you the reason to host your own round table experience with professionals in your home town, that you have always wanted to meet. Put the invite out there, you never know what might happen!
Here are the other pages that stood out for me
Starting on page 61 they use vintage book paper for backgrounds and props - great ideas for decorating and in our own artwork. The Valentino Hobo and boots aren't bad either! But look at the color - gray. Some colors may come across as drab but when presented in the softest suede a color like gray can be inviting.
Jewel tone colors are, or going to be hot! This definitely reminds me of 80s royal blue but this is definitely not your 80s prom dress. The blue horse in the background is a little 80s, if only it was a unicorn.
This magenta color is AMAZING by Magaschoni (left) and the dress is adorable... if you don't think that Mad Men isn't having a huge influence on fashion right now, think again. Also look at the color combination: magenta with brown/ochre background. Might be the next card I make.
Loved the flow of this product shot, the circles with the squares. Will be putting this clip on my inspiration board.
Here is an idea of putting pictures into old books - definitely not acid free but maybe just use the old covers and insert your own pages??
I hope I have given you a better reason to look at all the catalogs that will soon be coming to your doorstep! Don't get down because you can't shop - use them to be inspired!
Happy Friday - enjoy life!
With my travels this summer I have come across some great products that I am adding to my arsenal full time...
This is a very simple mitt that is a great make up remover that uses NO cleanser. While I still use my Clarisonic, it isn't recommended that you use it twice a day. I have been using this mitt for about three weeks now and have had great results. If you are one that still goes to bed without washing your face this might be the solution for you - it's easy! Plus I am using less of my cleanser which means I am saving $$.
While in Maui my aunt was sunburned pretty bad - the sun is pretty intense there and you have to apply sunscreen at least every 15 minutes. Luckily there was a Lush store close by so we could pick up some remedies. If you don't have a Lush store, you can order online. I first discovered this store several years ago in Canada and couldn't wait for it to come to the US. I remember walking in for the first time and being literally blown away but the fragrance but more so by the innovative packaging of beauty products. They sold solid soap by the pound packaged grocery store style! For sunburn relief there are two must haves....
Breath of Fresh Air toner
This is a hydrating toner for your face but can work on sun burned skin. If it's convenient you can keep it in your fridge to keep in cool. Spray this on your sunburned areas.
Dream Cream
Then apply this cream - which is DREAMY. I used to have this as my main body cream but the container does not travel well so I stopped using it. Now that I have it again I may be giving up on the Lubriderm!
Depending on the severity of your burn you may start to peel. If you do, the Buffy Body Butter bar is your answer. I used this when I was in Maui to keep my skin super moisturized and exfoliated at the same time. I have to admit it's on the expensive side because it doesn't last very long. The smaller bar lasted the length of the vacation which was about a week. If you purchase this bar don't forget to get the tin!
And since we are on the top of Lush - Kirk loves their solid shampoo bars. His favorite is this one - it used to be mint scented, but is now cinnamon.
Have a great weekend and Enjoy Life!
