Holiday Makeup

This week I had my makeup done for a photo shoot by a professional makeup artist who I would like to recommend, Pamela Jeffries. I was very happy with the natural look she created for my corporate training head shots. She also does bridal party and special event makeup. http://www.glowmakeupstudio.com/

While working with Pamela we discussed Holiday Party makeup looks. We both agreed that either you make the focal point your eyes or lips. So if you do the smoky eye look, then do a more natural lipstick or gloss. Conversely if you want to do bright red or fuchsia lips, then go light on the eye liner and shadow.

Shimmer is great for parties on the lids, cheeks. and even the bust line. Women with mature skin need to apply shimmer very lightly though. A touch on the center of the lid or just across the top of the cheek bone, as shimmer will emphasis wrinkles.

I will be doing smoky eyes at a black tie event this weekend. Basically this means that after doing a base or makeup primer and light shadow over my entire lid to brow area, I'll apply dark eyeshadow on my eyelids up to the crease. Some apply eyeliner both inside and outside your eyes. I do not like lining the inside of your eyes though, so I just do a dark eyeliner pencil on the top and bottom of my lashes and smug with a Q-tip. Pamela suggests topping the pencil liner with a liquid eyeliner for extra intensity. As a final touch I apply a thin line of the lid shadow below by lower eyeliner and blend with a Q-tip. It's a very dramatic sexy look that is best used at night. Here is my plug, I use Arbonne products, but there are lots of lines that will do. http://www.wardrobeperfect.myarbonne.com/

The photo above is Keira Knightly with smoky eyes and light lipstick.

Sensible Jewelry Gifts

Certainly during this economy jewelry sales overall have declined, yet jewelry is still selling. There are always occasions when nothing but jewelry marks a special events in one's life: engagements, anniversaries, significant birthdays, graduations, etc. In addition women are not just waiting to be gifted, but buying their own jewelry.

My advice to those building a jewelry wardrobe is similar to my advice regarding building a clothing wardrobe: begin with good classic basics. You should have earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and ring in your best base color: white gold or yellow gold. These pieces should work with the majority of your clothing wardrobe. They should look good together, but not be matching. A few diamonds that are not to flashy might be added to your basic metal. Often a necklace may become your signature piece, such as a chain with a gold coin perhaps. These classic pieces will most likely be built over time (often with not to subtle hints to husbands) before Christmas, an anniversary or a birthday. You may even eventually "upgrade" to replace a piece bought years ago.

After these basics are completed you may want to begin another jewelry acquistion plan. Perhaps it will be pearls or a certain colored gem that suits your coloring and wardrobe. As these are all somewhat planned sensible purchases that will be worn frequently for year and years, I personally do not see them as that extragant unless you have very limited discretionary income.

I also suggest buying from a respected jeweler who you can trust to sell you good quality and can handle any repairs needed over the years. In addition a good jeweler will understand what scale and shapes work best for your body structure. Most of my classics pieces are from Asanti Jewelers in San Marino, CA. The owner, Nelson Holdo, even provides safe deposit boxes for his clients. http://www.asanti.com/ The classic gold earrings in this blog are by Suna Bros.

Wardrobe Colors by the Month

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal Christina Binkley wrote about Holiday attire and the short number of weeks we might wear something like a red velvet dress. I certainly have a few items that only get worn in December. For years I have hung out on my hall rack a 3/4 length red and green plaid Carlisle coat that I wear multiple times per week all through December. I think the red silk dress pictured here can be worn October through March and not simply December though.

I actually tend to go through my favorite colors to wear by the month. In October and November it's my orange tops. My base tends to be brown. My December it's naturally anything red often with black bottoms. Though I wear red accessories almost year round. In January-February I love wool sweaters and pants in winter white. By Spring I am into corals and aqua blue. The hot days of summer it's often bright lemon yellow or lime green cottons with crisp whites.

As I buy classics these seasonally rotated clothes are in my wardrobe for years. Though many pieces can be worn any time of year, they just cry out to be worn certain months especially.

All this is somewhat mirrored by my home decor. I rotate my accessories by the seasons. In January and February it's mirrors with crystal vases and bowls and white candles to pick up the weaker winter light. Come Spring it's flowers and bunnies. In Summer I display all my seashells.

Am I alone in the joy of expressing the flow of the year by the rotation of my clothes or household decor? Certainly retailers hope other women do the same!

What to wear to Business Holiday Parties

At this time of the year your company, your vendors, or your clients often have parties that you are invited to. It is a great time to form closer relationships with these groups, plus have some fun. Be careful not to get to carried away with the alcohol and embarrass your self though. This is a business event.

Since this is still business not a date night or evening with your husband, refrain from anything too sexy like plugging necklines. Can you hear the buzz from all the men if you do! This is not how you want them to remember you when you next meet for business.

There are lots of beautiful dresses that are appropriate. Picture here is a Carlisle Collection shiny charmeuse silk blouse with satin bow paired with a flowing pleated chiffon skirt. Elegant, appropriate and also versatile. You can pair the skirt with an existing jacket for an updated look or wear the blouse with slim evening pants.

Have you worn bamboo yet?

The Thursday Nov. 12 issue of the Wall Street Journal had an article on bamboo fabric used in designer clothing. It is touted as an ecologically friendly textile. The downside is that toxic solvents are currently used to break the stems down. Hopefully this can be improved in the future.

Have you worn bamboo yet? Please comment on your reactions. Was the fabric comfortable? Did it wear well? Was it blended with other fabrics? Did it enhance the styling of the garment?

Sweater Care

Now that we can finally wear sweaters in Southern California it's time to think about proper care. Though you may not be able to tell it, the cardigan pictured here is a cable knit. It should not be hung on a hanger both because of the weight and looseness of the knitting. Hanging will lead to the shoulders stretching out and the entire garment. "growing" or lengthening. Occasionally you may have a light-weight tightly woven knit sweater that can be hung on a padded or heavy hanger, but usually sweaters should lay flat.

Snags and pulls are another care issue with sweaters. Larger loose weaves are prone to being caught on protruding objects. Tight weave can easily be snagged, so watch that your jewelry and purse have no rough edges.

Moths love lunching on the food particles dropped on your sweater, even those particles you do not see. So dry clean them for sure at the end of the season, but also during the season as needed. You can even wrap your sweater up and place it in the freezer over night to kill any bugs or eggs that might be inside your favorite wool or cashmere pieces.

What is your color contrast level?

Most women know about seasonal colors or at least which colors look best on them. Have you ever considered what contrast level in a print works best for you? The model on the left has a medium contrast between her hair color and complexion. The dress is also medium contrast: beige and brown. This is one of the reasons this dress looks great on this model, the contrast levels agree. If the dress was black and white (the ultimate in high contrast), then someone with dark hair and a fair complexion would look especially striking because the again the contrast levels agree.

Contrast level is one of the items I note on my client's profile. It's a subtle element. Sometimes though a certain garment color and the styling of a garment will trump contrast level when making a purchase decision. Just become aware of your personal contrast level. Look at the prints in your closet. Are they low, medium or high contrast? Which do you feel best in?

Tights and Black Sheer Hosiery

Often women over 50 will tell me that a certain skirt in the Collection is too short for them. Yet my opinion is that with tights or dark hosiery you can wear a shorter skirt if you have good legs. Look at the short black skirt at the left. In this photo the model almost looks like she is wearing pants because the skirt, tights and shoes create one long look. Hot this season are tights with boots also. The model on the right is wearing a chiffon flowing skirt with sheer black hose. The hosiery definitely is the finishing touch to this elegant lady look. Bare legs just will not do here.

Cypress Jacket $545 Angelic Satin Blouse $295

Intrigue Skirt $235 Caviar Chiffon Skirt $255

See www.wardrobeperfect.com for more about the Carlisle and Per Se Collections.

Feathery Fashions

Are you looking for something to really spice up your Fall - Holiday wardrobe? Think feathery adornments. The sketch at the right shows a skirt with rows of golden pheasant feathers from the Per Se Collection priced at $795. Another skirt in the Collection is black with a plume of ostrich feathers at the bottom, priced at $425. A black skirt called Jazz from the Carlisle Collection has a feather-like look with dangling eyelash yarn woven through out the fabric and is priced at $295. Most impressive is the Vermillion deep red cocktail dress with the bottom adorned with 210 ostrich feathers, 250 beads and 200 handmade fabric leaves. It takes 9 days to complete the dress which is well worth the $645 tag.

To see more from these Collections go to http://www.carlislecollection.com/ and http://www.persecollection.com/ I will be showing the Collections Sept. 24- Oct. 6 in Pasadena, CA by appointment. If you need a consultant in another part of the US, I can direct you to one.

marylin@wardrobeperfect.com

Clothing Fit and Alterations

Can you buy your clothes off the rack and have them fit perfectly? Then you are the exception. You just happen to be the same size as that designer's fit model. A size eight dress can fit a variety of figure types who are basically a size 8 with tweaking. With a jacket or dress first fit your shoulders then the widest area of your upper torso. Is it your bust or hips? You want the garment to glide over these areas. Now if there is excess in the other areas, have it taken in. Check your sleeve length also. Is the jacket too long for your proportions? Even this can usually be altered an inch or two.

What I often notice from the rear is that a jacket is just tight enough over the hips that it is not falling straight down, but causes horizontal fold in the back around the waist area. From the front it makes you look thick in the middle. The jacket seams need to be let out over the hips. Sometimes I have recommended venting a jacket. That is removing the bottom stitching of the seam and creating a "V" vent.

Proper fit can make a less expensive purchase look more expensive. Conversely, an ill-fitted garment will look less than impressive if it has not been altered to fit your unique body type.

www.wardrobeperfect.com

Professional Women and Hosiery

To wear or not to wear? I am often asked this question at my corporate trainings. The answer depends on your business culture and clientele. In some conservative cultures like the financial fields older executives, managers, and clients would expect hosiery to be part of the traditional attire package. Women wear hosiery and men wear socks with their suits.

This said, hosiery sales are down as the younger generation is going without hosiery. Personally I tend to go without hosiery in the summer especially, though never professionally. Once my legs loose their tan I still like how hosiery hides alot of the blemishes on my legs. Plus with certain outfits I need the body sculpting pant hose provide.

I like to stock up and often order on line. Here are a few sites:

http://www.barenecessities.com/

http://www.onehanesplace.com/

The Advantage of a Clothing Steamer

I have own a clothing steamer since I first began selling Carlisle 18 years ago. The shipments come in boxes from New York, and my steamer sits right next to my clothing delivery rack. It makes all the wrinkles disappear so quickly that I only occasionally use an iron for linens. Naturally I use it for my own personal clothes and my husband's. It's great after a trip to de-wrinkle our garments. I also use it to spruce up my evening gowns that have bows or ruffles that get crushed in my closet. This really saves dry cleaning costs and time. In addition steaming is gentle on your clothes and extends their life. Steam relaxes the fibers while ironing crushes the fibers.

I still have my original Jiffy Steamer, but they now have a better model, J-2000 which is $189. You can order one by calling 800-52Jiffy (525-4339) or on line at http://www.jiffysteamer.com/ Go to personal steamers on the site. When you order enter "image004" in the promo box and you'll get free shipping.

Dressing for the Presentation

I am a member of Toastmasters and frequently members have questions about their attire. Beyond buttoning your jacket when answering table topic or giving a speech, I offer these suggestions. What if you are giving a talk about your African safari, could you wear khaki or bring a safari hat. If your talk is about the economy or investing, this seems to call for a power suit. Think navy, black or grey suit. If your talk involves humor or a fun story, what about happy bright colors or accessories. For a man this could be his tie and for a woman her accessories.

I recently wore a very polished casual outfit for a professional training I gave at a very relaxed casual company. It really set the wrong tone from the moment I arrived.

I would love your comments about dressing to fit the talk you are giving.

More Hat Resources

This week I went to the Pasadena Playhouse to see "Crowns". The stars of this musical were the hats worn by African American women. In the adjoining gift shop was a wonderful vendor of truely elegant fashion hats priced at $200 and up. During the run of the show the hats will be available at the Playhouse before and after the shows.

Check out http://www.louisegreen.com/ to see her selections, Louise's impressive background, and the great video clip from "Desparate Housewives".

Should you want a simple inexpensive hat visit Jann Webb at the Brentwood Farmers Market on Sundays and the La Canada Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. I bought large brimmed hat that I wear at the beach for $40.

A Solution for Annoying Garment Tags

Do you have a garment with a tag that itches or pops up? Sometimes you can cut the tag out if it is just a few stitches on each end. Other times you want to keep the cleaning information in place. Hollywood Tag Tamers are the solution. These soft adhesive covers are designed to be applied over the tag, then removed when cleaning the garment. I am giving these as gifts to my clients during my Fall Carlisle trunk show.

In the past I have given away the Hollywood Fashion Tape which everyone loved, so I ordered more. This tape will adhere to your body and clothes to avoid over exposure when wearing low cut garments. Hollywood starlets use this at awards events to keep those plunging necklines in place.

Check out www.hollywoodfashiontape.com I ordered an assortment of their nifty products to have on hand for my wardrobe consulting business.

Carlisle's Susan G. Komen Scarf

The Carlisle Collection has donated almost 2 million dollars over the last years to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Pictured here is the newest scarf designed by Carlisle 's designer. The colors compliment every woman's coloring. The scarf makes a beautiful gift to those fighting cancer or celebrating surviving cancer. A $125 donation is written to the foundation and sent in through your Carlisle agent. Then Carlisle sends you the scarf as a thank you. Your entire $125 donation goes to the foundation, as Carlisle donates the scarf.

Fall Fashion Trends

Sleeves are a design focus this season with bell shapes and poufs. The third outfit in this sketch is called Spectator. It has 3/4 length sleeves that are puffed plus another trend: dramatic and interesting collars. You view this better at www.carlislecollection.com

Zippers are exposed and used not only for function, but as an embellishment. My favorite zipper treatment is the Glimmer jacket in the Fall Per Se Collection. It is long charcoal and black tweed jacket trimmed with zipper teeth around the collar, edges and pocket flaps. Check it out at www.persecollection.com

The consultants who represent the Carlisle and Per Se Collections across the nation will begin selling through their trunk show July 16. This is a very personalized way to build a wardrobe that reflects your unique style and needs. I will have the collection July 16-28 in Pasadena. Email me if you wish to view the collections at marylin@wardrobeperfect.com or call 626 432 1765.

Fragrance for Sensitive Skin

Is your skin sensitive to perfume? Do you attract every mosquito within wide radius? Would you like your perfume to last all day? My friend, Kathryn Robbins, who is a skin care specialist, has finally launched her unique solution. It is a small chamber that attaches to the back of your pierced earrings. You fill the chamber with your favorite perfume or insect repellent without the oils ever touching your skin. You can see her Scent Sations at www.Kathryn-Robbins.com. Her other services are also listed. I have personally used Kathryn to have my thinning blond eyebrows tattooed.

Shapewear that stays in place

Have you ever worn undergarments to smooth your less than desirable bumps and rolls, only to have the garment inch up or roll down creating another unsightly bump! Through my fellow image consultant, Lori Ann Robinson, who has dressed many a starlet for special events, I discovered TC Fine Intimates. What they have is a seamless edge with an inner rubber strip that keep the garment from riding up or down when you move. I started selling my favorite three garments during my Carlisle Collection Shows. If you go to www.cupidintimates/tc-welcome.html you will see the entire line. Under firm control I like #444 pictured here which smooths from the bra line down to the hips. If your waist needs a little tweaking in, the cincher #473 does the trick. The camisole #444 is good for someone who just needs the mid section smooth, but not the hip area. You can now order any of these items through me. See the site for sizing. In addition Nordstroms and Bloomingdales carry some of the line, but not all.

Incredible Facial

I had the most incredible facial from Patty Bunch in Toluca Lake (Burbank). For one and a half hours I was pampered from head to toe literally. Patty worked through all the facial steps while her assistant massaged my legs, feet, arms and hands.

I have recommended Patty to my clients who needed their makeup done for special occassions. Patty is a professional makeup artist in the entertainment industry and has been nominated twice for an Emmy. When she is not on a set, Patty is at her charming bungalow in Toluca Lake doing both makeup and skin therapy.

During my session she had her facial steamer going as she cleansed and did two exfoliation treatments. Then she gave me a oxygen treatment to increase my collegen. Lastly, she gave me a deep pore masque. My skin was radiant afterwards.

I am scheduled next to have a middle microbrasion. I'll post about this later.

Go to www.pattybunch.com It's a great site with Patty speaking and photos of the bungalow.

Yes, linen wrinkles

I just returned from Hawaii where I wore both a very old Ellen Fisher linen blouse that I love and a new pair of Tommy Bahama linen white shorts. Now many women and men will not even consider wearing linen in the summer because it wrinkles. The rumbled look of linen is part of the summer look though. I never iron my linens to a crisp finish. Plus I like how linen gets softer with washing.

Linen is cool, absorbent and lint free. It also holds a dye very well. Linen is 2-3 times stronger than cotton and remarkably durable. Ramses II who died in 1258 BC over 3000 years ago was wrapped in linen and the fabric had not decayed when his body was discovered.

I bought my husband a long sleeved yellow linen shirt for his birthday at Tommy Bahamas. I love the look of a linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up with a pair of Bermudas. They came in lots of colors. www.tommybahamas.com Go to shirts. It is the Easy Breezer for $98.

Discover Your Style

Have you ever know someone who has a unique style that so suits their personality and life style? Fashion trends may come and go, but they will only select what works for them. Developing you unique style will keep you from selecting what you never really felt good in no matter how lovely the fabric or design. Alyce Parsons, one of the founding members of the Association of Image Consultants, developed the concept of Universal Style years ago and I was privileged to become a certified Universal Style consultant under her guidance. Check out her website and new book "Style Source: The Power of the Seven Universal Styles for Women and Men." http://www.universalstyleintl.com/

Image Makeovers

On of my Carlisle clients, Lisa Johnson Mandell, has an interesting blog on a career makeover of an older man interviewing of jobs. Take a look at http://www.lisajohnsonmandell.com/ March 19 "Hairy Dilemna". It shows that you do not go to extreme measures to look younger.



I have recently done a makeover or really a touch up on a lovely mid career woman in the financial field being groomed for an executive level position. It was also nothing extreme. her hair was cut to create a more polished look. She needed to pay more attention to the fit of her clothes and have her clothes taylored. So many women do not get their clothes altered to fit their unique body shape. Other advice was also given, but nothing extreme. I did this makeover as a team efforts with my associates at Corporate Icon. Patsy Cisneros worked on her voice and body language and Susan Abrams did her colors, skin care and makeup. I did her style analysis and wardrobe suggestions. http://www.corporateicon.com/

Why Wear A Hat

There are many reasons to wear at hat.

The number one reason to wear a hat is sun protection. Many hats state that they have UV protection, but you'll at least want one that is closely woven to prevent rays from penetrating. I like ones with broad brims that shade my neck. Really broad brims even protect my shoulders when sunbathing. If you will be hiking or doing an active outdoor activity consider one that ties around the chin. Your hat will not only protect your skin, but keep your hair from sun damage and dryness.

The other great reason is glamour. Of course we've admired extravagant hats at events like the Kentucky Derby, but even a simple hat can add glamour to any woman's outfit. On a bad hair day I wear a hat, and I get all these compliments. I have to control myself not to say, "Thank you but actually I did not have time to style my hair today".

Lastly, I hear women say I do not look good in hats. My response is you simply have not found the style that best suits you. Just start trying them on.

Google "women's hats". The above image is from www.coolibar.com which specializes is sun protection.

Fashion Styling Tip

Do you own a pair of pants or a skirt that relates to your hair color? When a blond wears biege pants or a brunette wears a dark brown skirt, they are repeating a color and the effect is always pleasing. Almost any complimentary color on top will also just naturally work.

Another version of repeating a color is to wear an accessory near your face that repeats the color of your pant or skirt. For instance you are wearing a casual blue top with white pants. Now add a touch of white in your necklace such as mother of pearl disk on a white cord.

Sale Shopping

Beware of shopping sales without a plan. Review your wardrobe first to determine what you need. Perhaps you need some tops with color to brighten your basic neutrals, or your basic black pants or your better jeans need replacing. Just having a purpose when you go through those sales racks helps you zip through them. Also beware of buying one piece that you love hoping to find something to go with it. You know what will happen, right!



A certain amount of spontaneity is also called for though. If you see just the right style and color that suits your personal style, go for it. When you really need something special in the future, you will not be out there at the last minute trying to find it.

The Professional Woman's Image vs. Sexy Messages

Gone are the days when women tried to dress like men in the work place. You can certainly dress like a woman, but this does not mean sexy. Where do you want the attention to be when conducting business? On what you have to say and do, right. Therefore avoid any tops that are low cut, tight or sheer. Watch you skirt length and remember that when you sit down it goes up another 2 inches (slits also rise). Avoid long nails that look like they would impede doing work. Watch out for hairstyles that cover your partially eyes. Avoid stiletto heels that not only look too sexy, but affect the way you walk.

What not to economize on

Please do not economize on your skin care. You will regret it years later when this whole mess is over. At the minimum cleanse with a PH balanced product, use a daytime moisturizer with sunscreen and a good night cream. Now I happen to sell a product I researched and love, Arbonne Swiss formulated skin care. But I also like Dermalogica. Both companies use botanically based ingredients, like natural oil. Do avoid mineral oil. Lots of lines use this cheap oil which is often given other names on the list of ingredients. Mineral oil sits on the top of your skin. Now this is great to prevent diaper rash and mineral oil (a petroleum based product) is the main ingredient in baby oil. It act as a barrier to the acid in urine penetrating the skin. You want a oil that goes into your skin. This is what I like about Arbonne it selects only natural oils and uses their nanosphere patent to assure that the product does penetrate the skin to provide the benefits that reduce aging.

My photograph shown here was taken in the last year. It is not retouched. I have been using Arbonne for about four years. I am 62 years old. My skin is moist and elastic. Beyond Arbonne I credit sunscreen and hats, exercise, a healthy diet and flax seed oil daily.

http://www.wardrobeperfect.myarbonne.com/

The Frugal Wardrobe

How does one keep their wardrobe "up to date" while still watching the budget? By planning.

What are the neutral colors you look best in? Is it black and gray, or brown and beige. If it's black do you have columns of this color? That is tops and bottoms in the same color. Do you have your column in both warm and cold weather pieces, dressy and casual? Do you have great accessories in these colors. This is you base upon you can have lots of fun. Since you wear these pieces frequently replace them as necessary and buy the best quality your budget allows.

Over your base you can layer color or even just go monotone. When the new trends are out for a season you can simply add a few pieces like a great colored handbag, a fun belt, the latest costume jewelry, a scarf with the colors that look great next to your face.

Most important is review your wardrobe before you shop and make a list of what you could use to either maintain it or update.