5 Steps To Finding A Pair Of FABULOUS Sunglasses!

So, I went to try on sunglasses the other day. I do this often and leave empty handed because I like the glasses I already have better. This time, with my trusted coconut latte in hand and my two (brutally honest daughters) shopping a few stores down, I got serious. I was looking for cat eye, or aviators or the new circle glasses.  I was open minded to say the least.

I was looking for something to fit my face shape (oval)  and different from what I already have. I also wanted something to wear for early morning coffee runs when I don't have makeup on....

I tried on new Prada glasses and loved them until my daughter walked in and vetoed them. Apparently, they looked like I should be wearing them "on Halloween, and that's it, no where else."  Luckily, I'm used to their candor so I moved on to the next few pairs I had selected, but they all looked like ones I already have so I left empty handed.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect cat eye that isn't too extreme or dated. When I find them I'll tell you. In the mean time I did find a pair of big black aviators.

Here are a few questions I ask myself when shopping for sunglasses;

1. Does it flatter my face shape?

Know your face shape but don't let charts or old rules dictate what kind of glasses you can wear. I have an oval face and aviators typically make my face look droopy but I found a pair that were wide enough at the temple to actually look....just right.

2. Be sure to look at your profile.

3. Be sure to look at how the glasses look with your hair out of your face and up in a ponytail.

4. Look at them on your face in natural light. In most stores the sales associate will accompany you out into natural lighting with a mirror.

5. Notice the weight of them. Sometimes, if they are heavy after a while you can get a headache.

Happy Hunting!
xox


My new favorite glasses, Tom Ford.

https://www.sydewalk.com/profile/PaulaLalanne/sydewalks/8/tom-ford-cyrille-aviator-sunglasses-co-neiman-marcus/ 





 

5 Reasons Why This Is the Holy Grail Of Foundaions!

I finally found the holy grail of foundation....MAKE UP FOR EVER recently came out with a new foundation  just as I was looking for something better than what I was using. It's called HD High Definition Foundation.  I was previously using a foundation that didn't break me out, but the colors were never right, and I was spending way too much time bronzing it up to make it match my ever-changing skin color. Finally, I decided, with literally thousands of options, I should be able to find something better...anything. I began test driving foundations for about a month, and much to my surprise, I actually didn't feel like I was settling when I tried this one. Here are the reasons why. 

1. I didn't break out.

This was HUGE for me. I literally held my breath each morning after I started wearing it before I looked in the mirror. I was expecting a new blemish to pop up, and to my surprise, I didn't have any unwelcome visitors! Hooray!

2.  The color match was perfect.

I have A LOT of yellow in my skin and it was absolutely identical to the color on my neck, which had some self-tanner on it.

3. It felt light.

It's not the lightest weight foundation as it's medium to full coverage, but it didn't feel overly heavy like other foundations I've recently tried.

4.  It looked great in pictures.

Haven't you ever noticed how your foundation can have a very different camera look? I struggle with this all the time. In the past my foundation has always looked too pink or just plain off. This is the first time I've actually liked the way my skin looks on camera.

5. It goes on easily and blends well.

I use either a blending sponge or brush, but either way it goes on easily and quickly because it isn't too thick.






                                      

In sunlight.

 

Without flash.

 

With flash.

 

FABULOUS Splatter Paint...

This trend pops in and out of our lives like surprise birthday parties. We don't have them every year but when they happen they are FABULOUS. This trend works with a white crisp shirt, soft sweater or t-shirt, it's just flat out fun!

 

 

 

 

 Christian Louboutin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FABULOUS Summer Nails...not what you'd expect!

When I think of summer nail colors I think of corals and vibrant tones. Dark colors are not what comes to mind but that isn't what Tom Ford was thinking, and I concur.  Metallic gold was also seen as a summer shade by Burberry. Just think of how FABULOUS gold nails with tan skin will look once snow melts away and we get to bare some skin!




Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Jade


Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Indigo Night

 

Burberry Nail Lacquer

 

 

Butter Lacquer Vernis

 

Please share this blog and let me know what you'd like to hear about next! xox

FABULOUS Florals!

These FABULOUS florals have me itching for this weather to warm up. Flowers make me happy. They bloom just to delight all of our senses. I have them scattered throughout my house, specifically orchids, hydrangeas, and peonies (when they're in season). They instantly add a huge dose of unapologetic glamour to any place they occupy, so what could be better than wearing them? I also love to use floral print in my interior design projects. My favorite thing to do is use large scale flower prints in textiles or wall coverings.  I  gravitate towards patterns with over a twenty-four inch repeat, in interior design language that means the flowers are...HUGE and the look is stunning.  I also think this trend is best when it's balanced with a bit of edge, pops of gold or silver and plenty of baubles. Now, grab a cappuccino or mimosa, sit back, enjoy and have a FABULOUS Sunday!
















Floral skirt by Alice and Olivia.







Haute Hippie




Marchesa Valencia Floral Lizard Clutch



Valentino Floral-Print Covered Clutch


Sophia Webster Rousseau Jungle Floral Pump. These would be stunning with

 

Gucci Double G Scarf

Aerin Printed Floral Tray

Charbonnel ET Walker "Vintage" Chocolates

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/brSearch.jsp?from=brSearch&fl=flags,merchant_api_json,alt_thumb_image,url&src=suggest&responsive=true&request_type=search&search_type=keyword&q=floral%20print&l=floral%20print&tc=1281

 

Perrier Jouet Rose Flower Bottle '02




https://www.designersguild.com/us/fabric-and-wallcoverings/l1121

Versace

 

 

 

Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb

 

Have a FABULOUS Sunday!







 

When to buy FABULOUS Trendy Frocks vs. FABULOUS Classic Frocks?

I still struggle with this when I see a piece of clothing that I know has a shelf life of two seconds. I want it but I wonder... is it worth it?  When this happens I refer back to my two requirements....

1. Do I LOVE it?

2. Is the cut flattering?

 

 

 

Classic? Or......

 

 

The answer to number one has to be an unequivocal.... YES!  I mean, what won't we do for love? We'll climb mountains and look danger in the eye. I've found this to be true in fashion too. I'll wear a pair of six inch Louboutin's that feel like I've decided to start practicing Chinese foot-binding if they match an outfit perfectly and if...I love them.  I really hit the jackpot whenever I fall in love with a pair of shoes and they're also comfy.  I remember one time I was walking down an uneven side walk in Lala land, wearing sandals that I did not love and hurt when I saw a pair of Gucci platform wedges. They started to scream my name and right then and there they proposed to me. We've lived in blissful harmony for many years and after a few visits to cobbler for marriage counseling I can tell you that we're still living happily ever after. Come to think of it that is when my love affair with Gucci began and to be more specific, Tom Ford the genius behind the brand in the early 2000's. He designed things that just resonated with my personal sense of style. Many of his designs had and still have a streamlined quality that have made them classics and have given them a tenure in my closet.

This brings me to why classics, while they do double duty as wardrobe staples also need to be pieces you love. If you find that perfect white T or black pump that you love...buy two! I promise you will thank me later. It may seem like an unnecessary purchase but two years form now when the original black pump you love starts to look like a raisin, you can pull out that fresh pair and continue the love affair.


The answer to question number two, is the cut flattering(?). The answer is personal and takes trial and error, hopefully not too much. It also takes a full length mirror and total honesty with yourself. I've learned this the hard way. I love the sophisticated look pencil skirts but they just don't flatter me the way other skirts do. I've had several fashion hiccups in attempts to be trendy and finally after seeing pictures of myself wearing things that someone should have arrested me for, I think I have a handle on what works on me and what doesn't. We all can't wear boot cut jeans or skinny jeans or mini skirts and so on. But that's the beauty of personal style and once you know what works on your body type shopping becomes simpler and let's face it ,a lot more fun. When I see a backless dress I stop, admire it and then move on. It's not going to happen because my body type isn't meant for backless. I do however LOVE strapless, halter, sleeveless and my favorite is anything with a tight long sleeve that hits the perfect spot just past my wrist.

So in condensing both questions I think trends will be as much a part of our lives as traffic. Sometimes they will work in our favor and sometimes it is just not meant to be. Lastly, classics don't have to be boring, to the contrary, for me they are building blocks to most of my outfits whether it's my Burberry trench or my favorite soft white t-shirt. 

Here are some trends I'm obsessed with and here are a few of my old standbys that never let me down... and are always... haute.



These Pigalle Louboutin pumps are everything....they are sleek, classic, neutral, trendy and classic. They go with jeans and couture.  The answer to questions one and two are...yes and yes.




Gap basic white T. This is a huge part of my wardrobe. I love pairing it with leather leggings and a bootie or pretty much anything....


Sorry this image isn't better but I still wanted to include it since it is my latest go-to blouse. It's the Marl Drape Blouse by Topshop. The matted texture allows for this blouse to go with leather, denim or silk trousers. Again, this pretty much goes with everything. I just wore it with a pair of silk kaki shorts. I also have the cream version and will buy any other colors they dream up.

http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/clothing-70483/tops-70498/blouses-2291599/textured-marl-drape-blouse-4060408?refinements=category~%5b209855%7c208637%5d&bi=1&ps=20



I love this trend. I hope it stays for a while because a basic like this can be paired with a denim jacket, a tailored blazer, fun baubles, and any shoe your heart desires....sky is the limit with this.

harrods.com



This is my all time favorite that was a trend a very long time ago....See, there is hope that some trends will never leave us...and that's a good thing!

www.jcrew.com