Me in Melange

Letting it all hang out & notes from the newly reformed!

I did something I have never done today.  I went to see a makeup colorist...a PROFESSIONAL makeup colorist...not just the lady who happens to be behind the MAC counter.   Someone who could totally review my entire makeup routine, and put me back on the right track.  I had started to wonder if I was in a huge rut (the answer was yes.)  We all have seen the people...with makeup shades that look horrible, and we wonder how in the world they could think it looked good.  Well, I think I might have been one of those people!  It is so easy to get into a routine and then not break out of it.  Somewhere along the line of $200 hair salon vists, my hair grew a lot more "golden auburn" and completely threw me off what I "thought" were my colors.   My makeup stayed the same, and I had a color confused face. 

So...I didn't hold back.  I took in every last bit of nasty makeup I use.  The embarassing, ratty dish of blush I thought I liked, my tinted chapstick that had Gia's teethmarks in it.  Everything.  I let it all hang out, and told it like it was. 

It was AWESOME.  My little makeup guru session totally revamped my tired routine, and gave me a complete facelift.  He showed me how even subtle differences in undertones can change the way blush, or makeup, or eyeshadow looked on my skin.  I told him I wanted that perfect "I didn't try very hard at all to look ravishing" look, and he did his best to comply.  I must say...ravishing might be a stretch, but I think it came off pretty darn good!  It was a painstaking process, but the end result is an easy routine that looks "minimal" on the face.

My lesson for the day, and the rule to which I will now adhere to....easy on the blush.  I tend to be a little heavy handed (oh, o.k., truth be told I can look like $2 whore pretty quick if left to my own blush devices).  I mean, it always seemed like the answer to 4 hours of sleep and a pasty pallor.  But that was then, and this is now.  I'm reformed, and committed to my "au natural" makeup look with the perfectly, and softly, blushing cheeks.

I highly recommend indulging.  I sort of fell into this by happenstance, but I'm so glad I did, and I'm a big advocate now of the professional makeup colorist!

(if you live in the area, his name is Fez and he is sweet, patient, and really talented.... he is on 10th in the Pearl at his own studio--I think dubbed appropriate, Fez Studios)!!

Signed, ME {lv}

Let your clothes do the talking!

So I was listening to NPR radio today, and they were interviewing former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.  It was kind of an interesting interview, because she talked about her new book, called "Read My Pins".  Some of you I'm sure already know this, but she become quite infamous for the costume jewelry "pins" she wore on her left shoulder.  She explained how she had different pins she wore daily to set different moods, and to signal different things to whatever Heads of State she happen to be meeting with.

Middle East talks...maybe a dove pin.  When she was feeling aggressive, maybe her wasp pin.  When the bipartisan talks were going nowhere, her turtle pin. 

I love how she recognized the impact that wearing something (in her case the jewelry) had on both HER attitude and mood, and ultimately on the perception that others had of her on any given day.   Regardless of whether you liked her from a political standpoint, you sort of have to appreciate her ability to embrace her femininity without compromise, while being a strong and intellectual force in a man's game.

Signed, ME {lv}

Bring on a baby shower!

When I spotted the new line, Baby Luxe, I immediately wanted another baby...those cute little bunting sacks, and sweet prints...I could feel my ovaries doing back flips just looking at them!  They are the perfect baby shower, or new baby gift for a couple of reasons. 1)  They are adorable.  2)  The prints are totally unique.  3) The price point is perfect, you aren't spending too much, and it isn't too inexpensive so that you feel like you need to "add on" with something else.  4) The gift feels substantial because you get THREE pieces, so it feels complete (what else could you possibly need?)!   This is my new favorite gift-to-go...I'm going to buy one for a girl and one for a boy and throw them into the "gift" drawer so that I'm ready for action when that new baby pops up (not mine...at least for now)!  :-)

Signed, ME {lv}

 

They're bbbaaaacccckkkkk!

We had them last year, and blogged on their fabulous nature, and since none of us felt like we got enough, we doubled our efforts this year and went cashmere scarf crazy!  There isn't a color (a good one anyway) that we didn't get in, and they feel wonderfully snuggly--who doesn't need cashmere around their neck?  I treat myself to a few each season because I'm a scarf maniac, but they also make wonderful and easy gifts!  The easiest way to bring a flash of color to your outfit.  Grab your favorite hue soon, they are sure to find homes quickly!

Signed, ME {lv}

 and more!

 and more!!

 

 

Gratitude

Found this link this morning in an email from a store I've purchased invitations from before (Tiny Prints)....thought it was inspiring and wanted to pass it on.  Gratitude Challenge

I decided I am going to pass this link on to a handful of friends, along with the 5 reasons I'm grateful to know them.  Because it is always nice to hear, and it is all too often that we hear only the negative, and not the positive about ourselves!

Have a great Monday everyone!

Signed, LV {lv}

Sharon Segal

Yes, if the name sounds familiar, it is probably for a couple of reasons.  First, she has made quite a name for herself in the fashion industry already, as the designer behind a sensational line of tops.  Second, she is indeed the daughter of Fred Segal, the Los Angeles based store that has a cult following among the stars-to-be and the stars-that-are.

When I was first introduced to this line, it though, "do we really need another tee-shirt line"?   Then I took a closer look, and actually FELT the quality of fabric, and realized that we really don't have anything quite like it!  She has a perfect sense of combining really great fabrics, with styles that are updated, yet have a classic backbone.   The body lengths are nice and long too, which make it perfect for layering.

The burnout fabrics are really fun, and I love introducing some print into my tee wardrobe!  Keep an eye out, Sharon Segal will be back again with another shipment later this month!

Life is like a bowl of High School

I had an awkward day today.  One of those days when your clothes don't seem to lay right, your arms are too long, and hair too frizzy.   It was like a backflash to High School.  But then again, I've come to the conclusion that life is just like High School in just too many respects.  Which is why I've decided I need to add a few more things to my back to school shopping list.

Perhaps it is when your kids start school...once they do, you have to start "going back to school" yourself.  There are school social events, cliques, the "popular" parents and the parents you never see.   Gossip abounds, and the caddy girls have become caddy women.  It is really pretty much High School (except my butt is far less perky).  Which is fine with me....I survived High School and learned a few lessons along the way so I can avoid the I obvious pitfalls. 

The other thing I remember about High School (besides worrying about whether I would be invited to such and such party--fast forward 20 years and you'll be wondering if your kid gets invited to "such and such party"), was preparing my back to school wardrobe.  I spent more time worrying about to wear than biology and chemistry homework combined (it's a wonder I got decent grades at all).

Well, I am not quite as obsessed with what I'm going to wear now, but I will say that it is kind of nice to have some new digs for fall so you aren't wearing exactly what you wore last year.  You need a "refresher" so your wardrobe feels updated and new.  I'm strategically adding some new things that will help rejuvenate last year's favorites.   I mean really, I can't go to school in the same OLD thing :-)!

Signed, ME {lv}

 

the straight leg...

I've been thinking about these for a while now....

They're the Sevens straight leg in San Clemente.  I need them so that I have a pair to tuck into my boots this fall/winter, I have previously tried to accomplish the 'tucked in' look by tight-rolling (ugh, why was that ever a popular way to wear jeans. so bad.) a pair and then throwing some socks over them to keep them in place as pull my boots on.  This does not work. And I do not recommend anyone leaving their house like this. The minute you sit down the whole contraption falls apart and your jeans start busting out the top, it's really the easiest way to ruin a good outfit, not to mention your day.  SO, I'm left to buy straight jeans... which really for me, are more of a skinny fit then just straight.  They're going to work perfectly for my boots without any extra help and I think I might even be brave and wear them with a tunic and flats, we shall see.  I've been putting it off, because I'm kinda scared of the whole straight/skinny jean thing.... but Lila just pooped all over my pants today, so it's either make an emergency trip home to change or just bite the bullet and give my new fall look a good ole' college try.  signed, me {CA}

 

Post Labor Day Reality.

I'll admit, this can be a confusing time of year...the season transition unofficially starts with Labor Day weekend, but the transition isn't always easy to make.  Most of us are still enjoying gorgeous sunny days, but the mornings have started to get cool and crisp.  Our dressing decisions have to be all about layering.  I woke up this morning really quite chilly, and I wanted to snuggle into my new  Isda Salima Cardigan (one left on the sale rack-it is awesome, so if you are a medium you should snatch it up).  By 3:00 p.m. though, sitting outside with the kids I was sweating, even in my sleeveless top.   Layer, layer, layer.

I also get confused by exactly when to retire all my summer shoes, and bring on the closed toe shoes and boots.  I can't say exactly when the time is, I don't hold fast to the Labor Day flip-your-shoes-to-new-season-rule (I threw on my leather flip flops this afternoon), but I do know that it starts to feel strange really quickly to keep wearing summer shoes.  I hang on to these last few days of hot weather, but it is time to start packing away the summer stash ladies.  I pulled out my linen (bye bye gorgeous white linen), and a bunch of other really spring/summer feeling.  I left everything that I could still layer well with my new fall cardigans (for these last couple of weeks of hot weather).  I haven't worn my boots yet, or completely retired my flip flops...but the hours are ticking by, and it'll be time to box them soon.  I'm just excited to wear some of the adorable fall favorites I've been eyeing.  Now I just need a little "yuck" weather, and maybe a few turning leaves!

Keats & Bloom lovelies!

These new Keats & Blooms scarves I am particularly excited about.  I'm a scarf person for sure, I tend to only wear a few jackets, but dozens of scarves will spark them up all fall/winter long.  My usual standby is cashmere, I will admit, but when I saw these merino wool wraps I was amazed at how soft and wonderful they felt.  Even after years in the biz, I'm still condition to think, "wool...itchy".  Those definitely were days past, because now a well done merino wool is serious competition for any knit!  The colors are what really melted my heart, there isn't one that isn't perfectly breathtaking...and I thought each was a variation of the "norm".  Yes, there is deep orange out there, but nothing quite like the turmeric color.  The blue fir....that deep bottom of the sea green/blue that I adore isn't easy to come across in this richness.   The right color will light up your face and take your black, brown or charcoal "basic jacket" above and beyond!  Signed, ME {lv}