How Not to Look Old…for the Men!

Ok Chris…this Blog’s for you…and NOT because you look Old…but because you are savvy enough to ask for general help to help me shore up my male fan base!

Studies show that men are twice as worried about “physical changes” due to aging as women. They just don’t know what to do about it. Since I am Not a Man, and have not resorted to trying to “look younger as a Man”, as I indeed have as a “woman”, I was happy to do “extensive research” in order to help our male friends, and sorted through what I think will be the easiest and most efficient ways for Men to look younger.  And, I shall leather-bind this blog and Fed Ex to Kevin!

Some  tips can help them hide the signs of aging:

1.   Keep a clean shave or well-groomed facial hair.  I say lose the beard, unless it’s really great looking (and you know who you are).  If you cannot rock a great goatee, do Not have a goatee.  Beards and mustaches tend to look aging, especially when flecked with gray.

2.  Use good skin care, and use it daily.  There are many types of skin care made specifically for men.  Check them out.  Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize.  They even sell these wonderful skin care kits which have all 3 items included.   These brands are good and affordable:  Kiehl’s; Clinique and L’Oreal.  Check out your local department store or Sephora for these products.  You can find L’Oreal at your local drugstore.

3.  Wear sunscreen…especially if you spend lots of time outdoors.  Wear a moisturizer with an SPF of At Least 15 on your face everyday…even in the Winter.   And if you are thinning on top, and are out in the sun, wear a baseball cap, to avoid burning your scalp. 

4.  Wear sunglasses, to avoid squinting outside, which helps cut down on the wrinkles around the eyes.  Plus, a great pair of sunglasses are a great accessory.  And make sure they are updated, and not circa 1992.

5.  Get a good hair cut.  And keep the cut updated.  If you’ve been sporting the same cut since high school or college, it’s time to find a new cut.  If your hair is thinning, you may want to cut it shorter to “mitigate” the hair loss.  And, if you want to cover the gray, there are many ways to do it, either from the drugstore, or professionally where you get your hair cut.  It’s important to make it look natural.  Jet Black is a big no-no.  And while you are getting your haircut, please have your eyebrows trimmed.  Please.

6.  Trim your nose and ear hair.  Really no need to further elaborate on this.

7.  Update your glasses, or try contacts.  Not only does this apply to sunglsses, but everyday glasses, as well as reading glasses.  There are so many great looking glasses these days.  Again, they become an accessory that frames your face.  Go to an eyeglass store, and spend some time trying on glasses, and finding a pair that fits, and you feel good in.  And if you aren’t sure of what looks good, ask someone who works there.  They Love to give advice, especially when it’s solicited. 

8.  Diet and Exercise…I didn’t mention this in the women’s version, as it does apply there as well…but the “beer belly” look does tend to age a man.  You are what you eat and drink.  They say the man’s waist should be ½ your height or less.   Probably same formula for women.  Who knew when we were growing up that eating well, and exercising was the key to being in shape.   Eat and drink in moderation, drink lots of water, get some exercise…basically what we All should be doing everyday.  But doing this as a lifestyle, can add years onto your life, and take years off your look.

9.  Whiten your smile. Crest White Strips used daily will quickly, efficiently and painlessly whiten your teeth.  Or, dial it up a notch and have them professionally whitened…I, however tried that little trick, and truly, thought I was going to Yank my teeth out of my mouth.  I have resorted to Crest White Strips myself.  I also should dial that up a notch.

10.  Eliminate stress (its aging) and try to get more sleep…which I know is harder to do, the older we get.  A tired face ages you 5-10 years…and I’m being kind.  I am not a Wizard on how to eliminate stress, but if you can, try and eliminate what in your life is causing you stress.  I haven’t mastered that yet…but… I do know the key to getting more sleep, is to cut out caffeine after 3PM.  And try not to eat after dinner, because food sits in your stomatch like a lead balloon, and really makes it hard to sleep. 

11.  Watch your posture!  Stand up straight.  It makes a difference.  No one wants to look like Tim Conway, from the Carol Burnett show when they turn 50. 

12. Laugh…and surround yourself with people who make you laugh.  Repeat as often as you can!

13.  Dress “Well”.  This is last, but certainly Not least…The way you dress directly reflects how people perceive your confidence, style, and age. Dressing sharp and fashionably can take years off of your look. Try new styles and make sure your clothes fit properly.  If they are too baggy or small, you can have them tailored to fit.  And while you are at it, make sure you update your closet.  No need to dress like your Dad…or dress like your teenage son.  Dress age-appropriately, and you will take years off your look. 

1. Get a Great pair of shoes.  The right pair of shoes can take 10 years off you.  Go to Nordstrom.  They will help you.
2. Get a great pair of jeans that fit.  Do Not wear baggy jeans
3. Lose the Hawaiian shirts.  Again, Lose the Hawaiian shirts.
4. Lose the gold (except the gold wedding band). 
5. Lose the Bling-Bling Gold and Diamond watch. And if you can, sell it on eBay, and buy a modern silver watch at a fraction of the price, and put the remaining money saved into your IRA.

6.  Wear dark socks!  Avoid, at All Costs, white socks and dress shoes.  Read this twice.

And…my #1 tip on not only now Not to Look Old…but how to actually Get old…is to be Nice to your Wife!  Failure to do so can cut your life short.

xoxo

T.

Disclaimer:  Any similarities to anyone you feel I’m referring to is Pure Coincidence…With the exception of the one man I feel looks good with facial hair, all the rest of these comments are just based on generalities.

How Not to look Old ;)

While I am all about celebrating who you are, wearing what you want, as long as it’s flattering, as long as it makes you happy… I think we all want to look our best, and not  ”show our age”.  Hence, my new mantra…”How Not to look Old”…And forget aging gracefully!   Forget celebrating wrinkles!   We are not going to look old.  These little tidbits come out of my new bible, “How not to look old…fast and effortless ways to look younger, lighter and better.”  Ok, I don’t necessarily buy into all of this, but the author does have some great tips.  Women are looking better than ever, and as we all know, when 40 is the new 25 and 50 is the new 40,  aside from eating right, getting exercise and staying out of the sun (wish I had known those tips in my 20′s )…there are some other “tricks” out there to help us look whatever age we claim to be.   And just like the book, “The Everygirl’s Guide to Everything”, I will also be presenting exerpts out of this over the next few months.  And here is a cliff notes version:

1.  Cut some Bangs – I have No forehead, so have always had bangs.  Helps hide the wrinkles on the forehead

2.  Lighten your Hair – a few highlights go a long way.  They always say it’s best to go back to the color you were as a child. 

3.  Tame your eyebrows – but don’t tame them too much

4.  Chic up your Eyewear -  always a great accessory…eyeglasses, reading glasses, sunglasses.  I used to wear fake glasses…glasses with clear glass frames.  That should probably be its’ own separate blog.

5.  Lose the heavy eyeliner – Truly, this goes for any age group

6.  Unmask your foundation – again, works best for any age group…Less is more when it comes to foundation.  Cake make-up should be left for the theatre…and Only when you are performing.

7.  Manage your wrinkles – before they manage you…and don’t forget the eye cream!

8.   Wear pink lipstick – Mac” Chic” is my personal favorite.  This color works on Everyone, and goes with everything.

9.  Whiten your teeth – crest white strips, daily, does the trick, without giving you that “I want to yank my teeth out of my mouth” feeling

10.  Lose the fake nails – Try a no-chip manicure instead.  Can last up to 3 weeks, and your nails grow like crazy, and get stronger!

11.  Unmatch your wardrobe! I’ve been saying this for years.  Coordinate your outfit, do not “overly match” it.

12.  Shorten your skirts (within reason, ladies) – just don’t wear them to your upper or mid thigh, or mid calf…emphasizing the largest part of your lower leg (or upper leg).

13.  Slip into the perfect pair of jeans - and buy 2 of your favorite pair while you are at it.

14.  Follow the 3-Bling rule when dressing for evening – again, works in the daytime as well

15.  Learn to love Shapewear – actually, no need to love it, but wear them if you need to.

16.  Show some Leg -   Break out the skirts and capris ladies…no need to always wear jeans and slacks.  Make sure your capris don’t hit your calf at the widest part.  And, a great pair of shorts, with a pair of wedges, or high heel sandals, paired with a crisp white blouse, or fun top, makes a  fabulous outfit for going out at night!

17.  Step into sexy heels - Love, Love, Love this!!  And bring your Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats to throw on when your feet have had enough!  And this little trick came in quite handy for me last week while attending a “gala”.  And that will also be a future blog. 

I  must say, I do agree with most of these.  In the next few months I will elaborate a bit on some, but this is a great starting point.  I always say any little bit helps, to help make you feel the best  you can be!

These women, whom I’ve either posted or listed before, should be inspirations on how Not to look old.  Each looks at Least 10 years younger than their true age.  And I do not believe any of these women have had plastic surgery…not that there’s anything wrong with it.

xoxo,

T.

A Well-Dressed Car!

My family could recite this story…verbatim.  But I’d rather be the one who tells it.   Back “in the day”, on very blustery Dec. 26th, I was driving to work (in Naperville, where Kevin was my boss, btw) in my red Pontiac Firebird, and not sure how, but when I was driving up the ramp to the expressway, I “seized” my engine.  In layman’s terms, my car would not move.   So there I was…stuck in a snow blizzard and my car was stranded on the side of the road.  This was in the days before cell phones.  Or in the days before I had a cell phone!  So, each and every minute my car got more and more covered in snow.  Since it was a blizzard, and I only had on pumps, and no boots, there was No way I could get out of the car and walk for help.  Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t have walked for help even if I was wearing boots…I was there for over 2 hours, before a truck came to help. 

And this is NOT ME!

When I was regaling the story to my family about the horror I went through,  I indicated, “I was stranded for 2 hours, had drunk All my coffee, and didn’t even have a magazine”.  Hindsight being 20/20, probably not what I should have said.  I could have thought it,  just not verbalized it.  My sister, Megan, loves to put her own spin on it by saying, “she didn’t say, I didn’t have a blanket, water, a snack or a flare…she was concerned she didn’t have a magazine”!  In my own defense, and again, those who know me, know I get bored very easily, and was just looking for something to help pass the time!  Of course, a blanket and a flare would have also been helpful.    As would have a porta-potty!

So…I really do think it’s important to have your car packed for any emergencies that may pop up. There are even kits they sell, that you can keep in your car.  www.safetygirl.com.  They have different kits that range from roadside emergency kits, personal kits, to bridal kits.  The original safety girl emergency kit is on sale for $29.95.  That would make a Great Graduation gift, btw.   In the book, “The EveryGirl’s Guide to Life”, by Maria Menounos (which I will share tidbits from over the next few months, because it’s chock-full of great info), she writes about what we all should have in our car, at all times:

The EveryGirl Car Essentials

Navigator - if you don’t have a built-in navigation system, you can get a Garmin.  It’s been a lifesaver to me many, many times.  I am more like a man and Never stop for directions…so truly rely on my navigation system.  And if you can’t get a navigation system, get a really good area map. 

Bluetooth for phone – in Chicago it’s illegal to speak on the cellphone without a headset, or bluetooth.  Don’t tempt fate, or risk your life, or others. 

iPod/iPhone – listening to you favorite music helps eliminate road rage!

AC Adapter - for computer and cell phone,  Sometimes when I’m waiting , I do plug-in my computer and get some work done.  Works for iPad as well…of course, Never when I’m driving! 

Toiletries kit, including:  Make-up, deodorant, Razor, Perfume, Brush, Hairspray, chapstick, feminine items, tweezers.

Flip-Flops, in case you want a last-minute pedicure.  You can never use the excuse you’re wearing Uggs, and what would you put on your feet post-pedi!

Change of workout clothes, workout shoes, socks.  If you find yourself with 30 extra minutes between appointments, or before picking up kids, and it’s a beautiful day, put on your workout shoes and socks, and take a mini hike!  It helps to have your iPod or iPhone with you to listen to your favorite tunes.

Snacks – almonds, power bars and water

In addition, never a bad idea to have these on hand:

Extra chair –  for watching kid’s sports, or just taking a load off!

Blanket – for emergencies, or sitting watching baseball Memorial Day weekend, when it was about 40 degrees in Chicago!

Folder – things to do, read, and address.  Several years back I read about this suggestion.  I now clip magazine and periodical articles that I want to read, yet never seem to have the time.  I keep them in this folder.

And may you never have car trouble and may you always have time for a Pedicure!

xoxo,

T.

Ball Attire Requested

The invitation read, “Ball Attire Requested”.  Really?  When was the last time you were invited to a Ball?  Well, my friend Cathy was invited to a wedding, and the invitation indicated, “best ball attire requested”.  She asked for help, because this doesn’t happen to people everyday.  Cathy, I will get back to You after I find that darned shoe I lost last night.

So…one asks, What does one wear to a “Ball”?  I went to my trusty source, UrbanDictionary.com…hoping for a funny, snappy definition, and this is what I got:   A garment of clothing worn usually by women as a formal wear.   That’s it?  I was hoping for something a tad more snarky.  Of course, I’m sure there’s a SomeEcard for that!   Plus, many of the “ball gowns” look like Prom Dresses anyway…and with what girls wear now for Proms, and the price they spend on dresses, a prom dress can also be a ball gown.  And, don’t hate her…but my friend Cathy could actually wear Most of her daughter’s friend’s prom dresses…and she’ll rock them, actually!

When I googled Ball Gowns (not one word, btw)…I have to say, many looked like Wedding Gowns.  So I guess in this new era, you can get married, wear your lovely white gown, then wear it Again for a Ball.  I know people talk about wearing bridesmaid dresses several times (and who really does?)…but truly, based on what I’ve seen, I dare say you can certainly get away with wearing your wedding gown for a ball.

So Cathy, a ball gown is a lovely gown (long) with either a full or a straight skirt.  It can be any color…black, red, white, pink or lilac…or any other color of the rainbow…or not even on the rainbow.  You can wear a ball gown to your own wedding, to your prom, or to a party requesting “ball attire”.  A ball gown is worn for ballroom dancing and only the most formal social occasions according to rules of etiquette. It is traditionally a full-skirted gown reaching at least to the ankles, made of luxurious fabric, delicately and exotically trimmed. Most versions are cut off the shoulder with decollete necklines.  (Wikipedia).

And… based on my extensive research and knowledge on this subject (Ahem)…here are my choices for you to wear to the Ball-themed wedding:

Tiara, of course, optional.

http://dressedtoat.wordpress.com/2010/09/16/what-about-a-tiara/

xoxo,

T.

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• The Party Dress Code…Uncoded (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)

Dress your skin for the summer

Summer is here…Weather or not Mother Nature is aware of it (Pun Intended).  And since we will be baring more skin than we have for the past 9 months, it’s important to Dress your Skin for Summer:

1. Exfoliate Your Body -  Everyday in the summer, I exfoliate in the shower.  I don’t have a personal favorite, because I have so many that I’ve received for gifts of the years.  And, unlike Sunscreen, they don’t expire and lose their effectiveness.

2. Don’t forget your Razor - Unless you opt for waxing, or laser hair removal (and I had No idea this was the new trend)…don’t forget to keep your legs free of unwanted hair!  Find a good razor made for women, so you don’t tear apart your legs.   Using your husband’s razor in a pinch may save you time, but will no doubt leave many, many knicks on your legs.  And, who needs that?  No need to spend lots of money on expensive shaving creams.   Use your conditioner for a moisturizing shaving cream.   Your skin will be super smooth, and you will save $$$…which you can use towards Sunscreen

3. Hydrate your Body with a Summer-Scented Lotion - Find a “summery” lotion that you won’t forget to put on.   Nothing screams Summer like a coconut-scented lotion!  Or I also love Bobbie Brown “Beach” scented lotion.   Make sure you apply right after you dry off from your shower. You need to seal in the moisture your body just soaked in.

4. Get a Safe Summer Glow –  Spray on tans, and self tanners are much safer than the actual Sun or Tanning Beds.  The self tanners of 2011 are much better than those in the 90’s…which I have to admit, I used, and looked horrible.  And if you are using a Spray-on tan booth…don’t forget to turn!  Remember that episode with Ross in Friends?

5. Don’t Forget your Feet -  Get a Pedicure, since your feet will see the light of day, more than when they were covered in Ugg boots over the winter. There are many salons that offer pedicures for $25.  No need to go to a spa and spend $75.  Just make sure the technicians use clean instruments.  And if you choose to DIY (do it yourself)…  Don’t forget to exfoliate your feet, and use lots of moisturizer to keep your feet looking great. My friend Jackie gave me the Ped Egg, and I love it!  You’ll notice a big difference in the softness of your feet.

6. Find a New Bold Summer Polish -  Buy a bold new polish for your toes.  There are hundreds to choose from!  Toe nails can be painted a much bolder color than you would usually put on your fingernails. Pick out something that screams summer.  I angle towards a French Pedicure year round, because that’s what I love.  Or a Great Pale Pink color looks great with tanned feet.  Polish tends to stay on your toes much longer than your hands because you don’t abuse your toe nails like you do your finger nails. Apply a clear base coat, two applications of color and a clear top coat to protect. Remember to go barefoot or wear  your flip-flops for at least a couple of hours to protect your newly painted toenails.

 

7.  Don’t forget your sunglasses.  Will take years off your face in the years ahead.  Squinting causes wrinkles.  Don’t squint.  Wear sunglasses!

Here are some simple summer skin tips that will get you help you achieve that glow and look your best:

1. The best way to protect yourself this summer and keep your skin looking great is to use sunscreen everyday. Use a sunscreen that is a combination sunscreen and moisturizer (your skin surface needs extra lubrication in the summer months). You need to nourish your skin with healthy vitamins and anti-oxidants, so that while you are protecting your skin from the sun, you also  receive long-term benefits.

2. Make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Eat plenty of fruits and salads to keep your skin looking firmer, and your digestive track healthy.

3. For any skin type, make sure to cleanse your skin daily! In your morning and evening routine, you want to make sure you wash off the toxins on your skin. Look for a cleanser that is gentle to your skin. Look for cleansers with AH and BH acids or papaya-based products. The papain enzyme within papaya helps to remove dead skin cells and encourage new skin growth.  

4. Wear lip balms that are moisturized to your skin for the summer, with a minimum of 15 SPF. Lip balms without sun protection should be avoided because the “gloss” may attract the harmful UV rays.

6. Use a toner right after cleansing your skin. Toners help restore the pH balance to your skin, which makes your skin surface less susceptible to unwanted bacteria growth.

7. Out With the Old – Buy a New Sunscreen.   Throw away last year’s unused sunscreen for a new bottle. Sunscreens aren’t meant to last forever, and seeing most people don’t use as much as they should, I bet you have a bottle or two stored away. Be safe and pick up a new one. And don’t forget the most important sunscreen advice: USE IT. You should be using a shot glass full for your body, and a full teaspoon just on your face. Reapply every 1-2 hours that you are in the sun to ensure a summer full of safe sun fu

My Favorite Getting into the Summer Groove Products

1.  Arbonne RE9 Anti-Aging.   I use the cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and eye-cream.  I do not use the masque or the night cream.  So I buy it ala-carte, and do not buy the entire set.  www.arbonne.com.  Message me if you want me to introduce you to my Arbonne rep.  A friend of mine also reps Mary Kay, and says their skin care is affordable and works wonders.

2.  Neutrogenia Sesame Oil - one of the few things that helps to moisturize my irish skin.  I use it in conjunction with other moisturizing creams all over my body.

3.  Bobbie Brown Beach cologne.  I’m not sure how they do it but they capture the smell of the beach in a bottle.  I use the fragrance, lotion, and soap.  This year I will splurge and get the Body Oil, to see if it is as good as my fav,  Neutrogenia sesame-scented oil.  Though I use the unscented in the summer, so if  I’m layering lotions,  the scents don’t clash.

4. Aveda Lip Balm -  You must have SPF in whatever lip balm you choose.    Clarins, Mac, Chapstick, and Bonne Bell Sun Smackers  all make wonderful lip balms with SPF.  EOS lip balm,  shown below, is all the rage right now, and you can get it at Target for less than $5.

5.  Bronzing Powder – I use Benefit Bronzing Powder in “Dallas”  to help out my summer glow.  $28 at Sephora or department stores.

6.  Foot Cream – Aveda Hand and Foot Cream.  There is nothing else like it.   $48 for both.  Costs a bit more, but so worth it.

7.  Sun Screen – Bain de Soleil - I love the White Cream SPF 15.  When I was in college, and fancied myself a sun goddess, and loved laying out in the sun, I used to use the Orange Gelee, SPF 4.   It was almost like not using any sunscreen at all.  It seemed to give my skin a lovely glow.  I’m surprised my skin has held up so well over the years.  At this point I won’t be taking anymore chances, and stick with a higher SPF.  A future blog should be about my sister and I, laying out in the sun in our backyard, drinking some alcoholic beverages, and deciding to highlight her hair.  I believe she told me she felt like Billy Idol!  The gentleman who used to professionally do our hair told Megan, “tell Terry not to leave her day job”.  He was right, btw.

xoxo,

T.

Men’s Summer Fashion Tips

Follow these 5 men’s summer fashion tips and save yourself from being accosted by the” fashion police”, or worse yet, your wife!  You will most likely have to wear your standard “work wear” during business hours, but hopefully that does not necessarily mean suit and tie. (Oh, and the price of wool is expected to rise 10%, so the price of suits is expected to rise as well).    Nice, pressed khaki’s and a polo or  open button-down shirt always looks great.  As for the weekends or “off-work” hours,  unfortunately the carefree days of summer are not responsibility- free like they were when you were five.    This is where the fashion problems begin!  “This  means you need to stop dressing like you are 11 in cut off shorts and filthy T-shirts, even if they are your favorites, or somehow lucky”…and consider yourself lucky you no longer have to wear cut-offs and t-shirts with silly slogans on them!  

1.  Go for colors this season. Polo shirts, dress shirts and T-shirts chosen in light colorful fabrics look fresh and cool. White is always a good, solid choice.  You can’t go wrong stocking up on plain white T-shirts, but venture out and find a color that suits your skin tone.  Blue and yellow always work.  You can stick to the solids,  but if you are prone to sweating, try a pattern that will mask any “marks” you don’t want seen.   Pink and Purple are my favorite solid polo and dress shirt colors for men.  Hands down.  And, please, leave the slogan T’s to the grade schoolers… if you are really with “stupid” everyone will eventually know.  (Not sure who said that, but it is indeed, True).

2.  Wear a decent pair of shorts. If you heed none of the other men’s summer fashion tips, please comply with this one category. Cut-offs are simply not attractive. If you really love them and refuse to part with these fringed articles of clothing, at least give them a job, designate them as “grass cutting shorts.” Bike shorts are obscene and should only be worn when physically on a long distance bike trip. Even if you look fabulous in them, which is highly suspect, leave something to the imagination, please.  And if you haven’t seen the episode of Modern Family where Cam is wearing biks shorts, you owe it to yourself to go to Hulu and watch it.  A true Classic!

Disclaimer…first photo is Cam from Modern Family.   Do Not try and emulate this look. 

3.  Purchase a good pair of sunglasses. Stylish sunglasses do more than just look nice perched on your nose, they protect your eyes and skin. This is a long term men’s summer fashion tip. Protecting the sensitive skin around your eyes will allow you to look younger longer.  Aviator glasses are in right now and look fantastic on most men.   Admittedly, anything will look good on this gentleman, but he also rocks these Aviators.

4.  Take off your socks. This is a men’s summer fashion tip that is well known, but often not followed. Do not think that you are an exception. Do not attempt to appear quirky or off beat by wearing white socks with your sandals. Give your toes some fresh air, but this fashion tip also comes with an order. If you are going to wear sandals, take time to care for your toes and feet. Not just for metrosexuals, even a home pedicure is simply good grooming and consideration for all those around you. :)  And, those who know me, know I am NOT a fan, of men in sandals…but I do realize in the hot summer months, sometimes it cannot be avoided.   Just please don’t wear them with socks…or with suits!

 

5.  Change your belt. An easy men’s summer fashion tip is to change from your leather belt to a more casual canvas belt. This lightens up the look of your jeans or khaki pants or shorts.  Changing to a lighter weight jean and dress pant will help the transition and your level of perspiration too.

Clothes make the man.  Naked people have little or no influence on society. ~ Mark Twain

Happy Summer!

xoxo,

T.

When you know better…You do better.  Oprah

Don’t Buy it if you don’t Love it

 

Don’t buy it if you don’t love it. And love it only if it flatters you.

It doesn’t matter what big name is on the label. It doesn’t matter how low the price. Does the piece make you look good? Does it make you feel good? That’s what’s important. The lesson here: Buy less, buy better, be picky. If you can walk away without getting a pang, do yourself a favor and walk away. You don’t need another piece of clothing in your closet taking up valuable real estate.  And take it from someone who knows and has started shopping in my own closet!  And I sell clothes!

 

One of my favorite movies is The Blind Side…and a favorite quote, “One thing I know, if you don’t love it in the store, you won’t love it at home”. How true that is. I cannot tell you how many items of clothing and shoes I have in my closet, still with the tags on them.  And I fancy myself a savvy shopper. (Yeah, and based on the lambasting I received from my savvy packing blog, let the lynching begin!)    I’ve begun “shopping in my own closet” because, quite frankly, I have a lot of clothes.  And I have a lot of items I haven’t worn.  And many aren’t shopping regrets, but I have regretted buying so many clothes!

Some of my biggest shopping regrets (and some that have nothing to do with Fashion)

1.  Clip on Pony Tail.  No need to elaborate.  Though in my own defense (I guess I’m elaborating), I did get it to wear to a Prom-themed fundraiser.

2.  The many, many , many pairs of shoes that I bought, and they haven’t felt fabulous, so I never wear them.   And more specifically the pair of shoes that I insisted my mother buy me in 3rd grade, that basically mangled my toes… Truly.  I regret that purchase.

(these were not a pair of shoes I regretted buying.  I would not buy these shoes.  Just thought they were snappy, and wanted to share them)

3.  Denim-look workout suit.  Again, no need to elaborate.   The only good news here is I never wore it. 

4.  Balloon skirt – which made me look like a balloon.  Not the look I was going for. 

5.  Light Pink Leather jacket I bought on eBay.  I turned around and sold it on eBay for about 25% of what I paid for it.   Word to the wise, it’s very difficult to buy an item of clothing or shoes on eBay, unless you are buying a brand you truly know.  Handbags and sunglasses are easier purchases!  And I often test that theory!

6.  Cowboy boots, which I bought to wear to a Blazing Saddle fundraiser.  I realized I wasn’t going to spend $200 on a pair of boots I wouldn’t wear again.  Plus I’d rather give that money to the charity.  Actually, CP , told me that, and I pirated that from her!   And I still returned them.

(Above cowboy boots are fine,  just not for me…and no cowboy boots will work for me.  Darn shame really)

6.  Pink Sunglasses.  And I actually wore them to a golf outing.   They matched the pink polo.  (you may roll your eyes here).

7.  Skinny jeans.  Did not make me look skinny.

8.  Porsche Cayenne…while the car is great in the snow, in the past 2 years, I’ve had to put over $4300 into it.  Maintenance, Tires, Brakes.  My last 3 cars were BMW’s, and they were maintenance free.   Wish Rudy at Motorwerks had shared that if you own a Porsche, you should be prepared to spend lots of cash on maintenance.   I was not.  And am not moving forward.    BMW’s are 5-years maintenance-free.  That…is a good thing.   And, I am not complaining that I drive a Porsche, it’s just a purchase I regretted.  Plus, this car was  less than my last car, so I was downsizing and saving $$$.  Plus, several people have indicated that the car is “not me”.  I mean, what car am I anyway?  A red Volkswagon Beetle convertible with white leather interior?  Actually, that would be fun.     Note to file.  When buying a big purchase, do not take 12-year old son and allow him to make the decision.

9.  Light Suede couches for Great Room.  Yeah, they lasted all of 3 years, before they looked 38 years old and had to be replaced.

10.  Vintage jewelry I bought at a flea market, and I was so excited with my purchase…until I realized each piece was missing “valuable gems”… basically couldn’t wear them, and if I had to , could only sell them for parts.  They are still in the box in which I bought them…and never did sell them or use them for parts.

There is a lesson to be learned here…Don’t buy it if you don’t love it.  Don’t make impulse buys.  Try on shoes before you purchase them, unless you are certain about the size, and can return them.   And for gosh darned sake, don’t buy a denim-look workout suit.

My work here for this week is done. 

Disclaimer – these are purchases I regretted for Myself…I am not saying these are bad items (‘cept that denim workout outfit).  They just didn’t work for Me.  As you can see I am trying to limit as much backlash as possible…I just know that Cinda won’t be able to help herself…and for that,  I love her.

xoxo,

T.

Dress for the Life you Want, not the Life you Have!