Fashionally Fabulous… at Any Age

Dressing Your Age:  Fashion rules for every decade

  

No doubt these thoughts have gone through your mind when you’ve stood in front of the mirror: Am I dressing like my mother? Do I look like I’m wearing my daughter’s clothes? Am I dressing age appropriately?   With all the boundary breaking in fashion today, it is not always clear who should wear what.

First and foremost, style is about inner confidence. If you are 50 and dare to wear a mini, more power to you. (However, be prepared for heads to turn and eyebrows to raise if you don’t get it right.) If you tend to err on the safe side but still like to be in the fashion game, there are plenty of interesting and chic options out there for you, no matter what your age. Find out what’s best for you and you’ll always look and feel poised in your clothes.

What to consider when dressing for your age:

20s: There are no boundaries for twenty-somethings when it comes to fashion. It’s about personal style and adding whimsical touches you can get away with only when you’re younger, whether that means playing with color, mixing and matching, or wearing high heels and high hemlines.  

30s: More pulled-together, serious looks are what your 30s are about, but you don’t have to be a total square. The trick is to experiment with fashion-forward styles while maintaining a level of polish.

 

40s: Classic silhouettes and colors may start to dominate your wardrobe, but each piece should be full of personality. Think interesting embellishment, feminine volume, and bursts of rich color and pattern.

50s: Refined, tasteful choices are the foundations of age-appropriate dressing. Tailoring and structure are key, as are clean lines and fuss-free pieces in a simple palette.

 

60s: Elegance is the idea, and so timeless, traditional pieces are the mainstays. Tweed suits, trousers, and coatdresses dominate the closet. Contrasting hues — black, white, and red — are the most chic.

70+: Looking dignified and distinguished is of the utmost importance — and that means splurging on a little luxury. Fabrics should be of the highest quality, and tailoring should be precise.

And always with Do’s, come Don’ts.  and let’s allow our pictures to be worth a 1000 words:

Heidi Klum is beautiful, and it appears she is deserving of her nickname “the Bod”, however, this skirt is really way, way too short.  And I’m sure there are many men out there who will beg to disagree with me.    And I wonder what she looks like sitting…or just she just pose on the red carpet all night long?

xoxo

T.

The Agony of Da-feat

It was a Heartbreaking loss.  Packers 21 – Bears 14.  The week leading up to the game was magical.  Everyone was in the spirit of the game.  It made you proud to be a Chicagoan.   Proud to be a Bears fan.   All the way up till 2:05PM cst on Sunday.  Then it got ugly…and stayed ugly till the 3rd quarter.  But, alas, it was too late.   Not sure what happened, but I truly felt heartbroken.  Crushing loss.  We left before the presentation of the George Halas trophy on our own field.  A girl has her limits.  Thankfully the empty feeling gets better each day.  I should be good by opening day in September!

I am fortunate to have 4,  1st row seats on the 35-yard line.  My seats rock.    Apparently a Packers fan also thought they rocked and put his money where his cheesehead was.   $10,000 to be exact.  The address I was instructed  to send the tickets, Menoqua, WI.  I couldn’t do it.  I could not have 4 Greenbay fans sitting in my seats.  So, I made an executive and clearly appropriate decision and decided to go to the game.  Which, truth be told,  was always the plan, based on a mistake I made in January 2007.  Plus, a friend told me I needed to go to the game, as there are some things worth more than $$$ and I listen to my friends.

Four years ago for the Seahawks v Bears game for the 2006 season, Patrick, and 2 of my brothers , Luke and David went to that game.  It was another magical game.  The game went into overtime, the Bears Won,  Patrick and I were on TV, and we stopped at McDonald’s where Luke treated us to double cheeseburgers and shakes.  The day could NOT have gotten any better…when I woke up the next morning, I had forgotten I had listed my tickets on StubHub, and received this email, “Congratulations, your 4 tickets have sold for $8,000″.  I was giddy with excitement over the new-found influx of cash, but didn’t know how to tell Patrick we were not going to the NFC Championship game vs. New Orleans.    He handled it like a trooper, though not sure Luke and David did.    I knew not to make that mistake again.  Here are pictures from the Seahawks game in 2007:

4 Bears v Packers tickets — Face value $800

Offer from a  Greenbay Packer fan  in Menoqua , WI – $10,000

Not letting 4 Greenbay Fans  sit in my seats - PRICELESS

So, yes, I truly am a die-hard Bears fan, and am so sad the Bears season is over…and we only have one more football game left this season.  But, we need to cheer on our NFC team, the Packers…and don’t worry, I won’t post Packer Facebook posts, won’t post cute Packer v Steelers jokes, won’t sport a Rodgers jersey…but know we want our NFC rival to beat the Steelers.  Ben Roethlisberger is a “scoundrel”.    He’s a talented quarterback, but not sure he’s a really good guy…the jury is out.

Go Pack!   (Sharon and Ali, this is for you).

UGH!

xoxo

T.

I received this “humorous” photo from my brother-in-law Bruce.  He indicated “Jay Cutler’s knee looks pretty good here”.  The controversy over Jay Cutler’s injury has not helped the post-bears blues this week.   Jay Cutler was hurt.  He did not quit.  I think he was lambasted for no reason, and the professional football players who attacked him, without knowing the extent of his injuries, are a bunch of hooligans.  But since I’m an equal opportunity blogger, I thought I’d share this photo.   And I did not lose a bet either. 

 

Next week back to Syle blogs…thank goodness

January Shopping Deals

I know, I know everyone is pretty much “shopped out:, but January can be the best time to shop for the best deals…It’s too bad Christmas isn’t end of January, so we can all take advantage of these screaming deals!

The best prices are found in January and if you can wait on shopping for yourself, gifts or travel, you can potentially save more money,” says dealtaker.com

10 Best Post-Holiday Deals:

·Credit Cards: January means lots of balance transfer and interest rate deals, which means great offers. If you’re not interested in switching cards, call your issuer with a few offers in hand to see if it can meet or beat them. Usually, the threat of transferring your balance to another lender is enough of an incentive.

·Appliances and electronics: There will be plenty of low-priced small appliances left. Major appliances and electronics are also often discounted in the New Year to make room for new models. TVs become cheaper throughout January leading up to the Super Bowl.  Go Bears!

·Last-Minute Travel:  After the heavy travel in December comes a lull in January when most families stay home. During these dead weeks in January, prices drop significantly. Places like ski resorts and the Caribbean offer deals for a fraction of the regular price.

·Gift Cards: In addition to the post holiday sales and gift card redemption discounts, a $100 gift card can carry 25% to 50% more buying power. However, should you receive a gift card from a mom’s and pop’s store, don’t wait too long to use the gift card as the fate of smaller stores is still uncertain as is the unprotected balance of your gift card.

·Sparkling Wine: Partiers  aren’t spending as much money on sparkling wine after the hit their wallets took on New Year’s Eve. With this knowledge, wineries cut prices dramatically through early January to compete for business. Buy now and drink later!  Store the bubbly on its’ side to keep it longer and fresher.

·Anything on eBay: Unwanted gifts are unloaded after the holidays and with the increased amount of competitive listings, buyers can find great deals on the most popular holiday gifts.

·Winter White Sales: Retailers clear out the cold-weather bedding, towels and home goods to make room for spring linens. In the market for a down comforter?  Now is the time to buy!

·Clothes: Look for the best deals at major department stores such as Macy’s, J.C Penney, Lord & Taylor and American Eagle. All winter items will be marked down as retailers want it pushed out.

 

·Chocolate and Candy: Everyone knows to buy candy and chocolate the day of Halloween of Valentine’s Day, but after-Christmas is smart as well. Stores like Godiva have huge sales right after Christmas since all the chocolate has already been made in preparation for the holidays.

·Swimwear: Planning a spring break trip? Now is the time to shop for swimwear.  (UGH).  While it may seem odd, the early deals on next season’s items are here. Buyers will begin seeing promotions on bathing suits in January.

Disclaimer…above photo was shamelessly provided to “shore up” my male “fan base”…:)

Go Bears!

xoxo

T.

Men’s Fashion Do’s and Dont’s

In an attempt to “shore up my Male fan base”…a few more Men’s Fashion Tips.  Some are new.  Some are refreshers. 

Enjoy!

The Do’s

Do match your belt and shoes:   This is easy.  The colors don’t have to match exactly, but please don’t pair browns and blacks.

Do know when to wear a hat: Indoors in public settings, it’s nice to remove your hat, but other than that, feel free to protect your head or cover up hat hair with your favorite hat. Of course you must Always remove it during the National Anthem.  And for those men who are “thinning on top”, it’s a great idea to wear one in summer months to protect your scalp.

Visors?  Yeah, not a fan.  Stick to a baseball hat or fedora.  And Johnny Depp can basically rock any hat…but, again, not a visor.

Do know how to tell the difference between sport coats,  blazers, and suit jackets:  Sport coats have pockets with flaps and don’t have as much crisp structure as blazers and suit jackets. . Blazers have long sleeves, lapels, and traditional pockets, and they don’t always have to be worn with matching pants. Suit jackets have higher-quality materials and are worn with matching pants.  (Source: Google).

Do decide whether you prefer pleats or flat-front pants: Opinions vary on this one. Some will say pleats make you look larger than you are or that flat-front pants are unflattering on most body types. There’s no set rule, however, so in this case, wear what makes you feel good. If you like the look of flat-front pants but you feel that they fit too closely to your body for your liking, you can always experiment with different sizes. Just don’t go too baggy because that, too, will look unflattering—and unprofessional.

Match your ties and shirts: No need to go “match-matchy”.  Be sure to choose ties with details that your shirt color brings out. Avoid novelty ties completely and instead go for pinstripes, bolder stripes, textures, and other understated prints.

Wear a belt: If your belt loops can be seen, wear a belt. If your pants sag, wear a belt. If your pants fit and your shirt is worn untucked then no need to wear a belt.  Another simple rule.

 

Wear a watch: Men’s clothing isn’t always particularly daring or exciting—especially for work. One way to make a statement is to choose a statement watch. Find the one that works with your personality and  your lifestyle. Then wear it every day.  A friend told me he wanted to trade in his Gold Rolex with diamonds because he thought it was an “old man’s watch”.  I did not disagree.  I suggested he go with a bolder, more modern watch. 

Wear fitted clothes: Wear tailored pieces as much as possible. Pants that hang off of your hips and bottom area are always unflattering. Baggy t-shirts? Same thing. You may want to play up a specific feature and downplay others, and that’s fine.  Got abs?  Wear a fitted shirt and loose-fitting pants with a belt.  

With Do’s Come Don’ts

Don’t mindlessly follow the trends: Find a signature look that works for you, then follow trends that truly appeal to you carefully. Don’t follow just any trend; if a particular look is best for you, stick to it. You may run the risk of looking like you’re trying too hard to look hip or young after a certain age, or as if you don’t know who you are (at any age).

Don’t stick to the same colors all of your life: Change up your color palette.   Don’t be stuck in a rut.  Of course, I gravitate towards Black and White…But that’s just me.  And don’t be afraid to try new colors .    Try a polo in a color you wouldn’t normally wear.   Pair them with blue jeans or khakis so that it’s still easy to match up while you get used to something new.  I love the colors pink and lavender on a man.   Love, love, love them.

Don’t wear white socks with dress pants: Stick to socks that are a similar color to your pants.

Don’t wear socks with sandals and boat shoes: No explanation necessary. This is always a fashion no-no for men and women alike.  My husband Kevin throws this fashion-don’t to the wind…and just doesn’t care.  I, of course, do…so don’t.

One Final Don’t

Don’t be afraid to ask for help:  Ask your wife, a salesperson at the store, or your kids.  Trust me, if you need help, many people will be happy to do so!

xoxo

T.

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• Men’s Fashion Do’s and Dont’s (dressedtoat.wordpress.com)

The Stockings were hung by the chimney with care…

In lieu of my standard Friday post…I am posting this on Wed, in case you can use some handy stocking stuffer ideas.

In my house, Santa brings the presents under the tree.  Kevin and I fill the stockings.  My kids open the gifts from Santa first, and save the Stockings for last.  That’s a great deal of pressure to put on a weary mother.   I thought I would share what some of our favorite stocking stuffers have been, and one’s that I have researched for your blogging pleasure!

1.  Movies and DVDs – It started with Disney Movies sticking out the top…and now it’s Wii Games, Twilight Movies, and Madden 2011.  Season 8 of 24 would be a perfect stocking stuffer for Moi.

2.  Gift Cards – iTunes; Visa; Target; Nordstrom…fits perfectly into a stocking…a miniature stocking stuffed with multiple gift cards will make a great hit!  Utilize a blank CD jacket by tucking in a music store gift card or iTunes gift card.  Purchase a very inexpensive wallet and slip a gift card or two into the billfold section.

3.  Lip Gloss/Lip Balm  – Bonnie Bell Lip Balm…or good ole chapstick!  Chicago winters require this.

4.  ornaments hanging from the stocking – the kids always get an ornament that’s reminiscent of the year.

5.  Fruit in the toe of the stocking – my Mom always put an apple and orange in the toe of the stocking.  My kids prefer the toe to be filled with more “stuff”…and not fruit.

6.  Mini handheld games – my brothers use to spend hours playing this Mattel Football game…which Patrick received in the stocking several years back as well.

7.  Playing cards – Z Gallerie has Great playing cards.  I gave my friend Cathy some Barbie playing cards that were a scream!  You forget how much fun card playing can be, till you lose yourself in an evening of Kings in the Corner!

8.  Little books – Life’s Little Instruction books fit perfectly into the stockings.

9. Candy – my favorite candy in the world is Pink Ladies from Fannie May…Coconut dipped in Pink Chocolate.  Doesn’t get any better than that!  And you can get small boxes of 4 pieces. 

10.  Sporting Tickets – Go Bears!

11.  Socks – a sock in a sock.

12.  Mini tools – the high heel shoe opener  or the high heel hammer (abernook.com) , fit perfectly into stockings.

13.  Cologne – purse or small little bottles of something that smells fabulous…Amazing Grace by Philosophy is my personal favorite…and some of my dearest friends love it too!

13.  Jewelry – anything will do.  Girls are not picky…and these match my Tiffany snowflake necklace!  What luck!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

xoxo

T.

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.
– Bo Derek

Good Manners are Always in Style!

 

OK – I have a bee in my bonnet.  What is wrong with some people?  Why have good manners gone the way of the covered wagon…I think I’m polite…People even comment on it.  Both my children are polite, and I always receive compliments on how polite they are.   But that is the way it’s supposed to be…We are All supposed to be polite.

Remember Barney the Purple Dinosaur?  How could you forget?  Barney sang a song about saying please and thank you, and I truly think some adults need to listen to that song, and act like little sponges.   I don’t think I could stand to listen to it again, as Meredith’s favorite TV show was Barney, but I’m polite, and do not feel I need this refresher.

Pardon me is one of my favorite sayings.  Instead of saying “excuse me”.  I say pardon me.  I like the words so much, that I enjoy saying them.  Plus, it’s really good manners when you bump into someone, cough, sneeze, pass by someone, interrupt, burp or perhaps let go of other bodily functions. 

I always hold a door open for people coming in after me…Always.  and I sometimes hold it waiting for someone to come in, who is quite a bit away from the door.  More often than not, Women…yes, Women, will saunter in, and not even say thank you.  Hey…I’m a woman too…and I am holding open the door, and you do not bother to say thank you?  Most men insist on taking the door, and always say thank you.  Ladies…put forth the correct example,and when someone holds a door for you, say thank you.

This is a gentle reminder for all of us… but try to return emails and phone calls.  I admit, at times, I am so overwhelmed by phone calls, that I cannot always return a phone call in a prompt manner.  But I really try.  Plus, if I cannot call someone back, I do try to email them to let them know when I can speak to them.  Some of my favorite people in the world don’t always return my call or email as promptly as I would like, and I find it shocking.   I always think, who wouldn’t want to speak to me, or engage in a little email banter? It’s not easy, and everyone is busy, but please try and make an effort.  It’s good manners.  It’s good business. 

Other examples of rudeness that rile us me and my sister Megan (who was kind enough to provide these examples)…People who pull all the way to the front of the line in backed up traffic and then cut in front of everyone else who has been waiting… People who don’t give you “the wave” when you’ve let them in front of you in traffic; people who spill their coffee, creamer, sugar, etc on the communal kitchen counter at work places and don’t clean up after themselves;  We could go on and on and on.

Remember your manners, and you’ll be remembered, fondly.  Watch your words, as they can come back to haunt you.  Be nice to others, and they will be nice to you.  Gosh…I do believe my mother told me all these oh so long ago!  and as usual, she was right.   Mothers usually are.  Just ask Mer Mer and Paddy.

xoxo

T.

The most unstylish Snuggie of All!

I can tolerate lots of behavior at Bears Games…

1.  The Patriots spanking the Bears…and may I just say, “Ouch”.

2.  Sub zero temperatures, which leave your lungs and fingers Frozen.

3.  Blizzardly snow, which smacks against your cheeks, and leaves these irish cheeks (the ones on my face) red for a week

4.  People calling their  QB by his first name, “Tommy”…and while Tom Brady is a Fantastic quarterback, and kinda cute, he really needs to cut his hair.  I’ve mentioned it before, but not digging his long locks.  Who does he think he is, Patrick O’Brien?

5.  Appearing on camera wearing the coat which makes me look like I can take down Brian Urlacher.  Note to self…Stop wearing that coat!

6.  The cancellation of the “half time” show, due to blustery conditions…and I still think we need a Marching Band.

7.  But , under No Circumstances, should I allow my guests to wear a  SNUGGIE of the opposing team…no matter how cute they look!

And a Great time was had by all…Love ya Cathy and Phil!

xoxo

T.

Hmmh…do we think the Snuggie was part of Oprah’s Favorite Things?  I think not!

Air Travel is no longer Stylish!

It’s 2010 and I am here to proclaim, Traveling is no longer glamorous!

Coming home from a recent trip to FL, I have made the following observations:

1. They will allow anyone on a plane.  Anyone. 
2. Your seat number is NOT your gate number.  A female traveler was confused, as our gate was originally C-11, and was changed to C-9…thus she thought her seat also changed… yeah, not really…as the flight attendant had to indicate to her that Gate C-11 on her ticket, was the gate number, while Seat 25-A, was indeed her seat.  She looked confused.
3. Just about Every person from seat 12 and beyond, tried putting their carry on luggage above seats 1-8.   And they don’t take kindly when those around us make snide remarks.  You really need to put your bags near where you sit.
4. Why are dogs and cats allowed on plane, while peanuts are not?  If my son was on a plane next to a dog or cat, he would have the same horrible allergic reaction, as if sitting next to someone enjoying a snicker bar.  I love dogs, but I know Kevin and Patrick have very strong allergies to them, and not sure what I would do if one was in our row.
5. The most useful thing you can bring onto a plane is your shawl.  Our flight was Freezing, but I had my shawl to keep me warm.  I know many airlines sell blankets now for $5, but you would turn into a frozen ice cube while waiting for 38,000 feet while the flight attendants moved throughout the cabin selling their wares. 
6. If you have a cold, with a nasty cough… please bring cough drops.  The sound of a hacking cough, while flying the friendly skies, really takes the fun out of air travel. 
7. If you get on an airplane, wearing a surgical mask… take it from me…every other passenger on that plane thinks you are afraid of each of our germs, and it’s not because you are cautious about sharing your germs with the remainder of the passengers.  The woman above really was terrified of just about everything…surgical mask, eye mask, and a pillow for good measure. 
8. If you are friendly to the flight attendants, there is a good chance they will give you happy hour prices for the several small bottles of vodka you consume .  I have tested this theory numerous times.

9.  4/10 passengers do Sudoku Puzzles…and if you are sitting next to someone who likes sudoku’s, there’s a good chance they will attempt to help you solve your puzzle. 

10.  If you have to go to the lavatory and the flight attendants are in the aisle, it’s not considered good form to ask them to move their cart to the back of the plane, 65 rows back.  Just sayin’.  And, why can’t the passengers in coach use the first class restroom, when the cart is in the aisle?  I’ve been in both first and coach restrooms…and the first bathrooms do not have an attendant handing out mints, hand cream, or hairspray.

11.   While we are dissing first class , it is horribly cruel to serve first class passengers fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, while coach passengers are sitting in smelling distance.  And we thought waterboarding was harsh!

12 The boarding process should be an efficient, aggressive approach.  Lollygagging about exhibits poor behavior.  And if you are all of 80 pounds, don’t carry on a 50 LB bag, and expect others to help you hoist it above into the overhead.

13.  When you are de-planing, stepping over passengers in front of you declaring, “I have to catch a connecting flight”, does not give you Priority Access to getting off the plane…and furthermore, it’s really not a good idea to be seen at Wolfgang Puck’s, perusing the pizza collection while the passengers whom you knocked over, are walking by staring at you in utter disbelief!

14.  My favorite thing on an airplane is wi-fi!  It’s like I’m sitting on my couch at home checking my emails, my blog stats, Facebook, and shopping at Nordstrom or Abernook.com.

And this all recalls a time, this year when flying to Kansas City on American Airlines and the overhead compartment would not close properly, and you cannot take off  with an unstable overhead compartment…so they called the airline mechanic, and he fixed it.  I took a picture to remember that wonderful moment.  His first effort didn’t work,  and he just needed to apply more Duct tape…it really does fix everything.

Safe Travels,

xoxo

T.

Dressing for the Season doesn’t mean dressing like a Christmas Tree

 With the Holiday season upon us, my sister Megan had an idea for a timely blog:

“With the holidays you could talk about paying fashion tribute to the holidays without looking like a walking Christmas tree.  You know, a cute red top, or touch of whimsy with a Christmas pin. For your “Don’t” pictures, you could post any picture of me from Christmas from 1980- 2002. “

I cannot find a Christmas photo of her from 1980 – 2002, but am still trying.

Holiday Dressing is Not meant to be Holiday Stressing!  I get a lot of questions about what to wear during the holiday season…work parties, family parties, friend’s parties…party, party, party.    We all want to look our best, and not spend a ton doing so.  And it truly doesn’t have to involve the Holiday Sweater.

If you love your holiday sweaters, wear them, but I caution against wearing them to a holiday extravaganza.  You can feel just as festive wearing your lavish holiday sweater while shovelling the snow, or watching Frosty the Snowman on TV with your kids.

The Holidays are a  time to shine and bring sparkle into your wardrobe!

Glitz and Glamour

Think “old Hollywood” when dressing for the holidays. Bring back old-time glamour and elegance. Choose dresses  or cocktail attire (depending on the formality of your event) that accentuate your figure.  Sequined bolero jackets or satin skirts would be the perfect wardrobe essential for holiday dressing.  I think a pair of beautiful black pants, with a crisp white blouse, and rhinestone jewelry, with high heels, is a cannot miss look!  Your little black dress (LBD) is always a perfect choice .  I have one that I bought at Nordstrom.  It’s long sleeve, and off the shoulders.  I can belt it with a large gold coin belt, or a rhinestone belt, and it totally changes the look.  I also wear it without a belt, and pair it with a shawl (yup, my black cashmere one), or a colored velvet number.   I love it so much, I also bought the same one with shorter sleeves!  I always say, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed…but you don’t want to go too overboard.  A long gown, where others are wearing nice jeans, high heels, and a black turtleneck, will be awkward.

The Bling

Dressing for the holidays calls for big and bold accent pieces. Look for elegant and modern cocktail rings, dangling earrings with unique design, necklaces that are bold and colorful and bracelets that call attention to your wrist. Don’t be afraid of color. And don’t be afraid to wear big. Just remember if you wear an oversized ring, go minimal somewhere else.  Check out Ann Taylor for great costume jewelry…and during the holidays many of these items are 40% off.

The Holiday Pin!

Adding a holiday pin to a sweater or coat, can add just the perfect amount of festivity to your outfit, without looking like a walking Christmas Tree (thank you Megan).  I have friend’s who have 50+ holiday pins, and rotate them daily.  I love wearing one on my winter coat.  Mine is a rhinestone snowflake I received from some girlfriends, and I feel sparkly and festive, all at the same time.

The Holiday Slipper

Let them sparkle. If you can’t afford those extremely expensive Manolo’s or Jimmy Choo’s (especially during gift giving holidays), be creative. Take a basic black sling back heel and add an appliqué to them. Get really creative by taking an old vintage pair of clip on earrings  and clip then on the front of your shoes. It instantly adds drama and intrigue to your basic black shoes.   Not to mention, you save a bundle on this hip trick.  Or, you could splurge and get this oh so fabulous pair of cheetah shoes!

These Stuart Weitzman’s are a Huge Extravagance, but I could Not resist posting them.  They’re so Fabulous!

The Pocketbook

This should be festive as well. You also don’t need to spend big bucks on this. Scour the outlets or discount retailers for beaded bags  in all different shapes and sizes.  Or see if your Mom or Grandmother has (had) any of these.  Or…borrow from a friend.   The more petite your handbag is (for holiday dressing), the better.  You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be getting lots of great use out of my Tiffany Bracelet bag (no need to post yet a 3rd picture).

The Frosting on your Face

Go for bolder than your usual natural look. Try a smoky eye or a red lip. The thing to remember is if you go for more makeup on the eye, go for a more natural shade for your lips and vice versa. Don’t forget the flushed cheeks. Try a peach shade of blush on the apples of your cheeks.  And don’t forget the old tried and true…you can pinch your cheeks to give it the just right blush…or, do as I do, and have a lovely little glass of chardonnay, and Voila…my cheeks are red.

Spending Habits

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look great at holiday parties. Mix vintage or flea market finds with designer labels. Many stores are always selling party dresses or party attire, so keep your eyes open year round for great deals on glamour wear.

When dressing for the holidays, remember it’s the time of year to shine. Be glamorous when attending your soirees. Take lots of photographs, so you may look back in retrospect and remember how great you really looked.  Plus, no doubt your photo will be plastered all over facebook, so  it will be remembered for eternity.   And, most of all – enjoy those joyful holiday seasons. A great outfit can help.

 

xoxo

T.

Top 5 Least Wanted Gifts for the Holidays

1.  Bubble Bath

2.  Bath Salts

3.  Socks

5.  Candles

5.  Belgium Chocolates

This was just noted on the news…and I admit, I am guilty of giving every one of these.  Sorry!

Black Friday!

Shopping is a woman thing.  It’s a contact sport like football.  Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase.  ~Erma Bombeck

As readers of my blog can attest, I don’t partake in Black Friday.  I do not like crowds, prefer not to wake at 2AM the day after Thanksgiving, really enjoy internet shopping, and quite frankly, I value my life…That being said, many people do, so a friend shared a Black Friday website, with tips from “Brad”, and I thought I’d share these with my blogging followers.  Now, these tips are not from me, I’m just pirating them…but will add a few visual aids, as well as my comments, for your pleasure!

My comments are in bold following each tip.

Brad’s Top 10 Tips for Black Friday Sales

1. Research: start your Black Friday 2010 sale research on Thanksgiving day or earlier.  Of course, would have been nice if this blog appeared on Wednesday. 
2. Make a plan: identify what you want to buy, which stores have the best sales on Black Friday, and what time they open.  Make lists…I live by my lists (and fashion journals) .
3. Timing is everything: arrange stores by opening time from early to late.  I think Kohl’s opening at 3AM is kooky!  I have provided a list of Black Friday Store Hours at the end of my blog.
4. A fool and his money: be wary of Black Friday deals with quantity limits. If a store only has 10 items at that price, go elsewhere.  Sage advice, as you don’t want to take down all in your path!  To help with hands-free shopping, remember your cross-body purse, as previously mentioned in my It’s all in the Bag blog!
5. Visualize: know where your items are in the store.  Kinda tough – if you ask for a map before hand, store security may think you are going to rob them.
6. Stay Safe: Previous Black Friday sales were honestly deadly; please don’t trample or shoot anyone!  I acquiesce to this!  This is good advice for any aspect of your life.  Truly!
7. Power of numbers: go with a team and attack separate stores or separate sections of the same store. Designate a meeting place.  Plus, you have your peeps with you to enjoy a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine.   I, however, do Much better shopping alone.  I find it more efficient, but I see “Brad’s” point…safety in numbers, and maybe your friends can help carry your bags!
8. Bring a snack: only amateurs stop at the food court on Black Friday! (Or the bathroom – so go before you leave.)  I say a stop at Starbuck’s is a must…and there is really nothing healthy, ever, at a food court, so pack some crackers, a banana, and nuts, and you are good to go. Also, a bottle of water, so you don’t have to spend $2 on it at the mall.  As far as going to the bathroom before you leave, when nature calls, not much you can do.  Especially after your stop at Starbuck’s.  
9. The quiet ones: don’t ignore stores that don’t advertise. They will have Black Friday deals too!!  Check online for these, and don’t forget to use your coupons from our favorite coupon websites!

retailmenot.com

Froogle.com

Smartbargains.com

Overstock.com

Coupon.com

Couponcabin.com

bluefly.com

Coolsavings.com

couponmom.com

      10.   Have fun: enjoy your family, friends and deals!  Isn’t enjoying your family during the Holidays an      oxymoron?  Kidding…it’s my favorite time of the year.  Black Friday shopping or not.

My friend Nancy says:    If you plan and shop effectively with the appropriate targeted “attack”, you can be finished and having a glass of wine with lunch!  To avoid the lunch crowds, consider the Nordstrom café – a forgotten gem!  If there is one at your mall.

In moderation, of course.

In addition, as Nancy lives for Black Friday shopping:    “PARKING!!!  From my experience, if your mall has car valets, use them…. The best $5-$10 you will spend all day.  They are just great, fast and usually will retrieve your car so you can pack it up with a load of purchases and then go back to the mall for round 2!  And one year the car valet returned (without my car) to tell me that I had a flat tire and asked permission to put on my spare.  Naturally I said yes and he was back in 20 minutes…. Nice young man who saved the day for me and it was well worth the extra $20 tip for him!”

Hope everyone has a Fabulous Thanksgiving, and Happy Shopping to those who dare.

xoxo

Terry

Buying something on sale is a very special feeling.  In fact, the less I pay for something, the more it is worth to me.  I have a dress that I paid so little for that I am afraid to wear it.  I could spill something on it, and then how would I replace it for that amount of money?  ~Rita Rudner

Black Friday 2010 Store Hours

Store	Thanksgiving Hours*	Black Friday Hours
Ace Hardware		7am
Babies R Us		5am
Best Buy		5am
Costco		9am
Gander Mountain	9am	6am-10pm
Home Depot		6am
JCPenney		4am-11pm
Kmart	6am-9pm	5am-11pm
Kohl’s		3am
Lowe’s		6am
Macy’s		4am
Meijer	6am-12am	5am
OfficeMax	7am	7am
Old Navy	9am (select locations)	12am
Radio Shack	10am	5:30am
Sears	7am-Noon	4am
Sports Authority		5am-9:30pm
Staples		6am
Target		4am
Toys R Us	10pm	12am
Walgreen’s	9am	7am
Walmart		12:01am and Electronics at 5am