Eurotrip

Ms. M just got back from a lengthy European vacation, where I celebrated Thanksgiving by eating lots of Swiss cheese.

While my dress size may have increased slightly, by appreciation and awe of European style and grace increased tenfold.

The clean skin with only a hint of makeup, the thicker brow that makes every woman look younger and more youthful; (yes, I’m talking to you, Ms. Pam Anderson and all those Betty-Page wannabees from Chicago circa 2000); the messy-yet-healthy head of hair, and clothes layered with a casual elegance that screams “I didn’t try.”

Plus, children and sexy European men make the best accessories, as they induce happiness--and all women should smile more often.

Love, and happy post-Thanksgiving,

Ms. M

Drawing a line

All of us have visions of strippers dancing in our heads when we hear those two words uttered together: "lip" and "liner."

However, as red lips and fall face priming were themes of last week, here are two great product links to check out:

DuWop

and

Benefit

Notice their colors--as natural as a baby's bottom. No red lines with heer pink lips here, ladies!

So, stop those running reds and bleeding lines in their tracks!

Good luck.

Love, Ms. M

Shins are Sexy!

Ms. M is training for a half-marathon and so my legs are on my mind a lot.

Like Clinton and Stacey's helpful road-sign says: "no miniskirts after 35." So, I've got to live it up while I can... but not at work. The sequined J.Crew mini is for the alter-ego only; (btw, her name is "Greta.")

So, consider this an ode to the just-below-the-knee skirt.

Now, as it is fall, (and only if they are appropriate for our body), we should be expressing love for the pencil skirt. That icon of retro vixens can turn a boring office outfit into something more.

(Bottoms around the world, however, will protest if I don't put in a plug for the all-forgiving and transformative a-line. They are more flattering to the butt, but fall seasons and pencils are so nice [as long as the top is somewhat fitted], good heels, semi-opaque hose....but don't go too far or people will think you're Ditta von Teese.)

Business skirts just above the knee are OK if they're not too short; but you need to have the right proportion of leg. Ms. M doesn't like the way my knees look when they stick out right below a hemline. It's like saying: "all above is smooth, mysterious, and elegant," then wham! big bumps in your face.

When the skirt hits you just below the knee all you see is shin (sorry, couldn't find a sexier word for shiny front of calf) and foot--a very long line. Being long-torsoed and not super leggy I'm always trying to look like I have shorter thighs and mile-long calves (which I don't, and supposedly is a model-like ideal according to bat-sh*t-crazy Karl Langerfeld).

When a skirt hits you just below the knee people will have no idea how long your calves really are.

An being an alluring women is all about creating an air of mystery.

Love, Ms. M

p.s. image courtesy of http://monkeysinmypants.blogspot.com/2006/08/do-i-really-need-another-reason-not-to.html

Holiday ideas

Sephora has started the holiday onslaught.

Great gift ideas are being boxed up and packaged as we speak. I'm rather fond of the "Fashion Week Live" set and the "Empowermint" set.

Happy shopping!

Love, Ms. M

Casual Elegance

We all have our lazy days: you feel like just phoning-it-in, giving up on your hair, and wearing baggy sacks for pants.

However, as my good friend once noted, it’s possible to dress like a lady, be comfortable—and not wear Juicy Couture sweats:

(A, only sl*tty cheerleaders have words printed on their bottoms, and
B, daily life involves responsibilities: people to see, impress, etc. Life is not a pajama party.)

Well, here are some basics I apply to my daily life and hopefully they’re helpful in crafting your own sense of casual style.

Casual elegance: 2 out of 3 Rule

1. Hair,
2. Make-up,
3. Clothes.

Always have 2 out of 3 done well.

Now, I’m biased towards clothes and make-up, as most women with confidence can rock a messy chignon, spiking cut, or headband/ponytail combo with ease.

Only the truly blessed can go sans make-up, so don’t risk it.

And never, ever make the rules clothing-optional. One of the two must be clothes at all times. Yes, it’s hard sometimes, but so is exercise. You must keep your sense of style in-shape, or you’ll loose track of it faster than you think.

Casual elegance: Study the artsy combination of the classics

Note the following list of clothing staples:

-Good fitting, mid-rise jeans,
-Textures: smooth cotton, chunky knits, tweed suit pieces, etc.
-Layers,
-Bold, decades-ago inspired accessories
-Flats
-And, most importantly, color

Doesn’t seem that big a deal, right? You can find good jeans at Old Navy, raid your grandma’s jewelry box, and avoid heels, right? But how do you mix it?

Well, try this for inspiration.

I’m a huge fan of J. Crew. Yes, they had their more boring past (and yes, they’ve gotten pricier). But their business model overhaul a few years ago has transformed their line into a great reference for classic—yet casual—style: better fabrics, delicious details drawn from high-end menswear (boldly patterned silk linings in jackets, for example), tweed and jeweled shoes, their party/bridal line, etc.

Avoid the stores at first, as their displays are not nearly as inspiring as their photo shoots. Go to their website, or better yet, get a catalog. And spend time looking for what appeals to you:

Note the risks they take—and how they pay off.

Note how the elements are basic: sweater, jeans, tee, and flats. But they take a stronger risk with color, a scarf twirled around, dramatic brooches or earrings, etc.

Note the make-up: simple mascara and a good gloss with an orange/pink tone.

And, lastly, note the hair: a messy bun at most.


For more tips, look here:

Another friend noticed a link on clutches—a fun way to introduce color and retro-punch into an outfit.

The Sartorialist has a great photo (about 5 images down, "Hands") that shows how color can enliven the basics. Note how the main outfit’s hues are grays and blacks, but purple and yellow-green are punches. (Ignore the stupid hand elements on jacket. We aren’t walking MFA projects, now are we?)

Love, Ms. M

p.s. image courtesy of http://www.insiteboston.com/img/style.jpg