What? It is! Since when?

According to suite101.com it is now alright to wear horizontal stripes:
It’s official. According to scientific research carried out by psychologists at the UK's York University, horizontal stripes can actually make you look thinner rather than make curvy women look fatter. Horizontal stripes actually create the illusion of depth, which in turn can reduce the appearance of width.
Read more at Suite101: Horizontal Stripes Make Women Look Thinner!: Why Vertical Stripes Can Make You Look Fatter Than Horizontal Ones http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/horizontal_stripes_make_women_look_thinner#ixzz0geg3bZjp
I think they change their minds just to keep us purchasing the latest fashion items. Who are they anyhow? These unseen psychologists who probably have no right to be giving out fashion advice. Hmph!

1. Striped Cotton Skirt   net-a-porter.com

2. Pleasure Doing Business Pinstripe Mini   prontostyle.com

My short-term goal.......

........is to have a Facial Studio as I am a licensed esthetician. It would be a side career/hobby because I currently have a wonderful job, however, I would like to be able to practice what I went to school for.
 I love doing facials and it is my goal to have a place of my own where I can build a clientelle and use my talents to benefit people at a rate that is affordable. I love spa's but came to a quick realization that working for spa owner's is not always a pleasure. I want my own place where I can use products I believe in and where I can make the client feel informed and relaxed without them having to jump through a bunch of hoops first. I also want to offer facials people can actually afford and an atmosphere that isnt commercial or rushed.
I am unsure as to how I would decorate my Facial Studio, but I look forward to the day I can.
What would you want or expect if you came to visit my Facial Studio?



This would be one of the first pieces of equipment I would need and one of the most important.
 Cost $2,383.00

Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2010

I was just thinking this morning how I must be style deficient since I dont follow designers. I tend to be more loyal to specific stores or catalogs instead. You know my favorites: Spiegel, Newport News, Urban Outfitters and Goodwill. I admire my fellow bloggers who attend fashion shows and seem to know all the latest on their favorite designer. I also feel it is very time consuming to follow every designer, however, I am blown away by Ralph Lauren's 2010 Fall/Winter collection. I am not posting any pictures as I dont want to infringe on Copyright laws. Google the pictures and look at how fabulous this collection is. I love the deep colors, the romantic velvet, the tights with peep-toe Mary Jane's, the flowy fabrics with fitted sweaters, the booties with ankle tight pants and my favorite - the leg warmers. Everything looks so warm, comfortable and feminine. I have been longing for Spring, but Ralph is giving us all a Fall to look forward to as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Lauren (picture credit)

The Scrub Review

Hello, I received my Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub that I ordered from Skin Journey on etsy.com. I like it. It looks delicate and creamy but it is a true exfoliant, packed with microderm crystals. I recommend it be used very gently twice a week and at night.  I would recommend this particular scrub to people with normal to dry skin. It leaves your skin feeling as if you just applied a moisturizer, but more importantly it leaves your face looking very smooth and that says allot when purchasing a scrub.

I also purchased this eyeshadow while hanging out with a friend on Friday. I like it too! Why? I like it because when used with an eye primer the color goes on perfectly, not to heavy and not too light. The color also stays where I want it to and the product tells you exactly where to apply each shade. It is also very affordable. I found mine at the pharmacy.

I received my Avon Magix Foundation. It comes as no suprise that I love this product. I like all of Avon's foundations but this one is special. It lives up to it's name. It goes on like air and feels as wonderful as cashmere. It looks beautiful on and even has a sunscreen. If you are looking for a flawless finish and light coverage I highly recommend this foundation.

I have recommended Avon's Ergonomic Rounded Eyeshadow Brush before, but I want to remind you of how much I love this brush. It is the perfect size, not too small and not too large. It doesnt put the eyeshadow anywhere but where you want it. I like it mostly for that reason. I can achieve the look I want because this brush is great for applying shadow in the exact spot I want it. I promise you will like it.

Thanks to my March 2010 ALLURE magazine I have some new products I want to try when I can afford to.

1. Jane Iredale Lip Fixation - lipstain/gloss without feathering

2. M.A.C. Prep & Prime Powder - to minimize pores

3. Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil - for ashy skin

4. Estee Lauder Michael Kors Hollywood Gold nail polish - taupe color

Do this week.........

Here are a few things I think you should try this week:

1. Try McDonalds coffee (if you are a coffee drinker). Get a small coffee with 2 creams and see if you dont leave Starbucks behind.

2. Buy something from Etsy. Everyone deserves a little treat.

3. Purchase a facial scrub and use it twice this week and see how much better your skin will feel. I can recommend one if need be.

4. Purchase your 1st spring color lipstick. Mine is Posey Pink from Avon.

5. Try Wal-Mart brand teeth whitening strips. They work and it will make you look younger.

6. Watch the Olympics. It's motivational.

7. Choose a makeup look and try to duplicate it. For inspiration visit modelmayhem.com or watch tutorials on youtube.

8. Try Estee Lauder's White Beige nail polish or Avon's Herringbone nail color for the nude/neutral look.

9. Go all week with out eating bread, milk products, sugar or rice/potatoes and see if you dont feel thinner by day 3.

10. Visit the blogs your followers follow.

above photo from modelmayhem.com, a local makeup artist here in

Tulsa

a-brooch-ful

My post usually revolve around something that has happened throughout the day. Take this morning for instance. I decided to wear a vintage velvet jacket with jeans and high heeled booties to work. At the last minute I thought it would be the perfect jacket for a brooch, but I only have 2. One would not have coordinated and the other I was too lazy to remove from the coat it is pinned to. Therefore the whole experience left me wondering if I had more brooches would I wear them? Here are a few I found worthy of being added to your wardrobe.

1. Vintage Blue Green Brooch $80 illusionjewels.com

2.SKU SOLB143 $15 whimzgirlbrooches.com

3. Item #JB0038 $85 ritastreasuresstore.com

4. WG00968-BRW ureternity.com

Costa Rica

If you have not been to Central America you are missing out. I have been 7 times. Here is reason number 1 for going to Nosara Costa Rica.

Myriam & Marcel and their wonderful place, Giardino Tropical

I promise you will love them, their hospitality and their wonderful lodgings.

Here are some items to inspire tropical thoughts........

1. Long Bandeau Dress $69 spiegel.com

2. Ruffle-front shirtdress $65 victoriassecret.com

3. Talavera Skirt sundancecatalog.com

Taking my life back!

Spring is almost here and I have come to the realization that my rush decisions have led me to lead a life of facades. I plan to make big changes this Spring. I also plan to incorporate some small things in my life for the shear joy of having them in my life. For example: I want to find a sewing machine and attempt to sew again.
I am doing the Atkins diet because it makes me feel better. I plan to incorporate some long flowing skirts into my wardrobe just for the fun & feminine feel of them. I intend to read more. I intend to be more aware of my choices and I am determined to spend more time outside this spring. I am currently reading "State of Fear by Michael Crichton, an exciting book and I am on my 3rd day of Atkins. Here I go...............

 Pink Vintage Skirt - lovestreetbrigade on etsy.com $45.00

Karen Kane Banded Skirt - nordstrom.com

Ever since I decided to sell my house and make some changes in my life I have been dreaming of moving to the Keys. The constant snowy weather we have had has been a contributing factor as well.

White Egret & Key West by David Harrison Wright

However, I would not dress in this..........

ME -it's all about me!

1. Black blouse - JCP recent purchase

2. Sweater - thrifted Liz Claiborne

3. Skirt - Spiegel

4. Tights - Urban Outfitters

5. Shoes - Carlos Santana

Bryant Park

Friday, Feb 12
The lawn is closed to accommodate Fashion Week.
     I dont know what I would wear to fashion week. I would stress about it for 2 months. This picture made me want to look for all white apparel. I adore white blouses but hate to iron them. I love white jeans but cant keep them white. You know how it is. It's nice in theory.

1. Leifsdottir "Precious" Ruffled Silk Blouse @ shopstyle.com

2. Artic Faux Fur Vest @ Forever21.com

3. Mid Rise Boot 553 @ levi.com

ETHAN

This is Ethan. I have known him since he was born. He is a great kid and I love that he is not afraid of fashion.

My daughter, Samantha, took this photo. http://sharpeyephotos.blogspot.com/

Here are some I items I think we should add to Ethan's rockin wardrobe.

1. Bartlett Pond tee @ abercrombie.com

2. Calkins Brook shirts @ abercrombie.com

3. Selvage Skinny Fit Jeans @ GAP.com

4. Lightweight Blazer @ GAP.com

5. Guy Harvey Hat @ guyharveyshirts.com

6. Fraid Plaid Flip Flop @ aeropostale.com

Our house is for sale..............

So Yummy You Have To Make It Tonight

My husband does not eat fruit, but he will eat this and ask for more. I have only made it twice but it so yummy and easy I want to make it every night. It is best eaten right away so I only use half as many apples so there is no left overs.
Southern Living Recipes are my favorite. This one is from the 1984 Annual Recipe Cookbook.

APPLE CHEESE CASSEROLE
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 cup of butter or margarine
7 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of water
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup of Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Combine flour, sugar and salt; mix well. Cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse meal.
Toss apple slices with water and lemon juice.
Spoon into lightly greased 8-inch square baking dish.
Sprinkle flour mixture over apples. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.
Top with cheese; bake an additional 5 minutes.
8 servings

My GW sweater haul.........

Good morning.
Saturday my friend, Raven and I went to the "Bag It" sale at Goodwill near my house. The "Bag It" sale is where you can fill a bag with as many clothing items as you want and get 50% off. I told Raven that I am just looking for pieces that can transition into spring. I feel like all of these sweaters will do just that. I am a sweater person all year round because I am always cold. Raven also chose for me the green Tignanello cross body bag which is in perfect condition.
One sweater is from Gap, one is from Harold's, one is Liz Claiborne and the black one with the tags still on it is from QVC.

Bangles and art go hand in hand

I love art.

I think art should influence absolutely everything.

Art and nature make the world a nicer place.

These bangles combine both at a heck of a price too.

Unfortunately I have the smallest wrist of anyone I know and I cant wear bangles, so someone please

go to artinstituteshop.org

and order this Handpainted in India, set of bangles

from the Art Institute of Chicago.

Do your part, love art!

Got this in an e-mail

You know we are tired of winter in Oklahoma when you see this:

The Cross-body Bag

I dont know if there is anyone out there as particular about her bag as I am. I have a few things I look for and if the bag doesnt meet those requirements, I dont care how nice or expensive looking it is, I wont buy it. My requirements are:

 a chain handle or a strap long enough to be a cross-body bag,

easy access and a zipper that is easy to grasp,

it cant be a stiff or heavy bag,

if it is expensive it had better be a Dooney & Bourke,

not too deeeeep,

no suede

and no flaps.

I am a recent fan of the Cross-body bag. Check these out.

1. PU Cross-body Bag @ BagsOK.com $36.99

2. Dooney & Bourke Letter Carrier @ dillards.com $165.00

3. Mulberry "Kristin" Cross Body Bag $295.00

4. Tory Burch Vintage Metallic Mini Bag @ shopbop.com $250.00

5. Michael Kors "Webster" Cross-Body Bag $148.00

6. Around the Town Cross-Body Bag @ avon.com $7.99

Eye Accessory

Most of my friends know this about me. I love eyeglasses. I own 6 pairs right now plus 2 older pairs I had tinted. Some arent even my prescription anymore but I cant seem to part with them. The pairs I had tinted I never think to put on when in the sun and blue-eyed people should protect their eyes from the sun.
I am currently debating on using the rest of my flex spending account to purchase contacts so I can wear sunglasses this summer. If I do that I will also have to purchase readers since I now wear bi-focals. Bi-focal contacts do not appeal to me. I had contacts once before but seemed to only be able to wear them for 4 hours at a time. I also really want some purple eyeglasses. I cant decide. Any suggestions? Anybody out there wear contacts that they can live in for more than 4 hours at a time?

Here are some in the shape that I like:
1. Dolce & Gabbana at lensecrafters.com
2. D&G at lensecrafters.com
3. Bisou Bisou at jcpenneyoptical.com
4. a. n. a. at jcpenneyoptical.com