A style rule to make you go hmmmm...

I was reading the latest issue of Marie Claire while in a very long line at Starbucks this morning when the following statement caused me to make the WTH face (ya'll know what I'm talking about, lol).

"Grunge up a polished look with a kid's sweatshirt." Lisa Mayock (One half of Vena Cava) page 38, Marie Claire/July 2008

Okay I'm all for making your own style rules and creating a look but Lisa Mayock's style rule was a little out there.

How many adult women can fit into a kid's sweatshirt? Why would anyone want to grunge up a polished look? When does such an occasion even call for one to have to grunge up a polished look? This style rule leaves too many unanswered questions and it sounds difficult to pull it off.

The image that popped in my mind after reading her tip was pure comedy. Go ahead. Take a few moments and visualize a polished look, now add a kid's sweatshirt to the mix. Yeah. Exactly. Don't try this at home folks.

I Finally Saw It!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday afternoon I went to the movies and finally saw Sex and the City. The movie was sooooooo good. I laughed, I cried, and I drooled over the fashion.

Fellow Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson dazzled as Louise. She was just what Carrie needed at the most critical time in her life. Go J-Hud!!!!

After the movie, I went to Borders to buy the book, Sex and the City: The Movie. I have gone completely SATC crazy. I have the soundtrack, the book, and two T-shirts from Steve and Barry's. I'm also looking for a couple of items that were featured in the movie as well as waiting on part two of the soundtrack. There were two songs featured in the movie that are not on the current soundtrack; Ciara's Click Fash which was playing as Carrie modeled designer wedding gowns and 2nite by Janet Jackson which was playing when Carrie and Big made the grand entrance to their engagement party.

Of course, I plan to see the movie again and I will own the DVD when it comes out.

Before I forget, if anyone is looking for Louise's "Love" keychain, I found it! Click here

Avon Revisited: The Good & Not So Good

It has been about eight years since I ordered anything from Avon. I became interested in other brands and some of Avon's products were kind of blah to me when compared to MAC, Clinique, and Nars. Out of the blue last month I ordered a few products along with my coworker.

I ordered Glazewear Liquid Lip Color in Brown Sugar, Chic Mauve, and Darling Pink, Nail Experts Nail Brightener, and the new fragrance Flower by Cynthia Rowley.

The Good:

Flower by Cynthia Rowley is a pretty fragrance in a cute bottle. I took a big risk ordering a fragrance I had never smelled. The bottle reminded me of an Easter basket purse I had when I was about six years old. Maybe I was trying to recapture my youth because I was crazy about that purse, lol. Surprisingly, the scent isn't overly floral at all. The notes are citrus, violet leaves, freesia, Casablanca lily, vanilla, velvet woods, and sandalwood.

Nail Experts Nail Brightner does exactly what it is supposed to do...brighten your nails. After ruining my most recent manicure opening mail and rearranging the books on my bookshelf, I used the nail brightener and was pleased with the results. My nails had a pretty glow and looked very fresh. This is a great product to use in between manicures.

The Not So Good:

The Glazewear Liquid Lip Color did nothing for me. They are drying and have no shine. This is more of a liquid lipstick with an almost cakey feel. I didn't like the way it felt on my lips at all. Darling Pink was the best of the three I bought and that isn't saying much. Chic Mauve is a soft lilac shade that was beyond blah. Brown Sugar was not cute at all and someone needs to go back to the drawing board because brown sugar doesn't have an orange tint. This shade had a burnt orange tone to it. I'm so mad that these didn't work.

My recent Avon experience was okay so I'm open to trying some other products but they really should consider revamping that Glazewear formula.

My Life of Style

It's time for another My Life of Style:

Books: I just finished reading Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin. Next on my summer reading list is Chasing Harry Winston, Such a Pretty Fat, and Girls in Trucks.

Fashion: It's all about the dress this summer. I just want to keep it light and simple. Throw on a dress add some accessories and dash out the door!

Film/TV: I'm FINALLY seeing Sex and The City this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Music: E=MC2, I must admit that Mariah's latest had to grow on me but it's now in heavy rotation, Sex and The City soundtrack, and Estelle.

Products: Essie Secret Affair, Garnier Anti-wrinkle Firming Eye Cream, and Nair Shower Power.

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss

Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss is the perfect blend of lip balm and lip gloss. This has been a staple in my makeup bag since early April. I picked it up from Macy's after work one day and I instantlly fell in love. I chose Rootbeer, a pretty pinkish neutral.

The consistency is very smooth and not at all sticky. It's ultra moisturizing and has a high gloss factor. And the greatest feature is how long it lasts! I got over two and a half hours of wear out of it.

In my opinion, this product offers it all except for SPF, hopefully Clinique will consider adding SPF 15. There are some new shades in the 2008 Air-Kissed Colours Summer Collection; Cocoa and Passionfruit are calling my name ;)

Political Fab

I'm so thrilled that Senator Barack Obama has secured the Democratic nomination for the upcoming presidential election.

He's a fine man and the fact that he's a fellow Chicagoan is just icing on the cake. He secured the nomination, he's made history, and he's managed to maintain poise and dignity in a very grueling primary race. Go Obama!!!!!!

Michelle Obama has been added to my list of style icons. Everyone is raving about her amazing sense of style. Here's a great article from the New York Times. I can't wait until she sits down with the ladies from The View on June 18th. Be sure to tune in!

Keep Your Makeup Brushes Clean!

Dirt, dust and bacteria should be the last thing that comes to mind when thinking about your make up brushes. If they are not cared for properly they can become magnet for the bacteria that will lead to poor make-up application and irritated skin. Caring for your brushes will save you time, money and your face.

Shana King, a Professional Makeup Artist and Founder of adesign brushes, a brand of high quality tools created to improve the function and skill of makeup application for all beauty lovers, (www.adesignbrushes.com) knows how to work a brush. Below she recommends a few easy tips to clean, maintain and store your favorite beauty tools. Follow the simple steps below to keep your brushes clean and fresh!

HOW TO GIVE YOUR BRUSHES A CLEAN SWEEP:

1. Storage: Store brushes in their custom pouches to assure they stay safe, so that the bristles will not be crushed.

2. Cleaning: Once a month use mild soap or shampoo and water. Gently work soap or shampoo through the bristles. Swirl the brush in circles in the palm of your hand and rinse under water, until water is clear.

3. Drying: If possible, brushes love to be hung up, bristles facing to the floor to
assure all moisture egresses.

4. Quick Cleanings: As needed, use an alcohol-free swab to remove access makeup in between big washes.