Runaway Bride

For my last blog I drew some inspiration from one of my favorite movie's, Runaway Bride.  What is more magical than a girl's wedding. Absolutely nothing. It's something every little girl dreams about multiple times. But there's always a debate about what's acceptable for you to wear on your second, or gasp, third wedding. You always hear the comment; well it is her third wedding... Should you wear white, or are you confined to wear a more sensible color? Maybe negating the veil entirely is a good idea? I mean white represents chastity and virtue, or does it mean new beginnings? Did you fail the first time? What will people think? After all, the magazines and TV specials point out there is specific etiquette for your second and third wedding that you should follow right? Or, at least your second dress should be shorter and have less detail; most of your family won't be there anyway. You could even be controversial and try a red or yellow dress? It is the modern age and why not be flashy on your wedding day. Will your marriage last and should you hold back some? Except for the fact, that a wedding is a glorious event and should be celebrated whether it is your first or your fourth time. Make the little girl in your heart be proud. Maybe during your first wedding you were listening to everyone but your own voice. Or maybe you lost 50 pounds and can wear that hot dress that all your Facebook friends would be jealous of. The possibilities are endless. Either way this is your day and if you want to wear a black (which might make me throw up a little in my mouth), it's okay. And if you want to dress in an over-the-top lace dress that has elaborate detailing on your forth wedding, have at it. Your wedding day should be filled with hope and belief in  a new beginning. That should give you confidence to rock your ideal dress.

The Blunt Bang

Rocking red hues for hair hit the runway this season with a fury. It is by far the most popular shade of the season. Is there anything more beautiful than this image? The recommended shades are copper or ginger. They really make your skin pop. The blunt bang in combination with the vibrant red hue is dynamite! This trademark look has lots of texture and movement to it and is very straight. Luckily, the blunt bang is amazing with any hair color and is proudly portrayed by all our favorite celebrities.

Taylor Swift, Rooney Mara and Rose Byrne are knocking the look out of the park. It makes me want to sprint to the nearest hair salon and get bangs for me. This look is inherently sexy and sophisticated with a bit of edge. It is also extremely polished and really highlights a woman's face. Another trend I love is the refined pony. For this look, you take a strand of hair and wrap it around your ponytail. It just gives a bit of elegance and changes up the traditional pony to something more formal. Everyone should try it! Last but not least the look that just want go away--is the ombre hair color. But don't be fooled. Many people are paying good money to create that perfect Dark-To-Light effect. These trends are all amazing and if you haven't tried any WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!! Here are some more fun trends to try for fall 2012.

To shave or not to Shave

There is nothing at all that irks me more than facial hair. I know some might think it's manly and gives an air of sophistication. However, that is not correct, my immediate thought is laziness. Gentlemen are  responsible for shaving one part of their body. Let me say it again, ONE! Whereas, women have a considerably larger area to shave than men. Yet, we do it. Some even do it every day. And yet, day by day, you see your significant other's facial hair growing longer. You think maybe today will be the magical day it is shaved off. Its prickly. Yes, it reminds me of sad grass. A woman must except electric shocks as you kiss your mate. In addition, I love when guys think they are doing you a favor by shaving with their electric shaver.. Granted it is better then not shaving at all. But, unless you are super meticulous, you will probably miss particular areas and the shave is never as clean or close. This makes us unhappy. Bring out the straight razor; you'll find it's bliss to your girlfriend. Still a couple days of not shaving is a walk in the park compared to your mate deciding to grow a goatee or mustache! G-R-O-S-S. First, it ages you unnecessarily. You know how many people say you look like an entirely new person once you finally shave?!? Millions. Second it looks unkempt, like you could possibly be a homeless person. Third, think of all the food that can get stuck in that disaster??? That is just unhygienic. Why would you let your love ones see that depravity? Sadly some still do... But another equally fashion faux pas is a mustache. Admit it, all of us think of Tom Selleck in Magnam PI. Which ps. was in the 80s.  Why are we still sporting that look?!? This look dates you. And the silly mustaches that turns up at the edges make me want to stand up and scream! It strikes me as a caricature not a real person. Will others take your seriously? Simply put, facial hair is out, show off that beautiful face god gave you and  your girlfriend will be a lot happier. Now isn't this better...

Its just one of the perks...

I think men are seriously jealous of the fun women have when it comes to getting dressed. But that's one of the perks of being a woman. We know there aren't many...! Yet lately, I find more and more men trying to accessorize like a lady. Let me be clear: It is never acceptable for men to wear jewelry of any kind period. Unless, it is a wedding ring or the perfect male staple, a watch. That means no earrings, no bracelets, no necklaces. and for god sake, no grills! I know you are thinking grills really? But if sweetie pies like Ryan Lochte can sport them in a mistaken haze of patriotic duty, it can happen to anyone.

Jewelry makes the gender effeminate. When a guy sports earrings, so many thoughts run through my mind...Is he in the mafia? Just a jersey shore wanna-be?? Neither is a compliment and imply not just a lack of judgement, but lack of style and end to sex appeal. Hmm...probably not gonna get many dates. But, that doesn't come close to my need to look away from men putting a gauge in their ears, nose, or face for that matter.

Does this look like a reasonable man, or a man with significant mental issues. This man is mutilating his body.  He risks that the hole will never shrink back to its normal size of the original piercing. Which means, he can never regain his former image. More importantly, does he limit his career to hairdresser, bouncer, or artist. Why would you do that? I know many think bracelets and necklaces can be masculine, I assure you they are not.  It does not matter if its a leather bracelet or gold necklace. Neither compliment a man. Leave accessories to women.

Denim Fever

There are so many must have's for this fall season when it comes to denim...Every year I can barely contain myself with thoughts of the perfect jean. This is quite hilarious because I have more jeans than I can count. Yet, every fall I feel compelled to buy more. Luckily this season is loaded with ideas for innovative ways to wear denim. The first is Floral-Print Skinnnies which I am seeing everywhere from high end places like Paige+Liberty to low end places like American Eagle. These jeans are in all colors of the rainbow, with deliberate flower detailing that is ultra sweet.  It adds the right amount of feminity with a bit of edge to the clothing staple. In general skiny jeans might cause some trepidation. Women mistakenly think it is not age appropriate or it must be worn by model types sizes 0-4. This I flat out reject and actually think most women regardless of their size actually look skinnier depending on how it is worn. Its all about fit and cut and finding the right style for your body type. This is not a style you can just eyeball and purchase, you must try it on! The next trend I adore is the Oversize vest which was seen at 3.1 Phillip Lim. Again some might be skeptical envisioning a motorcycle mama?!? But it actually represents a sophisticated modern woman. It adds a sense of cool to any outfit, I suggest pairing it with ultra feminine items like a silk chiffon or flowered dress. You can also modernize the rocker-t by adding a vest, it creates a more polished look. Next, Metallic jeans are all the rage this season. It sets you apart from the masses. Say it with me... You are the trendsetter...This style exudes confidence and can be taken from day to night. These trends are so fun and can be worn by anyone. You know you want too...

Fashion Forward Trends for Fall

This week I wanted to concentrate on all my favorite trends for fall 2012. The first and most important trend is leather! Now ladies we are not just talking about our usual chic leather jackets. This fashion movement includes anything from skirts and pants to accessories. If you want to step it up a notch you might even include a leather dress in your fall wardrobe. Although black is the predominate color on the runway, you can always mix in a beige or burgundy to liven things up! The second dynamite trend is bright red/orange lips. I know most of us shriek at the thought, were not trying to look like a clown. But take a deep breath and try it. The secret is to keep the rest of your face simple, the lips are the focal point. There is nothing more glamorous than seeing a woman rock red lips. Now the trends for the fall are more matte, so that should ease some of your concerns. Last but not least, is pointed shoes it seems the higher the better...This concerns me especially because I live in my flip flops and flats. But here's my compromise to the people who are perpetually opposed to wearing heels. Just do it once a week. Believe me I understand heels are: a) hard to walk in b) bad for your joints c) simply not comfortable. Sometimes all at the same time... But each of us, have an inner super model in them; that can strut their stuff once a week, for a date night, trip to a museum, or play. Heels truly have the ability to transform an outfit and transform your confidence. Lets give the New York girls a run for their money in the style department!

 

Just say No!

Never would I see one of those again, I swore to myself...Unless it was during a US gymnastics competition or an 80s party, I thought. But, I must have overestimated the fashion IQ of the average Mentor citizen. Mentor did have one of the more popular U.S. President of all time (James A. Garfield) and the most fashion forward mall (The Great Lakes Mall), and was one of the top one hundred U.S Cities. But, one citizen here had a fashion faux paux. I mean catastrophe--It was a moment I felt actual embarrassment, and wanted to reach out and grab it! Throw it out, I thought. No that's not good enough, time warp in a phone-booth, bill and ted style, and send it back to the 80's. What could it be you wonder? Doing a double take; I look again and want to ask this young lady if she knows what decade it is? I acknowledge her pretty ballerina bun, but shake my head at what's holding it together. None other than the dreaded scrunchy. This twenty-something adult woman in 2012 is wearing a scrunchy?!?. I guess she had missed the episode of Sex in the City, where Carrie Bradshaw discussed her abhorrence of scrunchies ten years ago? Yup I said it--ten years ago. I should cut her some slack she could be Amish, or never read a fashion magazine a day in her life?!? Whatever the case is I urge the public to reach out to their family/friends and to "just say no to the scrunchy."

Jeans at a Baby Shower?!?

Jeans at a baby shower?!? I know there are more serious violations then this in fashion. But, because I saw this over the weekend I felt compelled to comment. This was not the average baby shower at your neighbors place, this was a catered event at the Sterle's Slovenian Country House.  It's kind of goes along with flip flops at the White House, wearing white at your friend's wedding, and dressing inappropriately at a funeral. I wonder what goes through one's head when they are clearly the only one in the room dressed in a disconnected way. Does it even register? Do you get a pass if you are a teenager? My response is a resounding, NO! Good breeding should dictate attire for certain occasions, irregardless of age. Say to yourself, would Kate Middleton approve? If not, please change! When I think of a baby shower, it is a joyous occasion, a celebration of generations. This is one of the biggest moments of a new mother's life, announcing to the world: I AM GOING TO BE SOMEONE'S PARENT!!! And you respond by wearing jeans...the same jeans you wore to your brothers t-ball game, the same jeans you wore to the grocery store, the same jeans you passed out in last week. Am I getting through yet?  In my humble opinion you should associate a shower with attending a play or musical. That includes wearing a dress, skirt and dressy top and or blazer, or if you must, dress pants. Those are all perfectly appropriate. Now you don't have to get super fancy, just show respect for the occasion. Think of Ann Taylor, the designs are understated and classic. You don't have to wear heels, flats or sandals would suffice. Remember your accessories, bring out one designer piece that Coach purse or diamond studs. What's the saying, "Be The Best You Can Be!"  When attending a shower, you are honoring your friends and family. Remember the venue, if it is catered or at a nice restaurant, then dressy attire will honor the new mother. Jeans at a baby shower is definitely a fashion faux pas!

Appropriate dress:

Middle America giving way to Hollywood Standards

More and more these days I hear people speaking about plastic surgery. It isn't a taboo subject anymore, people openly admit to it. Yet, it is still strange for me to hear a friend casually mention having a botox treatment, like it was the same thing as getting your nails done. I can't understand why someone who is 29 years old needs plastic surgery! The little lines she refers to our non-existent, and to be honest I don't notice much of a difference. With the advent of reality TV and gossip magazines more and more everyday American's are thinking they have to go under the knife. In 2011 13.8 million plastic surgery procedures were performed with an increase of 5% from the year before.  On the rise were breast implants, liposuction, Chin Augmentation, and Lip enhancements. Does anyone really need a chin augmentation? I've always felt that your imperfections are what makes you unique and sets you apart from everyone else. Yet more and more I hear about graduation gifts that include giving their 18 year old daughter a breast augmentation before college. What message does that send to your child?!? Adverse effects can occur from a botched surgery such as: numbness, tissue death, excessive bleeding, infections. Those are the more positive side effects. In addition, the emotional effects that occur can be quite debilitating, if you're not dealing with the real issue. Celebrities are sending a message that you only are relevant if you look beautiful and young. When in all actuality, I think many look older after their procedures. Many celebrities careers have been severely impacted by their bad plastic surgery. Examples are Lindsay Lohan, Meg Ryan, Megan Fox. Beautiful girls who now just frankly look weird.  Your face is suppose to move and crinkle when you laugh. It shows that your a real person and not plastic. I want to scream at people and say don't do it, your beautiful. As I see it plastic surgery is most definitely a fashion faux pas!!

Free of Ink

I'm not gonna pretend that tattoos ever appealed to me, they do not. However, some can be more tasteful than others, depending on where it is placed. Places that do not affend the eye, covered places, such as your back, upper neck, even your arm (as long as its covered with a button down). Maybe its my puritanical nature, however, I think its just good taste... Most people are like why did I get that again? Regret, Sadness, Embarrassment, get used to those feelings.  And worse yet; having it removed is supposed to be twice as painful. Yikes! Have I mentioned stretch marks!!! Since everyone has one these days, its actually more unique, to be free of Ink. The worst violation however is tattos down a girls leg. And I'm not talking, not one, not two, not three, but more than four ?!? Say it with me TACKY, and people probably think your CHEAP. In addition, there is no way to cover it up in the summer, besides wearing jeans (Hello Hot), or if you prefer thick black tights???? Yup black tights in the summer, does that sound fun to you?? NOT SO MUCH!!! Most importantly, the woman's leg is an art form and is a symbol of beauty. There is nothing beautiful about a leg being obscured by weird symbols. This leg is actually screaming to be covered up. This is most definitely a fashion faux pas!