Trending Lightly

Observations in Fashion

April’s Limited Edition—The Marty Blouse & Cigarette Pant

by //

 

Finally, Signs of Spring are slowly giving way to warmer temperatures and longer days!

Graduations, outdoor parties and summer vacations are all penciled in somewhere on our calendars. A lot of these events will not require anything fancy but instead something more relaxed with a touch of chic. Something like the Marty Blouse and Cigarette Pants. The Marty Blouse is unconstructed so there is plenty of room to show off a few dance moves if your party has that kind of groove going on. It’s made in a cotton/silk abstract print and can be hand washed. The sleeves are full and the style is au  courant. But the best thing about the Marty might just be the reversible neckline.
Wear it with the V in front with the wide scoop in the back or the other way around. The ease of this number calls for a slim pant—like the cigarette pant. If you’ve been shopping with me then you know I have had this classic trouser in my collection for years. It never goes out of style! This month I have it available in black and grey. Either color will pair easily with the Marty but they will also pair seamlessly with just about any top in your wardrobe.

Wherever you go dress for the occasion!

Shop now.

Eat well, laugh lot, and be chic!

A Few Simple Ways To Get Your Perfect Eyebrows

by //

There is something to be said for thick, dark and defined eyebrows.

In fact great eyebrows alone can be enough of a game changer to warrant a makeup-free routine and doesn’t that sound appealing! Who wouldn’t love to have eyebrows like Liz Taylor or Audrey Hepburn? Their arched heavy brows accented their eyes in the most alluring way. But before you run off to mimic the style of these icons keep in mind a heavy eyebrow isn’t for everyone—like anything else it’s what you are comfortable with.

Personally, I prefer a dark eyebrow, which I have naturally. However, for years I noticed my brows becoming a littler thinner and a shade lighter (ha-ha, that’s not all I’ve noticed changing since turning 50). I began experimenting with waxing, brow fillers, threading and dyeing. There are some simple options for delivering great brows. Here are a few tips to get your eyebrow game on.

~Start by getting professional help with shaping before you attempt it yourself. When offered the option of waxing or threading always choose threading. The skin on the eye is very thin and continued pulling can prematurely strip the area of its elasticity. Benefit is a good place to start as eyebrows are their thing. I have also had good luck getting a nice shape from small neighborhood salons (that are less expensive). However, before you make an appointment just anywhere get a recommendation first!

~The quickest and easiest cosmetic that naturally fills in your brow without looking as though you painted them on is a product by Benefit. Gimme Brow works like mascara. Simply brush it on with the thin fibrous applicator that is included. To keep their shape you can apply a layer of their Brow Setter. It works like hair gel only it does not leave a stiff or sticky residue.

~If you are looking for something more permanent go for dying your brows. Start with a shade darker than your hair color. If you have ever had your eyebrows dyed before prepare yourself as you may be a little shocked at how dark they look at first. Remember, it’s better to have them a little darker in the beginning as they mellow every time you shower and wash your face. Benefit offers this service as well but check out other options that may be less expensive or more convenient. And as always, get a recommendation from a friend first!

~You can also do it yourself. Before you decide to take the plunge solo I highly recommend that you have them professionally dyed a few times first and pay close attention to how your brow professional applies the dye. To do this at home you will need vaseline, a clean mascara brush and beard dye. That’s right. . . drug store beard dye. First, cover the area around your brow with a heavy coat of vaseline. Prepare the dye by following instructions on the packaging. Use the mascara brush to apply the dye and let it sit for the time specified on the instructions.

Until next week.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Keeping Your Skin Hydrated at 35,000 Feet

by //


 It is important to stay hydrated during your flight. Drink plenty of water and take these steps to keep your skin moisturized.

Everyone knows just how dehydrating flying can be. There are some things we can do to offset the drying effect on our skin from flying that has nothing to do with drinking plenty of water but just in case you don’t drink lots of water when you fly —you should! The latest trend is to wear a full face mask with hydrating properties during your flight.

I applaud those women for having the guts to do it but I am taking a pass and instead I am going to share with you a few products I use to keep my skin hydrated and then land with my dignity intact.

As soon as the seatbelt sign goes off I grab my handbag and pull out my 3-1-1 bag.
The first thing I do is wipe my face with a facial towelette by Josie Maran.
Its fragrance-free so you won’t annoy your flying companions in your smaller than necessary space which seems to get smaller with every flight. These wipes are infused with aloe & argan oil and feel incredibly refreshing.
I get these in a larger than needed pak so I simply take several sheets, roll them, and then place them in this container that I purchased at BB&B for $2. Just to make sure it doesn’t open mid-flight I place a rubber band around it.

Next I apply creams and serums by Laneige. You can purchase their hydrating trial kit for about $25. This kit has 5 products 3 of which are really amazing!  I apply the skin toner, something labeled the water bank and moisture cream.


The pièce de résistance of products is byDr Jart+. Their hydro sleep mask seals everything in the same way as a face mask except without the actual face mask—the ingredient in this serum that makes it so wonderful is the hyaluronic acid.  Hyaluronic acid actually draws water to the skin and helps prevent moisture loss.
This product is about $48 for 1.8 oz. and really works. I was honestly surprised at how great my skin felt when I first used it!
What I don’t appreciate is that it comes in this large bottle which means I will have to transfer it into one of these smaller containers in order to take onto my flight.

Which brings me to my next flying tip;
If you have products you love you can always transfer some into a 3 oz. container thereby taking your products on board with you. These are from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and costs ninety-nine cents.

And lastly —my favorite product to protect my lips is Rescue Balm by Air Repair. I have been using it for years and it’s still my favorite!

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!