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Observations in Fashion

Add A Touch Elegance To Your Outfit By Adding A Splash Of Red

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The color red appeals to most of us. However, some find red too bold to wear. However, a touch can add just the right amount chic to your outfit.

Great style always looks effortless regardless of how much actual effort was delivered to get those results. Whether you are meeting friends for dinner, interviewing for a job or simply need to make a good impression it’s important to consider your outfit. One of the easiest style tips to follow is to dress monochromatically in neutral colors and then add a splash of bright color. However, when in doubt choose styles that are classic as the uncomplicated nature of tried and true pieces never fail to look sophisticated (or cool). For example a black pair of trousers, black turtleneck, white button-down shirt and camel trousers or even an all cream ensemble with a bright-colored handbag will add just the right amount of chic to your outfit

There are certainly many bright colors to choose from but there is only one standout and that is the color red! There is something alluring about the color red and adding just a touch will make your outfit that much more elegant.

A red pair of shoes with soft colors like camel is less bold but just as eye-catching.

Even your favorite jeans can look more elegant with a touch of red.

And if black leather with your favorite black pants is your thing throw on a big red scarf.

Even if you are not a fan of flaming red remember that adding a splash of any bright color to an understated outfit can add that touch of elegance.

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!

Less Might Be More When It Comes To Good Skincare

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With over 25,000 skincare products to choose from no wonder most of us are confused about which products to use. Considering all of the choices there are it’s inevitable that our cabinets are full of products we probably don’t need. According to an article in The Telegraph the average woman uses 16 beauty products everyday! I can’t imagine the amount of time it would take to wash, exfoliate, tone, rub, protect, and make up your face by applying all 16 products. But I can relate to the confusion over what products are best for our skin.

More and more products are being produced every year that promise to reduce fine lines, create glowing skin, eliminate dark spots, and tighten our sagging faces. And it’s no surprise that the growth in the skincare industry is largely in the anti-aging category.

Here’s another interesting fact. Almost all of these products are owned by 7 corporations. Which begs the question—do expensive products work better than less expensive products?

In an article from the New York Times, The $20 Luxury Face Cream, the author opines that beauty brands are changing the way they market through more transparency. According to the author, Chrystal Martin, there is still a lot of misrepresentation in the beauty industry. However, with insiders spilling the beans on the efficacy of claims made by brands it is becoming easier to research these claims. Insiders like Victoria Fu and Gloria Lu who founded Chemist Confessions attempt to unpack the enigma of products in laymen’s terms. In their blog and podcast they reveal how ingredients work. Further, they help to demystify the proprietary formulas claimed on the packaging.

There were some interesting new products that were recommended by Crystal with notes on what ingredients are worth placing on our skin. Ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide can reduce pigmentation and tighten pores. It also mentions hyaluronic acid which helps our skin retain moisture. And then of course there is the holy grail of ingredients. Retinoids and rentinols have been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

The article was informative enough but what I found much more illuminating were the comments (and I read them all). These comments were quite broad from favorite products to quips on aging. However, there was a consensus from the commenters regarding the subject of skincare.

~Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary are two very popular websites for good recommendations. In addition these will websites explain the benefits of ingredients used.

~We don’t need to spend a lot of money for great products.

~Good genes trumps great products.

~CeraVe is a drugstore gold standard for skincare.

~Sunscreen and retinols (or retinoids) are the 2 most essential products for good skincare.

Eat well, laugh alt, and be chic!

The Easiest Gadgets to Organize Your Closets And Drawers

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I’ve written extensively on the subject of how to organize your closets but what I have failed to focus on are a number of great gadgets and things that will help you manage your closets and drawers in a more accessible and harmonious way.

The science is in! Less chaos promotes a more tranquil mood and chaos can manifest itself in many ways. One way is a disheveled closet. Don’t be discouraged if the thought of getting organized just seems too distressing. It’s actually easy with a little help from the Container Store, Bed Bath & Beyond or even your local hardware store.

The first rule of closet organizing is to use the same hangers. The reason is that there is so much to focus on when you are looking for something to wear and different hangers just complicate the picture making dressing more difficult. If you have limited space in your closet choose a slim hanger as they will free up more room than the thicker ones.


Real Simple Flocked Hangers $19.99 for 50

It’s easy to forget what scarves and wraps you have to choose from if they are folded away in a drawer. In the event you prefer folding them don’t store them stacked onto one another instead of arranging them using a side-by side approach. This method allows you to see what you have without destroying a neat pile. 

If you have smaller and lightweight scarves or simply prefer to store them in your closet use a hanger that is made specifically to accommodate many.

iDesign Classico Graphite Scarf Organizer $7.99

If you have a large drawer it’s easy for it to become messy even with the best of efforts. Try using a divider to keep your things in order.

Drawer Organizer Set of 2 $12.79 Set of 4 $23.99

If your drawers are deeper simply stack the dividers onto of one another.

In addition there are so many wonderful gadgets to help you manage your shoe collection. For everyone with limited space my best recommendation is to hang them on your closet door.

20-Pocket Eco-Fabric Over the Door Shoe Bag $24.99

If you prefer to arrange your shoes on shelves this gizmo will save you a lot of space.

Shoe Space Savers Set of 6 $17.99

Whether you use your closet shelves for sweaters or handbags these smart dividers will help you keep your things neat.

Lynk Small Chrome Solid Shelf Dividers Set of 2 $8.99

Your closet doors are underutilized and the perfect spacer hanging more than just shoes. The wall-mounted rack is perfect for belts.

iDesign Axis 8-Hook Wall-Mounted Rack $14.99

Last but not least I would like to give you some solutions for your drawer that are designed for all the little stuff like underwear and camisoles. These neat organizers can be arranged or stacked in a number of ways.

Linen Drawer Organizers $14.99-$19.99

Eat well, laugh a lot, and be chic!