Ready to wear?

There is no escaping, cooler weather will be here before we know it. The sun is vanishing earlier every day, making the days shorter. In the Midwest we can live in denial for at least a month longer – but the fashion industry is always ready.

On par Fall Fashion Week takes place every spring. Clothing, accessories and make up styles have been waiting months to appear in stores. It’s no shock mid July to see cool weather clothes magically replace the isles of swimwear and sundresses you need for that garden party or last summer beach vacation.

Fall/winter 2009-10 is shifting summer’s tropical colors to darker jewel tones. I for one am thrilled with the blue green, warm orange and purple fashions.

Makeup and clothing once again seem to be taking on an 80’s nuance. Dynasty inspired makeup application minus heavy foundation, black eyeliner, bright lips and winged eye shadow are some trends borrowed from the past we will be seeing. Fall’s nail polish color is magenta. The darker your skin the darker your polish should be.

Office wear is tailored with emphasis on strong shoulder designs. Poof sleeves and balloon skirts are here again – only wear one or the other. You don’t want to run the risk of looking like a crème puff. Fitted, military styled jackets were seen on the runways too. On the other end of the spectrum we have 1940's inspired attire.

Skinny jeans are still here – predominantly in dark washes. Breakfast Club babies – look out - distressed jeans are here again, actually a 90’s flashback. Hang onto scarves – they are surviving another season. Biker chic was also an influence on the runway. The cropped biker jacket is a must have topper. If you dare, experiment with plaids.

As for shoes – one of the biggest trends seen on the runway – was over the knee boots. Pretty Woman I am not – but I won’t knock your fashion choice. They look fantastic on the models and Rihanna. Stilettos, heels, platforms, and flats alike can be found studded, jeweled, animal printed, and exotic skinned. Pair new foot candy with textured and/or colored tights and look fashionable while battling cold winter temperatures.

Ornate cuff bracelets, elaborate belts and multi-strand statement necklaces are jewelry trends to be seen this fall/winter. Chains are revisiting us adorned on purses and their straps. Purses will also be found in rich colors and textured skins.

There is a reason not everything makes the transition from runway to everyday. Make this season’s trend choices according to your tastes, events, lifestyle, and comfort. You can still be stylish and yourself.

Summer Surmising

Remember the lazy days of summer? To me the memory seems forever ago. I’m sad to say I don’t know if they exist anymore? Dog days is more like it!

I have yet to sit down and enjoy the sun with a drink in my hand and a book on my lap. The pace I’m going is dizzying. I am running from one activity to another. When I'm not taxi driver I am trying to cram in work and everyday home responsibilities.

Spur of the moment, which is all I seem to have these days, I decided to make a summer pact with myself.

I will:

1. spend one day at some form of water, beach or pool, not stressing.

2. try a new summer drink.

3. read something wicked fun.

4. have a grown up, girls only, getaway weekend.

5. of course splurge on a new summer outfit!

With a short list how can I not accomplish 90% of my goals? At least my toenails are painted. Pssstt….OPI Shootout at the OK Coral.

Take time out for yourself – enjoy a few idle summer days.


Goal #2 – Try a New Summer Drink

Pineapple Upside Down Martini


2/3 cup pineapple juice, chilled
1/3 cup vanilla vodka
1 oz. white cranberry juice
1 dash grenadine syrup
Pineapple wedges
Maraschino cherries


Pour juices, vodka and grenadine into a shaker full of ice. Shake, and pour into two fabulous martini glasses accessorized with flip flop wine charms. Garnish with a cherry and pineapple skewer. For an extra shot of sweetness rim your glass with cocktail sugar. Pomegranate or vanilla cocktail sugar goes well with this martini.

Cheers!

Where, oh where is the sunshine???

If you live in the Midwest - a land of seemingly endless winter you know what I am talking about. The first sprinkle of snow after Thanksgiving promises the white Christmas we so anticipate. However, after 4 months of gray skies - the winter wonderland loses it's luster.

This Midwest girl's answer to staving off the winter blues is buying herself some happiness in a bottle. No - I'm not talking about 10 Cane Rum. I'm talking about adding a little bit of sunshine to my bountiful collection of nail polish.

The color of choice is OPI Conga-Line Coral from OPI's Spring 2009 South Beach line. According to In-Style Magazine coral is one of the hot colors to watch for this summer.

When I look down at the splash of color on my nails - it gets me through the day knowing summer is coming, and so is the sun, sun, sun!!