Atypical60 Takes a Look at Grammy Fashions!

I know. I’m late to the party.  But the sad truth is, I’ve been sick since Sunday evening with the worst stomach bug of all time. Ugh.  I only got to watch some of the Grammy’s because I was in the bathroom most of the night.

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The only thing getting cuddled in Chateau Bonaparte was my stomach and the ceramic throne in the bathroom!

Honestly, it felt so good to kneel on the tiled floor and hug the cold ceramic of my toilet bowl when I wasn’t sitting on it. That outta give you an idea of how I spent the past couple of days!

Anyway, I just got back from the doctor. Bonaparte literally forced me to go. I think it was because he was tired of hearing me moan “Ohhhhhh. My stomach. I hope this isn’t serious!”

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I mean that literally and figuratively!

Honest to God. The thought of eating is making me more ill than I am, but the good doctor gave me a prescription to ward off the nausea so that I could keep something in my gut.  And the only food item I want right now is Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup.  It’s been my “sick” comfort food since I was a child.

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I’m eating this as I write..

I’m getting off track here.

This is about Grammy. And not my Grammy.

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My real-life Grammy. In her wedding dress. Beyonce could have worn my grandmother’s wedding headpiece and would have looked much better!

It’s about the Grammy Awards, which, in my opinion, could very well be the reason I was so sick!

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Ugh. I believe that watching E!’s “On the Red Carpet” made me ill from the get go.  Kriss Jenner and that dumb butch hairdo of hers!  And that dress–it is absolutely awful! Why does Ryan Seacrest insist on having this doyenne of bad taste hosting a red carpet event?  Brad Goreski–I’m appalled that you would wear such a hideous jacket.  And Kristin Cavallari–one false move and your girls are going to escape big time!  

OK—so the music industry has a bit more creativity than, say the film or TV industries.  And I guess that’s why people who attend feel as though they have to dress a bit more eccentric or differently.

I get that. I really do.  But there is a fine line between dressing differently or more creatively and coming off as looking downright silly.  It’s about fit. It’s about what looks good or even great on you.

So, let’s just take a look at some of the fashions I happened to see when I wasn’t in the bathroom!

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I had just exited the bathroom and Bonaparte was cleaning my glasses when Beyonce was doing her number.  I swear from far away I thought I was watching a Novena to the Blessed Mother.  I knelt down before the TV and started chanting “Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee”.  Then Bonaparte gave me my glasses and I realized Queen Bee just wanted to look like the old-school Christmas tree toppers we had when we were kids!
ubwv7325Who wore it best?  Why the cute little pug on the right! And speaking of JLo…

img_9336…she needs to come up with a new signature pose. I’m sick and tired of that dopey “come hither” look her face makes in every single pose. And you may want to change it up from the Angelina Jolie pose.   I swear JLo will be a wrinkly 80 year old with lips that sag down to her chest and she’ll still pose with that dopey face!

img_9334Shoes notwithstanding, Heidi Klum gets my vote for best dressed. Had two inches been added to the hem, and had she worn silver pointy-toed stilettos with toe cleavage, this would be my favorite red carpet look of all time!  I love the simple cut of the dress and I LOVE the length of the sleeves.Her earrings and makeup!  She rocked it!

img_9346Laverne Cox almost got it right!  The dress is a weird length. It should have been shorter. Just at the knees. She has great legs! And the cut-out sides give the dress a very rocker type vibe while still maintaining fashionable taste!  Her eye makeup is great too!  I love Laverne!

rvxy2673I was born in 1955.  In the early to mid-1960’s we practically lived on these Funny Face drinks. That’s probably one of the reasons I lost most of my hair. Anyway, all I could think of when I saw Taraji P. Henson in that getup was Goofy Grape!  Henson is cute as a button and she could have gone with something a little edgy without looking ridiculous. The dress doesn’t even fit! The fabric looks sloppy. When will these celebrities ever learn?

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Rihanna. RiRi.  You are one of the most beautiful women in the world. You can wear just about anything. So then, can you explain just why you put on something that wore YOU?  I’ll admit, the black and orange put me in a very sentimental mood for those wax whistles that we used to get at Halloweeen time!  That skirt looks like the umbrella you sang about!

img_9352I actually loved the simple and streamlined cut of the suit that Chance the Rapper wore. But–did your mother ever tell you it was not proper to wear a hat indoors? Well, I’m telling you now. Get rid of the hat when you are inside a building!!!

img_9347I have no idea who this young woman is. But she has my vote as one of the Grammy Best Dressed!  Her gown is fresh and youthful and the color is gorgeous on her. In fact, if she was cross-eyed, she would remind me of a young ME! I can’t get enough of this dress! The dropped waist is so flattering! And she’s a bit modest on top without looking fundie!  Most of the celebrities at the Grammy’s could take a lesson from her!  Absolutely perfect!

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Why did Beyonce and Jay Z take their daughter to the Grammy Awards!  I KNOW! I KNOW!  They didn’t want Solange to be their plus-one at the after parties so by bringing Blue Ivy, they had a great excuse for Solange to babysit! Poor Blue Ivy!   Mommy and Daddy should have dressed you in a blue suit..that pink looks like Pepto Bismol! Props to Mr. Carter for the way he looks so lovingly at his daughter!  It’s so sweet!

img_9344…speaking of Solange…she looked like….

wonka-golden-ticketThe Golden Ticket from Willie Wonka!

img_9341Carrie Underwood needs a new stylist.  NOW!  It was bad enough she looked like chewed up bubble gum at the Golden Globes, but now she has a dress that not only looks like a newly used tampon, it is an old lady bar mitzvah dress. I don’t even think Joan Rivers would have worn it…

img_9339This is red done right! Faith Hill nailed another “Best Dressed”. It is a beautiful shade of red. The lines are simple and even with the little cut out, it was discreet. And the shoes! Oh God–I can’t even!  I WANT those shoes!  Well done Ms. Hill!

img_9338She may be “zuh gret-ess singuhr” but Ms. Dion is far from the greatest dresser. She’s only 48. She’s young. She looks older than me–and I’m old! She needs to wear her hair down and layered to soften her angular structure. The dress. It’s too low-cut for a flat-chested woman. What is WITH these low cut dresses anyway? And while I’m at it–what’s with the ankle strap shoes. Faith Hill is the only one to rock those ankle straps..Celine Dion looks more like a…

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…glittery St. Patrick’s Day hat!  Save that shade o’ green for March 17th!

I love Adele.  And this pea-soup green frock did nothing to enhance her beautiful curves.  That waistband makes her titties look supersized and saggy. She needs a princess cut.  Slightly fitted.  She needs boning in the chest area to hold those ta-ta’s up.  The dress is too long–it looks sloppy.  Adele was meant for black dresses.  She needs a simple dress because that voice of her’s is what draws attention!  I”m glad she swept the Grammys!

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 Chrissy Teigen.  No. This isn’t working. SHE is someone who needs to show a bit more skin! But not the way this dress shows it.  She looks like an extra from a vampire movie! I’m kind of surprised because she usually gets it right. Her makeup looks horrible too. What happened Chrissy?  You better look more like your fashionable self at the Oscars!

img_9333I’m guessing Cee Lo was channeling his inner Pussy Galore from Goldfinger. And this one in the middle. Wearing 45’s slogan? WTF?  THAT was what really made me sick.  Who is this Girl Crush on the far right?  That dress!  How the hell did she sit down or go to the bathroom?  Well, I can honestly say she has more balls than Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan!

img_9345What’s with the unbottoned shirt? What’s with the ill-fitting pj bottoms?  What’s with the awful sleeves?  I think this one was trying to channel her inner…

US Vice President Mike Pence, and his wife Karen arrive at the Liberty Ball at the Washington DC Convention Center following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.  / AFP PHOTO / MOLLY RILEYMOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT: Inaugurat

…..Sick Pense look!  Same color of blue. Same lousy fit!

katy-perry-grammys-2I need to say something about this Tom Ford dress that Katy Perry wore. I KNOW this dress did not get a lot of love.  However, if you want to be edgy and different without looking clownish, THIS is the way to do it.  Naturally, I have a bit of commentary on this dress. *Sigh* sometimes I wish gay designers would be more in touch with their feminine sides. Why?  I’ll show you…

img_9330_liKaty Perry has the best set of Ta-ta’s on earth. In fact, if I ever hit it big in the lottery, I’m taking a photo of her in a low-cut dress to a plastic surgeon. I’m going to tell him that I want HER ta-tas!  They are spectacular and they are real!  Anyway, back to the dress. I would give her a ballet scooped neckline so that her cleavage would be a focal point.  Then I would cut the sleeves to a long short sleeve. Tom–are you listening?  Thank you! Might I also add, Katy Perry ALWAYS has THE best made-up face!  Her makeup is never less than perfect!

lady-gaga-grammys-1This is NOT good cleavage.  At all.  Lady Gaga looks like she wore the wrong sized bra and reached up to a top shelf to grab something. Girls–hasn’t that happened to you?  You know. You reach for something and your bra rides up in the front? Even for Lady Gaga who can basically get away with anything outrageous, the bottom tit look is just ugly!

ahea4472Katy Perry sure knows how to show bosom!  They are the envy of us all!  Even though this suit DID remind me of piano keys!

That’s about it.  I ended up falling asleep because I was so violently ill.  I couldn’t even make it out of bed yesterday to write this so I know I’m getting much better!

Did you watch the Grammy Awards? Did you have a favorite look? Did you have a look that you thought was just awful.  Tell me!!

And…. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!!

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One of my favorite songs about love. John Mayer with Katy Perry “Who You Love”.  (I hope they get back together!!!)

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I Got Framed! Let’s Talk Eye Glasses!

It was time for me to get a stronger prescription for eye glasses.  Between looking at a computer all day and looking at figures, my eyes were becoming a bit weaker.  And as a life-long wearer of eye glasses, I know when the peepers need a stronger prescription!

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When I say life long I mean it!  I wore glasses as a child. And back in the day, frames like these were my only option.  

My current (now my old) glasses are five or six years old.  And the basic reason I hadn’t gotten a new pair was twofold.  I love the frames and hadn’t seen anything similar.  Those Giorgio Armani frames  I have cost a small fortune.  And even with the medical bennies I had at the time, they still ended up costing a fortune.

The second reason is that I was scared that the doctor would find something horribly wrong with me. What if there was a tumor behind my eye?  What if the skin cancer that I had years ago, showed up in my iris or retina?  What if I have glaucoma?  What if I really am going blind?  How would I put my makeup on and do whatever hair I have left on my head?

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Yes. If it’s eye -health related or any health-related question. I never say that I’m Okay. That’s because I never know if I am or not!

Trust me. I’m not the greatest patient on earth and many eye professionals sort of didn’t want me back a second time.  I’m not that girl who gets a “reminder” from the eye doctor.

Anyway, with my new vision plan, Davis Vision, I perused through the selection and found Dr. Lucas Baird and his practice, Baird Optical. I loved the fact he was local and that he had a brand new practice! It meant he hadn’t dealt with difficult people like me!

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If you live in the Philly suburbs and need a eye exam or new glasses, take a trip to see Dr. Baird! Your eyes will thank you!

Not since my days of Dr. Stevens, my childhood-into adulthood eye doctor, and the one eye doctor who tolerated me for many years, has my eye exam visit been so comfortable, pleasant and non-stressful.   This young doctor is going to have a very successful career ahead of him. Between his genteel manner, his knowledge, his great bedside manner, and his love of dogs—he’s great!

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Dr. Baird!  Isn’t he so cute?

He assured me that I did not have a bad eye disease and I was not going blind and he did so without that look that says “This one is crazy”.  He was kind and attentive—or perhaps just respectful of old people! Either way, Dr. Luke made me feel comfortable! I was glad to have a new eye doctor I could trust!

OK—now get this– I went into Dr. Baird’s practice with every intention of not getting frames from the selection he carries.  Instead I figured I would go to a fancier, more hip center for frames. Because, after all, I’m hip. And I can also be a bit of a glasses snob. I was even thinking of waiting for our upcoming trip to France to purchase new frames but the fact is—I needed new glasses yesterday!

So, while waiting for my dilated eyes to simmer down, I looked at the selection of frames offered.  And I saw some very fashionable ones! I saw some downright great ones!  One pair, in particular, had a rather heavenly glow about it.  I was mesmerized as I walked over.  They were round—just my kind of frame. They were black. The color I love. They were—Ray Bans!!! I couldn’t believe it.

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This stock photo may be tortoise but my new frames are black. The frame is RX2180V.

I’ve always had a fondness for the cool, hip brand of eye wear known as Ray Bans, but their frames never quite looked that good on me.  I have a square face.  Ray Ban is infamous for those slightly oversized squared, Buddy Holly type frames that just do not look good on my square face!

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Yeah. It’s hip to be square and even more hip when you have a square face and find those perfect round eye glass frames!

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And, unfortunately, this type of frame does nothing except enhance the squareness of my angular face!

If you have ever needed eyeglasses, I’m sure you’ve read the many articles about the “best frames for your face shape”.  Since I am well-aware of the shape of my face, I pretty much know what works best for the square face—and it ain’t squared glasses or any angular-cut frames.

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These charts are actually pretty helpful when it comes to finding out the shape of your face.

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And rounded frames really DO flatter the angular and squared face!

Some years back, it seemed that no matter what your face shape, the only choice in eye wear was the square or rectangular frame.  This was not a good look for most people. And I’m still flummoxed as to why rectangular frames are still incredibly popular.

 

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A throwback from the days when I could not find any frames except rectangular ones. And the fact these transitional lenses looked even more horrific on me makes me wonder why I still have them!

Let’s take a look-see at some of my frames over the years. Shall we?

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I call this look my “Sally Jesse Raphael” look.  Red oversized frames. Just like Sally Jesse Raphael’s!  They were huge. And I LOVED them.  Here I am with Jake he was almost two years old so this was in 1985.  I know this is crazy but I still love those frames!

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Sally Jesse in her iconic glasses!  I wish they would bring these back!  I would get another pair. In a minute!

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A little less “Sally” but still oversized and round!  I love that lip color.  

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The glasses are a bit smaller and the frames thinner. I also loved these glasses too!  And YES. THAT is my real hair! It was very big and I miss the bigness of it.  It looks more fake than the real fake hair I wear now to make my thinning hair look thicker!

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I stuck to the round thinner frames through my auburn hair days!  Then switched back to thicker ones as my hair got longer!

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Oh my goodness! What a GHASTLY look!  This is my hot mess look and those glasses don’t help!  Those awful frames do nothing for my face. Not that it would matter. This was when I was going through my divorce. I was having fun with the kids.  Oona or Roman snapped this lovely pic of me while I was cleaning the house.  Boy–was I ever in need of a haircut or what??????  At least I was wearing a nice shade of lipstick! 

img_9207Looks like I got a well-needed hair cut! But the frames..are they rectangle?  Are they oval?  They are somewhere in the middle and are way too small for my big face!

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Oops!  Back in time to the thin, large, round frames. The more I look at these, the more I miss them!  I also miss my unwrinkled face!

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Now we’re back to the unflattering rectangular frames. Ugh!  And while we are at it, I’m not thrilled with that bobbed hairstyle either. It was too high maintenance. Cheers!

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Here I am in Paris clowning around on Pont Neuf with Daniele and our friend, the actor Antoine Bourseiller.  I miss both of them. But the glasses–I can’t even describe the shape. Somewhat round. Somewhat rectangular.  Too small for my face.

me-square-glassesI wonder who was driving while Oona and I were posing?  I’m horrified by that pale lip color I’m wearing. I look washed out. Maybe I was sick.  But the glasses. See what I mean about the squared shape?  It really isn’t flattering.  At least the frames are larger!

img_9172I found this pair while cleaning out a closet a while back. I don’t even remember when I got them. There’s a reason I can’t remember–they are a very bland frame.  Not flattering and not non-flattering. Just boring.

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The glasses that I’ve had for a few years now. I love them. And they are presently in Dr. Baird’s hands getting new lenses so that I have a back up pair for my new eye glasses..

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My new, round Ray Ban Frames! I ADORE these frames. I LOVE them because the frame is thicker than my beloved Armani frames and they are bigger. Not to mention the prescription is stronger and I can see better!

And guess what?  Bonaparte isn’t crazy about my new frames. He likes the Armani’s better.  But I’m the one wearing them so…..

Does it really matter what  frames you wear when it comes to eyeglasses?  The only thing that matters is this.  Are you comfortable in the glasses.  Do you love them? Do you feel you look great in them?  Do you feel confident in them? Do you love how they look on you? And–can you see better in them?

And that is all that counts!  Hey. Get your eyes checked. Sight is one of the senses. And with sight we get to see how beautiful our surroundings are. We get to see the beauty of life. And that is so important. Donja think?

And finding the right eye doctor counts too!  It’s funny–as I was writing this post, Bonaparte checked the mail and look what came!  A “Thank You” card from Dr. Baird and a gift card to …Starbucks!  That is the nicest gesture!  Thank YOU Dr. Luke!

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I’ll tell you, I was thrilled and touched to receive this. Usually eye doctors close up the door when they see me coming!

New glasses. Better sight. What other song could I end this post with than Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now”!  It’s a beautiful song.

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Not All Women Over a Certain Age Can Wear a Red Lip. I’m One of Them!

Red lipstick.  It’s empowering.  It’s strong. It is sexy.  And the experts say that there is a red lipstick for everywoman. Beauty experts also say that every older women can wear a red lip too!

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Red Lips for everywoman!  When I was younger, I had the “Perfect Imprint”. Now that I’m older I have the “Liver Lips”. It’s not a good look for a red lip!

Um. That would be for every  older woman except me!

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Dita Von Teese. She will be able to wear red lipstick when she’s 90 and still look sexy. Red Lipstick on me WILL put the fear of God into people –but for different reasons!

When I was younger, I could wear red lipstick. It had to be a cool red and had to be a blue red. No fire engine red or warm reds because my skin tone was just too fair.

Then I aged.  And the once bee-stung, full lips that received many compliments back in my single days, and were the lure for getting drinks bought for me, morphed into lips that I could admit were no longer my best feature.

Full lips are great when you are younger but with age, they get a bit fishy looking.

And despite the many red lipsticks that I’ve purchased, red lipstick, at this point in my life just does not work for me.

Is it upsetting?  Yeah!  I love a red lip!  In fact, the most beautiful lipstick color of all time, in my opinion, is MAC’s Ruby Woo.  I purchased it.  It didn’t look good on my lips and it was upsetting to trash it. But it just wasn’t happening.

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This photo doesn’t even give the proper justice to this beautiful red lipstick. It’s a beautiful cool red that is just the most incredible shade. Mac got it right with this one. Too bad I can’t wear it!

And what bothers me most is when I see articles about how to wear red lipstick when you are over a certain age.  Or how to wear red lipstick when you are over a certain age.

To prove my point, I dug deep into the bowels of my many lipsticks and came up with a matte liquid lip color.  “Passion” by Ulta brand. It’s actually a very pretty red.  And since I have a snow day today, I decided to put it on.

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A deeper red than photographed, this is a nice red and as an in-store brand is a good price..around ten dollars.

Timewise, it took longer to apply this lipstick than it did the rest of my makeup.  I had to prep the lips by exfoliating.  I had to carefully use a lip brush. I had to make sure all the little cracks in my mouth were filled in. I had to blot then reapply.  I had to run after Chippy after he snatched the lipstick-blotted tissue that he ended up eating.

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It took a good 15 minutes to get the lip color this even–and trust me, it still isn’t perfect!

And here’s the end result.  It doesn’t look bad but….

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In all honesty, I don’t like the way matte lip stick feels. It feels dry and waxy! The only reason I’m smiling is because if I don’t smile I’ll look like..

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Baby Jane. I FEEL like Baby Jane with the red lips!

I added a gloss to get rid of that waxy feeling that matte lipstick often gives.

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Feels much better and the shine gives a brighter appearance. Don’t let the lighting fool you–this still was very red..

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See–it looks a bit clownish.  Bonaparte jumped off the ground with fright when he saw me like this!

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See the far corner of my mouth to the left?  The smear campaign has begun–and that’s less than ten minutes of wear!

….Bonaparte was very honest and agreed that red lips just were not my most flattering look.

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I could stop traffic with these lips. Driver’s would think I was a red light!

Then I went out in the snow to take photos for an upcoming blog post.

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I have absolutely no idea how that streak of red lipstick ended up on my cheek–or a bit on my chin.  Or under my lip. Or on the side of my mouth.  I think it should be called “slipstick”.  It’s bleeding so bad that my lips need a tampon!

And the lipstick smeared. Big time fish and liver lips here.

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I look like I got into a cat fight here.  And the smear!!  Ugh!

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Sorry. But red lipstick is just too high-maintenance for me. I’m a bit lazy.

I was so happy to wipe it off.

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I felt so much better after wiping the red off!  Bonaparte was so happy that he gave me a kiss!

So I decided to head back upstairs and put on a more flattering color combo.  I went a bit corally pink.

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You know how I love to pile on a few colors at a time–don’t you?  This combination of (front to back), Lipstick Queen’s “Saint Fire Red”; Flower’s “Lovely Lotus” (which I need to say, I purchased this when Oona was living in Arkansas. I got it at the ONLY Walmart I was ever in that sold Flower brand. I LOVE this lipgloss), and Mally’s “Must Have Pink”.  The result was a nice coral pink.

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OK. I was a bit sloppy with the application. Don’t judge. I did this to show how a more flattering lip color than red!  

Then  I went with my most comfortable lip color—neutral pink.

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The pinks.  Left to right. Revolution Lip Amplification in a color that wore off so I can’t tell you what it is; NYX gloss in “Salsa” and Sephora “Moon and Back” 17.

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I feel so much better now!

Wait. There’s more!

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I went a bit more neutral with iT cosmetics Lip Vitality Flush in “Je Ne Sais Quoi” and iT gloss in “Love”–two all time faves.

And to finish it all off, I wiped some color off and went with…

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A one euro beeswax lip balm I picked up at CityPharma in Paris. I should have bought 10 of these!  This balm by Laino is the bomb!!!  Can you notice that I’m holding it quite steady with my fang?  Yeah. I have a fang. I’ve been asked if I want it filed down. Never!  It’s part of my imperfection! I love my fang almost as much as I love my crossed eyes!

Ladies-it basically comes down to this–wear the lip color you are most comfortable in and feel the best in.  I can wear a neutral pink and still feel strong, empowering and, sometimes, a tad sexy.

I will stick to my red bag, my red shoes, my red sweaters, all my plaids with red, my red watchband my red…….

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Red clothing and accessories work better for me!

 

 

Yes. Red is a great color—but for the lips, it really isn’t for everybody!  Do you agree?  Are you able to carry that red lip off at an older age?  If you are—wear that red well!!!!

Simply Red!  Remember that group? Remember that great song “Holding Back the Years”?  Here it is!!!  Enjoy your day!!

 

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Sample Size Me! Trial Size Me! But Don’t Super Size Me Till I’m Ready!

If you are like me, you love samples. And trial sizes. They are precious little gifts. Especially when you are in the market to buy a pricier cosmetic or product.    I mean—really!  If you go to a specialty market, a sampling of cheese or sausage is always offered.  Been to an ice cream shop lately?  You can sample just about any flavor!

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And might I add, these samples are looking quite delicious!

So—why is it that we oftentimes forget about sampling cosmetics? Why don’t we look for trial sizes—or better yet, why aren’t trial sizes for all products sold?

 

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A few items from my stash bag.  I couldn’t empty out the entire bag or Chippy would be at the Vet’s office from eating many items that he shouldn’t!

Take it from me.  My two favorite stores for cosmetics sampling are Sephora and Nordstrom!

Back when my Lancôme guru Elena was at Nordie’s I would leave every purchase with a ton of samples—and Lancôme is a brand that has incredibly generous sized ones!

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A “sampling” of some of the many samples from Lancome that I have hoarded, stashed, amassed  collected. It’s time to make a Genefique purchase so I can get more samples!

Nordstrom welcomes the request for samples!  Like a scent?  You can get a sample at both Nordstrom and Sephora and try before you buy!

The samples also come in handy when traveling.  I’m pretty honest with the cosmetics pros. I will ask for a sample of foundation and explain I’m traveling over the weekend and want to try something new.  Nine out of ten times, I get an extra sample.  And I thank profusely!

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These samples will come in handy on summer trips because of the sunscreen! 

And you never know what could come of a sample that you receive without asking for it.  Back in November I received a sample of Charlotte Tilbury’s Wonder Glow primer. I loved it so much, but not as a primer; I use it to illuminate—that I made the purchase!

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I’ll pack these samples on my next trip overseas.  I can use the Magic Cream while in-flight to keep the moisture in!  To the left is the regular size Wonder Glow. It actually works well on those “no makeup” days to give a dewy glow. I like it and was glad that I received a generous sampling!

I am also big on trial sizes.  If only I had seen or tried a trial size of Vaseline’s Spray and Go moisturizer before I tried it.  For me, it was awful. It didn’t dry immediately and felt very “filmy” under my clothing.  My daughter, Oona, agreed.

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I was very surprised to read the great reviews on this moisturizer. It felt filmy on me and I cannot stand that feeling.  I wouldn’t have wasted the money if a trial size was available!

In fact, Oona told me about Jergen’s wet moisturizer. You put it on your body upon exiting your bath or shower before you dry. I tried the trial size and this stuff is GREAT!!!  I will be purchasing the full size when this trial empties.  When this moisturizer dries, your skin doesn’t feel filmy—especially under clothing.  It softens the skin too. I am a fan!

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A winner and a non-winner.  On the left, Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer–I’m telling you, this is GREAT!  To the right, the e.l.f. Exfoliating Scrub that just didn’t cut it with me!

I made a purchase of another product—not a trial size nor a sample.  e.l.f. Exfoliating Scrub.  Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me.  It definitely exfoliates, but left my skin dry. Really dry. Dry to the point my face was just taut and felt awful.  But—on the good side, I was reminded of an exfoliating scrub I used to have on hand all the time.

St. Ives.  Anyone every use that?  It was great and left my skin feeling soft and not dry. I need to search for this again.

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I need to scope this down.  Hmmmm. Perhaps I can find a trial size!  I miss this apricot scrub. St. Ives makes the best–and the price is right!

I’m also going to be weeding through my samples and trial sizes for an upcoming weekend trip to DC.  We’re going to head back—probably next month when the weather gets just a little bit less gloomy.  My little samples will be happy.

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I load up on trial size deodorants. I have them in my purses and all travel bags.  I don’t care too much for the scent of underarm body odor!

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Oh look on the cotton swab pack. A fallen hair!  Welcome to my life.  Hair  there and everywhere!  That little Barbasol trial size? I bring them on every trip. I also stuff the boy’s stocking at Christmas with these–and Bonaparte’s too.  I must have spent hundreds of dollars on those little cans over the years!  More SPF and my little tan friend–Jergens Natural Glow!  I could use some now!

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Downey Wrinkle Releaser “PLUS”.  I may spray it on my face to release my wrinkles into thin air. Maybe that is what the “Plus” is for!

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I know why these Lancome samples are very generous. The brand’s makeup remover is so gentle that it doesn’t take all the makeup off. In fact, I don’t even know why I still have these!

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OK. Every time I go to a hotel and the Orange Ginger bath products are hanging around, I take them. Yes. I will sneak out to the housekeeping cart and help myself.  Why? Because I can’t find this at Bath and Body Works anymore!  I LOVE this scent. I don’t even use the conditioner, I just open the little bottles and sniff! 

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I did not place this back in the sample bag. I’m using this after I finish the post!

How do you sample?  Are you a fan of stores that very willingly allow you to take home a sample?  Do you ask?  Do you bring the smaller sizes on trips?  I’m curious.  Do tell!

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This calculator is not a sample size, nor a trial size. It is SUPERSIZED!  I found it when I was cleaning out a cabinet at the office. Naturally,  I claimed it as mine. Nobody argued with me!  I swear it is the greatest calculator ever!  I can see all the numbers. It’s resting against my computer!!  My new toy!

I have a great sample for you today in the form of a song.  I’ve been listening to this one by Stanislas, a French singer. The song is “Le Manège. It’s about taking a ride through life and it’s so ethereal and haunting and beautiful at the same time. I keep replaying it.  Enjoy!

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The Jeans For Every Body. And a Bit of Help!

Jeans.  I’ve written about them in past posts.  (click on the “Jeans”) Jeans.  They have been the bane of my existence when certain styles or cuts have been popular—the “bootcut” has and will never be my friend. My hips are too large and I love my hips.  The wide leg just doesn’t work for me either—it makes me look squat.  The straight leg—ehhhh, it’s ok.

No. I do not have bootcut jeans. However, I have this pair of old bootcut athletic pants which I only wear in the house.  They are high-waisted and really make me look a good 15 pounds heavier than I really am.  The cut is not flattering at all.  And why call it bootcut when most of us wear our jeans stuffed INTO our boots?

My favorite jean is the “skinny”. There is a reason for this.  I have a curvy shape.  And even with a great of baby-birthin’ set of hips, the skinny jean lends itself well to my body type.

Wait!  I actually think the skinny jean lends itself well to most every body because this type of jean fits. It follows curves without being too tight.  The right length can be flattering with heels to elongate your body and a shorter length is great for casual days.

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One of my favorite jeans look for a polished appearance.  AG’s “The Legging Ankle” super skinny ankle jean.  The length does come right at mid-ankle for me. I’m not tall and I’m not super short.  Just a hair under 5’6″.  It’s a great length!

Let’s face it. Jeans have evolved over the years. With lighter weight denim and more “give” and  stretch, they aren’t uncomfortable anymore. Nor are they as stiff!  And with the skinny jean, there are different varieties.

A recent jeans brand discovery for me is AG jeans.  I don’t know what it is, but boy, these jeans are the best fitting jeans that I’ve had in a long, long time.  Since my first purchase, I’ve gone on to add three more pair to my collection.

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Ahh. I remember it well!  My first AG Jean purchase at Nordstrom Rack.  Adriano Goldscmied thank you!

Each has a different personality, but each pair fits so well to the point that AG made a jean that is flattering on a very imperfect body.   Granted. These are not inexpensive but can be found at great sale prices both at Nordstrom and Nortstrom Rack! Come and I’ll show you.

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My first pair of AG jeans on the left.  The Legging Ankle (super skinny ankle) made of:  98 % cotton, 2% polyeurethane.  To the right is the The Legging Ankle (super skinny ankle) in a slightly different fabric blend: 58% viscose, 21% cotton, 20% polyester, 1% elastane.  This is a darker wash and more of a “dressier” jean.  I will say that the ankle length on these are a longer version. I could be because this is a size 29. I could have gone down a size though.

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Next up.  The Farrah Skinny Crop, High Rise Skinny Crop.  The size is 28R and really doesn’t fit my legs as a crop–and I’m fine with that. This is a great high waisted jean and is composed of 58% Visose, 21% cotton, 20% polyester and 1% polyurethane. To the right is The Prima Crop, Mid-Rise Cigarette Crop.  The blend is the same as the Farrah Skinny Crop.  Now. Although this isn’t a “skinny” I do like the relaxed fit.  This is a size 29 and as I’m becoming more familiar with the AG Brand, I’m finding that the smaller size works better for me.

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Lets take a look at the high-waisted Farrah jean. (And no way is this cropped on me!) My hips still stick out. They aren’t sucked in.  The high waist lends itself well to shorter-length shirts (i.e. the Tippi Sweater that shrunk!!)…

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..in addition, I still have a bit of a belly, as pointed.  Yet, this jean doesn’t come off as “mom” jeans. The fit is excellent through the trunk of the body (I also cuffed them, making them a bit more “cropped”–kind of)…

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The brand’s jeans also fit nicely around the ass. No honey, these jeans do NOT make your ass look fat!

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I love the way these jeans look!  Farrah is definitely a win in the AG jeans brand!

Below are some looks I pulled together. I didn’t use me as a model today because my hair is in rollers and I’m having a makeup free day!

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A dressy look for the office or date night.  You know I would wear this with one of my blazers!

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A bit of a more casual change up–but still with the heels!

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This Tippi is really a bright Neon yellow that matches the neon yellow in the shoes.  Friggin’ lighting!  My favorite ripped jeans with heels and pearls. I love the contrast.  There’s something about that high-low contrast that I just dig so much!

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Here’s the Prima cigarette crop. I call this my St. Tropez look!  I love this jean with the Breton striped shirt and Rondini sandals or Repettos. This look is coming to France with me  in June!

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See how the cut of the leg is a bit more relaxed?  I love how both sandals look.  Note to self:  Time to Fake Tan!!  Maybe a spray is in order!

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Change up to some colorful flats!!! 

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The high-waisted Farrah. Shown with the Tippi Turtleneck that shrunk and is now somewhat “cropped” and the regular Tippi that shrunk in the wash.  These jeans saved my sweaters from being trashed! I can roll them up and wear ballet flats, or keep ’em unrolled and wear heels.  I’m not one to overdo animal prints so a leopard belt is a nice touch. And all jeans looks are mature-aged lady appropriate!

It’s important for me to write about this—especially since the fashion industry continues to ignore the older woman.  Older women can and should wear jeans like this and wear them well. Do not allow people to make you believe that a certain article of clothing is inappropriate for your age.  It isn’t!!!

Here’s what I wore Friday to the office.  My ripped jeans and…

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 …a blue and white oxford shirt under a J. Crew Tippi sweater that didn’t shrink when I washed it!!  I went 50 shades of blue with the lighter blue Via Spiga flats!  A bit of bling with the necklace!  Age appropriate for almost 62-years old me. And you!!

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Guilty as charged for pushing the seasons.  I wore this springtime trench coat because of the blue. Somehow, on a winter day, this worked!

We deserve to be fashionable and we deserve the freedom to wear what we want.  There should be no ageism in jeans! And while I realize I’m no “expert” in the fashion industry, I’m savvy enough to know after all these years what works and what doesn’t.

I’m not doing a weight post this weekend.  My anxiety level is over-the-top. It has been since Inauguration day. That’s all I’m going to say—not because I don’t want to be political. It’s because I get too upset and I’m trying to be calm.

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Not jeans but J. Crew factory Gigi pants. I loved the bright colors in this outfit.  And since I’m not doing a weekend weight post, I’ll post this photo of some happy colors going on!

Anyway, I’ve been stress eating. And this coming Thursday evening, I will be going back to Weight Watchers as a member.  I’m a lifetime member so I don’t think I’ll have any fees to pay because I’m within my first WW goal weight. Even if I do have to pay, I don’t care. I need the extra help right now and sometimes we have to admit to ourselves that we could use a bit of help!

I’m also losing more hair these days and am depending more and more on my toppers for now.  I’m becoming more creative in styling them.  Here’s a look at yesterday’s hair!

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Uniwigs Yaki Textured Topper.  The coarse texture blends in perfectly with my bio hair.  Hey. Nothin’ wrong with a little hair assistance!

That’s it for today!  Whether we need a little help with our weight or use a bit of helper hair. It’s all good.  Help is a good thing—and we have to be honest with ourselves and know when to ask for it.  Am I right??

I’m going to help convince Bonaparte that I need a bit of Botox!! (Just kiddin’!)

The Fab Four—because “Help” is a great thing! And thanks to Reelin’ in the Years for this great clilp!

 

 

 

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Attention to Details, Ladies! Attention to the Deets!

Today is February 1st!   In 13 days, it’ll be the one day of the year when everyone shows their love.   I show my love 365 days a year so Valentine’s Day is no big deal for me!

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Pshhawww!  EVERY day is Valentine’s Day for me!  I’m a loving person (As long as I’m not reading about #notmypresident!)

But today was the day that, upon waking up, I was able to say “Spring is next month”!!!

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Yes. Spring arrives next month.  With my weight loss plateau, I shall be going to Weight Watcher meetings starting next week. I’ll also be purchasing more fake tan.  Watch. I’m getting all Spring-y and it’ll snow big time!

Happiness!

This is also Black History Month.  It’s a time to discover African Americans who added to our culture.  Have you ever heard of the sculptor Mary Edmonia Lewis?  She was one cool lady!  Read about her here:  Edmonia Lewis Bio.

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Mary Edmonia Lewis.  She was so pretty (No apologies for talking about her beauty before talent. She WAS beautiful!) and was a talented sculputor to boot! Camille Claudel had some serious competition with Edmonia Lewis in the game!

I’m incredibly fond of Amédé Ardoin a talented African-American Cajun musician. I first heard of him over thirty years ago, and his life story and music hold a special place in my heart. Read about  Amédé here:  Ardoin Bio.

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The talented and handsome Ardoin met a sad ending… I think it’s important that we learn about African Americans who contributed to our culture –especially those from our past!

But today is also the day that I realized how important little details are. It happened while I was getting dressed.

Wednesday Hump Day. And I was getting a bit lazy about what to wear.  I’ve been tremendously busy at work and have been leaving earlier to get to the office. And I rush to get dressed sometimes. And that isn’t a good thing.

Anyway, I decided to go basic today with a plain black Tippi Sweater and plaid pants.  Fine.  I wore my hair back in a messy bun because I haven’t had much time to fuss about the locks that I still have and I didn’t have time to fuss with my fake hair either.

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I’m pretty basic today.  More about the shoes later in the post!

I was mulling over “Do I wear a scarf, or necklace—blah, blah, blah”.  I had all my makeup on with the exception of lip color.  Perhaps I was too lazy to open the bag I just changed to dig in for one of the many glosses or sticks I have—right???

Then I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  I looked a bit on the washed-out side. I looked dull.  I looked “meh”.

img_8895My face is on but no lip color. I look a bit ill. The black crew neckline against my skin doesn’t do much either. I don’t look bad but I don’t look great!

So I took a few moments and did something about it.  With the addition of lip color and inexpensive fake pearls, I changed up my look.  And the change up was 100% better!

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Only difference in the face is the lip color–and it isn’t dark either–just a soft pink gloss.  A fake freshwater pearl necklace gives me some life and the pearl earrings wake me up.  I’m a huge fan of white against the neckline. For some reason it is very flattering on everyoe!

I looked down at the flats I was wearing.  As much as I love J. Crew clothing (especially this season’s offerings), the brand’s shoes leave something to be desired.  I have the Gemma flats. They are not wearing as well as I would expect.  So, I took them off and put on a pair of heels that looked much better.

 

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The Gemma flats have lost shape. A shoe better left for lousy weather days because they can’t be ruined any more than they are!

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I changed to a better quality heel.  The shape is much better and look at the beautiful toe cleavage!

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The pants look so much better with the heels!

Three little things to give me a more polished, professional and lively appearance!

Sometimes we just don’t pay attention to detail when it comes to the way we look.  I’m horrible when it comes to polishing shoes. It drives Bonaparte crazy. This is something that drove my father absolutely nuts. He had a thing about immaculately polished shoes.  And on evenings when he was off from his job as a NYC Police officer, he would have us line our shoes up for school and he would polish the shoes.  (My mother was more concerned with our home being immaculate!)

Little details.

I changed up my bag from yesterday!  And I have just as much “STUFF”!  I love the red bag and the red watch band.  Details that really work!

It’s funny because I am not big on accessories.  I have scarfs but they are worn mostly in the winter to keep me toasty and to hide my turkey neck.

I have many earrings but wear few.  It’s usually either hoops or pearl studs.

One accessory I’m starting to get into is the watch.  I’m really into timepieces these days. I like the way they feel on my wrist. Better than a bracelet.

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My new Stuhrling Watch.  It was around $50.00 on Overstock. I love the packaging!

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This Daniel Wellington watch was one of  the Christmas gifts I received from the kids.  I’m loving the matching rose gold cuff too!

I like the way they look.

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Left to right.  My most sentimental gift from Bonaparte. It was the first gift he gave me.  A Bulova gold and silver watch. With diamonds.  I’ve been wearing this for many years!  Middle, is an inexpensive watch from Nordstrom Rack and Right a wrap strap watch from Michael Kors.  I’m really getting into watches.  Nice arm candy if you ask me!

And the nails—it does make a difference when my nails are well-manicured.  My hands look nicer and when the nails are longer the fingers look slimmer. Actually, when Kim, my favorite nail technician comes back from Vietnam, I need to make a visit to her. I miss her!!  I need to get the nails cut a bit.

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The nails are also part of the attention to detail.  My favorite color is OPI Dutch Tulips!  It’s the best red!

How about you?  Are you big on detail?  Do you pay more attention when you catch a glimpse of yourself and go “Ewwww”—like I do.  Or are you pretty much on your detail game?  It’ll be fun to find out!

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See–even my Bitmoji looks better with lip color!!!!! Details!

Today, I’m giving you a little cultural gift of Amédé Ardoin’s music.  I swear, listening to his “Eunice Two Step” makes me want to go to New Orleans, go to Tip’s and dance to some great Zydeco all night!

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I’m Not Carrying the Weight of The World On My Shoulders. It’s in My Bag!

My weight is down a pound. Which I’m thrilled about because since Christmas and New Year’s I’ve been very lazy.

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I’m happy about this, but I can assure you, at the end of this week, it’ll be up by a pound. I’ve been stressed!

And my shoulder has been hurting. The past few weeks I feel as though I am carrying the weight of the world around.  However, I seriously thought there may be something wrong with me and in my hypochondriasis way, I went on WebMD.  And naturally, I thought the worst. Until Bonaparte caught me.

I was beside myself and asked him to pick up my bag. It was on the floor next to where I was sitting.  OK. Picture this.  I’m crying because, once again, I’m thinking the worst about my health.  I’m telling Bonaparte through sobs that I’m sick and need to go to the ER before my heart or my brain explode.  I need my bag because my insurance card is in my bag and I need my group number to see what I’m covered for in the case of a heart attack or stroke.

Then he picked up my bag. For some reason, he had an adverse reaction.  Bonaparte told me the reason my shoulder is so sore is because of the weight of my bag.  Then he asked me just exactly what was in my bag that would make it extremely heavy.

“Cassee”.  “Pliz.” “ Zahr eez nuh-zhin whong wiz ou”  “Zuh problem eez zuh beg”  “Ou muz clin et ouhhhtt!”

Let me tell you something.

I have my stuff in my bag.  I have a lot of stuff in my bag.  I need to carry this stuff around with me because I feel like I’m missing something if I don’t have my stuff.  My stuff is important to me.

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A sampling of what’s in my bag!

But, being the kind and compliant woman I am, I humored Bonaparte and promised him I would clean out the stuff that was in my bag.

Come along with me while I clean out the contents of my tan Longchamp Cuir LePliage.

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This is my bag. And I’ve been lazy about changing up bags so I’ve been using this quite often.  It doesn’t look like there’s much in here. That’s because the huge J. Crew bag takes up so much space.  I had this empty bag in my bag thinking that a certain someone would not know that I went shopping a few weeks back. He found out.

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I have a listing of eye doctors in the surrounding area.  I ended up going to a doctor who isn’t on this list. So I filed this away.

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I have a little Vera Bradley pouch that is chock-full of lip color. Thing is, I don’t change my lip color during the day. I don’t know why these are in my bag.  I also have my business cards from doing time in retail hell when I worked at Nordstrom. For sentimental reasons, I can’t bring myself to throw these cards in the trash.

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Oh look!  Remember that no-name wallet I wrote about last summer?  (Post:  I‘ve Done Some Shopping) It’s still going strong!  I have so much garbage in it that it stands up by itself.  This inexpensive wallet is great–and I always receive many compliments on it!

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The start of a grocery list and a reminder to bring in a donation to one of my co-worker’s dog rescue group!

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A boarding pass, moist towelette and those things to put over your eyes when you sleep. From our trip to Paris last November. I found these at the bottom of my bag.

img_8871More lip gloss. This is a Dior lippie that I forgot I had. I guess it wasn’t that great to begin with. I’ll just put it back in the bag.

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The CD is in my car. I’m not really sure how the cover ended up in my bag.  Isn’t it a fun CD cover?  This is my new favorite CD. I love Lisa Leblanc!

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It is a mystery how this fragonard bag WITH samples ended up in this bag. I was at Fragonard in the beginning of the summer and I purchased the bag at summer’s end.  Maybe it got there magically!

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Yet MORE lipcolor!  And in a Kendra Scott earring pouch! WTF?? I really need to do a post dedicated to lip gloss and sticks!

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Hmmm. I can NEVER find tissues when I need them. And I looked for them in my bag but couldn’t find them. Bags are black holes for stuff!  Now I can blow my nose!

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It gets better. THIS is my bag-within-a-bag. A removable organizer that I can move from one bag to another. The pathetic thing is that I have the same organizer in two other bags–so I don’t HAVE to remove the removable organizer! Let’s take a look–shall we?

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A petit notepad from the  Hotel Prince de Conti in…guess where?

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My Lifetime Member stuff from Weight Watchers. I was looking for this–who knew I would find it in my bag’s organizer?  I may go back to the meetings..

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My tracker. Notice how great I am at tracking the wrong things to eat!

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I don’t know how old this tea is but I wonder if tea has an expiration date. I’ll keep it. Just in case!

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Fake sugar, hair stuff, and tabs.  Somehow this DOES make sense–I just need to remember how!

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Another note pad, dental floss, a Weight Watchers calculator and deodorant.  These are all necessities!

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A pen that I discovered in a zippered compartment of my organizer. That little organizer holds a ton of stuff!

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Oh dear God. This is getting crazy. MORE lip gloss and lip balm.  Am I now a lip product hoarder?

img_8865I had been searching for this and thought I lost it!  I LOVE the scent of this Nirvana White. It’s a bit on the sweet side with some serious musk.  I’m so happy I found you–even if I don’t wear you. I just like to smell you!

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OK. So out of all that STUFF in my bag. This is what I got rid of. The remnants of a Nordstrom Note, an old TD Bank ATM receipt.  A Target receipt and some note paper.  I kept the doctor listing but it’s in a file. Everything else went back in the bag!  It does appear to be a lot lighter!

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My little Monoprix sac. I have one in almost every bag. These fold up and carry a ton of stuff. I like having a couple of bags–just in case–again!

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I don’t think my shoulder will hurt anymore because of the paper I trashed!  What’s in YOUR bag!!!

I would say Monsieur Bonaparte is correct in this instance. But the awful thing is,I could not part with the stuff in my bag. I got rid of the J. Crew bag and some papers, but everything else went right back in!

On another note, I got my laptop back.  There was something wrong with it. Apparently, the technician who was supposed to install programs, etc. forgot a few things.  My touchpad still sucks because it can’t be disabled on this particular laptop. But—the mouse is now working beautifully.

Here’s a few items I wore at the end of last week and into this weekend.

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I wore this today.  I wasn’t crazy about the look because I wore navy tights–I like a bare leg sometimes with skirts if I’m wearing boots–but I did not have time to fake tan. I DO love my plaid jacket from J. Crew!

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We drove into New York City yesterday to have lunch with the boys and Jake’s girlfriend, Juliana.  I went high-low. Ripped jeans and an Hermes scarf!  And my other lady jacket from J. Crew!

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I went to the Eye Doctor on Saturday and wore this.  I was thrilled that Ray Ban now makes round frames. I got practically the same frames–and when my new glasses are ready-I’m handing these over to get stronger lenses put in. A girl needs a backup!

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I wore this on Friday. Jeans Friday. New AG Jeans with tan suede heels. This was, hands down, my favorite look from last week. And those AG jeans are a great weight-loss article of clothing because of the stretch factor. In all honesty, I could have gone down a size.

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I may have posted this in my contour post–but what the hey!  It was a comfy outfit. J. Crew Pixie pants–the most comfortable pants in the universe!

Are any of you on Facebook?  If so, have you been affected by political postings?  I’ve unfriended quite a few people. And not because their politics are different than mine are. It’s because of some of the vile name calling I’ve had to deal with because of my politics.

It’s a pity because I respect the opinions of those whom I know. If I disagree with their views, I’ll post why, but I won’t lower myself to name calling.  I won’t do that to people I know.

And this song by my favorite Beatle-George Harrison has been getting a ton of love from me lately.  Isn’t It A Pity?  It really is—but this is a beautiful song…

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I’m a ConTOUR Artist–Not a Con Artist!

Before I continue, I want you to know that the laptop is going back tomorrow.  I will be looking for a different model. Unlike this HP Pavillion which has the crappiest touchpad that cannot seem to be disabled.  And then the mouse works every now and then. I’m lucky tonight!

Moving on…

Remember my post from last week about older women and makeup?  I wanted to elaborate on on..

Contouring.

I know, I know. Contouring is so intimidating—or at least that’s what you might think. It really isn’t anything to be put off or intimidated by.  It’s all how you play the game.  Or apply the product.

Through trial and error, I’ve discovered what works best for me and what doesn’t.

It’s all about the shadows and light.  And sculpting the face.

My face is square. And angular and now that I’m older and gravity has fallen, I need some help to put the bone structure back in order.

The first contour I ever used was the Marc Jacobs Mirage Filter in Number 40.  It’s the lighter of the contour powders his brand offers.

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My very first contour kit. Marc Jacobs!  I’m getting sentimental.  This works much better in summer for me but my winter face is just too dry.  It goes on so lightly and really–if you are thinking about contour. This really is a good beginner choice.

This is an EXCELLENT contour for beginners.  The highlighter gives a nice glow without being overly bright.  The contour brushes on so incredibly lightly that you honestly cannot tell you have used any product until you take a step back and see the shadow.  I use this in the summer because with the humidity my skin isn’t as dry.  During the winter months.  I turn to a creamy formula.

Needless to say, I did purchase a contour palette by NYX and ended up using the powders as eye shadows.  The contours are not “cool” enough for my skin tone.  These would work much better on warmer skin tones.

NYX Highlight and Contour Palette

These powders photograph a lot cooler than IRL. They are a bit more warm.  I do love using these as eye shadows though.  Very neutral.  I love a product than can multitask–this is it!

The cream formulas definitely work best for me. And I think they are a better choice for mature skin because the blendability is great and the creamy formula just works on drier skin.

The NYX Wonder Stick was the first cream contour/highlighter that I used. And I continue to use it. But, the color I use, Light, always seems to be out of stock.  The taupe contour is so incredibly user friendly to pale skin tones.  I find the other offerings, Universal, Medium and Deep are to orangey for me.

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NYX has a wide selection to choose from in the Wonder Stick collection.  Just my luck, the “light” which works so well for me, is always out of stock!

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I don’t know if you can tell from this photo, but the Wonder Stick in Light is on the right. On the left is “Universal”. It was slightly orange-brown.  The taupe color seems to work so much better.

When I was unable to find the Wonder Stick in Light I purchased The NYX Mineral Stick foundation in Light and the Maybelline FIT ME Shine Free Balance Foundation Stick in Number 355—a dark color that I thought would work well.  Using both as a highlighter/contour, they’re ok.  Nothing spectacular.  The FIT ME stick is very dark on me and would work well in the summer, but for the most part, they sit unused.

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NYX Mineral Stick…

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FitMe foundation by Maybelline. This is wayyyyy to yellow/orange/brown for my skin tone.  I’ve used it but am never fully happy with the results. The texture is very creamy and not drying at all–but the color is just a no-go for my tone.

Then I tried the Maybelline Master Contour by FaceStudio.  I purchased Number 10. Although this has quite a bit of love in reviews, for me, it’s “meh”.  The concept of the two-tone stick is great—but the execution leaves much to be desired. When I apply the highlighter side, I get a bit of contour and when I apply the contour side I get a bit of highlighter. It’s too clumsy for me.

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Top left is the two-toned Maybelline Master Contour. Unfortunately I’m no master of using this stick. In theory–it’s great. Realistically, it was a miss for me.

 Two weeks ago, I was perusing the cosmetics area in Target.  I came upon a crème contour palette by e.l.f.  At $6.00 I couldn’t pass it by.  Surprisingly, I am a huge fan.  There are three darker contours and one lighter cream for highlighting.

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This is a great palette. Creamy.  Six Bucks. And the colors are all cool ones.  I need to hurry back and pick up another one of these!

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The smaller spoon brush blends the contour perfectly!

These colors glide on so smoothly and you honestly cannot tell that product is on.

Take a look:

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Mostly makeup free.  Geez–my skin looks like shit. True that stress has an effect on the skin. I’ve been so upset about the election results that my skin is in bad shape.  I need to relax….

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All it takes is a little swipe and a blend, blend, blend…

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Done with the contour. You can’t see it but…

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When the rest of the face is done, there’s some enhancement working!

As difficult as it is to find the NYX Wonder Stick in Light, at around $12. It is worth tracking down.  It is that good—but the e.l.f. is such a delightful surprise that I’ll be heading to Target to buy a backup and one for travel.

I also noticed that Lancôme has come out with a version of a contour stick.  At $36, I don’t think I would bother when I can get a great product for a lesser price point.  If you have used this, let me know what you think.

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Lancome’s version.  At the price of $36.00, I cannot imagine it being better than the twelve-buck NYX stick!

You know, contouring is something I would have never thought about until I got older. And it’s fun to try new products out.  It’s fun to experiment.  I never thought I would chisel my face with a cream and a brush. But hey—you can teach an old dog new tricks!  Woof!

Oh. I decided to add this tidbit for today.  I normally use Bare Minerals “Well Rested” to cover the blue undertones by an around my eyes, but because my skin has been under so much stress, I revisited my Mally’s Perfect Prep. It’s a creamy yellow souffle of corrector!

Perfect prep under eye lightener. I'll looks like mustard.You don’t need much product to get a good result with this. It took me a while to find the right amount…

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Some blue discoloration..

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Applied, patted and blended like crazy…

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Definitely works..and with the full “face” on..

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…and with my full “face” on, you can’t tell I had any discoloration at all!

That’s another thing–as we age, we need a bit more than the usual blush, foundation and eye makeup. We need to hide, highlight and sculpt!

PET PEEVE TIME!  Do you have any pet peeve’s about your cosmetics–like the packaging?  I do.  Look at the photo below.  It is the Vitality Flush Color Stain Stick by iT cosmetics.  You can tell that I use it–a lot!  But it angers me that there is so much product at the bottom of the tube where you can not longer twist product up!  I have to dig with a brush to get the remainder out. That is just bad and greedy packaging.  I’m sure there are more women who toss this when the product can no longer be twisted. Not me! I’m cheap! And I want every pennie’s worth of this stick.  Thoughts?

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A ton of product is at the bottom of the barrel here…

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And I’m scrapin’ it out!

Enjoy your evening ladies!  I’m going to slather my face in cream and oil now!

I’m loving my new CD by Lisa Leblanc!  Here’s some music to pump you up–and make you ponder moving across the northern border to Canada!  “J’pas un Cowboy”-it’ll get you up and dancing!

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Atypical 60 Looks At The Inauguration Fashions!

We all know what last Friday was.  It was the day #nevermypresident was sworn in as the 45th President of The United States.

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Orange you glad you didn’t watch his inauguration?  I know I am!

 It was a sad day for many of us—especially those who voted for the woman who won the popular vote.  Hillary Clinton.  But—alas, America really isn’t a democracy when it comes to a Presidential election because of the electoral college.  And this election was even less democratic because it was compromised by our President’s “friend” *wink*, *wink*, *nudge*—Vladimir Putin. (And just where was Vlad during the inauguration? My guess is that he had some “girls” sent over from Russia and they all waited in a hotel suite for Mr. President!)

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Two big dick-taters sharing everything they possibly can.  Maybe that should be “small” instead. Hurry up Mr. Orange. You need to get dressed for your inauguration!

Despite the sadness and the gloom over the inauguration, there is always a bright side.  Um—no. I’m not talking a bright side to the next four years.  I’m talking the bright side of the Inaugural Fashions.

And though I didn’t watch the ceremonies of the day or evening, like, Mrs. Kravitz, the nosey neighbor in the TV show “Bewitched”, I just had to snoop the internet to find out what this alternative truthful family, along with their friends, wore.

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I’m just as appalled at some of the fashion choices as Mrs. Kravitz is (BTW, I like her, the ORIGINAL Mrs. Kravitz better!

Come along with me while I offer my honest opinions on some interesting ensembles and clothing choices.  And I will not give you any “alternative facts”. I speak the truth! Let’s have a look-see!

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And just like Mrs. Kravitz, I’m at my little window spying on the First Family.  Oops!  Can I say “spying”?  I don’t want the CIA mens after me!

Vice President-elect Mike Pence, left, and his wife Karen, second from left, applaud as President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arrive for a VIP reception and dinner with donors, Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Mr. Not-My-President looks like he is about to shart.  His pants are too short  Melanoma, Malaria, Mesopotamia, Medusa, Morocco,Malta, Mississippi,  Melania Trump in her favorite color. NUDE! It’s so befitting of her!   The dress fits horribly across her well-endowed and very expensive bust.  With all her husband’s money she couldn’t buy a decent bra? They are kind of saggy and need a bit of uplift.  Our First Porno Posing Lady needs to go to Princesse tam tam to get a proper bra.  This dress also makes her look washed out. Proof that money can’t buy good taste!

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Jesus, Mary and Joseph! While the First Couple of Grifters were enjoying their pre-inauguration dinner, Ivana was leaving New York City for D.C.  She did attend the inauguration but I could not find any pictures of her ATTENDING this inauguration.  What the hell is she wearing? Did she dye one of the wild animals her moron sons hunted?  And that purse–I thought it was some sort of exotic blue melon with a handle! The shoes–OMG–they need to be polished and the hemline on those pants…have you ever heard of a tailor?  The demim jacket under the blazer?  Oh please. But always looking for a ray of sunshine, I love the updo and the lipstick!

US Vice President Mike Pence, and his wife Karen arrive at the Liberty Ball at the Washington DC Convention Center following Donald Trump's inauguration as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017.  / AFP PHOTO / MOLLY RILEYMOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT: Inaugurat

The most unchristian Roman Catholic on earth!  My good buddy Pope Francis doesn’t even like this guy.  I think VP Pence is giving a “Heil Hitler” salute  to Trump!  Back to fashion–Mrs. Sickpence has a very ill-fitting gown. She is not wearing it. It is wearing her. Way too much fabric.  Her titties are down to her waist. What’s with the saggy look?  And the spaghetti straps with the droopy off-the-shoulder hanging fabric?  And I thought the fashions at the Golden Globes were bad.  You are the wife of the Vice President. Dress the part. Don’t dress like you are the mother-of-the bride at a trailer park.  And put some blush and lipstick on for cryin’ out loud.  Looking on the bright side. The color looks good on her. And that ain’t sayin’ much!

imageOh look!  It’s the big “Alternative Factor” herself.  She looks stunningly beautiful!! Hahaha–I alternative facted!  The dress doesn’t fit around the middle.  And no amount of makeup would make that hag look anywhere near attractive. Her hair is dull and lifeless. She should wear a wig. Fake hair would really help her fake personality. I know–I wear fake hair all the time.  Jeez–she really looks like a witch when she smiles. Satan in a gown. (Shhh. I’m actually like George Washington. I cannot tell a lie. I DO like the dress. But she’s such an ugly soul that I don’t like the dress on her. I should own that dress instead!)

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One of the inauguration festivities.  I love Tiffany Trump.  She has that oh-so-slightly-slutty look.  She’s my fave!  The short in front-long in back look is so 2015! But I know why she’s smiling from ear-to-ear. She can drink till kingdom come and she’ll always be protected.  We should have all been that lucky when we were her age!  Ivanka. Why is she wearing emerald green? She’s not Irish.  That look on her face says “Upper-East-Side-Paxil”. I know this. My friends and I were “Upper-West-Side-Zoloft” Mommy needs her meds.  Is that little girl Ivanka’s daughter–or is it Wednesday Adams?  We are ALL in mourning–but you couldn’t dress this child in a cheery ensemble?  And the hair–maybe mommy Ivanka needs to start paying more attention to her little girl. Just sayin’

inaug_fashion5Ivanka and her brother Beavis –or is it Butthead–look like two zombies. Are you THAT upset that the Secret Service is now going to be up your ass 24/7.  He may like that. This outfit of Ivanka’s. It says so much more than “fashion”.  The asymmetrical lines remind of..they look so…the outfit looks like..

383374 02: A Klansman raises his left arm during a "white power" chant at a Ku Klux Klan rally December 16, 2000 in Skokie, IL. A Wisconsin chapter of the Ku Klux Klan held a "White Pride Rally" on the steps of the Cook County Courthouse located in Skokie, a suburb northwest of Chicago. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Newsmakers)

…it looks like an upside down KKK hood.  Well, her daddy IS pretty friendly with some of these guys!

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Here we have Barron Trump, my favorite girl Tiffany and Ivanka. Happy little siblings. Just like Bob Ross’s happy little trees!  Barron has a nice head of hair and he doesn’t look too happy. I know why. Look at his shirt. The collar is way too big.  And the tie. For God’s sake. Take this boy to Brooks Brothers and get him a proper fit. He’s the First Son!  He has the makings of a prepster teen icon and he’s dressed like he has his first hangover!  My adorable Tiffany DOES look slightly hungover. It’s ok Tiffany, I won’t let on that you were out in Georgetown tramping it up the night before. You’re a party girl. I like that!  Ivanka changed the part in her hair. It looks much better but girl, get rid of that KKK suit!

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I’m having “issues” with Ivanka as a mother.  Look how she dressed her daughter for Inauguration Day Church. I realize they are Jewish but go out to Long Island. If you think for one second that any of MY Jewish girlfriends or my sister would allow their daughters in a synagogue on the High Holy Days in that outfit, you would be kicked out!  Put a comb through your daughter’s hair!  Or if you can’t be bothered, get her hair cut in a China Chop Bob! She would look precious with a cut like that, and a part on the side with a huge bow. Absolutely adorable.  Do I see the hem of her dress hanging from under the coat?  Ivanka. You have a clothing line. How can you allow your daughter to be dressed so sloppy? White coat, white tights? No, she should have either opague knee socks or ankle socks and patent Mary Jane shoes.  Ivanka. Burgundy is becoming on you. But please, don’t wear a bathrobe to a church. You may have been in a hurry but you could have worn a dress. And the bag. Black would have been better.  Are the shoes from your Ivanka Trump line?  I dig the toe-cleavage!

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Hill and Bill!  Remember Hillary, YOU won the popular vote. But think how lucky you are now. Nobody can blame you for “alternative truths”!!!  How come the republicans said you “lied” but they insist that Trump told “alternative truths”.  BTW, your white outfit is more empowering. You look more like a doctor than a KKK supporter. That Ivanka–huh?

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Oh shit!  I almost had a heart attack at this scary sight!  It’s Sataness again! She’s laughing with glee at all the “alternative facts” she will be spewing for the next four years.  Jesus. Help me. 

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Kellyann Conway doesn’t even know what country she lives in.  This is NOT Bastille Day you idiot!  You are NOT one of Napolean Bonaparte’s Army.  It’s bad enough you insult the people of America–now you’re insulting the French!

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Yes. You CAN plagiarize an outfit–just like I stole this meme! Ralph Lauren hasn’t an original bone in his fingers. His big original Inauguration ensemble for Monaco, Metz, Michigan Melania was a direct rip-off of the Oleg Cassini that my beautiful Jackie Kennedy wore.  Mrs. Trump steals speeches and now clothing.  Her hair looks fabulous though.  And the light blue looks nice on her too. But her color still remains “nude”!

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Michelle Obama always looks great. But this outfit isn’t cutting it with me.  I’ve seen my Michelle in better. I don’t like the length of the coat. It would have been much better in a shorter length and there’s too much fabric. A tailored coat would have been perfect.  I feel your sadness Michelle–I love the boots. And the hair.  I love you!

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Hold your horses!  The Sloveian doesn’t have to place her hand over her heart to recite the Pledge??  That is so unAmerican.  Oh wait. She IS unAmerican!  Will her husband send her back in the box she was mailed to him in?  You are First Lady now Melania. Respect the Pledge!

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Ugh. Trump is so vile looking. Even his trophy wife can’t make him look better.  But look! To the left! Tiffany’s booties! OMG. They look like they came from Forever 21!  They are absolutely horrific with that coat. This makes me admire Tiffany even more…

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I’m thinking she changed into the booties because these slutty shoes were too slippery on the church floor!  She probably had the booties left over from all the Georgetown partying the night before. The coat is reminding me of one of those blankets with the satin trim at the top. Right?  Tiffany–you might look a bit unkempt but trust me. You will end up the most popular member of this family. You need to write a book with your mom Marla. We’ll all buy it!

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I’ll bet he needed lessons on how to behave in Church since I’m sure its been decades that he’s been in one.  What’s with all the belted coats?  Does no woman wear a classic tailored coat anymore?  I think Melania will be praying that she can soon take all her clothes off and run naked through the white house. She’ll be more comfy!

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Oh. Another Upper-East -Side Paxil mommy!  Hey. If I had to wake up next to him in the  mornings, I would be medicated too!  The neckline of this gown is beautiful.  As you move downward the dress turns from cute and hip to Mother-of-the-Bride. Not a youthful look. What’s with the Trump brother’s and the oil slick hair?  What–are they Miami Vice fans?

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Oh..I see now. They hunt animals and use the animal fat as hair dressing. NOTE to Trump brothers.  I hope you get hunted down like this poor innocent animal did.

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I’m thinking I need to be friends with Marla. I wish I could have seen the rest of her dress because if it is anything like what we are seeing–then Marla Maples gets the award for best dressed woman during the inauguration!  The hair. The necklace. The neckline.  I think Marla and Tiffany are the best mother/daughter team ever. Besides me and Oona! I love Tiffany’s lashes and that lady behind her seems to be having the time of her life!

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Look at #nevermypresident’s hair.  It’s so–umpresidential!  Whats with the little crimson ribbon across Mitsubishi’s, Minnesota’s   Melania’s waist.  And those swoshes? Is she a walking add for Nike?  I’m laughing out loud because of all those fake Christian fundie’s who cast stone’s at Michelle Obama’s sleeveless frocks and sweaters.  What do they think of that slit?  I guess it makes it easier for Mr. #notmypresident to grab her p……

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Stop the presses. Look who showed up at the Inaugural Ball!  Kaitlin Jenner. Now she’s a woman with REAL balls! She is also a disgrace to the LGBT community to show up where equality will be a thing of the past. BTW, s/he looks awful.  This type of dress doesn’t look flattering on a body with such broad shoulders. And the fillers–way too much and the makeup is horrible. On the bright side. That shade of blue is very flattering to Kaitlin. The purse is ridiculous. It doesn’t even match the shoes. Pewter shoes and a pewter bag would have added so much to this outfit!

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Thank you Hollywood Life for this fabulous photo of the great Tiffany Trump! The gown looks so–Upholstery!!  I want to cover a chair with this fabric.  Tiffany–you’re so much fun. Keep smiling and keep having fun!!!

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The First Family of Alternative Truths!  Only in America. Ivanka’s gown. I think she’s going to recycle it for an evening Bar or Bat Mitzvah for her children. Or she’ll recycle it for the wedding of one of her children. I don’t understand why a young woman, who is very pretty would wear a matronly gown like that. Ivanka should be wearing what her stepmommy is wearing.

And my sincere thanks to my favorite designer Mr. Karl. Thank you for not dressing anyone for the inauguration.  You’re my friend again!

mr-karlI love you Mr. Karl! Even though I can’t afford your designs!

This is the second time I’m posting this song because it is how I feel every time I think of our #notmypresident and the congress. George Harrison with the prolific “Beware of Darkness”

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And A-Weigh We Go. Off To Run Some Saturday Errands

This weekend brought forth a lot of action. On Friday we had the inauguration, which I refused to watch—but don’t think I didn’t scope out the fashions—and that’ll be another post.

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Friday’s inauguration crowd on the left.  Obama’s inauguration crowd on the right!   Guess who’s more popular?

Yesterday also brought us a great thing.  The Women’s March.  While I did not go—mostly because one of my sons works for the news and the last thing he, or anyone else would need to see would be footage of me being arrested and screaming obscenities. I’m not as composed as the women who marched!

However, many of many of my girlfriends did march—among them Jeanette, Lee, Debbie E., Tracy C., my favorite niece Beth!  And a shout out to one of my besties Robin!  I am indebted  that you marched for me and all of our sisters! I am thankful and appreciative.

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And while I wish I marched, I don’t feel guilty that I didn’t.  I did my duty as an American and VOTED!! I voted for the woman who received the popular vote by a couple of million.  ARE we REALLY a democracy?

And now, let’s get down to other business.  Like the long a-weighted week.

I need to revisit my food plan. It isn’t that I’m getting sloppy or anything, but this plateau moves up and down in the ounces’ department.  This week, I’m down four ounces.  It’s fine but some strategies need to be taken.

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And I am happy to say, I FINALLY got a pedicure!  Don’t my toes look cute again?

I need to cut out bread. Again.  It was bad enough that Friday was filled with anxiety and sadness for me as that man who is not MY president was inaugurated.  And worse, when I arrived home from work I came home to a chewed up, gnawed, quarter of a loaf of home baked bread.

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This is what I came home to on Friday. I do not think that Chippy was trying to offer me assistance in my diet by helping me cut carbs. He just enjoyed eating 3/4 of a loaf!

I shan’t repeat what I screamed, shouted, yelled said.

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And do you think he cares?  No. He disrespectfully ignores me!

Anyway, yesterday morning, Saturday, I woke up with plenty of ambition.  The only way to jump-start the body to lose a bit of weight is to be active.  No. I most certainly did NOT work out. I ran errands.

Our first errand had us running driving to a local  frame shop.  When we were in Paris in November, we picked up a painting that had been in Daniele’s apartment.  We should have taken it home a couple of years ago, but were pretty lazy about it.  And when we finally did pick it up, Bonaparte had to gingerly take the canvas off the backing. An operation he performed with the skill of a surgeon.

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We must’ve looked at a good 50 frame tips. We agreed on a more distressed look.  My eyes may be crossed, but when it comes to decor, those crossed eyes come through!

The painting is a portrait of Vincent’s (Oona suggested I start calling Bonaparte by his given name—so I’m experimenting) sister, Isabelle. The portrait was painted by their father, Dany, in 1956. Dany is a well-known artist along the Cote d’Azur and his work is wonderful! We picked out a frame that would work well with the beauty of the portrait.  We bring Isabelle home from the framer’s in a couple of weeks!

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Isabelle is wrapped for now. And she has been stretched upon a new wooden backing.  I freaking LOVE this portrait so much. Everything about it is just so beautiful in a subdued way..

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..and Vincent is thrilled that his sister will be with us!

Then we had to take a trip to the bank because I had some “issues” with the password on my debit card.  Thankfully the issue took all of two minutes to correct.

Onward and upward to Errand Number Three:  A trip to The Container Store!  Felix Unger—aka, Bonaparte—aka, Vincent, is very much disturbed by my lack of organizational skills.  He insisted that I start to organize in baby steps; starting with my shoes.

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This was a good start.  We also picked up a rack for my boots.  I need a lot more of these!

We He decided on an over-the-door shoe thingy and a thingy for four pair of boots.  Artillery in hand to help me become neater, less sloppy, organized, we went on to …

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I was happy AF to find these suede heels by Marc Fisher.  They were exactly what I was looking for!  They match my Longchamp bag, they have the perfect pointy toe, and there’s a bit of toe cleavage! Perfect for jeans and skirts and dresses. I’m lusting…

…Errand Number Four.  Shoes.  One of my co-workers gifted me with a card from DSW (an astute young man, I must say). I’ve been on the prowl for a pair of brownish-tannish-nude-suede heels.  I found them and found them on sale.  Mission accomplished.

Errand Number Five: Stopping at Ethan Allen to see if the cushions on our overpriced sofa could be replaced.

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I am so glad that I kept this photo on my phone. I was able to show the manager how sloppy the sofa looks. Sadly, this has been discontinued, but he is looking into how we can have the cushions replaced by the company.  The customer service is excellent.  I want a fat sofa!

Errand Number Six.  Stopping at the grocery store for more flour.  I needed to bake more bread!

Once back home it was just a matter of time management.

I prepared the dough for the bread.   Here’s the recipe from the Chicago Tribune. I did a couple of things differently, but the recipe is fantastic. It’s easy and doesn’t take forever!

Pullman bread

Prep: 25 minutes; Rise: 1 hour, 30 minutes; Bake: 40 minutes

Makes: 1 loaf, about 20 slices depending on how thinly you are able to cut them

When baked in a Pullman pan, this recipe makes a loaf with a large, square slice. The recipe originally appeared in “Baker’s Bread” by Paul Richards (The Baker’s Helper Co., Chicago, 1906) and was adapted by PJ Hamel, baker/blogger and Web producer at King Arthur Flour. You will need a Pullman loaf pan with a sliding cover. Two sizes are available. This recipe is for a small pan, 9 inches long by 4 inches wide and 4 inches high.

1 3/4 teaspoons (5.5 grams) yeast

1 1/2 cups (362 grams) warm water

2 tablespoons (25 grams) sugar

4 cups (548 grams) bread flour (I used all-purpose flour instead and the recipe was fine)

2 1/2 tablespoons (33 grams) lard (I used softened butter and it was fine)

1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons salt

  1. Sprinkle the yeast in a medium bowl; pour 1/4 cup warm water over the yeast. Add 1 tablespoon sugar. Allow the yeast to bloom in the water until the water begins to foam, 5-7 minutes.
  2. Place the flour, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, remaining 1 1/4 cups water, lard and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Add the yeast mixture. Mix on low until a dough forms. Turn speed to medium; mix, 8-10 minutes. (My dough was a bit dry so I added a few drops of water)

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Yeast blooming, dry ingredients at the ready. All very easy. REMEMBER! When you use yeast always check the date. Don’t use expired yeast–it’s too risky in the fact the yeast may not rise!

3.  Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

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When well-kneaded (I used my Kitchen Aid) the dough should look like this.  You want it more on the moist side than dry. I needed to add a few more drops of water than called for.

4. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Punch down the dough; knead on a lightly floured work surface, 30 seconds. Shape the dough into a log. Place dough in a lightly greased Pullman loaf pan; cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise until the dough has almost reached the top edge of the pan, about 30 minutes. (Watch closely so that the dough does not overproof.) Carefully remove the plastic; slide the metal cover closed.

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The dough after the second short rise.  My kitchen is cold so I turned the oven onto 200 before rising then shut it off so it would be nice and warm for the dough to rise.  During the second rise, since the oven was preheating, I placed the dough on the stove. The heat from the oven flowed to the stove top!

5. Bake, about 40 minutes. Remove the lid in the last 5 minutes of baking. The bread is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 190 degrees. Turn the loaf out onto a rack to cool completely before slicing.

And while that bread was rising, I worked on organizing my shoes!

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I could not stop thinking about that commercial “A Place For Mom” as I organized my shoes.  “A Place For Mom’s Shoes” is more like it!

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Due to the amount of boots that are in my possession, I need another boot rack…

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…and I DO need more shoe organizers, but for now, this is great!  I don’t think I’ve seen the floor of this closet in a while!

Bread done.

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I love my Pullman Pan. The bread is perfect for toast or sandwiches–or toasted sandwiches.

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I need a moment here.  See my cutting board? It’s been with me non-stop for 15 years now. Oona made it in middle school in 2002.  This is why our public education is so important.  We need elective programs for our children. School needs to be a welcoming and fun place to learn.  Please don’t allow our schools to regress–children are our future! My public service announcement is finished!

Chippy didn’t steal any bread and we were able to enjoy toasted slices with pate foie gras and a nice Sauternes!

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For starters!  And the bread was divine!

I was in a very plaid mood this week.  Basically, I was mad for plaid!

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I’m literally in love with this pair of Steward plaid pants that I ordered for a big-time sale price at J. Crew.  I have a lot of love for these….

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Look how great they are!  I got into a LOT of trouble though. I purchased them after a “no buy” vow. And then the bill came.  It’s a great thing that Bonaparte loves these pants!

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An oversized plaid scarf warmed up and gave this black and tan outfit a bit of a punch!  I took out my Nat et Nin bag to also give this outfit some personality!

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More plaid in the form of a jacket.  I love stretchy pants because they don’t bunch up when wearing boots. Boot bunch up drives me crazy!!

img_8643I’m missing a day here, but on Friday, it was jeans.  I also decided to go with yellow and blue. Yellow is such a happy color and I needed some happiness.  I DID manage to sneak some plaid in with a scarf!

img_8640I wore a bright yellow necklace from J. Crew that I hadn’t worn in years.  I like the way it looks with the yellow sweater and navy blazer.

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Yesterday’s “Errand Day” ensemble. A bright orangey red blazer, stripped turtle, skinny jeans, old beat up Weejuns and a toasty scarf!

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Backtracking with another very casual look from last Sunday.  Cuffed jeans (AG jeans, my new favorite jean brand), newer Weejuns, an old gray sweater, trench from J. Crew Factory (note the hair clip hanging off the coat) and a red and white checked scarf from J. Crew!  

And now I am going to go downstairs and make chicken salad!  Hope your weekend was productive and fun!

And so, on this Saturday, I kept busy from day into night. It was, A Hard Day’s Night!

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