On a search for a new tinted moisturizer…

- Mel

I’ve alternated between using Cover Girl and Smashbox Sheer Focus tinted moisturizers… and to be honest, I like both, but I’m not in love with either.

Smashbox changes color on me after barely an hour, making me look far too pink — but the coverage is good (I just have to use a powder over it to balance the color). I’ve used Cover Girl for years, but I’m beginning to think that their “non-comedogenic” claim is BS because no matter what product/cleanser I use on my face, my skin remains in terrible condition (read: blackheads and whiteheads EVERYWHERE). But again, that sucks because I like the coverage AND it stays put during workouts. Which is a whole other trait of awesomeness. 

So, I’m in the market to sample a few products again (sadly, haven’t received anything of this sort to try in my monthly Birchbox). I’ve been recommended Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and Makeup Forever (although that last one, I have only seen a foundation). But all of these leave me with big question marks attached to their large price tag…

Note: I have sensitive (eczema) skin, with severe oiliness (which I’ve curbed with using Kiehl’s oil-free lotion FINALLY!). I’m fair-skinned, with a yellow-almost-greenish undertone. Also, I have considerable sun damage on my face — no wrinkles yet, thankfully — but age/brown spots, so need something to cover those a bit (I realize that to cover completely, I need a concealer or heavier make-up, but refuse to do this daily).

Suggestions?

UPDATE: Found — and fell in beautiful coverage love — with LORAC’s tinted moisturizer.

Color Love: ORANGE!

- Mel

The color orange has found its way into my closet in a number of ways — including in this hint-of-sparkle knit turtleneck (that I have to fold down twice so I don’t choke), these faux leather boots and this multi-tiered chain necklace.

For whatever reason, when I get into this color mood, I play matchy-matchy. Not a usual trait of my style, but this outfit feels so Fall, especially on a particularly gloomy, drizzly day when the boyfriend and I traveled Lawrenceville-to-Garfield for some delicious noms at both Tamari and Salt of the Earth (yeah, we’re like the traveling dinner party over here). But, Happy Birthday to the boyfriend and all that gooey stuff.

Bonus: I kinda like blending in with all the pumpkins. Gives me the warm fuzzies. Now, if only there were any pumpkins around…

These boots were super cheap, are totally versatile, and are SUPER COMFY… and are now entering into their fourth season. I’m not sure that they’ll last another winter, but I can’t find another replacement pair like them. Recommendations appreciated!

Top: hand-me-down (from my cousin, by way of my sister)
Jeans: J Brand (awesomely repaired by Denim Therapy)
Boots: CutesyGirl (who I stopped shopping with a couple years ago because of their insane shipping “rules”… I wonder if they’ve come to their senses)
Necklace: Gabriel Brothers (I knotted the chain in the center for a different look)

You Asked: How do you wear over-the-knee boots without looking trashy?

- Mel

HA, Trick Question! YOU CAN’T! You have seen my post about that, right?

But somebody told me once that I could.

The one pair I own are definitely too trash, and likely going to the donate bin. I think over-the-knee boots are better for everybody when on a flat boot. Heels + thigh-highs = total trashy. (so, I guess I’m donating mine to any Julia Roberts’ costume wannabes… takers?)

Keep in mind to not wear hooker attire up top — long hems for your bottoms — whether skirt, dress or pants. In fact, now that I think of it, I kind of like over-the-knee boots with pants. Tights definitely help prevent you from looking like a street walker with too-short shorts and bare legs *shudder*

Otherwise, just… don’t.

As told through shoes…

- Mel

This blog is a story — at least one part — about shoes. 

Every pair of my shoes has a story: where or why I purchased them, when I wore them… what weird things were stuck to the bottom of them when I arrived home. 

And when I have to give them away… 

Funky Steve Madden Shoes

I’ve always been a fan of funky heels.

When I was in my early 20s, I worked at a Steve Madden shoe store (NATURALLY feeding the addiction). During that time, I acquired a lot of footwear, with several pairs of shoes and boots going the distance (I still have at least four pairs of heels and one pair of boots). Which means, I’ve had these things for over TEN YEARS.

Alas, while Instagram breathes new life into old things, these pointed toe, silver-heeled pumps have become stiff (almost creaky), dirty beyond repair and past their prime. They’ve seen no less than three trips to the shoe cobbler for meticulous laundering with satin cleaner (which doesn’t exist, by the way) and heel retipping. And I’ve never been able to un-smoosh the points (since being stepped on circa 2004).

Don’t get me wrong, I haven’t grown out of “funky.” But seeing as how I haven’t worn these shoes since our move to Pittsburgh last year — and honestly, I can’t remember wearing them since moving to my condo in 2006 — I can toss with good judgment. 

Man, these shoes were always a conversation starter in my 20s. I need to embrace that again with my wardrobe choices.

NOT Fall-ing for these hot temps.

- Mel

I’m really over this 80-degree weather in October BS. Can I have my tights and boots and layered wardrobe, please?

On top of the heat, on our way to Date Night, we got a cab with no working A/C. *groan*

My mind instantly went “Oooh, 80s temperature = 80s dress!”

Enter: this short, sassy number. I love how this dress fits, even if one of the shorter items in my closet. The bottom actually contains a secondary tiered slip, which looked all kinds of weird. I considered ripping it off because I like the fit of the rest of the dress… but it will take some considerable tailoring efforts, considering how it is sewn rightfully in its place. So, I rolled the excess “skirt” from the back-to-the-front (which is brilliantly split in the back at the zipper) and tied it off to the side — and what do you know? It worked.

Note: I also ripped out the “modesty panel” that a previous owner had sewn into the V-neck. Modesty. Pssssht. I layered with a light-colored lace slip instead.

I originally styled this dress with those cute purple socks, as previously blogged, but changed on my way out the door. First, I thought my legs were far too white for this late-summer madness. Second, I felt… stumpy. Plus, derby bruises on my shins. So, I opted for a knee-high pair of black trouser socks. Naturally, I forgot to snap a picture.

Dress: Vintage (purchased online; can’t remember where)
Slip: Gadzooks
Shoes: Rocket Dog (via TJ Maxx; years ago)
Socks: Guess?
Necklace: Lionette, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion
Bracelets: hodge podge o’ stuff from my jewelry drawer
Ring: Nina Nguyen, courtesy of Spoil Me Fashion 

Birchbox: worth its weight in AHAVA (my fave!)

- Mel

October’s Birchbox is worth its weight in AHAVA. I can’t even… I’m so excited to see another product from them in my box. Their creams are AMAZING.

What’s inside:

AHAVA Mineral Foot Cream — I think I’ve already said what I need to say (YAY!)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel — I still never got around to using that brand’s mascara from a previous box; excited, nonetheless. 
Number 4 Hair Reconstructing Masque – this is something I really need, as bleaching my hair has taken its toll
Sunday Riley Modern Skincare lipid serum – I’ll have to do more research on this product and what it does (aside from being a favorite of celebs and models)

And this month’s “extra” was Minteas. When I read the packaging, I got the sense that these were some sort of “weight loss” mints. Am I right about that? Again, I’ve never heard of them, but I do like tea. 

Weekly Therapy: How to Walk in High Heels

- Mel

A good challenge for ALL of us to live by!

birchbox:

Photo via Neiman Marcus.

Women tend to fall on two sides of the shoe spectrum: there’s Carrie Bradshaw with her closet full of Manolos on one end, and then there’s me with my collection of orthopedic clogs. As a lifelong klutz, I need my footwear to be as accident-proof as possible, which is why I favor the same shoes prized by emergency room nurses and the Dutch. The few pairs of heels I own have rarely seen pavement. But the ladies at Birchbox are a mighty tall and stylish bunch, and at 5’1” I wanted to measure up. So last week, I gave myself a shoe challenge: to find a comfortable way to wear high heels from morning to night. No limping, blisters, or tears allowed.   

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Wearing the unwearables… MAKE IT SO!

- Mel

That face is one of a woman who is REALLY pissed that her boyfriend packed her camera and tripod doo-hickie. *groan*

iPhone photos it is for a while… we’ll be in the new place by the end of October, so it will be a welcome change of scenery, with many new places to take photos (including my own private patio).

Feeling a little “wild” for a performance of Electra at the Public Theater with some of my fellow Yelpers.

This outfit — consisting of wardrobe items that have spent quite some time in my closet — fit the (play) bill for the theater. That skirt? I owned for nearly four years before FINALLY bringing to the tailor to have it fit properly at my waist.

The result: super comfy style that is fun-meets-classy (yes, I can actually walk 5 blocks in those boots!).

Top: H&M
Skirt: Old Navy
Sweater Shawl (in hand): hand-me-down from my awesome sister (LOVE this cover-up!)
Tights: Gabriel Brothers
Boots: Hmmm… I actually cannot remember. Likely, online (off-brand is “Delicious”)
Necklaces: Claire’s Boutique