Back to Basics: Building a Wardrobe

There are a plethora of trends that span decades and fashion designers are famous for recycling ideas while fabricating new twists to keep things interesting.  While creativity is paramount, blending trends with classic pieces increases the longevity of the wardrobe.  In building a closet, the following are essential for a flawless look and execution of fabulousness!

• Crisp white shirt
• Dark indigo denim jean or pant in a flattering style
• Black or navy suit which should include a jacket, pant, and pencil skirt that is slightly above knee length
• White tee shirt and camisole
• Cashmere or merino wool crew or v-neck sweater and cardigan (a quality cotton sweater is good for early spring and fall)
• Black dress
• Quality leather dress flats and heels in black and brown (wedges are great if stillettos are not your thing)
• Trench coat

When choosing dress pants and skirts ideal colors include navy, black, gray, and taupe or brown.  Investing in quality pieces means ensuring correct proportions to truly pull off the look so a true fashionista needs a top notch tailor.  All of these items depend on a person's individual needs and lifestyle.  Not everyone needs to own a suit but a great blazer when mixed with a camisole or silk shirt is perfect for a night out. When building a wardrobe it is all about making it unique to you however a few thoughts to keep in mind include choosing fabric or material quality over quantity and adding pops of color like a red heel or scarf or even a costume jewelry piece extends the versatility of a look.  Mending favorites is ok but every closet needs purging over time especially for maintaining a polished look.  Also be aware of how many resources can be devoted to the care of the item (i.e. dry cleaning a suit or silk shirt). 

Cheers and happy building!

Prime Time Eyes

When working on an eye makeup look, I prefer a primer which provides staying power whether I'm using a powder or a cream. In trying various products, the top two performers are Too Faced Shadow Insurance and Urban Decay Primer Potion. Too Faced Shadow comes in one variety whereas Urban Decay has several effects available from matte to consistencies that include a background effect to enhance shadows.

My eyelids tend to be oily which is why I first sought a primer. A good eye makeup routine would consist of base primer, either cream or powder shadow (cream has increased staying power with a powder topcoat but more about that in a minute), and top the look with a light dusting of translucent powder.

Although both are great primer products, in my opinion Urban Decay has more staying power at the end of an evening than Too Faced. Also, when I first purchased Two Faced the product separated until many more uses.  Of course everyone's skin reacts differently and each will have a preference. For oily lids I highly recommend the Urban Decay brand.

Cheers and happy priming!

@sephora @urbandecay @toofaced #beauty #eyeprimer

Travel Like a Pro

As I travel more over the years I have learned  things like how to get through security faster, to pack like a jet setter, and various tools that make the journey more enjoyable. Here are a few of my thoughts on traveling like a pro.

What to wear can be a challenge but it makes a difference in being comfortable or cranky. If I'm traveling to a warmer climate I will dress in layers for the plane sans bulky jacket since I know I will not use it at my final destination. Everyone has difference preferences but I've found a pair of leggings or skinny jeans coupled with tennis shoes, long sleeve under layer, light sweater, and pullover North Face fleece to be the best attire. Also, remember to pack your belt as TSA will require you to remove it. You've read my review on the Apple Watch and while most airports have become accustomed to travelers having smart watches, mine has set off the security alarm so I make sure to tuck it in my carry-on shoulder bag then put it back on before boarding the plane to use the boarding pass feature which saves time. I love my waterproof North Face rain jacket. It's slim and packable. If I'm going to encounter colder weather I may pick a slim winter coat like my J Crew quilted barn jacket or pair my North Face fleece with the packable rain coat.

The choice of luggage is very individual and I adore my Samsonite 18" suitcase and High Sierra tote. Even though my 18" case is not be roller version it will fit in just about every overhead compartment and any under seat option. The High Sierra tote has three external pockets including one that zips. The other two are open for a cell phone or bottled drink. Both items are well traveled and have been invaluable to my journeys. I really like that I can get two jersey knit dresses, several t-shirts, three small sweaters, three pairs of shorts, two pairs of pants, and under garments as well as ballet flats and sandals into the outside pocket. The tote fits all of my essentials like liquid quart bag, makeup, rain jacket, hair tools, iPad mini, and a few other items for my trips. Since college I have rolled clothes in my suitcases however I recently discovered organizing bags through my sister's travel suggestions. I just purchased a bag bungee for my most recent trip to LA and it has been a back saver for sure. I highly recommend one.

Snacks are not a big deal in my day to day life however when I'm traveling I pack a few peanut butter and cracker packs along with my favorite Luna Lemon Zest bars. Both have gotten me through meals during travel in a pinch and served as snacks when I've gone long periods between eating. Young Living makes many varieties of oils in which grapefruit or lemon can be used to flavor water. In the future I will be posting about their products through a wonderful friend of mine who will be my guest blogger. These oils can be part of your quart bag limit for liquids. You will need a glass drinking bottle to add the oil to your water that can be filled after getting through security to stay hydrated during the trip. 

Cheers and happy travels!

@jcrew @northface @samsonite @luna