Friday's Faux Paw

I thought I'd end this year off with a faux paw that I have seem everywhere this past year. It is really a simple one to avoid but if you don't,  I think you will look tacky no matter what age you are. I'm talking about having a bra strap or two showing. Unless you are a rock star, I think that this faux paw takes your look from a ten to a two. So, if you're wearing an off the shoulder shirt, wear a strapless bra. Or you could wear a tank top underneath and show that off instead. Do not wear one with spaghetti straps because that will not conceal your bra straps properly. If you're wearing a sheer top, then wear a tank top or camisole underneath. If you have thin bra straps, you can get away with a thin strapped camisole under something sheer. If you're wearing a racerback tank top, then wear a racerback bra or invest in a convertible one which can be worn in a variety of different ways. And as for wearing something strapless, wear a strapless bra with it. One last thing, please for the love of fashion's sake do not wear a bra with those plastic clear "invisible straps". You're not fooling anyone because they are far from invisible and look dreadful.

Boxing Week Deals!!

As I sit by the Christmas tree with red wine in hand, eating hors d'oeuvres I realized that there are some great deals to be had this week in the world of fashion. Without further ado, here are some of the many sales happening:

Old Navy - up to 50% online at http://oldnavy.ca/ - free shipping on all orders over $50 and free returns - up to 75% off at the store

Suzy Shier - 50% off all fall merchandise - those who have a Prestige card get an extra 10% off - head to your nearest store or go online at: http://www.suzyshier.com/

Reitmans - up to 70% off all week long or order online for a flat rate of shipping for $7.50 at: http://www.reitmans.com/

Ricki's - 50% off in store and online and free shipping on orders over $50 - enter code SHIPD19 at checkout at: http://www.rickis.com/

Smart Set - up to 50% off selected styles and an addition 25% off all pink stickered tags (prices ending in $0.99) - in store olnly

Le Chateau - many items marked down 50%, 40%, and 30% - free shipping on orders of $150 or more: http://www.lechateau.com/

H&M - awesome sale going on in store right now - many itmes 50% off or more - in store only

Danier - up to 70% off everything in store only

Charlotte Russe - The OMG Sale ends tonight at midnight - large amount of items buy one get one free - boots are buy one and get one for $15.50 - in Canada we have to order online at: http://www.charlotterusse.com/ as there are no stores here

Forever XXI - huge buy one get one free event with almost everything marked down - free shipping and free duffle bag on order over $50 use code 21SHIP at checkout: http://canada.forever21.com/

Dynamite - up to 70% off  in store only

Joe Fresh - up to 50% off in store only

Ardene - clothing starting at 50% off - boots starting at $19.50 - jewellry starting at 5 for $10 - slippers 3 for $15 - in store only

Aldo - 30% off all sale shoes and select handbags in store - 60% off all clearance online at: http://www.aldoshoes.com/ - free shipping on orders over $50

Call It Spring - formerly known as Spring - 30% off reduced shoes and handbags - free shipping on oders over $29 online at: http://www.myspringshoes.com/

Beyond The Rack - each day there is a new deal on designer goods - today is preowned Louis Vuitton accessories (purses, wallets, etc) - some really great deals - shipping is around $11.95 - check it out at: http://www.beyondtherack.com/

Well, that should keep everyone busy for a while. Let me know what you find!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

Today is supposed to be my Friday's Faux Paw entry, but I thought I'd let everyone off the hook being that it is close to what humans call "Christmas". My family believes that Christmas is the day Jesus was born to one day save the world form sin and death. Not everyone believes that, but I hope that everyone can agree that it is a day of peace and love to your fellow man (and dog I hope). So wear pyjamas if you must, but make sure you have love in your heart and compassion for those who are less fortunate than you.

Joelle and her husband Tim donated some food to feed the hungry. Joelle is also using her singing as a gift at Mass on midnight Christmas Eve. You don't have to do these exact things, but please consider using your time, talent, or treasure (money) to help others at this time of year. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, shovel your neighbour's walk, feed your dog some bacon, visit an old folk's home, or people in the hospital - the list is really endless. I know I speak a lot about dressing well, but at the end of the day dressing great won't hold a candle to how you'll feel after doing something good for your fellow human (or dog). I leave you with a famous dog and my sincere wish for everyone...

Twenty Stocking Stuffers For Under Ten Dollars

I have been done Christmas shopping for weeks now, but for all of you last minute shoppers (I used to be one of you), here are some suggestions for some wonderful stocking stuffers for men and women under ten dollars.

Cobalt Clutch Suzy Shier $7.49

Sinful Colors Nail Polish London Drugs $5.99 each (many more colours available)

Cell Phone Holder H&M $4.95 

Men's Plaid Boxers Old Navy $8.00

Tassel Earrings H&M $6.95

Stretch Belt With Bow Smart Set $4.99

Ring Forever 21 $4.80

Leopard Tights Old Navy $9.94

Wallet Smart Set $8.00

Scarf H&M $5.95

Watch Ardene $10.00

Men's Tie Forever 21 $7.99

Wavy Rib Knit Glove Ricki's $9.99

Trapper Hat Smart Set $6.99

Bracelet Forever 21 $9.80

Hair Clip H&M $5.95

Men's Dress Socks Old Navy $7.00

Initial Keychain Ardene $3.50

Bra H&M $9.95

Men's Sunglasses Forever 21 $6.90 

I hope this helped everyone to find that special someone something special!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

It's been a rough two weeks. Joelle has been having humans arrive and they eat the yummiest food. I have gotten a few scraps but I know that the food wasn't meant especially for me. On top of things Joelle and her friend took me in what they call a "car" and we picked up another dog. She is very tiny and gets more food than me it seems. I'm really not sure why they felt they had to bring another dog here. I still hope I get the same amount of food I've been getting or I'll really be upset.

Today's faux paw is quite simple. Here in the prairies we mostly have a season called "winter". It becomes cold outside. Joelle even bought me a sweater. The other day when I was riding in the car I saw the topic of my latest faux paw - a young human male wearing pants and a muscle shirt. His friends were wearing coats that day because it was quite a bit below zero outside. To top things off he had his hands jammed in his pockets and his arms wedged up against his body. And before everyone gets mad at me - he wasn't unable to afford a coat because he was wearing nice clothes. My message here is clear, dress according to the season. Otherwise you think you're cool, but you just end up being a fool who's literally cool.

Ten Holiday Style Tragedies To Avoid

My apologies on being away from the blog last week. I cleaned the house top to bottom, had a party, had two houseguests, and then caught the flu. I may not update on Wednesday being that this is a crazy time of year, but Zeke will be here Friday with his Faux Paw.

This holiday season you might have to go to a party or two so I thought I would discuss the top ten mistakes people do when getting ready for the big event.

1. Open Toed Shoes And Sheer Stockings

I know Zeke discussed this as one of his fashion faux paws recently, but it never hurts to repeat this one again. If you can't go barfooted in open toed shoes, then it's time to buy a cool pair of closed toe shoes.

2. Overdone Hair

It's time to stop using a can of hairspray to do your hair for evening. Your dress should take centre stage, so why not try more of a natural look such as a ponytail with a section of hair wrapped around the elastic? Or a messy updo?

3. Too Much Cleavage

A Christmas party is not a nightclub! Showing some cleavage is acceptable but if your dress has a neckline that plunges more than half-way down your upper arm, you will look trashy, not sexy.

4. Excessive Bling

If aliens can see you from outerspace, then you've overdone it with the sequins. Yes holiday parties are a great time to break out the sparkle, but limit it to one item. For example, wear a sparkly skirt with a non-sparkly blouse.

5. Visible Panty Line (VPL)

It's never a good idea to have a visible panty line in any outfit you wear, however it looks even more cheesy when you dress up. Wear a super thin thong, laser cut panty, or full coverage pantry to have people looking at you, not your bum.

6. Tight Dress

Too tight is not right! You will want to move around freely and even dance at some parties. It is never good to look like a stuffed sausage. And you will want to have some breathing room with all the yummy goodies that will be everywhere.

7. Holiday Themed Sweater

This should be a no brainer, but in case there is one person out there I can get through to about this, then it will be worth it. Holiday themed sweaters make you look fumpy not festive and haven't been in style since the eighties. People nowadays even have ugly sweater theme parties to mock them.

8. Wearing Green And Red Together

We get it, it's Christmas! You don't have to be obvious about what time of year this is. Green and red will always scream Christmas and don't look that wonderful together. Wear a red dress or a green dress instead.

9. Business Attire

The only appropriate time to wear business atire to a Christmas party is if it's an office party. Otherwise dress up! If you have to go to a party right after work, then plan ahead. Take a wrap (to wear instead of your suitcoat), evening shoes, a clutch, and some statement jewelry to work with you the day of the party.

10. Make-Up Overload

Yes this is the time to wear red lipstick, but if you do, then tone down your eyes and cheeks. If you desire a dramatic smoky eye, then wear a natural blush and lipstick.







Now get out there and paaaaaarty!!!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

There has been much debate over today's faux paw. Some say it's fine provided you wear sandalfoot nylons, while others like me say it's tacky. I'm talking about wearing open toed shoes or sandals with nylons. My opinion is if you wear open toed shoes or sandals, then go barefoot or you will look like you're a grandmother - and not a stylish one at that. My Grandmother is actually very stylish, but I digress. If you don't believe me, then check out the photo on the left and see which foot looks better. It's extra bad if you wear nylons with open toed shoes or sandals in a colour other than nude or black - remember the white nylon craze? I heartily say paint your toenails and let your feet be free. And get a pedicure while you're at it.

How To Fix Beauty Mishaps

Christmas is coming so very soon! My husband and I picked out our tree tonight at The Home Depot and we hope it will be as lovely as the one we got there last year. For some reason they are about $15 cheaper than last year - not that I'm complaining. It sure smells good. Nothing beats a real tree!

Sometimes when I'm getting ready to go somewhere, I will goof up my make-up, hair, etc. I have found that the following are very useful tips, when I make a mistake and I hope you'll find them helpful too.




1. Eyebrow Gap

To fill a gap in your brow, brush your brow hairs in the opposite direction of the growth so the bare area becomes more visible. Use a brow pencil to cover it with light hair length strokes. brush the brow back into place.

2. Too Much Blush

Sprinkle translucent powder on a make-up sponge and blend over the blush. Blend the colour in toward the cheeks instead of out towards your ears. If your cheeks still look too dark, then go over them again with two drops of foundation on a make-up wedge.

3. Streaky Self -Tanner

To lighten colour in one spot, stroke the area with a lemon wedge or a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. To fill in light streaks, even out colour by applying self-tanner with the edge
of a make-up wedge, or brush on matte bronzer with a small blush brush.

4. Perfume Overkill

Rub skin with an unscented baby wipe or a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. If you've sprayed too much perfume on your clothing, blast fabric with a hair dryer for 30 seconds.

5. Too Light Highlights

Wash your hair twice with a caramel hued colour depositing shampoo to deepen your highlights.

6. Smudged Nail Polish

Put some nail polish remover on the end of a cotton swab and gently blend away the smear. Add a coat of clear polish instead of more colour which will make the nail darker than the others.

7. Clumpy Mascara

Do this immediately as mascara dries in seconds. Wipe all the mascara off the brush with a piece of napkin or paper towel (don't use a tissue because it could leave pieces of it on the wand). Wiggle the wand gently from side to side from the roots to the tips of the lashes. You can also purchase a dedicated de-clumping wand in the make-up brush section of the store.

8. Dirty Hair And No Time To Wash It

Blot your scalp with an oil-absorbing sheet (the kind you use for your face), then sprinkle baby powder or a dry shampoo onto your brush and comb through your roots.

9. Eyeliner That Has Gone Astray

Dip a cotton swab in an oil-free moisturizer and dab the sift tip on the back of your hand until it almost feels dry. Use it to wipe away stray marks.

10. Deodorant On Your Clothes

Simply take a clean, white sock and rub the sock over the deodorant mark in small circles. It removes the white mark without leaving behind any bits (like paper towel does) or smearing the mark into a bigger mess (like using water can do).

Hope these suggestion assist you the next time something goes wrong while getting ready.

Joelle

How To Shop Smart

My sincere apologies for not being around last week. I was ill and my internet was cutting out every minute or so. I am now well and have a new modem so all is great!

With Christmas on its way, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss how to shop smart.

1. Know What You Need

Always have a list. It can be in your head but better yet, put it on paper so you're not overwhelmed once you reach the mall.

2. Be Sure About It

Ask yourself, "Will he/she love it?" and "Will he/she use it?" And don't buy it unless the answer is a "yes"!

3. Dress For Action

Wear a comfortable outfit and shoes. Bring some bottled water. Make sure you eat enough and eat more when you need to before low blood sugar strikes.

4. Avoid The Crowds

If you can sacrifice a weekday morning for shopping (before the lunch rush), you'll be rewarded with emptier stores and less stressed out salespeople.

5. Shop Early

I started my Christmas shopping in October. For those of you who haven't started, why not start now? It's just going to get busier and crazier the closer it gets to the big day.

6. Have A Christmas Storage Area

Designate a small part of a closet for Christmas gifts. Throughout the year when you see something you know someone on your list will love and it's a great price, buy it and store it in your Christmas area.

7. Feel Happy

Don't shop when you are hungry, tired, or depressed. Once again don't wait until the last minute.

8. Set A Budget

Figure out beforehand how much you can afford to spend on Christmas gifts and stick to your budget. If you have a tendency to max out your credit cards, then shop with cash only.

9. Keep Your Receipts

If someone ends up not liking something or the gift is defective you can easily return it. Many stores also offer gift receipts that don't show the price so you can include it with the gift. Remember that gift receipts are only useful for a return if you pay with cash. If you pay with a debit or credit card, the gift recipient will only be able to get a store credit because they won't have your card.

10. Buy Extra Gifts
Find some "generic" items on sale that can be for a man or a woman, and purchase a couple of extras. Wrap them up and put a sticky note on the box stating what the item is. This way you'll always be prepared if someone unexpectedly gives you a gift, and you can avoid any embarrassment or hurt feelings by returning the favour.

Happy shopping!

Joelle

The Awake Fake

As I write this I am totally exhausted. I just woke up from a nap and am ready to go to sleep for another eight hours. Since Friday I've gone to class, partied, sang at Mass, attended a photo shoot, and doctor's appointment. So I thought that writing about how to look awake - even when you're not - would be a good blog entry.

When you wake up and look like you haven't slept even though you may have, there are some simple tricks you can use to look more rested. First off, lie down again and reduce the dreaded under eye bags by putting slices of cold, raw potato over your eyes. A brewed tea bag soaked overnight in cold milk does wonders too. You can alos try soaking a washcloth in icy water and putting it on your face. Another trick is to keep your moisturizer in the fridge to help contrict the swollen blood vessels which can be responsible for puffy eyes and face.

After you do some or all of the aforementioned, get up and start moving around. Try even jumping rope for five minutes. Don't drink excessive amounts of caffeine if you can avoid it and instead drink water to rehydrate and make skin glow.

Splash some cold water on your face and massage gently to promote circulation. Try some tinted moisturizer instead of heavy foundation to hide imperfections and look more natural. Tilt you head down to apply your under eye concealer to make sure you see where it needs to go most. And make sure to curl your eyelashes and put mascara on your upper lashes only so your eyes look bigger and more awake.

Hope this helps everyone to fake looking awake. I'm off to bed... ZZZzzzzzzzzzzz...

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

First off I want to wish my Mom and co-blogger, Joelle a very happy birthday today. For some reason humans get hung up on their age, but I still think she looks great. I had hoped she would have gotten bacon as a gift and shared it with me, but she told me that bacon is not a popular gift for a human on their birthday. I really cannot understand why bacon is not the ultimate birthday gift ever, so I will continue with this blog entry.

It is good for a women to look and feel beautiful and/or sexy, but many go about it the wrong way. As I watch Joelle get ready to go out for drinks tonight, I see her wearing a very short lace dress with bare arms. Then she covered up her legs in black tights, and her bare arms with a sparkly sequined jacket. The result was a totally sexy, yet age appropriate look.

Others however have not realized that you can look sexy without looking like men will have to pay you for your company. The basic rule of thumb for those over thirty-five is if you show your legs, cover up your top and vice-versa. No super short skirts with knee-high high heeled boots, unless you wear some black opaque tights. And no see through tops showing off your bra. You can still wear a see through top, but wear a camisole underneath. My verdict for not dressing age appropriate:

"Why Don't You?" Wednesday Part II

With the Christmas season almost here, I thought it would be a good time for another "Why Don't You?" Wednesday based on the legend Diana Vreeland's "Why Don't You?" column from Bazaar. So here are some suggestions that you could try:

Why Don’t You…

...donate used clothes to a shelter or program that gives clothes to someone for free?
...have everyone over for a Christmas Party Clothing Swap?
...learn to knit and make toques and mittens for homeless shelters?
...wear some glittter to your next Christmas party?
...buy a little red dress, little purple dress, etc instead of wearing the same little black dress?
...pop by a make-up counter for a holiday makeover, actually buy some of the make-up used, and use it?
...find and donate to a charity that gives haircuts to homeless people to help them get jobs?
...go through your shoes and get the ones that need repairs fixed and give those you don't need to charity?
...drop off your clothes that need tailoring to a tailor?
...get your nails done? (I did and I feel wonderful!)
...get all of your Christmas shopping done now so you don't get trampled during the holiday season and have more time to spend with loved ones?
...feed Zeke bacon? (Seriously, Zeke! Quit messing with my blog entries! Your column is Friday.)
...take time and have a relaxing bath? You will look better and feel better!
...get a pedicure so you can wear your strappy heels with pride?
...spend an hour at home trying out some new holiday hair-dos?
...dare to wear dark purple lipstick instead of red?
...make yourself a feather choker to liven up your little black dress?
...ask your spouse out for a shopping day so he/she can buy you your gifts (takes the guess work out and you'll love them) then eat at your favourite restaurant?
...get your outfit and accessories ready for New Years so you have more time to enjoy your holidays?
...have a makover/spa party for the ladies and try out different looks?
...have a fashion themed party and rent all the fashion movies you can find ie. The Devil Wears Prada, Prêt-à-Porter: Ready To Wear, The September Issue, Confessions of a Shopaholic, etc?
...shovel someone's walk without them knowing? It will make you feel beautiful on the inside!

Let me know what you do and how it works out for you!

Joelle

I Have A Christmas Party To Attend And I Don't Know What To Wear!!!

Yes it's that time of year again when we shop for gifts, wrap them, bake, decorate the house, visit loved ones, eat suprising amounts of food, and get invited to Christmas parties. No ideas on what to wear? Then check out the following suggestions.

Sparkle

Why not try and sequined dress? My favourites are:

$90.65 Ricki's 

$50 Suzy Shier

$68 Smart Set

If you're not brave enough for that, then wear a little black dress with a sequin jacket over it. I picked up this one at Forever XXI for $33.80.

And if you're really scared of the sparkle, then wear glittery accesories and shoes.

Purple

Purple and plum are really in for evening wear right now. Some suggestions are:

$40 Suzy Shier 

$80 Suzy Shier 

$139.95 Le Chateau

Vintage Inspired

If you're on a budget like me, then maybe you'll want to buy a dress that should stay in style year after year. Some suggestions are:

$139.95 Le Chateau

$50 Suzy Shier

 $149.99 Sears

Go Long

For something different, why not try a long dress for your holiday event outings? Some beautiful options are:

$89.99 Sears

$70 Suzy Shier

$225 Le Chateau

Lace

If you like being daring and romantic, wear a lace dress. Here are some options:

$50 Reitmans

$69.65 Ricki's 

$129.95 Le Chateau

Prints

If you're more adventurous, then go for a print dress. Florals are still going strong along with polka dots, paisley, animal print, graphic print, and tribal print. My favourites are:

$37 Smart Set

$99.99 Sears

$110 Le Chateau

Hope that this helps everyone find their perfect holiday dress!

Joelle