Friday's Faux Paw

I love the smell and look of autumn. The air becomes crisp and the leaves change colour. I also love the beautiful suits humans start wearing, but along with them comes a fashion faux paw. When you buy a jacket, skirt or coat that has a vent/slit on the back or sides, sometimes it has a loose “X” stitch holding the vent together. It’s a temporary tack stitch intended to keep the vent from opening/creasing while the jacket, skirt or coat is hanging in the store. After you buy the item, it is your job to cut and remove this thread IMMEDIATELY! A man in an Armani suit, Ferragamo shoes, wearing a Rolex will look like an idiot when he turns around revealing the tack stitch he didn't remove. The hobbling lady in the classy pencil skirt will not be able to walk properly until she too removes the "X" stitch. Talk about going from a ten to a two on the style scale instantly.

"Why Don't You?" Wednesday

Taking a page from the legend Diana Vreeland's "Why Don't You?" column from Bazaar, it's time for a "Why Don't You?" Wednesday! Here are twenty things I think you should seriously consider doing.

Why Don’t You…

...try one of the fall fashion trends?
...try one of the fall make-up trends?
...create a fashion bucket list - things you wish to buy before you die?
...create a style board? Go through magazines and clip out anything that inspires you stylewise - it doesn't have to be clothing or accessories. Then make a collage on a bulletin board with your findings.
...try on a style that you never thought would look good on you? Who knows? It might look great!
...try on a colour you never thought would look good on you?
...learn to shop on eBay? This is my go to place for one-of-a-kind finds and great deals without having to leave my house.
...get friends together for a clothing/accessory swap? With the recession, this is a great way to get new-to-you stuff without paying a dime.
...do some fall closet cleaning/organizing and donate your clothes to charity?
...feed your dog some bacon? Zeke - get off my computer!! Your article isn't until tomorrow!
...get a makeover? Enlist the help of a friend or head to your nearest cosmetics counter for a free makeover.
...try a new hairstyle? Head to your library and check out the hairstyle magazines, or hit the internet and see what the stars are doing, then go to your trusted hairdresser.
...try a new haircolour? Do blondes have more fun? Are redheads truly spicy? Find out by changing your colour. If you don't like it, you can always go back to your original colour.
...take your clothes that don't fit properly to a tailor? Nothing cheapens an outfit faster than clothes that do not fit.
...try on a pair of shoes you would never buy? If you mostly buy heels - try on flats and vice versa.
...buy a statement necklace? Chunky necklaces are in right now.
...put together a bunch of outfits (including accessories), take photos of them and display the photos on the back of your closet door? Thes can be your go-to outfits when you are having a "I don't have anything to wear" day.
...wear red lipstick? EVERYONE can wear red lipstick. You just need to find the shade that is right for you.
...go shopping with a friend who has a different style than you and buy something she suggests?
...check out a thrift shop? I have found great stuff at Value Village, Goodwill, Salvation Army Thrift Store, etc.
...check out a consignment store? Designer ones are a great place to get that piece for your wardrobe that you could never afford brand new.

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

Joelle

Bad vs Good Products

I’m ready to dish about the five worst products I’ve tried lately. I will also suggest something better to spend your money on as well.

Just for Men Autostop Haircolour

This product claims to “shut off” at your target hair colour. What a load of crap! It made my test subject’s hair way darker than his natural colour. Plus, it came out of his hair after each shampoo all over the towel and coloured his hair unevenly. Men – do not buy this just because it has a man on the package. Women’s hair colour is far more superior and available in more shades. Try Clairol Natural Instincts Haircolour instead for way better results! You can always pretend you’re buying it for a girlfriend.

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara & Lash Enhancer Mascara

This product claims to help “lashes grow stronger while visibly adding length and volume”. Once again crap. I used it for an entire month and saw no difference in my lashes whatsoever. It also was a pain to use with its comically oversized brush. In the lengthening and volume department, I had to work at my lashes longer than usual and the result was not worth the effort. Severly disappointed. Instead I will continue to use my CoverGirl VolumeExact Mascara which is easier to use with way better results.

Vaseline Sheer Infusion With Stratys 3

This product claims to be different than all other moisturizers because of Stratys 3. And what’s this whole Stratys 3 thing? Well according to their website, “Stratys-3™ is an effective patented moisturizing complex, combining three powerful ingredients that infuse and suspend moisture across all layers of skin*– the top, the core, and deep down.” I found this hand lotion to be just okay at moisturizing my super dry hands. The major downsides are that it washes off easily, you have to re-apply all the time, and the smell is atrocious – picture the smell of a senior’s face cream. Luckily I found No-Crack Super Hand Cream from Restoration Hardware. It comes in unscented as well as many wonderful different scents – my favourite is Sweet Orange. A little goes a long way and I just apply it in the morning and before bed. It has done wonders for my dry hands.

Bonne Bell Eye Define Set

This eye liner product claims to “never skip or drag”. Well, it did both of these things and also barely deposited any colour. I’ll be sticking with my Wet n’ Wild coloricon eye liner which glides on easily with a rich deposit of colour and lasts all day.

Revlon Nail Enamel

This product promises to give “up to 10 days of lasting color & shine”. How about 3 days if you’re lucky? And that was on my toes! I will always be seen using one of my two favourite nail polishes – OPI Nail Laquer or the less expensive (and just as good in my opinion) Sinful Colors Nail Polish.

Hope you find this helpful. See you Wednesday!

We're Baaaaack!

Zeke and I are sorry that we haven't updated our blog last week but this wasn't our fault. For some reason unbeknownst to us, my account was disabled. But we're back now and I'm ready to dish about the five worst products I've tried lately. I will also suggest something better to spend your money on as well. You just can't keep a good blogger down!

Just for Men Autostop Haircolour

This product claims to "shut off" at your target hair colour. What a load of crap! It made my test subject's hair way darker than his natural colour. Plus, it came out of his hair after each shampoo all over the towel and coloured his hair unevenly. Men - do not buy this just because it has a man on the package. Women's hair colour is far more superior and available in more shades. Try Clairol Natural Instincts Haircolour instead for way better results! You can always pretend you're buying it for a girlfriend.

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara & Lash Enhancer Mascara

This product claims to help "lashes grow stronger while visibly adding length and volume". Once again crap. I used it for an entire month and saw no difference in my lashes whatsoever. It also was a pain to use with its comically oversized brush. In the lengthening and volume department, I had to work at my lashes longer than usual and the result was not worth the effort. Severly disappointed. Instead I will continue to use my CoverGirl VolumeExact Mascara which is easier to use with way better results.

Vaseline Sheer Infusion With Stratys 3

This product claims to be different than all other moisturizers because of Stratys 3. And what's this whole Stratys 3 thing? Well according to their website, "Stratys-3™ is an effective patented moisturizing complex, combining three powerful ingredients that infuse and suspend moisture across all layers of skin*-- the top, the core, and deep down." I found this hand lotion to be just okay at moisturizing my super dry hands. The major downsides are that it washes off easily, you have to re-apply all the time, and the smell is atrocious - picture the smell of a senior's face cream. Luckily I found No-Crack Super Hand Cream from Restoration Hardware. It comes in unscented as well as many wonderful different scents - my favourite is Sweet Orange. A little goes a long way and I just apply it in the morning and before bed. It has done wonders for my dry hands.

Bonne Bell Eye Define Set

This eyeliner product claims to "never skip or drag". Well, it did both of these things and also barely deposited any colour. I'll be sticking with my Wet n' Wild coloricon eyeliner which glides on easily with a rich deposit of colour and lasts all day.

Revlon Nail Enamel

This product promises to give "up to 10 days of lasting color & shine". How about 3 days if you're lucky? And that was on my toes! I will always be seen using one of my two favourite nail polishes - OPI Nail Laquer or the less expensive (and just as good in my opinion) Sinful Colors Nail Polish.

Hope you find this helpful. See you Wednesday!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

As you may notice I am a day late with this entry - my sincere apologies. I was at the preview party for Western Canada Fashion Week yesterday and was too tired afterwards to write (and too full of bacon wrapped scallops, but I digress). This is not the most horrendous faux pas I will ever discuss, but it needs to be brought to everyone’s attention. Once again men are mostly the ones who commit this fashion crime. They put on a nice pair of black pants and black shoes only to defile the look with white sport socks! There was only one person who could pull this off and he’s gone to the kennel in the sky. I’m talking about Michael Jackson. The rest of you sadly are not Michael Jackson and need to dress accordingly. Buy some black socks – extra points if they are dress socks.

Joelle's Favourite Top Ten Accessory Trends For Fall 2011

Today I'm writing about my favourtite accessory trends for fall 2011 in no particular order. One more thing you should know is that the most sought after purse this fall is the clutch.

1. Fringe

A black leather purse with studs is rock legend worthy while a brown suede one will appeal to the boho hippy chick. Also look for fringes on shoes and boots.

2. High Heeled Loafers

These wicked shoes are not for schoolgirls anymore. Pair them with wide legged trousers or a sexy pencil skirt.

3. Embellishment

Glitter has moved from pm to am this fall. Choose from lace, beading, sequins, rhinestones, glitter, and jewels on shoes, purses,

4. Colour Blocking

Still going strong it appears that colour blocking is here to stay walking down the runway on purses and shoes.

5. Python

This print is as popular this fall as leopard used to be showing up on purses, gloves, shoes, and boots. To be fashion foward, wear it in an unexpected colour.

6. Gloves

They're baaack and taking fall by storm. Choose from dangerous lace up leather, python, polka dots, lace, faux fur, and the list goes on. While black elbow length seems to be popular, as always there is pretty much every length and colour available.

7. Long Earrings

From delicate to bold, feathers to chains, long earrings are everywhere this fall. To showcase these works of art, keep the rest of your outfit simple with no other accessories.

8. Winter White

Don't worry about what your Grandmother has told you - it's okay to wear white after Labour Day! This season designers are making sure you try it out by creating many different styles of purses, shoes, and boots to choose from.

9. Fur Trim

Once again it can be fake! Fur is showing up on purses, shoes, collars, necklaces, belts, hats and more.

10. Hats

I LOVE hats so much and hope more people start wearing them. This fall you can chose from millitary, pillbox, fedora, wide brimmed, beret, and pretty much every other style you can think of. Seen over and over again - any type of hat trimmed with fur.

Zeke the fashion conscious canine will be back tomorrow to let you know of a new style faux paw. I'll see you Monday. Have a good weekend!

Joelle

Joelle's Favourite Top Ten Beauty Trends For Fall 2011

Today I'm going to share my favourite beauty trends for fall 2011 in no particular order.

1. Flushed Cheeks

Don't pile on the blush, instead make it look like you just came inside from a cold day.

2. Pops of Colour

These bright colours will make you forget that the days are getting shorter. But just choose either your eyes or your lips so you don't look like you belong in the 80's.

3. Nail Trends

The colours to go to for fall are dark and mysterious or natural. You can't go wrong with purple, plum, blue, teal, wine, red, black, silver, pewter, grey, or beige. Make the normal french manicure more modern by using an opague neutral colour like beige instead of pink and black tips instead of white. Also try out the half-moon manicure (shown above) which is very popular.

4. Turquoise Eyeliner

Why not give your black a rest and try this bold colour to line your eyes? An extra bonus is it will make blue or green eyes pop.

5. The Kitten Eye

If you think that the bold cat eye is not for you, why not try the kitten eye? It is pretty much the same look except you make the wing of the eyeliner stop a bit shorter.

6. The Metallic Eye

Each fall the metallic eye seems to be popular. While silver or pewter is always a great look, spotted on many runways were gold shadowed peepers which looked beautiful.

7. Purple Lips

Red lips are still very popular this fall, but this year they got some serious competition from the rich purple lips seen on the runway. If you are scared to try this, go for a lighter plum lipstick.

8. Strong Brows

They are back with a vengeance. No more bleaching or plucking - yay!

9. The Smoky Eye

Another fall favourite in browns, blacks, and pewters, but this year the purple smoky eye is a great addition to your evening out make-up arsenal.

10. Nude Make-Up

The trick here is to wear make-up, but make it look like you're not wearing any. This tends to confuse men so why let them know?

Wednesday I will be back with my favourite top 10 fall 2011 accessories. See you then!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

Today I'm discussing a lesser faux paw but still one I would like to address before summer officially ends. I'm speaking of wearing socks with sandals. Men mostly seem to be the perpetrators of this fashion crime. First off, this doesn't even make sense. If your feet are cold enough to wear socks, there is this wonderful invention called shoes which you could wear instead. Sandals were created to keep your feet cool, so why would you need to wear socks? Plus, wearing socks with sandals is not practical. If you ever step in a puddle while wearing them it's an experience you'll never forget I'm sure. And I'm not even going to elaborate on how stupid you look.

Joelle's Favourite Top Ten Fashion Trends For Fall 2011

Fall is coming and there are many trends to consider if you wish to update your wardrobe. I haven’t listed all of them, just my personal top ten favourite trends for the fall 2011 season in no particular order.

1. Prints

With polka dots, tribal, plaid, paisley, floral, graphic, abstract, and python (the new leopard) to choose from, why wear a blah solid?

2. Menswear

Women in menswear always turns a few heads. If you’re feeling brave, include a vest with your suit. For a feminine touch, add a frilly blouse under your suit. And grab some high heeled oxfords!

                            

3. The 60’s

They’re baaack! Throw on a dropped waist tunic, a mod shift dress or brocade bell bottoms and embrace your inner Mad Men woman. Remember if you wore the trend in the actual 60’s, take a pass on it now.

4. Bold Colour

This one is mostly for the brave women out there because you are going to get noticed, even from far away. Find some bright pink, orange, deep purple, teal, taxicab yellow, crimson, or cobalt blue. Wear one piece (for example jeans) in a bright colour and keep the rest of your outfit plain. For the super brave, wear more than one colour in unexpected combinations.

5. Leather Skirts

While the leather jacket will always be in style, this fall leather skirts are also sharing the spotlight. They look great in pencil, mini, and a-line. Pair one with your favourite cashmere sweater and black opaque tights.

6. Fur

For my vegan friends, yes it can be fake! Fur is showing up as coats, collars, skirts, and on boots. Feel free to take a cue from designers and buy real fur that looks fake or fake fur that looks real.

7. Black and White

Solids or patterned, black and white is here to stay! Here’s a tip to not look like a waiter, wear the black on top and the white on the bottom to channel your inner Jackie O.

8. Metallic

Not just for accessories anymore, metallic is showing up as skirts, dresses, coats, and even suits and jeans.

9. Capes

This trend has been seen everywhere this fall. Capes have run the gamut from casual ponchos to attire fit for an evening gown. If you’re under 5’8”, go for a shorter cape so you don’t look frumpy.

10. Jumpsuits

Yes this little 70’s number is back with a vengeance. If you are scared to try this daunting one-piece, go for a solid colour with a thicker fabric. Staying monochromatic will make you look taller and thinner. Keep an eye on this trend because jumpsuits are currently walking down the runway for spring 2012.

Well, that's all she wrote! Sorry for putting this up so late in the day, but it was a lot of work to complete. See you Monday!

   Joelle

Colour Me Impressed!

I’m sure getting a lot of writing done while on vacation! Being originally from Saskatoon the mountains are always amazing and inspiring to me.

Today I want to talk about something that many women (and some men) are afraid of – colouring your hair at home. I started going grey at twenty-five so I have been colouring my hair ever since and have gotten rather good at it. So good that no one notices. Here are some important things to know if you’re thinking of taking the plunge:

1. If you want to just cover grey and you don’t have a lot of grey, or just want a temporary change, then choose a temporary colour stain. I love Clairol Natural Instincts Level 2 Non-Permanent hair colour. Because this is not a permanent hair colour, it will not change the colour of your hair from brown to blonde. However, if you have blonde hair, it can colour it a darker shade ie. brown. Even though it’s temporary be careful! If you're blonde and decide to change your hair to a dark brown, it could permanently stain it that colour.

2. If you want to actually change your hair colour, then go for a permanent hair colour. My favourites are Perfect 10 and Nice N’ Easy – both by Clairol. Both are great options with easy instructions. It’s important to know that with these products you cannot go from black or dark brown hair to blonde. For dramatic lightening, you need to first buy a colour lifting bleach (I like L’Oreal Paris Perfect Blondissima Crème) and take your natural or dyed hair colour out. When done, your hair will look white, light grey, light orange, or light pink. Make sure it dries completely and then colour your hair with the colour of your choice. I don’t recommend doing something this elaborate if you have never coloured your hair before.

3. The best way to keep roots from constantly showing is to stay within three shades of your natural colour. Otherwise you will have noticeable roots within two to three weeks.

4. When colouring hair for the first time or trying out a new shade, do it when you have lots of time and not before a big event. By lots of time I mean five to seven days at a minimum before your event. That way if something goes wrong you will have time to head to your nearest salon for some help.

See you Wednesday!

Joelle

Friday's Faux Paw

I’m back! Now that everyone is not wearing their pyjamas in public anymore, I will let you know about another faux paw. Working out is a great way to combat aging, have more energy, and stay thin – so great that humans have special outfits to do it in. I workout everyday too by running around the yard, going for walks, and playing a mean game of tug o’ war or frisbee. Then a company came along that rhymes with “foofoo zemin” and decided it’s okay to wear workout gear shopping, doing errands, to work, family functions, and *gasp* to church. THIS IS NOT OKAY! Workout gear belongs on humans when they are working out! And from what I’ve seen, many of the humans who are wearing workout gear haven’t been working out and shouldn’t be wearing anything form fitting. Those who follow a brand because everyone else does are sheeple – people who are sheep. At least throw on a pair of jeans. People will respect you more.