30 December 2011

2012 Resolutions: Beauty, Fashion and Other Concerns

Unlike the many other resolutions I've made - throughout the year, not just now that a new one is about to begin - I have all intentions to really keep these going. Really. 


Here are the essential elements I want to implement in 2012:


Beauty

  • Wear more sunscreen (SPF 25 and up): One of the most significant considering I live in the Caribbean. As a brown skinned lady I tend to let this slip more than I should thinking I don't really need it but I don't want to face the aftermath so I will approach this with diligence!
  • Wash all my make up brushes at least once a week.
  • Exfoliate: Face and Body. Would like to get my hands on a Body Shop Cactus Body Brush to use in the shower and make my life easier. And smoother.
  • Mani-perfection: I'm not really a fan of manicures at the salon (seems like a punishing experience for nails after some time) so I do my nails myself but I'd like to keep them well polished more often instead of opting out with clear polish.
  • Touch my face less: Anyone who has seen Contagion gets this. For those of you who haven't, it's just not good news for your skin - or your health for that matter.
  • Acquire selective vision: I vow to no longer look in the mirror and point out every flaw but to see the beautiful features before me. I may even go so far as so say, "good morning beauty!" to myself. Too far? Perhaps.


Fashion

  • Be more daring: I want to experiment with more adventurous looks this time around. Timidity and fashion are not friends.  I'm growing balls as we speak.
  • Travel somewhere to experience winter: And buy many fabulous coats and boots and other winter gear I can't wear in the Caribbean.
  • Become a ballerina: I wish. As someone who has all but sworn off heels for life (oh the agony of those 4" & 5" gorgeous devils!) I will own many ballet flats. And moccasins. And sandals. And other flat fashionable footwear. No flipflops. Flipflops are for the birds.
  • Make more meaningful purchases: This is a tough one. Everything is meaningful in the store when you see it and just have to have it. So I guess what I mean is buy what I need. Although need is subjective...
  • Get with the clutch: Only when I needed one recently did I realise I am sans clutch. One of my besties gifted me a lovely royal blue one for Christmas which I adore but, I need to buy clutches. And yes, this would qualify as a meaningful purchase. "Sans clutch" I said!
  • Become besties with a tailor: We all need a tailor in our lives, they are the key to success in fashion. Most of the clothes we buy are made for standard sizes and let me tell ya, as a 5'2" petite gal my size is all but standard. 


Other Resolutions

  • Listen to music less when I walk around the city: I always miss so many interesting things that can add richly to my city-strolling experience. And can avoid getting hit by a bus or trolley pushing vagrant.
  • Quality time with Blanket: No, not the late great MJ's son - an actual blanket. I always go to the movies with my blanket and need to do so more next year because I missed so many great movies in 2011!
  • Planning and Implementation: I have so many ideas for this blog, it's crazy. I haven't been able to really venture out and do what I need to do to get it rolling but I've already started laying down plans for 2012. Here's hoping you'll be hearing from me more!

What is your resolution list looking like?

Yours,

A.

16 December 2011

Things I Love: Shoe Shopping

There's just nothing quite like a day of ogling beautiful shoes for hours on end, trying on pair after pair then settling on one (or one of many) that you just must have. Just thinking about it is reviving me. Super exhausted after a day of running all around the city with the bestie getting late Christmas gifts (tis the season for tardiness!), fabulous bargain jeans, turtle rings and scented things. Only just when we were both on the verge of fainting did we stop to eat and regroup. Then we practically helped close a store. Sigh. The lives we lead!


With Oxfords and other lace-up flats being all the rage for some time now, they've popped up in all sorts of colours, patterns and other variations. One of my favourite stores in the heart of the city, Blaanix, keeps them all in stock. Check out the many adorable (and affordable!) beauties I spied today.









But even with this selection I decided to get myself a lace-free pair of leopard print slippers that I adore. 


P.S.: Spy the swollen feet? Side effect of being in the city on a Friday in the midst of Christmas sales.

Yours,

A.

5 December 2011

I Have A Dream...

...that one day all men will be stylish and smooth but not possess so much swag that it inflates their ego or tampers with their good nature. But it's just a dream. A dream recently coming to fruition though is one where men are paying as much attention (if not more) to their shoes as other aspects of their outfit. And no - not just their Air Jordans or other man-magnet SNEAKER.




I actually did wake up today thinking of men's shoes though but I blame Gucci. Their men's shoes are crazy in the best way. The first one to catch my eye because of its brilliant hue was this Blue Velvet Moccasin (make that blue velvet with blue leather trim - need I say more?). Simple and Classic.



Understandably the Gucci budget is unattainable to most so I also went off in search of equally chic yet much more affordable footwear for the everyday male fashion aficionado working with a budget.

A suitable alternative to this US$495 Gucci moccasin is the Cole Haan Air Monroe Penny which goes for US$198. 
Note: What also makes this very guy friendly is the Nike-AIR technology in the heel which gives you sneaker comfort without the sneaker. Nice.


In keeping with the moccasin look which is enjoying its moment in the fashion spotlight, I also love the glossy Gucci Black Patent Leather Moccasin which is adorned with a velvet strip. 


Perhaps it's the shine that drew me in but when all else in your outfit is neat and sleek these shoes will be the perfect understated pop if you're timid with colour or depending on the occasion. These cost US$570 but you can get a similar look from Calvin Klein for just US$130 with the Guilford.


Next on the list were the Gucci Tan Lace-Up Oxfords. I like the detail in these shoes; the fade, the perforations, the stitching, and the embossed Gucci script. Said details (and brand name) are probably why they cost US$565.


But you can get those details in the Ted Baker Hake 2 shoes which don't have the perforations but have everything else for only US$185.


Last but not least on the list: Remember those Oxfords with tassels your grandfather used to wear that made you think he was so cool? Decades later, they're back. The thing is, had you worn these even 4 years ago you would have been ridiculed but guess what - they're cool again! Fashion is a vicious cycle. Gucci has this Black Moccasin with Tassels for US$630.


But you can achieve a similar look for US$105 with the Executive Imperials Men's Wingtip Slip-On. Though not quite as debonair, its fantastic for the same effect.



Hope these come in handy for your upcoming holiday parties!


Yours,

A.