Fabulous Finds for Skin

Call it the arrogance of the young, but like many things in my life, I'm just starting to get it. This also applies to the things I already knew like sunscreen, I am pretty sure I started taking that seriously when I turned 20; daily moisturizer with SPF when I turned 23. Now that I'm about to slam into 28, I've finally begun to understand the importance of a full skin care regime and have to wonder how much damage I've already done?

A few weeks ago I was at Trish McEvoy getting some new make-up. While I understand they try and peddle every serum under the sun, I knew she meant business after seeing her reaction after she asked if I used an eye cream (it reminded me of Mother Muse back in the day when I was frequently reminded that I "couldn't trick a tricker.") So I had to admit that my emphatic "yes" was more like occasionally dousing a little eye cream when I remember.

This woman was clearly seeing the bigger picture -- I wasn't getting it. So when she sent me on my way with a tote full of trial size products I became obsessed. When I'm looking through the magazines I actually read the skin care articles now and have found some great products for those of us that are just graduating into the "frig, I'm getting older" or "you want how much for an ounce?" groups of women (and men).

As a newbie the following are the most important additions to your skin care regimen -- eye cream, at-home peels, and moisturizer with SPF. With so many options it can be really easy to say the most expensive must be the best, but often that is not the case and is purely marketing.

For eye cream look for products that have collagen boosters like retinol, antioxidants like Vitamin C and peptides. The entire Muse family has been turned onto Dr. Wexler 3 in 1 eye cream as well as all her other products.

At-home peels and microdermabrasion, they sound a lot scarier than they actually are -- I hear it and think of Samantha in SATC, follow the directions and you won't notice a thing. Try Ole Henriksen, Murad or RoC from your local drugstore.

As for moisturizer -- I think this is a totally personal experience...Sister Muse1 likes La Mer but I'm allergic. I like L'Oreal Future E because it is light and easy on the wallet. In fact I like L'Oreal's products in general because they have the same owners and often use the same ingredients as Kiehl's and Lancome.

Oh and give it a few months, because if you are like me, there are years of damage control going down!

Transitional Clothing

I woke up this morning and went about my business getting ready when the most terrible thing happened! I opened my window to see snow gathering on my deck. It took my eyes a few moments to take in the scene because I dismissed winter at least two weeks ago and the first day of spring is tomorrow!!! HELLO, its EASTER!

This happens every year, I stubbornly decide its spring and Mother Nature laughs in my face. I put my frumpy puffer away in favor of a lighter suede trench only to freeze and catch a cold.

What's a muse to do???

Well coats and closed-toe shoes are still a necessity, but there are steps we can take to let Mother Nature know who's boss!

First, lose the dark nails, at least for a while. It is so LC (Lauren Conrad) anyway. Opt for a bright fun shade or neutral for those less daring.

Take baby steps towards letting go of some of the black that's been dominating your wardrobe by shifting to something gray then spice it up with a punch of color like a yellow cardigan or belt.

Probably the easiest way to achieve transition is with a scarf which will completely add life to a basic outfit. Old Navy has some great gauzy scarves (see above) that can be casually strewn on, looped, or put into a 1/2 knot. Or try out the new Boho trend with this great Forever 21 tie-dye scarf -- cheap and easy so when it is SO out next season you won't feel bad discarding.

Start small with accessories, jewelry and make-up and let the weather catch-up to you!

Mother of the Bride

Why is it so difficult to find an MOB (Mother of the Bride) dress? I've been looking high and low for an age appropriate dress that won't have Mother Muse looking like a Vegas Show-Girl that never had the chance to go to the prom!!! For example, perusing Nordstrom's Mother of the Bride section I came across this fab dress and I say fab for me! I mean on what planet does a boomer MOB want to wear this to her daughter's wedding? Conversely, I don't want Mother Muse to look matronly. Factor in budget, body-type and season and I know this quest is not for the faint of heart.

The race is on!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Perusing some of my favorite sites this afternoon (everyone deserves an afternoon tea break) and found this amazing flirty dress on a MAJOR sale!! Sadly the stylemuse is on hiatus from shopping at the moment, but all the better for my friends and family! I'm really enjoying the plethora of ruffles out at the moment. This dress from Kenneth Cole is a perfect bright -- but I would recommend buying a bigger size than the model is wearing (and definitely different shoes, try gladiator/metallic flats).

As I've said before, I'm sad that JCP has hit the mainstream mags and can only hope it doesn't jump the shark prematurely!! But I'm happy to report that there are some real finds right now. Get into the nautical theme with a ruffled stripe shirt (again not sure about this model's outfit).

And totally out of the blue, I found this amazing jewelry site Max & Chloe with the most ridiculous earrings ever!!! I have always loved Jem & the Holograms and with these I finally feel like I might get the chance!!! HA! Admittedly, these are a bit out there, but the site has great stuff from R.J Graziano and Kenneth Jay Lane in one convenient location!

Celebrities Are Just Like Us

I usually try to avoid the "If only I could look like her" in regards to the rich and famous. I try and remember it is their job and that they have a TEAM of people to help them look that way (and almost always when you bump into them at Whole Foods it is a disappointment).

Though, I was very moved by this photo of America Ferrara. She looks stunning, but in a very attainable way. The dress is beautiful in a regal eggplant (one of my favorite hues) and cinches at the smallest part of her waist,drawing attention away from other areas (I suspect the hips). The hair and make-up are done but in an all-American way (kill-me)! This looks should be an inspiration to us all. Got any evening weddings coming this spring?

Get Over Your Bad Self!

"Get over your bad self" is something the Mother Muse tells me frequently, and depending on the context can have all sorts of meanings, but for you today it just means I'd like us all to be free from the preconceived labels we give to certain stores. Just because its Arden B. doesn't mean it is cheesy, and Talbots does not have to mean your grandmother's Sunday best. By holding these notions, we severely limit some serious fashion triumphs! Not to mention, by rising above you'll avoid a fashion rut and leave everyone guessing where you scored the fabulous look.

Still don't believe me??? Well, if Target hasn't sold you on celebrity labels like Isaac and maybe Vera isn't enough to get you to Kohl's, consider this - many of the creative directors behind labels you love are actually not creating the pieces you're wearing.

For example, I bet many of you wouldn't buy Liz Claiborne but tote your Kate Spade proudly...Would you still if you knew that Kate Spade is no longer the creative force behind her brand?

Or would you still pooh-pooh Talbots if you knew the very well-respected Michael Smallbone was behind the brand (formerly of Anne Klein).

phew, ok I think I’ve made my point! You will never find all the things you want in one store, nor should you! A terrible fashion faux-pas would be to look like pg. 76 from a catalog...

So in the essence of sharing, here are a few of my favorite hidden gems:

JC Penney has stealthily built up its brand and now is in many of the mainstream fashion mags. Love the play jewelry and cheap summer dresses! (Check out the jacket above, so cute and just $40)

Victoria Secret has great selection on bathing suits and shoes

Talbots is totally under the radar on handbags, shoes and the occasional party dress. For all the lucky Boston girls -- head to the outlet in Hingham, best deals out there!

When all else fails try the usual suspects: Kohls, Target, H&M, Limited, Marshalls etc.

Getting over your bad self never looked so good!

Shop It To Me!!!

Friends of the Style Muse have been simultaneously thanking and cursing me for the introduction to "Shop it to Me" Alas, I can not be given the credit for this amazing little find, all the credit is bestowed on my Sister Muse.

Quite simply, "Shop it to Me" gathers all your sizes and brands you are interested in and send you a daily email with the sales of the day from your favorite shops. Brilliant!!!

Shop Away!

http://www.shopittome.com/salemail/signup.jsp

Where are the rest of your pants?

I recently had dinner with a dear old friend of mine and as we reminisced I realized how much I missed having his honest male opinion at my fingertips. Even today certain advice still rings true, so I've decided to share a bit with you all.

Capris have long-been in style. I remember this pair of light-pink Old Navy capris I'd paired with a cute black tube top and flip-flops -- "stylish and comfortable" my naive-self thought. My friend picked me up for the party and said "Where are the rest of your pants?" Just when I thought his criticism was finished he added ever-articulately, "And tube tops do nothing for girls, I don't know why they bother, they're so stupid."

With that I was finished! Before I even entered the door to the all-important high school soiree my confidence had been blown (although I'd never have him know it). While that night came and went, the poorly-timed advice has stayed with me -- as a general rule, capris and tube tops are not friends to the female form and will leave most men wondering where are the rest of your pants? (I've done a highly thorough audit of this opinion and find that it does hold true)

Am I suggesting you throw them out completely? Not necessarily, but just because J.Crew has displayed an impossibly cute model on its pages wearing a similar outfit does not mean it will work in the real world.

And while my male friend doesn't usually listen to me, he has no choice but to learn from me as well. Last time he came to visit, he sported the most hideous pair of "mandals" I've seen, so I took matters in my own hands and hid them from him before he left...for his own good.

The Superbowl of Fashion

Oh, how I love the Oscars! Let me count the ways -- 1. the Jewels 2. the Hair 3. the make-up 4. the dresses and 5. oh yeah, the little gold statues too! This year was somewhat disappointing -- No Vanity Fair after-party, No really star-making moments during the show and I still can't get over the fact Tilda Swinton won Best Supporting Actress -- but I digress.

Who got it right? And Who should fire their stylist? :) This year was not filled with many flagrant fashion missteps, but not many stood out from the pack either. The usual risk-takers were absent like Keira Knightley or Natalie Portman and their presence was missed. For example, Katherine Heigl (why was she there again) looked beautiful, everything just right, but she doesn't make my list. I'm so tired of her Old Hollywood Glamour bit. I like Glamour as much as the next person, but it is 2008 and I wish she would mix it up a bit.

So who did make the cut? I have a surprising choice for my #1 pick of Best Dressed this year -- It goes to Ruby Dee from American Gangster. She was flawless: perfect hair, make-up, jewels and dress. And they were all age appropriate which is no small feat!

Other toppers of the evening were:

Dresses: Cameron Diaz, Heidi Klum, Renee Zellweger

Hair & Make-Up: Jen Garner, Marion Cotillard, Kristin Chenoweth

You would think with the stylists, money and time the Red Carpet-brigade could hit the trifecta, but few made it happen.

Best Overall Goes to Penelope Cruz, Keri Russell, Miley Cyrus and Amy Adams (I'm a sucker for Red Hair/Emerald frock combo).

And... The Oh Dear! Awards: Jennifer Hudson, Diablo Cody, Tilda Swinton

My final thought from the event was DAMN you Hollywood stylists!!! In one evening they made sure that the one-shoulder look (which I adore) will jump-the-shark faster than you can say Tory Burch.

'Til next year!

Dreamin' of Summer

Dear Muse, I am starting to think about the summer and want to get a cool beach cover-up. I like the fitted tunic style, but they all seem to be very mumu-like or designed for an evening out. Any good hints? Thanks, Dreamin' of Summer

A. Oh summer!! It seems to be on everyone's mind lately. I blame the resort collections cropping up all over the place. For those lucky enough to get away, and those that pin the bikini to the closet door for inspiration, beachy items are all over the place! For those that hit the latter category, I definitely suggest waiting a bit for items to go on sale. In fact, Banana Republic is having some decent sales on spring-like inventory including some great orange blouses which I love!

On to the question at hand, cover-ups! Oh how times have changed!!! When I was younger I would strategically wear cover-ups to hide parts I deemed unsightly, and sadly as the years press on, its more about covering up from the sun's harmful rays (and maybe still a bit of the former). Either way, I agree they can be hard to find. While there is always the ubiquitous Juicy Couture terrycloth sundress (and I do love terrycloth), for something a bit more grown-up try this J. Crew light-weight and summery cotton tunic. Or for something easier to get on and off, try a cover-up from Lands' End -- they have this great turquiose zip-up cotton number for just $28.50 http://www.landsend.com/.