Is tomboy your style?

First of all, let’s make it clear: tomboys are cool. It seems that they always have more fun..

When growing up, I totally considered myself a tomboy ( well, I believe everyone did too!): I did not like dolls, or pink, or ruffles and sparkles. I did not like ballet or cooking classes at school. No. I liked to play soccer, to be the captain of my dodgeball team, to use shorts, tees and sneakers all the time. I liked short hair or it would be on a pony tail anyway.

Yes, a typical tomboy. I hated those fragile girls that would cry for everything. I liked to play with boys. I was strong and they would bring me competition.

Well, I grew up, started modeling and getting involved with fashion. Started loving shoes – all my 300 pairs – as any other girl. Started getting crazy about accessories and a good powerful feminine fragrance.

That said, that are girls like me that radically change the style when becoming an adult, there are some that keep the tomboyish touch, that certain masculine way of dressing. And there is nothing wrong with any of them. It is just style. And what is style other than expressing your personality?

So, if you do not carry that boyish posture anymore, if you are over your tomboy days, this article is for you (sorry, girly girls, but I write to you and about you all the time).

How can you dress like a woman, be feminine and sensual, and yet keep some touches of your old tomboy style?

Here are some tips:

1- If you opt for suits with a more masculine structure (not too much a defined waist, for example), you can maybe use a feminine button down shirt – if ruffles are too much for you, maybe a button down made in semi sheer material, or with a lace detail, or even a feminine color – pairing a neutral color suit with pastel blouse will guarantee that fragile touch, while pairing with a vibrant color such as red, will give the sensual attitude to that boyish suit.

2- That boyfriend jeans with that straight cut tee and your Converse sneakers can get that feminine touch from a cute floral scarf.

Just a feminine touch…

3- Cargo kind of girl? Mix with a girly tee – with some distinctive details and maybe some ballerina shoes…

Cargos can totally be girlie!

4- Ripped jeans, tee and a fedora hat? Use some really cool bracelets and some animal print flats!

5- Skinny jeans, jacket and really short hair? What about that vivid lipstick?

Any way you go, there are ways that you can put your feminine said together with your boyish one, be stylish and yet express your personality!

Boyfriend jacket? Ruffle it up!

I have “two bodies”, so what?

Elle Macpherson is one of my idols, as are Heidi Klum and Charlize Theron. Three breath-taking women. Three fabulous faces and gorgeous bodies: tall, slim, long legs, flawless complexion, expressive eyes and perfect smiles. Sizes: 4-6. Yes, those sizes that all of us dream wearing…

 The catwalks around the world are filled with double zero sized women.

The print and electronic advertising world portray only skinny and perfect bodies, framed with the perfect outfits adorning those dream faces (with just the perfect make-up!).

But, let’s be realistic: women come in all sizes, colors and shapes and most of the times have problems dressing their bodies.

Many brands unfortunately tailor their clothes for that exact market: if you are over 120lbs you will probably fit in NONE of their items.  And go try a size 8…they would not fit a 10-year-old girl! As if that was not enough, the sizes many times go to 12 only.

Actually, many of us, women, have “two bodies”: one size on top, a different one on the bottom. And that, my friend, can make our lives very difficult!

The first step is actually figuring out our sizes, what again, can be challenging. The important point is to be aware of where should the item fit perfectly and where it can be altered or tailored. For example: if you have wide hips and narrow waist, it is very likely that you won’t find a pair of pants that will fit perfectly. In that case, you should find pants that fit your hips – and the waist can be tailored.

The second step, is to find out if you use the same size on the top and on the bottom: sometimes that difference in size can be substantial, and you might need to shop for tops and bottoms in different departments or even different stores – some women might be Petite on top and Misses on bottom, or Misses on bottom and Plus size on top. As I said, we come in every shape and size!

The third step is the most difficult one: once we find out our true size, we must accept it and shop accordingly, so we will get the best fit of each item and outfit.

So, what are the tips to make the best of your shopping experience and get the perfect fitted outfits?

1-    Start by finding your body shape: are you a Pear? Apple? Strawberry? Hourglass? (that will help you to start understanding your proportions)

2-    What is your best feature or the part of our body that you like the most or are most comfortable with? (you will look for styles or details that highlight the best of you)

3-    Always try at least 2 sizes: even when you know your size, trying 2 different ones is beneficial – it can show you that a larger or smaller size might fit more nicely in that specific style

4-    Battle your frustration – when we do not find something that fits us all over, we tend to get frustrate with our bodies. We have to keep in mind, that our bodies are not meant to fit the clothes, but the other way around, and there is nothing wrong on having to tailor a little here and there

5-    Be open-minded – we have some pre-concepts that make us repeatedly go to the exact same styles, colors and shy us away of trying new things

6-    Try it on! Clothes can look really different when in the hanger…

7-    Don’t let it pull – remember: if the shirt is gaping in the chest line and the skirt is sliding up, try a size larger

8-    Different brands run different sizing, have different cuts and fits. Did not like what you saw? Try a different brand!

But more important than all, be confident in your own skin!

The luxury of anti-anging: Shiseido and Orlane

Shiseido BIO-PERFORMANCE Advanced Super Restoring Cream is an anti-aging cream, formulated with Rose Apple Leaf Extract to protect skin from harmful environmental aggressors and maintain youthful looking skin.

Super Bio-Hyaluronic Acid N supplies a high level of moisture which helps maintain a positive cycle in the skin.

The main uses for the Bio-Performance Advanced Super Restoring cream are for lifting (re-shaping) and firming, as well as smoothing deep wrinkles.

It comes in 50 ml  and 75 ml and it retails for  $99 and $124 respectively. The jar is luxurious and it comes with a spatula.

It should be used after have your skin cleansed and balanced (using a softer and serum), twice a day: morning and night. You just have to use a small amount and apply to the five points on the face: mid of forehead. nose, cheeks and chin (blend the cream upward and outward).

It is a rich cream and it has a light pleasant scent.

I have normal skin (not dry, not oily) and the absorption of this product on my skin is pretty quick. It does not feel sticky after application and it gives a fresh sensation – very moisturizing. Shiseido recommends it for any skin type. I liked the glow and shine that it brought to my face almost immediately and could notice some improvement in the firmness after a couple of weeks.

Crème Repulpante Antirides Extreme

Orlane Creme Repulpante Antirides Extreme, or Extreme Line-reducing Re-plumping Cream, fights wrinkles and rejuvenates skin.

It is expected to stimulate skin regeneration and treat the wrinkle from the inside, and also provide deep hydration.

It should be applied twice a day: morning and night.
One of its ingredients, Memoxyle®, intervenes in the transmission of inter-cellular messages, rebuilding the skin and helping it say young longer. It also contains black tea and ceramides.

It comes in 1.7 oz and it retails for $250. The jar is beautiful and it also comes with a spatula.

It is a lighter cream, however my skin took a little longer to absorb it completely. I could feel my skin moist and fresh immediately. Over a period of 3 weeks I could notice also a more ”glowy” skin and slightly fuller contours.

Bio-Performance Advance Super Restoring Cream

Bermuda Shorts – Spring 2013

The “bermuda shorts”, also known as walking shorts or dress shorts originated with the British Army, to be worn in tropical and desert climates. They also got their name because of their popularity in Bermuda (British overseas territory), where the are actually considered business attire for men when made of suit-like material and worn with knee-length socks.

Bermuda Shorts origin

Over time, after Second World War, they became more popular and made also of bright colored materials, and started to be used also on casual occasions.

Nowadays, the bermuda shorts still resemble the old time ones, however have more variations in shape, fabric and colors, and are used by men as well as be women.

They came back as a strong trend for Spring 2013: DKNY, Rachel Zoe, Vera Wang, John Barlett, Rag & Bone, and Diane Von Furstenberg, among others designed some new and fun styles for their collections.

I honestly like this trend a lot because you can dress this kind shorts up or down as needed and make a modern and eclectic statement.

Some styles are slim and fitted (Vera Wang and Suno have some great slim styles), some are very slouchy ( DKNY has some denim ones that have that fun boyish look).

Here are some ideas…

White stretch bermuda shorts – very casual look

White stretch bermuda shorts – polished casual

White stretch bermuda shorts – cool look

I love both the slim and the slouchy one and depending on the occasion, pair with flats or wedges and even some platforms if I need a look for evening.

Slouch boyfriend denim – casual day

Slouchy boyfriend denim – casual evening

I also love the mis of boyish items with feminine ones – I think when you pair them you get a interesting, edgy look.

So, here are some more ideas on dressing the bermuda shorts up or down. You just have to choose the occasion!

Slim black – casual

 

Slim black – work outfit

 

 

Lip gloss: Armani, Tom Ford and Kaplan MD

A cosmetic used to give shine, and often a tint, to the lips: this is the definition of lip gloss by Dictionary.com.

To me, it is much more than that: it is that cosmetic that you carefully chose to make your lips look vigorous, shiny and desirable.

Whether you like to use the lip gloss by itself, or on top of your favorite lipstick, it is totally a personal choice.

There are fabulous lip glosses out there, so I will be using some that I really like: Kaplan MD, Tom Ford and Armani.

Kaplan MD: I love this lip gloss, first because of the protection that it offers – SPF20, and also because it is very moisturizing. Dr Kaplan is a world renowned clinical and cosmetic Dermatologist, caring for the skin of several celebrities, models, and beauty icons from all over the world.

The texture is very rich and it comes in 10 colors: clear, natural nude, berry, peach, ruby, velvet wine, blackberry, plum and rosewood.

They main ingredients are Seabuckthorn Berry Extract ( nourishing, revitalizing, and restorative), Squalane ( natural humectant and emollient derived from olive oil), Marine Collagen & Patented Tri-Peptide ( hydration and collagen synthesis stimulant), Hyaluronic Filling Spheres ( smooth and plump the skin), White Beeswax ( locks in moisture, nourishes, softens  and protects the skin).

What I specially like about it t is that they are sheer and sparkly – I usually it by itself during the day and on top of lipstick at night or special occasions.

Nude

Retails for $30.

TOM FORD: I love the texture of this gloss! it is creamy and very smooth. Lip gloss usually does not last long, but this one adheres well ( when I used it,  it lasted a couple of hours- no eating, drinking or wiping the lips) . I also used on top of lipstick and the result is very luxurious, full, bold and sexy lips.

Available in 10 colors: Naked. Rose crush, Sahara pink, Pink guilt, Love bruise, Sugar pink, Peach absolute, Lost cherry, Tawny pink, and Wet violet.

Naivite

Slightly sparkly.

The packaging is simple yet very classy, just like any Tom Ford product. Beautiful.

It retails for $45.

Giorgio Armani: Gloss D’Armani - encompasses three collections: Skin Lacquers collections and Bronze collection, and Gloss D’Armani lip gloss.

Skin Lacquers:  Inspired by the lacquered perfection of a flawless porcelain doll, it blends a shine varnish with lip tone pigments, giving a sheer coverage enhancing lips and cheeks. The idea is that the natural lip tone is enhanced and perfected with the dewy color of the gloss.

It is available in 6 shades ( 513 – Rosaperla, 514 – Petal, 515- Vintage, 516 – Coral, 517- Hot and 518 – Rosewood). Shades 515, 516 and 517 are excellent to be used in soft, porcelain skin tones, while 513, 514 and 518 look fabulous on summer tanned skin.

513, 514, 515

516, 517, 518

The Bronze collection is limited edition. It comes in ‘Pink Quartz’, ‘Rose Crocoite’, ‘Rasberry Zincite’ and ‘Red Andradite’ and it is a blend of inky translucent lacquers with robust micronized pigments.

509, 510

511, 512

Gloss D’Armani lip gloss: The Cinema Lacquer. Inspired by icons of the cinema, Armani once more offers glamour. The lip gloss flexible velvet applicator adds volume and defines contours – it’s no questions something that you notice immediately.

It comes in 28 gorgeous shades: you will find a shade that suits your taste and personality – from nude beiges, desaturated pinks, plum shades and dramatic reds, there is a shade for everyone.

100, 101, 402, 403, 507, 508

400, 401
504, 505

201

All of them retail for $28 ( good value)

Perfumes I love…

Perfumes that I love…

I am definitely a perfume girl – can’t leave my house without the fragrance that will easily express my mood and what I am up to at that moment ( actually, even if I don’t leave the house I like to use the fragrances to set my mood for the day!).

Obviously, I am solely expressing my opinion and personal experience: we have to consider that the same fragrance might smell slightly different from one person to the other .

Each person has his/her unique body chemistry: hormones, medications, diet, and even stress level, when “combined” with the fragrance scents (notes) can affect how it will “smell on your skin”. The compounds of your skin such as fat, sugar and proteins influence, and the skin type (dry or oily) together with your fragrance will produce a unique scent.

Naturally, my favorite fragrances are soft, have a lasting citrus note and maybe a touch of green tea, or a little woodsy scent at the end. As this would be the category that I would choose first, it would express my most raw personality traces, such as free-spirited, fun and outgoing.

In this category, some of my favorite are:

1- Bulgari “Extreme”:  its fragrance Family is “Fresh – Citrus Top. Its heart notes: Jasmine, Citrus, Rose and its base note is Green Tea. Some other touches come from bergamot, orange blossom, cardamom, coriander, pepper, jasmine, Bulgarian rose, and woods. More intense (concentration 15%) than the Eau Parfumee au The Vert, still as delicate and subtle as the original.

The bottle is elegant as well as the packaging. It comes in  1 oz and 3.4 oz.

I use it both casually or for special occasions, it really depends more on how I feel and how I want to be perceived.

2-Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne: 30 or 100 ml, this cologne carries the scent of limes  on a Caribbean sea breeze, Lime Basil & Mandarin and it is considered a universal cologne – both men and women are delighted when using it. To me, the scent of fresh limes and mandarins is very distinctive and powerful, yet soft and pleasant. You can also smell the basil and thyme at the end.

I use when I want to exude that fresh and casual side of me – it’s usually one of my day time options.

There are some “flowery” ( as I playfully say… actually Floral) fragrances that really appeal to me also, bringing out that romantic, feminine side of me (and I believe every girl would feel the same…)

1- Acqua Fiorentina:  CREED brought back Acqua Fiorentina and sure made a lot of women very happy. Creed is famous for its traditional art of making very exclusive fragrances:  founded in 1760 and passed from father to son since then, CREED is the only dynastic, privately held luxury fragrance company in the world. CREED is based in Paris.

Top Notes:

Lightly sweet greengage plum, Diamond Jubilee Apples and prumeau.

Middle Notes:

Renaissance roses, white carnations, Sicilian bergamot and Calabrian.

Base Notes:

Virginia cedar and Indian sandalwood are a heart-charming close, with a lively hint of white grapefruit.

At first I thought that it was a little sweet for me, but I suddenly started feeling not only feminine and romantic, but really unforgettable: it is a very distinctive fragrance.

2- Elie Saab Le Parfum is another fragrance that I absolutely love: Mandarin tree blossom, gardenia and vetiver blend with warm honey rose and make a romantic and memorable  Eau de Toilette.

I also like the sophistication and simplicity of the bottle and packaging.

It comes in 1.7 and 3 oz. To me, it is a fragrance that you can use at any time.

There is a very special category, basically a “my category”, that I call “intriguing, exotic and sensual”. And in this category I chose some of the most exquisite fragrances:

1- Violet Blonde by Tom Ford.

Top notes: violet leaf absolute, Italian mandarin and baie rose.
Middle Notes: Tuscan orris absolute, Tuscan orris butter and jasmin sambac sampaquita.
Bottom Notes: benzoin, cedarwood, vetiver absolute, silkolide and soft suede.

It is elegant and yet I feel empowered and sexy. It exotic and sophisticated. It’s mysterious.

As it is more of an opulent fragrance, most of the times I use for special occasions, or when I really want to feel empowered and transpire confidence.

Comes in 1.7 and 3.4 oz.

Obviously, as I said when I started this article, I L-O-V-E perfumes, so I will be reviewing and giving my thoughts about other fragrances soon.

And you?  How do you feel today?  Which fragrance would express your mood and personality?

The hourglass…

Are you a hourglass? Lucky you!

The hour glass top and bottom are very proportional and the middle (waist) is narrow and very coveted.

Hour Glass Shape

There is basically no clothes that would look bad on you.

You can use and abuse of the wonderful wrap dresses (even though they are just awesome for all body types) and anything that accentuates your wonderful figure.

You may want to consider your other features such as height, bust size, complexion, hair color, to define what will flatter you the most. For example – even though a hourglass type could use any kind of pants, you might want to consider your height to decide for flare or straight legs. You can absolutely use fitted tops, but might want to consider your bust size to decide on the neckline. There is really nothing much that will make you look bad, but there are – as for everyone else – the ones that will flatter the most.

So, consider your height to pick the right dress or skirt length, if you have short or long waist to decide on what kind of belts, your hair color as well as complexion to choose the right color (at least to use on the top part of your body, close to your face).

Here are some examples of really good choices for the hourglass:

The pencil skirt always does a good job and the belt is fabulous to accentuate even more the hour glass figure.

 

The wrap top with the v-neck is just perfect to contour the hour glass figure.

 

Yes, skinny jeans look awesome when you are hour glass shape… Using a longer tee with a shorter cardigan also helps defining the waist line ( not that you really need it…)