SHAHEERA

How many fancy dresses can a lady have? A LOT, but that’s besides the point (thanks recession). But if we have to condense our wardrobes (including shoes and all other accessories), we would be surprised by how a few things can be worn so many different ways. Here are four timeless dresses that can be mixed and matched with any of these three TIMELESS accessories. So when you’re shopping, for anything, think…TIMELESS.

CRASH TEST:

1.) Will I wear this black, cotton, knee-length shift dress from Theory on multiple occasions, perhaps for many years to come? YES

2.) Will I wear this camouflage tee-shirt with the words ‘Daddy’s Girl’ (no offense to those of you who are) inscribed on the chest with red glitter? NO (COMMENT).

ENJOY BEING ECONOMICALLY STYLISH!

There are different types of people, and each person is categorized within a certain group. In sociological standpoints, this is usually called a ‘stereotype’, but since we are speaking in “fashionable” terms, let’s just call it ‘personal style’.

I like this look because each piece speaks for itself, and can be worn with multiple styles. This isn’t necessarily what an ‘artist’ would wear, but it’s just a term I thought of while making this collage. You can substitute the sequins skirt for a nice pair of jeans. You can add a blazer or classic denim jacket if you wanted to, and still look sophisticated.  Keep it simple with the makeup, or add a wine-colored lipstick if you’re feeling ravishing, chances are, you probably already are ;-)

Spring is here and summer is a comin’!

Now, if you live in the Midwest (ie: St. Louis, MO), then you’re well-aware that this region generously offers two seasons: 1.) so cold you want to die, or 2.) so hot you already feel like you’re dead. No matter where you are or what season it is, the above pieces should be quite suitable and very stylish.

This look is casual, yet refined. An array of women can pull it off, from all paths of life. Substitute the shirts with a plain white tee, or if the pants feel sweaty (I just had to go there), or if they’re just not your style, then find some comfy Cheap Monday, J Crew or J Brand pants/jeans.

We spend so much time trying to figure out what to wear, that we often forget to take care of other things, like our skin. If you have the luxury-brand ‘itch’, then splurge on the La Mer body cream, or just use some old school Nivea or Jergens. Just make sure you’re wearing a good sunblock to protect your largest organ (your skin). To finish your look, add some tinted moisturizer (NARS), peachy-pink blush (‘Orgasm’ by NARS), any good water/sweat-resistant mascara, and a pretty lip color (‘Nymphette’ by MAC).

Voila!

This look is monochromatic and effortlessly cool. It’s artsy, yet so charming.

An adjective perfectly describing the color mint would be ‘friendly’. It just makes me happy to look at. Mint, or any color within the same family (turquoise, teal, blue, etc.) are universally suitable and brighten up any skin-tone, hair color, eye color and even, aura.

If you want to look and feel yummy AND friendly - mint yourself.

For many years, I carried around numerous amounts of makeup in my purse. After I realized my back-pain was due to being vain, I had to make a very important, yet still, vain decision (staying true to myself…) - I condensed my makeup bag.

Now, after realizing that I am truly a minimalist, I only carry around a few lipsticks in a variety of shades, a gloss or cocoa butter lip balm, and maybe some powder for touch-ups.

I learned that you really don’t need much to look and feel beautiful. For example: use a coral-red lipstick to add a pop of color on the lips AND cheeks. Add a chocolate liner to line your eyes traditionally, and/or smudge it all over your lid for a sultry night-time look. Use a mascara of your choice to get thick lashes (if you only had one choice of result). The goal is to look and feel effortlessly beautiful, and the fun part lies in how many different ways you can play with each product. Wink.

The items above are some I like to use on myself and others.

NARS: Lip gloss in ‘Greek Holiday’

DIOR EYE PALETTE: Neutral and cool in one palette (Dior palettes are just worth it. The color pay-off is wonderful, and the texture/quality is excellent).

LAURA MERCIER Cheek and bronzer palette (can be used on the eyes).

Tips:

There is a lot of demand for multi-purpose makeup products nowadays, just be open to the suggestion and you’ll be happy you were!

“Well, that’s just peachy” no longer denotes sarcasm, at least not for this look.

Peach is a beautiful color. It can take on many identities and remain virtuously mysterious. There are ‘peachy-pinks’, or an ‘orange-peach’, or tan, or salmon, etc. All these variations, however, look universally flattering on all skin tones.

Peach blush can enhance skin tone, and look like it’s coming from within the skin, rather than sitting on top of it. I love these blushes: MAC’s ‘Melba’, ‘Peachykeen’, ‘Style’, or ‘Ladyblush’. I also really love these blushes by NARS: ‘Torrid’, ‘Gilda’, ‘Orgasm’, and ‘Sex Appeal’. Last year, I really fell in love with Chantecaille’s Cheek Creme in ‘Demure’. I am finally, almost done with it, and for makeup fiends, this is monumental!

In addition to that natural, flushed glow, use a subtle peachy lip color. MAC’s ‘Nymphette’ Lipglass has a pearly, iridescent finish that looks different in every angle. ‘Shy Girl’, ‘Ravishing’ or ‘Fanfare’ (all by MAC) are affordable and long lasting shades which can transition beautifully into fall/winter. Add some lipstick to your cheeks for a glow (super old-school trick, but it’s awesome).

Lastly, with the delicate peach look, there is always room for some brooding elements, such as a cabernet nail color, or a soft and spicy smokey eye (some chocolatey, glitter shadow, perhaps?).   

The rest is easy and nonchalant. A loose knit top, or tee, with a flowy translucent skirt and some great legs, and BAM, you’re a dainty knockout. 

I feel like the theme of this blog is ‘methodically stylish’, which means you are spending less by investing in key, stylish pieces. I know, who plans their outfits anymore? In the morning, we now have to allot time to check Instagram before we look at our sleepy-heads in the mirror.

Let’s challenge ourselves. Stop shopping with the goal of finding one outfit for the night (for real). Start shopping for an entire week first. Mix and match pieces. Your week’s wardrobe should look like a family, with one ‘red headed stepchild’ item or two, just to keep things interesting and unique. Throw that yellow shirt-dress over the black & white striped dress (both above), OR at least wear those interestingly adorable Miu Miu glitter heels with something you already have.

Start buying interesting things, not for the sake of appearing interesting, but feeling like a risk-taker, but not with your wallet.