While I've always been a bit of a magazine addict, I don't actually buy a lot of books. But my exposure to Tim Gunn's Guide to Style and the fact that they send their guests to InStyle for a consult and the InStyle magazine encouraged me to ask Santa for the book. And of course Santa was good to me.
So, what did I think of the book. It was freaking awesome! The book is extremely well laid out, talks about the basics at first (fabric, fit, proportion), then discussed different items of clothing (skirts, dresses, suits, etc.), what to look for, how to wear and a guide to challenging body parts (big chest, tummy, small chest, etc.) and what to avoid and what to look for. There's also a section on shoes (my fav), accessories, handbags and then a section on caring for specialty clothes (leather, cashmere, shoes, etc.). This book discusses style as opposed to fashion or trends.
I highly recommend this book for pretty much everyone but especially for those of us who are just discovering, or re-discovering, our inner fashionista. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Here's to a very stylish 2010.
“TO CHANGE ONE’S LIFE: START IMMEDIATELY,DO IT FLAMBOYANTLY; NO EXCEPTIONS.” WILLIAM JAMES
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas
I truly hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you have an awesome 2010.
I was really looking forward to going north to my sister's place; celebrate Christmas with her, her daughter and twin grandsons (they're almost 4), her son and his wife. Instead, I got sick so we stayed home. Again.
My Mom died August 2008 so last Christmas I basically ignored it. I found it horribly upsetting to look out my window and see houses with lots of cars around them, families who were together and enjoying the day. My brother was in Brazil, my sister at her home up north, Barry's family all over the place. We were invited to by my mother-in-law's and my sister's places for Christmas but I just couldn't deal with it. Christmas was Mom's favourite time of the year ... her birthday was on the 30th.
At least this year when I looked out and saw similar scenario, I had happy thoughts. I was disappointed, but as long as I'm with Barry, I'm ok. Next Christmas it's Barry's family at our place. My brother is always in Brazil for Christmas and going up north is unpredictable. At least I do get to see my brother mid-Feb with his daughter and her family. So my sis and I are going to make Thanksgiving our Christmas in future years. Woo hoo!
Anyway, Barry got me InStyle's "Secrets of Style" book and I read it all yesterday. It is a fabulous book, easy to follow, a great reference book. We're off to Chapters to get another fashion book; this one by Clinton of What Not to Wear. It looks really interesting. And I've GOT to order Tim Gunn's style book. Can't find a hard copy anywhere so I gotta order it. And he got me a foot warmer. Well, actually it cnn be used anywhere but you heat it up in the microwave, stick it in its sleeve and it's even got it
Now all I have to do is get back to working out. My last workout was Monday morning. I actually got a good night sleep last night so hopefully I'll get another and be able to get back to my workouts tomorrow.
Needless to say my fashion sense has consisted of t-shirts and yoga pants the past several days. Although the couple of times I have left the house, I made sure I was wearing jeans, top lipstick and kept my hat and coat on. I just can't seem to leave the house looking schleppy. Which I'm very happy about.
So how was your Christmas? I hope it was wonderful.
I was really looking forward to going north to my sister's place; celebrate Christmas with her, her daughter and twin grandsons (they're almost 4), her son and his wife. Instead, I got sick so we stayed home. Again.
My Mom died August 2008 so last Christmas I basically ignored it. I found it horribly upsetting to look out my window and see houses with lots of cars around them, families who were together and enjoying the day. My brother was in Brazil, my sister at her home up north, Barry's family all over the place. We were invited to by my mother-in-law's and my sister's places for Christmas but I just couldn't deal with it. Christmas was Mom's favourite time of the year ... her birthday was on the 30th.
At least this year when I looked out and saw similar scenario, I had happy thoughts. I was disappointed, but as long as I'm with Barry, I'm ok. Next Christmas it's Barry's family at our place. My brother is always in Brazil for Christmas and going up north is unpredictable. At least I do get to see my brother mid-Feb with his daughter and her family. So my sis and I are going to make Thanksgiving our Christmas in future years. Woo hoo!
Anyway, Barry got me InStyle's "Secrets of Style" book and I read it all yesterday. It is a fabulous book, easy to follow, a great reference book. We're off to Chapters to get another fashion book; this one by Clinton of What Not to Wear. It looks really interesting. And I've GOT to order Tim Gunn's style book. Can't find a hard copy anywhere so I gotta order it. And he got me a foot warmer. Well, actually it cnn be used anywhere but you heat it up in the microwave, stick it in its sleeve and it's even got it
Now all I have to do is get back to working out. My last workout was Monday morning. I actually got a good night sleep last night so hopefully I'll get another and be able to get back to my workouts tomorrow.
Needless to say my fashion sense has consisted of t-shirts and yoga pants the past several days. Although the couple of times I have left the house, I made sure I was wearing jeans, top lipstick and kept my hat and coat on. I just can't seem to leave the house looking schleppy. Which I'm very happy about.
So how was your Christmas? I hope it was wonderful.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Love of Style
I may have mentioned this in the past. But I still find it interesting that in some ways I seem to be reverting back to the "me" of my early-mid 20's. That "me", but much improved. Of course I'm older, wiser (I hope) and have a better sense of who I am.
When I met Barry 17 years ago, I thought I was fat. I didn't know what fat was back then. I dressed well, didn't have a shoe fetish any more (I sure did when I was in my early 20's) but still liked to be put together. I have no idea what happened, but the weight kept piling on, my back got worse and worse and a bad back and high heels don't exactly go together. Since I couldn't wear high heels and my back hurt and the weight was piling on, I stopped dressing really well. It's hard to put a great outfit together for not a lot of money when you're "plus" size. To think I put on almost 80 pounds in the past 20 years shocks me. And most of that probably went on from ages 35-42. I kept trying to get it off and the more I tried the more I failed. Why it's stuck this time, I'm not sure.
I do want to note however, and this is for those who perhaps have gained some weight and really want to get rid of it, that no amount of others telling you that you're gaining, or ridiculing you, or whatever, will help you rid yourself of unwanted fat. YOU have to make up your own mind. YOU have to tell everyone else to go to hell and that they are hurting you, not helping you. By having others "encouraging you" and by that I mean harrassing you, it only adds to the stress. Which in turn can put more weight on. Some people lose weight when stressed ... if you're anything like me, I stress eat. It's been a LONG, LONG time coming, but I think I've finally got THAT one under control. And if you stress eat and are under stress a lot ... you do the math.
So I would just encourage you that if you have weight to rid yourself of, try not to stress. Eat a moderate
amount of food, small portions numerous times daily, exercise daily, even if it's walking, and take time for yourself each day. Whether it's blogging or meditation or yoga or combining your alone time with walking, do something that is for YOU and nobody else.
Today was a tough day. I've had 2 nights of very little sleep. I couldn't get to sleep, then I couldn't stay asleep. So to say I'm exhausted is putting it mildly. I'm off to bed shortly. I'm trying not to do this too late but of course it's 9:20 p.m. and I'm just getting my post done.
I digress ... yet again. I came across a great blog today "Style Artisan" who I'm now following. She's actually in my age bracket, classy, classy looking woman whose sense of style is fabulous. Youthful without looking like she's trying to look 20 again. 'Cauz let's face it. When you're over 40, no matter how youthful and fit you are, trying to look 20 again ... just isn't attractive. I believe in dressing youthfully, stylishly, but appropriate for one's age. I've seen 60 year old women who are knockouts. Their sense of style is amazing, they are obviously mature, but they obviously take care of themselves. That's what I want to look like I when I grow up. LOL
I also came across a fabulous quote "Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal". I love it, I love it, I love it. I've never been one to follow trends or fads. Maybe the odd piece but in general, I believe in finding your style, keeping it updated, but staying true to who you are and your lifestyle. Not everything works for everyone.
I am so happy to see that style is about making the most of who you are, not just following along with the masses. Jennifer, you always seem to put together some great outfits; stuff I would never think to put together ... but that's YOUR sense of style. And it works for you.
Barry and I were talking about Christmas presents. I suggested In Style's "Guide to Style". In the process, I came across a book by Tim Gunn (I LOVE HIS SHOW!), one by Clinton Stacey (looks fab) and even one by Carmondy (who always looks sensational). How to choose??? I guess I'll just have to start collecting.
Did I mention my latest addiction ... jewellery. OMG! Now I must admit, I only wear one designer's jewellery. She just happens to be my sister (and her daughter so I guess it's actually two designers). I have such a hard time controlling myself. There's just so much great stuff!
Anyway, I'm falling asleep so I'm going to make hay while the sun shines so to speak. Rock on ladies! And don't forget to stay true to yourself. And everyone else can just take a flying leap at themselves if they don't like it.
Yours always, in style and in fitness,
Sandy
When I met Barry 17 years ago, I thought I was fat. I didn't know what fat was back then. I dressed well, didn't have a shoe fetish any more (I sure did when I was in my early 20's) but still liked to be put together. I have no idea what happened, but the weight kept piling on, my back got worse and worse and a bad back and high heels don't exactly go together. Since I couldn't wear high heels and my back hurt and the weight was piling on, I stopped dressing really well. It's hard to put a great outfit together for not a lot of money when you're "plus" size. To think I put on almost 80 pounds in the past 20 years shocks me. And most of that probably went on from ages 35-42. I kept trying to get it off and the more I tried the more I failed. Why it's stuck this time, I'm not sure.
I do want to note however, and this is for those who perhaps have gained some weight and really want to get rid of it, that no amount of others telling you that you're gaining, or ridiculing you, or whatever, will help you rid yourself of unwanted fat. YOU have to make up your own mind. YOU have to tell everyone else to go to hell and that they are hurting you, not helping you. By having others "encouraging you" and by that I mean harrassing you, it only adds to the stress. Which in turn can put more weight on. Some people lose weight when stressed ... if you're anything like me, I stress eat. It's been a LONG, LONG time coming, but I think I've finally got THAT one under control. And if you stress eat and are under stress a lot ... you do the math.
So I would just encourage you that if you have weight to rid yourself of, try not to stress. Eat a moderate
amount of food, small portions numerous times daily, exercise daily, even if it's walking, and take time for yourself each day. Whether it's blogging or meditation or yoga or combining your alone time with walking, do something that is for YOU and nobody else.
Today was a tough day. I've had 2 nights of very little sleep. I couldn't get to sleep, then I couldn't stay asleep. So to say I'm exhausted is putting it mildly. I'm off to bed shortly. I'm trying not to do this too late but of course it's 9:20 p.m. and I'm just getting my post done.
I digress ... yet again. I came across a great blog today "Style Artisan" who I'm now following. She's actually in my age bracket, classy, classy looking woman whose sense of style is fabulous. Youthful without looking like she's trying to look 20 again. 'Cauz let's face it. When you're over 40, no matter how youthful and fit you are, trying to look 20 again ... just isn't attractive. I believe in dressing youthfully, stylishly, but appropriate for one's age. I've seen 60 year old women who are knockouts. Their sense of style is amazing, they are obviously mature, but they obviously take care of themselves. That's what I want to look like I when I grow up. LOL
I also came across a fabulous quote "Fashions Fade, Style is Eternal". I love it, I love it, I love it. I've never been one to follow trends or fads. Maybe the odd piece but in general, I believe in finding your style, keeping it updated, but staying true to who you are and your lifestyle. Not everything works for everyone.
I am so happy to see that style is about making the most of who you are, not just following along with the masses. Jennifer, you always seem to put together some great outfits; stuff I would never think to put together ... but that's YOUR sense of style. And it works for you.
Barry and I were talking about Christmas presents. I suggested In Style's "Guide to Style". In the process, I came across a book by Tim Gunn (I LOVE HIS SHOW!), one by Clinton Stacey (looks fab) and even one by Carmondy (who always looks sensational). How to choose??? I guess I'll just have to start collecting.
Did I mention my latest addiction ... jewellery. OMG! Now I must admit, I only wear one designer's jewellery. She just happens to be my sister (and her daughter so I guess it's actually two designers). I have such a hard time controlling myself. There's just so much great stuff!
Anyway, I'm falling asleep so I'm going to make hay while the sun shines so to speak. Rock on ladies! And don't forget to stay true to yourself. And everyone else can just take a flying leap at themselves if they don't like it.
Yours always, in style and in fitness,
Sandy
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