Lip Balm heaven

I think I have tried every lip balm on the market!  Living in Denver can prove hard on the skin and most especially on our precious pout!  None I've tried compares even closely to Bobbi Brown's lip balm SPF 15 ($17 Nordstrom).  I have one in my purse, one in my kitchen and one in my bathroom.  It is so emollient and soothing...it just lasts and lasts.  It makes my lips look polished and natural; done up with out trying too hard.  Try this lip balm and you'll be a convert like me!  If a $17 lip balm is too hard to swallow, I'd recommend Smith's Rosebud salve as my 2nd place winner ($5.59 drugstore.com).

Flattering cargos

Okay, I have been looking for army green cargos that don't make my thighs look as wide as the Grand Canyon.  Military cargos have been all over the magazines lately, and I think they are super cute...but I wasn't sure if this trend was for me.  I have a curvy figure, and cargos seem like they work more for straight figures.  Not so with Sanctuary's "Peace" Skinny leg belted cargo pants!  The pockets are strategically placed BELOW the thigh area and look amazingly flattering on a curvy figure.  The pants are comfortable and stretchy.

I like to roll them up for a more casual look and pair them with sandals.  They look great with a basic tee shirt and fun jewelry, or with a cashmere cardigan and boots.  The best part is that these versatile cargos are on sale for $58.90 at Nordstrom.  

The truly versatile jean jacket

 

I will admit -- I am a bit of an outerwear freak. One of the "must haves" in every woman's wardrobe is that perfect jean jacket.  Jean jackets go with most everything, except, well jeans. They are essential in spring, summer and fall. I like my jean jacket to look a bit lived-in, a bit beat-up. You MUST roll up the sleeves, otherwise it can look dorky. You won't be buttoning up your jean jacket (leave it open), so do make sure it is FITTED and nipped in at the waist.  Jean jackets look amazing over summer dresses, with white jeans (you do have white jeans...right?!?), and khakis and cords.  I love the jean jackets from J Crew and Gap.  They are well constructed and inexpensive.

Be careful with the color black...an editorial!

I do love the color (or absence of color!) black. I think it is chic, dramatic and can be extremely sexy. That said, I see a lot of unfortunate black "color combinations". According to Trinny and Susannah, my two favorite fashion gurus from England, nothing can kill a color faster than black.

If you want to wear black, wear it with the following colors: white, ivory, camel, dove gray, steel gray or chocolate. Under no circumstances should you wear a black skirt or pants with a solid color on top (i.e. pastel pink, light blue), unless it is one of the colors listed above. It will just dull the heck out of any other color. Where bold colors DO work with black is in the accessories...purple shoes, or cobalt earrings, a red purse, a pink scarf, or a green stone ring...you get the picture.

Now, here is an exception. If you have a top that has multiple colors in it (and it includes the color black), go ahead and pair it with black pants or a skirt. If you have a vest that has multiple colors with black in it, feel free to wear a solid colored blouse underneath.  Otherwise, let's stick with only neutral / black pairings!  Just my opinion ladies!

Sexy, yet comfortable boot

"Lustre" boot, Nordstrom, $139.95

Hello ladies!  An ankle boot should be in every woman's closet and I am ALWAYS on the hunt for fashionable, comfortable boots.  I have found them...these are the real deal!  The Franco Sarto "Lustre" boot is so sexy (amazing back zipper detail!), but with the hidden platform inside, also very wearable.  I know they appear to have a very high heel, but trust me, the platform really makes the heel only 2.5 inches.  Pure genius!  These boots come in black and a beautiful chestnut brown.  They would be perfectly at home with boot cut or skinny ankle jeans, and just as good with your work pants.

If you buy these boots, I am betting you will get three years wear out of them.  High quality and high fashion makes the $ per wear very low indeed.

Beautiful calendar

Accordian calendar $11

Desk calendar $18

 Every fall I look forward to buying a new Snow & Graham calendar for the upcoming year.  My favorite is  the desk calendar for $18.  It comes packaged in a plastic stand... but I take each of the month cards out and tape them, one by one, to my refrigerator.  The month cards are so pretty to look at, and I always get compliments on the modern floral designs.  Snow & Graham produces many types of calendars, including an adorable accordian calendar, shown above.  By the way, these calendars make wonderful Christmas gifts!  Check out their terrific selection of calendars and stationery at www.snowandgraham.com.