Beauty is skin-deep?

even guys are sending in pics.  Don't make me call you out, ladies!  You know the deal.  Send me pics.  I can't catalogue the whole of this city without your help, ladies and gentlemen!

This shot on the right was taken by a complete stranger who found my blog on the internet by chance and has become a faithful reader.  Ok, so I might be married to him, but the details are murky.

Just look at our specimen on the right.  Ok, can you tell where her legs end and her shoes begin?  If it weren't for the slit in the back of the skirt, you probably couldn't tell the difference there either.  

Don't get me wrong.  I totally understand the whole, "take care of your skin, wear lots of sunblock" campaign, but that doesn't mean try to match your clothes to your skin tone.  It's one thing to match your hosiery to your skin tone.  I mean, how often does that package of "nude" pantyhose actually look "nude"?  It's a stretch for most of us.  Although, frankly, I'm sorta anti the whole hosiery deal.  But that's just me.

So, how can we fix this?  Well, in the future, I would recommend either purchasing clothes and shoes at least a tad bit different than your actual skin tone or using a self-tanner.  No, I am not suggesting going orange on me, but there are actually some nice ones out there that can give you a gradual tan.  It could help.

Now, in general, I like the color of her skirt and shoes-a beautiful, sophisticated color.  This is the problem that creeps up on a lot of us.  We like a certain color, but when we put it on ourselves, it does not like us.  For me, it tends to wash me out when I wear certain colors not complementary to my skin tone.  That's why it is important to remember that it isn't about the trend, but about what looks best on you, regardless of the trend.  Good luck and happy hunting, my friendly spies!

xxoo, Red

'Mini'-mize the damage

nyc, you are not alone in making bad fashion faux pas.  Thanks to a certain cousin of mine upstate, we have a pic showcasing that (for me at least) all too familiar upstate bar culture. Note the drink in the foreground.

You know, in general, I recommend heels for most of us.  They help our posture, boosting our 'ass'ets, lengthening our legs and giving us some incredible calves.  

...but... 

(Oh come on.  You knew there was a but coming.)  Yeah, I could point out the pun, but even I'm getting annoyed with them.

Ok, back on point.  So, the frayed denim mini.  Well, I'll give you that it is definitely a look.  Not good, but a look all the same.  Here's the deal, it doesn't really matter her size (well, unless she was super tiny) it's so unflattering.  I'm picturing a Betty Boop moment here.  Not in a flattering way, either.  Just way too much real estate exposed here that it looks a little cheap.  Ouch.  Sorry.  Even I cringe to say that because heaven knows I've been there.  But, really, it's not showing her off to her best advantage.  Now, I get it.  You're at a bar.  You're not going for the ladylike trophy of the night, but at the same time you want to be noticed for the right reasons.  We could get all personal here, but suffice it to say that this look sucks.  Keep the heels, pair the loose top with some great skinny jeans and you hit the mark--sexy, cool and stylish.  If you choose to go the mini route, I advise caution.  Check and recheck that full length mirror from many different angles.  Hey, keep 'em guessing.

xxoo, Red

Peeping shoes?

hi there, she says sheepishly.  I know. I know.  It's been too long, but never fear, the pictures are piling up and I have to spread the love.  

Just to allay any rumors, no, I wasn't in fashion rehab for my atrocious workout gear.  It's been a rough time for me and workout clothes, but we are "working" things out.  ...in other words they are ugly, but I refuse to buy new until I see some damn-tastic results.  

So, let's deal with our latest victim over to the right.  (Sigh) Ok, let's be clear, loooving the peep toes, but do we have to go sooo granny with the look?  I think not.  Also, in general, loooove mary janes, but with the peep toe, chunky heel and platform deal it's just way too much look for one pair of shoes.

Now, I love shoes, to the detriment of my feet some days, but let's put some boundaries on this love.  It is great to get some fun trendy shoes, but maybe one trend showcased per pair.  Dare we?  

I was going to go ahead and publish, but let's talk about when to wear black shoes.  If you notice her dress has a lot of browns and tans in it.  Hello, perfect opportunity to wear brown shoes.  Is that a little too obvious?  Well, it is after Memorial Day (for any of us going old school), so she could also go with a beige/ecru color, or some of my favorites are the metallics--particularly the coppers and bronzes.  Ooohh, purrr.  The black just makes it look a little too functional.  Maybe institutional?  Isn't that the look we're all trying to achieve--institutional?  Ouch.  Hope not.  

xxoo, Red