Message
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Stop tucking in your t-shirts...

I haven't tucked in my tshirts since 1998.


Really? I love a tucked-in shirt with a cute, bright belt. Am I the only one? (hey it hides the holes.....)
I love jojoba oil! It's $7 at trader joes and will last a really long time. I also use it to moisturize my face and remove my makeup!
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:J crew!!!!!!!!


I think the JCrew suits make my boobs look best.


Totally agree. I love j crew bathing suits!
Lisa Eldridge says the dermalogica primer is so shimmery she uses it as illuminator.

Foundation has changed a lot and probably could do that for you. That said, why not put powder sunblock over your makeup? If your primer works for you, keep using it! Maybe spray some on top to set your makeup? I keep a spray can of trader joes SPF 50 that I reapply every time I leave the house. I keep one by my computer at work too!
I get flats one half size bigger and put in super feet insoles (20% off at rei this week!!).

For sandals I get Birkenstocks via 6pm.com. I have the java style. I know, not the cutest but I also have pf and my feet (and hips and knees) thank me every day.
Anonymous wrote:I am the old navy poster. I agree that these belts are not going to stand the test of time. My black and brown belts are much more expensive and I did not buy them from ON. I thought the op just wanted something cute to pull an outfit together. That is what I like about the cheaper belts. Mint green is a hot color this year, but may not be next year, so I have no problem recycling it since it was so cheap to begin with. I hope that makes sense.


Ooooh I'm going to old navy to get myself a mint belt! OP, get those j crew belts and also the old navy mint belt!! Thanks for the tip!

I just got all inspired after this post that I wanted to buy some of those belts (thanks!). Well, just wanted to say that the 20% off code does NOT apply to belts. Boo.

But I still think a good, well-made belt is worth paying extra. And I love a bright belt!
Anonymous wrote:Not OP, but I've never understood espadrilles. They are just uggo.


You think? I kind of think they are adorable. My friend Stephen hates them so much. Every time I wear them he asks if I am an Iberian medieval peasant.

To each her own!
Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. I'm definitely looking for something leather. If it has a leather sole, that's a plus. Has anyone dropped the $$$ on Repetto?
'

My sister has repetto flats. She loves them.

THe most expensive flats I've ever bought are some from Missoni. They look amazing, but they're not super comfortable and the pointed toe became a bit worn. I got mine at Intermix.

What I usually do is buy some from J Crew in a half size larger than my foot. I then put some superfeet insoles inside to support my arches. Sometimes the flat is too narrow or has a too small toe box for this.

Have you considered espadrilles for the super hot days?

I'd try them on or make sure there is a good return policy for online stores.
I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with the previous posters. Yes, you can definitely find some belts at Old Navy and H&M, but in my experience they're pretty cheap and cheesy. Of course, they might have gotten lucky and found lovely ones.

I have given up on belts that are not made of leather (assuming you're not talking about ribbon belts or similar). I really think it is worth it to buy a leather belt with a brass buckle.

I have found that J Crew has the nicest belts for the money. And yes, it kind of hurts spending $20 on a small bit of leather and metal, but they will last. The belts I bought at H&M and Forever 21 do not last as they are just plastic. A lovely leather belt will look better with age. Lately I have had a lot of fun with colored belts, to add a pop of color. Here are some links to J crew belts. Remember, they are having a 20% off in stores and online. One final note - do not waste your money with J Crew factory belts. They are not real leather and do not age well.

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~51073/99102479641/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966648~15~~~~~~~/51073.jsp
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~29943/99102905835/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966648~15~~~~~~~/29943.jsp
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~99909/99102965076/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~~~20+17+4294966648~15~~~~~~~/99909.jsp
http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/accessories/belts/PRDOVR~85327/99102988264/ENE~1+2+3+22+4294967294+20~15~~20+17+4294966648~15~~~~~~~/85327.jsp

All of those are really cute, in my opinion.

One final note - it is easier to get a larger belt and make a new hole. So don't buy too small!

Best of luck!
I also used the Neverful from Louis Vuitton. Neverfuls are gorgeous, but you can't zip them closed. I stopped using it after a lovely gentleman at Target decided to steal my wallet and purchase $900 worth of sneakers from Footlocker. At present, I put my wallet, etc in a small crossbody bag, and dump all the baby stuff in a regular old diaper bag. Boo.
To answer your question, I think I need a little bit more information. Why are you using primer? What aspect of Laura Mercier Primer makes you love it so much?

I use Neutrogena SPF 50 sunblock the minute I get out of the shower. I let that sink in while I towel off, etc. Once that has been absorbed, I put on some foundation (Chanel Vitalumiere), conceal (undereye with revlon undereye concealer, rest of face with Laura Mercier Secret Camo), then I powder with Chanel Loose Powder. The loose powder makes my face nice and matte, and prevents face sweat. For some reason, my upper lip and forehead sweat profusely (attractive!). I found that this powder is basically the only thing that prevents this.

Then I do the rest of my makeup. But that's my base layer. For my purposes, I like foundation more than primer, and I think regular SPF works better than SPF mixed in with foundation, primer, etc.

If you like your primer because it prevents your makeup from sliding off, I'd skip the primer, use regular SPF, and add some loose powder to your base layer. If you like your primer because it evens out your skin, I'd use regular SPF and add in some foundation.

Here is a link to Lisa Eldridge's take on primer:
http://www.lisaeldridge.com/video/1670/primer/

Best of luck!
Anonymous wrote:Get a spray tan! It always takes a few pounds off and makes you look skinnier.


Totally agree - just ensure you get a lovely color and don't go too snookie!
I would DEFINITELY wear shapewear.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/spanx-slimplicity-high-waist-shaper-plus/3097630?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Black&resultback=6543&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_16_A

Make sure that you go to Nordstroms or wherever, and say, I NEED A SHAPER not a SMOOTHER.

I have bought spanx that just smoothed out panty lines, etc. No, you want ones that hide any jiggle!

Also, if you will be hot, I suggest chanel natural loose powder to avoid sweat and shine.

Get your eyebrows threaded and a manicure in a neutral pinkish color - like Essie Mademoiselle or Ballet Slippers. It makes your fingers look longer.

I would also get a blowout or similar - check out the DryBar Bethesda thread for tips on keeping a blowout longer.

As for clothes, you have good suggestions here.

If I could give one more suggestion it would be to get and use fashion tape. I usually tape my bra straps to the dress if they are in danger of falling down. I tape my belts to my pants or dresses, and tape the cups of my bra to the shirt or dress to keep it from slipping and looking messy.

I buy fashion tape at drugstores, or you can find good deals at marshalls on it.
I had a facial at Aveda which was nice. Two downers- they tried to upsell me a lot. This was sort of annoying as I kept saying "um it's okay, just want to leave it as is".

At one point, they brought in a "specialist" who suggested some extra exfoliant. I thanked her, but said, slightly more firmly this time, that I was okay with the standard package.

I thought the facialist did a good job, although she did try to get me to buy a lot of so-so products at the end. I imagine this will happen at a hair salon too.

That said, you CAN get a good deal on a nice haircut/facial/etc!
Go to: