EDUCATION

I recently took my daughter to New York where she accompanied me on a shopping trip for a NY client of mine (mixing business with pleasure sometimes works), she learned how to hail a cab (a necessity in NY), and we went to an art show (feeds the soul). Now, while I thought the art was going to be the main attraction, it was the language used by the artist that stole the show. Never in my life have I heard so many obscenities except for maybe an Eddie Murphy stand up routine. Even though my daughter is only 6, I didn't feel the need to dumb it down....why should I suffer, right? But I'm starting to rethink. Maybe visiting the American Girl store would have been better. At least then I wouldn't have spent a 4 hour car ride discussing the finer points of expletives. Thanks Ricky.

HELP LESS

If you want your kids to do more, do less. Give them the chance to do it themselves and they just might surprise you. This goes for picking out their own clothes. I've said it before but I'm saying it again. But don't be offended when you're 5 year old tells you she's more "fashionist" than you.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

I recently had the pleasure of working with one of the most relaxed brides ever (no bridezillas here) and one of the most talented photographers. It sure makes a makeup artist's job easy to have a great subject and a fabulous picture taker. If you're in the need for one yourself, please check her out. 

Sarah V. Hildebrandt Photography

www.svhphotography.com

SHELF LIFE

My husband once said if he could put me on a shelf and come back later that would be great (he was 26 and "liked to party"). No. You can't, but here's what you can put on a shelf! Wait, I'm getting away from the point. The point is....you can do that with clothes. Designer pieces, as sick as you are of them, need to be saved. Put them on the shelf, store them in the back of your closet, hide them under your bed. Just keep them. Don't let that Valentino be the one that got away.

SLACKER

If you're lazy about makeup and can't be bothered with 100 steps, this is your foundation. It's a primer, concealer, foundation and powder, all in one. It lasts all day, has a velvety soft finish (the look of Fall 2010 runways) and comes in colors that are sure to match everyone's skin tone. Be a total sloth and order it online.
www.sephora.com

ALT BAG

You may already know about these but if you don't, you'll be happy I shared. They are reusable, dishwasher safe, eco friendly, lead, BPA and phthalate free sandwich and snack bags!!!!! I was almost as excited about these as I was about that vintage Gucci purse I scored. Seriously, no more plastic bags that just wind up in a land fill. Lunch is served.
www.lunchskins.com

SHOW OFF

No matter what color eyes you have, you CAN wear blue/teal eye shadow, especially in the summer. 

Go bold and cover the entire lower lid. Go soft and line your lashes with it. Put it in your crease for drama or just layer it for a smoky look with dark grey and black. "Mystic" by Stila is the perfect, shimmery, peacock teal for this season. Strut on. 

www.sephora.com

LOGO WHORE

I recently spotted a woman carrying a Tory Burch tote. It was your basic, boring, tan, could be on mark down at Macy's, tote. Except this one had a logo on it which increased this no style accessory to $250.00. Are you stunned? I am. Do me a favor. Next time you think you like something that has a logo on it..picture it without it and see if you like it as much. In the meantime, if it's a tote you're after get the original. $17 at L.L. Bean.
www.llbean.com

DON'T BOTHER

Why do women ask men if they like their outfit? It's completely insane and totally unnecessary. See, a smart man will always answer, "you look great honey!" which is nice but not helpful. A moron for a husband will tell you exactly what he thinks but he doesn't know jack about fashion so that isn't helpful either. And if either guy starts raving about your outfit more than usual and tells you how hot you look and starts grabbing your ass, you're definitely not wearing anything remotely fashionable. You look like a slut. When you need fashion advice, ask a girl. A fashionable one.

THE NATURAL

Summer is a great time to be more natural. Less makeup, less clothes, less pretense. Ditch the leather bag and sport a raffia one. Lola bag from Madimports will see you through the heat.

www.madimports.net

BURNING BRIDGES

Just like a too tight pair of pants, friendships can chafe too and need to be thrown out. Why does everyone want to accumulate more friends? I say weed them out 'till it's down to the very few, and the very special. It's like having a closet half full but with Dior and Givenchy. It also allows room for when you do find those incredibly special people that you'll want to be friends with forever.