Do you have questions about fashion? Â I often get comments and questions about fashion or make-up in my blog. Â Here are some of my favorites!
Q I really like the look of putting different patterns together, but I never know what really goes together other than what is displayed on the manequins in the stores. Is there a trick to this?Â
A There are some basic rules to think about. First, the color scheme should be the same; ie, black/white or red/black, etc. Second, the two patterns should not be the same scale. One print should be a different size than the other. A good analogy would be using different font sizes! Thirdly, there should be an anchoring piece in a solid color like a jacket or a cardigan to pull it together. If you’re unsure if it goes together, ask a sales associate.
Q I want to wear those new bowed blouses, but how do I keep it from looking too formal and old lady-ish?
A It’s all in how you wear the top. Ruffles and bows are still going strong and you’ll see a lot of it going into spring. If you pick a solid color and wear it with a slim skirt, it’s great for work with a pair of really great heels and a nice belt. For dressing it down, wear it with some fitted jeans to balance the casualness of the jeans and the proper look of the blouse. You can wear this look with the bow untied and wear heels with your jeans. I really like these blouses with casual hair. Don’t wear your hair too prim and proper to balance out the look . It’s all the little details that can make or break this romantic look!
Q I am in my 30’s and I have never worn make-up regularly. I just got a job that is more like a “career†and I need to look professional. How can I wear make-up and not look overdone?Â
A  You can look professional and polished and not feel overdone by sticking to natural tones in your  cosmetics. Start with a lightweight foundation that matches your skin perfectly and apply all over, including your eyelids. Groom your brows and use a skinny brush to apply eyeshadow to fill in your brows. Next, brush on a light  brown eyeshadow as shown in the picture and apply mascara on upper and lower lashes. Add a rose-colored cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and blend back towards the hairline. Finally, choose a naturally rosy lipstick or lipgloss for the finishing touch. Your make-up will look polished, but still remain very natural looking.Â
Q I was recently downsized at my company and am back on the job market. I want to look good, but I am very conservative and maybe even a little outdated. I have gained some weight and I need to buy some new clothes, but I don’t want to spend very much money. Do you have any suggestions?
A I always tell my clients it’s better to buy a few nice outfits than have a lot of ill-fitted clothes that are bargains. You can get great deals if you take the time, but you should stick to some basic guidelines. Purchase a dark- colored suit and pair it with dark hose to give the illusion of being taller and slimmer. Add color around your face with solid colored tops and blouses under the jacket. Purchase nice trousers as well, but make sure to wear some heels with them as that will give your legs an elongated look. For updating your overall look, consider getting a new haircut and style that looks professional and make sure to ask your hairdresser how to style it every day! And get some new make-up and start wearing lipgloss- it’s an instant make-up updater.
That’s it for now, but I always welcome questions or comments to my blog!
~ Lani