Deep dark forest

The end of summer (fashion-wise) and the last striped outfit. I knew I had to include my white summery cotton pants in there somewhere. Don't get me wrong, I do wear white after Labor Day, but this pair of pants is just not suitable to winter.

The perfection

Yes, I call this outfit the perfect outfit for me (on an AZ summer afternoon). Light cotton, stripes, overabundance of blue and it being a shirtdress, What else could I have wanted?

Poppy and stripes

This dress is a darling, is cute, fits well and always grants me complements. The elbow length sleeves let me showcase my bracelets. Why don't I wear it more often? That's the million dollar question!

Pink striped

I usually don't post my tee and short outfits, too casual! However this one was striped and it had a whole lot of pink. How can I resist?

Cramming before Fall

I wanted to do a full week of striped outfits this summer and it didn't happen. Before September arrives, I am going to wear as much stripes as I can.
The key to elevating a tee and slouchy pants outfit? Heels, structured bag, full makeup and gold accessories.

Safe haven

I feel safe in navy blue. It is my power color so when I have an emotional struggle (or have to face one) I wear navy.

One more time

I might have worn something similar to this outfit int the beginning of summer but that one was with white jeans. This is with plain cotton pants and a different bag. So fundamentally different!

I thought soy sauce is bad for white silk. It was nothing compare to a fajita, nothing! I should start wearing a bib!

Ladylike look

despite its wintery appearance, this plaid skirt is made of thin cotton fabric and is summery. I thought it the perfect item for trying on the Fall fashion in 100 degree heat. I very much wanted to wear the midi skirt trend and this skirt was perfect, only needing super high heels due to my short legs (and the skirt hitting right at mid calf). Good thing I was able to extract my old cage booties from under all the junk and boxes in our coat closet. I also had to rein in the volume of the tee by knotting it on the side.

Moins le bijou

This top with its deep front V and large arm holes felt more like a vest than a proper top. I went for a subtly sexy look and didn't add any necklace, earrings or bracelet. The illusion of an untucked vest with nothing underneath, clean, sparse, simple!

The Woo factor

I haven't been wearing an actual lipstick in 4-5 years.I remember getting fed up with the dry and chopping feel of them and switched to tinted lip balm and lip crayons. But for this fall, I am in the mood for a matte intense color which is hard to get from balms and crayons. So I went straight to the source and picked up the most iconic red ever: MAC Ruby Woo. It is matte, it is moisturizing and it is intense. On me, the red looks blue based and is ultra flattering. I am in love!

Of felines and reptiles

I prefer my chinos fitted, rolled up and ironed. I don't care if they don't convey the relaxed feel and spirit of chino(hood)! I have a major chip on my shoulder about sloppiness and like to dress up the most casual items (with leopard, python and gold this time).

Rouge and blush

It was cloudy and windy but the temperature was stuck in mid 90s. What are you supposed to wear in such a crazy weather? I tried to strike a balance between burgundy and blush.

Emerald leaves

I am thinking about Fall, trying to ignore this suffocating heat and humidity. The power of imagination! Emerald would stand brightly against autumn's gray skies, won't it? Ah, autumn!

New Products

Yes, we are getting close to Fall. I would feel guilty if I don't mention a couple of new make up products that have made my life very easy this summer (despite the hundred something degrees melting heat of AZ).
1-It Cosmetic Anti Aging Physical SPF 50 CC Cream: Their marketing message "Your skin but better" really applies. In addition to it having enough coverage to cover belmishes, the high SPF is great for high UV index of Arizona. I have been wearing a Medium tint because of my summer tan.
2- Revlon Age Defying CC Cream SPF 30: for light coverage on cloudy days and evenings, this was a great product and very light on skin. No melting, no mess! Loved it!
3-Cover Girl Flamed Out Shadow Pencils: I have these creamy light shadows in 4 different colors and have been wearing them non stop. Just enough shimmer for a wide awake look but no glitter, no mess and no creasing. Juuust perfect!

Blue skies, white clouds

Yes, that was the landscape. White fluffy clouds filling out the skies and getting denser by the second. It wasn't planned but somehow I matched!

Fall Shopping

Although it doesn't sound believable, I don't have a shopping list this Fall. As someone who packed two suitcases full of clothing and 5-6 pairs of shoes for donation just a couple of days ago, I am not in a hurry to replace any of them. You see, I still don't know where I am going to end up this Fall and Winter. After enduring a lot of traveling and two moves this past year and half, I am starting to think I don't need a lot of stuff. While traveling last Fall, I lived out of a regular size suitcase without any problems for three months. You may point out that I had my sister's entire wardrobe at my disposal and was shopping for whatever else I needed but let me assure you that I got back home with only an additional carry on bag. I have come to realize as long as I have a few basic and well made classic items, I can dress elegantly. That is why with the prospect of another extensive travel time ahead of me, I am minimizing. For this Fall, I think I am set. I can still shop for a black cashmere cardigan and a camel turtleneck sweater but these are not necessary. If I found a great bargain, yes, I buy; if not, well no loss. Also I have a classic plaid coat and a red tartan coat on my shopping list, but still no rush since they have been on the list for the last three years. One thing I might need is a pair of brown leather boots (either wedges or riding) with good sole traction. My old pair sailed to the Great Shoe Shop in the skies last winter and left me alone in this cruel world. Replacing it would take serious research. Wish me luck!

All the pinks in the world

What color do you wear to a little girl's birthday party? Pink of course! It's a color they can relate to. Also wearing pants helps a lot when you need to sit down and play with Barbies!

Pink Cotton Candy

I just had to wear this shirt with pink shorts before summer ends, had to! So what if it reminded me of cotton candy? It is still summer even if I don't go to fairs and carnivals.

Achromatic colors *

It is the simplest and the most high impact of color schemes. Recently I have become interested in black and white photos, also those with just one single tinted splash of red in them.

 

* The title is an oxymoron since Achromatic means no color. Yes, it was on purpose!

Utter exhaustion

Not the most inspirational of outfits, but I was tired and stressed so allowances should be made. This outfit felt like wearing pajamas without actually wearing one!

Gray and green

Continuing the Fall theme with this mix of sage and cypress greens and light grays. Incidentally, do you own clothes that you wear only once or twice a year? This old skirt is one of those items and I wear it (at the most) once a year to justify owning it.I have a few things like it, rarely worn, barely loved.
After two consequent moves, I am thinking of doing a Closet Cleanse and getting rid of all these neglected unloved items.

Fall of Marigolds

It is the last few weeks of summer and I have decided to celebrate the sunny days of Arizona and its mild Fall. If I'm lucky, I might experience a real Fall (turning leaves and rainy days and gray skies) pretty soon.
Although I am very excited, my Fall colored clothes are all very light and more suitable for California and Arizona. I better wear them now!

Calling to you

The combination of marigold and light blue pattern of this dress was begging for matching accessories. It was too good a color combo to pass, so I obligated!

"Red Red Wine" *

An outfit can look chic and pulled together and still be the most comfortable thing ever. Just pay attention to style and figure flattery and pick cute but comfortable shoes.

* "Red Red Wine" song by UB40

The cat's meow

It was inevitable, going from pure white to sand and nude and beige, I was bound to end up with wearing leopard print. In despite of this fact, Matching it with black and gold made it feel new and unexpected.

Denim Maxi

I don't wear maxi skirts much here in Phoenix simply because almost every woman is wearing one. Last night however my skirt got a chance to shine. Matching it with dark burgundy, I was ready for Fall!

The perfect blue

Cobalt is the perfect all seasons color. In summer wear it with white, in winter with black... and you always look chic!

In the blush

Although this outfit looks a little busy in the picture, in real life the color combination was perfect. The problem however was the silhouette which was a bit wide around the hips. Ah well, live and learn!

"Midnight Blue" *

I'm starting to like Skype meetings. As long as I am wearing something collared, blue and non-reflective everything looks good. Plus I can double up on my make up and it looks just enough. Can I live my life through Skype, please?!

* "Midnight Blue": a song by Lou Gramm. 

Take II

The whole time I was wearing this outfit, I had a sneaky suspicion that I've worn this combination before. I got home, checked my archive and here it was down to the shoes. But I like it better with the emphasis on orange. Just saying!

Pink Champagne

When completely by chance, this thin linen blazer landed beside these floral Bermuda shorts on the floor of my closet, I knew they belong together. The fact that the blazer is 14 years old and the shorts only two months, have nothing to do with it. It is all about the perfect harmony of that gorgeous blush color. (and the thinness of unlined blazer which I can wear by itself without a top underneath.)

Pink Squares

A simple outfit for running errands late in the day. I love the pale and clean colors of this plaid shirt.

The joy of carnelian*

Call me fickle but after two weeks of light blues and clean whites, I need a change! What better than immersing oneself in deep carnelian and garnet and cognac with a bit of green to balance it out? The most luxurious feeling!

* In Feng Shui, carnelian is used for activating and increasing energy flow. It is a positive and joyful stone, bringing happiness, love, health and prosperity.

"Lady Blue"

Some dresses just require that little extra mile, don't they? They are too dignified to be part of a slouchy outfit. This old thing is one of those special dresses.

* "Lady Blue": a song by Leon Russell

"...sad lady, blue lady

sing me a love song

I just want you to know that I love you...."