Is Fat The New Black?

The Huffington Post recently reported Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan will add plus-sizes to their high-end floor.  Flesh-on-top-of-bone fashionistas can now expect to find size 14's from such notable designers as Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Toula, Akris, Armani, Carolina Herrera, Escada, Donna Karan, St. John, Oscar de la Renta, Max Mara, Valentino, Michael Kors, Yves St. Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Roberto Cavalli.  Some pieces will be available in sizes 16-20. Previously, most of these clothes only sold in sizes up to 10.

My First Product Review: Falsies Mascara by Maybelline

I hope you're surviving Chicago's heat wave better than I am.  This humidity is just way too much for a 40-ish chick on a mission to achieve daily cuteness!  Seriously, looking cute in my twenties was much more carefree, but I'm not complaining.  I'm having fun even if I have to work a wee bit harder with a few more tools and tricks.  Which is what I've been doing since last week.  I had a little bit of an eyelash mishap which resulted in me having like 7 eyelashes to my name.  Quite a traumatic experience - I might add.  Here's some pics so you can see for yourself.  Aren't I brave?

 So what had happened was...I was watching a stylist at the spa apply individual eyelash flares rather expertly (on herself) so naturally I held up my hand and chanted, "Do me. Do me. DO ME!"  She did, and my lashes instantly transformed into plump and wispy works of art. I was immediately hooked and fluttered them relentlessly or as much as I could behind my glasses.  My kids liked them and so did my husband.  Sleeping was another matter all together, and after a few days I got really tired of the whole glamazon thing and wanted what had become a rather annoying eyeball apparatus removed asap.  After applying oils, gels, gentle cleansers and eye makeup remover I couldn't get these suckers off to save my life so in a fit of eyelash claustrophobia I ended up ripping out half of my already just medium length lashes. Unbelievable is all I could think.

I showed my husband (really just searching for a little sympathy) my latest little beauty mishap to which he replied, "I don't know why you put those things on anyway."  Me: "But I thought you said you liked them?"  Him: Blank stare coupled with silence.  Me: Thinking WTF? before stomping off.  See how easy it is for me to get off track? The pics below are after one application of the new Falsies volumizing mascara (in black) by Maybelline.  While I can see a slight difference the end result is not as dramatic as the commercials would have you believe, but I  think having more lashes to work with will make an even bigger difference.  Hopefully mine will grow back and not take an entire year.  In the meantime, I am continuing to use my new falsies mascara daily.  It goes on easily, doesn't smudge, nor does it irritate my eyes.  For six bucks it's definitely worth purchasing. I give it a manicured thumbs up!

{Images by Veda Bruce}

Advertisements: I'm Loving These...

As much as I love the internet, I simply adore a well-put together magazine.  My computer screen's got nothing on a glossy sheet of paper between my fingertips on a lazy summer afternoon.  And while I am sometimes annoyed by the plethora of advertisements (especially in the highly anticipated upcoming September issues), every now and again I come across an ad that grabs my attention and makes me go oooo-weee!

Who didn't buy their dad at least one Old Spice soap on a rope kit for Father's Day growing up? I know I did (on more than one occasion).  And this over-the-top ad really has me thinking about purchasing this body wash for my husband the next time I'm in Target.  Not because he likes Old Spice - though I'm sure he wouldn't mind it - but because I love me some Isaiah Mustafa...

You've just gotta love Mariah Carey and her eternally twelve year-old self.  When she was 18 so was I. And while I don't currently share her penchant for butterfly rings and tight-fitted clothes I can't help but love this ad for her latest fragrance Lollipop Bling.  It's like she's practically screaming happy from the candy clouds!  Nick Cannon must really make her laugh.  *wink-wink*

Whenever I'm out with my  two young boys people often ask, "aren't you gonna try for a girl?"  Hell naw, dang-it. I'm 41, and in no mood to waddle, swell up, throw up or leak.  But then I see an ad like this one for Tide and all of a sudden my mother heart swells with yearning for pink booties and hair barrettes... and just as quickly, I'm bombarded with images of spit-up, green poop, heartburn, 75 extra pounds on my already big ass and quickly turn the page... But isn't she just the cutest thing ever? 

Fall Cravings: Tadashi Shoji

Every year around this time I find myself yearning for crisp fall Chicago breezes.  I am simply not a hot & humid kind of chick.  I don't like being sticky and I'm scared of butterflies (just thought I'd throw in this irrelevant yet personal tidbit about myself - and no I'm not embarrassed).  And so while I'm thankful for the beautiful sunshine and freedom of open-toed shoes, September is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate the wonderful change in seasons than with a bit of fashion inspiration from Los Angeles based designer Tadashi Shoji's stunning 2010 evening dress collection... 

{images via elle.com}

Gorgeous & Inspiring Interiors

One of the most important lessons I've learned in my adult-home-owning years is to never, ever purchase anything I don't absolutely adore.  I don't care if it's just a shower curtain, costs fifty cents and seems like the deal of the century - if I don't like it, I don't buy it. 

When I look at these photos of designers Marc and Melissa Palazzo's southern California home, I sincerely believe they too abide by this golden rule; as it appears everything, and I do mean everything in their home seems to have been purchased with an over-abundance of utter adoration...

{armchairs and sofa by Pal & Smith; Wallpaper from Cole & Son; artworks by Zaria Forman & Katie Thamer Treherne; art deco cabinet purchased in Italy; Arco lamp at Aram Stone; Circular coffee table from Oka; decorative chandeliers at Besselink & Jones}

{Manor table and Bradley dining chairs from Pal & Smith; faux zebra rug from Graham & Green}

{desk is from a flea market; bookshelves designed by Melissa & Marc; painting by Daryl Millard}

{here the curtains screen walk-in wardrobes; artwork is from Meoli Studio}

 {chair is by George Smith; photograph by Billy & Hells; chandelier is a Twenties French antique the couple repainted}

{image scans from Living etc July 2010}