HOW TO: Dressing Casual at Work

It has come to my attention, with the onset of summer weather, that many  Rochester people struggle to understand the difference between casual and "work appropriate" attire.


Problems that arise usually involve looking sloppy like you don't care, looking frumpy like you don't update your casual clothes ever, or looking inappropriate. 

Common Symptoms...
                                   ...know what to look out for

The sloppy "I just don't give a  ---------"

The Frump - "I have no clue what is in style. I haven't shopped in years and I am afraid to show off my figure."

And, ever inappropriate, The Sexy Suit- "From club to cubicle and back again!"

Smart Solutions...
                         ... "how to" dress casually at work:

Some careers are just never casual.
Who wants to see their doctor, attorney, or financial consultant out of dress code? Not me. We want our doctor looking pristine, our lawyers to look like they own the law, and the people handling our money to look like they are at ease handling money. And ladies, cleavage looks cheap, no matter how expensive the suit was.


If you cannot find a balance, DO NOT even try to dress down.
No one will judge you for looking professional in front of a client or employer. They will if you look sloppy.

Pair soft material with structure.
Pair casual tops like malleable knits with structured bottoms like crisp ironed pants and vise-versa.

When in doubt, use accessories to formalize a look.
Expensive looking polished shoes, fine jewelry, belts, watches, and glasses all add an formal element to a casual outfit. 

Go lighter or brighter. 
A lighter or brighter version of a classic piece instantaneously gives a facelift and a casual vibe without sacrificing good form. 

NOTE: browse the rack- the same shirt/pants in light grey will always look less dressy.

Tommy Hilfiger

Never go to work in sneakers (unless you're a bad-ass barber).
Shoes offset an entire outfit and set your posture. Casual shoes will make you look less authoritative. Period. Go for a milder version of formal. Example: leather slips-ons instead of Oxfords.

Sneakers make his posture sloppy.

This Salvatore Ferragamo slip-on has a sole reminiscent of a racing shoe. Appropriately casual.

Less formal than close-toed heels, this Tory Burch wedge is classic and just casual enough.

Things My Mother Never Told Me: Curly Hair

Why is it that every curly-haired girl I meet has is either clueless as to styling their curls OR has some secret technique as to how to "deal" with her curls? It's like no one's mother ever taught them about curls and we live in fear.

Fear that the weather will determine how your hair behaves, fear that you will be given a lop-sided hack-job hair cut, fear that no product will ever solve your frizz problems. Is no one thrilled to have gorgeous curls?

Even as a young stylist, education was limited. I craved and sought out classes on curly hair at every hair show I would ever attend, only to be disappointed again and again that they were teaching how TO curl but not how to work with natural curl.

A solution has been found. Get yourself a copy of "Cury Girl," by Lorraine Massey and enjoy peace of mind. Curls are a blessing. When they are moisturized and handled properly, you should never fear again.

Summertime is the perfect time to start testing out these curly hair tips- go to town!!

Key Curly Tips:

1. Over cleansing (shampooing) your curls will dry them out.
2. Condition, condition, condition!!! 
3. Load your hair with light weight conditioner from ROOT to end, smoothing the curl in small sections. THIS IS WHAT REMOVES FRIZZ.
4. Apply styling products (moisturizing gels and mousses) to curls WHEN SOPPING WET, and then lightly soak up excess moisture with a microfiber towel (or paper towels). Do not twist. 
5. At night, sleeping with a silk or satin pillowcase will minimize frizz that occurs against the pillowcase.

Ombre Hair: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

I love trend setters. I love trends. But, I also have to establish a certain taste-level in the sense that "trendy" can veer into the realm of dangerous. Case in point: ombre hair.

It's been a strong trend since last summer and it lends itself nicely to hair with any sort of wave curl. How wonderful to finally have a style that makes long hair appear edgy. There is a definitive line between cool, edgy and just plain trashy though. Please don't ride it unless you are drop-dead gorgeous.

 Soft, subtle, feature-enhancing ombre. Will looked great dressed up or down.

 

I am sorry to say this Miss Drew Barrymore, but you are not in that category. You are the simple-fresh faced girl next door who has grown into 30 some-odd, woman. Grungy, regrowth-enhancing ombre hair does not become you. How to avoid the pitfall??

No, thanks. Looks ok when she's dolled up, but just grungy when she's candid.

Enjoy but avoid over-doing the trend by keeping the contrast within a color range that jumps no more than 4 levels. Your hair stylist/colorist will know what that means. Drew's jump from deep brunette to bleached blonde does not enhance her skin or features and from the back it can look like a bald monk's circle. Caution.

2011's Goofiest Fashion Trends

((Just for the record, this is an opinion based website, also known as a BLOG. While I have spent all of my adult working life in the fashion and beauty industry, you may OR may not agree with all I have to say, and that's great. TELL me about it. Leave a comment!!))

2011's Goofiest Fashion Trends

 

Ugg Ugly

This lingering trend has been around for far too long.

I love Ugg Boots...the Uggs meant for cold weather wear!! But, the ones these girls prance around in as winter boots are appropriate as indoor slippers only. I don't get why you would waste the money on a pair that is about to be demolished shortly by Rochester's snow, salt and winter grime. 

THAT's not even the worst of it. It is really a fashion mistake- they make every woman's leg look shorter, like she has cankles. Unless you have never ending leg, why? Why?! I will tell you: it's simply the age old need for name-brand recognition (and a few really nice people who got thrown onto the trend because they just can't think for themselves).

The Harem Pant,  aka "Diaper Pants"

This trend just doesn't make sense, here in the states. The inseam appears to never end. It poofs up when you sit down giving ladies man-crotch. The sape doesn't do anything for your hips whatsoever. Those to dare dawn this trend are mostly uber-skinny models and fashion students hawking new trends constantly. 

For whatever reason, I dig it. Maybe it's the fashion major in me. I am guilty of rocking this trend...and as long as I am standing whenever photographed, it looks pretty cool. [insert laugh here]

Half Shaved,  Long-Haired Cuts

I have to admit, I kinda love this trend, goofy as it is. There is no common sense reason behind this- it grows out horribly. But, maybe it is the part of me that finds Native American imagery interesting. Or,  perhaps, it is just the simple surprise factor, that punk "I don't give a f***" what people have to say.

A suggestion for the brave few: if you are going to go embrace this trend, eye-liner will be your best friend. Remind them that you are a lady, after all.

Things My Mother Never Told Me: Body Waxing

If your mom was a teen in the 60s, 70s or 80s, there is a social disconnect when it comes to feminine hygiene/grooming....I know it's taboo to type about, but c'mon ladies....how many times have I been asked "Psst, I know this is kinda weird BUT what do you think about Brazilian waxing verse laser treatments?" when I start to wax someone's eyebrows?

Every woman who is even old enough to even consider waxing has a mother raised in the good old safari bush days, if you know what I mean.

Two things that I should state. Woman (and men) of all ages wrap your heads around this:

1. It is OK to wipe out the map. The new territory is there to be discovered.
2. On the other hand, it is OK to prefer a rustic, earthy approach to living. Your jungle was created that way for a reason- a little extra protection never hurt anyone.

Herein lies the problem. Just keep it groomed. NO one in public wants to get a glimpse of anything past that bikini line.

What about bumps? Pimples? Ingrown hairs?
After you get it waxed (or lasered), keep your skin exfoliated and you will be fine. Razoring down there is a load of nonsense and is way too scratchy (for you AND other people).

Note: you will also get more longevity between waxes if you do NOT shave in between your appointments.

How badly does it hurt? I am not going to sugar coat this. Your lady (or man) parts are getting waxed. Its like big band-aids getting ripped off your skin. But, for the sake of human decency, choose pride, here. Choose pride.

The 1940s Stole My Heart

Ever think you were born in the wrong time period?  The colors of fashion this Fall are so entirely vintage American, I just could not be happier. True mustard yellow, deep burnt oranges, mulberry meets plum, navy blues that lean towards royal, army greens... I want it all.

 Mash that up with tweeds, cable knits, denim and some fabulous structured silhouettes with a waistline that really destroy any overindulgent 80's-esque costume nonsense trying to vie its way into our hearts at the local mall.

Hair and makeup get a rejuvinating kick too with soft romantic silhouettes, curls abundant. Makeup looks that enhance all feminine features, rather than suggest ambiguity, are reminding us that we may chose suggestive eyes and kissable lips over blatant outcries for attention.

Oh, 1940s, let's return to this nostalgic moment. Throw some Count Basie into your record player and pull out The Andrews Sisters Christmas album because real-home, "down earth" melodies and elegant style is back. It is that authenticity that we all crave and it's just perfectly in time for the holidays.





Top photo from NeimanMarcus.com, Tory Burch Shirt Dress; Bottom photos from style.com, backstage at Dior Spring 2010

Things My Mother Never Told Me: Makeup

As woman, we have all had that Ah-HA moment when we learned something about image that our mother failed to teach us as young ladies...and so begins the series "Things My Mother Never Told Me."

1. Makeup: Cream on Cream, Powder on Powder.

Somewhere between concealer, foundation and setting powder, the order of everything else was completely left out. And, if you are anything like me, you improvised. WRONG.

Anything creamy or liquid should go on before dry, powdery products. This means, eye liners (creamy) before shadow (powder). Common sense- the shadow SETS the liner and keeps it from traveling. THEN, if need be, go back and add an accent or two atop your shadow. But, take it from my trial and error, it is annoying when liquid liner goes skidding across already powdered skin.

2. Makeup: Curl Lashes BEFORE Mascara

Honestly, you are just wasting mascara and giving yourself more cleanup to do if you apply before curling. Avoiding curling altogether by priming the lashed instead.

3. Makeup: Primer, What is It?

It is what it sounds like. It's just like balancing and prepping your walls for a new paint job. Skin Primer goes on after your moisturizer and before your foundation to even out skin discoloration and make your makeup last hours and hours longer without constantly touching it up. A 20th century gift to woman.

Lash Primer goes on before mascara and works wonders to protect and plump lashes. Also, prevents mascara from getting crispy on your tender lids.


4. Makeup: HOW to Look Bronzed Without Bronzer

It's ok to use two shades of foundation for dimension, rather than bronzing your cheeks to death with powder. Foundation glows from the inside out and looks much more natural and subtle.

5. Makeup: Camera Nightmare

Foundations with SPF of 20 or higher can create glare ("shine") when reflecting light of a camera. Stick to SPF 15 or lower in your daily lotions and foundations. Better yet, steer yourself in the direction of foundations MADE  to be used under lights.


Andrea's Top Picks: Foundation and Mascara

• Foundation Lancome Photogenic, Arbonne Liquid, HD Makeup Forever...these feel so breathable and balance tone in photos
• Mineral Powder: Arbonne ...your skin will be glowing.
• Setting Powder: MakeupForever HD Microfinish Setting Powder...softens overall makeup without in any way altering the colors.\
• Primer: Makeup Forever has everything from clear to tinted primer for controlling color imbalances in skin's tones...balances skin tones, makeup lasts for the entire day.
• Mascara: Lancome Primer and classic Definicils Mascara. Naturally defined lashes... I try to cheat on Definicils, but find myself going back again and again, dissatisfied with so-called competitors.

Photo Credits: Photo by Hannah Betts, Hair/Makeup by myself, Andrea Galdieri Bonawitz, Model Anna Dana