Red Lipstick

I know it’s not clothes but it’s my blog and I’ll post what I want!!  Besides technically you wear lipstick.   The idea for this post came to me this weekend. I decided to brave the mobs and go shopping on Black Friday.  I rolled out of bed after Eleanor enthusiastically  ran into my room screaming about sales.  I threw on leggings, an oversized shirt and uggs, put my hair in a bun and was ready to roll.  I was not putting any effort into my appearance that day because I had only slept for about 3 hours.  Besides I highly doubted anyone else would be looking good at 4am.  Then as I was walking around the mall I noticed one particular girl.  She had on an ensemble very similar to mine.  Something modest and ordinary, except for her bright red lipstick.  I was a little taken aback by how much it made her stand out from the rest of us zombie like shoppers.  All from a simple application of make up.

This girl really got me thinking.  This has got to be the the easiest way to “dress up”.  You can be in the most basic outfit let’s say tee shirt, skinny jeans and flats.  Smear on some red lips and suddenly ....you’re interesting....seductive even.  That bright red pout adds this incredible element of drama.  Now you’re unique, quirky and edgy.  You stand out a bit and it’s just plain fun.  

It’s a bold but simple accessory that most people don’t take advantage of.  I can understand why.  It’s easy enough to apply but you literally have to maintain it all day/night.  Like any lipstick it wears off however, with red is that it’s way more noticeable when it does.  After a few hours you can end up looking like you applied liner but forgot to fill in the rest.  This is not a cute look.  Ever.  It’s just as bad as dark lip liner with light lipstick.  You all know what I’m talking about.   

As much of a pain in the ass as it may be I still love this look.  It never goes out of style.  It looks good on everyone.  It can be worn with just about any outfit for any occasion.  I think I need to start sporting the red lips more often.   Here are a couple quick tips I’ve learned along the way:  

1. Exfoliate first.  It takes like 2 seconds.  Get a wash cloth, run it under warm water and      gently scrub your lips.  Chapped or dry lips are gross and it makes your make up look like shit.  

2. Use lip liner.  The catch is you need to apply it to your entire lip.  It helps avoid “bleeding” and will make it last longer

3. To avoid red teeth:  After you’ve applied and blotted put your finger in your mouth.  Put your lips around it and pull your finger out.  I know how pornographic this sounds and it looks just as bad when you’re doing it.  It totally works though 

4. Gloss is great but I find it makes the lipstick wear off faster so I tend to avoid it. I just stick with a moisturizing lipstick.

5. Find a color that works with your skin tone.  Play around with a few different shades till you find something you like.  Sometimes you can end up looking like you’re wearing orange lipstick.  

6. Take it easy on the eye make up when going with red lips.  Otherwise you could end up looking like a hooker.

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First Impressions

We all know how nerve racking it is meeting your boyfriend’s parents for the first time.  Try meeting the entire family, at a Greek christening, in Brooklyn.  This was the case when I met my last boyfriend’s family.  I was so nervous and desperate to make a good first impression.  I had to have the perfect dress....and I found it.  Remember in my rehearsal dinner post I said there was a story about the dress I wore to Violet’s dinner?  Well here’s the story. I should let you know before you continue reading if you do not have a general knowledge of Long Island geography you might want to reference a map to get the full effect.

Since I am one of the world’s greatest procrastinators I waited until the day before the event to find a dress. The best advice I can ever give DO NOT DO THIS.  Please give yourself more time.  I started my search at Lord and Taylor in Manhasset.  That’s where I found it.  The perfect dress.  It was BCBG, brown jersey halter top with a patterned scarf bottom.  The second I saw it I knew I had to have it.  It was $300 but I didn’t care.   The problem was the only one they had was 2 sizes too big.  I tried on several others while I was there but it didn’t matter.  My mind was made up.  This dress was “the one” and I had to find it in my size.  So I raced over to Roosevelt Field mall, checked almost every store and managed to find 2, neither of which were my size.  Now I was getting frustrated.  It was 6 pm on a Friday.  I was running out of time until the stores closed. The christening was at noon the next day so it’s not like I could have ran to look for something in the morning

I called the first store in Manhasset and described the dress.  I asked if ANY other store had it in stock.  They said, “yes actually the Garden City location has your size  The girls there will put it on hold for you”.  PERFECT!!   I ran over there immediately.  My heart literally sank as the girl behind the counter pulled out the wrong dress.  Now I was practically in tears.  As I was describing the dress yet again to one associate, another overheard me.  “I know exactly what dress you’re talking about”.  She checked the computer.  “There is only one left on Long Island in your size.  It’s at Walt Whitman mall.  They close in an hour.”  I told her to please have them put in on hold as I ran out the door.  I can’t believe I made it there without getting a speeding ticket.  I flew through the doors just as they were announcing that the store would be closing in 15 minutes.  I ran to the desk where they had the dress on hold.  This was it!!  I tried it on quickly and it fit perfectly.  I will never forget that feeling.  That wave of relief, that indescribable high... I didn’t even feel the slightest tinge of guilt as I handed over my credit card. 

  

The next day went very smoothly.  I was comfortable, confident and I made a great first impression.  Everyone was very welcoming.  I really think my level of comfort had quite a lot to do with my outfit.  I felt amazing in my dress and had a hard time even taking it off that night.  I wanted to stay in it forever.  Over the years it’s been worn quite a bit.  Not only by me but by both of my sisters, Olive and Eleanor.  If ever it’s missing I know one of them has it.

Here’s my advice.  One of the greatest feelings is walking into a room KNOWING you look great.  That feeling will shine through when you’re interacting with people.  I think that’s why it’s so important to wear something you’re happy in when making that first impression.  If you find an outfit, whatever it may be, that you know in your heart is “the one” do whatever you have to do to get it.  Sure you can settle but you will not be completely happy with anything else.  Sometimes you need to splurge.  Sometimes you need to spend 5 hours driving all over Long Island for one article of clothing.  Trust me if you love it as much as I love mine you’ll get enough use out of it that it’ll be completely worth it.  

The Fancy French Restaurant

I went on a date recently to Boulud Sud in NYC.  I was having one of those “I have nothing to wear” freak out days.  I literally tore my closets apart.  I had clothes on the couch, dining room table, all over the floor and hanging from the light fixture.  I was also having the kind of day where things that normally fit did not.  I knew I needed to be dressed up as this is a high end French restaurant.  I really wanted to wear a dress but all of mine mysteriously disappeared.  I had a sneaking suspicion my sister Eleanor was responsible for that.  What I ended up with was probably one of the most horrendous outfits I’ve ever put together.  I knew it leaving my apartment. I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess after 2 hours of trying on clothes I just gave up. I had on a tan sequined top, bellbottoms, black pumps and a black cardigan.  No, I’m not kidding.  Oh it was also raining so I threw my hair back into a frizzy low ponytail.  I honestly should have cancelled the date.  As I always say it’s about feeling comfortable.  Well this night I was anything but.  I still cringe when I think about it.   

The first thing I noticed upon arrival (other than the fact that I was seriously underdressed) was that it seemed to be a slightly older crowd.  I’d say 40’s and above. I’m not saying 40 is old.  A better word would be mature.  This isn’t a “trendy” restaurant with a bunch of 23 year olds showing off with daddy’s credit card.  Almost every man in there was wearing a suit.  Women were either in dresses or slacks.  Although no one was really overly dressed the tone was conservative.  A simple black dress, blazer and pumps would be perfect here.  My only saving grace was that I was sitting and was able to button my cardigan.  That and I had on diamond earrings and a diamond watch.  At least I was a little fancy......

If you’re ever planning to go there or any other high end NYC restaurant ie: Daniel, 11 Madison, Per Se, ect...  I strongly suggest sticking with simple and chic.  Do not show up in jeans and a corset top.  Although in my opinion that’s never a good look anyway.

This is why you need to do your research and plan ahead. I learned my lesson the hard way. Hopefully with time and more posts this blog will be able to help with that.  Also sometimes, especially if you’re going to dinner, it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.

This is what I actually wore......

This is more along the lines of what I SHOULD have worn...

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Rehearsal Dinners

This one I think is pretty easy so I’m keeping it short.  Also this will be the last of wedding related posts for a while.  For the rehearsal dinner you have to dress up a bit.  End of story.  No Jeans, no ripped clothing.  Sometimes the bridesmaids don’t all know each other so you can’t just call to see what everyone else is wearing.  I say think about location.  What kind of restaurant are we talking about?  Fancy and French?  Cozy and Italian?  McDonalds? I also suggest taking into consideration whether or not you’ll be inside a church, temple or any other house of worship.  I’m not a religious person but it comes down to respect.  When you’re inside these types of places you should really try and tone it down a bit.  If you’re wearing something strapless grab a cardigan or shawl to throw on, just for when you’re inside.  Unless of course it’s 105 degrees in the middle of July and the church’s air conditioner breaks (true story, happened at my cousin Violet’s rehearsal).  In which case God, I’m sure, will forgive you.  

Now let’s look at some examples.  Kitty’s day was host to a range of styles.  Some in cocktail dresses, some in pants, there was a vintage Chanel (you know who you are <3) and some in slightly more casual attire.  I wore a purple sweetheart cut dress.  It had a patterned top, high black elastic waist and a plain bottom.  I threw on black pumps, a black cardigan and a simple clutch.  The dinner took place at Piccolo Bussola in Mineola, NY.

For my cousin Violet’s I wore a BCBG halter scarf dress with brown BCBG sandals.  I was in a BCBG phase at the time.  Plus there’s a story that goes with that dress but I’ll save that for a future post.  As I said it was 105 degrees so there was no shawl or sweater.  This dinner took place in Boston.  Definitely not as over the top as most Long Island events.  However keep in mind Boston is still a city and people there can dress.

In the end wear what makes you comfortable.  This is an important day but not as important as the BIG day.  When in doubt think of Audrey Hepburn, you can never go wrong with a simple black dress.  

Violet's Rehearsal

(For some reason this was the only picture I could dig up)

Bridesmaid Horror Dresses

I saved this blog for after the wedding because Kitty reads it and I didn’t want her freaking out.  This piece is going to be more advice rather than ideas on what to wear.  The bridesmaid’s dresses for the big day were STUNNING.  They were black satin, strapless and mermaid cut with simple ruffle detail at the top and knees.  You know how people always say “Oh that dress is so great.  You can shorten it and wear it again”?  Well these bad boys came pre-cut.  That’s right.  Where the dress flared out there were hidden buttons to detach the bottom portion of the dress.  Of course we all did a “wardrobe change” halfway into the reception in the middle of the dance floor.

Now let me fill you in on the nightmares that came along with this fabulous dress.   I had my dress altered months ago.  I was lucky....or so I thought.  It fit like a glove and all I had to do was have it hemmed.  If fact had I lost a pound or two it would have been perfect.  Well....I guess I lost those couple pounds and all of it in my upper body.  I tried the dress on one week before the wedding and was suddenly swimming in it.  If i moved too much in any direction my boob was coming out.  There was no way I was giving a free show at this wedding so I called my tailor.  I owe my her BIG time for doing an express job.   I wasn’t the only one with issues.  One girl ordered extra length and never got it.  After doing major alterations they ended up being able to add length but then took it in too much.  Another came in 3 sizes too small.  Another ordered a size 6 and got a size 12.  The seamstress broke one zipper and refused to acknowledge it.

For those of you who don’t know bridesmaids dresses are almost always poorly made.  It doesn’t matter what the price tag says.  For example my zipper completely ripped open at the wedding toward the end of the night.  Thank God Olive was with me in the bathroom when it happened and she was able to safety pin me back into the dress.  She literally used 30 industrial sized ones but it held for the rest of the night.

Here is my advice to all you bridesmaids out there:

1. Do not have it altered right away.  Wait until you’re 3-4 weeks away from the wedding.  You never know how much weight you’ll gain/lose by the big day.
2. I know that bridal salons cap their prices.  However if you can afford to I URGE you to find and use your own tailor.  If you don’t have an adorable little Italian lady who works out of her house, then go to a REPUTABLE tailor.  These bridal places make next to nothing on their alterations for the bridesmaids.  They treat you like shit and do a terrible job.
3. Have your seamstress replace the zipper (if there is one).  Like I said, these dresses are poorly made.  Sure they’re beautiful but a crappy zipper will be the first thing to go.  I wish I had thought of this before hand.  I’m just thankful mine didn’t break till after the pictures were taken.
4. Wear it around.  Dresses are like shoes.  You can benefit from breaking them in a bit.  I do NOT mean clean in them, dance in them ext.  Put it on for 5-10 min.  Walk in it a bit.  See how it feels. Make sure you’re comfortable. Avoid vigorous activity.  You don’t want the dress to stink by the big day.  
5. Last but definitely not least, try on the dress one week before the wedding.  That way just in case there are issues you’ll have enough time to get it fixed.

I know weddings are expensive.  I know going to a private tailor and having a ton of work done is potentially going to damage your budget.  It’s the bride’s day and all eyes are on her.  Remember though, she asked you to come and stand by her side.  If you’re sitting in a corner sulking because there was an issue with your dress or shoes I’m sure she’ll be bummed.  She wants you to be flawless too.  Unless of course she’s a bad friend in which case you should start planning how you’re gonna get her back.  

BK Brunch

Nope I don’t mean Burger King.  I’m talking about the time honored New York tradition of Sunday brunch but in Brooklyn.  Yes Brooklyn...the land of hipsters and fist pumpers.  I LOVE Brooklyn.  It’s so diverse, the restaurants are amazing and the people there will shock the shit out of you.  Being as she lives in Park Slope, Lexie decided this was to be the destination for her birthday festivities.  She decided on a place called Scottadito not far from her apartment.  I would absolutely recommend this spot for a mellow brunching experience.  Cozy atmosphere, delicious food, friendly staff who kept our glasses full and unlimited champagne included.  No loud DJ and no getting crazy dancing on the tables.  Just a quite low key afternoon.

Olive and our friend Coco picked me up mid morning.  Anticipating heavy traffic due to the NYC marathon, we gave ourselves plenty of time to get there.  Fortunately we practically flew there. Thank God because the walk took longer than we thought and we made it just in time for our reservation.  Shortly after our arrival two more of Lexie’s friends joined us.  It ended up being a great day.     

Now more importantly ... what did we wear??  Well let’s first take into consideration that there was to be plenty of walking so flat boots were a must.  Secondly it’s Park Slope therefor anything plaid will work. Just kidding but that area is known for being trendy and plaid is in at the moment.  I decided on dark blue skinny jeans, a gray sweater and black flat boots.  For jewelry I went for a simple silver key necklace.  Based on location anything flashy, my diamond Michelle watch for example, might have been too much.  I say this all the time: location is KEY.  Brooklyn is a big place but drive 5 minuets in any direction and you can be in a completely different style zone.  Had we been in say Bay Ridge flashy jewelry and designer bags would have been a must.  I can’t stress this enough, it’s about looking good but feeling comfortable.  That said, if you’re headed to BK for brunch here are some ideas to base your outfit off of: