Color Me Confident

I have had this book checked out of the library for 6 weeks, and it will make it into my permanent library. Color Me Confident by Veronique Henderson and Pat Henshaw is one of the best books I have read on color and style in one's wardrobe.

The book covers making a change, finding your best colors, finding the right shapes for your figure, hair and make-up, and building a wardrobe.

What I learned:
Buy investment clothes in neutral colors. For me, those colors are chocolate, pewter, moss, gray-green, bronze, charcoal, light navy, rose brown, taupe and stone.

Make-up colors to try:
eyeliner: moss
eye shadow: melon, fawn, khaki, grayed-green, peach
lipstick: terracotta, pecan, and copper, sandalwood, spiced peach, nutmeg
blush: cognac, sienna

I finally have the right name for my style, creative. Although I was an education major in college, everyone always thought that I was an art major, because of the way that I dressed. This has not changed as I have gotten older. Things that I can use to reflect this style are unusual belts, unusual jewelery, interesting buttons, wear a hat. I thought the list was interesting, because these are already things that I used to do on a regular basis.

Capsule wardrobes
For business
4 suits, 6-8 tops, 3 shoes, 2 handbags
Casual
4 jackets or cardigans, 6 skirts, trousers or jeans, 8 tops, 4 pairs of shoes, boots or sneakers, 2 handbags
Dresses can be substituted for the skirts.

Color Combinations

I have been trying to put together some more sophisticated color combinations. Since this is not something that comes to me naturally, I have turned to some outside resources.

Trinny and Suzannah have some interesting combos in their rules.

For my spring coloring here are some interesting suggestions:
With a dark gray wear bright emerald, dark sky, and dirty green apple.
With navy wear black, dark purple and charcoal.
With french navy wear royal blue, deep burgundy, and pale beige.
With slate blue wear sage, chocolate, and deep fuschia.
With periwinkle wear dark lavender, gray beige, french navy.
With red wear tobacco, brick and dusty pink.
With racing green wear sea green, dark purple and dirty mustard.
With dark olive wear forest green, steel blue and light orange.
With emerald wear dark lime, dark aqua, and deep purple.
With khaki wear olive, jungle green, and burgundy.

Color Me Confident also has some unusual color combinations grouped by season and activity.
Warm Weather Combinations

• Business Wear

Sage and salmon
Camel and natural beige
Cocoa and peach
Verbena and light moss
Golden brown and coral
Moss and salmon
Oatmeal and tomato red
Grayed green and mustard

• Casual Wear

Rust and shell
Jade and light moss
Taupe and golden brown
Yellow-green and grayed green
Lime and salmon pink
Orange-red and rust
Stone and pumpkin
Light periwinkle and camel

• Special Occasion Wear

Peach and salmon
Salmon pink and rust
Light moss and olive
Light gold and buttermilk
Tangerine and pumpkin
Moss and Olive
Tomato red and rust
Apricot and salmon pink

Cool Weather Combinations

• Business Wear

Chocolate and golden brown
Teal and camel
Olive and light moss
Charcoal and salmon pink
Olive and sage
Chocolate and rust
Charcoal and pumpkin
Teal and salmon

• Casual Wear

Turquoise and yellow-green
Spruce and rust
Pewter and camel
Cocoa and light gold
Turquoise and pumpkin
Rust and amber
Evergreen and lime
Terracotta and coffee

• Special Occasion Wear

Claret and salmon pink
Jade and teal
Eggplant and olive
Rose beige and peach
Coffee brown and mahogany
Bittersweet and tomato red
Pumpkin and tangerine
Purple and mahogany

The Truth About Caregiving

Carol O'dell had a great post today on her blog, Mothering Mother and More. I urge you to read it here, http://caroldodell.wordpress.com/2009/08/14/the-truth-about-caregiving/.

Ezekiel Emanuel on the End of Life

Ezekiel Emanuel, the top healthcare adviser at Obama's Budget Office and brother of his chief of staff has stated repeatedly that he feels that those who have dementia should not receive medical care. I have done a search, but have found that most of the documents are not available to the public, but I did find several references that might give you a place to start if you would like to research this.
Lancet Article
Medscape Today
Project Muse
He has also written a book, A Time to Die: The Place for Physician Assistance.

I have heard repeatedly in recent weeks that the changes in our health care system will allow all to keep the insurance that they currently have, and that the congress and administration want all to be insured, but does it include the elderly? It appears that senior Obama advisors do not think so.

Mr. Emanuel also is an advocate of living wills, as am I, but he wants it written into these documents that one should be denied care if they become incompetent.

Our culture used to abandon babies who were disabled, institutionalized those who were determined to be incompetent, and sterilized those whom others determined should not reproduce. The Kennedy administration worked hard to free those who had been oppressed by this system, and one of my first jobs was in an early group home for individuals with disabilities. I was proud that as a society we had recognized that all people had worth. Never did I expect that I would see an administration in my lifetime that not only would not treat the disabled with respect, but advocate euthanasia. My heart is breaking. How could this have happened? What has happened to our country that an individual with a disability no longer has the right to live?

My parents both had dementia. They would sit, not talking, just holding hands most of the day. They could not tell you where they were, the date, or the name of the president, but they still loved each other, and they brought joy to all those around them. They had worth, joy in living, and deserved medical care.

Nothing To Wear

I just finished reading Nothing to Wear? A 5-Step Cure For The Common Closet by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo. This is not a book that will tell you what styles look good on your body shape, but is rather a book about finding your style, then reorganizing your closet. It contains much valuable information and is a good read.

The authors have 5 main style categories, classic, chic, whimsical, bohemian and avant-garde. In their system, I fall into the whimsical style, combining colors and patterns with too few neutrals in my wardrobe. As a woman who has a whimsical style ages, the authors suggest more neutrals and incorporating classic and chic pieces into every outfit. I want to achieve what they describe as the look for a 50 year old woman... tastefully sexy, subtle, elegant, assured, and self-possessed.

One of the interesting things I learned by reading this book is which designers fall into which style categories. I think this information will be useful for others, so I want to share it with you.

Classic
Brooks Brothers, Agnona, Akris, Anne Klein, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, J. Crew, Kiton, Luciano Barbera, Liz Claiborne, Toro Piana, Ralph Lauren and Talbots.
Chic
Gucci, Armani, Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Club Monaco, Kenneth Cole, Express, H&M, INC, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Laundry, Max Mara, Narciso Rodriguez, Ele Tahari, Valentino and Zara.
Whimsical
Etro, Benetton, French Connection, Mac Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Nanette Lepore, Moscihino, Zac Posen, Prada, Lilly Pulitzer, and Louis Vuitton.
Bohemian
Chloe, Abercrombie & Fitch, Anna Sui, Anthropologie, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabbana, Eskandar, Matthew Williamson, Miu Miu, and Urban Outfitters.
Avant-garde
Yohji Yamamoto, Balenciaga, Comme des Garcons, Costume National, John Galliano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Lavin, Alexander McQueen, Roenza, Schouler, Top Shop, Victor & Rolf and Issey Miyake.

The authors give these tips for shopping, but I think they can be easily adapted for home sewing as well.
1. Create a shopping list of the things you need and fill in the gaps in your essential wardrobe before you buy the fun stuff.
2. Buy essentials at the beginning of the season and get the extras later when they go on sale.
3. Know your shape and what looks best on you.
4. Bring things you need to match with you to the store.
5. Spend the most money on things you will wear frequently.
6. Buy things that fit into multiple categories of your wardrobe needs, for example a jacket that can be worn to work or with jeans.
7 Shop realistically, don't be a fashion victim.

Women's Wardrobe

My latest read is Women's Wardrobe by Kim Johnson Gross and Jeff Stone. This is a very useful book. I think it would be very beneficial to someone who is just learning about style. It is a very difficult book to review, but I do highly recommend it. This would make a great gift to a friend that is interested in fashion, or a young woman just building her wardrobe. My only problem with the book is that the typeset is very annoying; they got out of hand trying to be creative, and it is difficult to follow.

The book is divided into the following sections: style, elements, clothes first aid, and where to find clothes.

My favorite thing about the book is that they show entire outfits, head to toe, including appropriate jewelry and shoes. They also take each fabric and place it in a category from sexy to quick-dry. The authors also teach the reader how to spot a quality garment. Each type of garment is described individually, with tips for wearing each style of that garment. They also have a great glossary of fashion language.

The first aid section is great. It lists different fabrics and how to care for them, how to get rid of stains, even the best way to store everything.

A Guide To Quality, Taste and Style

I just finished reading A Guide To Quality, Taste and Style by Tim Gunn. Although it was a fun read, the information was not that useful for me.

My favorite line in the book is that if you wouldn't want to run into an ex-lover in what you are wearing, get rid of it. He stresses fit, finding a fashion role model, and posture. My physical therapist would love him. He reminds the reader to open up the chest and bring the shoulders down, same advice my PT gave me.

An interesting comment in the book is about the current trend for adults to try to dress like teenagers. The author notes that in times past boys moved from short to long pants, and girls got their first high heels. Children looked forward to moving into "adult" clothing as an indicator of their transition into adulthood. Today with adults wearing the same thing as children (men in shorts and women in flip-flops), there is not that important moment in a child's life. I can relate to the significance of that moment. I came of age in the days before pantyhose, I can remember the first time I got to wear a garter belt and hose instead of ankle socks. Even though I am nearly 55 years old, I have never moved into an adult wardrobe, except for work. I am currently searching out my "adult" look. I am finally ready to grow up.

Golden Girls

I have been watching TV while sewing lately, including reruns of the 1980's sitcom, Golden Girls. I have always thought of the characters as being older women. I was watching an episode that gave Rose's age..........55! I'm nearly the same age as that character. What is even worse, I am dressing like Rose! Am I really out of date or is this a classic style for a romantic woman in her 50's? I just don't know.

I have always had a problem of not dressing to match my personality. When the Golden Girls was first on the air I worked for an insurance company that dealt with brokers who rarely came into the office. After literally years of correspondence with these brokers, they asked us to send a photo of the staff at our office. They then guessed who we were. At that point I dressed in the 1980's power suit and had my hair cut short. The brokers guessed that I was my secretary who had long curly hair and had a very bohemian style.

I have always had a problem deciding how to dress modestly, but with my own style, which is very romantic. I have had even more problems with this as I have gotten older. I decided to look at the styles shown on Golden Girls, as each of these women had their own style. I am a cross between Rose and Blanche. My clothes have multiple personality disorder.

Extravagant Impatience at Walk With Me

One of my favorite blogs is the Walk with Me blog at Christianity Today. Renae Bottom had a great blog entry on aging. Please take the time to read it.
http://blog.todayschristianwoman.com/walkwithme/2009/05/extravagant_impatience.html

Before I started caring for my parents full time, I would get totally frustrated when I would try to help them, but would get only complaints. Renae's article helped me understand for the first time why they were not happy with my efforts.

I am getting set in my ways. This article was a real wake-up call to be more flexible.

What Not To Wear

I have been "reading" What Not to Wear by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine. I put reading in quotes as this is really a picture book on style. The photos clearly illustrate the principles of what not to wear for different figure problems. Although the information in this book is good, I really don't like the writing style of the authors. If you are a visual learner, this book is appropriate; however, be aware that the language used in this book is rather coarse.

What I learned:
1. I should not wear a trench coat, as they are not flattering to a large chest and waist.
2. A large cuff bracelet will make my arm look larger.

Plus Style

I finished reading Plus Style, The Plus-Size Guide to Looking Great by Suzan Nanfeldt. What a great book! I am all inspired. This book is very comprehensive and stresses fit, something that has been overlooked in the other books that I have read.

What I learned from this book:
1. People make a number of value judgments within 7 seconds of meeting a new person based on their appearance.

• Economic Level
• Trustworthiness
• Level of Sophistication
• Economic Heritage
• Educational Heritage
• Educational Level
• Social Position
• Level of Success
• Social Heritage
• Moral Character

2. Using prints in clothing needs to be carefully thought out.

• A regular pattern that fills the available space will make one appear smaller than a widely spaced pattern.
• Use pattern to balance proportions.
• Match the "personality" of the print to the style of the garment.
• The smaller, more subtle and muted the print, the more sophisticated and enduring it will be. (Think of the wild prints of the 1970's).

3. A skirt must be longer than it is wide to be properly proportioned, so a shorter skirt needs to be tapered at the hem.
4. Rules for a capsule wardrobe:

• Use 4 or 5 colors maximum, 2 neutrals and 2 accent colors.
• All colors should work together.
• The patterns should coordinate.
• The styles and scale should be compatible. Can the blouse be worn under the jacket.
• Each piece should be appropriate for the same lifestyle function.

5. Catalog your clothes by clothing type, garment, season/fabric, color, what else it works with, and any accessories that will work with it.

Staging Your Comeback

I most recent read to determine how to improve my look has been Staging Your Comeback, A Complete Beauty Revival for Women Over 45 by Christopher Hopkins. I really like the way this book is organized. It breaks down typical fitting problems, and gives suggestions on how to address them. It also has a questionnaire to determine one's image profile, either classic, casual, romantic, dramatic, innovative or alluring and suggests how to bring that style into one's 4th decade and beyond. It also discusses hair and make-up as one gets older. This book is definitely worth reading, especially if you have trouble choosing styles that flatter your body shape.

What I learned from this book:
1. The best blouses for a full chest: gathered yoke, tailored, raglan, bell sleeve, peasant sleeve, surplice wrap. Don't wear short sleeves.
2. To apply shadow on drooping lids, look straight ahead and apply a dark shadow just above the lash line. Raise your eyebrows and blend.
3. Wear a long-leg shaper to get rid of visible panty line.

Color Me Beautiful

I have been reading Reinvent Yourself with Color Me Beautiful, 4 Seasons of Color, Make-up and Style by JoAnne Richmond lately. I highly recommend this book, especially if you have never tried to determine what colors look best on you. I took the book with me when I went shopping with a friend Friday. We tested the theory with what was available in the store. The color theory definitely works, but there was little available in the store for either my friend or me in our colors. Summer is definitely the season for "winters." Neither my friend or I can wear white, so we couldn't wear half the store.

Several women came up to us and wanted to know what we were doing, and wanted us to figure out what colors they should wear. I think a retailer could get a lot of women in their stores by offering color services. Apparently I wasn't the only one who was confused.

I have now gone through my fabric, and I have found that most of it is not in colors that are flattering on me. I will be much more careful with future purchases. Nothing in my wardrobe is the right color. I guess I need to start over.

What I learned from this book:
1. I am a spring.
2. Eyeliner recommendations, navy blue, green, or brown
3. Eye shadow recommendations: light brown, light green, copper and a peach highlighter.
4. Blush recommendations: peach, salmon, and light coral.
5, Lipstick recommendations: peach, apricot, mango, and melon.
6. The best neutrals for me are ivory, cream, clear beige, camel, tan, golden brown, clear gold, and light clear navy.
7. The best basic colors for me are clear red, orange red, coral, periwinkle, and rust.
8. Probably the most interesting thing to me was the shoe color recommendations.
For warm weather ivory, bronze, medium blue, peach, gold.
For cool weather medium brown, ivory, bronze, gold.

If you know your "season" you can order a color swatch book from Color Me Beautiful.

Friendship for a Lifetime

This week I had the oportunity to spend time with a woman who has been one of my closest friends in my life. We met when I was still in college and was deeply involved in Hinduism. Through her witness, I found the Lord. We have lived far apart almost all of our adult lives, but our friendship has never faded. No matter how long we are apart, we always seem to pick up where we left off. Although our hair has gone gray, and we have lost our girlish figures, so much has stayed the same.

I have never been very good with make-up, and rarely experiment, and on many days, don't even bother to put any on. Becky has always has her make-up on. Even when we were young, she always put on make-up before leaving the house. Even on this visit, Becky was teaching me about new make-up.

She is currently growing her hair out for Locks of Love.



Becky has always made lists, but her lists are like no one else's. The paper on the right shows her list of restaurants near her hotel. Her list has all the ethnic restaurants within miles of her hotel. She is definitely not a steak and potatoes girl. Her lists took us on many adventures when we were young. On our days off we would hop in the car and go, some days to auctions, some days for wet drives in the mountains, and we always seemed to encounter someone or something unique along the way.

This day we ended up at a Mexican restaurant to celebrate her birthday.



In all our adventures we seem to end up a bookstore.....in the diet and magazine sections. We both have a great love of books, and in our younger days, long before the days of mega chains with food and drink, we wanted to open a book store with comfy chairs and food. I think someone from the chains must have been listening.

We wouldn't be women if we hadn't ended up at the shoe store!



It is amazing to me that two people can stay so much the same through the years, but I am so greatful for a friendship that can last a lifetime.

Moral Inheritance

I have been thinking about the changes in our society, and I don't like it. We are not treating each other with respect. There does not seem to a moral guideline, people are living by their own rules and out to please only themselves. People seem to be out for personal satisfaction, at the expense of others. We are so politically correct, that everyone's viewpoint is correct, there is no right or wrong. When I look at the results of these attitudes, we have constant disagreements, and people's greed has led to enormous consequences for our economy because everyone wants what is best for themselves.

Although the move has been happening for the last fifty years, it seems to be accelerating in the last ten years. This is shocking to me, as our society had a moral standard for centuries reinforced by the culture. This has led me to question why so much has changed in the last ten years. My conclusion is that the generation that was raised during the great depression is dying out, and is no longer in leadership. The baby boomers are now in charge, in politics, business and the church. We have long been known as a selfish generation and we have rebelled against the moral standards of our parents and have not raised our children in the church to give them a moral guideline for life. Is lack of integrity the result or our moral inheritance to our children?

My greatest concern is that the changes are happening in the church. If the church cannot provide leadership, where will the coming generations find hope. In the midst of these thoughts, I saw hope. I was talking with a young man of 20 over the weekend who is called to action, politically, spiritually and morally. He gave me hope for the coming generations. Thank God there have been a few parents of the baby boomer generation who have raised their children well. Their inheritance to their children is far greater than wealth.

Looking for Style

I have been stuggling to find my style as an older woman. I have recently found a couple of sites that have been a help. Hope they also help my readers.

More Magazine

My Shape

The Makeover Guy

The 9-12 Project

I am a big fan of Glenn Beck. He has started a new project. Check it out.

The 9-12 Project

The mission page of the site describes the goals.

This is a non-political movement. The 9-12 Project is designed to bring us all back to the place we were on September 12, 2001. The day after America was attacked we were not obsessed with Red States, Blue States or political parties. We were united as Americans, standing together to protect the greatest nation ever created.

The site provides updates and ideas for reaching that goal, a united people.