Real Life Ramblings

I am going into my second year of writing this style blog (third year if you count my style blog for cleveland.com). Even in my weekly column at The Sun News I talk about shopping of some sort.

Although I love writing about style and fashion, there are just times I want to talk about other things besides.....style and fashion. And I am not sure how to remedy this. I may eventually break off into another blog, because I know some readers come here just for style. But for now I just want to post about other things every now and again, or maybe weekly, I don't know.

I have other real life thoughts brewing in my brain.....

-like the fact that my only child (not for lack of trying)turned 5! f-i-v-e! last week and somehow that made me feel melancholy. And somehow just instinctually he knew that I needed lots of snuggling and cuddling this week, and has been asking for just that himself. And how I never knew that I could love a little boy so much it hurts. And how when I look into his tiny face and eyes my heart just bursts with emotions for him. And how when I look over at my husband he knows exactly how I am feeling because he feels the same way about him. And how even though we are a small family, we are still so blessed to have each other- and I need to feel that gratitude everyday.

-like the fact that I feel sad that the death of Billy Mays and Farrah Fawcett are over-shadowed by Michael Jackson's death. Oh believe me I understand it. Despite Michael's flaws and suspicious activity, he still should be respected for his AMAZING talent. Maybe it's the fact also that I have been watching Billy's new reality show on the Discovery channel, called Pitch Men (produced by my friend, Matt Crocco), and I was really enjoying him! And how strange that it may be related to his plane landing roughly and something falling and hitting his head on the flight! Something that can happen to any one of us! Scary! But now they are saying maybe heart disease....

-like the fact that, I am writer at heart (I didn't realize I was for many, many years as I tried different careers-teaching made me realize it most of all) and this year I took the time to write a young adult book (never even know I had it in me)! And how tough it is to traverse the literary agent and publishing world-a journey I am just beginning.....That's about all I want to say about it, so wish me luck :)

-like the fact that it's already June 30th and I don't even know where June went-what the heck? I have so many things I still want to do this summer.......

So please bear with when I choose to just say what's on my mind every now and again...I promise to throw in something style related- like the fact that gladiator sandals are really growing on me this year (which supports my theory of fashion desensitization), and how I still hate jumpsuits and stirr-ups and acid wash (I have not been desensitized by them yet-not enough market saturation). :):) HAVE A GOOD DAY!

Beauty: What is the best foundation for oily skin?

Ask Christina:
This question comes from A Duck in her Pond: What is the best foundation for my oily skin?

Answer: Well I am sure all my readers and bloggy friends can also help out with this question. Especially those with this kind of skin who haved tried it all!

I have read that, if you have an oily complexion, you should choose a powder type foundation (pressed or loose, like the mineral kind) or a liquid foundation that's water based (not oil based like others).

Here's some other advice I came across: When shopping for oily skin foundations, choose one that is one shade lighter than your natural shade. That way, if the oils in your skin darken the foundation, it won't be a problem.

SO, here are some of my ideas (there are alot of products on the market for oily skin):

Clinique’s Stay-True Makeup Oil-Free Formula:

Almay’s Clear Complexion Liquid Makeup :

MAC Studio Fix :
Bobbi Brown's Oil-free Even Finish Foundation:

Bare Minerals (or Sheer Cover, which is another mineral make-up):

Maybelline pure makeup foundation which is 50% water based:


Readers, do you want to weigh in?

Four Word Weekend: Beach Time

HAVEN'T GOTTEN THERE YET.........

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Minka Kelly

Simple.

Comfy.

Causally chic.

Another way to wear your vest for summer.

'Nuff said.

(photo credit:imnotobsessed.com)

Here's my re-creation below:

***to view items or stores in detail, click on the image below***

minka kelly by real style real people featuring Old Navy

p.s. on an un-fashion related sidenote (but maybe not- the one glove and sgt. pepper jackets, the red bathing suit, and feathered bangs)-WOW Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett in the same day-it was surreal watching all the coverage last night-like the sumation (and conclusion)of my 70's and 80's together.........like closing that chapter, but not really....just really strange.....but not so very surprising....

Wearing White Bottoms

I used to shy away from white bottoms of any kind for several reasons.


One reason was because I was afraid they would make my bottom look heavier (the opposite of black-slimming).

Another reason was I hated panty lines and the way undergarments showed through.

The last reason is I didn't want to get them dirty, quickly, knowing my clumbsiness rate.


But now I have the formula for them DOWN. When looking for white pants or skirts, go for thicker material and some kind of pockets on the behind (covers panty troubles); with skirts, go with multi-layered or thicker materials, so nothing shows through!


Some thing like these pants with flap or welt pockets on the back and substantial material-cargos dont work for everyone, though, because of the side pockets adding volume):


Or these bermuda shorts (again substantial cotton blend material with some sort of pocket on the back):


Or a white denim pencil skirt with same pricipals as above:

All of the above were from Old Navy!

If you want to buy a feminine cirlce skirt, I would choose one with more than one layer, like this one from Target:

As far as getting them dirty and clumsiness are concerned- nothing has changed. But they wash pretty well. You're bound to get stains over a couple of seasons of wear-so go for budget friendly pieces or good 'ol bleach!

Real vs. Deal: Key Charm Necklaces

Oh Tiffany's you always know how to pull me right into your catalogues. Your key charms are FABULOUS!!!!

I lust after them, and therefore, decided to make my own budget friendly version (I added a stone to mine):

Here are the different kinds of keys that I have on hand:

I can make any length (the length I am wearing in the picture is 24 inches long) and put any stone (or not).

If you'd like me to make you one, just email me: christinalee@ameritech.net and I'll make it for $18, $20 with a stone.

Now remember this is just costume jewelry.

If you'd like a sterling silver key, with a sterling silver heart initial tag, including a freshwater pearl or swarovski crystal, then go to my Tags-n-Stones site and order my new KEY to my HEART necklace for $36!

A Chain Strap Bag

I am attracted to chain strap bags.

They soften a handbag, making them look more delicate and feminine.




Here are some other budget friendly options:

***to view stores or items in detail, just click on the image below***





chain strap bags by real style real people featuring MAXX New York bags


(photo credit: sugarscape.com, unusualthreads.com)

Beauty: Waterproof Makeup

I definitely wear waterproof mascara all year long but in the summer it's especially important so that I don't get raccoon eyes. Right now I am testing out different kinds (based on my lovely readers suggestions a couple of months ago).



Here is my brand new favorite waterproof mascara: DiorShow Black Out Waterproof Mascara



Here are some other waterproof tested products, according to Glamour Magazine:

Covergirl Outlast Lipstain:

L'O'real Paris Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner:
The Body Shop Bright Lips and Cheek Stain:
Estee Lauder Double Wear Shadow Creme:
Hourglass Supernatural Waterproof Bronzer:
Readers, do you wear anything waterproof in the hottest months?

Happy Father's Day!

I couldn't let this occasion go by without pointing out some sweet and hot celebrity dads:

And my own guy: He's a celebrity to me :) LOVE YOU!

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Angie Harmon

Scarf Print dresses are so popular.

I like the fun patterns they come in!

I like how Angie added the belt and shoes to pull the look together and make it look more sophisticated.

Here are some other scarf print inspired dresses from Charlotte Ruche, Edressme and Dillards:

*** to view stores or items in detail, just click on the image below***

scarf print dresses by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Spring/Summer 2009: Romper Room

awww cute baby onesies- look familiar?

I introduce to you the "ADULT ONESIE" ! Or jumpsuit or romper......




I am not a fan of this look! Can't explain it, just not. Maybe it feels too "matchy matchy" or parachute trooper, or, something...

But if you are partial to it, and want to give it a try, here are some affordable versions from Forever 21.



(photo credit: photobucket.com, lilcubby.com, stardustkids.com.uk, instablogimages.com)

"Real People" Real Style: It Finally Feels Like Summer Around Here!

WHAT US REGULAR FOLKS ARE WEARING!

Pretty Mommy!

Casual Chic!

Graphic Tee? check. Summery Light Bottoms? check.

awww Sweet and Lovely Couple!
Color!

Handmade Shrug. Want One!

Young and Sweet!

Nice Use of Leggings!

Three Looks In One: Denim Skirt

A denim knee length skirt is so versatile for summer, and all year long for that matter (plus it keeps you covered and is more flattering for us mature gals).



I chose one a-line denim skirt from my favorite QVC line, Motto, and showed you three different looks:

denim skirt outfits by real style real people featuring Diesel accessories

Here are some other denim skirt options from Motto and Old Navy (finding ones that were NOT mini was tough!):

denim knee length skirts by real style real people featuring Old Navy

Choose Or Die: Which Past Fashion Disaster are You Willing to Wear?

I haven't done one of these in a couple of months and I needed a laugh, so........


Alright mateys, it's that time again when I ask you to reminisce and make some TOUGH choices.



If you had to choose to wear one of these past styles OR walk the plank,




Which of the two would you choose? (Or would you just choose to DIE?)



Here goes:




A HALF SHIRT (hello my friend Deb who wore them in the early nineties to show off her amazing abs! I see you hiding back there..)




Yes I know they have come back around but I SO choose to ignore that fact!!!!




OR





A SWEATBAND around your head (and not during a sporting event)!



(photo credit: flickr, getty images, americanidolcritics.com and tntcustomcreations.com)



WELL?

Four Word Weekend: Designer Clothing for Barbie's 50th Birthday

Cool or Pretty Silly?

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Lauren Conrad

Lauren, I like the tie dye!

It makes the maxi dress look more casual!

Perfect for flip flops and minimal jewelry.

Lauren is wearing a Gypsy 05 dress for $209 from Singer 22.

Here are some more budget friendly tie dye maxis all for under $40.

*** to view stores or items in detail, just click on the image below***

tie dye maxis by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Beauty Review:Self-Tanner

I use Jergens Natural Glow Healthy Complexion daily moisturizer!

It is a very subtle tanner (I mostly put it on my legs) and it does double duty for me because its a moisturizer too!

LOVE IT!

It comes in a foam or lotion (in a firming lotion too), and for the face it has an SPF of 20.

It comes in three different shades. I use the lightest one and it does the job.

Readers: Do you use a self-tanner? If so, What kind?

Spring/Summer/Fall 2009:Slouchy Pants and Shorts

Love or Hate the look?

(photo credit:Moschino runway show on style.com)

(phtot credit :instyle.com)

I could take it or leave it.

I do like how they are roomier, but I am afraid they could look clownish on some! If you wear them, I would make sure your mid-section is defined!

Look at how fabulous Maegan from the blog ...love Maegan looks in them. She defined her waist with a belt. But she is modelesque material. I am not so sure I'd look like that in them- LOL!

Spring/Summer 2009:Cotton Blend Dresses

I am a big fan of wearing cotton/cotton blend dresses for the comfort and ease of them and to ward off the heat, while still looking cute and chic.

I look for ones that are inexpensive and have an A-line shape (flattering for most figures).

Here's me in one of my favorite ones that I bought at Target last summer!

I usually always wear a cami underneath and if it's colder or air conditioned I will put on a pair of leggings with it (see below)!

Don't be afraid to wear leggings if you are over 40 or full-figured! They will update your look and offer support in a dress or skirt, especially one that is a bit shorter.

Just don't wear your leggings as full on pants exposing your hips and butt- that's not the kind of look you want to go for!



This summer I am going to look for brighter colors or patterns!



Here are some cotton/cotton blend desses from Kohl's for $40 and under!

cotton summer dresses by real style real people on Polyvore.com

And from Target for $25 and under:

cotton summer dresses by real style real people on Polyvore.com

Feel too dressed up in them for the grocery store? Wear flat sandals or flip flops and minimal accessories.

Want to dress them up? Wear fabulous shoes, heels, scarf, bolder jewlery.

SO VERSATILE!

Ask Christina: Body Shapes

Dear Christina:

Unfortunately I have an apple shaped figure. I am usually a size 10 in my waist, but I could wear 8 or 6 for my legs :(... I was wondering if an apple shaped person can wear a wide legged jeans- are these past season?) ... any suggestions for how to dress my complicated body?

Thanks, Emely


Answer: Emely, I decided to expand your very good question to include all body shapes. Yes I think you should wear wide leg pants (and boot cut) which will help proportion your top and bottom (as apples tend to have thinner lower torsos)- just work on defining that waist!

Here are the typical body shapes below (photo credit from Angie over at You Look Fab, who also does this topic alot of justice-you should give her site a look as well).

SO:

If you're a PEAR, your top is smaller than your bottom. so you'll want to balance that out with A-line skirts and dresses as well as boot and wide cut panats with minimal pocket details.

If you're HOURGLASS your top and bottom match prety well and your waist is defined. But you still may have issues not looking too busty or voluptous. You should lenthen your body when you can with tone on tone bottoms and shoes.

If you're a RECTANGLE, you'r pretty even top and bottom but lack the curviness you may be craving. So you need to accentuate the bust or behind.

If you're an APPLE, like Emely, you carry alot in the middle and your legs may look slightly thinner. So you'll want to define a waist or wear empire, layers or banded tops to help cover that area (or wear wider legged bottoms).

If you're an INVERTED TRIANGLE, your top is bigger than your bottom. You'll want to tone it down on top (minimizer tops or bras) and try to balance your lower area (wide leg pants).


Susannah and Trinny have 12 women's body types, which helps define even further! I think I may be a skittle!

Here's are some other great tips on how to dress apple shapes, Emely! Hope all of this helps!

Readers, what shape are you? Any help/ideas?

Four Word Weekend: Man Bags

A yea or nay?

(photo sources: david beckham- dailymail.co.uk;Christiano Ronaldo-blindumpire.blogspot.com)

Celebrity Chic But Cheap: Kim Kardashian

Kim, I think you are stunningly beautiful!

And I get sucked into your reality show every. time.

I like that you're shaped like a real women-hips and all!

I am a fan of your boyfriend style shorts to the knees, but not of all the rips and holes.

I'd probably wear some that are less beaten up-even though I know that's the hot look of the moment!

Here's my re-creation below all from Forever 21:

celebrity chicbut cheap-Kim Kardashian by real style real people featuring Forever21

Here are some other pairs of beat up boyfriend shorts from Dillards and F21:

boyfriend shorts by real style real people featuring Forever21

Or, just make your own from faded and beat up jeans!!!

Summer Plaid

I love the look of plaid, period.

And I wish I wore it more!

The plaid and madras prints for summer are light-weight and pretty.

(Isaac Mizrahi runway photo from style.com)

Here are some dress ideas from Delia's, Old navy and Forever 21 all for under $45.

summer plaid dresses by real style real people featuring Old Navy

Other ideas:

Other summer plaid ideas by real style real people featuring Converse shoes

Real vs. Deal: Butterfly Flats

I have a thing for butterfly patterns this spring. Don't ask me why. Usually it's dragonflies!



The butterfly flats below by Juicy Couture are $244!


But why buy those, when I can get these from Land's End, for $29.99?
LOVE!


How stinkin' cute are these?

Streeeeetching Out Your Hair Coloring

Alternate Title: Save Time and Money

I try to stretch the time between hair colors for as long as I can.

My hair is naturally chocolate brown but as I age, the greys continue to come and show up rather easily on my dark hair.

Which leads me to wonder if eventually I will lighten up my color, so my greys won't be so evident.

My older sister has blond highlights and although she "claims" to not have any grey yet (bee-otch!) I wonder if she wouldn't be able to tell as easily anyway because of her hair color.

Anyway, for now, I will try to do what I can to help my hairline (my part is where I can see the color fading and the greys) appear to retain it's color.

Here are some ideas:

Johm Frieda's Luminous Color Glaze (comes in red and blond too). It's a gel creme that you shampoo into your hair. It gives you a hint of color to help your color hold.

I have used this as well as another brand called Artec (sold at salons). Both work the same but the John Frieda is cheaper, a little over $8.

I like it BUT, it's so messy in the shower. It stains the sides of the shower and your hands. You just have to make sure to wash your hands right away after rinsing your hair.

Joan River's Great Hair Day Fill-In Powder in six different shades. I saw her presentation of this on QVC. It is for thinnning hair and for grey coverage in-between appointments. You would use it on your scalp line, much like you would use an eyebrow powder.

Looks interesting, and I might give it a try. It's $26.67 and it probaby would last a long time.

Clairol's Nice 'n Easy Root Touch Up is supposed to be a ten minute job. You style your hair the way you normally wear it and then apply the brush applicator to your part and temples, or wherever you need it. They offer several different shades and it costs around $7. Another one on my list to try. It is probably less messy than the shampoo.

Readers, what do you do between appointments?

"Real People" Real Style

Polka dots!!

I like your vest!
Cute pink crocs!

Awww sweet couple!

Can you tell this is at a model call?

Pretty!