Give 'em some lip!

So often I am inspired (fashion and otherwise) by the amazing and beautiful women I meet from working here at Next Door.  A few women in particular come to mind for a very specific reason which I will now share with you.  These women walk into the store with a smile, confidence and LIPSTICK.  When I see these women I instantly am either glad I have on a great color lipstick or if I forgot to put some on I wish I had remembered.  Lipstick can really complete any look and with such a simple detail bump up your style factor several notches.  On days when you had a cocktail too many the night before some stylish (dark) shades and lipstick can fool the masses.   When it comes to figuring out make-up as well as clothes I generally go by if I like what I see in the mirror than it's good.  I don't think you need to read a ton about what color works for your skin tone just try them and see what you like.  Below are 3 general colors/moods that I think universally work on everyone.

This color is "Slopes" by Bobbi Brown.  A little pricier lipstick but it goes on really smoothly and the color is perfect for all day every day.  All the women in my family have this and it works on various skin tones with all outfits.

*helpful tip:  If you color in your entire lips with a lip liner prior to applying lipstick, it lasts longer!






The next color is a bright red for when you feel like being bold and sassy.  This is also a color that looks great on everyone. When wearing neutral colored clothing this can be just the finishing touch to add class and confidence. Covergirl lipstick is smooth and easy to apply and inexpensive.  If you don't like the color you can easily return it no problems.  CVS and Walgreens are great about this.

*helpful hint:  Put on some chapstick first for extra moisture and easy application.

Lastly, the Sugar sheer tinted lip moisturizer is for days when you want to feel less done up and more incognito.  A simple boost to your natural beauty.  This moisturizes, protects from the sun and adds a shine and sheer color.

*helpful hint: Trying putting this as a top layer for your lipsticks to add shine. 

Infinity InDemand

Infinities are in demand ladies.  This scarf style has been around for a few seasons now and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere.  This style is pretty much impossible to screw up even for the scarfing impaired.  It's a big loop that you double and wear as a functional fashion accessory.  It can't fall off and there are no ends to figure out what to do with or what height to let them fall to.  This scarf which comes in multiply colors is only $34 and is super soft.  Come in soon to see how infinitely fashionable this scarf as well as all our other infinities can make your fall wardrobe!

Sometimes Outerwear Is The Only Wear

As Chicago women we all know we need pretty much every weight and layer of pretty much everything.  I have not one but several drawers devoted to socks and tights from the lightest cotten to the thickest wool in almost every color and variation possible.  There is no exception when it comes to coats.  When the weather goes from 90 to mid 60's in less than 24 hours you know you live in a place where various coats of different lengths, materials and weights are needed.  Sometimes your outerwear is the only wear the majority of people will see you in so it is not a wardrobe item to be overlooked or not given its proper dues.  This year we have several super cute, comfortable yet stylish jackets.  The 3 below are made right here in the U.S.A and the black and red one are machine washable (jackpot!).  With more coats on the way as well stop in soon and see for yourself!

Fashion and Politics

Sometimes people think that fashion is shallow or unimportant or something that only pertains to famous people or people with lots of money to spare.  Au contraire mon cherie.  Fashion is art and art so often reflects politics and politics mean nothing without the people. 

Not too long ago a plump figure was a sign of wealth as it implied a leisure lifestyle and ample food.  Now popular notion has shifted towards a thin physique connotative of lots of free time to work out and have meals delivered with the perfect calorie count.  Various trends have reflected how people were feeling from the flapper era in speak easy's to the rise of the bikini in the 50's and 60's to dashikis and afros representing hard fought freedom and pride in a culture historically oppressed.  Hippies didn't just throw on bell bottoms and embroidered tops simply because they were comfortable and stylish but also because they were tired of the system saying what was right.  They wanted a culture of peace without having to watch their friends shipped off to war and their clothes represented an entire collective culture of music, political beliefs and art.  What you put on ends up going with you wherever you go.  What you choose does in fact reflect you!  In the past 5-10 years I have seen lots of military and camouflage and I actually love this look because I think the colors are easy to wear and the pattern makes for something a little interesting.  However I have never bought anything in camouflage personally or for the store because I think on some level no matter how subconscious it may be its equating war with something cool (disclaimer: if you own anything in camoflouge I do not judge you and don't be afraid to wear it into the store, I was a sociology minor and think way more about this kind of thing than most people). 

 One of our jewelry designers a few seasons back had pendants in the shape of bullets and we decided to pass on this also.  Gold (or metal with a gold color) has made a big resurgance in the past 4 years which I think is indicative of people feeling the effects of the economy and wanting to project luxury even if it is just brass or gold vermeil.  On trend seasonal colors make sense and go with most neutrals. These have been popular the last few years because the make sense in a recovering economy.  Many people are not in the mood to buy something they may only wear once in a season.

What we choose as well as what we pass up are small stitches in the quilt of our lives.  Each day the images we project, words we speak, art we like and politics we agree and disagree with is our individual vote on the human race.  While the clothes we wear should not dictate our life and fashion can sometimes be simply fun; it also can be art and politics and a sign of the times.