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Dear Readers,
I planned to address the new fall season trends in the August edition of Style File, but honestly? I just can't bring myself to do it!
We still have a good two months of summer weather ahead, maybe more. So let's postpone talk of cuddly cashmere and luxury leather and instead, let's concentrate on the here and now. Fall fashion news and forecasts can wait.
We have bigger fish to fry at the moment . . . like flat, droopy hair, sweaty clothes and melting makeup.
Now, crack open yet another ice cold beverage and let's talk HOT . . .
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[deja vu all over again] |
This bona fide July 2010 ad, taken directly from a department store flyer, scares me. | |
Does anyone remember setting their hair like this and sitting under a dryer for hours on end? Or trying to sleep while keeping the rollers in place? Hah! Thank heaven those days are gone.
Today, most of us prefer care-free hairstyles we can wash, dry and forget. This summer? With the exception of my cool Colorado readers, seems all of us are struggling to keep our hair, makeup and clothing from melting like chocolate in a s'more.
Here are some tips I hope will help:
Hair Change out your products. What you use everyday becomes ineffective when the temperatures rise and the humidity takes over. Try a lighter weight shampoo, conditioner and styling product. Even just changing brands can help [I will store my current products, however, and use them again in the winter].
I recently had an opportunity to consult with Frederic Fekkai, a well known celebrity NYC hair stylist. With his charming French accent and stunning good looks, he had me at "hello". He charges $850.00 for a haircut and thus he is considered among the elite. For summer weather, he suggests a clarifying shampoo, a conditioning hair "mask" used just once or twice a week, and a light gel for styling. Also, he advises that a haircut specifically suited to the individual's hair type and climate is of the utmost importance.
Great advice, folks, and I got it for free! [if you don't count the $150 I spent on his products, of course.)
Keep it light, cool and airy. Black is hot and heavy looking and definitely not cool for summer. Yes, it's our classic wardrobe staple, but it looks best when worn in fall, winter, and early spring. For work, may I suggest a light grey or tan tropical weight suit, paired with a white, cream, or print top. It's not only more comfortable, it's a whole lot smarter and fresher looking than black, dark brown, or navy. Also, carry your jacket to work, and pack your tote bag with a pair of extremely sheer pantyhose and a pair of pumps. Wear your cute sandals and bare legs for the commute back and forth and for your lunch break at the outdoor concert in the plaza around the corner!
[Just don't forget to change immediately upon your arrival back at the office!]
Fragrance
Keep your perfume in the fridge! Also, swap out your usual signature scent for a less intense body lotion of the same brand. I love Coco Mademoiselle perfume by Chanel, and now they have a body lotion in the same scent. It still smells heavenly, but has a lighter, softer effect. Most of the major perfume brands offer this alternative.
Or, you can try something different like Banana Republic Classic Eau De Toilette. It's considered "unisex", it comes in both a perfume spray and body lotion, and it's available in a smaller travel size for only $10.00. How cool is that for summer! With a citrus base and clean modern scent, it's a refreshing way to start your day!
Stay cool, everyone! See you in September!
Best regards,
Nancy
PS. In the September edition of Style File: Preview of Trends for the New Fall Season. [for sure this time]
And don't forget to email your questions to me. Reader FAQ will return next month!
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| Chanel makeup workshop planned just for us . . . | |
Attention*Attention
Chicago Area Readers
Over the years, I've had my makeup done by dozens of "professional" makeup specialists. But, John Fussell, national head makeup artist for Chanel, was by far, the best of the best.
He made personal appearances and did some consults for Chanel at various stores in the Chicago area recently, and I was able to finagle an appointment with him!
Believe me when I say John Fussell is the real deal. He is a true artist who just happens to use makeup as his medium.
I learned so much and was so impressed, I asked how I might share the heart of this extraordinary experience with my readers!
Chanel's account manager, Michelle Powers, graciously responded with an invitation to host a "Master Class Makeup Workshop" exclusively for my clients and Style File subscribers.
It will be held in early or mid-September, on a Saturday morning, in a private space just for us, at the Nordstrom store in Oakbrook, IL.
We will learn to apply our own makeup, and have access to all the new fall colors and products!! In addition, we will have the professional Chanel makeup team there to help us apply the tricks of the trade that Mr. Fussell taught them.
As you might imagine, space will be limited and reservations will be required. If you are interested in attending, please email me asap and I will let you know the exact date and time as soon as it becomes available!
And just so you know?Summertime is the perfect time for bacteria to form in all kinds of little makeup containers. Eye shadow, mascara (for sure), blush, pressed powder, foundation, eye liner, and even lipstick and gloss are suspect after a certain period of time.
Mascara needs to be replaced every three months. All the rest should be tossed out after a year [two years at the very most]. When in doubt, throw it out! After all, it's not just a beauty concern, it's a health issue as well, right?
PS. There will be no charge for our Chanel event and no obligation to buy any products. But, if you need any new makeup items, may I suggest that, if at all possible, you wait till you attend this event? Check-list and check-book in hand, this is going to be fun!
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