Halloween Shoes

Okay, who is thinking about Halloween already? I know I am! It is one of my favorite holidays because you can dress up and be something -or someone- else for a night. I am going to try to do several things on Halloween and fashion for the next month, and of course I wanted to start with shoes. All of these shoes can be found online at http://www.buycostumes.com.

Tell me what you think and what you are going to be for Halloween. Personally, I haven't decided yet, but these shoes are a good start!
And Always
Stay Fabulous

New Trend Alert: Fall Bags

Net-a-porter has done it again with another cool video. Check out the must-have bags for Fall!

And Always
Stay Fabulous

Egg On Your Face

We all know the incredible, edible egg is good for you, but did you know it is also good for your face?  Egg whites can be considered "natures face lift," or as I like to call it: "Botox in a shell".  The result of using egg white on your face is a tightening of the skin. It is an instant result that can last for days.


It will have an amazing affect on your complexion and has been known to reduce the appearance of breakouts and shrink the pores.


The yolk of the egg is a natural moisturizer. It will leave your skin soft and glowing.


Okay, now here are some need-to-knows: 


You do not want to do this mask on a daily basis. I personally like to do it every two weeks. Everything in moderation.

If you have an egg allergy do not do this!  It may cause a rash on your face, and that won't be pretty. But other than that, give it a try and you may like it.

Okay, let's get down to business. What you will need is an egg, two bowls, and a fork. First, separate the egg white from the yolk into the bowls. Take your fork and whip the whites until little bubbles start to form. 

Now take your fingers and apply the egg white to your face. Make sure you don't get it in your eyes. Wait ten minutes while it dries.


Important note: no drinking, laughing, or talking for the ten minutes. You do not want the egg to crack.




After ten minutes, wash it off. Use warm water and a wash cloth to scrub the egg white off your face, and dry your skin with a clean towel.

After Egg White Mask. You will notice the skin on your face feels tighter.

Now for the yolk. Take your fork and break up the yolk. Dip your fingers in and smear away. Always remembering to avoid getting it in your eyes! 

Leave it on for ten minutes, and again, no drinking, laughing, or talking. Then scrub it off with warm water and a wash cloth, and dry your face with a clean towel. At this point I like to finish with my favorite moisturizer.

After Egg Yolk Mask. Note: I am not wearing make up.

You should notice your skin has tightened and has a soft glow to it.  I love how my skin feels after doing this mask. And if you think you don't have time to do a mask you are mistaken. It is so quick and easy I call it my multitasking me time. I will do my mask while I am doing house work. Two birds, one stone! Give it a try and tell me what you think.


And Always,
Stay Fabulous

How to Stretch Shoes

Have you ever found the most amazing shoes, just to spend a night out with pinched toes? Possibly wake up the next morning with the dreaded blister? I have, and it's not fun.

Well, dig out those shoes from the back of the closet and dust them off because I am going to show you how to save them!

It is really simple, all you need is:

Zip Top Bags

Water

Your freezer

And of course, time!

• Take your zip top bag and fill a quarter of the way up with water.

Make sure you get out most of
the air and seal the top.

• Put the bags into the toes of the shoes.

• Then place in the freezer.

I am balancing mine on a plate to keep
them from falling through the grating.

Now we wait. It can take at least five or six hours for the water to freeze solid. What's happening is as the water freezes, the ice expands and gently stretches the shoe. Your results will depend on what your shoes are made of. If you have a real leather shoe, one time will do it for you. Other shoes might need more than one stretch.

Frozen Solid

Once the ice is frozen solid, it is time to take your shoes out of the freezer. 

Remove Carefully

Now here is some important information: let the ice thaw before you remove the bag from the shoe. You don't want to damage the shoe removing the ice. Let it thaw a little so it will slide gently out.


Now all you have to do is dry off your shoes, slip them on, and you are ready for a night out on the town!

And Always..
Stay Fabulous

Makeup Trend.. Bold Brows.

The makeup trend coming out of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is the Bold Brow.

Thakoon spring/summer 2012. Photo credit: Nars

Left: Derek Lam spring/summer 2012; photo credit: Estee Lauder. Right: Victoria Beckham spring/summer 2012; photo credit: Lancome

Do you think you would rock this look? Just remember, the key to filling in your eyebrows is to use a color slightly lighter than your own.

Always,

Stay Fabulous

The Shoe Guide

This is an amazing video from Net-A-Porter.com showing off this fall's must have shoes!

How do you wear those shoes?

One question I get on a daily basis is, "How do you wear those shoes?" or some other variation like, "How do you walk in those shoes?" The question comes in various styles of both awe and hatefulness.


Maybe the person is thinking to themselves, "Wow those are awesome, I wish I could pull off a pair of shoes like that!" But mostly I get the feeling it is more, "I can't believe that stupid woman came to pick up her kid from first grade wearing a pair of hooker heels!"


Either way I give the same response: " One foot in front of the other." (duh)


So here I am to let you know how I wear these shoes! And, for those of you who really want to give it a try, I will give you my 101 guide to wearing stilettos.


First if you haven't worn or are not used to wearing high heels, my advice is don't get too ambitious. Wear what is a comfortable height for you. But always know: the higher the heel the better the leg looks.


Stilettos have a way of elongating your leg and making you look taller and slimmer. It's an illusion. But remember don't kill yourself!


My grandmother always said pain is beauty and beauty is pain, but hey, broken limbs are not fun! Don't start out with anything higher than three inches. Don't freak out on me. I said three inches, not five stories. They are shoes- not stilts! Get out a ruler and you will see it is not that bad. Here I'll show you:


From here <------------------------1-----------------------------2---------------------------3> to here is the dreaded three inches. It is not that bad. Pick a measurement between one and three inches and start there.


Once you have decided what height you want- it is time to go shopping.


Two of my favorite places to find awesome shoes at a discount price are Rugged Warehouse and Ross. But that's because I refuse to pay more than $30 for shoes.


Find your budget, pick your shoes, and please try them on.


Shoes, like clothes, are not all the same cut. You have to try them on to see if they fit. Walk around in them. If they are uncomfortable, hurt your feet, and there is no possible way to have them stretched- don't buy them. You won't wear them. Trust me, I have made that mistake. Also, while shopping think of style and color. What is going to integrate best into your current wardrobe?


All right. Now that you have your shoes and you are safe in your home it is time to start walking in them.


First, put your shoes on and stand up. Remember one of the keys to not toppling over head over heels (giggle) is to make sure you have good posture. Head up, shoulders back.


Now, just like your first time roller skating, hug the wall. Use the wall or what furniture you have around to help you balance. Walk around to get the hang of them.


Another trick to learn balance is to get out the vacuum cleaner. I am serious! Vacuum the floor. This will help you take small steps while balancing with the vacuum. And your floors will look fabulous! And hey, you can put on a cute dress and some pearls and pretend you are June Cleaver! Fun!!!

Ahhhh... relaxed!

Shoes are a great accessory, and they give you that added extra something to an outfit. Especially if you are like me and have to practice fashion on a budget. You can make something old look brand new with the right shoe. But remember: if you are not comfortable with them, don't wear them.


There is so much more on this topic I could talk about but I will save that for another time.


For now I will leave you with my #1 secret for wearing stilettos. Ready for it....? I take them off! When I come home the shoes come off. Hey, even my feet get sore sometimes. And contrary to popular belief I don't wear them all the time- just most of the time.


As always...
Stay Fabulous!

Hello, Let me introduce myself!

Me As Heather VanPree
in Nana's Naughty Knickers

I am new to the "blogging" thing, but I figured it couldn't hurt to give it a try. Let me introduce myself. My name is Linda, and I am a wife and mother. I am also a local stage actress in Johnson City, TN. I am currently looking for work in a field that actually pays better because, you know, the whole starving actor thing isn't working for me. I LOVE fashion, makeup, and beauty tips. I have worked at a local community theater as a costume designer and makeup artist/hair stylist. (Disclaimer, I am not a licensed cosmetologist)

80's Prom Party