Shoes are fabulous – even if they’re not always comfortable – Kimora

We all know I have an affinity for shoes. I love how they can transform an outfit, make a statement, and that they always fit. Kimora said it best. They are fabulous, but they aren’t always comfortable. Comfort knows no brand when it comes to shoes, and even the most expensive shoes can ache. Construction is key when it comes to determining if a shoe will be comfortable, and also in how long that comfort will last before you’re hoping. While you can’t change the construct of a shoe, you can supplement it.

The first step in making a shoe more comfortable, is to identify why their hurting. There’s little that can be done for a shoe that is the wrong size, but chaffing, sliding, and pressure can be relieved easily.

Expert Tip: Go shopping for shoes in the afternoon, your feet swell throughout the day and are their largest at the end of the day.

Instep Cushions, provide support for the balls of your feet, and also prevent them from sliding forward. There are both gel and foam variations. The gel ones tend to be thinner, allowing more room in tighter shoes; but don’t provide as much cushion as the foam ones.

Insoles are great for all over comfort and work well with shoes that have a hard bottom. One caveat, unless custom made, insoles may not be shaped appropriately for all your shoes, and may need to be trimmed.

Moleskin is a lifesaver to combat chaffing and rubbing and can be found in most drugstores. It can be cut to your needs, and some even have adhesive on the back. It is typically “flesh” colored, but since we all aren’t the same color, I would recommend coloring it with a marker, if you have to apply it in an area that may become visible such as inside a peep toe.

Other shoe-savers to keep in your arsenal might include chaffing gel (click here to see how this product can pull double duty); Antiperspirant, yes deodorant!  works well with synthetic material that can make your feet sweat, and shoe grips for smooth bottoms.

Do you have any sole saving techniques? Share them below

Easy:

Intermediate:

Out of My League!

maccosmetics.com

What They Say:

A long-wear foundation that gives up to 15 hours of wear in any environmental condition. Lightweight and creamy, applies smoothly to provide sheer to medium coverage. Even in hot and humid conditions, controls oil to keep skin fresh, natural and flawless. Provides everyday SPF protection.

What I Say: The short answer is I love it! Great coverage, lasts all day, and has SPF10 which is a MUST in Florida.

Currently the only MAC foundation I use on a regular basis is Studio Fix Powder in NW43 which is too red for me, so I was looking to experiment with the NC’s and give MAC’s liquid foundation another chance since abandoning Studio Fix Fluid for Revlon colorstay. I ended up buying NC50 (which still isn’t the absolute best match but good enough and better than mixing the colorstay), and I’ve been wearing it all week. I apply it with my Sonia Kashuk flat top blush brush, and set with a translucent powder. I am anxious to try it with another brush, as currently with the SK I am using about two pumps as opposed to my usual one, so I don’t know if its the formula or the brush. I usually apply my makeup around 6:30am and take it off at night around 10:30 pm (16 hours for those counting) and it really does last all day. I am not good for doing touch ups during the day, not even with my lipgloss, so the fact that once this goes on it stays put is a major plus in my book. I blot a few times a day, and each time whatever I’m blotting with comes back clean. Another plus considering I’m not fond of foundation fingerprints on everything.

I also tested the Pro longwear concealer, but didn’t purchase it. The coverage and texture were good, but I am not a fan of it being in a pump. I attempted to squeeze just a little out, and lets just say that it got messy and I’m thankful my phone has a case. The pump doesn’t allow much control over how much comes out, and since I only use concealer in small amounts, I knew I would be loosing a lot of product.

Overall, I am happy with this foundation. I’ve tried to give a quick summary of what I love about it, but if you have any questions let me know.

Have you tried any MAC Pro Longwear items? Tell me how you liked them in the comments.

Fashion week (#NYFW) is well underway, and designers are giving us a preview of what trends we can expect to see next year. While you won’t see many of the fashions hit the shelves right away, you can get a head start on some of the beauty trends:

Moon Manicures

Bright shadow

Dewy skin and wet hair

High Bun

Be sure to check back for more NYFW updates!

PHOTOS

Bitchie Life recently sat down with lash guru to the stars Ja’maal Buster to talk about his fierce line of lashes. In the interview, Ja’maal dishes the info on what lashes are being used on our favorite stars and how he got his start in the industry.

When people look at your face, normally the first things they see are your eyes. Lashes can give you that overall POW effect that you need! – Ja’Maal Buster.

Check out the rest of the interview here.

For more information about Ja’Maal, and to get your hands on a Trophy Wife, Gold Digger, or any of his lashes – Check out his website www.jamaalbuster.com

Black nail polish has won its way into our hearts and beauty drawers, but they may not be as welcome at your job. If your job requires that you dress business professional on a daily basis, then the answer is firmly no. Business casual environments may be more accepting of this, but you will know best, your office environment, and if this is acceptable. Hairstylist, make up artists, and other creative jobs get a full pass, not just with black but on all non pink or French mani nails

So, the final verdict on black nails in the work place is play it safe. If you have to question if this is appropriate it’s probably not. And should never be worn during an interview.

Decided that black polish is a go for you? Here are a few tips on how to wear it.

1. Always apply a base coat, and a top coat. The bast coat will prevent staining and the top coat will help combat chipping.
2. Keep your nails short
3. Apply multiple coats
4. Touch up any mistakes with a Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover

Spending money on clothes that will last only a few wears is a thing of the past. Since the recession is still looming over fashionista closets everywhere, it is imperative that we get the most out of the garments we decide are worthy of our money. Since price ≠ quality, it is foolish to assume that because you spend top dollar on something that it is going to last (or that you wont have a wardrobe malfunction in them). So, how exactly do you spot quality? Keep reading…..

Inspect. Give potential closet additions a thorough inspection. Pay close attention to the following:

• Buttons.Buttons, hooks, and fasteners should be secure and sturdy. Poorly attached buttons are a sign of poor quality, but if everything else checks out on the garment, don’t let the buttons deter you, you can always reinforce them. Be sure to ask for a discount if you have to replace or reattach any fasteners. Also, look at the button hole. High quality clothing is bound with thread for strength
• Stitching. Garments tend to rip at the seams, more than any other area. Check all the seams and give them a good pull. Look for any gaps and openings, quality clothing will have close tight stitches, that are sewn in a straight line, and do not pull apart.
• Patterns.Pay close attention to how the pattern continues at the seams. Patterns on well made clothing, interlace without distortion or breaks. For example, on a striped shirt do they line up with the corresponding stripe on either side? Do they connect properly at the shoulders? For handbags, is the logo cut off awkward? For some prints, this may not matter in terms of aesthetics or even durability, but aligned patterns are a sign of good workmanship.
• Fabric. Unless the item is meant to be sheer, your skin should not show through. Also, good quality items will have a high thread count, and resist wrinkles (with the exception of linens)

Inspecting  before you buy is a critical step in getting the most out of your clothes, but it doesn’t end there. Once you get them home, proper care is paramount. Following the instruction on the tag, according to the material is always a smart move, but here are some extra steps you can take to keep your clothing pristine:

• Turn your jeans inside out while in the wash, doing so will help prevent fading.
• Since most fading occurs in the dryer, keep your drying time to a minimum. Allow clothes to air dry (out of the sun) to about 75% dry and then place them in the dryer to finish the drying process and smooth out any wrinkles.
• Bra’s should be handwashed, but if you do put them in the wash, put them in a lingerie bag or pillow case, and fasten the buckles.
• NO WIRE HANGERS! There’s a reason Mommy Dearest goes bananas over them. They are too thin to provide any shape support, and rusting and snagging may occur.
• Fold sweaters and knits to avoid stretching them
• Hang like fabric materials and colors together in the closet, you don’t want your rough denim rubbing your silks or color transfers.
• Don’t be afraid of the iron. I personally hate ironing, so I avoid wrinkly materials, but sometime an iron is all a garment needs to look new. (avoid too much starch)
• Don’t wash your clothes. At least for a few wears. Depending on what you’re doing and where you’re going jeans can get 2-3 wears before washes and jackets even longer.

What characteristics do you look for in clothing to help you determine if it is worth buying or not? Tell us in the comments.

Since the resurrection of the skinny jean, long gone are the days when women cringed at the word tapered. We embraced tapered jeans, and now trousers. For Spring and Summer the pleated tapered trousers aka peg leg trousers [also, incorrectly known as chinos or tailored harem pants (I still cringe at the word harem)] is a trend worth trying.

Peg leg trousers are characterized by their cropped leg, that falls right above the ankle. The volume on these pants are at the top and enhanced this season with pleats.

Rectangles, Hourglass, and long waist body types can pull of this trend without much thought. The inverted triangles, apples, and short waist top heavy ladies will have the most difficulty. Don’t let your body type steer you away from this trend. With a few tips, you can pull this off successfully

For Top Heavy Girls (Inverted Triangle)- I’ve been trying to get back in the itty bitty committee since freshman year of high school. Since they won’t let me in, I have to get creative when it comes to sporting this look. The tapered legs enhance triangles, and can often create imbalance for busty girls. BUT! there are ways to wear this look and not look as if you’re going to topple over. The first tip is to chose a pair with a pleated or ballooned waist/ hip. The added volume near the hips will give an hour glass figure. The second tip is to pair the pants with a darker top and lift your boobs as much as possible with a good supportive or minimizer bra. Lastly, wear a chunkier heel. For inverted triangles, platforms work great with these pants.

Short waist- The second body feature that makes this look difficult to wear is the presence of a short waist. Many of the cropped pants on the racks, sport a high waist, with a ballooned hip; which works great on long torsos, but can make short waists vanish. Obviously, the key is to find a pair that does not have a high waist, and that balloons out a little lower than normal. Because your waist is short, wearing mid rise pants on your natural waist will automatically give you the high waist look. Be sure to leave space between the top of the pants and your breast (again, lift and support the girls as much as possible). Monochromatic color schemes without the break of a belt work best, but if you are busty and short waisted, a belt worn below the natural waist line that still allows a few inches of the pants to be seen above the belt, will also work (by wearing your belt lower, you’re creating the illusion of a longer torso). A faux high waist if you will

Apples: Your major obstacle to this trend, will be creating the illusion of a waist. Shape wear will help you get a uniform shape overall, after which, you can add volume where needed. Strong shoulders, with a lower ballooned hip will give an hourglass illusion. If you are a top heavy apple, focus on adding volume around the hip/waist area; and if you are a bottom heavy apple, strong shoulders can balance you out.

Still look for inspiration on how to peg leg? Check out this video from Elle UK

Most importantly, Have Fun and wear it with confidence!

Even with all the good, I have been plagued with minor fits of anxiety. I don’t know why. I initially thought it was because of my Bday, but since that has passed, I think I am just excited with anticipation of success that I visualize daily. You all really have to read “The Secret” to understand what I’m talking about. Luckily I can deal with it, but constantly feeling like you’re expecting something (good or bad) can get annoying.

I kept spending to a minimum the past two months and in total only purchased 5 new clothing items, and no new beauty products. Speaking of beauty products, I am on a ban (other than white strips, if you consider that a beauty purchase). My makeup drawer is beyond ridiculous. See:

And that is just the stuff I “supposedly” use most often. I’m going to make Palettes for all of the e/s and put them away. I don’t wear e/s on a daily basis. In fact I only use around 6 products regularly (foundation or powder, eyebrow pencil, eye liner, blush, mascara, fix + spray) so there is no need for all the stuff.

As far as shopping for June, I’m on a ban from spending my money. I got enough gifts and gift cards to hold me over. The one must get on this list is a pair of flats and summer tops. I got a few questions via email about budgeting for fashion, and I will likely get a post out for it soon.  So, that is all for now. I leave you with the newest addition to my workout playlist:

if you have any questions or requests, send me an email to email {at} thestyleaficionado {dot} com

A nude dress. Nude is a big trend for Spring, and a nude dress can fill in for your LBD at almost any Spring function.

A White or Light Leather Jacket. The biker chic trend hasn’t completely faded, it’s just lightened up some. This jacket is great if you tend to get cold easy and live where it  may be cooler at night or in the afternoons during the Spring (Unfortunately for me, that is NOT FL)

Orange Lips. Big in make up is the transition from red to orange lips. This color can be flattering on all skin tones, and will definitely put a smile on your face.

Bad-Ass accessories. Accessories can update any wardrobe, any season, but for this Spring break out the extra, over the top jewels and mix them together. Pearls and flowers, Chains and tulle, metals and ribbons etc…..  don’t be afraid to layer and mix and match different finishes.

Cuffed shoes. I love how the Shoe-tie has transformed itself for Spring into open toed cuff shoes. Both of these pairs are from Bakers and under $50!