STYLEnosh

STYLEnosh TURNS 2!!!

I'm feeling a huge sense of accomplishment today because this blog is two years old! Woo hoo!! As any blogger can attest, it takes a lot of energy and commitment to create something valuable on a regular basis. But it truly is a wonderful feeling to make a contribution. 

The whole point of writing this blog is to give you ideas, inspire creativity in your wardrobe, and get you to care about how you look when you leave the house. Yes, I love, love, love clothes. They are the medium this artist chooses to use. But it's not about the clothes. It's never been about the clothes. It's about how the clothes impact you, what they say about you, and how they make you feel. And 486 posts later, hopefully I'm making a positive contribution in your wardrobe and your life. 

So thank you to all of you faithful readers who continue to read my thoughts and share your own. Your comments and feedback have inspired me to continue my obsession with making people see their true selves and realizing that they like what they see. 

Keep reading!

SASS, STYLE & SUBSTANCE WEEKLY WEB ROUNDUP!

For this week's best of Sass, Style & Substance beauty & fashion news!

Gleaming Things Win your own Marc Jacobs star watch pendant!

Beauty Match You could win a Coach Handbag and Coach Wallet!!!

Her Accessories Take your fashion inspiration from the new First Lady and check out these made-in-the-USA kitten heel shoes.

eye4style eye4style is giving away $189 of Wei East skincare. Don't forget to enter!

STYLEnosh If you're in the market for pants, here's the perfect pair!

A Touch of Blusher A Touch of Blusher brings you Spring 2009 Makeup Trend Report. 

image: Stock.xchg

SHOPPING THE "FINAL SALE"

I've seen this sale technique at J Crew for awhile. Then Ann Taylor Loft started doing it in their stores. And now it appears that the Gap is getting into the business of offering final sale items online. The notion of the final sale is that it's supposed to be comprised of highly discounted sale items that cannot be exchanged or returned. Hence the name, final sale. Personally, I'm a little leery about buying something that can't be returned. Too much commitment for me. What if my blue sweater arrives and I decide I want green? Now I'm stuck.

So, if you're feeling a little adventurous, shop the final sale. Just be sure that the deals are worth the permanent purchase.

Image: gap.com

WHAT I'M WEARING: THE "NO COAT" LOOK

Since it's been relatively warm the last couple of weeks, I've been able to get away with not wearing a coat. I'm a big fan of layering in the winter time, so this style technique has quickly become my replacement for the winter coat. Here's how it works. 

I start with a tank top and a t-shirt. The next layer is a white button-down shirt. And the final layer is the chunky green, wool sweater. Adding tights underneath my jeans provides another level of warmth. Oh, and I wear the scarf to keep my neck nice and cozy.

Temps that hover in the 50s for a high and the 40s for lows, makes this no coat look a doable option for Atlanta winter wear in January. (Sorry to my people who dwell in the zero degree weather- Detroit, Chicago, and Twin Cities, etc. I can already see the hate e-mail flooding my inbox.)

FOUND: THE PERFECT PANTS

This time of the year is my absolute favorite for shopping. Why you ask? Because of the deals! I snagged this great pair of pants at the Gap for $26.97. When I find pants that fit nicely on the curvy hip, thigh, butt area, I buy first and ask questions later. Here are the pants I purchased from the Gap. Click here for the Gap pants sale section. They only have a couple of sizes left online and the price is a little higher too. But there are other great pants to choose from.

 

And here are a pair of pants I tried on at Banana Republic. Cute pants. Not cute on me. This slim cut, skinny leg, plaid print was not working on my curves. They were just too tight. A larger size may have worked but these were the only pair on the clearance rack. I was mad too because at $14.97, they needed to be relocating to my closet. But I left them there because poor fitting clothes prevents proper wardrobe development. Click here for the sale section at Banana Republic.

SASS, STYLE & SUBSTANCE WEEKLY WEB ROUNDUP!

For this week's best of Sass, Style & Substance beauty & fashion news!

A Touch of Blusher A Touch of Blusher loves plum.

Beauty Match Amino Genesis is the MOST popular free beauty sample selection on our site!

eye4style eye4style keeps her delicates fresh with Soak Wash. Check out her review!

Her Accessories In the first 24 hours, this post got almost 100 comments - want to see what all the fuss is about?

Beauty and Fashion Tech Beauty and Fashion Tech is having a giveaway contest for a Twisted Silver Romance Bracelet, a $40 value!

Girl Gloss Girl Gloss reviews the Sephora Lip Attitude Lipstick.

Steeping Beauty Spent the week de-stressing via espresso injections and contemplating a Fake Bake.

Gleaming Things Hate Valentine's Day? Check out Gleaming Things' anti-Valentine's Day jewelry picks. 

image: Stock.xchg

THIS WEEK'S SALES!!!

Here are a few deals you may want to indulge in this weekend. Enjoy!

Banana Republic - Take an additional 25% off clearance today only (1/22). Enter promo code TAKE25 for the discount. Offer valid online only. 

Macy's - Take an additional 40% off clearance. The email I received specified women's clearance but I checked the website and it looks like the discount applies to men's clearance too. That's good news for the boys. 

Lord & Taylor's - Take an additional 20% off clearance and 15% off regular and sale prices. Click here for a detailed explanation of the sale. Don't be alarmed if you have to read it twice to understand it. Enter promo code FINALTAKE for the discount. 

Ann Taylor Loft - Take 30% off Weekend Wear. It's a great way to get a few basics on sale. Sale valid online only.

Express - Take an additional 40% off clearance. 

INAUGURAL STYLE: DAY ONE

I know it's the first full day under an Obama presidency and he's busy getting to work (i.e. freezing white house pay) and all, but I couldn't help but give you the links to some interesting commentary on Michelle Obama's inaugural attire. 

Her daytime look was designed by Isabel Toledo, a Cuban-American designer who has been designing her own line for 20 years. I liked the outfit. I thought the color was extraordinary next to her skin. And while it was ornate and not typical of daytime attire, I say that's quite appropriate when your husband is being sworn in as President of the United States. I mean really, that can only happen twice in a lifetime.

After the formalities and festivities of the day, I eagerly anticipated what gown Michelle would emerge in for the first inaugural ball. And I was completely smitten with her flowy, off-white gown by relatively new designer, Jason Wu. I've been doing some informal polling and it seems that the under 45 crowd liked her choice of gown. But a lot of older women didn't think it was as flattering as it could have been. 

Whatever your opinion about the dress, I think we can all agree that she looked absolutely beautiful. First Lady Obama has provided a wonderful example of how your natural beauty shines through when your confident and comfortable with who you are as a person. Well done, Mrs. O!

If you want to read the fashion world's response to Michelle Obama's style, check out this great article on Shine from Yahoo. Let us know what you thought about the First Lady's first day style.

Image: shine.yahoo.com

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: THE PEOPLE'S INAUGURATION

Well, today is the one that so many of us have been waiting for. The transition from where we've been to where we're going. And I am so excited like the majority of the country. And as I sit here and watch President Obama and his beautiful wife, Michelle continue through the inaugural formalities, I can't help but glean some nuggets worth noting from these two very amazing people. 

Image: politico.com

Class never gets old - If you look at the picture of Barack and Michelle from the last two years, they always look pristine. It's a great reminder that looking good plays a part in feeling good. And Michelle's look today was absolutely flawless. The smile on her face was buoyant. She channelled the spirit of royalty. 

Generosity is welcome - If you didn't see the coverage this morning, you missed the moment when the Obamas arrived at the White House for the traditional coffee with the outgoing President and his wife. When Michelle Obama greeted Mrs Bush, she handed her a gift. And based on the commentary from NBC, this act has not been done before. What a great notion. Giving is always acceptable, even when it doesn't fit with tradition. 

Inspiration is internal - As I watch all of the people on the national mall, smiling, laughing, taking in this moment. I can't help but feel an intense feeling of inspiration. But the thing that strikes me is that even though this inspiration may seem external in nature, it's really an internal sensation. It's a knowing that we all have something to contribute. And the only thing stopping us from it achieving that contribution is us. 

What did you gain from today's inauguration? 

Missed Obama's speech? Click here to read what the 44th President of the United States had to say moments after being sworn into office.

SASS, STYLE & SUBSTANCE WEEKLY WEB ROUNDUP!

For this week's best of Sass, Style & Substance beauty & fashion news! 

Raging Rouge Looking to win the makeup brushes you didn't receive this holiday season? Head over to Raging Rouge for a chance to win a new set!

Beauty Match Free Samples of Movie Star Look Celebrity Teeth Whitening.

A Touch of Blusher A Touch of Blusher opens the treasure chest.

eye4style eye4style wants to know what you think about the new Louis Vuitton collection. Vote now!

Her Accessories Trying to be fashionable and not break the bank? Check out these pretty patent leather purses - all ringing in at under $200! 

Gleaming Things Do you need some ideas on wearing Pantone's color of the year? Check out Gleaming Things picks for "Mimosa" jewelry.

My Women Stuff Why does my foundation turn orange or darker after application?

Beauty and Fashion Tech Beauty and Fashion Tech loves PCA Skin Care's Purifying Mask. It is a mask and scrub put together!

Steeping Beauty How do the rich brush their teeth? They us Elgydium, simpley put, the best toothpaste you'll ever use, costs under $10.

STYLEnosh Headed to the inauguration? Here are some packing tips to consider. 

image: Stock.xchg

THIS WEEK'S SALES!!!

Here are some sales you may want to check out this weekend:

Everything at The Limited (online and select stores) is 25% off. Regular and sale prices included. Sale ends Monday, January 19th.

Bloomingdale's is offering an additional 50% off of a large selection of clearance. 

At J Crew, take an additional 20% off final sale items. Remember, you buy it, you keep it. 

And Lord & Taylor is having a 20% off almost everything sale. Here's the coupon if you're headed to the actual store.

Have a great weekend!!

Image: thelimited.com

PREPARING FOR THE INAUGURATION

I was planning to attend the inauguration but alas, I decided that I would not be making the trip. I know many of you are forging ahead anyway to next week's festivities; so I thought I'd pass on a little information that I discovered about how to prepare for this phenomenal experience. 

The first bit of helpful info I happened to stumble on was this inauguration article at Jezebel.com. Megan, the author, so kindly points out those little important details that may not be on your mind when you planning what you'll be wearing when you're rubbing elbows with the Obamas. I'm sure everyone realizes that it will be cold, but have you thought much about the fact that you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing around? You may want to leave the heels in the hotel room. 

If you're among the very fortunate group of people who actually have tickets to the inauguration, note that there are several prohibited items that you should be aware of. These items include backpacks, strollers, and umbrellas so pack accordingly.

After careful consideration, I've decided that attending the inauguration is, gasp, not the time to be cute. I know, I've never said that before but this situation calls for a realistic approach. Temps are going to be in the 30s and there's just no way to be outside in that weather without being bundled up.

Overall, the point is to have fun and witness this profound moment in our history. Human history. Oh, and don't forget to tell us all about it. Enjoy!