February 4th, 2012

How to Wear Red Lipstick

Rep Lips

Red lipstick is perfect for Heart Awareness Month and for Valentines Day. But it is also a classic. Anyone can wear it – so long as you follow these 5 tips.

  • Go light on the eyes and the blush. Keep to light and pale shades. Otherwise you’ll risk looking garish. Skip eyeliner and go only for mascara. Dust face with powder and voila, you’re ready to go.
  • Red lipstick tends to bleed, so fill in lips with lip liner first. Then apply the lipstick. Don’t just outline your lips, as then you will look like a horrible rendition of a 1980s soap opera star.
  • Picking the right shade of red is key. If your complexion is pink, you’ll look better in plum shades. If you have a yellow skin tone, you’ll look better in warmer reds that have a brown base. A gorgeous color on most everyone is MAC’s “Blaze”.
  • Unless you want to look like a femme fatale, skip the red polish when wearing red lipstick. A clear polish or light color is perfect and a dark polish will work too.
  • Don’t panic if you’ve bought a red lipstick shade that’s too bright, dark or whatever. Instead, experiment with other lipstick shades you have on hand to create the perfect red shade.

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Image Credit: © Jenny Rollo (used with permission via stock.xchng.com)

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January 18th, 2012

Jockey’s Spring 2012 Collection

Intimate apparel company Jockey (sounds so much better than panty maker right?) is adding more underwear styles, color and fabrics this spring, which will make them a huge undergarment contender.

Let the panty wars begin!

Seriously though, I got the privilege of participating in an online fashion show with style expert Jenn Falik and Jockey Designer Miryha Fantegrossi getting a sneak peek at Jockey’s Spring 2012 line (available now).

I thought I would write a post on it because we often focus on what to wear on the outside, but how we feel and look can start underneath the pants, shirts, boots and coats. So here are the lingerie items that I thought were the coolest, prettiest and functional-est from the fashion show.

Some things that caught my attention was a “stay cool” product that regulates your body temperature. Tanks, tees, and camis that warm you up three degrees when it is cold outside and cool you down three degrees when it is hot outside. What sealed the deal for me was the fact that the tops were also reversible to make it either v-neck or crew neck to give you different silhouettes. Totally layer-able too.

Picnik collage

Jockey has new lacey gear too, which they have not been known for. They are known, however, for comfort so they really wanted to make sure they did it right. Looks like they did. Soft lace, full coverage in the seat so you don’t get the panty wedgies, with girlie detailing that adds a great feminine expression.

Jockey Lace Panties

Another funky Jockey product I liked was the new “Skinny Slip Short”. It looks like shape wear but it is really just underwear to give you a slip-like, smooth texture under clothes. Great to wear under a pencil skirt – another a big style trend this spring – and you definitely don’t want to see those panty-lines under that.

Jockey Slip Short

Lastly, I loved what Jockey calls the Vintage Brief. Think Grannie panties without the Grannie part. More like 1950s Mad Men kind-of glam. So if you are a full coverage panty girl, they have a up-to-date option without looking like grandma with its technical contour and super cute fabrics.

Jockey Vintage Briefs

Jockey’s existing collection has also gone through a upheaval too with new colors (pastels are big for spring – even in underwear), patterns, camisoles that have larger straps to hide bra straps, and a longer length for layering.

So a great New Year’s resolution is to clean out your underwear drawer and buy some pretty, femimine panties and camisoles to spruce up your look. (Even if it is only you that knows -wink, wink.)

(Note: They have a sale going on right now in their online store, plus a discount for another 10% off.)

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Image credit: Jockey.com with edits by me.

Disclosure: I am part of the Jockey Blogger program and can receive Jockey-related products, but all opinions and thoughts are my own.

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November 30th, 2011

Online Shopping

I love online shopping. Who wants to schelp the kids to the store only to run around in circles finding someone to help you and wondering if you are getting the best price to boot?

As a Mom to a boy, I also dread the minuscule selection of boys clothing and shoes in brick and mortar stores. Really? You don’t think I need shoes for him or a decent shirt that does not look like he broke out of state prison yesterday? I still don’t understand the lack of allocated floor space, but it is a reality and one that even further drives me to the web.

So whether it is selection, price, or ease of shopping, online for us is the way to go. Here is a quick video about the subject, as well as a walkthrough of my new favorite clothing website (for girls AND boys) called Hartstrings.com. Check it out.

Follow them on Facebook or Twitter for the latest sales and discounts.

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I was selected to review this website through MomSelect and I was compensated for my time. Thank you!

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October 18th, 2011

Animal Prints

Anything animal print is a hot find this fall.

animal-print-fashion-indonesia-jakarta-jakarta-fashion-week-2010-Favim.com-92189

Here are some of my recent finds that can add some “jungle pop” to your Momdrobe!

Sources: Nordstrom Rack, JCrew

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September 29th, 2011

Blow-Dry Bar Scene

Straight HairAs someone with curly hair, I love when my hair is smooth and sleek. It seems more style savvy. Apparently, I am not the only one who thinks this way, and not just because I have curly hair. Women with all hair types are heading out to new “Blow-Dry Bars”.

Blow-dry bars are establishments that just wash and blowout your hair. That’s it. Nothing else. But they are hot, hot, hot. Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago all have blow dry bars blowing up all over the city. Whether it is called Drybar, Blo, or Blowout, it is reminicent of when my great grandmother would go to the hairsalon once a week to get her hair washed and curled.

On average, it is about a 30 minute service that costs $30. Some go for a special event, others make it a weekly occurance along with their mani/pedi next door, or when they need to look good for a presentation at work or a business trip.

So what do you think? Would you go? How often? Do you think something like this is indulgent in this economy?

 

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September 27th, 2011

Tips for Getting a Facial

Young women getting facial maskIf you are like me, you probably haven’t had a facial in a long time. I finally got one at a great place in Chestnut Hill, MA called MZ Skin Care. After my experience with the awesome Ultrasonic Facial there, I realized that there are some key factors to consider when deciding where to go and who to trust with your skin. So whether you live in Massachusetts or Minnesota, consider these following face tips (and check out my video on other spa etiquette considerations too!)

 

  • Go to a spa that has facialist with expertise in skin. If you have an esthetician that was giving a pedicure in the appointment slot before, they probably are not an expert. Find a person that only does facials because they will have seen all skin types, skin tones and skin issues, and can recommend the best facial for you based on your complextion, your lifestyle and skin goals.
  • Be prepared to have a facial switch-a-roo. In other words, you may have booked the Triple Exfoliation Double Sow Cow facial, but a good esthetician will look at your skin and ask you a couple of questions first. So if you booked the oily skin facial, and the esthetician is seeing your dry skin, they are going to do something different. Let them, but feel free to ask about the price differential and how it may or may not impact you.
  • A good esthetician will not try to sell you new products. They may state that you are using the wrong product (e.g. facial cleanser for dry skin when you have oily), but they should only be educating you and not selling you.
  • Don’t book a harsh or stimulating facial before a big event – like a wedding. You don’t know how your skin is going to react no matter how brilliant is the facialist. If you do want your skin to be in tip top shape for a special occasion, start going every 6 weeks about 6 months prior to the event, to ensure maximum impact.
  • Most runners know the best therapeutic massages are often not at a spa. They go to a massage specialist at a business that specializes in massages. The same could be said for facials. A business that only does facials means they have a focus and passion for skin care. By no means does that mean a typical spa doesn’t have facial rock stars, but it is something to consider. On the flip side though, you lose the flexibility of getting multiple services at once or having the ability to get a walk-in appointment.
  • It is a myth that you will always break out after a facial. It is possible as there are some facials that are stimulating and can pull out the pore gunk resulting in a lovely zit, but it is not always the case. Plus, the more consistently you go, the more your skin stays in shape and is used to the facial process.

All in all, there is nothing like a facial when your skin gets massaged & masked and you walk out with a glow. So take the time to go get one (especially during Spa Week), and if you live in Massachusetts, ask for Mara at MZ Skincare. She rocks.

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Thanks to my role in the Hot Mom Spa Squad, SpaWeek.com treated me to my long overdue facial!

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September 14th, 2011

Mom Struggles

What are they and how do you handle them?

You know what is the biggest struggle of mine? Laundry, but not in the way you think.

Here is another struggle of mine: trying not to look like Mom frump. Or trying to get the snot from my kid’s nose before he wipes it on the furniture. Or trying to figure out what to make for dinner when I forgot to defrost the chicken.

We have a lot of worries, and according to a recent Eversave survey, here are our biggest ‘Keep-us-up-at-night’ troubles:

We can’t get rid of our style snafus, our laundry hurdles, or financial frets. So the best bet is to do the best we can and find ways to rest our minds (and our shoulders) on occasion. As well as, perhaps, realize that imperfection is the new perfect. (A fellow blogger wrote a great book about how ‘good enough’ is the new perfect. A fabulous read!)

Whether it is cutting ourselves some slack that the house does not have to be fully vacuumed and dusted before our mother-in-law comes over, or finding a moment for ourselves between soccer practice, ballet class and baking 24 cupcakes for the last minute bake sale; it is key for our health because our families rely on us everyday. Since we don’t get sick days, we need to find ways to relax and recharge so we can get back into the game. It could be a bubble bath, a walk, a nice dinner, or a book to read. For me though, it can’t get better than a massage or a mani-pedi.

Congrats to Angela on winning a mani/pedi giveaway!

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September 13th, 2011

Spa Week 2011

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July 12th, 2011

Gilt Summer Spectacular

Are you a Gilt-y Mom?

Luckily a year ago I found, and fell in love with, Gilt.com. You don’t have to wait for semi-annual clearance sales, random store discount code emails, or a deal site to offer discounts for kid gear in-between restaurant deals. Gilt.com has the latest authentic designer trends on sale - everyday.

After having my son, I realized pretty quickly that not all kid clothing is made well. I might have paid $3 for a pair of baby sweatpants, but after a couple of washes and one play-date, the sweatpants were in shreds. The designer brands faired better as they lasted through countless washings and crawling sprees, but the prices often grew faster than my toddler.

I started shopping in consignment shops, looking for designer brands at bargain prices, but with a toddler in tow, that task proved to be too much of a challenge. Plus, it was hit or miss, and when I missed, I felt the time to drive there, get the stroller out of the car, try to keep my toddler entertained while I combed through the racks, tested my sanity one too many times.

Gilt.com has it all, with new sales starting all the time and no schlepping to the store with the kids. Just click away whenever and wherever. If you are at the beach or on your lunch break at work, you can be shopping for back-to-school clothes, a new bathing suit, or some toys to keep the kids entertained if it rains. All at 60% off retail. How fabulously multi-tasking is that? With the time and money you’ll save, maybe scope out something for yourself too. (Yes, we do exist in the family structure, right?)

In addition to the Children’s section, they have Women, Men, Food, Travel, Restaurants, and Gifts. Many of the sections have sub-sections so you can really narrow down what you are looking for if you need to find something quickly, like for housewarming gifts, gifts under $50, bridal shower or baby shower gifts to name a few. Plus, unlike other sites where you click on the link only to find out it was sold out hours ago, if it is sold out, they let you know. You can also choose to be added to a waiting list of whatever you may have missed.

I think Gilt.com is a great resource for quality toys, designer items, one-of-a-kind trips, unique finds and exclusive local experiences. If that is what you are looking for, then this site delivers bargains with authenticity and without gimmicks; just awesome stuff and fabulous prices. With most products shipped at $5.95, you can shop from home without sacrificing style, quality or your wallet. So if you want to check them out, here is a discount code for $10 off a $50 purchase. It is only good until July 18th so skedaddle over there soon. However, I have a $100 Gilt.com credit to give to one of you. (Yes, $100 dollars. Yes, I will wait until you pick yourself up off the floor.)

To enter to win the $100 Gilt.com credit to use on whatever you like on their site, “like” the Gilt Children Facebook Page and leave a comment on their page saying “I just liked Gilt Children thanks to CharleneChronicles.com.” Or tweet “I’m a new fan of @GiltChildren thanks to @CharChronicles”. You can also leave a comment below about your favorite children’s item for sale on Gilt.com right now. Each will get you one entry, though you can tweet and comment as many times as you want for extra entries. Any new Charlene Chronicles or Metrowestmamas Facebook likes will also get you an entry.

Even if you don’t win the $100 credit, head over to their Gilt Children’s Facebook Page to join in on the Summer Spectacular. There are discussions about summer trips and tips with kids, as well as the latest savvy summer scorcher finds. Totally hot.

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Rules: (Gotta have them)

Leave a comment about this post; US entrants welcome. Include your name and email in the appropriate fields so I can contact you if you win. (Including just first name or first name + last initial is OK!). Anonymous or SPAM-like comments will be discarded. Entry period closes at 11:59PM EST, Saturday, July 16, 2011.

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*One lucky winner (drawn randomly via WordPress Plugin “And the Winner Is”) will receive the $100 Gilt.com credit. The winner will be notified directly via e-mail, then listed back at this post using first name only. The winner has 24 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Charlene Chronicles is not responsible for wrong email addresses or notification being tagged as spam. The winner must also be a member of Gilt.com in order to receive the $100 Gilt.com credit. No cash or credit substitute.

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When I heard about the Gilt Children Summer Spectacular, and the opportunity to share a discount code and a $100 Gilt giveaway, I had to pass along my longstanding fan-ness of this website. Many thanks to The Motherhood and Gilt for compensating me for my time!

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June 15th, 2011

Summer Wardrobe Essentials

So what are the must have pieces for this summer? You know, the ‘wardrobe essentials’ to have on hand to be instantly trendy and fashionable. (Well, as much as we can with baby spit-up on our shirt and dirty diapers in our handbags.) Here are six you should find and add to your closet.

(1) The Perfect Short: Short-short or longer short. Either one (though I am envious if you get to wear the former).

(2) Black Sandal: Think Gladiator. Own it and wear it. Nuff said. So it may require some pedicures, but it may be worth it.

(3) Day Dress: A cute dress. Super simple. One that you can throw in the wash so you don’t feel like you have to save it for a special occasion. Make it a comfortable too. No worry about booby-flash or panty peek-a-boo when dealing with active toddlers.

(4) Pop of Color: Whatever suits your fancy. Hot pink handbag? Bold Blue necklace? Bright Yellow headband? Pick one and rock it. Even if you are doing laundry.

(5) Summer Knit: Though the thought of a knit sweater in the summer may have you breaking out in sweat, the key to summer style is layers. Just pick soft, barely there knits to throw over the cut little tank tops for some pizazz.

 

(6) One Summary Statement Piece: Like a big hat or wow earrings. Something that you can throw on to be instantly glam and cool when the temperatures rise.

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Images used with permission from TJMaxx and Marshalls! Where you can find wardrobe essentials for great prices!

 

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