Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Sometimes the line between high fashion and "what the hell happened?" can get a little blurry


I am having a fashion dilemma. Basically, I have not fashion sense at all. For most of my adult life I have lived in nursing scrubs, and pajamas. Jeans and T-shirts to go out. The very odd occasion I have had to dress up have sent me into a tailspin culminating in me ending up sitting in a corner playing with my toes.

I am not one who ever wanted to draw attention to myself. I have always hidden behind bulky clothing and drab colors, in order to blend in. But now, I feel like it is time for this butterfly to come out of her cocoon. NewMan is a wonderful dresser. He is classy and always looks amazing. I need to fit in with this! I want to fit in.......but for so long I have been out of the fashion loop, that I have no clue what to wear anymore.

I have looked at many websites and shopped in the stores, but I am really having trouble. I am 40, dating a man younger than myself. I don't want to look 40 and frumpy. But I don't want to look like I am "40 trying to look 25" either. I want to look classy and trendy and sexy. All at the same time. Is that possible???

It seems that the styles from the 70's has popped up lately. I figure if I remember the style, I probably shouldn't wear it again....????? I heard someone say once, "if you wore blue eyeshadow in high school, you shouldn't wear it again".... does the same go for fashion?? I actually have some blue eyeshadow in my makeup bag, because it looked so nice with a blue sweater I bought....but maybe I committed a fashion faux pas. And then comes the makeup........just because eyeshadow comes with four colours to a compact, do you have to use all four colors at the same time? And how do you do that?? I am soooooooooo lost........ I need major help..... Someone out there please.........HELP ME!!!!! I have two weeks before my trip to see NewMan......and even though he tells me I am beautiful, I want to knock his socks off.......any ideas?????

7 comments:

Frannie Farmer said...

Iris ... I can't read your blog. Half of the post is cut off ... I want to advise (hahahaha because my *I am a stay at home* wardrobe is soo hot!) but I can't read your entire post to get the full picture.

Crunchy Carpets said...

I LOVED MY GREEN AND BLUE EYESHADOW...in the 80's clueless now.

I have found when trying to revamp my look, that buying whole outfits or mix and matches tend to work..and going for colours or styles I would not normally go for.....

The makeup I usually go to the counters at the store and yell HELP

livewithrealme said...

Ok, I'm no major fashionista and I really don't know your current style, but I'll try giving a little advice anyway.

I love makeup - my favorite thing to wear on my eyes is a *thin* line of a dark eyeshadow or eyeliner (dark brown or I prefer black) just above the top lid. That and a *little* mascara go a long way for me. Also, I do have a light blue eyeliner and I wear it (rarely) but *never* to match a blue outfit. Usually if I'm going out and have on a black top, I'll wear it. I think I have a pic somewhere. I'll find it and post it on my blog. Also, with my skin tone (I'm fair with dark hair), I like to wear earth-toned eyeshadow. I use a darker shade (browns or even dark pinks/mauves) in the crease of my eye and a much lighter shade (light beige usually) above and beneath (use the light shade especially just below browline).

Sounds complicated, I know but it's really easy. I really only use 2 out of the 4 colors of my shadow case, and always be sure they're contrasting enough (i.e., don't use two dark shades on your whole lid).

I always use a lip pencil but I blend it well enough so you can't tell. I find my lipstick stays on longer, and then your lips look more defined. I really just use those colored glosses these days and they are *very* neutral (creamy pinkish brown colors).

I'll post some other ideas for you on my blog when I'm done here (as I think this comment may be the longest ever)!

Iris said...

Okay, to my defense, the blue eyeshadow is dark, muted, navy and midnight blue with a sort of blue-grey highlight.......not periwinkle the colour of my sweater.......I don't think I could pull off periwinkle blue eyeshadow anymore at all.

Jessica said...

You should go get a makeover at Merle Norman or dillards and they will give you tips on make up... that's what I have done when I am feeling overwhelmed.

As for clothes... JcPenny's of all places has had some pretty cute stuff that doesn't make me feel like a weirdo. I teach college classes... and I don't want to be the nerdy teacher like those I see around me... but I also don't want to see my students in the same clothes... try penny's... or my fave store Cato... hope this helps!

The Estrogen Files said...

Good luck with this! Being fashion clueless myself, I can't offer advice. I think I may look something like the chix in the pix up there...

Iris, I hope I didn't offend you with my post earlier. I've edited it since. Also, I wish you all the best!

Watch out, NewMan. Iris is a handful!

Jacques Le NM said...

Ladies

Matching Bra and panties sets.

Knowing whats on the outside is good enough...knowing whats underneath


far better